Truly a game of two halves

Such an age old Football expression that is banded around my commentators, but indeed an accurate description of the recent Premiership game at Anfield.

After dominating the first 45 minutes against a poor Arsenal, Liverpool’s lost their way in the second period, as the Wenger rant rallied his troops who punished the unconfident home team.

We were probably unlucky to go into the break only one up, as Gallas was fortunate to escape two penalty appeals from the home team, as he collided with Gerrard and Torres in the box.

Early exchanges between the ‘two-men’ of Liverpool brought back memories of the telepathic like understanding that was evident throughout last season, was has so far deluded the two, because of prolonged time on the bench and dips in form and confidence, all factors that Rafa is powerless to control.

Unfortunate own-goals are another element of football matches that managers can’t intervene with, and Glen Johnson’s contribution to Arsenal’s tally was unavoidable after taking a couple of deflections en route to this right foot. This put the visitors in the ascendancy.

In the same way that Cameron Jerome scored a breath taking goal against Liverpool, Arshavin’s shot was of a similar quality. After tormenting Liverpool in April, the little Russian continued in a similar vein on Sunday. His wonder strike was northing short of unstoppable. Two Reina’s wouldn’t have kept it out.

Arsenal fighting spirit and confidence prevailed, has our heads dropped and we faded badly, unable to discover a cutting edge in the final third.

It was interesting that not since October 2003 had a visiting team come from behind to win at Anfield. Rafa has clearly instilled a focus and desire in his men, meaning their performances are constant throughout.

After 1 point for the previous 3 games it is difficult to see the positives and remain as calm as Rafa is.

I will try.

The final Champions League game was a nothing game. 3rd spot, and a place in the last 32 of the Europa League was secured. It was a chance to try younger, more inexperienced players and rest others, which Rafa did.

Another injury time goal ensured Liverpool suffered their 3 defeat in Group E, but at least more players were added to the list of the injured.

Prior to the Fiorentina game, Blackburn won a point at Anfield, with the typical workmen like performance lesser teams adopt when facing superior opposition.

This is not an attack of Blackburn, but it’s frustrating that such teams are not being punished and beaten by Liverpool at the moment.

Blackburn defended doggedly, and such determination and organised defending has to be applauding. They were resolute and withstood all that the Reds had to throw at them.

For all the forward and attacking play we made, the telling break through never materialised. Perhaps a team high on confidence with momentum behind them would have found them easier to break down. We’ll never know.

Glen Johnson ran tirelessly throughout, while Ngog effort which ricocheted off the bar took a diversion as it was played across to him, meaning it bobbled in front of him, making the chance much more difficult to convert.

It’s hard to see where a 10 game winning run will appear but with 3 very much winnable games next, surely the tide will start to turn.

If maximum points can be taken from these 3 games, maybe, just maybe the table will look a bit more appealing to LFC fans.

It’s important to note that following the next 3 games, is the start of the FA Cup, sandwiched between games against Aston Villa and Tottenham.

Villa’s emergence as been of high interest to me this season. While Tottenham and Man City have impressed many this season, Villa have also shone brightly.

Their England connection (Young, Milner, Heskey, Agbonlahor, Downing) makes them popular with the daily newspaper, but their victories against Chelsea, United and Us this season makes them creditable and potential Top Four material. Victory at Villa Park would be a great way to end 2010, a boost confidence. But 3 lesser, but equally deadly obstacles need dealing with first.