Oh how we needed this. Not just the win, but the performance, which was as good an attacking display as we've produced in months. The fact that Birmingham are shit has to be taken into context of course, but then again Bolton are shit and look how ordinary we were against them.
This was all the more sweet because of the shite we've had to endure from Birmingham since the Worthy Final. I'm so sick of hearing them say that they deserved to have won that game and how they should have had a penalty and blah, blah, blah. This suggestion was totally inaccurate at the time, but seems to have been repeated so often that many so called neutrals have jumped on the bandwagon and seem to have forgotten what really happened that day.
For the record, (and for the Birmingham fans and fucking loudmouth arsehole of a chairman) we were poor that day, but for 85 minutes were still in total control of the game. Birmingham had a five minute spell at the end when they were desperately throwing men forward and we became edgy. They equalised right at the death, which gave them a lift going into extra time, when they then had a little five to ten minute purple patch. After that we again regained control and could have won it when Didi hit the post.
Justice was done when we won on pens, and as for the claim that they were robbed of a penalty, no matter how many times you watch that incident Henchoz clearly wins the ball. I thought so at the time, and every time I've seen it since I've seen him clearly get a foot to the ball. The last time I checked that meant no penalty, so fucking get over it. You lost, we won, end of story.
As for today's game, well simply winning wasn't good enough, I wanted us to absolutely slaughter them. The reason being the ludicrous comments made by their chairman on the morning of the game. I can't remember when I wanted us to teach someone a lesson in humility so badly (actually I can, it was when we played those cocky bastards from Palace last season). The fact that loads of their fans went on the rampage on Walton Breck Road before the game merely added to my desire to give them a trouncing.
Despite the fact that there was again no Jari, the starting line up looked pretty good overall. Anelka and Owen could prove to be the most lethal strike duo in Europe if they are given the service. Today they were. The midfield were excellent, and the formation worked very well. Murphy played at the head of the diamond, with Vladi and Stevie G either side of Didi.
Gerrard has looked good the last couple of games, and he was outstanding today. Back to his best in fact. Some of the link up play between the midfield and forwards was lovely to watch. One touch passing and clever movement, this is what we want to see every week. Owen was irresistible, and must wish that he could rely on this kind of service every week.
His first goal was quality, coming after a great knock down from Vladi had found Murphy in space. The second was a brilliant finish after being put through by Anelka. At this point we were threatening a rout, but somewhat predictably we seemed to take our foot off the gas a little after that.
However, the midfield were still getting forward to good effect at times, and we continued to create openings. The visitors were dire it has to be said. They were outclassed, and even if we didn't get the rout our performance deserved, they were well beaten and a point was proved I'd say. Mind you, the Brummie hordes actually had the fucking cheek to sing "who are ya" to Michael when he was subbed. He's the guy that just knocked you out of the cup, and he's also the guy who's arse you'll be kissing when the world cup comes around.
Their players were absolutely shit scared of Owen and Anelka. Understandable of course, as it's not as though they face that standard of striker every week in division one is it? For fucks sake, Shaun Goater and Daren Huckerby are the best that the nationwide has to offer!
The second half wasn't as good as the first, but we were still treated to some lovely football at times. Owen struck the bar with a dipping shot, after earlier teeing up a great chance for Murphy when his back heel turn had ripped the Brum defence apart. Sadly Danny leaned back and ballooned his shot into the Kop. It was the only thing he
did wrong all game though, as he was excellent.
Anelka had looked really good, and his unselfish (take note all the tabloid hacks) work had already created one goal for Owen, as well as another great chance for Murphy (he was crowded out and couldn't convert it). He deserved a goal, and it duly arrived a few minutes from time when he fired in a low shot at the Kop end. His partnership with Owen has given us a lot of cause for excitement, and hopefully they'll be given a few games together to further develop their understanding.
The victory was pleasing, but even more so was the manner of it. We played some lovely stuff, and this is what we want to see all the time. We're a much better side when we keep the ball on the floor, and an even better one when the midfielders are allowed to express themselves and go forward. With Stevie G looking back to his very best, and Owen and Anelka looking razor sharp, there's a lot to be optimistic about. I'd still like to see Jari involved, and hopefully he will be, but there were a lot of positives to take from this performance. Let's hope we can have more of the same against Southampton on Wednesday.
TEAM: Jerzy Dudek; Jamie Carragher, Stephane Henchoz, Sami Hyypia, John Arne Riise; Steven Gerrard, Didi Hamann, Vladimir Smicer (Patrik Berger) Danny Murphy; Nicolas Anelka, Michael Owen (Emile Heskey):
