Terribly Inept Performance On Merseyside Derby

Toothless Upfront, Careless Behind. Stop The Tinkering And Get Back To Basics

Everton 3 - 0 Liverpool

Scorers:
EVE - Cahill (24min), A Johnson (36, 90+4);

You know how pissed I'm right now? I started typing this even before Graham Poll blew the final whistle and as I was just uploading the photos, we conceded the third. I must say, how f**king awful were we on a bloody derby day. I'm not a scouser and I don't understand much about this derby day rivalry, but if this is not a derby, I WOULD have been pissed like this as well.

Again I have no idea what's with Rafa and his tinkering with the squad. I know the excuses will be 'oh, we have players on international duty' But we really need to stick with a constant squad for the players to gel and form some chemistry instead of chopping and changing every week and players will find it very difficult. The decision to start Fowler instead of either Bellamy or Kuyt has came to haunt us and starting the unfit Carragher costs us the game. He was such a rock in the defence and such a consistent performer but instead, gifted Everton the all important second goal.

The ENTIRE backline was horrendous throughout, only Finnan deserved a credit for trying his best to provide the width on the right vacated by Gerrard. Hyypia continued his terrible form, showing lapse of concentration and looks very uncomfortable against Andy Johnson, for who I thought, was BRILLIANT throughout the game.

I thought Liverpool's best player by a mile have to be Momo Sissoko. He was everywhere and he showed good passes and was surprisingly composed most of the time. But he can't be everywhere and the Spanish duo of Xabi Alonso and Garcia were poor, or beyond poor. Alonso occasionally passed the ball well but still looked well off pace and Garcia looked everywhere but to no effect. Gerrard fizzled out when we needed him the most and could not provide neither the width or the guile to breakdown the resillient Everton defence marshalled brilliantly by Yobo and Lescott.

Crouch was isolated but showed a few good touches and SHOULD HAVE STAYED ON TILL THE FINAL WHISTLE. His presence was sorely missed when Gerrard and Finnan put crosses into the box and there was ABSOLUTELY NO ONE IN THE GOD DAMN PENALTY BOX. Even when we're still 2-0 down, we didn't apply the nesccesary pressure on them and Everton looked comfortable throughout.

Dirk Kuyt worked very hard for the team and could've scored. We should have another penalty as well, but was waved away by Graham 'One More Card' Poll. Riise was carried off after 10 minutes on the field and I'm worried for him. We might have lost the game but I hate to lose a player as well.

I must re-emphasize that I'm not angry that we lost this game, but I'm angry at HOW we lost this game. Where are the passion lads? Where's the fighting spirit we've seen at Istanbul and not long ago at Anfield? I'm absolutely worried about the prospect of playing PSV next, Chelsea the following weekend and then a host of other big teams like ManYoo and Arsenal.

We need to stay calm, stop laying fingers and hopefully this loss will spur the players further on, like the 4-1 lost to Chelsea last season. We got back on momentum from then on and I seriously hope we can get back to basics and learn to grind out the win once again. I don't give a shit if we play ugly football, but for now, we need the results fast and start to build the momentum. We could not afford to take a step forward then 2 steps back now. It's a crucial period and we need to get back on track fast.

I'm pissed, but I'd rather give a more indepth view on things rather than going on the blame game and knee jerk reactions. No team can win every game they play, hopefully we can bounce back against PSV and stop all the talks and start walking the walk. Still a long, long season ahead and we cannot afford to crumble only after 3 games.

Come on you Reds, I know you're capable of better performances and I'm sure we can bounce back from this heartbreaking defeat.

-Drogballs

Tags: Liverpool, Everton, Merseyside Derby

The 204th Merseyside Derby Preview

Goodison Park

Everton vs Liverpool

I'm so looking forward to this match already, the Merseyside derby. Always full of passion, winners got the bragging right over their bitter neighbours and the losers get taunted as if they lost the Premiership on the last day. This match certaily, will not be for the faint hearted.

The reason why this 2 teams are branded 'rivals' although Everton were never really that close to us in terms of achievements is down to geographical reasons. The 2 teams are seperated by Stanley Park, Goodison Park and Anfield being a stone throw away (not literally). Also, Liverpool was part of Everton before we went seperate ways and from then, we have been bitter rivals.

Everton will have to improve from last season's two 3-1 defeats to Liverpool and hope to build on their impressive start so far this season. Andy Johnson has been on fine form and the defence has been pretty solid. Liverpool meanwhile, hasn't impress yet so far in the two games against Sheffield United and West Ham.

But the return of Sissoko, Riise and Carragher will be a huge morale booster to the team as they set off to Goodison Park later this evening (Singapore time). Liverpool's next three games will be extremely crucial to how our season shape up as we face Everton later, then PSV Eindhinoven mid-week in the first Champions League group stage game and then next weekend, it's Chelsea once again.

Everton meanwhile, faces late injury scare as James McFadden might be ruled out for this game. Other than that, they'll most likely name an unchanged team that defeated Tottenham 2 weeks ago.

Reports claimed that Dirk Kuyt and Craig Bellamy has emerged as favourites to spearhead Liverpool's attack with Crouch on bench even though he's on fire. Rafa Benitez is taking the international break into consideration for his squad as he doesn't want to tire the players out or select an unfit player.

The bragging rights of the people. The joy and heartbreak. Will be down to the very 22 players on the field tonight. Come on you Reds! Let's T**t the Bluesh*te!

-Drogballs

Tags: Liverpool, Everton, Merseyside Derby

Good News: Stadium And Duo Given Green Lights

New Anfield: Approved !

Liverpool City Council has approved a 999-year lease for a part of Stanley Park on which to build a new stadium.

The approval means that it's almost "all systems go" to start building the new 60,000 seater stadium, just a few hundred yards from Anfield.

The council have granted the Reds permission to start building on the site from January as long as the club can prove that they have sufficient funds to build - thought to be around £180million.

"It's all systems go. All we need now is the club to confirm the funding," said council leader Warren Bradley.

"If Liverpool have the funding in place, they can start on the site from January."

The development will also see community development to the area in north Liverpool, with the overall cost expected to be around £215million.

Liverpool hope to open the stadium in time for the start of the 2009/10 season.

Drogballs: I'm all excited, but at the same time, I have to wonder where will all the money come from and we all know, Liverpool isn't the richest club out there and I think we might have to lure some heavy investors in before we can start building the New Anfield. Hopefully so, the future will be glorious, and the future will be RED.


Carragher & Riise Might Be Available For Merseyside Derby

Rafael Benitez will make a late decision on whether Jamie Carragher and John Arne Riise will be fit enough to figure in the Merseyside derby against Everton.

Both Carragher and Riise resumed training on Thursday and the Liverpool manager confirmed he will see how they are feeling before naming his team for the Goodison clash.

"All the players want to play and they say they are all 100 per cent fit when maybe they are only 50 per cent so I will have to decide who starts in the derby," admitted Benitez.

"We have a crazy schedule of games when for the next 12 to 13 weeks we are playing two games a week so that is why having a big squad of players is so important at a top club like Liverpool."

Drogballs: Another piece of fantastic news. Certainly a huge boost and I personally think Rafa should field this two players at all cost. We have..sort of missed them since their injury during the match against Sheffield United and haven't kept a clean sheet since. This two players are the lynchpin and Carragher the rock in our defence. Bring 'em back! Hopefully!

Tags: Liverpool, Anfield, Riise, Carragher

Looney Let Off The Leash!

ROONEY 'PUNCHED' GRAY AFTER SPAT

Wayne Rooney was involved in an altercation with fellow Premiership star Michael Gray in a plush Manchester restaurant on Saturday night.

The 20-year-old Manchester United striker was with fiancee Coleen McLoughlin and three other couples, all long-standing close friends of the pair, at the Panacea restaurant, when Gray, himself capped three times by England in 1999, wandered over, apparently under the influence of alcohol.

The footballers exchanged words before it is alleged Rooney, while still seated, punched Gray, giving the player, who is now at Blackburn, a black eye.

"Wayne and Coleen were enjoying a night out with three other couples and were having a quiet dinner when Michael came up to their table uninvited," said a spokesman for the striker.

"Michael then began making a number of remarks which were offensive to Coleen and Wayne's other female guests.

"Several times, Wayne asked Michael to leave. It was a brief incident and as far as Wayne is concerned, he bears no ill-feeling towards Michael."

The incident comes at a time when the former Everton star is currently suspended from club duty and has only just completed an international ban for his dismissal during England's World Cup quarter-final defeat to Portugal.

The negative headlines are the last thing Rooney needed, given he has worked hard to try to curb the excesses of temper he has admitted in the past have caused him problems.

Yet given the provocation involved Saturday's incident, Rooney is unlikely to face any internal action from his club, while it is understood Gray has offered a full version of events to Blackburn boss Mark Hughes.


Drogballs: I have to say this man here needs anger management, fast. Although his attitude on the field as improved since the first time I saw him in the Everton shirt, he's still pretty much a trouble maker and seemed to have problems calming down.

Can you see me, I'm waving a red card at Rooney already.

Tags: Wayne Rooney, Michael Gray

The Quote That Will Make You Go 'RIGHT....'

Ashley Cole says he's joined Chelsea to win trophies.

The England left-back, 25, who quit Arsenal for the Blues on deadline day last week, said: "I've always been a winner and, hopefully, I can play for years and years under this management and win things.

"I'd rather win the Premiership but winning the Champions League would be a great achievement and, hopefully, one day I'll pick it up."

Cole went to Stamford Bridge with France defender William Gallas going to the Emirates, along with �5million cash.

Cole added: "Hopefully I can prove to Chelsea I am here for good reasons. It has been a long time coming and I am glad to be here.

"I definitely have something to prove, coming from a rival club. But I can definitely say I am here for the good reasons - to win things.

"I chose Chelsea because of what they have done in the past few seasons.

"They have shown with the players they have brought in that they are a very ambitious club."

Cole played in the Three Lions' win in Macedonia this week. He added: "I've a fight on my hands with Wayne Bridge at left-back but, hopefully, I can play alongside JT, like at England."


Drogballs: 1....2........3..... RIGHTTTTTTT. Okay I shall not comment further.

Tags: Ashley Cole, William Gallas, Arsenal, Chelsea

New Management, Same Problems?

Macca's Report Card:

I'm so pissed, cause I was halfway from completing and the computer hung and I HAD TO RE-TYPE ALL THIS. Whatever, I'll do it anyway.

So I sat down and watch England vs Macedonia just now. I wasn't impressed. Fair enough, a win away from home against a very difficult team to beat and 3 points secured. But why do I have this feeling that England hasn't move on from the Sven-age?

I must make myself clear once again:

1) This is NOT a knee-jerk reaction.

2) I'm not an England fan by all means. I just follow them and baffled at how poor they are some times.

My favourite writer over at F365 started his article today with these words:

Nothing has really changed. We've swapped a decent head of blonde hair for a few clumps of ginger. And that's it.

Wonderfully put and I have to say, I agree with him. I can't help but think why is England such an inconsistent side even though blessed with some really good players (some over-rated, but still pretty good).

It's still TOO early to judge whether McClaren will lead England onto greatness, or once again falling into mediocrity and fizzle out in every competition's quater finals on penalty shoot-outs. But I certainly sense similiarity between Macca and Sven's method of doing things and surely enough, I'd have to say it's not looking good.

The common qualm we have about the Swedish is that firstly, he's not English and I don't know much about the media environmet over in Britian, but certainly, it's not the nicest. Princess Diana got driven to her grave and Sven himself got tricked into the 'fake sheikh' saga, I must say the media doesn't help. IF Sven was the one leading England yesterday and they got that result, I would expect tabloids like The Sun to go 'SVEN OUT!' I'm not trying to be stereotypical, but it's so predictable.

Now McClaren, an Englishman at helm, and AH, everyone was well pleased. I've heard complains about Alan Hansen and a few other BBC pundits going ballistic on Sven and hailing Macca like the best thing since sliced bread. Biasness? I'm not too sure, but McClaren certainly made himself a darling to the media when he made David 'Goldenballs' Beckham his sarcrifice to the media, as if he was the main culprit for England's mediocre performance in Germany. That will make his life a little easier, especially more so for him being an English of course.

Then you have the manager-player relationship that puzzles some people. Sven adores Beckham and everyone knows it. Jermaine Jenas, I'm not too sure, maybe he knows Sven's mum but who knows. He once said Becks will be the first player on the team sheet and appointed Becks the captain (although I THINK it's Peter Taylor who handed him the armband first). So Sven stucked with Beckham through and through for the couple of years at helm regardless of his form or off field matters.

Then now McClaren seemed to have the same mentality, getting too close to a player. He seemed to fancy Stewart Downing a lot and Frank Lampard. It's worrying and I believe that when a player should be dropped, the manager must make the decision, be incisive and decisive. Downing used to play under Macca at Boro and we could safely say he understands him inside out. Maybe he rates him as a good player, but seriously, if he can't even get past the Macedonian defence and put at least ONE decent cross in, then Macca have to stop deluding himself and start to drop players who have no right to be in the team.

One reason why I respect Rafa as a manager is because he is not in Liverpool to make friends with the players like Houllier, but as a MANAGER. He admits that he's not close to any of the players and you could see that in his team selection. He's never afraid to drop players who are not at their tip top conditions or favourable form. When a player needs to be dropped, he ought to. Players like Lampard who hae so far been disappointing and giving excuses like ' the midfield is too busy so I can't get the ball' is utterly lame and it's time he is dropped too.

Some players never learn because they had the luxury to be in the national team without worrying about the coach dropping them and they start to get complacent. I wouldn't name names, but you and I know very well who those overpaid players are. They know the manager wouldn't drop them so they don't feel threatened and doesn't have to worry about 'fighting for a place'.

Then lastly, I believe he still hasn't sort out the Gerrard/Lampard problem yet. All he did was sweep the dust under the carpet and thinks everything is gonna be fine. It's okay to play Gerrard out on the right, because he's capable of playing ANYWHERE and he played there for Liverpool. It works against Greece and Andorra. But once again, what IF they're pit against Brazil or France. Is Macca gonna delude himself into thinking Gerrard is a a pure right-winger and he can do the job as well? I personally think not. Drop Lampard, shift Gerrard inwards, AND IT'S TIME TO START LENNON.

But IF I'm not wrong, he's the first manager to win the first two games? That's a pretty good start to his reign with the Three Lions and hopefully he learned from the mistakes Sven made and not to make them again. It's far, far too early to judge, with only 3 games played. But McClaren have to make a decision now, because this England team still looked a little disjointed and have to learn to pass the ball properly. Isn't football about passing the ball around and scoring goals? Till then, I'm out and sorry for the LONG post!

Tags: England, Steve McClaren, Macedonia

To Celebrate The 400th Post

Have Some Jokes (Might Be Offensive!)

1) What does NASA stand for?
Need another seven astronauts

2) Where did the shuttle pilots go on holiday?
All over Florida

3) Official drink of the shuttle?
7up

4) Q: What causes paedophilia?
A: Sexy children


5) Last words?






Let her drive.


Taken from ThisIsAnfield, my favourite Liverpool blog! Congrats for making it to the Top 100 websites on the FHM magazine!

Have Some Laughs Alright!

Terry Wrist and Al Kyder? HAHA



Oh god, that's cruel!

Tags: Humour, Joke, Prank, Video

Euro 2008 Qualifier Latest !

Crouchy To The Rescue (Where Are The Boo-Boys Now?)

Skopje, Macedonia

Macedonia 0 - 1 England

Scorer:
ENG - Crouch (46min);

Great job, Crouchy. He's certainly on his way to become an indespensible part of the England set up now, Plan A or Plan B. And after 10 goals in 14 games for England, what else can you really complain about. I know he scored bucketloads against poor oppositions, but one can only play against what is placed in front of him. Scoring the only goal in the game and rescueing England is not good enough for you? Then you shouldn't watch football.


Read the match report on BBC since the match wasn't live over here in Singapore. Seemed like McClaren's constant sticking to Stewart Downing is a little worrying, ala Sven and Beckham. Lampard was poor as usual and Gerrard wasn't up to his usual standard (since he wasn't played at right-back). Crouch had a penalty claim that was turned down but seemed valid while Jermaine Defoe....I never rated him anyway. I'll pick Johnson ahead of him.

Poor performance, but still 3 points in the bag. One should learn not to complain so much, you know.


Can A Human Mind Imagine A 13-0 Thrashing?

San Marino 0 - 13 Germany

Scorers:
GER - Podolski x4, Schweinsteiger x2, Klose x2, Ballack, Hitzlsperger x2, Friedrich, Schneider

When I saw this picture on GettyImages, I was thinking if there was anyone actually playing Germany last night. Presumably they just walk the ball into the net and TADAH, 13-0. THIRTEEN BLOODY NIL! In a European qualifier! But don't take the credit away from Germany, I always thought they're a brilliant team to watch and I think every team on earth should learn how to attack like them.


REVENGE!! HAHA!

Stade de France, Paris

France 3 - 1 Italy

Scorers:
FRA - Govou (2min, 55min), Henry (18min)
ITA - Gilardino (20min)

After the World Cup finals heart break, France found the perfect catalyst for a wonderful performance against the reigning world champions. It's a case of France playing really well and Italy on the opposite end. The Italians looked disjointed and some of the players like Cassano and Semioli seemed out of depth. They struggled to string a few good passes along the floor and resorted to pumping aimless ball up to Alberto Gilardino. It was a poor performance on their part, but France were brilliant, albeit some poor marking that gave Gilardino the chance to score and nearly revived Italy.

Sidney Govou didn't take long when he volleyed home a William Gallas cross, but replay shows Gallas is fractionally offside. It was a wonderful finish from the right sided attacker, who slotted the ball past Gigi Buffon with ease. It took only 2 minutes.

It was 2-0 before it hits the 20 minutes mark. Henry lurking in his usual left wing position took a pot shot at Buffon's goal and it went in after a deflection from Italy captain, Fabio Cannavaro.

The Italians struggled to kept hold of the ball while the French looks hungry and always looked dangerous on the break. Makelele and Vieira were fantastic throughout the game, as the stiffled Andrea Pirlo and kept the Italian playmaker really quiet.

But his set piece quality was never in doubt,after placing a perfect cross for Gilardino to head home. It's the type of free kick that goes into the 'no mans land', and Gilardino shrugs off his marker and Coupet stranded.

But Italy never build on that confidence booster and didn't create much clear cut chances. They had a penalty claim in the first half which looked controversial, but was turned down.

The game was all over when Sidney Govou, the Lyon winger who scored the first goal, increased the lead to 2 goals again with a wonderful header.

Sweet revenge for the Les Bleus, but the war is not won. There's still an away leg at Rome to play for and it's going to be difficult.

Tags: Euro 2008 Qualifier, England, Macedonia, France, Italy, Germany, San Marino

Good News, Lads...

Momo Is Fit For Merseyside Derby!


Momo Sissoko will be fit for this weekend's Merseyside derby after recovering from a knee injury.
The Liverpool midfielder sustained the knock against Maccabi Haifa in the Champions League qualifying round but has now returned to full training and is available for selection at Goodison Park.

Manager Rafael Benitez, however, still doesn't know if either Jamie Carragher or John Arne Riise will be fit in time to play this weekend as both continue to recover from ankle injuries.

"Momo is fit and has been training normally at Melwood," said the Liverpool boss.

"It's more difficult to tell with John or Carra and we won't know until Thursday if they have a chance."

Benitez is keeping his fingers crossed that his international stars return unscathed from tonight's European Championships qualifying action.

He added: "The players will be back with us tomorrow but there's no time really to do what we'd like before the derby. All we can do is make sure they have recovered from their international matches.

"The important thing is they all come back fit and without problems. That's our hope."


Drogballs: Great news! So now we have the WORLD CLASS pairing for Sissoko and Alonso in the middle while we could push the NOT SO WORLD CLASS Steven Gerrard out wide to the right! Yea, that'll deffo do it for Shebby Singh I presume.

Sorry For Stealing Your Work!

So, I was visiting and hopping around my fellow footie crazy people's blog and don't mind, I steal some stuff from your blog. I'll advertise, don't worry! haha.

Liverpool History Lesson:

You want to get to know more about the most prestigious club in the land and it's glorious history? Well, Soccer Prime News made a summary of it. So head down to: Soccer Prime News!

It's nice to reminsce the past.


You Know You're A Liverpool Fan When....

1. You know a lot about English Soccer History - however there is a void in the 1990's that does not count as fact.

2. You counter every other teams fans with "18 time champions" - no matter what they were discussing

3. You can't hear the word "Istanbul" without crackng a huge smile

4. You shake your head anytime you here the words "man" and "you" in a sentence.

5. You finish every statement in life with "5 time European Champions".

6. You don't know what's a defeat, until the final whistle goes!

7. You're a heart attack victim. Often watching Liverpool games makes your emotion goes like a roller coaster!

More at Liverpoolfc.fan.ca!

Oh, and I shan't do anymore of the Gallas and Chelsea sh*t. It's getting so boring....I hope it ends soon. What a farce!

My Constant Whinging And Complaining......

Got Me On Football365

Ha ha ha, now everyone knows my name. But whatever it is, my first attempt at the mailbox and got through. Not too bad. More at: The Football365 Mailbox Section


Visitor Number 7000

We have visitor number 7000 on here just yesterday and I would like to...give myself a pat on the back. Haha This blog is already 5 months (more or less) old and has given me a space for me to express my views and thank you guys for your support, love you oh so much!

It's All Going In One Circle, Right?

Chelsea Issue Statement...

Chelsea claim unhappy French defender William Gallas sensationally threatened to score an own goal and refused to play for the club before he was sold to Arsenal as part of the deal which took Ashley Cole to Stamford Bridge.

The statement revealed how he initially refused to play against Liverpool in last season's FA Cup semi-final and how, if selected to play against Manchester City in the first game of this season, he threatened to score an own goal, get sent off or make deliberate mistakes.

The club statement read: "Chelsea believes it is important for our supporters to be made aware of the full facts regarding William Gallas and the lack of respect he showed to the fans, the manager and the club.

"The issue was purely one of money, despite his public comments that he wanted a new challenge, to play abroad and so forth. These were just a smokescreen to cover up the fact he was hawking himself to the highest bidder.

Then Gallas Got Pissed:

French defender William Gallas has accused Chelsea of 'hiding behind false accusations' after being stunned by his former club's claim that he threatened to score an own goal.

"I never said that I would score an own goal. I was very firm in my will to leave, that is clear, and I will explain at the appropriate time why.

"If people want to hide behind these eccentric charges to explain my departure instead of assuming their responsibilities in front of their supporters, then they can do.

"All this is very, very petty on behalf of Chelsea. But at the same time, coming on behalf of its new leaders, that does not surprise me. Even if Chelsea has much money, its new leaders lack class."

Drogballs: I have to say that although this has nothing to do with me, because I'm not a Chelsea fan, but it seems like nowadays, there isn't gonna be one day without Chelsea being in the limelight for various reasons. They released a statement to ask Thuram and Domenech to shut up yesterday and then today, they openly questioned William Gallas' commitment to the team just before he left for Arsenal. The thing is, why do they need to bring it up to the public?

One of the reasons I presume, would be to get the Chelsea fans off their back. Understandably, the Chelsea fans were outraged by the sale of William Gallas, and more so for moving across to London rivals Arsenal. This piece of 'revelation' will somehow divert the attention of the fans to William Gallas, who was being portrayed as someone that 'attempted to score an own goal or make a mistake' in a match.

My point of view would be of course, both sides are wrong.

William Gallas, an accomplished defender and has served Chelsea well over the years, throwing his toys out of his pram when things doesn't go his way and IF (big IF) he really did what Chelsea claimed he did, then he's a proper prick of the highest order.

Somethings I don't understand about this footballers. Are they turning into a bunch of overpaid pansies and prima-donnas? When one signs a CONTRACT, they are supposed to hold onto it and show commitment to the club, no? As a professional, one should perform his job and ensure he does it to his best no matter the circumstances are. Look at Robbie Fowler and Jamie Carragher. Who'd thought they're EVERTON fans. But do they go on to score own goals (maybe Carra did unintentionally, heh) and screw up the club? No, they showed commitment and passion for the club, earned respect from fans and I admire them for that. I personally would NOT play for Everton, but that's they're job, and they witheld it with dignity.

Chelsea? Again, acting like a big kid, pertulent and selfish. As I've said, they tried to divert the attention to Gallas and portray themselves white as snow. But look this way, they might just be trying to destabilise Arsenal. They went on public to blast Gallas will probably be a cause for concern for maybe, let's say, the Arsenal players. What would they think of Gallas after hearing this sort of news? Doubt, presumably.

Loyalty? No more. It's all bought. And money now makes planet football go round. Sad state, indeed.

Tags: Chelsea, William Gallas

DID I HEAR THAT RIGHT?

"Steven Gerrard's best position is right-back, John! He should playing there for England!"

"He's not a world class player! Benitez knows it and therefore he made Xabi Alonso the playmaker, not Gerrard. And that's why Rafa pushed him out wide to the right!"


Those are the words from ESPN's 'FOOTBALL PUNDIT', Shebby Singh. I've long been ciiticising his comments on shows and all along I thought he was a pretty sh*t pundit. Today, those words just confirmed that he IS.

Seriously, WATCH SOME FOOTBALL before spouting some utter rubbish on a show called Football Focus, not some drunken discssion when everyone's pissed and taking it as a joke.

Is The Chelsea Website...

Written By A 16-Year Old?

My pal sent me the link last night, claiming he's outraged at what Chelsea has became (he's a Chelsea fan, sherlocks). He can't believe that the club actually released an 'official club statement' in this manner:

Keep quiet Thuram and Domenech

Chelsea Football Club has the following statement on the international career of Claude Makelele.

The statement says:

Ill-considered comments regarding Claude Makelele's international career continue to come from the French camp, in particular Lilian Thuram, and the French national team coach, Raymond Domenech.

José Mourinho was correct in giving strong backing for our player, and he was fully supported by Chelsea FC on this.

Thuram and Domenech appear not to appreciate a manager's support for his player. They also fail to understand José Mourinho's comments regarding "slavery" which were purely a metaphor to illustrate the Makelele problem, a figure of speech rather than a literal comparison with slavery as a social and political issue.

As a result of their failings, deliberately inflammatory comments will only cloud a problem which is on its way to being resolved.

So now, who does Chelsea think they are to ask the 2 of them to shut up, unless they're Chelsea's slaves? Oh, hang on a second. Raymond 'Nutter' Domenech and Lilian Thuram commented on Mourinho's claim that Makelele was a slave to the French national team. Although I do not have ANY experience in PR (public relations) matters, I would've thought a more appropriate way to 'shutting' them up would be:

"Chelsea FC would like to express their disappointment in the comments made by Domenech & Thuram"

Alright, somewhere along the line. You just can't say 'HEY YOU BOTH JUST SHUT THE H*LL UP!' and expect them to really shut up. Now you know why nobody really respect them as a club and everyone just can't stand them.

Class-less. From the top to the bottom.

New Stadium Latest

A report in Monday's Daily Post provides an exclusive update on Liverpool FC's proposed new stadium on Stanley Park - and a timetable of action including the demolition of the current Anfield stadium by December 2009.

According to the report city politicians will meet this Friday and make a landmark decision to lease the part of Stanley Park the Reds want to build their new 60,000 seater stadium, it will trigger a £240m regeneration of north Liverpool, with the football club needing to put together a package of £180m to fund the stadium by the end of the month.

Construction work for the new stadium is pencilled in for January 2007, with the stadium hosting it's first match in August 2009. By May 2010 the club hope to have completed all three phases in the regeneration and construction process, including a new Anfield Plaza on the existing site home of the club.

Drogballs: It's one of those things in life, to move on. Anfield has proven to be Liverpool's battleground for the past century and maybe, it's time to move on. The current capacity of Anfield is around 44,000 and compare it to Old Trafford and the new Emirates Stadium, it's far too small and in other words, we're lagging behind in terms of the gate receipts and executive box sales. Moving to the new stadium would mean Liverpool will finally be able to compete with the other big teams financially.

We have been falling behind for quite awhile already and we have to move on, although I fear the spirit of Anfield can never been replaced. I hope as we move on, the soul of the club will still be around and not getting it renamed like Carlsberg Park, commercialising it kills Liverpool, a brand of tradition, THE brand for football.

But I think we still need people to invest in the club itself. I don't think we're financially powerful enough to build it by ourselves. Hopefully some rich bloke who's passionate for football decides to lend us a hand.

Tags: Liverpool, Anfield, New Anfield, Stanley Park

Feel The Love, You Reds !

Liverpool were today unveiled as England's most popular team amongst rival fans in a poll conducted by a national men's magazine.

Weekly magazine Nuts commissioned the poll to try and find out who the country's football fans considered their second favourite club behind their own team.

The results made interesting reading with 15% of all those asked revealing Liverpool would be their 'second' team or the club they'd most like to achieve success after their own side.

Liverpool topped the pool by a clear 5% with West Ham United and Wigan coming in second and third respectively. Aston Villa finished bottom of the Premiership popularity table with Arsenal and Chelsea completing the relegation places.

"Liverpool have provided a huge amount of entertainment, over the last year or so starting with the Champions League win and culminating in the stunning Steven Gerrard goal in the FA Cup Final," explains Gershon Portnoi, the Nuts Sports Editor.

"I think The Toon's popularity may have taken a dip during Graeme Souness' time at the helm. It's great to see Wigan and West Ham up there. Everyone loves an underdog and they certainly entertained and gave many of the bigger clubs a scare last season."

The Premiership Popularity Table in full

1. Liverpool: 15%
2. West Ham: 10%
3. Wigan: 9%
4. Newcastle: 8.5%
5. Tottenham Hotspur: 7%
6. Bolton: 7%
7. Charlton: 6%
8. Manchester United: 6%
9. Portsmouth: 5%
10. Manchester City: 4%
11. Watford: 3.5%
12. Reading: 3.5%
13. Everton: 3%
14. Fulham: 3%
15. Blackburn 3%
16. Sheffield United: 2.5%
17. Middlesbrough: 2.5%
18. Chelsea: 2%
19. Arsenal: 1.5%
20. Aston Villa: 1%


Drogballs: I can't believe it! Chelsea has got more closet fans than Arsenal! Maybe the lack of Englishmen.....oh you cockneys...

Tabloid Rumours...(Chuckles)

'Which Premiership star fell out with his boss and moved clubs during the recent transfer window because he took offence at his manager mocking his less than impressive manhood in the showers? The player in question is said to have had his meagre tackle enhanced.'

Hint: He moved from a London club to another. (doesn't involve Chelsea or L'Arse)

Go on and guess!

Robinson Breaks Record

England goalkeeper Paul Robinson did not touch the ball for a total of 42 minutes 51 seconds during Saturday's stroll against Andorra. His spell of inactivity stretched from a goal-kick shortly before half-time to a picking up a pass from Ashley Cole just before full-time.

Robinson has now kept eight clean sheets in the last nine England internationals - only Peter Shilton back in 1989 can claim a better record (nine in ten games).

Drogballs: Presumably, he doesn't touch the ball much in a penalty shoot-out either....

Take A Break, Have Some YouTube!

For Non Football Fans! (Trust Me, This Is Funny)




Football Fans, Especially You Reds!



It's Liverpool captain, Steven Gerrard, vice captain, Jamie Carragher and a few others including King Kenny! They're pretty drunk and singing You'll Never Walk Alone..Enjoy!

Tags: Humour, Funny, Videos, Liverpool, YNWA, Gerrard, Carragher, Kenny Dalglish

Pictures Speaks A Thousand Words

Was browsing through my collection of photos and found some rather amusing ones under 'Football Humours'. I shan't type so much because I'm not really in the mood today, so let the pictures bring you a smile or a little childish chuckle.

I miss the World Cup :(

Has to be the most used picture on here:

You guys got merk'd

Robben's Collection:

This had me in stitches!

Stevie G's conversation with Lampard:

Martin Jol & Tottenham:

Jose Mourinho's Guide On....

Spot Wayne Rooney's face:

Arsenal's Arsene 'I Didn't See It' Wenger:

Tags: Football, Funny, Pictures, Humour

England Cruise In Comfortable Victory

As Stickman Strikes Double Yet Again

Euro 2008 Qualifier Group B

England 5 - 0 Andorra

Scorers:
ENG - Crouch (5min, 66min), Gerrard (13min), Defoe (38min, 47min);

Another comfortable win for England under the new regime of Steve McClaren and Terry Venables. It was truly a walkover and the game was theoretically over within 5 minutes when on form Liverpool striker, Peter Crouch drilled a shot beyond the reach of the Andorran 'keeper. It's his 10th goal in 9 appearances for England and I have to say well done, Crouchy. The goals he scored might be against minnows, but the goal record speaks for itself, silencing the critics and the boo-boys. Truly on his way to become an England 'cult-hero'.

As we know scoring the early goal might just bring a little rythmn into the team and then it was all downhill from there for the Andorrans. Steven Gerrard scored a well taken goal before setting up Jermaine Defoe for the third.


Second half resumed and it didn't take long before England increase their lead, again it was Defoe, with a wonderful first touch and a calm and composed finish. Crouch then added further misery to the visiting team when he headed in a Aaron Lennon cross and it was a very comfortable game for England. England goalkeeper, Paul Robinson didn't even touch the ball I THINK and the defence was largely untroubled, therefore McClaren had the power to change the tactics into a 3-5-2 with Kieran Richardson and Aaron Lennon down the flanks.

I'm hugely impressed by Owen Hargreaves and I thought he again, deserved the Man of the Match award. He breaks down play well although Andorrans didn't give him much trouble, he worked tirelessly and chasing lost cause. Should've scored AT LEAST one but luck wasn't on his side.

Aaron Lennon again did very well, his first contribution to the game and it was an assist for Crouch's second goal. Gerrard done reseasonably well on the right hand side and later shifted inwards to the centre. His goal was class and that assist for Defoe just shows how much quality he has.
From a neutral point of view, it's nice to see England scoring bucketloads, even it's agianst a minnow and everyone expected the match to be a walk in the park. I thought the new England team seemed to be 'revived' by McClaren and you can sense the players now have more confidence in themselves as well as their team mates, even though each players represents different clubs.

They looked like they enjoyed playing the game and although Andorra's 'parking the bus' tactic did stop the game from flowing, they were pretty fluent with a few nice passes here and there. The team work was there and it's definitely a morale booster for both the players and an encouragement for the management team.

Picture of the Day!

I sense MysticDollarRedemption going orgasmic over it already eh, girl? HAHA!

Tags: England, Andorra, Euro 2008