FA Premiership
Sat 29th September 2007 @ The JJB Stadium
Yossi Benayoun came off the bench to score the reds winner and grab three vital points in a hard-earned Premiership victory.
After his mid-week scoring exploits Fernando Torres was handed a Premiership start for the first time in three games, but surprisingly, wasted a number of chances to put the reds clear.
Former Liverpool stopper Chris Kirkland was the first keeper to be tested, in the first minute, Steven Gerrard unleashed a 30 yard stormer to sting the fingers of the Wigan goalie.
The first half was dominated by the reds with Torres missing two clear cut chances – once stopped by the exploits of Kirkland, and firing wide from a great cross when he was in bags of space.
In the second half, Wigan improved, and can count themselves unlucky that a goal was ruled out for offside. Replays suggested this decision was harsh.
Benayoun was an early second half substitute for Aurelio as Benitez looked to increase the attacking options of the side.
After another storming shot from Gerrard, Benayoun crafted a chance for himself and slotted the ball past Kirkland to put the reds ahead.
Wigan pressed hard for the equaliser but the reds left with all three points. This was not a classic Liverpool performance but a valuable three points, and more importantly the reds passing game appears to be returning. The reds remain unbeaten this season.
Teams
Liverpool: Reina, Arbeloa, Hyypia, Carragher, Aurelio (Benayoun 56), Pennant (Voronin 82), Gerrard, Mascherano, Riise, Torres (Sissoko 89), Kuyt.
Subs Not Used: Itandje, Finnan.
Booked: Mascherano.
Goals: Benayoun 75.
Wigan: Kirkland, Melchiot, Boyce, Bramble, Kilbane, Scharner (Taylor 82), Skoko, Brown, Koumas, Aghahowa, Bent.
Subs Not Used: Pollitt, Granqvist, Hall, Olembe.
Booked: Brown, Melchiot.
Att: 24,311.
Ref: Mark Clattenburg (Tyne & Wear).
Rafa’s verdict
“When you are trying to find a solution, you need players of creativity and quality, and Yossi gives us that.
“I am not saying he will start every game on the bench, it’s just that in this instance I wanted to do different things.
“Yossi played the other night (in the Carling Cup against Reading) and I needed fresh legs, so I started with (Jermaine) Pennant.
“We created some chances and you need to take them if you want an open game.
“Because we didn’t we needed to bring on players with different skills and Yossi was good, it was perfect.”
Liverpool are only cheating the loyal fans YET AGAIN.
We beat Derby and then we are world beaters? Do me a favour!
Our midfield is an absolute disgrace, especially in the creative department, which incidentally hasnt been addressed since we last John Barnes and Peter Beardsley.
Only three members of our squad are expected to score goals, they are Gerrard and two of five strikers. The other three strikers always have the excuse of lacking match fitness or likewise.
Benitez, what are you doing pal??
How long has he been at the helm? How long has the team been winning trophies with him at the helm? Benitez you MUST know the core of your winning team by now PICK IT FOR GODS SAKE!
Benitez when its not going right please please please do not change the left back??? Our wing play has NEVER caused other teams concern simply because we do not commit enough bodies to get on the end of things. I do not want to whinge about not winning things because we have won quite a few trophies in these dark years of ours. We have so many trophies that I would give up 5 years and win nothing – just to ensure good football.
At the moment we are defensive defensive defensive and even when we win, ITS DULL!
GERRARD NEEDS A REST!GERRARD NEEDS A REST! – He thinks he should be covering every position outside the back four and is slowly becoming a jack of all trades but master of NONE! But he’s truly world class and he’ll be back – if only he was partnered by another reliable world class player – not Alonso – who’s sits deepers than Loch Ness and only seems to shoot from his own half!
Rafa, when a player puts on that red shirt it should mean certain standards are absolutely guaranteed. NOT WITH THIS BUNCH – NO WAY !!
Wow, that was sheer class from Yossi!! He could be our secret weapon for tight games when the other players are not firing!!
But good thing that Rafa started with El Nino from the start, looked lively and sharp although he could have scored a hattrick. But Torres really stretched the Wigan defence and that is why he should be a mainstay in the team. Good job Rafa!!
Wonderfull Yossi, we are so close this year to win the EPL.
Keep it up.
Great goal Benayoun!! Carry on dude and u could lead us to glory!!