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LIVERPOOL v MIDDLESBROUGH ANALYSIS AND PLAYER RATINGS 20-4-07
Udayan Mukherjee
In the end, the scoreline was inevitable, but the performance was better, especially the defensive aspect. In the event, there was only ever going to be one team that was going to win it, and unfortunately that team was not the Boro.
For all Liverpool's possession, they were faced with a stubborn Boro rearguard who put in a much improved display that limited Liverpool to long distance efforts until Steven Gerrard broke the deadlock in spectacular fashion.
The first half was a non spectacle in terms of attacking play, with neither side forcing the opposition goalkeeper into a serious save. Indeed, despite the industry of Jermaine Pennant on the right flank, the home side were largely restricted to long range efforts from the likes of Gerrard and Riise.
Middlesbrough were looking to soak up pressure and break on the counter attack, with Southgate opting to put an extra body in midfield in the form of James Morrison. Indeed the best opportunity fell to the Boro when Fabio Rochemback pounced (or rather ambled onto) a mistake by pasty scouser Jamie Carragher. Instead of playing it inside to Yakubu who was free inside the box, the Brazilian instead opted to shoot and dragged it wide.
Liverpool began the second half in bullish mood, with a Gerrard cross finding Pennant at the back post. Middlesbrough managed to clear, but the resulting corner almost resulted in the deadlock being broken with Mascherano heading against the bar.
Boro gradually began to come into the match but with a lack of real bite up front failed to trouble Reina, bar a tame effort from Rochemback.
Liverpool broke with pace soon after through Riise whose ball into Dirk Kuyt in the six yard box was wonderfully blocked by Jonathan Woodgate. The ball squirmed away to Boudewijn Zenden who contrived to shoot over the bar from eight yards under pressure from Woodgate who stretched every sinew to put off the Dutchman.
The stubborn resistance of the visitors was broken by a wonderful dipping strike from Gerrard, a man whose head can comfortably be compared to the shape of a fifty pence piece. Gerrard has a habit of scoring such goals against Boro in recent seasons, and it was no surprise when the game was put beyond doubt ten minutes later.
The goal came via a dubious penalty (how many times have we said that this season) after Andrew Davies was deemed to have tugged back Peter Crouch. It was a soft penalty, but when things aren't going for you, especially against teams that are part of the so called 'big four' then these decisions go against us, as it inevitably will when we come up against Ronaldo on Saturday. Gerrard scored the spot kick to put the game beyond Boro's reach.
The introduction of Mark Viduka into the fray soon after had limited effect with Liverpool happy to sit back and defend their lead. The Aussie created a late half chance for Stewart Downing who failed to connect following a long pass from Viduka and an error by Reina.
We must now go to Old Trafford, where we have a habit of winning games. United will be going all out, but with the majority of their backline missing, it could be an opportunity to strike a hammer blow to the United franchises' hope of lifting the trophy.
Player Ratings
Mark Schwarzer - Played well enough, could not be faulted for the goals - 7
Andrew Taylor - Decent - 7
Jonathan Woodgate - Very good in the heart of the defence - 8
Emanuel Pogatetz - Played well on his return - 7
Andrew Davies - Did OK. Was somewhat harshly adjudged to have tugged Crouch for Liverpool's penalty - 6.5
Stewart Downing - Not really involved - 6
Fabio Rochemback - Showed flashes, but also made mistakes. Too many, in my book - 5.5
George Boateng - Didn't really get a grip on the game - 6
Lee Cattermole - Battled hard - 7
James Morrison - Very good in the first half - 7
Ayegbeni Yakubu - Struggled - 6
Substitutes
Adam Johnson - No impact - 6
Mark Viduka - No impact - 6
Sign Him On
Steven Gerrard once again proved that Liverpool are a bit shite without him. Arbeloa and Mascherano also played well. Peter Crouch may be out of favour at Anfield if, as expected there is a summer spending spree, and may be a direct replacement for Viduka if the Aussie leaves.
That's all folks
Udayan Mukherjee
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