So, when Liverpool played Tottenham and won 3-0 you would of thought that it would become the catalyst that would kick start their season...but that wasn't to be the case.
Liverpool 0 - 1 Aston Villa
This will definitely not go down as a game to remember for Liverpool fans and players alike. Liverpool just never got going quick enough unfortunately.
Aston Villa deserved the win - maybe if you based it on the second Liverpool could of deserved a point but definitely not the 3. They did try to break down a very stubborn Villa defence but it just never happened, they just couldn't get it together in the final third.
None of the Liverpool players looked themselves in all honesty and the coherence and understanding from last season seemed to have all but disappeared - surely loosing Suarez couldn't have meant it wasn't going to work like it did last season? We still have the bulk of the players who helped Suarez and Liverpool look so good last season, so why wasn't it working now?
Maybe the team needed time to gel, maybe it would click in the next few games - whatever it took, it was going to have to happen quickly with Liverpool's games coming thick and fast.
West Ham 3 - 1 Liverpool
The less said about this game the better to be honest.
Liverpool did begin quite slow as they did against Villa, conceding an early goal like they did the week before.
The reds did try to get back into the game but ended up going two down even after their efforts. Even Balotteli pulling back a goal couldn't inspire the reds to get at least one point from the game, in fact it was quite the opposite - with West Ham taking advantage of slack defending and getting a third.
Liverpool 1 - 1 Everton
The Derby came around pretty quickly this season and was a chance for the reds to redeem themselves, gaining 3 points in the process - but it weren't to be.
Liverpool got of to a better, quicker start at Anfield this time much to the delight of the fans. The atmosphere at the game was like that of last season, the game the reds were playing was helping as well.
The only problem with this game was the lack of goals, until Balotteli caused Baines to give away a free kick which Steven Gerrard converted into the first goal of the game sending the reds wild and giving hope that they could get 3 points - as their captain fantastic had helped them out yet again.
But the 3 points weren't to be.
Everton equalised at the death with what can only be described as a wonder goal from the opposing captain and that was that, another 2 points dropped at home.
Liverpool 2 -1 West Brom
This was game was seen by many as Liverpool's chance to grab 3 points and start climbing back up the Premier League table after what can only be described as an uncharacteristically rocky start from last years title challengers.
The game started at a better pace than we'd seen in previous games, which ended in Liverpool's favour as new boy Adam Lallana smacked in his first reds goal after a nice little one-two with vice-captain Jordan Henderson.
It went downhill after half-time as the referee gave a penalty in what was arguably one of the worst refereeing decisions in the game. With the contact clearly outside the box, it was no wonder Liverpool fans were left reeling at the decision.
As soon as Berahino converted the penalty, it seemed to kick Liverpool into gear and they pulled together eventually getting there reward. With Sterling being brought down in the box, many expected Liverpool to wait for a penalty decision, even the West Brom players looked like they switched off but not Sterling, who got back up still in possession of the ball and in passing the ball to Henderson gave the midfielder the chance to get him on the score sheet which he did - then reeled off celebrating with the passion we've come to know and love from our new vice-captain.
The reds managed to keep going until the final whistle without conceding again - now they just have to keep it up after another disruptive international break.
Thursday 16 October 2014
Tuesday 9 September 2014
The new season is underway!
With the new season now 3 matches in, what have we learnt about our new look Liverpool FC so far?
Liverpool v Southampton - Anfield 17.8.14 (2-1)
The season opener is always a big deal, especially if it is at Anfield and this game did not disappoint.
In all honesty, from going the game Southampton were a little unlucky not to come away with a point after their performance in the second half.
Liverpool pretty much dominated the first half, having a lot of the possession and creating some good chances. It was a fantastic defence slicing pass from Jordan Henderson to put Raheem Sterling through on goal that eventually broke the deadlock and sent Anfield into an uproar.
When the second half kicked off it was safe to say fans may have been mistaken for thinking the Liverpool of old had returned. Their slow and sloppy start cost them, when Southampton equalised not long after the restart.
Liverpool's defence then has a shaky few minutes and had to weather a storm from Southampton who seemed determined to throw everything at Liverpool and show that them losing key players in the summer along with their manager hadn't affected them.
But in the end Liverpool prevailed and thanks to Daniel Sturridge they managed to win 2-1 and get their first 3 points on the board.
It was all too clear to see though, that Liverpool's defence wasn't yet completely free of the errors that cost them so dearly last season.
Manchester City v Liverpool - Ethiad 25.8.14 (3-1)
This is most probably a match Liverpool fans will want to forget.
After a bright first 40 minutes - Liverpool just crumbled and let City in. Admittedly it wasn't just the defence to blame but they certainly didn't help matters. New boy Alberto Moreno was at fault but was rightly given a little leeway considering it was his first game in English football and he wasn't used to the fast pace of the Premier League.
In the end 3 goals probably flattered Manchester City because they weren't at their best even when we had most certainly pressed the self destruct button. Our defence just cracked under the pressure - Glen Johnson coming out as a major offender like he has done in the past 2 seasons with us.
A late consolation own goal wasn't enough to lift us, although it would of been better if it was Rickie Lambert's debut goal for Liverpool as it was first thought to be.
3 injuries to Moreno, Skrtel and Johnson all wrapped up a pretty terrible night for the reds - they were going to have to do something special at Tottenham to make up for this.
Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool - White Hart Lane 31.8.14 (0-3)
This was exactly the response Liverpool fans were looking for from their team.
With Glen Johnson and Martin Skrtel ruled out of this match, Alberto Moreno was passed fit and others were given their chance to show what they can do.
After a shaky start, Dejan Lovren and Mamadou Sakho sorted themselves out and looked like they were really working very well together - with Lovren even showing his leadership qualities and organising like he had been a Liverpool player for several years.
Liverpool were on the front foot from the start and got into their passing game straight away although it was quite clear that most people were more bothered about waiting for Mario Balotteli to be a bad influence on the team - which was why it was so good that he had a fantastic game, worked hard and was actually a team player. He silenced everyone and could of scored a hattrick if he was more match fit.
The first goal from Raheem Sterling was a little bit of good finishing mixed with a great bit of team work from Jordan Henderson and Daniel Sturridge.
Our second goal, a penalty from Captain Fantastic Steven Gerrard really set the reds up and seemed to add more fire to their performance as the kept going forward and playing their brilliant passing game.
That's not to say Tottenham didn't have their chances, but Simon Mignolet and the rest of the team managed to nullify any threat that their attacks had.
Moreno's wonderful run and perfect goal topped off a fantastic game for the reds and added another 3 points to their total.
It's just a shame an international break came so soon and has stopped the Premier Leagues momentum along with injuring Daniel Sturridge too.
Liverpool v Southampton - Anfield 17.8.14 (2-1)
The season opener is always a big deal, especially if it is at Anfield and this game did not disappoint.
In all honesty, from going the game Southampton were a little unlucky not to come away with a point after their performance in the second half.
Liverpool pretty much dominated the first half, having a lot of the possession and creating some good chances. It was a fantastic defence slicing pass from Jordan Henderson to put Raheem Sterling through on goal that eventually broke the deadlock and sent Anfield into an uproar.
When the second half kicked off it was safe to say fans may have been mistaken for thinking the Liverpool of old had returned. Their slow and sloppy start cost them, when Southampton equalised not long after the restart.
Liverpool's defence then has a shaky few minutes and had to weather a storm from Southampton who seemed determined to throw everything at Liverpool and show that them losing key players in the summer along with their manager hadn't affected them.
But in the end Liverpool prevailed and thanks to Daniel Sturridge they managed to win 2-1 and get their first 3 points on the board.
It was all too clear to see though, that Liverpool's defence wasn't yet completely free of the errors that cost them so dearly last season.
Manchester City v Liverpool - Ethiad 25.8.14 (3-1)
This is most probably a match Liverpool fans will want to forget.
After a bright first 40 minutes - Liverpool just crumbled and let City in. Admittedly it wasn't just the defence to blame but they certainly didn't help matters. New boy Alberto Moreno was at fault but was rightly given a little leeway considering it was his first game in English football and he wasn't used to the fast pace of the Premier League.
In the end 3 goals probably flattered Manchester City because they weren't at their best even when we had most certainly pressed the self destruct button. Our defence just cracked under the pressure - Glen Johnson coming out as a major offender like he has done in the past 2 seasons with us.
A late consolation own goal wasn't enough to lift us, although it would of been better if it was Rickie Lambert's debut goal for Liverpool as it was first thought to be.
3 injuries to Moreno, Skrtel and Johnson all wrapped up a pretty terrible night for the reds - they were going to have to do something special at Tottenham to make up for this.
Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool - White Hart Lane 31.8.14 (0-3)
This was exactly the response Liverpool fans were looking for from their team.
With Glen Johnson and Martin Skrtel ruled out of this match, Alberto Moreno was passed fit and others were given their chance to show what they can do.
After a shaky start, Dejan Lovren and Mamadou Sakho sorted themselves out and looked like they were really working very well together - with Lovren even showing his leadership qualities and organising like he had been a Liverpool player for several years.
Liverpool were on the front foot from the start and got into their passing game straight away although it was quite clear that most people were more bothered about waiting for Mario Balotteli to be a bad influence on the team - which was why it was so good that he had a fantastic game, worked hard and was actually a team player. He silenced everyone and could of scored a hattrick if he was more match fit.
The first goal from Raheem Sterling was a little bit of good finishing mixed with a great bit of team work from Jordan Henderson and Daniel Sturridge.
Our second goal, a penalty from Captain Fantastic Steven Gerrard really set the reds up and seemed to add more fire to their performance as the kept going forward and playing their brilliant passing game.
That's not to say Tottenham didn't have their chances, but Simon Mignolet and the rest of the team managed to nullify any threat that their attacks had.
Moreno's wonderful run and perfect goal topped off a fantastic game for the reds and added another 3 points to their total.
It's just a shame an international break came so soon and has stopped the Premier Leagues momentum along with injuring Daniel Sturridge too.
Thursday 24 July 2014
New Season awaits
As the season gets closer, I will be posting more and more on this blog so keep an eye out!
Tuesday 4 March 2014
Liverpool's December: Part Three - Liverpool v Cardiff City
Liverpool's third game in a hectic December came in the form of the much troubled Cardiff City.
Even though their opponents were struggling a little on and off the field, Liverpool could not afford to take this game lightly at all - concentration, focus and winning were what Liverpool needed to keep in mind.
And boy did they do that!
Last season, these were the sort of games that the Reds would either be losing or only taking a point from but in this game we saw that Liverpool had definitely begun to learn that these were the types of game that they needed to be taking 3 points away from - especially at Anfield.
What has been key for Liverpool this season is starting the games quickly and brightly, which is what they did here. They started off with a fast pace and didn't let up, giving Cardiff minimal chances and a lot to think about. Early goals have also helped out the Reds this season and 25 minutes in Luis Suarez put the Reds ahead and then off they went.
Liverpool played their game beautifully, passing and moving, keeping the tempo and intensity up all whilst showing the other teams in the Premier League that Anfield was once again becoming somewhere that would not be easy for you to come and play - especially if Liverpool were on top form!
By half time Raheem Sterling and Luis Suarez had brought the scoreline up to 3-0, leaving there to be only one question during the second half....could they score any more?
The answer to that was to be a no, but not through lack of chances. It was through good goalkeeping and defending by Cardiff along with Liverpool being guilty of not putting away a few goals they should of done.
The game continued pretty much the same in the 2nd half with Liverpool having plenty of possession and chances but it was to be Cardiff who got a goal pulling it back to 3-1 and giving Cardiff a little something to go back to South Wales with.
The game ended 3-1 and was pretty good to watch for both sets of supporters because even though they lost, Cardiff City gave as good as they got.
Cardiff fans also got support from unlikely allies, when Liverpool fans joined in to back up under-fire Cardiff boss Malakay Mckay although in the end it didn't help as their owner decided to replace Malakay with a new manager not long after.
If there was one thing this game showed it was that Liverpool fans did have hope when it came to games that could potentially be banana skins and when it came to their top 4 hopes and dreams.
Even though their opponents were struggling a little on and off the field, Liverpool could not afford to take this game lightly at all - concentration, focus and winning were what Liverpool needed to keep in mind.
And boy did they do that!
Last season, these were the sort of games that the Reds would either be losing or only taking a point from but in this game we saw that Liverpool had definitely begun to learn that these were the types of game that they needed to be taking 3 points away from - especially at Anfield.
What has been key for Liverpool this season is starting the games quickly and brightly, which is what they did here. They started off with a fast pace and didn't let up, giving Cardiff minimal chances and a lot to think about. Early goals have also helped out the Reds this season and 25 minutes in Luis Suarez put the Reds ahead and then off they went.
Liverpool played their game beautifully, passing and moving, keeping the tempo and intensity up all whilst showing the other teams in the Premier League that Anfield was once again becoming somewhere that would not be easy for you to come and play - especially if Liverpool were on top form!
By half time Raheem Sterling and Luis Suarez had brought the scoreline up to 3-0, leaving there to be only one question during the second half....could they score any more?
The answer to that was to be a no, but not through lack of chances. It was through good goalkeeping and defending by Cardiff along with Liverpool being guilty of not putting away a few goals they should of done.
The game continued pretty much the same in the 2nd half with Liverpool having plenty of possession and chances but it was to be Cardiff who got a goal pulling it back to 3-1 and giving Cardiff a little something to go back to South Wales with.
The game ended 3-1 and was pretty good to watch for both sets of supporters because even though they lost, Cardiff City gave as good as they got.
Cardiff fans also got support from unlikely allies, when Liverpool fans joined in to back up under-fire Cardiff boss Malakay Mckay although in the end it didn't help as their owner decided to replace Malakay with a new manager not long after.
If there was one thing this game showed it was that Liverpool fans did have hope when it came to games that could potentially be banana skins and when it came to their top 4 hopes and dreams.
Apologies
Apologies for lack of updates.
I have them all written its just I couldn't publish them due to lack of internet.
Will post everything tonight and then it will be back to normal.
Monday 20 January 2014
Liverpool's December: Part Two - Liverpool v Tottenham Hotspur
Liverpool were on form going into this game, Tottenham Hotspur were having a bit of a hard time adjusting to all the new players they had brought in - but most people still ruled out a Liverpool win....how silly they must have felt when the full time whistle blew.
Now going into this game, yes we were in good form but we hadn't won at White Hart Lane for near enough 5 years which wasn't a good stat. But that didn't matter as Liverpool looked to continue their good season with another 3 points...it was sure to be a good game!
As soon as the game started, Liverpool looked a little shaky - don't forget Captain Fantastic : Steven Gerrard was out injured so Liverpool's midfield would have to be strong and players like Jordan Henderson and Lucas Leiva would need to step up.
But after 5-10 minutes Liverpool settled and began to take control of the game. Once they did that the goals just flowed!
Liverpool's captain Luis Suarez (it does feel great to say that!), got us started with a fantastic shot after great work from the hard-working Jordan Henderson.
Next Henderson's hard work paid off after him and Suarez worked some magic in the box which ended with the underrated midfielder bagging himself a well deserved goal.
Our third goal came from local lad and bright young prospect Jon Flanagan - who's wonder shot smacked the bar and then flew right in, much to the youngsters surprise and amazement. The 21-year-old then rightfully wheeled away and celebrated right in front of the travelling fans - such a brilliant moment for the defender.
As if three wasn't enough, Liverpool continued and their fourth was assisted by substitute Luis Alberto who obviously wanted to show what an instant impact he could make by setting up Suarez for his second of the day.
The fifth and final goal went to impressive academy graduate Raheem Sterling who has been on something of a revival of late, especially when working with Luis Suarez who just so happened to set this goal up for the youngster.
As the final whistle went, Liverpool fans could probably hardly believed their eyes - it's not that it was believed we couldn't do it, it was just that history suggested otherwise.
No doubt a lot of reds went to bed merry and happy after beating Tottenham Hotspur 5-0 on their home turf.
Now going into this game, yes we were in good form but we hadn't won at White Hart Lane for near enough 5 years which wasn't a good stat. But that didn't matter as Liverpool looked to continue their good season with another 3 points...it was sure to be a good game!
As soon as the game started, Liverpool looked a little shaky - don't forget Captain Fantastic : Steven Gerrard was out injured so Liverpool's midfield would have to be strong and players like Jordan Henderson and Lucas Leiva would need to step up.
But after 5-10 minutes Liverpool settled and began to take control of the game. Once they did that the goals just flowed!
Liverpool's captain Luis Suarez (it does feel great to say that!), got us started with a fantastic shot after great work from the hard-working Jordan Henderson.
Next Henderson's hard work paid off after him and Suarez worked some magic in the box which ended with the underrated midfielder bagging himself a well deserved goal.
Our third goal came from local lad and bright young prospect Jon Flanagan - who's wonder shot smacked the bar and then flew right in, much to the youngsters surprise and amazement. The 21-year-old then rightfully wheeled away and celebrated right in front of the travelling fans - such a brilliant moment for the defender.
As if three wasn't enough, Liverpool continued and their fourth was assisted by substitute Luis Alberto who obviously wanted to show what an instant impact he could make by setting up Suarez for his second of the day.
The fifth and final goal went to impressive academy graduate Raheem Sterling who has been on something of a revival of late, especially when working with Luis Suarez who just so happened to set this goal up for the youngster.
As the final whistle went, Liverpool fans could probably hardly believed their eyes - it's not that it was believed we couldn't do it, it was just that history suggested otherwise.
No doubt a lot of reds went to bed merry and happy after beating Tottenham Hotspur 5-0 on their home turf.
Liverpool's December: Part One - Liverpool v West Ham
Liverpool's first match was West Ham.
Liverpool and West Ham has always been a big match for both sets of supporters. It has been one where Liverpool have scored lots of goals and taken all three points on numerous occasions but it has also been a game that has frustrated Liverpool at times and not gone how they would have wanted.
So would this game be a banana skin for Liverpool?
On first looking at both teams on the day - you would think that Liverpool would be able to overcome the Londoners and take the 3 points, especially with their home form being so good of late.
Liverpool did just what you would of expected from a team who have been pushing for a top 4 place - they took control of the game, weathered a few flurries from the visitors and came out on top.
4-1 definitely did the game justice, although you need to give West Ham credit because they tried to break Liverpool's defence down but just couldn't break through enough to get back into the game.
As a fan who went along to watch, it was a great game to see. It had everything you wanted in a football match:
* Great opponents who weren't afraid to come and have a go.
* Great banter with the opposition fans.
* Great goals.
* Great Atmosphere.
* And most importantly ... a great result for the reds.
Throughout the game Liverpool had great possession and some fantastic build up play, which should of in all fairness led to more goals - but lets not be too greedy, 4 was good enough.
The refereeing in the game was fair and all of the officials seemed to be making an effort to keep the game flowing without many stoppages.
Play from both sides was nice, although there were a few rash tackles namely one from West Ham captain and scouser Kevin Nolan who flew in on Liverpool's energetic midfielder Jordan Henderson - resulting in Nolan seeing straight red and Henderson hobbling for a little. Other than that, most of the other incidents were slight and not really a bit deal.
It was a brilliant way to get our December started!
Liverpool and West Ham has always been a big match for both sets of supporters. It has been one where Liverpool have scored lots of goals and taken all three points on numerous occasions but it has also been a game that has frustrated Liverpool at times and not gone how they would have wanted.
So would this game be a banana skin for Liverpool?
On first looking at both teams on the day - you would think that Liverpool would be able to overcome the Londoners and take the 3 points, especially with their home form being so good of late.
Liverpool did just what you would of expected from a team who have been pushing for a top 4 place - they took control of the game, weathered a few flurries from the visitors and came out on top.
4-1 definitely did the game justice, although you need to give West Ham credit because they tried to break Liverpool's defence down but just couldn't break through enough to get back into the game.
As a fan who went along to watch, it was a great game to see. It had everything you wanted in a football match:
* Great opponents who weren't afraid to come and have a go.
* Great banter with the opposition fans.
* Great goals.
* Great Atmosphere.
* And most importantly ... a great result for the reds.
Throughout the game Liverpool had great possession and some fantastic build up play, which should of in all fairness led to more goals - but lets not be too greedy, 4 was good enough.
The refereeing in the game was fair and all of the officials seemed to be making an effort to keep the game flowing without many stoppages.
Play from both sides was nice, although there were a few rash tackles namely one from West Ham captain and scouser Kevin Nolan who flew in on Liverpool's energetic midfielder Jordan Henderson - resulting in Nolan seeing straight red and Henderson hobbling for a little. Other than that, most of the other incidents were slight and not really a bit deal.
It was a brilliant way to get our December started!
It's like a rollercoaster...
Being a Liverpool fan in January, has so far been like a rollercoaster .... and not just because of the results we've been getting but also because of the inconsistencies in the teams performances.
So far in January we have played 4 games - all of which have got different reactions from Liverpool fans.
Before I take a look at Liverpool's January so far, here's my review of Liverpool's December - hope you like it!
So far in January we have played 4 games - all of which have got different reactions from Liverpool fans.
Before I take a look at Liverpool's January so far, here's my review of Liverpool's December - hope you like it!
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