Friday, March 07, 2008

Torres terrorises Toon

Another 3 points and another 3 goals. Ever since the Barnsley result, we've been flying in the league. That's 16 points out of a possible 18 in our last six matches which makes us the most in form team in the league. We're now just 2 points behind Chelsea, having played two games more. I would be very surprised to see us catch them for third unless they colapse, but it would be good to see us close the gap and finish a good bit ahead of Everton or Villa.

The opening half hour of the match was poor enough with both teams struggling to impose themselves on the game. We got a very lucky break for Pennants opener. He hasn't scored many for us, and I don't see that changing anytime soon. I don't know if he fits into this 4-2-3-1 system very well. To be honest, I wouldn't be surprised or disappointed to see him leave in the summer. He's not a bad player but we can do better. Time to trade up and get a top quality right sided player. Kuyt does a good job there but we need somebody who will be as dangerous on the right as Babel is on the left.

Gerrard and Torres combined wonderfully for our next two goals. First Gerrard played a wonderfully weighted through ball for El Nino to run onto. He dummied Harper and went around him to slot into an empty net despite the efforts on the Toon defence. His 19th league goal of the season. Then Torres returned the favour by setting Stevie free. He lobed a delicate chip over the on rushing Harper to claim his tenth league goal. Great stuff. These two look to have developed a superb understanding with Gerrard pushing on from midfield to support Torres. Coupled with the threat from Babel on the left and supplied by some crossing from Kuyt on the right, our attacking play has come on hugely in the past month. I hope that we can keep this from up for the remainder of the season.

The captain gives us his thoughts from the uefa site ahead of the Inter match this Tue. Mascherano is in the squad that travelled so I'm hoping he's fit enough to start. We'll need him at his best. Inter are going to put on the pressure and we'll need to withstand it. I can see us trying to hit them on the break with the pace of Torres, Gerrard and Babel. It's vital that we don't make it harder for ourselves by conceding an early goal.

Somebody has gone and given our squad the simpsons treatment. Want some more? Well then check out this great interview with Torres from Spanish tv. Michael Robinson, the host, played for Liverpool back in the day. He got Torres, Reina an Arbeloa to have dinner with Sammy Lee, King Kenny and Souness. Great viewing.

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