What a month! We lost the 4th place but won the Champions League Final in the greatest comeback we have even seen. And our future is bright.
The month started brightly with a great win vs Chelsea. Garcia's goal was definitely in and the Football God was there to ensure justice prevailed. Then we officially lost the 4th place race at Highbury. Then we wrapped up our up and down league season with a nice win vs Aston Villa that Cisse scored both goals. Then come the Final. And the rest is history.
Players of the month (1) Carragher 8.25 (2) Gerrard 8.00 (3) Dudek 7.50. Incidentially all three of them contributed to the win in the Final.
Looking forward a lot of the current squad members will leave Liverpool, good luck to them (of course, apart from playing against us). The Rafalution is just picking up. Expect more great things next season.
Thursday, May 26, 2005
Match Report 050525 vs AC Milan: The night the liverbird became a phoenix, arise from the ashes of death
3-3 after extra time and a 3-2 win in the penalty shootout and the European Cup belongs to us forever! What a way to finish a game that we lost 0-3 at half time! This is truly a result to the fans. Dear players, no matter where you will be next season you will be immortal in the history of Liverpool Football Club.
We played the first half so poor that it can end up 0-5 but somehow the result was only 0-3. In hindsight this is a good result as if it is 0-2 AC Milan will press for at least 15 minutes more in 2H and then it will be over. If it is 0-4 we just can't claw back. Rafa made a gamble and started Kewell and once again he screwed it up. This may be a blessing in disguise. The whole team played so bad that it is almost impossible to pick up one player that played well - maybe Finnan, but he also went injuried during half time and on come Hamann.
As Hamann comes up Rafa opted for an aggresive 3-2-4-1 formation and it paid off. Gerrard was then allowed to help the attack and he was as inspirational as he ever was. He scored the first goal, rolled the ball to Hamann who then rolled the ball to Smicer for the second goal, and get us the penalty that Alonso missed but hit on rebound. From then on there can only be one winner.
But the drama did not end here. In the extra time everybody were tired and Carra made 3 crucial tackles. Then Dudek's double save on Shevchenko just proved he is ready for the penalty kick. And don't forget he saved another one from Shevchenko when it was still 0-3.
On come the penalty shootout. Carra inspired Dudek to do the Grobbelaar tricks and we won the shootout. Brilliant!
Player Rating:
Dudek: 9 Maybe responsible for at least 2 of the 3 goals but has repaid by the heroic saves.
Finnan: 6 Was one of the better player in 1H but was injuried and can't carry on. But this proved to be a good blessing.
Carragher: 9 Did not perform in 1H, may be responsible for the 2nd goal, but was immortal in 2H and extra time for his numerous tackles.
Hyypia: 7.5 Maybe responsible for the 3rd goal, but also played much better in 2H.
Traore: 6.5 Responsible for 2 of the 3 goals, and conceded a freekick when we were 0-3 down but fortunately Dudek saved it. Was very nervous but later on he played much better.
Gerrard: 9 Was annoymous in 1H but after Hamann came on he became another player. Inspirational for all 3 goals.
Alonso: 7 He scored a great rebound after his first penalty was saved. And he dicitated our pace in 2H very well.
Garcia: 7 A little bit drop in standard but otherwise he had a good game.
Kewell: 4 Hopeless.
Riise: 7 Nice assist. Although he missed a penalty shootout but at the end it didn't matter.
Baros: 7 Fight alone against the Milan defense but it proved too much for him. But he did played a good game and contributed to the win.
Substitutions:
Smicer: 8 What a way to round up his Anfield career!
Hamann: 8.5 The catalyst for the come back. I wish Rafa will offer him another contract. And his penalty was not as bad as he thought!
Cisse: 6.5 Not much contribution and was guilty of selfish but at the end it din't matter.
Rafa: 10 Although his gamble failed his tactical resuffle was just a genius' act. We are really in good hands with such a great manager. Stevie G take note.
AC Milan: 8 Their 1H performance is as best as anything I ever seen. But they relaxed a bit and paid a heavy price.
Men of the Match: It has to be Rafa. But if I really need to pick from the players, I think Dudek, Carragher and Gerrard all played very well.
We played the first half so poor that it can end up 0-5 but somehow the result was only 0-3. In hindsight this is a good result as if it is 0-2 AC Milan will press for at least 15 minutes more in 2H and then it will be over. If it is 0-4 we just can't claw back. Rafa made a gamble and started Kewell and once again he screwed it up. This may be a blessing in disguise. The whole team played so bad that it is almost impossible to pick up one player that played well - maybe Finnan, but he also went injuried during half time and on come Hamann.
As Hamann comes up Rafa opted for an aggresive 3-2-4-1 formation and it paid off. Gerrard was then allowed to help the attack and he was as inspirational as he ever was. He scored the first goal, rolled the ball to Hamann who then rolled the ball to Smicer for the second goal, and get us the penalty that Alonso missed but hit on rebound. From then on there can only be one winner.
But the drama did not end here. In the extra time everybody were tired and Carra made 3 crucial tackles. Then Dudek's double save on Shevchenko just proved he is ready for the penalty kick. And don't forget he saved another one from Shevchenko when it was still 0-3.
On come the penalty shootout. Carra inspired Dudek to do the Grobbelaar tricks and we won the shootout. Brilliant!
Player Rating:
Dudek: 9 Maybe responsible for at least 2 of the 3 goals but has repaid by the heroic saves.
Finnan: 6 Was one of the better player in 1H but was injuried and can't carry on. But this proved to be a good blessing.
Carragher: 9 Did not perform in 1H, may be responsible for the 2nd goal, but was immortal in 2H and extra time for his numerous tackles.
Hyypia: 7.5 Maybe responsible for the 3rd goal, but also played much better in 2H.
Traore: 6.5 Responsible for 2 of the 3 goals, and conceded a freekick when we were 0-3 down but fortunately Dudek saved it. Was very nervous but later on he played much better.
Gerrard: 9 Was annoymous in 1H but after Hamann came on he became another player. Inspirational for all 3 goals.
Alonso: 7 He scored a great rebound after his first penalty was saved. And he dicitated our pace in 2H very well.
Garcia: 7 A little bit drop in standard but otherwise he had a good game.
Kewell: 4 Hopeless.
Riise: 7 Nice assist. Although he missed a penalty shootout but at the end it didn't matter.
Baros: 7 Fight alone against the Milan defense but it proved too much for him. But he did played a good game and contributed to the win.
Substitutions:
Smicer: 8 What a way to round up his Anfield career!
Hamann: 8.5 The catalyst for the come back. I wish Rafa will offer him another contract. And his penalty was not as bad as he thought!
Cisse: 6.5 Not much contribution and was guilty of selfish but at the end it din't matter.
Rafa: 10 Although his gamble failed his tactical resuffle was just a genius' act. We are really in good hands with such a great manager. Stevie G take note.
AC Milan: 8 Their 1H performance is as best as anything I ever seen. But they relaxed a bit and paid a heavy price.
Men of the Match: It has to be Rafa. But if I really need to pick from the players, I think Dudek, Carragher and Gerrard all played very well.
Wednesday, May 25, 2005
We believe
We believe we will win the Champions League. Milan may be a strong team but in Rafa we have a coach that can bring us glory. In Stevie G we have the best captain. In Carra we have the best center back and even Shankly will be pround of him.
And the Kop will be there to act as the 12th men. And Shankly, Paisley and Fagan will be awaken from their tombs to cheer for us as well. And there is a Football God to make sure we will win.
My Team Prediction:
Dudek
Finnan
Carragher
Hyypia
Traore
Alonso
Hamann
Garcia
Gerrard
Riise
Baros
Result 2-0
And the Kop will be there to act as the 12th men. And Shankly, Paisley and Fagan will be awaken from their tombs to cheer for us as well. And there is a Football God to make sure we will win.
My Team Prediction:
Dudek
Finnan
Carragher
Hyypia
Traore
Alonso
Hamann
Garcia
Gerrard
Riise
Baros
Result 2-0
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
Match Report 050515 vs Aston Villa: Cisse fully derseved the goals
2-1 and we saw Cisse scoring again. What a turnaround and what a strong character this guy has. I won't be surprised if Rafa decided to start him against AC Milan and he scores the winning goal.
Also, Carragher was rightly awarded the captain's armband for this game. And he performed very well, although the other defenders let him down again.
This match is probably the farewell game of many players. Good luck to them. Just don't play well against us.
Player Rating:
Carson: 7 A good display with a few great saves.
Josemi: 6 Haven't seen him for many months and he still have those basis errors. A nice assist though.
Carragher: 7.5 Captain marvel almost scored himself. And he is kind enough to stay back and allow Cisse to score the penalty.
Pellegrino: 5.5 This is probably his farewell game. Good luck man.
Warnock: 6.5 Based on current form Traore is a much better player than Warnock.
Alonso: 7 Pulling the strings as usual.
Biscan: 6.5 Tired towards the end and was rightly substituted by Hamann.
Nunez: 6.5 A fair game.
Kewell: 6.5 He has a few chances but didn't take it. Still been accused of unwilling to make any tackle.
Riise: 7 Performed as lively as usual. Missed a few chances as well.
Cisse: 9 It's really nice to see him back to the scoresheet. You really deserve it.
Substitutions:
Baros: 6.5 Work hard as usual. And he even pass the ball to Cisse on one occasion.
Hamann: 6.5 Provided some needed protection to the back 4 when Biscan faded.
Finnan: Not enough time to impress.
Rafa: 7 A season of change, most of the fans are satisfied with him although we are two points and one place below last year. But next year will be much better. And we now need to focus on the Champions League Final.
Aston Villa: 6 They only come back into the game after we faded.
Man of the Match: Cisse. Keep pushing for a starting place in the Champions League Final.
Also, Carragher was rightly awarded the captain's armband for this game. And he performed very well, although the other defenders let him down again.
This match is probably the farewell game of many players. Good luck to them. Just don't play well against us.
Player Rating:
Carson: 7 A good display with a few great saves.
Josemi: 6 Haven't seen him for many months and he still have those basis errors. A nice assist though.
Carragher: 7.5 Captain marvel almost scored himself. And he is kind enough to stay back and allow Cisse to score the penalty.
Pellegrino: 5.5 This is probably his farewell game. Good luck man.
Warnock: 6.5 Based on current form Traore is a much better player than Warnock.
Alonso: 7 Pulling the strings as usual.
Biscan: 6.5 Tired towards the end and was rightly substituted by Hamann.
Nunez: 6.5 A fair game.
Kewell: 6.5 He has a few chances but didn't take it. Still been accused of unwilling to make any tackle.
Riise: 7 Performed as lively as usual. Missed a few chances as well.
Cisse: 9 It's really nice to see him back to the scoresheet. You really deserve it.
Substitutions:
Baros: 6.5 Work hard as usual. And he even pass the ball to Cisse on one occasion.
Hamann: 6.5 Provided some needed protection to the back 4 when Biscan faded.
Finnan: Not enough time to impress.
Rafa: 7 A season of change, most of the fans are satisfied with him although we are two points and one place below last year. But next year will be much better. And we now need to focus on the Champions League Final.
Aston Villa: 6 They only come back into the game after we faded.
Man of the Match: Cisse. Keep pushing for a starting place in the Champions League Final.
Sunday, May 15, 2005
Time to recognize Carra's effort
Gerrard will be rested this game and I think it is time to recognize Carra's effort. Rafa, name him your captain.
My Team Prediction:
Dudek
Finnan
Carragher
Hyypia
Traore
Biscan
Hamann
Kewell
Alonso
Riise
Cisse
Result: 3-0
My Team Prediction:
Dudek
Finnan
Carragher
Hyypia
Traore
Biscan
Hamann
Kewell
Alonso
Riise
Cisse
Result: 3-0
Tuesday, May 10, 2005
Match Report 050508 at Arsenal: We don't deserve to finish 4th
1-3 and even though the result probably flattered Arsenal, over the season we just don't play good enough. This is especially true after an European game. We have lost 8 games (one is the league cup final) and drawn 4 games in that situation and 29 points are lost. If we can take half of these points we will be challenging Manchester for the 3rd spot. Is it due to the extra focus drawn from the Champions League or the fact that we don't have enough squad to compete in two fronts, or is it simple that we just aren't good enough? I am sure Rafa will find a solution next season.
The match actually started quite good with both teams scored disallowed goals. Then we let Arsenal control the game and as soon as we concede the first goal we just let them control the game. During second half Rafa made two substitutions and we were the better team. Unfortunately we didn't find the second goal and at the end we let them scored the third.
The worrying fact is that since Rafa probably fielded his starting 11 for the Champions League Final (maybe just swapping Baros with Cisse) the way we concede the two goals just make us worry. But then Rafa has a lot of time to fine-tune the team so let's see how it goes.
Player Rating:
Dudek: 5.5 Looks very nervous and was at fault for the first goal.
Finnan: 6 An average performance.
Carragher: 6.5 Has he not slipped Arsenal won't score the second goal. Other than that he played very well.
Hyypia: 5.5 Very shaky performance. Maybe Rafa has a point in resting him after European games.
Traore: 6.5 Worked very hard and even had a shot.
Alonso: 6.5 Poor in 1H but much better in 2H. A 50 yard long pass that found Cisse was especially spectacular.
Hamann: 6 Lucky to remain on the pitch. A below par performance.
Garcia: 6 Like Xabi, poor in 1H but much better in 2H.
Gerrard: 7 Like Xabi and Garcia. After he played in a deeper role in 2H he is much better.
Riise: 6 Guilty of not scoring the first goal, otherwise we may win the game. But in general it was not a bad performance although Rafa rested him for 2H.
Baros: 5 A very disappointing performance. Looks like he want to kick the players instead of the ball. And the way he handled the ball and score is just cheating. A well deserved yellow card.
Substitutions:
Cisse: 6.5 A lively performance but he may be to eager to score and wasted a lot of chances. But he played the lone striker role much better than Baros as he hold the ball better.
Kewell: 6 A good performance but he was unable to get pass the Arsenal defense.
Smicer: 6 Maybe this is his last game for us, and it was not a poor game.
Arsenal: 7 Showed in the 2H if you pressure them they will stumble. Maybe Rafa should take note of this for next season.
Rafa: 6 Not a good peformance but perhaps he will note how much better we played with Cisse on the pitch. The big question now is whether Cisse is fit enough to start.
Man of the match: Gerrard. Showed he excels at a deeper role.
The match actually started quite good with both teams scored disallowed goals. Then we let Arsenal control the game and as soon as we concede the first goal we just let them control the game. During second half Rafa made two substitutions and we were the better team. Unfortunately we didn't find the second goal and at the end we let them scored the third.
The worrying fact is that since Rafa probably fielded his starting 11 for the Champions League Final (maybe just swapping Baros with Cisse) the way we concede the two goals just make us worry. But then Rafa has a lot of time to fine-tune the team so let's see how it goes.
Player Rating:
Dudek: 5.5 Looks very nervous and was at fault for the first goal.
Finnan: 6 An average performance.
Carragher: 6.5 Has he not slipped Arsenal won't score the second goal. Other than that he played very well.
Hyypia: 5.5 Very shaky performance. Maybe Rafa has a point in resting him after European games.
Traore: 6.5 Worked very hard and even had a shot.
Alonso: 6.5 Poor in 1H but much better in 2H. A 50 yard long pass that found Cisse was especially spectacular.
Hamann: 6 Lucky to remain on the pitch. A below par performance.
Garcia: 6 Like Xabi, poor in 1H but much better in 2H.
Gerrard: 7 Like Xabi and Garcia. After he played in a deeper role in 2H he is much better.
Riise: 6 Guilty of not scoring the first goal, otherwise we may win the game. But in general it was not a bad performance although Rafa rested him for 2H.
Baros: 5 A very disappointing performance. Looks like he want to kick the players instead of the ball. And the way he handled the ball and score is just cheating. A well deserved yellow card.
Substitutions:
Cisse: 6.5 A lively performance but he may be to eager to score and wasted a lot of chances. But he played the lone striker role much better than Baros as he hold the ball better.
Kewell: 6 A good performance but he was unable to get pass the Arsenal defense.
Smicer: 6 Maybe this is his last game for us, and it was not a poor game.
Arsenal: 7 Showed in the 2H if you pressure them they will stumble. Maybe Rafa should take note of this for next season.
Rafa: 6 Not a good peformance but perhaps he will note how much better we played with Cisse on the pitch. The big question now is whether Cisse is fit enough to start.
Man of the match: Gerrard. Showed he excels at a deeper role.
Sunday, May 08, 2005
It's going to be tough
Everton won today and if we don't win at Arsenal, they will finish 4th. Even if we win the remaining 2 games they just need one more point. Should Rafa use these 2 games as a trial for the formation against AC Milan instead?
My Team Prediction:
Dudek
Finnan
Carragher
Hyypia
Traore
Alonso
Hamann
Garcia
Gerrard
Riise
Cisse
Result 2-0
My Team Prediction:
Dudek
Finnan
Carragher
Hyypia
Traore
Alonso
Hamann
Garcia
Gerrard
Riise
Cisse
Result 2-0
Wednesday, May 04, 2005
Match Report 050504 vs Chelsea: There is a Football God
1-0 and where should I begin? My emotion is still high. The scenes keep on replaying in my mind. The players are now one match away from greatness. And justice prevails.
Maybe Chelsea has brided the referee but forgot the linesman, but I think they are better off to concede that goal. Which one is easier, to chase for a goal for the remaining 95 minutes 35 seconds with 11 men, or to play with 10 men for that period, even if the penalty was missed?
It's fate that the last shot was from Gudjohnsen, who cheated and at the end he had to paid for what he did. The Football God had make sure there is justice.
And one last thing. Money may buy success but will never buy history and true fans. I am really proud being a Liverpool fan.
Player Rating:
Dudek: 8 Had only one save to made and saved it brilliantly. Although he spilled the ball in the dying minute but it did not matter.
Finnan: 7.5 Solid display and formed the solid back 4.
Carragher: 10 Mr Liverpool.
Hyypia: 9 Sami is back to his very best.
Traore: 8 He was just excellent and we are beginning to see his potential. Even had leisure time to deliver a great cross to Cisse.
Hamann: 7.5 He was a rock at protecting the back 4.
Biscan: 7.5 He has probably earned himself a contract and he derseves it.
Garcia: 7.5 Scored important goal once again. Although he lost procession in a crucial area but that did not matter.
Gerrard: 8 He may seemed to have an average game but it was his cunning pass that found Baros for that goal. And tactically he fulfilled what Rafa told him to do so. Now I am sure he will stay. Heart will win over head.
Riise: 8.5 Player like a left back more than a left midfielder for most of the game, but when everybody were tired, he provided the extra attacking source in the last 15 minutes.
Baros: 7.5 Although he once again failed to score but it was his flick on that lead to the goal. And he was very effective to run the Chelsea defense. Bring on the other Milan!
Substitutions:
Cisse: 7 A superb tactical move and he had many chances. A bit unlucky not to have scored.
Kewell: 7 His commitment is back. And he was very effective in running time.
Nunez: Not enough time to impress, but he did run out one or two minutes with Kewell and provided more width to us.
Rafa: 10 This is a tactical genius act. And he's the best manager of the world. How lucky we can get him.
Chelsea: 6 They don't have any lethal weapon without Robben/Duff.
Man of the match: Carragher. Although this is a team effort and Rafa probably should be the man of the match, but above all Carra was at the centre of it.
Maybe Chelsea has brided the referee but forgot the linesman, but I think they are better off to concede that goal. Which one is easier, to chase for a goal for the remaining 95 minutes 35 seconds with 11 men, or to play with 10 men for that period, even if the penalty was missed?
It's fate that the last shot was from Gudjohnsen, who cheated and at the end he had to paid for what he did. The Football God had make sure there is justice.
And one last thing. Money may buy success but will never buy history and true fans. I am really proud being a Liverpool fan.
Player Rating:
Dudek: 8 Had only one save to made and saved it brilliantly. Although he spilled the ball in the dying minute but it did not matter.
Finnan: 7.5 Solid display and formed the solid back 4.
Carragher: 10 Mr Liverpool.
Hyypia: 9 Sami is back to his very best.
Traore: 8 He was just excellent and we are beginning to see his potential. Even had leisure time to deliver a great cross to Cisse.
Hamann: 7.5 He was a rock at protecting the back 4.
Biscan: 7.5 He has probably earned himself a contract and he derseves it.
Garcia: 7.5 Scored important goal once again. Although he lost procession in a crucial area but that did not matter.
Gerrard: 8 He may seemed to have an average game but it was his cunning pass that found Baros for that goal. And tactically he fulfilled what Rafa told him to do so. Now I am sure he will stay. Heart will win over head.
Riise: 8.5 Player like a left back more than a left midfielder for most of the game, but when everybody were tired, he provided the extra attacking source in the last 15 minutes.
Baros: 7.5 Although he once again failed to score but it was his flick on that lead to the goal. And he was very effective to run the Chelsea defense. Bring on the other Milan!
Substitutions:
Cisse: 7 A superb tactical move and he had many chances. A bit unlucky not to have scored.
Kewell: 7 His commitment is back. And he was very effective in running time.
Nunez: Not enough time to impress, but he did run out one or two minutes with Kewell and provided more width to us.
Rafa: 10 This is a tactical genius act. And he's the best manager of the world. How lucky we can get him.
Chelsea: 6 They don't have any lethal weapon without Robben/Duff.
Man of the match: Carragher. Although this is a team effort and Rafa probably should be the man of the match, but above all Carra was at the centre of it.
Tuesday, May 03, 2005
Justice to be prevailed
If there is a football God he will be making sure we will win this game. If there is justice we will be treated fairly this time - finally.
Not matter where they will be, the players will know they may not get such a chance again, and if they grab it they will be amonst the great.
In Liverpool, we trust.
My Team Prediction:
Dudek
Finnan
Carragher
Hyypia
Traore
Hamann
Biscan
Garcia
Gerrard
Riise
Baros
Result 2-0
Not matter where they will be, the players will know they may not get such a chance again, and if they grab it they will be amonst the great.
In Liverpool, we trust.
My Team Prediction:
Dudek
Finnan
Carragher
Hyypia
Traore
Hamann
Biscan
Garcia
Gerrard
Riise
Baros
Result 2-0
April Month Review
3 wins, 4 draws and 2 defeats see us progress to the semi final of the Champions League and we are just 1 points closer to Everton but we only have 2 games left. It's not a good result on the league side, but it's very good in the Champions League side as we beat Juventus and draw them and Chelsea at their own ground.
The month started with a poor performance vs Bolton but thanks to Igor we won the game. Then we faced Juventus and beat them 2-1 with 2 superb goals. Unfortunately, our poor league form continued and we lost 0-1 at Manchester City at the last minute. Then we drawn Juventus at their home 0-0 and Carragher shown the Italians how to defend, and then another dull performance see us drawn 2-2 vs Spurs. Somehow we then won away at Portsmouth 2-1 but once again at the weekend we lost 0-1 to Palace in a very physical game. Then we drawn 0-0 at Chelsea for the first leg of the semi final and we concluded the month with another dull performance and drawn 1-1 at home vs Boro.
Players of the month (1) Hyypia 7.25 (2) Alonso 7.10 (3) Carragher/Garcia 7.00 Sami scored 2 great goals and finally get back to his best form. Xabi played like as if he was never injuried and we can just wonder how many more points we can get if he is with us all the time. And Carra and Garcia's good form continues.
May prediction:
5/3 Chelsea (H) We will beat them. 5th time lucky.
5/8 Arsenal (A) This is going to be tough as we need to beat them at home. But we need to try.
5/15 Aston Villa (H) No matter what we need to play well for the final game at home for the fans.
5/25 Champions League Final (N) The ultimate game. Bring on AC Milan/PSV.
The month started with a poor performance vs Bolton but thanks to Igor we won the game. Then we faced Juventus and beat them 2-1 with 2 superb goals. Unfortunately, our poor league form continued and we lost 0-1 at Manchester City at the last minute. Then we drawn Juventus at their home 0-0 and Carragher shown the Italians how to defend, and then another dull performance see us drawn 2-2 vs Spurs. Somehow we then won away at Portsmouth 2-1 but once again at the weekend we lost 0-1 to Palace in a very physical game. Then we drawn 0-0 at Chelsea for the first leg of the semi final and we concluded the month with another dull performance and drawn 1-1 at home vs Boro.
Players of the month (1) Hyypia 7.25 (2) Alonso 7.10 (3) Carragher/Garcia 7.00 Sami scored 2 great goals and finally get back to his best form. Xabi played like as if he was never injuried and we can just wonder how many more points we can get if he is with us all the time. And Carra and Garcia's good form continues.
May prediction:
5/3 Chelsea (H) We will beat them. 5th time lucky.
5/8 Arsenal (A) This is going to be tough as we need to beat them at home. But we need to try.
5/15 Aston Villa (H) No matter what we need to play well for the final game at home for the fans.
5/25 Champions League Final (N) The ultimate game. Bring on AC Milan/PSV.
Match Report 050430 vs Middlesbrough: We failed to close the gap once again
1-1 and we once again failed to close the gap, despite we can more or less expect such a result. We lost to a lame goal very early and keep pressing, despite we only played very well for the first 20 minutes in the second half. And Southgate was really class.
Player Rating:
Dudek: 6.5 Not much to do apart from that goal.
Finnan: 6.5 An average game.
Carragher: 6.5 Can't do anything about that goal, other than that he had a OK game.
Pellegrino: 5.5 This may be his last game for us. His slowness led to that goal.
Warnock: 6.5 Not much attacking contribution but defense-wise he's OK.
Nunez: 7 Had a very good game. His crosses was very dangerous and usually reached Nando, unfortunately Southgate had an excellent game and marked Nando out.
Gerrard: 7.5 Scored a magnificant goal. It's really nice to see him scoring such a goal before the Chelsea game.
Alonso: 6.5 For his high standard this is an average game.
Riise: 7 Played left midfielder in 1H and Centre back in 2H. Had nothing to do and even had time to assist Gerrard in that goal. Too bad Boro did not have enough pressure to check if he is the right partner of Carra.
Kewell: 7 A good game and looks like his injury is finally over despite he only had 80% fitness.
Morientes: 6.5 Marked out by Southgate.
Substitutions:
Garcia: 7 Had numerous chances but Boro defense is very hard to beat.
Cisse: 6 Running on the right midfield but not much contribution.
Hamann: It's good he's back as Alonso is suspended.
Rafa: 6.5 The lack of depth of the team, together with Boro's tight defense, made him frustuated one more time. Hope this is the last time.
Middlesbrough: 7 Had very good defensive display. I really hope they can edge out Spurs for the UEFA spot.
Man of the Match: Gerrard. Back to his best at the right time.
Player Rating:
Dudek: 6.5 Not much to do apart from that goal.
Finnan: 6.5 An average game.
Carragher: 6.5 Can't do anything about that goal, other than that he had a OK game.
Pellegrino: 5.5 This may be his last game for us. His slowness led to that goal.
Warnock: 6.5 Not much attacking contribution but defense-wise he's OK.
Nunez: 7 Had a very good game. His crosses was very dangerous and usually reached Nando, unfortunately Southgate had an excellent game and marked Nando out.
Gerrard: 7.5 Scored a magnificant goal. It's really nice to see him scoring such a goal before the Chelsea game.
Alonso: 6.5 For his high standard this is an average game.
Riise: 7 Played left midfielder in 1H and Centre back in 2H. Had nothing to do and even had time to assist Gerrard in that goal. Too bad Boro did not have enough pressure to check if he is the right partner of Carra.
Kewell: 7 A good game and looks like his injury is finally over despite he only had 80% fitness.
Morientes: 6.5 Marked out by Southgate.
Substitutions:
Garcia: 7 Had numerous chances but Boro defense is very hard to beat.
Cisse: 6 Running on the right midfield but not much contribution.
Hamann: It's good he's back as Alonso is suspended.
Rafa: 6.5 The lack of depth of the team, together with Boro's tight defense, made him frustuated one more time. Hope this is the last time.
Middlesbrough: 7 Had very good defensive display. I really hope they can edge out Spurs for the UEFA spot.
Man of the Match: Gerrard. Back to his best at the right time.
Saturday, April 30, 2005
Keep pressure
It will be tough as this game is sandwiched between the Champions League semi final, and Rafa will likely be playing the second string. But these guys need to prove their worth. Let's keep pressure and hope Fulham to do us a big favour.
My Team Prediction:
Dudek
Finnan
Carragher
Hyypia
Pellegrino
Nunez
Gerrard
Alonso
Warnock
Cisse
Morientes
Result 2-0
My Team Prediction:
Dudek
Finnan
Carragher
Hyypia
Pellegrino
Nunez
Gerrard
Alonso
Warnock
Cisse
Morientes
Result 2-0
Thursday, April 28, 2005
Match Report 050427 at Chelsea: The Art of Defense
0-0 and it is a good result. Thanks to the solid defense Dudek was never really tested. And if not for the excellent performance of Cech we may have won the game already.
Mourinho is already playing mind game but I doubt if any Liverpool fan really think we are already through. But with another great night at Anfield, why not?
It's a pity Xabi will miss the next game. But at least he can be sure he will be playing in the Final.
Player Rating:
Dudek: 7 Not a real save to be made.
Finnan: 7 Defend as a team.
Carragher: 8 Solid as he always is despite some early scares.
Hyypia: 7.5 Solid and when he was passed, there's other defenders to help.
Traore: 7 Explored by Chelsea but he hang on.
Alonso: 7.5 Played much better 2H but unfortunte to miss the next game.
Biscan: 7 A solid display although later on he's a bit dipped.
Garcia: 7 Played better in 2H.
Gerrard: 7 Runnnig all over the pitch despite some fans think he's not making enough tackles.
Riise: 7 Have one of our best chance but was superbly saved.
Baros: 7 Have a glorious header saved. He did quite well but him alone is not enough.
Substitutions:
Cisse: 7 A good shot but was slightly over.
Kewell/Smicer: Not enough time to impress.
Rafa: 8 A good tactic and we stopped Chelsea. However, 2nd Leg will be tough without Xabi, hope Hamann will be back and Cisse fit enough to start. We definitely need 2 strikers to win against Cheslea.
Chelsea: 7 Despite what their manager said I think they are nervous and will regret not to have scored.
Man of the match: Carragher. Shankly would be happy about his performance.
Mourinho is already playing mind game but I doubt if any Liverpool fan really think we are already through. But with another great night at Anfield, why not?
It's a pity Xabi will miss the next game. But at least he can be sure he will be playing in the Final.
Player Rating:
Dudek: 7 Not a real save to be made.
Finnan: 7 Defend as a team.
Carragher: 8 Solid as he always is despite some early scares.
Hyypia: 7.5 Solid and when he was passed, there's other defenders to help.
Traore: 7 Explored by Chelsea but he hang on.
Alonso: 7.5 Played much better 2H but unfortunte to miss the next game.
Biscan: 7 A solid display although later on he's a bit dipped.
Garcia: 7 Played better in 2H.
Gerrard: 7 Runnnig all over the pitch despite some fans think he's not making enough tackles.
Riise: 7 Have one of our best chance but was superbly saved.
Baros: 7 Have a glorious header saved. He did quite well but him alone is not enough.
Substitutions:
Cisse: 7 A good shot but was slightly over.
Kewell/Smicer: Not enough time to impress.
Rafa: 8 A good tactic and we stopped Chelsea. However, 2nd Leg will be tough without Xabi, hope Hamann will be back and Cisse fit enough to start. We definitely need 2 strikers to win against Cheslea.
Chelsea: 7 Despite what their manager said I think they are nervous and will regret not to have scored.
Man of the match: Carragher. Shankly would be happy about his performance.
Wednesday, April 27, 2005
Stamford Bridge is falling down
No matter what tonight's result will be, we will get pass Chelsea to the Final. In Rafa we trust.
My Team Prediction:
Dudek
Finnan
Carragher
Hyypia
Traore
Garcia
Alonso
Biscan
Riise
Gerrard
Baros
Result 2-0
My Team Prediction:
Dudek
Finnan
Carragher
Hyypia
Traore
Garcia
Alonso
Biscan
Riise
Gerrard
Baros
Result 2-0
Monday, April 25, 2005
Match Report 050423 at Crystal Palace: What do we want?
0-1 and this is a very very poor result, especially we know Birmingham had held Everton to a draw. If Everton get 6 points from the remaining 4 games our chase for 4th pace will be over.
The match saw a hard-fight Palace team with lots of tackles, and Rafa is not happy with it. But we should expect more of this from a team fighting to avoid relegration. And why should be rest Alonso if finishing 4th is really more important than winning the Champions League? And why do we play a 3-5-2 formation, giving it never work before?
Rafa had a lot to do in the pre-season training. And he will sort it out.
Player Rating:
Dudek: 5.5 Lack of confidence.
Carragher: 6 Even our ever-reliable player had a bad day.
Hyypia: 6 Not a good day as well.
Pellegrino: 5.5 Although he saved us from a second goal, his performance in general was not good.
Finnan: 6 An Ok performance for Finnan.
Gerrard: 6.5 At least he tried to save us from losing. Play bad in 1H but much better in 2H.
Welsh: 5.5 Not a good day for our highly rated midfielder.
Traore: 5 He's just not a wingback. His defense is good but attack is poor.
Le Tallec: 5.5 Failed to inspire the team. But we may be asking too much from him.
Baros: 5.5 From the first minute he was fouled he did not play well. Certainly the injury did affect him.
Morientes: 5.5 No supply, and he was too slow up front. Need to work very hard in the pre-season.
Substitutes:
Potter: 5.5 Subbed the injuried Baros and played an OK game.
Riise: 5.5 Better than Traore, but not enough.
Cisse: 6 Had a shot but was saved.
Crystal Palace: 7 A well derseved result. I wish them good luck in the survival. But it's too close to call now.
Rafa: 5 Sorry but the rotation just don't work out. He's going to start pre-season 2 weeks earliers and let's hope the players will be much fitter and there will be less injuries.
Man of the Match: Gerrard. But we need a much better Gerrard on Wednesday.
The match saw a hard-fight Palace team with lots of tackles, and Rafa is not happy with it. But we should expect more of this from a team fighting to avoid relegration. And why should be rest Alonso if finishing 4th is really more important than winning the Champions League? And why do we play a 3-5-2 formation, giving it never work before?
Rafa had a lot to do in the pre-season training. And he will sort it out.
Player Rating:
Dudek: 5.5 Lack of confidence.
Carragher: 6 Even our ever-reliable player had a bad day.
Hyypia: 6 Not a good day as well.
Pellegrino: 5.5 Although he saved us from a second goal, his performance in general was not good.
Finnan: 6 An Ok performance for Finnan.
Gerrard: 6.5 At least he tried to save us from losing. Play bad in 1H but much better in 2H.
Welsh: 5.5 Not a good day for our highly rated midfielder.
Traore: 5 He's just not a wingback. His defense is good but attack is poor.
Le Tallec: 5.5 Failed to inspire the team. But we may be asking too much from him.
Baros: 5.5 From the first minute he was fouled he did not play well. Certainly the injury did affect him.
Morientes: 5.5 No supply, and he was too slow up front. Need to work very hard in the pre-season.
Substitutes:
Potter: 5.5 Subbed the injuried Baros and played an OK game.
Riise: 5.5 Better than Traore, but not enough.
Cisse: 6 Had a shot but was saved.
Crystal Palace: 7 A well derseved result. I wish them good luck in the survival. But it's too close to call now.
Rafa: 5 Sorry but the rotation just don't work out. He's going to start pre-season 2 weeks earliers and let's hope the players will be much fitter and there will be less injuries.
Man of the Match: Gerrard. But we need a much better Gerrard on Wednesday.
Friday, April 22, 2005
We need 4 good results and Emil to help
With both teams won on Wednesday now Everton need 10 points out of 15 and we will have no chance to catch up. We need to win at Palace, and if Emil can help us to beat Everton it will be very very nice.
My Team Prediction:
Dudek
Finnan
Carragher
Hyypia
Traore
Garcia
Alonso
Gerrard
Riise
Baros
Morientes
Result 2-0
My Team Prediction:
Dudek
Finnan
Carragher
Hyypia
Traore
Garcia
Alonso
Gerrard
Riise
Baros
Morientes
Result 2-0
Thursday, April 21, 2005
Match Report 050420 at Portsmouth: A result made in Spain and Norway
2-1 and 2 goals from Nando and Garcia, both assisted by Riise, are enough for this well deserved win. Unfortunately for a rare chance that we support Man United, they lost... So we are still 3 points behind while played one more game. There's no place for any error now.
The match was started dramatically and There may be 3 goals in the first 4 minutes. First Portsmouth had a goal ruled offside, then Baros' shot was superbly saved. But then Riise provided a great cross and Nando scored his first in 2 mouths and we are one up.
We then let Portsmouth into the game and they equalized. Fortunately, Riise provided another great cross and we are up in half time.
Both teams have chances to scored in 2H but none can, and we are happily back with 3 points.
Player Rating:
Dudek: 7 Have a superb save from Berger in 2H to give us 3 points.
Finnan: 6.5 Cleared from the line but was unable to do it the second time.
Carragher: 7 Carra as usual.
Hyypia: 7 A good display.
Traore: 6.5 With him at left back Riise is a much better player.
Garcia: 7 Scored a goal but apart from that his contribution is almost zero. And Rafa rested him in 2H.
Alonso: 7 As good as ever.
Biscan: 6.5 Good display but faded in 2H.
Riise 7.5 Two great display and almost scored the third. That's the Riise we need for the final run-in.
Baros: 7 A lively display despite not scoring any.
Morientes: 7 First goal for 2 months. His confidence will be lifted.
Substitutions:
Smicer: 6.5 A fair diaplay.
Gerrard: 6 Was duly rested. But we play OK even without him.
Cisse: Getting closer and closer to a start.
Rafa: 7 His decision to rest Gerrard is a good one and did not do any harm. We need four more good tactics like this for the league run-in.
Berger: 6.5 Come up in 2H with a nice shot but Dudek saved it.
Portsmouth: 6 They should be able to stay up this season.
Man of the match: Riise. Back to his best at the right time.
The match was started dramatically and There may be 3 goals in the first 4 minutes. First Portsmouth had a goal ruled offside, then Baros' shot was superbly saved. But then Riise provided a great cross and Nando scored his first in 2 mouths and we are one up.
We then let Portsmouth into the game and they equalized. Fortunately, Riise provided another great cross and we are up in half time.
Both teams have chances to scored in 2H but none can, and we are happily back with 3 points.
Player Rating:
Dudek: 7 Have a superb save from Berger in 2H to give us 3 points.
Finnan: 6.5 Cleared from the line but was unable to do it the second time.
Carragher: 7 Carra as usual.
Hyypia: 7 A good display.
Traore: 6.5 With him at left back Riise is a much better player.
Garcia: 7 Scored a goal but apart from that his contribution is almost zero. And Rafa rested him in 2H.
Alonso: 7 As good as ever.
Biscan: 6.5 Good display but faded in 2H.
Riise 7.5 Two great display and almost scored the third. That's the Riise we need for the final run-in.
Baros: 7 A lively display despite not scoring any.
Morientes: 7 First goal for 2 months. His confidence will be lifted.
Substitutions:
Smicer: 6.5 A fair diaplay.
Gerrard: 6 Was duly rested. But we play OK even without him.
Cisse: Getting closer and closer to a start.
Rafa: 7 His decision to rest Gerrard is a good one and did not do any harm. We need four more good tactics like this for the league run-in.
Berger: 6.5 Come up in 2H with a nice shot but Dudek saved it.
Portsmouth: 6 They should be able to stay up this season.
Man of the match: Riise. Back to his best at the right time.
Tuesday, April 19, 2005
We need 5 good displays
As Gerrard said we need 5 good displays in the league and hoping Everton and Bolton to drop points. It will be tough, but at least we need to try.
My Team Prediction:
Dudek
Finnan
Carragher
Hyypia
Traore
Garcia
Alonso
Gerrard
Riise
Baros
Morientes
Result 2-0
My Team Prediction:
Dudek
Finnan
Carragher
Hyypia
Traore
Garcia
Alonso
Gerrard
Riise
Baros
Morientes
Result 2-0
Monday, April 18, 2005
Match Report 050416 vs Tottenham Hotspur: It's fading away...
2-2 and we lost 2 important points and Bolton is now ahead of us. If we don't get 9 points from the next 3 league games in April, we probably need a miracle to be able to finish 4th.
This is a strange match that we don't play too bad at all - perhaps apart from 15-30 minutes. Just when we were starting to exert some pressures on Spurs, they took the lead from a superb goal from 35 yards by Edman. Absolute no chance by Dudek.
We were then shocked and not until about 30 minutes before we started to do some serious threats to Spurs. And just before half time Garcia get the ball just outside the penalty box and scored a superb goal - maybe not as spectacular as the Juventus goal, but still it's a good one. And we have one more opportunity before half time but Robinson saved superbly Morientes' header.
Second half is a similar story and we exert a lot of pressures to Spurs, but we were again shocked. Robinson's freekick from an offside find Kanoute on the right, and Pellegrino failed to take care of it. The cross found Robbie Keane, whose header deflected Carra and Dudek again had no chance.
We then had a good chance to equalize as Gerrard is fouled and we get a penalty. Maybe it's really not good to have him fouled and immediately have the peanlty kick, and the ball was widely off target. Luckily a few minutes later from a resulting corner Hyypia volleyed into the net - and this is with his right foot and it is definitely better than the Juventus one.
We then had a few chance to win the game - the closest one being Gerrard hitting the post. Certainly it was not his day. And Dudek had to be at his very best to prevent Spurs win the game.
Overall 2-2 is a fair result, but now we are 3 points behind Everton and played one more game. Time is definitely running out. As Gerrard said, we need 5 good performances, and at the same time hoping Everton and Bolton to lose points.
Player Rating:
Dudek: 6.5 No chance for the 2 goals, and he saved us one point from some Spurs attacks.
Finnan: 6.5 An average performance but he had a good chance but couldn't take it.
Carragher: 7 Another good game although he may be partly at fault at the second Spurs goal of being not close enough to Keane.
Hyypia: 7.5 Scored a great goal. We need some more from him for the next 5 leagure games.
Pellegrino: 6 His lack of pace is probably the reason for the second goal.
Nunez: 6 Produced a few crosses but unfortunately they didn't reach the head of Nando.
Gerrard: 5.5 Tried very hard but due to his lack of match fitness and luck it turned out to be an extremely bad day for him.
Alonso: 7 Running the midfield very well.
Warnock: 6 Played quite well but was unfortunately injuried.
Garcia: 7.5 Scored another nice goal. We need more!
Morientes: 6 Unfortunately not to score.
Substitutions:
Riise: 6.5 Substituted the injuried Warnock and played quite well.
Cisse/Biscan: Not enough time to shine.
Spurs: 7 They scored 2 great goals and deserve to get one point.
Rafa: 6 Failed to improve our post European game misery...
Men of the Match: Garcia/Hyypia. The 2 goals gave us 1 point.
This is a strange match that we don't play too bad at all - perhaps apart from 15-30 minutes. Just when we were starting to exert some pressures on Spurs, they took the lead from a superb goal from 35 yards by Edman. Absolute no chance by Dudek.
We were then shocked and not until about 30 minutes before we started to do some serious threats to Spurs. And just before half time Garcia get the ball just outside the penalty box and scored a superb goal - maybe not as spectacular as the Juventus goal, but still it's a good one. And we have one more opportunity before half time but Robinson saved superbly Morientes' header.
Second half is a similar story and we exert a lot of pressures to Spurs, but we were again shocked. Robinson's freekick from an offside find Kanoute on the right, and Pellegrino failed to take care of it. The cross found Robbie Keane, whose header deflected Carra and Dudek again had no chance.
We then had a good chance to equalize as Gerrard is fouled and we get a penalty. Maybe it's really not good to have him fouled and immediately have the peanlty kick, and the ball was widely off target. Luckily a few minutes later from a resulting corner Hyypia volleyed into the net - and this is with his right foot and it is definitely better than the Juventus one.
We then had a few chance to win the game - the closest one being Gerrard hitting the post. Certainly it was not his day. And Dudek had to be at his very best to prevent Spurs win the game.
Overall 2-2 is a fair result, but now we are 3 points behind Everton and played one more game. Time is definitely running out. As Gerrard said, we need 5 good performances, and at the same time hoping Everton and Bolton to lose points.
Player Rating:
Dudek: 6.5 No chance for the 2 goals, and he saved us one point from some Spurs attacks.
Finnan: 6.5 An average performance but he had a good chance but couldn't take it.
Carragher: 7 Another good game although he may be partly at fault at the second Spurs goal of being not close enough to Keane.
Hyypia: 7.5 Scored a great goal. We need some more from him for the next 5 leagure games.
Pellegrino: 6 His lack of pace is probably the reason for the second goal.
Nunez: 6 Produced a few crosses but unfortunately they didn't reach the head of Nando.
Gerrard: 5.5 Tried very hard but due to his lack of match fitness and luck it turned out to be an extremely bad day for him.
Alonso: 7 Running the midfield very well.
Warnock: 6 Played quite well but was unfortunately injuried.
Garcia: 7.5 Scored another nice goal. We need more!
Morientes: 6 Unfortunately not to score.
Substitutions:
Riise: 6.5 Substituted the injuried Warnock and played quite well.
Cisse/Biscan: Not enough time to shine.
Spurs: 7 They scored 2 great goals and deserve to get one point.
Rafa: 6 Failed to improve our post European game misery...
Men of the Match: Garcia/Hyypia. The 2 goals gave us 1 point.
Friday, April 15, 2005
You'll Never Walk Alone
Today is the 16th anniversery of a date we won't forget. I kind of understand what the Juventus fans' feeling are when they refused to forgive - so do we.
Hillsborough victims, you will never walk alone.
My Team Prediction:
Dudek
Finnan
Carragher
Hyypia
Traore
Garcia
Alonso
Biscan
Riise
Le Tallec
Morientes
Result 3-0
Hillsborough victims, you will never walk alone.
My Team Prediction:
Dudek
Finnan
Carragher
Hyypia
Traore
Garcia
Alonso
Biscan
Riise
Le Tallec
Morientes
Result 3-0
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