Thanks For The Memories, John Arne Riise

Well well, John Arne Riise. What a player he has been for Liverpool Football Club. Signed by Gerald Houllier, a 4 million pounds signing from French side Monaco FC. He was 18 years old then when he first wore the red shirt. I could still remember that he came over to Singapore with the team while I had difficulties pronouncing his name.

This lad here grown as player here, scored many goals and his trademark long throws are hard to forget. Many would have remember his famous thunderbolts and his sweet left foot. His goals against Manchester United, Chelsea and Barcelona were the special moments he had during his 6 years career here.

Unfortunately, his form dropped massively and there are many occasions whereby his defending skills were doubted by many including myself. His poor form continued for the last 2 seasons and I do think that Rafa is aware of it. Many would have remembered his infamous own goal against Chelsea at the last kick of the Champions League semi-final.

He's has been a great servant to the club, puts in everything and he has won the Champions League, Super Cup, League Cup and the FA Cup with Liverpool. It's not a bad achievement for a player. I guess Rafa feels that it's time for Riise to move on and probably it's a good and new challenge for the Norwegian.

5 million pounds move to AS Roma. Good deal for Rafa as I guess he also needs some cash for the his summer signings.

Good luck John, thanks for the memories.

You'll Never Walk Alone..

07/08 Season Review - Defenders

Seeing the men in between the posts, it's time to put some time on a very important aspect of the game. The defence. Pepe Reina was able to win the Golden Glove award for consecutively 3 times is mainly due to the strong wall built in front of him.

Let's begin.

Steve Finnan
The Republic of Ireland's right back has not performed up to his standards or expectations from everyone this season. Finnan has been consistent over the years and eventually, becoming the unsung heros of the team. Unfortunately, probably due to his age and injuries, it's hard for him to sustain such form over these years and he's not been the automatic choice like before. Rafa probably noticed his poor form during trainings and hence, not involving him in the first team as much. I'm unsure about his future at Liverpool, I'm pretty sure that he has been a loyal servant to the club.

Ratings: 3 / 5

Sami Hyypia
Oh man, what else can I say from Big Sami! He's a fantastic player this season, or probably in all seasons. Despite his age, he was able to come into the team and defended superbly throughout the season. Many would have argued about his pace, however I do not think that is a problem for the Finnish international. His timing and presence in the air are still top class and he has happily signed a year extension to his contract which will see him being at Liverpool for 10 years.

Daniel Agger's injury early in the season has given Hyypia more first-team football this season. He's been a great professional and his experience in the game is valuable. Earlier in the season, he faced some criticism for the own goals he unfortunately scored. Having said that, he replied them by putting some great performances and scoring the bullet header against Arsenal in the quarter final of the Champions League. It was a crucial goal. Love his celebration as he marched back into his own half after scoring.

He's not getting any younger but his experience and reading of the game have always been spot on. He would be at the club next season for sure. Hope to see him contributing in any way next season. Well Done Sami Hyypia!

Ratings: 4.5 / 5

Daniel Agger
He's so unfortunate to suffer an injury so early in the season. I can't even remember when he got injured, but I do know that he suffered a relapse during training when he was about to come back into the team. He's definitely missed this season. His pace and ability to bring the ball forward are some of his attributes we failed to see this season. I'm pleased to hear the latest update about him that he has recovered and working towards next season's football. I'm looking forward to see him this coming August, hopefully scoring some goals as well.

Ratings: Injured for majority of season.

John Arne Riise
His name must be a popular one in the Chelsea's dressing room and fans. His infamous own goal against Chelsea on the last kick of the game at Anfield would be remembered by many especially the Anfield faithfuls. Oh boy, Riise! Sadly so, we didn't manage to see his thunderbolts this season. His poor form haunted him the whole season. He was really poor in his games which added to my frustration every time I watched Liverpool matches. Despite being versatile, Riise didn't manage to use that to his advantage. He's not being first choice in majority of the games as well. I do not what happened to him, but like Finnan, he didn't performed to expectations. His future in Liverpool is much in doubt at this very moment. I will not be sad to see him go though.

Ratings: 2 / 5

Fabio Aurelio
I've always like this Brazilian left back. Despite the fact that he's not the best defending full back around, I still admire his left foot and the way he strike the ball. Probably the fact that he's from Brazil, his individual skills are one of the top in the team. His distribution to the midfield and strikers proved to be crucial as I knew many of these became assists of goals. A team player and hard working player. He got his first goal for the club against Bolton with a nice volley just outside the area. It's always so unfortunate for him as he got injured at the crucial time. Against Chelsea, he got injured without touching anyone and replacement Riise scored the own goal right at the end. I'm pretty sure that if Aurelio is still on the pitch, the own goal wouldn't be scored. His only weakness is being injury prone. Other than that, he's a decent player for us.

Ratings: 4 / 5

Álvaro Arbeloa
This fellow here was bought last season and it proved to be a reliable transfer. The ability to play both right and left back, is a useful tool for Rafa to utilise. Not a bad defender who loves to attack. He always get me worried when he attacks and can't get back in time to defend. Carra has to cover up for him many times! Still, Rafa seems to like his Spanish defender and Arbeloa has been playing plenty of football this season especially important ones as well. Having said that, he has not prove, at least to me that he can be a permanent and strong full back for Liverpool. He's gonna play harder and move up to the next level. Still, I do like him and he's been selected in the Spanish squad for the Euros'. Good luck Alvaro, see you next season!

Ratings: 3.5 / 5

Jamie Carragher
Oh Carragher! There's nothing much to say about this lad. He's been brilliant every season, week in week out. Unbelievable defender which many don't recognise his efforts and performance. His retirement for England proved to be a wise decision as he was able to concentrate on club football. (He was not appreciated in international level though) Jamie has been no-nonsense at the heart of the defence, guiding the rest of the team. Played right back in several occasions and it was top class. He's always hungry for success and hopefully, he is able to get what he has been waiting for before he retires. Enjoy your holidays, Jamie.

Ratings: 4.5 / 5

Martin Skrtel
The new signing in the January proved to be a very essential and right one. Due to injuries, Rafa has only Carragher and Sami Hyypia in the centre of the defence. Skrtel was brought in to add depth and cover. He didn't have the best debut, did he score a own goal? I do not remember. However, this killer-looking defender has showed the world that he can be the toughest man around. Pacey and strong, Skrtel has grown into the game and showed that there's a reason for breaking the record of being the most expensive defender for Liverpool. I like this fellow as the season commenced despite of his scary face. Like Carra, no nonsense at the back and he gel really well with Reina and the rest of the back 4. Good first season performance, Martin. :)

I guess we need some reinforcements for our fullbacks. I do hope to see some quality signings in the summer for the backs. With strong 4 centre backs, Rafa would be more than delighted to have this headache of who to choose.

Up and coming, the middle of the park. Stay tuned.

You'll Never Walk Alone..

Riise Gave Chelsea Advantage

Liverpool 1 Chelsea 1
Kuyt 43 - Riise og 94

A match which we could have taken a 1-0 lead to the Bridge, but now we have conceded an own goal for the last kick of the game. An crucial away goal for Avam Grant's men.

Kuyt's goal was superb as Anfield erupted. His work rate and persistence is world class and that's how he got his goal.

We have to SCORE at the bridge. That's for sure.

Come on lads!

You'll Never Walk Alone..

Reds Showing Christmas Love

Got these pictures from Kop-tv, showing that the Liverpool team went to show some love to these homes, sharing the Christmas festive mood. :)

Momo Sissoko & Fabio Aurelio

Rafa Benitez

Rafa again

Harry Kewell. "Aww! He has such a sweet smile.

Dirk Kuyt and Kewell.

Sami Hyypia and Pepe Reina

Xabi Alonso, Martin, Leto, Fernando Torres & Voronin

Xabi Alonso & Martin

Look how Rafa cares for the kids!

Signature on a cast

Peter Crouch, Arbeloa, Lucas & John Arne Riise

Lucas, Crouch, Arbeloa

Big Sami

Oh yes! Javier Mascherano, what a smile!

It's great to see the lads doing such meaningful outing together as a team. I guess it's part of Rafa's plans of bonding the team and at the same time, helping the society. It's still better than PARTYING with drinks and girls! Hahaha!

You'll Never Walk Alone..

PSV 0 LIVERPOOL 3

Team of the day..
Reina, Riise, Agger, Carragher, Finnan, Aurelio, Gerrard MBE (captain), Alonso, Mascherano, Crouch, Bellamy.
Subs - Hyypia, Zenden, Gonzalez, Pennant, Arbeloa, Bellamy, Dudek



Match Highlights..

PSV 0-3 Liverpool [Highlights]
Uploaded by redhalfofmerseyside

Louis' Comments..

The first leg of Champions League quarter-final went really well for us. We were back at the Philips Stadium again this season against the Dutch team PSV. I was not surprised by this line-up. Somehow, I knew that Peter Crouch would be playing. Craig Bellamy maybe not feeling 100% fit and Dirk Kuyt was to partner Crouch upfront. Finnan and Riise back in the team line up.

We settled well in the game and we didn't have much to handle from PSV attacks. Carragher and Agger were playing comfortably at the back and Reina didn't have to make any saves. We almost scored through Carragher after a corner from Gerrard. Gomes, the PSV goalkeeper made a great save.



On the 27th minute, Stevie put us ahead. A good cross by Steve Finnan and Gerrard was in the middle heading in his 15th European Goal. Steven Gerrard has broken Ian Rush's record of 14 goals. We were in control of the game and no doubt, we were playing well.

PSV tried to put some pressure onto us in the second half. However, I guess Liverpool's defence stood strong and disciplined.



Just 4 minutes after second half, we had another. After a poor clearance by the PSV defence, John Arne Riise was able to capitalise on their mistake and shot another of his trademarks goals with his lethal left foot. Awesome goal! I was shouting "Shoot!" when he took on the ball. It just feels great to see the ball flew into the net.

The mifield worked hard with Mascherano and Alonso in the middle. Mascherano was protecting the back four and I believe that Rafa have found a gem for the team. We were passing around and making sure that PSV do not score.

We added a third on the 63th minute. Peter Crouch, who scored a hat-trick against Arsenal, headed in Liverpool's third and last goal of the night. Alonso found Finnan on the right and the Republic of Ireland right back didn't disappoint with a brilliant cross for Crouch.



PSV was totally outplayed and they had no clue on what's happening on the field. The shirt in yellow was dominating the game and the players put a efficient performance out there. Ronald Koeman was just sitting on his bench, looking helpless while the opposite number, Rafa Benitez was standing by the touchline, shouting and giving out instructions to his players. He's never seems satisfied and it deemed so hard to see Rafa smiling. (Even his team is 3-0 up away from home.)



This match was also the NIGHT OF RECORDS.

-Steven Gerrard became the fifth player in Liverpool's history to play in 50 Champions League matches.

-Gerrard's goals broke Liverpool's record of most goals scored in the competition.

-Gerrard made it 15 goals, overtaking Ian Rush's tally of 14 in the European Cup.

- It was Liverpool's biggest away victory in the Champions League.

-It was Liverpool's 50th Champions League match.

-Jamie Carragher made his 58th appearance Champions League appearance for Liverpool, a club record.

3 away goals in the bag and we can't say that we are in the semi-finals yet. We still have a job to do at Anfield and we can't allow complacency creep into us. We still have to work hard together and play some good football.

The fans were awesome as always. I could hear their singing at the Philips Stadium and it pleases me to see fans singing You'll Never Walk Alone aloud. Come on Reds!



You'll Never Walk Alone..

SOME OF MY FAVOURITE GOALS..

Gerrard Against Olympiakos


Gerrard Against WestHam


Xabi Alonso Against Newcastle


Xabi Alonso Against Arsenal


John Arne Riise Against Chelsea (FA CUP Semi Final)


John Arne Riise Against Manchester United


Luis Garcia Against Arsenal


Luis Garcia Against Chelsea (FA CUP Semi Final)


Peter Crouch Against Gala


Peter Crouch Against Bolton

BARCELONA 1 LIVERPOOL 2

Scorers: Bellamy 43min, John Arne Riise 74min

Team of the day..
Reina, Riise, Agger, Carragher, Arbeloa, Bellamy, Alonso, Gerrard MBE (c), Sissoko, Finnan, Kuyt.
Subs - Crouch, Dudek, Gonzalez, Hyypia, Mascherano, Pennant, Zenden

Match Highlights..


Louis' Comments..
A match all Liverpool fans will remember and be proud of. It's an great achievement to be able to win away against the mighty Barcelona at the Nou Camp.

The match was predicted to be a great game and it didn't failed to be. I was fully concentrated on the game even 4am in the morning. A surprising line-up which gave Alvaro Arbeloa was given his full debut, while Craig Bellamy and Dirk Kuyt was up front instead of the expected Peter Crouch.

We had a good start however, somehow, Barcelona seems to have settled down earlier and they were controlling the game. They managed to score a goal through a Deco's header in the early 14th minute and to be frank, I was starting to worry. We should have keep the ball tight and make sure that Barca won't be able to score. Still, we were 1-0 down in the 14th minute.

Barcelona grew confidence and started spraying balls across the fields. They almost added another to the tally but Pepe Reina was there to block Deco's shot. I was hoping the Liverpool defence were able to hold on.

As the half time approaches, Craig Bellamy was there to score an vital away goal with a header. At the first moment, I thought the goalkeeper had saved it. But, on the second look, the ball went in and I was smiling. The away goal was so important and I knew, we stood a chance of winning.

In the second half, I thought we played really well. We were stable and Barcelona players just can't do much to break down Liverpool's defence. They had possession, lots of them but couldn't have the chance to have a go at Reina's net.

We had a indirect freekick in the penalty box and Gerrard didn't have the cleanest of shots but Valdes had to save with his legs. The rebounded ball was cross beautifully by Alonso but so unfortunately, Dirk Kuyt couldn't convert his best chance of the game. He should have head it in. He was too wasteful during the match, I was afraid that these missed chances would cost us dearly. Yes, Dirk worked his socks off for the team, however, being a striker, he has to be more clinical in his finish. We don't get much chances against the likes of Barcelona.



Fortunately, Riise was there to give us our winning goal. A great ball from Craig Bellamy and Riise scored the goal with his RIGHT foot. It seems to me that Riise scores with his RIGHT foot for the first time. A excellent finish and we were 2-1 up. I was already off my seat.

Leading 2-1 up with 16 minutes to go was unbelievable. I didn't expect us to score 2 goals, let alone win the game. We managed to hang on despite Deco's freework was against the woodwork. The team worked very hard and I believe it's a great result to bring back to Anfield.


Craig Bellamy and John Arne Riise. The 2 players who were in the headlines of the past week for the wrong reasons, proved their worth and showed the world that they still can work together. Both players played well and their goals were very important for us. Craig worked hard and the Barca defence had a hard time tracking his runs all night. John Arne Riise always seems to score crucial goals and this time, it's something special with his RIGHT foot.




Momo Sissoko was my Match of the Match. He's an essential player and he played an important role in last night's win. His hard tackling and presence gave the Barcelona players no time and his interceptions in the midfield was just awesome. He worked real hard for the team and although, he may not be the most skilled player in the team, I believe this young lad has lots to offer for the club and his performance was one of the best against the elites.

Rafa Benitez. Our gaffer had done a great job. His tactics were spot-on and knew Barcelona inside out. Without any doubt, he's one of the best managers in the world and he proved that last night. Barcelona was neutralised by our tactics. Ronaldinho, Lionel Messi, Saviola, Xavi were not given much space and that's probably the key to our win.

Of course, it's just only half-time. There's one more match to go. The advantage is with us and we have to make sure we get hold on this. Barcelona, without a doubt, is one the best teams around, however, I believe we can hold them and make sure they can't do much at Anfield. Having faced them once before, the players should be able to know what they are playing for and they themselves know this is a great opportunity to knock the champions out.

It's not the best performance by Liverpool, still, it's the best result.

You'll Never Walk Alone..