Momentum and consistency are the keys

After a memorable victory last week we need to build on it and start another winning streak. Fulham will be tough opponent at home and we need a wonderful strike by Yossi at the last minute to beat them last year, so we need to play exceptionally well again this time to get the three points.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Degen
Carragher
Agger
Insua
Mascherano
Lucas
Kuyt
Benayoun
Babel
Torres

Result 2:0

Match Report 091028 at Arsenal: Nice debut by Aquaman

1-2 and although we are out of the League Cup our performance was quite well. In short this is a very balanced game, but Arsenal took their chances better than we do. And we were cruelly denied a penalty that will bring the game to extra time. In summary, the second strings did quite well and they will get another chance to shine very soon.

Players Rating:
Cavalieri: 6.5 Could have done better in defending both goals conceded.
Degen: 7 Surprisingly very attacking mind and almost scored an opener.
Skrtel: 6.5 Looks a bit off the form and was out-muscled in the 2nd goal conceded.
Kyrgiakos: 6.5 Did OK.
Insua: 7.5 Scored a cracking goal to open his account.
Spearing: 6.5 Assured performance with a few nice passes.
Plessis: 6.5 Confident display after signing a new contract.
Kuyt: 7 Good performance for the captain but he played a bit too deep.
Voronin: 6.5 Lost the ball and lead to the first goal conceded.
Babel: 6 Missed another sitter to equalise the game.
Ngog: 6.5 Did well in 1H but level dropped in 2H.

Substitutions:
Benayoun: 6.5 Not many contribution.
Aquilani: 7 A very good long-awaited debut and he almost scored.
Eccleston: 6.5 Not enough time to impress.

Rafa: 7 Although result is not good but he would be delighted about the way the second tier play.

Arsenal: 7 Showed they have more depth of players in the second tier.

Man of the Match: Insua. First of many great goals.

Second strings shine again

After a superb victory in the League we are now back to League Cup matter. With many players continuing their recovery Rafa would no doubt use some of the fringe players. And we may see Aquilani playing a part in the game as well.

My Team Prediction:
Cavalieri
Degen
Skrtel
Kyrgiakos
Dossena
Lucas
Spearing
Benayoun
Voronin
Babel
Ngog

Result 2:0

Match Report 091025 vs Manchester United: Players respond

2-0 and this is a very well deserved victory. The players respond to the critics and were pressing them from the first minute onward and there is only one winner from the game. Together with most of the other results we are now in a much better position that previous week.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7.5 A good game with not too many saves to made.
Johnson: 7.5 Shows his defensive class.
Carragher: 8 Tackles after tackles, clearances after clearances, and Carra is back.
Agger: 7.5 A very assured performance.
Insua: 7 A few mistakes in the first 10 minutes but gradually recover.
Lucas: 8 Made numerous tackles and a killing assist to seal off the game.
Mascherano: 7.5 A very solid game in the middle although slightly ruined by a stupid red card.
Benayoun: 8 Very lively with many superb passes and of course the magnificent assist.
Kuyt: 8 Worked hard as usual.
Aurelio: 7.5 Almost scored from a superb freekick and another header in 1H, but became tired in the 2H.
Torres: 8.5 Superbly taken goal that shifted the balance.

Substitutions:
Ngog: 7.5 A coolly taken goal.
Skrtel: 7 Provide more rock in the dying minutes.

Rafa: 8 Would be absolutely delighted about the way the players respond. Now we need to build another long winning streak.

Manchester United: 6 Does not have as much hunger as we did for a victory.

Man of the Match: Torres. Another superb goal with 80% fitness.

At the end of the storm, there's a golden sky

After 4 straight defeats we now face the most important game of the season. A win will bring us back on track, so as fans we need to stand behind the team in this crucial moment. At the end of the storm, there's a golden sky. We'll never walk alone.

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

Result 2:0

Match Report 091020 vs Lyon: We have mountains to climb

1-2 and the result leaves us a huge mountain to climb. Depends on result elsewhere, there may be a scenario that we win the next 3 games but still could not qualify. And with the list of injuries, we are really in deep trouble. As fans this is the time the team need us, and we should stand by the team in this tough moment.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7 Made a few successive saves but still couldn't keep the ball out for the first goal.
Kelly: 7.5 A very good debut ruined by the injury and the result.
Carragher: 6.5 Solid in center, but lost a Lyon player in the dying minute that lead to the goal when forced to play as right back.
Agger: 6.5 Solid but not too impressive.
Insua: 6.5 Good in defending but did not offer much on attack.
Lucas: 6.5 Tried very hard but not much flare provided.
Mascherano: 6.5 Good at screening the defense.
Kuyt: 7 Have a goal ruled off due to pushing.
Gerrard: 6 Lasted only 25 minutes, and we need him to be back soon.
Benayoun: 7 Scored a nice goal but faded quickly in 2H.
Ngog: 6 Missed a glorious chance to make it 2-0 and finished the game.

Substitutions:
Aurelio: 7 Good display coming up and was involved in our goal.
Skrtel: 6.5 Did the job well in center defense.
Voronin: 6 Not enough time to impress.

Rafa: 6 Would be disappointed that everything is not right. We will support him in this difficult period.

Lyon: 7 Played better than us but we need to beat them at their home.

Man of the Match: Kelly. A composed performance in his full debut.

Bounce back

After 3 straight defeats with no goal scored we definitely need to bounce back tonight. Torres is still out but Gerrard is back, so we have more firepower for the game. Lyon won't be easy opponent so we need to forget the weekend misery and walk on.

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

Result 2:0

Match Report 091017 at Sunderland: Defeat with dignity

0-1 and we were beaten by a better team. The goal may be fluke but our performance on that day would not earn us anything. Nevertheless Rafa was dignified and admitted that we don't deserve anything, and did not complain about the balloon. We now need to move on, as there are two crucial matches coming up.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7.5 Made a superb save to reduce the damage.
Skrtel: 6 An average performance.
Carragher: 7 Gradually back to his form.
Agger: 6.5 A nice comeback from injury.
Johnson: 6.5 Failed to help the attack.
Lucas: 6 Could not direct from midfield.
Spearing: 6 A nice debut start in the league, but he conceded the ball a few times.
Aurelio: 6 Did not offer much.
Benayoun: 6.5 Not much contribution.
Kuyt: 6.5 Not many opportunities given.
Babel: 6 Disappointing.

Substitutions:
Mascherano: 6.5 Controlled the midfield well.
Voronin: 6 Not much contribution.
Ngog: 6 Not enough time to impress.

Rafa: 6 Would be disappointed about the display. Need to lift the team up ASAP.

Sunderland: 7 The better team in the afternoon. Fully deserved winner.

Man of the Match: Reina. Prevent the team from further embarrassment.

Prove we are not a two men team

After the international week we have many casualties, as Gerrard, Torres, Kuyt and Kyrgiakos also picked up injuries. Sunderland will be a tough opponent to beat, as they have recently drawn a game at Old Traford and their morale will be high. But we need to show the world we are not a two men team. All the players should gear up and take the three points home.

My Team Prediction:
Reina
Johnson
Carragher
Skrtel
Aurelio
Mascherano
Lucas
Riera
Benayoun
Babel
Kuyt

Result 2:0

Match Report 091004 at Chelsea: Big blow

0-2 and this is a big blow to our season. For the first 60 minutes it was very tight, with no team really on top. Then an error by Mascherano, who gave away the ball and we were soon one down. We then geared up, trying to find the equalizer, but the finishing was not good and we were a bit unlucky. As the team push ahead hard our defense is empty, and we let them scored another goal.

It is a big blow, but the season is only 8 games old. We still have plenty of games to catch up, but we need to start a winning run from next game.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7 Can't be blamed for both goals.
Johnson: 6.5 Defense was exposed when he moved too forward for the first goal.
Carragher: 6.5 Cannot contain Drogba for the second goal.
Skrtel: 6.5 Gradually back to his standard.
Insua: 6 Was a bit slow and could not mark Drogba for the first goal.
Mascherano: 6 Very good before the mistake.
Lucas: 6 Solid if not too impressive.
Kuyt: 6 Worked hard but no prevail.
Gerrard: 6.5 Could not lift the team.
Riera: 6 Almost scored from a free kick, but not much else offered.
Torres: 6 More interested to kick Terry instead of shot the ball.

Substitutions:
Benayoun: 7 Very lively and almost scored.
Babel/Aurelio: 6 Not enough time to impress.

Rafa: 6 Would be disappointed at the lack of fight. Definitely need to lift the team after the international break.

Chelsea: 7 The slightly better team won, and they would be title contender unless African Cup is affecting them severely.

Man of the Match: Reina. Reduced the damage to bare minimum.

Good response needed

After a very poor performance at Florence we need to show a good response. Chelsea also has their own problem in Cech suspended, but they are still a very strong team especially in attack. We need to be very cautious and at our top to have any chance to bring 3 points home.

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

Result 2:0

September Month Report

5 wins and 1 defeats in September see us back to top 3 in the League and into last 16 of League Cup. After a slow start in August the team is gradually picking up, with nice home performance in the league against Burnley and Hull City, together with an exciting win at West Ham. We will have some big games in October and we need to keep the momentum. The second tier players are also picking themselves up with a nice win at Leeds in the League Cup. In Europe, however, we were not as convincing with a 1-0 win at home against Debreceni an lost at Fiorentina. The margin of error is now very slim for us and 4 points are the minimum for our next two games vs Lyon.

Players of the Month (1) Benayoun 7.60 (2) Gerrard 7.49 (3) Torres 7.40. Benayoun continues with his fine form with a hat trick against Burnley and 2 assists. Stevie G once again lead by example with a superb goal vs Hull and two assists. Torres is gradually back to his best form with 5 goals scored in the month.

October prediction:
10/4 Chelsea (a) They have Cech suspended and a few injuries so we need to take our chances.
10/17 Sunderland (a) Sunderland are doing fine at home so we need to play well if we want to take 3 points home.
10/20 Lyon (h) Almost a must win game for us if we want to qualify.
10/25 Manchester United (h) The biggest game of the season, we need to be on our top for sure.
10/28 Arsenal (a) Both teams will play reserve players so it is a matter of who have a thicker squad and take the League Cup more serious.
10/31 Fulham (a) They did not do well this season so we need to take our chances.

Match Report 090929 at Fiorentina: Back to earth

0-2 and this is a very poor performance in the first half. Nobody is willing to fight and Fiorentina did well to be on top and we were defeated by two very well taken goals. The performance is much better in 2H but it was too little, too late. The next two matches vs Lyon are now crucial and we need at least 4 points if we want to have any chance to qualify.

Players Rating:
Reina: 6.5 In general good but was unable to prevent both goals.
Johnson: 6 Not many chances to go forward.
Carragher: 7 One of the better player in defense.
Skrtel: 6.5 A flat performance.
Insua: 6.5 Not in his best form.
Aurelio: 6 Did not offer too much in the DM position.
Lucas: 6.5 Solid in midfield.
Kuyt: 6 Worked hard as usual.
Gerrard: 7.5 Lead by example but didn't do much to bring us anything.
Benayoun: 6.5 Did not offer many opportunities to the forwards.
Torres: 6.5 Failed to tear down the Fiorentina defense.

Substitutions:
Babel: 6.5 Not as impact as the previous two games.
Voronin: 6.5 Not enough time to impress.

Rafa: 6 Would be fuming with the first half performance. Now he needs to make sure we are back to normal on Sunday.

Fiorentina: 7.5 Well deserved winner and we may need to beat them at our final match to qualify.

Man of the Match: Gerrard. But he alone can't leave the team.

Italian Job

After a superb performance over the weekend we are now back to Europe, with Fiorentina our next opponent. It will be a tough game but if we win this we are probably 60% sure to qualify, so we need to take our chance and continue our good run.

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

Result 2:0

Match Report 090926 vs Hull City: Sensational

6-1 and it is a very good win as Torres hits his fourth hat trick for us. Apart from a minor setback that see Hull equalized we were in control of the game. The team is now in a very confident mood going into the next week when we face Chelsea at their home, especially Cech is suspended and they may have a few injuries.

Player Ratings:
Reina: 7 Not much to do.
Johnson: 7 Relatively quiet in the game.
Carragher: 7.5 A much better performance.
Skrtel: 7 Poor header clearance that lead to Hull's equalizer.
Insua: 7.5 A superb performance with many overlaps and successful crosses.
Benayoun: 8 Superb performance with two inch perfect passes to Torres as two assists.
Gerrard: 7.5 A bit quiet but still scored a superb goal.
Lucas: 7.5 Provided steel in the midfield.
Riera: 7.5 Two nice assists.
Torres: 9.5 Three superb goals and is hitting top form.
Kuyt: 7.5 Worked hard with a superb assist that opened Babel's account.

Substitutions:
Babel: 8 Much better performance and was reward with two goals
Mascherano: 7 Solid in midfield.
Voronin: 7 Worked hard when called up.

Rafa: 7.5 Would be delighted about the team performance.

Hull City: 5 Desperately need to tighten up defense if they want to survive.

Man of the Match: Torres. Hitting top form but can still improve.

Maintain the momentum

Despite not playing too well we are now in a five game winning streak. We need to keep the momentum and try to pressurize the top teams. We only managed a draw with Hull last season so this is now time to make up grounds. They are not playing too well recently, so we need to come out and try to win the game.

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

Result 2:0

Match Report 090922 at Leeds United: A tough win

1-0 and we have a few scares before we finally win the game. Leeds were really up to the game and did scored a goal although it was ruled offside. We did not create too many chances and fortunately Ngog's goal is enough to send us through to last 16.

Players Rating:
Cavalieri: 7.5 A nice clean sheet kept, although he did conceded once but the goal was ruled offside.
Degen: 6 An average performance.
Carragher: 6.5 Surprised player on the pitch but he did lead by example.
Kyriakos: 6.5 A bit slow when facing fast forwards.
Dossena: 6.5 Didn't do much going forward.
Mascherano: 8 Did very well and assisted the goal.
Aurelio: 6.5 Did well in his first start from injury.
Babel: 7 Lively performance.
Spearing: 7 Good performance and will be challenging for first team place.
Riera: 7 Almost scored from a header.
Ngog: 7.5 Well taken goal that bring us through.

Substitutions:
Johnson: 7 Solid in defending.
Gerrard: 7 Provided more steel in midfield when needed.
Skrtel: 6.5 Not enough time to impress.

Rafa: 7 Would be glad to be able to rest most players and get a result, but we need to improve our performance.

Leeds United: 6.5 May consider them unlucky not to win the match, but at the end the difference in quality counts.

Man of the Match: Mascherano: Heartbeat of the team.

Reserve to shine

League Cup is a good opportunity to give the reserve players a chance to show what they can do, and tonight at Elland Road will be another such opportunity. Leeds was once a big team and so they would be eager to let the world know they are still capable, so we need to be ready and alert if we want to go through.

My Team Prediction:
Cavalieri
Degen
Agger
Kyrgiakos
Aurelio
Spearing
Lucas
Voronin
Babel
Riera
Ngog

Result 2:0

Match Report 090921 at West Ham United: Thank God Torres is a Red

3-2 and once again Torres rescued us. Defense was shaky today especially during first half, as we just can't hold out the speed of Hines. But with Torres you have hope, and he saved us from losing ground when all other Big 4 all won. At the end getting 3 points is more important, but we need to improve our performance especially in defense.

Players Rating:
Reina: 7 Made a few great saves.
Johnson: 7 Good going forward but sometimes at the expense of the defense. May be exposed when facing stronger opponents.
Carragher: 5.5 A very poor performance and could not cope with the speed of Hines.
Skrtel: 6 Did not have a good game.
Insua: 7 A good performance capped with a nice assist to Torres.
Mascherano: 7 A solid game in his return to Upton Park.
Lucas: 7.5 Did well in the midfield.
Kuyt: 7.5 Scored another goal and was always hard working.
Gerrard: 7 A good header that lead to the 2nd goal.
Benayoun: 7 Have a few nice runs and almost scored.
Torres: 8.5 Above all the players with two great goals.

Substitutions:
Babel: 7 Superb assist although contributed almost nothing other than that.
Aurelio: 6.5 Provided some much needed defensive strength.
Riera: 6.5 Not enough time to impress.

Rafa: 7 Would be delighted with the fighting spirit but need to sort out the defensive problems especially during set-pieces.

West Ham United: 7 A team on the rising and will be difficult to beat.

Man of the Match: Torres. Keep scoring and we will win.

Keep gear up

After an unconvincing win in Europe it is now back to our bread and butter. West Ham had a bad spell recently but they are strong at home. So we need to gear up if we want bring the three points home.

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

Result 2:0