Rousseau

Going forward, I think Kent will replace Ojo in the team. We're almost 'forced' to play him at the moment. Jones is still missing too -- which completely slipped my mind until now.

Gutted. I thought this would be a really tough game, but they did nothing. I've since learned that they were a tad depleted, I think? It was a good opportunity to set ourselves up well in the group. They'll be better in the reverse fixture, unfortunately. We defended well, to be fair, which is usually the case in Europe. I thought Helander and Barasic were superb; both suit the European game. Goldson was okay, generally; not great, but okay. Ojo... there's a talent there, but... Arfield was good. I thought Stewart was decent too: he showed flashes of being able to create something, but it was not enough, however. Two brain farts sums it up. Strangely, I still wouldn't drop Tavernier. Yes, he's not been as good as last season, and he's always got a mistake in him, but he's just too important to the team. I can't explain it. My take aways are: Goldson needs to practice heading the ball DOWN, and Tavernier needs to practice defending long balls over the top. And, Ojo needs direction: he needs to be told, roughly, what to do in any given situation, taking the initiative out of his hands. Gutted.

Not a bad player in his day, eh?

5-0 now constitutes a 'pumping'. Excellent.

Well--this is just lovely.

What a day to miss the game...

Stewart was a surprise inclusion, but it looks to have paid dividends. I always thought he was a crafty player, albeit perhaps lacking in physique and pace.

My wifi's knackered for the day, so I'm unable to see the game - I've only just now managed to update the thread title. How are we playing?

I can see why SG went with Helander: the more composed, controlled option with a cool head. Yes, Katic would have won the headers, but then the ball goes back in the air, then comes back again; there's no control, there; and Katic is not the best with the ball at his feet. Nevertheless, Helander had a stinker. Ojo was missing for the most of the game, then pops up in good situations. When he makes the right decisions it works; otherwise, like last night, not so much. I've been disappointed with Arfield this season; he's not doing it for me.

Who's Gerrard playing for?

That's just sad.

Yeah, I think you're spot on there. Defoe is the perfect role model for Morelos: cool, collected, doesn't get involved, doesn't lose his temper, is a brilliant worker and trainer, but also has that technique and ruthless efficiency that would take Alfredo to another level.

It's amazing what a good performance and result does to your mood.

I thought Barasic was good, along with Aribo, who has struggled recently. Jack again ran the game.

0-4. Defoe. Mince.

Defoe makes it 0-3. Costs me 1 point in the GPL, the jackass... no need; the game's safe.

At the very least it's a free-kick. You can't play on.

Greg Stewart comes on, Ojo comes off.

That hand ball was the clearest you'll ever see. The Referee's right in front of it too.

Morelos gets a well deserved rest, with Defoe coming on to replace him.

Hand ball? Maybe not in the box, but it's very close.

When we're on song like this, it really is a delight to watch. My GPL prediction is under threat!

Gerrard must have given Aribo a bollocking at half-time, because he's playing like a man possessed. His strength and power, pace is almost impossible to stop at times.

We could've scored about 3 or 4 in the last 5 minutes.