Of all Liverpool players, Stewart Downing was perhaps the most influential in Monday's draw with Blackburn Rovers. After the game, LFC supporters had plenty to say about the winger's performance.
To start, please don't mistake "influential" for a glowing review. It's more of a way of saying he was key to the outcome of the game. Downing saw so much of the ball in the first half, one could almost forget that Liverpool was playing with attackers on the left side.
It may have been by design, as Downing was deployed on the right wing against rookie left back Adam Henley. The 17-year-old American-born Welsh fullback was making his first-ever start for in the Premier League.
Downing never hesitated to attempt to dribble past him. He repeatedly attacked his inexperienced opponent, and used his skills to create space to deliver crosses into the box.
This is where LFC fans were divided. For as many times Downing served crosses into the Rovers' penalty area, it only lead to a scoring chance on few occasions. In short, fans wanted to see a better end product.
Downing also failed to convert two chances to win the game in final 10 minutes. In the 84th minute, Steve Gerrard sent him in on goal with a well-weighted pass. Downing cut it onto his favored left foot, but his far-post shot lacked the power to beat goalkeeper Mark Bunn, who dove to save it.
Three minutes later, Craig Bellamy served a dangerous ball into the area from the left side. It was too high for Andy Carroll to head it, but it was perfect for Downing. He rose and headed it well, bouncing it off the ground toward the far post, but Bunn heroically turned it away.
Downing has yet to score 19 games (18 in the Premier League) into his LFC career. He also has not registered an assist. Some Liverpool fans are happy with his contributions so far. Others are frustrated with the England international.
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