ARSE - HOLES FOOLS
Liverpool were held to a 1-1 draw against arsenal.
goals from the reds captain marvel, 
Y.N.W.A..!!!!!
Monday 29 October 2007
Thursday 25 October 2007
Torres - A Poem on the Recent Form of the Reds
(To the tune of Bon Jovi's Always)
This Liverpool is bleeding
But you can't see its blood
It's nothing but some feelings
Of this poor old Rafa
We've been losing since you left me
Now we're drowning at the goal
You see we've always been a fighter
But without you we can't score
Now I can't sing a Red song
Like the way it's meant to be
Well I guess we're not that good anymore
But baby that's just me
(Chorus)
Yeah I will love you
Baby, Torres
And I'll be there forever and a day
Torres
I'll be there till the Cups don't shine
Till we win the league, for the 50th time
I know when I die, Red'll be on my mind
And I love you, Torres
Now the players that you've left behind
Look like Calamity James on the goal-line
Something made us laugh, something made us cry
At Besiktas, made us say goodbye
Our Euro hopes vanish to thin air
Sami's own goal brought us there
When you see it again, try to understand
He makes mistakes, he's just a man
Rafa thought he was close, when the season was here
When he said the words we've been wanting to him
"The title is ours, 'cos this boy is mine,"
Didn't know I'd sing this song after three months' time...
(Repeat Chorus)
If you told me to cry for you, I could
If you told me to die for you, I would
Take a look at our face, there's no price we won't pay
For the title to come to Pool
Though there ain't no hope in this lonely time
We're always gonna give you that one more try
We can just say we don't care and resume our lives
But the Kop's the place where the sun still shines
(Repeat Chorus)
Monday 22 October 2007
RAFA ADMITS FAULT
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez accepts it is up to him to sort out his side's tactical problems and get their Barclays Premier League title challenge back on track.
Many critics have pointed to the Spaniard's infamous rotation policy for having caused a number of disjointed performances, while an international break immediately after that Derby victory certainly cost them momentum.
And while it has been noted Liverpool's difficult period appears to have coincided with the departure of fitness coach and assistant manager Pako Ayesteran, Benitez stressed the only person responsible was himself.
The Spanish tactician accepts that tactics are very much his domain and he is more than willing to accept responsibility for his side's recent demise.
"The problem is a tactical problem and it is my problem," said Benitez, who after this recent international break now has to get his side ready for a Merseyside derby at Goodison Park on Saturday.
"Confidence (of the squad) is also an issue but not the physical condition of the players. We are running more and faster than before."
Benitez feels that the criticism aimed at club captain is unfair and that the whole team are not on top of their game, not just captain Steven Gerrard.
"I am really worried about the team over the past few games, because we are not playing at our level," he explained on liverpoolfc.tv. "You can talk about Steven Gerrard, because he is the captain, but you can talk about the other players also.
"I was disappointed when people were talking about Sissoko and Leto after the Marseille game. So I say the team is not playing well and you cannot pick out one player. It is the same situation with Steve. He needs to keep working and you could see the other day during the game that he was working hard. The team is working hard so we need to improve tactically and we need to improve our confidence."
"I think all of the players want to play. Some have injuries but when I see them in the dressing room or in the corridor all of them say, 'I am ready if you want'. You know they want to play," he added.
Meanwhile Peter Beardsley has spoken of his respect for the way Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez goes about his business.
The former Kop idol, who scored 60 goals in 177 appearances between 1987 and 1991, believes the Spaniard's style is becoming all too rare in modern football.
"Rafael Benitez is doing a good job," said Beardsley. "People are always asking him about his changes even though he's proved he's a winner.
"I love his style, he never makes excuses and he'll say if he gets something wrong."
Editor's Notes
Liverpool's recent slump in form seems to be the talk of the town. The media has linked it to Rafa's consistent probing and shuffling of his line-up.
It doesn't help that his assistant, Pako Ayesteran's departure coincide with the loss in confidence of the team. However one must note that this is not a new practice by the gaffer.
Did anyone make a fuss when his tinkering brought Liverpool their fifth European Champions silverware? Maybe they claim it was with some help from ladyluck but getting to the finals twice in three years requires more then just luck.
Rafa's coming out to admit his tactical errors was perhaps more than not is to shield his players from further criticisms from the public. Pako's departure hasn't certainly help as I reckon Rafa has been carrying more workloads than he should.
If anyone is to be blame, it should be the players. They are professionals ridiculously paid to do a job regardless of what tactical methods instructed on the field of play. Just putting on the colors of Liverpool should be a motivation for them, wearing the Liver upon their chest.
Having said all that, Liverpool are usually slow starters but it can be said as an improvement this time round, with the team still unbeaten in the Premiere League.
The media has been questioning Rafa's priority over the last few seasons. Maybe this season he is in fact gunning for the EPL. Who's to bet that Liverpool might even go through the whole season unbeaten?
Its encouraging also that some of the past players are pledging their support to Rafa. Its still early days yet and Rafa is just preparing his squad for the long marathon.
Many critics have pointed to the Spaniard's infamous rotation policy for having caused a number of disjointed performances, while an international break immediately after that Derby victory certainly cost them momentum.
And while it has been noted Liverpool's difficult period appears to have coincided with the departure of fitness coach and assistant manager Pako Ayesteran, Benitez stressed the only person responsible was himself.
The Spanish tactician accepts that tactics are very much his domain and he is more than willing to accept responsibility for his side's recent demise.
"The problem is a tactical problem and it is my problem," said Benitez, who after this recent international break now has to get his side ready for a Merseyside derby at Goodison Park on Saturday.
"Confidence (of the squad) is also an issue but not the physical condition of the players. We are running more and faster than before."
Benitez feels that the criticism aimed at club captain is unfair and that the whole team are not on top of their game, not just captain Steven Gerrard."I am really worried about the team over the past few games, because we are not playing at our level," he explained on liverpoolfc.tv. "You can talk about Steven Gerrard, because he is the captain, but you can talk about the other players also.
"I was disappointed when people were talking about Sissoko and Leto after the Marseille game. So I say the team is not playing well and you cannot pick out one player. It is the same situation with Steve. He needs to keep working and you could see the other day during the game that he was working hard. The team is working hard so we need to improve tactically and we need to improve our confidence."
"I think all of the players want to play. Some have injuries but when I see them in the dressing room or in the corridor all of them say, 'I am ready if you want'. You know they want to play," he added.
Meanwhile Peter Beardsley has spoken of his respect for the way Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez goes about his business.
The former Kop idol, who scored 60 goals in 177 appearances between 1987 and 1991, believes the Spaniard's style is becoming all too rare in modern football.
"Rafael Benitez is doing a good job," said Beardsley. "People are always asking him about his changes even though he's proved he's a winner.
"I love his style, he never makes excuses and he'll say if he gets something wrong."
Editor's Notes
Liverpool's recent slump in form seems to be the talk of the town. The media has linked it to Rafa's consistent probing and shuffling of his line-up.
It doesn't help that his assistant, Pako Ayesteran's departure coincide with the loss in confidence of the team. However one must note that this is not a new practice by the gaffer.
Did anyone make a fuss when his tinkering brought Liverpool their fifth European Champions silverware? Maybe they claim it was with some help from ladyluck but getting to the finals twice in three years requires more then just luck.
Rafa's coming out to admit his tactical errors was perhaps more than not is to shield his players from further criticisms from the public. Pako's departure hasn't certainly help as I reckon Rafa has been carrying more workloads than he should.If anyone is to be blame, it should be the players. They are professionals ridiculously paid to do a job regardless of what tactical methods instructed on the field of play. Just putting on the colors of Liverpool should be a motivation for them, wearing the Liver upon their chest.
Having said all that, Liverpool are usually slow starters but it can be said as an improvement this time round, with the team still unbeaten in the Premiere League.
The media has been questioning Rafa's priority over the last few seasons. Maybe this season he is in fact gunning for the EPL. Who's to bet that Liverpool might even go through the whole season unbeaten?
Its encouraging also that some of the past players are pledging their support to Rafa. Its still early days yet and Rafa is just preparing his squad for the long marathon.
REDS TO PLUG DEFENSIVE WOES
According to two top British papers, Liverpool will make an approach for the Newcastle centre-half, Steven Taylor and the out of favour, Real Madrid full-back Gabriel Heinze.
Liverpool's failed attempt, during the Summer transfer window, of signing the Argentinian from Man Utd, has not stopped the Merseysider's hope of securing his signature. It is expected the new American owners will have to write a cheque for about €6.5 million to persuade the La Liga champions to let Heinze go.
It is also reported that England U-21 captain Steven Taylor, could also be on his way to Anfield this January after rejecting a contract from current club Newcastle. This is thought to be for a fee of around about €8.25 million, but Liverpool will face competition from Tottenham and West Ham to snap-up the Geordie.
The possible introduction of these players could also make way for the departure of the experienced Red's favourite Sami Hyypia, who Wigan could target in the upcoming transfer window.
Editor's Notes
One bad performance and the rumours starts flying in. That seems to be the thin line of being a success and a failure.
Liverpool's torrid defensive displays against Tottenham have gotten the media to hammer the final nail onto Sami Hyypia's Liverpool career. Its true that Hyypia was outfoxed and outmanoeuvred not once but twice by the same player in that match.
But having said that defending should be done as a team and Jamie Carragher should shoulder as much blame as he was caught ball watching.
Its true that Hyypia has lost much of his pace and strength but he makes up for it with his excellent positioning and reading of the game. With only Daniel Agger being the other proven centre-half, Liverpool really need to have quality competition to keep Carragher and Agger on their toes.
Steven Taylor is as good as it comes and speculations started to rife when he rejected a new contract. But being a Geordie through and through, I somehow do not see him crossing over to Anfield. Gabriel Heinze, on the other hand, is well adapt to play on the left as well as the middle. With Rafa's close relatioinship with Real, there were even talks that there has been a conspiracy. Again I do not feel so, and I doubt if Heinze would leave so soon after joining the Spanish giant.
I believe that Rafa would once again dipped into his La-Liga knowledge and contacts and I can see another la-Liga signing come January. 25 year old Deportivo's Fabricio Collicini looks a probability.
Regarding Hyypia, Rafa has publicly stated previously that he wants him to stay and carry on to contribute to Liverpool Football Club at a different capacity. Ageing Sami may be Finnish but he's far from done yet!
Liverpool's failed attempt, during the Summer transfer window, of signing the Argentinian from Man Utd, has not stopped the Merseysider's hope of securing his signature. It is expected the new American owners will have to write a cheque for about €6.5 million to persuade the La Liga champions to let Heinze go.
It is also reported that England U-21 captain Steven Taylor, could also be on his way to Anfield this January after rejecting a contract from current club Newcastle. This is thought to be for a fee of around about €8.25 million, but Liverpool will face competition from Tottenham and West Ham to snap-up the Geordie.
The possible introduction of these players could also make way for the departure of the experienced Red's favourite Sami Hyypia, who Wigan could target in the upcoming transfer window.
Editor's Notes
One bad performance and the rumours starts flying in. That seems to be the thin line of being a success and a failure.Liverpool's torrid defensive displays against Tottenham have gotten the media to hammer the final nail onto Sami Hyypia's Liverpool career. Its true that Hyypia was outfoxed and outmanoeuvred not once but twice by the same player in that match.
But having said that defending should be done as a team and Jamie Carragher should shoulder as much blame as he was caught ball watching.
Its true that Hyypia has lost much of his pace and strength but he makes up for it with his excellent positioning and reading of the game. With only Daniel Agger being the other proven centre-half, Liverpool really need to have quality competition to keep Carragher and Agger on their toes.Steven Taylor is as good as it comes and speculations started to rife when he rejected a new contract. But being a Geordie through and through, I somehow do not see him crossing over to Anfield. Gabriel Heinze, on the other hand, is well adapt to play on the left as well as the middle. With Rafa's close relatioinship with Real, there were even talks that there has been a conspiracy. Again I do not feel so, and I doubt if Heinze would leave so soon after joining the Spanish giant.
I believe that Rafa would once again dipped into his La-Liga knowledge and contacts and I can see another la-Liga signing come January. 25 year old Deportivo's Fabricio Collicini looks a probability.
Regarding Hyypia, Rafa has publicly stated previously that he wants him to stay and carry on to contribute to Liverpool Football Club at a different capacity. Ageing Sami may be Finnish but he's far from done yet!
CROUCH TO STAY?
By Chris McMullan, liverpool.rivals.net
Date: 17/10/2007
Rafa Benitez has contradicted recent media speculation by stating that Liverpool do not want to sell Peter Crouch. With the England international striker being relegated to the subs bench for much of this season the press had decided that he must be on his way out soon. Not so says Rafa.
Explaining the players absence from starting line-ups as 'competition for places' may be little consolation for the player but at least throws him a lifeline for getting back in the side:
"People have been talking about Peter Crouch for two months, but he is our player and we don't want to sell him. He is a nice boy, a good professional, a good player.
"It is clear that this team now with four strikers creates more competition for places, but I don't have any problems because Crouch is a good player."
Editor's Notes
When Rafa first decided to recruit the 'unknown' Peter Crouch to Anfield for £7 million in 2005, the whole soccer-nation was having a laugh.
Soon enough after contributing to Rafa-lution, amidst a long goalless streak, he has been labelled as the 'poor man's Fernando Torres' which could be say as an admirable comparison nonetheless.
But what now that El-Nino has finally made his way to Anfield? Does Rafa want to keep him just for the sake of a cover to Torres?
Crouch has suffered immensely and has been nowhere near his best when called upon. But he is still a top striker in the eyes of many teams and already Liverpool have rejected £9 million offers for his services.
Man City are the latest team that has been linked with him. It has been rumoured that Liverpool are actually waiting for the bidding to go to £12 million.
Personally I feel that it will benefit both player and team for him to move on. No doubt Crouch is a top-class striker and has proven it at International level. But I reckon its about time that Liverpool go into 'upgrading' and get Worldclass striker rather than just top-class. At the moment, sadly enough, only Torres falls into that category.
If Liverpool were to hold on Crouch, his value might just dip over the years. Rafa should just cash in while he's still in demand and could top-up the money received to get another Worldclass striker, perhaps someone in the mould of Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Date: 17/10/2007
Rafa Benitez has contradicted recent media speculation by stating that Liverpool do not want to sell Peter Crouch. With the England international striker being relegated to the subs bench for much of this season the press had decided that he must be on his way out soon. Not so says Rafa.Explaining the players absence from starting line-ups as 'competition for places' may be little consolation for the player but at least throws him a lifeline for getting back in the side:
"People have been talking about Peter Crouch for two months, but he is our player and we don't want to sell him. He is a nice boy, a good professional, a good player.
"It is clear that this team now with four strikers creates more competition for places, but I don't have any problems because Crouch is a good player."
Editor's Notes
When Rafa first decided to recruit the 'unknown' Peter Crouch to Anfield for £7 million in 2005, the whole soccer-nation was having a laugh.Soon enough after contributing to Rafa-lution, amidst a long goalless streak, he has been labelled as the 'poor man's Fernando Torres' which could be say as an admirable comparison nonetheless.
But what now that El-Nino has finally made his way to Anfield? Does Rafa want to keep him just for the sake of a cover to Torres?
Crouch has suffered immensely and has been nowhere near his best when called upon. But he is still a top striker in the eyes of many teams and already Liverpool have rejected £9 million offers for his services.
Man City are the latest team that has been linked with him. It has been rumoured that Liverpool are actually waiting for the bidding to go to £12 million.Personally I feel that it will benefit both player and team for him to move on. No doubt Crouch is a top-class striker and has proven it at International level. But I reckon its about time that Liverpool go into 'upgrading' and get Worldclass striker rather than just top-class. At the moment, sadly enough, only Torres falls into that category.
If Liverpool were to hold on Crouch, his value might just dip over the years. Rafa should just cash in while he's still in demand and could top-up the money received to get another Worldclass striker, perhaps someone in the mould of Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Wednesday 17 October 2007
KAKA EYES MOVE TO PREMIERSHIP
Kaka has nominated England as one of the two destinations which could tempt him if he ever decides to call time on his AC Milan career.
The 25-year-old Brazil midfielder is at pains, in an interview with Esquire magazine, to stress he expects to remain happy with the European champions.
But should he ever change his mind, Kaka admits clubs such as Manchester United and Arsenal would enter the equation - probably ahead of Chelsea or Liverpool.
'I'm very happy at Milan - and I don't expect that situation to change,' he said. 'But if you want to talk hypothetically, if I were ever to leave it would have to be for a club of equal stature - and I think I would only find that in England or Spain.
'Manchester United are a wonderful side ... I like Arsenal too.
'As for Chelsea and Liverpool, they are more tactically-oriented; they base themselves on solidity and organisation. They are maybe less creative, but they have good managers. I especially admire (Rafael) Benitez.'
ROTATION THE SAGA
Another week of dismay, the same old debate of the rotation policy currently running in the heart and veins of Liverpool. The media are preying on every negative results of Liverpool and scrapping every chance to criticise the system and, of course, the man in-charge, Rafael Benitez. But, should us, the proud supporters of Liverpool FC, do the same?
Frustrated, pointing fingers at the squad-rotation has become all too often, it's very nearly a habit now. The system does not, proven, always look that well in short-term, but in the longer term, it works out well, also proven. 3 cups finals in the last 3 years is no mean feat. The game itself has evolved and the way of playing it has to adapt. Gone are the days of playing the same old 11 from day-1 to day-365. Have absolute faith in the system and it would pay off.
However, under Benitez, not even the captain are exempted from the policy, which is one thing that I could never understand. Look at the rivals, Fabregas and van Persie for Arsenal, Lampard and Terry for Chelsea and Ronaldo, Giggs and Scholes for Man Utd. These players play whenever available and stay in the team. Does that mean those teams don't care or couldn't see the final picture? Anyone?
The answer is NO, to me. It is necessary to rest players when needed, but it has to be done by retaining the core of the team. The rivals' key players are their respective core, and they don't get benched very often even if it is against inferior oppositions. It is very important to have a good spine of players, which we definitely have and a great bunch, namely Reina-Carragher-Alonso-Gerrard
Well, this is my shallow opinion, at least. I would be very happy whenever the aforementioned players made the starting lineup and frustrated when they don't. Hey, I'm just a fan, alright. Fans are not supposed to be objective. But I really do believe that Rafael Benitez is the man to bring back the 19th title. So wait till then.
YNWA!
Thursday 4 October 2007
THE REDS 0 - 1 MARSEILLE
A dissapointing display of tactics and style by the Lord Rafa..maybe this should give him a wake-up call to place all his best 11 and not to rotate players anymore..
Desperate for goals led him to made changes to his tactics..
Come on Rafa..we expect better play than this..
YNWA
LIVERPOOL - MARSEILLE : REDS BEATEN BY LATE STUNNER
The Reds endured a frustrating night in front of goal as a sensational late effort from Mathieu Valbuena earned Marseille a surprise 1-0 win at Anfield.
Rafa Benitez's men struggled to test Steve Mendanda in the visitors' goal throughout the match and but for some fine goalkeeping by Pepe Reina the away side could have returned to France with a bigger margin of victory.
In a frustrating first-half the Reds took a while to get into their stride and Marseille should have taken the lead after just 12 minutes.
Karim Ziani won the ball off Fabio Aurelio on the halfway line before releasing Mamdou Niang, whose effort on the run was well blocked by Pepe Reina.
Rafael Benitez's men struggled to build any momentum and the visitors continued to create the better chances on the counter attack.
Lorik Cana contrived to head over despite being unmarked in the box before the home crowd breathed a huge sigh of relief when Karim Ziani's effort was ruled out for offside just after the half hour mark.
After the interval the home side stepped up a gear and could have broken the deadlock on 52 minutes but Peter Crouch misjudged his volley after a fine run and cross from Steve Finnan.
Both sides then had efforts from distance with Niang firing a free-kick straight at Reina before Gerrard curled a superb 25-yard effort just wide over the right-hand post.
With 20 minutes to go Marseille took off the dangerous Niang and replaced him with former Reds striker Djibril Cisse, whose first piece of action was to flash a 25-yard effort well wide of Reina's goal.
The away side continued to cause the Liverpool rearguard problems and 13 minutes from the end they struck the winning goal.
Momo Sissoko lost the ball in midfield allowing Mathieu Valbuena to turn and exchange a one-two before curling a magnificent 25-yard effort in off the crossbar.
It was a goal worthy of winning any match and despite late chances for Yossi Benayoun, Sami Hyypia and Fernando Torres, it leaves the Reds with it all to do in their remaining Group A fixtures.
Teams
Liverpool: Reina, Aurelio, Hyypia, Carragher, Finnan, Leto, Gerrard (captain), Sissoko, Benayoun, Crouch, Torres. Subs - Riise, Mascherano, Arbeloa, Babel, Kuyt, Voronin, Itandje
Olympique Marseille: Mandanda, Taiwo, Rodriguez, Givet, Bonnart, Zenden, Cana (captain), Cheyrou, Valbuena, Ziani, Niang. Subs - Zubar, Oruma, Arrache, Moussilou, Hamel, Cisse, M'Bami
Referee: Plautz, Conrad
Conditions: Raining
Attendance: 41,355
Wednesday 3 October 2007
TRANSFER RUMOUR UPDATES
Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez is keen on cementing a deal for Republic of Ireland teenage star Jamie McCarthy sooner rather than later.
Sixteen-year-old McCarthy turned down a move to Anfield in the summer in order to spent one more season with Scottish First Division side Hamilton Academical.
McCarthy had trials at Liverpool last season and the Mirror says Reds boss Rafa Benitez is now ready to follow up with a firm bid for the 16 year-old.
But according to a report in Monday’s Daily Mirror, Benitez is anxious to complete a move for the Accies ace, who scored the opening goal as his side defeated Kilmarnock last week en route to the last eight of the CIS Insurance Cup.
McCarthy was also the subject of attention from Chelsea, Reading, Celtic and Rangers earlier this year but Liverpool look favourites to land his signature, probably at the end of the season.
Sixteen-year-old McCarthy turned down a move to Anfield in the summer in order to spent one more season with Scottish First Division side Hamilton Academical.McCarthy had trials at Liverpool last season and the Mirror says Reds boss Rafa Benitez is now ready to follow up with a firm bid for the 16 year-old.
But according to a report in Monday’s Daily Mirror, Benitez is anxious to complete a move for the Accies ace, who scored the opening goal as his side defeated Kilmarnock last week en route to the last eight of the CIS Insurance Cup.
McCarthy was also the subject of attention from Chelsea, Reading, Celtic and Rangers earlier this year but Liverpool look favourites to land his signature, probably at the end of the season.
Wright is currently on loan at League Two outfit Barnet, where he has made 5 appearance this season.
Liverpool scouts have spotted the youngster in action and have sent glowing reports to boss Rafa Benitez who could add the youngster to his growing number of prospects at Anfield.
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is reportedly to be on pole position to sign Burnley youngster John Cofie.The Merseyside club appear to have stolen a march on their Premiership rivals Manchester United and Chelsea by finding out that Cofie's family are all mad Liverpool fans.
A deal taking Cofie to one of the three clubs for a fee in the region of £1 million is likely to be tied up in January.
And finally,Liverpool have entered the race to sign £10 million rated French star Samir Nasri.20 year old Marseille midfielder Nasri was voted as the player of the year in France last season and has been hailed as 'the new Zidane'.
According to reports over the weekend Liverpool are set to make a £10 million move for Nasri in January but could face stiff competition for his signature from Premiership rivals Arsenal.
In Liverpool's favour is their strong relationship with Marseille having sold them Djibril Cisse at a bargain price in the summer however Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has a £70 million transfer kitty to play with due to the club's recent financial success.
Editor's Note
Rafa Benitez, it seems, is having his scouts on overtime to scour the land for the 'wonderkids'. Liverpool has been under a lot of criticism for their policy of signing up young talents from abroad mainly South American and Spain. Perhaps by signing the British trio would take away some heat.
Nonetheless, Liverpool have been pursuing Jamie McCarthy more than a season back only for him to decide against leaving his homeland just yet. McCarthy, being Irish, has been described by many as a future heir to the legendary Roy Keane.His tigerish displays at such a tender age have also drawn comparison with a younger Steven Gerrard. But again, he is not yet the 'finished article' and still has a long way to go.
The other two Brits, Joshua Wright, an England U-17, and John Cofie have recently gone into the radar of the big clubs as well.
Last but not least, the battle for Samir Nasri to be continued from last season as well. Already a French International at a young age. His skills and talents has been liken to that of Zinedine Zidane. But Liverpool fans might be apprehensive on the French as they haven't had much success at Anfield. Bruno Cheyrou (also once touted as 'the new Zidane'), Djibril Cisse, Sinama Pongolle and Anthony Le-tallec had all failed to light up at Anfield.
Regardless of Liverpool's good rapport with Marseille, I reckon that Arsenal would have the upperhand for Nasri with Arsene Wenger's impeccable success with young frenchmen.
Ultimately, with so many talented youngsters making their way to Anfield, only time will tell if any will make it into the big time.
Monday 1 October 2007
WIGAN 0 - 1 LIVERPOOL
A brilliant individual goal from substitute Yossi Benayoun gave Liverpool a hard-earned victory against Wigan at the JJB Stadium.
The Israeli latched onto a through ball from Jermaine Pennant and dribbled past Titus Bramble before finding the net from 10 yards in the 75th minute.
Striker Fernando Torres was guilty of wasting good chances for the Reds.
Wigan should have levelled the score in stoppage time but striker Julius Aghahowa missed a close-range header.
Rafael Benitez's team were made to work for their three points by a resilient second-half resurgence from Wigan.
Torres, fresh from his Carling Cup hat-trick heroics, kept his place up front, but Rafael Benitez continued his with his rotation policy.
Benitez made seven changes to the side that beat Reading in midweek, taking his season's tally of changes to an astonishing 57 from just 11 games.
Wigan, who have yet to score a league goal against Liverpool, gave Nigerian international striker Aghahowa his first start up front in place of the injured Antoine Sibierski.
Despite pressing Chris Kirkland into action in the first minute with a stinging 30-yard drive from Steven Gerrard, Liverpool failed to capitalise on their dominance in the first half.
Torres was guilty of wasting the majority of the opportunities - the Spaniard could have bagged his second hat-trick of the week, but his prowess in front of goal had deserted him.
His first chance fell in the 16th minute when Dirk Kuyt threaded a pinpoint through-ball, but the striker was denied by a fine sprawling save from Kirkland.
Torres' most painful miss came in the 32nd minute when Fabio Aurelio's cross found the striker unmarked in the box.
The striker had time to control the ball, but instead opted for the spectacular with an overhead kick, firing wide of Kirkland's left-hand post.
Devoid of any attacking impetus in the first 45 minutes, Wigan's approach at the beginning of the second half was in complete contrast.
They should have taken the lead when Marcus Bent fired past a static Pepe Reina, who had stopped after a late offside flag.
However replays indicated strike partner Aghahowa had been wrongly adjudged offside even though he was returning onside and not interfering with play.
Jason Koumas began to exert more influence in midfield and the Wales international forced Reina into his first save of the game in the 51st minute.
Liverpool eventually broke free of their second half shackles and Wigan had Josip Skoko to thank when he threw himself at a Dirk Kuyt shot from 12 yards with Kirkland committed.
A typically robust Gerrard shot from distance on 68 minutes had the goalkeeper beaten but, agonisingly, the ball rolled past the post.
It took a moment of individual brilliance from Benayoun to break the deadlock 15 minutes from full time.
The midfielder created space with a wonderful first touch from Pennant's ball and evaded Bramble's challenge on the edge of the box before firing past the onrushing Kirkland.
The goal rocked Wigan but they continued to press forward in search of an equaliser, and should have had one in the dying moments.
Koumas' cross found Aghahowa three yards from goal, but the striker somehow managed to head wide with an open goal to aim at.
# Wigan manager Chris Hutchings on Julius Aghahowa's stoppage time miss:
"I don't know how it didn't go in, so in the end while I am pleased with the performance and the lads were great, I am very disappointed with the result.
"I thought the way we defended and how we passed the ball around was pleasing. That's how we are trying to do things now.
"We can take positives out of the game with the way they changed things in order to hold on to their three points, and all credit to them for doing that."
# Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez on Yossi Benayoun's introduction:
"When you are trying to find a solution, you need players of creativity and quality, and Yossi gives us that. I am not saying he will start every game on the bench, it's just that in this instance I wanted to do different things.
"Yossi played the other night (in the Carling Cup against Reading) and I needed fresh legs, so I started with (Jermaine) Pennant.
"Because we didn't we needed to bring on players with different skills and Yossi was good, it was perfect."
Wigan: Kirkland, Melchiot, Boyce, Bramble, Kilbane, Scharner (Taylor 82), Skoko, Brown, Koumas, Aghahowa, Bent.
Subs Not Used: Pollitt, Granqvist, Hall, Olembe.
Booked: Brown, Melchiot.
Liverpool: Reina, Arbeloa, Hyypia, Carragher, Aurelio (Benayoun 56), Pennant (Voronin 82), Gerrard, Mascherano, Riise, Torres (Sissoko 89), Kuyt.
Subs Not Used: Itandje, Finnan.
Booked: Mascherano.
Goals: Benayoun 75.
Att: 24,311.
ROBBIE"S COMING HOME
Robbie Fowler will return to Anfield with new club Cardiff City after The Bluebirds were drawn away at Liverpool in the fourth round of the Carling Cup.
The Reds legend, nicknamed ‘God’ by his adoring fans on the Kop, made the step down to The Championship at the end of last season but will be warmly welcomed back to his spiritual home when the ties take place around the country in the week commencing October 29.
The Premier League’s biggest sides were all kept apart in the draw made on Saturday afternoon, with holders Chelsea playing at home to Leicester City and last season’s beaten finalists Arsenal being drawn away at Sheffield United.
Coventry City’s reward for seeing off Manchester United at Old Trafford is a home tie against manager Iain Dowie’s former side West Ham, whilst two all-Premier League ties see Portsmouth host Blackburn and Manchester City visit Bolton in a North West derby.
League One Luton Town, the lowest ranked side left in the competition, have been drawn to face Everton at Kenilworth Road and Simon Grayson’s Blackpool will also be eyeing a shock when they visit Tottenham.
The Reds legend, nicknamed ‘God’ by his adoring fans on the Kop, made the step down to The Championship at the end of last season but will be warmly welcomed back to his spiritual home when the ties take place around the country in the week commencing October 29.The Premier League’s biggest sides were all kept apart in the draw made on Saturday afternoon, with holders Chelsea playing at home to Leicester City and last season’s beaten finalists Arsenal being drawn away at Sheffield United.
League One Luton Town, the lowest ranked side left in the competition, have been drawn to face Everton at Kenilworth Road and Simon Grayson’s Blackpool will also be eyeing a shock when they visit Tottenham.
Carling Cup fourth round draw in full:
Luton Town v Everton
Portsmouth v Blackburn Rovers
Chelsea v Leicester City
Sheffield United v Arsenal
Tottenham Hotspur v Blackpool
Bolton Wanderers v Manchester City
Coventry City v West Ham
Liverpool v Cardiff City
Editor's Notes
Robbie Fowler previously unceremoniuosly 'forced out' by former Assistant Manager Phil Thompson was given a reprieve by Rafa Benitez to bid his goodbyes to the Kop with his second spell which he was grateful for.
The Carling Cup fourth round tie provides Liverpool's mercurial son with an unexpected early comeback, It seems that most of Liverpool's outgoing players usually gets a quick comeback. Last season it was Jan Kromkamp and Vladimir Smicer with PSV and Bordeaux respectively. And this its Robbie with Cardiff City, Bolo Zenden and Djibril Cisse with Olympic Marseille in the Champions League midweek.
Nonetheless, Liverpool will not be hoping for any favours from the trio and likewise these players would usually have something to prove to the gaffer.
Having said that, I believe that Liverpool are well equipped to get through these teams. Fowler and Zenden would definitely be receiving a grandstand by the Anfield faithfuls but the same could not be said about Cisse.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
