Middlesborough 1 Liverpool 2
Report By Mark Piercy
When the going gets tough…
Liverpool’s recent run of form couldn’t have come at a better time, could it?
A few weeks ago, Liverpool’s title hopes were on the ropes, with the Reds unable to break sides down. The strikers looked like they’d studied at the ‘Stephane Henchoz School of Finishing’ and the midfield couldn’t chip in with the creativity. But, with the words of a certain Frenchman ringing in their ears, Liverpool have dragged themselves off the floor and we are still in the title chase. How many times over the past decade have you been able to say that?
After a sluggish first 30 minutes, the Redmen found their feet, and after 32 minutes, Nico Anelka took on two defenders before sweeping the ball over with his left foot. Dietmar Hamann was look for his second goal in as many weeks, but Mark Schwarzer parried, only for the rejuvenated Emile Heskey to pounce home.
After more Middlesborough pressure, an 82 minute smart flick by Nico, found John Arne Riise with acres of space, and he smashed home from the edge of the box. Liverpool then found themselves dictating the pace of the game.
On 88 minutes, a cross by Boro found Gareth Southgate who headed home from close range. A few minutes later, Paul Ince drove a low shot that was just past Dudek's post.
But Liverpool will go into the Champions League tie with AS Roma on Tuesday with their first win at the Riverside Stadium under their belt.
Jerzy Dudek was responsible on a few occasions for keeping the Reds in the game, his best save being a great close range stop from a Queudrue. His record of ten hours of football without a goal conceded was finally broken, but the big Pole in our goal could do nothing about Southgates' header. He was reliable and solid.
A special mention must go to the whole of the back four. Hyypia and Henchoz were, well, Hyypia and Henchoz. I don't think I have to say anything abou these two, because you'll all know what I mean. Abel Xavier was a rock. I've been impressed with Xavier and for £700,000 you can't argue that he is another great GH find. He tackled, blocked and even his offensive play has impressed me! It was Jamie Carragher's first game back since his suspension, and he was as solid as Carra usually is.
Dietmar Hamann played out of his skin, well as usual. How people go on about Vieiras and Keanes as the best defensive midfielders and don't talk about Hamann is beyond me. Dietmar is up there with all of these. Danny Murphy had a chance from his prefered centre midfield role, but failed to shine really. But, Danny will also know that, and the stick he comes in for is amazing. Danny has been a great player for us this year, yet remains a scape goat with many.
Now to Nicholas (without the 's') Anelka and Emile Heskey. Emile is my man of the match, because when he never had the ball he'd come back, get it, and start again. Emile's clincal finish show how far he has come from the times where he was finding goals hard to come by. Whereas in recent weeks he's turn and pass, Emile will think nothing of letting fire.
And what impresses me of Anelka? His lightning pace? His goal scoring instincts? No. His attitude. The newspapers thought they were in dream world when they saw this signing. They couldn't wait for Nico to spit the dummy and come out with a remark. But he hasn't, and he seems to have fitted in with the team spirit great. He's always got a smile on his face and seems to love it when his team mates are quick to celebrate with him.
Bring on Roma!
Team: Dudek; Carragher, Xavier, Hyypia, Henchoz; Murphy, Smicer (Gerrard), Hamann, Riise; Heskey*, Anelka
MAN OF THE MATCH: Emile Heskey
SCORERS: Heskey, Riise
