Liverpool 3 Arsenal 6 - League Cup (Jan 9 2007)

[TLW]

LIVERPOOL 3 Arsenal 6

Report by Dave Usher at Anfield

Scorer(s) - Robbie Fowler, Steven Gerrard, Sami Hyypia Half Time - 1-4 Venue - Anfield Date - Tue 9 Jan 2007 Star Man - None

 

 

 

 

Knocked out of two cups in the space of four days, and nine goals conceded at home in the process. Throw in two long term injuries in an area where we are not exactly spoiled for choice, and it’s fair to say we’ve had better weeks. This defeat was very alarming, because the scoreline was not a false one, and it could have been even worse. Arsenal’s second string side looked like they would score every time they attacked, and the six goals they got did not flatter them.

We could claim to have been slightly unfortunate in going out of the FA Cup, as the Gunners managed three goals from four attacks. Our mistakes were the cause of that, and they were the main reason for this one too, although that is probably doing Arsenal’s young side a bit of a dis-service as they were outstanding.

I really don’t feel like writing an in depth report on this, and I’m sure you don’t want to read one. So I’ll keep it brief and just make a list of random observations.

* Rafa’s promise to Jerzy Dudek has effectively knocked us out of two cups. He should have done better on all three goals at the weekend, and he also has to look at himself for at least two of the first three goals in this game. The first goal was pathetic. Reina would have caught that ball on the edge of the box, yet Dudek allowed Aliadierre to bring the ball down, and then he made a half hearted attempt to stop him.

I also felt he should have done better with the free-kick. He made no effort to save it, even though it was hardly the most powerful of shots and was on the side of the goal he appeared to be covering. Having not seen the replay (and hopefully I never will as I have no desire to sit through any of this again), I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt on this one, but there’s no escaping his culpability in the third goal when he flapped at a corner.

He had no chance with the rest of the goals, but by then the damage was done, we were chasing the game and we got picked off on the break. Nothing will change my opinion that had Reina started these games we would not have lost. Hypothetical of course, but it’s how I feel. I can understand that Rafa felt he had to stick to his word, but in future I would hope that reserve keepers are not promised anything. If they get a chance, good for them, but there should be no guarantees.

* Playing Sami and Paletta against ANY Arsenal team was madness, and simply asking for trouble. I don’t care if it’s their first team or their under 10s, the one thing you can be sure of is that they can run. Arsenal just don’t have any slow players at the club, Wenger won’t entertain them. Paletta isn’t a bad player, but on this evidence you have to say he’s too slow to ever make it here.

* Can someone tell me why we have all eleven players back in our box for corners? And then having brought everyone back, why would we then not have a man on the back post? Bringing everyone back but not covering both posts seems pretty stupid to me. The first time I noticed it was as Arsenal prepared to take the corner from which they scored. It looked from where I was sat like a man on the back post would have cleared that ball.

* Arsenal’s future looks to be in very safe hands. All of their players have great technique, and are fantastic athletes. The only players in our entire squad who match up to Arsenal in terms of pace and power are Gerrard and Sissoko (possibly Agger). Wenger has signed some amazing young players, and they’re light years ahead of the young players Rafa has brought in, both in terms of physique and skill. As a rule, they’ve paid more money for them than Rafa has for his, but hopefully the investment will mean Rafa can start to compete for the best youngsters from now on.

* Much will be made of the fact we got battered, but until the first goal we weren’t in any trouble. For long spells of the game there was nothing between the sides in terms of the play. The main reason we got twatted was because of a chronic lack of pace, and a goalkeeper who was letting in anything on target. So in that respect some perspective is needed.

* I felt sorry for Guthrie and Peltier. They were two of our better players on the night, but it must have been really confidence sapping to be a part of that performance. They both kept going til the end, as did the whole team in fairness. In some ways that makes it harder to take. The team gave everything and still got hammered. Sometimes it’s easier when you can just blame a lack of effort, as that can be fixed. Not being good enough is a much more serious problem.

* Poor Mark Gonzalez is jinxed. Since agreeing a move to Liverpool, he’s had three serious injuries and loads of minor ones. Get well soon lad. The same goes for Luis of course.

* The referee in this game was an absolute disgrace. He didn’t affect the result too much, and he can’t be used an excuse, but he really was totally inept. I think it was 70 minutes before we actually got any kind of decision. I hope I never see him at Anfield again, the fucking jamook.

* Aurelio is a much better left back than he is central midfielder.

* We desperately need some new players in this transfer window, preferably ones with pace.

* At least we saw another goal for Robbie. Every one has to be savoured, as there’s no telling whether it will be his last or not. Robbie’s attitude was brilliant and his work rate was excellent right til the end. Arsenal's powerful, speedy defenders were not troubled too much by him however.

* I’m pissed off that we aren’t going to Cardiff, and there’s no escaping that it is Rafa’s fault. A stronger team would have beaten Arsenal. Hopefully he’ll be able to pull a rabbit out of the hat against Barca to make amends.

* The crowd were fantastic once again, and their support never wavered. Our next home game is against Chelsea, the players owe us a performance.

* I'm embarrassed by that. I hope Rafa is too.


Team: Dudek; Peltier, Paletta, Hyypia, Warnock (Alonso); Guthrie, Gerrard, Aurelio, Gonzalez (Garcia) (Carragher); Bellamy, Fowler: