Robbie watches Owen's class act

13 April 2012

Gerard Houllier?s preference for obedience over expedience has left him embroiled in a conflict that could have far- reaching consequences on his masterplan for unseating Manchester United as the power in the land.

Houllier has based Liverpool?s resurgence on an all-for-one, oneforall mentality. He sees unity in every quarter as the cornerstone of his ambition to topple United from the pinnacle of the Premiership.

But the resolved training-ground row between Anfield?s assistant manager Phil Thompson and Robbie Fowler threatens to open cracks in that building programme.

Fowler bowed to Houllier?s weekend protestations and apologised yesterday, but it will be an uneasy truce for a proud man who still feels wronged. Instead, Liverpool are sitting on a tinderbox waiting to inflame their season with more trouble the next time Fowler and Thompson fall out.

It makes for a disconcerting atmosphere that Houllier knows could unhinge his ideals, unless the two culprits relent wholeheartedly.

More worrying for the Liverpool management is that Fowler can count on substantial public backing in the event of hostilities escalating.

Just how much became apparent on Saturday as Fowler sat in the main stand and watched an exhibition of footwork and finishing from Michael Owen that would have confounded even the most watertight of defences.

While Owen?s matchwinning heroics failed to inspire a single chant from the terraces, the Kop rose as one to salute Fowler?s departure, deep into injury time, after already filling the air with his name no fewer than three times.

Never mind 2-1 to Liverpool, it was 1-0 to Fowler in the propaganda war, even if football?s most famous choir did also voice their approval for their disciplinarian boss.

Unmoved, Houllier was unyielding in his further demands for an apology. He said: ? Robbie has to act as if he wants to stay at Liverpool rather than get away. Do not expect me to soften.If he really likes the club and wants what is good for everyone here, including the fans, he knows what to do. It is as though he does not want what is best for Liverpool. If he says he cares about Liverpool, he should do something about it.?

At least Fowler?s response can alleviate one concern for Houllier, that of the potential knock-on effect on his other strikers, Owen in particular.

With Fowler reduced to kicking his heels and Emile Heskey nursing an ankle injury, Owen had been burdened with an extra workload. But his slender shoulders are holding up so far.

The Liverpool marksman is in such a rich vein of form that every glimpse of the opposition net activates an intake of breath among onlookers in readiness to acclaim another goal.

You just cannot see him missing in his current mood, a point endorsed by new West Ham manager Glenn Roeder as he reflected on an otherwise encouraging day for a side widely expected to struggle. He said: ?It is not much consolation to us at the moment, but I just hope he stays fit for England and helps us reach the World Cup. He was the difference between the teams and the main reason we are not leaving here with a result to match our performance.?

Owen showed his predatory instincts with the first, racing onto Gary McAllister?s pass before guiding the ball past Shaka Hislop. Paolo di Canio equalised with an impudent chip over Pegguy Arphexad from the penalty spot but Owen responded with a fleetfooted shuffle and sublime finish into the corner.

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Robbie watches Owen's class act

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