Good Game Bad Game [vs Arsenal]
Thursday, October 29, 2009
This was a game where, more then anything else, Liverpool were looking to see which players would enhance their reputation. And, in that respect there is plenty about which to be satisfied despite the defeat. Make no mistake, this was nothing like last year's feeble surrender at Tottenham: Liverpool played with determination and commitment that deserved a better outcome.
Arsenal played well - exceptionally well - in bursts during which they had Liverpool chasing shadows. It was during these moments that they scored their goals. Fair play to them and Arsene Wenger's policy of focusing on youth - on which he has been working for over a decade and spent a fair deal of money on, one must add - as they have some brilliant players coming through.
Good Game
He should have done better for Bendtner's winner but overall Martin Skrtel stood strong and, more often then not, helped stem Arsenal's attacks. Emiliano Insua scored a brilliant goal and, overall, had a very good game especially considering that he didn't have much help on that left hand side.
Perhaps the most surprising aspect of the game was Phillip Degen's performance. Defensively he's nothing brilliant but when he set off on a run on the right hand side, he invariably caused Arsenal problems. Should have scored in the first half but, that aside, at least it hinted that he could be a good squad player.
Jay Spearing didn't have a good first half: it wasn't Sunderland bad but it was way below what is needed at this level. Then in the second half, he seemed to grow in stature and started imposing himself more on midfield. He didn't show the level of play that he regularly did for the reserves but he showed way more then he's ever done in the brief appearances he's had in the first team and that is something that should give him a fair bit of confidence.
Apart from Degen's good game, the other major surprise came from Damien Plessis. After such a good debut against the same team two seasons ago, Plessis faded away but this season he has been playing quite a bit better in the reserves which is probably why he was granted a new contract. Whatever the reason for that, he played very well showing great intelligence and character. And he gave Voronin a real bollocking for the feeble pass that led to Arsenal's first goal.
Dirk Kuyt did the captain's job well: not only did he put in the usual mileage but he was constantly looking at getting other players involved. Another player who seems revitalised following Sunday's game which, hopefully, he will be able to take forward after a disappointing start to the season.
The goal against Manchester United clearly did David N'Gog a world of good as he repeatedly took on the Arsenal defence. His movement and overall awareness of the game was encouraging to see and he, more then anyone else, looks the ideal candidate to be Fernando Torres' deputy. My Man of the match
Bad Game
Diego Cavallieri did little to convince that he is an able deputy for Pepe Reina. Perhaps time has come to take a closer look at Peter Gulacsi. Equally disappointing was Sotiris Kyrgiakos who gave the impression that he didn't really know where he was supposed to be most of the time.
The worst performance of all, however, was undoubtedly that of Ryan Babel. Forget his incredible miss that would have sent the tie into extra time, he actually did nothing on the pitch to justify his starting spot. At this point, the only option seems that of letting go on loan in January in the hope that someone actually decides to buy him next summer. A massive disappointment.
I'm going to go against the flow and say that Andriy Voronin had, overall, a decent game: nota particularly good one biut not bad either. He started well enough and then was quite good in the final 25 minutes. In between, well let's just say that he was the usual player. The frustrating thing is that he clearly has enough talent to hack it but he lacks the determination to impose himself. When things start going against him, he starts sulking.
Substitutes
Alberto Aquilani got the cameo that everyone was hoping for and did enough during those fifteen minutes to show that he is indeed a class player. Still, patience is the key at this stage and he must be allowed to find his best form as well as get used to English football.
Yossi Benayoun did very little when he came on as did Nathan Eccleston although he was only on the pitch for six minutes. For the youngster, however, this was a massive occasion and surely he has to take heart at being given an opportunity. The player is talented and has that cockiness about him that is vital for a player to succeed. This was the first step for him but he is a real talent.
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6 comments:
Degen was woeful last night - whilst you're right that he made a few runs, essentially it was because he has pace he managed to get anywhere - his defending was non existant, and aside from 1 or 2 runs you had the sense that when he got forward he had absolutely no idea what to do with the ball. Should be sold, along with Voronin (gave the ball away too many times, does nothing up front) and Babel (my word, for the fastest player in the team he certainly looks like the slowest - can't control/pass/tackle - useless).
"Arsene Wenger's policy of focusing on youth - on which he has been working for over a decade and spent a fair deal of money on,........."
Rafa started the idea that Arsenal spend huge amounts of cash on youth development but it is worth noting that the Arsenal Academy is now many £ millions in credit since Wenger took control. It actually contributes to the club funds rather than depleting them.
Good article, I enjoyed reading it. However I will have to disagree with you on 2 points.
1 - Babel had his good moments, including winning a few headers and using his strength to win/shield the ball. These are things he rarely does so that was pleasing to see. His effectiveness is always hampered when he plays on the left, he always wants to cut in. He had started looking effective on the right so why have we moved him back to the left?
2 - Voronin was a waste of space. Simple fact is that if he hadn't of played then we would have won. At fault for the 1st goal and a constant source of comedy throughout. I love the fact that for a striker he has no positional sense or ability to make a decent run. I am going to stop now before I wind myself up about it, it is so depressing
Liverpool was overrun by Arsenal,s kids ,yet the Reds still see positives from the game.Skrtel ,like Carragher is a donkey ,Spearing can,t pass ,Degen their best player on the night ,get,s subtituted ,overall not enough class in the Liverpool ,never mind beating Man.United who has it,s own donkeys in Ferdinand ,Vidic .Not good enough to win anything this season ,sorry for you.
did you go to the game? i was there and liverpool did get outplayed at times but we did play well at times too and compared to last season's game vs spuds, we played at a higher level.
degen wasn't bad, he can be a good player to have on the bench and he did show he has good qualities going forward.
babel was disappointing for me but i wasn't too depressed with the defeat, i thought we played quite well and was unlucky not to get a penalty at the end.
Great post, Paul. great post. I agree with everything you said, most particularly with your analysis of Ryan Babel. He may have had his moments, but he squandered nearly everything that came his way. He looks like he cannot wait to leave; and personally, i can't either. People keep talking about how he doesn't get enough chances; well, he's proved time and again that he doesn't deserve them; and yesterday was just another reminder that he doesn't belong here.
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