Liverpool 0, Tottenham 0: Grinding to a Halt

By: Ed | February 6th, 2012

Liverpool can’t continue their hot streak and end up with their eighth home draw of the campaign, failing to take advantage of a Spurs side that were lacking in both personnel and intent. With the success of the past few weeks creating a healthy dose of optimism this one’s got to be chalked up as a disappointment, and worrying in that Liverpool yet again failed to capitalize in a match that mostly looked like theirs for the taking.

There was a relatively unusual amount of team news on both sides leaking out in the hours leading up to kickoff, with rumors about a hamstring problem for Jose Enrique and a number of absences on the Spurs side, including manager Harry Redknapp. All were confirmed one way or the other, and the absence of Enrique meant that Glen Johnson filled in at left back with Martin Kelly, who was terrific against United last weekend, coming in on the right. The other significant news, even if most expected it, was that Luis Suarez started on the bench along with Jordan Henderson, meaning the front three against Wolves returned and Jay Spearing, Steven Gerrard, and Charlie Adam rounded out central midfield.

As you’d expect from a side nipping at the heels of the top two, Spurs pressed high in the opening minutes, with Liverpool content to soak up the pressure and look for space on the counter. The hosts gradually took the match over, though, as Steven Gerrard got forward, mostly on the right, in search of finding a crack in a crowded final third.

Andy Carroll continued his confident play as the lone man up top, holding up play and retaining possession on a number of Liverpool forays forward, but too often their possession fizzled, with crosses regularly cleared and the final ball remaining elusive. Two set pieces gave Liverpool a glimmer of hope—first drawn by Glen Johnson on the edge of the area, and later with Scott Parker earning a yellow for his tackle on Steven Gerrard, but neither effort made it past the wall.

Spurs saw more of the ball as the half died down, looking to nick a goal before the break with an extended spell of possession. Liverpool’s defense gave little ground, however, and Glen Johnson’s arrowed shot just before the whistle, saved easily by Brad Friedel, signaled the end of an entertaining but ultimately fruitless first half of football.

There weren’t any significant changes at the half, with both sides more than a little sloppy. And the most significant incident of the opening fifteen minutes had little to do with the football, as Daniel Agger reacted strongly to a Gareth Bale dive down Liverpool’s left. The resulting scrum saw the Welshman booked for shoving Agger and Bellamy as the peacemaker, and a quick Spurs attack followed that saw Bale fluff a right-footed volley after a brief scramble in the Liverpool area.

The introduction of Luis Suarez brought new life to the match, and the Uruguayan’s first invovlement came immediately as he dispossessed Benoit Assou-Ekotto on the near side, working an opening for Gerrard to cross. As the narrative demanded, he was also immediately involved in controversy, getting booked for a volley of Scott Parker’s abdomen and bringing the match to an abrupt halt.

walkerjohnson Another booking for Liverpool would follow, this time for Martin Skrtel after a slightly high challenge on Bale in which he won the ball but also got a snag of the winger’s knee. From there the match only provided two chances, one at either end—one for Bale on the break that Reina got down to save, and one for Suarez from a Steven Gerrard free kick that the recently-returned forward headed straight to Friedel under pressure from Ledley King. The match limped to a close, Spurs happy to close down shop, and Liverpool once again unable to find any sort of final product.

*

I suppose on the Spurs end of things they’ll be happy—it became clear as the second half wore on that they were only interested in a point, and with Liverpool struggling so frequently to finish their chances, they saw the match out fairly comfortably. And given how under-strength they were, it was a decent enough display, particularly from Kyle Walker and, for his work in the first half alone, the impressive Scott Parker.

But you can’t help but be disappointed in Liverpool, who had a chance to maintain momentum and kick-start an important month with a big victory. They weren’t entirely terrible, with a few bright spots individually, but as a whole they were uninspiring and ineffective. After a promising run of play early in the first half and immediately after the introduction of Suarez in the second, it seemed like things would be turning in Liverpool’s favor. As has so often been the case at Anfield, though, it was all for naught, and they’re left to wonder about what might have been.

Their success in defense continued despite the shake-up, with Glen Johnson standing out on the left and Martin Skrtel the best on the night were it not for Johnson. The rest were good but not great—Steven Gerrard had a number of nearly moments, deft touches, and decent crosses, Jay Spearing was good defensively but erratic going forward, and Charlie Adam was a non-factor, providing little going forward while proving somewhat serviceable defensively.

Same story for Andy Carroll, who was exactly what you’d ask for in a hold-up man, but had little support, was wasteful in front of goal, and once again found himself working to get on the end of a number of poorly-placed crosses. Dirk Kuyt and Craig Bellamy were active but lacking in influence, and while Suarez lifted Anfield with his introduction and proved a pest at times, he couldn’t find the finish when Liverpool needed it most. Barely worth mentioning is the substitute appearance of Stewart Downing—a tired Bellamy would have been preferred, and it’s a continuation of the worrying slide that we’ve seen for most of the season.

For a match that was so heavily anticipated, this one’s certainly a letdown. We had hoped for a performance that signaled Liverpool’s intent, one that would close the gap on fourth and keep pace with the rest of the challengers ahead of Saturday’s trip to Manchester. Instead we got a mostly familiar package and a disappointing result, left wanting for more yet again.

But at least the buildup to the weekend won’t be a complete circus. Right?

Some Related Liverpool Posts:

Category: Match Recaps, Miscellaneous, Premier League, Team News

« Matchday: Liverpool v. Tottenham | Home | Charlie Adam, Holding Midfielder »

Luis Suarez Dentist

Can anybody tell me what £20 million Downing does better than Jovanovic?

We will never get back to where we want to be whilst we are carrying mediocrity like Downing, Adam and Carroll.
Viva

Woeful crossing yet again. I'd love to see what Big Andy would do with quality arial service.
redtrev73

Dear God, that was distressing. Another match that should have been won. That we don't lose much would be a consolation were it not for our lingering CL aspirations.

Was very disappointed to see Chaz in and Hendo out but the Scot was serviceable enough, as he generally is in a midfield 3, so no hating on Adam from me.

Stevie was outstanding for the first half. His movement and deftness of touch were sublime and one can only drool at the possibilities when he and Suarez get at a team from the start.

Bellers and Dirky toiled in a diligent if uninspirational fashion either side of The Lug, who for me was excellent. His strength, touch and much-vaunted aerial ability were tremendous. He missed a decent chance, sure, but it's a packed glasshouse and no LFC player can afford to throw stones in here.

Wee Jay is a terrier of a man and really helped to set the tempo and retain possession but his final ball stank the place out far too often. Creativity is very much the secondary part of Jay's game it would appear.

The work between Kuyt and Kells on the right totally nullified Bale's ample threat and he was forced to the right in order to get involved. Tactically spot-on by Kenny. The young full-back was energetic and solid but suffered the same ailment as all his colleagues when it came to crossing. Rant Alert - Why is it that the Mancs will have 2,098 bodies in the box EVERY time the ball is crossed, whilst we have Andy and NOBODY else? Infuriating.

Jonno was exemplary at left-back. Carried more threat than a certain 20 million pound man in the latter stages. Downing is travelling backwards at a terrifying rate. His famous lack of productivity on the stat-chart is now being complimented by a timidity that belies his experience. Coming on as a sub, he should have been champing at the bit. That cat made more impact on the Spurs defence. Awful.

Skagger was a two-headed imperious beast, AGAIN and Pepe deserves the highest praise for keeping out Bale at the death. Imagine how much worse a defeat would taste.

So, it's still do-able. Just less do-able.
Parkje04

I'm oscillating between two sides of my conscience here:

Half-full guy: "If you told me yesterday at this time, we'd take a point from the team sitting 3rd in the table, who is poised to try to make a run at the Manc's, and who embarrassed us in September, I'd have taken it and been happy about it. Sure, we shouldn't be drawing as often as we are at Anfield, but a team like Spurs is a difficult team anywhere. Our schedule down the stretch is very light - if we get points in our league matches in February, we will be poised to make a run in April."

Half-empty guy: "Unlike half-full guy, I actually watched the game and saw a lost opportunity for 3 points that was all but ours. We out-played Spurs for the entire game, save a few spells of possession and a Bale counter attack. We had the 3 points, and we gave it away due to poor finishing. And these are the games we HAVE to win, because this team have proven time and again to play the big boys better than the bottom of the table. Come April we need to be in the Top 4, because it's completely feasible that this team will phone it in and give points away to the likes of West Brom, Norwich, and Swansea."

I just don't know what I believe anymore. Both arguments seem valid - I suppose come May, I will know which one was right.
Suarez from the car park...

Half-empty guy: "Unlike half-full guy, I actually watched the game...."
fell off my chair at that point.

Might have wet myself, might have spilt my lager in an embarrassing place. Not really sure.

Can we have cartoon characters presented for 'alf-full guy and 'alf-empty guy please? Any offerings?
Nic

Right now, at the least, i'd take a home record that included 4 wins and 4 losses instead of the 8 draws - that'd mean we'd be level on points for 4th place.

I don't really care about making Anfield a fortress, for this season, i just want bloody champions league football next season.

Think this summer will be investment into a forward who scores more than 30% of his chances and a winger, preferably with Downing heading elsewhere, who can cross, pass, shoot, take a player on with a bit of skill, well not Downing really! :)
Suarez from the car park...

you mean a winger then?
Ryan

After watching some highlights, thoughts:

Bale walks on water. No wait, he dives right in. He reminds me of those fast feet slow brain kids in middle school. Hope he's embarrassed when he see himself flop around and get violent about it. And yet, Suarez is satan for kicking Scott Parker. but, I AM AGOOD PERSON.

Skrtel's tackle on Bale: most intimidating sight in slow motion since Saving Private Ryan.

I'm all for animal rights, but wouldn't it be something if Brad Friedel just chucked that cat into the away stand?

Zonalmarking had some good tidbits on the game. Talked about Kenny needing to play Suarez earlier. I somewhat agree, based off of how lively and active he was in those few minutes. But Kenny was fair and didn't want to throw him in. But, I'm having a hard time believing Suarez would rather not start the game.

*Suarez smashes Scott Parker's ribs into oblivion* my first reaction: "DIVE!!"
Neziselement

kenny thought he had bought a ferrari only to realise he bought a tractor
prad

Agreed. But Lamborghini was a tractor company before it came a sports car company. So the analogy suggests maybe KD's 'tractor' has a very bright future in store ;)
nebhamoo

If that is what I think it is, then I'm all for buying Ferrari tractors. I mean think of how much quicker farmers would be able to get that crop to the mill, so that it could be processed into some kind of soft marshmallow.
Latortillablanca

i've resigned that one or two trophies are good enough to make up for missing out on 4th (if it indeed goes down that way) ever since the city carling cup game. so a clean sheet point is a fine result versus spurs in the league this year. put in the context of all the other home draws it is pretty sour, but lets face it, we're nowhere near where tottenham is in terms of the long term team development, and we still are good enough to beat them any given saturday.

lets take the point and move on, this stretch of games is too difficult to spend sulking about a clean sheat point...

thought kelly was excellent, and johnson turned in the best LB performance since the first couple months of jose enrique... what's happened to 3? he's been on a steady downward slope in form after starting so brilliantly... anyway good to know we're so deep in that position.

the midfield 5 also worked pretty well off the ball in the first half, perhaps showing a glimpse of what dalglish envisions with his mix of adam, gerrard and a bulldog... there were even signs of life in the short lived luis/gerrard/carroll triumverate...

onwards an upwards... YNWA
Ryan

I don't think Tottenham really have long term development going for them anymore than we do. Besides Gareth Bale, the whole core of the team is at their peak, around 27 years and up. You take Ledley King out of the mix and suddenly they aren't title contenders. That's what I was saying yesterday about Tottenham not being as much of a top team as they've made out to be this season. Liverpool and Arsenal, 2 underperforming teams this season: imagine if both had no injuries and could play their best XI every game.
purify_the_body

For where we are, barely 13 months into Kenny's return, I think winning this final at Wembley is a big deal and can bring a lot of confidence, belief, and other good stuff to the players for the run-in and the summer.

I also really like the winner-take-all aspect and how coming through each time is building a momentum for this squad that they can't get in the league right now.
Suarez from the car park...

the last third of the season begins in March I believe. If we are 4 pts off 4th at that stage, I think we are capable of overhauling that deficit.

Won't be easy. Newcastle are in the running, Chelski are holding the position and Arsenal have a questionable end of season record.

But definitely doable.
tony

Ed, you sounded more pessimistic than I for a change. A tie with the 3rd team who came to play for a draw is hardly grinding to a halt. We still have momentum. We talked so often about missed chances. There were a couple no doubt. But the rest are not even close to half chances. IMO, Carroll's blast over the top left corner late in the match wasn't a legit chance. He ain't no Aguero and I don't expect him to do much when the ball is too close to his body. Same as Adam's shot on top of the box from a Kuyt cross. Adam needs time to set up for a shot and you just don't have such luxury at 20 yards out in top flight EPL football. So I would call it a chance if that was Gerrard. It is not fair to blame our players for most of these chances because they are not the calibre to score on less-than-half-chances.

Matches are won by goal differences. We have a solid defence but not enough finishers. 44/35/19/15 are the goal differences of the top 4 teams...in the same order. Our GD is 7.
Ed

I think any pessimism stems from a missed opportunity--this month just doesn't afford much in the way of "hey they got a draw against a good side." If that's the case, they'll have earned three points headed into the second week of March. I'm as excited as anyone about the possibility of silverware in the League Cup and progressing in the FA Cup, but this seemed like a match Liverpool could have won, and I can't help but be a little disappointed.
Mekusdagama

Agreed. We still lack in quality painfully. Midfield and flanks in particular. Is it that Maxi is too old for Kenny or what? Very disappointed with Kuyt. At this rate, might as well play the likes of Coady, Sterling, Suso. Must be very frustrating for the manager. Adam and Henderson good but not top four quality, yet.
justin

As usual, the media has chosen to pick up on Suarez's "kung-fu" kick and stupid Shrek's comments because controversy sells. What was he to do when his eyes were on the ball?

The one thing you just can't fault the media is their consistency with how Suarez is viewed or how comments from The Boss will be spun to suit the tale they want to tell.

Bale does a 10.0 dive and only Suarez gets a mention. I'm sure Bale would get jealous of all that attention, after all, he's the world's best player...
Latortillablanca

dude, we all love our mildy racist mercurial magician, but it was very clear that suarez gets barged off by parker as the ball goes in the air, looks over his shoulder (to size up ol scotty), then looks back up and just decides to swing for the fences as soon as that ball gets in range.

now we can argue all day whether he actually wanted to ROUNDHOUSE! ol scotty straight to the bread basket with perfect form, but its clear that he decided, "i'm fuckin lettin this boot fly, fall where it may". Also, to suggest that a professional athelete of suarez's quality doesn't have the periferal (spelling...?) vision or instinct to know when someone is standing next to him is stretching it a bit. especially when one of suarez's great skills is his awareness with and without the ball.

not sayin. jus sayin.
Andy

Finally some sense. Let's not let our bias blind us.
Mekusdagama

Your point?
Red2death

That dive a 10.0?

Ronaldo and Nani mock your low standards...
Luis Suarez Dentist

I raise you Ashley Young, Rooney and Welbeck
nebhamoo

Ok so I just saw the video of Suarez kicking Parker. Now I love Suarez and I defended him against all manner of crap from anyone who was within earshot. So I guess I shouldn't stop now...here in a nutshell is what went through Luis' mind as he swung his foot into Parker.

"ok Parker is the whitest dude on the park, if I break his ribs, all the other black guys will know that I really am one of them. And I may even get Wayne Rooney tweeting about me after the game. And people will stop referring to my 8 match ban, cause I'm a hardass now who breaks white dudes ribs, therefore I can't be a racist if I hate white guys as well. PS Rooney will probably tweet about it. And if I get banned I'll just get the FA to appeal the ban to the FA, because they do it for anyone who intentionally hacks into another dude. So right foot you know what to do...get cracking. "
Kc

I don't think this is entirely relevant but I was really looking forward to see Hendo play this game linking up with Suarez.
Ed

I think it's absolutely relevant--at the outset I mentioned either in the matchday thread or Twitter that I was really looking forward to them coming on together late, and then...it never happened. Interesting to see what happens Saturday.
Latortillablanca

i dunno as henderson wud've necessarily added anything from the start. as a 2nd half sub, sure why not, but kinda 6 in one, adam/kuyt were fine...
Ed

Right, which is why I said "I was really looking forward to them coming on together late"

Or maybe I'm missing it--I just think he could have added something different later on. Not necessarily a match-winner, but at least a change of pace.
Mekusdagama

It has to be Hendo or Adam from now on I think. Hendo more mobile, agile, fitter, more help for Gerrard generally. Carroll to get his run, nothing happens, back to the bench like Downing.
Kev00

On the bright side, Downing has been relegated to the bench for the majority of the past two games, hopefully Kenny is catching on. And i don't see this result as all doom and gloom in terms of our chances at snatching fourth-- after this Saturday we'll have played our three toughest opponents, and if we can somehow overcome our achilles heel (getting results against the lower clubs) then i think we have a realistic shot at it.
Latortillablanca

downing's had at least 2 seasons worth of haterish energy sent his way since he's been here... cut the guy a break. bellamy's been in great form, thats prolly all there is to that.
swr

Alright folks, I did some player ratings for this match at http://oursoccerblog.blogspot...., what do you think?
Latortillablanca

seems find, dude, but i dont know what you're getting at with the spearing and ,in particular, kelly scores. one cross in the whole game? what game were you watching? he had some blips defensively in the 2nd, but offensively, he was camped out in that final third on the right hand side all evening. i wasn't counting, but there were at least 3 balls in the first half that were begging for a touch...
swr

I thought his final ball was poor on more than one occasion and even more deflating that they came at the end of some of liverpool's longer buildups...
jpr

Kelly had 4 or 5 balls that he attempted to fizz across goal. They were pretty good opportunities but its hard to pick our guys out when we have so few guys in the box in front of goal. Other teams would have had five players camped out. Our mids are too far back and too hesitant to get forward into dangerous positions.

All the scores seemed too low and overly critical. This is a football match not a gymnastic competition. Save the points deductions for the judges.
Ryan

Modric and Kuyt look like they are some morbid conjoined crack baby. That's all I have to say. I didn't watch the game, the secret is out.
purify_the_body

I thought the 8th home draw was a lot better than the previous 7 and we dominated. Shame we don't have the quality to punish these teams. Like tonight, they are often begging for it, but we just won't stick it in.
Red2death

Yeah, our Jonjo didn't even make the bench.
Mekusdagama

yea! forgot about Jonjo.
Ryan

And you're just begging for a penis joke, right?
PDubz18

Just the tip?
purify_the_body

I believe I made one already, but it was just too long
Suarez from the car park...

Instead of shooting all the time, especially from outside the box, I wish we would do cross/shots driving it towards a red shirt in the box and looking for the touch to guide it beyond the keeper.

Also, all the little flicks never come off. We should stop doing them and substitute them with real passes.

But it's hard to know what to say after that game.

Spurs' big thing was to defend, so they didn't attack much at all and clearly are happy with a point given their position in the table. And they were pretty confident they could stop us scoring, though we certainly could have won.

Utd is a tougher game. Just having Rooney back is a big deal for them, they really missed him in the cup, so they will be very dangerous, as they get players in the box and have good service.

Hope we don't end up drawing all the big teams we've got coming up. Still a way below Chelski/Newcastle. Lots to be done if we're going to overtake them.
Geoff Twentyman

Pass and move around the edge of the box - one touch move the ball before your oppponent can react.

Little flicks are risky - they look great when they come off, but I'm with you on the possession based 'play the way your facing' passing.

Of course, someone has to be moving into a good position to receive the pass - if there's no movement, we need to play a higher risk flick to someone we're not facing.
Latortillablanca

itll come (hopefully). its a lot to ask to have that pass and move in the final third. barca spend years honing it with their kids. we bought half a squad and asked them to do it on the fly basically.
Geoff Twentyman

From Zonal Marking's write up:

"Liverpool could have been cleverer in getting a player between the lines once Parker had been tempted up the pitch by Gerrard, but neither wide player came inside and Adam lacked the mobility and pace to storm forward"

This has been my concern withthe side for a while. We lack versatile wide attacking players comfortable coming inside and supporting the attacker as much as they go down the lines and beat a man.

We've never had much success recruiting this type of player and I suspect that its becaue of the premium you pay for such talent.

We also seem to have recruited the 'wrong' type of player for this position since 2005.

Leto and Gonzalez were good young players, but a bit of a gamble.

Babel had a good showing at the youth world cup, but seemed fairly one dimensional up against the big boys.
Jovanovic, well.........

Kuyt is a converted poacher who has tremendous attributes, but really is makeshift when asked to perfrom this role.

Riera looked good for a while, but was more of left midfielder.

Downing has disappointed - and for me is too much of a one dimensional winger.

Maxi certainly has quality, but doens't seem to be in Kenny's plans.
Andy

Maxi is perfect for this role. He loves to flirt between the lines it's just a shame Kenny doesn't want him.
tony

Look how quick Parker recovered from upfield, intercepting passes and supporting teammates. The same cannot be said of Adam. Although always a non-factor, Adam had a decent game today because he did not screw up. Also he looked quicker needing only 1.5 seconds to first touch, set up, and pass.
Red2death

Glen Johnson's in that mould. So is Kelly. But after that... we'll need to wait for Raheem Sterling. He's the only other natural player of that sort we have.

Our pressing from midfield when we're attacking has also just been more reserved for some reason. Perhaps because we fear the quick break too much, with not-very-pacey defenders. So often when a loose ball falls in the opposition box, there's not a red shirt anywhere near it. Front men are up by the goal line or way beyond the far post, midfielders are hanging back too far to make a difference. Defender gets the ball and clears easily. That shouldn't be happening. Granted, we get the ball back again fairly easily because our midfield is already so populated. But what's the point?
Geoff Twentyman

Nice write up Ed - must be difficult to not slip into too much melancholia....

Are you now just using ctrl+c & ctrl+v from previous match reports?
Ed

I'm sure there's a ridiculous amount of overlap in these reports. And it's depressing to be using that in the plural.
AustinRed

While not a travesty, I thought it was pretty inexcusable that when we needed some magic in the final 10 minutes, Kenny put Downing, Adam, and Carroll on the pitch together. I felt as though we were [kind of] wearing Spurs down to a [possibly] inevitable goal between 60-70 minutes, but then Kuyt and Bellamy came out, Downing came on, and the squad looked as lifeless as ever.

What's the point of bringing Suarez on if instead of playing with Maxi, Bellamy, and Kuyt, you're going to give him Downing, Adam, and Carroll? I've never seen a team go from looking like they might score to looking as though they will never score so quickly, and as a direct result of a conscious, managerial decision.

But I did think Spurs got what they wanted. They checked the tapes and saw that the more lifeless an Anfield opponent, the worse Liverpool play. They were right.
Nezi

exactly my thoughts... suarez must be very dissapointed being forced to play with carrol. suarez and carrol will never be able to have a patnership... on the other hand, the kuyt-suarez-bellamy trio will bring results if left to blossom
Geoff Twentyman

Agree that Maxi brings out some very good things in Luis' game, the subs did seem too little too late for my liking and allowed Spurs a lot more time in the centre of midfield which played into their hands.
Ken08

Tottenham defending for their lives good God,we just cant win either way,if they had won they`re playing well,they defend for a draw and we`re shite for not scoring,i hate Sky Sports and Kenny dismissed them for what they are,PLEASE LFC fans start boycotting SKY,The Mirror,Mail, Express and all negetive responses.
Ed

I think there's truth in Liverpool just being terribly inconsistent and wasteful in front of goal. Doesn't need much more analysis than that.

But thankfully all of the attention is now on Dalglish's post-match presser, which makes for a nice segue to the weekend's action.
Red2death

Ed, we have 8 draws in 12 games at Anfield. How is that inconsistent?

* Drink *
tony

Is this a sarcastic comment? 8 draws at 12 home won't win us anything.
Reba

The comment wasn't about winning, it was about consistency. I think the point is that Liverpool can be counted on to draw at home - hence, we are consistent.
Red2death

It'll win us very comfortable Premiership survival and a finish above our great rivals Everton.

In the same spirit as the previous comment.
Ed

I think in regard to *jumpsoutthewindow*
CharlieAdamsBuckteeth

"and Bellamy as the peacemaker" - never thought I'd see that in print.

Frustrating match. Not existentially so, though. I actually feel prety good about the United match (which is right in the middle of my LSAT this Saturday), as they will surely show more attacking intent than Spurs, and we're clearly better when we're not facing a team looking for a draw. I fancy a goal or two for Wee Luis.

Also, thank god for Pepe.
Kols

well be aware that the original nanis is in that utd team. bale is just his understudy, though he does a good job of it!!
Kols

i am a spurs fan, and i am starting to hate bale. he is fast becoming "the new nani" in my eyes. that acting was a discrase. liverpool the far better team, and would have been deserved winners. good luck rest of the seasong.
Marque Pierre Sondergaard

I am a Reds fan and I feel for Bale. Many times he just looks utterly unplayable. Hats off to him for that. Sadly, the reaction to that is too often to just start kicking him down. You can understand if he gets a bit jaded from that.
fastrail

Ah..at last. A Spurs fan with some sense. Hats off to you pal.
Red2death

Oh no worries, he's got a long way to go before he hits Nani level. He got caught, for one. A true Utd professional would never let that happen. Bale is like Daniel Radcliffe trying to be Sir Anthony Hopkins. You've got a lot of acting to do to get to that level, son.

On the other hand, it seems like Downing fancies he's the next Gareth Bale, what with pushing the ball past his marker from five feet away and still thinking he can outsprint him.