HIGHLIGHTS

                                             HIGHLIGHTS

No doubting that last season there was more lows than highs, but I would just like to give you my season's highlights here.

1- beating Man Utd 2-0 at Anfield was my biggest highlight of the season which I'm sure will be most people's highlight, it always is great to beat them but it was a very important stage of the season for us as we had being going through a terrible run of results at the time. but this result and performance gave us a much needed lift. the gritty performance against a team that was in good form was tremendous and that goal from Torres as he brushed Ferdinand to the side was world class, finished off with the late killer goal from N'Gog.

2-the game away to Aston Villa was a massive game at the time for us as we were playing catch up to them.. It was a great battling performance from the team who were playing against an in form Villa team. I really felt we had to win this game but it looked certain for a 0-0 finish until up popped Torres with his only chance of the game in stoppage time to score the winner with a great finish, great memory.

3-the home game against Spurs was a massive game as well to keep us in the hunt we needed a result it was a really gutsy performance and resiliant performance from us with the players giving everything. I thought Kuyt was immense up front and scored 2 great goals to win the game.

4-beating Everton in February was another massive game and I thought it was our greatest defensive performance of the season as we were under the cosh losing Kyrgiakos in the first half to a harsh sending off. Everton put us under a lot of pressure but the defence was superb standing up to everything, Kuyt nicked the all important goal from a Gerrard corner. Always great to beat Everton.

5- finally the Benfica match at Anfield was another superb European night with us having to come from behind after losing the first leg 2-1. the atmosphere was superb and so was some of the football, Kuyt got the opener after a worried look towards the linesman who was signalling to disallow it. the second was a great one on one finish from Lucas. the third was the best move of the season breaking away from our own box with some great one touch passing finished off by Torres. Then with Benfica pulling one back it got very nervy, but that man Torres finished them off late on with a fourth , great night.

Those were my best memories from the season, I'm sure you'll agree they were good ones.


YNWA

ON MY MIND

                                              ON MY MIND

After a very disappointing season for everyone I think we all need to look to the future as what has happened is in the past we can't chamge that. I honestly felt that the season just finished was a reality check for us as I felt we punched above our weight the season before as we came so close to winning the Premiership. I felt the team players showed great form that season but I felt the strength in depth in the squad wasn't there, and we also managed to steal a few results late on in some games. But I  felt that unless we strengthened in the summer then we were going to struggle especially with the re-emergence of Man City and Spurs and the ever improving Aston Villa, and the only notable signings were Aqualani who was injured for most of the season and Johnson. Losing Alonso and big Sami were massive losses. But I did fear the worst for the season and I'm afraid my fears were realised.

                                            THE PRESENT

well here we are the season just finished and I do believe everybody tainted with disappointment. After the previous season I think most people had high hopes but like I said with not many signings in the summer I feared the worst. To not finish in the top four was the biggest disappointment of the season, obviously the money that is generated from Champions League football is a blow but also the carrot of attracting top class players to the club and being able to hold onto our best players is going to be a problem, personally I think we next season we may get away with it due to the stature of our club, but failure next season just can't happen or we will fall further behind and may even, God forbid, turn into another Leeds United, because things change so quickly in football and you can easily be left behind.
 I don't mean to be all doom and gloom but with I think the off the field activities has been the biggest problem and is bound to affect the results on the field eventually. Rafa just signed a new long term contract and I believe he signed this on the head of promises being made to him about the future of the club, but I feel many of these promises have been broken especially concerning the kitty to bring new players in. But presently it seems Rafa is keen on continuing his job at Anfield and has dismissed any possible move away.
  I still think the foundations of a good team are there if we hold onto our players, the spine of the team is excellent and if we can add a few players in the summer I do believe the future is bright.

                                               THE FUTURE

So next season is going to be massive in so many ways, everybody can have a bad season but if we have another it could lead to a downward spiral. The summer will be very important we need stability and ownership and finances sorted out quickly for the good of the club.  We need to hold into our big players, Mascherano, Gerrard and Torres, there has been so much speculation surrounding them. Also, Rafa needs money to strengthen the squad. I do believe a lot of young players that have came through in the last season have gained great experienc, the likes of Lucas, Insua, N'Gog etc.and this will stand them in good stead for the future. If I was Rafa I would try and sign another top class striker, a left back and a left sided midfielder other than that I don't think we will be far away. I feel the team is not too far away, its just last season the strength in depth was highlighted last season due to the horrendous run of injuries we had last season, surely next season can't be as bad. I also think Rafa has to be a bit more adventurous and attack a bit more especially away from home as our form and lack of goals away from home last season was really poor. I think Aqualani could be a big player next season as he seemed to get better with each game at the end of the season.
  Personally I can't wait for next season to start as I just want last season to be a distant memory and I really think we will bounce back as this club always does.

Look out for more posts.

YNWA

REPORT CARD

                                         REPORT CARD

Just thought I would go over each player and give you my views on their performance over the season, here goes.

2- GLEN JOHNSON- I think he's done ok for his first season, had a few injuries which has disrupted his season,  good going forward, but don't think he's very good at defending I would rather see him playing right side of midfield with a natural defender playing behind him.

4-ALBERTO AQUALANI-  Came over injured and with a massive price tag, big expectations to fill Alonso's boots.  Don't think he's been given many chances when he eventually became fit, don't know if Rafa fancies him or not,  I think he's got better with each game he's played, good passer and likes to get forward.  I hope he's still here next season as I think he could be a good player for us.

5-DANIEL AGGER-  Been troubled with injuries earlier in the season, but when he's had a run in the team he's played well,  recently had to play like a left back because of injuries and has played well, very good passer from the back, reads the game well, a bit suspect in the air, had a good season considering, think he will be a regular next season.

8-STEVEN GERRARD- Worst season he's had for us hence the poor season we've had, to be fair he's had injuries as well and I think he's played hurt, not many goals either,  very poor season I wonder if he's lost faith in Rafa.  I hope he's still here next season, but I have my doubts.

9-FERNANDO TORRES- Another wretched season with injuries, and he's played hurt as well for most of the time. scored a lot of goals considering how much he's missed , just a class act. Hope he stays but a lot of transfer speculation, needs to stay injury free next season.

11-ALBERT RIERA- Big disappointment, injured alot, never goes by a defender rarely puts quality balls in, doesn't track back. I think he'll be away in the summer.

12-FABIO AURELIO- Another that seems prone to injuries he's missed most of the season. I think he could be a great player for us if he stays fit, but again disappointing season.

15-YOSSI BENAYOUN- Had a great end to last season and was playing well at the start of this season but then he got injured and never featured again for a long time not sure why because I think he's one of our best players. Played well at the end of the season. Talk about him going in the summer but I hope he stays.

16-SOTIRIOS KYRGIAKOS- Brought in as back up but has played more than expected due to injuries, one of our best players, defended very well and hasn't put a foot wrong, strong tackler and very good in the air. Could feature a lot next year.

18-DIRK KUYT- Personally I just can't fault him, anybody that gives 110 % every game in my book is hard to fault. Big player for us due to his workrate. Sure he will be a big player again next year.

19- RYAN BABEL- Flattered to decieve when played, so much ability but just didn't deliver only flashes from him, didn't get too many opportunities though. Would still like to see him play more next season.

20-JAVIER MASCHERANO- Bad start to the season with all the transfer speculation, but really played well the rest of the season even deputising at right back superbly. Big player next year.

21-LUCAS- Much maligned but really has been one of our most improved players. game time next season will depend on who we bring in.

22-EMILIANO INSUA- Played about every game until injury kept him out the rest of the season, tough season for him had some good games but given a torrid time in others, young and still learning. I don't think he'll start as many games next season.

23-JAMIE CARRAGHER- Tough start to the season but once again one of our best players. Such a big player for us and will be again next year.

24-DAVID N'GOG- Flung in at the deep end deputising for Torres and did a decent job and scored a few goals, still young and learning, might not feature as much next season.

25-PEPE REINA- Just gets better and better superb season and had to with all our problems, easily player of the year.  Great to see him sign new contract and will be massive again next year.

26-JAY SPEARING- I thought he done well in his rare chances before being loaned out to Leicester it will give hiom good experience. I hope he features next year looks a prospect but not sure that he will get many chances.

27-PHILLIP DEGEN- Not many opportunities but when I saw him I thought he looked good going forward but never featured much. Don't think he'll feature much with Johnson there next season.

28- DAMIEN PLESSIS-Another youngster just given a few opportunities, but if he keeps progressing we might see more of him.

31-NABIL EL ZHAR- Mostly a sub this year and not given much game time but Rafa must like him having him come off the bench in so many games, chances next season depends on who we bring in.

32-STEPHEN DARBY- Another youngster trying to break in to the first team and good to see him, I think he looks a prospect, might see more of him next season.

34-MARTIN KELLY- Just getting a chance in the first team and looked good and then unlucky to pick up injury, the future looks bright though, great prospect.

37-MARTIN SKRTEL- I thought he was playing really well until he got injured, really strong performances unfortunate. I think he will be a regular next season.

40-DANIEL AYALA- Just had a few opportunities but started away at Burnley the other week and looked a regular very impressed, I think we'll see more of him.

47-DANIEL PACHECO- Looks the brightest prospect out of all the youngster, only had a few cameo appearances this season but really good prospect and I think we'll be seeing a lot more next year.


thanks for reading, lets look to the future.


YNWA

HULL CITY 0-0 LIVERPOOL MATCH REPORT

                                     MATCH REPORT

A couple of weeks ago I was saying that every game for Liverpool was a cup final,  but over the last couple of weeks with failing to get the right results the season has just came to a sorry end with nothing to play for,  and I think most Liverpool supporters are glad to see this season over.  So not much to play for against Hull who were already relegated.

                                    THE TEAM

As strong a team as Rafa could field with the injury problems and the most recent one being Maxi who has played really well in recent games and looks like he could flourish next season.  Agger still had to deputise on the left side of defence and Mascherano on the right side of defence.  El Zhar recieved a rare start with Maxi missing.  Babel on the left side of midfield,  good to see Aqualani starting again,  I would like to see more of him next season.

                                      THE MATCH

The game had a very end of season feel to it with both teams playing for pride more than anything.  I felt Hull were puting a bit more effort into the game than Liverpool in front of their own fans.  But both teams had chances, Kuyt was unlucky in the first half having an effort cleared off the line,  and Aqualani hit the bar with a shot late in the half only to see Agger blast the rebound high over the bar when it looked easier to score.

                                           Gerrard after hitting the post

The second half was played out like the first half with not a lot of openings,  and both teams proving why they have struggled to score goals this season.  I felt Liverpool looked the more likelier to score as the game went on but as the game was coming Gerrard seem to step up his game,  he unleashed a vicious shot from just outside the box just missing the target ,  then in the last minute,  Gerrard went on one of his trademark runs driving into the Hull half and unleashed a shot which cracked of the post and away to safety,  basically you felt this summed up Gerrard and Liverpool's season.  

                                           Gerrard leaves the field at the end

                                             SUMMARY

If i'm honest I've got to say that I'm glad the season is over.  They lowly position we have finished in the league,  the disappointment in Europe,  the rumours off the field with the owners selling,  Rafa is he staying or is he going,  the same with Gerrard and Torres,  there just doesn't seem to be enough stability on or off the field to expect us to get good results.  Back to the game,  it was end of season fair with both teams glad to see the season over,  and for me Liverpool's lack of goals away from home this season being highlighted once again.  Big highlight for me was the introduction of the young Jack Robinson at sixteen years of age becoming the youngest ever player to play for Liverpool,  hopefully we see a lot more of him and more of the other youngsters getting a chance in the first team instead of paying silly money for average overated players.  Roll on next season.

MAN OF THE MATCH

Aqualani,  I thought like in recent weeks Aqualani played well,  always looking to create and likes to get forward,  very unlucky with his shot hitting the bar,  once again subbed,  don't know why he can't get a full game. Good performance.

YNWA

A SCOUSE WEEK

                                     A SCOUSE WEEK  04/05/10

 As the season draws to a close, one can only be thankfull.  This has in my opinion been the worst season I can remember.  But in the last week we still had hopes of finishing on a high with our Semi - Final tie against Athletico Madrid,  trailling from the first leg to a Forlan goal it was always going to be a difficult task for Liverpool.
  Although we lost I thought it was another superb European night at Anfield,  the suppoerters once again proved that they are unequalled,  right from the off when Benayoun hit that shot in the first minute you just felt it was going to be a special night.  Liverpool gave everything but I felt as the game wore on one or two Liverpool players started to tire and I felt that Athletico looked the most likely to score.  But out of the blue when Bernayoun scored the second in exrtra time I just thought we were going to do it,  but then once again that man Forlan scored the all important goal and sent us spinning out.  Overall I thought it was a brilliant game but in all honesty I really thought Athletico were just a little bit better over the two games.  I couldn't fault any of our players I thought they gave everything,  but I felt Rafa made some strange substitutions.  Taking off Aqualani amazed me as I thought he was playing very well and we lost our creativity when he was taken off.  Then when we lost the goal Rafa took off Mascherano a right back and put on another right back in Degen,  hardly an attacking move,  but what took the biscuit was taking Benayoun off,  man of the match by a mile.  Great night but big disappointment.
  After Thursday night Liverpool had to try and lift themselves for the visit of Chelsea on the Sunday,  it was always going to be difficult and personally I didn't fancy our chances.  Although there was certainly no throwing this game as some quarters did mention beforehand.  Rafa sent out as strong a team as he could and Liverpool started well not making it easy for Chelsea to settle.  But everything changed when Drogba's goal went in after an unfortunate mistake from Gerrard.  Liverpool just seem to feel tired after Thursday night's exertions and Chelsea got a lift from the goal and the second half was just a formality with Liverpool dead on their feet,  but it did look like the score was going get a lot worse had it not been for that man Reina keeping the score down,
  Now only one game to go but I'm sure there will be a lot happening in the coming weeks and months with the speculation about the owners and Rafa and transfer talk so I'm sure it will be an interesting time.

YNWA                              

LIVERPOOL 0-2 CHELSEA MATCH REPORT

                                         MATCH REPORT

So many questions asked before a ball was kicked about this fixture most of them relating to Liverpool, and how they were going to approach this game relating to the contest between Chelsea and their bitter rivals Manchester United for the Premiership Title.  A title that seems a million miles away for Liverpool.  It was always going to be a very difficult game for Liverpool especially after their heartache on Thursday night,  and also the extra exertions of extra time whereas Chelsea had all week to rest and to focus on this fixture.

                                         THE TEAM

Well I felt Rafa put out as strong a team as he could have considering all his injuries and with the latest being an injury to Glenn Johnson.  Just felt the team more or less picked itself due to the lack of personnel.
 
                                         THE GAME

I felt Liverpool started not too badly and certainly were not going to roll over for Chelsea and were pressuring them without creating a lot of chances themselves.  Chelsea were not playing too great to be fair and were not hitting the heights of the previous weeks performance. But gradually they started looking more dangerous as the first half wore on with a shout for a penalty when Mascherano made a clumsy challenge on Kalou in the box but I think it would have been a soft one.
  Aqualani had Liverpool's best effort with a good strike from outside the box which shaved the Chelsea crossbar,  but that was as good as it got.
  Then out of nothing Chelsea took the lead,  Gerrard collected the ball about thirty yards inside his own half and facing his own goal decided to pass the ball back to Reina,  but as he passed it back he never noticed Drogba in close proximity,  as the ball was played back Drogba nipped in stealing it front of Reina and passed the ball into the empty net,  Gerrards expression said it all.
  There was still time for Chelsea to have another shout for a penalty bafore half time when Kalou burst in to the box and with Lucas chasing him tried to avoid contact with him but seemingly caught his heel and the Chelsea man hit the ground,  I personally thought it was a penalty but happy that it wasn't given.

                                          Lampard celebrates his goal

The second half was awful from a Liverpool supporter's point of view,  with the opening goal seemingly killing them off, Chelsea cruised the second half and got a second goal when good work down the right ended with a ball across the face of the six yard box which Lampard finished off.  There was a fear it could get ugly with Chelsea in rampant mood now and Liverpool had to be thankfull to Reina with some excellent stops to keep the score down.  It really was a sorry end to a sorry season at Anfield.  The players after the game came back out to thank the fans for their support all season but they looked rather weary and trudged round probably reflecting on what went wrong this season.

                                         The players thank the fans for their support

                                             SUMMARY

I think Thursday's disappointment took a lot out of the players and when they went a goal down thats when they started to feel the tiredness from their exertions the other night and I felt they had nothing in the tank and ended up really struggling in the second half.  Mascherano really struggled at right back where he has done a sterling job in recent games in that position,  Gerrard tried hard and Aqualani tried to create,  Kyrgiakos defended well at the back,  but the heart was out the team with the killer first goal. and it really was a sorry end to a sorry season at Anfield.

MAN OF THE MATCH-  Reina,  lost count of how many times he's been man of the match this season, just proves how poor a season we've had.