Word from the Kop

Another disappointing result to cap off a disappointing week for Liverpool. A draw simply isn’t good enough, especially since the league position we currently occupy. We were also very fortunate to take the lead and the game will probably be remembered for that goal, rather than any of the match action.

The line-up saw Dirk Kuyt make a quick return, which surprised me, as I thought he was out for much longer. Kuyt was in for Maxi was the only change from the United match starting 11. Reina, Johnson, Konchesky, Skrtel, Carragher, Meireles, Poulsen, Gerrard, Cole, Kuyt, Torres.

Liverpool started well and had a goal disallowed very early on as a Gerrard free-kick was clipped into the path of Torres, who turned the ball home, but the Linesman had his flag up, Torres was fractionally offside. Then the bizarre happened, Sunderland had a Free-Kick well into their own half and Turner stroke the ball back for his keeper to take, but Torres latched onto the pass and referee Atwell allowed the game to continue, Torres then unselfishly squared the ball for Kuyt who stroked the ball home, 1-0. The goal made us relax, much like the game against Steaua and soon Sunderland were looking the better team. Twenty-five minutes in a cross from Elmohamady was blocked by a Poulsen arm, what was Poulsen thinking? His arm was well above his head, it was a really poor decision from Poulsen to block the cross with his arm and he cost us a penalty, which resulted in Bent firing it just beneath Reina, 1-1. For the rest of the half Sunderland were arguably the better team. Konchesky went down with an hamstring injury and had to be taken off, Agger replaced him.

This half time situation was getting ever so familiar, with Roy having to give his players a good pep talk to really lift them.

The second half began, as the first half ended. Sunderland were denied a certain penalty when Welbeck was cleaned out by Reina, but Atwell didn’t give it, but moments later a fine cross by Onouha met the head of Darren Bent at the back post for his second and Sunderland’s second. After that, for a while, we looked shell shocked and didn’t get going. N’Gog was introduced and soon after Torres tackled Bramble on the right hand side and whipped in a cross which was slightly deflected, Gerrard was running in on the end of it, but last minute he had to adjust because of the deflection, but he superbly guided his header into the corner of the goal, captain fantastic had saved us again. Then it was all Liverpool, but Mignolet made a superb save to keep out N’Gog and Agger missed a header in the dying seconds of the game, which was simple, he was six yards out, middle of the goal, no-one in sight, but he somehow managed to steer his header wide.

Sunderland are a team we really should have beat, we even went 1-0 up, but took our foot off the pedal and let Sunderland back into the game, with a stupid decision by Poulsen, who for one minute thought he was playing in goal. In the end we were unlucky not to snatch something late on, but it would have been harsh on Sunderland, who played very well and I’m sure Steve Bruce will be very happy with his team. We need to make Anfield a fortress, with teams fearing coming here, but I just don’t get that impression at the moment. I think teams come here and think, this is our chance to beat Liverpool, they are looking dodgey in defence and if we get in and around them, we’ve got a chance. Our next league game is against Blackpool at Anfield, we need to hit them for six, restore the confidence. Next up though is a tricky away Europa League tie against Utrecht, which will take a decent performance to get anything from there.

Pepe Reina 7/10 Played well, but was very lucky not to concede a penalty

Glen Johnson 5/10 I thought Glen looked severely lacking in confidence and his performance echoed this.

Paul Konchesky 6/10 Played 30 odd minutes then got injured.

Martin Skrtel 7/10 Looked pretty solid, even after his nasty clash with Carragher.

Jamie Carragher 7/10 Same as Skrtel.

Christian Poulsen 5/10 Played okay, but he really annoyed me, by conceding the first penalty.

Steven Gerrard 8/10 Thank God for Gerrard.

Raul Meireles 7/10 Played pretty well, some nice touches.

Joe Cole 6/10 Looked decent, still settling in to life at Anfield.

Dirk Kuyt 7/10 Great work ethic as usual and a goal.

Fernando Torres 7/10 Still didn’t look 100%, but he made both goals.

Daniel Agger 6/10 Pretty solid.

David N’Gog 7/10 Looked lively when he came off the bench.

MOTM: Steven Gerrard