Hull hit for Six

September 26^th – Liverpool Vs Hull (Premiership)

An emphatic performance from Fernando Torres ensured Liverpool secured maximum points at Anfield this weekend.

Liverpool’s domination of possession was rewarded with an opening goal after 11 minutes. Rampant full-back play, a customary feature of the current Liverpool side, from Emiliano Insua created space for Albert Riera to exploit, whose cross found Torres’ feet in the area.

Despite the presence of opposition defenders, Torres shimmied, fooling Ibrahima Sonko and other flat footed defenders, finding the necessary room to bury a low left-foot shot in the far corner.

Following a weak Martin Skrtel headed clearance minutes later, the lead was surrendered. Dieberson Geovanni needed no invitation as he pounced, drilling first time past a powerless Jose Reina.

As the Brazilian wielded away in celebration, my mind turned to Hull’s draw at Anfield last season, while genuine hope and belief emitted from the Tigers and their supporters celebrating in the Anfield Rod End.

As I glanced at my watch it registered that the game was still in its infancy, and this had all the makings of action-packed and nerve jangling afternoon.

Chances came for both sides as Hull’s confidence grew. Lucas shot straight at the opposing no.1, after more clever work by Insua. A third goal of the afternoon was anticipated, but it remained to be seen which team would get it.

In the corresponding fixture last season Torres could only watch from the sidelines as two home points were lost. Torres has been making for missing several games last season while matching winning performances, and as he had been the saviour for Liverpool last week in London, the stage was once more set for Liverpool’s quick footed Spaniard.

Liverpool’s no.9 restored the lead after collecting a delicate pass from Yossi Benayoun. He rounded Sonko and Boaz Myhill, before composing himself to calmly finish as Liam Cooper’s retreating presence was inconsequential.

Some might say Torres received an element of luck, as the ball rebounded kindly off Sonko’s shin. However, it was the close control, assurance and poise displayed by El Nino, as he delayed his finish until the precise moment to score a goal that oozed class.

At 2-1 the game hung in the balance, and an early second half goal was vital to ease nerves in L4, and restrain Hull’s drive for an equaliser. The home supporters enjoyed the second 45 minutes with a more relief after Torres completed his hat-trick just minutes after the restart.

Benayoun was the provider once more, laying a beautifully weighted ball into Torres’ run, setting his teammate through on goal, who finished for the second time with his weaker foot.

What’s so admirable about Torres’ third was the confidence he has in his own ability, gracefully cutting inside onto his weaker foot, fooling Sonko, and casually stroking the ball past Myhill.

Many Premiership strikers would have opted to blast a powerful shot from a similar position, using their stronger foot, but when confidence is high, as goals flow with the reliability of the Mersey, Torres natural goal-scoring feats come easily.

It’s hard to conceive that Nando was the recipient of criticism and doubt earlier in the season. He’s now scored eight league goals in the last six games, included five in the last two. With a trip to Stamford Bridge approaching next weekend, Torres is hitting a streak of prolific form at an opportune time.

Despite having 70% of the possession, forcing twelve corners and scoring six goals, it wasn’t all plain a sailing for Liverpool. Hull fought hard, even after Liverpool’s no.9 had done enough to claim the match ball, they continued to probe at the Liverpool defence, which has been questioned in recent weeks, after conceding 10 goals in 8 league games.

While I’m not one to lambast Benitez for zonal marking, (analysis of Liverpool’s defending during Benitez-led seasons, highlights the functional use of zonal marking. Reina has won three golden gloves awards during his four seasons at Anfield. I’m sure all football fanatics agree the goalkeepers don’t keep continual clean sheets without a strong, dependable and assured defence. So, Benitez’s use of zonal marking has clearly worked in the past, and to assume it doesn’t, highlights a person’s inadequate understanding of the beautiful game) such statistics need correcting and clean sheets are something to work towards, but as long as we’re winning, that is the salient factor of a football game.

The game was put beyond doubt after Steven Gerrard, who’d had an unusually quiet afternoon; scored Liverpool’s fourth, forming a three goal cushion between his team and the Humbersiders.

A Liverpool corner fell to Insua who laid a simple ball back to his captain. Gerrard then curled a first time cross/shot high in the box, and over the back-pedalling Myhill. Whether or not Gerrard meant to score is questionable, but none of the home supporters cared. Another home victory was assured, and the only question left unanswered was how many more Liverpool goals would follow.

Gerrard, Torres and Benayoun were all rested midway through the second half, as Benitez had one eye on a tricky trip to Tuscany on Tuesday. This gave Ryan Babel the opportunity to impress his manager, and give the Spanish tactician some desired selection headaches.

After missing a somewhat straight forward header from an Andrea Voronin delivery, Babel showed resolve and strengthen of character to score Liverpool’s 5^th and 6^th goals in front of a euphoric Kop.

It’s hard to argue that his second didn’t constitute some good fortune, but only praise and accolade should be bestowed on the Dutchmen for his first goal. Babel spread the play wide to his countryman, Dirk Kuyt, span on his heels and raced into the space vacated by the Hull defence. Babel then received the returned ball from Kuyt to finish effortlessly in slipping the ball past Myhill in the style of John Barnes.

Liverpool have been criticised for lacking ample firepower on the bench, resulting in reservations regarding their title challenge credentials. With Babel’s two goals and Voronin’s clever play that forced a goal line clearance after heading from a devilishly acute angle, maybe the fringe players are developing confidence to rival the players above them in the peeking order.

Riera is another player growing in confidence, contributing two assists, and developing an intricate understanding with Insua. The Argentinean is building on last season’s augur, and looks at home playing first team football at Anfield.

One look at Glen Johnson this afternoon would have raised questions as to why a left-footed player was playing at right-back. Johnson looked at ease when shooting and crossing with his left-foot, while scampering up and down the right side supporting the attacks with width.

Jose Bosingwa was a revolution last season at Chelsea, breaking down the right to provide for his teammate. While Bosingwa has been less devastating this season, Johnson has picked up the mantle of most feared full-back, possessing the ability to attack with destructive effect.

The six goals today have taken Liverpool’s goal difference to +12, and hopefully it’ll be at least +13 following the subsequent premiership game in London next weekend.

Roads Leed to Wembley

22^nd September - Leeds Vs Liverpool (League Cup)

Wholesale changes to the XI who started at Upton Park were made by Rafael Benitez, as domestic cup competition began in earnest in West Yorkshire.

Reserve and fringe players were given platforms to impress the manager on, against the inform League One team, who went into the tie on a 15 game winning streak.

Leeds refused to allow Liverpool to get to grips with their passing game, presenting the visitors with a physical challenge in the early exchanges.

Phillip Degen, whose Anfield career has been blighted with injuries and set backs, made a lively start, looking to prosper from some tireless running from right-back.

Leeds' early pressure told, and resulted in the home side bundling the ball into Diego Cavalieri's goal when Jermaine Beckford slotted past the Liverpool keeper from a corner.

The goal was ruled out for offside, because Luciano Becchio could not resist smashing the ball home as it headed towards goal. If Becchio had adopted some restraint then surely the goal would have stood, much to the annoyance of Beckford.

Compared with the majority of tonight’s team, Ryan Babel has featured more frequently in Rafa's first team plans this season.

The Dutchman was full of running, and should have done better after a strong, but nimble burst through the Leeds defence that ended with a tame shot on goal.

The home side ended the half on top, but Shane Higgs' reactions were called upon to deny Albert Riera from taking the lead with a close range header, as Leeds defended well when required.

After the half-time interval Leeds continue their vibrant performance, which made Liverpool opening goal seem all the more surprising. As I was completing a job application this evening, I listened to the game through headphones on the radio.

A call of nature resulted in me missing the decisive moment David Ngog took the lead; while I was unaware we had taken the lead for a few minutes following my return.

John Aldridge, an even present for those who listen to Liverpool games on the ‘wireless’, described a scuffed Javier Mascherano shot ending up at the feet of Ngog, who turned quickly to finish low and hard in the corner of Higgs' goal.

Ngog has been in impressive form for the reserves this season, showing maturity and a keen eye for goal. When called upon for the first team he has obliged with competent displays, contributing to goals, while scoring 5 first team goals, averaging one goal every 138 minutes during his Liverpool career (Tomkins, 2009).

He has age on his side, and whilst not the finisher article yet, under the watchful eye of Benitez he has the chance to develop into an accomplished striker.

Maybe the reputation of the opposition, and the occasion affected Leeds, as they spurned chance after chance. If one had gone in early on their confidence would have grown, and the outcome may have been very different.

Robert Snodgrass was particularly impressive for Leeds, giving Andrea Dossena a torrid time at left-back. It was frustrating to see Degen hobble off in the second half; let's hope the Belgian's injury is nothing too serious.

The Kid leads the way

19^th September – West Ham Vs Liverpool (Premiership)

Untimely family commitments caused me to miss Liverpool’s visit to Green Street, an important game for the Reds, who sought to remain in touch with the upper echelons of the Premiership.

I prepared for the inconvenience of my Mother’s birthday surprise party by texting several LFC fans, who responsibilities it was to keep me updated with goals, half-chances, and other notable occurrences in East London. The continual half-time vibrations that emitted from my phone were tantalisingly intriguing, so, at 6.15pm, I gave in and ventured down the stairs of the party venue, to catch the highlights of an engaging first-half.

Throughout the second-half, my phone’s inbox was less congested, but my intrigue and nerves intensified. As the game approached its conclusion, I felt an unimpressed tap on the shoulder, and as I spun round like a guilty child, my Mother stared disapprovingly. I was caught, but the game soon ended, and Mother’s stern reprimand paled into insignificance, as Mr Benitez led the triumphant march to the away dressing-room at Upton Park.

Watching the highlights on BBC that evening I revelled in the victorious game again, despite the coverage displaying how fragile and dubious the Liverpool defence can be. In the early stages, Glen Johnson’s inept clearance, quickly followed by a slip, from the usually reliant Jamie Carragher, led to Zavon Hines hitting the post from 10 yards.

The confusion and threat West Ham posed was apparent by the bookings Martin Skrtel and Carragher collected, and when Hines ghosted past Carragher, the 31 year-old could only halt the run illegitimately, leaving Alessandro Diamanti to dispatch the spot-kick. A half-time lead looked likely for the Merseysiders, but unconvincing defending from a corner kick allowed Carlton Cole to draw the game level, to the frustration of the travelling fans and players.

Tough, early-evening, away fixtures require a player to take the game by the scruff of the neck, imposing themselves on the game and dictating play. On Saturday, up stepped Fernando Torres. El Nino will carry his numerous black eyes for another week or two, but early season petulance can now begin to be forgotten, away a mature, battling performance, which displayed growing confidence.

Despite the vast range of ability in the Liverpool team, Torres required little support for his opening goal, scoring from a seemingly unthreatening position, an ability few world strikers possess. After picking up the ball inline with the edge of the penalty area, the Spaniard’s reliance on his devilishly quick feet and predatorial instinct, allowed him to overwhelm James Tomkins, and finish with devastating accuracy past the advancing Robert Green.

This goal had shades of El Nino’s first premiership goal, when he sailed past Tal Ben Haim, scoring against Chelsea, while simultaneously winning the hearts of Liverpool fans. In stark contrast, the no.9’s second goal required assistance from wider areas. Following a pinpoint Ryan Babel cross, the Spaniard showcased his aerial strength to beat two defenders in the air and nod the ball home.

Sandwiched between Torres’ brace was a poachers’ goal from the free scoring Dirk Kuyt. Gerrard’s heading abilities recently contributed to England’s successes against Croatia, and the captain maintained this soaring threat in the white of Liverpool in the capital. Kuyt anticipated his captain’s goal bound headed, from a Yossi Benayoun corner, to poke home from 3 yards, and regain the lead for the Reds in a seesawing first 45 minutes.

Another encouraging aspect of Torres’ goals is the contributions made by Liverpool’s full-backs. Employing fast, skilful, attacking full-backs provides a manager with varying means by which to create goals, and break stubborn defences down, something Rafa has done recurrently this season. It was Emiliano Insua’s run and pass that found the Spanish whippet for his first, while, after an attacking run from Johnson, the ball fell to Babel, who beat his man with consummate ease, before crossing for Torres, and we all know what happened then.

Critics of Torres have raised concern over his capability to punish opposing defenders at their own grounds, without the vocal support of the L4 crowds. In his opening season at Anfield, Torres scored just 3 away league goals, improving this statistic last season with 7, 50% of his overall league tally for the season. Already this season, after 3 away league games, Torres has 3 away league goals, a promising sign that ‘The Kid’ is developing and improving areas of his game, and will continue to be a vital ingredient in the recipe of success that Benitez is concocting on Merseyside.

A win's a win's a win.

16^th September – Liverpool Vs Debrecen (Europe)

An unchanged starting XI from Mr Benitez took to the hallowed Anfield turf against Debrecen, who incidentally are the only champions of their country in Group E.

Despite lacking the sharper aspects of their game, and the ruthlessness needed against stubborn sides, Liverpool dominated the opening stages of this encounter. A control illustrated through the home team’s ball possession of 75% in the opening 25 minutes.

With Steven Gerrard playing in a deeper role, a position he’ll assume more frequently until summer signing Alberto Aquilani regains fitness, the onus was on the men in front of him to convert chances.

In the style of the fictional big bad wolf, the Reds huffed and puffed, eventually blowing down Debrecen’s front-door on the stroke of half-time, allowing for half-time cups of tea and toilet visits, to be made with an air of relief.

Albert Riera and Gerrard should have done better with their first half chances, but Dirk Kuyt’s instinct, enabled him to beat the opposing defenders to a parried Torres shot, to poke the ball past the goalkeeper.

The ground Kuyt made to score epitomised the determination and desire he shows in each exhaustive performance. What’s all the more impressive about the Dutchman is his knack of scoring decisive goals, such as the last minute winner against Standard Liege during Champions League qualification in 2008, the brace he scored last season against Wigan, and the two penalties that sealed 3 points in the Merseyside derby in October 2007.

You don’t score the 3^rd highest tally of European goals at Liverpool by accident, and tonight’s important goal ensured 3 points to begin European football of 2009-2010, and saved Benitez from turning a shade of crimson in post-match interviews.

It was disappointing watching ITV’s first half analysis, which focussed on the fact Liverpool led by just the solitary goal, and not a hat full. Andy Townsend is often negative towards Rafa, but even Steve McManaman, a boyhood idol of mine, failed to provide positive comments on the commanding and confident performance from his ex-employers.

The second half brought more authority from the home side, despite the goal tally remaining the same. Yossi Benayoun and Glen Johnson showcased their attacking worth, while a venomous volley from the captain whistled over the bar, to the dismay of an expectant Kop.

Throughout Benitez’s Anfield reign, he’s used tactic nous to breakdown opposition, especially at home, with teams playing for a draw from the first minute. This game was no different. If anything, the proverbial parking of the team bus is complimentary, as they realise they lack the required firepower and ability score; play attractive football and win the game.

This is not to say that Debrecen didn’t have their moments. Reina was forced into tipping a shot over his bar while the scores were still level, while a heart in the mouth moment occurred when Coulibaly had only the Liverpool no.1 in front of him but failed to capitalise.

But, as Rafa said, “winning is all that matters”, a statement echoed by managers after a narrow victory, as often as a Wayne Rooney temper tantrum following his premature exit from a football game. I’d gladly take 5 more 1-0 victories in Group E

More of the same please boys.

12^th September – Liverpool Vs Burnley (Premiership)

A browse of the Liverpool team sheet at 14.55 on Saturday revealed a defensive midfielder was replaced with a more attack minded one. The sun was shining, the opposition were a newly promoted team, and a positive, energetic performance was expected from the home fans at Anfield.

Benitez was confident that someone who didn’t have ‘Gerrard 8’ on his back was capable of flourishing in the free roaming role behind Fernando Torres. The manager’s faith in Yossi Benayoun was repaid with a hat-trick, all the more impressive as the sprightly Israelian’s selection is not a formality.

Despite the 4-0 score line, the Lancastrians were resolute and stern in the opening 20 minutes. As I sweated in dark, cramped, poorly lit Liverpool pub, I began to wonder whether it was to be ‘one of those days’, which thwarted many home Premiership games last season.

But, the first goal came. After being fed by Glen Johnson, who’d received excessive and unjustified criticism over the past fortnight, Benayoun turned the Burnley defence inside out, nut-megging a flummoxed defender, before slotting coolly past Brian Jensen.

Shortly before half-time, an uncharacteristic fumble from Jensen resulted in a simple tap in for Dirk Kuyt, as 3 points looked to be heading to Rafa’s men. As the game entered its final half-hour, Benayoun made victory beyond question. A trademark run from Steven Gerrard, where he marauded into the opposition penalty area, evading challenges, allowed Benayoun to convert a simple tap-in, adding his second and Liverpool’s third.

In the past few weeks, where the undesirable issue of diving has been a hot topic, and it was pleasing to see the Liverpool captain refrain from tumbling in the box. Instead, Gerrard made more of an effort to remain upright and to provide a decisive, mouth-watering assist.

Such honest play was adopted by Gerrard again, upon rounding Jensen he stayed on his feet after making contact with the opposition no.1, and struck a left foot shot against the base of the post. These runs from deeper positions are a rarer commodity of Gerrard’s game in Benitez’s favoured 4-2-3-1 formation, but such performances display how adaptable the Liverpool captain is, and how important he is to his team.

Shortly after being denied a seemingly legitimate hat-trick goal, Benayoun received the mach ball after some slick touches from his team mates. A move originating from the feet of Albert Riera resulted in Andrea Voronin laying the ball to the slippery Israelian, who duly obliged with a composed finish past the hapless Jensen.

Of course, Benayoun will receive all the plaudits following this victory, and rightly so when you consider how he hasn’t been playing consistently this season, starting only 2 premiership games before today. Credit should also be bestowed on Albert Riera, who, like Benayoun, has spent the start of the season in the L4 wilderness, receiving a cold shoulder from his compatriot, Mr Benitez.

While teacher’s pet Kuyt gets the manager’s affection on the right of midfield, the left midfield berth has Babel, Riera and Benayoun all competing for one sought after position. Hopefully, healthy competition will yield heightened performances from all three as the season unfolds.

Johnson, Torre and Kuyt were all substituted in the second half, all having made significant contributions to their countries triumphs during the international break. Benitez clearly had an eye on Wednesday night, with the visit of Debrecen to Anfield. Let’s hope the 3 points, goals and pleasing performances continue as European football begins again.