Steven Murray
paolomachiniLiverpool, Nervous but Through!
August 27th 2010 11:56
Away in Turkey, 1 - 0 up from the home leg against Trabzonspor who offered little at Anfield. People had this has a stroll in the park but as all things with Liverpool it was far from that.
The week had started badly as the Reds showed little away at Man City; with pre-match events playing the biggest part of the circus which is Anfield. It transpires that Mascherano had decided he was not playing anymore (or training) and like a spoilt child took a tantrum (the Mascherano blog to follow). This was then consildated with Rafa's pursuit of Kuyt going public - I didn't realise Inter required a striker who plays on the wing who has no first touch or pace but it seems they want these qualities urgently - hope for us all yet to make it at Inter Milan.
This media frenzy was followed up by the news that Torres and Gerrard weren't going to Turkey; whether they needed a rest or had nigggles is one discussion or whether we were under-estimating Trabzonspor was another. Either way WBA fans may have preferred them to have travelled across the World.
Down to the football; a team bordering on the fringe players went out to Turkey. Liverpool had never won in Turkey and after an early goal from Trabzonspor this record looked to be safe. On aggregate the tie was all square and the inexperienced starting XI looked nevous and sloppy in possession. The only positive was the Turkish side also struggled to keep the ball and create dangerous situation; the first half fleeted out to a stale-mate. Second half, Liverpool had chances and missed chances - Ngog looked dangerous but his finishing was not matched by his pace and positioning and as alway the more time he has to think the wilder his shots become. Bordering on extra time Liverpool finally got the break through as the home team failed to deal with a ball in to their box and managed to Oggy it. Somebody had to score for Liverpool and OG seemed the best option. The Turkish side then went out to attack, this left gaps which Liverpool exploited with ease finishing was an edge of the box strike from Dani (who should of started) being parried and the rebound tucked away by Dirk 'Diggler' Kuyt.
Not vintage Liverpool but a victory all the same; 2 - 1 on the night; 3-1 on aggregate. All in all the fringe players survived a difficult tie in Turkey and scraped through but the major concern still being no Torres does mean no threat upfront. The group stage draw to follow today but Liverpool safely through by the skin of their teeth
The week had started badly as the Reds showed little away at Man City; with pre-match events playing the biggest part of the circus which is Anfield. It transpires that Mascherano had decided he was not playing anymore (or training) and like a spoilt child took a tantrum (the Mascherano blog to follow). This was then consildated with Rafa's pursuit of Kuyt going public - I didn't realise Inter required a striker who plays on the wing who has no first touch or pace but it seems they want these qualities urgently - hope for us all yet to make it at Inter Milan.
This media frenzy was followed up by the news that Torres and Gerrard weren't going to Turkey; whether they needed a rest or had nigggles is one discussion or whether we were under-estimating Trabzonspor was another. Either way WBA fans may have preferred them to have travelled across the World.
Down to the football; a team bordering on the fringe players went out to Turkey. Liverpool had never won in Turkey and after an early goal from Trabzonspor this record looked to be safe. On aggregate the tie was all square and the inexperienced starting XI looked nevous and sloppy in possession. The only positive was the Turkish side also struggled to keep the ball and create dangerous situation; the first half fleeted out to a stale-mate. Second half, Liverpool had chances and missed chances - Ngog looked dangerous but his finishing was not matched by his pace and positioning and as alway the more time he has to think the wilder his shots become. Bordering on extra time Liverpool finally got the break through as the home team failed to deal with a ball in to their box and managed to Oggy it. Somebody had to score for Liverpool and OG seemed the best option. The Turkish side then went out to attack, this left gaps which Liverpool exploited with ease finishing was an edge of the box strike from Dani (who should of started) being parried and the rebound tucked away by Dirk 'Diggler' Kuyt.
Not vintage Liverpool but a victory all the same; 2 - 1 on the night; 3-1 on aggregate. All in all the fringe players survived a difficult tie in Turkey and scraped through but the major concern still being no Torres does mean no threat upfront. The group stage draw to follow today but Liverpool safely through by the skin of their teeth
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