CHARLTON 0-3
(Alonso 3th [PEN], Bellamy 82th, Gerrard 88th) LIVERPOOL



Finally the curse of the yellow jersey has been removed after our 3-0 win over a hapless Charlton lets the Reds move up to 3rd spot with Arsenal still playing Portsmouth. It could have been a 8-0 or what game with the many missed chances earlier on.

Charlton was struck down by conceding an early penalty when ex-Liverpool player Djimi Traore who had moved to The Valley during the summer, commited a rash tackle onto a oncoming Jermaine Pennant. His studs sank into the latter's face.

Alonso stepped up to take the penalty as he was handed the duties of doing so after Gerrard's miss last week. The Spaniard took a shot and sent it down the middle, Myres could do nothing.

Charlton panicked and gave away many more balls. However we could not convert them as our fowards were too wasteful. Pennant then had a chance cleared off the line by no other than Traore.

We were nearly made to pay for the wasted chances after Hreidersson missed a clear chance from 3 yards out. Rommedhal also had a great game and was sneaking in behind Riise all the time.

We were lucky to survive 2 events when Ambrose and Bent collected the ball at the far post. Both's shot went wide.

And as the game appears to be ending for a pathetic 1-0 win, Bellamy sneaked behind the Charlton back 4 with perfect timing and a clinical volley.

Gerrard then scored the third minutes later after Crouch's head down found the captain who adjusted his body before curling the ball past a helpless Myres.

Liverpool: Reina, Riise, Carragher, Hyypia, Finnan, Gonzalez, Gerrard (captain), Alonso, Pennant, Bellamy, Kuyt. Subs - Dudek, Agger, Aurelio, Garcia, Crouch

Charlton Athletic: Myhre, Traore, Hreidarsson, El Karkouri, Young (captain), Rommedahl, Holland, Faye, Reid, Floyd-Hasselbaink, Bent. Subs - Anderson, Bent, Ambrose, Hughes, Diawara

Referee: H Webb

Conditions: Dry

Attendance: Unknown

Liverpool performance: 6.5/10 But it's enough to nick the 3-0 eh? (:

Ps. Same pic as Drogballs. Coincidental.

Labels: EPL, Liverpool

CHARLTON VS LIVERPOOL
The valley HK TIME 840pm

We will be visiting the Addicks after thumping Fulhum 4-0 and them losing 5-1 to neighbours Tottenham. Our record over the recent years there hasnt been great, losing 3 of our last 5 matches there.

Scott Carson will be out of the game as he is on loan from us. And good news, Traore will also be back after missing the early part of the season :D It'll be a great time now to beat them and get on a 3-game winning streak and carry the good form to February when we face Barcelona.

A win will also ensure us a third/fourth spot as Arsenal and Portsmouth will be meeting later at The Emirates.

Final score: Charlton 0-3 Liverpool

Squad of the day:

Reina
Finnan
Hyypia
Carragher
Riise
Pennant
Gerrard
Alonso
Gonzalez
Kuyt
Bellamy

Subs:

Dudek
Agger
Aurelio
Crouch
Garcia

Labels: EPL, Liverpool

The floodgates are open as Wigan get routed.




Wigan 0-4 (9th & 26th Bellamy, 40th Kuyt, 45th Lee McCulloch [o.g])

A brace from our under-performing Welshman plus an unselfish assist allows the Reds to record their win away from home. The big buy of the pre-season finally proved to us the fans why he is worth the big money paid to bring him from Ewood Park to Anfield.

Wigan decided to hold a high line despite Liverpool playing a fast striker in Bellamy. That decision was the mistake that destroyed Wigan in the end.

Bellamy's pace proved to be too much for the Blackburn back 4 as they were caught offguard twice. Bellamy's early goal which resulted from Riise's long ball lift the pressure of our poor away form. Bellamy's finishing wsa wonderful in the game, and in this occasion he sent the ball to the roof of Kirkland's goal post.

Wigan tried to fight back and McCulloch's header which was parried away by Reina and the rebound was volleyed away into the stands by some player. Bellamy's second goal came when he managed to stay onside to receive a Gerrard pass from the center.

The third goal was the goal of the game as Gerrard's through ball managed to break up the 2 defenders which was dealing the three on-coming players, Gerrard, Bellamy and Kuyt. Gerrard's ball released Bellamy who squared the ball to Kuyt who finished the ball behind the defender who slided across the goal line.

The fourth goal came when Gerrard quick cross hit Lee McColluch's legs and it went psat Kirkland.

The second half was more of a boring event with Rafa trying out young players such as Peltier and Guthrie. Wigan had another close chance when Camara's 1v1's encounter with Reina. The Spaniard made his body big and and jumped and as a result blocked the shot.

Our formation became more of a 5-3-2 formation with Riise and Finnan supporting as wing backs. (Just as i predicted ^^)

Heskey then had a chance but he struck the post before hitting a Wigan player's leg and went wide. Overall, yes we deserved the win. However, if Wigan took their chances and led the game, and if they defended well against Bellamy, this game would've been a close encounter.

Liverpool: Reina, Riise, Hyypia, Agger, Finnan, Garcia, Carragher, Alonso, Gerrard (captain), Bellamy, Kuyt. Subs - Dudek, Pennant, Guthrie, Paletta, Fowler

Wigan Athletic: Kirkland, Baines (captain), Boyce, Jackson, Hall, Skoko, Scharner, Kilbane, McCulloch, Heskey, Camara. Subs - Cotterill, Pollitt, Landzaat, Wright, Johansson

Referee: Mike Riley

Conditions: Cold

Attendance: 22,089





Player Ratings:

Reina 8/10
Had 2 great saves. A very confident keeper now.

Finnan 8/10
His fierce shot curled just wide of the right post.

Hyypia 7/10
Was subsituted early in the second half.

Carragher 8/10
Defended well and was composed.

Agger 7.5/10
Not as stable as usual and he looked lethargic.

Riise 8/10
Aggresive and his good high ball assisted Bellamy.

Garcia 7/10
Had a bad game and rarely touched the ball in the second half before he got subsituted.

Gerrard 8.5/10
Back to where he loves. But was very determined and always defended like a captain, surging runs and his great vision found Bellamy for his second goal.

Alonso 7.5/10
Still wasnt match fit and mistimed a tackled and led to a booking.

Bellamy 8.5/10
Man of the match performance with good runs and his pace took him away from every defender. Scored 2 goals with 2 shots.

Kuyt 8/10
Was more of a target man supporting Bellamy in search of the former's hat trick.

Subsitutes:

Guthrie 6.5/10
Was reckless, perhaps becasue he is still young.

Pennant 7/10
No comments

Labels: EPL, Liverpool

Wigan VS Liverpool
JJB Stadium HK time 1055pm

We will be looking to end our away voodoo curse with a visit to the JJB stadium which was a happy occasion last season with us beating them 3-0 and Crouch broke his scoring duck then.

Wigan will be bringing the game to us as Drogballs said as our away form is really pathetic. Yes we had excuses as we faced tough teams at the start of the season but as the non-winning streak continues, we continue to float away from that puny hope of getting the EPL this season.

Wigan has a great foward partnership of the agile Camara and the strong and physical ex-Liverpool player Emile Hesky which was a flop at Anfield.

Our central midfield problem looks to be solved as Alonso WILL be starting in the central midfield area with our captain marvel after recovering from a hip injury in the PSV game.

Crouch and Bellamy will be leading the lines after the Welshman was judged not guolty in an assualt case this week. Crouch is the team, as in his is not in the bench as well and RB tries out the young players.

Today's formation looks to be a defensive one again with Carragher, Agger and Hyypia all starting in the team. I am going to pray that this decision by the gaffar wont be our achilles' heel as this 5-3-2 formation screwed up in your typical England games.

Liverpool - Reina, Finnan, Riise, Hyypia, Agger, Carragher, Gerrard, Garcia, Alonso, Kuyt, Bellamy. Subs - Dudek, Fowler, Pennant, Paletta, Guthrie.

Like formation: 4-4-2 or 5-3-2 with 2 wing backs or even a 3-5-2 with Carragher sitting back as a holding midfielder and Finnan Hyypia and Agger lead the back line.


Reina
Finnan Carra Hyypia Agger
Garcia Alonso Gerrard Riise
Bellamy Kuyt

OR

Reina
Finnan Hyypia Agger
Carragher
Garcia Alonso Gerrard Riise
Bellamy Kuyt

OR

Reina
Finnan Hyypia Carragher Agger Riise
Gerrard Alonso Garcia
Bellamy Kuyt

Final score: Us to win by a goal. This game will be tight with Wigan trying to sneak a win.

Labels: EPL, Liverpool

Look whos back!



Liverpool (67th, Gerrard) 1-0 Manchester City

We have recorded yet another win at Anfield after a deep run from Gerrard was rewarded by Dunne's mistake and our captain's venomous shot from the edge of the box went beyond Weaver's reach.

RB started with a 4-4-2 formation but it changed over the course of the game when it even became a 3-5-2 formation! This changing of formation sort of confused our players and the referee made quite a few mistakes, not spotting fouls and everything.

I guess Garcia wasnt match fit after he missed a few glorious chances from point blank range. On 1 occasion, Hyypia's long ball found Garica whose first touch brought him past Thatcher but the Spaniard opted for a shot instead of squaring it for the unmarked Crouch.

Crouch also had a bad game when he was useful in dealing with Dunne and Distin. He also missed a chance after Kuyt's header opened him up but his volley went way out into the stands.

Zenden and Gerrard's midfield combination worked as both were running their socks off and Zenden became our Sissoko for some part of the game, getting into challenges and winning balls for us.

Gerrard led by example and also worked very hard in the defence area when he run all the way to cover some guy and got the ball out for a corner.

ManCity posed no threat but were strong in their defences like Middlesbrough the other time.

The first half was boring and nothing happened to excite me, and all the fans watching the game i guess.

Second half was a more exciting event. Of course. The captain scored yea! Gerrard hard work in the game paid off after ManCity came close to scoring minutes before.

That lift the pressure off us and the Reds were instilled with belief and went on in search of a second goal. See what it does putting our captain in the centre
midfield. GOALS BAYBEH GOALS!

ManCity came close to scoring when Samaras cleverly tricked everyone with a shot but Reina was alert and kept that out. The keeper who has been hit by critics this season, is starting to earn clean sheets and prove himself like last year.

And i seriously think this is the time we're about to start another 10-20 game streak gain :D

Liverpool: Reina, Agger, Hyypia, Carragher, Finnan, Riise, Gerrard (captain), Zenden, Garcia, Crouch, Kuyt. Subs - Dudek, Bellamy, Pennant, Paletta, Fowler

Manchester City: Weaver, Thatcher, Dunne (captain), Distin, Richards, Onuoha, Barton, Reyna, Trabelsi, Corradi, Vassell. Subs - Hart, Hamann, Ireland, Samaras, Dickov

Referee: Rob Styles

Conditions: Cold and overcast

Attendance: 44,081

Player ratings:

Reina 8/10
Alert in the game and was goal keeping with confidence instilled after a few clean sheets lately

Finnan 8/10
Played on the right and did everything right (smth like what LadyLala said)

Carragher 8/10
Worked his socks off dealing with Corradi's physical play

Hyypia 7/10
His lack of pace allowed ManCity to sneak a ball behind him in a few ocasions

Agger 7.5/10
Didnt see him in much though

Garcia 6/10
Wasnt match fit and wasted many opportunity. Was selfish

Gerrard 9/10
What can i say? Our captain is back!

Zenden 8/10
The most hardworking player on the pitch other than Gerrard

Riise 7.5/10
Did not have much to do in defence and went foward to help in many occasions

Crouch 5.5/10
Poor game for him after scoring in the CL

Kuyt 7/10
Was very hardworking as usual but the goal just did not come

Labels: EPL, Liverpool

Liverpool Vs Manchester City
Anfield, HK time 10.55pm

Sorry people i just got home from a house opening so i've no time to do the match preview! (Well im plain lazy)

I will do the after match review later!

Prediction: Liverpool 2-0 ManCity

Labels: EPL, Liverpool

Fustrated Reds held to a draw by Boro's centre backs.

Middlesbrough 0-0 Liverpool

We were held to a drew by Boro's defence even after we have performed relatively well. Boro dominated the game at start, playing only 1 striker, Yakubu.

But that tactic proved to be effective as he was very strong. A very good target man in my opinion and he held on to EVERY ball given to him. Our defenders also had little time on the ball and they were not used to this approach by Boro.

Whenever our defender had the ball, 3 Boro players would go and pressure them, cut down their time on the ball and thus we'd pass back to the keeper who would pump it and someone in Boro's midfield would gain possesion of the ball. What an evil cycle =\

And that didnt let us play our normal game. From the beginning i watched Liverpool a few seasons ago. Their game was build up from defence to midfield through and fro and somehow we would score.

Our only clear cut chance came when Kuyt and Bellamy linked up well but the former's volley went just wide.

However things started to change after 30 minutes and we started to control after defending waves and waves of Boro's attacks. Reina performed well in that game, saving 2 crosses would would have led to a Boro goal.

Even with Gerrard back into the center midfield area, the combination of Alonso and our captain could NOT control the midfield area. Gonzalez also did badly in the game. Okay i mean, he hasnt showed why he created such a hyped when allowed to join us.

He wasted many balls, too many. His crossing was total bullshit and i really miss Garcia in that side of the pitch or when Harry was still fit and there for us.
All of Gonzalez's cross were either, grounder balls, balls that went into Schwarzer's hands or balls that went into the stands.

What a fugger. Pennant did quite okay in the game with nice dribbling skills and a volley from a tight area.

2nd half started with us kicking off. RB stood stubborn-ly with his formation yet again but however we had a lion's share of the possesion, even more than Boro's in the first half. We charged at them waves after waves but we could not break their solid defenders, Woodgate and Pogetetz.

Boro's players were also physical and strong, proving too much to such of our players. While our defenders had a hard time with Yakubu, our midfielders also had difficult momments with the tough-tackling Boateng.

Gerrard's shot also hit the right hand post but however the whistle was already blown for offside.

We had a scare after Yakubu's header was saved by Pepe Reina and the striker missed the rebound before the ball was cleared by Finnan.

Kuyt and Bellamy were toothless upfront and after such a long wait, RB decided to bring on Crouch.

The Endland forward did more than what Kuyt and Bellamy combined with a header cleared off the line by Jonathon Woodgate. He then had another chance on goal in the dieing few minutes but were saved by Mark Schwarzer.


Liverpool: Reina, Riise, Agger, Carragher, Finnan, Gonzalez, Gerrard (captain), Alonso, Pennant, Bellamy, Kuyt. Subs - Dudek, Crouch, Hyypia, Paletta, Zenden

Middlesbrough: Schwarzer, Taylor, Pogatetz, Woodgate, Davies, Arca, Boateng, Euell, Morrison, Rochemback, . Subs - Jones, Huth, Cattermole, Mendieta, Maccarone

Referee: L Mason

Conditions: Dry

Attendance: 31424


Player ratings:

Reina 8/10
Solid performance and saved us from many occasions.

Finnan 7/10
Looked fustrated and had problems dealing with Yakubu.

Carragher 7/10
Broke down some of Boro's attacks.

Agger 7/10
Although he was performing well and had a great shot from distance. He wasted many balls at the start and didnt make full use of them when he was the only Liverpool defender with the ball in the whole game.

Riise 7/10
Didnt commit himself infront of defenders and allowed him to win every ball he defended from.

Pennant 7/10
Performed well for the first time this season. But his corners were poorly taken though.

Gerrard 6.5/10
Couldnt look to him for inspiration when we most needed it. Was more defensive than usual.

Alonso 6.5/10
Couldnt play his usual spraying ball game as Boro's midfield was jam-packed with players.

Gonzalez 1/10
Did not give a single good cross other than the last cross of the game which Crouch nearly score from. I think he doesnt eat enough and that explains for his 'strong' kicks. Wasted EVERY corner he took.

Kuyt 6/10
Fustrated and went down easily when tackled. Wasnt his usual self.

Bellamy 6/10
I thought he was rather hardworking at the start but he was silent throughout the game as Boro held a low line.

Subs:

Zenden NA

Crouch 8/10
Did every thing right except not starting the game.

Overall Liverpool performance 6/10

Labels: EPL, Liverpool

Middlesbrough Vs Liverpool
Riverside stadium HK Time 1am

We will be visiting Boro aka mee rubus. They've been giant killers this season. Okay i mean every season.

They beat Chel$ki and have done well against big clubs. Moreover, we have done badly against them. Just beating them 2 out of 12 times we have visited them.

The good news is that Gerrard will return to his favourite positionm the centre midfield area along side Xabi Alonso! So therefore Pennant would likely to be given the winger role.

So anyway, the critics or even some fans believe that we're already out of the title race. I dont agree though we stand a very slim chance now. Anyway i think it'll be a winning streak, or maybe an unbeaten from now ons since the tough matches are already finished.

And i remember reading this on the forum. We visited them on their grounds. But they havent visited our Anfield yet. We beat them and the critics'll say that we're back in it again. Something like that la, plus my ten cents' worth.

But we cannot take Boro lightly. Not with a form like ours -.-
However i predict us winning 3-1 or 2-0.

PS. Manure drawing Sheffield 1-1 at half time. Chel$ki winning 1-0.

Probable formation.

Reina
Finnan Carragher Agger Riise
Pennant/Garcia Gerrard Alonso Gonzalez/Garcia
Bellamy Kuyt

Labels: EPL, Liverpool

Rampant Gunners shoot down the Liverpoolbird.



Arsenal (41th Flamini, 56th Toure, 80th Gallas) 3-0 Liverpool

We succumed to another defeat, yes a defeat to our title rivals. The loss was a slap in the face of the Reds as i thought that we had alraedy bounced back from the Manure defeat no long back.

RB made 1 change to the line up, bringing Sissoko out for Gonzalez and seriously, what was that baldy thinking?

The game started with Arsenal kicking off. We had an early scare after Van Persie chested the ball and wasnt offside. There was any defender near him and Reina came out to stop him. Surprisingly he went pass Reina, but with his hands.

He was penalised with a yellow card and the game continued with Arsenal holding onto a big portion of the possesion pie, 59% compared to our 41%!

Arsenal poured foward and kept attacking but we were able to nulify them again and again while Finnan tackled Van Persie just when he was about to pull the trigger.

Our chance came when Alonso crossed a ball from the right flank and was received by Crouch who was just returning from an offside position after staying there after a chance.

The referee for the match was brilliant, the linesmen also all making no mistakes at all. From the call of Van Persie's handball to Crouch's offside. All spot on.

Arsenal's break came when Hleb had the ball on the right flank. The bulgarian (or smth like that) was tormenting Riise the whole match with his trickery and pace.

He drawr 2 players to him before releasing Fabregas who crossed it for Flamini who finished it. There, its Zenden fault now. He didnt mark Flamini but just stood there watching and put his hands on his crap hair after the goal. There was suspicion of a offside, which i thought so too (not bias) as Flamini was clearly infront of Carra.

And so the sucker punch from Flamini brought us into half time with a one goal deficeit.

2nd half started and i expected Zenden and Gonzalez to be brought outta the game. They were bullshit. Talk about the hype before the season when Gonzalez was approved of his work permit. And Zenden playing in the centre mid this season as said by Rafa.

But the persistant manager stood by his line up and continued the line up which the Gunners took advantage of and took any opportunity in any loophole they found.

Then the second goal came, again from a unexpected scorer Kolo Toure. Van Persie retained possesion of the ball after a long pass and he drawed Carra and Hyypia to him before releasing Toure who nutmegged Reina.

It was so obvious that he was gonna do that. I was already expecting when i watched it first time and why couldnt those professional players do so?

We became demoralised and tension flew with players sliding rashly and Carragher was lucky not to be sent off when he tackled an Arsenal player very rashly after missing his first on another player.

Luckily Mark Clatterburg is a good referee unlike the likes of Graham Poll and understood the rash tackle and gave Carra one last chance.

Pennant came in for Gonzalez. AHH FINALLY. But the former Arsenal player was booed immediately when stepping into the pitch and fustration grew when he had a very late challenge on some player. He was booked.

Bellamy was brought in for the inefficient Crouch who was not used to the physical style of Gallas and co.

Arsenal's third goal came from a corner.
Gerrard who was marking the french men moved away and chose to mark Henry who was already marked and left Gallas open. He then scored a free goal from a free header.


I had given already then and left to blog about this. Then i heard a commotion from the tv, which was being watched still be my neighbour, a Gunner. Imagine watching it with an Arsenal fan -.-

Bellamy scored again but was offside. The decision spot on again after he turned a cross by flicking it into Almunia's net for the 2nd time in the match.

The game ended disappointingly. 3-0. No more title. Lets concentrate on qualifying for the CL and winning the other competitions.

Liverpool: Reina, Riise, Hyypia, Carragher, Finnan, Gonzalez, Zenden, Alonso, Gerrard, Crouch, Kuyt (captain). Subs - Dudek, Agger, Bellamy, Pennant, Warnock

Arsenal: Almunia, Clichy, Gallas, Toure, Eboue, Hleb, , Flamini, Fabregas, van Persie, Henry (captain). Subs - Senderos, Poom, Adebayor, Hoyte, Walcott

Referee: M Clattenburg

Conditions: Dry

Attendance: 60,110

Playing ratings:

Sry im not doing this section. Everyone has an average of 3 points.

Oh yes the thing that brightened up the Reds at least. Something funny.
The ref's leg cramped after he tried to avoid a ball. It hit his crot*h but he got that cramp which stretching to avoid the ball. Funny (:

Labels: EPL, Liverpool

A brace from high-flying Kuyt dethrone the Royals.

LIVERPOOL(Kuyt 14th,73th) 2-0 Reading

We continued our fine run of a 3 game winning streak and extended it to 4 after 2 goals from our Dutch Master secured the win for our Reds.

RB made 2 changes to the line-up, bringing in Zenden on the left flank and Pennant on the right. Garcia was out with a hamstring injury while Sissoko started on the bench.

So 9 of the players has played the CL gaem against Bordeaux during midweek and therefore fatigue could be seen when they played.

We started badly, allowing the Royals to take control of the game. Harper had a early chance on goal, it was on its way into the net definately but luckily captain Carragher came to the rescue with a touch and sent the ball out for a corner. The Royals' formation was 4-1-4-1. But they played 2 wing back, and had 3 centre foward. There fore they had 7 players whenever they attacked and their players were all over the midfield.

We bounced back from the early scare and the ball found Gerrard. The captain then moved foward but was challenged by a on-coming defender. He held the ball well before chipping it to Crouch, who tried to head the ball in but failed to do so.

Instead, the ball fell to Kuyt who finished cooly to a open goal.

The game opened up more and Alonso had the responsibility of breaking them up as Gerrard started to play at the left flank while Zenden moved to the right. Pennant played a more central role in the game.

Kuyt then had a couple of chances just before half time when he expected a cross and headed but the angle was tight and his shot went just wide.

2nd half began with no change in formation from either side. Liverpool attacked and poured foward but left their back 4 vulnerable. Reading's attacks came mostly from counter attacks. Finnan also had a tough time dealing with the tricky and skillfull Hunt.

Reina made a terrific save after he had lost control of the ball. He managed to get up and 'scoop' the ball over an attacker's head before catching it safely.

Reading's gaffa, Copwell then brought on Bikey for Gunnarsson and the former managed to give Liverpool more pressure than before.

Finally the game was ended when Liverpool had a corner. I was replying Savio's sms when the croner was taken. He asked me about the score and status of the game as he couldnt watch it. I replied 1-0 but i felt that a goal was gonna come. Honest! Then within seconds, this happened.



The corner from Gerrard was flicked on at the center of the Royal's penalty box and Carragher who stood infron to Reading's keeper, Hahnemann who vision was blocked. He did not manage to have a grip on the ball and it fell to Kuyt in midair.

The flying dutchman then jumped and positioned himself for a 'mini scissors kick' and thats it 2-0 game finished. The dutch master has sucessfully scored in every start this season.

Liverpool: Reina, Riise, Hyypia, Carragher, Finnan, Pennant, Zenden, Alonso, Gerrard (captain), Crouch, Kuyt. Subs - Martin, Sissoko, Fowler, Gonzalez, Agger

Reading: Hahnemann, Shorey, Sonko, Ingimarsson (captain), Gunnarsson, Hunt, Sidwell, Harper, Little, Doyle, Sodje. Subs - Oster, Ki-Hyeon, Bikey, Long, Federici

Referee: Uriah Rennie

Conditions: Cold and overcast

Attendance: 43,741

Player Ratings:

Reina 7.5/10

Kept a clean sheet and was strong when he charged to clear a ball when pressured by a Reading player. He cleared the ball and took the impact of the clash.

Finnan 7/10

Didnt have a very good day as he was constantly tormented by the skillful Hunt.

Carragher 8/10

Came to our rescue when most needed. He managed to deflect Harper's shot and put it out for a corner. Went foward and even had a shot that was close to be on target.

Hyypia 7/10

Covered the left area other then his centre back area. Went foward many times and also had a shot that just caught the keeper in awe but unfortunately curled out.

Riise 7.5/10

Did well defending and didnt went foward as much as usual. Was disciplined and sticked to his defensive chores and did well against Harper.

Pennant 7/10

Is not as weak as before but didnt really contribute anything to the game. He drawed many opponents to him before releasing teammates many times.

Gerrard 8/10

Our captain is back isnt he? He did well on the left flank, torturing Sonko on many occasions and his ball lead to Kuyt's first goal.

Alonso 7.5/10

Defended really, really well. He remained behind whenever the team attacked, being the last outfield player all the time. His presence in the centre of the park caused Reading all sorts of problem as his balls went from left to right and from right to left.

Zenden 6.5/10

Ok wtf. Zenden cant play at the flanks and in the mid area. The only good thing about him though is that he is hardworking. I rather have Sissoko for him.

Kuyt 8.5/10

Another top notch performance. What can i ask for to have such a player with a such a goal scoring record. Yes his record in England is bad though 5 goals in like 14 games or something? But he has managed to score in every start.

Crouch 7.5/10

Went to the midfield area to help out quite a few times. Assisted Kuyt to his first goal.

Subs:

Gonzalez NA

He wasnt involved in the game, AT ALL.

Fowler NA

Same goes for him too. Came into the game too late.

Sissoko 7.5/10

Better than Zenden by a wooping 1238912830912737812 loads.

Labels: EPL, Liverpool

LIVERPOOL VS READING
Anfield, 1055pm HK time.

Reading will be playing us for the second time in 10 days after we narrowly beat them 4-3 in the league cup match. We lead 3-0 in that match before Reading started a comeback but we managed to hold on and win the game.

The Reds will be looking on to continue a 3 game winning streak after beating Reading, Aston Villa and Bordeaux during a short span of 10 days. The wins gave the team and fans confidence we look to be winning them comfortably, i'd say at least a 3-0 to 4-0 win.

RB is likely to start the same 11. After he shocked everyone, including the players after fielding the line-up for the first time after 99 matches in 18 months.

The trust in the team made them defeat Bordeaux and i believe RB has found his perfect 11. Not including the inured Bellamy etc of course.

Carragher will be playing his 300th EPL game today for Liverpool, all for Liverpool.

This is also the 2nd time Liverpool will be facing the Royals in all competition only.

My line -up for the match

Reina
Finnan Carragher Agger Riise
Gerrard Alonso Sissoko Aurelio
Kuyt Fowler/Crouch

Labels: EPL, Liverpool

WE'RE BACK INTO THIS SEASON
Liverpool (Kuyt 32th min, Crouch 38th min, Garcia 44th min) 3-1 Aston Villa (Abonglahor 52th min)

We defeated Villa comfortably after 3 goals in the first half ended Villa's unbeaten streak this season. Liverpool started well. The midfield was calm and managed to keep the ball even from all the pressure Villa gave Liverpool.

Villa changed from a free-frag team to a side that is hard to win, and with young and pacy players like Abonglahor, i cant see why they cannot achieve anything this season with the leadersip of Martin O' Neill.

We had many shots but failed to force any save from Thomas Sorensen. I counted myself, Aston Villa had the possesion in our half for less than 8 times. O.o The possesion was like uh, 70% to 30% or even worse for Villa.

The break came when Kuyt received a header from Hyypia and with a wonderful first touch, he volleyed the ball home beyond Sorensen's reach. We continued well, passing the ball well and were composed enough unlike other matches and we kept the ball for long periods.

Crouch scored the 2nd goal shortly after Kuyt's after Steve Finnan crossed a average ball into the box. Crouch adjusted his body and struck a wonderful half-volley that went in without anyone even coming close to it.

Garcia scored the third just before half time after Gerrard charging foward and laid the ball to Kuyt, who passed it to Crouch, who wasted no time and squared it for Garcia who finished it neatly. (How many 'who' was there o.O)

We looked to continued the rampage but Villa subbed in 2 new attacking players, taking away the toothless strikers, Angel and Baros who was on his 25th birthday.

Abonglahor changed from right mid to a foward, with Sutton assisting as well. Out of a sudden Liverpool's defence fell asleep and Sutton's reverse ball fell nicely to Abonglahor who finished it cleanly.

I was worried about Villa making a comeback just like Galatasary and Reading. Our defence is weak this year. Allowing teams to make come backs all out of a sudden and giving us pressure. Our players responded to the pressure from the Villans and Sissoko lead as an example, getting into every tackle he could but not making any fouls. Both teams played fairly, no one dived or whatsoever and the game was not flooded with free kicks etc and allowed the game to be played to its full extent.

RB made 3 late subsitutions in the last 20 minutes, bringing out Crouch for Pennant, Garcia for Zenden and Gerrard for Fowler.
Fowler had a chance in the dieing few minutes but he put the ball slightly wide with his outer foot.

Liverpool: Reina, Riise, Hyypia, Carragher, Finnan, Garcia, Sissoko, Alonso, Gerrard (captain), Crouch, Kuyt. Subs - Martin, Agger, Fowler, Pennant, Zenden

Aston Villa: Sorensen, Bouma, Mellberg (captain), Osbourne, Hughes, Ridgewell, Barry, Petrov, Agbonlahor, Baros, Angel. Subs - Laursen, Davis, Taylor, Sutton, Agathe

Referee: Steve Bennett

Conditions: Mild

Attendance: 44,117

Liverpoolfc.tv Man-of-the-Match: Dirk Kuyt

Player ratings:

Reina 7.5/10

Made a great save after pushing Sutton's death header out of danger. He threw the ball quick enough a few times to give our attack an advantage.

Finnan 8/10

Did a great job dealing with Abonglahor in the later parts of the game.

Hyypia 7.5/10

Assisted Kuyt with a smart header but was slow as usual.

Carragher 8.5/10

Dealed with the small and pacy Abonglahor very well and went up to support many many times for the first time i've seen.

Riise 7.5/10

Exchanged nice passes with Garcia on the left flank but blasted a few shots as usual. Had a very nice worked out free kick but it went just wide.

Gerrard 8/10

He showed why he is the captain of Liverpool. He appeared almost anywhere, in attack, defence. He unselfishly set the ball for Kuyt instead for opting to shoot and it lead to Garcia's goal.

Alonso 8/10

I think he regained his form and made many cross field balls and it landed exactly where he wanted all the time.

Sissoko 8/10

Worked tirelessly around the pitch and covered every inch of the field. Went into every tackle whenever he could but he always came out with the ball.

Garcia 8.5/10

He toyed with Aaron Hughes with his trickery and scored the third goal with a good finish under the keeper.

Kuyt 8.5/10

Although he isnt fast, his quick thinking makes up for that and gets his away from defenders even before he has the ball. He plays soccer with both his brains and feet. He controled the ball well before scoring the first goal.

Crouch 8/10

His first touch is brilliant and he is part of the attack many times today. He unselfishly assisted Garcia for the third goal.

Subs:

Pennant 7.5/10

His quick feet got him away from players many times and crossed the ball whenever he could.

Zenden 7/10

Did not play as a flank player as he was brought in for. Stryed into the mid area and caused the game to be tight and squeezy.

Fowler 7/10

Did not see him when he came in but it was a booster for the team to see him coming into the game. He nearly scored in the dieing few minutes.

Labels: EPL, Liverpool

LIVERPOOL VS ASTON VILLA
Anfield 9.55pm hk time

(Sry cant post today cuz i have a near 40degree fever and i just played soccer -.- So it'll be copy and paste today.)

Head to head: (League only)

At Anfield: Liverpool 51 wins, Villa 14 wins, 16 draws.

Overall: Liverpool 76 wins, Villa 51 wins, 35 draws.

Liverpool have the chance to end the last unbeaten record in English football.

In this fixture last season, in the Reds final home game of the campaign, Fernando Morientes scored his final goal for the club and Steven Gerrard twice in a 3-1 win. The victory gave Liverpool a league double over Villa. Gareth Barry had equalised for the visitors.

It was the Reds 10th successive win (eight league and two Cup) - their best run since 1990.

Morientes goal was the 300th scored by the Reds against Villa in all competitions.

Jamie Carragher scored his first goal for the club against Villa in a 3-0 win at Anfield in January 1997. His goals came just 10 days short of his 19th birthday.

Should Steven Gerrard score today he will be the first Liverpool player since Robbie Fowler in 1997 to score in three successive league games against Villa.

The Liverpool captain's last league goals came in this fixture last season.

Peter Crouch joined today's opponents from Portsmouth in March 2002 for £4 million.

Liverpool's biggest League win over Villa at Anfield was 6-1 in October 1953.

Robbie Fowler has scored more goals for Liverpool against Villa than he has done against any other team, 14.

Only four Liverpool players have scored League hat-tricks against Villa-Bobby Graham (1964), Ian Rush (1984), Robbie Fowler (1998) and Michael Owen (2000).

The Reds have not lost in the last nine games between the clubs since September 2001 and have been beaten by Villa only once in the last 15 in all competitions.

Liverpool's win over Villa here last season gave them 48 points won at Anfield in total. This was their highest tally ever in a 38 games campaign.

Steve Finnan could make his 150th appearance for Liverpool in all competitions.

Robbie Fowler is hoping to play his 350th game for the Reds today.

Xabi Alonso will play for Liverpool for the 100th time if selected.

Since the inception of the Premier League Liverpool have won 15 times, Villa eight with five games ending in a draw.

The last two 100 per cent home records in the Premiership disappeared two weeks ago when both Liverpool and Aston Villa were held to draws by Blackburn and Tottenham respectively.

Labels: EPL, Liverpool

MANCHESTER UNITED (Scholes 39th, Ferdinand 65th) 2-0 Liverpool

We slumped to another defeat after a goals from each half separated us.
RB starting with a 4-5-1 formation, with Kuyt being the target man. Bellamy was out with a calf injury.
Manure started with a typical 4-4-2, Ronaldo was on the bench, with Saha and Rooney leading the lines.

We settled faster, gaining ground fast and got to the ball faster than any Manure player.
That energy caused us later as our players became fatigue.

Gonzalez performed well at start, earning a few coners with his pace. We had an early chance when Gonzalez crossed a ball to an unmarked Kuyt who headed straight into Van Der Sar's hands.

Saha was on form and threathen with 2 shots which Reina saved with the tips of his finers. Rooney was dissapointing with his 1st touch in 1 opportunity and Finnan headed the ball away to safety.

The moment came when Manure attacked. Sissoko headed the ball to some bastard and he passed it to Giggs, who squared the ball for Scholes who was in his 500th appearance for Manure. Hyypia wasnt there, marking Scholes and Reina came out for the ball. He saved it but it still still going towards the goal. Hyypia stretched but was unable to stop it from crossing the line.

We became disillusioned when we had the ball. The enthusiasm at the start was lost and the ball was just being passed all over, Manure defended and waited for the VERY mistake which they would capitalise on.

Alonso also had a shot just wide out of the penalty box just before half time.

Half time arrived fast.

Pennant was brought on for Pennant for Gonzalez in the 51th minute. What for RB? Wtf were you doing?!
Gonzalez was performing till then and Sissoko should've been brought out after his booking as he was slow to react unlike usual. United pushed on and their 2nd goal came when their corner was hit short and crossed into the box. Ferdinand was unmarked and faked a shot, before finishing beautifully into Reina's top corner.

There again. Liverpool's marking during corners. Usually teams use man-marking, like Chelski. But Liverpool's style is zonal marking, which is you mark the guy in your area.

This is a good kind of defending against corner, other then the times when players get confused and an opponent goes unmarked. And there, it happened just now.

The game went on and finished with Manure holding the ball.

Liverpool: Reina, Riise, Hyypia, Carragher, Finnan, Gonzalez, Alonso, Sissoko, Gerrard (captain), Garcia, Kuyt. Subs - Dudek, Pennant, Crouch, Warnock, Paletta

Manchester United: Van der Sar, Evra, Vidic, Ferdinand, Neville (captain), Giggs, Carrick, Scholes, Fletcher, Rooney, Saha. Subs - Brown, Ronaldo, Solskjaer, Kuszczak, O'Shea

Referee: G Poll

Conditions: Dry

Attendance: 75,828

Player ratings:

Reina 7/10

Was kinda solid and made a few finger tip saves of Saha's shots.

Finnan 7/10

Was good at start but became fustrated as the game went on and thus, earned a yellow card.

Carra 6.5/10

His bad positing lets Ferdinand being exposed. He could've stopped the 2nd goal when he slided for the shot but he siamed the ball as it went over him.

Riise 6.5/10

Didnt even see him much. Blasted a shot over, which i hate most. Although you DO have to try.

Garcia 4.5/10

Lost so MANY balls trying his flicks and tricks. Was terribly weak and went down whenever he was jsut nudged.

Gerrard 6.5/10

Wasnt dynamic and some of his desperate shots went terribly wide. Did cross in the entire match i think.

Sissoko 6.5/10

Held the ball well BUT, he just cannot distribute them. Poor passing and many reckless tackles.

Alonso 7/10

Passed slightly well =| Had a nice try on goal.

Gonzalez 7/10

His pace earned us some corners but he didnt use it well whenever there is a 2 Liverpool on 2 Manure players situation.

Kuyt 5/10

Other then his header on goal, i didnt even see him in the game.

Crouch 5/10

Did not make an impact when he came on for Alonso.
Earned a yellow card moments later after his LOOOONG legs reached Van Der Sar.

Pennant 5.5/10

No comments.

Labels: EPL, Liverpool

LIVERPOOL VS MANCHESTER UNITED

Old trafford, 7.55pm HK time.

We will be visiting the red devils after a 1-0 win against Bordeaux. Despite a series of dissapointing results and a unconvincing season so far.
A match packed with fire power as usual and both sides would want to win as winning means gaining 3 points while the opposition drop 3.
Pundits have all predicted a Man United win. On the papers as well.
But a match isnt won on paper, its how the teams perform on the pitch and what the players do. The game will be tight with both teams not wanting to lose the game but it'll surely be Liverpool going on the attack, looking for the muchly needed win whcih will boost them for the Arsenal and Reading games ahead.

Man United have been performing well with Solkjaer back on form and Rooney on fire.
Giggs and Neville are both but in this clash of the titans.

For Liverpool, things are spelling good with Gerrard, Kuyt and Sissoko all recoving for the game.

This will be the most likely lineup for us.

Reina

Finnan
Carra
Hyypia
Riise

Gerrard
Alonso
Sissoko
Garcia

Bellamy
Crouch

A reseve keeper( since dudek and martin are both injured )
Agger
Pennant
Gonzalaz
Kuyt

Labels: EPL, Liverpool

Reds drop points in Anfield despite striker breaking his duck.

LIVERPOOL(Bellamy,64mins) 1-1 BLACKBURN (McCarthy,17mins)

We failed to continue our 9 home game winning streak with a dissapointing 1-1 draw with Blackburn Rovers.

We started well, keeping Blackburn on their half of the field for the first 10 mins before a Blackburn counter attack shocked us when Bently's early cross, was misjudged by both Hyypia and Carragher before droping nicely to McCarthy in the far post and he fire it in to the net calmly.


Liverpool continued to pour down attacks after attacks from our right flank which Pennant did a great job crossing an dearning us free-kicks. We started to get fustrated over the numerous fouls Blackburn conceded and tension rose.

Gerrard secured the midfield area along side Alonso and they started many our Liverpool's attack down the park.

Half time arrived with them leading 1-0 and Liverpool looked as if they were going to lose this already.

Second half began with Liverpool pressing hard on every ball and Bellamy was desperate to score against his old club.
Rafa subsituted Pennant for Garcia as Liverpool continued to pressure Blackburn's weak centre backs with Ooijer not settling well in England.

Finally, a corner for the reds. The ball was crossed like usual and everyone missed it. Instead it fell to our new boy Craig Bellamy who headed into the kop end and finally, breaking his duck.

He finished it cleanly and did not even had to jump for the header as he was not marked and placed the ball into the top corner of the left hand post.

We continued pressing hard in search for a win and Mark Hughes brought on 2 new midfielders. Aaron Mokoena for Tugay and Paul Gallagher for Morten Pedersen.

Blackburn became very fustrated and Robbie Savage flew into every challenge recklessly and earned himself a yellow card.

The game became one-sided with us attacking the whole of the 2nd half while Blackburn held their lines low, not allowing Bellamy any chance of sneaking became them.

The reds were in for a scare after Hyypia failed to deal with a long ball and McCarthy held the ball well before releasing Bently who faced Reina 1v1 but the latter saved the ball for a corner.

The game became slow after that with Blackburn players wasting time.
The game ended in a stalemate.


Liverpool: Reina, Riise, Hyypia, Carragher, Finnan, Aurelio, Gerrard (captain), Alonso, Pennant, Crouch, Bellamy. Subs - Dudek, Garcia, Gonzalez, Paletta, Zenden

Blackburn Rovers: Friedel, Khizanishvilli, Ooijer, Neill (captain), Pedersen, Emerton, , Bentley, Savage, Nonda, McCarthy. Subs - Brown, Mokoena, Gallagher, McEveley, Roberts

Referee: Mark Clattenburg

RATINGS:

Reina 8/10
Did well to keep out many shots although he conceded the forst goal

Finnan 8/10
Defended solidly and went foward many times to help out and did not forgot about his defensive chores as well

Carragher 7/10
Not as solid as the Carragher last season and misjudged the ball causing them to score the first goal

Hyypia 7/10
Very slow in challenges although he has a strong physical and aerial presence

Aurelio 6.5/10

Yet again, we conceded because of a cross from our left flank. Who else to blame?

Pennant 8/10
Did very very well to dribble while keeping the ball. Crossed many balls in and earned many free kicks

Gerrard 8/10
Started many attacks and defended well. He proved to RB why he should be playing in the middle of the park

Alonso 7.5/10
Hasnt really found back his form yet and had many shots off target

Riise 8.5/10
The most hardworking player on the pitch. Covered every inch of the field, helping out in attack, midfield and defence

Garcia 8/10
Cut in many times from left to centre, centre to right and back to centre. Tried to feed in many occasions he had the ball.

Bellamy 8.5/10
Although he has heavily marked in the game, he still managed to score against his old club and earned us a point.

Crouch 7.5/10
Did not keep the ball well like he should and chose to pass instead of shooting in some occasions

Labels: EPL, Liverpool

Anfield