Liverpool 1 PSV 0
Team of the day..
Reina, Riise, Hyypia (captain), Agger, Arbeloa, Zenden, Sissoko, Alonso, Pennant, Crouch, Bellamy.
Subs - Dudek, Gerrard MBE, Paletta, Mascherano, Gonzalez, Fowler, Carragher
Match Highlights..
Louis' Comments..
With a 3-0 lead, Liverpool was as I expected, didn't went out firing, instead, kept possession of the ball and making sure that PSV don't have chance of comebacks. Rafa put up a less-strong team with Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher, Steve Finnan rested.
When I switch on the TV, I saw Sami Hyypia being the captain. It's been sometime we seen the big Finn wearing the armband for us.
The match wasn't a spectacular as Liverpool was just trying to keep the ball and protect their 3 goals lead. However, PSV had a chance early with Farfan header being tipped over by Reina. If that would have gone in, things might have different.
No teams were willing to put up the gear and Liverpool had some chances though. We managed to score a goal through Peter Crouch after we had some space due to the sent off to PSV. Riise put a low cross from the left and was deflected the goal. Gomes made a great save, however, Fowler was there to cross the ball back to Crouch to put in this 18th goal of the season.
Xabi Alonso was playing well in the middle and I believe he's such an important player for us. Whenever he's around, he stabilizes the midfield and give rooms for the rest to roam and attack. Last night, he was just doing his job in front of the back four and I really thought he did it really well. His control and tackling was spot on and Liverpool really need him around to achieve more. Well done Xabi!
Another player who did improve last night is Momo Sissoko. Yes, we just know how bad his passing and control is. However, he played last night's match pretty well. His control was much better and passing was not as bad as before. His runs and tackling made a presence in the middle. You may argue that it's just a match performance, but I guess any improvement is always good and I really hope that Momo can play better from now.
Craig Bellamy was stretchered early in the first half and it didn't look good as he tackled the ball while defending for us. I hope that he's okay and ready to play for us. He can provide Liverpool another type of approach and it's good to have more options up front. I pray hard it's not too serious.
Most importantly, we had done our job and enter the Champions League Semi-final. With a 4-0 aggregate, I believe that our job was already done at The Philips Stadium.
No doubts, we were the better team over the 2 legs and at this moment, we might go all the way.
Chelsea is the next stop and history may repeat itself. You'll just never know..
You'll Never Walk Alone..
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