Liverpool 1 Man City 0 - Prem (Feb 26 2006)

[TLW]

LIVERPOOL 1 Man City 0

Report by Ian Brown at Anfield

Scorer(s) - Harry Kewell Half Time - 1-0 Venue - Anfield Date - Sun 26 Feb 2006 Star Man - Peter Crouch

 

 

 

Three points, a clean sheet, Crouch runnin’ wild and a lacklustre atmosphere - ‘This is Anfield’ Circa 2006. Liverpool went into the game on the back of a disappointing performance and result in Lisbon during the week, so it was important to get back to winning ways and quickly.

In all honesty Manchester City hardly posed a great threat to a Liverpool side who dominated a game they should have won by more goals. As has often been the case though, the scoreline failed to accurately reflect the balance of the afternoons’ football. Chances were created but spurned and we were left in the familiar position of hanging on at the end when we really should have been out of sight.

It’s becoming a big problem, as instead of conserving much needed energy at the end of games we are having to concentrate to ensure points aren’t dropped. The lack of goals really could threaten our quest for honours - if we don’t improve this side of our game, our season could well peter out into something less tangible than it really should.

Having said how dominant we were it still required a couple of top-class examples of goalkeeping from Pepe Reina, and a terrible miss from Samaras to deny City an unwarranted point. He’s not a bad player is Samaras, but despite what some people would have you believe, he’s no Crouch (more of that later). Reina’s save from Zorro, erm sorry, Sinclair was top-notch and summed up the likeable Spaniard to a tee. Despite being a spectator for most of the match he kept his concentration and delivered when it mattered most. The trademark sweeping up of the backline was also on display again - one particular example denying Bradley Wright-Phillips a clear cut opportunity. He may not have convinced everyone yet, but few could argue that Reina hasn’t improved the team since his arrival in the summer.

By the time he was doing his stuff the game should have been won as City had earlier been reduced to ten-men when Barton received his second booking for a late tackle on Hyypia. From where I was sitting it didn’t look too bad but Barton shouldn’t have been on the pitch to commit it after earlier being guilty of a shocking lunge on Daniel Agger. You have to feel sorry for the Danish rookie - two games at Anfield and he’s been on the receiving end of overzealous challenges in each. Thankfully he was unhurt after Bartons indiscretion and proceeded to put in a very assured display I thought. You get the feeling that with more games Agger would only get better and better.

Fellow new boy Jan Kromkamp also impressed in a rare appearance on the right hand side of midfield. Very tidy and disciplined, the Dutchman worked his socks off and provided the side with good width for the ninety minutes. He may not be as ‘maverick’ as Luis Garcia, but he ensured the team shape remained intact and formed a decent understanding with the ever dependable Steve Finnan. Given the poor form and lack of fitness of Garcia, I’d say Kromkamp is good value for more opportunities in the near future - he’s no match winner but equally he’s not likely to contribute to a defeat by continually surrendering possession either.

The game was won in the first half when Liverpool’s other wide player continued his recent resurgence with a clinical finish, after a brilliant through-ball from Gerrard. I’m sure I wasn’t alone in thinking that Kewell had taken one touch too many - thankfully that fear was unfounded as the Aussie drilled his shot low past a helpless David James. Kewell was a constant threat once again down the left and it was a relief to see him contribute with a goal as the strikers endured another blank day on the scoreboard.

Although Crouch and Morientes both failed to score, that’s where the similarity in their performances ended. Crouch was a real threat and on another day could have went home with the match ball. Only a goal line clearance and a brilliant fingertip save from James denied him - he also went close with a delightful flick from a Kewell cross. Morientes on the other hand could have played for another ninety minutes and you get the feeling he still probably wouldn’t have scored.

I don’t want to be too critical of Nando because it’s clear that he works hard and really cares, but the lack of threat (never mind goals) is one of the most mystifying factors of any season. This is a man who has consistently scored goals at International and Champions League level for top teams, yet he hardly got the better of Richard Dunne or Sylvain Distin all afternoon. Maybe he isn’t suited to the hustle and bustle of Premiership football, I don’t know, but it will take a turnaround of Istanbul proportions to save his Liverpool career you feel.

Despite Morientes’ failings, it was good to see Crouch back on form. All of the usual attributes were on show - good touches, intelligent passing and a willingness to have the ball when under pressure. On top of that he was a big goal threat too so it was very frustrating for him and the many watching Crouchamaniacs to see his number come up again when replaced by Garcia towards the end. The reaction of the crowd was a little over-the-top but understandable given the difference in fortunes between him and his strike-partner.

The one chance Morientes did have during the game was a tame effort straight at James after a delightful ball from Hamann, who was once again very good after replacing the injured Alonso. Xabi was unlucky to have to leave the field early after an accidental clash of heads with Barton in the first half. It seems the knock isn’t serious though thankfully and it will have done Alonso some good to have gotten a well earned rest.

Liverpool went close to sealing the win late-on with Riise (impressive again at left back) unleashing a rocket into the side-netting and Garcia flashing a header wide from a corner, but it was pretty unconvincing stuff considering the circumstances of the game. Fortunately though the defence remained solid and Liverpool went level on points with Manchester United in the race for second place.

It was important to get back to winning ways after the midweek disappointment but if we’re to get what we deserve from the season then we really need to increase the amount of goals we’re scoring. That’s three successive home games where one goal has sufficed, but as our ‘friends’ from across the park will acknowledge, there’s only so far you can go with a lack of goals. The defence continues to impress but pressure for them to do so is beginning to build up too much for my liking.

You would expect that Fowler will return to the starting line-up for Saturdays visit of Charlton. A Fowler/Crouch partnership looks to be the best option at the moment so hopefully Benitez will pair them together - especially against Benfica next week as another blank from the front men would be catastrophic in that particular game.

The star man was a toss up between Crouch and the equally excellent Steven Gerrard. The Captain seemed to relish the rare chance to play in his best position and the team benefited as he created the goal and was behind our most inventive and threatening moves. He was also very strong in the tackle and seemed fitter than of late, which was very encouraging with big games just around the corner.

Hopefully Rafas wishes will be respected this week and he’ll be rested for the pointless England friendly at Anfield, but I won’t hold my breath on Mr Eriksson giving us a helping hand.

Either way, you can expect a detailed match report and exclusive pictures (or not) from Wednesdays pointless game, as rumour has it that a couple of esteemed TLW writers will be in attendance at Anfield. Who said International Football was dwindling in popularity?


Team: Reina; Finnan, Hyypia, Agger, Riise; Kromkamp, Alonso (Hamann), Gerrard, Kewell (Traore); Morientes, Crouch (Garcia):