Portsmouth 2 Liverpool 3

Liverpool keep the pace! Starting with a very unusual line-up, Liverpool dominated the whole match but somehow found themselves conceding twice and needed a last minute header by Fernando Torres to earn Liverpool a win. A gamble by Benitez? Well, it paid off!

After a tiring match against Everton in the FA Cup replay, Benitez opted to rest a lot of his usual starters. Riera and Kuyt were rested while Torres and Alonso were also kept in the bench after passing some late fitness test. The starting line-up put out by Benitez saw 6 defenders. However, only 3 played in defence while the others in midfield. In defence, Benitez opted for three men namely Carragher, Skrtel and Agger. In midfield, he had Arbeloa and Dossena on the wings while Aurelio played in central midfield which he last played as a Valencia player years back. Mascherano played his usual role in the defensive midfield position. As for the attacking players, Benitez started Ngog with Benayoun and Babel supporting alongside.

The line-up would have not been anticipated by Tony Adams. It was the first time Benitez played this line-up and it truly shocked everyone. Despite the unfamiliarity, the team actually played rather well. Though they failed to produce many clear chances in the first half, they totally dominated the possession of the ball. They were all quick to close down players, played excellent short passing, and threatened the goal mouth a few times. Benayoun was first to be released but his shot hit the side netting. Then, Aurelio had two chances where one hit the post from a free-kick while another flew inches wide. Even Mascherano had a shot which required David James to stretch full length to palm it away.

Without Torres and Gerrard, Liverpool might have very limited options in front and lack in creativity. However there's no doubt without them, the other players have much more freedom with their play. They get to see the ball more and had more possession of the ball on their feet. For example, Benayoun stepped into Gerrard's shoe and played some good passes as well as had a dribble or two. Aurelio who took the central midfield role also saw the ball more and was not afraid of possession. It was probably one of the better performance I have seen Liverpool played with the ball while attacking. Despite that, Liverpool lacked the final delivery. As a result, they failed to score despite making Portsmouth nothing much more than spectators.

"We will keep winning!"

In the second half, Benitez made 3 timely substitution to win the game. He substituted in Kuyt, then Alonso and lastly Torres. All of them contributed greatly to Liverpool. Some questioned Benitez's decision on the basis that if only these three started, Liverpool would have won earlier. I thought on the contrary. These players including Riera have been involved in two very competitive games against Chelsea and Everton. If Benitez has a choice, I am sure he would have also rested Carragher. I thought the win was only won because these three players played as substitutes. Playing around 30 to 15 minutes of football, it meant these players can contribute more than if they were to play from the start. We all saw how tired and how little they contributed in the previous game against Everton. Torres in particular, was clearly lacking in match fitness. Thus, I thought Benitez was right to rest them and used them in the way he did.

Liverpool had the chance to take the lead in the second half. However, Liverpool were made to pay when Babel missed the glorious chance to score. After good play from Benayoun and Kuyt to release Babel right in front of goal, he somehow missed the ball from 2 yards out. Right after that, Portsmouth went on to score their first goal courtesy of Everton-fan Nugent. However, Liverpool fought back and was fortunate when Crouch made a silly back pass to James. Under pressure from the onrushing Kuyt, James was forced to handle the ball and resulted in an indirect freekick. With very little space as Portsmouth packed their players in front of the goal mouth, Aurelio was able to smash the ball into the bottom corner for the equaliser.

After the equaliser, Liverpool were back into control. To get a winner, Torres was brought in. However, Portsmouth went ahead again when they earned a free-kick which was headed in by Hreidarsson. With less than 15 minutes left, Liverpool were sent into a panic. I was so scared of this lose I prayed so hard for a 3-2 to Liverpool. Thankfully, my prayers were heard. On the 85th minute, Kuyt smashed in the equaliser again much thanks to luck. He managed to squeeze the ball into the net from a very tight angle. James was just at the post but with his powerful shot, James was unable to react fast enough.

At 2-2, no Liverpool fans will be happy knowing M*n U*d will be in a very comfortable position if they win against West Ham the next day. Then, came the hero Fernando Torres who headed the winner with less than a minute of injury time left. I was just relieved. With time running out, Aurelio and Benayoun combined very well on the left flank. Running into tight space, Benayoun attempted a cross with his weaker right foot but it was pin-point and found the calm Torres in the box. While everyone was running towards the goal knowing Benayoun was going to cross, Torres held his ground and headed the ball strongly. James was there but it was too powerful as he only managed to push it up into the roof of the net.

"Rely on me!"

A win is a win. Although it might not have come the way we wanted, it will be three crucial points for Liverpool. At this stage, all I care for is winning. It may come ugly or lucky, I don't give a damn as long as it is three points. With M*n U*d on fire, it will not be easy to keep momentum with them. Even if at the end of the day it means ending the season second behind M*n U*d, I would be really pleased and happy if Liverpool win all their remaining matches. That would require M*n U*d to win all except one and it means Liverpool finishing 2 points behind them. I would be pleased. However, let's still hope Liverpool finish first thanks to some hard work, lady luck and consistency.

Now the league will have a two-week break. Hopefully, it will mean much rest to Liverpool players. God bless, hopefully none of Liverpool's players especially the crucial ones like Torres come back injured. With this break, hopefully Benitez will be able to prepare Liverpool to win upcoming matches easier. Also, maybe this break could break M*n U*d good streak. Let's all hope!!! I want it to happen so badly!!! For now, let's take a breather!


"You'll Never Walk Alone"