Match Report 050101 vs Chelsea: We need a Fung Shui Master

0-1 and it's another Joe Cole deflected goal off Carragher. And we lost Alonso for 6 weeks. And the referee, who happened to be sponsored by Emigates as Chelsea, did not give us a penalty for a clear handball (and another not too clear, but a definitely penalty at Old Trafford). So how unlucky can we be?

Fortunately (?) the 2 teams right ahead of us both lost, so we did not lose ground to chase the 4th position. But if we are more ambitious then we are losing ground, now 9 points behind Manchester United...

We played very well especially in 1H although in 2H we slowed a bit and let Chelsea come back. But still we can't play at this top level for 90 minutes. In the game vs Arsenal we scored one in 1H (by Alonso...) and then Mellor scored in the last minute (he only had 6 minutes to play...) If Baros is fit this may be another story...

Player Rating:
Dudek: 7.5 Best game this season. He had 2 great saves but still have no chance on the deflected goal... It's really a pity he didn't get a 3rd consecutive clean sheet.
Finnan: 6.5 A bit quiet this game. And one slip in 2H almost lead to a Chelsea goal.
Carragher: 7.5 Did a lot of things and even have 2 goal attempts. Unlucky to have the ball deflected off him for the goal.
Hyypia: 7 The unsung hero of the team. I reall wish he will start scoring goals.
Traore: 6.5 Had our first shot on target but it was a weak side kick. Then lost the ball twice... scary.
Garcia: 6.5 I think he should try using less tricks and be more down to earth. His tricks are nice to watch but not too effective. He had already won the heart of the fans so it's time to deliver. Had a good header near the end but was saved.
Gerrard: 7 Work hard as ever, but it's a bit not up to his usual high standard. Maybe he had something to think about? Hope not.
Alonso: 6 We will miss him. Get well soon.
Hamann: 7 Another unsung hero doing all the dirty tricks.
Riise: 7 Unlucky to be injuried. Hope it's not too serious.
Sinama-Pongolle: 7 Had a half penalty denied. Work very hard but his lack of strength and height makes him difficult to go through Gallas.

Substitution:
Nunez: 6.5 Should have won us a penalty but the referee was corrupted. Worked very hard.
Mellor: Maybe Rafa should send him on earlier.

Rafa: 7 To be fair the injuries and the referee interrupted his plan. But his gameplan works very well in 1H. Still need to find a way to make us play more consistent. And now he needs to worry on the transfer market.

Chelsea: 6 They didn't play well but managed to win. They now have the most important element of winning the League - Luck and I think they will win it.

Men of the Match: Dudek/Carragher. It's the best game Dudek had this season, and Carragher give 120% as usual and even had 2 shots. These two guys are both extremely for the goal conceded.