Tuesday, May 03, 2005

Match Report 050430 vs Middlesbrough: We failed to close the gap once again

1-1 and we once again failed to close the gap, despite we can more or less expect such a result. We lost to a lame goal very early and keep pressing, despite we only played very well for the first 20 minutes in the second half. And Southgate was really class.

Player Rating:
Dudek: 6.5 Not much to do apart from that goal.
Finnan: 6.5 An average game.
Carragher: 6.5 Can't do anything about that goal, other than that he had a OK game.
Pellegrino: 5.5 This may be his last game for us. His slowness led to that goal.
Warnock: 6.5 Not much attacking contribution but defense-wise he's OK.
Nunez: 7 Had a very good game. His crosses was very dangerous and usually reached Nando, unfortunately Southgate had an excellent game and marked Nando out.
Gerrard: 7.5 Scored a magnificant goal. It's really nice to see him scoring such a goal before the Chelsea game.
Alonso: 6.5 For his high standard this is an average game.
Riise: 7 Played left midfielder in 1H and Centre back in 2H. Had nothing to do and even had time to assist Gerrard in that goal. Too bad Boro did not have enough pressure to check if he is the right partner of Carra.
Kewell: 7 A good game and looks like his injury is finally over despite he only had 80% fitness.
Morientes: 6.5 Marked out by Southgate.

Substitutions:
Garcia: 7 Had numerous chances but Boro defense is very hard to beat.
Cisse: 6 Running on the right midfield but not much contribution.
Hamann: It's good he's back as Alonso is suspended.

Rafa: 6.5 The lack of depth of the team, together with Boro's tight defense, made him frustuated one more time. Hope this is the last time.

Middlesbrough: 7 Had very good defensive display. I really hope they can edge out Spurs for the UEFA spot.

Man of the Match: Gerrard. Back to his best at the right time.

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