What a miserable result for a performance that merited so much more. We already knew that we were out of the Champions League, but when we took the lead 1-0 in the 43rd minute thanks to a Yossi Benayoun header, it looked like we might but a silver lining on what had been one of several dark clouds in the 2009-2010 season. This lasted until the 63rd minute, when Fiorentina broke on the counter and Martin Jorgenson made no mistake from 12 yards, leaving Cavalieri totally helpless. Our goalkeeper deserved better, as he had a great match, but in the 93rd minute (YET AGAIN! Third time in this competition now) we gave up another one despite being on top of the match and creating numerous opportunities ourselves. Gilardino had a simple tap-in after Darby lost possession to Vargas, and it was heartbreak hotel time for the Reds.
The frustration in this one had very little to do with tactics, performance, quality, or even with substitutions and line-ups. Aquilani had a decent debut, Gerrard looked lively for the first time since returning from injury, and Cavalieri looked like a goalkeeper we could count on if Reina gets hurt. Torres even got a run out, and Dossena had some decent moments in his first start of the season.
But it was all for nought, as we once again lost at the death, something that is the complete opposite of what we have done in the last few years. Last season, that would have been Torres with the tap-in, not Gilardino. It would have been Benayoun equalizing rather than Fiorentina equalizing. The ball just hasn’t bounced our way, even WHEN we have played well… which in all honesty we did today. We were not PROLIFIC, mind you, but we certainly deserved more than a loss. A draw would have even possibly been harsh.
So now we have the Europa League to focus on, with the draw coming up on December 18th. As Adam Sandler would say, “WHOOPIDIE DOO!!!”
Loading ...
