Whew Liverpool were quite lucky to win again. Gerrard is THE man, scoring a hat trick in the 2nd half. The 1st half was rather cagey, both sides creating chances, but Napoli took theirs, Ezequiel Lavezzi speeding through the defence to score. David Ngog and Raul Meireles had chances to level but Ngog scooped his first one wide under pressure on the stretch and his second was saved well by Morgan De Sanctis. Meireles was perhaps unlucky to miss from 6 yards after he managed to squeeze a shot in. All that changed in the 2nd half, when Steven Gerrard was subbed on. He scored the equaliser, latching onto a woeful backpass to slot past De Sanctis, before Glen Johnson won a penalty, which he converted. And finally, Lucas, another late substitute, made a brilliant tackle on the backpedalling Pazienza and Gerrard chipped his effort over De Sanctis, having all the time and space in the world. Good win, but Liverpool cannot rely on Gerrard so much.
Positives: Gerrard, of course. Jonjo Shelvey looks like a class player, had some good moments, but had his share of bad ones too. Was perhaps unlucky to head the ball to Cavani in the build up to Lavezzi's goal, but has to learn to be a little less selfish and also to keep his cool. Still, he's only 18 and he'll be able to build on this. Jay Spearing was excellent in the centre, he had to be with Poulsen beside him. Great tackling and movement, made up for lack of height with stamina and heart. I look forward to seeing him partner Shelvey in the centre some day. Glen Johnson won the penalty, his return has boosted the side. Nathan Ecclestone looks a real prospect, pace, dribbling, vision. If he gets more playing time he can develop into a classy forward. Paul Konchesky looked assured at left back, although it has to be said there wasn't much to be worried about.
Negatives: Not enough creativity in the central areas. It's well established that Poulsen is total, utter shit, and Hodgson has to get rid of him ASAP. Meireles is improving but he needs to get his head up more to make passes. David Ngog is improving, but needs to work on his finishing and touch, ditto Meireles and Shelvey. Maybe its the Jabulani but that's no excuse. Maybe unlucky to miss those 2 efforts, but someday one of those has to go in.