4pm EST, not available on TV in the US
Liverpool hasn’t faced Cardiff City since 1959, in the old Second Division.
Previous Carling Cup matches:
Liverpool: 4-2 Reading (a)
Cardiff: 4-2 West Brom (a); 1-0 Leyton Orient (h); 1-0 aet Brighton (h)
Last 3 matches:
Liverpool: 1-1 Arsenal (h); 1-2 Besiktas (a); 2-1 Everton (a)
Cardiff: 1-1 Scunthorpe (h); 2-3 Wolverhampton (h); 0-1 Southampton (a)
Goalscorers (Carling Cup):
Liverpool: Torres 3; Benayoun 1
Cardiff: Fowler 2; Hasselbaink, Johnson, Sinclair, Wittingham 1
Referee: Peter Walton
Guess at a squad:
Itandje
Arbeloa Carragher Hobbs Aurelio
Benayoun Lucas Sissoko Leto
Crouch Babel
The big story surrounding the game is Robbie Fowler's return to Anfield, but focus will also be on the strength of Liverpool's squad and who plays with the injuries currently facing the club. The "second team" must play well in case they're needed during the next month, when Liverpool's squad will be stretched thin.
I'm expecting mostly reserves tomorrow, but remember the strength of the team against Reading. However, there's more of a problem with injuries, the first-team defense all looks like they could use a rest (Carragher as well, but Liverpool will need his experience tomorrow, especially if Gerrard doesn't play), and no slight to Cardiff City, but Reading's a Premiership team and the game was at their ground.
It's probably too soon for the likes of Putterill, Spearing, and other graduates of the Academy. In addition, while I'd love to see Insua start at left back (even though we've rarely seen him this season, I'm still expecting big things), Aurelio is getting close to fitness and in need of playing time.
With Alonso suffering another injury to his metatarsal (as of writing this, I still haven't seen any word on the scan) it seems like Lucas and Sissoko have to start in the middle. I realize Gerrard is very rarely left out, but both Lucas and Sissoko will be called upon over the next month, and I'd like to see them get first-team action and play together as a pairing. And given the weakened state of Liverpool's squad and the amount of important games to come, I'll be very surprised if Gerrard features at all, either in the center or on the right.
I've said it for three straight previews now, but this has to be a game for Crouch with the injury to Torres and the amount of action that Kuyt and Voronin have seen lately. While he's been the 4th striker all season long, I'm still surprised at his lack of opportunities. And while he didn't get that much-needed goal, I was encouraged by his performance on Sunday.
And I'd like to see Babel partner Crouchy up top. Babel's seemingly seen less action as the season's gone on, mainly because he hasn't completely settled on the wing, but when he's played he's looked more threatening coming through the center, and playing as a striker (and playing well) could do wonders for his confidence.
Like against both Toulouse and Reading, I imagine Leto will receive another first-team start, but I'm also wondering if Kewell is fit enough for a run out. We've been hearing more about Kewell of late, and he played 45 minutes for the reserves on Thursday. I still think Leto will start, with Kewell off the bench around the hour mark, but I also wouldn't be surprised or upset if Kewell started on the right, as we know he can play on both flanks.
Despite the amount of money spent over the summer, bringing in Fowler, Trevor Sinclair, and Stephen McPhail, among others, Cardiff's not had the best results so far this season. Currently, they're lingering above the relegation places in 17th, and have won once in their last six games. Concerns over the club's finances still loom large as well. In other squad news, on-loan keeper Kasper Schmeichel won't start because Manchester City doesn't want him cup-tied.
The Carling Cup is still a distant fourth on Liverpool's list of priorities. The strength of the squad that turned out against Reading led me to believe that Liverpool would do their utmost to compete in all four tournaments, but with injuries and the troubles in the Champions League, I wonder if that strategy has changed at all.
If I’m being honest, I wouldn't be devastated if Liverpool were to go out against Cardiff. Naturally, I want Liverpool to win every game they compete in, but the Carling Cup could end up a distraction.
The most important thing for the team tomorrow is to get a good performance that builds on the confidence gained from a respectable draw against Arsenal, and for the reserves and youth players to get a decent run in the first team to show what they're capable of if Liverpool needs them.
30 October 2007
29 October 2007
On the injury “crisis”
• Torres is out for 3 weeks
• Alonso may have re-broken a metatarsal, which would put him out for another 4-6 weeks at best
• Pennant’s out for 8 to 10 weeks
• Agger’s out for another week or two
• There are still long-term questions over Aurelio and Kewell
• Plus, the players who aren’t completely healthy (Mascherano) or returning to fitness (Gerrard, Arbeloa), but should still feature
It’s not a good time on the injury front.
Was it worth it? Torres and Alonso started and it paid dividends in Liverpool’s play, but now they’re both out for a few more weeks. Had Liverpool held on for the win it’d be easier to stomach, but seeing the two of them trot off with injuries, and then for Liverpool to give up the equalizing goal, is a kick to the midsection.
It’s easy to write in hindsight, but Torres should have never started. While I’m very disheartened to lose Alonso for longer, especially with how much better he made Liverpool look yesterday, starting him was probably the right decision; he passed all the fitness tests, made it through training, and was able to positively impact the outcome of the match. We’ve seen over the past year how touchy metatarsals can be.
I hope to see a bit more of Lucas during Alonso’s absence this time around. I’ll be stunned if Sissoko and Lucas aren’t the starting central midfield on Wednesday, but even in the Premier League or Champions League, I think that Liverpool needs to have Lucas and Mascherano in the middle as Alonso and Masch were yesterday, with Gerrard in a free role or on the right.
With Torres out, we may see more of the formation we saw yesterday. Well, at the least we might see Liverpool deploy a lone striker (Kuyt or Crouch) with Gerrard in support (I can do without Kuyt/Voronin out wide). A 4-4-1-1 or 4-2-3-1, however you want to draw it up.
For example:
Reina
Finnan Carra Hyypia Riise
Benayoun Lucas Mascherano Babel
Gerrard
Kuyt/Crouch
In Babel and Benayoun there should be enough speed, width, ability to cut in, and crosses to support Kuyt and Gerrard. Kewell’s return would work in this formation as well, or Gerrard can play on the right with Babel or Benayoun coming off the bench. And while it’s down the list of options, Leto and Voronin, as well as Riise, can play on the left on midfield.
Admittedly, I’m worried by these injuries, Alonso’s and Torres’ most of all. But I listed 9 players at the top, forwards, midfielders, and defenders, and all are important to Liverpool’s season.
Liverpool bought players this summer with an eye towards strengthening the entire squad. This is where purchases like Leto and Lucas need to pay off. For the next month or so, Liverpool’s going to be stretched very thin. The fixtures over that period will be Cardiff City (h), Blackburn (a), Besiktas (h), Fulham (h), Newcastle (a), and Porto (h).
• Alonso may have re-broken a metatarsal, which would put him out for another 4-6 weeks at best
• Pennant’s out for 8 to 10 weeks
• Agger’s out for another week or two
• There are still long-term questions over Aurelio and Kewell
• Plus, the players who aren’t completely healthy (Mascherano) or returning to fitness (Gerrard, Arbeloa), but should still feature
It’s not a good time on the injury front.
Was it worth it? Torres and Alonso started and it paid dividends in Liverpool’s play, but now they’re both out for a few more weeks. Had Liverpool held on for the win it’d be easier to stomach, but seeing the two of them trot off with injuries, and then for Liverpool to give up the equalizing goal, is a kick to the midsection.
It’s easy to write in hindsight, but Torres should have never started. While I’m very disheartened to lose Alonso for longer, especially with how much better he made Liverpool look yesterday, starting him was probably the right decision; he passed all the fitness tests, made it through training, and was able to positively impact the outcome of the match. We’ve seen over the past year how touchy metatarsals can be.
I hope to see a bit more of Lucas during Alonso’s absence this time around. I’ll be stunned if Sissoko and Lucas aren’t the starting central midfield on Wednesday, but even in the Premier League or Champions League, I think that Liverpool needs to have Lucas and Mascherano in the middle as Alonso and Masch were yesterday, with Gerrard in a free role or on the right.
With Torres out, we may see more of the formation we saw yesterday. Well, at the least we might see Liverpool deploy a lone striker (Kuyt or Crouch) with Gerrard in support (I can do without Kuyt/Voronin out wide). A 4-4-1-1 or 4-2-3-1, however you want to draw it up.
For example:
Reina
Finnan Carra Hyypia Riise
Benayoun Lucas Mascherano Babel
Gerrard
Kuyt/Crouch
In Babel and Benayoun there should be enough speed, width, ability to cut in, and crosses to support Kuyt and Gerrard. Kewell’s return would work in this formation as well, or Gerrard can play on the right with Babel or Benayoun coming off the bench. And while it’s down the list of options, Leto and Voronin, as well as Riise, can play on the left on midfield.
Admittedly, I’m worried by these injuries, Alonso’s and Torres’ most of all. But I listed 9 players at the top, forwards, midfielders, and defenders, and all are important to Liverpool’s season.
Liverpool bought players this summer with an eye towards strengthening the entire squad. This is where purchases like Leto and Lucas need to pay off. For the next month or so, Liverpool’s going to be stretched very thin. The fixtures over that period will be Cardiff City (h), Blackburn (a), Besiktas (h), Fulham (h), Newcastle (a), and Porto (h).
28 October 2007
Liverpool 1-1 Arsenal
Reina
Finnan Carragher Hyypia Riise
Alonso Mascherano
Kuyt Gerrard Voronin
Torres
Goals
Gerrard 7’
Fabregas 80’
Mixed emotions.
It was a game where Arsenal was probably the better side, and they've been playing out of this world as of late, but Liverpool will feel aggrieved having gotten a wonderful early goal from Gerrard’s free kick and having kept them out for 80 minutes. The team looked far better than in recent games, and were aided by the return of both Alonso and Torres. However, neither Alonso nor Torres were fully fit, and both were off the field before 70 minutes were up, which makes the draw a little tougher to stomach.
There were definitely surprises in Liverpool’s line-up. With three strikers on the team sheet, it may have looked like 4-3-3, but both Kuyt and Voronin played wider and deeper than usual. It was an experiment that didn’t quite come off; Kuyt was diligent down the right, but Voronin was mainly invisible on the left, and neither delivered the end product Liverpool needed.
What’s more worrying is that the formation leads to questions over how much Benitez trusts Babel and Benayoun. It’s probably more likely that Benitez wanted to use both as subs when Liverpool and Arsenal tired, which both did, but injuries to Alonso and Torres prevented that.
That Torres went off for Crouch at halftime, with Torres clearly not fully fit, and Alonso looked to suffer a problem after 68 minutes, with Arbeloa (neither Lucas nor Sissoko was on the bench) coming on, forced Liverpool into making changes they wouldn’t have otherwise made, and changed the shape of the entire team.
While Alonso didn’t have the best of games by his standard, he still made a huge difference in Liverpool’s fortunes, and it’s little coincidence that Arsenal got the equalizer after he departed. I sincerely hope he was taken off more as a precaution than because of any new injury, as Liverpool dearly need him in the team. Today’s much improved passing was evidence of that. Were he to be re-injured, I think that Lucas might end up seeing more time with Mascherano in midfield, as I think today proves Liverpool needs that composure in the center.
Of course, Alonso was helped by his partner in midfield. Mascherano was absolutely everywhere, tackled everything that moved, broke up Arsenal’s attacks time and time again, and was probably Liverpool’s man of the match. If it weren’t for Arsenal’s goal, I’d be tempted to include Reina in this discussion, as he claimed many of Arsenal’s crosses and came out to make himself big when warranted, but he could have done better on Fabregas’ strike.
Gerrard was much improved as well, scoring a cracker of a free kick and creating more chances, but he still sometimes took too much time on the ball or an extra touch that lost possession. But it was heartening to see the improvement, and the free role gave him much more license to create.
Crouch played well after he came on, troubled Arsenal’s defense, and only an outstanding save from Almunia prevent him a goal, but with Kuyt and Voronin (and then Benayoun) too far wide and Liverpool tiring, he was isolated too often.
The negatives, aside from the equalizer and injury worries, were how Arsenal got stronger as the game went on, and Liverpool’s tiring defense. Arsenal keeps the ball as well as any team, and deserves some credit for Liverpool wearing out, but the defense, specifically the speed of the defense, is still a bit worrying. Arbeloa’s return will help, as will Agger and Aurelio when both get fit, but it’s beginning to seem like Hyypia, Carragher, and Finnan haven’t coped well enough with the amount of time they’ve seen.
But, with as well as Arsenal played, the positives end up standing out more in my mind. Liverpool gave 100% the entire match, and looked far more like a team. Today can be a performance to build off of.
At the end of the day, it’s probably a fair result. It was an encouraging performance, and Arsenal certainly earned their point and could have scored more. However, Liverpool’s now drawn two games against the other big teams, and both happened at Anfield. There are still tough games to come at the Emirates, Old Trafford, and Stamford Bridge. And it’s annoying that Arsenal grew in ascendancy, and looked likely to get an equalizer as the game went on, as they’ve done in the past and is the mark of a good team.
But, again, it’s something to build off. The team’s working hard and creating more chances, and I do think that confidence and goals will follow. Hopefully, with players returning to fitness, it means that Liverpool is getting past the previous poor spell.
Finnan Carragher Hyypia Riise
Alonso Mascherano
Kuyt Gerrard Voronin
Torres
Goals
Gerrard 7’
Fabregas 80’
Mixed emotions.
It was a game where Arsenal was probably the better side, and they've been playing out of this world as of late, but Liverpool will feel aggrieved having gotten a wonderful early goal from Gerrard’s free kick and having kept them out for 80 minutes. The team looked far better than in recent games, and were aided by the return of both Alonso and Torres. However, neither Alonso nor Torres were fully fit, and both were off the field before 70 minutes were up, which makes the draw a little tougher to stomach.
There were definitely surprises in Liverpool’s line-up. With three strikers on the team sheet, it may have looked like 4-3-3, but both Kuyt and Voronin played wider and deeper than usual. It was an experiment that didn’t quite come off; Kuyt was diligent down the right, but Voronin was mainly invisible on the left, and neither delivered the end product Liverpool needed.
What’s more worrying is that the formation leads to questions over how much Benitez trusts Babel and Benayoun. It’s probably more likely that Benitez wanted to use both as subs when Liverpool and Arsenal tired, which both did, but injuries to Alonso and Torres prevented that.
That Torres went off for Crouch at halftime, with Torres clearly not fully fit, and Alonso looked to suffer a problem after 68 minutes, with Arbeloa (neither Lucas nor Sissoko was on the bench) coming on, forced Liverpool into making changes they wouldn’t have otherwise made, and changed the shape of the entire team.
While Alonso didn’t have the best of games by his standard, he still made a huge difference in Liverpool’s fortunes, and it’s little coincidence that Arsenal got the equalizer after he departed. I sincerely hope he was taken off more as a precaution than because of any new injury, as Liverpool dearly need him in the team. Today’s much improved passing was evidence of that. Were he to be re-injured, I think that Lucas might end up seeing more time with Mascherano in midfield, as I think today proves Liverpool needs that composure in the center.
Of course, Alonso was helped by his partner in midfield. Mascherano was absolutely everywhere, tackled everything that moved, broke up Arsenal’s attacks time and time again, and was probably Liverpool’s man of the match. If it weren’t for Arsenal’s goal, I’d be tempted to include Reina in this discussion, as he claimed many of Arsenal’s crosses and came out to make himself big when warranted, but he could have done better on Fabregas’ strike.
Gerrard was much improved as well, scoring a cracker of a free kick and creating more chances, but he still sometimes took too much time on the ball or an extra touch that lost possession. But it was heartening to see the improvement, and the free role gave him much more license to create.
Crouch played well after he came on, troubled Arsenal’s defense, and only an outstanding save from Almunia prevent him a goal, but with Kuyt and Voronin (and then Benayoun) too far wide and Liverpool tiring, he was isolated too often.
The negatives, aside from the equalizer and injury worries, were how Arsenal got stronger as the game went on, and Liverpool’s tiring defense. Arsenal keeps the ball as well as any team, and deserves some credit for Liverpool wearing out, but the defense, specifically the speed of the defense, is still a bit worrying. Arbeloa’s return will help, as will Agger and Aurelio when both get fit, but it’s beginning to seem like Hyypia, Carragher, and Finnan haven’t coped well enough with the amount of time they’ve seen.
But, with as well as Arsenal played, the positives end up standing out more in my mind. Liverpool gave 100% the entire match, and looked far more like a team. Today can be a performance to build off of.
At the end of the day, it’s probably a fair result. It was an encouraging performance, and Arsenal certainly earned their point and could have scored more. However, Liverpool’s now drawn two games against the other big teams, and both happened at Anfield. There are still tough games to come at the Emirates, Old Trafford, and Stamford Bridge. And it’s annoying that Arsenal grew in ascendancy, and looked likely to get an equalizer as the game went on, as they’ve done in the past and is the mark of a good team.
But, again, it’s something to build off. The team’s working hard and creating more chances, and I do think that confidence and goals will follow. Hopefully, with players returning to fitness, it means that Liverpool is getting past the previous poor spell.
26 October 2007
Liverpool at Arsenal 10.28.07
12pm EST, live in the US on FSC
Last 4 head-to-head:
4-1 Liverpool (h) 03.31.07
3-6 Arsenal (h) 01.09.07
1-3 Arsenal (h) 01.06.07
0-3 Arsenal (a) 11.12.06
Last 3 matches:
Liverpool: 1-2 Besiktas (a); 2-1 Everton (a) 2-2 Spurs (h)
Arsenal: 7-0 Slavia Prague (h); 2-0 Bolton (h); 3-2 Sunderland (h)
Goalscorers (league):
Liverpool: Torres 4; Voronin 3; Alonso, Kuyt 2; Babel, Benayoun, Gerrard, Sissoko 1
Arsenal: Adebayor 6; van Persie 5; Fabregas 4; Rosicky 2; Diaby, Hleb, Senderos, Toure 1
Referee: Howard Webb
Guess at a squad:
Reina
Finnan Carragher Hyypia Riise
Gerrard Alonso Mascherano Benayoun
Torres Crouch
According to reports, Torres is fit and should start, Alonso may start, and Sunday will probably come too soon for both Arbeloa (who is in the squad) and Agger (who is not). Given Liverpool’s defensive struggles over the last few games, both of those players will be missed, but having both Torres and Alonso back will help the team to be sure.
I’m more than cognizant of what can happen when players are rushed back, and it’s only been 4-5 weeks since Alonso broke his metatarsal, but Liverpool desperately misses his steadying presence in midfield. And Torres’ merits can go unsaid, especially considering Liverpool’s goal return in the games he’s missed.
In the build-up to this game, one of the main things on my mind was last year’s 4-1 win over Arsenal at Anfield. Neither Liverpool nor Arsenal’s sides are radically different from that game.
First, and I hadn’t thought of it when writing the Besiktas preview, but Crouch could be likely to start Sunday based on his performance last season, which could explain why he only got around 10 minutes on Wednesday. He’ll come up against the same center-backs -- Toure and Gallas -- as last March, and Arsenal is vulnerable to height in defense. I considered including Pennant for this reason, and wouldn’t be surprised if he started, but having Gerrard, Alonso and Mascherano in midfield seemed more important to other parts of Liverpool’s game.
Last season, Crouch started alone up top with Gerrard in a free role behind. I don’t think that likely this weekend for two reasons: one, Liverpool hasn’t played that way all season, and two, Torres will be on the field if fit (and rightfully so).
But with Gerrard on the right, with Alonso and Mascherano in the center, Liverpool should be able to both restrict Arsenal in the middle and allow Gerrard a free enough role to influence proceedings as he does best. If Gerrard does end up in a free role from this position though, Finnan (and Carra, who almost always plays next to him) will have a lot to do to make sure the defense isn’t caught out down Liverpool’s right by either Hleb or Rosicky.
Two players who had a huge impact on last season’s game, Arbeloa and Aurelio, won’t feature on Sunday. Both did excellently getting forward from defense and providing crosses, and Liverpool will miss the presence of both. Arsenal, for all their strengths, can be taken advantage of on the flanks. It will be imperative for both Finnan and Riise to do similar, especially for Finnan to deliver crosses like the one for Torres’ equalizer against Spurs.
Admittedly, with both Agger and Arbeloa out, the speed of Arsenal’s attack worries me. Which is another reason for the inclusion of both Alonso and Mascherano, in addition to Gerrard on the right. Liverpool cannot let Arsenal play their style of football or let them get the first goal. We saw time and time again last season (three times, actually) what can happen when Arsenal do either. And with the confidence Arsenal have coming into this game, the first goal will be even more crucial.
There’s little to be said about Arsenal’s start to the season. Impressive sums it up adequately. They’re unbeaten and have only drawn once, away at Blackburn, which was over 2 months ago. I’m sure everyone’s aware that they won their last game 7-0. Fabregas has been one of the best, if not the best (my vote goes to Elano, but not by much) player in the league so far this season.
But they will miss van Persie. I’m not convinced they’ll be able to maintain this form all season. And they can be beaten.
Liverpool will be fully aware how important this game is to the rest of the season, and hopefully more than willing to put recent performances behind them. I don’t like hyping an October match any more than it should be, as it is still October, but this game will tell us a lot about the future.
ynwa
Last 4 head-to-head:
4-1 Liverpool (h) 03.31.07
3-6 Arsenal (h) 01.09.07
1-3 Arsenal (h) 01.06.07
0-3 Arsenal (a) 11.12.06
Last 3 matches:
Liverpool: 1-2 Besiktas (a); 2-1 Everton (a) 2-2 Spurs (h)
Arsenal: 7-0 Slavia Prague (h); 2-0 Bolton (h); 3-2 Sunderland (h)
Goalscorers (league):
Liverpool: Torres 4; Voronin 3; Alonso, Kuyt 2; Babel, Benayoun, Gerrard, Sissoko 1
Arsenal: Adebayor 6; van Persie 5; Fabregas 4; Rosicky 2; Diaby, Hleb, Senderos, Toure 1
Referee: Howard Webb
Guess at a squad:
Reina
Finnan Carragher Hyypia Riise
Gerrard Alonso Mascherano Benayoun
Torres Crouch
According to reports, Torres is fit and should start, Alonso may start, and Sunday will probably come too soon for both Arbeloa (who is in the squad) and Agger (who is not). Given Liverpool’s defensive struggles over the last few games, both of those players will be missed, but having both Torres and Alonso back will help the team to be sure.
I’m more than cognizant of what can happen when players are rushed back, and it’s only been 4-5 weeks since Alonso broke his metatarsal, but Liverpool desperately misses his steadying presence in midfield. And Torres’ merits can go unsaid, especially considering Liverpool’s goal return in the games he’s missed.
In the build-up to this game, one of the main things on my mind was last year’s 4-1 win over Arsenal at Anfield. Neither Liverpool nor Arsenal’s sides are radically different from that game.
First, and I hadn’t thought of it when writing the Besiktas preview, but Crouch could be likely to start Sunday based on his performance last season, which could explain why he only got around 10 minutes on Wednesday. He’ll come up against the same center-backs -- Toure and Gallas -- as last March, and Arsenal is vulnerable to height in defense. I considered including Pennant for this reason, and wouldn’t be surprised if he started, but having Gerrard, Alonso and Mascherano in midfield seemed more important to other parts of Liverpool’s game.
Last season, Crouch started alone up top with Gerrard in a free role behind. I don’t think that likely this weekend for two reasons: one, Liverpool hasn’t played that way all season, and two, Torres will be on the field if fit (and rightfully so).
But with Gerrard on the right, with Alonso and Mascherano in the center, Liverpool should be able to both restrict Arsenal in the middle and allow Gerrard a free enough role to influence proceedings as he does best. If Gerrard does end up in a free role from this position though, Finnan (and Carra, who almost always plays next to him) will have a lot to do to make sure the defense isn’t caught out down Liverpool’s right by either Hleb or Rosicky.
Two players who had a huge impact on last season’s game, Arbeloa and Aurelio, won’t feature on Sunday. Both did excellently getting forward from defense and providing crosses, and Liverpool will miss the presence of both. Arsenal, for all their strengths, can be taken advantage of on the flanks. It will be imperative for both Finnan and Riise to do similar, especially for Finnan to deliver crosses like the one for Torres’ equalizer against Spurs.
Admittedly, with both Agger and Arbeloa out, the speed of Arsenal’s attack worries me. Which is another reason for the inclusion of both Alonso and Mascherano, in addition to Gerrard on the right. Liverpool cannot let Arsenal play their style of football or let them get the first goal. We saw time and time again last season (three times, actually) what can happen when Arsenal do either. And with the confidence Arsenal have coming into this game, the first goal will be even more crucial.
There’s little to be said about Arsenal’s start to the season. Impressive sums it up adequately. They’re unbeaten and have only drawn once, away at Blackburn, which was over 2 months ago. I’m sure everyone’s aware that they won their last game 7-0. Fabregas has been one of the best, if not the best (my vote goes to Elano, but not by much) player in the league so far this season.
But they will miss van Persie. I’m not convinced they’ll be able to maintain this form all season. And they can be beaten.
Liverpool will be fully aware how important this game is to the rest of the season, and hopefully more than willing to put recent performances behind them. I don’t like hyping an October match any more than it should be, as it is still October, but this game will tell us a lot about the future.
ynwa
25 October 2007
Predictions 10/27 – 10/28
Daylight Saving Time kicks in for the UK early Sunday morning, which is the reason for the odd times for that day's matches. Liverpool v Arsenal kicks off at 12pm.
Saturday
Chelsea v Manchester City, 10am, FSC: Now we get to see how far City's really come. This will probably be a better measuring stick than the Manchester derby earlier in the season, which was at City’s ground and was when United had key players out. Now, Chelsea’s won their last four, hasn’t given up a goal in three games, and is starting to look like the Chelsea of old. Chelsea 2-1
Manchester Utd v Middlesbrough, 10am, Setanta: Ugh. United's rounding into form (but isn't even there yet), has scored 8 goals in the last two games, and is slowly but surely looking like the crushing machine they were last season. Yep, “ugh” suffices. Oh, and it's Boro on the road. United 3-0
Birmingham v Wigan, 10am: Two of the five teams currently on 8 points, and the game should be as close as the points total would have you believe. If Heskey were fit it might be a different story, but Sibierski’s not back to the form shown before his injury, and neither Bent nor Aghahowa have been getting goals in the meantime. 0-0
Reading v Newcastle, 10am: I’m following the template of Newcastle's previous away results with this prediction. Reading’s still losing games they at least drew last season, but they’re scoring goals, and I do not trust Newcastle away from St James', no matter how much better Michael Owen has looked, Barton and Emre’s return to fitness, or Newcastle’s good performance against Tottenham on Monday. 1-1
Sunderland v Fulham, 10am: Another match, like the Brum/Wigan game, which could go either way. Antti Niemi kept 10-man Fulham in their game last week, and the Cottagers could end up with a similar result Saturday. However, if Roy Keane’s Sunderland is to stay up, these are the games they must win, while they also need £5m striker Michael Chopra to pay back some of that transfer fee with goals. Sunderland 1-0
Portsmouth v West Ham, 12:15pm, FSC: No matter the fact that Curbs is finally getting West Ham to look like a team despite the exceedingly long injury list, Pompey’s playing like a team that deserves to be in 5th place, and I imagine that will continue. Portsmouth 2-1
Sunday
Bolton v Aston Villa, 9:30am, Setanta: Normally when a new manager comes in, there's a distinct upgrade in the team's performance. I don't know if that will be the case with Gary Megson, and it doesn’t help that Bolton has a tough UEFA Cup game today against Braga. Villa 1-0
Derby v Everton, 10am: As much as I like to pick against Everton, and despite the fact that Derby was unlucky not to come away with a win at Fulham last week, this should be an easy win for the away side. Everton 2-0
Tottenham v Blackburn, 11am, Setanta Xtra:Blackburn’s been excellent this season, and I’ve had bad luck when I’ve picked Tottenham to get a result recently, but I think this is going to be similar to Spurs’ games against Liverpool and Villa, where they fall behind, but do enough to equalize and keep Martin Jol from being sacked for another week. 2-2 This is the first time I’ve done this (and chances are, it’ll come back to haunt), but I’m taking a mulligan here before the games start, as Martin Jol resigned before Spurs’ home loss to Getafe. If rumors hold, Tottenham will have a caretaker manager for the foreseeable future, until Juande Ramos finally comes over from Sevilla. Duly noted. Blackburn 3-1
Last week: 6-3
Season: 43-45
Saturday
Chelsea v Manchester City, 10am, FSC: Now we get to see how far City's really come. This will probably be a better measuring stick than the Manchester derby earlier in the season, which was at City’s ground and was when United had key players out. Now, Chelsea’s won their last four, hasn’t given up a goal in three games, and is starting to look like the Chelsea of old. Chelsea 2-1
Manchester Utd v Middlesbrough, 10am, Setanta: Ugh. United's rounding into form (but isn't even there yet), has scored 8 goals in the last two games, and is slowly but surely looking like the crushing machine they were last season. Yep, “ugh” suffices. Oh, and it's Boro on the road. United 3-0
Birmingham v Wigan, 10am: Two of the five teams currently on 8 points, and the game should be as close as the points total would have you believe. If Heskey were fit it might be a different story, but Sibierski’s not back to the form shown before his injury, and neither Bent nor Aghahowa have been getting goals in the meantime. 0-0
Reading v Newcastle, 10am: I’m following the template of Newcastle's previous away results with this prediction. Reading’s still losing games they at least drew last season, but they’re scoring goals, and I do not trust Newcastle away from St James', no matter how much better Michael Owen has looked, Barton and Emre’s return to fitness, or Newcastle’s good performance against Tottenham on Monday. 1-1
Sunderland v Fulham, 10am: Another match, like the Brum/Wigan game, which could go either way. Antti Niemi kept 10-man Fulham in their game last week, and the Cottagers could end up with a similar result Saturday. However, if Roy Keane’s Sunderland is to stay up, these are the games they must win, while they also need £5m striker Michael Chopra to pay back some of that transfer fee with goals. Sunderland 1-0
Portsmouth v West Ham, 12:15pm, FSC: No matter the fact that Curbs is finally getting West Ham to look like a team despite the exceedingly long injury list, Pompey’s playing like a team that deserves to be in 5th place, and I imagine that will continue. Portsmouth 2-1
Sunday
Bolton v Aston Villa, 9:30am, Setanta: Normally when a new manager comes in, there's a distinct upgrade in the team's performance. I don't know if that will be the case with Gary Megson, and it doesn’t help that Bolton has a tough UEFA Cup game today against Braga. Villa 1-0
Derby v Everton, 10am: As much as I like to pick against Everton, and despite the fact that Derby was unlucky not to come away with a win at Fulham last week, this should be an easy win for the away side. Everton 2-0
Tottenham v Blackburn, 11am, Setanta Xtra:
Last week: 6-3
Season: 43-45
24 October 2007
Liverpool 1-2 Besiktas
Reina
Finnan Carragher Hyypia Riise
Pennant Gerrard Mascherano Babel
Kuyt Voronin
Goals
Hyypia (og) 13’
Bobo 82’
Gerrard 85’
Not happy.
Par for the course for Liverpool’s European campaign so far this season, and a new low at the same time. Falling behind to a “fluke” goal, sloppy and rushed passing, and an inability to take the few chances they got. Déjà vu all over again. For the last three seasons, Liverpool’s been near unbeatable in the Champions League. This year, they’ve put in some of the worst performances in recent memory and can’t buy a win.
Hyypia registered his second own goal in as many games in the 13th minute, and it was even odder than the one at Goodison. Carragher had made an excellent tackle on Bobo only to see his clearance deflect off Finnan’s shins back to Bobo, who slotted it to Serdar Ozkan. Ozkan’s shot looked as if it was going wide (as Andy Gray took great pains to point out), only to have it deflect of Hyypia’s leg, leaving Reina wrong-footed.
It was the same story as the Marseille match for the next 70 minutes. Liverpool was nowhere near their best, or even equal to their performances in the Premier League, and they struggled to assert any dominance or even look a cohesive unit. A small solace is that the effort was better, but that was about it.
There were chances in both the first and second halves, most notably through Gerrard (a volley wide and the keeper claiming with Gerrard running into the box twice -- and he did play better), but few were excellent opportunities.
Meanwhile, Besiktas earned opportunities of their own on the counter attack. After Besiktas took the lead, Bobo played as a lone striker for much of the game, but Liverpool’s defense never looked solid with the team stretched in search of an equalizer. In the 82nd minute, Besiktas, who hadn’t scored a goal in two previous group games, got their second. Following a couple of lovely long passes, Bobo got by Hyypia, and got the ball past Reina, who had come out to try and cut down the angle.
Gerrard pulled back a consolation and got his deserved goal in the 85th minute with a diving header, but despite increased pressure and four minutes of stoppage time, Liverpool couldn’t make up the deficit they gifted the opposition.
Credit to Besiktas; the team defended well once they got ahead, won much of the play in the air, and kept Liverpool from establishing any semblance of stability. After 90 minutes, they were the deserved winners. The Inonu was an absolute cauldron of noise, and the only time the fans were silent was for about a minute following the goal.
I don’t know how to explain Liverpool’s problems in the Champions League. We know that the team misses Alonso and Agger, and the biggest effect today was the rushed quality of play, while both those players are calm on the ball. You can’t fault Liverpool’s effort, but little came off and Besiktas made it difficult. In addition, for some reason, despite the fact that those two are two of Liverpool's best long passers, the team seems more reliant on long balls than ever.
But there’s more to it. No offense to Besiktas, but this Liverpool team should be able to triumph. No matter who’s injured, or that it’s away from home and a cauldron of noise, or the fluke goal.
At this point, I’m almost ready to throw my hands up and hope this Champions League campaign is an aberration. The only way that Liverpool’s going to qualify is if they win their last three games and other results go their way, which they didn’t today with Marseille and Porto drawing 1-1. Marseille’s on 7, Porto 5, and Besiktas 3, with Liverpool earning 1 point from 3 games.
The team is not playing well. There’s little point in singling out players; I saw every player on the pitch give away the ball cheaply, make poor passes, run down blind alleys, etc. And while I’m surprised Crouch didn’t start, I don’t know how much difference it would have made, with Besiktas so dominant in the air and Liverpool having such trouble getting crosses in from the wing. Otherwise, the team selection wasn’t that surprising.
And it’s not rotation, with only two changes (Pennant for Sissoko and Babel for Benayoun) from Saturday’s team. But Benitez is going to come under some stick, and rightfully so, because Liverpool looked tactically inept at times trying to break down the 10 men behind the ball.
One thing’s for sure, Liverpool cannot play like this on Sunday. This team is crying out for an excellent performance, much like the one at the end of March last season.
Finnan Carragher Hyypia Riise
Pennant Gerrard Mascherano Babel
Kuyt Voronin
Goals
Hyypia (og) 13’
Bobo 82’
Gerrard 85’
Not happy.
Par for the course for Liverpool’s European campaign so far this season, and a new low at the same time. Falling behind to a “fluke” goal, sloppy and rushed passing, and an inability to take the few chances they got. Déjà vu all over again. For the last three seasons, Liverpool’s been near unbeatable in the Champions League. This year, they’ve put in some of the worst performances in recent memory and can’t buy a win.
Hyypia registered his second own goal in as many games in the 13th minute, and it was even odder than the one at Goodison. Carragher had made an excellent tackle on Bobo only to see his clearance deflect off Finnan’s shins back to Bobo, who slotted it to Serdar Ozkan. Ozkan’s shot looked as if it was going wide (as Andy Gray took great pains to point out), only to have it deflect of Hyypia’s leg, leaving Reina wrong-footed.
It was the same story as the Marseille match for the next 70 minutes. Liverpool was nowhere near their best, or even equal to their performances in the Premier League, and they struggled to assert any dominance or even look a cohesive unit. A small solace is that the effort was better, but that was about it.
There were chances in both the first and second halves, most notably through Gerrard (a volley wide and the keeper claiming with Gerrard running into the box twice -- and he did play better), but few were excellent opportunities.
Meanwhile, Besiktas earned opportunities of their own on the counter attack. After Besiktas took the lead, Bobo played as a lone striker for much of the game, but Liverpool’s defense never looked solid with the team stretched in search of an equalizer. In the 82nd minute, Besiktas, who hadn’t scored a goal in two previous group games, got their second. Following a couple of lovely long passes, Bobo got by Hyypia, and got the ball past Reina, who had come out to try and cut down the angle.
Gerrard pulled back a consolation and got his deserved goal in the 85th minute with a diving header, but despite increased pressure and four minutes of stoppage time, Liverpool couldn’t make up the deficit they gifted the opposition.
Credit to Besiktas; the team defended well once they got ahead, won much of the play in the air, and kept Liverpool from establishing any semblance of stability. After 90 minutes, they were the deserved winners. The Inonu was an absolute cauldron of noise, and the only time the fans were silent was for about a minute following the goal.
I don’t know how to explain Liverpool’s problems in the Champions League. We know that the team misses Alonso and Agger, and the biggest effect today was the rushed quality of play, while both those players are calm on the ball. You can’t fault Liverpool’s effort, but little came off and Besiktas made it difficult. In addition, for some reason, despite the fact that those two are two of Liverpool's best long passers, the team seems more reliant on long balls than ever.
But there’s more to it. No offense to Besiktas, but this Liverpool team should be able to triumph. No matter who’s injured, or that it’s away from home and a cauldron of noise, or the fluke goal.
At this point, I’m almost ready to throw my hands up and hope this Champions League campaign is an aberration. The only way that Liverpool’s going to qualify is if they win their last three games and other results go their way, which they didn’t today with Marseille and Porto drawing 1-1. Marseille’s on 7, Porto 5, and Besiktas 3, with Liverpool earning 1 point from 3 games.
The team is not playing well. There’s little point in singling out players; I saw every player on the pitch give away the ball cheaply, make poor passes, run down blind alleys, etc. And while I’m surprised Crouch didn’t start, I don’t know how much difference it would have made, with Besiktas so dominant in the air and Liverpool having such trouble getting crosses in from the wing. Otherwise, the team selection wasn’t that surprising.
And it’s not rotation, with only two changes (Pennant for Sissoko and Babel for Benayoun) from Saturday’s team. But Benitez is going to come under some stick, and rightfully so, because Liverpool looked tactically inept at times trying to break down the 10 men behind the ball.
One thing’s for sure, Liverpool cannot play like this on Sunday. This team is crying out for an excellent performance, much like the one at the end of March last season.
23 October 2007
Liverpool at Besiktas 10.24.07
2:45pm EST on Setanta
Besiktas is currently 3rd in the Turkish Super League. They beat Sheriff Tiraspol in the 2nd qualifying round and FC Zurich in the 3rd qualifying round to reach the group stage.
Group Stage:
Liverpool: 0-1 Marseille (h); 1-1 Porto (a)
Besiktas: 0-1 Porto (h); 0-2 Marseille (a)
Last 3 matches:
Liverpool: 2-1 Everton (a) 2-2 Spurs (h); 0-0 Brum (h)
Besiktas: 3-2 Trabzonspor (a), 1-0 Genclerbirligi (h); 0-1 Porto (h)
Goalscorers (Europe):
Liverpool: Kuyt 3; Crouch, Hyypia, Voronin 1
Besiktas: Delgado 3; Bobo 2; Koray Avci, Toraman 1
Referee: Claus Bo Larsen (Denmark)
Guess at a squad
Reina
Finnan Carragher Hyypia Riise
Pennant Gerrard Mascherano Benayoun
Crouch Kuyt
Torres, Agger, and Arbeloa didn’t travel due to injuries (nor did Aurelio), but Alonso is back in the squad. I still don’t necessarily think he’ll start though. I’m fully aware how important Xabi is to the team, but he’s been out for about a month, and there is the small matter of the Arsenal game on Sunday.
It’s tempting to think Lucas could start in his place based off of Saturday’s performance, and he is in the squad, but the bench is probably where he’ll stay for the time being. I do feel the need to reiterate that was more than impressed with him in the last match.
Even if Torres was fit, I still would have guessed Crouch to start. I know he’s come under a fair bit of stick, including from yours truly, as he hasn’t been at his best this season. But it’s an away game, it’s in Europe, and I doubt Besiktas’ defenders have come up against a striker like him often. If Crouch doesn’t play in a game like this, he’s not going to see much action at all. And the Kuyt/Crouch partnership had it moments last year, as well as against Toulouse at Anfield this season.
Admittedly, I know next to nothing about Besiktas’s squad, other than striker Bobo and midfielder Matias Delgado (who’s been compared to Aimar) can pop up with goals. Fans of Besiktas, in the Spyin’ Kop on RAWK (which can be incredibly helpful before a match like this), believe that the team will play narrow and compact in the midfield.
Having both Pennant and Benayoun on the field, with Riise charging up from defense, and Babel on the bench if needed, would ideally be able to exploit space on the flanks if the midfield is congested. But I truly believe tomorrow’s personnel depends more on how Benitez wants Liverpool to line up on Sunday.
Liverpool’s two group games so far have been abysmal by the standards set over the last three seasons. For all the talk about how the league is far more important this season (which it is), the Champions League is essential to both the financial health of the club and the morale of the team. And the last thing Liverpool needs is to finish third in the group and settle for a UEFA Cup run; 4th place in the group is almost preferable.
The draw at Porto was one thing. But the loss to Marseille at home means Liverpool needs to pick up all three points in Istanbul, which is never an easy place to go. Benitez has been quoted as saying 10 points is the bare minimum for qualification, which means that Liverpool needs at least 9 points from 4 games.
Also, and most importantly in my mind (despite the last two paragraphs), Liverpool needs to keep up the momentum following Saturday’s match into Sunday, at Anfield, against league-leading Arsenal.
Besiktas is currently 3rd in the Turkish Super League. They beat Sheriff Tiraspol in the 2nd qualifying round and FC Zurich in the 3rd qualifying round to reach the group stage.
Group Stage:
Liverpool: 0-1 Marseille (h); 1-1 Porto (a)
Besiktas: 0-1 Porto (h); 0-2 Marseille (a)
Last 3 matches:
Liverpool: 2-1 Everton (a) 2-2 Spurs (h); 0-0 Brum (h)
Besiktas: 3-2 Trabzonspor (a), 1-0 Genclerbirligi (h); 0-1 Porto (h)
Goalscorers (Europe):
Liverpool: Kuyt 3; Crouch, Hyypia, Voronin 1
Besiktas: Delgado 3; Bobo 2; Koray Avci, Toraman 1
Referee: Claus Bo Larsen (Denmark)
Guess at a squad
Reina
Finnan Carragher Hyypia Riise
Pennant Gerrard Mascherano Benayoun
Crouch Kuyt
Torres, Agger, and Arbeloa didn’t travel due to injuries (nor did Aurelio), but Alonso is back in the squad. I still don’t necessarily think he’ll start though. I’m fully aware how important Xabi is to the team, but he’s been out for about a month, and there is the small matter of the Arsenal game on Sunday.
It’s tempting to think Lucas could start in his place based off of Saturday’s performance, and he is in the squad, but the bench is probably where he’ll stay for the time being. I do feel the need to reiterate that was more than impressed with him in the last match.
Even if Torres was fit, I still would have guessed Crouch to start. I know he’s come under a fair bit of stick, including from yours truly, as he hasn’t been at his best this season. But it’s an away game, it’s in Europe, and I doubt Besiktas’ defenders have come up against a striker like him often. If Crouch doesn’t play in a game like this, he’s not going to see much action at all. And the Kuyt/Crouch partnership had it moments last year, as well as against Toulouse at Anfield this season.
Admittedly, I know next to nothing about Besiktas’s squad, other than striker Bobo and midfielder Matias Delgado (who’s been compared to Aimar) can pop up with goals. Fans of Besiktas, in the Spyin’ Kop on RAWK (which can be incredibly helpful before a match like this), believe that the team will play narrow and compact in the midfield.
Having both Pennant and Benayoun on the field, with Riise charging up from defense, and Babel on the bench if needed, would ideally be able to exploit space on the flanks if the midfield is congested. But I truly believe tomorrow’s personnel depends more on how Benitez wants Liverpool to line up on Sunday.
Liverpool’s two group games so far have been abysmal by the standards set over the last three seasons. For all the talk about how the league is far more important this season (which it is), the Champions League is essential to both the financial health of the club and the morale of the team. And the last thing Liverpool needs is to finish third in the group and settle for a UEFA Cup run; 4th place in the group is almost preferable.
The draw at Porto was one thing. But the loss to Marseille at home means Liverpool needs to pick up all three points in Istanbul, which is never an easy place to go. Benitez has been quoted as saying 10 points is the bare minimum for qualification, which means that Liverpool needs at least 9 points from 4 games.
Also, and most importantly in my mind (despite the last two paragraphs), Liverpool needs to keep up the momentum following Saturday’s match into Sunday, at Anfield, against league-leading Arsenal.
21 October 2007
On Gerrard, substitutions, and the derby
The biggest talking point following Saturday’s match, outside of Mark Clattenburg, was the 71st minute substitution of Steven Gerrard for Lucas, who had yet to play a single minute of Premier League action.
In retrospect, it was the right move. The game was tied 1-1 when Gerrard exited. The game finished 2-1. Lucas was heavily involved, setting up an excellent chance for Voronin in the 77th minute, and taking the cool, composed shot in injury time that Phil Neville had to handle to prevent a goal.
And yet, because it’s Gerrard, and because Benitez has come under a lot of scrutiny recently, people seem upset with the decision.
I agree with many; Sissoko played far worse than Gerrard, and was far guiltier for the majority of Liverpool’s turnovers.
But this discussion really begins and ends with Benitez’s post-match comments:
If Lucas comes on for Sissoko, does the way Liverpool plays change at all?
Lucas would have been subservient (for lack of a better term) to Gerrard in the center, and the problems Benitez spoke about would have continued. Liverpool’s shape would have still been contorted, as Gerrard did not stay on the left or right, nor was there room for him in the center with both Mascherano and Sissoko involved. And while Sissoko did little different after Gerrard went off and missed a glorious chance in the 79th minute, Lucas’s disciplined involvement turned the game in Liverpool’s favor.
I don’t want to put the cart so far in front of the horse, but Lucas was Alonso-esque yesterday, and Liverpool needed that sort of presence.
How this affects Gerrard I’m less sure about. Hopefully not at all, or even better, it pushes Gerrard to improve. But I do fear being brought off could negatively affect his confidence at a time where he’s not had the best spell for either Liverpool or England. Which is why I was so heartened by the way he celebrated Kuyt’s second goal and after the match.
Look, the name of this blog is “Oh You Beauty” for a reason. Steven Gerrard can be an absolutely immaculate player, and has saved Liverpool’s bacon time and time again. Olympiakos, AC Milan, West Ham, Luton; the list goes on, and that’s just the last couple of years. And it’s hard to fault him, especially as a local lad, for doing all he could to try and beat the city rivals, especially with his CV. But, and I think even he’d admit it, he’s not been at his best since the Chelsea match, although he is getting back on form bit by bit.
And while it’s very strange to write this when talking about Gerrard, no player is bigger than the team. Liverpool winning is what matters. Usually, that means Gerrard has a role to play given his importance and influence, and we’ve seen him “take the game by the scruff of the neck” and lead Liverpool to victory. But yesterday, cooler heads were necessary, and Stevie tried to do too much on his own.
Also, for all the stick that Benitez gets over his substitutions, in hindsight the only thing he did wrong yesterday was not bringing on Pennant for Sissoko until around 5 minutes were left. Bringing on Babel, whose speed can turn a game, for Benayoun, was the right move. I hope I’ve explained why I believe bringing on Lucas for Gerrard was the right move. Pennant for Sissoko was also a smart substitution, even if I think it should have happened earlier.
Credit to Benitez; I’ve complained about subs in the past, but the way the bench was managed on Saturday won Liverpool this derby. Rafa spotted where a substitute could change the game, made the substitution, and the game changed for the better. End of.
If complaints like these arise when Liverpool wins a Merseyside derby at Goodison Park, I’d hate to see what would have happened had Liverpool drawn or lost.
In retrospect, it was the right move. The game was tied 1-1 when Gerrard exited. The game finished 2-1. Lucas was heavily involved, setting up an excellent chance for Voronin in the 77th minute, and taking the cool, composed shot in injury time that Phil Neville had to handle to prevent a goal.
And yet, because it’s Gerrard, and because Benitez has come under a lot of scrutiny recently, people seem upset with the decision.
I agree with many; Sissoko played far worse than Gerrard, and was far guiltier for the majority of Liverpool’s turnovers.
But this discussion really begins and ends with Benitez’s post-match comments:
“In this game, sometimes you need to play with the brain and we were playing with heart. We needed to keep the ball and pass the ball.”Admittedly, that’s a bit harsh, and I’m surprised to see Rafa so forthright. But it’s true. For all of Sissoko’s faults, and believe me, many were on display, Gerrard tried to do everything on his own, when the final ball wasn’t coming off for him, and was breaking up Liverpool’s attacks as much as Sissoko’s giveaways.
If Lucas comes on for Sissoko, does the way Liverpool plays change at all?
Lucas would have been subservient (for lack of a better term) to Gerrard in the center, and the problems Benitez spoke about would have continued. Liverpool’s shape would have still been contorted, as Gerrard did not stay on the left or right, nor was there room for him in the center with both Mascherano and Sissoko involved. And while Sissoko did little different after Gerrard went off and missed a glorious chance in the 79th minute, Lucas’s disciplined involvement turned the game in Liverpool’s favor.
I don’t want to put the cart so far in front of the horse, but Lucas was Alonso-esque yesterday, and Liverpool needed that sort of presence.
How this affects Gerrard I’m less sure about. Hopefully not at all, or even better, it pushes Gerrard to improve. But I do fear being brought off could negatively affect his confidence at a time where he’s not had the best spell for either Liverpool or England. Which is why I was so heartened by the way he celebrated Kuyt’s second goal and after the match.
Look, the name of this blog is “Oh You Beauty” for a reason. Steven Gerrard can be an absolutely immaculate player, and has saved Liverpool’s bacon time and time again. Olympiakos, AC Milan, West Ham, Luton; the list goes on, and that’s just the last couple of years. And it’s hard to fault him, especially as a local lad, for doing all he could to try and beat the city rivals, especially with his CV. But, and I think even he’d admit it, he’s not been at his best since the Chelsea match, although he is getting back on form bit by bit.
And while it’s very strange to write this when talking about Gerrard, no player is bigger than the team. Liverpool winning is what matters. Usually, that means Gerrard has a role to play given his importance and influence, and we’ve seen him “take the game by the scruff of the neck” and lead Liverpool to victory. But yesterday, cooler heads were necessary, and Stevie tried to do too much on his own.
Also, for all the stick that Benitez gets over his substitutions, in hindsight the only thing he did wrong yesterday was not bringing on Pennant for Sissoko until around 5 minutes were left. Bringing on Babel, whose speed can turn a game, for Benayoun, was the right move. I hope I’ve explained why I believe bringing on Lucas for Gerrard was the right move. Pennant for Sissoko was also a smart substitution, even if I think it should have happened earlier.
Credit to Benitez; I’ve complained about subs in the past, but the way the bench was managed on Saturday won Liverpool this derby. Rafa spotted where a substitute could change the game, made the substitution, and the game changed for the better. End of.
If complaints like these arise when Liverpool wins a Merseyside derby at Goodison Park, I’d hate to see what would have happened had Liverpool drawn or lost.
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