Tim Cahill pops up to deny Liverpool top spot, as Rafa inexplicably turns to Lucas-aid to protect a narrow lead. Fingers are pointed, questions are asked. More significantly – points are dropped…
There were a couple of surprises in Rafa’s starting lineup. Arbeloa and Mascherano remained on the bench, which meant that Carragher was kept at right-back, allowing Hyypia another start alongside Skrtel. Agger was nowhere to be seen – again. Robbie Keane started up front with the returning Torres, as Benitez appeared to go for the throat. Keane’s introduction alongside Torres denied Gerrard the same kind of freedom he gets behind a lone striker. Although, as soon as Rafa changed the system and subbed Keane once again, it was Gerrard who provided the opening with a typically stunning strike from distance.
That was one decision that worked for the Liverpool boss. The decision to tighten things up by introducing the vastly overrated Lucas for Torres, overlooking the more experienced and defensive Mascherano, was a mystery that can only lead to further questioning of Rafa’s logic. Those kind of decisions are puzzling for most neutrals. For Liverpool fans, they are becoming a major frustration with every point dropped.
Moyes is always far more predictable with his lineup and so it proved again. Anichebe came in for the suspended Fellaini – the only change to the eleven. Cahill remained up front then, with Anichebe drifting out wide and providing support. Arteta continued in his new central midfield role and Baines kept his place at left-back with Yobo still sidelined.
Gerrard’s goal was his fifth in the last 6 league starts. During this spell he has brought in a staggering 68 points in the Fantasy Premier Leauge game. In comparison, Lampard has returned 43 points in the same spell and Ronaldo just 27 points.
As I’ve mentioned before, the key to Gerrard’s form could well be his role behind Torres. If he plays in this position game in, game out, until the end of the season, his form suggests that he will easily outscore both Lampard and Ronaldo. Last night Rafa started Keane up with Torres, which saw Gerrard struggled to influence the game in a deeper position. Rafa’s persistence with the Keane/Torres partnership looks to be the key to Gerrard’s fortunes then. The other factor to consider with Gerrard of course, much as I’d like to dismiss it, is his off-the-field troubles. These are due to come to a head later this week. I for one, hope this doesn’t become an issue but we’ll know more on that after his court appearance on Friday.
Cahill’s late equaliser was his third goal in the last 6 starts. He can be relied upon to keep up that 1 in 3 scoring record, particularly whilst employed as a striker. Arteta has overshadowed him somewhat and he certainly remains a key target, particularly when Everton’s fixtures improve. Surprisingly, his assist last night was his first in 9 league games. Significantly, he missed out on FPL bonus points for only the second time in the last 6 league games. With Arsenal and United coming next, Arteta will face a tough task getting back amongst those bonus. After that however, I’d expect him to regain his prominence with the FPL panel and offer great potential as a mid-price midfield option.
Defensively Liverpool continue to frustrate – It’s now 2 clean sheets in the last 7 league games and with Wigan away and Chelsea at home next, it’s difficult to see that record improving. Everton, in contrast have been in fine defensive form and will take heart from another determined display in which Jagielka and Baines were prominent. Gerrard’s goal was the first Everton have conceded in 6 league games and once tricky fixtures against Arsenal and United are out of the way, their defence almost demands fantasy investment. If Baines can maintain his form and hold off the challenge of Yobo’s return, he will be an excellent budget purchase. Likewise, Howard will become the key contender as a cheaper alternative to Reina or Cech.