El Ninõ crushing hopes and dreams...

The Blackcats were the livelier team in the opening half, pressing our defense and causing some blunders that could have cost us had they been taken advantage of. Hyypia’s failed clearance comes to mind as a perfect example. Good thing Carra was there to clean up his mess. Plessis, filling Macherano’s boots as the holding midfielder in a pedestrian 4-4-2 formation looked shaky at best. Not sure if it was the bright lights (pardon the pun) of a opening day fixture or just brash inexperience but the boy definitely needs some work. Bringing Xabi Alonso in for the faltering Frenchman was what turned the match in our favour and I have to applaud Rafa for doing it sooner rather than later.

“El Zhar’s booking was racial profiling. He’s not a terrorist.”

-Zore

Silky smooth passing and a penchant for going forward, Xabi brought the composure and balance to the midfield that we desperately needed. The highlight of the game, not to take anything away from Fernando’s blast of a winner, was his audacious shot from a full 60 yards out. He came very close to catching Craig Gordon out and effectively ending the Goal of the Year voting.

Robbie Keane’s chances were few and far between but he made some space for himself with the best chance of the first half having a go from the edge of the area. His partnership with Torres is still in its infancy but I can see great things coming. He just needs to learn to stay out of the kids way. I almost stole his potatoes and shipped him back to bonny Ireland when he unintentionally blocked Fernando’s shot on a gaping net. With that said, it’s alls well that ends well. Next up is Middlesbrough next weekend in our first home fixture. Can’t wait to hear the Kop rockin’ again.

steven.