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.
Sunday, May 29, 2005
Thursday, May 26, 2005
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
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.
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.
May Month Report
What a month! We lost the 4th place but won the Champions League Final in the greatest comeback we have even seen. And our future is bright.
The month started brightly with a great win vs Chelsea. Garcia's goal was definitely in and the Football God was there to ensure justice prevailed. Then we officially lost the 4th place race at Highbury. Then we wrapped up our up and down league season with a nice win vs Aston Villa that Cisse scored both goals. Then come the Final. And the rest is history.
Players of the month (1) Carragher 8.25 (2) Gerrard 8.00 (3) Dudek 7.50. Incidentially all three of them contributed to the win in the Final.
Looking forward a lot of the current squad members will leave Liverpool, good luck to them (of course, apart from playing against us). The Rafalution is just picking up. Expect more great things next season.
The month started brightly with a great win vs Chelsea. Garcia's goal was definitely in and the Football God was there to ensure justice prevailed. Then we officially lost the 4th place race at Highbury. Then we wrapped up our up and down league season with a nice win vs Aston Villa that Cisse scored both goals. Then come the Final. And the rest is history.
Players of the month (1) Carragher 8.25 (2) Gerrard 8.00 (3) Dudek 7.50. Incidentially all three of them contributed to the win in the Final.
Looking forward a lot of the current squad members will leave Liverpool, good luck to them (of course, apart from playing against us). The Rafalution is just picking up. Expect more great things next season.
Match Report 050525 vs AC Milan: The night the liverbird became a phoenix, arise from the ashes of death
3-3 after extra time and a 3-2 win in the penalty shootout and the European Cup belongs to us forever! What a way to finish a game that we lost 0-3 at half time! This is truly a result to the fans. Dear players, no matter where you will be next season you will be immortal in the history of Liverpool Football Club.
We played the first half so poor that it can end up 0-5 but somehow the result was only 0-3. In hindsight this is a good result as if it is 0-2 AC Milan will press for at least 15 minutes more in 2H and then it will be over. If it is 0-4 we just can't claw back. Rafa made a gamble and started Kewell and once again he screwed it up. This may be a blessing in disguise. The whole team played so bad that it is almost impossible to pick up one player that played well - maybe Finnan, but he also went injuried during half time and on come Hamann.
As Hamann comes up Rafa opted for an aggresive 3-2-4-1 formation and it paid off. Gerrard was then allowed to help the attack and he was as inspirational as he ever was. He scored the first goal, rolled the ball to Hamann who then rolled the ball to Smicer for the second goal, and get us the penalty that Alonso missed but hit on rebound. From then on there can only be one winner.
But the drama did not end here. In the extra time everybody were tired and Carra made 3 crucial tackles. Then Dudek's double save on Shevchenko just proved he is ready for the penalty kick. And don't forget he saved another one from Shevchenko when it was still 0-3.
On come the penalty shootout. Carra inspired Dudek to do the Grobbelaar tricks and we won the shootout. Brilliant!
Player Rating:
Dudek: 9 Maybe responsible for at least 2 of the 3 goals but has repaid by the heroic saves.
Finnan: 6 Was one of the better player in 1H but was injuried and can't carry on. But this proved to be a good blessing.
Carragher: 9 Did not perform in 1H, may be responsible for the 2nd goal, but was immortal in 2H and extra time for his numerous tackles.
Hyypia: 7.5 Maybe responsible for the 3rd goal, but also played much better in 2H.
Traore: 6.5 Responsible for 2 of the 3 goals, and conceded a freekick when we were 0-3 down but fortunately Dudek saved it. Was very nervous but later on he played much better.
Gerrard: 9 Was annoymous in 1H but after Hamann came on he became another player. Inspirational for all 3 goals.
Alonso: 7 He scored a great rebound after his first penalty was saved. And he dicitated our pace in 2H very well.
Garcia: 7 A little bit drop in standard but otherwise he had a good game.
Kewell: 4 Hopeless.
Riise: 7 Nice assist. Although he missed a penalty shootout but at the end it didn't matter.
Baros: 7 Fight alone against the Milan defense but it proved too much for him. But he did played a good game and contributed to the win.
Substitutions:
Smicer: 8 What a way to round up his Anfield career!
Hamann: 8.5 The catalyst for the come back. I wish Rafa will offer him another contract. And his penalty was not as bad as he thought!
Cisse: 6.5 Not much contribution and was guilty of selfish but at the end it din't matter.
Rafa: 10 Although his gamble failed his tactical resuffle was just a genius' act. We are really in good hands with such a great manager. Stevie G take note.
AC Milan: 8 Their 1H performance is as best as anything I ever seen. But they relaxed a bit and paid a heavy price.
Men of the Match: It has to be Rafa. But if I really need to pick from the players, I think Dudek, Carragher and Gerrard all played very well.
We played the first half so poor that it can end up 0-5 but somehow the result was only 0-3. In hindsight this is a good result as if it is 0-2 AC Milan will press for at least 15 minutes more in 2H and then it will be over. If it is 0-4 we just can't claw back. Rafa made a gamble and started Kewell and once again he screwed it up. This may be a blessing in disguise. The whole team played so bad that it is almost impossible to pick up one player that played well - maybe Finnan, but he also went injuried during half time and on come Hamann.
As Hamann comes up Rafa opted for an aggresive 3-2-4-1 formation and it paid off. Gerrard was then allowed to help the attack and he was as inspirational as he ever was. He scored the first goal, rolled the ball to Hamann who then rolled the ball to Smicer for the second goal, and get us the penalty that Alonso missed but hit on rebound. From then on there can only be one winner.
But the drama did not end here. In the extra time everybody were tired and Carra made 3 crucial tackles. Then Dudek's double save on Shevchenko just proved he is ready for the penalty kick. And don't forget he saved another one from Shevchenko when it was still 0-3.
On come the penalty shootout. Carra inspired Dudek to do the Grobbelaar tricks and we won the shootout. Brilliant!
Player Rating:
Dudek: 9 Maybe responsible for at least 2 of the 3 goals but has repaid by the heroic saves.
Finnan: 6 Was one of the better player in 1H but was injuried and can't carry on. But this proved to be a good blessing.
Carragher: 9 Did not perform in 1H, may be responsible for the 2nd goal, but was immortal in 2H and extra time for his numerous tackles.
Hyypia: 7.5 Maybe responsible for the 3rd goal, but also played much better in 2H.
Traore: 6.5 Responsible for 2 of the 3 goals, and conceded a freekick when we were 0-3 down but fortunately Dudek saved it. Was very nervous but later on he played much better.
Gerrard: 9 Was annoymous in 1H but after Hamann came on he became another player. Inspirational for all 3 goals.
Alonso: 7 He scored a great rebound after his first penalty was saved. And he dicitated our pace in 2H very well.
Garcia: 7 A little bit drop in standard but otherwise he had a good game.
Kewell: 4 Hopeless.
Riise: 7 Nice assist. Although he missed a penalty shootout but at the end it didn't matter.
Baros: 7 Fight alone against the Milan defense but it proved too much for him. But he did played a good game and contributed to the win.
Substitutions:
Smicer: 8 What a way to round up his Anfield career!
Hamann: 8.5 The catalyst for the come back. I wish Rafa will offer him another contract. And his penalty was not as bad as he thought!
Cisse: 6.5 Not much contribution and was guilty of selfish but at the end it din't matter.
Rafa: 10 Although his gamble failed his tactical resuffle was just a genius' act. We are really in good hands with such a great manager. Stevie G take note.
AC Milan: 8 Their 1H performance is as best as anything I ever seen. But they relaxed a bit and paid a heavy price.
Men of the Match: It has to be Rafa. But if I really need to pick from the players, I think Dudek, Carragher and Gerrard all played very well.
Wednesday, May 25, 2005
We believe
We believe we will win the Champions League. Milan may be a strong team but in Rafa we have a coach that can bring us glory. In Stevie G we have the best captain. In Carra we have the best center back and even Shankly will be pround of him.
And the Kop will be there to act as the 12th men. And Shankly, Paisley and Fagan will be awaken from their tombs to cheer for us as well. And there is a Football God to make sure we will win.
My Team Prediction:
Dudek
Finnan
Carragher
Hyypia
Traore
Alonso
Hamann
Garcia
Gerrard
Riise
Baros
Result 2-0
And the Kop will be there to act as the 12th men. And Shankly, Paisley and Fagan will be awaken from their tombs to cheer for us as well. And there is a Football God to make sure we will win.
My Team Prediction:
Dudek
Finnan
Carragher
Hyypia
Traore
Alonso
Hamann
Garcia
Gerrard
Riise
Baros
Result 2-0
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
Match Report 050515 vs Aston Villa: Cisse fully derseved the goals
2-1 and we saw Cisse scoring again. What a turnaround and what a strong character this guy has. I won't be surprised if Rafa decided to start him against AC Milan and he scores the winning goal.
Also, Carragher was rightly awarded the captain's armband for this game. And he performed very well, although the other defenders let him down again.
This match is probably the farewell game of many players. Good luck to them. Just don't play well against us.
Player Rating:
Carson: 7 A good display with a few great saves.
Josemi: 6 Haven't seen him for many months and he still have those basis errors. A nice assist though.
Carragher: 7.5 Captain marvel almost scored himself. And he is kind enough to stay back and allow Cisse to score the penalty.
Pellegrino: 5.5 This is probably his farewell game. Good luck man.
Warnock: 6.5 Based on current form Traore is a much better player than Warnock.
Alonso: 7 Pulling the strings as usual.
Biscan: 6.5 Tired towards the end and was rightly substituted by Hamann.
Nunez: 6.5 A fair game.
Kewell: 6.5 He has a few chances but didn't take it. Still been accused of unwilling to make any tackle.
Riise: 7 Performed as lively as usual. Missed a few chances as well.
Cisse: 9 It's really nice to see him back to the scoresheet. You really deserve it.
Substitutions:
Baros: 6.5 Work hard as usual. And he even pass the ball to Cisse on one occasion.
Hamann: 6.5 Provided some needed protection to the back 4 when Biscan faded.
Finnan: Not enough time to impress.
Rafa: 7 A season of change, most of the fans are satisfied with him although we are two points and one place below last year. But next year will be much better. And we now need to focus on the Champions League Final.
Aston Villa: 6 They only come back into the game after we faded.
Man of the Match: Cisse. Keep pushing for a starting place in the Champions League Final.
Also, Carragher was rightly awarded the captain's armband for this game. And he performed very well, although the other defenders let him down again.
This match is probably the farewell game of many players. Good luck to them. Just don't play well against us.
Player Rating:
Carson: 7 A good display with a few great saves.
Josemi: 6 Haven't seen him for many months and he still have those basis errors. A nice assist though.
Carragher: 7.5 Captain marvel almost scored himself. And he is kind enough to stay back and allow Cisse to score the penalty.
Pellegrino: 5.5 This is probably his farewell game. Good luck man.
Warnock: 6.5 Based on current form Traore is a much better player than Warnock.
Alonso: 7 Pulling the strings as usual.
Biscan: 6.5 Tired towards the end and was rightly substituted by Hamann.
Nunez: 6.5 A fair game.
Kewell: 6.5 He has a few chances but didn't take it. Still been accused of unwilling to make any tackle.
Riise: 7 Performed as lively as usual. Missed a few chances as well.
Cisse: 9 It's really nice to see him back to the scoresheet. You really deserve it.
Substitutions:
Baros: 6.5 Work hard as usual. And he even pass the ball to Cisse on one occasion.
Hamann: 6.5 Provided some needed protection to the back 4 when Biscan faded.
Finnan: Not enough time to impress.
Rafa: 7 A season of change, most of the fans are satisfied with him although we are two points and one place below last year. But next year will be much better. And we now need to focus on the Champions League Final.
Aston Villa: 6 They only come back into the game after we faded.
Man of the Match: Cisse. Keep pushing for a starting place in the Champions League Final.
Sunday, May 15, 2005
Time to recognize Carra's effort
Gerrard will be rested this game and I think it is time to recognize Carra's effort. Rafa, name him your captain.
My Team Prediction:
Dudek
Finnan
Carragher
Hyypia
Traore
Biscan
Hamann
Kewell
Alonso
Riise
Cisse
Result: 3-0
My Team Prediction:
Dudek
Finnan
Carragher
Hyypia
Traore
Biscan
Hamann
Kewell
Alonso
Riise
Cisse
Result: 3-0
Tuesday, May 10, 2005
Match Report 050508 at Arsenal: We don't deserve to finish 4th
1-3 and even though the result probably flattered Arsenal, over the season we just don't play good enough. This is especially true after an European game. We have lost 8 games (one is the league cup final) and drawn 4 games in that situation and 29 points are lost. If we can take half of these points we will be challenging Manchester for the 3rd spot. Is it due to the extra focus drawn from the Champions League or the fact that we don't have enough squad to compete in two fronts, or is it simple that we just aren't good enough? I am sure Rafa will find a solution next season.
The match actually started quite good with both teams scored disallowed goals. Then we let Arsenal control the game and as soon as we concede the first goal we just let them control the game. During second half Rafa made two substitutions and we were the better team. Unfortunately we didn't find the second goal and at the end we let them scored the third.
The worrying fact is that since Rafa probably fielded his starting 11 for the Champions League Final (maybe just swapping Baros with Cisse) the way we concede the two goals just make us worry. But then Rafa has a lot of time to fine-tune the team so let's see how it goes.
Player Rating:
Dudek: 5.5 Looks very nervous and was at fault for the first goal.
Finnan: 6 An average performance.
Carragher: 6.5 Has he not slipped Arsenal won't score the second goal. Other than that he played very well.
Hyypia: 5.5 Very shaky performance. Maybe Rafa has a point in resting him after European games.
Traore: 6.5 Worked very hard and even had a shot.
Alonso: 6.5 Poor in 1H but much better in 2H. A 50 yard long pass that found Cisse was especially spectacular.
Hamann: 6 Lucky to remain on the pitch. A below par performance.
Garcia: 6 Like Xabi, poor in 1H but much better in 2H.
Gerrard: 7 Like Xabi and Garcia. After he played in a deeper role in 2H he is much better.
Riise: 6 Guilty of not scoring the first goal, otherwise we may win the game. But in general it was not a bad performance although Rafa rested him for 2H.
Baros: 5 A very disappointing performance. Looks like he want to kick the players instead of the ball. And the way he handled the ball and score is just cheating. A well deserved yellow card.
Substitutions:
Cisse: 6.5 A lively performance but he may be to eager to score and wasted a lot of chances. But he played the lone striker role much better than Baros as he hold the ball better.
Kewell: 6 A good performance but he was unable to get pass the Arsenal defense.
Smicer: 6 Maybe this is his last game for us, and it was not a poor game.
Arsenal: 7 Showed in the 2H if you pressure them they will stumble. Maybe Rafa should take note of this for next season.
Rafa: 6 Not a good peformance but perhaps he will note how much better we played with Cisse on the pitch. The big question now is whether Cisse is fit enough to start.
Man of the match: Gerrard. Showed he excels at a deeper role.
The match actually started quite good with both teams scored disallowed goals. Then we let Arsenal control the game and as soon as we concede the first goal we just let them control the game. During second half Rafa made two substitutions and we were the better team. Unfortunately we didn't find the second goal and at the end we let them scored the third.
The worrying fact is that since Rafa probably fielded his starting 11 for the Champions League Final (maybe just swapping Baros with Cisse) the way we concede the two goals just make us worry. But then Rafa has a lot of time to fine-tune the team so let's see how it goes.
Player Rating:
Dudek: 5.5 Looks very nervous and was at fault for the first goal.
Finnan: 6 An average performance.
Carragher: 6.5 Has he not slipped Arsenal won't score the second goal. Other than that he played very well.
Hyypia: 5.5 Very shaky performance. Maybe Rafa has a point in resting him after European games.
Traore: 6.5 Worked very hard and even had a shot.
Alonso: 6.5 Poor in 1H but much better in 2H. A 50 yard long pass that found Cisse was especially spectacular.
Hamann: 6 Lucky to remain on the pitch. A below par performance.
Garcia: 6 Like Xabi, poor in 1H but much better in 2H.
Gerrard: 7 Like Xabi and Garcia. After he played in a deeper role in 2H he is much better.
Riise: 6 Guilty of not scoring the first goal, otherwise we may win the game. But in general it was not a bad performance although Rafa rested him for 2H.
Baros: 5 A very disappointing performance. Looks like he want to kick the players instead of the ball. And the way he handled the ball and score is just cheating. A well deserved yellow card.
Substitutions:
Cisse: 6.5 A lively performance but he may be to eager to score and wasted a lot of chances. But he played the lone striker role much better than Baros as he hold the ball better.
Kewell: 6 A good performance but he was unable to get pass the Arsenal defense.
Smicer: 6 Maybe this is his last game for us, and it was not a poor game.
Arsenal: 7 Showed in the 2H if you pressure them they will stumble. Maybe Rafa should take note of this for next season.
Rafa: 6 Not a good peformance but perhaps he will note how much better we played with Cisse on the pitch. The big question now is whether Cisse is fit enough to start.
Man of the match: Gerrard. Showed he excels at a deeper role.
Sunday, May 08, 2005
It's going to be tough
Everton won today and if we don't win at Arsenal, they will finish 4th. Even if we win the remaining 2 games they just need one more point. Should Rafa use these 2 games as a trial for the formation against AC Milan instead?
My Team Prediction:
Dudek
Finnan
Carragher
Hyypia
Traore
Alonso
Hamann
Garcia
Gerrard
Riise
Cisse
Result 2-0
My Team Prediction:
Dudek
Finnan
Carragher
Hyypia
Traore
Alonso
Hamann
Garcia
Gerrard
Riise
Cisse
Result 2-0
Wednesday, May 04, 2005
Match Report 050504 vs Chelsea: There is a Football God
1-0 and where should I begin? My emotion is still high. The scenes keep on replaying in my mind. The players are now one match away from greatness. And justice prevails.
Maybe Chelsea has brided the referee but forgot the linesman, but I think they are better off to concede that goal. Which one is easier, to chase for a goal for the remaining 95 minutes 35 seconds with 11 men, or to play with 10 men for that period, even if the penalty was missed?
It's fate that the last shot was from Gudjohnsen, who cheated and at the end he had to paid for what he did. The Football God had make sure there is justice.
And one last thing. Money may buy success but will never buy history and true fans. I am really proud being a Liverpool fan.
Player Rating:
Dudek: 8 Had only one save to made and saved it brilliantly. Although he spilled the ball in the dying minute but it did not matter.
Finnan: 7.5 Solid display and formed the solid back 4.
Carragher: 10 Mr Liverpool.
Hyypia: 9 Sami is back to his very best.
Traore: 8 He was just excellent and we are beginning to see his potential. Even had leisure time to deliver a great cross to Cisse.
Hamann: 7.5 He was a rock at protecting the back 4.
Biscan: 7.5 He has probably earned himself a contract and he derseves it.
Garcia: 7.5 Scored important goal once again. Although he lost procession in a crucial area but that did not matter.
Gerrard: 8 He may seemed to have an average game but it was his cunning pass that found Baros for that goal. And tactically he fulfilled what Rafa told him to do so. Now I am sure he will stay. Heart will win over head.
Riise: 8.5 Player like a left back more than a left midfielder for most of the game, but when everybody were tired, he provided the extra attacking source in the last 15 minutes.
Baros: 7.5 Although he once again failed to score but it was his flick on that lead to the goal. And he was very effective to run the Chelsea defense. Bring on the other Milan!
Substitutions:
Cisse: 7 A superb tactical move and he had many chances. A bit unlucky not to have scored.
Kewell: 7 His commitment is back. And he was very effective in running time.
Nunez: Not enough time to impress, but he did run out one or two minutes with Kewell and provided more width to us.
Rafa: 10 This is a tactical genius act. And he's the best manager of the world. How lucky we can get him.
Chelsea: 6 They don't have any lethal weapon without Robben/Duff.
Man of the match: Carragher. Although this is a team effort and Rafa probably should be the man of the match, but above all Carra was at the centre of it.
Maybe Chelsea has brided the referee but forgot the linesman, but I think they are better off to concede that goal. Which one is easier, to chase for a goal for the remaining 95 minutes 35 seconds with 11 men, or to play with 10 men for that period, even if the penalty was missed?
It's fate that the last shot was from Gudjohnsen, who cheated and at the end he had to paid for what he did. The Football God had make sure there is justice.
And one last thing. Money may buy success but will never buy history and true fans. I am really proud being a Liverpool fan.
Player Rating:
Dudek: 8 Had only one save to made and saved it brilliantly. Although he spilled the ball in the dying minute but it did not matter.
Finnan: 7.5 Solid display and formed the solid back 4.
Carragher: 10 Mr Liverpool.
Hyypia: 9 Sami is back to his very best.
Traore: 8 He was just excellent and we are beginning to see his potential. Even had leisure time to deliver a great cross to Cisse.
Hamann: 7.5 He was a rock at protecting the back 4.
Biscan: 7.5 He has probably earned himself a contract and he derseves it.
Garcia: 7.5 Scored important goal once again. Although he lost procession in a crucial area but that did not matter.
Gerrard: 8 He may seemed to have an average game but it was his cunning pass that found Baros for that goal. And tactically he fulfilled what Rafa told him to do so. Now I am sure he will stay. Heart will win over head.
Riise: 8.5 Player like a left back more than a left midfielder for most of the game, but when everybody were tired, he provided the extra attacking source in the last 15 minutes.
Baros: 7.5 Although he once again failed to score but it was his flick on that lead to the goal. And he was very effective to run the Chelsea defense. Bring on the other Milan!
Substitutions:
Cisse: 7 A superb tactical move and he had many chances. A bit unlucky not to have scored.
Kewell: 7 His commitment is back. And he was very effective in running time.
Nunez: Not enough time to impress, but he did run out one or two minutes with Kewell and provided more width to us.
Rafa: 10 This is a tactical genius act. And he's the best manager of the world. How lucky we can get him.
Chelsea: 6 They don't have any lethal weapon without Robben/Duff.
Man of the match: Carragher. Although this is a team effort and Rafa probably should be the man of the match, but above all Carra was at the centre of it.
Tuesday, May 03, 2005
Justice to be prevailed
If there is a football God he will be making sure we will win this game. If there is justice we will be treated fairly this time - finally.
Not matter where they will be, the players will know they may not get such a chance again, and if they grab it they will be amonst the great.
In Liverpool, we trust.
My Team Prediction:
Dudek
Finnan
Carragher
Hyypia
Traore
Hamann
Biscan
Garcia
Gerrard
Riise
Baros
Result 2-0
Not matter where they will be, the players will know they may not get such a chance again, and if they grab it they will be amonst the great.
In Liverpool, we trust.
My Team Prediction:
Dudek
Finnan
Carragher
Hyypia
Traore
Hamann
Biscan
Garcia
Gerrard
Riise
Baros
Result 2-0
April Month Review
3 wins, 4 draws and 2 defeats see us progress to the semi final of the Champions League and we are just 1 points closer to Everton but we only have 2 games left. It's not a good result on the league side, but it's very good in the Champions League side as we beat Juventus and draw them and Chelsea at their own ground.
The month started with a poor performance vs Bolton but thanks to Igor we won the game. Then we faced Juventus and beat them 2-1 with 2 superb goals. Unfortunately, our poor league form continued and we lost 0-1 at Manchester City at the last minute. Then we drawn Juventus at their home 0-0 and Carragher shown the Italians how to defend, and then another dull performance see us drawn 2-2 vs Spurs. Somehow we then won away at Portsmouth 2-1 but once again at the weekend we lost 0-1 to Palace in a very physical game. Then we drawn 0-0 at Chelsea for the first leg of the semi final and we concluded the month with another dull performance and drawn 1-1 at home vs Boro.
Players of the month (1) Hyypia 7.25 (2) Alonso 7.10 (3) Carragher/Garcia 7.00 Sami scored 2 great goals and finally get back to his best form. Xabi played like as if he was never injuried and we can just wonder how many more points we can get if he is with us all the time. And Carra and Garcia's good form continues.
May prediction:
5/3 Chelsea (H) We will beat them. 5th time lucky.
5/8 Arsenal (A) This is going to be tough as we need to beat them at home. But we need to try.
5/15 Aston Villa (H) No matter what we need to play well for the final game at home for the fans.
5/25 Champions League Final (N) The ultimate game. Bring on AC Milan/PSV.
The month started with a poor performance vs Bolton but thanks to Igor we won the game. Then we faced Juventus and beat them 2-1 with 2 superb goals. Unfortunately, our poor league form continued and we lost 0-1 at Manchester City at the last minute. Then we drawn Juventus at their home 0-0 and Carragher shown the Italians how to defend, and then another dull performance see us drawn 2-2 vs Spurs. Somehow we then won away at Portsmouth 2-1 but once again at the weekend we lost 0-1 to Palace in a very physical game. Then we drawn 0-0 at Chelsea for the first leg of the semi final and we concluded the month with another dull performance and drawn 1-1 at home vs Boro.
Players of the month (1) Hyypia 7.25 (2) Alonso 7.10 (3) Carragher/Garcia 7.00 Sami scored 2 great goals and finally get back to his best form. Xabi played like as if he was never injuried and we can just wonder how many more points we can get if he is with us all the time. And Carra and Garcia's good form continues.
May prediction:
5/3 Chelsea (H) We will beat them. 5th time lucky.
5/8 Arsenal (A) This is going to be tough as we need to beat them at home. But we need to try.
5/15 Aston Villa (H) No matter what we need to play well for the final game at home for the fans.
5/25 Champions League Final (N) The ultimate game. Bring on AC Milan/PSV.
Match Report 050430 vs Middlesbrough: We failed to close the gap once again
1-1 and we once again failed to close the gap, despite we can more or less expect such a result. We lost to a lame goal very early and keep pressing, despite we only played very well for the first 20 minutes in the second half. And Southgate was really class.
Player Rating:
Dudek: 6.5 Not much to do apart from that goal.
Finnan: 6.5 An average game.
Carragher: 6.5 Can't do anything about that goal, other than that he had a OK game.
Pellegrino: 5.5 This may be his last game for us. His slowness led to that goal.
Warnock: 6.5 Not much attacking contribution but defense-wise he's OK.
Nunez: 7 Had a very good game. His crosses was very dangerous and usually reached Nando, unfortunately Southgate had an excellent game and marked Nando out.
Gerrard: 7.5 Scored a magnificant goal. It's really nice to see him scoring such a goal before the Chelsea game.
Alonso: 6.5 For his high standard this is an average game.
Riise: 7 Played left midfielder in 1H and Centre back in 2H. Had nothing to do and even had time to assist Gerrard in that goal. Too bad Boro did not have enough pressure to check if he is the right partner of Carra.
Kewell: 7 A good game and looks like his injury is finally over despite he only had 80% fitness.
Morientes: 6.5 Marked out by Southgate.
Substitutions:
Garcia: 7 Had numerous chances but Boro defense is very hard to beat.
Cisse: 6 Running on the right midfield but not much contribution.
Hamann: It's good he's back as Alonso is suspended.
Rafa: 6.5 The lack of depth of the team, together with Boro's tight defense, made him frustuated one more time. Hope this is the last time.
Middlesbrough: 7 Had very good defensive display. I really hope they can edge out Spurs for the UEFA spot.
Man of the Match: Gerrard. Back to his best at the right time.
Player Rating:
Dudek: 6.5 Not much to do apart from that goal.
Finnan: 6.5 An average game.
Carragher: 6.5 Can't do anything about that goal, other than that he had a OK game.
Pellegrino: 5.5 This may be his last game for us. His slowness led to that goal.
Warnock: 6.5 Not much attacking contribution but defense-wise he's OK.
Nunez: 7 Had a very good game. His crosses was very dangerous and usually reached Nando, unfortunately Southgate had an excellent game and marked Nando out.
Gerrard: 7.5 Scored a magnificant goal. It's really nice to see him scoring such a goal before the Chelsea game.
Alonso: 6.5 For his high standard this is an average game.
Riise: 7 Played left midfielder in 1H and Centre back in 2H. Had nothing to do and even had time to assist Gerrard in that goal. Too bad Boro did not have enough pressure to check if he is the right partner of Carra.
Kewell: 7 A good game and looks like his injury is finally over despite he only had 80% fitness.
Morientes: 6.5 Marked out by Southgate.
Substitutions:
Garcia: 7 Had numerous chances but Boro defense is very hard to beat.
Cisse: 6 Running on the right midfield but not much contribution.
Hamann: It's good he's back as Alonso is suspended.
Rafa: 6.5 The lack of depth of the team, together with Boro's tight defense, made him frustuated one more time. Hope this is the last time.
Middlesbrough: 7 Had very good defensive display. I really hope they can edge out Spurs for the UEFA spot.
Man of the Match: Gerrard. Back to his best at the right time.
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