Blackburn and Fiorentina

0-0 draw away to Blackburn was not the result I was looking for. We were rubbish in the first half and improved in the second. Ngog was unlucky when the ball bobbled in front of him and he hit the bar rather than the back of the net. But overall it was a poor enough display and we didn't really deserve much more than a point.

Fiorentina was much better on Wednesday night even if we were beaten 2-1. We really went at them for large parts of the game, even though it was a dead rubber. The game was notable for the much anticipated home debut of the Aquilani, the prince. He looked quite rusty, after almost 9 months out, but was very positive with the ball. He made a real difference with his touch, passing, pace and movement. It was exciting to see the way he linked with Gerrard. But he was only really fit for half a match and ran out of steam quite early on.

Torres and the kid Pacheco gave us a glimpse of what our all Spanish front line might look like in the near future. This kid can play. We've heard about him for the youths and reserves for a while now but this was his first go with the first team. Injury stopped him getting a go earlier. He was really positive on the ball and had a crack at goal with his first touch. I would liek to see much more of him in future rather than Voronin or Babel, the waster. Arsenal on Sunday is a massive game. They have many injuries up front and a few all over the pitch really. We're returning to full fitness now and while the likes of Aquilani, Gerrard and Torres aren't 100%, they are in contention. It's only Riera, Kelly and El Zahr who won't make this one. It's a very hard game to call. I'm going to say that El Nino will make the difference and win it for us, if he starts.

Pepe Reina is an unsung hero according to this. He says he wants to stay here for a long long time, which is brilliant.

Rafa says that we're in talks with Mascherano about extending his contract. He's been playing much better in recent times. But the player himself doesn't seem too interested in talking about an extension, at least not in public. I still expect him to leave this summer.

16 year old Icelandic defender Kristjan Gauti Emilsson has joined Liverpool this week according to news reports. Utd and Rangers have previously been after him apparently.