Rumours may have re-surfaced around Xabi Alonso’s future at Liverpool, but an extended presence in the starting eleven has brought on a completely different effect than what may first spring to mind. Alonso, one of the games finest footballers known for his vision, distribution and astonishing array of goals, has been a recurring victim of the dire aspect of defending – but Liverpool will not want this to end just yet.
Liverpool have made a virtually faultless start to the new season but their six victories to date have not been plain sailing – as Arsenal have found, the mark of champions is not to profess the most dazzling and fluent football on the planet, but to win ‘ugly’ when it is required. The Merseyside outfit will be a close contender for the title when the calendar hits May as they have overturned losing positions to run out as winners on three occasions. Gerrard epitomised his legacy at Liverpool when he smashed in a winner in the 93rd minute against Middlesbrough, while Dirk Kuyt defied his critics through match-winning performances that saw victorious comebacks against Manchester City and Wigan.
The trio of Tim Cahill (Everton), Pablo Zabaleta (Man City) and Luis Antonio Valencia (Wigan) have all been sent off after fouling Xabi Alonso, and usually it has been one of the critical factors on the outcome of the match. Zabaleta and Valencia both fouled Alonso in unprofessional manners and twice Liverpool came back from the ‘death’ to salvage six essential points. The extra man advantage has been made to count and perhaps in future there will be second thoughts about tacking Xabi Alonso.
Manchester City boss Mark Hughes on Pablo Zabaleta’s red card:
"We played really well in the first half and deserved our lead. The sending off has changed the game and made it even more difficult for us.”
Wigan manager Steve Bruce on Antonio Valencia’s sending off:
“That was the decisive moment in the match because up until then we were coping admirably and were arguably the best team."
Liverpool must be credited for containing the drive to succeed when, at such an early stage in the season, they are pulling out imperative victories that could prove to be the decisive difference between the title that they so dearly crave and an insignificant runners-up spot.
Liverpool have made a virtually faultless start to the new season but their six victories to date have not been plain sailing – as Arsenal have found, the mark of champions is not to profess the most dazzling and fluent football on the planet, but to win ‘ugly’ when it is required. The Merseyside outfit will be a close contender for the title when the calendar hits May as they have overturned losing positions to run out as winners on three occasions. Gerrard epitomised his legacy at Liverpool when he smashed in a winner in the 93rd minute against Middlesbrough, while Dirk Kuyt defied his critics through match-winning performances that saw victorious comebacks against Manchester City and Wigan.
The trio of Tim Cahill (Everton), Pablo Zabaleta (Man City) and Luis Antonio Valencia (Wigan) have all been sent off after fouling Xabi Alonso, and usually it has been one of the critical factors on the outcome of the match. Zabaleta and Valencia both fouled Alonso in unprofessional manners and twice Liverpool came back from the ‘death’ to salvage six essential points. The extra man advantage has been made to count and perhaps in future there will be second thoughts about tacking Xabi Alonso.
Manchester City boss Mark Hughes on Pablo Zabaleta’s red card:
"We played really well in the first half and deserved our lead. The sending off has changed the game and made it even more difficult for us.”
Wigan manager Steve Bruce on Antonio Valencia’s sending off:
“That was the decisive moment in the match because up until then we were coping admirably and were arguably the best team."
Liverpool must be credited for containing the drive to succeed when, at such an early stage in the season, they are pulling out imperative victories that could prove to be the decisive difference between the title that they so dearly crave and an insignificant runners-up spot.
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