What has really impressed me lately (the first half of the United game aside) is the way we have been performing as a collective unit. Our passing finally looks to be doing what BR advertised, and we're pressing really well. We're also starting to get goals from all over the pitch instead of just Suarez. Gerrard, Henderson, Sturridge, Agger, Skyrtel, Downing, and Sterling have all scored in the second half of this season, and when we win, we're winning by 3 or more goals. Finally, we are putting chances away.
Some of Kenny's signings look to have finally kicked on and settled: Downing has been much improved (got a nice assist today), Henderson has been impressive in the past few matches, and Enrique got over that patch of bad form he had (hope he returns from injury soon). Sturridge has been a revelation. He looked to be a gamble, but with 3 goals in his first 3 appearances (even one against Man United!) and the partnership he's forging with Suarez, it looks like we will finally get our money's worth out of a player without waiting 6 months. Our young payers like Suso, Sterling, and Wisdom have been immense this year as well.
Our defense (apart from some alarming lapses in concentration) looks solid. Agger and Skyrtel's partnership showed its class last year, and the look to complement each other well. Enrique and Johnson are class fullbacks (Johnson has been marvelous this year), and before Enrique got hurt, it looked as though we had finally gotten an attacking left fullback to replace Riise. The've kept a lot of clean sheets, and Reina looks to have gotten over his slump.
Areas of concern: The midfield has been woefully inconsistent. We got dominated by the very average centre midfields of United and Stoke, and when our CMs are off their game, we almost always lose. Gerrard has gotten over his rough patch and seems to have reinvented himself as a deep-lying center mid and is racking up assists (and goals finally), but the other two CMs have been in a state of flux. Lucas is great, but he is not back to his full ball winning powers yet, coming off his injury. Allen has lost the magic he had at the start of the season, and has looked out of place recently. Henderson has been much better lately though, and I hope he starts next week.
BR's signings don't quite impress ATM. Sturridge has been great, but Borini, Allen, and Assaidi have struggled to nail down their places. Sahin has really disappointed; I was really excited about him. Allen was good at the start, and I hope he kicks on, and I still have hope for Borini, but the lad needs to score soon. I'm frustrated that Assaidi didn't get a shot when our front 3 were more in flux,, and now we don't seem to have room for him. He has talent from what I've seen, and I want to see him put it to use.
Also, we have been the opposite of what we were in recent years: killing lesser teams and failing to show up against the big boys. We need to beat Arsenal next week if we want European football next season. All in all, I am cautiously encouraged. I hope BR pulls off a 4-5th place finish this season with maybe a cup in the cabinet.
Last edited by redordead13; 19/01/13 05:44 PM.
