Just Back from the Match

October 31, 2007

Quite an entertaining match versus Cardiff tonight.

Some tosser on 606 has just been ranting about Lucas Leiva, saying that he was terrible, but the reverse was the case. Shows the type of punter you tend to get at Carling Cup matches. Lucas hardly put a pass wrong all evening, he had a fairly free role to drift here and there and did very well. Definitely quality.

Little El Zhar also had an excellent game on the right - in view of our dearth of wide players, I would like to see him get some Premiership games, I'm sure he wouldn't let us down. As a winger, definitely better value than Kuyt! His goal was a screamer, and the way he was set up for the shot, seems to indicate that he must have acquired a reputation for shooting among the squad.

Yossi was devastating when he came on. I don't think he has had enough football for us since we signed him. He made Stevie's goal with a brilliant run. Again, as a left winger, I would prefer him to Voronin!

Hobbs was solid at centre-back, but I wouldn't get too excited yet because he was up against Fowler and Hasselbaink, neither of whom are greyhounds these days.

Itandje had an excellent game in goal, and pulled off a couple of important saves. I am a bit less worried now about what would happen if Pepe Reina got injured.

The one disappointing performance was from Sebastian Leto. He chickened out of a couple of 50-50 tackles, and as so often happens, hurt himself as a result - after the second, he went off. I just don't think this guy has the skill or the balls to succeed in the Premiership.

It was nice to see Harry Kewell come on for the last 15 minutes or so - he did a job but nothing spectacular at that stage in the match when we were basically making sure we kept hold of the ball.

I thought Cardiff were pretty good - their defence was predictably muscular and they had a few chances including the ones that were well saved by Itandje. Fowler and Hasselbaink were both lacking mobility and were pretty well snuffed out by Carra and Hobbs.

The usual nonsense from Cardiff supporters - a couple of them were escorted out of the Anfield Road end by the police, and there was trouble behind me in the Main Stand on a few occasions. The police were out in force outside the ground.

Robbie got a great welcome back to Anfield. Lots of people took the opportunity to give their "Fowler" shirts one last outing.

Cunny · October 31, 2007

This post is not viewable to guests.

You can sign in to your account at the login page here