Make it perfect 10 to end the year

The last game of 2005 sees West Bromwich Albion visiting, and traditionally we trash them - with the 4 Premiership games 2-0, 6-0, 3-0 and 5-0. They may have revive a little bit with a fresh 2-0 win over Spurs, but we are on a high roll and will crash them again.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Finnan
Carragher
Hyypia
Riise
Gerrard
Alonso
Sissoko
Kewell
Cisse
Crouch

Result: 3-0

Match Report 051228 at Everton: Record ended at 761 minutes, but the winning streak is still on

3-1 and it is a convincing win. Although the clean sheet record ended at 761 minutes, but we never look at risk of losing point in the match. The quality can be seen through the pictch and convidence is high. The only down point is that our defense seemed to be unable to cope with the aerial attack of Everton. Rafa would no doubt be thinking on how to improve.

Player Rating:
Reina: 6.5 Record finally ended, and it is time to start a new one.
Finnan: 6.5 A bit shaky in defense in dealing with the aerial attack.
Carragher: 6.5 Suffer as the rest of the defense when facing aerial attack.
Hyypia: 6.5 Same as Carra.
Warnock: 6.5 Take the place of the rested Riise and played quite good apart from facing aerial attack.
Gerrard: 8 Another goal, another assist, another MoM. I am worrying if Rafa can really rest him.
Alonso: 7.5 Dictating the midfield.
Sissoko: 7.5 Doing all the brilliant dirty works. He would not regret the decision of joining us.
Kewell: 7.5 Another assist and the goal will be coming soon.
Cisse: 7 Scored a great goal to kill off the game. His face showed how much he cares about the club.
Crouch: 7.5 There is no way they can take this goal off. A great performance.

Substitutions:
Morientes/Riise/Luis Garcia: Not enough time to impress.

Rafa: 8 A great performance from the team and he is no doubt delighted.

Everton: 5 Very poor performance and deserves the 5 consecutive loss. And two stupid players suspended.

Man of the Match: Gerrard. Sensational performance.

Derby

It's Derby time and although Everton has been poor recently, they will be fired up and play extreemly hard to get a result. After learning it the hard way last year, Rafa now knows the significance of this match and no doubt he will file a strong team this time.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Finnan
Carragher
Hyypia
Warnock
Gerrard
Alonso
Sissoko
Luis Garcia
Cisse
Crouch

Result: 2-0

Match Report 051226 vs Newcastle United: A easy win

2-0 and all the hypes about the return of an ex-player quitely evaporated. We won the game comfortably, and he did not get a single shot. It was such a convincing performance that at half time there is only one winner and Newcastle had only 1 shot for the whole match. Simply brilliant.

Player Rating:
Reina: 7 Not much to do.
Finnan: 7 As usual the forgotten hero.
Carragher: 7 He contained his former roommate very well.
Hyypia: 7 Going up and down the pitch as usual.
Riise: 7 Good defending and attack.
Kewell: 7.5 Worked very hard and should be rewarded a goal soon.
Gerrard: 8 Outstanding performance with a nice goal.
Alonso: 7.5 His passes are just a joy to watch.
Luis Garcia: 7 Worked hard but at times guilty of doing too many fancy things.
Crouch: 7.5 He seemed to need to score 2 goals to have 1 credited under his name... and a nice assist as well.
Morientes: 7.5 Worked very hard in front of his mate Raul, but just lack a bit of luck, especially Solano's hand ball.

Substitutes:
Sinama-Pongolle: 7 Very lively and Rafa should keep him instead of loan him out.
Cisse: 7 His body language tells he is not happy, but be patient.
Josemi: Not enough time to shine.

Rafa: 7.5 Nice tactics and reduced Newcastle to just one single shot in the match.

Newcastle United: 6 Simply poor. Need to resolve the circus defense.

Man of the Match: Gerrard. Shown his former mate where he should be.

Boxing day

The Boxing day features the return of a certain ex-player. The buildup will probably be loaded with lots of fuss about his return, but what we need to do is to bounce back and win it.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Finnan
Carragher
Hyypia
Riise
Gerrard
Alonso
Hamann
Luis Garcia
Cisse
Crouch

Result: 2-0

Match Report 051218 vs Sao Paolo: Now we need to get back to business soon

0-1 and the unbeaten and clean sheets runs finally ends at 11. For the record, we have not conceded a goal in 1,041 minutes. Well done all the players, you deserved a place in the record book.

We actually controlled the match and have won everything from goal attempts, possession and even corners (17:0!) But we failed to scored and this is the most important - or, we scored three goals but none counted. The first and third are especially ridiculous for the referee to rule them out. Anyway, this is football and now the players need to fight against the jetlag. We have 8 days to prepare for the Christmas games, and every player will have a chance in this busy period.

Player Rating:
Reina: 6.5 Can't do much for the goal.
Finnan: 6.5 Good in both attacking and defending.
Carragher: 6.5 Carra as usual.
Hyypia: 6 Covered the offside position that lead to the goal. May have scored but Alonso's corner was curved out of bound.
Gerrard: 7 Try every tricks but can't put the ball pass the Sao Paolo goalkeeper.
Alonso: 7 Had some nice passes but can't provide the assist.
Sissoko: 6.5 Tackled hard in midfield.
Kewell: 6.5 Not a very good game.
Luis Garcia: 7.5 Lively, and should have scored if not the referee ruled out the goal incorrectly.
Morientes: 6.5 Tried very hard but cannot score.

Substitutions:
Riise: 6.5 Provided some attacking edge when he was on.
Sinama-Pongolle: 6.5 Scored a goal but was incorrectly ruled off.
Crouch: Not enough time to impress, but still provide some control of the game when he was on.

Rafa: 6 Failed to change to provide the equaliser. Although the 3 goals ruled out was harsh, but we still need some one to score up front.

Sao Paolo: 6.5 Deserved winner? I'm not too sure.

Man of the match: Luis Garcia. Was very lively and shined in the game.

Chance to be World Champion

If we win vs Sao Paolo we will be World Champion. To do this we need a much better display than the last game. Credits to Rafa to stay with the team despite the death of his father. RIP Francisco Benitez, and we will win the World Champion for you.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Finnan
Carragher
Hyypia
Riise
Gerrard
Alonso
Sissoko
Luis Garcia
Cisse
Crouch

Result: 2-0

Match Report 051215 vs Deportivo Saprissa: We coasted into final

3-0 and we break the record of consecutive clean sheets for the Club. The players deserved all the honours, although at the end it was a bit scary that Deportivo may have scored a goal after Hyypia was rested. Fortunately Reina stood up and made a few good saves and he make sure himself in the record book.

The match was an one way traffic and there is no doubt we will be through. The attack is smooth, and Crouch was guilty not to score more. Cisse was unlucky not to get on to the scoresheet, but his time will come. The next game vs Sao Paolo is the real test, and we definitely need to gear up to be the World Champion.

Player Rating:
Reina: 7.5 Earned his record.
Josemi: 7 Not bad as there is vert low pressure from the opponents.
Carragher: 7.5 As good as ever.
Hyypia: 7.5 His importance is notified where he is not on the pitch.
Traore: 7 OK as left back, but not effective as centre back. Still not convincing.
Gerrard: 8 One goal and one assist. A very good performance.
Alonso: 7.5 Doing well as the conductor.
Sissoko: 7.5 Lively as usual.
Riise: 7 Very good attack sense. One assist and almost scored.
Cisse: 7.5 Very good and unselfish display. Unlucky not to score.
Crouch: 8.5 Scored 2 very nice goals but could have scored more.

Substitutions:
Sinama-Pongolle: 7 Lively display and should have scored.
Luis Garcia: 7 Similar to Sinama-Pongolle.
Hamann: Not enough time to shine.

Rafa: 7.5 Very displined from the team, although we winded down in 2H and almost let them scored.

Deportivo Saprissa: 5.5 Not posing any real threats.

Man of the Match: Crouch. Two nicely taken goals.

Club World Championship

It is the semi-final against Deportivo Saprissa. Rafa is well prepared and since we are in the competition we will try to win it as well. And as a gift, make it 11 in a row.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Finnan
Carragher
Hyypia
Riise
Gerrard
Alonso
Sissoko
Luis Garcia
Cisse
Crouch

Result: 3-0

Match Report 051210 vs Middlesbrough: Perfect 10

2-0 and we equalized our previous best of 10 clean sheets in a row. We won 8 and drawn 2 during this run and the 2 draws are in Europe when a draw is already enough. With 7 wins in a row in the League we now sit at 2nd in the table before the team head off to Japan.

We controlled the match very well but could not find a way to score. It was not until Luis Garcia came up and the team had another dimension to play and the goals come. In 2H Reine need to make 2 good saves to make sure we take all 3 points. And it is really nice to see Nando scored 2.

Player Rating:
Reina: 7.5 Two excellent saves for the perfect 10.
Finnan: 7 Rock solid defense.
Carragher: 7 Commanding figure.
Hyypia: 7 Vintage performance.
Riise: 7 Good defensive play.
Gerrard: 7.5 Driving the team forward.
Alonso: 7.5 Great passes from Xabi.
Sissoko: 7 Did well to protect the back 4 and almost scored.
Kewell: 7.5 Worked hard, did well, had a clever lob and earned a well derseved standing ovation from the crowd.
Crouch: 6.5 Winning almost all headers but failed to convert.
Morientes: 8 Scored 2 clever goals.

Substitution:
Luis Garcia: 7.5 Came up and made the difference.
Cisse/Josemi: Not enough time to impress.

Rafa: 7.5 Genius stroke in bringing up Luis Garcia that changed the game.

Middlesbrough: 6 Apart from 2 chances they really have no intend to come for a win. And they played quite dirty. Would have no problem finishing top 10.

Man of the Match: Morientes. Starts the scoring run.

Make it 10 in a row before we are off to Japan

After this match the team will fly to Japan for the World Club Championship. As Manchester United will not play until Sunday we can at least sit at 2nd place for more than 24 hours if we win this game. And another clean sheet to make it a perfect 10.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Finnan
Carragher
Hyypia
Riise
Alonso
Gerrard
Luis Garcia
Kewell
Cisse
Crouch

Result: 2-0

Match Report 051206 at Chelsea: Excellent defensive display

0-0 and it is a game we can afford to lose, but we keep our pride and we extended our unbeaten and cleansheet runs to 9.

The defense were playing very well but Luis Garcia may be guilty of losing the ball in too many occasions. Anyway for the last 8 Benitez vs Muorinho we are 1W 3D 4L, but the game we won is still the most important one. And we have a upper hand in Europe against them.

Payer Rating:
Reina: 7 Did well when he is required to make a save.
Finnan: 7 Another solid defensive show.
Carragher: 7.5 Great defensive play.
Hyypia: 7.5 As good as Carra.
Traore: 6.5 Even Traore played OK.
Gerrard: 7 Leading the team with example.
Sissoko: 6.5 Have some great tackles.
Hamann: 7 Credit to him in playing for the whole match despite the tackle by Essien.
Riise: 7 Had our best chance.
Luis Garcia: 6.5 Lose possession too many times.
Crouch: 7 Had a good game.

Substitutions:
Kewell: 6.5 Played well.
Morientes: 6.5 Played quite well as lone striker.
Sinama-Pongolle: Nice to see him involved.

Rafa: 7 The team is getting better and better.

Chelsea: 7 They want to win the game more than we do but failed. Credits to our team in denying them the victory.

Players of the Match: Carragher/Hyypia. Two rocks at the back.

Time for a break?

We only play this game for pride with a win or draw will guarantee qualification. It will be interesting to see who Rafa will play. Reina and Alonso will probably be rested as they both carry 2 yellow cards. Dudek will probably not involved as it will reduce his resale value should Rafa want to sell him (or on the other hand, if Rada really don't want to sell Dudek, perhaps Rafa should play him?) And we probably don't want to lose our unbeaten run and clean sheet run, so perhaps a 0-0 is looming?

My Team Prediction:
Carson
Finnan
Carragher
Hyypia
Warnock
Gerrard
Sissoko
Hamann
Luis Garcia
Cisse
Morientes

Result: 0-0

Match Report 051203 vs Wigan Athletic: The duck has been broken

3-0 and Crouch scored 2! Although the first was recorded as an own goal this is just ridiculous. It should be Crouchie's.

As Sissoko is suspended Gerrard is moved to center and we played like a 4-1-3-2 with the 3 midfielders changing sides all the time. From the beginning we were in control and cruised over comfortably. Every player contributed to the win and it was a really nice game to watch.

Player Rating:
Reina: 7 Got a save to made.
Finnan: 7.5 Good assist and some great crosses
Warnock: 6.5 Solid defending
Hyypia: 7 Good defending
Carragher: 7 Carra as usual
Luis Garcia: 7 Not as lively as he should be, but still scored a goal
Gerrard: 7.5 Why he didn't score today is really a mystery
Alonso: 7 Good control of midfield
Kewell: 7.5 Worked very hard and should have scored
Crouch: 9 What else can you say? I keep on laughing when I saw the replays
Morientes: 7.5 Should have scored but Luis Garcia "stolen" the goal.

Substitutions:
Riise: 6.5 Good display
Hamann: 6.5 Provided some protection to the back 4 just when we need it
Cisse: 6.5 Very unselfish today. Should have his reward for the next match by scoring against Chelsea.

Rafa: 7 His tactic is getting better and better as players start to understand.

Wigan Athletic: 6 Need to rebound for the next 2 games against Chelsea and Manchester United. Henchoz had a bad game and defensive was very poor.

Man of the Match: Crouch. Could be Gerrard but Crouchie's celebrations are just marvelous.

Return of Henchoz

It's Wigan next and we will see the return of Henchoz. Rafa was right to play Carra at central defender, but sadly this also means Henchoz has to leave. Wigan is in a downward trend and so it is probably a good time to play them.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Finnan
Carragher
Hyypia
Riise
Gerrard
Alonso
Hamann
Luis Garcia
Cisse
Crouch

Result: 2-0

November Month Report

5 wins and 1 draw (but a draw is enough to qualify CL) and scored 11 goals and conceded none. Can you expect more? This is what we called consistency and what we love to see. Although Crouch may not be scoring, but who cares? Only the media cares.

We started the month sharply followed a nice win vs West Ham at the end of October with a 3-0 win at Anderlecht. Then it was followed by 2 league wins at Villa and vs Portsmouth. A draw vs Betis is enough for us to qualify for CL, and another 2 wins at Manchester City and Sunderland see us back to 4th place. We are in a position to challenge the top 3, and also well prepared to win the World Club Championship.

Players of the Month: (1) Alonso 7.75 (2) Carragher 7.50 (3) Gerrard 7.38. Xabi has been doing very well 2 months in a row, and he ended the month with a goal and 2 assists. Carra showed us what defense really means, and Stevie G also ended with 1 goal and 2 assists starting from the right side of the midfield. And he is a much happier man now and is glad that he made the right decision in staying.

December Prediction:
12/3 Wigan Athletic (h): Wigan is falling and it is a nice time to face them.
12/6 Chelsea (a): A not so significant game, expect Rafa to send out Carson and draw the game.
12/10 Middlesbrough(h): Last time we somehow lost 2 points at the ground, we need to get maximum point this time.
12/15 World Club Championship Semi Final (n): A break from the league for some good trophy.
12/18 World Club Championship Final (n): Time for us to be the World Champion.
12/26 Newcastle United (h): Boxing day feature and we need to make sure it is not a happy Christmas for a certain ex player.
12/28 Everton (a): Send them to relegation.
12/31 West Bromwich Albion (h): A nice game to wrap up the year.

Match Report 051130 at Sunderland: Manager of the Month

2-0 and we have 5 consecutive wins and clean sheets in a row in the league! Rafa is certainly to be manager of the month.

On the minus side, Cisse seemed to be unhappy and was rightly "rested" for the month. Sissoko learned a lesson and will now serve a 2-match ban (1 for the red card, 1 for 5 yellows). But Hamann is always there and always ready.

Player Rating:
Reina: 7 Doing well when he is called upon.
Finnan: 6.5 Solid performance.
Carragher: 6.5 A rarely slightly lower than par performance.
Hyypia: 7 Doing well and enjoying his game.
Riise: 7 Almost scored again.
Gerrard: 7.5 Scored a nice goal.
Alonso: 8 Two excellent assists.
Sissoko: 6 Need to learn from the lesson.
Luis Garcia: 7.5 Scored another nice goal.
Crouch: 6 Still no goal.
Morientes: 6.5 Another hard working day.

Substitutions:
Kewell: 6.5 Doing well.
Traore/Warnock: Not enough time to impress

Rafa: 7.5 We are getting closer to Rafa's mean machine.

Sunderland: 5.5 Destined to relegate.

Man of the Match: Alonso. Great vision.

Let's keep the good run

Sunderland is in a mess and it is probably the best time to face them. The weather may be back, but we should have enough strength to win the game. Who Rafa will play up front would be interesting.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Finnan
Carragher
Hyypia
Riise
Gerrard
Sissoko
Hamann
Luis Garcia
Kewell
Morientes

Result: 2-0

Match Report 051126 at Manchester City: 3 points from a bored game

1-0 and this is not the best of performance, but the result is most important. To win the title you really need to win this kind of game, especially away from home. And this is something we lacked in the past few seasons.

1H is almost a non event with only Stevie G's shot near the end worth mentioned. Cisse and Crouch are both invisible. At the back the defense is solid lead by Carra's 3 great tackles. In 2H Rafa substituted Cisse with Kewell and before the City knew what was going on Riise scored a classic goal. After that we cruise ahead and another cleansheet and another win.

Cisse may be unhappy about the change, but he didn't perform in 1H and in hindsight it worked. He need to work harder and wiser.

Player Rating:
Reina: 6.5 Another spectator performance thanks to Carra and fans.
Finnan: 6.5 Solid performance
Carragher: 7.5 3 great tackles in 1H says it all.
Hyypia: 7 Looking solid.
Warnock: 6.5 Good display.
Gerrard: 7.5 Provided the best chances to the team.
Sissoko: 7 The most fouled player on the pitch, and he played well too.
Hamann: 7 Hamann as usual.
Riise: 7 First goal since the league cup final. And it was a nice goal.
Cisse: 5.5 Very poor performance.
Crouch: 6 Poor performance, and some may argue it should be him instead of Cisse to be off.

Substitutions:
Kewell: 7 Provided an instant impact when he was on.
Luis Garcia/Morientes: Not enough time to perform.

Rafa: 7 Somehow his change work, although he still need to address the misfire at the front.

Manchester City: 6 Never provided any scarce to us.

Men of the Match: Carragher/Gerrard. Two nice scousers.

Bring on City

Manchester City away was not always an easy game, but with us on a high and City on a low, this is a good chance to win the game.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Finnan
Carragher
Hyypia
Riise
Gerrard
Sissoko
Hamann
Luis Garcia
Cisse
Morientes

Result: 2-0

Match Report 051123 vs Real Betis: Mission accomplished

0-0 and we are through to the last 16 of the Champions League. Crouch tried very hard with 11 shots but still fail to score. It's getting too long now, something must be done. At the back Hyypia was as good as his best and made Reina a spectator. Now that we are through Rafa can rest some players and give the youngsters or back up player a chance.

Player Rating:
Reina: 6.5 A spectator iof the game.
Finnan: 6.5 Solid in defense.
Carragher: 6.5 Played well as well.
Hyypia: 7.5 His best game this season. As solid as he can be.
Riise: 6.5 After a rest he is best with a good performance.
Gerrard: 7 As usual.
Sissoko: 6.5 A solid game.
Hamann: 6.5 Hamann as usual.
Zenden: 6.5 Very lively.
Morientes: 7 Created lots of problem.
Crouch: 7 Still can't score although he worked very hard.

Subsitutions:
Cisse: 6.5 A bit sloopy.
Kewell/Potter: Not enough time to impress.

Rafa: 6.5 A job well done. We can see he tried to move the defensive line back to tackle Betis' counter attack.

Real Betis: 6 They should play better. Good luck in UEFA Cup and pick up in the Spanish league. And Joaquin to join us.

Man of the Match: Hyypia. Reminds us his best form.

Let's play for a win

Although we need only a win to qualify, we shall approach this game as if we are playing for a win. Betis seems to be playing quite well in Champions League and even beat Chelea last time, but we are on a good run and playing at home and the fans will help us through.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Finnan
Carragher
Hyypia
Riise
Sinama-Pongolle
Gerrard
Sissoko
Zenden
Cisse
Morientes

Result: 2-0

Match Report 051119 vs Portsmouth: A well deserved win

3-0 and it is 4 straight wins and clean sheets in a row. We were in control of the game and never looked back, but on the down side Crouch still yet to score one. He need to be more selfish as Rafa said. And Rafa even have the luxury to rest some key players before the big game vs Real Betis. Luis Garcia and Alsonso were injuried but should be able to recover for the Real Betis game.

Player Rating:
Reina: 7 Not much to do but when he needs to, he shows his composure in the area.
Finnan: 7 Solid in defense.
Carragher: 7 As good as usual.
Hyypia: 7 Good defensive work and causing trouble during set pieces.
Warnock: 7 A good display.
Luis Garcia: 6 Too bad he is injuried so early in the game.
Gerrard: 7.5 The driving force.
Hamann: 7 Solid in providing support to the back 4 and let Stevie G roars.
Zenden: 7 Get the penalty and scored a quick react goal from the penalty saved.
Cisse: 7 Scored a fluke goal.
Crouch: 6.5 Missed the tame penalty, tried very hard but still cannot score.

Substitutions:
Morientes: 7.5 Worked very hard and at the end scored the well deserved goal. Back to his best.
Alonso/Josemi: Not enough time to impress.

Rafa: 7 A good strategic plot and he is even able to rest some key players.

Portsmouth: 5.5 Never create any trouble. Would need to fight hard to avoid relegation.

Men of the Match: Gerrard/Morientes. Both played very well in driving the team to the well deserved victory.

Keep it up

It has been a nice international weekend with lots of positive results from current and former Liverpool players (apart from Riise...) and no fresh injuries, and morale would be high especially for Luis Garcia. Portsmouth is a team in deep trouble and it is probably a good time to face them. Let's make it 4 clean sheet wins in a row.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Finnan
Carragher
Hyypia
Riise
Gerrard
Alonso
Sissoko
Luis Garcia
Cisse
Morientes

Result: 3-0

Rafa revealed his speech

'Don't let your heads drop. We're Liverpool. You're playing for Liverpool. Don't forget that. You have to hold your heads high for the supporters. You have to do it for them.


'You can't call yourselves Liverpool players if you have your heads down. If we create a few chances we have the possibility of getting back into this. Believe you can do it and you will. Give yourself the chance to be heroes'

Even today when I read this tears still come out from my eyes. Purely genius.

----------------
RAFAEL BENITEZ has finally revealed the chaos and confusion from which he conjured Liverpool's greatest triumph out of impending disaster.

Giving the first in-depth account of what really happened in the dressing room as his side faced up to the mountain they had to climb from a 3-0 half-time Champions League Final deficit against AC Milan, Benitez admitted he did not know if he could find the words to bring his team back from the dead.

The Liverpool manager also confessed that at one stage he was sending out a 10-man team for the second half in Istanbul as his plans verged on bedlam.

While his players were reeling, Benitez strode from the dug-out and down the tunnel at Attaturk Stadium to find a Liverpool dressing room in a state of shock and knowing he had a brief window of opportunity to get across the most important message of his career.

"I walked into the dressing room rehearsing what I was going to say to them but also how I was going to say it," he said. "It's really difficult to come up with all the things you want to say in a foreign language. I was trying to find the right English words.

We talked about what we were going to change. It's tough enough motivating a team which is losing 3-0 in Spanish. In English, it is much, much tougher.


"But the words came more easily than I could ever have hoped. The important aspect was to lift their spirits.


"I started with a motivational speech to get them fired up. I demanded they start working again and emphasised there were 45 minutes left and we had to come off the pitch proud of ourselves because we'd done everything in our power.


"So I reminded them it had been a hard battle to reach such a massive game and that we owed something important to all the Liverpool people. I said if we scored we would totally change the course of the game. I emphasised it was the most important challenge.


"I said: 'Don't let your heads drop. We're Liverpool. You're playing for Liverpool. Don't forget that. You have to hold your heads high for the supporters. You have to do it for them.


'You can't call yourselves Liverpool players if you have your heads down. If we create a few chances we have the possibility of getting back into this. Believe you can do it and you will. Give yourself the chance to be heroes'."


It was a chance that was gloriously, unforgettably taken and Benitez broke open the secrets of his finest moment in A Season On The Brink, a new authorised account of his first term at Anfield, by distinguished Spanish journalist Guillem Balague.


But the Liverpool chief told how even after he had given the exhortation that changed everything, his plans were enmeshed in a few minutes of sheer chaos.


Benitez wanted to introduce Didi Hamann and told Djimi Traore he was coming off - but then learned Steve Finnan's injury was too bad for him to continue.


Benitez added: "I started to write the new formation on the board. I told Traore to get changed and that Hamann was coming on for him. The idea was for Hamann to make Kaka's life much tougher.


"I took Didi up to the whiteboard so he understood what I wanted and explained the tactical changes to the rest of the side. Then I was told Finnan was injured.


"Finnan was unhappy. He believed he could keep going. But I reckoned if he told me midway through the second half I'd have to make a change beyond my control.


"It was a total mess for a while. I was reckoning on Djibril Cisse on the right but someone pointed out I'd have no more substitutions.


"So I took Cisse out but also deleted Luis Garcia from the board because I wanted to move him. Now I only had 10 players in the team. The system was changed several times on the board and it created havoc.


"The idea was to play 3-4-2-1 with John Arne Riise tucked in. But with the realisation Finnan wasn't fit to stay on, the logical thing was to tell Traore he wasn't being taken off. By this time he had his boots off and was on his way to the shower."


Somehow, despite the flurry of thoughts and the situation, the seeds of glory were being sown.


Benitez added: "In the first half we weren't threatening around their box. We wanted to change the pattern by using two players in the hole between midfield and Milan Baros.


"The task was to produce terrific movement and also put massive pressure on Milan building out of defence through Pirlo. We felt we could slam the brakes on the damaging work which Gatuso, Seedorf and most of all Kaka were doing.


"Using three centre-halves would make us more secure by staying tight on the runs of their strikers. You can try anything tactically if you've worked hard on such ideas in training. We had."


In that instant, a voice cried out, reminding the players of the second half comeback against Greek side Olympiakos that had brought the Reds back from the brink in their final group game.


Outside, the stunned Liverpool fans were singing the roof off the stadium, not even dreaming of what would follow in front of their disbelieving eyes.


Benitez said: "Normally it's Xabi or Carra or Gerrard who shouts 'Come on boys' when it's needed. In the first few minutes there wasn't any of that.


"But in the last couple of minutes before going back out, the animation and noise hit a normal level.


"We needed to attack and they let us. We scored and started to look confident all over the pitch. When a team loses control of a match, it can take 15 minutes to get it back. While they are recharging their batteries, anything can happen.


"I didn't hear the fans singing You'll Never Walk Alone from the dressing room. On the way out I did hear it but I was lost in my thoughts."


The thoughts had changed everything. What followed is now legendary.

Match Report 051105 at Aston Villa: A nice result, although we should win it more comfortably

2-0 and this is our first away league win since Portsmouth in mid April, and our first win after an European game since beating Arsenal about a year ago. We controlled the game very well but it was not until Rafa made some changes before we win the game.

At the back Carra had at least 3 crucial tackles that keep the cleansheet. This is purely class and now that he is rested for the friendly game it should be good for the team. Crouch was very lively although he did not score, but his time will come.

In the Villa team Milan was doing well but there was just not enough support to him and Carra simply one class above everyone. We now keep 3 cleansheets and win 3 straight games. We will soon catch up with first 4.

Player Rating:
Reina: 7 Well protected by the back 4 and he did have a good punch early on.
Finnan: 7 Very nice defending in the defense unit but not much in attack.
Carragher: 9 Player of the year peformance.
Hyypia: 7 He is much better than a few months ago. No wonder he is Finnish Footballer of the Year again.
Riise: 7 Doing well in defense but not much in attack.
Gerrard: 7.5 Not as influential as he should be, but he is still brave enough to take the penalty.
Alonso: 7.5 Scored a beauty, but one mistake almost need to Milan scoring but thanks to the perfect interception of Carra it was not a issue.
Sissoko: 6.5 Solid performance.
Luis Garcia: 6 Not effective this time.
Cisse: 6 Wasted too many chances and was not confident enough.
Morientes: 6 Very invisible. Maybe he is still carrying the injury?

Substitutions:
Zenden: 7 Doing well from the left with a few good crosses. One of it lead to the second goal that sealed the game.
Crouch: 7 Provided lots of troubles for Villa. Although he did not score but he earned the penalty for the first goal and it was his continuous challenging the Villa defenders that lead to the second goal.
Kewell: 7 Doing well from the right wing.

Rafa: 7.5 Most people would think the game will end up to be a disappointing draw again, but his substitutes changed the story. Well tactical changes.

Aston Villa: 6 Sorensen is probably robbed a good result by his defenders, and Milan was lively but simply run in a wall with Carra and Hyypia.

Man of the Match: Carragher. Excellent defensive display.

Stick with the winning formation

Another tricky away game, and this is time to starting winning away and get a result after an European game. Baros will be fired up this game so Carra and Hyypia need to be at their best, and Rafa will stick with the winning formation.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Finnan
Carragher
Hyypia
Riise
Gerrard
Alonso
Sissoko
Luis Garcia
Cisse
Crouch

Result: 2-0

Match Report 051101 vs Anderlecht: Best performance this season

3-0 and this is easily our best performance this season. Rafa seems to have found the best lineup for the team and it is now up to him to stick with this formation for a longer time. Stevie G did well on the right and moving as a free role and is everywhere. It just make the opponents more difficult to mark him. Morientes scored a nice goal that will make him confident, and Luis Garcia... what a header! Love him or hate him, he is King of Europe.

The only down point is really Chelsea not winning, so we need to get at least a draw vs Betis to secure qualification.

One thing worth noting is that the referee Mr Nielsen has done a great job in sending off the guy who racially abused Sissoko. These things are just not tolerable.

Player Rating:
Reina: 7 Nothing to do but is commanding.
Finnan: 7 Do well and his crossing are beautiful. Benefited the most with Stevie G moving right.
Carragher: 7 Commanding as usual.
Hyypia: 7 He is retiring from international football and it should be good for the team. Not seriously challenged.
Riise: 7 He feels comfortable back to left back and the defense looks more solid.
Gerrard: 7.5 A nice assist, and he is everywhere.
Alonso: 7 Pulling the strings in the midfield as usual.
Sissoko: 7 Commanding in the midfield, earned a yellow card and get the opponent sent off when he was abused.
Luis Garcia: 8 Simply on fire and contributed a lot to the attack.
Crouch: 6 Yet to score and pressure is now on him.
Morientes: 7.5 Scored a goal that bring his confidence back.

Substitutions:
Zenden: 6.5 Created a lot of opportunities.
Cisse: 7 Scored another great goal from assist of Kewell.
Kewell: 7 Created a very good goal for Cisse. His intellegince was shown in passing the ball such that Cisse is not offside.

Rafa: 8 Now that we have our best formation and lineup found, it's up to Rafa to stick with it as often as he can.

Anderlecht: 6 11 straight loss in Champions League, hope they can stop the count now and at least draw Chelsea.

Man of the Match: Luis Garcia. Great European player.

Win it and cheer for Chelsea as well!

Should both Chelsea and us win tonight we will both qualify, and Rafa can spare the next 2 games testing some other formation and let some fringe players to have a taste of Champions League football. Anderlecht is still without Kompany and let's roll them over tonight.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Finnan
Carragher
Hyypia
Riise
Gerrard
Alonso
Sissoko
Zenden
Luis Garcia
Cisse

Result: 2-0

October Month Report

3 Wins and 3 Loss in the month, we are out of League Cup but we are very close to qualify in Champions League, and We lost 2 league games. This is not a good month, but finally it's all over. Now we need to win the Anderlecht game and wish Chelsea also beat Real Betis, and we can focus this month on the league. With 4 league games it is time to pick up points, especially playing away.

Players of the Month:
(1) Alonso 7.1 (2) Gerrard 6.83 (3) Cisse 6.75. Xabi ruled the midfield very well especially when Stevie G was injuried. When he is back, Stevie G always give his best to the team and scored 2 goals. And Cisse shown some sign of how good he could be in scoring 2 goals.

November Prediction:
11/1 Anderlecht (a): Win it and cheer for Chelsea, and we will both qualify.
11/5 Aston Villa (a): A potential banana skin vs Milan, but we need to start winning away.
11/19 Portsmouth (h): Should be a relative easier game of the month.
11/23 Real Betis (h): Hope by this time we can send a team B for ths game. Give Carson another chance.
11/26 Manchester City (a): Another tough away game, but we need to win.
11/30 Sunderland (a): Sunderland is one of the favorite team to go down and we definitely need to get 3 points from this game.

Match Report 051029 vs West Ham United: A well derseved win

2-0 and this is a well deserved win. From start till the end we are in cruise control, although it was not until 81th minute that Zenden scored the 2nd goal to kill off the game. The defense is more stable will Riise at left back once again, and Rafa played Gerrard as right midfield and it seems to be working. Although the strikers did not scored, Nando did play one of his better game with us. Needless to say, Alonso and Luis Garcia are just fired up. This is the performance we fans all demand Liverpool to play like, and Rafa please stick with a similar formation for at least a few matches.

Player Rating:
Reina: 6 No saves need to be made, but his distribution are very poor and fortunately he was not punished.
Finnan: 6.5 Shows why he is the #1 right back for the Club.
Carragher: 6 One of his rare off day, but never mind in this occasion.
Hyypia: 6.5 Just when Carra is not playing well, Sami did played very well.
Riise: 7 Rafa should play him as left back more often.
Gerrard: 6.5 Right midfield is not his best position, but he is willing to sacrifice a bit for the team. Well done.
Alonso: 7.5 Scored a beauty and control the midfield very well.
Sissoko: 6.5 Doing well without really excel.
Luis Garcia: 7 His movements are great, his motiation is high, and his corners are much better than Stevie G's. Lead almost all the attacks in 2H.
Cisse: 6.5 Sometimes he tried too hard in doing fancy things, but maybe just a simple shot will do.
Morientes: 7 Worked very hard and the only thing lack is the goal. Well deserved standing ovation from the crowd.

Substitutes:
Zenden: 7 Provided some freshness to the team and captured a nice opportunity when the West Ham defense committed an error and scored his first goal for the Club.
Crouch: Not enough time to impress.

Rafa: 7 He had it right this time in playing the suitable defense, put Stevie G on the right, and plays 4-4-2.

West Ham: 6 They come here for a point and even without a shot on target. But overall they should have enough strength to finish above 15th place.

Man of the Match: Alonso. Scored a beauty and we never looked back. Luis Garcia is not too far behind though.

We need to get a result

With 2 losses in a row already, losing the 3rd game in a row will probably be considered a tragedy. West Ham seems to be doing quite well this season but we should still win this game. Players, please play for your shirts.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Finnan
Carragher
Hyypia
Warnock
Sissoko
Gerrard
Alonso
Riise
Luis Garcia
Cisse

Result: 2-0

See you in the concert, Sandy

This is so true...

當我發現到一個位，係冇辦法再同呢個人行落去，我就要決定要忠於自己，定係繼續唔開心咁保持『結婚』呢個無形枷鎖。




林 憶 蓮 披 露 離 婚 內 情

林 憶 蓮 最 近 忙 為 十 一 月 舉 辦 的 演 唱 會 宣 傳 及 排 練 ， 她 日 前 接 受 吳 君 如 主 持 的 有 線 節 目 《 再 睇 星 期 五 》 訪 問 ， 大 談 感 情 事 。 憶 蓮 表 示 現 階 段 的 她 喜 歡 有 才 華 及 成 熟 型 男 士 ， 而 其 現 任 男 友 陳 輝 虹 就 是 最 佳 例 子 。

「 冇 辦 法 再 行 落 去 」
當 君 如 表 示 父 母 有 責 任 讓 孩 子 有 個 完 整 家 庭 時 ， 憶 蓮 首 次 透 露 她 與 李 宗 盛 離 婚 的 心 情 ， 她 說 ： 「 呢 個 係 一 個 好 長 時 間 決 定 ， 未 結 婚 前 覺 得 係 一 輩 子 事 ， 但 當 我 發 現 到 一 個 位 ， 係 冇 辦 法 再 同 呢 個 人 行 落 去 ， 我 就 要 決 定 要 忠 於 自 己 ， 定 係 繼 續 唔 開 心 咁 保 持 『 結 婚 』 呢 個 無 形 枷 鎖 。 」
憶 蓮 謂 她 與 李 宗 盛 是 性 格 和 溝 通 上 都 配 合 不 來 ， 她 謂 ： 「 大 家 背 景 有 差 距 ， 小 事 上 合 不 來 ， 大 事 上 有 分 歧 。 」 憶 蓮 還 表 示 不 知 道 自 己 還 會 不 會 結 婚 。

Match Report 051026 at Crystal Palace: Away woe continues

1-2 and this is another disappointing display. Our domestic away form need to be improved. As Stevie G said the players should play hard for the fans who pay a lot of money to watch the team play. The strikers also need to start to score goals.

Player Rating:
Carson: 6 Conceded 2 goals.
Raven: 6 Not too convinced when pressured.
Whitbread: 6 A fair performance.
Hyypia: 6 Did OK.
Warnock: 6 A fair performance.
Potter: 6 Have a good chance but hit the bar.
Gerrard: 7 Lead the team by example.
Hamann: 6.5 Another typical performance.
Kewell: 6 Not back to form yet.
Morientes: 5.5 Wasted a lot of chances.
Crouch: 5.5 Same as Nando.

Substitutions:
Sinama-Pongolle: 6 Try hard but not succeed.
Luis Garcia: 6 Only come close.
Traore: Not enough time to impress.

Rafa: 5.5 He needs to think of ways to improve the away form and the lack of goals.

Crystal Palace: 6.5 Deserved winner of the game, and their goalie played exceptionally well.

Man of the Match: Gerrard. But only him playing well is not enough.

Youngsters to be given a chance

It's League Cup time again and although Rafa said he is going to send a strong team I still expect a lot of young guns will get a chance. After the dismal display in the weekend the players need to play much better. Let's start another winning streak.

My Team Prediction:
Carson
Josemi
Whitbread
Traore
Warnock
Sinama Pongolle
Gerrard
Hamann
Zenden
Crouch
Luis Garcia

Result: 2-0

Match Report 051022 at Fulham: We need to score

0-2 and it is a very poor result. We created lots of chances but could not convert any of them. We have some careless defensive mistakes as well and so we are well beaten. Rafa need to improve the squad as soon as possible.

Player Rating:
Reina: 6.5 Not much he can do for both goals.
Josemi: 6 Covered the offside position and led to the first goal.
Carragher: 6.5 Not much he can do this time...
Hyypia: 6 A dull performance.
Traore: 6 Dull peformance.
Kewell: 6 Tried a clever lop but just hit it over.
Alonso: 7 The better player in the team.
Sissoko: 6.5 Energitic performance.
Riise: 6.5 Had a few chances but couldn't convert.
Cisse; 6 A dull performance.
Morientes: 6 Still searching his form.

Substitutes:
Luis Garcia: 6.5 Had lots of chances but couldn't convert. But he seems to have started another form run.
Crouch: Not enough time to shine.

Rafa: 6 How can we score more?

Fulham: 7 They have a determined team and so they won. Whether they can survive is another story. Old Boy Warner played extremely well in keeping us goalless.

Man of the Match: Alonso. But he is just the better player on this day.

Let's build on

Away at Fulham last year saw we came from 0-2 down to win the game, with Biscan scored a goal with only his 2nd touch in the game. This time we should be better in defense, and with Cisse on fire, the other strikers need to do their job as well to keep their place.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Josemi
Carragher
Hyypia
Warnock
Zenden
Alonso
Sissoko
Kewell
Luis Garcia
Cisse

Result: 2-0

Match Report 051019 at Anderlecht: One step closer

1-0 and another goal from Cisse see us one step closer to qualification. Should both Chelsea and us win in the next game, we will both qualified and we can give some young lads European experience in the final 2 games.

Cisse's form is getting better and better and Rafa should play him more. The only thing to worry is that Reina picked up another yellow card. Maybe he should waste time again next game so that he can sit out the next game without bring the cards into the next rounds.

Player Rating:
Reina: 7 Made some good saves before Cisse's goal.
Josemi: 6.5 A good performance.
Carragher: 7 A rock at the back.
Hyypia: 6.5 His European streak continues, and he deserves it.
Traore: 6.5 A good performance.
Alonso: 7 Another good performance.
Hamann: 7 Doing well with an assist.
Sissoko: 7 Energetic as usual.
Riise: 6.5 Good performance even with a rare right foot shot.
Luis Garcia: 7 Surely this hole between midfield and attack is his best position.
Cisse: 7.5 Another winning goal. His form and mood is getting better and better.

Substitutions:
Kewell/Zenden/Warnock: Not enough time to impress.

Rafa: Good job, although he still need to solves the problem of wastage in front of goal.

Anderlecht: Sadly, they seems to be on the way out.

Man of the Match: Cisse. Rafa should make him the first choice.

Win it and we will be very close to qualify

As Ian Rush said if we get at least 4 points from the 2 games against Anderlecht, then we will be very close to qualification. So let's aim at it. I hope Hyypia can maintain his European streak, but Rafa is ruthless and no doubt he will decide based on the best decision for the team.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Finnan
Carragher
Hyypia
Warnock
Sinama-Pongolle
Alonso
Sissoko
Zenden
Cisse
Morientes

Result: 2-1

Match Report 051015 vs Blackburn Rovers: Not convincing, but it's still a win

1-0 and we finally get a win, although it's not very convincing. As Stevie G is injuried Rafa finally opted to play a 4-4-2 with Cisse and Crouch up front. Crouch was very quiet and Cisse was very wasteful but fortunately he scored the winning goal. The game is skewed as Blackburn has one man down (although before that they already come to play for one point), but with a genius free kick Cisse managed to win us the 3 points.

Player Rating:
Reina: 6.5 Only one half chance save to made.
Josemi: 6 Doing OK but Blackburn has almost no attack.
Carragher: 7 A superb captain performance but his 2 shots were not in.
Traore: 6 Typical Djimi, horrible one moment, and brilliant the other.
Warnock: 6 A good display overall.
Finnan: 6.5 Provided a few good crosses.
Alonso: 7.5 Running the midfield and taking the free kicks very well.
Sissoko: 7 Energitic and controlled the midfield.
Zenden: 6.5 A very good game, and he was unfortunate that his free kick hit the bar.
Crouch: 5.5 Very quiet game.
Cisse: 7 Wasted so many chance but at the end his only goal saved us.

Substitutes:
Luis Garcia: 6 Providing some needed attacking sense to the team.
Morientes: 5.5 Could have scored a hat trick, very wasteful.
Riise: 6 Lively performance.

Rafa: 6.5 Finally he tried a 4-4-2 and it worked. But he still need to work out on providing more service to Crouch and others.

Blackburn: 5.5 Come for one point, and deserved none. But Friedel's performance was very good apart from too slow in set pieces.

Man of the Match: Alonso. Shown his skills.

Let's start to pick up points

After a long fortnight break now it's the time to start doing business. Blackburn will be defending well and with Stevie G injuried, perhaps Rafa will try 4-4-2 this time and Crouch to open his account?

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Finnan
Carragher
Hyypia
Warnock
Sinama-Pongolle
Alonso
Hamann
Zenden
Cisse
Crouch

Result: 2-0

Match Report 051002 vs Chelsea: Learn the lesson

1-4 and it was a long time since we last concede 4 goals at home. The score line probably flattered them, but we should learn the lesson with heart and improve from now on.

We actually started the match confidently and were the better side, but a stupid mistake from Traore changed everything. Reina tried hard and was close to save the penalty, but that's life.

Stevie G reacted well with a nice taken bullet and we equalized. And suddenly the Kop roared - but only for a few minutes. After that Chelsea regained possession and Hyypia's slowness was explored and they took the league at half time.

2H we tried to equalize and left lots of holes at the ball. Chelsea did well and scored 2 goals courtesy of our defensive mess. The nice thing was at the end the fans were singing YNWA. But I think they should be more vocal through the whole season.

Player Rating:
Reina: 6 Almost saved the penalty, and couldn't do much for the other 3 goals.
Finnan: 6 OK defensively but no contribution up front.
Carragher: 6.5 As usual played well at the back. Also had a nice assist to the equalizer.
Hyypia: 5.5 It's really sad to see him exploired by others because he's too slow.
Traore: 5 Stupid mistake and from that point on we lost.
Alonso: 6.5 Played with a big heart. One of the better player on the pitch.
Hamann: 6.5 Typical Didi performance.
Luis Garcia: 6 Should do better.
Gerrard: 7 Scored a nice equalizer but at the end it was not enough.
Riise: 6.5 Tried very hard, but was only close to scoring.
Crouch: 6 Have a good chance but didn't score. It's time for him to deliver.

Substitutions:
Sissoko: 6 Player quite well but couldn't change the result.
Sinama Pongolle: 6 Tried hard but no impact.
Cisse: Not enough time to impress.

Rafa: 5 Get it all wrong? I really hope he can play Cisse more - maybe as a AM?

Chelsea: 9 Well deserved winner although the scoreline flattered them. We should learn the lesson.

Man of the Match: Gerrard. Nice goal, but what are the other players doing?

Round 2, and we will win

The second game vs Chelsea in a row, and if we keep up the performance as on Wednesday, we will win. With Graham Poll as the referee a lot of cards will almost be guaranteed, and if there is a penalty call, he will definitely give it.

Rafa need to change a bit in this game, probably introducing Sinama Pongolle or Zenden on the pitch to provide better service to Crouch. Cisse is good, but he is not a winger and it would be better to utilize his pace when Gallas is tired.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Finnan
Carragher
Hyypia
Traore
Alonso
Hamann
Sinama Pongolle
Gerrard
Luis Garcia
Crouch

Result: 1-0

September Month Report

Although we remain unbeaten in September, the results in the league were far from satisfactory as we drew all 3 league games. In CL it is a better position as we took 4 games from the first 2 games. Should we win the next 2 games we will then qualified. We still need to find ways to score goals, and there seems to be a leak in the defense as highlighted in the Birmingham game. Rafa need to fill this hole ASAP.

Players of the Month: (1) Carragher 6.9 (2) Crouch 6.8 (3) Luis Garcia 6.7. Carragher was as usual a rock at the back and Crouch shown some good signs although we need to supply him more often. Luis Garcia scored 2 great goals, and we need him to produce at a high level more.

October Prediction
10/2 Chelsea (H) Round 2 and we should win.
10/15 Blackburn Rovers (H) Win it for Cisse - and let him score a hat trick.
10/19 Anderlecht (H) Win this and we will be very close to qualification.
10/22 Fulham (A) Remember Biscan's goal last season? Fulham is in bigger trouble this season and we should win this game easier.
10/25 Crystal Palace (A) Youngsters to have a great game.
10/29 West Ham United (H) They played quite good so far this season. Time for them to stop it.

Match report 050928 vs Chelsea: Another 2 points lost

0-0 again and we have 3 penalty claims denied. The handball was obvious, so we are forced to share the points.

In fact both teams do not have many clear chances although they should be the team that feel happier with the result. Anyway, the game on Sunday will be more important and Rafa need to think of ways to win the game.

Player Rating:
Reina: 7 Apart from an early scare dealing with crossings, he was very commanding.
Finnan: 6.5 Do well defensively but not as effective going up.
Carragher: 7 Excellent at the back as you always expect from him.
Hyypia: 6.5 Exploried by Robben on one occasion because of his slow speed, otherwise he had a good game.
Traore: 6.5 He was beaten a few times from high ball crosses but otherwise he was solid defensively and even go up for attack on several occasions.
Cisse: 6 Can't get through Gallas...
Alonso: 6.5 The early yellow card may have took off a few cutting edge from him. A sluggish game.
Hamann: 7 Patrolled the midfield very well.
Luis Garcia: 7.5 Very lively but unable to find a clear chance.
Gerrard: 7 Stevie G as usual, but his freekicks were not spot on.
Crouch: 7 He created lots of troubles to the Chelsea defense. Maybe they will start Huth on Sunday?

Substitution:
Sinama Pongolle: Not enough time to impress.

Rafa: 7 He proved again he is the one who will always be there to spoil Chelsea's party. He has exploried Chelsea's weakness on facing Crouch but we need to find a way to put the ball into the net.

Chelsea: 6 Not really created any danger to us.

Man of the Match: Luis Garcia. Keep it up on Sunday!

Strangely, this is a game we can afford to lose

Yes, as the first 2 in the group will qualify, we can even afford to lose both legs against Chelsea - as long as we win the remaining 4 games. Chelsea will no doubt be the team that want to win this game, but if you ask me to pick, I will rather lose this one and win the League game on Sunday if we can only win one game. But of course we love to win both.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Finnan
Carragher
Hyypia
Warnock
Luis Garcia
Hamann
Alonso
Riise
Gerrard
Crouch

Result: 1-0

Math Report 050924 at Birmingham City: Another 2 points lost

2-2 and another 2 points lost. Our clean sheet streak has ended along the goalless streak, and the most worrying thing is that defense seems to have a leak. Hope this is just a one off thing.

On the plus side, Luis Garcia repays his debt to Rafa's faith by scoring a wonderful goal from substitutions. Cisse also scored one confident penalty equalizer. But for the coming 2 games, defense seems to be the key.

We now seems to be very confident as a team and controlling the rhythm. The key is for someone to starting scoring.

Player Rating:
Reina: 5.5 Should have yell for the 1st goal conceded and should have parry the ball away for the 2nd goal. Hope it is a one off game.
Josemi: 6.5 A steady game.
Carragher: 7 Should have scored the equalizer but Kilkenny parried it away with a well deserved red card.
Hyypia: 6.5 Solid performance.
Warnock: 5.5 Last game he was MoM but this game he scored an own goal... Should be more consistent.
Sinama-Pongolle: 6 A steady game without much impact.
Gerrard: 7 Hit the post in 1H and provided 2 assists in 2H (although Carra's goal was parried away). Geared up before the big games.
Alonso: 6 Not much impact as he should have.
Hamann: 6 Not as effective as before. Is he getting old or just not enough match fitness?
Zenden: No impact. Still need to adapt to the team.
Crouch: 6.5 Should have done better in scoring a late header. Maybe the teammates need to adapt in crossing the ball as he is so tall.

Substitutions:
Luis Garcia: 7.5 Made a great impact. He is capable in producing a few good games in a row, so it is a good start.
Cisse: 7 Scored a very confident penalty. His coolness may even surpress that of Murphy's.
Riise: Not enough time to make an impact.

Rafa: 7 Nice call to call on Luis Garcia and Cisse, but he need to make sure the leak in defense is filled before the 2 big games coming. He probably had rested Sissoko for the games as well.

Birmingham City: 6.5 Not really deserved to have 1 point... but we gifted them.

Man of the Match: Luis Garcia. Shows what he can do.

Time to start scoring

With 1 goals scored and none conceded with 4 games, it is now time for us to start scoring. Away at Birmingham did not bring much happy memories in the past, but Rafa has bought Crounch for this kind of games. And the teammates must respond well to his passes this time.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Finnan
Carragher
Hyypia
Warnock
Sinama-Pongolle
Gerrard
Alonso
Riise
Cisse
Crouch

Result: 1-0

Match Report 050918 vs Manchester United: It's more like a 2 point loss

0-0 and we have every reason to feel this is a two point loss. As Rafa said, our gap with Manchester is now closer. Rooney and Ronaldo did not have a single shot among themselves, and they only have a few free kicks and a tame header from the horse face to cheer for.

We now have a very compact and tight defense but the problem still lies on the attack side. With only 1 goal scored in 4 games, we definitely need to have the goals flowing in. This time, Luis Garcia was very wasteful but somehow Rafa keeps faith in him and did not let Cisse play. Crouch seems to adapt very well, and when the teammates start to understand him more, no doubt plenty of goals will flow in.

Player Rating:
Reina: 6.5 Not much to do as we have a tight defense.
Finnan: 6.5 Good game in general but a lapse of concentration led Carra committed a foul and earned a yellow card.
Carragher: 7 Played very well as usual.
Hyypia: 7 Much better performance than the previous game.
Warnock: 7.5 His best game for us so far. Probably secured a place in the England 22 (if they qualify...).
Gerrard: 7 Doing most of the attacks for us. A free kick in 1H almost bent in, and a 30 yard shot almost get in if the goalkeeper is not good.
Alonso: 6 A very quiet game in his high standard.
Sinama-Pongolle: 6.5 Worked very hard.
Luis Garcia: 5.5 Once again, he failed to deliver in the league... His only contribution is probably slided into Roy Keane which earned him a 2 month injury.
Riise: 6 Did not provide too many attacking for the team.
Crouch: 7 Won almost all high balls send to him. Unfortunately the teammates were not alert and wasted a lot of chances.

Substitutions:
Sissoko/Cisse/Traore: Not enough time to shine. For Traore, however, his reckless challenge earned him a yellow card and a moment of scare for us from the resulting free kick.

Manchester United: 6 As Gerrard said we probably shown them too much respect. We need to take the game at Old Trafford now.

Rafa: 6.5 Failed to find a way to score goal. And he seems to have blind faith on Luis Garcia and Traore...

Man of the Match: Warnock. Well deserved.

The first big test of the season

Liverpool vs Manchester is always the biggest game in the planet, and everybody will be fired up for this game. They have lots of injury problems, but Rooney will be fired up after his recent red card. We still need to be at our best to beat them.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Finnan
Carragher
Hyypia
Riise
Cisse
Sissoko
Gerrard
Alonso
Luis Garcia
Crouch

Result 2-0

Match Report 050913 at Real Betis: A nice start

2-1 and we achieved this with ease and Rafa even rested Gerrard, Finnan and Riise. The Crouch impact is obvious, and with 2 goals within 15 minutes, we seems to be slow down and let them control 2H and scored one. Nevertheless this is a fine start to the defense of the title.

Player Rating:
Reina: 7.5 Have many saves to keep the score. A much better performance than the Spurs game.
Josemi: 6.5 An OK performance that let Finnan take a break.
Carragher: 7 A nice assist and as ever commanding at the back.
Hyypia: 6 Responsible for the Betis goal. The need for a cover for him is obvious.
Traore: 7 A very good game, and Djimi need to play like this more.
Sinama-Pongolle: 7 A nice taken goal but his impact faded very quickly. Need better match fitness.
Sissoko: 7.5 Controlled the midfield in 1H, and in 2H mainly doing the defensive works.
Alonso: 6.5 A bit too quiet.
Zenden: 6.5 A nice assist but do nothing other than that.
Luis Garcia: 7 Very comfortable at the man in the hole, and scored a nice goal.
Crouch: 7 His impact is obvious. And his pass to Zenden that let to the 2nd goal is very well taken.

Substitutions:
Cisse: 6 Very quiet as we were mainly doing defensive works in 2H. Need to improve his communication with the teammates.
Riise: 6 Doing a bit of defensive work as Betis was pressuring us in 2H.
Gerrard: 6 We needed his presence for the last quarter of hour to sail through.

Real Betis: 6 The lack of CL experience is very obvious. Let's hope they will recover and beat Chelsea for us.

Rafa: 7 A bold move to rest Gerrard, Riise and Finann and succeeded. We need to trust him more.

Man of the Match: Reina/Sissoko. Both doing well to keep us win.

Champions League defending starts here

We are finally in the Group Stage and despite it is a tough group, we should be able to go through. Real Betis is a tough opponent but Rafa knows them well. And Crouch should provide something different for us.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Finnan
Carragher
Hyypia
Warnock
Cisse
Alonso
Sissoko
Luis Garcia
Gerrard
Crouch

Result 1-0

Match Report 050910 at Tottenham Hotspur: A game of disallowed goals and offsides

0-0 but it can be 3-3 with both teams have goals disallowed and lots of offsides. Spurs proved to be very strong especially the new players seem to be very well adapted. We played very poor in 1H but much better in 2H. At the end a draw is a fair result for both teams, but it can be 3-3 as well.

So after 3 games, with only 1 goal and yet concede any, should not be too down hearted. But of course we need to find someone to start scoring. The Crouch Cisse partnership looks quite good, but more games are needed for them to know each other more.

Player Rating:
Reina: 6.5 Shaky in the first 30 minutes but gradually regained confidence. How he (and Robinson at the other end) kept a clean sheet is really a mystery.
Finnan: 6 Not much in the front.
Carragher: 6.5 Had a few critical interceptions that helped the clean sheet.
Hyypia: 6 Conceded a dangerous free kick that almost lead to a goal from the resulting corner, but fortunately the assistant referee was spot on.
Warnock: 6 A reasobable game that ended with an injury.
Luis Garcia: 6 Sometimes his trick does not work. Need to let the players understand him. The volley was great but unfortunately Robinson was well alert.
Gerrard: 6.5 Dull 1H but much better in 2H. It's a pity his corner to Crouch was out of bound, otherwise it will be a great goal.
Hamann: 5.5 A poor game in his standard, and it ended with an injury as well.
Riise: 7 Improved a lot in 2H and almost scored in 2 occassions.
Crouch: 6.5 Shown why Rafa buy him, if he can gain understanding with team mates more, he will definitely be a great success.
Cisse: 6 Very inconsistent. Should have scored but failed.

Substitutions:
Sissoko: 7 He is quickly become a commanding midfield in the team.
Alonso: 6.5 Rested for the Real Betis game, but did not shine after he was on.
Traore: Back from injury, and doing OK.

Rafa: 6 Failed to find a way to score. Need to heal this ASAP.

Tottenham Hotspur: 7 Played well and will be our biggest threat for the 4th place. A European place is almost guaranteed.

Men of the Match: Riise and Sissoko. Both doing well in 2H.

A tough away game

Away game at Spurs won't be easy, and we are a bit short of strikers now with Nando injuried and Cisse another injury scare. But Crouch is back, and Rafa is expected to play a 4-5-1. A draw won't be a bad result, but let's target for a win.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Finnan
Carragher
Hyypia
Warnock
Cisse
Sissoko
Gerrard
Alonso
Zenden
Crouch

Result: 1-0

The Owen saga

I am glad it finally ended. Although we "missed out" the opportunity to sign him back, but I do believe in Rafa's decision.

1. Owen turned his back to us last season, hoping to win more medals. He picked the worst timing to leave so that we can only get 8M (10M if you added Nunez) back. Now he wants to coming back, but not for Liverpool, but for his own England career. He is too selfish.

2. Although he may guarantee 20 goals (or can he?) a season, but it only works in a 4-4-2 formation. Rafa prefers a 4-5-1 formation and to accomodate him we need to make a lot of changes. This is just not worthwhile.

3. If he really wants to join us, he should not accept the bid from Newcastle. Real Madrid will be forced to sell him on August 31 to us at 10M if he is not going to Newcastle, as they need to save some payrolls.

4. If bring him back means selling Cisse, it will be stupid. Cisse has a bigger Liverpool heart, and he is now approaching to his top. We need to have confidence on him.

5. Carra and Gerrard may have publicly said they want Owen back, but they do believe Rafa's decision is the right one. And if Rafa can bring us CL trophy, you have to believe in him.

And finally, let's give Cisse a cheer and start to adore him louder, he deserves more from us.

August Month Report

We lost our first game in August. Fortunately this is a game that we can afford to lose and it serves as a timely reminder to the player.

We continued our quest for getting into Champions League group stage and at the end of the mounth we were there. Although our Group seems to be quite strong with Chelsea, Anderlecht and Real Betis, we always survive in this kind of strong group so I am cautiously confident that we will go through the group stage. The league has also started, and we started it reasonably well with 1 win and 1 draw from 2 games, although the lack of goal seems to be a worrying sign. Baros has gone, and it is now getting more likely that Owen will be back. But I hope this does not mean Cisse will be forced out. He is such a great guy and is whole hearted to the benefit of the team, unlike that ex-player... And we finish the month on the high with Captain Carragher proudly lifted the UEFA Super Cup for us, with a great contribution from Cisse who scored 2 and assisted Luis Garcia's other goal to lead us from trailing 0-1 to winning 3-1.

Men of the Month: (1) Gerrard 7.63 (2) Cisse 7.08 (3) Alonso 7.00. Once again Gerrard was the engine for us and he fully derseve to be MVP for last year's CL. Cisse scored 4 goals in the month and we all want him to stay. Alonso as usual provided some intelligent passes and he scored a great free kick to win the Sunderland game for us.

September Prediction:
9/10 Tottenham Hotspur (A): Could be a tough game as Spurs played quite well this season.
9/13 Real Betis (A): Another tough game, but Rafa will know them very well and find a way to win it.
9/18 Manchester United (H): Their early dash this season will end here.
9/24 Birmingham City (A): A game we should be able to win.
9/28 Chelsea (H): The first of the double header vs Chelsea. Although this is an European game but this is in the Group Stage so I guess both team will treat this as a league game. But we can win it.

Match Report 050826 vs CSKA Moscow: Super Sub!

3-1 and Cisse single handed won us the cup with his 2 goals and 1 assist. I hope this will convince Rafa to keep him with us - at least as a super sub but I would say he should start.

We were dominating the game but cannot score any goal. Luis Garcia, started as a second striker behind Nando, could have scored a hat trick. A lack of concentration by the defenders saw CSKA take an underseved lead at HT.

2H was more or less the same story, with us dominating but can't score. Even the introduction of Sinama-Pongolle, which moved Luis Garcia back to right midfield, made no big difference. As the clock clicked Rafa finally introduced Cisse in the 79th minute.

Cisse immediately made an impact and scored a goal from a poor CSKA defense clearance and brough the game into extra time. And he promptly scored another goal before 1H ET from a good Luis Garcia cross. After the short break he assisted Luis Garcia and the game is wrapped up.

As Captain Carra proudly lift the cup, he credited Cisse that is was him who won us the cup, and we all want him stay. Even if Owen did return it should not be in the expense of this great lad.

Player Rating:
Reina: 6.5 No much to do.
Josemi: 7 One of the better defender of the night.
Carragher: 7 Not too spectacular, but fully deserved to lift the trophy for us.
Hyypia: 7.5 A good display despite as time his slowness cause us problem.
Riise: 6.5 Midfield is now his better position and he was rightly substituted.
Finnan: 6 Started at right midfield and this is definitely not his best position.
Alonso: 6.5 Not as influential as he should be.
Hamann: 7.5 A typical Didi display.
Zenden: 7 Had a good game, even did well at left back when Riise was off.
Luis Garcia: 7 Could have score more, and he definitely need to improve his shoting skills.
Morientes: 6 Another dull performance. He needs improvement right away!

Substitutions:
Sinama-Pongolle: 6.5 His lack of match fitness is obvious.
Sissoko: 6.5 Another good display by the young and energetic man.
Cisse: 8 Super Sub! I wish this can convince Rafa to let him stay.

CSKA Moscow: 6 It would be a steal if they won the trophy, but the scoreline is a bit flattered us.

Rafa: 7 Maybe his timing of introducing Cisse was inch perfect. A derseved victory.

Man of the Match: Cisse. We need more of this kind of performance!

Carra to lift the trophy tonight

European Super Cup may just be a larger scale Community Shield, but as Rafa said a big club like Liverpool is formed to win trophy, so we will treat this game seriously. I think Stevie G won't mind to take a break (at most at a sub) and let his mate Carra to lift the cup as Liverpool captain?

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Finnan
Carragher
Hyypia
Riise
Sissoko
Hamann
Cisse
Alonso
Zenden
Morientes

Result 2-0

Match Report 050823 vs CSKA Sofia: We finally reach there

0-1 and despite we lost our first (of not many) game of the season, we still qualify for the Group Stage. We do have lots of chances but can never realize. With Baros gone and Owen may be coming, it will be an interesting week.

The plus side of the game is that Sissoko performed another great performance and it is nice to see Sinama-Pongolle back to the first team. Also, Le Tallec scored on his debut for his loan spell in Sunderland.

Player Rating:
Carson: 6.5 No chance for the goal, but did make an important tackle to maintain the score at 0-1 and pulled a few saves.
Finnan: 6.5 Another steady performance.
Josemi: 6.5 A surprised start at center back and did OK.
Hyypia: 6.5 Not really tested and not much chance to attack from set pieces.
Warnock: 6 A flat performance. Left back is also another problematic area although Rafa didn't say.
Potter: 6 Not a good performance at all and was rightly substituted in HT.
Sissoko: 7 A good performance both in terms of defending and moving up front. Have a goal denied by the post during injury time.
Hamann: 6.5 Typical Didi performance.
Riise: 7 He played very well in midfield and had a few nice free kicks. But performance seems to be lowered when moved to left back.
Morientes: 6 Another poor performance with no service.
Cisse: 6.5 Had a few chances but either saved by the goalkeeper or missed.

Substitutions:
Luis Garcia: 6.5 Played better than the last 2 games, but still need to improve.
Zenden: 6 Not much contribution for the short time on the pitch.
Sinama-Pongolle: Welcome back!

CSKA Sofia: 6.5 The goal was nicely organized. And with the aggregate score at 3-2 they seems to be always likely to to score another one.

Rafa: 6 1 goals in 3 games. Need to sort out ASAP.

Men of the Match: Sissoko and Riise. Both were eye-catching in this poor game.

A cautious game

Although we lead by 3-1 but with Gerrard injuried, there is some uncertainty. The strikers need to try to score goals, and midfielders please provide some service.

My Team Prediction:
Carson
Barragan
Whitbread
Carragher
Riise
Potter
Sissoko
Hamann
Zenden
Morientes
Cisse

Result 2-0

050820 vs Sunderland: We need to improve

1-0 and we didn't play well but win. Although Sunderland never really threatened us but with the score stays at 1-0 and we cannot get the second goal, it is always scary. And Stevie G is injuried and will miss the Sofia game. Let's hope he can recover in time for the European Super Cup.

Player Rating:
Reina: 6.5 A spectator
Finnan: 6.5 A fair display
Carragher: 6.5 Not much to do
Hyypia: 6 His pace seems to be a bigger worry this season
Warnock: 6 Still not convincing in left back
Sissoko: 7 Another good show in midfield. Didi's place is in danger
Cisse: 6.5 Definitely not a right midfielder. Rafa need to buy
Gerrard: 6.5 Unfortunate to be injuried
Alonso: 7.5 His wonder free kick win us the game
Zenden: 6 Need to provide more service
Morientes: 6 He need more service provided

Substitutions:
Luis Garcia: 6 Not a good performance
Riise/Baros: Not enough time to show impact

Sunderland: 5.5 They didn't do much but with the score at 1-0, you always afraid they make nick one back

Rafa: 6 He definitely favors 4-5-2, but we need Crouch to play

Man of the Match: Alonso. A beauty free kick

We must win this game

This game has almost become a must win game. Although we didn't win at Boro but the signs are encouraging. The strikers should try their best to help out Stevie G though.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Finnan
Carragher
Hyypia
Riise
Luis Garcia
Gerrard
Alonso
Zenden
Morientes
Cisse

Result 3-0

Match Report 050813 at Middlesbrough: Good performance, although result does not match

0-0 and once again we played well but didn't get the result. There are lots of positive signs like players are more confident and we are creating lots of chances, but we tried hard but cannot score a goal. The fact that at the last minutes, Boateng tried to waste time instead of organizing a last attack when Boro get a throw in near our corner flag shows how much respect they are giving us. If we can perform like this week in, week out, result will come soon.

Player Rating:
Reina: 7.5 Did make a few good punches
Finnan: 6 Not much support up front, but doing well defence-wise
Carragher: 7 Typical Carra performance
Hyypia: 6.5 Not much pressure on Sami and tried to help the attack a few times on set pieces
Warnock: 6 Similar comment as Finnan
Sissoko: 7.5 A commanding performance. Rafaa will like to play this 4-1-4-1 with Sissoko as the one who protect the defence.
Luis Garcia: 6 A poor performance from his high standard
Gerrard: 8 Have at least 6 chances to score but only come close. His running from the back is really difficult for Boro to defend.
Alonso: 7 A typical Xabi performance
Zenden: 6.5 Quiet in 1H but better in 2H. It's always hard to start the first game with a new club against your old club.
Morientes: 6 No service for him, and his only contribution is a header to Gerrard whih Stevie G failed to convert.

Substitutions:
Cisse: 6.5 Lively performance although he is playing out of position
Baros: 6.5 Also lively, but failed to convert.

Middlesbrough: 5 Too negative at home. Shame on them.

Rafa: 7 Showing he knows more about the Premiership and result will come very soon

Man of the Match: Gerrard. Unfortunately it's not his day.

This is the season

Another league season starts today. Away at Boro may not be a good place to visit for the past, but with Rafa setting up the training sessions earlier and we played 5 competitive games already, we will be better equiped. We believe in Rafa.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Finnan
Carragher
Hyypia
Riise
Luis Garcia
Gerrard
Alonso
Zenden
Morientes
Cisse

Result 2-0

Match Report 050810 at CSKA Sofia: Nando finally scores!

3-1 and it's really nice to see Nando scored a brace. As Rafa said if we provide enough service to Nando he will score. We are now in a commanding position to be back to where we should be.

We started the match a bit reserved and invited Sofia to control the game, but once again Stevie G is the catalyst to the team. His 3 superb assists tells you the story. The worrying point is when we were 2-0 up a moment of lapse of concentration by Hyypia and Warnock let Sofia to score on crucial goal right before half time, but fortunately we regained control in 2H and Nando sums up with a nice taken goal.

Player Rating:
Reina: 7 Make one good save but otherwise just a perdestrian
Warnock:6 Partly at fault for the goal conceded
Carra: 7 Carra as usual
Hyypia: 6 A bit too slow to let the goal conceded
Finnan: 6.5 Tried hard to help the attack
Gerrard: 8 Three excellent assists
Luis Garcia: 6.5 Work hard
Alonso: 7 Doing well in midfield
Riise: 7 Above average performance
Morientes: 8 Could have scored 5, but the most important thing is he's finally back on the scoresheet
Cisse: 7.5 Lively performance and a well deserved goal

Substitutions:
Sissoko: 6.5 Show one moment of flashes when he passed 3 defenders
Hamann: 6.5 Not much to do
Barragan: Not enough time to impress, but looks positive

CSKA Sofia: They controlled the game well in the first 20 minutes, but as soon as Cisse scored, they cannot cope with.

Rafa: 7 His insistance on Nando finally pay off. But he need to work harder on the defense.

Man of the Match: Gerrard/Morientes. Both deserve credit for their contributions to the victory.

A tougher test, but we will get through

3rd round sees us facing CSKA Sofia, a much stronger opponent than the last 2 rounds. We suddenly has a very slim team as a few players were loaned out and we have 8 injuried players. We definitely need Nando to perform to his best now.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Finnan
Carragher
Hyypia
Warnock
Garcia
Gerrard
Alonso
Riise
Morientes
Cisse

Result 2-0

Match Report 050802 vs FBK Kaunas: Job well done

2-0 and once again we need Stevie G to cheer up the team. Next round will be tougher as we will be facing CSKA Sofia.

The first half was boring as we tried hard but cannot pass through the stubbon defense of Kaunas. Then in 2H Cisse comes up and suddenly the team move up one gear. The worrying signs are that Crouch is injuried and Nando is still in a poor form. We definitely need him to be back to his best soon.

Player Rating:
Carson: 6.5 Not much to do but look commanding
Finnan: 6.5 Not really tested but need to move up one gear for the start of the season
Hyypia: 7 Commanding the back, and unlikey to hit the bar
Whitbread: 6.5 He certainly take his chance well. Keep up to challenge Sami and Jamie!
Warnock: 6.5 Good display
Garcia: 7 Work hard and his assist to Cisse is inch perfect
Hamann: 6.5 A fair display, but the lack of Xabi and Stevie G in 1H really mean we lack creativity
Sissoko: 7 A commanding figure in the center. He will be challenging Didi this season
Zenden: 7 Quiet in 1H, but performed much better in 2H
Morientes: 6 I am getting worried about him and he is rightly substituted
Crouch: 6.5 Did provide flashes of his useful especially when Cisse come up but is injuried and substituted

Substitutions:
Cisse: 7.5 A nice display and scored a well deserved goal
Potter: 6 A fair display on the right
Gerrard: 8 Even though he is only on the pitch for 16 minutes but his contributions are priceless

Kaunas: 6 Not really creating any troubles to us. The match is already won in the first leg.

Rafa: 6.5 Need to get Nando up to speed ASAP

Man of the Match: Gerrard. His contribution is significant.

Be careful and do your best

With a 2 goal lead and playing at home, we are favorite to go through. Just make sure we don't take it for granted.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Finnan
Carragher
Hyypia
Warnock
Potter
Gerrard
Sissoko
Zenden
Crouch
Cisse

Result 3-0

July Monthly Review

It's the first time in history that the season starts so early, and we already played 3 games.

Stevie G is gone and back, and played very well to prove his heart is with us. With 6 goals already scored, he will be favorite to be our top goal scorer. Defense is OK but the backups seem to be not as good as the first team, and Hyypia seems to be getting old. Carra is as solid as ever and even managed to score a goal! Midfield is very strong with Stevie G and Alonso leading the guys, but the strikers need to work harder.

Men of the Month: (1) Gerrard 8.00 (2) Alonso 7.50 (3) Cisse 7.25. With 6 goals scored who can knock him off as man of the month? Xabi's passing is as good as ever, and Cisse also scored 2 goals.

August Prediction:
8/2 FBK Kounas (H): Should not pose too much problem, but we need to show respect to them.
8/10 KF Tirana/PFC CSKA Sofia: If we pass through we will most likely face Sofia, Let's be careful.
8/13 Middlesbrough (A): Season opener and see Zenden back. We should be much better physically, so let's beat them.
8/20 Sunderland (H): First home league game and we should win this game.
8/24 KF Tirana/PFC CSKA Sofia: Get through this and we will be in the group stage.
8/26 CSKA Moscow (N): A glorious friendly, but we should win it.

Match Report 050726 at FBK Kounas: Carra goal

3-1 and the most important thing is Carra scored his first goal in 6 1/2 years - or first goal of this millenium, or 3rd goal of his career. Rafa challenge him to score 3-4 goals this season and he will do it. His post match quote is class: "I probably deserve the match ball after that. Me scoring one is like someone else getting a hat-trick."

We were a bit shaky in defense but fortunately we managed to gear up and win the game. Crouch really provided another dimension and this is what Rafa has been looking for. Sissoko also has a good debut too after Gerrard scored his 6th goals of the season. The only minus is that defense is shaky - Riise didn't play well in defense and Hyypia was slow. But this is still pre-season so let's hope things will get better.

Player Rating:
Reina: 6.5 Not much to do, but did make some saves to keep them scoring
Josemi: 6 Better than last year, but still need to improve to convince people
Carragher: 8 Scored the great header and regained us the lead. Class
Hyypia: 6 At fault for the first goal
Riise: 6.5 His best position is definitely left midfield
Potter: 7 A good game from the young guy
Gerrard: 7.5 Still dictating the game with an assist and a penalty
Alonso: 7.5 Great passes as usual
Zenden: 7 Great cross that lead to the equaliser. Rafa bought him with a great reason
Crouch: 7 Good performance with another assist
Cisse: 7 Scored the equaliser but missed a hat trick

Substitutions:
Sissoko: 6.5 A good debut
Luis Garcia: 6.5 Another good display
Morientes: 6.5 A good substitution display but we need more goals from him

FBK Kounas: 6 Provided a few scares to us but at the end the difference in class proved too much

Rafa: 7 Now we understand why he bought Zenden and Crouch. We definitely need more goals like this

Man of the Match: Carragher. Gerrard may have contributed more but Carra goal is really a historic moment

Travel into the unknown

FBK Kaunas is a relative unknown team and they will be physically fitter as they are in the middle of their season. Our condition is getting better and better now, but we still need to guard against complacency.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Carragher
Hyypia
Whitbread
Riise
Cisse
Gerrard
Alonso
Zenden
Morientes
Crouch

Result 2-0

Match Report 050719 at Total Network Solutions: So far so good

3-0 again and Gerrard scored another 2. But the scoreline is really not important as the game is already sealed when Cisse scored in 1H. Now we need to step up the condition as Kounas will be physically better as they are in the middle of their season.

With Crouch signed it will be interesting to see if Milan will be sold. Maybe Rafa is thinking to use Crouch as a Koller to helo Milan? Time will tell.

Player Rating:
Reina: 6.5 Not much to do
Finnan: 6 Out of position a few times
Carragher: 7 Captain in 1H and perform as good as ever. Almost scored
Hyypia: 6.5 As good as usual
Riise: 7 This time as left back and still provide the assit to Cisse
Potter: 6.5 Probably be content to be a reserve player this season
Alonso: 7.5 Dictating midfield as he should be
Hamann: 6 Missed a penalty but really doesn't matter
Zenden 6: Provided a few good crosses but Crouch has not yet arrived so there is no one to receive it
Le Tallec: 6 Need to improve or else he will be down the rank
Cisse: 7.5 Opened his account this season, more to come

Substitutions:
Whitbread: 6.5 Doing very well to fight for a first team place
Gerrard: 8 Scored 2 goals as a super sub
Luis Garcia: 6.5 A nice assist

TNS: 5.5 At least they have a shot on target!

Rafa: 6.5 Still pre-season time, but we need to improve a lot next round.

Man of the match: Gerrard. Who else can it be?

Be cautious and courageous

Rafa again "rest" Milan and Jersy, perhaps their future may soon be over... The condition of the players are better now especially after the friendly against Leverkusen. Let's get the job done.

My team prediction:
Reina
Finnan
Carragher
Hyypia
Warnock
Potter
Gerrard
Alonso
Zenden
Morientes
Cisse

Result 4-0

Match Report 050713 vs Total Network Solution: First of many from Stevie G

3-0 and Gerrard scores a hat trick! It's the first of his many for us, and it almost wrap up the tie. Rafa may want to try a few options in the 2nd leg.

Credits to TNS they played bravely and it was not until the last minute that they concede the third and crucial goal. If not the second leg will be tricky. Their goalkeeper has done a good job in keeping the score more honourable.

One thing worth to note is that in the second half the team seems to be tired. With the Swiss training camp coming up, the players need to train up physically as soon as possible.

Player Rating:
Reina: 6.5 Easy debut with almost nothing to do
Finnan: 6.5 Not really tested
Carragher: 6.5 Same as above
Hyypia: 6.5 Same as above
Warnock: 6.5 Same as above
Potter: 6.5 Good display in 1H but tired in 2H
Gerrard: 8.5 A good hat trick to start
Alonso: 7.5 A good display with lots of nice passes
Riise: 7.5 Good game, but not as impressive in 2H apart from the assist
Le Tallec: 7.5 Nice assist, but should have scored
Morientes: 7.5 Should have scored if not for the good display of the TNS captain

Substitutions:
Zenden/Cisse: Good display in general especially Zenden

Rafa: 7 Not really a test, but the way he treat this game is well appreciated

TNS: 6 They fight till the end but the last goal probably kill them any hope

Man of the Match: Gerrard. Need to keep up the display though.

The journey starts here!

So, the journey starts here. We got a few new faces and Stevie G stays for good(hope he won't change his mind again in the future), and a few new faces are expected to come. It's really an exciting season and with Rafa, maybe we can achieve the unexpected again (a League/CL double?)

The good thing of starting so early is that by the time the league starts, we will be the best team in terms of physical. Although the down side will be we may not last for the whole season - and that's where the rotation strategy comes in play, and Rafa is no amateur in this. Finger crossed, with a healthy squad and good rotation, we can maintain the good form over the season.

Rafa has a recruited a lot of good players to provide challenges in every position, the only exception is maybe the defense. A few players like Upson and Milito have been mentioned and Rafa will have his only idea, don't worry. And if he really can get Crouch and Figo we will have more attacking options as well. It will be interesting and exciting to see how Rafa findtune the team to each match now that he is more familiar with the Premiership.

Going back to the TNS match, on paper it's a easy win. But Rafa is very honest. Instead of the normal no complamancy/show them respect talk he also mention one key point - that we have the quality and skills but we lack the physical as we are only back from training for 2 weeks. So the players need to be very careful.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Finnan
Carragher
Hyypia
Riise
Garcia
Hamann
Gerrard
Zenden
Cisse
Morientes

Result: 4-0

Hope this is the end

Stevie G is now staying. Hope this won't happen again and he will stay on till he retires.

I think everybody need to be blamed and do something to repair. Now that everything is clear let's move on to win the big thing.

Credit to the man, he did resigned the captaincy and credits to the team (Rafa and the senior players in particular) they let him be the captain. Now it's up to him to put his head up and perform consistently.

In Rafa we trust. In Stevie G we have hope.

Dramatic turnaround

So, he decided to stay. But is he still deserve to be captain? I don't think so. Hand it to Carra, and prove you are committed.

We are all hurt. And it takes time to heal.

You'll always walk alone

So you decided to leave. It's nice to see that the one who claimed he loves the club, yet always blackmail the club, is finally leave. Yes, you have done a lot of great things to the club, but now they are history. And let's bring on captain Carra - a guy who may not be born to be a red, but he is a true red unlike you.

And if you think you are bigger than the club, go. We don't need you anymore.

You'll always walk alone. All the worst.

Thanks Smicer

Smicer has officially joined Bordeaux today.

Due to injuries he only showed his best form rarely - mainly in European games. His 2 goals in the Champions League Final - the 2-3 goal which brings us hope, and the crucial penalty when we were tied at 2-2, are vital in bringing the glory to us. This is after he is confirmed to leave.

Perhaps his style fits more to the contintental football rather than the Premiership football, I think he will perform well in France. Good luck, Czech mate.

Shame on you, UEFA

UEFA decided to let Liverpool defend the title, but only to start from the 1st Qualifying Round.

In order to counter their lack of appreciation to the defending Champion, the Club should send a reserve squad to play for the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA World Club Championships. I can visualize John Welsh to life the Cups for us.

Season Review 2004/05

What a season! This should be a season of transition. Although we missed out the 4th place and exited the FA Cup in the 3rd round in a dreadful way, we were in the League Cup Final and won the Champions League Final! Whether we will be able to defend the title is still unknown at this moment, but chances are, we will. After all, this is a competition about money, and without the defending Champion, UEFA will be under severe pressure from the sponsors.

Although we win the big thing, Rafa is honest enough to admit that the season is not good enough. And I remember a few years ago Carra said he would feel embarassed to win the Champions League without winning the Premier League first. So now we have to win the league. Of course, perhaps we may need a few years before we can win it, but at least we need to close the gap. And in doing so Rafa will need to break the team.

Player Rating (Games played, Minutes played, Goal scored/conceded, Assists/cleansheets, MoM, Rating)

Goalkeepers:
Carson: 5G 450M 4GC 1CS 1 MoM 6.80
Dudek: 41G 3780M 36GC 15CS 2.83MoM 6.65
Harrison: 12 unused substitute
Kirkland: 14G 1260M 15GC 3CS 0MoM 6.61
Luzi: 2 unused substitute

Dudek played most of the game in the second half and still had his ups and downs. The up is no doubt the CL Final, which made him a memeber of the Anfield Hall of Fame. The downs are the blunders vs Portsmouth and Manchester United. He may not be a consisent player, but I do believe Rafa should keep him.

Carson played 5 games and shown some promising sign. His high of the season is the Juventus game. Although he conceded a goal but his performance was no doubt very good.

Kirkland, with so much hope on him, was once again injuried. It would be tough to keep him now, given he did not progress well enough since he joined us, and now that Carson joined it will do no good to him as both will be fighting not only the Liverpool #1 jersey but also the England #1 jersey as well. Chances are he will be sold.

Harrison and Luzi were both released. Good luck to them.

So we only have 3 goalkeepers and one of them may be sold. As such Rafa will bring at least one goalkeeper in. Rumor is that Reina of Spain is joining. We'll see.

Defenders:
Carragher: 56G 5080M 0GS 2A 13.8MoM 7.11
Finnan: 52G 4048M 1GS 0A 0.5MoM 6.65
Henchoz: 4G 390M 0GS 0A 0MoM 6.88
Hyypia: 49G 4367M 3GS 0A 0.5MoM 6.81
Josemi: 23G 1714M 0GS 2A 0MoM 6.21
Pellegrino: 13G 1002M 0GS 0A 1MoM 6.17
Raven: 3G 233M 0GS 0A 0MoM 6.00
Traore: 42G 3118M 0GS 1A 0MoM 6.38
Whitbread: 4G 390M 0GS 0A 0MoM 6.63

Without doubt Carra is the best defender of the season. Hyypia, despite all his critics, performed better in the second half of the season and scored 3 goals. Finnan was a consistent player but need to improve, and Traore is still very inconsistent.

Rafa will probably buy a quick center back to play along Carra. Hyypia will still command a place, although he will probably play less games next season. And don't be surprised to see new full backs on both side next season - may not be necessary to be in the first team immediately, but will be there to challanege Finnan and Traore.

Midfielders:
Alonso: 31G 2469M 3GS 4A 2MoM 7.00
Biscan: 35G 2000M 2GS 2A 3.5MoM 6.69
Diao: 14G 766M 1GS 0A 0MoM 6.00
Foy: 1 unused substitute
Garcia: 44G 3559M 13GS 6A 3.5MoM 6.82
Gerrard: 43G 3685M 12GS 6A 11.3MoM 7.16
Hamann: 43G 3057M 1GS 7A 2MoM 6.74
Kewell: 31G 2051M 1GS 4A 0MoM 6.26
Le Tallec: 7G 310M 0GS 1A 0MoM 6.50
Nunez: 27G 1406M 1GS 0A 0MoM 6.22
Partridge: 2G 30M 0GS 1A 0MoM 7.00
Potter: 10G 543M 0GS 2A 0MoM 6.33
Riise: 57G 4656M 8GS 10A 3.5MoM 6.82
Smicer: 16G 504M 1GS 0A 0MoM 6.21
Smyth: 1G 50M 0GS 0A 0MoM 6.50
Warnock: 30G 1402M 0GS 2A 1MoM 6.43
Welsh: 7G 352M 0GS 0A 0MoM 6.30

To be honest Gerrard's form dipped a lot in the second half - the worst is of course the League Cup Final. He admitted that as well. Now that he should be signing for next season I hope his mind will be more focused. Garcia was probably the best midfielder in 2H and scored many great goals as well. Xabi was very good as well and he will also form the nucleus of next season. Riise' form dipped little bit in the second half but he still had a good season. Not sure about the future of Hamann and Smicer, but even if they have played the last game for us they will have no regrets for they have scored in the biggest game. But I will expect Didi to stay.

For next season, Rafa would build the midfield amonst Gerrard, Alonso, Riise and Garcia. He may bring in a holding midfielder (Hargraves?) and right midfielder or attacking midfielder as well. Despite the sticks on Kewell Rafa did rate him very high, so don't be surprised to see him around next season. And we should give Nunez some more time as well.

Attackers:
Baros: 45G 3144M 13G 3A 4MoM 6.88
Cisse: 25G 1367M 5GS 1A 3MoM 6.90
Mellor: 16G 854M 5GS 1A 0MoM 6.65
Morientes: 15G 1178M 3G 1A 2MoM 6.43
Owen: 1 unused substitute
Sinama-Pongolle: 26G 1146M 4GS 0A 3.5MoM 6.94

This is the department that need a big rebuild next season. Baros' form dipped significantly in the second half and only scored 2 goals in the second half. He said Valencia is after him, and if so, let's wish we can get Aimar in return. Cisse and Nando are affected by injury and short of match fitness. So we will see a different Cisse and Morientes next season. The question is really how Rafa play them, especially whether it is a 4-5-1 or 4-4-2. We may see another attacker joined us as well.

Player of the season: (1) Gerrard 7.17 (2) Carragher 7.11 (3) Alonso 7.00. Despite his dip in form in 2H Gerrard still had a very good season and scored a crucial goal in the CL Final. Carra is very consistent but just lack a bit of flashes like a goal. And Xabi, we may even finish 3rd if he is fit for the whole season.

Forward plans
So for next season our target will be the League. Let's try to challenge at least 2nd place. But with Rafa the magician, any thing can happen.

We may probably see 3-4 new players in. With the plan to advance pre-season to end of June, and we may probably experience less injuries with a fitter squad, the next season would be a even better one.

Clark Kent in the League, Supermen in Europe

So true!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/4582357.stm

and Du the Dudek!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/photo_galleries/4583457.stm

A tale of two football players

In July 2004, after the Euro 2004, a football player, who almost decided to move to a rich man's club, had his heart over his head and decided to stay with his club. 10 months later, he fulfilled his boyhood dream.

In August 2004, one of his "better" teammate, had another offer from another rich man's club, and he decided to sit out a Champions League qualifier. 3 days later, he became a super-sub of the rich man's team. And 9 months later, he didn't win anything.

There is no man bigger than Liverpool Football Club.