Steven Gerrard’s ‘v’-antics appears to be a bigger story than last night’s humbling loss to Wigan. And why not? I mean, it’s not like Liverpool lost a match to a club that defeated a ‘big four’ side for only the second time in their history. Oh, right. That should probably rate as the bigger story…
Whilst Gerrard continues to get heat for his two-fingered salute, Liverpool continue to give the same gesture to the supporters, showing zero urgency in what could be the most embarrassing loss this season next to the 2-0 away defeat to Pompey earlier in the year.
Quite honestly, the thought of this club joining the ranks of the top four once again seemed a bit premature given the up-and-down season they’ve endured. Just when you thought Rafa had things going in the right direction, the club turned a complete 180 and reverted to their old ways, playing with little heart and passion.
Liverpool beat Blackburn Rovers 2-1 at Anfield, with Fernando Torres and Stevie Gerrard getting the goals for Rafa’s side.
Barring a drastic run of results for everyone at the top of the table, the 2009/10 season will be looked back on by Liverpool fans as a disaster. Come the end of the season, most fans will be saying “if only…” to a number of a scenarios as Liverpool push for 4th place, having challenged for the title last year.
Liverpool face Arsenal at the Emirates tonight, knowing a win could put us within just two points of 3rd place in the League; but who do you think should be in the starting line up?
It may have been obvious prior to Saturday’s emphatic derby victory over Everton, but now it’s really official: Liverpool are riding a wave of momentum not seen since last season’s dramatic run at Manchester United and the Premier League title.
And it couldn’t come at a better time.
Whilst it would be easy to bang on about the 10-man victory over our Merseyside rivals, Liverpool really do need to keep their wits about them as they move into what Rafa is calling the most crucial part of the season. As many of you know, Saturday’s match marked the tip of a three-headed monster of Premier League matches for the Reds.
Up next? Arsenal at the Emirates on Wednesday, followed by Manchester City at the City of Manchester Stadium in a fortnight. There’s no doubting these two matches could make or break Liverpool’s recent run of good fortunes.
Take at least four points from the next two league matches and we could be looking at a furious finish to what was strongly considered a wash of a season just a couple weeks ago. A defeat in either match, however, could lead to a loss of confidence at the wrong time.
Rafa Benitez has named his starting line up to face Everton at Anfield today; with N’Gog starting upfront in the absence of Torres.
Alberto Aquliani has returned to the starting line up against Bolton today at Anfield, with Lucas going onto the bench. N’Gog starts upfront; with Kuyt, Gerrard and Riera behind him.
Liverpool drew 0-0 with Wolves this evening, failing to close the gap on Spurs in 4th place who beat Fulham 2-0.
Rafa Benitez has given Maxi Rodriguez his first start for Liverpool tonight as he lines up alongside Steven Gerrard to face Wolves.
Far be it for me to know how Steven Gerrard really feels but if today’s reports are true, the skipper is being considered in tomorrow night’s league match against Wolves.
The Guardian, amongst others, is reporting that Gerrard returned the Melwood over the weekend to train. Benitez even went as far as to hint that there could a Captain Fantastic sighting: “He was training on Saturday and then a full training session on Sunday, and today was the same,” said the Liverpool manager, Rafael BenÃtez. “Normally he’s someone who, if available, can play.
“We’ll decide tomorrow but I think he can be available.”
