Initially, the shock of seeing Steven Gerrard being substituted overwhelmed me. I mean, what was Rafa thinking ? Now in hindsight, it seems fortune really does favour the brave, as it was the inspired change bringing on Lucas Leiva that led to the second goal, Leiva's shot heading for the top corner, only to be brilliantly saved by goalkeeper Phil Neville… say what ? Step up Dirk Kuyt, and even a couple of fingers by the REAL Keeper couldn’t keep the shot out ,and Liverpool won in the dying minutes of the Merseyside derby at Goodison park on Saturday. Dirk Kuyt's second conversion from the penalty spot, everton's second Red card of the match.The world’s eyes and indeed camera’s focused on a clearly enraged Steven Gerrard, as he trotted off, and one could almost here Gerrard’s thoughts aloud (“Subsitute Me, in the Merseyside derby, how dare you Rafa?”)Though after the final whistle blew one could see the obvious delight on his face, and I’m sure he understood Rafa’s brillantly decision making.
Now lets look at the possible reasons for Rafa taking him off at that crucial time.
Number one – Besiktas away on Wednesday. The Reds need their talismanic captain to be fresh, Rafa’s "go word" at present. Rafa took him off shortly after his blasting run that led to the first penalty…why ? One reason is that the Everton players were angry as hell , and a few wild tackles, were sure to follow, and the last thing Liverpool needed was another injury. Well done Benitez for your foresight, it has duly been noted.
Number two – Keeping Stevie and Co on their toes. For all his passion, Gerrard is still not firing on all cylinders, and just when he started to influence the game, he was substituted. This can only spur him on further to up his game tempo and regain the confidence of the fans.And we all know how Stevie hates being substituted, even more so in the family splitting Merseyside Derby. I can feel the intensity of his performance on Wednesday already…!
Number three - Benitez showing to one an all that NO-ONE is bigger than the club, not even a super star in the mould of Stevie G. This will serve well as a clear message that no one should ever try and hold the club ransom, nor be able to slip into a comfort zone allowing for complacency and lack luster performances to go unnoticed. Don’t perform consistently, you will be replaced, sharpish ! That will allow the player to be constantly challenged and thereby keeping is playing levels at a top levels more often than not.
Number four – Having faith in all players , young and old, to come in and do a job, and well too - This is one that will serve the likes of Ryan Babel, Jermaine Pennant and of course Lucas Leiva, young bloods hoping to make an impact.
Benitez has stated clearly that those players doing well in training , will be given the chance to prove themselves on matchday, and Lucas Leiva must be performing enormously well in training, to earn a chance under so much pressure, he came on and played exceptionally well in his 20 minutes on the pitch. It is clear that Benitez clearly know what he is doing, and fans should trust in his judgement. Fans like myself, who pull out chunks of hair when Sami Hyppia is on the field, have to bear in mind that the coach can only use what he has at his disposal. The loss of Daniel Agger for the Reds, has actually proven how valuable the defender really is, and Rafa and staff should take the compliments of unearthing this gem of a player before others could snatch him up. They should also, find a twin to Agger - young, creative, solid and a definite options enhancer, so we can give Sami his benefit match, and lay him down softly on the road to retirement, as his best playing days are clearly in the past, and that too not too recent. His performance on Saturday was shocking, he never managed to get two inches off the ground, and the Reds aerial threat problem seems magnified by ten when one considers that he only manged to win ONE header in 90 odd minutes. Rafa will have to splash the cash on a replacement for Hyppia, all sentiments aside. The one thing Liverpool supporters should not overlook is that Liverpool are winning away from home more consistently and far earlier than last season around this time. It can only prove that Liverpool are on the up.Now with Besiktas on Wednseday and Arsenal on the weekend, a stern test of liverpool's resolve.Steven Gerrard will have played 20 minutes less football and ready for the two matches that could decide Liverpool’s season, though we’re only in October.
Liverpool seem to thrive on being in positions of near hopelessness, and that is when they are most dangerous, as Steven Gerrard will most certainly tell you or just watch the Highlight DVD’s, they tell it like no other : ” Steven Gerrard , you beauty, what a hit son, WHAT A HIT” – Andy Gray More of that please Stevie…Its Olympiakos all over again…and we all know what happened that night and many thereafter , right ?
Ejaz is a writer with special interest in a special club, Liverpool Football Club email: ejaz@ciinetwork.net
Ziyaad Chothia RFP
