The Champions League always seems to bring out the best in the Reds and tonight away to Marseille was no exception. A miraculous Steven Gerrard brace brought the travelling support to their feet and showed why we’re a Euro force to be reckoned with. Not that this was an easy game in the least. Marseille put up one hell of a fight and threatened on more than one occasion

Stevie shows the French how many World Wars we've won

“We had just scored and we should have been focused on protecting that advantage. But players of Gerrard’s quality are capable of scoring goals like that and he changed the course of the match.”

-Erik Gerets

The Stade Velodrome was rocking with….uhhh…french tunes as the teams walked out to what was no doubt going to be a hostile reception for the team from the other side of the channel. Lorik Cana ghosted in on a superb run to beat the offside trap and put the home team up 1-0 with a perfectly slotted goal. Thankfully, Stevie don’t play ‘dat and scored an absolute cracker from about 22 yards out and then capitalized on a well earned penalty after Babel was manhandled in the box. All in a day’s work for Captain Fantastic. For a player that just got over a double groin operation, he showed no ill signs. 99 goals and counting football fans.

Our defence played well (despite the poor trap) and the combination of Skertel & Carragher made a very big stake to continue on. This is a bit of a sticking point for me actually. I think we need a ball playing center half in the mix to keep Stevie pushing forward and to create chances that aren’t just hoofed forward or thrown out to wing. We need Daniel Agger back in the squad. Not only is he as aggressive in tackle as either of the current starters but he’s quicker as well. I would hate to sacrifice Carra (he’s my homie!) so that means Skertel has to go. Sorry Martin.

Pepe Reina was hands down (or gloves up?) Man of the Match. As we started to lag in the 2^nd half, Reina stepped up and was counted saving quite a few and clearing even more. Alot get’s said about our balding keeper and I can assure you that he deserves every single plaudit that comes his way. Keep on keeping on Pepe.

In other news, it looks like a certain teams shirt sponsor is going bust. It’s a good thing for us that beer, unlike insurance, is not a passing fad.