3 weeks tomorrow since the defeat to Hull, questions were rightly been asked of this current Liverpool side. Completely outfought, complacent and downright shambolic at times that Sunday afternoon, it looked like what most opposition fans had been waiting for: Liverpool falling off the wagon so to speak. Fast forward to Saturday 21st December, Liverpool again sit pretty at the summit of Barclay's Premier League on the back of 4 wins on the spin since that defeat.
The reaction of the players, staff have been nothing short of and I don't think Liverpool fans can say it at the moment of winners/championship mentality. Liverpool sides of the past bar the 2008/09 vintage crumble under the weight of expectation, past glories and self belief on and off the pitch. What we have witnessed this season and so far under the Rodgers era is a club which bounces back and with more than a bang coinciding with Luis Suarez of course but his confidence has spread to every aspect of the squad. Players like Allen, Coutinho, Flanagan, Henderson, Lucas, Sterling and the ever impressive Sakho are just the core of players along with Suarez who have taken Liverpool to the summit.
The injuries to Gerrard and Sturridge haven't impacted as of yet on the side but a side which is sure to be tested come Stephen's day at Manchester City. On the back of the four wins on the bounce, Liverpool head to the Ethiad not in trepidation but with burgeoning confidence with no fear. Manchester City have the expectations of title challengers, at home they are impressive on the contrary it is astounding. They have put 6 past Arsenal and Spurs plus 4 against United, healthy respect but Rodgers knows he has the arsenal to hurt a Manchester City defence equally as much as City have an attack that can hurt Liverpool's defence. Like at White Hart Lane a week ago Allen, Henderson and Lucas will be key. If Lucas can do half a job as he did on Yaya Toure 2 years ago, this game more so than Spurs could be a statement to the rest that Liverpool are title contenders.
There is a fine line between success and failure we only have to look at the sacking of Andre Villas Boas to see that. For the first time since the halycon days of the late 80's and early early 90's(1991), Liverpool are a club finally with stability and everyone from the top to the bottom are aiming for the same target. The indication of this is the mark of making Luis Suarez the highest paid Liverpool player of all time, a statement in itself like last summer that we are not selling our best player if we do so it will be for the benefit of the club to receive what he is worth. If the release clause as reported in The Times by Tony Barrett is true, we could be witnessing the first £100 million pound footballer but all that depends on how Liverpool progress from here.
The result against City ever this early into Rodgers reign would be an indication to everyone to take Liverpool's challenge seriously which suits Rodgers fine and the supporters as it will recognising of what a fantastic job he is doing. Liverpool publicly let it be known top 4 was the target, come 7.15 pm on Stephen's day quiet murmurings of a possible title challenge could become reality to not only within the club but outside where the view is drastically different at the moment.
As the Buddha's refer too, the mind is everything. What you think you become.
Saturday, December 21, 2013
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Half A Century Up For Rodgers...
50 league games up for the Northern Irishman, despite a difficult six months 2013 has been a good year for Liverpool Football Club heading into a gruelling month of fixtures how can or will Brendan Rodgers be perceived. From the initial airings of Being: Liverpool, Rodgers was cast as the "David Brent" of the footballing world by opposition fans and even some our own.
While that perceived image portrayed during that series, fast forward to today that image has been dispelled by not only the man himself in a recent interview with ESPN but he has let his Liverpool side on the pitch do the talking.Even before we come to that side of things, the right signings, the actions, the team selections, the tactical changes. All of it dictate if the manager is going to get the time, patience and fortitude to ride out the teething issues which in Rodgers case he experienced in his first few months last season.The table below shows exactly how difficult it was for Rodgers, a situation not to dissimilar 30 miles down the road which is happening at Old Trafford.
POS
|
CLUB
|
P
|
W
|
D
|
L
|
GF
|
GA
|
GD
|
PTS
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1
|
Manchester
City
|
12
|
8
|
4
|
0
|
25
|
10
|
15
|
28
|
2
|
Manchester
United
|
12
|
9
|
0
|
3
|
29
|
17
|
12
|
27
|
3
|
Chelsea
|
12
|
7
|
3
|
2
|
24
|
13
|
11
|
24
|
4
|
West
Bromwich Albion
|
12
|
7
|
2
|
3
|
19
|
13
|
6
|
23
|
5
|
Everton
|
12
|
5
|
5
|
2
|
22
|
16
|
6
|
20
|
6
|
Arsenal
|
12
|
5
|
4
|
3
|
23
|
13
|
10
|
19
|
7
|
West
Ham United
|
12
|
5
|
4
|
3
|
15
|
12
|
3
|
19
|
8
|
Tottenham
Hotspur
|
12
|
5
|
2
|
5
|
20
|
21
|
-1
|
17
|
9
|
Fulham
|
12
|
4
|
4
|
4
|
25
|
22
|
3
|
16
|
10
|
Swansea
City
|
12
|
4
|
4
|
4
|
18
|
16
|
2
|
16
|
11
|
Liverpool
|
12
|
3
|
6
|
3
|
17
|
16
|
1
|
15
|
A lot of information has been documented about the possession stats, passing figures etc..during this period all down to the "Death By Football" phrase coined by Rodgers himself that was jumped upon. In those games that was the philosophy, the myriad of the changes since then not only need to be more looked into and give Rodgers his due. Clearly at the time, the Death By Football concept didn't work for a number of reasons specifically the personnel in the squad didn't have the necessary quality too play that game. Rodgers was a man learning on the job, in my personal opinion those few months in 2012 could prove to be a catalyst for the manager is on the cusp of becoming at Liverpool.
What we have witnessed is a manager still learning but been more pragmatic in his approach to how the team plays. Yes he can unstuck sometimes, more occasionally sides who press like Arsenal, Southampton in this past year. The signings of Coutinho and Sturridge have pointed as catalysts to Rodgers ever improving side, it is the core element of the side which has improved, improved as footballers. Jordan Henderson, Luis Suarez, Glen Johnson, Jose Enrique to name a few players who have flourished under Rodgers. He has shown to be ruthless which only Martin Skrtel and Sebastian Coates know all too well, in Skrtel's case it has shown that you can show you deserve another chance despite the additions in his position during the summer.
As we look at the table now below as of November 2013, the improvement on last season couldn't be transparent. At the end of the day the talk of Death By Football is probably where Liverpool and Rodgers will end up given time right now he needed, needs results. The way Liverpool have dispatching sides below Spurs in the table if it continues there is no reason with surely Liverpool picking up points against the sides in and around them who knows what the limit could be for Liverpool.
POS
|
CLUB
|
P
|
W
|
D
|
L
|
GF
|
GA
|
GD
|
PTS
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1
|
Arsenal
|
12
|
9
|
1
|
2
|
24
|
10
|
14
|
28
|
2
|
Liverpool
|
12
|
7
|
3
|
2
|
24
|
13
|
11
|
24
|
3
|
Chelsea
|
12
|
7
|
3
|
2
|
21
|
10
|
11
|
24
|
4
|
Manchester
City
|
12
|
7
|
1
|
4
|
34
|
12
|
22
|
22
|
5
|
Southampton
|
12
|
6
|
4
|
2
|
15
|
7
|
8
|
22
|
6
|
Manchester
United
|
12
|
6
|
3
|
3
|
20
|
15
|
5
|
21
|
7
|
Everton
|
12
|
5
|
6
|
1
|
17
|
13
|
4
|
21
|
8
|
Newcastle
United
|
12
|
6
|
2
|
4
|
17
|
17
|
0
|
20
|
9
|
Tottenham
Hotspur
|
12
|
6
|
2
|
4
|
9
|
12
|
-3
|
20
|
One game at a time is the mantra and rightly so but these 3 games could be crucial going into December with what we have coming. Points on the board puts pressure on the teams below, that is why at the moment everyone else is playing catch up to Arsenal. Who so far are the consistent side bar their blip at Old Trafford which was far from a disaster has proven by United's lack of consistency especially at Cardiff last Sunday.
In what probably is the most open League race probably since the late 70's/80's when a number of teams could win the title, 2013/14 could be landmark season in the Premier League era where any number of teams could be Champions come May which would be could be for the game in England as it badly needs it. Quietly, both LFC and Rodgers will be dreaming of something special while publicly been realistic which are both good things.
2013 so far reads with still 7 games to play Games: 30 Won: 16 Drew: 10 Lost: 4, a decent return for a manager building from a position of weakness so far behind the sides above him this time last year. Hopefully come the final whistle is blown on his 57th league game in charge Liverpool will still be up where they are. Currently haven't been outside the top 3 all season thus far. Come New Year's Day when we kick off against Hull at Anfield and the kick off of the transfer window will tell a few things about what 2013/14 season will be. Maybe the quiet thinking could be looked upon as quiet wondering if the club invested in their midfield and left back in a position of strength, could we dare to dream?
At this moment in time the fans are enjoying the position currently been held, proving a lot of doubters wrong so far in the process.
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
The Energizer Bunny Era Begins For Irish Football
Come this Friday the tandem of Martin O'Neill and Roy Keane comes to life at the Aviva against Latvia. My honest opinion I hope it works for the good of country (but doesn't stop me from believing we could have done better) as we need to qualify for the Euro's in France in over two and half years time. The chances are good with the way UEFA have expanded the tournament to 24 teams but I will come to that later in the future.
For now, the "dream ticket" as has been mentioned numerous times is being for by Denis O'Brien as with Trappatoni the FAI, some of the most mentioned pundits believe its a great thing for Irish football. Personally, the fact a businessman has to come in and pay for a manager of our country while our national association can't says that all needs to be said about the acumen of Delaney and his cohorts in the offices of the FAI. Our previous manager described our national game to such a degree he labelled us not having our own league, that goes deeper which as all League of Ireland fans know all too well is nothing new in this country when it comes to the care of the national game at domestic level by the FAI.
Entirely not wanting to bash the FAI throughout this post but how hard is it not too?
The meal ticket of O'Neill and Keane only serves to placate a minority of football fans in this country who go along with what the FAI serve up every year. Going from one qualifying campaign to another and not actually planning for the future with a manager that plays the football heir coaching programmes tell aspiring coaches in this country to play "the Barcelona model".
Thankfully some club's coaches/managers adhere to that policy especially at my local club and the benefits can be seen due to the conviction one man has implemented throughout the club(some people who read this will know who the club and man I am referring too). The structure is their and are more organised as a Junior club side than our own International side tells it all for me. If someone like that can put something in place why are the FAI employing foreign coaches when they have the people here in this country who actually adopt the philosophy that the FAI portray on their coaching courses.
I got told the above when I did my Kick Start course and this was TWO years ago, Martin O'Neill nor Roy Keane just like Trappatoni are the people who are/were going to be leading that model(which throughout their coaching careers(so far in Keane's case) haven't played that way) which is still being coached at these courses. The whole situation is maddening to say the least for my point of view.
The FAI in my honest opinion need to look closer to home as to what they exist to be -- are they a football governing body that actually governs the game properly or are they financially motivated/quick fix organisation which is becoming more apparent as time passes?? It's been a long time since they acted as a governing body.
For now, the "dream ticket" as has been mentioned numerous times is being for by Denis O'Brien as with Trappatoni the FAI, some of the most mentioned pundits believe its a great thing for Irish football. Personally, the fact a businessman has to come in and pay for a manager of our country while our national association can't says that all needs to be said about the acumen of Delaney and his cohorts in the offices of the FAI. Our previous manager described our national game to such a degree he labelled us not having our own league, that goes deeper which as all League of Ireland fans know all too well is nothing new in this country when it comes to the care of the national game at domestic level by the FAI.
Entirely not wanting to bash the FAI throughout this post but how hard is it not too?
The meal ticket of O'Neill and Keane only serves to placate a minority of football fans in this country who go along with what the FAI serve up every year. Going from one qualifying campaign to another and not actually planning for the future with a manager that plays the football heir coaching programmes tell aspiring coaches in this country to play "the Barcelona model".
Thankfully some club's coaches/managers adhere to that policy especially at my local club and the benefits can be seen due to the conviction one man has implemented throughout the club(some people who read this will know who the club and man I am referring too). The structure is their and are more organised as a Junior club side than our own International side tells it all for me. If someone like that can put something in place why are the FAI employing foreign coaches when they have the people here in this country who actually adopt the philosophy that the FAI portray on their coaching courses.
I got told the above when I did my Kick Start course and this was TWO years ago, Martin O'Neill nor Roy Keane just like Trappatoni are the people who are/were going to be leading that model(which throughout their coaching careers(so far in Keane's case) haven't played that way) which is still being coached at these courses. The whole situation is maddening to say the least for my point of view.
The FAI in my honest opinion need to look closer to home as to what they exist to be -- are they a football governing body that actually governs the game properly or are they financially motivated/quick fix organisation which is becoming more apparent as time passes?? It's been a long time since they acted as a governing body.
Monday, October 28, 2013
An Ode To Zlatan
An Ode To Zlatan
Thank you. The catalyst for me writing again, considering I only got his autobiography under a week ago its pretty impressive. To read something about someone who is perceived as many things that are very well documented, his book gave me an insight into an individual who has worked harder than most to get where he is today as one of the world’s greatest footballers.
Upon reading the first chapter, I was hooked and that buzz came back again. What I have read since so far has given a totally different side to what we read in the press. From getting a bus while doing running in training around Malmo city centre to beat his team-mates was stuff of hilarity, honest and contrite regarding his own abilities at Junior level. Persecuted for not belonging by other kids parents to robbing bikes to get to training, not going to ruin the book on anyone to divulge any more than that :)
I probably need to read more books ha ha but Zlatan’s has given me the buzz for writing again. See how it goes I suppose. Definitely would advise anyone to read this book, just Andre Agassi’s book writing brilliance.
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
The Rollercoaster Ride - Luis Suarez And Liverpool
Luis and Liverpool, without a doubt both have been good for each other on the pitch footballing wise. On the other hand off it controversy rained down. Barely 9 months into his Anfield career after the racial incident with Manchester United's Patrice Evra. Whatever the recriminations which are well documented added to the Ivanovic bite which reached optimum. 10 game ban resulted.
What has happened since can only be described as the great escape. Away from Merseyside, interview after interview the alarms bell must have been ringing at Anfield. The spin, the words, the reports, were Liverpool fan's worst fears been forth told? Actions do speak louder than words but Suarez interview today is probably the most revealing - http://football-uruguay.blogspot.com.au/2013/07/interview-luis-suarez-on-sport890.html
We have been here before with Fernando Torres, a transfer which completely changed my personal outlook on loving a player to the extent that my perception towards footballers has changed somewhat. It has happened before for Torres, read Keegan and who replaced Keegan - Kenny Dalglish. The man who would become the greatest player that the club has had(probably until Steven Gerrard retires no one else comes as close that embodies LFC), players come and go.
Judging, and depending on what sources you take on board. Personally the sooner the better the issue is resolved for Brendan Rodgers sake as he prepares for a defining season would be beneficial. Does the progress continue? And is the sale of Luis Suarez necessary for Rodgers to continue that progress by using his sale to rebuild and provide more quality in key areas? Who knows, the next few weeks should be intriguing to say the least.
What has happened since can only be described as the great escape. Away from Merseyside, interview after interview the alarms bell must have been ringing at Anfield. The spin, the words, the reports, were Liverpool fan's worst fears been forth told? Actions do speak louder than words but Suarez interview today is probably the most revealing - http://football-uruguay.blogspot.com.au/2013/07/interview-luis-suarez-on-sport890.html
We have been here before with Fernando Torres, a transfer which completely changed my personal outlook on loving a player to the extent that my perception towards footballers has changed somewhat. It has happened before for Torres, read Keegan and who replaced Keegan - Kenny Dalglish. The man who would become the greatest player that the club has had(probably until Steven Gerrard retires no one else comes as close that embodies LFC), players come and go.
Judging, and depending on what sources you take on board. Personally the sooner the better the issue is resolved for Brendan Rodgers sake as he prepares for a defining season would be beneficial. Does the progress continue? And is the sale of Luis Suarez necessary for Rodgers to continue that progress by using his sale to rebuild and provide more quality in key areas? Who knows, the next few weeks should be intriguing to say the least.
Sunday, June 23, 2013
Back From Hiatus
Almost pre-season time for football clubs, after my hiatus from the writing scene I am coming back for more hardship. In truth, not really just for the fun of writing about football again as we build up to the 2013/14 season. Since my last post a lot of things have happened, albeit my comment on those have been on my Facebook and Twitter accounts.
Looking forward to the new season as per usual, keep an eye out. I will be posting soon on all things football related. Got my mojo back.
Looking forward to the new season as per usual, keep an eye out. I will be posting soon on all things football related. Got my mojo back.
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Andre Villas Boas's Redemption Is Tottenham's Gain
Over 18 months ago the most sought after coach in world football, Andre Villas Boas on the back of a remarkable season at Porto took the hot-seat at Chelsea. Fast forward 8 months later, AVB as he has became known as, joined the scrapheap of managers which have been dispensed by Roman Abramovich. His appointment at Tottenham last summer was one that brought sceptical comments as to why Daniel Levy decided to give the "Chelsea reject" as some Spurs fans would have viewed to take over from the very popular manager in Harry Redknapp. Despite "'Arry's" flirtation with the England job during the previous season he still commanded a lot of respect and likeability from the Spurs fans.
It was hard not to given his achievements at the club, bring Champions League football/European Cup football to White Hart Lane is over 4 decades. Not since the great double winning side of the sixties had Spurs fans seen the sort of progression that became false dawns over the course of that time. Off the bat AVB had big shoes to fill, including the loss of Luka Modric who went to Real Madrid. The signings of Dembele, Lloris and Vertonghen have clearly added to the core of a side who unluckily ended up out of the Champions League due to Chelsea winning the trophy in Munich.
Other additions to the squad in Dempsey and Sigurdsson, questions remain for me what both bring to the side but compared to the 3 above their impact has been less noticed. The form of Bale, Caulker, Defoe(although now injured), Lennon and until he got injured recently in Sandro have been down to the man management and style of football AVB has imprinted on the side already. The goal return of Bale and Defoe - 21 goals between them already this season is a major plus where both of them only managed that tally in 61 games.
Their win at West Brom last Sunday was a massive win for Spurs but for AVB and where he is heading with this side. Spurs teams of the past would have choked with the chance to make the slip up's of others benefit them. Take away the fantastic finish of Bale and the steel he has instilled in the side to continue to play in the same way surely if I was a Spurs fan regardless of the scoreline is something to respect and brilliant to watch.
Sir Bobby Robson put his reputation on the line all those years ago when only 17, AVB on the recommendation of Sir Bobby enabled him to get into Lilleshall. Where the youngest student in the class earned his coaching badges. We know the rest from there, from been under the wing of Jose Mourinho at Chelsea and Inter to forging his own career firstly at Academica. At Academica, a club severely threatened by relegation and not having won a single league game when he took over in October 2009.
Cue 7 months later, his work at Academica didn't go unnoticed, at 11th place finish and a cup semi-final appearance only narrowly losing to his heroes Porto in the process. Later that summer he took over at Porto and lead them to a historic treble season, he replicated the same haul that Jose Mourinho had done less than a decade earlier.
For me as an outsider, his record at Academica and then heading to Porto show Andre Villas Boas is a talented manager and unlike the British media who view his time at Chelsea a failure. They only need to look at the mess that club is in since he was relieved by Roman Abramovich. Furthermore, his success at Spurs thus far is proving a lot of those critics wrong. Like any new manager when they take over a club some hiccups occur(recent defeat to Leeds in the FA Cup).
Despite that, in my opinion he is finding his redemption and Spurs will be the massive winners because of it. Daniel Levy didn't believe the stories surrounding his time at Chelsea and some Spurs fans are now finally coming around to that same thinking, it took time(despite the massive win at Old Trafford) AVB has dispelled any doubts. Good on him too.
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Premier League Progress For Rodgers & Liverpool
Sunday 23rd September, a supercharged day at Anfield as Manchester United defeated Liverpool 2-1. A day that will be remembered for a long time, the occasion, the week that went before where the truth about Hillsborough finally after 23 years. On the pitch Liverpool slumped to their 3rd defeat in the first five games of the League season , Brendan Rodgers reign as the newly installed Liverpool began auspiciously. Come the end of that Sunday Liverpool resided 3rd from bottom, 2 points, scored 4 and conceded 10.
The jokes started rolling around, we all remember the photo-shop of John Lennon Airport with above us only sky and below us only QPR and Reading.
4 months and 11 days after only 4 defeats in 20 games and 34 points later Brendan Rodgers Liverpool marked improvement from that Sunday to now (despite some hiccups in the League and FA Cups) is not always clear cut. There is a saying "there's lies damn lies and statistics" used to bolster weak arguments according to Wikipedia. In the context of Brendan Rodgers and Liverpool's progress it would be detrimental to not use basic elements of the game which can show the fine margins between success and failure.
Software based statistics like Opta provide the basis on which the progress Rodgers is making, quite interesting comparing to Liverpool of last season in the Premier League. As you will see below the results from Opta speaks for themselves, but the one thing which Opta cannot legislate for is individual mistakes and debatable decisions. If you want further evidence of how the League would actually look like had decisions been made correctly I would advise to have a look at http://www.debatabledecisions.com/
For illustrative purposes, the below statistics are based on Opta's Liverpool performance from last season and in the 25 games this season.
Liverpool last season after 17 games had achieved 30 points, by seasons end 22 points from 63 available killed our season in the League despite the great success in the Cup that Dalglish did achieve. People can view the above for what they wish but the marked improvement of this Liverpool side was never more apparent this week just gone. Yes, disappointingly Liverpool did relinquish leads at the Emirates and Etihad but like on occasions this season individual mistakes have cost vital points. The reaction to the defeat at Oldham shows the character in this side, the next 3 League games will be a test of where this season Liverpool can finish. Two home games against Swansea and West Brom, with an away trip to Wigan to boot before Spurs arrive at Anfield in early March.
Until then as fans we can be satisfied but hungry for more, so are Rodgers and the players.
Sunday, January 27, 2013
FA Cup Weekend Throws Up More Shocks
The FA Cup returned this weekend with the Fourth Round and it proved tobe quite eventful. In a week for Aston Villa fans to forget, after been knocked out on Tuesday by Bradford City in the League Cup semi-final. At the New Den, Millwall knocked out Aston Villa 2-1 a result that wasn't surprising in the least thus heaping more pressure on a young but inexperienced side and their manager Paul Lambert.
It was the first of many to come this weekend.
On Saturday - Barnsley, Luton Town and MK Dons provided the shocks. As Luton and MK Dons travelled to top flight clubs Norwich and QPR respectively and came away with fantastic results. In MK Dons case an empathic win despite two late QPR goals.
Luton became the first non-League side to knock out a top flight side in 20 odd years, since Sutton United defeated then FA Cup holders Coventry City. Not to be outdone a shock that went unnoticed was Barnsley's win away to fellow high-flying Championship promotion contenders Hull City.
On Sunday - prove to be another day of shocks as both Liverpool and Tottenham crashed out to lower League opposition in Leeds and Oldham. In a game contrasting to games of a decade ago, Spurs travelled to Elland Road but were outdone by a hard-working Neil Warnock side 2-1 on the day.
While at Boundary Park, Brendan Rodgers and his Liverpool side disappointingly crashed out to League One struggler's Oldham. Oldham deserved their win on the day and like some performances this season exposed a soft underbelly that this Liverpool side has. A good opportunity to progress undone by some individual mistakes again, although towards the end at 3-1 Liverpool pressed. They did manage to cut the arrears to 3-2 but two goals either side of half-time all but ended Liverpool's hopes of a recovery as they crashed out for the 8th time to lower League opposition since the inception of the Premier League era.
In Sunday's other tie a local derby in London as Chelsea and Rafa Benitez travelled to Griffin Park and League One high-flyers Brentford. A side managed by former Manchester City cult hero, Uwe Rosler gave Chelsea no quarter. Only a late equaliser from much-maligned Fernando Torres rescued a replay for Chelsea, but unlike Spurs and Liverpool they are still in the cup.
From a Liverpool point of view, today showed some glaring problems which will take time to iron out. On Wednesday the Reds travel to the Emirates to play the Arsenal it what will the first of two difficult games but a week defining moment of sorts. The good thing is the players have two days to stew over today's result and come out Wednesday to show what they are made of. For Brendan Rodgers, the impending signing of Phillipe Coutinho will add more depth but for him concerns at the back remain. Roll on Arsenal!!!
It was the first of many to come this weekend.
On Saturday - Barnsley, Luton Town and MK Dons provided the shocks. As Luton and MK Dons travelled to top flight clubs Norwich and QPR respectively and came away with fantastic results. In MK Dons case an empathic win despite two late QPR goals.
Luton became the first non-League side to knock out a top flight side in 20 odd years, since Sutton United defeated then FA Cup holders Coventry City. Not to be outdone a shock that went unnoticed was Barnsley's win away to fellow high-flying Championship promotion contenders Hull City.
On Sunday - prove to be another day of shocks as both Liverpool and Tottenham crashed out to lower League opposition in Leeds and Oldham. In a game contrasting to games of a decade ago, Spurs travelled to Elland Road but were outdone by a hard-working Neil Warnock side 2-1 on the day.
While at Boundary Park, Brendan Rodgers and his Liverpool side disappointingly crashed out to League One struggler's Oldham. Oldham deserved their win on the day and like some performances this season exposed a soft underbelly that this Liverpool side has. A good opportunity to progress undone by some individual mistakes again, although towards the end at 3-1 Liverpool pressed. They did manage to cut the arrears to 3-2 but two goals either side of half-time all but ended Liverpool's hopes of a recovery as they crashed out for the 8th time to lower League opposition since the inception of the Premier League era.
In Sunday's other tie a local derby in London as Chelsea and Rafa Benitez travelled to Griffin Park and League One high-flyers Brentford. A side managed by former Manchester City cult hero, Uwe Rosler gave Chelsea no quarter. Only a late equaliser from much-maligned Fernando Torres rescued a replay for Chelsea, but unlike Spurs and Liverpool they are still in the cup.
From a Liverpool point of view, today showed some glaring problems which will take time to iron out. On Wednesday the Reds travel to the Emirates to play the Arsenal it what will the first of two difficult games but a week defining moment of sorts. The good thing is the players have two days to stew over today's result and come out Wednesday to show what they are made of. For Brendan Rodgers, the impending signing of Phillipe Coutinho will add more depth but for him concerns at the back remain. Roll on Arsenal!!!
Monday, January 21, 2013
Daniel Sturridge - A bargain at £12 million?
It remains to be seen if the title of this post comes true, but the arrival of Sturridge on Merseyside brought sceptical comments about his attitude, positional sense, vision. His finishing, his best asset even has been questioned on occasions while at Chelsea and Manchester City. While on loan Bolton his goal return was fantastic and despite the detractors he was a 1 in 3 striker at Chelsea. Only under Andre Villas Boas did Sturridge get the opportunity to show what he was capable of. But like some managers, he became victim of circumstance.
January 2013, Chelsea decided to cash in on the 23 year-old England international. If anything to go by so far it was a decision that has benefited Liverpool to the extreme. His 3 goals in 3 appearances are just the icing on top of the cake but the sceptical comments as mentioned above so far have been proved a null point and just hear'say on some parts of the media. In what looks like a blossoming partnership with Luis Suarez, so far and I know it is early days but could be prolific as Gerrard/Torres relationship of 4 years ago when that was in its pomp. The second goal on Saturday was essence of just the natural ability of two players made to play alongside each other.
At £12 million pounds, it could be one of the best buys Liverpool have made since Luis Suarez. The dynamic of this Liverpool side has changed, a side that lacked options in the key area up top now have options. But Sturridge has brought something else, not necessarily a number 9 but a poacher of sorts. 2 of his 3 goals have shown his ability to be in the right place at the right time. The next two League games away to Arsenal and City will be a massive test for not only Sturridge but Rodgers and his developing side. So far so good in regards to Daniel Sturridge, his utter belief in himself alone removes the heaviness of playing in the Red shirt of Liverpool that has seen some decent forwards in the past not able to cope with.
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Pep Off To Bavaria
His achievements at Barcelona have marked him out for being a maverick and also been disregarded because of the quality of the players available to him. Both sides of the debate will have their opinions but what I look at is the state of Barcelona in the summer of 2008. They were side dissolved in mediocrity for a club of their standards. Finishing 19 points behind their great rivals Real Madrid was compounded by finishing a further 10 points behind second placed Villarreal. In fact Barcelona only got Champions League qualification by 3 points from Sevilla, it showed the task that Pep had at hand after his successful spell as coach of Barcelona's B side.
The turnaround in 2008/09 lead to the current side been regarded as the greatest club side in history, the facts speak for themselves since then. It's not Pep's fault he inherited talents like Messi, Iniesta, Xavi to name a few but his transfer dealings were the catapult to where they ended up in Rome on that evening in May 2009. The signings of Seydou Keita, Gerard Pique, Dani Alves added to a squad who were on their knees following a disappointing 2007/08 season.
Now that he has had his sabbatical, he has chosen to go to probably the best league in Europe at the moment, Bundesliga and the giants four-time European Champions Bayern Munich. A lot of the press will say "he shunned" such and such a club, but really what is on offer in the Premier League is he guaranteed a job. Like Rafael Benitez, the longer you wait the harder it becomes to be relevant again as a coach and like Rafa he has jumped at a great opportunity.
Monday, January 14, 2013
Respect Costs Liverpool At Old Trafford
Respect is a word in football that can go so far. But on the pitch players can show it too much mentally to the opposition. Small things that can matter so much was never so in evidence at Old Trafford yesterday. If any indication was to how average both sides are, the first 18 minutes was a testament to this. Whilst a great team goal from United on 19 minutes the game, compared to United and Liverpool games of the past were vastly short on creativity and quality. Which says as much about the Premier League as anything else but will save those judgements for another post.
Once United took the lead - Liverpool allowed United too much of the ball. Carrick was running the show, unlike the earlier part of the half when we were closing down, now he had the freedom of the pitch to orchestrate United's attacks. What more can be said of Robin Van Persie, give him a yard as Agger did for the goal and you will be punished. The bizarre approval of Danny Welbeck as Man of the Match by Sky, his movement dragged Skrtel out of the space that was soon to be taken by Van Persie to unleash a shot beyond Reina into the net. 1-0.
From then on United could have easily scored a few more, Cleverley and again Van Persie unlucky not to score. The one thing that has been a reoccurring theme especially in big games that Rodgers cannot legislate for is individual mistakes. Both of United's goals could have easily been stopped but players not taking the responsibility to concentrate and be aware of what is around them at this level are punished. People will debate about the offside for the second goal but the defending of the free kick was shambolic to the extreme. Reina's reaction in the goal said it all about the situation. The usual reliable Johnson and young Sterling fell asleep and allowed Evra a yard to get into a position which proved to be crucial. Fine lines between success and failure - United's two goals proved what a minuscule of space a yard can be in football.
From a Liverpool performance point of view - Joe Allen, Lucas and Sterling were non-existent in the first half. As Allen is struggling for form and his confidence, improved in the second half but he needs more than a few games out of the spotlight and work on the training ground. The manager is learning on the job but it's getting a common feature among the Liverpool fan-base that line which is true. The dropping to the bench of Henderson when he is in-form was a massive mistake.
As for Sterling, he has played so many games for a 18 year-old but yesterday was probably a game more suited for the bench and it proved to be as Rafael coped with his effectiveness. The lynch-pin of the system Rodgers wants to play Lucas, is trying to find both form and fitness. It is going to take time to even get back to where he was 14 months ago before the injury at Chelsea and if he even can. We need proper cover for him, like a younger Mascherano type player because games like yesterday needed one from a Liverpool point of view.
In defence of Rodgers, like in games this season he has seen the weakness and quickly rectified it. The introduction of Sturridge, closing down United higher up the pitch forced United onto the back foot despite them going 2-0 in front. The fact Ferguson's substitutions late on were defensive minded, showed the game was swinging in our favour. Whereas United's passing was crisp in the first half, in the second half it was a different story.
Sloppy passing and a interception lead to Liverpool getting back into the game and for Liverpool for once we had a striker following in to finish off what can be construed I feel a mistake not from De Gea but Rafael. The alertness and quickness of Sturridge left the Brazilian flat footed and the new £12 million pound Liverpool striker scored to make it 2-1. Game on.
Liverpool were now in control, Suarez now had the space needed between United's defence and midfield began to show with Sturridge signs of what could be a decent partnership. Linking well together, the midfield was now been controlled by probably the greatest Liverpool player to ever grace the Red jersey. Steven Gerrard began to exert more influence as the second half wore on. The introduction of Borini and Henderson by now provided more energy which at times you felt we were going to overrun the United side.
But as a sign of Champions, United's experience held firm despite Liverpool getting into some decent areas but not capitalising on them. Had Sturridge taken his time, he could have steadied himself but he snapped at a shot with his right foot only to sky it over the bar.
As the clock wore down, United played smart football by keeping the ball in the Liverpool half. When the final whistle blew, it was a moral victory for Liverpool with a tinge of regret that we didn't offer for the whole 90 minutes. For Rodgers and the travelling fans the sign of Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez linking up as they did was a massive plus despite what is heartbreaking losing to what are our most bitterest of rivals. Top 6 is very attainable for Rodgers but the next few games will dictate if that will be the case. For once the referee went unnoticed and Howard Webb refereed the game very well no complaints there.
The story off the pitch was again in the stands, some United supporters still serve out the vile chants and for the majority of the game they could be heard on the TV feeds. No point in repeating them(as some will already know what was being sung) but I am not going to tar all United fans with the same brush as there is a silent majority out there which was proven last September on the Shankly Gates. These embarrassing chants that were show yesterday only indicate to me personally what kind of people use the deaths of 39 and 96 football fans as a tool for cheap point scoring. At the end of the day its a game of high passion but its time the clubs, Premier League, FA curb this as much as they profess about kicking racism out of football. Until then moronic people who weren't even born when these disasters happened will continue to sing them. They need to be educated on what the meaning of supporting your football team is about because singing about dead football fans like themselves is not it.
Once United took the lead - Liverpool allowed United too much of the ball. Carrick was running the show, unlike the earlier part of the half when we were closing down, now he had the freedom of the pitch to orchestrate United's attacks. What more can be said of Robin Van Persie, give him a yard as Agger did for the goal and you will be punished. The bizarre approval of Danny Welbeck as Man of the Match by Sky, his movement dragged Skrtel out of the space that was soon to be taken by Van Persie to unleash a shot beyond Reina into the net. 1-0.
From then on United could have easily scored a few more, Cleverley and again Van Persie unlucky not to score. The one thing that has been a reoccurring theme especially in big games that Rodgers cannot legislate for is individual mistakes. Both of United's goals could have easily been stopped but players not taking the responsibility to concentrate and be aware of what is around them at this level are punished. People will debate about the offside for the second goal but the defending of the free kick was shambolic to the extreme. Reina's reaction in the goal said it all about the situation. The usual reliable Johnson and young Sterling fell asleep and allowed Evra a yard to get into a position which proved to be crucial. Fine lines between success and failure - United's two goals proved what a minuscule of space a yard can be in football.
From a Liverpool performance point of view - Joe Allen, Lucas and Sterling were non-existent in the first half. As Allen is struggling for form and his confidence, improved in the second half but he needs more than a few games out of the spotlight and work on the training ground. The manager is learning on the job but it's getting a common feature among the Liverpool fan-base that line which is true. The dropping to the bench of Henderson when he is in-form was a massive mistake.
As for Sterling, he has played so many games for a 18 year-old but yesterday was probably a game more suited for the bench and it proved to be as Rafael coped with his effectiveness. The lynch-pin of the system Rodgers wants to play Lucas, is trying to find both form and fitness. It is going to take time to even get back to where he was 14 months ago before the injury at Chelsea and if he even can. We need proper cover for him, like a younger Mascherano type player because games like yesterday needed one from a Liverpool point of view.
In defence of Rodgers, like in games this season he has seen the weakness and quickly rectified it. The introduction of Sturridge, closing down United higher up the pitch forced United onto the back foot despite them going 2-0 in front. The fact Ferguson's substitutions late on were defensive minded, showed the game was swinging in our favour. Whereas United's passing was crisp in the first half, in the second half it was a different story.
Sloppy passing and a interception lead to Liverpool getting back into the game and for Liverpool for once we had a striker following in to finish off what can be construed I feel a mistake not from De Gea but Rafael. The alertness and quickness of Sturridge left the Brazilian flat footed and the new £12 million pound Liverpool striker scored to make it 2-1. Game on.
Liverpool were now in control, Suarez now had the space needed between United's defence and midfield began to show with Sturridge signs of what could be a decent partnership. Linking well together, the midfield was now been controlled by probably the greatest Liverpool player to ever grace the Red jersey. Steven Gerrard began to exert more influence as the second half wore on. The introduction of Borini and Henderson by now provided more energy which at times you felt we were going to overrun the United side.
But as a sign of Champions, United's experience held firm despite Liverpool getting into some decent areas but not capitalising on them. Had Sturridge taken his time, he could have steadied himself but he snapped at a shot with his right foot only to sky it over the bar.
As the clock wore down, United played smart football by keeping the ball in the Liverpool half. When the final whistle blew, it was a moral victory for Liverpool with a tinge of regret that we didn't offer for the whole 90 minutes. For Rodgers and the travelling fans the sign of Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez linking up as they did was a massive plus despite what is heartbreaking losing to what are our most bitterest of rivals. Top 6 is very attainable for Rodgers but the next few games will dictate if that will be the case. For once the referee went unnoticed and Howard Webb refereed the game very well no complaints there.
The story off the pitch was again in the stands, some United supporters still serve out the vile chants and for the majority of the game they could be heard on the TV feeds. No point in repeating them(as some will already know what was being sung) but I am not going to tar all United fans with the same brush as there is a silent majority out there which was proven last September on the Shankly Gates. These embarrassing chants that were show yesterday only indicate to me personally what kind of people use the deaths of 39 and 96 football fans as a tool for cheap point scoring. At the end of the day its a game of high passion but its time the clubs, Premier League, FA curb this as much as they profess about kicking racism out of football. Until then moronic people who weren't even born when these disasters happened will continue to sing them. They need to be educated on what the meaning of supporting your football team is about because singing about dead football fans like themselves is not it.
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
FA Cup Tradition's Continue
Critic's devalue the competition no end but the FA Cup last weekend showed why the competition does matter. The FA Cup was the competition I grew up adoring and watching as a young boy in 1992. A moment that would signify why I would support Liverpool for the rest of my life will always have my affinity towards this great competition. The venue was Highbury, FA Cup Semi-Final - Liverpool vs. Portsmouth.
A young 20 year-old Darren Anderton gave Pompey the lead late in extra-time, until a late dramatic equaliser by Ronnie Whelan from a John Barnes free kick sent the North Bank into delirium and young me flying around the sitting room going banana's. For anyone who can't remember the game here is a video of the goals below:
Just like last weekend's games - I have witnessed Liverpool experience humiliating losses(Barnsley, Blackburn, Bolton, Bristol City, Portsmouth and Reading over the 2 decades since the above) and some excruciating defeats (96, 99 vs. Utd, 2012 vs. Chelsea) to name a few. But it is all part and parcel of a competition that continues to provide moments like these.
Luton Town and Macclesfield Town without doubt provided the most noteworthy scalps, both defeating Championship League leaders Cardiff and fellow Championship side Wolves respectively. Both former League clubs who have fallen on hard times inspired moments there supporters won't forget for a while and showed the spirit of the FA Cup does exist despite the financial disparity.
Brighton knocked out a second-string Newcastle side for the second in a row at the Amex, with a 2-0 win and an opening goal that would grace any goals of month/season contests. The skill by Orlandi to score the opener was nothing short of brilliance. A big club like Newcastle their wait for a win in a competition they sorely covet hurts, a good opportunity wasted in my opinion.
Another notable shock was at the City Ground when newly appointed Nottingham Forest manager Alec McLeish experienced a knock out blow to getting his feet under the table as a struggling Paul Dickov's Oldham Athletic. Coming off the back of removing most of the backroom staff came away with a shock 3-2 win to send McLeish's men crashing out at the first hurdle. For Oldham set-up a glamour tie when Liverpool head to Boundary Park in what is sure to be a banana skin type game if anything is to by after Liverpool's win over non-League Mansfield Town.
Other mentions of the weekend, Robin Van Persie rescued a replay for Manchester United at Upton Park with what can only be described at a world class goal. Fantastic pass from the evergreen Ryan Giggs set Van Persie on his way to West Ham's goal and two touches later it was in the net.
Swansea grabbed a late goal to send their tie to a replay against Arsenal, a cracking goal from Kieron Gibbs had given Arsenal a 2-1 lead with 7 mins to go at the Liberty before Danny Graham struck to snatch a replay at the Emirates.
Eddie Howe's League 2 outfit Bournemouth almost caused a shock at the DW Stadium as they held Wigan to a 1-1 draw. They will bring Roberto Martinez's men back to Dean Court for a replay which will give them a good incentive to cause a shock.
Moving to the 4th Round draw - unusually their isn't a stand-out tie as of yet with replays to be decided. Potentially Stoke vs. Manchester City would be the tie to stand-out for me but with Aston Villa travelling to Millwall which will sure to be a tasty encounter at the New Den. If Leeds can progress a tie with Spurs awaits which would be a throw back to over a decade ago when they clashed in the Premier League would be another tie to watch out for, Birmingham and Lee Clark will have something to say about that however.
All in all it will be interesting to see how the competition pans out over the coming months. Hopefully it will continue to surprise the critics of the competition and keep the traditions intact that made the FA Cup great.
(Hopefully Liverpool can make amends for last season's final defeat!!!)
A young 20 year-old Darren Anderton gave Pompey the lead late in extra-time, until a late dramatic equaliser by Ronnie Whelan from a John Barnes free kick sent the North Bank into delirium and young me flying around the sitting room going banana's. For anyone who can't remember the game here is a video of the goals below:
Just like last weekend's games - I have witnessed Liverpool experience humiliating losses(Barnsley, Blackburn, Bolton, Bristol City, Portsmouth and Reading over the 2 decades since the above) and some excruciating defeats (96, 99 vs. Utd, 2012 vs. Chelsea) to name a few. But it is all part and parcel of a competition that continues to provide moments like these.
Luton Town and Macclesfield Town without doubt provided the most noteworthy scalps, both defeating Championship League leaders Cardiff and fellow Championship side Wolves respectively. Both former League clubs who have fallen on hard times inspired moments there supporters won't forget for a while and showed the spirit of the FA Cup does exist despite the financial disparity.
Brighton knocked out a second-string Newcastle side for the second in a row at the Amex, with a 2-0 win and an opening goal that would grace any goals of month/season contests. The skill by Orlandi to score the opener was nothing short of brilliance. A big club like Newcastle their wait for a win in a competition they sorely covet hurts, a good opportunity wasted in my opinion.
Another notable shock was at the City Ground when newly appointed Nottingham Forest manager Alec McLeish experienced a knock out blow to getting his feet under the table as a struggling Paul Dickov's Oldham Athletic. Coming off the back of removing most of the backroom staff came away with a shock 3-2 win to send McLeish's men crashing out at the first hurdle. For Oldham set-up a glamour tie when Liverpool head to Boundary Park in what is sure to be a banana skin type game if anything is to by after Liverpool's win over non-League Mansfield Town.
Other mentions of the weekend, Robin Van Persie rescued a replay for Manchester United at Upton Park with what can only be described at a world class goal. Fantastic pass from the evergreen Ryan Giggs set Van Persie on his way to West Ham's goal and two touches later it was in the net.
Swansea grabbed a late goal to send their tie to a replay against Arsenal, a cracking goal from Kieron Gibbs had given Arsenal a 2-1 lead with 7 mins to go at the Liberty before Danny Graham struck to snatch a replay at the Emirates.
Eddie Howe's League 2 outfit Bournemouth almost caused a shock at the DW Stadium as they held Wigan to a 1-1 draw. They will bring Roberto Martinez's men back to Dean Court for a replay which will give them a good incentive to cause a shock.
Moving to the 4th Round draw - unusually their isn't a stand-out tie as of yet with replays to be decided. Potentially Stoke vs. Manchester City would be the tie to stand-out for me but with Aston Villa travelling to Millwall which will sure to be a tasty encounter at the New Den. If Leeds can progress a tie with Spurs awaits which would be a throw back to over a decade ago when they clashed in the Premier League would be another tie to watch out for, Birmingham and Lee Clark will have something to say about that however.
All in all it will be interesting to see how the competition pans out over the coming months. Hopefully it will continue to surprise the critics of the competition and keep the traditions intact that made the FA Cup great.
(Hopefully Liverpool can make amends for last season's final defeat!!!)
Monday, January 7, 2013
Suarez-gate
Once again the headlines are attributed to the Uruguayan magician, this time for a handball to give Liverpool a 2-1 victory at non-league Mansfield Town and passage to the 4th Round tie with Oldham.
Luis Suarez as I have said on here in the past that divides opinion be it for the artistry, football brain he has to the diving/racism controversies. Yesterday, a split second brought the furore back into focus where Suarez is concerned.
I use an analogy that former Celtic and Southampton manager Gordon Strachan used to the describe the predicament Suarez was in: ""if you park your car on a double yellow line you ain't gonna ring the council and tell them"
Would a defender have to tell the referee he blatantly fouled a striker no. It happens week in and week out in the Premier League and top level football all around Europe by all clubs and players some who are probably the best. Another example, Roy Carroll against Spurs over a decade ago. Pedro Mendes half volley from the half way line lobbed over Carroll in the United goal and was well over the line.
Did Carroll get the blame for not owning up...no the officials did so I ask why is it one rule Suarez and another for a different player who knew well enough that it was goal. Is that construed as cheating...no because the officials got it wrong and the same can be said of yesterday.
So much so that the officials construed it as non-deliberate certain papers ran with the story that Suarez's celebration showed some disrespect to Mansfield...the fact Suarez celebrates his goal in that way all the time just shows anything where Suarez is concerned is fair game. The kissing of his wedding ring, his kids name on his wrist is construed as it is shows how far some to push the lad out of the game altogether.
In writing you have to be objective. It can be hard at times especially when it concerns you're own club and player. I have been critical of Suarez for his dives no more so than his most recent one against Stoke at Anfield back in October but the sheer xenophobia towards Luis Suarez to me is downright wrong.
As a human being, how he hasn't sued for defamation as of yet is beyond me but as Luis said before Christmas "I don't care what people outside of Liverpool think" - he has been pillared this morning by the newspapers yet the officials get away scot free. But no one is going to mention that will they.....Suarez isn't a saint we know this but there comes a time when the xenophobic ways of the media incl. commentators(Jon Champion, yesterday was a disgrace by the way), sports writers et. al have a duty to their watchers, readers and listeners to do what is right but don't. But they don't feel the consequences of what the preach or write.
Luis Suarez as I have said on here in the past that divides opinion be it for the artistry, football brain he has to the diving/racism controversies. Yesterday, a split second brought the furore back into focus where Suarez is concerned.
I use an analogy that former Celtic and Southampton manager Gordon Strachan used to the describe the predicament Suarez was in: ""if you park your car on a double yellow line you ain't gonna ring the council and tell them"
Would a defender have to tell the referee he blatantly fouled a striker no. It happens week in and week out in the Premier League and top level football all around Europe by all clubs and players some who are probably the best. Another example, Roy Carroll against Spurs over a decade ago. Pedro Mendes half volley from the half way line lobbed over Carroll in the United goal and was well over the line.
Did Carroll get the blame for not owning up...no the officials did so I ask why is it one rule Suarez and another for a different player who knew well enough that it was goal. Is that construed as cheating...no because the officials got it wrong and the same can be said of yesterday.
So much so that the officials construed it as non-deliberate certain papers ran with the story that Suarez's celebration showed some disrespect to Mansfield...the fact Suarez celebrates his goal in that way all the time just shows anything where Suarez is concerned is fair game. The kissing of his wedding ring, his kids name on his wrist is construed as it is shows how far some to push the lad out of the game altogether.
In writing you have to be objective. It can be hard at times especially when it concerns you're own club and player. I have been critical of Suarez for his dives no more so than his most recent one against Stoke at Anfield back in October but the sheer xenophobia towards Luis Suarez to me is downright wrong.
As a human being, how he hasn't sued for defamation as of yet is beyond me but as Luis said before Christmas "I don't care what people outside of Liverpool think" - he has been pillared this morning by the newspapers yet the officials get away scot free. But no one is going to mention that will they.....Suarez isn't a saint we know this but there comes a time when the xenophobic ways of the media incl. commentators(Jon Champion, yesterday was a disgrace by the way), sports writers et. al have a duty to their watchers, readers and listeners to do what is right but don't. But they don't feel the consequences of what the preach or write.
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