1-0 and with this first away win of the season, we already have one foot stepped on qualification. If we win the next game we will already be qualified.
With all the injuries Rafa has picked a somewhat attacking mind but weak in defense midfield. The first half was very boring without many chances for both sides. But in second half Crouch managed to score a header from a nice Bellamy corner. Defense was solid under the leadership of Carra as we managed our first clean sheet away from home.
This is a well timed away win as we will be visiting Old Trafford in the next game. Stevie G will be back, and as Rafa said now that the internationals are over, we will have better training routines and our season really starts from here.
Player Rating:
Reina: 7 A much improved performance.
Finnan: 7 Nice performance.
Carragher: 7 Leaded the team with example.
Hyypia: 7 A good job.
Riise: 6.5 Busy as he was constantly exposed by Gonzalez's lack of defensive duty.
Luis Garcia: 7 A lively performance.
Alonso: 7 A good performance.
Zenden: 7 Slot into the midfield well.
Gonzalez: 6 Ineffective in attack, and lack of awareness defensively.
Bellamy: 7.5 Good performance with a nice corner assist.
Crouch: 7.5 Missed a glorious chance in 1H but fortunately scored one in 2H that won us the game.
Substitutions:
Kuyt: 6 Replaced Crouch but without too many contributions.
Sissoko: 6 Provided some steel in midfield when we needed it.
Warnock: 6 Had a nice run but unfortunately his finishing was not good.
Rafa: 7 Urged the team to respond and get his call answered.
Boardeaux: 6 Poor in attack. May at best challenge for the UEFA Cup spot now.
Men of the Match: Bellany/Crouch. Nice combination for the winning goal.
Rafa:
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