Reds Stormed To Anfield Victory

LIVERPOOL 3 (Riera, Keane x2)
Bolton 0


Robbie Keane unwrapped Liverpool's best Christmas gift this season with a double and continues to steer the Reds clear of their rivals in the Barclays Premiership. Albert Riera was on the score sheet as well as he opened the account in the first half.

Riera celebrating his goal

2 draws on previous occasion threatens to derail Liverpool's title hopes but thankfully for them, their rivals managed to slip up just as they did.

The traditional boxing day fixture is always an intriguing one and though the Anfield faithfuls weren't treated with a spectacular match with goals overflowing, it was still a professional performance and a job well done.

Bolton failed to threaten Liverpool in any way with Pepe Reina in goal was given little to do. But it was as expected as they were more busy dealing with the red tide that went their way, piling intense pressure on their defence.

It was no surprise that Liverpool made the breakthrough from a corner as Albert Riera's front post run was left unchecked and he was able to volley home awkwardly and brought much joy to the Kopites.

Keane raveling in his own glory

But it was Robbie Keane who stole the show thereafter as he continued his good goalscoring form with two goals which showed us just a glimpse of what he can do and why was he worth 20 million pounds.

His predatory skills started to show in recent weeks and up against Bolton, he was calm and composed. The goal at The Emirates could've injected some much needed confidence into the Irish striker and you could see it oozing through his display.

After his second goal, he was all over the pitch, looking hungry and daring to go. Though he was leading the line, he still dropped back and helped out. Then before you know it, he sprinted 20-30 yards forward again. Full of energy.

It was a good 3 points for Liverpool, one that will surely please the fans and the recuperating Rafa Benitez, who was in the stands. A professional job, nothing spectacular and straightforward.

Here's looking forward to 2009 that the Reds will maintain their decent run, kick start their engine further, go a gear higher and claim back the title that was lost so long ago.

Drogballs Wishes....

All readers of The Red Cauldron a belated Merry Christmas!

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.