A break when needed

Liverpool 2 (Gerrard 62, Benayoun 70)
Wolverhampton Wanderers 0
Anfield, Saturday December 26, 2009

Finally, Liverpool benefitted from a break when really needed. Right at the beginning, it may have seemed an insult to 'Pool when Wolves fielded a strong side, having given up the contest at the outset recently against another team, which we decline to mention. Whatever the case, initial enthusiasm from the players slowly gave way to the now predictable discomfort and lack of confidence characterizing all their displays of late. That is, until soon after the break. A foolish push in the back on Lucas from the Wolves left-back 5 minutes after getting his first yellow card earned him his second, and the mandatory red, though not without some confusing scenes involving the ref, his linesman,, the fourth official, Pepe Reina (courtesy of a sprint from his own area), the Liverpool bench and others. This proved the turning point, instilling in Steve Gerard, an attitude lost long since, enabling him to head in the opener with a forceful header. The subsequent improvement in display augurs well for the team, with the Villa game up soon, and may do good for the ,mental well-being of the club.
It was good that we won, but even greater that a clean sheet was kept. Hope this continues.