MATCH REPORT
Another difficult game for Liverpool who are stiil trying to kick start their season, against a Dutch side that humbled Celtic last month in qualifying for the group stages of the Europa League. No games are easy away from home in Europe and with Liverpool struggling for form this season this was going to be no easy game.
THE TEAM
I was pleased to see Hodgson fielding as strong a team as possible. Gerrard was the only exclusion as he was being rested. Kelly came in at left back due to injuries to Konchesky and Aurelio. But once again I couldn't fault Hodgson for his team selection. There was an attacking look about the team with Kuyt playing up with Torres and Meireles and Cole wide, with Lucas and Poulsen in the middle of midfield.
THE GAME
Liverpool started the game well with keeping good possession early on. Just that when Liverpool got near the Utrecht penalty box their final ball kept letting them down and Torres not getting much service. Liverpool had a couple of chances Torres done well cutting in from the left before hitting a vicious right foot shot just past the Utrecht post. Meireles was also unlucky with a header from a Johnson cross that he headed straight at the Utrecht keeper. Utrecht came into the game as the first half wore on and they looked dangerous, but most of the danger was caused by Liverpool's slack play, Lucas gave the ball away in his own half and had to foul when the Utrecht player was running towards the Liverpool penalty box picking up a booking in the process. Liverpool were also fortunate when Wuytens smashed a loose ball from a corner high into the Liverpool net only to have it ruled out for an infingement that I never saw. Utrecht almost scored when Kuyt hesitated at a corner letting a Utrecht forward in on goal which Reina blocked well.
The second half started the way the first half ended with Utrecht shading possession and causing Liverpool problems especially down the Utrecht right with Kelly struggling to cope with the dangerous Malengo. A big scare for Liverpool came when Reina flapped at a cross and the ball was almost bundled into the net until a great headed clearance off the line by Meireles saved Liverpool, from this scare Reina launched the ball straight to Kuyt at the other end and he picked out Torres in the box and would have scored if not for a great save from Vorm, this was their best chance. close to the end Utrecht nearly got a late winner when hesitancy from young Kelly let in Mulenga when he got caught out thinking the ball would run through to Reina, Mulenga nipped in and shot just past Reina's post. Liverpool held on and I think 0-0 was about the right result.
SUMMARY
I thought Liverpool started well but I was disappointed with the lack of chances they created. Liverpool got themselves into problems with slack passing too often and were lucky to survive at times. Utrecht did pressure well and made it difficult for Liverpool but Lucas especially in the first half gave the ball away too often. Meireles was another I found disappointing in the first half and Poulsen was quiet the whole game. The tempo Liverpool played at was far too pedestrian in my opinion even though you need to give Utrecht praise for their closing down. I thought Cole looked our most dangerous player trying to create something all the time but I felt he tired in the second half and was eventually substituted. Torres never got much service but he worked hard and was unlucky with a couple of efforts but he needs more service. Johnson foraged down the right and was one of our better players. Young Kelly struggled but gave his all and was against a difficult player in Mulenga. Overall the performance wasn't great but to get a clean sheet away in Europe is always pleasing although Liverpool rode their luck at times. 0-0 a fair result.
Man Of The Match - Cole He worked his socks off and tried all night to create something but ran out of steam
THE LIVERWORD A liverpool supporter's view, also an admin for True Kopites We Are The Reds Community Page, YNWA Also for every red on facebook check out. TRUE KOPITES WE ARE THE REDS THE FAMILY HOME THAT EVERY RED SHOULD LIVE IN ;);) FOR ALL THE LATEST NEWS COMPS QUIZZES DEBATES AND GENERAL LFC INFO COME AND JOIN IN YNWA JFT 96 KOPITES MATTER !!!!
Thursday, 30 September 2010
Wednesday, 29 September 2010
BILL SHANKLY
I thought it only fitting that I should write an article about this great man on the 29th anniversary of his death. Bill Shankly was before my time but like any Liverpool fan I have learned about him over the years and even read his one and only autobiography about him quite recently. Its hard to write an article on this great man as so many better people and writers than me have said it all before. But I just wanted to have my say of what this great man means to me.
I was only 10 years old when the great man passed on and I had just recently started supporting Liverpool but I didn't know who he was but I had heard of him, and I remember the sad news that day of his passing and the reaction of my father who obviously new a lot more about him.
Coming from a small mining village in Ayrshire which is sadly no longer inhabited as I quite recently visited only to find the Shankly memorial standing. I think his mining back ground stood him in good stead for his future career.
I don't want to bore you with the facts of his career as I'm sure you know all about them, I just want to tell you how he has touched me.
I also live in Ayrshire, and I think that is why I took an added interest into his life. I always try to watch programmes on TV about Shankly or read articles in newspapers about him as I respect the man so much for what he has done for Liverpool.
He kept improving the team, bringing in tremendous players with the likes of St. John and Ron Yeats strengthening the team. After much success in the 1960's Shankly realised the core of his team was getting too old and with his priority on improving the team he replaced players that had been with him for so long. He brought in the likes of Clemence, Heighway, Hughes, Toshack and Keegan and basically built a new team that would keep the success coming. Nobody really knows why he really retired but I'm sure he only did so because he knew that Liverpool had a great man in Bob Paisley to reign after him.
Bill Shankly you will never be forgotten.
He made the people happy
YNWA
Sunday, 26 September 2010
LIVERPOOL 2-2 SUNDERLAND MATCH REPORT
In what has been a very difficult week for Liverpool with losses to Manchester United and more surprisingly Northampton in the Carling Cup on Wednesday this was a game you felt that Liverpool had to win as results in the start to the season have been poor with only one win in the league so far. But with many first team players being rested on Wednesday, they would be back for this one. Most times this fixture would be a home banker but not this day with Sunderland showing good form and Liverpool struggling for form.
TEAM
As expected the big guns were back for this one. So no surprises for me Roy's team selection other than Kuyt starting I didn't think he would have been fit enough to start, so that was a welcome boost for Liverpool. I think this was as strong a team as Roy could have fielded so I can't blame Roy for the team he sent out.
THE MATCH
Liverpool started the game with great intention and put Sunderland on the back foot from the start. Inside the first 5 minutes Torres had the ball in the back of the net only to see it chalked off for offside where replays show it was marginal. But then on 5 minutes Liverpool took the lead with one of the most unusual goals you will ever see. Sunderland were awarded a free kick inside their own half, Michael Turner rolled the ball back to his goalkeeper Mignolet to let him take the kick but the ever alert and cheeky Torres siezed on the ball as it rolled way short of Mignolet. with Turner not even looking back Torres ran towards Mignolet who was appealing furiously to referee Attwell, then Torres unselfishly squared the ball to Kuyt who rolled the ball into the empty net. The Sunderland players were incensed and surrounded Attwell at this contoversial decision to allow the goal, even after consultation with his assistant Attwell pointed to the centre circle and the goal stood. It was just the start Liverpool wanted and they kept attacking Sunderland who were hanging on at this stage with Torres in particular looking very sharp and going close with an effort that just found the roof of the net.
But as the half wore on with Liverpool failing to find a second goal, Sunderland gradually came into the game. Then on 25 minutes Sunderland were awarded a fortunate penalty when a cross from the right hit Poulsen on the arm, to be fair his arm was raised and there was no complaints from the Liverpool players. Bent scored from the spot with Reina unlucky as the ball went below him as he dived the right way. The goal gave Sunderland a lift and Liverpool lost their way and were happy when half time came.
Then right at the start of the second half Liverpool's day got worse when they fell behind with Bent scoring his second of the day with a very good header. A response was expected, but in all truth it never came and Sunderland were well in control and Liverpool looked all over the place. Reina was fortunate not to give away another penalty as he took out Welbeck as he got to the ball just before Reina. Just when it looked like another defeat for Liverpool up popped Gerrard. Great work from Torres down the right who then sent over a cross which took a slight deflection to Gerrard and he produced a great header into the Sunderland net making it all square. It really was against the run of play but it gave Liverpool a massive lift and they went for the winner. It looked like Liverpool were going to steal it right at the death in the 96th minute when a ball pumped into the Sunderland box was headed across goal to Agger who from six yards out could only head it agonisingly past the post.
SUMMARY
This really was an incident packed match. But another disappointing result for Liverpool as they really need to start winning games. As strong a team as Roy could field, Liverpool started really well and got the ideal start, but it was very disappointing the way Liverpool fell out of the game after losing a goal. It looked worryingly like another defeat until Gerrard stepped up to the plate once again. Liverpool did push for the winner but in all truth I believe a draw was a fair result.
Man Of The Match - Gerrard Once again Gerrard saved this team when all looked lost.
YNWA
Monday, 20 September 2010
MANCHESTER UNITED 3-2 LIVERPOOL MATCH REPORT
I just had to make our badge bigger than theirs as they will never be as big as us. This is my view of yesterday's game as I never got to see the game live other than the last 15 minutes and the highlights last night, so forgive me if my report is not up to scratch. I had been looking forward to this match all week long, like I'm sure all Liverpool supporters. Always one of the key dates on any Liverpool fan's calender, but after the indifferent start we have had this match had more importance than usual.
THE TEAM
After resting so many players in midweek and still coming away with a good win, Liverpool's regular players were back for this one. Personally I thought Hodgson put out as good a team selection as he could have not many arguments from me, A little surprised Cole was out on the left with Meireles playing just behind Torres but I thought it looked good with Poulsen playing with Gerrard and Cole can play out wide where he was mostly used with Chelsea. I was pleased with the rest of the team although I prefer Kyrgiakos to Skrtel or Agger but I know I'm in the minority and I was expecting Hodgson to bring back Skrtel.
THE MATCH
With what I saw on television and heard on the radio it seemed to me that Liverpool played second fiddle to United in the first half, with United dictating the play and Liverpool struggling to make any headway or chances. Although Man United were on the offensive for most of the half they never really created many openings. One of their best chances coming after a good move from Berbatov and Rooney which resulted in Nani having a great chance inside the Liverpool box which he snatched at pulling the shot wide.
Liverpool's only real attempt on goal in the first half came when Johnson cut inside from the right and fired a shot well wide. But just as it looked like Liverpool were going to hold out until half time, United struck, Giggs sent over a corner kick which Berbatov headed into the near post and into the Liverpool net. It can only be described as a very poor goal to lose as Liverpool defended very badly at it. Torres in particular was holding onto Berbatov but from behind instead of standing in front of him making this such an easy header for Berbatov. Konchesky was partly to blame as well as he wandered from his near post and may have been able to block on the line.
A massive disappointment for Liverpool just before half time but it could have got worse before the end after a loose header back to Reina struck Carragher on the arm and the Man United players appealed for a penalty thankfully referee Webb waved them away.
The second half was a totally different game with goals a plenty from the nervy, cagey first half. Man United were still the better team but Liverpool were trying to get forward more often as they had to chasing the game. But then it looked all over round about the hour mark when Berbatov brilliantly controlled a cross inside the Liverpool box and with his back to goal he hooked the ball over his head into the net via the underside of the Liverpool crossbar. It really was a touch of class from the in form striker.
Hodgson made an imediate change withdrawing the ineffective Maxi and bringing on N'Gog to try and give the isolated Torres. The change by Hodgson did make a difference and Liverpool showed they were not going to go down without a fight.
Suddenly a good break by Cole into the United half exposed United and he played a great pass to Torres who accelerated into the United box but as he shaped to shoot he then cleverly cut inside and was scythed down by Johnny Evans giving Howard Webb no option but to point to the spot. The inevitable result with Gerrard scoring and giving Liverpool hope. United seemed rattled and then on 70 minutes Meireles played a ball behind the United defence which Torres read but O'Shea impeded the Liverpool forward sending him to the ground just outside the box. Big question should O'Shea recieve a red or a yellow card ?
Webb produced a yellow card and O'Shea heaved a sigh of relief. I think Webb got the decision right, as much as I don't like Webb as a referee. It was unclear wether Torres would have got on the end of the pass with Van de Sar rushing from his goal.
Gerrard hit the free kick and somehow managed to find a gap in the United defensive wall which Fletcher made when he moved, the ball ending up in the United net with Van der Sar left stranded.
It really was an amazing turnaround and Meireles was a unlucky not to nod Liverpool in front as he tried to header a searching ball towards the United goal just sending it wide. But this was about Liverpool's last chance as United tried to regain the lead as they made more offensive substitutions as Liverpool countered with Agger and Jovanovic coming on for Konchesky and Meireles. But as I watched the game come to a conclusion I just felt as if United were going to score again and they did. When, with six minutes remaining O'Shea, who was lucky to still be on the park crossed the ball into the Liverpool box and that man Berbatov got up higher than Carragher and headered into the corner of Reina's net, breaking Liverpool hearts.
Liverpool had nothing left and United ran down the clock winning the game and leaving us gutted.
SUMMARY
Quite an amazing game and scoreline but massive disappointment at the end. I think in all honesty it would have been unjust if we took anything from the game as I believe United were far superior but then it was a tremendous comeback that was unlucky not to be rewarded. Before the game however I was confident of beating United as I think we have better individuals than them, but they showed far more desire and play more as a team than us. The first goal was a terrible goal to lose, poor defending. The other two goals we lost well you just have to accept they were well taken goals. I think Webb got the decision right with the O'Shea challenge. Overall United played better than us and they did deserve the win. But I am bouyed by the character we showed to get back into the match as I feared us getting hammered. So although we lost against our fiercest rivals we have many positives to take from the game. Roll on next week and the Sunderland match and back to winning ways in the league.
Man of the match - Gerrard when all looked lost Gerrard once again pulled us back into the game with his 2 goals.
YNWA
Friday, 17 September 2010
LIVERPOOL 4-1 STEAU BUCHAREST MATCH REPORT
Another European night for Liverpool with the first match in the Europa League group stages against Romanian's Steau Bucharest. Only 25,000 watched the match, the lowest crowd at Anfield for ten years. But in this modern climate it is so expensive for supporters nowadays and the rain was pouring down at the start of the match. With one eye on Sunday's match there was always going to be changes by Hodgson.
THE TEAM
As expected Hodgson changed the team around for this match but I was surprised by how many. Steau has a great pedigree in Europe and I was worried our team wasn't strong enough to win this with the likes of Gerrard, Torres, Carragher, Johnson, Poulsen, Jovanovic, Skrtel and the injured Kuyt not selected.
However I was pleased to see Cole back and young Kelly and Spearing starting. Babel, N'gog, Meireles and Kyrgiakos coming back into the team. It was a good chance for these players to impress the new manager.
THE MATCH
What a start for Liverpool and Joe Cole netting his first Liverpool goal on 26 seconds when a slack pass back to the Steau keeper let Cole in who finished clinically. It was just the start Liverpool were hoping for but Steau didn't panic and started knocking the ball about with purpose and equalising on 10 minutes when a lovely pass by Stancu sent Tanase clear and he finished a great Steau move and shocking Liverpool.
Steau grew in confidence and almost took the lead soon after with a great cross from the right was volleyed by the Steau striker which Reina made a great save from although fortunately it was flagged offside. Liverpool were finding it a lot more difficult now as Steau were passing well and certainly not playing for a draw, it was infact a good flowing match and when half time came you were left wondering who was going to win this match as it was so finely balanced.
I got the impression that Hodgson had strong words to his team at half time as Liverpool came out a different team. The tempo was a lot higher and Steau were camped in their own half and suddenly finding it hard to hold onto the ball. Cole was instrumental in everything creative and Steau were struggling to contain him as his early goal had obviously boosted his confidence. Liverpool eventually took the lead courtesy of a N'Gog penalty in the 55th minute after Kapetanos was harshly judged to be impeding Kyrgiakos as the ball came in from a Maxi corner kick, Kyrgiakos theatrically throwing himself to the ground. in the process. Taking the lead only encouraged Liverpool to attack more and there was no let up for Steau. The third goal was special, Lucas who only came on 3 minutes earlier scored a spectacular goal in the 81st minute striking a great shot from well outside the box into the top corner of Tatarusanu's goal, finishing the game as a contest.
To top off the night Liverpool added a fourth when N'Gog scored his second of the night after working space for himself on the edge of the box and striking a powerful shot low into Tatarusanu's goal. A great second half performance from Liverpool and Hodgson will be pleased after resting so many regulars and winning the match.
SUMMARY
A great night for Liverpool as Hodgson rested so many regulars and still came away with a convincing win. A difficult first half after a great start with Cole's early goal as Steau kept the ball well and Liverpool struggled to create. But the second half was tremendous, a different team came out for the second half as Liverpool pressured Steau for the whole half. Great goal from Lucas and great to see N'Gog scoring two goals, a great confident penalty from the youngster which came at an important time in the match. Joe Cole was superb, he created so much and finding great space which utilised well, great to see him back. Some great performances Kyrgiakos, solid as usual and won the penalty, young Spearing worked his socks off and played really well, Meireles made some good passes and looks another attack minded player, Konchesky and young Kelly were solid at either side of defence and great to see N'Gog keeping up his great scoring record. My only concern was Babel, he never got into the game and I thought this was a great chance for him to shine so he remains a fringe player. But overall a great night and result from Liverpool.
Man Of The Match - Joe Cole He gave everything and created so much, great first goal and great to see him back.
YNWA
Thursday, 16 September 2010
OUR START TO THE SEASON
Well another season underway and yes its been very difficult. A very tough fixture list to start off with, having to play Arsenal, Man City, West Brom and away to Birmingham not to mention Europa League qualifiers as well. It doesn't stop with tonight Liverpool facing Steau Bucharest and then on to face Man United on Sunday. So it really has been a baptism of fire for Hodgson.
Its so difficult for any manager coming into manage a new team but for Hodgson coming in to a club like Liverpool who had a bad season last year he has to turn around the club's fortunes quickly. I honestly believe that Roy has taken on a job in comparison to when Shankly came to the club. When Shankly came in the club was a mess and in many ways today the club is in a mess. With Liverpool's financial situation and failure last season to qualify for the Champions League it is a must that Liverpool bounce back with a good season.
Liverpool faced Trabzonspor at Anfield next and Roy made wholesale changes and Liverpool won 1-0 with Cole missing a penalty which could have made the tie safe.
But the following week at Man City was awful with Man City beating us 3-0 although the carry on with Mascherano prior to the game couldn't have helped preperations and the team looked well off the pace that night.
After the heavy defeat from Man City Liverpool travelled to Turkey for the return leg against Trabzonspor. Many key players didn't even make the trip to Turkey and were rested. I thought Liverpool were going to be knocked out of Europe when I saw the team, and when Liverpool lost an early goal it looked bad. But the young looking side showed great resiliance and character and made it through courtesy of two late goals, one an own goal and the second coming from Kuyt.
The big guns were back for the match at home to West Brom and a convincing win was expected but it did not turn out that way. Liverpool laboured and were relieved to see Torres score the only goal of the game.
After the international break with only Kuyt coming back injured Liverpool travelled to Birmingham in what has been a difficult fixture in recent years, and this was no different. Liverpool were very fortunate to escape with a 0-0 scoreline thanks to more heriocs from Pepe Reina.
SUMMARY
Its not been the start we all hoped for but being realistic its not been too bad a start. With the tough fixture list and only losing one game its not been too bad. Hodgson is still getting to know his players and it will take time and us the supporters need to be patient. If we can get a good result on Sunday at Man United then that will really lift the club but even if we lose we are coming into a better run of fixtures where we could hopefully go on a run, so as I would have liked us to have won more games and scored more goals but I think Roy will sort things out and we will finish in the top four.
YNWA
Monday, 13 September 2010
BIRMINGHAM CITY 0-0 LIVERPOOL MATCH REPORT
Another very tough fixture for Liverpool in what has been a testing start to Hodgson's Liverpool career. Hodgson who is still getting to know his players and his best team, has really been thrown into a baptism of fire. Going to Birmingham is never easy and their record at home is as good as anyone not having lost at home in the league in about a year.
I'm afraid my match report is only based on what I saw on Match Of The Day 2 Highlights as I was working yesterday.
A very defensive formation with the likes of Poulsen and Lucas playing in the middle made me wonder where the creation was going to come from. I prefer Gerrard playing deeper but I guess Hodgson played Gerrard higher up the park as he was still missing Joe Cole who I think will come back and play just behind Torres. Maxi I expected to come in for the injured Kuyt and Konchesky coming into left back. The rest of the team I expected.
THE MATCH
Like I said I have only seen brief highlights but it looked like a typical Liverpool, Birmingham match from recent years being very tight and not much space on the park. Birmingham under the management of the excellent McLeish are a very difficult opponent and work so hard and Liverpool found this so difficult especially in the first half, as Birmingham got stuck in about them. Liverpool struggled to create and string passes together as Birmingham were closing them down so quickly.
Lee Bowyer sent over a cross which Jerome unmarked met brilliantly heading low into Reina's bottom corner, but somehow Reina got down to it and pushed it round the post saving Liverpool who were under a lot of pressure in the first half.
The second half was more of the same with Liverpool struggling to make any headway. It wasn't till Gerrard was brought back into the middle when Lucas was taken off for new signing Meireles that Liverpool started to create a bit more. Gerrard had a speculative volley that was easily saved. Torres who had little service and was left frustrated, suddenly burst into life and had a great run through the middle before shooting tamely at goal. Then Torres burst into the left hand side of the box and shot at goal from an impossible angle when he may have been better crossing for Gerrard who had made a run into the box.
But with all Liverpool's late pressure it would have been robbery for Liverpool to have scored and taken all three points.
This wasn't pretty and as much as I would have loved us to be more attacking and won the match I have to be realistic and realise this is a transitional period for Liverpool and against Birmingham side that has made their home a bit of a fortress a draw is not too bad a result. But the way the game panned out a believe this was a point won and not two dropped especially with the saves that Reina made to keep us in the game.
Man Of The Match - Reina Sorry no surprise here, obviously for his saves to keep us in the match.
YNWA
Friday, 10 September 2010
A TRIBUTE TO CARRAGHER
There are not many players of the stature of Jamie Carragher. He has been at Liverpool all his career and played over 600 games for Liverpool. Amazing really as he was an Everton supporter as a boy.
Jamie was born on the 28th of January 1978 and grew up in Liverpool, he came through the youth system at Liverpool and was part of the FA Youth Cup winning team of 1996 and he made his first team debut in 1996 under the management of Roy Evans. He started out as a full back but later on in his career in fact in 2004 when Rafa became manager he was moved into central defence. Carragher has played more games in European competition than any other Liverpool player. Jamie has also represented England over a number of years, making his debut in 1999 but because of his versatility in defence making him never a regular in the England team. He retired from international duty before being brought back for this years World Cup.
Carragher has also had much success over the years with Liverpool under various Liverpool managers. 2001 was a tremendous year for Jamie winning the League Cup, the FA Cup and the UEFA Cup all in the same season. He then won the UEFA Super Cup in 2001. In 2003 he won the League Cup again, before having his greatest night in May of 2005 winning the Champions League, later that year he again won the EUFA Super Cup. Jamie won the FA Cup for a second time in 2006 in an amazing final against West Ham winning on penalties. So he has quite a collection but his will to win I'm sure will him more before he decides to hang up his boots.
All the best Carra.
YNWA
Wednesday, 8 September 2010
THE SQUAD
Well thats another transfer window closed and now Roy must work with what he has, I believe he will be quite pleased with the squad that he has. Roy has quality in so many positions plus good players in reserve. Roy did admit however that he did want another striker before the transfer window closed and on the final day there was a lot of speculation trying to bring West Ham's Carlton Cole to Anfield and also apparently a late bid for Tottenham's Pavlyuchenko, but both failed.
Like I said we have a strong squad, one of the best goalkeepers in the world in Reina with new signing Brad Jones in reserve. At right back we have the marauding Johnson with also the young Kelly who could also play left back in reserve, Carragher can also be moved to right or left back so we have options in these positions. In the centre of defence we have Carragher, Skrtel, Agger,Kyrgiakos and also the young and impressive Ayala and Wilson from Rangers. On the left side of defence we have our latest signing Konchesky who Roy knows very well, then we have Aurelio who I am so glad we got back and Agger can deputise there along with the young Kelly. Left midfield we have Jovanovic, Babel, Maxi and Joe Cole could be an option although I think he will be used more centrally. In the middle of midfield we have Gerrard, Lucas, Poulsen and new signing Meireles who a lot is expected. On the right side of midfield we have Kuyt, Maxi and Babel even Johnson could be an option. Up front we have the obvious Torres, Cole,N'Gog, and Babel, Jovanovic and Kuyt can also be used so really for all the talk about our squad not being strong enough I really have to disagree, and I believe we will have a good season. Roy Hodgson is a very good manager but it will take him time to get to know his players, his best team and get his players into his style of playing but I have every faith in Roy. So lets look forward to the rest of the season its only just began.
YNWA
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