what a performance

[Gav]

so pleased with that game - we went for em from the start-Mellors goal was stunning,off the ball running was class, Stevie G was HUGE, so was Xabi and have to say ,that was the best game I've seen stevie Finan play for us - hes now showing his Ireland form for us ...Fuckin top class boys

[Brownie]

Considering we were up against a top side at full strength, and had problems ourself, we were amazing I thought. They had one shot on target in the whole game (superb goal by the way) - apart from that they never threatened.

We on the other hand had some very promising moments and with a bit of luck would have scored more.

Really proud of them after that.

[Kurt]

Originally Posted by Gav

so pleased with that game - we went for em from the start-Mellors goal was stunning,off the ball running was class, Stevie G was HUGE, so was Xabi and have to say ,that was the best game I've seen stevie Finan play for us - hes now showing his Ireland form for us ...Fuckin top class boys

Was was pleasing to see was that even with the Boro and Monaco game in the back of our minds, most players looked confident on the ball... And that we went at them, even with all those players missing!

Finnan,Carra,Xabi,Didi,Mellor was all very good...But Gerrard was just immense... His first start in the premiership after beeing out for a long time... His importance to the team cannot be underestimated!...

[Gav]

Originally Posted by Kurt

Was was pleasing to see was that even with the Boro and Monaco game in the back of our minds, most players looked confident on the ball... And that we went at them, even with all those players missing!

Finnan,Carra,Xabi,Didi,Mellor was all very good...But Gerrard was just immense... His first start in the premiership after beeing out for a long time... His importance to the team cannot be underestimated!...

The passing gets better and better .Finan was great, Stevie G is just so awesome, Risse started well but looked tired at the end ,Thought kewell showed more today that any other game this season, he was still shite, but had major parts in both goals, nearly got one himself too.Mellors running was superb today, he ran himself ragged

[Kurt]

Originally Posted by Gav

The passing gets better and better .Finan was great, Stevie G is just so awesome, Risse started well but looked tired at the end ,Thought kewell showed more today that any other game this season, he was still shite, but had major parts in both goals, nearly got one himself too.Mellors running was superb today, he ran himself ragged

True... Kewell was bad...But today it wasnt for the lack of trying... When he lost the ball he always fought hard to win it back..and did many times... And that is important when you`re having a mare...

[05 Milan]

Originally Posted by Gav

Stevie G is just so awesome

american schoolgirl-quote Gav

[Gav]

hers a irish quote for ya -" póg ma shóin "

[Stu Monty]

About half past eight gav.

[Gav]

Originally Posted by Stu Monty

About half past eight gav.

[Red Nick]

Rafa won the game by outfoxing Wenger by playing 3 centre midfield players, there were some average performers as well but lets be greatful for the team perfomance and a similar one against Olympiacos and we should get through

[KillowenKopite]

What a dig from the boy Mellor, he toiled valiantly upfront against Campbell and he got his just rewards with that finish an absolute belter. Spotters badge for Usher, not the most pleasing on the eye is Neil but if he can finish like that who gives a flying one. Mind i don't think he'll hit a sweeter strike in the rest of his career than that one today, fair play mate it will live long in the memory

[Paul]

Absolutely fantastic performance - and, in terms of tactics, a glimpse into our future, I think. Steven Gerrard was made for that role between two holding midfielders and a target man and Arsenal could not cope with him today.

He couldn't have made such an impact without Neil Mellor, though. Christ, he worked his plums off today. I'm not sure how used to that role he is (any reserve watchers care to comment?), but he did everything asked of him and more: what a fucking goal!

We deserved the victory as well. Throughout the side, there was the right combination of controlled aggression combined with quality football. The back four were immense and were entirely blameless for their (superb) goal. Those strikes where a midfielder breaks from deep are very hard to cope with anyway, but when they are preceded by precise, pacey passing and movement they're a virtual impossibility. I would really like to see Steve Finnan stay at right back. I was very worried about our right flank before the match, with Pires, Henry and Reyes all favouring that side. However, Finnan and Carra coped admirably, with some telling support from The Pong (in his most effective performance in a Red shirt). Finnan's concentration, two footed-ness and decision making (especially about when to push and when to stay back) were all fantastic. If he can replicate that sort of form, the position will be his. When Djimi returns, I'd push Riise into midfield and keep a back four of Finnan, Carra, Sami and Traore for the rest of the season, if possible.

In midfield, we were class. That central triangle of Didi, Alonso and Gerrard was the key to our victory. It's a combination that seems tailor-made for all three players and their individual strengths: Didi's defensive ability and concentration; Xabi's passing and vision; and Gerrard's attacking ability and aggression. If Rafa can add genuine quality on our flanks, we will be some side if we can maintain the concentration and effort produced this afternoon.

My one negative (which seems churlish given my pre-match expectations and the performance we've just seen) was Kewell. I'm always inclined to give a player time and look for the positives in his game, but I think he's a shithouse and I'd like to see him gone, with his wages invested in someone like (pipe-dream without cash) Joaquin. The Pong showed the way to go on the opposite flank, despite being out of position, but HK couldn't cut it. Yes, he had some nice touches and made at least one very telling contribution for the first goal, but that's not enough for someone of his talent and wage packet. He should be dominating games, and he isn't. Get rid.

Overall a great day that saw us capitalise on dropped points by teams above us. I hope Gerrard's words about aiming higher than fourth are indicative of the mentality of the whole squad, because if so, today might prove to be a very significant day in The Rafalution.

Come on you Reds!!!

[Brownie]

As ever Paul is talking bollocks ;-)

[Matt83]

http://homepages.nildram.co.uk/~noikz/liverpool/

[Rashid]

Problem with Joaquin is that he plays on the opposite flank to Kewell.

Also, Kewell had a hand in both goals today and works his socks off.

[Stu Monty]

Kewell works his socks off?

Fuckin hell rash get a grip of yourself will you. He performs averagely and we are talking about him being better, kind of shows the level he's been playing at.

He should be a star, at the moment he is the weakest link.

[Bellflower]

The 12th man did his job today, well done everyone who went !

[Rashid]

Originally Posted by Stu Monty

Kewell works his socks off?

Fuckin hell rash get a grip of yourself will you. He performs averagely and we are talking about him being better, kind of shows the level he's been playing at.

He should be a star, at the moment he is the weakest link.

He had a hand on both goals and worked his socks off today.

[Tim]

To be fair Kewell did work hard today, looked a little unsure in possesion but he still worked hard.

[Stu Monty]

Ah today, that makes the difference to the sentence.

He'll have to do a lot more that just put a bit of effort in and have bit parts in goals to justify being top earner at the club though rash won't he?