First game against a newly promoted team was never going to be easy in my opinion. As I have expected, Sheffied United will be extra motivated to do well in their first home game of the new season. But I thought Pool has the quality to overcome Neil Warnock's team. But in the end, it was not to be. I was surprised to see Kromkamp, Aurelio, Zenden and Fowler in the starting line-up.I thought Speedy Gonzalez, Xabi Alonso and Robbo Crouch should have started. Crouchie has been in red hot form for both club and country, everything he touches seem to turn into goal. Against a tough nut like Sheffield United who defended so deeply, Rafa should have paired Crouch with a speedy customer in Bellamy.
In the first half, Liverpool were overrun by a hardworking Blades' midfield. In Andrew Webber, they have someone who caused Liverpool's defence all sorts of problem. Armstrong teased Kromkamp throughout the first half and it was no surprise to see Kromkamp getting booked. Finnan should have played and it seems Kromkamp hasn't shown his potential to dethrone Stevie off the right back position.
Hyypia was surprisingly slower than usual and struggled against Ifil with his trickery and Hulse with his speed and turning. It was unfortunate to see Riise being stretchered off after his beautiful cross was cleared by the Blades' defender's head.
I thought Aurelio had a decent game even though the press gave him plenty of stick, especially for his failure to challenge Hulse, who went on to score with a header to give Sheffield United the lead early in the firs half. Besides this mistake, he stood firm throughout the game, was physically strong against the robust Sheffield's players.
Mark Gonzalez provided us with plenty of speed down the left and I can't wait to see him explode and show the Premier League what he is made of. With Gonzalez ruling the left and Pennant's dribbles and crosses on the right, I seriously think Crouch should be in the starting eleven on a regular basis.
Time and again, we have to rely on a moment of Stevie G's inspiration to get Pool out of trouble. Fowler showed he still have plenty of trickery left in his bag by cooling slotting the penalty past Paddy Kenny to earn Liverpool a deserved draw.
YNWA @ 10:02 PM
