Another Classic European Encounter

What a game! The atmosphere at Harry's was just explosive. We were all shouting, screaming, jumping, hugging, crying, laughing..........all in unison. The experience was comparable to the Champions League final against AC Milan 3 years ago.

I mentioned in my last blog that I suspected Arsenal's players will tire toward the end of the game. I was not wrong. The only player running with fresh legs in the last 15mins was Theo Walcott. The fact that he burst past 4 Liverpool players before feeding an inch perfect pass to Adebayor says it all. On the other hand, Liverpool rested Babel and Mascherano fully on Sat. Gerard and Torres only played 20 and 1o mins respectively. Fabregas was non-existent towards the end. It was a good tactical game plan by Benitez. The employment of Crouch up front with Torres was a master-stroke. It was Crouch's flick-on header to Torres that resulted in Liverpool's second goal. Of course, with the employment of Crouch, we lost the wing play on the left and that's where I felt we could have done better. Gerard was guilty of straying into the centre too often. The only attacking option on the left was the overlapping runs provided by Aurelio from the left back position. I felt that Babel should have replaced Crouch after we went 2-1 up. That would have given us more width and it would stretch the tiring Arsenal defence further. Babel's pace and power down the left would have posed many problems. As expected, the last 2 goals by Liverpool were direct contributions from Babel. He has been exceptional thus far and is now finally showing what he is really capable of. I said previously that Benitez can even employ him as a second striker. Having said that, it is quite obvious that we need further reinforcements in summer. We need at least 2 quality wingers that are able to inter-change on either flanks. We need reinforcements at the left back position. With Skrtel and Agger in the team, the future certainly looks bright in defence. We have found able replacements for the ageing Hypia and Carragher. With the addition of another quality stiker, it will certainly enhance our challenge for the league title next season.

We will have a psychological edge over Chelsea in the semi-final round. Having beaten them twice in the semis over the last 3 years, they must feel the pressure to finally deliver. That can only work to our advantage. The manner in which we beat Arsenal can only boost our confidence and I honestly think the team is peaking at the right time. It will be a tough fight but like I said before, no one really wants to play us in Europe.

I have already booked my air ticket to Moscow in May. Only waiting for my match ticket now....anyone care to join me? It will be a Liverpool vs Barcelona final. :-)