"Shut up, Houston."
That is fantastic.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Champions League Group Stage: Liverpool v PSV
Liverpool 3-1 PSV Eindhoven
Steven Gerrard's picturesque blast sealed the victory for Liverpool and marked the 100th time he has scored for his beloved club. The free kick put Liverpool up 3-0 in a game they would eventually win 3-1, on a rainy night at Anfield.
PSV Eindhoven came in severe underdogs, their counterparts coming off a huge 2-0 away victory in the Merseyside derby putting them second in the league, behind Chelsea in only goal differential. Two years ago the same two squads met four times in the Champions League, with Liverpool winning three and drawing one. This PSV team, although still defending Dutch champions, were not as confident nor as talented as the squad which bowed to the Reds in that campaign.
From the opening kickoff Liverpool controlled the game, dominating possession and pushing forward with intent. In just the 4th minute, a wonderful Gerrard corner was met on the volley by Fernando Torres at point blank range, deftly thwarted by PSV keeper, Andreas Isaksson. The rebound darted out to Dirk Kuyt, who after quickly gaining control, fired the ball back towards Isaksson, now down and out, and only able to deflect the ball into the top corner of the goal.
After a lot more possession and turned away attacks, Robbie Keane finally, after eleven painful games, got on for Liverpool. Torres, out on the right wing, made a crafty move along the touch line and after a blazing run down the wing, sent a hard cross into the box, where Keane, after a slight adjustment back to remove himself from the defender, redirected the ball with his right foot into the bottom left corner of the goal. It was a great looking play between the two expensive strikers, followed by Keane's trademark cartwheel and a little somersault.
Gerrard would add his free kick goal in the second half, after El Nino was brought down on the break. It was wonderful strike from the left side, hit hard, straight on through the wall into the far left side of the goal, past a diving Isaksson. A goal one minute later, by PSV sub, Danny Koevermans, was the only blight on an otherwise solid game from Liverpool.
Young PSV striker, Nordin Amrabat, looked like a class player up front for the Red White Army. He was the only player who gave the Reds any trouble all night. The Morrocan born, Dutch Under-21 player has a great work rate and various skills. He was physically hard to knock off the ball, had class on the ball, and good pace. Look for him to go to a bigger club in the next year or two.
Steven Gerrard's 100th goal for Liverpool in all competitions, only supports his claim as one of the all-time greats at Anfield and one of the best midfielders of our time.
Torres
Fernando Torres, coming off his two goal performance at Goodison Park, had plenty of chances for more tallies. His volley off the Gerrard corner would almost have been a sure goal on another night. He would have a couple more chances in the game, where Gerrard put him into the box with the ball at his feet, and he lost his footing on the rain-soaked Anfield pitch.
Later on in the second half, he was in with a defender at his heels and Isaksson coming forward. El Nino employed his effective right side footed flick on and scooted the ball wide right, a play he would have never missed during last season's dream goal scoring binge. On yet another play, he had a free header in the box, which he pushed just wide. The good news for the Reds is that they are still winning while Torres is missing chances.
Rafa Benitez
Rafa seems to have learned his lesson from last season's rotation policy, keeping 10 of the 11 players intact from the weekend. His only change was replacing Andrea Dossena at left back with Fabio Aurelio. I believe Aurelio should be the permanent starter at left back, as he has become a force since the second half of last season.
A big surprise was that Javier Mascherano was left on the bench. Liverpool have somewhat of a dilemma here, as Mascher is one of the best in the world at defensive midfield, but the formation forces a decision between him and expert fulcrum Xabi Alonso, who has returned to form after a poor season. Hard to say what Rafa will do if he keeps a 4-4-2. Gerrard has been hanging back early this season, as a result of having to cover for Alonso's defensive liability in center midfield. The presence of Mascherano allows Stevie to run free, but do they need it with Keano and El Nino up front?
It's a good problem to have for Rafa, as Liverpool look to have some depth off the bench this year. Babel is a great option as a super sub, as he is clearly not disciplined enough to earn a start every time out. Benayoun can be brilliant in the right circumstance and he offers a little punch off the bench. Then there is Hyypia and Agger being able to step in at center midfield whenever possible. Now if only Rafa could find a decent right back.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Week 6 Roundup: Liverpool, Chelsea Tops, Hull Shocks
Saturday
Everton 0-2 Liverpool
The first half was played as most are in this usually booking-filled derby match-up. Both squads came out and played physical, and at times sloppy football, with very few genuine chances to speak of. Liverpool had the better possession, with the Blues looking more dangerous towards the end of the half.
The second half brought on a more purposeful Liverpool attack, and Torres exploded starting in the 59th minute, with two goals and one soon after that was taken away. Liverpool dominated possession and chances, and truly deserved the two goal victory. Tim Cahill received a red card in the dying minutes for a questionable tackle on Xabi Alonso. Not really a red, although he did go in with both legs and didn't get the ball. The win at Goodison Park showed the gap in class between the two Merseyside clubs.
Liverpool- Fernando Torres (59', 62')
Manchester United 2-0 Bolton
To say that Man Utd deserved this win is a tricky thing. Yes, they had the run of play and the chances at Old Trafford, but a ridiculous penalty, given by much maligned official, Rob Styles, turned the tide of a 0-0 match.
Ronaldo was given a penalty after Jlloyd Samuel clearly won the ball from him and Cristi went down in his own natural way of losing his equilibrium was he no longer feels the ball at his feet. Ronnie scored and Gary Megson was forced to change up his formation and push for a goal. Wayne Rooney then came on to score a spectacular goal, in which Ronaldo back-heeled a ball to Wayne, who brilliantly froze the defender with a quick fake shot and then slammed a shot into the far corner, the ball tailing away from Jussi Jaaskelainen.
This game could have finished 0-0 had no penalty been called, but we have all seen enough last second heroics at Old Trafford to know that Man U would have probably pulled something off during one of the seven minutes of stoppage time that would have given.
Man Utd.- Cristiano Ronaldo (pen 60'), Wayne Rooney (77')
Fulham 1-2 West Ham
The West Ham voodoo at Craven Cottage continues, as the the Hammers stole one from Fulham on the road. Fulham have never beaten West Ham at home, and after the first half they found themselves a man down and two goals down after dominating play for the first 40 minutes of the game.
A gifted Carlton Cole goal and a beautiful Mark Noble ball followed by Matthew Ettherington racing on and coolly dinking the ball over the keeper, put the Hammers up 2-0 just before half. Then, in stoppage time, Andy Johnson received a second yellow after a needless challenge and was sent off. West Ham had no business winning this game, as they played awful football in the first half, and held on to win a man up in the second. Bobby Zamora wasted too many good chances, which hurt Fulham, especially after Johnson left.
In a side note, Fabio Capello was on hand to watch a series of awful free kicks by England hopeful, Jimmy Bullard.
Fulham- Danny Murphy (59')
West Ham- Carlton Cole (43'), Matthew Etherington (45')
Stoke 0-2 Chelsea
Chelsea came in to Britannia Stadium not wanting to suffer the same fate as Liverpool did against Stoke a week earlier. Their championship seasons were filled with games where lower half teams came out in full force, but couldn't match their class. This was one of those matches, as Stoke looked up to the challenge, but a goals by Jose Bosingwa and Nicolas Anelka did them in.
Chelsea- Jose Bosingwa (36'), Nicolas Anelka (76')
Middlesbrough 0-1 West Brom
'Boro looked determined on offense, but could not put one past keeper Scott Carson. Jonas Olsson scored a second half goal for the Baggies, as they grabbed their first Premier League victory away from home this season. 'Boro's good early season form has been negated by poor results, as the perennial bottom-dwellers have not found a way to win games yet. Southgate likes his talented squad, but has to instill a winning attitude if they are to fulfill the promise they have shown off and on this season.
West Brom- Jonas Olsson (53')
Newcastle 1-2 Blackburn Rovers
Joe Kinnear was on hand at St. James' Park to watch his new team look relegation material in the first half. The Magpies look sapped of spirit and fight, as Blackburn Rovers took it to them in the first 45, going up 2 goals, and leaving the beleaguered fans with little to cheer for.
A Michael Owen penalty strike early in the second, and some improved play from Newcastle early on in the second half, offered little hope to a team whose only comfort right now is that Tottenham are more of a disappointment than they are. The game finished 1-2 to Rovers and left a lot of work for Kinnear this week.
Newcastle- Michael Owen (pen 50')
Blackburn- Christopher Samba (31'), Roque Santa Cruz (41')
Aston Villa 2-1 Sunderland
Aston Villa is looking like the prime candidate for fifth spot early on this season. Ashley Young continued to impress with his free kick ability, bending one low over the wall and into the short side. Sunderland looked impressive through midfield, and held a lot of possession, but could not add to class 10th minute goal by hair-morphing French striker Djibril Cisse.
Sunderland- Djibril Cisse (10')
Aston Villa- Ashley Young (18'), John Carew (33')
Arsenal 1-2 Hull City
The Gunners were frustrated at the Emirates in the first half, as neither team played particularly well. Hull seemed to change their track from earlier games, not wanting to press the dangerous Arsenal team too much, creating the sloppy midfield play that is never very entertaining. When the Gunners did get a chance, they reverted to their old, 'let's see if we can walk the ball into the net', method of football.
In the second half, the Gunners got a fortunate goal after a couple of great pace changing moves and low ball into the box by Theo Walcott. Bouncing off Adebayor, Fabregas came in and pressured as it came off Hull defender Paul McShane, giving Arsenal a 1-0 lead. Both squads seemed to open up from that point, Hull became more attacking, while Arsenal continued to fail themselves on their final ball.
Two Hull goals that were basically impossible for Almunia to get of hold of, did Arsenal in. First it was Geovanni, whose brilliant strike from 30 yards out moved from left to right and danced away from the Gunners keeper, into the far side of the goal. It was a perfect highlight reel goal, and displayed the class that the Brazilian has brought to the Tiger squad. Then, just four minutes later, Daniel Cousin got on to a Andy Dawson corner, and buried the ball into the far side of the goal.
Arsene Wenger and the Gunners were left shocked at home, falling from the top spot in the league, and dropping their second match of the young season.
Arsenal- Paul McShane (og 50')
Hull- Geovanni (62'), Daniel Cousin (66')
Sunday
Portsmouth 2-0 Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham's nightmare season continues as the ghost of Jermaine Defoe comes back to haunt Spurs and their lackluster strike-force. Defoe buried a first half penalty and Peter Crouch added a gimme header in the second half to secure the win.
Tottenham sits in last place still after falling to Pompey 2-0. Once again they dominated through midfield and had a ridiculous two-thirds possession. Defensive lapses and a lack of true finishing up front are plaguing Spurs right now, but will Juande Ramos be around long enough to fix it?
Portsmouth- Defoe (pen 34'), Crouch (68')
Wigan 2-1 Manchester City
A fantastic Antonio Valencia blast from over 30 yards out and another Amr Zaki goal vaulted the Latics over City, in this clash at the JJB. City continues their up and down season, as their potent offense failed to follow up on newcomer Vincent Kompany's first half goal.
Valencia and Zaki may be the only firepower that Wigan has, but they are both emerging as stars early on this season.
Wigan- Antonio Valencia (16'), Amr Zaki (pen 34')
Man City- Vincent Kompany (22')
Everton 0-2 Liverpool
The first half was played as most are in this usually booking-filled derby match-up. Both squads came out and played physical, and at times sloppy football, with very few genuine chances to speak of. Liverpool had the better possession, with the Blues looking more dangerous towards the end of the half.
The second half brought on a more purposeful Liverpool attack, and Torres exploded starting in the 59th minute, with two goals and one soon after that was taken away. Liverpool dominated possession and chances, and truly deserved the two goal victory. Tim Cahill received a red card in the dying minutes for a questionable tackle on Xabi Alonso. Not really a red, although he did go in with both legs and didn't get the ball. The win at Goodison Park showed the gap in class between the two Merseyside clubs.
Liverpool- Fernando Torres (59', 62')
Manchester United 2-0 Bolton
To say that Man Utd deserved this win is a tricky thing. Yes, they had the run of play and the chances at Old Trafford, but a ridiculous penalty, given by much maligned official, Rob Styles, turned the tide of a 0-0 match.
Ronaldo was given a penalty after Jlloyd Samuel clearly won the ball from him and Cristi went down in his own natural way of losing his equilibrium was he no longer feels the ball at his feet. Ronnie scored and Gary Megson was forced to change up his formation and push for a goal. Wayne Rooney then came on to score a spectacular goal, in which Ronaldo back-heeled a ball to Wayne, who brilliantly froze the defender with a quick fake shot and then slammed a shot into the far corner, the ball tailing away from Jussi Jaaskelainen.
This game could have finished 0-0 had no penalty been called, but we have all seen enough last second heroics at Old Trafford to know that Man U would have probably pulled something off during one of the seven minutes of stoppage time that would have given.
Man Utd.- Cristiano Ronaldo (pen 60'), Wayne Rooney (77')
Fulham 1-2 West Ham
The West Ham voodoo at Craven Cottage continues, as the the Hammers stole one from Fulham on the road. Fulham have never beaten West Ham at home, and after the first half they found themselves a man down and two goals down after dominating play for the first 40 minutes of the game.
A gifted Carlton Cole goal and a beautiful Mark Noble ball followed by Matthew Ettherington racing on and coolly dinking the ball over the keeper, put the Hammers up 2-0 just before half. Then, in stoppage time, Andy Johnson received a second yellow after a needless challenge and was sent off. West Ham had no business winning this game, as they played awful football in the first half, and held on to win a man up in the second. Bobby Zamora wasted too many good chances, which hurt Fulham, especially after Johnson left.
In a side note, Fabio Capello was on hand to watch a series of awful free kicks by England hopeful, Jimmy Bullard.
Fulham- Danny Murphy (59')
West Ham- Carlton Cole (43'), Matthew Etherington (45')
Stoke 0-2 Chelsea
Chelsea came in to Britannia Stadium not wanting to suffer the same fate as Liverpool did against Stoke a week earlier. Their championship seasons were filled with games where lower half teams came out in full force, but couldn't match their class. This was one of those matches, as Stoke looked up to the challenge, but a goals by Jose Bosingwa and Nicolas Anelka did them in.
Chelsea- Jose Bosingwa (36'), Nicolas Anelka (76')
Middlesbrough 0-1 West Brom
'Boro looked determined on offense, but could not put one past keeper Scott Carson. Jonas Olsson scored a second half goal for the Baggies, as they grabbed their first Premier League victory away from home this season. 'Boro's good early season form has been negated by poor results, as the perennial bottom-dwellers have not found a way to win games yet. Southgate likes his talented squad, but has to instill a winning attitude if they are to fulfill the promise they have shown off and on this season.
West Brom- Jonas Olsson (53')
Newcastle 1-2 Blackburn Rovers
Joe Kinnear was on hand at St. James' Park to watch his new team look relegation material in the first half. The Magpies look sapped of spirit and fight, as Blackburn Rovers took it to them in the first 45, going up 2 goals, and leaving the beleaguered fans with little to cheer for.
A Michael Owen penalty strike early in the second, and some improved play from Newcastle early on in the second half, offered little hope to a team whose only comfort right now is that Tottenham are more of a disappointment than they are. The game finished 1-2 to Rovers and left a lot of work for Kinnear this week.
Newcastle- Michael Owen (pen 50')
Blackburn- Christopher Samba (31'), Roque Santa Cruz (41')
Aston Villa 2-1 Sunderland
Aston Villa is looking like the prime candidate for fifth spot early on this season. Ashley Young continued to impress with his free kick ability, bending one low over the wall and into the short side. Sunderland looked impressive through midfield, and held a lot of possession, but could not add to class 10th minute goal by hair-morphing French striker Djibril Cisse.
Sunderland- Djibril Cisse (10')
Aston Villa- Ashley Young (18'), John Carew (33')
Arsenal 1-2 Hull CityThe Gunners were frustrated at the Emirates in the first half, as neither team played particularly well. Hull seemed to change their track from earlier games, not wanting to press the dangerous Arsenal team too much, creating the sloppy midfield play that is never very entertaining. When the Gunners did get a chance, they reverted to their old, 'let's see if we can walk the ball into the net', method of football.
In the second half, the Gunners got a fortunate goal after a couple of great pace changing moves and low ball into the box by Theo Walcott. Bouncing off Adebayor, Fabregas came in and pressured as it came off Hull defender Paul McShane, giving Arsenal a 1-0 lead. Both squads seemed to open up from that point, Hull became more attacking, while Arsenal continued to fail themselves on their final ball.
Two Hull goals that were basically impossible for Almunia to get of hold of, did Arsenal in. First it was Geovanni, whose brilliant strike from 30 yards out moved from left to right and danced away from the Gunners keeper, into the far side of the goal. It was a perfect highlight reel goal, and displayed the class that the Brazilian has brought to the Tiger squad. Then, just four minutes later, Daniel Cousin got on to a Andy Dawson corner, and buried the ball into the far side of the goal.
Arsene Wenger and the Gunners were left shocked at home, falling from the top spot in the league, and dropping their second match of the young season.
Arsenal- Paul McShane (og 50')
Hull- Geovanni (62'), Daniel Cousin (66')
Sunday
Portsmouth 2-0 Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham's nightmare season continues as the ghost of Jermaine Defoe comes back to haunt Spurs and their lackluster strike-force. Defoe buried a first half penalty and Peter Crouch added a gimme header in the second half to secure the win.
Tottenham sits in last place still after falling to Pompey 2-0. Once again they dominated through midfield and had a ridiculous two-thirds possession. Defensive lapses and a lack of true finishing up front are plaguing Spurs right now, but will Juande Ramos be around long enough to fix it?
Portsmouth- Defoe (pen 34'), Crouch (68')
Wigan 2-1 Manchester CityA fantastic Antonio Valencia blast from over 30 yards out and another Amr Zaki goal vaulted the Latics over City, in this clash at the JJB. City continues their up and down season, as their potent offense failed to follow up on newcomer Vincent Kompany's first half goal.
Valencia and Zaki may be the only firepower that Wigan has, but they are both emerging as stars early on this season.
Wigan- Antonio Valencia (16'), Amr Zaki (pen 34')
Man City- Vincent Kompany (22')
Monday, September 29, 2008
Liverpool Player Reviews: Week 6- Everton
In Focus:
Fernando Torres
Fernando Torres
I had planned to focus on Robbie Keane, who was playing in his first Merseyside derby, but when about 2 minutes in to the game I saw Joseph Yobo put a shoulder into Fernando Torres, I decided that match-up was much more interesting.
Everton clearly had a plan with Torres, having seen his frustration in the last few Liverpool matches. It was a design that is all too common in sports. When your team faces off against a world class talent of an athlete, whose ability surpasses that of anyone of your squad, you take it to that player physically. This can manifest itself in two ways. One, you frustrate the hell out of the striker and his annoyance gets him off his game. Or two, the star player is angered just enough to step up his game and put your team away. The Toffees got a taste of both sides against the superstar Spanish striker.
Torres came into Saturday's match, already itching to get on the score sheet, having not scored in his last six games, and only notching one tally this season, a game winner in the opener against Sunderland. His first half played out exactly how Everton had hoped.
Yobo, Jolean Lescott, Phil Jagielka, and Tony Hibbert put the screws to El Nino, shouldering and pushing him on and off the ball. From Yobo's opening shove, to Lescott's shoulder check in the box later on in the half, Torres could not get a clear opportunity. He had a man attached each time the ball came his way, which isn't so bad for Nando, as he likes to use his body up against a defender, and make a move in tight.
But Everton had another two men right there when one wasn't enough, figuring that Torres isn't a great passer out of traffic, and three men was enough to shut him down. This was especially true when he received the ball more towards midfield. It was all clearly frustrating the Spaniard, putting him off his game.
Several times through the first half and at the start of the second, Torres could be seen shaking his head at ref Mike Riley for the treatment he was getting from Blue defenders. Fernando was finally booked in the 50th minute for a foul on Lescott, the yellow card coming out probably as much for his constant protests, as it was for his infringement. It didn't stop there, as just minutes later Torres broke free from Jagielka, creating a chance, but he was stunned when Everton was awarded the free kick.
This could have been the beginning of the end for an increasingly annoyed Torres, but a deftly placed left footed cross from Robbie Keane fell unto the unmarked striker in the box, and he made no mistake in putting the ball by Tim Howard for a Liverpool lead. Torres' right footed volley needed perfect placement between Howard and a scrambling Lescott, and the Spaniard finished with the cool nonchalance he has become known for.
Just three minutes later, another golden opportunity came along that Fernando did not waste. Liverpool was coming at the Toffees with much more purpose now, and a Keane rush was broken up, deflected off of Dirk Kuyt, and landing right in front of Torres. This time El Nino made no mistake in firing the ball into the top shelf, leaving no one any chance of stopping it. It was pure striker's finish.
Everton was obviously shaken by the two goals, as only moments later, the ball fell to the right foot of Torres once again, and he again buried the ball into the net. A cross came from left to right, sailing over the heads of the Everton defender and Kuyt, onto Torres at the far post. Fernando went back to the left post with a perfect left footed shot, for what he thought was a hat trick. However, Mike Riley quickly ruled the goal out for a phantom foul on Kuyt, who I guess had impeded the jumping Everton defender by just standing there.
It didn't matter, by this point Torres and Liverpool had reversed their fortunes and taken control of the game. Getting two goals in a huge derby game at Goodison Park will probably be the start to a goal scoring purge for Torres, who doesn't need to be playing well to score goals, but when he is, look out. His three hat tricks last season had come against teams who knew they had to game plan for him and Gerrard, but still could not stop his scoring spree.
Everton proved that poking the bear with a stick may work for a half, but eventually he will get free and attack.
Grade: A-
Player Grades: Pepe Reina- B
Reina keeps doing what has to be done for Liverpool. He doesn't get much action with the Reds defense rolling along the way it is. Mucking up the ball into the box, that Mike Riley's call on Fellaini and Jamie Carragher's recovery bailed him out on, was his only mistake.
Alvaro Arbeloa- C+
It's hard for me to keep ragging on Arbeloa when the defense looks as solid as a back four that there is in the PL right now. He is improving on defense each week, but that has as much to do with his team's possession as anything. Alvaro is still horrific in the final third, his crossing and final pass again lacking any quality.
Jamie Carragher- A
Carragher, on the defense end, has been perhaps the top center back in the PL this season. He directs the defense into a solid shape, both on set plays and coming back. He has a nack for bailing out a scrambling Reds defense, as well. Everton did not get a shot on goal in large part due to his work at the back.
Martin Skrtel- B+
It is the same story for Skrtel week after week. He starts out the match fired up and makes a few clumsy or harsh tackles. Then he settles in and works in tandem with Carra to shut the other team down. He put the clamps on Yakubu, rendering the Yak unfed throughout the match.
Andrea Dossena- B
The Italian left back did a good job in possession and getting forward, but his crossing and final ball were not on in this match. His ineptitude on that part of the pitch, is not a true indicator of his play, as I have seen him create some chances and good balls this season.
Albert Riera- C+
The summer signing did not have a particularly impressive game. He wasted a chance presented to him by Robbie Keane, and was to slow to get into the Everton defense on several instances where the Reds' had pushed forward. He shows a lot of quality in possession though, as he is hard to take off the ball with his subtle dribbling skills. Was subbed for Fabio Aurelio half way through the second half.
Xabi Alonso- B
Alonso was once again great in possession through midfield. Unless he is going for a home run pass, he rarely wastes a ball. His defensive coverage was acceptable, although no where near Mascherano's in the same role, and he did completely nubbed a left footed shot in the second half. He is the key to the Reds' holding control of the ball in midfield, and he is not failing in that role as he often did last season.
Steven Gerrard- B+
Had a couple of shots that presented danger to the Blues. Once for 25 yards out that just crept wide as it passed Tim Howard, another a free kick that inched over the bar. He did a lot getting back in midfield, making great tackles, or coming back to support the backs both in possession and coverage. Would like to see him get forward and work more give and go's with Torres.
Dirk Kuyt- B
Dirk worked hard, had some bad touches, freed up a little space for Torres and Keane. You know, all in a day's work for Liverpool enigmatic winger/striker/ midfielder guy. He tried a blast early on that missed the target. Let me know if anyone has a concrete opinion on whether he is good or bad for the Reds, because I can't make up my mind.
Robbie Keane- B
This grade is given taken into account his poor play up until this point. He didn't have a distinguished game outside of his wonderful cross on the first Torres goal, which he may or may not of known that much about. Keane got forward with possession a lot more in this one, but he was once again much to hesitant on the ball around the penalty area.
Subs: Fabio Aurelio- B
Aurelio came on for Riera and did a good job getting back and helping Dossena on the left, as well as getting forward and keeping possession and pressure through midfield.
Jermaine Pennant and Lucas Leiva- Incomplete
Came on at the end of the game and had little impact.
Man of the Match: Fernando Torres
Everton clearly had a plan with Torres, having seen his frustration in the last few Liverpool matches. It was a design that is all too common in sports. When your team faces off against a world class talent of an athlete, whose ability surpasses that of anyone of your squad, you take it to that player physically. This can manifest itself in two ways. One, you frustrate the hell out of the striker and his annoyance gets him off his game. Or two, the star player is angered just enough to step up his game and put your team away. The Toffees got a taste of both sides against the superstar Spanish striker.
Torres came into Saturday's match, already itching to get on the score sheet, having not scored in his last six games, and only notching one tally this season, a game winner in the opener against Sunderland. His first half played out exactly how Everton had hoped.
Yobo, Jolean Lescott, Phil Jagielka, and Tony Hibbert put the screws to El Nino, shouldering and pushing him on and off the ball. From Yobo's opening shove, to Lescott's shoulder check in the box later on in the half, Torres could not get a clear opportunity. He had a man attached each time the ball came his way, which isn't so bad for Nando, as he likes to use his body up against a defender, and make a move in tight.
But Everton had another two men right there when one wasn't enough, figuring that Torres isn't a great passer out of traffic, and three men was enough to shut him down. This was especially true when he received the ball more towards midfield. It was all clearly frustrating the Spaniard, putting him off his game.
Several times through the first half and at the start of the second, Torres could be seen shaking his head at ref Mike Riley for the treatment he was getting from Blue defenders. Fernando was finally booked in the 50th minute for a foul on Lescott, the yellow card coming out probably as much for his constant protests, as it was for his infringement. It didn't stop there, as just minutes later Torres broke free from Jagielka, creating a chance, but he was stunned when Everton was awarded the free kick.
This could have been the beginning of the end for an increasingly annoyed Torres, but a deftly placed left footed cross from Robbie Keane fell unto the unmarked striker in the box, and he made no mistake in putting the ball by Tim Howard for a Liverpool lead. Torres' right footed volley needed perfect placement between Howard and a scrambling Lescott, and the Spaniard finished with the cool nonchalance he has become known for.
Just three minutes later, another golden opportunity came along that Fernando did not waste. Liverpool was coming at the Toffees with much more purpose now, and a Keane rush was broken up, deflected off of Dirk Kuyt, and landing right in front of Torres. This time El Nino made no mistake in firing the ball into the top shelf, leaving no one any chance of stopping it. It was pure striker's finish.
Everton was obviously shaken by the two goals, as only moments later, the ball fell to the right foot of Torres once again, and he again buried the ball into the net. A cross came from left to right, sailing over the heads of the Everton defender and Kuyt, onto Torres at the far post. Fernando went back to the left post with a perfect left footed shot, for what he thought was a hat trick. However, Mike Riley quickly ruled the goal out for a phantom foul on Kuyt, who I guess had impeded the jumping Everton defender by just standing there.
It didn't matter, by this point Torres and Liverpool had reversed their fortunes and taken control of the game. Getting two goals in a huge derby game at Goodison Park will probably be the start to a goal scoring purge for Torres, who doesn't need to be playing well to score goals, but when he is, look out. His three hat tricks last season had come against teams who knew they had to game plan for him and Gerrard, but still could not stop his scoring spree.
Everton proved that poking the bear with a stick may work for a half, but eventually he will get free and attack.
Grade: A-
Player Grades: Pepe Reina- B
Reina keeps doing what has to be done for Liverpool. He doesn't get much action with the Reds defense rolling along the way it is. Mucking up the ball into the box, that Mike Riley's call on Fellaini and Jamie Carragher's recovery bailed him out on, was his only mistake.
Alvaro Arbeloa- C+
It's hard for me to keep ragging on Arbeloa when the defense looks as solid as a back four that there is in the PL right now. He is improving on defense each week, but that has as much to do with his team's possession as anything. Alvaro is still horrific in the final third, his crossing and final pass again lacking any quality.
Jamie Carragher- A
Carragher, on the defense end, has been perhaps the top center back in the PL this season. He directs the defense into a solid shape, both on set plays and coming back. He has a nack for bailing out a scrambling Reds defense, as well. Everton did not get a shot on goal in large part due to his work at the back.
Martin Skrtel- B+
It is the same story for Skrtel week after week. He starts out the match fired up and makes a few clumsy or harsh tackles. Then he settles in and works in tandem with Carra to shut the other team down. He put the clamps on Yakubu, rendering the Yak unfed throughout the match.
Andrea Dossena- B
The Italian left back did a good job in possession and getting forward, but his crossing and final ball were not on in this match. His ineptitude on that part of the pitch, is not a true indicator of his play, as I have seen him create some chances and good balls this season.
Albert Riera- C+
The summer signing did not have a particularly impressive game. He wasted a chance presented to him by Robbie Keane, and was to slow to get into the Everton defense on several instances where the Reds' had pushed forward. He shows a lot of quality in possession though, as he is hard to take off the ball with his subtle dribbling skills. Was subbed for Fabio Aurelio half way through the second half.
Xabi Alonso- B
Alonso was once again great in possession through midfield. Unless he is going for a home run pass, he rarely wastes a ball. His defensive coverage was acceptable, although no where near Mascherano's in the same role, and he did completely nubbed a left footed shot in the second half. He is the key to the Reds' holding control of the ball in midfield, and he is not failing in that role as he often did last season.
Steven Gerrard- B+
Had a couple of shots that presented danger to the Blues. Once for 25 yards out that just crept wide as it passed Tim Howard, another a free kick that inched over the bar. He did a lot getting back in midfield, making great tackles, or coming back to support the backs both in possession and coverage. Would like to see him get forward and work more give and go's with Torres.
Dirk Kuyt- B
Dirk worked hard, had some bad touches, freed up a little space for Torres and Keane. You know, all in a day's work for Liverpool enigmatic winger/striker/ midfielder guy. He tried a blast early on that missed the target. Let me know if anyone has a concrete opinion on whether he is good or bad for the Reds, because I can't make up my mind.
Robbie Keane- B
This grade is given taken into account his poor play up until this point. He didn't have a distinguished game outside of his wonderful cross on the first Torres goal, which he may or may not of known that much about. Keane got forward with possession a lot more in this one, but he was once again much to hesitant on the ball around the penalty area.
Subs: Fabio Aurelio- B
Aurelio came on for Riera and did a good job getting back and helping Dossena on the left, as well as getting forward and keeping possession and pressure through midfield.
Jermaine Pennant and Lucas Leiva- Incomplete
Came on at the end of the game and had little impact.
Man of the Match: Fernando Torres
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