Off the blocks
Being starved for nearly three months, I just realised how much I missed the match. Meeting a couple of the lads I haven't seen in those three months was good, most of them sporting a nice tan, between the lines saying they had a good Summer.
But cometh the first match of the season, the Summer was forgot and put aside, and it felt good to be back following the eleven men sporting the Liverbird. Imagine having the same feeling going back to work after a long lay-off. But then again real life and football are so many times poles apart.
And if anything, the last ten minutes of the match really defined a roller-coaster. It is a cheap and over-used cliche but for the life of me I can't think of anything more poignant. Liverpool were firmly on track, creating chances and winding down the last minutes on the clock. They were comfortable. Then, out of nothing came the hand-ball in the penalty area with the over-eager Riley snatching on like a hungry cat does on cream, and that sick feeling of deja-vu hits your stomach. So much like last season it felt. Mostly in control, chances created, chances missed, punishment at the other end of the field, valuable points lost.
Two minutes later though the skipper stepped up. He won a free-kick, set himself up, bends the ball over the wall, past the keeper's reach and voila some mad celebrations. A moment of genius at a crucial time with the chips being down.
Steven Gerrard yesterday had a superlative day. He seems to be in an optimal frame of mind. His body language which uncovers so much of him is showing it. He looks made up with his place in the middle of the pitch, and he is eager to prove his boss that is where he belongs - in the thick of things, pulling the strings, and going forward when the chance presents itself. I have counted three very good attempts on target apart from his goal, which brought good saves off the keeper Taylor and Gardener's body. Loose balls in the opposition penalty area are less likely to go begging with him starting from the middle. And in such an inspired form, at the very end he showed another priceless quality - resolve, and did his day and Liverpool's justice, their efforts deserved.
At twenty-seven years of age, he is now at his very peak and maturing. He is saying the right words off the pitch and can make all the difference for a succesful season from a good season for Liverpool F.C.
And yesterday while him being the shining star, he was surrounded by other eager, confident and hungry lads. The first goal of the season was only an own goal, but the lead was surely deserved. Gerrard created the move by a through-pass, the self-less Kuyt dummied, Torres got the ball, rode a tackle and his effort brought out a good save off Taylor. Kuyt grasped the rebound before going away to a corner, cut the ball in and Laursen did the job for the lads waiting to pounce in.
A more than a decent start, and the first three points on the opening day since 2002. This was miles better than than last year's trip to Bramall Lane and justified the big wait for the first kick-off.
Being starved for nearly three months, I just realised how much I missed the match. Meeting a couple of the lads I haven't seen in those three months was good, most of them sporting a nice tan, between the lines saying they had a good Summer.
But cometh the first match of the season, the Summer was forgot and put aside, and it felt good to be back following the eleven men sporting the Liverbird. Imagine having the same feeling going back to work after a long lay-off. But then again real life and football are so many times poles apart.
And if anything, the last ten minutes of the match really defined a roller-coaster. It is a cheap and over-used cliche but for the life of me I can't think of anything more poignant. Liverpool were firmly on track, creating chances and winding down the last minutes on the clock. They were comfortable. Then, out of nothing came the hand-ball in the penalty area with the over-eager Riley snatching on like a hungry cat does on cream, and that sick feeling of deja-vu hits your stomach. So much like last season it felt. Mostly in control, chances created, chances missed, punishment at the other end of the field, valuable points lost.
Two minutes later though the skipper stepped up. He won a free-kick, set himself up, bends the ball over the wall, past the keeper's reach and voila some mad celebrations. A moment of genius at a crucial time with the chips being down.
Steven Gerrard yesterday had a superlative day. He seems to be in an optimal frame of mind. His body language which uncovers so much of him is showing it. He looks made up with his place in the middle of the pitch, and he is eager to prove his boss that is where he belongs - in the thick of things, pulling the strings, and going forward when the chance presents itself. I have counted three very good attempts on target apart from his goal, which brought good saves off the keeper Taylor and Gardener's body. Loose balls in the opposition penalty area are less likely to go begging with him starting from the middle. And in such an inspired form, at the very end he showed another priceless quality - resolve, and did his day and Liverpool's justice, their efforts deserved.
At twenty-seven years of age, he is now at his very peak and maturing. He is saying the right words off the pitch and can make all the difference for a succesful season from a good season for Liverpool F.C.
And yesterday while him being the shining star, he was surrounded by other eager, confident and hungry lads. The first goal of the season was only an own goal, but the lead was surely deserved. Gerrard created the move by a through-pass, the self-less Kuyt dummied, Torres got the ball, rode a tackle and his effort brought out a good save off Taylor. Kuyt grasped the rebound before going away to a corner, cut the ball in and Laursen did the job for the lads waiting to pounce in.
A more than a decent start, and the first three points on the opening day since 2002. This was miles better than than last year's trip to Bramall Lane and justified the big wait for the first kick-off.
posted by jean paul at 12:35 pm
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