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31st December 2009

HALF STAGE SEASON REVIEW

There comes a time in the year, when things need reconsidering. And Rafa, the owners, the staf and players at Liverpool Football Club need to sit down and have a long talk about their ambitions for this season. As usual, this was going to be the break season, in which we finally challenge for the league tittle, after 20 years of looking for it since it last visited our trophy cabinet. Lets be honest, this is not what we expected. To be a massive 23 point behind Manchester United and sit in 6th a point behind way over achieving West Brom is an embaressment. But let's not be all down. We are still in a fight for all 4 trophies. First up, in 3 days we've got Coventry away in the FA CUP 3rd round. Should be no problems getting through. Then comes the tough tie in the Carling Cup semis vs Arsenal. 2nd leg will be at Anfield which could guarantee another special night. Then onto our special subject and the Champions Leauge brings us a first knockout round vs our friends Celtic. Still even with such a big gap to catch up, our main aim is the Premier League. If we want it we will have to do it the hard way. Manchester United at Old Trafford could prove to be decisve, but till then we have got some ground to make up. So far the league is set to be a 2 horse race between Chelsea and United again but lets not give up hope. With the January window opening in a day, there could be quite a few in's and out's for the next month.

We still belive.

[Nic]

Nice start mate, starting it like mine I see, kiu :thup:

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What next for Liverpool?
Premier League Liverpool
by Spoony (U13424232) 1st January 2009

It is now becoming a habbit for Liverpool fans, saying " We'll win it next season." They've been saying that for the best part of the last 20 years and it looks like it might continue for at least another year. A 23 point gap between them and the leaders, Manchester United says it all. Of course they are still in the hunt for all 4 trophies (Champions League, Carling Cup, FA Cup and League ) but its the league they really want and its looking like they are not going to get it. So whats next for them? Fans are mixed on this. Some feel Rafa should be given more time, some say this is his last chance to prove himself and some want a new manager now. If Rafa goes who will replace him? There's speen speculation about the "Special One" Jose Mourinho coming to Anfield. Can you picture that? The former Chelsea man at Liverpool? If not then maybe one of the former legends, Keegan or Daglish? One man who Liverpool fans would love to have is Martin O'Neill of Aston Villa. But the Irishman is building a strong team at the Birmingham based club and it doesnt look like he will come here. Liverpool now have half a season to show how good they are. It still is 20 years and counting...

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comment by LiverpooltilliDie (U431856123)
posted 10 minutes ago

I'm a huge fan of Rafa. He's done a lot for this club, and he deserves more time to prove he can win the league.Maybe some feel he had enough chances, but I don't think it would benefit the squad if he left. And if he does leave who will come? I cant see no one. And to the owners- Please, please, get out now.

comment by UnitedrChampionz (U139989321)
posted 25 minutes ago

Haha so much about Liverpool winning the league they are a massive 23 points behind.None of your players are good enough, Ronaldo is much better then Gerrard or Torres. Even West Brom are in front of your team. Looks like 3 in a row, and we can start to celebrate.

comment by AnfieldLegend (U134310289)
posted 41 minutes ago

He cant go now. Not yet. Give him till atleast the end of season to see if he turns this around. Give him a chance to prove himself. And for crying out loud, Hicks and Gillet, back him up with money in this transfer window or get out of our club.


comment by IncredibleScouse (U174423489)
posted 53 minutes ago

Don't get me wrong, Rafa has done some wonderful things for us, but am I the only person who doesnt want Rafa to stay? I'm not being funny, but what have we achieved other than the Champions League win? Top four finishes, great, an FA Cup, okay, but again, the trophy we want to win, the Premier League, completely ignored. We was a good Champions League team with Rafa, but nothing more than a fourth in the league club under Rafa, and I'd rather have someone who can be brilliant in both departments.
Forget about Mourinho please... I'd rather take a punt of Martin O'Neill.

comment by SuperMadrid (U154221989)
posted 59 minutes ago

Music to my ears. Rafa would be welcome here, so please leave Liverpool. They can have Juande Ramos if they want.

This post has been edited by redsfan: 04 May 2009 - 05:29 PM

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Last Updated: 1st January 2009, 14:30
Premier League > Liverpool FC
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"We fully back him"

Liverpool's co-owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks have today spoke out about the future of Rafael Benitez at the club backing him to stay at the club for the long term.

"Rafa has done an amazing job for the club and we want him to stay. There has been speculation about a new man coming in but none of them are true. He is starting to build a strong team, and sucess is only round the corner. We are still in the hunt for all the major trophies and belive that we can still win the Premier League. We fully back Rafa to guide this team forward and will not give him the boot, we have never thought of doing that. He's still got 2 years on his contract but hopefully he will stay longer then that."

Have they won the fans over?

This post has been edited by redsfan: 28 May 2009 - 06:19 PM

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Last Updated: Saturday, January 3rd 2009, 17:00pm
Premier League > Liverpool FC
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LIVERPOOL SURVIVE A SCARE
COVENTRY 1-3 LIVERPOOL
FA Cup 3rd Round

Liverpool are today through to the 4th round of the FA Cup after beating Coventry City. Altough dominant throughout the match, they were given a scare after failing to take their chances and gifting Coventry a goal.

They started from a high and could have been in front in the first minute after Torres was put through, his shot just wide of the mark. And that was the sign of things to come as Mascherano put a tight angle shot over the bar, barely minutes later.

Liverpool continued to dominate and again went close. A clever ball from Xabi Alonso set up a perfect chance for Steven Gerrard, only to be denied by the post. The ball cleared for a throw in, which went to Fernando Torres, who went down in the box. The Spanish striker was furious as Martin Atkinson waved play on, clearly feeling it was a clear pen.

As they say, failing to take your chances will be punished. And it was proved once again. After some neat work in midfield, Guillaume Beuzelin volleyed in a bending cross which fell to Leon Mckenzie. His control not the best, as he let the ball away, which struck the post, but he was the first to react and put in the rebound. Liverpool fans and manager looked stunned.

Fernando Torres had a chance to level the score just before the half time, but again failed to take his chance. Coventry lead at half time, another morale blow for Liverpool.

Liverpool came out determined for the second half, nearly getting a goal right from kick off. Rafa must have said something at half time.

But Coventry fancied their chances. A Beuzelin shot rattling the bar, showing that they may well be a shock on the cards here.

It was two unlikely sources that provided Liverpool's equalizer. A Jamie Carragher cross was perfectly met at the back post by Javier Mascherano who drew his side level. Both sides had half an hour to grab a winner.

The two combined again to nearly get another. Carragher stayed up upfield and after a lay off from Javier his shot was just deflected for a corner. But that just proved to be trouble. Fabio Aurelio put in a pin point cross which was met by the head of Fernando Torres who put Liverpool in front. Complete turn around from the first half.

A 3rd came right from Coventry's kick off. They lost the ball in midfield, and Steven Gerrard managed to pick out Ryan Babel. He ran onto the pass and calmly finished past goalkeeper Keiren Westwood. 2 goals in two mins changed the game completely.

Match Stats

Coventry: Westwood, Wright, Fox, Ward, Dann, Osbourne (Hall 88), Beuzelin, McKenzie (Thornton 62), Gunnarsson, Doyle, Eastwood (Morrison 83)
Unused Subs : Marshall, Turner, McPake, Wynter


Liverpool: Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher, Agger, Aurelio, Alonso, Mascherano, Kuyt, Babel, Gerrard, Torres (N'Gog 75)
Unused Subs : Riera, Bennayoun, Skrtel, Hyypiä, El Zahar, Lucas

Possession : Coventry 41% - 59% Liverpool
Shots : Coventry 6 - 20 Liverpool
Shots on Target :Coventry 2 - 6 Liverpool
Bookings : Wright ( Coventry)
Covnetry Goals : McKenzie (39)
Liverpool Goals : Mascherano (61), Torres (73), Babel (75)
Man of the Match : Ryan Babel

This post has been edited by redsfan: 28 May 2009 - 06:31 PM

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Last Updated: Saturday, January 3rd 2009, 22:00pm
Premier League > Liverpool FC
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A NEW RED HERO

In what might not only be the transfer of this window but one to talk about for years, Liverpool have signed 22 year old Gabriel Agbonlahor for a fee belived to be sixteen million pounds. The transfer even more talked about as Martin O'Neill reluctant to let Gareth Barry go before the start of the season has now sold one of his gems. Agbonlahor joins, hoping to fire Liverpool up the table and help reduce the gap between them and leaders Manchester United. He described the move as a dream come true and thanks the Villa fans and staff for all they did for him.

Gabriel Agbonlahor said:

This has been a dream move. To go to a top four club and play in the Champions League is what I always wanted. Liverpool are one of the biggest clubs in the world and to join them is fantastic. Im sure this will help me get a regular place in the England squad aswell. I would also like to thank all the Villa fans, and staff who guided me and made me into what I am today. I would never forget them.

Agbonlahor will wear the vacant but famous number 7 shirt, worn by many legends in the past.

This post has been edited by redsfan: 28 May 2009 - 06:38 PM

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FA CUP 4th round draw
5th January 2009 12:00

The 4th round draw of the FA Cup has provided some tasty affairs. Millionaires Man City will host Arsenal, white North rivals Sunderland and Middlesborough will play at the Stadium Of Light. Holders Portsmouth travel to Swansea while Liverpool and Chelsea host Cardiff and Watford respectively.

Here is the draw in full:

Liverpool vs Cardiff
Walsall vs Crystal Palace
Everton vs Ipswich
Sheffield Wednesday vs Wolves
Man City vs Arsenal
Swansea vs Portsmouth
Tranmere vs Aston Villa
Leicester vs Wigan
Chelsea vs Watford
Hartlepool vs Norwich
Middlesbrough vs Sunderland
West Brom vs Milwall
Hull vs Derby or Leeds
Plymouth vs Fulham
Sheffield United or Barnsley vs Man United
Stoke or Tottenham vs Blackpool

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Tuesday, January 6th 2009, 10:15 am

Carling Cup > Press Conference's

Carling Cup Semi-Final Pre Match Press Conference - Arsenal v Liverpool

Rafa Benitez has a message to Arsenal. Liverpool are out to win at the Emirates.


Rafa, in your last game vs Arsenal you suffered defeat. Is that going to affect the game?

No, our past games have nothing to do with this one. This is a complete different match, different competition, different day. Past wins or defeats count for nothing tomorrow.

People have been suggesting that you might go into this match happy with a draw and adpopt a defensive tactic. How will you approach this match?

You do not go into a match not looking for a win. Some people call me cautious but we are out to win this game. A draw isn't in the plans.

Arsenal are at home first leg and would probably want to put themselves in a good position ahead of the second leg.Is it better to have the second leg at home?

Nights at Anfield can be special. The atmosphere is great and it really fires the players on. Hopefully we can win over the two legs and advance to the final.

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Last Updated: Wednesday, January 7th 2009, 15:00pm
Premier League > Liverpool FC

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BENCHWARMERS LEAVE THEIR SPOT

Liverpool have today confirmed the sell of duo - Andrea Dossena and Charles Itandje. First has left for £10,000,000 joining Portuguese champions Porto. Dossena has only signed in the summer for 7 million pounds from Udinese but was surplus to requirements at Anfield only playing 6 games. Goalkeeper Itandje signed two seasons ago from Ligue 1 but was much understudy to Pepe Reina and now with Diego Cavelieri joining in the summer it doesnt look like he is going to get much games. The Frenchman going back to his native country, joining FC Nantes for £ 2,500,000.

Liverpool are set to play Arsenal today, in just under 5 hours but no team news so far. New signing Gabby Agbonlahor is ofcourse cup tied, so he'll have to wait for his debut a litttle longer. Transfer speculation is that Shakhtar versatile player Darjo Srna is having a medical at Anfield today. No confirmed news as of yet.

This post has been edited by redsfan: 28 May 2009 - 06:32 PM

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Last Updated: Wednesday, January 7th 2009, 17:00pm
Premier League > Liverpool FC
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ARSENAL WIN BUT AWAY GOAL MIGHT BE KEY
ARSENAL 2-1 LIVERPOOL
Carling Cup Semi-Final 1st Leg

Liverpool have today lost out to Arsenal 2-1 at the Emirates. Their fans not quite sure how, with their squad dominating through most of the match, but once again failing to take their chances.

Arsenal went for attack right from the start. Experienced striker Robin Van Persie being denied by the keeper in just the second minute.

And that was just the sign of things to come. 5 minutes in and Arsenal were ahead. The ball half cleared by Steven Gerrad dropped outside the box to Abou Diaby. The Frenchman taking a touch before firing an unstopable shot into the top corner.

Liverpool nearly equilized immidiately when Steven Gerrard took a shot on the turn. His shot just over the bar.
Then a freekick was awarded just outside the Arsenal box. Fabio Aurelio stepped up to take it and was agonzingly close as the ball smashed the crossbar before going back into play. Liverpool starting to get back into the game.

Liverpool continued to press and once again came close. Steven Gerrards shot just tipped over the bar by Almunia. The resulting corner saw Daniel Agger rise highest, his header smashing the post. Arsenal saved by the woodwork again.

They could have equlized just before half time but Almunia keeping out Gerrard again. Looked just like their last game, failing to take their chances. Was Rafa about deliver another famous half time team talk?

And just as last time Liverpool came out with fire in their eyes. It wasnt long before they did get their equazlier. Arsenal undone by a set piece yet again. Fernando Torres won a corner and Steven Gerrard whipped it in. It looped over everyone and dropped to Carragher at the back post. A rare sight but he finished it like an experienced striker. Liverpool have got an away goal, game on.

Arsenal did have their chances do. Cesc Fabregas' long range piledriver just saved by Reina. The resulting corner saw Gallas go close.

And they did go back in front. After some nice play in midfield and a glorious through ball to Sagna, the fullback whipped it in. Cesc Fabregas managed to stick in a foot and it whistled past Reina's left hand post. Bad defending from Liverpool.

Barely a minute later Liverpool were denied a penalty. Fernando Torres was put through by Ryan Babel and was allegedly hacked down by Kolo Toure. Instead Arsenal were awarded a goalkick. A few minutes later another penlaty shout was turned down. Babel taken down by Sagna, ref saying he played the ball.

Both sides continued to trade blows, with David N'Gog going close just before the final whistle. So Arsenal take a narrow 1 goal lead to Anfield, with Liverpool managing the away goal.

Match Stats

Arsenal: Almunia, Sagna, Clichy, Toure, Gallas, Arshavin (Ramsey 90), Nasri, Fabregas, Diaby (Djorou 90), Adebayor, Van Persie
Unused Subs : Fabianski, Walcott, Bendtner, Vela, Fonte


Liverpool: Reina, Arbeloa, Aurelio, Agger, Carragher, Alonso (Lucas 84), Mascherano, Kuyt, Babel, Gerrard (Benayoun 84) , Torres (N'Gog 84)
Unused Subs : Riera, Skrtel, Hyypiä, Degen

Possession :Arsenal 44% - 56% Liverpool
Shots : Arsenal 16 - 20 Liverpool
Shots on Target :Arsenal 9 - 7 Liverpool
Bookings : Toure (Arsenal), Gallas (Arsenal)
Arsenal Goals : Abou Diaby (5) Cesc Fabregas (63)
Liverpool Goals : Jamie Carragher (54)
Man of the Match : Cesc Fabregas

This post has been edited by redsfan: 28 May 2009 - 06:35 PM

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Last Updated: Wednesday, January 7th 2009, 23:00pm
Premier League > Liverpool FC

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ANOTHER ONE BITES THE DUST

Just a few hours after confirming the sales of Charles Itandje and Andrea Dossena, Liverpool have also sold Philip Degen. The right fullback joining Sunderland for £5,000,000. Altough he hasnt played a single game, Liverpool have made profit as he joined on a free in the summer. Degen, who has been tormented with injuries says he is delighted with the move and hopes he can get his carreer back on track.

Philip Degen 22:45 said:

I wasnt to happy with the role at Liverpool so i took the chance given to me. I was frustrated with the lack of first team oppotrunities, i havent played a single game! Hopefully with my injury problems behind me I can now concentrate on my football and get my carrer going again.

This post has been edited by redsfan: 28 May 2009 - 06:33 PM

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Last Updated: Friday, January 9th 2009, 11:15pm
Premier League > Liverpool FC

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THE REDS SPLASH THE CASH ON CROATIAN STAR

Once again a big name has joined Liverpool. This time 27 year old, right sided fullback/midfielder Darjo Srna has joined from Shakhtar Donetsk. The fee speculated to be fourteen million pounds, he joins on a 5 year contract with his wages at £53,000 a week. Srna who claimed faim at Euro 2008 has expressed his delight at joining such a big and well supported club.

Darjo Srna said:

I am absolutely delighted. Liverpool are one of the best clubs in Europe, and now im glad i can be part of this squad. I have heard about the amazing fans and the atmosphere at this club and hopefully I can help to bring success. This is one of the best days in my life.

Darjo will wear the number 27 (representing his age) shirt and will probably make his debut in tomorrow's game vs Sunderland along with Gabbriel Agbonlahor, who joined earlier on in the week.

This post has been edited by redsfan: 28 May 2009 - 06:41 PM

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Last Updated: Saturday, January 10th 2009, 11:00am

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KUYT ON HIS WAY?

Speculation is growing that Liverpool's hardworking striker/midfielder Dirk Kuyt is set to leave with Arsenal, Inter and Juventus sniffing around the player. Inter have made a £15,600,000 bid in installments but sources say its been rejected. Kuyt who has recently signed a new contract looks like he is enjoying his time at Liverpool but would he say no if a good offer came in?

The Dutchman who signed for Liverpool in 2007 for 12.75 million pounds has become an internal part of Rafa Benitez's side with the fans loving his hard work and determination. He scored 8 goals over the season but Benitez sees him more as a player that would fit the winger position under his tactic.

But with Liverpool signing Gabriel Agbonlahor and Darjo Srna who can both play in Kuyt's postion, are his days numbered? We might well see in todays game vs Sunderland.

This post has been edited by redsfan: 28 May 2009 - 06:49 PM

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Last Updated: Saturday, January 10h 2009, 17:00pm
Premier League > Liverpool FC
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HALF TIME SUBS CHANGE THE GAME
SUNDERLAND 1-2 LIVERPOOL
Premier League

Hyypiä shows the way for the younger generation.

In a close match at the Stadium of Light, Liverpool have managed to get away with 3 points.Halftime substitute Sami Hyypiä turning the game around.

Darjo Srna and Gabriel Agbonlahor both made their debut, with Fernando Torres rested. Albert Riera was also back in the squad after missing the last 3 matches. Much talked about in recent days Dirk Kuyt was also in the first 11.

And it was Riera who nearly provided the first goal. His accurate cross was met by Steven Gerrard, but his header straight at the keeper who pushed it out for a corner.

Dirk Kuyt, Gabriel Agbonlahor, Steven Gerrard for Liverpool and Danny Murphy for Sunderland all had chances to give their side the lead but all failed to capitalize. So no goals at half time.

Start of second half saw two changes. Carragher and Kuyt both coming off with knocks, Hyypiä and Torres the replacements. Another half time magic from Benitez?

Certainly looked like it. Liverpool won a corner and Steven Gerrard whipped in. Veteran center back Sami Hyypiä rising highest to give them the lead. The Finn's first goal this season.

Liverpool were then denied a penalty shout. Fernando Torres furious after referee Stuart Bennet turned it down, claiming Ben-Haim's challenge was a legitimate one.

Sunderland were nearly back in the game. Only a brilliant save from Pepe Reina denying Grant Leadbitter a wonder goal.

Then two familiar faces entered the pitch. Former Liverpool front man Djibrill Cisse entered the pitch together with recently departed Philip Degen. Both players getting an ovation from the Liverpool fans.

Then came the sight of what many want to see. A long ball was hit over the top by Fabio Aurelio, with a straight race between Ferdinand and Agbonlahor. And there was only one winner. The debutant racing onto it before firing it low past the keeper. The English man making a perfect start at his new club. And if he can combine with the partnership Gerrard and Torres already have at the club, then it will be hard to find a better one.

And what looked like 3 point to Liverpool, had some drama late on. A Peter Reid cross was missjudged by Martin Skrtel and the ball dropped to Kenvin Jones. The Triniad and Tobago striker with a perfect oppotriunity which he didnt waste.Sunderland still had 4 minutes to get another.

Liverpool did hang on to the 3 points but there was dissapointed just before the final whistle as Fernando Torres had to leave the field with shin injury. Hopefully its only a minor one and he wont be out for long.

Match Stats

Sunderland:
Gordon, Bardsley, Ben-Haim, Booth (Degen 65), Ferdinand, Whitehead, Malbranque, Leadbitter (Reid 75), Tainio, Jones, Murphy (Cisse 65)
Unused Subs : Fulop, Stokes, Richardson, Nosworthy

Liverpool: Reina, Srna, Aurelio, Skrtel, Carragher (Hyypiä 45), Alonso (Bennayoun 66), Mascherano, Kuyt (Torres 45), Riera, Gerrard , Agbonlahor
Unused Subs : Babel, Lucas, N'Gog, Arbeloa

Possession :Sunderland 50% - 50% Liverpool
Shots : Sunderland 9 - 17 Liverpool
Shots on Target :Sunderland 4 - 4 Liverpool
Bookings : Skrtel (Liverpool), Agbonlahor (Liverpool)
Sunderland Goals : Jones (86)
Liverpool Goals : Hyypiä (50) Agbonlahor (81)
Man of the Match : Sami Hyypiä

This post has been edited by redsfan: 28 May 2009 - 06:50 PM

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Last Updated: Saturday, January 10th 2009, 17:00pm
Premier League > Liverpool FC

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WORST NEWS FEARED ARE CONFIRMED

Liverpool fans all round the country will today be cursing their luck after finding out the extent of Fernando Torres' injury. The striker who left the pitch vs Sunderland on a stretcher has unfortunately suffered a broken leg and will be out for 5-6 months. This a big blow for Liverpool's challenge on all four fronts.
Here is what he had to say about the injury:

Fernando Torres said:

Im gutted. I felt i was getting back into form and we are starting to play some nice football. And then this happens. All i heard was just a crack, and then a lot of pain went through my leg. At first i thought it wont be that serious but it turns out to be. Nevertheless im aiming to put this behind me, work hard at the rehabilitation and get back as soon as possible. Liverpool have enough good players and will cope without me.

Jamie Carragher who limped off at half time is also out. However only for 5 days. Dirk Kuyt was just a knock, no injury there.

This post has been edited by redsfan: 28 May 2009 - 06:53 PM

[Ana_Garcia]

wow, harsh for Torres hope it dont ruin your season. Nice story.

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Last Updated: Wednesday, January 14th 2009, 19:00pm
Premier League > Liverpool FC
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SAME OLD FACE SAVES LIVERPOOL
LIVERPOOL 2-1MANCHESTER CITY
Premier League

Liverpool today were today without injured striker Fernando Torres and it was up to the rest to get the goals. You would have probably put your money on Gabriel Agbonlahor to bag one or two.

And he nearly did inside the first minute. Liverpool won a freekick and clever play from Steven Gerrard and Xabi Alonso ended with the later putting a delightful through ball to Agbonlahor. He was only to be stopped by a wonderful save from the keeper.

They did however go in front after only 5 minutes. Once again clever thinking from Xabi Alonso and a freekick undone Man City. The Spaniard picking out Agbonlahor who didnt miss this time. Have Liverpool got a replacement for Torres? Two goals in first two games might be an early sign of it.

City then had their first chance with the ball falling to Wright Phillips after a Petrov shot was blocked. He would have probably equlized if not for a fantastic tackle by Fabio Aurelio.

The millionaires did equlize tough. Wright Phillips' shot blocked out for a corner which Petrov whipped in. A delightful one at that, with the ball going over everyone heading for the back post. It probably would have been Petrov's goal if not for Robinho, one of the smallest on the field, who outjumped the defender and headed it in.

Both sides continued to attack, with Agbonlahor going close just before half time. It was all squere tough and is it going to be another half time turn around from Benitez and Liverpool?

Certainly they were not going here to draw. Hyppia close from a corner, his header just pushed out by Given. The ball fell to Agger his shot just hitting the post before going out. Barely a minute later Xabi Alonso's long range effort went just wide of the post.

They did go back in front. Dirk Kuyt managed to get past Wayne Bridge and whipped in a cross. The ball got to Agbonlahor but his control let him down and the ball bounced off him. Lucky Steven Gerrard was near and he wasnt going to waste this oppotriunity.

Man City then started their own spell, repeatedly testing Pepe Reina and Liverpool. First Petrov, then Richards, then Kompany and Robinho all tried but couldnt break Liverpool down. It was once again Gerrard who saved Liverpool and got them the win.

Meanwhile in the big clash at Old Trafford Manchester United and Arsenal played out a goaless draw. United still top from Chelsea.

Match Stats

Man City: Given, Richards, Bridge, Dunne, Onuoha (Elano 83), de Jong, Fernandes (Zabaleta 89), Johnson ( Kompany 61), Wright Phillips, Petrov, Robinho
Unused Subs : Hart,Glauber,Bellamy,Garrido

Liverpool: Reina, Srna, Aurelio, Agger, Hyypiä, Alonso (Lucas 75), Mascherano, Kuyt, Riera (Babel 75), Gerrard (Benayoun 75), Agbonlahor
Unused Subs : Skrtel, N'Gog, Arbeloa, Carragher

Possession : Liverpool 49%-51% Man City
Shots : Liverpool 16-11 Man City
Shots on Target : Liverpool 7-5 Man City
Bookings : Richards (Man City)
Man City Goals : Robinho (33)
Liverpool Goals : Agbonlahor (5), Gerrard (65)
Man of the Match : Robinho

This post has been edited by redsfan: 28 May 2009 - 06:50 PM

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Last Updated: Saturday, January 17th 2009, 17:00pm
Premier League > Liverpool FC
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NOT A GOOD DAY FOR THE SKIPPER
LIVERPOOL 1-1 TOTTENHAM
Premier League

Both sides went into this game level on points, knowing that the winner could have an advantage in the race for fourth spot. Robbie Keane played against his former club which he joined from his current club in the summer and left in January.

And Liverpool couldnt have wished for a worse start. Xabi Alonso lost the ball in midfield and the ball got to Jermaine Defoe. The striker playing a delightful through ball in between the Liverpool defence. Robbie Keane managed to lash on to it before rounding the keeper and sloting it into the empty net. Revange for the Irishman?

They had a chance to equalize right away but Javier Mascherano's long shot was just of target. Then Steven Gerrard was put through but his shot saved by Gomes.

Tottenham then were agonizingly close. David Bentley was unmarked and a through ball had him through on goal. He went for the spectacular chip but the ball bounced off the post before dancing on the line. The chance still wasnt dead because Robbie Keane was near by and he looked destined to score, only for Darjo Srna to just get there before him and clear it off the line.

Then there was controversy when Liverpool were denied a penalty for what looked a blatent foul by Allan Hutton on Dirk Kuyt. Referee saw it other wise. Tottenham went in ahead at the break, and surely its not another half time revival from Liverpool?

You bet it was. Right from the whistle Liverpool went on the attack and it wasnt long before they equalized. A wonder pass from Javier Mascherano found Kuyt who managed to get into the box and past Bale. He squared the ball which left Gerrard and Gomes one one one, the Liverpool captain only to be denied by a fantastic save.
Luckily for Liverpool, Gomes could only push the ball to the side and thats where Albert Riera was, his shot hitting the back of the net.

Liverpool then nearly went ahead. Some nice work in midfield and a one-two between Gerrard and Agbonlahor saw the first smash a fierce shot against the bar, down and back out.

Fabio Aurelio then had to come off through injury, the pain clear to see as he was holding his back. Spaniard Alvaro Arbeloa the one to replace him.

The match was swinging back and forth with both sides creating chances. Liverpool's Gerrard and Tottenham's Robbie Keane missing the best of them. Mascherano's and Bentley's long range efforts closely followed.

And with the match looking like a draw a big decision changed the game. A corner was given Liverpool's way and the ball was whipped in. As it did referee Alan Wiley saw Alan Hutton tripping Lucas and awarded Liverpool the penalty. But the afternoon got worse for the Red's captain. Denied many times during the game by Gomes, he struck his penalty way wide. A wasted chance to win the game.

So both sides are where they started before the night, neither getting an advantage over the other. It will surely be a intresting race for the Champions League place.

Match Stats

Tottenham: Gomes, Hutton, Bale, King, Woodgate (O'Hara 69), Bentley, Modric (Lennon 85), Palacios, Corluka, Keane, Defoe, (Pavlyuchenko 85)
Unused Subs : Cudicini, Dawson, Campbell, Chimbonda

Liverpool: Reina, Srna, Aurelio (Arbeloa 69), Agger, Carragher, Alonso (Lucas 63), Mascherano, Kuyt, Riera (Babel 63), Gerrard , Agbonlahor
Unused Subs : Skrtel, N'Gog, Benayoun, Hyypiä

Possession : Tottenham 48%-52% Liverpool
Shots : Tottenham 15-19 Liverpool
Shots on Target : Tottenham 2-4 Liverpool
Bookings : None
Tottenham Goals : Robbie Keane (1)
Liverpool Goals : Riera (52)
Man of the Match : Albert Riera

This post has been edited by redsfan: 28 May 2009 - 06:51 PM

[shan0811]

Torres injury is a very huge blow for the club and their chances of winning any silverware this season. But there is always Stevie G to save Liverpool. Great story mate, really enjoying.

[Carroll.]

Tuesday, January 20th 2009, 10:15 am

Carling Cup > Press Conference's

Carling Cup Semi-Final Pre Match Press Conference - Liverpool vs Arsenal

Benitez calls for a special Anfield night.

Are you curious about this game and will enter it defensively, hoping for a break?

Once again I'll say what i said before. We go into every match to win, and to win in style. We dont enter a game defensively and we wont go into this game wanting just a 1-0 win. I want to go through with style.

You enter the game with an invaluable away goal. Are you confident of the right result?

Of course.Nights at Anfield can be special but if we want to win we need to perform to our best. Our fans will help us in that, I am sure of it.

If you manage to get ot the final who would you rather?. Chelsea who won the first leg 2-1 away, or Blackburn who need something special at Stamford Bridge?

That is not up to me. And lets not get ahead of ourselves, first we have to win here, then we can concentrate on the final.

Recent rumours have linked you with a move for Torrino attacking midfielder Alessandro Rossina. Are you intrested in him?

What has that got to do with tomorrow's match? Altough Rosina is a good player, and if we can we would like to make him a Liverpool player.