_______t00t ken`

Tuesday, November 30, 2004

Perfect perfect perfect. What else can be used to describe the stunning atmosphere and heated braul and battle of the 2 titans in English soccer just early this morning (Singapore time)? The statistics for both teams were even. Liverpool were faced with a mammoth task of coping with their essay-long injury list, while Arsenal on the other hand, seemed to have lost their aura that they have held on for so long but wrecked by the devils.

Liverpool started their line up with expected players but an unexpected and unfamiliar tactic that Rafael Benitez had taken with a 4-5-1 formation. Playing Neil Mellor up front alone, Sinama was sent to to the left for flank work.

All through out the match, Arsenal never seemed too dangerous, with the Reds being the more lively team. The Reds were seen as a more mature team than Arsenal, and their tenacity and hunger to grab their points in the game was evident for all to see.

And they almost snatched one when Kewell's header was saved by Lehmann.

And with such determination and style, were they rewarded with an extraordinary and absolutely splendid goal when Alonso blasted the ball into the top right hand corner of the goal. Receiving a ball from midfield, Finnan sent a long one to Kewell on the left and the Aussie headed the ball nicely into the path of captain Steven Gerrard. Neil Mellor played the decoy and Gerrard sent the ball to Alonso and he did not disappoint with a sweet and beautiful finish. The goal was what all soccer fans, coaches and players thought they could only dream about. A sweet and stunning move all round.

While the Reds were still in rejoiceful mood, Arsenal stood their ground and made the Reds know was boss when Vierra found Henry just outside the box who gives it to Pires, and the Gunner gives it to the charging Vierra who executes a brilliant chip over the the Liverpool keeper, Kirkland. Kadus to Arsenal for their stylish soccer and briliant teamwork that was hardly found in the entire game.

In the 81 minute, Arsenal could have gone ahead when Henry was found in the box. However, the Frenchman had one touch too many. A wasted opportunity.

But the goal that sparked and shocked the whole of Anfield was in the dying minutes of extra time. Kirkland sent a long ball into the Arsenal area finding Kewell, who was marked by Toure and Campbell. The ball bounced off the trio and landed into youngster Neil Mellor's path. With over a million eyes on him, either on Tv or on the stadium itself, he volleys the loose ball which curls deftly into the left post of the Arsenal goal, leaving Lehmann diving for the air. Great technique and beautiful bend on the inside of the ball. That goal would leave the youngster many sleepless nights indeed.

Arsenal paid an expensive price for being too stylish even on a bad day. While on the other hand, Liverpool's manager Rafael benitez's salute to his team summed up the entire match. The match where the Reds shone over the Gunners.

alonso curledin a brilliantbender 2:33 PM.