Match Report 050111 vs Watford: Seniors let the youngsters down

1-0 and that means all is not settled, and Rafa may not be able to play as many youngsters as he wish in the 2nd leg.

First half was a poor game and Watford had probably more deadly chances than us. After the teamtalk the team played better, and as soon as Baros is on the pitch, he made an impact and we scored. Dudek threw the ball to Garcia, who flicked on to Sinama-Pongolle. He then passed the ball superbly to Baros, whose cross was palmed away by Jones, but then Gerrard's shot was too strong and it hits Cox's head and deflected into the goal.

Then we failed to build on the lead and Watford almost equalized if not for the brilliant defense of Carragher, Finnan, Traore and Dudek. Anyway, it's still a win and we will improve, especially next game is vs Manchester United and Morientes joined us.

The good thing is our defense is as solid with Carragher partnering Traore. On one hand Traore played well (Carra as well) but on the other hand I think this is due to the zonal defensive system, so that no matter who's playing, the playing already knows where he should be. Credit to Rafa.

Player Rating:
Dudek: 7.5 A good display with several nice saves. Well done man!
Finnan: 7 If he is not alert Watford may have equalized. Well done!
Carrafger: 7.5 Stopped the ball from a set piece to avoild Watford equalized. Play well along Traore.
Traore: 7 Good display as well.
Riise: 6.5 Playing him as defender probably wasted his attacking skills. Not as spectacular as the previous few games as midfielder.
Nunez: 6.5 He played quite good in 1H with several good crosses, but was invisible in 2H. Maybe due to the tactics that our attacks are on the left side in 2H.
Gerrard: 8 Scored the goal. Excellent performance as usual.
Hamann: 6.5 Doing all the dirty works in midfield. Hamann as usual.
Garcia: 6.5 His flick on produced the goal, other than that he had a few scoring chances but missed.
Mellor: 6 Not his day and was rightly substituted. Had a tame shot just before that.
Sinama-Pongolle: 7 Lively performance and involved in the goal.

Substitutions:
Baros: 7 Instant impact! Welcome back!
Biscan: 6.5 Substituted Hamann and did nothing wrong, although nothing spectacular.
Warnock: Not enough time to made a significant impact.

Rafa: 6.5 Same old problem of unable to made the team play well for 90 minutes, but with Morientes coming things can only be better. At least it's better than playing well and lose. And his teamtalk works again!

Watford: 8 Credit to them. They played really well. But we will win the 2nd leg as well.

Man of the Match: Gerrard. Another nice performance. Although Carra also come close.