Liverpool started this new era under new custodians in the best possible way as it Craig Bellamy only six minutes to silence the Geordie boo boys and the stick the ball into their net to put Liverpool infront. Seeing Liverpool going in front, especially against a team that boast Titus Bramble in their back four is a safe bet or even a banker for a Liverpool win.
However, strange things do happen and the first strange happening was on the twenty-sixth minute when Pepe Reina left his line to clear a through pass for Obafemi Martins who was being taken care of by Christian Agger. Pepe Reina was first to the ball and seemed another good decision by the reliable keeper. His clearance though rather than averting the danger only presented the Nigerian with a clear route to goal and and unguarded net.
It looked to be a mere setback on the route to a Liverpool win, or else just an episode in another classic between these two teams, as the Reds just pegged the Barcodes into their own half and shells. Craig Bellamy in particular, took the matter very personally and only the crossbar eluded him another personal sweet moment.
One minute on the stipulated forty-five minutes, the referee signalled the end of the first half, however his whistle also signalled the end of the Liverpool momentum. Dirk Kuyt's golden chance was the only exception, and talking about the Dutch, lately he seems to be rather out of place higging the touch-line rather than involved in the very thick of the action and partnering the other striker upfront.
As strange as it felt seeing Liverpool surrendering their lead, the meek response to going one down especially away from Anfield felt familiar. Rafael Benitez's response outlined the limitations of the squad on the day. Alvaro Arbeloa who claims to be more of a right-back rather than a right-winger came in for Bolo Zenden whilst the rookie Danny Guthrie replaced Jermaine Pennant. The only striker on the bench Peter Crouch was given less than ten minutes to make his mark.
The duel with Arsenal for the third place now intensifies, with the latter having to face Wigan in their own stadium. It seems that apart from surrendering a lead, even a position in the table will have to be surrendered.
Liverpool have now eleven days to take this disappointing reversal out of their system. A training camp at Algarve and the prospect of facing Barcelona at the Nou Camp in the Champions League last sixteen should be much more than enough to write off yesterday as just a bad day in the office consigned to the recycle bin.
However, strange things do happen and the first strange happening was on the twenty-sixth minute when Pepe Reina left his line to clear a through pass for Obafemi Martins who was being taken care of by Christian Agger. Pepe Reina was first to the ball and seemed another good decision by the reliable keeper. His clearance though rather than averting the danger only presented the Nigerian with a clear route to goal and and unguarded net.
It looked to be a mere setback on the route to a Liverpool win, or else just an episode in another classic between these two teams, as the Reds just pegged the Barcodes into their own half and shells. Craig Bellamy in particular, took the matter very personally and only the crossbar eluded him another personal sweet moment.
One minute on the stipulated forty-five minutes, the referee signalled the end of the first half, however his whistle also signalled the end of the Liverpool momentum. Dirk Kuyt's golden chance was the only exception, and talking about the Dutch, lately he seems to be rather out of place higging the touch-line rather than involved in the very thick of the action and partnering the other striker upfront.
As strange as it felt seeing Liverpool surrendering their lead, the meek response to going one down especially away from Anfield felt familiar. Rafael Benitez's response outlined the limitations of the squad on the day. Alvaro Arbeloa who claims to be more of a right-back rather than a right-winger came in for Bolo Zenden whilst the rookie Danny Guthrie replaced Jermaine Pennant. The only striker on the bench Peter Crouch was given less than ten minutes to make his mark.
The duel with Arsenal for the third place now intensifies, with the latter having to face Wigan in their own stadium. It seems that apart from surrendering a lead, even a position in the table will have to be surrendered.
Liverpool have now eleven days to take this disappointing reversal out of their system. A training camp at Algarve and the prospect of facing Barcelona at the Nou Camp in the Champions League last sixteen should be much more than enough to write off yesterday as just a bad day in the office consigned to the recycle bin.
posted by jean paul at 12:14 pm
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