Get into the group stage

With the game hanging on a 1-0 we still have a lot to be done.  Certainly Rodgers will be resting a few players, but the formation is there and the youngsters should grab the chance.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Kelly
Carragher
Agger
Downing
Allen
Shelvey
Henderson

Borini
Suarez
Sterling

Match Report 1208276 vs Manchester City: Get in shape

2:2.  Before the game we will take a point, but with the performance of the team it seems like a 2 point drop instead of 1 point game.  During the game we matched or played better than the Champions most of the time, but two sloppy mistake by the defenders means that we can only go home with 1 point.  Nevertheless, the team seems to be more adopted to the new formation.  All we need to do is to prevent some suicidal defensive error, and the strikers to take their chances.  After all, there are not many team as strong as the City and if we can maintain such standard, the future will be bright.

Welcome the Champions

Over the last year City was well deserved Champions, and this time it will be a very tough test for us.  Without Agger, Carra may need to start and we need to be perfect if we are to beat them.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Johnson
Carragher
Skrtel
Enrique
Lucas
Allen
Gerrard
Borini
Suarez
Sterling

No complacancy

Although it is only Hearts, we should still have a professional approach in order to win the game.  Gerrard and Suarez are rested and the rest should be up and prove themselves.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Johnson
Skrtel
Agger
Enrique
Allen
Lucas
Henderson
Borini
Carroll
Sterling

Match Report 120818 at West Bromwich Albion: Back to reality

0:3.  That's as poor as we can get.  The match was no doubt distorted by the sent off and other ridiculous decisions by Phil Dowd, yet we didn't play too well as well.  It was the same old story that we had the majority of possession (even with 10 men), passed well, but could not find the net.  Suarez is more a provider rather than a finisher, and we need to find one quick.  And what was Joe Cole doing there?

Man of the match: Allen.  Passed well but need to be more assertive in future games.

Into the unknown

Another season starts.  And this is a season of unknown with so many changes.  As a fan we really don't know what to expect, we try to be (over)optimistic every season but this season we are really unsure, especially with a tough start to the season.  But we do need to be calm.  And to hope that luck will be on our side finally, and in Brenden we trust.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Johnson
Skrtel
Agger
Enrique
Lucas
Gerrard
Allen
Borini
Suarez
Downing

Qualify first

It is the first game for Rodgers at Anfield and a win or draw will see us through to the next round.  There is a gap in the qualify but we are still in pre-season so the players need to play hard in order to secure a win.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Johnson
Carragher
Skrtel
Enrique
Lucas
Gerrard
Henderson
Borini
Suarez
Downing

Another season starts

Another season starts, and with King Kenny gone and Rodgers in, there will be many changes.  The priority for this season is to grab back the top 4 spots, but this in itself is already a very difficult task  Nevertheless we will give our very best and try to achieve it.

Team Prediction:
Jones
Flanagan
Carragher
Skrtel
Enrique
Spearing
Henderson
Shevley
Borini
Morgan
Downing

Farewell

It is the last game of the season and could also be a last game of many players/coaches.  Swansea has already secured Premier League status and could be a bit loose, but we still need to play well if we want to end the season on a high.  And of course, we still have that little thing in mind to overtake our neighbor...

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Kelly
Carragher
Skrtel
Agger
Kuyt
Shelvey
Henderson
Gerrard
Suarez
Carroll

Result 2:0

Match Report 120508 vs Chelsea: A good response

4:1 and this is an absolutely perfect response to the FA Cup final and a good way to sign off the season.  True, Chelski may have sent a B-team but it should not weaken the team efforts.  The win put us a point behind Toffee and we should try to win the last game to see if we can overtake them.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7 A better performance.
Johnson: 7 A good game.
Carragher: 7 Lead the defenses well.
Skrtel: 7 Solid as usual.
Agger: 7.5 Played well on the left and scored a nice goal.

Downing: 6 Could not score once again despite gifted with a penalty...
Henderson: 7.5 Played well and was awarded with a nice goal.
Shelvey: 7.5 Shown his intelligence and scored a nice goal.
Maxi: 6.5 May have played his last home game.
Suarez: 7.5 Forced a superb own goal to break the duck.
Carroll: 8 Played really well despite not scoring.

Substitutions:
Kuyt/Sterling: 6.5 A short time to shown their skills.

King Kenny: 7 Would be very happy on the response the players shown.

Chelsea: 6.  See you in Europa League.

Man of the Match: 8 King in the Air.

Revenge

After the poor display it is time for a revenge.  No doubt both teams will rest some players but this is still a lot to flight for, as we should try to overtake the Toffees in the last two games.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Johnson
Carragher
Agger
Enrique
Downing
Shelvey
Henderson
Maxi
Suarez
Carroll

Result 2:0

Match Report 120505 vs Chelsea: Too little, too close

1:2 and although people may morn about the goal that was disallowed, in fact we didn't play too well and King Kenny probably had get it wrong in terms of formation.  Without Carroll, Suarez was forced to be along up front and the midfielders dropped too deep that allowed the Chelski players rooms to play.  A triple errors lead to a goal conceded early on, and we never recovered.

It was a really disappointment to the team, but we will bounce back and return to Wembley again and clinch the Cup.

Players Rating:
Reina: 6 Made an error for the first goal.
Johnson: 6 Failed to win the Cup again...
Skrtel: 6 Faced a hard time.
Agger: 6 Could not cope with Chelsea attack.
Enrique: 5.5 Another mistake with his form dipped.
Spearing: 5.5 Did poorly in the big game.
Henderson: 5.5 A fair game without much achievement.
Bellamy: 6 Could not tear off the Chelski defense.
Gerrard: 6 Failed to inspire the team.
Downing: 6 Did not do much until Carroll was on.
Suarez: 7 Was isolated up front until Carroll is on.

Substitutions:
Carroll: 7.5 Should have come earlier and should have scored the equaliser.
Kuyt: 6 Failed to have an impact.

King Kenny: 6 The formation was all wrong.

Chelski.  Played better than us.

Man of the Match: Carroll.  Confidence is back.

Let's do in again

Another Cup Final, another visit to Wembley, but this time it will be even tougher.  Chelsea may have their focus on fighting for 4th place and winning the Champions League but they will not give this game up too easily.  We will have to play very well if we want to win it, but we are capable to do so.  Seize the moment.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Johnson
Skrtel
Agger
Enrique
Kuyt
Gerrard
Spearing
Maxi
Suarez
Carroll

Result 2:0

Match Report 120501 vs Fulham: Poor attitude

0:1 and as King Kenny said, the attitude of the team was really poor and we deserve nothing from the game.  At time it feels like it was a pre-season game, and the players had no intention to push forward to win.  We definitely need to improve the attitude or else the Cup Final will be a tragedy...

Players Rating:
Doni: 7 Made a few superb saves to save us from further humiliations.
Kelly: 6.5 A good game.
Coates: 6 A solid game.
Skrtel: 6 Unlucky to concede the own goal.
Aurelio: 6 Could be his last game for us.
Henderson: 5.5 Very quiet.
Shelvey: 6.5 Have another good game.
Spearing: 6.5 A solid performance.
Maxi: 6 Failed to find the target.
Kuyt: 6 Not effective at all.
Carroll: 6.5 Played with a good attitude despite failed to score.

Substitutions:
Downing: 5.5 Anonymous.
Enrique: 6.5 A solid game when called up.
Stearling: 7 Another good performance.

King Kenny: 6 Would be very disappointed about the performance.

Fulham: 7 A good performance from them.

Man of the Match: Doni.  Proved that he is a capable backup.

Final check for FA Cup Final

The home game to Fulham is the last game before the Cup Final, and players would need to focus and try to earn a place in the Final squad.  Fulham had been doing well recently so it is not a pushover that we can win easily.  And certainly Spearing would like to have a go in revenging the wrong red card he got at the Cottage.

My team prediction:
Reina
Kelly
Carragher
Coates
Aurelio
Kuyt
Shelvey
Spearing
Maxi
Carroll
Bellamy

Result 2:0

April Month Review

3W 1D 2L and we won the most important game in the FA Cup semi-final, but the performance is once again inconsistency.   With two goalkeepers sent off, Brad Jones had become the unlucky hero in keeping the goal.  The strikers were also on fire especially Suarez scored 5 goals in the month.  Going into May we will have 4 important games, with the FA Cup final that we are all looking for to make the season a memorable one.

Players of the month: (1) Suarez  7.28 (2) Shelvey 6.93 (3) Carroll 6.66.  With 5 goals scored and a superb hat trick, Suarez's form is superb going into the FA Cup Final.  Shelvey did very well in the month and would be fighting for a spot in the first team.  Carroll's confidence is also back with two nice header scored.

May prediction:
5/1 Fulham (h) A game for the players to grab the FA Cup spots.
5/5 Chelsea (n) Bring us the glory.
5/8 Chelsea (h) We also need to win the game if we want to overtake Everton.
5/13 Swansea City (a) A nice place to visit to end the season.

Match Report 120428 at Norwich City: Hat trick hero

3:0 and what a way to score a hat trick!  It must be one of the longest hat trick in Premier League history with a total of 80 yards, and surely it is a good way to prepare the FA Cup Final.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7.5 Superb one hand save to keep the score at 2:0.
Johnson: 7.5 An inch perfect pass to Suarez for the tremendous third goal.
Carragher: 8 A good performance with a great block before the third goal.
Agger: 7.5 Another solid display.
Enrique: 7 A good performance.
Henderson: 7 A solid performance at DM.
Shelvey: 7.5 Have two great chances to open his account.
Downing: 6.5 Not so effective on the right hand side.
Gerrard: 8 A good performance by the captain.
Bellamy: 6.5 A bit poor from his high standard.
Suarez: 9 A superb hat trick.

Substitutions:
Coates/Kuyt: 6.5 Not enough time to impress.

King Kenny: 7.5 Glad about the team performance.

Norwich City: 6 Not much motivation in the game.

Man of the match: Suarez.  First of many hat trick for us.

Play safe but win it

With one eye on the FA Cup Final some of the players may play safe in the league games, but we still need a few points to save the season.  We were very unlucky at home vs Norwich, and the return game could still be tricky if we do not turn up.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Kelly
Carragher
Coates
Enrique
Spearing
Kuyt
Henderson
Shelvey
Bellamy
Carroll

Result 2:0

Match Report 110422 vs West Bromwich Albion: Same old story

0:1 and this is the same old story all over the season:  We dominated early on, denied a penalty, couldn't score, hit the woodwork, one mistake and we lose the game.  Of course the players might have one eye on the FA Cup final, but the form definitely needs to be improved.

Players Rating:
Reina: 6 Made two good saves in 1H, but was unable to deny the goal conceded.
Johnson: 5.5 One careless mistake and all the good works were gone...
Skrtel: 6.5 Defended solidly.
Agger: 6.5 Missed two goalmouth opportunities.
Enrique: 6 Wasted many chances for taking a shot.
Kuyt: 6.5 His finishing let him down.
Henderson: 6.5 Quiet in 1H, but played better in 2H with two close chances.
Spearing: 6.5 A solid game.
Maxi: 6.5 Should have win a penalty for us.
Suarez: 7 A great threat up front as usual.
Carroll: 6.5 A few great link up play with Suarez.

Substitutions:
Bellamy: 6 Not much impact.
Downing: 6 Almost invisible.
Shelvey: 6 Not enough time to impress.

King Kenny: The league form is really worrying, not sure how he can improve it if he stays on...

West Bromwich Albion: 6 Lucky for them.

Man of the Match: Suarez.  If he can improve his finishing...

Welcome and no thanks Roy

After he was fired this is the first time Roy Hodgson visit Anfield.  With the FA Cup place secured players will now need to try to improve the league form, with an aim to win all the remaining games.  It will not be easy, but if players want to win a place in the FA Cup final and in next year's squad, they better improve now.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Kelly
Skrtel
Agger
Enrique
Henderson
Gerrard
Shelvey
Maxi
Suarez
Carroll

Result 2:0

Match Report 120414 vs Everton: A great response from the players

2:1 and what a way to enter the FA Cup Final.  We did not play too well in the first half but the players responded well after the break, and at the end a gift from Distin and a superb header from Carroll means that we will be visiting Wembley for the third time of the season.  Nevertheless we need to improve our game as Chelsea will be tough opponents for sure.

My Team Prediction:
Jones: 6.5 Another fine performance from the lad.
Johnson: 6.5 Another good game.
Carragher: 6 Sadly his time is almost up.
Skrtel: 7 A good performance in defense.
Agger: 6.5 Played out of position and was partly blamed for the goal conceded.

Henderson: 6 Solid game with plenty of rooms for improvements.
Gerrard: 6.5 A bit quiet.
Spearing: 6.5 An effective if not impressive game.
Downing: 6 Not much impact.
Suarez: 8 The main man on the front.
Carroll: 7.5 Answered the critics with another superb header.

Substitutions:
Maxi: 6.5 A fine game.
Bellamy: 7 Inch perfect free kick delivery.

King Kenny: 7 How he would like the response from the players.  Now make sure we improve from now on!

Everton: 6.5 Did not do too much to win the game.

Man of the Match: Suarez.  Glad to hear him commit his future!

Seize the moment

It is the derby semi final and it will be a memorial day for both sets of players, especially it is just a day before the Hillsborough memorial.  Both teams will be eager to win the game, and as Gerrard said, make sure you play to be a hero.

My Team Prediction:
Jones
Johnson
Skrtel
Agger
Enrique
Spearing
Kuyt
Gerrard
Shelvey
Suarez
Carroll

Result 2:0

Match Report 120410 at Blackburn Rovers: The team spirit is back

3:2 and what a way it was to end the win less streak.  We played very well and were truly deserved to be 2-0 up in 16 minutes, but then a mistake by Flanagan had Doni sent off and we had one man down and let Blackburn equalized.  At the end, we shown we have determination to win the game and an injury time header by Carroll finally ended the streak and we took 3 points home.  This is a morale boasting win for the team and now we can focus on the next game at Anfield South.

Players Rating:
Doni: 6.5  Unlucky to have sent off.
Flanagan: 5 Was lucky to be still on the pitch before the ultimate error.
Skrtel: 7.5 Inspiring Captain.
Coates: 7 Another solid performance.
Johnson: 7 A nice game after the long injury.
Spearing: 7.5 Solid protecting the back 4.
Henderson: 8 A great game at right back.
Bellamy: 7 A great run for the first goal.
Shelvey: 7.5 A good game at the middle.
Maxi: 7.5 Two great goals scored.
Carroll: 7.5 Sealed the game with a superb header in the dying minutes.

Substitutions:
Jones: 6.5 A great penalty save and we need you to perform.
Agger: 7.5 Came on and made an impact.
Enrique: 6.5 Provided some needed support to defense.

King Kenny: 7 Would be thrilled about the reaction of the team.  We need to continue this in the derby game.

Blackburn Rovers: 6.5 At the end we have more hunger to win the game, good luck to them.

Man of the Match: Henderson.  This is what we expect of him, play with confidence and a hunger to win.

Be confident

Ewood Park was a tough place for us to visit and ironically it was where the Hodgson era ended.  As Blackburn is fighting for relegation they would be very eager to beat us, especially when we are low in confidence.  King Kenny should try some new faces and hope that the players can sort it out, before the all-important derby game at Anfield South.

My Team Prediction:
Doni
Flanagan
Skrtel
Agger
Enrique
Spearing
Kuyt
Gerrard
Shelvey
Bellamy
Suarez

Result 2:0

Match Report 110407 vs Aston Villa: Please hold your heads up high!

1:1 and although the decisions by the referee were shameful to say the least, we should also blame ourselves of not raising our games after conceded so early, and this is a really serious problem.  Sure, we have no way to finish top 4, Europa place is secured, and it is almost impossible for us to relegate, but the fans deserve more, and the players must play much better for the remaining of the season.  But can they?

Players Rating:
Doni: 6.5 Solid display apart from the blunder that lead to the first goal.
Flanagan: 6.5 A better game from the kid.
Carragher: 6.5 A solid performance.
Skrtel: 6.5 A rock at the back.
Enrique: 6 Need to improve his confidence.
Henderson: 5 A very disappointed first half.
Shelvey: 6.5 Solid performance.
Kuyt: 6 Missed a glorious chance from 3 yards to equalize.
Gerrard: 6.5 Still the one we look for.
Downing: 6 A good 1H but dropped in 2H.
Suarez: 7 A good equalizer and was unlucky not to score more.

Substitutions:
Bellamy: 6.5  Gave us more options up front.
Carroll: 6.5  His presence let us win a few aerial fights.
Agger: 7 Was instrumental in getting the equalizer.

King Kenny: 6 Need to install confidence to the players.

Aston Villa: 6.5 Will survive this season.

Man of the Match: Suarez.  He's no diver.

Doni as savior

Finally Doni get a chance to show us how he can do, and we would need him at least for the next 3 games.  He was with Rom for 6 years so he has quality, and now it is the time for him to show the world how good he can be.

My Team Prediction:

Doni

Flanagan

Carragher

Skrtel

Enrique

Spearing

Kuyt

Gerrard

Shelvey

Bellamy

Suarez

Result 2:0

Match Report 120401 at Newcastle United: We made ourselves April's Fool

0:2 and we just made ourselves look like a fool.  Sure there was at least a hat trick of mistakes made by Atkinson and if the penalty stands and Simpson get sent off, we could have win the game, but the point is that if we are behind we should try to win the game back, instead of just give up.  This is so un-Liverpool and with this attitude, we would be lucky not to be relegated.

Players Rating:
Reina: 4 After 16,463 consecutive minutes in the league, the streak ended in a shameful way.
Flanagan: 5 Should do better in stopping the 2nd goal, but he is young and is 3rd choice right back anyway.
Carragher: 5.5 Getting worse and worse as age comes to him.
Skrtel: 5.5 Need to take some blame of not properly marking Cisse for the first goal.
Enrique: 5.5 Constantly booed.
Spearing: 6 Doing the holding DM job well.
Suarez: 5.5 Did not seem to be interested in the game.
Gerrard: 5 Failed to inspire the team.
Shelvey: 6 Have a good game and should start in the remaining of the season.
Bellamy: 5.5 Not an effective game for him.
Carroll: 5 Should do better for the one on one.

Substitution:
Downing/Kuyt/Henderson: 5.5 Not much impact to the game.

King Kenny: 4 He is in danger of ruining his name, so some sort of remedial action is really critical and urgent now.

Newcastle United: 7 More hunger to win the game and hope they can overtake Chelsea.

Man of the Match: Spearing/Shelvey.  Two brighter players in a dull match.

A game of no significance

It is only the start of April but the league has long been over, and this match bears not much significance and King Kenny may consider using more kids.  We should also play Carroll and hope that he would awake in his familiar ground of St. Jame's Park, or whatever it is called now.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Kelly
Carragher
Skrtel
Enrique
Spearing
Kuyt
Gerrard
Shelvey
Suarez
Carroll

Result 2:0

March Month Review

2W 4L and no matter how optimistic you are, this is a very poor month.  We are still at 7th place but is now 13 points behind 4th place with only 8 games to go.  In fact we are only 3 points ahead of 11th place Norwich City.  And with only 8 points from the league since the start of the year, I really don't know what we can do to resurrect the season.  Maybe we should give the youngsters more chances as they would be more eager to show us how well they can be done.

Players of the month: (1) Gerrard 7.54 (2) Spearing 7.083 (3) Suarez 7.076.  The Captain is back with a superb hat trick in the derby game, although he himself along could not lift us every game.  Spearing has also grown more mature and is one of the constant good performer of the team.  And Suarez, with 2 goals and 2 assists but still he needs to improve on the linkage with teammates.

April prediction:
4/1 Newcastle United (a) A defeat and we should target to finish 10 ten only.
4/7 Aston Villa (h) Villa's form is as worse as us, so this is a game to get some points.
4/10 Blackburn Rovers (a) Blackburn are fighting for survival and you would expect them to have more hunger to win the game than us.
4/14 Everton/Sunderland (n)  Yes we visit Wembley again, and make sure we will visit Wembley a third time this season.
4/22 West Bromwich Albion (h)  First time Hodgson is back after he was sacked, but we seems to be worse than when he left...
4/28 Norwich City (a)  By the time we face them we may be trailing with them...

TBC Fulham (h) Fulham is a consistent team and they could be more eager to win than us.

Match Report 120324 vs Wigan Athletic: No way out

1:2 and this is another defeat and we seems to be no way out of the mess.  Would only 8 points obtained in 2012, we would be in bottom 3 if the league starts on 1/1/2012.  Certainly this is a team in crisis, and despite we are still in the FA Cup, we definitely need to improve the league form, or else King Kenny would probably have to go.

Players Rating:
Reina: 6 Should have done better for the second goal conceded.
Flanagan: 6.5 A good game from his second league start of the season.
Carragher: 6 Tiredness is showing up on him.
Skrtel: 6 Responsible for the penalty conceded.
Enrique: 6 A bit tired as well.
Spearing: 6.5 Solid as usual.
Downing: 6 Not effective on the right, but played better on the left.
Gerrard: 6.5 Failed to inspire teammates.
Henderson: 5 Yet another disappointed performance.
Kuyt: 6 Poor on the left.
Suarez: 7 Scored the equalizer and was a bit unlucky to have a goal denied.

Substitutions:
Carroll: 6 Another disappointment.
Shelvey: 6.5 Provided some needed strength to the team.
Sterling: 6.5 A solid debut.

King Kenny: 5 Once again failed to inspire the team.

Wigan Athletic: 6.5 Credits to them in never give up.

Man of the Match: Suarez.  But he should play more with his teammates.

Give kids a chance

With the defeat at QPR there is really no point for us to play the strongest team, and we should give the kids a chance.  No disrespect to Wigan, but our kids will probably be more hunger to beat them.

My Team Prediction:
Doni
Kelly
Coates
Skrtel
Flanagan
Henderson
Spearing
Shelvey
Bellamy
Suso
Sterling

Result 2:0

Match Report 120321 at Queen's Park Rangers: Where is the spirit

2:3 and it was a very poor result to have 2 goals lead and then conceded 3 goals.  Tiredness may be an excuse but still we should protect a 2-goal lead well.  This is just simply not good enough.  And I have nothing to say as I did not watch the match.

Keep it up

We will have a hectic schedule in the closing in of the season, and any points still count at this moment.  It has been a while since we last visited QPR, and with the injuries King Kenny may also be forced to make some changes, but in any case, players need to improve and bring 3 points home.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Kelly
Carragher
Skrtel
Enrique
Kuyt
Gerrard
Spearing
Downing
Suarez
Carroll

Result 2:0

Match Report 120318 vs Stoke City: Wembley, here we come again

2:1 and two fine goals by Suarez and Downing sent us to Wembley again.  Although defense was shaky but at the end two fine goals and two superb goals were enough to book us another Wembley trip.  No matter who we will be facing, we need to win it and go to Wembley again the 3rd time of the year.

Players Rating:
Reina: 6.5 Should have do better for the goal conceded.
Kelly: 7.5  An all-round performance.
Carragher: 7 Lead the defense well.
Skrtel: 7 A good performance.
Enrique: 7 Did well despite not much support from Maxi.
Downing: 7.5 What a superb goal!
Gerrard: 7.5 Another good performance.
Spearing: 8 Grown a lot during this season.
Maxi: 7 A good assist.
Suarez: 7.5 Scored another magic goal.
Carroll: 6 A bit disappointed and was at fault for not marking Crouch.

Substitutions:
Kuyt: 7 Provided more steal to protect the lead.
Coates/Henderson: 6.5 Not enough time to impress.

King Kenny: 7 Would be delighted about the way we respond in 2H, although there is some problem in defending set pieces.

Stoke City: 6.5 Typical Stoke performance but at the end the better team won.

Man of the Match: Spearing.  Lucas should be worried about his position.

Cup is our priority

With 4th place virtually gone FA Cup has become a bigger priority for us.  It will be our 4th time to meet Stoke this season and they proved to be tough opponents to us.  But we beat them in the League Cup so we can do it again this time as well.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Kelly
Carragher
Skrtel
Enrique
Kuyt
Gerrard
Spearing
Downing
Suarez
Carroll

Result 2:0

Match Report 120313 vs Everton: Captain Marvel

3:0 and what a perfect way to celebrate Stevie G's 400th League appearance.  We did very well in general, and in particular Suarez was linked up with Gerrard very well with a hand in all 3 goals.  Of course it was due to injury that we cannot play like this during the past, but for the remaining of the season, we should keep fighting on and try to get as high as we can.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7 Rarely tested.
Kelly: Confidence in going forward and was rewarded with a nice assist.
Carragher: 7.5 Grown taller in the derby game.
Skrtel: 7.5 As good as ever.
Enrique: 7 A solid performance as usual.
Henderson: 7 A bit poor in 1H but confidence returned in 2H with a superb pass for the 2nd goal, and get a well deserved round of applause from the Anfield crowd.
Gerrard: 10 Superb hat trick that he will remember forever.
Spearing: 7.5 Another superb performance to provide a platform for Gerrard to roar.
Downing: 7 Provided a few dangerous crosses.
Suarez: 8 Linked up superbly well with Gerrard.
Carroll: 7 Won many aerial duals and is more confident.

Substitution:
Kuyt: 7 Worked hard as usual.

King Kenny: 7.5 Can we play like this week in, week out?

Everton: 5.5 A really toothless performance.

Man of the Match: Gerrard.  Captain Marvel.

Save the season

With only 1 win in 2012 and losing 3 in a row, we are in deep trouble.  4th place is 99% gone, but we still need to save the season by winning the remaining games.  Derby is a game that form doesn't count, so perhaps this is the perfect place to resurrect the season.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Kelly
Carragher
Skrtel
Enrique
Spearing
Kuyt
Gerrard
Henderson
Downing
Suarez

Result 2:0

Match Report 120310 at Sunderland: Disappointment

0:1 and we simply deserve nothing from the game.  We were supposed to have a last spark after the League Cup final, but 2 weeks after that, 4th place is almost gone.  We need more passion from the players to resurrect the season.

Players Rating:
Reina: 6 Should have done better for the goal conceded.
Kelly: 6.5 Can't do much to help the attack.
Skrtel: 7 Solid defending.
Coates: 6 Need more games to build up his confidence.
Enrique: 6.5 Failed to provide attacking assistance.

Adam: 6 Too many miss passes.
Spearing: 6.5 Solid in providing defensive coverage.
Kuyt: 6 Not much impact to the game.
Henderson: 6 Need some improvement to his game.
Bellamy: 6 A poor performance.
Suarez: 6 No supply and didn't do much.

Substitutions:
Gerrard/Carroll/Downing: 6 Failed to do much to help the team.

King Kenny: 6 A very disappointed performance and can he inspire the team?

Sunderland: 6.5 Only win by a bit of luck.

Man of the Match: Skrtel.  But need to inspire his teammates as well.

Season restarts

The season started when we played Sunderland and it shown what we did this season:  Missed penalty, lots of chances created, yet drawn at home.  It's time for the reverse fixture and we will hope that the season can restart and we can witness a miracle for the remaining of the season.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Johnson
Carragher
Skrtel
Enrique
Kuyt
Gerrard
Henderson
Downing
Carroll
Suarez

Result 2:0

Match Report 120303 vs Arsenal: 4th place almost over

1:2 and despite we played reasonably well, the lack of composure at the front really hurt us.  Not just this game, but the whole season.  And with this loss, 4th place is almost unreachable with 12 games left and 10 points behind.  Perhaps King Kenny should consider giving the kids more chances as they will have more hunger to fight for the first team places.

Players Rating:
Reina: 6 Should do better on the 2nd goal conceded.
Kelly: 7 Missed a glorious chance to win the game.
Carragher: 5 Guilty for both goals.
Skrtel: 7 A solid defending.
Enrique: 7 Defended well.
Henderson: 7.5 His best performance so far.
Adam: 7 A better performance than the league cup game.
Spearing: 7 Bossed the midfield.
Downing: 7 Another nice performance.
Kuyt: 6 Missed a penalty and hit the post.
Suarez: 6.5 Should have scored in 1H and faded in 2H.

Substitutions:
Bellamy/Carroll: 6 Not enough time to impress.

King Kenny: 6 The lack of heart at times is particular worrying.  We need to improve a lot.

Arsenal: 6.5 They have a good goalkeeper and they take their chances really well.

Man of the Match: Henderson.  A confident performance.

Fight for 4th place

We are 7 points behind Gooners and we definitely need to win this game if we want to fight for it.  Arsenal seems to be revived recently so it would be a difficult game for us.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Johnson
Carragher
Skrtel
Enrique
Kuyt
Adam
Henderson
Downing
Suarez
Carroll

Result 2:0

February Month Review

1W2D1L and we are further down in 7th place, 7 points behind 4th place with 1 game in hand.but still in both Cups.  We only get 1 points from 2 tough league games, but we did well in the FA Cup and also beat Cardiff City in the League Cup with a bit of luck.  The coming months would be busy and we still have a chance to get the 4th place spot.

Players of the month: (1) Skrtel 7.27 (2) Carroll 7.1747 (3) Agger 7.169.  Skrtel defended brilliantly and scored 2 great goals in the Cup games.  Carroll starts to play well for the team highlighted with a Man of the Match performance vs Brighton.  Agger also defended well and we hope he will get well soon.

March prediction:
3/3 Arsenal (h) Gooner has been revived recently but if we want to finish 4th place, this is a must win game.
3/10 Sunderland (a) Sunderland's good run has finally slow down a bit so it is up to us to beat them.
3/13 Everton (h) Toffee seems to be revived a bit recently so it will not be an easy game.
3/17 Stoke City (h) We could not tear them down in the league but in the Cup it will be a difference story.
3/21 Queen's Park Rangers (a) QPR would still fight for their safety and it would not be an easy game.
3/24 Wigan Athletic (h) Wigan seems likely to go down this season and we need to show no mercy and get the points.

Match Report 120226 vs Cardiff City: We won it 8 times!

2:2 and once again we won in the penalty shootout and recapture the League Cup at Wembley.  We did not play too well and full credits to Cardiff City, but at the end luck is on our side and we won the penalty shootout.

Players Rating:
Reina: 6.5 Could have done better to avoid the second goal.
Johnson: 7 A good game with the winning penalty.
Skrtel: 7.5 Scored the much needed equalizer to bring the match into extra time.
Agger: 7 Solid defending.
Enrique: 7 A monster in defending.
Henderson: 4 A poor performance.
Gerrard: 7 Good passing but failed to shot on target.
Adam: 6.5 Has his penalty finally landed?
Downing: 8 Finally he regained his capability of how to cross a ball.
Suarez: 6.5 A bit short of confidence.
Carroll: 6.5 Tried hard but failed to score.

Substitutions:
Bellamy: 6.5 A bit disappointed by his high standard.
Carragher: 7 Decent display when called up.
Kuyt: 8 Big match player.

King Kenny: 6.5 Would be delighted of winning the League Cup, now go and make sure the momentum is still on and fight for the 4th place.

Cardiff City: 7 Credits must be given to them for defending so well.  Hope to see them soon in the Premier League.

Man of the Match: Downing.  Best game so far.

Bring the Cup home

It is 6 years since we won a trophy, and it is 17 years since we last won it at Wembley.  One thing for sure is that our players won't take it for granted, and they will give 100% to ensure we can bring the trophy home.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Johnson
Skrtel
Agger
Enrique
Gerrard
Adam
Henderson
Bellamy
Suarez
Carroll

Result 2:0

Match Report 120219 vs Brighton & Hove Albion: Hat trick own goals

6:1 and this is a strange game with three own goals, a missed penalty, and even a streaker.  The difference in the class of the two team really tells, and despite they scored an absolutely brilliant equalizer, once we are in control we never look back and this is a well deserved victory.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7 A very comfortable game.
Johnson: 7.5 Enforced the 2nd goal with a nice header.
Carragher: 7.5 Comfortable apart from being hugged by the streaker.
Skrtel: 7.5 Superb header.
Enrique: 7.5 Solid defending.
Henderson: 7 A solid game.
Gerrard: 7.5 A superb shot that should be counted as a goal.
Adam: 7 A nice game.
Downing: 7.5 One of his better game so far.
Suarez: 7.5 Always threatening despite the penalty miss.
Carroll: 8 Starting to play well.

Substitutions:
Kuyt/Shelvey/Maxi: 7 A good warm up for the League Cup final.

King Kenny: 7.5 Would be absolutely thrilled about the team effort.

Brighton & Hove Albion: 6 The defense really let them down.

Man of the Match: Carroll.  Getting better and better.

Have a good cup run

The FA Cup is a nice distraction and we are presented with a good opponent in Brighton.  We have beaten them in the League Cup, but they will be well prepared for the FA Cup game, and we need to show them respect to continue our good runs in the Cups.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Johnson
Skrtel
Agger
Enrique
Spearing
Kuyt
Gerrard
Henderson
Bellamy
Suarez

Result 2:0

Everyone must perform

It's away game at Old Trafford and as usual this is the most difficult game of the season.  We were unbeaten in our two games at Anfield this season, but if we want to get something there, everybody must perform.  And there is no doubt that every player will raise their game.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Johnson
Skrtel
Agger
Enrique
Spearing
Kuyt
Gerrard
Henderson
Bellamy
Suarez

Result 2:0

Match Report 120206 vs Tottenham Hotspur: Anfield cat rules

0:0 and the highlight of the night, apart from the return of Suarez, is the Anfield Cat.  In truth both teams did well defensively, and a draw is a fair result, although it will make our chase of 4th place more difficult.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7.5 Did superbly at the one-on-one with Bale to keep the clean sheet.
Kelly: 7 Another solid performance.
Skrtel: 8 Defense brilliantly.
Agger: 7.5 Defended well and had a few half chances going forward.
Johnson: 7 Did well at a unfamiliar left back position.
Spearing: 7.5 A brilliant performance although his passing are a bit too ambitious at times.
Kuyt: 6 Did not do enough for the night.
Gerrard: 6.5 An OK performance.
Adam: 6.5 Passed the ball well.
Bellamy: 6.5 A solid performance.
Carroll: 7.5 Getting better and better.

Substitutions:
Suarez: 6.5 Failed to inspire the team.
Downing: 6.5 Did not do too much for the short timeframe.

King Kenny: 7 Could draw a few positives from the game but this is yet another 2 point loss.

Tottenham Hotspur: 7 Should be genuinely capable in keeping 3rd place position.

Man of the Match: Skrtel.  Getting better and better.

Welcome back, Suarez

After a month of unfair suspension Suarez will be back to lead us to the ultimate challenge of the coming months.  Spur won't be easy to beat but with the team morale at a high at this moment, we have every chance to beat them.  So go for it and bring 3 points home.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Johnson
Skrtel
Agger
Enrique
Spearing

Gerrard
Henderson
Bellamy
Suarez
Carroll

Result 2:0

January Month Report

4W2D2L and we are still in 6th place, but still in both Cups.  The month started badly with a defeat away at City, but then we bounced back and beat them in 2 legs in the League.  The league result was not good as we only get 4 out of a possible 12, but with Suarez back we will improve a lot for February, especially when there are many big games coming up.

Players of the month: (1) Bellamy 7.59 (2) Gerrard 6.97 (3) Skrtel 6.93.  Bellamy finally get more games and he never disappoint us.  With Gerrard back we will have more options.  And Skrtel was as usual reliable at the back.

February prediction:
2/6 Tottenham Hotspur (h) Spur is very tough to beat so this is a big challenge for us.
2/11 Manchester United (a) Another tough game and we need to be at 100% if we want to help the City.
2/19 Brighton & Hove Albion (h) Brighton may be at Championship only but they have beaten Newcastle to arrive to the 5th round, so no complacency.
2/26 Cardiff City (n) Yes we are going to Wem-bee-lee!  Let's make sure we will do well and bring the League Cup home.

Match Report 120131 at Wolverhampton Wanderers: 3 strikes from 3 strikers

3:0 and it is a our first double of the season. We were in control from the start to the end and once the deadlock is broken, the goals just keep flowing in.  With Suarez back for the next game King Kenny will have a headache in choosing who to start, but this is a happy dilemma.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7.5 Not really tested.
Johnson: 7 A good performance.
Skrtel: 7 Solid defending.
Agger: 7.5 Good at the air and almost scored.
Enrique: 7 Good performance.
Henderson: 7 Good performance at the middle.
Spearing: 8.5 An excellent performance.
Adam: 8 Two nice assists.
Kuyt: 7.5 A nice goal to open the league account.
Carroll: 7.5 Scored a good goal and could score more.
Bellamy: 8 Excellent as usual.

Substitutions:
Carragher/Shelvey/Aurelio: 6.5 A nice run for the three players.

King Kenny: 7.5 Would be delighted about the performance.

Wolverhampton Wanderers: 6 A poor performance and they need to improve if they want to survive.

Man of the Match: Spearing. A nice lad.

No more slips

After two great cup games we are back to the league, visiting Wolves.  As King Kenny said we will be battling on 3 ends, so we need to put up a performance and prevent any slips.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Johnson
Skrtel
Agger
Enrique
Spearing
Kuyt
Gerrard
Henderson
Downing
Bellamy

Result 2:0

Match Report 120128 vs Manchester United: Superb win

2:1 and this is a win we fully deserved.  Despite not getting much possession, we still managed to control the game and have more chances.  At the end King Kenny's change of tactics were spot on and super Kuyt scored again at the dying minutes to send us to the 5th round.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7 Have a great ball that contributed to the winning goal.
Kelly: 7 Superb defending.
Skrtel: 8 A rock at the back.
Agger: 7.5 Scored a superb header.
Enrique: 7 A good game in general.
Carragher: 6.5 Played out of decision and was slightly ineffective.
Downing: 7 A good game.
Gerrard: 7A nicely taken corner to assist the first goal.
Henderson: 7 A solid game.
Maxi: 6.5 Slightly ineffective.
Carroll: 7 Getting better with a nice assist.

Substitutions:
Kuyt: 8 Came on for the winning goal.
Adam: 7 A good game in general.
Bellamy: 7.5 Provided us with more attacking options.

King Kenny: 7.5 Would be very happy about the victory, and he needs to make sure we play at the same level from now on.

Manchester United: 6.5 That's fate.

Man of the Match: Skrtel.  A superb defender.

Big game

After reaching the League Cup Final another big Cup game comes up, and could it be bigger?  Although we have the home court advantage this is still a tough game for us.  But the fans will be backing us, and we will try our best to beat them.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Johnson
Skrtel
Agger
Enrique
Adam
Gerrard

Kuyt
Henderson
Downing
Bellamy

Result 2:0

Match Report 120125 vs Manchester City: We are off to Wem-be-lee!

2:2 and it is enough for us to reach the League Cup Final, and a visit to the new Wembley for the very first time.  We controlled the game well but City was so strong that they took the league twice.  But we shown our never say die spirit and come back twice to earn us a valuable draw, and over the two legs, we really deserve the victory.

Players Rating:
Reina: 6.5 Could not do too much about the two goals conceded.
Johnson: 7.5 Brilliant runs and provided the crucial one-two for the Bellamy goal.
Skrtel: 7 A rock in the defense.
Agger: 7 Solid at the back.
Enrique: 7 A nice run.
Adam: 6.5 Could do better.
Gerrard: 7.5 Cool penalty taken.
Kuyt: 7 Worked tirelessly for the team.
Henderson: 7.5 Felt assured with Gerrard at his back.
Downing: 7 A good performance.
Bellamy: 8.5 His work rate is fascinating.

Substitutions:
Kelly/Carroll: 6.5 Not enough time to impress.

King Kenny: 7 Would be delighted about how the team responded to his criticism.  Now we need to play more consistent with such as high level.

Manchester City: 6.5 Over two legs they did not play well, and the absence of players are crucial. 

Man of the Match: Bellamy.  Other players should take note.

Finish the job

With a slim league in the first league, we will visit Wembley if we come home unbeaten.  City may have their mind on the league, but still, they have a big team and whoever play will be tough to beat.  But we are at Anfield and the fans will guide us through.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Johnson
Carragher
Skrtel
Enrique
Agger
Kuyt
Gerrard
Henderson
Bellamy
Carroll

Result 2:0

Match Report 120121 at Bolton Wanderers: Disgrace

1:3 and this is a real disgrace, not just for the result but more for the attitude of the players.  Are the players really have the eyes on the coming two cup games?  If this is so, it is really wrong.  This is not the Liverpool attitude.  And whoever play like this should not wear the famous red jersey.

Players Rating:
Reina: 6 Helpless for all 3 goals conceded.
Johnson: 6 Poor defending.
Skrtel: 5.5 Guilty on the first goal.
Agger: 5.5 Hit the bar.
Enrique: 5.5 Not much contribution.
Henderson: 6 Good passing in general.
Gerrard: 6 Could not raise the team.
Adam: 5 Shocking.
Maxi: 5.5 Poor game.
Bellamy: 7.5 The only player who is willing to fight.
Carroll: 5.5 A nice assist but we expect more from him.

Substitutions:
Downing: 5.5 A quiet game.
Kuyt: 5.5 Unable to help.

King Kenny: 5 Would be really disappointed on the attitude of the players, but can he do anything?

Bolton Wanderers: 7 Really deserve the victory, no complain.

Man of the Match: Bellamy.   Other players should follow his attitude.

Score some goals

Our problem of scoring is become a bigger problem, and we need to sort it out very soon.  Bolton will be fighting for their survival, and they will not be losing without a fight, so we need to find some ways to score goals.

My Team Prediction:

Reina

Johnson

Skrtel

Agger

Enrique

Spearing

Downing

Gerrard

Henderson

Bellamy

Carroll

Result 2:0

Match Report 120114 vs Stoke City: No creativity

0:0 and needless to say, this is a very disappointed result.  We simply had no creativity and we don't deserve to win the game.  And if we play like this, there will be no hope for a top 4 finish.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7 Not really bothered.
Skrtel: 7.5 Did well and go forward very often.
Carragher 6.5 Not a good game for his high standard.
Coates: 6.5 A bit shaky but in general OK.
Johnson: 6.5 Did OK as a wing back.
Adam: 6.5 Should work harder.
Gerrard: 6.5 Still struggling.
Enrique: 6.5 Soild performance.
Henderson: 6.5 Not much contribution.
Downing: 6 Disappointment.
Kuyt: 6.5 Disappointed performance.

Substitutions:
Carroll: 6.5 Not taking his chances.
Bellamy 6.5 Not effective.

King Kenny: 6 Probably the worst performance under his regime.

Stoke City: 6.5 Responded well to our 3-4-2-1 setup.

Man of the Match: Skrtel.  Getting better and better.

Solid defending required

No doubt Stoke will be playing physically, so our defense need to stand tall again.  Stoke may not be good travellers, but our defense needs to be as solid as in the City game.  And we also need to find someone to score as well.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Johnson
Skrtel
Agger
Enrique
Adam
Kuyt
Gerrard
Henderson
Downing
Carroll

Result 2:0

Match Report 120111 at Manchester City: Advantage Liverpool

1:0 and we can return home with a slim advantage in the league cup, and it is a major step for us to go to new Wembley for the first time.  We started the match well and got the lead through the superb penalty taken by Stevie G.  City was in control for the second hard, but we defended solidly and at the end the lead is well justified.

Players Rating:
Reina: 8 Made amendments with a few fine saves.
Kelly: 6.5 Solid in general apart from a dangerous miss pass.
Skrtel: 7.5 Defended well.
Agger: 7.5 Earned the crucial penalty.
Johnson: 7.5 Solid no matter where he was asked to play.
Spearing: 7 Solid but was injured early on.
Downing: 7 Solid in general.
Gerrard: 7.5 Shown the boys how a penalty should be scored.
Henderson: 7.5 Everywhere on the pitch.
Bellamy 6.5 Had a quiet game.
Carroll: 6.5 No supply to him apart from an early pass by Downing.

Substitutions:
Adam: 6.5 Sit very deep to protect the back.
Enrique: 7 Solid defending.
Carragher: 7 Provided another extra shield to the defense.

King Kenny: 7 Although the lineup was a bit strange, at the end it was justified.

Manchester City: 6 Got hit by all the missing players and hope they will pick up quickly, apart from the League Cup game.

Man of the Match: Reina.  Solid defending once again.

Round 2

It is round two of our City game, and this is a big game for us if we want to go to Wembley.  City are without at least 3 key players but they are still very strong and we need to have a solid defense if we want to go back to Anfield with an advantage.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Johnson
Skrtel
Agger
Enrique
Spearing
Kuyt
Gerrard
Henderson
Bellamy
Carroll

Result 2:0

Match Report 110106 vs Oldham Athletic: A 5-star performance

5:1 and it was nice to see us scoring a lot of goals.  Although Oldham is a lower division team they certain did well and even took a shock lead.  Although there are many off the field incidents, yet this is a good performance by the team.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7 No chance for that superb goal conceded.
Kelly: 7 Another solid performance.
Carragher: 7 Solid in defending despite a bit slow.
Coates: 6 Was shocked by the physical strength of Oldham players.
Aurelio: 7 A decent performance.
Spearing: 7 Solid in the middle.
Kuyt: 7 Worked hard as usual.
Gerrard: 7.5 Scored a good penalty.
Shelvey: 7.5 Scored one and created one.
Maxi: 7 A solid game.
Bellamy: 8 Constantly at threat.

Substitutions:
Flanagan: 8 Two nice assists.
Downing: 7.5 Finally opened his scoring account.
Carroll: 7.5 First Anfield goal of the season.

King Kenny: 7.5 Would be delighted about the performance in general.

Oldham Athletic: 7 A decent game.

Man of the Match: Bellamy.  Would be crucial in this period when Suarez is suspended.

Take it seriously

No matter what people say, FA Cup is still an important Cup for us and we will treat it seriously, especially there is no European football.  Oldham will play it like a Final and so it is up to us to perform well if we want to have a good Cup run in it.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Kelly
Carragher
Coates
Robinson
Downing
Shelvey
Henderson
Maxi
Kuyt
Carroll

Result 2:0

Match Report 120103 at Manchester City: Reality check

0:3 and to be honest, we did not play particular poor but just too predictive.  With Gerrard, Bellamy and Maxi not starting King Kenny may quietly didn't want to win this game.  Nevertheless we should be better prepared next week when we visit City again.

Players Rating:
Reina: 5.5 Made two mistakes.
Johnson: 6 Solid performance
Skrtel: 6 Was unfortunate to concede the penalty, which was a dive.
Agger: 6.5 Soild in defending and willing to go up.
Enrique: 6 Solid performance but still poor in shooting.
Spearing: 6 Good passing but not doing enough without ball.
Kuyt: 6 A below par performance from the Dutchman.
Adam: 5.5 Another poor game.
Henderson: 6 Had a superb passing before we conceded the goal but then fade out.
Downing: 5.5 Still poor in finishing.
Carroll: 5.5 No service provided and played poorly.

Substitutions:
Gerrard: 6.5 Could not inspire the team.
Bellamy: 6.5 Solid performance.
Maxi: 6 Not enough time to impress.

King Kenny: 6.5  Need to improve the team a lot for the coming games.

Manchester City: 7.5 Ruthless and should win the league if they play like this week in, week out.

Man of the Match: Agger.  But in general whole team were not doing well.

Tough games ahead

January is a busy month and tonight will be the first of the 3 games we will play Manchester City.  City was not playing well recently and pressure is on them to improve, and so we will face a real test.  But with Gerrard coming back we will have a strong squad to choose from.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Johnson
Skrtel
Agger
Enrique
Spearing
GerrardHenderson
Downing
Suarez
Carroll

Result 2:0

2011/12 Mid Term Report

The season 2011/12 was a season in change.  We have many new faces but still some of them are yet to gel with the team.  We also have key players injury and can yet to field our strongest squad.  Suarez had been good and bad - he's amazing in creating chances but his finishing is often poor, and he had many off the field controversies.  But we are still fighting on 3 fronts, and the best case scenario will see us win both domestic Cups and finish in top 4.

Departmental Comments:
Goalkeeper
Reina is ever present in the whole calendar 2011.  In this season he had 8 clean sheets in 23 games, and only conceded 18 goals.

Defender
Agger and Skrtel had formed a solid foundation and Carragher cannot get a game.  Johnson had been good after his injury past is gone, and Enrique had been one of the best performer so far.  The new kids are also knocking the door, with Kelly, Robinson, Flanagan and Coates waiting to be first team regular.

Midfielder
Midfield had been so so this year.  Lucas was the star player but unfortunately he is now injured and may miss the remaining season.  From the new boys Adam was doing well but not consistent, but Henderson and Downing had yet to convince the Anfield fans.  Young kids such as Shelvey and Spearing will get games and they will grow a lot this season, especially now that Gerrard is back.

Attacker
The lack of goal is a real problem that King Kenny need to address.  Suarez has been very exciting but his finishing really let us down.  Carroll had yet to pick up his form for us, but fortunately Bellamy had performed well and is another bargain.

Player Rating (Games played, Minutes played, Goal scored/conceded, Assists/cleansheets, MoM, Rating)
Goalkeepers
Doni: 23 unused substitute
Reina: 23G 2070M 18GC 8CS 1.5MoM 7.04




Defenders
Agger: 17G 1377M 0GS 0A 0.5MoM 7.14
Aurelio: 1 unused substitute
Carragher: 13G 1042M 0GS 0A 0MoM 6.74
Coates: 4G 333M 0GS 0A 0MoM 6.68
Enrique: 20G 1800M 0GS 2A 2.5MoM 7.15
Flanagan: 3G 184M 0GS 0A 0MoM 6.50
Johnson: 12G 999M 1GS 0A 0.5MoM 7.08
Kelly: 8G 656M 1GS 0A 0.5MoM 7.11
Robinson: 2G 180M 0GS 0A 0MoM 7.00
Skrtel: 20G 1600M 2GS 1A 1MoM 7.06
Wilson: 1G 90M 0GS 0A 0MoM 7.00


Midfielders
Adam: 21G 1670M 2GS 5A 1.5MoM 6.96
Downing: 20G 1530M 0GS 0A 0MoM 6.79
Gerrard: 7G 279M 2GS 0A 2MoM 7.07
Henderson: 22G 1569M 1GS 2A 0MoM 6.82
Kuyt: 19G 1062M 1GS 3A 0MoM 7.08
Lucas: 15G 1295M 0GS 1A 1.5MoM 7.17
Maxi: 9G 673M 4GS 1A 0MoM 7.19
Meireles: 3G 54M 0GS 1A 0MoM 7.04
Shelvey: 4G 118M 0GS 0A 0MoM 7.22
Spearing: 7G 542M 0GS 0A 0MoM 7.05

Attackers:
Bellamy: 16G 681M 5GS 4A 2.5MoM 7.48
Carroll: 20G 1176M 3GS 0A 0MoM 6.65
Ngog: 1 unused substitute
Suarez: 21G 1683M 8GS 5A 9MoM 7.41

Players of 1st half season (Minimum 1,242 mins (60%) or above):
(1) Suarez 7.41
(2) Lucas 7.17
(3) Enrique 7.15
(4) Agger 7.14
(5) Skrtel 7.06
(6) Reina 7.04
(7) Adam 6.96
(8) Henderson 6.82
(9) Downing 6.79

With 9 players played more than 16% of the time, we can see how King Kenny would like a steady team.  Apart from Suarez who is impressive in the attack, the top players from 2nd to 6th place are all defensive mind.  This shows how strong our defense is, but it also highlighted how much we need to improve in the attack.  Of course, Bellamy and Maxi had played very well as well with 5 and 4 goals respectively, despite not playing enough minutes.

Team: 7.03. This is a good improve from the last two years, mainly due to Suarez and the defense.  But we still need to improve the scoring and win more games.

2H Prediction:
League:
1st-5th place teams (Manchester City A, Manchester United A, Tottenham Hotspur H, Chelsea H, Arsenal H) 3W2D we did reasonably well against the top teams this season.
6th-10th place teams (Newcastle United A, Stoke City H, Norwich City A, Everton H) 2W2D These are teams that we should beat but inconsistency may mean we will fall apart...
11th-15th place teams (Swansea City A, Aston Villa H, Fulham H, West Bromwich Albion H, Sunderland A) 4W1D Again these are team we should beat especially at home.
16th-20th place teams (Wolverhampton Wanderers A, Queen's Park Rangers A, Wigan Athletic H, Blackburn Rovers A, Bolton Wanderers A) 4W1D  We need be more merciless and beat the bottom teams.

Total for 2H 13W6D 45 points
Total for the season 79 points

This is very optimistic but we probably need at least 75 points for top 4 spot.

League Cup:  Manchester City is awaitng and if we beat them we have a fairly good chance to win it.

FA Cup:  Oldham in 3rd round should be a good draw, but after that, we need some luck.

December Month Report

3W2D1L and we are still in 6th place, but only 3 points behind 4th place team with 1 game in hand.  The month started badly with a defeat away at Fulham.  After that we responded well with 2 consecutive victories.  Unfortunately the problem of scoring was haunting us, with two consecutive draws going into the festive season.  Fortunately we responded well and we ended the year with a convincing victory vs Newcastle.

Players of the month: (1) Suarez 7.27 (2) Skrtel 7.25 (3) Reina/Agger/Enrique 7.08.  Suarez had done everything except for scoring.  Skrtel had been a rock at the defense and also scored 1 and created another during the month.  And Reina/Agger/Enrique also did very well in the defense with 3 clean sheets kept in the month.  And once again, Bellamy had been superb with 3 goals and an assist despite not getting enough minutes.

January prediction:
1/3 Manchester City (a)  A tough start to the new year and we need to be careful.
1/6 Oldham Athletic (h) We need to try very hard in the FA Cup and go to Wembley again.
1/11 Manchester City (a) League Cup semi and we have City again.
1/14 Stoke City (h) We were unlucky to lose at Stoke so it is time for us to get one back.
1/21 Bolton Wanderers (a) Bolton is at bottom but we still need to perform well to avoid another disappointment.
1/25 Manchester City (h) A win and we can go to Wembley.
1/28 FA Cup 4th Round Proper (tba) Whoever our opponent will be, we will be ready for the challenge.
1/31 Wolverhampton (a) Wolves have some revival recently so we need to be very careful.

Match Report 111230 vs Newcastle United: A nice finish to a turbulent year

3:1 and it was a nice finish to such a turbulent year.  From the beginning we controlled the game well, but then an unlucky own goal saw us behind.  But Bellamy was superb once again and scored two in return.  At the end, our superb captain came on and scored another superb goal and wrap up the year.  This is a win we truly deserve, and hopefully it will changed our luck from now on.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7 Not much to do throughout the game.
Johnson: 7 A good performance.
Skrtel: 7 Solid defending.
Agger: 7 Unlucky to concede an own goal.
Enrique: 7 Solid as usual.
Spearing: 7.5 A good performance in protecting the back 4.
Downing: 7 Good but not impressive.
Henderson: 7 Quiet in 1H but was raised by the presence of Gerrard.
Adam: 7 A nice assist.
Bellamy: 7.5 Scored two brilliant goals.
Carroll: 6.5 Need the service from Gerrard to raise his game.

Substitutions:
Gerrard: 8 Simply amazing.
Kuyt: 7 Not enough time to impress.

King Kenny: 7.5 Would be very delighted about how the team react.

Newcastle United: 6.5 Faded a lot after a superb start of the season.

Man of the match: Gerrard.  Just 31 minutes and he earned another MoM.