Wednesday, November 05, 2008

Match Report 081104 vs Atletico Madrid: Lucky Escape

1-1 and it was a very, very lucky and close escape, as Stevie G needs to score a 95th minute penalty before we can get a draw, and the penalty was a bit debatable. We did not do well in 1H and was rightly punished. We geared up a bit in 2H but still couldn't break through, until the very last minute that the referee generously gave us a penalty.

In general the team is tired, and we missed Torres badly. Without him, we just cannot convert chances into goals, as can be seen in the last 5 matches with a single goal only.

Players Rating:
Reina: 6.5 Not much to do and can't do much for the goal conceded.
Arbeloa/Aurelio: 6.5 Did not go forward too often.
Carragher: 7 Solid defense in general.
Agger: 7.5 Had several chances to score but missed.
Alonso: 7 Dictate the pace well.
Mascherano: 7 Quiet and effective.
Kuyt: 7 Hard working as usual.
Gerrard: 7.5 His never-say-die spirit earned us a point.
Riera: 6.5 Form dipped.
Keane: 6.5 Has a great chance but was too late to shot.

Substitutions:
Babel/Ngog/Lucas: 6 Not much impact.

Rafa: 6.5 Need to address the team's lack of goals. But with Torres coming back, the situation may change.

Atletico Madrid: Did well and were a bit unlucky not to win this game. Anyway, both teams should go through to last 16.

Man of the Match: Gerrard. Saved us again.

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