Yeah, there's nonsense being spoken by the doom-mongers on here tonight. Liverpool were fantastic at times and are certainly title contenders. They'll beat better teams than us on the basis of that display and, whilst it may be painful to acknowledge, I think the result is a fair reflection of their superior quality. As someone said earlier, I was much more upset by the previous two losses to teams that we are aspiring to match.

What I felt proud of tonight was our desire during the second half - I don't think we controlled the game because Liverpool took their foot off the gas, I think it was because we outfought them. That was very impressive. I'm hoping that we can bring the same verve to some of the lesser teams that we aught to get a result against.

I'm disappointed by the soft goals we allowed them. Without those it would have been a much tighter affair and who knows we may have got a result. But I think Dann and Tomkins looked good for the most part and I'm hoping our frailties can be sorted out fast. Strange to say given how sturdy we looked early last session.

We need to get some quality crosses into the box and finding the key to unlock this has to be a priority. My hope is that, in the meantime, Christian Benteke's spirits remain high, since he is clearly brimming with intent and must be incredibly frustrated.

I think the biggest acquisition we need is a replacement for Jo Ledley, someone who is combative but has better distribution. I thought Cabaye and MacArthur were terrific during spells this evening. If they had top-class holding midfielder behind them I think they would really begin to create for us.

Also, Townsend we need to you to hit form so that the flanks are balanced!

Edited by Diagonal (29 Oct 2016 9.18pm)

Pardew needs to study back four arrangements especially at set pieces. If we'd been decent in that department today we would have had a point at least.

I don't want AP as Manager but even I can't blame him for two ridiculous bits of defending - actually three when you see the marking for their 4th goal as well - but the set piece defending cannot be his fault this time - just terrible defending.

Yep there are 3 blindingly good teams this year (with Man City and Arse) and we are going to struggle against those teams.

Loved to have played them without Couthinho though, completely brilliant.

Loved Bentekes turn and strike, good feet, loads of power.

Roll on next week, we really must win at Burnley

Parrot