Gerard Houllier has often bemoaned his lack of fortune this season, but as is often said, these things even themselves out over the course of a season and for the second time in a week lady luck smiled down on the beleagured Frenchman, as Mark Delaney's own goal gave the reds their second 1-0 win in three days.
Whilst there can be no doubt that these three points were well merited, not even Houllier can deny that it took a huge slice of good fortune to deny Villa a point they didn't really deserve. Houllier will point to a string of missed chances as proof that his side deserved the win, and he's right. But next time he moans about his luck he should think about the moment E*ile H*skey's off target header struck the knee of Villa's right back and left Thomas Sorensen helpless.
He should also think back to Mutu's header which crashed back off the bar at Stamford Bridge. Had that been a couple of inches lower then who knows what would have happened. These things DO even themselves out, which is why all the talk of bad luck is simply not an excuse for the team's poor performance so far this season.
But even though it did take a freak goal to secure the points against Villa, better finishing would have seen the reds home and dry by half time. Villa were one of the form teams in the league going into this game, but despite enjoying plenty of posession, they only managed to seriously test debutant Paul Jones once.
Jones was preferred in goal to French rookie Patrice Luzi. The decision itself was undoubtedly the sensible one, but it does beg the question: Why the hell did Houllier bring Luzi to the club if he never has any intention of playing him? In effect, what Houllier has done by signing Jones is show that he has NO faith in Luzi. So why are we paying him a salary?
If Houllier just wants someone to play in the reserves, what's wrong with Paul Harrison (other than the fact he's scouse and not French)? And what of Luzi? He may as well just go knock on Houllier's door on Monday and demand a move, as he's clearly wasting his time here. But I guess he's on a decent contract so he'll see it out. Besides, who else would have him? He's 23 and has played two and a bit first team games in his career.
As for Jones, he enjoyed a very sound debut. He made one stunning save from Vassell which got Biscan out of jail, and everything else he did was very assured. He's a commanding presence, and his experience showed as he was constantly encouraging and cajoling the back four. He's a shrewd acquisition and may even do enough to earn a deal for the rest of the season.
Jones turned down a two year contract offer from Portsmouth to come here for a month, and the crowd showed their appreciation of that as the boyhood Liverpool fan was cheered throughout. The 36 year old must be pinching himself at the moment, and good luck to him.
As well as Jones, there were two other changes to the side which defeated Chelsea. It's often said that you shouldn't change a winning side, but on this occasion Houllier was undoubtedly right to do so, even if it meant leaving out both the matchwinner and the man of the match from Wednesday night's victory in West London.
Cheyrou may have scored the winner at the Bridge, but few could argue the case for keeping him in the side ahead of the fit again Michael Owen. The tactics that worked so well in stifling Chelsea at the Bridge were never going to be suitable for a home game with Villa, and that's why Traore was also benched in favour of the more attack minded Riise.
With that in mind, you could also make a case for Otsemobor returning at the expense of Henchoz, but for whatever reason 'Semmy' has fallen well out of favour. Not being a big money foreign Houllier signing seems to be the main thing holding him back. He's not the first to experience this, and whilst Houllier is in charge he won't be the last either.
But Henchoz stuck to his task well despite the fact he gets a nose bleed every time he crosses halfway, and along with Hamann I felt he was the side's best performer on the day.
Owen's return was a massive boost, but as is always the case when he returns from injury, he looked a bit off the pace. He missed two glorious chances in the first half, including one astonishing miss from about two yards when he hit the bar after great work from Kewell and H*skey.
Hamann had also gone close in a scrappy first half which was just shaded by the reds. Villa's best chance was that effort from Vassell which Jones brilliantly turned away. Biscan had gotten himself into a muddle to present the England striker with the opportunity, and although for 89 minutes of a game Igor looks excellent, the feeling that he's an accident waiting to happen is hard to shake.
As I've said before, I think he's had an excellent season and doesn't deserve a lot of the criticism he's received. However, he's been very fortunate to get away with some terrible ricks, and it's only a matter of time before one of them is punished. But he is still learning the position and long term could become an excellent centre half. If only he can cut out those 'Igor moments'.
The second half wasn't much better, but was lit up by the party tricks of 'Dioufy'. The Senegal man enjoyed himself against the Midlanders, and gave JayLloyd Samuel a torrid time. For all his great play though, once again there was little end product. Still, I really enjoyed watching him, and he is an entertainer. He has his critics, but I think we'll miss him when he's at the African Nations.
Villa threw Dion Dublin forward to try and force an equaliser, but they couldn't find a way through a backline marshalled superbly once again by Sami Hyypia. Angel didn't get a sniff, aside from one first half header which went over the bar. There's speculation that Arsenal want the Colombian. Why? It's also reported that Villa want £20m!! Stick a point between the '2' and the '0' and you've got a more realistic figure, and even that looks inflated on the evidence of this game.
Defensively, Liverpool were solid and resolute, and as the game wore on the reds became more and more of a threat on the break, particularly after Sinama replaced Owen. Harry Kewell could easily have had a hat-trick, but for some uncharacteristically wayward shooting.
As Villa desperately tried to gain a foothold in the game, Hamann really came to the fore. The German just patrols across the field, making interceptions and tackles, and but for one mistake late on when his slip allowed substitute Stefan Moore a run at goal, Didi produced an impeccable display. His value to the side can't be over-estimated right now, particularly with Gerrard ruled out.
The win keeps up the pressure on the other contenders for fourth spot. Fulham and Charlton both won, whilst the Geordies picked up a good point at Old Trafford. Next up for the reds is a trip to resurgent Spurs. We don't have a great record at White Hart Lane, and it will be a tough game. But at least Michael is back.
A quick word on the atmosphere. It was a bit better than it has been of late, but it's still abysmal. It's not just us though, as the away support at Anfield this season has generally been crap too. The latest trend for opposing fans is to sing "Champions League, you're having a laugh" and it's incredibly sad. The mancs made the song up I believe, and to be fair to them it's not a bad taunt.
But since then we've had all kinds of no-marks jumping on the bandwagon and singing it, with Villa being the latest. Mind you, originality has never been a trait of Midlands supporters has it. This song seems to have taken over from "Sit down Pinnocchio" and it's just as tedious. No doubt we'll have to endure this unimaginative shite from everyone we play for the rest of the season, but if we get that fourth spot who'll be laughing then?
Actually it will be Rick Parry, as he rubs his hands together and thinks of the potential CL revenue. Houllier might raise a chuckle too if it's deemed to be enough to keep him in a job. As for me, well sorry, but I don't see finishing fourth, and a country mile behind the leaders, as a laughing matter.
