Torres, Torres, Torres!

Git

2011-06-19T17:38:00.001+01:00

Renaming Blog

2011-03-12T12:37:00.000Z

Torrid! Torrid! Torrid!

Anfield Lost?

2010-06-15T20:49:00.002+01:00

Art Vandley RAWK website

There are changing the sign over the tunnel to This Was Anfeld. So we've finally got rid of Rafa, the one man who tried in vain to keep a club together after he rumbled the Snake oil Salesmen that is Gellicks. This new poise of respectability incorporating the sale of the club, using Kenny Dalglish as a veneer while making out that Rafa was the sole disrupting force within Anfield. Pulp fiction at its best.

All this however has left a bitter taste in my mouth and football is a bit more cynical, dishonest and spiteful. This club now divides not unites. Two owners! I knew it from the start, sure we tried two managers and look how that worked. Liverpool now resemble the Western Front, British Lions led by British donkeys. But taking pot shots at gamblers who do what gamblers do, is wasting my time writing and your time reading.

Kitster on RAWK

Well I'd love to see FanShare take over the club, I don't know how realistic it is. Its alot of money and with the debt as well. I don't know much about high finance but I know when someone is taking advantage. The whole mess stinks to high heaven which will make a rescue all the sweeter. But we are in for a long game of Texmex stand off.

Best of luck Rafa, you deserve it and to any player who leaves. I did like this whole team, yeah there are children only a mother could love some would say. So we could be seeing plenty of changes. This isn't Liverpool as I know it but rough and smooth etc.

And goodbye to Torres, Torres, Torres! While it wasn't the best season to write about, I found it difficult to keep up to date and the writing tailed off as I became disillusioned by the whole sorry saga. Still worth doing. Anyone who has stuck reading this thanks also. Que Tumble weed blowing up the street and the creak of a long abandoned door. We'll always have Old Trafford.

PS I'll choke if I see Torres playing for another English Club. Football can be cruel.

Like the song says - Walk on

2010-06-06T19:04:00.000+01:00

What else can you do?

Liverpool 0-2 Chelsea

Well what did you expect?

Hull 0-0 Liverpool

Well I expected a bit more than that!

So what's next?

Rafa Rating: n/a

The Confidence rating: 35%

Final Position: Seventh

The Fall of the Liverpudlian Empire?

2010-05-03T10:32:00.001+01:00

The Last Legionnaire?

RAWK .com Art Vandelay's

While I dislike martial similes, I am going for a classical take on a current crisis.

Team Performance.

The season will be over in 3 or possibly 4 games. Time to reflect on a difficult year for us Reds. The implosion of Liverpool took pace this season, as the club showed all the ability of glass to stop sunlight. Some facts

Premier League to date 26/04/10

Played	36	W 18	D 8	L 10
		50%	22%	28%

	Games
	1st Ten	2nd Ten	3rd Ten	Last 6
Won	6	4	5	3
Lost	4	3	2	1
Draw	0	3	3	2	Total
Points	18	15	18	11	62
% available	60%	50%	60%	61%	57%

Longest winning streak 4 games in first 10

Longest losing streak 2 games in first 10

Longest drawing streak 2 games twice in second 10 and last 6

Knocked out of Champions league group stage. W 33% D 17% L 50%

Knocked out of League Cup 2nd round W 50% L 50%

Knocked out of FA Cup third round by Championship team after 2 games plus ET L 100%

Currently Semi Finals of Europa Cup to date W 57% L 43%

Now I don't know what Xabi Alonso is worth, but maybe even 10 points in the league, maybe qualification from CL, maybe 5th round FA Cup and leave the league cup out of it, so we'd be fourth in league and Lyon are in the Semis of CL, us? Maybe. Could 1 man have given us this. It is very tempting to say 'yes' now. But the reality could be different. What do maybes do? Comfort blanket but sooner or later you get out of bed or go insane.

We've lost fourth baring some miracle, with 2 games to go I wouldn't bet on it. 4 less draws 1 less loss = 11 more points and we'd be sitting pretty ok. Fine lines. But all teams can do this, agreed but this was not beyond us. We only put 1 decent run together from Jan only to implode again. Cup runs turned into crap runs.

Individual Performances Marks out of 10, Notables.

Renia - 8/10 consistent all season, possibly won't win Golden Gloves but that is hardly his fault entirely

Carra - 5/10 Shop stewardship ceased and his performances improved.

Gerra - 5/10 Shocking and he admitted it, better when bringing others into the game than trying to be the 'Saviour'

Torres - 6/10 Beginning to think we'll never get a full season out of him, but even a half season it better than most.

Johnson - 6/10 Not bad, great going forward, a bit suspect in positioning can leave the backdoor open unnoticed.

Masch - 6/10 Poor start and a strong finish.

Lucas - 6/10 Didn't do much wrong, just isn't as brilliant as people want.

N'Gog - 6/10 I thought he did well for his début season, scored against Utd to boot.

Maxi - 5/10 making an impact now

Aqua - 4/10 showing good signs, but made of glass?

Agger - 6/10 getting back to fitness.

Yossi - 4/10 Started the season so well, injury massive dip and improvement.

Reira - 3/10 Skill and attitude poles apart.

Insura - 5/10 Giving his best.

Dirk - 6/10 Willing but sometimes unable, all heart.

Auerilo - 4/10 Scarlett Pimpernel

Average : 54% and magically inline with our points percentage: a season of halves.

Manager Performance

Rafa Benitez the bane of every hack's back. He has been accused of everything. They are giving out him staying now its that he is going. He got money but the Yanks won't invest. Boring. Fair to say Rafa had a bad season, but unreasonable attacks from media this and last year would have made a statue weep. I admire for him sticking when the fan took a hitting.He tries to resuscitate a dinosaur that is beheaded by Gellicks. He has spent to buy but the hacks will still peddle lies to continue agenda. If not Rafa who? Liverpool is fast becoming a 'persona non grata' with managers as it is put up for sale for too much is the same as not selling.

Will he go to Juventus or not? We'll just have to see. Gellicks may pull a rabbit out of the hat at some stage but I won't hold my breath. Roy Keane or Tony Mowbray or even possible Gordon Strachan as manager, with a negative budget and a team like a cloudy night. Welcome to Realfanville, a place that needs your support not hanging on its coat tails. Then again football has become a commodity I see people getting disillusioned

Burnleyed Out

2010-05-01T14:22:00.000+01:00

Burnley 0-4 Liverpool

Max the spot

timesonline

A kinda of flat dismal win, except for 2 great goals from Gerra and Maxi. Aqua gave reasons why Rafa took a punt on him, a splendid splitter to allow Maxi in to finish in style, pity we didn’t have Maxi from the start of the season, pity a lot of things. With the two previous draws we have allowed the 4^th place pack to take the inititive and we are scraping. You can see all we want to do is try to win the Europa Cup, and let Chelsea beat us next week. What a depressing thought, let Chelsea win and deny the Man Utd the title, but as needs must.

Even the match reports went to talk of other things, Burnley were unlucky not to score. The fact that Burnley were budgeting from the start of the season to go down, which can be read both ways, beaten before you start or failure to compete. The table doesn't lie, well except for last season.

Rafa Rating: 80%

The Confidence Rating: 40% pass mark

Position: Seventh

Torres Who?

2010-04-24T09:52:00.006+01:00

Liverpool 3-0 West Ham Utd

Einstien N'Gog Go

Guardianonline

One small point to help understand the contempt that obvious Liverpool disliking commentators (bores) is that they call David N GoG, not N Go. Even the lady who reads the news on 4fm can get it right. But genius is to be misunderstood.

Good win, boring draw, brilliant win, absolutely boringest draw and good win. Such is the sequence of Liverpool's past few games. Do we really kneed Torres? Classic.With Nando under the knife we put Ham to the sword. Blimey on a roll. Yossi started the season well then got injured and his form made absolute zero feel like a stiff breeze. But back on the score sheet with rumours of his impending summer sale to Russia. Thats 'can do ' attitude for you.

So out comes Lawro who now attacks Rafa for his agents revelation of the Juventus job the day after Hillsborough's 21st Anniversary. Honestly I don't know how Lawro can use this as a stick to beat Benitez with, some will though. Since I began the draft, the daft Lawro has has to withdraw his piece (of.....) from the Mirror.

Lawro talks football

whoateallthepies.com

According to some reports The Hammers weren't up to much and their fans gave a better performance than the team, singing 'we're gonna win 4-3' Burnley next so a dire draw or a loss who knows. Science can't solve everything.

Rafa Rating: 80%

The Confidence Rating: 39.05% 40 being a pass mark

Position: Seventh

Drawn Out

2010-04-14T20:14:00.000+01:00

Liverpool 0-0 Fulham

Are those the only 2 playing?

timesonline

Its rare to see 2 teams fight so hard for a clean sheet on both sides. Liverpool had numerous chances but less conviction than was needed. I could drone on about the ‘quality’ but I can’t. 4^th place and possibly 5^th passing by will each point dropped. But football like life has no guarantees. At this rate we might not even qualify for the Europa league, unless we win it.

Although many couldn’t wait for the season to end, a canter to the finish may have help rather the stuttering, stalling jalopy we’ve become. Gerra was what the season needed as he brought about the best from his team-mates against Benfica, can he do this regularly or was this a one off?

Aha and we thought we would get fourth, easy! easy!

telegraphonline

With 3 nil alls on Sunday before 4 o’clock maybe it’s the end of season malaise. Rafa has been nitpicked all season and there is almost a cottage industry on the ifs, whats and buts about will he, won’t he and coulda, shoulda, woulda. Conspiracies abound, it feels like Rafa will leave, so now it can be someone else’s responsibility whether we win or lose. G+H leaving a rouse? God I miss underage football at least it was honest.

Now all football is rubbish expect Barca. Which is quite depressing. Roll on the World Cup.

1 point forward 2 points back

2010-04-10T10:34:00.001+01:00

Birmingham 1-1 Liverpool

Open door policy

Guardianonline

Proving you should never insult the Italian army, Liverpool surrendered to the Brum in the style that should rechristen the club ‘The Big Easy’. N’Orleans may have a relaxed approach to life resembling our laissez faire approach to playing football.

Rafa is losing support faster than Finna Fail, with only Brian Cowen least popular to some people but he is more popular the any bloke from Anglo then again not so difficult. Football and money will they ever part company? A lot is made of Rafa’s stubbornness, but I don’t know how a normal man would have survived the last 2 years without an extraordinary something. When we won it was deemed a good thing, when we lose it’s rather a bad thing. Success brings out the fickleness in people, Stalin was popular in Russia and was successful as a sort. I mean Vlad the Impaler would possibly have looked up to him in admiration. But if he started any of those antics in your local pub he’d be arrested. Point made.

I’m sure if SAF started a losing streak again his chewing and sideline puppet show would come in for some criticism among certain quarters. Everything is relevant to everyone’s point of view. In the history of arguments there has been no winner, except the one who looks for truth but the other guy doesn’t know that as he isn’t. So what is the truth? Aristotle defined if as ‘if a man says of what is, that it is he speaks the truth, but if a man says of what is, that it is not he does not speak the truth’ definitive enough. So let apply to Liverpool the wisdom of the ages and sages.

Liverpool are playing frustratingly, this is the truth. While SAF opines we played above ourselves last year, maybe, we are playing below ourselves this year. I say maybe to SAF as losing Xavi and Sami while taking a punt on Aquilani has lessened our ability. Aquaman is a good player and I rate him, if he can settle to the EPL is a gamble like a lot of foreign players. Rafa has to take 33%, Players 33% and Owners 33% of the blame that is the truth.

However who has the right to win the league or any trophy? Nobody. But a lot of factors will help in your pursuit. The era of Forest winning back to back European Cups are gone, if they were ever here. Upsets happen and they are great because of the randomness of it and the boredom of the constant. Who didn’t like to see Stephen Hendry or Tiger Woods beaten by a underdog? Maybe its just my own envy. If Barca were to win everything now and forever Yawn! While I wouldn’t say following Liverpool is fun its a lot more interesting now. So back to the truth, Liverpool cannot sustain a level of over achievement on a permanent basis, but losing like winning becomes a habit.

Leaving the back door open defensively cost Liverpool once and so nearly twice against Rangers South. But with a little luck we’d have stuffed them, N’Gog was unfortunate and you could see he was a little blunt, but Nando sombreness reflected Liverpool’s . There is a problem with a player stamping his personality on a club, the talisman and untouchable. When Keane’s personality became a problem not an asset bye bye, but with Gerra it is ‘but we’ve no one if he goes’ Toxic is a toxic does. The papers and fans ask did you see his face when Torres went off, I did and Rafa should has subbed him too if that’s the case, its ‘sleeves up’ time of the season. I’ve always said no matter what level a player is at, if he is playing alongside someone who has not faith in him, watch him drain away, I’ve seen it too many times. I’m not suggesting lets all be best friends but help the guy out ipso facto the team.

So where do I get off criticising Gerra? I suppose I'm pointing out where I think LFC have gone awry, but what about the factors contribute to Stevie's malaise. Maybe he looks around and thinks 'Blimey!' and the way we play I wouldn't blame him, but I wonder if Liverpool and Stevie fit anymore? He is a fabulous player no doubt and the way the club is run it doesn't suit. The obvious question is can we continue to build a tream around him? Lets hope so.

Cheer up Steive G, oh what can it mean?

Guradianonline

Rafa Rating: 15%

The Confidence Rating: 36%

Position: Sixth

Surrenderland

2010-03-30T19:50:00.001+01:00

Liverpool 3-0 Sunderland

This one for you Chingers

Timesonline

Not since the Italian Army decided that retreat is the better part of valour, was a group of men disempowered by another. It was going to take more than a beach ball to get Sunderland out of this one. As one of Fergies Sleepers who try to raise their teams game while playing against contenders and like SBSA try their own vocal version of mind games, this was a potential banana skin.

To be fair to Steve Bruce he was gracious about being put back in the banana box but he was left feeling 'deflated'. Who dictates where Gerra plays? If he has a bad game he is in the wrong position, if he has a good game it was because he played in the wrong position? Rafa damned if you do and damned if you don’t. Dion Fanning in the Sindo reckons Rafa is going, whether now or later, and keeping the club together for so long is probably his greatest achievement. It brings into stark contrast of what kind of plan do Hicks and Gillett have?

These both are businessmen trying to make a profit, so why are they killing the goose that lays the golden egg? What madness has inflamed their brains? Was this supposed to be a quick sale? Mania knows no answers because it doesn't know the question.

Match of the Day 2 my least favourite football show, gave Liverpool about 8 mins and did not reflect the quality of the game, most of Liverpool’s critics were drooling over the performance, so thanks a bunch Adrian Chiles. What more can you say about Fernando Torres? Only he seem incapable of scoring a tap in. His two goals were supreme, not only for his finish but for Liverpool’s approach. I can’t explain no scratch that won’t explain those goals. You have to see them. Johnson’s wasn’t so bad either. Even the misses were glorious. If Reira was annoyed before he must be like a dog now.

'Arry watches Brucie do an impression of a beach ball

mailonline

If Torres can stay fit what a FIFA World Cup, as its advertised, we have on our hands. Because of my Spanish lineage I will be following Spain, but I'd be doing it anyway over my adulation of Nando, with Argentina as my back up team. Roll on June/July.

Rafa Rating: 90%

The Confidence Rating: 37.5%

Position: Sixth.

No Devil's Owen

2010-03-25T20:15:00.018Z

Manchester United 2-1 Liverpool

Satan's little helper

Retro Yakking

Spiderman was on hand to help out, when Utd where awarded a penalty for the longest tackle in the world, a full 10 yards it took to foul and bring Valencia down, though his standing foot was outside the area. Apparently the Ref phone was crackling so he didn’t hear the SAF order to send Masch off. Torres in that classic Spaniard disgust kicked the spot and nearly scored too. Class is permanent.

After Torres had scored an excellent goal, I got nervous, it is very difficult to hold on to 1 nil for 85 mins and duly we conceded by the 11th, with help. Utd to their credit know how to use the ball, if not as spectacularly as before but pretty effective. Deciding we didn’t need to make any scoring chances until the end of the game may have worked if we defended better. Fluffing our chances certainly worked against us. I always thought Park was a bit handy, and so it proved. I always though Neville was a bit of a git, and so it proved.

Stephen Gerrard thinks ‘ if you want me to run 5yards to put pressure on a player, that’s overtime’ Displaying all the body language of a passenger awaiting the Titanic's demise’ who said football wasn’t fun. The other Mr Liverpool Carra is talking a great game. So Mr Mister is unhappy with the dregs they have to play with, and the journalists mourn the loss of medals for Carra and Gerra as they stayed too long in a relationship that was going nowhere. Fools for love.

Will Rafa go?

Get out you dog! Rafa’s fault! Destroying a great institution! Too stubborn! Too defensive! Too boring! Too negative! Too much!

His contract is a disgrace! Too expensive! Holding the club to ransom! Gary Neville copying his goatee! Got my order wrong!

How’d he get the job in the first place? Lucky manager! But then Napoleon thought luck was the best attribute for his generals.

Blimey, I wouldn’t blame him for slipping us a fifty. Would I like to be hounded by the pro SAF media? It’s the nature of the job, said a belligerent report, who salivates over British managers and SBSA.

I fought in the war - Shut up Uncle Albert

RAWK.com


Rafa Rating:	20.00%
The Confidence Rating:	35.48%

For whom the Bell Ringer Tolls

2010-03-19T20:59:00.001Z

Liverpool 4-1 Portsmouth

Paper:Paper I used scissors on the last Ref
timesonline

'My soul runs free, coz Monday millions rescued me' or millionaires. Yes Blue Monday is put to bed New Order, and now we are still in 4th place trouble. With Aqua scoring his first and generally looking the buy we all hoped he was, we brush Pompey aside with all the effectiveness of a volcano. A goal eruption.

What does one expect when Torres plays? Much. So it was. How we missed his goals. Even Babs got in on it. Carra didn't complain much, expect Riera did. Therefore bringing a short walk of the plank of his Liverpool career. Ta ra Lad.

Now that we face Benfica in the next round of the Europa Cup, I wonder we don't do well against Portuguese teams. 'Make that any team' sniggers SAF. You just got to keep your sense of humour.

Not Avram a laugh
timesonline

Rafa Rating:	70.00%
The Confidence Rating:	40.00%

You've lost that lovin feelin

2010-03-13T14:08:00.000Z

The heart wants what the heart wants

The Unrighteous Brothers?
Gettyimages

Stevie wants more praise, Carra wants more contract, Rafa wants more points, with all this wanting more, where is the love? From the city that brought you 'All you need is love' maybe the 3 boys should head down to the Cavern Club for a few pints and listen to some Beatles tribute band sing that song because in the end of the day love is all that will save Liverpool's season now.

Even money won't buy our way out of this as the transfer window is closed thus proving 'Money can't buy me love'. Either that or drop the two of them and put in Aquilani and Kyrgiakos.

Grinding out a loss

2010-03-09T14:01:00.000Z

Wigan 1-0 Liverpool

How to win friends, and influence people
timesonline

He who dares wins. He who doesn't bother loses , or they who.... Seemingly our loss was as richly deserved as Wigan's win. Yes that gesture maybe to the ref, but it could easily be addressed to Rafa, fans and Liverpool FC in general.

The World Cup is on players minds and the prevention of injury must be a concern, 'so sod it we are goosed after all and I need to play this summer. ' Thoughts maybe of other clubs or a shiny brand new manager may fill the hours of empty time.

Carra stated he was not afraid to go to other clubs, its just too sarcastic to say on last nights performance we may not be afraid to let you go. I think players who start talking like that in the media lack a certain something for the club.

Facts:
1. Liverpool are playing rubbish.
2. Its down to both manager and players
3. If both don't find some common ground its over.

Can Liverpool come back from this? To be honest I haven't seen Liverpool in this sort of crisis ever, even when Souness was in charge there were different criteria. There were no top 4 places with a lucrative Champions League run to play for. There were not debts to finance. There was some clarity in ownership and continuity in the running of the club. There was already assembled a squad who had won the league. Fergie was only beginning to put things together at Man Utd.

Now we see Liverpool beginning to look like the death of a Star turning into a Black Hole. Once emitting light to now drawing it in. Becoming the opposite of what it once was. 'So what I've my own problems' you say.

The only solution offered is get rid of Rafa, players, owners, ball boys, women at matches, pork pies or a combination of all. The other side is manager/players/owners have plenty of money to relax on and can be tempted by a 'better offer'. We are all in this together, sooner it is realised the sooner it may end.

Here ends the badge kissing.

anunvieldface.wordpress.com

Rafa Rating:	15.00%
The Confidence Rating:	37.93%

Lets get physical

2010-03-02T11:17:00.000Z

Liverpool 2-1 Blackburn Rovers

ONJ rocks the Blackburn Christmas Party

http://www.wkdk.com

When Sir Big Sam of Gesture talks we all get to listen except maybe for Rafa. Reminding of Uncle Albert and 'the war' SBSG constantly pines of Rafa and Liverpool. Now that the accusation made by SBSG that Liverpool are a physical team ( he'd much prefer we'd lie down), though his team gets all the yellows and none of the reds so deserved.

G&T were back to put Liverpool in front after Carra gave away a peno for handling on the ground, SBSG may have preferred not the get the peno so he could accuse the Ref, Rafa, Liverpool, the pitch, the Kop and anyone wearing anything red anywhere, of BB getting nothing at Anfield and justify whatever blah.

Watching, waiting, biding his time.
theguardian online

I suppose SBSG may consider himself the new late Cloughie, who knows. Last time we played them he has a heart operation now it maybe his eyes, though Rafa may get arthritis due to excessive gesturing. The feint hand touch after the game, only fractionally loses to the the John Terry v Wayne Bridge air five, the meaningless gesture of the weekend.

Now that Torres wants as much time playing for Spain against France we have more things to concern us. I'm almost as obsessed as Sam about the gesture, pot kettle.

Rafa Rating:	50.00%
The Confidence Rating:	41.67%

Record numbers at staring competition

2010-02-22T20:00:00.000Z

Manchester City 0-0 Liverpool

(Peeeeeep!) Thank God he's blown the final whistle
timesonline

A game that did nothing but put a dent in both teams ambitions to claim a Champions league place. The reports of this game were tediously dull as reporters tried in vain to dream up witty similes to tell how turgid viewing was. No doubt the Optrex counter was sold out around the ground and city centre as Boots became the only beneficiary. Talking of boots it seems both teams may aswell have elected to play in their socks for all the errors and endeavour. Winning ugly you can just about stomach but losing and drawing ugly can only be accompanied by Galviscon.

God your team is boring. Snap!

mCalcio.com

The heart I thought Liverpool were showing is beginning to wane again. Is this a relationship coming to an end? Staying together for the sake of the fans? The grass is greener and all that.

Liverpool can play better football, we know this, it is a fact. Why are we not then? Does all the trying, effort or desire in the world bring the result you want? The more you want it, the more you get it? If you can answer these questions on a postcard to Anfield L4.

Rafa Rating: 15%

The Confidence Rating: 36%

Snore Win

2010-02-15T19:28:00.000Z

Arsenal 1-0 Liverpool

Who you staring at La?

dailymailonline

The old '1 nil to the Ar-se-nal' cliche came back to haunt a dispirited Liverpool. Arsenal were there for the taking but Liverpool have a style complex playing them. Rather than doing what we do, we try to keep up with Jones. I don't mind winning ugly as we try to build up the confidence and launch from that platform.

I think we began to play just before the goal but it took on an urgent feel after that. But it was the type of game that would come down to who would score first. So it happened.

This will be a twitter type post as I've not got used to this keyboard yet and it plays havoc with the text.

Destroyer Dirk sinks SS Toffee Pot

2010-02-11T19:45:00.000Z

Liverpool 1-0 Everton

Man Who? Ex Devils Dirks little helpers

Timesonline

What price a Kuyt? Loved by no-one but Liverpool fans but a guy who seems to be doing SG’s job i.e. single-handily keeping us afloat, Cap'n of HMS Anfield. Shiver me Timbers who’d have thought it. There seemed almost as much red and yellow on the field are there was in the Kop. Tackles of the Hunter, Giles, Bremner and Harris variety abounded. Each giving as good as they got but in Fellini and Pinnear’s case it was 10% extra free.

What made me laugh about the goal was both Howard and Neville were both fouling Dirk but actually kept him in place to glance home. The Unfriendly Derby was stoked up! Typically the ‘small club’ jibe was out in force and context at the same time. David Moyles has seen the SAF ‘knock ‘em of their (expletive deleted) perch’ work and decided he would do the same. But he fails to realised that Grahame Souness did give Fergie odds. It’s a little different this time around.

The game itself resembled 80s football at its best, so a nice nostalgic trip. At one point Everton had 83% possession in a 10 minute period that Andy Gray almost celebrated like a goal. Everton had a 54% higher foul rate and a 200% higher offside rate so Huzzar for that! With being the ‘Toffees’ one wonders if exists a cup of the same confection that all may get a lick off when Liverpool are beaten. Yummy.

The Media has gone from Liverpool losers to ugly winners, no pleasing some people. We have begun to look solider at the back and losing Kyrgiakos for a 2 footer, but he was doing an impression of an envelope possibly why Fellini stamped him. Lucas had a great game, as did Masch and even SG up the game with a great defensive performance. David N’Gog had a good game holding up the ball and had a few attempts, I like to see that at least. Dagger with Insua and Carra we excellent at doing what was required.

Everton should and can play better than that so it is a credit to Liverpool with 10 men to pull off 3 points. Main worry was the injury list due to the bone shaking nature of the game. O’Donovan impressed as much as anyone for Everton.

Rafa Rating:	70.00%
The Confidence Rating:	38.46%

Olympiakos spits teeth

2010-02-01T19:23:00.000Z

Liverpool 2-0 Bolton Wanderers

Greek bearing gifts.
sky.com

Sotirios Kyrgiakos

Indeed it was so, in the time of Benitez the Humble, did a Spartan hold the Valley of Anfield and none did cross this day. A Ronin, an outcast, rejected. Thus he was sold for a paltry sum. Could only the humble see his value?

Verily did it take time to nurse him back, he did struggle in his new surroundings. Needful to gain the respect of his compatriots, not easily given. Long he waited for the day to prove his worth and lo! Did it arrive.

Ably assisted by the Argent Man did they prove courageous before wilting hearts. The Roman assisted leaping to direct the Flying Dutchman. The day was won, the field intact. Faith repaid.

σας συγχαίρουμε

Bird survives wolf attack...... just

2010-01-27T17:53:00.000Z

Wolves 0-0 Liverpool

A game of no halves

telegraphonline

Apparently some guy woke up from a coma today only to be back in the thick of it a few hours later after this installment of Rip van Winkles guide to Football. I watched this game on Aertel and it was supposed to have been more exciting than the actual game. I had a feeling about this as a potential banana skin but as some MP said of Geoffery Howe after an attack in Parliament 'It was like being savaged by a dead sheep' quite.

Be it media trick or truth by most accounts Wolves were the better team. Stevie G was back to be marked out of the game, a tactic employed to great effect by many teams now. Maybe he doesn't get it. That he, like all footballers are 'touchable'. I'd have preferred to start with Aquilani, more creative with others. But this teams picks itself to disastrous effect.

Pass to the Dutchy

2010-01-21T20:22:00.001Z

Liverpool 2-0 Spurs

Dutch Master

timesonline

This previous fixture was the opening game of the season, we looked bad then and you know the rest. Now that we won maybe the 2^nd half of our season will take a better shape. ‘Appy ‘Arry looked like he was at a revenue meeting toward the end. Another false dawn in a season of false dawns? Hopefully not.

Unfortunately I missed the opening goal due to TV malfunction, so it was a surprise when after 18mins that I could see the game we were 1 up. But that left us 84 minutes to defend. It looked that was the preferred tactic to employ. Spurs played well and Liverpool looked the more nervous obviously understandable, an early goal can have numerous effects. Spur the opposition on, panic for the defending team to the end, euphoria over taking the lead causing giddiness etc.

The game was never a classic but I was all over the place watching it. It was however a 6pointer with the top 4 finish race taking place. Spurs added aggression to flair but like us in the last few months lacked a cutting edge, which is saying something with Defoe, Crouch, Keane, Jenas and Modric in the line up. 1 blooper moment when a back pass to Renia allowed Defoe to rob and poke home but called offside moments earlier.

Fans say it best

telegraphonline

Aquilani was magnificent for me and us. Everywhere lovely passing, exchanging and flicks. A major pain in Spurs flesh, gained the plaudits he deserved after been written off as an expensive flop. Even it he could be kept fit for only half a season it’d be almost worth it. I can see why Rafa wants to pick the games he plays him. Thank God for Kyut again a workhorse or maybe even workhouse but he is that player that only own fans enjoy. Sorry Carra but the back line seems better with you at right back, Kyriakos and Skrtel played well as did Insua. Degen I’d keep if we could keep fit but Bale tried his best not to.

I think Spurs sensed blood after we had played Stoke, I can’t remember them playing strong arm tactics before. Degen getting more attention than a rabbit turning up unexpectedly at a fox hunger strike, and needing more attention from the Physio.

Their passing was excellent as was their attempt to keep the ball alive. Jenas hit a fine shot which Renia typically saved.

I hate the 2 man team argument as every team is greater than its individual parts. I would hate to think and it may be happening for all I know, that the first thing that comes to a player’s mind is ‘Where is Gerrard or Torres?’. If so I’m glad its fallen apart so that the rest can step up.

On Rafa how can a guy be so disliked for doing his very best in awkward circumstances. The willing horse gets all the kicks.

It was like that when I got here.

Timesonline

Potters but not magic ones.

2010-01-18T20:15:00.000Z

Stoke 1-1 Liverpool

Taxi!
timesoneline

I think we’ve turned the corner, not Liverpool but the bile that has been thrown at Benitez by the media, some people actually (albeit slightest minority) defended his position, his constraints and the ludicrous personal attacks.

Like a friend says ‘Its hard to play against bad teams’ Stoke looking to benefit from Liverpool’s loss of form and who’d blame them. 2 goals of the ‘batter them in ‘ variety did little to beautify the game. Losing a goal toward the end hurt, getting at least 1 stone wall penalty hurt but hitting the upright to win the game didn’t. Conversely it gave a little hope, that this 2 man team nearly put a hard tackling and big team to the sword after a particularly difficult week.

(Twitters) I'm gonna sit this one out.

telegraphonline

Pepe played well under increasing pressure and can’t be blamed for goal. It was good to have Masch back, Kyrgiakos, Carra, Skrtel and Insua played well until the end but a corner is everyone’s responsibility not just the positioned defence.

Midfield worked hard to create Lucas, Degen, Aurélio Masch, but Dirk was so deep he may as well have been in the centre. With Wash Ngog up front on his own was muted with the wall of flesh and bone. Aquilani though possibly brought on a little to late showed why Rafa wanted him with a sublime flick to release Insua who feed the cross for Dirk's header off the post. Maybe that is my criticism of Rafa on Saturday, but I understand his reasons.

Ref had a blinder. Its a conspiracy with a Mason in the middle.

I thought Stoke played a bit better last year did football’s new Wimbledon. Big guys, big tackles, big throws and big boots. Their fans have a unique sense of humour, not sure I get it, not sure they get it either.

A difficult season is a difficult season and it doesn't just get better because you want it to. It was good to see the players step up for Rafa.

Phil Brown Guardianonline

Media Watch: Going from 'Losing the fans' to 'Poor old Stevie G' again.

Rafa Rating: 30%

The Confidence Rating: 31.75% nearly at the pass mark.

A Season of F A

2010-01-16T11:14:00.000Z

FA Cup
Liverpool 1-2 Reading

'With hope in your heart', murderers barely get as much media focus
telegraphonline

When you lose to a lower division team after playing for 210 mins, its easy to conclude things are getting worse. Managing Liverpool has now become the most difficult job in football. Souness had a heart attack, Roy Evans was split in 2, Gerard Houllier had a heart attack and Rafa looks to be having a banger soon.

The lack of spirit in Liverpool is palpable, Reading showed spirit and patience keeps the day. Rafa is now on a standing count and has until May to save his job. We are now left fighting on 2 fronts. 1. To get into the top 4 and 2. The Europa Cup. The way we are playing at the moment none of this seems possible. Working is fine, but if the robotic nature (receive, stop, think, play) of Liverpool does not give way to the freer expression of football this demise will continue. Again toothless in attack, we can get the ball to the 18 yard box and we stop, we look for a pass, or move it out wide for a poor cross, but our shooting is chronic. That Joie de vivre to score goals is gone. Even our free kicks couldn’t muster a save from the keeper.

Aquilani seemed the one bright spark in the 2nd half but he looked a yard ahead over everyone else. Our defence has an inferiority complex that low self esteem would make fun of. Better a boot camp in Siberia. The wing backs are good at attacking but poorer at defending counter attacks, Our centre is devoid no matter who plays there. Yossi it seems was given Donkey placenta such the performances since and I’m a fan of his. Through on goal with the Keeper to beat and hits it straight to him.

Dirk was well below par 1st half better 2nd, sometimes I feel the others step down to allow Gerrard to ‘express’ himself but it is a team game with a very bad habit of giving the ball as a first option almost to the captain as if he owns the ball. Carra maybe should have taken Rafa’s advice and stirred it up in the dressing room it’s a bit late when you are on the park and all is falling down around you. We all make mistakes. Dagger gives crosses like the ones he prefers to defend. Lucas and Aquilani were working well together until it all fell apart. N’Gog got no decent ball and fluffed a chance, while Ryan is able to control so well and the subsequently lose the ball in the next step. Cavalieri was genuinely upset at the end of the match. Insua maybe suffering from fatigue, Degen looked very good attacking and not bad defending. Torres was not on long enough and Gerrard created an own goal from a half chance. Real stars bring the best out of others not bothering about their 'shine'.

It hits him now

timesonline

Reading looked decidedly comfortable compared to Liverpool. Cool, organised and faith in their ability, it may not seem this way in the Championship but in the Cup they are transformed. Underdogs with nothing to lose, is not a cliché for nothing, it is amazing the transforming effect it has. The passed, controlled and crossed well, picked up good positions and went for Liverpool on the counter attack. They had better chances than Liverpool they failed to take. Liverpool seemingly feel apart when things again didn’t go to our plan. They deserved it so well done to them.

Rafa held the expression of ‘where did it all go wrong?’ I suppose we are all asking the same. Can Rafa turn it around? I don’t know, I was blistering while watching the game. Like a runaway train it can stop or turn it just follows the rails until smash. The pressure is building and he will either crack or please God haul himself and the team out of this. If the rumour of losing the dressing room is true its all over regardless. Do the players want to keep Rafa in a job? Well they’ll have to prove it. I said earlier we had only 2 fronts to fight on but we have 3, its time we fought for ourselves, our club, our supporters and our manager.

Time will tell.

(Hypnotises) You will play with heart, please.

Guradianonline

Media Watch: What do you expect out for blood.

Rafa Rating: Down but not out

Season so far Rating: Blimey!

Slightly over half term report.

2010-01-04T19:56:00.000Z

Grade: C-, Not working to potential.

Headmaster Rafa tells it straight.

The Beano Comic

Fernando Torres returns home to face his mother who is now reading his report form. Now he has been sick over the half term so he was behind and had to catch up. Which he did well achieving the fastest 50 league goals for Liverpool. But I think she is more worried about the crowd he is hanging around with.

With Voronin, Babel and Dossena smoking around the back of the bike shed, flicking butts at the ‘goody two shoes’. Riera and Yossi are doing well in biology with Horse placenta application. Johnson and Masch are off sick. Previous Star Pupil Stevie G isn’t bothered as he has been offered an apprenticeship with the local garage owner. N’Gog and Insua have been pushed up to the higher class as they were too good for ordinary level. Lucas is the kid that can’t do right for doing wrong. The back four gang with its leader Carra is falling out with each other, potential leadership battle with Agger and Skrtel.

1st Years Darby, Spearing and Kelly are doing their best but experience will be a dear school. Class Prefect Pepe is trying to keep order but so many of the boys just want to do their own thing. Laughing and messing in PE. With Bellemy gone we’ve no-one to play pranks on Headmaster Benitez. Poor Dirk is the student who works so hard will burn himself out. Aquilani the new foreign lad is taking time to blend in.

Too much sniggering and back chat in class means we are behind in the syllabus. With other schools advancing up the League Tables no one will want to send their prodigies here.

The 1 all draw in the FA cup wasn't the worst result of the weekend, but a game more than we need now. Earlier I wrote we'd know more after Christmas and now we do, a scrap between us, Aston Villa, Spurs and Man City for the 4th slot. On current form with will be either Spurs or City, not that I'm writing Liverpool off, just waiting on the result of our next game against Spurs.

Ricky, David and Aston

2009-12-30T18:35:00.000Z

Aston Villa 0-1 Liverpool

Mr Universe
telegraphonline

Nick Faldo during his very successful golfing career to gain better advantage decided to dismantle and reconstruct his swing, his career was less successful subsequent to this, there may have be other factors but this was regarded as pinnacle. Liverpool as I watched last reminded me of the same, playing a more laboured style of passing then last year, it was as if they were thinking of what they were doing rather than doing it by rote.

A fairly balanced game, trading few blows in a blizzard. A big game for both, shows where the LFC have descended to this year. Years ago Des Lynam coined 4^th it the new 1^st and so it becomes. With Man City now resurgent under Mancini it is becoming more interesting. Both needed the win, I don’t think a draw would have suited both ambitions.

Milner and Reo Coker both impressed me in attacking intent. Aquilani whose own country is noted for its winter skiing, looked bemused as someone being introduced to the Coliseum by deception the expression ‘What! Its snowing’ rather than ‘What! It’s a loin’. Already being derided after his 2^nd full start by Ivan Speck in the mail, give the guy a chance. Alberto expressed his surprise of the intensity of the English game after Wolves, will be well versed after this. A more natural attacker, his tackling is adequate. Worked well with Lucas.

Volleyball?

timesonline

A surprising thing happened on the hour mark Liverpool seemed by default or design to loose the shackles and started to play to a similar style to last season. Considering playing away to a form team in a vital game began to dominate but as with most of the season the final pass/cross/shot/inter play/ position was lacking. Like the talented violinist who practising all his life, gets the chance to play a recital then suffers Stage Fright. That is right until the end. Villa had a great chance from the corner in the first half when Dowling left unmarked at the back fired a strong volley with Pepe on pure reflex saved. Keeping us in the game and inspiring a bit of confidence. There was a comical incident at the start of the 2^nd when he had to change his boot to the cries of ‘Effin’ Scousers, always cheatin’ ’

It was becoming clear that a mistake would win the game and though Liverpool had the most of the 2^nd half Villa had a purple patch toward the end and came close twice, but Liverpool particularly Torres would not give up on the points, taking the ball in his stride and while others would have looked to pass, pulled the keeper out to slot in the only space left on goal. Pure motion, pure Torres. A late winner and welcome winner. However an earlier incident with Dunne and Kuyt was a penalty we were not getting

In reflection both teams looked nervous, cold and tentative. I think Liverpool took the initiative earlier with Villa coming good at the close. Both sides produced flashes of endeavour and skill. Have we turned the corner? More looking around it at the moment but a result against Spurs will be 2 steps forward not 1 back.

Pass it on!
telegraphonline

New Years Wish: Arsenal for the League, LFC into CL

Media Watch: Generally OK with much praise heaped on Torres.

Rafa Rating: 70% 2 wins in a row.

The Confidence: 35% getting dizzy.

Wolves howl about anything Red

2009-12-28T12:55:00.000Z

Liverpool 2-0 Wolves

So good he booked him twice.
telegraphonline

Seemingly as Rafa pointed out last week the sending off can change a game. Liverpool were lacklustre for the first half but still had a few chances as did Wolves. Doylers coming close midway. Wolves fancied their chances against a Liverpool in turmoil. Sent out their A team and they may have pulled it off.

But the stats show that Liverpool were the better team by far, and it could be argued that the first goal was of such quality that it may have happened with Ward being on the pitch. Much is made of his sending off with Reina coming in for stick running the length of the pitch to remonstrate, which was a bit much. But I think it is understandable when you consider some of the decisions against us this season, beachball and Degen against Fulham.

Catch this Rafa.
telegraphonline

Though Yossi wasn't up to much until he scored the goal, I though Liverpool should have won it by more.

Media Watch: The complaint has gone from losing badly to winning badly.

Rafa Rating: 50%

The Confidence : 31.58% blimey we've broken out of the 20s. 7th Position

Wrong Port in this Storm

2009-12-20T09:24:00.001Z

Portsmouth 2-0 Liverpool

You and me both Nando
telegraphonline

Who could have predicted this season, let alone this game? With every game more an ever increasing call for Rafa's head. It is getting quite difficult to defend with any reason but with only gut instinct Rafa's position.

How can a manager cope when all else fails? Ask Sparky. Another woeful display. A few journalists accusing Masch and Torres of use of the elbow, suggesting on top of everything we are now a dirty team. Rafa's 'Perfect' mantra. Liverpool are beaten but how much is it our fault rather than just 1 man?

Rumours flying about of Carra's and SG loss of faith in the manager. A want away Masch. Selling Torres to pay the debt. Etc.

Taking nothing from Pompey they deserved all they got played with gusto, and scored 2 crackers, Liverpool were there for the taking. Its as sad as that. With other teams beginning to have a bad run, we can't even capitalise. But when Birmingham overtake its head scratching time.

Dion Fanning in the Sindo a reasoned journalist who looks beyond the hype talks of a need for revolution and I think Rafa has done that for the team against the owners. Typically people will argue he is doing it for himself, I don't agree. Paul Tomkins of the Tomkins Times on line suggests most of the fans who don't want Rafa actually don't like him. I agree too. However if another was in charge for the last 5 years how would things have gone? Impossible to know.

But if owners, team and fans turn against you all seems lost. I agree it is logical to blame Rafa, he has made mistakes and plenty but who has not? For all fans of Mourinho, Guillem Balague suggest Jose is aware of our financial problems and would not take the job under these conditions. Real suggestions and not fanciful dreams I'd rather, but then again nothing surprises me anymore in football and possibly life.

The only revolution we have missed is I think in the team itself, some are not playing for the manager or each other. But as Dion Fanning notes there is a revolution from the fans who by a small group are determined as possible to wrest the club back off the money men. Share Liverpool the group of fans who are trying to buy out the club, and to be honest most committed fans would prefer this of all their clubs.

Up here for thinking.
Guardianonline

Media Watch: What do you think?

Rafa Rating: 35%

The Confidence Rating: 24% 8th position.

Shanks alot

2009-12-19T20:47:00.000Z

Liverpool 2-1 Wigan

Hair raising stuff.

Timesonline

The hardest win comes after a series of bad results. The 50^th anniversary of Bill Shankly was always going to overshadow this game which seemed to be a typical mid week winter league game.

David N’Gog pilloried by the expert classes, is doing fine for his first full year I hope it continues. No he isn’t a Torres but he is getting goals and that is what he is employed to do. Torres then gets his 100 on Shanks 50 just to tie in. Then a late goal to keep up the ‘conceding late goals’ style of game we currently employ. I’d much have preferred to keep the clean sheet.

By all accounts Wigan were unlucky when they hit the crossbar but Liverpool were thwarted by 3 efforts from Kyut before and after halftime. The slow reconstruction of Liverpool begins. One game at a time as Kenny Dalglish used advise. Stevie G got the lowest rating of the players on the Telegraph’s report, a symptom of playing in a 4 4 2 as behind the striker in 4 2 3 1. We all have to pull together even if its not our preferred.

Honestly SG is playing through the motions and his body language confirms it. He is so good it looks as if he is doing well, he is not. Not by his standards. When the title tilt went it seems so did SG’s season, but that is only my opinion.

The Rafa attack this week, is he is destroying Shankly’s legacy or returning the club to pre Shankly days. Pure guff. You’d wonder what Benitez has done to warrant being such a media ‘hate figure’. If he defends himself he is wrong, his team selections are wrong. Wrong! Wrong! Wrong! The constant media rant. It seems you either are a media darling or you are not. I’m glad Rafa’s children are not old enough to read the utter tripe and bile written against their father. The media have their whipping boy and the blood lust won’t seem to abate until execution. I can see them driving him out of English football to whatever end.

Though Shanks was before my time, I obviously admire the way he built Liverpool but his ending was inglorious. Still turning up to training etc he was given short shrift. I know you can’t have a ex hanging about when you are trying to move on but it seems his expulsion lacked a certain sensitivity and if the urban legend is to be believed he spent his time watching Everton, imagine that. However it is only a rumour. Though they are all belittling Rafa compared to Shanks it seems even the greatest gets kicked when his down.

Media Watch: Colin Young's coloumn in the Mail about the draw for the CL started with his first 2 paragraphs deriding Liverpool for not qualifying. Go figure.

Rafa Rating: 50%

The Confidence Rating: 27%

Gunner have to do better....

2009-12-14T19:46:00.000Z

Liverpool 1-2 Arsenal

Wish I didn't miss that sitter now

Telegraph on line

And so from a winning position the LFC conspire to lose again. Affairs are so awry with Liverpool I can only conclude that a conspiracy lies at the heart of the club. The malaise in this Liverpool similar to the Bounty before the mutiny.

Contrary to popular myth Bligh was not a tyrant but typical of the Royal Navy Captains at that time. The mutineers had become accustomed to the easy Island life after a delay of 4 months due to weather, having taken wives and girlfriends (now known as WAGs). They rebelled against Bligh’s attempts to get back to ship shape. Then encouraging Fletcher (not Darren) to mutiny. Hence Bligh was arrested and set adrift with his loyalists. His subsequent epic journey to safety is highly regarded in Naval circles. Having resumed his career he achieved the rank of Vice Admiral but suffered a second mutiny as Governor of New South Wales. Fletcher and his followers included some it is alleged kidnapped Tahitians/ Polynesians escaped to set up a community of their own on Pitcarin island. He tried to govern fairly but disputes between both groups caused friction and deaths including his own.

So what are we left with Bligh Benitez and the Merseyside Mutineers, all will be well if we got rid of and went our own way. Not necessarily if we consider the Bounty. A failure to take our chances in the first half cost us in the second where after we went down it dawned that we didn’t do enough in the first half and we didn’t do anymore in the second. The bemused ‘How’d that happen?’ faces revealing what the next 30 mins may add up to. The ground swell of ‘Its all Rafa’s fault’ is natural and maybe even correct. But can anyone blame him for Torres miss, no Stevie G penalty or Johnson's OG?

A Celtic fan at the game comments in the Times ‘Even more surprising to me, however, was how reluctant the Liverpool fans are to criticize their team. I understand that you should give your team encouragement but that shouldn't stop you giving your team the proverbial boot up the backside - you've paid your money, you at least deserve to see the players putting the effort in. Too much talk about Rafa, not enough talk about the poor response of the players.’

Like the Cork hurlers the players often get more slack than necessary. Without scapegoating anyone, but everyone top to bottom. Clubs like empires rise and fall, is this Liverpool’s turn? I want, like all Liverpool fans, to see the team do well. However there seems a lot going on in the background.

'Ha ha! Remember that time you didn't get a penalty. Priceless!'
telegraph on line

Maybe H&G/Players don’t or won’t match Rafa’s ambition. Maybe H&G/Players don’t like Rafa. Maybe Rafa is a limited manager. Maybe a new man will rejuvenate the LFC or not. It is obvious many elements at the club are pulling in different directions and only some form of decent unity can give any hope of competing. Financial clout means a lot. At times like this I still admire fans of clubs who don’t achieve, who still follow the team in hope of something good happening, living off scraps. This is not to demean maybe they actually like football more than me. Whatever the outcome like the Bounty people will go other ways to differing ends.

Go on get off Rafa, Plank!

Religionnews.com

Rafa Rating: 25%
The Confidence Rating: 22.92% all hands on deck

Black day at Blackburn

2009-12-06T23:25:00.000Z

Blackburn 0-0 Liverpool

Hmmm Diouf!
Timesonline

Sam Allardyce is not the only person needing heart surgery Liverpool could do with a transplant. Pity the journos who were given a 500-1000 word report on this game could have been summed up in the scoreline alone. The night before I had the misfortune to fast forward through GI Joe, only for Sienna Miller and she was poor but beautiful enough, could I have been less entertained this weekend. Maybe the paint fumes helped me cope. As boring as this game was to listen to on the radio this must have been the most non entity to watch. A shot off the crossbar the closest either team got to scoring. Think of all those billions of Asians who watched this game late of night, at least they would have slept after this.

Sir Big Sam of Gesture called Liverpool one of the best teams in Europe, maybe its the medicine, so by default Blackburn must be good. I think the midweek euphoria of beating Chelsea in the Carling Cup on penalties (watch Chelsea cry about that one) is still coursing through the veins. The only good news is Utd are only 2 points off Chelsea in the league which coincides with my theory (stated early in the season) that Chelsea are getting more of the rub of the green than they deserve

Can’t get enough of that wonderful Diouf
Guardianonline

Clearly its all the manager’s fault. So say half the forums and that is wholly understandable, but the media’s focus of attack is now Poor Old Stevie G, last year it was Robbie Keane. It is a known fact that Liverpool have destroyed all of Stevie’s dreams. Stevie like Harry Potter would have had a grand old life except for Voldemort Benitez. The now scarred Stevie P is left wondering about the suffering he has endured and the anxiety about being the ‘Chosen One’ who can challenge Rafa Riddle and restore Hogsfield. Then one night Bill Dumbleshanks appears in a dream and tells him to join up with the Order of the Blue Lion to stop SAF Malfoy getting his insidious 19th Deatheaters and a league medal into the bargain to boot. Huzzah!

A gestureless SBS yesterday.
dailymail.co.uk

Rafa Rating: 30% how does he cope?

The 'Confidence' Rating: 26.67%

Confidence Continuum

2009-12-04T20:23:00.000Z

Everton 0-2 Liverpool

....and then I do this!

Photograph: Jon Super/AP

The Bitters vs the Betters but after this display who could it apply to? Playing Everton is like the part of the job you hate doing but know you have to, if you could you’d put it off till the end of the season and then play reluctantly. 2 nil win is a 2 nil win and that’s 2 dreadful wins in a row as opposed to draws and losses. There were some good positives but as I could only see the highlights the rest must have been a dire midfield tussle.

A hopelessly early goal with a late goal to finish and the business is done, a couple of offside goals so David Moyes can have a rant and some decent goal mouth action with a superb double save from the Pep was as much as MOTD would allow. Everton and LFC both had the long ball as an option, but it wasn’t a derby for the diary.

The beachball effect

BBC Website

Everton’s injuries are playing havoc with a pretty decent side and despite David Moyes’ reluctance to blame injuries for the teams slump by doing so he is actually making the case. Fuzzy logic. These days any admittance to weakness is failure, we have to inhabit a forever positive spin world because of what it will do to the ‘Confidence’. The ‘confidence” is the bedrock of everything now it seems, regardless of its tangibility. You could be standing over the corpse, shot it in the back with the gun smoking in hand and as long as you say it was suicide with the ‘confidence’ thats enough for some people especially if they have some investment in you, particularly financial.

‘Football is a funny old game’ opined Greavsie but its fast becoming a laughing stock, but I suppose it was always that way. Hicks/Gillette, Utd and LFC servicing debt, handball, video ref, Blatter and FAI. I remember as I was growing how shocking it was that entertainers got paid more than people who did essential jobs, but then maybe entertainment helps the ‘confidence’. Liverpool and Everton played without the ‘confidence’ on Sunday but you’d never know as Liverpool won 2 nil without Torres which gives the team the ‘confidence’ and Everton missed players played better in some patches and were unlucky which helps the ‘confidence’. Fellaini used his elbow to draw blood from Lucas which may mean more of the ‘confidence’ for Fellaini and less of the ‘confidence’ for Lucas but you will be wrong because that would then effect the ‘confidence’. The ‘confidence’ is the new petrol, its what the game/society moves on.

If we don’t keep the momentum going it won’t affect the ‘confidence’ because the FIFA co efficient may cause an amendment and revaluation to the ‘confidence’ which is all a fuss about nothing and I say that with the ‘confidence’.

Rafa Rating: 50%

Season So Far Rating: 23.81% improving the 'confidence'.

It ain’t no doubt, but we is out.

2009-11-26T19:22:00.000Z

Champions League Review

The only way is up……?

Timesonline

I didn’t review the CL as it takes sufficient time just to do the league games and now that I’ve switched to Vodafone Mobile it takes longer. However I decided to make some comment of the ending of the CL early this year.

The final laboured game v Debrecen is proof of our pitiful group stage. A team low on confidence is a team low on confidence regardless of opposition, though there were some positive points, generally the malaise that started just before the Chelsea game continues and like the neurotic that has worried itself into the corner it now has nowhere to go but come out, something its incapable of doing until it does it. We continue to play the blame game rather than football. Fans blame players blame manager blame owners blame credit crunch blame banks possibly blame fans, cercle vicieux as the French pine, except for Henri.

Injuries are having a major impact, as is tactics, as it negative press and the frustration of trying to make things happen. Maybe a relaxing week at a spa or some reflexology would help ease the stress that is so obvious in Liverpool at the moment. The dreaded backing from the Chairman hangs like the sword of Damocles over Rafa when will it fall? Like a family Christmas which degenerates to a slagging match so is the Liverpool family, everyone has an opinion and everyone is right, but what are we going to do about it?

'Right that's it, I'm outta here!', but which one?..............

Guardian online

Everyone connected with Liverpool is upset, upset mainly because we are in a slump and not winning, so we have to find a solution, but I suppose the mature reaction is, you are going to hit slumps and the only way out is when its over. Banging your head against the wall will no doubt take your mind off your head ache but in the end you'll just get worse or you get through it, some solutions can't be forced they have to present themselves.

Lately the media's pincer point of attack is not only disparaging Rafa but to wallow in what could have been if Gerrard left. He wants to win the league title and after a run like this he may think he will never win it with Liverpool and could have should have gone years ago. We are more likely to win a Soap Award than the league at the moment. Can Liverpool survive if Stevie goes?Utd are doing alright without 2 of its last years stars. So will Liverpool's carcass be picked apart by the Vultures of European football? I'd rather not but when self interest is put first regardless of position in the club it is bound to falter. Man Utd is still bigger than SAF, possibly why he has been able to succeed for so long. Sure money can buy instant success but to build a dynasty takes more.

Can Liverpool build a dynasty? Sure but you can apply that to any club give the right circumstances, when Jimmy Hill and the PFA broke the maximum pay, it meant players no longer played with their own town/city clubs so went further afield and brought their talents to other teams. Huddersfield and Preston North End, Sunderland, Blackburn Rovers and WBA are a myriad of clubs who have won the league from its inception, whereas financial powerhouses win it now. Liverpool may or may not regain the type of supremacy they once had and football is always evolving. But the league won't be won on demand. Chelsea are playing well this year, but Liverpool are misfiring, Arsenal did and Utd are not at their best, so nothing is straight forward.

So onto the Europa league and so what, a good run in any cup is a good for football clubs so boo hoo we are not at the top table football doesn't end their, it does for some then that's a problem I suppose. We may even meet Athlethico that would be interesting. But the worst news this week is that we may have to share a ground with Everton.

Its called Anison! No its Goodfield! dailymail on line

Howling at the Blue Moon.

2009-11-23T21:33:00.000Z

Liverpool 2-2 Manchester City

Who needs Torres?

Timesonline

1,000*10/50-200 over 1,000,000/5*0.15-245,000+216,242-1,242 a complex enough equation but it cancels itself out, somewhat like Liverpool and Man City on Saturday. On a day when Colin and Nev were watching Chelsea dismiss Wolves while staying near the Battersea Dogs Home, Liverpool and City poked each other repeatedly like fencers with corks on the tips of their foils, no chance of inflicting the jab to win the bout.

While it is always good to see a defender score it wasn’t so good to see his hand in 2 of the conceded. Poor old Martin Skrtel, joy and despair life as is. Yossi was on a gallop for the 2nd goal has that has anything to do with Horse Placenta? Possibly, but I swear I heard ‘giddy up’ a couple of times that game.

Man City came with their huge squad and cheque book and left with same plus a point. City always look dangerous around the 18 yard box with neat passing and interchanging. As opposed to Liverpool’s play it out wide to play it back in, at least David N’Gog had the talent to flick over head and shoot which inadvertently deflected to the on running Benny.

Spot the Ball - Unlucky Sparky

Its fair to assume Liverpool are under a curse, for many reasons top to bottom, owners, injuries, selection, set pieces and confidence. How else could you explain it? With two players gone in the first 18 minutes Agger and Babel proof it any needed.

But 2 draws in a row, we call that progress. So much for Garreth Barry’s revenge over Rafa’s comments it got better when he went off, still I’d rather have him at Anfield than not. From winning to drawing to losing back to drawing and a penalty shout. The last 45 mins were exciting if nothing else. Liverpool’s main challengers to the 4th position in the Champions League entrance exam and its as if both clubs are trying to allow the other the slot. Will this now give Spurs the impetus to go for fourth with a 9-1 win it makes a very big statement but obviously not as much as 10 nil but impressive all the same.

The general consensus is that we switched off after the goal, which is true. Stevie Gerrard did go quite by his standards but with carrying an injury it is understandable, he did keep going as best he could, Dirk has now become the main source of complaints as Lucas has improved week in/out except for the header. Masch had a fine game, Insua and Carra both played well. Yossi will end up player of the season and even deserved his bucket of oats, no man of the match accolade, even though he came on and off as a sub. It’ll be the glue factory for us if the injuries keep piling up.

Yossi

priceinspector.co.uk

Rafa Rating: 52.5% but could minus 10% for second draw.

Season Rating: 17.95% or the value of your pension fund, thanks banks.

Tears before bedtime, Brummie Hell

2009-11-11T20:43:00.000Z

Liverpool 2-2 Birmingham

Why sink or swim when you can dive?

Photograph: Mike Egerton/Empics Sport

In Hell Satan probably has a brummie accent and if not must be Norn Irish. How the trinity of Whelan, Dunphy and Giles cackle. I was spared the Dunwiles hive mind opinion on ESPN but that is no praise on it who found a cheaper version to use.

As any football fan will attest, sometimes despite the love you have for your club it will break your heart, maybe unintentionally like a childhood sweetheart, but it hurts all the same. Why? Why do I make a fool of myself when I go out? Who knows? It’s a mystery. For all intents and purposes a fully grown man should not be emotionally attachment to a mere football club. I’ve often said reading about Liverpool compares to someone writing you hatemail about your loved one. ‘You need to get yourself a girlfriend’ is normally the rejoinder from opposing fans,/psychiatrists, who self same fall in to the pit of despair or the height of rage, so even though we are different we are the same.

So as I sat last night ensconced with the poor suffering Tom and Danny, watching some good football from Liverpool, I was unnerved as to the result. Such is following LFC at the moment we can’t be sure if we win/lose or draw. Some say a point gained, I see 2 lost and a goal difference also. There is more chance a tramp having a clean sheet than us at the moment and ironed too. Our league ambitions have been found smoking at the back of the bike shed and been promptly grounded.

A wonderful volley for N’Gog so the pundits can cut the just former teenager a little slack, but again defending like a group of paranoid maniacs who were told before the game someone in red has it in for you. If the Space Shuttle had the same lack of t(h)rust as our defence it wouldn’t muster the lighting of a cigarette. Which links nicely into the bottoming out of confidence and here is Liverpool on a plate. Liverpool are playing good football, but are a blunt blade. Typically football analogy is to grind out the result thus sharpening the blade. Most things work for Liverpool, except the last pass/cross/shot/header/overhead kick/lob/toe driver/rebound etc. Diving seems to work though.

We should have been out of sight by the time this happened, the pragmatist in me says we really needed this result, the sportsman doesn’t like it one bit. I’ve often said (but this blog is a bit like Pandora, the power of prophecy but no one believed her, my wisdom is lost on those who won’t read it. ‘Tomorrow’ they chide ‘I’ll read it tomorrow’) teams like to play Liverpool with men behind the ball and counter and if we can’t find a way thorough we need to starting looking for them to make mistakes in the box and hopefully a penalty to ensue. Its all legal and one way to counter the ‘Bus’ phenomenon. More maybe like Utd but not like Chelsea. The cheat headlines calling N’Gog a cheat were a bit excessive and I sure don’t see them when Drogba plays but I suppose they are so used to them its time for a fresh target, who other than that had a fine game, and there is nothing sweeter than kick a team that’s down.

Birmingham’s goals one soft, one very hard were the result of their only 2 attacks in the first half. Chucho which possibly means train or something scored off a game of head tennis, even Reina is beginning to get the jitters and its showing, part fault of first goal, shouldn’t have been exposed for 2nd but it was a corker all the same. So again we from a point of advantage were now disadvantaged and all to do again. It took a long time, Johnson was superb, I thought Skrtel way too high up the field. Lucas was good and even man marked, sometimes by 2 in the second half. Liverpool are a top drawer team with a bottom drawer spirit. Hopefully will come with a good win. We all thought that after Utd, but maybe it needs something else, maybe a good result against City.

The wrong Benitez or right one depends.
Brummie Website

I shook like the diabetic without the sugar hit before and even after the penalty but Liverpool deserved the 3 points. So I’m hoping we will be out of the relegation battle by Christmas, but they said that by WW1 would be resolved by then and looked how that turned out. We have a similar ratio of injured an all. No offence on Armistice Day. Makes me feel sorry for the Schadenfreude I had about Keano’s run at Ipswich how that came back to bite. Kinda felt like we were playing Everton and I don’t like Monday night football. Maybe there were a few sniffs while listening to ‘Careless Whisper’ on the radio later but that is entirely another story.

Shhhsh... Michael is crying himself to sleep

dailymail.co.uk

Rafa Rating: 52.5% but more 50/50.

Season so far Rating: 22.2% when you say it like that..

Post Rafa lite.

2009-11-06T20:40:00.000Z

Should I stay or should I go?

The Telegraph online

Rafa The Truth

Sometimes you can’t help who you like and the truth is I like Rafa
Do I want him to go?
NO
Would I blame him if he did?
NO
I read the sport pages of 5 UK based papers everyday to see how football is reported/updated, and the level of indignation and spite levelled at Rafa Benitez I’ve found appalling for a long time, mostly after the Robbie Keane affair and the ‘Rant’ at SAF. He has become the Pantomime Villain for the press, as paper never refused ink.

Keano

My opinion of the Robbie Keane affair is simple if he wasn’t going to use Robbie he did him a favour of finding him a club than rot on the subs bench, also it was becoming a soap opera of a distraction. The papers always yell to pick the team and Rafa didn’t bow.

The Rant

Maybe some of it ill judged or ill timed but it shows he was prepared to take on SAF, how many other managers beyond Wenger/Mourinho have we seen do this. None really its what the bigger clubs do. Mark Hughes is doing it now to mark his own territory. But the media frenzy that has followed it was nauseating and repulsive.

For example James Lawton of the Independent quoted along the lines of ‘He should expect it and he is getting paid for it’. I don’t know but I’d hate to go into work and find disparaging and distasteful remarks about me left on paper at my desk from anyone on my ability to do my job, personal insults and constant put downs designed to demoralise me. However I admire Rafa for sticking with it, I mean who’d bother?

Fickle footy fans

The truth as we all attest are the fans of our team we don’t agree with let alone like. Some fans may go beyond defending Rafa some to the extremes to blame him for all that is wrong with Liverpool. Where have Liverpool the divine right to expect we win anything? They say if you believe it, it shows you have the right mental attitude, I believe it breeds arrogance, breeds expectation and breeds contempt. I don’t know how much emptiness Liverpool fill in anyone’s life, but if you need it to you will be very disappointed. In the lust for glory there are many casualties, if the Red Tide turns against him, he will be a goner, much like a lot of managers. I only hope for the best for him if this happens.

Pundits/Media

We all need to be kept informed but if you leave your pundit to do your thinking for you then as a fan you deserve the consequences that it brings. I’m sure ex players love their old clubs but so do the fans who has more right, more say? The one who paid, played or followed? They are all interconnected and should be no player is bigger than the club, well no person is bigger than the club. My views are as valid as Ronnie Whelan’s only if they are true. If you side with the more controversial , or sensible or exaggerated maybe that reflects something in you, but doesn’t make it true.

Listening to Eamon Dunphy I can conclude only that he rates a team like Brazil of 1970 a team so talented and so dominant and so successful. However it seems to be great you must dictate the opposition or certainly outplay them. Now he may not actually believe that personally but it does seem it when he speaks on television. Most of us like a good contest by two teams matched and playing to their strengths. Brazil of 1982 were considered the most talented of Brazilian teams yet they won nothing but plaudits. He doesn’t like modern football too much, possibly too tactical prefers more expression from players but it is there, like all people getting older he harks back to when times were better. I can say despite the swings and roundabouts I’ve enjoyed following Liverpool more now than when we were winning, can it maturity/delusion call it what you’d like.

Not that Eamon Dunphy knows this blog and so respond nor does anyone like words being put in their mouths I can only decipher what he likes from what he says but then again I may have a prejudice against him and that may affect my judgement of him. Maybe like pundits do with Rafa? ‘That Mick King he talks so big and he is full of it’ may be the expression of someone who disagrees with me if they ever read this and in as much as I’d dislike it, it may be true. So this doesn’t give me the right to talk trash of that person, though I’d like to and be tempted to.

Apparently the 7 year old CS Lewis announced to his father 'I have a prejudice against the French' and when asked why he replied 'If I knew that it wouldn't be a prejudice!'

The last thing I say here about it even Wenger felt obliged to stick up for him, that’s a bit of class.

It just makes me so angry!!

Arsenalfcblog

Rafa: Liverpool Saint or Sinner?

Like most of us both and certainly not beyond reproach. He got stuff right and wrong, but I think we are headed in the right direction. Are Liverpool on the same plane as the other top 3 this year? No. But it can be turned around but it won’t be by petulance and tantrums demanding immediate improvement, get a grip. Sure we were all immature at times but now is the time to see the bigger picture.

Could be Rafa goes eventually and we get someone in that gives us more success and we love him for it, but do we love him or the success he brings? I want to see Liverpool do well but not at the expense of anyone, in life we win and we fail. Players/Manager come and go kissing the badge or spitting at it. Liverpool FC is not a perfect club and if you expect it, expect disappointment as an extra free gift.

Comparing a Liverpool now to earlier years is valid in so much as point of view. Would 1989 Liverpool beat 2009 Liverpool? Maybe, maybe not. Liverpool are in transition you either accept it or you don't. Liverpool as a club is not run well but the hope is that times of trial bring their own reward. Fractures either heal or fester. Who you blame it up to you but all have an interest in it.

Does Rafa want to put Liverpool back where they were? I have no doubt.
Can he do it? I hope so, but he may not.
Can he do it all on his own? No.
Can Liverpool compete with Man U, Chelsea, Arsenal or Man City? Only time will tell, and the moment no.

It appears I’m leaning toward a pro Rafa stance, but like with Eamon Dunphy I can only go on what I see. Yes I’ve heard all the allegations against him but in many regards he is no better or worse than many a manager. When you are in charge you are going to upset someone, if by only having a job they wanted etc.

The Bosses

Loading the club with debt, failing to build a new ground, dividing the club along your own lines. These would not seem the most appropriate ways to run the club, no plan is perfect. It will really boil down to where you heart lies. The best for the club or yourself?
Most do a bit of both, those whose self interest is above anything else generally exclude themselves and it causes ructions. For me I think Rafa and most LFC supporters hearts are in the right place, they want to see LFC compete that doesn’t bring success. So do all at Man U, Chelsea, Arsenal and City. Is it no strange coincidence that the wealthiest clubs are the most successful? Its the same in all walks of life.
Liverpool may end up similar to Leeds if only in financial trouble by being over leveraged. The constant struggle to meet repayments and build a successful team is a tall order for Rafa. Judging like for like with others clubs brings a clearer picture. The pressure is coming from the top down and is having a stifling affect on Rafa and the team.
How would SAF, Wenger, Mourinho, Ancelotti fare I wonder in the same circumstances, all we can do is speculate, sink/swim who knows?
Without decent leadership and support you may as well throw the towel in.

Finally of course there are many counter arguments to this but I feel I’ve tried to tell the truth, I’ve no interest other than the whole club at heart and I don’t like to see a good man kicked when he is down, some might argue he deserves it, I don’t. But football is a business now as ever but the financial rewards are so great, lots of things get trampled in the stampede for riches.

Hmmmm.....

LFC Albert Blog

Dead and buried on Halloween

2009-11-01T19:12:00.000Z

Fulham 3-1 Liverpool

Don't want nomora of that Bobby Zamora
BBC Website

A few headlines

Nightmare at the Craven Cottage

Silenced by the 'Hams

Bonfire of Calamities

Lots of things can hurt your eyes, a fist, a snowball, welding without a mask and even watching a game like this. I can't remember when I got so angry about a Liverpool display as this, I was spitting nails like a nail gun on auto rapid fire. Plus a baiting by Jonny Fenton, Mancs a lot.

I had a bad feeling when I sat down to watch this, maybe its those feelings you get on Halloween, Liverpool reminded of the Zombies in the Thriller video but with less rhythm. Resembling all those people you know you work hard and never achieve. As I once told the schoolboy's 'You can dig a hole in the middle of the pitch that's a lot of effort, but it has little impact on the game' except as trap but I'm sure that contravenes the spirit/laws of the game.

During the game I kept thinking Liverpool need to be more relentless, but we seemed happy to hold the ball and go nowhere. Insua for me was complicit in 2 goals reminding me of Steve Finnan toward the end of his time, leaving just enough gap for attackers to move into. Seasoned LFC watchers know when the goals are coming against us and I could see all of them, I saw a fourth but that is Fulham's fault.

Like the man who can't do right for doing wrong Liverpool just could not make the game work but Fulham could. Going behind was never good, Torres strike superb but then sloppiness prevailed and left us on the scariest day of the year losing our nerve when a stake to the heart was needed the mistakes at our heart were needless. Too nice for our own good? No killer instinct? Inability to put the game away?

Now that Liverpool have lost 5 and won 6 we are out of the league, unless by some miracle we win it. Carra's red was deserved, Degen's too harsh. Too many first choice missing but Fulham lost theirs also however I thought what was fielded should have been good enough for a least a draw. Our defence is bereft of cover and acted as mere signposts to the goal for the 3 we set in. Midfield is my concern with time and space allowed for the opposition to hold and create. Have Liverpool been worked out? It seems so. Its beginning to stink of our worst season since Souness. However if Soccernomics is to be believed those who pay the most win the most.

So where to next for Liverpool, Ronnie Whelan stated Rafa just wants to win the Champions League so he can get any job in Europe, does that show the significance of the CL over the Premier League. Jose Murinho became the Special One after winning it not Portuguese league, you now enter the Pantheon of the Greats by winning it above other trophies. It is a prerequisite of winning World/ European Player of the Year ito win or excel in this competition. With Real Madrid having a mini crisis Rafa's name is back in the pot now Ancelotti/ Wenger are committed. But that job is almost as much curse as blessing.

Liverpool in decline?

Liverpool, like all clubs, are now a brand that demands investment. When have an underfunded club won the league? Possibly Derby under Clough, but I don't know the facts to support that. All I know is the 2 richest clubs in England have won the league in the last 5 years, surely this tells its own story.

Liverpool in the 80s had the Moore's family money (Pools) now Utd and Chelsea have more to invest. People go on about Arsenal's quality with limited funding and to be sure its there but they have been trophy-less for the since winning the league 04/05. They maybe the next underfunded team to win the league sure and might have been then. Then again they do have a fine new stadium with increase capacity. Cash is King as the old SCI poster said.

From the Fink Tank at Timesonline: On Liverpool's decline.

So what is behind it? Three things seem worth mentioning. First, they have stayed steady in quality but have changed with their defence getting weaker and their attack getting stronger. They are letting in a large proportion of the shots on goal. They need to put this right.

Second, Xabi Alonso was, next only to Steven Gerrard, their best player. It was a disaster to lose him to Real Madrid.

But most importantly — the money. Our figures show that Benítez outperforms the wage bill. Blame the Americans. Not Rafa.

Is there any romance left in football? Maybe in the Cups possibly not the league, then again its your point of view I suppose.

After the Miracle of Istanbul, is Rafa (or any manager including Phil Brown) expected to perform a version of the Loaves and Fishes to win the league? He'd be better employed whipping the money changers out of the temple, but what chance that? So what can we expect?

Disappointment, disillusionment and disagreement. To my mind Rafa has tried to balance all things out and can resemble the guy trying to keep all those spinning plates up, but some are bound to fall off. We now are a novelty act not the main one.

For you I walk the line

Clickliverpool.com

See last weeks for SAF reaction.

Rafa Rating: 20% and not a penny more

Season So Far Rating: 27%

I saw the corpse twitch! – United beaten by one man team.

2009-10-26T13:12:00.000Z

Liverpool 2-0 Manchester United

Good enough to eat.

Getty Images

Life and irony are like sun and rain, both necessary but one is liked more than the other, because the latter has a tendency to get in the way of how we like it. For instance I have a blog who I'd love was read by my Liverpool supporting friends but I have one actual follower who is staunch Manchester United. Huh? (You can become a follower here ->)

So do I tailor it to suit the sensitivities of my audience or incur the wrath and possible loss of him? Such is the dilemma of the blogger with limited circulation. However the one thing I've learned about debate is, that it seemingly never ends, counter argument v counter argument continues as one or the other tries to alter the perception of each until the possible fall out. Each defends his own to the last. So here goes.

I thought Liverpool were worth the win, despite the controversies. I didn't think Carra was a red as he was nearer the ball and both seemed to be all over each other. I thought Vidic deserved his card more than Masch, and despite SAF's comments on the ref, I can barely remember a second half free kick for Liverpool in front of goal and Utd seemed to get a lot of soft ones.
I never write off Utd until the final whistle is blown and though Utd were under par I think Liverpool gave them more than a game. Valencia was unlucky with hitting the crossbar and Owen was desperate to score or create one. 'Once a Manc, never a red' sang the Kop how Incey must have winced. However Utd's retort of 'Come back when you've won 18 titles, we'll were back' added flavour to the stew that is the North Western Derby. Still the biggest game in the football calender it is true.

Nev you can skip the next 2 paragraphs.

I was particularly delighted for David N'gog to score for all the flak he has received and Lucas had a fine game. Utd to me seemed sharper in possession and passing but didn't not seem to have that attacking flair they are well known for. Buy Yossi was my man of the match at the heart of almost everything, comfortable holding the ball and setting up the play. Carra was magnificent, Aurelio has found his courage again. Insua looked like he was 5 years older. Agger back to his typical form. Masch superb. Kuyt like Mrs Doyle goes on and on and on.... And Torres? Well he just is Torres. The charge constantly laid at Liverpool is the quality of the players and not fit to wear the shirt etc. But one whip is used to flay them the most is 'How many would get into the Utd team bar Gerrard or Torres'.

I used add Carra to this list, however I don't think SAF would say no to a fully fit Agger or Masch or Yossi and I think you could make a case for Glen Johnson. Yes there are individually better players everywhere in the world but blending them to a team is what it is all about. Also worth saying Rafa doesn't get his normal preferred player, you could argue who does? What is any team without its best players? Players suit managers aswell, how many of Utd would Rafa/Ancelotti/Wegner have in their team? Then again Utd win leagues. See what I mean about debate?

The more I read the media the more I see these mantras repeated ad nauseum. A lie told a thousand times is still a lie and if people want to believe it still doesn't make it true. But then again I don't have a monopoly on truth. But on balance yesterday was only 1 game and consistency has been Liverpool's main enemy this year possibly every year. So I said we'd know more after 10 games and now I say we'll know more after the Christmas period.

SAF gives his reaction to Rafa

Daily Mail

Rafa Rating: 80% he'd have to be.
Season Rating: 40% gaining but only ¼ through season.

RIP Title Bid - Part 1

2009-10-17T16:57:00.000+01:00

Sunderland 1-0 Liverpool

Ballon d'Er, took some Bent.

Sunday Time Photo.

If this was the removal I expect Man U to bury us next week. If watching this live was worse than what I was listening to on the radio then you have my sympathy. A freak goal wins what seemed like listening to a cup final. Therein Sunderland should have scored 2 or 3 normal goals.

It is rare I can remember Liverpool being so one dimensional, so devoid of footballing ability or confidence. There have been too many 'bad day at the office' games this season and Liverpool are there for the taking. Liverpool in all fairness seem to be imploding and I don't think this is an exaggeration, it is now a fact. When one comes to this point it either gets better or worse, sink or swim.

The unfortunate thing about listening to the radio is now the ranting and raving. The arm chair managers are out in force and maybe they are right. 'Not good enough', 'Small squad', 'Poor signings', 'Lucas is rubbish', 'Sack Rafa' etc. I suppose it shows they care.

Whatever problems that Liverpool have and whatever solutions are needed, the pressure to protect our 18 titles (now gone), stop Man U getting 19 (we shouldn't be playing football for this reason) is now seemingly affecting everyone with any connection to Liverpool regardless of tenuousness. Some scousers now exist as Man U anti matter, ridiculous.

Utd are one of the biggest clubs in the world with all that comes with that, and the best manager of the last 20 years. So maybe Liverpool's expectations are too high. If Utd = Real then Liverpool should = Barcelona, in order. I'm only saying in terms of support Liverpool are probably the 2nd biggest club in the Premiership, but things change. Chelsea or Arsenal could take that berth within 5 years depending. So it would make sense for Utd to have the lions share of throphies and this seems to be evolving, I mightn't like it but I can't do anything to stop it, sometimes its easier to accept it. Like the new National Lottery game, winners and losers, sometimes there is a benefit to both.

Mitigating factors:-
1. Liverpool had too many injuries, but so did Sunderland during the game.
2. The improvement of Sunderland is catching everyone by surprise.
3. Sunderland were due a good game against Liverpool (it seems everyone is due a good game against Liverpool at the moment)
4. The formation if it worked great but it didn't and may have affected too many players.
5. It was our own fault as a Liverpool fan smacked the balloon onto the pitch. Mind you the goal shouldn't have stood but that's the game.

So where to now? Some responses to some fans concerns.

1. Sack Rafa, even Utd fans hopes he stays as he'll win nothing. I don't agree Rafa brought us to 2nd last year and there was good hope for this year.
2. Hicks/Gillett, they don't seem to be going anywhere at the moment and it mightn't change our season too much even if they left tomorrow, so we have to wait another season.
3. Squad, any team can be improved even Real Madrid lost with all the Galaticos they have bought this season. I'd like a few more players at Liverpool sure but we've no money so its pointless going on about it.
4. Expectations, I've dealt with that above.
5. Liverpool the new Newcastle?, it could actually happen, who knows but maybe not this season. Maybe a tad alarmist.
6. Hire Mourinho. Maybe, but would he suddenly make the players better, would they play better for him than Rafa, if so blame the players for our slump. Would we suddenly get more money for him? Well why not give it to Rafa? Who is the better coach? You could argue all day and you won't ever know distinctly as situations will change.
7. Players/Owners don't back Rafa. Sure its reasonable to think that when things are going wrong on the flip side if things were going better they'd love him, its a fine line. However if that is the case it'd be hard to blame Rafa entirely as he is only one man. If he has lost the dressing room than it is only a matter of time, so there is no point getting wound up as it won't solve anything.
8. Time for Change, indeed all things come to an end, Shankly, Paisley, Kenny maybe we could look for a manager with a Y at the end or Roy Keane.

Blah, blah, blah it can't be laid at one or two places, the fact is the club is lurching into another crisis period as you would expect as the club like the team is not functioning as a unit, and will continue to do so until the major issues are resolved. Everything could turn on its head with a win against Utd on Sunday, a very big ask, then again that is football. Play the ball or get off the park.

That's right Rafa upstairs for thinking...

Sky Sports Website

Rafa Rating: 25% he will probably say different, he might say its lower.
Season so far Rating: 30%

International Break Review

2009-10-10T11:32:00.000+01:00

V for Victory?

"Victory at all costs, victory in spite of all terror, victory however long and hard the road may be; for without victory there is no survival." Winston Churchill, May 13, 1940 or Rafa Benitez 13 May 2010?

Nothing like a bit of stolen patriotic jingoism to make a point. Yes Rafa the next 2 games are vital. Unfortunate picture but I nearly went blind trying to find the reverse. So here we are and by my obscure calculations I would be 40% happy about the season so far. 3 losses but 5 wins and 6 points off the pace with 2 vital games coming up. I always say we'd know more after 10 games of a season, its the barometer I use. Mind you after that I always say we'll know more after Christmas and so on.

Draw to Sunderland and lose to Utd and if Chelsea win, we are 11 points behind, league over for us, I'd have no doubt beyond a miracle. At the start of the season there are potentially 4 teams that can win the league as the premiership shapes us. The fact that only 3 have won the last 10 but with Liverpool coming 2nd last year, you'd look at 4. However Chelsea and Utd are favourites and bookies know their business.

Now if Villa, Spur and Man City keep their early pace it won't be a foregone conclusion as they should take points from the top 4. Winning the mini league of the top 4 isn't enough as LFC found out last year. But picking up points from the Wannabe 3 could have a major factor. We have already lost 6 against them so we can't really afford many more slip ups. This translates to enormous pressure on us at this point of the season and throw Gillett into the mix and the 6 must be laughing.

So top 5 Worries for Liverpool.

1. The more than generous defence.
2. The pressure and the press.
3. Saudi money coming after we are out of contention. I don't like Liverpool becoming part of the United Arab Premiership, but the other 2 are like Snake Oil Salesmen in comparison.
4. The rumours of discontent among many players Masch, Babel etc that affects the morale of others if true.
5. The constant injuries. Agger, Torres with Spain again (does Fergie have someone on the payroll there), the time Aquilani will take to get fit, we again could be out by then.

Top 5 Hopes for Liverpool

1. If we win next 2 games we are still in the hunt, a big order.
2. Gillett will sell soon and thats half a current problem gone, Prince Faisal could be worse but I doubt it. could LFC be that cursed?
3. If the seniors rally the players and things begin to click.
4. The International break may give a chance to regroup.
5. That they may become inspired by reading this blog.

At this point the worries seem to edge the hopes but such is football. Every team has its problems and the ability to surmount them brings the title in the end. Despite the picture above and my talk of the next 2 vital games, its one game at a time.

Pictures: Courtesy thegoalmouth.wordpress.com and V for Victory! blog

Reds Blue it.

2009-10-05T19:15:00.000+01:00

Chelsea 2-0 Liverpool

Hands up if you don't like this. (Eddie Keogh/Reuters)

Its tempting to say in 'Saving Private Ryan' the good guys had to defend at a bridge against the odds, where Liverpool had to play at the bridge against the sods. The headlines Drogba, Drogba, Drogba and yes he is the most infuriating player in the league, so where does that leave Robbie Savage? ( I kinda like him though Robbie not Drobbie).

This could easily descend into an anti Cascarino blog, but I can't allow that, only to say he is wrong when he said Glen Johnson is a bad defender, he took on Drogba well yesterday and never shrank or did Martin Skrtel, yes Drogba's cross was a lovely piece of skill, but is was bad defending for the 2nd goal and that was as much as he did. But what he did very cleverly was to go down easily and stop Liverpool going forward by stopping the game. Pure gamesmanship of a repellent order. If Chelsea had lost rather than won he'd have be ridiculed. Such is the fickle nature of the football journo.

It was a very even affair, but where Liverpool have found it easier to break down more stubborn defences than last year this was one too far with the continual aerial bombardment that Terry so enjoys, Fernando had little more than bruises to show, made a point or several to Terry in the first half, a little spiteful. But goals win games, and its difficult to be too hard on any of the lads. Chelsea parked more buses than Tommie Kavanagh but that is the game.

3 things won the game for me.

1. As I was saying to Tom a mistake will lead to a goal, Javier dawdled on the ball was robbed and 1 nil, it was going to take something like that. After that I thought they'd get a 2nd.
2. Asley Cole's terrifice steal from Stevie Gerarrad in the box as he was about to pull the trigger.
3. Jamie Carra and Fabio Auerlio getting in each other's way and not continuing to follow Drogba in.

3 things that worry me about Liverpool,

1. Our failure to get more men in the box.
2. Sometimes its too laboured, following a plan is great, trusting a plan is better.
3. A loss in belief, made worse by loss to Spurs and Villa.

There have been some screaming headlines and rot written. Gerrard must rue not going to Chelsea etc. Honestly I think that is tripe yes he would have medals now, but football would matter little if medals were all it was about. I know, I know that's losers talk. But it that were the case it would be pointless having 20 teams in the league. I like to think football is a bit more heart and soul, or that's the football I like. We all remember the skill more than the trophies. Bragging rights are cool but mainly for a laugh anyone who takes them more seriously than that I think maybe the real loser.

I'm thinking of changing the name to the lonely blogger in reference to the number of hits but more like the absence of any comment. You'd wonder people must think I don't know what I'm talking about.

Rafa Rating: 9o% that is what he said and who am I to contradict him.

A weak Hull sunk the ship.

2009-09-26T16:06:00.000+01:00

Liverpool 6-1 Hull

Clap handies its child's play. Courtesy of the BBC Website

If the cap fits, wear it. Or in this case a hat. The Internet that fine invention in some ways in others pure rot. During the World Cup of 1958 I would imagine the wireless performed with as much efficiency as possibly the post. Same for me with the broadband.

Every time play was good it dropped the signal I ended up watching the game in Morse Code. Because I was left pressing the refresh with such frequency I almost expected a reply thus this is the modern version of slapping the set, maybe the explanation of the word 'reset' as resetting the bone from the fractures of constant exertions to reignite the television. Refreshed? I was fatigued.

However it didn't drop for Stevie's stunner or the wonder goal of Ryan. But there was only one show stealer at Anfield.

Torres' footwork is now in full swing and the ability to take on a beat players with guile rather than pace brought forward a rich hat-trick. Each goal was taken with a cool head and deft touch. It has been a part of his game lacking, but now brought to the fore front. Though the Hull defence wasn't good, Fernando still had to work the opening. Can you hear the Kop, Fernando? Yossi had a good game now supplying if not scoring, glad he stayed.

Despite my criticism of Carra and Skrtel. I was thinking during the game 'What if Carra got a goal, it may settle him'. Dirk had another fine game in support and what I liked is we continued to play despite taking off Gerrard and Torres. Andriy was even unlucky with a couple attempts

Lucas combined well with Ryan and Dirk neat first time passing which led to Babel's tap in. It really annoys me when Babel scores one of the goals of the season and they call it a fluke. Blimey give the kid some credit.

Man U seem to me to be the most confident team in the league knowing they will never give up and there is always a chance. Chelsea do have a certain self belief bordering on menace and it gets them results, a Wimbledon with better footwork, passing and scoring. Drogba being the new Fashanu (Fash the bash). Whereas both Liverpool and Arsenal seem to be confident when things are going their respective ways but seem to concede easier when not. Regardless with both Chelsea and Man U coming up this month it could be a defining time for our league aspirations.

Rafa Rating: 83.33% I'd expect he'd like to have kept a clean sheet along with the others. Ossie Ardiles when he became Spurs manager a long time back talked of having a 5 man attack and when asked about the defensive frailties this would lead to he opined 'We may win the game 4-3 but it will be an exciting game.' We all know how that worked out but has Rafa come up with the modern version. They had a Klinsman back then but no Torres maybe that's the answer.

Upset by Upton - Nearly

2009-09-25T22:43:00.000+01:00

West Ham Utd 2-3 Liverpool

It takes two baby! The two footed penalty Courtesy of Official Premier League Site and Tom McGrath.

It was a day for the genius of Torres and the calamity of the defence. Is it Glen Johnson's fault? We were water tight almost last year and now de fence is looking more like de wide open spaces. Fernando seems more like the the little Dutch boy with his fingers in the dam and we'll be damned if it keeps going this way.

Set pieces are now our down fall, the Zonal marking thing is under scrutiny and it would be as no goals currently scored from open play and 9 from the dead ball in the league. Has Reina lost his pep? Is he being man marked out of the game? Tony Cas as usual has the best advice for Rafa, 'Big 'uns on big 'uns and little 'uns on little 'uns' as learned from Jack Charlton. There is some basic wisdom in there. However the ease in which the defence concedes easy fouls for easy scoring opportunities is causing me more concern.

Carra must be named along with Skrtel as the Fifth Column at the heart of the rear guard that could be accused of letting the bus through rather than parking it. That bus could be Drogba when we meet Chelsea or the wonderful Michael Owen at Man U and they may be among the final nails in the coffin of the season. Maybe getting ahead here and I don't like slating either player. Could well be Rafa's fault thwarting the natural defensive leanings of both players. Maybe the defence is just no good enough at the moment.

All the same with the tiresome 'Liverpool are at a loss with out the heartbeat of Alonso' car alarm outside the window at night. I don't buy it, we missed both Gerrard and Torres last season for extended periods so it should be the same without Xabi this season, hopefully the others stay fit.

Torres first was a beauty of skill and determination and his second shows his power in the air underlining his ability as a natural striker. A very good all round game even winning the ball back on occasion in midfield. Utter class. Mind you Dirk and Stevie combined well for the second goal with the 'Dodgy Goal Committee' still in session.

The plus this season it we are scoring plenty and the minus' we are letting in plenty, so we are nicely balanced. We'll know more after 10 games.

Rafa Rating: 33% can't be happy with the final third. What keeps a manager going? Success is a drug and SAF is living proof of that, but what continues to motivate a manager who nears success and keeps missing out? Goosed if I know. This question is for all managers I'm not talking about Rafa necessarily.

How are you doin'?, Yossi Benyoun - Liverpool 4-0 Burnley

2009-09-15T20:52:00.000+01:00

Courtesy of Burnleyfootballclub.com Slingshot Benny.

Just fine is the answer. Welcome back real footy fans, listen to the tale of how Yossi muzzled the Beast (Jensen, I kid you not). The scribbled notes I made while in the company of Tom McGrath (protegee) now resemble the Da Vinci code, in its meandering meaningless and the film was worse, but Angels and Demons was better. Regardless, I have indulged in a couple Erdinger which will be reviewed on 'Good for what Ales you' blog. U18s you can look but not touch those reviews of the finest of beers currently available from Centra (expensive) or Tesco (borderline cheaper), I spare nothing for you.

On with the footy, to say Liverpool border on brilliance is not to lie but the final ball, the hallmark of all great teams, sometimes eludes us and makes redundant some superior footballing enterprise. For Gerrard read Stonking which Urban Dictionary describes as 'Awesome' and other vulgarities.

When is the last time Liverpool won by 4 without Gerrard or Torres not getting on the score sheet? The first 20 mins seemed more a stretching exercise than football game. Then Yossi took the first with a fine pass from Insua from the right moving inside dragging all with him to slot neatly home. I had a feeling he'd get the first but had no idea he'd add 2 more with Dirk getting 1 in the middle ( and Tom called 85% of that goal).

Burnley to their credit try to play decent football, and Eagles (for all the Mancs) showed the reason why Man Utd wanted him and sold him, mind you he did spend 8 years there possibly trying to outdo Cudicini as the longest contract without playing meaningfully, but he did threaten on occasion. But he didn't seem as much of a threat as the Carragher/Skrtel partnership which if not careful may end up on dissolution and those who studied Leaving Cert accounting know what a pill that is.

Johnson was again playing well but replaced by Degen (see Eagles). Insua is progressing but his final ball is still an issue. Lucas was not as bad as you'd think, Torres at 25 has still time to add more to his amoury but will remain frustrated by man marking until he realises it takes more than a burst of pace to to reach the summit of his game. Kuyt was Kuyt and got a goal, I can ask no more. But the day belongs to Benny and so does the ball.

Beware lower half teams Liverpool have found away to beat you now to do the same with the upper half teams. But with all the money pouring in to Anfield to service the debt how long can it be before Hicks and Gillette apply to Nama for a loan?

Rafa Rating: 58% happy with result but will be concerned by some sloppy play and the standard of opposition.

On another note I will be moving soon which may disrupt the blog, but I will be back with my own particular brand of sarcasm/guilt soon. But will you be? That is the question.

Bolt on the Crossbar - Bolton W 2-3 Liverpool

2009-08-30T01:05:00.000+01:00

Giving Bolton odds. Permisson BWFC.co.uk

Perusing music on Youtube I went for Roxy Music's 'Same old scene', then I click The Timesonline to read their match report and it occurred an apt song for Steve Gerrard. 'Nothing last forever' lyric could be sung to the BW advantage. But its easy/smug to say that after the result.

Like the Villa game where we dominated and lost, here we dominated and were fortunate to win. The sending off may have been pivotal or may not. It didn't stop BW from parking the bus. It took 3 very good goals to beat Bolton and I think that counts for an awful lot. Even if Davies had stayed on the Park I'm certain we'd have gained a draw at least. Gerrard blasted, the crossbar, defender, inches wide and net. Which shows the value of plugging away.

Similarly with Glen Johnson what a fine player, so many more options when he is coming up the wing and a fine goal. Torres was looking much better in the 2nd half, for long period Liverpool were the pitta bread of the league flat and blunt, when he had few better chances. His assured finish was only brought about by the exquisite chested pass from Dirk Kuyt.

Reina made a terrific save to keep us in the game from a free kick. Carra I continue to worry about. Kyrgiakos made a solid debut. Insua at left back attacked well but final ball leaves a little to be desired. Masch was good. Lucas better than you think. Riera nice footwook but limited threat.

Overall a good performance mostly in the second half.

Rafa Rating: 75%. Looked as if he'd explode at some stages, but seemed relived to gain the 3 points.

Spurned and Stoked up - a quick revisit

2009-08-25T19:37:00.001+01:00

Spurs 2-1 Liverpool

Up to this point I thought we were doing well. Permission theadz01

To be honest I thought we'd win this comfortably and we would if we had played to any part of our potential. Though I reckon we deserved the 2 unrewarded penalty shouts it is a strange tactic to win a game by. Harry Redknapp is not someone I warm to but he won't lose sleep over that, has Spurs playing really well, their shooting, passing, control all sharper than Liverpool and they were really up for it. Spurs missed plenty of chances and I felt sorry for Robbie Keane as when he did the same while at Liverpool.

Liverpool 4-0 Stoke

False Dawn? Permission andycoan

It all seemed so easy and even a scissors kick, when do you see one of those anymore? First game I've watched on the Internet, but with the reception that would remind you of listening to MW broadcasts circa 1980 in a blackout. But in 1980 we dreamed of things I scoff at now. David N'Gog if for nothing else will hold the position of first live goal I have seen on the web. While Man U's loss to Burnely will also be a first, whose reception was much better. Anything other than a draw in this game, I would have taken.

Junk Bonds - Liverpool 1 - 3 Aston Villa

2009-08-25T10:11:00.000+01:00

Type of attitude Liverpool need

Is it the junk that bonds us together? Watching Liverpool last night it would seem so. While Aston Villa were fortunate in some respects they kept playing football. Liverpool resemble the child who when it doesn't go its way gets in a strop. Gerrard was anonymous, Torres seems to think he is the only one who can score for Liverpool. For the lauded partnership seems at the moment, more hype than type. The Zen like calmness of Alonso is missed for that reason only.

'Does not compute, does note compute' and the resultant malfunction of the LFC robot. It can easily be seen on the faces of the players as they stall when an attempt or set piece or whatever does not result. A+B=C to the Scouse mind but if it equals D then the system shuts down until it is rebooted. The end result of this will be Stevie picking up the ball and going home.

But the one thing that bothers me most about Liverpool is the inability of players to follow the ball into the box, too many times I have watched loose balls being cleared by the opposition under no pressure.

The plus must be Glen Johnson who is a typical Liverpool style player, may need to watch his defensive duties though.

Overall two bad days at the office in 2 weeks would suggest time for a group hug. We can only wait in wonder/desperation for the next instalment of 'Robo Woes'.

Torres, Torres, Torres!

2009-08-09T18:05:00.000+01:00

‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ it says
On the armband of Fernando Torres.
‘With Liverpool my heart desires to stay,
For the Kop do I want to play’.

‘Though I am Spanish, here I came,
To Anfield for every minute in every game.
To play in the red shirt is my honest test,
To win with the Liver Bird on my chest. ‘