Liverpool ‘v’ Man City – Review

Result: Liverpool 1 – 1 Man City

An enthralling contest at Anfield on Sunday resulted in a pulsating match and a valuable point for City. Former Scouser Craig Bellamy gave the visitors a second-half lead and they looked to be heading towards a rare away success, only to see their hopes dashed when Dirk Kuyt, the Dutch workhorse and Liverpool’s version of Darius Vassell, albeit one who can score, equalised with twelve minutes to go to earn a point for the title challengers.

Team News

Blues boss Mark Hughes made just the solitary enforced change from the side which drew in midweek in the UEFA Cup, bringing in holding-midfielder ‘Nifty Nige’ de Jong in place of the suspended Shaun Wright-Phillips. Sparky opted for a defensive looking Christmas tree formation; four defenders, 3 defensive midfielders, 2 attacking midfielders and just the one striker.

Liverpool, shorn of the services of inspirational skipper Steven Gerrard and passing maestro Xabi Alonso, handed a start to the much-maligned Lucas Leiva, who lined up in central midfield alongside Pablo Zabaleta’s best friend, Javier Mascherano.

City Line-Up

                                             Given

Richards             Dunne                         Onuoha          Bridge

            Kompany                 de Jong                 Zabaleta

                          Ireland                        Robinho            

                                          Bellamy

Subs: Hart, Garrido, Elano, Weiss, Evans, Vassell, Caicedo

Report

Any thoughts of a cagey opening were dispelled immediately as the match started at a frenetic pace. Both sides looked up for it, although it seemed as if City would settle for a point as they lined up in a formation designed to restrict Liverpool. Employing three defensive midfielders enabled Robinho the luxury of extra time and space on the ball, and as the game wore, he exploited this fantastically.

The first chance of the match was created by the hosts after seven minutes when Fernando Torres sliced over following some good work and a delightful flick by Israeli international Yossi Benayoun. City captain and sumo-wrestler Richard Dunne made a crucial interception on ten minutes after a dangerous cross from former City loanee Albert Riera. Liverpool were strongly in the ascendancy and a flashed Andrea Dossena cross caused havoc in the Blues box as first Dunne, and then Nedum Onuoha, missed their clearances.

A freekick was awarded in the eighteenth minute for a stupid push by Dunne on Torres and this allowed Benayoun the chance to test Given in the City net, but the wall did the job and the danger was averted. From an inswinging corner after 22 minutes, a goalmouth scramble of great proportions ensued. A combination of Richards, Onuoha, Dunne and Bridge somehow managed to clear the danger but there were clear warning signs as City dropped deeper and deeper, struggling to escape from their own half.

Benayoun casued problems throughout the game

City’s first attack of the game came after half an hour and nearly created the opening goal when Stephen Ireland, receiving a return pass from Robinho after finding the Brazilian with a majestic 70 yard half-volley, could only fire straight at Pépé Reina with his first effort and hit the side netting with his second.

A 30 yard Dossena strike forced Given into a low save, scrambling to his right. After 36 minutes, ex-City player Albert Riera came within inches of scoring, when perhaps he should have done better. Torres turned Zabaleta on the half-way line, strode forward 30 yards and picked out his fellow Spaniard with a sublime mis-hit pass! Taking two touches, he proceeded to smash his lame effort just wide of the post with Given stranded. As half-time loomed, Kuyt saw his header glance wide and the whistle was blown with the scores level.

The second half started, and within minutes, City took the lead. After receiving the ball from a throw-in and turning past a couple of defenders, Robinho laid the ball forward towards Vincent Kompany who in turn released the ball into the path of the oncoming Bellamy. Twelve yards out and with the goal beckoning, the fiery Welsh dragon looked to have missed the target, but a fortunate and somewhat helpful deflection off Arbeloa guided the ball beyond he outstretched reach of Reina.

Bellamy was elated with his finish, but the FA may decide it was Arbeloa’s own-goal

This immediately awoke Liverpool who put their foot on the gas in search of the elusive equaliser. Torres just failed to make contact with Riera’s cross-field ball as Liverpool threatened to score.

The visitors signalled their intent as Stephen ‘Superman’ Ireland curled his shot high, wide and not very handsome! Just after the hour mark, Benitez brought on young Moroccan midfielder Nabil El Zhar to replace Reira, a move which forced the impressive Yossi Benayoun out to the left wing where he came up against a resurgent Micah Richards.

Ireland had a cheeky back-heel correctly disallowed in the 66th minute as City pushed for the second goal which would surely kill off the game. Liverpool needed to score twice to resurrect their title ambitions and the crowd were restless, showing their frustration, especially directed at Lucas, whose passes never seemed to reach their intended target. Dead-ball specialist Fabio Aurélio replaced the hopeless Dossena with fifteen minutes to go as Liverpool went for the jugular, thus leaving gaping gaps for City to hopefully exploit.

Alas No! Heartbreak for the Citizens! With 78 minutes on the clock, a cross from Benayoun found Torres at the front post and the Spanish international miscued his effort into the path of Dirk Kuyt, who lashed the ball into the back of the net.

Nigel de Jong was sensational in this match, ruling the midfield like a Roman emperor

A swerving, dipping effort from goalscorer Kuyt forced Irish stopper Given into a fine save, as a revitalised Liverpool pushed for the winner. They brought on speedy Dutch winger Ryan Babel in place of the defence-minded Javier Mascherano as they pushed men forward at every opportunity, searching for the winner. Given saved superbly from a Benayoun volley and Dunne came to the Blues’ rescue when he blocked the follow-up, albeit with vague suspicions of hand-ball.

The game had a cup-tie feel at this point, with the action lurching from one end of the pitch to the other. Clearly boosted by his midweek goal, Nedum Onuoha barged his way past four Liverpool defenders, only to see his weak shot pounced upon by Reina. Felipe Caicedo replaced Robinho for his now customary three minutes whilst City attempted to run down the clock. And run it down they did as the referee blew his whistle to signal the end of the game. Both sides attained a point, although City left Anfield much the happier. Liverpool now trail the leaders by seven points, a seemingly insurmountable target, but one that I hope they achieve.

Key Battles

Fernando Torres ‘v’ Richard Dunne

Dunne was like a Trojan all afternoon, making block after block and restricting Torres’ effectiveness. Much was expected of the Spaniard in the absence of the talismanic Gerrard, but he failed to produce the goods with any regularity. Winner = Dunne

Javier Mascherano ‘v’ ‘Nifty Nige’ de Jong

‘Nifty Nige’ had a cracking game just in front of the back four, breaking up all Liverpool could throw at him. Mascherano wasn’t needed as City opted for a defensive formation. Winner = de Jong

Robinho ‘v’ Robinho

The latter, see the preview of this game, easily won this battle. Released by City’s extra holding midfield player, Robinho was afforded the luxury of being able to stay up-field and not track back, and he certainly made good use of this. Every time City had a break, the ball encountered Robinho, who would in turn use it intelligently to set up a chance for a fellow Citizen. Winner = Robinho

Robinho produced a fantastic performance, hitting back at his critics

Player Ratings

Given – Made a couple of fantastic stops, especially from Benayoun’s volley, and was helpless with the goal – 7.5

Richards – Possibly at fault for the goal, as he failed to cut out the cross, but generally, a much improved showing from the young defender – 7

Dunne – What a monster!! Back after his ban and he returned better than ever. Has endured a shaky season so far but if he carries on in this form, it will be huge boost to the Blues- 9

Onuoha – Worked well in tandem with the captain and handled Torres well. Very effective without necessarily catching the eye – 7.5

Bridge – The weak point of City’s defence. Slow to react for the goal, when he should have been goal-side of Kuyt, and looked hesitant and nervous throughout the match – 6.5

Kompany – Played in a slightly more advanced role than usual and seemed to enjoy it. Was a commanding figure in the centre of the park, and helped to set up the goal – 9

de Jong – Legend!! Was colossal throughout the game, enjoying midfield supremacy. Won the ball numerous times and his distribution was excellent – 9.5

Zabaleta – Played on the left of a defensive midfield threesome and looked off the pace in the first half. Recovered after the break to put in a sterling effort, commanding the midfield ahead with greater authroity than best friend, Mascherano – 8

Ireland – Superman was brilliant as usual, bombing up and down the pitch, helping in both attack and defence. Should have scored but will be happy with his contribution – 9

Robinho – Much improved from the Pompey game. Looked bright on the ball and caused problems for the opposition – 8.5

Bellamy – His pace and work-rate caused havoc in the Scousers’ defence. Will claim the goal as his own and he deserves it after his performance – 8.5

Subs:

Caicedo – No time to mark

Man of the Match – Nigel de Jong