Reds Succumbed To First Defeat

English Premiership

Tottenham 2 - 1 Liverpool

Scorers:
TOT - Carragher (og 69min), Pavluychenko (90+1min);
LIV - Kuyt (2min);

A week after defeating Chelsea, probably the highest point a Liverpool fan could've felt in decades, the Reds were brought back down to earth by a resurging Tottenham side, who looked anything but the team that was trapped in the basement of the Premiership only a week ago.

They looked like a wounded animal, in for a kill.

It's unfortunate for the Reds to be in their path this time. After Arsenal let slip a 4-2 lead at the Emirates on Thursday, the Lily Whites were definitely on an emotional high and confidence that was inevident for months were suddenly brewing within White Hart Lane.

But the home side couldn't wish for a worst start when Dirk Kuyt fired home from acute angle, Robbie Keane being the provider. An emotional home coming for the Irish striker who spent 8 fruitful years but all he received was chorus of jeers.

Though it wasn't meant to be a day where he would silence the Spurs fan with a goal, he was operated fairly effective upfront on his own. When Rafa Benitez made his first mistake by taking Keane off, the match tilted in favour of Spurs suddenly. It wasn't coincidence.

It was in all honesty, a game which Liverpool threw away. They controlled large parts of the game and were in the driving seat throughout. Spurs didn't threaten much and it was as if Liverpool were the home side at times.

But large quantity of possession means nothing in football. It was a same old story for Liverpool and it was an accident waiting to happen. After so many numerous lucky escapes this season, the Reds were finally found out.

A lack of cutting edge and some nervy defending at times cost the side the chance to go clear off the top again. With Chelsea thumping Sunderland, Liverpool were expected to put up another professional performance but they lost their way in the last 20 minutes.

Harry Redknapp made vital changes after half time by sending Pavluychenko to partner an isolated Darren Bent while replacing a beleaguered Assou-Ekotto. It made the game a very open one and Liverpool were found scratching their head as to why they didn't double the lead with several glittering chances missed.

Profligacy at best.

After the removal of Keane, Liverpool didn't have control of their final third and pressure began to mount. Spurs began to gain the upperhand as the Reds looked tired and suddenly, devoid of any ideas.

Ryan Babel was absolutely annonymous after his introduction while Yossi Benayoun was brought on for Riera. Another wrong decision on Rafa's part.

Carragher then inexplicably headed a corner past a despairing Pepe Reina and suddenly, Spurs were right back in the game, with much time left still. Belief flooded right back into White Hart Lane and Spurs fan were singing again.

The inevitable in football happened. Sod's law they call it. If chances are not taken, your opponents will surely score. Roman Pavluychenko sent the crowd wild with an exquisite finish after good work from David Bentley.

To the frustration of the Liverpool fans, old problems were resurfaced again. The inability to finish teams off when given the opportunity and the lack of cutting edge.

Fernando Torres was sorely missed in matches such as this. Liverpool have been lucky for many games this season but this time, lady luck decided to turn her face away. It's time for Liverpool t learn the lesson and move on.

A loss is frustrating but sometimes necessary. Being brought back to earth, it's time to regroup and venture on another journey.

Egg On Face Moment

Over at Football365 forums, a wonderfully titled thread 'Woodgate: Transfer of the Season' became a laughing stock. Why? Have a look:

16:53: Tottenham 1-0 ManYoo

Thread Content:

2 Games
2 Clean sheets.

Eat S**t MotherF**k*r

Then....

1654: GOAL Tottenham 1-1 Man Utd

Very, very late doors. So late Van der Sar is up for the corner from which Carlos Tevez volleys home Nani's corner at the near post.


Seriously, never EVER post before the final whistle. ManYoo really have to thank the forummer for posting on that thread.

Again, 2 games, how many clean sheets? :P

For more, laugh here!

The Weekend Round-up

Yes, I know. It's already Tuesday and only now, I've the time to look back at the weekend and post my thoughts. Maybe there are things that have already slipped my mind but I'll just do my best.


The Difference Between Right & Wrong Mentalities

Football is such a complicated matter that there are many circumstances and situations that you just can't use your normal human logic to explain.

Take it as just unpredictability. Many a times, that's what make us love football.

West Ham's defeat last weekend to fellow struggler, Sheffield United, came not as a total surprise. But logical mind thinks 'how can a team that have beaten Arsenal away managed to lose to Sheffield United?'

Honestly, that's what football's all about. But only on the surface. Luck and many other factors that are underrated by the press contributes to results and forms. Looking at ManYoo's performance this season, only a word could use to describe their push for the treble. 'Steamrolling'.

That's beside the point. The thing I'm about to point out is the mentality of the players. Just like how Alan Pardew took a parting shot at his former players at West Ham, what he said is true to a certain extent, that players care more about their Bentleys and money than putting up good performance in their club colours.

The ultimate downfall for West Ham this season will have to be the mentality and attitude of the players. Is it really all down to the players or maybe Curbishley does have to take up some blame?

For me, Alan Curbishley never seemed to be like someone who inspires confidence and drive. He seemed laid back and when bad goes to worst, he'll just admit to defeat and wave the white flag. Maybe I might be wrong but listening to his post match interviews, he sounded like a defeated man.

When the Hammers sacked Pardew, there wasn't a lot of choices and Curbishley seemed to have the pedigree to save West Ham from the inevitable but sadly, he doesn't seemed to have it in him. Let's not even talk about the millions squandered during the winter transfer window.

Might be down to his lack of motivational skills, his players looked disinterested and uninspired against the Blades. Going down 3-0 against a team not so far above them is not a good sign for their bid for survival.

Just how could you explain their 3 wins against Arsenal home and away, adding to the fact that they even defeated ManYoo at Upton Park while losing to 4 of the 6 from the Premiership basement level?

I just don't think the players have the right attitude and will to fight unlike Charlton and to an extent, Watford. If those two teams were to be condemned, they know at least they tried. West Ham are going to go down and Curbs will probably say 'we deserved it'.


Players Are Thick, Still...

The PFA Player of the Year award nominees are out and just as predictable as the announcement of the 23 names on the England squad list, it's full of 'surprises'. The only one difference is the names are picked by football players themselves and who can blame them?

PFA Player of the Year:
Paul Scholes (ManYoo)
Cristiano Ronaldo (ManYoo)
Ryan Giggs (ManYoo)
Didier Drogba (Chelsea)
Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal)
Steven Gerrard (Liverpool)

PFA Young Player of the Year:
Cristiano Ronaldo (ManYoo)
Wayne Rooney (ManYoo)
Kevin Doyle (Reading)
Micah Richards (ManC)
Aaron Lennon (Spurs)


A pretty acceptable list of names but of or two does raise some eyebrows. As a Liverpool fan, the inclusion of Steven Gerrard does makes me scratch my head as he's not even the best performing player at Liverpool, bar the league itself. Players like Jamie Carragher, Steve Finnan or even more audaciously, Daniel Agger, could've made their name on the list instead of the captain.

But being defenders, there is a stigma attached and that is you'll never really get recognised unless you have a brilliant World Cup. Goalkeepers are victims as well because they never get the mention.

Over the season, players like Kolo Toure, Michael Essien, Ricardo Carvalho and Petr Cech performed exceedingly well and consistent but they'll always be behind the pack probably due to their lack of superstar likeness or reputation.

Dimitar Berbatov does deserve a mention on there but could very well go down the list of 'one season wonder' if not careful so as far as I'm concerned, he should not be on the list, YET.

Even Everton haters like me have to take our hats off for players like Mikel Arteta and Joleon Lescott. They've performed wonderfully and does deserve some credit.

But other than that, the list is pretty clear cut and I don't think you'll need a second look to tell who's going to win them, eh?


Just A Mention....

If only all the matches are as exciting as Spurs vs Wigan on Sunday. It's by far one of the best I've ever witnessed and perhaps, it's just Tottenham that entertains. Because previously, their 5-4 game against West Ham was a favourite.

It was end to end stuff and the game started off with Spurs conceding an early goal (surprised?). Then the flood gates opened with wonderful goals going by each end with the Leighton Baines one, perhaps one of the nominees for the goal of the season.

At least Spurs showed the desire to go forward and if they manage to plug in the gaping hole in defence, they'll probably do a lot better than they are now. Their 3 strikers combine a total of 53 goals and you've got to wonder how on earth are they still languishing in mid table with a negative 1 goal difference.

Drogballs' Weekly Thoughts

Derby Day Blues

This season, we have been unbelievably poor against bitter rivals, Everton. Earlier in September, we lost at Goodison Park 3-0 in one of the most humiliating defeat by the Blues and we only managed a goal-less draw at Anfield.

The atmosphere that day went from electrifying to subdued. The first 5 minutes was a brilliant show of what the Liverpool fans were capable of especially after the recent 'Reclaim The Kop' RTK project.

But it went deadly quiet after Liverpool failed to gain a foothold in the game and were frustrated. Perhaps anxiously chewing finger nails, the fans waited with anxiety and frustration.

After the match, Rafa had a go at Everton for coming to Anfield to set 9 men behind the ball and defended. He mentioned that only 'small teams' play this way and it infuriated many Everton fans as well as a small portion of the Liverpool fans.

To me, I don't see anything wrong with it. BUT ultimately, saying it after a supposed small team held us at home, are we supposed to feel any better or like me, red faced. To say such thing after a result that was not in our favour just makes it sounds bitter although you could argue the rivalry between the clubs added fuel to fire to the already frustrated Rafa.


All Hands On Deck. Dive Dive!

United went to White Hart Lane, full of confidence after brushing aside Watford 4-0 previously. A game that deemed to many as a potential banana skin became like a walk in the park for the soon to be champions and they opened up Spurs just like peeling a banana. Easy.

And you have to question Spurs yet again. Have we seen such a talented group of players playing with such mediocrity? They seemed to have bought a huge amount of talent and yet, no idea which are their best players, partnership or tactics. As I've mentioned, they always buy for the sake of buying.

But the United victory was not without controversy, again. England's favourite player, Cristiano Ronaldo was up to his usual antics again and this time, falling to the ground after Steed Malbranque deemed to have touched him. Replays show minimal contact. Intent or not, I do not believe it is a correct decision.

But we can't discuss this with perspective until we actually talk about the referee in the game. Mr. Mark Clattenburg. He has had a horrid game. Every decision he made in that game was fairly debatable and he awarded a penalty that never was while turning a blind eye to two penalty incident which were more obvious.

Firstly, Gary Neville's wrestling with Pascal Chimbonda in the United penalty area during a Spurs set piece. He held Chimbonda, WWE style. Stone wall penalty turned down.

Next, Anthony Gardner's tackle on Henrik Larsson. He was chopped down from behind, inside the area. Waved play on again. Although United DID have the penalty, but a referee can't just think that 'everything balances up' because I believe a referee's job is to make decisions on the spot and not wait and see.

Anyway, the turning point of the game would've been the point when Ronaldo smacked the penalty past a hapless Paul Robinson. And after that, Spurs managed to epitomise the term 'roll over and die'. Literally.

There was no spirit and belief in the team. It's far too inexperienced especially with Jol's fetish with youth with English blood. I certainly believe the departure of Carrick is one of the stumbling block but there is more than meets the eye.

Drogballs' Weekly Thoughts

Hey, I'm back! Tiring day I had but I'll continue to blabber on whether you like it or not.


All Things Liverpool, First

As you've read the previous post, the DIC's takeover is imminent and quoted from our CEO Rick Parry, he said it'll be done pretty soon and I think we should expect the announcement to be made within the next week days or perhaps over the weekends. Pretty much looking forward to it and with those fans still going on with the RTK (Reclaim The Kop), there is no worries about us being 'sold out'.


Wins For All Four

ManYoo, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal all had a good weekend. But I predict there will be disappointments in the midst of celebration next weekend because....we're playing Chelsea while Arsenal host ManYoo. It has to be one of the biggest weekend in the English football calender and it might sound cliché, but this is sort of a make or break for all the teams.

ManYoo might be in cruise control, but they should not let up and let slip of the title, which I personally do NOT believe they will. But this is football and an odd anomaly will just hit you in the face and all the good works might be undone in a matter of weeks.

Chelsea finally plays chasing pack after setting the standards for such a long time. They had a terrible time dealing with Cech and Terry's injury while unrest was set about in the squad. Now it is time for Jose to show his man management skill and bring the players together again.

We will have to shrug off the 'wanna-bes' tag by finally beating the top team in the league. We have been suffering from inferiority and this mental block needs to be put right. Also, with tough games like Barcelona and ManYoo coming up, a slip up will cost us the European place especially with Bolton and Pompey still hot on our heels.

Arsenal, meanwhile, can build on their impressive run with a victory over United again. That result at Old Trafford was a fantastic one to say the least and if they can snatch another 3 points from ManYoo, who knows, they might be THE ultimate downfall for ManYoo.

The race is heating up although title race is restricted to only 2 teams. With 2nd and 3rd place all to play for, it's now or never.


Relegation Strugglers Struggles

Surprise! Watching the Premier League highlights and seeing how they manage to blew their chances is not surprising but rather, amusing. Charlton, as usual, was a shower of sh*te and managed to lose heavily at home to 'Boro. The defending was comical and even with Carson in goal, nobody could save them. Might be too early to say but I don't see them staying up.

West Ham, how the mighty have fallen! With Yossi Benayoun finally decided to turn up for the game and rediscovered his form of last season, his team mates went to 'drunkard' mode and managed to self destruct. Firstly, Bobby Zamora turned from hero to zero with that unnecessary sending off. Then they conceded a very soft equaliser in the 90th minute. The defending was horrendous throughout and do they actually know how to deal with aerial threats?

But they have Sheffield United to thank for, as the Blades managed to blew it as well. Holding on to a precious 1-0 lead over Portsmouth, Claud Davis managed to screw it all up when he had a huge misunderstanding with goalkeeper, Paul Gerard and in the end, both of them were made to look liked utter buffoons. You could imagine the dressing room after the match with Neil Warnock......


Spurs Spurns It

I don't know why but I think I should have a go at Tottenham after watching them lost to a Newcastle youth team. It was puzzling. It was bizarre. With the Geordies defence made up of some 19 year olds and a right winger, Tottenham piled on pressure but was thwarted time and again by the brilliant Shay Given.

In my humble opinion, he has to be one of the best goalkeeper in the league and to me, he's like who Casillas is to Real Madrid. A bunch of scare crows in front of him, he had to do the majority of the defending albeit his lack of height and commanding presence.

That's beside the point. Spurs took the lead. Then soon found themselves leveled when Paul 'Ate the pies' Robinson decided to hand them an early Valentine's Day gift. How he's still England's number 1, I'll never know. The faster Ben Foster or Scott Carson takes over the better anyway.

Spurs then predictably took the lead again but began a sequence of self destruction. Martins scored with perhaps a shot which was meant to break the net while Butt scored from tight angle. Like how they did Liverpool, threw Dawson on as striker and began their long ball bombardment tactics.

Is it me, or do I find Tottenham a team who goes around buying players just for the bloody sake of buying? They seemed to buy 5-6 players every time the transfer window opens and they're all youngsters (preferably English midfielders). How on earth does Jol managed to keep them all happy is still quite a mystery, but his constant tinkering is costing his team while the press hasn't been hard on him as they did to our Rafa Benitez.

Ashley Young for 10million? Go on! Because I can't remember him completing a single pass in the game against Liverpool. And you wonder why they 'under-achieve'.

Not So Happy New Year, Boys....

Hossam Ghaly got smacked in the face by former Spurs defender, Noe Pamarot, who in turned got the karma and limped off with a thigh injury. Well, that smack in the face cost Ghaly to lose a grand total of...4 teeth.

All you want for Christmas is your two front teeth x2. You'll get what you want, then. Just that you'll have to wait for almost another 11 months.

And thoughts going out to Antti Niemi of Fulham. He sustained a horrific neck injury playing against Watford but thankfully the injury was not as serious as him on his way of becoming a vegetable. Good 'keeper, I reckon. Get well soon.

Hard Fought Victory At Rain Soaked Lane

Luis Garcia Seals All 3 Points

English Premiership

Tottenham 0 - 1 LIVERPOOL

Scorers:
LIV - Luis Garcia (45min);

Liverpool weathered the storm just like the one that came down on White Hart Lane when they held on to a Luis Garcia goal just before half time to halt Tottenham's run of 12 games unbeaten at home record. Like many other Liverpool fans, I heaved a huge sigh of relief. For the last 15 minutes, we're bombarded left, right and centre by Spurs with their long ball tactics and we managed to dug in and hold on to the slender lead.

Jamie Carragher and his defence were commendable. They stood firm in face of the aerial threat that came from players like Dimitar Berbatov and Mido. The constant bombardment of long balls into the Liverpool penalty box were mostly dealt with properly although there were a few scares here and there.

Steve Finnan was forced to head against his own bar but otherwise, put up with a brilliant performance at the right back slot. He provided much width and I for one, thought his crossing ability has improved tremendously.

Earlier on, Mido spared Liverpool when he skyrocketed a one on one chance presented to him. Against a top side, it was a costly miss and soon, Liverpool punished them as they seemed to have learned their lesson.

Didier Zokora dilly dallied with the ball and he was caught out of possesion by a brilliant Steven Gerrard. He played a one-two with Dirk Kuyt and placed the ball in the path of Luis Garcia who didn't strike the ball cleanly, but managed to crept under the legs of Paul Robinson. That was an important goal just before half time and Liverpool drew confidence.

Liverpool controlled the first half well and restricted Spurs to only a couple of half chances. The passing was good with Gerrard and Alonso doing well in the middle and Craig Bellamy in his usual all out running style. Spurs meanwhile were sloppy in their passing and were caught out on a couple of times with Liverpool midfielders intercepting their passes.

Second half was altogether a different case with Spurs pinning Liverpool back into their own half. With Craig Bellamy withdrawn after picking up a slight knock, the team lacked the pace to trouble the Tottenham defence when we had the chance to counter-attack.

With Spurs bringing on the dangerous and on-form Dimitar Berbatov and former Reds player, Danny Murphy, they started to threaten. The sheer pace and power of Berbatov causes some problems to the Liverpool defence with Dan Agger struggling a bit with his body strength.

But somehow Liverpool remained composed, didn't lose concentration and held on to an important win which will take us to fourth place temporarily. This is what I talk about being able to bounce back from setbacks and this showing is an encouraging one. We showed plenty of character and resilience to hang on and defended together as a team.

Steven Gerrard was particularly impressive with his disciplined performance. He played as an attacking midfielder but tracked back diligently to stop the Spurs midfield. Perhaps being commended with the MBE (Member of the British Empire), he was inspired and put up a good show.

But to be honest, the whole team deserve the praise and we can safely say we deserved all 3 points. Hard earned it was in the rain soaked stadium. It was a good end to our campaign in the year of 2006 and we can look back and smile a little. But tough fights ahead and the players must remain focused.

You Have Diving, Shirt Pulling, Elbowing....

Now you have a brand new way of fouling people which is biting, or in Jermaine Defoe and Tottenham's case, 'nibbling'. I'm sure some of you might be aware the incident over the weekend in the game between West Ham and Spurs. Apparently Jermaine Defoe was tackled from behind by Javier Mascherano and in a fit of anger, the Spurs striker turned around and bit Mascherano in the arm!




Hahaha, funniest thing I've seen for weeks. Maybe after the 'Lasagne Gate', Martin Jol ordered his players not to eat raw meat and Defoe just got hungry....*chew*