Liverpool 0 West Ham 0

Liverpool took over Chelsea as leaders of the BPL! However, it was not the best result Liverpool could have hoped for. Despite a point more than Chelsea, it was very disappointing not to win against West Ham at home. Throughout 90 minutes, West Ham played for a draw and they achieved it. On the positive, Liverpool can aim to stay above the rest throughout the season now on.

After some disappointing display against Fulham and Marseille, I was looking forward for a much improved performance. Liverpool played better. They passed better and were in full control of the game. However, they failed again in the last quarter and that has reduced their advantage over Chelsea. West Ham was putting everyone behind the ball. It clearly achieved in stopping Liverpool. I can't remember the last time I saw that many long shots from Liverpool. I guess I must go back to the days Berger, McManaman and Redknapp were in Liverpool's midfield.

I do fancy long shots when opponents are hard to breakdown. However, Gerrard just could not find his strides on the night. He was probably too anxious of getting the winner. I thought he was pushing it too much to the point he compromised his game intelligence. I felt he could have done better in certain situation than simply having a go at the ball despite under pressure. On the night, Rafa got it right. He must have knew West Ham would be there to defend. That's why he started Hyypia behind. He played well on the night too defending well and attacking corners with his headers. It was just the players who failed to break West Ham's defence. I am already starting to miss Torres. I hope I don't have to feel this way until he comes back!

"Where was I?!!"

Keane was totally out of synch with Liverpool's game. I am really starting to think he is a waste of money. He did not do enough to challenge for the ball. When he got the ball, he lost posession of it. His runs were never close to anything Torres would do. Maybe in Torres' absence, Rafa should start considering putting Babel up front. He may not give a consistent preformance but I would prefer that than someone who consistently failed to perform.

The result could not be solely blamed on Liverpool. I thought Green did some fantastic save to secure the point for West Ham. Benayoun did nothing wrong with an opportunity in front of goal. Yet, Green was up to it and managed to save the shot. It was just a frustrating night for the Reds. This season, Liverpool have been playing better away than home. When I saw the match, I think I know why. Away from home, there was less pressure from the fans. They could play their normal game. At home, especially like last night when Chelsea dropped points, the fans were just impatient to see Liverpool score. The moans could be heard so loud. In the first half, I heard some Christmas tunes. In the second half, I felt Anfield was a horrible place whenever a player did not make a sprint with the ball. I felt their moans caused the players to be under extreme pressure. Ironically, the pressure comes from the ones who call themselves world's best supporters.

I understand it is irretating when the opportunity is there to be grabbed and the players failed to do so on the pitch. However, we must remember they need our support. We want them to play as well as they could at home, with the pleasure of the support from the fans. Not the pressure from the fans. I thought the support was unconditional. At times this season, I felt I was wrong. Maybe after nearly two decades of not winning the league title, everyone just couldn't wait. Let's all stop moaning and back them up like we used to when they needed it. They need it to stay top till May. If we want to see an improvement in their matches, I think fans should start supporting them unconditionally to get their spirit and confidence up. Reds, Come on!!! In Liverpool, I believe!!!


"You'll Never Walk Alone"