by ivor_the_injun » Wed May 23, 2007 10:07 pm
I'd have taken Alonso off ahead of Mascherano, but it's all ifs and maybes to be honest.
Finnan had to come off - he'd been walking for 10 minutes before he was subbed. Maybe Bellamy would've been a better option than Arbeloa at that stage, but the damage had already been done.
For me, playing Gerrard off Kuyt worked well, but limited our options in the box. Had Crouch been up there, with Gerrard rampaging from deep, Pennant and Kewell would have had more to aim at. Alonso and Mascherano both played well though I thought, so it's all academic.
To be honest, I think some people should get their heads around the fact that - sometimes - football matches just go away from you however good your tactics are. The goal a minute before half time was cruel in every way, and made all the difference. We looked a lot less composed after the break knowing the threat on the break was always on. Once uneasiness crept in, particularly with Agger second half, Milan's passing game was snappier, and they ultimately made us pay.