Sunday, 13 January 2008

The Morning After: Middlesbrough vs Liverpool

A step closer to the edge. Rafa's reign at Anfield might just be coming to an end and i reckoned with respect to his past achievements, the US owners will sack him only at the end of the season. So hows to come in? Those without a club at the moment are the likes of Klinnsmann (Bayern?), Jol, Mourinho or how about McClaren??!! (hahaha). Despite the animosity between Jose and the Kopites in tthe past season, i don't think anyone will mind if he was to take over the helm at anfield.

4 draws now in the past 4 games and mind you they were easy games agst the likes of boro, wigan and luton. In addition the level of performance has been terrible. And honestly i cant put a finger to it. You cannot deny that they have better players than the opposition in all those games yet they just cant play as a team. In yesterdays game, they looked lethargic in that first half.I remembered Rafa saying rotation will allow our players to be fit in the long run especially in the season's run in..bla bla bla... Gerrard wasn't his forward running self. Movement was also poor. I want to come down to Melwood and see them train because i wonder if Rafa pays any attention to technique training. The level of technique displayed were no better than an amateur team. Passes were short and first touch were going everywhere.

On an individual level, Carra and Finnan were their usual solid self. Mascherano was busy. The rest were not up to their own standard. Torres was working on scraps and his wonder strike showed what he is able to do if only his teammates get their act together and supply him with something. Voronin(surprised why he was taken off only in the 74th min) and Benayoun was rubbish. They tried to play 442 but it didn't work coz they didn't have natural wingers on the flanks. Benayoun tends to move inwards and work behind their strikers. Riise is never a left midfielder in the first place. No pace and no ability to get past players or swing a good ball in.

They looked better in the 2nd half and credit to them. But Boro did try to close shop in the second half. But lets give credit where credit is due. Boro played their socks off yesterday and deserved more than a point. Boateng was magnificent shackling Gerrard. Tuncay and Aliardiere were running circles around Hyppia. Wheater and Huth at the heart of defence didn't allow anyone space and time on the ball. Torres had to pick up the ball deep; away from the centre backs; when he got that goal.

I believe rafa will remain until end season unless he dont get a win in the near future. He has done good service to the club but the impression i got from the way they play is that there is no room for creativity and freedom to express themselves(the players i mean). It was very robotic at times. Players were gestured to stand in certain positions and pass to certain people. At times, i feel when they crossed that white lines, some freedom should be given to the players to show their stuff. (watch arsenal and manyoo; u cant really train their movements). Mind you, except a few, Liverpool do boast a strong squad in depth.

Reina 6
Finnan 7
Hyppia 6
Carra 8
Arbeloa 5
Benayoun 5
Gerrard 7
Macherano 7
Riise 6
Voronin 5
Torres 7
Kuyt 5
Babel 7
Alonso 7

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