Nathan Andrada’s Blog

They were a totally different Liverpool side that went out of the tunnel to begin the second half of their away fixture opposite Blackburn Rovers last Saturday. It was clear that Blackburn made it difficult for Rafa Benitiez’s lads to find any opening for a clear attempt on goal in the entire first half. The club was determined to end a string of 0-0 results which have made it difficult for them to pull away against Chelsea and reigning champions Manchester United, which occupies second and third places respectively in the Barclays Premier League.

Xabi Alonso’s low strike off a Dirk Kuyt blocked shot ended a two-game spell for the Reds without scoring a goal. Yosi Benayoun’s difficult angle shot made it almost academic for Liverpool before Blackburn striker Roque Santa Cruz negated the Israeli’s effort by scoring a headed goal on the other end which made the game still interesting.

Benitez elected to field in El-Zar over Robbie Keane and the former provided the pass that led to a Steven Gerrard goal, which finally iced the game. Gerrard, the team’s influential captain, earlier in the week admitted that this is the best Liverpool side he has ever played with and he has high hopes for the team’s chances of eventually lifting the Premier League trophy come May. Despite of Liverpool’s overall success in England and in Europe, they have not won the English title since 1990.