At risk of opening old wounds - there were reasons for playing RM on Saturday

Presumably we anticipated that Benteke wouldn't start, so they'd be playing without much physical presence up front. So one of Martin's weaknesses (and Bennett's relative strengths) less relevant.

Liverpool supposedly do their gegenpressing thing. Putting more emphasis on the need to have CBs who can pass the ball out of defence when under pressure. Again, favoured Martin ahead of Bennett a bit.

And a new RB who's never played in English football - therefore more need for some leadership and experience alongside him.

Not saying it worked out well, or that he made the right choice. But there were arguments for it, before everyone assumes Neil had gone completely bonkers.

Posted By: Tricky Hawes on January 25th 2016 at 09:56:00

Message Thread

At risk of opening old wounds - there were reasons for playing RM on Saturday (NCFC) - Tricky Hawes, Jan 25, 09:56:00
- I wouldn't rush to say that RM passing is any better than RB (n/m) (NCFC) - Brom, Jan 25, 10:15:01
  - Think that's one thing that Alex Neil will know better than us. Of course, we know everyth (NCFC) - Higher Wrather, Jan 25, 10:47:28
    - Well, yes. As with everyone on here, I can only judge on what I've seen on the pitch (NCFC) - Brom, Jan 25, 11:01:12
  - Agreed (n/m) (NCFC) - strap_on sally, Jan 25, 10:23:22
- Martin made a huge error (NCFC) - SimonOTBC, Jan 25, 10:10:49
  - Its not a witch hunt and i actually feel sorry for Martin. He's been a decent servant who (NCFC) - Jim, Jan 25, 10:16:36
    - It feels like a lot of people have 20:20 hindsight (not saying you necessarily)... (NCFC) - SimonOTBC, Jan 25, 10:20:14
      - Yes the midfield was light and (NCFC) - Jim, Jan 25, 10:31:24
      - Before the game it was a continual stream (NCFC) - SCC 28, Jan 25, 10:30:23
        
        Yes, but not to the extent of people that are steaming into him after the event (NCFC) - SimonOTBC, Jan 25, 10:41:04
  - He just isn't anywhere near a good enough central defender at this level (n/m) (NCFC) - BINMEN8R, Jan 25, 10:15:46
  - Good thing Liverpool didnt have any good strikers. Suerez would have loved it. (n/m) (NCFC) - pab, Jan 25, 10:14:26
- You're right (NCFC) - paulg, Jan 25, 10:04:21
  - We did concede 4 other goals though but yes Tettey was obviously a huge loss (n/m) (NCFC) - Jim, Jan 25, 10:09:39
  - It is a managerial error through (NCFC) - SCC 28, Jan 25, 10:07:02
    - I wouldn't have played him either - but here's the thing (NCFC) - paulg, Jan 25, 10:12:09
      - Carrow Road is where it matters. I dont care how they perform at Colney. (NCFC) - pab, Jan 25, 10:16:48
- This quote backs that up (NCFC) - duke of york, Jan 25, 10:01:39
  - Lol yes - the "which he did" bit is strange given Firmino scored twice and (NCFC) - Jim, Jan 25, 10:04:46
    - Pretty much every goal they scored (NCFC) - SCC 28, Jan 25, 10:08:41
      - There is a table in today's Sun which ranks teams in terms of tackles made this season and (NCFC) - Jim, Jan 25, 10:11:37
        
        Michael Turner knew how to tackle! (n/m) (NCFC) - essexcanaryOTBC, Jan 25, 10:52:48
        
        Yeah we do like to give players a lot of freedom (n/m) (NCFC) - SCC 28, Jan 25, 10:13:40
- plus (NCFC) - Tombs, Jan 25, 09:58:00
  - I assume the plan was to actually defend if Tettey played (n/m) (NCFC) - SCC 28, Jan 25, 09:59:54

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