Liverpool vs PSV

Result : 3-1
Scorer : Kuyt, Keane, Gerrard (Liv); Danny Koevermans (PSV)
Man of the Match : Gerrard

Had anyone written a script exactly like this match, the script would be rejected because it would be deemed unreal and too glorified. Liverpool passing were excellent in a match that saw the long awaited goal for a big signing striker finally over and the captain of the team managed to reach the 100 goal landmark by scoring in front of the Kop End with an absolute wonder strike.

A lot of people were hoping for all those things to happen, but no one dared to expect it for real. But all that really happened, it was an excellent team performance by Liverpool and for me, even though I’m fully aware that it was a Champions League match, the performance brought genuine hope of us challenging for the league title, at last!

On paper we played 4-4-2 but to me it looked like we played 4-2-3-1 with Gerrard playing in the center midfield with Alonso. Rafa made only one change from the Everton game with Aurelio in for Dossena. I just have to stress what a big plus that was. Rafa is rotating far less this season and that shows just how settled the team is at the moment and how Rafa right now knows his best line up and has high confidence on the players. I’m very happy about it indeed!

After the big win against Everton on Saturday, I was a bit worried about the possibility of the players being tired and therefore won’t be able to play well. However the players proved me wrong and everything that I wasn’t happy about before seemed to improve a lot. While we weren’t exactly Arsenal, the passing was outstanding and the movements were terrific. The triangles, one-twos and the pass & move were all there. For some reason there were extra zests and higher tempo in our passing. The players looked like they have more believe in each other now. Even in defense they passed the ball around, something that I never expected from Liverpool even in my wildest dream. I can’t and won’t ask for more.

Now lets talk about Keane’s first goal for Liverpool, the goal that everyone has been waiting for. It was a long wait, 10 games to be exact, but it was worth the wait because there were so many positives in that goal. One, it was a proper striker’s goal, where a great move by the team finished off by a striker waiting inside the box. It wasn’t a wonder strike from outside the box and he didn’t dribble pass a gazillion players to score. It was done with good anticipation, positioning and instinct, everything a good striker should have. Two, it showed improved understanding between Keane & Torres partnership. Torres did well on the right flank and instinctively whipped an excellent ball into the box for his strike partner to score. They are learning each other movement well. Three, the goal showed great wing play, good width in our team. In fact, our width was excellent through out that game and that goal was like the exclamation point to that fact. We seriously lacked width in the team since forever so it was really good to see that we can stretch teams like that.

Just to point one undeniable fact, I predicted that Keane will score his first goal in either this match or the Man City match, so give me a big pat on the back because Nostradamus would have been impressed with me!

Now on to our captain marvel, Steven Gerrard. He has now scored 100 times for Liverpool, and he is still only 28, an amazing feat for a MIDFIELDER who earlier in his career started as a DEFENSIVE MIDFIELDER, and also a few times played as a RIGHT BACK! And to score that 100th goal with his trademark thunderbolt in front of the Kop End was just remarkable. Only Superman can do what he has done for Liverpool. He was my man of the match for that game and I gave it to him not just because of the goal, but because his overall performance. His passing was phenomenal last night, it was his best passing game in a long time.

Gerrard, together with Kuyt, Arbeloa, Carra, Reina and Alonso are at the top of their game at the moment. Add that with the signs of improvement to the partnership of Keane and Torres, the season set to be a really good one for Liverpool. I just hope that the optimism that I have right now won’t be dashed again. I do realize that PSV were woeful and I just might be a tad carried away with things but God, please let this be the season I’ve been waiting for….

Bring on Man City!

**Special mention to PSV young striker, Nordin Amrabat. His attitude and enthusiasm for the game was a joy to watch. Keep it up and he will be some player very soon…