Torres left devastated, as Liverpool concede late to draw
Liverpool’s European aspirations were left devastated last night, as Lisandro Lopez, having capitalised on a defensive mistake from Nikolas Kyrgiakos, equalised within moments of the final whistle, to send Lyon through to the the knock-out stages of the Champions League. Liverpool now require Lyon to beat Fiorentina, while claiming two victories in their own remaining final games, in order to progress. The media typhoon which has been in gradual development since the opening day of the season, is now in full-plight over Anfield, as Rafael Benitez faces mass media accusation regarding team selection and tactics, as the Red’s have failed to claim more than points in eight games, both in Europe and domestically.
Benitez elected to start with a makeshift back four of Agger and Kyrgiakos in central defence, Carragher at right-back supporting Kuyt ahead, while Insua intended to drive forward from left-back and allow Yossi Benayoun to cut inside. Andriy Voronin started behind Fernando Torres.
It was arguably the inclusion of both Torres and Voronin which lead to Liverpool’s downfall; to often was Voronin caught in possession, while he also wasted a host of valuable set-pieces in the first half. However his scuffed shot, when through on goal was the worst of the lot; having been played in behind the Lyon defence and positioned well inside the area, with Liverpool needing a goal desperately in the first half, the Ukranian only managed a weak, half-hearted pass into the keeper’s arms, where in all honesty, he should have scored what could have proven to be a crucial goal. Torres simply should not have been on the pitch; he lacked sharpness, and flagged a foot softly at a close-range shot he would usually hammer into the top corner – a chance which David N’Gog may well have scored.
Liverpool, having survived a shaky initial 15 minutes began to impose themselves on the game, with Mascherano and Lucas dominating the midfield to a monstrous degree, the former playing much better than he had done in any league game during the last month, displaying the passing range and destructive force we all once knew him for, while Lucas’ performance epitomised a man who has matured immensely over the last 6 months, and now looks to possess the potential Rafael Benitez trusted when £6 million was paid for his services.
Emiliano Insua was also one to prove doubters wrong; the width he provided out wide was excellent, and allowed Benayoun to come infield, drop deep and support Lucas, which proved a tactical success from Benitez, as his side dominated possession with ease, and were seldom caught in midfield. Tactically in general, Liverpool were spot on, and had, one two or three occasions, their finishing been better, Liverpool could well have been 2-0 up before Ryan Babel was even introduced.
Benitez’s only potential criticism can be the decision to keep Alberto Aquilani on the bench; Voronin is not able to play at Champions League level, and had Aquilani played, a vibrant force of creativity behind Torres would finally have been present, allowing for a more trenchant, cutting-edge to all the possession we had, although it must be acknowledged that the Italian has only played 30 minutes of football in a Red’s shirt, and needs more match fitness before he can become a permanent fixture in the starting eleven.
Liverpool’s deserved goal finally arrived following the introduction of Ryan Babel. The Dutchman skipped past the challenge of a Lyon defender, before crashing a shot, on the turn, at ridiculous speed into the top corner. Lyon’s keeper, having skilfully rejected attempts from Liverpool to score all night, was finally undone. It was a goal of sheer technique, and Babel’s celebration, in which he appeared to swipe dirt off his shoulder, as if to say to Benitez, ‘Why don’t you play me more?’, prompted commentators to question the Spaniard on exactly that. However, is 15 minutes ever epitomised Ryan Babel, it was the final moments of this match.
Following the goal, Babel characteristically drove a freekick on the edge of the area out for a throw-in, while wasting a clear chance on goal by screwing his shot wide and Liverpool’s lack of finesse was exposed as Lisandro capitalised on a defensive error to lift the ball over Reina and into the open goal.
Benitez will certainly be pleased with his side’s performance; it was in similar vein to the Liverpool of last season; ardent circulation of the ball, constant endeavour, and a relentless pressure on the ball, something which has been missing for much of this season. Lyon rarely found space in front of Liverpool’s back four, and were perpetually forced to lump the ball forward as short passing options were closed out – a tribute to Liverpool, who worked tirelessly right from Torres to Carragher.
MOTM:
Javier Mascherano: Lucas was sublime, as was Insua, yet to see our Argentine monster back to his best was a joy to behold. He dominated midfield, constantly dismantling opposition attacks and also providing the basis for our own attacking play, with accurate, 40-yard passes to feet.
