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WE SHALL NOT BE MOVED[/size]
LIVERPOOL 2 CHARLTON 0
Michael Owen got back to goal scoring ways; the Reds are top of the pile and Vladimir Smicer looks on top of his game. Happy Days!If ever there was a doubt that Phil and Ged were going to be too defensive at home in the run-in, there isn’t now. A midfield four of Hamann, Berger, Murphy, Heskey and a front two of Anelka and Owen isn’t bad is it?!
And the game got off to such a strange start. Jamie Carragher raced into the penalty area, created a chance for himself and then, well, blazed into the crowd. Carragher has shown a hell of an improvement in his attacking play, the area were people find him an easy target to critise because of. It’s obvious he’s worked on it. But, Danny Mills and Gary Neville are better, eh Sven?
After a quick start, Liverpool slowed the tempo of the game, and at times it looked like Charlton would take some work to break down. Jerzy Dudek had nothing to do, bar a few goal kicks, but the Reds needed to find a goal soon before a sense of panic kicked in, as usually happens in these games.
A major blow for the Reds came when Emile Heskey had to leave the action early after about 25 minutes. He was replaced by man of the moment Vladimir Smicer, who made an immediate impact.
Danny Murphy swung a free-kick over to the back post, and Smicer was on hand to head home from close range. We’ve spoken over the past few days about Vladi being our ‘Gary Mac’ of this year. Well, his confidence must be at an all time high, and maybe, just maybe.
Great work by Nicholas Anelka crossed to Vladimir Smicer, who mis-cued the shot, which fell nicely for Owen. The Charlton players protested angrily for offside, but ref Dermot Gallagher decided that it was onside (well his linesman did, but who knows his name?!).
HT LFC 2 Charlton 0After that Dean Kiely was on a one-man mission to keep the score 2-0, saving from Jamie Carragher (our Rob Carlos?) and Danny Murphy in the Kop goal. After that, John Arne Riise was kept out by the Irish international.
One moment that caused panic on the Kop was when the ‘Big Pole in Our Goal’ needed surgery to an injury, but was okay to carry on the game. No disrespect to Pegguy Arphexad, but without him and Kirkland I wouldn’t really feel safe with Pegguy in goal. That may be a bit harsh on Pegguy, but the way Dudek commands the defenders is what keeps our defensive record so good. Kirkland doesn’t have the same thing, but Kirkland’s confidence and assurance is what the defence also needs.
After that, the game was a stroll. Charlton were happy to end the game, the Reds were happy with the three points. Jason Euell gave Dudek a save to make, from about 15 yards he fired at Dudek’s goal, but the Pole tipped wide.
With Arsenal and Manchester United also winning, Liverpool simply had to win to stay in contention. How many times this year have Liverpool drawn ‘must win’ games and are still in! Gala (both), Barca, Southampton, Arsenal, Everton etc. It’s a phrase that gets banded about too much but this was a must-win game.
Danny Murphy was employed in the centre and was at the centre of all things good for the reds. His passing and movement showed exactly why Ged, Sven and Phil all have faith in him. A shame of few fans don’t have the same faith. He isn’t a world beater, but when he’s given a job, he always does it.
And with Nico, Michael, Vladi, Emile and Carra all firing at all cylinders, who’d put it past us to make it number 19?
Not that I’m one to tempt fate.
And let’s just say I’m putting a tenner on Carra for first goal on Wednesday. I’m telling ‘yers it’s gonna happen!
Team: Dudek; Carragher, Hyypia, Henchoz, Riise; Hamann, Berger (McAllister), Murphy*, Heskey (Smicer); Anelka, Owen (Litmanen)MAN OF THE MATCH:DANNY MURPHY
Next up: Bayer Leverkusen