Phil Babb tackles the post - becomes impotent

In light of Richard Kingston's smacking himself into the post, here's Phil Babb doing the honours for Liverpool (but ruling out any children in the future).



He didn't even get the ball! How humiliating/hilarious.

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How to tell your manager you want to play in 3 easy steps.

1. Score a goal.
2. Score another goal.
3. Score a third goal.

If football is a language then Torres is one of its most fluent speakers. His hat-trick last night not only won the game for Liverpool plus many compliments and praise, but also sent out a message to Rafa Benitez saying 'Play me, and I will score'.

Most people will think that Rafa has been wrong to rotate and this Torres hat-trick proves it. Try again most people. Torres' hat-trick does nothing BUT prove that Rafa has been right to rotate.

1st, we need to examine at the reasons why Rafa will rotate:

• To keep all of his big names happy


• To keep his star players fresh for big matches


• To give players impotus for performing well

Having rested Torres for the last 2 Premier League matches, he has first of all prevented him from burning out or becoming tired, a fresh package for the Reading game.

More importantly, Fernando was raring to go last night, eager to prove a point to his manager. Would he have had such hunger if he knew he was guaranteed to start every game regardless of performance? Probably not.

Once again Rafa Benitez has shown that not only is he tactically astute, but has excellent man management skills. Not many people can keep a squad of stars and high-earners happy.

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Rafa's Rotation leaves Reds Reeling

Rafael Benitez dropped stars such as Gerrard, Babel and Torres to the bench yesterday against Pompey, so they could be in top shape come their Champions League opener against Porto on Tuesday.

Unfortunately for Liverpool it backfired, with only a magnificent save from Pepe Reina keeping the score at 0-0.

Numerous fans will undoubtedly be frustrated by Benitez's policy to rest the big names against a side that boasts a terrific home record and no-nonsense physical style.

But he was still right to do so.

Why? Well let's take a look at the team he put out yesterday:

Reina, Finnan, Carragher, Agger, Arbeloa, Pennant, Sissoko, Alonso, Benayoun, Voronin, Crouch.

9 current or ex-internationalists, a defence that has kept most attacks at bay, a midfield mix of drive, speed, long-range passing, and technique, and up-front Voronin who has impressed thus far.

Liverpool created chances and dominated parts of the game, suggesting that it was more to do with absent clinical finishing, as opposed to a weakened team.

Rafa as a manager must also be looking to have his elite players fit and uninjured for the tricky away tie in Portugal.

As mentioned before, Pompey have some serious muscle throughout the squad; Distin, Campbell, Muntari, Utaka, etc. A full 90 minutes for the injured Gerrard or lightweight Torres? Perhaps not.

Benitez did not put out a team thinking, 'These guys are rubbish, but at least we'll beat Porto'. He was thinking, 'These guys are good enough to beat Portsmouth, and with my top players rested too it's a win-win situation'.

Due to their lack of spark in front of goal, the best he can now hope for is a 'draw-win' situation.

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