Liverpool went into this game knowing anything less than the full three points would be seen as a major disapointment.
In recent weeks Liverpool have been alittle goal shy, and Benitez changed a few things around to try and rectify this.
Crouch and Cisse started up front together, with Benitez opting for what seemed like a back three.
In what can only be described as a frustrating start to the game, both sides found it hard to create any chances. Cisse had a couple of chances but failed to put them away. Passes went astray from players who you wouldnt normally expect them to, and the crowd started to become ever more anxious.
The whole shape of the game changed in the 33rd minute when Khizanishvilli was sent off for challenging Ciise just outside the box. On first viewing it looked like the Ref had given the Reds a penalty, but having words with the linesman changed his mind – and he gave the Reds a free kick on the edge of the box – and sent Khizanishvilli off in the process. Judging Mark Hughes’s reaction in the dugout it was clear that he wasnt a happy manager.
The freekick was taken by Zenden which struck the bar – this would be his best action in the entire game.
From then on Blackburn defended superbly challenging everything that Liverpool threw at them – a Cisse header, a mistimed shot by Crouch was all Liverpool could muster.
The second half started pretty much as the first did – with Liverpool huffing and puffing but not getting any goal action and with Blackburn now desperate to cling on to a point.
Josemi, who had a very poor game, was taken off for Garcia in 60th minute, and Garcia actually brought some urgency and flair to the game.
Benitez knew at this point it was do or die.
On came Morientes for the below par, but hardworking Crouch, in the 66th minute.
Some good Liverpool play ensued at this point, with Garcia linking up with Cisse superbly only for the Frenchman to put the ball wide past former Liverpool keeper Friedel.
The goalie must have thought he would survive the day without conceeding against his former club, as Liverpool had only created half chances at this point.
He was in for a suprise though. Savage, who was snapping at the heals of the Liverpool players all afternoon, brought Zenden down just outside the Blackburn box. And at this point the game was won. Only minutes earlier the Blackburn fans had been taunting Cisse with nasty chants of ‘Cisse, Cisse, hows your leg?’ – referring to the horrific injury that Cisse picked up against Blackburn a year ago.
It was Cisse who had the last laught this time though. Alonso passed the ball to Cisse from the freekick and a hard low right-footed shot found its way past Friedel into the goal to give the Reds the lead.
At this point Cisse ran to the Blackburn fans and taunted them. It was his left leg that was broken a year ago, but his right leg had just broken the Blackburn fans hearts.
To show his respect for Benitez and to illustrate that there are no hard feelings between each other Cisse ran up to the Gaffer in the dugout and shook his hand. A nice touch for all to see.
From this point it was clear Liverpool would hang on to the lead. Morientes had a couple of chances that if he were fully fit he would have stuck a way with ease.
3 minutes of added on time – and the Reds had won their first game in 6 matches.
All in all, a below par performance, the team obviously lack something when Gerrard isnt there, but Cisse may have found his goalscoring habit again.
Liverpool went into this game knowing anything less than the full three points would be seen as a major disapointment.
In recent weeks Liverpool have been alittle goal shy, and Benitez changed a few things around to try and rectify this.
Crouch and Cisse started up front together, with Benitez opting for what seemed like a back three.
In what can only be described as a frustrating start to the game, both sides found it hard to create any chances. Cisse had a couple of chances but failed to put them away. Passes went astray from players who you wouldnt normally expect them to, and the crowd started to become ever more anxious.
The whole shape of the game changed in the 33rd minute when Khizanishvilli was sent off for challenging Ciise just outside the box. On first viewing it looked like the Ref had given the Reds a penalty, but having words with the linesman changed his mind – and he gave the Reds a free kick on the edge of the box – and sent Khizanishvilli off in the process. Judging Mark Hughes’s reaction in the dugout it was clear that he wasnt a happy manager.
The freekick was taken by Zenden which struck the bar – this would be his best action in the entire game.
From then on Blackburn defended superbly challenging everything that Liverpool threw at them – a Cisse header, a mistimed shot by Crouch was all Liverpool could muster.
The second half started pretty much as the first did – with Liverpool huffing and puffing but not getting any goal action and with Blackburn now desperate to cling on to a point.
Josemi, who had a very poor game, was taken off for Garcia in 60th minute, and Garcia actually brought some urgency and flair to the game.
Benitez knew at this point it was do or die.
On came Morientes for the below par, but hardworking Crouch, in the 66th minute.
Some good Liverpool play ensued at this point, with Garcia linking up with Cisse superbly only for the Frenchman to put the ball wide past former Liverpool keeper Friedel.
The goalie must have thought he would survive the day without conceeding against his former club, as Liverpool had only created half chances at this point.
He was in for a suprise though. Savage, who was snapping at the heals of the Liverpool players all afternoon, brought Zenden down just outside the Blackburn box. And at this point the game was won. Only minutes earlier the Blackburn fans had been taunting Cisse with nasty chants of ‘Cisse, Cisse, hows your leg?’ – referring to the horrific injury that Cisse picked up against Blackburn a year ago.
It was Cisse who had the last laught this time though. Alonso passed the ball to Cisse from the freekick and a hard low right-footed shot found its way past Friedel into the goal to give the Reds the lead.
At this point Cisse ran to the Blackburn fans and taunted them. It was his left leg that was broken a year ago, but his right leg had just broken the Blackburn fans hearts.
To show his respect for Benitez and to illustrate that there are no hard feelings between each other Cisse ran up to the Gaffer in the dugout and shook his hand. A nice touch for all to see.
From this point it was clear Liverpool would hang on to the lead. Morientes had a couple of chances that if he were fully fit he would have stuck a way with ease.
3 minutes of added on time – and the Reds had won their first game in 6 matches.
All in all, a below par performance, the team obviously lack something when Gerrard isnt there, but Cisse may have found his goalscoring habit again.
Blackburn 0
Didnt have to do anything spectacular but when Blackburn had corners Reina always got the ball.
==
Anfield
Not his best game for the Reds. Many passes went astray.
Saturday 15th October 2005 – 15:00pm
Made captain for the day. Solid performance. Screamed instructions to his players – like any good captain would. Got himself up the pitch on several occasions too.
44,697
Good in dribs and drabs. Bad in dribs and drabs. Needs to find consistency in his game.
Reina
Played OK throughout. Nothing special from the youngster.
Josemi
Solid as ever. A few good crosses and a few poor ones too.
Carragher
Ran throughout the entire game. Made some great tackles. Passed the ball well. Improving all the time.
Traore
Mr dependable again. Some fantastic 30 yard passes, a few lame attempts on goal. Set up Cisse for his goal from the freekick. Worked really hard running back to help the defence too.
Warnock
Very poor. Poor crosses. Poor passing of the ball. Came close with his freekick but did nothing to really get the Anfield crowd excited.