Liverpool 2-1 Reading
Well it was possibly the worst start we could have made. Going 1-0 down after just 5 minutes. The thing is that it wasn’t even a bad goal from Reading, a great strike by Matejovsky. It reminds me vaguely of Jermaine Pennant’s strike against Chelsea last season. Obviously Pennants was better.
After going behind we raised our game and struck back ourselves from probably the most unlikely source on the pitch. Javier Mascherano, that’s right even Carragher looked more likely to get a goal. But the wonder strike came from the Argentine and what a goal it was. Reminiscent of Gerrard’s against Olympiacos, obviously without the pressure and play before it but as far as solo goals go that for me is a contender for goal of the month.
Then, once again like we have seen so many times this season. EL NINO stepped up to the plate and delivered a great header into the bottom corner of the Anfield Road goal. A beautifully carved cross met by the Spaniards head. An unusual goal for Liverpool as our weakness is set pieces. Both taking them and receiving them.
Overall a great game from my point of view.
Champions League Quarter-Finals
No doubt that there were easier draws than Arsenal and it could be argued there were harder ones but Arsenal are a hard enough draw and will be a great test for the team and will show how different our Premiership form is to our European Form.
In recent years the only English team to feel our European dominance is Chelsea and we could still get them in the semis. But first Arsenal and it’s a very tough one to call. I mean unbeaten at the Emirates for close to 12 months and the team that knocked out AC Milan our superiors in the Champions League final last season.
Against the team deemed unstoppable at Anfield in Europe, have been to 2 of the last 3 Champions League Finals and steam rolled through Inter Milan to get to the Quarters. It is no doubt the most interesting tie of the round.
My predictions for the semi finals are
Manchester United V Barcelona
Liverpool/Arsenal V Chelsea.