1-1 and we are through to the group stage, but it was with a lot of scary moment and another two injuries. Without Carra defense at a whole has problems, and we are some what lucky to just concede one goal thanks to Reina. Is it down to the aging of Hyypia or is it down to the new boys yet to fit in? Probably a mix of both.
It was also a mystery why with Crouch, Pennant and Gonzalez all starting it was not until Crouch scored that goal that we see a good cross from the wings. I would think this is the purpose of this formation. Nevertheless this is another great header from Crouch.
Players Rating:
Reina: 7 Helped to minimize damage and keep the score at 1-1.
Finnan: 6 Was exposed several times.
Agger: 6.5 Indecisive game.
Hyypia: 6 Showed again he is aging and fading very fast.
Warnock:6 Anoter injury...
Pennant: 7 A great cross and this is why Rafa signed him.
Alonso: 6.5 Tried hard to score early on.
Sissoko: 7 Played well before the injury.
Gonzalez: 6 A bit quiet, but maybe we have put too much pressure on him.
Luis Garcia: 6.5 Had a few shots on target but the keeper responded very well.
Crouch: 7.5 Created lots of chances for the team and scored the important one. He is ready to fight for the place.
Substitutions:
Aurelio: 6.5 Doing well going forward, but was always exposed when defending.
Gerrard: 6.5 Despite the stomache problem he is still driving the team when coming up.
Bellamy: Not enough time to impress.
Rafa: 6 Another game distorted by injuries. But Haifa is not a poor team and Rafa would be happy to the response of the attacking players, although he will be concerned about the defense.
Maccabi Haifa: 6.5 Matched us very well, and good luck to them in the UEFA Cup.
Player of the Match: Crouch. Another great header and he has scored 4 goals in 10 days for the Club and Country.
No comments:
Post a Comment