Friday, November 7, 2008

Liverpool 1-1 Atletico Madrid, a last gasp equalizer saves the day

After an unlucky loss at White Hart Lane, Liverpool were bound to bounce back to their winning attitude. Liverpool FC started the game really well . The first deadly occasion created saw Agger nearly score. It was unfortunate that Liverpool did not get a penalty at that moment as Agger was clearly pushed by a Madrid defender, in an attempt to prevent him score. Other goal scoring occasion fell Liverpool's way, the best one being a superb overhead pass that found Keane who shot just inches wide. Gerrard, Riera and even Mascherano attempted to score but it wasn't to be. Atletico is known for its quick counter-attacking football, which effectively earned them a goal, scored by Maxi Rodriguez. I was really furious. Football is sometimes unfair.

In the second half, Liverpool continued to press Atletico, forcing them to defend. Again Liverpool should have been awarded a penalty kick due to what seemed like a blatant hand ball in the box by Perea. Liverpool were still unlucky. Liverpool's domination continued until Gerrard was fouled in the box during injury time. This time Liverpool weren't going to be denied of the penalty spot. The foul on Gerrard was clear and it was as well wise thinking by the captain who knew if he won the header, the defender might foul him. Gerrard then made no mistake to convert the penalty kick into goal as Anfield immediately erupted in joy for this sweet escape at last gasp.

It is very clear that Liverpool are playing well, but the finishing touches lack accuracy. With a bit of luck and more concentration, players like Keane and Kuyt could well and truly become great heroes of the Anfield faithfuls. Keane and Kuyt are already big players but they have to add credential to their status by scoring when Liverpool are mostly in need of that winning goal. Liverpool are currently joint top of the CL table as well as the PL table. So far, it has been a good season for Liverpool in the CL and PL alike. The next Premier League match will see Liverpool host West Brom at Anfield. The good news is that Torres could make the starting line up on Saturday.

Tottenham 2-1 Liverpool, an unlucky loss

I would never have imagined to come here and write about a Liverpool loss against a Tottenham side that we dominated in most parts of the game. As from the first half, the scoreline must have read 3 or 4 nil in the favour of Liverpool FC. The balls which went off the bar and the own goal by Jamie Carragher were all signs that Liverpool were unlucky. And Tottenham used our bad luck to form their own luck as Pavyluchenko made it 2-1 in the dying seconds of the match.

Even Rafa was clearly disappointed by this Liverpool loss. He himself stated that it could have been 4-0. But this is football. Many teams had been caught against us, as we found the winner in the late stages of the game. Man U, Manchester City and Middlesbrough were all victims of a late Liverpool comeback. Similarly, we were victims of a late comeback by Tottenham.

Seen the way Liverpool are currently playing their football, every Liverpool supporter will talk about how proud he is of his team. It's been a long time since Liverpool have shown the character they are now showing. Not to forget, Torres is still injured and yet Liverpool have managed to win their matches before this loss. Certainly, confidence is high at Anfield. Rafa is doing a great job and once again Riera has been a precious buy.

Next up is Atletico Madrid at Anfield. With a bit of luck and the never say die attitude, I am pretty sure Liverpool will get back to their winning ways.