(27-01-2013 18:00 )munch1917 Wrote: Amazing couple of days of cup football.
Well done Oldham, there'll be a few Liverpool supporters here on the forum with heads in hands right now!
You have to hand it to Oldham. They played out of their skins today and fully deserved their win. I had a feeling they would get a replay against Liverpool, but definitely not to go on and beat them today. Liverpool were average today, however their poor performance shouldn't overshadow what Oldham did today.
There will be criticism for Liverpool's performance today and of course some of that criticism will be directed at Rodgers. I for one thought it was a bizarre decision for Suarez to be made captain. Although its not a reason for Liverpool fans to all of suddenly panic. This isn't the first time a shock result has happened in a cup competition and it won't be the last either.
Liverpool can still have a good season by finishing in the top 7 in the league (I think top 4 is a bit of a stretch for them this season) and can also win the Europa League. More work still needs to be done on that squad and it needs more quality in it.
I think when Liverpool get Coutinho, which will be a quality signing by the way should leave them relatively comfortable attacking wise. I think Liverpool shouldn't bother getting Ince because their would be too many wingers to keep happy in that squad.
I think Liverpool need some reinforcements in centre midfield. Gerrard, Lucas, Henderson and Allen is ok, however if you're looking to reach the big time again then another quality midfielder like Alonso (which is a possibility as he said he would like to go back to Liverpool) would be the type of midfielder they need to sign.
The defence isn't too bad in my opinion and is one of Liverpool's strong points even though things didn't go according to plan in that department today. Although they may need a centre back as cover for Skertal and Agger. You could see today why Coates is 3rd or 4th choice defender and perhaps next season needs to go out on loan to get some much needed experience.
I think they may need a goalkeeper as well. Reina is not reaching the same standards Liverpool expect (his form hasn't been good) and there is also the possibility he could be off to Barcelona as a replacement for Valdes. Jones should forever stay as a number 2 as he looks a little dodgy at times. There are some good goalkeepers in Germany Liverpool should check out like Ziegler at Hannover or Baumaan at Freiburg, they may be young, but they are very good from what I've seen of them and can only get better.
If I was to pick a team to win the FA Cup at this stage, I will stick my neck out there and say Arsenal will win the FA Cup.