Good Game Bad Game [vs Leeds United]

This was always going to be a tricky game, one from which Liverpool had everything to lose whilst Leeds United, doing so well in League One, were going to be determined to do well in front of their own fans. For Benitez, the headache was going to be who to play: on the one hand there was the calls to put in some of the younger players but on the other there was the fear of being shown up by Leeds with the hammering that would undoubtedly follow.

In the end he settled for a side filled with squad players with the welcome inclusion of Jay Spearing. The experimental nature of the team – Fabio Aurelio in central midfield for instance – showed and play was disjointed.

There will be those who will claim that Leeds were hard done by to lose this game. In reality, they showed little of note bar some flashes by Beckford and Snodgrass. Not that Liverpool were much better yet the difference in class showed. Now let’s hope for a good draw in the fourth round.

Good Game
They were occasionally shown up by Beckford’s speed but on the whole Jamie Carragher and Sotiris Kyrgiakos were solid. In particular, the Greek had a very good game and showed that he should prove to be a more than useful replacement for Sami Hyppia.

One of the most pleasing aspects of the game was the performance of Philip Degen. The Swiss defender is nothing special defensively but going forward he showed some classy moves and, if he stays fit (which means a very big if), he could prove to be good cover for Glen Johnson.

Playing Fabio Aurelio in midfield was a clever experiment by Benitez and, whilst the Brazilian used the ball very well, he is too one footed to play in that role on a more permanent basis. For most of the game, Javier Mascherano was anonymous but then came to life in the final half an hour. He could have paid the price for a reckless accident with Beckford and there were fears that he might lose his calm. That didn’t happen and he helped out in defence as Leeds tried to create something towards the end.

Let’s make it clear: Jay Spearing didn’t have a fantastic game. Yet he showed the kind of touches that anyone who has seen him play for the reserves knows that he is capable of. In particular, in the second half he really started taking over Liverpool’s midfield - perhaps as a result of being used in a more advanced position - as he put in some very intelligent through balls.

I’m undecided as to whether Albert Riera had a good or a bad game. On occasions he simply didn’t look interested whilst on other he drove the Leeds players crazy. He needs to add consistency if he is to play more regularly. Much better was Ryan Babel particularly when he was playing on the right. Indeed, he continued on the good touches that he showed against West Ham and, if he keeps on like this sort of form, he could yet force his way into the first team.

David N’Gog remains a highly under-rated player. His work rate up front is impeccable, his touch very good and he took his goal well. Isolated up front for long stretches, he did his best to win the ball and gave his all showing touches of real skill. Despite keeping Beckford onside for the disallowed goal, he is still my man of the match.

Bad Game
This might seem harsh on Diego Cavallieri but his positioning left a lot to be desired whilst he flapped on a couple of crosses. Yet the worst player on the pitch was Andrea Dossena who kept getting beat on the left and losing possession whenever he made a move forward.

Substitutes
Having toyed with the idea of playing Fernaro Torres, Steven Gerrard, Glen Johnson and Martin Skrtel all seemed like move designed as a move to wind down the clock by Benitez (as well as ensuring a win)

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