Blackburn-Liverpool ( 6 dec 2008)

Liverpool had a great chance last weekend to steer clear of Chelsea by staying 3 points ahead of them but the Nov-Dec period seems to be an unlucky period for the REDS. They failed to secure a win against Fulham at 'Anfield' and also drew with West ham United last week.

This week's fixture against Blackburn Rovers was important both for Liverpool and for Rovers as well. Blackburn lingering at the bottom of the table needed something of this game and Paul Ince, the Blackburn manager was under pressure after seeing his team slump to the bottom three. Liverpool had left Robbie Keane on the bench and decided to play with lone striker Kuyt with Gerrard assisting him upfront. Liverpool started the first half very well,keeping the majority of the ball possession but they lacked quality in the 3rd quarter of the pitch,failing to convert the passes from the midfield into anything. Blackburn were playing a more physical game with their players going after any Liverpool player having the ball and putting them under constant pressure. The best chance Liverpool had in the first half was a through ball to Benayoun from Kuyt which the Israeli midfielder failed to convert after a superb clearance by Warnock. Blackburn almost shocked Liverpool with a Pedersen screamer in the 29th minute of the game. The shot was tipped away by Pepe Rein before hitting the woodwork and bouncing off. Credit to Reina for pulling off an excellent save. Both teams went into half time with a 0-0 scoreline.

Blackburn started the second half with greater confidence and determination, pullling off a few crosses into the Liverpool box and keeping the RED's defenders alert. The deadlock was broken in the 69th minute by the spaniard Xabi Alonso went he sweetly placed the ball in the bottom corner of the net. This time he went for accuracy rather than power in his shot. Liverpool doubled their lead in the 79th minute with Yossi Benayoun puliing off a great goal,getting past Warnock with ease. All seemed going well for Liverpool when the unexpexted happened. Blackburn took the penalty corner quickly while Liverpool was still making changes to their set pieces and Reina clearly off his position. Santa Cruz headed the ball past the Liverpool goalkeeper,giving Blackburn some hope of reviving. They took a chance with getting their players ahead for the equalizer, only to find Liverpool put the ball in the net for the third goal. This time it was captain courageous,taking the shot as cool as possible and making sure Liverpool stays at the top of the Barclays Premier league.

Gerrard's presence in the side creates a sort of a confidence booster for the entire team. Whenever the ball is played to him we can expext something of it,the energy levels and commitment shown by him needs to be applauded. Also the consistency with which he is performing is superb. Hats off to Steve Gee.