It has finally started looking good for Liverpool. Gerrard, Torres, Benayoun, Kuyt and Aquilani are starting to get back their rhythm. We have put together a couple of wins and simultaneously a double of clean sheets as well. The defense still looks a little leaky but things are improving. We have got back Martin Skrtel to partner Agger in the center of the Liverpool box.
I am trying to give this live reporting another chance. Maybe I don't prove to be the curse around their neck. The next game is huge in terms of the Champions League positions. Tottenham are currently occupying that 4th spot in the table. If we can give them a good dose, they will be just one point ahead of us. And may have been overtaken by Manchester City by then. A win at Anfield against the men from London would be an awesome thing to achieve in the New Year.
Here's wishing the entire Liverpool team and its supporters a wonderful 2010. May the team flourish and score goals. We will be there to make sure Torres and Gerrard know what its like to have Liverpool supporters behind their back.
You Will Never Walk Alone.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Fratton Park - against the Botom 3 contenders
The game at Portsmouth is an ideal way to try and get back some of the rhythm for Liverpool. The side in blue is not at the top of their confidence. Gerrard, Torres, Johnson and Kuyt were all deemed completely fit. The 6th minute saw a dangerous free kick floated into the Liverpool box and the resulting loop back into Reina's path was deflected away for a goal kick.
With the Liverpool defence not at its very best, there were expected to be some long balls from the Portsmouth backline. Carragher had to use all his experience to defend one such ball against the front two fielded by Avram Grant. Dossena floated a wonderful ball for Torres in the 18 yard box. But the defence could pluck it away from his feet. Then Torres sped away from his own half to finally get a corner. But one after another, the corners were well defended, with some degree of not the best deliveries attached to both the balls. The left of Liverpool midfield once again saw the almost forgotten Italian who goes by the name of Dossena. He did look lively from the initial touches and his ability to put in good balls for Gerrard, Torres and Kuyt to attack.
Torres and Gerrard combined to pick up Kuyt inside the 6yard box but the Dutchman could not connect with the bouncing ball. That was half a chance with the ball almost at his feet. Torres went for goal in the 21st minute from just outside the box. The ball curled very well but just did not dip enough under the crossbar. That shot would have alerted the Portsmouth goalkeeper to the abilities of this Spanish striker. Once again he ran onto a left wing ball from Gerrard but could not get the slightest of touches. Any minimal contact would have diverted that ball into the goal, with the goalkeeper too close to the ball. Dossena's foul allowed a free kick to be delivered right into the upper right corner but Reina was up to it. Then a swift counter attack needed a clearing header from Agger. The resulting corner was cleared to finally move the ball away from Liverpool area.
The first half an hour had seen better organization and field play from Liverpool, but Portsmouth appeared to be more threatening from their minimal attacks on the opposite goal. They were better in the final third while we were trying to control the overall game. And the team with more attacking intent had their noses in front. A goalmouth scramble saw Reina parry a shot which bounced for Johnson to head away to safety. However the weak header allowed Belhadj to volley a superb goal from the tightest of angles. It flew inside the near post of Reina even before he could see it.
Portsmouth 1 - 0 Liverpool. 33 minutes.
Daniel Agger had the best opportunity to drive home the leveller. Gerrard free kick floated beautifully onto the far post, Agger had a free header 6 yards out. All he had to do was to direct it goalwards. And he managed to let the header fly across the goal. In the 42nd minute, Mascherano flew into a tackle onto Tal Ben Haim. He managed to hurt himself and see red at the same time. That was that for the first half. Is my curse still on ? Should I move away from the keyboard and stop writing this live report of the match.
With the Liverpool defence not at its very best, there were expected to be some long balls from the Portsmouth backline. Carragher had to use all his experience to defend one such ball against the front two fielded by Avram Grant. Dossena floated a wonderful ball for Torres in the 18 yard box. But the defence could pluck it away from his feet. Then Torres sped away from his own half to finally get a corner. But one after another, the corners were well defended, with some degree of not the best deliveries attached to both the balls. The left of Liverpool midfield once again saw the almost forgotten Italian who goes by the name of Dossena. He did look lively from the initial touches and his ability to put in good balls for Gerrard, Torres and Kuyt to attack.
Torres and Gerrard combined to pick up Kuyt inside the 6yard box but the Dutchman could not connect with the bouncing ball. That was half a chance with the ball almost at his feet. Torres went for goal in the 21st minute from just outside the box. The ball curled very well but just did not dip enough under the crossbar. That shot would have alerted the Portsmouth goalkeeper to the abilities of this Spanish striker. Once again he ran onto a left wing ball from Gerrard but could not get the slightest of touches. Any minimal contact would have diverted that ball into the goal, with the goalkeeper too close to the ball. Dossena's foul allowed a free kick to be delivered right into the upper right corner but Reina was up to it. Then a swift counter attack needed a clearing header from Agger. The resulting corner was cleared to finally move the ball away from Liverpool area.
The first half an hour had seen better organization and field play from Liverpool, but Portsmouth appeared to be more threatening from their minimal attacks on the opposite goal. They were better in the final third while we were trying to control the overall game. And the team with more attacking intent had their noses in front. A goalmouth scramble saw Reina parry a shot which bounced for Johnson to head away to safety. However the weak header allowed Belhadj to volley a superb goal from the tightest of angles. It flew inside the near post of Reina even before he could see it.
Portsmouth 1 - 0 Liverpool. 33 minutes.
Daniel Agger had the best opportunity to drive home the leveller. Gerrard free kick floated beautifully onto the far post, Agger had a free header 6 yards out. All he had to do was to direct it goalwards. And he managed to let the header fly across the goal. In the 42nd minute, Mascherano flew into a tackle onto Tal Ben Haim. He managed to hurt himself and see red at the same time. That was that for the first half. Is my curse still on ? Should I move away from the keyboard and stop writing this live report of the match.
Trying to make a comeback
Ever since I started writing these match reports, Liverpool had seen the roughest patch in the last 10 years or so. I thought - maybe I am the curse. Had tried to revert it by not making any attempts to do a live reporting.
However, this is something very close to my heart. I am trying it out today. If Liverpool manages anything less than 3 points today, I will go back to hibernation.
Hope lady luck smiles on me and my beloved club.
You Will Never Walk Alone.
However, this is something very close to my heart. I am trying it out today. If Liverpool manages anything less than 3 points today, I will go back to hibernation.
Hope lady luck smiles on me and my beloved club.
You Will Never Walk Alone.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Up against the Big Spending blue half of Manchester
Now this was one interesting move from Rafael Benitez. Ngog and Babel starting upfront. In my memory, this was the first time they were coming together. Gerrard was in the starting line-up, providing a big boost for the Liverpool supporters. Lucas, Mascherano and Kuyt completing the 4 in midfield. Liverpool did start brightly with Gerrard driving them on. We were doing very well whenever Gerrard pushing the City midfielders. That's what he brings to this Reds' side. An unending, unnerving desire to win.
Liverpool won a free kick on the 5th minute. Gerrard floated in the ball around the 6 yard box. Skrtel's header from a flick on was goal bound before the "god of goalkeeping" Shay Given intervened with his left glove flapping at it. Out for a corner. The "god" saved Man City from going behind. The corner was cleared off by Toure. The melee left Daniel Agger blooded. He was replaced with Kyrgiakos. Then on the 18th minute, Babel was replaced with Yossi Benayoun. This was looking like a rather positive change, although needed by De Jong's challenge on Babel. Now those were 2 changes which Benitez clearly did not feel comfortable with.
Mascherano was working like a war horse in this midfield. That's what we really want out of him. With Alonso gone, its really his job to protect the back four. It was proving to be one of his better displays. There was a decent build up from the right hand side before the ball fell to Gerrard whose first shot was blocked, and the rebound went high and wide. Gerrard could not wrap his foot around that ball else shay Given would have come into play for sure. Another build up from left presented Kuyt with a shooting chance from 20 yards out in the center. His shot was deflected for a corner.
Gerrard was his typical battling driving self. Snapping at every possible opportunity to get the ball. Man City then had a very decent buildup with the pass from Wayne Bridge being fed to Wright Philips on the right hand side. His shot from just outside the box did not manage to trouble Reina. Mascherano then had a hit from almost 30 yards out that flew straight out to Given. This was looking like a much better Liverpool side. The ball was moving, there was enough in the midfield to not let Man City keep possession. On the present evidence, only De Jong, Wright Philips and Shay Given were performing for City. In the first half injury time, Gerrard sent in a curling dangerous ball into the six yard box. Any touch and Given might have been in trouble. Unfortunately, it went straight to him.
Half Time at Anfield. Liverpool 0 - 0 Manchester City.
Ireland had the first real chance to make in the second half. He was having the ball in the center just outside the box, and Bellamy all free on his left. He chose to make a strange pass ahead of him. Then Gerrard had a decent opportunity to test shay Given. His shot was however blocked. Liverpool had a free kick on the 48th minute out on the left. And Gerrard's amazing delivery was turned in by Skrtel. His outstretched leg reaching to the ball ahead of Adebayor. That is Skrtel's first goal for us, and much needed. That was 1 - 0 to Liverpool. Ngog had done well to hold the ball and draw that challenge which resulted in the free kick. The "god" was beaten for once.
That goal turned Man City into a team which was intent on keeping possession. They were not ready to attempt any fancy passes and just try to build a momentum for any of the movements towards the Liverpool goal. Bellamy, Ireland and Jong were keeping hold of the ball and not letting Gerrard and Lucas push ahead of the half way line. Man City got their first corner of the game in the 59th minute. Reina could clear it away from his far post. Soon Gareth Barry was replaced by Carlos Tevez. It was a clear intent of attack from Mark Hughes. Ngog takes too much time on the ball before deciding what to do with it. He had a decent opportunity to cross from the right but his time taking skills brought in a block.
Lucas received his yellow card for kicking the ball away when a foul had been called against Insua. Bellamy delivered the killer punch from nowhere. His corner delivery found Adebayor with a free header and the ball was in. That was poor display from Skrtel who was supposed to be marking the ex-Arsenal man. Poor Poor concentration from the goal scorer.
Liverpool 1 - 1 Manchester City.
The goal turned around the whole match. Man City were now looking like a side with purpose. Within 2 minutes, the game saw 2 goals. First Tevez and Wright Philips combined to feed Ireland, who was offside. He sliced it past Reina into a wide gaping goal. That was a superb turn from Wright Philips to create space for the cross. Immediately after, just 74 seconds later, Benayoun turned in Gerrard's cross from close range. That ball traveled across the face of the goal with nobody getting to it.
Liverpool 2 - 2 Manchester City.
Those goals had brought nerves to both the sides. Nobody seemed confident on the ball except for maybe Wright Philips and Gerrard. Bellamy got another shooting opportunity from the left but his shot was not on target. On came Aurelio for Benayoun. And just before that, Liverpool were awarded a free kick on the left hand side. Aurelio stood over it. And shot high and wide towards the far post. Bridge conceded a corner from what was looking like a poor cross. Kyrgiakos was attacking from the far post but Philips was defending. The resulting corner was cleared. We were already into injury time. There was time for a corner still for Liverpool. Kuyt wanted to put it back into the 6 yard box but ended up getting a corner. Free header for Lucas and he could not direct it anywhere towards the goal. That's the difference between a draw and win. Yes, his name is Lucas. That was it. I hope Lucas realizes what he could have done to this match.
Final whistle. Liverpool 2 - 2 Manchester City.
We desperately need Torres and Johnson to come back to this side. Thats when the defenders start moving haywire. People like Lucas will never get us the goals. You give that chance to Carrick, Fletcher, Lampard, Essien, Fabregas, Nasri, Scholes, Diaby - each one of them will put it away.
Still. You Will Never Walk Alone.
Liverpool won a free kick on the 5th minute. Gerrard floated in the ball around the 6 yard box. Skrtel's header from a flick on was goal bound before the "god of goalkeeping" Shay Given intervened with his left glove flapping at it. Out for a corner. The "god" saved Man City from going behind. The corner was cleared off by Toure. The melee left Daniel Agger blooded. He was replaced with Kyrgiakos. Then on the 18th minute, Babel was replaced with Yossi Benayoun. This was looking like a rather positive change, although needed by De Jong's challenge on Babel. Now those were 2 changes which Benitez clearly did not feel comfortable with.
Mascherano was working like a war horse in this midfield. That's what we really want out of him. With Alonso gone, its really his job to protect the back four. It was proving to be one of his better displays. There was a decent build up from the right hand side before the ball fell to Gerrard whose first shot was blocked, and the rebound went high and wide. Gerrard could not wrap his foot around that ball else shay Given would have come into play for sure. Another build up from left presented Kuyt with a shooting chance from 20 yards out in the center. His shot was deflected for a corner.
Gerrard was his typical battling driving self. Snapping at every possible opportunity to get the ball. Man City then had a very decent buildup with the pass from Wayne Bridge being fed to Wright Philips on the right hand side. His shot from just outside the box did not manage to trouble Reina. Mascherano then had a hit from almost 30 yards out that flew straight out to Given. This was looking like a much better Liverpool side. The ball was moving, there was enough in the midfield to not let Man City keep possession. On the present evidence, only De Jong, Wright Philips and Shay Given were performing for City. In the first half injury time, Gerrard sent in a curling dangerous ball into the six yard box. Any touch and Given might have been in trouble. Unfortunately, it went straight to him.
Half Time at Anfield. Liverpool 0 - 0 Manchester City.
Ireland had the first real chance to make in the second half. He was having the ball in the center just outside the box, and Bellamy all free on his left. He chose to make a strange pass ahead of him. Then Gerrard had a decent opportunity to test shay Given. His shot was however blocked. Liverpool had a free kick on the 48th minute out on the left. And Gerrard's amazing delivery was turned in by Skrtel. His outstretched leg reaching to the ball ahead of Adebayor. That is Skrtel's first goal for us, and much needed. That was 1 - 0 to Liverpool. Ngog had done well to hold the ball and draw that challenge which resulted in the free kick. The "god" was beaten for once.
That goal turned Man City into a team which was intent on keeping possession. They were not ready to attempt any fancy passes and just try to build a momentum for any of the movements towards the Liverpool goal. Bellamy, Ireland and Jong were keeping hold of the ball and not letting Gerrard and Lucas push ahead of the half way line. Man City got their first corner of the game in the 59th minute. Reina could clear it away from his far post. Soon Gareth Barry was replaced by Carlos Tevez. It was a clear intent of attack from Mark Hughes. Ngog takes too much time on the ball before deciding what to do with it. He had a decent opportunity to cross from the right but his time taking skills brought in a block.
Lucas received his yellow card for kicking the ball away when a foul had been called against Insua. Bellamy delivered the killer punch from nowhere. His corner delivery found Adebayor with a free header and the ball was in. That was poor display from Skrtel who was supposed to be marking the ex-Arsenal man. Poor Poor concentration from the goal scorer.
Liverpool 1 - 1 Manchester City.
The goal turned around the whole match. Man City were now looking like a side with purpose. Within 2 minutes, the game saw 2 goals. First Tevez and Wright Philips combined to feed Ireland, who was offside. He sliced it past Reina into a wide gaping goal. That was a superb turn from Wright Philips to create space for the cross. Immediately after, just 74 seconds later, Benayoun turned in Gerrard's cross from close range. That ball traveled across the face of the goal with nobody getting to it.
Liverpool 2 - 2 Manchester City.
Those goals had brought nerves to both the sides. Nobody seemed confident on the ball except for maybe Wright Philips and Gerrard. Bellamy got another shooting opportunity from the left but his shot was not on target. On came Aurelio for Benayoun. And just before that, Liverpool were awarded a free kick on the left hand side. Aurelio stood over it. And shot high and wide towards the far post. Bridge conceded a corner from what was looking like a poor cross. Kyrgiakos was attacking from the far post but Philips was defending. The resulting corner was cleared. We were already into injury time. There was time for a corner still for Liverpool. Kuyt wanted to put it back into the 6 yard box but ended up getting a corner. Free header for Lucas and he could not direct it anywhere towards the goal. That's the difference between a draw and win. Yes, his name is Lucas. That was it. I hope Lucas realizes what he could have done to this match.
Final whistle. Liverpool 2 - 2 Manchester City.
We desperately need Torres and Johnson to come back to this side. Thats when the defenders start moving haywire. People like Lucas will never get us the goals. You give that chance to Carrick, Fletcher, Lampard, Essien, Fabregas, Nasri, Scholes, Diaby - each one of them will put it away.
Still. You Will Never Walk Alone.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
At Craven Cottage. Without Gerrard and Johnson.
Its Torres and Voronin up front. How many times are we going to see such a starting line-up from Liverpool. Gerrard and Johnson missing from action. Could easily be precautionary tactics from the Spaniard. Benayoun and Mascherano were expected to be stars of this game. The weather was bright and sunny in London. And withing 3 minutes, Voronin managed to not take an excellent chance. Cant really understand how could he score in the Bundesliga. What appeared to be a straight forward header just never felt the same for the Ukrainian. In the 6th minute, we were missing Gerrard. Just outside the area, the ball fell to Mascherano and he was blocked rather comfortably. Gerrard would have been testing the keeper at least.
Torres looked so lively upfront. A complete contrast to Voronin. A scramble fell on his feet and the way he took the ball away from Fulham defenders would have been encouraging to the Liverpool faithful. Torres once again sped towards the ball from a scramble. This time he earned a free kick just outside the 18-yard box. Benayoun's effort was blocked by the wall. Gerrard needed yet again. It was really the pace of the game that kept Manchester United at bay last weekend. Why did we need to drop off the accelerator when we could possibly steam roll past this London side. Kuyt and Degen combined to carve out a goal scoring chance for Torres, just missing out by a whisker. All this had happened within the first 20 minutes. Liverpool were keeping ball possession, without showing enough efforts on the Fulham goal.
Kuyt sends another cross and this time Benayoun rattles the crossbar on the 22nd minute. That was such a weighted cross, it could have come with a pigeon on top of it and Benayoun could have scooped it on his right shoulder. Kuyt at his best. Two minutes more and Fulham carved out their first chance. The ball ending up in the Liverpool net. Duff threaded the ball in front of the back four and Zamora was on hand to dispatch it. Fulham 1 - 0 Liverpool.
Am no Football Pundit, but do have some soccer sense after all these years of watching the game. I would make this blunder of suggesting something to Benitez. Sell Voronin. We don't need Michael Owen against Manchester United. But we could easily do with somebody like Carlton Cole or Geovanni. These players are worth their salt as understudy to Torres. The spaniard needed just one quick ball onto his feet to score for Liverpool. You cant keep him quite for more than that. A scramble and a looping ball out of the Fulham defense fell to the right foot. Schwarzer had no hint of what was going to be done. No control, no stopping the ball. Just a straight shot into the near post. Fulham 1 - 1 Liverpool. Torres scoops up his tenth goal of the season.
It was half time. Fulham 1 - 1 Liverpool.
Fulham sent in Nevland and Gera. Liverpool came out without any changes. Torres took the ball on the right hand side in the 48th minute. His effort to shoot was blocked. But the fear he induces in any defense with the ball at his feet is awesome. Almost 3 defenders blocking him, it sometimes looks the right option for him to pick out a fellow Red shirt. He turns the 18 yard box into a spacious zone. Unfortunately, Torres was replaced in the 61st minute. With half an hour to go, Babel came on. He is another of the lot which is yet to prove worthy of the Red shirt.
Fulham gained in confidence as their biggest tormentor was off the pitch. Zamora, Dempsey and Gera were taking their chances frequently. Benayoun, Kuyt and Voronin with all their experience were now expected to run the show for Liverpool. In the 73rd minute, all of that turned topsy turvy. Kuyt gave the ball cheaply to Konchesky on the left touchline. He ran onto the 18yard box and put a cross out to Gera. He nodded across and a deft touch from Nevland puts it into the net. Dreadful Reds defending. The back-post cannot be left unattended at any cost. Benitez somehow knows how to bring morale down. He brings off Benayoun, replacing him with Nathan Eccleston. Next minute, Degen is shown a straight red card. It looked like a yellow at most. But that's life in the Premier League.
In the 82nd minute, it was all over. Liverpool were looking like a team straight out of the streets of Delhi. Carragher could not pick out the ball and was found on the wrong side of Zamora. A straight red to him as well. With a free kick to Fulham. Why can't we just have Agger and Skrtel playing for us ? We needed a replacement and Benitez chose Kuyt this time. Zamora took off the chance from Fulham to make it 3-1. He took the ball away from Nevland who was onside. But that was not going to dampen them. They needed just 5 minutes before Nevland turned provider. Dempsey need not do anything except slide that pass into an inviting net. So he did. A two goal lead to the home side.
How many times did I mention Mascherano or Lucas in this long post ? That sums up their contribution to this game. How can we afford to sell Xabi Alonso and then bring in nothing for all that he did last season ? Even Zamora looks like a player worthy of being in the Liverpool side. He does have this habit of making a nuisance out of himself for the opposing defenders. Where is last season's hot favorite on the left - Riera ? Is he not worthy playing anymore ?
And thus it ends. Benitez doesn't hides his disappointment. Neither will the Liverpool fans. However, You Will Never Walk Alone.
Torres looked so lively upfront. A complete contrast to Voronin. A scramble fell on his feet and the way he took the ball away from Fulham defenders would have been encouraging to the Liverpool faithful. Torres once again sped towards the ball from a scramble. This time he earned a free kick just outside the 18-yard box. Benayoun's effort was blocked by the wall. Gerrard needed yet again. It was really the pace of the game that kept Manchester United at bay last weekend. Why did we need to drop off the accelerator when we could possibly steam roll past this London side. Kuyt and Degen combined to carve out a goal scoring chance for Torres, just missing out by a whisker. All this had happened within the first 20 minutes. Liverpool were keeping ball possession, without showing enough efforts on the Fulham goal.
Kuyt sends another cross and this time Benayoun rattles the crossbar on the 22nd minute. That was such a weighted cross, it could have come with a pigeon on top of it and Benayoun could have scooped it on his right shoulder. Kuyt at his best. Two minutes more and Fulham carved out their first chance. The ball ending up in the Liverpool net. Duff threaded the ball in front of the back four and Zamora was on hand to dispatch it. Fulham 1 - 0 Liverpool.
Am no Football Pundit, but do have some soccer sense after all these years of watching the game. I would make this blunder of suggesting something to Benitez. Sell Voronin. We don't need Michael Owen against Manchester United. But we could easily do with somebody like Carlton Cole or Geovanni. These players are worth their salt as understudy to Torres. The spaniard needed just one quick ball onto his feet to score for Liverpool. You cant keep him quite for more than that. A scramble and a looping ball out of the Fulham defense fell to the right foot. Schwarzer had no hint of what was going to be done. No control, no stopping the ball. Just a straight shot into the near post. Fulham 1 - 1 Liverpool. Torres scoops up his tenth goal of the season.
It was half time. Fulham 1 - 1 Liverpool.
Fulham sent in Nevland and Gera. Liverpool came out without any changes. Torres took the ball on the right hand side in the 48th minute. His effort to shoot was blocked. But the fear he induces in any defense with the ball at his feet is awesome. Almost 3 defenders blocking him, it sometimes looks the right option for him to pick out a fellow Red shirt. He turns the 18 yard box into a spacious zone. Unfortunately, Torres was replaced in the 61st minute. With half an hour to go, Babel came on. He is another of the lot which is yet to prove worthy of the Red shirt.
Fulham gained in confidence as their biggest tormentor was off the pitch. Zamora, Dempsey and Gera were taking their chances frequently. Benayoun, Kuyt and Voronin with all their experience were now expected to run the show for Liverpool. In the 73rd minute, all of that turned topsy turvy. Kuyt gave the ball cheaply to Konchesky on the left touchline. He ran onto the 18yard box and put a cross out to Gera. He nodded across and a deft touch from Nevland puts it into the net. Dreadful Reds defending. The back-post cannot be left unattended at any cost. Benitez somehow knows how to bring morale down. He brings off Benayoun, replacing him with Nathan Eccleston. Next minute, Degen is shown a straight red card. It looked like a yellow at most. But that's life in the Premier League.
In the 82nd minute, it was all over. Liverpool were looking like a team straight out of the streets of Delhi. Carragher could not pick out the ball and was found on the wrong side of Zamora. A straight red to him as well. With a free kick to Fulham. Why can't we just have Agger and Skrtel playing for us ? We needed a replacement and Benitez chose Kuyt this time. Zamora took off the chance from Fulham to make it 3-1. He took the ball away from Nevland who was onside. But that was not going to dampen them. They needed just 5 minutes before Nevland turned provider. Dempsey need not do anything except slide that pass into an inviting net. So he did. A two goal lead to the home side.
How many times did I mention Mascherano or Lucas in this long post ? That sums up their contribution to this game. How can we afford to sell Xabi Alonso and then bring in nothing for all that he did last season ? Even Zamora looks like a player worthy of being in the Liverpool side. He does have this habit of making a nuisance out of himself for the opposing defenders. Where is last season's hot favorite on the left - Riera ? Is he not worthy playing anymore ?
And thus it ends. Benitez doesn't hides his disappointment. Neither will the Liverpool fans. However, You Will Never Walk Alone.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
The Titanic clash of the Reds at Anfield. Victory beckoned.
Billed as the game that could really decide the future of Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez, with Owen coming back to Anfield for the first time since his move to the Red Devils. The game started off brightly. With both teams intent on attacking, it was a visual treat to begin with. The atmosphere at Anfield is something that you could only believe inside the Kop. Noise and Cheer can fill your ears for an entire night of celebration.
The game was open and ball kept being passed equally well by both the teams. The first quarter of an hour did not see any exceptional opportunities. On 15th minute, Evra went into a lunge on Torres from behind. This earned the french man a yellow card and a free kick for Liverpool just outside the box. Aurelio stepped over it and sent it in a dipping effort that brought Van der Sar into 2 full stretch saves. He somehow managed to hold onto the corner that resulted from it. Then Kuyt should have scored in the 18th minute. Lucas did well to make that pass on the right hand side of goal mouth. Kuyt's first touch did him away.
The 34th minute saw Carrick march almost unopposed into the Liverpool box. The captain Carragher moved in with a flying tackle which took the ball first and then took out the aggressor. The referee was right on the spot to not make any mistakes despite some penalty claims from the United players. Waving them away was the right
choice. On the 36th minute, Benayoun held the ball and chipped in a lovely cross across the face of the goal. Aurelio met the ball with a good downward header but the big dutch man was able to collect it on his toes. This was one good opportunity and Aurelio could have tried to shoot with his feet instead of the header. Somehow Patrice Evra had been kept quite in the first half of this game. I consider him one of their biggest attacking threats with a lot of intelligent and positional play.
The talking point for the half time was a rather crude tug on Kuyt from Berbatov. That was a clear penalty and should have been awarded with blind eyes. But referees are generally aware of the backlash that they get from Fergie. They prefer to be on the right side of Fergie's law, the soccer laws can always differ.
The second half did not see any dampening effects on the game. The 49th minute saw Benayoun slip Kuyt on the right and he sent in a cross back to Benayoun who did not expect it. Else it should have been a first time effort on goal. Vidic brought down Torres for the umpteenth time. He knows what its like to try and stop him by legal means. There should be nightmares embedded in his psyche since Torres took past him for that goal at Old Trafford last season. Kuyt then sent Torres on the right side keeping him onside. The spaniard tried to pick out Aurelio on the far post but was way off the mark with his attempt.
Lucas himself walked closer to a booking with another foul on Rooney. However, the fact that he is never harsh always works in his favor. None of those ankle crunching tackled are made by the Brazilian anyway. The resulting free-kick was cleared by Torres even though the flag had gone off. It was good to see Torres doing his defensive duties. United got a corner from a free-kick awarded for a Mascherano challenge on Valencia.
Celebrations were not too far way from the Kop going by this performance. Benayoun slips in a clever pass which Torres took past the rushing Ferdinand. Then he held off the challenge from the United center-back till the ball went flying into the net. That was a typical Torres goal. Racing just about the right time and then giving Ferdinand not a single look at the ball. That was Liverpool 1 - 0 Man Utd.
Fergie sent on Michael Owen and Nani to strengthen the attack. Owen must have heard them loud and clear. Boos from all over the stadium. He should know what it takes to be a Liverpool legend and then move over to Old Trafford. Benayoun should have then scored from an excellent position. He went for dribble instead of shooting. A shot might have just surprised the United goalkeeper.
Owen got into a tussle with Carragher and the Reds skipper was awarded a yellow card. Apart from that, a free-kick in a dangerous position. However Nani's effort was not fierce and went straight into Reina's arms. Then Vidic did what he does best. Not defend but obstruct. Kuyt had the ball clearly in sight and Vidic had him. A lunge and obstruct. Second Yellow. A red card for the Serbian. He is now getting used to them. They come to him naturally in these games against Liverpool. Benitez ended up sending Skrtel in place of Benayoun. That was to add numbers at the back.
There was time for Mascherano to pick up a second yellow and convert into a red for himself. It was a rather needless challenge on the United goalkeeper. But that was not to matter. The referees seem to forget the times when it is against Manchester United. And that allowed Ngog to steal in a second from some excellent midfield play. That was it. Now Fergie and his antics had no way back. Final Whistle. Liverpool 2 - 0 Manchester United.
The season looked bleak and may continue to do so. Who cares. We have done what we set out to. Manchester United with all their cribbing and attempts to manipulate the referee have found out it the hard way. Winning matches is not about those things. Its about scoring goals. Torres and Ngog did that for Liverpool. An excellent display from Mascherano, Kuyt and Benayoun. Gerrard - take care of yourself. We would welcome you back into this team whenever you feel like running on the pitch. Don't worry. We still love you as much as all these others.
You Will Never Walk Alone.
The game was open and ball kept being passed equally well by both the teams. The first quarter of an hour did not see any exceptional opportunities. On 15th minute, Evra went into a lunge on Torres from behind. This earned the french man a yellow card and a free kick for Liverpool just outside the box. Aurelio stepped over it and sent it in a dipping effort that brought Van der Sar into 2 full stretch saves. He somehow managed to hold onto the corner that resulted from it. Then Kuyt should have scored in the 18th minute. Lucas did well to make that pass on the right hand side of goal mouth. Kuyt's first touch did him away.
The 34th minute saw Carrick march almost unopposed into the Liverpool box. The captain Carragher moved in with a flying tackle which took the ball first and then took out the aggressor. The referee was right on the spot to not make any mistakes despite some penalty claims from the United players. Waving them away was the right
choice. On the 36th minute, Benayoun held the ball and chipped in a lovely cross across the face of the goal. Aurelio met the ball with a good downward header but the big dutch man was able to collect it on his toes. This was one good opportunity and Aurelio could have tried to shoot with his feet instead of the header. Somehow Patrice Evra had been kept quite in the first half of this game. I consider him one of their biggest attacking threats with a lot of intelligent and positional play.
The talking point for the half time was a rather crude tug on Kuyt from Berbatov. That was a clear penalty and should have been awarded with blind eyes. But referees are generally aware of the backlash that they get from Fergie. They prefer to be on the right side of Fergie's law, the soccer laws can always differ.
The second half did not see any dampening effects on the game. The 49th minute saw Benayoun slip Kuyt on the right and he sent in a cross back to Benayoun who did not expect it. Else it should have been a first time effort on goal. Vidic brought down Torres for the umpteenth time. He knows what its like to try and stop him by legal means. There should be nightmares embedded in his psyche since Torres took past him for that goal at Old Trafford last season. Kuyt then sent Torres on the right side keeping him onside. The spaniard tried to pick out Aurelio on the far post but was way off the mark with his attempt.
Lucas himself walked closer to a booking with another foul on Rooney. However, the fact that he is never harsh always works in his favor. None of those ankle crunching tackled are made by the Brazilian anyway. The resulting free-kick was cleared by Torres even though the flag had gone off. It was good to see Torres doing his defensive duties. United got a corner from a free-kick awarded for a Mascherano challenge on Valencia.
Celebrations were not too far way from the Kop going by this performance. Benayoun slips in a clever pass which Torres took past the rushing Ferdinand. Then he held off the challenge from the United center-back till the ball went flying into the net. That was a typical Torres goal. Racing just about the right time and then giving Ferdinand not a single look at the ball. That was Liverpool 1 - 0 Man Utd.
Fergie sent on Michael Owen and Nani to strengthen the attack. Owen must have heard them loud and clear. Boos from all over the stadium. He should know what it takes to be a Liverpool legend and then move over to Old Trafford. Benayoun should have then scored from an excellent position. He went for dribble instead of shooting. A shot might have just surprised the United goalkeeper.
Owen got into a tussle with Carragher and the Reds skipper was awarded a yellow card. Apart from that, a free-kick in a dangerous position. However Nani's effort was not fierce and went straight into Reina's arms. Then Vidic did what he does best. Not defend but obstruct. Kuyt had the ball clearly in sight and Vidic had him. A lunge and obstruct. Second Yellow. A red card for the Serbian. He is now getting used to them. They come to him naturally in these games against Liverpool. Benitez ended up sending Skrtel in place of Benayoun. That was to add numbers at the back.
There was time for Mascherano to pick up a second yellow and convert into a red for himself. It was a rather needless challenge on the United goalkeeper. But that was not to matter. The referees seem to forget the times when it is against Manchester United. And that allowed Ngog to steal in a second from some excellent midfield play. That was it. Now Fergie and his antics had no way back. Final Whistle. Liverpool 2 - 0 Manchester United.
The season looked bleak and may continue to do so. Who cares. We have done what we set out to. Manchester United with all their cribbing and attempts to manipulate the referee have found out it the hard way. Winning matches is not about those things. Its about scoring goals. Torres and Ngog did that for Liverpool. An excellent display from Mascherano, Kuyt and Benayoun. Gerrard - take care of yourself. We would welcome you back into this team whenever you feel like running on the pitch. Don't worry. We still love you as much as all these others.
You Will Never Walk Alone.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
No Gerrard, No Torres - we are at Stadium of Light
The ball falls to the man who cant do any wrong. He packs punch on it, and Glen Johnson's outstretched foot deflects it enough to give Reina no chance. Sunderland had scored on their first real attack. Andy Reid had done a wonderful job to ward off the challenge from Skrtel before crossing across the face of the goal. Liverpool found themselves behind a goal within the first 5 minutes. TV replays later show that there was a balloon in the 18-yard box that went about deflecting the shot into Reina's net. But the rule doesn't seems to favor the defending team.
On the 13th minutes, Kuyt did well to get the ball. There was a melee and Sunderland needed a couple of blocks before Craig Gordon cleared the ball. Babel and Johnson had shooting opportunities. On the evidence of this play, Kuyt was clearly going to be the one making goal scoring chances for others in the team. Liverpool needed to aim for 3 points after Aston Villa had done the damage to Chelsea. 2-1 scoreline at the Villa Park was all the spark ideally expected by Liverpool off the pitch.
17th minute Babel manipulated the ball with a clever touch of the feet, and got the shot between a couple of defenders. However the shot was never troubling Gordon in the Sunderland goal. Jay Spearing had been drafted into the Liverpool midfield. The youngster is widely expected to be a second Gerrard for the team from Anfield.
Bent had another good opportunity to add another but Reina got behind the ball from the back post header. Benayoun took on the left side of the park to cut inside the 18-yard box on the 26th minute. All he could finally get was a corner. From the ensuing clearance, Johnson missed a first time shot. Liverpool was awarded a free kick right outside the 18-yard box. Aurelio stepped up with his lethal left foot. The ball was however a yard out from the right hand side post. The Brazilian was expected to test the goalkeeper at least. Kuyt then earned himself a very rare yellow card for a not so good challenge in the air.
Jay Spearing didn't do any favor to Benitez by playing an almost blind pass into his defense. It was rushing for Kewyne Jones more than anybody else. Jamie Carragher had to make a desperate tackle before the ball was cleared. 2 minutes later, Jay Spearing had a shot towards goal but could not keep it down. Johnson made a surging run down the right flank for the Reds. The ability to pick out a pass was needed but the England international could not just make it. Things were looking set for a rather hard half-time talk from Benitez. The midfield battle was not being won by a team that boasts of the talents of Gerrard and Mascherano. On the evidence so far, the Argentinian was set to come out in the second half.
In the last minute of first half, Johnson again fashioned a corner. And there could be no better time for a Liverpool equalizer. But the corner was cleared away. Sunderland thus went into the interval with a one goal lead. Controversy might be involved but Liverpool were not clearly running riot. If Benitez was looking for an omen, this was it. Sunderland had lead Chelsea as well. And then what happened might be sweet music to Benitez, provided a similar performance is repeated on this pitch as well.
Half Time. Sunderland 1 - 0 Liverpool.
The second half saw McCartney being replaced by Henderson. That was more of a tactical change. Benitez stuck with his guns from before half time. Just at the start of it though, a shot from Jones had stuck Carragher on the arm. Sunderland asked questions about a penalty, but would have been a very harsh one if awarded.
Andy Reid then drew a yellow card for his late tackle on Lucas. Jay Spearing should have made his last contribution when he was robbed and Bent was provided with an almost clear opportunity to score. It was Reina's excellent ability to close the angle for Bent and then went to ground saving the ball from going to goal. But Benitez was still persisting with the academy grown midfielder.
There were more reasons for Liverpool to worry. Some nerves at the back let Bent steal the ball inside the penalty box, and get close to the byline. Fortunately enough, his shot struck the upright. However, it appeared that the shot on goal was more or less covered. Had he tried to pick a pass, we would never know. Kewyne Jones was then injured making a tackle on Spearing. A battle on the sidelines is not something rare when Benitez likes to get involved. He had some advice for the fourth official about the time added for Kewyne's injury. Steve Bruce did not mince his words. Restrain was needed and was promptly provided. Campbell replaced Jones.
The 70th minute saw another bad pass in midfield turn into an opportunity for Stead Malbranque. Carragher makes a diving tackle to keep the ball out. Reina was still guarding the goal but it was one hell of a challenge from the Red's captain. Skrtel and Spearing were finally replaced with Voronin and Mascherano. It now appeared that Liverpool were moving to a sort of 3-5-2 formation. Was the change made a little too late. We would know in another 20 minutes or so.
There were no chances for a while and the tactical battle continued. Ngog finally replaced Babel, who was once again just flashes of brilliance. He still cant dominate defenders like his Ajax days. In the 86th minute, Johnson sent out a cross-cum-shot which Gordon tipped over the bar. It was becoming a frustration for die-hard Red fans like me. Mascherano fashioned a 25 yarder out of nowhere. It was never destined to trouble Gordon, flying over his crossbar. 7 minutes of added time were added much to the dismay of Steve Bruce and almost all the home fans.
Liverpool did manage to create sustained pressure, but Gordon never got to pick the ball out of his own net. However hard may Benitez and others try to deny this, but Liverpool do not look like a reflection of last season's side. Its title race over. You cant be a genuine title contender with 4 defeats in the first 10 games of the season.
Nevertheless. You will never Walk Alone.
On the 13th minutes, Kuyt did well to get the ball. There was a melee and Sunderland needed a couple of blocks before Craig Gordon cleared the ball. Babel and Johnson had shooting opportunities. On the evidence of this play, Kuyt was clearly going to be the one making goal scoring chances for others in the team. Liverpool needed to aim for 3 points after Aston Villa had done the damage to Chelsea. 2-1 scoreline at the Villa Park was all the spark ideally expected by Liverpool off the pitch.
17th minute Babel manipulated the ball with a clever touch of the feet, and got the shot between a couple of defenders. However the shot was never troubling Gordon in the Sunderland goal. Jay Spearing had been drafted into the Liverpool midfield. The youngster is widely expected to be a second Gerrard for the team from Anfield.
Bent had another good opportunity to add another but Reina got behind the ball from the back post header. Benayoun took on the left side of the park to cut inside the 18-yard box on the 26th minute. All he could finally get was a corner. From the ensuing clearance, Johnson missed a first time shot. Liverpool was awarded a free kick right outside the 18-yard box. Aurelio stepped up with his lethal left foot. The ball was however a yard out from the right hand side post. The Brazilian was expected to test the goalkeeper at least. Kuyt then earned himself a very rare yellow card for a not so good challenge in the air.
Jay Spearing didn't do any favor to Benitez by playing an almost blind pass into his defense. It was rushing for Kewyne Jones more than anybody else. Jamie Carragher had to make a desperate tackle before the ball was cleared. 2 minutes later, Jay Spearing had a shot towards goal but could not keep it down. Johnson made a surging run down the right flank for the Reds. The ability to pick out a pass was needed but the England international could not just make it. Things were looking set for a rather hard half-time talk from Benitez. The midfield battle was not being won by a team that boasts of the talents of Gerrard and Mascherano. On the evidence so far, the Argentinian was set to come out in the second half.
In the last minute of first half, Johnson again fashioned a corner. And there could be no better time for a Liverpool equalizer. But the corner was cleared away. Sunderland thus went into the interval with a one goal lead. Controversy might be involved but Liverpool were not clearly running riot. If Benitez was looking for an omen, this was it. Sunderland had lead Chelsea as well. And then what happened might be sweet music to Benitez, provided a similar performance is repeated on this pitch as well.
Half Time. Sunderland 1 - 0 Liverpool.
The second half saw McCartney being replaced by Henderson. That was more of a tactical change. Benitez stuck with his guns from before half time. Just at the start of it though, a shot from Jones had stuck Carragher on the arm. Sunderland asked questions about a penalty, but would have been a very harsh one if awarded.
Andy Reid then drew a yellow card for his late tackle on Lucas. Jay Spearing should have made his last contribution when he was robbed and Bent was provided with an almost clear opportunity to score. It was Reina's excellent ability to close the angle for Bent and then went to ground saving the ball from going to goal. But Benitez was still persisting with the academy grown midfielder.
There were more reasons for Liverpool to worry. Some nerves at the back let Bent steal the ball inside the penalty box, and get close to the byline. Fortunately enough, his shot struck the upright. However, it appeared that the shot on goal was more or less covered. Had he tried to pick a pass, we would never know. Kewyne Jones was then injured making a tackle on Spearing. A battle on the sidelines is not something rare when Benitez likes to get involved. He had some advice for the fourth official about the time added for Kewyne's injury. Steve Bruce did not mince his words. Restrain was needed and was promptly provided. Campbell replaced Jones.
The 70th minute saw another bad pass in midfield turn into an opportunity for Stead Malbranque. Carragher makes a diving tackle to keep the ball out. Reina was still guarding the goal but it was one hell of a challenge from the Red's captain. Skrtel and Spearing were finally replaced with Voronin and Mascherano. It now appeared that Liverpool were moving to a sort of 3-5-2 formation. Was the change made a little too late. We would know in another 20 minutes or so.
There were no chances for a while and the tactical battle continued. Ngog finally replaced Babel, who was once again just flashes of brilliance. He still cant dominate defenders like his Ajax days. In the 86th minute, Johnson sent out a cross-cum-shot which Gordon tipped over the bar. It was becoming a frustration for die-hard Red fans like me. Mascherano fashioned a 25 yarder out of nowhere. It was never destined to trouble Gordon, flying over his crossbar. 7 minutes of added time were added much to the dismay of Steve Bruce and almost all the home fans.
Liverpool did manage to create sustained pressure, but Gordon never got to pick the ball out of his own net. However hard may Benitez and others try to deny this, but Liverpool do not look like a reflection of last season's side. Its title race over. You cant be a genuine title contender with 4 defeats in the first 10 games of the season.
Nevertheless. You will never Walk Alone.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Stamford Bridge - the game in a cage
And the actions have begun at Stamford Bridge. Its Chelsea vs Liverpool. The first big game of the season for both the sides. They are yet to face any of the big 4 or lets say the big 5 now. The Arsenal-Blackburn game just before this one saw a deluge of goals. But this is not the match which has traditionally been a high scoring affair, except for the last Champions League match between them. Ancelotti has decided to bring in Deco and Ivanovic, while Benitez has replaced Benayoun with Riera. A real big change has been the red card to Petr Cech, against Wigan. Thus comes in Henrique Hilario guarding the blues' goal. He is known to have a few weaknesses of his own.
As expected, the game has opened to a stifling opening period of at least 15 minutes. No clear cut openings for either team. The ball has been moving from box to box none of the strikers getting a good look at the ball. The first 10 minutes saw a little positive opening while Chelsea had the better ball possession during the next 10. Torres was sent clear on the left hand side in the 16th minute, but was well guarded by the time he reached the box. Both the teams are trying to maintain possession of the ball. Out of no clear openings, Anelka sent a high ball into the Liverpool box, which Drogba heads powerfully towards the goal. Fortunately, the ball was looping and Reina collected it comfortably.
From a midfield battle, the ball grazed out to the right of the midfield. Essien forces a cross into the Reds' box yet again, and Anelka reaches to it. Once again, Reina catches the ball as it bounces towards his far post. That was another routine save from the spaniard. Next up was a chance for Steven Gerrard. Ivanovic brought down Torres by tugging onto his shirt. Up stepped Gerrard on the free kick but could not keep it down or rather, could not get the right dip on it before it went over the crossbar. Another chance for Riera was next on the line. He got the ball on the left side and did well to dribble and get towards the box. However, there was no opportunity to shoot which he did.
Drogba then fashioned a free-kick from a dangerous position. From the right hand side near the flag post, Ballack was the first one to reach the ball but could not guide it within the heights of the crossbar. It flew over. That's the first set-piece against Liverpool in this match, and they were not able to get the ball cleared. Drogba once again comes up with his antics to fetch another free-kick right in the center of midfield. However Lampard got a little too ambitious with this one. He tried scoring from all of 40 yards and sends the ball wide of Reina's left hand side. Another cagey pass and shoot opportunity turns into a corner for Chelsea. This time its better defended although Essien gets to shoot twice. Once he is blocked and the next is held by Reina.
A quick goal kick by Reina on the 40th minute sends Gerrard down the center and he picks out Kuyt on the right. His cross is perfectly positioned for Torres who could not put enough power on it. Hilario holds. Straight up from that is a corner for Chelsea as Drogba wrestles the Liverpool back four. The header goes the wrong side of goal post. 44th minute fetched the first yellow card of the game. Michael Essien got booked for his foul on Lucas. Oh yeah, he was playing as well. Now that was some free kick. Riera brings down his lethal left foot and goes for Hilario's left post. The Chelsea goalkeeper just about manages to get his palm onto that ball. From the resulting corner, Drogba brings down Skrtel, but the referee was not interested.
That's it for the half-time at Stamford Bridge. Its Chelsea 0 - 0 Liverpool.
Action resumed at the Bridge. There has been little to choose so far. Although Chelsea would be easily the better side of the 2 with their ball possession. A Gerrard free kick on the 48th minute was held comfortably by Hilario. Ivanovic was the next one to try his luck. From all of 30 yard, he lets loose a cannon. The ball swerves and bounces right in front of Reina. But he shows his class and holds it comfortably right in front of his bent knees. In the 51st minute, Glen Johnson had a tackle on Drogba. Although he got to the ball first, Drogba got entangled into a sliding Johnson. That turned out to be a minor injury scare for the Blues. He was back after a minor injury treatment on the sidelines.
Ballack then upended Riera near the right hand byline. The free kick was dealt well by Hilario who punched it away. Mascherano fairs poorly for Chelsea's first goal. He should know he is not a dribbler. He gives the ball away cheaply. The counter-attack runs ragged through the Liverpool ranks. Drogba runs out to left and puts in an awkward cross for Anelka, who is an accomplished finisher. It rests comfortably in the middle of the net over an advancing Reina. On the 67th minute, Benayoun replaced Riera on the left. That was a rather positive move for Liverpool. He almost got the ball across to Torres, but for a header from Carvalho.
Benayoun is one of the most creative player in this Liverpool side. Ever since he was sent on, Liverpool was found doing something with the ball other than looking for Torres and Gerrard. On the 76th minute, Lucas was brought off for Ryan Babel. Simultaneously Chelsea sent Malouda for Deco. Straight away Gerrard was booked for a lunge on his English team-mate Lampard. The 80th minute saw a gilt edged chance for Torres. Terry blocked Gerrard inside the 18-yard box only for the ball to reach the left foot of Torres. And he scuffed it wide of Chelsea's left upright.
Next up was Aurelio. He came in for Insua. The Chelsea corner was better defended by the visiting team. Time is running short and is so is the patience of Rafael Benitez. The Reds have not shown enough color and courage to fight it out with a very structured and disciplined Chelsea side. The clear tactic from Ancelotti had been to cripple Gerrard and Torres. It had clearly worked so far. Even the superstar Johnson had been off color so far. He could not go past defenders as easily as he floated otherwise, neither were his crosses into the box meant for his own teammates.
It was 3 minutes of added time. Babel and Benayoun were still looking good on the flanks as compared to the starting pairing. As usual, Drogba wrestled once more against the likes of Skrtel and Carragher. He haggled them once again and ran into the box against the byline. His cross was converted by Malouda at the near post. And it was 2-0. Immediately after the restart it was Benayoun with an open goal gaping in front of him, with only Hilario to beat. He sent his right foot shot inches wide of the left post. That was not characteristic of the Israeli international. The final seconds saw a blistering left footer from Gerrard which needed a full stretch from the Chelsea goalkeeper.
Time for the final whistle. Chelsea 2 - 0 Liverpool. Drogba makes it a day for himself and his club. Torres gets hardly a mention in the match notes. Chelsea go back to top of the English Premier League tally. Congratulations to them.
You Will Never Walk Alone.
As expected, the game has opened to a stifling opening period of at least 15 minutes. No clear cut openings for either team. The ball has been moving from box to box none of the strikers getting a good look at the ball. The first 10 minutes saw a little positive opening while Chelsea had the better ball possession during the next 10. Torres was sent clear on the left hand side in the 16th minute, but was well guarded by the time he reached the box. Both the teams are trying to maintain possession of the ball. Out of no clear openings, Anelka sent a high ball into the Liverpool box, which Drogba heads powerfully towards the goal. Fortunately, the ball was looping and Reina collected it comfortably.
From a midfield battle, the ball grazed out to the right of the midfield. Essien forces a cross into the Reds' box yet again, and Anelka reaches to it. Once again, Reina catches the ball as it bounces towards his far post. That was another routine save from the spaniard. Next up was a chance for Steven Gerrard. Ivanovic brought down Torres by tugging onto his shirt. Up stepped Gerrard on the free kick but could not keep it down or rather, could not get the right dip on it before it went over the crossbar. Another chance for Riera was next on the line. He got the ball on the left side and did well to dribble and get towards the box. However, there was no opportunity to shoot which he did.
Drogba then fashioned a free-kick from a dangerous position. From the right hand side near the flag post, Ballack was the first one to reach the ball but could not guide it within the heights of the crossbar. It flew over. That's the first set-piece against Liverpool in this match, and they were not able to get the ball cleared. Drogba once again comes up with his antics to fetch another free-kick right in the center of midfield. However Lampard got a little too ambitious with this one. He tried scoring from all of 40 yards and sends the ball wide of Reina's left hand side. Another cagey pass and shoot opportunity turns into a corner for Chelsea. This time its better defended although Essien gets to shoot twice. Once he is blocked and the next is held by Reina.
A quick goal kick by Reina on the 40th minute sends Gerrard down the center and he picks out Kuyt on the right. His cross is perfectly positioned for Torres who could not put enough power on it. Hilario holds. Straight up from that is a corner for Chelsea as Drogba wrestles the Liverpool back four. The header goes the wrong side of goal post. 44th minute fetched the first yellow card of the game. Michael Essien got booked for his foul on Lucas. Oh yeah, he was playing as well. Now that was some free kick. Riera brings down his lethal left foot and goes for Hilario's left post. The Chelsea goalkeeper just about manages to get his palm onto that ball. From the resulting corner, Drogba brings down Skrtel, but the referee was not interested.
That's it for the half-time at Stamford Bridge. Its Chelsea 0 - 0 Liverpool.
Action resumed at the Bridge. There has been little to choose so far. Although Chelsea would be easily the better side of the 2 with their ball possession. A Gerrard free kick on the 48th minute was held comfortably by Hilario. Ivanovic was the next one to try his luck. From all of 30 yard, he lets loose a cannon. The ball swerves and bounces right in front of Reina. But he shows his class and holds it comfortably right in front of his bent knees. In the 51st minute, Glen Johnson had a tackle on Drogba. Although he got to the ball first, Drogba got entangled into a sliding Johnson. That turned out to be a minor injury scare for the Blues. He was back after a minor injury treatment on the sidelines.
Ballack then upended Riera near the right hand byline. The free kick was dealt well by Hilario who punched it away. Mascherano fairs poorly for Chelsea's first goal. He should know he is not a dribbler. He gives the ball away cheaply. The counter-attack runs ragged through the Liverpool ranks. Drogba runs out to left and puts in an awkward cross for Anelka, who is an accomplished finisher. It rests comfortably in the middle of the net over an advancing Reina. On the 67th minute, Benayoun replaced Riera on the left. That was a rather positive move for Liverpool. He almost got the ball across to Torres, but for a header from Carvalho.
Benayoun is one of the most creative player in this Liverpool side. Ever since he was sent on, Liverpool was found doing something with the ball other than looking for Torres and Gerrard. On the 76th minute, Lucas was brought off for Ryan Babel. Simultaneously Chelsea sent Malouda for Deco. Straight away Gerrard was booked for a lunge on his English team-mate Lampard. The 80th minute saw a gilt edged chance for Torres. Terry blocked Gerrard inside the 18-yard box only for the ball to reach the left foot of Torres. And he scuffed it wide of Chelsea's left upright.
Next up was Aurelio. He came in for Insua. The Chelsea corner was better defended by the visiting team. Time is running short and is so is the patience of Rafael Benitez. The Reds have not shown enough color and courage to fight it out with a very structured and disciplined Chelsea side. The clear tactic from Ancelotti had been to cripple Gerrard and Torres. It had clearly worked so far. Even the superstar Johnson had been off color so far. He could not go past defenders as easily as he floated otherwise, neither were his crosses into the box meant for his own teammates.
It was 3 minutes of added time. Babel and Benayoun were still looking good on the flanks as compared to the starting pairing. As usual, Drogba wrestled once more against the likes of Skrtel and Carragher. He haggled them once again and ran into the box against the byline. His cross was converted by Malouda at the near post. And it was 2-0. Immediately after the restart it was Benayoun with an open goal gaping in front of him, with only Hilario to beat. He sent his right foot shot inches wide of the left post. That was not characteristic of the Israeli international. The final seconds saw a blistering left footer from Gerrard which needed a full stretch from the Chelsea goalkeeper.
Time for the final whistle. Chelsea 2 - 0 Liverpool. Drogba makes it a day for himself and his club. Torres gets hardly a mention in the match notes. Chelsea go back to top of the English Premier League tally. Congratulations to them.
You Will Never Walk Alone.
Liverpool - the club I will support till eternity
"You Will Never Walk Alone". That's almost my second anthem after India's national anthem. Such is the love and passion for this club. Liverpool Football Club. I have been writing blogs about my favorite football club at this blog. But this year, I am going to start afresh. And hence this change of residence as well. All that I write about Liverpool FC will now be available at this address
http://indianliverpoolfan.blogspot.com
On the right hand side, I will carry a roll of all the English Premier League and UEFA Champions League reports. These are available starting the 2009-1010 season.
I should be able to carry my first report for the blog today. Its our first big match of the season when we go to Stamford Bridge. Chelsea have been flying high till about last weekend when Wigan served them a body blow. A 3-1 defeat at Wigan was not amongst Carlo Ancellotti's scariest dreams. And then a sort of non-descript performance in Europe during the mid week.
On the other hand, we did well last weekend to bash up Phil Brown's hapless Hull City. Half a dozen times the ball was picked out of Hull's net. We did not do enough to keep a very much possible clean sheet. Then came the entirely slippery, slithery mid week for us. Dont know if it was the genius of Stevan Jovetic or was it plain poor defending from our back four. One thing was almost certain - both times the ball came in from the right side and Glen Johnson was very much missing from his defending place on the pitch. Yeah man, you are an energetic enthusiastic full back - but remember that - you are a full back. So whatever you do, you gotta be there when the opposition is raiding that right side of our goal mouth.
All those things augur well for a delicious match between the Reds and the Blues. I will serve the report before it comes out of the official Premier League website or the ESPN Soccernet newsroom.
For now, its wishing good luck to Liverpool Football Club and to this blog. May both of them prosper to dizzying heights. May Liverpool be the English Champions, and this be the favorite blog among Liverpool fans in India at least.
Amen.
http://indianliverpoolfan.blogspot.com
On the right hand side, I will carry a roll of all the English Premier League and UEFA Champions League reports. These are available starting the 2009-1010 season.
I should be able to carry my first report for the blog today. Its our first big match of the season when we go to Stamford Bridge. Chelsea have been flying high till about last weekend when Wigan served them a body blow. A 3-1 defeat at Wigan was not amongst Carlo Ancellotti's scariest dreams. And then a sort of non-descript performance in Europe during the mid week.
On the other hand, we did well last weekend to bash up Phil Brown's hapless Hull City. Half a dozen times the ball was picked out of Hull's net. We did not do enough to keep a very much possible clean sheet. Then came the entirely slippery, slithery mid week for us. Dont know if it was the genius of Stevan Jovetic or was it plain poor defending from our back four. One thing was almost certain - both times the ball came in from the right side and Glen Johnson was very much missing from his defending place on the pitch. Yeah man, you are an energetic enthusiastic full back - but remember that - you are a full back. So whatever you do, you gotta be there when the opposition is raiding that right side of our goal mouth.
All those things augur well for a delicious match between the Reds and the Blues. I will serve the report before it comes out of the official Premier League website or the ESPN Soccernet newsroom.
For now, its wishing good luck to Liverpool Football Club and to this blog. May both of them prosper to dizzying heights. May Liverpool be the English Champions, and this be the favorite blog among Liverpool fans in India at least.
Amen.
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