Last Games for 08/09

Liverpool 3 Tottenham 1
Torres 31, Hutton og 64, Benayoun 81 - Keane 77

A match without much significance as the title has been already won by Manchester United. Still, it's the last home game for the Reds and Anfield did not disappoint once again, appeared in full voices. A memorable match for Sami Hyypia who is leaving to Germany after 10 years of service in Liverpool Football Club. Robbie Keane returned to Anfield and got a goal himself too. Details of Sami Hyypia will be posted up next.

WBA 0 Liverpool 2
Gerrard 28, Kuyt 63

A match which Liverpool already knew that they are no longer in the title race. Nevertheless, the Reds put up a good game of football securing 2 goals win over WBA. Sadly for the home side, they are relegated after this defeat. Steven Gerrard and Dirk Kuyt both increased their season's tally.

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..

Riots In St James Park

Newcastle 1 Liverpool 5
Edgar 45 - Gerrard 31,66, Hyypia 36, Babel 49, Alonso 76(pen)

Just looking the scoreline, you could see why the Anfield faithfuls are celebrating being on top of the league at the end of year 2008. Of course, we would like to celebrate back in Anfied at May. Nevertheless, this has not been happening over the years. Leading the table by the end of Christmas. No matter what, it is still an massive improvement which is the most important in football. Keep improving and never be satisfied with current glory.

The 5-1 score saw Stevie G getting 2 goals, Sami Hyypia, Ryan Babel and Alonso with a penalty at the end. Rotated by Benitez, Lucas, Babel came into the team. Alonso, Riera and Keane were all left on the bench. It was no surprise to see Rafa rotated due to the fact that it was their 2nd game in 4 days.

With swift passing by the away side, it was inevitable chances were created. Without Shay Given, Newcastle would have needed a hole to hide. Given made some fantastic saves throughout the game, did everything he could as a goalkeeper. Unfortunately for the home side, defence and midifield failed to hold on to Liverpool's waves and waves of attacks.



Stevie G just love scoring against Newcastle, don't he? These 2 goals just increased his tally against them and several assists in the bag too. Sami Hyypia also joined in the fun by heading brilliantly from the Captain's corner.

Ryan Babel, who has been disappointing this season, also added the third goal. Disgusting goal and his celebration was as if he scored a Champions League final winner. Oh well, credits to him, he was there at the right there, and reacted the quickest to tap the ball in.



Xabi Alonso came in and scored the last goal from the penalty spot. This just sumed of both teams' day and the year. A emphatic win indeed and it's definitely nice to see the team creating chances and converting them. We have to keep it going, concentrate on our matches. As long as we win, we need not care what or how other teams perform.

Leaders at the start of 2009, let's see where we end.

You'll Never Walk Alone..

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..

Points Shared At Emirates

Arsenal 1 Liverpool 1
VanPersie 24 - Keane 43

Normally, a point at the Emirates is a good result. However, looking at last night's circumstances and performance, I do feel disappointed that we didn't take maximum points at Arsene Wenger's backyard. With Sammy Lee standing in for Rafa, somehow, I could feel that something is missing. Rafa's presence is very important and even more especially in such a close and competitive match.

Still, the match has to go on and in just 24 minutes in the game, Robin VanPersie, had a moment of brilliance. Chested down the ball and struck an unstoppable shot past Pepe Reina. Bullet as it seemed, it was breathtaking.

Credit to Liverpool, we kept cool and maintained the shape of the team. We continued to press on and just before half time, a high ball by Daniel Agger met beautifully onto Keane's path, who didn't make any mistake with a half volley into the net. Brilliant strike! Somehow, we managed to get the equaliser which shocked the home team a while. We almost get the second just before half time, with Stevie missing a glorious chance.

I thought we could go on and get the second goal. But unfortunately, despite Arsenal having a man down, we didn't attack. Or I should say, our attacks were slow. No penetration and predictable in our plays. Was frustrated watching the players playing so cautiously instead of attacking, making use of the numerical advantage. I do not know why, is it because of Rafa's absence? Or the players were satisfied with a point?

Looking at this result, we have dropped so many points. Manchester United and Chelsea will be smiling seeing both Liverpool and Arsenal drawing. Just on our performance, you could see that we are not there yet, sadly so. It's just matter of time we would lose our leadership and end up chasing the rest.

Looks like we fans have to wait a little longer..

You'll Never Walk Alone..

Summary of Last Week Matches

Just a quick summary on each of the games played last week. Starting from the latest.

8 Nov'08

Liverpool 3 WBA 0
Keane 34, 43 Arbeloa 90

A double from Robbie Keane and rare goal from Arbeloa gave Liverpool a comfortable win at Anfield. I did not managed to get to watch the match myself but watching the highlights showed that the home side controlled the match and it's a good to win after suffering its first defeat against Spurs last weekend.

Goals

4 Nov'08

Liverpool 1 Atletico Madrid 1
Gerrard 90 - Maxi Rodriguez 38

Liverpool had a late lucky penalty against the Spanish side. Steven Gerrard got the penalty practically on the last minute of the game while Atletico Madrid was denied a victory at Anfield. Liverpool didn't play that well, but nevertheless, it's an important point and Stevie is the one who scored the deciding penalty, once again.

Goals

1 Nov'08

Tottenham 2 Liverpool 1
Carragher (og) 68, Pavlyuchenko 90 - Kuyt 3

The first defeat in the league which I felt pretty unjust and left wondering on how earth we manage to lose after dominating. Dirk Kuyt's early strike was brilliant. For long periods of the game, we threatened the goal and hit the post twice. I guess we need some luck for that. We lost control of the game and somehow, Carragher's own goal changed the complex of the game. These things happen in football, Harry Redknapp's men got the late winner right at the end unfortunately.

Goals

You'll Never Walk Alone..

Keane's Strike Not Enough For 3 points

Atletico Madrid 1 Liverpool 1
Simao 83 - Keane 14
AR Man of The Match: Alonso

The much highly anticipated game in Vicente Calderon Stadium, against Atletico Madrid. Unfortunately for Fernando Torres, he was not able to make it back to his hometown and the club where he started his career. Florent Sinama Pongolle and Luis Garcia, the 2 ex-Liverpool players were up against us last night while Rafa was determined to get 3 points back home.

It's nice to see Luis Garcia and Pongolle again. These 2 players were great servants to Liverpool during their time here and they were in the winning Champions League team in 2005. Well, friendships and memories were probably put aside once the match started.

The away side was able to control the game right from the start, managing the game's tempo and in the 14th minute, Rafa's men were up ahead. A through pass by Captain Stevie set for Robbie Keane to score his 2nd goal for the club, second consecutive goal in the Champions League. There were suspicion of offside and the linemen for the night were terrible in their decisions.

Sergio Augero came in the second half for Luis Garcia, while Liverpool was able to hold on the lead for long minutes. Goalscorer Keane was replaced by Dirk Kuyt, Babel was on for Gerrard and Alonso was taken over by Lucas. These subsitutions showed that Rafa was thinking of the game in Stamford Bridge, and hoping to hold on to the lead. You could see that the Liverpool players were tired while the home side began to attack, finding a goal.

Simao, the player whom we almost signed a few years back, got the equalising goal in the 83th minute, spoiling Rafa's plan of holding on for 3 points. Jamie Carragher of all players, allowed the ball bounced in the area, letting Diego Forlan to pass to the unmarked Simao to finish it home. A mistake with 7 minutes to go was definitely disappointing.

Yes, a draw away from home was not a bad result. But leading for almost an hour and to concede right at the end was certainly to be 2 points lost. Joint top with Atletico Madrid with 7 points while we have 2 more home games to go. Not the worse result, I suppose.

It's time to concentrate back on the league, it's the big and important clash in London.

Goals

You'll Never Walk Alone..

A Good Night To Remember

Liverpool 3 PSV 1
Kuyt 4, Keane 34, Gerrard 76 - Koevermans 78
AR Man of the Match: Gerrard

A memorable night for the Anfield faithfuls to remember, which sees Steven Gerrard getting his 100th Liverpool career goal as well as Robbie Keane's first goal for his childhood dream team. A disciplined match against Dutch side PSV Eindhoven, a regular Champions League opponent over the last few years.

Another typical Anfield European night, gave the team confidence and many positives from this game. Despite playing 5 defenders across the back, PSV failed to contain the home attacks and somehow, Liverpool was expected to score and get the 3 points.

Goals from Kuyt, Keane and Captain Gerrard made it 2 wins out of 2 so far in the opening group stages of the Champions League. Kuyt's goal scoring record in the Champions League seems to be improving each time he plays and he has instilled himself a place in Rafa's first 11. His work rate is definitely one of the best, if not the best around and I do wonder how many lungs he has.

Many positives from this game.

1. Keane got his first goal for Liverpool with a Torres assist. Keane assisted Torres at the Merseyside derby and this shows that this partnership is beginning to work.

2. Captain Steven Gerrard has finally scored his 100th goal for Liverpool Football Club. The 16th player to be able to do that. I could see that his form is picking up and once he gets into form, opponents have to be beware.

3. Liverpool is playing well at the moment, showing the sense of urgency in games which I strongly believed was lacked last season. Consistency is the key and I'm sure Rafa & Co has the experience to at least, challenge this year.

4. Rafa has cut down on his tinkering. Keeping to his key players practically every game and he himself also agreed that it's hard to change the team when the 11 players are putting in good performances. Players like Ryan Babel and Daniel Agger just simply couldn't break into the first team.

Still, we must not be overconfident and concentrate on every single game. We have not win anything yet, it's important to be calm and continue to win games. Somehow, being a Liverpool fan, I'm afraid to have high hopes at times. Every season, somehow high hopes will turn out to be bigger disappointment. Hopefully, this season won't be. Well, I'll still shout "GOAL" at my top of my voice when the team scores!

Manchester City up next!

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..

A Lucky Draw For Reds

Standard Liege 0 Liverpool 0

AR Man of the Match: Pepe Reina

First leg of the Champions League qualifier sees Rafa Benitez's men against the Belgium Champions Standard Liege. The much anticipation and excitement to see "best squad I've have" claimed by the boss, was this first competitive match. Hot signing, Robbie Keane was upfront with Fernando Torres and new entrant Andrea Dossena was playing at left-back. Daniel Agger made his return to the line-up after a year of serious injuries troubles.

Unfortunately, Liverpool didn't rise to the occasion, once again. Passing was poor, losing out first and second balls. In the early moments of the game, the home side Standard Liege went on top and came close on two occasions at Pepe Reina's goal. Fortunately, the Eurpoean Champions goalkeeper was alert and made 2 wonderful saves to keep Reds level.

Penalty Save


Liverpool conceded a controversial penalty, Referee claimed Dossena handled the ball in the penalty box, but instant replays showed that it was outside the area. Somehow, justice was being done. Pepe Reina pulled a top draw save again at the spot and Standard Liege's coach was furious on their side's inability to score.

Liverpool managed to hang on till the end despite the terrible performance by the team. Couldn't find a way past the defence and I don't remember them forcing a save from the goalkeeper. Steven Gerrard came in but failed to make any impacts.

Rafa Benitez got to think hard on how to make this Liverpool team clicks. Over the years, they have always been starting the season poorly and began to play better at the end. Title challenge will not allow you to have such inconsistent and slow form. We have to be quick in improving and producing results, otherwise, Liverpool fans, it will be the same old Liverpool every season again.

You'll Never Walk Alone..

Welcome KEANO!

The new number 7 for Liverpool. Robbie Keane signed for Liverpool Football Club from Tottenham Hotspur. I was anticipating for his news everyday, as speculation of us signing the top scorer of Ireland. The wait was finally done when we finalised the signing of 18 million pounds.

Many would think whether is he worth 18 million? Well, time will tell and I do think the Liverpool supporter's a good signing. Being in the premier league for so long, there's no problems for this man to adapt to English football. His versatility is a strong point and he can score goals, some spectacular ones as well.

Partnering upfront with Fernando Torres will be an exciting prospect and many are already talking about this partnership to be scaring defences. I do hope so, somehow, Robbie Keane may be just the final piece of a big jigsaw puzzle of Rafa Benitez.

Will Keane's signing will spur the team on? I'm looking forward to see how he can fit into the current team and hopefully, do what he did at White Hart Lane or even better.

Welcome to Liverpool, Robbie Keane!

Videos Compilations of Welcoming Keano!





Source: LFCompilations, MKB

You'll Never Walk Alone..

Torres Grabbed A Point

Liverpool 2 Tottenham 2
Voroninn 12, Torres 90 - Robbie Keane 45, 47

Fernando Torres, saved Liverpool's blushes of losing at home consecutively with a 92th minute header right at the Kop End. The match ended in a 2-2 draw which we would have won easily in the first half. Tottenham played pretty well, managed to score 2 goals despite being a goal down.





Robbie Keane, the scorer of both goals, was superb on the day. Picking up on Berbatov's flick on for both occasions and broke Liverpool's record of not conceding in open play. Of course, Liverpool defenders has to be blamed as well. Not able to handle Berbatov and allowing Keane to get into his way. These are 2 big mistakes which Rafa was furious about.

I was angry as well. How can you make the same mistakes twice in a match? Keane scored just before the half ended and right at the start of the second half, you conceded another similar goal. What happen to the defence? A defence which used to be solid and hard to beat, yet conceded 2 soft goals, putting the team into a difficult situation.



Definitely, I'm glad that I saw improvements from the horror night against Marseille. We dominated the first half, was quick in tempo and managed to get in front early in the game through Andriy Voroninn. Steven Gerrard's freekick is parried out by fellow international colleague Paul Robinson and the Ukraine's striker was alert enough to tap the ball in.

We had several great chances which we didn't take. In football, you would be punished for not putting your chances into count. Liverpool paid for it and Spurs was leading 2-1 up at Anfield. It's an unusual situation for Anfield as the fortress which Rafa has built these years seems to be lacking of confidence and losing its fears.

There were frustrating moments in the game which I was swearing at these players. However, without any doubts, the Liverpool players didn't give up and shown character in the game. They kept on pressuring and pressing, and they managed to get their rewards at the end. Steve Finnan, who was the player playing better than the rest, cross a beauty which the met Torres' head and secured a point.



I'm glad that we managed to escape defeat. However, I'm clearly unhappy on how they are playing. Clueless on what happen to the lads out there. The way they play last night does have improvement but not to the standards they used to play. It's international break, and I truly hope this break would benefits the team but not the same way the previous break did to us.

You'll Never Walk Alone..

Hey Roberto!

An advertisment for Pringles. You can see our own Steven Gerrard, with the likes of Roberto Carlos, Totti, Cisse and Robbie Keane.



Hey Roberto!!

You'll Never Walk Alone..