First, my condolences to Brad Jones. I cannot even imagine having to deal with that. Best of luck to him an his family in this difficult time.
Three points are three points, I'll take it any way we can get it. That was a fantastic first half capped off by a fantastic final 5 minutes with a bunch of poo in the middle. Taking the game as a whole though, I thought this was a decent, and more importantly, cohesive display from the team. There was a great sense of togetherness that I always worry we will be lacking after an international break. This was a good display to carry confidence forward and they will need it against a city side that just cannot stop scoring.
Liverpool fans are the greatest, did you hear them singing Luis Garcia's song? Fantastic poke in the eye. If you don't understand why, watch this link. Here are the ratings:
STARTERS:
Reina - 8 - What a fantastic world class save he made on the flick in the second half. Just as Chelsea were gaining a huge head of steam, he popped their relief valve and deflated them (although they did eventually get one). Nothing he could do for the goal. It might have been quite a different game if the scored on that play.
Johnson - 8 - Fantastic finish/run/movement off the ball/control/nutmegging of Ca$hley Cole to get the win. He defended well today and supported the attack, still tracking back to keep Mata fairly quiet. It is not an easy thing against a team that isn't sitting back to not get caught out as an attacking fullback. A great game for him.
Agger - 7 - I thought he was good, but he was at fault for the goal. He got caught ball watching and Sturridge snuck in behind him and Enrique. Other than that, another great display. Hard to see Carra getting his place back except by sentimentalism or yet another injury.
Skrtel - 7 - A couple of key blocks and tackles today. He looked very assured back there and really help hold Chelski to few chances in the first half.
Enrique - 7 - Another mixed bag. Also partially at fault for the goal, but he did provide a lot of attacking movement while also defending very well (except Sturridge's goal). He and Agger should probably be a 6.5 because of the Chelsea goal, but there are no half points in my rating system.
Maxi - 7 - Well he scored, so kudos for that and actually being in position to score. I was shocked to see he was where he was supposed to be. He started brightly (although he was all over the pitch) and then faded quickly after the goal. Perhaps it is just a lack of match fitness.
Adam - 8 - Bossed the center of the pitch, especially in the first half. He was at the heart of everything and he leveled Ramires (legally). He definitely looked much better, but again I think a lot of that was that the team as a whole looked better. Great ball to find Glen Johnson for the winning goal and won the ball to start the counter for the first goal.
Lucas - 7 - Crunching display that has become typical of him. He did very well in the first, winning tons of tackles and shielding the back four. Early in the first he actually showed that he was Brazilian; he rolled the ball back with his foot and then off his planted foot to get around a Chelsea player. Very cheeky, very clever, likely accidental, but very Brazilian.
Kuyt - 6 - Worked his arse off, but an overall quiet display. He did work well with Johnson, but nothing really stands out for me (although it is possible I forgot something). He should have scored on the fantastic play by Henderson with a great lay off from Downing.
Suarez - 7 - Well I was expecting 4 goals, but he was a bit off that. As usual, he tormented the Chelsea defense, even if he didn't score. He was integral in the link up for the first goal. Even when he is bad, he is still good and always a threat.
Bellamy - 7 - Fantastic 1-2 and unbelievable heads up play to pass the final ball to Maxi. He also had made a few good runs before that down the flank to open up space. He faded quickly and was anonymous in the second, but I think that is due to lack of match fitness. Overall, it definitely is making me think that Bellamy Suarez might be our best partnership. I realize it has only been a few games where they have played together, but they do look more fluid together than Carroll and Suarez.
SUBS:
Henderson - 7 - Kuyt should have taken advantage of Henderson's fantastic moves to get the cross in. He did very well on that play and was decent in possession on the right flank. I wasn't a big fan of the decision, but it seemed to work out. Bellamy was definitely tired, so it needed to happen.
Downing - 6 - Nothing great, nothing bad. He did have that nice lay off mentioned above that Kuyt should have at least put on target. He didn't have a ton of time to influence the game and everything started coming down the opposite flank when he came on.
Carroll - N/A - Not enough time to impress or depress.
Loading comments...