MUFC v Burnley.

N'Gog I actually like and I feel he gets some harsh criticism from non-Liverpool supporters. When he's asked to do a job like today, to lead the line on his own, have no support and no help, he'll struggle. He's still lightweight, he's inconsistent and he needs help if he's to make it. However, against other sides he's impressed, he's shown he has decent touch and skill, as well as quality shooting ability with either foot. If he can add strength and power to his game, he'll easily be good enough.



As for Pacheco, well, he's definitely lightweight but he definitely has the ability. It's hard to predict with Rafa as he could just throw him in like he did with Insua, or he could keep him wrapped up in cotton wool all season. Hopefully it's sooner rather than later.

The problem with Liverpool is they need to strengthen in practically every area apart from the goalkeeper and they have little funds to do it.



They need a quality left back. Aurelio is decent, but inconsistent and Insua is the slowest player I've seen for years. They need a good back up Centre Half. Agger and Carragher are a good pairing, but Agger seems to be injured alot. Skrtel is average IMO.



In midfield they are desperately short of creativity. They need two quality wide players (although Maxi could solve one of those positions) and someone who can control the game from the middle of the park like Alonso did. Gerrard could probably fill that role to be fair, but only if they played a 4-4-2, which of course would require a new striker to partner Torres.



After that they are criminally short of depth and there isn't alot coming through the academy apart from the odd one or two.



Players like Degen, Insua, Lucas, Babel, Kyriagkos and Skrtel simply aren't good enough to be Liverpool players.



Liverpool need rebuilding from bottom to top if they are to compete with United, Chelsea and Arsenal. They need some serious investment and they need the stadium issue to be resolved.

I agree. At least £100m on top of player sales is what we need. I think your criticism of Skrtel is harsh. Since he's arrived here, he's been our best defender. He's struggled this season but for me, he's still a fantastic player who's just struggling for form. Agger and Skrtel could easily be our defensive partnership for the next 5 years if they stay here.

Sounded pretty much a done deal if you listened to the commentary on City today? They were all very positive about it as well. Alridge commenting, "Hopefully they can get rid of a few more of them"





They mentioned Deggen today, saying he's "Just not a Liverpool player".

Bo Myhill - best 'keeping display of the season so far

For liverpool fans moaning about the non penalty for the lucas tackle, the free kick that led to your goal wasn't a free kick. A great show from everton as well. I remember a lengthy discussion a year ago bout robinho being one of the best in the world, wonder if the view is the same.

Robinho isn't even the best player in Manchester City's reserves.

Indeed. Earned Hull a point almost single-handedly.

I don't know. He did use the other one now and again.

Don't forget Glen Johnson too. According to most people on here, he is utter e.

I like Johnson, he's been unlucky with injuries at Liverpool to be fair to him.

That must surely be the end of the road for him at City. Incredibly skilful but, even if he had the right attitude, he's just too frail for the Premier League. Plenty of small players have been successful, but usually they've had pace to make up for their lack of stature. Robinho isnt slow but he's not lightening quick and he's just too easily eased off the ball.



Yesterday's performance by City was on a par with that at Spurs. It will be interesting to see how Mancini responds.

Neither is Babel though

If you need proof of Rafa not having a clue look at his teamsheet yesterday. Degen and Aurelio outwide? 6 defenders starting?

Riera on the bench, Babel left out completely.

To be fair. We were winning playing like that, it was when the more offensive players came on where we lost it. The line up was poor, but the only other options we had were Riera and Rodriguez. Rodriguez has been here a matter of days whilst Riera is coming back from injury, away at Stoke isn't the best game to come back from. We had Babel but I can only guess that he will be sold in January and that's why he didn't travel.

Could have played Maxi as well. Drop lucas and put Aquilani in. Far more positive.

Where are the Newcastle fans who said "Milner is crap " and were made up when they sold him?

Busy looking over their shoulders at Billy Davies' Red army

Starting with Lucas over Aquilani begars belief. Maybe a bit too early for Maxi in fairness.

I'm unsure why he played Lucas, but, it's clear Aquilani isn't fit enough yet to be starting two games in the space of three days, especially after 120 minutes against Reading. He is fragile and it's like he's going through his pre-season at the moment, I thought it was pretty understandable that he didn't play away at Stoke, Lucas played pretty well and after 120 minutes midweek, a kicking at the Britannia wouldn't be the best way to build fitness.



Although the line up was pretty poor, we were winning the match and playing better than Stoke, but, like always, one set piece snatches the points out of our grasp. Yesterday, the problem wasn't the line up, it was our fragile mentality and our inability to put the game away. We weren't clinical and were very wasteful.

Currently sitting top of the league with Leverkusen who remain unbeaten so far.

Class player. Renato Augusto for them looks quality!

If you get a chance try and catch the second half of Barcelona - Sevilla from last night.