3 wins, 1 draw and 1 lost in January amd we lost 5 points in 2 away league games. The lowest point is no doubt the defeat at Manchester United, but it is sure that even though we lost that particular battle, we will win the war and finish higher than them, although we may not yet catch Chelsea. And for the highest point, is no doubt, the return of God. Expect to see his second debut vs Birmingham.
Players of the Month: (1) Gerrard 7.1 (2) Kewell 7.0 (3) Alonso 6.9. As usual Stevie G carries the team and scored in both FA Cup games. Kewell scored a well deserved cracker and win us the game against Spurs. And Alonso scored 2 amazing goals at Luton that averages 50 yards. Special credit must also be given to Sinama-Pongolle who scored 2 great goals at Luton as well.
February Prediction:
2/1 Birmingham City (h): Return of God.
2/5 Chelsea (a): If we want to maintain any slight hope of catching Chelsea, we must win this game.
2/8 Charlton Athletic (a): Charlton may have revived a little bit but we should win this. Remember God's overhead kick at the final game in the Treple Season there?
2/11 Wigan Athletic (a): Well done Wigan in getting into the League Cup Final, but we will beat them.
2/14 Arsenal (h): At this stage they will be preparing for Champions League.
2/18 Manchester United (h): 5th time lucky for Rafa.
2/21 Benfica (a): Return of European game, and we will get a result there.
2/26 Manchester City (h): Thanks City of allowing God to be back to his true home, but we will show no mercy.
Monday, January 30, 2006
Match Report 060129 at Portsmouth: A dull performance, but at least we are through
2-1 and it was not a good performance at all, but the result was good and we have now entered the hat for drawing Round 5.
The freshly laid field certainly does no good to the performance of both teams, and it was not until Stevie G slot in that penalty before we have a goal on target. After that Riise scored an absolute streamer. In 2H we were lapsed and let them score one. After that Riise almost score another one but unfortunately it was his right foot. But then it is enough and we are through.
Player Rating:
Reina: 6 An average performance but he was alert when Portsmouth have chance.
Kromkamp: 6 Not a good full debut.
Carragher: 7 Good as usual.
Hyypia: 6.5 Back from illness and performed OK.
Warnock: 6 An average performance.
Gerrard: 7 Scored from penalty.
Alonso: 6.5 Control the midfield without really sparkle.
Sissoko: 6 Not a good performance and please don't dive.
Riise: 7.5 Scored a cracker but should have score one more.
Cisse: 6.5 Feeling the pressure now and played quite good in 2H as right midfielder.
Morientes: 6 Apart from the assist had done nothing.
Substitutes:
Crouch/Finnan/Kewell: Not enough time to impress
Rafa: 6.5 Not a good performance from the team, but the result is OK.
Portsmouth: 6 Now they can concentrate the fight against relegation. But need to gear up 1 or 2 gears.
Man of the match: Riise. Nice goal that kill off the game.
The freshly laid field certainly does no good to the performance of both teams, and it was not until Stevie G slot in that penalty before we have a goal on target. After that Riise scored an absolute streamer. In 2H we were lapsed and let them score one. After that Riise almost score another one but unfortunately it was his right foot. But then it is enough and we are through.
Player Rating:
Reina: 6 An average performance but he was alert when Portsmouth have chance.
Kromkamp: 6 Not a good full debut.
Carragher: 7 Good as usual.
Hyypia: 6.5 Back from illness and performed OK.
Warnock: 6 An average performance.
Gerrard: 7 Scored from penalty.
Alonso: 6.5 Control the midfield without really sparkle.
Sissoko: 6 Not a good performance and please don't dive.
Riise: 7.5 Scored a cracker but should have score one more.
Cisse: 6.5 Feeling the pressure now and played quite good in 2H as right midfielder.
Morientes: 6 Apart from the assist had done nothing.
Substitutes:
Crouch/Finnan/Kewell: Not enough time to impress
Rafa: 6.5 Not a good performance from the team, but the result is OK.
Portsmouth: 6 Now they can concentrate the fight against relegation. But need to gear up 1 or 2 gears.
Man of the match: Riise. Nice goal that kill off the game.
Saturday, January 28, 2006
Welcome back, God
Yes, he's back. To me it is even a bigger news than Michael Jordan back to basketball. It is really surprised that he is still only 30 after all these years. I don't really mind if he can still perform for us, but he is a player with a Liverpool heart.
It's a pity he is cup-tied in FA Cup, but Champions League is on the way.
Welcome back!
It's a pity he is cup-tied in FA Cup, but Champions League is on the way.
Welcome back!
Friday, January 27, 2006
Rebound
After last week's underserved defeat now is the time to bounce back. Portsmouth was absolutely poor recently, and although we have never beat them in FA Cup, now is the time.
My Team Prediction:
Reina
Kromkamp
Carragher
Agger
Riise
Gerrard
Alonso
Sissoko
Kewell
Sinama-Pongolle
Morientes
Result: 2-0
My Team Prediction:
Reina
Kromkamp
Carragher
Agger
Riise
Gerrard
Alonso
Sissoko
Kewell
Sinama-Pongolle
Morientes
Result: 2-0
Monday, January 23, 2006
Match Report 060122 at Manchester United: We lost the battle, but will win the war
0-1 and we were very unlucky not to get at least 1 point in a game we dominated. Should the strikers be less wasteful we would have win the game easily. Anyway lady lucky was not on our side, and we shall move forward even though we failed to capitalize on a rare Chelsea slip.
Up front Cisse got a lot of sticks and was rightly so. Rafa need to find a way to solve this. We also lack smoothness in terms of passing, and are still extremely wasteful in set pieces. We also lacked a moment of concentration and paid the price. And we miss Luis Garcia.
Player Rating:
Reina: 6 Cannot do much on the goal but other than that he had a good and quiet game.
Finnan: 7 One of the better player on the field.
Carragher: 7 A good performance.
Hyypia: 6 At time he was exposed but overall he had a good game.
Riise: 6 Moving ups and downs but failed to create any real chances.
Gerrard: 6 1H as right midfielder, 2H as middleman, but not effective as he should be. And he need to mind his tackles at times.
Alonso: 6.5 Good quarterback performance.
Sissoko: 6.5 Good display with heart.
Kewell: 6.5 Played well with heart. This is what we like to see from Harry.
Cisse: 5.5 Guilty of missing the big chance with the goal at his mercy.
Crouch: 5.5 Very unproductive.
Substitutions:
Morientes: 6 Not much influence.
Sinama-Pongolle: 6 Tried hard but failed to impact.
Kromkamp: Not enough time to impress. Expect Rafa to start him at Portsmouth.
Rafa: 6 Failed to win the game with his changes this time.
Manchester United: 6 The better team lost. But we will edge them out, at least.
Men of the Match: Carragher and Finnan. Two good and consistent defenders.
Up front Cisse got a lot of sticks and was rightly so. Rafa need to find a way to solve this. We also lack smoothness in terms of passing, and are still extremely wasteful in set pieces. We also lacked a moment of concentration and paid the price. And we miss Luis Garcia.
Player Rating:
Reina: 6 Cannot do much on the goal but other than that he had a good and quiet game.
Finnan: 7 One of the better player on the field.
Carragher: 7 A good performance.
Hyypia: 6 At time he was exposed but overall he had a good game.
Riise: 6 Moving ups and downs but failed to create any real chances.
Gerrard: 6 1H as right midfielder, 2H as middleman, but not effective as he should be. And he need to mind his tackles at times.
Alonso: 6.5 Good quarterback performance.
Sissoko: 6.5 Good display with heart.
Kewell: 6.5 Played well with heart. This is what we like to see from Harry.
Cisse: 5.5 Guilty of missing the big chance with the goal at his mercy.
Crouch: 5.5 Very unproductive.
Substitutions:
Morientes: 6 Not much influence.
Sinama-Pongolle: 6 Tried hard but failed to impact.
Kromkamp: Not enough time to impress. Expect Rafa to start him at Portsmouth.
Rafa: 6 Failed to win the game with his changes this time.
Manchester United: 6 The better team lost. But we will edge them out, at least.
Men of the Match: Carragher and Finnan. Two good and consistent defenders.
Sunday, January 22, 2006
Thursday, January 19, 2006
Plan for a win
It's away at Old Tradford and although a draw would not be too bad for the race for second, Rafa will no doubt plan to win the game. It will probably be a very physical game, but with Kewell reborn, we can exploire their defense using Crouch's height and Cisse's speed. And we will show them where the Big Ear is.
My Team Prediction:
Reina
Finnan
Carragher
Hyypia
Riise
Gerrard
Alonso
Sissoko
Kewell
Cisse
Crouch
Result: 2-0
My Team Prediction:
Reina
Finnan
Carragher
Hyypia
Riise
Gerrard
Alonso
Sissoko
Kewell
Cisse
Crouch
Result: 2-0
Monday, January 16, 2006
Match Report 060114 vs Tottenham Hotspur: Revival of a great player
1-0 and it is the revival of Harry Kewell! Coping with the defeat of Manchedter United we are now in a firm position to capitalize in any potential Chelsea fall off.
Throughout the game we have controlled the game very well, the only scare period is after halftime when Spurs seemed to be geared up and we almost conceded goal. Robinson proves why he is England's no. 1, and it requires a superb strike from Harry Kewell that break the deadlock. He derserves to score such a goal, especially in front of the Kop, and also Carra's praise. Welcome back, Harry!
Player Rating:
Reina: 7 Good in goal and keeps his 8 consecutive home clean sheet.
Finnan: 7.5 Great crossing for the goal and is a constant threat from the right.
Carragher: 7 Superb defending at the back.
Hyypia: 7 Played much better than last game knowing that Agger has arrived. Healthly competition.
Riise: 7 Active on the left.
Gerrard: 7.5 Lift the team as usual.
Alonso: 7.5 Great vision in terms of his passes, and his goal in Luton makes the opponent goalkeeper afraid to come out too far away.
Sissoko: 7 He is more self-controlled and played very well in protecting the back 4.
Kewell: 8 Great goal to break the deadlock. He is back.
Morientes: 7 Tried hard but only hit the bar.
Crouch: 6.5 Had a free header saved early in the match.
Substitutions:
Cisse: 6.5 Provided another way of threat with his speed.
Kromkamp/Warnock: Not enough time to impress
Rafa: 7 His continuous faith in Kewell is finally repaid.
Tottenham Hotspur: 6.5 Tough to breakdown Robinson, but somehow their attack has an off day. But they will be there to challenge Arsenal for the 4th spot. Just ask Jol to shut his mouth.
Man of the Match: Kewell. A nice goal that deserves the endorsement of Carra and the Kop.
Throughout the game we have controlled the game very well, the only scare period is after halftime when Spurs seemed to be geared up and we almost conceded goal. Robinson proves why he is England's no. 1, and it requires a superb strike from Harry Kewell that break the deadlock. He derserves to score such a goal, especially in front of the Kop, and also Carra's praise. Welcome back, Harry!
Player Rating:
Reina: 7 Good in goal and keeps his 8 consecutive home clean sheet.
Finnan: 7.5 Great crossing for the goal and is a constant threat from the right.
Carragher: 7 Superb defending at the back.
Hyypia: 7 Played much better than last game knowing that Agger has arrived. Healthly competition.
Riise: 7 Active on the left.
Gerrard: 7.5 Lift the team as usual.
Alonso: 7.5 Great vision in terms of his passes, and his goal in Luton makes the opponent goalkeeper afraid to come out too far away.
Sissoko: 7 He is more self-controlled and played very well in protecting the back 4.
Kewell: 8 Great goal to break the deadlock. He is back.
Morientes: 7 Tried hard but only hit the bar.
Crouch: 6.5 Had a free header saved early in the match.
Substitutions:
Cisse: 6.5 Provided another way of threat with his speed.
Kromkamp/Warnock: Not enough time to impress
Rafa: 7 His continuous faith in Kewell is finally repaid.
Tottenham Hotspur: 6.5 Tough to breakdown Robinson, but somehow their attack has an off day. But they will be there to challenge Arsenal for the 4th spot. Just ask Jol to shut his mouth.
Man of the Match: Kewell. A nice goal that deserves the endorsement of Carra and the Kop.
Friday, January 13, 2006
Start of a critical period
There are lots of tough games in the coming week that will shape our season, as we will play the first 5 teams in the league that starts with Spurs at home tomorrow. The defenders may look at bit tired and conceded 5 goals in the last 2 games, but with new signings arrived Rafa will be able to rotate the players a little.
My Team Prediction:
Reina
Kromkamp
Carragher
Hyypia
Riise
Gerrard
Alonso
Sissoko
Kewell
Cisse
Crouch
Result 2-0
My Team Prediction:
Reina
Kromkamp
Carragher
Hyypia
Riise
Gerrard
Alonso
Sissoko
Kewell
Cisse
Crouch
Result 2-0
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Match Report 060107 at Luton Town: Great result, poor performance
5-3 and it was a roller coaster that we went from 1-0 to 1-3 and win the game 5-3. From an entertainment point of view this is a great game, but from the team's point of view there are lots of things to worry like the defense started to leak goals, and the players were tired or complacement. The good thing is that perhaps it that the players have enough quality and belief to win the game, and now is probably a good time to refresh ourselves and to gear up for the rest of the season.
We filed a very strong starting 11 with Reina the only first team player rested. We did not start too well and Luton were the better team. Maybe due to tireness or the absense of Reina, the defense were pressured wave by wave. Somehow Stevie G scored a great goal, but after that Luton did not give up and derserved to scored two nice goals in the expense of the very poor defense.
After the break we come out better with Cisse moved to right and Stevie G moved to central. We have a penalty but Cisse missed it. Then Luton had a penalty and promptly scored. At this point of time we stil have a lot of time, and with a tactical masterstroke Rafa turned it around. The introduction of Sinama Pongolle started another comeback and quickly he scored. From this point onward it is only a matter of time on when the 2nd goal will be scored. And it came from a superb 40 yard lob from Xabi. We keep pressuring, and Luton is now tired, and Sinama scored a header and we are up front again. At the stoppage Xabi shown his great football sense as he turned the Luton goalie who came up for a corner and scored from 60 yards. And this goal won a punter 25,000 pounds.
Player Rating:
Carson: 5.5 Leaked 3 goals and should have done better.
Finnan: 6.5 The better defender and he had a great cross for Sinama's header.
Carragher: 6 A poor day for Carra as he was turned for a goal conceded.
Hyypia: 5.5 One of his worst game for us. Tired and outplayed for too many times.
Riise: 6 As with the other defenders he did not have a good game.
Gerrard: 7 Whether he was disinterested or showing complacement or don't think the match is over is subject to debate. But at 1-3 it was him who rally the boys through.
Alonso: 7 Very poor 1H as he was outmuscled (probably the same reason Rafa didn't start him at Bolton), but scored two wonderful goals in 2H that averaged 50 yards.
Sissoko: 5.5 His worst game for us, and could have been sent off for a bad tackle.
Kewell: A fair game with not too many contribution. But it is clear that Rafa rated him very high.
Cisse: 6.5 Had a penalty saved.
Crouch: 6 Outmuscled by the Luton boys???!!!
Substitutions:
Sinama Pongolle: 8.5 As in the Olympiakos game, Sinama come from the bench and scored for us - this time 2 goals. This is the first game he scored more than 1 for us, and he has a very big Liverpool heart, unlike Le Tallec. Rafa please take note.
Kromkamp/Warnock: Not enough time to impress. Welcome on board Jan!
Rafa: 7 He proved he can really turnaround a game, this time by the timely substitution. But he would be angry about the complamency.
Luton: 7 Credits to them and particular their manager Newell. If they have enough stamina to press for 90 minutes we were already out.
Man of the Match: Sinama Pongolle. Don't loan him out.
We filed a very strong starting 11 with Reina the only first team player rested. We did not start too well and Luton were the better team. Maybe due to tireness or the absense of Reina, the defense were pressured wave by wave. Somehow Stevie G scored a great goal, but after that Luton did not give up and derserved to scored two nice goals in the expense of the very poor defense.
After the break we come out better with Cisse moved to right and Stevie G moved to central. We have a penalty but Cisse missed it. Then Luton had a penalty and promptly scored. At this point of time we stil have a lot of time, and with a tactical masterstroke Rafa turned it around. The introduction of Sinama Pongolle started another comeback and quickly he scored. From this point onward it is only a matter of time on when the 2nd goal will be scored. And it came from a superb 40 yard lob from Xabi. We keep pressuring, and Luton is now tired, and Sinama scored a header and we are up front again. At the stoppage Xabi shown his great football sense as he turned the Luton goalie who came up for a corner and scored from 60 yards. And this goal won a punter 25,000 pounds.
Player Rating:
Carson: 5.5 Leaked 3 goals and should have done better.
Finnan: 6.5 The better defender and he had a great cross for Sinama's header.
Carragher: 6 A poor day for Carra as he was turned for a goal conceded.
Hyypia: 5.5 One of his worst game for us. Tired and outplayed for too many times.
Riise: 6 As with the other defenders he did not have a good game.
Gerrard: 7 Whether he was disinterested or showing complacement or don't think the match is over is subject to debate. But at 1-3 it was him who rally the boys through.
Alonso: 7 Very poor 1H as he was outmuscled (probably the same reason Rafa didn't start him at Bolton), but scored two wonderful goals in 2H that averaged 50 yards.
Sissoko: 5.5 His worst game for us, and could have been sent off for a bad tackle.
Kewell: A fair game with not too many contribution. But it is clear that Rafa rated him very high.
Cisse: 6.5 Had a penalty saved.
Crouch: 6 Outmuscled by the Luton boys???!!!
Substitutions:
Sinama Pongolle: 8.5 As in the Olympiakos game, Sinama come from the bench and scored for us - this time 2 goals. This is the first game he scored more than 1 for us, and he has a very big Liverpool heart, unlike Le Tallec. Rafa please take note.
Kromkamp/Warnock: Not enough time to impress. Welcome on board Jan!
Rafa: 7 He proved he can really turnaround a game, this time by the timely substitution. But he would be angry about the complamency.
Luton: 7 Credits to them and particular their manager Newell. If they have enough stamina to press for 90 minutes we were already out.
Man of the Match: Sinama Pongolle. Don't loan him out.
Friday, January 06, 2006
We want to win the FA Cup as well
After the "mistake" last season in sending a weak team and lost to Burney, Rafa will send a stronger team this time. The fans love the Cup and although Luton may be a tricky draw, the teams are motivated to win it.
My Team Prediction:
Dudek
Kromkamp
Carragher
Hyypia
Riise
Potter
Gerrard
Sissoko
Kewell
Sinama-Pongolle
Crouch
Result: 3-0
My Team Prediction:
Dudek
Kromkamp
Carragher
Hyypia
Riise
Potter
Gerrard
Sissoko
Kewell
Sinama-Pongolle
Crouch
Result: 3-0
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
Midterm Report
We played 35 games in the first half of the season, 4 games more than the same period last time. We have 22 wins 8 draws and 5 defeats, which is a big improvement than last year. In the league we won 12 matches, drawn 5 and lost 2 with 41 points and sitting in 3rd place, 17 points behind leader Chelsea (2 games in hand), 3 points behind 2nd place Manchester United (1 game in hand). In Champions League we are in last 16 but was already out of the League Cup. With 19 league games remaining the highest we can get is 98 points.
Departmental Comments:
Goalkeeper
Reina is a big rock in the goal although at times he was nervous. But with 22 clean sheets in 35 games you cannot say he is poor. Dudek did not get a chance to play and he may want to leave to save his World Cup dream, but Rafa may have a second thought. Carson also featured in 3 games.
Defence
Carragher and Hyypia are just two magnificant giants at the back, although Rafa will still look for backup for them. Finnan also played very well and was the unsung hero. With Kromcamp coming there will also be a good backup and provide some competition in this area. Warnock, Riise and Traore all featured as left back and looks like Rafa will continue to rotate among the three, with Riise the obvious first choice. If needed, we will have Whitbread and Ravan to be called up from the reserve and they may yet feature in the FA Cup.
Midfielder
Our strongest department and lots of goals scored here. Stevie G is getting better and better and even shines at right midfield. Alonso and Sissoko provided solid support in the middle, with Xabi sitting back as a quarterback and Sissoko doing all the Hamann jobs. At the two franks Luis Garcia played quite well although at time still suffer from inconsistency, and Harry Kewell is getting better and better. It was a pity that with Zenden started to gel into the team, he got an injury and we missed him for several months. Rafa may still need to improve by adding a right midfielder.
Attackers:
Crouch is scoring for fun recently and Cisse and Morientes also played well, although not as good as people think they should be. Apart from the big three Sinama-Pongolle also featured a few games, although he has not proved to provide a big impact yet. Rafa probably will not buy or sell any player in this department.
Player Rating (Games played, Minutes played, Goal scored/conceded, Assists/cleansheets, MoM, Rating)
Goalkeepers
Reina: 32G 2910M 16GC 22CS 0.5MoM 6.69
Carson: 3G 270M 3GC 1CS 0MoM 6.33
Dudek: 9 unused substitutes
Defenders
Carragher: 32G 2874M 1GS 2A 3MoM 6.92
Finnan: 28G 2473M 0GS 2A 0MoM 6.57
Hyypia: 34G 3053M 0GS 0A 1.5MoM 6.62
Josemi: 12G 832M 0GS 0A 0MoM 6.39
Medjani: 1 unused substitute
Raven: 1G 90M 0GS 0A 0MoM 6.00
Riise: 29G 2051M 1GS 4A 1MoM 6.75
Traore: 14G 815M 0GS 0A 0MoM 6.28
Warnock: 18G 1322M 0GS 0A 1MoM 6.31
Whitbread: 3G 216M 0GS 0A 0MoM 6.33
Midfielders
Alonso: 29G 2305M 3GS 4A 5MoM 7.07
Baragan: 1G 12M 1GS 0A 0MoM n/a
Gerrard: 30G 2351M 15GS 9A 10MoM 7.33
Hamann: 18G 1320M 0GS 1A MoM 6.56
Kewell: 16G 827M 0GS 3A 0MoM 6.93
Le Tallec: 2G 148 0GS 1A 0MoM 6.50
Luis Garcia: 33G 2027M 7GS 3A 4MoM 6.71
Potter: 7G 400M 0GS 0A 0MoM 6.42
Zenden: 17G 1095M 2GS 2A 0MoM 6.60
Attackers:
Baros: 2G 38M 0G 0A 0MoM 6.50
Cisse: 31G 1687M 12GS 2A 2MoM 6.78
Crouch: 27G 1832M 6GS 3A 3MoM 6.79
Morientes: 24G 1574M 6GS 2A 2.5MoM 6.66
Sinama-Pongolle: 14G 490M 1GS 0A 0MoM 6.45
Players of the 1st half season (1000 mins or above):
(1) Gerrard 7.33
(2) Alonso 7.07
(3) Carragher 6.92
(4) Crouch 6.79
(5) Cisse/Sissoko 6.78
Rafa: 6.74 Rafa had successfully planted his team concept to the players and we now have a very solid and difficult to beat team. The 10 games winning streak is an evidence of it. The defense look very strong and nobody question the zonal system anymore. Although the forwards may at time be quesitioned for lack of goals, but with goals flying in from everywhere, who cares?
2H Result Prediction
League:
1st-6th place teams (Chelsea A, Manchester United A, Tottenham H, Wigan Athletic A, Arsenal H/A) 3W3D0L
7th-10th place teams (Bolton H, Blackburn A, Manchester City H, West Ham A) 3W1D
11th-15th place teams (Newcastle A, Aston Villa H, Charlton H/A, Fulham H, Everton H) 4W2D
16th-20th place teams (West Bromwich Albion A, Portsmouth A, Birmingham City H) 3W0D0L
Total for 2H 13W6D0L 45 points
Total for the season 86 points
Champions League: Same comment as last season, and same result?
Another good draw and we should be able to go through to quarter final. As the strong teams are playing each other in final 16, with a bit luck we can get a good draw, and who knows where we will end up to be?
FA Cup: Luton away should not poise too much problem, and Rafa will learn from last year's mistake. With a bit of luck in the draw we will win this.
Departmental Comments:
Goalkeeper
Reina is a big rock in the goal although at times he was nervous. But with 22 clean sheets in 35 games you cannot say he is poor. Dudek did not get a chance to play and he may want to leave to save his World Cup dream, but Rafa may have a second thought. Carson also featured in 3 games.
Defence
Carragher and Hyypia are just two magnificant giants at the back, although Rafa will still look for backup for them. Finnan also played very well and was the unsung hero. With Kromcamp coming there will also be a good backup and provide some competition in this area. Warnock, Riise and Traore all featured as left back and looks like Rafa will continue to rotate among the three, with Riise the obvious first choice. If needed, we will have Whitbread and Ravan to be called up from the reserve and they may yet feature in the FA Cup.
Midfielder
Our strongest department and lots of goals scored here. Stevie G is getting better and better and even shines at right midfield. Alonso and Sissoko provided solid support in the middle, with Xabi sitting back as a quarterback and Sissoko doing all the Hamann jobs. At the two franks Luis Garcia played quite well although at time still suffer from inconsistency, and Harry Kewell is getting better and better. It was a pity that with Zenden started to gel into the team, he got an injury and we missed him for several months. Rafa may still need to improve by adding a right midfielder.
Attackers:
Crouch is scoring for fun recently and Cisse and Morientes also played well, although not as good as people think they should be. Apart from the big three Sinama-Pongolle also featured a few games, although he has not proved to provide a big impact yet. Rafa probably will not buy or sell any player in this department.
Player Rating (Games played, Minutes played, Goal scored/conceded, Assists/cleansheets, MoM, Rating)
Goalkeepers
Reina: 32G 2910M 16GC 22CS 0.5MoM 6.69
Carson: 3G 270M 3GC 1CS 0MoM 6.33
Dudek: 9 unused substitutes
Defenders
Carragher: 32G 2874M 1GS 2A 3MoM 6.92
Finnan: 28G 2473M 0GS 2A 0MoM 6.57
Hyypia: 34G 3053M 0GS 0A 1.5MoM 6.62
Josemi: 12G 832M 0GS 0A 0MoM 6.39
Medjani: 1 unused substitute
Raven: 1G 90M 0GS 0A 0MoM 6.00
Riise: 29G 2051M 1GS 4A 1MoM 6.75
Traore: 14G 815M 0GS 0A 0MoM 6.28
Warnock: 18G 1322M 0GS 0A 1MoM 6.31
Whitbread: 3G 216M 0GS 0A 0MoM 6.33
Midfielders
Alonso: 29G 2305M 3GS 4A 5MoM 7.07
Baragan: 1G 12M 1GS 0A 0MoM n/a
Gerrard: 30G 2351M 15GS 9A 10MoM 7.33
Hamann: 18G 1320M 0GS 1A MoM 6.56
Kewell: 16G 827M 0GS 3A 0MoM 6.93
Le Tallec: 2G 148 0GS 1A 0MoM 6.50
Luis Garcia: 33G 2027M 7GS 3A 4MoM 6.71
Potter: 7G 400M 0GS 0A 0MoM 6.42
Zenden: 17G 1095M 2GS 2A 0MoM 6.60
Attackers:
Baros: 2G 38M 0G 0A 0MoM 6.50
Cisse: 31G 1687M 12GS 2A 2MoM 6.78
Crouch: 27G 1832M 6GS 3A 3MoM 6.79
Morientes: 24G 1574M 6GS 2A 2.5MoM 6.66
Sinama-Pongolle: 14G 490M 1GS 0A 0MoM 6.45
Players of the 1st half season (1000 mins or above):
(1) Gerrard 7.33
(2) Alonso 7.07
(3) Carragher 6.92
(4) Crouch 6.79
(5) Cisse/Sissoko 6.78
Rafa: 6.74 Rafa had successfully planted his team concept to the players and we now have a very solid and difficult to beat team. The 10 games winning streak is an evidence of it. The defense look very strong and nobody question the zonal system anymore. Although the forwards may at time be quesitioned for lack of goals, but with goals flying in from everywhere, who cares?
2H Result Prediction
League:
1st-6th place teams (Chelsea A, Manchester United A, Tottenham H, Wigan Athletic A, Arsenal H/A) 3W3D0L
7th-10th place teams (Bolton H, Blackburn A, Manchester City H, West Ham A) 3W1D
11th-15th place teams (Newcastle A, Aston Villa H, Charlton H/A, Fulham H, Everton H) 4W2D
16th-20th place teams (West Bromwich Albion A, Portsmouth A, Birmingham City H) 3W0D0L
Total for 2H 13W6D0L 45 points
Total for the season 86 points
Champions League: Same comment as last season, and same result?
Another good draw and we should be able to go through to quarter final. As the strong teams are playing each other in final 16, with a bit luck we can get a good draw, and who knows where we will end up to be?
FA Cup: Luton away should not poise too much problem, and Rafa will learn from last year's mistake. With a bit of luck in the draw we will win this.
Match Report 060102 at Bolton Wanderers: The streak has ended
2-2 and our 10 games winner streak has ended. Bolton played very physically on a poor pitch and we gifted them the opening goal. The defense looks very shaky, and the referee's decisions are questionable. Now we need to start another winner streak, and to maintain our unbeaten run.
Player Rating:
Reina: 5.5 Dropped the ball and was very nervous throughout the game.
Finnan: 6.5 The better defender of the day.
Carragher: 6 Seemed to lost his temper and even kicked Diouf.
Hyypia: 6 Tried to save Reina but unfortunately kicked the ball to Jaidi for the first goal.
Traore: 6 Poor in the first 30 minutes but get better afterwards. Had a nice shot saved.
Gerrard: 8 Lost temper as well, but at the end we have 1 point from his leadership.
Sissoko: 6 Could be sent off in this highly physical game.
Hamann: 6 A very poor performance from Didi. Unable to pass the ball or defend the back 4.
Kewell: 7 Had lots of opportunities but unable to find the net.
Sinama-Pongolle: 5.5 Outmuscled by the Bolton players.
Crouch: 6.5 Unable to find a clear cut chance.
Substitutions:
Luis Garcia: 7 Available at the right time. Scored a beauty.
Alonso: 7 Provided a great assist.
Cisse: 7 Almost scored the winner.
Rafa: 6 Maybe he should not play Sinama-Pongolle given Bolton is a strong physical side.
Bolton: 6.5 Played a highly physical game plan and succeed in getting the point.
Player of the Match: Gerrard. Lead by example and earned a penalty and converted it.
Player Rating:
Reina: 5.5 Dropped the ball and was very nervous throughout the game.
Finnan: 6.5 The better defender of the day.
Carragher: 6 Seemed to lost his temper and even kicked Diouf.
Hyypia: 6 Tried to save Reina but unfortunately kicked the ball to Jaidi for the first goal.
Traore: 6 Poor in the first 30 minutes but get better afterwards. Had a nice shot saved.
Gerrard: 8 Lost temper as well, but at the end we have 1 point from his leadership.
Sissoko: 6 Could be sent off in this highly physical game.
Hamann: 6 A very poor performance from Didi. Unable to pass the ball or defend the back 4.
Kewell: 7 Had lots of opportunities but unable to find the net.
Sinama-Pongolle: 5.5 Outmuscled by the Bolton players.
Crouch: 6.5 Unable to find a clear cut chance.
Substitutions:
Luis Garcia: 7 Available at the right time. Scored a beauty.
Alonso: 7 Provided a great assist.
Cisse: 7 Almost scored the winner.
Rafa: 6 Maybe he should not play Sinama-Pongolle given Bolton is a strong physical side.
Bolton: 6.5 Played a highly physical game plan and succeed in getting the point.
Player of the Match: Gerrard. Lead by example and earned a penalty and converted it.
Monday, January 02, 2006
Beware of the potential banana skin
Away at Bolton is a tricky game. We lost there last year as they scored a tricky free kick, and Luis Garcia's debut goal was incorrectly disallowed. This time, our team is much well prepared and we will fight for a win.
My Team Prediction:
Reina
Finnan
Carragher
Hyypia
Warnock
Gerrard
Alonso
Sissoko
Kewell
Crouch
Cisse
Result: 2-0
My Team Prediction:
Reina
Finnan
Carragher
Hyypia
Warnock
Gerrard
Alonso
Sissoko
Kewell
Crouch
Cisse
Result: 2-0
December Month Report
6 wins, 1 draw and 1 defeat in December and we are still in our 10 game unbeaten league one. We should have win the Sao Paolo game as well but the referee just disallowed our 3 goals. Rafa's team has formed and we are a big red mean machine. Teams are fearing us again. And Crouch is scoring for fun. Thanks a lot Rafa for all these.
Players of the Month: (1) Crouch: 7.64 (2) Gerrard 7.50 (3) Alonso (7.29). Kewell (7.21) and Morientes (7.20) also come close. Crouch scored 7 goals in the month and is really full of confidence. The Captain also linked up well with Crouch and is scoring for fun as well. Alonso played well in organising the team in the DM position.
January Prediction:
1/2 Bolton Wanderers (a); This is a potential banana skin and we should be careful. Luis Garcia to score the goal that should be counted?
1/7 Luton Town (a): Rafa had learned it the hard way last year and will put a stronger team this time.
1/14 Tottenham Hotspur (h): Rafa's teams had not beat Spur in regular time yet (4 consecutive draws) and this is the time to beat them.
1/22 Manchester United (a): If we win we will be very likely to finish at least 2nd place.
1/28 FA Cup 4th Round: No matter who we draw we should go through.
1/31 Birmingham City (h): Rafa's team has not beat them yet (2 losts and 1 draw) and motivation is high to beat them.
Players of the Month: (1) Crouch: 7.64 (2) Gerrard 7.50 (3) Alonso (7.29). Kewell (7.21) and Morientes (7.20) also come close. Crouch scored 7 goals in the month and is really full of confidence. The Captain also linked up well with Crouch and is scoring for fun as well. Alonso played well in organising the team in the DM position.
January Prediction:
1/2 Bolton Wanderers (a); This is a potential banana skin and we should be careful. Luis Garcia to score the goal that should be counted?
1/7 Luton Town (a): Rafa had learned it the hard way last year and will put a stronger team this time.
1/14 Tottenham Hotspur (h): Rafa's teams had not beat Spur in regular time yet (4 consecutive draws) and this is the time to beat them.
1/22 Manchester United (a): If we win we will be very likely to finish at least 2nd place.
1/28 FA Cup 4th Round: No matter who we draw we should go through.
1/31 Birmingham City (h): Rafa's team has not beat them yet (2 losts and 1 draw) and motivation is high to beat them.
Match Report 051231 vs West Bromwich Albion: Perfect 10 to end 2005
1-0 and we have won 10 consecutive games in a row. Although Chelsea also win, we are still in a position to capitalize any Chelsea slip. Credit must be given to Rafa who had planted his tactic to each team player.
We earned enough chance to win 5-0 but the West Brom goalkeeper is just very good, but Crouch did managed to put the ball into the net with a nice header. The only bad point from the match is that we seemed to focus on long shots too frequently. Maybe this is a result of the tight defense, but surely Rafa will take note of this.
Player Rating:
Reina: 7 Very quiet New Year's eve and made the team to feel safe.
Finnan: 7 Solid defense and some good crossing as well.
Carragher: 7 Good defending and did come up for attack a few chance, although didn't help much.
Hyypia: 7 Good defending as a group.
Riise: 7 Good defending and helped attack as well.
Luis Garcia: 7 His form seemed to be dipped a bit, and at times he is guilty of losing the ball.
Gerrard: 7.5 Leading with example once again.
Alonso: 7.5 Good organizer in the middle.
Kewell: 7.5 Played one of his best game for us, with a nice assist and earned a well deserved standing ovation.
Cisse: 7 Injuried slightly but in general played a good game.
Crouch: 8 Scored the winner with a nice header.
Substitutions:
Sinama-Pongolle: 7 Lively performance.
Sissoko/Traore: The Mali duo did not have enough time to impress.
Rafa: 7 Nice tactic and found a way to tear the West Brom defense.
West Bromwich Albion: 6.5 Solid defending, and if they can improve on their attack they can stay up.
Man of the Match: Crouch. 7 goals in December, well done man!
We earned enough chance to win 5-0 but the West Brom goalkeeper is just very good, but Crouch did managed to put the ball into the net with a nice header. The only bad point from the match is that we seemed to focus on long shots too frequently. Maybe this is a result of the tight defense, but surely Rafa will take note of this.
Player Rating:
Reina: 7 Very quiet New Year's eve and made the team to feel safe.
Finnan: 7 Solid defense and some good crossing as well.
Carragher: 7 Good defending and did come up for attack a few chance, although didn't help much.
Hyypia: 7 Good defending as a group.
Riise: 7 Good defending and helped attack as well.
Luis Garcia: 7 His form seemed to be dipped a bit, and at times he is guilty of losing the ball.
Gerrard: 7.5 Leading with example once again.
Alonso: 7.5 Good organizer in the middle.
Kewell: 7.5 Played one of his best game for us, with a nice assist and earned a well deserved standing ovation.
Cisse: 7 Injuried slightly but in general played a good game.
Crouch: 8 Scored the winner with a nice header.
Substitutions:
Sinama-Pongolle: 7 Lively performance.
Sissoko/Traore: The Mali duo did not have enough time to impress.
Rafa: 7 Nice tactic and found a way to tear the West Brom defense.
West Bromwich Albion: 6.5 Solid defending, and if they can improve on their attack they can stay up.
Man of the Match: Crouch. 7 goals in December, well done man!
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