"We never lose in Rome" will have to be the new anthem after this. Ironically, we actually played better this year than when we won there last season. The only difference being that last season the chances fell to the lethal Michael Owen, whereas this time they fell to Heskey and Smicer, who aren't as clinical. After all the shit from Fabio Capello and the Italian press about us being boring (that's a bit like being called ugly by Luke Chadwick), it was laughable that it was the home side who opted for just a single striker. Last year they played three up front against us, this time Batistuta was the lone striker with Totti playing behind him.
'Batigol' was a disgrace, and it was painful to watch a player who I have admired for so many years, resorting to such pathetic tactics as the comical dive when challenged by Carragher. He was actually pulling JC's shirt, and then ludicrously threw himself to the floor looking for a spot kick. Even if it had been awarded, he'd have missed it on that kind of form. Quite frankly, he was shit, and Steph and Sami had him in their pockets.
Totti wasn't much better. Loads of nice touches and quality passes, but I haven't seen anyone dive as much since... well since Benni Carbone in our last game actually! Bloody Italians. Why can't they all be like Zola, Di Canio and Ravanelli, instead of the cheating, posing, arrogant prima donna's like Totti.
We'd heard in the build up to the game that they were looking for revenge, and people were going on about what Barca did to us. I said at the time that Barca were being hyped out of all proportion simply because they took the piss for ten minutes at Anfield when they were in front. They're not that great, and drawing 2-2 at home to Galatasaray provided further proof. They lost 2-0 to Alaves last weekend as well. You know, Alaves, that so called "Spanish Pub Side" (© mancs and bluenoses) who we beat in the UEFA Cup Final? Top of the Spanish league they are. Good luck to them as well, maybe we'll meet in the CL next season.
Anyway, I have to admit that prior to kick off I was fearing the worst. I didn't think we'd get hammered, but I thought we might just be on the wrong end of a 1-0. Seeing as how we are unbeaten in every CL game I've watched in the Hanover, I decided not to tempt fate by going somewhere else to watch it, and as soon as I got in there I started to feel a bit more confident. By kick off time I fancied us to win, when just a few hours before I was all doom and gloom.
I think the fact that Heskey was playing up front as opposed to on the left wing gave me a lot of confidence. I was worried we might just try and contain them, but if anything, it was Roma who were more worried about us. Owen and Heskey usually had three or four men on them whenever they received the ball. And they have the nerve to call us negative!
We started great, with Gerrard and Didi runing the midfield, and Danny and Vladi getting forward very well. Thommo reckons we played some world class football. I didn't see that, but we were pretty good at times. Not like Thommo to get a bit carried away in his praise is it!!!
Roma were offering little, and we should have been in front by the break. Vladi was unlucky with a well struck volley, which unfortunately went straight at the keeper, but Emile really should have scored when Sami set him up. It wasn't exactly a sitter, but he should have at least hit the target.
The second half was a different story. Capello gave his troops a bollocking in the dressing room apparently, and we had to be at our best to keep them out. It wasn't exactly a stream of constant pressure, but they did have their moments. Mainly through impressive Brazilian substitute, Assuncao, who looked fucking ace it has to be said. If he plays at Anfield then he'll need to be watched closely.
In the end though, we were fairly comfortable. Hamann was his usual outstanding self, and had it not been for the magnificent Henchoz, he'd have been the star man yet again. Steph was wonderful, alongside the ever dependable Sami and JC. I thought Riise had a brilliant game as well, possibly his best perfomance since he came to the club.
The only negative aspect of the game were the injuries to Vladi and Stevie G. I really felt for Jari too, who was about to be brought on for Owen when Gerrard picked up a knock and forced a change of plan. I think we need to find a place for Jari somehow in games like this, because he keeps the ball better than anyone else in the squad. The only criticism I can have of this team is that sometimes they give the ball away too easily, which invites pressure. The fact that our defence is so good means we can absorb a lot of pressure, but eventually we will get caught out.
Jari may not be as adept as closing people down and tracking back as Owen or Heskey, but he will keep hold the ball and allow us to retain possession. Just a minor criticism though, and overall I'm well pleased with a point and reckon we'll beat them at Anfield.
TEAM: Jerzy Dudek; Jamie Carragher, Stephane Henchoz, Sami Hyypia, John Arne Riise; Danny Murphy (Patrik Berger), Steven Gerrard (Igor Biscan), Didi Hamann, Vladimir Smicer (Gary McAllister); Michael Owen, Emile Heskey:
