YOU CAN argue that this was our most impressive performance to date, as we put a dispirited Arsenal side to the sword exacting revenge for our cup humiliations in the process.
Liverpool fashioned a win that was both dynamic and whole heartily committed, offering us a glimpse of our potential when firing on all cylinders which would no doubt wet the appetite of even the most discerning reds fan.
In the guise of one Peter Crouch, the reds had a player who had his most influential game in a red shirt bar none. His movement, finishing and all round work rate was a sight to behold as he inflicted a torrid 90 minutes on the Arsenal backline – most notably Kolo Toure.
Rightly so, Crouch can bask in the plaudits of the ‘perfect’ Hat-trick, his first in domestic football as he fashioned both right,left and headed finishes that would grace any game on the world stage let alone the Premiership, something England may take note of in the coming months.
However it would be wrong to just single out one player’s contribution all be it so spectacular, as the service supplied to our centre forward was of the highest order.
Cue Aurelio and Pennant, whose delivery from wide was so influential in the red’s victory. Few could be unimpressed by how well both played on saturday as they provided the telling ammunition that led to our four strikes.
In the case of the diminutive brazilian, his performances are becoming more significant as he adapts to the english game. He possesses the sweetest left foot which was so evident for both Crouch and Agger’s headed goals. Defensively he also looked assured with the ability to press forward into the opposing half when the opportunity arises.
Pennant was also on song, as he not only provided a threat on the flanks which led to our other goals, but his harrying and harassing of opponents with the ball did not go unnoticed, something that may have singled him out for criticism in the past.
Indeed, it would be unjust not to mention the whole teams contribution to this absorbing performance. The midfield looked assured with Mascherano playing the ‘unsung hero’ role to perfection with his biting challenges and break up play which started so many of our attacks. The defensive was again marshalled superbly by Carragher.
This was a perfect rehearsal to what lies ahead on Tuesday, and will act as a catalyst for our continued adventure in Europe. If Liverpool can reproduce football like this, then glory will surely beckon once again.
Chris Wellman
