9 Sept 2009

POLL: Glen Johnson - At fault for Liverpool's defensive frailties this season?

Former footballer Tony Cascarino believes that Glen Johnson's defensive frailties are responsible for Liverpool FC's poor defensive showing so far this season. Is he right or wrong?

Liverpool have conceded 7 goals in 4 league games this season. In his column, Cascarino argued:

"It’s no coincidence that the Liverpool defence has conceded more goals since he [Johnson] has joined the club...their rigid backline has been exposed due to Johnson’s suspect positional sense".

Cascarino also waded into the Johnson/England debate:

"Capello may have claimed that Liverpool new boy Glen Johnson is one of the best right-backs in the world and I would agree with that in terms of his play going forward but defensively he’s still lacking.

"Johnson has got to defend far better as in the last few internationals the opposition have found space in behind him on numerous occasions. I have seen a lot of Johnson and...he is still liable to defensive lapses".




9 comments:

  1. Our conceded goals have been mostly from set plays where Johnson has not been directly involved. So.....NO - Not true.

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  2. I agree - Jamie Carragher has been the weak link this season if you ask me.  I think Johnson can improve defensively though; he's not the best in the world - that's just hype.

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  3. Cascarino didnt watch any our game. He just read the papers. Extremely lazy juornalism.

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  4. My word. I actually agree with something Mr Kanwar has written! Lightning doesn't strike twice though....

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  5. jevon is right 7 goals conceded, all 7 from set pieces. either.
     2 of the 7 from the second ball chance. This is what is not good enough.
    Not Johnson.

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  6. This wouldn't have anything to do with Cascarino being a bitter old Chelsea fan would it? I doubt the column would have come out if Johnson re-signed for the Blues this summer.

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  7. WHO CARES. HAVE YOU NOT HEARD MICHAEL SHIELDS IS FREE AND MORE IMPORTANTLY NOT GUILTY!!!!

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  8. I woldn't agree David, Cascarino was a staunch supporter of 'Rafa's rant', and he's not that type of bitter ex-player anyway. I quite like Cas actually, he usually picks up on things that others miss, and isn't afraid to go against conventional wisdom.

    But Johnson has improved on the elements to his game that he was criticised for last season, but the goals we've conceded haven't been down to those weaknesses - perceived, or actual.

    Our defense is unsettled due to Skrtel being injured, and hte consequent patching up. Carra was definitley at fault for two, maybe three. But he has had three different partners in four games in fairness. He does have tendency to try to do all the work when he has to break in a new partner.

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  9. I would have hoped for Cascarino to cite some examples to back himself up. As someone said before......very lazy journalism or very weak punditry if that what he's supposed to be.

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