EPL: Liverpool 0-0 Birmingham - Page 2 - TalkSoccer

**Mighty T.A.L.** · 24-09-2007, 10:40 AM

For the second weekend in succession, Liverpool started a Premier League game with the club record signing on the bench. And for the second weekend in succession, they were held to a damaging goalless draw. Both matches Torres wasn't playing from the start. Having Torres on the bench so early into the season sends out all the wrong signals. Portsmouth’s defenders were delighted not to face the Spaniard, and no doubt Birmingham’s felt the same.

**Mighty T.A.L.** · 24-09-2007, 10:44 AM

Benitez’s explanation that Torres was left out because Birmingham’s deep-lying defence wouldn’t allow the space in which the striker could utilise his pace holds some water until the realisation that, with most visiting teams likely to adopt similar tactics, such logic would suggest Torres barely starts a home game. Torres is more than pace if you ask me. He's good holding on the ball and he's good in small areas because of his good technic. Liverpool looked more dangerous right away when he came on against Birmingham. The Blues defenders looked more shaky immediatly.

NJ10 · 24-09-2007, 08:32 PM

I think its sad that so much emphasis is placed on Torres' absence, rather than the incompetence of the players who did play. Can we really not beat Birmingham without Torres??

**Mighty T.A.L.** · 24-09-2007, 08:36 PM

Appearantly not. I don't think any played particular well Saturday unless Mascherano who won ball after ball. That's the main reason Liverpool didn't won. No one looked like a match winner.

NJ10 · 24-09-2007, 10:28 PM

I know. Its the likes of Kuyt, Voronin, Crouch, Gerrard, Benayoun, Babel & Pennant who are the problem. If they were performing then we would be able to rotate Torres without worrying we would be toothless.

Tbf Torres was shite on Tuesday so its not a case of "we will play well if he plays", but i think Kuyt and Voronin are way too similar, and Crouch & Voronin/Kuyt doesnt have enough pace to be a threat consistently.

**Mighty T.A.L.** · 25-09-2007, 09:33 AM

I think when Torres don't play Liverpool should use Babel up front. You always need pace up front. Crouch have been terrible this season. He didn't deliever in the pre-season matches either. He ain't good enough for the team at the moment. Kuyt works his arse off as always. Sometimes you have to wonder if he's a scouser...