Looking Back; Looking Forward

Last night saw the play a mixed squad of established first-team regulars and up and coming young guns. The result? A 2-1 win over a gritty and determined Cardiff, including one God making his return to Anfield.

Robbie is still yet to have scored against Liverpool at Anfield, and the Reds were thankful to young Charles Itandje for a couple of very smart saves to keep his scoreless streak running.

I’ve been impressed with El Zahr in the reserves this season and was looking forward to seeing how he’d cope with the big boys but even the most optimistic supporter wouldn’t've predicted his cracking 25-plus yard thunderbolt. Gerrard weighed in with the winning goal after another lung bursting run and nice play with and by Yossi Benayoun. Is he back to his best after that toe injury? Lets hope so - let’s face it, we need him right now.

At the back, Hobbs looked very solid and if we need anything right now, it’s a ball-playing defender. We need that composure at the back and desperately need someone to be able to bring the ball out of defence and push the midfield forward towards the opposition’s penalty box.

Babel looked like he was slightly nervous playing up-front and it seems as if Leto is having some sort of identity crisis. From looking like the next world-beater in the reserves to looking like a hung-over, half drunk Sunday League pub footballer in the first team.

His South-American counterpart, Brazilian player-of-the-year, Lucas Leiva had an excellent first half but was a little meh in the second half.

If we’re to take anything from this game, it had to be the performances of the youngsters. Rafa has invested a lot of money in youth and we may be seeing his investment paying off soon. If the first team can get a run going, I’d love to see them get some consistent playing time but the way we’re playing right now, I’m not going to hold my breathe.

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Category: Post Match Reaction

Tags: el zahr, Gerrard, liverpool youngsters, Post Match Reaction

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