It was one year ago that we became the European Champions the 5th time and were entitled to keep the Big Ear forever. The memory is still here, but before it fades out, I need to keep it down.
It all began 2 years ago. We met Newcastle in the last game of the season, but since they did not beat Southampton the match before, we were virtually secured 4th place. This made me feel safe to travel to Melbourne on that Saturday night to have missed the game.
After the season is over Houllier resigned and Benitez arrived. It was certainly a season of changing, and Gerrard almost left. Luckily he didn't, but a certain striker did - he even sit out the Champions League 3rd round qualifier for this purporse. We rolled through to the Group Stage and was playing just OK. Misjudgement by the referees like the Saviola goal did not help, and we went into the last game knowing we need to beat Olympiakos by 2 goals to qualify.
The match was not going well in the first half. We were one down by a Rivaldo freekick and need to score three in the second half. Rafa brought up Sinama-Pongolle and he scored one. Then he brough up Mellor and he did the same. Time was running out, then come Stevie G, scoring a thrunder from 30 yards out and we were through. Now bring on Leverkusen.
At this stage I had some hope that perhaps this would be our season, although very few people gave us any chance at all. Leverkusen were duly destroyed, then came Juventus. It was fate that brought us together, 20 years after the Hasel tragedy. We won the first game 2-1 and kept a clean sheet at their home. And we were in the semi-final and next came Chelsea, the team we lost 3 times already that season.
First leg was a good 0-0, although the result was good, but we should have won the game. In the second leg the Kop did its best and sucked Luis Garcia's shot into the net. We kept our heads high, then in the 96th minute Gudjohnsen was very close to score - so close that the Football God came out and prevented the goal, and we were in the Final in Istanbul. I would have quite watching football if he scored, for that means there is no justice at all. After this game I cried - for we finally broke all omens and in the Final, after 20 years.
I have never been so nervous before. The match was on a Wednesday, and I began to feel nervous on Monday. On Tuesday I received the Champions League Final jersey and then came the Wednesday. I wore the jersey and we were well beaten 0-3 in 1H. I was hoping this was just a dream, and slightly think of the games at Basel and vs Olympiakos. I took off the jersey and wore my usual Stevie G #8 jersey on, and somehow, we came back. At 1-3 I thought it is good to get some pride back, but after Smicer scored that beauty, I knew we have a chance. Then Xabi missed that penalty and hit the rebound, I knew we can win it. Then we rolled on, and at the end of extra time, Dudek made that impossible double saves of Shevchenko, and I knew we will win. For the Football God won't be that crual and carry us so far and drop us.
Then came the penalty shootout. First came Milan and Dudek saved. From our side it was Hamann. I remembered his miss at Cardiff at that League Cup Final, but this time he made it. Then Dudek saved. Next came Cisse, who's miracle return from injury and scored the penalty. Then AC Milan scored and Riise missed. It was 2-2. Next came Smicer, a guy who had his heart with the Club, but due to injuries was never fulfilled his truth potential, scored his last goal for us. Now it's Shevchenko, the best striker in the world. But this was not his day and Dudek saved. And the rest is history.
Somehow I didn't cry this time, for maybe I have lost all my energy, but I am proud of the team. For this is certainly not the best team on the pitch apart from that 6 minutes, but due to their belief, together with the supporting fans, we made the impossible possible.
Monday, May 29, 2006
Friday, May 26, 2006
First to leave
Morientes became the first First-Team player to leave this off-season. It is a really pity that he did not play as good as his fame, but certainly he will be easier to adapt to Spain.
Good luck Nando.
Good luck Nando.
Monday, May 22, 2006
2005/06 Season Review
Another season, another trophy. We also improved a lot in the league, and depends on how well Rafa can improve the team, we will be a serious challenger for the title. Now the team has some steal in it especially at home and we have the tag of "difficult to beat" attached. Next season will be even more challenging and let's see if we can win the big thing finally.
Player Rating (Games played, Minutes played, Goal scored/conceded, Assists/cleansheets, MoM, Rating)
Goalkeepers:
Carson: 4G 360M 6GC 1CS 0MoM 6.13
Dudek: 6G 459M 4GC 2CS 0MoM 6.60
Reina: 53G 4821M 34GC 30CS 2.5MoM 6.75
Reina was the number one in the post and did his job very well, with 30 clean sheets in his bag. He imposes a sense of security to the defenders. Although he may lost focus at times (especially the Birmingham away league game and the FA Cup Final) but in general he did very well.
Although Dudek lost his place to Reina he still played well whenever he is called up. Carson did not have any big progress at all and had eventually loaned out. One of them may be leaving this summer.
Defenders:
Agger: 4G 360M 0GS 0A 0MoM 6.63
Carragher: 57G 5154M 1GS 2A 6MoM 6.94
Finnan: 52G 4556M 0GS 7A 1.5MoM 6.65
Hyypia: 59G 5205M 2GS 0A 2.5MoM 6.64
Josemi: 12G 832M 0GS 0A 0MoM 6.39
Kromkamp: 17G 764M 0GS 1A 0MoM 6.45
Medjani: 1 unused substitute
Raven: 1G 90M 0GS 0A 0MoM 6.00
Riise: 52G 3906M 4GS 5A 2MoM 6.74
Traore: 24G 1396M 0GS 0A 0MoM 6.25
Warnock: 30G 1940M 1GS 0A 1MoM 6.33
Whitbread: 3G 216M 0GS 0A 0MoM 6.33
Carra once again lead the defenders, and together with Reina, Hyypia, Finnan and Riise formed our best defensive lineup. This lineup played 18 times with 13 cleansheets and 7 goals conceded - 3 of them in the FA Cup Final and 4 game with 1 goal conceded and an impressive 14 wins, 2 draws and 2 defeats. Agger and Kromkamp are bought in as backups and performed OK, and Warnock also did well in the second season, with a high in the Fulham game that he scored his first goal for us. For the others, Rafa will be looking for buyers as he had already bought a few young defenders.
Midfielders:
Alonso: 47G 4087M 5GS 8A 7.5MoM 6.88
Andersen: 1 unused substitute
Barragan: 1G 12M 0GS 0A 0MoM
Gerrard: 53G 4238M 23GS 17A 16MoM 7.19
Hamann: 32G 2222M 0GS 1A 0MoM 6.60
Kewell: 41G 2757M 3GS 3A 1MoM 6.78
Le Tallec: 2G 148M 0GS 1A 0MoM 6.50
Luis Garcia: 50G 2936M 11GS 6A 6MoM 6.72
Potter: 7G 400M 0GS 0A 0MoM 6.42
Sissoko: 45G 3417M 0GS 2A 1.5MoM 6.84
Smicer: 16G 504M 1GS 0A 0MoM 6.21
Zenden: 17G 1095M 2GS 2A 0MoM 6.60
Gerrard is no doubt the best midfield and he is miles apart from the others. But then Alonso and Sissoko also did well as well, and Harry Kewell returning to his best (although he was hurt by another injury in the Final). Luis Garcia and Zenden (before his injury) also played well in the wings, and Hamann a rock in the central whenever he is called upon. For the others, they may see the exit door soon. Rafa has also keen in improving this area and a right winger will be high on his agenda, although he may still play Gerrard and Luis Garcia there as well.
Attackers:
Baros: 2G 38M 0G 0A 0MoM 6.50
Cisse: 54G 2873M 19GS 6A 3.5MoM 6.69
Crouch: 49G 3294M 12GS 7A 4MoM 6.76
Fowler: 16G 857M 5GS 1A 3.5MoM 6.93
Morientes: 46G 2947M 9G 5A 2.5MoM 6.56
Sinama-Pongolle: 16G 538M 3GS 0A 1MoM 6.63
We still need to bring in some players in this department. Despite scoring 19 goals Cisse is still likely to be offload if we have a good offer for him. Nando just did not perform to his level for two years and will most likely out. Cisse was good, but he is never a 20-goal striker for us. Rafa did his master-stroke and bring back Fowler, and his performance are just marvelous. Expect a lot of changes here.
Players of the Season (1) Gerrard 7.19 (2) Carragher 6.94 (3) Alonso 6.88. This is exactly the same as last season, as the three players played consistently well. Momo also played well as well and will be serious challenger for the top 3 post. And Fowler... if he can maintain his form for the whole season, the league title won't be far away from us.
Forward Plans
Rafa had rewritten history and became the first Liverpool manager to bring in trophy in his first two seasons. Now he is going to challenge himself by winning another trophy in the third season - this time the league championship. In analyzing the result of the season, we were slightly better in facing teams from 6th to 20th, but we did very poorly against the other top 5 teams, especially away. We definitely need to improve here. It will be difficult, but if Rafa can bring in a few players to complete his game plan, and if we can maintain our form in the league and improve in facing the top teams, anything is possible.
Player Rating (Games played, Minutes played, Goal scored/conceded, Assists/cleansheets, MoM, Rating)
Goalkeepers:
Carson: 4G 360M 6GC 1CS 0MoM 6.13
Dudek: 6G 459M 4GC 2CS 0MoM 6.60
Reina: 53G 4821M 34GC 30CS 2.5MoM 6.75
Reina was the number one in the post and did his job very well, with 30 clean sheets in his bag. He imposes a sense of security to the defenders. Although he may lost focus at times (especially the Birmingham away league game and the FA Cup Final) but in general he did very well.
Although Dudek lost his place to Reina he still played well whenever he is called up. Carson did not have any big progress at all and had eventually loaned out. One of them may be leaving this summer.
Defenders:
Agger: 4G 360M 0GS 0A 0MoM 6.63
Carragher: 57G 5154M 1GS 2A 6MoM 6.94
Finnan: 52G 4556M 0GS 7A 1.5MoM 6.65
Hyypia: 59G 5205M 2GS 0A 2.5MoM 6.64
Josemi: 12G 832M 0GS 0A 0MoM 6.39
Kromkamp: 17G 764M 0GS 1A 0MoM 6.45
Medjani: 1 unused substitute
Raven: 1G 90M 0GS 0A 0MoM 6.00
Riise: 52G 3906M 4GS 5A 2MoM 6.74
Traore: 24G 1396M 0GS 0A 0MoM 6.25
Warnock: 30G 1940M 1GS 0A 1MoM 6.33
Whitbread: 3G 216M 0GS 0A 0MoM 6.33
Carra once again lead the defenders, and together with Reina, Hyypia, Finnan and Riise formed our best defensive lineup. This lineup played 18 times with 13 cleansheets and 7 goals conceded - 3 of them in the FA Cup Final and 4 game with 1 goal conceded and an impressive 14 wins, 2 draws and 2 defeats. Agger and Kromkamp are bought in as backups and performed OK, and Warnock also did well in the second season, with a high in the Fulham game that he scored his first goal for us. For the others, Rafa will be looking for buyers as he had already bought a few young defenders.
Midfielders:
Alonso: 47G 4087M 5GS 8A 7.5MoM 6.88
Andersen: 1 unused substitute
Barragan: 1G 12M 0GS 0A 0MoM
Gerrard: 53G 4238M 23GS 17A 16MoM 7.19
Hamann: 32G 2222M 0GS 1A 0MoM 6.60
Kewell: 41G 2757M 3GS 3A 1MoM 6.78
Le Tallec: 2G 148M 0GS 1A 0MoM 6.50
Luis Garcia: 50G 2936M 11GS 6A 6MoM 6.72
Potter: 7G 400M 0GS 0A 0MoM 6.42
Sissoko: 45G 3417M 0GS 2A 1.5MoM 6.84
Smicer: 16G 504M 1GS 0A 0MoM 6.21
Zenden: 17G 1095M 2GS 2A 0MoM 6.60
Gerrard is no doubt the best midfield and he is miles apart from the others. But then Alonso and Sissoko also did well as well, and Harry Kewell returning to his best (although he was hurt by another injury in the Final). Luis Garcia and Zenden (before his injury) also played well in the wings, and Hamann a rock in the central whenever he is called upon. For the others, they may see the exit door soon. Rafa has also keen in improving this area and a right winger will be high on his agenda, although he may still play Gerrard and Luis Garcia there as well.
Attackers:
Baros: 2G 38M 0G 0A 0MoM 6.50
Cisse: 54G 2873M 19GS 6A 3.5MoM 6.69
Crouch: 49G 3294M 12GS 7A 4MoM 6.76
Fowler: 16G 857M 5GS 1A 3.5MoM 6.93
Morientes: 46G 2947M 9G 5A 2.5MoM 6.56
Sinama-Pongolle: 16G 538M 3GS 0A 1MoM 6.63
We still need to bring in some players in this department. Despite scoring 19 goals Cisse is still likely to be offload if we have a good offer for him. Nando just did not perform to his level for two years and will most likely out. Cisse was good, but he is never a 20-goal striker for us. Rafa did his master-stroke and bring back Fowler, and his performance are just marvelous. Expect a lot of changes here.
Players of the Season (1) Gerrard 7.19 (2) Carragher 6.94 (3) Alonso 6.88. This is exactly the same as last season, as the three players played consistently well. Momo also played well as well and will be serious challenger for the top 3 post. And Fowler... if he can maintain his form for the whole season, the league title won't be far away from us.
Forward Plans
Rafa had rewritten history and became the first Liverpool manager to bring in trophy in his first two seasons. Now he is going to challenge himself by winning another trophy in the third season - this time the league championship. In analyzing the result of the season, we were slightly better in facing teams from 6th to 20th, but we did very poorly against the other top 5 teams, especially away. We definitely need to improve here. It will be difficult, but if Rafa can bring in a few players to complete his game plan, and if we can maintain our form in the league and improve in facing the top teams, anything is possible.
May Month Review
It's like Istanbul take two. We win at Portsmouth but it was not enough to move us into second place, but we were on a eleven game winning streak and confidence was high when we play West Ham in the FA Cup Final. Then the match become another FA Cup classic.
Players of the Month: (1) Gerrard 8.00 (2) Sissoko 7.75 (3) Cisse 7.50. Stevie G saved us again in the FA Cup with that superb 30 yard volley. Momo basically carried us through in the extra time. And Cisse scored in both games. Well done all!
As usual, there will be a summer shuffle and some players will leave and some will come. For all those who are leaving, thanks for your efforts and good luck; and for all those who will join us, hope you will bring us the one trophy we all long for. And lastly, for those who will be playing in the World Cup, good luck, and don't get injuried.
Players of the Month: (1) Gerrard 8.00 (2) Sissoko 7.75 (3) Cisse 7.50. Stevie G saved us again in the FA Cup with that superb 30 yard volley. Momo basically carried us through in the extra time. And Cisse scored in both games. Well done all!
As usual, there will be a summer shuffle and some players will leave and some will come. For all those who are leaving, thanks for your efforts and good luck; and for all those who will join us, hope you will bring us the one trophy we all long for. And lastly, for those who will be playing in the World Cup, good luck, and don't get injuried.
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Match Report 060513 vs West Ham United: Lightning strikes twice
3-3 and just like in Istanbul we win the FA Cup after penalty shootouts. Credits to West Ham, they don't deserved to lose. But we have Gerrard - the man who almost left us due to misunderstanding, but now he get what he was dreaming as a kid - being the captain of Liverpool and lift FA Cup. Now there is only one last thing for him - to be the captain of Liverpool and win the league for us.
Maybe it was due to tireness that many of our reliable players all making mistakes at the same time. The match started very dull in the first 20 minutes and all of a sudden, West Ham had a counter-attack due to Xabi's mispass and lead to the ball strike to Carra's left foot and caused a goal. Then Reina fumbled and let Ashton scored another goal. At 0-2 down I was thinking Istanbul, but then Crouch has a legal goal incorrectly ruled offside. Luckily Cisse scored one from another superb Gerrard pass.
At the start of 2H Reina had to be alert to make a double save to keep the score at 1-2. Then Gerrard scored a volley, and we looked to be able to win the match at any time. Unfortunately, West Ham was lucky again and Konchesky scored a complete fluke with a cross gone into the goal. As the announcer announced there will be 4 extra minutes of added time, Gerrard got the loose ball, and hit a wonderful strike to the left side of the net. Game on!
During extra time lots of players from both sides get cramps and other injuries, and at the very end of the 2H of extra time, Reina had to be at his best again by tipping the ball away to the post from another West Ham attack. The ball then bounced to Harewood, but because he had cramp so he miskicked the ball completely, and the match gone to penalty.
At penalty there will only be one winner. We have won 8 of the previous 9 penalty shootouts and duly make it 9 out of 10. Reina was once again superb and saved 3. Hamann, Gerrard and Riise scored and then the FA Cup is ours.
Player Ratings:
Reina: 7 Crap in normal time especially for the second goal but later saved the team and win the Cup.
Finnan: 6.5 Probably his worst performace this season.
Carragher: 6.5 Scored an unlucky own goal but after that he performed well.
Hyypia: 6 Failed to contain Ashton and missed a penalty. Not his day.
Riise: 7.5 Become stronger and stronger as time drag on. And scored a penalty to kill of the ghost in Istanbul.
Gerrard: 8.5 It may be flattered to say he won us the Cup, but it is close. The Final will be rightly named as "The Gerrard Final".
Alonso: 6 A very poor performance from his high standard. Probably affected by injury.
Sissoko: 8 Only second to the captain. He had limitless energy in the midfield and carried us during extra time.
Kewell: 5.5 You have to feel sorry for him as he completed his Cup Final injury treble.
Cisse: 7.5 Scored a great volley but after that faded very fast.
Crouch: 6.5 Maybe too much pressure for him. Did not perform well at all.
Substitutions:
Morientes: 6.5 Could have played his last game for us. Not too bad, but not convincing.
Kromkamp: 6.5 An OK performance.
Hamann: 7.5 Once again his persence guided us to victory, and scored another great penalty to set the tone in the shotout.
Rafa: 8 A great game for Rafa, and once again his master stroke of introducing Hamann at the right time proves effective.
West Ham: 8 Although their 3 goals are considered lucky, it is also undeniable that they played a good game. Luckily Gerrard is on our team, and luck even out at the end.
Man of the Match: Gerrard. The Gerrard Final.
Maybe it was due to tireness that many of our reliable players all making mistakes at the same time. The match started very dull in the first 20 minutes and all of a sudden, West Ham had a counter-attack due to Xabi's mispass and lead to the ball strike to Carra's left foot and caused a goal. Then Reina fumbled and let Ashton scored another goal. At 0-2 down I was thinking Istanbul, but then Crouch has a legal goal incorrectly ruled offside. Luckily Cisse scored one from another superb Gerrard pass.
At the start of 2H Reina had to be alert to make a double save to keep the score at 1-2. Then Gerrard scored a volley, and we looked to be able to win the match at any time. Unfortunately, West Ham was lucky again and Konchesky scored a complete fluke with a cross gone into the goal. As the announcer announced there will be 4 extra minutes of added time, Gerrard got the loose ball, and hit a wonderful strike to the left side of the net. Game on!
During extra time lots of players from both sides get cramps and other injuries, and at the very end of the 2H of extra time, Reina had to be at his best again by tipping the ball away to the post from another West Ham attack. The ball then bounced to Harewood, but because he had cramp so he miskicked the ball completely, and the match gone to penalty.
At penalty there will only be one winner. We have won 8 of the previous 9 penalty shootouts and duly make it 9 out of 10. Reina was once again superb and saved 3. Hamann, Gerrard and Riise scored and then the FA Cup is ours.
Player Ratings:
Reina: 7 Crap in normal time especially for the second goal but later saved the team and win the Cup.
Finnan: 6.5 Probably his worst performace this season.
Carragher: 6.5 Scored an unlucky own goal but after that he performed well.
Hyypia: 6 Failed to contain Ashton and missed a penalty. Not his day.
Riise: 7.5 Become stronger and stronger as time drag on. And scored a penalty to kill of the ghost in Istanbul.
Gerrard: 8.5 It may be flattered to say he won us the Cup, but it is close. The Final will be rightly named as "The Gerrard Final".
Alonso: 6 A very poor performance from his high standard. Probably affected by injury.
Sissoko: 8 Only second to the captain. He had limitless energy in the midfield and carried us during extra time.
Kewell: 5.5 You have to feel sorry for him as he completed his Cup Final injury treble.
Cisse: 7.5 Scored a great volley but after that faded very fast.
Crouch: 6.5 Maybe too much pressure for him. Did not perform well at all.
Substitutions:
Morientes: 6.5 Could have played his last game for us. Not too bad, but not convincing.
Kromkamp: 6.5 An OK performance.
Hamann: 7.5 Once again his persence guided us to victory, and scored another great penalty to set the tone in the shotout.
Rafa: 8 A great game for Rafa, and once again his master stroke of introducing Hamann at the right time proves effective.
West Ham: 8 Although their 3 goals are considered lucky, it is also undeniable that they played a good game. Luckily Gerrard is on our team, and luck even out at the end.
Man of the Match: Gerrard. The Gerrard Final.
Friday, May 12, 2006
Win it for the fans, Fowler, and Luis Garcia
It is the FA Cup Final and we are hot favorite to win it. Rafa will make sure the team won't be complacement as West Ham will not be an easy opponent. And let's win it for the fans, especially those who suffered in that Burnley defeat, Fowler, who was cup-tied, and Luis Garcia, who did a lot in sending us to Final, but was too stupid to miss the Final for that sent-off.
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, May 08, 2006
Match Report 060507 at Portsmouth: A nice win
3-1 and it is a nice win to conclude the league, especially Fowler to score after his contract extended. Although we cannot catch Manchester United as they also win, the result and the total points of 81 is really good and it creates the platform for us to challenge the title next season. Now we have the FA Cup Final to concentrate on, and let's hope Alonso's injury is not that serious and he can start.
Players Rating:
Dudek: 7 A nice performance. Hope this is not his last game for us.
Finnan: 7 A good defending performance after a rest.
Carragher: 7.5 As usual, Carra defends with passion and skills.
Hyypia: 7 A solid display.
Riise: 7 A good defending game.
Gerrard: 7.5 Played well with an assist.
Alonso: 6.5 Hope his injury is not that serious.
Sissoko: 7.5 Great defending midfield display.
Kewell: 7 Running the left side well.
Fowler: 8 Another goal. It is really great news that Rafa extended his contract.
Morientes: 7 A good display without a goal.
Substitutions:
Kromkamp: 7 A good display in the right midfield.
Crouch: 7.5 A nice goal taken.
Cisse: 7.5 One goal, one assist. No doubt Rafa should start him in the FA Cup Final.
Rafa: 7 A good team selection and he will be happy about the professional display of the team.
Portsmouth: 6 They are in holiday mood after securing the league position last week. Next season will probably be better.
Man of the Match: Fowler. Even the Portsmouth fans sing his name.
Players Rating:
Dudek: 7 A nice performance. Hope this is not his last game for us.
Finnan: 7 A good defending performance after a rest.
Carragher: 7.5 As usual, Carra defends with passion and skills.
Hyypia: 7 A solid display.
Riise: 7 A good defending game.
Gerrard: 7.5 Played well with an assist.
Alonso: 6.5 Hope his injury is not that serious.
Sissoko: 7.5 Great defending midfield display.
Kewell: 7 Running the left side well.
Fowler: 8 Another goal. It is really great news that Rafa extended his contract.
Morientes: 7 A good display without a goal.
Substitutions:
Kromkamp: 7 A good display in the right midfield.
Crouch: 7.5 A nice goal taken.
Cisse: 7.5 One goal, one assist. No doubt Rafa should start him in the FA Cup Final.
Rafa: 7 A good team selection and he will be happy about the professional display of the team.
Portsmouth: 6 They are in holiday mood after securing the league position last week. Next season will probably be better.
Man of the Match: Fowler. Even the Portsmouth fans sing his name.
Saturday, May 06, 2006
Just Win It.
This is the last game of the league season and if we win it, we will capture on a Manchester United slippage. Rafa probably will have one eye on the FA Cup final and rest some players, but for whoever called upon to this game, they will stick to the game plan and win it for us. Just win it, and we will hope for the good news.
My Team Prediction:
Reina
Finnan
Carragher
Hyypia
Traore
Cisse
Sissoko
Hamann
Kewell
Fowler
Morientes
Result: 2-0
My Team Prediction:
Reina
Finnan
Carragher
Hyypia
Traore
Cisse
Sissoko
Hamann
Kewell
Fowler
Morientes
Result: 2-0
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
April Month Report
6W0D0L. A perfect month and we are now in FA Cup Final and 1 point behind Manchester United. Rafa even has the luxury to rest some players in the last 2 matches and still managed to win both games comfortably. Let's continue to play well in the final 2 matches of the season, and it will be great if we can finish the season 2nd in the table and have the FA Cup home.
Players of the Month (1) Gerrard 7.33 (2) Reina/Alonso/Fowler 7.30. Gerrard played well in the FA Cup semi-final and scored 2 great goals in the Villa game. Reina has been keeping the goals in superb form all season, Alonso has played well and have 3 assists in the month. And Fowler... 4 starts, 3 goals and 1 assist. Sign him up!
May Prediction:
5/7 Portsmouth (a): We will win this game to capitalize on any Manchester United slip.
5/13 West Ham United (n): Let's not be complacemancy, and win it for the fans.
Players of the Month (1) Gerrard 7.33 (2) Reina/Alonso/Fowler 7.30. Gerrard played well in the FA Cup semi-final and scored 2 great goals in the Villa game. Reina has been keeping the goals in superb form all season, Alonso has played well and have 3 assists in the month. And Fowler... 4 starts, 3 goals and 1 assist. Sign him up!
May Prediction:
5/7 Portsmouth (a): We will win this game to capitalize on any Manchester United slip.
5/13 West Ham United (n): Let's not be complacemancy, and win it for the fans.
Match Report 060429 vs Aston Villa: Keep chasing 2nd place
3-1 and it is a brilliant win thanks to the effort of the team especially Stevie G. As Manchester United have lost 5 points in the weekend we are just 1 point behind with 1 game to go. Should they failed to win in the last game and we beat Portsmouth, we will finish the league as second place. So let us avoid any complamancy and do our best to prepare for the arrival of the miracle.
We started the match sharply and Nando scored in just 3 minutes from a superb Alonso long pass. We then lowered our gear and gradually invited Villa to attack. They finally equalised in about an hour from our sloppy defending. Then we woke up and Stevie G scored 2 goals in 5 minutes and put the result beyond Villa's reach. Now we have a lot to play for the last league game of the season, so every player should make sure we are alert so that we can capitalize any Manchester United slip.
Player Ratings:
Reina: 7 Not much to do with the goal, and was alert to parry away a potential Sissoko own goal.
Kromkamp: 6.5 A steady display.
Carragher: 7 Defend with style. And his two kids are very cute!
Hyypia: 6.5 Made some rare errors in the game.
Traore: 6.5 A good defending display.
Cisse: 7 A good shout for the FA Cup Final starting place.
Gerrard: 8.5 Two nice goals to determine the result.
Alonso: 7.5 Two nice assists.
Riise: 7 A good display in the midfield.
Morientes: 7.5 A nice taken goal.
Crouch: 6.5 Not much impact in the game.
Substitutions:
Fowler: 6.5 Have a shoting chance but somehow missed.
Sissoko: 6.5 Almost scored an own goal, but in general a good display.
Warnock: 6.5 Not much impact.
Rafa: 7 Rested a few players and still able to get a win. And Fortress Anfield was rebuilt.
Aston Villa: 6 A really poor season for them.
Man of the Match: Gerrard. Keep scoring as you may need to play striker for England!
We started the match sharply and Nando scored in just 3 minutes from a superb Alonso long pass. We then lowered our gear and gradually invited Villa to attack. They finally equalised in about an hour from our sloppy defending. Then we woke up and Stevie G scored 2 goals in 5 minutes and put the result beyond Villa's reach. Now we have a lot to play for the last league game of the season, so every player should make sure we are alert so that we can capitalize any Manchester United slip.
Player Ratings:
Reina: 7 Not much to do with the goal, and was alert to parry away a potential Sissoko own goal.
Kromkamp: 6.5 A steady display.
Carragher: 7 Defend with style. And his two kids are very cute!
Hyypia: 6.5 Made some rare errors in the game.
Traore: 6.5 A good defending display.
Cisse: 7 A good shout for the FA Cup Final starting place.
Gerrard: 8.5 Two nice goals to determine the result.
Alonso: 7.5 Two nice assists.
Riise: 7 A good display in the midfield.
Morientes: 7.5 A nice taken goal.
Crouch: 6.5 Not much impact in the game.
Substitutions:
Fowler: 6.5 Have a shoting chance but somehow missed.
Sissoko: 6.5 Almost scored an own goal, but in general a good display.
Warnock: 6.5 Not much impact.
Rafa: 7 Rested a few players and still able to get a win. And Fortress Anfield was rebuilt.
Aston Villa: 6 A really poor season for them.
Man of the Match: Gerrard. Keep scoring as you may need to play striker for England!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)