Sissoko Injury Mar Liverpool's Advance Into Carling Cup Quater Finals

Carling Cup

Birmingham 0 - 1 LIVERPOOL

Scorer:
LIV - Agger (45min);

1-0 Agger:



A worrying injury to Momo Sissoko took the gloss away from Liverpool's hard fought 1-0 win over Birmingham City, who made the match rather difficult with revenge on the back of their mind surely. After the 7-0 thrashing by Liverpool in last season's FA Cup quater finals, Birmingham made sure there will not be a repeat of event. But Liverpool's doggedness and a little bit of extra quality helped eased past the Coca Cola Championship side. The score could've been different if only Bellamy took his chances well. All which included a missed penalty.


But all in all, I'm pleased by the result more than anything. I didn't catch the game and only been on forums to check on what people have said. They poured forth praises to Jerzy Dudek who came in place of Pepe Reina in goal, Zenden in central midfield earned his accolade, Gonzalez who showed great skills down the left and also the defence of Peltier, Warnock, Agger and Paletta.

You could say that this is only our second away win for the season and hopefully, our boys will finally exorcise the ghost of the fear of playing on foreign ground. Our away form has been absolutely abysmal thus far and we will face Arsenal this Sunday, which is a crunch match for us. We cannot afford to lose another away game and I feel that it is the right time to play the Gunners because of their current form as well as coinciding with Liverpool's own upwards climb. But it will be a difficult one, far more difficult than Birmingham.

The concern would definitely be Sissoko's injury. He got his arm dislocated and will certainly miss a few weeks or even months. This could mean that Gerrard will regain his central midfield position and playing Pennant out on wide right. The lost of Sissoko is pretty unimaginable as he's the engine room of Liverpool and losing him might make the midfield tad weak and less imposing.

Bellamy have once again frustrated many fans with a disappointing show. He missed a penalty and 2 other easy chances and went home with nothing to his name. He hasn't been setting the Premiership alight so far this season after completing his move from Blackburn and you could already hear a few mumbles here and there already. He will need to regain his confidence because Kuyt and Crouch are having a time of their life and are in great form. To push for places ahead of the two giants are pretty difficult and to add on with his confidence crisis.

All in all, at least it was a win and we're through to the Carling Cup quater finals. Carling Cup might not be a priority in Rafa's mind, but I'm sure he won't mind winning it!

Now bring on Le Arse.