Pretty standard win in the end, they never really threatened much except for the wonder (and I mean wonder...) free kick from their captain. Watched the game on Sky, and the final v Pompey's also on the box.
Ratings:
Carson - 6 - Not much to do overall but should have got across to the free kick quicker, no matter how well it was struck. Stronger hand would have punched it away.
Arbeloa - 6 - Worked pretty hard down the right. Finished the game in central midfield... somehow..
Carragher - 6 - Standard game for tonight's captain. Not involved alot.
Agger - 7 - Scored a great goal and was strong at the back, and was unlucky to concede a number of fouls against their huge striker. Started and finished the move that gave him his goal.
Riise - 7 - Got a lot of width down the left and was involved in Agger's goal, pulling a nice cross back straight to Kuyt. His free kick was hit bloody hard, top corner.
Benayoun - 6 - Despite showing some nice quick feet and good skills, he never really attacked the right and didn't threaten too much.
Sissoko - 5 - Poor performance from Momo in my decision. He's so frustrating on the ball, lacks a decent touch and still can't pass well. Mascherano will force him down the pecking order unless he improves.
Alonso - 6 - Took his penalty well and had a decent game. Gave the ball away a little too much though, and his passing could have been more accurate on occasions - but I only say this as he's set himself such a high standard in previous games. Nice little dink through for Voronin in the penalty incident.
Kewell - 7 - Looked dangerous on the left, and took it past their right back several times. Crosses could have been better.
Crouch - 6 - As always showed he's got a great touch and some pretty nifty feet, but didn't have much chance to score.
Voronin - 7 - Another good performance from the free transfer, showing Rafa might well have got it right signing him. Should have scored when Pennant whipped one in, but worked hard the whole game, linked up well and made some good runs, including the one which earnt the penalty.
Subs:
Pennant - 7 - Looked very lively coming on, and unlike Benayoun, there seemed to be danger whenever he had the ball. Put in a great cross for Voronin late on. Should have scored when Kuyt sent him through with a great pass.
Kuyt - 6 - As ever he gave a maximum effort. Linked up nicely a couple of times and had a shot well saved. Almost scored on a couple of occasions and also unselfishly laid Agger in for the third goal.
Hyypia - 6 - Came on for Sissoko in central midfield and played surprisingly well despite his (lack of) pace. Great touches, including a first time pass that sent Kuyt through.
Threlfall - 5 - Didn't have a lot to do when he came on at left back but still got embarrasingly beaten twice by some neat skill. Deserves more chances in the first squad.
Martin - N/A - Single shot that was straight at him. Nothing to do in the last 5 or so minutes when he came on.
My man of the match would just about be Voronin, although it was a fairly standard game, and no one outshone anyone else really.
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