Well, not exactly a top class display, but I think we can be thankful that we've come away with a win. Benitez picked the wrong side, but some inspired substitutions saved the day.
Reina (7). Fcuk all to do for most of the game, but one inspired save at the end saved us.
Finnan (6). Did better supporting the attack than he did in defence, where he lost his man on occasion, but overall better than average.
Hyypia (6). Not his best display ever, and badly caught out along with most of the defence for the goal, but largely untroubled apart from the odd moment.
Carragher (6). Looked a bit rusty, but I love him, so 6.
Riise (6). Again, looked a bit wobbly at times, especially in the first half, but attacked well in the second and showed some nice touches.
Alonso (5). By his stellar standards, I thought El Surgeon was ordinary. Some passing was typically sublime, but too often missed his targets and looked horribly one-paced at times.
Sissoko (7). I've been critical, and still wince at some of his frankly loopy decison-making, but his passing looks to have improved tremendously, got through a huge amount of work and even had a shot on target!
The Weeble (2). ****e.
Tennants (7). MOTM. So great to see a proper winger, taking players on, delivering crosses, trickery, determination. A very promising debut. Well done, Asbo.
Gerrard (6). Hmmmmm. Didn't really work in any position, but still our most dynamic and determined player. Too far forward in support of Bellamy, retarded to play him left. He must play in the middle, or in a roaming role. Support striker? No, he's too constricted. If he's the spare man, don't make him support a striker, let him loose wherever. Otherwise, play him in central midfield. Benitez hasn't got a clue what to do with Stevie G and THAT is a worry.
Bellamy (7). Old no-neck was a constant pest and full-time menace. Plenty of pace, trickery and a goal. Bit disappointed to see him wandering - a la Henry - over to the wings, when he must KNOW there's no one else in the box, but overall, well happy. Great if we got another striker in to play next to him.
Subs:
Garcia (6). Always makes things happen, Great player
Rodders (4). Not much to get excited about.
Gonzo (7). GOALGOALGOALGOALGOAL. Should have started.
Reina (7). Fcuk all to do for most of the game, but one inspired save at the end saved us.
Finnan (6). Did better supporting the attack than he did in defence, where he lost his man on occasion, but overall better than average.
Hyypia (6). Not his best display ever, and badly caught out along with most of the defence for the goal, but largely untroubled apart from the odd moment.
Carragher (6). Looked a bit rusty, but I love him, so 6.
Riise (6). Again, looked a bit wobbly at times, especially in the first half, but attacked well in the second and showed some nice touches.
Alonso (5). By his stellar standards, I thought El Surgeon was ordinary. Some passing was typically sublime, but too often missed his targets and looked horribly one-paced at times.
Sissoko (7). I've been critical, and still wince at some of his frankly loopy decison-making, but his passing looks to have improved tremendously, got through a huge amount of work and even had a shot on target!
The Weeble (2). ****e.
Tennants (7). MOTM. So great to see a proper winger, taking players on, delivering crosses, trickery, determination. A very promising debut. Well done, Asbo.
Gerrard (6). Hmmmmm. Didn't really work in any position, but still our most dynamic and determined player. Too far forward in support of Bellamy, retarded to play him left. He must play in the middle, or in a roaming role. Support striker? No, he's too constricted. If he's the spare man, don't make him support a striker, let him loose wherever. Otherwise, play him in central midfield. Benitez hasn't got a clue what to do with Stevie G and THAT is a worry.
Bellamy (7). Old no-neck was a constant pest and full-time menace. Plenty of pace, trickery and a goal. Bit disappointed to see him wandering - a la Henry - over to the wings, when he must KNOW there's no one else in the box, but overall, well happy. Great if we got another striker in to play next to him.
Subs:
Garcia (6). Always makes things happen, Great player
Rodders (4). Not much to get excited about.
Gonzo (7). GOALGOALGOALGOALGOAL. Should have started.
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