A global journey…
14
Aug
Liverpool's 2-1 win over Chelsea in the Charity (not Community) Shield was my first look at some big name signings for the two sides. Here's what I saw.
Liverpool:
- Jermaine Pennant – Didn't set the right flank alight, but definitely added width to Liverpool's game. Will come good.
- Craig Bellamy – Came on late and provided the cross for Crouch's winner. Even seemed happy about his from-the-bench-role when interviewed post match.
- Mark González – Looked the business on Liverpool's left, and probably the fastest of three very fast players.
Chelsea:
- Andriy Shevchenko – Took his goal well, and could have had another with a bit of luck. Looked dangerous every time he got the ball. Only downside was that his assured first touch made strike partner Didier Drogba look like a rich man's Ade Akinbiyi.
- Michael Ballack – Injured early, and quite badly. Knew how to handle that ice-pack though.
- Salomon Kalou – Definitely got the skills, and will beat many a full-back this season. But also lost the ball a few times, trying tricks when he should have played it easy. Soccer-Weblog foresees a cristiano ronaldo-esque learning experience.
One (or two) final words re: this result. Liverpool shouldn't get carried away. It doesn't make them favourites for the Premiership. It will do their confidence a world of good though. Chelsea looked short of match fitness, which would have been OK a couple of weeks ago, but the league starts this coming weekend. Maybe they should have spent more time playing matches in America, instead of poncing about in Los Angeles.
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