14 March 2009, the scoreboard at Old Trafford read Manchester Utd 1-4 Liverpool. It was unthinkable. Many Utd fans and even well known football punters said it was merely a bad day at the office and Utd have too much class to crumble. They would prove their quality by bouncing straight back with a convincing performance at Fulham's Craven Cottage, a ground they never lost at for the last 45 years or so.
Utd fans were in for a shock. Their team hardly showed up before a Danny Murphy penalty put them 1-0 down. Utd never recovered from losing Scholes so early on and were lucky to go into halftime trailing by just the one goal. Utd came out fighting in the second half but could not crack a resiliant Fulham defence and an equally good Shwarzer. The pressure started to show and after conceding a second goal in the 88th minute it looked like most of the fireworks had passed. Up stepped Rooney and after hurling the ball back at the referee he saw red for a second yellow. Utd looked a beaten team.
The weekend got even better for LFC when Chelsea lost 1-0 at White Hart Lane to a Modric goal early in the second half. Spurs fought hard for the 3 points after much criticised goalkeeper Gomes made a series of stunning saves. A weekend this good could only be capped by a Liverpool win. Many fans feared that our inconsistency would once again come back to haunt us with a tricky tie against Aston Villa. How wrong they would be. LFC ended up winning the game 5-0 and closing the gap to just 1 point from Man Utd albeit with a game in hand.
Liverpool started the game with a frantic pace and pushed Villa back with some stunning approach play and opened the scoring after just 8 minutes from a well taken shot by Kuyt after Alonso's initial header from a Gerrad free kick came back off the cross bar. Villa started coming back into the game and gave LFC a scare or two. Carew's header from a well placed Milner cross brought a fabulous one handed save from Reina. Soon after the mini Villa revival they found themselves 2-0 down. Reina was the architech of the goal as he pumped the ball up field with pin point accuracy and picked out Riera who smashed a stunning volley past the helpless Friedle. LFC put the game beyond Villa with a third goal before halftime after Riera went on a run into the box looking to take on Reo-Cocker and was brought down. Gerrard did the honours and sent Friedle the wrong way.
Early in the second half Gerrard had the opportunity to extend the lead after Kuyt was brought down on the edge of the box. He calmly stroked the ball into the net to make if 4-0. Liverpool were coasting and Rafa decided to rest both Alonso and Arbeloa who were returning from injuries. On came Rafa's favourite, Lucas and a welcomed return for Agger. Torres latched on a through ball and rounded Friedle only to be up ended and the American saw red for his troubles. Gerrard slotted the ball into the back of the net and once again sent the keeper the wrong way thus completing a stunning set piece hat-trick.
The title race is definetly back on and for once it might look like Utd are the ones who succumb to the pressures of leading the pack into the business end of the season. Fergie should be worried.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Utd Routed At Old Trafford
Well done BOYS.... Great victory today!!!!
After a tense start from Liverpool we recovered and went on to record probably our most emphatic wins against Man Utd and all this began after we went 1-0.
We were very unlucky to concede a penalty soon after we were just starting a grow into the game. The players never dropped their heads and fought back and soon after were level. It was another well crafted goal from Torres who disspossed Vidic and ran on to slot the ball past the onrushing Van Der Sar. We started to boss the game and after some slick passing between Torres and Gerrard ,Evra brought Gerrard down..Penalty! Gerrard Scored, 2-1 at the break.
Utd came out the stronger after halftime and were looking for the equaliser but we held on. Gerrard wasted a great chance to extend the lead but he skied his shot when it looked easier to hit the target. Soon after Gerrard was brought down by Vidic just outside the box. Vidic saw red and up stepped Aurelio to hit the back of the net with a stunning swerving free-kick that left Va Der Sar rooted to his line. The rout was completed in injury time when Dossena latched on to a clearance from Reina to lob the ball over Van Der Sar who could only watch the ball sail over his head.
Pure ectacy for every player and fan alike as this capped one of the most thrilling weeks in recent times.Now lets go on and win the title!!!
After a tense start from Liverpool we recovered and went on to record probably our most emphatic wins against Man Utd and all this began after we went 1-0.
We were very unlucky to concede a penalty soon after we were just starting a grow into the game. The players never dropped their heads and fought back and soon after were level. It was another well crafted goal from Torres who disspossed Vidic and ran on to slot the ball past the onrushing Van Der Sar. We started to boss the game and after some slick passing between Torres and Gerrard ,Evra brought Gerrard down..Penalty! Gerrard Scored, 2-1 at the break.
Utd came out the stronger after halftime and were looking for the equaliser but we held on. Gerrard wasted a great chance to extend the lead but he skied his shot when it looked easier to hit the target. Soon after Gerrard was brought down by Vidic just outside the box. Vidic saw red and up stepped Aurelio to hit the back of the net with a stunning swerving free-kick that left Va Der Sar rooted to his line. The rout was completed in injury time when Dossena latched on to a clearance from Reina to lob the ball over Van Der Sar who could only watch the ball sail over his head.
Pure ectacy for every player and fan alike as this capped one of the most thrilling weeks in recent times.Now lets go on and win the title!!!
Monday, March 9, 2009
Anfield Welcomes Real Madrid
We have entered the week that could define Liverpools season and also the fate of Rafa Benitez. Liverpool welcome the mighty Real Madrid to Anfield tonight and travel to Old Trafford on Saturday in what could be a crucial game for both Liverpool and Manchester Utd's title aspirations. While many people already say its over I still believe that if we get the 3 points at old Trafford the title race could go down to the wire.
Taking a 1 goal lead into the 2nd leg of the Champions League Knockout stage, Real Madrid still have everything to play for. By no means is this tie over. Madrid have the experience and class to snatch the victory out of Liverpools grasp but Rafa's boys will no doubt be up for the fight. In todays press conference Rafa says that he will give Torres every chance of playing against Madrid and would wait until the absolute last minute to make a decision. Gerrard should lead Liverpool out at Anfield in what would be his 100th European appearance for the club. Rafa still has problems with the right back slot as Arbeloa is still missing and after Skrtles dismal performance at right back against Middlebrough he might have to deploy Mascherano who gave a good account of himself against Sunderland in mid-week. Benayoun is out of the clash after a bizzare training ground collission caused him to tear his hamstring so Kuyt should be re-called at right half and Reira on the left with Stevie G playing just behind Torres. This formation has worked well for Rafa in the past and could be the key to beating Madrid.
Whatever team Rafa starts with we just have to attack Madrid from the first whistle and who knows what could happen with out "12th" man "The Kop" in full flight Madrid could just get caught cold. This could work in our favour on what should be a very special European night at Anfield.
Taking a 1 goal lead into the 2nd leg of the Champions League Knockout stage, Real Madrid still have everything to play for. By no means is this tie over. Madrid have the experience and class to snatch the victory out of Liverpools grasp but Rafa's boys will no doubt be up for the fight. In todays press conference Rafa says that he will give Torres every chance of playing against Madrid and would wait until the absolute last minute to make a decision. Gerrard should lead Liverpool out at Anfield in what would be his 100th European appearance for the club. Rafa still has problems with the right back slot as Arbeloa is still missing and after Skrtles dismal performance at right back against Middlebrough he might have to deploy Mascherano who gave a good account of himself against Sunderland in mid-week. Benayoun is out of the clash after a bizzare training ground collission caused him to tear his hamstring so Kuyt should be re-called at right half and Reira on the left with Stevie G playing just behind Torres. This formation has worked well for Rafa in the past and could be the key to beating Madrid.
Whatever team Rafa starts with we just have to attack Madrid from the first whistle and who knows what could happen with out "12th" man "The Kop" in full flight Madrid could just get caught cold. This could work in our favour on what should be a very special European night at Anfield.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Rafa Must Go
After watching our dismall performance against Middlesborogh I can't help but feel that the Americans should call time on Rafa's tenure at Anfield.Once again his rotation policy killed us and to make matters worst our only two match winners are injured.Torres will be sidelined for up to 2 more games and Gerrard's injury is sill unclear.
While Rafa still hasn't signed his new contract I think the Americans should withdraw the offer and let him go in the summer and he should take his underachieving players with him. I was pleased to see that we were linked with Mourinho but I would rather bring in Rijkaard. I would like to see us play good football while winning trophies and I think his fresh approach and attacking instict would go down well with LFC fans all over.Just look at what he did with Barca, they played some of the most attractive football in the world at the time while winning La Liga and the Champions League.
Rafa once again stuttered in the league and since his public outburts against Fergie we have only won 2 league games and have sinced been passed by a resurgent Chelsea who are now 2nd. He made everything about himself and the team sufferred for it. Confidence is at an all time low and the way we played on Saturday is a huge worry with big games against Man U, Real Madrid and Villa all coming up in the next few weeks.Our season could be wrecked from a title pushing position to our customary 4th in the table.
While Rafa still hasn't signed his new contract I think the Americans should withdraw the offer and let him go in the summer and he should take his underachieving players with him. I was pleased to see that we were linked with Mourinho but I would rather bring in Rijkaard. I would like to see us play good football while winning trophies and I think his fresh approach and attacking instict would go down well with LFC fans all over.Just look at what he did with Barca, they played some of the most attractive football in the world at the time while winning La Liga and the Champions League.
Rafa once again stuttered in the league and since his public outburts against Fergie we have only won 2 league games and have sinced been passed by a resurgent Chelsea who are now 2nd. He made everything about himself and the team sufferred for it. Confidence is at an all time low and the way we played on Saturday is a huge worry with big games against Man U, Real Madrid and Villa all coming up in the next few weeks.Our season could be wrecked from a title pushing position to our customary 4th in the table.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Utd Go 7 Points Clear
Utd opened up a 7 point gap after we stumbled to our 10th draw of the season. Without Stevie G and Alonso in midfield we just lacked imagination and drive. Lucas once again was given a starting role in midfield alongside Mascherano but failed to impress. One really has to wonder about Rafa's vision in selling Sissoko and replacing him with Lucas.
I for one hope that Rafa doesn't sign the new and improved contract thats on offer. We should cut our losses and get rid of him at the end of the season.There are a number of players that should follow him out of Anfield namely Lucas, Dossena, Babel, Ngog, Benoyoun, Voronin, Deggen, El Zhar, Pennant & Aurelio. These are players that have never lived up to expectations.
In the league this season Rafa's tactics were questioned. I know he is the one that got us to the top but in recent weeks he seemed to have no clue. Decisions that are ultimatley made by him came into question, team selection, subs, timing of subs and negative tactics. These are decisions that could well end our title push.
Next up for LFC is an exciting trip to the Bernabeau and I bet my life on it you'll see a totally different Liverpool. Their hunger and drive for success would be greater and you can just hear everyone saying what a great manger he is but don't be fooled as its back to normal next Saturday with a visit to the Riverside sporting a team consisting of wholesale changes.
I for one hope that Rafa doesn't sign the new and improved contract thats on offer. We should cut our losses and get rid of him at the end of the season.There are a number of players that should follow him out of Anfield namely Lucas, Dossena, Babel, Ngog, Benoyoun, Voronin, Deggen, El Zhar, Pennant & Aurelio. These are players that have never lived up to expectations.
In the league this season Rafa's tactics were questioned. I know he is the one that got us to the top but in recent weeks he seemed to have no clue. Decisions that are ultimatley made by him came into question, team selection, subs, timing of subs and negative tactics. These are decisions that could well end our title push.
Next up for LFC is an exciting trip to the Bernabeau and I bet my life on it you'll see a totally different Liverpool. Their hunger and drive for success would be greater and you can just hear everyone saying what a great manger he is but don't be fooled as its back to normal next Saturday with a visit to the Riverside sporting a team consisting of wholesale changes.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Torres Gets Rafa Out Of Jail
Fernando Torres came off the bench to score a dramatic injury time winner against Portsmouth at the weekend. Rafa left him, Alonso, Kuyt and Riera on the bench and started with a "weakened" 11. Eyebrows were raised when Rafa went with a very unconventional starting line-up. 5 at the back and Aurelio in the centre of the park! What was he thinking? Why did he change the formation of the team?
Aurelio was holding his own in midfield and even added some flair to it but we were lacking Alonso's ability and craftmanship to split defences and create something out of nothing and duly did that once he was introduced.
Babbel looks like a broken man on the field. He no longer seems to have the ability to run at defences. His confidence is gone thanks to Rafa's inability to find his best position on the field. Is it as a winger or a striker, no one seems to know let alone Rafa. And what about the selection of Ngog to lead the line. He showed some good touches in pre-season games but nothing of late warrants a start. Rafa would have done better keeping Keane.Thank God Lucas was suspended for the game otherwise Mascherano might have also joined the "dream" team on the bench!
Ok Rafa got the 3 points with resting key players and using them sparingly at the end but I just hope he knows what hes doing in the run in to the championship. With Gerrard out for up to 3 weeks he cannot gamble with his team selection. He need all his "big" players to come to the party and overhaul the points deficit to the mancs and bring home our 19th Championship.
Aurelio was holding his own in midfield and even added some flair to it but we were lacking Alonso's ability and craftmanship to split defences and create something out of nothing and duly did that once he was introduced.
Babbel looks like a broken man on the field. He no longer seems to have the ability to run at defences. His confidence is gone thanks to Rafa's inability to find his best position on the field. Is it as a winger or a striker, no one seems to know let alone Rafa. And what about the selection of Ngog to lead the line. He showed some good touches in pre-season games but nothing of late warrants a start. Rafa would have done better keeping Keane.Thank God Lucas was suspended for the game otherwise Mascherano might have also joined the "dream" team on the bench!
Ok Rafa got the 3 points with resting key players and using them sparingly at the end but I just hope he knows what hes doing in the run in to the championship. With Gerrard out for up to 3 weeks he cannot gamble with his team selection. He need all his "big" players to come to the party and overhaul the points deficit to the mancs and bring home our 19th Championship.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Keane Returns To Spurs
While Rafa claims that Keane was never a player that he wanted many supporters felt that he was given a raw deal. When Keane arrived in the summer it was hailed as something of a coup and many believed that with his intelligence, a partnership with Torres would flourish.Even the great Kenny Dalglish commented on the importance of a signing like Keane and Rafa got credit for persuading "Mr" Spurs to join his Rafalution.
But when things didn't go to plan with his partnership with Torres many doubted the signing. Keane couldn't capitalise from Torres's injury and failed to impress in his absence. He did manage to score two against WBA and a stunner against Arsenal in the league but was soon dropped from the starting 11 and was an unused sub for a few games and even dropped further behind an unimpressive Ngog.
After rejecting the new contract offered by the Americans because he did not have full control over transfers the truth came out about the Keane transfer. Rafa claimed that he never wanted Keane but it was Rick Parry that sanctioned the deal. Rafa only wanted Gareth Barry but Parry refused to pay the 18 Million Pounds demanded by Villa instead he did a deal worth 20 Mil with Spurs for Keane.
Keane was never given a fair chance by Rafa to completely settle in having scored just 7 goals in 28 starts in which he was subbed in 18 of those games. Subsequently he was sold back to Spurs for 16 Million Pounds ( as reported by Koptalk ) and with the extension of the transfer window due to the heavy snowfall around the UK , hopefully Rafa signs another striker to strengthen our push for the title. Javier Saviola was strongly linked with us and could prove to be a quality signing if he comes to Anfield.
Good Luck Keano...YNWA
But when things didn't go to plan with his partnership with Torres many doubted the signing. Keane couldn't capitalise from Torres's injury and failed to impress in his absence. He did manage to score two against WBA and a stunner against Arsenal in the league but was soon dropped from the starting 11 and was an unused sub for a few games and even dropped further behind an unimpressive Ngog.
After rejecting the new contract offered by the Americans because he did not have full control over transfers the truth came out about the Keane transfer. Rafa claimed that he never wanted Keane but it was Rick Parry that sanctioned the deal. Rafa only wanted Gareth Barry but Parry refused to pay the 18 Million Pounds demanded by Villa instead he did a deal worth 20 Mil with Spurs for Keane.
Keane was never given a fair chance by Rafa to completely settle in having scored just 7 goals in 28 starts in which he was subbed in 18 of those games. Subsequently he was sold back to Spurs for 16 Million Pounds ( as reported by Koptalk ) and with the extension of the transfer window due to the heavy snowfall around the UK , hopefully Rafa signs another striker to strengthen our push for the title. Javier Saviola was strongly linked with us and could prove to be a quality signing if he comes to Anfield.
Good Luck Keano...YNWA
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