Last night’s match with Spurs brought in a gust of optimism, and although our play is still leagues away from the quality we displayed last season, there were very encouraging signs of recovery and belief.
The game produced so many positives. The crowd, apart from a lull between the 80th and 85th minute in which perhaps many imagined another end of game drama, was behind the team all the way, even chanting Rafa’s name towards the end which the Spaniard acknowledged with his customary aplomb.
Okay, so here is how I saw it, performance wise:
Reina – secure and decisive apart from an early second half amnesia which nearly cost us dearly. Fortress!
Carragher – If all Liverpool players show his commitment, we’d be invincible. Pure Passion!
Skrtel – Never lost concentration and cancelled Defoe almost completely from the game. Gladiator!
Kyrgiakos – At time reminded me of Hyppia (I said reminded me). Won the battle with Crouchie hands down. Zeus!
Insua – Modric gave him a hard time in the first half, but he was much better in the second. Diehard!
Degen – Mr.Smiley almost had his head bashed in. His open goal missed chance in the second half was almost comical. 9/10 on effort, 5/10 on effectiveness. Blade runner!
Mascherano – He mastered the midfield were Palacios usually dominates. Hope he signs the contract extension. Pitbull!
Lucas – He tries, and tries. He runs his socks off. Like Mascherano, his distribution lacks quality, but you cannot not commend the lad on sheer diehard effort. Marathon Man!
Riera – for someone that had been laid off for nine weeks or so, he covered a lot of ground and helped Insua incessantly. He was a greater threat in the second half and also hit the crossbar. Power!
Aquilani – this lad has class. Once he adapts to the speed of the English game we will see his true worth. His touches and passes at times are sheer bliss. In Italy he used to go more for goal, so some more confidence will get him there. Quality!
Kuyt – Still messes up that first touch at times, but he lead the attack yesterday and did it brilliantly. He scored a sublime first goal and kept as cool as ice in the penalty retake. Resurrection!
Rafa – Prepared the game well. The players were determined, concentrated and highly motivated. The substations were spot on, especially Ngog. Great win against a direct competitor for 4th spot. Relieved!
Ngog – Was a difference the young Frenchman made on this game when he got on the pitch. Sent the Spurs back four in total panic, and Gomez on red alert. A few good tries and a penalty in 10 minutes were masterful! Supersub!
Maxi – He covered Insua on the flank when he got on. I’d love to see him on from the first minute against Wolves. Promising!
Darby – He barely got to his position when Webb whistled the end of the match! Better late than never!
Commitment, passion, drive, belief, persistence, concentration, tactical discipline. They were all there last night. If we manage to display such attitude in the games to come, we can really start timidly believing in giving the other contenders a good run for their money for 4th spot.