A Point Each For Reds And Gunners

Liverpool 1 Arsenal 1
Gerrard 7 - Fabregas 80

Match Highlights


The 2 unbeaten teams in the league so far met last night at Anfield and they maintained its record as they drew 1-1, goals from Captain Steven Gerrard and Arsenal's man of the moment, Cesc Fabregas. Both midfielders were instrumental for their respective teams in the middle of the park.

It was an open and exciting game to watch. Rafa's rotation policy saw Fernando Torres, Dirk Kuyt, Andriy Voroninn all playing. With a 4-2-3-1 formation, the home side showed that they were going to play attacking football. Surprisingly, Steven Gerrard was played in the middle instead of the many-predicted right hand side which I was pleased to see him there.



Liverpool took the front seat in the beginning, spreading the balls to the wings, crossing into the danger area. Xabi Alonso got clipped by fellow international team-mate Fabregas on the edge of the penalty area and a freekick was given.

Up step Captain Stevie and he made no mistake with his thunderous strike through the Arsenal wall and gave the Reds the early lead. Gerrard's strike gave Arsenal goalkeeper Ammunia no chance at all. Excellent goal!



Despite conceding the early goal, Arsenal was calm and started playing their neat passes. On several occasions, they threatened the Liverpool goal with their defence splitting passes. I was thinking, it seemed sooner or later Arsenal would find the equaliser.

Liverpool struggled to get the ball most of the game. They were breaking down Arsenal passes, however, they were not able to hold on to the ball for long. On the other hand, Arsenal played more confidently as the game commenced and the current leaders did get their rewards.

Alexander Helb provided a beautiful through ball which broke the Liverpool defence, to the path of on-form Fabregas who kept his composure, toe-poking past Pepe Reina. It's a wonderful move by the Gunners and I couldn't deny the fact that Arsenal deserved the equaliser.



Lady Luck was on Liverpool side as Arsenal struck Reina's left hand post twice from Eboue and goal-scorer Fabregas. Arsenal controlled majority of the game while Liverpool did have several chances to score the second. Liverpool looked tired at the end after already made 3 substitutions earlier in the game. Fernando Torres and Xabi Alonso, both went off due to recurrence of their injuries. Hopefully, their injuries wouldn't be too long.



It has been sometimes I've hear the loud and energised Anfield crowd. The Liverpool is improving in terms of their play. Still, they have to move up their gear towards the season. Being still unbeaten in the league, there are still many games to play for. As long as the players keep going and maintaining their good form, I believe we still stands a chance.

With hope in your heart..

You'll Never Walk Alone..

Key Players of Big 4

After playing of at least 6 games into the season, it's been full of stories and controversies. Under-performance, managers under pressure are just part and parcel of the game. With Arsenal on top of the table at the moment, I would like to talk about the Big 4's key players.

Let's start with Arsenal.
Cesc Fabregas.


The man of the moment. On fire with goals almost each week and assists to Arsenal 's goals this season. To me, he's the most important player for the Gunners. He would be the one who can bring Arsenal into greater heights, playing the simple and beautiful football which they always claimed.

He's some type of player who can link everyone in the middle. Young, full of energy and I believe he's going to be one of the best in the years to come. Under the guidance and coaching of Arsene Wenger, he definitely will be soaring. Whether Arsenal can continue their good start, this young boy here would be crucial to them.

Next up, Chelsea.
Michael Essien.


This big fellow is one of the best defensive midfielders I've seen. Chelsea spent millions on him and he has proven them right in getting him here to London. No nonsense in the middle and works very hard for the team.

Yes, many would have argued that he don't score that many goals as Lampard. However, he has helped Chelsea in many defensive areas. When defenders are injured, he's always the makeshift centre back or right back, and he did it without any complaints. This is what we call team player and I believe Essien is one of those. His hard tackling proves to be important as he breaks down opposition play.

In my opinion, he would be the key to Chelsea's season.

The third player, Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United.


Despite the poor start, Manchester United has been climbing up the table producing results even in some games which they were not playing to their standard. This is what I call, a championship team.

Cristiano Ronaldo was suspended when Manchester United was having the bad run. Now he's back in the team, they have started to play better. Of course, Wayne Rooney is back as well. However, in my opinion, Ronaldo is the one who can break defences with his one moment of brillance. His pace, wing-play and the ability to score goals are very menacing to any team in the world.

With the recent 2-0 win against rivals, Chelsea, I'm afraid to see that Ronaldo and Co are in high morale. They will be showing to the world why they were defending champions. Ronaldo would be the one making the difference for them.

Lastly, Liverpool.
Fernando Torres.


To me, Fernando would be the one who can bring Liverpool into getting better results. Not Jamie Carragher, Xabi Alonso, or even captain Steven Gerrard. Liverpool's problem these seasons is the lack of ability to score goals and a natural striker who can put the ball into the net. Robbie Fowler and Michael Owen is history. Rafa knows about this fact and that's why he bought Torres on a record signing.

Unfortunately, Rafa's tinkering can be so frustrating when the team doesn't produces results. Torres is left on the bench on games which I believe he should be given the chance. Whenever Torres play, you could feel that he's going to score goals and the sense of danger to opposition defenders.

You have to play your best players if you want to challenge for the league. It's a long league and you have to produce results consistently. In order to do that, you have to win games. Torres would be the main man for scoring the goals.

Will Torres be the rising star and legend for Liverpool? I truly believe so.


These are the 4 players whom I think would be making the headlines for their respective teams. We'll see how the season goes from here, it would be interesting.

You'll Never Walk Alone..

THE TOP 4..

Manchester United

It seems to me that Manchester United is going off with the Premiership title this season. It's no doubt that they are producing results even when they aren't not playing well. Just like last match they played at Craven Cottage, they wasn't playing well and yet they could get the important 3 points. Although I'm a Liverpool fan, and I hate to see them doing so well in the league, I still have to salute them for their consistency this season. Sir Alex Ferguson has the most experience in chasing the title and at the same time producing the results week in week out. With just 10 more games to go, it's getting clear that they are almost there.

Their best player, Christiano Ronaldo, who has been performing at the highest level for them, is no doubt the man of the season. His dribbling skills are world-class and his ability to beat defenders is a valuable asset for Man Utd. 16 goals in the premiership and his form has been consistent. That's what makes him such an important player for Man Utd. As long as he stays on his feet, he would be one of the best players in the world.

Of course, ManUtd also have several experienced players which played an important role in their season so far. Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, Edwin VanDerSaar and the defensive partnership of Vidic and Ferdinand. Not to forget, Wayne Rooney. Still, the man who's behind all these successes is Sir Alex Ferguson. Man Utd's following match will be up against my beloved Liverpool and without any doubts, our bitter rivals would be looking forward to do a double against us and making sure they maintain the 9 points gap above Chelsea.(With one game in hand.)


Chelsea

To be frank, I thought Chelsea would be leading the table at this moment. Given the players they have and bought, they should be leading with the rest chasing. However, Chelsea somehow didn't perform up to expectations and is currently second place. For the last 2 seasons, Chelsea haven't been doing the chasing, but for now, they are 9 points away from 1st place ManUtd with a game in hand. Jose Mourinho had some problems internally and I guess these management conflicts among the board and players did play some part in their league form. No doubt about their quality of the team, they were simply world class. They will definitely push ManUtd to the limit and really hopes to see ManUtd slips, however, I think it would be really difficult.

The man of the moment is Didier Drogba. The Ivory Coast striker is superb for them and has been scoring many goals for them. Many times, he always appears the man to rescue Chelsea and Jose knows that his man is a valuable to them. Drogba is very good in the air and of course, he has two good feet. Strong and he always seems to know where's the net is. Just hope to see him more sporting and stop putting "Oscar shows."

Chelsea will be breathing down ManUtd's neck and to be frank, I would rather to see Chelsea taking the title than Man Utd. I just wait and see..


Arsenal

Like Liverpool, they underperformed in many occasions and hence, finding themselves in the fourth position so far. I love to see Arsenal style of football and I can say that they play good football on the pitch. They have a very good coach, Arsene Wenger. A man who knows how to bring out the best of his players and without doubt, he's building Arsenal's future. His young guns have proven that they can match one of the best and his players are internationals who played for their countries in tournaments. Although their results and position in the league aren't that good at the moment, I still believe that Arsenal is a great team.


Cesc Fabregas. The young Spanish lad who I admire he has matured and played his football over the years. He improve tremendously and his passing, oh yes, I think is one of the best in the league. At such a young age, he can perform so well and seems so calm on the ball even on a big stage of football. No doubt, he's a talent, a wonder kid. He is one of the legends in the making and as long as he remain disciplined and keeps his head up, he will be a winner.

Arsenal will try to overtake Liverpool and given 2 games in hand, they will push themselves as high as possible in the league.


Liverpool

Liverpool has been disappointing in the league and although they had put a run recently, they couldn't close the gap between the top 2. Liverpool has lost too many matches and their early away matches somehow has cost them badly. They struggled against the top 4 and lost all the matches away against them. Liverpool need to have the breakthrough of performing consistently, week in week out and producing results even when the team is not playing well. This is what we called a championship team. We need to improve on the team and a few good signings would be just nice for us. Rafa Benitez is arguably one of the best in the country and I just couldn't understand why he just can't get it right like what he did in Europe. I can see his efforts and disappointment when the team didn't play to their potential. Still, I have the utmost faith in him and till now, I still believe he's the man who can bring us the 19th title after so many years.

Steven Gerrard has been magnificent and he's performing well each week. He's great captain and always portrays a good image and example to his teammates. That's something I really respect about him. He's definitely disappointed not to see Liverpool fighting on the top like any other Liverpool fans however, I'm still looking forward to the day when Stevie lifts the Premiership title at Anfield.

Upcoming game against Manchester United. Although I believe this game won't not have much impact on us, I still love to see us putting one over our bitter rivals and the title race would be more open. We have to work really hard and make sure that we can stay on 3rd spot and gives pressure on Chelsea and even Manchester United.

I've faith in you, Liverpool.

You'll Never Walk Alone..