I’ll be doing more post-season wrap-ups and other assorted fun in the coming days, but I wanted to start out with a list of “awards” for the season.
Leave your own in the comments.
Player of the season:
1) Fernando Torres
2) Javier Mascherano
3) Steven Gerrard
Most pleasing result of the season:
1) Liverpool 4-2 Arsenal
2) Liverpool 2-1 Everton
3) Liverpool 4-0 Marseille
Most entertaining game of the season:
1) 8-0 Besiktas
2) 4-2 Arsenal
3) 2-3 Chelsea (yes, I know, despite the result)
Most underrated player:
1) Martin Skrtel
2) Sami Hyypia
3) Dirk Kuyt
Young player of the season (PFA does 23 or younger, I’m using 21):
1) Ryan Babel
2) Lucas
3) Damien Plessis
(Torres turned 24 in March, Mascherano will be 24 in June, and Skrtel will be 24 in December)
Best Signing:
1) Torres
2) Skrtel
3) Yossi Benayoun
Best Goal:
1) Gerrard v Besiktas
2) Torres at Marseille
3) Gerrard at Villa
Worst performance of the season:
1) 0-1 Marseille
2) 0-0 Birmingham
3) 1-3 Reading
Stomach punch of the season:
1) 1-1 Chelsea (h; CL)
2) 2-3 Chelsea (a; CL)
3) 0-1 United (h)
Daylight Robbery:
1) 1-1 Chelsea (h)
2) 0-1 West Ham (a)
3) 1-1 Wigan (a)
13 May 2008
11 May 2008
Liverpool 2-0 Tottenham
Reina
Arbeloa Skrtel Carragher Insua
Kuyt Gerrard Mascherano Babel
Torres Voronin
Goals:
Voronin 69’
Torres 74’
As predicted, the first half was the epitome of an end-of-season match. Thankfully, it picked up the pace in the second, with two good goals by the strikers and entertaining play to boot, to end the season on the right note.
It was a slightly different formation than usual, with both Torres and Voronin up top and Gerrard deeper in midfield, but players were moving around the pitch, and even in the first half it was end-to-end despite a sloppiness in the final third from both sides.
Crouch, Riise, Pennant, and (unfortunately) Alonso were noticeable in their absence, and that none even made the bench says a lot about the summer plans. Supposedly, Alonso missed out through injury, but remembering Gerrard’s “neck injury” a few weeks back, I’m still both skeptical and worried. The departures of the first three listed wouldn’t surprise me, but losing Alonso, despite the fact he hasn’t been at his best for most of the season, is something I still have to get my head around.
Even considering back and forth nature of the game, neither side created many chances in the first half. Voronin and Babel both tested Cerny in the first 15 minutes, but the best chance of the half came from Berbatov’s header from a corner 25 minutes in, with Reina making an excellent reaction save to keep the Bulgarian from tallying in what may be his last game for Spurs. But other than that, little was coming off for either side in the final third and it really was a sub-par first half for both sides despite the openness of the game.
Gerrard did well to pull the strings in midfield, but had less influence sitting deeper and far less of a combination with Torres than usual. Meanwhile, Tottenham only really threatened through their corners (they had eight in total, with the majority coming in the first half, and their best stretch of pressure came during a run of three straight, culminating with the aforementioned Berbatov chance).
However, playing for pride, both teams came out better in the second. Liverpool again had the first opportunity, with Gerrard further forward and linking up with Torres, only for Cerny to block the Spaniard’s effort with an outstretched leg five minutes in. From there though, Tottenham had their best spell of pressure of the match, more successful in their passing and in keeping the ball away from Liverpool.
But in the 69th minute, Skrtel’s long ball out found Torres, whose flicked header put Voronin in on goal. The oft-criticized (and frequently rightfully so) Ukrainian controlled well, avoiding Dawson and slotting past Cerny for the opener (and it’s worth noting he opened the scoring against Spurs at Anfield as well) for his fifth in the league.
Spurs almost had an immediate reply through Berbatov’s excellent volley, which was well-saved by an acrobatic Reina, but five minutes after the opener, Torres got the goal that gave him the record for most in a debut season by a foreigner. One-on-one with Dawson after Benayoun got him the ball, Torres looked like cutting inside, but opened up and sprinted past the centerback to slot through Cerny’s legs, eerily similar to his first goal for Liverpool against Chelsea. He truly has had an amazing season, and at age 24, he’s only going to get better.
From there, Liverpool could have had a rout. Hutton nearly scored a spectacular own goal, Woodgate put in a last ditch tackle on Gerrard with the captain almost through, and then Torres cheekily chipped over Cerny only for the effort to careen off the bar. Late on Benayoun nearly got a goal of his own, stinging the keeper’s palms, but the home side was able to keep it at 2-0.
After all the drama of the season, Liverpool end the campaign with 76 points, their second-highest total under Benitez. Gerrard, as usual influential in midfield, was probably the man of the match, but today was Torres’ day. Even after watching him all season long, I still find it hard to believe how much of an impact he’s had. Few players take to the Premiership so quickly: 24 goals in the league, 33 in all competitions, and he’s still only 24 and improving in every match. This was only his third goal away from Anfield in the league this season, and that’s where I expect him to improve the most next year.
I also have to credit the defense today. In the last game of the season, this is the first time Tottenham’s been held scoreless at White Hart Lane. As mentioned, Spurs had a number of corners, while Liverpool has struggled on set plays and in defense this season. But it was another clean sheet kept, the 18th of the season, and Reina’s again going home with the golden gloves. Obviously, I’m also going to make mention of Insua, who struggled against Malbranque at times (it was little surprise Carragher played on the left of defense to support him), but got forward well and was increasingly assured as the game went on.
Where Liverpool struggled today was on the wings, and I doubt it was a coincidence that both goals came after Benayoun came on for Babel. Babel continues to show flashes of brilliance, especially when the ball’s at his feet and he’s running at defenders, but he still floats in and out of the game and has questionable decision-making. But he’s still finding his way, and it’s a credit to the manager that he’s used him more and more as the season’s gone on. I expect big things from the Dutchman next season as he continues to adjust to English football.
So that’s this season in the books. Admittedly, after the turmoil that’s gone on, part of me is happy to see it come to a close, but Liverpool finished strongly, unbeaten in the league in the last seven matches, with the lone loss in the last 11 coming in the Champions League semi-final at Stamford Bridge.
But we’ve also seen where Liverpool need to improve. Despite clean sheets in the last two and Reina’s golden gloves, the team’s given up the most goals since Benitez’s first season, while Liverpool still need to get more from the wide players, both in midfield and from the fullbacks.
With those positions marked for the off-season transfer window, plus the on-going ownership saga, it’ll assuredly be an eventful summer.
I can't wait until August.
Arbeloa Skrtel Carragher Insua
Kuyt Gerrard Mascherano Babel
Torres Voronin
Goals:
Voronin 69’
Torres 74’
As predicted, the first half was the epitome of an end-of-season match. Thankfully, it picked up the pace in the second, with two good goals by the strikers and entertaining play to boot, to end the season on the right note.
It was a slightly different formation than usual, with both Torres and Voronin up top and Gerrard deeper in midfield, but players were moving around the pitch, and even in the first half it was end-to-end despite a sloppiness in the final third from both sides.
Crouch, Riise, Pennant, and (unfortunately) Alonso were noticeable in their absence, and that none even made the bench says a lot about the summer plans. Supposedly, Alonso missed out through injury, but remembering Gerrard’s “neck injury” a few weeks back, I’m still both skeptical and worried. The departures of the first three listed wouldn’t surprise me, but losing Alonso, despite the fact he hasn’t been at his best for most of the season, is something I still have to get my head around.
Even considering back and forth nature of the game, neither side created many chances in the first half. Voronin and Babel both tested Cerny in the first 15 minutes, but the best chance of the half came from Berbatov’s header from a corner 25 minutes in, with Reina making an excellent reaction save to keep the Bulgarian from tallying in what may be his last game for Spurs. But other than that, little was coming off for either side in the final third and it really was a sub-par first half for both sides despite the openness of the game.
Gerrard did well to pull the strings in midfield, but had less influence sitting deeper and far less of a combination with Torres than usual. Meanwhile, Tottenham only really threatened through their corners (they had eight in total, with the majority coming in the first half, and their best stretch of pressure came during a run of three straight, culminating with the aforementioned Berbatov chance).
However, playing for pride, both teams came out better in the second. Liverpool again had the first opportunity, with Gerrard further forward and linking up with Torres, only for Cerny to block the Spaniard’s effort with an outstretched leg five minutes in. From there though, Tottenham had their best spell of pressure of the match, more successful in their passing and in keeping the ball away from Liverpool.
But in the 69th minute, Skrtel’s long ball out found Torres, whose flicked header put Voronin in on goal. The oft-criticized (and frequently rightfully so) Ukrainian controlled well, avoiding Dawson and slotting past Cerny for the opener (and it’s worth noting he opened the scoring against Spurs at Anfield as well) for his fifth in the league.
Spurs almost had an immediate reply through Berbatov’s excellent volley, which was well-saved by an acrobatic Reina, but five minutes after the opener, Torres got the goal that gave him the record for most in a debut season by a foreigner. One-on-one with Dawson after Benayoun got him the ball, Torres looked like cutting inside, but opened up and sprinted past the centerback to slot through Cerny’s legs, eerily similar to his first goal for Liverpool against Chelsea. He truly has had an amazing season, and at age 24, he’s only going to get better.
From there, Liverpool could have had a rout. Hutton nearly scored a spectacular own goal, Woodgate put in a last ditch tackle on Gerrard with the captain almost through, and then Torres cheekily chipped over Cerny only for the effort to careen off the bar. Late on Benayoun nearly got a goal of his own, stinging the keeper’s palms, but the home side was able to keep it at 2-0.
After all the drama of the season, Liverpool end the campaign with 76 points, their second-highest total under Benitez. Gerrard, as usual influential in midfield, was probably the man of the match, but today was Torres’ day. Even after watching him all season long, I still find it hard to believe how much of an impact he’s had. Few players take to the Premiership so quickly: 24 goals in the league, 33 in all competitions, and he’s still only 24 and improving in every match. This was only his third goal away from Anfield in the league this season, and that’s where I expect him to improve the most next year.
I also have to credit the defense today. In the last game of the season, this is the first time Tottenham’s been held scoreless at White Hart Lane. As mentioned, Spurs had a number of corners, while Liverpool has struggled on set plays and in defense this season. But it was another clean sheet kept, the 18th of the season, and Reina’s again going home with the golden gloves. Obviously, I’m also going to make mention of Insua, who struggled against Malbranque at times (it was little surprise Carragher played on the left of defense to support him), but got forward well and was increasingly assured as the game went on.
Where Liverpool struggled today was on the wings, and I doubt it was a coincidence that both goals came after Benayoun came on for Babel. Babel continues to show flashes of brilliance, especially when the ball’s at his feet and he’s running at defenders, but he still floats in and out of the game and has questionable decision-making. But he’s still finding his way, and it’s a credit to the manager that he’s used him more and more as the season’s gone on. I expect big things from the Dutchman next season as he continues to adjust to English football.
So that’s this season in the books. Admittedly, after the turmoil that’s gone on, part of me is happy to see it come to a close, but Liverpool finished strongly, unbeaten in the league in the last seven matches, with the lone loss in the last 11 coming in the Champions League semi-final at Stamford Bridge.
But we’ve also seen where Liverpool need to improve. Despite clean sheets in the last two and Reina’s golden gloves, the team’s given up the most goals since Benitez’s first season, while Liverpool still need to get more from the wide players, both in midfield and from the fullbacks.
With those positions marked for the off-season transfer window, plus the on-going ownership saga, it’ll assuredly be an eventful summer.
I can't wait until August.
09 May 2008
Liverpool at Tottenham 05.11.08
10am EST, delayed in the US on FSC at 7pm. Weak -- a few days ago it was supposed to be on at Noon. Meanwhile, FSC’s website says that the Boro/City game will start at 6:30pm. So yeah…
Last 4 head-to-head:
2-2 (h) 10.07.07
1-0 Liverpool (a) 12.30.06
3-0 Liverpool (h) 09.23.06
1-0 Liverpool (h) 01.14.06
Last 3 matches:
Liverpool: 1-0 City (h); 2-3 Chelsea (a); 2-2 Brum (a)
Spurs: 1-0 Reading (a); 1-1 Bolton (h); 1-1 Wigan (a)
Goalscorers (league):
Liverpool: Torres 23; Gerrard 11; Crouch 5; Babel, Benayoun, Voronin 4; Kuyt 3; Alonso, Pennant 2; Aurelio, Hyypia, Mascherano, Sissoko 1
Spurs: Berbatov, Keane 15; Bent 6; Defoe, Jenas, Malbranque 4; Huddlestone, Kaboul 3; Bale, Chimbonda, Lennon 2; Dawson, Gardner, Gilberto, O’Hara 1
Referee: Uriah Rennie
Shockingly, Rennie’s been given the fewest fixtures of any Premiership referee this season (tied with Keith Stroud on six). This will be his last game in the Premier League, as he’s retiring due to age at the end of the season.
Guess at a squad:
Reina
Arbeloa Carragher Skrtel Insua
Alonso Mascherano
Kuyt Gerrard Babel
Torres
Even though it’s the last match of the season, with little to play for and the game likely to be representative of that (like last week’s home finale against City), I still think we’ll see a fairly strong side, if not what’s become Benitez’s “favored” XI.
Given that Torres is a goal away from breaking van Nistelrooy’s scoring record for a foreigner in a debut season (and two more would catch Adebayor for top scorer as a striker), he has to be a nailed-on starter. Similarly, Reina will have played in every minute of Premiership if he completes the game on Sunday, and has now won the golden gloves for most clean sheets (David James, one behind, looks set to miss Pompey’s match).
Meanwhile, I’m not sure how many reserves (including Lucas) will feature after winning the reserve championship on Wednesday. Hopefully Insua will, as Riise is expected to leave the club, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Norwegian receive one last bow (although the fact he didn’t get one at Anfield makes that somewhat doubtful). And honestly, despite the season he’s had, there’s no way one could argue Riise doesn’t deserve a final appearance if he is on his way out.
It could also be the last match for a few others. You’ve probably seen the rumors surrounding both Crouch and Pennant, while today brings “news” of Juventus' interest in Alonso. I’ve said before and I’ll say it again -- I’ll be stunned if Alonso departs (I definitely don’t want him to), and if he leaves, it’ll be of his own accord. But of the others mentioned, I have to believe at least one or two will exit.
Both Aurelio and Agger returned to training this week, but I’d be very surprised to see either risked.
On the official site today, Benitez made mention of dropping “silly points” in the reverse fixture at Anfield and little could be closer to the truth. In the lead after 13 minutes through Voronin, Liverpool gave up two identical Keane goals from long balls and Berbatov flicks on either side of halftime before Torres equalized in injury time. It wasn’t the first time Liverpool were susceptible to defensive miscues this season and it wouldn’t be the last.
Make no mistake, even with Berbatov seemingly on his way out he’ll still probably play, and Liverpool will still have to be wary of both his and Keane’s prowess in the box.
Spurs will look to close out the season on the right foot at home, even though they’ve seemingly mailed it in since winning the Carling Cup. Four out of their last five games have ended 1-1 (Blackburn, Boro, Wigan, Bolton) before beating Reading 1-0 last week, while Liverpool’s unbeaten in their last six in the league.
A win on Sunday would see Liverpool reach 76 points, their second-highest total under Benitez and an increase of eight points from last year’s mark, despite all the insanity surrounding the club. It’s not what we’d hoped for by any stretch of the imagination, but after Benitez’s exit looked possible in the fall and the dire league stretch throughout the winter, it’s not a bad outcome either. I’d imagine many fans will be happy to see the end of this campaign (I certainly will be), but it’s still imperative that it ends on the right note.
Last 4 head-to-head:
2-2 (h) 10.07.07
1-0 Liverpool (a) 12.30.06
3-0 Liverpool (h) 09.23.06
1-0 Liverpool (h) 01.14.06
Last 3 matches:
Liverpool: 1-0 City (h); 2-3 Chelsea (a); 2-2 Brum (a)
Spurs: 1-0 Reading (a); 1-1 Bolton (h); 1-1 Wigan (a)
Goalscorers (league):
Liverpool: Torres 23; Gerrard 11; Crouch 5; Babel, Benayoun, Voronin 4; Kuyt 3; Alonso, Pennant 2; Aurelio, Hyypia, Mascherano, Sissoko 1
Spurs: Berbatov, Keane 15; Bent 6; Defoe, Jenas, Malbranque 4; Huddlestone, Kaboul 3; Bale, Chimbonda, Lennon 2; Dawson, Gardner, Gilberto, O’Hara 1
Referee: Uriah Rennie
Shockingly, Rennie’s been given the fewest fixtures of any Premiership referee this season (tied with Keith Stroud on six). This will be his last game in the Premier League, as he’s retiring due to age at the end of the season.
Guess at a squad:
Reina
Arbeloa Carragher Skrtel Insua
Alonso Mascherano
Kuyt Gerrard Babel
Torres
Even though it’s the last match of the season, with little to play for and the game likely to be representative of that (like last week’s home finale against City), I still think we’ll see a fairly strong side, if not what’s become Benitez’s “favored” XI.
Given that Torres is a goal away from breaking van Nistelrooy’s scoring record for a foreigner in a debut season (and two more would catch Adebayor for top scorer as a striker), he has to be a nailed-on starter. Similarly, Reina will have played in every minute of Premiership if he completes the game on Sunday, and has now won the golden gloves for most clean sheets (David James, one behind, looks set to miss Pompey’s match).
Meanwhile, I’m not sure how many reserves (including Lucas) will feature after winning the reserve championship on Wednesday. Hopefully Insua will, as Riise is expected to leave the club, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Norwegian receive one last bow (although the fact he didn’t get one at Anfield makes that somewhat doubtful). And honestly, despite the season he’s had, there’s no way one could argue Riise doesn’t deserve a final appearance if he is on his way out.
It could also be the last match for a few others. You’ve probably seen the rumors surrounding both Crouch and Pennant, while today brings “news” of Juventus' interest in Alonso. I’ve said before and I’ll say it again -- I’ll be stunned if Alonso departs (I definitely don’t want him to), and if he leaves, it’ll be of his own accord. But of the others mentioned, I have to believe at least one or two will exit.
Both Aurelio and Agger returned to training this week, but I’d be very surprised to see either risked.
On the official site today, Benitez made mention of dropping “silly points” in the reverse fixture at Anfield and little could be closer to the truth. In the lead after 13 minutes through Voronin, Liverpool gave up two identical Keane goals from long balls and Berbatov flicks on either side of halftime before Torres equalized in injury time. It wasn’t the first time Liverpool were susceptible to defensive miscues this season and it wouldn’t be the last.
Make no mistake, even with Berbatov seemingly on his way out he’ll still probably play, and Liverpool will still have to be wary of both his and Keane’s prowess in the box.
Spurs will look to close out the season on the right foot at home, even though they’ve seemingly mailed it in since winning the Carling Cup. Four out of their last five games have ended 1-1 (Blackburn, Boro, Wigan, Bolton) before beating Reading 1-0 last week, while Liverpool’s unbeaten in their last six in the league.
A win on Sunday would see Liverpool reach 76 points, their second-highest total under Benitez and an increase of eight points from last year’s mark, despite all the insanity surrounding the club. It’s not what we’d hoped for by any stretch of the imagination, but after Benitez’s exit looked possible in the fall and the dire league stretch throughout the winter, it’s not a bad outcome either. I’d imagine many fans will be happy to see the end of this campaign (I certainly will be), but it’s still imperative that it ends on the right note.
Last predictions of the season
So with one week of fixtures left I’m one game below the goal of 50% for the season, and that’s only because I went 7-2 last week. I’m fully aware I’ll probably end up missing it regardless. The current tally is 166 right and 167 wrong, with 37 spot on.
Chances are we won’t be doing this again next season either way.
Chelsea v Bolton, 10am, FSC: Chelsea 2-0
Wigan v Manchester Utd, 10am, Setanta: United 3-1
Birmingham v Blackburn, 10am: 1-1
Derby v Reading, 10am: Reading 1-0
Everton v Newcastle, 10am: Everton 2-1
Middlesbrough v Manchester City, 10am: 1-1
Portsmouth v Fulham, 10am: 1-1
Sunderland v Arsenal, 10am: Arsenal 2-0
West Ham v Aston Villa, 10am: Villa 1-0
It’s in Fulham’s hands thanks to a superior goal difference over Reading (Birmingham can still go down even if they win if either Fulham or Reading do the business), but traveling to Derby is a bit different than traveling to Fratton Park, even if Portsmouth will be focused on the FA Cup final and have lost their last three. Pompey certainly won’t want to go into the cup final winless in their last five.
If these predictions bear out, Reading would escape relegation by beating Derby, with 36 points compared to Fulham’s 34 and Birmingham’s 33.
Personally, I’d love to see Fulham stay up. Danny Murphy, Clint Dempsey, Brian McBride, and Jimmy Bullard are all players I really like, not to mention I lived nearest to Fulham when residing in London and saw games at Loftus Road (it was the year Craven Cottage was being renovated) on a few occasions, but there’s a lot to be said about playing the worst team in Premiership history on the last day of the season, even if it’s at their ground. But I have been known to make predictions in the hopes of jinxing results, much to the detriment of my predictions record.
Why there are no games on Setanta Xtra when they’re all playing at the same time is beyond me. Nice going, US television.
Chances are we won’t be doing this again next season either way.
Chelsea v Bolton, 10am, FSC: Chelsea 2-0
Wigan v Manchester Utd, 10am, Setanta: United 3-1
Birmingham v Blackburn, 10am: 1-1
Derby v Reading, 10am: Reading 1-0
Everton v Newcastle, 10am: Everton 2-1
Middlesbrough v Manchester City, 10am: 1-1
Portsmouth v Fulham, 10am: 1-1
Sunderland v Arsenal, 10am: Arsenal 2-0
West Ham v Aston Villa, 10am: Villa 1-0
It’s in Fulham’s hands thanks to a superior goal difference over Reading (Birmingham can still go down even if they win if either Fulham or Reading do the business), but traveling to Derby is a bit different than traveling to Fratton Park, even if Portsmouth will be focused on the FA Cup final and have lost their last three. Pompey certainly won’t want to go into the cup final winless in their last five.
If these predictions bear out, Reading would escape relegation by beating Derby, with 36 points compared to Fulham’s 34 and Birmingham’s 33.
Personally, I’d love to see Fulham stay up. Danny Murphy, Clint Dempsey, Brian McBride, and Jimmy Bullard are all players I really like, not to mention I lived nearest to Fulham when residing in London and saw games at Loftus Road (it was the year Craven Cottage was being renovated) on a few occasions, but there’s a lot to be said about playing the worst team in Premiership history on the last day of the season, even if it’s at their ground. But I have been known to make predictions in the hopes of jinxing results, much to the detriment of my predictions record.
Why there are no games on Setanta Xtra when they’re all playing at the same time is beyond me. Nice going, US television.
08 May 2008
Is this thing on?
I apologize for the nearly week-long radio silence, but we've pretty much hit the off-season. However, as it’s still early May, I’ve little desire to wade into transfer gossip I usually ignore when we’re actually in the full-fledged silly season: Crouch has a £15m price tag, the Barry talk has hit a fever pitch (and is giving O’Neill fits), Crouch, Carson, Riise, Pennant and others are rumored to be on their way out, while Benitez has confirmed Kewell will depart.
Have I mentioned that there’s still a round of fixtures left? Sigh. Hopefully this means business will be done sooner rather than later, but after the mess at boardroom level all season long, I'll believe it when I see it.
On the good news front, Agger's back in training (mentioned in the long Benitez interview that's the Crouch price tag link), the new stadium plan’s been approved (for the third time; now it's been pushed back until maaaaaaaybe 2011/2012) and congratulations to the reserves, who won the league championship over Aston Villa thanks to goals from Nemeth, Brouwer, and Lucas. Special mention goes out to Gary Ablett, who’s in his first season as reserve manager.
Back tomorrow with the final Premiership predictions and a preview of the Liverpool/Spurs match.
Have I mentioned that there’s still a round of fixtures left? Sigh. Hopefully this means business will be done sooner rather than later, but after the mess at boardroom level all season long, I'll believe it when I see it.
On the good news front, Agger's back in training (mentioned in the long Benitez interview that's the Crouch price tag link), the new stadium plan’s been approved (for the third time; now it's been pushed back until maaaaaaaybe 2011/2012) and congratulations to the reserves, who won the league championship over Aston Villa thanks to goals from Nemeth, Brouwer, and Lucas. Special mention goes out to Gary Ablett, who’s in his first season as reserve manager.
Back tomorrow with the final Premiership predictions and a preview of the Liverpool/Spurs match.
04 May 2008
Liverpool 1-0 Manchester City
Reina
Finnan Carragher Hyypia Insua
Lucas Mascherano
Kuyt Gerrard Babel
Torres
Goals:
Torres 58’
For the first half, it was both a typical encounter between these two sides and a cagey end of season match. But in the second Liverpool kicked it up a gear, culminating with Torres’ 32nd goal of the second, yet another match-winner by the Spaniard and his eight-consecutive at Anfield in the league.
Neither side provided much attacking impetus in the opening 45 minutes, but Liverpool were the better side throughout, while City struggled to get Benjani as a lone striker into the game. But outside of a superlative strike by Gerrard, going for a curler into the far corner from Insua’s set-up and forcing Hart into an outstanding save, there were few chances on goal to write home about.
Gerrard was the key man throughout the half with that effort on goal, another low effort just wide of the post, and attempting to find Torres on a number of occasions, while both Lucas and Mascherano were excellent in midfield, but it was little surprise when the half ended 0-0. All too often, Liverpool were looking to attack City’s fullbacks (Ball and Jihai, Jihai more often than not), but there weren’t enough men in the box to take advantage of any crosses sent in.
However, Liverpool made use of their edge in possession and began to take the game to the opposition much more in the second half. Less than two minutes after the restart, Gerrard flicked a delightful pass with the outside of his foot to put Torres through, but the striker sent his shot wide of the far post from a tough angle.
Elano’s swerving free kick in the 51st minute, just hitting the outside of the post, reminded of the possibility of a goal against the run of play, which has been an all-too-often occurrence at times this season and one of the main reasons Liverpool's sitting in fourth.
But in the 58th, Kuyt headed Michael Ball’s mishit clearance towards Torres, and the striker beat Dunne one-on-one, similar to his first goal for the club against Ben Haim and Chelsea, to slot through Hart’s legs for the opener. Yep, another strike in front of the Kop. Long may it continue.
Liverpool really should have added a second within the next 10 minutes, with Hart making a wonderful save on Kuyt’s volley and keeping out Lucas’s subsequent bicycle kick, Kuyt heading off the bar and then too close to Hart, and a lovely run and cutback by Torres spurned by Babel inside the six-yard box.
Soon after, City brought Hamann on to shore up the midfield and keep the ball away from Liverpool, and while it worked to a certain degree, the home side still had chances on the break, most notably when Mascherano blasted a decent shot from distance that Hart saved, but with Torres in acres of space on the right waiting for the pass.
Outside of 30-yard free kick by Benjani parried away by Reina in the 81st, City was limited to little in attack, and even with Liverpool holding a narrow one goal lead, which hasn’t been enough far too often this season, the result was rarely in doubt.
Though Liverpool rarely took it out of second gear, I was pleased with many of the players’ performances. It’s easy to let heads drop and just go through the motions after a loss like the one suffered on Wednesday and with fourth place assured, but the team responded well enough.
As said, Gerrard was probably the best player in the first half, and continued his influence in the second before being substituted with 10 minutes left to play. Mascherano was everywhere in midfield, as usual, but also sprayed some cross-field passes across the pitch reminiscent of Alonso while Lucas did well playing from box to box. Kuyt also put in another workman-like performance, but was much more of a goal threat and should have scored, having chances with that lovely volley and something like five headers towards goal that were either saved, wide of the target, or ricocheted off the bar.
In addition, I can’t go without a mention of Insua in his first start of the season. I’m well aware I’m prone to exaggeration when it comes to the player, but I thought he was solid and steady throughout. He didn’t bomb forward as often as in the reserves and I’m still concerned about his height as a Premier League defender, but defensively he was better than expected. Up against a wily veteran in Vassell he kept the right winger quiet for much of the match.
Outside of not getting a second goal that would have sealed the match, this is pretty much what was hoped for following the Chelsea match. Liverpool played a marginally stronger side than I imagined, but it shows that this is pretty much the team Benitez plans to go forward with.
What was surprising was no place on the bench for Crouch, Riise, or Pennant. I’m loath to read too much into this things, but at the very least I’d have expected to see Crouch at some stage, if not from the start. In addition, that neither Nemeth nor Plessis was available as a sub is slightly disappointing, but I’m still fairly sure both will be bedded in with the first team next season.
Now, another performance like this at Tottenham next week will close out the season as well as can be expected with Liverpool out of the running for a trophy. And it’s crucial the team finish the season as strongly as possible to build a platform for 2008/09.
Finnan Carragher Hyypia Insua
Lucas Mascherano
Kuyt Gerrard Babel
Torres
Goals:
Torres 58’
For the first half, it was both a typical encounter between these two sides and a cagey end of season match. But in the second Liverpool kicked it up a gear, culminating with Torres’ 32nd goal of the second, yet another match-winner by the Spaniard and his eight-consecutive at Anfield in the league.
Neither side provided much attacking impetus in the opening 45 minutes, but Liverpool were the better side throughout, while City struggled to get Benjani as a lone striker into the game. But outside of a superlative strike by Gerrard, going for a curler into the far corner from Insua’s set-up and forcing Hart into an outstanding save, there were few chances on goal to write home about.
Gerrard was the key man throughout the half with that effort on goal, another low effort just wide of the post, and attempting to find Torres on a number of occasions, while both Lucas and Mascherano were excellent in midfield, but it was little surprise when the half ended 0-0. All too often, Liverpool were looking to attack City’s fullbacks (Ball and Jihai, Jihai more often than not), but there weren’t enough men in the box to take advantage of any crosses sent in.
However, Liverpool made use of their edge in possession and began to take the game to the opposition much more in the second half. Less than two minutes after the restart, Gerrard flicked a delightful pass with the outside of his foot to put Torres through, but the striker sent his shot wide of the far post from a tough angle.
Elano’s swerving free kick in the 51st minute, just hitting the outside of the post, reminded of the possibility of a goal against the run of play, which has been an all-too-often occurrence at times this season and one of the main reasons Liverpool's sitting in fourth.
But in the 58th, Kuyt headed Michael Ball’s mishit clearance towards Torres, and the striker beat Dunne one-on-one, similar to his first goal for the club against Ben Haim and Chelsea, to slot through Hart’s legs for the opener. Yep, another strike in front of the Kop. Long may it continue.
Liverpool really should have added a second within the next 10 minutes, with Hart making a wonderful save on Kuyt’s volley and keeping out Lucas’s subsequent bicycle kick, Kuyt heading off the bar and then too close to Hart, and a lovely run and cutback by Torres spurned by Babel inside the six-yard box.
Soon after, City brought Hamann on to shore up the midfield and keep the ball away from Liverpool, and while it worked to a certain degree, the home side still had chances on the break, most notably when Mascherano blasted a decent shot from distance that Hart saved, but with Torres in acres of space on the right waiting for the pass.
Outside of 30-yard free kick by Benjani parried away by Reina in the 81st, City was limited to little in attack, and even with Liverpool holding a narrow one goal lead, which hasn’t been enough far too often this season, the result was rarely in doubt.
Though Liverpool rarely took it out of second gear, I was pleased with many of the players’ performances. It’s easy to let heads drop and just go through the motions after a loss like the one suffered on Wednesday and with fourth place assured, but the team responded well enough.
As said, Gerrard was probably the best player in the first half, and continued his influence in the second before being substituted with 10 minutes left to play. Mascherano was everywhere in midfield, as usual, but also sprayed some cross-field passes across the pitch reminiscent of Alonso while Lucas did well playing from box to box. Kuyt also put in another workman-like performance, but was much more of a goal threat and should have scored, having chances with that lovely volley and something like five headers towards goal that were either saved, wide of the target, or ricocheted off the bar.
In addition, I can’t go without a mention of Insua in his first start of the season. I’m well aware I’m prone to exaggeration when it comes to the player, but I thought he was solid and steady throughout. He didn’t bomb forward as often as in the reserves and I’m still concerned about his height as a Premier League defender, but defensively he was better than expected. Up against a wily veteran in Vassell he kept the right winger quiet for much of the match.
Outside of not getting a second goal that would have sealed the match, this is pretty much what was hoped for following the Chelsea match. Liverpool played a marginally stronger side than I imagined, but it shows that this is pretty much the team Benitez plans to go forward with.
What was surprising was no place on the bench for Crouch, Riise, or Pennant. I’m loath to read too much into this things, but at the very least I’d have expected to see Crouch at some stage, if not from the start. In addition, that neither Nemeth nor Plessis was available as a sub is slightly disappointing, but I’m still fairly sure both will be bedded in with the first team next season.
Now, another performance like this at Tottenham next week will close out the season as well as can be expected with Liverpool out of the running for a trophy. And it’s crucial the team finish the season as strongly as possible to build a platform for 2008/09.
02 May 2008
Liverpool v Manchester City 05.04.08
11am EST, live in the US on FSC
Last 4 head-to-head:
0-0 (a) 12.30.07
0-0 (a) 04.14.07
1-0 Liverpool (h) 11.25.06
1-0 Liverpool (h) 02.26.05
Last 3 matches:
Liverpool: 2-3 Chelsea (a); 2-2 Brum; 1-1 Chelsea (h)
City: 2-3 Fulham (h); 3-1 Pompey (h); 2-1 Sunderland (a)
Goalscorers (league):
Liverpool: Torres 22; Gerrard 11; Crouch 5; Babel, Benayoun, Voronin 4; Kuyt 3; Alonso, Pennant 2; Aurelio, Hyypia, Mascherano, Sissoko 1
City: Elano 7; Vassell 6; Petrov 5; Bianchi, Ireland 4; Benjani, Geovanni 3; Gelson, Johnson, Mpenza 2; Etuhu, Onuoha, Sturridge 1
Referee: Mark Halsey
Guess at a squad:
Reina
Arbeloa Carragher Hyypia Insua
Plessis Lucas
Pennant Gerrard Babel
Crouch
Torres and Skrtel both trained today after going off with injuries on Wednesday, but I’d still be surprised to see either start.
I’ve no desire to see an under-strength side, as in the last couple of league games or like the end of last season’s campaign, with Liverpool now out of the Champions League, but at the same time, some the young players need to be given a go, and key players like Torres and Skrtel shouldn’t be risked even though we’re so close to the summer.
First and foremost among the reserves, I sincerely hope we see Insua from the start. With Riise likely to leave and Aurelio injured, Insua has to be given games. He simply has to, even if Liverpool are looking to sign a left-back in the off-season (relatedly, yes, I saw the Barry article in the Echo and now BBC, but no, I’ve nothing new to say about it).
In addition, I’d hope to see Lucas or Plessis, or ideally both, in central midfield. The two played well as a unit in the reserves, and both look likely to see much more first team action next season. And it would be both Insua and Plessis' first game at Anfield. However, I also wouldn’t be surprised to see either Lucas or Plessis paired with Alonso, first because it’d be a sign that Xabi would be likely to be here next season, and second because he’s still playing his way back to form.
We also could see Mikel San Jose, who’s made the first team bench before this season, step into one of the center back spots. Maybe even Nemeth on the bench (hopefully), but I’ve been burned saying that in the last couple of previews.
But I hope to see established starters like Gerrard, Carragher, and Babel play as well.
For City, Richard Dunne should return from injury, but it’s most likely too soon for Micah Richards, Bojinov, or Garrido. Sven will most likely deploy a 4-5-1, as he has all season long, and it wouldn’t surprise me if they used Corluka to shadow Gerrard, as they did in the reverse fixture and similar to Makelele’s role in the CL semis.
There have been 4 goals scored in last six meetings between the sides, while the last two games have ended 0-0. With Liverpool playing out the season and City in some disarray following rumors of Sven’s sacking, there’s a good chance it’ll be another cagey display. But the opposite could easily happen: Liverpool looking to get back on the front foot after going out of Europe, while the City players try to save Eriksson’s job.
With fourth place assured, we’re all well aware that Liverpool’s pretty much just playing for pride. But pride can still be an excellent motivator, while some in the squad, both young and established, are playing for a place in the side next season. Plus, this is the last game at Anfield for the season, and I'd hope the team send the fans away happy.
These two games do matter. Not as much as we hoped at the beginning of the season, but they matter nonetheless. It’s crucial Liverpool end this troublesome season on as high a note as possible.
Last 4 head-to-head:
0-0 (a) 12.30.07
0-0 (a) 04.14.07
1-0 Liverpool (h) 11.25.06
1-0 Liverpool (h) 02.26.05
Last 3 matches:
Liverpool: 2-3 Chelsea (a); 2-2 Brum; 1-1 Chelsea (h)
City: 2-3 Fulham (h); 3-1 Pompey (h); 2-1 Sunderland (a)
Goalscorers (league):
Liverpool: Torres 22; Gerrard 11; Crouch 5; Babel, Benayoun, Voronin 4; Kuyt 3; Alonso, Pennant 2; Aurelio, Hyypia, Mascherano, Sissoko 1
City: Elano 7; Vassell 6; Petrov 5; Bianchi, Ireland 4; Benjani, Geovanni 3; Gelson, Johnson, Mpenza 2; Etuhu, Onuoha, Sturridge 1
Referee: Mark Halsey
Guess at a squad:
Reina
Arbeloa Carragher Hyypia Insua
Plessis Lucas
Pennant Gerrard Babel
Crouch
Torres and Skrtel both trained today after going off with injuries on Wednesday, but I’d still be surprised to see either start.
I’ve no desire to see an under-strength side, as in the last couple of league games or like the end of last season’s campaign, with Liverpool now out of the Champions League, but at the same time, some the young players need to be given a go, and key players like Torres and Skrtel shouldn’t be risked even though we’re so close to the summer.
First and foremost among the reserves, I sincerely hope we see Insua from the start. With Riise likely to leave and Aurelio injured, Insua has to be given games. He simply has to, even if Liverpool are looking to sign a left-back in the off-season (relatedly, yes, I saw the Barry article in the Echo and now BBC, but no, I’ve nothing new to say about it).
In addition, I’d hope to see Lucas or Plessis, or ideally both, in central midfield. The two played well as a unit in the reserves, and both look likely to see much more first team action next season. And it would be both Insua and Plessis' first game at Anfield. However, I also wouldn’t be surprised to see either Lucas or Plessis paired with Alonso, first because it’d be a sign that Xabi would be likely to be here next season, and second because he’s still playing his way back to form.
We also could see Mikel San Jose, who’s made the first team bench before this season, step into one of the center back spots. Maybe even Nemeth on the bench (hopefully), but I’ve been burned saying that in the last couple of previews.
But I hope to see established starters like Gerrard, Carragher, and Babel play as well.
For City, Richard Dunne should return from injury, but it’s most likely too soon for Micah Richards, Bojinov, or Garrido. Sven will most likely deploy a 4-5-1, as he has all season long, and it wouldn’t surprise me if they used Corluka to shadow Gerrard, as they did in the reverse fixture and similar to Makelele’s role in the CL semis.
There have been 4 goals scored in last six meetings between the sides, while the last two games have ended 0-0. With Liverpool playing out the season and City in some disarray following rumors of Sven’s sacking, there’s a good chance it’ll be another cagey display. But the opposite could easily happen: Liverpool looking to get back on the front foot after going out of Europe, while the City players try to save Eriksson’s job.
With fourth place assured, we’re all well aware that Liverpool’s pretty much just playing for pride. But pride can still be an excellent motivator, while some in the squad, both young and established, are playing for a place in the side next season. Plus, this is the last game at Anfield for the season, and I'd hope the team send the fans away happy.
These two games do matter. Not as much as we hoped at the beginning of the season, but they matter nonetheless. It’s crucial Liverpool end this troublesome season on as high a note as possible.
Predictions 5/3 - 5/5
Manchester Utd v West Ham, 7:45am, Setanta: United 3-1
Reading v Tottenham, 10am, FSC: 1-1
Fulham v Birmingham, 10am, Setanta: Fulham 2-1
Aston Villa v Wigan, 10am, Setanta Xtra: Villa 2-0
Blackburn v Derby, 10am: Blackburn 3-0
Middlesbrough v Portsmouth, 10am: Boro 1-0
Bolton v Sunderland, 12:15pm, FSC: Bolton 1-0
Arsenal v Everton, 8:30am Sunday, Setanta: Arse 2-1
Newcastle v Chelsea, 11am Monday, Setanta: Chelsea 2-1
Losing time to get to .500, 6 games behind with two weeks to go. Sigh.
159-165; 37 correct scores
Reading v Tottenham, 10am, FSC: 1-1
Fulham v Birmingham, 10am, Setanta: Fulham 2-1
Aston Villa v Wigan, 10am, Setanta Xtra: Villa 2-0
Blackburn v Derby, 10am: Blackburn 3-0
Middlesbrough v Portsmouth, 10am: Boro 1-0
Bolton v Sunderland, 12:15pm, FSC: Bolton 1-0
Arsenal v Everton, 8:30am Sunday, Setanta: Arse 2-1
Newcastle v Chelsea, 11am Monday, Setanta: Chelsea 2-1
Losing time to get to .500, 6 games behind with two weeks to go. Sigh.
159-165; 37 correct scores
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