2-1 and we are fully deserved to win the game. Rafa's tactic of 4-2-3-1 really nullified Arsenal - so good that they have no shot in 1H and only 2 in 2H, 1 the goal and 1 the 40 yard Henry wasteful lob, and Arsenal did not have a single corner.
Our 2 goals are all great goals as well. First one started when Hamann intercepted the ball in midfield. He found Finnan, who crossed the ball diagonally to Kewell, who headed back to Gerrard. Anybody will think he will pass to Mellor running into the penalty box, and so did the Arsenal defenders. Instead Stevie G passed it to Alonso, who had lots of space due to Mellor's effort, and banged the ball into the corner of the net.
The second goal was in the 92 minutes. Finnan refused to lose a corner and Henry was fouled him. Probably at that time the Arsenal players thought the game is over and they are not paying attention. But not for us. Kirkland had a great pass and Vieira failed to get it, the ball somehow was passed to Mellor, who put it into the net from 30 yards. What a goal!
As I mentioned in the preview we need 3 conditions to win the gam: (1) Henry not playing (literally he wasn't apart from that goal) (2) Vieira sent off (well, almost) and (3) a goal from nowhere (although not as bizarre as from Kewell, Carra or Kirkland, they came from Alonso (2nd goal only) and Mellor (first ever league goal).
This is really a team effort. Every one plays well and hard working, and the first half was almost perfect. 2nd half after they scored we were down a gear, maybe due to tireness as well, but you can see we are more eager to win the game, and we win it in the most spectacular way. Arsenal really had no chance to come back.
Player Rating:
Kirkland 7: Can't do anything about the Arsenal goal, otherwise he's commanding the penalty area very well
Finnan: 7 Done much better in defence that Josemi, and have a great diagonal pass to Kewell to create the first goal.
Carragher: 7.5 As usual the solid rock of the defense. He contained Henry very well.
Hyypia: 7.5 Same comment as Carra. And he had a good block on Henry to prevent him scoring a goal.
Riise: 7 He is also excellent in defense.
Sinama-Pongolle 7 Works very hard in right midfield, unfortunately injuried. Hope he is doing fine.
Alonso: 8 Scored a great goal and was very good in the midfield combination with Hamann and Gerrard.
Hamann: 7.5 A great performance for Hamann especially the first half. Second half he's a bit tired and not as effective, but still a good performance.
Kewell: 7 He works very hard and was very good defensively. For attacks he was involved in the first goal, and had a header saved.
Gerrard: 9 Plays very well in this 2nd striker role, and the Captain really bring everyone up a gear.
Mellor: 8 It's tough to play in this lone striker role but Mellor played very well. And he deserves the goal.
Substitution:
Nunez: 6 First game and was OK. Need to adapt to the pace ASAP.
Rafa: 9.5 Excellent tactic. He's really a good manager. Well done man!
Arsenal: 5 A poor game and had no heart. They don't derseve to get any point in this game. Hopefully they will recover ASAP and challenge Chelsea.
Man of the Match: Gerrard. Captain Marvel!
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