A tough 9 days of Football

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.