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Merseyside Derby Player Ratings and MoM


I really had that awful feeling in my stomach that we weren't going to be able to take advantage of an awful call and some fantastic luck (apparently some tea and biscuits with Mike Riley works).  All apologies to Everton fans.  That sucked.  It was awful.  I don't know what he saw.  I'll leave it at that.

That being said, I'll take the three points, even if I feel like I need a shower afterwards. I am still worried that it took so long to unlock a 10 man team, but this is also the Derby and anything goes.  It wasn't too long ago that Stevie G was sent off in the 20 somethingth minute and we won 3-1 at Anfield.  So here are the ratings as I saw them:

STARTERS:

Reina - 7 - A few fine saves in the beginning to keep us in the game.  Without them, who knows.  A great save on Cahill's header after Suarez shot straight at Timmy.

Kelly - 7 - Superb showing. He was fantastic down the right, allowing Kuyt to play more narrow.  He got back and defended well.  It is good to see he has knocked the rust off.

Carragher - 7 - Solid as usual and he didn't score an own goal.  What more do you want from him?

Skrtel - 7 -Worked well with Carragher to sniff out most of their crosses (and there were a lot early)

Enrique - 8 - Fantastic.  He is solid in defense and rarely beaten.  This would be enough for most defenders, but he provides a ton of width out there, getting forward so well.  I can't believe how cheap he was.  At this point, I would say he was worth 4 times what we paid.  I mean, he is clearly out performing Henderson right?  And he is still very young.  A great signing who had a great game.

Downing - 5 4 - Where was he?  I'll say it again, we don't play well when he isn't involved and I don't think they played all that well today. As people pointed out, Downing was as anonymous as Carroll and you all are right, he was definitely not deserving of a higher grade, especially since his anonymity as a crosser has such a huge effect on Carroll's play.  So I downgraded him.

Adam - 5 - So hopefully he realized today that he is not Xabi Alonso.  Too many errant long passes spoiled possession.  That was a rocket off the bar though.

Lucas - 6 - Good, but not great.  He did what he needed to do, but nothing spectacular.  I think he needs a break.  Hopefully he gets it when Gerrard gets fit.

Kuyt - 7 6 - The usual insane workrate.  Seriously, does he have Energizer batteries in his back? That was a clever touch off of Suarez's corner late that almost made it three. Somehow I originally forgot about the missed penalty.  I have no idea how, he has rightfully been downgraded.

Carroll - 4 - And it is only that high because he scored.  He was poor and lazy, trotting around out there like a lame horse.  He has no hustle and got lucky on his goal.  If is wasn't for the fantastic play of Bellamy and Enrique to gift him that sitter (and Kuyt for ducking), then I would likely give him a 2. I don't know what to do with him, I really don't.

Suarez - 7 - Not bad.  I was just hoping the whole game that no one was going to come in and break his legs (you know how these Derbys get).  He showed great movement and I was really surprised to see him carry Carroll like a Jansport backpack through the game. That quick corner while being pelted with coins was very clever.

SUBS:

Gerrard - 6 - A good cameo.  It is hard to tell how he affected the game and he seemed to have a little trouble finding touches, but it was a good to see him get a run in.

Bellamy - 7 - Was all over the place.  He and Enrique played well together for the first goal and his hustle is impressive.  I don't remember him playing like he had something to prove in his last spell at Anfield.  Perhaps he is growing up (although he will likely always argue every call).

Henderson - 5 - Little time to do anything.

 

I'll take the 3 points, and as same points out in his recap, we are sitting in a decent spot right now, albeit with a very tough month ahead.

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