A 2-0 win vs last year's Champions League runner up can never be a bad result. I think we were excellent in 1H and never let Monaco into the game. 2H after Deschamps made a change we seemed to be sit back a bit, which I was afraid we will fall into last year's habit of losing the lead. However, Monaco still don't have too many chances and so we held on, until Baros scored a superb individual goal and seal the game.
If we play like this we can be a surprise to many people. Dudek still seems to have trouble facing crosses, so it would be nice for Kirkland to be back ASAP.
Player rating:
Dudek: 7 Only made one save for the whole game, so you know how week Monaco's attack was. But he had 2 scary moments when Monaco crossed the ball. Is it because of his lack of coordination with Carra?
Josemi: 7.5 Not much to do defence-wise, for attack he has a few overlaps with Finnan which we love to see. His assist to Baro's goal is really a nice long pass.
Carragher: 7 Standard Carra performance. I am not sure if he still hasn't coordinated with Dudek well thoguh.
Hyypia: 7.5 Good performance. Command the defencive unit very well.
Riise: 7 He's getting much better this season. There was one very nice set piece but unfortunately he didn't hit the ball strong enough and get deflected. I won't bet against him scoring on Monday against MU.
Finnan: 7.5 So who still think he will be leaving? Keep up the good performance Stevie!
Alonso: 7 His passing is as good as Gerrard. The new Jan Molby, as the paper says.
Gerrard: 8 Excellent in all aspects. He is very happy nowadays, but we still need to keep up our good job to keep the captain.
Kewell: 6.5 Hey man, please improve ASAP or else you will lose your place!
Garcia: 8 The new Dalglish, he's the best linked man between midfield and attack. If he improve his finishing it will be even better.
Cisse: 8.5 A nice goal. Could have score more if not Roma was so good.
Substitutions:
Baros: 8 A very good individual goal. Let's hope he is soon back to his Euro 04 form.
Warnock/Biscan: Not much time to show their skills.
Rafa: 8 His tactic is getting better and better as players are gradually adapting. We all love to hear his name chanted!
Monaco: 5 We never give them any chance in the game, but as the 2 other teams in the group drawn this group is still wide open.
Our prospect in this group: We are topping the group, and since the other 2 teams draw we are in a very good position. Next game at Olympiakos I think we can at least get a draw.
Man of the match: Cisse. Scored a very well taken goal as his first goal at the Kop End. I am sure he will find a habit to do so very soon.
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