Super Super Sub

2 superb goals and an assist by Djibrilliant Cisse sums up the UEFA Super Cup tie between Liverpool and CSKA Moscow. 3-1 (aet) was a fair result for us. We were in control of the game with a larger share of possession and much more shots on goal. We would have been robbed if CSKA was to nip it by 0-1. No surprise really to see Rafa deploy the 4-5-1 formation with Morientes yet again the lone striker. Only difference was that Didi Hamann started instead of Sissoko. Finnan filled in the RM position(we desperately need a Right winger!), Zenden and Risse interchanged to play Left Wing and Luis garcia was given the free role. We started the game brightly, taking control immediately from the start of the whistle. The game started slowly but readily pick up speed as the clock ticks away. We created some chances early in the game but the same old problem arised... nobody was there to convert the chance. The only player that troubled our defence was Daniel Carlvaho. He was a constant threat to the defence throughout the night, earning majority of CSKA's freekick and got a goal on the 28th minute. CSKA played a very defensive game and frustrated the reds until the dying minutes when Djibril Cisse was brought on. Cisse punished the opponents instantly for using such defensive tactics. His speed was too much for the Russian backline to handle and he scored the equalizer barely 3 mins after he was brought on. CSKA was taken aback by the goal. They tried to come back in the last few minutes but was unable to do so. The game went into extra time. By then every player on the field were already very exhausted (except Cisse of course). Extra time was played through extremely slow motion. A beautiful ball from Hamann released Cisse from his marker to score the 2nd goal for the reds. Just when everyone thought that the game was over, Cisse stormed down the flank to deliver a cross for Garcia to score the icing on the cake. 10 mins left in extra time but the Russians knew it was game over for them. We lifted the Super Cup 3 mths after lifting the CL Cup. Only difference was Vice- captain Carra lifted the Cup this time round in the absence of Stevie G. GK Nothing much to do throughout the game. Not responsible for CSKA's goal. 2 awful throws that ended up with a CSKA player but other than that, no major problem. Defence I thought Josemi did well to contain the crafty Carlvaho. CSKA's goal was partially his fault for drifting out of position. But he played well up front, joining the attack with some nice runs and good crosses. Carra and Hyypia did excellent. They marshalled the defence well and did well to contain Vagner Love who was quiet throughout the game. Left back was awful... shall we just stick with Warnock there instead of Riise or Zenden? I felt that Zenden was awful in that position. We left a huge gap in that area whenever our LB went up to join the attack and most of the counter attacks saw the opponents making full use of that empty space at the left. Midfield Rafa is truely a Master Tactician. At first i was take aback when he decided to take out our best player on the field - Alonso. But the introduction of Sissoko changed the game. I felt we were better and more creative when Sissoko was on. And boy... this man is just amzaing. He singlehandedly breakdown most of CSKA's attack. He helped us retain possession and allowed us to control the game at midfield when he came on. Right mid was pathetic as usual. No one there to pump in the crosses and Finnan don't seem to fit in that position. Zenden did not run down the flanks like he did in the qualifiers. Luis garcia was wasteful in front of goal. Alonso was great. He did well to initiate attacks in the absence of Captain Wonder. Beautiful pinpoint passes as usual. Sinama Pongolle is improving with each match. Although he started the game slow, he was able to adapt to the game fast enough and did well to threaten CSKA's defence. Strikeforce How long is it going to take for Morientes to score? He did put in some beautiful first touch and passes in the game but that is not enough for a striker. He needs to score goals! And i don't know why Rafa keep insisting to start with Mori even without decent wingers to pump in the crosses for him. Its very frustrating to keep wasting chances in front of goal. 20 shots on goal and only 3 converted. What a shame! And for the first time i have to agree with the Anfield faithfuls that if indeed a striker needs to be sold to fund Owen's return... that one striker should be El Moro instead of Djibril Cisse.