I wanted to get my opinion on the match up before reading what must be a buzzing match thread, and for me one word sums up the performance today: Brilliant!
From start to finish, from whichever side of the park, there was quality all over the place. So much so that we managed to make the million dollar men look like very highly overpaid ball-boys!
It was breathtaking. Touches from players you didn't know had it in them, flicks and tricks from the usual suspects (chiefly Suarez, then his new foil Monsieur Kuyt), and finally having waited for a goal from the young Carroll, along come two to remind the world why we paid a bloated £35 million for the lad.
So impressive were my team (yep, I claim and annex them solely for self tonight. Who wouldn't after a stellar performance like that?), a couple of people including the local broadcasters post match commentator said it was like watching Arsenal in disguise- so accurate and eye-candy pleasing were the through balls, short and long passes.
I disagree. Tonight even a pass it to death Arsenal would have come off second best in view of this performance!
I'm gushing, I know, but the boys deserve it. And what an awesome feel good game it was too. I'm not simply referring to the three points, the three very well taken goals or the clean sheet.
I am however referring to Kuyt who was again immense (anyone who slags that man off saying he is too slow this, or is not 'Pool quality they should pretty please keep a taped copy of this match in storage for future reference.) I speak of the Suarez, Carroll and yes Kuyt tri-factor that has the makings of a team starting to gel and players who know what the other is going to do even before the ball has reached them. I speak of a team that can show character after such a humbling performance with the last match in recent memory, and rise to the occasion and switch gears so effortlessly.
And is it me or have we found another star in the making in the teenager Flanagan who wowed me no end- stunning début performance!
Oh, and the icing on the cake? Aurelio proved he actually can play for 90 minutes without limping off hurt, honest!
Oh, Mr. Dalglish you are quite some manager- attacking flair, team cohesion, lots to keep even the very knowledgeable of the Anfield faithful happy. You better tell them to add a zero to that rumoured contract you are currently negotiating with the bosses, because you are worth every penny and then some!
Really mediocre and frustrating season, but what a magnificent ending to it we have in prospect.
Well done everyone!