Winning Ugly is better than Losing Ugly.

Liverpool Vs Portsmouth/Wolves 19th/26th December

A reaction to a dismay display on the south-coast was followed on Boxing Day with a much needed 3 points even though the performance lacked some zest. The tiredness of Aquilani and Torres is understandable considering the lack of games the two have played, but it was promising that the latter lasted the full 90, while the former got 84 minutes under his belt.

The game began and we were positive, pressing Wolves and playing our football in their final third.

But the response from the opposition came, and we failed to handle it at time, their confidence grew, and while they didn’t create any clear cut chances of merit, the longer the score remained 0-0, as the nervous inside Anfield jangled.

It’s frustrating that come Xmas, the team has not had the opportunity to gel like we hoped. The spine of Gerrard, Torres and Aquilani has simply not had the fitness, confidence, form and playing time, while other players have not been shining.

It’s a lot to expect players to work in unison so quickly, in fact, it’s unrealistic.

Aquilani looked off the pace, he was shattered when he departed the field, but it’s positive that he’s playing now, while Torres seemed petulant and frustrated throughout. Gerrard’s sub-standard season continued, but hopefully his goal will give him, and his teammates a much needed boost.

A response to the shambolic display at Portsmouth was imperative, and with two top four contenders to next play in the league, another 6 points would be most welcome.