April Month Review

5W1D2L and we secured top 4 in the league, but need to overturn Chelsea in the second leg of the Champions League Semi Final. It won't be easy, but we did it before and can do it again. With the help of the Kop.

Players of the month (1) Kuyt 7.32 (2) Reina 7.25 (3) Carragher. Kuyt scored 3 nice goals 1 assist in April then helped us to secure top 4. Reina had 5 clean sheets in the months and keep our Champions League dream alive. Carragher just played well as he always does and is in pole position of the Player of the Match award of liverpoolfc.tv

May Prediction:
5/1 Chelsea (h) We are going to win 2-0.
5/5 Fulham (a) We need to win this game to secure top 3.
5/13 Charlton Athletic (h) Final home game and could be the last game for Fowler and Dudek in a red jersey.
5/23 CL Final (n) If we get there, we are going to be underdog. Make it six.

Match Report 070428 at Portsmouth: Not good enough

1-2 and although the result meant nothing, the performance is really bad. The reserves didn't have any hunger to fight and the youngsters were too green. This game showed that we still need to improve a lot to fight for the title.

Players Rating:
Dudek: 5 At fault for the first goal although he did made two great saves. He will probably have two more games in a Liverpool jersey.
Arbeloa: 5 Did poor in this make-shift defensive lineup.
Paletta: 5 Still too green to play in the first team.
Hyypia: 6.5 Did very well in the game and is in line with a first team recall.
Insua: 5 Very nervous in his first game.
Bellamy: 5.5 Worked hard but didn't have much impact.
Alonso: 6 Probably reserving some energy for the Chelsea game.
Sissoko: 5.5 Another poor game. I am worrying he may become another Traore.
Zenden: 5.5 Another ineffective game.
Gonzalez: 5 Very disappointing.
Fowler: 6 A nice assist. But you don't expect much from him as a lone striker.

Substitution:
Pennant: 6 Didn't change the game much.
El Zhar: 6 Not enough time to impress.

Rafa: 5.5 Would be disappointed by the performance although he has his mind fully in the Chelsea game. Defense is especially poor.

Portsmouth: 7 Well deserved of getting all three points. Still have a slight hope of getting a UEFA Cup spot.

Man of the Match: Hyypia. Pushing for a starting place tomorrow.

Give them a chance

Rafa will rest a lot of players and this is a good chance to give some old squads and youngsters a chance to shine. We will face James and Traore, and what a chance for Fowler to score some goals for fun.

My Team Prediction:
Dudek
Peltier
Paletta
Hyypia
Arbeloa
Pennent
Sissoko
Mascherano
Gonzalez
Linfield
Fowler

Result 2-0

Match Report 070425 at Chelsea: We need to improve

0-1 and it was a very poor performance in the first half that cost us the game. There were too many miss passes and we let them controlled the midfield. Second half was better but we lack the killing touch to grab the vital away goal. Now we need to go back to Anfield and let the Kop to guide us to the Final once again.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7.5 Did made at least two great saves to keep the scoreline.
Arbeloa: 6 A bit slow to let Joe Cole scored the goal.
Carragher: 7 Did well in defense when the others didn't.
Agger: 6 Cannot contain Drogba and let him crossed the ball for Cole.
Riise: 6 Not at his best.
Gerrard: 6.5 Had a nice shot superbly saved.
Alonso: 6 Failed to run the midfield.
Mascherano: 6 Very quiet and a bit too soft to fight the ball.
Zenden: 6.5 Did a reasonably good job.
Bellamy: 5.5 Largely disappointing.
Kuyt: 6.5 Worked very hard but what we need is the killer instinct.

Substitutions:
Crouch/Pennant: 6 Didn't change the game much.

Rafa: 6 He would be angry about the first half performance. We need to change a few things in the return leg.

Chelsea: 7 Played hard and deserved the win. But this is only half time and we will bring on the Kop.

Man of the Match: Reina. Keep the scoreline for another famous Anfield night.

Do our best

Stamford Bridge is a bogey venue for us but it would be nice to break the duck tonight. The managers are playing mind games, and no doubt we are better prepared both physically and mentally. With the players fully alert we will ensure we are in pole position coming next week.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Finnan
Carragher
Agger
Arbeloa
Pennant
Alonso
Mascherano
Gerrard
Bellamy
Crouch

Result 2-0

Match Report 070421 vs Wigan Athletic: Stage 1 cleared

2-0 and we secured Champions League qualification without Stevie G. Rafa's game plan was executed perfectly with us keeping lots of possession and finding ways to peel off the Wigan defense. Now we can focus on Chelsea and finishing third.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7.5 A quiet afternoon but did made a world class save to warm up for the Chelsea game.
Arbeloa: 7 Solid display again.
Carragher: 7 A fine display from the stand-in captain.
Hyypia: 7 Another solid display and he will be ready should Rafa wanna play 3 at the back.
Riise: 7 Another nice display on both ends.
Pennant: 7.5 A very good display and he will be pushing for a start for the Chelsea game.
Alonso: 7 A solid display and dictated the midfield.
Zenden: 6.5 A bit too quiet.
Gonzalez: 6.5 Still haven't settled in.
Kuyt: 8.5 Two nice goals but he should have a hat trick.
Crouch: 7 Nice display.

Substitutions:
Bellamy: 7 Came up and made an impact.
Gerrard/Agger: 6.5 Came up when the game is all settled.

Rafa: 7.5 Excellent game plan executed well by the players.

Wigan: 6 A poor display and they need to really gear up or they may be relegated.

Man of the match: Kuyt. Two great goals.

Get the qualification tonight

With a win today we will be guaranteed Champions League status. Rafa is thinking to rest Gerrard ahead of the Chelsea game, but not matter who is starting we need to be at our best to get the job done.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Finnan
Carragher
Agger
Arbeloa
Pennant
Alonso
Mascherano
Gonzalez
Fowler
Kuyt

Result 2-0

Match Report 070418 vs Middlesbrough: One step closer

2-0 and we are one step closer to Champions League qualification. Thanks to Stevie G's goals we break through the stubborn Boro defense after an hour's work, and it was due to Stevie G moving back to central midfield.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7 Solid display with not much to do.
Arbeloa: 7 Another comfortable display.
Carragher: 7 A rare lapse almost lead to a goal, but other than that he is solid as usual.
Agger: 7 Solid defense works
Riise: 7 Reliable if not spectacular.
Pennant: 7.5 Created lots of problems to the Boro defense.
Sissoko: 6 Still tried too hard and complicated matters, and missed a glorious chance.
Mascherano: 7 Another well display.
Zenden: 7 Played well against his former club and almost scored.
Gerrard: 8 Ineffective as a second striker, but shone after moving back to central midfield.
Crouch: 6.5 Should have done better apart from getting a penalty that sealed the game.

Substitutions:
Kuyt: 7 Provided more gun power and made an impact to the game.
Gonzalez: 6 Not enough time to impress.

Rafa: 7 Did well in bringing Kuyt on and moved Gerrard back to central midfield.

Man of the Match: Gerrard. Sealed the three points for us.

Finish top 4 by weekend

Should we win tonight and then on Saturday, we will be guaranteed a top four finish. With Arsenal won last night we also need to win to get pass them. And the key is how Rafa can keep the teams away from distractions from Champions League.

Reina
Finnan
Agger
Hyypia
Arbeloa
Gerrard
Mascherano
Alonso
Zenden
Fowler
Crouch

Result 2-0

Match Report 070414 at Manchester City: Disappointed

0-0 and as Rafa said we should be disappointed about the performance. With Arsenal winning the quest for third is still on, although the quest for Champions League seems to be almost finished as we need only 6 points to guarantee first 4, which could be done before this weekend. As Hyypia said we need to sort this out ASAP, so that all minds are focused on the semi final.

On a minor note, this result means mathematically we will not be able to finish first.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7 Not much to do. And the bar saves him one more time.
Finnan: 6.5 Worked hard.
Carragher: 7 Had a good chance from a Pennant corner but only hit the side net.
Agger: 6.5 Done well in defense.
Arbeloa: 6.5 A good display.
Pennant: 6.5 Did well in 1H but gradually faded.
Alonso: 7.5 Almost score from own half again.
Mascherano: 6 Very quiet performance.
Riise: 6 A poor performance and could not provide any width.
Gerrard: 6 Very sloopy. Need to gear up ASAP.
Kuyt: 7 Worked very hard. But once again he can't score if he always run to midfield or left wing. Teammates need to support him.

Substitutions:
Gonzalez/Crouch/Zenden: 6 Not shining in the match.

Rafa: 6 He's rightly disappointed by the performance. We need to penetrate through the width but failed to create any impact. And as Chelsea also plays a counter-attack tactic but better than City, we definitely need to sharpen up ourselves.

Manchester City: 6.5 They played for a point and get it. But they definitely need to improve their firepower for next season. One thing that worth to mention is that City showed very big respect to the Hillsbourgh victims, with the flag half down and Barton presenting flowers to the crowd. You'll Never Walk Alone.

Player of the match: Alonso. Too bad he didn't score.

Get the third place first

Before we play Chelsea we need to sort out the qualification of Champions League. With some help from Bolton we could be all but settled for third place if we beat Manchester City. And let's present Rafa a nice birthday gift.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Finnan
Carragher
Agger
Arbeloa
Gerrard
Alonso
Mascherano
Riise
Kuyt
Crouch

Result 2-0

Math Report 070411 vs PSV Eindhoven: Now bring on Chelsea

1-0 and the job is done. From the beginning this won't be a spectacular game, and we don't intend to let it be one. We were very professional, and after the unexpected red card by the referee, there is only one winner and we promptly take it. So now we have to face Chelsea the 14th and 15th time in 3 seasons...

Players Rating:
Reina: 7.5 Did well to deny PSV from scoring at the beginning of both half. Essentially killed off any false hope for them.
Arbeloa: 6.5 A solid display.
Agger: 7 Another solid display.
Hyypia: 7 Maybe the last time he will start a game as our captain, and he did well.
Riise: 7 Another impressive display and it was his 40 yard shot that lead to the winning goal.
Pennant: 7 Another nice performance and was unlucky not to have scored.
Alonso: 7 Solid if not too impressive.
Sissoko: 6.5 A better performance than last weekend due to the presence of Xabi.
Zenden: 7 Tried hard to score against his former club.
Bellamy: 6 Too bad he is injured so early.
Crouch: 7.5 Grabbed the winning goal well.

Substitutions:
Fowler: 6.5 A nice instinct for the assist. Fans still love him and Rafa please take note.
Gonzalez/Paletta: 6 Not enough time to impress.

Rafa: 7 There is not much he can do as the match was essentially over before it has started.

PSV: 6 Although they have lots of injuries, but they should at least play better. If they play like this they will lose the Dutch title as well.

Men of the Match: Reina/Crouch. Bring us the win from both ends.

Perform well

At 3-0 lead all we need is to perform well, and we will be through. Although I hate to meet Chelsea again, but if we are through Rafa will be ready to bring us to the final. But we still need to get through first. Don't slip up.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Finnan
Carragher
Agger
Riise
Gerrard
Alonso
Sissoko
Zenden
Fowler
Crouch

Result 2-0

Match Report 070407 at Reading: A hard fought victory

2-1 and we almost threw it again but thanks to Rafa's shrewd substitutions, Pennant and Kuyt created the winning goal 4 minutes from full time. As Arsenal beaten at home to West Ham we are 5 points ahead of them with one game more played. The road to third place is now completely in our hands, so grab it.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7 A fine performance.
Finnan: 6.5 Good display in general.
Carragher: 7 Solid as usual.
Hyypia: 7 A nice performance despite not playing regularly recently.
Arbeloa: 7.5 A nice taken goal and a good defensive display. Broken the scoreless jinx of Liverpool #2.
Gerrard: 6.5 Missed a glorious chance.
Mascherano: 7 Another solid performance.
Sissoko: 6 Need to improve his passing.
Gonzalez: 6.5 Not much impact from Speedy.
Bellamy: 6 A poor performance.
Crouch: 6.5 A nice assist and a nice header that almost conceded an own goal.

Substitutions:
Kuyt: 7.5 A nice goal that gave us all three points.
Pennant: 7 A nice assist.
Riise: 6.5 Not enough time to impress.

Rafa: 7 Another nice tactical change from Rafa.

Reading: 7 Nice atmosphere, but next season will be tough for them.

Men of the Match: Arbeloa/Kuyt. Two nice goals than gave us three points.

Keep going

As Rafa said we need to keep going to fight for the third place - for the fans. With the Champions League tie almost guaranteed Rafa will file a strong team this time. And why not let Fowler score some goals for fun?

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Arbeloa
Carragher
Agger
Riise
Gerrard
Sissoko
Mascherano
Gonzalez
Fowler
Bellamy

Result 2-0

Match Report 070403 at PSV Eindhoven: Great win!

3-0 and this is beyond our expectations. The result also highlighted how good Rafa a coach is, especially in European games. Now we are one step inside the final 4, and with a careful game plan, we will be there.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7.5 A comfortable display with not much to do.
Finnan: 8.5 A superb performance with 2 assists.
Carragher: 7.5 Captured the first attack of the night.
Agger: 7.5 Solid at the back.
Aurelio: 6.5 A bad injury. Hope he is recovering soon.
Gerrard: 8 Superb performance and broke Rush's European Cup goals record. Set the tone for the night.
Alonso: 7.5 Effective in the middle.
Mascherano: 8 Another good performance.
Riise: 8 Another great goal.
Kuyt: 7 A good all-round performance with a nice yellow card that make sure he will be available for the semi-finals.
Crouch: 8 Another nice header.

Substitutions:
Zenden/Gonzalez/Pennant: 6.5 Not enough time to impress.

Rafa: 7.5 Even Rafa won't imagine we won by 3 goals. A great performance overall.

PSV Eindhoven: 5.5 They should be embarrassed on their defense.

Man of the Match: Finnan. Just getting better and better.

Nick a win

PSV has an injury crisis and this is a good time to play them. Last time we earned a 0-0 draw there, but if this time we can nick a win, we would be comfortably awaiting for the 2nd leg next week.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Finnan
Carragher
Agger
Riise
Gerrard
Alonso
Mascherano
Gonzalez
Bellamy
Crouch

Result 2-0

March Month Review

1W1D2L and the month just get better. We lost 2 home games vs Manchester United and Barcelona, had a very boring game in drawing Aston Villa, and then beat Arsenal convincingly 4-1 at home. We are in the final 8 of the Champions League, and would finish third if we keep the pace and Arsenal losing points away from home.

Players of the month (1) Carragher 8.0 (2) Agger 7.31 (3) Alonso 7.10. Carragher was a rock at the back and won 3 man of the match performances in the month. Agger played well alongside Carra, and notched a goal against Arsenal. Alonso also did well at the centre in guiding the traffic.

April Prediction:
4/3 PSV Eindhoven (a) Win this and we will be very close to final 4.
4/7 Reading (a) Reading's form is not as good as earlier in the season, and this is a good time to play them.
4/11 PSV Eindhoven (h) We will win this game and going into Final 4.
4/14 Manchester City (a) By this time City should be safe from relegation and will be loosen up.
4/18 Middlesbrough (h) A home game that we need to win.
4/21 Wigan Athletic (h) Wigan will still be fighting for their Premiership position, so we need to play well to win this.
4/25 Champions League semi-final (a) No matter the opponent is Valencia or Chelsea, we need to be at our best to win this.
4/28 Portsmouth (a) Portsmouth will have nothing to play for, so let's not slip here.

Match Report 070331 vs Arsenal: That's more likely

4-1 and this is our best performance this season. What a way to start a new era under the new owners. Rafa is bold enough to play an unfamiliar lineup with lots of players rested for the PSV game, and a new formation in 4-5-1, but it gained big dividends as Crouch finally got the services he needed and duly scored a hat-trick. It was a massive win and we are in big confidence going to PSV.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7.5 Did well to keep Arsenal from scoring more goals.
Arbeloa: 8 Great understanding with Pennant for the first goal.
Carragher: 7.5 Rock at the back.
Agger: 8 Solid at the back and what a header.
Aurelio: 8 Two great assists.
Pennant: 8 Combined well with Arbeloa.
Alonso: 8 Great vision for the second goal.
Mascherano: 7.5 Did the dirty works well.
Gonzalez: 7 His speed is threatening.
Gerrard: 6.5 A bit quiet from his usually high level of performance.
Crouch: 9 Hat-trick hero. One from his right foot, one his head and one his left foot. What else can you expect?

Substitutions:
Kuyt/Zenden/Riise: 6.5 Did fair enough when needed.

Rafa: 9 Genius tactic master. And he is happy with the reaction from the team.

Arsenal: 5.5 A very poor performance and there is absolutely no excuse for them, although they fielded a weak young team. If they keep on playing like this, our third place will be guaranteed.

Man of the Match: Crouch. With proper services from the wings, he is unstoppable.