And so another derby ends for the season and it was a somewhat satisfactory outcome. A win is a win is a win but I still felt a little cheated. We should have really done them over in my opinion.
In my preview post for the game I stated that I thought we would have to take our chances to win and with Osman’s header it showed that we still need to put the chances away. When we went one up and the way we were playing I thought it would be only a matter of time before the second arrived. But it didn’t.
You can’t say we didn’t make the chances with Kuyt (should have scored with the header), Babel (should have thrown himself at it) and unlucky with Gerrard’s volley, but we should have made sure of the game and then take the foot of the pedal. Everton offered nothing during the game and I felt that they were only trying to win corners and frees and to try and win the game from there. And they nearly did! The team itself played well and were very comfortable to be honest as Everton (who look like they are running out of steam despite what Moyes says) offered nothing.
To go through the team:
Reina:Other than one punch he came from and missed (lucky it was only Hibbert) another easy game for him.
Carragher: Never tested and another good game. Nice to see him early on overlapping the winger and providing support. What a pro.
Skrtel:My man of the match. He was immense and love the tough, and fair, tackling. His distribution was good and thought he was commanding in the air. With a pre-season behind him he will be even better next season. For me, he has the potential to be better than Vidic at Manure.
Hyypia: Brought in to handle the Yak, I think, and another solid game from the big Finn. Legend.
Riise: Nice to see him getting some form back and again he wasn’t really tested. Good support for the midfield and class cross for Babel.
Alonso:What has happened Xabi? His passing was bad start to finish but you cannot fault his workrate. He never stops working and never stops trying to create. I hope he stays because if he regains his form next season it could be a big difference to us.
Lucas:Personally, I think this lad has huge potential – maybe more than Babel. He plays the Liverpool way of old – taking the ball, moving, taking the ball, moving. Always looking to get the space to do something but not afraid to move it only a few yards. A few games back I think he showed some great play but in the last few games he looks tired. Another that needs the pre-season to build up. Yesterday was not one of his best but he tries and never gives up. Thought he should have been subbed after about 70mins.
Babel:A constant thorn in the blueshites side. If only he good improve his passing and crossing he would be something else. The potential well and truly is there but we need him to work on his weaknesses. Too many lazy passes but another good game.
Gerrard:Good game from the skipper. Great volley that nearly got a goal and class shot near the end. To be honest he didn’t have to do much but what he done, he done well – especially the tackle on Jagielka.
Kuyt:The lads workrate is unreal. When he chased down the 2 defenders and keeper near the end showed what he is about. Yes he should have scored with the header and was unlucky with the curler, but his end of season report would read: Works hard but needs better end product. Still every team needs workers and he is top class.
Torres:The lad is good. Really, really good. The finish was top class and his workrate is amazing as well. His play with his back to goal was great again and worked all four of the blueshites back four and never gave them a minutes peace. I hope he doesn’t suffer from second season syndrome and if he doesn’t then watch out.
Benayoun: Not on long enough to rate but I like this lad. He keeps things tidy and holds the ball well and has scored some important goals.
Crouch:Not on long enough to rate. Should have come on for Kuyt and with Pennant and Babel we could have done more damage.
Pennant: Not on long enough to rate but thought he should have come on for Lucas earlier and dropped Gerrard back.
I suppose regardless of what we should have done its what we have done that is more important. Three points and a five point gap was the all important – mission accomplished. Next weekend if we come unstuck against the Gooners the gap could be down to two points as the blueshites have a homer against already-relegated Derby County. The win will put the lads in good spirits for the Arse games coming up and here’s hoping for a top end to the season.
