What a strange night it was yesterday. Walking to the ground with a T shirt (emblazoned with YNWA etc )It felt like I should be going out for a meal on holiday somewhere exotic not to a footy match against one of Europe`s less salubrious clubs from the far reaches of Belarus (home of Olga Korbut).
A holiday atmosphere was prevalent at a reasonably packed Anfield as the Kop went through it`s repertoire of songs (obviously practising during the hols). No Anfield flag though, maybe he was on holiday too. There was no place for Andy Carroll as Borini made his Anfield debut and Joe Allen sat in the directors box.
Looks like Rodgers second Swansea connection is on his way here.Daniel Agger, the source of so much speculation in recent days was at the heart of the defence alongside Skrtl. Was this a statement of intent by Rodgers with Man City supposedly bidding for his services??Equally was Carroll`s exclusion (not even used as a sub when 3-0 up) an indication of his impending departure back to his Geordie shores? The Kop made their feelings known as they gave Carroll a magnificent round of applause as he warmed up and also went into a rendition of "Agger`s going nowhere.." late on in the game. I`ve never heard so many Agger songs sung in one game considering he didn`t really do much. He didn`t really have to though such was the limpness of the opposition.
Not keen on the Kop`s rendition of Stevie Heighways chant with Danny Agger substitued. Bordering on sacriledge if you ask me. Also significant was the "Dalglish" chant that emnanated form the Kop. No signs yet of an acceptance of Brendan Rodgers. Fans, however are notoriously fickle. It won`t be long before Anfield rings to the sound of Brendan Rogers.
Most of the play first half was at the Annie Road end with the opposition hardly threatening at all. It had an air of a game that was already done and dusted even though we held a slender 1-0 lead from the away leg. Liverpool hardly got out of second gear as they created several chances. Luis Suarez was employed on the left as Borini seemed to have a roving role up front. Stevie G too was further forward than last week. Both these factors led to two of Liverpool`s goals.Suarez wriggled along the bye line and his resultant effort squirmed away to Borino who marked his debut with a shot directly back to where it came from, inside the keepers right hand post.
Borini and Lucas Celebrate as the Italian scores on his Anfield debut.
First thoughts were "if only" If only we had a "Johnny on the spot" to put his foot through the ball when many of Suarez efforts squirmed away last season.
The second goal was also an assist from Suarez, this time the simnple ball played for Gerrard who had a simple task.Simple. Now there`s a word. Bill Shankly liked simple. maybe Brendan Rodgers does too. So 2-0 at half time. Job done. A further goal that came from nowhere made the score 3-0 on the night, a very comfortable win. Glen Johnson this time was the man on the spot as he thundered a shot from outside the box well beyond the Belorussian keeper.Suarez was tricky all night, much as down to the quality of the opposition as anything else. Reina in the Reds goal had a couple of shots from range to deal with which seemingly stung his fingers as he could not hold onto them. Gerrard hit the post in the last few minutes as the game drifted away.A presentation at half time to Jamie Carragher in honour of his 700 th appearance last week was made at half time. The Kop seized on the opportunity for humour as they "booed" Carragher when in possession. He had come on as a sub with 13 minutes to go.
Liverpool played well against average opposition without really breaking sweat. What this tells us about the coming season I can`t fathom at the moment. The draw today has paired us with Scottish opposition (Hearts) which should ensure our participation in the League phase.
Next up, Leverkusen! My daughter has already got her Sami shirt ready for Sunday.
She says she`s wearin it backwards so his name is on the front. What a loon!! Incidentally, it was nice to see a full house at Woodison for Tony Hibbert`s testimonial (17000).
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