Going dizzy to Rafa's rotation

Nov 29 2006 Red Watch by Andy Proudfoot, Daily Post

NOW that rotation has slowed to a twirl, Rafa sprang another surprise on us at the weekend by fielding three centrebacks in what started as 3-5-2, 3-4-3 or some other combination adding up to 10 depending on what Luis Garcia felt like doing at the time.

Whether this was a tactical gambit designed to counter Manchester City's plan to defend or just an attempt to get the best fit players on the pitch in some semblance of a formation, we may never know.

It didn't last too long into the second half of course, but at least it added interest to an otherwise turgid first half. The element of mystery was deepened by the choice of Finnan to play wide right - surely this was an ideal time to give the overworked full-back a rest, and play an attacking player like Pennant?

Game though Stevie is, he spent most of the first half facing the wrong way, lacking the guile or ambition to take on the defenders queuing up in front of him.

If you're going to play three at the back at home, you need to have real width in the midfield to stretch the play.

Those of you who remember the last time we played this formation consistently will probably be grateful if it is short-lived. Though you're undoubtedly reading this before the evening watershed, I risk mentioning the names Babb, Ruddock and Scales not to induce a reaction that would send Marcus Trescothick scurrying to the nearest airport, but to remind you just how far we've come since those days - yes kids, they really did play for Liverpool, and regularly at that.

Of course, the three who played there on Saturday are far more accomplished, and could definitely make it work, especially if Reina continues his progress recovering from a spell where his confidence receded faster than his hairline. Agger looks better with every match, and Jamie is approaching his best form again after his first dip for several years.

For me though, it was Sami Hyypia who stood tallest. A 'rest' always seems to double his effort, and he was immense against City - his 50-yarder to Garcia in the first half in particular judged to perfection.

Whenever we struggle at the back, it always seems easiest to blame the oldest member of the defence when in truth others could learn from his determination.

With the unfortunate Zenden added to our injury list, the speculation is that Carragher or Agger will step into midfield tonight, bringing Rafa's latest experiment to an early close.

But it's worth keeping in the locker, if only as Plan C, D or E.

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