Keep winning

After a midweek victory we need to keep up the winning habit to close the gap with the front team, particular in a week when all the remaining big 4 are winning. We beat Villa 5-0 in our last meeting and they are still in a poor form, but we still need to work hard and be patience to win the game tonight.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Johnson
Carragher
Skrtel
Insua
Mascherano
Lucas
Benayoun
Gerrard
Kuyt
Torres

Result 2:0

Match Report 090819 vs Stoke City: Players respond

4:0 and the players really responded to Rafa's rally call. We started the game well and Torres scored an early goal that eased the nervousness of the team. We then rolled on and at half time Johnson secured the win with a acrobatic finish. We keep pressure in the second half and at the end the pressure pays off and we finally beat Stoke in the third attempt.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7.5 One superb save early in the second half to secure the clean sheet.
Johnson: 8.5 Superb all round performance on both ends.
Carragher: 7 Lead the defensive line well.
Ayala: 7 A good home start debut despite a bit nervous.
Insua: 7 Support the attack well.
Lucas: 7.5 Support the attack with confidence.
Mascherano: 7 Doing the dirty works well.
Kuyt: 7.5 Worked hard and was rewarded with an easy tap in goal.
Gerrard: 8 Two superb assists.
Benayoun: 7 Provided confidence to the team.
Torres: 7.5 Early goal to set the tone of the game.

Substitutions:
Voronin: 7 Have a shot on target but was saved.
Riera: 7 Not much contribution:
Ngog: 7.5 Scored the easiest goal in the right place.

Rafa: 7.5 Would be delighted in the way the team responded.

Stoke City: 6 Very defensive display and rely on set pieces only. Would need to improve their away form if they want to survice.

Man of the Match: Johnson. Provided another dimension to us.

Stand up and be counted

After a disappointing game on Sunday with many players AWOL, it is now for them to stand up and be counted. Stoke was an expect in blanking us in two games last season, and we need to improve from Sunday to beat them and claim the three points.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Johnson
Carragher
Skrtel
Insua
Mascherano
Lucas
Kuyt
Gerrard
Riera
Torres

Result 2:0

Match Report 090816 at Tottenham Hotspur: Disappointed Start

1-2 and this is a very disappointing performance. We have left a big gap in the middle after Xabi left and it is a real big problem.

We did not start the game well and Spurs have been pressing us hard from the first minute. Many players were still out of condition and did not play hard especially during the first half. It was not until the second half that the Spur players were tired that we started to control the game, but we failed to provide the supply to Torres to finish the game. We did not deserve a win, although a shout for penalty is valid and we could have get an undeserved draw.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7.5 Saved us from more shame.
Johnson: 7 An impressive debut and earned a penalty.
Carragher: 6 A sloppy performance.
Skrtel: 6 Did not play well after collision with Carra.
Insua: 6.5 Tried hard to support attack.
Lucas: 6 Sit too deep and unable to provide killer pass.
Mascherano: 6 Not yet to his best condition and faked an injury.
Kuyt: 6 Tried hard but not much contribution.
Gerrard: 6.5 Very quiet game overall.
Babel: 5.5 Very poor with few contribution.
Torres: 6 Quiet as he did not receive any service.

Substitutions:
Benayoun: 7 Tried very hard to win possession.
Ayala: 6.5 A good debut.
Voronin: 6.5 Should have won us a penalty.

Rafa: 6 Poor performance and need to gear up the team.

Tottenham Hotspur: 7 Played well and deserved to win.

Man of the Match: Reina. Made many saves or we will be losing 4 goals at least.

Season Starts

After 3 months finally the new season will start. We have some players changes but the hear of the team is basically here and one year wiser. With the weakening of other teams we are in a better position to win the league this season.

The Spur game is the 6th away start in a row for Rafa and it will be tough. Spur is very strong at home as can be seen last year, and we have a so-so pre-season form with a few injuries. But the team is picking up form and we will be targeting for an away win to start the season.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Johnson
Carragher
Skrtel
Insua
Mascherano
Lucas
Kuyt
Gerrard
Riera
Torres

Result 2:0

RIP, Sir Bobby

A true football legend, loved by most of the fans no matter which team you support. You'll Never Walk Alone.

2008/09 Season Review

Another season with no trophy nor final, but the team is definitely improving. We finished the season with 86 points which would win us the league in other seasons, and we only lose two league matches all year round. But the draws against lower teams, especially at home, were crucial. Nevertheless with the experience gained this season we will be much better equipped and we will win the league next season.

In Europe we did very well up to the last 16. In Quarter Final we drawn Chelsea again. Although we lost 1-3 at home in the first leg, we did our best to try to win the game and we almost did it. In the FA Cup we drawn our neighbor in the fourth round and it took 210 minutes to separate the two teams out. Good luck to the Toffees in the Final.

We ended the League Cup run rather early. We drawn Spur after we beat Crewe, but Spur seems to be our bogey team as we lost to them twice within November.

Player Rating (Games played, Minutes played, Goal scored/conceded, Assists/cleansheets, MoM, Rating)
Goalkeepers
Cavalieri 4G 360M 6GC 1CS 0MoM 6.13
Gulacsi 2 unused substitutes
Reina 51G 4650M 38GC 25CS 3MoM 7.08

Reina is again the first choice and he almost won the Golden Glove the 4th time. Cavalieri is also reliable when he is called upon.

Defenders
Agger 26G 2087M 2GS 1A 1MoM 6.94
Arbeloa 43G 3872M 1GS 3A 0MoM 6.81
Aurelio 33G 2432M 3GS 6A 1MoM 6.98
Carragher 54G 4819M 0GS 1A 3MoM 7.05
Darby 2G 27M 0GS 0A 0MoM 6.39
Degen 2G 157M 0GS 0A 0MoM 5.96
Dossena 26G 1769M 2GS 0A 0MoM 6.50
Hyypia 19G 1359M 2GS 0A 3MoM 7.20
Insua 13G 1060M 0GS 0A 0MoM 7.05
Kelly 1G 9M 0GS 0A 0MoM 6.50
Skrtel 30G 2681M 0GS 2A 0MoM 6.91

Central defense is our strongest area with 4 top class center backs. Carra lead the bunch with the most games / minutes played and the best rating. We also have three left backs challenging for the spot and Rafa has many options. However there is not much choice for right back with Arbeloa the only viable option as Degen is injured and Darby still too young, and at times Carra needs to play there as cover. In terms of attack the defenders need to improve as there are only 10 goals scored whole season, with Aurelio leading with 3. One thing worth mentioning is that although Hyypia did not get too many games, whenever he is called upon he is giving us 100%, as can be seen in his high rating and amount of MoM.

Midfielders
Alonso 47G 3726M 4GS 6A 6MoM 7.16
Babel 42G 1639M 4GS 5A 0MoM 6.56
Benayoun 42G 2506M 9GS 6A 8.5MoM 7.15
El Zhar 19G 455M 0GS 1A 0MoM 6.39
Gerrard 44G 3527M 24GS 11A 14MoM 7.61
Kuyt 51G 4340M 15GS 10A 2.5MoM 7.19
Lucas 39G 2011M 3GS 4A 1.5MoM 6.81
Mascherano 38G 3212M 0GS 2A 2MoM 7.13
Pennant 4G 247M 0GS 2A 0MoM 7.05
Plessis 5G 291M 1GS 0A 0MoM 5.92
Riera 40G 2643M 5GS 4A 0MoM 6.86
Spearing 2G 30M 0GS 0A 0MoM 7.03

Stevie G once again stands out and his 24 goals scored is really impressive. Alonso was rumored to be sold but he stayed and proof Rafa wrong with excellent performance all over the year. Kuyt excels in the right midfield position with 15 goals and 10 assists behind him. In the middle Mascherano also performed consistently as he rans all over the pitch. The most impressive revival has to be Benayoun. He scored 9 goals with 6 assists and had been the best player from February onward alongside Stevie G. Rafa will have a challenge to identity where to put him in the lineup next season.

Attackers:
Keane 28G 1780M 7GS 5A 3.5MoM 6.87
Ngog 19G 589M 3GS 1A 0MoM 6.51
Torres 38G 2789M 17GS 6A 7MoM 7.15
Voronin 1 unused substitute.

Torres is still our main striker and despite getting injured and out for a while, he still managed to score 17 goals and has now scored 50 in two seasons. Robbie Keane is a disppointed purchase but Rafa was quick to cut loss. Voronin may not have a future here, but Ngog is quite impressive and will feature more next season.

Players of the year (minimum 2505 minutes)
(1) Gerrard 7.61
(2) Kuyt 7.19
(3) Alonso 7.16
(4) Benayoun 7.147
(5) Torres 7.145
(6) Mascherano 7.13
(7) Reina 7.08
(8) Carragher 7.05
(9) Riera 6.91
(10) Skrtel 6.86
(11) Arbeloa 6.81

Team 7.01. It is a good increase above last year's average of 6.89. The team is heading towards the right direction and we need to be more consistent especially at home. We cannot afford to draw so many games at home again.

Goal conversion
We have 975 shots this season, 26 more than last year despite playing 4 less games. However we scored only 106 goals vs 119 last season. This is probably due to Torres injured for a longer time. In defense we allowed 503 shots (last year 491) but we conceded only 46 goals vs 50 last season. Once again we did better in Europe, but we may find ourselves struggled in the league especially when the other team played 9-0-1.

Match of the season
(1) 3/22/09 vs Aston Villa 8.06
(2) 10/26/08 at Chelsea 7.94
(3) 3/10/09 vs Real Madrid 7.88
(4) 3/14/09 at Manchester United 7.84
(5) 12/28/08 at Newcastle United 7.71

Worst match of the season
(1) 2/28/09 at Middlesbrough 5.64
(2) 11/12/08 at Tottenham Hotspur 5.68
(3) 8/13/08 at Standard Liege 5.90
(4) 4/8/09 vs Chelsea 6.20
(5) 4/21/09 vs Arsenal 6.40

20 years

20 years ago tonight, it was Liverpool vs Arsenal in the title decider.

At that time live football was not that frequent. We may get once a month, but since this is the title decider, TVB shown it live.

Due to the Hillsborough tragedy our fixture has been postponed. We have won the FA Cup in the week before, but the league is not over yet. We just need to avoid losing two goals or more and the double will be completed.

I was eagerly awaiting for this game. I played Nintendo games to try to get myself up, but somehow I felt asleep.

When I woke up, the game was over. I turned on the VCR and rewind, and saw the last few minute of the game.

And the rest was history.

From that game on, I swear I will not miss a live game like this, and so I will make sure I will turn the alarm. For I don't want the same to happen to me again.

May Month Report

4 wins to finish the month, but it is still not enough to take the Championship home. Nevertheless we have gained precious experience this year and next year we will be much better equipped to chase for our #19.

Player of the Month (1) Gerrard 8.01 (2) Benayoun 7.903 (3) Kuyt 7.902. Our captain scored 3 and created another 3 for the perfect month. Benayoun also scored 2 goals and give Rafa a big good headache in next season's lineup. Kuyt is also on fire, scoring 2 and created another 3 and broke his seasonal record for us.

Match Report 090524 vs Tottenham Hotspur: Thank you Sami

3-1 and Sami almost scored! It is sad to see Sami left, but he wants more minutes which unfortunately he will not get it with us. The game started as a typical end of season game with very slow place, but then Kuyt crossed the ball perfectly for Torres to score his 50th goal with us. From then on there is only one winner. Unfortunately a sloppy defending error and Reina is denied a fourth Golden Glove.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7 Denied a fourth Golden Glove.
Carragher: 6.5 Tiredness seems to came to him as he was very slow, and a sloppy defending lead to the goal conceded.
Skrtel: 7 Solid defending.
Agger: 7 Good defending and carried the ball forward.
Aurelio: 7 Good defending.
Alonso: 7.5 Nice passes and almost scored from midfield.
Mascherano: 7.5 Tackles from the first game till the last game of the season.
Kuyt: 7.5 Superb assist and a great shot deflected into the goal.
Gerrard: 7.5 Tried very hard but could not add a goal to his account.
Benaoun: 8 Scored a nice goal and created another.
Torres: 7.5 Great header as his half-century goal.

Substitutions:
Riera: 7 Had a very chances but failed to score.
Ngog: 7 Good run out.
Hyypia: 8 Rock solid defending and was unlucky not to score.

Rafa: 7.5 Would be delighted about this performance.

Tottenham Hotspur: 6.5 Poor defending lead to the defeat.

Man of the Match: Benayoun. Rafa would be thinking hard to accomodate him in the lineup.

Thanks for the service, Sami

This is Sami's farewell game and we need to win and keep a clean sheet for him. Spur still have a slim chance in going to Europe so they will be up for this game, and we need to play well to have a winning end to the season.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Arbeloa
Carragher
Hyypia
Aurelio
Alonso
Mascherano
Kuyt
Gerrard
Riera
Torres

Result 2:0

Thanks for the service, Sami

This is Sami's farewell game and we need to win and keep a clean sheet for him. Spur still have a slim chance in going to Europe so they will be up for this game, and we need to play well to have a winning end to the season.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Arbeloa
Carragher
Hyypia
Aurelio
Alonso
Mascherano
Kuyt
Gerrard
Riera
Torres

Result 2:0

Match Report 090517 at West Bromwich Albion: There's always hope

2-0 and the win is not enough with the dream for title finally gone. Credits to West Brom to give us a game but at the end the difference in quality made the difference especially in defense. After all it was a comfortable win and we are very close to finish second place.

Players Rating:
Reina: 8 Made a few great saves before we opened the account.
Arbeloa: 6.5 Going forward too much and let the defense exposed at times.
Carragher: 7 Played with heart although the fight for Arbeloa is a bit excessive.
Agger: 7 Good performance.
Insua: 7 Another impressive performance.
Mascherano: 7 Did well before he was injured.
Lucas: 8 One of his best performance for us.
Kuyt: 8 Scored a nice goal to kill off the game.
Gerrard: 8.5 Individual brilliance created the first goal.
Benayoun: 7.5 Made many impressive runs.
Torres: 6.5 A bit quiet by his standard.

Substitutions:
Alonso: 7 Good performance coming back from injury.
Babel: 7 Almost scored but shot wide.
Ngog: 7 A good run out.

Rafa: 7.5 Would be delighted that players still have heart to fight on.

West Brom: 6 Would need to definitely improve the defense when they come back.

Man of the Match: Gerrard. Scored one, created the other.

Plenty to fight for

Although the title may have settled by the time we kick the ball, there are still plenty to fight for as we still need to secure second place. A win at West Brom will send them back to Championship, so they will play the game of their life and it will be a challenge if we want to get three points.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Arbeloa
Carragher
Hyypia
Aurelio
Alonso
Mascherano
Kuyt
Gerrard
Riera
Torres

Result 2:0

Match Report 090509 at West Ham United: We still believe

3-0 and although we won the game, the chance of winning title this season is becoming more remote now. By the time we kick the ball on Sunday at West Brom, the title may have been already settled. Nevertheless the team is now in a much better position to challenge the title next season, and we still with hope in our heart.

The match basically settled within 2 minutes with Stevie G's nice taken goal. We then keep on pressuring and then scored another two to maintain our recent trend of scoring more than 3 goals. Defense was not threatened, and the attacks were smooth. These are all good signs to us.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7.5 Rarely challenged.
Arbeloa: 7.5 Solid defending and helped created the first goal.
Carragher: 7 A rere mistake almost led to a goal conceded.
Skrtel: 7.5 Strong at the back.
Aurelio: 7 Good display.
Lucas: 7.5 Very solid in the middle.
Mascherano: 7.5 Good display back to Upton Park.
Kuyt: 7.5 Created the third goal.
Gerrard: 8.5 Scored two goals to seal the game.
Benayoun: 7.5 Unlucky not to score in his return to Upton Park, but he did help create chance for Torres for winning the penalty.
Torres: 7.5 Created the first goal and win the penalty for the second.

Substitutions:
Insua: 7 Another convincing performance.
Babel: 7.5 Scored a nice goal.
Dossena: 7 Solid when coming up.

Rafa: 7.5 Would be delighted about the performance in general.

West Ham United: 6.5 First goal in 2 minutes blew them off and from then on everything went wrong for them.

Man of the Match: Gerrard. Still have a slim chance to become top scorer.

Go back to the top

A win at West Ham will see us go back to the top, and although it may be the last time we sit there if result runs against us, we will still need to fight hard and see what will happen. Xabi is still out and Lucas will probably be starting, and he need to build up from his fine goal last week to convince the fans.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Arbeloa
Carragher
Agger
Aurelio
Mascherano
Lucas
Kuyt
Gerrard
Riera
Torres

Result 2:0

Thank you Sami

It is a shocking news that Sami Hyypia will leave us and join Leverkusen next season.

In the last 10 years Sami has been one of our most faithful servant. He has been solid as a rock, and without him we would not be getting so many medals.

We wish Sami all the best in Germany, and hope one day he will be back as a coach. And of course, you'll never walk alone.

Match Report 090503 vs Newcastle United: Keep the pressure

3-0 and we refused to give up. With 3 games to go we really need a miracle to win the league, but we will not give up and try to win the remaining 3 games, and see if we are deserved to win the league.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7 Not a single save to make.
Arbeloa: 7.5 Solid defending.
Carragher: 7.5 Denied Newcastle any chance to shot on target.
Agger: 7.5 Defend well and almost scored another superb goal.
Aurelio: 7.5 Solid defending and great delivery for the 3rd goal.
Alonso: 7.5 Hit the bar twice.
Mascherano: 7.5 Ran all over the pitch to win the ball.
Benayoun: 8.5 Superb performance and could have score more.
Gerrard: 7.5 Unlucky not to score.
Riera: 7 Good performance.
Kuyt: 8.5 Scored one and created another.

Substitutions:
Babel: 7 Stretched the Newcastle defense.
Lucas: 7.5 Scored an easy header.
Ngog: 7 Not enough time to impress.

Rafa: 7.5 Would be happy about the team performance.

Newcastle: 5.5 They have a nice goalkeeper and honest manager, but they don't have anyone to score goal and defend well. Will relegate unless improved dramatically in the remaining 3 matches.

Men of the Match: Benayoun/Kuyt. Two constant threats.

Don't give up

Although the title dream is fading away fast, we should not give up and should keep fighting. Newcastle is in danger in relegation and will fight hard to get points, but we should have enough power to get 3 points and keep our dream alive.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Arbeloa
Carragher
Agger
Aurelio
Alonso
Mascherano
Kuyt
Gerrard
Riera
Torres

Result 2:0

April Month Review

3W2D1L and we are out of the Champions League, with the League title now rely on a miracle. We started the month with a hard fought victory at Fulham, and then we lost at home to Chelsea, which basically signal the end of the Europe journey. We then rebound and beat Blackburn comfortably, and we tried very hard but can only draw Chelsea 4-4. We then repeat the scoreline facing Arsenal, and ended the month with another hard fought victory at Hull City. The players are now feeling the tiredness, and we need to push hard for the remaining four games and wait for the miracle to come.

Players of the Month (1) Benayoun 7.45 (2) Carragher 7.33 (3) Torres 7.24. Benayoun scored the important 90th minute winner at Fulham and also scored two, including an important last minute equalizer vs Arsenal to earn us 3 more points. Carragher has been the better defensive player among all and did well as captain at the absence of Stevie G. Torres was also on fire and scored 5 goals in the month. How we miss his goal in his absence...

May prediction:
5/3 Newcastle United (h) Newcastle are in danger in relegation but we still need to be careful as they will fight hard against us.
5/9 West Ham United (a) West Ham may have a slim hope in going to Europe so we need to be at our best in order to get 3 points home.
5/17 West Bromwich Albion (a) West Brom may have been relegated when we face them, but if not they will be fighting hard for the Premier League status.
5/24 Tottenham Hotspur (h) A home victory to end the season is what we ask for, no matter whether it will bring us Premier League title or not.

Match Report 090425 at Hull City: Result matters

3-1 and although we did not perform well, we have the lucky and edged pass the Tigers. We did not perform very well due to tiredness, but at the end the difference in quality makes the difference.

Players Rating:
Reina: 6.5 Can't do much on the goal conceded.
Arbeloa: 7 Going up frequently and created the 3rd goal.
Carragher: 7 Lead by example.
Skrtel: 7 A nice assist from a corner.
Insua: 6.5 Good in general but was too slow in stopping the goal.
Alonso: 7.5 Scored a nice goal from free kick.
Mascherano: 7 Worked hard as usual.
Lucas: 7 Solid performance.
Kuyt: 8 Scored two goals.
Torres: 7 Had two great opportunities but hit the bar once and saved by the goalkeeper on the other.
Benayoun: 7 Lively as usual.

Substitutions:
El Zhar/Agger/Dossena: 6.5 Not enough time to impress.

Rafa: 7 Would be delighted about the victory. Now we need to keep pressure and look for a miracle.

Hull City: 6.5 A hard fought performance but at the end the different of quality tells the difference.

Man of the Match: Kuyt. Worked hard and scored two well deserved goals.

Back on to the right track

Although the title dream is fading away we still need to fight to profit from any potential drop from Manchester. Stevie G will still be out but we still need to pick ourselves up and win the remaining 5 games.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Arbeloa
Carragher
Agger
Aurelio
Benayoun
Alonso
Mascherano
Riera
Kuyt
Torres

Result 2:0

Match Report 090421 vs Arsenal: Dream fading away

4-4 and our title dream is fading away gradually. We were in control of the game, but 4 defensive errors and we conceded 4 goals. The good point from the game is that the team has a great fighting spirit and will keep on fighting till the end.

We now need Manchester to concede 6 points more than us, which is tough, but not impossible. With hope in your heart.

Players Rating:
Reina: 6 Had not made a single safe in the game.
Arbeloa: 5.5 At fault for the second goal.
Carragher: 5.5 Should do better in the second goal.
Agger: 6 Almost scored from a corner.
Aurelio: 5.5 Poor defending gifted the ball away for the third goal.
Benayoun: 8.5 Scored two important goals and was very lively.
Alonso: 6.5 Pulling the strings from the midfield.
Mascherano: 5.5 Poor passing lead to the first goal, and was in general below his normal level.
Riera: A quiet game apart from the assist.
Kuyt: 7.5 Fabulous crossing to create the first two goals.
Torres: 8 Scored two equalizers.

Substitutions:
Babel: 6 Involved in the forth goal.
El Zhar: 6 Not enough time to impress.

Rafa: 6.5 Would be delighted about the fighting spirit, but would be concerned with the sloppy defense. We now have 5 games remaining and will need to win them all to see what would happen.

Arsenal: 7 Had four chances and scored them all by Arshavin.

Man of the match: Benayoun. As Stevie G said, his equalizer may be crucial come May 24.

Challenge

Of our remaining 6 fixtures, the Arsenal game is probably the toughest. Although they have many injuries, they are still a very strong team and we also have Gerrard injured. Nevertheless, if we want to challenge for the title, we need to win this game. The players have the belief to do so, and we will be supporting them.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Arbeloa
Carragher
Skrtel
Aurelio
Benayoun
Alonso
Mascherano
Riera
Kuyt
Torres

Result 2:0

You'll Never Walk Alone

To the Hillsborough brothers
20 years on
We have not forgotten
Deep in our hear
We believe one day
Justice will be prevailed
You'll Never Walk Alone

Match Report 090414 at Chelsea: Great Response

4-4 and twice we came within one goal of qualification, but we never scored the crucial goal. We keep pressing forward and were deserved to go 2-0 up. Then three defensive errors later we find ourselves 2-3 down, but we never give up and scored 2 back, with the absence of Torres. At the end Chelsea scored one more and honors were even. After all, this is an entertainment match, and we can now focus on the league in the remaining 6 games.

Players Rating:
Reina: 6 His error changed the game.
Arbeloa: 6.5 Solid display.
Carragher: 7.5 Led the team from the back.
Skrtel: 6 Once again failed to contain Drogba.
Aurelio: 7 Scored a great free kick to spark us on.
Alonso: 7 Calm penalty taken, but a miss pass sounded the end of our journey.
Mascherano: 7 Ran all across the pitch.
Lucas: 7 Scored a deflated goal but in general conceded too many fouls.
Benayoun: 7 Clever runs throughout the match.
Kuyt: 7 Worked hard and was rewarded with a goal that bring us hope.
Torres: 6 Did not have a good game in general.

Substitutions:
Riera: 7 Provided more attacking strength to the team.
Ngog: 7 Almost scored the 5th goal.
Babel: 6.5 Not much impact.

Rafa: 7 Would be delighted about the response of the team. Now we are going to push for the league title.

Chelsea: 7 Showed great heart in 2H to draw the game.

Man of the Match: Carragher. Vintage display.

Istanbul

To score 3 goals at Stamford Bridge may be difficult, but it is not impossible. Remember Istanbul...


Reina
Arbeloa
Carragher
Agger
Aurelio
Alonso
Mascherano
Kuyt
Gerrard
Babel
Torres

Result 3:0

Match Report 090411 vs Blackburn Rovers: Keep the pressure on

4-0 and we this is the best respect we shown to the Hillsborough brothers. From the first minute we have been pushing forward from the first minute. At the end we could have score more, but what is important is that we get the 3 points and improve our goal difference, which may be important at the end of the season. At the moment we just keep our pressure on, and hope they will stumble.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7.5 Another clean sheet on his 200th appearance for the Club.
Arbeloa: 7.5 Solid performance.
Carragher: 8 Superb performance as captain, and was involved in two of the goals.
Agger: 8 Scored another cracker to boast his chance for a place.
Insua: 7.5 Another solid display from the youngster.
Benayoun: 7.5 Great run in the midfield in the absence of Stevie G.
Alonso: 7.5 One superb freekick to create the second goal.
Mascherano: 8 All over the pitch.
Riera: 7.5 Good runs but failed to score one.
Kuyt: 7.5 Hard working as usual, and have a few shots saved.
Torres: 8.5 Two great goals scored.

Substitutions:
El Zhar: 7 Worked hard when came on.
Ngog: 7.5 Scored an easy goal.
Lucas: 7.5 Great assist provided.

Rafa: 7.5 Would be delighted about the response after the midweek defeat. Now we are looking for a miracle.

Blackburn Rovers: 6 Too many injuries and have no hope in getting anything from the match.

Man of the Match: Torres. Two goals for our Hillsborough brothers.

Rebound

After a disappointed midweek game we need to rebound quickly in the league. Stevie G is doubtful, and Blackburn will be physical, but we need to win the game so that we can back to the top again.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Arbeloa
Carragher
Skrtel
Aurelio
Alonso
Mascherano
Kuyt
Benayoun
Riera
Torres

Result 2:0

Match Report 090408 vs Chelsea: A cliff to climb

1-3 and we were totally outclassed by Chelsea. Apart from the first few minutes that Torres scored a lovely goal, we failed to control the game and let Chelsea dictate it. At the end two mistakes in defending corners had killed off the game. Now we are left with the mission impossible of beating Chelsea by 3 goals at the home ground, but remember Istanbul?

Players Rating:
Reina: 6 Can't really blame him for all the 3 goals, and he had made a few important saves.
Arbeloa: 6 Not going forward enough.
Carragher: 6.5 Did made a last man safe just before the goal but in general unable to cope with the Chelsea attack,
Skrtel: 5.5 Failed to handle Drogba.
Aurelio: 5.5 Had a bad game in his standard.
Alonso: 7.5 One of the better player.
Lucas: 6 Not strong enough against Chelsea.
Kuyt: 6 Had a quiet game.
Gerrard: 6 Did not do enough to raise the teammates.
Riera: 5.5 Not much contribution.
Torres: 7 Scored a great goal.

Substitutions:
Benayoun: 6 No magic this time.
Dossena/Babel: 6 Not enough time to impress.

Rafa: 6 Need to make sure the players pick up themselves as soon as possible for the Blackburn game.

Chelsea: 7.5 Fully deserved to win as they have broken our tempo.

Man of the Match: Alonso. Apart from partially blamed for the equalizer, he did very well.

Not a revenge

We have been drawing Chelsea for the fifth time in five years in Europe, and although we have lost to them last year, revenge is not the right word. We just want to keep our good runs running. With Mascherano suspended we have to shuffle our pack a little bit, but Rafa will find the right team for the event.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Arbeloa
Carragher
Skrtel
Aurelio
Alonso
Lucas
Kuyt
Gerrard
Riera
Torres

Result 2:0

Match Report 090404 at Fulham: Determination is the key

1-0 and it was not until the injury time that Benayoun scored that all important goal to keep us in the title race. We were in total control of the game, but somehow the goal post was keeping us from scoring. It looks like our title race may end at Cavern Cottage, but we keep fighting and fighting, and at the end a sweet strike by Benayoun ensures we are keeping our pressure on Manchester. There are still 7 league games remaining and we will keep fighting till the end.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7.5 Not much to do, and always kept an eye in providing the ball to the attacks.
Arbeloa: 7.5 Providing solid defending and going forward to help the attack.
Carragher: 7.5 Solid as a rock as usual.
Skrtel: 7.5 Solid in defending and have a nice chance hitting the bar.
Insua: 7.5 Defending well and overlap with Dossena well.
Alonso: 8 At the heart of the midfield, and have a great chance hitting the bar.
Lucas: 7.5 Solid in protecting the back 4.
Kuyt: 6.5 A bit quiet in the game.
Gerrard: 7.5 At the core of our attacks.
Dossena: 7.5 Shown us the real Dossena, and was unlucky not to score.
Torres: 7 Had a few chances but could not take any.

Substitutions:
Babel: 7.5 Run the Fulham defense well and was instrumental in creating the goal.
Benayoun: 8.5 Scored another important goal that could be our defining moment.
Agger: 7 Not enough time to impress.

Rafa: 7.5 Would be happy about the attitude of the team.

Fulham: 6.5 Very difficult to break down especially at home. Now they can challenge for the UEFA Cup spot.

Man of the Match: Benayoun. Good run continues after his injury.

Up where we belong

A win at Fulham will bring us back to the top, although with 2 more games played. Fulham's recent form has been very good and we need to be on our very top to get a result there. It will be tough, but we have the confidence.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Arbeloa
Carragher
Skrtel
Aurelio
Alonso
Lucas
Kuyt
Gerrard
Riera
Torres

Result 2:0

March Month Review

4 wins and we are back to title race and into quarter final of Champions League. The month started with a low profile victory against Sunderland. Then we went like crazy and scored at least four goals against three former European Champions. Together with defeats of Manchester and Chelsea, we are now only one point behind although we played one more game. The final eight games will be crucial, and we are very confident that we can will all and then see what may happen.

Players of the month (1) Torres 8.47 (2) Gerrard 8.25 (3) Mascherano 8.13. Torres came back from injury and scored 2 goals to bring us hope. Stevie G also go riot and scored 6 goals in the month. And Mascherano is as hunger as usual in central midfield, with tackles everywhere.

April prediction:
4/4 Fulham (a) Fulham is very strong at home against big 4, so we need to be very careful.
4/8 Chelsea (h) It's so boring to meet Chelsea again... Anyway we need to beat them in first leg before we visit Stamford Bridge.
4/11 Blackburn Rover (h) Blackburn is in trouble and we need to pick up three points agian.
4/14 Chelsea (a) For the Hillsborough victims
4/21 Arsenal (h) A big hurdle to our title bid, but we will be fresher than they are since we do not have to play FA Cup semi final.
4/25 Hull City (a) We lost 2 points at home and need to avoid the same mistake going away.
4/28 Barcelona/Bayern Munich (a) If we pass through Chelsea this will be another hurdle to pass through before we visit Rome for glory.

Match Report 090322 vs Aston Villa: Confidence is the key

5-0 and this is a very good performance, especially when both Manchester and Chelsea faltered. The victory took us to only a point behind, although we played one extra game. We are now back on the title challenge, and who knows what will happen in the coming 2 months.

We bombered the Villa defense from the first minute. After Kuyt scored his great volley Villa tried to hit us back, but Reina was in top form and made two great saves. He even went one step further and provided another great assist to Riera. Then Stevie G took the show and scored a hat trick.

Players Rating:
Reina: 8.5 2 great saves and 1 assist.
Arbeloa: 7.5 Superb defending and support attack.
Carragher/Skrtel: 8 Solid throughout
Aurelio: 8 Superb in attack and defense.
Alonso: 8 Control the midfield well.
Mascherano: 8 Tackles everywhere.
Kuyt: 8 A great goal to open the floodgate.
Gerrard: 9 Two great penalties and one great free kick for his first Premier League hat trick.
Riera: 8.5 Run the left side of midfield and left Reo-Coker well behind.
Torres: 7.5 A bit quite and unlucky not to score.

Substitutions:
Lucas: 7.5 Had a good chance to score but shot wide.
Agger: 7.5 Nice to see him coming back.
Ngog: 7.5 Not enough time to impress.

Rafa: 8.5 Still not satisfied after 5 goals. But credits to him in peaking us at the right time.

Aston Villa: 5 Really low in confidence, but they need to rebound in the next match.

Man of the Match: Gerrard. First Premier League hat trick.

Momentum

This is the first of nine must win game if we want to win the Champion, and we need to build up from the good news from the past week. Villa is hitting a big slum recently and this is a good chance for us to take 3 more points.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Arbeloa
Carragher
Skrtel
Aurelio
Alonso
Mascherano
Kuyt
Gerrard
Riera
Torres

Result 2:0

Match Report 090314 at Manchester United: Happy days

4-1 and this is a superb result in their backyard. Once again Rafa's game plan was perfectly executed and we came out as well deserved winner in our biggest victory there since 1936. Although they are still in the driving seat for league winner but we are now more confident to capitalize from any potential slip by them.

Players Rating:
Reina: 6.5 Conceded a needless penalty but apart from that he did well in general.
Carragher: 8 Superb defending as temporary right back.
Skrtel: 7.5 Good defending.
Hyypia: 8 Great vision in another superb defending.
Aurelio: 8 Scored a great free kick and worked very hard.
Lucas: 7.5 Made many great tackles and were everywhere.
Mascherano: 8.5 Everywhere on the pitch to make up for the injustice sent off last season.
Kuyt: 8 Worked hard as usual and provided calmness for the teammates.
Gerrard: 8.5 Superb linkage with Torres and scored a great penalty.
Riera: 6.5 Below average performance.
Torres: 9 Superb strike made it happened. Simply unstoppable.

Substitutions:
Dossena: 8 Wonder strike!
Babel/El Zhar: 7.5 Good efforts in a short period of time.

Rafa: 8 Two great results in a week, now we need to keep winning to see if there is any chance to win the title.

Manchester United: 6 Poor display and now the big question is, will this affect their confidence and let us have a chance?

Man of the Match: Torres. Another great goal to keep our dream alive.

Make us dream

A win may not be enough to win the title, but at least we can still dream about it. And you never know...

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Arbeloa
Carragher
Skrtel
Aurelio
Alonso
Mascherano
Kuyt
Gerrard
Babel
Torres

Result 2:0

Match Report 090310 vs Real Madrid: Even Rafa is happy

4-0 and this is a superb result against one of the greatest team. From the first minute our game plan is to attack, and if not Casillas was superb the scoreline can easily be doubled. And if Casillas is their MoM after conceding 4 goals, you know how good we are. Now we need to remember this performance level and do it again for the remaining of the season, and who knows what may happen?

Players Rating:
Reina: 7.5 Made a few saves to keep another clean sheet.
Arbeloa/Carragher/Skrtel/Aurelio: 7.5 Defense as a unit played very well.
Alonso: 7.5 Nice control of the midfield.
Mascherano: 8.5 Superb performance, everywhere on the pitch.
Kuyt: 8 Worked tirelessly and set up for the first goal.
Gerrard: 8.5 Two great goals to kill off the game.
Babel: 8 Superb performance with many great crossings.
Torres: 9 Did every thing to ensure a Liverpool victory.

Substitutions:
Lucas: 7.5 Composed display.
Spearing: 7.5 Good home debut.
Dossena: 7.5 Completed the game with a well taken goal.

Rafa: 9 Even Rafa is delighted about this performance, but we need to transfer it into domestic performances as well.

Real Madrid: 5 A very poor display and should be glad to concede just 4 goals.

Man of the Match: Torres. Thank God he was born as an Atletico fan.

Clean Sheet

After a weeks' rest the focus is now back to Champions League. Real Madrid will be looking for a win to save their season, and although a clean sheet will be enough to see us through, we still need to try to score goals. We have a few injuries and suspension, and the remaining players need to rise in the moment.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Carragher
Skrtel
Hyypia
Aurelio
Alonso
Mascherano
Kuyt
Gerrard
Babel
Torres

Result 2:0

Match Report 090303 vs Sunderland: Bounced Back

2-0 and the team rebound from the setback over the weekend. Although we did not played particular well, we did control the game from the beginning. Chances were rare until Ngog opened his Anfield account. In summary this is 3 points well deserved, and we will keep fighting till the end.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7.5 Made a good save early on, but have not much to do afterward.
Mascherano: 7.5 Very good performance as a temporary right back.
Carragher/Skrtel: 7 Solid as usual.
Insua: 7 Good in defending and help the attacks as well.
Benayoun: 8 Always dangerous.
Alonso: 7 Solid performance in protecting the back 4.
Gerrard: 7 A bit quiet but still managed to create a goal.
Riera: 7 Great crossing to create the first goal.
Kuyt: 7 Worked hard as usual.
Ngog: 7.5 Scored one and created one in his first Anfield start.

Substitutions:
Lucas: 7 Almost scored from a header.
Babel/El Zhar: 6.5 Not enough time to impress.

Rafa: 7 Would be very happy about the way the team responded.

Sunderland: 6 Apart from a scoring chance early on they don't provide any threat.

Man of the Match: Benayoun. A great goal gifted by Sunderland.

Pick ourselves up

After a miserable weekend we need to pick ourselves up with a victory. There will be no Torres, Arbeloa and Agger, but the remaining team will keep fighting for the second place.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Carragher
Skrtel
Hyypia
Aurelio
Alonso
Mascherano
Benayoun
Gerrard
Riera
Kuyt

Result 2:0

February Month Review

3 wins, 1 draw and 2 defeats, and we are out of FA Cup and our dream of winning the league is almost over. We started the month brightly with a convincing victory over Chelsea, but then we get beaten by Everton in the FA Cup, followed by another superb win at Portsmouth. Our title dream then get a big hit as we can only drew Manchester City after the international break, but a superb away win at Real Madrid put us in a good position in the Champions League. However, the month ended with a poor performance at Boro, and our title dream is almost over now.

Players of the month: (1) Benayoun 7.39 (2) Carragher 7.35 (3) Alonso 7.03. Benayoun stood up after Stevie G is injured with many great performances and a great header at Real Madrid. Carragher is solid as ever at the back, and Xabi also did well in general in the midfield.

March prediction:
3/3 Sunderland (h) A win is needed to pick ourselves up.
3/10 Real Madrid (h) We are in a good position to qualify, but we need to be careful as Real is a very strong team.
3/14 Manchester United (a) A match that have lost its significance, but we still need to try our best to capture any possible fall out of Manchester.
3/22 Aston Villa (h) A win vs Villa will almost secure our top 3 status.

Match Report 090228 at Middlesbrough: The dream is all but over

0-2 and our title dream is almost over now. What's worse, we seems to have no heart to fight for it, and the way we lose the game was shameful. We now only have the Champions League and the quest for 2nd to fight for, but both still require a hard fight, and we need to pick ourselves up soon.

Players Rating:
Reina: 6.5 Did well to keep the damage down.
Skrtel: 5.5 Did poorly as right back and failed to contain Downing.
Carragher: 5.5 Suffered from heavy legs.
Hyypia: 6 Steady performance.
Aurelio: 5.5 Not much help for the attack.
Alonso: 5.5 Very unlucky to score an own goal.
Mascherano: 6 Solid tackles.
El Zhar: 5 Poor shooting and was scared on his first start.
Gerrard: 6 Only shown patches of sparks.
Babel: 5 No contribution.
Kuyt: 5.5 Missed a great chance to equalize.

Substitutions:
Ngog/Benayoun/Lucas: 5.5 Not much contribution.

Rafa: 5 Would be unhappy about this lack of heart display. Title dream is over now, let's move on.

Middlesbrough: 6.5 Deserved to get 3 points on this day.

Man of the Match: Reina. If a goalkeeper is MoM after losing 2 goals, that tells you how the others were performing.

Relax

With the league title gradually fading away the players should feel less pressure now, and we can start another winning steak. Torres and Arbeloa will be out, and Stevie G may not be able to start, but we will go forward to capture any Manchester slip up.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Carragher
Skrtel
Hyypia
Aurelio
Benayoun
Alonso
Mascherano
Riera
Babel
Kuyt

Result 2:0

Match Report 090225 at Real Madrid: Perfect execution of game plan

1-0 and the players executed Rafa's game plan to perfection. With a rock solid defense, we were never in danger of conceding a goal. And we managed to score an away goal, which may be crucial. We are now in a very good position to progress, but the job is only half done. We still need to beat them in the second leg.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7.5 Made a few good saves.
Arbeloa: 7 Solid defending.
Carragher: 7.5 Rock solid.
Skrtel: 7 Defend with ease.
Aurelio: 7.5 Superb assist and handled Robben well.
Alonso: 7.5 Controlled midfield and almost scored from own half.
Mascherano: 7.5 Superb tackles.
Kuyt: 7 Worked hard as usual and earned us the crucial free kick for the winner.
Benayoun: 8 Scored a great free header and was always dangerous.
Riera: 6.5 A quiet game and was unlucky to get a yellow and will miss the 2nd leg.
Torres: 6.5 Had a half chance but was saved. Affected by the ankle twist.

Substitutions:
Babel: 6.5 Not much contribution.
Gerrard/Lucas: 6.5 Not enough time to impress.

Rafa: 7.5 Would be delighted that the players executed his game plan to perfection.

Real Madrid: 6.5 Apart from first 15 minutes they don't seem like they will win this game. But we need to beware of them.

Man of the Match: Benayoun. Did the Stevie G role well.

Get an away goal

After a disappointing weekend the focus has now turned to Europe, and we are facing the mighty Real Madrid. They are extremely strong with their recent run, especially at home, and we may not risk Gerrard that soon, but Rafa will have enough information to prepare a plan to beat them. In any case an away goal is crucial.

My Team Prediction:

Reina
Arbeloa
Carragher
Skrtel
Aurelio
Alonso
Mascherano
Kuyt
Benayoun
Riera
Torres

Result 2:0

Match Report 090222 vs Manchester City: Dream fading away

1-1 and our title dream is gradually fading away. With 12 games to go and 7 points behind, it is now extremely difficult for us to win the title. Nevertheless if there is still s possibility, we shall keep fighting and who knows what will happen?

Without Stevie G and Xabi, we do not have any midfield creativity. Especially when we are 1 goal down we lost the midfield completely at all. However Benayoun continues his recent good run and his crossing helped created the equalizer. He was unlucky not to score the winning goal, but one player played well won't win us the game.

Players Rating:
Reina: 6.5 Could not do much about the goal conceded.
Arbeloa: 6.5 Unlucky to have deflected the goal conceded.
Carragher: 7 Solid at the back but not much going forward.
Skrtel: 7 Solid defending.
Dossena: 6.5 Poor crossing.
Lucas: 6.5 Solid but could not create any opportunity for the forwards.
Mascherano: 6.5 Solid defending, but wasted many opportunities with his tame shots.
Kuyt: 7 Worked hard and scored the equalizer.
Benayoun: 7.5 Created the equalizer.
Riera: 6.5 A quiet performance.
Torres: 6.5 Frustrated in the game.

Substitutions:
El Zhar/Aurelio/Babel: 6.5 Not much inputs to the game.

Rafa: 6.5 With a huge mountain to climb now.

Manchester City: 7 Probably their best away performance so far this season.

Man of the Match: Benayoun. Unlucky not to be on the scoresheet.

Believe

After a break in the season the players are now fully recharged. With 13 games to go and 5 points behind, we need to believe in ourselves. Anything can happen, and with hope in your mind.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Arbeloa
Carragher
Skrtel
Aurelio
Mascherano
Lucas
Kuyt
Benayoun
Riera
Torres

Result 2:0

Match Report 090207 at Portsmouth: Determination drives us on

3-2 and we are so determined that at the end Rafa's gamble pays off. With players exhausted Rafa had to star with a very strange formation. Basically it is like playing Football Manager and Rafa just picked players with condition over 90%. We made some silly mistakes in defending but at the end when the big guns come on they helped us to victory and keeping pace in the title run.

Players Rating:
Reina: 6 Made a bad mistake in conceding the second goal.
Agger: 7 Solid defending.
Carragher: 7.5 Shield the defense very well.
Skrtel: 7.5 Did well defending and help created our first two goals.
Arbeloa: 7 Did well up and down.
Mascherano: 7 Did his job quiet but well.
Aurelio: 7.5 Scored a great goal and did well as makeshift midfielder.
Dossena: 7 Solid defending.
Benayoun: 8 Very lively performance capped with a superb assist for our winner.
Ngog: 6 Failed to make an impact.
Babel: 6 Lively performance but missed a sitter.

Substitutions:
Kuyt: 7.5 A very good performance with a nicely taken goal.
Alonso: 7.5 Controlled midfield well when came up.
Torres: 7.5 Superb header winning us another game.

Rafa: 7 Forced to make change after the hard fought game in midweek but at the end he was spot on.

Portsmouth: 6.5 If they played like this week in week out they will survive.

Man of the Match: Benayoun. Stood up and be counted.

Win it for our captain

With Stevie G injured and Lucas suspended we are now short of midfielder. Although Portsmouth is having lots of problem it is still a difficult place to visit. Yet we should be able to beat them, especially the prize is to regain the lead at least temporarily.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Arbeloa
Carragher
Skrtel
Aurelio
Alonso
Mascherano
Kuyt
Benayoun
Riera
Torres

Result 2:0

Match Report 090204 at Everton: Get well soon, Stevie G

0-1 and we lost a hard fought battle. Stevie G was injured early in the game, and a stupid by Lucas had us down to ten men. We kept fighting, but at the end a deflected goal ended our cup run. It was a really bad night for us.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7.5 Did very well but at the end he was beaten by a deflected goal.
Arbeloa: 6.5 Did not go forward too often.
Carragher: 8 Solid as a rock and lead by example.
Skrtel: 7 Solid defending.
Dossena: 7 Good defending although he should go forward more often.
Alonso: 7 Did well in midfield.
Lucas: 5 Clumsy challenge that lead to the red card and our defeat.
Riera: 6.5 Did not go forward too often.
Gerrard: 6 Get well soon.
Kuyt: 7 Worked very hard especially after Gerrard injured.
Torres: 6 Not in form, and not interested in the game. Go down too easily.

Substitutions:
Benayoun: 6.5 Not as influential as the last 2 games.
Mascherano: 6.5 Did well in protecting the back 4.
Babel: 6 Not much offered.

Rafa: 6.5 Would need to sort out how we can cope without Gerrard especially now that Robbie Keane is gone.

Everton: 6.5 Did not do very well but with one man more, you expect them to win.

Man of the Match: Carragher. Did well although he would be gutted that we lose the derby.

3rd time lucky

After 2 successive draws against Everton this time there will only be one winner. Everton at home is difficult to beat, but we have confidence and the players are ready to beat them and go into the next round.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Arbeloa
Carragher
Hyypia
Dossena
Mascherano
Lucas
Kuyt
Gerrard
Babel
Torres

Result 2:0

Match Report 090201 vs Chelsea: Bravo!

2-0 and this is a well deserved victory. We controlled the game from the first minute and there was only one team who is trying to win the game. It looks like we will get another draw, but at the end two find strikes from Fernando Torres sealed us the victory, and we are back in the race for the title.

One major talking point of the game would be the red card. It did look like a red card when Lampard committed this foul, and without the aid of slow motion, the referee made a mistake, and the red card should be rescinded. But no matter what, one team is going to win the game, and it is Liverpool.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7.5 Very solid with very few things to do apart from running all the way to celebrate Torres' first goal.
Arbeloa: 7.5 Very assured performance.
Carragher: 8 Rock solid.
Skrtel: 7.5 Solid performance.
Aurelio: 7.5 Solid in defense and provided a wonderful assist.
Alonso: 8 Very accurate passes.
Mascherano: 7 Tackles after tackles as usual.
Kuyt: 7 Work extremely hard.
Gerrard: 7.5 Tried very hard to win the game, including a few hard tackles and a dive.
Riera: 7 Have two chances in 1H but missed both.
Torres: 8.5 Still not back to his best, but the two goals are well taken.

Substitutions:
Benayoun: 8 Came on with an impact.
Babel: 7 Just run and run without a clear goal.
Ngog: 6.5 Not enough time to kick the ball.

Rafa: 7.5 Would be delighted about the victory and his gamble in leaving Keane out. Now we need to keep chasing.

Chelsea: 6 Did not deserve to get anything from this game, with or without the red card.

Man of the Match: Torres. First goals at Kop end since May.

Forget January

After the miserable January we now entered February and things will go better, started with the news that Rafa is getting what he wishes in control in transfer. Chelsea has a mini revival recently, but this is a home game and we will go for this game to maintain pressure on the top.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Arbeloa
Carragher
Skrtel
Aurelio
Alonso
Mascherano
Kuyt
Gerrard
Riera
Torres

Result 2:0

January Month Review

1 win and 3 draws, and we are now down to 3rd place with 2 points behind having played 1 more game with a far worse goal difference, and are still hanging on the FA Cup. Too many draws this season has been killing our chance of winning the league, and Rafa seems to have lost the plot. We definitely need to clear up the mess and play better in February. At least January is now over, and we normally play much better in February under Rafa.

Players of the month: (1) Gerrard 7.51 (2) Reina 6.88 (3) Riera 6.88. Stevie G has not been affected by the court case and continues to shine, but he himself alone cannot drive us to glory. All the other players are playing badly, with Reina and Riera doing slightly better than the others.

February prediction:
2/1 Chelsea (h) If we do not win this game, our dream for league title will be almost over.
2/4 Everton (a) Another make or break game if we want to win FA Cup. But this time they will not park the bus in front of their fans.
2/7 Portsmouth (a) A trip to the south is always tough especially for a 5:30 game. Portsmouth are having bad times recently so we need to seize our chance.
2/14 Doncaster/Aston Villa (h) If we get pass Everton this will be another hurdle for our Cup glory, but this game will be at Anfield so we will have the advantage.
2/22 Manchester City (h) Last time we have the belief and won from behind. Surely we can win this again.
2/25 Real Madrid (a) Back to Europe, Rafa and Torres will be fire up for this.
2/28 Middlesbrough (a) A potential trouble game, but we have enough power to overcome it.

Match Report 090128 at Wigan Athletic: Sort out the mess!

1-1 and once again we were denied a victory. The players just did not have the right mentality to hold on for a win, and we are further slipped to 3rd place. Rafa seems to be a bit loss the plot, and we need him to be back to normal ASAP in order to have a real fight. Starting in February.

Players Rating:
Reina: 6.5 Not much to do.
Arbeloa: 6.5 A steady performance, but where were he when Lucas conceded the penalty?
Carragher: 6.5 Disappointed not to win on his birthday.
Skrtel: 6.5 Steady performance.
Aurelio: 6.5 Did not offer much going forward.
Mascherano: 7 Superb assist and solid tackles.
Lucas: 6 Good overall but conceded a poor penalty.
Benayoun: 7.5 Scored a wonderful individual goal.
Gerrard: 7 Good performance but lack that spark for a second goal.
Babel: 6.5 A better performance.
Torres: 6.5 Had one chance but hit the post.

Substitutions:
Riera/Kuyt: 6 Not much offered.
Keane: 6 Not enough time to impress.

Rafa: 6 Need to sort out the mess as soon as possible. We are gradually fading in challenging top spot.

Wigan Athletic: Did not do much to deserve more than a win.

Man of the Match: Benayoun: A great goal but not enough.

Start winning again

After 3 consecutive draws and conceded pole position, we now need to start winning again. As Sami said every game is now a must win game. Although Wigan did not have good result recently, they did gave us a lot of problems at home, and we need to be alert going to their place.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Arbeloa
Carragher
Skrtel
Aurelio
Kuyt
Alonso
Gerrard
Riera
Keane
Torres

Result 2:0

Match Report 090125 vs Everton: Disappointed again

1-1 and this is another frustrating draw. Once again we dominated the game but failed to score one more goal. Now we need to visit them next Wednesday, which put us in an awful position as games are piling up. The road to glory is becoming rougher, but we need to fight till the end.

Players Rating:
Reina: 6.5 Can do nothing about that goal.
Arbeloa: 6.5 Glad to see him coming back.
Carragher: 6.5 Solid in defense.
Skrtel: 6.5 One lapse of mind led to the goal conceded.
Dossena: 6.5 Did well especially going forward.
Alonso: 6.5 Should have mark Cahill better during corner.
Mascherano: 6.5 Did well, but should have stay on the ground firmer.
Kuyt: 6.5 Should have shot the ball better.
Gerrard: 8 Once again saved us the day.
Babel: 6 No real contribution.
Torres: 6.5 Superb assist and getting closer to top form.

Substitution:
Riera: 6 Not much contribution.

Rafa: 6 Should be disappointed in getting another unwanted game. But we definitely need to work out on set pieces.

Everton: 6.5 Come for a draw and get what they want.

Man of the Match: Gerrard. Bring us to a replay, but is it a good thing?

Take two

After a disappointing draw on Monday this is now a chance for us to move on. Rafa will rest certain players, but we still have enough manpower to win this game.

My Team Prediction:
Cavalieri
Arbeloa
Carragher
Skrtel
Dossena
Benayoun
Gerrard
Mascherano
Babel
Keane
Torres

Result 2:0

Match Report 090119 vs Everton: We did not do enough to win

1-1 and it is very disappointing as Everton seems to be the team that want to win it more. We did not work hard enough, and defense had made a big mistake and paid the price. At the end of the day, a draw is not too bad, and we still have 16 games to go. And we will keep on fighting till the end.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7.5 Did very well but that goal conceded was too good.
Carragher: 6.5 Not much offered going forward.
Skrtel: 6.5 May have conceded a penalty just before we scored.
Hyypia: 6.5 Solid in defense.
Aurelio: 6.5 Solid but without going forward too often.
Kuyt: 7 Hard working as usual.
Gerrard: 8 Scored a great goal but unfortunately it was not enough.
Alonso: 6.5 Solid in the midfield.
Riera: 6.5 Did not offered too much from the side.
Keane: 6 Very quiet performance.
Torres: 6.5 Should have scored and won a penalty for us.

Substitutions:
Benayoun: 6 Did not offer too much, and conceded freekicks too often.
Lucas/Babel: 6 Not enough time to impress.

Rafa: 6 It becomes more and more difficult, but we will fight till the end.

Everton: 7 Solid as a team, came for a point and get what they deserved.

Man of the Match: Gerrard. 250th captaining but unfortunately his goal was not enough to bring us victory.

Regain the top spot

With so many off the field sagas happening and everybody else winning, this game becomes more important. Everton will be without many players, but they will gear up to face us. And we need to be at our best to win the game.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Arbeloa
Carragher
Agger
Aurelio
Benayoun
Gerrard
Alonso
Riera
Kuyt
Torres

Result 2:0

Match Report 090110 at Stoke City: Frustated

0-0 and we were deeply frustrated by Stoke City. We started with a 4-2-3-1 formation, which we did extremely well at Newcastle. Unfortunately with Xabi injured this time we could not break the Stoke defense, as we lost midfield completely. Credits to Stoke as well, they did create many chances and not just sitting back. At the end a draw away is not too bad, but we are now in danger of being overtaken.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7 Did well in defending the set pieces.
Carragher: 7 Solid in defending.
Skrtel: 7 A bit rusty but in general a good come back.
Hyypia: 7.5 Solid in defending and almost scored.
Aurelio: 7 Good display after so many games out.
Lucas: 6 Too many miss passes.
Mascherano: 7 Closing down the opponents well.
Benayoun: 6 Failed to break down the Stoke defense.
Gerrard: 6.5 Was double marked and did not shown up until late.
Riera: 7 Provided a few great crosses.
Kuyt: 6.5 Did not do well as lone striker.

Substitutions:
Torres: 6.5 A quiet performance.
Babel: 6 Not enough time to impress.

Rafa: 6.5 Would be disappointed that the team failed to break through tough opponents.

Stoke City: 7 Credits to them, they executed their game plan well and was rewarded with a point.

Man of the Match: Hyypia. 700 superb displays.

Move forward

With Chelsea playing on Sunday a win today will bring us 6 points clear on top for a day. We failed to break down Stoke at home, and they have Delap's free throw attack, but the team is well prepared to tear them down.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Arbeloa
Carragher
Hyypia
Aurelio
Mascherano
Lucas
Kuyt
Gerrard
Riera
Torres

Result 2:0

Match Report 090103 at Preston North End: Business as usual

2-0 and we extended our winning streak. Stevie G was not affected by the off the field saga and played a good game, and we were basically in control despite not scoring the second goal in the last minute. In general this is a good result and we are through to the next round, with Everton awaiting for a rematch of the 1989 Final.

Players Rating:
Cavalieri: 7 A clean sheet although sometimes he was not as convinced as Reina.
Carragher: 7 Battling as hard as usual.
Agger: 7 Did well up front and behind.
Hyypia: 7 Solid defense.
Insua: 7 Another impressive performance.
Alonso: 7.5 Did well before injured.
Mascherano: 7 Solid display.
Babel: 6 Committed more fouls than having scoring opportunities. Disappointing.
Gerrard: 8 Superb performance and was a bit unlucky not to score.
Riera: 7.5 Superb goal.
Keane: 6.5 Missed a lot of chances.

Substitutions:
Lucas: 7 Nice performance.
Torres: 7 Scored an easy tap-in to rediscover his scoring touch thanks to the Captain.
Aurelio: 7 Good to see him back.

Rafa: 7 Would be delighted to see the team go through to the 4th round.

Preston North End: 6.5 Credits to them for fighting till the end, although at the end the difference in class tells the difference.

Man of the Match: Gerrard. Unselfish performance that lift the team to victory.

Steven Gerrard is our captain

So many times, when we were in trouble, he stood up and be counted.

Now he is in trouble, so it is time for us to repay him.

For we are one team, we are Liverpool.

Steven Gerrard is our captain
Steven Gerrard is a red
Steven Gerrard plays for Liverpool
A scouser born and bred

Support our captain

After a week of headlines on the wrong page it is good to be back to football. We need to support our captain during the hard time, for he has given us so many joy in the past, and it is now time for us to show him our support.

My Team Prediction:
Cavalieri
Carragher
Hyypia
Aurelio
Alonso
Lucas
El Zhar
Gerrard
Babel
Ngog

Result 2:0

December Month Review

4 wins, 3 draws and we sit on top of the league with a 3 point lead, and finished top of the table in Champions League. Two consecutive home draws against lower teams had lead to many questions from the critics, but we responded well with two impressive wins after Christmas. If we can maintain our performance in the second half, we definitely have a chance to win the league.

Players Rating: (1) Gerrard 7.62 (2) Hyypia 7.5 (3) Alonso 7.31. With 5 goals and 3 assists Stevie G once again took the top spot. Hyypia proved he is still capable in playing in the top by some superb defensive displays and one superb header. And Alonso continues his superb run and scored 2 goals.

January prediction:
1/3 Preston North End (a) Away at Preston won't be easy and we need to play very well if we want to take this game.
1/10 Stoke City (a) We were held at home and we need to make sure we will get 3 points at Britannia Stadium.
1/19 Everton (h) Everton will be fired up so we need to be prepared for the game.
1/24 FA Cup 4th round proper Depend on the draw, but we should have enough power to go through.
1/27 Wigan Athletic (a) We were almost humiliated at home vs Wigan Athletic, so we need to ensure this time we can win it easier.

Match Report 081228 at Newcastle United: As good as it should be

5-1 and it is a really superb result. We controlled the game from the beginning till the end, and the scoreline can be doubled if we seize our chances. With Chelsea subsequently drawn our lead is now extended to three points going into 2009. If we can keep up performance like this we will definitely win the league.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7 Not much to do.
Carragher: 7.5 May be at fault in the goal conceded, but in general a good performance.
Agger: 7.5 Solid display.
Hyypia: 8 Scored a great header and could score a hat trick.
Insua: 7.5 Another solid performance.
Lucas: 8 Should have scored a hat trick.
Mascherano: 7.5 Determined to break down Newcastle any opportunities
Benayoun: 8 Very lively performance.
Gerrard: 9 Two great goals and created another 2 goals.
Babel: 7.5 Good performance.
Kuyt: 8 Superb workrate to break through the Newcastle defense.

Substitutions:
Alonso: 7.5 Great vision as usual.
Ngog: 7 Nice runs and forced a penalty.
Skrtel: 7 Great to see him back in action.

Rafa: 8 Would be delighted about the performance and the challenge is to maintain it.

Newcastle United: 6 Have no offering to show they can get at least point from the game.

Man of the Match: Gerrard. We need more of this performance.

Extend the lead

With us playing before Chelsea and Man United it is a perfect chance to exert more pressure to them if we win the game. Newcastle at home will be tough to beat, but with the team warmed up for the first half, we have the mentality and ability to crush them on our way to glory.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Carragher
Agger
Hyypia
Insua
Alonso
Mascherano
Kuyt
Gerrard
Riera
Keane

Result 2:0

2008/09 Mid Term Report

All is well in the first half. We played 29 games in the first half with 18 wins, 9 draws and 2 defeats. In the league we have 12 wins, 6 draws and 1 defeats with 42 points and are sitting on top of the league, 1 point ahead of Chelsea. This is much better than the same period last time (P19 W10 D7 L2 with 37 points). We did very well against the other big 4 with 2 wins and 1 draw, but 4 draws at home (3 of them were 0-0 against lower teams) means we cannot extend our lead even more. In the Champions League we qualified with style and will now play Real Madrid, which is a great game for everybody.

Departmental Comments:
Goalkeeper
Reina is as best as usual with 14 clean sheets in 27 games, but Cavalieri is yet to show he can be a decent challenger yet.

Defender
Carragher is doing extremely well in both center back and right back. In the start of the season it was Skrtel who clinched to the other center back position, but once he is injured Agger just slotted in smoothly. Although Hyypia did not get into the Champions League lineup due to the rule of domestic players, he is as reliable as ever when called up in the league and cup games. On the side, Arbeloa is having his best season with us and kept the right back position his own, but on the left Aurelio did well until he was injured, and Dossena is still adapting to the pace of Premier League. But Insua is showing signs he is ready to challenge the position as well.

Midfielder
Gerrard is driving the team forward as usual with many wonderful performances and is our leading scorer. With the transfer saga in pre-season finally over, Alonso is determined to prove he is worth a place in the team and is now back to his very best. Mascherano and Lucas are also playing well in the midfield. On the wings Kuyt is becoming a very good winger, and Benayoun always do well when called upon. El Zhar is also maturing very quickly and is one of the surprised package of the first half. On the left side with Riera joining us we finally have a good left winger who is constantly providing deadly crosses and scoring goals. Howver, Babel is not playing well and as a result he is not getting as many games as he wish.

Attacker
Torres had been sidelined twice in the first half but still managed to score 5 goals, although he is yet to score at Anfield this season. Kuyt is having a great season and had scored many important goals. Despite having a slow start as usual, Keane is showing signs of adapting into the team and had played much better recently. Ngog is yet to show signs to challenge in this department, but his time will come.

Player Rating (Games played, Minutes played, Goal scored/conceded, Assists/cleansheets, MoM, Rating)
Goalkeepers
Cavalieri: 3G 270M 6GC 0CS 0MoM 5.83
Gulacsi: 2 unused substitutes
Reina: 26G 2370M 16GC 14CS 2MoM 7.13

Defenders
Agger: 15G 1350M 1GS 1A 1MoM 6.83
Arbeloa: 25G 2241M 1GS 1A 0MoM 6.75
Aurelio: 15G 1022M 0GS 3A 0MoM 7.03
Carragher: 28G 2468M 1GS 0A 1MoM 6.97
Darby: 2G 27M 0GS 0A 0MoM 6.39
Degen: 2G 157M 0GS 0A 0MoM 5.96
Dosenna: 16G 1298M 0GS 0A 0MoM 6.34
Hyypia: 12G 813M 1GS 0A 2MoM 7.22
Insua: 5G 394M 0GS 0A 0MoM 6.91
Kelly: 1G 9M 0GS 0A 0MoM 6.50

Midfielders
Alonso: 26G 2096M 2GS 2A 5MoM 7.13
Babel: 20G 820M 2GS 3A 0MoM 6.59
Benayoun: 21G 1044M 1GS 2A 0MoM 6.65
El Zhar: 12G 334M 0GS 1A 0MoM 6.63
Gerrard: 24G 1969M 11GS 5A 7MoM 7.57
Kuyt: 26G 2250M 7GS 5A 1MoM 7.15
Lucas: 18G 805M 1GS 2A 1.5MoM 6.69
Mascherano: 15G 1279M 0GS 0A 2MoM 7.03
Pennant: 4G 247M 0GS 2A 0MoM 7.05
Riera: 22G 1480M 3GS 1A 0MoM 6.88
Spearing: 1G 14M 0GS 0A 0MoM 6.50

Attackers:
Keane: 25G 1634M 7GS 5A 3.5MoM 6.93
Ngog: 8G 365M 1GS 0A 0MoM 6.33
Torres: 16G 1153M 5GS 2A 3MoM 7.04
Voronin: 1 unused substitute

Players of 1st half season (1848 mins or above):
(1) Gerrard 7.57
(2) Kuyt 7.15
(3) Alonso 7.13
(4) Reina 7.13
(5) Carragher 6.97

Team: 6.94. The team scoring is actually 0.01 lower than last season but we get more points. This is probably due to more consistency within the team. We did not score enough goals but our defense is solid enough to earn us points. With Torres coming back and Keane starts to score goal with fun, we should be able to score more goals in the second half of the season. As usual we have lots of possessions and shoting chances, but we can still improve especially at home. We need to find ways to break through the stubborn defense of the opponents.

2H Result Prediction
League:
1st-5th place teams (Chelsea H, Manchester United A, Aston Villa H, Arsenal H) 3W1D
6th-10th place teams (Everton H, Hull City A, Fulham A, Wigan Athletic A) 3W1D
11th-15th place teams (Portsmouth A, Newcastle United H/A, West Ham United A, Sunderland H, Manchester City H) 5W1D
16th-20th place teams (Tottenham Hotspur H, Middlesbrough A, Stoke City A, Blackburn Rovers H, West Bromwich Albion A) 5W

Total for 2H 16W3D 51 points
Total for the season 93 points

With 93 points we will win the league .

In FA Cup, Preston North Point will be a tough challenge for the team, but we should be able to pass through and have a good cup run In Champions League, Real Madrid will be tough to beat, but we will be feared in Europe. However the priority is the League no doubt.

Match Report 081226 vs Bolton Wanderers: Keane on fire

3-0 and Keane finally getting back to his best. We were in control of the game and we need to play like this more often. With Torres also edging back to the first team our second half performance should be better.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7.5 Not really tested and shown his great vision in creating the 3rd goal.
Carragher: 7.5 Did well as the make-shift right back and almost scored a great goal.
Agger: 7.5 Solid performance.
Hyypia: 7.5 As reliable as ever.
Insua: 7.5 Going to take the left back position as his own.
Benayoun: 7.5 Always threatening.
Gerrard: 7.5 Created two goals.
Alonso: 7.5 Great vision in passing the ball.
Riera: 7.5 A great goal to open the floodgate.
Keane: 8 Two great goals to boast his performance.
Kuyt: 7.5 Another hard working performance.

Substitutions:
El Zhar: 7 Provided width to the team.
Lucas/Ngog: 7 Did well when called upon.

Sammy: 7.5 Would be delighted about this performance.

Bolton Wanderers: 6 Did not do anything to guarantee any return.

Man of the Match: Keane. Did much better in 2nd half as usual.

On top on Christmas Day

It is a good feeling to sit on the top on Christmas day, but we still need to fight till the end to win the league. It is Bolton again, and we need to find ways to crack the stubborn defenses of the opponents and start winning at home again.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Arbeloa
Carragher
Agger
Insua
Benayoun
Gerrard
Alonso
Riera
Keane
Kuyt

Result 2:0

Match Report 081221 at Arsenal: We missed the chance to extend the lead

1-1 and we failed to extend our lead to four points. In truth a draw at Arsenal is not a bad result, and it is only December, but still another draw, especially with a man's advantage, it is slightly disappointing.

Credits to Arsenal, as they were very determined to get something from the game, and their goal is unstoppable. And we did not show enough determination to win the game, so at the end a draw is not a bad result.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7 Can't do much on the goal conceded, and not much else to do.
Arbeloa: 6.5 A bit over react on getting Adebayor sent off.
Carragher: 6.5 At times finding it difficult to mark Adebayor and van Persie, but in general he was solid as usual.
Agger: 7 Provided a nice pass to Keane's goal, and almost scored in the last minute.
Insua: 7 Impressive performance by the young Argentinian.
Alonso: 7.5 A very good performance and shown us why Wenger wanted to get him.
Lucas: 7 A determined game, always tackle to win the ball.
Kuyt: 7 Had a few great chance but could not score.
Gerrard: 7 Missed a great chance at the end of the first half.
Riera: 6.5 Found it difficult to get pass the Arsenal defense.
Keane: 7 A superb volley to earn us a point.

Substitutions:
Babel: 6 Very poor performance.
El Zhar: 6.5 Had a nice header just off the post.
Ngog: 6 Not enough time to impress.

Sammi Lee: 6.5 Had the hot seat with Rafa on sick leave, but still Rafa was in full control. Would be disappointed not to win the game.

Arsenal: 6.5 Apart from the goal they did not have too many clear cut chances. Playing beautiful does not earn you any point, and with Fabregas out for injury, they have a high wall to climb.

Man of the Match: Alonso. Many lovely passes.

Break another duck

We have yet to win at Emirates Stadium and this game will give us another chance to do so. Arsenal will be up for this game in order to maintain a shout in the title race and keep up with Villa, we will not have Torres, but still the remaining players will have enough power to win the game.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Arbeloa
Carragher
Agger
Dossena
Alonso
Mascherano
Kuyt
Gerrard
Riera
Keane

Result 2:0

Match Report 081213 vs Hull City: Missed opportunity

2-2 and after the results of the weekend, we found ourselves missed another opportunity to extend our lead to 4 points.

We started great but gradually Hull was back into the game. From two set pieces we found ourselves two goals down, but fortunately we have Stevie G once again saved the day. We try hard to bomber Hull, but at the end it was another two points dropped.

A big talking point is that Rafa did not play Robbie Keane. While this is a questionable move but as a team we win together and lose together. The manager has his thinking of using or not using a certain player, and there is no point to complain. After all, we are Liverpool and we are a great team with great togetherness.

Players Rating:
Reina: 6 Should have done better in saving the second goal.
Arbeloa: 6.5 A steady performance.
Carragher: 5 Argued with the referee and let Hull had a fast break that lead to the second goal. Was unfortunate for the own goal, but he should be more attention in the free kick in the first place.
Hyypia: 7 Did well and almost scored from corner.
Dossena: 5.5 Could not cope with the pace of Mendy, although he did well in crossing the ball into the penalty area.
Alonso: 6.5 Did well but couldn't score the winner.
Mascherano: 6.5 Should have provide more protection to the back 4.
Benayoun: 6.5 Always dangerous but was a bit indecisive in front of the goal.
Gerrard: 8 Two great goal to give us one point.
Riera: 6.5 Form gradually getting back.
Kuyt: 7 Hard working but did not score.

Substitutions:
El Zhar: 6 Provide more width to the team.
Babel/Lucas: 6 Not enough time to impress.

Rafa: 6.5 Need to sort out the problem of not winning at home.

Hull City: 7 Credits to Hull, they came here not feared and deserved to take a point home.

Man of the Match: Gerrard. Saved the day again.

Extend our lead

With Chelski playing on Sunday this is a perfect time to extend our lead to 4 points to exert some pressure on them. Hull has been the surprised team in this season and we need to be very careful to avoid another setback, but with the big guns rested, we should be ready for the challenge.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Arbeloa
Carragher
Agger
Dossena
Benayoun
Gerrard
Alonso
Riera
Keane
Kuyt

Result 2:0

Match Report 081209 at PSV Eindhoven: Job done from team B

3-1 and it was a job well done by our team B. It was particular encouraging to see three local young lads came through the rank and played in this game. Once again Keane did not score but his performance was really good and unselfish. We now finish top and will have the second game of next round played at Anfield, which is good.

Players Rating:
Cavalieri: 7 Did well in the game.
Arbeloa: 7 Consistent display and were unlucky to get a yellow card.
Carragher: 7 Solid as ever.
Agger: 7 Another nice display.
Dossena: 7 Grafually gelled into the team.
Babel: 7 Scored a nice header and did much better.
Lucas: 7.5 A very good performance with a superb assist from free kick.
Mascherano: 7 Composed and was rewarded with the captain armband when Carra is rested.
Riera: 7 Scored a beauty from far range.
Ngog: 7 In general wasteful, but at the end benefited from Keane's superb pass.
Keane: 7 Unselfish act and helped teammates to score.

Substitutions:
Darby/Kelly/Spearing: 6.5 Very encouraging to see three local lads come through the rank.

Rafa: 7.5 Would be happy about the performance in general.

PSV Eindhoven: 6 Tried very hard but at the end the gap of class tells the difference.

Man of the Match: Lucas. Repaid the faith from Rafa.

Fight for the top spot

Although we are qualified for the next round we still should try to top the league, for we can then have the second leg played at home. PSV is also fighting for pride and third place, and Rafa will rest some players, but we still have enough power to take the game. Especially Keane should proof himself and play well.

My Team Prediction:
Cavalieri
Darby
Carragher
Agger
Dossena
Benayoun
Mascherano
Lucas
Riera
Babel
Keane

Result 2:0

Match Report 081206 at Blackburn Rovers: Patience pays

3-1 and we won the game thanks to the patience of the players. Blackburn was defended very well in the first hour and it was not until Xabi's excellent placing that opened the gap that we created more chances and won the game. It was a tough game but at the end the win was justified.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7 Superb one hand save in 1H. Was let down by the defenders in conceding that soft goal.
Arbeloa: 7 Another good performance and superb climb to celebrate the Xabi goal.
Carragher: 7 Superb as usual.
Hyypia: 7.5 Shown he can be relied on when required.
Insua: 7 A good performance despite somewhat losing attention for the goal conceded.
Alonso: 8 Determined to win the game.
Mascherano: 7 Solid performance.
Benayoun: 7.5 Nice performance and was rewarded with a nice individual goal.
Gerrard: 7.5 Created the first goal and finished the last goal.
Babel: 5.5 Disappointing especially for the handball.
Kuyt: 7.5 Worked very hard and created two goals.

Substitutions:
El Zhar: 7.5 Came up and changed the game.
Lucas: 7 Not enough time to impress.
Riera: 7 Unselfish and assisted Stevie G the goal.

Rafa: 7 Would be delighted about the way we played and scored the goal, although he will be upset about the way we conceded the goal.

Blackburn Rovers: 6.5 Defended well for 60 minutes but at the end the result is justified.

Man of the Match: Alonso. Lifted us from another bored draw.

Above us only sky

We are now at the top of the table, and above us only sky. As King Kenny said, we need to enjoy ourselves and result will get in. We are up where we belong, and we will get results along the way, with old boys like Fowler, Ince and Warnock cheering for us.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Arbeloa
Carragher
Agger
Dossena
Alonso
Mascherano
Kuyt
Gerrard
Riera
Keane

Result 2:0

Match Report 081201 vs West Ham United: Top of the league

0-0 is enough to bring us to the top of the league, although we should have won the game. We were in control from beginning to end, if not for some dubious referee decision of not giving out handball and for West Ham's superb defense, we should have 3 points in our bag. Anyway it is only December and we still have a long way to go. We need to keep getting results and when May comes, we will be the Champions.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7 Superb performance as usual.
Arbeloa: 7 An assured performance.
Carragher: 7 Solid as usual.
Hyypia: 7.5 Superb on both ends of the ground.
Dossena: 7 Played with more confidence.
Benayoun: 7 Had a golden chance denied.
Gerrard: 7 Didn't have the major touch this time.
Alonso: 7 Solid display.
Riera: 6.5 Not as effective as he should be.
Kuyt: 7 Did well but couldn't break the wall.
Keane: 6 Need to improve as soon as possible.

Substitutions:
Ngog/Babel: 6 Didn't do much to change the game.

Rafa: 6.5 Need to find ways to break down the opponent defense especially at home.

West Ham United: 7 Solid defense.

Man of the Match: Hyypia. Always there when called upon.

To the top

With Chelsea losing a win will mean we will be 3 points ahead again. West Ham does not have a good season and if we play well we will beat them.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Arbeloa
Carragher
Agger
Dossena
Alonso
Mascherano
Kuyt
Gerrard
Riera
Keane

Result 2:0

Thanks Stevie

Thanks a lot Stevie.

During the past 10 years you have provided us many joyful moments.

You have ups and downs, but it was the low points, particular the Chekski saga, that makes you rebound and keep you running.

You have won most of the glories that the Club has get, and there is still one missing item, which we will win very soon.

Thanks for the first 10 years, and we look forward for the next 10 years with more glories.

November Month Review

3 win, 2 draws and 2 defeats and we are still joint top in the league and qualified for the last 16 of Champions League, despite out of League Cup. We started the month with the first defeat at Spurs and then we drew vs Atletico and beat West Bromwich Albion. We then get beaten by Spurs again in the League Cup, and then we win at Bolton but drawn at home vs Fulham. At the end of the month, another mightly Stevie G goal and we are through in the Champions League.

Players of the Month (1) Gerrard 7.61 (2) Alonso 7.31 (3) Aurelio 7.06. Gerrard scored 3 great goals in the month that also is his 10th anniversary with the Club. Xabi also did well in the month with a nice assist to the winning goal vs Marseille. And Aurelio just get the left back post his own and played consistently well.

December prediction:
12/1 West Ham United (h) West Ham is inconsistent and we need to get points.
12/6 Blackburn Rovers (a) A tough game on the road but we will be ready for the challenge.
12/9 PSV Eindhoven (a) Although we want to finish top but the key is to let the youngsters to gain some experience.
12/13 Hull City (h) Hull is the surprised package but their good run is running out and we need to take our chance.
12/21 Arsenal (a) A tough away game and we need to be at our best to beat them.
12/26 Bolton Wanderers (h) Bolton will want revenge and we need to be guarded to get 3 points.
12/28 Newcastle United (a) A tough away game to end the year.

Match Report 081126 vs Marseille: Job done

1-0 and we are through to the next round of Champions League. Although we did not do too well especially in the second half but at the end Stevie G's 30th goal in Europe is sufficient to see us through. Whether we finish first or second does not really matter, and now we can give the young guns a go in the last game at PSV.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7.5 Made a few great saves to keep another clean sheet.
Arbeloa: 7 Another nice performance.
Carragher/Agger: 7.5 Two rocks in the centre.
Aurelio: 6.5 Did well before his substitution.
Alonso: 7.5 Superb crossing for the goal.
Mascherano: 6.5 A bit moody that affected his performance.
Kuyt/Riera: 6.5 Good performance although not particular shining.
Gerrard: 8 Pin-point header that secured our qualification.
Torres: 7 Edging closer to his peak.

Substitutions:
Dossena: 6.5 Almost conceded a penalty but also threw himself to block many shots.
Benayoun: 6.5 Failed to create another goal.
Lucas: 6.5 Not enough time to impress.

Rafa: 7 Would be happy about the result despite a few scary moment in the second half.

Marseille: 6.5 Did their best to resurrect but it was too little, too late.

Man of the Match: Gerrard. Another superb European night.

Qualify

A draw tonight will mean we are qualified to the next round, and we need to do it so that Rafa can try some youngsters in the last match. Marseille was the surprised winner last year at Anfield and we need to be guarded to prevent the same to happen again.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Arbeloa
Carragher
Agger
Dossena
Kuyt
Gerrard
Alonso
Babel
Keane
Torres

Result 2:0

Match Report 081122 vs Fulham: Chance missed

0-0 and we missed a great chance to go ahead of Chelsea on a rare day they slipped at home. With Gerrard, there is really not enough players to drive the team. The only fortunate thing is that the other title contenders also draw or lose, so at least we are not losing ground.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7 Another clean sheet and he did well at the rare occasions he was called on.
Arbeloa: 7 One of the better player of the night. Went forward as much as he could.
Carragher: 7 Solid as the captain.
Agger: 6.5 Did well in defense, but not much offered for attack during corners.
Aurelio: 6.5 A nice game.
Kuyt: 6 Had a great chance denied.
Lucas: 6 Many missed passes.
Mascherano: 6 A poor game by his standard.
Riera: 6 Form continued to dip.
Keane: 6 Great chance denied.
Torres: 7.5 The only player daring to win the game.

Substitutions:
Alonso: 7.5 Provided many accurate passes.
Babel/El Zhar: 6 Not enough time to impress.

Rafa: 6 Would be disappointed about the result. Also need to teach the team to motivate against lesser teams.

Fulham: 6.5 Came for 1 point and got what they wanted.

Man of the Match: 7.5 Getting closer to his peak.

Keep moving on the right track

Fulham has been quite strong and winning the last 2 games. However they are very poor travellers and we should put this in mind and try to get the 3 points and keep moving on the right track.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Arbeloa
Carragher
Agger
Aurelio
Kuyt
Alonso
Mascherano
Riera
Keane
Torres

Result 2:0

Match Report 081115 at Bolton Wanderers: Back on the right track

2-0 and this is a nice win that bring us back on the right track. We controlled the game and apart from a scary spell in the first 15 minutes of second half there is only one leader. At the end two nice headers and the game is over.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7 Not really tested.
Carragher: 7 Played well as debuty right back, although he did not offer much attacking.
Agger: 7 Solid display.
Hyypia: 7 At time unable to cope with the speed of Gardner, but in general he had a good game.
Aurelio: 7.5 Did well going forward with a nice assist.
Alonso: 8 Superb passing and dictated the game.
Mascherano: 7 Tackle and tackle.
Kuyt: 7.5 Scored an acute header.
Gerrard: 7.5 Superb diving header.
Riera: 7 Nice display.
Keane: 6.5 Missed a glorious chance.

Substitutions:
Torres: 7.5 Hardworking and was rewarded with a nice assist.
Lucas: 7 Should have scored from 6 yards.
Benayoun: 7 Not enough time to impress.

Rafa: 7 Would be happy about the way we control the game, although we cannot score a goal by foot.

Bolton Wanderers: 6 Potential banana skin but did not shown up in 1H.

Man of the Match: Alonso. Playing near his peak for us.

Go back to the right track

After a dismal result at Spurs we now need to go back to the right track as soon as possible. Bolton is a difficult place to visit and we need to be patience to gradually break them through.

My Team Prediction:
Reina

Carragher
Darby
Agger
Aurelio
Alonso
Mascherano
Kuyt
Gerrard
Riera
Keane

Result 2:0

Match Report 081112 at Tottenham Hotspur: Shamble defense

2-4 and we were well beaten. Defense from both sides were shamble, and we may have a penalty denied, but in reality we really don't deserve to win this game at all.

Players Rating:
Cavalieri: 4 Can't be blamed on the first goal, but should have done better for the others.
Degen: 5 Should have win us a penalty.
Agger: 5.5 Poor performance.
Hyypia: 7 The only player to have shown up.
Dossena: 5 Hopeless.
El Zhar: 6.5 Had a few nice runs.
Lucas: 5.5 Sat too deep without helping attack.
Plessis: 6 Scored one but in general sat too deep as well.
Babel: 6 Two nice corners lead to two goals.
Ngog: 5.5 Run into defenders all the time.
Torres: 5.5 Still getting back from injury.

Substitutions:
Insua: 6 Offered very few to the team.
Alonso: 6.5 Installed some stability to the team.
Darby: 6 Not enough time to impress.

Rafa: 5 Would be upset about the team playing with no heart.

Tottenham Hotspur: 7.5 Have more desire to win than us, and rightly deserved the victory.

Man of the Match: Hyypia. Scored one to restore us some pride.

Second string to shine

After our surprised defeat at Spurs 10 11 days ago we are now back to White Hart Lane and this is a chance for us to revenge. Rafa will only play most of the fringe players apart from Torres, and we need to be at our very best to beat Spurs the defending champion.

My Team Prediction:
Cavalieri
Degan
Agger
Hyypia
Dossena
Leiva
Plessis
Pennant
Benayoun
Babel
Torres

Result 2:0

Match Report 081108 vs West Bromwich Albion: Back on the right track

3-0 and it was a comfortable win. Keane finally opens his account in the league, and Arbeloa scored another superb goal. Apart from the first 15 minutes when West Brom was keeping possession well, we were never in trouble. We always had the ball, and once Keane scored his first we were in complete control. Together with Torres back in action, we can now start another long unbeaten run.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7 A comfortable afternoon.
Arbeloa: 8 A very good performance ended with a supreme goal.
Carragher: 7 Solid as usual.
Agger: 7 Defended well.
Aurelio: 8 His best performance for us and involved in the first two goals.
Benayoun: 7 A lively performance.
Gerrard: 7 Not as influential, but there was not a need.
Mascherano: 7 Solid performance.
Riera: 7 Not as sharp as he first joined us.
Kuyt: 7.5 Another hard working performance.
Keane: 9 His best performance for us so far.

Substitutions:
Babel: 6.5 A steady performance.
Torres: 6.5 A long-awaited back to action. Provided some pace to us.
Alonso: 6.5 Not enough time to impress.

Rafa: 7.5 Would be happy about the performance especially the rebound from the Spurs defeat.

West Bromwich Albion: 6 Credits to them for not parking the bus. However they did not offer much to guarantee at least a draw.

Man of the Match: Keane. Two superb goals.

Rebound

After an unlucky defeat at Spurs and a lucky draw vs Atletico Madrid, it is now time for us to rebound. A loss in the season is not unusual, but if we want to be Champion we need to show the world we can cope of it, and rebound to start another winning streak.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Arbeloa
Carragher
Agger
Aurelio
Kuyt
Gerrard
Alonso
Riera
Keane
Torres

Result 4:0

Match Report 081104 vs Atletico Madrid: Lucky Escape

1-1 and it was a very, very lucky and close escape, as Stevie G needs to score a 95th minute penalty before we can get a draw, and the penalty was a bit debatable. We did not do well in 1H and was rightly punished. We geared up a bit in 2H but still couldn't break through, until the very last minute that the referee generously gave us a penalty.

In general the team is tired, and we missed Torres badly. Without him, we just cannot convert chances into goals, as can be seen in the last 5 matches with a single goal only.

Players Rating:
Reina: 6.5 Not much to do and can't do much for the goal conceded.
Arbeloa/Aurelio: 6.5 Did not go forward too often.
Carragher: 7 Solid defense in general.
Agger: 7.5 Had several chances to score but missed.
Alonso: 7 Dictate the pace well.
Mascherano: 7 Quiet and effective.
Kuyt: 7 Hard working as usual.
Gerrard: 7.5 His never-say-die spirit earned us a point.
Riera: 6.5 Form dipped.
Keane: 6.5 Has a great chance but was too late to shot.

Substitutions:
Babel/Ngog/Lucas: 6 Not much impact.

Rafa: 6.5 Need to address the team's lack of goals. But with Torres coming back, the situation may change.

Atletico Madrid: Did well and were a bit unlucky not to win this game. Anyway, both teams should go through to last 16.

Man of the Match: Gerrard. Saved us again.

Qualification

After a disappointing weekend we now have another big game coming up. Depending on result of Marseille vs PSV, a win tonight may see us qualified, which means we can then focus on the league. Torres may be a bit early to start, but expect him to come up as a sub and get the applause from both sides of fans.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Arbeloa
Carragher
Agger
Aurelio
Alonso
Mascherano
Kuyt
Gerrard
Riera
Keane

Result 2:0

Match Report 081101 at Tottenham Hotspur: Unlucky

1-2 and we suffered our first defeat of the season, and temporarily conceded the pole position. For the first 70 minutes, in particular the first 15 minutes of the 2nd half, we did very well and could win by 4:0, but somehow we only scored one and then we get punished for missing so many chances. Carra scored his 3rd own goal against Spurs, and at the end a sloppy mistake by the defense let Spurs out of the lion den with 3 points.

A loss in this context is very hard to take, but over the season we will concede points here and there, and now we need to react and rebound quickly. Show the world we can win the league.

Players Rating:
Reina: 6.5 Made a few great saves but was also a bit indecisive. May have affected the defense.
Arbeloa: 6.5 A bit shaky.
Carragher: 6 Was superb until the own goal.
Agger: 6.5 Should have done better in clearing the 2nd goal conceded.
Dosenna: 6.5 Get caught off position for the 2nd goal conceded.
Alonso: 7 Did well and should have scored from a free header.
Mascherano: 7 Did his job effectively.
Kuyt: 7.5 Scored a great goal and should have score more.
Gerrard: 8 Hit the woodwork twice.
Riera: 6 A bit quiet.
Keane: 6.5 Did well in 1H but level drops significantly in 2H.

Substitutions:
Babel/Benayoun: 6 Not much impact.

Rafa: 6.5 Would be gutted in losing the match, but now need to make sure we respond positively.

Tottenham Hotspur: 6.5 Would be glad they win this game. Clearly good luck is more important than good football. And if their luck continues they will avoid relegation.

Man of the Match: Gerrard. Very unlucky not to score a goal and win the game.