View From The Stands: Goals vital to building on Liverpool's derby win

Oct 22 2007 by Peter McCleery, Liverpool Daily Post

ANOTHER Merseyside derby that can be called anything but uneventful.

Rafa Benitez was under considerable pressure going into the match and Sami Hyypia’s moment of madness coupled with the substitution of Steven Gerrard increased this even further. However in the end we have to thank Phil Neville for the three points by again displaying his much-vaunted versatility – this time as a goalkeeper.

Liverpool’s underlying problems still lie with getting goals from non-strikers, despite the ‘missing pieces of the jigsaw’ recruited. This was backed up with a gilt-edged chance for Ryan Babel, which was inexplicably off target, while Momo Sissoko again showed that the old school are still weak.

The names of Toure, Rosicky, Ferdinand and Rooney on the score-sheet this weekend further highlights our deficiencies. Even historically proficient performers such as John Arne Riise and Gerrard are looking like they will struggle to get into double figures between them.

However on a positive note Dirk Kuyt chose an ideal time to open his account in the Premier League this term. Many fans have expressed concern at the Dutchman’s goal return despite his huge efforts in creating for others.

However, it takes a lot of nerve to take a penalty against Everton, let alone dispatch it. And to successfully convert two, and one in injury time, highlights the character of the man and rightly earns him a place in Kop folklore.

Another enduring image from Saturday was the sight rival fans sitting together, we have waited a long time for these images again, and they can only help in showcasing the ‘friendly derby’. It’s a shame that it has taken a tragedy for this to happen but long may it continue.

Much was made of Liverpool’s upcoming fixtures over an eight day period but they have successfully passed the first test.