Liverpool Surge past Abysmal Magpies

Liverpool 3 (Benayoun 22, Kuyt 28, Lucas 87)
Newcastle 0

After a troubled season of managerial changes, uncertainties and squad full of uncommitted players, Tyneside’s worse fear was soon realised yesterday at Anfield and that their Premiership status might be stripped away. Relegation for Alan Shearer’s men beckon.

Even the former Magpie hero could do nothing with the absolutely abhorring performance marred with countless of defensive mistakes, tactical naivety and terrible discispline.

Faced with heaps of expectation and pressure for survival, Shearer might now see it as a bridge too far for Newcastle as Liverpool comfortable swatted aside any hopes of them defeating the rampant home side.

Liverpool totally deserved the 3 goals and as Rafa Benitez noted after the game, it should’ve been more. Newcastle can count themselves fortunate that Anfield’s goal frames were on top of their form, stopping 3 clear goals from Steven Gerrard and Xabi Alonso, twice.

Aside from that, Joey Barton did what he does best and a two-footed studs up challenge on Alonso means that he’ll play no part in Newcastle’s relegation challenge, a particularly selfish act.

At such desperate moment where Newcastle needs all hands on deck, he threw in the towel. And from yesterday’s display, he doesn’t seem to be the only one.


Obafemi Martins, too, showed a total lack of commitment and couldn’t give two hoots about his team or their relegation fight. The most convicting and purposeful contribution he made all afternoon was when his name was finally on the 4th official’s board.

Defensively, Newcastle were not aggressive enough and gave Liverpool far too much space in midfield. Steven Gerrard could’ve gotten himself the match ball if only he had his shooting boots on and some match fitness with him.

The Liverpool midfield were handed the initiative as they were able to control the tempo at ease and firing pot shots at Steve Harper’s goal without much resistance. This was particularly depressing sight for Alan Shearer.

The most unforgiving part about Newcastle is their set piece defending and the Reds totally punished them for that.

Two out of three goals conceded at Anfield were down to appalling man-marking and lack of concentration. The number of players left ball-watching for Lucas’ headed goal was unbelievable.

It was the first Premiership goal for the Brazilian midfielder and he must’ve thought it could not have come any easier for him.

But ultimately, the game was tilted in Liverpool’s way as a controversial decision gave the home side the much-needed first goal.

Yossi Benayoun kneed in a Dirk Kuyt cross and replays showed that the Israeli midfielder was a yard offside before tapping the ball into the empty net.

But Liverpool’s superiority and dominance were apparent throughout and the scoreline was definitely no fluke. They hardly had to shift out of first gear and looked like they enjoyed the afternoon walk in the park.

For the supporters from Tyneside, it’s definitely heartbreaking to see the team disintegrate into such mess over such short period of time. Although they have yet to be relegated, based on their performance yesterday, they don’t deserve to stay up. No chance.

Day by day, it looks more like a modern day football tragedy as they slip out of the top flight and a slight chance of them disappearing into oblivion.

With a squad full of totally uncommitted have-beens and have-nots, it might just be a blessing in disguise, the thing which Newcastle needs to most now. A clear-out of deadwood players.

Whoever the next Newcastle manager may be (as Shearer said that he will not manage them past this season), he will be integral in Newcastle’s future and Mike Ashley can no longer make the same mistakes that he had made all these while. A right man must be picked for this transition period.

Or risk doing a Leeds United or Southampton, as the sun sets on these former top-flight mainstays. A fall from glory is quicker than most thought. Don’t be too surprised.

For Liverpool, they continue their good form but is it a little too late? With Man Utd only needing another 4 points to reclaim the title, even winning the rest of the games might not bring the elusive title back to Anfield.

It also, could be a bridge too far.

Mtach Preview: Liverpool vs Newcastle

Newcastle have given the Reds some classic ties over the years with some high scoring, fast tempo and incredibly exciting encounters. I’m not expecting the same this time round to be honest as Newcastle are no where near the side they once were. They’ve managed just one goal in their last four games and I wouldn’t go betting on them to add to that tally when they visit Anfield.

When Alan Shearer arrived at Newcastle the betting odds were slashed on the Toon staying up. Four games and just two points later and they’re hot favourites to face the drop again. Newcastle couldn’t even beat Portsmouth at home on Monday night and they were perhaps lucky to get away with a point. A trip to Anfield is definitely not what they need right now and I can only see this tie going Liverpool’s way.

Steven Gerrard should be back from injury in time for the game on Sunday and his presence should give Rafa’s men a massive lift, though to be fair they’ve been doing pretty well without him anyway. Newcastle’s midfield seems to lack any invention at all, probably why Michael Owen hasn’t been finding the net lately, and Gerrard should run the show on Sunday.

There is the risk of Owen’s return to consider, that could be the ace in the hole for Shearer and Newcastle. The former Kop favourite hasn’t been in the best form of late and is struggling to find the net but he is still a top-striker and if he gets half a chance he is more than capable of taking it.

Newcastle’s confidence has been low lately, as you would expect, and that has been plain too see for anyone who has been watching their games. If Liverpool go at them from the start and get the crowd behind them it could be a real rout and I just can’t see Newcastle offering anything to be honest. The only down side is Manchester United play Middlesbrough the day before and I can’t see them dropping points in that game either, but at least Liverpool should keep up the pressure at the top of the table.

Funniest Football Argument to Date

During Man Utd's 2-1 win over Newcastle last night, there were reports stating that Utd's prancing Portugeezer winger, Cristiano Ronaldo, was involved with a 'heated exchange' with Newcastle's hand-ball-on-the-line expert, Steven Taylor.

The transcript is as follow:

Ronaldo: You're a rubbish footballer.

Taylor: At least I'm not ugly.

Ronaldo: But you're a rubbish footballer.

Taylor: I know, but you're still ugly.

Brilliant.

Dominant Reds Demolish Woeful Magpies

Newcastle 1 (Edgar 45)
Liverpool 5 (Gerrard 31,66; Hyypia 36; Babel 49; Alonso pen76)

Rafa Benitez and his men will enter 2009 with much joy as they cemented their place at the pinnacle of the Barclays Premiership after the thrashing of Newcastle at St. James’ Park.

With Chelsea failing to win at Craven Cottage, Liverpool’s lead at the top suddenly stretched to 3 points and as the performance yesterday suggest, you got to take them seriously now.

The 5-1 score line didn’t flatter Liverpool as they were rampant from the first whistle. The only thing that mitigated an utter Newcastle mauling was the fact that Shay Given was in imperious form as he made at least 5 world class saves that kept the Magpies in the game until Steven Gerrard eventually slam home the opener.

Gerrard flying after double against Newcastle

It’s rather rare that a goalkeeper concedes 5 in a match and yet still receives praise. But he totally deserves a mention here.

With Newcastle owner Mike Astley reconsidering the sale of the club, it brought some joy to the fans but it was soon distinguished by a competent and stylish display of the visiting team.

Make no doubt that Liverpool were brilliant. Yet at the same time Newcastle was put up a defensive horror show which the visitors took full advantage of. It seemed like every player in the black and white striped jersey were still having a Christmas hangover.

Their inability to defend from set pieces was evident throughout, with Ryan Babel’s goal making an absolute mockery of the defence. They played as though corner kicks were introduced for the first time in this game.

Given on-form to shut out several key chances

With Fernando Torres still out and Robbie Keane relegated to the bench, Rafa made a massive gamble yet again but it paid off duly. They were never in trouble even though Damien Duff’s speed caused some trouble while former Reds’ hit man, Michael Owen, had the ball in the net though it was ruled out offside (erroneously).

Liverpool bombarded Shay Given’s goal relentlessly from the start and by the 20th minute, it could’ve been already an utterly embarrassing score line for the home crowd to face.

Still with his heroics, he was absolutely hapless when Yossi Benayoun squared the ball for Liverpool captain, Steven Gerrard, to crash home the opener. It has the message ‘stop screwing with us’ written all over it as he powered it in off the post.

You just got to sympathise with Given.

The next two Liverpool goals came from Gerrard’s corner. Club veteran, Sami Hyypia, rose unchallenged to score his first goal of the season while Ryan Babel’s goal just demoralizes any Newcastle fan out there.

David Edgar provided some glimpse of hope for Newcastle as a lapse of concentration from Jamie Carragher gave Edgar the chance to make the score a little more respectable at half time.

Rampant Reds!

Newcastle came back in the second half strongly but still couldn’t find a way past a well-marshaled Liverpool defence.

The inevitable happened when Lucas Leiva, who was enjoying every minute of the game, send a inch-perfect pass for Steven Gerrard to latch on and the captain finishes off in style.

Xabi Alonso made it a five star performance after he converted from the spot after a penalty was given to Edgar’s trip on striker, David N’Gog.

Liverpool finishes off 2008 with a flourish and do expect more to come from the Reds as they march into the year at the top of the table and beginning to look like they’ve kicked into gear.

With Fernando Torres eager to make a comeback, they can only be stronger. Rafa Benitez is indeed molding Liverpool into the new Valencia that usurped both the giants of Spanish football, Real Madrid and Barcelona.

There is no trophy for being at the top now, as they say. But would Rafa’s men thrive on pressure or would they crumble like in previous years? Let us await and see. But one thing’s for sure and that is Liverpool is moving in the right direction.

Stevie G Tribute - 100 And Counting...

I'm gonna do a round-up of some of the best goals Steven Gerrard had scored in his 400 odd games at Liverpool...

BUT! It's probably easier to put up all 100 of them here than to pick 10 and call them 'the top 10 Gerrard goals' because so many of them are just sheer beauty and you just can't seemed to rank them up. It's like putting 100 Angelina Jolies in your face and ask you to pick from 1 to 10!

So in no order, we go through the...let's just say...highly important goals that he scored in his Liverpool career.

Starting off with...where he started, with the jersey number 28.


1999-00: vs Sheffield Wednesday

This is where it all started. A familiar rampaging run through the heart of the Sheffield Wed defence. A sign of things to come? Most definitely. How exciting was it then, to watch the young number 28?



2005-06: vs West Ham United (FA Cup Final)

Nobody ever forgets this. This IS the Steven Gerrard final, written all over it. It epitomizes what Gerrard is about. Wearing his heart on his sleeve, pulling Liverpool out of however deep the shit is and a tinge of arrogance in his celebration. 3-2 down and he nicely timed it right on the mark when the stadium announcer blared out how much time was left.

It must have rung in his ears 'this is how little time you have to change it, so why not?' And God, did he let fly an absolute cracker that no Liverpool fans will forget for the next 20 years and more.



2004-05: vs Middlesbrough

I don't want to comment much. Just watch.



2000-01: vs Man United

Nothing better than to score against those scums, eh? And a nice one as well, looping over Fabien Barthez, albeit not that difficult....



2004-05: vs AC Milan (Champions League Final)

Another one that nobody forgets. One of those finals which should be captured in films and sold to Hollywood and outdo any shitty Ben Stiller flick. 3-0 down at half time and nobody gave us a chance. Hell, nobody gave us a chance at the start.

But he came, he saw and he headed in the first of 3 within 6 minutes. I'll always remember those arms flailing in the air and the look of confidence in him. It's as if he knew we were going to win. It's unfair to show just the goal he score so I'll put up the whole video.



2005-06: vs Aston Villa

Cracking goal! Finished with aplomb, just like any of his 'usual' goals and that, is out of this world.



2005-06: vs Everton

Again, it was scored against a bitter rival. Not just that but here, I am running out of speculatives to describe all his goals. Honest...



2007-08: vs Newcastle

A similar freekick to his 100th goal. Outside the box and an absolute thunderbolt. Even Shay Given was made hapless with that kind of shot.



2004-05: vs Olympiakos

The goal that made Andy Gray cream in his pants. 'OWWWW YOU BEAUTY!!' Indeed. If it didn't go in, I don't think we'll make it as far as the Champions League final and winning it. Probably one of the most important and spectacular goals ever scored by the skipper.



2000-01: vs Alaves (UEFA Cup Final)

Sadly, I can't find a video on it. But it speaks volume as a young Steven Gerrard parading his talent on a big stage (it was for Liverpool, back then) and to score in a cup final was pretty good.

Hope that you like it. I don't have time to make it all into a compilation but well, let this post bring you guys back some good memories. Nothing will take away the joy I experienced when Mr. G scored that goal in the FA Cup final.

What about yours?

Goals Video!

English Premiership

Newcastle 0 - 3 LIVERPOOL

Scorers:
LIV - Gerrard, Kuyt, Babel

1-0 Gerrard:

Vnewc_1_gerrard
Uploaded by drogballs

2-0: Kuyt

Vnewc_2_kuyt
Uploaded by drogballs

3-0: Babel

Vnewc_3_babel
Uploaded by drogballs

Football Clubs Raided!

Well, the police just thought that today's a good day to go have a visit around the country. Below are the reports written by the police after the raids:


Arsenal - At the end of the hallway stood a huge vault with security lock so advance that Transformers would probably struggle to break in. Guess what's in it?

Money, a whole lot of them! Arsene was seen charging in and tried to block the police. So now we know where all the money are...they kept it there.

Also, the police discovered an adoption home for the French/African kids. In good living conditions and the video tapes of Thierry Henry's 100 Best Goals for Arsenal playing on the TV in 'repeat' mode.


Newcastle - Found Freddy Shepherd and Sam Allardyce having a sumptuous breakfast at the charman's office. There were pies and a whole lot of doughnuts.

While barging in, the police was promptly stopped by this group of players called the 'defenders' but they were overran in under 3 seconds. Probably another reason why they leaked goals in a football match as well.

Physio room was full at that time, Michael Owen was seen sitting outside the room yelling 'WHEN IS IT MY TURN?!' while a voice that sounds distinctly like Kieron Dyer shot back at him with some expletive words.

They were still shooting 'Goal!' there as well.....

16: Xabi Alonso vs Newcastle

Back to the top 25 goals of the 2006/07 season!



The only reason why the goal isn't higher up the chart is because the goalkeeper then, Steve Harper, fumbled and was doing push-ups during the goal. But what technique from the Spanish playmaker. Anyone who plays football knows how difficult it is to actually hit the target, without even mentioning from the halfway line!

Although the goalkeeper's mistake is deemed the reason why Alonso scored, take nothing away from him. He hit the target from so far out and how many times have we seen players scoring and celebrating with the goalkeepers first!

It's probably because he scored it too far away from the front line.

'I'll Carry Owen Back To Anfield'

Out of the mouth of Newcastle Chairman cum Pie Eater, FFS.... Oh Freddy Shepherd.



Right on the day he questioned Owen's loyalty and commitment to Newcastle. Okay, I guess they both deserves each other..

Would You Want Him Back?

Like if you have a chance to woo back your former love, would you?

Circumstance might be pretty similar to Robbie Fowler, who was ousted by the cynical Gerard Houllier. But remember, this is the player who perhaps, held the club to ransom.

Might not be true as we all know how screw up the board is sometimes and TWICE, they nearly let Gerrard go to Chelsea with their half hearted attitude to bid the captain's stay.

Anyway, his departure didn't really came as a shock even though there was the sacking of Houllier and the appointment of Rafa Benitez during that summer. Rafa is keen to keep him but the England striker doesn't want to commit and went to Real Madrid for 8million.

It was without a doubt a difficult period of time for him as he continues to score the goals but got overlooked as he's back in the packing order. With Raul and Ronaldo providing the necessary competition, he found it hard to get going and injuries aren't helping him.

And as he signaled his intention to leave Spain, clubs scrambled for his signature including the likes of Man United and Arsenal. Liverpool were also in the fray as it's hailed as a possible 'return of the prodigal son', just like Fowler.

But he chose to join Newcastle United instead, very well knowing that even though they're a well supported team, they've been mediocre at best over the years and underachieved a great deal.

Upon joining, he did provided useful goals and his goal scoring record speaks for itself. But the problem with him is still the niggling knee injury. His 'gone in 60 seconds' act during the World Cup was the last time he was seen on the field and is probably going to return in a month or so time.

Knowing very well that he COULD make a return to Liverpool in the summer, would you want him to? Newcastle will want to hold on to an asset even though the Rafa knows that he will have adequate resources to bring him back to Anfield.

The future is unpredictable as how Robbie Fowler returned to the club last season when he seemed to become the forgotten man. Prodigal son returning is a possibility and I would like to hear from you regarding this issue.

The poll is set up on the right, below the tag board. Please take a second to post your views!

Well Done, Kids

The Liverpool youth squad have once again made it to the FA Youth Cup Final after beating Newcastle 3-1 in the semi finals second leg and aggregate of 7-3. Entering the cup final in two consecutive seasons are hard to come by and hopefully, the kids will take up this chance and unleash their full potential.



Yep, that's Rafa and Montse, his wife.

Wasteful Reds Rues Missed Chances

Magpies Win In Error-Prone Match

English Premiership

Newcastle Utd. 2 - 1 LIVERPOOL

NEW - Martins (26min), Solano (PEN 70min);
LIV - Bellamy (6min);

They say 'the ball is round'. It's used to describe the unpredictability of football at times. And that's the reason why we all love football. It's the beauty of it.

But ironically, sometimes, it just hits you right in the face. The lost at St. James' Park is just one of those games where the Liverpool fans must be scratching their head and asking 'how on earth did we lose this game?!'

Well, answer is simple enough. We didn't score the goals. When we were presented with the chances kindly, we didn't put them in the back of the net as well. Very generous of us. Once, BIll Shankly said "Don't discuss the options. Just put the ball in the back of the net first, then we'll discuss the options later."

Very clearly, the ones donning the red jersey didn't heed the legendary manager's words. With all those chances missed, you've just got the feeling there's something more than meets the eye in the match. Well, I was right.

But Liverpool started the game brightly enough. Considering the terrible conditions at St. James' Park, it was hard to fault the teams for all the mis-placed passes and mistakes. Liverpool were the first to pounce on a mistake by Steve Harper, and Newcastle old boy, Craig Bellamy was on hand to place the ball in after Pennant's good work down the right.

Steve Harper must've been unable to sleep after getting embarrassed by Xabi Alonso on the previous game. But then he put up an excellent show afterwards to thwart everything Liverpool threw at him.

Craig Bellamy had two chances to put the game in the bed after Sissoko's through pass found him but after rounding off Harper, his shot was weak and Bramble was able to clear. Then came the second wave and this time, Bellamy got his shot off the crossbar.

That's when we're punished. We failed to finish the game off at that moment and Newcastle hit back with yet another blunder by Pepe Reina. With Martins chasing the long punt, Agger was caught out and Reina sprinted 20 yards off his line to help out with his defenders but as they say "the more the cook spoils the soup", the clearance went straight to Martins, who only had to put the ball into an unguarded net.

The game was played at a fanatic pace just like any other Liverpool-Newcastle game and the battle in the central midfield was especially fiesty, with Sissoko back in the fray and Zenden back as well.

As Liverpool continued their hit and hope long ball tactics, in hoping of Bellamy to get onto one of them, Newcastle pressed on with Kieron Dyer and Obafemi Martins causing all sorts of problems. But the breakthrough came when Steve Taylor was adjudged to have been brought down by John Arne Riise in the box.

Indeed, he was clipped.

Nolberto Solano stepped up and cooly slotted the ball past Reina, who is famous for his penalty saving skills. No luck this time, though.

But at this time, Liverpool players seemed tired after yet another mid week international friendlies and were unable to get the equaliser. Kuyt's first touch let him down at times while they just didn't put Newcastle under too much pressure. There was a surprise lack of physical presence when the Reds attack and all those hopeful punts by Dan Agger don't help either.

Perhaps, the only positive out of this game for the Reds would be the performance of young Danny Guthrie and also the return of Momo Sissoko and Bolo Zenden.

Other than that, what a screw up again. With Arsenal just behind their back and also an almost guaranteed 3 points for them tomorrow, they might have to pay for their wastefulness in front of the goal. And next, it's Barcelona at the Nou Camp.

Again, how on earth did they lose this game?!

Drogballs' Player Ratings:

Reina 5 - A terrible blunder. But was quick out of the line a couple of times

Finnan 6 - A little slow and sluggish at times
Agger 6 - Got FAR too closed to Dyer and constantly caught out by his pace
Carragher 7 - Some vital interceptions
Riise 5 - His form has dipped to new low. He didn't provide the ammunition forward as well as cover at the back

Pennant 7 - Did well for the goal and generally, positive performance
Gerrard 6 - Not imposing enough for the skipper
Sissoko 6 - Gets the ball, gives it back to the opponent. Rinse and repeat
Zenden 6 - Good shot on target. Otherwise, never seen him around

Bellamy 7 - His movement caused a lot of trouble for Bramble. Scored the goal but missed 2 others.
Kuyt 6 - Ineffective

Life Under The New Regime

It has been a eventful week and we've seen Liverpool moved on and into the hands of two American owners. The first match under their ownership is none other than a trip up to the Tyneside.

Over the years, Liverpool and Newcastle NEVER failed to provide entertainment when the two sides meet. I fell in love with Liverpool watching them play against Newcastle back in 1997. It was a game of the highest quality and Michael Owen's finishing back then was just pure class.

Even the last meeting between the two sides produced a magical moment by our Spanish playmaker, Xabi Alonso. He saw Steve Harper off the line and audaciously chipped the ball from just within his own half and embarrassed Harper, who slipped and fell after getting caught out.

We've no idea whether the two tycoons will be present at the game but I've got a feeling they will be. As owners, I believe it's important to go to your team's (or franchise to them) first game to show support to not only players but the fans as well.

With the 100 million transfer kitty promised, Rafa will most definitely look into bringing quality players into the squad which is already brimming with qualities from back to front. But for now, we will have to work with the current group of players.

Good news will definitely be the return of Momo Sissoko into the side. He has been missing since early November with a shoulder injury and will probably make it into the squad if he pass the late fitness test. This will be a crucial decision due to the fact that Xabi Alonso will not be playing any part of this game due to injury. Bolo Zenden could slot in there as well alongside captain Steven Gerrard.

Newcastle's injury woes continues as they'll missing a huge chunk of players. Emre, Shay Given, Peter Ramage, Craig Moore, Shola Ameobi, Charles N'Zogbia and Michael Owen are all missing through injury.

Stephen Carr has joined the casualty list after being forced to withdraw from the Republic of Ireland squad in midweek with a thigh problem.

Will the first game under the new ownership prove to be a successful one? Looking through the injury list, we could well get the 3 points today. But the players will have to come up with a good performance after that disappointing one last weekend.

Drogballs' Prediction: Newcastle 0-2 Liverpool. Should be a close game. But I still think we have the quality to defeat them at St. James' Park.

Either F365 Mediawatch Is Cursed Or....

How Quickly Things Change

Story posted on F365 at 7.35am October 27: 'Roeder Backing Dyer To Shine'.

Story posted on F365 at 9.11am October 27: 'Roeder Hopes Dyer Is Free Of Injury'.

What are the chances Dyer has been ruled out before you get to this bit of the page?

Newcastle midfielder Kieron Dyer's injury jinx has struck once again after a freak training ground accident ruled him out for at least two weeks.

The 27-year-old, who returned to action as a substitute in Wednesday's 3-0 Carling Cup victory over Portsmouth after six months on the sidelines, damaged his left eye in training on Friday morning.

He was taken straight to see a specialist and has been told to stay out of contact training for a fortnight.


God, how unlucky is he?