Playing Arsenal at the Emirates has always been a tough task. Facts don’t lie. We have only won once in 12 years when we play Arsenal at their home ground. Last night could have been our best chance in a long time to reverse that stat. Defeated in their last 2 matches, Arsenal were looking lightweight and with us on a good run of undefeated games, Arsenal could have been there for the taking. It would have been easy, some say.
But since when has Liverpool did anything the easy way? Not taking anything away from our boys for they played well. Macherano & Lucas (when will our fans give this boy a break?) were everywhere in the middle of the park. Gerrard was back to his roaming best. The match was hardly a spectacle given the flair and free-flowing football both teams are known for but definitely better than the raw bloodbath of the Derby. There was football being played and tackles were tough but fair. Unfortunately when we lost Carragher to a groin strain and replaced Mr. Smiley, Degen, our defence lost its shape and one lapse of concentration on the part of the substitute gave Diaby a free point-blank header that he simply couldn’t miss and Reina had no chance whatsoever with it. Go back a few minutes before the goal and you can clearly see Marsh having a real go at Degen when he lost the ball trying to play it to Dirk Kuyt. Well, I guess Mascherano’s screaming fell on deaf ears then. I’m not blaming Degen for the defeat but he was definitely our Achilles heel.
And what about that blatant handball by Fabregas? I’m not sure that it would be a penalty if it had been given, noting that he was standing on the edge of the box when he committed the crime. But it would have certainly meant another free-kick in a more dangerous position for Gerrard to test Almunia and definitely a red card for Fabregas for a second bookable offence. That will rule him out for Arsenal’s next 2-3 games and that definitely would have been to our favour as we chase them for the 3rd spot as Arsenal isn’t the same team without Fabregas in the middle pulling the strings. So advantage Arsenal, thanks to another referee decision that went against us. Another match, another refereeing decision that cost us. Story of our season, really.
I felt that Ryan Babel should have started, or at least put on earlier. He provided a more direct approach in our attack and was much more threatening in the last 10-15 minutes that he came on than N’gog has been for the entire match. N’gog’s languid style of play can be frustrating to watch and in last night’s game, we needed a Rooney-like approach in our attack and I personally felt that Babel could have provided the thrust we needed in the final third. Maxi had a few great chances too but he must have left his scoring boots at home, seeing how he skied the ball embarrassingly high above the goal in one instance. Like Aquilani, he will be immense next season after this season of getting used to the pace and physicality of the English game.
Which makes the next game against City that more crucial for us. A direct competitor for our fight for a Champions League place, a victory against them will definitely soothe the bitter wound of losing at the Emirates. A game we deserve at least a point. Onwards and upwards, the Reds!
Chasing Arsenal for 3rd spot Irwan? Stop dreaming! Anything less than all the 3 points against City will mean the end of any Champions League hopes.
I felt like Insua was always seconds away from making a critical error. Someone needs to remind him that he doesn’t always have to quickly boot the ball away, pass into dead space or to an opponent.
I think N’gog is one of the main victims of Torres’ current injury. He’s not even close to being the same type of spearhead, instead I think he has far more potential working with a partner up front who can take some of the defensive heat away from him. Babel provided some spark when he came on but as always he needs to do it on a regular basis before he should get the chance to start. Would also help if he could develop that left foot just a little bit because he’s far to predictable at times.
We battled hard but ultimately there just wasn’t any killer instinct in the final third, a common problem when we lack Torres.
I thought we battled well, but sadly that’s all it was, a battle. One moment of class from Arsenal resulted in the match winner – it was awful defending on our part (Degen in particular. Personally I don’t think they would have scored if Jamie had stayed on the pitch.
I also thought we got a lot better when Babel came on and Stevie went back into the centre of midfield. Why can Rafa not see that at the minute and with Torres out, that Stevie is much more productive in this position?
I am not Babel’s biggest fan (so much talent and so little aptitude), but he looked hungry when he took to the pitch – maybe it’s time he was given a chance to shine from the start?
Ngog is a worker and you have to give him crredit for that, and over time I do think he will turn out to be a good player. The problem is, is that Liverpool need great players and players capable of winning a game. It is plain to see that without Torres we lack a cutting edge. Dirk has done well in his absence but Rafa needs to find something between now and the end of the season if we want to stay fourth. So, maybe it is time to take a gamble on the likes of Babel and young Pacheco?
COMMON RAFA WHEN WILL YOU GET IT..??? PLAY RYAN BABEL…and give this Ngog a rest..he needs some..and loan him off somewhere next season and see how he does..
Ngog against a team like arsenal???that too from the start???
Still don’t see what gives you so much faith in this kid..you’re searching for proven forwards (like Jova & co.) and meanwhile putting this kid forward for a show…baffling!!!
If you are trying to find 20yr olds to fill the striker’s boot..try Ballotelli..
Tell you 1 thing Rafa..Ngog is a hard-worker and may give you an odd goal in a dozen of matches..but please don’t dream anything special from him just as yet..
Well whats doen can’t be undone ..but try Babel every match on as a forward till Torres is back..that lad deserves it ..so please RAFA wherever you are ..Babel has proven himself more than Ngog lets belive the truth..and now is the time for the MEN not the boys.. Lets blast city ..
“Another match, another refereeing decision that cost us. Story of our season, really.”
This is a very good example of being in denial. Injuries and one dimensional team that relies too much on Torres and Gerrard was the real story of Liverpool season. Interesting observation on my part: the way Liverpool looked against Arsenal was very much the same as they (Arsenal) looked against Chelsea. Not bad but not good enough to win or even draw.