What Happen Liverpool, Rafa?

While serving National Service and spending most of my time in camp, I will try my best to get updates and watch Liverpool matches whenever I can. Unfortunately, the current status of the Reds camp seemed to be one of the worst during Rafa's reign.

Just a hour ago, Liverpool had just lost their 4th game in the season, having played 9 so far, against Sunderland. Title contenders? I'm seriously doubting this fact. Defensively unstable, lack of creativity and to me, the squad is not GOOD enough. Simple as it is.

With star duo Stevie and Fernando both ruled out injured, I simply have no idea how Liverpool will handle it. Expectedly, they played poorly and with the players Rafa chosen for his starting 11, it really puzzled me on how on earth he came to those decisions. By putting a inexperienced Jay Spearing and highly criticised Lucas Levia in the middle of the park against Sunderland in the Stadium of Light, is something which I thought was suicidal.



I do wonder, has Rafa lost it? What happen to our master tactician? Are our poor form due to Rafa's decisions or lack of squad depth or even luck?

Of course, you can argue about the ball in the middle of the field which assisted the winner. But, Liverpool had enough time to recover and change the game. Sadly, with the players now, I couldn't see anyone who can really do that. Luck plays a part and it's so unlucky whereby players come back injured from international break and you could do nothing about it. Having said that, the players coming into the team has to cherish the chance to prove themselves, fight for the place in the starting 11. Apparently, I couldn't see the guys doing that.

Against Chelsea at the Bridge, I thought Liverpool was losing out on quality and creativity. While Gerrard and Torres were both being heavily marked, the rest of the team did not rise to the occasion and hence, Drogba & Co got the upper hand. No one to dictate play, no one to distribute the defence breaking balls like what Xabi Alonso used to do.

So what happens now? 4 losses in the league with only 9 games played. 1 lost 2 played in the Champions League and meanwhile, the American owners are owning tones and tones of money to the banks. A very rough or I should say bad patch for Liverpool Football Club.

Definitely, we need to improve on the pitch. Forget about the title. Just keep going on every game and push as high as up on the table as possible. Players need to step up and resume responsibility to fight hard for the team while the fans like us can only pray hard, finger crossed and keeping the faith like we always have.

You'll Never Walk Alone..

Torres' Double Sink Hammers

West Ham 2 Liverpool 3
Torres 20, 75 Kuyt 42

Due to National Service here in Singapore, I have limited time to post match reports on this little site of mine. My sincere apologies, I will update as much as I can during my leave and break days.



I managed to watch the exciting affair at Upton Park last weekend with Liverpool beating Zola's men 3-2. Finally, able to catch a match of my beloved Liverpool in their new away white strip, fought their hard-earned 3 points.



Fernando Torres' brilliance on the pitch gave us the valuable win. 2 great goals by the Spanish plus a Kuyt's toe-poke overcame West Ham coming back twice in the game. Defensive errors from both centre backs was frustrating to watch which I do think Rafa needs to sort it out. The reliable Carragher and Skrtel seemed to be out of sorts handling English striker Cole.

Fortunately, the attackers did not disappoint and it's nice to see Ryan Babel coming on as impact substitute, sending a beautiful cross to Torres which was the winner of the game.

With already 2 losses in the league while the rest are writing us off, we have to stay focus and keep it going. Taking one game at a time, 3 points is what it matters end of the day. Come on Liverpool!

You'll Never Walk Alone..

Torres' Fans Base in South Africa

While Spain is competing in the Confederations Cup, the Spanish players took a walk in South Africa while fans over there went crazy over Liverpool striker, Fernando Torres. I guess mostly are Liverpool fans!

Take a look!


It seems like Torres' popularity is getting higher and higher!

You'll Never Walk Alone..

Where Do We Need to Improve?

Now that the season has ended and the whole transfer market is up alive once again. Transfer speculations, rumours, record high fees. As for the Red half of Merseyside, there are more talks of players leaving instead of buys. Looking at the current Liverpool side, keeping the core players is definitely the priority rather than selling them. While Rafa Benitez is rejecting the suitors of Javier Mascherano and Xabi Alonso, let's see in which areas we need to improve?



Right-back
With the current situation and depth, it seems to me that we have only Spanish Aberloa as our reliable full back. Free transfer signing, Philip Degen has been invisible the whole season. In several occassions this season, while Arbeloa is unavailable, Carragher has to makeshift to right back which I always disagree with this move. However, there's no other players to provide the depth in that position.

A new right back will not only provide stability but also competition to Arbeloa whose performances can be inconsistent a times.

Rafinha

The Brazilian right back has great pace and his overlapping ability is an eye to watch. I'm lucky enough to watch him live in Singapore when he came over with the Brazil Olympic Team. He's quick and has decent footwork. Tireless running up and down the flank. In Rafa's style of play, full back overlapping is highly important and I do think Rafinha fills the bill.

Glen Johnson

There was speculation over Liverpool is going to buy the Portsmouth and England international fullback. Big, strong and fast are his strengths and his ability to charge down the flank explains why he's playing for England now under Fabio Capello. The fact that he's English is a plus point as there will not be any adaptions to English league problems. Rafa, take a look!

With the rest of the defensive positions having enough cover, let's see the midfield. With Xabi Alonso, Mascherano and Lucas in the middle, plus Steven Gerrard able to play there as well, our center midfield is stable.

Winger
A flying winger would be good for our attacks, providing width and crosses into the box. With Albert Riera, Kuyt and Benayoun in the team, it would be beneficial if we have one more to bring on defenders, turning in and out.

Arjen Robben

The ex-Chelsea man has lighting pace, great dribbling skills and abilities. Famous on how he brings on defenders, delivering beautiful crosses into the box. A lethal left foot who can score incredible goals from tight angles as well. His relationship with Liverpool may not be the best, but, I'm sure he can be a great addition to the team.

Striker
Strikeforce? Fernando Torres and David Ngog at this moment. It seems to me that Rafa is unlikely to remove the effective partnership between Gerrard and Torres. This shows that by bringing in another striker to the team will have another Robbie Keane situation. Having said that, with another striker may prove to be a good move as there are times whereby playing 2 strikers can be essential.

Sergio Augero

The Argentinean striker who is playing for Torres' ex-club, Athletico Madrid, one of hottest prospects in the market. Another fast-paced striker who has an eye on the goal and his ability to link-up play with the midfield can be effective. He could be another Torres in the making, exciting fans with his runs behind defenders.

3 positions to be improve, a few more additions to the squad. Will this finally our final piece of our big jigsaw puzzle? What do you guys think?

You'll Never Walk Alone..

Recent Run of Results..

Chelsea 4 Liverpool 4
Reina 0g 51 Alex Lampard 76, 89 - Aurelio 19 Alonso pen 28 Lucas 81 Kuyt 83

An incredible match of football, which has so many dramatic turns in 90 minutes. Liverpool needed 3 goals to get through and we had 2 in the first half. It was about to be mission impossible accomplished till Reina's mistake catalyzed the whole dramatic show.

Sadly, Liverpool was knocked out on aggregate 7-5. However, I do think that Liverpool did the best they could in the game and sometimes, football needs luck, in fact lots of them. They can leave with their heads high with their high determination, hard work and of course, they didn't leave without giving it a fight.

Well done lads!

Liverpool 4 Blackburn 0
Torres 5, 33 Agger 83, Ngog 90

Liverpool bounced back from the Champions League defeat and thrashed Blackburn 4-0 at home. Dominated the game while Torres scored a beauty on the 5th minute. One of the candidates of best goals of the season. Massive 3 points in the run towards the last few games of the season.

Liverpool 1 Chelsea 3
Torres 6 - Ivanovic 39, 62 Drogba 67

Liverpool was outclassed by the Blues in this game. Failed to defend from set pieces was suicidal, not once but twice by defender Ivanovic. Chelsea manager Hiddink had a game plan against the home side and it worked for them perfectly. Liverpool had to score 3 goals in the second leg at the Bridge to go through.

Fulham 0 Liverpool 1
Benayoun 92

Dramatic stoppage time winner by Yossi Benayoun send the Reds crazy as Liverpool hit the woodwork 4 times in that match. It was so crucial to our run towards the championship till Rafa had some celebrations actions after the game.

You'll Never Walk Alone..

Brilliant Win At The Theatre of Dreams

Manchester United 1 Liverpool 4
Ronaldo pen 23 - Torres 28, Gerrard pen 44, Aurelio 77, Dossena 90

Manchester United 1 Liverpool 4. Old Trafford, the Theatre of Dreams. Remember this, Liverpool fans. What a famous win after so many years of suffering so many disappointing results against them. It makes it even sweeter to see Sir Alex Ferguson's face getting red to black at the end of the game.

When I checked the line-up on my computer 5 minutes before kick-off, Alonso is out injured. Darn, Lucas was the replacement. When I on the television, Arbeloa is not in the starting 11. Big Sami Hyypia replacing the Spanish fullback. It seems like Liverpool had many things to be done, even before kick off.

Pepe Reina made a mistake and caused a penalty. Ronaldo made it 1-0 and everything seemed so smooth for Manchester United. The goal somehow, came against the run of play in my opinion, and out of a sudden, the home side got a goal up.



When things were like going against Rafa Benitez's men, Fernando Torres outmuscled the ever-reliable Vidic and equalized with a cool finish past VanDerSar . What a time to score! Fantastic goal!

The goal gave the away side confidence and we controlled the tempo of the game. Passing the ball around, not allowing Rooney and Co to play their football. Right just before half time, a through ball by Torres to Gerrard was almost perfect but brought down by Patrice Evra. Penalty! No doubts about it.



Steven Gerrard made no mistakes from the spot and gave the camera a famous kiss! I'm sure all the girls watching the match went crazy. Somehow, I couldn't believe it. Leading 2-1 at Old Trafford. This is something we have not be able to do for many many years till I lost count.

Triple substitution made by Ferguson. Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Berbatov. Expected and Man United was preparing to fire all cylinders towards Pepe Reina's goal. Just when the home side was ready to execute its new formation, Vidic pulled Steven Gerrard down and he was sent off as it was a goal scoring opportunity.



A freekick just outside the area and I was screaming for Aurelio to take it. A left footed shot would be needed at that angle. Brazilian left back did not disappoint me. He struck it so sweetly that it caused VanDerSar standing on his line, helpless.

3-1 with a man down. It's really tough for Ferguson's men to comeback and I was already jumping on my seat. Aurelio's goal killed every United player and fan as they know it's almost game over. Old Trafford was only left with the Torres song, Gerrard song as well as the chants of Anfield road.

Liverpool had another in the dying seconds of the game. Andrea Dossena, once again proved that he do can score goals, crucial ones as well. A very cool lob over VanDerSar, who was looking at the ball going into his own net.



Emphatic win over bitter rivals and this meant so much for the Liverpool fans. 4-1 win over Manchester United, defending champions as well as the European Champions. Biggest win since 1923? I'm not very sure, but I know history is created and hopefully, we can finish strongly in this 08/09 season.

You'll Never Walk Alone..

Double Over Chelsea!

Liverpool 2 Chelsea 0
Torres 88, 94

The last time Liverpool did a double over Chelsea - the year 1990, the year which Liverpool last won the title. It's been more than a decade ago. It could have been a different story if not because of this man, Fernando Torres. The record signing of this football club has proven why he's worth that much of money and how valuable he is to Anfield.

The ideal line-up against Chelsea and this somehow gave me and also the fans a boost seeing the first 11. This line-up is normally the same as mine when I play my Football Manager. The partnership of Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard upfront just menacing to any opposition.



3 points is what it matters and I do think we deserved the win. Dominated the game, kept pressing and the players fought bravely against the highly skilled Blues. Oh yes, many can argue about the sending off of Frank Lampard. Did not deserve to be sent off but sometimes, such things do happen. Whether it is for you or against you, people either move on or just continue to moan about it. I remembered some decisions going against us but we just have to stick to it and continue the way it is.



Fernando Torres' header in the 88th minute was so vital as the game was heading to a draw. You could see from the celebrations of the players, how much this win meant to them and the remaining games of the season. Massive victory for Liverpool as this ended the disappointing draws last month and a great boost to the players.

Let's keep it going and maintain the pace with the leaders Manchester United. The race is still on and we gotta fight till the end!

In other news..



It seems to me that Robbie Keane is heading back to Tottenham Hotspur after just less than 6 months in Liverpool. After so much speculation and stories, I guess everything is revealed. It is believed that Keane is not a player bought by Rafa and that probably explains why he left Robbie Keane out.

Nevertheless, we wish him all the best back in Spurs!

You'll Never Walk Alone..

Quick Update..

Stoke City 0 Liverpool 0

Frustrated once again, and it's gotta be tough days ahead. With so many teams closing down and cutting the lead, I guess it's just matter of time we will lose our leadership. Failure to score is equal to failure to win.

Preston 0 Liverpool 2
Riera 25, Torres 90

Goals

You'll Never Walk Alone..

SIMPLY BRILLIANT!

Manchester City 2 Liverpool 3
Ireland 18, Garrido 42 - Torres 55, 73, Kuyt 90
AR Man of The Match: Torres

What else can I say? This is fucking fantastic! Coming back from 2-0 down at the City of Manchester and winning 3-2 at the end is SIMPLY BRILLIANT! What a game of football for both fans and also neutrals watching it.

It's away from home against the likes of Robinho, Jo, Elano and Shaun Wright-Philips. These players created riots in Liverpool defence in the first 45 minutes and Rafa's men just couldn't control the midfield which I thought was the reason why we've conceded. Mistakes were being made and unfortunately, we found ourselves 2-0 down at half time. I was rather disappointed at how we conceded the goals, pretty soft and we didn't play that badly in the first half.

At half time, I was thinking of how we gonna recover and how Rafa would change things around. As usual, Rafa sticks to his first 11, not making any changes in the second half. This time round, the midfield was in control of the ball, pressing and pressuring right from the start, not allowing Mark Hughes' men to play.

We needed to score fast so as to have a chance of coming back. A through ball by Gerrard to the overlapping Arbeloa whose cross was turned in by who else? Fernando Torres! Game on! The match was very much alive then.



I was pissed by ManCity's defenders. They were pretty rough and their tackles were simply unacceptable. The referee has to protect the players when defenders like Richard Dunne just whacking Torres down every time he touches the ball. Still, I was pleased to see Torres' determination to fight on despite all these dirty challenges.

Zabaleta was given a straight red card after a terrible tackle on Xabi Alonso. A 2-leg tackle with studs up. Definite sent-off. (Poor Xabi, 2 reckless red cards tackles on him for the past 2 matches) Given the extra man advantage, we continued to attack while Mark Hughes began substituting his star players out.

Liverpool's set pieces has been one of the weaker factor in the team over the years and recently, Rafa seemed to have get it right on it. A typical Steven Gerrard's corner was met by Torres once again and we were back in the game at 2-2. What a good double by the Liverpool number 9! In your face, RICHARD DUNNE!

Martin Skrtel fell awkwardly right at the end and everyone knew it was a bad fall. He somehow twisted his knee, remained on the ground after that. It's very sad to see a player falling, hurting himself in such a painful way. He's hell of a player, I'm sure we will miss his presence in defence. Get Well Soon, Martin!

With 6 minutes of injury time, you could see the hunger on the players. Determination to complete the comeback and get the 3 points. Supersub Benayoun crossed for Torres whose shot was blocked by defender Dunne, luckily, Kuyt was there to finished the loose ball! GOALLLLLL! I swear I shouted one of the loudest and ran around my house!



YESSS! 3-2! Totally breathtaking! Dirk Kuyt flew into into the Liverpool fans and the whole Red army ran in celebration! GET IN!

It was one of the best feelings ever this season and this 3 points was well earned. It's very important to keep up the pace, making sure we don't lose points. Second half performance was class and this is the message to the rest, the Red Half of Merseyside would be fighting all the way.

Goals
Source: Kop-tv

You'll Never Walk Alone..

Dull Draw At Villa Park

Aston Villa 0 Liverpool 0
AR Man of the Match: Mascherano

A line-up recalling Mascherano and Lucas into the team, Steven Gerrard is out injured and it's interesting to see how Liverpool handled without their captain. Gareth Barry is in the Villa team, wondering why he's not wearing the red jersey after so much transfer saga during the summer. Well, I'm glad to see that he's not.

Rafa fielded a strange line-up in my opinion. With Torres alone up front, putting Robbie Keane on the left hand side of the field. Looking at that, it's very hard for the visitors to get any goals. With Keane and Kuyt's natural position of a striker, I can understand that they can't produce any type of magic or crosses of a pure winger.

Somehow, Liverpool was defensive with 3 defensive holding midfielders, Mascherano, Alonso and Lucas. I felt slightly disappointed by the outlook of the team and do think it's rather negative at Villa Park.

Liverpool didn't create much but did have plenty of possession. On several times during the match, I felt that Rafa seems to be playing safe and just wishes to get a point. Torres went injured and NGog, the new French striker came in. He was decent and had half chances here and there. Robbie Keane was then pushed behind the striker and hence, Lucas was playing on the left wing.

Goodness, it's really hard to understand how can Lucas play on the left. Come on Rafa, how do we score and challenge for the title if you continue to play such systems? Substitutions made me scratched my head too. Fabio Aurelio coming in as a left winger, replacing Dirk Kuyt. Benayoun coming in for Robbie Keane. Didn't you realise, he's replacing potential goal-scorers of the team out? When these changes were made, I knew we couldn't get the 3 points for the day. There's no much support and match winners left on the pitch.

With Chelsea dropping points with Tottenham at home, it's a good opportunity to get above them and be top of the table. Once again, Liverpool has never be able to do it, dropping points alongs with them.

The league is a long journey, still, in such a competitive league, we have to capitalise on every chance to close up or even extend leads in any parts of the season. Rafa, I've the utmost faith in you and I still believe you can be the one delivering the 19th title for us.

Up next, Manchester United.

You'll Never Walk Alone..

Torres & Spain European Champions!

Congratulations to Spain for winning the European Championship 2008. They deserved it! Who scored the winning goal? Who else? Fernando Torres is the man!

*Quality not the best, it's a good goal though.


What a finish! Liverpool Number 9!

You'll Never Walk Alone..

Euro's Top 5 Goals!

Tonight will be the European Championship showdown final between Spain and Germany. Well, our Torres will be starting and Chelsea's Ballack will be hoping to break his No 2 jinx. It will be an exciting encounter between the 2 European Giants.

Chanced upon this video, showing the top 5 goals so far in the Championship. Enjoy these goals, they are world-class!

5best goals

I love Nihat's goal against the Czechs! Stunning! What's about yours? The poll is right at the side!

Cheers!

Liverpool Players In Adverts!

Managed to see some advertisments on Youtube and found some really nice ones, consisting of our own players.

Fernando Torres and Dirk Kuyt in Pringles


Fernando Torres for Nike


Take note of the song behind that advertisment! Nan nan nan..

You'll Never Walk Alone..

Torres' Tribute to China's Earthquake Victims

Got this from RAWK forum. Fernando Torres paying tribute to the victims of China's earthquake victims, telling them they ain't alone. Torres and AnfieldReds feel for them. :)

You'll Never Walk Alone..

07/08 Season Review - Strikers

The strikers are the ones putting the goals into the net most of the time. Liverpool have been criticised over the past seasons for not be able to score goals in games and is not clinical enough. Rafa was aware of this problems and bought several players in during the summer.

Let's see how the strikers fared for the season..

Andriy Voronin
The Ukrainian striker was bought in the summer, a free transfer from German club Bayern Leverkusen. He started the campaign pretty okay, scoring some goals as well. However, his form dipped during the season and eventually, not becoming first choice for the team. After Steven and Fernando formed the fantastic partnership upfront, it's hard for him to come into the team which such a lousy form. He got injured and was out for some time. Nevertheless, I don't think the team missed him. I don't really like his style of play and I won't be surprised seeing him leaving in the summer. Sadly so, I do feel that he's the worst no.10 ever in a Liverpool shirt. That's how much I rate this fellow.

Ratings: 2.5 / 5

Peter Crouch
The English striker has been second to number 1 striker Fernando Torres and has declared that he's unhappy in Anfield. He's not playing first team football reguarly and has questioned Rafa's policies as well. Still, he did make several matches in which he scored and his goal scoring rate is not that bad at all. He loved scoring against Arsenal and gave so many problems to the big and strong defenders of Arsene Wenger's men. His future in Liverpool is a major doubt. It is believed that his price tag of 15 million is known to the clubs which are interested in him. He might be leaving very soon I guess. His performance is decent ones and I do like him too. However, he may be too predictable at times and can be overpowered in games. We shall wait and see how it goes. Have a good holiday Crouch!

Ratings: 3.5 / 5

Dirk Kuyt

The second season of Kuyt has been ups and downs for him. He was horrible in the beginning, facing so much criticism for his poor touch and lousy performance. I was so frustrated with him that I cursed and sweared at the television whenever he played. Somehow, I read from the news he had some personal problems during that time and he had a difficult time on the pitch. Credits to the Dutchman, he improved tremedously as the season progressed. Rafa played him on the right wing and he did very well despite playing out of position. He made the position his and did it his way. He was very hardworking in every game and his work rate is world class. Stamina is not a problem with this felllow. He scored many crucial goals along the way especially in the Champions League. Goals against Inter Milan, Arsenal and Chelsea are unforgettable.

He has worked hard and done very well for us. I do hope that he can play in the Euros for his country. Keep the form going and score more goals for us next season, Dirk!

Ratings: 4 / 5

We normally leave the best for the last..

Fernando Torres
Oh boy, what can I say about our new record signing in the summer? 26 million pounds well spent? I can say that we have not been having someone like this upfront for several seasons. Even Michael Owen couldn't match him, in my opinion though. 31 goals in his debut season is an unbelievable achievement. Once he scored his Anfield goal against Chelsea, there's no turning back since. He just couldn't stop scoring and he has broken many records just in his first season over here.

He scored some awesome goals and has proven to be one of the threats in the league. His partnership with Steven Gerrard has terrorised so many defences. El Nino is in top form the whole season and just simply loves scoring at Anfield. I love his song. The fans just kept singing and singing his song. Probably that added some motivation into his game. Oh well, I just hope he would continue to build on his brilliant season and he will be up there seasons after seasons.

WELL DONE FERNANDO!

Ratings: 5 / 5

The season review has come to an end and it's been a season full of ups and downs. Somehow, it's more of disappointment this year but we did make some good progress. Let's cross our fingers and pray hard that Rafa would be able to do the impossible and built on this seasons' positives!

You'll Never Walk Alone..

Torres Broke Ruud's Record On Last Day

Tottenham 0 Liverpool 2
Voronin 68, Torres 73

The last match of the 07/08 Premiership ended on a high note for Rafa Benitez's men as Liverpool won 2-0 at White Hart Lane. A game in which completes the whole league of 38 games and the result didn't have any significant effects on both teams.

Liverpool has already secured its 4th spot way back while Juande Ramos was just trying out more players to test out which are the ones who can stay in his plans next season. A Liverpool team who failed to see the likes of Peter Crouch, John Arne Riise, Harry Kewell, Jermaine Pennant and Xabi Alonso in it. These are the players who are speculated to be leaving Anfield in pretty soon.

I was switching channels in some parts during the game as there were relegation battles, title championship, all happening at the same time. 8 Live matches in Singapore led my fingers changing channels every minute or so. Having said that, I was still watching Liverpool's game.

Torres' flick on header was able to reach Voronin who didn't make any mistakes scoring past Spurs goalkeeper Cerny. Voronin scored? Well, it's not a bad effort from the 31 year old striker, but I don't wish to see him next season though.

The highlight of the game was Torres scoring his 24th goal of the season, breaking former Manchester United poacher, Ruud Van Nistelrooy record of 23 goals. What a moment for this young lad! Well done Torres! You've surpassed all expectations and he made the goal himself. Dumbed Michael Dawson, making him like a fool and eventually, being subbed out after conceding the goal.

A 2-0 win is always nice to see and it's time for holidays for some of the players while the rest will be heading to Euro 08. Captain Steven Gerrard will be resting after England couldn't make it onto the plane. We shall look forward to next season and hopefully, get what we have been waiting for.

In other news..

Manchester United is crowned champions at the JJB stadium beating Wigan 2-0 while Avam Grant's men suffered a major blow in conceding a late late equaliser against relegation warrior Bolton. Besides, Terry was stretchered off after a nasty collision with Petr Cech during the game. Not a good sign right before of the Champions League final.

Derby has the company of 2 other teams. Reading and Birmingham would be going down to the Championship next season. Unfortunately, despite these 2 teams has won convincingly last night, the damage has already been done and it's heartbreaking for the club and especially for the fans.

A season review will be coming up, and hopefully some transfers news as well.

You'll Never Walk Alone..

P.S. Due to copyrights issue, I'm not allowed to post any pictures nor videos of these football matches or players. I apologised for any inconvenience caused.

Home Win Against Man City

Liverpool 1 Manchester City 0
Torres 58

Torres got his 32th goal of the season for Liverpool. What a signing he has been! He has scored 8 consecutive matches in Anfield, equaling club record Roger Hunt's tally. Well done Fernando!

You'll Never Walk Alone..

It's Chelsea Into the Final

Chelsea 3 Liverpool 2
Drogba 32, 105, Lampard 94 - Torres 64, 116

The last competitive and important match of Liverpool's season has ended last night. They have lost to Chelsea on an aggregate of 4-3 at Stamford Bridge. 2 goals from Didier Drogba and a penalty scored by Frank Lampard. Fernando Torres and Ryan Babel scored past Cech's goal.

No complaints. We lost over 2 legs of football. Many would have argued, if we have 1-0 lead from Anfield, (not because of Riise's blunder), things would be different. Somehow, I felt Chelsea deserved to go through despite my blood bleeds Liverpool.

We had the chances to turnover the tie. We created opportunities, and we did play well. Unfortunately, we didn't score more and Avam Grant's men got the result. Torres scored a beautiful equaliser. Everyone thought we could build on the lead and even in extra time. Sadly, we didn't.

Many minor factors has cost us. The injuries to Fabio Aurelio and Martin Skrtel proved to be very crucial in both matches. As Rafa mentioned, against big teams in such a major tournament, we have to be careful and small details like this would determine the result.

Still, it was a memorable journey. Beating the likes of Inter Milan, Arsenal along the way were something we can always reflect on. Goals from Torres, Babel and Kuyt were all be in the history of Liverpool. The experience in the team is massive despite the the young squad. We gave Chelsea a hard fight and somehow, I feel that it's fate which led Chelsea into the final.

We shall look forward to the next season. Champions League Semi-finalist, 4th position in the league. That's something Liverpool can improve on. As long as Rafa is around, I do believe, we can progress and hopefully, getting results.

It's okay lads, we have to move on and play better football next season.

You'll Never Walk Alone..

Torres & Gerrard Too Much For Rovers

Liverpool 3 Blackburn 1
Gerrard 60, Torres 82, Voronin 90 - Cruz 90

Man of the Match performance by Captain Stevie and Fernando Torres 30th goal of the season proved too much for Mark Hughes's men. Voronin added the 3rd at the end.

You'll Never Walk Alone..

Semi-Finals, Here We Come Again!

Liverpool 4 Arsenal 2
Hyypia 30, Torres 69, Gerrard, 86, Babel 90 - Diaby 13, Adebayor 85

As the famous scoreboard of Anfield showed, Liverpool 4 Arsenal 2. Yes! We've overcame the mighty Arsenal which I always admired for their beautiful passing and style. Credit to Arsene Wenger's men, they really pushed us to the wire.

With an away goal advantage in the first leg, Arsenal needed to score in order to have any chance of advancing, which is something not difficult for the team like Arsenal. Their fast paced one-twos, off the ball runs were extremely devastating for any teams and they did punish us early on with a goal by Diaby.

With an 2-1 aggregate and conceded an away goal, I knew that Liverpool had to work hard for it. Arsenal ain't giving up so fast. The home side was struggling. They couldn't control the game early on and the forwards from London were very fast in attack. Fortunately, we managed to defend well and conceded a goal based on early poor performance.

Just like in 2005, Sami Hyypia scored an crucial goal again in the quarter-finals, bringing the sides on level terms with an stunning header. A corner from Steven Gerrard was headed off the post by the Big Finn, who has just recently signed an extension to his contract.

By seeing his celebrations, I could know that Sami was geared up for this. His experience in the game was just valuable, something which you can't buy with money. Good goal, my man!

Liverpool were better in the second half, creating more and gave Arsenal defenders some work to do. They were pressing high on the pitch, not allowing Fabregas & Co to play their passing game. That was something the Reds failed to do in the first half. If you let Arsenal play their football, you are asking for trouble.

With a 1-1 score, we might be heading to extra-time or even penalties. There's one man who just don't allow it to happen. Who else? Who else? The lad from Sunny Spain! Fernando Torres!

What a goal my boy! Totally world class which took everything out of Arsenal defence and goalkeeper. He made it so simple didn't he?

With just 6 more minutes to go, Arsenal prodigy kid, Theo Walcott dribbled from his own half, past 4 red shirts, crossed perfectly for Adebayor who didn't fail to silence the Anfield crowd at that point of time.

Self shocked! I really thought we were heading out. I was shaking my head in disbelief! How can you allow Walcott to dribble past just like that, it seemed to me that he dribbled past the 11 players!

Just about I was still sighing upon seeing the replay of the goal, I flew off my seat and shouted PENALTY! I guess the ref heard me! YES! Babel went down and I don't care whether it's a foul or not, I just want them to score!

Up step Captain Stevie. So much pressure. The entire Anfield stadium were on their feet, including mine at home. Heavy responsibilities on his shoulders once again, he made no mistake from the spot! I FELT FUCKING GOOD! We just came out from hell. I could sense that Arsenal players were totally shocked.

A minute ago, they were celebrating, but now, the Anfield crowd had came alive again! I was screaming and shouting at my television, instructing the defenders to defend properly. Arsenal came attacking again. They had to give their everything they have in them.

However, Ryan Babel made it totally impossible right at the end. A high ball cleared by fellow countryman, Dirk Kuyt, left no one else with only Babel and Fabregas. Supersub Babel was too fast and strong for Fabregas, whom had played all the 90 minutes of the triology matches. Finished off the game which gave Arsenal no more turning point.

What a game of football! One of the best European nights to be remembered! Rafa's adventure into Europe will continue.

Credits to the 12th man, to the players, to Rafa and of course, it's not over yet. Chelsea, Here We Come Again!

You'll Never Walk Alone..