One of the most history-laden and passionate games in World football is always likely to attract masses of attraction. After the Anfield club’s recent struggles, Sunday’s encounter against Manchester United had an extra soupcon of intrigue but the most obvious message that came through was that – whisper it, then run for cover – both sides are on a bit of a downturn.
Their league positions may contradict it, but Sunday’s game produced few moments of top-class football – punctuated by Fernando Torres’ terrific opening goal – and both teams looked short on genuine attacking quality. David Ngog’s final flourish to give Liverpool a 2-0 victory after both Nemanja Vidic and Javier Mascherano’s red cards did nothing to hide that fact.
For Benitez, the result will have been a much needed fillip after a poor run, but his side are still a long way from being capable of regaining the league title that used to be Liverpool fans’ birth-right. For Ferguson, his side’s insipid display is a much more common occurrence in big league games (Chelsea were the only member of the top 4 they managed to beat last season) but their lack of tempo and creativity will no doubt be of concern.
COLE RETURN STOKES CHELSEA FIRE
While all the weekend’s brouhaha surrounded events in the North West, a powerful and skilful Chelsea side took full advantage by going top after a 5-0 shellacking of Blackburn Rovers.
Following his return from long-term injury, Joe Cole was the star of the show as a magical display will have served as a timely reminder to England boss Fabio Capello of just what he can provide.
Frank Lampard also returned to goal-scoring form with a brace, and Didier Drogba and Michael Essien bagged a goal each, all after Blackburn’s Gael Givet had inadvertently given Chelsea the lead.
ARSENAL AND MAN CITY MISS THEIR CHANCE
Carlo Ancelotti’s glee will have only increased on Sunday night when, following Manchester United’s defeat, fellow title-hopefuls Manchester City and Arsenal let two goal leads slip and drew against Fulham and West Ham, respectively.
Robin van Persie and William Gallas had put the Gunners two up in the first period, and they appeared to be cruising to victory before Gianfranco Zola’s alterations at the half. The introduction of Zavon Hines and Alessandro Diamanti turned the game on its head and the Hammers levelled things when Carlton Cole’s nodded finish from Diamanti’s parried free-kick was followed by an equalising penalty from the Italian. It was a terrific fight-back from the East End side and just what they needed after a slow start to the season.
Perhaps even more surprising than Arsenal’s capitulation, Man City were pegged back at Eastlands by a resilient Fulham side. The Cottagers have perennially struggled away from home in the league and when Lescott and Petrov had put City 2-0 up, it looked as though they were headed for a familiarly disappointing bus trip home. However, within eight minutes of Petrov’s crisp finish they were level with goals from Damien Duff and Clint Dempsey.
BLACK COUNTRY STALEMATE AND DISMAY FOR DOMINANT SPURS
Just like their other Midlands derby this season against Birmingham, Aston Villa’s game against Wolves took a hell of a long time to get going. When it did, two goals came along in 4 minutes and the spoils were shared.
In a game short on quality, it took till the 79th minute for Gabbi Agbonlahor to break the deadlock with a swivelling strike, only for Steve Sidwell to clumsily trip Michael Kightly in the box, giving Sylvain Ebanks-Blake the chance to blast his penalty into the roof of the net.
At White Hart Lane, Spurs hammered a stoic Stoke side for 86 minutes before Glenn Whelan stole in to curl a beautiful winner and grab the points for the Potters. Stand-in ‘keeper Steve Simonsen was the hero as he frustrated Peter Crouch, Aaron Lennon and Niko Kranjcar, before Spurs were reduced to ten men when an injured Lennon was forced off after Spurs had already used all their substitutes.
BIRMINGHAM, WIGAN AND BOLTON WIN, WHILE HULL AND PORTSMOUTH DO EACH OTHER NO GOOD
In-form Sunderland were de-railed by Birmingham at a St Andrews devoid of beach ball assistance. Liam Ridgewell and James McFadden put Birmingham 2-0 up before a Scott Dann own goal gave the Black Cats a consolation.
Burnley’s 100% home record was shattered by an impressive Wigan side who took the points in a 3-1 win. Roberto Martinez’s good work was continued by a brace from Hugo Rodallega and a strike from Emmerson Boyce after Steven Fletcher had given the home side an early lead.
At the Reebok Stadium, a struggling Everton side were pipped by Bolton 3-2. The game looked to be headed the same way as those at Upton Park and Eastlands as Bolton’s two goal lead, given to them by Lee and Cahill, was evaporated by goals from Louis Saha and Marouane Fellaini. However, Ivan Klasnic’s powerful strike earned Bolton the three points in the 86th minute.
Hull and Portsmouth did each other no favours in a tepid draw which saw very little Premier League quality from either side. After this game, perhaps it might be that the top flight would not bemoan either side’s relegation.
HERO OF THE WEEK
Alessandro Diamanti – the Italian’s impact at Upton Park sparked a magnificent comeback from the Boleyn Ground boys. The Hammers haven’t had a talismanic figure since Carlos Tevez’s ill-fated time at the club, and Diamanti fits the bill.
GOAL OF THE WEEK
Take your pick:
Fernando Torres – A powerful run – with strength that made Rio Ferdinand look like his muscles have deteriorated along with his performances – followed by a top-class finish.
Louis Saha – Jelly like wobble to create a yard of space then a steel like shot into the top corner – what United would have done for a strike like that this weekend.
Hugo Rodellega – Edge of the box, out side of the boot, inside the far post – Rodellega is amassing a reputation for fine goals and this strike demonstrates technique and lethal accuracy.
VILLAINS OF THE WEEK
All Hull and Portsmouth players. A game like that doesn’t belong in the top flight – hang your heads in shame.