Early Impression

3 games has been played already and some players are certainly on fire. They've impressed me over this 2 weeks and I think they deserves some mention. Here are the names:


Jimmy Bullard!

He's the man! Already 2 goals scored for Fulham so far, Wigan must be crazy to sell him. Scored an excellent free kick over the weekends and should've scored another if the ball didn't swerve as much and hitting the post.








Ryan Giggs

Already getting on with his age, but apparently his form has been great so far this season and looks like he has primed again. Used to see him dribble past 2 or 3 players in the past, now he contributes more to the game with his fantastic crosses and movement off the ball. One of the reason why ManYoo are on fire currently.







Olof Mellberg

The former Villa captain found his form this season with 3 impressive displays so far. Scored the first goal at Emirates Stadium then held on valiantly to draw with Arsenal. Against Newcastle, he was rock solid and marked Obafemi Martins out of the game.









Nwankwo Kanu

Used to joke a lot with that name. Canoe..you know. But wow, already 4 gaols scored this season and maybe Harry really knows how to get the best out of him, after a rather disappointing few seasons with West Brom.







Ed: Thank you for pointing out Bobby Zamora and Darren Bent. To me, Zamora looked extremely fortunate to score what, 4 goals? Most of them are mis-hit shots and his contributions in the match left much to be desired...

Darren Bent scored a couple as well, but looking at the highlights, when Charlton hosted Bolton, he dived for that penalty. Nobody brought it up? Because he's English.

Oh, Boro...

Yesterday my pal asked me for football betting tips. Quoting him:


Him: Eh, who'll win tonight?

Me: Pompey (Portsmouth), lah. It's Boro you know. After defeating Chelski, they'll probably lose it big time.

Him: Sure or not, beat Chelsea, leh. Playing at home as well.

Me: Then buy Boro at your own peril.

Results:

BORO 0 - 4 PORTSMOUTH

Hate to say this, but I told you so!

Jimmy Bullard !!!

You Gotta Love The Man...

I think everyone who watches football and especially Wigan Atl. last season would've notice this certain player by the name of Jimmy Bullard. Well, to me he's a pretty special player, not in terms of technical ability or scoring deflected goals, but how he actually enjoyed playing football and those funny moments he was involved in.

Enjoy! He's a class act!

Bullard vs Big Dunc




Bullard Doing The 'Jump over the crowd' Trick (My Favourite!)







Bullard Messng With Team Mates In Dressing Room!




"Sorry Posh Fans!":






Haha what a player. Oh yes, he always reminded me of a certain ESPN football presenter named PJ Roberts (Nokia Football Crazy). The curly locks and they looked pretty similar!

PJ Roberts

Jimmy Bullard

Oh, yes, he does resembles a LITTLE like Dirk Kuyt...just A LITTLE.

Tags: Jimmy Bullard, Funny, Humour

Remember The Night....

When We Brought Roof Of Anfield Down

I think many Liverpool fans like me will still reminisce the day when we finally beat the Russian Chel-Moneybag-ski at Anfield last year. It was the Champions League Semi finals and we're held 0-0 at Stamford Bridge. The returning leg at Anfield will go down as the night when we shook the whole of Europe and with the songs and the cheers. John Terry even admitted he was intimidated by the atmosphere at Anfield.

As usual was clicking around over at YouTube and I've found this really, special video. Taken after the win, it still bring tears to my eyes and the spine chilling rendition of "You'll Never Walk Alone" makes my hair stand (not literally, la). Enjoy:



One day, I MUST set foot on Anfield, by hook or by crook. What an atmosphere, and that "COME ON!" by Gerrard at the end of the video sums it all up.

What the players and fans were not aware of course, was what is to happen at Ataturk, Istanbul.

Tags: Greatest, YNWA, Anfield, Kop, Liverpool

Nervy End, But First Win Of The Season

And Dirk Kuyt Looks* Good (*not his looks)

English Premiership

LIVERPOOL 2 - 1 WEST HAM

Scorers:
LIV - Agger (42min), Crouch (45min);
WHU - Zamora (12min);

What an exhilarating game, especially the last few minutes, there were heart stopping moments and Lee Bowyer's miss of the day made all the Liverpool fans heaved a collective sigh of relief. Again, Peter Crouch was on hand to help Liverpool get back on track for the Premiership title race after a rather disappointing 1-1 draw with Sheffield United last week. Today was made an even more special day as we celebrate the Spion Kop's 100th annivesary as well as the battle against the team that we've beaten less then 4 months ago in the FA Cup final. Liverpool were the better side for the game, but West Ham didn't make our lives easy with their fast pace attacks.

Again, West Ham took the lead through a weird goal by Bobby Zamora. He was aiming for a cross but instead, the ball floated into Reina's near post and he could all but push the ball into his own net. Yet again, we fell 1-0 behind with a freak goal.

But Liverpool stepped up the gear and Gerrard started running the show with his excellent range of passes as well as those late charges into the penalty area. Although West Ham invited pressure upon themselves and Liverpool were all over them, they still wasted loads of chances and players stilll looked a little rusty due to the national commitment as well as that long trip to Kiev midweek.

But the most unlikely person to come out with the equaliser, came out with a bang, literally, BANG!



What a strike from Danish centre-half, Daniel Agger. He joined Liverpool last season during the winter transfer window and his developement was hampered with his injury proness, but he showed everyone that he is capable of replacing the ageing Sami Hyypia in the near future. Solid at the back while scoring THAT kind of goal, just WOW from me.


It didn't take long before Liverpool scored the second with a move down the middle. Luis Garcia drifted in from his wide right position before threading a nice little through pass to Peter Crouch, who calmly took the ball past Carroll and sending the ball into a net with Gabbidon and Anton Ferdinand sliding in to cover. A wonderful finish from the ever-improving 'stickman'.

Everyone, including me, thought that there will be more goals to come during the second half, but it never came. The pace of the game became really fast as West Ham took a gamble and pushed their line further upwards instead of dropping deep and constantly being suffocated by Liverpool's wave after wave of attack.

Yossi Benayoun impressed me alot with his trickery as well as working really hard for the team. Liverpool meanwhile, gave Dirk Kuyt his debut at Anfield and he nearly scored on his first touch, smacking the ball hard but seeing it going just wide.

He continued to work really hard, tracking back and helping out in defence. Whereas he linked up well with Gerrard and Pennant and it's a good sign. Give him some more time to gel with the team and I'm quite sure he'll score in no time.

It was a nervy end, but Liverpool held on to the one goal lead and move up the table and overtaking Chelsea (yea, that's all I know). Hopefully, we'll build on this win and start to go on a roll. The next few games till Christmas will not be easy and we need to find feet fast.

Positives of course, Dirk Kuyt, Crouch and Bellamy doing really well. They didn't get the goals, but their work rate were commendable. Defence still looked a little shaky at times but Aurelio seemed to be getting more used to the English game as he continued to deputise Riise at left back.


Player Ratings:

Reina - 7 - At fault for that fluke, generally okay but not as steady as before.

Finnan - 8 - Defensively solid, provided width and worked really well with Pennant.

Agger - 8 - Superb goal, defensively alright. Neutralised Marlon Harewood.

Hyypia - 7 - Looked comfortable throughout.

Aurelio - 7 - Provided good balls, but gives away possesion too cheaply.

Pennant - 7 - Worked hard, tracked back and provided a few excellent crosses. Good movement.

Gerrard - 8 - Imposed the game from the middle, ran tirelessly and could've scored.

Alonso - 7 - Still looked a little off form. Passing still looked not up to his usual standard.

Luis Garcia - 7 - Generally poor game, albeit his nice through pass for Crouch for the second goal.

Crouch - 8 - Worked hard, chase after lost cause and scored an impressive goal.

Bellamy - 8 - He actually scored, but the referee thought he was offside. Anyway as usual, running around, making a nuisance and pretty unlucky.

Kuyt - 8 - Debut performance and he was pretty good. Hard working and blessed with a good foot. Could've scored.

Gonzalez - 7 - Tracked back and helped out Aurelio. Provided pace.

Tags: Liverpool, West Ham United, Daniel Agger, English Premier League

The Kop Centenary

A Hundred Years Of Red Hot Passion

Anfield prepares to celebrate 100 years of football's most famous stand. A mosaic wil be unviled before the game against West Ham to pay tribute to the enclosure that holds no equal in game.

My favorite Kop memory was when I bought tickets for my dad, brother and myself to the Olympiakos CL group stage in the 04/05 season. Liverpool had to win 3-1 in order to get though to the knockout stage after the visitors had grabbed the first goal. It was in the dying minutes of the game and Gerrard smashed in a thunder bolt. The Kop erupted and Gerrard ran to the corner where we were standing. I get cold shivers every time I hear Andy Gray commentating that vital goal… OH YOU BEAUTY!!!
Michael Dennan

In 2005 when Anderlecht visited Anfield, we were around 80 supporters from the Faroe Island that traveled down to Liverpool, many to watch our club for the first time. The trip was organized by the Liverpool Supporter Club Faroese Branch and they chartered a plane to fly directly from the Faroes to John Lennon airport. We ended up standing on the Kop for the whole match, singing along with the Kop and it was for all of us a heart warming experience that no one of us will ever forget.
Petur Olsen

They are unbelievable and it's a great feeling to know they are always behind us. I have said before they are our twelfth man and that is definitely the case.

"I remember when I first heard them singing my name and it gave me a very special feeling. The players know the fans will always be with them and that is fantastic for the confidence.

"Many of them also travel away of course and even last week we saw and heard our fans in Kiev. It can be difficult to go to different countries but our fans always come with us wherever we are playing."

Rafa Benitez

One day, I hope, I'll be able to stand on the Kop singing my throat dry and my heart out. Those special European nights like the one against Chelsea and Olympiakos will never be forgotten. The wall of noise they call it. The singing of 'You'll Never Walk Alone' sends chills down spines of the millions watching it at Anfield or even on the tele, the lovely rendition of Johnny Cash's 'Ring of Fire' and of course not fogetting the 'We won it 5 times' song.

Can they be the 12th man as Liverpool take on West Ham today? Hopefully.

Tags: Kop, Centenary, YNWA

For You Football Junkies Out There

Thanks for all your support and comments alright, very much appreciated. Anyway if you're just surfing around and wants some other football blogs to visit, then I can say there are LOADS out there. But since they're the 'supporter' here, then I shall let them have this small space as advertisement board!

Note: This are all professionally done football blogs!


Soccer Prime News: The name speaks for itself!

Into Brazillian samba football? Brazillian Futebol

Searching for ManYoo stuff? Old Trafford Pressbox

La Liga and Barca interest you more... Spanish Football & Sports

Football & Toy Collections: Fortress of Testicular Fortitude

And of course, fellow Liverpool fan's fantastic blog. Ladies, sex, everything! This Is Anfield


Of course this are just a few selected links. For more, do click around at the links on the left. Cheers!

I Present You....

The New Referee's Uniform??


Hahahahaha......although I love black, but seriously black for jersey makes you look retarded. *Still laughing at Chelsea vs Barcelona*

Tags: Chelsea, European Away Kit

Should Ben Thatcher Be Jailed For This?

Mendes suffered a seizure and required oxygen before being taken to a local hospital after being struck in the face by Thatcher's forearm.

Although the 27-year-old has now been released, he will required medical and neurological supervision over the next week before he is cleared to play again

Hope that thug gets what he deserves. Come on, whoever's incharge, show some backbones and grow some balls, now is the time to at least ban this guy for 8 matches.

Tags: Ben Thatcher, Pedro Mendes

Champions League Group Stage Draw

IT'S CHELSEA AND BARCELONA AGAIN!!


After getting beaten by Boro, Chelsea's week got worst when they were drawn in last season Champions, Barcelona's group YET AGAIN! Hahaha I can't stop laughing and rubbing my eyes when I saw that! Yea anyway the 8 groups are out and I'm alright with the draw for Liverpool, albeit drawing with Galatasaray (sh*t!). Here are the groups and I'll give you analysis at the end of the post.

---GROUP A---

FC Barcelona (ESP)
Chelsea FC (ENG)
Werder Bremen (GER)
Levski Sofia (BUL)


---GROUP B---

Inter Milan (ITA)
Bayern Munich (GER)
Sporting Lisbon (POR)
Spartak Moscow (RUS)


---GROUP C---

LIVERPOOL FC (ENG)
PSV Eindhoven (HOL)
Girondins Bordeaux (FRA)
Galatasaray (TUR)


---GROUP D---

Valencia CF (ESP)
AS Roma (ITA)
Olympiakos (GRE)
Shaktar Donetsk (UKR)


---GROUP E---

Real Madrid (ESP)
Lyon (FRA)
Steaua Bucharesti (BUL)
Dynamo Kiev (UKR)


---GROUP F---

Manchester United (ENG)
Celtic FC (SCO)
Benfica (POR)
FC Copenhavn (DEN)


---GROUP G---

Arsenal FC (ENG)
FC Porto (POR)
CSKA Moscow (RUS)
Hamburger (GER)


---GROUP H---

AC Milan (ITA)
LOSC Lille (FRA)
AEK Athens (GRE)
Anderlecht (BEL)

Let's take a look at all this groups:

Group A: Haha, I still can't stop laughing! Well, maybe Chelsea will get their revenge this time round and give Barca a royal serving with their inclusion of 'Chavchenko' and B*llack. To me, it's the toughest group out there because Werder Bremen are certainly no pushovers especially with Klose and their candy-like jerseys!

Prediction: Barcelona, Chelsea, Werder Bremen, Levski;


Group B: Inter, the most over-rated club in recent times, will take on German giants Bayern. Sporting Lisbon and Spartak will provide some resistance, but I can't see the giant duo to miss out.

Prediction: Inter, Bayern, Sporting, Spartak;


Group C: Well, it's Liverpool's group and I'm gutted when we're drew with Galatasaray. You know how tough they are at their home ground, where their fans say 'Welcome to Hell!'. PSV will certainly be a tough side to beat while Bordeaux...I can't tell much. Shouldn't be a problem for Liverpool though.

Prediction: Liverpool, Galatasaray, PSV, Bordeaux;


Group D: Valencia and Roma wouldn't slip up I guess, a fairly easy group.

Prediction: Roma, Valencia, Olympiakos, Shaktar;


Group E: Real Madrid and Lyon AGAIN! Dynamo Kiev could provide some problem for the two giants but can't see them slipping up anyway.

Prediction: Real Madrid, Lyon, Dynamo Kiev, Steaua;


Group F: Battle of Britain ensues! Roy Keane going back to ManYoo anyone? To me, this is a pretty tricky group, with Benfica in it, they'll not gonna be pushovers and will provide challenge, especially for Manyoo, who will always remember Benfica for kicking them out of CL of last season.

Prediction: ManYoo, Benfica, Celtic, FC Copenhavn;


Group G: Arsenal will face the challenge of another Portugese club like ManYoo, but Arsenal's not an English club anyway (heh heh). Hamburg will be a tough opposition for them and will be a tight group in my opinion. 2005 UEFA Cup winners, CSKA Moscow will be another challenge as well!

Prediction: Arsenal, Hamburg, CSKA, Porto;


Group H: AC Milan should walk this group in my opinion. Maybe Lille will pose a few problems, but can't see them throwing it away after getting there with extra energy wasted.

Prediction: AC Milan, Lille, AEK, Anderlecht;

Tags: UEFA Champions League