Tuesday, May 03, 2005
'Pool through
Way to go, 'pool! Like most neutrals, I have to admit that I was pulling for the Reds to topple Ambramovich's army this evening. Not the most elegant of performances from either side, but the Merseysiders fully deserved to go through.
Luis Garcia's goal was indeed questionable, despite Tommy Smyth's repeated (and annoying) assurances to the contrary on ESPN. Still, Chelsea cannot complain too much. If the Spaniard didn't score, Liverpool would have been awarded a PK. Plus, the Blues had 85+ minutes to respond. They couldn't.
Some other random comments:
Luis Garcia's goal was indeed questionable, despite Tommy Smyth's repeated (and annoying) assurances to the contrary on ESPN. Still, Chelsea cannot complain too much. If the Spaniard didn't score, Liverpool would have been awarded a PK. Plus, the Blues had 85+ minutes to respond. They couldn't.
Some other random comments:
- I understand Glen Johnson is in Mourinho's doghouse, but I was very surprised to see Geremi pencilled in at right back. In any case, the Cameroonian international played rather well, particularly going forward.
- Jamie Carragher. Wow. From "utility man" to top flight defender. His transformation is complete. Considering the stage, this was probably his best performance of the season. Who'd a thunk that Carragher-Hyypia would emerge as the dominant defensive partnership in Europe this year? The native Scouser gets extra props for avoiding a yellow card, which would have ruled him out for the final.
- Igor Biscan didn't have a great game, but, again, considering the stage, he more than held his own. Could anyone imagine him putting in this type of run in the CL last year? He's definitely not the sort of demoralized mess he was under Houllier.
- I rate Djibril Cisse highly, but I was going to strangle him late in the game. He squandered several quality chances, and his ball control was atrocious. One can only wonder if he's yet match fit following his broken leg.
- Drogba phoned this one in. Any doubt that Chelsea is going to make a striker their top priority in the offseason was dispelled tonight. I have a feeling Ambramovich's yacht is going to be moored off the coast of Italy all summer, waiting for Inter to relent to whatever absurd amount the Russian throws at them for Adriano (already a reported €100m).
- The most significant missing piece tonight wasn't Xabi Alonso, as I expected. It was Damien Duff. Chelsea had hardly any penetration down the left. Arjen Robben was a wee bit of a spark when he came on, but clearly nowhere near 100%. The Dutchman's game lacked the polish and flair Blues supporters fell in love with during November.
- What was up with Mourinho's appearance? It looked like he just fell out of bed and threw on a track suit. Whither the hitman?
