A frustrated Steven Gerrard.
Middlesbrough 0-0 Liverpool
In the end, it was just not going to be our day. Count the number of chances Gerrard wanted to single-handledly destroy Boro and lead by example. I felt a tinge of disappointment for Gerrard as the other Liverpool players seem to be waiting for him to score that elusive winning goal. Gerrard was my man of the match. He tried to play the second striker's role as the match progresses and should have been rewarded with a goal or two. Keep it up Stevie G!
Let's talk about how Liverpool performed...
Liverpool backline :
Liverpool defence was hardly troubled by the twin strike force of "Ya Ya Ku Ku" and "Hassle Bank". The protection in front of Hyypia and Carragher was a certainly one of the factor. Carragher looked composed but could do with more accurate passing. Hyypia wasn't really troubled and led the line well. Downing for Boro had a quiet night due to Finnan's closing him down early whenever Downing threatened with his "twist-and-turn" on the left flank. Warnock looks solid and was always in a better position to prevent Mendieta from exposing Liverpool's left flank.
Reina made a mess of the corner in the first half and must be thankful the mistake didn't cost Liverpool a goal. Otherwise, he came out well to punch a few crosses away in the second half.
Center of the Park :
Momo Sissoko had a solid game. He looks compose with his tackles and shielding of the ball. He showed lots of aggressiveness which is essential in English football. Good performance, considering this is his first game in English football. Alonso was faultless but I had expected him to play a few more dangerous passes in between the Boro's defence. I would have liken Zenden to run to the byline more to provide tantilising crosses to feed Morientes. But it seems he played quite deep in this game.
I would have prefer Riise to come on in the 2nd half to give Liverpool's left side more strength and pace. But it was not to be. Luis Garcia was a disappointment! His control of the ball was questionable and lost possession of the ball too easily. Maybe Potter can provide him with some necessary pressure with regards to his first team place.
The firing line :
Morientes had a quiet game. Unfortunately, as his game is based more on others providing good services to him, Liverpool's both wingers failed miserably to achieve that. I thought Ciise introduction in the 2nd half was to add more pace in the striking department but Rafa obviously wanted him to run down the right flank. I believe he could have given Ehiogu and Southgate a test of their pace. Baros came on late and showed some nice touches, especially when he sent a great through-ball to Gerrard, who was brought down by Ehiogu. I say... please keep Milan. He really wants to play for Liverpool.
Ratings for Liverpool : Reina (6) Hyypia (6) Carragher (7) Finnan (7) Warnock (7) Alonso (6) Sissoko (7) Garcia (5) Zenden (6) Gerrard (8)Morientes (6) Ciise (5) Baros (6)
YNWA @ 2:15 AM
