Now THAT, Mr. Benitez was eff-ing BRILLIANT!
“Sometimes its better to play a match so soon after losing a game” – Rafa. I thought “Like Hell”! The players looked so rusty on Sunday, that I was hoping the next match was only on Sunday with Rafa having enough time to drill everyone into shape, getting injuries sorted out and well simply to just staying away from dropping any further points.
But then here I stand with a Benitez like shrug to Alonso, saying “What do I know?”.
The victory against Stoke was sweeter for three reasons:
One, we were being slammed left, right and center after the defeat by Spurs and to believe the experts we were already out of the races of top four spot. So to win and bring back some semblance of objectivity was welcome. Now, suddenly we are back at the races for the title.
Two, Stoke City had been resilient in both Home and Away matches last season. They seemed to know how to contain even a rampaging Liverpool side. So the win and the manner of the win was amazing.
Three, look at the picture. Need I say more?
If against Spurs the attack lacked any edge, midfield looked tired and defense looked at sea, against Stoke attack seemed devastating, midfield dominated, and defense was hardly made to work. Apart from a couple of chances and a few Delap special throw-ins, there was hardly a threat to the Liverpool goal. Though one Reina save was brilliant.
Getting into the Act
All the usual suspects got into their stride.
Rafa, who publicly ask Torres to quiet down and do the talking by scoring goals, was again being slammed by the media of rift and how he could push the Liverpool number 9 into heading back for Spain. Torres scored in fourth minute and played like a man possessed up front to promptly rubbish the media claims.
Fernando Torres – Opening his account for this season
It wasn’t surprising that Gerrard got into thick of things too. A goal to cap off the night would have been perfect for Gerrard but if he keeps doing this whole season he will make others score truck loads. Setting up two goals, the second one brilliantly at that – what more could we have asked him to do.
The build up play for Kuyt’s goal was exquisite by Gerrard. He was played in through the right by a subtle lobbed pass, and Gerrard not only controlled but in one deft did a stunning swivel to enter the box leave the defender stranded and proceeded to give a simple pass and Kuyt did good job under pressure from two defenders to get his foot and rolled the ball in.
Kuyt and Gerrard: A stunning team goal
The result was going to get sweeter with N’Gog heading in in the last minute. Johnson went steaming down the right flank taking two defenders with him and crossed into the box. The ball took a slightest of deflection from one of the defender’s hand and the goalkeeper could only tip the ball onto the bar, which rebounded for easiest of head-ins for David N’Gog.
David N’Gog: Making it 4 – 0
GLEN JOHNSON – The Difference
Glen Johnson was brought in with the purpose of opening up the 11-Men-in-defense teams and how well he did it. He created one, scored another and became a nuisance for the defenders. He frequently drew out two of the left defenders out of the equation by his runs and in the process made more space for Kuyt and even after taking on two defenders managed to retain the ball on most of the occasions. Simply class. His acrobatic cycle kick for his goal on Anfield league debut was amazing. The lad knows plenty about what to do with the ball.
Glen Johnson: Stunning strike to put Liverpool 2 – 0 up.
There was a big difference in the attitude of the team. Carra and Ayala were very steady. Insua is progressing quite impressively. He had a golden opportunity to score but I guess the simplicity of the chance and nerves maybe made him fluff it. Lucas looked good and worked hard.
Yossi was outstanding. When he was bought from Westham, Rafa was being slammed for wasting on another average midfield player and err… I too was one of those critics of this business. I confess now it was simply because I had not seen him play. Yossi is a very intelligent player and you can bank on him to give as many problems to the opposition as he can. His touches, passes and runs got the whole team look more balanced.
With this one performance Liverpool dispelled a lot of doubts on how the team would fair without Alonso. Though, we would miss Alonso’s quality and his sheer class, it would not mean the end of world as the media was making it out to be. Liverpool has a strong team and they would not just roll over and play dead just because Alonso is no longer in the team.
A 4 – 0 drubbing to our bogey team – BOY! what a result. With this result, I can look forward to the Aston Villa’s visit on Monday knowing that the team is back into its stride and is going to pose pretty sharp questions for Villans and pundits when Villa comes visiting.
Video of all the goals
All match related media:
http://liverpoolfcclips.blogspot.com/2009/08/epl-190809-liverpool-vs-stoke-city.html
Tags: Dirk Kuyt, Fernando Torres, Gerrard, Glen Johnson, Kuyt, Liverpool, Liverpool F.C., Steven Gerrard, Stoke, Stoke City, Torres
