Match Report 110422 vs West Bromwich Albion: Same old story

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

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

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

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

West Bromwich Albion: 6 Lucky for them.

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

Welcome and no thanks Roy

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

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

Result 2:0

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Seize the moment

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

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

Result 2:0

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Be confident

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

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

Result 2:0

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

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

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

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

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

Aston Villa: 6.5 Will survive this season.

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

Doni as savior

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

My Team Prediction:

Doni

Flanagan

Carragher

Skrtel

Enrique

Spearing

Kuyt

Gerrard

Shelvey

Bellamy

Suarez

Result 2:0

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A game of no significance

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

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

Result 2:0

March Month Review

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

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

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

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

Match Report 120324 vs Wigan Athletic: No way out

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

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

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

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

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

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

Give kids a chance

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

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

Result 2:0

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

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

Keep it up

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

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

Result 2:0

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cup is our priority

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

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

Result 2:0

Match Report 120313 vs Everton: Captain Marvel

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

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

Substitution:
Kuyt: 7 Worked hard as usual.

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

Everton: 5.5 A really toothless performance.

Man of the Match: Gerrard.  Captain Marvel.

Save the season

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

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

Result 2:0

Match Report 120310 at Sunderland: Disappointment

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

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

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

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

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

Sunderland: 6.5 Only win by a bit of luck.

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

Season restarts

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

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

Result 2:0

Match Report 120303 vs Arsenal: 4th place almost over

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

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

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

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

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

Man of the Match: Henderson.  A confident performance.

Fight for 4th place

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

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

Result 2:0

February Month Review

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bring the Cup home

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

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

Result 2:0

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Have a good cup run

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

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

Result 2:0

Everyone must perform

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

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

Result 2:0

Match Report 120206 vs Tottenham Hotspur: Anfield cat rules

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

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

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

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

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

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

Welcome back, Suarez

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

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Johnson
Skrtel
Agger
Enrique
Spearing

Gerrard
Henderson
Bellamy
Suarez
Carroll

Result 2:0

January Month Report

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

King Kenny: 7.5 Would be delighted about the performance.

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

Man of the Match: Spearing. A nice lad.

No more slips

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

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

Result 2:0

Match Report 120128 vs Manchester United: Superb win

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

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

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

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

Manchester United: 6.5 That's fate.

Man of the Match: Skrtel.  A superb defender.

Big game

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

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Johnson
Skrtel
Agger
Enrique
Adam
Gerrard

Kuyt
Henderson
Downing
Bellamy

Result 2:0

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Finish the job

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

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

Result 2:0

Match Report 120121 at Bolton Wanderers: Disgrace

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

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

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

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

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

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

Score some goals

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

My Team Prediction:

Reina

Johnson

Skrtel

Agger

Enrique

Spearing

Downing

Gerrard

Henderson

Bellamy

Carroll

Result 2:0

Match Report 120114 vs Stoke City: No creativity

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

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

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

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

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

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

Solid defending required

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

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

Result 2:0

Match Report 120111 at Manchester City: Advantage Liverpool

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

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

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

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

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

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

Round 2

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

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

Result 2:0

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

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

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

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

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

Oldham Athletic: 7 A decent game.

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

Take it seriously

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

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

Result 2:0

Match Report 120103 at Manchester City: Reality check

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tough games ahead

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

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

Result 2:0

2011/12 Mid Term Report

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

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

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

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

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

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




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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

December Month Report

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

End the year with a high

It was not a good year but we still need to end it with a high.  Suarez is suspended for the game so this is a perfect time for Carroll and Bellamy to prove they can help.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Johnson
Skrtel
Agger
Enrique
Downing
Adam
Henderson
Maxi
Bellamy
Carroll

Result 2:0

Match Report 111226 vs Blackburn Rovers: No confidence

1:1 and once again the lack of confidence at goal costed us another two points.  We have enough chance to kill off the games but we just can't finish it.  King Kenny really need to address this problem in the new year.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7 Denied another clean sheet by an unlucky own goal.
Johnson: 7 Solid performance.
Skrtel: 7 Superb assist.
Agger: 7 Solid defending and should have scored in the last minute.
Enrique: 7 Defended with ease.
Downing: 7 Should have scored.
Adam: 6 Scored an own goal and did not played well.
Henderson: 6.5 Solid but not impressive with some good passing.
Maxi: 7 Scored a great header.
Suarez: 7 Wasted too many chances.
Carroll: 6 Still not in form.

Substitutions:
Gerrard: 7 Good to see him return but need more time to improve form.
Bellamy: 6.5 Not enough time to impress.

King Kenny: 6.5 Need to improve the confidence of the players immediately.

Blackburn Rovers: 7 Credits to them in defending really well.

Man of the Match: Skrtel.  A superb assist and good defending.

Christmas Present

It is the festive time of the season and let's forget all the unhappiness and try to win every game from now on.  Blackburn is at the bottom of the league and we need to show no mercy and bring home the three points.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Johnson
Skrtel
Agger
Enrique
Spearing
Kuyt
Adam
Henderson
Downing
Suarez

Result 2:0

Match Report 111221 at Wigan Athletic: Affected

0:0 and the result is a bit disappointing.  We have many chances, even had a penalty saved, and failed to breakthrough.  Surely the players are affected by the news of the Suarez suspension, but the team formation was a bit strange with no defensive midfielder and as a result we lost the midfield easily.  It is another 2 point loss, and we need to work harder and harder now or top 4 will be out of our reach.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7.5 Made a few important saves to keep the clean sheet.
Johnson: 7 Have a great run and almost scored.
Skrtel: 7 Solid defending.
Agger: 7 Good on both ends of the pitch.
Enrique: 7 Solid defending.
Downing: 6 Started well but faded quickly
Adam: 6 Had a poorly taken penalty saved.
Henderson: .6.5 Nice passing but failed to sparkle the team.
Maxi: 6.5 Solid but unimpressive performance.
Kuyt: 7 A good performance.

Suarez: 7 A bit quiet.

Substitutions:
Bellamy: 6.5 Fight hard for the team.
Shelvey: 6.5 Another solid performance.
Carroll: 6.5 Needs more game time.

King Kenny: 6.5 Need to improve the form of the strikers.

Wigan Athletic: 7 A good tactic with 3 at the back.

Man of the Match: Reina.  Captain lead with example.

Suarez will never walk alone

It is probably the joke of the century that Suarez is found guilty in racism by the FA.  This is completely rubbish.  The Club and us supporters will be fully in support of Suarez, and we will fight to clear his name.  YNWA.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Johnson
Skrtel
Agger
Enrique
Adam
Downing
Henderson
Shelvey
Bellamy
Suarez

Result 2:0

Match Report 111218 at Aston Villa: A fine performance

2:0 and we won comfortably with two goals up in 15 minutes.  We should have win by a bigger margin but at the end the woodwork denied Suarez twice, and we are settled with a nice win.  In general this is a fine performance that we should be happy with.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7.5 Another clean sheet.
Johnson: 7 A good performance.
Skrtel: 7.5 Power header.
Agger: 7.5 Another neat and tidy perforamance.
Enrique: 7 Solid performance.

Shelvey: 7.5 A nice start.
Adam: 7.5 Good performance.
Downing: 7.5 Fearless to the boos.
Henderson: 7 Neatly organizing from the middle.
Bellamy: 8 One goal, one assist.
Suarez: 8 As usual, all round performance apart from finishing.

Substitutions:
Carroll: 7 Did not do much.
Carragher: 6.5 Age is counting on him.
Kuyt: 7 Not enough time to impress.

King Kenny: 7.5 Would be delighted about the teamwork.

Aston Villa: 6 Did very poorly.

Men of the Match: Bellamy/Suarez.  Deadly couple.

Tough away game

Villa had been doing fine this year and so it will not be an easy task.  Downing may be booed by the Villa fans but it is now time for him to finally deliver.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Johnson
Skrtel
Agger
Enrique
Kuyt
Adam
Henderson
Maxi
Bellamy
Suarez

Result 2:0

Match Report 111210 vs Queen's Park Rangers: Home victory

1:0 and it was an overdue first home win since September 24.  We still have the problem of not scoring goals at home, but fortunately Suarez broke his duck and scored a superb header.  We did had many chances but their goalkeeper was in superb form and as a result we cannot break through it.  At the end, a superb header from Suarez is enough to bring us the very important 3 points.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7.5 Not much to do and earned another clean sheet comfortably.
Johnson: 7 Solid in general.
Skrtel: 7.5 A rock in the middle.
Agger: 7 Solid defending.
Enrique: 7 Good on both ends.
Downing: 7.5 Had a few great crosses but the strikers can't finish it.
Henderson: 7 A solid but not impressive performance.
Adam: 7.5 A good assist as birthday gift.
Maxi: 7.5 Denied a hat-trick of chances.
Kuyt: 7.5 A good performance as usual.
Suarez: 8 Scored a magnificent header.

Substitutions:
Bellamy: 7 Almost curve in a free kick.
Shelvey: 7 Provided more defensive cover when called upon.

King Kenny: 7 Would be delighted about the result but still need to work hard on the strikers.

Queen's Park Rangers: 6 Not doing much in the game but were very difficult to beat.

Man of the Match: Suarez.  Need to score more from now on.

Score a cracker tonight

It is the 26th birthday of our #26 tonight and let's hope he will score a cracker and win the game tonight.  QPR hasn't been to Anfield for many years, but we did not play well against weaker teams this season, so we need to find a way to breakthrough it.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Johnson
Skrtel
Agger
Enrique
Kuyt
Adam
Henderson
Maxi
Suarez
Bellamy

Result 2:0

Match Report 111205 at Fulham: Nightmare

0:1 and it was a nightmare result from many dubious decisions by the referee.  We failed to fine a way to drill through the Fulham defense and when we did, Suarez' goal was wrongly ruled offside.  Spearing was harshly sent off and now Suarez may face further trouble as the FA is charging him misconduct.  We have a tough month to go...

Players Rating:
Reina: 6 Made many great saves in the match but unfortunately a simple error was also made and we lost 3 points.
Johnson: 7 Solid in attack and defense.
Skrtel: 7 Solid in defense.
Agger: 7 Elegant as usual.
Enrique: 7.5 Did well on both ends.
Henderson: 6.5 Had a nice attempt hitting the post.
Adam: 7 Did well in the middle.
Spearing: 7 Solid in defending and was harshly sent off.
Bellamy: 7 Fight for the team.
Suarez: 6.5 A wrongly ruled offside goal.
Carroll: 6 Still not up to standard.

Substitutions:
Kuyt: 6.5 Worked hard when called up.
Downing: 6:5 Had a great shot hit the post.

King Kenny: 6.5 Wrongly denied another victory, but need to find way to improve Suarez' goal scoring record and to fill Lucas' big hole.

Fulham: 7 Credit to them to defend well.

Man of the Match: Enrique.  Steadily performance as usual.

Maxi the London assassin

It is Fulham again and we have our London killer in Maxi.  We have lost Lucas and now is the turn for the other players need to raise their game and win it for our mighty Brazilian.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Johnson
Skrtel
Agger
Enrique
Kuyt
Adam
Spearing
Maxi
Bellamy
Suarez

Result 2:0

November Month Report

2W2D and we are on a 11 game unbeaten streak since mid September.  The month started with a disappointing draw at home vs newcomer Swansea, but after the international break we steer up a gear and beaten Chelsea twice, with a good draw vs the leader.  The team is finding some momentum, but as Lucas is injured, the other midfielders need to steer up and win the games for him.

Players of the month: Reina/Agger/Lucas 7.5  All three of them played really well in the month and are deserved winners.  It is also worth noting that Bellamy also did very well in the month whenever he is called upon with 3 assists.

December prediction:
12/5 Fulham (a) Another west London game and we need to take 3 points home.
12/10 Queen's Park Rangers (h)  Another home game against newcomer and we need to make sure we did well to get 3 points.
12/18 Aston Villa (a) A tough away game but we should have enough power to win it.
12/21 Wigan Athletic (a) Wigan is in trouble so we need to take our chance well.
12/26 Blackburn Rovers (h) Blackburn is at the bottom of the league but still we should avoid any post Christmas tiredness.
12/30 Newcastle United (h) The Mappies are the surprise package this year, so we need to be careful about them.

Match Report 111129 at Chelsea: A strong performance

2:0 and it is a very good performance for the team as a whole.  With 7 changes made and we still can file a strong squad shows how much stronger the team has become.  We may be a bit lucky of not conceding a penalty in 1H, but at the end the two goals scored are of high quality, especially the delivery from Craig.

Our luckless in draws continues with City again, but we will become stronger when facing strong teams.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7.5 Made a few great saves in keeping another clean sheet.
Kelly: 7.5 Scored a well deserved first goal for the team.
Carragher: 7.5 Solid in defense.
Coates: 7.5 Won't afraid to make tackles and was getting more and more confident.
Enrique: 7.5 Another good performance.
Henderson: 7.5 A great vision pass for the first goal.
Lucas: 7.5 Get well soon.
Spearing: 7 A solid performance.
Maxi: 7.5 London killer did it again.
Bellamy: 8.5 2 superb assists.
Carroll: 7 Missed a poor penalty but in general he has done well.

Substitutions:
Adam: 7 Solid performance.
Kuyt/Skrtel: 7 Not enough time to impress.

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

Chelsea: 6 Poor in defending as usual.

Man of the Match: Bellamy.  His mate Gary will be proud of him.

Progression

After a tough game on Sunday the focus is now back to the League Cup, with Chelsea awaiting.  The FA has been a disgrace in forcing us to play within 48 hours of the League game, but King Kenny will make sure a strong team will be fielded so that we will play well and go through to the next round.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Kelly
Carragher
Coates
Enrique
Kuyt
Adam
Lucas
Maxi
Bellamy
Carroll

Result 2:0

Match Report 111127 vs Manchester City: Another 2 points loss

1:1 and although we are facing the league leader and was trailing behind, it still feels like a 2 points loss given the domination we had in the game.  Nevertheless a draw is still a good result, but we need to find a way to win at Anfield.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7.5 Acted like a sweeper to clear the lines.
Johnson: 7.5 Another good performance.
Skrtel: 7.5 Solid at the back.
Agger: 7.5 Good game at both ends.
Enrique: 7.5 Grown bigger at the defense.
Kuyt: 7.5 Did well and should have scored and win the game.
Adam: 7.5 Should have take more shots.
Lucas: 8 Giant in the middle.
Downing: 7 A few deadly crosses made.
Henderson: 6.5 Forced to drop too deep and failed to link up with Suarez.
Suarez: 7.5 Was isolated but still very dangerous.

Substitution:
Carroll: 6.5 Should have scored in the dying minute.

King Kenny: 7.5 Would be delighted about the performance in general, but still need to improve the shooting accuracy and conversion rate.

Manchester City: 7 A slightly off day but still they should be the Champion this year.

Man of the Match: Lucas.  Improved a lot over the years.

Beat the leader

City has revamped their squad very well and are rightly to sit at the top of the table, so it will be a very tough match for us, even though we have the home court advantage.  Needless to say, we need to be at our very top in order to beat them.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Johnson
Skrtel
Agger
Enrique
Kuyt
Adam
Lucas
Maxi
Bellamy
Suarez

Result 2:0

Match Report 111120 at Chelsea: A morale boasting win

2:1 and King Kenny's superb record against Chelsea continues.  We did very well in the first half but was only 1 goal up, and in the second half we let them played the ball and equalized.  Nevertheless, the players have the determination to win the game and at the end a fine-taken goal by Glen Johnson against his former club settled the game.  It was a great win, but we need to keep at this level if we want to grab the top four spots.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7.5 A superb save in 1-1 to keep to keep us in the game.
Johnson: 8 A superb goal to win us the game.
Skrtel: 7.5 Rock solid defending.
Agger: 7.5 Good defending performance.
Enrique: 7 A good performance.
Kuyt: 7.5 A hardworking performance.
Adam: 8 Best performance to date.
Lucas: 7.5 Solid in the middle.
Maxi: 7.5 Clever runs and scored a great goal.
Bellamy: 7.5 Unselfish performance with a nice assist.
Suarez: 7.5 Causing all kinds of troubles.

Substitutions:
Henderson: 7.5 Middle of the field is his best position.
Downing: 7 Provided some fresh legs to stretch the field.
Carroll: 7 Not enough time to impress.

King Kenny: 7.5 A good tactical play and a well deserved win.  But need to maintain the consistency.

Chelsea: 7 Defense was getting worse.

Men of the Match: Adam/Johnson.  Both played very well.

Tough games ahead

The last 3 matches of November couldn't be harder, and we may end up get zero points and out of the League Cup by the end of the month.  It is no doubt that players need to be stand up and be counted.  It will be difficult, but fans are 100% supporting the team for sure.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Johnson
Carragher
Skrtel
Enrique
Kuyt
Adam
Lucas
Downing
Bellamy
Suarez

Result 2:0

Match Report 111105 vs Swansea City: A very poor performance

0-0 and once again we cannot beat a newly promoted team at home.  Surely we have many chances and luck was not on our side with yet another shot hitting the post, but the players should take more responsibility and be more eager to win it.  One thing for sure is that with performance at this level, we will be lucky to finish top 7, let alone top 4.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7.5 Made a few crucial saves and otherwise we may lose the game...
Johnson: 6.5 Shaky defending.
Skrtel: 6.5 Solid in defending.
Agger: 7 Solid defending and was a bit lucky not to concede a penalty.
Enrique: 7 Did well in attack.
Henderson: 6 Very poor performance and offered nothing to the team.
Adam: 6 A very bad game.
Lucas: 7 Tried very hard but failed to inspire the team.
Downing: 6 Still failed to deliver the ball when we need him to do so.
Suarez: 6.5 Was dis-interested about the game.
Carroll: 6 Still don't play well in the team.

Substitutions:
Kuyt: 6.5 Could not inspire the team to victory.
Bellamy: 6.5 Failed to follow the script and score the winning goal.

King Kenny: 6 Unable to inspire the team, unable to improve the scoring.  With no Gerrard and Carra, what shall we do?

Swansea City: 7.5 A very good performance and they should be able to stay up.

Man of the Match: Reina.  A bit disappointed but this is his 150th clean sheets for us.

Welcome our friends from Wales

It is the first time we meet Swansea in the Premier League, and they had been doing very well so far, especially at home.  But we are playing them at Anfield so there is no excuse for us.  And we need to make sure we take our chances so that we will not be losing point at home again.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Johnson
Skrtel
Agger
Enrique
Kuyt
Adam
Lucas
Bellamy
Suarez
Carroll

Result 2:0

October Month Report

3W2D and we continued our 7 game unbeaten run.  The month started with a morale boasting win at Goodison Park.  International break then interrupted, and we drew two successful games at home.  Then we finally beat the jinx and beat Stoke at Britannia, and the month ended with a nice win at West Bromwich.


Players of the month (1) Suarez 7.69 (2) Enrique 7.38 (3) Lucas 7.27.  The three best players of the season just keep occupying the top 3 positions, and their performance are really eye catching.  Apart from the big 3, Bellamy also did very well despite not running enough minutes.

November prediction:
11/5 Swansea (h) Swansea is the surprised team and we need to be careful and take our chances to avoid another home setback.
11/20 Chelsea (a) A tough away game but Chelsea seems to be in a bit of transition so we need to take our chance.
11/27 Manchester City (h) City is the strongest team and it would be an extremely difficult game for us.
11/30 Chelsea (a) The League Cup draw has been cruel to us, and we need to be at our full strength if we want to visit Wembley.

Match Report 111029 at West Bromwich Albion: A nice win

2-0 and it was another nice win despite without Gerrard and Carra.  We started the game well with a slightly controversial penalty scored in the 9th minute, and at the end of the first half Carroll extended the lead and the game is all settled.  It was a fairly straight forward game, and at the end of the day the gap of qualify between the two teams really makes a difference.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7.5 A good game rewarded with a clean sheet.
Johnson: 7 Good run in the team.
Skrtel: 7.5 Solid defending with almost faultless passes.
Agger: 7.5 Good performance and hope he will have an extended run of injury free.
Enrique: 7.5 Good performance.
Henderson: 7 Solid performance without too much flash.
Adam: 7.5 Scored a nice penalty.
Lucas: 7.5 Solid protection to the defense.
Downing: 6.5 A bit disappointed with his crossings.
Suarez: 8 Lively as usual.
Carroll: 7.5 Scored a nice goal.

Substitution:
Bellamy: 7 Another lively performance.

King Kenny: 7 Would be delighted about the professional performance of the team, although he still needs to find a way to improve the new boys, especially Carroll, Henderson and Downing.

West Bromwich Albion: 6 May feel a bit unjust of the penalty but in general the result is fair.

Man of the Match: Suarez.  He just keep running and menacing defense.

Avoid the bite by the old dog

It is our second time facing Hodgson's team after he left, and he seemed to always win around Halloween, so we need to be very careful.  With a tough game at Stoke in midweek King Kenny will make some changes.  And we need to start improving our scoring accuracy now.

My Team Predictions:
Reina
Johnson
Carragher
Agger
Enrique
Lucas
Adam
Kuyt
Gerrard
BellamyCarroll

Result 2:0

Match Report 111026 at Stoke City: Great spirit drive us victory

2-1 and this is the first time we came home with a victory at Britannia Stadium.  What's more, it is also the first time Suarez scored 2 goals for us in a game, and the first time we won came from behind under King Kenny's second spell.  The fighting spirit of the team was high and at the end we fully deserved to qualify for the next round.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7 Solid in defending.
Kelly: 7 Did well in the game.
Carragher: 6 A bit poor in his standard.
Agger: 7 Had a solid game.
Coates: 6.5 Apart from a mistake that lead to the goal he was solid in general.
Henderson: 7 Great ball that lead to the winning goal.
Lucas: 7 Solid defending.
Spearing: 7.5 Had a very good game.
Maxi: 7 Good game in runnning down the frank.
Suarez: 8 Two great goals that win us the game.
Carroll: 6.5 Gradually picking up his form.

Substitutions:
Skrtel: 7 Solid defending when called upon.
Bellamy: 7 Provided us some more attacking options.
Kuyt: 7 Good support to both attacks and defendings when came on.

King Kenny: 7 Would be very delighted about how the team responded from trailing a goal.

Stoke City: 6.5 Still very tough to beat at home, and we made it.

Man of the Match: Suarez.  But need to improve his shooting.

Tough game ahead

We will face Stoke again in the League Cup.  They are still unbeaten at home this season and it will be a physical and tough game for us.  We would need to be very tough in order to beat them and qualify for next round. 

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Kelly
Coates
Agger
Enrique
Henderson

Lucas
Spearing
BellamySuarez
Carroll

Result 2:0

Match Report 111022 vs Norwich City: Home form let us down

1-1 and once again we cannot kill off a newly promoted team at home.  With more than 20 shots we should have wrapped up the game early on, but once again our finishing had let us down, and we just could not score the second goal that virtually put the game to and end, and we let Norwich to fight back.  It was again another 2 points loss, and if we play like this, 4th place will be very difficult.

Players Rating:
Reina: 6 Poor timing and let to the goal conceded.
Johnson: 7 Did well in his first start of the season.
Carragher: 7 Solid defending.
Skrtel: 7 Had a great chance in the opening minutes but hit the bar.
Enrique: 7 Very lively.
Downing: 6 Did very poor on the right.
Gerrard: 6.5 Forced to sit back but it was not his more useful position.
Adam: 6 A poor performance.
Bellamy: 7.5 Scored a great goal.
Suarez: 7.5 Very lively but his finishing let him down.
Kuyt: 6.5 Tried hard but couldn't score the winner.

Substitutions:
Henderson: 6 Ineffective.
Carroll: 7 Missed a glorious header in injury time.
Agger: 6 A mystery why he was on when we need to score a winner.

King Kenny: 6 His tactics, especially the substitutions, are a bit strange.  And something need to be done to improve the goals per shots.

Norwich City: 7 Credits to them of fighting back in the second half, they deserved the point.

Man of the Match: Suarez.  But he needs to take his chances.

Be more deadly

After a somewhat disappointing draw we will entertain the new coming Norwich City at Anfield.  With the way we played we should be scoring more goals, but we have wasted many chances and surely we need to improve in this area.  Norwich will be excited to visit Anfield, and Lucas is suspended, but the team should have enough fire power to beat them.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Johnson
Carragher
Agger
Enrique
Kuyt
Gerrard
Adam
Downing
Suarez
Carroll

Result 2:0

Match Report 111015 vs Manchester United: 2 points loss

1-1 and it really feel like two points loss.  It was not the best game but we have enough chances to win the game.  Unfortunately it is the same old problem that we created many chances but did not take them well.  Anyway this game also proved we are getting closer and closer to top 4, but we need to take our chances.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7 Did not have a single saved made.
Kelly: 7 Solid defending.
Carragher: 7 Did well as usual.
Skrtel: 7 Loss his man and conceded the goal, but in general he did well.
Enrique: 7 Linked up with the forwards well.
Adam: 7 Nice set pieces as usual.
Lucas: 7 Felt a bit tired after the travellings.
Kuyt: 7 Have a glorious chance saved.
Gerrard: 7.5 A lucky free kick for his 50th Anfield league goal.
Downing: 7 Still not playing to his potential.
Suarez: 7 Did well and could won us the game.

Substitution:
Henderson: 7.5 Very lively and have a few great chances.

King Kenny: 7 Would be delighted about the performance in general, but need to work out how to take our chances and tighten up the defense.

Manchester United: 7 Still the team to beat, but they shown us lots of respects in a 4-5-1 formation.

Man of the Match: Gerrard.  Good to see the captain back with a goal.

One year on

A year ago FSG came to our rescue and we have new owners.  After a year we have made a lot of improvements, but we are still some way behind.  Today we will meet our biggest rival.  Although a win does not mean we will win the title, but it will mean we are getting closer and closer.  King Kenny has a full squad to choose from, but whoever starts will need to make sure they are fully committed.


My Team Prediction:
Reina
Johnson
Carragher
Agger
Enrique
Kuyt
Gerrard
Lucas
Downing
Suarez
Carroll

Result 2:0

Match Report 111001 at Everton: An important victory

2:0 and every derby win is very important.  The match was quite even in the first 20 minutes, but after Rodwell was sent off there should only be 1 winner.  We played patiently and at the end two find fine goals by Carroll and Suarez and we became the clear winner of the game.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7.5 Did well to keep another cleansheet.
Kelly: 7 Solid defending.
Carragher: 7 Good display in the middle.
Skrtel: 7 Not really challenged.
Enrique: 8 Solid defending and good runs upfront with a well deserved assist.
Kuyt: 7.5 A nice assist despite having a good penalty saved.
Adam: 7 Unlucky to hit the bar.
Lucas: 7.5 Another solid performance.
Downing: 6.5 Not very effective.
Suarez: 8 His never say die spirit won us a one man advantage, a penalty, a goal and a victory.
Carroll: 7.5 Scored his first league goal of the season in an important game.

Substitutions:
Gerrard: 7 Another good run after injury.
Bellamy: 7.5 Give us more options in attack.
Henderson: 6.5 Not enough time to impress.

King Kenny: 7 Would be delighted about the team's spirit.

Everton: 6.5 Couldn't match with ten men.

Men of the Match: Enrique/Suarez.  Superb performances on both ends of the pitch.

Back to where it ends

It's 7,500 days since King Kenny last stood in the Goodison Park dugout, and now he is back and is going to finish his unfinished business.  A derby is always tough and we need to play very well to go home with 3 points.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Kelly
Carragher
Skrtel
Enrique
Kuyt
Adam
Lucas
Downing
Suarez
Carroll

Result 2:0

September Month Report

2W2L and we suffered our first dip of the season.  The month started with 2 defeats at Stoke (undeserved) and Spur (well deserved), and then we rebounded by winning at Brighton and vs Wolves, although not too convincing.  Anyway we are still sitting at 5th place of the table, but the next month will be very challenging with games vs our two fiercest rivals.

Players of the month (1) Suarez 7.18 (2) Lucas 6.88 (3) Enrique 6.83.  Suarez once again lead the team with one fine goal scored vs Wolves.  Lucas have become our Mr Consistency and featured well in all our league games.  And Enrique's crossing has become a great asset to us.

October prediction:
10/1 Everton (a) Derby will be tough and we need a good mentality to win it.
10/15 Manchester United (h) We need to win to close the gap.
10/22 Norwich City (h) Norwich did well in the first 2 months and this will not be a pushover game.
10/25 Stoke City (a) Once again, Britannia Stadium is a difficult place to visit and we need a revenge.
10/29 West Bromwich Albion (a) Playing against Mr Hodgson's team and we need to find a way to break them down.

Match Report 110924 vs Wolverhampton Wanderers: Back to winning days

2:1 and after two disappointing defeats we are back to winning days.  We did well overall and could be  winnig by a larger margin, but once again we did not take chances and at the end it was only a close win.  Anyway this is still a good win and moved us up to 5th place in the table.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7 Solid at the back.
Kelly: 7 A good game after the injury.
Carragher: 7 Lead the team with examples.
Skrtel: 7 Solid defending.
Enrique: A superb assist to the winning goal.
Henderson: 7 Not adventurous enough.
Adam: 7 Forced the first goal.
Lucas: 7 Solid defending as usual.
Downing: 7 A good run.
Suarez: 8 Scored a great goal and excellent all round.
Carroll: 7 Was unlucky not to have scored.

Substitutions:
Kuyt: 7 Worked hard as usual.
Gerrard: 7 Have a good shot attempt.

King Kenny: 7 Would be delighted about the result, but there are lots of improvements needed for the team.

Wolverhampton Wanderers: 7 Did well in 2H.

Man of the Match: Suarez.  Another superb goal.

Rebound in the League

After two league defeats we responded well in qualifying for the 4th round in the League Cup, despite not playing too well in the 2H, we are now back to the league playing against the Wolves. We have almost identical results recently, so both teams would like to win this match. Our players will be ready for the challenge. My Team Prediction: Reina Kelly Carragher Skrtel Enrique Adam Lucas Kuyt Gerrard Downing Suarez Result 2:0

Match Report 110921 at Brighton & Hove Albion: A good response

2:1 and this is a nice response after two successive defeats. We played very well in the first half at a difficult place, but it was a mystery that we were only one up (and hit the bar 3 times). At the second hard, Brighton improved a lot, but a fine goal by Kuyt settled the game. At the end we conceded a needless penalty, but in general there is no threat that the match will go to extra time. It is good to see Stevie G has a run of 15 minutes at the end of the game, and we need his inspiration in the coming games. Players Rating: Reina: 7 Solid in general. Kelly: 7 A good come-back game. Carragher: 7 A solid game. Coates: 6.5 Defended well but need to improve on his passing. In general a nice debut start. Robinson: 7 A good game by the young kid. Kuyt: 7 Scored a nice goal to open his account. Spearing: 6.5 A bit indecisive that lead to the penalty conceded. Had a nice shot on goal. Lucas: 7 Did very well. Maxi: 7 A nice assist. Suarez: 7 A nice assist and should have scored a few. Bellamy: 7.5 A nice goal and good all-round performance. Substitutions: Gerrard: 7 A good come-back game. Flanagan: 6.5 Not enough time to impress. King Kenny: 7 Would be delighted about the result, but still need to pay attention to the drop in performance in 2H. Brighton & Hove Albion: 6.5 Really respond well in the second half, and we might see them in the Premier League next season. Man of the Match: Bellamy. A player with heart.

Respond

After 2 defeats the focus is shifted to the League Cup, and Brighton is our next opponent. They are doing well in the Championship, sitting at 3rd place and unbeaten at home, so they will be ready to entertain the mighty Reds. And we of course need to be in full gear if we want to proceed. My Team Prediction: Reina Flanagan Carragher Coates Robinson Kuyt Gerrard Lucas Downing Bellamy Carroll Result 2:0

Match Report 110918 at Tottenham Hotspur: Tactical mistake

0:4 and it was a very poor result, probably caused by the tactical mistake that King Kenny has made. With Kelly and Johnson both injured, it was up to Skrtel to handle Bale, and in truth, he failed to do so. What's more. King Kenny try to go gung-ho and left Kuyt out of the starting 11, making us overrun by Bale. And together with some unfair treatment by the balloon ball referee, we were two men down and there was no way of return. We definitely need to learn a lesson and pick up as soon as possible. Players Rating: Reina: 6 Helpless for 3 of the goals but was responsible for the 3rd goal conceded. Skrtel: 5 Two clumsy and stupid mistake and he had an early bath. Carragher: 6 Could be better to put Carra on the right. Agger: 6 Once again injured... Enrique: 6.5 One of the better player. Henderson: 6 A quiet performance. Adam: 4 A bit harsh for the second yellow, but no complaint... Lucas: 6.5 Solid in the middle. Downing: 6 Played OK. Suarez: 6 Need to control temper at times. Carroll: 5.5 Disappointing. Substitutions: Coates: 6 Did OK on his debut and show some pace. Spearing: 6 Provided some steal in the midfield. Bellamy: 6 Not yet providing any real threat to the team. King Kenny: 5 A questionable lineup and need to regroup quickly. Tottenham Hotspur: 8 Credits have to given to them for playing so well. Would be our main thread for the race for 4th place. Men of the Match: Enrique/Lucas. We need more players like them.

North London double

After a disappointing defeat at Stoke, we are facing another tough away game at Tottenham. And this is a crucial game in the race for fourth place. Spurs have rested most of the players in the midweek Europa game, so they should be fresh in facing us. We need to be playing really well if we want to bring three points home. My Team Prediction: Reina Kelly Carragher Agger Enrique Adam Lucas Kuyt Henderson Downing Suarez Result 2:0

Match Report 110910 at Stoke City: We deserve more

0:1 and the result is disappointing. As King Kenny has rightly pointed out, we were denied a few clear cut penalties. Yet the wastage of our strikers are also to blame, as we have created so many chances but failed to take any of them. Anyway, if we play like this day-in, day-out, we will win more games for sure. Players Rating: Reina: 6.5 Can't do much about the penalty. Skrtel: 6.5 Did OK on the right back position. Carragher: 6 Hate to say that, but age is now coming to him... Agger: 7 Solid at the back. Enrique: 7 Another nice display. Henderson: 7 Should have scored the equalizer. Adam: 7 Solid display. Lucas: 7 Did well in breaking down the opponents. Downing: 7 Another impressive performance. Kuyt: 6.5 Run hard as usual. Suarez: 7.5 Very lively as usual. Substitutions: Bellamy: 7 Very lively performance. Carroll: 6 Failed to make an impact. Johnson: 6 Sorry to see him injured again. King Kenny: 6.5 Should have react quicker after trailing behind. Stoke City: 6.5 A bit lucky to win the game, but credits have to be given to their defense. Man of the Match: Suarez. Just tireless...

Physical Challenge

Britannia Stadium is a very tough place to visit and we only managed 2 draws and 1 defeats in our previous three visits. Nevertheless, the currently team is stronger and King Kenny will be more adventurous and try to get another three points there. It will be a tough physical challenge, and we will be ready for it. My Team Prediction: Reina Johnson Carragher Agger Enrique Kuyt Lucas Adam Henderson Downing Suarez Result 2:0

August Match Report

3W1D and this is a really good start to the season. The season started with a draw at home vs Sunderland despite we controlling the first half, but King Kenny really learned a lesson and then we have 3 impressive wins in a row. This bring us to 3rd place of the table and with both North London teams struggling, we really have a great chance of at least securing top 4 this season.

Players of the month (1) Suarez 7.76 (2) Adam 7.26 (3) Enrique 7.17. Suarez is a constant threat and has continued his excellent run since Copa America with 3 goals and 2 assists. Adam get into the team very well and also scored one and created two. Enrique is very solid in defense and also overlapped well with Downing on the frank.

September prediction:
9/10 Stoke City (a) A tough place to visit and this will be a very physical game.
9/18 Tottenham Hotspur (a) A key match for getting 4th place. Spur may be playing poorly recently but White Hart Lane is still a tough place to visit.
9/21 Brighton (a) Another away game in the League Cup and we still need to show up if we want to proceed.
9/24 Wolverhampton Wanderers (h) Wolves are doing well recently and they will be tough to beat.

Match Report 110827 vs Bolton Wanderers: Another nice win

3-1 and this is a very comfortable win that bring us to top 3 of the table. We control the game very well and Suarez was very lively despite not scoring and was denied at least two penalties. Now we have more options in the team and the future is really bright.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7 Very solid.
Kelly: 6.5 Solid before his injury.
Carragher: 6 A very uncharacteristic error.
Agger: 7 Another lively performance.
Enrique: 7 A good performance.
Henderson: 7.5 Opened his account with a nicely taken goal.
Adam: 7.5 A lovely corner and a superb goal.
Lucas: 7.5 Solid at the middle.
Downing: 7 Good performance.
Suarez: 8 Constant threat.
Kuyt: 7.5 Solid with two assists.

Substitutions:
Skrtel: 7.5 Came on with a nice header.
Carroll/Maxi: 7 Solid when called on.

King Kenny: 7.5 Would be delighted about how we control the game.

Bolton Wanderers: 6 Just can't match with us.

Man of the Match: Suarez. Another brilliant performance.

Continue the good run

With two impressive wins away from home the Mighty Reds are now back to Anfield, with Bolton visiting. Bolton has been scoring goals for free recently so the defense need to pay attention to this. Our front players are on fire, and with patience, we would find gaps and score goals to win the game.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Kelly
Carragher
Agger
Enrique
Lucas
Adam
Kuyt
Suarez
Downing
Henderson

Result 2:0

Match Report 100824 at Exeter City: 200 and counter

3-1 and this is a good end to King Kenny's first 200th managerial wins with us. We show full respect to Exeter with a very strong squad, and at the end the difference in quality is there to be seen. The only bad news is the injury of Meireles, but apart from this, it is a great win for the side.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7 Rarely tested.
Flanagan: 7 A good performance.
Skrtel: 7 Solid in general.
Wilson: 7 Feel more comfortable at center back.
Robinson: 7 Another nice game.
Spearing: 7 Solid in protecting the back 4.
Adam: 7 Dictated the midfield well.
Meireles: 7 A good game before the injury.
Henderson: 7 A good game but still need more time to improve.
Maxi: 7.5 Scored a nice goal.
Suarez: 8.5 A superb game.

Substitutions:
Carroll: 7.5 Came on and scored a brilliant goal.
Downing: 7 A good one when come up.
Shelvey: 6.5 Not enough time to impress.

King Kenny: 7.5 Would be delighted to see the team see out the opponent professionally.

Exeter: 5.5 The gap in quality tells.

Man of the Match: Suarez. Sensational.

Potential banana skin

Since we have no Europe game we need to start the League Cup in 2nd round. Exeter may only be at League One, but they surely will be up and excited against our players. King Kenny will use many squad players, but we need to be at our best in order to prevent the repeat of the humiliating defeat against Northampton last season.

My Team Prediction:
Doni
Flanagan
Carragher
Skrtel
Wilson
Spearing
Shelvey
Coady
Cole
Maxi
Ngog

Result 2:0

Match Report 110820 at Arsenal: Nice win

2-0 and it is our first win at Emirates. We did very well in general, and King Kenny's substitutions were spot on. At the end, this is the win we deserve, and this win will give us more belief going into the season.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7 Rarely troubled.
Kelly: 7.5 Superb performance.
Carragher: 7 Leader at the back.
Agger: 7 Doing well on both ends of the pitch.
Enrique: 7.5 Another good performance with many forward runs.
Lucas: 7 Made many successful tackles.
Adam: 7 Good delivery of ball, although he should try not to waste the ball with midfield shots.
Kuyt: 7 Everywhere.
Henderson: 7 Passed the ball well.
Downing: 7 Another good performance.
Carroll: 7 Solid game and tired the Arsenal defense, although he should try to challenge their young defender more.

Substitutions:
Meireles/Suarez: 7.5 Both substitutes came up and combined to create both goals.

King Kenny: 7.5 Made a good tactical change that win the game.

Arsenal: 6 With the departures of Fabregas and Nasri, and without additional players especially at the back, they will struggle this season.

Men of the Match: Kelly/Enrique. Two flying backs.

Break the jinx

Gooners have lost Fabregas and Nasri is likely to leave. Together with the suspensions and injuries they will be weakened and it is a real chance for us to win this time. It will be tough, but we can do it.

My team prediction:
Reina
Kelly
Carragher
Agger
Enrique
Lucas
Adam
Kuyt
Meireles
Suarez
Carroll

Result 2:0

Match Report 110813 vs Sunderland: More time needed

1:1 and fans were really disappointed especially after a flying start. We started brightly and although Suarez missed a penalty, he did scored a nice header in the 12th minute. From then on we controlled the first half, and was unlucky not to score at least one more goal. Carroll's goal was harshly disallowed and Downing was very unlucky to hit the bar after an amazing run. In the second half, we did not do as good in 1H and let them equalized. With no Gerrard there is no one in the team who is able to drive the team forward, and at the end, a draw is a fair result.

Certainly it was a surprise for King Kenny to start Flanagan ahead of Kelly, and his careless error did contributed to the goal conceded. But let's give him some space and time.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7 Not much he can do for the goal conceded.
Flanagan: 5.5 Was at fault for the goal conceded.
Carragher: 6.5 Unable to motivate the team.
Agger: 6.5 A solid performance.
Enrique: 7 A nice debut and link up with the front well.
Henderson: 6 Passed well but in general a quiet debut.
Lucas: 6.5 Control the midfield well.
Adam: 7.5 A good debut with a nice assist and many good deliveries.
Downing: 7 Did well and was unlucky to hit the bar.
Suarez: 7 A nice goal taken.
Carroll: 6.5 His goal should count.

Substitutions:
Kuyt: 6.5 Was the surprised omission but failed to spark the team when come up.
Meireles: 6.5 Not enough time to impress.

King Kenny: 6.5 A few surprises in the starting lineup in omitting Kelly and Kuyt, and failed to change the team for the victory. Nevertheless this is only the first game and we have many rooms for improvement.

Sunderland: 6.5 Credit to them for not giving up, although they are very lucky to have 11 men on the pitch.

Man of the Match: Adam. Stevie G can be excused from taking corners and free kicks.

New season, new hope

New season, new hope. We have many new faces and on paper the team is much stronger, and now we need to deliver (and reduce a few dead wood to cut wages). The result of pre-season games may not be too good, but now it is really time for the players to stand up and deliver. Fourth place is reachable, and anything higher than that is much appreciated.

Sunderland has lost many players especially Henderson to us, but they also have reinvested and bring in many new faces. They will be difficult to beat, but we will do our best for a home victory to kick start the season

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Kelly
Carragher
Agger
Aurelio
Lucas
Adam
Kuyt
Meireles
Downing
Carroll

Result 2:0