Wednesday, January 10, 2007

Richard Jolly at Anfield


Liverpool 3 - 6 Arsenal: Young Gunners humiliate Reds


http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=399250&root=england&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab2pos1&cc=5901

I almost didn’t watch this match. I had some tile to repair in the upstairs bathroom
and figured I should be a responsible homemaker and give the second Liverpool/Arsenal
cup clash in three days a miss. But it was the lure of the youngsters that convinced me t
hat I should let the tile sit and take in the mystique that is the Carling Cup. It was the
correct decision. Nine goals were fun to see. Even “Carling Cup Legend” Robbie Fowler
put one in. Or at least Martin Tyler thinks he’s a Carling Cup Legend. Anyway, Baptista finally found some rhythm, although he still had some dodgy touches and occasionally looked out of sorts. Regardless, I expect big things from him, especially if he’s allowed to play as a striker instead of out of position in the midfield. As he continues to settle, he'll only improve. His free kick was sick. Sick! I'll put it up once it appears on YouTube.

I’ve been reading that some folks thought Song played well – I’d have to disagree.
He was by far the worst Arsenal performer for me, and on a night when a lot of lads
without much first-team experience got a runout, he looked like he didn’t belong.
Even his goal came from a bounce of his should about which he knew nothing.
Perhaps what was so glaring was the difference between the two clubs’ youngsters.
While Arsenal’s excelled and asked questions, Liverpool’s were dreadful.
In particular, the Argentine Paletta was simply atrocious, getting burned twice by
Aliadiere in the runup to two goals. He simply committed himself when it wasn’t
necessary – such a basic mistake. Gerrard’s goal was classic Gerrard: a sick high
volley that left Almunia with no chance. But other than that, this was nightmarish
night for Liverpool. Potentially long-term injuries to Gonzalez and Garcia must have Rafa wishing he'd just forfeited the damn thing. -Sanford

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