Reading force Liverpool into a third-round replay Wednesday, January 13th at Anfield.
More in the way of a match reflection tomorrow, when I finally return home after a long vacation. Little different story at the Madejski in the FA Cup this time around for Liverpool. A bit disappointed in the performance today considering Liverpool were nearly at full strength, but take nothing away from Reading, who dominated the Reds at times. On the whole a less-than-impressive performance, but some individual performances of note from youngsters Stephen Darby and David Ngog. The former was very impressive at right back and made some vital clearances, and seemed to recover from a shaky performance in his last run out. Ngog looks to be more and more dangerous each time he takes the pitch, and if he had more pace I'd see him as a better option on the right wing. But it's not like there's pace to spare on the wing as it is, and its current occupant had another shaky go of it. Ever since the mention of Kuyt's negative touches in the post about Villa, it's all I can see. Maybe that's because it's all that happens. Unfortunately Alberto Aquilani failed to make an impact, but after coming on Liverpool switched to a 4-2-3-1 and he was again tasked with making sense of four free-flowing attackers. Doesn't seem like the way forward if he'll partner with Masch/Lucas in central midfield. Regardless, Liverpool's chance at FA Cup silverware is still alive, but they'll need to do much better against in the replay, not to mention this weekend against Spurs.
Back tomorrow with more, until then, enjoy pics of a long-haired, blonde Ukranian bombshell. And his wife. Who is surprisingly not in a leopard-skin tracksuit. Apparently some take missing out on the squad harder than others.
Oh, and Babel's staying. Indifferent?