Liverpool 1-0 Everton

Reina
Carragher Skrtel Hyypia Riise
Alonso Lucas
Kuyt Gerrard Babel
Torres

Goals:
Torres 7’

When Torres opened up the scoring within the first ten minutes, it looked like it could be one of those days. No such luck in the derbies.

In the 7th minute, with Liverpool taking the game to Everton from the opening whistle, Alonso stripped Yakubu following Gerrard’s corner, Kuyt fed Torres out wide, and Liverpool’s top scorer beat Howard inside the far post for his 28th of the season.

To their credit, Liverpool were in control for the rest of the half: keeping possession, creating chances, and limiting Everton to next to nothing, with Yakubu completely isolated as a lone striker. It’d be little exaggeration to say the home side could have gone into halftime two or three to the good.

In the 25th minute, Gerrard’s corner eluded both Kuyt and Lucas in the six-yard box, followed by Babel unable to get on the end of Riise’s cross minutes later. Before the end of the half, Gerrard’s superb volley struck the foot of the post while Kuyt volleyed wide from Torres’ layoff soon after.

But despite their dominance, Liverpool was unable to get the second goal that would have seen the game off, which, unfortunately, is a story we’ve heard before.

Although it looked like a matter of time before Liverpool notched another in the first half, the second was a different matter. For all of Liverpool’s possession in the opening 45, it was Everton who dictated the tempo and stretched the field in the latter, with Liverpool seemingly content to soak up pressure and forage for a second on the counter. But Liverpool didn’t force Howard into a save until the final five minutes.

However, for all of Everton’s possession, they also created little of their own. For all the time on the ball and all the free kicks and corners, their lone clear chance came in the 59th minute, when Osman’s diving effort from Arteta’s corner sailed wide.

But it was still edgy, and it felt like it could have been avoided with some substitutions, especially with Lucas clearly tiring early in the second half and Alonso less influential as well.

Admittedly, Liverpool was restricted by who was available (the bench was Itandje, Finnan, Crouch, Benayoun, and Pennant), but it didn’t seem coincidental that Liverpool’s two best chances of the second half came in the final five minutes, after Benayoun had come on for Babel and Pennant for Torres. In addition, had Mascherano been available, Everton assuredly wouldn’t have had anywhere near as much time on the ball, and today was a clear demonstration how he’ll be missed. No matter how few chances they created, given Everton’s amount of possession and the fact that anything can happen in a derby, it still felt like they could nick one if given an opportunity.

The main reason they weren’t given that opportunity was Martin Skrtel, who’s probably the man of the match. Although Yakubu operating as a long striker didn’t help matters, Skrtel (who played 90 minutes midweek for Slovakia) kept him in check all game long, and made some timely interceptions when Everton looked to go long or break.

Adding his pace to a defense that’s lost a step this season (and has been further hurt by Agger’s absence) is a big reason why Liverpool’s still in 4th place. But credit goes to the entire defense as well, allowing Everton nothing from their multiple set pieces, with additional plaudits for Riise, who was composed all game long and put in some dangerous crosses in the first half.

Gerrard also had an excellent first half, although his influence diminished with Everton’s increased possession and he wasn't helped by Alonso and Lucas being bypassed by much of the play. But earlier in the match, he, Alonso, and Lucas bossed Carsley and Neville (with both Everton’s central midfielders picking up bookings within 20 minutes), and the captain showed some immense vision in his long-range passing. When he’s on his game, he can turn defense into attack in the blink of an eye, so critical to the quick-strike counter that Torres feasts off of.

And that man Torres merits another mention as well, again scoring the winner (his sixth-straight game with a goal at Anfield in the league), while Kuyt, although spurning a couple of good chances, got the assist and was absolutely everywhere on the field, superbly defending from the front.

No matter the nervousness and scrappy play in the second half, a win in the Merseyside derby is sweet no matter how it’s earned. And doing the double over Everton makes it even sweeter, especially after last season’s debacles.

Liverpool’s now five points clear of fifth place with six games to play. Roll on Arsenal, Arsenal, and Arsenal.

Liverpool v Everton 03.30.08

11am EST, live in the US on FSC

Last 4 head-to-head:
2-1 Liverpool (a) 10.20.07
0-0 (h) 02.03.07
0-3 Everton (a) 09.09.06
3-1 Liverpool (h) 03.25.06

Last 3 matches:
Liverpool: 0-3 United (a); 2-1 Reading (h); 1-0 Inter (a)
Everton: 1-1 West Ham (h); 0-1 Fulham (a); 2-0 Fiorentina (h)

Goalscorers (league):
Liverpool: Torres 20; Gerrard 10; Babel 4; Benayoun, Kuyt, Voronin 3; Alonso, Crouch 2; Aurelio, Hyypia, Mascherano, Pennant, Sissoko 1
Everton: Yakubu 13; Cahill 7; Johnson, Lescott 6; Osman 3; McFadden, Pienaar 2; Anichebe, Arteta, Carsley, Jagielka, Neville, Stubbs, Vaughan 1

Referee: Howard Webb

Guess at a squad:
Reina
Carragher Skrtel Hyypia Aurelio
Alonso Lucas
Kuyt Gerrard Babel
Torres

I don’t want to rehash the last meeting between these two teams, with controversy galore, two penalties, and two sending offs, but there’s one key difference between that game and Sunday’s. Fernando Torres was injured in October.

Liverpool’s line-up in the last encounter was Reina, Finnan, Carragher, Hyypia, Riise, Gerrard, Sissoko, Mascherano, Benayoun, Kuyt, and Voronin. Sunday’s team will have at least five changes from that, we should see the 4-2-3-1 again, and Liverpool will assuredly be better for it, as results (aside from last Sunday’s, naturally) over the past six weeks have demonstrated.

But Torres will be the biggest difference, and I’ve little need to explain why. Not only is he Liverpool’s top scorer by some distance, but there are also few strikers in the league like him, and he’s got the potential to give both Jagielka and Yobo fits, although Lescott played in central defense in Everton’s last fixture.

And while I think Lescott would match up with Torres best out of Everton’s defenders, I’m still hoping Lescott starts at center back. You saw his capability to threaten Liverpool down the left in the last match, as he’s done all season, rightfully earning himself appearances with the national team.

Another key difference from the last meeting is Mascherano’s suspension. News today is that Mascherano’s accepted the charge of improper conduct and will have a personal hearing April 3rd, where he could receive a further two-match ban. Hopefully admitting the charge will ease any punishment; I’ll be honest, I was hoping he’d appeal the charge, even though he could receive an extra game punishment, so he’d be available for the Arsenal match next week.

And while Liverpool will always miss Mascherano, the team has a ready-made replacement in Lucas, who saw his first Premiership action in October’s meeting and forced the handball which led to Liverpool’s winning penalty. He has the intelligence and ability to step right into the side with maturity beyond his years, already a Brazilian international at the age of 21.

As mentioned earlier, Joleon Lescott is one of the players Liverpool will have to keep an eye on. With six goals this season (tied with Laursen for most by a defender), he’s done well joining the attack from defense, but a bigger worry will be his effectiveness on set plays, which is something Liverpool’s struggled against of late. That’s the main reason why I’m hoping Hyypia plays with Skrtel in central defense, with Carragher at right back -- to have more capable defenders strong in the air in the box on set plays.

Cahill will miss the rest of the season due to injury, and both Andy Johnson and Pienaar may be absent on Sunday as well, although Pienaar is more likely to feature than Johnson.

Liverpool has to get last week’s result out of the minds as quickly as possible, and having a Merseyside derby, one of the most important matches of the season no matter either side's league standing, to focus on should help. There has to be a positive response to last Sunday’s loss with this match crucial in the battle for 4th and three matches against Arsenal on the horizon. The winner of this game will definitely be odds on favorites for the last Champions League place. But as the second half against Everton last time out demonstrated, Liverpool cannot force the game and must keep their composure as well.

And finally, no matter the result in October, I still very much remember last season’s 0-3 at Goodison. I’d hope the players do as well.

Predictions 3/29 – 3/30

British Summer Time begins before the Sunday games, so kickoffs are back to their usual hour.

Derby v Fulham, 11am, FSC: FSC’s getting all they can out of the Americans as both sides look likely to be relegated. Given their respective seasons so far, and that Derby’s at home, it feels like this will end level. 1-1
Bolton v Arsenal, 11am, Setanta: Arsenal may have struggled of late in the league, and the news that Sagna will be out for the next three weeks doesn’t make things easier, but Bolton’s not helped themselves much recently in their fight to stay in the Prem. Arsenal 1-0
Sunderland v West Ham, 11am, Setanta Xtra: If Sunderland can beat Villa at Villa Park, their first road win of the season, they should be able to do it against West Ham at home, despite West Ham’s well-earned draw at Everton last week. Sunderland 2-1
Birmingham v Manchester City, 11am: Were McFadden fit, I’d think Brum could take this with the way City’s been playing on the road. But even still, the home side should get a draw. 1-1
Portsmouth v Wigan, 11am: I fear Portsmouth will have an eye on next week’s FA Cup semifinal. 1-1
Reading v Blackburn, 11am: After falling amongst the relegation places with an eight-game losing streak, Reading’s responded well and played some good football at the Madjeski. Reading 1-0
Manchester Utd v Aston Villa, 1:15pm, FSC: Villa’s small squad is finally taking its toll, while I wouldn’t bet against United -- no matter the opposition -- with the way they’re playing. United 2-0
Chelsea v Middlesbrough, 8:30am Sunday, Setanta: Chelsea at the Bridge. Chelsea 2-0
Tottenham v Newcastle, 10am Sunday: Hey, Keegan got a win! Tottenham 3-1

The Merseyside derby is on FSC at 11am Sunday.

Links, etc 3.26.08

Another international break (official site’s report on who’s in action where), in the midst of a crucial run in the league, has meant there’s been little Liverpool news to discuss. And since the England/France friendly costs something like $25 on PPV (ha!), I won’t be seeing that.

But I can’t stand to see “Liverpool 0-3 United” at the top of the blog any longer. So here’s what I’ve found interesting today. I’ll also apologize in advance for writing even more about Mascherano.

• It’s been fairly quiet on the part of the owners, but MLS Rumors reports of an article in the Canadian press (which, unfortunately, is in French) claiming Gillett wants to be part of a Montreal MLS team. He's got Montreal ties with ownership of the Canadiens, but it's still strange given he’s supposedly financially-strapped. That is, unless he planned on selling the shares of one of his other “franchises.” There’s an English translation of the article in the post. Update: And now there's an English version.

• Surprise, surprise, Masch was officially charged with improper conduct. We’ll find out Friday if he’s suspended further and for how many games. Personally, and I’m clearly aware of his reaction, I’ll be interested to see how leaving the pitch within 30 seconds of being shown the red card is an “indecent amount of time” and how he acted "aggressively." Being aggressive is a bit different than being furious and needing to be pulled off the pitch. I mean, even Andy Gray defended Mascherano (the video’s been taken down, but RAWK’s helpfully provided a transcript).

• FA Chair Lord Triesman thinks Steve Bennett did the right thing. I’ve said enough as it is, but I’ll add that it’s little surprise he chose to give the interview to a reputable publication like the Daily Mail.

• Hyypia’s signing a new deal, which is excellent news. Since a couple of shaky moments and strange own goals soon after Agger’s injury, he’s adjusted to playing regularly and probably been Liverpool’s most consistent defender. Although I imagine he’ll see a lot less time next season, with Skrtel settling in and Agger hopefully healthy, it’s reassuring to know he’ll be there if needed.

• Kewell’s injured again, and it’s another groin problem. I’ve written a lot of stupid things this year, but this Kewell post welcoming his “return” and imagining his impact was probably the most misguided. There’s a reason Benitez let him travel to Australia at this stage of the campaign, the same reason Kewell’s only had 15 appearances (9 starts) this season and hasn’t played since coming on against Barnsley.

• The top-20 Premiership underperformers according to Who Ate All the Pies. Voronin’s way too high, given that he was a free transfer and always going to be 4th choice striker, while it’s sad to see Alonso on the list, but otherwise I can’t argue with much.

• Finally, while there’s no specific post to highlight, I want to link Unprofessional Foul, which is a blog I’ve really enjoyed recently. As they’ve been around for a few months now, I’d imagine most, if not all of you visiting this site have seen it, but if you haven’t, it should be a daily visit.

Predictions for this weekend’s games tomorrow. Everton preview Friday.

Liverpool 0-3 United

Reina
Arbeloa Carragher Skrtel Aurelio
Alonso Mascherano
Kuyt Gerrard Babel
Torres

Goals:
Brown 34’
Ronaldo 79’
Nani 81’

The final result’s harsh, but it’s not that shocking considering Liverpool played with 10 men for over 45 minutes already down a goal.

Every time Liverpool loses to United, I find far too many ways to complain about it. Today’s no different, but it’s unavoidable after such a display.

Brown’s goal in the 34th minute was little surprise. United had started off the better team, dominant in possession and creating more chances, with Reina twice stopping Rooney in the first ten minutes. However, after those two good saves, Reina disappointed. His distribution, so often a benefit, was poor throughout the first half, he nearly put Giggs’ effort into his own net in the 33rd minute, and shared fault for Brown’s goal with Skrtel, with Brown out-jumping/climbing over Skrtel and Reina unable to get a fist to it.

In nearly every match between Liverpool and United under Benitez’s tenure, the winner has been scored by an unlikely source. John O’Shea, Mikael Silvestre, and Rio Ferdinand are three from recent meetings, and Wes Brown’s goal was in the same vein.

But the Mascherano sending off in the 44th minute still completely changed the match. At 0-1, even with United better, Liverpool always had a shout, especially with Torres and Gerrard on the field. But it’s a totally different ask with 10 men.

Mascherano had picked up an arguable booking in the 11th minute, late in the tackle but clearly trying to pull out of it, while both Anderson and Vidic were let off with warnings in similar circumstances. But the yellow card didn’t change Mascherano’s tactics at all -- if anything, he began to run his mouth even more, which isn’t completely out of character, if a dumb move.

And it’s an even dumber move with a disciplinarian like Steve Bennett, a referee who’s had it out for Liverpool since giving two penalties against Sheffield United last season. The only favor Steve Bennett did Liverpool all game long was blowing the final whistle four seconds before the added time was up.

When Torres picked up a booking for dissent, again quickly given, Mascherano ran across the pitch to argue and Bennett immediately produced a second yellow. Mascherano had to be dragged off the pitch, I thought Benitez was going to throttle the fourth official, and now Mascherano misses the Merseyside derby.

Running over to argue with the ref when you’ve nothing to do with the play and on a yellow is simply stupid, but Bennett has to show some common sense. A second yellow there is just cruel, especially after already booking Torres for dissent, and I’d say that whether I rooted for Liverpool or not. Against a side with the quality of United, on their pitch, the match was done and dusted.

The thing is the entire display is out of character for the entire team. Both commentators made a point of noting that Bennett may have been responding to Chelsea’s theatrics last week and setting an example, but that makes it even tougher to swallow. Liverpool is one of the best-behaved sides in the league, topping or near the top of the fair play table every year under Rafa. You want to punish a side for theatrics, punish Chelsea, United, or Arsenal. You know, for a change.

Despite Reina atoning for his errors with excellent stops on Ronaldo in the 47th, Rooney in the 56th, Tevez in the 74th and Ronaldo in the 79th, United finally got their second from the resulting corner after the save in the 79th. And it was Ronaldo again, ghosting past Alonso for a header with Reina slow to come out, his first in eight matches against Liverpool.

Nani’s goal two minutes later put even more gloss on it, touching Rooney’s throughball into space and slamming in from outside the box. Liverpool had some decent moments in the second half; the away side was more resilient, Reina made some outstanding saves, and Torres worked hard to find an opening with Ferdinand and Vidic hanging all over him. But once United got a second, Liverpool players were just wishing the game to end.

I’m obviously not thrilled with the performance, and my complaints over the dismissal obscure the fact that United were better throughout. The home side had all the better chances before the opener and before the dismissal, with Liverpool struggling to keep possession and few opportunities created. Brown’s goal was in keeping with recent history, and had Mascherano stayed on, I’m sad to say I wouldn’t have been surprised with a 0-1 loss.

As tough as it is to write, Liverpool still isn’t as good as United. Make no mistake, I’ve been postponing writing the inevitable, but United will win the Premiership this year. Arsenal’s streak of draws has made it more assured, but with the form they’re in, the title was United’s for the taking the entire time.

If we’re being unbiased (and I do try), United’s the better side from top to bottom. Only Chelsea can compete with the squad they have, and it’s no coincidence those are the two richest teams in the league.

No matter the scoreline, no matter the fact that a 0-3 loss is the worst defeat to United in five years, I’m not going to condemn the team or manager, other than Mascherano for losing his head, which was unforgivable. Players still gave it their all until the second goal, Liverpool’s still improving, and their fate for next season is still in their own hands.

This run of games was always going to be tricky. Everton’s draw with West Ham keeps Liverpool two points ahead in 4th. The failure to at least get a point from today’s match has just made next week’s derby that much more important.

Liverpool at United 03.23.08

9:30am EST, live in the US on Setanta

Last 4 head-to-head:
0-1 United (h) 12.16.07
0-1 United (h) 03.03.07
0-2 United (a) 10.22.06
1-0 Liverpool (h; FA Cup) 02.18.06

Last 3 matches:
Liverpool: 2-1 Reading (h); 1-0 Inter (a); 3-0 Newcastle (h)
United: 2-0 Bolton (h); 1-0 Derby (a); 0-1 Pompey (h)

Goalscorers (league):
Liverpool: Torres 20; Gerrard 10; Babel 4; Benayoun, Kuyt, Voronin 3; Alonso, Crouch 2; Aurelio, Hyypia, Mascherano, Pennant, Sissoko 1
United: Ronaldo 24; Tevez 11; Rooney 8; Saha 5; Ferdinand, Giggs, Nani 2; Carrick, Hargreaves, Park, Scholes, Vidic 1

Referee: Steve Bennett

Guess at a squad:
Reina
Carragher Skrtel Hyypia Aurelio
Alonso Mascherano
Kuyt Gerrard Babel
Torres

Once again, I’m guessing a 4-2-3-1, given that Liverpool’s used that formation in the last seven matches (eight if you don’t count Barnsley). I’ve little need to rehash the positives, but Alonso sums it up nicely on the official site today, unequivocally stating, “We are playing our best football of the season." Alonso, much like Benitez, doesn’t make statements like that lightly, and knowing how well Liverpool played in August and September, his outlook is significant.

I imagine it will be very similar to the squad that went out against Inter, with Alonso for Lucas the only obvious difference, which would make Hyypia for Arbeloa the lone change from the Reading match. The only other change I think possible would be Riise instead of Aurelio, given some of his past heroics versus United, but Aurelio’s been better when he’s been fit and Riise certainly hasn’t had a season to write home about.

With the way Liverpool has been playing, it’s little surprise that Torres and Gerrard will be crucial on Sunday. Liverpool hasn’t beaten United in the league under Benitez, and hasn’t scored at Old Trafford since O’Shea put one in his own net in 2004. But both Gerrard and Torres are tallying regularly of late and have been effective on the counter. The fast-paced attack that’s come with this formation will be essential, as it’s similar to the way United can strike out of the blue. And Liverpool will need the goals; not only is the match at Old Trafford, but there’s a long history of United nicking at least one against Liverpool.

The other key will be the battle between Mascherano and Ronaldo, as it was in the last match between the two sides. At this point, Torres is Ronaldo’s only competition for player of the season; Ronaldo has simply been lights out so far. As much as I dislike the player, both for whom he plays for and how he presents himself, he’s the best in the world at the moment. There’s mountains of statistics to point out, including the number of spectacular free kick goals, but the fact that he’s got 24 in the league as a midfielder is amazing in and of itself.

But Mascherano did excellently against Ronaldo in the first meeting this season, and there’s no one else I’d rather have as holding midfielder against the likes of United. He has the speed to catch and keep up with United’s attackers, even Ronaldo, while the addition of Alonso in midfield will give Mascherano license to chase the ball, and United’s players, all over the pitch. But he must get help from the full backs, who’ll have to keep Ronaldo (and either Giggs or Nani) from exploiting gaps on the flanks (another reason I think it’ll be Aurelio over Riise).

In the same vein, the defense has to be better. All too often of late, we’ve complained about set piece defense (against Reading, Bolton, and Boro, just to name a few), while it was a goal from a corner that gave United the win at Anfield in December. But like at the San Siro, Liverpool’s players have the potential to raise their game for a huge match, and it’s part of the reason I’m hoping for the same back line that went out against Inter. It’ll be essential for Liverpool to treat this all-important match like those massive one-off European nights.

In team news, both Ferdinand and Van der Sar could miss out through back injury. I doubt they’ll rush Van der Sar back with Kuszczak having returned from suspension, but the loss of Ferdinand could be massive for United. Rio did a very good job on Torres in the match at Anfield, and his replacement would be the seldom-used Gerald Pique. But knowing United, chances are Rio will make a miraculous recovery.

While I don’t honestly believe Liverpool has any feasible shot at the title, I’ve been pleased to see that talk reappear for the first time in over 4 months. It’s a sign of the confidence the team has, and the confidence of the manager in the team, which is warmly welcomed after the off field “crisis” and the loss of form over the winter.

This is football; anything is possible over the last 8 games. But it won’t be viable in the slightest if Liverpool can’t finally get one over on their bitter rivals from down the M62.

Predictions 3/22 – 3/23

Tottenham v Portsmouth, 8:45am, Setanta: As surprising as it is, especially after the fight back against Chelsea yesterday, I reckon this one will end honors even. Spurs have had a nasty habit of underperforming in the game after a good display. 1-1
Newcastle v Fulham, 11am, FSC: This’ll be the last time I predict a Newcastle win this season if they don’t beat Fulham, even though I do think the return of McBride will improve the Cottagers. Newcastle 1-0
Aston Villa v Sunderland, 11am, Setanta: Sunderland on the road. Villa 2-1
Bolton v Manchester City, 11am, Setanta Xtra: Bolton’s lost their last five in the league, whereas City gave an improved, battling performance against Spurs last time out. City 1-0
Blackburn v Wigan, 11am: Even though Wigan’s unbeaten in four (including against Arsenal and at City), now 6 points above 18th place, Blackburn should still be too much at home. Blackburn 2-1
Middlesbrough v Derby, 11am: Derby on the road. Boro 1-0
Reading v Birmingham, 11am: Relegation six-pointer, with Reading 3 points and Brum 2 points above the drop zone. These almost always seem to end in draws. 0-0
Everton v West Ham, 1:15pm, FSC: Although I’m trying my hardest to get to .500 with these picks, I’m going to keep guessing Everton to win solely in the hope of jinxing them, like against Fulham last week. Which pretty much sums up both my luck and the quality of these predictions. Everton 2-0
Chelsea v Arsenal, 12pm Sunday, FSC: After four straight league draws, Arsenal must win. With Chelsea two points behind them, a loss here would make a title challenge, and possibly even second place, a very big ask. And it’s Chelsea at the Bridge, after twice losing a lead to Spurs on Wednesday. Chelsea 2-1

Liverpool at United is on Setanta at 9:30am Sunday EST.

Season: 133-137, with 29 exact scores


As an addendum, a very happy 24th (that's right, only 24) birthday to Fernando Torres. It'd be nice to see it marked with a goal on Sunday.

Quick Predictions 3/19

Well, since my predictions have been atrocious of late, chances are I’ll be doing them with less and less commentary. And yet, the next thing I’ll probably post will be predictions for the upcoming weekend tomorrow. I still haven’t given up on he goal of being over 50% for the season, but after the last couple of weeks, I’m 6 games below .500. Sigh.

Manchester Utd v Bolton, 4pm, FSC: United 1-0
Tottenham v Chelsea, 4pm, Setanta: 1-1