1-1 and on paper it is a good result given our poor away form and Villa's strong home form (still remain unbeaten), but if you watched the game you would wonder why we don't win: It's the same old problem that we failed to find the much needed 2nd goal to kill off the game.
We were so good that Villa only had 2-3 shots, one resulted in a goal and the other Solano free kick come close. Other than that it's all us, especially in 1H that we can go 3-0 if not for Sorensen's excellent saves from Gerrard or Mellor.
Some good things from this game are that this 4-5-1 seems to fit every body well, and as Baros is coming back (maybe Wednesday, but by latest Saturday) we should be starting to kick off finally. And hopefully Kewell's goal re-ignite his power. After all, he always play only half season good.
Player Rating:
Kirkland: 6 I think he's partly responsible for the goal, though Solano's strike is very hard to catch, and he did made a great save in 2H. But he should instruct the wall so that he can see where the ball is coming from.
Finnan: 7 Another solid performance, 1H as right back and 2H as right midfielder.
Carragher: 7 The freekick that resulted in the goal should never been given - even the Villa players apologized for that. Other than this Carra is as usual reliable.
Hyypia: 7 Still haven't open his account, but maybe it's due to the quality of corners. Gerrard please note!
Riise: 6 I think John Arne was not as good in this match than the previous matches. But why he was keep at left back when Traore come on is a real mystery.
Nunez: 6 Hope he can adapt to the pace of Premiership very soon.
Hamann: 7 Another solid performance. This formation really suit him.
Alonso: 7 Xabi players very well in the play maker role. And with Hamann and Gerrard protecting him he can take time to make some nice passes.
Kewell: 7 First goal of the season, wish more to come. He also seems to link up with Gerrard perfectly.
Gerrard: 7.5 He's everywhere, but his finishing let him down... Or is it Sorensen somehow can read his mind? I understand his frustuation of being substituted, but there's a bigger game coming up.
Mellor: 7 Plays very well in the lone striker role and was unlucky not to have scored...
Substitutions:
Josemi: 7 I think he played quite well in 2H. Keep it up!
Traore: 6 Maybe there's some secret training for him as left midfielder? But I think it doesn't work. And missed a glorious chance in the injury time.
Sinama-Pongolle: Only played a few minutes, but looks lively.
Rafa: 6 Why he played Traore as midfielder is a puzzle to Liverpool fans. We'll see.
Aston Villa: 6 They are lucky to get 1 point in this game. But I think they should be doing well and challenge the UEFA Cup slot.
Man of the Match: Gerrard. With performance like this from the captain, the only way to go for us is up.
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