pull your (red)socks up stevie

So last night saw what can only be described as another classic 'captains performance' from the captain fantastic himself, Steven Gerrard. Coming on at half time with his side 1-0 down to Napoli, Stevie went on to score 3, each one coming together to complete what I like to see as the perfect captains hat-trick.

For his first he pounced upon a lack lustre back pass, slid in with Napoli keeper De sanctis and came away with a goal. Encapsulating that 'never give up' spirit that we so often associate with Gerrard.


For his second he buried a penalty with typical gusto, sending it thundering into the side netting. Unsaveable.

Completing his hat-trick with a perfectly weighted chip (well, more of a dink - lets not quibble) he certainly reminded me that on his day, there are very few players who can compete with Gerrard when it comes to being the 'complete footballer.' Grit, determination, ability and a coolness under pressure that few can match.

The victory must have come as huge relief to Liverpools new American owner John W Henry, who was treated to his first live example of a reds win. You can only imagine that his reaction to a dissapointing 1st half in which Napoli look the far superior team would have left him with significantly less smiles than the final result. As usual, a Reds side without Gerrard seemed completely lost. Looking at the bigger picture than last nights sorry first half performance, with Torres misfiring and seemingly on his way out, John must be wondering how much of his money it will cost to turn Liverpool back into title contenders.

COMIC RELIEF

On a lighter note, the ITV2 commentator, whose name I failed to catch came up with a, lets say creative, observation on Gerrards play.  Whether said pundit had been drinking heavily is unclear, but I would say that it was likely alcohol that led him to come up with the following theory. Apparently it is possible to identify whether Stevie-G is going to shoot or pass from a free kick. If Gerrard pulls up his socks, he will shoot, if not, he shalt pass. Now I would have simply dismissed this had it not been for the commentators conviction, but as it is I felt that this must be highlighted as complete and utter fabrication. Valuble information for any goalkeeper for sure, if it is true. Which its not. As we can see in the video below, where he doesn't touch his socks, not even once :-