1-1 and we conceded another late goal to lose two points. Kuyt had a glorious chance to win the game at the last minute but only hit the post. Together with the poor decisions by the referees, it sums up how good our luck is at the time being. The only lucky thing is results elsewhere are kind to us that minimize our misery, but we certainly missed a great chance to close the gap.
With such a long injury list going to Stoke, Rafa had opted to tackle with the threats with 2 layers of full backs. It worked defensively but the team did not create many chances. Kyrgiakos did very well and showed he is very effective against strong but slow opponents. Unfortunately we could not get the crucial second goal and at the end nerve came to us and we conceded a late goal from corner. It is hard to take, but we need to move on and make sure we get three points in the next game.
Players Rating:
Reina: 7 Solid and assuring at the goal.
Carragher: 7 Solid at the right back although did not help attack that much.
Kyrgiakos: 7.5 Win everything in the air and scored our goal.
Skrtel: 6.5 Not very effective.
Insua: 6.5 Not much contribution.
Degen: 6 Give away the ball too cheaply.
Lucas: 6.5 Should have win us two penalties, but poor referee...
Mascherano: 7 Showed he cared the team and is willing to fight.
Aurelio: 6.5 Inch perfect delivery for our goal.
Ngog: 6 No service to him.
Kuyt: 6.5 Hit the post at the end or else we will win the game.
Substitutions:
Maxi: 6 Not much to do in his debut.
Aquilani: 6 Not enough time to impress.
Rafa: 6.5 Would be delighted about how the team responded, but need to address the lack of confidence especially towards the end of the game.
Stoke City: 6.5 They are also dangerous at home and they should be able to survive with such performance.
Man of the Match: Kyrgiakos. Solid against strong defenders.
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