Pretty perfect result. One goal in the San Siro and they will need four to go through, and i dont see a Benitez side conceding four in Europe!
Just sifting through the game now, Materazzi red card was an awful decision. First yellow was just an accidental clip, never a booking, and the second was barely a yellow, a bit of a tug but Torres made it look worse than it was. For once Materazzi's angelic look was not out of place!
On us, I thought we played pretty well, even 11 v 11. Mascherano & Lucas were superb i thought, controlled the midfield well, Cambiasso was very quiet, as was Vieira when he came on. Down the right was where we got the most joy it seemed, Finnan had a good productive game (though some of his crossing was wayward), and linked up well with Gerrard & Babel at times, and then Pennant when he came on. Babel had a useful game, always willing to run at full backs and not shy of having a pop, but he faded in the second half, Torres was in and out of the game but was unlucky on a couple of occasions not to have a goal, and Gerrard seemed to get stronger as the game went on, which was good to see. Kuyt did some good things, but also some absolutely atrocious things, i was screaming for him to come off instead of the excellent Lucas. Although cant complain as he got the goal, albeit with a deflection it seems.
Thought we looked a whole lot more dangerous when Crouch was introduced, Inter's centre halves were pretty tiny and it made sense to have the big man up against them (much like against Chelsea at Anfield last season), he won some flick ons and caused a nuisance, might have had a goal himself too.
Great result. Shame it will be marred by the stupid red card but hey, its dog eat dog in the Champions League, would have been nice to beat Inter at full strength (btw i thought the keeper and Chivu were excellent), but 2-0 will do me. should be a good second leg with the Italians having to go all out, and us knowing a goal would effectively kill the tie! cant wait.
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