Originally Posted by square-root:
“Entirely Lucas' fault. He gave away at least two cheap and needless free kicks by putting his hands in the back of West Ham player. He knows the player's going to milk it for all it's worth, and he knows the referee will give it.
Again, unable to defend a simple set piece. Mignolet's positioning again terrible for the second goal. He's so far across his right hand side that all he can do is watch the ball come back past him. He's got no clue about angles.
As for Benteke, he can just pack his bags and go now. Will never be good enough to wear the shirt.”
Not entirely his fault at all, the WHU player does his dying swan act, a easy free kick is given, we don't defend it, we miss our many chances but it's entirely Lucas's fault? Have a word with yourself - Lucas was immense last night playing a role he doesn't play often alongside a rookie and they restricted West Ham to about 3 real chances, 2 of which they took.
Lucas & Ilori had great games, yes Ilori got lucky with the pull on Valencia, but Lucas's hand in the back was nothing. The ref gave them easy free kicks, the guy who threw himself on top of Origi yet it was their foul? Carroll muscles into Ilori who holds his ground - their foul, Lucas puts his hands on the back of their player as he is backing in to him a bit, happens all the time, their foul! Referee's should dismiss those exaggerated falls and play on, unfortunately for us he never.
I thought Stewart had a great game too, Sturridge showing what we have been missing.
The only downs for me (excluding the actual loss of course) were Benteke & Mignolet.
Benteke could have had that game won for us well before their last second goal, could and should, esp that 1 on 1 chance, 32m should buy you that!