Showing posts with label Manchester United. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Manchester United. Show all posts

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Stevie Hammered Hammers

West Ham 0 Liverpool 3
Gerrard 2, 38 Babel 85



A Steven Gerrard double and Supersub Ryan Babel came on to add another. A starting line up which saw Fernando and Stevie back again and their partnership just proved to be so important for Liverpool's future seasons just in 2 minutes. A through ball by Fernando was met nicely by Stevie G perfectly who didn't make any mistakes with his finish.



Steven Gerrard added the second after Torres was brought down in the penalty area. Up step Captain Stevie, but his shot was well saved by Robert Green. Fortunately for the Reds, the rebounded was finished off by the penalty taker.

With 2 goals up, Liverpool was cruising and controlling the game. Playing on the counter- attack, the home side were trying to attack the hard rock defence just in front of Pepe Reina.

Ryan Babel who was rumoured to be leaving the summer, came on in and scored the 3rd to finish off any hopes of comeback. A clean sheet, 3 goals, 3 points in the bag. With Manchester United 6 points above us, it's almost mission impossible for us to have any chance with only 2 more games to go in the league.

Nevertheless, it has been a good season for the Reds and the future is very bright for all the Liverpool fans to see. Keep the faith guys. ;)

You'll Never Walk Alone..

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Chasing the Race..

Liverpool 3 Newcastle 0
Benayoun 22, Kuyt 28, Lucas 87



Although Torres was ruled out the game injured, the rest of the Liverpool team didn't falter and continued to keep the pressure on leaders Manchester United. Steven Gerrard was welcomed back into the side where Newcastle had no chance against the home side.

It's nice to see Lucas scoring his first Premiership goal for Liverpool. A nice header from a Aurelio's cross from the right. Kuyt was terrorizing Alan Shearer's defence with his tireless runs. His cross to Yossi Benayoun and a diving header for himself. Well done Dirk!

Hull City 1 Liverpool 3
Geovanni 73, - Alonso 45 Kuyt 62, 89



Liverpool bounced back from the disappointing draw against Arsenal to beat relegation battling Hull City away from home. Alonso stunning volley gave Liverpool a lead just before half time while a Kuyt double killed off any hopes of a Hull comeback.

Liverpool 4 Arsenal 4
Torres 49, 72 Benayoun 56, 90 - Arshavin 36, 67, 70, 90



A crucial 2 points dropped against Arsene Wenger's game. A crazy game of 4-4 once again which somehow made it more difficult for Liverpool to chase leaders Manchester United. Individual mistakes from the back punished the home side badly whereby Arsenal's new signing Arshavin scoring 4 goals. Whether this game prove to be an important draw or it was the game which Liverpool lost 2 massive points, we shall see where we stands at the end of the season.

You'll Never Walk Alone..


Wednesday, March 25, 2009

5 Past Villa!

Liverpool 5 Aston Villa 0
Kuyt 8, Riera 33, Gerrard pen 40, 50, pen 65



5 goals past Martin O Neil's men and most importantly, we managed to capitalize on the the slip of Manchester United defeat at Craven Cottage. Liverpool knew that they needed to win to close the gap to 1 point if they got 3 points against Aston Villa and they did the job brilliantly.

Scoring 5 goals is always pleasing to see and Captain Stevie added 3 more to his total tally of goals this season. 2 well-taken penalties and a placement freekick just outside the area. Dirk Kuyt and Albert Riera scoring the first 2 goals.

Knowing that both Chelsea and Manchester United dropping points the day before, it's so crucial for Rafa's men to win and made sure we got the 3 points we desperately need. Somehow, it's rather rare to see the other 2 giants dropping points on the same weekend. We have to keep on the pressure and you could see the confidence in the Liverpool team now.



Scoring 4 goals against Real Madrid, another 4 against Man United and now, 5 goals thrashing of Aston Villa, Liverpool's goal difference has improved massively. This could prove to be a essential factor as the title race may go to the wire.

I can understand Rafa's frustrations even though we won convincingly at Anfield. We took our foot off the gas once we got the 5 goals and I thought we could have gone more adventurous and score more against 10 men. It's important for us to keep it going and both our feet on the ground as we know, we are still second and we did not win anything yet.



Special praise for Albert Riera, who scored a wonderful volley second goal for the Anfield faithfuls. Played superbly and creating chances throughout the game. A typical winger you would love to have in the game. I was kind of disappointed that he started really well in the beginning, but later on, form dipped a little. But I'm really glad to see him playing to his potential again, cutting in and out of defenders, delivering beautiful crosses into the box. Hopefully, he can keep it going and constantly producing performances like that day against Villa.

1 point above us, with the leaders with a game in hand. Anything still can happen, and it's important for us to win every game, pressuring Alex Ferguson's men as you will never know what will happen at the end of May. Who knows?

You'll Never Walk Alone..

Sunday, March 15, 2009

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..

Quick Update!

Liverpool 2 Sunderland 0
Ngog 51, Benayoun 65

A midweek game which saw us bouncing back from a defeat. A good goal by David Ngog and a simple tap in by on form midfielder, Benayoun. 3 points which matters and we shall see how we gotta play at Old Trafford.

Middlesbrough 2 Liverpool 0
Alonso (og) 31, Tuncay 63



One of the poorest performances of the season which caused us a big blow to our title race. Couldn't understand what happened, but we have to look forward, hopefully, Manchester United would be able to drop points.

You'll Never Walk Alone..

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

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..

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

2 Massive Points Lost Again..

Liverpool 1 Everton 1
Gerrard 68 - Cahill 88



A Steven Gerrard's long range effort was not good enough to give Liverpool the 3 points which we needed so much. Tim Cahill, who loves scoring against Liverpool, did the trick again, by equalising 3 minutes from time.

Conceding late goals is always disappointing and this time round, the Anfield crowd was stunned by the late equaliser as many including myself would have thought, the solitary goal by Captain Stevie would be enough to get the 3 points. Unfortunately, we are now on level points with Manchester United but they have a game in hand.

Lots of hard work and improvement to be done for Rafa as the team is getting too many draws especially at home. 8 draws this season while 5 of them are at Anfield. This is something which we need to overcome and it is very important for us to get maximum points in every game.

Yes, nobody wins the title in January however, you can lose it. Such draws will cost us many points and eventually, the rest of the team will be closing down on us. Did Rafa talk too much? Did his rage at fellow Alex Ferguson come at the wrong timing?

I do hope that we should let our feet do the talking and make sure we are within pace with the leaders. It's time to buck up Reds, before it's too late.

You'll Never Walk Alone..

Saturday, December 27, 2008

3 Points At Home, Finally

Liverpool 3 Bolton 0
Riera 26, Keane 52, 58



Boxing day matches always proved to be crucial over the years and it's nice to see Liverpool getting the win at Anfield which they have been working on for the last few weeks. 5 draws in the last few meetings have frustrates the Anfield faithfuls. 2 goals from under-fire Robbie Keane and Spanish winger Albert Riera.

All of us were wondering whether Fernando Torres and of course, our manager, Rafa Benitez will be back for this game. Their absence has been sorely missed by all and it just pleased me seeing both up in the stands at Anfield. This shows that both are getting fit and will be back to where they should be.

Fernando Torres


Here's Rafa in all smiles!


Back to the game, like for all matches, we have to breakdown the Great Wall built by opposition who comes to Anfield. Failing to score will naturally lead to a loss or a 2 points dropped. That's why we have been drawing too much home games, we just couldn't break down the defence. Fortunately, Liverpool patience passing and width across the pitch paid dividends.



Albert Riera was the first to the ball from a Steven Gerrard's corner and toe-poked into the net. Third goal for his first season and what a signing he has been. He was menacing on the left wing, gave Bolton defenders hell of a time with his twists and turns.

Once deadlock was broken, somehow there was relief around, knowing that Bolton would have to attack, the game would open up and the home side will have more space and attack. On the 52th minute, a brilliant through pass by Stevie was well finished by Robbie Kean with his left foot. You could see the difference of Robbie after his stunner at the Emirates.



6 minutes later, this goal just proved that we do can play counter-attacking football. A corner for Bolton was well caught by Pepe Reina. A quick throw to Xabi Alonso and you could see the whole red sea was going forward. Right to Benayoun who unselfishly squared to Robbie Keane finished his second goal of the evening.

3 goals, 3 points. Top of the league. With Chelsea and Manchester United both winning, we have to make sure we remains on top. Better performance, better attacking styles, better football. We got to keep it going, St James' Park up next.

You'll Never Walk Alone..

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Critical Win At Ewood Park

Blackburn 1 Liverpool 3
SantaCruz 86 - Alonso 70, Benayoun 79, Gerrard 90
AR Match of the Match: Alonso



After 2 matches of home draws, Liverpool fans including myself are frustrated that we dropped 4 points in 2 games which we could have totally taken 6 instead. Leading on the top of table with just 1 point, it's very important for us to keep winning no matter what, as we know Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal would be just right behind us.

A line-up which saw Insua, Babel and Mascherano back. Dirk Kuyt was playing lone-striker, with Gerrard just playing behind. Blackburn was fast in closing down and they were fighting their lives out. Once a Liverpool player has the ball, they came flying in, without giving any chance of a second touch. The first half saw us with plenty of the ball but there were no width and penetration in our final third.

The second half was better and you could see Liverpool pressing really hard to get the most important goal of the game. Steven Gerrard was being man-marked all the time and credits to him, he managed to get rid of them, played really well in the middle. Left back, Insua had a decent game and it seemed that he could be another option for Rafa.



We got our rewards in the 70 minute. This time, Xabi Alonso scored with a brilliant pass into the goal. Placement as it seemed, you could see how intelligent Xabi is, giving Paul Robinson no chance at all.



9 minutes later, we got our second goal of the game through Yossi Benayoun. The Israel captain was showing that he could feature in Rafa's plans with a nice dribble past former Liverpool player, Stephen Warnock and finished it off in style.

Blackburn gave a scare with a goal back by Santa Cruz. Poor defending and concentration showed by the defence and there was no wonder Pepe Reina was furious concededing the goal. Rafa's men managed to held on, kept the ball and Stevie G added one more at the end, killing off any hopes of comeback from Paul Ince's men.

With the rest of the Big 4 winning, we have to keep up the pace and concentrate on the staying on top. Consistency is the key if we wishes to challenge for the title. On the other note, I do hope Blackburn would give Paul Ince more time to prove himself. I do hope to see our ex Liverpool player doing well in his managerial career, but of course, not against us.

You'll Never Walk Alone..

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Fulham Frustrates Reds At Anfield

Liverpool 0 Fulham 0
AR Man of the Match: Torres




A must win game at home against highly determined Fulham turned out to be a disappointing and frustrating draw. With Captain Steven Gerrard out due to injury, Rafa has somehow decided to play Lucas with Mascherano in the middle, leaving Alonso on the bench. I'm sure many Liverpool fans like myself are wondering why is Xabi not playing.

With no play makers in the team, it's not surprising to see that Liverpool didn't dominate the game which they should have. Lucas and Mascherano are both defensive minded players while Fernando Torres was working very hard alone to get the goal which the home side needed desperately.

Robbie Keane had a glorious chance to give us the lead, but somehow, his finishing were questionable at times. I just felt that we couldn't afford to miss chances when there is one coming. That miss proved so crucial which saw Liverpool losing 2 points instead of gaining one.

The only positive thing we can think of from this result is probably both Chelsea and Manchester United were held to goalless draws too. This weekend results just remained as it is at the top. Level on points with Chelsea which everyone felt that we could have taken over the pole position should we got the 3 points.

Gutted of not able to take maximum points, we have to move on to the next match and this time, we need to do that.

Highlights

You'll Never Walk Alone..

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Steven Gerrard 100 Goals Tribute

Captain Steven Gerrard has finally broken his 100th goal duck against PSV and became the 16th Liverpool player to reach the century mark. Let's look back and see some of his terrific and memorable moments he has scored in his career!

I managed to get some pictures and share his thunderbolts goals over the years.

I wouldn't forget this one! Thunderbolt over Fabien Barthez against Manchester United at Anfield. We won 2-0, with Robbie Fowler scoring the other.



Merseyside derby. How can I leave this out? Fantastic shot which left many breathless! Goodison Park was silenced!



League Cup Final. Against Alex Ferguson's men. Gerrard thunderbolt flew over Barthez again, with a little deflection from David Beckham's foot.



Next, my favourite goal of all time. His crucial 3rd goal against Olympiakos which brought us to the next round and in the end, winning the cup! Andy Gray: "Awwww you beauty! WHAT A HIT, son! WHAT A HIT!"



Istanbul. Champions League Final. The header goal which brought us back to life! What else can I say?



A year later, FA Cup Final. 2 Brilliant Goals.





Champions League Quarter Final. Against Arsenal, a late penalty and up step, Captain Gerrard who finished it off!



And finally, his 100th goal!



Well done, Steven Gerrard!


Fantastic achievement and what a player he has been! I've been watching this man playing since his debut goal against Sheffield Wednesday, he has grown maturely, becoming one of the best players in the world.

What's lacking is just Steven Gerrard lifting the Premiership title. :)

You'll Never Walk Alone..

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

FanZone! GOAAAAAAAAAAL!!

Surf the net and found this on Youtube!



Had a good laugh! IN YOUR FACE!

You'll Never Walk Alone..

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

FINALLYYYYY!

Liverpool 2 Manchester United 1
Brown(og) 26, Babel 77 - Tevez 4
AR Match of the Match: Mascherano




Remember this day and the picture above. This day is finallyyy here. Rafa Benitez's first LEAGUE WIN over rivals Manchester United. Goals from Brown(og) and supersub Ryan Babel sealed the fantastic win over Ferguson's men.

Where should I start? 4 years since Rafa has taken over, he haven't tasted victory before, be it home or away. 4 fucking years, for goodness sake. This 3 points has never been sweeter than before. Danny Murphy has already left Anfield for so many clubs and the Red Half of Merseyside has been swallowing all the defeats with so much pain in their throats over the last years.

Carlos Tevez's early beautiful goal was a shocker for me. It happened so fast and it just flew into the net before my ass gets warm at my seat. At the 4th minute of the game, I was thinking, "Oh my fucking god, it's going to be the same old story again." Somehow or rather, that thinking disappeared once the home side got control of the game and I could see that the Mancs couldn't handle the Kop pressure and attacks.

Credits to all the players, they didn't give in nor give up. Sheer determination and hunger for the win were the key determinants of the game. You could see it from the players' faces. Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard, the 2 most important players of Rafa's team, were sitting anxiously on the bench, couldn't wait to come on.

Brown's own goal was lucky, I have to admit. Still, we earned the luck. Pressing hard against Rio Ferdinand's defence, new signing Albert Riera had a awesome home debut, Mascherano and Alonso controlling the midfield while Kuyt and Keane worked their socks off up front. Of course, the rest of the team were heroes on this day too.

Ryan Babel got the winning goal. Mascherano and Kuyt were the creators of it. Second half performance was efficient and tactically strong which led the away side resorting to pumping high balls. Anfield erupted so was my home. You could see and feel how important was this victory to us.

Many would have argued, both goals are lucky. Well, everyone could see that the Reds dominated the match, at least the second half. We worked hard for it, we fought for it and I'm very sure every Liverpool fan was very proud on that day.



It's still early days. The season has 38 matches and we need to be consistent throughout the year. Still, beating your arch rivals is a good morale and confidence booster and let's enjoy this sweet sweet win!

Click to view goals!
Wes Brown (og)
Ryan Babel

You'll Never Walk Alone..

Friday, September 5, 2008

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..

Monday, May 12, 2008

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.

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Stupidity Costs Liverpool 3 points

Manchester United 3 Liverpool 0
Brown 34, Ronaldo 78, Nani 81




As the scores had showed, Manchester United has shown to their arch-rivals of how to win the title. 3-0 didn't reflect fairly on the number of the home side has, it could have been more. Though being a die-heart Liverpool fan, I have to admit, Manchester United was a better team. With so much hope and excitement before the game, it turned out to be a nightmare in the end.

Away from home, against the defending champions, you can't afford to lose focus and make mistakes. They will punish you, which they did. You have to be strong defensively, working hard as a team and press the opposition. Unfortunately for Liverpool, in this game, small mistakes cost them dearly.



Pepe Reina, the reliable one at many occasions, made mistakes in the game which are so uncommon in his game. If you are off the goal-line, reaching for the ball, you got to make sure you got it. Otherwise, you are in deep shit. Many would have argued, he made some fantastic saves in the game.

Well, like what Ex-Liverpool boss, Gerald Houllier mentioned, a good goalkeeper is not the number of saves he makes, it's the least mistakes he makes. I agreed with that phrase. People don't remember your wonderful saves when your team is losing. People would remember your mistakes and blunders. When he made those saves in Sunday's game, I felt that the damage has already been done.



Javier Mascherano.
Just totally lost it. Lost his cool. Lost his composure. Being a professional player like him, you can't afford to question the referee and just abandon the rest of the 10 players on the pitch. With a yellow card in you, you have to stay calm and play football. Yes, it's a high tension match. You are desperate to win especially with your arch rivals. However, that's no excuse for such a behaviour. Mascherano has to learn and I believe he did.

Don't worry Javier, I still like your style. :)

His sent off did play an important role. Liverpool's structure of the team has been changed and plan B has to be implemented. Against Manchester United at Old Trafford, playing with 11 men, it's difficult, let alone 10. It's just matter of time the home side would score more.

It just reminds me of the game few years back, with Sami Hyypia being sent off in the 1st minute by Mike Riley and we were 1-0 down since. The final score was 4-0. It was just almost the same situation, same feeling.



Ferguson is a very clever man. His words and mind games before the highly anticipated match paid off. I wouldn't blame the referee. Javier deserved to be off and Liverpool didn't play to their standards to get any points from the game. Talking about the referee, the respect and his experience in the game would never be matched.

He knew that this would be a high intensity game, knowing that the fact that players would tend to play with their emotions, he played experienced players like Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes who never failed to get the job done. Playing 5 across the middle was a good tactical move as he know the danger of what Liverpool can do. That's probably why Manchester United are so successful under him.

Liverpool ain't good enough. We have to improve in many areas of the pitch. Small details can proved crucial. We have to forget this match, and move on. We lost with our heads high, and we still have several games to go. We need the 4th place.

You'll Never Walk Alone..

Sunday, March 16, 2008

Mascherano & Torres Overcame Physical Reading

Liverpool 2 Reading 1
Mascherano 19, Torres 48 - Matejovsky 5



This man above is Javier Mascherano. The Argentinian holding mifielder who has recently signed permanently to Liverpool Football Club. His performances has been one of the most consistent in the team, breaking play, tackling in all areas of the pitch. Last night's match against Reading saw him scoring his first ever goal for the home side.

Reading scared Liverpool early in the game with a world class shot by Reading midfielder Marek Matejovsky. Those shot in which he can shoot once in his whole career with that amount of strength and accuracy. Well, I don't think any goalkeeper can save that shot.




Despite going down 1-0 at home, Liverpool played their football and Reading was fast in closing down the Reds, giving them no space. However, Mascherano was able to make space for himself, dribbling past 2 defenders and shot a beauty! Thunderbolt!

What a way to score your first goal for the team!


You truly deserve this celebration!







How can we leave Fernando Torres? He just have to be in the picture isn't it? Despite the physical Reading side, Torres punished the defenders for kicking countless times on his legs. He earned a freekick after a reckless tackle by Reading defender Liam Rosenior. He deserved a YELLOW ref!



Up step, Captain Stevie with a beautiful cross which was headed in by EL Nino! He made it so simple isn't it? His 20th league goal of the season! Well Done Fernando!

They just love hugging each other!


Liverpool's next few fixtures are the most important ones this season. Facing stiff competition with Everton on the 4th spot, it's essential for them to keep the form and winning. Manchester United next, Everton after, and Arsenal 3 times a week. What can beat that?



Will Rafa would be able to overcome the tough barriers and achieve the best results over the weeks?

You'll Never Walk Alone..