Talk lfc match report

Match Report by Robbie Amins' at talklfc

Liverpool's lack of quality strikers was evident as they crashed to a 2-0 defeat at the Riverside against a Boro side on the rise. With Harry Kewell looking far from his best, the Reds rarely threatened and was finally punished for their lack of efforts on goal by a Riggott effort in the first half and a Zenden right-footer in the second.

Middlesbrough claimed the points after dominating much of the game and taking full advantage of Liverpool's current injury plight which saw them start the game without a recognised striker on the field. Luis Garcia and Harry Kewell was the front pairing which meant a return to the starting line-up for Irishman Steve Finnan.

Steve McLaren's side could have opened the scoring after 15 minutes when Ray Parlour burst into the area but his cross to the unmarked Mark Viduka was brilliantly intercepted by Jamie Carragher.

Finnan, so often a reserve under Benitez, marked Downing out of Boro's recent Carling Cup defeat at Anfield and once again he seemed to have his measure, initially forcing him persistently infield. Indeed 30 minutes elapsed before Downing was able to embark on one of his hallmark attacking raids. Josemi looked to have contained him well but finally the resistance was broken. Defender Chris Riggott suddenly appeared to sidefoot home the opener.

Liverpool or Xabi Alonso rather continued to pass well but did not create any clearcut chances. A Luis Garcia goal was ruled offside despite the last touch (before the ball went to him) belonging to a Boro defender.

Captain Steven Gerrard replaced Didi Hamann early in the second half but, by now, Downing, having thoroughly confounded his early captors, was irrepressible. After intercepting a slack ball from Alonso, his run and cross to Hasselbaink duly preceded Boro's second goal. All that remained was for Hasselbaink to nugmeg Sami Hyypia like he wasn't there and Bolo Zenden to dispatch a soft shot past Chris Kirkland.

The 'strikers' summed up Liverpool's afternoon in the closing stages. Kewell latched on to Sami Hyypia's long ball as Liverpool pushed for a response, but after rounding Schwarzer he fired wide with his right foot. And then with only the goalkeeper to beat, Garcia dragged his shot with his weaker right foot wide of the target. He really should have at least hit the target and the look on his face says it all.

With both Chelsea and Arsenal failing to get all three points in their games yesterday, Liverpool yet again fail to capitalise. Not very good news when we are facing Arsenal next weekend. Especially when they haven't won in the Premiership for a few matches already...