Whoever we draw in the Champions League or Europa League qualification matches and no matter how well we play we never fail to get past them. The likes of Spurs, Villa, Newcastle and Everton have all failed at this point in recent years so they can be a banana skin waiting to happen. This one almost turned out that but as always we had enough to see us through (despite a “heart attack” moment).
With the news filtering through that Carroll was down in London for a medical (more comment will be made on the deal after midnight tonight but for now without a replacement it looks daft, with one it could be genius) Rodgers picked a relatively youthful or experimental side, Downing started at left back which was interesting to watch after the manager’s recent words about him being able to play there. He was more than comfortable all night and provided a good attacking option, although he won’t get many more easier games as for all of Hearts’ endeavour they did not come to attack. More strangely Henderson started as the left sided forward which is never going to be his position so seemed a bit of a arse about tit way of introducing Downing to left back. Too many square pegs and all.
It was exciting to see Morgan’s name on the team sheet and there was a definite buzz around the ground as he got the ball, the crowd were willing him to do well, I guess there was hope of a Fowler/Fulham night. It wasn’t to be but despite a few nerves early on he acquitted himself well and looks one for the future.
We were on top the entire game with relative ease but without ever being overly dominant, it wasn’t until the introduction of Sterling (for Morgan) on the hour mark that we really looked like carving Hearts open. There is so much anticipation when he got the ball and rarely did he disappoint. Sterling is one for the now, he is bound to get targeted by opposition in the coming months but he has so much talent and pace he could be the player that helps us break down teams or mean there is space in other areas that Rodgers’ passing style can exploit.
Allen and Gerrard were our stand out players on the night, we all know how good Gerrard is but I think we are all loving the look of Allen. Not only can he pass exquisitely but he is able sniff out danger, chase down players and come away with the ball. A quality that Mascherano had and we have missed.
Suarez was Suarez, looked great at times and cut a frustrating figure at others, he had a couple of chances that we are going to need him to put away or we will be punished. Like we almost were. The Hearts goal came out of nothing, there had been no pressure or thought that we might concede, then yet another monumental error from one of our players put us under pressure. It was almost comical the way Reina let the ball slip into the net. There can be no excuses. Shocking goalkeeping. Over the last two seasons errors have really started to creep into his game and I expect if they continue Rodgers will have no choice but to look for an alternative. With money tight I don’t imagine this is an area he wanted or expected to use budget on.
Thankfully Suarez made amends for any earlier misses with a lovely run and a fantastic finish to equalise and send us through 2-1 on aggregate. The goal was welcome as you could visibly see how tired both he and Gerrard were and extra time really was not wanted with Arsenal coming in just two days. The goal killed Hearts and we saw out the final through minutes with the ease that we had done all night.
There wasn’t a huge amount of positives to take from the night but then no real negatives, it was, as always, job done. We need to stop the errors though as if they continue we will need to score two or three every game to win and that is something we struggle with.
The club don’t often get thanked but keeping the ticket prices at £14 (Kop) was a good move and ensured a full house so thank you to them and let’s hope they keep the group matches at a sensible price.
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