Back in 4th place (at least until Everton plays). That's where we belong.
It was a good game, coming from 1 goal down to win. I said after the Inter game that this may well be the turning point this season. We have been in the dumps longer than expected and it is time this revival begins. Confidence is high. We played well although I won't comment on the scoreline. It was unnecessary to concede 2 goals. Then again, Carra was suspended and Agger is still injured. With the both of them back in the lineup soon, I am sure we will do a lot better.
Once again Torres proved to be the difference this season. This being his second hat trick in the season. One thing I must say is that I am really frustrated with Rafa's treatment of Crouchy. He seem to prefer Kyut to him a lot more. As far as I am concerned, Kyut must go. Although he has a great attitude but we need a better finisher in front of goal. Crouch gives us that edge. With Crouch playing, he will be the ideal target man for Torres. I can imagine that to be the perfect strike partnership. Have been saying this for many many weeks.
In any case, this is an important win and I just wanna savour it for now.......
Well done boys!!!
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Turning Point
This must be the turning point in our season.
Beating Inter Milan this morning was by no means a stroll in the park. Someone said it was becos' we were playing against 10men for most of the game. I disagreed. Playing against 10 men may be more difficult than a full team, especially so against an italian team who can defend deep. Just look at the way they pack their 6 yard box. Inter walked into Anfield this morning unbeaten in all competitions this season. Their last defeat was in Sep 07. However, the question Liverpool was asking the first 30mins was whether they could play at a pace that fast. As we found out, the italians couldn't cope. The statictics says it all. Liverpool had 61% possession , 23 shots with 7 on target. Inter had 3 shots and none on target. That's shocking! It is also interesting to note that 2 of those shots came after the 65th minute mark. They came for a draw.
Advantage Liverpool. Although the tie is not over yet, we have one foot into the next knock out round. Someone also said this morning that Inter will thrash us at the San Siro come next week but they will need to score 3 goals to do that. And if we score an away goal, they will need 4. Not an easy feat too against a Liverpool team that has made Champions League football our cup of tea. We must remember Milan 3 season ago and also for the finals last year. Lessons must be learnt and we must reproduce a disciplined performance like the one against Barcelona in Nou Camp. In the mean time, let's savour this victory.
If you had read my blog a day before the game and believed what I said, I am sure you are a little richer by now. :-)
Let's hope we survive San Siro in 3 weeks and finish these italian bastards off.....Come On You Reds!!!!
Beating Inter Milan this morning was by no means a stroll in the park. Someone said it was becos' we were playing against 10men for most of the game. I disagreed. Playing against 10 men may be more difficult than a full team, especially so against an italian team who can defend deep. Just look at the way they pack their 6 yard box. Inter walked into Anfield this morning unbeaten in all competitions this season. Their last defeat was in Sep 07. However, the question Liverpool was asking the first 30mins was whether they could play at a pace that fast. As we found out, the italians couldn't cope. The statictics says it all. Liverpool had 61% possession , 23 shots with 7 on target. Inter had 3 shots and none on target. That's shocking! It is also interesting to note that 2 of those shots came after the 65th minute mark. They came for a draw.
Advantage Liverpool. Although the tie is not over yet, we have one foot into the next knock out round. Someone also said this morning that Inter will thrash us at the San Siro come next week but they will need to score 3 goals to do that. And if we score an away goal, they will need 4. Not an easy feat too against a Liverpool team that has made Champions League football our cup of tea. We must remember Milan 3 season ago and also for the finals last year. Lessons must be learnt and we must reproduce a disciplined performance like the one against Barcelona in Nou Camp. In the mean time, let's savour this victory.
If you had read my blog a day before the game and believed what I said, I am sure you are a little richer by now. :-)
Let's hope we survive San Siro in 3 weeks and finish these italian bastards off.....Come On You Reds!!!!
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
This is Sweet!!
I missed the game!! Fell asleep an hour before and only woke up in time to see the goals!!! Will catch the reply tonight. Damn!!
If you had read my blog yesterday and believed me, you would be a little richer today too!!
It was a classic Liverpool European night. I am not sure if the Inter sending off early in the game contributed to the result but the statictics was quite shocking. Inter had 3 shots, with none on target. Liverpool on the other hand had 61% possession, 23 shots and 7 on target (if I do not recall wrongly). It was total dominance for a game of this level. The italians were setup to defend after going down to 10 men but I expected their forwards to play a counter attacking game. Looks like they were content with a draw.
Kudos to Kyut. Its now 2 goals in 2 games. I hope its the beginning of better times for him. And what a beauty from Stevie!!! Score 2-0!!!
Taking a 2 goal advantage to the San Siro is not a bad result at all but the danger is that we will now be favourites to go through and I don't like it. The under-dog tag fits me just fine. The odds are stacked against us still and we need to be tight in defence and aim to get an early goal in the second leg. Score first and Inter will need 4 goals to win the tie.
It is looking good. The counter attacking game will suit Torres fine.
This is Anfield. European nights are special here. Just remember that.
Let's pray this is the turning point for us in the season. We need to now go all out to secure ourselves that 4th spot in the league and take one game at a time in Europe.
If you had read my blog yesterday and believed me, you would be a little richer today too!!
It was a classic Liverpool European night. I am not sure if the Inter sending off early in the game contributed to the result but the statictics was quite shocking. Inter had 3 shots, with none on target. Liverpool on the other hand had 61% possession, 23 shots and 7 on target (if I do not recall wrongly). It was total dominance for a game of this level. The italians were setup to defend after going down to 10 men but I expected their forwards to play a counter attacking game. Looks like they were content with a draw.
Kudos to Kyut. Its now 2 goals in 2 games. I hope its the beginning of better times for him. And what a beauty from Stevie!!! Score 2-0!!!
Taking a 2 goal advantage to the San Siro is not a bad result at all but the danger is that we will now be favourites to go through and I don't like it. The under-dog tag fits me just fine. The odds are stacked against us still and we need to be tight in defence and aim to get an early goal in the second leg. Score first and Inter will need 4 goals to win the tie.
It is looking good. The counter attacking game will suit Torres fine.
This is Anfield. European nights are special here. Just remember that.
Let's pray this is the turning point for us in the season. We need to now go all out to secure ourselves that 4th spot in the league and take one game at a time in Europe.
I am praying
I am praying. Cannot sleep. The game is 3 hours from now and my tummy is feeling funny.
It's a huge game. Looking on the bright side of things, Champions League football has been our turf for the last 3 seasons. 2 finals in 3 years. Not a record Man U or Arsenal can boast about. As much as the league title has eluded us for 19 years, the same goes for Man U and Arsenal. Don't talk about Chelsea. They were nobody before that Russian gay....I mean, guy bought the club. European nights in Anfield are special. Remember Juventus a few seasons ago?? Remember Olympiakos? We must take confidence from our track record. Inter on the other hand has been inconsistent in Europe. Only one semi final appearance in the last 5 years (if I don't recall wrongly). They walk into Anfield tonight unbeaten all season. The lead the Serie A by more than 10 points. Impressive statistics. Liverpool on the other hand was dumped out of the FA cup by Barnsley over the weekend. The odds are stacked against us. I hope the whole gambling world takes Inter tonight. That can only work to our advantage.
The first 20 mins will be crucial. We must explode off the blocks from the first whistle. We must bombard them with waves of attack down the flanks. Crouch will cause the pasta-babies a lot of problems. The flick-ons will be crucial. Torres must run between the lines and take advantage of his speed. Benayoun and Babel must fire down the flanks and provide quality crosses. They will be the alternate fire power, cutting in to cause the defence problems. Mascherano will need to be at 110%, disrupting any counter attacks with his precise tackling. Gerard needs to provide those explosive runs down the centre. He needs to start showing what he is really capable of. The defence will be where the game will be won or lost. I hope Skrtel starts. He has shown great quality against Chelsea. Carra needs to be at his very best. If Riise and Finan plays, I pray they will not be our weak links. Inter's strike force is intimidating but we need to be strong and courageous.
The hope of all Liverpool fans rests on the 11 players on the pitch tonight. God be with them....
It's a huge game. Looking on the bright side of things, Champions League football has been our turf for the last 3 seasons. 2 finals in 3 years. Not a record Man U or Arsenal can boast about. As much as the league title has eluded us for 19 years, the same goes for Man U and Arsenal. Don't talk about Chelsea. They were nobody before that Russian gay....I mean, guy bought the club. European nights in Anfield are special. Remember Juventus a few seasons ago?? Remember Olympiakos? We must take confidence from our track record. Inter on the other hand has been inconsistent in Europe. Only one semi final appearance in the last 5 years (if I don't recall wrongly). They walk into Anfield tonight unbeaten all season. The lead the Serie A by more than 10 points. Impressive statistics. Liverpool on the other hand was dumped out of the FA cup by Barnsley over the weekend. The odds are stacked against us. I hope the whole gambling world takes Inter tonight. That can only work to our advantage.
The first 20 mins will be crucial. We must explode off the blocks from the first whistle. We must bombard them with waves of attack down the flanks. Crouch will cause the pasta-babies a lot of problems. The flick-ons will be crucial. Torres must run between the lines and take advantage of his speed. Benayoun and Babel must fire down the flanks and provide quality crosses. They will be the alternate fire power, cutting in to cause the defence problems. Mascherano will need to be at 110%, disrupting any counter attacks with his precise tackling. Gerard needs to provide those explosive runs down the centre. He needs to start showing what he is really capable of. The defence will be where the game will be won or lost. I hope Skrtel starts. He has shown great quality against Chelsea. Carra needs to be at his very best. If Riise and Finan plays, I pray they will not be our weak links. Inter's strike force is intimidating but we need to be strong and courageous.
The hope of all Liverpool fans rests on the 11 players on the pitch tonight. God be with them....
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Take Liverpool to beat Inter
In any case, although I have lost quite a bit of money on Liverpool this season, including last night's shocking 1-2 loss, I will put my money on Liverpool to beat Inter Milan by 1 goal or 2 goals.
Believe me? It's entirely up to you. Remember, everything in the remaining season hinges on this game. It's make or break.
Believe me? It's entirely up to you. Remember, everything in the remaining season hinges on this game. It's make or break.
My heart is broken
I feel terrible today. As usual, my friends who are Man U and Arsenal's fans sent smses to rub salt into my wounds. Had to suck it up and endure......
With Inter Milan on Wed morning in Anfield, this is certainly not the kind of result we were after. What really pissed me off was the team selection. I understand the intention was to keep some fresh legs against Inter in 3 days but the thinking behind the team selection is what I am questioning. Do we really need to rest Reina in goal???? To me, both Barnsley's goals were avoidable. The first goal was really Itandje's mistake. He came off his line and failed to make contact with the ball. What a mess!! And the winning goal? The whole defence including the keeper were guilty of ball watching. Why was Babel taken off when he was clearly the best player on the field? What's worse? His replacement was Harry Kewell! Immediately, the team lost an important attacking front down the left. Kewell was absolutely RUBBISH!! He can't dribble, he can't run, he can't shoot. What is he doing on the pitch?? And Alonso?? He is one player that needs to pull up his socks or ship out. He was a pale shadow of his former self.
Although I agree that the quality of the team put up should be good enough to beat lowly Barnsley but the team is not exactly in fine form now. Confidence is low. We need goals and anything else to push the team ahead. Winning by 1 goal will not help much. Losing the game is a million times worse.
Rafa needs to go. Like I said, I have no problems with team rotation but he needs to be clear who are his bext XI and when to tinker the team. Like I said, do we need to tinker the team's goalkeeper? He has been guilty for showing disrespect for the Carling and FA Cups by fielding under strength teams. I like Rafa but my patience with him is running dry. Lose to Inter and we will call for his head. We need a new inspiration. Clearly, he is not able to wake the team from it's slumber. He seems to be running out of ideas. We need a new face, a new sense of determination, a new streak of confidence.
Lose to Inter on Wed morning? Our season will be over.
I cannot imagine.
With Inter Milan on Wed morning in Anfield, this is certainly not the kind of result we were after. What really pissed me off was the team selection. I understand the intention was to keep some fresh legs against Inter in 3 days but the thinking behind the team selection is what I am questioning. Do we really need to rest Reina in goal???? To me, both Barnsley's goals were avoidable. The first goal was really Itandje's mistake. He came off his line and failed to make contact with the ball. What a mess!! And the winning goal? The whole defence including the keeper were guilty of ball watching. Why was Babel taken off when he was clearly the best player on the field? What's worse? His replacement was Harry Kewell! Immediately, the team lost an important attacking front down the left. Kewell was absolutely RUBBISH!! He can't dribble, he can't run, he can't shoot. What is he doing on the pitch?? And Alonso?? He is one player that needs to pull up his socks or ship out. He was a pale shadow of his former self.
Although I agree that the quality of the team put up should be good enough to beat lowly Barnsley but the team is not exactly in fine form now. Confidence is low. We need goals and anything else to push the team ahead. Winning by 1 goal will not help much. Losing the game is a million times worse.
Rafa needs to go. Like I said, I have no problems with team rotation but he needs to be clear who are his bext XI and when to tinker the team. Like I said, do we need to tinker the team's goalkeeper? He has been guilty for showing disrespect for the Carling and FA Cups by fielding under strength teams. I like Rafa but my patience with him is running dry. Lose to Inter and we will call for his head. We need a new inspiration. Clearly, he is not able to wake the team from it's slumber. He seems to be running out of ideas. We need a new face, a new sense of determination, a new streak of confidence.
Lose to Inter on Wed morning? Our season will be over.
I cannot imagine.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Tired
I would really love to write something on my blog but I am too drained out. My mind is not really working by the time I come home and I keep falling asleep in front of my computer. It's bad. I will write again this weeekend......
For now, let's be ready for the Inter game.........
For now, let's be ready for the Inter game.........
Monday, February 11, 2008
It was a solid team peformance!
It is always good to get a point in places like Stamford Bridge. And top that up with a much improved performance from the team, I feel it was a good result.
We need to play at this level and committment in the long run. The players need to understand that we are now fighting for survival for a Champions League place. Can't drop anymore points and we need to kick start that winning run again.
I refuse to look at the table now. It's depressing. The extra game in hand will be very important now. We need to win in order to close the gap.
We need to play at this level and committment in the long run. The players need to understand that we are now fighting for survival for a Champions League place. Can't drop anymore points and we need to kick start that winning run again.
I refuse to look at the table now. It's depressing. The extra game in hand will be very important now. We need to win in order to close the gap.
Friday, February 8, 2008
We lost Torres
According to the club website, Torres is out for 10 days after injuring his hamstrings whilst playing for Spain in a friendly aganinst France. This is obsolutely a big blow!!! I am shocked. Losing our top scorer for 10 days in a crucial period!! My goodness. I cannot imagine the impact. Prior to this, I was quietly hopeful we might cause a shock in the game against Chelsea. Have a strange feeling, just like how I felt when we last beat them 2-0 a year ago. I am not so sure now. We will have to depend on the rest of the team.
In view of this, I think Crouch will start with Kyut. Voronin is injured too. We will have Babel, Benayoun on the wings with Gerard and Mascherano in the middle. I hope Rafa plays with Hypia and Skrtel in the middle with Carra on the left, out of his usual position. Finan will start on the right position since Arbeloa is injured too. We will probably have Pennant, Kewell, Lucas on the bench.
It will be tough. Looking at the starting line up, I will be happy if we come away with a point. I will take the quarter handicap from Chelsea and pray hard. It all depends on the attitude of the team. The first 30mins will be crucial. If we start off the game well, you will never know what can happen.
Happy Rat year everyone!!!
In view of this, I think Crouch will start with Kyut. Voronin is injured too. We will have Babel, Benayoun on the wings with Gerard and Mascherano in the middle. I hope Rafa plays with Hypia and Skrtel in the middle with Carra on the left, out of his usual position. Finan will start on the right position since Arbeloa is injured too. We will probably have Pennant, Kewell, Lucas on the bench.
It will be tough. Looking at the starting line up, I will be happy if we come away with a point. I will take the quarter handicap from Chelsea and pray hard. It all depends on the attitude of the team. The first 30mins will be crucial. If we start off the game well, you will never know what can happen.
Happy Rat year everyone!!!
Monday, February 4, 2008
Next 3 games...
I cannot help but feel excited about the next 3 games. First up, we travel to Stamford Bridge for a crucial tie on Sunday. If we are to secure ourselves a top 4 finish and put ourselves amongst the top 4 teams in England, we need a result there. Chelsea has been unbeaten at home for more than 2 years now. A colleague of mine said today that their "miraculous" run will end this Sunday. A bold statement but I wish he is right. It will be one hell of a morale booster if we manage to nick it. We have nothing to lose, so why not give it a go? Like the hokkien saying, "the ball is round", so anything is possible! Ha!
Next up will be Barnsley at home 6 days later for the FA Cup 5th round. We need to progress past this round in order to ensure we still have something to play for this season. I don't foresee a problem here but we gotta respect them for making it this far.
And 3 days after that, we face Inter Milan at home when the Champions League resumes. It will be a fantastic, highly intense and nervy game. The Italians are flying high right now, playing very well. Need a big result here in order to ensure we survive the away leg. It's going to be very very tough and I don't see how a positive result in Stamford Bridge will not help start a major revival of our remaining season.
Next up will be Barnsley at home 6 days later for the FA Cup 5th round. We need to progress past this round in order to ensure we still have something to play for this season. I don't foresee a problem here but we gotta respect them for making it this far.
And 3 days after that, we face Inter Milan at home when the Champions League resumes. It will be a fantastic, highly intense and nervy game. The Italians are flying high right now, playing very well. Need a big result here in order to ensure we survive the away leg. It's going to be very very tough and I don't see how a positive result in Stamford Bridge will not help start a major revival of our remaining season.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
I feel vindicated
I feel vindicated. If you read my last blog yesterday and had listened to what I said, you would probably be a little richer by now!! It was 3-0 against the Black Cats.
Though the first half was dismal, I thought it was a good solid team performance in the second. It was very nice to see Carra crossing for Crouch's goal. The question was not if but when. The moment the first goal went in, I knew the floodgates would open. Against a team like Sunderland, it was a given. If there was a better time to boost our confidence, it was last night.
I was particularly pleased with the Crouch and Torres combination. It led to the second goal (which incidentally was a beauty). Like I have said so many times, play the ball to his feet and leave the rest to him. See what I mean!
I want to quote Rafa and I am pleased he made this point in a recent interview with Livepoolfc.net, he said, "We have to have pride in the shirt, pride in the club that we work for and pride in the fans that we represent." Bingo! He got it spot on.
Now, bring on Chelski and the blue boys.....
"The difference between Everton and the Queen Mary is that Everton carry more passengers!" Bill Shankly
Though the first half was dismal, I thought it was a good solid team performance in the second. It was very nice to see Carra crossing for Crouch's goal. The question was not if but when. The moment the first goal went in, I knew the floodgates would open. Against a team like Sunderland, it was a given. If there was a better time to boost our confidence, it was last night.
I was particularly pleased with the Crouch and Torres combination. It led to the second goal (which incidentally was a beauty). Like I have said so many times, play the ball to his feet and leave the rest to him. See what I mean!
I want to quote Rafa and I am pleased he made this point in a recent interview with Livepoolfc.net, he said, "We have to have pride in the shirt, pride in the club that we work for and pride in the fans that we represent." Bingo! He got it spot on.
Now, bring on Chelski and the blue boys.....
"The difference between Everton and the Queen Mary is that Everton carry more passengers!" Bill Shankly
Friday, February 1, 2008
Never Say Never
I woke up this morning thinking about what I wrote in the blog last night.
I realised that I am losing confidence in the team and we are really in the dumps. I am sure many more Liverpool fans are feeling the same. But then again, we are the famous Kop. The never-say-die fans of the famous Liverpool Football Club. The greatest and most successful football team in the history of the english game. We need belief. We need to get behind the team and support them. Not desert them. Not to give up on them now.
Starting with this Saturday. It's now or never. I have a very strong feeling we will win by 2 clear goals against Sunderland.
Believe or you will live to regret it!!
"At Liverpool we never accept second best." Kenny Dalglish
I realised that I am losing confidence in the team and we are really in the dumps. I am sure many more Liverpool fans are feeling the same. But then again, we are the famous Kop. The never-say-die fans of the famous Liverpool Football Club. The greatest and most successful football team in the history of the english game. We need belief. We need to get behind the team and support them. Not desert them. Not to give up on them now.
Starting with this Saturday. It's now or never. I have a very strong feeling we will win by 2 clear goals against Sunderland.
Believe or you will live to regret it!!
"At Liverpool we never accept second best." Kenny Dalglish
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