buster.

Odd, no ! Exceptional circumstances were the reason for the anthem being sung at the (new) Labour conference. Besides, much of the reaction was down to the respect people had for the person Elizabeth and her dedication, rather than the monarchy as an institution. I would put myself in that bracket. The circumstances behind the Liverpool fans reaction go back a while.

I wouldn't read too much into the look. He has always came across as a little distant. Last night was quite a moment for him, going back to the club he started with. Time for reflection and a realisation that he is miles off the level required for an elite club.

GvB and Wilson is where the buck stops. Awful misjudgement to go into this season with a squad with so many issues. Made worse by recruiting more predictable issues. Not hindsight, said it in late June/ early July.

Very good player who has lost a degree of interest. He'll still turn it on occasionally, but his inconsistency (and lack of goals) is one of many reasons why we can't put together the winning runs that lift titles. Whether it were possible or not we don't know, but ideally, should have been moved on in the summer. Even if the fee wasn't as much as we wanted. We'll get little or nowt now.

Time to keep him on the bench this weekend and play Matondo in his preferred position.

Thanks Eck ! You take it to another level of in-depth knowledge and research in places I didn't even think to go. I did think about the 69 cup final angle but lazily presumed that it would have been played before a European semi final. I want to see you on Mastermind (SS: Rangers in European Competition). You look back and see the issues with centre forwards or lack of and 55 years on from the self inflicted wound (Bayern Munich 67), we were suffering a similar fate (Eintracht 2022) and some might argue that to a degree, it too was self inflicted (forcing Morelos to play through injury until he proper broke, thus calling upon Roofe in a way his body can't cope with. Itten wasn't in European squad due to squad management/UEFA regulations. Should be here today with 3 European trophies. Ps. Have a look how defensive the 2008 team v Zenit was and how isolated JCD was that night. Playing but not really in the game.

2+2= 1-0 You can look back in match thread for my hopes/comments on King

Fair enough, I had forgotten about that one.

Given the extent of our scare resources when it comes to a rebuild, sanctioning most of the cash on Sands and Tillman would be a huge mistake, IMO. Haven't seen nearly enough to justify the potential outlay. Still got time, but I doubt they'll get to a level to justify such fees.

Giving my vote to King. He did well in very difficult circumstances. McGregor played as he usually does in these types of games but was aided by Nuñez firing too many of his shots close to him. For me, his one outstanding save was the Diaz shot in the second half. Although the one with his right hand /Nuñez/1st half was excellent.

I wouldn't be surprised if Gio repeats his Feyenoord CL results pattern, LLLLLW

This squad could have a managerial double act of Guardiola and Klopp, it wouldn't cut it. First thing a decent manager would do would be to change it.

Relatively, so are we. Too many of this team peaked a year or two ago. I will repeat it..... When a poor version of us meets our toughest group ever... relative carnage was always likely. We need to rebuild with a new manager. This season will be generally 'difficult'.

We will be, but within limits because you can almost see the fear in GvB. He is under pressure (and players low on confidence/belief/patience). It showed in his approach to the Dundee Utd game. After several gubbings he ditched the successful more attack minded set-up for diddy teams he had employed against Ross County and reverted to type. God knows what the formation will be in Naples, 10-0-0 ?

Thanks Gaspard ! He was at Elland Road in 92, don't know about the first leg, Saw him on TV at Anfield last night.

It was about damage limitation from the off. Very similar to..... Barcelona 2 Rangers 0....from 2007. Early goal 6th minute and even when it went 2-0, all we did was try not to concede more. Sir Walter didn't want to go home with a drubbing. I watched it on Spanish TV and the commentators couldn't believe that we still defended deeply at 2-0. In defence of WS, he had 2 weeks previously kept a clean sheet against Barca* at Ibrox in a goalless draw. The only other team who managed it in the CL that season(KO rounds), were Manchester United and that would probably have been partly down to a conversation between WS and Sir Alex. * starting XI included Ronaldhino, Iniesta, Touré, Xavi, Messi and Henry Slight mitigation for GvB is that player availability has been all over the place and it has been difficult to get any consistency. Neither is Goldson plus other anywhere close to Cuellar and Weir. Historically it was par for the course. In the last eleven European games against English opposition, we have failed to score in NINE of them. Leeds H & A 1992 being the exceptions. 1968 Leeds: 0-0 & 0-2 1969 Newcastle: 0-0 & 0-2 1992 Leeds: 2-1 & 2-1 2003 Man Utd: 0-1 & 0-3 2010 Man Utd: 0-1 & 0-0 2022 Liverpool: X-X & 0-2 Note I suspect Sir Alex might have played in or attended all of the above matches @gaspard @Fat Eck ??? edit Ferguson did play in both Leeds games (1968) Didn't play in Newcastle games but was at the club (in the stand?) Was at Leeds (A) in 92 MUtd x4, of course Last night, yes

Diaz was looking for the penalty. He got in front and basically spread his legs to make sure any challenge was going to bring him down. Excellent experience for King and a few clubs will have added him to their 'to watch' list. Value on his 'potential' will have increased by a decent percentage. GvB should be considering him for a starting berth. He is the one, IMO, who will relatively quickly grow into a player who is better than Davies ever was.

Mane was a big player for them and complimented the other forwards. Nuñez is still trying to fit in.

According to Soccerway the Liverpool front three cost 167M Euros Midfield 85M Euros Defence 97M Euros Keeper 62M Euros Total 411M euros Another planet !

The bulk of this team peaked a while ago and it shows. Put that together with the most difficult group we have ever been in and you're always going to be struggling. Our next away game in the CL is against Napoli, a team who scored TEN against Liverpool (4) and Ajax (6) in the same ground.

Agreed, Sakala showed enough at the weekend to get a chance, on for Tillman.

Bit like watching us play Albion Rovers in the Cup. Reminds me of the game in Barcelona in 2007.

Give it your best shot lads, can't ask for much more. Very much hope Leon King shows up well. Difficult but great opportunity to shine in front of a huge audience.

Liverpool 3 Rangers 0 Tav

Not Diaz (Porto) nor Nuñez ,(Benfica) were in a side who could beat Rangers. Three draws and a win at home v Porto. Both scored against us.