Well that was an unedifying mess. If you were a Liverpool fan.
For Wigan of course it may have given everyone an insight as to how a modestly talented but determined outfit can play given a freshly laid pitch and a manager with who thus far this season has talked a good campaign but failed to deliver one. This then, may be Martinez’ turning point.
But last night wasn’t about Wigan. Sure there were probably a few Spurs fans half cheering on the Lactics, but surely this was all about Liverpool. And for all the wrong reasons, it was.
As the teams came out Liverpool looked hungover. Well they looked like charactures of hungover men. unshaven (bar Torres of course, the little peach), a week overdue at the barbers and generally bedraggled.
Gerrard appeared to have the proverbial stick up his bottomfrom the off. His grotty mood matched his equally grotty performance. He virtually every corner and I struggle to recall one that beat the first man. His passing wasn’t anywhere near up to standard. When then yellow came his petulance in taking it came as no surprise. It was a game he’ll be in a hurry once he calms down and acknowledges he was a big part of Liverpool’s problem.
Is it Rafa? Well, there’s certainly plenty to question about a manager’s tactics when his team aren’t riding high. But I blame the players.
Kuyt didn’t display any craft, but seem to believe it would be ‘alright’ if he’ grafted’. Lucas couldn’t look at the ball without snarling at someone. Oh look, the list goes on and on. They just weren’t good enough. Wigan, new grass or not are not a top side in this or a parallel universe. For Liverpool to be churning out a lacklustre show like this in March is a disaster.
Lille will continure their trials later this week.
