Skipper is the catalyst again
Aug 3 2005
By Tommy Smith, Liverpool Echo
BBC:Liverpool may still rescue OwenLiverpool may launch a shock move to bring former striker Michael Owen back to Anfield after he admitted interest from Premiership clubs. Owen may leave Real Madrid...
THANK heaven for Steven Gerrard. Liverpool's skipper has been the inspiration for many triumphs - who could forget his European goals last season, and particularly the one that sparked the incredible comeback against AC Milan?
His pre-season form in the Champions League qualifiers has already produced quality goals.
"Quality" was not quite the word I would use to describe his goal last night against Kaunus, but his presence on the field, his urgency, his awareness, were all top quality and he lifted his side when they needed it.
From a game that was dying on its feet, Gerrard gave it new meaning when he came on as a late substitute.
It didn't take long before he was threading through a superb ball for Djibril Cisse, whose effort brought a fine save from the keeper. Then his speculative cross-shot squirmed under the keeper to give the fans something to cheer.
They had packed Anfield hoping to see a goals spectacular. It never occurred and, after a first half that was simply a non-event, it looked as if they would go home disappointed despite overall victory.
But Gerrard changed that. He is the catalyst for so much of the team's good work.
He was greeted with a tremendous roar, typifying just how much the fans regard him in terms of importance to Rafa Benitez's side.
As a training exercise the second leg gave the manager the opportunity to play some of his squad players.
Although the Kaunas threat was limited, Zak Whitbread and Stephen Warnock looked solid at the back, made some timely interceptions and generally used the ball well.
Scott Carson had little to do in goal, but he held onto an early free-kick, and was quick to come out of his area when required.
But the big letdown in the first half was the lack of opportunities to give new boy Peter Crouch and Nando Morientes any chance to threaten the visitors' goal.
Gerrard's appearance lifted things, and Cisse looked alert and direct.
Garcia's pbutt into his path late on for the second goal was a gem and the striker's finish on the volley with his instep was brilliantly executed.
There was no Gerrard for most of the time and Xabi Alonso was rested - these two are critical to the creative side if the Reds are to find the cutting edge that was lacking for so long last season.
Mohamed Sissoko gave a promising display in midfield, breaking up the play and using the ball well, and he could prove a popular figure in the months to come.
The Reds may still be in training mode at present, but the tempo will have to be raised for next week's Champions League qualifier, yet questions remain over who will fill various positions when the league action begins.
I just hope Benitez has all the answers.
Rivals back at the top
THERE was great relief over Liverpool and Everton being kept apart in the Champions League draw for the third qualifying round.
Neither side will have it easy next week, but having fought so valiantly to retain fourth place last season, let us hope the Blues can overcome the difficult hurdle that Villareal present and make the group stages.
It's terrific that our Mersey clubs are playing European football again at the top level. Long may it continue.
