When Liverpool sold Robbie Keane back in January, many people were speaking of unfair treatment, politics, etc. But let’s face it… Robbie Keane didn’t score important goals, other than the Arsenal equalizer. He scored in routs, often against rubbish opposition (Bolton, West Brom), and in bunches with a vast majority of matches being blanks for him. With him in the side, we were not scoring goals. We didn’t LOOK like scoring goals. And he was clogging up valuable space for Gerrard and Torres to occupy. With Keane-o gone, and trust me… I was EXCITED for him to arrive at Anfield so I’m disappointed, we scored freely and looked more fluid. The 3-1 scoreline over his Tottenham side underlined that fact, even though he scored. I was happy to see his reaction to the goal- that will endear him to the supporters, and goes to prove what a class act he is- but like I said, it underlines that we are better without him. A side with Keane in it can do okay, but not wonderfully. It’s just how it is, plain and simple.
Moving on. With today being the last day of the season, and with nothing to play for, it was clear by the flow of the match that it was the last day of the season and that there was nothing to play for! So when Torres smacked in that lovely header off of the underside of the crossbar and in after a half hour, it was pretty clear that we had 3 points in the bag and would finish at 86 points… a Premiership points record for the ‘pool and our best league position in 7 seasons. The lead was extended later on with a fascinating interchange of passes between Kuyt and Benayoun, two of our surprising best players in 08-09, with Kuyt nicking in the goal off of the unfortunate Hutton. The goal was ruled rightfully as a Hutton OG.
Keane then broke the offside trap and bamboozled Reina at the near post, celebrating by putting his head down and doing his best to be classy. At 2-1, Liverpool really did not look like giving up the lead, though. That was cemented with Benni’s excellent touches on the ball in the penalty box where he slotted past Gomes with the left peg and into the far corner from about 8 yards out. All that was left to do was get the “Flyin’ Finn” (TM) out on the pitch, which Rafa did on 84 minutes to an extraordinary reception. If there was ever a player who deserved that sort of reception, it would have to be Sami. He has been such a legend, both on and off of the pitch. Complete and total class act in every sense of the phrase.
And Sami almost got our 4th, with his header being cleared off of the line at the death.
As the whistle blew to end our latest victory, everyone could hold their head up high… or Hyypia on their shoulders in Reina’s case! Hyypia deserved every clap, every “woooo” and certainly any accolade that comes his way. He was emotional in his departure, and without saying it, made it clear that once he is done playing that he’d love to come back to the club in some kind of coaching capacity. He would be welcomed with the most open arms physically possible by the club, the supporters, and certainly by the players. The man has such incredible positional knowledge and always knew how to come through in the clutch moment in the big match. Sami will be missed, as will this excellent 2008-2009 season. BRING ON THE SCUM FOR 2009-2010!
Loading ...
