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.