Liverpool FC are playing Debrecen tonight in the Champions League, and unfortunately, with our fate not anymore in our hands, we are unable to decide who goes through, and who goes out. Liverpool need a miracle to qualify, just like they needed a miracle against Olympiakos, but this is alot less ’simpler’. If we beat Debrecen tonight, Lyon have the fate to decide who will qualify. If Lyon lose against Fioreinta, then that’s it for Liverpool. We only have the UEFA Cup to play for. On the other hand, If Lyon win in Italy, there is still a chance of qualifying if we beat Fiorienta at Anfield.

With Liverpool struggling also in the Premier League, this may be a season to forget for all Liverpool fans.

“Man City are way better than Liverpool”

“Liverpool are rubbish.”

“Liverpool won’t even make the Champions League”

These are things we have to turn around, and quick. Liverpool FC are one of the most successful teams  in the world, and if you told that to someone who only started to watch football from the start of the season right now, they would laugh.

Liverpool F.C vs Debrecen

Kick Off 19:45 (UK)

Home/Away

Sky Sports 1 (HD)/ ITV/ Sky Sports 2 (HD)

Last meeting: Liverpool 1 (Kuyt) – 0 Debrecen

Be sure to follow www.twitter.com/Lfc_Fan_club for match updates and updates on the Fiorienta – Lyon match.

(AGM-DS) – Milano, 17 novembre – Dirk Kuyt punta il dito contro l’agonismo messo in campo dalla nazionale italiana nel test con l’Olanda.

Il giocatore del Liverpool se la prende in particolar modo con Giorgio Chiellini per il brutto tackle che ha messo ko Robin Van Persie che dovrà stare fermo per sei settimane.

“Sono molto deluso – ha affermato a Sky Sports News – Abbiamo giocato un’amichevole contro un grande paese come l’Italia e mi rattrista il modo in cui siamo stati colpiti.

E’ triste per la nazionale olandese e anche per Robin che era in grande forma.

Fonte:

http://www.datasport.it/leggi.aspx?id=5855054

By Joe, www.Bettingexpert.com

Liverpool are praying for a miracle in both domestic and European competitions already in November. They are currently 9 points behind Premiership leader, Chelsea, and while their Champions League campaign fate is not in their hands anymore. November month could put further misery to Liverpool’s current situation and Birmingham could not have ask a better time to travel to Anfield Road.

Manager Rafa Benitez is feeling the pressure and nothing but a win will assure the fans and board to keep fate in him. Liverpool have lost their captain, Steven Gerrard, through a groin injury, while Albert Reira (hamstring) and Glen Johnson (calf) are still out. Benitez is so desperate to keep Fernando Torres fit but it seems that he might be out for three weeks. Martin Skrtel could return against Birmingham to pair up with Daniel Agger in the heart of the defense. Vice captain, Jamie Carragher and Phillip Degen are suspended.

Birmingham shares some similar situation with Liverpool regarding the injuries and suspension issue. They will have to travel to Anfield Road without Barry Ferguson as he got red card last week while Garry O’Connor, Keith Fahey, Temmu Tanio and Martin Taylor are all ruled doubtful. Goal keeper, Joe Hart, could be on the verge to regain his first team spot after being ineligible to face his parent club, Manchester City, in a 0-0 draw last Sunday. Alex McLeish will have to choose his team wisely as this is a golden chance for him to pour salt on Liverpool’s wound.

Birmingham have a good record against Liverpool in the Premier League, they managed to win twice and drawn four game in the past three seasons. We have to go all the way to 2004 to find a Liverpool victory at Anfield against the Birmingham. It all really depends whether Torres will be risked or not for Liverpool, he is their main man and if he is not there, then it’s like sending a team out for the League Cup. Birmingham have just scored eight league goals and that could be the deciding factor whether they win or lose the match. Liverpool will force the agenda on Monday night.

Read the report on Bettingexpert.com called  “A betting report for the 2008/2009 season“ and the tipsters might be able to help you decide where you want to bet.

In molti pensavano che fosse forte, ma non tutti  immaginavano che fosse Hercules

here are the first official player spottings, kuyt and ballack.

i have to say the black/red ones look much better than i expected in the first time, but i looooooooove the white ones.

A crise recente do Liverpool não é pequena. O time venceu o Manchester United no último final de semana, mas é um resultado que não me engana. Como destacou Rogério Andrade, a torcida até já foi às ruas para protestar contra a administração da equipe.

O time ainda está fora da zona de classificação do seu grupo na Liga dos Campeões e só na 5ª colocação do Campeonato Inglês. Não é nada caótico ainda, mas sempre espera-se mais de um dos maiores times da Europa.

Pior que toda essa fase só as especulações das últimas semanas: Gerrard iria para o Real Madrid e Mascherano para o Barcelona. É claro que sempre  é difícil acreditar que esses negócios acontecerão, mas a preocupação é normal.

Sem esses jogadores, o que seria do Liverpool? No meio-campo, restaria Lucas, Riera, Benayoun e Kuyt. Nenhum grande nome. Pouca qualidade.

A crise recente do Liverpool não é pequena. E pode ficar gigante no começo de 2010 se a janela de transferências não for bem aproveitada.

Lucas on Beachball duty! www.liverpoolfc.tv

Liverpool were definitely the better team in what is generally referred to as the Clash of the Titans against Manchester Utd. Thanks to some really good defensive work from stand-in skipper Jamie Carragher, who was spectacular, Masceranho and the much maligned Lucas and some deft passing upfront by Kuyt, Benayoun and Torres, Liverpool came away as 2-0 victors, their 1st win in 5 matches, their third consecutive win against Manchester Utd and a win that hopefully would see their fortunes change for the better!

This match like all previous encounters between the two stalwarts of English football was not without incident. Luckily the incidents in this case didn’t involve unfortunate beach balls and other sun-and-sand paraphernalia! Vidic got his 3rd consecutive red card against Liverpool while Liverpool got their first red card sending off for 54 games, Javier Masceranho. And would you believe it: 54 games ago it was Masceranho who was sent off against Manchester Utd!

Torres netted the opener on 62 minutes as he continued his voodoo over Ferdinand and Vidic who look increasingly discomfited when faced with “El Nino”. The second goal came of the “much maligned in mid week”, David Ngog deep into stoppage time putting the final nail in Manchester Utd’s coffin.

Although Liverpool are several points off the pace right now, this is a good sign as no bad ever comes off of beating Manchester Utd! Plus, Liverpool might just have proved critics wrong by winning an extremely important and difficult game sans Captain Fantastic Steven Gerrard!

The goals for Liverpool were from Torres (62nd) and Ngon (94th)

Hook, line and sinker! www.liverpoolfc.tv

That was the weekend that was…

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1. Liverpool were beaten for the third straight week and it’s starting to get a bit boring with how often we have to mention how thin their squad is. Of course any team would miss their two best players, not least when those players are Gerrard and Torres, but of all the big four sides they are least equipped to cope.

Dirk Kuyt toiled on his own up front and reminded us all why he has been playing on the right wing instead for the past 18 months. Meanwhile in the middle Jay Spearing was given his Premier League debut and looked a bit lost by all accounts.

Hilariously the jokers at the Liverpool official website gave him man of the match honours which must have been news to everyone else watching the game. Cana and Cattermole once again dominated for Sunderland and just taking a random cross section of national newspapers, Spearing was not even the best Liverpool midfielder, let alone the best player on the pitch.

The white one Jose, save the white one...

As for the beach ball goal, it shouldn’t really have stood but these things happen. Sunderland fully deserved the victory. Ironically enough it was a Liverpool fan who threw the thing on the pitch in the first place! The title challenge is over, even if they beat Man Utd next week. There is just nothing to fear with this Liverpool team and I can see them losing several more times before the season is over.

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2. Jermaine Defoe needs to keep one eye on his temperament. You can’t be taking players to the World Cup who are liable to get themselves needlessly sent off. Fall out of favour now and it’s going to be very hard to get back in, what with so few friendlies left.

Defoe’s red card also provides a good opportunity for Peter Crouch to cement his claim for a spot in the Spurs starting line up as well as the England squad as Plan B/C. Fortunately for Defoe it won’t be at his expense. For now.

Dum dum Defoe.

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3. Since James Collins was sold to Villa, West Ham have failed to keep a clean sheet. That does over emphasise his importance somewhat but when you look at Villa’s form since he joined, it does illustrates that he is a good player.

I had big concerns over Villa’s ability to replace Martin Laursen this season but to be fair to Martin O’Neill he seems to have pulled it off, mainly by signing two players in Dunne and Collins. They exposed Chelsea’s (well, Carvalho’s) set piece deficiency at the weekend and have formed a promising partnership at the back.

Back at Upton Park, Upson has been left to do it on his own (Tomkins is not the finished article yet) and the lack of defensive options has been a big reason why the Hammers have struggled so far this year.

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4. Man Utd were controlled enough against Bolton and are back top. Away games against Liverpool and Chelsea are coming up in the next three matches and we should have a clearer idea of just how good they are this season after that.

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5. David Dunn now had four league goals this season, level with Fabregas for most from midfield. Easily Blackburn’s best player, how their season evolves will depend on him.

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6. Arsenal made heavy weather of Birmingham before eventually completing the job late on. After going 2-0 up they switched to cruise control and started treating it almost like a training match. When Bowyer got one back after the traditional Arsenal goalkeeper fail under a high ball, you could see the nervousness that was so prevalent last year creeping in again.

This was after a spectacularly mis-timed jump. Almunia has taught him well.

Fortunately class eventually told and Arshavin slotted home a nice goal to wrap up the points. Even though I’m not totally convinced by the defence, Arsenal currently have so many goal scoring options in the side that they could well last the distance. In eight games, 27 goals have been scored from 12 different players.

The number of injuries suffered at the Emirates means there’ll never be a situation where everyone is available at any once but as long as four of Fabregas, Arshavin, Van Persie, Bendtner, Eduardo, Rosicky, Nasri, Walcott and Vela are fit at any given time then a sustained challenge may yet be forthcoming.

Simples. Eventually.

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T.

Una super-Fiorentina, determinata al massimo e mai così perfetta da inizio stagione, batte un Liverpool assente,  imbambolato, davanti a quelle prodezze di quel Jo-Jo, capace di metterli ko. Il Jo-Jo in questione, non è quel giocattolo con una piccola corda che va su e giù, ma stiamo parlando di un ragazzo montenegrino 19enne, di nome Jovetic, che è stato capace di trascinare la propria squadra ad un successo inaspettato facendo passi da gigante dall’anno scorso, visto che la maggior parte di giocatori di scommesse, ed anche di molti esperti,  non avrebbero mai puntato sulla vittoria della squadra viola. La partita è stata quasi sempre in mano ai viola, che conquistano la vittoria al primo tempo con la doppietta di Jovetic che segna al 37′ e chiude i conti al 45′.

LA PARTITA: 

Questa volta, nonostante il parziale fosse ’solo’ di 2-0, a Benitez sarebbe servito un miracolo ancor più grande di quello targato Istanbul 2005 per vincere la partita. Al rientro dagli spogliatoi per l’inizio del secondo tempo, infatti, sono usciti 22 giocatori ma nella prima frazione di gioco se ne erano visti solo 11. Quelli con la maglia della Fiorentina addosso.

Al fischio iniziale dell’arbitro Brych, infatti, si è immediatamente scatenato l’uragano viola, capace di travolgere la morbida resistenza dei Reds. Con Zanetti padrone del centrocampo, Marchionni e Vargas in buona serata sulle fasce, Mutu abile a non dare punti di riferimento ai marcatori puri Skrtel e Carragher, e con Jovetic a recitare il ruolo del fuoriclasse puro, per la Fiorentina è stato più facile del previsto sbloccare il risultato al minuto 28 con Jo-Jo. E siccome contro il Liverpool sarebbe stato letale sedersi sul vantaggio acquisito, la truppa di Prandelli ha continuato ad azzannare la preda sofferente senza lasciarle il tempo di rimettersi in piedi. Indemoniati fino al raddoppio dello stesso Jovetic al 37′, Mutu e compagni hanno continuato a premere fino al termine del primo tempo quando il ‘gong’ di Brych ha salvato Gerrard e compagni dal ko tecnico.

Al rientro dagli spogliatoi, la cura Benitez si è immediatamente avvertita, ma né Benayoun né Kuyt hanno impensierito l’impassibile Frey. Cresciuto nel possesso palla (già superiore nel primo tempo), il Liverpool non è comunque mai riuscito a sfondare. Il primo cambio, arrivato al 71′ (Babel per Insua) è risultato tardivo e la girandola di sostituzioni finale ha impedito a Gerrard e Torres di riaprire un match chiuso con largo anticipo da Jovetic. Un bambino in grado di fare la voce grossa tra i giganti. Un bambino in grado di recitare il ruolo del protagonista all’interno del film “Una partita perfetta”. 

“LA PARTITA” fonte: SportMediaset

The pre-meditated crunching tackle can turn a game. Ron Atkinson used to call it a ‘reducer’. With one act of measured violence a player can rouse both the crowd and his teammates. It is particularly important for supporters, who, above all else, want to see demonstrations of commitment – confirmation that the club’s ’cause’ is as important to the players as it is to us. This desire even has its own chant: “Get into ‘em/Fuck ‘em up”.

But the pursuit of the reducer was at least partly to blame for the sendings off of both Jordi Lopez and Nathan Dyer last Saturday. Lopez, with the crowd on his back after another underwhelming performance, started lunging at anything in a red and white shirt. The daft – and harsh – nature of Dyer’s second yellow (for kicking a dead ball back a couple of yards in injury time) has led many to overlook the equally unneccessary way he earned his first card (a clumsy sliding challenge). While some are calling Lopez’s unavailability for the next match a blessing in disguise, Dyer’s absence will be felt in Doncaster tonight.

Just as they always want to see the reducer, most fans, certainly the ones who sit near me in the East Stand, want and expect our strikers to chase down hopeless balls and hassle goalkeepers. Fulfilling these rituals may leave the players knackered, or stranded miles offside if we attack quickly from a keeper’s kick, but that is considered relatively unimportant. What is important is that the our man has shown willing. Unlike the reducer and Marcel Desailly, Big Ron didn’t have a name for aimless, crowd-pleasing running. I’ll call it the ‘Kuyt’.

It was Jason Scotland’s refusal to ‘Kuyt’ about that made him unpopular with the denser elements of our support. He also failed to drool over his badge for two minutes everytime he scored. But I hope those who gave Big Jase a hard time are honest enough now to see that we are significantly worse off for having shipped him out.

There is a place in football for both the reducer and the Kuyt, especially when club morale is as low as ours is at the moment. But large sections of our support overvalue the importance of these elements of the game. They can have temporary benefits (increased crowd noise, sense of momentum) but can also have permanent costs (red cards, lack of positional discipline). In rewarding this behaviour we may be damaging our chances on the pitch.

But the damage being inflicted with the reducer and the Kuyt is nothing compared to our most dangerous crowd activity: the cries of “sssshhhooooooooot” every time Tate gets into the opponent’s half. Yes, I was there when he scored that beauty against Preston last year, and, yes, it was funny for a couple of games after that. But it must stop. Please make it stop.

By Joe, www.Bettingexpert.com

Steven Gerrard came to the rescue last time Liverpool played Hull City at Anfield. Will the captain win it for the Reds this time?

After the home defeat to Aston Villa one month ago, Liverpool have gone strengthen to strengthen. Captain Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres, Ryan Babel and Dirk Kuyt have turned their game up and produced the results that Coach Rafa Benitez wanted. They will host Hull City at Anfield Road and looks surely to make it their sixth consecutive win in a roll.

Rafa Benitez made 9 changes in their midweek 1-0 win in the League Cup against Leeds United. The game didn’t end without some controversial as Javier Mascherano was caught on TV elbowing a Leeds player in the 2^nd half. The Argentinean will be subject to a FA investigation and his place against Hull City looks doubtful. Both Gerrard and Torres started on the bench against Leeds and they look most certainly rested for the Premier league game.  Danish defender Daniel Agger is training with the squad again and could play a role sometime in the near future.

The Tigers made nine changes in the midweek’s heavy defeat to Everton, in the League Cup, from the side that lost to Birmingham last Saturday. Kamil Zayatte and Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink were the two players that retained their places in the starting lineup. This year, Hull have started their campaign in poor form and looking likely to play a part in the relegation battle. Coach Phil Brown has been busy in the transfer market but seemingly finding it hard to get his players gel together. They are currently 19^th in the league and they really need to get their defensive marking up a notch.

Things are going well for Liverpool and it will take a lot of hard work if any teams want to claim any points at Anfield. The last time the two teams faced each other in Anfield ended 2-2 and could the Tigers land themselves another good result? Liverpool will get the better of Hull and Betsson is offering Liverpool at 1.18 for a win.

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Rafa Benitez

Rafa Benitez ha oggi incitato Fernando Torres a iniziare a segnare i gol necessari a lanciare il Liverpool nella lotta al titolo.

Lo spagnolo è stato in grado di realizzare già tre gol in sei partite, finora, ma sembra addirittura in grado di innescare una marcia in più.

Il suo stato di forma sarà determinante se Benitez e i suoi vogliono puntare al titolo anche nel 2009-10, ma l’allenatore vorrebbe che anche il resto della squadra desse il proprio contributo realizzativo.

“Sappiamo che quando Fernando sta bene farà gol ma se anche il resto della squadra segna, con giocatori come Dirk Kuyt che vanno a bersaglio, fa solo bene,” ha spiegato Benitez nella conferenza stampa che precede la partita col West Ham.

“Dobbiamo cercare di segnare in ogni modo.”

“Se il tuo attaccante segna tutti parleranno di lui ma per me, come manager, è meglio avere scelta, con più giocatori che entrano in area e vanno a segno. E’ una cosa che complica anche le cose ai difensori avversari.”

“Per me, Fernando ha dimostrato di stare meglio l’altro giorno (nella vittoria interna di Champions League, NdT). Si stava impegnando a fondo. Quando si parla di attaccanti si tirano sempre in ballo i gol – ma lui ha lavorato per la squadra ed è una cosa positiva.”

“Sono certo che segnerà e se continuerà a lavorare come il resto della squadra continuerà anche a fare gol.”

Benitez ha voluto fare un plauso particolare a Kuyt, il cui gol decisivo contro il Debrecen gli ha permesso di diventare il terzo miglior marcatore di sempre nelle Coppe europee per il Liverpool.

“Kuyt è sempre stato un giocatore importantissimo,” ha detto il boss. “Che giochi da attaccante puro, seconda punta o ala, il suo impegno è sempre stato al 100%. Ha un’ottima mentalità e altrettanto positive sono le sue capacità. E’ il classico giocatore che tutti gli allenatori vorrebbero avere in squadra.”

“Ogni volta che prepariamo una partita ci chiediamo ‘chi può giocare qui, e chi lì?’. Bene, Kuyt può stare ovunque.”

Al Liverpool si sa che sabato vincere la partita di Upton Park, che avrà inizio all’ora del tè, è fondamentale per restare nella scia del gruppo dei primi.

Due sconfitte rimediate a inizio stagione hanno ridotto il margine di errore per il Club di Anfield, ma l’allenatore prevede molti colpi di scena in una corsa al titolo che quest’anno potrebbe essere aperta.

“Ci sono molte buone squadre e sarà più difficile per tutti,” ha sostenuto. “Tutti perderanno più partite del solito e speriamo che questo ci favorisca, avendone già perse due.”

“Chiaramente il City adesso può provarci, anche l’Aston Villa ha le carte in regole, poi ci sono l’Arsenal, il Chelsea, lo United, e se tutto va bene ci saremo anche noi.”

“Questo fine settimana ci aspetta una partita difficile. Loro non subiscono molti gol. Zola è un manager valido, con una buona visione del calcio. Prova a giocare bene.”

Nel frattempo, data la sua disponibilità, è stato anche chiesto a Benitez se avesse dato un occhio all’Europa League, giovedì sera – e cosa pensasse dell’esperimento dei sei arbitri.

Ha sorriso: “No, non ho guardato niente. Stavo seguendo la nostra squadra Riserve, che stava battendo lo United per 1-0 nonostante fosse ridotta in dieci, e la cosa mi ha fatto davvero piacere.”

“Mi hanno riferito qualcosa di questo esperimento e ho due cose da dire a riguardo. La prima è che già non è semplice trovare tre o quattro fra arbitro e guardalinee per ogni partita – quindi sarà difficile trovarne ancora di più.”

“Inoltre avremo difficoltà con gli spogliatoi a loro riservati. Dovranno essere più spaziosi.”

Quando gli è stato chiesto se ad Anfield si debbano eventualmente fare degli ammodernamenti per ospitare tanti arbitri, ha aggiunto: “Bisognerebbe prendere in considerazione ogni stadi, ma alcuni spogliatoi sono davvero così piccoli che non sarebbe possibile.”

servizio di Jimmy Rice per il sito ufficiale del Liverpool

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N165820090918-1411.htm

Grupo A

Uma das poucas surpresas da primeira fase ocorreu neste grupo. A Juvents, em casa, empatou com o Bordeaux. Resultado ruim, mas não deve impedir a Vecchia Signora de classificar-se. Talvez complique o primeiro lugar do grupo, pois o Bayern venceu, sem dificuldades, o Maccabi Haifa por 3×0.

Grupo B

Todos os gols da história do Wolfsburg na Liga dos Campeões foram marcados por um brasileiro. Grafite balançou as redes três vezes contra o CSKA Moscou, e ajudou o time alemão a liderar seu grupo. O ex-atacante do São Paulo nunca mereceu tanto uma chance com a camisa da seleção brasileira. No outro jogo do grupo, um gol solitário de Paulo Scholes deu a vitória ao Manchester United sobre o Besiktas, na Turquia.

Grupo C

Resultado espetacular do Milan. Venceu o Olympique de Marselha por 2×1, na França. Como o time francês é seu principal rival pela segunda vaga nas oitavas, Leonardo deu um grande passo rumo à classificação. Os dois gols foram feitos por Inzaghi, um caso a ser estudado. Na outra partida, Cristiano Ronaldo também marcou duas vezes e ajudou o Real Madrid a golear o Zurique por 5×2. Foi uma semana triste para os suíços.

Grupo D

Apenas um gol neste grupo. Anelka marcou para o Chelsea contra o Porto, em Stamford Bridge. Já Atlético de Madrid e Apoel empataram sem gols. Resultado péssimo para o time espanhol, pois dificilmente mais alguém perderá pontos para a equipe cipriota.

Grupo E

Os dois mandantes venceram pela contagem mínima. Kuyt garantiu a vitória do Liverpool sobre o Debrecien, primeiro time húngaro na fase de grupos desde 1995. Na outra partida, Lyon venceu a Fiorentina. Resultado importante para o time francês, que deve brigar com o italiano por uma vaga.

Grupo F

O jogo mais esperado da fase de grupos foi, de certa forma, decepcionante. Inter de Milão e Barcelona empataram em 0×0. Os catalães foram superiores a partida inteira. Incrível como os atuais tetracampeões italianos jogam sempre da mesma forma. Ainda por este grupo, o Dinamo de Kiev venceu o Rubin Kazan por 3×1 e saiu na frente pelo terceiro lugar, que dá direito a participar da Liga Europa. Um dos gols foi de Gérson Magrão.

Grupo G

Luis Fabiano e Renato ajudaram o Sevilla a vencer o Unirea por 2×0, no grupo mais equilibrado da Champions League. Equilibrado por baixo, claro, pois os outros dois times são Rangers e Stuttgart, que empataram em 1×1.

Grupo H

Com gol de Eduardo da Silva, o Arsenal conquistou uma virada espetacular sobre o Standard Liége, após estar perdendo por 2×0. Bendtner e Vermaelen marcaram os outros tentos da equipe londrina.  O Olympiakos, nova equipe de Zico, venceu o AZ Alkmaar, na Grécia, por 1×0.

Bemutatkozott a Debrecen a Bajonok Ligájában. Vereséggel ugyan, de nem leégéssel. Herczeg András tanítványai 1–0-ra kikaptak Liverpoolban.

Az angolok fölénye végig meglátszott a játékon, de ez gondolom senkit sem lep meg. Az viszont meglepő, hogy szurkolók tekintetében a Loki-drukkerek tettek ki magukért leginkább. Végigordították a meccset, 90 percen keresztül hallhattuk a „Hajrá Loki”-t. Sőt, volt képük hurrogni is az Anfield Roadon egy-egy Liverpool-támadásnál!

Az első félidő utolsó percéig tartotta magát a magyar csapat. Ekkor Kuyt betalált: Torres rúgott kapura, majd a kapusról kipattanó labdát a holland a hosszú sarokba supintotta.

Ez maradt az egyetlen gól – erre Rafael Benitez sem lehet büszke! Sajnos a Loki próbálkozásai elégtelenek voltak, igazán veszélyes debreceni támadást alig láthattunk. A három pontot megérdemelten tartotta otthon a Pool, a Loki előtt pedig le a kalappal, hogy csak minimális gólkülönbséggel kapott ki.

Az Urziceni a Lokihoz hasonlóan a 46. percig tudta feltartani a jóval esélyesebb Sevillát: ekkor Luis Fabiano talált be, majd a 70. percben Renato állította be a 2–0-ás végeredményt.

Bölöni csapata, a Standard Liége bravúrosan kezdett az Arsenal ellen: a 2. percben vezetést szereztek, majd az ötödikben büntetőből találtak be. A kétgólos vezetés azonban elfogyott a meccs végére, és az angolok nyertek 3–2-re.

A szerdai eredmények:

Liverpool–Debrecen 1–0
Sevilla–Urziceni 2–0
Standard Liége–Arsenal 2–3
Lyon–Fiorentina 1-0
Internazionale Milano–Barcelona 0–0
Dinamo Kijev–Rubin Kazany 3–1
Stuttgart–Rangers 1–1
Olympiakosz–AZ Alkmaar 1–0

Kovács Hont-Imre

The Champions League is back and Liverpool took the field against Debrescen, the latter who I had not heard of before, I put my faith in Liverpool getting a 3-0 win with at least a 2-0 lead at half-time. With Benayoun impressing over the weekend with his hat-trick, Benitez had him playing right side of midfield with Kuyt playing behind Torres, in the hole (which off late, I would imagine has been Gerrard’s position).

Debrescen could inflict only psychological damage. www.uefa.com

Liverpool had a few chances in the first half but it was turning out to be ‘one of those days’ when the Reds would push, push and push but to no avail. To the frustration of Liverpool, round about the 30th minute Debrescen got very adventurous and it almost paid of if it wasn’t for Reina’s good stop. My 3-0 prediction looked as bad as a forecast of snow in the summer!

Kuyt scores only goal of the game. www.soccernet.com

Half time was upon us with just a single minute of stoppage time. However, this proved to be enough as Kuyt put Liverpool 1-0 up from a Torres shot that was saved by the goalie; and I breathed a sigh of relief!

The second half started with Debrescen scurrying around with intent. Liverpool matched every move in the few opening minutes of the second half with even a shout for a penalty thrown in! As the match progressed Liverpool kept the ball in the opposing half and Gerrard almost got a trademark cannon on target; just a few inches too high! However, in general, both teams had strangely switched off with a few half-chances (mostly half-hearted chances) falling to Liverpool in the 62nd minute.

As the match progressed close to the 65th minute, Riera and Benayoun were going great guns on both sides of the field. This resulted in a clever little nutmeg from Benayoun that almost had the Debrescen keeper in a sweat which was averted by a corner in Liverpool’s favor. By the 75th minute, Liverpool had accumulated a corner-tally of 7 and Carragher was taking potshots at goal!

The match was drawing to a close and Liverpool were making no effort to dispel the fear of them conceding from corners and setpieces! This match is a classic example that a 1-0 lead is never enough as the opposition always has a chance. So far, for Liverpool’s good fortune, the current opposition lacked the class to take advantage of Liverpool’s regular drops in concentration.

Babel came on for Riera — the former must be getting a little too used to the bench these days! To Babel’s credit, he created a clear chance for Benayoun with a burst of pace with Benayoun not taking full advantage of the situation. Liverpool still stay 1-0 and Babel was staking a claim for the starting line up. With just a couple of more minutes to go, Masceranho who was out of the team with an injury replaced the in-form Benayoun as Liverpool looked to defend, defend and defend.

In stoppage time, Liverpool used up their last substitution, Fabio Aurelio, as a temporizing strategy as the match ended with Dirk Kuyt’s goal keeping Liverpool’s nose ahead.

The goal for Liverpool was: Kuyt (45+1)

Liverpool will play Aston Villa on their 3rd game of the season today. Last time they met, it was Steven Gerrard who stood out with his first Premier League hat-trick.

but all eyes will be mainly on Glen Johnson. He migt aswell be nominated for the team of the season right now. Skrtel is a doubt, while other signing Alberto Aquilani is still out injured. Apart from that, Rafa Benitez has a fresh squad to choose from, including suprise player Lucas. The Brazilian shown he can play well, and also got  call up from Brazil.

Likely line up: Reina, Johnson, Carragher, Ayala, Insua, Lucas, Mashcerano, Kuyt, Benayoun, Gerrard, Torres

Score last season: Liverpool 5-0 Villa

Likely Score: Liverpool 3-0 Villa

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Now THAT, Mr. Benitez was eff-ing BRILLIANT!

“Sometimes its better to play a match so soon after losing a game” – Rafa. I thought “Like Hell”! The players looked so rusty on Sunday, that I was hoping the next match was only on Sunday with Rafa having enough time to drill everyone into shape, getting injuries sorted out and well simply to just staying away from dropping any further points.

But then here I stand with a Benitez like shrug to Alonso, saying “What do I know?”.

The victory against Stoke was sweeter for three reasons:

One, we were being slammed left, right and center after the defeat by Spurs and to believe the experts we were already out of the races of top four spot. So to win and bring back some semblance of objectivity was welcome. Now, suddenly we are back at the races for the title.

Two, Stoke City had been resilient in both Home and Away matches last season.  They seemed to know how to contain even a rampaging Liverpool side. So the win and the manner of the win was amazing.

Three, look at the picture. Need I say more?

If against Spurs the attack lacked any edge, midfield looked tired and defense looked at sea, against Stoke attack seemed devastating, midfield dominated, and defense was hardly made to work. Apart from a couple of chances and a few Delap special throw-ins, there was hardly a threat to the Liverpool goal. Though one Reina save was brilliant.

Getting into the Act

All the usual suspects got into their stride.

Rafa, who publicly ask Torres to quiet down and do the talking by scoring goals, was again being slammed by the media of rift and how he could push the Liverpool number 9 into heading back for Spain. Torres scored in fourth minute and played like a man possessed up front to promptly rubbish the media claims.

  Fernando Torres – Opening his account for this season

It wasn’t surprising that Gerrard got into thick of things too. A goal to cap off the night would have been perfect for Gerrard but if he keeps doing this whole season he will make others score truck loads. Setting up two goals, the second one brilliantly at that – what more could we have asked him to do.

The build up play for Kuyt’s goal was exquisite by Gerrard. He was played in through the right by a subtle lobbed pass, and Gerrard not only controlled but in one deft did a stunning swivel to enter the box leave the defender stranded and proceeded to give a simple pass and Kuyt did good job under pressure from two defenders to get his foot and rolled the ball in.

  Kuyt and Gerrard: A stunning team goal

The result was going to get sweeter with N’Gog heading in in the last minute. Johnson went steaming down the right flank taking two defenders with him and crossed into the box. The ball took a slightest of deflection from one of the defender’s hand and the goalkeeper could only tip the ball onto the bar, which rebounded for easiest of head-ins for David N’Gog.

David N’Gog: Making it 4 – 0 

GLEN JOHNSON – The Difference

Glen Johnson was brought in with the purpose of opening up the 11-Men-in-defense teams and how well he did it. He created one, scored another and became a nuisance for the defenders. He frequently drew out two of the left defenders out of the equation by his runs and in the process made more space for Kuyt and even after taking on two defenders managed to retain the ball on most of the occasions. Simply class. His acrobatic cycle kick for his goal on Anfield league debut was amazing. The lad knows plenty about what to do with the ball.

  Glen Johnson: Stunning strike to put Liverpool 2 – 0 up.

There was a big difference in the attitude of the team. Carra and Ayala were very steady. Insua is progressing quite impressively. He had a golden opportunity to score but I guess the simplicity of the chance and nerves maybe made him fluff it. Lucas looked good and worked hard.

Yossi was outstanding. When he was bought from Westham, Rafa was being slammed for wasting on another average midfield player and err… I too was one of those critics of this business. I confess now it was simply because I had not seen him play. Yossi is a very intelligent player and you can bank on him to give as many problems to the opposition as he can. His touches, passes and runs got the whole team look more balanced.

With this one performance Liverpool dispelled a lot of doubts on how the team would fair without Alonso. Though, we would miss Alonso’s quality and his sheer class, it would not mean the end of world as the media was making it out to be. Liverpool has a strong team and they would not just roll over and play dead just because Alonso is no longer in the team.

A 4 – 0 drubbing to our bogey team – BOY! what a result. With this result, I can look forward to the Aston Villa’s visit on Monday knowing that the team is back into its stride and is going to pose pretty sharp questions for Villans and pundits when Villa comes visiting.

Video of all the goals

All match related media:
http://liverpoolfcclips.blogspot.com/2009/08/epl-190809-liverpool-vs-stoke-city.html

Liverpool won their first game at anfield easily, with a 4-0 win over Stoke City. It only took Torres 4 minutes to get his first goal at Anfield this season, a simple goal from about 6 yards, provided by Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard. The second goal came on the stroke of Half Time, when Glen Johnson Acrobatically scored after Kuyt’s shot had been saved. Insua also had a great chance to get the second, but shot into the side netting.

Half Time: Liverpool 2-0 Stoke

In the second half, Stoke began to feel more confident in the first few minues. Reina brilliantly stopped Delap by diving to his left. But the match was well and truly settled with about 15 minutes to go, when Steven Gerrard produced some great skill for Dirk Kuyt to tap in from a few yards. In stoppage time it was Glen Johnson again who ran at the defenders before his deflected cross found its way to David N’gog’s head thanks to Sorenson.

Full Time: Liverpool 4-0 Stoke

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I was going mental when the pundits were predicting a win for Tottenham against Liverpool this weekend.

Hull City gave a good account of themselves against Chelsea instead of obliging them with a 3 – 0 rout as Pundits had predicted. Birmingham’s castle got raided over and over again but instead off rolling over against the last season champions, as pundits had claimed they would, they held their nerves to narrowly lose by a single goal. Arsenal, were supposed to struggle and a draw was on the card according to the experts but they forgot to tell that to Arsene, who absolutely murdered Everton – it ended 6 – 1 for Arsenal when it could have easily been 8 or 9.

In short, the esteemed pundits potty prediction were going where they belonged, down the drain. So I was sure that Liverpool would show enough quality to put away Tottenham. With only one play, which earned Liverpool the penalty, as the only noteworthy moment in the whole match, it was to be a long evening of chasing ghosts for Liverpool.

 
Assou-Ekoto’s scorcher gave Spurs the lead.

The first goal was a brilliant goal, stunning strike from yards out and nothing could have been done about it. Before this goal Reina made two crucial saves against Keane and was looking invincible. I was calm that our defenders would settle down and our attack would start pegging Spurs back, but still it was difficult to see Liverpool gaining anything more than a point.

Johnson amazing piece of ball control and subsequent penalty and goal almost got me thinking of an improbable victory. Bassong’s goal within 5 minutes dashed any such hopes and it was back again to hoping for a goal from somewhere to draw level. But surely there was no way back for a team in such woeful form.

Bassong seals it for the Spurs 

Not that Tottenham played like world beaters, but they did enough and deserved the win.

It still looked like we were in pre-seasons. The whole team was looking so damn rusty. There was no coordination and with so many passes going to Tottenham midfield, it seemed like Liverpool players had no player awareness.

Torres had no supply at all and there was no drive or incisive moves except the moment of personal brilliance by Johnson.  Gerrard went missing but then he too did not get anything where he could push on forward. Even the usually live and bright Kuyt was looking jaded.

Skrtel and Carra looked ginger from the start but ended up getting even more crocked. Hopefully, both of them can be ready by Saturday for the Stoke Game. Johnson looked good and Insua steady.

Mascherano as usual was steady and did well, but there was no forward thrust by either him or Lucas. Babel was completely off colour. He has to give more account of himself when given chances instead of pouting on for not being given a run-in.

At least, Glen Johnson did show why he was brought in with that brilliant run that got Liverpool their penalty.

It was a collective failure. None of the parts clicked and there was nothing in the performance that stood out. Simply put, no one did enough anywhere in the park to inspire any confidence.

Rafa would do well to slam some sense into the players head and hope, what we see at Anfield in 2 days time would at least be exciting if not Champion material.

Match day one and defeat one. Look forward to a better team effort on Wednesday. Its our draw bogey team, with an easy opening day victory under their belt.

All match related media:
http://liverpoolfcclips.blogspot.com/2009/08/epl-160809-tottenham-hotspur-vs.html

Last Season: 2^nd

Say hello to your new teammates: Alberto Aquilani, Glen Johnson, Chris Mavinga.

Close the door on your way out: Xabi Alonso, Alvaro Arbeloa, Sebastian Leto, Jermaine Pennant, Sami Hyppia, Jack Hobbs.

Predicted star: Fernando Torres. Lethal when fit, Liverpool will hope that he plays more than 24 games this time round. If he manages 30 games he should be top scorer, given his record of 0.67 goals per game in his Premier League career so far.

Needs a big year: Alberto Aquilani. I mean this in the sense that Xabi Alonso’s boots are hard to fill, especially considering how he played last season. He’s out for 4-8 weeks so will need to hit the ground running once he gets fit. Glen Johnson will also need to justify a £17m price tag.

The number of weeks before he plays.

One to watch: Emiliano Insua. I was impressed by him the few times I saw him play in the latter stages of the season and given that Aurelio is out until mid September he has a great chance to establish himself early on. Rafa surely won’t play Dossena ahead of him? Right?

What they want to happen: A first league title in 20 years and with it sole ownership of the overall record.

Nightmare scenario: Man Utd win number 19.

Plan A: Solid organisation in the back four with two deep lying midfielders ahead of them. Kuyt and usually Benayoun working hard down the wings and Stevie G playing just off Torres. More expansive play down the flanks is planned with the signing of an attacking full back like Johnson.

Plan B, just in case: Let Gerrard shoot from distance late in games and make Andy Gray squeal in delight.

Predicted finish: 4^th.

Why? But for seven disappointing home draws last season, Liverpool would have won the title at a canter. Rafa Benitez had finally found a formation that worked and with it stopped the tinkering. Gerrard found in his best position and essentially plays as a second striker these days. Most of all Xabi Alonso resisted Liverpool’s attempts to sell him and had his best season in five years at Anfield.

The defence first policy was also somewhat abandoned and Liverpool were the top scorers with 77 (two per game). The thing is though I can’t see Liverpool repeating the heights of last season. Alonso is a big, big loss and I don’t think Aquilani will offer the same kind of skills (though he be a good player for them). Luckily Liverpool’s start is very easy so it will cover his injury and the need to play someone like Lucas to begin with. As ever, a lot will depend of the fitness of Gerrard and Torres. They both seem susceptible to several niggly injuries a season rather than one big one. Three of four periods of missing a few weeks soon adds up though and it was telling that they only played something like 14 games together.

The wait goes on.

Though the first team is very strong, the squad is still quite average I would say and many of the replacements are nowhere near the level required. If you look at some of the other players who have left (Hyppia, Pennant, Arbeloa) you can see that they’re not great but whoever stands to replace them are only going to be at the same level, not an improvement.

Up front especially you just have Torres, two potentially good youngsters in Nemeth and N’Gog and nothing else. A new striker (to replace Keane no less) is definitely a priority. Liverpool will be up there and even though I have them 4^th, they will be within 10 points of the title. Glen Johnson will help turn some of those home draws into wins but I think once again, the wait for number 19 will continue.

.

T.

Se por um lado, as polêmicas “Datas-FIFA” propiciam partidas sonolentas e sem a menor importância como Estônia e Brasil, por outro possibilita embates de enorme tradição, como o dessa quarta-feira entre Holanda e Inglaterra.

Única seleção européia classificada até o momento para a próxima Copa do Mundo, a Holanda contou com o apoio de sua fanática torcida e com as bizarras falhas da defesa inglesa para fazer dois a zero ainda no primeiro tempo, com Kuyt e Van der Vaart, na Amsterdam Arena.

Sem a presença do lesionado Gerrard e com atuações apagadas de Rooney e Lampard, a Inglaterra só conseguiu balançar as redes no segundo tempo, com Defoe. A partir daí, os visitantes cresceram em campo, mas continuaram sofrendo com a velocidade de jogo dos locais. De tanto insistir, o English Team chegou ao empate, novamente com Defoe.

Por que a partida terminou empatada?

O resultado de igualdade pode ser explicado por dois momentos distintos na partida. Um primeiro tempo de domínio dos holandeses, que aproveitaram os vacilos dos rivais, e um segundo dominado pelos ingleses. Neste último, valeu a força do elenco inglês, que mudou totalmente com as entradas de jogadores como Milner e Defoe.

O que a partida mudou no cenário internacional?

O duelo colocou frente-a-frente duas equipes que com certeza entrarão com força na próxima Copa do Mundo, além de deixar claro que Fabio Capello conta com um maior número de jogadores de qualidade do que seu rival holandês, tendo mais chances de mudar a cara de uma partida com suas substituições.

Se por um lado, as polêmicas “Datas-FIFA” propiciam partidas sonolentas e sem a menor importância como Estônia e Brasil, por outro possibilita embates de enorme tradição, como o dessa quarta-feira entre Holanda e Inglaterra.

Única seleção européia classificada até o momento para a próxima Copa do Mundo, a Holanda contou com o apoio de sua fanática torcida e com as bizarras falhas da defesa inglesa para fazer dois a zero ainda no primeiro tempo, com Kuyt e Van der Vaart, na Amsterdam Arena.

Sem a presença do lesionado Gerrard e com atuações apagadas de Rooney e Lampard, a Inglaterra só conseguiu balançar as redes no segundo tempo, com Defoe. A partir daí, os visitantes cresceram em campo, mas continuaram sofrendo com a velocidade de jogo dos locais. De tanto insistir, o English Team chegou ao empate, novamente com Defoe.

Por que a partida terminou empatada?

O resultado de igualdade pode ser explicado por dois momentos distintos na partida. Um primeiro tempo de domínio dos holandeses, que aproveitaram os vacilos dos rivais, e um segundo dominado pelos ingleses. Neste último, valeu a força do elenco inglês, que mudou totalmente com as entradas de jogadores como Milner e Defoe.

O que a partida mudou no cenário internacional?

O duelo colocou frente-a-frente duas equipes que com certeza entrarão com força na próxima Copa do Mundo, além de deixar claro que Fabio Capello conta com um maior número de jogadores de qualidade do que seu rival holandês, tendo mais chances de mudar a cara de uma partida com suas substituições.