Saturday, October 11, 2008

JOHN ALDRIDGE COLUMN: Why I'm Amazed By Liverpool's Grit

IT’S amazing that four times already this season Liverpool have fought back from behind to win - and on each occasion the opposition began with the letter M!

For me it highlights the guts and determination Rafa Benitez has instilled in his players.

At half-time against Manchester City I didn’t think there was any way back. We had been really poor in the first half and City deserved their two-goal lead.

But once Fernando Torres pulled one back, the momentum was with us and the shocking challenge on Xabi Alonso which saw City's Pablo Zabaleta sent off provided another boost.

In the end Torres and Dirk Kuyt ensured it was a memorable day and to come back from 2-0 to win was tremendous.

The comeback wins against Middlesbrough, Manchester United, Marseille and Man City were all impressive in their own way but I would still say the pick of the lot was the United game.

The fact we conceded so early and were all over the shop but then fought back without Gerrard or Torres to beat our big rivals was a massive feat.

I guess after seeing what the lads did in Istanbul three years ago we shouldn’t be surprised at anything, especially when you’ve got players of the quality of Gerrard and Torres in your side.

But the City game did highlight for me one weakness in the team.

In the first half our left hand side was a problem and Fabio Aurelio really struggled at left back.

We’ve also got Andrea Dossena who can play there but I don’t believe he has got to grips with the Premier League yet.

Albert Riera has done well going forward on the left flank. He was our best player in the first half against City but defensively we are vulnerable down that side.

I’ve heard some talk about the right hand side also being a problem but I don’t see it like that.

Okay, Alvaro Arbeloa made a mistake for City’s first and should have been stronger in the tackle but in general he does a decent job defensively. He’s got a good engine and got forward well to put a great cross in for Torres’ first.

The spine of the team looks so strong and with Riera’s tricks on one flank and Kuyt working his socks off on the other it gives us good balance. I just hope all the players away for the internationals come back fit and ready to face Wigan.

MARTIN SKRTEL will be a big loss over the next few months but I guess if there was one area where we could afford to lose someone it’s centre-back.

We’re looking very strong in that department and with Skrtel out there’s the chance for Daniel Agger and Sami Hyypia to force their way back in.

I’ve been really impressed by Skrtel this season. He’s Carra-like in many ways - very determined and not much gets past him.

Agger is very comfortable in possession but when it comes to defending I’d say Skrtel is better.

But he must learn from Sunday as he contributed towards his own injury.

Defenders are told from a very young age not to let the ball bounce - you have to meet it on the full and get rid of it.

But he got himself into all sorts of trouble and had to produce a fantastic tackle to avert the danger.

It was a rare mistake from Skrtel and I’m sure he’ll come back from this injury stronger than ever.

Agger has had to be patient this season but now he’ll get the chance to prove he deserves a place in the side.

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