LIVERPOOL 4 ARSENAL 1
Team of the day..
Reina, Aurelio, Agger, Carragher, Arbeloa, Gonzalez, Alonso, Mascherano, Pennant, Gerrard MBE (captain), Crouch.
Subs - Dudek, Riise, Kuyt, Zenden, Fowler
Match Highlights..
Louis' Comments..
Finally, a win for us against the Gunners this season. We've suffered 3 defeats against them so far. The League (3-0), the Fa Cup (3-1) and lastly the League Cup (6-3). Fortunately, the fourth time wasn't a lost, it's a massive win for us.
When I saw the starting line-up on the liverpoolfc.tv, I was pleased to see Peter Crouch up front and Steven Gerrard playing on the free role. In my opinion, Liverpool tends to play better with this formation. With 5 in the middle and one lone striker up front. Of course, during the game, the formation is so flexible that the overall play of the team would be interchangeable. This is what I like about Rafa's tactics.
We started the game really well and Peter Crouch scored the first goal. A brillant team-play by Pennant and Arbeloa on the right flank and Crouch was the first to react in front of the defender to stuck the ball home. 1-0 Liverpool!
Arsenal was keeping the ball and had many possession. However, our defence was disciplined and we didn't give them any much spaces. Julio Basptisa had a chance at our penalty area, and his shot went wide. Now I understand why Arsenal fans are furious to hear that Arsene Wenger is going to sign him for 15 million.
Few minutes later, we added another. Alonso took a quick free-kick to Fabio Aurelio. Our Brazilian left back crossed a beauty and Crouch scored his second with his mighty header. 2-0 Liverpool!
Second half starts and Arsenal had a chance through Adebayo. He had a shot outside the area and unfortunately for him, his shot hit Reina left hand post. Reina saw it late and for this, we had some luck. Later on, Adebayo's header was well saved by Reina and his save hit against the same left post again. GOOD SAVE Reina!
Fabio Aurelio's freekick was well met with Agger's header and that's was our third goal! Excellent crossing bu Fabio and he's enjoying his game out there. Teammates were congratulating Fabio for this goal as well. 3-0 Liverpool
Although we were 3 goals ahead, I was saying that we can't allow Arsenal to score. We can't give them any breathing space. Arsenal is a capable team and if we become complacent, I believe they can punish us.
They indeed got one back. A corner from the right and we didn't win the first ball. Adebayor flicked on towards goal and Gallas just deflected it into the goal. 3-1 Arsenal.
The Arsenal players were gaining some confidence and started to threaten Liverpool's defence. I was beginning to worry a little despite of the 2 goal lead. Arsenal was beginning to play their swift and fast football. Luckily for us, we managed to hang on.
Rafa was beginning to make substitutions and I was afraid that Peter Crouch would be taken off. Rafa just loves doing that. I wanted Peter to get his hat-trick. He was playing really well out there and his touches were world class. His efforts did paid off. He managed to score his third. A ball from Pennant from the right found him in the penalty area. His excellent footwork fooled Kolo Toure and he shot past Lehmann with his left foot. Brilliant goal! 4-1 Liverpool.
With the score 4-1, I was beginning to feel more at ease. Liverpool themselves knew that they were going to win the game. Controlled the last few minutes of the game and our "You'll Never Walk Alone" was great as ever.
The win was a well-deserved one and I was glad that 3 points belonged to us. The team played really well and special praise to several players. Mascherano, Aurelio, Arbeloa. These 3 players put up a superb performance and it's great to see them link up with the team really well.
My match of the match will definitely Peter Crouch. The man who made all the difference!
It's a good win. Let's enjoy this, and look forward to Wednesday game against PSV. Come on Liverpool! Let's end the season on a high!
You'll Never Walk Alone..
2 comments:
Definitely a step in the right direction Louis`.
I too was more than pleased to see both Gerrard playing a roaming midfield role, and Momo nowhere to be seen!
Pennant has been playing really well and deserves more first team opportunities. The fact that he had a direct hand in two goals is proof enough.
Now to keep that momentum going into midweek...
Yes, it's true. Gerrard was having a free role which I believe he enjoys playing.
Pennant played well and he's improving each time he plays. Hope to see him maintain that form and be disciplined.
Hope that this will be a boost to our CL game against PSV.
Cheers.
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