The tinkerers prevail as the Black Freighter reaches town.
A match dominated by Liverpool falls at the hands of the man with all the cards. Going all in with a pair of aces would not suffice. Penalties? We don't need no stinkin'...
How dominate you ask? 65% possession, a ridiculous 55% territorial advantage, and 322 passes to Reading's 127 with an 83% completion rate to Reading's 67%. Thorough domination.
Battle not with monsters lest ye become a monster, and if you gaze into the abyss, the abyss gazes also into you.
- Friedrich W. Nietzsche
In other words, I'm done with today's fiasco. Take pride in knowing not.
We're gonna win the league, we're gonna... win...
(No player ratings for this one, I don't really care to bother. Cheers.)
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Liverpool 1, Reading 1 HT: Litany in a time of plague
The penalty was bullocks, but it happened and there's nothing to be done about it now. The ref should have reciprocated though when Torres was clearly taken out in the box or even when Sissoko was taken out in similar fashion of the call against Carragher. If the fix is on, he's doing a horrible job of hiding it.
Our erroneous play was infectious there for a while, but after our world class striker set up our world class midfielder, who netted for the ninth time in ten games, we appeared to gain composure. Still, poor decisions have been made through out, even by the two aforementioned players.
I don't like to second guess nor even criticize Rafa, but he got the selection all wrong for this one. I would have much preferred Lucas in the middle for either Masche or Sissoko, both of which are having shocking matches. Voronin and Crouch have been wholly useless as well, maybe it's King Harry time.
I guess we can't play Reading-style chaos ball nor should we. We're the better side and what happened to all this talk about possession beforehand? You'd figure boring the Reading players to death would be the proper approach, let's hope that's how we come out in the second.
Our inability to complete a decent pass early on combined with being rattled by the crowd and jolted by Reading's fierce attack has left it's mark. I can't state that we need to assert control in the second half enough. This is ridiculous, we're years ahead a side.
Adieu, farewell, Earth's bliss?
Our erroneous play was infectious there for a while, but after our world class striker set up our world class midfielder, who netted for the ninth time in ten games, we appeared to gain composure. Still, poor decisions have been made through out, even by the two aforementioned players.
I don't like to second guess nor even criticize Rafa, but he got the selection all wrong for this one. I would have much preferred Lucas in the middle for either Masche or Sissoko, both of which are having shocking matches. Voronin and Crouch have been wholly useless as well, maybe it's King Harry time.
I guess we can't play Reading-style chaos ball nor should we. We're the better side and what happened to all this talk about possession beforehand? You'd figure boring the Reading players to death would be the proper approach, let's hope that's how we come out in the second.
Our inability to complete a decent pass early on combined with being rattled by the crowd and jolted by Reading's fierce attack has left it's mark. I can't state that we need to assert control in the second half enough. This is ridiculous, we're years ahead a side.
Adieu, farewell, Earth's bliss?
Liverpool at Reading: Live-blogging? Why not.
I'm not gonna promise much, but let's see how this works out. The line-up is here. Expect a lot of rubbish and Crouch-nagging. T-minus 30 until kick-off...
Scarf? Check. Guinness? Check. Looks like I'm prepared... maybe a Jamison too? We'll see...
I loaded up my fantasy side with Man U players and though it doesn't appear to be paying off as much as I like, I'll have to wait and see what kind of residuals I collect. Lots of shots on goal at least and Tevez is helping me out with a brace.
C-Ron with a dive in the box... shameful... but I'll take the fantasy points.
I've been reading Gerrard's book when I get bored analyzing the poetry of Richard Cranshaw. Quite a change of pace. His honesty is just brutal... not to mention his vocabulary.
Five minutes to go. I have some jitters... a good sign.
I might be at the worse pub in Belfast, a little place called the Duke of York... the barmaid might be the most annoying I've ever had to deal with... She wants me to say she's Steven Gerrard's lover... ahem.
The boys come out... serious and all. Torres has hair like a wet dog.
Here we go... Reading full speed ahead... pinball time. Neither side taking control early. We need to calm down and be calculated in our approach. We can beat Reading at their chaos theory, but why bother?
Torres looks hungry, trying to take on the whole Reading side. Not this time.
Mascherano tries a brilliant through ball to Torres... almost gets there.
4' Gerrard tries to jump start the attack... too many Reading players in too little space. We seem out of sorts.
6' Looks like we have a touchy ref here. Foul on Riise for basically out-jumping a Reading player.
By the way, I can't check comments during the match. Sorry. Maybe at the half.
8' Torres controls a Riise throw-in in the box, nutmegs a defender, but it's straight at Hahnemann.
All right, this isn't working out, sorry, I'll be back at the half.
Scarf? Check. Guinness? Check. Looks like I'm prepared... maybe a Jamison too? We'll see...
I loaded up my fantasy side with Man U players and though it doesn't appear to be paying off as much as I like, I'll have to wait and see what kind of residuals I collect. Lots of shots on goal at least and Tevez is helping me out with a brace.
C-Ron with a dive in the box... shameful... but I'll take the fantasy points.
I've been reading Gerrard's book when I get bored analyzing the poetry of Richard Cranshaw. Quite a change of pace. His honesty is just brutal... not to mention his vocabulary.
Five minutes to go. I have some jitters... a good sign.
I might be at the worse pub in Belfast, a little place called the Duke of York... the barmaid might be the most annoying I've ever had to deal with... She wants me to say she's Steven Gerrard's lover... ahem.
The boys come out... serious and all. Torres has hair like a wet dog.
Here we go... Reading full speed ahead... pinball time. Neither side taking control early. We need to calm down and be calculated in our approach. We can beat Reading at their chaos theory, but why bother?
Torres looks hungry, trying to take on the whole Reading side. Not this time.
Mascherano tries a brilliant through ball to Torres... almost gets there.
4' Gerrard tries to jump start the attack... too many Reading players in too little space. We seem out of sorts.
6' Looks like we have a touchy ref here. Foul on Riise for basically out-jumping a Reading player.
By the way, I can't check comments during the match. Sorry. Maybe at the half.
8' Torres controls a Riise throw-in in the box, nutmegs a defender, but it's straight at Hahnemann.
All right, this isn't working out, sorry, I'll be back at the half.
Liverpool at Reading: We skipped the light fandango...
...but will we turn cartwheels across the floor?
Here's the line-up:
Reina
Riise
Hobbs
Carragher
Arbeloa
Voronin
Mascherano
Sissoko
Gerrard
Crouch
Torres
Bench:
Itandje
Kuyt
Babel
Kewell
Hyppiä
Rafa never ceases to amaze me, but a lot of moves here are quite logical considering the opponent. Essentially four forwards is the ideal approach when taking on a side like Reading, who refuse to play defense. Sissoko and Mascherano provide insurance, just in case Hobbs has butterflies. I hope he doesn't feel seasick, because the crowd will call out for more. Let's hope we turn the Royals a whiter shade of pale.
Here's the line-up:
Reina
Riise
Hobbs
Carragher
Arbeloa
Voronin
Mascherano
Sissoko
Gerrard
Crouch
Torres
Bench:
Itandje
Kuyt
Babel
Kewell
Hyppiä
Rafa never ceases to amaze me, but a lot of moves here are quite logical considering the opponent. Essentially four forwards is the ideal approach when taking on a side like Reading, who refuse to play defense. Sissoko and Mascherano provide insurance, just in case Hobbs has butterflies. I hope he doesn't feel seasick, because the crowd will call out for more. Let's hope we turn the Royals a whiter shade of pale.
Friday, December 7, 2007
Liverpool at Reading: What on God's green Earth will Rafa do?
'Holy priceless collection of Etruscan snoods!' I guess the real question is, if Gerrard is Batman, does that make Lucas, Robin?Who Rafa chooses tomorrow will be one of high interest. The League Cup tie at the Madejski way back in late September has now become a lot more meaningful. Giving time to players like Leto and Lucas there, will certainly allow Rafa to use them once again due to familiarity of surroundings. Neither player weren't all too impressive in the match, which is all the more reason to offer a chance at redemption. Lucas will more than likely start and Leto may, but I can see him on the bench.
The biggest conundrum of conjecture is who will pair Hyppiä at centre back. Carra is available but is currently in yellow card danger, one in this match puts him out of the Man U tie. That leaves Hobbs or Agger, and I'm not sure Rafa is willing to risk the Dane defender who's just now fit from a plaguing foot break. Hobbs is most assuredly a risk as well, but his last outing, the forty odd minutes he got in the Bolton tie, boosted my belief in him somewhat. Prior I was akin to hoping for a better option. In the end, we would most likely have Agger back for the Man U match, so maybe risking Carra isn't a bad idea after all. Burdens must be weighed further, everything else is just gravy.
Up front, Voronin looks the most likely short straw and I like Kuyt or Torres to pair with him. Crouch is to be saved for what Crouch does best, Europe. It's the final countdown... (Every time I hear that song now, I think of Gob and Buster at George Sr.'s 'funeral'.)
Here's my final answer:
Reina
Riise
Hobbs
Hyppiä
Arbeloa
Kewell
Sissoko
Lucas
Gerrard
Kuyt
Torres
Bench:
Itandje
Voronin
Finnan
Mascherano
Benayoun
So much for Leto. I went with Kuyt up front because I think Rafa will pair Voronin and Crouch on Tuesday. Gerrard starting on the right is doubtful, especially if I predict it ,but why the hell not? Sissoko's got to get some playing time, some time, right? Hopefully he won't go the way of Gilgamesh. Three points are crucial tomorrow, but with Reading refusing to dig the trenches, we certainly should be able to rush the fort and take it with ease. Unless the deflector shields falter, a 4-0 thrashing appears to be in order. Holy haberdashery, Batman!
Today's Banter: Igor Bišćan heads home, Convey & Coppell talk paper, Contemplating Torres, & more
If I had to make a list of my ten favorite players ever to play for Liverpool, Igor Bišćan would certainly find a way on there. The Bišćuit Man was one of limited talent and physical ability, but had the heart of Hektōr which almost justifies his £5.5m transfer fee. The oft-injured and even more frequently misplayed defensive-minded player has returned to his roots, signing a three-and-a-half year deal with Dinamo Zagreb, the club where he spent his youth. People often forget the contributions of players like Bišćan, but without him and others like Le Tallec and Pongolle, we wouldn't have won number five. I can't believe he's only 29-years-old, though I guess he's always looked a decade or two older.
Oh, Reading, not sure if you boys are already making excuses or are just having a go beforehand so you can play up how outstanding it was to get something out of the match tomorrow. It amazes me to no end to hear opposing players and managers mention the cost of players or the squad in general when we're about to face 'em. You never hear that kind of talk with West Ham or the Spurs, both of which spent more in the offseason. In fact, I would bet the plot that the Tottenham squad is more expensive then ours by nearly a hundred quid. Anyhow, Bobby Convey, a player I respect and who scored a brilliant volley goal against us in our League Cup match at the Madejski, claims we paid out '£30 million on one player'. Really, Bobby? And who was that? Because we sure as hell could use a player of that value to boost us on the wings. I know, I know, he's just a footballer, not a financial analyst. Who can blame him if he doesn't share the interest of counting money with 'Mr. Florida', Eric Rivera?
On the other hand, Steve Coppell is of stubborn lot. The local lad turned traitor, speaking of the Cup match claimed 'the difference between the two sides last time was a £25million centre forward'. Mr. Coppell, you flatter to deceive, but at least your math is a bit better. A quick inquiry into said match would have revealed a Liverpool side that was of equal youth and certainly less experience playing away from home. Arbeloa played centre back, Lucas and Leto started, Gerrard was on the bench until the 77th minute, and Aurelio was making his first start and second appearance overall after a near seven month layoff. Was Torres a factor? Of course, but he wasn't the factor. Sometimes circumstances pay a pretty price.
Apparently Rafa has yet to decide on whether to start Torres tomorrow. With the crucial Marseilles match on Tuesday, he's going to have to rotate-wisely. I'm confident the Spaniard will get the call from the go, though the decisive tie in France may be more important financially in the long run, who are we kidding? Our 'second string' is of equal talent to the best l'OM side, if it only weren't for that pesky puppet master and the pride of the colonists, the match would've been a testimonial to one Djibril Aruun Cissé.
The boy is ours, the boy is ours... Javier Mascherano wants to stay at Liverpool and everyone of moderate intelligence, that long to be be buried in Red, concur. The Argentine gives Gerrard the keys to his proper castle, what more can an owner ask?
One last thing before I go before the jury, here's an interesting speculative piece about how the inevitable move of Everton to Kirkby will affect the Merseyside derby. Godspeed, my friends.
Oh, Reading, not sure if you boys are already making excuses or are just having a go beforehand so you can play up how outstanding it was to get something out of the match tomorrow. It amazes me to no end to hear opposing players and managers mention the cost of players or the squad in general when we're about to face 'em. You never hear that kind of talk with West Ham or the Spurs, both of which spent more in the offseason. In fact, I would bet the plot that the Tottenham squad is more expensive then ours by nearly a hundred quid. Anyhow, Bobby Convey, a player I respect and who scored a brilliant volley goal against us in our League Cup match at the Madejski, claims we paid out '£30 million on one player'. Really, Bobby? And who was that? Because we sure as hell could use a player of that value to boost us on the wings. I know, I know, he's just a footballer, not a financial analyst. Who can blame him if he doesn't share the interest of counting money with 'Mr. Florida', Eric Rivera?
On the other hand, Steve Coppell is of stubborn lot. The local lad turned traitor, speaking of the Cup match claimed 'the difference between the two sides last time was a £25million centre forward'. Mr. Coppell, you flatter to deceive, but at least your math is a bit better. A quick inquiry into said match would have revealed a Liverpool side that was of equal youth and certainly less experience playing away from home. Arbeloa played centre back, Lucas and Leto started, Gerrard was on the bench until the 77th minute, and Aurelio was making his first start and second appearance overall after a near seven month layoff. Was Torres a factor? Of course, but he wasn't the factor. Sometimes circumstances pay a pretty price.
Apparently Rafa has yet to decide on whether to start Torres tomorrow. With the crucial Marseilles match on Tuesday, he's going to have to rotate-wisely. I'm confident the Spaniard will get the call from the go, though the decisive tie in France may be more important financially in the long run, who are we kidding? Our 'second string' is of equal talent to the best l'OM side, if it only weren't for that pesky puppet master and the pride of the colonists, the match would've been a testimonial to one Djibril Aruun Cissé.
The boy is ours, the boy is ours... Javier Mascherano wants to stay at Liverpool and everyone of moderate intelligence, that long to be be buried in Red, concur. The Argentine gives Gerrard the keys to his proper castle, what more can an owner ask?
One last thing before I go before the jury, here's an interesting speculative piece about how the inevitable move of Everton to Kirkby will affect the Merseyside derby. Godspeed, my friends.
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Today's Banter: Liverpool may save Luton, Rush rates Crouch, Gerrard refuses Chucky Fab game, & more
If Luton Town can somehow manage to beat Nottingham Forest next Tuesday night and advance to the next round of the FA Cup to square off against Liverpool, it may prevent the side from slipping further into financial woe. The Hatters players have yet to be paid for October. It's sad to see a club so rich in history in such dire straits, a club that has been in existence for over 120 years. A club that finished as high as seventh in top-flight twenty years ago, won the League Cup in 1988, and won promotion to the Championship less than three years back. I'm not going to pretend as if I know what's going on over at Luton, but I do know that if a club has to go into administrative receivership, as the Hatters did on November 22nd, and there are prospective buyers 'banging at the door', something has to give.
Ian Rush has made a plea to Rafa for him not to sell Peter Crouch in the January window. The former legend can hardly contain himself when talking about 'the Lanky One': "He has done nothing wrong... Every time he has played for Liverpool he has been superb." With all due respect, Mr. Rush, he's done much wrong and is not good enough for a side that wants to win the League. A couple of weeks back I mentioned I was working on a database of stats for all the Liverpool players, well, I'm still not done with it, but so far, I've learned a couple of revealing things about Mr. Crouch. Most notably his wastefulness on possession. Not just giving the ball away, but also throwing it away by taking poor shots. In due time I'll reveal my findings, but as for now, unless Crouch really picks things up this month, he should be sold. Even if he does go on a remarkable run, one has to wonder, why did he play so poorly for much of this season? A journey into the psyche of Peter Crouch is probably warranted if so, analyzing his ego and pondering his true motivations. Rafa doesn't trust Crouch and he has no reason to. It also worries me that, even though Rush is a former player, a media pundit is making such a plea.
Steven Gerrard has no desire to compare himself to Chucky Fab (Fabregas for those unaware) and would rather concentrate on winning cups as part of a team. Kudos to Gerrard for an expected class response, but just for the record, no manager, including Wenger would take Chucky Fab over Gerrard at the moment. Fabregas is too young and immature, hence all the cards and reckless tackles. I also get the feeling that Chucky wants the rest of Arsenal to rely on him as the main man, which is fine when he's not injured, but as yesterday's 1-1 draw at St. James showed, a place where we demolished the Magpies by the way, is that the Gunners without Fabregas are a decent side, but no where near as good with him. Liverpool has coped without Gerrard at times this season and come out unscathed, beating Sunderland, Derby, and Toulouse, a combined 12-0. The opposition may not have been the best in the world, but is a Gerrard-less Liverpool three goals worse at St. James? No, in fact, Stevie-G played well against the Magpies, but it'll just be another solid performance lost in a book of legendary ones.
Speaking of Gerrard, he's been emphatic lately about getting to play with another world class caliber player in Fernando Torres. They certainly are brilliant to watch together. Remember a couple of paragraphs back when I mentioned the database I was working on, well, it has also showed some odd discrepancies concerning Torres. Let's just say his brilliant finishing saves him from finding a day job, but if you look at in a categorical sense, he does what's required of him with a little Spanish flare. I'm sure I'll rile some feeble bones when I write that post.
Finally, two things before I move on. First, Rafa has acknowledged the progress of Danny Guthrie at Bolton as something he expected. No word on whether we are willing to sell him though. A cluttered in-field is a cluttered in-field, a problem most managers would love to have, but I can't see Guthrie being any higher than sixth on the pecking order there. It sucks, but it looks like it's best for him if we sell him to the Wanderers. By the way, as I mentioned in my kids watch yesterday, Bolton plays in UEFA Cup action in a crucial match at Red Star Belgrade in a bit. No less than a win is required and there's a great chance Guthrie will start.
Also, the BBC should probably just ban the topic of Hillsborough from being discussed or mentioned on it's channels or website permanently. Once again an uninformed commentator has said untrue things about the tragedy for ill-effect. You can read about it here. Godspeed, you muppets.
Ian Rush has made a plea to Rafa for him not to sell Peter Crouch in the January window. The former legend can hardly contain himself when talking about 'the Lanky One': "He has done nothing wrong... Every time he has played for Liverpool he has been superb." With all due respect, Mr. Rush, he's done much wrong and is not good enough for a side that wants to win the League. A couple of weeks back I mentioned I was working on a database of stats for all the Liverpool players, well, I'm still not done with it, but so far, I've learned a couple of revealing things about Mr. Crouch. Most notably his wastefulness on possession. Not just giving the ball away, but also throwing it away by taking poor shots. In due time I'll reveal my findings, but as for now, unless Crouch really picks things up this month, he should be sold. Even if he does go on a remarkable run, one has to wonder, why did he play so poorly for much of this season? A journey into the psyche of Peter Crouch is probably warranted if so, analyzing his ego and pondering his true motivations. Rafa doesn't trust Crouch and he has no reason to. It also worries me that, even though Rush is a former player, a media pundit is making such a plea.
Steven Gerrard has no desire to compare himself to Chucky Fab (Fabregas for those unaware) and would rather concentrate on winning cups as part of a team. Kudos to Gerrard for an expected class response, but just for the record, no manager, including Wenger would take Chucky Fab over Gerrard at the moment. Fabregas is too young and immature, hence all the cards and reckless tackles. I also get the feeling that Chucky wants the rest of Arsenal to rely on him as the main man, which is fine when he's not injured, but as yesterday's 1-1 draw at St. James showed, a place where we demolished the Magpies by the way, is that the Gunners without Fabregas are a decent side, but no where near as good with him. Liverpool has coped without Gerrard at times this season and come out unscathed, beating Sunderland, Derby, and Toulouse, a combined 12-0. The opposition may not have been the best in the world, but is a Gerrard-less Liverpool three goals worse at St. James? No, in fact, Stevie-G played well against the Magpies, but it'll just be another solid performance lost in a book of legendary ones.
Speaking of Gerrard, he's been emphatic lately about getting to play with another world class caliber player in Fernando Torres. They certainly are brilliant to watch together. Remember a couple of paragraphs back when I mentioned the database I was working on, well, it has also showed some odd discrepancies concerning Torres. Let's just say his brilliant finishing saves him from finding a day job, but if you look at in a categorical sense, he does what's required of him with a little Spanish flare. I'm sure I'll rile some feeble bones when I write that post.
Finally, two things before I move on. First, Rafa has acknowledged the progress of Danny Guthrie at Bolton as something he expected. No word on whether we are willing to sell him though. A cluttered in-field is a cluttered in-field, a problem most managers would love to have, but I can't see Guthrie being any higher than sixth on the pecking order there. It sucks, but it looks like it's best for him if we sell him to the Wanderers. By the way, as I mentioned in my kids watch yesterday, Bolton plays in UEFA Cup action in a crucial match at Red Star Belgrade in a bit. No less than a win is required and there's a great chance Guthrie will start.
Also, the BBC should probably just ban the topic of Hillsborough from being discussed or mentioned on it's channels or website permanently. Once again an uninformed commentator has said untrue things about the tragedy for ill-effect. You can read about it here. Godspeed, you muppets.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Squad rotation revisited: The problem with lazy journalism
Whether it be zonal marking or squad rotation, all too often football pundits are guilty of lazy journalism as they attempt to simplify a complex situation to explain a team's form or results.
When asked this week whether he thought Liverpool are serious title contenders this season, an Anfield fan - and one of Rafa's biggest critics during the period when rotation headlines were ubiquitous - responded :
"Contenders - most definitely. Will we win it? I'm not so sure, probably not this season. We still need to strengthen at left -back, right midfield and up front. However, since my original comments that we will never win the league under Rafa Benitez, there has been a significant improvement in the team's performances - especially going forward - and also an improvement in tactics and team selection though I still feel we could use the ball better at times and pass it more.
''Also, I feel in a way our injuries have helped us more than hindered us. I'm not saying we don't miss Xabi Alonso, Daniel Agger and company, but due to injuries we have been forced to pick a more settled team with less changes which in turn has led to more familiarity among players which has added to fluidity and attacking play. There's a better sense of cohesion among the players because they are getting used to playing together!''
This sounded distinctly like an attempt to exit from the back door. Yes, our form has improved since this pundit's statement that the Reds wouldn't win under Rafa - but that's because he made a major doomsday prediction when our form wobbled a bit, and he set himself up for this by getting carried away with the pessimism and negativity after a home draw or two.
As far as the claims of a more settled squad are concerned, I can understand why people would think the squad is more settled (given the absence of rotation headlines when Liverpool are winning - as I predicted would happen when rotation bashing was the fashion during our lull in form). But they'd be mistaken, since the media tend to talk about rotation only when we're losing.
In reality, Rafa has 'rotated'" 41 times since our last defeat (against Besiktas) - that's 41 changes in nine matches. In other words, an average of about 4.6 rotations per match, no fewer than he made before (in fact, above his average for the last two seasons). In fact, he made five changes from the team that drew 0-0 with Blackburn, and had we not thumped Besiktas 8-0, we'd have seen headlines about squad rotation.
Rafa then made no changes against Fulham, and there was amazement that the tinkerman extraordinaire had kept the same line-up. Six changes were made to the side to face Newcastle, and had we not won 3-0 (and it could have been 6-0 if Fernando Torres had taken his hat-trick of clear chances) we'd have again seen Alan Hansen and the other pundits going on about Rafa's rotation.
Five changes followed that match as we hosted Porto, and again, you can imagine the headlines had we not won 4-1. Then there were four more changes this past weekend, and our 4-0 win again kept the critics of squad rotation silent.
So I'm afraid the injuries haven't done anything to stop Rafa from rotating. In fact, Agger was almost never rotated before his injury, and Xabi was rotated no more or less than Javier Mascherano, Momo Sissoko and Lucas Leiva have been since he was crocked. In fact, Lucas didn't get many matches at all prior to Xabi's injury and the rotation was between the other three, while now with Alonso injured, Lucas is being rotated in and out in his place.
Our strikers are still being rotated as much as they were when the anti-rotation headlines were a fixture on the back pages. Our improvement has nothing to do with a more settled side. It is simply the big players starting to pull their weight (most notably Steven Gerrard), the team finally converting chances into goals, and a general improvement in attitude and confidence.
If you believe the scaremongers, you would have thought zonal marking was a problem in the past, and then suddenly you would forget about it once the team adapted to it and started defending well (the best defensive record in the Premier League). Similarly, if you believed the nonsense the lazy journos were printing about squad rotation, you could also have made similarly infamous statements about Liverpool never winning under a rotation-obsessed Rafa.
Now that we are putting together good results - squad rotation still withstanding - and the lazy journos have conveniently shut-up about squad rotation, it seems the Rafa-rotation critics are attempting to back-track through the back-door.
The moral of the story? Lazy journalists and knee-jerkers are half-brothers. When results don't go our way, they all start shouting "the sky is falling" and looking for simple, short answers to our problems - be it zonal marking or squad rotation. When results go in our favour, the doomsday headlines disappear, and people quickly forget that "zonal marking is not the way to defend set-pieces" (after all, empty spaces don't score goals - men do! So why are they marking empty space?) and that you can't win with squad rotation. How are players going to learn to play with each other? Never mind the fact that they train together six days a week!
In short, the next time you read a headline succinctly summarising the key to a team's form (good or bad) with a simple theory like squad rotation or zonal marking, ask yourself whether you're reading lazy journalism masquerading as football punditry. All to often, you'll find the answer is a resounding "yes"!
When asked this week whether he thought Liverpool are serious title contenders this season, an Anfield fan - and one of Rafa's biggest critics during the period when rotation headlines were ubiquitous - responded :
"Contenders - most definitely. Will we win it? I'm not so sure, probably not this season. We still need to strengthen at left -back, right midfield and up front. However, since my original comments that we will never win the league under Rafa Benitez, there has been a significant improvement in the team's performances - especially going forward - and also an improvement in tactics and team selection though I still feel we could use the ball better at times and pass it more.
''Also, I feel in a way our injuries have helped us more than hindered us. I'm not saying we don't miss Xabi Alonso, Daniel Agger and company, but due to injuries we have been forced to pick a more settled team with less changes which in turn has led to more familiarity among players which has added to fluidity and attacking play. There's a better sense of cohesion among the players because they are getting used to playing together!''
This sounded distinctly like an attempt to exit from the back door. Yes, our form has improved since this pundit's statement that the Reds wouldn't win under Rafa - but that's because he made a major doomsday prediction when our form wobbled a bit, and he set himself up for this by getting carried away with the pessimism and negativity after a home draw or two.
As far as the claims of a more settled squad are concerned, I can understand why people would think the squad is more settled (given the absence of rotation headlines when Liverpool are winning - as I predicted would happen when rotation bashing was the fashion during our lull in form). But they'd be mistaken, since the media tend to talk about rotation only when we're losing.
In reality, Rafa has 'rotated'" 41 times since our last defeat (against Besiktas) - that's 41 changes in nine matches. In other words, an average of about 4.6 rotations per match, no fewer than he made before (in fact, above his average for the last two seasons). In fact, he made five changes from the team that drew 0-0 with Blackburn, and had we not thumped Besiktas 8-0, we'd have seen headlines about squad rotation.
Rafa then made no changes against Fulham, and there was amazement that the tinkerman extraordinaire had kept the same line-up. Six changes were made to the side to face Newcastle, and had we not won 3-0 (and it could have been 6-0 if Fernando Torres had taken his hat-trick of clear chances) we'd have again seen Alan Hansen and the other pundits going on about Rafa's rotation.
Five changes followed that match as we hosted Porto, and again, you can imagine the headlines had we not won 4-1. Then there were four more changes this past weekend, and our 4-0 win again kept the critics of squad rotation silent.
So I'm afraid the injuries haven't done anything to stop Rafa from rotating. In fact, Agger was almost never rotated before his injury, and Xabi was rotated no more or less than Javier Mascherano, Momo Sissoko and Lucas Leiva have been since he was crocked. In fact, Lucas didn't get many matches at all prior to Xabi's injury and the rotation was between the other three, while now with Alonso injured, Lucas is being rotated in and out in his place.
Our strikers are still being rotated as much as they were when the anti-rotation headlines were a fixture on the back pages. Our improvement has nothing to do with a more settled side. It is simply the big players starting to pull their weight (most notably Steven Gerrard), the team finally converting chances into goals, and a general improvement in attitude and confidence.
If you believe the scaremongers, you would have thought zonal marking was a problem in the past, and then suddenly you would forget about it once the team adapted to it and started defending well (the best defensive record in the Premier League). Similarly, if you believed the nonsense the lazy journos were printing about squad rotation, you could also have made similarly infamous statements about Liverpool never winning under a rotation-obsessed Rafa.
Now that we are putting together good results - squad rotation still withstanding - and the lazy journos have conveniently shut-up about squad rotation, it seems the Rafa-rotation critics are attempting to back-track through the back-door.
The moral of the story? Lazy journalists and knee-jerkers are half-brothers. When results don't go our way, they all start shouting "the sky is falling" and looking for simple, short answers to our problems - be it zonal marking or squad rotation. When results go in our favour, the doomsday headlines disappear, and people quickly forget that "zonal marking is not the way to defend set-pieces" (after all, empty spaces don't score goals - men do! So why are they marking empty space?) and that you can't win with squad rotation. How are players going to learn to play with each other? Never mind the fact that they train together six days a week!
In short, the next time you read a headline succinctly summarising the key to a team's form (good or bad) with a simple theory like squad rotation or zonal marking, ask yourself whether you're reading lazy journalism masquerading as football punditry. All to often, you'll find the answer is a resounding "yes"!
Kids watch recap: Németh nets brace as Reserves crush Everton, Lindfield returns to LFC, Peltier Injured, & more
Krisztián Németh netted a pair for the second straight contest as the Reserves took the mini-derby, three to nil, at Halliwell Jones. It also saw the return of 19-year-old Spanish midfielder Francisco Durán, who came on in the 76th minute after being out for nine months with a knee injury. Leto was apparently quiet throughout, but Nabil El Zhar garnered Man of the Match honors from the official site. The squad currently sits 6th on the Premier Reserve League North table, but with a match-in-hand over everyone else except Middlesborough, they could go atop when they host 'Boro on December 10th.
Plenty of kids-on-loan yesterday found their names on the starting sheet, though no one managed to net. Most surprisingly may be Adam Hammill, who got the call for just the third time this season from George Burnley. The good news is, the Saints didn't lose this time as they have Hammill's previous two starts, the bad news is they not only didn't win, but failed to score as well in the 0-0 result at St. Mary's.
Paul Anderson returned to the starting line-up for Swansea and helped them win 3-0 over Northampton. The 19-year-old winger played the entire match, so it appears his injury worries are behind him. The three points keeps the Swans atop the League One table with now only Carlisle having a chance to overtake them with their match-in-hand. Coincidentally enough, the two sides meet on December 22nd.
Godwin Antwi started for Hartlepool and they actually won, 3-1, over Tranmere. The 'Pool had been winless in the five previous League One matches with Antwi from the outset, posting an 0-1-4 over that span. Unfortunately, the Rovers loan goal was due to a free kick on a questionable foul committed by the 19-year-old.
The only other player to see the pitch for his temporary club was Lee Peltier at Yeovil Town. The 20-year-old defender/midfielder started for the Glovers in their 2-1 win over Bournemouth, but was taken off in the 58th minute after suffering some sort of knock. I've yet to find any details about the injury, but will post accordingly.
In shocking news, Besian Idrizaj was no where to be found for Crystal Palace, though the Eagles did defeat QPR and their Chelsea on-loan contingency at Loftus Road, 2-1. Ryan Flynn failed to make his debut for Hereford United.
Finally, Craig Lindfield has ended his one month on-loan spell at Meadow Lane. Notts County no longer required the services of the 19-year-old after their roster was boosted by the return of a couple of injured strikers. It's probably not the best of times for Lindfield to return to the Reserves with the emergence of Németh and Jordy Brouwer playing well, but I guess he'd have to fight for a spot anyhow.
The only kid in action over the next two days is Danny Guthrie, as Bolton take on Red Star Belgrade at the Marakana in an UEFA Cup tie tomorrow. A win gives the Wanderers a decent chance to get through to the knockout stages, but a draw or loss puts too much emphasis on the results of group rival, Sporting Braga, who have a match more to play and sit just a point behind Bolton. Cheers.
Plenty of kids-on-loan yesterday found their names on the starting sheet, though no one managed to net. Most surprisingly may be Adam Hammill, who got the call for just the third time this season from George Burnley. The good news is, the Saints didn't lose this time as they have Hammill's previous two starts, the bad news is they not only didn't win, but failed to score as well in the 0-0 result at St. Mary's.
Paul Anderson returned to the starting line-up for Swansea and helped them win 3-0 over Northampton. The 19-year-old winger played the entire match, so it appears his injury worries are behind him. The three points keeps the Swans atop the League One table with now only Carlisle having a chance to overtake them with their match-in-hand. Coincidentally enough, the two sides meet on December 22nd.
Godwin Antwi started for Hartlepool and they actually won, 3-1, over Tranmere. The 'Pool had been winless in the five previous League One matches with Antwi from the outset, posting an 0-1-4 over that span. Unfortunately, the Rovers loan goal was due to a free kick on a questionable foul committed by the 19-year-old.
The only other player to see the pitch for his temporary club was Lee Peltier at Yeovil Town. The 20-year-old defender/midfielder started for the Glovers in their 2-1 win over Bournemouth, but was taken off in the 58th minute after suffering some sort of knock. I've yet to find any details about the injury, but will post accordingly.
In shocking news, Besian Idrizaj was no where to be found for Crystal Palace, though the Eagles did defeat QPR and their Chelsea on-loan contingency at Loftus Road, 2-1. Ryan Flynn failed to make his debut for Hereford United.
Finally, Craig Lindfield has ended his one month on-loan spell at Meadow Lane. Notts County no longer required the services of the 19-year-old after their roster was boosted by the return of a couple of injured strikers. It's probably not the best of times for Lindfield to return to the Reserves with the emergence of Németh and Jordy Brouwer playing well, but I guess he'd have to fight for a spot anyhow.
The only kid in action over the next two days is Danny Guthrie, as Bolton take on Red Star Belgrade at the Marakana in an UEFA Cup tie tomorrow. A win gives the Wanderers a decent chance to get through to the knockout stages, but a draw or loss puts too much emphasis on the results of group rival, Sporting Braga, who have a match more to play and sit just a point behind Bolton. Cheers.
Today's Banter: Cappello to replace Rafa?, City in for Masche, Beşiktaş rout fixed?, & more
Apparently, Fabio Capello was contacted by the club before the Porto match to see if he would be interested in replacing Rafa, had the position opened. No word on what his response was, but it's looking more and more likely that Benitez is here to stay. I personally wouldn't mind the former AC Milan/Real Madrid/AC Milan/AS Roma/Juventus/Real Madrid manager taking over, as he has shown in the past that he's capable of taking a squad full of players that were there before he arrived and making them champions, but in the end, Rafa staying on board is best for the club.
In the rubbish transfer rumor of the day, Sven allegedly fancies Mascherano and is looking to place a bid of £17m for the defensive midfielder in the January transfer. Apparently Masche's 'owners', MSI, want to have him under contract to a club for next year by the end of the month. Seriously, I don't think Rafa is going anywhere, but if the owners don't think signing the Argentine to a permanent is our top objective come January, I wouldn't blame Benitez for handing in his notice. Anyhow, if Javier does leave, I doubt he'll stay in England when he can go to Juventus or Barcelona.
UEFA and Platini once again are making donkeys of themselves. "The European governing body has received information that 26 games in the Champions League, UEFA Cup and Intertoto Cup may have been fixed since 2005 with Liverpool's 8-0 drubbing of the Turkish club at Anfield - the highest score in Europe's premier competition - among those allegedly involved." Apparently a lot of higher winning margin bets were placed on LFC just before kick off and a few Beşiktaş players might have been paid off not to give their all. Platini should know what a fixed match looks-like and it's not 8-0, it's usually 2-1 with an allowed handball goal or maybe 1-1 with a questionable penalty. Anyhow, it won't matter in the end, it appears nobody at the club were involved and another scandal to distract Marseilles may be just what the doctor ordered.
Finally, due to the fact that Jamie Carragher is playing with fire, Jack Hobbs may get the start at Reading to prevent the Bootle icon and our side from getting burnt. Carra did have to leave the Bolton match early due to sore ribs, but that's not why he may start from the bench on Saturday. He also has four yellow cards, a fifth will earn him a one-game suspension and force him out of the Man U match on the 16th. If Hobbs can maintain the composure he showed in the second half against the Trotters, I don't see why he can't do the same at the Madejski this weekend. Maybe the 19-year-old centre back can take confidence that he made his Liverpool debut at the Reading stadium just two-and-a-half months back.
I'll be back later with a Kids Watch recap from all of yesterday's action including our Reserves thumping Everton, 3-0. Cheers.
In the rubbish transfer rumor of the day, Sven allegedly fancies Mascherano and is looking to place a bid of £17m for the defensive midfielder in the January transfer. Apparently Masche's 'owners', MSI, want to have him under contract to a club for next year by the end of the month. Seriously, I don't think Rafa is going anywhere, but if the owners don't think signing the Argentine to a permanent is our top objective come January, I wouldn't blame Benitez for handing in his notice. Anyhow, if Javier does leave, I doubt he'll stay in England when he can go to Juventus or Barcelona.
UEFA and Platini once again are making donkeys of themselves. "The European governing body has received information that 26 games in the Champions League, UEFA Cup and Intertoto Cup may have been fixed since 2005 with Liverpool's 8-0 drubbing of the Turkish club at Anfield - the highest score in Europe's premier competition - among those allegedly involved." Apparently a lot of higher winning margin bets were placed on LFC just before kick off and a few Beşiktaş players might have been paid off not to give their all. Platini should know what a fixed match looks-like and it's not 8-0, it's usually 2-1 with an allowed handball goal or maybe 1-1 with a questionable penalty. Anyhow, it won't matter in the end, it appears nobody at the club were involved and another scandal to distract Marseilles may be just what the doctor ordered.
Finally, due to the fact that Jamie Carragher is playing with fire, Jack Hobbs may get the start at Reading to prevent the Bootle icon and our side from getting burnt. Carra did have to leave the Bolton match early due to sore ribs, but that's not why he may start from the bench on Saturday. He also has four yellow cards, a fifth will earn him a one-game suspension and force him out of the Man U match on the 16th. If Hobbs can maintain the composure he showed in the second half against the Trotters, I don't see why he can't do the same at the Madejski this weekend. Maybe the 19-year-old centre back can take confidence that he made his Liverpool debut at the Reading stadium just two-and-a-half months back.
I'll be back later with a Kids Watch recap from all of yesterday's action including our Reserves thumping Everton, 3-0. Cheers.
Steven Gerrard is currently the best player in the world
Statistically, Steven Gerrard is on pace for a career year. In the 2005/06 season, his best by numbers on record, he scored 23 goals in all competitions and assisted on 11 more, finishing the year with one of the greatest performances in FA Cup final history. At first, this season was not looking too bright, but his recent run of form has been nothing less than astounding.During the last nine matches, while leading our side to a 6-1-2 record, and out of our Champions League Group cellar, Gerrard has scored 8 goals and assisted on 6 others, which accounts for 56% of our goals during that period. We only scored 25 goals in those 9 matches by the way, or 2.78 per a match including a scoreless draw at Ewood. He was also responsible for creating 21 more chances for his teammates as well and was deadly efficient at putting the ball past the opposing keeper, averaging a goal every 4.25 attempts and rattling the net on 40% of his shots-on-goal.
He gets even more impressive if you just consider our current five match win streak, where we have annihilated opponents by an overall goal difference of +20. Stevie-G has scored a goal in all five contests, added five assists, and just for good measure, has created 15 more chances for his teammates. He has averaged a goal every third attempt and placed 55.6% of his shots-on in the opponent's net. What's most impressive to me is that he's completed 235 of 286 passes during that span for an 82.2% completion rate and averaged a little more than three tackles a match. That's what you call a complete midfielder.
Our opponents, in order, for the last nine fixtures were Beşiktaş(A), Arsenal(H), Cardiff(H), Blackburn(A), Beşiktaş(H), Fulham(H), Newcastle(A), Porto(H), and Bolton(H). I know, a bunch of pushovers. Beşiktaş only has a chance to advance to the Champions League knockout stage with a win next week, Arsenal is totally feeble, and we played our top-side against the Cardiff geriatrics, but barely beat them, thanks to our world class winger, Nabil El Zhar (No offense Nabil, you're on your way, lad). Then we have that rubbish side Blackburn, I mean, where do they sit on the Premiership table? Beşiktaş, again?! Okay, so Newcastle and Fulham aren't exactly top quality at the moment, but Porto was undefeated in all competitions coming in and got walloped. Finally, Bolton were coming off their victory over shit-side Man U and had only drawn at that rubbish heap, Bayern Munich, a month earlier. Might as well have been playing Championship sides.
I know he has little to no chance being English and all, but if Gerrard continues his current form until the end of the season and garners a little silverware on the way, I don't see how he can't be considered the top candidate for World Footballer of the Year come next December. Nobody, not even Messi, is playing at his level right now. Ultimately though, I don't think he really cares about individual awards. He knows that if he can bring the Premiership trophy to Anfield, he'll bring far more joy to the Liverpool masses and further cement himself in the annals of legend.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Happy Holidays? Santa gifts LFC fixture hell.
If you've bothered to take a gander at our remaining fixtures for the rest of this month and early January, at the very least you'll notice the congestion, but a closer look reveals a set of difficult, crucial matches uncomfortably crammed together. Between December 8th and January 2nd, a 26 day period, we play 8 matches, or one every 3.25 days. That's absurd.
We start off this Saturday with a trip to Madejski Stadium to take on Reading. Hopefully our previous triumph there, an entertaining League Cup tie that ended with a Torres hat-trick and a 4-2 result, won't make us overly-confident. Then three days later, we're in Marseilles for our (basically) must-win Champions League tie with l'OM.
If that wasn't bad enough, the following Sunday, Man U comes to Anfield for an early afternoon Premiership battle. I'm aware that it was probably scheduled then for television exclusivity reasons, but Saturday would have been more advantageous to our side since the following Wednesday we have to go to Stamford Bridge for the League Cup. Thankfully Chelsea has to go to Emirates later in the same day we face the Mancs though homefield should give them an edge.
Three days after that, we host Portsmouth at home. If you're keeping tabs, that's away to Marseilles (in a must-win CL tie), home against Man U (in a crucial Premiership fixture), at Chelsea (for a League Cup match which matters little in my book, but I doubt Rafa feels that way), and finally, home against Portsmouth, who currently sit sixth on the table. That's four important matches in a span of twelve days. Getting Agger back for the Reading match is essential to our chances of a successful run.
Though the rest of the way, the schedule does get considerably easier opponent-wise overall, we still have to play at Manchester City on December 30th, three days off our Boxing Day tie at Derby and two days prior to the Lactics paying a visit to Anfield. I'm sure Derby will have that 6-0 beating they suffered at our hands fresh in their memory and for the most part they are considerably better at Pride Park. Not to mention, Paul Jewell will have a better feel for his squad by then. Wigan, on the other hand, even if they do get Milan Baros, should be a much easier task at home.
If we can come out of this run of ties unscathed, I'll be wholly impressed. Certain matches, like the Chelsea League Cup tie, are definitely less important when considering which of our players should take the pitch. In fact, I hope Rafa rests certain key players for that one, especially Gerrard and Torres. Of all the goals for us this year, the League Cup is fourth on the list. We also have an FA Cup match, just four days after the Wigan match, but a side of youngsters mixed with key veterans should be able to win at either Nottingham Forest or Luton Town. Getting Agger back will be nice, but if Xabi can return, by say, the Portsmouth fixture, we'll be in much better shape.
Kids watch: Anderson returns, Leto back for mini-derby, Threlfall returns to Anfield, & more
Paul Anderson is expected to be back on the pitch for Swansea today when the Swans take on Northampton in a League One fixture. The 19-year-old winger suffered a slight knock on the knee against Hartlepool last Tuesday and missed his club's FA Cup draw at Horsham last Friday. The Swans still sit atop the League One table though by game-in-hand, Nottingham Forest could overtake them with just a draw and Carlisle United both could surpass them with a win. The Cobblers currently sit in 17th place, 12 points off the pace.
Every other fit, on-loan kid currently playing in the Football League could see action today as well. Godwin Antwi and Hartlepool host Tranmere, Lee Peltier and Yeovil welcome Bournemouth, Adam Hamill and George Burnley's side take on Sheffield Wednesday at St. Mary's, Besian Idrizaj probably won't get on the pitch for Crystal Palace as the Eagles travel to Loftus Road to take on QPR, Craig Lindfield and Notts County will look to put their FA Cup woes behind them when Peterborough United come to town, and finally, Ryan Flynn may or may not get his debut with Hereford, as the Bulls play Wycombe at Adams Park. Speaking of Hereford, Robbie Threlfall has returned to Anfield to undergo treatment for his ankle injury and is expected to be out until the new year.
Finally, the Reserves take on Everton at Halliwell Jones tonight. Sebastian Leto, who I guess was out with a knock, will return. The starting line-up is expected to be:
Dean Bouzanis
Emiliano Insua
Mikel San Jose
Ronald Huth
Martin Kelly
Sebastian Leto
Damien Plessis
Jay Spearing
Nabil El Zhar
Jordy Brouwer
Krisztian Nemeth
Subs:
Peter Gulacsi
Stephen Darby
Daniel Pachecho
Ray Putterill
Francisco Duran
Interesting to see Martin Kelly starting over Stephen Darby. I haven't seen Kelly play much, but Darby is a more than adequate Reserve right back. Hungarian wonderkid Krisztian Nemeth gets another start, that's good, but any speculation that he'll break into the first team any time soon is simply laughable. Physically, he's got to get stronger and not lose pace in the process, and also when a player is that young (he's 18), if they're either good enough for the first team right away (like a Michael Owen), then they rarely play for the reserves except for a running out. Cheers.
Every other fit, on-loan kid currently playing in the Football League could see action today as well. Godwin Antwi and Hartlepool host Tranmere, Lee Peltier and Yeovil welcome Bournemouth, Adam Hamill and George Burnley's side take on Sheffield Wednesday at St. Mary's, Besian Idrizaj probably won't get on the pitch for Crystal Palace as the Eagles travel to Loftus Road to take on QPR, Craig Lindfield and Notts County will look to put their FA Cup woes behind them when Peterborough United come to town, and finally, Ryan Flynn may or may not get his debut with Hereford, as the Bulls play Wycombe at Adams Park. Speaking of Hereford, Robbie Threlfall has returned to Anfield to undergo treatment for his ankle injury and is expected to be out until the new year.
Finally, the Reserves take on Everton at Halliwell Jones tonight. Sebastian Leto, who I guess was out with a knock, will return. The starting line-up is expected to be:
Dean Bouzanis
Emiliano Insua
Mikel San Jose
Ronald Huth
Martin Kelly
Sebastian Leto
Damien Plessis
Jay Spearing
Nabil El Zhar
Jordy Brouwer
Krisztian Nemeth
Subs:
Peter Gulacsi
Stephen Darby
Daniel Pachecho
Ray Putterill
Francisco Duran
Interesting to see Martin Kelly starting over Stephen Darby. I haven't seen Kelly play much, but Darby is a more than adequate Reserve right back. Hungarian wonderkid Krisztian Nemeth gets another start, that's good, but any speculation that he'll break into the first team any time soon is simply laughable. Physically, he's got to get stronger and not lose pace in the process, and also when a player is that young (he's 18), if they're either good enough for the first team right away (like a Michael Owen), then they rarely play for the reserves except for a running out. Cheers.
Today's Banter: Bolton wish to keep Guthrie, Carson to Villa deal on hold, Gerrard wins style awards - thanks Carra & more
Danny Guthrie has impressed Bolton to the point that they are interested in keeping him on permanently, but according to manager Gary Megson, they have yet to speak to the 20-year-old about his intentions nor have they initiated talks with LFC. Due to the central midfield clutter, it is understood that Guthrie is available at the right price. If I had to take guess at his valuation, considering his age and the fact that he is not only already a regular starter in a Premiership side, but an obvious contributor to their better form, I'd say £5-7m. What do you think?
It appears that our club is waiting for a better run of form from Scott Carson to continue talks with Martin O'Neill about a transfer fee. Certainly Villa wanted to get it done shortly following his fiasco in the net for England so they could play off the negative press and low-ball us, but his first match back with the Birmingham club, he was phenomenal at Ewood, shutting down Blackburn, and he wasn't half-bad versus Arsenal last weekend. I hope we don't budge on the £10m asking price, there are a few other clubs interested in him including the aforementioned Gunners.
Steven Gerrard added two more awards to his ever growing list of accolades, but I get the feeling these are more likely to be used as paperweights instead of making their way into the trophy case. Our skipper won 'gongs' for Most Stylish Sporting Star and Icon from the inaugural 107.6 Juice FM Liverpool Style Awards at Sefton Park Palm House. In his acceptance speech, he had a go at Jamie Carragher and the awards themselves: “I would like to thank Jamie Carragher for this award.... If it wasn’t for him badgering me about my dress sense and hair cut then I wouldn’t be standing before you today. So ‘thank you Jamie’.”
Finally, two articles worth reading is one by Tony Barrett in the Liverpool Echo about Lucas and another at the FIFA site on Fernando Torres. The former tells how the Brazilian is learning from Gerrard and talks about his progression and role in the side in general while the latter brings up some interesting points about our world class Spanish striker. It talks of how his move to Liverpool has 'freed' him from the pressure of 'his iconic status with the Atletico fans' that also prevented him 'from leading anything resembling a normal life in Madrid.' Also, it brings up the fact that, at the age of 23, he already has 45 caps for Spain. That's just ridiculous and gives him a realistic chance at breaking records in that regard as well as total carreer goals (he has 15 now, Raúl scored the most at 44).
Kids watch and some other tidbits in the works. Cheers.
It appears that our club is waiting for a better run of form from Scott Carson to continue talks with Martin O'Neill about a transfer fee. Certainly Villa wanted to get it done shortly following his fiasco in the net for England so they could play off the negative press and low-ball us, but his first match back with the Birmingham club, he was phenomenal at Ewood, shutting down Blackburn, and he wasn't half-bad versus Arsenal last weekend. I hope we don't budge on the £10m asking price, there are a few other clubs interested in him including the aforementioned Gunners.
Steven Gerrard added two more awards to his ever growing list of accolades, but I get the feeling these are more likely to be used as paperweights instead of making their way into the trophy case. Our skipper won 'gongs' for Most Stylish Sporting Star and Icon from the inaugural 107.6 Juice FM Liverpool Style Awards at Sefton Park Palm House. In his acceptance speech, he had a go at Jamie Carragher and the awards themselves: “I would like to thank Jamie Carragher for this award.... If it wasn’t for him badgering me about my dress sense and hair cut then I wouldn’t be standing before you today. So ‘thank you Jamie’.”
Finally, two articles worth reading is one by Tony Barrett in the Liverpool Echo about Lucas and another at the FIFA site on Fernando Torres. The former tells how the Brazilian is learning from Gerrard and talks about his progression and role in the side in general while the latter brings up some interesting points about our world class Spanish striker. It talks of how his move to Liverpool has 'freed' him from the pressure of 'his iconic status with the Atletico fans' that also prevented him 'from leading anything resembling a normal life in Madrid.' Also, it brings up the fact that, at the age of 23, he already has 45 caps for Spain. That's just ridiculous and gives him a realistic chance at breaking records in that regard as well as total carreer goals (he has 15 now, Raúl scored the most at 44).
Kids watch and some other tidbits in the works. Cheers.
Monday, December 3, 2007
Kids watch: Not a good weekend to be on-loan from LFC
Robbie Threlfall got injured, Ryan Flynn absent, Godwin Antwi played, but his side lost, Craig Lindfield forgotten as Notts County suffered an FA Cup embarassment, and Adam Hammill barely got on the pitch as his side won.
In a face-off of two clubs with Liverpool kids on-loan, Hereford United beat Hartlepool United, 2-0, in second round FA Cup proper. Unfortunately though, none of our youngsters walked away from the pitch smiling. For the Bulls, Robbie Threlfall started, but had to be taken off due to injury just 26 minutes into the match, and Ryan Flynn, who had just joined the club in the past week was overlooked for the squad. On the other side of the pitch, Godwin Antwi played the full ninety, but obviously, his side lost. No news on the extent of Threlfall's injury as of yet, but I'll be sure to keep blog readers informed.
Craig Lindfield may have lucked out by not being used at all in League Two side Notts County's 0-1 humbling loss to Conference South club Havant & Waterlooville. I've been unable to find any explanation as to why the 19-year-old Wirral product was omitted from the squad entirely, he was on the bench in their last match and there's been no evidence of injury. The loss is a financial disaster for the club as they miss out on the next round of FA Cup action, which could have meant a Premiership opponent and extra cash to spend in the January transfer window.
Although it appeared Adam Hammill was finally breaking into regular first team ball at Southampton after starting his club's last match, such thoughts now seem a bit premature. When the Saints took on Leicester at Walkers Stadium on Saturday, Hammill found himself on the bench and only got on for a run-out in the 85th minute. What probably makes things worse is that Southampton won and as long as they continue to do so, barring injury of course, Hammill can't expect to be more than just a sub.
Finally, Swansea take on Northampton at the Liberty tomorrow in League One action. As of now, it looks like there's a good chance Paul Anderson will play, how much though is still uncertain. I'll be back tomorrow with another kids watch update. Cheers.
In a face-off of two clubs with Liverpool kids on-loan, Hereford United beat Hartlepool United, 2-0, in second round FA Cup proper. Unfortunately though, none of our youngsters walked away from the pitch smiling. For the Bulls, Robbie Threlfall started, but had to be taken off due to injury just 26 minutes into the match, and Ryan Flynn, who had just joined the club in the past week was overlooked for the squad. On the other side of the pitch, Godwin Antwi played the full ninety, but obviously, his side lost. No news on the extent of Threlfall's injury as of yet, but I'll be sure to keep blog readers informed.
Craig Lindfield may have lucked out by not being used at all in League Two side Notts County's 0-1 humbling loss to Conference South club Havant & Waterlooville. I've been unable to find any explanation as to why the 19-year-old Wirral product was omitted from the squad entirely, he was on the bench in their last match and there's been no evidence of injury. The loss is a financial disaster for the club as they miss out on the next round of FA Cup action, which could have meant a Premiership opponent and extra cash to spend in the January transfer window.
Although it appeared Adam Hammill was finally breaking into regular first team ball at Southampton after starting his club's last match, such thoughts now seem a bit premature. When the Saints took on Leicester at Walkers Stadium on Saturday, Hammill found himself on the bench and only got on for a run-out in the 85th minute. What probably makes things worse is that Southampton won and as long as they continue to do so, barring injury of course, Hammill can't expect to be more than just a sub.
Finally, Swansea take on Northampton at the Liberty tomorrow in League One action. As of now, it looks like there's a good chance Paul Anderson will play, how much though is still uncertain. I'll be back tomorrow with another kids watch update. Cheers.
The rift between Rafa and Hicks/Gillett has brought out the best in our side
Most that has been written and said concerning the recent run of events between Rafa Benitez and our American owners has been negative, but the effect on the side has been anything but. It has brought the club even closer together. Players, who in the past have voiced their displeasure with Rafa's rotation policies, are putting such notions behind them and concentrating on being the best footballers they can be. Look no further than Peter Crouch's recent performances and John Arne Riise's return to favorable form versus Bolton as evidence to this revelation. Exorcising the demons has appeared to allow those two to once again be part of a positive flowing side.
The quarrel has also allowed us fans to once again display our unparalleled passion for the club. Not only does it boost the confidence of our manager and players, but imagine what other footballers from around the world think when they see thousands of fans marching in support of their manager or hear the songs of Rafa's army ringing throughout Anfield? It justifies a world class player like Fernando Torres leaving the only club and country he has ever known to play for us and makes the recruiting process Rafa has to go through to lure more class footballers to our side much easier. It simply tells the world that if you want to play for a club that will cherish you for giving your all when donning the kit, look no further than Liverpool Football Club.
Another positive is the distraction it forces on our opponents. Though an opposing manager would never admit it, it's also almost impossible to ignore with the onslaught of press coverage the tussle received. Anything to get the opposition to not think about tactics and strategy going into matches has to be a good thing, especially when you consider that it has just the opposite effect on our side. It makes our boys want the next match to come quicker, so they can forget all the extracurricular bullocks lurking about.
Finally, though it may be rubbish as this point, it obligated Rafa and the boys to approach each match individually, as if it were their last, and prevent overlooking the task at hand. That was most notably crucial for the Porto match since really nothing less than a win was required. Hopefully we can continue this approach, taking each battle one at a time and overwhelming our opponents is only gonna help us win the war and fill the trophy case.
It's often said that everything happens for a reason and the episode between our manager and our owners appears to be no different. Though it may have caused a temporary breach in the relationship between the two parties, it appears at this point to be on the mend, so everyone can move on to more important matters like winning matches. Our club now appears recharged with an emotional drive, every match seems an epic in itself, and a newfound self-belief that we can beat anyone has manifested. Though the soul of Liverpool was far from dead, it now burns with a passion augmented by knowing that truer words than 'You'll Never Walk Alone' have scarcely ever been spoken.
The quarrel has also allowed us fans to once again display our unparalleled passion for the club. Not only does it boost the confidence of our manager and players, but imagine what other footballers from around the world think when they see thousands of fans marching in support of their manager or hear the songs of Rafa's army ringing throughout Anfield? It justifies a world class player like Fernando Torres leaving the only club and country he has ever known to play for us and makes the recruiting process Rafa has to go through to lure more class footballers to our side much easier. It simply tells the world that if you want to play for a club that will cherish you for giving your all when donning the kit, look no further than Liverpool Football Club.
Another positive is the distraction it forces on our opponents. Though an opposing manager would never admit it, it's also almost impossible to ignore with the onslaught of press coverage the tussle received. Anything to get the opposition to not think about tactics and strategy going into matches has to be a good thing, especially when you consider that it has just the opposite effect on our side. It makes our boys want the next match to come quicker, so they can forget all the extracurricular bullocks lurking about.
Finally, though it may be rubbish as this point, it obligated Rafa and the boys to approach each match individually, as if it were their last, and prevent overlooking the task at hand. That was most notably crucial for the Porto match since really nothing less than a win was required. Hopefully we can continue this approach, taking each battle one at a time and overwhelming our opponents is only gonna help us win the war and fill the trophy case.
It's often said that everything happens for a reason and the episode between our manager and our owners appears to be no different. Though it may have caused a temporary breach in the relationship between the two parties, it appears at this point to be on the mend, so everyone can move on to more important matters like winning matches. Our club now appears recharged with an emotional drive, every match seems an epic in itself, and a newfound self-belief that we can beat anyone has manifested. Though the soul of Liverpool was far from dead, it now burns with a passion augmented by knowing that truer words than 'You'll Never Walk Alone' have scarcely ever been spoken.
Liverpool 4, Bolton 0: player ratings
Before I get to my ratings for yesterday's match, I want to share a couple of more thoughts about and concerning it. First off, does everybody share Paul Tomkins latest sentiment that the media for the most part is not giving our side the proper credit by rubbishing our recent opponents? I'm not so sure and I don't really care. Let the media disinform future opponents on our quality, it'll only end up helping us in the end. Of course, I'm not one to care what the media has to say anyhow.
As for the match, the more I think about it, the more I feel we were predominantly a lethargic side, going through the motions a lot, but applying the right amount of energy when needed. In other words, when Bolton looked as if they might score, our defense took it up a notch, and when we sensed weakness while on the attack, we went for the kill. That kind of intuition says that team chemistry is building and the squad appears to be coming together more as a unit in reading our opponents and getting in touch with the ebb and flow of the match energy. The downfall is a better side than Bolton would probably have taken advantage of our defensive lapses, but then again, I'm sure our boys will be more intense against a more formidable opponent. Anyhow, here are my grades:
Pepe Reina 4
Made a couple of conspicuous errors, especially the Carragher fiasco. I honestly think he was just bored though and he did make at least one decent save that I can recall.
John Arne Riise 6
Definitely a return to better form for the Norwegian as his passing improved from recent outings and seemed to be back to his old self on attack. Was probably robbed of a penalty when a trademark rocket headed for the upper right corner of the goalmouth hit off a Bolton player's arm in the box, but might have been the reason Crouch got the call later in the match.
Sami Hyppiä 6.5
Another solid effort from the Finn and a goal to boot.
Jamie Carragher 5
Not the best match I've ever seen Carra play. He seemed out of sorts at times, not really on the same page as the rest of the squad, and basically uninvolved. The week off should do him some good.
Jack Hobbs 6
His first appearance where he appeared to have a clue. It's funny, the younger players seemed to be more confident in one another than the older do them. For instance, Hobbs passed to and received the most passes from Lucas, most likely due to them playing together on the Reserves, but Reina was a bit timid in handing the ball over to the 19-year-old.
Alvaro Arbeloa 7.5
Simply a brilliant performance by the Spaniard. His passing and tackling were both dead-on and he also made a goal-saving clearance. I've said it before and I'll continue to say it, Arbeloa could probably play up front if we needed him too, but in my opinion and as his performances have shown, he's best suited at right back.
Harry Kewell 6
Carried his great form from the end of the Porto match into this one and was unlucky not to have a goal to show for his effort. His decisions on the ball could improve, but for the most, he's known as a risk-taker.
Ryan Babel 7
Another superb display from our supersub. He probably should have had a brace, but you can't really hold it against him. He was a threat nearly every second on the pitch and gave the Bolton defenders fits to no end, but he still needs to learn that he does have teammates and he doesn't need to try and take on the whole opposition by himself.
Steven Gerrard 7.5 Man of the Match
What can you say? His recent form has been nothing short of golden and I have no problem stating he's the best player in the world right now. A world-class assist to Torres and an unstoppable penalty to go along with another assist (to Hyppiä) and five tackles.
Lucas 6.5
Another inspiring effort from the young Brazilian, so much so that I'm beginning to think that it was what we should come to expect from him. In other words, imagine an above average performance. That's just scary. The amazing thing about Lucas, among other things of course, is his ball distribution. Where a lot of players are more comfortable passing the ball a certain direction or to certain players, Lucas appears to lack any discrimination in that regard and the ball usually finds its destination.
Yossi Benayoun 6
A relatively quiet outing from the Israeli, not that he didn't contribute to the effort. For the most part, as long as he steps up when others appear to be faltering, like the Wigan match for instance, I have no problems with such displays. He was far from a detriment to the side and it was probably best he didn't try and assert himself on the attack every time, sometimes a little space for the other players is what is needed.
Peter Crouch 5.5
A decent show from the lanky one, I think I only yelled at him once... maybe twice. He didn't exactly utilize his strengths, but our plan of attack didn't appear to include that this time.
Fernando Torres 6.5
His goal was class and he definitely improved from the Port match, but still, at moments he shows some glimpses of prowess that make me believe we haven't seen anything yet. I have little problem calling him 'World Class' and would love for someone to show me a striker in the world in better form.
Dirk Kuyt N/A
Though his effort was, as usual, tireless, I just don't feel he got the proper time on the pitch to get comfortable.
As for the match, the more I think about it, the more I feel we were predominantly a lethargic side, going through the motions a lot, but applying the right amount of energy when needed. In other words, when Bolton looked as if they might score, our defense took it up a notch, and when we sensed weakness while on the attack, we went for the kill. That kind of intuition says that team chemistry is building and the squad appears to be coming together more as a unit in reading our opponents and getting in touch with the ebb and flow of the match energy. The downfall is a better side than Bolton would probably have taken advantage of our defensive lapses, but then again, I'm sure our boys will be more intense against a more formidable opponent. Anyhow, here are my grades:
Pepe Reina 4
Made a couple of conspicuous errors, especially the Carragher fiasco. I honestly think he was just bored though and he did make at least one decent save that I can recall.
John Arne Riise 6
Definitely a return to better form for the Norwegian as his passing improved from recent outings and seemed to be back to his old self on attack. Was probably robbed of a penalty when a trademark rocket headed for the upper right corner of the goalmouth hit off a Bolton player's arm in the box, but might have been the reason Crouch got the call later in the match.
Sami Hyppiä 6.5
Another solid effort from the Finn and a goal to boot.
Jamie Carragher 5
Not the best match I've ever seen Carra play. He seemed out of sorts at times, not really on the same page as the rest of the squad, and basically uninvolved. The week off should do him some good.
Jack Hobbs 6
His first appearance where he appeared to have a clue. It's funny, the younger players seemed to be more confident in one another than the older do them. For instance, Hobbs passed to and received the most passes from Lucas, most likely due to them playing together on the Reserves, but Reina was a bit timid in handing the ball over to the 19-year-old.
Alvaro Arbeloa 7.5
Simply a brilliant performance by the Spaniard. His passing and tackling were both dead-on and he also made a goal-saving clearance. I've said it before and I'll continue to say it, Arbeloa could probably play up front if we needed him too, but in my opinion and as his performances have shown, he's best suited at right back.
Harry Kewell 6
Carried his great form from the end of the Porto match into this one and was unlucky not to have a goal to show for his effort. His decisions on the ball could improve, but for the most, he's known as a risk-taker.
Ryan Babel 7
Another superb display from our supersub. He probably should have had a brace, but you can't really hold it against him. He was a threat nearly every second on the pitch and gave the Bolton defenders fits to no end, but he still needs to learn that he does have teammates and he doesn't need to try and take on the whole opposition by himself.
Steven Gerrard 7.5 Man of the Match
What can you say? His recent form has been nothing short of golden and I have no problem stating he's the best player in the world right now. A world-class assist to Torres and an unstoppable penalty to go along with another assist (to Hyppiä) and five tackles.
Lucas 6.5
Another inspiring effort from the young Brazilian, so much so that I'm beginning to think that it was what we should come to expect from him. In other words, imagine an above average performance. That's just scary. The amazing thing about Lucas, among other things of course, is his ball distribution. Where a lot of players are more comfortable passing the ball a certain direction or to certain players, Lucas appears to lack any discrimination in that regard and the ball usually finds its destination.
Yossi Benayoun 6
A relatively quiet outing from the Israeli, not that he didn't contribute to the effort. For the most part, as long as he steps up when others appear to be faltering, like the Wigan match for instance, I have no problems with such displays. He was far from a detriment to the side and it was probably best he didn't try and assert himself on the attack every time, sometimes a little space for the other players is what is needed.
Peter Crouch 5.5
A decent show from the lanky one, I think I only yelled at him once... maybe twice. He didn't exactly utilize his strengths, but our plan of attack didn't appear to include that this time.
Fernando Torres 6.5
His goal was class and he definitely improved from the Port match, but still, at moments he shows some glimpses of prowess that make me believe we haven't seen anything yet. I have little problem calling him 'World Class' and would love for someone to show me a striker in the world in better form.
Dirk Kuyt N/A
Though his effort was, as usual, tireless, I just don't feel he got the proper time on the pitch to get comfortable.
Today's Banter: Torres backs Benitez, Pepe praises defense, Baros EPL return possible, & more
Fernando Torres has warned that a Rafa exit could result in a mass exodus of players including himself. I believe this 'crisis' has been pretty much put to rest, unless of course the upcoming meeting between Rafa and the owners doesn't go accordingly. You can't really blame Rafa for leaving if he isn't going to get the funds needed to continue to strengthen our side. The thing I find interesting is Rafa saying he was asking about two 'free' transfers. One is widely considered the signing of Masche on a permanent but the other is still a mystery. I wonder if it's someone like Francesco Coco or Jonathan Zebina?
Pepe Reina made sure to thank his defenders for making his job easy. Ya think, Pepe? He should probably pay homage to lady luck as well after Anelka missed a wide open net yesterday due to a poor decision by the Spanish keep. Clean sheets are great when earned, but yesterday Reina had no right walking away with a goose egg under our opponents name on the scoreboard. I realize he probably gets a little bored and rusty with minimal involvement in the match, but it's still no excuse to make glaring mistakes.
Milan Baros may be returning to the Premiership as the Czech striker has lost hope in retaining a first team spot with Lyon. To increase his chances at making the Czech Republic Euro squad, the 26-year-old is looking to move to a club where he'll have a better chance of playing regularly. Wigan, Middlesbrough and Birmingham apparently are all interested in obtaining 'ole condom head'.
Finally, for the FA Cup, we drew the winner of Luton Town and Nottingham Forest. Personally I prefer Forest. Competition-wise, there's little difference between the two League One sides. Forest may be the slightly better club at the moment, but it's far from apples and oranges. The chance to annihilate old foes is always a relishing prospect. Cheers.
Pepe Reina made sure to thank his defenders for making his job easy. Ya think, Pepe? He should probably pay homage to lady luck as well after Anelka missed a wide open net yesterday due to a poor decision by the Spanish keep. Clean sheets are great when earned, but yesterday Reina had no right walking away with a goose egg under our opponents name on the scoreboard. I realize he probably gets a little bored and rusty with minimal involvement in the match, but it's still no excuse to make glaring mistakes.
Milan Baros may be returning to the Premiership as the Czech striker has lost hope in retaining a first team spot with Lyon. To increase his chances at making the Czech Republic Euro squad, the 26-year-old is looking to move to a club where he'll have a better chance of playing regularly. Wigan, Middlesbrough and Birmingham apparently are all interested in obtaining 'ole condom head'.
Finally, for the FA Cup, we drew the winner of Luton Town and Nottingham Forest. Personally I prefer Forest. Competition-wise, there's little difference between the two League One sides. Forest may be the slightly better club at the moment, but it's far from apples and oranges. The chance to annihilate old foes is always a relishing prospect. Cheers.
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Liverpool 4, Bolton 0: effortless domination
This was the side that beat Man U last weekend? Well, not really. They had Kevin Nolan and our own Danny Guthrie, two crucial pieces to the defensive stalwart that puzzled and trumped the Rooney and Ronaldo-less side, but still, Nani and Anderson alone were probably bought for more than the entire Bolton squad. Also it was at the Reebok, but before I get carried away making excuses for the Mancs, I'll get to the subject-at-hand, today's annihilation of the Wanderers.
If there has ever been a match make me look like a genius, today was it. Arbeloa started on the right, as I have pointed out in the past, played with more confidence than when he's on the left and was simply brilliant overall. He made no noticeable mistakes, completed all 29 pass attempts, and made a goal-saving clearance. Ryan Babel played the supersub role to perfection and probably could have netted a hat trick, but scored nonetheless, and Hyypiä was masterly on defense, breaking the scoreboard with a cleverly-placed header from a Gerrard free-kick.
Speaking of Gerrard, our skipper continued his current run of ingenious form by assisting on two goals and grabbing a Kaká special for good measure. That's eight goals in nine games. His assist to Torres was no less than world class revealing glimpses of cunning seen only from the likes of Xabi or Fabregas. Overall his effort was colossal, but when it's all said and done, will probably be get lost in a sea of better performances.
The funny thing is, Bolton actually looked the better side at the outset, probably feeding off their energy of the Man U win. Once Hyppiä put the ball past Jaaskelainen in the 17th minute though, all fears of an upset were put to rest. Then just before the halftime whistle, Gerrard and Torres made their mark on the match when our skipper fed the Spaniard with that brilliant through pass which Torres beat out a defender to gather and then deftly loop it past the Finnish keeper.
If the result of the match was still in question when the second half began, a penalty awarded to Crouch and converted by Gerrard 11 minutes in, provided all the answers needed to know that the three points were safely in our grasp. Some may question the call, but we were probably cheated out of at least one legitimate penalty when twice shots hit off the arms of Wanderer players in the box. Babel then came on in the 67th minute to provide some late match entertainment.
The only negative appeared to be Carragher having to be taken off for an apparent rib injury caused by a comical collision with Reina in which Anelka should have scored on an empty net in the first half. The French striker uncharacteristically placed it well wide, much to the delight of the crowd. Carra tried to continue, even coming out for the second half, but Jack Hobbs had to come on six minutes later for the Bootle icon. The good news is that the injury does not appear to be serious and Carra should be available next weekend when we face Reading, also Hobbs probably put in his best effort and was more than adequate as a sub.
Overall, we played well and rightly deserved the win, far from perfect, but more than just good enough. Bolton had a couple of prime opportunities to score, but it just wasn't in the books. It wouldn't have mattered anyhow, Liverpool were clearly the classier side. I'll be back tomorrow with player ratings. Godspeed.
If there has ever been a match make me look like a genius, today was it. Arbeloa started on the right, as I have pointed out in the past, played with more confidence than when he's on the left and was simply brilliant overall. He made no noticeable mistakes, completed all 29 pass attempts, and made a goal-saving clearance. Ryan Babel played the supersub role to perfection and probably could have netted a hat trick, but scored nonetheless, and Hyypiä was masterly on defense, breaking the scoreboard with a cleverly-placed header from a Gerrard free-kick.
Speaking of Gerrard, our skipper continued his current run of ingenious form by assisting on two goals and grabbing a Kaká special for good measure. That's eight goals in nine games. His assist to Torres was no less than world class revealing glimpses of cunning seen only from the likes of Xabi or Fabregas. Overall his effort was colossal, but when it's all said and done, will probably be get lost in a sea of better performances.
The funny thing is, Bolton actually looked the better side at the outset, probably feeding off their energy of the Man U win. Once Hyppiä put the ball past Jaaskelainen in the 17th minute though, all fears of an upset were put to rest. Then just before the halftime whistle, Gerrard and Torres made their mark on the match when our skipper fed the Spaniard with that brilliant through pass which Torres beat out a defender to gather and then deftly loop it past the Finnish keeper.
If the result of the match was still in question when the second half began, a penalty awarded to Crouch and converted by Gerrard 11 minutes in, provided all the answers needed to know that the three points were safely in our grasp. Some may question the call, but we were probably cheated out of at least one legitimate penalty when twice shots hit off the arms of Wanderer players in the box. Babel then came on in the 67th minute to provide some late match entertainment.
The only negative appeared to be Carragher having to be taken off for an apparent rib injury caused by a comical collision with Reina in which Anelka should have scored on an empty net in the first half. The French striker uncharacteristically placed it well wide, much to the delight of the crowd. Carra tried to continue, even coming out for the second half, but Jack Hobbs had to come on six minutes later for the Bootle icon. The good news is that the injury does not appear to be serious and Carra should be available next weekend when we face Reading, also Hobbs probably put in his best effort and was more than adequate as a sub.
Overall, we played well and rightly deserved the win, far from perfect, but more than just good enough. Bolton had a couple of prime opportunities to score, but it just wasn't in the books. It wouldn't have mattered anyhow, Liverpool were clearly the classier side. I'll be back tomorrow with player ratings. Godspeed.
Liverpool vs Bolton: Crouch, Lucas, & Kewell start
Here's the line-up:
Reina
Riise
Carragher
Hyypiä
Arbeloa
Kewell
Lucas
Gerrard
Benayoun
Torres
Crouch
Bench:
Itandje
Mascherano
Babel
Kuyt
Hobbs
No Momo, again...
Reina
Riise
Carragher
Hyypiä
Arbeloa
Kewell
Lucas
Gerrard
Benayoun
Torres
Crouch
Bench:
Itandje
Mascherano
Babel
Kuyt
Hobbs
No Momo, again...
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