[SuperElf]

Just wanted to congratulate you ladies and gentlemen, even though I am one of those bloody scousers. You played an outstanding game, and managed not to escalate things when Gerrard got a little chippy at the start. On the balance, you had the better attacking midfield play, and deserved the victory.

Looking forward to our two showdows for the title this season! (As I turned and said to the other Liverpool fan in the room at the final whistle, "At least this was a Charity Shield without the Scum in it." Let's try to keep it that way, shall we? I find you lot much more agreeable than Man U, though I'm still quite peeved every time you beat us.)

[kygunner]

Didnt get to see the game but read several post game articles. So, Houllier says that the team will have a different look, comes out with a 3-3-4, and still cant score. Why? Were the Gunners that impressive? Will it be a while to for Pool to gel as a team?

Overall, you have to be impressed by the Gunners performance. All Hail Gilberto Silva! Especially since he wasnt supposed to play.

[442]

Clearly the Liverpool squad has yet to gel. Heskey was useless, Owen didn't do a whole lot, and Diouf was energetic if not terribly effective. Arsenal controlled the ball for most of the first half and had much more of the chances. Pool looked a bit dangerous in the second half but I don't recall them truly threatening much.

[dwinkler]

Originally posted by SuperElf
Just wanted to congratulate you ladies and gentlemen, even though I am one of those bloody scousers.

Looking forward to our two showdows for the title this season! (As I turned and said to the other Liverpool fan in the room at the final whistle, "At least this was a Charity Shield without the Scum in it." Let's try to keep it that way, shall we?

Thanks. If Arsenal can't win it, then I hope Liverpool does. ABM - Anyone But ManUre.

[HighburyGoon]

Originally posted by dwinkler

Thanks. If Arsenal can't win it, then I hope Liverpool does. ABM - Anyone But ManUre.

Don't forget Sp**s, we don't want them winning anything!

[dwinkler]

Originally posted by arsenalfan
Don't forget Sp**s, we don't want them winning anything!

OK then, ABMAS. But that scenario's so unlikely I never even considered it.

And, to be perfectly honest about it, I fall into the camp that hates other teams (ManUre, Dirty Leeds) more than Sp*rs.

[michaec]

I thought there was a visible difference in class between the two teams. While we were patient and willing to make lots of passes to try and set up a chance, Liverpool wanted to play the long ball to Heskey all the time and play from there. Too easy to defend against I'm afraid.

With Henry hitting the post and Dudek playing superbly, especially a double save from Bergkamp in the first half, it could have been more. Liverpool only really threatened from corners and free-kicks and even then I don't remember Seaman having too many saves to make.

Gilberto Silva must be loving this. First competitive game, scores the winning goal and picks up a trophy. Happy days! When he came on for the start of the second half he was really running the game, not trying to do too much, but keeping the midfield ticking over. And it allowed Vieira to get forward a bit more, so a few more goals from the skipper would be welcome this term.

All in all a contented drive upfrom Cardiff. I could get used to this!

[jamison]

Really though, if it can't be us, shouldn't it be Man City? What could possibly be more embarassing than losing the league at home to Arsenal, only to follow it up the next year with a title from the # 2 team in town? Ouch.

Acronym update? ABMASBRMCPIICBU

Anyone but Manu and Spurs but really Man City please- if it can't be us.

[kygunner]

Micheac, you press a point that I am wondering about and thats Silvas role versus Vieira. Both are "defensive" midfielders but Silva is forward enough to recieve a pass from God(Skysports showed a few highlights). Will the two switch up the offensive, defensive role and let the flow of the game decide or is Wenger going to decide more set positions?

[revelation]

Silva played like he did in the World Cup. His name was rarely called but he made some nice tackles and good passes. He really complemented Viera and both seemed to flow through the middle of the park to cover each other. I predict good things with these two in the middle.