Well done Redmen, an excellent team performance and another three points to add to the tally. Thought the defence looked sound for most of the game, bar that run from Gok Wan, but it resulted in a great goal line clearance from Kyrgiakos. That's Crouch, Sidebe and now Kevin Davies in his pocket, was attacking everything all game, and it is such a joy to see a centre half attacking the ball, it breeds confidence through to the rest of the lads. Insua had a good attacking game, thought he got into some great positions, but he was caught by Gok Wan twice, and that's 2 times too many. Skrtel played alright, wouldn't say he had a stormer, but he seems a bit more settled alongside Kyrgiakos, again, due to the confidence issue. Carragher had a good game in my opinion, I know he got roasted a few times and was drawn infield quite often, but remember, that's his centre halves instinct. Thought going forward he was calm and collected and played the ball on the deck a lot more than usual. Considering he's playing out of position, I think he's doing alright. Reina was Reina, bar that Gok Wan chance, where he's improving now, is in his commanding presence. Distribution was excellent again, always looking to launch an attack, before he's even collected the ball.
I voted Kyrgiakos as my MOTM but it was such a close call for me, between Kyrgiakos and Mascherano. Thought Masch was f**king immense, he was absolutely everywhere again, whenever we're in a spot of bother in defence, Masch is always there to clean up, whether that be the right flank, the left flank or in the middle. What impressed me most about Masch was his distribution, he played some lovely 30 yarders and that break down the left flank coupled with the 30 yard cross that landed on Gerrard's toe was worth the entrance fee alone. Aquilani had a very awkward game, the lad was trying too hard and I felt sorry for him at the end. You can see in his eyes that he is eager to please the fans, but he was trying the hard stuff, instead of playing the basics. I really hope he gets a run of games because that is what he needs if he is to progress into the player we all know he is. Was nice to see Kuyt making a point of congratulating Aquilani for the assist, he could see Aquilani was looking frustrated, so he pulled him to one side and made him feel appreciated. A lovely touch from the Dutchman, it brought a tear to my eye, now that's what you F***ing call team ethic!. Thought Kuyt had a solid game, nothing spectacular, but that's Kuyt. Took his goal well, and one thing that can't be argued, Kuyt always scores important goals.
Riera played well too, bearing in mind he is still recovering from injury. His cross field ball to Insua to set up the Kuyt goal was sublime. He worked really hard and his crossing and corner taking offer us another dimension to our game. I'm really hoping he'll deliver the final product when he's back firing on all cylinders. And talking of corner taking, that brings me nicely onto the subject of Gerrard. Why on earth are we wasting him on corner duty?, with all due respect, they're not even that good! Would be much more effective lurking on the edge of the penalty area. Thought he came into his own in the second half, and was near to the driving force we have been so privileged to witness over the years. Was unlucky not to score in the second half with that thunder strike, the power he generated in that shot with such little backswing was phenomenal. He could be coming back into form at just the right time for us.
Now for David NGog. I thought he was absolutely terrible yesterday, his first touch was terrible, his hold up play was non existent and his finishing woeful. I know he's still young, but his inclusion will start to tell a different story against the bigger teams this season. Luckily for us it was Bolton, and we dominated enough of the game not to rely on those chances. Rodriguez and Lucas did well when they came on, though the game was already won by then, we bossed Bolton yesterday, physically and mentally, and not many teams will do that this season.
What's looking most promising to me at the moment, is the fact that we still have Torres and Johnson to come back. The confidence is improving and they'll find it easier to slot back in to a winning team. I just hope Rafa can give Aquilani a run of games to get his confidence up because I think we have a real gem here, I just hope he's allowed to flourish. All in all, an excellent three points and another clean sheet, it can only breed more confidence ahead of the Derby! Well in lads!
