Liverpool moved into 6th place in the Premier League last night, only 1 point behind their opponents from last night's game, Spurs, who sit in that all important 4th place. It was a terrific and gutsy performance from Liverpool, who were missing several key players once again. Agger, Gerrard, Torres and Benayoun are all still injured, however the Reds managed to put in a determined and energetic performance to claim a crucial 3 points against one of their main rivals for a Champions League spot.
Liverpool chased and harried the Spurs players all night, just like they had at Stoke on the weekend, however this time, with Aquilani and Riera back in the starting 11, the Reds played some quality attacking football in what was a fiercly thought, competitive and open encounter.
Liverpool gained the early initiative as they took the lead after only 6 minutes. A long punt up the field was chested down by Dirk Kuyt to the feet of Alberto Aquilani, who showed flashes of brilliance once again last night as he begins to adapt to the rapid and hectic nature of the Premier League. Aquilani played a neat pass back to Kuyt who placed the ball past Gomes and into the Kop net. This set Liverpool off to a positive start, and after this the Reds dominated possession for much of the first half.
For once, it wasn't Liverpool complaining about the referee after the match as the Spurs players and fans were furious with some of the decisions that went against the London side. Towards the end of the first half Greek defender Sotirios Kyrgiakos seemed to be pulling the shirt of ex Red Peter Crouch in the penalty area, while defending a free kick. It would have been harsh to give a penalty, although considering the fact that Everton were awarded a penalty on Saturday after Micah Richards commited a similar offense, it wouldn't have been surprising to have seen Howard Webb point to the spot.
An even worse decision was made one minute into the second period. Jermain Defoe, who had been walking back into an onside position, dispossessed Reina after he had received a weak pass back from Jamie Carragher. The England striker then went on to slot the ball home, however the goal was ruled out for offside. I don't understand how it could have been offside though as the pass was from a Liverpool player, Carrragher, therefore making it impossible to be offside. It's a very confusing rule and the FA have to make it more clear after this fiasco.
Tottenham then went on to put the home side under pressure for large parts of the second half, with Liverpool becoming more and more defensive as the game progressed. This is a trait that has been characteristic of the Reds over past weeks and must be eradicated soon, as it has cost us far too many late goals.
However, Liverpool responded in the closing stages of the match by pressurising the Tottenham goal. Kyrgiakos missed from 10 yards, and Riera headed onto the cross bar from Aquilani's centre as the Reds began to fight back. Liverpool finally got a crucial second goal from the penalty spot in the 92nd minute. Dirk Kuyt managed to slot the ball home twice, as he was forced to retake his spot kick after encroachment from some players. However, both times he found the back of the net to confirm a fantastic Liverpool win that puts us right back in the race for 4th spot.
A special mention must be given to the amazing supporters who created an awesome atmosphere around Anfield. Before the game around 300 supporters greeted the Liverpool bus with flags unfurled and songs celebrating Liverpool's illustrious history aired.
Spurs boss Harry Redknapp even said, "You come here to Anfield, you stand there and listen to that crowd, and it's the greatest sight in football."
Those fans demonstrated that Rafa Benitez and all of the players will never walk alone.
YNWA
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