Another frustrating draw, but one that any of us likely would have gladly taken before the match. It was a fantastic free flowing game, albeit with a couple real nervy moments. This is the kind of game that perfectly displays the emotional roller coaster ride that is Premier League football.
Again though, there was more trouble in the finishing department. I am not sure if it is the finishing department, or if the curse of the magical opposing goalkeeper has struck again. As I have pointed out too many times for my liking, it really seems like keepers play out of their minds against us. I don't get to watch too many other games, but this seems to be a regular occurrence against us. Is it just my imagination? Has the standard league wide really risen this high? Are we truly that unlucky? Either way, no excuses, there has to be more production from the front. Full credit to Joe Hart though, he earned City a point. Get some rest boys, the next game is right around the corner.
The ratings as I saw them after the jump/poll:
STARTERS:
Reina - 8 - Well if we are short on centerbacks we can always throw Doni in net and put Reina in the back line. He was very quick on his toes all game, and unfortunately he had to be. He wasn't really tested that I can remember by City as much as he was tested by his own players. Good game.
Johnson - 7 - Kept the City threat fairly well contained with the help of Kuyt and still managed to provide some attacking threat. Another solid performance.
Skrtel - 7 -Great performance by Skeletor. He cleared one (yes it was weak) off the line from Silva. He and Agger are definitely the top choice CBs from here on out. He, Agger and the rest of the back line basically shut down one of the most in form players in the Premiership right now in Aguero.
Agger - 7 - Other than the one scary moment where he was being harassed in the box and chose to wiggle his way out of it, he and Skrtel played very well together. He was strong in the air, and really shielded Reina's goal well.
Enrique - 7 - I'll give him a 7, only for his attacking. He nearly buried us early with a horrific back pass that still could have resulted (although it would have been incredibly harsh) in Pepe's sending off as the ball hit his hand. Still, the attacking threat he provides is fantastic. He is becoming one of the best LBs in the Prem. Even on an off day where he and Downing are still struggling to find the connection they once had, he still provides a ton of much needed width while always tracking back. Fantastic signing, especially for the money.
Downing - 6 - Eh, he was ok and did better once Balloteli got his marching orders. He did throw in some dangerous crosses, but he just looks like he is in a little bit of a slump. This is one of the first games I can think of where Downing didn't play fantastically, but the team did (obviously not counting the games he didn't play). I still think he was a good signing at this point.
Adam - 7 - Another surprisingly hard-nosed display in the center. More than anything, he opened up play an number of times by quickly switching the ball to the opposite side of the field, usually to a wide open Downing or Enrique. He is marginally responsible for Liverpool's only goal as well. Hey, if you don't shoot, you can't score. If he can keep this up, things will fall into place.
Lucas - 9 - Fantastic, superb, awesome (feel free to add your own adjective from your first grade teacher's sticker collection). Just a cool calm, but very gritty performance. He controlled the space in the midfield, suffocating Silva and Nasri. He is showing that last season wasn't just a fluke; it is crazy to think that 3 years ago he was the scapegoat for everything.
Henderson - 4 - I was told he started, but I thought for sure he was subbed in at half time. Where on earth did he disappear to in the first half? He seems to have a natural talent for disappearing right in front of our eyes. Perhaps he should quit football and become a magician. It would be more understandable how he could be on the pitch and not be seen if he was wearing a jersey like Tim Howard's. A better second half, but still very wasteful with passing and his control. He still has a long way to go in order to justify his fee, but luckily he is young. Look how long it took Lucas to emerge.
Kuyt - 6 - I was borderline on Kuyt. Someone needs to install an overdrive on him. He just lacks that extra step of pace to make the plays he needs to. That being said, he did very well with Johnson to shut down the right flank. This is why he must play in games against top teams. The defensive effort is just as important as the goal scoring. Funny I mention defense since he was responsible for Kompany on City's goal.
Suarez - 7 - He has had better days and was alone and isolated up there. It is hard even for him to accomplish much running solo against 3 defenders. That said, he still gave them a handful and made a couple of crafty runs and his usual nutmegs. I posted a comment about it, but this is where Meireles or Gerrard are sorely missed. When Balotelli went of, having that person to play just off Suarez would have been very nice.
SUBS:
Carroll - N/A - While he did well to get what should have been the winner, I don't quite think it is fair to judge him on about 7 minutes worth of work.
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