Happy Birthday Rafael Benitez!!!
Liverpool 1-0 Blackburn Rovers
Last Sunday it was Robbie Fowler's 31st birthday. Today it's Rafa Benitez's 46th. Robbie Fowler, who gave himself a birthday gift last week with a goal, decided to give Rafa one as well today! And we all say: Give Fowler a contract!!! I say he's done enough since coming here on his six-month contract to deserve a longer deal.
The match was mainly about Blackburn's attack against Liverpool's defence as both sides decided to play pinball instead of football. Neither could string proper passes together in the first half as the midfield was packed as players fought tooth and nail for every ball. As a result, both teams had few moments in attack and little incident in defense in the first half as each struggled to get control of the game.
Cisse had everything that could happen to him in this match... except a goal and cards. The first controversial incident came in the 11th minute when Cisse attempted to dribble past Robbie Savage at the throw-in line on the right. Savage slid in for the ball, didn't get it, but didn't touch Cisse either. Yet Cisse went falling down like a sack of potatoes. Result: Yellow card for Savage. I do not condone diving, even if it's by your own players. There's more to come from Cisse, Mr Controversial for this match.
The next incident of note came in the 23rd minute, when the ball was played to Fernando Morientes in the box, where he executed a deft flick over the head of Ryan Nelson before doing a smart turn to get the ball. Nelson had other ideas, though. With both arms wrapped around Morientes' torso, he attempted to perform a front suplex (or belly-to-belly suplex) that Kurt Angle would be proud of (from a footballer). Result: No penalty! Myopic linesman and blind referee results in poor decision-making... The linesman, later in the game, ruled Liverpool offside twice when they clearly were not.
Even Liverpool's solitary goal was a controversial one. From a throw in from Riise, Fowler chested the ball, seemingly to Mr Controversial. Cisse, who was offside, looked like he wanted to play the ball as he raised his leg. Fortunately, he had the presence of mind to not touch the ball and hence not interfere with play, raising his hands to claim that he was not interfering. The ball then fell to Morientes, who was NOT offside, and he took one touch into the box, before cutting it back to Fowler who made no mistake as he slotted it past the keeper.
Was it a goal or wasn't it? The very fact that Cisse raised his leg to try to play the ball showed that he was in fact interfering with play, but the very fact that he chose not to touch the ball and claim he was not interfering shows that he was not. What a 50-50 decision by Cisse. For me, I think it was a good decision and good play from him to not touch the ball at all, but it would have been better if he had not raised his leg.
Naturally several Blackburn players surrounded the referee and complained that the goal should not have stood, but he would have none of it and pointed to the centre circle. 1-0.
Cisse was involved again at the stroke of half time as he had a wonderful opportunity one-on-one with the keeper. Alonso played a magnificent ball over the top for him and he raced clear of the despairing defenders who were claiming offside. He glanced up to pick his spot and took a shot... and saw it saved by Brad Friedel. Brilliant save, although Cisse should have done better. The ball was punched upwards by Friedel and it landed on the crossbar before going out.
Blackburn took control of the game in the second half as Liverpool looked content to sit back and soak up the pressure. This was where Carragher and Hyypia looked their best as they cut out Blackburn's lobs, crosses and attempted shots. Blackburn huffed and puffed, mostly on the counterattack, but could not break the defensive fortress of Carragher and Hyypia, and when they did manage to land a shot or a cross, Reina was there to gather. Excellent defensive display from the centre-backs and most notably, the goalkeeper.
Liverpool nearly got another goal as substitute Kewell's cross found Morientes who flashed a header just wide. Cisse got another marvellous chance as he was put through one-on-one again, but he chose to try and shoot through Friedel's legs and failed. All was not lost though as the ball bounced free and Cisse pounced on it again, knocking his shot towards goal... and see it hit the post and go out. Poor finishing.
Liverpool held out for the win though and the three points confirmed a top-four finish for them and Champions League football next season... Unless Arsenal win the Champions League of course, but that's a different story altogether. Reina set a new record, conceding only 29 goals in his first 50 appearances for Liverpool, beating Ray Clemence's previous record of 32.
Liverpool team ratings:
Jose Reina - 9
A very assured performance from Reina. Was commanding when he came for crosses and free kicks, grabbing and punching the ball well. Had little to do originally but when called upon, was very reliable.
Steve Finnan - 7
Another comfortable performance from Finnan. Didn't make headlines, but he did his job well.
Stephen Warnock - 6
Looked a little unsure at times and tried to play long passes which were not very good and either missed their target or were cut out. Was taken off the pitch due to injury to his thigh muscle.
Jamie Carragher - 8
Was captain for the day as Steven Gerrard was rested. Looked a rock in defence and never made a mistake.
Sami Hyypia - 9
The towering centre-half was there for virtually every cross and lob, excellent heading and defending.
Djibril Cisse - 6
Had a better game for Liverpool today but spurned three great opportunities. A player of his calibre should be putting those away easily. Dived as well which was not becoming of a Liverpool player. Was quite smart however when it came to the controversial goal... I bet most strikers would have touched the ball instead.
John Arne Riise - 7
Didn't cause much trouble in attack when he was employed on the left of midfield. His throw led to the goal though. Was much better in defence when Warnock was taken off for Kewell.
Xabi Alonso - 7
Played a different game as it was one of containment. Didn't shine as much as he did against Everton.
Mohamed Sissoko - 8
Looked a brilliant player as he chased every loose ball and tackled players very well. Needs to work a bit on his anticipation though, he misses or miskicks airballs sometimes.
Robbie Fowler - 8
Was a class act up front as his experience showed when he played the ball with great vision for his teammates. Virtually created the goal on his own when he chested the ball to Morientes.
Fernando Morientes - 6
Does not look the player he once was. There was a chance when he flashed his header wide, when the old Morientes would have thumped it into the back of the net. Needs to do some serious re-assessment of his striking abilities.
Substitutes:
Luis Garcia - 7
Was an attacking option for Liverpool and played well first on the right, then just behind Cisse. Nearly got a goal as well, and hit a volley over the bar.
Harry Kewell - 7
Liverpool look much better in attack with Kewell on board, and his crosses from the left were deadly.
Jan Kromkamp - 6
Didn't have much time and opportunity to impress, came on as a defensive right midfielder.
Final Score: Blackburn Rovers 0-1 Liverpool
Archangel's Man of the Match: Sami Hyypia
"You'll Never Walk Alone"
Archangel