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.

Reds End Blues’ Proud Home Run

English Premiership

Chelsea 0 -1 Liverpool

4 years 8 months. 86 matches without a loss at Stamford Bridge. A fantastic record for a team that is playing in one of the, if not, the most challenging domestic league in the world.

But as Nelly Furtado and many others before her suggested that ‘all good things come to an end’, we know someday, somehow, the record will be broken. It was just a matter of when and how.

The answer lies with Rafa Benitez and his rampant Reds. In Chelsea’s 87th home game, they were pitted against a team that they’ve been so familiar with. Other than Premiership games, the Blues and Reds have met in various top level competitions.



Nobody will forget that memorable 1-0 win at Anfield where Luis Garcia scored a controversial winner that sent Liverpool into the most exciting Champions League final in it’s history.

But this win at Stamford Bridge was remarkable. It was a classic Premiership titans showdown but the performance from the Reds, as an away side, was a sight to behold. It is a display of a team brimming with confidence and fearlessness. Indeed, they went, they saw and they conquered the mighty beast of London.

An early goal and honestly, a lucky one through a deflection. A lapse of concentration from Bosingwa, who’ve been exceptional so far this season, gifted Alonso a chance to take a pot shot at goal. It went in off John Terry’s leg and even Petr Cech was hapless.

From then on, everyone watching would’ve thought that Liverpool will revert to their familiar back-against-the-wall tactic against the inevitable onslaught from Chelsea. But Liverpool surprisingly, showed enterprise throughout the game thereafter and came closer to doubling their lead than Chelsea finding their equaliser.

Despite missing Fernando Torres through injury, it gives Rafa Benitez less ‘options’ but more certainty in his selection. Robbie Keane upfront with Steven Gerrard hovering just behind him. It was a tactic that paid off ultimately as we saw how Gerrard and Alonso bossed the central areas of the field.

Gerrard’s lunging tackle on Bosingwa in the 39th minute was inch perfect. And its very ingredient was his drive, passion and desire, to see the Reds triumph at Chelsea’s own backyard. Unfortunately, Howard Webb booked him instead.

The 3 pronged attack of Chelsea was largely ineffective in the face of Carragher and his well marshaled defence. Nicolas Anelka was never going to have the physical presence of Didier Drogba. The Ivorian striker’s absence meant Chelsea’s attack was never going to strike much fear into the opponent’s defence.

Florent Malouda have been absolutely disappointing since joining the Blues while Kalou didn’t know what to do when he had the ball.


Looking at the squad in depth, Liverpool definitely had the upperhand. While Chelsea struggled to call on players to replace the disappointing front three players, Liverpool had the luxury to bring on Ryan Babel, who gave John Terry an afternoon to forget. He nearly doubled the lead with a vicious strike on his right peg.

Another key of note was that Benitez nullified the strength of Chelsea and amazingly turned it into their weakness.

Chelsea’s formation doesn’t permit out and out wingers and therefore, Ashley Cole and Bosingwa had to bomb on to provide support. This leaves large gaps behind for Obi Mikel to cover.

With a revived Dirk Kuyt and an impressive Albert Riera on the Reds flank, they not only provided outlet for Liverpool’s attack but also kept the Chelsea fullbacks real busy. Riera looked a totally different player from the one we saw a couple of seasons ago at Man City. He was confident and had a field day against Bosingwa with his burst of pace, wonderful first touches and ball control.

Chelsea’s midfield, too, was ineffectual. They were suffocated and didn’t have space to weave their magic. Alonso was controlling, Mascherano was harrying and Gerrard was ready to provide roaming support, moving into spaces which he sees the need to cover.

Ultimately, Chelsea lost their record with a whimper. Pepe Reina in Liverpool’s goal was rarely tested. Ashley Cole was in his usual petulant self and the fouls he committed in the game showed how much frustrations and problems the visitors gave to them.

It was a tactical masterclass from Rafa Benitez and his team really worked their socks off, just like any other game. They are starting to look menacingly similar to the Valencia team that triumphed over the mights of Barcelona and Real Madrid. It was not through a team of technically gifted players but a group of hungry, driven and hardworking players.

As Gerrard said that no medals are given out this early in the season, Liverpool fans shouldn’t jump on the bandwagon of ‘this is our year’ because the season is still early with 9 games in.

But on the plus side, the Reds have now wins against Man Utd, Chelsea and Man City. They’re definitely in a shout for this season’s title race.

Juande Ramos' Facebook Account

Okay guys, here's the latest. Got a view of beleaguered manager, Juande Ramos' Facebook account. I just have to share this with you people (click for larger view):



If you didn't realise, this is only a joke :)

Simao Denies Liverpool

UEFA Champions League

Atletico Madrid 1 -1 Liverpool

Marred by some strange refereeing decision and the injury of Fernando Torres, the mouth watering encounter between Atletico and Liverpool was bogged down to a predictable draw at the Vicente Calderon.

It was almost like a high school gathering. There were links and ties to each of their clubs some way or the other. Or perhaps it's just Liverpool fielding a lot of Spanish players than Atletico themselves.

With Torres' eagerly anticipated homecoming thwarted by injury, the game lost further shine when Sergio Aguero was dropped to the bench and the home side fielding two inexperienced teenagers.

For the visitors, it's a surprising sight to see Dirk Kuyt starting on the bench despite his recent goalscoring exploit in the Premiership as well as in Europe. It meant that Robbie Keane was up front on his own, with Gerrard in support. A very cautious formation.

But Liverpool took hold of the game almost immediately and was having a stroll in the park for the first half of the game. Though Atletico threatened on occasions, with Forlan flashing a left foot shot just wide, Liverpool were in total control and every time they attacked, they definitely looked threatening.

The controversial goal came in the 14th minute when Gerrard played a superb through-ball for Robbie Keane, who had an easy task of putting it into the net. Replays show that Keane was a yard offside. Just one of the few major decision which the linesman misjudged.

Then Keane should have doubled the lead, if only he wasn't that over-confident of himself. Gerrard whipped in a perfect cross for the Irish striker but instead of smashing home, he tried to flick it off his boot but missed it totally.

Shame. If only he scored.

Atletico then came out of the second half a totally different team, with Javier Aguire replacing former Liverpool forward, Luis Garcia, with his wonderkid, Kun Aguero. Though he didn't manage to get off the mark in his game, his impact was evident.

With his presence perhaps, Atletico showed more intent and urgency in their play. At times, Liverpool looked outnumbered in defence, with Kun, Forlan, Sinama-Pongolle, Maniche marauding forward looking for the equaliser.


Both Liverpool and Atletico had goals ruled out for offside, erroneously. Just one of those night for the referee.

Then Simao came really close when he was unmarked on the left flank and he rifled it against the post. Pepe Reina did extremely well with a fingertip save. Signs of things to come. Because the Portugese winger, whom was supposed to sign for Liverpool in his Benfica days, sent the home fans into rapture.

A long ball was uncharacteristically misjudged by Jamie Carragher and choas ensued in the Liverpool penalty box. Forlan eventually laid off the ball for Simao to fire home. A costly mistake from the experienced man.

A fair result for both teams, with such affinity and ties between them. Both teams had good spells in the game and the 1-1 draw was a fair reflection of the game, though some of the linesman's decision were questionable.

The Liverpool Impersonator!

Guys, this is a must watch! Look how well he impersonate Rafa, Gerrard, Owen and even... Carragher! You thought it's impossible eh! Just have a look...



I thought the Gerrard one was pretty much spot on. Heh!

Christmas Comes Early For Drogballs!

Ever thought about shopping online for Liverpool apparels but decided not to because you don't trust the site? Well, I'm here to bring you some good news!

I have struck a deal with the guys at Soccer Pro and it's simple as writing this post. Despite my busy schedule, I still deliver this because I'm glad to say I can finally trust an online sports apparel site. Which is none other than Soccer Pro.

What they promised me, they delivered. Right to my door step. The below Liverpool hooded top is what I've requested and after a month of anticipating, the parcel finally found it's way to my house. Here are the photos:




Although it's a little too big for me but it's fine since that's how it's supposed to be worn I guess. Don't doubt the quality of this apparel here because this is adidas stuff.

So yes guys, if you're thinking of getting the same hooded Liverpool top, a football boots or even a pair of socks, Soccer Pro is where you should be heading to! Not writing this as an obligation but because this is good news!

Head down now!

Spurs: A Laughing Stock?

Well? Have you been laughing at them since... 16 August? I can't help but laugh most of the time but now it seemed more dire than funny. 2 points from a possible 21, how can it be? But on a lighter note, here are some Spurs-related jokes. I hope I don't get retribution for this because it's only for fun! Take it easy, boys!

A kid goes into a sports shop, and wants to buy a ball, but doesn't have enough money. The shop assistant feels sorry for him and offers to play a game. The boy is blindfolded, and has to hold a club-specific ball, and guess which club the ball belongs to. If he gets them all right, he gets the ball. So he gets the first ball, puts it to his ear and says "Arsenal"
"Wow, you're right," says the assistant, "how did you guess?"
"Oh easy, I heard some guns firing in the distance."
Next ball, the kid picks it up and says "Bristol Rovers,"
"How on earth did you guess that," asks the assistant,
"Oh, I heard a crew of pirates rampaging the high seas."
The assistant gives him the third and final ball, and without hesitating the kid says "Tottenham"
"Amazing," says the assistant, "I expect you heard cockrels didn't you,"
"No," says the kid, "It's going down."

A kid is in court after his parents have been divorced, to decide who he's going to live with. "Would you like to live with your mum?" says the judge, "No, she beats me" says the kid, "Oh," says the judge, what about your dad?"
"NO, he beats me too,"
"Oh dear," says the judge, "any relatives?"
"They all beat me" says the kid.
"Who do you want to live with?" says the judge
"Tottenham Hotspur football club."
"Tottenham Hotspur? Why one arth would you want to live there?" says the judge.
"They never beat anyone."

And...finally...

What's the difference between a triangle and Spurs?









The triangle has 3 points.

Playing Pretty Like Contender's, Eh?

Last Gasp Win At Manchester Means More Than Just 3 Points

English Premiership

Man City 2 -3 LIVERPOOL

Alright, let's get it straight. It's only October. The Premiership race is still a good 6 months before any conclusion can be made. Looking at the table, Liverpool fans must have been mighty pleased to see them joint top with Chelsea.

Well, things could have been so different. If there wasn't Fernando Torres. If Dirk Kuyt still managed to miss the rebound. If Pablo Zabaleta escaped the sending off.

If Liverpool didn't have the character and spirit.

Dirk Kuyt proves people wrong, including myself. Half the time, I admit, I was wondering why on earth is this player (I doubt even that) is still on the pitch with Yossi Benayoun and Ryan Babel on the bench?

When Torres pulled Liverpool level at 2-2, I was telling God 'the last player I would want to have him score the winner is Kuyt.' Just before Stephen Ireland stole the show and rammed in his 3rd of the season, Kuyt had a perfect chance to put Liverpool ahead.

But somehow, he scooped the shot high and wide from 5 yards out. In football, if you're presented with a chance and does not take advantage of it, you'll find yourself in deep mire soon after. That's the Murphy's law in football.

But somehow, he was right where he was to redeem himself and made countless of Liverpool fans leaping in the air, dancing in pubs and putting that very belief that we have been lacking, back in.

This season saw Liverpool off the block in double quick time yet it doesn't tally with the performances we've put up. We've been awful at times. The first half and Man City was dire. With all the possessions, nothing. And then we got hit quickly with 2 goals.

No idea what Rafa and Sammy Lee said to the players at half time. I suspect something rousing. They came out, all cylinders firing. Torres with his usual goal-poaching ability, turned a Alvaro Arbeloa cross into the net before heading a Steven Gerrard corner for the equaliser.

Looking at how things have panned out, you really have got to wonder is this finally their year? After 19 years of desperate knocking on the door, have the door finally been opened to the Reds?

Sitting there watching us going 2-0 down makes my mind go 'Ah, here we go again..' All the good form and belief thrown out of the door. We've had such a good start but boy, back to reality again.

Yet that belief and feeling at the final whistle was something I haven't had in my years of supporting Liverpool. To be fair, Liverpool were never in much contention for the throne for the past decade.

I really do sense something this time round. It's as if things have clicked between Rafa Benitez and the players. He has brought the 'Valencia mentality' right to Liverpool. Real Madrid and Barcelona? No big deal, we play out football and we'll win it eventually.

That's the kind of belief right now, churning within the hearts of the Liverpool players, I believe. After such a significant win, they know they'll have to be geared up for better performances and aim for consistency. It's not a race but a marathon.

Luck have been on Liverpool's side and over the years, we saw how teams who plays the best football doesn't necessary equates to winner, the lucky ones do. Don't want to sound over-confident at this moment because I know there's a long way to go.

But since I see signs of a humble champion, so be it. Just pray so hard we don't falter in the next game. That would be like an egg thrown in your face.

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?

Milestone Night In Liverpool

Keane Breaks Duck As Liverpool Strolled To Victory

UEFA Champions League

LIVERPOOL 3 -1 PSV Eindhoven

Scorers:
LIV - Kuyt (4min), Keane (34min), Gerrard (76min);
PSV - Koevermans (78min);

It was a memorable night at Anfield even though fans turned up, expecting yet another routine win by Rafa Benitez's boys. A controlled, discipline performance was expected and what we saw last night was exactly that.

But hell, even Robbie Keane scored this time.

The Irishman finally broke his scoring duck of 11 games as he connected with a fantastic Fernando Torres cross and directed it into the bottom right corner of Andreas Isaksson's net. He finally could do his cartwheel celebration but this time, donning the jersey of the club he supported as a boy.

It was one of those nights where your gut feeling just tells you things and it happened. I'm sure everyone's pleased that Keane opened his account in a European night. His quality is proven but it just needed that touch of luck.

Earlier on, he was expecting a penalty as he was brought down by Timmy Simmons but the referee wasn't interested. And we thought it was not going to be his night, again.

Well, let's not forget about another milestone set by a great Liverpool player last night. It's none other than captain Steven Gerrard.

Only the 16th player to carry the honour of scoring 100 goals for Liverpool, Gerrard fired in his 100th with his usual thunderbolt right-in-the-back-of-the-net style. A freekick from 30 yards out didn't stop the skipper from sending out a homing-missile like shot into the net. It was as if the ball itself had in mind where to go.

Beautifully taken.

It was an icing on the cake for Liverpool as they strolled through the game without even moving out of gear 2 and looked comfortable and untroubled throughout. Though the gloss was removed when PSV hit back with a goal that somehow silenced the Kop, it was still a disciplined and controlled performance, just like any other Liverpool games recently.

Scoring early, as I mentioned before, is a boon or bane for clubs and thankfully, Liverpool didn't slip into complacency mode after Dirk Kuyt giving the home side the lead in just under 3 minutes.

How we always said that the Reds were profligate and impotent with cornerkicks, we finally made it work out last night. Gerrard's outswinger, Torres' ingenious movement and Kuyt's followup.

Isaksson should have done better. Looked more a routine save to me than anything. Who knows what might happen if it didn't go in.

But that's not the point. It probably round up a pretty satisfying week for the Liverpool fans as we taught our poorer neighbours, Everton, a good football lesson and getting all 3 points in the Champions League is definitely good news.

In the best start of the season we've seen in quite a while, it remains to be seen how consistent Liverpool can get. But seeing Rafa dropping his usual chop-and-change tactic, there might be a shift of ideology from the Spanish manager.

Probably, he begin to realise the mistake that he has been making for the past few seasons....