Senses

Let's make sense of the senseless! So, yeah Liverpool lost to Fulham. It is their 5th in 11 league matches. Rafa Benitez got everything wrong from start so said you and the experts. After all, who in the world would substitute Fernando Torres, the best striker in the world, when Liverpool got themselves into the game at 1-1? Worse, who would substitute Yossi Benayoun and Kuyt when Liverpool is in need of a goal or two? Yup, Rafael Benitez that is. Only he would dare do such things. Only he who must be one of the worst managers in the world to manage Liverpool could start such an awkward line up and made those senseless substitutions.

Okay. I am done with your side of view. Have you guys forgotten something? Did you in any second thought of the reasons why Benitez could have done the changes he did instead of just shouting your lungs out in anger of what he did? I bet you didn't. Well, most of you at the very least. Tell you what. You guys forgotten Lyon.

Okay, maybe you are those who are in the same wavelength as the experts or commentators who think managers should play their best eleven in every match when possible. In my opinion, this is a view point of humans who lack emotions. It's like saying you should always just use the best electrical item at home regardless how many you have because the others don't matter. Even if the electrical item is not functioning to its capacity or has a loose part, it doesn't matter as long as it can still achieve what it is meant for until it breaks down. The others are just there to substitute when the main one actually breaks down. You have just forgotten players have emotions, and players have legs to be protected to last throughout the season, not only throughout a game. Substitutes need games to play to be match fit and be ready when called upon.

In the view of the importance of the game against Lyon, I understand why Benitez did those substitutions. In short, Liverpool got themselves in this due to their position in the Champions League. Have Liverpool played better and won more in the Champions League before this game, I am sure Benitez would have tinkered less. A win against Lyon simply is too important as qualification to the knockout stage means big money for Liverpool. A win against Fulham doesn't do that. Furthermore, aren't you the guys who also said Liverpool are dead and buried after their fourth lost? So does this really matter?

Being honest, even at 1-1, Liverpool never looked threatening or likely to win the game against Fulham. The best Liverpool could have achieved or deserve would be a draw. So, losing is just a point less in my view. It's never a three point lost. So why complain? I rather Benitez did what he did, giving the young players a chance to play in the league and save the important players for Lyon. After all, Liverpool may need the help of the youngsters as red cards and injuries have showered upon Liverpool. So is Benitez wrong fielding the young players when the game seems impossible to win?

On Torres, Benitez has said they know they need to substitute him before the end of the match. Last time, he used to play players who are not fully fit at the end of the game and we complain why not start them and take them out later? He did that now and we complain why take them out when they seem wanting to continue? Well, because if he continues, Torres might be out for a month or two instead of 15 minutes. Just look at Gerrard, he was rushed back to play in the Champions League and now he is out for uncertain period of time.

Benitez did what he did for reasons that he deems appropriate. Maybe we should all start looking at different point of view. I am not saying my point of view is accurate but it's worth pondering from Benitez and the management's side instead of our selfish side of just caring about Liverpool winning regardless of the personnel at risk or the consequences to come.

To me, it's a brave step by Benitez as his future is put in doubt when he makes all these decisions which we find senseless. He has a big responsibility not only to the club and fans but more so to the players who would be like his children. I would rather lose a game than risk the current best striker in the world into a Michael Owen.

While we all are disappointed and saddened by the lost against Fulham, let's unite and give confidence to Benitez and the players that they can still make the season right starting with a convincing win against Lyon. After all, a win against Lyon would justify Benitez's decisions. In Rafa I trust. That wouldn't change because his explanations make sense to me every time he made a decision which the world ask for explanation when in no rights do we demand it or in any way he requires to provide one.

Come on, Reds! Let's forget what we should and can achieve this season. Instead, just take one game at a time and play to your fullest like against M*n U*d. The world does not believe now. So what? I still support Liverpool!!! You are all not walking alone, Liverpool Football Club! PUSH ON!!!


"You'll Never Walk Alone"

It Is Okay

I love Liverpool! Yes, through good and bad times, like everyone closest to Liverpool have said, we stick together and stay united. That's the way Liverpool were and are. It's for us to decide if it will still be in the future and I am a believer of that spirit, of that belief system.

8th place in the league. 7 points off the top. Tell me Liverpool were never that far off on both if you can. Similarly with the Champions League, tell me Liverpool have never been in the same position or even worse. I've seen it all. I've seen Liverpool done worse. I've seen Liverpool done better. At this stage, I can tell you it's not as bad as the press wants you to believe or you should believe. On some seasons that Liverpool started badly, they have finished better than some seasons that they started brightly or better in comparison. It's so early in the season and all this Bull Shit is sickening.

I can say my only relieve is I am so busy with work that I escaped most of the rubbish in the newspapers and things said by football pundits. Now, I can't update game by game anymore. However, I think posting up my views every once in awhile throughout the season would be better than nothing. In fact, I think it would not be as boring and dry as the game to game update. I know a fact for sure is it is less annoying to those who know nuts about football or who couldn't care a shit about Liverpool.

This is a bad period for Liverpool. However let's not forget why we support Liverpool. If you want glory, go support M*n U*d or Real Madrid. If you want to pride yourself in front of others because the team you support won without needing you to assert a single ounce of energy, then go support those teams and the likes of Man City and Chelsea. I support Liverpool for the special bond it creates with its fans and for the togetherness that holds it throughout its history. For this, no matter they win or lose, my support never deters. It will always be 100% and more for Liverpool and all those who is part of it.

I really don't want to say much. I just want to put out my point I am rooting them and not going along with the criticism dished out by the pundits and so called experts. If you want to choose their way and think you are better off than the manager or the players, then so be it. I just want to remind you that managers are managers and pundits are pundits for a reason. Rafa is at Liverpool because of his success with Valencia and is retained until today for the positive changes he brought to Liverpool. Pundits are still sitting in the same chair and not managing a top club or any club at all for a matter of fact because all they can is point out the fault and not knowing how to actually walk the talk. So are we who think we are better than the managers by criticising every decision they make when things are bad.

Will Liverpool slump to their 5th straight defeat against M*n U*d? Or will they chalk up a win which has the potential of firing up their season? Obviously like any fans I would want the team I support to win. However whatever the result may be, it's never be all and end all. Let's all be mature supporters! Come on, Reds!!!


"You'll Never Walk Alone"

The New Chapter

Or is it THE END? As few would have known (or at least to my knowledge the ones I told), I have gotten a job and am currently working. I have been pretty busy or at least work has taken up pretty much of my time. Evidently, I have not been blogging. Liverpool have played quite a few games already and I am still stuck at the Champions League game against Debreceni. I am not sure whether I can continue to blog or more accurately unsure of my willingness to keep updating on Liverpool's game.

Thus as the title suggested, I am already starting to write my new chapter in life. However, it could just be the end of this blog. For now, I am not going to say I am shutting this blog down. However, I will probably stop updating my views on Liverpool's games (I can already sense some people jumping for joy!). From now on, I would probably drop in here and type one entry once in a blue moon. The reason for it is I don't think I want to spend my nights after work typing entries here as I rather relax and watch television. On weekends (those that I have no work), I would rather spend time with my girlfriend for shopping or do some outdoor activities and hangout with friends. I am taking this time to blog because I am enjoying coffee at Starbucks while waiting for my girlfriend to finish her pedicure and manicure.

Anyway, I am glad to say I am happy with this new chapter I am writing. My job is really an interesting one. My colleagues have been great. The work culture and environment is equally great. I don't have that dreadful feeling of dragging myself to work and I don't keep reminding myself "it sucks but it pays the bill". Overall, I am really happy with work so far.

However, I am so fresh in the working world that I realize I have lots and lots to learn. My only hope is for me to learn real fast and get into the thick of action like my colleagues. I want to feel I am pulling my weights and putting in as much effort and hard work as I should. It's going to be a long journey but I have nothing to complain about and just look forward to learn along the way.

As much as I am relishing my job, I hope everyone around me is doing so as well. It's the new chapter we are all writing and as we know this is not a short chapter, let's keep the pen moving. This blog may have come to an "end" but it's the beginning of new changes and new things for me. Everyone, wish me best of luck! The same goes to you all!

Liverpool 1 Debreceni 0

Off to a good start!!! Having spoken about the importance of starting the Champions League in winning ways, Liverpool have done so with a 1-0 win over Hungarian champions Debreceni. It was not an easy win but the three points will be important. Gaining qualification as early as possible will enable the players to enjoy the group games after and concentrate in the league.

Against Debreceni, I thought Liverpool did well in dominating possession. However, Debreceni proved worthy opponents and worthy Champions League contestants as they were well organized and frustrated Liverpool by limiting the chances. They did not truly pack the penalty area but kept their formation well organized. With that, Liverpool found it very hard to penetrate or find space to break their defence. Benitez kept the same line up which beat Burnley but this time around, Benayoun and Kuyt had a harder job at hand. For Torres, he was marked closely again and did not have much room to run around. Gerrard was once again good at his job but he was just unable to put his shots on target.

"A Kuyt winner!"

I didn't watch the first-half but I am guessing it was very similar to the second-half. The only goal Liverpool managed to score came on injury time in the first-half. It was Kuyt who scored the winner as he again reacted quickest to a loose ball parried by the 'keeper. Torres had a shot and was not held on by the 'keeper and Kuyt had his foot on it to get the ball into the net.

Apart from that goal, I thought Debreceni did well to minimize Liverpool's chances. On a rare occasion, Benayoun had a wonderful dribble into their penalty area when his fine footwork got him pass 4 or 5 defenders but his shot was saved. It was truly a hard earned victory for Liverpool. However, to be able to start with three points will put Liverpool in a good position for qualification.

"Oh, you are cute but the ball's mine!"

This group has been tipped to be a rather comfortable group for Liverpool but I am guessing it could be close encounters in all the games. Liverpool should be able to win them all but I don't think most will come easy. I bet Liverpool will qualify but I will say I won't be surprised if any of the three teams qualify along. It won't necessary be Lyon who accompanies Liverpool.

Liverpool have now put together a row of wins. It will surely give the players confidence and I think they are now more comfortable playing with each other in the absence of Alonso. With an almost similar squad to last season, they shouldn't really take too long to gel and play well as a team. I think now we are starting to see a more settled side and they should really continue to build on it. Next up will be against West Ham. So come on, Reds!!!


"You'll Never Walk Alone"
p/s: Selamat Hari Raya to all Malaysians! =)

Liverpool 4 Burnley 0

A comfortable win! What a game by Yossi Benayoun! His third hat-trick in the Red shirt and a goal from Kuyt ensured Liverpool a comfortable win against the newly promoted team. From start to finish, Liverpool dominated the game and created tonnes of chances. Credit to Burnley for going to Anfield to play football but that's what Benitez would have wanted. It played right into his hands as his tactics exploited spaces given by Burnley.

With Mascherano's absence, Benitez played Gerrard in the deeper role to partner Lucas. As a result, he played Benayoun and Kuyt behind Torres. To me, this tactic works fantastically against a team like Burnley. Burnley will not be a team that produces too much threat to Liverpool's defence. As so, it will be to Liverpool's benefit if Benitez played more creative and attacking players. Gerrard fits in nicely in that role as not only can he defend and hold the ball, he can also create chances from his passes.

Benayoun and Kuyt were told to play between the lines and that have created them space and given them time on the ball. As a result, Benayoun's excellent close control has given him the match ball and Man of the Match award. His first goal highlighted his close control as a one-two between him and Kuyt created space for him to run into Burnley's penalty area and he controlled the ball around 3 Burnley defenders to put the ball behind 'keeper Jensen. Sometimes he may do too much trying to beat the defenders but this time, it paid off.

"Yossi showing Reira and Babel to let the legs do the talking"

Before the goal, he already had a great chance through a header. Soon after that goal, he had another chance blocked as he made a diving header from close range. However, he went on to create 1 goal and scored 2 more. In the 41st minute, he attempted a shot from outside the penalty area and Jensen could only parry it and Kuyt reacted quickest to score. However, replayed showed Kuyt was half a yard offside. It was a lucky goal in that sense but it was a very important goal as it opened up the defence more for Liverpool to exploit.

In the second half, Liverpool continued to control the game. The third goal came in the 61st minute. It was particularly to my liking as it involved Kuyt, Torres, Gerrard and Benayoun. Kuyt headed a throw in to Torres before Torres passed to Gerrard where Gerrard stood on his feet to burst into the penalty area and squared the ball across the goal mouth for Benayoun to tap in his second goal.

Later on, a Steven Gerrard free-kick was parried by Jensen and Benayoun latched on the ball for his hat-trick. However, it was ruled offside. This time, replayed showed this goal should have stand as he was not offside. Though Benayoun was denied his hat-trick then, he eventually went on to score it 8 minutes from time. It was a result of a lucky break as the ball cleared by Burnley hit the referee and Reira was first to the loose ball. From the attack, substitute Voronin saw Benayoun was free in the penalty area and passed the ball to his feet for his third goal.

"Three goals to repay Benitez's trust!"

All in all, the score line was a fair reflection of Liverpool dominance throughout the game. It could have been more but to score four from the chances was a good score line. Benayoun who won the MotM and scored a hat-trick was deservedly so rewarded as such. He has been doing well continuing his form from last season and he really has given Benitez a lot to think about when deciding the starting lineup.

Last season, he was frustrated for not playing games in the first half of the season. He complained and even pondered a move away from Anfield. Benitez told him to prove himself he deserved a spot in the starting lineup and he has since then proven so by playing an intriguing part of last season Liverpool's campaign. Now, he has again given 100 percent in every match he played in and showed the creative edge he gives to the team.

Reira and Babel have also voiced out their frustration of not getting more game time. Both players too have been told by Benitez to prove themselves. To me, Reira will have to work harder and provide more in the attacking third. As for Babel, he has complained too often and produced too little when given the chance. Having said that, he is a quality player and both should learn from Yossi how to stake a claim in the team and that's by providing the team a lot in attack and in defence. Both to me have not done enough. There's a reason why Yossi is a cultured idol for some fans while the other two are far from it. Work hard and I am sure they will be rewarded. Not only is it important to the team. It's also important to themselves as they will have to fight for a place in their country's World Cup team.

"Show me what you got and I will play you!"

Now Liverpool have moved themselves nearer to the top of the league and shut some critics up. It is important to continue to build on the win. Champions League football will start this Wednesday and the games will come thick and quick. If any players want to prove himself, this will be the time as I am sure all of them will get some game time. Come on, Reds!!!


"You'll Never Walk Alone"

Bolton 2 Liverpool 3

Comeback Wonders! With the season started on the wrong foot, will this comeback win be a sign of turning the fortune around and pushing the season into the right direction? It's not good for the heart, it's not convincing to the public but it sure is a confidence booster which can put real beliefs into the players.

After Alonso's departure, the team seemed to be affected by a lack of confidence in their play. It's even more obvious in the confidence of the supporters. When the supporters are restless, it can be seen to affect the players' confidence on the field too. Lucas has been under great criticism and scrutiny since stepping into Alonso's place. However, largely were misplaced comments and undeserved comparison. He may not be anything outstanding but he is not as bad as some people would say he is. He is such a young lad and I can only imagine how his mentality can be affected by all this negativity around him. It's even worse when teammates around him started to lose faith in him as well. Of course Alonso will be missed but we must all stop comparing them. It's the team that wins game, not the individual.

"Glen Johnson proving an excellent buy!"

Against Bolton, Liverpool went twice behind before turning it around to get all three points. Kevin Davies put Bolton in front with a tap-in goal in the 33rd minute only to be canceled by Glen Johnson's low drive minutes later. Having equalised, Liverpool started the second half wrongly again when Bolton scored again through Cohen. However, luck was probably on Liverpool's side as Davis was sent off for a second bookable offence on Lucas and the game was then turned around.

"Torres got it right for letting his foot do the talking!"

Lacking 1 player, Bolton found it difficult to continue man-marking Gerrard. As a result, Gerrard started to punish Bolton. He first had a shot hitting the bar. Then he scored the winner for Liverpool with a smashing shot as a result from a corner. For Liverpool's equaliser, it was Torres who scored with a well placed shot. Kuyt directed the ball using his chest to Torres' path before he calmly dribbled the ball and slotted it into the net.

Throughout the game, Torres and Gerrard were man-marked and had a frustrating time before Davis' sending off. Some pundits commented on this and said that other teams will also do the same and keep Liverpool quiet throughout the game. I feel not many teams can afford to do the same. First of all, not every team has players who can man-mark the dynamic duo perfectly for 90 minutes. Secondly, man-marking them can leave others like Kuyt and Benayoun sneaking into their penalty area and score goals. Talking about man-marking the duo as shutting off Liverpool is just inaccurate. Liverpool have more quality than just the two of them.

"Gerrard scored in the winner!"

The ineffectiveness of the two players earlier in the game also raised issues of Liverpool being too dependent on Torres and Gerrard. Again, the pundits have forsaken the statistics. It has been shown by Paul Tomkins that the likes of M*n U*d are more dependent on then Ronaldo and Rooney more than Liverpool are dependent on Gerrard and Torres. So for this, case is close. It just annoys me every time I hear the pundits say Liverpool being too dependent on the duo. It sickens me.

This win has given Liverpool the much needed belief of their capabilities. It has shown the strength of the players. After the international break, hopefully Liverpool will build on the win and continue on a winning run. This season will be a very interesting season. It has just been less than a month into it and already a lot of incidents and uncertainties. No matter what, Liverpool will have to concentrate on themselves and play to the standard they should. Come on, Reds!!!


"You'll Never Walk Alone"

Liverpool 1 Aston Villa 3

2 defeats in 3 games! A call for concern? Title hopes over? Liverpool tumbling without Alonso? Deja vu of Houllier's 2002/2003 season after coming 2nd in 2001/2002? The Premier League has just started and pundits are attacking Liverpool while fans are shivering in panic. Come on, it's just 3 games into the season and mind you Spurs as well as Aston Villa are no easy opponents.

In fact, they are the two of 3 teams Benitez pointed out as threats to the top four. M*n U*d has lost to Burnley. If I am to analyse, I would say Arsenal came out tops against expectations. Chelsea did as well as predicted as they have strengthened with a new manager. As for Liverpool and M*n U*d, both are not very convincing yet despite having recorded big wins but also defeats. As for Man City, Tottenham and Villa, all three has shown they have the capability of challenging at the top. Nothing more than that I am afraid. So to Liverpool haters or Liverpool pessimists, the season for Liverpool has not ended as has any team won the title already.

"Gerrard and co will have to be more clinical!"

From the highlights I saw, it's true to Benitez's words that the timing of conceding was not good at all. However before Villa scored through Lucas' own goal, Liverpool showed great attacking moves. Some of the passing and understanding between the attacking players throughout the game was great. However, the Villa defence held tight and managed to only concede a goal from Torres.

"Conceding the title so early? No way!"

At the other end, Liverpool's weakened defence conceded an own goal from a free kick, then a header from a corner near half time, and a penalty soon after Torres scored. Lucas' own goal was unfortunate but if he can head like that in the correct penalty area, then he can score a few headers at the right end. Villa countered and played well. Credits to them. It's a shame Liverpool lost but we can all hope that the likes of Villa, Spurs and Man City will go to Old Trafford, Stamford Bridge, and the Emirates to record wins or draws as well.

Like I said, I am really impressed by some of the attacking moves. Torres, Gerrard, Kuyt and Benayoun are moving around the attacking third well. They seems to know where each other is and where they will run to. If only chances created are taken well enough, I don't see why Liverpool can't score more than one in every game. Against Stoke, they showed they can. Maybe they must be calmer and collected in future games from attack down right to defence.

"What went wrong? Keep believing!"

The defence is really shaky now. Maybe Liverpool miss Hyypia more than Alonso. The new signing which I can't remember the spelling and pronunciation will definitely take some time to settle in and get a few games. Skrtel definitely is not too comfortable with his jaw and that proved a problem against Tottenham. I am not too sure how much he is affected by it against Villa. He couldn't concentrate on the game against Spurs. Maybe risking playing Ayala in future until Skrtel's jaw is fixed would be a better bet. Then again, nothing is guaranteed. This is just an assumption of how things can be better.

No matter what, it's for sure the season has not ended for Liverpool. If pundits are to say so and fans are going to believe, then it's a real shame because I don't see the point of supporting the team and watch on anymore. If anyone is to tell me Liverpool will not lose anymore, I won't believe. If someone is to tell me Liverpool is going to lose more games, I do think so. However, I would also add on that the same goes to others. Everyone else will have games to lose. Let's not be panic at such an early stage. Instead, why not cheer on and push them on. I will! Come on, Reds!!!


"You'll Never Walk Alone"