Match Ratings - Liverpool v Arsenal, Leg 1

Well, it has ended 1-1 at the Emirates this evening. While Rafa is probably happy with the away goal, it means either Liverpool must hold Arsenal scoreless at Anfield next week, or win the game. After this evening's performance, I'm sure Arsene Wenger is feeling confident his team can accomplish just that. To the match ratings:

Liverpool:
Reina (6)- While the goal wasn't his fault, he did make several "interesting" decisions, and in general only had really one good reaction, to Walcott's strike, which he didn't even need to touch
Aurelio (7) - Didn't make a very noticeable mistake all game, and sent in a couple enticing balls during the first half. Showed good effort, solid tackling.
Hyypia (5)- Most of the game he was a 7, but his non-marking of Adebayor was shameful on the goal. He also failed to make anything of a half-chance in the first half; while that isn't his job, it could have made up for his failure on the other end
Skrtel (9)- Was immense this game, his goalline clearance being the biggest highlight. Made one or two clumsy errors, but that really can't take away from the brilliance he displayed all the way until the final minute. Oh, and his resemblance to Skeletor adds bonus points.
Carra (6)- I don't know how to rate Carra's performance, honestly. He is not a right back, we all know that. His defending was perhaps a little below his standards, but he did put in a couple decent balls, for him at least. My only complaint was the panicky way he dealt with the ball all game, like it was a hot potato full of AIDS.
Alonso (6) - He is not a true holding midfielder, and was asked to do too much defending in this game. Yes, he did not deliver any of those long, dangerous passes you expect from him, but when did he ever have the target or time for those? Nevertheless, looked a little sluggish out there. Taking care of an infant child will do that to you.
Mascherano (9) - Allowed Fabregas and Flamini very little space, and at the end looked like the only one interested in getting the ball up to Torres/Benayoun and attacking.
Gerrard (6) -And only because he created the goal. Other than that, he was invisible. For some players, this is just bad play. For Gerrard, it's inexcusable. However, needs to be allowed to sit deeper to be truly effective.
Babel (3) - The Big Suck Award of the day (Begin applicable porn-related insults)
Torres (7) - Didn't hear much from him, but worked extremely hard all game, usually alone, and was still running all out at the end. Not his fault the ball didn't make it up to him often.

And the MAN OF THE MATCH: Dirk Kuyt (10) - His performance tonight actually might have changed my opinion on whether or not we should sell him this summer. The man threw himself selflessly all over the pitch, created some chances, and got the equaliser (whether or not he was last to touch it, without him there, the ball doesn't go in). Massive, massive effort. Still doesn't display top-shelf quality, but in games like these, a player who can both prevent and score goals equally well is hard to come by at this level. "Sloth" might not be pretty, but he was big tonight. Rafa should toss him some Snickers bars tonight after he chains him back up. (If you don't understand...)

The Search for an Attack...

The transfer rumours are heating up at Anfield, as multiple sources are saying that both Rafinha and Pablo Aimar are headed to Merseyside. The question is, are these good buys, and if not, who DO Liverpool need to contend in the Premiership next season?

In looking at the first question, the simple answer is probably not and no. While both are good players, I doubt, for the price, that either of them will significantly transform the team more than other players probably ₤5 million less. Aimar is 28, and has never been in the Premiership. For what he will cost, it seems like a big risk. Rafinha is only 22, so there is room for potential, but he has shown inconsistency (as young kids do, sometimes) and the game against Barca showcased him getting burned by an Iniesta through pass to Henry which led to the only goal of the game. If the price is right, this kid would be a future replacement for Stevie Finnan, but at this point, I really don’t think right back is a position of great need on the team right now.

Which brings us to the next question: Who DO Liverpool need to get this summer? The new 4-2-3-1 formation has seen some success, but Kuyt and Babel are not true wingers, especially when Babel is on the left. He depends too much on his right foot to be effective there. Also, while Stevie G. has shown a lot of good in his chemistry with Torres, as the Arsenal game just illustrated, Stevie is better suited to receiving the ball deeper on the pitch and carrying it into the attack. When he is running with the ball he is at his most dangerous, so putting him up there limits him. There are only three names floating around the rumour mill right now that I believe would fill these gaps in the squad.

* Ricardo Quaresma – From what I have seen of this young man, it seems like he has the potential to be the next Luis Figo. He is a commanding physical presence, can cross the ball, take defenders one-on-one, and shoot with precise venom. He will be expensive, but in order to really change the way ‘Pool have looked on the wings the past few seasons either he or the next guy need to be brought in…

* Daniel Alves – While I don’t believe we need a right back, this kid’s talent simply is too much to resist. A truly complete wing back. Once again, a heavy price-tag is attached, but it would be worth it.

* Javier Saviola – Recently, this man’s name has appeared on the transfer rumour pages. At only 26 years old, the talent has always been there; unfortunately, his career has been stop-start in La Liga and now he is apparently been listed by Schuster on the “Sell” sheet. A move to another league has rejuvenated many a career (Ruud is a prevalent example; Henry to Arsenal another). Maybe this could result in a similar situation.

As this transfer activity heats up, a lot of bloggers and commenters are writing about the potential clearout Rafa is about to engage in. Don’t believe a word of it. I would only put Crouch, Pennant and Alonso on the list for sure. As for the other names I have hear mentioned, some make sense, others are simply ridiculous. Riise? Aurelio? Voronin? The first two are solid, and Andriy was free and has a great attitude and work-rate for a man who doesn’t get a lot of starts (oh and he was injured for the past couple of months). Also, any talk of buying a centerback is the most preposterous idea as well. Hyypia was just re-signed, and you still have Carra, Agger, and Skrtel. The Reds are still a crack defensive outfit; if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

Champions League Roundup, Tuesday March 4th

Well, today the second legs of the CL Round of 16 began, with the big story being AC Milan getting tossed by the Gunners of Arsenal. Fabregas' goal was fantastic, but even more impressive, at least to this observer, was the effect Theo Walcott's introduction had. The kid looked dangerous each time he touched the ball, creating the second goal wholly by himself. Fabregas was the man of the match though, no doubt, with a nod going to Senderos, who made some important tackles on Pato and Inzaghi whenever Milan got the rare chance to attack.

Arsenal deserved the victory as much as Milan deserved not to. Kaka was anonymous for long stretches, partially because Arsenal were keeping the lion's share of possesion, but even when he got the ball, Kaka was inconsistent, he gave away the ball easily several times, and he was obviously frustrated. Pato was too selfish, Pirlo had a relatively minor effect, and Inzaghi's efforts were harmless. I hope Ancelotti realizes, after this match, with Ronaldo injured, Pato still maturing, Gilardino being solid but not spectacular, and Inzaghi slowly becoming the Italian version of Dick Clark, that he needs to splash some serious cash on strikers this summer. AC's defense is still solid (Maldini is simply unbelievable. I think he could, if he wanted to, play another couple seasons) and their midfield is well established at this point.
On the other side of the pitch, it is scary when you contemplate the age of the Arsenal team that was out there tonight:
Almunia- 30
Gallas - 30
Senderos - 23
Clichy - 22
Sagna - 25
Hleb - 26
Eboue - 24
Fabregas - 20
Diaby - 21
Flamini - 23
Adebayor - 24

And there first sub is still a teenager...Scary