8 goals in 3 days. Playing without Fernando Torres......and 4 points clear of Chelsea (at least until their game against Fulham is over).
Title contenders?? Maybe but let's not lose ourselves in all that euphoria. All we wanted was to be challenging for the title at Christmas. We are now leading the table. It has been a fantastic start to the season but we are only half way there. We can't slacken and lose concentration especially when we expect a stronger challenge from Man United in the second half of the season. Chelsea will still be at least one point behind us, provided they beat Fulham at Craven Cottage (they are currently trailing by 1 goal).
The team is playing well and confidence is high. That can only be a good sign going into 2009. Whether we are genuine title contenders or not, let's just not speculate or lose ourselves in that discussion.
3 points every game. That's the objective from now till May next year.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Monday, December 22, 2008
Caution will not win us the title
In previous seasons, a draw at the Emirates will be seen as a good result and a valuable point earned. In this season's context, however, it's more like 2 valuable points dropped especially after the Gunners were reduced to 9 men momentarily. While Fabregas was being treated for a knee ligament injury and Adebayor sent off for a second yellow card offence, we were playing against a 9 men team for a while. With only one striker upfront, the Gunners were there for the taking. Instead of attacking, we slowed the game down considerably and were contented with passing the ball around in our own half. As a result, the game became scrappy and our momentum going forward was lost.
While I understand that a point will virtually end the Gunners title hopes, we could have very well capitalised on the situation and gone for the win. Instead, Reira was subsituted with Babel, Keane was taken out for Nabil El'Zhar and finally David N'gog for Lucas. As far as I am concerned, the substitutions were overly cautious for a team sitting merely one point above second-placed Chelsea. Lucas should have been substituted earlier in the game. He was losing possession easily and was ineffective in his role. I cannot understand Rafa's intentions as far as the substitutions were concerned. Wouldn't it be a sensible decision to play a 3 men defence at the back especially when the Gunners deployed a lone-striker upfront? Insua should have been taken off and Babel playing as a striker behind Keane and Kyut. Benayoun should have replaced Lucas on the right flank and Kyut moved upfront into a 3-4-3 or a 3-4-1-2 formation. With Alonso protecting the 3-men backline, Gerard can still maintain his position in the hole and push the attack from midfield. Benayoun could exploit Clichy's injury on the right flank with his surging runs. We will have Babel, Keane and Kyut in attack trying to score that winning goal.
I said before that while caution will not necessarily cost a team the title, it will not win us any either. Every single point counts. It is a blessing that Chelsea has continued to struggle so far. They could have easily taken over the lead this morning at Goodison Park. With Man United winning the World Club championships, they will return with renewed confidence. I agree that we have been playing our best football in recent years but to win our 19th league title, we need to be more ruthless and adventurous in front of goal. Our inability to kill teams off may return to haunt us in May.
Let's hope we will not have to face a heart-stopping second half of the season.
While I understand that a point will virtually end the Gunners title hopes, we could have very well capitalised on the situation and gone for the win. Instead, Reira was subsituted with Babel, Keane was taken out for Nabil El'Zhar and finally David N'gog for Lucas. As far as I am concerned, the substitutions were overly cautious for a team sitting merely one point above second-placed Chelsea. Lucas should have been substituted earlier in the game. He was losing possession easily and was ineffective in his role. I cannot understand Rafa's intentions as far as the substitutions were concerned. Wouldn't it be a sensible decision to play a 3 men defence at the back especially when the Gunners deployed a lone-striker upfront? Insua should have been taken off and Babel playing as a striker behind Keane and Kyut. Benayoun should have replaced Lucas on the right flank and Kyut moved upfront into a 3-4-3 or a 3-4-1-2 formation. With Alonso protecting the 3-men backline, Gerard can still maintain his position in the hole and push the attack from midfield. Benayoun could exploit Clichy's injury on the right flank with his surging runs. We will have Babel, Keane and Kyut in attack trying to score that winning goal.
I said before that while caution will not necessarily cost a team the title, it will not win us any either. Every single point counts. It is a blessing that Chelsea has continued to struggle so far. They could have easily taken over the lead this morning at Goodison Park. With Man United winning the World Club championships, they will return with renewed confidence. I agree that we have been playing our best football in recent years but to win our 19th league title, we need to be more ruthless and adventurous in front of goal. Our inability to kill teams off may return to haunt us in May.
Let's hope we will not have to face a heart-stopping second half of the season.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Another wierd weekend but we are still top
What a strange weekend!
Liverpool were held to a 2-2 draw by Hull City at Anfield. We had to come from 2 goals down to level the game. Once again, Gerard was there to rescue the team and earn us what could prove to be a crucial point.
Man United, Arsenal and even Chelsea were all held to draws!! I must say that I am relieved to see us still top of the table. If the rest of the results had been otherwise, the 2 points dropped at home would have been a really bad result. However, in the context of the results over the weekend, the 2 points dropped against Hull did not seem that bad a result afterall. In fact there were positives to be taken from the game.
Gerard scored 2 goals and seemed extremely lively during the game. That has to be a good sign as we all know the kind of impact he can make in a game. I liked our wing play in recent games too especially with Benayoun coming in for Kyut on the right and Reira on the left. I have always been impressed with Benayoun and he is the kind of player that has the ability to change a game and score crucial goals. It was also good to see Hypia playing alongside Carragher and I felt he deserved at least a goal after so many attempts at goal from the corners. The spirit of the entire team was unquestionable. They fought and fought. The pressure on Hull City was immense especially in the last 20mins of the game. However, what I felt could have been done better was the substitutions made by Rafa in the second half.
Why did he bring on Nabil El'zhar for Benayoun on the right? He couldn't cope with the pace of the game, often losing possession. Why did he take off Reira for Babel? And what was the wisdom for a one-for-one substitution between Mascherano and Lucas?? We were fighting for the winning goal and Hull City seemed contented with a point. They had 10 men in their own half and were happy to try to play the counter attack. Why not go 3 men at the back?? Take off Dossena and replace him with an attacking player. Why not play Babel upfront or maybe even Keane or David N'gog with Kyut?? Why not instruct Gerard to push further up? Why not get everyone to shoot at will instead of trying to play that 'perfect' final pass??
We probably wont lose a championship by being overly cautious but neither will we win one if we remain so. We needed 3 points regardless of the other results and that was clear. Given the way Hull was playing in the last 20mins, I felt we could have been a lot more adventurous. We needed to signal our intent clearly and could have gone on the offensive by bringing in an extra attacking player.
It is clear we missed Torres' presence. We need him back soon. With Keane dropped to the bench, we clearly lacked a out-and-out striker. Kyut has been playing well this season but we all know he can be rather wasteful at times.
It is important to note that despite not playing at our best, we are still leading the table and that should be a blessng. Of course, the other argument could also be that we should capitalise on their current form and pull away from the rest. Whatever it is, nothing will change the fact that we are in the driving seat for now. Let's just savour the moment and enjoy it.
Next up, the Gunners at the Emirates.
Liverpool were held to a 2-2 draw by Hull City at Anfield. We had to come from 2 goals down to level the game. Once again, Gerard was there to rescue the team and earn us what could prove to be a crucial point.
Man United, Arsenal and even Chelsea were all held to draws!! I must say that I am relieved to see us still top of the table. If the rest of the results had been otherwise, the 2 points dropped at home would have been a really bad result. However, in the context of the results over the weekend, the 2 points dropped against Hull did not seem that bad a result afterall. In fact there were positives to be taken from the game.
Gerard scored 2 goals and seemed extremely lively during the game. That has to be a good sign as we all know the kind of impact he can make in a game. I liked our wing play in recent games too especially with Benayoun coming in for Kyut on the right and Reira on the left. I have always been impressed with Benayoun and he is the kind of player that has the ability to change a game and score crucial goals. It was also good to see Hypia playing alongside Carragher and I felt he deserved at least a goal after so many attempts at goal from the corners. The spirit of the entire team was unquestionable. They fought and fought. The pressure on Hull City was immense especially in the last 20mins of the game. However, what I felt could have been done better was the substitutions made by Rafa in the second half.
Why did he bring on Nabil El'zhar for Benayoun on the right? He couldn't cope with the pace of the game, often losing possession. Why did he take off Reira for Babel? And what was the wisdom for a one-for-one substitution between Mascherano and Lucas?? We were fighting for the winning goal and Hull City seemed contented with a point. They had 10 men in their own half and were happy to try to play the counter attack. Why not go 3 men at the back?? Take off Dossena and replace him with an attacking player. Why not play Babel upfront or maybe even Keane or David N'gog with Kyut?? Why not instruct Gerard to push further up? Why not get everyone to shoot at will instead of trying to play that 'perfect' final pass??
We probably wont lose a championship by being overly cautious but neither will we win one if we remain so. We needed 3 points regardless of the other results and that was clear. Given the way Hull was playing in the last 20mins, I felt we could have been a lot more adventurous. We needed to signal our intent clearly and could have gone on the offensive by bringing in an extra attacking player.
It is clear we missed Torres' presence. We need him back soon. With Keane dropped to the bench, we clearly lacked a out-and-out striker. Kyut has been playing well this season but we all know he can be rather wasteful at times.
It is important to note that despite not playing at our best, we are still leading the table and that should be a blessng. Of course, the other argument could also be that we should capitalise on their current form and pull away from the rest. Whatever it is, nothing will change the fact that we are in the driving seat for now. Let's just savour the moment and enjoy it.
Next up, the Gunners at the Emirates.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Break down the 'bus'
2 home draws in the League and a scrappy 1-0 win over Marseille in the Champions League. Championship material? I certainly hope so.
While it is easy to moan and cry over the 4 points dropped in the League, we should also take the positives from the current situation. Sitting 1 point clear at the top of the League is something I am sure we will all gladly accept at the start of the season. This is afterall Liverpool's best start in a long while. What we said at the end of last season was that we needed to be challenging for the title after December. It is early December now and we are leading the League. That in itself is a remarkable achievement.
The context of this is that whilst we may not have been at our best, the rest of the traditional top 3 teams are doing just as bad, if not worse. Arsenal had lost 5 times thus far whilst Chelsea have been beaten at home twice already. Man U barely scrapped through with a 1-0 win over their city rivals last weekend and are 6 points below us (with a game in hand).
Yes, we need to start churning out title winning performances and getting 3 points for every game but as long as Chelsea, Man U and Arsenal are below us, I dun care even if the team scraps thru 0-0 draws and earn a point. What worries me more is the mentality of the players. They need to remain positive and confident. Winning of course breeds confidence but what's more important is that the team's current position be pointed out to each and every one of those players in the dressing room. They need to understand that they ARE the League leaders. And being League leaders, they need to start playing like one and bulldoze their way through every team that comes to Anfield to "park their bus" in front of their goal. Look at the last 2 games. Both Fulham and West Ham came for a draw. They were just happy with a point and hopefully minimise the damage should we score the first goal. The key for them was to keep a clean sheet in the first half and frustrate Liverpool. In the second half, as we push more men forward, they will hope to hit us on the break and try to steal that wining goal. What that means is that we will need to play with confidence, flair and creativity. We can't simply rely on the wingers to do the same thing game after game! Every coach in England now knows Albert Reira is the threat on the left and Kyut or Benayoun on the right for Liverpool. Shut these fellas out and we will be forced to play down the middle. Put more men behind the ball and stop us from playing our usual football. Soon, we will be forced to pump the long balls in and hope for the best. Given that, I feel that Gerard thrives in situations like that. It was unfortunate he didn't start off the game in a more attacking role this morning. Without Mascherano, Gerard was tasked to sit in front of the back line whilst Alonso sprays the passes to Keane and Kyut. Surely, we missed Torres and Keane seems to be lacking in confidence. We need Gerard to be at his best for these teams to be broken down.
In any case, it's still early days and we are sitting at the top of the League. We need to remain positive and look forward to Blackburn this weekend. Without the League Cup to distract us in the next 2 days, it's time to re-group in order to drive forward. It's not time to panic yet. We just need belief.
3 points for sure on Saturday.
While it is easy to moan and cry over the 4 points dropped in the League, we should also take the positives from the current situation. Sitting 1 point clear at the top of the League is something I am sure we will all gladly accept at the start of the season. This is afterall Liverpool's best start in a long while. What we said at the end of last season was that we needed to be challenging for the title after December. It is early December now and we are leading the League. That in itself is a remarkable achievement.
The context of this is that whilst we may not have been at our best, the rest of the traditional top 3 teams are doing just as bad, if not worse. Arsenal had lost 5 times thus far whilst Chelsea have been beaten at home twice already. Man U barely scrapped through with a 1-0 win over their city rivals last weekend and are 6 points below us (with a game in hand).
Yes, we need to start churning out title winning performances and getting 3 points for every game but as long as Chelsea, Man U and Arsenal are below us, I dun care even if the team scraps thru 0-0 draws and earn a point. What worries me more is the mentality of the players. They need to remain positive and confident. Winning of course breeds confidence but what's more important is that the team's current position be pointed out to each and every one of those players in the dressing room. They need to understand that they ARE the League leaders. And being League leaders, they need to start playing like one and bulldoze their way through every team that comes to Anfield to "park their bus" in front of their goal. Look at the last 2 games. Both Fulham and West Ham came for a draw. They were just happy with a point and hopefully minimise the damage should we score the first goal. The key for them was to keep a clean sheet in the first half and frustrate Liverpool. In the second half, as we push more men forward, they will hope to hit us on the break and try to steal that wining goal. What that means is that we will need to play with confidence, flair and creativity. We can't simply rely on the wingers to do the same thing game after game! Every coach in England now knows Albert Reira is the threat on the left and Kyut or Benayoun on the right for Liverpool. Shut these fellas out and we will be forced to play down the middle. Put more men behind the ball and stop us from playing our usual football. Soon, we will be forced to pump the long balls in and hope for the best. Given that, I feel that Gerard thrives in situations like that. It was unfortunate he didn't start off the game in a more attacking role this morning. Without Mascherano, Gerard was tasked to sit in front of the back line whilst Alonso sprays the passes to Keane and Kyut. Surely, we missed Torres and Keane seems to be lacking in confidence. We need Gerard to be at his best for these teams to be broken down.
In any case, it's still early days and we are sitting at the top of the League. We need to remain positive and look forward to Blackburn this weekend. Without the League Cup to distract us in the next 2 days, it's time to re-group in order to drive forward. It's not time to panic yet. We just need belief.
3 points for sure on Saturday.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Jamie Redknapp: A tribute to Steven Gerard - 10 years on.
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It feels like only yesterday that I saw this teenage kid from Huyton for the very first time. He came to join first-team training along with Stephen Wright because Gerard Houllier wanted to have a look at the two of them. Funnily enough I think the boss thought Wright was the better of the two when they first arrived. I always remember passing the ball to Stevie early on and he hit this 50 yard pass to the left wing. I thought to myself: "what have we got here then?" Next he goes into a 50-50 with Paul Ince and smashes him up in the air and we're all thinking we've got something special on our hands - he certainly made an impression that's for sure.
At the time there were a few concerns over his fitness but since then he's been relatively injury-free and he's been different class. They don't come along like him too often. When you're asked to give a tribute to someone it's normal to heap praise on them but with him it's easy because it's so true. He's a special lad - and I don't just mean on the field, I mean off it too. Even now if I ask him to sign a shirt for someone he goes out of his way to help and there it is the next day. I honestly can't speak more highly of him.
One game that always stands out from my brief time playing with him was the Merseyside derby against Everton in 1999. We won the match 3-2 and Stevie kicked a couple off the line playing at right-back. His passion for the club was there for all to see that day. I remember how he celebrated one of those clearances as if he'd just smashed one in at the Kop end. I spoke to my Dad after the game and he said: "Who was that at right back? He was like superman that kid." After that day he just got better and better and in the seasons that followed he went on to establish himself as one of the best central midfielders in the world. Now he's improved so much that he is the best. I've been saying that for a while now and no-one comes near him as far as I'm concerned. He's dynamic, he's powerful, great at passing, great at tackling - you name it he can do it. People talk about who the best player in the world is... Is it Messi, Ronaldo or Kaka? They are just a few names we could mention and Stevie's right up there with them. I honestly don't think he realises just how good he is. I've got some great Stevie memories from my time at Anfield but one that sticks out in my mind that always makes me chuckle was when I asked him if he wanted a pair of boots. He used to clean mine when he was a trainee and when I asked him what size boot he was he turned to me with a cheeky grin and said: "six, seven, eight and nine." I'll never forget that. He wanted the other boots for his mates! Like I say, I was at Liverpool a good number of years too so I know how it feels to have played for them for over a decade. It's a special club and if you leave, no matter where you go, it's always going to be a step down. So, it's a great achievement for him to have been such a huge part of the club for those 10 years and I think he's got many more ahead of him.
You need the likes of Gerrard and Carragher in the side because they are local lads who have a great affinity with the fans. They are your heart and soul. Stevie could walk into any side in the world but he has remained a loyal red and if you were dreaming up a Roy of the Rovers top five he could probably better it. Every few months he seems to be picking up a new accolade or breaking another record and, to be frank, I'm proud to say I played alongside him. I hope he goes on to achieve even more in the years ahead and continues to add to his medal collection in what has been a fantastic Liverpool career so far.
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It feels like only yesterday that I saw this teenage kid from Huyton for the very first time. He came to join first-team training along with Stephen Wright because Gerard Houllier wanted to have a look at the two of them. Funnily enough I think the boss thought Wright was the better of the two when they first arrived. I always remember passing the ball to Stevie early on and he hit this 50 yard pass to the left wing. I thought to myself: "what have we got here then?" Next he goes into a 50-50 with Paul Ince and smashes him up in the air and we're all thinking we've got something special on our hands - he certainly made an impression that's for sure.
At the time there were a few concerns over his fitness but since then he's been relatively injury-free and he's been different class. They don't come along like him too often. When you're asked to give a tribute to someone it's normal to heap praise on them but with him it's easy because it's so true. He's a special lad - and I don't just mean on the field, I mean off it too. Even now if I ask him to sign a shirt for someone he goes out of his way to help and there it is the next day. I honestly can't speak more highly of him.
One game that always stands out from my brief time playing with him was the Merseyside derby against Everton in 1999. We won the match 3-2 and Stevie kicked a couple off the line playing at right-back. His passion for the club was there for all to see that day. I remember how he celebrated one of those clearances as if he'd just smashed one in at the Kop end. I spoke to my Dad after the game and he said: "Who was that at right back? He was like superman that kid." After that day he just got better and better and in the seasons that followed he went on to establish himself as one of the best central midfielders in the world. Now he's improved so much that he is the best. I've been saying that for a while now and no-one comes near him as far as I'm concerned. He's dynamic, he's powerful, great at passing, great at tackling - you name it he can do it. People talk about who the best player in the world is... Is it Messi, Ronaldo or Kaka? They are just a few names we could mention and Stevie's right up there with them. I honestly don't think he realises just how good he is. I've got some great Stevie memories from my time at Anfield but one that sticks out in my mind that always makes me chuckle was when I asked him if he wanted a pair of boots. He used to clean mine when he was a trainee and when I asked him what size boot he was he turned to me with a cheeky grin and said: "six, seven, eight and nine." I'll never forget that. He wanted the other boots for his mates! Like I say, I was at Liverpool a good number of years too so I know how it feels to have played for them for over a decade. It's a special club and if you leave, no matter where you go, it's always going to be a step down. So, it's a great achievement for him to have been such a huge part of the club for those 10 years and I think he's got many more ahead of him.
You need the likes of Gerrard and Carragher in the side because they are local lads who have a great affinity with the fans. They are your heart and soul. Stevie could walk into any side in the world but he has remained a loyal red and if you were dreaming up a Roy of the Rovers top five he could probably better it. Every few months he seems to be picking up a new accolade or breaking another record and, to be frank, I'm proud to say I played alongside him. I hope he goes on to achieve even more in the years ahead and continues to add to his medal collection in what has been a fantastic Liverpool career so far.
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Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Reebok conquered, next up Craven Cottage
It was a good game against Bolton last Saturday. Except for the first 15mins of the second half, I felt it was a comfortable win. Order was restored when the first team was put up against Bolton. The weekday League Cup game against Spurs was complete rubbish. The team's performance and, in particular Torres, prompted an outburst from the manager. I suspected the comments Benitez made about Torres made him play a lot better against Bolton. He came on in the second half and created that beautiful cross for Stevie to score the second goal. It was a perfectly timed cross that made the header looked easy. 2 goals up. I knew we would go on to seal the 3 points. The fact that Chelsea matched our result later that evening means that this season's title race will be extremely tight. With Man U playing a lot better, I expect a 3 horse race for the title. Arsenal will be close but I don't think they have the tenacity and desire for the League title this season. Their focus may well be in the Champions League. We need 3 points in every game. I just hope Stevie, Keane and Torres will all recover in time from their injuries to play against Fulham this Saturday. It's good that they are all dropped from the mid week international friendly due to injuries and that will allow them sufficient time to recover for Saturday's game. That should be the priority over everything else now. We don't need our key players to be distracted. I don't believe in "country before club" as far as Liverpool's title chances are concerned this season.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Knocked out of the League Cup again.....
It can be viewed as a blessing in disguise ......if we decide to be optimistic. In any case, the game this morning was complete rubbish. Rafa made 10 changes to the side that beat West Brom last weekend. Most of the key players needed to rest....that was his reason. But the trend was obvious. For the past 5 seasons, Rafa had constantly fielded under strength teams for this competition. It is clear that the priority has always been the Champions league, League title, FA Cup in that order.
Looking at Spurs this morning, they were not the full first team either. For one, Bently and a few other first team players were on the bench.
Hypia, Babel, Dossena, Lucas, N'gog are all first team fringe players. Even Plessis and Nabil El'zhar had a few first team starts this season. Only Degen and Cavialeri can be considered as full reserve players. In other words, there is really no excuse for the kind of rubbish we dished out. 3 goals in 8 first half minutes. The second goal by Campell was complete rubbish between out goalkeeper and defender. No excuse for a big club like Liverpool. Degen was atrocious. His defending was non existent and it was his wrong positioning that caused Hypia to drift left to cover him and as a result, leaving a man short in the centre. That allowed Spurs to score the first goal.
I am really disappointed. It's ok to lose but the quality of play must be there for all to see. In this case, we were really bad. It was so painful I had to switch off the tv and spare myself the agony of the second half.
If we view this as a blessing in disguise, then at least the team can now focus on the League title and the other 2 cups.
The League cup are for teams like Arsenal and Man U especially when they will end up with nothing to fight for this season....;-)
Looking at Spurs this morning, they were not the full first team either. For one, Bently and a few other first team players were on the bench.
Hypia, Babel, Dossena, Lucas, N'gog are all first team fringe players. Even Plessis and Nabil El'zhar had a few first team starts this season. Only Degen and Cavialeri can be considered as full reserve players. In other words, there is really no excuse for the kind of rubbish we dished out. 3 goals in 8 first half minutes. The second goal by Campell was complete rubbish between out goalkeeper and defender. No excuse for a big club like Liverpool. Degen was atrocious. His defending was non existent and it was his wrong positioning that caused Hypia to drift left to cover him and as a result, leaving a man short in the centre. That allowed Spurs to score the first goal.
I am really disappointed. It's ok to lose but the quality of play must be there for all to see. In this case, we were really bad. It was so painful I had to switch off the tv and spare myself the agony of the second half.
If we view this as a blessing in disguise, then at least the team can now focus on the League title and the other 2 cups.
The League cup are for teams like Arsenal and Man U especially when they will end up with nothing to fight for this season....;-)
Monday, November 10, 2008
Lethal Strike
With Keane scoring his first league goals for the club on Saturday and Torres back from injury, this is the time to let the most "lethal strike" partnership in the premiership to flourish. Rafa needs to play them week-in and week-out now. We need to get them working more together and to build on that understanding. There is no question about their ability. Both are world class strikers and if we are to win the League this season, we need them firing on all cylinders soon.
Having Keane's confidence restored, Torres will benefit greatly from the Irishman's non-stop running and creativity. Keane has the ability to create, to drag defenders wide whilst paving the way for Torres to strike. Similarly, with Torres on the ball, it will not be surprising to see 2 defenders marking him very quickly. Drag them wide and whip a cross into the box and we have Keane or Gerard or Kyut or Reira waiting to pounce. Sweet!
With an attacking line made up of Keane and Torres, supported on the flanks by Kyut and Reira and in the middle of the park by Alonso and Gerard, it's not difficult to see why opposing defenders will be under tremendous pressure when facing them. Throw in Babel, recently dubbed the Super-Sub, Benayoun and Mascherano, we have the ability to inflict a Red tsunami. Both Chelsea and Man U have already seen it so far. The loss to Spurs 2 weekends ago must be seen in context. It was a sucker punch after having been so dominant for most part of the game. Ironically, it was one of the best games we had so far in the season. The movement and passing were fantastic. We were just unlucky not to have scored more. Agger could have had a hat-trick! We need to expect teams visiting Anfield to try and shut us out. A point is always a fantastic result for them. We need to build up our resilence and be patient. One goal is all we need to get that 3 points.
One loss does not lose us the title and similarly, 10 wins will not win us the league. There's still a long way to go and we need to maintain that level of consistency. When the team is playing well and winning games, the changing room will be buzzing with confidence. Confidence breeds belief. With belief, anything is possible. The additional plus factor in our favour is hunger. Hunger for the 19th League title. It has been 19 long years since the league title came home and what better time to win it now.
I really believe this is the season. I sense a feeling of excitment in the way the team plays. Each time they attack, they always look like they are going to score. Our set pieces and corners are looking a lot more threatening. My only hope is that we maintain this current form and keep our players injury free. Maintain the level of competitiveness and consistency.
3 points.....every game. (I have said this more than a hundred times now).
Having Keane's confidence restored, Torres will benefit greatly from the Irishman's non-stop running and creativity. Keane has the ability to create, to drag defenders wide whilst paving the way for Torres to strike. Similarly, with Torres on the ball, it will not be surprising to see 2 defenders marking him very quickly. Drag them wide and whip a cross into the box and we have Keane or Gerard or Kyut or Reira waiting to pounce. Sweet!
With an attacking line made up of Keane and Torres, supported on the flanks by Kyut and Reira and in the middle of the park by Alonso and Gerard, it's not difficult to see why opposing defenders will be under tremendous pressure when facing them. Throw in Babel, recently dubbed the Super-Sub, Benayoun and Mascherano, we have the ability to inflict a Red tsunami. Both Chelsea and Man U have already seen it so far. The loss to Spurs 2 weekends ago must be seen in context. It was a sucker punch after having been so dominant for most part of the game. Ironically, it was one of the best games we had so far in the season. The movement and passing were fantastic. We were just unlucky not to have scored more. Agger could have had a hat-trick! We need to expect teams visiting Anfield to try and shut us out. A point is always a fantastic result for them. We need to build up our resilence and be patient. One goal is all we need to get that 3 points.
One loss does not lose us the title and similarly, 10 wins will not win us the league. There's still a long way to go and we need to maintain that level of consistency. When the team is playing well and winning games, the changing room will be buzzing with confidence. Confidence breeds belief. With belief, anything is possible. The additional plus factor in our favour is hunger. Hunger for the 19th League title. It has been 19 long years since the league title came home and what better time to win it now.
I really believe this is the season. I sense a feeling of excitment in the way the team plays. Each time they attack, they always look like they are going to score. Our set pieces and corners are looking a lot more threatening. My only hope is that we maintain this current form and keep our players injury free. Maintain the level of competitiveness and consistency.
3 points.....every game. (I have said this more than a hundred times now).
Sunday, November 9, 2008
The new "Robbie"
First it was Robbie Fowler. Now, it's Robbie Keane.
I feel vindicated. I said a month or two ago that Keane needed time to settle and he was probably feeling the weight of the club on his shoulders. Whether that's self-imposed or not, I don't know but it's certainly a fact that any player moving into a new club will need time to find his feet before start playing to his true potential. In this case, there was no doubt about Keane's potential. We all knew what a great striker he was at Spurs. With better players around him, it was only a matter of time before he starts banging in the goals.
Many critics were voicing their frustrations over his lack of goals and, more importantly, his movement. In the game against West Brom, he's starting to look like the player he was at Spurs. Finally 2 goals for Liverpool in the league. He is looking more mobile and threatening. His touch is a lot better. Given time, I am sure the Kyut, Torres, Keane and Gerard attacking front line will reap many rewards.
Back at the top of the table. Let's stay there and not lose the lead again. 3 points, every game. That's the target.
I feel vindicated. I said a month or two ago that Keane needed time to settle and he was probably feeling the weight of the club on his shoulders. Whether that's self-imposed or not, I don't know but it's certainly a fact that any player moving into a new club will need time to find his feet before start playing to his true potential. In this case, there was no doubt about Keane's potential. We all knew what a great striker he was at Spurs. With better players around him, it was only a matter of time before he starts banging in the goals.
Many critics were voicing their frustrations over his lack of goals and, more importantly, his movement. In the game against West Brom, he's starting to look like the player he was at Spurs. Finally 2 goals for Liverpool in the league. He is looking more mobile and threatening. His touch is a lot better. Given time, I am sure the Kyut, Torres, Keane and Gerard attacking front line will reap many rewards.
Back at the top of the table. Let's stay there and not lose the lead again. 3 points, every game. That's the target.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
2 famous quotes from 2 great Liverpool managers
"The socialism I believe in is not really politics. It is a way of living. It is humanity. I believe the only way to live and be truly successful is by collective effort with everyone working for each other and everyone helping each other and everyone having a share of the reward at the end of the day. It is the way I see football and the way I see life". Bill Shankly
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"One of the things I keep reminding players is that when you're in a fog, you must stick together. Then you don't get lost. If there's a secret about Liverpool, that's it."
Bob Paisely
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"One of the things I keep reminding players is that when you're in a fog, you must stick together. Then you don't get lost. If there's a secret about Liverpool, that's it."
Bob Paisely
Sunday, November 2, 2008
We lost....
I am totally devastated! How did we lose the 3 points in injury time? What happened to the fight back? Looks like all the things we said about losing a late fight back is coming true.
It's sad to lose the lead so soon. We needed to break away from the pack and extend our lead. We failed but the consoling thing is that it's still early days. There's still 27 games left to play and it's not even christmas yet.
We need to improve, that's for sure and bounce back in a big way in the next game.....
It's sad to lose the lead so soon. We needed to break away from the pack and extend our lead. We failed but the consoling thing is that it's still early days. There's still 27 games left to play and it's not even christmas yet.
We need to improve, that's for sure and bounce back in a big way in the next game.....
Friday, October 31, 2008
Article by Paul Tomkins - The ends justify the means
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
After that epic, energy-sapping battle at the Bridge, one managerial sacking on that very same day ended up seeing both of the Reds' next opponents with newly appointed managers. And we all know the pitfalls that can bring. As I stated earlier in the week, nothing is being made easy for Liverpool. Not only have the banana skins been laid out, but they'd been covered with oil, grease and just about every other slippery substance known to man.
Until last week, Spurs were handing out league points like a child who's consumed six gallons of Cola throwing confetti at a wedding. Now, they're a totally different prospect. Spurs' amazing recovery at the Emirates only makes Saturday's visit all the harder; however, perhaps the effort they put in when chasing Arsenal shadows might work against them. Portsmouth were always likely to be more adversely affected than Spurs by the managerial merry-go-round, but a new manager in any circumstances can lead to a renewed effort in a squad to prove themselves. They certainly put in the effort.
And yet Liverpool's eighth win, along with two draws, makes for one of the best-ever starts to a Premier League season. Of course, that's a short history, but a pertinent one in terms of what Liverpool now crave. Few Liverpool teams prior to 1992 can boast such a phenomenal start, either. (One, in 1990/91, saw the first eight games won, but the Reds eventually finished 2nd.)
What makes this start even more remarkable is that out of the other nine teams currently making up the top half of the table, Liverpool have played seven. And one of the other three games was Everton away, a fixture where form has no function.
The first goal is crucial in games where the opposition come with scant ambition to attack. Tony Adams built his reputation on outstanding defensive organisational skills, so it was no surprise that he set his team out to hold on for a point. Against Stoke it was the referee who denied Steven Gerrard a set-piece goal, but this time the captain's effort was allowed to stand. Once that goal goes in, it's usually the signal to relax and turn on the style. However, it was a bit late in the day, and then the Reds got a bit nervy - which is understandable, but something they will need to learn from.
When the goals don't go in and the game is creeping on, you keep going and keep believing. Titles are won with all kinds of victories; you cannot be snobbish about their validity or beauty. Believe it or not, championships are also won with defeats and draws in the mix - which of course sounds obvious, but this can seem like a day and age when any poor result is treated as the end of all hope.
Part of that is down to the impatient, on-demand era in which we live, and the hysterical swing from euphoria to despair in the course of 90 minutes. But it's also clearly down to the increased competitiveness at the top end of the table. These days there is less scope to drop points and get away with it. However, perfection isn't possible, either.
Rafa BenÃtez made four changes last night, and with 15 minutes left you could sense the knives sharpening again for his rotation policy. But Liverpool had previously beaten Manchester United and Chelsea by making changes, and last night United made five changes of their own. I've already heard that United's squad is so good, they can afford to make changes. But it didn't stop them losing games last season when Ferguson left out Rooney or Ronaldo. Equally, it didn't stop them winning others, and winning the league. And anyway, two of the Liverpool players rested - Keane and Riera - had slight knocks, while playing Sami Hyypia against Peter Crouch (against a side that also contained Bouba Diop) was just plain common sense. The ends justified the means: three points.
But with a visit to Spain last Wednesday followed by the gruelling encounter with Chelsea away on Sunday, it was clear that this was going to be a game where changes were made; and anyway, all the Champions League teams have done so lately. At the weekend Arsenal rested Adebayor, and they won; last night, United rested Rooney, and they won. These are their best strikers, and Rooney was on a hot-streak. So there is hypocrisy in only Rafa getting roasted for doing so. The fact is, even had Liverpool drawn with Portsmouth, the Reds would still have been a point clear at the top. While far from ideal, a draw would have still left an enviable situation in overall terms.
After all, it is not individual results that define a season, but the accumulation of many matches. Liverpool slipped up after beating United with a draw against Stoke, but I argued at the time that it needn’t prove costly if other results go the Reds' way: which, so far, they have. And, if we're honest, even better than expected, with the full 15 points garnered from a tough run of games.
League title chases almost always have twists and turns, and with some excellent sides in the top five, it's almost certain that no team will run away with the title. Gone are the days of the lone dominator, contemptuously brushing all aside. You can bet your mortgage (if it's still worth much these days) that United and Chelsea will have a strong second half to the season. Fortunately, it seems to be a trait of Benitez's Reds, too. It's also true that there is pressure in leading from the front. It can be more tiring. Sometimes, as seen with United in 1996 and Arsenal two years later, it can be better to come from miles behind, getting momentum at just the right time. But of course, no-one can guarantee that the necessary late surge will occur, and equally, it's no good being ten points off the pace if the team that's leading keeps winning. You always want to be as best positioned as possible at every stage, but with something left in the tank for the second half of the season. It's no good burning yourself out in the first half of the season just to be top in winter. What I've said on many occasions is that teams that win the title in the modern age always go close the season before. In other words, no-one comes from 4th to win the title anymore.
Manchester United ended their 26-year wait in 1993 only after finishing second a year earlier, partly down to an Anfield defeat at the end of the 1992 season. Blackburn finished second in 1994 and won it in 1995, before Arsenal jumped from third to first in 1998 - but, crucially, they had been equal-second on points in 1997. And Chelsea finished as runners-up in 2004, a year before ending their 50-year drought.
My opinion has always been that this second-place season is the precursor that builds the belief (through improvement on the year before), but which also teaches the players to live with greater expectation and cope with the pressure; usually they've finished second by being in a title race at some point that season. So it may well be that this is Liverpool's 'dry run' (although that term does not capture the drama of a Premier League season). But equally, this is just a trend, not a certainty. And I do think that the previous four seasons have seen a steady improvement in the quality of the Liverpool squad, and a gradual education into the ways of the manager. Liverpool have become reaccustomed to the big occasion under Benitez, and this will serve the club well, as it relates to pressure.
Benitez recently pointed out that Sammy Lee and Mauricio Pellegrino have a lot of experience of winning titles, as does he himself. This is no idle or irrelevant boast; this is a crucial factor. While it's nice to have players with league-winning experience, you can also say that the hunger of the current squad is just as important (as it was for Chelsea four years ago). In these instances, I feel it's more important to have a management structure that has achieved it all, and understands what happens in these situations. The last thing you want is a manager flapping and getting nervous. But BenÃtez has twice seen off Real Madrid and Barcelona to land the Spanish title, so he knows what it takes in a long-haul race.
You do need some key men on the pitch with experience. But then Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard are fine leaders by example, and not unfamiliar with pressure (or winning trophies) at Liverpool, while the Spanish contingent learned a huge amount over the summer about what it takes to win a major trophy. Also, Mascherano has won two Olympic titles, and while I'm not sure how that compares with other major honours (given that it's not each national team's strongest side, with mostly youngsters featuring), it's clearly not something to be sniffed at either. Another key figure could be Sami Hyypia, whose age, calm demeanour and experience of winning trophies with Liverpool will make him a priceless member of the squad, no matter how many games he gets to play.
There's also the club building as a whole, from the Youth FA Cup wins in 2006 and 2007, and the reserves as national champions in 2008. It's like a volcano rising to the surface, with success filtering up to the top. Hopefully 2009 will be the year when the whole thing blows like Krakatoa.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
After that epic, energy-sapping battle at the Bridge, one managerial sacking on that very same day ended up seeing both of the Reds' next opponents with newly appointed managers. And we all know the pitfalls that can bring. As I stated earlier in the week, nothing is being made easy for Liverpool. Not only have the banana skins been laid out, but they'd been covered with oil, grease and just about every other slippery substance known to man.
Until last week, Spurs were handing out league points like a child who's consumed six gallons of Cola throwing confetti at a wedding. Now, they're a totally different prospect. Spurs' amazing recovery at the Emirates only makes Saturday's visit all the harder; however, perhaps the effort they put in when chasing Arsenal shadows might work against them. Portsmouth were always likely to be more adversely affected than Spurs by the managerial merry-go-round, but a new manager in any circumstances can lead to a renewed effort in a squad to prove themselves. They certainly put in the effort.
And yet Liverpool's eighth win, along with two draws, makes for one of the best-ever starts to a Premier League season. Of course, that's a short history, but a pertinent one in terms of what Liverpool now crave. Few Liverpool teams prior to 1992 can boast such a phenomenal start, either. (One, in 1990/91, saw the first eight games won, but the Reds eventually finished 2nd.)
What makes this start even more remarkable is that out of the other nine teams currently making up the top half of the table, Liverpool have played seven. And one of the other three games was Everton away, a fixture where form has no function.
The first goal is crucial in games where the opposition come with scant ambition to attack. Tony Adams built his reputation on outstanding defensive organisational skills, so it was no surprise that he set his team out to hold on for a point. Against Stoke it was the referee who denied Steven Gerrard a set-piece goal, but this time the captain's effort was allowed to stand. Once that goal goes in, it's usually the signal to relax and turn on the style. However, it was a bit late in the day, and then the Reds got a bit nervy - which is understandable, but something they will need to learn from.
When the goals don't go in and the game is creeping on, you keep going and keep believing. Titles are won with all kinds of victories; you cannot be snobbish about their validity or beauty. Believe it or not, championships are also won with defeats and draws in the mix - which of course sounds obvious, but this can seem like a day and age when any poor result is treated as the end of all hope.
Part of that is down to the impatient, on-demand era in which we live, and the hysterical swing from euphoria to despair in the course of 90 minutes. But it's also clearly down to the increased competitiveness at the top end of the table. These days there is less scope to drop points and get away with it. However, perfection isn't possible, either.
Rafa BenÃtez made four changes last night, and with 15 minutes left you could sense the knives sharpening again for his rotation policy. But Liverpool had previously beaten Manchester United and Chelsea by making changes, and last night United made five changes of their own. I've already heard that United's squad is so good, they can afford to make changes. But it didn't stop them losing games last season when Ferguson left out Rooney or Ronaldo. Equally, it didn't stop them winning others, and winning the league. And anyway, two of the Liverpool players rested - Keane and Riera - had slight knocks, while playing Sami Hyypia against Peter Crouch (against a side that also contained Bouba Diop) was just plain common sense. The ends justified the means: three points.
But with a visit to Spain last Wednesday followed by the gruelling encounter with Chelsea away on Sunday, it was clear that this was going to be a game where changes were made; and anyway, all the Champions League teams have done so lately. At the weekend Arsenal rested Adebayor, and they won; last night, United rested Rooney, and they won. These are their best strikers, and Rooney was on a hot-streak. So there is hypocrisy in only Rafa getting roasted for doing so. The fact is, even had Liverpool drawn with Portsmouth, the Reds would still have been a point clear at the top. While far from ideal, a draw would have still left an enviable situation in overall terms.
After all, it is not individual results that define a season, but the accumulation of many matches. Liverpool slipped up after beating United with a draw against Stoke, but I argued at the time that it needn’t prove costly if other results go the Reds' way: which, so far, they have. And, if we're honest, even better than expected, with the full 15 points garnered from a tough run of games.
League title chases almost always have twists and turns, and with some excellent sides in the top five, it's almost certain that no team will run away with the title. Gone are the days of the lone dominator, contemptuously brushing all aside. You can bet your mortgage (if it's still worth much these days) that United and Chelsea will have a strong second half to the season. Fortunately, it seems to be a trait of Benitez's Reds, too. It's also true that there is pressure in leading from the front. It can be more tiring. Sometimes, as seen with United in 1996 and Arsenal two years later, it can be better to come from miles behind, getting momentum at just the right time. But of course, no-one can guarantee that the necessary late surge will occur, and equally, it's no good being ten points off the pace if the team that's leading keeps winning. You always want to be as best positioned as possible at every stage, but with something left in the tank for the second half of the season. It's no good burning yourself out in the first half of the season just to be top in winter. What I've said on many occasions is that teams that win the title in the modern age always go close the season before. In other words, no-one comes from 4th to win the title anymore.
Manchester United ended their 26-year wait in 1993 only after finishing second a year earlier, partly down to an Anfield defeat at the end of the 1992 season. Blackburn finished second in 1994 and won it in 1995, before Arsenal jumped from third to first in 1998 - but, crucially, they had been equal-second on points in 1997. And Chelsea finished as runners-up in 2004, a year before ending their 50-year drought.
My opinion has always been that this second-place season is the precursor that builds the belief (through improvement on the year before), but which also teaches the players to live with greater expectation and cope with the pressure; usually they've finished second by being in a title race at some point that season. So it may well be that this is Liverpool's 'dry run' (although that term does not capture the drama of a Premier League season). But equally, this is just a trend, not a certainty. And I do think that the previous four seasons have seen a steady improvement in the quality of the Liverpool squad, and a gradual education into the ways of the manager. Liverpool have become reaccustomed to the big occasion under Benitez, and this will serve the club well, as it relates to pressure.
Benitez recently pointed out that Sammy Lee and Mauricio Pellegrino have a lot of experience of winning titles, as does he himself. This is no idle or irrelevant boast; this is a crucial factor. While it's nice to have players with league-winning experience, you can also say that the hunger of the current squad is just as important (as it was for Chelsea four years ago). In these instances, I feel it's more important to have a management structure that has achieved it all, and understands what happens in these situations. The last thing you want is a manager flapping and getting nervous. But BenÃtez has twice seen off Real Madrid and Barcelona to land the Spanish title, so he knows what it takes in a long-haul race.
You do need some key men on the pitch with experience. But then Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard are fine leaders by example, and not unfamiliar with pressure (or winning trophies) at Liverpool, while the Spanish contingent learned a huge amount over the summer about what it takes to win a major trophy. Also, Mascherano has won two Olympic titles, and while I'm not sure how that compares with other major honours (given that it's not each national team's strongest side, with mostly youngsters featuring), it's clearly not something to be sniffed at either. Another key figure could be Sami Hyypia, whose age, calm demeanour and experience of winning trophies with Liverpool will make him a priceless member of the squad, no matter how many games he gets to play.
There's also the club building as a whole, from the Youth FA Cup wins in 2006 and 2007, and the reserves as national champions in 2008. It's like a volcano rising to the surface, with success filtering up to the top. Hopefully 2009 will be the year when the whole thing blows like Krakatoa.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thursday, October 30, 2008
A crucial 3 points to keep the momentum going
The game against Pompey early this morning was indeed a tricky affair. If we had failed to win, the 3 points we earned against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge over the weekend would have been futile. I don't think any Liverpool fan will complain about the penalty that gave us the precious 3 points and kept us at the top of the table. It's not important how we win as long as we get the 3 points. Remember how Chelsea won the league title scrapping through 1 goal wins a few seasons ago?? A colleague of mine said that this may well be Liverpool's season since we are showing signs of a "champions luck". I really hope he is right. Luck or no luck, the overall shape and look of the team has indeed been promising thus far.
This Liverpool team is beginning to play the kind of football that resembled Rafa's title winning Valencia. Perhaps it has finally taken the Gaffer 4 seasons to build the team he wants. All around the pitch, there is a new sense of excitment and belief. You can see it in their eyes. We have quality and loads of it too.
In Reina, we have one of the best keeper in the world and he is showing his true form again this season. In defence, we have the ever reliant Carragher together with Skrtel, Agger and Hypia. 4 fantastic players. Every championship winning team boasts a backline that is solid and steady. In these 4 players we have the kind of quality and depth that will carry us through the season. Although I feel if ever we need to buy in Jan, we will need to strengthen the left and right backs. Arbeloa, Dossena, Aurelio can look rather ordinary at times. We need better quality in these areas.
"We have the best midfield in the world....." and so the song goes. With Mascherano and Alonso playing well, working hard and protecting the back line, it frees Gerard to roam upfront. His favourite position. I read in his autobiography that this is where he feels he can play his best football although he will play anyway the manager wants him to play. For a long time, Rafa received heaps of criticisms for leaving Gerard out at the right flank. With Kyut flourishing on the right now, Gerard's restoration in the middle of the park can only be good for the team. Albert Reira has impressed me so far. He has provided the team with a new attacking option down the left. He is what we have been lacking all these seasons. Even Babel has been displaced onto the bench. In attack, we have a partnership that can potentially be the best in the premiership and even the world. Keane is starting to settle down and in Torres, we hv one of the best strikers in the world. At their peaks, I think both of these players can be devastating.
Above all these, there is a renewed sense of hunger and focus. The players now understand what they need to do in order to mount a serious title challenge. 3 points every game. It's that simple. Week-in-Week-out. It has been 19 long years since the title came home. It's the dream of every true Liverpool fan and player, both past and present. This is the right time to reinforce our status as the most successful football club in England.
3 points away at White Hart Lane this Saturday.....Let's take it one game at a time.
This Liverpool team is beginning to play the kind of football that resembled Rafa's title winning Valencia. Perhaps it has finally taken the Gaffer 4 seasons to build the team he wants. All around the pitch, there is a new sense of excitment and belief. You can see it in their eyes. We have quality and loads of it too.
In Reina, we have one of the best keeper in the world and he is showing his true form again this season. In defence, we have the ever reliant Carragher together with Skrtel, Agger and Hypia. 4 fantastic players. Every championship winning team boasts a backline that is solid and steady. In these 4 players we have the kind of quality and depth that will carry us through the season. Although I feel if ever we need to buy in Jan, we will need to strengthen the left and right backs. Arbeloa, Dossena, Aurelio can look rather ordinary at times. We need better quality in these areas.
"We have the best midfield in the world....." and so the song goes. With Mascherano and Alonso playing well, working hard and protecting the back line, it frees Gerard to roam upfront. His favourite position. I read in his autobiography that this is where he feels he can play his best football although he will play anyway the manager wants him to play. For a long time, Rafa received heaps of criticisms for leaving Gerard out at the right flank. With Kyut flourishing on the right now, Gerard's restoration in the middle of the park can only be good for the team. Albert Reira has impressed me so far. He has provided the team with a new attacking option down the left. He is what we have been lacking all these seasons. Even Babel has been displaced onto the bench. In attack, we have a partnership that can potentially be the best in the premiership and even the world. Keane is starting to settle down and in Torres, we hv one of the best strikers in the world. At their peaks, I think both of these players can be devastating.
Above all these, there is a renewed sense of hunger and focus. The players now understand what they need to do in order to mount a serious title challenge. 3 points every game. It's that simple. Week-in-Week-out. It has been 19 long years since the title came home. It's the dream of every true Liverpool fan and player, both past and present. This is the right time to reinforce our status as the most successful football club in England.
3 points away at White Hart Lane this Saturday.....Let's take it one game at a time.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
London Bridge is falling down.............
We finally did it....we broke Chelsea's unbeaten home record!! 86 home games without a loss...until today that is. It was Alonso's shot deflected off John Terry that gave us the win. We are now officially sitting top of the league, 3 points clear of Chelsea, 8 points clear of Man United!!! This win is significant for a few reasons. Firstly, it was away at Stamford Bridge. Secondly we won without Torres. Thirdly, we have not even hit our peak form yet. Wins against Man United and Chelsesa will surely put the confidence of the players sky high. Even the most skeptical doubter will start to believe. Will this finally be our year?? Will number 19th league title finally come home after all these years of waiting? Maybe......Rafa need to keep the players on their toes and work hard. There is no room for complacency. It's still early days but all these wins will mean nothing if we do not keep our level of consistency. Wins against Man United and Chelsea will be nullified if we do not at least get a point at the return legs. We need to keep going till the final game of the season. Traditionally, our form dips after the new year. Let's hope we buck this trend from now and keep going.
The players did very well. Everyone of them. From Reina to Keane, from Reira to Kyut, from Carragher to Gerard. It was a fantastic performance. Alonso and Mascherano were all over the pitch. It could easily have been 2 goals to nothing if Alonso's free kick did not hit the upright. Ashley Cole was lucky to remain on the pitch. He could have been sent off after that reckless tackle.
It's been a great season so far and it's gonna get even better..........
The players did very well. Everyone of them. From Reina to Keane, from Reira to Kyut, from Carragher to Gerard. It was a fantastic performance. Alonso and Mascherano were all over the pitch. It could easily have been 2 goals to nothing if Alonso's free kick did not hit the upright. Ashley Cole was lucky to remain on the pitch. He could have been sent off after that reckless tackle.
It's been a great season so far and it's gonna get even better..........
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Come Back Kings - Livepool 3 Wigan 2 (18 Oct 08)
How many times do we need to come back from 1 or 2 goals down to beat our opponents? No doubt it's truly a joy to watch especially when the winning goal hits the back of the net but it is certainly not good for the heart!
We played really badly in the first half. Credit to the Latics, they didn't come for a draw. As a result, we had an entertaining game of non-stop end-to-end action. With Torres injured during the mid week international, we had to play with Keane and Kyut upfront. The first goal conceded was a nightmare. Thankfully for Agger, he redeemed himself by setting up the equaliser. However, this did not last too long. How a Wigan player managed to get a cross past 2 Liverpool defenders on the right side baffled me. That was horrendous defending. Crosses need to be cut out. That resulted in the Latics taking the lead again. I went into the half time break shaking my head in disappointment. It was a poor showing. With Chelsea beating Boro away by 5 goals earlier, the pressure was on us to win in order to keep pace with Chelsea.
I was glad we won the game 5 mins from time. With one man sent off for a second yellow, it was time for Liverpool to attack. Kudos to Rafa for changing the formation and playing 2 at the back. It was a gamble that paid handsome dividends immediately. Nabil El'Zhar once again proved to be a really good player in the making. He set up the second equaliser by Albert Reira. That was his debut goal for the club. Honestly, he looks every bit the kind of left sided winger we missed for so many seasons. He is a good signing.
Although I wish we could wrap up a game in the first half instead of having to come back from behind, this team is demonstrating the characteristics of a championship winning mentality. This win will further reinforce the players' belief that we are "un-beatable".
Now, let's bring on Athletic Madrid and Chelsea..........
We played really badly in the first half. Credit to the Latics, they didn't come for a draw. As a result, we had an entertaining game of non-stop end-to-end action. With Torres injured during the mid week international, we had to play with Keane and Kyut upfront. The first goal conceded was a nightmare. Thankfully for Agger, he redeemed himself by setting up the equaliser. However, this did not last too long. How a Wigan player managed to get a cross past 2 Liverpool defenders on the right side baffled me. That was horrendous defending. Crosses need to be cut out. That resulted in the Latics taking the lead again. I went into the half time break shaking my head in disappointment. It was a poor showing. With Chelsea beating Boro away by 5 goals earlier, the pressure was on us to win in order to keep pace with Chelsea.
I was glad we won the game 5 mins from time. With one man sent off for a second yellow, it was time for Liverpool to attack. Kudos to Rafa for changing the formation and playing 2 at the back. It was a gamble that paid handsome dividends immediately. Nabil El'Zhar once again proved to be a really good player in the making. He set up the second equaliser by Albert Reira. That was his debut goal for the club. Honestly, he looks every bit the kind of left sided winger we missed for so many seasons. He is a good signing.
Although I wish we could wrap up a game in the first half instead of having to come back from behind, this team is demonstrating the characteristics of a championship winning mentality. This win will further reinforce the players' belief that we are "un-beatable".
Now, let's bring on Athletic Madrid and Chelsea..........
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Man City vs Liverpool - 05 Oct 08
To come from 2 goals down and win the game away from home speaks a lot about the quality of the team. What an excellent game!!! The funny thing was that I did not feel a tinge of panic at half time. I was confident we would grap 1 back and it was a matter of time. I told myself if we pull one back early in the second half, it's game on. And so we did.
I must admit that the first half was terrible. I don't think Joe Hart had to even raise a finger for any attempt at goal. We were that pathetic. Although I was surprised that no changes were made at half time, it showed how much confidence Rafa had on his players. I supposed he knew that as long as the team started playing better, we would get a result.
I know those sour grapes would surely say that our come back was only possible after City lost one player to a straight red but who cares? I don't care how we earn that 3 points as long as we get it. That's how much we want the league this season. The team is playing with a lot of confidence and flair. There is belief and fighting spirit all round. With a bit of luck, who dare say this cannot be our season?
The only disappointment in the game was Skrtel's injury. It looked bad and I am sure he will be out for a few months. He has been in such fine form and will surely be missed. However, this will be the best chance for Agger to return to the starting lineup. In my opinion, there is little difference between the 2 of them. We need Agger back at his best.....
With an established defence, solid midfield supplemented by very skilful wingers and a formidable front line, who dare say number 19th will not return to Anfield this season??
It will be close but at least we are challenging..........
I must admit that the first half was terrible. I don't think Joe Hart had to even raise a finger for any attempt at goal. We were that pathetic. Although I was surprised that no changes were made at half time, it showed how much confidence Rafa had on his players. I supposed he knew that as long as the team started playing better, we would get a result.
I know those sour grapes would surely say that our come back was only possible after City lost one player to a straight red but who cares? I don't care how we earn that 3 points as long as we get it. That's how much we want the league this season. The team is playing with a lot of confidence and flair. There is belief and fighting spirit all round. With a bit of luck, who dare say this cannot be our season?
The only disappointment in the game was Skrtel's injury. It looked bad and I am sure he will be out for a few months. He has been in such fine form and will surely be missed. However, this will be the best chance for Agger to return to the starting lineup. In my opinion, there is little difference between the 2 of them. We need Agger back at his best.....
With an established defence, solid midfield supplemented by very skilful wingers and a formidable front line, who dare say number 19th will not return to Anfield this season??
It will be close but at least we are challenging..........
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Liverpool vs PSV - 02 Oct 2008
It was a good game overall.
Kyut's scoring record in Europe continues with a well taken strike in the 4th minute. That set the stage for the rest of the game. What's more pleasing was Kean's first goal in a red shirt just after the half hour mark. I felt vindicated. After 11 games, the debut goal finally came. It was a beautiful shot from a Torres' cross. With the first goal out of the way, the future can only look brighter. It was also significant that it was Torres who provided the ball to Keane. If they continue to play together more, the understanding will only get better.
Gerard's 100th goal for the club in front of the Kop was a screamer. It will certainly be a goal of the season for me. For a midfielder who had been played out of his favourite position on many occasions, getting the 100th goal certainly speaks a lot of his quality.
On the whole, it is difficult to find a reason to criticise the team after a performance like this. We need to maintain the momentum. The weekend's tie away to Man City will be a stern test to determine if we are indeed championship material.
Kyut's scoring record in Europe continues with a well taken strike in the 4th minute. That set the stage for the rest of the game. What's more pleasing was Kean's first goal in a red shirt just after the half hour mark. I felt vindicated. After 11 games, the debut goal finally came. It was a beautiful shot from a Torres' cross. With the first goal out of the way, the future can only look brighter. It was also significant that it was Torres who provided the ball to Keane. If they continue to play together more, the understanding will only get better.
Gerard's 100th goal for the club in front of the Kop was a screamer. It will certainly be a goal of the season for me. For a midfielder who had been played out of his favourite position on many occasions, getting the 100th goal certainly speaks a lot of his quality.
On the whole, it is difficult to find a reason to criticise the team after a performance like this. We need to maintain the momentum. The weekend's tie away to Man City will be a stern test to determine if we are indeed championship material.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Everton vs Liverpool - 27 Sep
It was perhaps our best performance so far.....especially in the second half. We totally dominated the game and made the Blue Boys look like School Boys (hey, it rhymes!!). I always say that games like these are full of action and controversy. Very often these controversies come in the form of yellows and one or two reds. It's no exception this time around. I am just glad the red was shown to a Blue boy and of all people, Tim Cahill. I knew the 3 points were in the bag the moment Cahill was banished into the showers early.
I mut say it was pure joy to see Keane set up that beautiful strike for Torres. After a goal drought over the last 6 games, it was sweet to see our top striker hitting the target - twice. The only thing remaining is for Keane to find the net soon. Once that happens, the flood gates will open for sure.
In the middle of the park, Gerard put in one of his most mature and professionl performances in a derby game. He was boosing the midfield and, together with Alonso, nullified Everton's control of the game. Kyut was as usual working his socks off though I hope he improves the quality of his crosses soon. On the left, Reira is slowly impressing me more. He has the ability to take on defenders and provide that attacking edge down the left. Back in defence, Skrtel's performance and the clean sheets are keeping Agger away from the starting line-up. Agger's goal in midweek during the Carling cup game did not earn him an automatic recall into the starting XI. Skrtel has been excellent thus far.
It's still number 2 in the table, behind Chelsea on goal difference. We need to take each game at a time but performances like these will only raise our hopes that Number 19th may finally be coming home this season.
I mut say it was pure joy to see Keane set up that beautiful strike for Torres. After a goal drought over the last 6 games, it was sweet to see our top striker hitting the target - twice. The only thing remaining is for Keane to find the net soon. Once that happens, the flood gates will open for sure.
In the middle of the park, Gerard put in one of his most mature and professionl performances in a derby game. He was boosing the midfield and, together with Alonso, nullified Everton's control of the game. Kyut was as usual working his socks off though I hope he improves the quality of his crosses soon. On the left, Reira is slowly impressing me more. He has the ability to take on defenders and provide that attacking edge down the left. Back in defence, Skrtel's performance and the clean sheets are keeping Agger away from the starting line-up. Agger's goal in midweek during the Carling cup game did not earn him an automatic recall into the starting XI. Skrtel has been excellent thus far.
It's still number 2 in the table, behind Chelsea on goal difference. We need to take each game at a time but performances like these will only raise our hopes that Number 19th may finally be coming home this season.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
2 points dropped against Stoke City will not cost us the title
I have decided to paste Paul Tomkin's latest article here. I totally agree with whatever he said below. Drawing against a newly promoted team that packs its defence is not a disaster. I believe we will bounce back after this draw to register bigger wins.......We just need to keep believing.
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I attempt to read all emails, even though I can't reply to them all. After poor results I get a mixture of messages: those from people who appreciate my attempts to find light in the dark (and who, such as this weekend, request a dose of positivity served in a glass half full), and those from people who offer a suggestion as to what I can go do with myself, sometimes with precise details as to the how and where. I don't like to dwell upon a bad result. Upon medical advice I am aiming to lessen my workload over the coming months (not easy with a book just released and the season so quickly in full emotional flow), but while a result like beating United can see me happily steer clear of the laptop and just savour the memory, the over reaction to two points dropped at home to a promoted side can spur me into action. When I read that the Reds definitely cannot win the title after one bad result, I despair. Just as beating Manchester United didn't make Liverpool a certainty to win it, one draw at home to a promoted side does not mean the opposite is now true. What I abhor most about modern football support is this constant swing from one extreme to another. Anything is still possible, be it bad or good. Unbeaten in eight, only three goals conceded - each time leading to a victory after being behind - and a mere point off the Premier League pace. The big picture seems fine to me. I still don't fully understand the emails I receive that treat me as if I am the person to blame, but I guess venting spleen is an important desire for many upset fans, and as someone who very much believes in the current manager, I'm an obvious target. After all, we all feel helpless in the support of our team. We'd love to be able to directly influence the game, but that's just impossible. And we all get wise after the event. Had Stoke scored from a long throw, then it would have been a mistake to not play Hyypia. Had it been from central midfield, it would have been due to leaving out Mascherano. As it was, it was an attacking line-up from Benitez, with two strikers, one winger and another striker-cum-wideman, and the two most creative central midfielders at the club. And Liverpool did all the attacking. They just drew a blank. Galling as it is, it happens. Drawing 0-0 at home to Stoke is clearly a bad result. Of course, the referee did not help matters; what the home team desperately needs in parked-bus games is that first goal. It's not an excuse, just a fact of life. If you score legitimately after 67 seconds, you can relax, and the opposition has to change tact. Let's be clear: brilliant, free-flowing football is virtually impossible in game like this - at least until that first goal goes in. It's hard to pass around a team that sets up like part-timers Andorra did against England; except Stoke are not non-league standard. And while the result wasn't as hoped, Liverpool did pretty much everything text-book against a packed defence. There may have seemed like too many long distance efforts, but then Liverpool have already beaten 'Boro, Sunderland and Marseilles thanks to shots from outside the area. It can be a way past a massed defence if there is little space to work the ball, but Liverpool also went wide, tried intricate pass-and-moves, and created good chances close to goal as well. I don't blame Stoke at all; they came with a game plan, just as Liverpool used to go to places like Barcelona under Gerard Houllier and park the bus. The referee allowed it to work this weekend due to his bizarre early decision, and the Reds failed to take their chances. All credit to the Potters. There are obviously parallels with last season, particularly the 0-0s at Portsmouth and Birmingham at the same stage (not to mention an illogical refereeing mistake at Anfield that cost the Reds two points). Like then, the first 0-0 - this time at Villa Park - was actually a decent result. Last season Benitez was blamed for resting Torres and Gerrard; this year he has done no such thing (although he was without them in the win against United), which goes to show that sometimes bad things happen to good teams, no matter who features in the line-up. The difference this season is that Liverpool have already beaten a title favourite. I kept hearing for four seasons that the other big three are the teams you need to beat to win the title. At the same time, I still keep hearing that every single other team is the kind of team you need to beat to win the title. But you can't win 'em all. All champions have a handful of bad results over the course of a season. No title is ever lost because of one slip-up in September. However, every bad result clearly lessens the margin for error. You can always carry a few setbacks, like United did when drawing at home to Reading early last season (amid other bad results in a poor start), but each one means one fewer 'get out of jail free' card. So it's not something to be blase about. It can prove costly, but only in a cumulative fashion. While drawing with Stoke seems to negate all the good work against United, the fact remains that beating the current champions not only gave the Reds three points, but denied Ferguson's men their own. Beating Stoke and drawing with United might seem a far more respectable way to get four points, but this way around is actually better, as United, who've already dropped points at home to 19th-placed Newcastle, remain worse off, and that's an important difference. (Unless it's Stoke who end up challenging for the title) Again, it should have been six points, but these blips happen. For me, the main problem this season has been the fitness, sharpness and confidence of the two strikers. And there's not a lot a manager can do to change that, apart from keep faith and have patience. To my mind Rafa was right to buy Robbie Keane, who is a quality striker, but there was no guarantee of an instant windfall. Torres was late back from Euro 2008, then suffered a hamstring strain. He's not found his full acceleration, and perhaps he's feeling the pressure a little after the raised expectations after a quite incredible 12 months. He has looked a little tentative when running, and it might be a week or two before we see him feel comfortable enough to use his explosive pace. As a quick striker in my playing days (with only marginally less ability than Torres), I suffered with hamstring problems. They do play on your mind; it's a horrible feeling when one pings at full-pelt. Even when it's healed, the psychological scars linger a little longer. You need to feel able to trust your body. I still feel Torres will have an excellent season. He doesn't need to score as many goals overall, just pull a rabbit out of the hat like he did at Sunderland, and of course, in the Euro 2008 final. Less goals but more 'winners' would be great. Robbie Keane, meanwhile, seems overanxious, which is natural for any new striker with a big price tag searching out his first goal. Peter Crouch took 19 games to break his duck, but after that his scoring record was pretty good. Keane's two main efforts against Stoke were deft attempts, but a confident striker feels more able to aim for the corners; when the goals aren't flowing, you tend to concentrate on just hitting the target. When I started out as a semi-pro I couldn't buy a goal (I was refused credit at Goals'R'Us). But once the first went in, my whole game went from abysmal to what I would call my 'personal best' (to some observers, that was only a fraction better than abysmal, but that's semantics...). It's hard to explain how different you become as a footballer once you find your confidence. And trying too hard really is a curse. You need work-rate, but a relaxed mind. Albert Riera seems to have settled much more quickly. For a tricky winger, his passing is superb. He looks a bargain, and Andrea Dossena, who has come in for some unnecessary criticism on a couple of occasions, will help offer a new dimension on that flank. Another major plus is that Liverpool are defending set-pieces far better this season. The zonal marking system improved upon the arrival of Mauricio Pellegrino as a player in 2005, and he seems to have tweaked things again; particularly important with players like Crouch, Sissoko and Riise replaced by smaller alternatives. Liverpool have played some very tall sides this season, but rarely been worried (touch wood). But the Reds still need to score more from their own corners. As has been noted, Liverpool have rode their luck at times this season, but it ran out at the weekend. The Manchester United victory showed how good this team can be, and despite the up-and-down nature of the performances, the Reds are brilliantly placed in both the league and in Europe. It could be better still, but every team can say that, including Arsenal, who lost at Fulham. As it stands, six points ahead of United and level on points with Chelsea, in addition to an away win in Marseilles, is something we'd have all taken if offered it in August. Amidst the gloom of a missed opportunity, it's important to not lose sight of that fact.
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I attempt to read all emails, even though I can't reply to them all. After poor results I get a mixture of messages: those from people who appreciate my attempts to find light in the dark (and who, such as this weekend, request a dose of positivity served in a glass half full), and those from people who offer a suggestion as to what I can go do with myself, sometimes with precise details as to the how and where. I don't like to dwell upon a bad result. Upon medical advice I am aiming to lessen my workload over the coming months (not easy with a book just released and the season so quickly in full emotional flow), but while a result like beating United can see me happily steer clear of the laptop and just savour the memory, the over reaction to two points dropped at home to a promoted side can spur me into action. When I read that the Reds definitely cannot win the title after one bad result, I despair. Just as beating Manchester United didn't make Liverpool a certainty to win it, one draw at home to a promoted side does not mean the opposite is now true. What I abhor most about modern football support is this constant swing from one extreme to another. Anything is still possible, be it bad or good. Unbeaten in eight, only three goals conceded - each time leading to a victory after being behind - and a mere point off the Premier League pace. The big picture seems fine to me. I still don't fully understand the emails I receive that treat me as if I am the person to blame, but I guess venting spleen is an important desire for many upset fans, and as someone who very much believes in the current manager, I'm an obvious target. After all, we all feel helpless in the support of our team. We'd love to be able to directly influence the game, but that's just impossible. And we all get wise after the event. Had Stoke scored from a long throw, then it would have been a mistake to not play Hyypia. Had it been from central midfield, it would have been due to leaving out Mascherano. As it was, it was an attacking line-up from Benitez, with two strikers, one winger and another striker-cum-wideman, and the two most creative central midfielders at the club. And Liverpool did all the attacking. They just drew a blank. Galling as it is, it happens. Drawing 0-0 at home to Stoke is clearly a bad result. Of course, the referee did not help matters; what the home team desperately needs in parked-bus games is that first goal. It's not an excuse, just a fact of life. If you score legitimately after 67 seconds, you can relax, and the opposition has to change tact. Let's be clear: brilliant, free-flowing football is virtually impossible in game like this - at least until that first goal goes in. It's hard to pass around a team that sets up like part-timers Andorra did against England; except Stoke are not non-league standard. And while the result wasn't as hoped, Liverpool did pretty much everything text-book against a packed defence. There may have seemed like too many long distance efforts, but then Liverpool have already beaten 'Boro, Sunderland and Marseilles thanks to shots from outside the area. It can be a way past a massed defence if there is little space to work the ball, but Liverpool also went wide, tried intricate pass-and-moves, and created good chances close to goal as well. I don't blame Stoke at all; they came with a game plan, just as Liverpool used to go to places like Barcelona under Gerard Houllier and park the bus. The referee allowed it to work this weekend due to his bizarre early decision, and the Reds failed to take their chances. All credit to the Potters. There are obviously parallels with last season, particularly the 0-0s at Portsmouth and Birmingham at the same stage (not to mention an illogical refereeing mistake at Anfield that cost the Reds two points). Like then, the first 0-0 - this time at Villa Park - was actually a decent result. Last season Benitez was blamed for resting Torres and Gerrard; this year he has done no such thing (although he was without them in the win against United), which goes to show that sometimes bad things happen to good teams, no matter who features in the line-up. The difference this season is that Liverpool have already beaten a title favourite. I kept hearing for four seasons that the other big three are the teams you need to beat to win the title. At the same time, I still keep hearing that every single other team is the kind of team you need to beat to win the title. But you can't win 'em all. All champions have a handful of bad results over the course of a season. No title is ever lost because of one slip-up in September. However, every bad result clearly lessens the margin for error. You can always carry a few setbacks, like United did when drawing at home to Reading early last season (amid other bad results in a poor start), but each one means one fewer 'get out of jail free' card. So it's not something to be blase about. It can prove costly, but only in a cumulative fashion. While drawing with Stoke seems to negate all the good work against United, the fact remains that beating the current champions not only gave the Reds three points, but denied Ferguson's men their own. Beating Stoke and drawing with United might seem a far more respectable way to get four points, but this way around is actually better, as United, who've already dropped points at home to 19th-placed Newcastle, remain worse off, and that's an important difference. (Unless it's Stoke who end up challenging for the title) Again, it should have been six points, but these blips happen. For me, the main problem this season has been the fitness, sharpness and confidence of the two strikers. And there's not a lot a manager can do to change that, apart from keep faith and have patience. To my mind Rafa was right to buy Robbie Keane, who is a quality striker, but there was no guarantee of an instant windfall. Torres was late back from Euro 2008, then suffered a hamstring strain. He's not found his full acceleration, and perhaps he's feeling the pressure a little after the raised expectations after a quite incredible 12 months. He has looked a little tentative when running, and it might be a week or two before we see him feel comfortable enough to use his explosive pace. As a quick striker in my playing days (with only marginally less ability than Torres), I suffered with hamstring problems. They do play on your mind; it's a horrible feeling when one pings at full-pelt. Even when it's healed, the psychological scars linger a little longer. You need to feel able to trust your body. I still feel Torres will have an excellent season. He doesn't need to score as many goals overall, just pull a rabbit out of the hat like he did at Sunderland, and of course, in the Euro 2008 final. Less goals but more 'winners' would be great. Robbie Keane, meanwhile, seems overanxious, which is natural for any new striker with a big price tag searching out his first goal. Peter Crouch took 19 games to break his duck, but after that his scoring record was pretty good. Keane's two main efforts against Stoke were deft attempts, but a confident striker feels more able to aim for the corners; when the goals aren't flowing, you tend to concentrate on just hitting the target. When I started out as a semi-pro I couldn't buy a goal (I was refused credit at Goals'R'Us). But once the first went in, my whole game went from abysmal to what I would call my 'personal best' (to some observers, that was only a fraction better than abysmal, but that's semantics...). It's hard to explain how different you become as a footballer once you find your confidence. And trying too hard really is a curse. You need work-rate, but a relaxed mind. Albert Riera seems to have settled much more quickly. For a tricky winger, his passing is superb. He looks a bargain, and Andrea Dossena, who has come in for some unnecessary criticism on a couple of occasions, will help offer a new dimension on that flank. Another major plus is that Liverpool are defending set-pieces far better this season. The zonal marking system improved upon the arrival of Mauricio Pellegrino as a player in 2005, and he seems to have tweaked things again; particularly important with players like Crouch, Sissoko and Riise replaced by smaller alternatives. Liverpool have played some very tall sides this season, but rarely been worried (touch wood). But the Reds still need to score more from their own corners. As has been noted, Liverpool have rode their luck at times this season, but it ran out at the weekend. The Manchester United victory showed how good this team can be, and despite the up-and-down nature of the performances, the Reds are brilliantly placed in both the league and in Europe. It could be better still, but every team can say that, including Arsenal, who lost at Fulham. As it stands, six points ahead of United and level on points with Chelsea, in addition to an away win in Marseilles, is something we'd have all taken if offered it in August. Amidst the gloom of a missed opportunity, it's important to not lose sight of that fact.
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Sunday, September 14, 2008
We finally did it!!!! Liverpool 2-1 Manchester United
What a game!! I told my friends before kick-off that I had a hunch we will finally win against Manchester United. I read in a report before the game that the last time Liverpool went on an 8 game losing streak against Man United, we won 1-0 at the 9th game. It was the 9th game last night. And we won by a one goal margin. History repeated itself.
To make the victory sweeter, we did not even start with our bext XI. Torres and Gerard was on the bench at kick-off. Most of our players are not at their best yet. Although our form hasn't been great, we remained unbeaten thus far. 3 games 9 points. What more can we ask for??
Some sore loser commented that our revival was helped by an own goal but who cares? We will take that any time. 3 points is all that matters. A win against a team like Man United can only serve to boost the players' confidence from now on.
Both Mascherano and Alonso were bossing the midfield magnificently. They made Carrick and Scholes looked ordinary. Although they scored the first goal, we were the better team for most of the game. Berbatov is a great player but we showed the world how collective determination and hunger for a win, will tilt the game in our favour. Skrtel and Carragher were out standing in defence. Albert Reira, our new spanish winger who made his debut, looked promising down the left flank. It's not always easy to be thrown into a game like this especially if it's a debut. I thought he did really well. Even without the full team, we played like champions. Last night's game was by far our best game of the season.
I must say something about Robbie Keane. Although I mentioned in my previous blogs that he must be given time to settle, I must say that he has been looking very ordinary thus far. I am beginning to agree with most people that he is probably not worth the 20million pounds the club paid for him. Agiainst Man United, his positioning was way off, his first touch was shocking and his passing can be totally rubbish at times. I just hope we did not make the wrong decision to sign him. He really needs to start playing better and scoring goals.
Whatever it is, a win is a win. Who cares if the equaliser came from an own goal? To win the league, we need to grind out results and learn to win ugly. If we keep doing this, I am sure the number 19th league title will finally be coming home.
To make the victory sweeter, we did not even start with our bext XI. Torres and Gerard was on the bench at kick-off. Most of our players are not at their best yet. Although our form hasn't been great, we remained unbeaten thus far. 3 games 9 points. What more can we ask for??
Some sore loser commented that our revival was helped by an own goal but who cares? We will take that any time. 3 points is all that matters. A win against a team like Man United can only serve to boost the players' confidence from now on.
Both Mascherano and Alonso were bossing the midfield magnificently. They made Carrick and Scholes looked ordinary. Although they scored the first goal, we were the better team for most of the game. Berbatov is a great player but we showed the world how collective determination and hunger for a win, will tilt the game in our favour. Skrtel and Carragher were out standing in defence. Albert Reira, our new spanish winger who made his debut, looked promising down the left flank. It's not always easy to be thrown into a game like this especially if it's a debut. I thought he did really well. Even without the full team, we played like champions. Last night's game was by far our best game of the season.
I must say something about Robbie Keane. Although I mentioned in my previous blogs that he must be given time to settle, I must say that he has been looking very ordinary thus far. I am beginning to agree with most people that he is probably not worth the 20million pounds the club paid for him. Agiainst Man United, his positioning was way off, his first touch was shocking and his passing can be totally rubbish at times. I just hope we did not make the wrong decision to sign him. He really needs to start playing better and scoring goals.
Whatever it is, a win is a win. Who cares if the equaliser came from an own goal? To win the league, we need to grind out results and learn to win ugly. If we keep doing this, I am sure the number 19th league title will finally be coming home.
Friday, September 12, 2008
It's time we beat the mancs
I am beginning to feel the nerves prior to kickoff this evening. Undoubtedly, this is the biggest game of the season so far.
We need to beat Man United badly.....I am not sure how I'll feel if we lose again. It's been 8 games in a row. The last time we lost 8 games to them, Liverpool bounced back with a 1-0 win at the 9th game. Will history repeat itself?
I really hope so.
We need to beat Man United badly.....I am not sure how I'll feel if we lose again. It's been 8 games in a row. The last time we lost 8 games to them, Liverpool bounced back with a 1-0 win at the 9th game. Will history repeat itself?
I really hope so.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Liverpool vs Man U - It's not a good time to play the scums
13 Sep 08 (Saturday)......it's Joelle's birthday. Kick-off time will be about the same time Joelle was born 5 years ago. I hope my daughter will bring the team luck this time.
We have lost 7 (maybe even 8) times to the scums consecutively and our head-to-head record against them is not exactly the kind of statistc you will want to look at in the buildup to the game. Obviously, I approach this game with a lot of apprehension. If what I am reading so far is true, we will not have Gerard and maybe even Torres. Keane does not look like he will score anytime soon and David Ngog is certainly too raw to be playing in a huge game like this. That means we will most likely have no striker. Babel is not on form yet and Kyut is not the kind of player known for his clinical finishing. The only thing looking up for us is our defence. Carragher and Skrtel is looking settled and solid. Reina is playing well at the moment.
We need to win this game badly if we are to challenge for the title this season. We need 3 points. More importantly, it's the pride. Where are we going to hide our face if we lose to these bunch of scums again?
At the moment, it certainly looks like we will need a miracle for any positive result.
Let's start praying for that miracle.
We have lost 7 (maybe even 8) times to the scums consecutively and our head-to-head record against them is not exactly the kind of statistc you will want to look at in the buildup to the game. Obviously, I approach this game with a lot of apprehension. If what I am reading so far is true, we will not have Gerard and maybe even Torres. Keane does not look like he will score anytime soon and David Ngog is certainly too raw to be playing in a huge game like this. That means we will most likely have no striker. Babel is not on form yet and Kyut is not the kind of player known for his clinical finishing. The only thing looking up for us is our defence. Carragher and Skrtel is looking settled and solid. Reina is playing well at the moment.
We need to win this game badly if we are to challenge for the title this season. We need 3 points. More importantly, it's the pride. Where are we going to hide our face if we lose to these bunch of scums again?
At the moment, it certainly looks like we will need a miracle for any positive result.
Let's start praying for that miracle.
Monday, September 1, 2008
Heroes and Villans
With Spurs holding Chelski to a draw at Stamford Bridge, the stage was set for a Liverpool away win at Villa Park and top the table before the international break. The Gareth Barry saga in summer meant it was not going to be an easy afternoon for Rafa's boys. The fact that Torres limped off in the first half with a hamstring injury did not help matters either. We were already missing our skipper from a groin injury.
I was hopeful perhaps that was the perfect opportunity for Keane to steal the show and finally score his first goal for the club. He was presented with a great opportunity in the second half. With only the goalkeeper to beat, running into the penalty box with 2 defenders chasing him. What did he do? He blasted that ball well above the horizontal. What the %$#!?? I was shocked! That was not the Robbie Keane I saw at White Hart Lane! What kind of a 20 million pound striker did we buy? I have been patient and, even when people were criticising Keane only after his second game for the club, I said time was needed for him to settle. The goals will come.....though I hope it will be sooner rather than later. But to screw up that wonderful opportunity in front of goal was simply unacceptable. Prior to that, we had Kyut missing another opportunity by blasting the ball into the side netting. I mentioned last season that we needed to be more clinical in front of goal. Against top teams like Manchester United and Chelski, chances will be far and few. But when a chance to strike presents itself, we need to make it count. If we keep missing opportunities like these, we will once again find ourselves 1 or 2 goals down before we even know what hit us. Look at the Super Cup game between Man U and Zenith last Sat morning. The Russians were already 2 goals up by half time. Man U was controlling the game, passing the ball around, teasing the Russians with their possession and trying to find a way to penetrate and, when they did, it was wasted with some slack passing or inaccurate shooting. On the contrary, the Russians had far less possession and only 2 clear chances at goal. They scored twice and won the Super Cup.
David Ngog looked sharp and willing when he came on for Torres. However, he could not sustain that brilliance and eventually faded away in the second half. Rafa brought in Audrelio for Keane. That move stunned me. Perhaps it was a tactical substitution but I could not see where the tactical wisdom was. In fact, I hardly even saw Aurelio touch the ball! I have always thought that at 0-0 in the second half away from home, against an opponent struggling to break us down, we should have brought on a match winner and steal all 3 points. Aurelio is not a match winner. Babel is. And why was he sitting on the bench? Agree that he didn't look 100% fit after the Olympics but with 20 mins to go, there must obviously be a better substitute than Aurelio. What about bringing in Nabil El Zhar on the right and Benayoun on the left? Why Aurelio? As far as I am concerned, the so-called "samba" boys in our team (the other one is Lucas Leiva) should be re-named the "sambal" boys. They are brazilians but not the same kind that will dazzle with their fancy footwork and trickery on the pitch.
Ok, ok.....maybe I am a little frustrated by the overall performance and the fact that we could be facing Man U next Sat without Torres and Gerard. Maybe I lost it a little this morning.......but I have to say that I have always stood by the team and kept my faith in them even when they dish out rubbish on the pitch. After losing to Man U for the past xx (I don't even wanna remember how many) consecutive games, I cannot bear to see another one. The last away game against them was a nightmare. I almost threw up after the 3rd goal was conceded. We lost the last 2 home games against them by a 1 goal margin and both goals came from a corner. I don't expect us to win but a good performance will certainly be appreciated.
Perhaps this international break is a blessing in disguise for us. We have 2 weeks to get Gerard and Torres fit. Let's pray something miraculous happens on the 13 Sep (it's my daughter's birthday afterall)......we need 3 points against one of our fiercest rivals. If we manage to do that, it will surely boost our confidence for the rest of the season.
Come on you Reds.....
I was hopeful perhaps that was the perfect opportunity for Keane to steal the show and finally score his first goal for the club. He was presented with a great opportunity in the second half. With only the goalkeeper to beat, running into the penalty box with 2 defenders chasing him. What did he do? He blasted that ball well above the horizontal. What the %$#!?? I was shocked! That was not the Robbie Keane I saw at White Hart Lane! What kind of a 20 million pound striker did we buy? I have been patient and, even when people were criticising Keane only after his second game for the club, I said time was needed for him to settle. The goals will come.....though I hope it will be sooner rather than later. But to screw up that wonderful opportunity in front of goal was simply unacceptable. Prior to that, we had Kyut missing another opportunity by blasting the ball into the side netting. I mentioned last season that we needed to be more clinical in front of goal. Against top teams like Manchester United and Chelski, chances will be far and few. But when a chance to strike presents itself, we need to make it count. If we keep missing opportunities like these, we will once again find ourselves 1 or 2 goals down before we even know what hit us. Look at the Super Cup game between Man U and Zenith last Sat morning. The Russians were already 2 goals up by half time. Man U was controlling the game, passing the ball around, teasing the Russians with their possession and trying to find a way to penetrate and, when they did, it was wasted with some slack passing or inaccurate shooting. On the contrary, the Russians had far less possession and only 2 clear chances at goal. They scored twice and won the Super Cup.
David Ngog looked sharp and willing when he came on for Torres. However, he could not sustain that brilliance and eventually faded away in the second half. Rafa brought in Audrelio for Keane. That move stunned me. Perhaps it was a tactical substitution but I could not see where the tactical wisdom was. In fact, I hardly even saw Aurelio touch the ball! I have always thought that at 0-0 in the second half away from home, against an opponent struggling to break us down, we should have brought on a match winner and steal all 3 points. Aurelio is not a match winner. Babel is. And why was he sitting on the bench? Agree that he didn't look 100% fit after the Olympics but with 20 mins to go, there must obviously be a better substitute than Aurelio. What about bringing in Nabil El Zhar on the right and Benayoun on the left? Why Aurelio? As far as I am concerned, the so-called "samba" boys in our team (the other one is Lucas Leiva) should be re-named the "sambal" boys. They are brazilians but not the same kind that will dazzle with their fancy footwork and trickery on the pitch.
Ok, ok.....maybe I am a little frustrated by the overall performance and the fact that we could be facing Man U next Sat without Torres and Gerard. Maybe I lost it a little this morning.......but I have to say that I have always stood by the team and kept my faith in them even when they dish out rubbish on the pitch. After losing to Man U for the past xx (I don't even wanna remember how many) consecutive games, I cannot bear to see another one. The last away game against them was a nightmare. I almost threw up after the 3rd goal was conceded. We lost the last 2 home games against them by a 1 goal margin and both goals came from a corner. I don't expect us to win but a good performance will certainly be appreciated.
Perhaps this international break is a blessing in disguise for us. We have 2 weeks to get Gerard and Torres fit. Let's pray something miraculous happens on the 13 Sep (it's my daughter's birthday afterall)......we need 3 points against one of our fiercest rivals. If we manage to do that, it will surely boost our confidence for the rest of the season.
Come on you Reds.....
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Liverpool vs Standard Liege
It was a huge relieve to see the ball in the net just 1 min before the end of extra time. Yes, extra time! Can you believe it? And I thought we were going to walk all over them in Anfield!
For the 3rd consecutive time this season, we managed to nick the winner late in the game. It was too not the kind of games for the weak hearted. I was mentally preparing myself for penalties. Thank goodness we did not need to go that far. It was a fine cross from Babel to Kyut. The Dutch-connection.
It's also interesting to note that for the past 2 games, the style of play changed the moment Nabil El Zhar came on as a substitute. In the game against Boro, he came on for Arbeloa covering the right back position. It was his run down the right that resulted in Carragher's equaliser. Against Standard Liege, he came on for Keane. Kyut was moved to the central position behind Torres and El Zhar sat on the right flank. His impact was immediate. The referee should have given a penalty for an infringement on him in the box. What is undisputable is the fact that this 18 yr old Moroccan boy certainly has a lot of potential. I will like to see Rafa handing him a start against Villa this Sunday.
Earlier in the week, Rushie mentioned on the club website that it was important that we managed to win games even when we were playing badly. King Kenny, in Singapore this week, echoed the same comments in the local papers today. However, we will certainly need to improve our game if we are to get anything out of Villa Park this Sunday. Villa is surely one of the in-form teams at the moment. They have managed to score in the last 5 games and some high scoring games too. With Gerard out for 2 weeks due to a groin surgery, it will be Mascherano and Alonso running the engine room in the middle of the park. Unless Alonso hits form at the right time, too I foresee we'll lack connectivity between the back line and the forwards. Babel has been uninspiring since he returned from Beijing. One would expect him to be in good shape but he looked heavy and tired. Keane really needs to show the form he displayed at Spurs. I think he has been disappointing so far. I did mention before that he needs time to settle but it's almost 5 games since he started in a red shirt and we need to see more of him. For a player of his quality and experience in the league, I almost expected him hit the ground running.
The next 2 games will be challenging. Away to Villa on Sunday followed by the international break for the World Cup qualifiers and then Man U visits Anfield on 13 Sep. A big big game. Probably the most anticipated game in the season. It's never easy to play them after an international break (in fact, it's never easy to play any time!!) . Let's hope we stop this losing trend against them. Enough is enough. Surely, we must be able to beat them on our own turf!
Things are also looking fairly interesting in the Champions League group stages. Once again we meet PSV Eindhoven and Marseille. Athletico Madrid will prove to be a tricky team to play against. It will be not be stroll in the park but then again, we would fancy facing Liverpool in Europe? Afterall...................This Is Anfield.
For the 3rd consecutive time this season, we managed to nick the winner late in the game. It was too not the kind of games for the weak hearted. I was mentally preparing myself for penalties. Thank goodness we did not need to go that far. It was a fine cross from Babel to Kyut. The Dutch-connection.
It's also interesting to note that for the past 2 games, the style of play changed the moment Nabil El Zhar came on as a substitute. In the game against Boro, he came on for Arbeloa covering the right back position. It was his run down the right that resulted in Carragher's equaliser. Against Standard Liege, he came on for Keane. Kyut was moved to the central position behind Torres and El Zhar sat on the right flank. His impact was immediate. The referee should have given a penalty for an infringement on him in the box. What is undisputable is the fact that this 18 yr old Moroccan boy certainly has a lot of potential. I will like to see Rafa handing him a start against Villa this Sunday.
Earlier in the week, Rushie mentioned on the club website that it was important that we managed to win games even when we were playing badly. King Kenny, in Singapore this week, echoed the same comments in the local papers today. However, we will certainly need to improve our game if we are to get anything out of Villa Park this Sunday. Villa is surely one of the in-form teams at the moment. They have managed to score in the last 5 games and some high scoring games too. With Gerard out for 2 weeks due to a groin surgery, it will be Mascherano and Alonso running the engine room in the middle of the park. Unless Alonso hits form at the right time, too I foresee we'll lack connectivity between the back line and the forwards. Babel has been uninspiring since he returned from Beijing. One would expect him to be in good shape but he looked heavy and tired. Keane really needs to show the form he displayed at Spurs. I think he has been disappointing so far. I did mention before that he needs time to settle but it's almost 5 games since he started in a red shirt and we need to see more of him. For a player of his quality and experience in the league, I almost expected him hit the ground running.
The next 2 games will be challenging. Away to Villa on Sunday followed by the international break for the World Cup qualifiers and then Man U visits Anfield on 13 Sep. A big big game. Probably the most anticipated game in the season. It's never easy to play them after an international break (in fact, it's never easy to play any time!!) . Let's hope we stop this losing trend against them. Enough is enough. Surely, we must be able to beat them on our own turf!
Things are also looking fairly interesting in the Champions League group stages. Once again we meet PSV Eindhoven and Marseille. Athletico Madrid will prove to be a tricky team to play against. It will be not be stroll in the park but then again, we would fancy facing Liverpool in Europe? Afterall...................This Is Anfield.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Corners and Standard Liege
There is one area we need vast improvement. Corners.
During the Boro game, we had about 9 corners. It was shocking to see how each one of those corners ended up nowhere near the goal. Every single one was wasted and sometimes we even ended up losing possession. Shocking! What happened to those well rehearsed set pieces? Corners are useful places where goals can be scored....and easily too. This is provided the ball is whipped into the box with a lot more committment. We have Skrtel, Hypia, Torres and maybe even Carragher that can head the ball well. Or take the ball outside the box and we have Gerard and maybe even Alonso that can blast a stinger towards goal as well. But instead, our corners are all too predictable and perhaps even 'toothless'.
We need to rectify this problem soon.
Tomorrow, we face Standard Liege in Anfield. The first leg was forgettable. Liege is certainly a team to be wary of. They were quick, aggressive and sharp in the first leg. We were certainly far too complacent then and could have easily gone 2 goals down if not for some heroic defending by Reina. Having said that, the team will be boosted by our injury time win over Boro last weekend and the return of Mascherano and Leiva from the Olympics. The team will also be boosted by rumours of another possible addition before the transfer window closes. A spanish left winger from Espanyol. Rafa is certainly looking to bring more width to the team.
We are certainly looking more solid as a team after 4 seasons under Rafa. The spine of the team is settled. In goal, we have Reina. In defence, we have Carragher. In midfield, we have Gerard. In attack, we have Torres. We also have a good mix of experience and youth. Amongst us, we have Champions League winners, European Cup winners and Olympic medallists. There is hunger and desire. After 19 long years, the team knows it's time to deliver. After a good start in the league, it's time to start winning in style and show the world what Liverpool Football Club is all about.
I expect us to tear Liege apart. They will be playing in Anfield on a European night. And we all know too well how special European nights can be in this sacred ground.
During the Boro game, we had about 9 corners. It was shocking to see how each one of those corners ended up nowhere near the goal. Every single one was wasted and sometimes we even ended up losing possession. Shocking! What happened to those well rehearsed set pieces? Corners are useful places where goals can be scored....and easily too. This is provided the ball is whipped into the box with a lot more committment. We have Skrtel, Hypia, Torres and maybe even Carragher that can head the ball well. Or take the ball outside the box and we have Gerard and maybe even Alonso that can blast a stinger towards goal as well. But instead, our corners are all too predictable and perhaps even 'toothless'.
We need to rectify this problem soon.
Tomorrow, we face Standard Liege in Anfield. The first leg was forgettable. Liege is certainly a team to be wary of. They were quick, aggressive and sharp in the first leg. We were certainly far too complacent then and could have easily gone 2 goals down if not for some heroic defending by Reina. Having said that, the team will be boosted by our injury time win over Boro last weekend and the return of Mascherano and Leiva from the Olympics. The team will also be boosted by rumours of another possible addition before the transfer window closes. A spanish left winger from Espanyol. Rafa is certainly looking to bring more width to the team.
We are certainly looking more solid as a team after 4 seasons under Rafa. The spine of the team is settled. In goal, we have Reina. In defence, we have Carragher. In midfield, we have Gerard. In attack, we have Torres. We also have a good mix of experience and youth. Amongst us, we have Champions League winners, European Cup winners and Olympic medallists. There is hunger and desire. After 19 long years, the team knows it's time to deliver. After a good start in the league, it's time to start winning in style and show the world what Liverpool Football Club is all about.
I expect us to tear Liege apart. They will be playing in Anfield on a European night. And we all know too well how special European nights can be in this sacred ground.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
It doesn't matter how the 3 points were collected
2 Scousers saved the day for us. Just when the game seemed dead and buried, we got an equaliser from an unexpected source. Jamie Carragher.....2nd goal in 8 years. He doesn't score many but this one is surely valuable. Although it deflected off a Boro defender, Carragher will certainly claim it. And deep into injury time, a typical Gerard screamer just outside the penalty box sealed all 3 point for us. What a game! It was explosive down at the East of Anfield Fan club at Harry's. As usual, there were lots of singing and cheering after the game....I lost my voice again.
But the reality is that it was a terrible game in terms of the team's performance. We started the first 15mins brilliantly but it was always a challenge to sustain that kind of pace and passing. We fizzled out expectedly and allowed Boro to settle themselves into the game. There were a lot of possession still but we just couldn't find the break through.
Dossena was impressive down the left. Skrtel looked sharp. Torres seemed hungry for goals. However, Alonso, Gerard, Beanyoun and Keane could have done a lot better. I was impressed with Nabil El Zhar when he came on in the 83rd minute for Arbeloa, especially when he sliced through 2 defenders and sped down the right flank. Rafa should consider giving this boy a few more first team games. Babel seemed like he was still in Beijing. On the whole, we need to step up a few notches if we are to start beating the likes of Man U and Chelsea. Keane only had one moment of briliance when he beat 2 defenders in the box and slipped a beautiful through pass to Torres that almost resulted in a goal. We need Keane to be playing like this for 90mins. Once he finds his form and understanding with the team, we have with us one of the most lethal strike partnerships in the league.
But having said that, winning the league requires some element of luck as well. Like how we won our 5th European title 4 years ago. Chelsea were scrapping through 1-0 wins unspectacularly 3 seasons ago when they won they first league title in almost half a century. If we can dish out rubbish football and still win games, I feel this could be a sign. A sign that number 19th may finally be coming back home this season. I agree that we are not at our best at the moment but it's also important that we are collecting 3 points and maintaining our 100% winning record. All teams will inevitably drop points. On average, a top 4 team will drop between 15-20 points a season. It's impossible to score 105 points (over 35 games). If we can possibly hit 85-90 points come Apr-May 09, we will certainly be in for a title challenge. The key is to win all 3 points at home ,beat 80% of the other teams away from home, and ensure we win or draw games against Man U, Chelsea and Arsenal.
I have a feeling that there is a sense of purpose in the team this season. The focus seems to be more on the league this time round. Everyone is talking about consistency over the entire season, the need to keep pace with the leaders, making Anfield a fortress once again, beating the top 3 at home. If sustained, I am quietly confident we will be fighting for the title come May next year.
For now, let's just savour the joy of being at the top of the table....(at least till the rest of the games tonight).
But the reality is that it was a terrible game in terms of the team's performance. We started the first 15mins brilliantly but it was always a challenge to sustain that kind of pace and passing. We fizzled out expectedly and allowed Boro to settle themselves into the game. There were a lot of possession still but we just couldn't find the break through.
Dossena was impressive down the left. Skrtel looked sharp. Torres seemed hungry for goals. However, Alonso, Gerard, Beanyoun and Keane could have done a lot better. I was impressed with Nabil El Zhar when he came on in the 83rd minute for Arbeloa, especially when he sliced through 2 defenders and sped down the right flank. Rafa should consider giving this boy a few more first team games. Babel seemed like he was still in Beijing. On the whole, we need to step up a few notches if we are to start beating the likes of Man U and Chelsea. Keane only had one moment of briliance when he beat 2 defenders in the box and slipped a beautiful through pass to Torres that almost resulted in a goal. We need Keane to be playing like this for 90mins. Once he finds his form and understanding with the team, we have with us one of the most lethal strike partnerships in the league.
But having said that, winning the league requires some element of luck as well. Like how we won our 5th European title 4 years ago. Chelsea were scrapping through 1-0 wins unspectacularly 3 seasons ago when they won they first league title in almost half a century. If we can dish out rubbish football and still win games, I feel this could be a sign. A sign that number 19th may finally be coming back home this season. I agree that we are not at our best at the moment but it's also important that we are collecting 3 points and maintaining our 100% winning record. All teams will inevitably drop points. On average, a top 4 team will drop between 15-20 points a season. It's impossible to score 105 points (over 35 games). If we can possibly hit 85-90 points come Apr-May 09, we will certainly be in for a title challenge. The key is to win all 3 points at home ,beat 80% of the other teams away from home, and ensure we win or draw games against Man U, Chelsea and Arsenal.
I have a feeling that there is a sense of purpose in the team this season. The focus seems to be more on the league this time round. Everyone is talking about consistency over the entire season, the need to keep pace with the leaders, making Anfield a fortress once again, beating the top 3 at home. If sustained, I am quietly confident we will be fighting for the title come May next year.
For now, let's just savour the joy of being at the top of the table....(at least till the rest of the games tonight).
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
3 points is all that matters
I have read and heard many negative feedback about our team's performance last Saturday. I agree it was a terrible first half. The team is not enjoying their football at the moment.
I can think of a few reasons:
1) Gerard is not at his best cos' of his injury. With a fired up and fully fit Gerard, he can only lift the team's level of play higher.
2) Babel, Mascherano and Leiva were absent. With the Olympics final over by this weekend, we will have these 3 key players back for good. That can only be good news for us.
3) Keane and Torres needs more time to get that understanding between them. We simply can't expect Keane to walk right into the team and start banging in goals for fun. It will take time for him to settle. I just hope he scores his first goal sooner rather than later. Get that first goal in and I'm sure it will do him a lot of good in terms of confidence.
Credit must be given to the Black Cats. They have strengthened over the summer break. Furthermore, it's the first game of the season. Everyone was fired up to win it at home. In Rafa's 4 seasons in-charge, we have never started our first game at home. Getting the first win was important. I don't mind even if it was a fluke or own goal. 3 points was all that matters.
I have said this probably more than a hundred times - Consistency. We need to play at the same level week-in and week-out. We need to kill teams off with a certain kind of ruthlessness. We need to start with our strongest 11, wrap things up by half time and start resting key players the last 20mins. Not the other way around! Rafa needs to know his best 11. There is a lot of debate about the pros and cons of Rafa's rotation policy. I don't have a problem with that but I feel Rafa needs to re-think some of his tactical game-plans.
It's still early days. But in order to win the league, we need to start playing better soon. Real soon.....
I can think of a few reasons:
1) Gerard is not at his best cos' of his injury. With a fired up and fully fit Gerard, he can only lift the team's level of play higher.
2) Babel, Mascherano and Leiva were absent. With the Olympics final over by this weekend, we will have these 3 key players back for good. That can only be good news for us.
3) Keane and Torres needs more time to get that understanding between them. We simply can't expect Keane to walk right into the team and start banging in goals for fun. It will take time for him to settle. I just hope he scores his first goal sooner rather than later. Get that first goal in and I'm sure it will do him a lot of good in terms of confidence.
Credit must be given to the Black Cats. They have strengthened over the summer break. Furthermore, it's the first game of the season. Everyone was fired up to win it at home. In Rafa's 4 seasons in-charge, we have never started our first game at home. Getting the first win was important. I don't mind even if it was a fluke or own goal. 3 points was all that matters.
I have said this probably more than a hundred times - Consistency. We need to play at the same level week-in and week-out. We need to kill teams off with a certain kind of ruthlessness. We need to start with our strongest 11, wrap things up by half time and start resting key players the last 20mins. Not the other way around! Rafa needs to know his best 11. There is a lot of debate about the pros and cons of Rafa's rotation policy. I don't have a problem with that but I feel Rafa needs to re-think some of his tactical game-plans.
It's still early days. But in order to win the league, we need to start playing better soon. Real soon.....
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Champions League Qualifier - 14 Aug
Game: Standard Liege vs Liverpool
This being our first competitive game of the season, I was not entirely surprised by the team's performance for a few reasons.
Firstly, it was an away game in Europe. It will be foolish to think we can walk all over our opponents on their own turf. Credit must be given to this Belgium outfit as they played with a lot of heart and courage. They did not seem intimidated by our reputation and could have easily gone 2-0 at half time. They were aggressive and quick. To make matters worse, we had our worst game all pre-season. We lacked ideas, lost the 2nd ball consistently and could not hold possession in order to control the game.
Secondly, it was not exactly Rafa's preferred starting XI. Babel, Mascherano and Leiva were all away in Beijing for the Olympic games. Gerard was even forced to start despite having just recovered from an injury.
Thirdly, the Keane-Torres partnership has not settled yet. To be honest, Keane looked a little out of sorts. I have been watching him closely since he started and I am a little worried. I really hope he will step up soon and the promise of this partnership being the most lethal in the BPL eventually comes true.
It is still early days. We still have Sunderland to face before the return leg. I feel the team is not at its best shape to start the season. We need everyone fit and playing well. Too early to make any judgements. We will have a better idea after 10 games. Let's hope there will only be good things to say then.....
This being our first competitive game of the season, I was not entirely surprised by the team's performance for a few reasons.
Firstly, it was an away game in Europe. It will be foolish to think we can walk all over our opponents on their own turf. Credit must be given to this Belgium outfit as they played with a lot of heart and courage. They did not seem intimidated by our reputation and could have easily gone 2-0 at half time. They were aggressive and quick. To make matters worse, we had our worst game all pre-season. We lacked ideas, lost the 2nd ball consistently and could not hold possession in order to control the game.
Secondly, it was not exactly Rafa's preferred starting XI. Babel, Mascherano and Leiva were all away in Beijing for the Olympic games. Gerard was even forced to start despite having just recovered from an injury.
Thirdly, the Keane-Torres partnership has not settled yet. To be honest, Keane looked a little out of sorts. I have been watching him closely since he started and I am a little worried. I really hope he will step up soon and the promise of this partnership being the most lethal in the BPL eventually comes true.
It is still early days. We still have Sunderland to face before the return leg. I feel the team is not at its best shape to start the season. We need everyone fit and playing well. Too early to make any judgements. We will have a better idea after 10 games. Let's hope there will only be good things to say then.....
Monday, August 4, 2008
Pre-2008/8009 Season
It's the time of the year when I am starting to feel impatient again. 16th Aug can't come any faster. Thanks to Euro 2008, at least I was not starved of football action for a prolonged period of time. 3 months of no football is totally unacceptable.
Before the season kicksoff in 2 weeks time, Liverpool made various acqusitions that will certainly fill me with hope once again....(since when have I not felt hopeful at the beginning of each seson?). Will this finally be THE season we have all been waiting for...after 19 long painful years?
I must say the aquisition of Robbie Keane from Spurs thrilled me. It's always been a joy to see a true Liverpool fan play for the club. What a dream! Robbie's committment and desire to excel cannot be questioned. He is a proven EPL player, settled and, at 28, will prove to be an important signing. A year ago, we signed a Ferando Torres for a club transfer record fee. This year, we signed Robbie for 20.3mil pounds. Both players surpassed the 20-goal mark last season, with Torres setting a new goal record in a debut season by a new foreign player in the league. Robbie started the game against Rangers last Saturday. It was the first time he partnered Torres. There were glimpses of brillance and good movement between the both of them. With Gerard, Babel, Benayoun and Kyut, we have 6 players with an attacking mentality and superior game intelligence. That can be a significant difference from last season. It will be Babel's 2nd season and should he step up one level, we have in our hands another potent player. Benayoun looks extremely lively on Saturday. Kyut seemed re-charged. Gerard will need to step up a few notches and we will have one of the most potent front lines and midfield in the league. Move aside Mr Scolari and Sir Fergie! It's the Red Army marching in.....
With the purchase of italian Andrea Dossena from Udinese and a free transfer of swiss defender Philipp Degen from Basel, our back line will be boosted tremendously. These are 2 players that have a good attacking mentality. Their overlapping runs down the flanks will provide a more offensive look to the team. I must admit I have been impressed by Dossena's performance last Saturday. It was a good thing Riise was off-loaded to Roma in the summer. I was so happy I had to celebrate his departure.
Another young striker in 19 year old french David Ngog signed from Paris-Saint Germain, will provide the attacking backup for Torres and Robbie. This boy is one of the brightest young talents in french football. His first goal for the club against Rangers last Saturday was full of quality. He looks big and strong, the kind of player to survive in the EPL. I am sure he can only improve at an accelerated pace understudying Torres and Robbie. With Gareth Barry's deal back on the table with Aston Villa, we are looking at one more quality buy in the middle of the park. Barry's signing will prove to be useful. He has a tremendous partnership with Gerard. Both of them started playing together since the U-21 days and were together when they both made their International debut into Kevin Keagan's England team for Euro 2000. They will play well together as they have been good mates with each other for more than 10 years now. There is a great understanding between them.
The possible arrival of Barry will probably signal the departure of one more player. Alonso's move to Juventus was halted at the eleventh-hour. I am sure Alonso will either be benched or sold soon to make way for Barry should Villa agree to the offer price. The departure of Crouch saddened me though. I have always liked that fella. He has great qualities and a good attitude. Unfortunately, the lure of first team football was simply too much to resist and he had to go. We wish him well and hopefully he doesn't score against us at all in the coming seasons.
Overall. the shape of the team is looking good. We will have to live without Mascherano, Lucas and Babel for the start of the season due to their participation in the Olympic U-23 competition.
I am sure we will be more than prepared to cope without them. The quality of the passing during last Saturday's game was a sign that pre-season preparations are progressing right on track. The team looked really good pouring forward.
I have confidence that we will bring back at least one cup in the new season. Hopefully it's the one we have been waiting for.............after 19 long and painful years.
Come on you Reds....
Liverpool is my religion,
Torres my God.
You'll Never Walk Alone is my hymn,
and Anfield my place of worship.
Before the season kicksoff in 2 weeks time, Liverpool made various acqusitions that will certainly fill me with hope once again....(since when have I not felt hopeful at the beginning of each seson?). Will this finally be THE season we have all been waiting for...after 19 long painful years?
I must say the aquisition of Robbie Keane from Spurs thrilled me. It's always been a joy to see a true Liverpool fan play for the club. What a dream! Robbie's committment and desire to excel cannot be questioned. He is a proven EPL player, settled and, at 28, will prove to be an important signing. A year ago, we signed a Ferando Torres for a club transfer record fee. This year, we signed Robbie for 20.3mil pounds. Both players surpassed the 20-goal mark last season, with Torres setting a new goal record in a debut season by a new foreign player in the league. Robbie started the game against Rangers last Saturday. It was the first time he partnered Torres. There were glimpses of brillance and good movement between the both of them. With Gerard, Babel, Benayoun and Kyut, we have 6 players with an attacking mentality and superior game intelligence. That can be a significant difference from last season. It will be Babel's 2nd season and should he step up one level, we have in our hands another potent player. Benayoun looks extremely lively on Saturday. Kyut seemed re-charged. Gerard will need to step up a few notches and we will have one of the most potent front lines and midfield in the league. Move aside Mr Scolari and Sir Fergie! It's the Red Army marching in.....
With the purchase of italian Andrea Dossena from Udinese and a free transfer of swiss defender Philipp Degen from Basel, our back line will be boosted tremendously. These are 2 players that have a good attacking mentality. Their overlapping runs down the flanks will provide a more offensive look to the team. I must admit I have been impressed by Dossena's performance last Saturday. It was a good thing Riise was off-loaded to Roma in the summer. I was so happy I had to celebrate his departure.
Another young striker in 19 year old french David Ngog signed from Paris-Saint Germain, will provide the attacking backup for Torres and Robbie. This boy is one of the brightest young talents in french football. His first goal for the club against Rangers last Saturday was full of quality. He looks big and strong, the kind of player to survive in the EPL. I am sure he can only improve at an accelerated pace understudying Torres and Robbie. With Gareth Barry's deal back on the table with Aston Villa, we are looking at one more quality buy in the middle of the park. Barry's signing will prove to be useful. He has a tremendous partnership with Gerard. Both of them started playing together since the U-21 days and were together when they both made their International debut into Kevin Keagan's England team for Euro 2000. They will play well together as they have been good mates with each other for more than 10 years now. There is a great understanding between them.
The possible arrival of Barry will probably signal the departure of one more player. Alonso's move to Juventus was halted at the eleventh-hour. I am sure Alonso will either be benched or sold soon to make way for Barry should Villa agree to the offer price. The departure of Crouch saddened me though. I have always liked that fella. He has great qualities and a good attitude. Unfortunately, the lure of first team football was simply too much to resist and he had to go. We wish him well and hopefully he doesn't score against us at all in the coming seasons.
Overall. the shape of the team is looking good. We will have to live without Mascherano, Lucas and Babel for the start of the season due to their participation in the Olympic U-23 competition.
I am sure we will be more than prepared to cope without them. The quality of the passing during last Saturday's game was a sign that pre-season preparations are progressing right on track. The team looked really good pouring forward.
I have confidence that we will bring back at least one cup in the new season. Hopefully it's the one we have been waiting for.............after 19 long and painful years.
Come on you Reds....
Liverpool is my religion,
Torres my God.
You'll Never Walk Alone is my hymn,
and Anfield my place of worship.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
2007/2008 Season
It was a nice way to end the season. We beat Spurs comfortably away with 2 superbly taken goals. It was significant how El Nino was involved in both of them. First with a perfectly timed flick on to Voronin and, second, a deadly-cool finish after rounding off the defender and keeper inside the 6 yard box. 33 goals in 46 appearances, of which 26 goals were scored in the EPL. That broke Ruud VanNisteroy's record for the most number of goals scored by a foreign player in his debut season in the EPL. That achievement spoke volumes of the quality of Fernando Torres, aka El Nino - Liverpool's Number 9. The frightening thing is that he will get better with time. Surrounded by better quality players who can play the ball into his feet or free him with a well-timed through pass or flick-on, Torres will inflict maximum damage when he is in a one-on-one situation. What he needs to cope better is the physical aspect of the English game. Defenders across England will now be aware of his talent and they will no doubt be looking at ways to stop him. He needs to be stronger and more physical.
On the whole, he is one player that made a huge difference this season. There are a few others I felt made a positive impact. Ranked no. 2 in my list is Ryan Babel. This dutchman has proven to be the next big thing in the club. He will improve and be a key player for the team in the next season. Rafa can employ him primarily as a left winger but also as a supporting striker. This boy can play. If he steps up a level higher and stays fit, it will be another dominant season down the left in the next season.
Yossi Benayoun, Javier Mascherano, Martin Skrtel......new faces that made an instant impact. In Benayoun, we have an extremely intelligent player that can either play wide or in the centre, score goals and provide quality crosses into the box. In Mascherano, we have with us one of the best defensive midfielders in the world. His forte lies in his uncanny ability to break up any counter attacks. One thing this boy must learn is to control his temper and the timing of his tackles. In Skrtel, we have a young defensive player who has proven to be extremely suited for the english game. He literally walked into the team in January and claimed that central defensive position and called it his own. Don't forget that we still have Daniel Agger. Once he recovers from his long term injury, we have with us another raw talent. The future looks bright as far as our defence is concerned.
Having said this, there are also a few players I felt let us down this season. Firstly, it's Steven Gerard. Our Captain. I simply adore Gerard and I cannot imagine ever losing him to another team. However, I felt that for a player of his quality and love for the club, he had an average season. Too often this season, he played below his standards. There were games when he was simply absent. Take last night's game for example. I felt he was already off for his summer holidays in Ibiza. With a firing Gerard, he is simply unstoppable and we all know that too well. From this alone, I felt he had a disappointing season amidst the fact that there were flashes of brilliance in the odd game he played in. Xabi Alonso. I am not sure what happened. He seemed a pale shadow of his former self. He appeared average for most part of the seaon and seemed more suited for a mid table kind of team - like Everton. I am not surprised his name was mentioned for a possible transfer in the summer. John Arnie Riise is next. Despite his occasional long range scuds, I always said that he is one player that needs to go. For too long we have lived with average players and he is certainly one of them. We need someone of a higher quality on the left side and I hope the young Argentine, Emiliano Insua, can finally provide the team with higher quality on that side of the pitch. Dirk Kyut. Although he played well in the last 2 months of the season, for the most part, he was a pain to watch. Although he tried to justify his drop in form to the passing of his father, I felt it was simply too convenient an excuse to justify for his poor performance and fat pay check.
As we break for the summer and re-group for the new season, the club needs resolve a few key issues. We need to sort out the club ownership and funding issues once and for all. We hope that the yanks will finally sell their stake to DIC. We need the new stadium construction to commence immediately. With ex Liverpool star Sammy Lee possibly coming onboard as Rafa's No.2, we need to re-discover our winning formula for the coming season.
Will we finally clinch our 19th League title? There are signs that the team has improved tremendously over the last 4 years. Rafa has been given the time to improve the squad and the expectations will not doubt rise. With Man U winning their number 17th, there is enough motivation for the club to protect that record in order to preserve our status as the most successful club in the history of english football. A status we are all too proud to lose. However, a lot will depend on the transfer activities of the other clubs. As much as we are trying to close the gap, it's really about who has the biggest access to funds in order to sign the best players.
I am looking forward to the next season with apprehension. The key will be to maintain consistency. Without which we will falter like we did the last few seasons. It's time to step up and dig deep. Rafa needs to spend his summer holidays reviewing what went wrong. In terms of tactics, there were times when he fell short. We need to play the same team week in, week out. The second team will need to step up and ensure success in the League and FA cups. With this dispersion of attention, I am sure we will pose a bigger challenge next season. Ferguson took 4 years with Man U before winning his first league title. Let's hope it's 4th time lucky for Rafa.....if he stays on as Manager.
On the whole, he is one player that made a huge difference this season. There are a few others I felt made a positive impact. Ranked no. 2 in my list is Ryan Babel. This dutchman has proven to be the next big thing in the club. He will improve and be a key player for the team in the next season. Rafa can employ him primarily as a left winger but also as a supporting striker. This boy can play. If he steps up a level higher and stays fit, it will be another dominant season down the left in the next season.
Yossi Benayoun, Javier Mascherano, Martin Skrtel......new faces that made an instant impact. In Benayoun, we have an extremely intelligent player that can either play wide or in the centre, score goals and provide quality crosses into the box. In Mascherano, we have with us one of the best defensive midfielders in the world. His forte lies in his uncanny ability to break up any counter attacks. One thing this boy must learn is to control his temper and the timing of his tackles. In Skrtel, we have a young defensive player who has proven to be extremely suited for the english game. He literally walked into the team in January and claimed that central defensive position and called it his own. Don't forget that we still have Daniel Agger. Once he recovers from his long term injury, we have with us another raw talent. The future looks bright as far as our defence is concerned.
Having said this, there are also a few players I felt let us down this season. Firstly, it's Steven Gerard. Our Captain. I simply adore Gerard and I cannot imagine ever losing him to another team. However, I felt that for a player of his quality and love for the club, he had an average season. Too often this season, he played below his standards. There were games when he was simply absent. Take last night's game for example. I felt he was already off for his summer holidays in Ibiza. With a firing Gerard, he is simply unstoppable and we all know that too well. From this alone, I felt he had a disappointing season amidst the fact that there were flashes of brilliance in the odd game he played in. Xabi Alonso. I am not sure what happened. He seemed a pale shadow of his former self. He appeared average for most part of the seaon and seemed more suited for a mid table kind of team - like Everton. I am not surprised his name was mentioned for a possible transfer in the summer. John Arnie Riise is next. Despite his occasional long range scuds, I always said that he is one player that needs to go. For too long we have lived with average players and he is certainly one of them. We need someone of a higher quality on the left side and I hope the young Argentine, Emiliano Insua, can finally provide the team with higher quality on that side of the pitch. Dirk Kyut. Although he played well in the last 2 months of the season, for the most part, he was a pain to watch. Although he tried to justify his drop in form to the passing of his father, I felt it was simply too convenient an excuse to justify for his poor performance and fat pay check.
As we break for the summer and re-group for the new season, the club needs resolve a few key issues. We need to sort out the club ownership and funding issues once and for all. We hope that the yanks will finally sell their stake to DIC. We need the new stadium construction to commence immediately. With ex Liverpool star Sammy Lee possibly coming onboard as Rafa's No.2, we need to re-discover our winning formula for the coming season.
Will we finally clinch our 19th League title? There are signs that the team has improved tremendously over the last 4 years. Rafa has been given the time to improve the squad and the expectations will not doubt rise. With Man U winning their number 17th, there is enough motivation for the club to protect that record in order to preserve our status as the most successful club in the history of english football. A status we are all too proud to lose. However, a lot will depend on the transfer activities of the other clubs. As much as we are trying to close the gap, it's really about who has the biggest access to funds in order to sign the best players.
I am looking forward to the next season with apprehension. The key will be to maintain consistency. Without which we will falter like we did the last few seasons. It's time to step up and dig deep. Rafa needs to spend his summer holidays reviewing what went wrong. In terms of tactics, there were times when he fell short. We need to play the same team week in, week out. The second team will need to step up and ensure success in the League and FA cups. With this dispersion of attention, I am sure we will pose a bigger challenge next season. Ferguson took 4 years with Man U before winning his first league title. Let's hope it's 4th time lucky for Rafa.....if he stays on as Manager.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
The end of season 07/08
I can't bring myself to write about anything after our semi final loss to Chelsea. It was something I felt was coming before kick-off. The lineup was flawed, the tactics lacking, our players did not live up to the big match expectations. I was surprised what a quiet game Stevie had. The venue was the last stumbling block. Riise's own goal proved to be the nail in our Champions League coffin.
There is nothing else to play for. The season has ended. As we look forward to the next one, let's pray the boardroom turmoil will be resolved soon. I hope the yanks sell their stake to the arabs and Benitez leaves. I like him but I just don't think he has what it takes to bring us our League title. I may be wrong but that's how I feel for now.
Thanks to the Euro 2008, I will not suffer from a lack of football action for the next 3 months.
To be continued'..........
There is nothing else to play for. The season has ended. As we look forward to the next one, let's pray the boardroom turmoil will be resolved soon. I hope the yanks sell their stake to the arabs and Benitez leaves. I like him but I just don't think he has what it takes to bring us our League title. I may be wrong but that's how I feel for now.
Thanks to the Euro 2008, I will not suffer from a lack of football action for the next 3 months.
To be continued'..........
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Chelsea vs Liverpool
An interesting article by Tony Barrett, a correspondent for the Liverpool Echo
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
According to French statisticians, Liverpool only have a 23 per cent of making it through to the Champions League final in Moscow.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
According to French statisticians, Liverpool only have a 23 per cent of making it through to the Champions League final in Moscow.
But then, when did anyone at Anfield take any notice of what French statisticians have to say? Those experts at L'Equipe may be able to rate Liverpool's chances by going through every single European Cup semi-final since 1971. And they may even be justified in making Chelsea statistical favourites to go through on Wednesday night. But one thing they could never factor into their complicated equations is that mythical factor that Liverpool are at their best in Europe when their backs are against the wall. Is a club which has come back from the dead in Istanbul, which has won twice at the Nou Camp, which has defied logic against the likes of St Etienne, Olympiakos and, more recently, Arsenal really going to be cowed at the prospect of "only" having 90 minutes to score a single goal away at Chelsea? Will a club that once won a European Cup against AS Roma in their own backyard with all its hostility be afraid of the blue and white chequered flags which will be unfurled at Stamford Bridge? Not a chance. This is Liverpool's stage, not Chelsea's.
Had those French statisticians also bothered to look at European Cup finals since 1971 they would have discovered that Chelsea have not appeared in a single one of them. In the same period of time, Liverpool have appeared in seven and, in my book at least, that makes them favourites. Forget that 95th minute equaliser at Anfield last week and focus on almost every single one of the 94 minutes that preceded it. Liverpool were comfortably the better side and had it not been for the excellence of Petr Cech would be heading into the second leg with the kind of lead that even miracles cannot overcome. Pepe Reina, by contrast, was hardly tested and there were times when the Spanish keeper must have been tempted to join in with the Kop as they did the Torres bounce just to keep himself warm. Yes, John Arne Riise's own goal did shift the balance of the tie because it gave Chelsea that crucial away strike and yes, Liverpool could have done without conceding. But all they have to do to cancel it out is score a single goal at Stamford Bridge and the tie will be back in their hands.
A legend will be created tomorrow. Someone will carve his name on Liverpool's unique European history alongside the likes of Dalglish, Smith, Rush, McDermott, Keegan, Fairclough, Garcia and Gerrard. One player dressed in red will seize the moment and give the travelling Kop a moment they will treasure until their dying day. The stage is set for a hero to emerge and open up a path to Moscow. No one will care if it's Torres, Gerrard, Kuyt, Carragher or Skrtel, just as long as someone does it. Liverpool have nothing to fear from Chelsea. What is their to fear from the functional or the perfunctory? This is not the Real Madrid of Figo and Zidane, the Milan of Van Basten, Baresi and Gullit, the Barcelona of Stoichkov, Romario and Koeman or even the Man United of Rooney, Ronaldo and Tevez. It is the Chelsea of the eternally balance-challenged Didier Drogba, the vastly over rated Ashley Cole and the perennially weak Paulo Ferreira. And what's more, they're even fighting among themselves if Saturday's embarrassing squabble over whether Drogba or Michael Ballack took a free kick is anything to go by. ! Throw into the mix the fact that Avram Grant is totally untested at this level and is no doubt currently fretting about whether he should stick or twist and all of a sudden all those doubts and fears which followed Riise's unfortunate intervention are rendered almost meaningless. If roles could be reversed and it was Liverpool who had the away draw with a second leg to come at Anfield but you had to have Grant in charge rather than Rafa Benitez, would you take it?
I didn't think so.
Benitez is an arch alchemist in the rarified atmosphere of the Champions League and he will be heading to Stamford Bridge with the kind of battle plan Napoleon would have been proud of. Every eventuality will have been considered, all strengths and weaknesses assessed and a tactical masterplan will be implemented which will give Liverpool every chance of getting the result they need. We know this is the case because we have seen it so many times over the last four years. We have seen it against Arsenal, Inter Milan and Juventus. And we have seen it against Chelsea. Twice. The Spaniard will be relishing the opportunity of going into the Londoners' own backyard and making it a hat-trick. He won't see his team as the underdogs and he certainly won't be afraid. As is the case for his team, this is Benitez's stage, a place where he is rarely found wanting. Chelsea, by contrast, have been to the Champions League semi-finals on three separate occasions and are still to make it to a single final. To borrow a phrase from bookmaking parlance, the Londoners do not have course and distance. They do have an away goal to their name, but it is only one. Liverpool now know exactly what they have to do and every single Liverpool fan should today be believing that they will do it. It is they who have history on their side no matter what those French statisticians might say.
And anyway, 23 is a lucky number for Liverpool at Stamford Bridge. Remember Kenny Dalglish's goal to win the league at Chelsea in 1986? It was scored after exactly 23 minutes. That's fate, history and a beautiful omen. It's going to be Liverpool's night. All we have to do is believe. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Monday, April 28, 2008
A massive, massive game
First of all, I must apologise for not writing since our fantastic win against Arsenal in Anfield. No excuses really.....just been busy and lazy, I must admit.
Despite our current form, it is disappointing to approach the return leg of the Champions League semi-final in Stamford Bridge at 1-1. When Riise came on for Aurelio, I remember telling my friends at the fan club that he will be the weak link and how I hope he will not screw it up for us. So you can imagine how I felt when that equaliser was scored in extended injury time. Absolutely rubbish! We have been reading some really positive comments coming out of Anfield in the aftermath of that game but I personally believe Riise's time is up. I always believe he lacks the defensive qualities and even as an attacking left winger, he has been inconsistent over the years. It is true that he has scored some astonishing goals in the past but we are not looking at flashes of brilliance but consistency over the entire season. In this sense, he has to leave. I feel that Aurelio has matured and settled very well in the left back position and he will continue to occupy that side of the pitch. The other player that impressed me on Saturday was the youngster Emiliano Insua. Although he only played for 15mins, I saw enough to feel that he deserves to start against Chelsea. You must be thinking I am crazy? Maybe....but it's time to take a measured gamble and we have nothing to lose. Chelsea are the huge favourites and I am sure they know what Riise is capable of. They WILL attack down the right and look to fire salvo after salvo of crosses into the box, knowing fully well that Riise will probably allow them to do it with relative ease. With Insua, he will be the surprise package. It's now up to Rafa to decide if he thinks that boy is ready for the game of his life. I am quietly confident.
It's good that we have finally wrapped up our league position and secured Champions League football next season. The current fight for the league title can only work to our advantage, at least as far as the next game is concerned. Chelsea played with the entire full team and come Wed, it will be their third game in a week. Similiar to the last Arsenal game at Anfield, the final 10mins will be crucial. That's when our well rested legs will count and provide us with that extra push. Playing Babel in the second half was a master stroke by Rafa. He tormented the tired Arsenal players in the last 15mins. The same scenario can very well happen again. We have Pennant and Benayoun playing very well at the moment. Both of them can inflict serious damage if they come on as second half subs as well.
On the whole, I remain quietly confident that Stamford Bridge can crumble and collapse come Thurs morning. It is not impossible. Liverpool will need to produce one of our best performances in recent memory to make that a reality. There is still 90mins to play for and anything can still happen.
It will be a massive, massive game. Let's pray and fast for the team from today.........
God Bless Liverpool.
Despite our current form, it is disappointing to approach the return leg of the Champions League semi-final in Stamford Bridge at 1-1. When Riise came on for Aurelio, I remember telling my friends at the fan club that he will be the weak link and how I hope he will not screw it up for us. So you can imagine how I felt when that equaliser was scored in extended injury time. Absolutely rubbish! We have been reading some really positive comments coming out of Anfield in the aftermath of that game but I personally believe Riise's time is up. I always believe he lacks the defensive qualities and even as an attacking left winger, he has been inconsistent over the years. It is true that he has scored some astonishing goals in the past but we are not looking at flashes of brilliance but consistency over the entire season. In this sense, he has to leave. I feel that Aurelio has matured and settled very well in the left back position and he will continue to occupy that side of the pitch. The other player that impressed me on Saturday was the youngster Emiliano Insua. Although he only played for 15mins, I saw enough to feel that he deserves to start against Chelsea. You must be thinking I am crazy? Maybe....but it's time to take a measured gamble and we have nothing to lose. Chelsea are the huge favourites and I am sure they know what Riise is capable of. They WILL attack down the right and look to fire salvo after salvo of crosses into the box, knowing fully well that Riise will probably allow them to do it with relative ease. With Insua, he will be the surprise package. It's now up to Rafa to decide if he thinks that boy is ready for the game of his life. I am quietly confident.
It's good that we have finally wrapped up our league position and secured Champions League football next season. The current fight for the league title can only work to our advantage, at least as far as the next game is concerned. Chelsea played with the entire full team and come Wed, it will be their third game in a week. Similiar to the last Arsenal game at Anfield, the final 10mins will be crucial. That's when our well rested legs will count and provide us with that extra push. Playing Babel in the second half was a master stroke by Rafa. He tormented the tired Arsenal players in the last 15mins. The same scenario can very well happen again. We have Pennant and Benayoun playing very well at the moment. Both of them can inflict serious damage if they come on as second half subs as well.
On the whole, I remain quietly confident that Stamford Bridge can crumble and collapse come Thurs morning. It is not impossible. Liverpool will need to produce one of our best performances in recent memory to make that a reality. There is still 90mins to play for and anything can still happen.
It will be a massive, massive game. Let's pray and fast for the team from today.........
God Bless Liverpool.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Another Classic European Encounter
What a game! The atmosphere at Harry's was just explosive. We were all shouting, screaming, jumping, hugging, crying, laughing..........all in unison. The experience was comparable to the Champions League final against AC Milan 3 years ago.
I mentioned in my last blog that I suspected Arsenal's players will tire toward the end of the game. I was not wrong. The only player running with fresh legs in the last 15mins was Theo Walcott. The fact that he burst past 4 Liverpool players before feeding an inch perfect pass to Adebayor says it all. On the other hand, Liverpool rested Babel and Mascherano fully on Sat. Gerard and Torres only played 20 and 1o mins respectively. Fabregas was non-existent towards the end. It was a good tactical game plan by Benitez. The employment of Crouch up front with Torres was a master-stroke. It was Crouch's flick-on header to Torres that resulted in Liverpool's second goal. Of course, with the employment of Crouch, we lost the wing play on the left and that's where I felt we could have done better. Gerard was guilty of straying into the centre too often. The only attacking option on the left was the overlapping runs provided by Aurelio from the left back position. I felt that Babel should have replaced Crouch after we went 2-1 up. That would have given us more width and it would stretch the tiring Arsenal defence further. Babel's pace and power down the left would have posed many problems. As expected, the last 2 goals by Liverpool were direct contributions from Babel. He has been exceptional thus far and is now finally showing what he is really capable of. I said previously that Benitez can even employ him as a second striker. Having said that, it is quite obvious that we need further reinforcements in summer. We need at least 2 quality wingers that are able to inter-change on either flanks. We need reinforcements at the left back position. With Skrtel and Agger in the team, the future certainly looks bright in defence. We have found able replacements for the ageing Hypia and Carragher. With the addition of another quality stiker, it will certainly enhance our challenge for the league title next season.
We will have a psychological edge over Chelsea in the semi-final round. Having beaten them twice in the semis over the last 3 years, they must feel the pressure to finally deliver. That can only work to our advantage. The manner in which we beat Arsenal can only boost our confidence and I honestly think the team is peaking at the right time. It will be a tough fight but like I said before, no one really wants to play us in Europe.
I have already booked my air ticket to Moscow in May. Only waiting for my match ticket now....anyone care to join me? It will be a Liverpool vs Barcelona final. :-)
I mentioned in my last blog that I suspected Arsenal's players will tire toward the end of the game. I was not wrong. The only player running with fresh legs in the last 15mins was Theo Walcott. The fact that he burst past 4 Liverpool players before feeding an inch perfect pass to Adebayor says it all. On the other hand, Liverpool rested Babel and Mascherano fully on Sat. Gerard and Torres only played 20 and 1o mins respectively. Fabregas was non-existent towards the end. It was a good tactical game plan by Benitez. The employment of Crouch up front with Torres was a master-stroke. It was Crouch's flick-on header to Torres that resulted in Liverpool's second goal. Of course, with the employment of Crouch, we lost the wing play on the left and that's where I felt we could have done better. Gerard was guilty of straying into the centre too often. The only attacking option on the left was the overlapping runs provided by Aurelio from the left back position. I felt that Babel should have replaced Crouch after we went 2-1 up. That would have given us more width and it would stretch the tiring Arsenal defence further. Babel's pace and power down the left would have posed many problems. As expected, the last 2 goals by Liverpool were direct contributions from Babel. He has been exceptional thus far and is now finally showing what he is really capable of. I said previously that Benitez can even employ him as a second striker. Having said that, it is quite obvious that we need further reinforcements in summer. We need at least 2 quality wingers that are able to inter-change on either flanks. We need reinforcements at the left back position. With Skrtel and Agger in the team, the future certainly looks bright in defence. We have found able replacements for the ageing Hypia and Carragher. With the addition of another quality stiker, it will certainly enhance our challenge for the league title next season.
We will have a psychological edge over Chelsea in the semi-final round. Having beaten them twice in the semis over the last 3 years, they must feel the pressure to finally deliver. That can only work to our advantage. The manner in which we beat Arsenal can only boost our confidence and I honestly think the team is peaking at the right time. It will be a tough fight but like I said before, no one really wants to play us in Europe.
I have already booked my air ticket to Moscow in May. Only waiting for my match ticket now....anyone care to join me? It will be a Liverpool vs Barcelona final. :-)
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