The Reds Are Coming

Hear ye, hear ye!

Good news to all Liverpool fans here over in South-east Asia. Your long neglected support for Liverpool FC have been finally noticed! With our market largely untapped by the Merseyside giants, Ian Ayre, the commercial director of LFC have finally saw the potential here.

Liverpool will travel to both Thailand and Singapore (WOOHOO!) for their South-east Asian tour in July for the pre-season warm ups and friendlies and this news will definitely be well-recieved in this part of the world, were football fanatics would pay any price just to see their favourite team.

And I'm sure this does not only interest the local Liverpool fans but supporters of other clubs as well! I've contacted a few Man Utd and Arsenal fans and all have enthusiastically mentioned that they won't miss out on this opportunity.

I'm sure most Singapore Reds will remember back in 2001 when Liverpool defeated the Singapore national side 2-0.

But I'm confident that this time round, the tour will be even more successful than the last because the current Liverpool side are more marketable than back in 2001, with fans willing to pay however much to see Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres in action.

Can't wait! More information will be up as soon as the press release is done here. Stay tune!

22nd July 2009
Thailand National Team v Liverpool Football Club
Rajamangala Stadium, Bangkok
8.00pm Kick Off (local time)
Bangkok is 6 hours ahead of UK

26th July 2009
Singapore National Team v Liverpool Football Club
National Stadium, Singapore
7.00pm Kick Off (local time)
Singapore is 7 hours ahead of UK

Arshavin Quadruple Dents Reds' Title Hope

Liverpool 4 (Torres 49, 72; Benayoun 56, 90)
Arsenal 4 (Arshavin 36, 67, 70, 90)

From Russia, with love. Arshavin’s amazing 4 goal show at Anfield was enough to stop Liverpool in its track even as the Reds continue to mount a late title surge. The breath-taking 4-4 draw last night quashed some hopes of Liverpool bringing back the number 19 back to Anfield.

Even though the draw was enough to send Liverpool top of the league through superior goal differences against Man Utd, it must’ve seen like 2 points dropped rather than 1 gained.

Sir Alex and Guus Hiddink must’ve been rubbing their hands in glee as they saw Arsenal dismantle Liverpool’s defence. And then Arsenal being dismantled. In a see-saw game of football, a second consecutive 4-4 draw was definitely not for the faint-hearted.

Despite dominating the game and having lion’s share of possession, Liverpool were unable to see Arsenal off and in a game where we knew the Reds had to be at their best, defensive frailties were glaring and a few lapse of concentration here and there cost Liverpool dear.

Still without the injured skipper, Steven Gerrard, Liverpool looked more likely to score early in the first half with Fernando Torres causing loads of trouble for Kolo Toure while Yossi Benayoun tested Lukas Fabianski on a couple of occasions.

Yet it took one lapse of concentration and suddenly, Liverpool fell behind.

Javier Mascherano dallied on the ball just outside his own penalty box and was robbed by Arsenal skipper, Cesc Fabregas. In turn, the Spanish playmaker made a wonderful run before crossing it in for Andrei Arshavin, who was waiting near the penalty spot, to score.

Liverpool came back strongly after half time and you could sense the momentum was with the home side. With the Kop End in high spirit, Liverpool pressed forward and two quickfire goals stunned the away fans from London.

Torres and Benayoun, two heroes from the recent resurgence of Liverpool, hauled the team back in contention and an air of belief was evident. But it was a pity they were unable to build on that.

Arshavin once again punished Liverpool with a sweet right footed strike which left Pepe Reina diving despairingly. He dispossessed Alvaro Arbeloa, once again in a dangerous position, before curling it beyond the reaches of Reina.

The Russian playmaker then did Man Utd and Chelsea a massive favour when he scored his first ever hat trick for his new club. Fabio Aurelio’s poor clearance was all that was needed for Arshavin to pounce.

But you just knew Liverpool wouldn’t lie down.

Fernando Torres struck again when he received the ball just inside the penalty area and with Kolo Toure not marking him tight enough, he had the space to turn and fire home. Despite having a hand on the ball, Fabianski was unable to keep it out.

And the Kop were in full voice again. Belief, once again, came flooding back to the faithfuls. Yet it was not the last twist in the story. They were to find themselves in shock and disbelief once again.

From a Liverpool corner, Arsenal cleared their lines and with only two men in defence, the Gunners were able to launch a counter-attack which Liverpool had no chance stopping. At the end of the move was again, Andrei Arshavin.

And like a typical Liverpool script, they equalised right on the 90th minute mark through the brilliant Yossi Benayoun. The Israeli midfielder pounced on a poor clearance and volley home to bring minimal cheer to the crowd.

Yet majority of the fans knew that it wasn’t good enough. A draw was a serious dent in Liverpool’s title bid and with Man Utd having 2 games in hand with just about 6 games to go, their hopes might be fading away.

Despite missing out on Emmanuel Adebayor and Robin van Persie, Arsenal, through their famed intricate passing and swift interplays, were able to expose a haphazard Liverpool defence while the absence of Gael Clichy and William Gallas was evident.

Liverpool, though showed great character once again, couldn’t rely on it to win them every game. Xabi Alonso mentioned in a pre-match talk about how they needed to be in top form and making as little mistakes as possible to win it but as we’ve seen last night, they fell short and the usually reliable players were culprits.

Last night’s draw will give Man Utd a huge boost of confidence even as they entertain Portsmouth tonight at Old Trafford. A win for the Red Devils tonight will surely bring them a step closer to securing their 18th title – equaling Liverpool’s long-standing record.

Chelsea Trumps Liverpool in Epic Showdown

Chelsea 4 (Drogba 52, Alex 57, Lampard 76, 89)
Liverpool 4 (Aurelio 19, Alonso pen 28, Lucas 81, Kuyt 82)
(Chelsea wins 7-5 on aggregate)

It is this sort of game that reminds you of why you first loved football. It was also a reminder to me on why I love Liverpool FC this much. Thrills, spills, comebacks, joy and disappointments all in a match, how much can you ask for?

Much pressure was on the visitors to perform after a lacklustre 3-1 defeat last week at Anfield. The match coincided with a truly emotional period for the club as they commemorate the death of the 96 fans in Hillsbrough, 20 years ago.

Rally cries were heard and many ‘do it for the 96’ messages were on the forums. And from Liverpool’s first half performance at Stamford Bridge, they really did them proud, invoking the bouncebackability of Istanbul and on so many occasions.

Yet it was just a bridge too far for the Reds.

Needing to 3 goals at Stamford Bridge is a tall order. Ask any football fans and you’ll know that’s highly impossible. Yet even after 4 goals, it was just not enough to take Liverpool through to the semi-finals.

But Rafa Benitez and his men should take heart. While papers and media see the results, the fans know the effort in which they put in and they should still leave the pitch with head held high.

With so many previous results being decided by just a goal or two, nobody in their right mind would’ve thought that a 8 goal thriller is at hand.

Indeed, the game started off in familiarity with both sides playing cautiously and settling down as fast as they could. And it was the away side which took the upperhand and seized the moment.

Without the suspended John Terry and having to survive a scare last Saturday (leading Bolton at home 4-0, they threw away all comfort and put on diapers by conceding 3 in 8 minutes), Chelsea were shaky and Petr Cech was never the goalkeeper he used to be before his head injury.

It was to no surprise that a real life football drama is about to unfold as Fabio Aurelio’s freekick went straight into the bottom corner of the net when everyone thought the Brazilian is going to float a freekick into the congested penalty area.

Fantastic technique and it caught Petr Cech totally off-guard. First blood to the Reds and a comeback was imminent.

Before they could settle their nerves, Chelsea found themselves further in the mire after Spanish referee Luiz Catalejo awarded Liverpool a penalty. 1st leg’s hero, Branislav Ivanovic, turned zero after bringing down Xabi Alonso in the penalty during a freekick.

A slightly harsh decision on most fan’s eyes but it’s one which is the hardest to follow by the law book.

And up steps the player who completed the comeback of all comebacks. Xabi Alonso dispatched it with no doubt. One more goal and it will complete the turnaround.

But Chelsea regrouped and the Reds were unable to find the momentum to finally turn the tide over. Guus Hiddink made a decisive switch even before half time by bringing off the ineffective Salomon Kalou and replacing him with former Liverpool loanee, Nicolas Anelka.

And the Frenchman was to have a positive impact in the game which was a literal rollercoaster ride.

Hiddink admitted later that there were strong words used and emotions gone out of control in his half time team talk. No surprises that Chelsea came out strong and dispels all belief that the Liverpool fans had.

It started off with a bizarre goal as Anelka’s cross was deflected by an onrushing Didier Drogba. His touch was barely seen and minimal at best but it was enough to fool Pepe Reina, who totally missed it and seemingly pushed it into his own net.

That was a lack of concentration there and like Cech, a game to forget.

Alex, the Brazilian defender, then showed his fellow countryman that what he could do, he can do best. A smashing strike from him which gave Reina no chance at all.

Chelsea then capitalized on a wayward Alonso pass and Lampard did what he does best, which is scoring against Liverpool.

3-2 and Liverpool fans must’ve thought it’s all over.

But as a team classed with character and anointed with the spirit of fight backs, Liverpool didn’t lie down and roll over but instead, rallied again and gave themselves hope.

Lucas, who was anonymous and a spectator throughout, took a potshot at goal and it was fortuitously deflected off Michael Essien and into the net. It gave the Reds fan something to cheer about again. Chelsea fans held on to their seats.

Stamford Bridge was rattled further when substitute Albert Riera whipped in an inch perfect cross for Dirk Kuyt to head home .

Again, Liverpool found themselves in the same exact situation as they had in the first half. A goal was all that they need.

But the goal was to end up in the wrong end as Frank Lampard buried all hopes of a Korean drama-esque football soap opera with a fantastic strike in off the post. By then, Liverpool already threw everything they could at Chelsea and were left terribly exposed at the back.

It was just a bridge too far for Liverpool as they crash out of the Champions League but with much pride.

It’s a game full of ups and downs and truly live up to the reputation of the beautiful game. Topsy-turvy and as unpredictable as ‘the ball is round’, it’ll go down the annals of Champions League history, along with Man Utd vs Real Madrid, as one of the greatest games.

True, it was marred by mistakes and nightmarish goalkeeper from both sides, it was all about the fight and the belief that both side held till the end. As surely Rocky Balboa said himself, it’s not over till it’s over.

Champions League Preview: Chelsea vs Liverpool

By Gareth Freeman

If ever there was a definition for an ‘uphill task’ it would have to be this game. Stranger things have happened though and Liverpool’s Champions League dream is not over yet, I’m not going to be betting on them going through but bigger comebacks have been staged and if anyone is capable of a pulling it off it is Rafa’s side.

Before the weekend no one had scored three goals against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge but then Bolton came to town. Granted the Wanderers went 4-0 down before they managed to get their own three goals but it goes too show the Chelski defence is not impenetrable. Liverpool managed to put four past Blackburn themselves and all without Steven Gerrard, Blackburn are by no means the same standard as Chelsea but that game will certainly have given the Reds a boost.

The key to Chelsea’s victory in the last game was Michael Essien man-marking Gerrard, I expect the same to happen again and if Liverpool are too upset the betting odds and progress they’re going to need to combat Essien. If Gerrard is given a free-role and Essien follows him around the pitch I’m sure Rafa will have thought of some way of dealing with it, Benitez is a great tactician and I’m fairly sure he won’t be caught by the same trick twice.

Liverpool might have to rely on other players to create and get forward if Gerrard is marked out the game. Yossi Benayoun is a player who is capable of delivering on the big occasions and he could be the man to ignite Liverpool’s comeback. I’ve been really impressed by the Israeli since the turn of the year and his winner against Fulham in the dying stages showed how well he copes under pressure. Having Mascherano back will also be a massive boost for Liverpool and he was sorely missed in the first leg, hopefully he’ll be able to contain the Chelsea attack as Liverpool can’t afford to concede more than one goal.

Needless to say Liverpool do face a daunting task of having too score three goals at Stamford Bridge. The earlier they can put one away the better and it will set up a great game. My worry is that Chelsea will line up to defend and stop Liverpool going forward rather than attack themselves and just close the game off for the whole 90 minutes. One thing is for sure though, everyone will have to be at the top of their game if Liverpool are too make it through to the semi final stage.

Move On, With Hope in Your Heart

Liverpool 1 (Torres 6)
Chelsea 3 (Ivanovic 39, 62; Drogba 67)

The score line says it all. A 3-1 defeat at the hands of our old foe, Chelsea, means that Liverpool’s participation in this year’s Champions League is almost over. With the 2nd leg still to play at Stamford Bridge, it looks a more daunting task than claiming this year’s Premiership title.

It is this kind of situation that you hoped the second leg would be at Anfield. But last night, the “12th man” was helpless as they saw Chelsea put the Reds to the sword emphatically.

Despite Liverpool’s league double over them this season, a Chelsea under Guus Hiddink seemed a totally different proposition from the ones put up by former boss, Luiz Filipe Scolari.

To their credit, they played with much conviction, ruthlessness and control. A tinge of Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea could be detected last night as they controlled the game well despite conceding an early goal.

With Anfield roaring the home side on, Liverpool found themselves on cloud nine after their number nine, Fernando Torres, volleyed home only after 6 minutes. The Spanish hotshot was able to convert after some good work down the right flank from Dirk Kuyt and Alvaro Arbeloa.

But Chelsea settled their nerves and responded immediately after a mistake from an off-coloured Fabio Aurelio. The Brazilian lost possession in his final third and a rampaging Salomon Kalou found Didier Drogba with a through-ball but the Ivorian striker could only blast it straight into Pepe Reina.

The in-form and revived striker caused the Liverpool defence much problem from then on and should’ve gotten himself a hat trick.

With Michael Essien doing a fantastic job patrolling just ahead of the defence led by John Terry, he effectively rendered Steven Gerrard a pedestrian throughout and the Liverpool captain was unable to link up with Fernando Torres. It was to be a very disappointing night for him.

But there won’t be a more disappointing sight than to see Liverpool conceding cheap goals, such as the two headers Branislav Ivanovic scored through two separate corner kicks.

Once again, Rafa Benitez’s zonal marking will be put to question. No doubt that the Liverpool players lost concentration on both occasion and were made to pay.

After the recent good form from the Reds, scoring a heap-load of goals against Real Madrid, Man Utd and Aston Villa, they found it difficult against a well-organised Chelsea.

Javier Mascherano’s absence was a major blow as replacement, Lucas Leiva, was constantly harried off the ball and was found wanting at times.

Liverpool’s left flank was also in a state of paralysis as they were unable to provide the ammunition while also shaky in defence. Albert Riera’s physical presence was always going to pose a problem for the opponent and therefore, Hiddink’s decision to play Ivanovic at right back was justified as Riera found it difficult against Ivanovic.

Meanwhile, Fabio Aurelio had a stinker. The Brazilian left back was caught out a few times by a marauding Kalou and was outpaced and outsmarted by the Ivorian. No surprise that Benitez had to haul him off before the full 90 minutes.

But to be fair to them, nobody who wore red last night deserved any sort of praise. They looked flat and the title race seemed to have drawn their attention away. It’s alarming to see so many slip ups and lost of concentration at vital areas.

The scoreline will be a bitter taste in the mouth for most Reds but must be relived that Chelsea were unable to capitalise on the mistakes. Sad to say, the scoreline flattered the home team.

With a gargantuan of a task ahead at Stamford Bridge, even the most optimistic Liverpool fan would concede that there won’t be a glimmer of hope this time. Chelsea have put the tie beyond the Reds and probably won’t allow Liverpool put to 3 goals into their net without reply, even without the service of suspended skipper, John Terry.

Of course in football, you win some and you lose some. “Hold your head up high” they sing and you know we will bounce back. I’m hoping to see a spirited reply at Stamford Bridge next week even though hopes seemed to have deserted us on the European front.

And there’s still 7 league games to play, one last shot at glory. Maybe being put out of the competition is a blessing in disguise for the Reds as they can now concentrate their firepower on the final assault for the throne that was lost 20 years ago.

Win or lose, football still offers hope and it is why we called it a beautiful game. Enjoy it in victory and in defeat, we cry and we move on.

Walk on, with hope in your heart!

Champions League Preview: Liverpool vs Chelsea

By Gareth Freeman

It seems almost as if this fixture is a part of the regular football calendar now, rather than a random draw. This is in fact the eighth time these two teams have met in the Champions League and by now we’re all used to watching these two play out some enthralling ties. Chelsea’s semi-final victory over the Reds last year was a dubious one and I’m sure Liverpool will be keen too even the score this time around. Another stat that might give the Anfield faithful a bit of comfort, in four Champions League meetings at Anfield – Chelsea have scored just one goal.

I don’t think it really matter whether you’re at home in the first or second leg to be honest. The best team over two legs will win, its as simple as that. With Liverpool’s current form they should go into this tie as favourites with the sports betting odds but we all know how good Chelsea can be. Guus Hiddink will have to do without Nicolas Anelka though, the Frenchman has been in fine form this season and his presence will surely be missed by the Stamford Bridge side. Didier Drogba missed Chelsea’s victory over Newcastle at the weekend but it looks as if he will be fit for the game at Anfield. Drogba is without doubt a great player but for me he hasn’t been in top-form this season and if he isn’t fully fit he won’t be at the top of his game.

For me there are three players Liverpool need to really get the better of if they are too beat Chelsea – Frank Lampard, John Terry and Petr Cech. In Lampard Chelsea have a midfielder almost of the standard of Gerrard (ok, not really but he does score the odd cracker). Lampard is Chelsea’s star man and stopping him will be crucial if Liverpool are to progress to the semi-final stage. Terry has already admitted he is ‘dreading’ marking Gerrard and Torres but if there is a centre-half equipped for the task it is John Terry. If he is on top of his game chances will be few and far between but with Torres, Gerrard and Benayoun Liverpool have the players to make the most of even half-chances. Cech is probably the best keeper in the world and beating him is never going to be easy, lets just hope he doesn’t pull off a wonder game.

In the other Champions League tie on Wednesday night Barcelona welcome Bayern Munich to Camp Nou in a game that will decide Liverpool’s opponents should they progress. Barca and Bayern are the joint top scorers in the competition this year and if you’re betting backing over 2.5 goals might be a good idea. I’ll leave you with one last fact ahead of tomorrow’s meeting with Chelsea - in 11 games against English opposition in the competition (inc. last year's final against Manchester United) Chelsea have only won three games. Liverpool's only other English opponent (without Chelsea) in this competition has been Arsenal, who they beat 5-3 on aggregate in last year's quarter finals.

Title Race Down The Wire

Fulham 0
Liverpool 1 (Benayoun 90+1)

Going down the wire seems a good expression of this season’s English Premiership title race but it’s more of an understatement after this weekend’s round of fixtures. Scintillating, fascinating and exhilarating. Those were the words epitomising 2 separate fixtures of the 2 closest title rivals.

Like a classic tug-of-war fashion, nobody seems to be giving up and when pressure seemingly gets on one side, they overcame and lived to fight another day. The battles were won but the outcome of the war is still a mystery.

And any slip-ups now surely will tip the scale. It’s either Man Utd or Liverpool, with Chelsea having an outside chance of sneaking it when nobody’s even talking about Guus Hiddink and his under-performing team.

United were set to face the team that were downed 5-0 by Liverpool last week while the Reds visited Craven Cottage to face the team that helped them a great favor last week after their shock 2-0 win over United.


That was the fascinating factor. In football, when adrenaline pumps and pressure gets on, form goes out the window and statistics doesn’t add up at all.

Villa, who were in dire form of late, visited Old Trafford to face a wounded giant. The humiliating defeat by Liverpool would surely give people the impression that United would have it easy at home as well.

But John Carew begged to defer. But sadly, despite some colossus effort, Villa still went down 3-2 with new kid on the block, Frederico Macheda scoring the winner in the 92nd minute of the game. Mark of the champions? Definitely.

Despite being outplayed at times and losing several key players, United managed to bounce back and avoid an embarrassing 3 games losing streak. The game was played at break-neck pace and it was end to end.

They were also playing after being put under intense pressure by Liverpool, one of those rare occasions where the ball was in Liverpool’s court and they managed to deliver it out. It is not, of course, without some minor hiccups.

Oh, I meant the crossbar and the post.

The last 2 games at Craven Cottage offered a comparison between the 2 title rivals and it’s fairly obvious to us that Liverpool have built up this newfound resilience in them which doesn’t last them to the 70th minute or the 80th minute but right to the end.

When United came and were outplayed, the fragility of their character was apparent. The heavy defeat by Liverpool did the damage and the players lost the plot. Paul Scholes thought he was in the beach of northern France playing beach volleyball while Wayne Rooney thought the corner flag at Craven Cottage had ‘punch me’ written on it.


Despite scoring 2 against Villa last night, the ‘best-player-in-the-world-tm’ showed that he’s the player you’ll want in better days but not on those dark and gloomy ones. A lack of determination and ‘get-stuck-in’ attitude meant that he was more of a liability.

In contrast, Liverpool lived true to the ‘it’s not over till it’s over’ motto made famous by Rocky Balboa. Despite severe frustrations and the seemingly familiar feeling of ‘it’s just not our day’, they fought on and found their deserved glory.

It came in the 91st minute, the 11th time Liverpool found the net beyond the 90th minute, a sign of character and resilience. This time, it was Yossi Benayoun who popped up with the beauty.

The Israeli captain infuriated the Reds camp last week after agreeing to travel for the international games and unsurprisingly, came back with a plaster and some medication for his foot.

The players came back from the international break giving Rafa Benitez some selection problems (not saying that it doesn’t affect Sir Alex but he should blame the red cards instead) but he still was able to field a pretty strong line up.

Eyes were lit up the moment they saw Andrea Dosenna on the left flank. Gerrard and Torres, the golden partnership, was reformed again.

Yet they were not able to put the ball in the net and with Dosenna’s headed balls more attracted to the goal frame and Gerrard’s lacklustre performance, it was probably meant to be yet another bad day at office.
We’ve seen Liverpool done it over the past few seasons when they were put in the driving seat to apply pressure on their rivals but fail to capitalize. This time round, Benayoun decided enough is enough and put an end to this mental blockage and misconception.

The away end of Craven Cottage was bouncing and singing “we’re gonna win the league” and were in raptures. So did Old Trafford 24 hours later. Such emotions and such excitement. With 7 games to go, the margin of error is getting thinner and the neck to neck race will really give fans of both sides the edge of the seat experience.

How many times have we, Liverpool fans, felt this way? Seldom. But finally we’re in it so I say let’s enjoy it. Whether we falter at the end or gain glory, I must say the team has moved on to another level with Rafa Benitez and what we’re going to achieve this season will be a perfect platform for the Reds next season.

Could Barry Be Set For Anfield Move At Last?

By Gareth Freeman

It was one of the longest and most drawn out transfer saga of last summer and in the end Benitez’s attempts to pries Gareth Barry away from Villa Park proved fruitless. He could get him at the second attempt though as Barry has come out and publicly said he would find it hard to stay at Villa if they did not achieve Champions League qualification.

Personally I think Villa have blown their chance to finish in the top-four, they face the daunting task of a visit to Old Trafford at the weekend and I don’t think they’ll get much joy there. The battering Liverpool gave Villa will undoubtedly have affected their confidence and I think it’s a fairly safe soccer bet that the current top-four will all qualify for next season’s Champions League.

There were many problems standing in the way of Benitez signing Barry last summer. The board refused to pay the asking price, Villa boss Martin O’Neill was adamant he would not leave for less than the £18million+ he wanted and Barry had over two years left on his deal. Now the Liverpool board have pledged their support to Rafa, the fee won’t be as high due to the fact he has just 15 months left on his deal and O’Neill seems to have softened his stance somewhat.

The one stumbling block could be Arsenal. Arsene Wenger is also a well known admirer of Villa’s England international but if I were Barry I’d probably opt for Liverpool. They’re perhaps more likely to mount a serious title challenge than the Gunners and Barry would get to partner Steven Gerrard in midfield – making it more likely he will truly cement his place in the England side.

I’m sure Barry would make an excellent addition to Rafa’s team. He has great vision, passing ability and an excellent work-rate. Xabi Alonso may be forced out by Barry’s move but as much as I admire Xabi I think Barry is a better player, just.

Right now though the most important thing for Liverpool fans is the current title race, and what a race it has become. Liverpool can go top on Saturday if they beat Fulham, at least until United play on Sunday anyway, but it won’t be an easy game. Fulham are good at home but in Liverpool’s current form I think they’ll see off the Cottagers and take three vital points. It could be a tight one though; perhaps a one or two nil victory for the Reds, my betting tip would be to go for under 2.5 goals or even the 1-0/2-0 Liverpool win.

Gerrard Ready for Contract Talks

By Gareth Freeman

What a few weeks it has been at Anfield! After a dark period where wins were few and far between, Liverpool picked up by smashing close rivals Manchester United and Aston Villa, off the field Benitez signed a new deal and now ‘captain fantastic’ Steven Gerrard is set to do the same.

Liverpool’s position in the league and Gerrard’s willingness to commit to a new deal show how far the club has come under Rafa’s guidance. There was a time when fears of Gerrard leaving for Chelsea were well founded but now it looks as if he is set to sign, probably for the rest of his career.

Needless to say, having Gerrard committing his long-term future to the club is a massive bonus and even if the title is still a long-shot this season, Liverpool can be safe in the knowledge that they will be serious contenders next season after this season’s showing.

Here are a few snippets from Gerrard’s interview.

"I have never been happier throughout my whole career than I am at the moment," The Liverpool skipper said.

"I have two years left on my contract and if there was a chance to extend it, I am sure I would.

"I am playing in a top team, with world-class players and I believe in the manager. Going forward, I am sure we can be successful."

He added: “I am captain and we are winning. Our relationship (with Benitez) has got stronger as time has gone by.

"For years and years I have moaned about not being involved in a title race and being far away from the others.

"At the moment, I am playing in a team that's capable of beating anyone in the league."

When Rafa first took charge at Anfield he had a tendency to play Gerrard out of position but he has now cemented his role in the middle of the park just behind Torres. His relationship with Benitez to begin with was probably not helped by the fact he held Gerard Houllier in such high regard either. Now the pair are working as a unit, Liverpool are the most successful team in Europe in recent years and they still have a shot at the title.

The sports betting odds on Liverpool winning the league have been slashed from 30/1 to 3/1. United are still favourites with odds of around 1/3 (they were 1/50 at one point I think) but that goes to show how much progress Rafa’s men have made in the last couple of games. I’ve had a look through United’s remaining fixtures and they’ve got to face Arsneal, Spurs and Man City who are sides who have caused United problems over the years. Unfortunately all those games are at Old Trafford and I wouldn’t go betting on United slipping up too often. However, the manner in which Liverpool defeated United at Old Trafford goes to show they’re not invincible there and the race is wide open for the Premier League crown.

Reds Blow Title Race Wide Open

Liverpool 5 (Kuyt 7, Riera 33, Gerrard pen 40, 50, pen 65)
Aston Villa 0

What a fantastic 10 days for the Liverpool fans. They must’ve thought they’re in some kind of dreamland. 13 goals scored against Real Madrid, Man Utd and now, Aston Villa with only 1 conceded.

And what a way for the players to show their willingness to play for Rafa Benitez, after finally signing a new 5 year contract, showing his intent to continue on his good works at Liverpool.

Liverpool were irresistible and totally blew Aston Villa away as the visitors stood absolutely no chance to stop this machine with all momentum.

With Man Utd’s reply to last week’s 4-1 drubbing being a weak and laughable 2-0 defeat at the hands of Fulham, Liverpool smelled blood. Chelsea, their closest competitor to dethrone Man Utd, too, were found wanting at White Hart Lane. Guus Hiddink suffered his first defeat and it was pretty untimely.

Playing with the gift of retrospect, Liverpool were pumped up. They knew they have half the battle won when both teams fumbled. Yet it will come down to nothing if they don’t put Villa to the sword.

Villa’s form went pear-shaped since February and touted to take over Arsenal’s place in the top four, they bottled it and are now losing touch with the Gunners.

The visitors came to Anfield with in dire form. Yet it was fate that brought them right in front of the marauding red machine. By the time the clock reached the half hour mark, the Villains were already being put to the sword and only thing they could do was damage limitation.

Anfield was in buoyant mood, brought about with the hopes and enthusiasm of that minute, just minute, possibility of the Premiership crown finally landing its feet in Merseyside for the first time in 19 years.


As the Rafa Benitez banner says, “Siempre es Possible”. Liverpool fans were hoping and praying for that miracle. Anything IS possible.

Actions speak louder than words and Dirk Kuyt was the first to prove that he is desperate and hungry for Premiership glory. Steven Gerrard’s freekick was headed onto the post by Xabi Alonso and the Dutch striker pounced on the loose ball and blasted it past the stranded Brad Friedel.

He booted the ball with such conviction and passion. It’s as if he knew it will land in the back of the net. Maybe he knew something more.
Aston Villa managed to find their feet and played some fantastic football down the flanks, with James Milner a thorn in the side. The physical approach of former Liverpool striker, Emile Heskey, and John Carew gave the home side much problem.

Soon it turned into an open and expansive game, end to end stuff. But the second and crucial goal came from yet another route one approach from the Reds.

Pepe Reina’s long punt was not dealt with by the Villa defenders and surprisingly, Albert Riera was on the end of it. The Spanish winger was in inspired form yesterday and all he needed was a touch and he placed a volley into top left corner.

It was a magnificent goal which involves minimal set-up and straightforward. Let’s not even go into the technique required to score such goal.

Then came Steven Gerrard to put the game to bed with a brilliant hat trick, his first in the Premiership surprisingly. The skipper is in fine form and despite not having the best game, he still managed to bulge the net thrice.

Two of them came from the penalty spot. First, Albert Riera was brought down by makeshift right-back, Nigel Reo-Coker, and he made no mistakes.

Then an unfortunate Brad Friedel was sent off for obstructing Fernand Torres. It was unintentional and he could’ve done nothing to avoid it. The former Liverpool goalkeeper was applauded off the field and hopefully he could get the red card rescinded.

Gerrard placed it at the same spot again and Brad Guzan had no chance. The replacement goalkeeper’s first job was to pick the ball out from the net.

The other goal came from a freekick, sandwiched between the two penalties. Despite a multitude of men forming the wall, there was no stopping the skipper from placing the ball at the right bottom corner.

By then it was well and truly over with the Reds home and dry. Who would’ve thought that Liverpool would so comprehensively dispatch Villa with such ease and it was as if everything were going in their favour.

Even when Fernando Torres being a virtual spectator throughout, other players rose up to the challenge and gifted the Anfield faithful some hope.

You’ll have to feel sorry for Villa. They didn’t play particularly badly but were already K.O-ed before they even saw it coming.

Liverpool were not in their profligate self and were clinical. Something you’d see from a team brimming with confidence.

And now, the title race is truly heating up and even IF Liverpool doesn’t win it, I’d know that at least I know that they tried their best. I mean, I don’t remember seeing Liverpool still challenging at this stage in any other seasons.

This season is going to be special. Either we go on and win it or we can take it as a spring board for better things to come next season. Hang on tight, because this is going to be edge-of-your-seats stuff!