A win is a win, and it's good to go out on a positive note, (eventually) entertaining the crowd in the process. It was also a surprise to see the new kit unveiled, which looks quite good (although i'm unsure about the collar; would prefer a round neck i think, rather than v or a collar).
The game started pretty poorly, showing the symptoms of two teams competing ... yet competing for no reason - a proper end-of-season clash. The first-half highlight i think was Gerrard's curling strike from the left that produced a fantastic save from Hart as it looked to be going in.
At half-time Benitez clearly just told the players to go out and reward the fans with an entertaining performance - because we hadn't done it at all up until then and he had said beforehand that it was important we put in an entertaining show.
We were much,
much better after the break and a half-hour dominance should have brought 4 or 5 goals, let alone one. That's the frustrating part of this match, even if it was the end of the season and we weren't playing for anything. The dominance we had was huge early in the second-half, culminating in a majestic Dirk Kuyt volley (what a volley
...
real shame it didn't go in!) as one of 23 goal attempts, to Man City's 4. It proved an apt synopsis of our season, highlighted in the 13 draws we've managed this season - a statistic unacceptable. It should serve to remind us that in the summer we would be wise to seek out a clinical, goal-scoring winger to play on one of the wings.
Aside from the fact we only managed to make one of our chances count, it was a strong performance in the second-half and one well worthy of bowing out to. More of the confidence and freedom of expression on display here, next year, would be greatly welcomed.
I thought this game was crying out for Babel to be honest, because he performs much better when the pressure on him has relinquished, which would be today. Didn't really happen for him though. He was lively to be fair, and was obviously trying to make things happen (more than could be said for some people at times...) but nothing he did came off properly. The header for one should of given us the lead; carbon copy of the disallowed one versus Reading, but this time he couldn't keep the header down. The cross was a little strong from Kuyt mind so he could be forgiven. The real glaring chance was obviously when Torres cut in behind and pulled it back for him to blaze it vertical, and well, well over.
It was good to see Torres ease into the game after the first-half - where he did just about nothing - and get his 23rd Premier League goal (levelling with van Nistelrooy). Could've had more but nonetheless to score a goal in each of eight consecutive Anfield appearances is extremely impressive, regardless of if its just one. We may have to wait 'till next season (or pre-season if it counts) to see whether he can break Roger Hunt's record of the same feat.
Kuyt did well with the said volley and also the header from Sami's cross with hit the bar. Was unlucky not to find the net really.
And of course a mention must go to young Insua making his Anfield debut. He wasn't spectacular but was solid, which is what you have to hope for really with the youngsters. It's quite shocking how someone like him can look so assured on the ball, like Plessis did against
Arsenal, when the likes of Riise and co. can look shattered mentally and resultantly Little Johnny-up every other thing they attempt to do. The Argentine gave little away defensively and looked strong on the ball - i particularly liked it when he had a little scramble with one or two City players for the ball and someone came out with the ball, prompting a run full of assertion. Okay, it came to nothing, but it's that confidence and fearlessness that'll make any youngsters like Insua a senior player. I'd like to see him a part of our senior squad by the 09/10 season at the latest. The expectations are high for him and he has to follow this up with a start versus
Tottenham.
Oh and speaking of another Argentine, Javier Mascherano: future
Liverpool captain. That is, if there is no suitable English alternative in the future, and he is still here of course. The guy is a pure winner, rivalling Gerrard in that department - i love it when he picks up the ball and drives at teams, which he does very well and should do more often. He's one player who'll take the game by the 'scruff of its neck' and as i say drive the team. An inspirational player and i just wish we had more players with the mentality of our Jefecito.
Anyway, i'm pleased the players put in an enthusiastic performance in the second-half, but a lack of a cutting edge like that next season will signal another year out of reach of United and
Chelsea. Still, we can easily rectify that, and i'm optimistic.
It was disappointing however that Riise, Crouch and (less-so) Pennant weren't at Anfield to join the lap-of-honour, as it could be their final season at the club, and particularly the Norwegian has been a player few could ever forget. Sad that after a good 7 years at
Liverpool he couldn't of been given an actual goodbye, although at least he (and they) should remain in the league and so return one day.
) 
