September proved to be a succesful month for Liverpool with them coming out on top in three crucial fixtures.
Coming back from 1-0 down to beat Man United at Anfield without Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres; Gerrard double to beat Marseille 1-2 at the Velodrome; dominating neighbours Everton with Fernando Torres getting a double at Goodison Park.
The Reds also beat Crewe 2-1 at Anfield in the League Cup, with goals from Daniel Agger and Lucas Leiva.
The disappointement in September was the frustrating goaless draw against Stoke City at Anfield. The Reds had 30 shots with 6 on target and astonishingly had 19 corner kicks, dominating the game with 76% of the possesion, but just didn’t take their chances.
New signing Albert Riera has impressed with good performances against Man United and Everton.
Xabi Alonso has dictated play brilliantly throughout September and has impressed the manager and fans with his performances,
It seems Alonso has a point to prove that he is a step above Gareth Barry. Alonso said “I was really pleased that I was able to continue my Liverpool career.”
Liverpool have made an impressive unbeaten start to the season and Alonso believes they have the potential to challenge for honours at home and abroad. He said “With the team we have got and the spirit of the fans, it could be the right time to win things. But I prefer not to say it very loudly. We have to be cautious about making any predictions at this stage of the season.
“We know there is pressure because we haven’t won anything for two years – but we impose that pressure on ourselves. We are responsible for the successes and failures of this club and we are more than happy to take that responsibility.”
Steven Gerrard won the TIA Player of the Month award though with 30% of the votes. Rafael Benitez has tamed Steven Gerrard so to not leave a void in the midfield when he bombs forward.
Rafa said “As a midfielder going forward, he is maybe the best in the world, and if you ask me how many players there are in the world at his level, I’d say four or five.”
Steven Gerrard is becoming more mature and this is becoming more evident by the fact that he is not recieving as many cautions as he would have a few years ago. I feel a special mention to Skrtel is justified as he has been rock solid for the reds in September.
Gerrard took 30% of the votes in the forums in the TIA Player of the Month poll, with Alonso second (20%) and Skrtel third (12%).
Bodje
