They may not have a penchant for Monday night games but the floodlights of Anfield have seen two examples in this calendar year of what Rafael Benitez describes as the “real” Liverpool.
Against Portsmouth, just as they did for Tottenham Hotspur in January, the home side rose to the occasion in style. Somehow flying in the face of adversity suits Benitez’s side more and especially when his managerial future is placed under intense scrutiny.
Unbeknown to supporters and press alike, Liverpool always work to the best of their abilities when their backs are up against the wall. Not since their emphatic rout over Hull City here in September have they shown such clinical form in front of goal.
Perhaps it was the decision to relegate Lucas Leiva and Dirk Kuyt to the substitutes’ bench in favour of a more attack-minded line-up which included Ryan Babel and Alberto Aquilani – both of whom would go on to register their names on the score sheet.
For Aquilani, his first goal for the club could not have been sweeter following a frustrating start to life in England. The Italian’s effort, much like his performance, showed a real insight of what he can offer when given the right platform. The Kop’s chant for the playmaker was also finally given an airing.
Babel too will have hoped that his effort not only provided an ideal viewing for potential suitors, should he be in contention for a summer exit, but also reminded Bert van Marwijk that he is still in worthy of a place in Holland’s World Cup squad
There is a genuine fear that Fernando Torres will adhere to claims in the Spanish press that he may have to reconsider his position at Anfield if the club do not reinforce their squad in the summer and it is clear to see why. The individual brilliance that has made him so revered was clear for all to see.
The Spaniard dazzled the Kop with sublime footwork, lightning pace and a terrifying eye for goal – all attributes which have been missing from his game of late. Described by one commentator as “the Premier League’s basket case”, the visitor‘s defence almost mirrored their current financial position.
Very rarely did they threaten Pepe Reina’s goal, with only a handful efforts remaining on target and were lucky not to concede a spot kick due to a series of fouls and handball claims in their own penalty area.
When they did find the net, Nadir Belhadj’s 88th minute goal served only as a consolation with the home side already four goals to the good. For a side that has defied their administration status with an impressive FA Cup run, the South Coast outfit appeared highly muted in this encounter.
With such creative and attacking football on display from the home side, the Anfield faithful were left questioning why this is not seen on a regular basis from their team.
LIVERPOOL (4-2-3-1): Reina, Johnson (Kelly 70), Agger, Carragher, Insua, Aquilani, Mascherano, Babel, Gerrard (Benayoun 73), Maxi, Torres (Ngog 79).
PORTSMOUTH (4-5-1): Ashdown, Finnan, Hreidarsson (Owusu-Abeyie 75), Rocha, Wilson, Diop (Mokoena 63), Brown, O'Hara (Webber 85), Dindane, Belhadj, Piquione.
REFEREE: Stuart Atwell
ATTENDANCE: 40,316
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