2-0. Should have won more if not the Grazer AK goalkeeper were superb. Gerrard got robbed of a hat-trick as one goal was disallowed due to foul by Cisse. Needless to say Stevie G is the best performer.
Dudek got the nod to start in goal and was never really tested, but he did fumbled a long shot... Josemi and Riise were full-backs and provided some width to us. Carragher and Hyypia started in Center-back, and looks like Henchoz's day is numbered...
In midfield Finnan played right midfield and was not too bad. Kewell was very lively in left midfield, which you can see is his natural best position. Hamann and Captain in the middle and was the heart of almost every move. Bravo!
Cisse and Baros were the 2 forwards and Cisse in especially was very lively. Baros missed a lot of chances, and seems to be still learning to adapt to play with Cisse. Gotta be quick to learn the trade!
As expected Owen did not start the game, although for some unknown reason he get the nod ahead of Whitbread and was included as a substitute. He did received some cheers from the Liverpool fans when he warmed up during the later part of 1H. Hope he realize that we fans still want him to stay.
It's interesting to see Diao substituted Baros in 73 min when we were only 1 goal ahead. At first I was thinking maybe Rafa want to defend the 1 goal lead, as we did in the past, but then Gerrard was moved up front and played as a forward! Perhaps Rafa wanna try 4-3-1-2 and play Gerrard in the "1" position, so that when Alonso come we can switch to this formation. We'll see...
In general it's a good game and we are glad to see Liverpool now half way through the Champions League Group Stage. Though the Owen situation is not clear yet (maybe he's watching if Real Madrid can qualify or not) but I am very optimistic.
Playing Ratings:
Dudek 7 Not much to do despite a fumble
Josemi 7 Solid debut. Provided several crosses. Hope he can provide more overlap and width to us.
Carragher 7 Solid performance in Center Back. Did go up front several times during set-piece. I think he will be the backbone in Center Back.
Hyypia 8 Good performance both at the back and up front. Almost scored in 2 minutes.
Riise 7 I think he is a much better player than last year. Keep up the good work!
Finnan 7 A part time right midfielder and performed well. I hope he still has a future in the team.
Gerrard 10 Scored 2 goals but should be 3. Can even play as a forward. This is gotta be his year once again. Thanks Stevie.
Hamann 7.5 Another solid performance as usual. Though his future may be in doubt due to the potential coming of Alonso, but I am sure Didi will fight for his place. Assist for the first goal.
Kewell 8 Performed comfortably and well in left midfield. Hope his good run will continue, as I still think he is only capable in playing half a season well. Please Harry, prove me wrong.
Cisse 7.5 A good debut even though he did not score. Showed his class and was a continuous threat to the opponent. I am sure he will be success in Liverpool.
Baros 7.5 Have several scoring oppotunities but can't score. Still adapting in playing along Cisse. I am sure it's only a matter of time, but better hurry up!
Substitutes:
Diao Played 17 min solid football.
Potter/Warnock Although their debut were a result of our insufficient midfield, but it's really good to see local boy get a chance, especially in such an important game.
Rafa: 7 A good start with a well derseved win.
Man of the Match: Gerrard
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