Everton 1 Liverpool 0

Out of the FA Cup! After a long battle with Everton, Liverpool succumbed to fatigue and let Everton got the better of them. After crashing out of the FA Cup no thanks to a lucky strike by Dan Gosling of Everton, Liverpool have only the league and Champions League to play for. Two targets left but they are two of the biggest. Maybe, this defeat will be a blessing in disguise!

"Gerrard sustained an injury"

After two draws with Everton in recent weeks, the FA Cup replay guaranteed a winner and it was Everton. The game was not the nicest to watch. It was full of tackles and physical contact. The ball was very much in the middle of the park for long periods. Although Liverpool controlled from the start, it only lasted as long as 16 minutes before Gerrard asked to be substituted due to a hamstring injury. Since then, the game was more balance.

"Not a good day for the Reds"

All I really could remember about the game were the bookings shown and Gosling's hurtful goal. Throughout the game, nothing much was produced at either end. What was the turning point of the game was Lucas' dismissal. In the second half, Lucas was given a second yellow card. With 10 men, Liverpool struggled to attack Everton and was constantly bombarded by Everton's attack. Torres was a lonely figure up front and he got very frustrated throughout the game for some unknown reason. Instead of seeing him making intelligent runs, Torres was flying into tackles and vented his frustrations on the officials. It was a poor day for Liverpool without a doubt.

Despite struggling to play well, Liverpool managed to hang on into extra time. At that moment, I am sure we all wished for penalty kick-offs as we all know how well Reina is in saving penalties. However, it was not to be as Dan Gosling managed to score 2 minutes before the end of extra time and dashed Liverpool's hope of landing the FA Cup for the second time under Rafa Benitez.

This defeat was upsetting but it might be a blessing in disguise for Liverpool's title challenge as it means fewer games for Liverpool to deal with in the coming months. The defeat did not matter the most. It was Gerrard's injury and an apparent knock Torres received on the foot which is much more worrying. With M*n U*d leading the league table, Liverpool have to keep momentum and win as many games as possible. If M*n U*d slip up, Liverpool must be in a position where they will be able to dictate their title hopes. As such, the injury to Gerrard is truly a big blow.

Liverpool are not currently in their best form and they could truly do without an injury to their captain. With Gerrard out for around 3 weeks, Liverpool's other players must step up their game and score goals. The players such as Babel, Benayoun, Kuyt and even Ngog will have bigger roles now and must take to the task to help Liverpool win as many games as possible and take over M*n U*d if possible. Besides them, players such as Insua, Plesis, Pacheco and Nabil EL Zhar might be called upon and they too must play up to standard. They must be able to play in place of injured or fatigued players and not compromise on the quality.

Rafael has come into the left back for M*n U*d and is doing well. Dan Gosling was called upon in this game and scored for Everton. Liverpool's very own young players might matter in the coming weeks or months and they too must step up and play at the top of their game to help Liverpool mount a serious challenge on the title.

For now, let's all forget about the FA Cup. From start, everyone wanted the league. Liverpool is in a good position. Despite M*n U*d holding the advantage, Liverpool must take their chances if M*n U*d slip up. Thus, Liverpool have to win their games. With or without the captain, Liverpool have enough qualities to win games. It is the strongest squad Benitez has assembled at Anfield and it is their best chance to land the number 19th for Liverpool. We as supporters must support them no matter what. At this point, we must all get behind them and let them know they have no one to fear. They can take on opponents and tear them apart. In them, we trust. Or at least, it them I trust! In Rafa, I still trust!


"You'll Never Walk Alone"