7:45am, live in the US on Setanta
Last 4 head-to-head:
3-1 Liverpool (a) 03.02.08
4-0 Liverpool (h) 12.27.07
3-0 Liverpool (h) 01.01.07
0-2 Bolton (a) 09.30.06
Last 3 matches:
Liverpool: 2-4 Spurs (a); 3-0 West Brom (h); 1-1 Atletico (h)
Bolton: 1-0 Hull (a); 2-0 City (h); 0-1 Everton (h)
Goalscorers (league):
Liverpool: Torres 5; Kuyt 4; Gerrard, Keane 2; Alonso, Arbeloa, Babel, Carragher, Riera 1
Bolton: Davies 4; Taylor 2; Cahill, Elmander, Gardner, Steinsson 1
Referee: Rob Styles
Getting all the good refs! At least it’s not Steve Bennett…
Guess at a squad:
Reina
Carragher Hyypia Agger Aurelio
Kuyt Gerrard Alonso Riera
Torres Keane
I think there are two options in both attack and defensive that Benitez will choose from, and honestly don’t know which is more likely in either case.
Torres or Mascherano will probably be left out of the front six. If Liverpool plays 4-4-2, it’s a choice between Alonso and Masch in the middle. Alonso’s on form and Bolton will mainly attack through the air, which eliminates some of the need for Mascherano’s defensive capabilities.
But Benitez might want to take it slow with Torres. He did look rusty against Spurs, and I wouldn’t be opposed to easing him back since this isn’t his first hamstring injury. Plus, there's a midweek international break coming up, and leaving him on the bench here could give reason to keep him out of the Spanish squad. And if that’s the case, Liverpool will probably line up in the 4-2-3-1 with Keane as the spearhead, as they did against Atletico and Chelsea, among others.
I’m hoping there are only two options in defense, but that assumes my rant about Degen after the Carling Cup match comes true, and either Carragher or Darby starts at right back. It’d probably be Carra, since coming on in the 84th minute on Wednesday is Darby’s lone appearance. Also, Degen might be ruled out anyway due to the foot injury that forced him to come off in the last match.
After struggling for results, Bolton’s won their last two against Hull and City. Those six points have pushed them up to 11th, even though the team’s been goal-shy for the majority of the season. I honestly thought Elmander would have a larger impact – and, hands up, so far I've been wrong – but of course, writing this means he’ll probably start to make that impact tomorrow. In addition, captain Kevin Nolan will probably return from injury, and he’s a player that’s haunted Liverpool in the past.
After a stellar September and October, results have started to slip in the past couple of weeks: two losses against Spurs (although one barely counts) and a hardly-deserved home draw against Atletico. But the league is what counts, and the Tottenham match was the only Premiership slip-up since the September draw against Stoke. A win tomorrow, in a difficult venue like the Reebok, against a gritty team that’s usually tough to keep down, would keep momentum going and restore any confidence that's been lost in the last couple of matches.
14 November 2008
12 November 2008
Liverpool 2-4 Tottenham
Cavalieri
Degen Hyypia Agger Dossena
El Zhar Lucas Plessis Babel
Torres Ngog
Goals:
Pavlyuchenko 38’ 52’
Campbell 42’ 45’
Plessis 49’
Hyypia 64’
Worst Liverpool defending I have ever seen. You can look at the changes in the back five and draw your own conclusions. That scoreline’s probably closer than it should have been, even considering yet another Mike Riley special in the 82nd minute, ignoring a fairly clear penalty.
It’d be duplicitous for me to complain about the result after writing that this competition's essentially meaningless. But I’ll still complain about the performance; the first 60 minutes were simply god-awful and the rest was barely mediocre.
Spurs dominated the first half. They out-worked Liverpool, had scads of possession, and used the entire field to keep the away side on the back foot. Only a last-ditch block by Agger prevented the opener in the 19th minute, while Liverpool didn’t have one shot, let alone a shot on target, for the first 45.
For the first third of the game, it looked like Spurs wouldn’t reap a reward for their dominance. And then, seven absolutely awful minutes saw Tottenham put three past Liverpool.
First, Frazier Campbell shrugged off Hyypia, who looked like he thought it’d go out for a goal kick, to cut back for an unmarked Pavlyuchenko parked on the penalty spot.
Then the provider turned scorer twice in three minutes after more abysmal defending. Cavalieri should have never come for the first – a long ball towards Campbell – and collided with Degen, leaving an empty net. Then, Lennon got yet another dangerous cross in (seriously, the fullbacks were both atrocious), and Dossena wandered away from Campbell, leaving the striker wide open for an easy header.
Liverpool got a lifeline in the 49th when Gomes made a mess of a corner, gifting Plessis his first goal for the club, but Spurs restored the three-goal advantage immediately as Zokora ran away from Hyypia and again found an open Pavlyuchenko two yards from goal. Liverpool couldn’t mark a statue tonight.
Gomes blundered another corner in the 64th, with Hyypia heading in after the keeper missed his punch. Two shots, both on target, two goals. And both from corners. After Spurs had already put four past Liverpool. Somehow, I’ve ended up in a parallel universe.
The second goal actually prompted better play, and Insua coming on for Torres and Alonso for Plessis certainly helped. But when Gomes’ injury in the 69th led to an extended stoppage (and there wouldn't have been an injury if Degen actually run onto Lucas’s lovely pass), Liverpool lost all momentum.
The only other opportunity, despite nine minutes of added time, was the penalty that wasn’t. Degen (to give a little credit, he actually tried to get forward in the second half) was brought down by Bale, but Riley waved play on and gave that shit-eating smile and I had to stop myself from punching my monitor.
I don’t care how meaningless the competition is or who's lined up for Liverpool. That first half was unforgivable; I feel bad for the fans who paid money to travel to London for this.
I’m glad that Benitez left everyone on the pitch for the second half to fix their own mistakes, and the team was marginally better after the break, but it’s still hard to find positives. I guess Torres getting 56 minutes and coming through unscathed was good, Insua and Alonso played well off the bench, and Babel took two nice corners that led to goals, but that’s about it.
Tottenham passed around Liverpool throughout the first half and had excellent width where Liverpool had none. And when Liverpool had the ball, lazy play led to giveaways, which put more pressure on an already shaky defense. Poor passes, little movement, isolated strikers – all the things you hate to see.
Yes, it’s like his second game for the club, and I try never to single out players. But I do not want to see Degen anywhere near the pitch on Saturday even though Arbeloa’s suspended. Play Carra at right back, or even Darby. But not Degen.
Everyone’s going to credit Redknapp for this 'miraculous turnaround,' and another four-goal performance is certainly an improvement over Ramos. Coming in and telling the players how wonderful they are definitely helps when the last manager barely spoke the language after a year in the job. But Liverpool’s backline was simply awful, and Tottenham could have had more.
It’s still the Carling Cup, and it’s not the loss that bugs me. It’s the performance, and more importantly, the attitude that’s so infuriating. And if the team doesn’t learn a lesson or two, and lets this result affect their confidence in the league, it'll be far worse than getting dumped from the fourth-choice cup.
Degen Hyypia Agger Dossena
El Zhar Lucas Plessis Babel
Torres Ngog
Goals:
Pavlyuchenko 38’ 52’
Campbell 42’ 45’
Plessis 49’
Hyypia 64’
Worst Liverpool defending I have ever seen. You can look at the changes in the back five and draw your own conclusions. That scoreline’s probably closer than it should have been, even considering yet another Mike Riley special in the 82nd minute, ignoring a fairly clear penalty.
It’d be duplicitous for me to complain about the result after writing that this competition's essentially meaningless. But I’ll still complain about the performance; the first 60 minutes were simply god-awful and the rest was barely mediocre.
Spurs dominated the first half. They out-worked Liverpool, had scads of possession, and used the entire field to keep the away side on the back foot. Only a last-ditch block by Agger prevented the opener in the 19th minute, while Liverpool didn’t have one shot, let alone a shot on target, for the first 45.
For the first third of the game, it looked like Spurs wouldn’t reap a reward for their dominance. And then, seven absolutely awful minutes saw Tottenham put three past Liverpool.
First, Frazier Campbell shrugged off Hyypia, who looked like he thought it’d go out for a goal kick, to cut back for an unmarked Pavlyuchenko parked on the penalty spot.
Then the provider turned scorer twice in three minutes after more abysmal defending. Cavalieri should have never come for the first – a long ball towards Campbell – and collided with Degen, leaving an empty net. Then, Lennon got yet another dangerous cross in (seriously, the fullbacks were both atrocious), and Dossena wandered away from Campbell, leaving the striker wide open for an easy header.
Liverpool got a lifeline in the 49th when Gomes made a mess of a corner, gifting Plessis his first goal for the club, but Spurs restored the three-goal advantage immediately as Zokora ran away from Hyypia and again found an open Pavlyuchenko two yards from goal. Liverpool couldn’t mark a statue tonight.
Gomes blundered another corner in the 64th, with Hyypia heading in after the keeper missed his punch. Two shots, both on target, two goals. And both from corners. After Spurs had already put four past Liverpool. Somehow, I’ve ended up in a parallel universe.
The second goal actually prompted better play, and Insua coming on for Torres and Alonso for Plessis certainly helped. But when Gomes’ injury in the 69th led to an extended stoppage (and there wouldn't have been an injury if Degen actually run onto Lucas’s lovely pass), Liverpool lost all momentum.
The only other opportunity, despite nine minutes of added time, was the penalty that wasn’t. Degen (to give a little credit, he actually tried to get forward in the second half) was brought down by Bale, but Riley waved play on and gave that shit-eating smile and I had to stop myself from punching my monitor.
I don’t care how meaningless the competition is or who's lined up for Liverpool. That first half was unforgivable; I feel bad for the fans who paid money to travel to London for this.
I’m glad that Benitez left everyone on the pitch for the second half to fix their own mistakes, and the team was marginally better after the break, but it’s still hard to find positives. I guess Torres getting 56 minutes and coming through unscathed was good, Insua and Alonso played well off the bench, and Babel took two nice corners that led to goals, but that’s about it.
Tottenham passed around Liverpool throughout the first half and had excellent width where Liverpool had none. And when Liverpool had the ball, lazy play led to giveaways, which put more pressure on an already shaky defense. Poor passes, little movement, isolated strikers – all the things you hate to see.
Yes, it’s like his second game for the club, and I try never to single out players. But I do not want to see Degen anywhere near the pitch on Saturday even though Arbeloa’s suspended. Play Carra at right back, or even Darby. But not Degen.
Everyone’s going to credit Redknapp for this 'miraculous turnaround,' and another four-goal performance is certainly an improvement over Ramos. Coming in and telling the players how wonderful they are definitely helps when the last manager barely spoke the language after a year in the job. But Liverpool’s backline was simply awful, and Tottenham could have had more.
It’s still the Carling Cup, and it’s not the loss that bugs me. It’s the performance, and more importantly, the attitude that’s so infuriating. And if the team doesn’t learn a lesson or two, and lets this result affect their confidence in the league, it'll be far worse than getting dumped from the fourth-choice cup.
11 November 2008
Liverpool at Tottenham 11.12.08
2:45pm, live in the US on Setanta (at the least, on Setanta Broadband)
Last three matches:
Liverpool: 3-0 West Brom (h); 1-1 Atletico (h); 1-2 Spurs (a)
Spurs: 2-1 City (a); 4-0 Dinamo Zagreb (h); 2-1 Liverpool (h)
Carling Cup goalscorers:
Liverpool: Agger, Lucas 1
Spurs: O’Hara, Pavlyuchenko 1
Referee: Mike Riley!
Guess at a squad:
Cavalieri
Degen Hyypia San Jose Dossena
Pennant Lucas Plessis El Zhar
Ngog Babel
So, from the official site today, there’s word that Gerrard and Keane definitely won’t play, and it looks like Kuyt, Alonso, and Carragher are in the same boat.
But the fact that Torres is in the squad arouses an irrational fear that he might start tomorrow, as he did at Reading in last year’s tournament. He does need playing time after missing six matches in a row, but I’m also afraid (and I’m knocking furiously on wood as I write this) that something bad could happen in what’s essentially a meaningless game. Hopefully he’ll come off the bench as he did on Saturday, and will return to the starting line-up in four days against Bolton.
Aside from San Jose for Agger (who’s started the last three matches, and San Jose’s my best guess out of the reserve team defenders) and Dossena for Insua (as Dossena hasn’t featured much of late, even though this would mean Insua will miss out, which irks me), this would be the same side that faced Crewe in the last round.
I want to see Liverpool win every match they play – that’s pretty much the definition of a fan. But in a season where there will probably be 60-plus games, you have to prioritize. And this game’s not a priority.
That doesn’t mean it won’t be significant for players like Lucas, Ngog, Pennant, and the rest. All these players will have roles to play this season, and the Carling Cup is important to both their development and fitness. These are the games where they get the necessary experience before being fully plunged into the first team.
I’d rather see Darby in place of Degen, as the youngster’s gotten good reviews in the reserves and looks like one for the future, but Degen seemingly has to play here having not gotten much time since signing over the summer. And with Arbeloa’s suspension looming thanks to a fifth yellow card over the weekend, Degen needs playing time for when he has to step into the first team.
As Tottenham are the defending champions in the competition and on a roll, I wouldn’t be surprised to see them deploy a strong team. Redknapp’s continued to work his magic, with Spurs unbeaten in the five games since he was named manager. But that shouldn’t affect how Benitez sets up his side.
While revenge for the loss a week and a half ago would surely be sweet, it’s less important than resting key players for the league campaign and getting the reserves/youngsters time in the first team.
Last three matches:
Liverpool: 3-0 West Brom (h); 1-1 Atletico (h); 1-2 Spurs (a)
Spurs: 2-1 City (a); 4-0 Dinamo Zagreb (h); 2-1 Liverpool (h)
Carling Cup goalscorers:
Liverpool: Agger, Lucas 1
Spurs: O’Hara, Pavlyuchenko 1
Referee: Mike Riley!
Guess at a squad:
Cavalieri
Degen Hyypia San Jose Dossena
Pennant Lucas Plessis El Zhar
Ngog Babel
So, from the official site today, there’s word that Gerrard and Keane definitely won’t play, and it looks like Kuyt, Alonso, and Carragher are in the same boat.
But the fact that Torres is in the squad arouses an irrational fear that he might start tomorrow, as he did at Reading in last year’s tournament. He does need playing time after missing six matches in a row, but I’m also afraid (and I’m knocking furiously on wood as I write this) that something bad could happen in what’s essentially a meaningless game. Hopefully he’ll come off the bench as he did on Saturday, and will return to the starting line-up in four days against Bolton.
Aside from San Jose for Agger (who’s started the last three matches, and San Jose’s my best guess out of the reserve team defenders) and Dossena for Insua (as Dossena hasn’t featured much of late, even though this would mean Insua will miss out, which irks me), this would be the same side that faced Crewe in the last round.
I want to see Liverpool win every match they play – that’s pretty much the definition of a fan. But in a season where there will probably be 60-plus games, you have to prioritize. And this game’s not a priority.
That doesn’t mean it won’t be significant for players like Lucas, Ngog, Pennant, and the rest. All these players will have roles to play this season, and the Carling Cup is important to both their development and fitness. These are the games where they get the necessary experience before being fully plunged into the first team.
I’d rather see Darby in place of Degen, as the youngster’s gotten good reviews in the reserves and looks like one for the future, but Degen seemingly has to play here having not gotten much time since signing over the summer. And with Arbeloa’s suspension looming thanks to a fifth yellow card over the weekend, Degen needs playing time for when he has to step into the first team.
As Tottenham are the defending champions in the competition and on a roll, I wouldn’t be surprised to see them deploy a strong team. Redknapp’s continued to work his magic, with Spurs unbeaten in the five games since he was named manager. But that shouldn’t affect how Benitez sets up his side.
While revenge for the loss a week and a half ago would surely be sweet, it’s less important than resting key players for the league campaign and getting the reserves/youngsters time in the first team.
08 November 2008
Liverpool 3-0 West Brom
Reina
Arbeloa Carragher Agger Aurelio
Benayoun Gerrard Mascherano Riera
Kuyt
Keane
Goals:
Keane 34’ 43’
Arbeloa 90+3
Keane scored a brace, opening his Premier League account, Liverpool controlled proceedings for long stretches, Torres made his return, and Arbeloa added gloss with a spectacular finish in the third minute of added time. Three goals – all fairly sexy – and another clean sheet. That’ll do.
After a loss at Spurs and the draw with Atletico, it was imperative Liverpool got the right result today. While West Brom refreshingly looked to take the game to Liverpool at the start (thank you for coming to Anfield and not parking the bus in front of goal!), the home side quickly found their feet. Keane’s snap shot at Carson, after a nice throughball back in by Mascherano, set the tone for the rest of the half.
It took until the 34th minute to break the deadlock, but that was partly down to Peter Walton, who had a stinker of a game and denied a fairly clear penalty when Benayoun’s shot was partially blocked by Carson and Olsson’s hand prevented it from trickling through.
But in the space of nine minutes, Keane put the game to bed. First, he lifted Gerrard’s deliciously weighted ball over Carson and a defender with his left foot to break his league duck. In the 43rd, Liverpool broke from a West Brom corner, and Aurelio’s long ball was perfectly placed for Keane. The striker rounded Carson (who, for some reason, charged out of his area), and scored his second with his weaker foot. You could see how the first goal invigorated Keane, who threatened throughout with his pace and perception. Hopefully, that’ll open the floodgates. At this point in the game, players were queuing up to shoot, and it looked as if this could be like the past matches where Liverpool’s hammered the Baggies.
But the away side was more resilient in the second half, and Felipe Teixiera for Kim and Luke Moore for Bednar in the 56th minute helped as well. West Brom could have pulled one back in the 58th when both Carra and Agger left a long ball which fell to Ishmael Miller, only the striker was caught unaware and was unable to control in the pouring rain.
Babel came on for Riera in the 66th and Torres for Keane in the 72nd, but Liverpool still couldn’t punish the opposition as they did in the first half. Torres’ best chance came in the 79th, when he ran at two defenders and fiercely shot from the top of the box, only to shoot too close to Carson.
Another Albion sub, Chris Brunt, delivered a smashing free kick as soon as he came on in the 72nd, but just missed the near post. The Baggies earned a fair few corners in the final 15 minutes or so, but Liverpool never looked in jeopardy. And in the 93rd minute, Mascherano found Kuyt, who pushed it to Arbeloa on the right, with the fullback stepping in and unleashing a gorgeous left-footer that curled inside the far post. The perfect way to end the game.
With Liverpool dominant for most of the first half, I’m marginally disappointed they didn’t win by more. A ruthless demolition of the opposition is always good for morale. But it was a professional performance, and after Keane’s two goals, the result was never in doubt.
I thought Arbeloa was fantastic today, and if it weren’t for Keane’s strikes, the late goal would probably get him my man of the match. Both he and Aurelio were tireless and dangerous up and down the flanks. It’s a shame Arbeloa finally picked up the fifth yellow that will rule him out for a match, especially when it was a debatable foul Walton shouldn’t have given in the first place.
I also thought Kuyt, Benayoun, and Mascherano were excellent. Kuyt, along with Alonso, has been the player of the season so far, while Benayoun tried to make things happen on the right. And Mascherano was imperious in front of the back four, rarely giving West Brom a sniff at goal. Both Gerrard and Riera looked tired and weren’t at their best, but both should get a breather on Wednesday.
3-0, and rarely on top form will certainly do. That’s exactly the result Liverpool needed after the last two matches. Now, an incidental Carling Cup visit to Tottenham before back to business in the league against Bolton.
Arbeloa Carragher Agger Aurelio
Benayoun Gerrard Mascherano Riera
Kuyt
Keane
Goals:
Keane 34’ 43’
Arbeloa 90+3
Keane scored a brace, opening his Premier League account, Liverpool controlled proceedings for long stretches, Torres made his return, and Arbeloa added gloss with a spectacular finish in the third minute of added time. Three goals – all fairly sexy – and another clean sheet. That’ll do.
After a loss at Spurs and the draw with Atletico, it was imperative Liverpool got the right result today. While West Brom refreshingly looked to take the game to Liverpool at the start (thank you for coming to Anfield and not parking the bus in front of goal!), the home side quickly found their feet. Keane’s snap shot at Carson, after a nice throughball back in by Mascherano, set the tone for the rest of the half.
It took until the 34th minute to break the deadlock, but that was partly down to Peter Walton, who had a stinker of a game and denied a fairly clear penalty when Benayoun’s shot was partially blocked by Carson and Olsson’s hand prevented it from trickling through.
But in the space of nine minutes, Keane put the game to bed. First, he lifted Gerrard’s deliciously weighted ball over Carson and a defender with his left foot to break his league duck. In the 43rd, Liverpool broke from a West Brom corner, and Aurelio’s long ball was perfectly placed for Keane. The striker rounded Carson (who, for some reason, charged out of his area), and scored his second with his weaker foot. You could see how the first goal invigorated Keane, who threatened throughout with his pace and perception. Hopefully, that’ll open the floodgates. At this point in the game, players were queuing up to shoot, and it looked as if this could be like the past matches where Liverpool’s hammered the Baggies.
But the away side was more resilient in the second half, and Felipe Teixiera for Kim and Luke Moore for Bednar in the 56th minute helped as well. West Brom could have pulled one back in the 58th when both Carra and Agger left a long ball which fell to Ishmael Miller, only the striker was caught unaware and was unable to control in the pouring rain.
Babel came on for Riera in the 66th and Torres for Keane in the 72nd, but Liverpool still couldn’t punish the opposition as they did in the first half. Torres’ best chance came in the 79th, when he ran at two defenders and fiercely shot from the top of the box, only to shoot too close to Carson.
Another Albion sub, Chris Brunt, delivered a smashing free kick as soon as he came on in the 72nd, but just missed the near post. The Baggies earned a fair few corners in the final 15 minutes or so, but Liverpool never looked in jeopardy. And in the 93rd minute, Mascherano found Kuyt, who pushed it to Arbeloa on the right, with the fullback stepping in and unleashing a gorgeous left-footer that curled inside the far post. The perfect way to end the game.
With Liverpool dominant for most of the first half, I’m marginally disappointed they didn’t win by more. A ruthless demolition of the opposition is always good for morale. But it was a professional performance, and after Keane’s two goals, the result was never in doubt.
I thought Arbeloa was fantastic today, and if it weren’t for Keane’s strikes, the late goal would probably get him my man of the match. Both he and Aurelio were tireless and dangerous up and down the flanks. It’s a shame Arbeloa finally picked up the fifth yellow that will rule him out for a match, especially when it was a debatable foul Walton shouldn’t have given in the first place.
I also thought Kuyt, Benayoun, and Mascherano were excellent. Kuyt, along with Alonso, has been the player of the season so far, while Benayoun tried to make things happen on the right. And Mascherano was imperious in front of the back four, rarely giving West Brom a sniff at goal. Both Gerrard and Riera looked tired and weren’t at their best, but both should get a breather on Wednesday.
3-0, and rarely on top form will certainly do. That’s exactly the result Liverpool needed after the last two matches. Now, an incidental Carling Cup visit to Tottenham before back to business in the league against Bolton.
07 November 2008
Liverpool v West Brom 11.08.08
12:30pm, live in the US on FSC
Last 4 head-to-head:
2-0 Liverpool (a) 04.01.06
1-0 Liverpool (h) 12.31.05
5-0 Liverpool (a) 12.26.04
3-0 Liverpool (h) 09.11.04
Last 3 matches:
Liverpool: 1-1 Atletico (h); 1-2 Tottenham (a); 1-0 Pompey (h)
West Brom: 2-2 Blackburn (h); 1-2 Newcastle (a); 0-3 Hull (h)
Goalscorers (league):
Liverpool: Torres 5; Kuyt 4; Gerrard 2; Alonso, Babel, Carragher, Riera 1
West Brom: Bednar 4; Miller, Morrison 2; Brunt, Olsson 1
Referee: Peter Walton
Guess at a squad:
Reina
Arbeloa Carragher Hyypia Dossena
Mascherano Alonso
Kuyt Gerrard Riera
Keane
For the third match in a row I’ll start by saying I hope to see Torres on the bench. Maybe he'll start, but after missing six matches, I'm not so sure. I’m glad he didn’t play on Tuesday if he didn’t feel ready to, but Liverpool has certainly needed his goals in the last two games.
It doesn’t help that neither Keane nor Kuyt is best used as a lone striker, unlike Torres. But the midfield’s been strong in the 4-2-3-1, and Alonso’s been superlative. I doubt Gerrard will be shifted to the right, which would keep both Masch and Alonso on the field. It’s definitely arguable whether Liverpool needs Mascherano against West Brom, and Gerrard paired with Alonso and Pennant or El Zhar on the right is a better option, but that seems less likely. Of course, I’ve been wrong before.
With the League Cup match against Spurs next week, I imagine we’ll see a fairly strong line-up, with most rested next Wednesday. My guessed changes are Dossena for Aurelio, as Rafa seems willing to rest the Brazilian in the hope of keeping him fit, and Hyypia for Agger. I doubt Agger needs to sit with a broken finger (which is worst-case scenario), but giving him a few days to recuperate shouldn’t hurt.
I’m also tempted to guess Babel over Riera, as the Dutchman could run at West Brom’s defense (which has the highest goals-against record in the league), while Riera’s looked tired in the last couple of matches. But again, I reckon that change will come on Wednesday.
Once again, Liverpool will face a former keeper in Scott Carson, sold over the summer for £3.25m. I hate when Liverpool faces former keepers.
West Brom started the season better than their league position would suggest. But they lost three straight following the most recent international break, before Blackburn drew level with an 89th minute goal last Saturday. Prior to the season I thought the Baggies were the most likely of the promoted sides to stay up. With Stoke 12th and Hull 6th, it shows what I know.
But, they have played some nice football at times. Having followed Liverpool for long enough, I know teams like that can haunt at Anfield. And Tony Mowbray has been an excellent manager; I’m hoping his preference for attacking football will keep Albion from parking the bus, but I’m not holding my breath either. At the least, I expect to see a very crowded midfield, which is probably an argument for Pennant-Gerrard-Alonso-Riera with Kuyt and Keane up top.
Past isn’t enough of a precedent to guarantee victory. Liverpool needs to respond well after losing to Spurs and a fortunate draw against Atletico. It’s not far from hyperbole to suggest every game in the Premiership is do-or-die.
Last 4 head-to-head:
2-0 Liverpool (a) 04.01.06
1-0 Liverpool (h) 12.31.05
5-0 Liverpool (a) 12.26.04
3-0 Liverpool (h) 09.11.04
Last 3 matches:
Liverpool: 1-1 Atletico (h); 1-2 Tottenham (a); 1-0 Pompey (h)
West Brom: 2-2 Blackburn (h); 1-2 Newcastle (a); 0-3 Hull (h)
Goalscorers (league):
Liverpool: Torres 5; Kuyt 4; Gerrard 2; Alonso, Babel, Carragher, Riera 1
West Brom: Bednar 4; Miller, Morrison 2; Brunt, Olsson 1
Referee: Peter Walton
Guess at a squad:
Reina
Arbeloa Carragher Hyypia Dossena
Mascherano Alonso
Kuyt Gerrard Riera
Keane
For the third match in a row I’ll start by saying I hope to see Torres on the bench. Maybe he'll start, but after missing six matches, I'm not so sure. I’m glad he didn’t play on Tuesday if he didn’t feel ready to, but Liverpool has certainly needed his goals in the last two games.
It doesn’t help that neither Keane nor Kuyt is best used as a lone striker, unlike Torres. But the midfield’s been strong in the 4-2-3-1, and Alonso’s been superlative. I doubt Gerrard will be shifted to the right, which would keep both Masch and Alonso on the field. It’s definitely arguable whether Liverpool needs Mascherano against West Brom, and Gerrard paired with Alonso and Pennant or El Zhar on the right is a better option, but that seems less likely. Of course, I’ve been wrong before.
With the League Cup match against Spurs next week, I imagine we’ll see a fairly strong line-up, with most rested next Wednesday. My guessed changes are Dossena for Aurelio, as Rafa seems willing to rest the Brazilian in the hope of keeping him fit, and Hyypia for Agger. I doubt Agger needs to sit with a broken finger (which is worst-case scenario), but giving him a few days to recuperate shouldn’t hurt.
I’m also tempted to guess Babel over Riera, as the Dutchman could run at West Brom’s defense (which has the highest goals-against record in the league), while Riera’s looked tired in the last couple of matches. But again, I reckon that change will come on Wednesday.
Once again, Liverpool will face a former keeper in Scott Carson, sold over the summer for £3.25m. I hate when Liverpool faces former keepers.
West Brom started the season better than their league position would suggest. But they lost three straight following the most recent international break, before Blackburn drew level with an 89th minute goal last Saturday. Prior to the season I thought the Baggies were the most likely of the promoted sides to stay up. With Stoke 12th and Hull 6th, it shows what I know.
But, they have played some nice football at times. Having followed Liverpool for long enough, I know teams like that can haunt at Anfield. And Tony Mowbray has been an excellent manager; I’m hoping his preference for attacking football will keep Albion from parking the bus, but I’m not holding my breath either. At the least, I expect to see a very crowded midfield, which is probably an argument for Pennant-Gerrard-Alonso-Riera with Kuyt and Keane up top.
Past isn’t enough of a precedent to guarantee victory. Liverpool needs to respond well after losing to Spurs and a fortunate draw against Atletico. It’s not far from hyperbole to suggest every game in the Premiership is do-or-die.
04 November 2008
Liverpool 1-1 Atletico Madrid
Reina
Arbeloa Carragher Agger Aurelio
Mascherano Alonso
Kuyt Gerrard Riera
Keane
Goals:
Maxi Rodriguez 37’
Gerrard 90+4’ (pen)
Lucky, lucky Liverpool. I almost feel bad reveling in this draw.
It looked like Atletico would deservedly hold on, packing 10 men behind the ball after Maxi Rodriguez’s wonderful 37th-minute goal, but Gerrard got a gift of a penalty call in the third minute of injury time after colliding with Pernia during yet another last-ditch attack. The captain made absolutely no mistake with his perfect penalty, but the call was only marginally more a penalty than the one I lambasted Rob Styles for giving to Chelsea a little over a year ago.
With the way Atletico defended, Liverpool really are lucky with a point. It’s not as if Liverpool played badly, except in front of goal. Yes, it was a scrappy game for much of the first half, with Keane narrowly missing Liverpool’s best chance after he beautifully controlled Alonso’s long ball, but shot just wide of the post. But on the whole, this team is playing better football than past squads. They've just lost some of the cutting edge in the last couple of matches.
And once Atletico scored – Lopez, wide open on the right, cut the ball back for Maxi Rodriguez, who controlled around Carragher as if he wasn’t even there and slotted in the far post – they were content to sit back and soak up pressure, which they did manfully for the most part. It was an utterly stunning goal, and combined with the excellent defense over the next 55 minutes, one that deserved to win a match.
Much like against Tottenham last Saturday, Liverpool kept the pressure up for long stretches, but failed to find the final touch. In the 51st minute, the home side should have had a clear penalty when the ball hit Perea’s hand in the box, but the referee appeared unsighted and played on. In addition, Liverpool lobbied for a penalty in the 2nd minute after Agger claimed a foul in the box on the first corner, but that one would have been harsh.
Liverpool created chances, but not enough. Agger had three decent opportunities in the second half – explained by the vast number of Liverpool corners (13 by my count, most of which came to nothing) – but headed wide, over, and stretched for a shot that was too close to Franco. A pretty move by Keane and Gerrard to unlock the backline in the 70th ended with the captain shooting over. And Ngog, coming on for Keane in the 71st after the Irishman pretty much ran himself into the ground, had a couple of his own, but couldn’t find a debut goal.
It looked like Atletico, unlike Liverpool, would be able to see out the one-goal lead on the road, but the make-up call to end all make-up calls allowed Gerrard the opportunity to level in the last minute of added time. Liverpool should have had the spot kick in the 51st, but got it in the 94th. Gerrard’s been questioned about diving in the past, but I don’t that’s the case here. He was trying to get on the end of the ball, came together with Pernia (who was trying to do the same), and hit the turf. It's not like he fell as if he was shot (coughRonaldocough). But seeing three Madrid players booked, two for petulance after the penalty, shows how the decision was welcomed on their end.
So now, with four games gone in the group, Liverpool and Atletico both sit on eight points, with Marseille and PSV on three. Qualification’s not assured, but it looks like these two teams are likely to advance.
I’m not going to look a gift horse in the mouth, but Liverpool have to realize how lucky they were. Once again, it looked like without Torres, Liverpool could not unlock a tricky defense. The effort’s there, even if some of the passing was sloppier than usual today, and there has been some sumptuous build-up in the last two matches. But Liverpool will be punished for being goal-shy. Benitez cannot allow the late penalty to paper over the cracks. They’re very fortunate they weren’t punished today.
update: One thing I forgot to elaborate on. The reason Liverpool's played some sumptuous football at times is Liverpool's #14. Yet another game he's man of the match. I eat every single question I asked of him over the summer. He's responded brilliantly, and has easily been Liverpool's best player over the first three months.
Arbeloa Carragher Agger Aurelio
Mascherano Alonso
Kuyt Gerrard Riera
Keane
Goals:
Maxi Rodriguez 37’
Gerrard 90+4’ (pen)
Lucky, lucky Liverpool. I almost feel bad reveling in this draw.
It looked like Atletico would deservedly hold on, packing 10 men behind the ball after Maxi Rodriguez’s wonderful 37th-minute goal, but Gerrard got a gift of a penalty call in the third minute of injury time after colliding with Pernia during yet another last-ditch attack. The captain made absolutely no mistake with his perfect penalty, but the call was only marginally more a penalty than the one I lambasted Rob Styles for giving to Chelsea a little over a year ago.
With the way Atletico defended, Liverpool really are lucky with a point. It’s not as if Liverpool played badly, except in front of goal. Yes, it was a scrappy game for much of the first half, with Keane narrowly missing Liverpool’s best chance after he beautifully controlled Alonso’s long ball, but shot just wide of the post. But on the whole, this team is playing better football than past squads. They've just lost some of the cutting edge in the last couple of matches.
And once Atletico scored – Lopez, wide open on the right, cut the ball back for Maxi Rodriguez, who controlled around Carragher as if he wasn’t even there and slotted in the far post – they were content to sit back and soak up pressure, which they did manfully for the most part. It was an utterly stunning goal, and combined with the excellent defense over the next 55 minutes, one that deserved to win a match.
Much like against Tottenham last Saturday, Liverpool kept the pressure up for long stretches, but failed to find the final touch. In the 51st minute, the home side should have had a clear penalty when the ball hit Perea’s hand in the box, but the referee appeared unsighted and played on. In addition, Liverpool lobbied for a penalty in the 2nd minute after Agger claimed a foul in the box on the first corner, but that one would have been harsh.
Liverpool created chances, but not enough. Agger had three decent opportunities in the second half – explained by the vast number of Liverpool corners (13 by my count, most of which came to nothing) – but headed wide, over, and stretched for a shot that was too close to Franco. A pretty move by Keane and Gerrard to unlock the backline in the 70th ended with the captain shooting over. And Ngog, coming on for Keane in the 71st after the Irishman pretty much ran himself into the ground, had a couple of his own, but couldn’t find a debut goal.
It looked like Atletico, unlike Liverpool, would be able to see out the one-goal lead on the road, but the make-up call to end all make-up calls allowed Gerrard the opportunity to level in the last minute of added time. Liverpool should have had the spot kick in the 51st, but got it in the 94th. Gerrard’s been questioned about diving in the past, but I don’t that’s the case here. He was trying to get on the end of the ball, came together with Pernia (who was trying to do the same), and hit the turf. It's not like he fell as if he was shot (coughRonaldocough). But seeing three Madrid players booked, two for petulance after the penalty, shows how the decision was welcomed on their end.
So now, with four games gone in the group, Liverpool and Atletico both sit on eight points, with Marseille and PSV on three. Qualification’s not assured, but it looks like these two teams are likely to advance.
I’m not going to look a gift horse in the mouth, but Liverpool have to realize how lucky they were. Once again, it looked like without Torres, Liverpool could not unlock a tricky defense. The effort’s there, even if some of the passing was sloppier than usual today, and there has been some sumptuous build-up in the last two matches. But Liverpool will be punished for being goal-shy. Benitez cannot allow the late penalty to paper over the cracks. They’re very fortunate they weren’t punished today.
update: One thing I forgot to elaborate on. The reason Liverpool's played some sumptuous football at times is Liverpool's #14. Yet another game he's man of the match. I eat every single question I asked of him over the summer. He's responded brilliantly, and has easily been Liverpool's best player over the first three months.
03 November 2008
Liverpool v Atletico Madrid 11.04.08
2:45pm, live in the US on espn2
Group stage so far:
Liverpool: 1-1 Atletico (a); 3-1 PSV (h); 2-1 Marseille (a)
Atletico: 1-1 Liverpool (h); 2-1 Marseille (h); 3-0 PSV (a)
Last 3 matches:
Liverpool: 1-2 Tottenham (a); 1-0 Pompey (h); 1-0 Chelsea (a)
Atletico: 2-0 Mallorca (h); 1-0 Osasuna (a); 4-4 Villareal (a);
Goalscorers (Europe):
Liverpool: Gerrard 3; Keane, Kuyt 2
Atletico: Aguero 4; Forlan, Luis Garcia, Raul Garcia, Maniche, Maxi Rodriguez, Simao 1
Referee: Martin Hansson (SWE)
Guess at a squad:
Reina
Arbeloa Carragher Agger Aurelio
Mascherano Alonso
Kuyt Gerrard Riera
Keane
Once again, I’m guessing the same line-up that went out against Chelsea, which is the team that lost at Tottenham on Saturday except for Aurelio in place of Dossena.
RAWK exploded yesterday with rumors that Torres had a setback recovering from his hamstring injury. But both the official site and the Echo report he’s close to returning. With Benitez saying he “has a 70 percent chance of featuring in the game,” I imagine we’ll see Torres on the bench, to be used if needed, but that’s what I thought going into the Spurs game.
I’m actually more wary of this match than the fixture in Madrid. Atletico, with players like Aguero, Simao, Maxi Rodriguez and Pongolle, are built for quick attacks, and have the speed and nous to take Liverpool apart on the break. They’ll be under less pressure away from home, and will be boosted by recovering for a result two weeks ago. Unlike last time, Aguero is almost certain to start, which will have a huge impact. The little Argentinean scored both goals in Atletico’s last league match. In addition, there’s always the question as to how Liverpool will react after a loss.
With a win here, Liverpool would have 10 points with two matches left in the group. We’re all aware how much more important the league is this season, and 10 points would probably seal qualification for the knockout rounds, allowing Liverpool to focus on the Premiership for the next couple of months. It’s imperative that Liverpool put out a strong side and play well to put Saturday’s performance behind them.
Group stage so far:
Liverpool: 1-1 Atletico (a); 3-1 PSV (h); 2-1 Marseille (a)
Atletico: 1-1 Liverpool (h); 2-1 Marseille (h); 3-0 PSV (a)
Last 3 matches:
Liverpool: 1-2 Tottenham (a); 1-0 Pompey (h); 1-0 Chelsea (a)
Atletico: 2-0 Mallorca (h); 1-0 Osasuna (a); 4-4 Villareal (a);
Goalscorers (Europe):
Liverpool: Gerrard 3; Keane, Kuyt 2
Atletico: Aguero 4; Forlan, Luis Garcia, Raul Garcia, Maniche, Maxi Rodriguez, Simao 1
Referee: Martin Hansson (SWE)
Guess at a squad:
Reina
Arbeloa Carragher Agger Aurelio
Mascherano Alonso
Kuyt Gerrard Riera
Keane
Once again, I’m guessing the same line-up that went out against Chelsea, which is the team that lost at Tottenham on Saturday except for Aurelio in place of Dossena.
RAWK exploded yesterday with rumors that Torres had a setback recovering from his hamstring injury. But both the official site and the Echo report he’s close to returning. With Benitez saying he “has a 70 percent chance of featuring in the game,” I imagine we’ll see Torres on the bench, to be used if needed, but that’s what I thought going into the Spurs game.
I’m actually more wary of this match than the fixture in Madrid. Atletico, with players like Aguero, Simao, Maxi Rodriguez and Pongolle, are built for quick attacks, and have the speed and nous to take Liverpool apart on the break. They’ll be under less pressure away from home, and will be boosted by recovering for a result two weeks ago. Unlike last time, Aguero is almost certain to start, which will have a huge impact. The little Argentinean scored both goals in Atletico’s last league match. In addition, there’s always the question as to how Liverpool will react after a loss.
With a win here, Liverpool would have 10 points with two matches left in the group. We’re all aware how much more important the league is this season, and 10 points would probably seal qualification for the knockout rounds, allowing Liverpool to focus on the Premiership for the next couple of months. It’s imperative that Liverpool put out a strong side and play well to put Saturday’s performance behind them.
01 November 2008
Liverpool 1-2 Tottenham
Reina
Arbeloa Carragher Agger Dossena
Mascherano Alonso
Kuyt Gerrard Riera
Keane
Goals:
Kuyt 3’
Carragher (og) 69’
Pavlyuchenko 90+1’
It was a disappointing, wet night in London after 90 minutes. It’s an abomination of a result after injury time ended. So much for Liverpool’s late heroics.
When Kuyt scored in the 3rd minute, after Keane turned two defenders and directed the ball towards Kuyt in space, and he made no mistake from a narrow angle, it looked like Liverpool would be on their way. The home side struggled to get possession for the first 15 to 20 minutes, the conditions increasingly made matters worse, and it could have been 2-0 by the 6th when Bent turned a corner onto his own post.
But Spurs grew more confident as Liverpool failed to notch a second. Liverpool resorted to long diagonals over the top, mostly for Kuyt matched up against Assou-Ekotto, but couldn’t carve out any concrete chances. And Spurs only had one of their own in the 41st, when Modric got the shot off in a crowd of defenders, but Reina was able to palm it away despite seeing it late.
For the first 15 minutes of the second half, it looked a matter of time before Liverpool scored. Although Tottenham brought on Pavlyuchenko for O’Hara to partner Bent, and Hutton for Assou-Ekotto to stiffen the defense, Liverpool bombarded the home goal. Gerrard was first denied by Gomes’ fingertips (and a King deflection, off his arm) pushing it onto the post, and then the crossbar when he tried to audaciously chip the keeper. Alonso and Kuyt were also in on the action, both missing decent chances wide.
But the home side started to click around the 60th minute, and I don’t think that it’s coincidence it happened when Babel came on for Keane, as Liverpool were less able to hold onto possession when the ball was played forward. And Tottenham got the luck they needed in the 69th minute, when Bentley’s corner went in off Carragher under pressure from King.
Unlike in previous games, Liverpool were unable to claw their way back. They created few opportunities after the equalizer, and by the last 10 minutes, Tottenham were on top. In the first minute of added time, Bentley cut in from the left and sent in a wicked shot that Reina did well to parry. But Bent was able to keep it in and direct it to Pavlyuchenko, who got there in front of Agger to stab in.
Luck was bound to turn against Liverpool, and both goals against had a hint of fortune, but the team was punished for not going two goals up. It's that simple. Credit to Redknapp for making changes at halftime, but this isn’t completely down to Harry’s magic. Liverpool need to kill games when they’re the better side. Other than the match against PSV, they haven’t put any team to the sword. And now, they’ve paid for it. I guess it’s a positive that we’ve only seen a couple (if you count Atletico and/or Stoke) of these matches so far this season, and it’s November, but that’s little consolation.
It’s still stunning that the same Liverpool side lost a lead against Tottenham after keeping it against Chelsea last weekend. And it’s basically the same side that beat United, so it’s not all down to Torres’ absence, even though he would have made a massive difference today. Liverpool’s luck finally ran out, and they paid the price.
The team was never going to stay unbeaten, and of course, I feel like I’ve jinxed it talking about the table in the last few days. The maxim that it’s a long season still holds true, and it’s still the best 11-game start to a Premier League campaign. Yes, it’s three points thrown away, but the reaction matters more than the defeat. Now we get to see the resiliency of this side.
Arbeloa Carragher Agger Dossena
Mascherano Alonso
Kuyt Gerrard Riera
Keane
Goals:
Kuyt 3’
Carragher (og) 69’
Pavlyuchenko 90+1’
It was a disappointing, wet night in London after 90 minutes. It’s an abomination of a result after injury time ended. So much for Liverpool’s late heroics.
When Kuyt scored in the 3rd minute, after Keane turned two defenders and directed the ball towards Kuyt in space, and he made no mistake from a narrow angle, it looked like Liverpool would be on their way. The home side struggled to get possession for the first 15 to 20 minutes, the conditions increasingly made matters worse, and it could have been 2-0 by the 6th when Bent turned a corner onto his own post.
But Spurs grew more confident as Liverpool failed to notch a second. Liverpool resorted to long diagonals over the top, mostly for Kuyt matched up against Assou-Ekotto, but couldn’t carve out any concrete chances. And Spurs only had one of their own in the 41st, when Modric got the shot off in a crowd of defenders, but Reina was able to palm it away despite seeing it late.
For the first 15 minutes of the second half, it looked a matter of time before Liverpool scored. Although Tottenham brought on Pavlyuchenko for O’Hara to partner Bent, and Hutton for Assou-Ekotto to stiffen the defense, Liverpool bombarded the home goal. Gerrard was first denied by Gomes’ fingertips (and a King deflection, off his arm) pushing it onto the post, and then the crossbar when he tried to audaciously chip the keeper. Alonso and Kuyt were also in on the action, both missing decent chances wide.
But the home side started to click around the 60th minute, and I don’t think that it’s coincidence it happened when Babel came on for Keane, as Liverpool were less able to hold onto possession when the ball was played forward. And Tottenham got the luck they needed in the 69th minute, when Bentley’s corner went in off Carragher under pressure from King.
Unlike in previous games, Liverpool were unable to claw their way back. They created few opportunities after the equalizer, and by the last 10 minutes, Tottenham were on top. In the first minute of added time, Bentley cut in from the left and sent in a wicked shot that Reina did well to parry. But Bent was able to keep it in and direct it to Pavlyuchenko, who got there in front of Agger to stab in.
Luck was bound to turn against Liverpool, and both goals against had a hint of fortune, but the team was punished for not going two goals up. It's that simple. Credit to Redknapp for making changes at halftime, but this isn’t completely down to Harry’s magic. Liverpool need to kill games when they’re the better side. Other than the match against PSV, they haven’t put any team to the sword. And now, they’ve paid for it. I guess it’s a positive that we’ve only seen a couple (if you count Atletico and/or Stoke) of these matches so far this season, and it’s November, but that’s little consolation.
It’s still stunning that the same Liverpool side lost a lead against Tottenham after keeping it against Chelsea last weekend. And it’s basically the same side that beat United, so it’s not all down to Torres’ absence, even though he would have made a massive difference today. Liverpool’s luck finally ran out, and they paid the price.
The team was never going to stay unbeaten, and of course, I feel like I’ve jinxed it talking about the table in the last few days. The maxim that it’s a long season still holds true, and it’s still the best 11-game start to a Premier League campaign. Yes, it’s three points thrown away, but the reaction matters more than the defeat. Now we get to see the resiliency of this side.
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