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.

Start of a new era

This game is the first game under the new owners, and is also our last chance to finish 3rd. With the international games in mid week and PSV game coming on Tuesday Rafa may be tempted to rest a few players. But let's start the new era with a convincing victory.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Finnan
Carragher
Agger
Riise
Gerrard
Alonso
Sissoko
Gonzalez
Fowler
Kuyt

Result 2-0

Match Report 070317 at Aston Villa: zzz....

0-0 and this is as bored a game as I have watched over the years. The only real chance for both teams was the header by Fowler in the 90th minutes, and other than that both teams were just trying to play for a draw. Boring.

Players Rating:
Reina: 6.5 Nothing to do.
Finnan: 6 Poor game and should count himself lucky not to be judged to concede a penalty.
Carragher: 7.5 Solid as ever.
Agger: 7 Good in defense.
Aurelio: 6 Not effective as a defender.
Gerrard: 6 Performance was affected by the slight injury and also playing out of position.
Sissoko: 6 Missed too many passes.
Mascherano: 6 Played too deep and not really helping the attacks.
Riise: 6.5 Not going forward enough.
Bellamy: 6 Not effective.
Kuyt: 6 Also ineffective. And he should stay up front more.

Substitutions:
Alonso: 6.5 Played slightly better than Sissoko.
Pennant: 6.5 Tried hard to go pass the Villa players and provided a killer pass to Fowler.
Fowler: 7 Had the only chance of the game but was unfortunately saved.

Rafa: 6 A dull performance and I don't understand why Fowler did not start.

Aston Villa: 6 A draw is a good result for them although they must find themselves unlucky not to get a penalty.

Man of the Match: Carragher. Another good performance.

Fight for the third place

Rafa said top 4 is priority, and third and fourth is not really a big difference. But we still want to challenge for the third place. And Rafa should also use Fowler at some point of this time.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Finnan
Carragher
Agger
Riise
Pennant
Gerrard
Alonso
Gonzalez
Fowler
Kuyt

Result 2-0

Match Report 070306 vs Barcelona: A superb result

0-1 and we are through to last 8. It was a strange game that like the weekend game, we dominated but can't suck the ball into the net, thanks to some superb goalkeeping skills and the lack of luck. Strangely, rather we were one up or not actually does not mean much, and the fact that we were strong at the back make us through to the next round.

A tribute must be paid to David Moores who will probably be the Club chairman for the last time last night. Although he missed winning the league champions, he put the Club in safe hands, and #19 will arrive home soon.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7 Another nice display but were unable to prevent the goal.
Finnan: 7.5 Get stronger and stronger towards the end. One of his best performance in a Red shirt.
Carragher: 8.5 Another MoM performance. Reduced the Barca attack to minimal.
Agger: 7 A nice performance.
Arbeloa: 6.5 Did well apart from covered the offside position for the goal conceded.
Gerrard: 7.5 Drive the team to a famous "defeat" and eliminated Barca.
Alonso: 7 Another silent but effective performance.
Sissoko: 8 Almost opened his scoring account. We will miss him for the next match due to suspension.
Riise: 8 Could have get a hat trick.
Bellamy: 7 Created problems to the Barca back line.
Kuyt: 7 Another hard working performance but without many scoring opportunities.

Substitutions:
Pennant: 7 A good performance and almost provided an equaliser.
Aurelio: 6.5 A good performance.
Crouch: 6.5 Missed a glorious chance to equalise the score, although at the end it does not matter.

Rafa: 8 Great tactic win. The team now plays according to his tactics. Now we need to sharpen our scoring.

Barcelona: 6 Lose out in tactics. But they are really tough opponents.

Man of the Match: Carragher. Rock at the back.

Get the job done

With a tiny goal lead what we need to do is to avoid defeat and we will be through. But Rafa will not play for a draw. What we need to do is, tighten the defense, hit them at the back, and nick a famous win. Of course the Kop will be there full swing.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Finnan
Carragher
Agger
Arbeola
Gerrard
Alonso
Sissoko
Riise
Bellamy
Kuyt

Result 2-0

Match Report 070303 vs Manchester United: Absolutely Bad Luck

0-1 and even Ferguson said they are lucky to win the game. But we only have ourselves to blame. Once again, we only control the game but did not take any chances. Now they will be league winners, and we need to concentrate to get the job done against Barcelona. But the best thing is, if we play like this against Barcelona, we will qualify.

Players Rating:
Reina: 6.5 Should parried the ball away to a corners, but it was a tricky one.
Finnan: 6 A deadly mistake in fouling Giggs.
Carragher: 8.5 The rock at the defense. Cleared us from danger a few times.
Agger: 6.5 Had a well taken goal attempt from 40 yards, but at the end he was lucky not to concede a penalty.
Riise: 7 Almost scored again. So close.
Gerrard: 7.5 Did his best.
Alonso: 6.5 A bit subdued from his usually high standard.
Sissoko: 7.5 Controlled the midfield.
Gonzalez: 6.5 Flying high at first half but fatigued in 2H.
Bellamy: 7.5 Passed defenders again and again, but did not have the sense of where the teammates were. Had a goal correctly but cruelly ruled out.
Kuyt: 6 Worked hard but failed to create much impact.

Substitutions:
Aurelio: 6 Not much contribution.
Pennnat: 6 Responsible to the foul that lead to the goal conceded.
Crouch: 6.5 Had a golden opportunity but failed to convert.

Rafa: 7.5 Spot on tactics, but luck was not on our side and players did not contribute.

Manchester United: 6.5 Come for one point, should get none, but somehow take all three back home. They will be champions this season.

Man of the Match: Carragher. But the teammates let him down.

Defer their title

As Rafa and Stevie G said we will try our best to win the next two games. Rafa will try to use similar squad for both games but Fowler should start the United game. He showed us what he can do for the team, and if he really leave us next season, it will be a nice gift to him to score against United, and raise the hand with five fingers one more time, as he needs to raise both hand with six next time.

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

Result 2-0

February Month Review

2W1D1L, and the month just get better as time goes. We started with a disappointed 0-0 draw by a small team and then suffered a set back at Newcastle that lost us any hope of catching the top 2. And we dominated both games. Then we did the improbable by coming from behind and beat Barcelona at Nou Camp, then completed the month with a convincing 4-0 win at Anfield. This month also see the takeover completed and the Club in safe hands.

Players of the month (1) Bellamy 7.26 (2) Gerrard 7.23 (3) Carragher 7.15. Bellamy scored a nice goal vs Newcastle (although he somehow missed a hat trick) and then scored against Barcelona after the fiasco at the training camp. Stevie G as usual drives the team on and completed the month by scoring a goal vs Sheffield United. Carragher has been a rock vs Barcelona and were also superb in the other matches.

March Prediction:
3/3 Manchester United (h) Start Fowler for this match.
3/6 Barcelona (h) Be careful of a Barca back fire, and we should play to win the game.
3/18 Aston Villa (a) Villa has become a different team since the early dash, should not be a big problem.
3/31 Arsenal (h) Win this and 3rd place is probably secured.

Match Report 070224 vs Sheffield United: Keep Fowler

4-0 and once again Fowler scores when he starts. 7 goals from 7 starts is just phenomenal, no matter who the opponents are. Rafa need to find an extremely good goal scorers or else he should keep Fowler. Maybe as the Playing Coach.

The match is effectively finished within 30 minutes when Fowler scored 2. The whole team is playing very well and Mascherano had a very good debut. It shows the strength of the squad that Rafa has built, that we can rest 7 members of the first team and still managed to win 4-0.

Players Rating:
Dudek: 7.5 Regained some of his reputation with a clean sheet.
Finnan: 7.5 A nice display.
Carragher: 7.5 Solid at the back and get a rare 13 minute rest.
Hyypia: 8 Back with a nice taken goal.
Riise: 7.5 Solid performance and helped attack as well.
Pennant: 7.5 Lively performance on the right and his corner lead to the first penalty.
Gerrard: 9 Really shines at central midfield.
Mascherano: 8 Showed Rafa chased him for so long. His presence made Gerrard a better player.
Gonzalez: 7 Showed his speed again and should have score.
Fowler: 8.5 Two nice taken penalties and a nice assist. Too bad he didn't get a hat trick.
Crouch: 6.5 Too bad he needs to come off with a nose injury.

Substitutions:
Kuyt: 7 Need to learn the art of finishing from Fowler.
Alonso/Agger: 6.5 Not enough time to shine.

Rafa: 8 Thumbs up with the tactics. And he should rest Kuyt and Bellamy and start Fowler and Crouch against Manchester United.

Sheffield United: 5 Destined to lose from the very beginning. But they will stay up this year.

Man of the Match: Gerrard. An all round performance.

Time for some supporting players to shine

On paper this is an easy game and Rafa may be tempted to let some supporting players to play in this game, especially we have some difficult games coming up in the next 10 days. But let's not get carried away, as first 4 is not yet secured.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Arbeloa
Agger
Hyypia
Riise
Pennant
Gerrard
Mascherano
Zenden
Kuyt
Crouch

Result 3-0

Match Report 070221 at Barcelona: Teamwork

2-1 and this was a nice win that put us in a very good position. It was really nice to see Bellamy and Riise scored both goals, after the weekend controversy. It is exaggerated by the media, and the team is bonding very well. Although the work is only half way done, Rafa will make sure we will go through the next round by focusing in the game.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7.5 Did well to keep us in the game before the equaliser, although he was a bit lucky not to concede a goal from a Deco freekick that hit the post.
Finnan: 7.5 Visionary assist to Bellamy's goal.
Carragher: 8 Rock at the back.
Agger: 7 A bit soft at first but grew bigger as the match developed.
Riise: 8 What a goal - from his right foot!
Arbeloa: 7 A nice display on right midfield and left back. A good full debut.
Alonso: 7 Doing much of the defensive work in the expense of his usual creativity
Sissoko: 8 A rock at the midfield and protected the back 4 well.
Gerrard: 7.5 Driving the team as usual, although he was guilty in letting in the first goal.
Bellamy: 8.5 What a game to silent all the critics!
Kuyt: 7.5 A good game but missed a glorious chance from a set-piece.

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

Rafa: 8 Master mind.

Barcelona: 6.5 Defense was a disgrace. But they have enough talent so we need to be very careful.

Man of the Match: Bellamy. His talent is second to none.

Respond

We have 10 days to prepare for this match, and at the end of the training camp the players gone too far and ruined their reputation. Now is the time for them to respond and repair the damages. We have a good record at Nou Camp and we need to extend it. Barcelona is a great team but not unbeatable. But we need to be at our best to do so.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Finnan
Carragher
Hyypia
Riise
Gerrard
Alonso
Sissoko
Aurelio
Kuyt
Crouch

Result 1-0

Match Report 070210: All hopes are gone now

1-2 and we basically lost any hope of winning the title this year. With only 11 points to go and 16 points behind, there is just too big a gap to claim back. We may still have a slim chance to finish 2nd, but to chase back 10 points in 11 games is also unlikely.

We still have the same old problem of not taking chance. Some may due to luck and some due to skill, but anyway, the team now need to focus on the Barcelona game as this is the only chance we can achieve some glory this season.

Players Rating:
Reina: Some may question the timing of his rush out that lead to the first goal, but I won't blame him too much as Agger is clear at fault.
Finnan: 6 Unable to go forward.
Carragher: 7 The only good defender of the day.
Agger: 5.5 Had a very poor game as he was unable to coupe with Dyer's speed.
Riise: 6 Gave away a penalty.
Pennant: 6.5 Not much offered apart from the assist.
Gerrard: 6 Failed to bring in the creativity to the team.
Sissoko: 7 Came back after the injury and was tackling as hard as he used to be.
Zenden: 6 Missed a glorious chance to put the game 2-0, and was quickly fade away in 2H.
Bellamy: 7.5 Scored a clever goal but missed at least 3 other good chances.
Kuyt: 6 Missed an open goal early 2H.

Substitutions:
Guthrie/Arebola/Crouch: 6 Insufficient time to impress.

Rafa: 6 A poor display and need to work much harder on goal conversion.

Newcastle United: 7 Despite hammered by us in 2H, they held on and at the end won the game, although they should count themselves a bit lucky.

Man of the Match: Bellamy. Too bad this is not a happy return for him.

Start of a new era

This is the first game after the Club is taken over, and also the start of another winning streak. Bellamy will certainly receive hostile treatment from the Newcastle fans, and without Alonso, Rafa may need to play Sissoko or Zenden. But nevertheless, we can win this game.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Finnan
Carragher
Agger
Riise
Pennant
Gerrard
Sissoko
Gonzalez
Kuyt
Crouch

Result 2-0

Done deal

The Club is sold for 450 million pounds to Gillett and Hicks. At first look these two Americans are genuine sports fans, but only time will tell.

We are now in a new era, and although there are lots of uncertainties, we need to move on. Fast.

Match Report 070203 vs Everton: 5 point loss

0-0 and we lost 5 points this season vs Everton. Rafa's comment of Everton as a small team is a bit wild off, but it is inevitable that some team will come to Anfield with 9-men defense and for one point, and it is up to Rafa and the team to find way to create space and thus chances. In this regard we failed completely.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7.5 Did well to prevent Johnson's well taken shot.
Finnan: 7 Unable to help the atttacks.
Carragher: 7 Did well at defense and almost scored at the other end.
Agger: 7 Solid defending.
Riise: 7 Should have go forward more frequently to support the attacks.
Pennant: 6.5 Get the ball a lot of times but failed to create a goal.
Gerrard: 7 Did well in protecting the back 4, but at the expense of not going forward enough.
Alonso: 6 Had an off day and wasted too many passes.
Bellamy: 7 Had a nice taken goal correctly ruled offside.
Kuyt: 7 Worked extremely hard as usual, but lack the final midas touch.
Crouch: 6.5 Wasteful inside the box.

Substitutions:
Fowler: 6.5 Insufficient time to change the game.

Rafa: 6.5 At times we were out-numbered in midfield. Perhaps we should play 3-5-2.

Everton: 6.5 Come for one point and get what they wanted. Good luck for their chase of 6th spot for UEFA Cup.

Man of the Match: Reina. Another solid goalkeeping performance.

Don't be distracted by off the field activities

There have been lots of confusions during the past few days on the takeover, and all of a sudden the future of the Club is unclear. But players need to retain their focus in the derby game. We need to keep winning and maintain pressure of Chelsea.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Finnan
Carragher
Agger
Riise
Pennant
Gerrard
Alonso
Gonzalez
Kuyt
Crouch

Result 2-0

What is the Board thinking?

So DIC pulled out as they are not happy about the Board's decision to let Gillett to bid.

I think most of the fans will think DIC are better owner of the club, especially DIC will clear the debt of the Club, and there was rumor that Gillett will prefer ground share with Everton. It looks like the Board members are thinking to personal profit from Gillett's 10% more bidding, while putting the Club's future in uncertainty.

As fans we do not have access to the details and I hope Moores and Parry will do their best to protect the Club. As Shankly said Liverpool Football Club is not owned by the board, the manager or the players. It is owned by the fans. And now we have to trust Moores and Parry.

January Month Report

4W2L with all 4 wins were in the League and we lost both FA Cup and League Cup to Arsenal. It is now too early to call, but it may be a blessing in disguise as it ease up our schedule (look at Arsenal) and we may yet try once more to overtake Chelsea and to challenge the impossible dream. As Rafa said we will just keep winning and see how far we can go. And there are a few hurdles in February that we need to overtake first. Sissoko and Zenden are already back so will provide some cover to the team. Rafa will have the luxury to worry who to choose from.

Players of the Month (1) Kuyt 8.01 (2) Crouch 7.65 (3) Pennant 7.52. 4 goals in January from the hard working Kuyt brought him another top spot in the month. Crouch also did well and also scored 4. For Pennant, he scored a superb goal against Chelsea, and has been lively in other games as well.

February Prediction:
2/3 Everton (h) We need to get a revenge after the humiliation in September.
2/10 Newcastle United (a) Rafa probably won't play 3-4-3 but could play 3-5-2.
2/21 Barcelona (a) A very difficult game, but Rafa has extensive knowledge in Spanish football and will have us well prepared.
2/24 Sheffield United (h) We lost 2 points at their venue, and we need to get 3 at home.

Match Report 070130 at West Ham United: We edge closer

2-1 and we are within two points of Chelsea although with one more game played. We need to keep winning and see how far we can go.

Rafa was very bold and played another 3-4-3. It paid off brightly with 2 superb goals in the first 8 minutes of the second half, the first one came within 12 seconds. After that we slowed down a bit and let them sunk one in, but at the end it was still a comfortable win.

Players Rating:
Reina: 8.5 Made many good saves.
Carragher: 7.5 Superb in defense.
Hyypia: 7 Good display at the 3 men defense
Agger: 7 At time a bit sloppy.
Finnan: 6.5 Lost the ball too many times.
Gerrard: 7.5 Inspired the team to another win.
Alonso: 7.5 Dictated the pace very well.
Riise: 7.5 Worked very hard at left back.
Bellamy: 7 Worked very hard but missed a few chances to put the game beyond West Ham's reach.
Kuyt: 8.5 Linked up with midfield very well, and beautifully taken the goal to put us ahead.
Crouch: 8 One goal, one assist from the big man.

Substitutions:
Pennant: 6.5 Lost the ball that lead to the West Ham goal.
Gonzalez/Fowler: 6.5 Not enough time to impress.

Rafa: 7.5 Brilliant touch to start 3-4-3, and provided a joke to us by slipping on the sideline.

West Ham: 6 Need to improve in order to survive.

Men of the Match: Reina/Crouch. Steered the team to victory on both ends.

Keep it up

A win at West Ham will put us within 2 points of Chelsea - at least for 24 hours so we need to keep the momentum. They are suffering from a second season syndrome and we have a good rest over the weekend so we would be ready both physically and mentally. Also the transfer of Neill to West Ham certainly will add more sparks to this game.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Finnan
Carragher
Agger
Riise
Pennant
Gerrard
Alonso
Aurelio
Bellamy
Kuyt

Result: 2-0

Match Report 070120 vs Chelsea: Compresensive Win

2-0 and this is a comprehensive victory. Chelsea has lots of problem and also lack any fighting spirit, and we were never get challenged. Credit must be given to Rafa in his spot-on tactics.

We are now almost certain to finish top 4, and now we should push forward to challenge second place. And who knows what may happen after that?

Players Rating:
Reina: 7 Never really tested.
Finnan: 7 Solid defense.
Carragher: 8.5 Rock solid and marked Drogba completely.
Agger: 7 A solid if not spectacular display.
Riise: 8 Came close twice, and was unfortunate not to score.
Pennant: 7.5 Opened his scoring account with an absolute cracker. As Rafa said sometimes he should be more selfish.
Gerrard: 7.5 A comfortable display.
Alonso: 7.5 A nice display with guts.
Aurelio: 7 A good display both attacking and defending. Linked well with Riise.
Kuyt: 8.5 Scored a nice goal, but should have score more.
Crouch: 7.5 Missed a few good chances.

Substitutions:
Bellamy/Gonzalez: 6.5 Not enough time to impress.

Rafa: 8 Spot on in his tactic. And what a cool display.

Men of the Match: Carragher/Kuyt. Two giants in the team.

One step at a time

It is well documented that we play poorly vs the other big 3, and now it is Chelsea at home. They are having a lot of problems and it may or may not be the best time to play them, but if we want to get closer, this is the best chance. Of course, our defense need to be very alert, the midfielders try their best to create chances, and the strikers to grab their chance. Above all, Anfield needs to support the players.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Finnan
Carragher
Hyypia
Riise
Pennant
Gerrard
Alonso
Aurelio
Bellamy
Kuyt

Result 2-0

Match Report 070113 at Watford: A much better performance

3-0 and although this is only Watford, the result is timely and will boast the team before the Chelsea match.

Rafa is very bold in playing a 3-4-3 formation, and it worked really well as the Watford pitch is very narrow and their attackers are well contained by our triple tower at the back. On the other end of the pitch, the Watford defense has serious problem in dealing with the speed of Bellamy, and the aerial attack of Kuyt and Crouch.

After this week's game the first 4 is sailing farther away from the rest of the league. And starting next week we will try our best to get higher position. Starting vs Chelsea.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7 Not much to do.
Carragher: 7 Solid performance at the back.
Agger: 7 Good at defense and had a goal correctly ruled out.
Hyypia: 7 A much better performance.
Finnan: 7.5 Nice wing back performance and was alert to get the ball in for the first goal.
Gerrard: 7 A quiet performance.
Alonso: 7 Good distribution.
Aurelio: 7 A nice performance especially from dead ball.
Bellamy: 9 Scored one and made two.
Kuyt: 7.5 Played hard and was unlucky not to score.
Crouch: 8.5 Scord two and made one.

Substitutions:
Pennant/Riise/Fowler: 6.5 All come on after the game is sealed.

Rafa: 7 Bold move to play 3-4-3 and get the reward.

Watford: 6 They were playing for one point at home and look certain to be relegated.

Man of the match: Bellamy. Very effective match.

Sort out the mess. Now.

After a week of two humiliating defeats it is now back to our bread and butter. Watford is still at the bottom of the league and everybody expects us to win. And we need to.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Finnan
Carragher
Agger
Riise
Pennant
Gerrard
Alonso
Aurelio
Bellamy
Kuyt

Result 2-0

Match Report 070109 vs Arsenal: Nightmare V2

3-6 and we conceded 6 goals at Anfield the first time in 77 years. Basically it was like 6 vs 11, with the whole defensive line invisible. What's more, Gonzalez and Luis Garcia are both injured and we are suddenly short on the left side. And Rafa will need to answer questions for his tactic in this match.

Players Rating:
Dudek: 2 With each Arsenal shot converted into a goal, the only credit he got is for the saving of the penalty.
Peltier: 5 Poor defending.
Paletta: 5 Helpless against the Arsenal attack, but somehow he has 2 assists.
Hyypia: 5 Slow against the youngsters. But did score one header.
Warnock: 5 Also poor.
Gonzalez: 6 injured early in the game.
Guthie: 5.5 No impact.
Gerrard: 6.5 Failed to inspire the team despite scoring one goal.
Aurelio: 6 One of the better player, his freekick lead to the first goal.
Bellamy: 5.5 Failed to trouble the Arsenal defense.
Fowler: 6.5 Scored a nice tap-in, but his teammates let him down.

Substitutions:
Luis Garcia: 6 Played OK but was unfortunately injured again.
Alonso: 6 Not much impact, but what do you expect when the team is already 3 goals down?
Carragher: 6 Had a shot but was saved.

Rafa: 4 Need to address the psychological impact of this impact to the team, and there will be lots of questions asked on his team selection and tactics.

Arsenal: 7 Aided by our inability to score and defend.

Man of the Match: Fowler. I think Rafa should start him more.

Respond

Winning the League Cup is not the same as winning the FA Cup, but we need a response after the shocking result on Saturday. Both teams are expected to make changes, and Rafa need to find a way to convert possession into shots, and shots into goals.

My Team Prediction:
Dudek
Finnan
Carragher
Hyypia
Aurelio
Pennant
Gerrard
Alonso
Luis Garcia
Bellamy
Kuyt

Result 2-0

Match Report 070106 vs Arsenal: Dream is Over

1-3 and our quest for defending the Cup is already over. If it is fate that we won't win the Cup in successive years, I would rather lose now than later. But Rafa need to find a way to beat Arsenal. It's really disappointing to have 62% possession and 15 shots vs 5 shots and yet we lose 1-3. Maybe we should play like Sheffield United or Fulham.

Player Rating:
Dudek: 5.5 Rafa promised to play him in the Cups, but on this instance he could have done better to try prevent the goals.
Finnan: 6.5 The unsung hero and constantly overlap with Pennant to provide crosses.
Carragher: 5.5 Need to forget this performance and raise himself for the League Cup game. Responsible for the third goal conceded in particular.
Agger: 6 His worst performance in a Red shirt so far.
Riise: 6 Not much contribution.
Pennant: 7 Worked very hard but get struck against the tough Arsenal defense.
Gerrard: 6 Couldn't raise up the team.
Alonso: 6.5 Was incorrectly judged to have dived.
Luis Garcia: 6 No magic this time.
Kuyt: 7 Worked hard and get rewarded with a goal.
Crouch: 6.5 Apart from the assist, failed to pose any paricular threats.

Substitution:
Aurelio: 6 Didn't do much.

Rafa: 6 Need to convert possession and shots into goals.

Arsenal: 7 Played well in defense and counter attack. And this is all they need to win.

Men of the Match: Pennant/Kuyt. The two guys who worked hard in the game.

Defend the Cup

The defend of FA Cup starts with a tough home game vs Arsenal. Henry is back and the defense need to be at their best to prevent him scoring. With the help of the Kop, we will make Stevie G be the first Liverpool captain to lift the Cup twice.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Finnan
Carragher
Agger
Riise
Pennant
Gerrard
Alonso
Luis Garcia
Kuyt
Crouch

Result 2-0

Mid Term Report

In the first half of season 2006/07 we played 33 games, 2 games less than the same period last time. We had 20 wins 6 draws and 7 defeats. In the league we won 12 matches, drawn 4 and lost 6 with 40 points and sitting in 3rd place, 14 points behind leader Manchester United and 8 points behind 2nd place Chelsea. We are still in all the Cups, but face tough opponents in Barcelona and Arsenal. With 16 league games remaining the highest we can get is 88 points. As we have played all our toughest away games, and the new players started to get familiar with the team and the World Cup handover over, I expect we will get better result in the remaining games.

Departmental Comments:

Goalkeeper
Reina still keeps the first team place, and despite some poor games at the start of the season, he is picking up his form again and have already got 16 cleansheets, 12 of which in the League. When Dudek is called up for the Cup games he is doing fine as well.

Defender
Carra suffered a bit of World Cup handover and was not as good as he should be at the start, but is now back to his best again and even scored a league goal. Hyypia is getting less game but he is still reliable when playing against physical opponents. Agger is our biggest surprise in defense and have many excellent performances and scored 2 great goals and created another 2. At both sides of the defense Riise and Finnan still holding their places, as there is no real challenge to them. But they still perform well.

Midfielder
Gerrard is back to center midfield and have been playing very well. He is now more mature and won't go forward at any occasion to an extend he is leaving a big hole in the midfield. Alonso scored some great goals, and before he was injuried Sissoko was a rock. On the right side Pennant is still not playing as good as we expect, but he had a benchmark in the Bolton game when he was the most effective. On the left is probably our weakest position, although Luis Garcia is starting to pick up his form again. Gonzalez, Zenden etc was not playing too good, and Kewell is still recovering from injury.

Attackers
Our strikers are sharing the burden with everyone scoring. Rafa is certainly selecting the right strikers depending on the opponent. Kuyt proved he is a bargain, and despite the recent lack of chances, Crouch is still our leading scoring. Bellamy had been a sensation after his court case, and although Fowler did not play as many games as we want, he is still doing his part whenever he is called on.

Player Rating (Games played, Minutes played, Goal scored/conceded, Assists/cleansheets, MoM, Rating)
Goalkeepers
Dudek: 2G 180M 2GC 1CS 0MoM 6.50
Martin: 4 unused substitutes
Reina: 31G 2790M 24GC 16CS 1MoM 6.65

Defenders
Agger: 29G 1864M 2GS 2A 3MoM 6.94
Aurelio: 16G 889M 0GS 2A 0MoM 6.33
Carragher: 29G 2470M 1GS 0A 1.5MoM 6.83
Finnan: 29G 2610M 0GS 4A 0MoM 6.59
Hyypia: 34G 3053M 0GS 0A 1.5MoM 6.62
Kromkamp: 1G 90M 0GS 0A 0MoM 6.00
Paletta: 4G 299M 1GS 0A 0MoM 6.50
Peltier: 3G 254M 0GS 0A 0MoM 6.32
Riise: 26G 2201M 3GS 0A 0MoM 6.63
Roque: 1G 6M 0GS 0A 0MoM 6.00
Smith: 1G 16M 0GS 0A 0MoM 6.00
Warnock: 6G 355M 0GS 0A 0MoM 6.28

Midfielders
Alonso: 29G 2328M 3GS 2A 3MoM 6.88
El Zhar: 1G 18M 0GS 0A 0MoM 6.00
Gerrard: 29G 2376M 6GS 5A 5.5MoM 7.20
Gonzalez: 22G 1039M 3GS 0A 0.5MoM 6.38
Guthrie: 5G 113 0GS 1A 0MoM 6.05
Luis Garcia: 25G 1526M 6GS 4A 0MoM 6.80
Pennant: 29G 1856M 0GS 7A 0.5MoM 6.86
Sissoko: 18G 1207M 0GS 1A 2MoM 6.87
Zenden: 17G 978M 0GS 1A 0MoM 6.30

Attackers:
Bellamy: 25G 1596M 6G 5A 5MoM 6.89
Crouch: 28G 1458M 10GS 5A 2.5MoM 6.94
Fowler: 12G 492M 4GS 1A 2MoM 6.98
Kuyt: 27G 1908M 7GS 4A 4.5MoM 7.06
Sinama-Pongolle: 1G 1M 0GS 0A 0MoM 6.00

Players of the 1st half season (1000 mins or above):
(1) Gerrard 7.20
(2) Kuyt 7.06
(3) Agger/Crouch 6.94
(4) Bellamy 6.89
(5) Alonso 6.88

Rafa: 6.76. He would be happy to see the defense back to our best, the new players settled and World Cup handover finally. Although it may be a tall goal to win the league this year, Rada will try his best to win one game at a time.

2H Result Prediction
League:
1st-5th place teams (Manchester United H, Chelsea H, Arsenal H) 2W1D
6th-10th place teams (Portsmouth A, Everton H, Reading A, Manchester City A) 3W1D
11th-15th place teams (Fulham A, Aston Villa A, Newcastle United A, Middlesbrough H) 3W1D
16th-20th place teams (Sheffield United H, Wigan Athletic H, West Ham United A, Charlton Athletic H, Watford A) 5W

Total for 2H 13W3D 42 points
Total for the season 82 points

And with 82 points, we will be on par of last season, and hopefully this time we will be at least second.

In the Cup games, both Arsenal and Barcelona will be tough opponents. But Rafa will provide a game plan to win all these games as well. And we really love to win the Cups.

Match Report 070101 vs Bolton Wanderers: A great team effoert the start the new year

3-0 and this is really a great team effort. Rafa's strategy was spot on, by playing two wide players that made the tired Bolton defense shaky. They resisted for 60 minutes, but as soon as Crouch scored that beautiful bicycle kick, it was going to be one winner.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7 A very comfortable afternoon.
Finnan: 7.5 Solid defense and had our best chance in 1H.
Carragher: 7.5 Another solid display.
Hyypia: 8 Superb defense after a short break. Shown he is class when facing physical challenges.
Riise: 7 Solid defense and constantly going forward.
Pennant: 8.5 Best performance so far as a Liverpool player. Worked hard to threaten the Bolton defense.
Gerrard: 8 Scored a cracker to kick start the year. Welcome, MBE!
Alonso: 7 Pulling the strings in the midfield with a few long range shots.
Gonzalez: 7 Also helped to provide troubles to the Bolton defense.
Kuyt: 8.5 Worked extremely hard, provided one, and scored a well deserved goal.
Crouch: 8 What a goal!

Substitutions:
Luis Garcia: 7 Provided constant threats and a nice assist to Kuyt.
Aurelio/Fowler: 6 Not enough time to imopress.

Rafa: 7.5 A nice tactics that run the Bolton defense hard.

Bolton Wanderers: 6 Came for one point and get none. But they will finish in top 6.

Men of the Match: Kuyt and Pennant. But it was really a team effort.

Get strong

Bolton is one of the difficult team to play against due to their physical style. With Bellamy probably out and after a tough game at Spurs, Rafa will certainly rotate a few players, and let us start the year with a win and stay at 3rd of the table.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Finnan
Carragher
Hyypia
Riise
Pennant
Gerrard
Alonso
Luis Garcia
Fowler
Kuyt

Result 2-0

December Month Review

5W2L and we are back to top 4. The defeat against Galatasary was a game of no meaning, and apart from this we win 5 and lost 1 in the league, conceding 1 goal. Surely this is a very good month, and we need to build up the momentum as we face 2 crucial months coming.

Players of the Month (1) Gerrard 7.73 (2) Bellamy 7.60 (3) Carragher 7.50. Gerrard as usual drives the team forward and scored 2 great goals an d provided 3 assists. After he is cleared from the court case Bellamy is a different man and was on fire with 4 goals and 2 assists. Carra finally scored a league goal after 7 years, and had a superb defensive display at the last game of 2006.

January Prediction:
1/1 Bolton (h): A physical game and Rafa will need to put enough rock to get a win.
1/7 Arsenal (h): As defending champion we need to play very well and advance.
1/9 Arsenal (h): Franky I am not sure if we should win this game or not as it will means 3 more games to the already tighten schedule, but let Rafa decide.
1/13 Watford (a): Another London visit and we should get a result there.
1/17 Tottenham Hotspur (a): If we beat Arsenal we will make sure we win this as well.
1/20 Chelsea (h): Time to revenge and get closer to Chelsea, although this may mean we are helping Manchester United.
1/24 Tottenham Hotspur (h): Win this and we will go to Cardiff for at least one more time.
1/27 FA Cup 4th Round: Whoever we draw we will beat them.

Match Report 061230 at Tottenham Hotspur: Defensive Art

1-0 and it was a victory from a Luis Garcia magic and the superb defense of Carragher. Someone may say Spurs deserve at least a point, but how about the Blackburn game? I would say it's finally luck on our side.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7 Another clean sheet despite a few scary moments.
Finnan: 7 Nice defense although he almost scored an own goal, fortunately the bar saved him.
Carragher: 9 Another great defensive display from Carra.
Agger: 7 A solid performance.
Riise: 7 A good display.
Luis Garcia: 8 Contained Lee very well and scored the winning goal.
Gerrard: 7 A bit subdued but still inspired the winning goal.
Alonso: 7 Helped controlling the pace.
Aurelio: 6.5 A fair performance.
Bellamy: 7 Worked hard again.
Kuyt: 7.5 Worked really hard and should have scored.

Substitutions:
Pennant: 6.5 Lively performance from the bench.
Crouch: 6 No real impact and can't hold the ball.
Gonzalez: 6 Not enough time to impress

Rafa: 7 Should be happy with the score.

Tottenham Hotspur: 7 Could get a point but our solid defense denied them. Will push all the way for a UEFA spot.

Man of the Match: Carragher. Helped denying Spurs.

Time to stand up

After the defeat at Blackburn we are facing two tough games. We seldom beat Spurs at home, and they are on fire at home at the moment, but we need to get a result. Time to stand up.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Finnan
Carragher
Agger
Riise
Pennant
Gerrard
Alonso
Luis Garcia
Bellamy
Kuyt

Result: 1-0

Match Report 061226 at Blackburn: Back to square one

0-1 and we are back to square one, with lots of chances but failed to convert. The first defeat in 7 league games sent us back to 6th place, and critics are saying our chase for CL is endangered, especially we face 2 challenges in the next 2 games. This is purely rubbish, Rafa will fix the problem soon.

Players Rating:
Reina: 6.5 Was exposed and have no chance on the goal conceded.
Finnan: 6.5 Played well as wing back.
Carragher: 6.5 Solid if not spectacular.
Hyypia: 7 The better defender.
Agger: 6.5 Solid display but get an unnecessary hand ball.
Riise: 6.5 Tried hard to help the attack.
Gerrard: 6.5 A bit affected by the illness of his daughter, but still play well.
Alonso: 7.5 Unlucky not to score at least a goal - one denied by the post, one by Friedel.
Gonzalez: 6 Disappointed performance.
Bellamy: 6 May be he got too excited by the return to Ewood Park, unfortunately this is not a game he want to remember.
Crouch: 6 Missed a hat trick.

Substitutions:
Kuyt: 6.5 Almost made an immediately when coming up.
Aurelio: 6 No impact at al.
Luis Garcia: 6.5 Tried hard but didn't get anything.

Rafa: 6 Would be disappointed by the ruthless attack.

Blackburn: At time it's 1 vs 11, but still they get 3 points. Maybe 2 points too much.

Man of the Match: Alonso. Very unfortunate not to have scored.

Get a result

It was against Blackburn that Bellamy scored his first league goal for us, and this is the first real test of the Christmas season. Rafa will probably rotate a few players, but Bellamy is on fire and will guide us to another victory.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Finnan
Carragher
Hyypia
Riise
Pennant
Gerrard
Alonso
Aurelio
Bellamy
Crouch

Result 2-0

Match Report 061223 vs Watford: Patience pevails

2-0 and it was the patience of the team that finally break through the deadlock. Bellamy is again on fire and terrorizing the Watford defense from the start. Alonso is also doing well and was rewarded with a great goal. We certainly had an eye on the remaining matches of the Christmas season and the team never go beyond 2nd gear. Nevertheless the difference in class finally separated the two teams.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7 Not really tested apart from a few scary moments that the Watford strikers failed to shot on target.
Finnan: 7 A solid perforamance.
Carragher: 7 A bit sloopy in defense, but was unlucky not to score.
Agger: 7.5 Stands up when Carra was having a rare off day.
Riise: 7 A hard working performance.
Pennant: 7 Another good display as he picks up his form.
Gerrard: 7.5 Another good performance from center midfield.
Alonso: 8 Rewarded with a great goal.
Luis Garcia: 7.5 A lively performance on both sides of the midfield.
Bellamy: 8.5 Another great performance.
Kuyt: 7.5 Helped in both goals.

Substitutions:
Gonzalez: 7 Almost provided an assist from his first touch of the ball.
Crouch/Aurelio: 6.5 Not enough time to shine.

Rafa: 7 Another great team performance, although Rafa may concern on the lack of clinical finishing.

Watford: 6 Sadly, they look like the team to go down, especially finishing bottom of the league at Christmas.

Player of the Match: Bellamy. Bring on Blackburn.

Make sure we have a Merry Christmas

It is the festival week again and we will play 4 matches over this period, with a start at home vs Watford. With the forced "rest" in the midweek Rafa will be able to file a strong team to kick off this 4 games, and expect everybody to play a part in the period.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Finnan
Carragher
Agger
Riise
Pennant
Gerrard
Alonso
Luis Garcia
Bellamy
Kuyt

Result 3-0

FA Cup Rehersal

Fate has put Arsenal and us together in both the local cups, and it is a perfect time to revenge for the defeat earlier this season. Arsenal may opt for a younger squad due to their injuries and maturity of their youth team, but Rafa will no doubt play a strong team to win the game and keep the momentum running.

My Team Prediction:
Dudek
Finnan
Carragher
Agger
Aurelio
Pennant
Gerrard
Alonso
Luis Garcia
Fowler
Crouch

Result 2-0

Match Report 061216 at Charlton Athletic: Another good result

3-0 and we have wasted many chances and could actually go double in the scoreline. Nevertheless this is a good result, especially we lost at the Valley last year and we get 3 points this year. The team is basically in a smooth running mode, Rafa just need to fine tune the attacks so that the strikers can improve the conversion rate especially away from home.

Player Rating:
Reina: 7.5 Another easy afternoon.
Finnan: 7.5 A solid performance.
Carragher: 7.5 Comfortable display.
Hyypia: 7.5 An easy outing for Sami.
Riise: 7 A good display.
Pennant: 7.5 A nice display on the side and even have a few scoring opportunities.
Gerrard: 8 Drove the team on and at the end get a well deserved goal.
Alonso: 7.5 His penalty goal kick started the rally.
Gonzalez: 7 A solid display.
Bellamy: 8.5 Scored an absolute beauty and run around the pitch all the time.
Kuyt: 7 Denied a goal by lady luck.

Substitutions:
Luis Garcia: 6.5 Get a stupid yellow card.
Aurelio: 6.5 Welcome back.
Crouch: 7 A nice easy assist for Stevie G.

Rafa: 7.5 The big Red machine is running very smooth.

Charlton Athletic: 5.5 Sadly, it looks like they will get relegated.

Man of the Match: Bellamy. Building a rapport with Kuyt.

Time to catch up

Last season we drawn Charlton at home and lost to them away, not is the perfect chance to catch up. Stevie G is driven to overcome Reed, and with a good break in the week (and a funny Christmas Party) the team will have the momentum to keep winning.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Finnan
Carragher
Agger
Riise
Pennant
Gerrard
Alonso
Luis Garcia
Bellamy
Kuyt

Result: 2-0

Match Report 061209 vs Fulham: Scousers shines!

4-0 and this is another fine result. The team was patient and once the flood gate is opened, the goals just flow in. And it was really nice to see Carra scored the league goal of the century. Hope the next goal will come very soon. Now we need to keep up the momentum into the new year.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7.5 Made one big save in 1H to prevent Fulham scoring.
Finnan: 7.5 Impressive performance against his old club.
Carragher: 9 Scored a great goal from the far post.
Agger: 8 Two assists from the centre back? This guy is really genius.
Riise: 7 Did well at both ends.
Pennant: 7 Performed well in the attacks at both side of the pitch.
Gerrard: 9 Scored the rebound from his own penalty to open the flood gate.
Alonso: 7.5 A quiet but effective display.
Luis Garcia: 8 Scored a nice header and was impressive overall.
Kuyt: 7 Missed a glorious chance in 1H.
Bellamy: 7 Tear off the Fulham defense.

Substitutions:
Gonzalez: 7.5 Scored from a great free kick.
Fowler: 7 Unlucky not to score, but he did contribute to the free kick that lead to the Gonzalez goal.
Crouch: 6.5 Not enough time to impress.

Rafa: 8 Another impressive display and he is very happy.

Fulham: 6 Come for 1 point, was resistant for 60 minutes but then fall apart.

Man of the Match: Carragher/Gerrard. Scousers shines!

Be creative

Teams coming to Anfield these days will try to defend as hard as they could. We need to be creative to explore for ways to go through. Now that more injured players are back Rafa would have more options. Just be calm.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Carragher
Hyypia
Agger
Finnan
Gerrard
Alonso
Gonzalez
Riise
Bellamy
Kuyt

Result 3-0

Match Report 061205 at Galatasaray: Defense let us down

2-3 and the poor defending had let us down. Fowler did his best to scored 2 - his first two goals in Champions League, but still we lose. Since this is a game with no significance at all it is difficult to raise the level of the players, but Dudek and Fowler will feel more disappointed.

Player Rating:
Dudek: 6 Back to Istanbul, conceded 3 again, but this time no miracle.
Peltier: 6 A rare chance for the youngster.
Carragher: 6 Defense at a unit failed.
Paletta: 6 A poor mistake.
Agger: 6 Could have done better.
Pennant: 6.5 A poor performance although he had an assist at the end.
Alonso: 6 Made a bad mistake but in general OK.
Riise: 6 Should take a rest but there is no left foot player remaining.
Fowler: 8 Scored 2 great goals.
Bellamy: 6.5 In generall disappointed.

Substitutions:
Luis Garcia/Crouch/Roque: Not enough time to impress.

Rafa: 6 It is difficult to lift the players for such a game.

Galatasaray: 7 Deserved winner.

Man of the Match: Fowler. First game scoring more than 1 goal since he is back.

Farewell to Dudek?

We are back to Ali Sami Yen Stadium and this may be Dudek's last game for us. We have many great memory of that night, and no matter where he goes, he will forever be our hero. I still feel I am crying when thinking about that night. Rafa will be resting a lot of first team players, so whoever who get a rare start tonight, grab your chance to impress.

My Team Prediction:
Dudek
Darby
Carragher
Agger
Riise
Pennant
Guthrie
Roque
Luis Garcia
Fowler
Bellamy

Result 2-0

Match Report 051202 at Wigan Athletic: Sky cleared

4-0 and this is simply the best performance of the season so far. Bellamy started to do business after his court case is cleared, and the team started to win away. Although it would be nice to spare the goals to some of the previous away games so that we can get more point, but we are now back on track. Finally.

Players Rating:
Reina: 8 Made as many saves as possible to keep the clean sheet. Wonderful performance.
Agger: 7.5 Played well in the 3-5-2 formation.
Carragher: 7.5 Leader at the back 3.
Hyypia: 7 An easy game for Sami.
Finnan: 7 A good performance at the wing back position.
Luis Garcia: 7 Performance well at both ends of the pitch.
Gerrard: 8.5 Influential performance and was involved in 2 of the goals.
Alonso: 7.5 Midfield is more assured with Xabi in.
Riise: 7.5 A nice attacking performance and was also involved in 2 of the goals.
Bellamy: 9 Scored 2, made 1 and offsided 8 times. Showed why Rafa bought him by running hard to cause problem in the counter attacks.
Kuyt: 7.5 Influential and was reward for his first goal in 1 month.

Substitutions:
Pennant/Guthrie/Paletta: 6.5 At 4-0 up you won't expect them to do any fancy things. Did well.

Rafa: 8 A nice performance and from now on we will win more away games.

Wigan Athletic: 6. The score line was cruel to them, 3-1 seems a more appropriate score. But they will have no problem to stay up.

Man of the Match: Bellamy. Will be an effective tool in counter attack.

Break the away duck

It's December and we have still to win away from home in the league. Now come Wigan. It will not be easy, especially we have so many injury now, but as we have already qualified for Champions League we will be very focused in this game.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Finnan
Agger
Hyypia
Riise
Pennant
Gerrard
Carragher
Luis Garcia
Kuyt
Crouch

Result 2-0

November Month Review

4W2D1L and we are still in the middle of the table. We secured 1st spot in the Champions League Table and are through to quarter final of League Cup, but in the league we still failed to win away, and lost 2 points at home vs Portsmouth. We also suffered from many injuries and our midfield are now left to bare minimum. December will be a busy month and it is now up to Rafa and the players to start response and move up in the table.

Players of the Month: (1) Agger 7.18 (2) Gerrard 7.17 (3) Reina 6.92. Agger responded well after his injury and will continue to challenge for the first team spot. Stevie G started scoring and playing better and better, especially in the middle. And with 6 clean sheets in the last 7 games, Pepe's form is back and is rewarded with a well deserved extension of his contract.

December Forecast:
12/2 Wigan Athletic (a) We need to start winning away.
12/5 Galatasaray AK (a) This is a game we don't really care. And it would be emotional to see Jersy back to his heroic place.
12/9 Fulham (h) A game we need to win.
12/16 Charlton Athletic (a) We lost there last year and we need to make sure we won't do so again.
12/19 Arsenal (h) No matter what team Arsenal will start, we should beat them.
12/23 Watford (h) Another game we need to win to finish the last game at Anfield in 2006.
12/26 Blackburn Rovers (a) Boxing day match, and Craig is back to his home.
12/30 Tottenham Hotspur (a) This will be a tough game to finish the year.

Match Report 061129 vs Portsmouth: 2 points lost

0-0 and we missed a great chance to sit at 3rd place. Portsmouth has a game plan to come here and get one point, and they succeeded. Rafa is short of options currently because of the injuries, and the team just don't have enough tricks to break down the dead lock. We never really tested David James and he earned his first point at Anfield since he left. At the end the draw is a fair result, albeit a disappointed one.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7 Not really tested in the whole match.
Finnan: 6.5 No contribution on the attack.
Agger: 7 Another solid performance.
Hyypia: 7.5 A comfortable match.
Riise: 6.5 Good in defense but not attack.
Pennant: 6 A disappointed performance.
Gerrard: 7 Tried hard but were only close.
Carragher: 7 Provide the solid to the team but not the creativity.
Luis Garcia: 6 Had the most dangerous chance but once again wasted.
Kuyt: 6.5 No supply at all.
Crouch: 6.5 Disappointed game.

Substitutions:
Fowler: 6 No contribution at all.
El Zhar/Guthrie: 6 Not much contribution in their league debuts.

Rafa: 6 Was constrained by the lack of options and lack of response from the wingers.

Portsmouth: 6.5 A solid performance and get a deserved point.

Man of the Match: Hyypia. Vintage performance.

No more injuries

With Stevie G the only first team midfielder available the least thing we want is another injury. Rafa will need to move one of Carra, Hyypia and Agger to play DM, and I would think it will help to release Stevie G's potential. And of course we need a disciplined Luis Garcia tonight.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Finnan
Hyypia
Agger
Riise
Pennant
Carragher
Gerrard
Luis Garcia
Kuyt
Crouch

Result 2-0

Match Report 061125 vs Manchester City: Stevie G to the rescue

1-0 and it was our mighty captain who rescued us again. Due to the injuries Rafa opted for a rare 3-5-2 formation, Stevie G has a very disciplined performance and play as DM to protect the back 3. But one moment of superb tackling by Kuyt released Stevie G and the ball in the net. Bravo.

And from his own words you can see he matures a lot:
"I can't go forward at every moment. I have to think about the team and pick the right moments. Fortunately, today I picked the right moment."

Players Rating:
Reina: 7 Another clean sheet and his confidence is back.
Carragher: 7 Doing well in the back 3.
Hyypia: 7 Doing well at both ends of the pitch.
Agger: 7.5 An superb performance.
Finnan: 6.5 Played in the 5-men midfield but not doing much in helping the attacks.
Luis Garcia: 6 Missed 2 great chances and was in general a very poor performance.
Gerrard: 8 Need I saw more?
Zenden: 6.5 Not much contribution.
Riise: 6.5 Can't cope with Luis Garcia's free role and at times confused.
Kuyt: 7.5 His hard working bring the ball to Stevie G and thundered into the net.
Crouch: 6.5 Missed a few half chance.

Substitutions:
Pennant: 6.5 After him coming on the team is more balanced.
Fowler: 6.5 Doing not much against his former team.
Bellamy: 6.5 Almost scored from his first touch.

Rafa: 6.5 The 3-5-2 seems not working too well as the strength of Stevie G cannot be released as he play at DM. Maybe Rafa should try Carra as DM instead.

Manchester City: 5.5 Their season mirrored us: Excellent at home, poor traveller.

Man of the Match: Gerrard. Gave us the 3 points single hand.

Let's shake off the injuries

With the injuries Rafa will need to reshuffle with limited resources. Midfield is in particular concern and Rafa may even need to play Carra there. We will see the return to Anfield of Hamann, and how we miss him!

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Finnan
Carragher
Agger
Riise
Luis Garcia
Gerrard
Zenden
Bellamy
Kuyt
Crouch

Result 3-0

Match Report 061122 vs PSV Eindhoven: A win with a heavy price

2-0 but the victory come with a big price as 3 midfielders were injuried. We are now confirmed to finish at top spot and Rafa can send a reserve team in the next match. Gerrard was influential in his favortite middle of midfield, and with Xabi now injuried Stevie will have lots of chances to play there, which should be good for the team.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7 Another clean sheet.
Finnan: 7 A good display in both ends of the pitch.
Carragher: 7 A good performance.
Agger: 7 Probably has disposed Sammi his first team position.
Riise: 7 A good job.
Pennant: 6.5 Did well before injuried. Get well soon.
Gerrard: 8 Close to his best.
Alonso: 6.5 We will miss him. A big blow to the team.
Gonzalez: 6.5 A good performance before the injury.
Kuyt: 7 A good display despite not scoring.
Crouch: 7.5 Nice goal and assist.

Substitutions:
Luis Garcia: 6.5 Influential when coming up.
Zenden: 6.5 We now need to see the best of Bolo as we have a midfielder shortage.
Bellamy: 6.5 Could play as winger to help the team.

Rafa: 7 A nice display but Rafa will now need to sort out the injury crisis.

PSV Eindhoben: 6 Did well in preventing us to score but at the end Stevie G destroyed them.

Man of the Match: Gerrard. Lead by example.

It's time to deliver

After the draw at the weekend it is now time for the team to deliver. Although the result of this match is not that important, it would be nice to kick start another winning streak now.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Finnan
Carragher
Hyypia
Riise
Pennant
Gerrard
Alonso
Gonzalez
Kuyt
Crouch

Result 2-0

Match Report 061118 at Middlesbrough: Unlucky

0-0 and we are really unlucky not to win this time. With 17 shots (10 on target) vs their 1 shot, Boro was very tough in denying us a well deserved win. But with performance like this result will be coming very soon. Dec 2 at Wigan.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7.5 Not much to do but handle the crossing well, and denied Euell a goal to keep the score.
Finnan: 6.5 Not much involvement going forward.
Carragher: 7 Solid display
Agger: 7 Comfortable display and almost scored.
Riise: 6.5 Tried hard to help the attacks but no return.
Pennant: 7 Lively performance along both flanks.
Gerrard: 6.5 Played in the middle as he wish.
Alonso: 7 Control the midfield and have a few shots not on target.
Gonzalez: 6.5 An OK performance.
Bellamy: 6 OK performance.
Kuyt: 6.5 Had a golden chance but shot wide.

Substitutions:
Crouch: 6.5 Deadly when coming up and almost scored.
Zenden: 6 Get a few boos from the home crowd and not enough time to impress.

Rafa: 6.5 A solid performace but still we lack the cutting edge up front. Maybe we now see the future back 5.

Middlesbrough: 5.5 Very negative and play for 1 point at home, and get it.

Man of the match: Reina. Good performance.

Rest in peace, two of the Greats of the 20th century

Milton Friedman, the greatest Economist, and Puskas, the greatest footballer, both passed away today...

Start winning away

Another away game and to everyone's surprise our record in Riverside since its opening is actually poorer than in Goodison Park, Old Trafford or Highbury during the same period. Boro just won last time and they seems to be failed to get back to back result (a bit like us...) but we definitely need to start winning away.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Finnan
Carragher
Agger
Warnock
Pennant
Gerrard
Alonso
Riise
Kuyt
Crouch

Result 2-0

Match Report 061112 at Arsenal: Nightmare

0-3 and we have absolutely no desire to win. We failed completely. The defense was a nightmare, the midfield lack strength after Momo's injury, and the attack has no goal provided. We just don't have any reason to win.

To think positive, we have now played all the tough away wins. Perhaps we are now in the home straight till the end.

Players Rating:
Reina: 6 One of the better defensive player and he did his best to minimize the damage.
Finnan: 5 Pedestrian.
Carragher: 5 Can count himself lucky to be still on the pitch at the end.
Hyyppia: 5 Too slow to contain the Arsenal attack.
Riise: 5 Him and Gerrard are to be blamed for the third goal.
Gerrard: 5.5 Poor condition.
Alonso: 6.5 One of the better player, but he can't do two men's job.
Zenden: 5.5 Missed many chances, but at least he tried.
Gonzalez: 5 Can't penetrate the Arsenal defense.
Kuyt: 5.5 A quiet game.
Crouch: 5.5 Scored an offside goal, but other than that very quiet.

Substitutions:
Pennant: 6 Tried hard but not much impact.
Bellamy: 6 Scored another offside goal.
Agger: 6 Not enough time to impress.

Rafa: 5 Need to sort out the defensive mess immediately.

Arsenal: 7 Played well on their home ground.

Man of the Match: Alonso. But other players need to help him as well.

We believe

With Sissoko out for 3 months Stevie G will return to middle. We need to silence the midfield if we really want to win this game. And maybe we need some magic from Luis Garcia as well.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Finnan
Carragher
Hyypia
Riise
Pennant
Gerrard
Alonso
Luis Garcia
Kuyt
Crouch

Result 1-0

Match Report 061108 at Birmingham City: Job done

1-0 and we are in the last 8 of the League Cup. The victory was marred by the injury of Sissoko. We are going to miss him. Get well soon. We were always in control if not playing superb football, Fowler and Bellamy both missed great chances. At the end the defense played well to keep the clean sheet. Amazingly, this is the first match we win away in England soil. So bring on Arsenal.

Players Rating:
Dudek: 7 Kept a clean sheet on his first match of the season.
Peltier: 6.5 Solid display.
Paletta: 6.5 Solid display but need to adapt to the English style or otherwise he will get a lot of cards.
Agger: 7.5 A nice goal that makes a difference.
Warnock: 6.5 Good display.
Pennant: 7 Returned home and have a nice assist.
Sissoko: 6.5 We are going to miss him.
Zenden: 6.5 Good if not supreme display. We now need him more as cover after Momo's injury.
Gonzalez: 6.5 Lively display.
Fowler: 6.5 On of his poorer display after he is back.
Bellamy: 6.5 Missed a lot of chances including a penalty.

Substitutions:
Alonso: 6.5 Good display after the unexpected call-up after Momo's injury.
Kuyt: 6.5 Good warm up for the big game on Sunday.
Guthrie: 6 Another run-in for the youngster.

Rafa: 6.5 Job done. But he now needs to face the problem of missing Momo.

Birmingham City: 6 Played well.

Man of the Match: Agger. More goals are welcome.

Jermaine back home

Last time when we visit Birmingham in FA Cup we beat them 7-0. Surely this will be a tough act to repeat, but Rafa's team will be fired up, especially for Pennant who is back to his home.

My Team Prediction:
Dudek
Peltier
Agger
Paletta
Warnock
Pennant
Zenden
Alonso
Gonzalez
Fowler
Bellamy

Result 2-0

Match Report 061104 vs Reading: Cruise control

2-0 and it was an unspectacular but convincing win. We never go higher than second gear. Reading come to avoid a humiliating defeat and succeeded. Now we need to transfer the winning habit to the away games.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7 Another confidence-built win although at times he was clumsy.
Finnan: 7 Solid display.
Carragher: 7.5 Good display in his 300th league display. Blocked a shot before Kuyt scored, and go up very often and even almost scored one himself.
Hyypia: 7 Solid defending and also orchestrating some attacks in style.
Riise: 7 Good display.
Pennant: 7 Good display and had a great corner that contributed to the second goal.
Gerrard: 8 Great display in the middle and had a great pass that lead to the first goal.
Alonso: 7 Solid display in the heart of midfield.
Zenden: 6 Hard working, but not much contribution.
Kuyt: 8.5 Scored two great goals.
Crouch: 8 Two great assists.

Substitutions:
Gonzalez/Sissoko/Fowler: 6 Solid display when coming up.

Rafa: 7 A good display and now we need to bring it up to the away games.

Reading: 6 Never really into the game.

Man of the Match: Kuyt. Proving his worth.

Rotation again

Luis Garcia is out and Rafa need to appl his rotation again. As he will rotate in the next league cup anyway, the count restarts again.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Finnan
Carragher
Hyypia
Riise
Gerrard
Alonso
Sissoko
Gonzalez
Kuyt
Crouch

Result 3-0

October Month Report

4 wins, 1 draw and 1 defeat and the month just goes better. We started the month with international break, and after we are back we lost our first 2 points at home by drawing Blackburn. Then we beat Bordeaux at the home ground, and the defeat at Old Trafford have everyone write off our chance and questioning Rafa's rotation. We responded superbly by winning 3 in a row, first a 4-3 roller coaster vs Reading in the League Cup, then 3-1 win vs the only unbeaten team Aston Villa, and a 3-0 win vs Bordeaux that sealed our presence in the last 16 of Champions League. Things are getting better and better, and now we need to rediscover how to win away from home.

Players of the Month: (1) Kuyt 7.0 (2) Sissoko 6.75 (3) Alonso 6.54. Kuyt played well and scored a nice goal at home vs Villa. Sissoko as usual protected the defense well, and Alonso was very consistent despite not very impressive.

November review:
11/4 Reading (h) We win in the rehearsal, and we need to repeat this again.
11/8 Birmingham City (a) Last time we beat them 7-0, we will be happy to repeat the feat.
11/12 Arsenal (a) Let's start winning away from home here.
11/18 Middlesbrough (a) Please, win this one for me :)
11/22 PSV Eindhoven (h) A win will secure us the first spot in the draw
11/25 Manchester City (h) City is just poor away from home. Let's crash them.
11/29 Portsmouth (h) The surprised package of the season, but by the end of November their gas should be running out.

Match Report 061031 vs Bordeaux: Mission accomplished

3-0 and we are through. To everyone's surprise (except me :) ) Rafa has sent the same team in 100 games. The team played well and we deserved to win.

Player Rating:
Reina: 7 A clean sheet to boast his confidence.
Finnan: 7 Good defensive work.
Carragher: 7 Another solid performance.
Hyypia: 7 Vintage performance.
Riise: 7 Was unlucky to get headbutted but played well.
Gerrard: 8 Finally broke his duck. Look how relief he was!
Alonso: 7 Control the midfield as usual.
Sissoko: 7 Doing the dirty works well, but was unlucky to get a yellow card.
Luis Garcia: 8.5 European King. Big math player.
Kuyt: 7 No goal this time but performance was good.
Crouch: 7 Good performance as well.

Substitutions:
Zenden: 7 A nice through ball to set up Stevie G for that goal.
Pennat/Fowler: 6 Not enough time to impress.

Rafa: 7.5 Master stroke in keeping the same lineup. Now we are back to zero. :)

Bordeaux: 5.5 On current form it will even have trouble to win a UEFA cup spot.

Player of the match: Luis Garcia. We all love him.

Let's get the job done

A win tonight, together with PSV not losing, will see us through to the last 16. Rafa seems to have found the right team, and let's welcome Smicer by going through!

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Finnan
Carragher
Hyypia
Riise
Gerrard
Alonso
Sissoko
Luis Garcia
Kuyt
Crouch

Result: 2-0

Match Report 061028 vs Aston Villa: A great win

3-1 and it was a really great performance especially first half. We were simply flying high and banged 3 goals in 15 minutes. After that we relaxed a bit in second half, but we never look in danger. Everybody contributes to the win.

Player Rating:
Reina: 6.5 Made a great save to keep the score at 3-1.
Finnan: 7 Sent a nice cross to Crouch for the second goal.
Carragher: 7 Solid defense and contributed to the first goal.
Hyypia: 7 Solid defense and a nice assist.
Riise: 7 No goal but played well.
Gerrard: 7 Was unlucky not to score.
Alonso: 7 Control the midfield as usual.
Sissoko: 7 Doing the dirty works well.
Luis Garcia: 7.5 The Luis Garcia we love to see is back.
Kuyt: 8 Scored a nice goal for his dad.
Crouch: 7.5 Scored a hard taken goal.

Substitutions:
Pennant/Zenden: 6 Did well when coming on.
Fowler: 6.5 Almost score but the ball was a few yards away.

Rafa: 7.5 Seems to find his team now. Great selection.

Aston Villa: 6.5 Was humbled by the mighty red machine. However they will finish in top 8th.

Player of the match: Kuyt. A nice taken goal that opened the floodgate.

Keep winning

After the roller coaster win in midfield we are now back to our bread and butter - the Premier League. Aston Villa has yet to lose a game this season, but this is now the time. In doing so the defense will need to be alert and help Reina to build up his confidence again.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Finnan
Carragher
Hyypia
Riise
Pennant
Alonso
Sissoko
Gerrard
Fowler
Crouch

Result 2-0

Match Report 061025 vs Reading: A classic cup game

4-3 and we are through to the next round of the League Cup. Reading provided some scary moment to us towards the end, but we are happy to go through. However, Rafa need to help Reina to rediscover his goalkeeping ability sooner rather than later.

Players Rating:
Reina: 5 Lost confidence after conceded the first goal.
Peltier: 6.5 A good debut.
Paletta: 7 Dream debut with a goal.
Agger: 6 Glad to seem him back.
Warnock: 6 The most senior of the back four, but didn't inspire the others enough.
Pennant: 7.5 Lively with 2 assists, and rewarded with a start to face his former teammates in Birmingham.
Sissoko: 7.5 Did well to protect the back 4, and after he is rested, we can see the difference.
Zenden: 6 A good if not impressive performance.
Riise: 7 A good game with a goal.
Fowler: 8 Captain Marvel back to his best. Scored one and made one. Rafa should consider playing him more.
Crouch: 7 Scored a nice goal.

Substitutions:
Guthrie/Smith: 6 Happy to have their first taste of first team, although none of them did have significant impact to the game.
Kuyt: 6 Hit the crossbar.

Rafa: 6.5 A nice mix of experienced and youngsters. Although he still had no solution to the defensive leaks.

Reading: 6.5 Credits to them to provide us some scare, but it will be a different game 10 days later.

Man of the Match: Fowler. Showed why Rafa should play him more.

God, please save us

After the defeat on Sunday pressure is now on Rafa, especially on his rotation policy. I still believe in him and from now on, players need to stand up and be counted. This is the first time ever we face Reading, and Fowler will be in the squad. God, please help us.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Peltier
Carragher
Pallata
Warnock
Pennant
Sissoko
Zenden
Guthrie
Fowler
Kuyt

Result: 2-0

Match Report 061022 at Manchester United: A very poor performance

0-2 and we don't look like we can get anything from this game right from the beginning. Despite playing 4-5-1 we still lose the midfield battle. Kuyt was left along up front and have to face 3 to 4 defenders all the time. And defense still showed leakages everywhere.

So another away game lost and we are already 11 points behind the leaders. It will now be very difficult to keep pace, but Rafa need to stop the leakages and start winning games, especially away from home.

Players Rating:
Reina: 6 Made a few good saves but cannot prevent both goals.
Finnan: 6 A poor game.
Carragher: 6 An OK game in general, but he was limping and so could not clear the ball that lead to the second goal.
Hyypia: 6 His indecisive moment lead to the first goal.
Riise: 6 Had 2 shots wild away from goal.
Luis Garcia: 5 Another invisible display.
Gerrard: 6 A poor game from our captain.
Alonso: 6 Failed to show an impact.
Sissoko: 6.5 The best player of the team.
Gonzalez: 5.5 Apart from a dash he was in general invisible.
Kuyt: 5.5 All by himself up front and only had a tame header.

Substitutions:
Pennant: 6 Almost invisible.
Crouch: 6 No impact apart from a crazy challenge on van Der Sar.

Rafa: 5 Forced to play 4-5-1 as Bellamy was injuried, but the playing of Gerrard on the right in a 5 men midfield is a total mistake.

Manchester United: 7 An easy win for them. But it was only we were poor.

Man of the Match: Sissoko. Tackle everywhere.

Let's kickstart the season from Old Trafford

Rafa has yet to beat Manchester at their home ground and yet to win an away league game this season, and this is the perfect place to break the duck. Gerrard will be back to the squad and the team seems to be staring to gel, so be careful at the back, and Crouch will continue his scoring run at his favorite ground.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Finnan
Carragher
Hyypia
Riise
Gerrard
Alonso
Sissoko
Aurelio
Bellamy
Crouch

Result 1-0

Match Report 061018 at Bordeaux: One foot on qualification

1-0 and with this first away win of the season, we already have one foot stepped on qualification. If we win the next game we will already be qualified.

With all the injuries Rafa has picked a somewhat attacking mind but weak in defense midfield. The first half was very boring without many chances for both sides. But in second half Crouch managed to score a header from a nice Bellamy corner. Defense was solid under the leadership of Carra as we managed our first clean sheet away from home.

This is a well timed away win as we will be visiting Old Trafford in the next game. Stevie G will be back, and as Rafa said now that the internationals are over, we will have better training routines and our season really starts from here.

Player Rating:
Reina: 7 A much improved performance.
Finnan: 7 Nice performance.
Carragher: 7 Leaded the team with example.
Hyypia: 7 A good job.
Riise: 6.5 Busy as he was constantly exposed by Gonzalez's lack of defensive duty.
Luis Garcia: 7 A lively performance.
Alonso: 7 A good performance.
Zenden: 7 Slot into the midfield well.
Gonzalez: 6 Ineffective in attack, and lack of awareness defensively.
Bellamy: 7.5 Good performance with a nice corner assist.
Crouch: 7.5 Missed a glorious chance in 1H but fortunately scored one in 2H that won us the game.

Substitutions:
Kuyt: 6 Replaced Crouch but without too many contributions.
Sissoko: 6 Provided some steel in midfield when we needed it.
Warnock: 6 Had a nice run but unfortunately his finishing was not good.

Rafa: 7 Urged the team to respond and get his call answered.

Boardeaux: 6 Poor in attack. May at best challenge for the UEFA Cup spot now.

Men of the Match: Bellany/Crouch. Nice combination for the winning goal.

Rafa:

We need a result

A draw will not be a bad result, but if we win this game, we will be half way through to qualify. With Stevie G injuried Rafa is going to resuffle. And Carra the captain, lead the team to glory.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Finnan
Carragher
Hyypia
Aurelio
Luis Garcia
Alonso
Sissoko
Gonzalez
Bellamy
Crouch

Result 1-0

Match Report 061014 vs Blackburn Rovers: Disappointed

1-1 and the result is very disappointed. Although we won't expect the team to win all home league games. but the fact that the team did not wake up until 2H is really disappointing. We are now 8 points behind the leaders and some people have already written us off. Not Rafa. He will do his best to drive us back to the right route.

Players Rating:
Reina: 6 Indecisive at the goal conceded, but at the end did make some good saves to keep the score.
Finnan: 5.5 Guilty of the goal conceded.
Carragher: 6 Need to raise his game as well.
Hyypia: 6 Was getting slower and slower...
Riise: 6 Suffer as a group of the defense.
Pennant: 5.5 Had a day off and only offered poor crosses.
Gerrard: 6.5 Performance hindered by the injury.
Alonso: 6.5 One of the better player.
Aurelio: 6.5 Played very well in 2H as left back and provided a nice assist.
Bellany: 7 Finally broke the duck against his old team. A lively performance.
Crouch: 6 Had 2 chances early but then faded out.

Substitution:
Luis Garcia: 6 Provided another dimension to the team.

Rafa: 6 Inspired the team in HT, but still need to sort out the leakages.

Blackburn Rovers: 6.5 They played well and may deserve to win as well. Fortunately they don't.

Man of the Match: Bellany. It's written in the script.

Start winning

After the international break we need to start winning games. We are lucky that Gerrard can be rested, and with lots of players playing for the national teams, Rafa should start players who are overlooked like Fowler and Aurelio. And we will see Bellamy start scoring against his old team.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Finnan
Carragher
Hyypia
Aurelio
Pennant
Gerrard
Alonso
Gonzalez
Fowler
Bellamy

Result 2-0

September Monthly Report

3 wins, 1 draw and 3 defeats. We won all our home games but none of our away games. In fairness the fixture has been unkind to us and we have now played 3 of the toughst away game, with the 2 remaining coming up in the next 2 away games. There was a big concern that we have yet to get any points from these tough games yet, so Rafa need to work out a good game plan to start winning away. Starting from Old Tradford.

Players of the Month: (1) Kuyt 6.93 (2) Gerrard 6.90 (3) Agger/Sissoko 6.70. Kuyt worked very hard and was rewarded for 2 nice league goals. Stevie G has yet to score, but continue to shine from any place in the midfield. For Agger and Sissoko, they provided defensive comfort especially in the home games.

October Prediction:
10/14 Blackburn Rovers (h) Would be nice to see Craig score against his old club to kick start his scoring streak.
10/18 Bordeaux (a) We visit Smicer, and if we get a win we will be almost there for qualification.
10/22 Manchester United (a) The place we start to win away this season.
10/25 Reading (h) League Cup game with Dudek, Fowler and the young guns having a chance to shine.
10/28 Aston Villa (h) Villa has yet to lose a game this season and it will be a tough game for us.
10/31 Bordeaux (h) Reteurn of Smicer.

Match Report 060930 at Bolton Wanderers: Heartless display

0-2 and our display was very poor. We started very brightly in 1H, but after a ridiculous error by the assistant referee, we were one down and ever since then, the players just conceded defeat. Rafa's tinkering tactics is once again under fire, but as Xabi said, we need to focus on the big picture.

Players Rating:
Reina: 5 Very poor performance. The freekick was an error, but he should do better for both goals conceded, especially the first one.
Finnan: 5.5 Exposed by Bolton and let Campo headed in the second goal.
Carragher: 6 Can't do anything to help.
Hyypia: 6 Called up to face the physical challenge from Bolton, but at the end it was not effective.
Riise: 6 An average display.
Pennant: 6 Ineffective.
Alonso: 6 Failed to make an impact.
Sissoko: 6.5 Played very well but Rafa was forced to take him off for tactical reason.
Gerrard: 7 Played well, especially in 2H when moved into middle, but couldn't help.
Bellamy: 5.5 Simply ineffective and still searching for his first league goal.
Kuyt: 6 Failed to make an impact and was forced to be subsituted after he suffered from an injury.

Substitutions:
Crouch/Luis Garcia/Zenden: 6 All failed to make impact.

Rafa: 6 I think he should not say things in the press to fire Bolton up. It is a challenge for Rafa to heal our away day sickness. Starting for our next 2 away games at Old Trafford and Emirates Stadium...

Bolton: 7 They have more heart to win it, and nothing else.

Man of the Match: Gerrard. Sissoko also ran close.

Third time luck

Rafa has not beaten Bolton in his last two visit there, and this time it will still be a tough physical game. We need to play strongly defensively, and we need some great crosses to tear off their defense. This is probably one of our five toughest away game this season, so we have to be alert.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Finnan
Carragher
Hyypia
Riise
Gerrard
Alonso
Sissoko
Luis Garcia
Kuyt
Crouch

Result 1-0

Match Report 060927 vs Galatasaray: A different ending

3-2 and at times it was afraid that the Istanbul Final will happened again but with a reverse result, but fortunately we hang on and win the game. Crouch was on fire after given a rare chance, and both wingers were playing extremely well. It was a well deserved win and we are in a good position. Should we beat Bordeaux home and away we will be through.

Players Rating:
Reina: 6.5 Made a few great saves at the end to keep the score.
Finnan: 7 A nice cross for the wonderful Crouch overhead kick
Carragher: 6.5 Back from a rest with a nice display.
Agger: 6.5 He is soon to be our best defender.
Aurelio: 6.5 A nice assist, but he was at fault for both goals conceded.
Pennant: 7.5 His best performance for us so far. Certainly it will do no harm for his recall to the national team.
Gerrard: 7 Drive the team as usual and was involved in the first goal.
Alonso: 6.5 Another nice performance.
Luis Garcia: 7.5 Made a difference with a nice header goal.
Kuyt: 6.5 Worked hard and was rested for tactical purpose.
Crouch: 8 Back with 2 goals and reminded Rafa that he can also do a job.

Substitutions:
Gonzalez: 6 Another nice display.
Sissoko: 6 Provided assurance to the defense when we need it.
Bellamy: 6 Not enough time to impress.

Rafa: 7.5 His use of Crouch was a nice move and paid off handsomely, but he need to address the lost of concentration.

Galatasaray: 6.5 Showed they can play good football in 2H. It would be helpful to us if they beat PSV.

Man of the Match: Crouch. Still on fire.

A win and we will be in pole position

This is the 2nd group stage game of Champions League and if we beat Galatasaray we will be in a good position to qualify. We may not know how Rafa will shuffle the team this time, but he has done enough research and no doubt he will send the most suitable team to play.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Finnan
Carragher
Hyypia
Riise
Gerrard
Alonso
Sissoko
Luis Garcia
Kuyt
Crouch

Result: 2-0

Match Report 060923 vs Tottenham Hotspur: A deserved but flattered win

3-0 is a flatter scoreline but we fully deserved to win the game. We controlled the game but somehow Spurs are reluctant to lose. The turning point is no doubt Jenas' amazing miss, as after that Gonzalez scored from a Bellamy off-the-post shot. And then Kuyt showed his classy scoring a nice goal, and Riise signals his return by scoring yet another screamer - although it is not as far away as Alonso's goal.

After the two well deserved wins we are now climing up to a more respectable position, but now the key is that we need to start winning away from home.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7 Another clean sheet with no real threats from the Spurs.
Finnan: 7 Another nice display from our unsung hero.
Agger: 7 His good performance had lead Rafa to do the unthinkable - to rest Carra.
Hyypia: 7 Performed well after he was rested 3 games.
Riise: 7.5 Back with a screamer. Need this as Aurelio and Warnock are competing with him for the left back spot.
Gerrard: 7.5 A great dummy lead to the first goal.
Alonso: 7 No goal this time as he did not have chance to score in our own half.
Sissoko: 7.5 Rock solid.
Gonzalez: 7.5 Opened the floodgate by scoring a great goal with his alertness and quickness.
Bellamy: 6.5 Should have scored but fortunately Gonzalez scored on the rebound.
Kuyt: 8 Another great goal. His first touch and work rate were class.

Substitutions:
Luis Garcia: 7 Almost invisible but still managed to provide 2 assists in 22 minutes.
Aurelio/Carragher: 6 Not enough time to impress.

Rafa: 7.5 He now has a settled pair of strikers, and it is also nice to see the defense defended another clean sheet.

Tottenham Hotspur: 6 They just can't take their chances now. If they don't improve they will rather heading to relegation rather than Europe.

Man of the Match: Kuyt. An instant Anfield hero.

Keep it up

After the wonderful game vs Newcastle the morale will be absolutely high, especially now that Rafa seemed to have found a settled team. Spurs is in a troubled time, but they always raise the game when playing us, but if we continue to play a fluid game, there is no reason we can't beat them.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Finnan
Carragher
Agger
Aurelio
Gerrard
Alonso
Sissoko
Pennant
Kuyt
Crouch

Result: 2-0

Match Report 060920 vs Newcastle United: Goal from heaven

2-0 and Xabi scored another long long range goal. This meant he scored his last 3 goals on an average distance of over 50 yards from the goal. We controlled the game apart from a brief 10 minutes run early in the second half. If it was not luck we may have been 3 or 4 up already. Anyway this is a nice and well deserved win to the Club.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7 Handling the game with confidence.
Finnan: 7.5 A great assist to the first goal, and continues to provide lots of quality crosses from the right.
Carragher: 7 A leader of the defense, and apart from 2 debatable goal to hand claims, he has the Newcastle attacks in his pocket.
Agger: 6.5 Played well in 1H but somehow he seemed to be unable to cope with the physical side of Newcastle attacks.
Aurelio: 6.5 Once again was dangerous on free kicks.
Gerrard: 7 A bit sloopy in 1H but geared up in 2H.
Alonso: 9 Wonderful goal from heaven. Also was the architect for the first goal. The Xabi we know is back. I was thinking Rafa should rest him, but fortunately Rafa knows the team better than I do.
Sissoko: 7 A rock in helping the back 4.
Luis Garcia: 7 Very exciting performance and almost scored, although he was silly to handle the ball and get a yellow card.
Bellamy: 6.5 Missed a glorious chance to kill off the game.
Kuyt: 7.5 First of many goals he will score for us. Could have scored another.

Substitutions:
Crouch and Gonzalez: 6 Not enough time to impress.

Rafa: 7 His confidence on the team pays off well and it is a well deserved win.

Newcastle United: 6 Never really into the game, and could count themselves lucky to have only lose by 2 goals.

Man of the Match: Alonso. A genius.

Let's start winning

After the nightmare 3 away games we now have 2 home league games coming up. Without Owen and Given, we have a great chance to beat them. And Kuyt to start scoring.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Finnan
Carragher
Agger
Warnock
Pennant
Gerrard
Sissoko
Bellamy
Kuyt
Crouch

Result 2-0

Match Report 060917 at Chelsea: We deserve more

0-1 probably don't reflect the game and we should at least get 1 point. However, the strikers failed to break through, Chelsea was a bit luck with that Drogba wonderful goal, and Riley again didn't see some obvious penalty, that we lost again.

In terms of performance we were at least as good as Chelsea, especially on the right hand frank that Pennant has lots of spaces to exploit. It's just the finishing were not there yet, but this will change.

We have now played 2 of the 4 most difficult away games, and from now on let's build up a momentum.

Players Rating:
Reina: 6 Can't do much for the goal conceded.
Finnan: 6 Doing well at defense.
Carragher: 6 Did very well but somehow let Drogba scored that goal.
Agger: 7 A convincing display.
Warnock: 6.5 Recovered well from the early yellow card and made some crucual tackles.
Pennant: 6.5 Lots of spaces to run, and were very dangerous.
Alonso: 6 Still not back to his best.
Sissoko: 6.5 Did well in stopping the Chelsea midfield.
Gerrard: 6.5 Didn't played too well at the left, but for tactical reason this is probably the best play to play Stevie G. Should pass the ball in at least 2 occasions instead of taking the shots.
Bellamy: 5.5 A bit disappointing.
Kuyt: 6.5 Deadly, but still searching for his first goal.

Substitutions:
Aurelio: 6 Doing OK after tactical change to replace Warnock, but should do more attacks.
Zenden: 6 Doing Ok.
Crouch: 6 Not enough time to impress.

Rafa: 6.5 Tried his best to win the game for us, but Drogba's goal is simply unstoppable. Defense is more secure now with Carra and Agger, and if we keep on play like this, we can still win the title.

Chelsea: 6.5 Their lack of width would be a major concern, and we will beat them next time.

Man of the Match: Agger. Another outstanding display.

Defy the impossibility

Chelsea has not lost a game at home for a long time, and now is the time. Rafa will no doubt play his strongest team this time, and as we have beat them twice in a row now, it would be nice to make it 3 in a row.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Finnan
Carragher
Agger
Warnock
Gerrard
Alonso
Sissoko
Aurelio
Bellamy
Kuyt

Result: 1-0

Match Report 060912 at PSV Eindhoven: A well deserved point

0-0 away in Europe should never be considered a poor result, although people may question Rafa's decision of leaving out the big guns like Stevie G, Xabi and Sami. Rafa's game plan seems to be making it hard for PSV to penetrate and in this regard the game is a real success. We finally get our first clean sheet of the season (since mid April) and Stevie G almost win it for us at the end. Depending on whether you are optimistic or not, you may view this as a start of another unbeaten run, or we are 2 games without a win now. But let's be positive.

Players Rating:
Reina: 6.5 First clean sheet of the season although at times he was a bit shaky.
Finnan: 6.5 Good defensive display.
Carragher: 6.5 A better display than the derby.
Agger: 6.5 A really eye-catching display. Proved again he can dispense Hyypia.
Warnock 6.5 A good display after back from injury.
Pennant: 6.5 Working hard from the right flank.
Zenden: 6 A good display back to his former team.
Sissoko: 6.5 Bossed the midfield in the absense of Stevie and Xabi.
Aurelio: 6.5 Played better as left midfielder.
Bellamy: 6.5 Constant threats to PSV.
Kuyt: 7 Played very well back to his home country.

Substitutions:
Alonso: 6 Distributed the ball well when we needed it.
Gerrard: 6.5 An encouraging display and almost scored to win the game.
Gonzalez: 6 Not enough time to impress.

Rafa: 6.5 A solid lineup and get a deserved point. And the defense looks calmer.

PSV Eindhoven: 6.5 A good display too but we should be able to beat them in the return game.

Man of the Match: Kuyt. Great display. Still looking for his first goal and it will come soon.

Champions League restarts

Champions League group stage restarts and we will beginning from visiting PSV Eindhoven, our first ever competitive match with them. We need to forget the crash in the derby, and the draw is quite kind for us, so it will be nice to at least get a point there for a start.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Finnan
Agger
Hyypia
Carragher
Gerrard
Alonso
Sissoko
Gonzalez
Kuyt
Bellamy

Result: 1-0

Match Report 060909 at Everton: We tumbled

0-3 and this is the worst derby defeat in more than 40 years. We just don't perform well as a team. Reina again made some silly mistakes but defense as a whole played badly. Rafa's ommission of Bellamy also raised a few eyebrows. And although we dominated in goal attempts, but we lack the killing instinct. Also we were running out of luck as there were 2 shots hit the post, numerous shots just a few yards wide, and Poll failed to award us a penalty for a handball.

The unbeaten run since March finally ended and we need to pick ourselves up and start another run. Starting in Holland.

Players Rating:
Reina: 4.5 A very poor result especially letting in the 3rd goal. Is he lack of confidence or what? A few more performance like this and Rafa should switch to Dudek.
Finnan: 5 Poor defending that lead to the first goal. Almost scored in 2H.
Carragher: 5 Even Carra performed badly, especially the ineffective clearance that lead to the 2nd goal.
Hyypia: 5 Can't contain Johnson and his lack of pace is obvious.
Aurelio: 5.5 A nice freekick but still unconvincing in defense.
Gerrard: 6.5 The only player that played OK in this game, and hit the goalpost twice.
Alonso: 5.5 Yet to pick up his form this season.
Sissoko: 6 A solid display.
Luis Garcia: 5 A nice crossing in 1H was his only contribution.
Fowler: 5.5 Had a few shots in the opening minutes but then there is no supply to him.
Crouch: 5 A very poor performance. Almost invisible.

Substitutions:
Kuyt: 6 Looks sharp and dangerous, but failed to put the ball in the net.
Riise: 5.5 Injuried again for a bad tackle.
Pennant: 6 Not enough time to impress.

Rafa: 5 The formation has a few problems and the internatinal run has disturbed Rafa's preparation. Nevertheless Rafa's omission of Bellamy and failure of setting the defense had exaggrated the problem.

Everton: 7 They played well and deserved the win, although the margin has flattered them.

Player of the Match: Gerrard. If he scored from one of the many opportunities, the result may be completely different.

First hurdle

It's Derby time again and this is the first hurdle of the season with 3 consecutive key away games. Both teams are running on a high recently but after the international weekend Rafa may rest a few key players. It would be nice to see Robbie score again.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Finnan
Carragher
Agger
Aurelio
Pennant
Gerrard
Sissoko
Gonzalez
Fowler
Crouch

Result: 3-1