What it means for us....
In South Africa the support for the English Premier League is largely split between Liverpool FC and Manchester United. In my town it gets a bit hectic, the Liverpool fans get hammered for our failure to win the league in the last 20 years.... we just hammer them back because they Man United, never liked much by anyone here.
So come this Sunday all fans will be wearing their respective team shirts and wait patiently for what will be our first 3 points of the season. In this fixture, form generally goes out the window and passion takes over...In front of our home crowd I have no doubt that we will truimph over out bitter rivals.
After four winless games so far we have made our worst start to a league season in over 100 years and no one is letting us forget it! The press and most betting companies are not giving us much hope either for a win on Sunday but I think we will prevail. WE ARE LIVERPOOL FOOTBALL CLUB.
We were desperately unlucky not to win at least 2 of our opening 4 games, we outplayed Man City and should've won that one, in our last game against Sunderland we were very unlucky not to win again. With over 60% possession and 23 shots on goal it is clear to see we have problems up front, we just not taking our chances in front of goal, we hit the bar twice and had numerous other chances to score. We are being very patient in our build up and the partnership of Allen and Gerrard in the middle of the park is going to get even stronger. Jonjo is looking hungry and makes excellent forward runs. Yes it will take time for us to click the way the manager wants but its going to come sooner rather than later.
The best way to really kick off the 'Rogers Revolution' will be to take 3 points off Man United !!!
Fergie is going to play 5 in midfield to counter our style and I think this is where we are going to win the game. We have the potential to win the midfield battle especially with the over lapping runs or Kelly/Enrique and Johnson. Rogers biggest concern will be whether to play Borini or bench him . In my opinion we should start with Reina, Johnson, Agger, Skrtle, Downing/Enrique (if fit), Allen, Shelvey, Sahin, Gerrard, Sterling, Suarez....Gerrard pushed up front to play alongside Suarez could prove a master stoke by Rogers. Gerrard is the type of player that would be perfect for Suarez to really take advantage off. Lets not forget Gerrard has a goal or 2 in him especially against Man United. Borinin, Assaidi, Yesil and Downing could all come on to change the game should we need.
This game is going to be huge and I think the script is written once again for a Liverpool win at Anfield...
We will walk tall in Fordsburg Square with out Warrior shirts and I knw we won't find any Man Utd fans to have fun with !!!!!
C'mon you REDS ...do it for the 96!!!
#YNWA
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Monday, September 3, 2012
Rogers left in Limbo by the Owners
Brendan Rogers was quoted three weeks ago "I'd be nuts to sell Carroll if theres no replacement for him and he needs 3 strikers"
Rogers was left in limbo last week as the owners sanctioned Carroll's move to West Ham on a season long loan. Rogers thought that he'd be getting a replasement in Clint Dempsey but the move never materialised. One wonders just how much FSG actually tried to get Dempsey when his move to Spurs was concluded in about an hour ! Refusing to spend 5 million pounds on a 29 year old who scored 17 goals last season....meanwhile the Mancs spend 24 million on a 29 year old in van Persie.
This left us very short up front with only Borini and Suarez as the recognised strikers. Yes Suarez is a striker but tends to create more than he scores. Borinin in my opinion is just not there yet, doesn't look like the 'goalscorer' that we need. Assaidi wasn't even on the bench while Yesil was bought as a future first team player.
For all our possession and good play yesterday against Arsenal we were left to rue missed chances again. Sahin was handed his home debut but failed to spark in a game that saw Joe Allen agani receive praise for his outstanding play. Gerrard looks a shadow of the player he once was, uncharacteristically giving the ball away far too many times. Its just not the same forcefull Gerrard that would carry the fight single handedly to any opposition. This I'm sure is a worry for any Liverpool fan. Our safe hands Pepe Reina also looked shakey early on in the season with two very bad mistakes in consecutive games, against Hearts and Arsenal.
Benitez once claimed that the he's got the best 'spine' in any team, Reina, Carra, Gerrard and Torres.
Torres jumped ship.....thank God Carra ain't playing ...
Ex Liverpool captains Phil Thompson and Jamie Redknapp urged Rogers to bring back Michael Owen, who is a free agent and make a move for Didier Drogba after being released by his Chinese club. While I'm sure the news of Drogba's arrival at Anfield will be welcomed I wonder about Owen's, the player who left us in 2004 to 'win trophies'. How would that go down with the Kop faithfull who have booed Owen every time he's returned to Anfield playing for Newcastle and Man Utd. Rogers says he will look at any player that can improve the team, I think he's just desperate and will take Owen back if the chance comes up.
Is it a case of the cup is half full or empty, We've done well in the transfer window brining in Joe Allen, Sahin, Assaidi, Yesil and Borini while letting Spearing, Adam, Carroll, Kuyt, Maxi and Bellamy leave. No replacements for Carroll, Kuyt and Bellamy could prove costly to an already shakey start to the Rogers Revolution.
Rogers was left in limbo last week as the owners sanctioned Carroll's move to West Ham on a season long loan. Rogers thought that he'd be getting a replasement in Clint Dempsey but the move never materialised. One wonders just how much FSG actually tried to get Dempsey when his move to Spurs was concluded in about an hour ! Refusing to spend 5 million pounds on a 29 year old who scored 17 goals last season....meanwhile the Mancs spend 24 million on a 29 year old in van Persie.
This left us very short up front with only Borini and Suarez as the recognised strikers. Yes Suarez is a striker but tends to create more than he scores. Borinin in my opinion is just not there yet, doesn't look like the 'goalscorer' that we need. Assaidi wasn't even on the bench while Yesil was bought as a future first team player.
For all our possession and good play yesterday against Arsenal we were left to rue missed chances again. Sahin was handed his home debut but failed to spark in a game that saw Joe Allen agani receive praise for his outstanding play. Gerrard looks a shadow of the player he once was, uncharacteristically giving the ball away far too many times. Its just not the same forcefull Gerrard that would carry the fight single handedly to any opposition. This I'm sure is a worry for any Liverpool fan. Our safe hands Pepe Reina also looked shakey early on in the season with two very bad mistakes in consecutive games, against Hearts and Arsenal.
Benitez once claimed that the he's got the best 'spine' in any team, Reina, Carra, Gerrard and Torres.
Torres jumped ship.....thank God Carra ain't playing ...
Ex Liverpool captains Phil Thompson and Jamie Redknapp urged Rogers to bring back Michael Owen, who is a free agent and make a move for Didier Drogba after being released by his Chinese club. While I'm sure the news of Drogba's arrival at Anfield will be welcomed I wonder about Owen's, the player who left us in 2004 to 'win trophies'. How would that go down with the Kop faithfull who have booed Owen every time he's returned to Anfield playing for Newcastle and Man Utd. Rogers says he will look at any player that can improve the team, I think he's just desperate and will take Owen back if the chance comes up.
Is it a case of the cup is half full or empty, We've done well in the transfer window brining in Joe Allen, Sahin, Assaidi, Yesil and Borini while letting Spearing, Adam, Carroll, Kuyt, Maxi and Bellamy leave. No replacements for Carroll, Kuyt and Bellamy could prove costly to an already shakey start to the Rogers Revolution.
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
An Apology to Lucas.....KOP Hero
Its been 3 years since I last wrote on this blog and after reading older posts I really felt the need to apologise to a Kop hero....Lucas Leiva.
Back in 2009 when Rafa insisted on playing Mascherano, Alonso AND Lucas many(including me!) questioned Lucas inclusion. Why 3 'holding' midfielders...why Lucas!!!
While I knew Lucas was a class player I questioned his inclusion into an already steady midfield and was frustrated because we could obviously use an extra attacking player instead of another defensive one.
Barely a season later and I was made to eat my words and admitted it to every Liverpool fan I knew.
With Alonso moving on to Real Madrid and Masherano following soon after to Barcelona, Lucas was left to hold the midfield and boy did he step up. He soon established himself as the number one midfielder and our most productive player with the exception of the ever present Captain Stevie. He became a Kop hero...
No one was more excited to see Lucas come on as a sub on the recent American tour than me. Lucas was back to stabilise our fragile midfield that hurt so much under King Kenny when he got injured last season against Chelsea. Liverpool FC looked to step up a gear last season after Kenny was signed on as permanent manager but that progress was soon halted when Lucas got injured against Chelsea in the League Cup. With that our league form dipped, we just could'nt match other teams in midfield. Even the great Stevie G commented that Lucas was the form player when he got injured and it hurt the team. No one really stood out as an adequate replacement for Lucas in midfield and the team suffered. Yes we outplayed a lot of teams and suffered terrible luck in front of goal but for me the key to our miserable season was the loss of Lucas.
The Rogers Revolution started decently with some stella performances in the States and the inclusion of Lucas was a great sight once again. In the opening day of the season against West Brom we lost but we were never outplayed in that game, 3-0 was a flattering score line. Although Lucas was tiring in midfield I felt that his substitution was a major factor in us conceding 2 goals late on. It allowed West Brom to have a better share of the midfield. Lucas just covers so much ground and breaks ups much of the opposition plays.
We will once again lose the services of Lucas who was injured early on against Manchester City.... at least this time it wont be for the whole season. I'm really looking forward to enjoying your contribution on the field in his new Rogers system.
We need you to be back soon and stronger in our push for the Champions League places and hopefully we can shut a few doubters up and even challenge for that elusive League Title.
C'mon Lucas ....The Kop Hero from Sunny Brasil....
Back in 2009 when Rafa insisted on playing Mascherano, Alonso AND Lucas many(including me!) questioned Lucas inclusion. Why 3 'holding' midfielders...why Lucas!!!
While I knew Lucas was a class player I questioned his inclusion into an already steady midfield and was frustrated because we could obviously use an extra attacking player instead of another defensive one.
Barely a season later and I was made to eat my words and admitted it to every Liverpool fan I knew.
With Alonso moving on to Real Madrid and Masherano following soon after to Barcelona, Lucas was left to hold the midfield and boy did he step up. He soon established himself as the number one midfielder and our most productive player with the exception of the ever present Captain Stevie. He became a Kop hero...
No one was more excited to see Lucas come on as a sub on the recent American tour than me. Lucas was back to stabilise our fragile midfield that hurt so much under King Kenny when he got injured last season against Chelsea. Liverpool FC looked to step up a gear last season after Kenny was signed on as permanent manager but that progress was soon halted when Lucas got injured against Chelsea in the League Cup. With that our league form dipped, we just could'nt match other teams in midfield. Even the great Stevie G commented that Lucas was the form player when he got injured and it hurt the team. No one really stood out as an adequate replacement for Lucas in midfield and the team suffered. Yes we outplayed a lot of teams and suffered terrible luck in front of goal but for me the key to our miserable season was the loss of Lucas.
The Rogers Revolution started decently with some stella performances in the States and the inclusion of Lucas was a great sight once again. In the opening day of the season against West Brom we lost but we were never outplayed in that game, 3-0 was a flattering score line. Although Lucas was tiring in midfield I felt that his substitution was a major factor in us conceding 2 goals late on. It allowed West Brom to have a better share of the midfield. Lucas just covers so much ground and breaks ups much of the opposition plays.
We will once again lose the services of Lucas who was injured early on against Manchester City.... at least this time it wont be for the whole season. I'm really looking forward to enjoying your contribution on the field in his new Rogers system.
We need you to be back soon and stronger in our push for the Champions League places and hopefully we can shut a few doubters up and even challenge for that elusive League Title.
C'mon Lucas ....The Kop Hero from Sunny Brasil....
Monday, August 27, 2012
The Rogers Revolution
Is the Rogers Revolution really taking shape?
From the view of a Liverpool FC addict I can safely say it is....
Pushing on from last seasons ups and downs one can really see a change in the philosophy at Liverpool. Rodgers has a system in place that I think will work well with the players available to him, he's added Joe Allen who already looks like a polished midfielder, no disrepect to Swansea but Liverpool is more than just a club and we boast a midfield to match any in the Premier League. Allen has not only fitted in but has been our best performer since the league started, breaking down opposition play and also passing accuracy. Nuri Sahin has also been added and I can't wait to see him and how Rogers will shuffle the team around to accomodate him. He is exactly the type of player that we needed in the midfield. In my opinion he should be sitting just behind Suarez.
We were hard done by with two unfortunate mistakes against Man City, it was a case of 3 dropped points for Liverpool FC, who fought hard against the Champions. Raheem Sterling showed that he can play at this level, hes may runs and final ball into the box will no doubt be a good reason to bench Downing. He worked his socks off back tracking and im sure we're gonna be seeing more of this talented 17 year old.
One major concern for me is up front, while Borinin works hard the final product is still lacking, I trust Rogers judgment on him and having worked with him before knows his capabilities. With the future of Carroll still in doubt it remains to be seen if we will indeed add another striker.
Players like Spearing, Henderson, Adam, Downing, Carroll need to be moved on and suitable replacements need to be brought in, players that can fit in and play the 'Rogers' style must be brought in before the transfer window closes.
I'm really excited to see where Rogers can actually take the team once his philosophy is really understood on the field.
YNWA
From the view of a Liverpool FC addict I can safely say it is....
Pushing on from last seasons ups and downs one can really see a change in the philosophy at Liverpool. Rodgers has a system in place that I think will work well with the players available to him, he's added Joe Allen who already looks like a polished midfielder, no disrepect to Swansea but Liverpool is more than just a club and we boast a midfield to match any in the Premier League. Allen has not only fitted in but has been our best performer since the league started, breaking down opposition play and also passing accuracy. Nuri Sahin has also been added and I can't wait to see him and how Rogers will shuffle the team around to accomodate him. He is exactly the type of player that we needed in the midfield. In my opinion he should be sitting just behind Suarez.
We were hard done by with two unfortunate mistakes against Man City, it was a case of 3 dropped points for Liverpool FC, who fought hard against the Champions. Raheem Sterling showed that he can play at this level, hes may runs and final ball into the box will no doubt be a good reason to bench Downing. He worked his socks off back tracking and im sure we're gonna be seeing more of this talented 17 year old.
One major concern for me is up front, while Borinin works hard the final product is still lacking, I trust Rogers judgment on him and having worked with him before knows his capabilities. With the future of Carroll still in doubt it remains to be seen if we will indeed add another striker.
Players like Spearing, Henderson, Adam, Downing, Carroll need to be moved on and suitable replacements need to be brought in, players that can fit in and play the 'Rogers' style must be brought in before the transfer window closes.
I'm really excited to see where Rogers can actually take the team once his philosophy is really understood on the field.
YNWA
Monday, March 23, 2009
The Fight Goes On
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.
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.
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.
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