Cautious, Cautious Liverpool

English Premiership
Arsenal 1
LIVERPOOL 1

If there is one thing that will stop Liverpool from claiming their first title in 18 years and finally be ‘back on the perch’, it will be the over-cautiousness of Rafa Benitez and a lack of endeavor from the players on the pitch.

Assuming command and control from his hospital bed, Benitez wasn’t there physically but his staunch belief of ‘suffocating the enemy’ was very well manifested by his team in the awkward-looking grey and red jersey.

With Togolese striker, Emmanuel Adebayor, sent off rather harshly after an innocuous body barge with Alvaro Arbeloa, Arsenal were down to 10 with much of the second half to go yet Liverpool held back and didn’t seemed to have an intent of winning the game.

When Cesc Fabregas, Arsenal’s most creative player, joined several other Gunners (is Tomas Rosicky still there?) in the treatment room after half time, Liverpool should’ve sense blood. They controlled the game well and did decently in stopping Arsenal in playing their beautiful, seamless football.

But it just isn’t enough.

To be still at the top of the table with so many draws is probably contributed by the fact that Chelsea and Man Utd. are also at the same time, dropping points. Just as I’m typing this, I realize Everton did their rivals a huge favour by holding on to a 0-0 draw with Chelsea.

With Fernando Torres out for some time, Liverpool’s firepower was severely weakened and the ‘Goals For’ column isn’t looking pretty for the Reds. Yet it shouldn’t be an excuse for Liverpool to be overly cautious in approach to games.

A point for both teams is, let’s just say, a fair result. But it leaves a bitter taste in the mouth for Liverpool fans, knowing that it was there for the taking but the visitors didn’t really seemed interested.

The match went as how Liverpool always did this season, going behind and then score on a lucky break.

Robin van Persie took his goal well when he finished with aplomb on his right foot. An exquisite goal, all in all.

On the other side of the pitch, take nothing away from under-fire (literally and non-literally) striker, Robbie Keane. The former Spurs striker had a point to prove to both Liverpool fans as well as the Gunners as he rifled home after latching onto a long pass from Daniel Agger.

Typical route one football.

Liverpool dictated the game but couldn’t really find the breakthrough. Then Howard Webb turned the game even more in favour of the away side after sending off Emmanuel Adebayor.

Yet there was a lack of urgency in Liverpool. Rafa Benitez made no attempt to rescue Robbie Keane, who was alone upfront. It took him to the 80th minute on before sending David N’Gog to increase the physical presence up top.

The one flaw of Rafa Benitez would be his substitution and the timing of them. This season we saw a fair share of some really puzzling substitutions and on the hindsight, a lot of them made no sense or purpose.

Even though Ryan Babel had a forgettable outing at the Emirates, somehow he still seemed very under-utilised and his speed and power could’ve been exploited further.

But well, it’s Christmas and we’re still top of the table. Seems like Liverpool’s rival are happy to be giving away points just as they did. We still have yet to see the Reds in full gear so far this season and my hope is that it will be soon or all will be in vain.

Oh, and fortune does favour the brave.

Unconvincing... But Still Top Of The League

Finally, I have the time to pen down some thoughts since it's a public holiday here in Singapore and looking at the Barclays Premiership table, I see something which is rather rare. Liverpool, top of the table, in December?

In my years of supporting the Reds, it's one of the rare sight and considering how the recent results haven't been the most optimal, I'm still a little puzzled.

But take nothing away because we haven't REALLY cracked under pressure, yet. Speaking by faith, of course, I do hope we never will in the months to come. 2 subsequent nil-nil draws have caused some fans to murmur and complain. But as Christmas is coming, let's just be thankful to Rafa and his boys for making it thus far.

At least our title aspirations didn't falter in October, just like any other seasons. Though only a point above second-placed Chelsea and failing to capitalise on their defeat last week, somehow, Liverpool still managed to steer clear.

Last Saturday;s 3-1 win over Blackburn was a peculiar game. A game which we won but not really deserved, much like many of our games this season. Lucky some say, but I'm siding towards the thinking of fortune favouring the brave.

We never did saw the Liverpool of last season where goals flew in thick and fast (6-0 Derby and 8-0 Besiktas) but we saw how Liverpool slipped up soon after and wandered out of contention of the title by November.

This season, though, from start to end, it's as if Liverpool bundled their way up to this point and never really beaten anyone with much conviction except for maybe Chelsea and West Brom.



The Blackburn game somehow epitomised how the Reds have been playing since day one of this season. Nothing spectacular but when the opportunity arose, they took it and the results was seemingly flattering to the away side.

The first half performance was something difficult for any Liverpool fans to sit through because other than Yossi Benayoun's chance, the Reds looked toothless and uninspiring. Without the injured Fernando Torres and Robbie Keane dropped to the bench, it was an uphill task.

But somehow Liverpool kicked into gear from the 50th minute on with Alonso and Benayoun scoring past Paul Robinson. Even though a lapse of concentration gifted Blackburn a goal through Roque Santa Cruz, Steven Gerrard still ensured an enjoyable short ride back to Merseyside.

Many are still unconvinced by Liverpool and their title credentials this season but I'm in the mode of seeing it one game at a time. I'm refused to be drawn into the 'this is our year' mode yet nor am I so depressed to see the Reds right at the top of the pack.

I just want to count the blessing and say bring on the next team, Hull City!

What Would Gallas' Facebook Account Be Like Now?

Chelsea FC has written on Gallas' Wall - 12.56am

Chelsea FC wrote:
Well done, Agent Gallas. Your job is done. You'll be...handsomely rewarded as we have discussed. xx

3 members of 'I'm 6 years younger than Gallas' has left the group.

Gallas wrote on Chelsea FC wall:
lol excellen jobz me tbf lol.xoxo

Arsene Wenger wrote on Gallas wall:
I take itz that I see nothing about the comment, no? Zis is disgusting me, you not playing zis Saturday! Dropped!

Gallas wrote on Wenger's wall:
no problem boss lol. xx


This might or might not be true.

A Dog That Is Better Than Carragher At Football?

Shocker, absolute shocker.

Who dares highlight the flaws of our great Scouse legend who gave his heart and soul for the club? Well, it's none other than Fernando Torres, who rated a canine 'better at dribbling than Carragher'.

LFC’s world-famous number nine shirt met Hank the German Shepherd - also a top performer in his field - at the West Lancs Canine Centre.

And after an intense one-on-one session on the pitch he proclaimed Hank was better at dribbling than his teammate Jamie Carragher.

Is he sowing seeds of discord within Liverpool like how Agent Gallas of Chelsea is screwing Arsenal big time? Of course not.

A footballing dog from Ainsdale has become an internet hit after footage of him tackling Liverpool star player Fernando Torres appeared on Youtube.

Should be ashamed. Alright, kidding of course!

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!

Want To Win Free Tickets?

Another piece of good news, guys.

A pair of hospitality tickets for the Liverpool vs Olympique Marseille Champions League game (Wednesday, 26th November) is up for grab for everyone on this blog!

Especially more so for those of you who are actually living in Liverpool, England!

Vodafone have given an Dell Inspiron Mini 9 to a bloke they've nicknamed LiveGuy, who will be touring around various parts of the UK, including Liverpool, testing out the netbook whilst leaving behind clues to his location.

Every day he's out, he will have up to three Inspiron Mini 9s to give away to anyone who comes up to him and says the magic phrase, and a fourth will be given away online to who can best locate him on a Google Map. It kicks off next Monday (the 17th) and you can check out how he gets on via his blog

There are 3 ways of getting more information about this LiveGuy:
1) His website
2) Twitter
3) YouTube

And yes, one of you might just win the ticket and experience Anfield's electrifying European night. Now, answer this simple question:

What colour is LiveGuy's T-shirt?

a) Red
b) Blue
c) Green

Please mail your answers to chrisa@outsideline.com with subject "Liverpool tickets competition". Entries close Sunday at midnight and winners will be picked & informed on Monday.


Brought to you by:

Are You A Real Football Fan?

Well if you are, then you're in for a treat!

The Red Cauldron is happy to link up once again with the brilliant SoccerPro.com with the Soccer Trivia Contest. They are giving out FREE REPLICA JERSEYS EVERYDAY till the 16th (sorry I'm late to inform you BUT there's still time!) and all you need to do is...

1) Visit the website
2) Key in all the vital information and then
3) Squeeze out every ounce of your brain juice and put in as many trivia of as possible

So there you go. A free treat for all of you and all the best!

Keane Ends Goal Drought

English Premiership

Liverpool 3 - 0 West Brom

Scorers:
LIV - Keane (34, 43min), Arbeloa (90min);

After the 12^th time asking, Liverpool’s big summer signing, Robbie Keane, finally broke the duck, scoring his first and second league goals in a home encounter with relegation fodder, West Brom. Alvaro Arbeloa added a third in the closing moments of the game.

It was 2 exquisite finishes from the Republic of Ireland striker, who had difficulty finding feet at Liverpool. After several fruitful seasons at North London, the Irish captain was purchased at high price by Liverpool.

Perhaps due to his costly price tag, he was pressurized to perform right from the beginning but the pressure, perhaps, was a little too hard to handle for him.

Also, many fans commented that he looked too eager to impress early on the in season where he was seen running around like a headless chicken. Claimed to be a boyhood Liverpool fan, he looked determined to play at his best donning the red jersey albeit trying a little too hard.

But just like Peter Crouch, it took him a little longer to adjust and hit second gear.

Will his career continue to flourish in months to come, like Crouch, is hard to tell. But as I’ve mentioned in my post, which heralded his arrival, was that he has the talent and ability to shine, as a proven goal-scorer in the Premiership with not only Spurs but also earlier in his career at Coventry, Wolves and Leeds.

The goal scoring instinct which seemed to be inborn within him seemed to be missing amidst his ‘running his heart out attitude’ until now. He was suddenly, in perfect understanding with the Liverpool players, such as Gerrard, who provided him with a precise through-ball for his opener.

He might have learned his lesson in the Atletico match where he missed a golden opportunity. Instead of trying to put the ball over the diving goalkeeper, he tried to round him but missed the opportunity.

This time round, he was put through by Steven Gerrard’s inch-perfect pass and he did not hesitate before dinking the ball past the despairing dive of Scott Carson. His movement was brilliant during the build-up of the goal, evading his marker and making room for himself.

It was a huge sigh of relief from both Keane and also the Kop faithful.

He then doubled his tally through a fantastic counter attack. West Brom’s corner was cleared and Liverpool caught the away side napping. A quick release from Albert Riera sent Robbie Keane through.

Scott Carson, the former Liverpool goalkeeper, charged out of his own box trying his best to intercept but was caught in no man’s land. It left Robbie Keane with a simplest of finish and the Reds were well on track to victory.

Though West Brom started brightly and looked like they were at Anfield for football, Liverpool always looked comfortable and in control. Chances from both sides were few and far between but it was Liverpool’s class that was apparent.

The long-awaited return of star striker, Fernando Torres, was another key highlight of the match. It didn’t take long for the Spanish hotshot to show his intent when his 25 yards strike stung the hands of Carson.

After missing for 6 games, Torres still looked pretty sharp and his pace was quite a problem for the WBA defence, especially Zuiverloon on the right.

Yet it was another Spaniard, Arbeloa, who stole the limelight when he found acres of space in the penalty area and curled home with a beautiful left foot shot.

Can’t jump on his back for celebration, eh?

It was overall, an easy game for Rafa Benitez and his men, eager to bounce back from that disappointing lost at White Hart Lane. Still, not all guns firing and blazing but a professional and controlled performance from Liverpool.

Best news is, Keane is back.

Football Anecdotes

I'm sure most of you would be interested in this. Behind the scenes of all those men in jerseys playing football are some amusing and even... puzzling stories of their lives and their behaviour. Some might not be all that surprising but here are some classics:

Jason McAteer:

He was locked out of his own porsche, Neil 'Razor' Ruddock asked him to get a coat hanger and try to smash the window. Jason came back with a wooden one.

According to former Blackburn team-mates, Jason's greatest moment came on a squad night out to an Italian restaurant. Asked by the waitress whether he wanted his pizza cut up into eighths, McAteer is alleged to have replied, "Nah, I'm not that hungry - just cut it into four."

In another possibly apocryphal (that means it might be made up, Jason) story, McAteer is reckoned to have asked a Liverpool team-mate what to put in the space marked 'Position In Company' on a credit card application form. According to legend, the source of McAteer's confusion was that "I'm a central midfielder but the boss is playing me at right wing-back.

Jason calls his best friend "a deep thinker - he could easily be a
news reporter". Jason's best friend is Phil Babb

Bobby Robson:

Bobby Robson when at Newcastle, said to his board he wanted to sign 'that black player from Wilmbledon'.
He meant Jason Euell, but he got Carl Cort

Bryan Robson come down for breakfast while with England, Bobby Robson says 'Morning Bobby'
Bryan ' No boss, you're Bobby, I'm Bryan

Reporter to Newcastle's Shola Ameobi: 'Do you have a nickname?'
Ameobi: 'No, not really'
Reporter: 'So what does Bobby Robson call you?'
Ameobi: 'Carl Cort.'

Sir Bobby is signing copies of his autobigraphy in a bookstore in Newcastle. A kid patiently queues for ages to get his book signed. When he gets to the front of the queue Sir Bobby asks him his name and starts to sign his copy....

Kid: "So, have you signed a lot of books today Mr Robson."

Sir Bobby: "Hundreds son, absolutely hundreds."

Outside the shop the kid opens his copy of the book to read what the legend has written............"To Jimmy, Best Wishes From Bobby Hundreds."!!!!

Other Classics:

A french left back from Monaco going to meet Spurs for transfer talks, he finished the talks and Spurs are convinced they have got their man, they even pay for his taxi when he says he wants to go for a ride around town. Turns out he went down the road and had talks with Arsenal and ended up signing for them and playing in midfield, striking up a good partnership with Vieira. The player was Manu Petit.

In 1978, after Kieth Burkinshaw signed Ardilles and Villa, the story was that at training at Tottenham Burkinshaw would hold up the ball, motion kicking it and point to the goal whilst saying, "Ball, kick, kick ball, goal". Eventually Ardilles and Villa become fed up with this so one of them says to Burkes, "It's alright boss, we speak English" whereupon Burkinshaw replies, "I'm not talking to you two..."

The story about AC Milan scouts watching an exciting black young fella playing for Watford in the Eighties, the f**king clowns signed Luther Blisset for 1 million, while John Barnes went on to havea brilliant career at Liverpool.

Pre-season at Liverpool when Souness was in charge & all the players come in for weigh-in.

Souness looks at Jan Molby, and asks him how heavy he is. "fourteen stone, boss" replies Molby and walks across the room to be weighed. Steps up on the scales and the physio announces that he is in fact sixteen stone.

"F**k's sake" shouts Souness, "you only walked the length of the room".

David Beckham was being interviewd around the time of the 98 World Cup (possibly after his sending off) and was asked by the interviewer "Do you consider yourself to be a volatile player?" To which Beckham replied "Yes, cause I can play down the right or in the middle.

Few years back, Bolton's new def midfielder Ivan Campo. Anyway he fills in his tax return for his first period and they write back to him saying we can't process these without some form of photo id. Well, he'd scored the weekend before and was on the back page of the Bolton evening news heading home the winner........he cut this out with an arrow pointing to his curly locks heading the ball home saying "this is me"

Hope you enjoyed it ;)

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.