Liverpool commanding against Newcastle...I think?
By Chris O'KeefeI'm traveling to the match at ten past two on Boxing Day fearing that the match-day traffic exacerbated by it being Christmas, means I miss the start of the match.
But my early departure down the East Lancs Road means I'm there in plenty of time and my only worry is that it says in smallish print on my ticket Severely Restricted. Not to worry I'm sure I can fathom a decent view from somewhere with a little moving around.
To be honest when I got in I had a clear view of the pitch until kick off and the seven seats in front of us were completely empty and the game has kicked off. Me and my mate take a chance and go for the seat in front. Until we have to retreat back to our seats - they've arrived.
The seven late lads turn up all shall we say looking like they had a dip in Ronseal Varnish before coming to the ground. Walking round with their necks strained to make them look intimidating and use of language that even Shakespeare forgot to use.
So the game is in full swing and Liverpool are attacking the Anfield Road End where we're sat and Liverpool were all over Newcastle during that first half. The only problem was when Liverpool attack the crowd stand in anticipation. Which leaves anyone in these seats to try and perform a miracle to see any shots at goal.
I saw Kewell force an excellent save out of Given - the only visiting player to emerge with any credit from yesterday's performance.
However, when Crouch found Gerrard the pitch my eye line becomes somewhat impeded. But we cheer with everyone else as Liverpool draw first blood.
Then my mate shows me a novel way to see more of the play using a metal bar and my standing on my seat. Suddenly I realise why the "Mind Your Head" signs were there!
But it helps because I get to see Liverpool attacking at will (just about). I was rubbing my hands with glee when I heard the Newcastle midfield read out over the loud speakers.
"We'll tear these apart!" My confidence was rewarded as Alonso, Gerrard and even Harry Kewell were making a mark on the game.
Kewell set up Peter Crouch for Liverpool's second. His header was too much for Shay Given to keep out and Newcastle were now clinging onto the floodgates in hope.
As Liverpool attacked at will and Garcia should have scored from close range. It will certainly have been great viewing for everyone as Liverpool looked like scoring more in the second half, well not quite everyone!
The seven gentlemen in the row in front were like kids getting bored of their toys on Christmas Day. We were laughing at the jokes they were cracking between each other but only for how crap they were.
The lad sitting right in front of me is juggling three phones. Must be a busy small business owner. Needless to say 29 pounds for 40 minutes was clearly value for money in their eyes.
Anyway, whether it was business or something else, four of them disappeared and didn't come back for the second half. The remaining three stayed for the second half and treated surrounding supporters to match analysis that would make Hansen and Lawrenson blush.
"Arrr come on Riise I'll break your f****ng legs!" "Go on Crouch ya Greyhound!" not forgetting "You gotta get in there even if your legs might break!"
Well they then packed off ten minutes and we could enjoy the football without Extreme Fanzone commentary and we took their seats while Liverpool continued to keep a comfortable stranglehold on the game.
According to Souness his team "chipped away" at Liverpool in the second half. Apart from Bowyer's token challenge on Alonso which attempted to chip away the Spaniards ankle, there wasn't much of anything from Newcastle.
The scoreline was kind to Newcastle and shows a gulf between Liverpool and teams in mid-table and themselves. Liverpool are looking good and may prove this point against West Brom on New Year's Eve.
By the way I'm the front of the upper tier of the Anfield Road. So I'll get a clear view of this!
posted by C O'K @ 2:03 pm
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