Match Report 110423 vs Birmingham City: Five Star performance

5:0 and this is one of the best performance of the season. All the players did well and it is glad to see Maxi scored a hat trick. The win gives us a slim chance to finish 5th, but we need some miracle.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7.5 Barely tested
Flanagan: 7.5 A good performance.
Carragher: 7.5 Another superb performance
Skrtel: 7.5 Shows that he can dribble.
Robinson: 7.5 Did well in his first start and home debut.
Lucas: 7.5 Good performance in helping the kids.
Spearing: 7.5 Superb shot lead to the first goal.
Kuyt: 8 Scored a great goal with his hard working.
Meireles: 7.5 More assured in the middle.
Maxi: 8.5 A great hat trick.
Suarez: 8 Constant lively as usual.

Substitutions:
Shelvey: 7 Solid at left back.
Cole: 7.5 Scored a lucky goal.
Ngog: 7 Not enough time to impress.

King Kenny: 8 Would be delighted about the teamwork.

Birmingham City: 6 Need to improve in order to survive the relegation fight.

Man of the Match: Maxi. Patience repaid.

Win it

In the last 7 matches vs Birmingham City we can only draw them, and with so many injuries, it will be another touch match for us. But the players will be up for it, and try to win it and close the gap.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Flangan
Skrtel
Kyrgiakos
Robinson
Shelvey
Lucas
Spearing
Meireles
Suarez
Kuyt

Result 2:0

Match Report 110417 at Arsenal: Team spirit drives u through

1-1 and it was a dramatic 12 minute added time that see us coming back from a 98th minute penalty to draw the game at the 102th minute. The players really show they won't give up, and by fighting till the last minute, their efforts are rewarded. Although it could probably hand #19 to a certain team in Manchester, what we look for is the fighting spirit of the team, that we have not seen for a long time.

Players Rating:
Reina: 8 Made a few great saves to draw the game.
Flanagan: 7 A good performance in general.
Carragher: 7.5 Another full hearted performance despite the concussion.
Skrtel: 7 No nonsense performance.
Aurelio: 6 Another hamstring....
Kuyt: 7.5 Another coolly taken penalty under tremendous pressure.
Lucas: 7.5 Boss the midfield and win the crucial penalty.
Spearing: 7.5 A very good performance despite conceded a penalty, which is a doubtful one.
Meireles: 7 Not feeling too good on the left side.
Suarez: 7 Too many miss passes.
Carroll: 6.5 Not able to exert his aerial strength.

Substitutions:
Robinson: 7 A very confident performance.
Kyrgiakos: 7 Solid performance when called upon.
Shelvey: 7 A good performance, and almost scored a Xabi goal.

King Kenny: 7.5 Would be absolute happy in the team spirit. It shows we really care the result.

Arsenal: 7 Bad losers. It will now be very difficult for them to win the league...

Man of the Match: Reina. Now he should know it will be a bad idea to join the gooner...

Do our best

We have not win at Arsenal since 2001 and it is a long long time. What's more, if we win we may have handed #19 to a certain team. But as King Kenny says we need to win as the fans won't be happy if we lose. So we will try our best and bring 3 points home.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Flangan
Carragher
Skrtel
Aurelio
Kuyt
Lucas
Spearing
Meireles
Suarez
Carroll

Result 2:0

Match Report 110411 vs Manchester City: A convincing win

3:0 and this is a very convincing win. Carroll opened his goal account with 2 nicely taken goals, and Kuyt scored one for his son's birthday gift. Also Flangan's debut is very impressive. In general, this is a good team performance and we need to play like this week in week out.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7.5 Barely tested until the last 10 minutes.
Flanagan: 7.5 Very assured debut performance.
Carragher: 7 Lead the backline well.
Skrtel: 7 Very confident performance.
Aurelio: 7 A good performance.
Kuyt: 7.5 Scored a nice goal for his son.
Lucas: 7.5 Another good performance.
Spearing: 7.5 Getting better and better.
Meireles: 7.5 Very good delivery.
Suarez: 8 A very good performance.
Carroll: 8.5 Scored two great goals.

Substitution:
Ngog: 6.5 Not enough time to impress.

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

Manchester City: 6 Had an eye on FA Cup, so they did not perform up to standard.

Man of the Match: Carroll. His linkup with Suarez is really good.

Avoid another double

Although the season was not that good so far we only suffer one double by other team, and it was Blackpool. To keep this record, we need to at least draw City tonight. It will be a tough game, especially with so many injuries, but we have a week's rest and City will probably has one eye in the FA Cup semi final, so we will have a chance, and we need to take it.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Carragher
Skrtel
Kyrgiakos
Kuyt
Lucas
Spearing
Maxi
Meireles
Suarez
Carroll

Result 2:0

Match Report 110402 at West Bromwich Albion: Referee get it all wrong

1-2 and as if it is fate, we lose to a team managed by RH. What's worse is that Johnson and Agger were injured, and we will not see Agger again this season. The team now need to dig deep and try to win as many game as possible, although fifth place is now fading away gradually.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7.5 Made many great saves but despite conceded two penalties.
Carragher: 7 A nice block shows his hunger in winning the game.
Skrtel: 7 Scored a great header.
Agger/Johnson: 6 Get well soon.
Kuyt: 6.5 Did well as usual.
Lucas: 6.5 Solid in the middle.
Spearing: 6 Another good performance.
Meireles: 7 Superb corner lead to the goal.
Suarez: 7 Should have equalized in the dying minute.
Carroll: Need to control temper.

Substitutions:
Kyrgiakos: 5.5 Two errors lead to two penalties.
Wilson: 6.5 Solid in general.
Cole: 6 Not enough time to impress.

King Kenny: 6 Would be disappointed about the result. But we need to trust the kids now.

West Bromwich Albion: 6.5 It's almost fate that they will win the game, and they should survive in the relegation battle.

Man of the Match: Reina. We need to keep him.

Nothing to prove

As King Kenny said RH has nothing to prove, but this guy is so annoying that still don't understand what went wrong. Stevie G may not be available but the other players are ready and will try our best to bring three points home.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Carragher
Skrtel
Agger
Johnson
Lucas
Meireles
Spearing
Kuyt
Carroll
Suarez

Result 2:0

March Month Report

2W1D1L and we are doing very well in the League, but was crashed out in the Europa League. 2 league wins and we are still fighting for the 5th place. It will be tough, but we will do it if we have the belief.

Players of the Month: (1) Kuyt 7.38 (2) Reina 7.13 (3) Carragher 7.00. 4 goals in 2 league game, including probably a shortest hat trick (7 yards in total), Kuyt is currently on fire. 2 more clean sheets for Reina and he is as rock solid as usual. And Carragher once again stood up and lead the team when Gerrard is injured. It is worth noting that Suarez is cup tied, or otherwise he will be running away with MoM with his superb performance.

April Prediction:
4/2 West Bromwich Albion (a) RH is still unbeaten and they will be tough to beat at home.
4/11 Manchester City (h) We lost 0-3 in the first round so we need to improve in order to knock them down.
4/17 Arsenal (a) Gooner may be chasing league title but they are very unreliable and we still want to beat them.
4/23 Birmingham City (h) Birmingham will be fighting for survival so it will be another tough match for us.

Match Report 100320 at Sunderland: Another magical moment

2:0 and one controversial penalty and a genius move by our No. 7 settled the game. At first it was quite even, but after a controversial penalty we took the lead and in control of the game. The win give us an outsider shout for the 5th place, and if we can improve from this, we may get it.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7.5 Barely tested.
Carragher: 7.5 Leading the back 4 well.
Skrtel: 7 More comfortable on the right side.
Agger: 7 Good performance after coming back from injury.
Johnson: 7 Another good run on the left.
Lucas: 7 Solid as usual although placed a bit more miss passes than usual.
Spearing: 7.5 Confidence grown after the penalty incident.
Meireles: 7 Very accurate corner delivery.
Kuyt: 7.5 Coolly taken penalty.
Carroll: 7 A bit unlucky not to score.
Suarez: 8 Another brilliant performance.

Substitutions:
Ngog: 6.5 Did well when come up.
Maxi/Cole: 6.5 Not enough time to impress.

King Kenny: 7.5 Would be delighted about the team respond from the mid week setback.

Sunderland: 6 Well beaten and did not do much to guarantee a point.

Man of the Match: Suarez. Another superb goal.

Improvements needed

After a disappointing midweek game, the focus is now back to the league. Steve Bruce's team is always difficult to beat, so it will be a very difficult match and we need to improve a lot if we want to bring 3 points home.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Carragher
Skrtel
Agger
Johnson
Kuyt
Lucas
Meireles
Maxi
Suarez
Carroll

Result 2:0

Match Report 110317 vs Braga: Lack of cutting edge

0:0 and our Europa journey is now over. Across two legs we failed to show a cutting edge and did not deserve to go through. Now the focus is back to the remaining nine league matches, and we need to try to win all to see if there is any miracle...

Players Rating:
Reina: 7.5 Made a few good saves in his 300th appearances.
Johnson: 6.5 Did not offer too much in attack.
Carragher: 7 Solid display.
Skrtel: 7 Played well.
Wilson: 6.5 A bit nervous in the beginning.
Cole: 6.5 Passed well.
Lucas: 6.5 Solid in the middle.
Meireles: 6.5 Tried hard to win the game but failed to do so.
Maxi: 6.5 A bit quiet.
Kuyt 7 Worked very hard.
Carroll: 7 Provided another dimension.

Substitutions:
Ngog: 6.5 Missed a great chance.
Spearing: 6.5 Played with heart.

King Kenny: 6.5 Would be disappointed about the lack of creativity of the team.

Braga: 7 Deserved to go through, and good luck to them.

Man of the Match: Reina. Another clean sheet.

A must win game

As King Kenny said we are lucky to be only 1 goal down at this stage, so we need to take the chance and try to win and proceed. As we can see in the first leg, Braga can be very dangerous. So we need the Kop to be at full voice to support the players.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Carragher
Skrtel
Agger
Johnson
Lucas
Poulsen
Kuyt
Meireles
Cole
Ngog

Result 2:0

Match Report 110310 at Braga: Poor performance

0:1 and we are lucky to only trailing by 1 goal. First half was in particular poor, but we did improve a bit in the second half. We should have a penalty but at the end, we don't deserve a win and we need to improve significantly if we want to go through to last 8.

Players Rating:
Reina: 6.5 Rarely tested.
Carragher: 6.5 Solid in general
Kyrgiakos: 5 Conceded a needless penalty.
Skrtel: 6.5 Solid in general.
Johnson: 6.5 Good in defense.
Lucas: 6.5 Good passing.
Poulsen: 6 Good passing but failed to make an impact.
Spearing: 6 Did not provide any width.
Meireles: 6.5 Failed to shine on his return to Portugal.
Cole: 6 Played too narrow.
Kuyt: 7 Worked hard and have a great chance saved.

Substitution:
Carroll: 7 Provided us another dimension when came on. Still need more match fitness.

King Kenny: 6.5 Would be disappointed about the performance.

Braga: 7 Solid game plan worked.

Man of the Match: Kuyt. Worked hard as usual.

Tough away match

Another away European tie and it could be a tricky trip, especially with Gerrard not travelling and Suarez cup-tied. But King Kenny will have a plan and if the players stick with it, we will have a chance.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Carragher
Skrtel
Kyrgiakos
Johnson
Cole
Meireles
Lucas
Poulsen
Maxi
Kuyt

Result 2:0

Match Report 110306 vs Manchester United: A great team effort

3:1 and this is a superb team effort. We defend well, win the midfield and our strikers did their job well. Although 4th place is still very remote but we still need to fight till the end to see if there is any miracle.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7 Rarely tested.
Johnson: 7 Did well on both ends.
Carragher: 7 A bit lucky to stay on the pitch.
Skrtel: 7 A solid display.
Aurelio: 6.5 Injury let him down again.
Meireles: 7.5 Very good performance.
Gerrard: 7 Disciplined performance.
Lucas: 7 Solid in protecting the back 4.
Maxi: 7 Linked up well.
Kuyt: 8 3 goals from a total of 7 yards.
Suarez: 8.5 Simply sensational.

Substitutions:
Kyrgiakos: 7 Solid performance.
Carroll: 7 A good debut.
Cole: 6.5 Not enough time to impress.

King Kenny: 7.5 Spot on in his tactics.

Manchester United: 6.5 Still the team to beat but we shown that they have holes for other teams to explore.

Man of the Match: Suarez. What a player he is!

For the pride of the Club

Although #19 seems to be going to the other side come May, we still need to try to delay it. The players will be ready for this fight and we will show the world what we can do if King Kenny was here from the beginning.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Carragher
Skrtel
Agger
Johnson
Lucas
Meireles
Gerrard
Aurelio
Kuyt
Suarez

Result 2:0

February Month Report

3W2D1L and we are consolidating in 6th place and trying to climb up the table. The month began with 2 solid wins vs Stoke and Chelsea, but then we failed to win the last two league games. In between we took care of Sparta Prague although they did give us some hard times. New signing Suarez has played very well in particular and Kelly and Meireles also played well. It is a pity that Kelly is injured and hope he will recover soon.

Players of the Month (1) Reina 7.0833 (2) Meireles 7.0828 (3) Kuyt 7.02. Pepe get another PoM with 4 clean sheets from 6 games. And Meireles has been sensational with 3 goals and 1 assist. And Kuyt scored the important goal vs Sparta to send us to the last 16 of Europa League.

March Prediction:
3/6 Manchester United (h) We need to delay them to get #19, if not stopping them.
3/10 Braga (a) A tough away European game.
3/17 Braga (h) Another sensational European night at Anfield will see us through.
3/20 Sunderland (a) The balloon ball memory is still in our mind and it is now time to get a revenge.

Match Report 110306 at West Ham United: A day to forget

1:3 and it was a very poor performance coped with 2 injuries, and our unbeaten streak has finally ended. Performance was bad especially after the tough match in midweek, and the injury of Kelly and Meireles has made matter even worse. We now need to work hard to correct the mistakes, and to prepare for another big match the coming Sunday.

Players Rating:
Reina: 6 A below par performance.
Carragher: 6.5 Was exposed by the Hammers.
Skrtel: 5 Very poor performance.
Wilson: 6.5 Did OK at the back.
Kelly: 7 Did well before the injury. Get well soon.
Lucas: 6 Below par.
Gerrard: 5 Finding his match form.
Johnson: 6.5 Did well with a nice goal.
Kuyt: 6 Worked hard but was not effective.
Suarez: 7.5 Getting better and better.

Substitutions:
Cole: 6 Did not shine on his return to Upton Park.
Ngog: 5,5 No impact at all.

King Kenny: 6 Would be disappointed with the team performance and the injuries. Now need to correct the mistakes.

West Ham United: 7 Credits to them as they are more eager to win the game.

Man of the Match: Suarez. Superb assist.

Back to winning days

After taking care of Sparta the focus is now back to the league and we will visit the Hammers. Stevie G will be back and we need some magic in order to take 3 points home.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Kelly
Carragher
Skrtel
Johnson
Lucas
Meireles
Kuyt
Gerrard
Maxi
Suarez

Result 2:0

Match Report 110224 vs Sparta Prague

1-0 and a late goal by Kuyt sent us through to the last 16. We were in control in general although at times the Sparta counter attack did provide some scares, and at the end we are through despite a dull performance.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7 Another clean sheet.
Kelly: 7.5 Very impressive before he was injured.
Kyrgiakos: 7 Solid performance.
Agger: 7 Did well before his injury
Wilson: 6.5 A feel early scares but in general he did OK.
Lucas: 7 Solid in general and almost scored another screamer.
Poulsen: 6 Too many miss passes.
Kuyt: 7.5 Scored the only goal.
Meireles: 7 Impressive performance with a superb assist from corner.
Cole: 6.5 Tried very hard to impress but still not in good match form.
Ngog: 6 Missed too many chances.

Substitutions:
Carragher: 7 Came on and directed the defense well.
Spearing: 6.5 A good display.
Skrtel: 6.5 Not enough time to impress.

King Kenny: 6.5 Although performance was not too good but he will be relieved on his first European win.

Sparta Prague: 6 Did not offer much Apart from a few counter attacks.

Man of the Match: Kuyt. Impressive goal at a crucial time.

Win it for the King part II

King is still unbeaten in Europe for us but we need to win to qualify. We are still without many key players but the remaining players should stand up and be counted and win it for the King.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Kelly
Carragher
Skrtel
Johnson
Lucas
Meireles
Kuyt
Cole
Maxi
Ngog

Result 2:0

Match Report 110217 at Sparta Prague: A boring draw

0:0 and it is a very boring draw. We now have a slight advantage coming home, but then we need to make sure we have a clean sheet or else we need to score 2 goals to past through. We have no shot on target so we need to improve a lot next week.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7.5 Make a few saves to protect the clean sheet.
Johnson/Carragher/Kyrgiakos: 6.5 Solid defense.
Wilson: 7 Another good performance.
Lucas: 7 Made many good passes.
Aurelio: 6.5 Not impressive.
Kuyt/Meireles/Maxi: 6.5 Cannot break through.
Ngog: 6.5 Not doing well.

Substitutions:
Cole: 6.5 Not much contribution.
Skrtel: 6.5 Not enough time to impress.

King Kenny: 6.5 Would be disappointed about the performance in his first European game, and need to improve the team in the 2nd leg.

Sparta Prague: 6.5 Did OK.

Man of the Match: Reina. Another well deserved clean sheet.

Win it for the King

After 9,394 days King Kenny finally manage his first European game for Liverpool. Sparta Prague may have not played a competitive game for 2 months, but this is their home ground and we need to guard against complacency if we want to go home with an advantage.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Kelly
Carragher
Skrtel
Johnson
Lucas
Aurelio
Kuyt
Meireles
Maxi
Ngog

Result 2:0

Match Report 110212 vs Wigan Athletic: Setback

1:1 and it is a minor setback as our winning streak came to an end. To be honest we did not do much for a win and a draw is a fair result on this day. The draw has dampened our slight hope of finishing 4th, but with 11 games to go there are still a lot to fight for and we shall fight till the end.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7 Solid in general.
Kelly: 6.5 A good performance.
Carragher: 7 Lead the line well.
Skrtel: 6.5 Had a header above the bar.
Johnson: 6.5 Slight tiredness after the midweek international game
Maxi: 6.5 A good run.
Meireles: 7.5 Another great goal.
Lucas: 7 Solid in the middle.
Aurelio: 6.5 Solid but not impressive.
Kuyt: 6.5 Run hard as usual but without any deadly move.
Suarez: 8 Hit the post and bar.

Substitutions:
Ngog: 6 Failed to impress.
Jovanovic: 6 Not enough time to impress.

King Kenny: 6.5 Would be disappointed about the performance, but he should be able to improve the team.

Wigan Athletic: 7 Did well and worth the point.

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

Match Report 110212 vs Wigan Athletic: Setback

1:1 and it is a minor setback as our winning streak came to an end. To be honest we did not do much for a win and a draw is a fair result on this day. The draw has dampened our slight hope of finishing 4th, but with 11 games to go there are still a lot to fight for and we shall fight till the end.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7 Solid in general.
Kelly: 6.5 A good performance.
Carragher: 7 Lead the line well.
Skrtel: 6.5 Had a header above the bar.
Johnson: 6.5 Slight tiredness after the midweek international game
Maxi: 6.5 A good run.
Meireles: 7.5 Another great goal.
Lucas: 7 Solid in the middle.
Aurelio: 6.5 Solid but not impressive.
Kuyt: 6.5 Run hard as usual but without any deadly move.
Suarez: 8 Hit the post and bar.

Substitutions:
Ngog: 6 Failed to impress.
Jovanovic: 6 Not enough time to impress.

King Kenny: 6.5 Would be disappointed about the performance, but he should be able to improve the team.

Wigan Athletic: 7 Did well and worth the point.

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

Make it Five

We are in a good run and tonight we have the chance to extend it. After 10 days of training Suarez should be ready to make his full debut, and we will have a new source of attacking. And Reina will be looking for his 5th consecutive clean sheet.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Kelly
Carragher
Agger
Johnson
Lucas
Meireles
Kuyt
Gerrard
Maxi
Suarez

Result 2:0

Match Report 110206 at Chelsea: Great tactician

1-0 and this is the result of a great tactician and a superb team effort. King Kenny really knows about tactic and once again he is spot on. With a strong midfield we controlled the midfield, defend superbly, and taken our chances well. Now we are back to top 6 and only 6 points behind top 4, so anything is possible.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7.5 Rarely tested but still need to make a save to keep the clean sheet.
Carragher: 8 Back from injury with a superb performance.
Skrtel: 7 Picking up his form gradually.
Agger: 7.5 Superb defending.
Kelly: 7 Solid in defending.
Lucas: 7.5 Protect the back 4 well.
Meireles: 7.5 Another superbly taken goal.
Johnson: 7 Good defending in general.
Gerrard: 7.5 Lead the team well with a superb assist.
Maxi: 7 Missed a sitter but at the end it was no harm.
Kuyt: 7.5 Another tireless performance.

Substitutions:
Aurelio: 6.5 Did well when came up
Poulsen: 6.5 Provided the neeed protection in the dying minutes.

King Kenny: 7.5 Another masterstroke.

Chelsea: 6 Need to find a formation to move forward, but it won't be easy.

Man of the Match: Carragher. Superb defending.

Double

Show him he is wrong.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Kelly
Carragher
Agger
Johnson
Lucas
Merieles
Kuyt
Gerrard
Maxi
Suarez

Result 2:0

Match Report 110202 vs Stoke City: A great start

2-0 and it is a great start for the reborn team. King Kenny surprised most people with a 3421 starting lineup. It proved to be a effective one against Stoke and although it takes 47 minutes for us to break the deadlock, at the end it is a well deserved and comfortable win.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7.5 Reflex save to keep another clean sheet.
Skrtel: 7 Good performance.
Kyrgiakos: 7.5 Good assist on the first goal.
Agger: 7 Carry the ball forward Comfortably
Kelly: 7 Another nice performance.
Lucas: 7 Solid in the middle.
Aurelio: 7 Solid performance.
Gerrard: 7 A good performance.
Meireles: 7.5 Good strike goal.
Kuyt: 8 Lead the line well and a great assist.

Substitutions:
Suarez: 7.5 A great debut goal.
Shelvey: 7 Did well when called up.

King Kenny: 7.5 A master stroke tactic and would be delighted about the team performance.

Stoke City: 6.5 Did not offered much to guarantee any point.

Man of the Match: Kuyt. Proved he can be playing in the front.

Rebirth

A new year, a new lineup. A new start. Two new heroes. We still have a slim hope, and we will fight for it.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Kelly
Carragher
Agger
Johnson
Lucas
Meireles
Kuyt
Gerrard
Maxi
Suarez

Result 2:0

Beginning of a new era

After a rollercoaster ride on the close of transfer window, we have two news forwards and two left. The team should be stronger, and it will be more closer to what King Kenny wants.

As for that player who want to leave, he treated himself as just one of our employee. We already paid his salary, so no need to thank him.

He will always walk alone.

January Month Report

3W1D1L, we are out of FA Cup, but we get King Kenny back and are gradually climbing up the table. Future looks bright, and we shall keep climbing up the table as high as we can.

Players of the Month: (1) Kelly 7.10 (2) Reina 7.07 (3) Meireles 6.92. Kelly is the biggest beneficiary from the coming back of the King, and he took the right back position as his own. Reina is ever present in the month with 2 clean sheets and numerous saves. After moved to central midfield Meireles finally shown his worth with 2 superb goals on his account.

February Prediction:
2/2 Stoke City (h) We need to take a revenge on losing away at their home.
2/6 Chelsea (a) Chelsea is back to their own standard so it will be a tough match for us.
2/12 Wigan Athletic (h) Another home game and we need to take home 3 points.
2/17 Sparta Prague (a) King Kenny's first European match for us as manager.
2/24 Sparta Prague (h) A good result on this night should take us through.
2/27 West Ham United (a) A good chance for us to have the 2nd double of the season.

Match Report 110126 vs Fulham: Result matters

1:0 and it was a win that bring us back to 7th place, the highest this season. The performance was not really good, but at the end it is the result that really matters. The rebuilding work still needs to continue, but we are on the right track now.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7.5 Superb saves to keep another clean sheet.
Kelly: 6.5 A good performance in general.
Skrtel: 6.5 Solid performance.
Agger: 6.5 Solid but was unable to carry the ball forward.
Johnson: 7 Comfortable on the left.
Meireles: 7.5 Another good performance and played a big part in the goal.
Poulsen: 6.5 Played well before he is tired out.
Kuyt: 6.5 A bit tired.
Gerrard: 6.5 Not influential.
Maxi: 6.5 Had a few chances but could not take them.
Torres: 7 Lively, and have a goal wrongly ruled offside.

Substitution:
Shelvey: 6.5 Another solid performance when called upon.
Aurelio: 6.5 Did well when called up.

King Kenny: 7 Would be delighted about the result, but still need to improve the team performance.

Fulham: 6 Had been very solid in trying to get a point.

Men of the Match: Reina/Meireles. Good performances that bring us 3 points.

Keep winning

After a well deserved win at the Wolves we are now back to Anfield. With King Kenny as manager the confidence is back and result is starting to come our way. Stevie G is also back, and no doubt he will want to impress and bring King Kenny a long overdue Anfield victory.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Kelly
Skrtel
Agger
Johnson
Lucas
Meireles
Kuyt
Gerrard
Maxi
Torres

Result 2:0

Match Report 110122 at Wolverhampton Wanderers: Pass and move

3-0 and finally King Kenny won his first game for us after 20 years. The players are now more confident, and it can be witnessed especially from the last goal, that we passed 31 times before Torres tapped in easily. We can tell that the players are much more confident, and we will start winning games from now on.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7.5 Superb save to maintain the lead before half time.
Kelly: 7 Getting the right back spot at his own.
Skrtel: 7 A solid performance.
Agger: 7 Another good performance.
Johnson: 7 More comfortable at the left.
Lucas: 7 Solid display.
Poulsen: 7 One of his better performance with us.
Kuyt: 7.5 Worked hard and was crucial in the build up of the last goal.
Meireles: 8 Box to box performance.
Maxi: 7 A good performance.
Torres: 7.5 Scored 2 goals and confidence is back.

Substitutions:
Shelvey: 7 Good performance and should have scored one.
Aurelio: 7 Did well.

King Kenny: 7.5 Would be very delighted about this win. Need to sort out some unnecessary mistake by the defense though.

Wolverhampton Wanderers: 6. No complains in losing to us.

Man of the Match: Meireles. Scored one, created one and played very well.

Beat the wolves

Wolves are a difficult place to visit and we have not win there for 3 decades. We have yet to win under King Kenny, so we need to defy all odds and bring three points home.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Kelly
Kyrgiakos
Agger
Johnson
Lucas
Meireles
Kuyt
Cole
Maxi
Torres

Result 2:0

Match Report 110116 vs Everton: Better performance

2-2 and in terms of performance, we are getting better and better. However it has yet to translate into result, but we need to do so as soon as possible. There are still 16 games and 48 points to play for, so there is still a lot to fight for, so there is still a long way to go.

Players Rating:
Reina: 6.5 No protection for the 2 goals conceded.
Kelly: 7.5 A very assured performance.
Skrtel: 5.5 Once again it was another disappointed performance.
Agger: 6.5 Solid but unfortunately get sicked and couldn't carry on.
Johnson: 7 A much better performance and provided a deadly cross for the first goal scored.
Lucas: 7 Solid in the middle.
Spearing: 7 A good first league start.
Kuyt: 7 Coolly taken penalty.
Meireles: 7 Opened his scoring account with a nice shot.
Maxi: 6.5 Have a few chances denied.
Torres: 7 Getting better and better and was unlucky to hit the post.

Substitutions:
Kyrgiakos: 6.5 Solid when came up.
Shelvey: 6.5 Good performance.

King Kenny: 7 Would be disappointed about how we conceded the goals. But he can take positives from the players performance in general.

Everton: 6.5 Fight hard and at the end the draw is justified.

Man of the Match: Kelly. Getting more assure game by game.

215

After the 172th Merseyside Derby, King Kenny left us. 43 games later, he is now back to lead us in the 215th Merseyside Derby. The team is still low in confidence, without the captain and vice captain, but this is a derby and the players will be lifted up.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Kelly
Skrtel
Agger
Aurelio
Lucas
Meireles
Kuyt
Cole
Maxi
Torres

Result: 2-0

Match Report 110112 at Blackpool: Away blue continues

1-2 and our poor away form continues. The team did better but the players are still lacking confidence, especially the defense. It will be a big project for King Kenny to sort out, and we need him to sort it out as soon as possible.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7.5 Made a few superb saves.
Kelly: 7 Good performance with a nice assist.
Skrtel: 5.5 Not looking confident and was at fault for the goals conceded.
Agger: 6 A bit shaky.
Johnson: 5.5 Not looking good on the left.
Poulsen: 6.5 A better performance than previously.
Kuyt: 6.5 Worked hard as usual.
Meireles: 6 Did Ok in the middle.
Lucas: 6.5 Solid performance.
Jovanovic: 6 Not much impact, and naive to get booked.
Torres: 7 Getting better.

Substitutions:
Shelvey: 6 Solid performance.
Ngog: 6 Not enough time to impress.

King Kenny: 6.5 Some interesting selection like Poulsen started and Johnson on the left. What he needs to do is to install confidence into the players.

Blackpool: 7 Did really well and should be able to survive.

Man of the Match: Reina. Lead the team with example.

Show us what you can do

King Kenny is now back and players have no excuse and need to start picking up points, especially in away games. We lost to Blackpool at home so this adds another spice to the game. But if we play like what we did on Sunday, we can win it.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Kelly
Skrtel
Agger
Aurelio
Johnson
Meireles
Lucas
Maxi
Kuyt
Torres

Result 2:0

Match Report 110109 at Manchester United: Unjust

0-1 and we will feel gutted in the way we lost the game. Apart from the penalty we were playing really well, especially with 11 men on the pitch. With King Kenny finally back, the players are motivated and performed really well. Now we need to be together and try to climb up the table, and there is no excuse now.

Players Rating:
Reina: 8 Will conceded more if not for his heroic saves.
Kelly: 7.5 Very impressive performance.
Skrtel: 6.5 Solid performance.
Agger: 6.5 Was very unlucky to concede that so-called "penalty".
Aurelio: 6.5 Almost scored from a superb free kick.
Lucas: 6.5 Protect the midfield well.
Kuyt: 7 Worked very hard.
Gerrard: 4 Stupid tackle let us down.
Meireles: 6 Not impressive.
Maxi: 6.5 Had a few half chances.
Torres: 6 Need to improve a lot.

Substitutions:
Babel: 6.5 Made an impact when called up.
Shelvey: 6.5 Did well in the match.
Ngog: 6 Not enough time to impress.

King Kenny: 7 Would be delighted about the team's response and felt robbed off.

Manchester United: 6.5 Hope they lose many games soon.

Man of the Match: Reina. Superb defending.

The King is back

Finally. It will be a tough job, but he will unite friends and players. Let's support the team!

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Johnson
Skrtel
Agger
Aurelio
Lucas
Meireles
Kuyt
Gerrard
Maxi
Torres

Result 2:0

Match Report 110105 at Blackburn Rovers: No more chance to be given

1:3 and why should we give RH another chance? Get out now!

Can we win away from home

With a well fought victory on the new year's day we are now going back to our away blues. We need to start winning away from home, but is it possible?

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Johnson
Skrtel
Kyrgiakos
Konchesky
Kuyt
Gerrard
Lucas
Maxi
Ngog
Torres

Result 2:0

2010/11 Mid Term Report

After get rid of G&H and with NESV on board the club is moving to the right direction in the long run. But in the short run this is a very disappointing year. We sacked Rafa and RH is a very poor manager. With him there is no hope at all. NESV will do something to reverse the downward trend for sure, but when?

Departmental Comments:
Goalkeeper
Despite the shaky defense Reina continues to excel, with 9 clean sheets in 26 games. However he did conceded 28 games which is very high. In the league, he only had 6 clean sheets with 24 goals conceded in 19 games. This is something we need to address, especially in away games where only 2 clean sheets and 1 win is recorded. Jones is still yet to convince us.

Defender
Very poor. Despite Carra is getting older he is still very important in leading the defense. Kyrgiakos did show some signs of sparkling but is a bit too inconsistent. Skrtel has been very steady, and Agger was affected by injury, but will play a more important role in the 2H. On the sides, both Johnson and Konchesky were not very good at all. Especially Konchesky which is yet to convince the Kop.

Midfielder
With Mascherano left there is a big hole in the midfield, but Lucas and Meireles stepped up and partly filled the gap. Stevie G continues to shine, but Poulsen is awful. On the sides we don't have any good players at all, so the whole midfield played very narrow.

Attacker
Torres is still yet to pick up his best form so we are a bit short of firepower. With only 23 goals scored in the league no wonder we are struggling. Ngog did try to lessen Torres' burden but he is yet to score away from Anfield.

Player Rating (Games played, Minutes played, Goal scored/conceded, Assists/cleansheets, MoM, Rating)
Goalkeepers
Cavalieri: 2G 180M 0GC 2CS 0MoM 7.00
Gulacsi: 3 unused substitutes
Hansen: 6 unused substitutes
Jones: 2G 210M 2GC 1 Cs 0MoM 6.43
Reina: 26G 2340M 28GC 9CS 4MoM 6.87

Defenders
Agger: 10G 724M 0GS 1A 0MoM 6.63
Aurelio: 10G 526M 0GS 0A 0MoM 6.40
Ayala: 1 unused substitute
Carragher: 21G 1841M 0GS 0A 2MoM 6.79
Darby: 1G 7M 0GS 0A 0MoM 6.50
Flanagan: 1 unused substitute
Johnson: 17G 1530M 1GS 0A 1MoM 6.41
Kelly: 13G 1117M 0GS 1A 0MoM 6.57
Konchesky: 17G 1405M 0GS 1A 0MoM 6.28
Kyrgiakos: 19G 1468M 2GS 1A 2MoM 6.59
Robinson: 2 unused substitutes
Skrtel: 25G 2115M 1GS 1A 0MoM 6.46
Wilson: 3G 300M 0GS 0A 1MoM 6.45
Wisdom: 1 unused substitute

Midfielders
Aquilani: 2G 111M 0GS 0A 0MoM 6.87
Babel: 15G 667M 2GS 1A 0.5MoM 6.55
Cole: 18G 11863M 2GS 4A 1MoM 6.49
Gerrard: 17G 1436M 7GS 4A 6MoM 6.98
Jovanovic: 16G 974M 2GS 0A 0MoM 6.54
Kuyt: 17G 1424M 4GS 2A 1MoM 6.76
Lucas: 24G 1813M 1GS 3A 3MoM 6.65
Mascherano: 1G 78M 0GS 1A 0MoM 7.50
Meireles: 19G 1459M 0GS 2A 2MoM 6.75
Pacheco: 7G 341M 0GS 0A 0MoM 6.29
Poulsen: 15G 1104M 0GS 0A 0MoM 6.15
Shelvey: 9G 439M 0GS 0A 0.5MoM 6.47
Spearing: 7G 497M 0GS 1A 0MoM 6.68

Attackers:
Amoo: 1G 83M 0GS 0A 0MoM 7.00
Dalla Valle: 1G 7M 0GS 0A 0MoM 6.50
Eccleston: 7G 142M 0GS 0A 0MoM 6.01
Ngog: 25G 1520M 8GS 2A 2MoM 6.63
Torres: 20G 1580M 6GS 3A 0.5MoM 6.51

Players of 1st half season (Minimum 1,638 mins (60%) or above):
(1) Reina 6.87
(2) Carragher 6.79
(3) Lucas 6.65
(4) Skrtel 6.46

It is worth noting that injury affected Gerrard and Kuyt and they are about 200 mins short. Should they reach the minimum minutes played, they will get 6.98 and 6.76 rating respectively. Ngog and Torres are about 100 min short and they get 6.63 and 6.51 respectively.

Team: 6.60. We considered last year's 1H of 6.81 as poor, and this is even poorer. We simply need to improve especially away from Anfield. But most fans have already written off this season.

2H Prediction:
League:
1st-5th place teams (Manchester United H, Manchester City H, Arsenal A, Tottenham Hotspur H, Chelsea A) 1W2D2L We simply won't beat them...
6th-10th place teams (Sunderland A, Stoke City H, Newcastle United H) 2W1D
11th-15th place teams (Blackpool A, Blackburn Rovers A, Everton H, West Bromwich Albion A, Aston Villa A) 3W1D1L Finally we can win some away games?
16th-20th place teams (West Ham United A, Wigan Athletic H, Fulham H/A, Birmingham City H, Wolverhampton Wanderers A) 5W1D

Total for 2H 11W5D3L 38 points
Total for the season 63 points

This may be a bit optimistic but with 63 points we should be able to get into Europa. But is it enough?

In FA Cup we draw Manchester United in the 3rd round and it is already the toughest test. Our best hope for any trophy is Europa Cup, but this really depends on the draws.

And finally, can I have a new manager?

Match Report 110101 vs Bolton Wanderers: Double

2:1 and this is a great performance in 2H that see us have a 100% record in 2011, and a long awaited come back performance from trailing behind. Gerrard's performance is superb and he is back to drive us forward. Of course it is really nice to see Cole open his league account, but we still need to improve especially in away games if we want to climb up the table.

Players Rating:
Reina: 6.5 Exposed for the goal conceded but in general a good performance.
Johnson: 6 Failed to mark Davies for the goal conceded and nearly give up a goal for a careless passing.
Skrtel: 6.5 Good performance.
Agger: 7 A good performance coming back from injury.
Aurelio: 6.5 Solid performance.
Kuyt: 6.5 Worked hard as usual.
Meireles: 6 Injured early on.
Lucas: 6.5 Wasted a golden opportunity in 1H but luckily it is not crucial now.
Maxi: 7 Have a feel good scoring opportunity missed.
Torres: 7 Superb equalizer after improvement in 2H.
Ngog: 6.5 Have a few half chances.

Substitutions:
Gerrard: 7.5 Captain marvel again with his two superb assists.
Cole: 7 A nicely tap-in winning goal.
Kyrgiakos: 6 Not enough time to impress.

RH: 6.5 A much better performance in 2H but still it is questionable whether he should be in the job.

Bolton Wanderers: 6.5 Provided us a few scares.

Man of the Match: Gerrard. Saved us again again and again.

New Year, same old problem

It's a new year but we still have the old manager, so there is really no hope. Bolton are on a high so it won't be a surprise if we lose this game, and it could be a blessing in disguise.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Johnson
Skrtel
Kyrgiakos
Konchesky
Kuyt
Meireles
Lucas
Maxi
Gerrard
Torres

Result 2:0

December Month Report

1W2D2L and it was a very poor month. We did beat Villa at home, but the two defeats against Newcastle and Wolves are simply unacceptable. With such a manager we really have no hope, but will NESV do anything?

Players of the month: (1) Lucas 7.00 (2) Babel 6.71 (3) Reina 6.50. Lucas was the one who really delivered consistently throughout this season, and Babel did shown some sparks especially during the Villa game. And Reina, Mr save hand got his 100th clean sheets at record time.

January Prediction:
1/1 Bolton Wanderers (h) Try our best to get the first double of the season.
1/5 Blackburn Rovers (a) We need to win, but it's away game...
1/9 Manchester United (a) Tough matchup
1/12 Blackpool (a) Revenge needed
1/16 Everton (h) Ditto
1/22 Wolverhampton Wanderers (a) Ditto
1/26 Fulham (h) We should try to win this game, but players may be tired at this point.
1/29 FA Cup 4th round (TBA) Let's get through 3rd round first.

December Month Report

1W2D2L and it was a very poor month. We did beat Villa at home, but the two defeats against Newcastle and Wolves are simply unacceptable. With such a manager we really have no hope, but will NESV do anything?

Players of the month: (1) Lucas 7.00 (2) Babel 6.71 (3) Reina 6.50. Lucas was the one who really delivered consistently throughout this season, and Babel did shown some sparks especially during the Villa game. And Reina, Mr save hand got his 100th clean sheets at record time.

January Prediction:
1/1 Bolton Wanderers (h) Try our best to get the first double of the season.
1/5 Blackburn Rovers (a) We need to win, but it's away game...
1/9 Manchester United (a) Tough matchup
1/12 Blackpool (a) Revenge needed
1/16 Everton (h) Ditto
1/22 Wolverhampton Wanderers (a) Ditto
1/26 Fulham (h) We should try to win this game, but players may be tired at this point.
1/29 FA Cup 4th round (TBA) Let's get through 3rd round first.

Match Report 101229 vs Wolverhampton Wanderers: Shame

0-1 and it is a real shame that we lose to the bottom club at home. The manager even said that 0-0 is a fair result, and that the fans are not doing the right thing. He is setting up enemies everywhere, and we really don't know how we can get out of this abyss.

Players Rating:
Reina: 6.5 Defense let him down.
Johnson: 6 Not good enough.
Kyrgiakos: 6 Poor clearance lead to the goal conceded.
Skrtel: 6 Had a goal rightly ruled offside.
Konchesky: 6 Not impressive at all.
Meireles: 6 Should have scored from a quick free kick from Torres.
Gerrard: 6 Very rusty after the long injury.
Lucas: 7 The only player deserved credit.
Kuyt: 6 Not going anywhere on the left.
Torres: 6 No supply at all.
Ngog: 6 Had a few shots but couldn't score.

Substitutions:
Babel: 6 Not much impact.
Cole/Aurelio: 6 Cannot change the game.

RH: 5 Please go.

Wolverhampton Wanderers: 6.5 Credits to them in defending well and take their chance.

Man of the Match: Lucas. If every player has the motivation like him...

Rested

After 2 games postponed we finally have a game after a good rest. Wolves is at the bottom of the league but we still need to work hard in order to take home 3 points to end the disappointing year.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Johnson
Skrtel
Kyrgiakos
Konchesky
Kuyt
Meireles
Lucas
Maxi
Gerrard
Torres

Result 2:0

Improve in away games

If we want to climb up the table we need to start winning away games. We lost to Blackpool early this year, and now this is a chance for us to take revenge. Anything less than 3 points is unacceptable.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Johnson
Skrtel
Kyrgiakos
Konchesky
Kuyt
Meireles
Lucas
Maxi
Gerrard
Torres

Result 2:0

Improvements

It is true that we play better at home but still we need to improve a lot. The next 4 game would be crucial so we need to take one game at a time, and try to will all 4.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Johnson
Skrtel
Kyrgiakos
Konchesky
Kuyt
Meireles
Lucas
Maxi
Ngog
Torres

Result 2:0

Match Report 101215 vs Utrecht: Young stars still need to prove themselves

0:0 and it was a bored match. The youngsters did fine but they lack the ambition and motivation to win the game. Anyway the main thing is that we come out of the game unscratched, and now we really have to focus and improve in the league.

Players Rating:
Jones: 7 First clean sheet for the team.
Kelly: 6.5 Another good display.
Skrtel: 6 A solid display.
Wilson: 7.5 Perform very well.
Aurelio: 6.5 Should be our first team left back.
Shelvey: 6 Another solid display.
Cole: 6 Failed to take his chance.
Poulsen: 6 Suit Europa game better.
Jovanovic: 6.5 Lively performance.
Babel: 6 Failed to take his chance.
Eccleston: 6 A good first start.

Substitutions:
Kyrgiakos: 6 Solid performance.
Pacheco: 6 A nice run.
Kuyt: 6 A good run against his former team.

RH: 6 Team performance was not good.

Utrecht: 6 Solid display from the visitors.

Man of the match: Wilson. Getting better and better.

Give the kids another chance

This is a meaningless game and RH should play as many young kids as possible. Torres will be involved, but hope he will not play too long and injure himself.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Kelly
Skrtel
Wilson
Aurelio
Pacheco
Shelvey
Lucas
Poulsen
Cole
Babel

Result 2:0

Match Report 101211 at Newcastle United: Defense let us down

1-3 and it was 3 defensive mistakes that see us conceded 3 goals. Also we seems to content to get one point, and sit back after the equalizer. This is yet another away defeats and we need to do something to change this all over, or we can forget getting to top 6, let alone top 4.

Players Rating:
Reina: 6 Get exposed for all 3 goals.
Johnson: 6 Failed to help in all 3 goals.
Kyrgiakos: 6 Can't cope with Carroll.
Skrtel: 5.5 Very poor defending.
Konchesky: 5.5 Lost Nolan and let him score.
Kuyt: 6.5 Scored a lucky goal.
Meireles: 7 Did well in a poor team.
Lucas: 6 Nothing spectacular.
Maxi: 6.5 Solid game.
Torres: 6 Did not take his chances well.
Ngog: 6 Still fail to shine in away games.

Substitutions:
Babel/Jovanovic: 6 Failed to contribute anything.

RH: 5 Please go. ASAP.

Newcastle United: 7 Did well and deserved to get all three points.

Man of the Match: Meireles. Players let him down.

Improve away form

We have not been getting results in away games and it is time for us to improve it. Similar to us, Newcastle gets a manager that the fans don't want, and the change may not be good to them. So we need to grab this chance and try to bring 3 points home.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Johnson
Skrtel
Kyrgiakos
Konchesky
Kuyt
Meireles
Lucas
Maxi
Ngog
Torres

Result 2:0

Match Report 101206 vs Aston Villa: Good team display

3-0 and it was a very good team display. Even without our 3 big names the other players did well to spoil Houllier's return party. We did slow down a bit after 3 goals up but in general this is a comfortable win. Now we need to transform this to away games as well.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7.5 100th clean sheets and many more to come.
Johnson: 7.5 Did very well and could have been scored.
Kyrgiakos: 7.5 Another solid game and almost scored.
Skrtel: 7.5 Solid header to provide assist to kick off the goals.
Konchesky: 7 Solid at the back.
Kuyt: 7 Work hard as usual.
Meireles: 7.5 Getting better and better in midfield.
Lucas: 8 Control the midfield with authority.
Maxi: 7.5 Scored a great header.
Babel: 7.5 Coolly taken goal.
Ngog: 7.5 Superb header to kick off the game.

Substitutions:
Aurelio/Cole/Kelly: 6.5 Did OK when came up.

RH: 7.5 One of the better games under RH, now he needs to transfer this level to away games.

Aston Villa: 5.5 Sorry Gerald but this was really poor.

Man of the Match: Lucas. Another Hamann like performance.

Welcome back, Gerald

It is the first time Gerald Houllier is back to Anfield after his departure, and we miss him. We lost to Villa last year so it is a wonderful occasion for us to do better than last season. Gerrard and Carragher are both out but the remaining players should work hard and try to win the game.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Johnson
Skrtel
Kyrgiakos
Konchesky
Kuyt
Meireles
Lucas
Maxi
Ngog
Torres

Result 2:0

Match Report 101202 at Steaua Bucharest: Qualify

1-1 and we are now qualified as top spot of the group. However the performance was not good and it shows the gap between the first team and the reserve. Anyway it was a good game for the young stars and they will have another opportunity in the final home game.

Players Rating:
Reina: 6 Made a horrible mistake but in general he was outstanding.
Kelly: 6 Did OK but at times was unsure about where to go.
Kyrgiakos: 6.5 Solid in leading the kids and was unlucky to hit the bar and not scored.
Wilson: 6 A nice Europe debut.
Aurelio: 6 Should make left back his own place.
Poulsen/Shelvey: 6 Solid in the middle.
Pacheco: 6 A nice run but still have a lot to learn.
Cole: 6 Solid display coming back from injury.
Jovanovic: 6.5 Scored a nice header.
Babel: 7 A good game with a nice assist.

Substitutions:
Ngog/Eccleston: 6 Did OK when coming on.
Lucas: 6 Not enough time to impress.

RH: 6 A good result but performance need to be raised.

Steaua Bucharest: 5.5 Lucky to have equalized but they need to improve a lot if they want to qualify.

Man of the Match: Babel. Should still work harder.

Young stars to shine

We only need one point at Steaut Bucharest and even RH is making sense and let the young stars a chance to show where they are up to. We may be weakened but one point is what we need, and with Reina in goal we will be in safe hands.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Kelly
Kyrgiakos
Wilson
Aurelio
Lucas
Poulsen
Shelvey
Cole
Babel
Ngog

Result 2:0

November Month Report

3W1D2L and we are gradually pickup up ourselves. We started the month well with 2 games at home vs Napoli and Chelsea, but the results away from home are still poor as we lost 5 points at Wigan and Stoke. Another home win comes, but then we lost to Spurs by a last minute goal. Clearly we need to improve away from home, especially we now lost two key players in Carra and Gerrard.

Players of the month (1) Reina 7.0 (2) Kuyt 6.993 (3) Meireles 6.988. Reina was as usual very solid. And we need him to be even better in the coming month as our captain. Kuyt did very well back from injury, with an superb assit to Torres in the Chelsea game, and scored a penalty against West Ham. Meireles gradually shows us what he can do and did very well especially from the middle.

December Prediction:
12/2 Steaua Bucharest (a) A draw will see us through.
12/6 Aston Villa (h) Welcome back, Houllier.
12/11 Newcastle United (a) A tough away game for us.
12/15 Utrecht (h) Let the youngsters shine.
12/18 Fulham (h) Fulham will be eager to beat RH so we need to be careful.
12/26 Blackpool (a) We need to do a revenge on that shameful defeat at Anfield.
12/29 Wolverhampton Wanderers (h) A win to wrap up the miserable 2010 should be fine, but we need to work very hard to achieve it.

Match Report 101128 vs Tottenham Hotspur: Misery continues

1-2 and despite leading 1 goal at half time, we failed to build on it and lost the game. What's worse is that Carragher is injured. Something need to be done quickly or our season will go from bad to worse.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7 Can't be faulted on both goals.
Johnson: 6 Could not cope with Modric.
Carragher: 7.5 Never say die spirit and even saved a goal from the line.
Skrtel: 7 Scored at both ends.
Konchesky: 5 Fault at the second goal conceded.
Kuyt: 6.5 Worked hard as usual.
Meireles: 7 Bossed the midfield and even saved a goal from the goal line.
Lucas: 7 Tackles everywhere.
Maxi: 6.5 Missed a few great chances.
Ngog: 5.5 Conceded a very childish handball.
Torres: 6 Indecisive or else should score 2.

Substitutions:
Aurelio: 6.5 Gradually picking up his games.
Kyrgiakos: 5.5 Missed time defense lead to the goal.

RH: 6 The team is playing better, but somehow we still lost the game.

Tottenham Hotspur: 7.5 Credits to them in never give up. We should learn from them.

Man of the Match: Carragher. We will miss him dearly.

Steal a point

With RH's mindset we won't win too many away games, but we may have a chance to steal a point at White Hart Lane. We have the whole week to prepare the game and if luck is on our side, we may get 3 points home.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Johnson
Carragher
Skrtel
Konchesky
Lucas
Meireles
Kuyt
Cole
Maxi
Torres

Result 2:0

Match Report 101120 vs West Ham United: Good display against a poor team

3:0 and this is a good display, despite the fact the West Ham are really poor. We were already 3 up in half time and was very relaxed in second half, but in truth the real test is next week when we visit White Hart Lane. It will see how high we can go.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7.5 Not really tested and his delivery were superb.
Johnson: 7.5 A much better performance with a nicely taken goal.
Carragher: 7 Solid in the middle.
Skrtel: 7 Good performance.
Konchesky: 7 Great delivery to the final goal.
Kuyt: 7.5 Worked hard as usual and taken a penalty coolly.
Meireles: 8 Pulling all the strings in the middle.
Poulsen: 7 A good performance against a poor team.
Maxi: 7.5 Very deadly inside 18 yard.
Torres: 7 Had a great opportunity denied.
Ngog: 6.5 Not really into the game.

Substitutions:
Aurelio: 6.5 Solid display in his first league game of the season.
Shelvey/Babel: 6.5 Not enough time to impress.

RH: 7 Would be delighted about the result, he should give the kids more time in 2H though.

West Ham United: 5 Very poor performance and apart from Green and Cole, the rest of the team was disinterested in fighting.

Man of the Match: Meireles. Middle is clearly his best position.

Any hope

With such a manager and so many injuries and suspension, do we have any hope against a bottom team at home? We should give the youngsters a chance to shine and fight for the team.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Kelly
Carragher
Skrtel
Konchesky
Maxi
Poulsen
Shelvey
Jovanovic
Kuyt
Torres

Result 2:0

Match Report 101114 at Stoke City: Expected defeat

0:2 and this is one the most toothless display by our team, but it is kind of expected from the negative approach of the team. We seems to just want to play for a draw away, and with this mindset, it is difficult for us to expect any win away from home. The owners need to do something.

Players Rating:
Reina: 6 Cannot do to much to save both goals.
Carragher: 6 Never go up to support attack. Manager order?
Kyrgiakos: 6 Nothing special.
Skrtel: 6 At least willing to fight.
Konchesky: 6 No support to attack and don't look solid in defending.
Lucas: 5 Stupid challenges.
Meireles: 6 Had a few sparks only.
Kuyt: 6.5 Run all across the field.
Gerrard: 6 Could not drive the team this time.
Maxi: 6 Not effective.
Torres: 6 Played through injury.

Substitutions:
Ngog/Babel: 6 Did not do much to change the game.

RH: 3 Should go now.

Stoke City: 7 Credits to them with a solid game plan that was executed perfectly.

Man of the Match: Kuyt. Worked hard as usual.

Be more proactive in away games

With the current tactics RH seems to be content with a draw during away games, but we need to change this mindset and try to win every match. Stokes will be physical, but we are well prepared for it and we could win it if we are playing to our potential.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Kelly
Carragher
Skrtel
Konchesky
Lucas
Meireles
Kuyt
Gerrard
Maxi
Torres

Result 2:0

Match Report 101110 at Wigan Athletic: Small team mindset

1-1 and we blown away an early lead. True, tireness may be one factor of the fading performance, but at least we should send some attackers to try to get 3 points. But we just sit back and invited Wigan to attack. Really small team mindset.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7 Could not do much about the goal conceded.
Kelly: 6.5 At times feel uncertain.
Carragher: 7 Solid as usual.
Skrtel: 6.5 In general dealing with the Wigan attack well.
Konchesky: 6 Did not offer too much.
Lucas: 6.5 Effective performance.
Meireles: 6.5 Illness limited his performance.
Kuyt: 7 Run all over the pitch as usual.
Gerrard: 7.5 Lead the team and could have seal the game but only hit the bar.
Maxi: 6.5 A bit off from the previous two games.
Torres: 7 Scored a great goal.

Substitutions:
Shelvey: 6.5 Solid in general apart from a few miss passes.
Poulsen: 6.5 Solid but did not offer too much.
Eccleston: 6 Did not do much for the limited time on the pitch.

RH: 6 Questionable tactic once again.

Wigan Athletic: 6.5 At times they are the better team, and fully deserved to get one point.

Man of the Match: Gerrard. Would be fantastic if he did score.

Continue the good run

After we beat Chelsea we need to continue our good run. Wigan did not score too many goals but we still need to score some in order to bring 3 points home.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Kelly
Carragher
Skrtel
Konchesky
Lucas
Meireles
Kuyt
Gerrard
Jovanovic
Torres

Result 2:0

Match Report 101107 vs Chelsea: Torres is back!

2-0 and two superb goals from Torres sealed us a valuable victory. The whole team was great and we are now back to where we should be. With this momentum, we can gradually climb up the table, and top 4 is not impossible.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7.5 Two superb saves to keep us a clean sheet.
Kelly: 7 Solid league debut start.
Carragher: 7.5 Lead the back 4 with example.
Skrtel: 7.5 Control Anelka and Drogba well.
Konchesky: 7 A solid display.
Meireles: 7.5 Best performance so far in a red shirt with a nice assist.
Gerrard: 7.5 Drive the team towards another victory.
Lucas: 8 Another superb performance.
Maxi: 7.5 Starting to perform as good as last season.
Torres: 8 Two superbly taken goals.
Kuyt: 7.5 Come back with an assist.

Substitutions:
Shelvey: 7 Solid performance.
Ngog/Spearing: 6.5 Not enough time to impress.

RH: Would be delighted about the team effort, and we need more like this.

Chelsea: 6 On a day they did not perform, we take the 3 points home. But they have enough players to bounce back.

Men of the Match: Lucas/Torres. Getting better and better.

Hold no fear

It's against the Champions and it will be a very tough match for us. But no team is undefeatable, so if we play to our maximum potential we will beat them.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Johnson
Carragher
Skrtel
Konchesky
Lucas
Meireles
Kuyt
Gerrard
Jovanovic
Torres

Result 2:0

Match Report 101104 vs Napoli: Capital Marvelous

3-1 and it was the superb performance of Stevie G that bring us another victory. We were very poor in 1H but when Stevie G comes on he really bring another dimension into the game. The scoreline may be flattening to us but Stephen's performance is truly great.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7 Solid at the back and was rarely tested in 2H.
Johnson: 6 Looks uncertain when coming back from injury.
Kyrgiakos: 6.5 Too slow when facing the Napoli forward.
Carragher: 6.5 Defense as a unit was not good enough especially in 1H.
Konchesky: 6.5 Not much involvement in attack.
Poulsen: 5 Invisible man.
Spearing: 6.5 Solid but not impressive.
Shelvey: 7 Truly have great potential.
Meireles: 6.5 Played too up front and let the midfield exposed.
Jovanovic: 6.5 Solid display.
Ngog: 6.5 Played very hard but couldn't score.

Substitutions:
Gerrard: 8 Came on and changed the game.
Eccleston: 6.5 Solid performance.
Lucas: 7 Provided another assist with great vision.

RH: 6.5 Would be delighted about getting another win, although we still have lots of rooms for improvement.

Napoli: 6 Could not complain about the defeat.

Man of the Match: Gerrard. Impressed the new owner.

Give kids another chance

With another European game it is now chance for some of the kids and second string players to show their worth. We managed a good draw at Napoli and we should maintain the recent good one and a win will make us one foot into qualification.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Kelly
Carragher
Skrtel
Konchesky
Poulsen
Spearing
Pacheco
Shelvey
Jovanovic
Ngog

Result 2:0

October Month Report

2W1D2L and the season seems to have started to back on track. We started the month with the old owner and then ended with a new owner. 2 league defeats have sent us to 18th place, but then we win 2 league games in a row and are now up to 13th, although we should still be at a much higher position. But with the current manager, we really have no aspiration to challenge top 4 or top 6.

Players of the month (1) Reina 6.90 (2) Kyrgiakos 6.83 (3) Gerrard 6.75. Reina as usual performed very good over the month, and Kyrgiakos finally shows the world his capability, with 2 goals scored and was solid at the back. Despite the problem with the team Stevie G still drive the team forward as hard as he can.

November Prediction:
11/4 Napoli (h) Win this game and we will be one leg qualified.
11/7 Chelsea (h) A very tough game vs the Champions.
11/10 Wigan Athletic (a) We need to pick up points away at tough opponents.
11/13 Stoke City (a) Another tough and physical game underway.
11/20 West Ham United (h) We should beat Hammers at home.
11/28 Tottenham Hotspur (a) Another tough away game.

Match Report 101031 at Bolton Wanderers: Away win despite poor performance

1-0 and this is our first away win of the season, and we leave it very late to win the game. It is the same formation of the last two matches but we could not repeat our performance in the last match, fortunately luck was on our side and a wonder goal by Maxi bring us the precious 3 points.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7.5 Make a few superb saves to set up the platform for the victory.
Carragher: 6.5 Lucky not to have conceded a penalty.
Kyrgiakos: 7 Form keep on improving.
Skrtel: 7 Solid at the back.
Konchesky: 6.5 Not much involvement in attack.
Lucas: 7.5 Rock solid performance and also contributed to the winning goal.
Meireles: 7 Nice and neat performance.
Maxi: 7 Scored a timely winning goal.
Gerrard: 7 Tried hard to carry the team forward.
Cole: 6.5 Not much contribution even before the injury.
Torres: 6.5 Very quiet game despite the assist.

Substitutions:
Ngog: 7 Provided another dimension when came up.
Poulsen: 6.5 Not enough time to do any damage.

RH: 6.5 Still no clue of how to play away, and was lucky to get 3 points home. Also, this is not a famous victory. We should win this game easier.

Bolton Wanderers: 6.5 Would feel unhappy not to take 1 point home especially they have a few penalty shouts.

Players of the Match: Reina/Lucas. Combined to bring us our first away victory.

Away win

We have yet to win an away game this season, and worst of all, the manager has not win one in 442 days. It's obviously too long, and we need to start picking up away wins. Bolton would fancy their chance, so we need to be in our best form in order to bring 3 points home.

My Team Prediction
Reina
Johnson
Carragher
Kyrgiakos
Kochesky
Lucas
Meireles
Maxi
Gerrard
Cole
Torres

Result 2:0

Match Report 101024 vs Blackburn Rovers: An improved performance

2:1 and although this is the same lineup as last week, it is a much improved performance. Blackburn may be played poorly, but our movement was very good throughout the game and we should have score 4 or 5 goals on another day. Towards the end we were holding back and let Blackburn attack, but in general this is a good performance and the result would make most fans happy.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7 A solid performance.
Carragher: 7 Good game on the right with many crosses. Was unlucky to score yet another own goal.
Kyrgiakos: 7.5 Very good performance on both ends.
Skrtel: 6.5 Solid defending.
Konchesky: 6.5 Getting into the team gradually.
Lucas: 7 Played like a rock in the midfield.
Meireles: 7 Willing to take the shots and give us another attacking perspective.
Maxi: 7 His best game this season.
Gerrard: 7.5 Takes better corner.
Cole: 7 Superb assist to Torres.
Torres: 7 Scored a goal to boast his morale.

Substitutions:
Ngog: 6.5 Good run when coming on.
Shelvey: 6.5 Not much to do on his league debut.

Roy: 6.5 A better performance from the team. Now he needs to keep this up.

Blackburn Rovers: 5.5 Result was flattened to them.

Man of the Match: Kyrgiakos. Bargain from Rafa.

First NESV home game

This is the first home game under NESV regime and we need to show them how we think about the current team. The manager is not good enough and he is going to tear the team off. We need to do something before it goes very wrong.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Carragher
Skrtel
Kyrgiakos
Kochesky
Lucas
Meireles
Maxi
Gerrard
Cole
Torres

Result 2:0

Match Report 101021 at Napoli: Youngsters seized their chance

0-0 and we have now go 7 games without a win. Nevertheless the kids do seized their chances and performed well. An away draw is not a bad result, and it lead us into a comfortable position entering the last 3 games of the group.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7 Solid throughout.
Kelly: 6.5 Have a good game.
Carragher: 6.5 Did well as usual before he is rested.
Skrtel: 6.5 Solid at the back and help cover Konchesky a lot.
Konchesky: 6.5 Made a goal line save.
Spearing: 6.5 A solid game in the midfield.
Poulsen: 6.5 The slow pace of Napoli created an illusion that he played well.
Jovanovic: 6.5 A good performance on the right.
Shelvey: 7 A very promising first start for the kid.
Babel: 6.5 Missed a glorious chance.
Ngog: 6.5 Have good movement throughout the game.

Substitutions:
Kyrgiakos: 6.5 Solid display.
Aurelio: 6.5 Not much influence.
Cole: 6.5 A good performance when called upon.

Roy: 6.5 Should show some dignity and quit now.

Napoli: 6 Did not do much for three points.

Man of the Match: Reina/Shelvey. Good performance throughout the game.

Countdown

We are very unhappy about Hodgson's performance, especially his shifting of burden to the players. A loss tonight will almost certain to say goodbye to him, although a win may also be not good enough. Let's see how it goes.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Kelly
Carragher
Skrtel
Aurelio
Lucas
Poulsen
Babel
Cole
Jovanovic
Ngog

Result 2:0

Match Report 101017 at Everton: Sack the incapable manager

It's really rare for Liverpool fans to call the head of the manager, but Rodgson is really not up to standard. He is unable to lift the team, has no plan B, slow to react, and somehow thought we played well. With him on board there is a very high risk that we may relegate. Dear Mr Henry, act now.

Players Rating:
Reina: 6 Can do nothing on both goals conceded.
Carragher: 6 Can't lift the team.
Kyrgiakos: 6.5 With heart to fight for the team.
Skrtel: 6 Could have done better.
Konchesky: At fault on the first goal conceded.
Lucas: 6 Did OK at the center.
Meireles: 6 At fault on the second goal conceded.
Maxi: 5.5 No crossing on the right...
Gerrard: 6 Could not lift the team.
Cole: 5.5 Wasted on the left.
Torres: 6 No service provided.

Substitutions:
Ngog: 6 Could not provide more spark for the team.
Babel: 6.5 Have a great run and should be rewarded with a start.
Jovanovic: 6 Not enough time to impress.

Roy: 5 Should go now.

Everton: 7 Credits to the toffees for playing well and be the deserved winner of the match.

Man of the Match: Kyrgiakos. Still need to improve in defending.

New chapter

It's a new chapter for the Club and how nice it is to face our nice neighbor. Both sides were not doing well recently, and we need to be at our best if we want to start the winning way again.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Carragher
Skrtel
Kyrgiakos
Konchesky
Lucas
Meireles
Maxi
Gerrard
Cole
Torres

Result 2:0

Welcome on board, NESV!

It's good to have finally get rid of G&H. Together, let's build a winning team, and you'll never walk alone!

Match Report 101002 vs Blackpool: Shame

1-2 and the result is simply unacceptable. The players have no heart, the manager is clueless and the fans are angry about this. Should we lose the derby Roy should probably leave before further damage is done.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7 Tried his best to reduce the damage.
Johnson: 5.5 Horrible defending.
Skrtel: 5.5 Poor defending.
Kyrgiakos: 6 Scored a goal but his defending was horrible.
Carragher: 6 Did OK on an unfamiliar left back position.
Meireles: 6 Limited his talent on the right.
Gerrard: 6.5 Could not lift the team.
Poulsen: 5 Shouldn't have played.
Cole: 6 Frustuated on the left.
Torres: 6 Played 10 minutes and injured.
Kuyt: 6.5 Worked hard as usual.

Substitutions:
Ngog: 6 Could not turn the game.
Jovanovic: 6 A better performance.
Maxi: 6 Not enough time to impress.

Roy: 4 Does he know what he is doing?

Blackpool: 7.5 Well deserved winner. Credits to them and please keep it up.

Man of the Match: Reina. But one man alone can't save us.

New month

After a very poor September finally we are entering October at 18th place. The team needs a result to kick start the season, but Blackpool is on a high recently. So we definitely need to improve a lot if we want to win this game.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Johnson
Carragher
Skrtel
Kelly
Gerrard
Poulsen
Kuyt
Meireles
Cole
Torres

Result 2:0

September Month Report

1W4D1L and we are unable to win in the league and are already out of League Cup. Hodgson seems to be unable to do anything to inspire the team and with October coming, it will be a crucial time for the club, both on the pitch and off the pitch. We need to start winning and get ourselves some momentum.

Players of the month (1) Reina 7.0 (2) Carragher 6.63 (3) Meireles 6.62. Reina is solid in general over the month. Carra is as usual solid at the back, and Meireles did OK for his first month with the club.

October Prediction:
10/3 Blackpool (h) Blackpool is going strong so we need to play better if we want to get 3 points.
10/17 Everton (a) Derby game but both teams are not doing well...
10/21 Napoli (a) A win at Italy would mean we get closer to qualification.
10/24 Blackburn Rovers (h) Home in is needed to shut Big Sam's month.
10/31 Bolton Wanderers (a) Another physical game to test the players's strength.

Match Report 100929 at Utrecht: Another disappointing draw

0-0 and luckily result elsewhere suited us, but once again it is another boring draw. We have no width and the midfield duo of Lucas and Poulsen could not provide any service to Torres and Kuyt. And most worrying at all, Hodgson could not do anything to inspire the players.

Player Rating:
Reina: 7.5 Made a few saves although at times look shaky.
Johnson: 6 Overlap a lot but could not provide any help.
Carragher: 6.5 Did well from the vice captain.
Skrtel: 6 A flat performance.
Kelly: 5.5 Tough night for the young kid at an unfamiliar position.
Meireles: 6.5 Did better in 1H but fade out soon.
Lucas: 6 Many mispasses
Poulsen: 6 Slightly better than last game.
Cole: 6 Did not feel comfortable on the left.
Kuyt: 7 Worked hard on his return to homeland.
Torres: 6 No service and ruined his only chance.

Substitution:
Maxi: 6 Not much contribution.

Roy: 5.5 Could not lift the team and it is another clueless performance by the manager.

Utrecht: 6.5 Solid at the back and would regret not to win the game.

Man of the Match: Reina. Solid in general.

Kuyt comes home

It's the homecoming match for Kuyt and he will no doubt be fired up. We also need to get a result in order to build up momentum into the league, so we would be fielding a strong squad and hope to bring another 3 points home.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Johnson
Carragher
Skrtel
Kelly
Lucas
Poulsen
Kuyt
Meireles
Cole
Torres

Result 2:0

Match Report 100925 vs Sunderland: Slump continues

2:2 and our worst ever start in Premier League continues. We scored an intelligent goal (which is legal and valid, shut up Bruce) but then conceded two goals, before Gerrard rescued us again. We could have win it but the finishing denied us another goal. Hodgson's insistence of not using all 3 substitutes and 4231 could have cost us a lot. True, 4231 is the way to go, but Torres is still not fully fit and need someone to support him. Plus Gerrard is play like two men in the midfield so we may not concede that many possession as you may expect. We definitely need a win to kick start our season.

Players Rating:
Reina: 6.5 Helpless on both goals conceded.
Johnson: 6.5 Still better going forward than defense.
Carragher: 6.5 Lead the defense.
Skrtel: 6.5 Go forward often.
Konchesky: 6 Injured early on.
Gerrard: 7.5 Scored an important equalizer but could not drive us to victory.
Poulsen: 5.5 Conceded a needless and was in general poor.
Kuyt: 7 Back with a clever goal.
Meireles: 6.5 A good display.
Cole: 6.5 Getting better and better.
Torres: 7 Gradually improved his condition.

Substitutions:
Agger: 6.5 Solid defense and should have score the winner.
Ngog: 7 Came on and give us more attacking options.

Roy: 5.5 Should have play Ngog more often and be more proactive in substitutions.

Sunderland: 6.5 Would be delighted with getting a point home.

Man of the Match: Gerrard. Once again saved us from further embarrassment.

Relegation fight

After 5 league games we are sitting at 16th place and the match against Sunderland is now like a relegation fight. We are playing poorly and we need to get a result as soon as possible, and anything but a win will mean the Club will have more pressure.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Johnson
Carragher
Skrtel
Konchesky
Gerrard
Poulden
Kuyt
Meireles
Cole
Torres

Result 2:0

Match Report 100922 vs Northampton: Shame

2:2 and we lost the penalty shootout to a League 2 team. Can Roy steer us through the storm? Very doubtful.

Players Rating:
All very poor. The experienced players did not perform and the youngsters could not cope with it. Do we have a future?

Roy: 5 Toothless in preventing us from further sinking.

Northampton: 7 Credits to them in playing the game of their life.

Man of the Match. Spearing. But still the whole team is unacceptable.

Kids to shine

League cup is a good venue for the kids to show us how good they are, and for many years we have not have a good draw, except this year. No disrespect to Northampton, but the gap of the class should be big enough for the kids and B team to go through.

My Team Prediction:
Jones
Kelly
Kyrgiakos
Agger
Wilson
Spearing
Shelvey
Dalla Valle
Pacheco
Babel
Ngog

Result 2:0

Match Report 100919 at Manchester United: So close, so far away

2-3 and this is a really heart breaking scoreline considered we come back from 2 goals down. At the end the mistake of the defense is costly, and we went home empty handed. The good thing is that we did better and better into second half, and looks like the shape of Roy's team is gradually completed. From next game onward we need to go out and win more games.

Players Rating:
Reina: 6 Can't be fault on all three goals, as defense let him down.
Johnson: 6 Did well going forward.
Carragher: 6 Solid in general but at the end can't mark Berbatov and let in the third goal.
Skrtel: 6 Should do better in covering Carra.
Konchesky: 6 Failed to defense the post for the first goal conceded.
Gerrard: 7 Scored two goals but at the end was not enough.
Poulsen: 6.5 Did much better in 2H.
Maxi: 6 Very ineffective.
Meireles: 6.5 Gradually gelled with the team.
Cole: 6.5 Have a killer pass that lead in the penalty.
Torres: 6 No supply and still picking up his form.

Substitutions:
Ngog: 6.5 Came up and give us some more attacking options.
Jovanovic/Agger: 6 Did not do much when coming up.

Roy: 6 Would be disappointed in conceded a late goal, but he should also take note of the gradually improved performance in the 2H.

Manchester United: 7 One man show and whether their leaky defense and aged squad will sustain is questionable.

Man of the Match: Gerrard. Need to help Torres to find his form as well.

With hope in your heart

It's the toughest game of the year and we are not in a good shape. Torres is still not sharp, Kuyt is injured, new boys still need time to gel and we are still affected by the off the field incidents, but the players will be fired up and will try to get a result.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Johnson
Carragher
Skrtel
Konchesky
Gerrard
Meireles
Maxi
Cole
Jovanovic
Torres

Result 2:0

Match Report 100916 vs Steaua Bucharest: Nice start in Europe League

4-1 and this is a very impressive result from the team. Many of the reserve team players played in this game and they did well to impress the manager. The victory makes us comfortably sitting at the top of the table, and is a morale boaster before the big game on Sunday.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7 Solid display from the captain.
Kelly: 7 Impressive performance from the youngster.
Kyrgiakos: 7 Very dangerous when coming up and gained us the penalty.
Agger: 7 Good performance after the weekend snub.
Konchesky: 7 Good home debut.
Meireles: 7 Dynamo in the midfield.
Spearing: 7 Worked hard and provided a nice assist to the final goal.
Maxi: 6.5 A bit quiet.
Cole: 7 Scored a nice goal to open his Anfield account.
Babel: 7 Did well to impress the manager.
Ngog: 7.5 Scored two nice goals.

Substitutions:
Lucas: 7.5 Scored a wonder goal that even Stevie G applauds.
Pacheco/Eccleston: 6.5 Good display from the kids.

Roy: 7 Would be delighted about the second half performance. Now we need to keep this up and maintain it for 90 minutes.

Steaua Bucharest: 6 Had a good chance and took it. But at the end the difference of class makes a difference.

Man of the Match: Ngog. Silence his critics.

Second tier game

With United visit on Sunday Roy will not play our big guns in this game. We have not played Steaua for many years but they will not be easy opponent, and our boys need to be really stand up and be counted if we want to win the game.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Johnson
Carragher
Agger
Kyrgiakos
Meireles
Poulsen
Maxi
Cole
Babel
Ngog

Result 2:0

Match Report 100912 at Birmingham City: Disappointing draw

0-0 and this is the 7th consecutive draw with Birmingham. We did poorly and does not deserve to win the game, and thanks to the heroic performance of Reina, we managed to keep a clean sheet and a draw. More rebuilding works need to be done, but we need to sort it out quickly.

Players Rating:
Reina: 8 Superb saves to keep us one point home.
Johnson: 5.5 Horrible defending.
Carragher: 7.5 Vision on the ball is still second to none.
Skrtel: 6 Defend poorly.
Konchesky: 6.5 A nice debut before pulling his hamstring.
Lucas: 6 Uninspired performance.
Poulsen: 6 Invisible in 1H but gradually picking up in 2H.
Maxi: 6 Ineffective on both flanks.
Gerrard: 6.5 Tried hard but failed to deliver.
Jovanovic: 6 Not doing enough.
Torres: 6 Poor performance as there is no supply.

Substitutions:
Meireles: 6.5 Nice debut performance.
Agger: 6.5 Came up and did OK.

Roy: 6 Need to work hard in bringing the team on form. Some tough game coming up...

Birmingham City: 6.5 Credits to them in playing well at home.

Man of the Match: Reina. Yet another superb performance.

Break the duck

After the international break we are now back to the league. Birmingham at home is tough to beat and under Rafa we have not beat them in the league. New boys will get a chance to play, and we need to start break the duck.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Johnson
Carragher
Skrtel
Aurelio
Gerrard
Poulsen
Maxi
Meireles
Jovanovic
Torres

Result 2:0