Liverpool v Middlesborough

Surprisingly Rafael Benitez only named one change in his starting 11, an enforced change, Alvaro Arbeloa returned to fill in at centre back for vice captain Jamie Carragher.The match started well for liverpool, they pass it around without threatening boro’s defence. 10 minutes in boro got a freekick in a decent area, Stuart Downing whips it in as liverpool’s defence stay static and Tuncay heads past Reina. It was obvious the players needed some direction which is usually provided by Jamie Carragher, without him they looked lost.After the goal liverpools confidence plummeted, they gave the ball away carelessly and the crowd was eerily quiet. Torres was gifted a goal when Arca tried to head the ball back to his keeper from 30 yards, Torres was alert, he intercepted and, despite Pogatetz trip from behind managed to keep his balance and score his 13 league goal of the season. The first goal was a gift from boro but the second was brilliant individual skill from Torres who unleashed a shot from 20 yards which gave Schwarzer no chance.Torres’ double gave the team a lift, the passing improved but boro didn’t dwell on their horror minute and went on to have the ball in the net twice before half time, the first time Tuncay put the ball in with his arm when he could have just as easily used his head, the second was ruled out for offside.Boro started the second half well but on 61′ Torres got his third, it was a hopeful long ball thumped up to him, the defender let it bounce while Schwarzer came out, Torres sensed confusion between the players, he nicked the ball away and put it in the net for his hat trick.

Boro refused to give up and got a goal back through Downing, but that’s all they could manage. Aliadiere got himself sent off at the death retaliating to Mascherano putting his hand in his face, which in fairness Mascherano was lucky not to see a card.

Liverpool looked shaky in defence, Arbeloa made some good last ditch challenges but he didn’t look comfortable there. Hyppia was the rock in defence, he may not have much pace but his experience lets him read situations brilliantly and clear the danger. The midfield did ok, Mascherano chased down everything, Lucas was involved in some good passing moves and Gerrard was unlucky not to score. The difference between the sides today was the fantastic Torres who claimed the match ball. He became the first striker at liverpool since Owen to score 21 goals in a season, all I can say is long may his scoring form continue.

There has been some talk about Rafa and how he has ditched his rotation policy…surely not?!