Originally posted by CAD
As long as Gerrard/Alonso and Carra/Agger had the strength to cover for Luis and Fabio we controlled the game. The first 45 mins we played them into the ground with power football. As the second half progressed the "back3" suffered from the "Fabio effect" and substitutions should have been made. That's when Momo was needed. After 55 mins and not before.
The leftside was a defensive disaster last night but created so much in the first 45 mins going forward that we didn't suffer that much from it. The Turks had their chances with crosses from their RM in the first half as well because Fabio was not to be seen out there. Poor Agger. It's Sami and Traoé all over again.
If Rafa had thrown Riise or even Warnock in after 55 mins and subed Garcia with Momo the two goals would never have happend.
Reina - Does not inspire confidence in the defense these days. Looking more and more like Dudek every day. 4,5.
Finnan - Wonderful cross for Crouch's goal. I love when he goes forward. He should be forced to make too runs every half upfield. Was involved in both goals from the Turks but the real problem lies elsewhere. 7.
Carra/Agger - Suffered from Fabios woeful defending. Agger basically played a CB and a LB at the same time. Carra spend too much time trying to close the gap. The entire Backline suffered from Fabio's exploits. Both goals came after initial crosses from our left side. I really don't think that they can be blamed for the two goals. It happens when the opponents gets to throw low pressure balls into our box time after time. They did well to hold down the fort for almost 60 mins! 6,5 for both.
Aurelio - Woeful positioning and no defeding whatsoever. It's all good that he did better on the ball and made some runs and passes upfield but if you can't fulfill the primary target, namely to defend, then your just not cutting it! I can't wait to get Riise back! 4.
Pennant - beat his man on several occations and looked really good in the first half. Created lot's of situations losing his marker. Really good 1st half. Lost a little in the second and needs more concentration on the final ball. Gave us drive and pace on the right wing in the 1st half and that is exactly what we need! 6,5.
Alonso - The pace and movement on the ball is lightning when Gerrard is in the midfield. Looked a little dazed and we didn't really see a lot of him. 6.
Gerrard - Just looks better at CM. Let's face it people. Gave us the speed we need in our passing and made us look like a team with drive and ambition. The first half was magic and this was all due to Gerrard. 7,5.
Garcia - From hero to zero. Took the happy boots off in the break and he should have stayed off with them. 6.
Kuyt - worked his ass off tonight as usual and looks sharp. Must be the best partner any striker could wish for in a 4-4-2! The reason Crouch could do what his good at. 7.
Crouch - Finally gets to do what he was meant to do. To stay and lurk in the box. Looked sharp when he had to and scored a wonderful goal. Didn't back track anywhere near as much as he used to because of Kuyt. Well done Crouch. A striker strikes and that is all that matters. Fair play Crouch. 8,5 and MOM.
Rafa - good team. We played the best football I have seen for a long time in the first half. Should have done something about Fabio sooner rather than later. 7,5 for three goals, 60 fantastic mins and Gerrard a CM!
Player of the day: Sukur - What a player. If you didn't love him before you will now. Thank God this 'has been' was at Anfield to safe the day with his 'deadly skill'. Looks like a 2CV going off-road.
The leftside was a defensive disaster last night but created so much in the first 45 mins going forward that we didn't suffer that much from it. The Turks had their chances with crosses from their RM in the first half as well because Fabio was not to be seen out there. Poor Agger. It's Sami and Traoé all over again.
If Rafa had thrown Riise or even Warnock in after 55 mins and subed Garcia with Momo the two goals would never have happend.
Reina - Does not inspire confidence in the defense these days. Looking more and more like Dudek every day. 4,5.
Finnan - Wonderful cross for Crouch's goal. I love when he goes forward. He should be forced to make too runs every half upfield. Was involved in both goals from the Turks but the real problem lies elsewhere. 7.
Carra/Agger - Suffered from Fabios woeful defending. Agger basically played a CB and a LB at the same time. Carra spend too much time trying to close the gap. The entire Backline suffered from Fabio's exploits. Both goals came after initial crosses from our left side. I really don't think that they can be blamed for the two goals. It happens when the opponents gets to throw low pressure balls into our box time after time. They did well to hold down the fort for almost 60 mins! 6,5 for both.
Aurelio - Woeful positioning and no defeding whatsoever. It's all good that he did better on the ball and made some runs and passes upfield but if you can't fulfill the primary target, namely to defend, then your just not cutting it! I can't wait to get Riise back! 4.
Pennant - beat his man on several occations and looked really good in the first half. Created lot's of situations losing his marker. Really good 1st half. Lost a little in the second and needs more concentration on the final ball. Gave us drive and pace on the right wing in the 1st half and that is exactly what we need! 6,5.
Alonso - The pace and movement on the ball is lightning when Gerrard is in the midfield. Looked a little dazed and we didn't really see a lot of him. 6.
Gerrard - Just looks better at CM. Let's face it people. Gave us the speed we need in our passing and made us look like a team with drive and ambition. The first half was magic and this was all due to Gerrard. 7,5.
Garcia - From hero to zero. Took the happy boots off in the break and he should have stayed off with them. 6.
Kuyt - worked his ass off tonight as usual and looks sharp. Must be the best partner any striker could wish for in a 4-4-2! The reason Crouch could do what his good at. 7.
Crouch - Finally gets to do what he was meant to do. To stay and lurk in the box. Looked sharp when he had to and scored a wonderful goal. Didn't back track anywhere near as much as he used to because of Kuyt. Well done Crouch. A striker strikes and that is all that matters. Fair play Crouch. 8,5 and MOM.
Rafa - good team. We played the best football I have seen for a long time in the first half. Should have done something about Fabio sooner rather than later. 7,5 for three goals, 60 fantastic mins and Gerrard a CM!
Player of the day: Sukur - What a player. If you didn't love him before you will now. Thank God this 'has been' was at Anfield to safe the day with his 'deadly skill'. Looks like a 2CV going off-road.
Albeit we have slightly different views on the CM positions. Like Polo said, we play our best football with Xabi, Momo, and Gerrard! Can't advocate dropping any of these guys unless condition of the players is a factor.
At the end of the day there'll be fireworks if we take all football discussions seriously. Remember we're a fickle bunch and our opinions tend to waver with each passing minute!
Comment