The result was never in doubt. I couldn't go so had to make do with Mike Newell's strange wandering eyebrow and Martin Tyler's proclamations that Luton deserved better. What a strange world journalists live in. With no goals up to half time injury time their talk was of an almost inevitable upset that only they could see. Reality gives us a different version. Don Hutchison, a player I still like, was practically out on his feet by then while Charlie Itandje might as well have been talking to the stewards about his holiday plans such was his level of activity.
Andy Gray smirked at our missed chances but was strangely mute after Babel's opening. For the next hour they could only talk of "brave Luton" and their unfortunate financial plight. A plight, I might add, that began with the loss of ITV Digital who were set up to take on…erm, Sky. He forgot to make that link. He also missed the fact that they took 7,000 fans to Anfield but only get 10,000 at Kenilworth Road. Maybe they've miscalculated and overlooked the main problem there.
The post game analysis was superb. Gary Mac and Mogadon Mike answered Richard Key's inane "please say something that will worry Liverpool fans" questions with what can only be described as sheer boredom. In the end he gave up and went back to shaving his forehead.
There was no complaints about the game. I've even started to enjoy Riise's shots as they're getting even more wayward now. He nearly made the Kemlyn in the second half. Pennant grew into the game and Babel continues to improves. Tonight was about Carra and Gerrard though. Carra could have kept his coat on for the workout he got but Gerrard's performance was outstanding. He's got his critics but I love watching him destroy frightened players. We should never give teams that level of respect. Thanks them for their endeavours after you've got the match ball.
Hopefully Klinnsmangate is now over. I think there's been a too much over-analysis of it. From their perspective I can see why they thought about the future. If you think your employee is looking through the Jobs Wanted section of the paper you have to make contingency plans. What you don't do however, is tell the world about it. Owners should be seen and not heard. Do your job, sign your cheques and avoid all microphones. Even if their actions have been ludicrous there's no need to share their crimes with the outside world.
Finally, a word about the masterclass Rafa gave in how to handle the press. Geoff Shreeves, a man who advertises that rag, asked Rafa for comment about the owners on five occasions. Rafa answered with a smile and "it's good to win 5-0 and this is the only thing on our minds." Just because you're asked an awkward question, it doesn't follow that you have to answer it. Geoff Shreeves is not Jeremy Paxman. He's more closer to Jeremy Kyle - a man who tries to bully people but isn't especially good at it.
Well done, Rafa. Keep it up and show the owners a tape of that interview. It's "good for assss…"
