Brilliant match, perhaps my favorite at Anfield this year. Both sides pressed well and tried not to give an inch of space to the opposition. Much has been sad about Can and Ibe and rightfully so, they were spectacular. Both will continue to grow into their roles at Liverpool and beyond, as they are quite young. Their talent is quite special. Hinsey made a point about Mario's first goal, and I think that this can not be overlooked. We have been calling out and pleading for such presence and ability in the six yard box for some time now and last night, things clicked and we got our wish. Well done Mario, well done indeed. May many more goals come to you while you are with us.
I am, however amazed that Markovic's goal has been ignored. It was both the first of the night and his first at Anfield. Something he is not likely to forget. Yes, Spurs keeper should have done better, but let's not forget Lazar had the speed, determination, and confidence to take the shot. And he did score, and it livened up Anfield and the players. Likewise, I am amazed that not much has been said about Sturridge's performance. He may still be a but rusty and in need of shaking off some cobwebs, but the lad still knows where goal is, he was making the right runs, and taking on Spurs defenders with confidence. He was incredibly unlucky to no get on the board, and it was s probing run, after a pass by Ibe, that led to our penno.
Additionally, both Sakho and Skrtel were in fine form defensively, Sakho did slip and it allowed Kane in to draw them level with us but it did not affect his mentality or subsequent performance. The power and presence of these two should be marked and remarked upon, as they were called upon to defend against an high pressing attack minded club full of young and quick players.... And without the assistance of Lucas. Lastly, for my comments on excellent performances, we have Migs and Moreno. Migs looks like a new player, his confidence is returning and he is showing signs of quality. Quality, I might add, that led us to buy him two summers ago. He had some top saves and was rightly aggrieved at the linesman and Dowd for the lack of offsides called for Spurs second goal. Moreno did incredibly well, he seems to be over shadowed by Ibe at the moment. Likely because Ibe is younger, homegrown, and just stepped in to the side. (Also he is English, in case you didn't know). Moreno, on the other hand is still learning the ends and out of life in England and in this starting XI, he is not a native English speaker, and yet he was making crosses, runs and tackles like he has been apart of this set up for over a year, when in reality he too is quite new.
Gerrard and Hendo did alright I guess, neither was spectacular, nor was Couthino. We all have out off days but they still alright, none of them let us down. Even Stevie's tackle was spot on, despite Dowd giving the London outfit the Freekick and subsequent goal. His Penno was brilliantly taken, never had a doubt. He took it on the opposite side of the one he took earlier this season against Spurs. We did not miss him when he was taken off, and Lallana did will when brought on. (Can't remember for whom, Stevie or Phil). Regardless it is clear, if it has not been so yet, that our summer signings are beginning to bed in and rise to the occasion.
Onwards and upwards.
