With Rafa In Your Heart

For the benefit who didn't manage to get the match, here are the goals. Enjoy.



The following pictures below are all showing how the Red faithfuls are supporting the manager Rafael Benitez, telling the world especially to the owners that we do not want him to go.

With Rafa in your heart, in Rafa we trust.

2 Wins Down, 1 More To Go

Liverpool 4 Porto 1
Torres 19, 78, Gerrard 83, Crouch 87 - Lopez 48

This man above is the one who still gave Liverpool hope when they were not far from elimination from the UEFA Champions League last night. His 2 goals were vital and since he has joined the club, he was scoring goals. That's what Liverpool is lacking of over these years. A striker who can just score, score and score. He's none other than Fernando Torres.

Liverpool faced Porto in the second must-win game at Anfield in which the home side needs to win all 3 remaining games to qualify. They have now won 2, left a tricky away trip to France, facing Marseillie, with former players Bolo Zenden and Dyrbil Cisse.



Liverpool started the match well and managed to score a goal early in the game. Fernando Torres rose high and headed into the goal. He made it look so simple, feigning off his marker and a powerful header into the goal.



However, somehow Porto managed to get back into the game. Despite Liverpool dominating the possession, Porto managed to equalise with a stunning header, totally against the run of play.

Since then, Liverpool struggled to dictate the play which they did earlier in the game. Instead, Porto had controlled the game and almost got a second not because of poor finishing.

Porto's defence was stubborn and Liverpool just couldn't break it. At that moment, a draw would be good enough for Porto to qualify for the knockout while Liverpool would be saying goodbye to Champions League football for the rest of the season.

I was getting worried as time passed quickly. Liverpool didn't have any clear cut chances and we seriously needed a goal. I couldn't see it coming from anyone else but Fernando. And yes, he didn't disappoint me, or I should say us.



Supersub Harry Kewell did very well on the flank, brought down the ball. His pass to Torres was not the best, but managed to get past the legs of the defender and the Spanish striker was too quick for any Porto men to catch him. His goal burst opened Anfield. All the anxiety and worries were all released at that point you saw Torres' strike went across the line.



Once we got the goal, Porto seemed shattered. Liverpool was growing in confidence and the goals kept coming. A freekick from Stevie was handled by Porto defender Stepanov after pressurised by Sami Hyypia. A penalty was given and up step Captain Stevie again who didn't make any mistakes from the spot.

Liverpool seems to be hungrier as the game coming to an end. Peter Crouch added the 4th for Liverpool in the dying minutes. A corner by Stevie again was well timely headed by Crouch into the goal while Porto goalkeeper was helpless coming off his line. It's nice to see him scoring for the Reds again. Even though he seemed to be on his way out of Anfield, I still do like him. :)



2 wins down now, 1 more to go. Rafa knows what's expected of him and I'll be behind him till the end. Keep it going lads!

You'll Never Walk Alone..

Do You Believe In Rafa?

I believe the whole footballing world knows about the rift between Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez and the American owners, Tom Hicks and George Gillet. It's a worrying sight for Liverpool fans especially those who loves the Rafaluation. I myself do not wants Rafa to go, so what says you?



The link below is a online petition for Rafa to stay on as Liverpool manager. For those who wishes to see him stay like myself, there's no harm giving it a try. :)

http://www.petitiononline.com/amg83ds/petition.html

I'm not sure will this petition help, nevertheless, I'm going for it.

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..

English Stars' WAGs

Since it's international break, and the weekend has been pretty smooth for the Steve McClaren's England team with a 1-0 friendly win against Austria and Israel doing them a favor, beating the Russians 2-1, let's take a look at some of the England Stars' WAGs.

First of all, who do not know who this lady is?
David Beckham's lady, Victoria Beckham


England's Captain.
John Terry's lady, Toni Poole


England's Leftback
Ashley Cole's lady, Cheryl Tweedy


England's Forward
Wayne Rooney's lady, Coleen McLoughlin


England's Midfielder
Frank Lampard's lady, Elen Rives (She doesn't look really pleased.)


England's Midfielder
Joe Cole's lady, Carly Zucker


England's Future Striker
Theo Walcott's lady, Melanie Slade



England's and our very own Liverpool Striker
Peter Crouch's lady, Abigail Clancy


Last but not least,
England's Midfielder and Liverpool Captain,
Steven Gerrard, Alex Curran


Enough of drooling? Will the WAGs boost their performance against Croatia in the upcoming crucial qualifier? Or they are the ones who explains the problem of England today? We'll see. :)

Cheers!

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..

A Disappointing Draw At Edwood Park

Blackburn 0 Liverpool 0

Match Highlights


As expected, Liverpool didn't give me any kind of surprises. Against the hard-willed Blackburn side, we created chances and chances, but failed to convert them into goals. The current form of the team is very poor. Some of the players are still under performing and I really wonder when are they going to wake up. I'm afraid by then they play to their best, teams like Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea have already long ran to the top of the table.

Dirk Kuyt was the main and lone striker for last night's game. He was extremely disappointing. First touch was frustrating, missed chances as if the game was 120 minutes. Sometimes, Rafa Benitez tactics is confusing. Kuyt can't be played a lone striker. He's always overpowered by Blackburn's big physical presence. To be frank, I was cursing and swearing at Dirk, hoping to see him taken off though in my mind, I knew Rafa won't.



Fortunately, there were players who played pretty well. In my opinion, Carragher, Mascherano, Stevie, Benayoun were the ones looking to create or score for us. I couldn't see it coming from the rest. Even substitute, Harry Kewell came in and showed the fans why he's still wearing a Red shirt. Kewell is a winger whom I really likes. Bring on the defender, dribble down the flank, crossing in good balls. Of course, there were several occasions Harry lost the ball. Still, I believe he provided some flair and width to the team.



I can't help but to worry for Liverpool's season. Although they remain unbeaten in the league, they struggled to win points. In the league, they needed to be consistent. Drawing games would be seen as 2 points lost. They have to close the gap. Otherwise, like any other seasons, they have to settle for a place below again. All we fans can do now just to pray hard and keep supporting the team no matter what happens. Yes, it's demoralising, but as Liverpool fans, we'll never walk alone..

Crucial Champions League coming up. It's do or break time.

You'll Never Walk Alone..

Liverpool 2 Cardiff City 1

The match was not shown on tv over here in Singapore. It's great to see Robbie Fowler, the God back at Anfield.

Goals from Nabil El Zhar and Steven Gerrard brought Liverpool into the next round. It's nice to see some of the young lads playing and gaining first-team experience, giving them an opportunity to show to the fans how good they are.

Match Highlights..


Up next, Blackburn Rovers.

You'll Never Walk Alone..

A Point Each For Reds And Gunners

Liverpool 1 Arsenal 1
Gerrard 7 - Fabregas 80

Match Highlights


The 2 unbeaten teams in the league so far met last night at Anfield and they maintained its record as they drew 1-1, goals from Captain Steven Gerrard and Arsenal's man of the moment, Cesc Fabregas. Both midfielders were instrumental for their respective teams in the middle of the park.

It was an open and exciting game to watch. Rafa's rotation policy saw Fernando Torres, Dirk Kuyt, Andriy Voroninn all playing. With a 4-2-3-1 formation, the home side showed that they were going to play attacking football. Surprisingly, Steven Gerrard was played in the middle instead of the many-predicted right hand side which I was pleased to see him there.



Liverpool took the front seat in the beginning, spreading the balls to the wings, crossing into the danger area. Xabi Alonso got clipped by fellow international team-mate Fabregas on the edge of the penalty area and a freekick was given.

Up step Captain Stevie and he made no mistake with his thunderous strike through the Arsenal wall and gave the Reds the early lead. Gerrard's strike gave Arsenal goalkeeper Ammunia no chance at all. Excellent goal!



Despite conceding the early goal, Arsenal was calm and started playing their neat passes. On several occasions, they threatened the Liverpool goal with their defence splitting passes. I was thinking, it seemed sooner or later Arsenal would find the equaliser.

Liverpool struggled to get the ball most of the game. They were breaking down Arsenal passes, however, they were not able to hold on to the ball for long. On the other hand, Arsenal played more confidently as the game commenced and the current leaders did get their rewards.

Alexander Helb provided a beautiful through ball which broke the Liverpool defence, to the path of on-form Fabregas who kept his composure, toe-poking past Pepe Reina. It's a wonderful move by the Gunners and I couldn't deny the fact that Arsenal deserved the equaliser.



Lady Luck was on Liverpool side as Arsenal struck Reina's left hand post twice from Eboue and goal-scorer Fabregas. Arsenal controlled majority of the game while Liverpool did have several chances to score the second. Liverpool looked tired at the end after already made 3 substitutions earlier in the game. Fernando Torres and Xabi Alonso, both went off due to recurrence of their injuries. Hopefully, their injuries wouldn't be too long.



It has been sometimes I've hear the loud and energised Anfield crowd. The Liverpool is improving in terms of their play. Still, they have to move up their gear towards the season. Being still unbeaten in the league, there are still many games to play for. As long as the players keep going and maintaining their good form, I believe we still stands a chance.

With hope in your heart..

You'll Never Walk Alone..

Reds Bottom of Champions League Group

Beskitas 2 Liverpool 1
Hyypia og 13, Bobo 82 - Gerrard 84

Match Highlights


A mountain to climb before this match, now, a much higher and difficult one to climb. Liverpool had put themselves into a make or break situation. With only one point in the group, they are now in the bottom of the table.

Teams like Marseille, FC Porto, and Turkish club, Bekistas are the other 3 teams in the group. Based on Liverpool's European standards, these teams wouldn't have much chances. Sadly so, they took full advantage of Liverpool's poor form and had showed the world that they could even beat us at Anfield.

For us Liverpool fans, it seemed like an unusual sight. For the past seasons, we have been doing very well in the Champions League. I do not know why, the team didn't perform to expectations and hence, lagged behind.

Against the Beskitas, our defence was very poor. Sami Hyypia and Steve Finnan. The usual reliable ones were under-performing. Slow and positioning was always questioned during the game. I was utterly disappointed with the defence which we were always proud of.

Our attacks were threatening in the beginning. However, the problem of not able to score haunted us again. Aren't our strikers good enough? I don't think so. I believe the quality of Kuyt, Voroninn, Crouch and even Babel is definitely threatening. Just that our link plays in the team aren't working. Is the training the main factor? Or they are lacking of confidence? I hope it's not too late when they recover their form and touch.


Steven Gerrard, managed to get onto the scoresheet at the end with a top-corner header. It was too late for Reds though. Captain Stevie seems to be recovering his form back and I do hope that his good form would influence the team for better performances.

Liverpool just loves playing the hard way. The way they won the Champions League, the way they won the FA Cup, it tells it all. As Liverpool fans, we are all seems to be used to the team's disappointing results and get taunts from fans of Man Utd and Arsenal. On a personal level, I'm just hoping for the best, as I know, higher expectations would lead to higher disappointments.

You'll Never Walk Alone..

Kuyt Penalties Gave Reds Derby Win

Everton 1 Liverpool 2
Hyypia (og) 38 - Kuyt Pens 54, 90

The 206th Merseyside Derby was won by the red half last night. A match full of non-stop action and controversy ended on a high note for Liverpool who managed to grab the stop-page time winner. Dirk Kuyt was the one who scored both penalties for the Reds while the Evertonians may feel a little unjust.



The first half probably belonged to the blue half. Everton was playing on a high tempo, pressuring Liverpool from the start. Liverpool had some half chances but still, the home side was dominating with Lescott the main man running down the left flank of the field. They got their goal they wanted by an bizarre own goal by veteran Sami Hyypia. His clearance seemed to have mis-kicked, off the post into his own net. It's a bad time to concede, considering Liverpool's current poor form.

Having said that, Liverpool came on top in the second. Captain Stevie, who was criticised for his poor form lately, launched onto a through ball from Voroninn, sprinting through the middle with only Tony Hibbert along with him. Gerrard was too strong and quick that Hibbert had no choice but to pull him down. To me, it's a clear penalty. Hibbert was then sent off for conducting a professional foul.

The TV replays showed that Gerrard seemed to have change referee Mark Clattenburg's mind. He was holding a yellow card on his hand, but gave Hibbert the red instead after hearing words from Steven. Dirk Kuyt was there to slot home the equaliser.



With our neighbours down with ten men, it's a great time for us to put more pressure and try winning the game. Steven Gerrard was beginning to play better as the game commences, however, Rafa Benitez substituted him with young Brazilian, Lucas Levia. This change was surprising, or I should say shocking for many Liverpool fans out there, even our captain himself. I do not know the main reason, but Rafa's mystery move gambled well.

Young Lucas came on in and performed pretty well. Much better than Momo Sissoko who was as usual poor, losing possession in the middle, missing a clear chance after a nice through ball from Kuyt. Many would have felt that Lucas should have replaced Momo, not Gerrard.



Lucas had a major part to play in winning the game for Liverpool. His shot just inside the penalty area was dramatically saved by Phil Neville, being a stand-by "goalkeeper". The former Manchester United player who scored an own goal against us back then, had no choice but to stick out his arm to save Lucas shot out of the goal.

It's an another penalty for the Reds, another sending off for the Blues. Kuyt was there with his cool finish towards the left slight touch of Tim Howards' arm. It was an big relief for the Liverpool fans, players and of course, Rafa Benitez. His decision of taking Steven Gerrard off would be heavily criticised if we fail to beat Everton.

Match Highlights..




A hard fought derby which handed up in our hands. With many tough games ahead, especially against Bekitas and Arsenal, we really have to improve on our play and keep the form going. Taking chances is crucial especially on tight games like these.

Walk on Reds, I've faith in you.


You'll Never Walk Alone..