Liverpool Vs Man City, Debreceni & Everton
After a run of 3 demanding, and dare I say, ‘season defining games’, this recent victory against Everton could well prove to be a pivotal result. Wins against local rivals are always sought after and treasured, but this game was more than just 3 points.
That’s a run of 5 unbeaten now, and hopefully this run can grow. After Tuesday’s demotion to the Europa League and last weekend’s draw with the country’s richest club, this victory gives Liverpool hope and confidence, instilling pride and belief in the players.
Today was the perfect response to midweek disappointment, and with Villa, Arsenal, Tottenham and Man City (and Sunderland) all dropping points this weekend, it allows the Reds to make up ground on the 4th place contenders.
Like most derby games there were few clear cut chances for either team today. Everton began the game more brightly and purposely, but that was to be expected as they were at home. I feel our Merseyside neighbours deserved something from a game that they controlled for long spells; maybe the tide is turning for us, as lady luck shined on LFC.
In a game which Torres didn’t feature in and Gerrard was largely ineffective, it was important for others to step up the plate. Dirk Kuyt was that man today. His tireless running, hassling and pressing of defenders was first-rate. The manner with which he took a gamble and reacted first when Riera’s cross was spilled by Howard, illustrated what an important and valued player he is.
Up until Kuyt’s goal Everton were threatening with possession, putting balls into the Liverpool and looked dangerous. We needed that two goal cushion to make the game safe. Kuyt’s work ethic was rewarded with a vital goal. He’s secured a huge number of points, often through late goals. The midfield pairing of Mascherano and Lucas excelled as well. The Argentine especially, breaking up the opponents attacks, to release his own players.
Everton are probably right to feel hard done by today, but Liverpool fans can counter that argument by pointing to the lack of luck the team has endured over the past few months. Mascherano’s deflected goal was going wide and Reina was lucky that a shot was stuck in the ground and didn’t embarrassingly roll into the goal in between his legs. Those small details made the difference on the day.
There was however no luck needed in Reina’s double save; firstly denying Cahill then showing the reactions of a puma from a David Attenborough wildlife programme as he flung himself in the path of Fellaini’s follow-up and record another clean sheet.
World class goalkeepers have this ability to turn on the class when required, despite spending the majority of the game as a spectator. It’s not that Reina watched this game pass by, but he wasn’t stretched and tested regularly, and had to instinctively react to keep Everton at bay.
As I’ve previously mentioned, Everton probably deserved a draw today, which was also what Liverpool last opponents in the league deserved. Sharing the points with City was a fair result last weekend, even though De Jong was lucky to not be sent off for a two-footed tackle on Babel which forced him off, while Kuyt should have been awarded a penalty after a clumsy challenge from Bellamy, and Stephen Ireland was in an offside position for his goal.
Any side that has two enforced substitutions in the first 18 minutes is going to struggle, but we did well to recover from City’s two second half goals. Ngog continued his effective run in the team; winning the free-kick that Skrtel scored from, and providing the cross for Benayoun’s equaliser.
The young Frenchmen showed his worth in Hungary as his 4th minute winner was the difference between the two sides. Ngog is doing exceptionally well playing as the spearhead in Torres’ absence. When you consider the formation Benitez likes to play, the fans were probably not expecting to see many 90 minute performances from Ngog in the league. Benitez has stuck by him and his displays have given people the opportunity to see what a raw and developing talent he is.
The game in midweek is one I can’t recall too much about. I was concerned with events in Florence and didn’t pay too much attention to a game that was by all accounts rather stop/start, while the pitch didn’t allow free-flowing football, which played into the hands of the hosts. The sight of the players huddled round a 12” TV was as depressing an image I can recall supporting Liverpool. One which I hope is not repeated again.
The fans, the coaching staff and the players are now aware of the challenges and games that lie ahead. Although the Uefa Cup is not the chosen and desired European competition, this is the competition the club are now in. More importantly, we need to ensure that we capitalise on this derby win by beating Blackburn, which sets things up nicely for the visit of Arsenal, as the Xmas fixture pile up begins.
We failed to build on the moral boosting win over Man United in October, and can’t afford to do that again.
Sunday, 29 November 2009
Saturday, 21 November 2009
Attack, Attack, Attack
Liverpool Vs Birmingham 9th November (Premiership)
The most one sided draw I can recall. How much longer will Liverpool’s hard work and pressing play be unrewarded.
I’ve had nearly two weeks to reflect on this game, as Premiership games were halted because of another international break, and I’m still baffled as to how we could only draw with Birmingham.
67% of possession; 14 shots on targets; 13 shots off target; 11 corners won. These statistics are indicators of control, illustrating the dominance of the home side, which could only attain a solitary point.
The following morning’s papers were full of how the visitors were robbed of 3 points and how Ngog’s ‘scandalous’ theatrics saved Liverpool. Another recurring theme was how Gerrard was Benitez’s saviour, as he coolly dispatched a second half penalty.
I am not one to criticism Gerrard, but to lavish such praise on his after this performance was bewildering. He was clearly playing with an injury; wasn’t sharp or explosive and missed a glorious chance with his head that was more straightforward that finishing from twelve yards. Yes, he found a very nice position for the header, but should have buried it.
If anyone ‘saved’ Rafa then it was Glen Johnson, whose scything runs and tireless work-rate asked questions of the Birmingham left-flank, while his devilish deliveries and magical play was a joy to watch. Benitez is criticised for spending so much on a right-back, but when you have such a genuine and effective attacking threat provide from Johnson, it’s clearly money well spent.
It was rather sad that England’s first-choice right-back didn’t receive the adulation and praise that his performance merited. In addition, Mascherano’s Spartan-like defending and cover play was first-rate. It appears that the Argentine has recovered from his early season dip in form, while against Birmingham he carried the ball forward much more than usual.
This has clearly been an aspect of his game that Rafa has been keen to develop, and with Alonso’s departure and Aquilani’s extended spell in the treatment room, (which he appears to be progressing in) it’s been important for Mascherano to bring more creativity to the Liverpool midfield, rather than simply protecting his back four.
He made a couple of testing shots on Hart’s goal, and distributed the ball to his attacking men usefully. It’s a shame that he was responsible for marking Jerome in the lead up Birmingham’s second. The gaping difference in height favoured the visiting striker, and if he hits a better shot for the rest of his career, I’ll be very shocked. An unbelievably good goal though, no fault for Reina.
It’s difficult to defend young Ngog’s simulation. It was a dive for sure. It’s become a part of the game now, and until multiple cameras are used, with referees referring to slow-motion replays, diving and cheating will continue in the beautiful game. You only have to ask Shay Given for his opinion on cheating French footballers. Hopefully Given is still thinking about Wednesday’s game in Paris, and Henry handball, and is not entirely focussed come 12.45pm on Saturday.
This is unlikely from the Irish No.1 but City are going to need him in the type of form he was 11 months ago, when he kept the Liverpool onslaught at bay, but whose brave goalkeeping still conceded 5 goals against an organised, creative free-flowing Liverpool team. Given kept the score-line semi-respectable on that day in December, and with City’s defence, especially the central-defenders Lescott and Toure looking questionable this season, their keeper is going to be needed. Let’s hope so anyway.
Benitez has selected a highly criticised, but effective medical procedure involving placentas to treat muscular problems in Serbia. If it works in getting Benayoun, Riera, Johnson and Aurelio fit for the game at the weekend, and manages to secure 3 much needed points then the rocked ship of LFC can hopefully begin to settle, and work on a long winning run can commence.
The most one sided draw I can recall. How much longer will Liverpool’s hard work and pressing play be unrewarded.
I’ve had nearly two weeks to reflect on this game, as Premiership games were halted because of another international break, and I’m still baffled as to how we could only draw with Birmingham.
67% of possession; 14 shots on targets; 13 shots off target; 11 corners won. These statistics are indicators of control, illustrating the dominance of the home side, which could only attain a solitary point.
The following morning’s papers were full of how the visitors were robbed of 3 points and how Ngog’s ‘scandalous’ theatrics saved Liverpool. Another recurring theme was how Gerrard was Benitez’s saviour, as he coolly dispatched a second half penalty.
I am not one to criticism Gerrard, but to lavish such praise on his after this performance was bewildering. He was clearly playing with an injury; wasn’t sharp or explosive and missed a glorious chance with his head that was more straightforward that finishing from twelve yards. Yes, he found a very nice position for the header, but should have buried it.
If anyone ‘saved’ Rafa then it was Glen Johnson, whose scything runs and tireless work-rate asked questions of the Birmingham left-flank, while his devilish deliveries and magical play was a joy to watch. Benitez is criticised for spending so much on a right-back, but when you have such a genuine and effective attacking threat provide from Johnson, it’s clearly money well spent.
It was rather sad that England’s first-choice right-back didn’t receive the adulation and praise that his performance merited. In addition, Mascherano’s Spartan-like defending and cover play was first-rate. It appears that the Argentine has recovered from his early season dip in form, while against Birmingham he carried the ball forward much more than usual.
This has clearly been an aspect of his game that Rafa has been keen to develop, and with Alonso’s departure and Aquilani’s extended spell in the treatment room, (which he appears to be progressing in) it’s been important for Mascherano to bring more creativity to the Liverpool midfield, rather than simply protecting his back four.
He made a couple of testing shots on Hart’s goal, and distributed the ball to his attacking men usefully. It’s a shame that he was responsible for marking Jerome in the lead up Birmingham’s second. The gaping difference in height favoured the visiting striker, and if he hits a better shot for the rest of his career, I’ll be very shocked. An unbelievably good goal though, no fault for Reina.
It’s difficult to defend young Ngog’s simulation. It was a dive for sure. It’s become a part of the game now, and until multiple cameras are used, with referees referring to slow-motion replays, diving and cheating will continue in the beautiful game. You only have to ask Shay Given for his opinion on cheating French footballers. Hopefully Given is still thinking about Wednesday’s game in Paris, and Henry handball, and is not entirely focussed come 12.45pm on Saturday.
This is unlikely from the Irish No.1 but City are going to need him in the type of form he was 11 months ago, when he kept the Liverpool onslaught at bay, but whose brave goalkeeping still conceded 5 goals against an organised, creative free-flowing Liverpool team. Given kept the score-line semi-respectable on that day in December, and with City’s defence, especially the central-defenders Lescott and Toure looking questionable this season, their keeper is going to be needed. Let’s hope so anyway.
Benitez has selected a highly criticised, but effective medical procedure involving placentas to treat muscular problems in Serbia. If it works in getting Benayoun, Riera, Johnson and Aurelio fit for the game at the weekend, and manages to secure 3 much needed points then the rocked ship of LFC can hopefully begin to settle, and work on a long winning run can commence.
Saturday, 7 November 2009
Are you Pro or Anti Rafa? (A silly question, but it's a topic of conversation)
4th November - Lyon Vs Liverpool (Europe)
Walk into any pub in Manchester and a common question to ask would be, ‘are you and blue or red’? In Liverpool the same question used to be asked, but now it’s being followed with by, ‘and are you pro or anti Rafa?
No club that has won 1 of their last 8 games are going to be happy with their station. Such a run heightens the need for points, performance and stability. The current run at Liverpool is no different.
The heightened emotional feelings I felt prior to Matchday 4 were unlike most early November fixtures. This game meant so much and a good performance and 3 points were required, but not needed.
The former was achieved; unfortunately the 3 points were snatched from our paws in the cruellest of ways (credit to Lyon in that regard, they remained positive, it says a lot about a team that comes from behind, that’s why Manchester United have been so successful under Ferguson, he instils that belief and determination in players.
Two injury time goals have cost us dearly against Lyon. If we’d resisted their late onslaughts we’d have the same points, however in the world of injury time we’re 6 points inferior. Why can’t Football have a buzzer at the culmination of a game like Rugby League and save us all the torture of additional minutes.
After Wednesday’s game and the manner of the draw, which felt (and still feels) like a crushing defeat and the end of Champions League football for the season, it’s difficult to see positivity and plus-points.
I’ll try to though…
We went to Lyon, the best team in France, and played them off the park. Apart from the goal, and Reina coming off his line twice; one sorting out a defensive mix-up with Kyrgiakos, the other intervening with his head, I can’t remember our no.25 having much to do.
We had the lion’s share of possession, and created several chances with it. Torres’ snap shot after 12 minutes was unlucky to be fired into the keeper’s leg (a keeper who had a very good game); Kuyt forced a fine save soon after from a relatively tame but clever shot/lob/poke that was tipped over the bar; Voronin (who I don’t think is of the calibre needed at the club, but we can’t afford anyone else) should have scored in the 1st half when his excellent run resulted in an unconfident effort being saved by ?????????; Babel’s shot was as clean and as fierce a shot as you’ll see all season, which even caused a Manchester United supporting friend of mine to text with his approval.
People say Benitez doesn’t make astute substitutions, and there didn’t seem to be much praise in Thursday’s newspapers for his introduction of the Dutchman on this occasion, how strange.
In midfield Mascherano and Lucas stultified and contained Lyon’s creative force, while cleverly distributing possession, to begin spells of attacking play with composure and intelligence.
Daniel Agger, who was playing with a back injury, showcased his in-depth understanding of the game, tracking runs, winning balls and making runs with the ball into and beyond midfield, something much needed from central defenders at Liverpool.
Despite his lack of pace Carragher made positive, bold runs down the right flank, wanting to continue in the same vein as the faster, and more attack-minded full-backs at the club; Insua, Johnson, Degen and Aurelio.
Benayoun and Kuyt saw much of the ball and posed problems for the opposing defenders throughout. It still frustrates and bewilders me that a team can have so much of the possession, goal
chances and attacking threat, and end the game equal on goals. The importance of this fixture only aggravates me more. That’s football though, and that’s how it always has been and always
will be. This is an odd way is relatively comforting, as it provides a reason for the gut-wrenching equalisers, last minute goals, and referring decisions that shock and disgust supporters across the
globe
One thing I can’t explain or justify is the barrage of texts I received following Wednesday’s game. ‘RAFA DONT NO WOT HES DOIN’, and ‘RAFAS GOTTA GO NOW’, just two
examples, from two moronic friends, who support Liverpool. These friends didn’t receive replies, I think my inactive thumbs spoke volumes, but hopefully they’ve read this and thought about
their knee-jerk views. No doubt they’ve got the head in the clouds, reading tabloid trash about Rafa, and not other more valued sources.
This blog started out as simple match reports, but due to off-pitch rumours and problems, it’s developed into something else.
Positivity and not frustration is what’s needed however. Rafa will be telling his team to focus on 2 important Premier league games, starting with Birmingham at Anfield on Monday, with Man
City’s visit in two weeks.
6 points before the trip to Hungary, followed by the shorter journey to Goodison will then be on the agenda. One game at a time.
Fiorentina need to win against Lyon to cement their place in the last 16. As long as we win in Hungary, and Lyon don’t lose in Italy, then the game at Anfield in early December has the
possibility of another magical European night.
If Johnson, Skrtel, Aurelio, Riera, Gerrard, Torres and Aquilani all fit for that game, with Liverpool needing a win, even a 3-goal winning margin, well, it’s been stated already in the press,
miracles do happen at Liverpool Football Club. This event wouldn’t be regarded in the same vein as turning water into wine, or walking on water, just a resolute and focused team, performing to
their ability, fighting for each other and believing in themselves.
Walk into any pub in Manchester and a common question to ask would be, ‘are you and blue or red’? In Liverpool the same question used to be asked, but now it’s being followed with by, ‘and are you pro or anti Rafa?
No club that has won 1 of their last 8 games are going to be happy with their station. Such a run heightens the need for points, performance and stability. The current run at Liverpool is no different.
The heightened emotional feelings I felt prior to Matchday 4 were unlike most early November fixtures. This game meant so much and a good performance and 3 points were required, but not needed.
The former was achieved; unfortunately the 3 points were snatched from our paws in the cruellest of ways (credit to Lyon in that regard, they remained positive, it says a lot about a team that comes from behind, that’s why Manchester United have been so successful under Ferguson, he instils that belief and determination in players.
Two injury time goals have cost us dearly against Lyon. If we’d resisted their late onslaughts we’d have the same points, however in the world of injury time we’re 6 points inferior. Why can’t Football have a buzzer at the culmination of a game like Rugby League and save us all the torture of additional minutes.
After Wednesday’s game and the manner of the draw, which felt (and still feels) like a crushing defeat and the end of Champions League football for the season, it’s difficult to see positivity and plus-points.
I’ll try to though…
We went to Lyon, the best team in France, and played them off the park. Apart from the goal, and Reina coming off his line twice; one sorting out a defensive mix-up with Kyrgiakos, the other intervening with his head, I can’t remember our no.25 having much to do.
We had the lion’s share of possession, and created several chances with it. Torres’ snap shot after 12 minutes was unlucky to be fired into the keeper’s leg (a keeper who had a very good game); Kuyt forced a fine save soon after from a relatively tame but clever shot/lob/poke that was tipped over the bar; Voronin (who I don’t think is of the calibre needed at the club, but we can’t afford anyone else) should have scored in the 1st half when his excellent run resulted in an unconfident effort being saved by ?????????; Babel’s shot was as clean and as fierce a shot as you’ll see all season, which even caused a Manchester United supporting friend of mine to text with his approval.
People say Benitez doesn’t make astute substitutions, and there didn’t seem to be much praise in Thursday’s newspapers for his introduction of the Dutchman on this occasion, how strange.
In midfield Mascherano and Lucas stultified and contained Lyon’s creative force, while cleverly distributing possession, to begin spells of attacking play with composure and intelligence.
Daniel Agger, who was playing with a back injury, showcased his in-depth understanding of the game, tracking runs, winning balls and making runs with the ball into and beyond midfield, something much needed from central defenders at Liverpool.
Despite his lack of pace Carragher made positive, bold runs down the right flank, wanting to continue in the same vein as the faster, and more attack-minded full-backs at the club; Insua, Johnson, Degen and Aurelio.
Benayoun and Kuyt saw much of the ball and posed problems for the opposing defenders throughout. It still frustrates and bewilders me that a team can have so much of the possession, goal
chances and attacking threat, and end the game equal on goals. The importance of this fixture only aggravates me more. That’s football though, and that’s how it always has been and always
will be. This is an odd way is relatively comforting, as it provides a reason for the gut-wrenching equalisers, last minute goals, and referring decisions that shock and disgust supporters across the
globe
One thing I can’t explain or justify is the barrage of texts I received following Wednesday’s game. ‘RAFA DONT NO WOT HES DOIN’, and ‘RAFAS GOTTA GO NOW’, just two
examples, from two moronic friends, who support Liverpool. These friends didn’t receive replies, I think my inactive thumbs spoke volumes, but hopefully they’ve read this and thought about
their knee-jerk views. No doubt they’ve got the head in the clouds, reading tabloid trash about Rafa, and not other more valued sources.
This blog started out as simple match reports, but due to off-pitch rumours and problems, it’s developed into something else.
Positivity and not frustration is what’s needed however. Rafa will be telling his team to focus on 2 important Premier league games, starting with Birmingham at Anfield on Monday, with Man
City’s visit in two weeks.
6 points before the trip to Hungary, followed by the shorter journey to Goodison will then be on the agenda. One game at a time.
Fiorentina need to win against Lyon to cement their place in the last 16. As long as we win in Hungary, and Lyon don’t lose in Italy, then the game at Anfield in early December has the
possibility of another magical European night.
If Johnson, Skrtel, Aurelio, Riera, Gerrard, Torres and Aquilani all fit for that game, with Liverpool needing a win, even a 3-goal winning margin, well, it’s been stated already in the press,
miracles do happen at Liverpool Football Club. This event wouldn’t be regarded in the same vein as turning water into wine, or walking on water, just a resolute and focused team, performing to
their ability, fighting for each other and believing in themselves.
Tuesday, 3 November 2009
Spooky goings on at Craven Cottage
31st October - Fulham Vs Liverpool (Premiership)
Let’s get one thing straight. This was not a hopeless performance from Liverpool. After 60 minutes we were competing with Fulham, a team revolutionised under the stewardship of Roy Hodgson.
The list of absentees receiving treatment at Melwood is a further thorn in Rafa's side, while poor referring decisions, coupled with misfortune (Kuyt keeping the ball in, Benayoun hitting the bar), did nothing to help on the day.
Looking for positives, Liverpool’s right-back gave an astute display attacking throughout, continuing where he left off on Wednesday. He was lively in support of Kuyt, until Mr Mason deemed his foul, a red card, when surely a yellow would have been more fitting.
It was Degan’s cross headed on by Voronin for Torres to power home, while a delivery from the Belgian’s was controlled exquisitely by Benayoun, whose resulting shot rebounded off Schwarzer’s woodwork.
If Yossi had scored, prior to Fulham’s opener when were in the ascendancy with the lion's share of possession, it may well have been a different story. However, it’s small details like this that are so so important in football.
Look at Kuyt, busting a gut to keep a ball in play, only for possession to be given to the opposition and the Reina picking the ball out of his net 10 seconds later, so so annoying.
This is not to say this was a wonderful display of the beautiful game in West London. Insua’s unawareness and defensive lapses can be sighted as the contributing factor for Fulham's first two goals, while being inferior by 2 men, with heads dropping the third was inevitable.
Kyrgiakos doesn’t appear to be in the same class as the three other centre-halves at Anfield, but its not Rafa’s fault he only had £1.5m to spend on a back up defender, and he's only been at the club for a matter of months, so it's still early days.
To address another sub-plot from the weekend; Benitez can not be criticised for removing Torres after 63 minutes. Who is anyone in the media to question Rafa's understanding of his players?
Torres has been injured and is recovering from an injury, and he brings too much to the team to risk losing him long-term.
People in the pub where I watched Saturday's game were jumping up and down, cursing Rafa for bringing Torres off. People who display such ignorance need to stop and think for a moment as to why the manager is doing what he is doing. Rafa works with his players’ everyday, he knows how fit they are, even if they try and pull the wool over his eyes.
It’s what he does for a living. As for the substitutions of Kuyt and Benayoun, they are needed for Wednesday, and they need to be fresh.
The game was over by the time they left the turf at Craven Cottage, and if we are to progress from Group E they are important players, when you consider that Gerrard, Johnson, Skrtel and Aurelio are unavailable, with question marks surrounding several other key, first team players.
Away defeats in the league at Chelsea and Tottenham are hardly shameful, while The Stadium of Light and Craven Cottage are developing into tricky away days.
I’m obviously disappointed that these results didn’t go our way, but for a squad that is smaller and less expensive than its’ rivals (Man Utd, Spurs, Chelsea, Man City, Tottenham, Arsenal) suffering from multiple injuries, with unrest mounting between owners and fans and owners and management, it’s meant that season has not developed as expected.
Rafa can only organise, inform and prepare the players available to him. He’s had his back to wall on previous occasions; let’s hope this November can be another fighting time for the Reds.
Let’s get one thing straight. This was not a hopeless performance from Liverpool. After 60 minutes we were competing with Fulham, a team revolutionised under the stewardship of Roy Hodgson.
The list of absentees receiving treatment at Melwood is a further thorn in Rafa's side, while poor referring decisions, coupled with misfortune (Kuyt keeping the ball in, Benayoun hitting the bar), did nothing to help on the day.
Looking for positives, Liverpool’s right-back gave an astute display attacking throughout, continuing where he left off on Wednesday. He was lively in support of Kuyt, until Mr Mason deemed his foul, a red card, when surely a yellow would have been more fitting.
It was Degan’s cross headed on by Voronin for Torres to power home, while a delivery from the Belgian’s was controlled exquisitely by Benayoun, whose resulting shot rebounded off Schwarzer’s woodwork.
If Yossi had scored, prior to Fulham’s opener when were in the ascendancy with the lion's share of possession, it may well have been a different story. However, it’s small details like this that are so so important in football.
Look at Kuyt, busting a gut to keep a ball in play, only for possession to be given to the opposition and the Reina picking the ball out of his net 10 seconds later, so so annoying.
This is not to say this was a wonderful display of the beautiful game in West London. Insua’s unawareness and defensive lapses can be sighted as the contributing factor for Fulham's first two goals, while being inferior by 2 men, with heads dropping the third was inevitable.
Kyrgiakos doesn’t appear to be in the same class as the three other centre-halves at Anfield, but its not Rafa’s fault he only had £1.5m to spend on a back up defender, and he's only been at the club for a matter of months, so it's still early days.
To address another sub-plot from the weekend; Benitez can not be criticised for removing Torres after 63 minutes. Who is anyone in the media to question Rafa's understanding of his players?
Torres has been injured and is recovering from an injury, and he brings too much to the team to risk losing him long-term.
People in the pub where I watched Saturday's game were jumping up and down, cursing Rafa for bringing Torres off. People who display such ignorance need to stop and think for a moment as to why the manager is doing what he is doing. Rafa works with his players’ everyday, he knows how fit they are, even if they try and pull the wool over his eyes.
It’s what he does for a living. As for the substitutions of Kuyt and Benayoun, they are needed for Wednesday, and they need to be fresh.
The game was over by the time they left the turf at Craven Cottage, and if we are to progress from Group E they are important players, when you consider that Gerrard, Johnson, Skrtel and Aurelio are unavailable, with question marks surrounding several other key, first team players.
Away defeats in the league at Chelsea and Tottenham are hardly shameful, while The Stadium of Light and Craven Cottage are developing into tricky away days.
I’m obviously disappointed that these results didn’t go our way, but for a squad that is smaller and less expensive than its’ rivals (Man Utd, Spurs, Chelsea, Man City, Tottenham, Arsenal) suffering from multiple injuries, with unrest mounting between owners and fans and owners and management, it’s meant that season has not developed as expected.
Rafa can only organise, inform and prepare the players available to him. He’s had his back to wall on previous occasions; let’s hope this November can be another fighting time for the Reds.
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