Bad Bob wrote:A great result without being a great performance. The move for the first goal was fantastic and full marks to Arbeloa for a very composed finish. We were dangerous on the counter throughout the first half and I was sure we'd add to our tally either in the first half or early in the 2nd. Unfortunately, they scored (a cracking strike too) and that upset the apple cart a bit. Full credit to Reading for getting after us and having a proper go.
Not to be too negative after a victory, but the problem areas were a bit brighter today. First, Sissoko continued in his recent mode of giving away possession far too cheaply and giving away free kicks in potentially troublesome areas. I don't think Mascherano benefitted from playing next to Momo today and I'm sure Gerrard didn't either. Easily our fourth-choice CM on current form (take that St. Mike!).
Second, Gonzales was poor once again. His knock it long and run technique has been found out and he's too easily marked out of games like this. Plus, his end product is hit-or-miss (how many of his crosses got anywhere near a red shirt today). I can understand giving him a run out today but Riise could have come on much earlier for me.
Finally, what was Rafa thinking with those substitutions? They couldn't deal with Bellamy's pace and were there for the taking on the counter-attack so why take him off for Kuyt? Then, he takes Crouch off when we need a goal? Bringing Pennant on was the right choice but surely Momo should have given way, with Gerrard dropping into CM? And, if Robbie can't even make the bench for this game there's something significantly wrong with Rafa's notion of rotation. I was just baffled by Rafa's decisions today.
Nonetheless, job done and another 3 points in a tricky match. On the plus side, Pennant was very positive and put in several dangerous balls including the match-winner (credit to Kuyt for the composed finish). I agree with St. Mike that he deserves to start these types of games based on recent form. Let's hope he starts against PSV. In addition, Mascherano got more match experience, Sami got a game, Carra and Finnan were their usual assured selves and Arbeloa acquitted himself well at LB too (despite one mistake early on, when he got sucked too far into the middle, gifting Reading a chance). I think we'll need to up our game against Man City next weekend, though.
Good post, to tired to comment on it, but agree with the jist of it.
waster, get rid Rafa!
WTF, but at least Pennat did give us the natural width, balance and outlet the team needed. Kuyt came close shortly after coming on, and I immediately thought of the thread I had started about him. I was believe it or not hoping he'd prove me wrong. 
