Rory Delap, You Have Competition!

We saw how Stoke's Rory Delap single-handedly destroyed Arsenal few weeks back with a couple of long throw ins. Now, he should tremble in fear because there is an even more fearsome thrower of the ball than him.



Watch this, sucker!

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?

Second Season Syndrome? Not For Torres

Fernando Torres Magic Seals Opening Win

English Premiership

Sunderland 0 -1 Liverpool

Video:

As Fernando Torres and his fellow Liverpool players stepped out of the Stadium of Light for the opening fixture against Sunderland, fans of the Reds will be hoping that Torres will once again be Liverpool's hero while the skeptics will be rubbing their hand in glee as they expect the Spanish hotshot to show the symptoms of the 'Second Season Syndrome (SSS)'.


Well, that's something which most fans are familiar with, seeing the likes of Marcus Stewart and Sunderland's very own Kevin Philips having the season of their lives before faltering away in their next campaign.

Torres came to England with a reputation and prolific in scoring is anything but. In his Athletico days, he wasted far too many chances and was dubbed as a profligate. But his first season at Anfield was a revelation and though he didn't set the world alight at the European Championship, he scored the most imporant goal that gave Spain their first ever taste of success in the competition since God knows when.


Despite his vast improvement as a player, doubtors are still around to put him down and suspected that he will not have an easy 2nd season in England, with defenders knowing him inside out finally.

Well, they're probably half-right.

Torres, thought didn't contribute much to the game, came up with an absolute cracker to give Liverpool all 3 points in their opening game. As the commentator summed it up perfectly, that was the only significant thing he did the whole game and it's just the one that counts at the end of the day.

Without a shadow of doubt, that is a making of a legend and I'm definitely not hyping this up. You don't expect players to perform at their best game in, game out but all you need is a little bit of sharpness and effectiveness. Torres showed just that.

Rafa Benitez would be relieved to see his side claim all 3 points as Liverpool, who looked uninterested at times, huffed and puffed their way to the finishing line. Without the magical touch of Torres and the much needed introduction of Xabi Alonso, it would've been just another away game for Liverpool, like how they used to do it all the time.

The first half was exactly how Liverpool looked like they were all of last season in their away fixtures. Passive, lacking the drive and energy and most of all, lack of urgency. It looked like there was no cohesion in the team and the passing was absolutely dreadful.

With Carragher and Dossena punting long balls ahead for Torres and Keane, the strikeforce is always going to be second best and until the last 10 minutes of the first period, Liverpool failed to sustain any sort of pressure or getting any sort of momentum.

Sunderland on the other hand, were aggressive and looked more likely to get any breakthrough. They played some lovely football with Steed Malbranque displaying some of his nifty touches and Richardson troubling Alvaro Arbeloa with his direct running.

12 minutes in and Sunderland nearly took the lead through Daryl Murphy but the gigantic striker failed to gather enough power or direction to beat Pepe Reina. That was a warning sign for Liverpool but the visitors failed to wake up.

Yet it was the introduction of Xabi Alonso at half time that was pivotal and turned the game around indirectly. He dictated the tempo of the game well and Liverpool finally looked to have got the upper hand.

Yet it seeemd as though it wasn't going to be Liverpool's afternoon as a Dirk Kuyt's strike was fumbled away by Craig Gordon and just as Torres was about to follow up, Robbie Keane was at the wrong place at the wrong time and the duo that was supposed to form a strike partnership, got into each other's way.

The Liverpool record signing of this summer was subdued and as space in and around the Sunderland defence was premium, he was left isolated and Nyron Nosworthy kept him quiet throughout. He was eventually replaced by Nabil El-Zhar.

Yet Liverpool believed and poured men forward. Xabi Alonso nearly caught Gordon out with an audacious shot from the half-way line. Reminsce of goals against Newcastle and Luton emerged.

Just right after that, Torres came out of the shadow and totally silenced the Sunderland faithfuls with a peach of a strike. He received the ball just outside the penalty area and with much confidence, he let fly and it went to the bottom right of Gordon's goal.

Totally unsavable.

It was just a show of his class and the midas touch of his. You could tell that he's totally delighted with that strike and probably deep down, he's glad he scored in the first game. He'll of course hope that he'll keep this momentum going.



Not the most beautiful display of football but the Liverpool fans should be happy with the 3 points. But they should be slightly worried with the performance in the first half as they looked totally toothless and clueless.

Most importantly, it'll be interesting to see how the Keane-Torres partnership will forge in the coming months after that 'miscommunication'. Here's hoping that it's just a minor hiccup and as the season goes on, they'll gel and form a deadly strikeforce. The sooner, the better of course.

Respect The Refs!

The English FA have just started a program called 'Respect' and it's aimed to improve the relations between players and the men in black as well as clearing the misunderstanding of referees. Here's the advertisement:



Didn't expect Capello to turn up, eh?

Gerrard & Torres Compilation

Hello people, I'm back with a real short post. I'm doing well in national service and is glad to see Liverpool going all the way into the Champions League semi finals again, up against Chelsea (who else?).

Having a blind eye on the off the pitch fiasco, Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard's partnership seemed to grow from strength to strength and though it's been quite awhile since I've watched a Liverpool match live, they still continued to score some spectacular goals and this video is in tribute to their magnificent form this season.

Enjoy!

Torres: It's Hammer Time!

Spanish Striker's Red Hot Form - 2 Consecutive Home Hat-tricks!

English Premiership

LIVERPOOL 4 - 0 West Ham

Scorers:
LIV - Torres (9, 60,81), Gerrard (83);

You know, I don't really know how to write this match report because all you need to do is to just watch how Fernando Torres scores all his three goals and then watch how Gerrard planted that ball right into the top corner.

Like they say, action speaks louder than words. As Gerrard said, want to get the fourth place? Show it! And the 4 goals says it all, really. If we could perform at such standards with consistency, I don't see how we won't get the 4th place.


Torres (1-0):


Torres (2-0):


Torres (3-0):


Gerrard (4-0):

The Reason Why....

You shouldn't celebrate after a goal. Yes, I mean er, the defenders.

Giving Credits To Iker

Well, first of all, happy 2008 guys. It's the first post of a brand new year and I'll kick it off with a really funny one.

Iker Casillas, Real Madrid's goalkeeper, is recently instilled into a 'hall of fame' called Madame Tussaud's wax museum. But apparently, the wax figure doesn't resemble a bit like the Spanish shot stopper.



Watch his reaction, looking down that wax that was supposed to look like him. He must be thinking to himself "What the ****?!".

Blessed 2008!

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

Silly Medic

Have a laugh :D

Top Football Misses

Always look on the bright side of life they say. But some of the misses here in the video are so comical that if you're the player yourself, you would wish that the soil of this earth will eat you up and make you disappear.

Have a laugh!

Liverpool Marches Into Champions League

A Perfect Birthday Gift For The Club

Champions League 3rd Qualifying Round

LIVERPOOL 4 - 0 Toulouse
(Liverpool win 5-0 on agg.)

Scorers: LIV - Crouch (19min), Hyypia (49min), Kuyt (87min, 90min);

Match Highlights:

LIVERPOOL-TOULOUSE all goal www.onlinepariuri.com
Uploaded by danyab

Liverpool walloped French side, Toulouse, and advances into the main Champions League competition after a comfortable and comprehensive 4-0 win.

It was a very special night for many Liverpool fans around as they witnessed the team presenting a perfect birthday gift for their beloved club while the sound of 'Z-Cars' ringing over the Anfield tannoys must be the first since Hillsbrough back in 1988.

Family members of the murdered Rhys Jones, were present for the game, donning in their Blue jersey but it was the tragedy that brought the two clubs together, looking past any differences in allegiance.

With the Z-Cars ringing throughout Anfield, much could be said about the conduct of the Liverpool fans last night, who were supportive and gave a standing ovation despite their bitter rival's theme song playing.

A minute of applause was also observed and that sort of lifted the sombre atmosphere off Anfield.

Even as everyone paid their respect last night, the Liverpool players very well know that they have a task at hand and with last night's display, one could say about their total dominance and control on the game is so thorough that Toulouse just stood absolutely no chance from the first whistle to the last.

Post game statistic shows that Liverpool had a total of 25 shots on goal, not a surprising number as the home side rained shots after shots at the visitor's goal relentlessly. Although there was a period of time when nothing seemed to be going in, Kuyt's persistency and the team's self-belief kept them going all the way till the end.

Peter Crouch got the ball rolling in the 19 minute after some good work down the right from Yossi Benayoun and Dirk Kuyt sets him up perfectly with a tap in from the far post. Benayoun's never-say-die attitude contributed much to the goal.


Still without Steven Gerrard in the centre of midfield, Liverpool seemed to lost a bit of drive through the middle after the goal. Fellow scouser, Jamie Carragher, was also missing from the game after he fractured his ribs and could be missing up to a fortnight.

But even without Gerrard, Momo Sissoko stepped up and did extremely well last night, alongside Javier Mascherano, who also put up a good show with some good passes and patrolling the back line diligently.

Then chances constantly fell in Liverpool's path but old problems seemed to surface again as Crouch and Kuyt were both guilty of missing some glaring chances. Crouch seemed to justify himself as the tallest player who can't head the ball when he headed the ball from open position over the bar twice.

But Sami Hyypia, the stand-in captain for the night, came to the rescue and could probably teach the strikers a thing or two on heading when he powered the ball in from Benayoun's out swinging corner.

It was just after half time and you could tell the Toulouse players were already deflated.

Then again, back to the routine. Missing chance after chance and Kuyt was desperately unlucky time and again as he sees his header flashing past the post and shots hitting the crossbar.

Just when you thought it just wasn't going to be the Dutchman's day, another Dutch provided him with the chance to extend the lead late in the game.

Substitute, Ryan Babel, flicked the ball selflessly to him inside the penalty box and Kuyt was able to finish it off from an acute angle. It went in off the post and a huge sigh of relief from the Dutch striker, as he had failed to convert the previous chances. It could've affected his morale and belief a whole lot.

He then doubled his tally on the dot of 90 minutes.

Not only was the predatory skill of Kuyt on display for the third goal, it was also a move that justified the acquisition of Yossi Benayoun. Both worked brilliantly in that goal and it was Benayoun's intricate through pass that send Kuyt clear and was able to finish past the onrushing goalkeeper.

All in all, a very good result yet it still highlighted a few problems such as finishing and complacency at the back. Strikers must learn how to take chances while John Arne Riise looked disinterested at times and a few of his passes went astray.

A night which commemorated the birth of the city of Liverpool. A night which a city as a whole remembered the tragedy that befell on a fellow Liverpudlian. All these are certainly more meaningful than just getting into the Champions League.

Booted In The Arse

Italian football. A colourful league with managers that dressed up like Mafias or your regular 'kopitiam' uncles. Brilliant!

Job Well Done Without Skipper

Sissoko The Surprise Milestone Setter

English Premiership

Sunderland 0 - 2 LIVERPOOL

Scorers:
LIV - Sissoko (37min), Voronin (87min);

Goals:

Sunderland's Stadium of Light became the perfect setting for Liverpool to once again, display their proficiency and new found belief as they dominated the home side, stamping their authority and went off with all 3 points.


Also, the mystery scorer of Liverpool's 7000th league goal came as a big surprise.

The one player whom seemed least likely to score came up with an absolute scorcher and all the fans who doubt his shooting ability can be rest assured now. It was Momo Sissoko, the one player most of us would like to see scoring and he did it just at the right time!

Roy Keane's side endured the baptism of fire last week after being thrashed 3-0 by Wigan but that lesson alone didn't seem to wake the players up from the harsh reality of the Premiership.

Within seconds of kickoff, Gary Halford nearly gifted Liverpool an early goal after his backpass was too short and Andiry Voronin was able to pounce on the loose pass but Craig Gordon, who was imperious throughout, blocked his effort valiantly.

But soon the game settled down and the away side had to endure the physicality of the Sunderland side. Sami Hyypia was forced off with a nose injury after he was elbowed while Jamie Carragher was later substituted off with a broken rib and collapsed lung.

It certainly does add injury woes to Liverpool, something unseen for the past seasons. With Gabriel Paletta joining Boca Juniors, the Reds seemed a little short in the centre back position currently.

But as seen throughout the game, defence never seemed to be a problem for Liverpool despite Sunderland crawling their way back into the game. Just when they seemed to catch them asleep with the pace of Anthony Stokes, Liverpool hit back through the unlikely source.

Andiry Voronin intelligently laid off the ball for Sissoko to smash home from range and replays showed that it wasn't an easy chance to take but what a beautiful, it was! That goal seemed to have helped him in building some confidence as he went on to put up an impressive display, winning accolades and man of the match award as well.

After a decent first season, his form dipped while the eye injury didn't help either. He seemingly lost his place to the newly arrived Javier Mascherano last season and thought to be on his way out last summer but this performance alone probably earn him some time to prove himself further.

Liverpool, though put up a decent performance, once again guilty of failing to putting the game to bed with a number of glorious chances. Only the most expensive British goalkeeper, Craig Gordon, kept Sunderland in the game with some magnificent saves, mitigating the score to a respectable one.

But then with determination and some sparkle of brilliance from the front line, they managed to unlock the Sunderland defence again and this time round, putting the ball past Craig Gordon. The nimbleness and vision of Jermaine Pennant combined with the unselfishness and creativity of Fernando Torres gave Voronin the perfect chance to put the game to rest in the 87 minute.

Composed and calm, the Ukrainian cut the ball back before placing it into the far corner of Gordon's net. A lovely move finished with a simply aesthetic goal.

Overall, a professional performance that resulted in a good win. You can say it's only Sunderland but the physicality of the Black Cats could've caused a whole lot of trouble yet Liverpool stamped their authority throughout and never really lost the grip of the game.

Without Gerrard, Sissoko stepped in and replaced the captain seamlessly while Pennant was once again, terrorising the right flank constantly. Torres and Voronin formed a pretty good partnership up front. A combination of hard work, determination and intelligence.

The only drawback was the injury to Sami Hyypia and Jamie Carragher, with the latter being a little more worrying as he's the integral part of the formidable Liverpool defence line. But Arbeloa should be able to cover during his absence while Hyypia's injury shouldn't be that bad.

It's one small step but this is the sort of 3 points we ought to get. We used to throw it all away but we should appreciate every point we get from now.

New Anfield Looking Good

Can't wait to see the real thing. But first, let me gather enough resources for a pilgrimage to Anfield before tearing it down please!

Reds Braved Sweltering Heat To-win

UEFA Champions League
3rd Qualifying Round

Toulouse 0 -1 LIVERPOOL

Scorer:
LIV - Voronin

I tuned into the match on time but apparently, the Hong Kong channel lost the feed totally and my impatience meant that I didn't bother staying on for too long to watch.

Anyway, it was just the result Rafa wanted and that the Champions League first-timers didn't really threaten to derail Liverpool's CL dreams so early.

Andriy Voronin carried his decent pre-season form to this tie and his wonderful right footed strike was all that seperates the two sides despite a gulf of difference in class on paper.

Only worrying thing is skipper, Steven Gerrard, limped off midway through second half. But it could just only be a precautionary step taken by the medical staff to ensure he's fit for Sunday's titanic clash with Chelsea at Anfield.

A job well done and Liverpool will probably ease into the group stage without much fuss as they welcome Toulouse to Anfield in a fortnight's time.


PS: Thanks Fiz for providing the video. Those YouTube and DailyMotion people have really TOO much time on hand to remove EVERY single football video. It's so infuriating seriously.

Stevie To The Rescue With Late Stunner

First Opening Day Win In 5 Years!

English Premiership
Villa Park

Aston Villa 1 - 2 LIVERPOOL

Scorers:
AST - Barry (pen 85min);
LIV - Laursen (og 31min), Gerrard (87min);

Liverpool's title aspiration was nearly dented yesterday at Villa Park until skipper, Steven Gerrard, scored an absolute cracking freekick with 3 minutes to go.

He too, spared the blushes of his fellow Scouser, Jamie Carragher after the defender was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the penalty area and Gareth Barry was on hand to score from the spot and level the score late in the game.


It have been 5 years since the day Liverpool opened the account with a win and for all the frustrations of yesteryears, the win last night left a sweet aftertaste for the Liverpool fans.

Over the years, the Reds often came off the block far too slowly but as of last night, they truly signaled their intent to have a good start. Anyway, how can they afford to stumble once again after all the spending and also with Chelsea visiting Anfield next week?

To be honest, it wasn't the best place to kick off the season. Villa Park is bustling with enthusiasm and hope for their team as they embark on a new season under a new owner and a very capable manager in Martin O'Neill.

Liverpool too, started their first season under the ownership of Tom Hicks and George Gillett. With all the amount of money splashed during the summer, success on the pitch must be immediate and apparent.

They signaled their intent by starting Fernando Torres alongside Dirk Kuyt and throughout the game, the duo combined very well on certain occasions and showed understanding between each other.

Torres' speed and tenacity was a little too hot to handle for Villa at times as he created a wonderful chance early in the game as he raced clear of the defence before smashing it wide on his left.

Yet it was the never-say-die attitude of Dirk Kuyt which reaped the ultimate reward. Torres' intricate skills enabled him to shrug off the marking of Olof Mellberg but he was unable to finish it with Stuart Taylor parrying his shot.

Just when everyone gave up the chase, Kuyt went for the supposed lost cause and his cross found the unfortunate Martin Laursen, who then slammed the ball into his own net.

At that period of time, Liverpool were in complete control of the game and Villa failed to threaten despite starting a three-pronged attack of John Carew, Gabby Agbonlahor and Ashley Young.

But one problem Liverpool always had is the way they took their step off the pedal and soon, Villa regained control in the second half. Ashley Young's pace did cause the Liverpool defence some hairy moments while John Carew made his presence felt, winning a few headers.

Meanwhile, Liverpool did what they do best. Missing chances after chances.

Kuyt, Gerrard and then later, Babel, all missed their chances and the longer the match dragged on , the feeling of inevitability started to sink into the fan's mind. You know what I mean....

Then it DID happen.

As the visitors started to show a few nerves and struggling to clear the ball from their own box, Villa took advantage of it and it was Carragher who was unlucky to be punished with a handball.

It was obvious yet you really got to feel for him as the ball had a bounce on the uneven pitch.

Mike Riley pointed to the spot right away and Villa's resident penalty taker, Gareth Barry, stepped up to send Pepe Reina the wrong way.

Just as Liverpool fans were starting to surrender to fate and think that it's going to be yet another disappointing start to the season, captain marvel was on hand to rescue Liverpool again.

He might be seen as just another cog in the machine by Rafa Benitez but there is no doubt that he IS a special player that can change the outcome of the game with one swing of his right foot.

It was an encouraging start to Liverpool's conquest of the Premiership title that has eluded the club for the past 18 years and considering that Villa are a pretty strong and organised side, to grab all 3 points away from home is certainly a morale booster for the grudge match next week, against Chelsea at Anfield.

Pre-season Friendly?! Pardon?

Gerrard Turns From Hero To Zero, Nearly

Port of Rotterdam Tournament

Feyenoord 1 - 1 Liverpool

Scorers:
FEY - Drenthe
LIV - Gerrard

Goals:

A pre-season friendly tournament that was supposed to prepare the team for the upcoming season nearly became a free for all wrestling match as Liverpool could only carve out a draw at the De Kuip stadium to hold home side, Feyenoord to a draw.

The incident erupted after Royston Drenthe made a harsh tackle on skipper, Steven Gerrard, in the middle of the pitch but the foul was not seen by the referee. Then Javier Mascherano impulsively flew in with a rash tackle to floor Drenthe right after that.

Then it was a real 'handbags' match that involved almost everyone on the pitch. For a sign of respect, Gerrard was 'substituted' for Sissoko but should've been sent off in an actual match.

The game was highly competitive in some ways and that even though it was only a friendly, the referee wasn't afraid to pull out a card or two. Liverpool had 6 players booked and that sort of summed up a pretty frustrating evening for the Reds.

Despite dominating large periods of the game, it was Feyenoord who took the undeserving lead just before half time, with Royston Drenthe scoring from close range.

The Dutch winger, who bore resemblance to a young Clarence Seedorf, gave Liverpool defence a runaround and was a pain in the neck for Alvaro Arbeloa, who looked out of sort throughout the match. He conceded some silly fouls while not looking sharp and ready for the season at all.

Dirk Kuyt, who made an emotional return to his former club, should've scored in the first half but the linesman adjudged that his shot didn't cross the line. Video evidence was pretty inconclusive but we've seen instances where it is given.

But Gerrard was once again, on hand to score the all important equaliser as he powered his way into the heart of the Feyenoord defence before slotting it home from an acute angle.

It epitomises Gerrard's importance in the central midfield position and that Rafa have promised to give him more appearance in the middle rather than on the flanks.

While searching for the winner, it turned into frustration and contempt as the referee made a terrible mistake by rewarding Feyenoord a penalty kick after Drenthe's cross was adjudged to have been blocked by Arbeloa's arm.

Slow motion replays show it hit his head rather than his arm. Even if it did, there's nothing Arbeloa could do to withdraw his hand in time. It was a harsh decision.

It all evens out eventually, even from the penalty spot. Spot kick expert, Pepe Reina, dived to his right to save from the spot.

With the referee making some erroneous and puzzling decision throughout the game, he lost control of the game and soon emotions boiled even though it was only a friendly.

The competitive edge was there and that it was a disgrace that it soon turned into a very un-football-like circumstance.

Liverpool will be disappointed to lose out on another pre-season silverware but it's not important as the kick off for the new season is only 5 days away.

Are we ready for the new season yet? I'll cover it on my next article. To be honest, I was quite disappointed by last night's performance We need something extra to give us the edge next week or it's going to be yet another long season of nothingness in terms of the domestic league.

Reds Into Finals

Barclays Asia Trophy

South China FC 1 - 3 Liverpool

Scorers:
LIV - Riise, Alonso, Agger

I have to admit that even though the match time is perfect for people here in Asia and it's in the prime time 8pm slot, I still didn't manage to catch the match until the final 10 minutes. There I was a little confused as to why a blond wearing a number 4 is playing in central midfield. And who's that familiar looking partner of his.

Then I realise it was Sami Hyypia and Alvaro Arbeloa playing in the middle of the park after some minor injuries to captain, Steven Gerrard, and also some passport problem for new boy Lucas Leiva.

Well, can't be too bad to win a trophy prior to the 07/08 season and we'll be meeting Portsmouth next in the Barclays Asia Trophy final after the men from the south coast beat Fulham by 1 goal to nil.

Riise got the ball rolling with a thunderbolt special from him. After scoring against Werder Bremen in similar circumstance, he seemed to be on a roll.

Xabi Alonso then tucked in a second from the spot after Andriy Voronin was adjudged to have been brought down in the box.

But South China proved that they aren't pushovers by hitting one back against the Reds. Li Haiqiang from a long way out, bent the ball towards the top corner of Scott Carson's goal. It was a true beauty and hard to fault Carson as it looked destined for the net.

But Daniel Agger continued his good goalscoring form by blasting in Liverpool's third. It was started off by he himself and Voronin's deft first touch that sets him up was pretty impressive. Good team goal all round and it must've pleased the fans.

Liverpool should've put the match beyond doubt in the final few minutes of the game after Pennant and Voronin both found themselves presented with chances but finishing was sadly, not good enough.


Stadium Plans To Be Announced Today

This is SO exciting, I tell thee. After years of speculating and hoping, here is the moment of truth. 11am GMT, Tom Hicks and George Gillett, together with his architects, will unveil the plans for the purposed New Anfield, which is set to be completed by 2010.

The pictures I've posted a few weeks back have caused some commotions on various indie Liverpool FC forums and I can't guarantee if the new plans will bear any resemblance of those.

Stay tuned to find out more. Exciting times ahead.

Updates!

Reds Beat Auxerre

Pre-season Friendly

Auxerre 0 - 2 Liverpool

Scorers:
Gerrard, Agger

Gerrard [0-1] vs Auxerre
Uploaded by redhalfofmerseyside

Agger [0-2] vs Auxerre
Uploaded by redhalfofmerseyside

Despite playing below par, Liverpool still manage to keep their unbeaten record in the friendlies to 4 after defeating French first division side, Auxerre.

It was a lethargic and probably lacklustre display from the Reds as many fans moaned about wasting out 90 minutes on a match where chances are few and far between.

The match started out brightly with Liverpool doing most of the attack but soon, it turned into a scrappy affair with both sides misplacing simple passes and that hindered their offensive abilities.

But just when we're expecting half time, skipper Steven Gerrard was on hand to prod the ball into the back of the net after a wonderful play set up by Steve Finnan and Ryan Babel. It was unexpected and it took Auxerre by surprise.

As they say, Babel did the best thing on the field that day by not touching the ball. It seemed like most of us agree that he still needs more time to gel with the team and needs more training to get his fitness up because he seemed a little off-paced.

Yossi Benayoun, though, looked more lively as he continuously switch flanks with Babel and probably deserved a goal as well.

As usual, Rafa sent out an almost entirely different team for the second half but it didn't change the overall standard of the game. Probably due to the training prior to the game, they looked sluggish and a little tired.

The introduction of Moroccan, Nabil El Zhar, was a bright spark to the match. His movement down the left was pretty good and had a fantastic header saved.

But from the resulting corner, Liverpool doubled their lead with Daniel Agger powering the ball home, totally unmarked from 6 yards out. He does certainly look like a goalscoring defender we've been longing for years.

Auxerre did tried to push Liverpool and tried to play on a counter attack to hit the visitors on the break but the Reds held firm the high line that they play. There were a few scares but a combination of bad luck and appalling finishing means the French have lost their first friendly this season.

It was a good run out for the Liverpool lads and good to see the new signings settling in. Fernando Torres looked extremely lively and hardworking. It was unbelievable to see him running around for lost causes just like Dirk Kuyt always does.

He even had a great 1 on 1 chance saved by the goalkeeper. Let's pray that he'll keep up his fitness standard and be ready for the start of the season.

Peter Crouch still need to work on his header as he missed a total sitter and doesn't look very sharp.

But the rest of the players looked pretty much ready for the season and with some fine tuning in terms of tactics and movement, I think we'll be well prepared to face Aston Villa in the opening match at Villa Park.