In the past month we've played five matches, two Champions League ties and three League battles, and save our lack of luck at Blackburn, have put on impressive performances throughout. From our 8-0 thrashing of Beşiktaş to the late-game heroics against Fulham and Porto, it finally appears that our side is coming around and slowly working our way to full potential. Going undefeated in November though is business as usual under Rafa, as we have done so the previous two seasons as well, save a forgetful performance at Emirates last year. In fact, we've posted an astounding 13-4-1 record over the past three Novembers.
Like last season, the catalyst of our good fortune was nearly a different player each match. Whether it was Yossi against Beşiktaş, Mascherano shutting down Porto, or Steven Gerrard being Steven Gerrard, it was always a team effort, even if we didn't play all that well as a unit. In my opinion though, one player stood out as the most consistently solid player for our side and that was Sami Hyypiä. Ever since the loss in Instanbul, the Finn has raised his level of play and even though Carra has been more than reliable as well, Hyypiä appeared to go the extra mile and make few mistakes.
I could have done the sexy thing and went with Gerrard, but in truth, our skipper didn't play all that well in the first three matches this month. Arbeloa, on the other hand, was phenomenal early on, but turned sloppy and ineffective in our last two matches. If Yossi, Torres, or Babel had played more, they might have gotten the accolade over Hyppiä, but the 34-year-old played every minute of every match and was sound throughout. It's no coincidence that only a single goal was scored against us the entire month.
Though it looks like Sami will lose his starting spot soon when Agger returns, at least we can take confidence now that we have him just in case one of our other centre backs can't go. I fully expect him to get the nod when it comes to early FA Cup matches and League Cup ties. Also, his contract is up at the end of this season, but I hope we keep him on for another year. As far as I'm concerned, he can stay as long as he likes.
I'll be posting other awards for November shortly. Cheers.
