Admittedly, I haven’t really been looking that forward for this match. With the Steven Gerrard case at the back of my mind and, the constant glances at the league table and the forthcoming fixtures, I was seeing this rather as a distraction from the very bread and butter that is the league. Maybe being top in something somehow narrows your perspective on the wider scheme of things. Cometh the hour, this sense of indifference quickly subsided to nothing and with Steven Gerrard at the middle of the park, doing what he is born to instinctively do, this proved one very welcomed distraction and a reminder that the FA Cup is the oldest and one of the most beautiful competitions in the world.
While Liverpool and Preston North End have always moved in parallel directions, a common attribute in both club’s history books is the name of Bill Shankly, the father of modern Liverpool, who before taking the hotseat at Anfield back in 1959, he has plied his trade at Deepdale in their white shirt, back then without a tie. It was only fitting for the travelling Kop to chant the name of this extraordinary human being, that his human heart and stubbornness to succeed made so many people dare to believe and consequentially happy.
Preston North End treated the match as you would expect from a side currently doing well in their own league, and playing at home in front of their biggest crowd since 1972. Liverpool replied though with equal hard work and determination, confident with their status but leaving behind any trait of complacency. Couple with this, particularly on the twenty-fifth minute was the inventiveness of Albert Riera, whereby elegantly and on the green grass of Deepdale, made his way through a couple of defenders and finally rather than crossing he chose to unleash an unstoppable shot that the net graciously welcomed.
Liverpool did not stop there and continued pressing forward, often cutting through, but unfortunately on the day, Robbie Keane once again showed his old self in a red shirt, when presented with gilt-edged chances he either shot at the keeper or simply missed horribly. His confidence showed its state when just before half-time he was once again presented with a decent chance but rather than letting his striking instincts take hold, he opted to peculiarly pass to a more withdrawn Xabi Alonso.
The only taint on this match was actually the full withdrawal of Xabi Alonso at half-time, who midway through the second half appeared limping towards the Liverpool dugout accompanied with the club’s doctor. Apparently he had to stitch his instep, hopefully these six days till the encounter against Stoke at the Brittania would be ample to heal and see the Basque once again pulling the strings in the Liverpool midfield. With Xabi Alonso on the sidelines, rather than in the middle, Preston North End enjoyed more possession and were making frequent forays into Liverpool’s area, that tested Diego Cavalieri’s decision making rather than his agility.
Seventeen minutes from time, finally Fernando Torres returned on the pitch. His first touches showed the expected rustiness, but later at the very end, as you would expect he has put his name on the score-sheet. It was thanks to the impeccable altruism of the captain who with just the keeper to beat opted to pass to him to present him with the easiest of chances, and make the score 2-0.
It is maybe also apt to remind that while it is common knowledge that Liverpool are seven points to the good compared to last season, this time last year, the reds were rightly barracked from all quarters for an inept display in this same competition against Luton Town that finished in a 1-1 draw. Liverpool are today hungrier, meaner and simply more appetizing on all fronts.
While Liverpool and Preston North End have always moved in parallel directions, a common attribute in both club’s history books is the name of Bill Shankly, the father of modern Liverpool, who before taking the hotseat at Anfield back in 1959, he has plied his trade at Deepdale in their white shirt, back then without a tie. It was only fitting for the travelling Kop to chant the name of this extraordinary human being, that his human heart and stubbornness to succeed made so many people dare to believe and consequentially happy.
Preston North End treated the match as you would expect from a side currently doing well in their own league, and playing at home in front of their biggest crowd since 1972. Liverpool replied though with equal hard work and determination, confident with their status but leaving behind any trait of complacency. Couple with this, particularly on the twenty-fifth minute was the inventiveness of Albert Riera, whereby elegantly and on the green grass of Deepdale, made his way through a couple of defenders and finally rather than crossing he chose to unleash an unstoppable shot that the net graciously welcomed.
Liverpool did not stop there and continued pressing forward, often cutting through, but unfortunately on the day, Robbie Keane once again showed his old self in a red shirt, when presented with gilt-edged chances he either shot at the keeper or simply missed horribly. His confidence showed its state when just before half-time he was once again presented with a decent chance but rather than letting his striking instincts take hold, he opted to peculiarly pass to a more withdrawn Xabi Alonso.
The only taint on this match was actually the full withdrawal of Xabi Alonso at half-time, who midway through the second half appeared limping towards the Liverpool dugout accompanied with the club’s doctor. Apparently he had to stitch his instep, hopefully these six days till the encounter against Stoke at the Brittania would be ample to heal and see the Basque once again pulling the strings in the Liverpool midfield. With Xabi Alonso on the sidelines, rather than in the middle, Preston North End enjoyed more possession and were making frequent forays into Liverpool’s area, that tested Diego Cavalieri’s decision making rather than his agility.
Seventeen minutes from time, finally Fernando Torres returned on the pitch. His first touches showed the expected rustiness, but later at the very end, as you would expect he has put his name on the score-sheet. It was thanks to the impeccable altruism of the captain who with just the keeper to beat opted to pass to him to present him with the easiest of chances, and make the score 2-0.
It is maybe also apt to remind that while it is common knowledge that Liverpool are seven points to the good compared to last season, this time last year, the reds were rightly barracked from all quarters for an inept display in this same competition against Luton Town that finished in a 1-1 draw. Liverpool are today hungrier, meaner and simply more appetizing on all fronts.
posted by jean paul at 10:28 am
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