Beating man u again!

By Chris Royle
March 16 2002

In Chris's latest colunm he talks about the vital win over Middlesbourgh plus Paul Ince and more...... Middlesborough Vs Liverpool Brief Review

A Phil Thompson master plan ensured that any visiting Italian scouts who had made the arduous trip to Teeside went away scratching their heads. An uninspiring, yet invaluable, 2-1 victory at the Riverside sees Liverpool go top of the Premiership, if only for matter of hours.

The win, inspired by a goal in either half by the inform Emile Heskey and John Arne Riise, puts Liverpool in pole position for the first time in 2002. A consolation headed goal from Euro 96 hero Gareth Southgate late on shattered the impressive record of the Liverpool rearguard.

Liverpool jump two places above Manchester United and Arsenal, who play West Ham and Aston Villa respectively over the coming day or so.

Middlesborough will be disappointed having taken nothing from the game but, as Liverpool have found out to their cost in recent European games, it is imperative that you take your chances.

Liverpool were only recently fined £20 000 for an illegal approach on then Boro player Christian Ziege; The Teesiders are pursuing a compensation payout after claiming they were effectively robbed of over two million pounds. They will once again feel hard done by as they dominated possession and amassed some seventeen efforts on goal.

The best chances did however go to Liverpool. Sami Hyypia, John Arne Riise and Nicolas Anelka all went close for Liverpool. Emile Heskey was also denied a penalty after being tugged back in the area when almost clear through on goal. Middlesborough saw an effort cleared off the line and an Alen Boksic header drop the wrong side of the post after rare uncertainty in the Liverpool defence.

Paul Ince saw two long range strikes whistle narrowly wide, the former Liverpool player showed glimpses of form so rarely seen on by the Anfield faithful during his time at the club. On departure he proclaimed that Liverpool were going nowhere under Gerard Houllier. Five trophies, a Champions League campaign and three points later it’s unlikely that he retains such damning views.

The win is a massive boost for Liverpool ahead of the vital Champions League match against Roma on Tuesday. It was a lackluster performance devoid of the attacking gusto seen in recent wins at Leeds and Ipswich. The abundance of vigor and enthusiasm wasn’t there this afternoon, possibly due to the ridiculous kick off time. Sky Sports continue to dictate the FA to the detriment of players and fans alike.

Middlesbrough, who were looking to inflict a Merseyside double after dumping Everton out of the FA Cup last weekend, now find themselves in the relegation quagmire. The contrasting fortunes in front of goal proved to be the difference between the two sides.

Three points are three points though, and if Liverpool continue to brush aside all that come before them they have an excellent chance of a nineteenth league title. Liverpool, a side so tightfisted at the back, and as ruthless on the break, march on in ominous fashion.

Chris Royle

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