The result aside this was a very encouraging performance for many reasons. The game swung on two decisions, Webb was conned for the penalty by Berbatov. Still I feel that he could have gotten out of it as it was the first minute and unless it was a stone wall decision he needn't have pointed to the spot. That said he was conned by a dive. Agger who had a good game got too close to him though. Stevie had to go. Stupid tackle, and he knew it too. Other than that there were so many positives.
Pepe producing 5 or 6 saves in a row was world class. If that was Joe Hart the pundits would have been all over it, we are so lucky to have him. The back four were solid, didn't get forward a lot but we were away and down to 10 men so undrstandable. Good to see Skrtel going back to basics and being a tough no nonsense centre back. Agger and Fabio both showed why they should be in the side, the challenge now is to stay fit. Martin Kelly for me was a revelation today. Good lad.
I felt we set up much better, it suited the players we have rather than fitting the players to a formation. Special word for Lucas who covered n amazing amount of ground and showed maturity beyond his years by seeing danger and dropping back to snuff it out. We played the ball on the floor and put some nice passes together. The changes were all well placed and it is encouraging to see Kenny throwing in the young lads and subbing whoever deserves to be subbed. This isn't a dig at Nando as I felt he tried hard in the first half but just wasn't holding the ball up in the second when we needed it. Still it will do the lad no harm at all to be subbed he will be all the better for it. Shelvey showed great confidence by taking on the lob,however and it happened in the first when Agger played a short ball, when we are down to 10 men a free kick should be put into the box as it gives us a chance to get numbers in there.
Lots of good things to take from the game but we still lost, restoring pride was the main thing for me, we could see a pattern of play already that has been missing. On a side note twice the cameras picked up our fans one mimicking a plane and another chanting Munich. Idiots, and noticeable that they were both young lads. Whatever level the Mancs stoop to regarding Hillsborough doesn't make this ok. The lads around them didn't join in. The chants of Dalglish were brilliant. Onwards and upwards.