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..

Torres Completes Comeback!

Portsmouth 2 Liverpool 3
Nugent 61, Hreidarsson 77 - Aurelio 69, Kuyt 84, Torres 90

Once again, Rafa Benitez has proved that he can be one of the boldest manager in the league, seeing his line-up against Portsmouth last night. With 6 defenders in the line-up, putting young French Ngog as the lone striker upfront, I really was wondering how on earth can he win the game with this first 11.

Surprisingly, we started pretty well with passing and plenty share of possession. However, Ryan Babel and David Ngog doesn't seemed to be able to penetrate into the Tony Adams' defence and hence, we failed to score in the opening 45 minutes.

Rafa was spot on in his substitutions, bringing in Dirk Kuyt for the ineffective Ngog. You could see his inexperience in the game. Kuyt was fresh and the spark of our comeback in the game.



Fabio Aurelio's indirect freekick was very well-executed which got us the equalising goal. A left footed drive after David James handled the ball from a Peter Crouch back pass causing the indirect freekick. We made a mistake and conceded the lead to the home side.

Alonso came in, so was Torres. These players came in and made an impact in the game. Portsmouth was tiring while the likes of Benayoun, Kuyt, Mascherano were all fighting for every ball on the pitch. Kuyt scored late on with an almost impossible shot passed David James. I simply do not know how he managed to squeeze the ball in.



In the 90th minute, who else? Fernando Torres headed in the winner which gave us the massive 3 points. With time ticking off, good play by Benayoun and Mascherano on the left, Torres finished it off with his 1st chance at goal. A comeback again!

Credit to the team, they kept believing and fought throughout. They shown character and you could see that every game is so important for this long title race. I do not care how Rafa changes, or who he plays, as long as we have the 3 points, the rest we can talk later.

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..

Top of Group!

PSV 1 Liverpool 3
Lazovic 37 - Babel 45, Riera 69, Ngog 78

It was not telecast live over here in Singapore, therefore I could only watch the highlights over the internet. Good goals by Babel, Riera and Ngog were enough for us to secure the top spot and this would mean that second leg of the next knock out round will be at Anfield. This is very important especially in a 2-legged knockout phase.

It's nice to see us winning even we did not field the best team, able to rest some key players and this is a big squad should be all about. Squad depth is essential especially for a long seasons with so many matches to play for.

Let's look forward who we draw next. :)

Match Highlights

You'll Never Walk Alone..

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..

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..

Kuyt Brought Reds Into Champions League

Liverpool 1 Standard Liege 0
Kuyt 118
AR Man of the Match: Kuyt

The first leg of the Champions League qualifier was a huge scare for Liverpool fans as they almost lost to the Belgium Champions 2 weeks ago. Without Pepe Reina's heroics at the goal, it would be difficult for Rafa's men.

A 0-0 scoreline means that Liverpool has to win no matter what to qualify into Champions League and for the past few games, the Reds were playing badly but yet winning. Rafa sticks to its first 11 with just a change of Andrea Dossena to Fabio Aurelio at left back.

Highlights

Source=KopTv

Standard Liege threatened the goal early on and Pepe Reina was called for duty once again, with some terrific saves. If the visitors had scored, Liverpool got to score 2 goals to win the tie. The understanding of Torres and Keane is improving and they are troubling defences with their runs and flicks ons. The lacking thing is only an assist to a goal.

As the game went on, the Liverpool fans were getting worried. Till the 80th minute, it was still goalless. A away goal conceded would means a shock exit of the Champions League, which Liverpool is belonged to. The game went on to extra time as the away side was defending deep and stood strong against the Liverpool attacks.

Tired legs were out there as time is more than 90 minutes. With 4 more minutes to go, substitute Ryan Babel, scored a deep ball from the left and was converted into the goal by fellow countryman Dirk Kuyt! It's the best time to score as the match was about to go into penalties. Kuyt celebrated in front of the Anfield faithfuls and everyone wearing a red shirt wasrelieved.

A solitary goal is sufficient. We are into the Champions League. Once again, performance was below-par. We are not creating much chances and set pieces are just crossing to defender's head. A struggled win and this time, Dirk Kuyt provided that.

You'll Never Walk Alone..

07/08 Season Review - Midfielders

The great showdown between Manchester United and Chelsea will be played tonight at Moscow, the Champions League Final. Well, it doesn't matter who win, it won't affect us at all. Nevertheless, it would be a good game of football.

Back to AnfieldReds, it's time for the next reviews of midfielders.

Harry Kewell
The Australian winger has been disappointing on the whole of the season. He was unfortunate to be affected by injuries in his time in Liverpool. I do like him. His experience and has a typical style of a winger which not many can do it his way. He managed to play several matches in the beginning. Rafa still has some faith in the no 7. Sadly, he didn't move on from that matches and instead, got injured again. He was then missing from action and Rafa also allowed him to play Australia on several occasions. It seemed to many that his peak is over and age is catching up on him.

It was announced that Harry will be leaving the club on the free as Rafa has decided not to offer him a new deal. It's a pity but it's part and parcel of football. There are some great moments of him in the Liverpool shirt. His left leg is definitely many would love to have. Unfortunately, we will not see him anymore next season. Good luck Harry! YWNA. Oh yes, he rejected Manchester United and chose Anfield instead. :)

Ratings: 2 / 5

Steven Gerrard
Just like Carragher, Captain Steven Gerrard has been superb from the start till the end. One of most consistent players in the team. Unbelievable talent! He has grown stronger and the new partnership with Fernando Torres upfront was excellent. He enjoys playing just behind the striker and has been scoring goals. Goals which are executed almost perfectly, like the goals against Arsenal and Newcastle. He's utterly disappointed that Liverpool couldn't proceed further in the Champions League and of course, challenging for the title. I can understand what Steven is feeling as I believe every Liverpool fan will share the same sentiments.

In my opinion, Steven Gerrard is the man who can bring us to glory and he's the most important player in the team. Heartbeat of Liverpool, Rafa needs to play the team around him and I believe we are heading the right direction. It's a good rest for him as England won't be involved in the Euros. He will be out firing next season!

Ratings: 5 / 5

Yossi Benayoun
This fellow here was bought from West Ham, notably to replace Luis Garcia who left in the summer. In the beginning, I was full of doubts of Yossi. How can he replace Luis Garcia? In fact, they are two different players. The versatile Benayoun proved to me that he can be unique in his own way and is not a bad signing after all. He scored many goals including hat-trick against Bekitas 8-0 thrashing game. He loves to cut into the channel which gave defenders problems. A good team player and always working hard for the team. Everyone would remember how he "danced" past Chelsea defenders and assist Torres' goal at the Bridge. What a great assist! He would be around for sure next season, let's hope he can continue this form and contributes to the team as much like this season.

Ratings: 4 / 5

Xabi Alonso
Ever since Rafa Benitez is around, Xabi has been spraying passes across the field for Liverpool. To me, he's also one of the cores of the team. He needs to be there distributing the play and at the same time, protecting the back 4. Like before, I've never doubt this Spanish's ability. His vision and accuracy in passing are essentials for the Reds as teams tend to play very deep against us especially at Anfield. He is also the few ones who can break defences. He started the campaign pretty well, before suffering a broken bone. He was out for some time and we did miss him. Nevertheless, when he came back, he was performing consistently, but not at his best form. I believe he can play better.

The future of Alonso seemed to be in doubt. Speculation of him leaving in the summer is pretty massive. I just don't wish to see him leave. Although both Rafa and Xabi has spoken on their own staying on speeches, it's hard to predict what will happen in the market. He has to be around and in order for Liverpool to do well, we have to keep our best players and Alonso is one of them. I wish to see the no 14 to be around for a long time for Liverpool.

Ratings: 3.5 / 5

Jermaine Pennant
The right winger has not really improved over the season. He's not a bad winger, delivering quality crosses into the box which scored several important goals. Having said that, his temper can be questioned at times. He got sent off earlier in the season and that cost Liverpool 3 points. He seemed to be able to control his discipline more as the season progressed. He's not a fantastic winger which can change a game, but he did put up some decent performances for the team. Rafa seemed to have lost his patience against the English winger and Pennant's future is in major doubt in this summer. Probably a part exchange in the making? I don't know.

Ratings: 3 / 5

Ryan Babel
11 million pounds signing. So much potential and expectations on the 20 year old winger. I was quite excited to see Liverpool signing him right in front of rivals Arsenal's noses. Strong, fast and the ability to shoot from distance are attributes of a great player. He is compared to our great winger of all times, John Barnes. They have similar style of player and I do hope Babel can be another Barnes very soon. Despite all the anticipation, Babel was not adapting too well on the English style of play. He was struggling with the pace and the physical side of it in the beginning. He managed to overcome that as he played more matches and he scored several good goals as well.

He has also developed a reputation of becoming a supersub. Whenever he comes in, he does have some impact on the game, be it a goal or assist. Strangely, whenever he starts a game, he don't have the same impact as he did when he comes on. He still has many areas to learn. He has the potential and ability, no doubt about it. He has to be more aggressive in his play and hopefully, next season, he would be able to terrify defenders with his pace and dribbles. I have faith in you, Ryan.

Ratings: 4 / 5

Javier Mascherano
I'm so pleased that we have signed Javier on a permanent basis. He's a great player and has become a valuable asset in the team. Alongside Xabi Alonso, the two of them are the ones in the middle of the park, distributing and destroying play. Mascherano is a monster. Tackling accurately and is never afraid to compete with the bigger sized players. His form is superb and I'm very happy to see him scoring for Liverpool against Reading earlier in the season. Yes, people will remember his sent-off against Manchester United. The infamous red card for arguing with the ref has caused so much sayings and criticism. He've learnt his lesson and he came out stronger after that. Hardworking as ever. Never give up the ball when it's in his area. He's an important player for the team. Well done Mash!

Ratings: 5 / 5

Lucas Levia
The young Brazilian Lucas was bought earlier last season. I was watching his videos and I do think he has a lot of potential. When he came to Liverpool, I did expect a little more from this young fellow. Just like Babel, he took time to adapt to the play and he's not a bad player after all. A decent midfielder who can come into the team and do the job for us. Still have plenty to learn and I do think he's the one for the future. He's already playing some first team football and this would broaden his playing experience at the top. I will be looking forward how Rafa's going to develop this Brazilian player into the English style of play. Come on Lucas!

Ratings: 3.5 / 5

Last but not least, the review of the Strikers would be coming up pretty soon. Stay tuned..

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..

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..

A Win At The Reebok

Bolton 1 Liverpool 3
Cohen 79 - Jaaskelainen og 10, Babel 60, Aurelio 75

A great win!

Match in pictures..

Stevie with the shot !

Babel with wonderful second..

Aurelio's first goal for Liverpool !

Apologised for no match reports, have been very busy with work. :)

You'll Never Walk Alone..

Liverpool Crashes Out of Carling Cup

Chelsea 2 Liverpool 0
Lampard 59, Shevchenko 90

As expected, Liverpool was not able to match the Blues at the Bridge last night. Suffered a 2-0 loss, goals from Frank Lampard and Andrei Shevchenko. There's not much to comment on as I could see Rafa took this opportunity to rest the main players and gave the younger ones a run. On the other hand, Chelsea fielded a strong first 11.



We didn't play that badly. Chelsea was struggling to break the team down. They needed a deflection of Jamie Carragher's legs to beat Liverpool goalkeeper, Charles Itandje who had an excellent game last night.



Sadly so, Peter Crouch was sent off last night with a reckless two leg challenge on Mikel. I guess he has lost his cool. He was not playing very well last night and frustration led him to tackle in the wrong way.

The positives were the fact that Xabi Alonso is back into the team and the young ones were able to hold on to Chelsea's superstars. Lucas, Hobbs, Babel and Sissoko were working really hard in the team. Lucas had the best chance to score if not for Cech's great save.

Nevertheless, as many would have agree, the Carling Cup is not being prioritised nowadays. We shall look forward to the next game, Portsmouth.

You'll Never Walk Alone..

Liverpool Into Last 16, Winning 3 Out of 3

Marseille 0 Liverpool 4
Gerrard 4, Torres 11, Kuyt 48, Babel 90

Another match enters into the history of the Liverpool books. A night to remember which Liverpool completed their 3 out of 3 must-win games in the Champions League Group stages. This gave Liverpool qualification into the last 16 of the most prestigious European competition.

4-0 it stands at the Stade Velodrome. Marseille winning record against English opposition is finally broken as Liverpool is the first English side to beat Marseille at their home. The win was a much needed one in which this particular match could decide the club's upcoming future. Disability to qualify for the knockout stage is unthinkable which eventually would be a massive loss in income and revenue. Rafa's job may not be guaranteed if they have lost last night as well.

Liverpool treated the game as a cup final. Right from the start, they were looking to win and showed the hunger which we fans love to see on the pitch. Most importantly, we got our first goal early in the game. Steven Gerrard's superb run into the penalty box was brought down by Marseille defender, Laurent Bonnart. The ref was spot on and gave the penalty on the 3rd minute of the game.



Up step Captain Stevie. Somehow, he missed it, a great save from the home side goalkeeper. Still, he was there to finish the rebound off. 1-0 to Liverpool!






The second goal didn't came too long. Winger Harry Kewell passed a simple ball to Spanish striker Torres who was the edge of the box. From then on, he had only the goal in his mind. Dribbled past 2 defenders and slot home the second of the evening for the away side. World Class Finish.





This is what Tom Hicks and George Gillet paid 26 million pounds for. This is what Liverpool is lacking of over the years. This is the missing link which caused Liverpool to lose last season final against AC Milan. This is what we fans love to see. He's Fernando Torres.

2 goals up within 11 minutes. Marseille were left self-shocked. Silenced the crowd and I could only hear the songs from Anfield were singing. Loud and proud.

Marseille made substitutions one after another. By half-time, they had already made 3 with Djibril Cisse being the last one coming in. Despite the changes, Liverpool extended their lead.



Again, Harry Kewell passed a brilliant ball from the left which Kuyt captalised on the sleeping defence. He was onside and he was clinical in his finish. Nice shot Dirk!



With a 3 goals cushion, it's almost sure that Liverpool was qualifying into the knock out stages and sending the French side into the UEFA Cup. Liverpool was strong defensively. Marseille couldn't break the mighty wall which Rafa had already built right from the start.



Once again, Ryan Babel came on in the game and managed to get one himself. A Fabio Aurelio long ball was met with his frightening pace where he rounded off the keeper scoring the 4th for Liverpool which truly deserved to win the game. Credit to all the players in the team who worked really hard in the game. Mascherano, Kewell, Benayoun and the whole defence were superb on the night.





4 goals on an away European match with no goals conceded. What else can we ask for? It's no wonder Rafa was proud with his boys. I'm proud of them as well. I wore the same away jersey to school today with my head up high.

We shall enjoy this win and prepare for the upcoming match. The BIG GAME against Manchester United. It's time to be focus on the league.

You'll Never Walk Alone..

4-0 Win Against Trotters

Liverpool 4 Bolton 0
Hyypia 17, Torres 45, Gerrard pen 56, Babel 86

Games Highlights


A great performance by the Liverpool team last weekend with a emphatic 4-0 win over Bolton, a team which has just appointed a new manager Gary Megson and also won Manchester United a week ago. Bolton has been producing some good results recently before coming to Anfield. Captain Stevie was influential in the whole game, playing to his best, leading his team in getting the 3 points. Man of the match performance.



It didn't take long for the home side to break deadlock. A freekick taken from the left was headed into the goal by big Sami Hyypia, leaving Jussi Jaaskelainen standing on his goal line. Liverpool didn't start very well in the game but was fortunate enough to got in front.

They were luckier later in the game when Bolton striker Nicholas Anelka missed a open goal when Jamie Carragher and Pepe Reina bumped into each other upon clearing the ball. It's an unusual scene for Anelka to miss a open goal and also Carragher-Reina miscommunication. The goal-line was 1-0 then.



Liverpool was fast enough to get the second just before the break. A great through ball from Steven Gerrard to on form striker Fernando Torres who didn't make any mistakes with his finishing. He had so much work to do even he got the ball from Gerrard. However, he made it look so simple. With so much pace, he chipped the ball over the outcoming Jaaskelainen. World Class Finish!



The second half was no doubt that Liverpool was going to take the 3 points back home. Here again, Gerrard crossed the ball into the area where Peter Crouch was being brought down. Penalty. It seems to me that Liverpool are getting penalties very match recently and there's no better candidate to take it. Steven Gerrard scored the 3rd for the Reds with a shot to his left. He shot to the right 2 games before. :)



Substitute Ryan Babel came on later in the game and once again, the flying Dutchman kept his habit of coming in scoring. A rebound from fellow international teammate Dirk Kuyt was nicely placed for Babel to slot in the home side' fourth of the day. He came on against Beskitas with 2 goals, Newcastle 1, and now Bolton 1 more. I do hope he can just keep scoring. It would be a boost to the team and himself.

It's job well done for the lads and of course, Rafa himself. There are still much rooms for improvements and of course, all the important matches are coming up which is all Must-Win games for us. The season is still a long path and Liverpool have to maintain the form and keep up with the pace. We can't afford to have any hiccups and be so generous in our points.



Come On Rafa and Co, I believe in you.

You'll Never Walk Alone..

Reds Meant Business In St James' Park

Newcastle 0 Liverpool 3
Gerrard 28, Kuyt 46, Babel 66

Match Goals


As the international break was over, it's time to be back for Premiership football. Many would have still be talking about England's disability to qualify for the Euros and Steve Mcclaren's sacking. Nevertheless, all I care is Liverpool getting the points in the league which was at St James Park last night.

Yes, they did. 3 points in the bag, a convincingly 3-0 win over Newcastle at their home. What else can I ask for? It's a great result at the right time for Liverpool as over the week, there are reports about the rift between Liverpool boss and the American owners. I do not know what really happened, but I do know that as long as Rafa maintain their unbeaten ways, I believe he would be fine.

Liverpool started brightly though the fact that Momo Sissoko was in the team. Harry Kewell and Lucas Levia also started. We spread the ball well and passing was neat. Sadly so, Captain Steven Gerrard was being booed by the fans in the stadium. It's definitely due to England's mishap during the week. It's normal for him to get some stick especially from these hostile fans, however, I do think it's unfair to Stevie.

Still, Stevie did his talking on the pitch. He was not affected by the constant boos and went on to scored a stunner. On the 28th minute, the away side got a freekick outside the penalty box. Up step Stevie, he didn't reserved any power from the lay off by Lucas to him. Top Corner. Gave Shay Given no chance.



Liverpool had several great chances, but they also missed them terribly. This time around, Torres was being the main culprit. He could have got a hat-trick but the fact that he didn't stop trying showed how determined this young man is. He hit the post at the end of first half was the closest he could score last night.



Liverpool managed to add another to their advantage right after the break. Steven Gerrard's corner was flicked by Big Sami onto Dirk Kuyt knee, rebounding into goal. It's lucky goal by the Dutchman and Liverpool was in a comfortable position with 2 goals up.



Newcastle was clueless in the whole game. I do wonder what happen to them at home. They left too much space in the middle of park, which ended up pressuring the defence.

Ryan Babel came on as Liverpool played on a counter-attacking football. The flying winger was quick, strong and determined to get forward whenever he's given the chance. He got his rewards then by scoring a nice 3rd goal for Liverpool. A 1-2 with Stevie gave Babel space to shoot straight into the bottom corner.



2 players who impressed me last night. Harry Kewell & Lucas Levia. Even though both of them didn't score, their hard work in the game for the team was not neglected. Harry had been injured for a long time and it's great to see him back. He's definitely one of those who can help Liverpool push further as long as he's fit. He needs several games more to gain back his match fitness, which I agreed with Rafa, he would be like a new signing.

Lucas Levia. The number 21 Brazilian was superb in the middle, protecting the back four last night. His tackling was precise and passing was not too bad. (Better than Momo's) At such a young age, he has turned out to be an exciting prospect for Liverpool. His intelligence on the pitch and the individual control can be seen clearly from last night's match, at least for me.

I do not know whether we played really well or it's Newcastle who made us look good. Even so, the important fact is that we got the points which we needed. Game set, next game, Porto. 2nd Final in the Champions League.

You'll Never Walk Alone..

Substitute Torres Gave Reds 3 Points

Liverpool 2 Fulham 0
Torres 81, Gerrard pen 85

Match Goals


Home game against London side Fulham. Liverpool was expected to win this game easily, probably with 2 main factors. Liverpool was the home side and their last home game was a thrashing game where they scored 8. On the other hand, Liverpool's home form in the league has been poor. Too many draws instead of wins.

Last night's game was an example why they struggled at home so far this season in the opening 80 minutes. Away teams especially the smaller clubs would definitely park a huge bus in front of their goal, playing on a counter-attack tactic. You don't expect to see them coming to Anfield all out firing.



As usual, Fulham were playing deep in their own half and Liverpool was struggling to break down their defence. Voronin was the again the man of the moment. Running every channel of the field, working hard to break the Fulham's stubborn backline. Unfortunately, his efforts couldn't get Liverpool a goal.

He was then substituted by Fernando Torres, who was injured for quite some time these weeks. I'm glad this fellow came back. He was bought in the summer for 26 million to score goals, and last night, he didn't disappoint. A high ball pumped up by Pepe Reina was chested down beautifully by Torres and off he turned towards the goal. Brought on the defender and shot through his legs into the goal. Awesome! Finally, the gate was opened.



Liverpool was getting more space after Torres' goal as expected. Another supersub, Ryan Babel came on and sped towards the Fulham's defenders. Provided a great through ball to Peter Crouch who was clipped upon about to strike the ball. Replays shown that Peter was fouled just outside the area, however, it's too fast for the referee to see. Hence, he gave a penalty.

Up step Captain Stevie, who didn't make any mistakes from the spot. 2-0 to Liverpool. The game was over by then. Torres was the one who broke the duck, and got the 3 points for the Reds.

The win is what it matters. I'm not looking at the table just yet. Liverpool is still far away from the titans. They definitely need to improve. Be more clinical, attacks have to be penetrating. Defences to be strong, and accuracy passing. There are many rooms for Liverpool to work on and I believe Rafa Benitez knows it better than everyone.

International break, after then, we are heading down to St' James Park.

You'll Never Walk Alone..

Yes, It's 8 !

Liverpool 8 Besiktas 0
Crouch 19, 88 Benayoun 32, 52, 56 Gerrard 69 Babel 78, 81

Match Goals


The first match of the 3 do or break games for Liverpool in the Champions League went on a superb start last night. An important game for the Reds as they had to win all 3 games remaining to qualify into the knockout stages. Match against Besiktas at home was expected to be an easy game however, the Turkish beaten us at their home fortnightly ago. Many would have expect the Turkish players would give us a fight at Anfield.

Nevertheless, the power of Anfield proves too much for Besiktas to take. With Peter Crouch and Andriy Voronin leading the Reds' attack, we didn't take too long to score the first goal. On the 19th minute mark, Crouch had shown the fans why Rafa should have put him more in the first team. He scored the opening goal with a nice finish off a rebound of the goalkeeper.



Voronin was superb on the night. Running every inch of the field, finding space behind the defence and created so many goals. Yossi Benayoun added the second and Liverpool was leading 2-0 at half time.



At half time, I wouldn't have bet the team went on thrashing Besiktas. The goals just kept coming, it's those nights as though every shot towards goal was a goal. Yossi Benayoun got a hat-trick on the night. It's somehow unusual for a right winger to score 3 goals in a match. Although Yossi' goals were not glamour, still, he appeared at the right time and right place to slot home the goals.



The midfield worked really hard. Javier Mascherano was excellent the whole game, he didn't put a foot wrong. Captain Stevie was his usual self, bursting into defence on several occasions and he did get his reward with a goal of the night. With the team leading on by a big margin, Rafa substituted Gerrard on the 72th minute. It's good to let Stevie have some rest.



Ryan Babel, who came on in the game also got a couple. It's kind of funny to see him scoring 2 goals with his back heel and his back. He got the chance to play upfront with Crouch and he replied with goals. The first goal was a cheeky back heel which managed to go past Besiktas goalkeeper. His perseverance gave him his second. A poor clearance from the Turkish side defender deflected off Ryan's back and the ball amazingly went over the goalkeeper and into the goal.

It was 7-0 at 81st minute. I was hoping for the team to get the 8th so as to break the record which was Arsenal's 7-0 2 weeks ago. Peter Crouch got his second with a nice header at the end and it was 8 goals on the night. It was not the prettiest night of football, but it is a night of records and fans to remember. Able to score 8 goals in the Champions League is not something easy.



I do not believe that the Turkish side Beisktas made us look good. I could see from the Liverpool players that they knew how important the game was and the Champions League is. They have to keep believing it and make sure that this 8-0 score is to tell the rest of Europe that we aren't giving up just yet. The last 2 games won't be easy, we have to be our very best to win those games.

Come On Reds!

You'll Never Walk Alone..

Liverpool Scores 6 Past Derby County

Liverpool 6 Derby County 0
Alonso, 27,69, Babel, 45, Torres, 56,78, Voronin, 76

A game which the Liverpool team was ruthless in their goals. Didn't hold back and went for every single ball in the pitch. A good game to watch and you could see that Rafa meant business now. Derby was not the strongest team, still, we made them looks like boys.


Jermaine Pennant, Javier Mascherano were all superb in the game. Xabi Alonso and Torres scoring 2 each, Voronin and Babel scoring the other 2. We could have more, but didn't finish the chances off.

Despite the high-scoring win, I believe we must not be too complacent. There's always room for improvement in every game and I could see some areas which we are weak in. 3 points is the most important and we are looking forward to the trip to Portsmouth.

Match Goals


You'll Never Walk Alone..