It's Our Turn Now
Well as I expected, but hoped against, the weekend just compounded our misery further. This defeat hurt more than the other 10 or so in recent weeks simply because we were playing so well in the first half. The movement was excellent, there were plenty of runners off the ball and most importantly we were pressing really high up the pitch and stopped a free flowing team like Arsenal from playing. I don't believe all this noise in the press about Wenger's speech making the difference. What made the difference was that for some reason our intensity levels dropped and they were lucky enough to score two quick goals to zap what little self-belief we had left.
As some regular readers of my blog are aware, in the past I have criticized Rafa for our defeats. However this time I really don't see how he could be blamed (I'm talking about the starting XI and not the squad he has built up over five year reign). He did everything right. He played two attacking fullbacks, played the creative Benayoun and rushed Torres back to partner Gerrard. For the first 20 minutes it seemed like we would steam roll our way out of this mess, but an uncharacteristically poor finish from Torres (totally understandable given how long he has been out for) and a totally predictable blunder from a referee cost us in the end.
Maybe Rafa could have played Aquilani although I doubt whether that would have made much of a difference. The guy is still woefully short of match fitness and would have compromised our high intensity game plan in the first half. However with more games under his belt he will prove to be a quality signing. I have followed his career since his debut at Roma and am convinced that barring injuries, he would have been spoken in the same breath as Xavi, Iniesta and Alonso as one of the best central midfielders in the world.
Our game against Wigan now takes added importance. We HAVE to win. I shudder to think what will happen to us if we don't, especially considering how well the likes of Villa and Tottenham are playing. It is sad to say, but these two teams along with perhaps Man City are our competition this season. The sooner we accept that the better.
The fans have a crucial role to play on Wednesday night. I noticed that on Sunday along with the team, the fans lost belief and went quiet. It's all well and good for Anfield to scream when the team is winning, however it is now that our teams needs us the most and we need to get behind them come what may. To this end I am making the rather long journey from London to Liverpool to support the Reds and I hope that every Liverpool fan lucky enough to go to Anfield on Wednesday will join me in supporting our team for the FULL duration of the game.
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Benitez OUT! lets end this charade NOW!
STE ur an idiot! Its so abundantly clear that lack of funds has strangled Rafa's abilities in the transfer market, plus the massive injury problems - this is what has caused the confidence drain and poor form - not Rafa!
Unfortunately, being the Manager makes Rafa the target for everyone's frustration. I can certainly imagine his frustration and his dilemma in turning around a potentially disastrous situation.
Sometimes it takes a leap of faith to trust someone implicitly and to know somehow he will make good on his word.
I believe Rafa will make good on his promise ! YNWA.