a scoreline, a performance just what the doctor ordered. this was so important for LIVERPOOL the loss of confidence in recent games was not showing in this game.
but the pace LIVERPOOL played at was a total contrast to the two games witnessed last week and made such a difference causing PORTSMOUTH all sorts of problems.
although i think the changes in the team were big factors, the line-up had more of an attacking look about it and so it proved with the outcome.
THE TEAM
REINA- didn't have much to do but set up some great attacks with distribution
JOHNSON- looked more like himself getting forward a lot
INSUA- played a lot better after a difficult week
CARRAGHER- usual steady self, solid
AGGER- some good passes from the back solid game
MAXI- very good game some strong running and some really good passes
BABEL- had some good runs, scored a great goal
MASCHERANO- very good game broke any PORSTMOUTH attacks up
AQUALANI- best game yet, hopefully we'll see more of him, capped it with a great goal
GERRARD- this was more like him a lot more involved in the play good shutting down at the first goal
TORRES- proved once again why he is so vital, scored 2 goals and set up the other 2 outstanding display
THE MATCH
for the early stages of the match it looked like LIVERPOOL were going to struggle to break down a PORTSMOUTH team intent on spoiling.
and it was just a bit of pressure from GERRARD on the PORSTMOUTH goalkeeper that changed the game with his clearance being partially blocked by GERRARD and the ball falling to MAXI who just slipped the ball to the unmarked TORRES in front of an empty goal.
this made for great passage of play for LIVERPOOL scoring another two goals in a short space of time.
BABEL scored the second with a good finish, also doing his confidence no harm.
then the third came from AQUALANI with a great finish marking his first goal for LIVERPOOL capping a fine display from the big money signing, i reckon it was his best performance to date.
the second half was just like the first all LIVERPOOL possession and lots of chances, the best of TORRES unleashed a superb shot against the post and BABEL hit the bar after a fine save.
TORRES scored the fourth with a fine finish after creating space for himself. PORSMOUTH scored a late consolation goal but this was a great LIVERPOOL performance that LIVERPOOL will want to build on in this important end of the season.
MAN OF THE MATCH- TORRES 2 goals looked back to his best and set up the 2 other goals
YNWA
Agreed, but a really soft goal to concede at the end. Liverpool could learn a few things from Portsmouth. Even at 4-0 down they still trying stuff and trying to hit Liverpool, if the Reds had thatattitude when they're having another off day it might bode well!
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