I lucked out (or so I thought) and caught the Liverpool-Eindhoven match (0-0) in an airport bar. Benitez was still smarting over Liverpool's 3-0 Saturday loss to Everton; he didn't start Gerrard, Alonso or Crouch today. Crouch failed to get into the game at all, and Gerrard and Alonso came on late.

The new lineup neither impressed nor entertained. Kuyt in particular has shown little, and I think his exploits in the Dutch league are overly acclaimed. Fortunately for the Reds, PSV Eindhoven also underperformed. The match was more kickball than futbol.

Liverpool should be pleased to get out with a point and no injuries. Neither team will go far in the CL if their play does not improve.

FF