What a month it has been for Liverpool Football Club. When given the tough task of facing Manchester United, Everton and then Arsenal three times in a row within a short space of time, Reds fans must really have feared for their misfiring side.
And with the 3-0 defeat to Manchester United with Mascherano’s sending off ringing in their ears, the team went into the Everton game knowing that only a win would do in order to stay in pole position for that vitally important fourth and final Champions League spot.
Having managed to beat their local rivals, Benitez’s heroes approached the trilogy of Arsenal games in quite confident yet cautious fashion. A 1-1 away draw for the first leg in the Champions League tilted the fixture in Liverpool’s side, especially with Dirk Kuyt’s away goal. Yet now, both sides then had to battle it out again, this time for Premier League points.
The League game was also at the Emirates and many will have expected Arsenal to give it more of a go, seeing as Liverpool would be encouraged to have both eyes on the Champions League. However, Benitez shuffled his pack, gave a debut to Damien Plessis and even started the lanky forward Peter Crouch.
With so many changes and much confusion, the England forward managed to give Liverpool the lead with an impressive goal, to add to the hat-trick he scored against Wenger’s side last year. Arsenal did equalize, but any hopes of winning the title were now fading away. With this in mind, it would be sensible to say the Champions League game would now be the most important fixture in both sides season. After all, neither of these clubs were now realistically going to win the league. With the tie poised at 1-1, battle was ready to commence once again at Anfield.
It must be said, the third game between these sides was a real treat, and possibly the best I have witnessed for a long time. Arsenal started the better, with fluent passing and good build-up. Little surprise then to see them score the first goal, Diaby the man to slot the ball past a troubled Pepe Reina.
All of a sudden, the tie was in Arsenal’s favour. Rubbish defending at the back produced a Liverpool equalizer. Sami Hyypia showing why he is still an important member of the side, with a powerful header into the corner of the net. At half time it seemed, this game was going to extra time.
You may wonder why Fernando Torres has not been mentioned thus far? Well, as with all exceptional players, many of them have reasonably rotten games, but one moment of magic gives them all the glory. This was the case with ‘El Nino’ as they call him.
Just on the side of the box, he turned and shot all in one split-second. Almunia was helpless, the Reds seemed to be going through. Arsenal knew that a second goal from them would see them through to the semis on away goals, and Theo Walcott produced a dashing run from his own half to set up another world-class player Adebayor, to easily poke the ball into the back of Liverpool’s net.
With seven minutes to go, it was time for the Anfield crowd to have it’s say. Enter the scene Ryan Babel, a young Dutchman who promises to be so good in the future. When he dashed forward and was brought down in the box, the whole of the Kop screamed ‘penalty’ and it was given.
Very similar to the spot-kick that should have been awarded against the Reds only a week ago, captain marvel Steven Gerrard banged the ball in the back of the net to mark yet another incredible night at Anfield. And when it seemed all over, Ryan Babel sprinted forward, out-muscled Fabregas and scored another goal to send the Reds through 5-3 on aggregate.
The game was a beauty and ensures that Liverpool will meet Chelsea yet again in the semi finals of the competition for the third time in four years. Could it be third time lucky for the Blues, or can Anfield’s magic send Liverpool in search of a sixth Champions League crown? All remains to be seen.
But for now, there is a battle for fourth spot in the league still taking place. Liverpool may be three points ahead of Everton and have a much better goal difference, but a little slip-up could have major consequences. With Blackburn up against the Reds, they will have to work their socks off in order to get any sort of result.
Rovers dream of entering UEFA Cup football next season via the Intertoto competition could well be ended with defeat here. Mark Hughes' men are five points behind sixth-placed Pompey and have only five games to narrow that points gap. Rovers began the season well, just like Liverpool to some extent. But then they slipped and have never really got back to their best since.
We have seen the best of Bentley and Santa Cruz at times this year but the rest of the team aren’t shining as much as they need to in order to deserve a place in Europe. For one, the defence is blighted by injuries and suspensions. With such a problem, no wonder Rovers have started to concede more goals. Blackburn are quite a strong, aggressive, physical side and indeed this does help them to beat fluent, attacking teams; however this is not their only aspect to their game.
Hughes has built a squad full of his own players with attacking flair and on their day, the likes of Pedersen and McCarthy can really hit top gear and out-play sides. Such a performance will be needed against the confident Kopites.
Realistically, Rovers' aim for this season will probably have been to finish in the top six as well as go on a good run in the cup competitions. None of this has happened so it is quite a disappointing campaign for Blackburn. But a last gasp sixth spot finish could ensure that the mood remains positive around Ewood Park. One thing is for sure, Rovers will have to beat Liverpool if they want to achieve this goal.
FORM GUIDE
Liverpool
Apr 8 v Arsenal (H) WON 4-2 (CL QF 2L)
Apr 5 v Arsenal (A) DRAW 1-1 (Prem)
Apr 2 v Arsenal (A) DRAW 1-1 (CL QF 1L)
Mar 30 v Everton (H) WON 1-0 (Prem)
Mar 23 v Man Utd (A) LOST 3-0 (Prem)
Mar 15 v Reading (H) WON 2-1 (Prem)
Blackburn Rovers
Apr 5 v Tottenham (H) DRAW 1-1 (Prem)
Mar 29 v Reading (A) DRAW 0-0 (Prem)
Mar 22 v Wigan (H) WON 3-1 (Prem)
Mar 15 v West Ham (A) LOST 2-1 (Prem)
And with the 3-0 defeat to Manchester United with Mascherano’s sending off ringing in their ears, the team went into the Everton game knowing that only a win would do in order to stay in pole position for that vitally important fourth and final Champions League spot.
Having managed to beat their local rivals, Benitez’s heroes approached the trilogy of Arsenal games in quite confident yet cautious fashion. A 1-1 away draw for the first leg in the Champions League tilted the fixture in Liverpool’s side, especially with Dirk Kuyt’s away goal. Yet now, both sides then had to battle it out again, this time for Premier League points.
The League game was also at the Emirates and many will have expected Arsenal to give it more of a go, seeing as Liverpool would be encouraged to have both eyes on the Champions League. However, Benitez shuffled his pack, gave a debut to Damien Plessis and even started the lanky forward Peter Crouch.
With so many changes and much confusion, the England forward managed to give Liverpool the lead with an impressive goal, to add to the hat-trick he scored against Wenger’s side last year. Arsenal did equalize, but any hopes of winning the title were now fading away. With this in mind, it would be sensible to say the Champions League game would now be the most important fixture in both sides season. After all, neither of these clubs were now realistically going to win the league. With the tie poised at 1-1, battle was ready to commence once again at Anfield.
It must be said, the third game between these sides was a real treat, and possibly the best I have witnessed for a long time. Arsenal started the better, with fluent passing and good build-up. Little surprise then to see them score the first goal, Diaby the man to slot the ball past a troubled Pepe Reina.
All of a sudden, the tie was in Arsenal’s favour. Rubbish defending at the back produced a Liverpool equalizer. Sami Hyypia showing why he is still an important member of the side, with a powerful header into the corner of the net. At half time it seemed, this game was going to extra time.
You may wonder why Fernando Torres has not been mentioned thus far? Well, as with all exceptional players, many of them have reasonably rotten games, but one moment of magic gives them all the glory. This was the case with ‘El Nino’ as they call him.
Just on the side of the box, he turned and shot all in one split-second. Almunia was helpless, the Reds seemed to be going through. Arsenal knew that a second goal from them would see them through to the semis on away goals, and Theo Walcott produced a dashing run from his own half to set up another world-class player Adebayor, to easily poke the ball into the back of Liverpool’s net.
With seven minutes to go, it was time for the Anfield crowd to have it’s say. Enter the scene Ryan Babel, a young Dutchman who promises to be so good in the future. When he dashed forward and was brought down in the box, the whole of the Kop screamed ‘penalty’ and it was given.
Very similar to the spot-kick that should have been awarded against the Reds only a week ago, captain marvel Steven Gerrard banged the ball in the back of the net to mark yet another incredible night at Anfield. And when it seemed all over, Ryan Babel sprinted forward, out-muscled Fabregas and scored another goal to send the Reds through 5-3 on aggregate.
The game was a beauty and ensures that Liverpool will meet Chelsea yet again in the semi finals of the competition for the third time in four years. Could it be third time lucky for the Blues, or can Anfield’s magic send Liverpool in search of a sixth Champions League crown? All remains to be seen.
But for now, there is a battle for fourth spot in the league still taking place. Liverpool may be three points ahead of Everton and have a much better goal difference, but a little slip-up could have major consequences. With Blackburn up against the Reds, they will have to work their socks off in order to get any sort of result.
Rovers dream of entering UEFA Cup football next season via the Intertoto competition could well be ended with defeat here. Mark Hughes' men are five points behind sixth-placed Pompey and have only five games to narrow that points gap. Rovers began the season well, just like Liverpool to some extent. But then they slipped and have never really got back to their best since.
We have seen the best of Bentley and Santa Cruz at times this year but the rest of the team aren’t shining as much as they need to in order to deserve a place in Europe. For one, the defence is blighted by injuries and suspensions. With such a problem, no wonder Rovers have started to concede more goals. Blackburn are quite a strong, aggressive, physical side and indeed this does help them to beat fluent, attacking teams; however this is not their only aspect to their game.
Hughes has built a squad full of his own players with attacking flair and on their day, the likes of Pedersen and McCarthy can really hit top gear and out-play sides. Such a performance will be needed against the confident Kopites.
Realistically, Rovers' aim for this season will probably have been to finish in the top six as well as go on a good run in the cup competitions. None of this has happened so it is quite a disappointing campaign for Blackburn. But a last gasp sixth spot finish could ensure that the mood remains positive around Ewood Park. One thing is for sure, Rovers will have to beat Liverpool if they want to achieve this goal.
FORM GUIDE
Liverpool
Apr 8 v Arsenal (H) WON 4-2 (CL QF 2L)
Apr 5 v Arsenal (A) DRAW 1-1 (Prem)
Apr 2 v Arsenal (A) DRAW 1-1 (CL QF 1L)
Mar 30 v Everton (H) WON 1-0 (Prem)
Mar 23 v Man Utd (A) LOST 3-0 (Prem)
Mar 15 v Reading (H) WON 2-1 (Prem)
Blackburn Rovers
Apr 5 v Tottenham (H) DRAW 1-1 (Prem)
Mar 29 v Reading (A) DRAW 0-0 (Prem)
Mar 22 v Wigan (H) WON 3-1 (Prem)
Mar 15 v West Ham (A) LOST 2-1 (Prem)
TEAM NEWS
Liverpool
Anchorman Javier Mascherano is missing from the Reds squad due to increased suspension. The Argentinian did appeal against his lengthened ban however failed and will miss his third and final game. Long-term injuries include Dane Daniel Agger, the young centre-back will not appear again until next season, however his position is covered with Hyypia, Carragher and Skrtel all ready to step in. Wingers Kewell and Pennant both have hamstring problems, but the rest of the squad should be fine. Benitez is likely to convert back to his favourable 4-2-3-1 formation given the success it has brought him in the past couple of months.
Liverpool squad: Reina, Arbeloa, Finnan, Carragher, Skrtel, Hyypia, Riise, Aurelio, Babel, Benayoun, Alonso, Gerrard, Lucas, Crouch, Torres, Voronin, Kuyt, Itandje.
Blackburn
Rovers pair Dunn and Roberts will have late fitness tests to confirm whether they can take part in this crunch clash. Steven Reid should retain his place despite being substituted against Spurs with cramp last time out.
Blackburn squad: Friedel, Emerton, Ooijer, Samba, Nelsen, Khizanishvili, Warnock, Bentley, Reid, Dunn, Pedersen, Santa Cruz, Roberts, McCarthy, Derbyshire, Vogel, Mokoena, Tugay, Brown.
Liverpool
Anchorman Javier Mascherano is missing from the Reds squad due to increased suspension. The Argentinian did appeal against his lengthened ban however failed and will miss his third and final game. Long-term injuries include Dane Daniel Agger, the young centre-back will not appear again until next season, however his position is covered with Hyypia, Carragher and Skrtel all ready to step in. Wingers Kewell and Pennant both have hamstring problems, but the rest of the squad should be fine. Benitez is likely to convert back to his favourable 4-2-3-1 formation given the success it has brought him in the past couple of months.
Liverpool squad: Reina, Arbeloa, Finnan, Carragher, Skrtel, Hyypia, Riise, Aurelio, Babel, Benayoun, Alonso, Gerrard, Lucas, Crouch, Torres, Voronin, Kuyt, Itandje.
Blackburn
Rovers pair Dunn and Roberts will have late fitness tests to confirm whether they can take part in this crunch clash. Steven Reid should retain his place despite being substituted against Spurs with cramp last time out.
Blackburn squad: Friedel, Emerton, Ooijer, Samba, Nelsen, Khizanishvili, Warnock, Bentley, Reid, Dunn, Pedersen, Santa Cruz, Roberts, McCarthy, Derbyshire, Vogel, Mokoena, Tugay, Brown.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Lucas may not be the obvious choice for a player to watch in Liverpool’s squad, especially with the likes of Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard around. However, the Brazilian midfielder can easily slip into Mascherano’s role and his distribution is excellent. He is one for the future, but his thinking is quite ahead of the rest of the opposition and he could perhaps change the game here.
David Bentley has come out about gambling problems which nearly ruined his football career, speaking earlier this week. His mind is fully on football now though and the England international is in sparkling form for Blackburn. He is the biggest threat in the side and Liverpool will be keeping tabs on him.
Lucas may not be the obvious choice for a player to watch in Liverpool’s squad, especially with the likes of Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard around. However, the Brazilian midfielder can easily slip into Mascherano’s role and his distribution is excellent. He is one for the future, but his thinking is quite ahead of the rest of the opposition and he could perhaps change the game here.
David Bentley has come out about gambling problems which nearly ruined his football career, speaking earlier this week. His mind is fully on football now though and the England international is in sparkling form for Blackburn. He is the biggest threat in the side and Liverpool will be keeping tabs on him.
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