Liverpool vs Middlesbrough

Result: 2-1
Scorer: Carragher, Gerrard (Liv); Mido (Middlesbrough)
Man of the match: Carragher

Fucking hell, how do I write the report for this game! That game was what I’ve been waiting for, that was what I’ve been missing. The thrill, the suspense, the joy!

First home game for the season and I wasn’t disappointed, though I was close to throwing the remote at the TV a couple of times!

Before the game, much was made about the disappointing performance Liverpool put out in last week’s game against Sunderland. That, and how much Boro has improved this season as clearly shown in their last match when they beat Spurs. I knew they have improved but I didn’t know they have improved that much.

Credit to them for playing at Anfield the way they did. Less fancied team usually will play defensively at Anfield but Boro certainly had a go at Liverpool. They weren’t afraid and they deserved at least a draw, but luck was on Liverpool’s side tonight. We were lucky to get all three points.

The positives;
1- The partnership between Torres and Keane showed signs of improvement. They were not at full flow yet but it was encouraging to see they feed each other with chances.
2- The team played better. We went into the game without showing any worries about what Middlesbrough can do. That’s how it should be, let the other team worries about us. Dossena ventured forward a lot more than the last game but I would like both fullbacks to do that, since we don’t play with wingers.
3- Alonso and Gerrard played together. I know that was because The Chief wasn’t available yet but it was good to see nonetheless.
4- Kuyt showed good touches. He is important to the team. When he plays well the team usually plays well as well.
5- Gerrard and Carragher scored. Hope Gerrard will carry on from this game. Yet again, he rescued the team with a last minute goal. And Carragher, he hasn’t scored in like a hundred years! What a time to get on the scoresheet by scoring that equaliser.
6- First time under Rafa that we got full points for the first two games.

The negatives;
1- We must keep in mind that it was Boro we played against tonight, not the other three big teams. We need to improve further.
2- The pass and move, the little triangles. We need more of those. Our movements weren’t good. We need more confidence.

It was interesting to see Skertle played along side Carragher today with Agger on the bench. I wonder how Rafa rates the four central defenders including Hyypia. Four absolute top class defenders but we can only use two at a time. A nice problem to have but it is still a problem.

No one really stood out today. Carragher got the man of the match purely because of the goal. Really great to see him scoring. Hope he will score another nine!

Now let’s qualify for the CL!