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Match
Preview |
 |
 |
| Result |
Liverpool |
3 - 0 |
West Bromwich Albion |
| Scorers |
Steven Gerrard (16)
Steve Finnan (42)
Sanz Luis Garcia (60) |
None |
| Attendance |
42,947 |
| Teams |
4-4-2
1 - Jerzy Dudek (GK)
23 - Jamie Carragher
3 - Steve Finnan
4 - Sami Hyypia
17 - Gonzalez Josemi
8 - Steven Gerrard
16 - Dietmar Hamann
7 - Harry Kewell
10 - Sanz Luis Garcia
6 - John Arne Riise
9 - Djibril Cisse |
4-4-2
(GK) Russell Hoult - 1
Martin Albrechtsen - 14
Neil Clement - 19
Bernt Haas - 22
Darren Purse - 6
Paul Robinson - 3
Riccardo Scimeca - 2
Jonathan Greening - 8
Jason Koumas - 7
Geoff Horsfield - 9
Nwankwo Kanu - 25 |
| Substitutes |
29 - Patrice Luzi Bernardi
(GK)
21 - Djimi Traore
14 - Xabi Alonso
15 - Salif Alassane Diao
5 - Milan Baros |
(GK) Tomasz Kuszczak
- 29
Cosmin Contra - 16
Scott Dobie - 12
Robert Earnshaw - 34
Zoltan Gera - 11 |
| Substitutions |
X Alonso for S Gerrard (65)
M Baros for H Kewell (68)
D Traore for S Luis Garcia (74) |
R Earnshaw for G Horsfield
(53)
Z Gera for B Haas (66) |
| Yellow Cards |
None |
None |
| Red Cards |
None |
None |
| Referee |
S Dunn (Bristol) |
I was unable to get
to Anfield for Albion's second defeat on Merseyside in a fortnight,
but my father was there, and he has kindly submitted the following
report.
The comments echoing around the terraces before the game started
regarding the future of the Manager cannot have been helpful in
preparing the team to start what was always a difficult match, one
that Albion were not expecting to obtain to a result.
The opening fifteen to twenty minutes of the game reflected this
poor preparation as Albion were clearly not at the races. Liverpool
were first to every ball and there slick first time passing caused
Albion lots of problems and it seemed only time before a goal would
be conceded. The first goal arrived after 16 minutes courtesy of
Gerrard. It was a goal that could have been avoided as Gerrard lost
control when entering the penalty area but was quick enough to shoot
through Purse's legs, giving Hoult no chance to save. After the
goal Albion enjoyed better possession of the ball without looking
threatening but at least some confidence returned.
Liverpool continued to press forward and Greening cleared off the
line from a corner which was directed goalwards by a Clement defensive
header. Hoult was forced into a save from another set piece to deny
Hyypia. Just when it looked as though Albion would reach half time
with out conceding a further goal, a long cross-field pass from
Risse was missed by Robinson and Finnan closed in to score at the
near post.
The second half followed the pattern of the first though Albion
did mount a number of attacks during one Koumas fired in a low shot
from distance which Dudek saved conceding a corner.Earnshaw replaced
Horsfield after 53 minutes and Gera replaced Haas 13 minutes later.
Earnshaw's pace and movement did cause concern in the Liverpool
defence and a good through ball from Clement did provide Earnshaw
with a shooting opportunity which was well saved by Dudek.
The third goal for Liverpool was a result of some quick passing
movements and Gerrard's final ball to Garcia was outstanding, Hoult
repelled the first shot but nether he or the other defenders were
able to react as quick as Garcia who hit the rebound in the net.
Liverpool made a number of changes later in the game but Albion
defended well to keep the score unchanged.
The team selection was not as attack minded as I would like to have
seen. I would have started with Earnshaw but I understand why the
manager picked the team he sent out. Later in the game, I would
have liked to see how Contra performed with Scimeca moving into
midfield in front of the back four.
Marks
Russell Hoult - 7 - Whilst Liverpool had lots of possession Hoult
did not have to make many saves, but performed well when called
upon; no chance with any of the goals.
Martin Albrechtsen - 6 - Much improved on previous game, good positional
sense, sometimes too quick to clear; good prospect maybe at left
back.
Neil Clement - 5 - Does not perform defensive duties anywhere near
good enough. Positionally always seems to be in the wrong place,
is not aware of what is going on around him.
Bernt Haas - 5 - Gave a good team performance playing out of position,
provided good cover defensively but offered little offensively.
Darren Purse - 8 - MOM. Dominant throughout the game, made a number
of decisive tackles to prevent Cisse shooting on goal.
Paul Robinson - 4 - Not one his best games, ball skills not good
enough, looked uncomfortable throughout the game.
Riccardo Scimeca - 6 - Steady game, went forward well in the second
half after Gera came on.
Jonathan Greening - 6 - Steady game, found it difficult to penetrate
a well marshalled defence; needs to have others looking for space
when he has the ball.
Jason Koumas - 5 - Started brightly but faded out of the game ,
did not provide enough movement looking for the ball when we had
so little possession.
Geoff Horsfield - 5 - Performed well with what little service he
received, his lack of speed and close control prevented a better
performance.
Nwankwo Kanu - 6 - Had a quiet game, clearly was targeted to be
marked; always had two players sometimes three to beat when receiving
the ball. Earnshaw's pace will assist him to have a bigger impact.
Robert Earnshaw - 6 - Looked lively; had limited opportunities to
score.
Zoltan Gera - 6 - Steady game will improve and have a greater impact.
Gary Megson - 6 - Difficult times off the field; was able to lift
the team to a better second half performance.
Denis Want, 13th September 2004.
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