Bad Bob wrote:A second phenomenal weekend of football in a row and we're back in this thing! So proud of the lads today. They came out of the traps focused and relentless got the vital first goal (nice one Dirk!), held off the Villa pressure well and put the game to bed when the opportunity came. Professional, professional display to get us right back to breathing down the Mancs' necks. Only downer is this two week lay off...it always seems to happen to us that these things crop up when we're flying. Hope we don't go off the boil.
Some honourable mentions today on a day when another consummate team performance brought the points home. Riera was a much improved performer this week. I don't know who said what after last week's performance but he was playing like a lad with something to prove. He asked all the right questions of the Villa defenders, tracked back well, took a superb goal with aplomb when Villa were looking to find their feet and won as the penalty that put the game beyond reach. Well done son!
I thought Reina was also immense today. He too had a bit of a dodgy one at Old Trafford last week but he was back in full command this week. The brace of saves he made against Carew with the score at 1-0 were absolutely vital. Had we conceded the game would have taken on a much different complexion, as Carew was proving a real handful for Skrtel and Carra. He then goes and sets up the all-important second goal with another fantastic piece of distribution.
I thought Kuyt had a good game all-around. His goal was very well taken indeed and his approach play, while not always silky, was progressive and incisive. He did very well to earn the free kick for our fourth and he generally looked the part in a fluid attacking unit--shades of the Newcastle game in that regard. He did have his usual quota of heavy touches and back passes but, by and large, he's showing why he deserves a place in the side.
I thought Masch absolutely bossed the midfield today and it's fantastic to see him back to his best. Torres had a poor game by his high standards but even when that happens, his pace and movement scare the bejesus out of defenders and he makes things happen. Riera got a lot of freedom to operate today because of Torres and, of course, he did ever so well to win the 2nd penalty.
All in all, we looked like a team that's found another couple of gears in the last few weeks and we're starting to see fantastic performances all over the pitch. Gerrard and Torres continue to be the nucleus of our great play but the supporting players are now starting to do their bit: from Benayoun a few weeks back, to Aurelio and Dossena last week and Riera and Kuyt today. Let's hope this purple patch continues!
Great post...
(see we can argue but when its a great post i'll happily admit it)