Although our draw is not the easiest (look at what MU get!) and ours is probably the worst amongst the English clubs I think we stand a good chance to qualify. At the minimum, 2 wins against Monaco and Olympiacos at home, 2 draws visiting them, a draw at home vs Deportivo will give us 9 points, which should be enough for us to qualify. Of course we probably will do better than that. It's just my thinking of minimum target to get qualify.
Europe, hear we come!
Saturday, August 28, 2004
Season really starts here
After a very poor result, the team is now back to the league and with Alonso and Garcia set to make their debut, I think our season really starts here. The lost in mid week may be a blessing in disguise, so that Rafa can sort out some problem within the team. And Dudek, please perform to your best. Remember it was 3 years ago at the same stadium that Westerveld lost a stupid goal and his position in the team? Let's hope the team will gel very soon and we will have a really good run!
My Team Prediction:
Dudek
Josemi, Carragher, Hyypia, Riise
Kewell, Gerrard, Alonso, Garcia
Cisse, Baros
Result 3-1
My Team Prediction:
Dudek
Josemi, Carragher, Hyypia, Riise
Kewell, Gerrard, Alonso, Garcia
Cisse, Baros
Result 3-1
Mr ex-player, do you hear what your former captain said?
Gerrard's words should alert the ex-player. Do you really think it's right to leave?
"I pick the papers up now and see him in the Real Madrid kit and think: 'No, that's not right. What's he doing? When's he coming back?' "
"I pick the papers up now and see him in the Real Madrid kit and think: 'No, that's not right. What's he doing? When's he coming back?' "
Wednesday, August 25, 2004
Match Report 040824 vs Grazer AK: A night to forget
0:1. A very poor display. We started quite well, but after 25 minutes without finding a way to break through, we failed to control the rhythm and GAK was allowed to control the game. We gave the ball cheaply, Dudek was out of confidence, and the referee's judgements were bad, so we lost. But fortunately we still are able to enter the Group Stage.
Hopefully this will let Rafa and the team back to reality and figure a way to breakthrough. It's like the 2H of the Spurs games that we just allow the opponents to attack. We need to control the rhythm.
Plus from the game: Not much except watching Potter has his first start in first team. Hope Rafa will still give the young boys some opportunities. The other item is that Riise played much better than last year. Keep it up, John Arne!
Minus from the game: Dudek has completely lost his confidence. We need Kirky to be back ASAP. Kewell already take his day off. An invisible performance. Maybe we should drop him on Sunday and hand Warnock/Finnan a start? And we need to find a way to control the game rhythm. This has now become an urgent item.
Hopefully it's just the team hasn't reach the top gear yet, and we will get better and better. But a few games like last night will almost ensure us to have another disappointing season, and worse of all, Gerrard to leave...
Player Rating:
Dudek: 5.5 Though the goal was not his fault, he has a few shaky moment in the game and almost led to goal...
Carragher: 7 Another solid performance, this time as a right back. Crossed the ball several times but didn't result in an opportunity for the strikers.
Henchoz: 6.5 First start of the season, and it was not a bad performance. But one thing I don't like is that he said he was aware that the GAK captain was given 2 red cards. If this is the case he should at least let Gerrard know and launch a complain, so that the referee can discuss with his colleagues and make the right decision.
Hyypia 7 Solid performance from our vice captain.
Riise: 7 On a day Kewell is invisible, Riise provided a lot of attacks from the left side.
Potter 6.5 A solid performance for the home-debut boy. Keep it up and challenge the first team!
Gerrard: 7 Yet another good performance from our captain. Geared up a lot after we were behind, and it is a mystery that he didn't get a penalty, but instead get a yellow card.
Diao 6: I think he will still be challenging the first team. Maybe the backbone for our League Cup team.
Kewell 5.5: Virtually invisible. The fact that he was substituted on 59 minutes when we were behind tells you that Rafa was not happy with his performance as well. One more performance like this and I am sure Rafa will relegate him to the bench, especially we have Garcia now and Warnock is challenging this position as well.
Cisse 6.5: Not much chance, but to be fair he did not get any support from the midfielder.
Baros 6.5: Similar comment to Cisse. Also has another penalty claim denied. I am just afraid he will be labeled as a diver now...
Warnock 6: Subsituted the invisible man, a good performance but failed to create any real chance.
Sinama-Pongolle: A much better performance than the Spurs game, did have one tame goal attempt.
Hamann: Just played the 3 minute injury time to protect our "lead".
Kop: 6.5 Not much to cheer for...
Rafa: 5.5 Unable to inspire the team but after all the result is the thing that matter.
Grazer AK: 7.5 A good display from the Austria double winners. Though their captain should have been sent off after 2 red cards.
Man of the Match: Riise this time, although Carragher and Gerrard also come close.
Hopefully this will let Rafa and the team back to reality and figure a way to breakthrough. It's like the 2H of the Spurs games that we just allow the opponents to attack. We need to control the rhythm.
Plus from the game: Not much except watching Potter has his first start in first team. Hope Rafa will still give the young boys some opportunities. The other item is that Riise played much better than last year. Keep it up, John Arne!
Minus from the game: Dudek has completely lost his confidence. We need Kirky to be back ASAP. Kewell already take his day off. An invisible performance. Maybe we should drop him on Sunday and hand Warnock/Finnan a start? And we need to find a way to control the game rhythm. This has now become an urgent item.
Hopefully it's just the team hasn't reach the top gear yet, and we will get better and better. But a few games like last night will almost ensure us to have another disappointing season, and worse of all, Gerrard to leave...
Player Rating:
Dudek: 5.5 Though the goal was not his fault, he has a few shaky moment in the game and almost led to goal...
Carragher: 7 Another solid performance, this time as a right back. Crossed the ball several times but didn't result in an opportunity for the strikers.
Henchoz: 6.5 First start of the season, and it was not a bad performance. But one thing I don't like is that he said he was aware that the GAK captain was given 2 red cards. If this is the case he should at least let Gerrard know and launch a complain, so that the referee can discuss with his colleagues and make the right decision.
Hyypia 7 Solid performance from our vice captain.
Riise: 7 On a day Kewell is invisible, Riise provided a lot of attacks from the left side.
Potter 6.5 A solid performance for the home-debut boy. Keep it up and challenge the first team!
Gerrard: 7 Yet another good performance from our captain. Geared up a lot after we were behind, and it is a mystery that he didn't get a penalty, but instead get a yellow card.
Diao 6: I think he will still be challenging the first team. Maybe the backbone for our League Cup team.
Kewell 5.5: Virtually invisible. The fact that he was substituted on 59 minutes when we were behind tells you that Rafa was not happy with his performance as well. One more performance like this and I am sure Rafa will relegate him to the bench, especially we have Garcia now and Warnock is challenging this position as well.
Cisse 6.5: Not much chance, but to be fair he did not get any support from the midfielder.
Baros 6.5: Similar comment to Cisse. Also has another penalty claim denied. I am just afraid he will be labeled as a diver now...
Warnock 6: Subsituted the invisible man, a good performance but failed to create any real chance.
Sinama-Pongolle: A much better performance than the Spurs game, did have one tame goal attempt.
Hamann: Just played the 3 minute injury time to protect our "lead".
Kop: 6.5 Not much to cheer for...
Rafa: 5.5 Unable to inspire the team but after all the result is the thing that matter.
Grazer AK: 7.5 A good display from the Austria double winners. Though their captain should have been sent off after 2 red cards.
Man of the Match: Riise this time, although Carragher and Gerrard also come close.
Tuesday, August 24, 2004
Some change tonight?
Even though we have a 2-0 lead Rafa is still quite cautious, but I think he should try some other options. Sinama-Pongolle should get a run, and so is Warnock. Hand him his first start in Anfield please! Josemi is injuried and so it's probably a good move to rest him tonight. Hopefully defense will be tighter and we can keep a clean sheet.
My Team Prediction:
Dudek
Carragher, Henchoz, Hyypia, Riise
Kewell, Gerrard, Hamann, Warnock
Cisse, Sinama-Pongolle
Result 2-0
My Team Prediction:
Dudek
Carragher, Henchoz, Hyypia, Riise
Kewell, Gerrard, Hamann, Warnock
Cisse, Sinama-Pongolle
Result 2-0
Sunday, August 22, 2004
Match Report 040821 vs Manchester City: A well derseved win
2:1, and we should have win more easily if not for the Dudek fumble. First half we were a bit slack, but still we control the game well. Unfortunately there were not any real chance, and James was playing well except from 1 fumble, but Dunne covered him well. Cisse has one counter attack chance and you can see how quick his pace is, unfortunately I think he should pass the ball instead of trying to take a shot himself, which, for Jame's habit of coming out too easily, make James easily to clear the ball. Baros almost did nothing except for trying to win penalties. I think he should not fall down too easily (like Diouf or Sinama-Pongolle) as once you earn an image of dive, it's more difficult to earn other's respect.
When first half was approaching an all-square, City took the lead. Wright-Phillips took the ball and had a well diagonal pass into the box, Carragher was unable to clear it and it felt to the 6 yard box. Dudek should have catch it easily, but he fumbled and let Anelka rounded him and put the ball into the net. Carra tried his best to do a last man save but failed. HT 0-1, and it was a shook.
2nd half we were more aggressive and soon we equalized. As usual it was the result of our mighty captain. Stevie G has an inch-perfect pass and the ball pass through 3 defenders, and Baros was one-on-one with James and put the ball calmly into the net. 1-1, and the fans were happy.
From this point on there will only be one winner of the game, but James was againsty superb and denied us several times. Then Josemi was injuried from a bad tackle and Diao took his place, the defense then take a resuffle and Carra moved to right back, with Diao taking the center back post and done a fine job. He knows he need to perform to keep his place, and he did no harm to himself. Finally the long awaited goal comes. A long pass from the back and Baros was one on one with James again, this time James blocked the ball away, but Gerrard was spot on and put the ball into the net. 2-1.
After that City was pressured for an equalized, but then Dunne pushed Cisse and earned a 2nd yellow card and was sent off. The other moment of the game was deep in the injuried time and Cisse was holding the ball at the corner flag, and a quick back pass and he rushed to the ball and crossed it, unfortunately Warnock was not spot on and can't score.
Pluses from the game: We are very confident even though we were 1 down at HT, and the timing of the goal was the worst, but we were never trouble and in 3 minutes we were already equalized. Besides Kewell was against very lively, doing all the tricks and was unlucky not to score. The corner kicks were improved a lot, Kewell takes all the right corners and Gerrard the left corners. They were more dangerous than the Spurs game.
Minus from the game: Dudek has now became the weakest link and I think as soon as Kirkland recovered he should take the first team place (and England's # 1 as well). Baros was not that good in 1st half, but he scored a goal and played much better. He just need to be more consistent. We seems to be unable to keep a good performance for the whole 90 minutes, but luckily this time 1H was not good but 2H much better and we won the game. But we need to be work on this very soon. Fortunately the next few games should not be too hard and we should build a good run on it before we play MU in mid September. The other concern I had is that the Kop was really quiet - even out-voiced by the City fans. But after we took the lead the atmosphere becomes better. Hope in the future the Kop will do their job fine.
Player Rating:
Dudek: 5 Fault on the City goal. I think he should not be the first choice anymore, sorry.
Josemi: 6.5 Solid game, unfortunately he was injured and was substituted. Hope it is not too serious.
Carragher: 7 Partly responsible for the City goal, but even so I think Dudek should have catch the ball. Apart from that he had another good game.
Hyypia: 7.5 Definitely much better than last season. His gem with Carragher is better game after game.
Riise: 7.5 Another good game from Riise. His attacking sense is getter better and better. Had one free-kick chance but was blocked by Fowler.
Finnan: 7 Solid game, but with Alonso and Garcia arrived next game may be his final game...
Gerrard: 10 1 goal 1 assist. What more can you ask for him? Teammates need to play better to make him happy though.
Hamann: 7 Typical Hamann performance. But as Alonso comes I don't know if he will still be starting next week...
Kewell: 8.5 We have not seem him so lively for a long time! Too bad he didn't score in the game.
Baros: 8.5 1st half was poor, but 2nd half much better. Keep it up, Milan! You can do it!
Cisse: 7.5 Unfortunately did not score on his home debut, but it was a very good performance.
Diao: 7 A good performance coming up from the bench. I think we should keep him.
Warnock 6.5: A well deserved home debut. Should have scored in the injury time if he was more alert. I hope he can get more playing chances (as Kewell may not play the whole season well)... So be prepared.
Biscan: Only used to kill time, he had one scoring chance but totally wasted.
Kop: 6.5 Very quiet until we took the lead. Please do your jobs!
Rafa: 7 A nice teamtalk during half time that works! Well done man!
Man City: 6 I think they should be able to surivive this season, but Keegan need to do something to the defense.
Man of the Match: Gerrard.
When first half was approaching an all-square, City took the lead. Wright-Phillips took the ball and had a well diagonal pass into the box, Carragher was unable to clear it and it felt to the 6 yard box. Dudek should have catch it easily, but he fumbled and let Anelka rounded him and put the ball into the net. Carra tried his best to do a last man save but failed. HT 0-1, and it was a shook.
2nd half we were more aggressive and soon we equalized. As usual it was the result of our mighty captain. Stevie G has an inch-perfect pass and the ball pass through 3 defenders, and Baros was one-on-one with James and put the ball calmly into the net. 1-1, and the fans were happy.
From this point on there will only be one winner of the game, but James was againsty superb and denied us several times. Then Josemi was injuried from a bad tackle and Diao took his place, the defense then take a resuffle and Carra moved to right back, with Diao taking the center back post and done a fine job. He knows he need to perform to keep his place, and he did no harm to himself. Finally the long awaited goal comes. A long pass from the back and Baros was one on one with James again, this time James blocked the ball away, but Gerrard was spot on and put the ball into the net. 2-1.
After that City was pressured for an equalized, but then Dunne pushed Cisse and earned a 2nd yellow card and was sent off. The other moment of the game was deep in the injuried time and Cisse was holding the ball at the corner flag, and a quick back pass and he rushed to the ball and crossed it, unfortunately Warnock was not spot on and can't score.
Pluses from the game: We are very confident even though we were 1 down at HT, and the timing of the goal was the worst, but we were never trouble and in 3 minutes we were already equalized. Besides Kewell was against very lively, doing all the tricks and was unlucky not to score. The corner kicks were improved a lot, Kewell takes all the right corners and Gerrard the left corners. They were more dangerous than the Spurs game.
Minus from the game: Dudek has now became the weakest link and I think as soon as Kirkland recovered he should take the first team place (and England's # 1 as well). Baros was not that good in 1st half, but he scored a goal and played much better. He just need to be more consistent. We seems to be unable to keep a good performance for the whole 90 minutes, but luckily this time 1H was not good but 2H much better and we won the game. But we need to be work on this very soon. Fortunately the next few games should not be too hard and we should build a good run on it before we play MU in mid September. The other concern I had is that the Kop was really quiet - even out-voiced by the City fans. But after we took the lead the atmosphere becomes better. Hope in the future the Kop will do their job fine.
Player Rating:
Dudek: 5 Fault on the City goal. I think he should not be the first choice anymore, sorry.
Josemi: 6.5 Solid game, unfortunately he was injured and was substituted. Hope it is not too serious.
Carragher: 7 Partly responsible for the City goal, but even so I think Dudek should have catch the ball. Apart from that he had another good game.
Hyypia: 7.5 Definitely much better than last season. His gem with Carragher is better game after game.
Riise: 7.5 Another good game from Riise. His attacking sense is getter better and better. Had one free-kick chance but was blocked by Fowler.
Finnan: 7 Solid game, but with Alonso and Garcia arrived next game may be his final game...
Gerrard: 10 1 goal 1 assist. What more can you ask for him? Teammates need to play better to make him happy though.
Hamann: 7 Typical Hamann performance. But as Alonso comes I don't know if he will still be starting next week...
Kewell: 8.5 We have not seem him so lively for a long time! Too bad he didn't score in the game.
Baros: 8.5 1st half was poor, but 2nd half much better. Keep it up, Milan! You can do it!
Cisse: 7.5 Unfortunately did not score on his home debut, but it was a very good performance.
Diao: 7 A good performance coming up from the bench. I think we should keep him.
Warnock 6.5: A well deserved home debut. Should have scored in the injury time if he was more alert. I hope he can get more playing chances (as Kewell may not play the whole season well)... So be prepared.
Biscan: Only used to kill time, he had one scoring chance but totally wasted.
Kop: 6.5 Very quiet until we took the lead. Please do your jobs!
Rafa: 7 A nice teamtalk during half time that works! Well done man!
Man City: 6 I think they should be able to surivive this season, but Keegan need to do something to the defense.
Man of the Match: Gerrard.
Friday, August 20, 2004
Fowler Returns
Tomorrow we will play against Manchester City, with Keegan, Fowler, and Anelka etc return to Anfield. Macca was injured and won't play.
I expect Liverpool to win the game comfortably. It's really a pity that Kirkland was injured, and Harrison probably will take his place. Alonso and Luis Garcia are not yet available play on this game, hopefully they will be playing next week, as they are not eligible to play the GAK game as well.
My Team Prediction:
Dudek
Josemi, Carragher, Hyypia, Riise
Finnan, Gerrard, Hamann, Kewell
Cisse, Baros
Result 3-0
I expect Liverpool to win the game comfortably. It's really a pity that Kirkland was injured, and Harrison probably will take his place. Alonso and Luis Garcia are not yet available play on this game, hopefully they will be playing next week, as they are not eligible to play the GAK game as well.
My Team Prediction:
Dudek
Josemi, Carragher, Hyypia, Riise
Finnan, Gerrard, Hamann, Kewell
Cisse, Baros
Result 3-0
Saturday, August 14, 2004
Match Report 040814 at Tottenham Hotspur: We should have win the game
1-1. We played brillantly in 1st half. The fact that we have 11 shots in the half tells you we were dominating. Cisse was very lively, and Gerrard was the heart of every move, as in the Tuesday game at GAK. And it's really nice to see Carragher's header assisted Cisse for that goal. Kewell was very lively on the left too. His move of pasting 2 defenders lead to the corner that resulted in our goal. Defender at times were shaky when Defoe use his pace to attack, but so far so good. Half time 1-0.
In secord half the situation changed. Spurs began to attack more, and we were forced to be playing a bit of defender. And Rafa thought the players were getting tired, as Spurs were playing long ball and this means we have to go backward to recover possession. So he substituted Cisse with Sinama-Pongolle, which to me is a surprise move.
Unfortunately the subsitution did not work and soon Spurs equalized. It started with a long Edman pass, flicked by Kanoute, and Defoe get the ball. Unfortunately Carragher, who was marking Defoe, could not clear the ball and let Defoe turned him and scored.
After that we did have lots of chances to win the game, notably Carragher's 10 yard header which was just saved by Robinson. Should Carragher scored it would be a dream game. Full time 1-1
Some plus from the game: We seemed to be keeping the ball well, with Carragher playing well in Center Back, and willing to come forward, assisted the goal and almost scored. The wings and full back coordinates well, Gerrard was in every move especially in 1H. Cisse and Baros played better than last game, and Cisse in particular is very dangerous. Also, we saw Houllier doing commentary for the French TV. It's really nice to see him again, and he seemed to be cared about the team, which is not something unexpected. And it's really nice to see a banner saying "Merci Gerrard 1988-2004". We Liverpool fans are really the best. We do care for those who cares us. Not like some ex-player who just get transferred and thank the new team, without a word to thank the team who brought him fortune.
Minus from the game: Sadly Carragher is not fast enough. Should he be fast enough he should have stopped Defoe from scoring. And the problem will probabl be worse should we play Arsenal. And Rafa, thinking Cisse was tired, took him off, which to me was a move to early. Sinama-Pongolle unfortunately did not play too well, and hence as soon as Spurs equalized it's very difficult for us to win the game. And this game highlighted how much we lack in terms of team depth. The bench players are: Kirkland, Henchoz, Biscan, Sinama-Pongolle, Warnock. Though it's nice to see Warnock being recognized, but we should at least have a more attacking mind player on the bench (maybe Mellor?) Hopefully in the next game Alonso, Nunez (and Luis Garcia) will come and we will have more options. Also we need to work more on corners. Finnan in particular did not take the corners too well.
In summary we should have win the game, but winning at White Hart Lane is always difficult to us. After all, this is only the first game of the season and away draw should not be too bad a result.
Player Rating:
Dudek 7 Can't be blamed for the goal, but not much else to do.
Josemi 7.5 A solid performance even though not too spectacular. Showed his free throws were as good as Risse. We need to explore this area of attack.
Carragher 6.5 Though he had one assist and almost scored it was also his mistake that made us not taking 3 points. Otherwise he could at least get 8.
Hyypia 7.5 Solid performance. He's playing quite well so far.
Riise 7 Played quite well and linked well with Kewell.
Finnan 7 Even though his corner lead to the goal, I must say his corners were not taken too good. Need to work on this area or else he will lose his place when Alonso etc arrives.
Gerrard 7.5 Played very well in 1H but maybe a bit tired so 2H was not as good. Should have win a penalty but the referee played it wrong.
Hamann 7.5 Solid performance as usual. I think he knows his place is in danger when Alonso comes.
Kewell 7 A very lively game. He even past 2 defenders and shot, but the ball hit a defender and we get a corner, which we scored from it. 2H was a bit tired, but almost scored as the ball just past the post. If he scored we will win the game...
Cisse 9 Scored a wonderful goal on his league debut. Should have scored 1 more before. I am not sure if he was tired in 2H, but that's what Rafa thought...
Baros 7.5 Played a good game even though he did not score. If he pay more attention he should score from the Robinson fumble from a shot by Cisse.
Sinama-Pongolle 5.5 He substituted Cisse and sadly, did not contribute any good thing to the game. Received an unnecessary yellow card. I think he should be more controlled on his temper.
Biscan/Warnock both played ~10 minutes and did not make too much impact to the game. But I think Biscan still get a role in the team, and the fact that Rafa like Warnock a lot is an encouraging sign to the Academy players.
Rafa: 6 He should learn not to change the winning team.
Spurs: 7 A definitely better Spurs despite the injury problems. I think they should have no problem finishing top ten, and with a bit luck should be able to challange for Europe.
Man of the Match: Cisse
In secord half the situation changed. Spurs began to attack more, and we were forced to be playing a bit of defender. And Rafa thought the players were getting tired, as Spurs were playing long ball and this means we have to go backward to recover possession. So he substituted Cisse with Sinama-Pongolle, which to me is a surprise move.
Unfortunately the subsitution did not work and soon Spurs equalized. It started with a long Edman pass, flicked by Kanoute, and Defoe get the ball. Unfortunately Carragher, who was marking Defoe, could not clear the ball and let Defoe turned him and scored.
After that we did have lots of chances to win the game, notably Carragher's 10 yard header which was just saved by Robinson. Should Carragher scored it would be a dream game. Full time 1-1
Some plus from the game: We seemed to be keeping the ball well, with Carragher playing well in Center Back, and willing to come forward, assisted the goal and almost scored. The wings and full back coordinates well, Gerrard was in every move especially in 1H. Cisse and Baros played better than last game, and Cisse in particular is very dangerous. Also, we saw Houllier doing commentary for the French TV. It's really nice to see him again, and he seemed to be cared about the team, which is not something unexpected. And it's really nice to see a banner saying "Merci Gerrard 1988-2004". We Liverpool fans are really the best. We do care for those who cares us. Not like some ex-player who just get transferred and thank the new team, without a word to thank the team who brought him fortune.
Minus from the game: Sadly Carragher is not fast enough. Should he be fast enough he should have stopped Defoe from scoring. And the problem will probabl be worse should we play Arsenal. And Rafa, thinking Cisse was tired, took him off, which to me was a move to early. Sinama-Pongolle unfortunately did not play too well, and hence as soon as Spurs equalized it's very difficult for us to win the game. And this game highlighted how much we lack in terms of team depth. The bench players are: Kirkland, Henchoz, Biscan, Sinama-Pongolle, Warnock. Though it's nice to see Warnock being recognized, but we should at least have a more attacking mind player on the bench (maybe Mellor?) Hopefully in the next game Alonso, Nunez (and Luis Garcia) will come and we will have more options. Also we need to work more on corners. Finnan in particular did not take the corners too well.
In summary we should have win the game, but winning at White Hart Lane is always difficult to us. After all, this is only the first game of the season and away draw should not be too bad a result.
Player Rating:
Dudek 7 Can't be blamed for the goal, but not much else to do.
Josemi 7.5 A solid performance even though not too spectacular. Showed his free throws were as good as Risse. We need to explore this area of attack.
Carragher 6.5 Though he had one assist and almost scored it was also his mistake that made us not taking 3 points. Otherwise he could at least get 8.
Hyypia 7.5 Solid performance. He's playing quite well so far.
Riise 7 Played quite well and linked well with Kewell.
Finnan 7 Even though his corner lead to the goal, I must say his corners were not taken too good. Need to work on this area or else he will lose his place when Alonso etc arrives.
Gerrard 7.5 Played very well in 1H but maybe a bit tired so 2H was not as good. Should have win a penalty but the referee played it wrong.
Hamann 7.5 Solid performance as usual. I think he knows his place is in danger when Alonso comes.
Kewell 7 A very lively game. He even past 2 defenders and shot, but the ball hit a defender and we get a corner, which we scored from it. 2H was a bit tired, but almost scored as the ball just past the post. If he scored we will win the game...
Cisse 9 Scored a wonderful goal on his league debut. Should have scored 1 more before. I am not sure if he was tired in 2H, but that's what Rafa thought...
Baros 7.5 Played a good game even though he did not score. If he pay more attention he should score from the Robinson fumble from a shot by Cisse.
Sinama-Pongolle 5.5 He substituted Cisse and sadly, did not contribute any good thing to the game. Received an unnecessary yellow card. I think he should be more controlled on his temper.
Biscan/Warnock both played ~10 minutes and did not make too much impact to the game. But I think Biscan still get a role in the team, and the fact that Rafa like Warnock a lot is an encouraging sign to the Academy players.
Rafa: 6 He should learn not to change the winning team.
Spurs: 7 A definitely better Spurs despite the injury problems. I think they should have no problem finishing top ten, and with a bit luck should be able to challange for Europe.
Man of the Match: Cisse
Friday, August 13, 2004
Premiership Game starts!
The first game of the season is at White Hart Lane. This is a traditional difficult place to visit, as we have only 1 win in the last 7 games there. Hopefully with a new manager and the team already played one game, we will be better prepared to win the game.
With Biscan available I think he will play in center midfield and Gerrard will be playing as right midfielder.
Go Liverpool! Without Owen at least we solved the problem of one-dimension attack. Let's win the Championship and let Owen regret!
Lineup prediction:
Dudek
Josemi, Carragher, Hyypia, Riise
Gerrard, Hamann, Biscan, Kewell
Cisse, Baros
Result: 2-0 Win
With Biscan available I think he will play in center midfield and Gerrard will be playing as right midfielder.
Go Liverpool! Without Owen at least we solved the problem of one-dimension attack. Let's win the Championship and let Owen regret!
Lineup prediction:
Dudek
Josemi, Carragher, Hyypia, Riise
Gerrard, Hamann, Biscan, Kewell
Cisse, Baros
Result: 2-0 Win
Is loyalty still worth anything?
It's confirmed. Owen will leave Liverpool to Real Madrid. I wonder if there is still something called loyalty?
Owen is always like a England player just happened to play in Liverpool (similar to Beckham). I won't wish him good luck. Liverpool will be Champions in England (and with a little bit luck, win Champions League as well) and Real Madrid will be relegated.
Though, we will always remember the 2001 FA Cup Final, which you single-handly destroyed Arsenal.
Owen is always like a England player just happened to play in Liverpool (similar to Beckham). I won't wish him good luck. Liverpool will be Champions in England (and with a little bit luck, win Champions League as well) and Real Madrid will be relegated.
Though, we will always remember the 2001 FA Cup Final, which you single-handly destroyed Arsenal.
Thursday, August 12, 2004
Squad Numbers
The complete Squad Numbers for this season. Will the #10 be emptied? And is Alonso #12? For some reason Diouf still get a number... We'll see...
1 Jerzy Dudek
2 Stephane Henchoz
3 Steve Finnan
4 Sami Hyypia
5 Milan Baros
6 John Arne Riise
7 Harry Kewell
8 Steven Gerrard
9 Djibril Cisse
10 Michael Owen
11 Vladimir Smicer
15 Salif Diao
16 Dietmar Hamann
17 Josemi
19 El Hadji Diouf
21 Djimi Traore
22 Chris Kirkland
23 Jamie Carragher
24 Florent Sinama Pongolle
25 Igor Biscan
26 Richie Partridge
28 Stephen Warnock
29 Patrice Luzi
32 John Welsh
33 Neil Mellor
34 Darren Potter
36 Jon Otsemobor
37 Zak Whitbread
40 Paul Harrison
1 Jerzy Dudek
2 Stephane Henchoz
3 Steve Finnan
4 Sami Hyypia
5 Milan Baros
6 John Arne Riise
7 Harry Kewell
8 Steven Gerrard
9 Djibril Cisse
10 Michael Owen
11 Vladimir Smicer
15 Salif Diao
16 Dietmar Hamann
17 Josemi
19 El Hadji Diouf
21 Djimi Traore
22 Chris Kirkland
23 Jamie Carragher
24 Florent Sinama Pongolle
25 Igor Biscan
26 Richie Partridge
28 Stephen Warnock
29 Patrice Luzi
32 John Welsh
33 Neil Mellor
34 Darren Potter
36 Jon Otsemobor
37 Zak Whitbread
40 Paul Harrison
Wednesday, August 11, 2004
Match Report 040810 at Grazer AK: A good start of the season!
2-0. Should have won more if not the Grazer AK goalkeeper were superb. Gerrard got robbed of a hat-trick as one goal was disallowed due to foul by Cisse. Needless to say Stevie G is the best performer.
Dudek got the nod to start in goal and was never really tested, but he did fumbled a long shot... Josemi and Riise were full-backs and provided some width to us. Carragher and Hyypia started in Center-back, and looks like Henchoz's day is numbered...
In midfield Finnan played right midfield and was not too bad. Kewell was very lively in left midfield, which you can see is his natural best position. Hamann and Captain in the middle and was the heart of almost every move. Bravo!
Cisse and Baros were the 2 forwards and Cisse in especially was very lively. Baros missed a lot of chances, and seems to be still learning to adapt to play with Cisse. Gotta be quick to learn the trade!
As expected Owen did not start the game, although for some unknown reason he get the nod ahead of Whitbread and was included as a substitute. He did received some cheers from the Liverpool fans when he warmed up during the later part of 1H. Hope he realize that we fans still want him to stay.
It's interesting to see Diao substituted Baros in 73 min when we were only 1 goal ahead. At first I was thinking maybe Rafa want to defend the 1 goal lead, as we did in the past, but then Gerrard was moved up front and played as a forward! Perhaps Rafa wanna try 4-3-1-2 and play Gerrard in the "1" position, so that when Alonso come we can switch to this formation. We'll see...
In general it's a good game and we are glad to see Liverpool now half way through the Champions League Group Stage. Though the Owen situation is not clear yet (maybe he's watching if Real Madrid can qualify or not) but I am very optimistic.
Playing Ratings:
Dudek 7 Not much to do despite a fumble
Josemi 7 Solid debut. Provided several crosses. Hope he can provide more overlap and width to us.
Carragher 7 Solid performance in Center Back. Did go up front several times during set-piece. I think he will be the backbone in Center Back.
Hyypia 8 Good performance both at the back and up front. Almost scored in 2 minutes.
Riise 7 I think he is a much better player than last year. Keep up the good work!
Finnan 7 A part time right midfielder and performed well. I hope he still has a future in the team.
Gerrard 10 Scored 2 goals but should be 3. Can even play as a forward. This is gotta be his year once again. Thanks Stevie.
Hamann 7.5 Another solid performance as usual. Though his future may be in doubt due to the potential coming of Alonso, but I am sure Didi will fight for his place. Assist for the first goal.
Kewell 8 Performed comfortably and well in left midfield. Hope his good run will continue, as I still think he is only capable in playing half a season well. Please Harry, prove me wrong.
Cisse 7.5 A good debut even though he did not score. Showed his class and was a continuous threat to the opponent. I am sure he will be success in Liverpool.
Baros 7.5 Have several scoring oppotunities but can't score. Still adapting in playing along Cisse. I am sure it's only a matter of time, but better hurry up!
Substitutes:
Diao Played 17 min solid football.
Potter/Warnock Although their debut were a result of our insufficient midfield, but it's really good to see local boy get a chance, especially in such an important game.
Rafa: 7 A good start with a well derseved win.
Man of the Match: Gerrard
Dudek got the nod to start in goal and was never really tested, but he did fumbled a long shot... Josemi and Riise were full-backs and provided some width to us. Carragher and Hyypia started in Center-back, and looks like Henchoz's day is numbered...
In midfield Finnan played right midfield and was not too bad. Kewell was very lively in left midfield, which you can see is his natural best position. Hamann and Captain in the middle and was the heart of almost every move. Bravo!
Cisse and Baros were the 2 forwards and Cisse in especially was very lively. Baros missed a lot of chances, and seems to be still learning to adapt to play with Cisse. Gotta be quick to learn the trade!
As expected Owen did not start the game, although for some unknown reason he get the nod ahead of Whitbread and was included as a substitute. He did received some cheers from the Liverpool fans when he warmed up during the later part of 1H. Hope he realize that we fans still want him to stay.
It's interesting to see Diao substituted Baros in 73 min when we were only 1 goal ahead. At first I was thinking maybe Rafa want to defend the 1 goal lead, as we did in the past, but then Gerrard was moved up front and played as a forward! Perhaps Rafa wanna try 4-3-1-2 and play Gerrard in the "1" position, so that when Alonso come we can switch to this formation. We'll see...
In general it's a good game and we are glad to see Liverpool now half way through the Champions League Group Stage. Though the Owen situation is not clear yet (maybe he's watching if Real Madrid can qualify or not) but I am very optimistic.
Playing Ratings:
Dudek 7 Not much to do despite a fumble
Josemi 7 Solid debut. Provided several crosses. Hope he can provide more overlap and width to us.
Carragher 7 Solid performance in Center Back. Did go up front several times during set-piece. I think he will be the backbone in Center Back.
Hyypia 8 Good performance both at the back and up front. Almost scored in 2 minutes.
Riise 7 I think he is a much better player than last year. Keep up the good work!
Finnan 7 A part time right midfielder and performed well. I hope he still has a future in the team.
Gerrard 10 Scored 2 goals but should be 3. Can even play as a forward. This is gotta be his year once again. Thanks Stevie.
Hamann 7.5 Another solid performance as usual. Though his future may be in doubt due to the potential coming of Alonso, but I am sure Didi will fight for his place. Assist for the first goal.
Kewell 8 Performed comfortably and well in left midfield. Hope his good run will continue, as I still think he is only capable in playing half a season well. Please Harry, prove me wrong.
Cisse 7.5 A good debut even though he did not score. Showed his class and was a continuous threat to the opponent. I am sure he will be success in Liverpool.
Baros 7.5 Have several scoring oppotunities but can't score. Still adapting in playing along Cisse. I am sure it's only a matter of time, but better hurry up!
Substitutes:
Diao Played 17 min solid football.
Potter/Warnock Although their debut were a result of our insufficient midfield, but it's really good to see local boy get a chance, especially in such an important game.
Rafa: 7 A good start with a well derseved win.
Man of the Match: Gerrard
Tuesday, August 10, 2004
Season starts tonight - but with a big cloud over us...
So, tonight we will kick off our season at Grazer AK in Austria. This is an important Champions League qualifier, and I am confident that we will win despite the clouds over the team on Owen's future.
So why would Owen wants to join Real Madrid when he will just be one of the team player in a team that has no defence? To me that's just ridiculous. Let's hope this is just some rumour and we will see him play tonight.
My Team Prediction:
Dudek
Josemi Carragher Hyypia Riise
Gerrard Diao Hamann Kewell
Owen Cisse
Result: 2-0 Win
So why would Owen wants to join Real Madrid when he will just be one of the team player in a team that has no defence? To me that's just ridiculous. Let's hope this is just some rumour and we will see him play tonight.
My Team Prediction:
Dudek
Josemi Carragher Hyypia Riise
Gerrard Diao Hamann Kewell
Owen Cisse
Result: 2-0 Win
Sunday, August 08, 2004
Why should we sell Murphy?
A really surprise. Liverpool confirmed we received an offer from Spurs for Danny. We are already short in midfield after Smicer injuried and Le Tallec loaned out. So who will be our right midfielder? Gerrard?
To me this is really a strange move in this time of the season. Good luck Danny, we won't forget your hat tricks vs MU - especially that superb taken free kick in 2000.
To me this is really a strange move in this time of the season. Good luck Danny, we won't forget your hat tricks vs MU - especially that superb taken free kick in 2000.
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