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Last Updated: Wednesday, January 21th 2009, 22:00pm
Premier League > Liverpool FC
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LIVERPOOL SO CLOSE
LIVERPOOL 3-3 AET ARSENAL
Carling Cup Semi-Final 2nd Leg

Arsenal are through to the Carling Cup final after an memorable match with Liverpool. The Reds came back from 2-0 down to force the game into extra time, unfortunately they coudnt hold it out.

With Gabriel Agbonlahor cup-tied and Fernando Torres out injured Liverpool were in some crisis as they only had 3 natural strikers in frencham N'Gog and two dutchmen Babel and Kuyt. Luckily Kristian Nemeth just returned from his loan at Charlton and he made the sub's bench, Babel taking up the strikers job.

Just to clear things up. Liverpool need to win by a goal, if they dont let Arsenal score, a 2-1 win for Liverpool would force extra time, and if Arsenal score more then one then Liverpool need to win by two clear goals. Now onto the football.

Liverpool started the better and could have been in front in the opening minutes. Xabi Alonso's shot just tipped over the bar Almunia. The corner cleared well by Adebayor.

The home side continued to dominate but Riera's header, Mascherano's long ranger, Gerrard's one on one and Kuyt's edge of the box chances were all denied by Almunia or the Arsenal defence. Could be tough to break down.

Arsenal had their chances too. Van Persie, who was just onside was found by a superb through ball from Fabregas, was one on one with Reina but the Spanish keeper got the better of him and saved his weak shot.

And then disaster struck for Liverpool. Arsenal were awarded a freekick just outside the box. Liverpool players formed a wall but no one was marking Adebayor and Moutinho had seen that and picked him out. The Togo striker easily putting the ball in the back of the net, and the goal stood despite Liverpool's appeals for an offside. Now they need 2 goals for extra-time, a mountain to climb.

Arsenal wrapped things up 5 minutes later. Arshavin got past Aurelio and was allowed to cross. His ball perfectly aimed getting to Adebayor at the back post. His shot in off the post to leave Liverpool fans, players and manager in disbelief. If you are wondering, they now need 4 goals without reply.

They were so close to getting one just before half time. They won a freekick in their own half and Darjo Srna played a long ball over the top. It went past all the Arsenal defence and Ryan Babel managed to get to it. His first time shot hitting the post before Almunia somehow saved it.

And in the last action of the half Dirk Kuyt got the ball wide and managed to get into the box. Arsenal captain unsure what to do stuck out a leg and brought the dutchman down. Martin Atkinson had no hesitation for pointing to the spot. You could feel the nerves when Steven Gerrard stepped up, fresh from his last minute penalty miss vs Tottenham. This time he made no mistake and fired the ball into the top corner giving the fans some hope.

That was indeed the last action as the ref blew the whistle signaling for half time.Istanbul doesnt seem far away now. Liverpool are not going to do it again, are they?

They werent going to give up without a fight. Right from the whistle they got the ball and Dirk Kuyt got the ball and whipped it into the box. Steven Gerrard controling it beatifuly and fired a powerful shot but somehow Almunia got to it. Rafa Benitez then called for a formation change, putting Kuyt upfront together with Babel. Curious, heh?

And never, ever count Liverpool out. Why? Because they will prove you wrong. Steven Gerrard determined as ever, won the ball in midfield and worked his way towards the goal. He then unleashed a fierceful drive, Almunia managing to get to it. But he only managed to push it out straight ahead and Ryan Babel was there to blast the ball into the back of the net. Liverpool are going for this. They now need only two.

Daniel Agger then got booked which would mean that if Liverpool were to get to the final he would miss it. Meanwhile Kristian Nemeth replaced Riera while Xabi Alonso was replaced by Lucas.

Liverpool did nearly go in front from a freekick. Their captain Gerrard opted to take it and powered a shot at goal. He was only to be denied by the post, so unlucky. But Liverpool were piling on the pressure.

And you have to hand it to them. They just dont know when its over. Lucas won the ball in midfield and he found Nemeth, who attracted the attention of two defenders. Ryan Babel saw the space made and Kristian picked him out with a wonderful pass. He then calmly put the ball past Manuel Almunia and Liverpool now had 10 minutes to get another goal. Unbelivable.

They continued to press. Their reward was another penalty when Djorou hacked down Babel. It was Steven Gerrard who stepped up again, this time he let his nerves get the better of him as he struck it straight at Almunia. Another penalty miss, maybe a need for a replacement?

But Liverpool didnt back down and their manager went all out for it. He sacrificed Mascherano to bring on N'Gog as Liverpool had 3 minutes plus injury time to get a goal that would send them to the final.

That didnt come tough. So extra time was to follow and Liverpool need a goal in it, there is no penalties if they dont.

Liverpool dominated right from the start of extra time but were unable to get a goal in the first half, despite all the chances the got. Is there going to be drama in the second?

Yes, but unfortunately it wasnt good news for Liverpool. A long ball got to Adebayor near the corner flag and he whiped in a cross. The ball fell to Nasri who put it into the back of the net to silence Anfield. Surely game over now?

That was indeed, Liverpool going out on aggregate. But they put up a great fight, a great match that will surely be remembered. You wonder what would have happened if Gerrard put his penalty away...

Match Stats

Liverpool: Reina, Srna, Aurelio, Agger, Carragher, Alonso (Lucas 72), Mascherano (N'Gog 88), Kuyt, Riera (Nemeth 72), Gerrard , Babel
Unused Subs : Benayoun, Skrtel, Arbeloa,Hyypiä

Arsenal: Almunia, Sagna, Silvestre, Toure, Gallas (Eboue), Arshavin (Djorou 71), Nasri, Moutinho, Fabregas (Denilson 93), Adebayor, Van Persie
Unused Subs : Fabianski, Walcott, Bendtner, Diaby

Possession : Liverpool 52% - 48% Arsenal
Shots : Liverpool 36 - 11 Arsenal
Shots on Target : Liverpool 14 - 3 Arsenal
Bookings : Agger (Liverpool),Carragher (Liverpool), Gerrard (Liverpool)
Liverpool Goals : Gerrard (pen 45+1), Babel (67,80)
Arsenal Goals : Adebayor (28,33), Nasri (106)
Man of the Match : Ryan Babel

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

[shan0811]

Bad Luck their against but again not a major trophy and your doing quite well without Torres.

[K3V0]

14 shots on goal and only two put away, poor night at the office for the front men and you should feel hard done by with not being in the Carling Cup Final.

Keep this up redsfan

[Carroll.]

Tuesday, January 20th 2009, 10:15 am

Carling Cup > Press Conference's

FA CUP 4th Round Pre Match Press Conference - Liverpool vs Cardiff

Benitez wants an improvement from last game, and calls out for a strong performance.


Only 3 days since your game vs Arsenal. Are you going to bring some new faces, seeing that some players might be tired?

I might make a little change here and there, if anyone is tired then they will be given a rest and someone else will be given a chance.

In your last game vs Arsenal, your team lost on aggregate. Is the morale low after you were so close?

The game vs Arsenal was dissapointing but we wont to get that over and are coming into this game deteremined.

Is your team going to have trouble, motivating for a game vs on paper, a much weaker side ?

We will not understimate Cardiff. They are a good side, which got really far last year and they will surely give us a run four our money.

Do you think an upset could be on the cards?

Cardiff will surely provide good opposition, but hopefully we can get through to the next round. I want a good performance from the boys.

Ross McCormack has been targeted by the media as the one who could lead his team to a huge upset. Are you seeing him as a threat to your team?

He is a good player and we will have to watch him. He certainly is a threat.

If thats so, who do are you going to use to limit his threat?

The whole team will have to watch him, but Daniel Agger will man mark him throughout the game.

[Carroll.]

Last Updated: Saturday, January 24th 2009, 17:00pm
Premier League > Liverpool FC

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THE REDS GOOD ENOUGH
LIVERPOOL 2-0 CARDIFF
FA Cup 4th Round

Liverpool are today through to the 5th round of the FA Cup after a brace from Steven Gerrard got them through.

Once again they were quite short of strikers, and entered the pitch unchanged from the Arsenal game. Fernando Torres out with injury, Agbonlahor cup-tied.

They were nearly in front inside the first two minutes. A training ground routine put into play as Steven Gerrard's corner found Carragher at the near post. The centerback's header just wide.

Liverpool were then denied a penalty, when Steven Gerrard thought he was hacked down in the box by McCormack. The ref waved no penalty and the ball managed to get to Riera, who's shot was just saved by the keeper.

Then another blow struck Liverpool. Ryan Babel had to come off with injury after a challenge for a loose ball, the dutchman in some distress. Young Frenchman David N'Gog replaced him.

And it took a wondergoal to finally break the deadlock on 34 minutes. Dirk Kuyt managed to out jump Capaldi and nodded the ball down for Steven Gerrard. The ball fell perfectly for the skipper and he blasted it, right into the top corner. Another trademark piledriver from Gerrard.

It took another special goal for the second. Darjo Srna hoofed the ball forward, and a clever pass from Kuyt set Gerrard in. Once again he prefered power, and the ball nearly broke the net. Looks like altough the Torres and Gerrard partnership is held back for now, another one in Kuyt and Gerrard is begining.

Liverpool continued to dominate the game, keeping the ball, getting shots and crosses in but there was no more goals tonight. They now wait for their opponents in the 5th round.

Match Stats

Liverpool:
Reina, Srna, Aurelio, Agger, Carragher, Alonso, Mascherano, Kuyt, Riera, Gerrard, Babel (N'Gog 32)
Unused Subs : Nemeth, Benayoun, Lucas, Skrtel, Arbeloa, Hyppia

Cardiff: Enckelman, McNaughton, Capaldi, Johnson, Purse (Matthews 85), Whittingham, Ledley, Blake, Rae, Chopra (Dennehy 60), McCormack (Johnson 78)
Unused Subs : Heaton, Kennedy, Morris, Quincy

Possession : Liverpool 45-55 Cardiff
Shots : Liverpool 19-4 Cardiff
Shots on Target : Liverpool 7-0 Cardiff
Bookings : Mascherano (Liverpool)
Liverpool Goals : Gerrard (34,60)
Man of the Match : Steven Gerrard

This post has been edited by redsfan: 28 May 2009 - 06:52 PM

[Fola]

Very good this redsfan!

[Carroll.]

FA CUP 5th round draw
Monday 26th January 2009 12:00

The 5th round draw of the FA Cup has provided some intresting match ups. Tottenham and Chelsea will go for it at White Harte Lane, while Middlesborough will host Aston Villa. Man City, who beat Arsenal in the previous round, could play against the holders, Portsmouth, thats if they can beat Swansea in the 4th round replay.

Here is the draw in full:
Liverpool vs Plymouth
Man United vs Hull
West Brom vs Norwich
Swansea or Portsmouth vs Man City
Middlesbrough vs Aston Villa
Leicester or Wigan vs Walsall or Crystal Palace
Tottenham vs Chelsea
Everton vs Sheffield Wed

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Last Updated: Saturday, January 31st 2009, 19:00
Premier League > Liverpool FC
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WASTEFUL AGAIN BUT WIN NEVERTHELESS
LIVERPOOL 2-1 WIGAN
Premier League

After two cup clashes it was back to the league for Liverpool. They sure wanted some revenge after being hammered by Wigan at the JJB 4-1 earlier in the year. Daniel Agger and Javier Mascherano were suspended with Fernando Torres missing through that horrific leg break.

Steven Gerrard was one to lead the charges with a determined look on his face. His early shot pushed out for a corner, which was later headed wide by Martin Skrtel.

The home side continued to press and nearly went ahead just before the half hour mark. Gabriel Agbonlahor found him self with plenty of space and decided to shoot from all of 30 yeards out. Only the crossbar denying him.

But they did get in front barely minutes later. Steven Gerrard won the ball on the edge of the box and played a high ball in front of the penalty box. Xabi Alonso caught it sweetely on the volley, the ball traveling into the back of the net, past former Red - Chris Kirkland.

And the domination continued. A freekick from Gerrard was nearly perfectly placed. The ball agonisingly hitting the post before going out for a goal kick.

Gerrard looked really up for this, firing shots from all round the pitch. Unlucky for him none of them managed to go in and the first half finished at 1-0 to the home side.

50 seconds into the first half and the game should have been wrapped up. Steven Gerrard played a delightful through ball to Dirk Kuyt who found himself one on one with the keeper. Somehow Kirkland managed to save his shot and keep Wigan in the game.

But even a keeper can't win the match all on himself. After some clever work Gerrard found himslef with a perfect chance, and this time he took it. Once again it was Dirk Kuyt who assisted him, 3rd time in two games this two combined.

You might have thought thats it but it wasn't. Right from the kick off Wigan worked the ball well, and it managed to get to Zaki, near the edge of the box. He put some power in his shot and suprisngly it maneged to go in of the post. Game on.

Minutes went on, Chances were wasted. With ten to go Rafa Benitez decided to pull out a trick and brought on debutant Kristian Nemeth in place of Gabriel Agbonlahor. Curious?

Liverpool managed to close the game out well, getting the 3 points. Still 23 points behind United, but at least they are getting consistant.

Match Stats

Liverpool: Reina, Srna, Aurelio, Skrtel, Carragher, Alonso (Bennayoun 81), Lucas, Kuyt, Babel (Riera 61), Gerrard, Agbonlahor (Nemeth 81)
Unused Subs : Hyypia, Arbeloa, N'Gog, Insua


Wigan: Kirkland, Melchiot, Figueroa, Boyce, Bramble, Koumas, Maloney (Flood 66), Cattermole, Sharner (N'Zogbia 75), Kapo (Edman 66), Zaki
Unused Subs : Pollitt, Broadfoot, Mido, Wilkshire

Possession : 57%-43%
Shots : 23-6
Shots on Target : 12-1
Bookings : Boyce (Wigan), Cattermole (Wigan),Sharner (Wigan)
Wigan Goals : Zaki (53)
Liverpool Goals : Alonso (33), Gerrard (51)
Man of the Match :Steven Gerrard

[Carroll.]

Last Updated: Monday, February 2nd 2009, 24:00
Premier League > Liverpool FC

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DEADLINE DAY

As usual there was a lot of action on the last day of the January transfer window. Lots have gone through, some have missed out, others pulled out. Below is a review of all the transfers done by the Premier League clubs.

Arsenal
Arsene Wenger managed to avoid all the transfer window hyper. The only player to be involved was the transfer of Joao Moutinho from Sporting for £19,750,000.

Aston Villa
After selling Gabriel Agbonlahor earlier on Villa managed to use the money well. Combined with what they had they picked up Demba Ba from Hoffenheim for just over eleven million and Martin Petrov for a similar price. They then payed £14,500,000 for Yakubu and finished off the transfers with Pascal Feinoduno for 4.2 million on the last day.

Blackburn Rovers
A really quiet window from Blackburn with no confirmed news of any player joining or leaving.

Bolton Wanderers
Just like Blackburn, Bolton managed to keep their squad as it was.

Chelsea
A bit unlike Chelsea this time round. One player was all they brought, but a good player at that. Yuri Zhirkov joined "The Pensioners" for 22 million pounds. Jacob Mellis and Lee Sawyer were loaned out to Burnley and Southampton respectively.

Everton
Yakubu spent only a year and a half in Liverpool before moving on. Everton managed to get £14,500,000 from Aston Villa for him. They used the money to buy Elano for seven million, Miguel Ángel Angulo on a free from Valencia, Diba Anouar and Scott Robertson. They also manged to offload Lukas Jutkiewicz on loan to Nottingham Forrest.

Fulham
Another team that didnt get involved in the transfers. Partialy because they didnt have the money.

Hull City
The Tigers managed to pick up promising midfielder Iain Vigurs £28k. Could be a good deal.

Liverpool
£30 million on two players! How have the things changed. Liverpool, who apparently had no money made the two big money signings, Darjo Srna joining for £14,000,000 and Gabriel Agbonlahor for 2 million more. Philip Degen left with out playing a game after joining in the summer, going to Sunderland for 5 million. Mikel San Jose and Nabil El Zahr went on loan Charlton and Southampton respectively while Charles Itandje left for two and a half million to FC Nantes. Another summer signing, Andreas Dossena also was on the out, joining Porto for 10 million. And in a last minutes deal, they might have done the biggest. Former fan favourite, Micheal Owen has returned to Anfield for £2,500,000 and will be a replacement for the injured Torres. The fans absolutely loved the transfer window. They also sold Lucas for £12,000,000 to Sunderland and Bennayoun for around five million as well as buying Steffen Iversen for 900k, all just seconds before the transfer window shut.

Man City
Allegedly the richest club in the world was involved. First they sold Elano for £6.5 million pounds, then they splashed around fifteen million on Gokhan Inler. They also sold Martin Petrov to Aston Villa for £11,000,000. This transfers were added to ones of Antonio Valencia for £17.75 million, Jorge Valdivia for eight million, Danny for massive( not for City ofcourse) £22,000,000 and Glen Johnson for eleven million pounds. Boyata Derick went on loan to Luton. But they felt another transfer was needed and £15,750,000 for Jonathan Woodgate on the last day of the window. They sure were one of the busiest, spending nearly £100 million.

Man United
Sir Alex Ferguson seems happy with his squad, as he decided not to sign anyone. Daniel Drinkwater joining Antwerp on loan was the only deal for United.

Middlesbrough
Another club thinking the window isnt important and keeping their squad as it is. Nathan Porrit loaned out to Presten was about it.

Newcastle United
Newcastle managed to keep all their players they had and managed to add one. Russian Aleksandr Kerzhakov joining them for £5,250,000.

Portmsouth
Pompey lost their big star, Glen Johnson who joined Man City for eleven million pounds. Nwanko Kanu was on the move to Tottenham for £475,000, while Callum Reynolds was loaned out to Crystal Palace. Andy Dorman joined from St Mirren for 60k. Yossi Bennayoun and Jason Roberts joined for £5,000,000 and 1.2 million respectively on the transfer deadline day.

Stoke City
Stoke left the transfer window how they entered it, signing none and loosing none.

Sunderland
Philip Degen was the main signing joining for five million from Liverpool. Jaroslav Plasil also joined for 3.4 million while no players left.

Tottenham Hotspur
475k was all that Tottenham spent, signing Nwanko Kanu from Portsmouth. Looked like Harry Redknapp was happy with the squad that entered the transfer window in contention for the Champions Leauge.

West Brom
Looks like the famous name did Pele no good as he left for Leeds, who payed £110,000 for him. Martin Shelton left for half that, joining Tranmere. The Baggies managed to sign no one.

West Ham
Dario Bottinelli was the only player joining, the price 1.3 million. Meanwhile Jimmy Walker left for 85k joining Huddersfield.

Wigan
Big money came in as Man City payed £17,750,000 for Antonio Valencia and it was put to use. Kirk Broadfoot joined from Rangers for 3.6 million, Dinamo Moscow were given £2,600,000 for the services of Luke Wilkshire. Willio Flood and Shaun Maloney both joined from Celtic for 350k and 2.1 million respectively.

Back where he belongs...

This post has been edited by redsfan: 09 June 2009 - 05:02 PM

[Carroll.]

3rd January 2009

JANUARY TRANSFERS REVIEW

Well, well. What a month of suprises. The money seemed to come out of no where. And Rafa has brought some of the players we wanted. With Fernando out for the rest of the season, he may have replaced him well, and no matter what happens, those were good signings.

GABRIEL AGBONLAHOR

This could be the real deal. £16,000,000 we payed for him, but its worth every penny. When Torres got injured, our season could have been over. But then Rafa comes up with a magic touch and manages to bring the young Englishman here. Could be even greater if he manages to fit himself in between the Torres-Gerrard partnership.

DARIJO SRNA

The Croat was in big demand after shining at Euro 2008. With likes of Man City intrested it is a great achievement to sign him. Some say £14,000,000 may be a bit overpriced but wait till you see his freekicks and runs down the right.

MICHAEL OWEN

Well, well. Look who's back. Rafa has got the fans buzzing, as he has brought Boy Wonder back to Anfield.How cheap too. £2,500,000 is a great deal for us. Some say he is past his best, but sure with the fans behind him, he can get back to his best. If you remember the Gerrard-Owen partnership from the years, think what happens when Torres comes back. Add Gabby to that aswell and you cant get a better attacking force then that.

STEFFEN IVERSEN

Anyone remember Steffen? Yes the one that played for Tottenham. Maybe not the youngest, but sure he is a good backup, and for only 900k it was a risk worth taking. He's rather a short term replacement for Torres, so dont expect him to stay too long.

Reunited. Set to win trophies again?

[Carroll.]

Last Updated: Wednesday, February 4th 2009, 21:00
Premier League > Liverpool FC
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NEARLY A PERFECT RETURN
LIVERPOOL 1-0 FULHAM
Premier League

With the transfer window now shut, the new signings have their chance to prove themself. Michael Owen started in his second debut, while Steffen Iversen was on the bench. Another familiar face returned to Anfield as Danny Murphy started for Fulham.

When the game finally started Liverpool could have been ahead inside a minute. First Steven Gerrard decided to shoot from far out, his shot struggled out for a corner. Then Fabio Aurelio whipped the corner in and Gerrard got his head to it. If not for a man on the line they would have been ahead.

They did go ahead inside ten minutes. As back in the old days, Steven Gerrard played a wonder through ball and found Micheal Owen. He went past the defender and his shot took a slight deflection of Aaron Hughes before rolling into the net. Unlucky for Owen, he has to wait a little longer for his first goal of his second coming, as the deflection was big enough to award the goal as a Hughes own goal.

A few chances went both ways, but till half time the score remained unchanged. So far so good for Liverpool.

After the break Owen was showing he still hasn't lost his abbilty, and he still knows where Gerrard is. After a few turns, he managed to get 3 defenders to him, before squaring the ball for Steven Gerrard. Unlucky his shot went just wide.

With just under 20 minutes to go, Owen's job was done and he was given a rest. Another debutant, Iverson replaced him. Albert Riera also replaced Ryan Babel.

A one goal cushion isn't safe, and the game was nervous right until the end. However Liverpool managed to hold out and get another 3 points to their chase.

Match Stats

Liverpool: Reina, Srna, Aurelio, Agger, Carragher, Alonso, Mascherano, Kuyt, Babel (Riera 74), Gerrard, Owen (Iversen 74)
Unused Subs : Agbonlahor, Skrtel, Arbeloa, Nemeth, Insua


Fulham: Schwarzer, Omozusi, Kallio, Hangeland, Hughes, Davies (Etuhu 82), Konchesky, Dacourt, Murphy (Pantsil 75), Johnson, Zamora (Nevland 67)
Unused Subs : Zuberbühler, Briggs, Baird, Stoor

Possession :Liverpool 47%-53% Fulham
Shots : Liverpool 15-8 Fulham
Shots on Target : Liverpool 6-1 Fulham
Bookings : Alonso (Liverpool), Kallio (Fulham), Dacourt (Fulham)
Liverpool Goals : Aaron Huges O.G (10)
Man of the Match : Schwarzer

This post has been edited by redsfan: 10 June 2009 - 05:42 PM

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Last Updated: Friday,February 6th 2009,22:00pm
Premier League > Liverpool FC
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LIVERPOOL TAKE OVER ON CARDS?

News have spread that a takeover is being discussed at Liverpool. Out of favour owners, George Gillet and Tom Hicks are apparently ready to sell their shares, with director Sam Sawyer intrested.

Recent reports have however said the discussions have come to a stop, after they run into difficulties over the price of the club. Allegedly Hicks and Gillet want 500 million pounds for it, but Sawyer thinks that with the debts involved that is overpriced.

Hicks and Gillet brought the club on 6 February 2007 from previous chairman David Moores. The deal valued the club and its outstanding debts at £218.9 million. The pair paid £5,000 per share, or £174.1m for the total shareholding in the club, and £44.8m to cover the club's debts. Disagreements between Gillett and Hicks, and their lack of the fans' support, have precipitated rumours that Dubai International Capital (DIC), who were interested in buying the club before Gillett and Hicks took over, would bid for the club. Another group, Share Liverpool FC, also expressed interest in purchasing the club. They proposed to pay £500m, which would be funded by 100,000 fans contributing £5,000 each for a club share. However, the group have been unable to raise the required capital to make an offer for the club. Now it looks like Sam Sawyer might buy the club, thats if he comes to an agreement with the two Americans.

This post has been edited by redsfan: 10 June 2009 - 05:42 PM

[JohnTRFCWarrington]

Loving this story a very good read

[Carroll.]

Last Updated: Saturday, February 7th 2009, 17:00
Premier League > Liverpool FC
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SAFE AND EASY IN THE END
WEST BROM 1-3 LIVERPOOL
Premier League

Gabirel Agbonlahor was back in the squad, with Michael Owen not even travelling, apperently an injury forcing him out. West Brom still in the race for the 4th top, which also includes Liverpool and Tottenham.

Before the match you might have put your money on a goal in the first ten minutes. And there was... but for West Brom. The Baggies won a freekick near the Liverpool box, and Chris Brunt whipped it in. The Ball fell to Morrison, who the ref said was tripped by Aurelio, and a penalty was given. Marc-Antoine Fortune stepped up and burried it into the corner. What a start from West Brom.

West Brom continued to show Liverpool up and totally dominated the posession. Then against the run of play, Dirk Kuyt managed to get past Robinson, and whipped in a great cross towards the back post. Ryan Babel managed to jump the highest and guided the ball into the back of the net for an equalizer.

Just before half time Liverpool were near to a contender for goal of the season. First Javier Mascherano won the ball in midfield. He then exchanged passes with Xabi Alonso, and played it to Gabirel Agbonlahor. He with one touch of the ball played it back to Alonso, who in turn passed to Steven Gerrard. He passed back to Agbonlahor who nicely layed the ball off for Mascherano to shoot. Unfortunately his shot just wide, that could have capped of some wonderful passing. All level at half time.

Not long into the second half and Liverpool were in front. It was once again down to their main man, to pick them up and get them up and running. Steven Gerrard of course, picked the ball up just outside the box, took a touch, and realised a trademark piledriver. The net nearly flying off with the power of the shot.

With quater of an hour left, Liverpool decided to finish the game off and changed their formation. Xabi Alonso came off, as they changed into a 4-4-2, Steffen Iversen coming on.

The plan worked well as they sun went two up. Dirk Kuyt received the ball on the edge of the box and decided to shoot. His shot had enough power to just get past Carson and finish the game off. Just like Owen 3 days ago, Kuyt had his party spoiled, as the goal was given to Paul Robinson, thats the West Brom defender of course, not the England keeper.

Match Stats

West Brom: Carson, Zuiverloon (Hoefkens 70), Robinson, Meite, Donk, Morrison (Teixiera 90), Brunt, Valero, Koren (Simpson 90), Fortune, Bednar, Dorrans
Unused Subs : Kiely, Moore, Barnett,

Liverpool: Reina, Srna, Aurelio (Insua 83), Agger, Carragher, Alonso(Iversen 76), Mascherano, Kuyt, Babel(Riera 83), Gerrard, Agbonlahor
Unused Subs : Skrtel, Arbeloa, Nemeth, N'Gog

Possession West Brom 48%-52% Liverpool
Shots : West Brom 7-19 Liverpool
Shots on Target : West Brom 4-5 Liverpool
Bookings : Koren (West Brom), Srna (Liverpool)
West Brom Goals : Fortune (8)
Liverpool Goals : Babel (24), Gerrard (58), Robinson O.G. (81)
Man of the Match : Gerrard

[blues_for_ever]

Hopefully Liverpool would get some new owners who could cash in and help Rafa buy some quality players. Easy win at the end against West brom after conceding after 8 mins. Great story mate KIU.

[LeedsUtd™]

Wow gr8 story m8 KIU

[Carroll.]

Last Updated: Monday,February 9th 2009,22:00pm
Premier League > Liverpool FC
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TAKEOVER COMPLETED

Tom Hicks and George Gillet are no longer assosciated with Liverpool. After exactly 2 years and 3 days, most of the time stressful, as the fans wanted them to " get out of their club ", they have sold their shares to director Sam Sawyer. Fans were seen around Anfield yesterday, sarcasticly clapping and cheering as the two Americans left the stadium.

Sam Sawyer has already expressed his delight, and says he will do everything to take the club forward. However he has also informed not to expect any big investments soon, as he hasn't got enough money to do everything at once.

" I can't describe just how happy I am. I know this is something the fans wanted, and i hope they feel i am the right man. Currently we haven't got enough money to make any big investments, seeing as the stadium plans are underway and i had to pay big money for the club, but i hope to take take slow but steady steps. If any rich investor would want to buy some shares, i would happily sell him a half, if he helps me to take this club to success."

This post has been edited by redsfan: 11 June 2009 - 06:57 PM

[Carroll.]

Last Updated: Sunday, February 15th 2009, 18:00pm
Premier League > Liverpool FC
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SAFELY THROUGH
LIVERPOOL 3-0 PLYMOUTH
FA Cup 5th Round

With Gabriel Agbonlahor and Michael Owen cup-tied, Fernando Torres injured Liverpool had only 4 natural strikers available. It may not actually sound that bad, until you find out the rest. Two of them are under twenty, one of them has been turned into a winger, and one has just recently joined. Still it was only Plymouth they were facing.

The team put out still had quality in it and were infront inside 5 minutes. Steven Gerrard's shot from just outside the area was saved for a corner. The Liverpool captain whipped the ball in and Martin Skrtel was the first one to react. His header, hitting the post on its way in.

Liverpool continued to dominate and soon made it two - nil. Albert Riera's cross was over hit, but it managed to get to Arvalo Arbeloa on the other side. He put in a near perfect cross towards the back post and Steffen Iversen was there to score his first goal on his first start for Liverpool.

And just before the half time whistle the game was all over. Riera's cross managed to get to Dirk Kuyt at the back post, but somehow Larrieu managed to save his shot. Just as Gerrard was going to get to the rebound, Sam Sawyer tripped him and the referee had no hesitations to point to the penalty spot. After Steven Gerrard missed the last two penalties, Rafa Benitez decided to change it, and Dirk Kuyt stepped up. His shot right into the corner, with the whistle going soon after.

Second half was unsupringly boring, with only a handful of half chances. The closest to a goal was Martin Skrtelel's header cleared of the line in extra time. Liverpool easily through to the 6th round of the FA Cup, and are now only two matches from the final.

Match Stats

Plymouth: Larrieu, Seip, Cathcart (Timar 72), Sawyer, McNamee, Paterson, Judge, Duguid, Folly, MacLean (Clark 81), Gallagher (Mackie 72)
Unused Subs : Stack, Barker, Walton, Gray

Liverpool: Cavalieri, Arbeloa,Insua, Skrtel, Hyypia (Carragher 86), Alonso (Babel 86), Mascherano, Riera, Kuyt, Gerrard, Iversen (N'Gog 86)
Unused Subs : Srna, Nemeth, Agger, Aurelio

Possession : Liverpool 43%-57% Plymouth
Shots : Liverpool 21-5 Plymouth
Shots on Target : Liverpool 7-2 Plymouth
Bookings : None
Liverpool Goals : Skrtel (5), Iversen (35), Kuyt (45+2)
Man of the Match : Skrtel

[Carroll.]

FA CUP 6th round draw
Monday 16th February 2009 12:00

The 6th round draw of the FA Cup has drawn some big and intresting matches. Chelsea and Liverpool could play against each other again, thats if the Blues can beat Tottenham. A Manchester derby could be on cards if Man United get past Hull.

Here is the draw in full:
Liverpool vs Tottenham or Chelsea
West Brom vs Wigan
Middlesbrough vs Everton
Man United or Hull vs Man City

[Carroll.]

Last Updated: Wednesday, February 18th 2009, 19:00
Premier League > Liverpool FC

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LIVERPOOL SIGN YOUNGSTER

Liverpool have today signed young Inter midfielder Francesco Bolzoni, for a fee believed to be around £6,750,000. The news come as a suprise to some, as altough largely known for his talents in Italy, he is faily unknown in England, and a quick research would tell you he has only had a handful of games for Inter. At twenty years old, he has his future ahead of him, and could well become a star at Anfield.


Bolzoni started out at San Colombano al Lambro before joining Inter's academy. Bolzoni has played for every academy team from the Esordienti (under-13) to the Primavera (under-20).

During the season 2006-2007, Bolzoni was part of the winning side, when F.C. Internazionale Milano Primavera won the Trofeo Giacinto Facchetti (under-20 Italian Championship).

He made his first-team debut on February 1, 2007, playing 26 minutes of the Tim Cup (Italian Cup) semi-final return leg against U.C. Sampdoria at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza.

On September 19, 2007, Bolzoni, alongside with Esposito and Puccio, was selected for the first time in the 20 man squad for the UEFA Champions League match against Fenerbahçe. However he failed to make his debut in the UEFA Champions League, on that day. In the following match against PSV Eindhoven he came on as a substitute for Santiago Solari in the 70th minute, making his first UEFA Champions League appearance.

On December 12, 2007, during an away match against PSV Eindhoven, Bolzoni started his first UEFA Champions League match, and also played the whole 90 minutes. The game ended in 1-0 win for Internazionale.

Francesco Bolzoni has renewed his contract with the club until 30 June 2012.

On May 24, 2009, in a match against Cagliari he made his Serie A debut for Inter coming in as substitute for Chivu. It was his season first match for Inter after some appearances in European and Italian Cup competitions.