Anyone who thinks this is a disastrous result, well, you either don't see the forest for the trees or you're trying to make a mountain out of a mole hill. I would not be shocked to read a few match reviews from journalists with an anti-Rafa or anti-Liverpool agenda taking up the latter reason. Blackburn is a solid squad. They sit higher up on the table than us for a reason and it's not because they've played an easier schedule, because they haven't. In fact, I'd say their's has actually been harder.
It certainly was a tale of two-halves though. While the first half had the look of an automated donut-making machine with efforts producing sprinkled-covered fat-filled zeroes and creme puffs, the second was more reminiscent of blitzkrieg. Our boys stormed the Blackburn side relentlessly and were wholly unlucky not to come away the victorious side. Brad Friedel, a former Red no less, deserves particular credit for not only making some stellar saves, but also for his composure and ability to always be in the right place at the right time.
It has to be considered encouraging that so many chances were created with our passing and movement. A goal would have certainly been the optimum sign of our improvement on attack, but Friedel just wasn't having it. To put it plainly, we dominated the second half and were unlucky not to take all three points back to Anfield.
At times it appeared the game of football had completely disappeared from this match. The diving and theatrical antics were pathetic, especially Roque Santa Cruz, who was rewarded for his shenanigans by Carra receiving a yellow card. Though I bet he'd exchange it for a penalty when later the ball clearly hits Carragher's arm in the box. The referee giveth and the referee taketh away. Cry me a river, Blackburn fans.
Overall, progress was made and as the the clock wound down, we seemed to play better as a side. The one thing I would like to bring to the forefront which I feel hurt my confidence in our side was the negative aura we seemed to project. Arguing with the ref and even with one another is not going to help our cause. We need to concentrate our energy into producing a positive effect to better our chances of winning matches.
Next up is Beşiktaş J.K. on Tuesday. Hopefully we can carry the momentum of the second half of this match and get the much needed three points to save our dire Champions League hopes. I'll be posting player grades shortly. Cheers.
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