Boro vs Liverpool Preview

It's another weekend again and I'm sure many Liverpool fas are still not feeling very well after that defeat, or should I say, defeats. And again we'll be playing away from Anfield and many will be worried once again as we set foot in the Riverside stadium, where we have a tendency to falter at. 2 wins in 12 at the Smoggies' home is the stats many will be looking at and also the fact that Boro are the so called 'giant killer' in the Premiership as they're the only team to have defeated Chelsea thus far.

I'm not here to write about who's available and who's not. But the fact that we must throw away the disappointments and go to every game like the first game of the season. It's not deluding ourselves that all is well, but that we should not let things get in our way and the disappointments to be the catalyst to...further disappointments. I'm sure the players are feeling really down right now just like the fans, as they have to face the media while we can sit at home all day long slating each and everyone of them. But they need to know it's time to stand up and be counted. It's time to prove everyone including me wrong that they're not worthy to be tagged along with the likes of Arsenal, ManYoo and Chelsea.

Come on Reds, it's disappointing thus far so show us what you're made of. You wear that red shirt, you jolly well make sure you're there to fight on for the team.

Moores Holding Up The Takeover?

Found this on the TIA forums. It's an article from the Daily Telegraph describing how Chairman David Moores is sort of asking too much and his stubbornness in surrendering the stakes of Liverpool. But of course we could understand why he struggles to give up on Liverpool because essentially it's his family business and to give up Liverpool as a fan is just a terrible thing to do. But let's hope he knows what's best for the team and do the right thing.

When Liverpool visited Birmingham last week for the Carling Cup there were two prominent absentees from their 'team'. Neither the chairman, David Moores, nor the chief executive, Rick Parry, was there.

It is unusual for either, particularly Moores, to miss a match. I am told that the reason for the absence was that they were in North America visiting George Gillett, the owner of the Montreal ice-hockey team, who wants to buy Liverpool.

Parry was recently in Dubai, and although the word was that he was there with his family over half-term, I understand he met Samir Ansari, head of Dubai International Capital, part of Dubai Holdings, who is a fervent Liverpool fan and is interested in buying the club. Parry, it seems, prefers Ansari to Gillett.

The supposed Liverpool takeover began two years ago with the then Thai prime minister expressing interest. He has since been toppled, is living in exile in London and has, incidentally, been spotted at Fulham matches.

There is no resolution and little word from Liverpool about what is happening. I am told that there are two sticking points.

One is that Moores gets depressed the moment Liverpool lose and thinks of selling, but then bucks up with a win and does not want to let go.

There is also the problem of how much any bidder would pay. Moores is valuing the club at £200million. Liverpool need another £200million for their new stadium. Add in some £30-£50million over the next few years for players and other costs and debts and you are soon looking at £500million.

Liverpool have big support overseas, but a bidder with such deep pockets would want to put much of that money into the club, not give it to Moores and the existing shareholders.

I understand Gillett told them that he might be willing to invest a total of £450m but would want much of it going into the club for the stadium and players, and would want to take full control and bring in his own people.

What say you? What's next for Liverpool? Do tell me your feelings.

RIP Ferenc Puskas

Half a decade apart but still remembered for all the goals that he's scored. Sadly passed away yesterday, Puskas is arguably one of the best goal scorers the planet football has ever seen.

He scored 512 goals in 528 matches for Real Madrid.

And 83 times in 84 games for Hungary.

Although we might argue that it's far easier to score in the 60s, but that strike rate is phenomenon. Without doubt, I was taken aback with that sort of stats. In modern time, if a striker's goal vs games rate reaches 50%, he's already considered a prodigy and 'world-class'. What do you say about Puskas then?

Rest in peace, 'Galloping Major'. Your presence is gone, but at least you've left a legacy for the people to remember and something for people to reminisce in time to come.


9 minute clip on Puskas:

Deflated Reina & Carra vs Riise

I'm sure some of you are aware of the news about Jose Reina and Carragher saying 'top 4 is our aim for now' and then Riise coming out today to blast the 'coward defeatist attitude' of the duo. But once again we've seen the power of the press and their ability to twist the words from the mouth of the players.

After the defeat at Arsenal, Carragher and Reina came out and spoke about the title ambition that is up in the smokes. By being realistic, they said they're now aiming for a top 4 finish which to me sounds realistic at the moment. But Reina's quote about 'fourth place is our target now' doesn't sound good to me at all and I don't think he should've said that. No matter how bad thing get, I don't think we should only be contented at 4th spot although it seemed that's the only place we can finish this season without being named failures. I hope Reina didn't mean it and I hope the players don't rest on their laurels and think that finishing 4th is all they could do now and then go on the season deflated.

Which brings me to the point about Riise, who commented on Reina's deflating speech. I'm sure he himself felt disappointed by the results so far and therefore when he heard words like those, the passion for Liverpool just drove him on to say about only cowards give up and such.

I've no idea what's going on behind the scenes and in the dressing room. But let's hope it's not some serious unrest in the team where one bunch feeling down and out while the others blast them instead of giving their helping hands. It's tough times and I hope that the players can stand united in times like this.

You're playing for a club who has came back from the dead before and what is there to stop you? Results might not be going our way, but I hope everyone give their best regardless of whether we're going to finish fourth or not. At the end of the day, at least you know you've tried your best rather than giving up on everything.

Come on lads, not a time to blast each other on the press and giving up. Know what team you're playing for and fight for the chance to wear that red jersey of yours.

Time To Be Consistent

Like after someone's death, there's a autopsy report, I'll be doing the post mortem report for that disastrous day out at the Emirates Stadium. The loss means we're mathematically out of the title race (said few weeks back, saying it again) and even the 2nd and 3rd placing will be quite a struggle.

The loss also hit the fans with the truth that we're quite far off in terms of the squad standard and general consistency in the league. Our strength in depth is better than most of the teams, but having a lot of players means a lot of possibilities and it might not neccessary be a good thing at all.

People start asking questions as to what is happening to Liverpool, who are dubbed as the team to challenge Chelsea and have the most chance of winning the league other than Chelsea. Of course there are a whole lot of so called 'excuses' that we can use like 'the yellow jersey's making the players blind' and 'the pitch at the Emirates is too big'. But after thinking through, I figured that things has just been the same as few weeks back after that embarassing defeat to Man Utd.

Problems snowballing as I've mentioned back then is still, well, snowballing and only just stopped. Now it got worst and I can't tell the future. So better cross your fingers and hope for the best.

1) The pressure from the press. I for one think that the printing press and media in England is the root of a whole lot of problems including why the England national team always seemed to fall short. They regularly hyped up something and when it doesn't go well, they'll be the first to cast the stone. They're the one who hyped Liverpool up as the team to challenge Chelsea (we fans should bear some blame for that as well) but when Liverpool didn't do well, the critics are the first to fire shots and coming up with stories to unsettle people associated with the club.

2) Not able to get into any sort of momentum. I think the players, manager and fans alike are frustrated by the start we've made. It was disastrous and some performance can be summed up by a word, which is inept. But ask yourself about this. Would you want your team to play Sheffield United as your first match? It is well known that promoted teams will give you a taste of what it is to come and the first to appear is usually the one that suffers. Liverpool was on the receiving end. Then what about those games at Chelsea, ManYoo and Arsenal?

3) Mediocre performance from senior players. People like Gerrard, Carragher and Finnan should take up some blame to be honest. They're the players whom everyone at Liverpool look up to and they've failed. Gerrard looked as if something's troubling him as he's well known to not being able to seperate his personal life from football. Or worst still, heart is already somewhere else. Carragher and Finnan the two colossal figure of last season where a shadow of their former self and let the team down with some sloppy goals conceded. And honestly, this 3 are just examples. Just to name a few. Brings me to my next point...

4) New signings failing to settle. When players who're at the club for years failed to inspire, the newer signings will definitely suffer some way or the other. Aurelio has been poor defensively and offensively. Bellamy couldn't hit the cow's arse with a banjo while Mark Gonzalez is still getting use to the physical side of football. Pennant, well, I don't really have to go into him, do I? Dirk Kuyt was the only saving grace and even his excellent performance, he could do little with the back leaking goals.

5) Player morale and confidence level low. You could sense that near the end of the Liverpool vs Arsenal match. There was no fighting spirit and everyone couldn't wait for the game to end. I personally think that some players failed to recover from that 3-0 defeat by Everton because it was painful to take and even if they're pro footballers, they're humans. Every player's different. Some needs a pat in the back for encouragement while some just sit around, whinning. Craig Bellamy is the perfect example for someone who's low on confidence. Missing an open goal against Spurs was bad enough, he missed a penalty last week and went on to miss two other great chances. How is he going to bounce back? Or is he going to crumble and get destroyed?

I think there might be more than this, but this is all I could think of for now. There might be other factors involve but whatever it is, I hope all of you fans to be patient with Rafa and his men. At the same time, admit that we're not good enough to challenge the title just yet and still a team under construction. Time is still on Rafa's side as far as I'm concerned because even Shanks himself took a few years before he became a club legend. But of course there's the direct opposite in Gerard Houllier.

To me, I think we need to keep it simple. Get back to basics and keep a consistent team. I don't mean the same XI week in, week out. But a squad consisting of a group of core players and a few players who have impressed or suits the style of play against the opposition. Anyone watches Liverpool of old knows that we're famous for the pass and move whereas what you've seen last Sunday was heaven and earth compared to it.

Then I'll say drop Hyypia for the Premiership game and only use him for Champions League games. His experience is invaluable, but the pace of the Premiership is getting to him. Let Daniel Agger deputise him while bringing in another right-back to cover for Finnan as well as to keep him on his toes.

Now with Sissoko out, Gerrard should be the automatic choice for the central midfield role because Zenden although hardworking, is not an adequate player and might be a wee bit too light weight.

Striking partner between Crouch and Kuyt is looking good so they should not be seperated unless fatigue strikes in. Bellamy might get a run out in away games where we play more counter attacks. Fowler should only be use as cover as I'm afraid he's past it already.

But of course these are just my thoughts and Rafa might have a different view. But who knows, maybe success through perseverence is Rafa's way and he knows things we don't know. So let's not lose heart and let's wait and see what he has in store for us and what the Reds can conjure against Middlesbrough this weekend.

Gunners Outclass Hapless Reds

English Premiership

Arsenal 3 - 0 LIVERPOOL

Scorers:
ARS - Flamini (41min), Toure (56min), Gallas (80min);

Words can't really describe how utterly disappointed and depressed I'm now. It's as if after all the good works we've done, we're back to square one and proclaiming out loud that 'we're really not good enough'. By the look of things tonight, we can safely say we're pretty far away from the standards of Arsenal and all the summer signings have not made the impact they're supposed to make as predicted. To make things worst, our usually reliable defence has let us down big time in big games and we're here licking our own wound.

Seeing Gerrard and Riise blaming each other for the William Gallas goal hurts the most and I think all Liverpool fans felt the same too.

After such a disappointing start to the season, it seemed as though the momentum of the team is getting back as they've gone 5 straight wins but all at Anfield. Now we're brought back down to earth with yet another Jekyll and Hyde performance. Such were the gulf between Liverpool and Arsenal that it just baffles me and putting Liverpool in the 'Big4' is just an overstatement.

The Arsenal players were quicker, faster and sharper than everyone in the hideous yellow jersey. They're always one step ahead of everyone and there's really no way to stop them. The speed of their runs and the precision of their passes were just a totally different gravy to us and hats off to them, they took their chances and showed us how football should be played.

It's not as if we're pinned back for the entire game and didn't do anything. In fact, we started off well and created an open competition. It's daring on Liverpool's part as we all know what Arsenal are about and their prowess on counter attacks. Crouch did put the ball in the net, but was ruled offside.

Then worst came to worst, Arsenal scored when Liverpool went to sleep. Zenden let his marker go and Flamini was on hand to slid in. One could question whether he's offside. But to me, it was a perfectly crafted goal and they deserve it.

Half time and Rafa decided not to change anyone. Mark Gonzalez was playing an active role, but squandered chances and there were several occasions where he made some bad decisions. Zenden, although hardworking and willing to try, is not good enough.

Again Liverpool started pretty well, but then didn't get on any sort of momentum. Another defensive mistake let Kolo Toure through to score the goal that breaks Liverpool heart. Carragher was forced out of position while Hyypia and Finnan totally left Toure alone. Their indecisiveness and lack of mobility means Toure is through on goal and he shot through Reina's leg without much hassle.

Rafa sensed the lack of width especially on the right and sent on Jermaine Pennant. The so called solution to our right sided midfield is yet another player who doesn't seemed good enough and the 6.7million paid for him looked like it's going down the drain.

The killer blow was Gallas' free header right in the middle of the penalty box, unmarked. I'm totally speechless as to how they have left him all by himself right in the thick of action. It epitomises the term 'abysmal defending' and now there will again be questions asked about Rafa's staunch belief in the zonal marking system.

Adebayor should've added icing on the cake, but his poor finishing lets him down. By then, even the most determined player would've given up and hoping for the time to run out.

The loss once again shows that we should not delude ourselves thinking that we're a complete package. In fact, we're still only halfway there in order to actually be in the same echelon as ManYoo or Chelsea. It's a sad fact that we're a good cup team but when it comes to consistency, we're poor and so far this season, it has been absolutely disastrous.

We're alright with the home form, but what about the away? How the hell do you explain such indifference in form and what's going through the player's mind? Why are they so afraid to play away games? Are they mentally prepared?

Now on the defending. Where has the record breaking defence gone? Same players, totally different results in just over a year. We used to catch people offside so very often last season and now looking at it, we couldn't even create an effective offside trap. Finnan the ever reliable right back has gone down a little and looked suspect with his positioning at times. Carragher was lucky not to have been sent off with that rash tackle on Farbregas and this season, he hasn't found his form at all.

Midfield's in a mess. It's a fact. There's no cohesion and I sensed we missed Momo Sissoko a lot in this game. His constant pressurising and tracking are missed and the partnership between Zenden and Alonso looked out of place. The wingers we've bought in still have yet to justify their place in the squad and Gerrard's form is still a major concern.

Strikers? Without the supply, they're just chasing shadows and feeding off scrapes.

I have looked through the fixtures list for the next 10 games and honestly, if we want to finish at least 4th, we must NOT drop any more points. I've been saying this time and again this season till I'm sick and tired of it already, but we must really start to kick into gear and find some momentum.

I wouldn't blame anyone directly. But I think everyone on the pitch today need to carry their responsibilty with that sort of performance. You've let us down and you must show what you're made off and why you deserve the endless surport you've received for years.

Gooners vs Reds Preview

As the league leaders, ManYoo and Chelsea are threatening to pull away from the rest of the pack, the other two of the 'Big 4' will battle for precious points that will cut down the deficit and distance between them and the leaders. Due to a indifferent start to the season, Liverpool found themselves further down the table and are closer to last place Charlton than leaders, Man Utd.

Arsenal did gone through a rough patch at the start of the season as well, but fortune changed after defeating Man Utd 1-0 at Old Trafford earlier this season. All are going well until recently, they have once again plunged into confidence crisis and are struggling to find the net although chances are in abundance. Their inability to finish teams off are costing them a fortune. In fact, figures shows that Arsenal threw away the most number of points on average at the Emirates stadium. The grace period is over for the Gunners as they cannot afford to look for excuses like 'getting used to the stadium' anymore as the season comes to the midway point.

Both teams enjoyed their midweek Carling Cup ties with both team victor over their opponents. Liverpool overcame Birmingham whereas Arsenal dumped Everton out of the cup. The result is a change from what their crisis are as Liverpool finally won away from Anfield while Arsenal scoring seemed rare nowadays.

As season goes on, injuries start to mount. Liverpool will be without Malian midfielder, Momo Sissoko for this game as he will undergo surgery for his dislocated arm. Other than that, Rafa Benitez will have a almost full strength squad to pick from and God knows who will he pick this time round?

Arsenal meanwhile will be missing Freddie Ljungberg, Tomas Rosicky, Lauren, Julio Baptista and Abu Diaby for this match. Adebayor will likely be Henry's partner upfront as Wenger shifts Van Persie back to left midfield position, covering for Rosicky.

Both the teams know that this game is important. A loss here for anyside will be disastrous as the title challenge will be near impossible. Can Liverpool finally get something out of away games? Can Arsenal do the simple stuff and score goals? All shall be revealed tonight.

Do You Miss World Cup 2006?

I do. I miss those days. Me and my parents will sit around after dinner waiting for the 9pm match to start. Then a match at 12mn and another 3am in the morning. Rinse and repeat for 1 month and I do not know how I got past that period of time without falling sick!

Yea, anyway thanks to Psychohare on Youtube for providing such a great compilation of World Cup 2006 and it's great reminiscing the golden moments, the Zidane headbutt, the Togo dance, Fernando Torres' goals and Beckham crying.



It was half a year ago, but it seemed just like yesterday. How was the World Cup for you? Good? Bad? Any moments to share? Do share with us!

John Bishop The Liverpool Stand Up Comedian + Blogger

How funny is this guy who look remotely like Jamie Carragher? Not only look actually, he speaks with a strong Scouse accent which is pretty difficult for us to understand.

'I respect Ferguson........but it took him 20 years to win what Rafa Benitez won in 1 year! 1 year!'

'If Bob Paisley is to manage ManYoo, he will need to take 60 years to win 3 European Cups! By then he would be older than Gandalf!'

WARNING: Excess scouse language. Listen multiple times for more grip of his jokes and humours.



Enjoy!