5-3 and it was a roller coaster that we went from 1-0 to 1-3 and win the game 5-3. From an entertainment point of view this is a great game, but from the team's point of view there are lots of things to worry like the defense started to leak goals, and the players were tired or complacement. The good thing is that perhaps it that the players have enough quality and belief to win the game, and now is probably a good time to refresh ourselves and to gear up for the rest of the season.
We filed a very strong starting 11 with Reina the only first team player rested. We did not start too well and Luton were the better team. Maybe due to tireness or the absense of Reina, the defense were pressured wave by wave. Somehow Stevie G scored a great goal, but after that Luton did not give up and derserved to scored two nice goals in the expense of the very poor defense.
After the break we come out better with Cisse moved to right and Stevie G moved to central. We have a penalty but Cisse missed it. Then Luton had a penalty and promptly scored. At this point of time we stil have a lot of time, and with a tactical masterstroke Rafa turned it around. The introduction of Sinama Pongolle started another comeback and quickly he scored. From this point onward it is only a matter of time on when the 2nd goal will be scored. And it came from a superb 40 yard lob from Xabi. We keep pressuring, and Luton is now tired, and Sinama scored a header and we are up front again. At the stoppage Xabi shown his great football sense as he turned the Luton goalie who came up for a corner and scored from 60 yards. And this goal won a punter 25,000 pounds.
Player Rating:
Carson: 5.5 Leaked 3 goals and should have done better.
Finnan: 6.5 The better defender and he had a great cross for Sinama's header.
Carragher: 6 A poor day for Carra as he was turned for a goal conceded.
Hyypia: 5.5 One of his worst game for us. Tired and outplayed for too many times.
Riise: 6 As with the other defenders he did not have a good game.
Gerrard: 7 Whether he was disinterested or showing complacement or don't think the match is over is subject to debate. But at 1-3 it was him who rally the boys through.
Alonso: 7 Very poor 1H as he was outmuscled (probably the same reason Rafa didn't start him at Bolton), but scored two wonderful goals in 2H that averaged 50 yards.
Sissoko: 5.5 His worst game for us, and could have been sent off for a bad tackle.
Kewell: A fair game with not too many contribution. But it is clear that Rafa rated him very high.
Cisse: 6.5 Had a penalty saved.
Crouch: 6 Outmuscled by the Luton boys???!!!
Substitutions:
Sinama Pongolle: 8.5 As in the Olympiakos game, Sinama come from the bench and scored for us - this time 2 goals. This is the first game he scored more than 1 for us, and he has a very big Liverpool heart, unlike Le Tallec. Rafa please take note.
Kromkamp/Warnock: Not enough time to impress. Welcome on board Jan!
Rafa: 7 He proved he can really turnaround a game, this time by the timely substitution. But he would be angry about the complamency.
Luton: 7 Credits to them and particular their manager Newell. If they have enough stamina to press for 90 minutes we were already out.
Man of the Match: Sinama Pongolle. Don't loan him out.
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