Adam's Creek

Starting Anew

2010-04-12T11:57:00.002+08:00

An end to a new beginning! It has been some time now since I last blogged and I think there's no more heart to continue. However, the heart will never change. Liverpool will always be the team I support. Just a case of the creek dried up...YNWA.

Senses

2009-11-01T15:31:00.003+08:00

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

2009-10-23T20:43:00.003+08:00

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

2009-10-11T15:42:00.003+08:00

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

2009-09-17T11:02:00.003+08:00

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

2009-09-15T11:03:00.003+08:00

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

2009-09-03T10:26:00.002+08:00

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

2009-08-25T10:16:00.003+08:00

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"

Liverpool 4 Stoke City 0

2009-08-20T11:35:00.005+08:00

Home victory!!! After a disappointing start against Spurs, Liverpool showed they are stronger than people would like to think. Playing in their first home game, Liverpool gave their fans a treat with a 4-0 win against Stoke City. In the previous season's correspondent game, Liverpool only managed a draw. It is such games that Liverpool hope to change into wins and they have started brightly.

"Torres opened the scoring"

From start to finish, Liverpool threatened to score. It only took 4 minutes before the first goal went in. Great work from Gerrard gave Torres a shot from 10 yards which left the Thomas Sorensen stranded on his spot. After that, Liverpool continued to push and had a few chances. Insua had an excellent chance to score when the ball fell to him with no one near him but he placed the ball just outside the post.

"Glen Johnson's volley mesmerised the watching Torres"

Before the end of the first half, Liverpool doubled their lead. This time, it was new signing Glen Johnson who scored. From a corner, Kuyt directed his header towards goal just to be thwarted by Sorensen. However from the rebound, Johnson reacted quickest to volley it beautifully into goal.

"Gerrard's magical turn resulted Kuyt's goal"

In the second half, Liverpool completed their rout with two more goals. The third scored by Kuyt was another result of great footwork by Gerrard. A lob ball from Mascherano was received by Gerrard and he turned expertly to be freed into the penalty area. Then, he directed the ball into the six yard box where Kuyt managed to get his feet in front of Sorensen to stab the ball in.

"Ngog scored from Johnson's move"

Four minutes into injury time, substitute Ngog scored from a header right in front of goal after Glen Johnson did great work on the right flank to cross the ball. The ball was deflected onto the crossbar but it fell right in front of Ngog who headed it into the net. He was a bit lucky as his header was skyward and could have gone over the bar!

"Torres' head gash added on to Liverpool's stitch count"

Two games in, Glen Johnson has justified to why Benitez paid good money to sign him to replace Arbeloa. If he didn't do too much for Liverpool against Spurs, he did plentiful this time around. His attacking prowess as a right back was great. He helped the attack a lot. This match, it seems the players are getting more comfortable playing with each other. Everyone seems to be gelling and getting better understanding, knowing where to run and where to pass the ball.

This match not only saw Liverpool managing to break down stubborn defensive opponents but also the strength of the defence. Despite being weakened by the injuries to the center back, young Ayala who partnered Carragher helped Liverpool to a clean sheet. Reina once again, showed what a top class 'keeper he is with the save he managed against Delap's shot in the first half.

If Liverpool continue to show attacking promises at home against stubborn opponents like today, they will certainly win more of the games they drew last season. With Gerrard and Torres in the side, the team can take confidence that they can win every matches. I am certainly happy to see Torres in better form and Gerrard pulling the strings.

With this win, it will be great if Liverpool will go on to build a run on it. It's crucial to be among the leading teams early as if not the pundits and experts will be pounding right on Liverpool's team. Next game will be against Aston Villa and it will be a tougher test. My support will always be with the Reds and I have confidence in them. Come on, Reds!!!

"You'll Never Walk Alone"

Tottenham 2 Liverpool 1

2009-08-17T10:17:00.002+08:00

Bad Bad Start! As the rest of the big guns won their first game, Liverpool did not perform and did not get the results at White Hart Lane. However, let's not treat this as a be all or end all result like some pundits and fans are doing. For God's sake, I know the Premier League is tough but it's only the first game.

On the night, Liverpool showed they are missing Alonso. Lucas has clearly improved a lot as a player from last season. However, his presence is nothing near Alonso's. His partnership with Mascherano clearly hasn't gelled. He strays forward more often and can be at times all over the place. His passing range is also nowhere near Alonso's. Despite all that, I have hopes for this young boy. Yes, he is still very young and we must remember that. He can only grow and time played alongside Mascherano will improve their partnership as well as understanding.

"Reina's brilliance on the night was just not enough"

I also see some problem with Mascherano. Maybe he hasn't really cleared his mind and focus on playing for Liverpool. It was clear he wanted to go to Barcelona but was not permitted after Alonso's departure. I really hope he forgets about that real quick and focuses on taking bigger responsibilities and leadership to cover the gap left by Alonso. He can improve his distribution of the ball and his partnership with Lucas.

As Rafa said, the midfield needs to keep the possession of the ball better and play with better understanding. It's the start of the league already and the team must really work it out in training to adjust to a playing system without Alonso.

"Torres couldn't break the Tottenham's defence"

Another worry for me would be the defence. People are asking Rafa to buy an attacking player but I think Liverpool should strengthen the defence. Before the game Agger, Carragher, and Skrtel were all not confirmed as fully ready for it. When Carra and Skrtel played, they went for the ball at the same moment and clashed their head with the former having a 2 inch gash on the head while the latter a bloodied mouth and injured jaw. It's really worrying that Liverpool don't have quality cover for them. If all three are not fit, then Liverpool will be in deep trouble as all they are left with are the youngsters in Ayala and San Jose.

In the friendlies that they have played in, they have shown some qualities. They can clearly defend but they are inexperienced and that can prove costly for Liverpool. Reina wouldn't be able to pull off saves like he did against Spurs every matches and he can't be afforded to be exposed too much. Not to undermine his ability but no 'keeper can keep out every shot on his own. He did extremely well to keep out the some of the chances by Spurs. With the defence a little short now, I am eager to see some business in the transfer market. However whatever Rafa does, I will have confidence in him as he should be the one knowing better.

"Gerrard scored Liverpool's first of the season"

During the game, Gerrard was the only scorer for Liverpool. He scored in between Spurs' goals from a spot kick. The penalty was the result of Glen Johnson's daring run into Spurs' penalty box. He dribbled and dashed into the box and was brought down by Gomes. In this game, he showed he is a more attacking right back than Arbeloa. However, I didn't see much quality overlapping from him. Spurs' defenders did well to keep him from running along the flank and forced him to make some diagonal runs which were clearly to his disadvantage.

On the other side, Insua defended well but his contribution up front is not good. He lacks confidence and skills to take on players. Aurelio is best in it while Dossena is better than Insua. However as a defender, he defended well. Like Lucas, he is still young and can only grow. He can learn lots from Aurelio. In friendlies, he did some quality crosses and I hope he can do more in the league.

It's alright that Liverpool failed to win their first league and away game. However I am sure all of us will not want to see this too often. We saw it only twice last season and hopefully this season will be the same. The focus has been changing the home draws to wins and we'll see if Liverpool manage to do that in the next two games. Come on, Reds!!!

"You'll Never Walk Alone"

The Season Is BACK!

2009-08-11T15:06:00.003+08:00

The Barclay's Premier League is back!!! Football never stopped but BPL is starting next week which means I am all excited again. This blog is going to see a lot more red colour again and it will be slightly more active too. I know, I know. This blog has been D-E-A-D but I really have no mood to write about some political issues anymore. Maybe I might start again on them but for now I just can't make myself comment here. What if the MCMC chooses to block my blog? (Big hopes but my rights, so live with it or get away!).

Okay, back to the point. Liverpool will kick off their season against Spurs this weekend and I am already excited about it. During the pre-season, Liverpool have not done so well. However performances and results aside, I hope the team has gained enough fitness to kick off their season the right way. I hope the players will be full of energy and wanting to bang in a few goals. At the other end, I hope the defenders and Reina have conceded enough goals so the season won't see any more goals at their end.

"Glen Johnson signs for Liverpool"

I am excited to see how Glen Johnson will come in place of Arbeloa and improve the team. He is a different kind of defender to Arbeloa and I am interested to see how he will be partnering Kuyt or Benayoun on the right to terrorize the opponents. Aside from Arbeloa's departure to Real Madrid, sadly Xabi Alonso has followed. He was very much part of the spine and his departure will be Liverpool's lost. However, Lucas Leiva has shown real determination to take over Alonso's role. Despite his lack of quality as compared to Alonso, I hope he has grown enough as a player to really compete for that spot.

"Lucas will be the answer to Alonso?"

Liverpool bought Alberto Aquilani from Roma as Xabi's replacement. I don't know much about him but I am sure he is a different type of player to Alonso. Maybe, he will add an additional dimension to Liverpool's attacking play. With his arrival, I hope the competition between him and Lucas will bring out the best in both. Lucas will have a head start as Aquilani is injured and will be out for a month or two. We'll see how the gap left by Alonso will be covered by Benitez.

"No Alonso? No worries! I'm still here!"

Before Aquilani's arrival, I thought to myself Alonso's departure will be Benayoun's gain. I thought a plan would be to push Gerrard back to central midfield where Alonso played and which was Gerrard's preferred position. I believe if Gerrard played in Alonso's role, he will bring more to the team than Alonso in attack. As a result, there will be the position behind Torres being open to other players and I believe Benayoun and Kuyt can fit in the role. I thought that would be it but Benitez surely has more confident in the Torres-Gerrard partnership which has served him very well. Thus, the arrival of Aquilani. Having said that, I am sure Kuyt and Benayoun will occasionally partner Torres in the supporting role.

"Gerrard to push Liverpool to glory?"

Even though Alonso's departure has left a lot of worries among fans, I am confident Benitez has prepared for it and will do all he can to not only fill the gap but strengthen Liverpool futher. At the moment, it seems that Liverpool, M*n U*d and Arsenal has been depleted due to the crazy transfers. On the other hand, Chelsea was not too affected. Instead, they seemed to be strengthened by the signing of Ancelotti as their manager. Man City has attracted a lot of attention with their big signings. However, I wouldn't be too concerned with them as they only have strikers and a mediocre manager. I don't know what's their plan but maybe to score a goal more than whatever number they concede. If that's their plan, then I wish them luck as I doubt it will work. In fact, I foresee Mark Hughes being sack before the end of the season to make way for a more balance-minded manager (someone who wouldn't sign 10 strikers and ignore the other parts).

"Torres to lead the assault?"

Last season has given real hope to Liverpool. What will it be for Liverpool this season? I don't know but last season has shown me enough to believe Liverpool are good enough to win the league for sure. Let's hope that will be the case. A convincing victory against Spurs will kick off the season with a clear sign to themselves that they are capable and to the rest that they are here for it. It will be a long journey but every supporter will be there with you every single game!!! Come on, Reds!

Pre-Season Results:

St. Gallen 0-0 Liverpool
Rapid Vienna 0-0 Liverpool
Thailand 1-1 Liverpool
Singapore 0-5 Liverpool
Espanyol 3-0 Liverpool
FC Lyn 0-2 Liverpool
Atletico Madrid 2-1 Liverpool

"You'll Never Walk Alone"

Ray of Hope?

2009-07-06T11:02:00.003+08:00

It is called Taman Sinar Harapan but where was the ray of hope? It is a government-run shelter home yet such neglect and human rights violation happened. What is our government doing? What is the function of the Malaysia's Social Welfare Department? This is beyond believe.

On Sunday, The Star Online reported about the mistreatment on these poor souls at Taman Sinar Harapan. For those who have read the articles, I am sure there are feelings of sadness, anger, and disgust. It really struck me how lacking are we in terms of knowledge about people with mental disorders. It really showed to the world that people hired to take care of these homes are not qualified personnel. When the government doesn't give a damn about these people, how do we expect the general public will?

From time to time, I am always approached by people in coffee shops asking for donations for various homes. I always think if they are registered with the Malaysia's Social Welfare Department, why can't they seek funds from there or get the brains to do something more effective? Going from table to table is not effective and is definitely a method of inefficient. With this incident at Taman Sinar Harapan, I am starting to get a clearer picture that the government doesn't really care and the welfare department is just not doing enough.

From the incident, it's also clear that the country is lacking in the professionals. The number of psychiatrists and psychologists are definitely not enough. Are we seeking our fortune in this world a little too much? Have we as scholars in this field not cared enough? Are we too concerned about ourselves and forgetting the needs of this area?

At this age and time, the ray of hope for these people are just fading away. We live in a world that materialism isn't a choice. It simply is a need. Till we achieve our riches, then only will we consider the option to help out. It's that sad this world is. At least at this part of the world. If only we can drop everything and make a change. We never dare, we never will.

Going Nowhere

2009-06-18T10:29:00.002+08:00

It's been awhile, isn't it? Guess I should continue to blog. I felt I have lost the momentum. For the past months, I have been blogging tonnes about Liverpool and that must have pissed my dear friend who follows my blog.

I started this blog by blogging about societal issues but then I stopped buying newspapers and I found that Malaysia newspapers always reported the news - robbery, rape and bias political and sports coverage. It's kind of putting off sometimes. As a psychology graduate, I really wish to see newspapers helping people to grow by reporting more useful news. I know I am not alone in this. As for now though, we all know the newspapers are going nowhere near that. Reasons for that are rather clear too.

Not too long ago, I was also very active in blogging our political situation. Of course, it also slowed down after the General Elections. This showed I am not a political blogger I guess. I must pay my tribute to political bloggers. I found it so tiring to blog about our Malaysian politics. It's so repetitive and frustrating to say the least. The Perak situation was the one thing that really put me off. When things got so silly and people reacted so little, it frustrates me. Not to undermine our royalties' power, but they have really bowed to the pressure and ironfist ruling of BN. When the one in power can help the citizens decide the right course, it has got so used to listening to the ruling party. The government is going nowhere. The royalty is going nowhere. The country too is going nowhere. People voted for change but we only expected change to come. We rarely change ourselves to make changes happen. As such, we are going nowhere hugely down to ourselves. Should I continue blogging our political situation? I am really tired about it already. However that doesn't mean I am not concerned about it anymore.

As for myself, I am still waiting to start my new chapter. I too am going nowhere. Hopefully though, I don't rush into decisions due to desperation. I might be going nowhere but I know I am now here. For that, I know I can change it and work my way to the place I want to be.

Liverpool 3 Tottenham 1

2009-05-28T10:52:00.004+08:00

Goodbye, Sami! After playing 10 years for Liverpool, Sami Hyypia has now played his last game for the Reds. He will be going to Bayer Leverkusen for 2 years and hopefully, he will win the league title that he never won in England. Despite not starting the game, Sami had a fitting farewell.

"A fitting farewell to send off Hyypia!"

With it being his last game, I would have expected him to start. However, Benitez opted to keep him on the bench. His idea was to have him substituted in the very last minute in order for Sami to get the ovation and applause until the final whistle goes. Well, it was a plan Benitez would be more than happy it did not go his way. With the fans urging for Sami to be on the field after Liverpool scored the third goal, Benitez gave in and played Hyypia with 7 minutes to go.

The scoring was opened by Torres after half an hour into the game. A mistake by Tottenham's defence was taken advantage by Gerrard and he found Kuyt free on the right where he had all the space and time to cross for Torres. With a nice ball in and Torres running free at the defence, he made no mistake with his header. It was a little bit fortunate as it hit the crossbar to beat the 'keeper into the net. It is Torres' 50th goal for Liverpool in just over 80 games. With that goal, he has reached his 50th goal earlier than the likes of Aldridge, Rush, Fowler and Owen. If Liverpool are to win the league anytime soon, it will highly be dependent on his fitness and form together with Gerrard's.

The other two goals from Liverpool came in the second half. The second goal was a very well worked goal. A one-two between Kuyt and Benayoun and then a shot from Kuyt resulted in an own goal by Hutton. Benayoun was released into space and could have taken the shot but he used himself as a decoy and passed back the ball to Kuyt to shoot.

Before Liverpool scored their third, it was Tottenham who scored. Keane raced on to a long ball after he was put onside by Carragher and he made no mistake one-on-one with Reina. As a childhood Liverpool supporter and ex-player, he did not celebrate his goal and was rightly applauded by the fans. With that goal conceded, it meant Van der Sar won the Golden Glove award. It is well deserved as the M*n U*d defence got a record of the longest streak of clean sheets. That's what won them the league. For Reina to win it on three previous seasons and come so close again just shows his consistency in goal and how well Liverpool's defence has been.

Within just minutes after Keane scored, Gerrard put through Benayoun on the other end and Benayoun sealed the game for the Reds. It was his third consecutive Anfield goal and that showed how good he has been of late. I am really hoping he will be considered as one of the key players and not sold this summer. I value him highly for his intelligence, ability on the ball, vision and commitment. He can win games for Liverpool. Keep him!

"Even himself can't believe he is moving on"

The game on the night was truly all about Hyypia. Before the game, the fans did a human mosaic for him with the word Sami within a Finland flag. The Kop also had a huge red flag with him in it. The whole stadium sang his name endlessly. 10 years of service, with total commitment and professionalism, Sami Hyypia will be sorely missed.

"Thanks Sami for 10 years and 10 silverwares!"

This season ended with no silverwares again but the progression was massive and hopefully it will be carried into next season. If the form of the past two months continues into the whole of next season, I am assured Liverpool will win something and something big! They have now experienced a title challenge and Gerrard has said they all enjoyed it. With the desire and hunger, hopefully they will be there again challenging and go one step further to win it. There are a lot of positives to be taken from this season and the future now is truly bright. Thank you Liverpool for another great season and may next season be even better!

"You'll Never Walk Alone"

West Brom 0 Liverpool 2

2009-05-21T10:34:00.003+08:00

First place gone, second place secured? Before the game, it's already known M*n U*d have won the title. Thus, congrats to them. On the night, credits go to Liverpool for the players have put aside the disappointment and beat West Brom to put themselves comfortably in second spot. Kudos, Reds!

The score line might reflect well on Liverpool. However, it was not as comfortable as the score line suggested. While Liverpool managed to score a goal in each half, West Brom didn't get relegated without a fight. They battled and could have won it. They had a few chances and kept the ball a lot.

"Carra loses his cool on Arbeloa"

They attacked so often that Carragher got furious at a point and lashed out at Arbeloa for not covering his side to his liking. Maybe it's the frustration of losing the title to M*n U*d but also it showed the fighting spirit in every Liverpool player. He explained he wanted to keep a cleansheet for Pepe Reina as he still stands a chance to equal Van der Sar's 21 clean sheets this season to win his fourth consequtive Golden Glove award. For that to happen, Liverpool need to keep a cleansheet against Tottenham in their last game as well and hope for Van der Sar to be rested in M*n U*d's game or concede to Hull City.

"Stevie scores to make it his best goal tally - 24"

Anyway back to the game, Liverpool opened their scoring through Steven Gerrard near the half an hour mark. A mistake in the defence was pounced by Gerrard. He robbed the ball from Martis and raced on to be one-on-one with the 'keeper. Then, he cooly lifted the ball into the net over the oncoming 'keeper.

"Kuyt's best season as a Red"

The second goal came from Kuyt in the 63rd minute. He ran across the defence line just outside the penalty area and found himself space to shoot and score the second goal of the night. In all fairness, credits too must be given to West Brom for the way they fought. However, they lost and got relegated. All the best for the Baggies and hope they come back next season.

Liverpool may have lost out on the title. However as I said early on and many have agreed, this season has been one hell of a season. I don't remember a season since I supported Liverpool where they did the doubles over Chelsea and M*n U*d as well as beating Real Madrid comfortably in both legs in the Champions League. I am pretty sure Benitez has started planning for next season and hopefully the right players will be kept to bring more glory to Liverpool. This season was close. Next season a lot can be won. Liverpool can do it. This season must surely given them the experience of challenging the league title and confidence of moving a step further.

Next season, Liverpool will miss a player greatly and that's Sami Hyypia. I have followed his 10 years in Liverpool and there's not even a season where I thought or wanted him to be transfered out. Everytime he plays, he is crucial for Liverpool. His headers in defence clear the long balls and crosses. His headers in offence score goals from corners. Not only that, his foot work is brilliant. Some may not notice but he is really a good passer of the ball and can control the ball well too. He will surely be sorely missed but I hope he comes back two years later as a coach. He has lots to teach to others. His professionalism, positioning, header, ball control and reading of the game. He is great as a footballer as well as a person. All the best, Sami! Hope you help Bayer win the German league. Sami, Sami Hyypia!!!

"You'll Never Walk Alone"

A New Chapter

2009-05-15T16:37:00.003+08:00

A new chapter awaits! The time has come to write a new chapter in my life. As it is pending, I thought it's good to take time and think for awhile. Heck, I think of it all the while! People say you should never look back and only look forward. I can't fully agree with it. There are times when you need to look back. Look back for strength, for inspiration, for memories.

For a lot of us, the next chapter that I am stepping into is a life defining one. It's the time you earn your living, have a family and find your career. Pretty much how your life will be looked at depends on this chapter. As it's the future, it's the unknown. As much as we can plan for it, God decides. Hopefully for me, it starts on the right note and ends well. Hopefully it ends when I reach the age of 40. Hopefully by then, I will be able to leave my legacy behind. I want to start a new chapter then. I want to BE ABLE to start a new chapter then. What the hell. I haven't start the next chapter and already dream of the following chapter.

Looking back at my life, I don't want to rewrite a chapter. I want to rewrite the whole book. If can, I want to scrap the whole book and write a different story. "My way" definitely is not my song. When I look back, I have too many things to regret and to many to change. There are so many improvements I can make to become a better person. Of course, there are some things too which I would love to keep even if I can rewrite my book. I would remember the lessons I learned in life, the people who came across my life and left a mark, and I would definitely still support Liverpool Football Club. These are things I won't trade for anything.

To start the new chapter, maybe I should start to be more vulnerable. I think I have protected myself too much at too many times. Maybe starting to be vulnerable in this blog could be a start. We will see if I do expose my self more. It's time to start a new page with a new title for a new chapter. Cheers!

West Ham 0 Liverpool 3

2009-05-11T16:53:00.003+08:00

Liverpool move top! However, M*n U*d went back there after beating Man City comfortably. It was another good match for the Reds. Despite scoring three goals, it was not as easy as it suggested. West Ham fought for possession well and passed around well. However, the quality in Liverpool's side was enough to see them off.

"Stevie G inspires Reds"

With Gerrard and Torres starting together, I anticipated a good game for the Reds. I was even happier to see Benayoun and Kuyt playing. I believe these four starting together on their day is a lethal combination. When it was said this was only Gerrard's and Torres' 12th league game together this season, I can't help but to ponder the "what if's". What if they have played together more? I dare say Liverpool would have won the title by now. Then again, it is just a 'what if'. It might not turn out as we thought it will.

From the kickoff, Liverpool took the lead. In less than two minutes, Gerrard was put through by Torres to score the opening. He rounded Given and made no mistake in front of an open goal. With such quality from both players, it really scares me to think what would have been the story if they have played 2/3 of the season together rather than just 1/3.

"A brace for the man with grace"

Liverpool dominated in front of goal. However, West Ham were no easy opponents around the park. In the 38th minute, Torres was rightly judged to have been tugged on the shirt by Luis Boa Morte and was given a penalty. Gerrard took the kick but was saved by Green. However, the ball was not held and Gerrard rushed to put it in the second time.

"Babel shows he can score too"

Liverpool's third goal didn't come until the 84th minute. Babel who substituted in for Torres scored the third for the Reds. He too scored from a second attempt after having his first saved by Green. With this win, it put Liverpool back to top. However, Liverpool went back to second after M*n U*d beat Man City comfortably. Despite the odds are getting higher against Liverpool upsetting M*n U*d for the title, it is still mathematically possible. Thus, I pray and hope M*n U*d will lose their next two games. There seems to be some personal problems among M*n U*d's players in the form of Cristiano Ronaldo and Tevez. Ronaldo was angry at Ferguson for substituting him while Tevez is bidding his farewell after being angered by M*n U*d's lack of action over his deal. Hopefully, these problems will affect their remaining games.

"You'll Never Walk Alone"

Liverpool 3 Newcastle 0

2009-05-11T15:46:00.003+08:00

It's May and Liverpool are still there! With the season coming to an end soon, I am absolutely proud that Liverpool are still challenging for the title. It's highly that they may not win it but what's there not to be proud of? This team has progressed very far under Benitez.

"Is Agent 007 spying or a genuine Liverpool fan?"

For this game, I was unable to watch as I was in Melbourne for holiday. Despite that, I managed to catch the goals in the news. Yossi, Kuyt and Lucas all scored for Liverpool. For Yossi's goal, it looked offside but as we know, such decisions can go with and against you. Minutes later, Kuyt scored a beauty with a diving header. For Leiva's goal, it was a good goal too. He too scored from a header after being provided by Aurelio from a free-kick.

"Another goal for Yossi"

Before Leiva scored his goal, Alonso had two shots hitting the bar earlier. He must have had a good game. Unfortunately, he was recklessly tackled by Joey Barton, who got a red card for it, and was stretchered off.

"Flying Dutch without wings"

With games running out, Liverpool are doing everything they should. They are playing well and keep winning. However, M*n U*d are showing no signs of slowing down either and it looks more and more likely that they will win the league as the season draws a close. Nonetheless, we all have to acknowledge Liverpool has done tremendously this season. The consistency has improved and if some draws can be turned into victories, Liverpool will be well placed for the title again for the seasons to come. As of the moment, Liverpool still keep their hope alive and it's good to see no matter what others may say.

"I scored! I scored!"

On another matter, I was deeply saddened by the news that Sami Hyypia will be moving to Bayer Leverkusen next season. He has been a great servant for the club for a decade and it's just too bad Liverpool can't guarantee him enough games. Over the ten years, I have always been a big admirer of him ever since he started playing for Liverpool. People talk crap about his lack of pace but as some more knowledgeable people would say, Sami is one who never has pace to start with. At this point, I am still convinced he is the better of defender compared to Carragher, Skrtel or Agger. I may be bias due to my huge admiration of him but I am sure there are people who would agree with me.

I wish Hyypia all the best in his future with Bayer and may he win the German league title in the two years. After that, big Finn, please come back and give the youngsters some lessons. Liverpool still need you! Thanks for all the contributions you have given Liverpool. Let's hope there's a testimonial in place for this big Finn. If there's someone at Liverpool who deserves it, it's him.

"You'll Never Walk Alone"

Hull City 1 Liverpool 3

2009-04-28T09:55:00.003+08:00

The fight goes on! After some fantastic football for the past weeks, this game was not one of them. It was not good football but a win is a win. At the moment, every win will be crucial and it doesn't matter how they come by. The win put M*n U*d under pressure but credits to them for coming back from two goals down to beat Spurs 5-2. Let's hope Liverpool continue to mount the pressure on them.

"Alonso does it!"

Like I said, the game wasn't fantastic. However, Liverpool got their goals and that's all that matters. Alonso opened the scoring from his ferocious shot from the rebound of his free kick. It came right at the end of the first half. It was a beauty but to start with, the free kick given was controversial. In all honesty, I would say Mascherano lost his balance before getting a kick.

"Flying Ducthman soars!"

In the second half, Kuyt scored the second and third goal for Liverpool. For his first, he headed in from close range. The ball was blocked from a cross to Skrtel who then has his shot rebounded off the ground to Kuyt. This goal was crucial. However, it was also controversial as the ball deflected off Leiva's arm to Skrtel.

"Yossi works his socks off"

Despite the second goal and down with 10 men, Hull did not give up and got their reward soon. After Kuyt's goal, Geovanni scored to keep Hull in the game. It was good play by Hull but it was also bad defending by Liverpool. Insua forgot to track back and left Geovanni all the room to score after a cross from Cousin. Reina clearly was angry about it as he continued to concede.

"Kuyt secures the win"

It sent some panic for Liverpool but they managed to end the game with a third from Kuyt in the 89th minute. This time though, it was a goal without controversy. Before that, Torres had a good header which struck the crossbar. It denied him his 50th goal for Liverpool. Hopefully he has saved that against Newcastle.

With this win, the hope will still be there. I am really pleased to see the team keep on fighting despite the games running out. It showed character. As long as it is still mathematically possible, Liverpool will fight and fight until the end. Even if M*n U*d win it before the last game, I hope to see Liverpool fight to win all their remaining matches. Come on, Reds!

"You'll Never Walk Alone"

Liverpool 4 Arsenal 4

2009-04-22T10:26:00.005+08:00

It's not real! After an 8 goal thriller against Chelsea in the Champions League, Liverpool scored another 4 and conceded another 4 against Arsenal in the league. This is unreal. This did not happen! When was the last time this happen? I don't think it ever happened before. Title race over? To me, it's regardless. Before this, M*n U*d need to lose at least one and draw one for Liverpool to go top. After this draw, M*n U*d need to lose two games at the very least for Liverpool to go top. For me, that doesn't make so much of a difference. Point is, it all still depends on M*n U*d.

"Torres rose to the challenge"

As a supporter, I am really happy to see Liverpool scoring goals. Not too long ago, I remember moaning Liverpool's failure to score goals. Now, they are scoring goals and scoring loads of them. Problem now is, they are conceding as many. Against Chelsea and Arsenal, it's really disappointing in terms of defence. However when a team has to give it all for a win while the opponents has nothing to lose, then the game can be very open as we saw. Liverpool pushed and pushed to score goals. However, the anxiety and nerve is not good for the defence. They are badly exposed at times and made a lot of mistakes due to nerve. Against quality opponents such as Chelsea and Arsenal, you know they can punish you and they did that to Liverpool.

"Lethal little Arshavin"

Arshavin had a superb game for Arsenal in front of goal. He was quick on the ball and took his chances. From four chances, he scored four. I just hope he is as lethal against M*n U*d when they play each other 3 times and gets as many chances too. As for Liverpool, a brace each from Torres and Benayoun gave Liverpool the point to go top on goal difference having played two games more than M*n U*d. In Gerrard's absence, Benayoun had done very very well. In fact in terms of goal scoring, he has done as well if not better than Gerrard in that position behind the striker.

"Yossi gave his all and gave me a scare!"

I am really proud of him and happy for him. When he went for the header to score the second goal, I was almost in tears not because he scored. I didn't even notice the referee gave the goal. I was in shock and fear when I see his head clashed heavily with the defenders and subsequently went on to lie motionless on the field. When the players went over to congratulate him, I didn't even thought of it as a goal celebration. I thought the players were rushing over to him for assistance. I was really scared for a moment. I remember reading about a player who clashed with a 'keeper and died from it but it was an incident long long time ago where colour television hasn't existed.

"Four goals? Not enough!"

Again and again I remind myself and others, this season is one to be proud of regardless of how the season will end for Liverpool. It may end up like last season with Liverpool winning nothing but it would be a huge improvement in comparison. We cannot take away how well the team has done this season. As shown in this match, we must remember how well these players have done. In absence of Torres and Gerrard or both at times, these other players have done so well to fill in their shoes to put Liverpool where they are today.

One might argue this draw ends the title hope for Liverpool. However in the end, this might also be the point which put Liverpool top if M*n U*d do really lose two games. The players must believe. I really hope Liverpool win the title. The players truly deserve it especially the likes of Benayoun. If they win it, I would like everyone to look back and think how much this guy has done and how many winners or points he gained for Liverpool. His impact for me, is as big as players like Stevie G and Torres.

With the five games remaining, I hope Liverpool will sort out their defensive woes while keep creating chances and score up front. It's important to score as many as possible to ensure the advantage of goal difference is with Liverpool. However, the defence can't be neglected unless Liverpool want to continue conceding goals. Can Liverpool still win the title? Mathematically still yes, so yes! Do I really care? Not really but I want them to win it because they deserve it if they do. If not, they still deserve my admiration and applause. Come on, Reds!

"You'll Never Walk Alone"

Chelsea 4 Liverpool 4

2009-04-15T09:40:00.004+08:00

Heads held high! There's no shame in this draw. Although Liverpool lose out on a 7-5 aggregate, the way they played at Chelsea meant everyone associated to Liverpool Football Club can be proud of the team. This may not be the biggest joy but the four goals, commitment, and attitude of the players, the night was for the 96.

"Justice for the 96, Justice!"

After the first leg, I still believe Liverpool could do it. There must be a lot of believers like me as well as skeptics. On the night, Liverpool nearly did it. When Aurelio scored the first goal from a free-kick 35 yards out, it was game on. Liverpool knew the first goal will be important and they got it early. Soon, Liverpool went 2-0 up from a penalty after Alonso was held in the box. At 2-0, it looked very likely Liverpool could go on grab the third to win the tie. Kuyt had a chance from a header but Cech was quick and tall enough to step back to palm it away.

"Aurelio gets it started!"

Chelsea were angry of their display in the first half. Rightly so. They were nervous and taken aback by Liverpool. However, they came out a better team the second half. While Liverpool were chasing their third goal, Chelsea pulled one back. A low cross from Anelka into the box met the slightest of Drogba's boot and it was not anticipated by Reina who pushed it into his own net after positioning himself to receive the cross. With the goal, it didn't really put a dent into Liverpool's hope as Liverpool still need the third goal they were chasing. However, Chelsea equalised through Alex from a free-kick. He took it with absolute power and caught Reina off guard. He could have palm it away but the power and speed of the ball left him with no chance.

"Alonso gives real hope!"

At 2-2, surely a lot would say it's game over for Liverpool. At 3-2, more hope seemed to be lost. After Alex's goal, a mistake from Alonso who was too eager and too quick to counter attack gave Chelsea their third. Lampard was the scorer from Alonso's mistake. Due to the need and eagerness to attack and score, Liverpool's defence was badly exposed. I thought Skrtel did not go into challenges he should have. Nonetheless, hopefully he will learn from it. After 2005, Liverpool never really defended as desperately and good as they did when needed. I guess that's the price you have to pay when you look to play attacking football.

"The players still believed then!"

With the scoreline at 3-2, Benitez substituted in Ngog for Torres. For a lot of people, they see it as keeping Torres fit for the league game as it is hopeless then. However, Liverpool scored the next minute to equalise. Lucas had space and time in midfield and he took a shot. It was deflected in by Essein. With less than 10 minutes left, I wondered could it still happen. What do I know? The next minute, Liverpool found themselves a goal away from qualifying. Reira made a good cross from the left and Kuyt powered in a header from close range. 3-4, it was game on again suddenly when all hope seemed lost. With Liverpool, you have to dare to believe.

However, the defence again proved the trouble for Liverpool as it was for Chelsea as well. With a minute left on normal time, Drogba pulled back a ball for Lampard and his shot was deflected into the net from the woodwork. At 4-4, it surely was the end for Liverpool. Within a minute, Ngog nearly scored if not for Essein's header off the line and that put out the flame in Liverpool if there was still any left.

Despite losing the round on 7-5 aggregate, the way Liverpool played at Chelsea was fantastic. They showed the desire, believe, commitment, attitude, and will-power. On the night, it was always for the 96. Despite not winning, the 96 would be proud of Liverpool. The four goals will surely be dedicated to them and their families. One big highlight for me in the game was the supporters. They kept supporting the players no matter what the scoreline was at. No matter how the match ended, it was always to be a day Liverpool will be united.

"There's still a mission to be made possible!"

This game had a lot of twist and turn. Liverpool kept creating possibilities against all odds. Time after time, they refused to give up and kept pushing for it. In many ways, the game reflected very well on Liverpool's league campaign. At the moment, they kept pushing M*n U*d by winning games. At the same time, M*n U*d are as resilient in keeping their place on top. In the end, Liverpool could push them right to the last game and yet M*n U*d could end up as winners.

As with this game though, no matter where Liverpool end up, the players and staff can be really proud of their achievement and progress this season. As a supporter, I was already very proud of them weeks back, still am and will be. The way the club has progress this season means there are a lot of positives to take from and it gives some real hope next season if nothing is won this season. Another great night and I say, "Thank You, Liverpool Football Club".

"You'll Never Walk Alone"

Liverpool 4 Blackburn 0

2009-04-13T12:00:00.002+08:00

Liverpool pressure on! After a disappointing Champions League game against Chelsea, Liverpool responded in the best way possible. They demolished Blackburn four goals to none. At the moment Fulham aside, Liverpool are trashing teams. Again, the only frustration is to see M*n U*d grabbing wins they seem to be drawing. Then again, we should not let M*n U*d's games get to us. As supporters, I really want to enjoy Liverpool's victories and Liverpool's victories only!

Before the game, a moment of silence was observed to mark the 20th anniversary of the Hillsborough tragedy. As Liverpool supporters, we should all be aware of this tragedy. It is a very unfortunate event but it is what that made Liverpool a club which means more than winning trophies. It is what that bond the club and the supporters so closely. It is the tragedy which Liverpool supporters sing You'll Never Walk Alone for. If Liverpool are to win the league title or the Champions League title this season, it will be for the 96.

"Torres was on fire!"

If the day was started on a solemn note, Torres put the smile back on everyone's face within 5 minutes from the start. With vision, he asked for the ball, got it from Carragher, and chest it into space. With precision, he turned, swiveled and half volleyed the ball putting it behind the net beyond the reach of the goalkeeper. What skill, what quality! That's Fernando Torres for you! I can't help but still think how far Liverpool would be ahead of M*n U*d now if Torres was fit throughout the season. If and only if!

After the goal, Liverpool continued to play well and Mascherano could have scored the second when he was put through by Kuyt on a counter attack. However, his shot was parried by the 'keeper and unbelievably Torres blasted the ball over the crossbar. However, Liverpool got their second from Torres again. A free kick from the left was well taken by Alonso and it fell perfectly for Torres to put power into his header and he placed it beyond the keeper's reach.

"Agger scores but will he be here next season?"

In the second half, Liverpool continued to dominate with confidence. While there were chances for a third, Liverpool failed to convert any of it until the 83rd minute. Agger took the ball out of defence to Blackburn's goal and he made a ferocious shot which made its way to the back of the net. A wonder strike from Agger.

To add icing to the cake, Ngog who came in for Kuyt scored the fourth with a free header. In the final minute, Carragher floated a cross to Leiva and he headed the ball across the goal for Ngog to head it into the empty net.

"Ngog can score!"

With this response to Chelsea's defeat, it may bold well for Liverpool's confidence and believe that they can still beat Chelsea by three goals and progress in the Champions League. In addition to this win, Chelsea who was loooking to cruise to victory against Bolton got a scare when Bolton managed to score 3 goals in 9 minutes to end the game at 4-3. If Bolton can manage to score 3 goals in 9 minutes against Chelsea, Liverpool can score at least 3 goals against Chelsea in 90 minutes. They must believe they can.

On the other hand, Chelsea would have learned against Bolton not to relax and take things easy even though they are leading comfortably from the first leg against Liverpool. Hopefully, Terry's absence will be a massive blow for Chelsea and Torres as well as others can exploit it. Let's all believe Liverpool can do it. Come on, Reds! COME ON!!!

"You'll Never Walk Alone"

Liverpool 1 Chelsea 3

2009-04-13T11:31:00.002+08:00

A big disappointment! After recent impressive form by Liverpool, who would have thought they would lose to Chelsea 3-1 at Anfield? However, as Liverpool supporters, we shall not give up hope as long as there is still a chance! Fight on, Liverpool! Fight on!

Before this game, I was well aware of something. Michael Essein is back for Chelsea. In the double Liverpool did over Chelsea in the league, Essein did not play a part due to injury. This time around, he is there and it showed how important a well established defensive midfielder is. Not only did his appearance play a massive part in Chelsea's demolition of Liverpool, Liverpool's own defensive midfielder who was banned from the game was another factor. Everyone knows how important Mascherano is for Liverpool and his absent in this big game proved he is badly missed.

"Defensive errors"

While Essein managed to close down Gerrard from creating any chance for Liverpool, Liverpool did not have Mascherano to close down the likes of Lampard and Drogba. As a result in addition to the on form wingers from Chelsea, Liverpool conceded three goals at home when they planned to concede none. Two goals from Ivanovich and one from Drogba means Liverpool now will have to score at least three goals at Stamford Bridge on the return leg. A huge task? It's more than huge! Then again, never say never to Liverpool. I believed Liverpool at half time in Istanbul. I believe they can still do it with 90 more minutes to play!

The win was well deserved by Chelsea. Although Liverpool had a few chances after Torres opened the scoring in the fifth minute, Chelsea was constantly threatening Liverpool. The defenders did not have a good game without Mascherano. Although it's really disappointing to see the result, Liverpool still have a chance and they must make the most out of every chance they have when they get a sniff in front of goal against Chelsea on the return leg.

"Tempers nearly flare!"

If there was any consolation for Liverpool, it would be Terry's absence the next match. He was booked and will miss the game at Stamford Bridge. The Blues might think it will not matter now as they are in a fantastic position. However, Liverpool can exploit his absence and if Liverpool go on to win on aggregate, then Terry's absence will prove as significant as Mascherano's.

Can Liverpool do it? Never say never! Come on, Reds! Do it for the 96!!!

"You'll Never Walk Alone"

Fulham 0 Liverpool 1

2009-04-13T10:30:00.004+08:00

Yossi does it! After two fruitless attempts, it was a case of third time lucky for Yossi Benayoun. Despite dominating the game, Liverpool needed an injury time goal from Yossi to secure three vital points. It was nerve wrecking but what a nice feeling it was in the end. Another lovely reminder of Liverpool's resilience. M*n U*d are sure to be pressured by Liverpool right to the end of the season.

"Group hug!!!"

After some fantastic run of games, Liverpool were made to sweat for this one. Liverpool became the first team out of the "Big Four" to beat Fulham at Craven Cottage in the league this season and they required an injury time goal to do that. That showed how strong Fulham have been at home this term.

In the first half, Liverpool could have gone four-nil up if not for the woodwork. Alonso and Torres both have a shot each denied by the woodwork. Dossena who played left wing on the night was twice denied by the crossbar! When Liverpool missed those chances, you start to think negatively again. As it went nearer and nearer to the final whistle, I started to think it will be one of those days again where Liverpool will not have their efforts counted.

"Jubilant Yossi"

Thankfully, Benitez got all his substitution right on the night. Babel and Benayoun came in and played crucial roles in getting the winning goal. It was Babel's calmness which allowed him to find Gerrard in the box and then it was from there where a deflection saw the ball fall to Benayoun. When Benayoun was facing the goal with no one marking him, you know he has a chance of scoring and he did it with poise.

Before that shot, Benayoun had already missed two chances. Thankfully, it was third time lucky for him. With the win, Liverpool went top for awhile before M*n U*d went back there after beating Aston Villa. Although it has some frustration that M*n U*d kept churning out victories, it's really pleasing to see Liverpool pressuring them all the way. Like I said earlier if Liverpool keep winning in the league till the end, I would be a happy man whether the win the league or not. It's another win and an important one. Let's hope Liverpool keep winning. Come on, Reds!

"You''ll Never Walk Alone"

Liverpool 5 Aston Villa 0

2009-03-24T10:24:00.003+08:00

Goals galore!!! What was a problem for Liverpool seem to be their strength now. The players just keep scoring! After blasting four pass Real Madrid and M*n U*d respectively, they add five more against Aston Villa. Will they better this the next game against Fulham? I am totally enjoying watching Liverpool now.

"Definition of a team!"

With Chelsea and M*n U*d losing the day before, Liverpool knew a win would boost the confidence around and truly put their season back into the title race. With a home game against Aston, I thought it would be tough. However, Liverpool proved me wrong by thumping them with 5 goals. Who knew? Liverpool have been a surprise to everyone for the pass 2 weeks. With their recent form, they have placed themselves just one point behind M*n U*d who still have a game in hand. When people thought the title race is over, they just refuse to give up. That's just typical Liverpool to me.

"Flying Dutch sends Liverpool to a flying start!"

Despite their recent form that has put them right back into the title race, I am not jumping into it again. I still want to treat the run-in to the end of the season as the stress-free period. I just want to see these games as bonuses and Liverpool are playing in them with glee. What a joy to watch!

Against Villa, Liverpool did not allow them to breathe from first whistle. They attacked early on. On the first minute, they already won a corner. Kuyt opened the scoring for Liverpool within 10 minutes of play after Gerrard's free-kick was flick on to the crossbar by Alonso. Kuyt who was at the right place at the right time took his half volley with a blast and made no mistake with it.

"Reira finds his form!"

After that goal, Liverpool went on to score two more before half time. Riera scored the second from a first time shot after Reina saw a gap in Villa's defence and aimed his goal kick right to Reira's run. It was not the first time Reina spots out an attacker's run and what a ball from him. As a goalkeeper, he has more assists than some outfield players and that's the testament to his mentality as a player. On the day, he also kept the cleansheet to achieve Liverpool's goalkeeper record for having the fastest 100th cleansheet.

"100th cleansheet well earned!"

With that scoreline, one would think that he had it easy on the day. However, he achieved it on his credit. After Liverpool's first goal, Villa had a few chances through Carew and he could have scored against other keepers. It was Reina's brilliance as a goalkeeper which kept the balls out and set the tone for Liverpool to go on and win. The third goal on the night was scored by Gerrard from the spot after Reira was brought down in the box.

"Triple joy for Stevie G"

In the second half, Liverpool went on to score two more to achieve their biggest win over Villa and it was achieved 15 minutes before the end. Gerrard scored the goals to earn himself his first hat-trick in the league. His second was from a free-kick which was executed brilliantly. After that, he went on to score his third on the night from the penalty spot again. Alonso made a fantastic through pass to Torres who then collided with Friedel. The referee had no other options than pointing to the spot. Gerrard again made no mistake from it. The referee got the decision right but he was harsh in sending Friedel off.

With another convincing win, hopefully M*n U*d are feeling the heat. However, let's forget about them and just enjoy what Liverpool are doing now. Agreeing with Hyypia, Liverpool have not enjoyed such a good week since 2001. They may still end up winning nothing but on current form, not many would bet they will go out with shame. To me, this Liverpool squad have a lot to be proud of and I am totally delighted at the level they are at now. Let's bring it into the following season and maintain it!

"You'll Never Walk Alone"

Mn Ud 1 Liverpool 4

2009-03-16T11:24:00.005+08:00

YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!! Where do I start? It was that fantastic!!! Liverpool totally destroyed M*n U*d. This is what Liverpool are made of. This is how Liverpool answer the critics. Liverpool may not win the league this season. However, who is to deny Liverpool have made tremendous progress throughout the years under Rafael Benitez? With a squad nobody would call the best in the world, he managed them to score four against Real Madrid and M*n U*d each; against two of the most decorated clubs in the world. Congrats Rafa for your centurion win at Liverpool! Can't be done in a better way!

"World's best striker tore the world's best defender apart!"

I won't go into the game in details. Everyone who was interested would have seen it. Ronaldo scored from the spot after Reina brought down Park Ji-Sung in the first half. Six minutes later, Torres beat Vidic, arguably the best defender in the world this season, and scored pass Van der Sar to prove doubters he is the best striker in the world. Two minutes before half time, Torres released Gerrard but he was brought down by Evra and resulted in a penalty. Gerrard took it as coolly as Ronaldo did and gave Liverpool the lead into second half. His first goal at Old Trafford sealed with a kiss.

"Hate this? I LOVE it!"

Second half still went to Liverpool's way. After 70 minutes of nothing from M*n U*d, Ferguson threw in his experience players three at once, Scholes, Giggs and Berbatov, showing the depth of M*n U*d that he enjoys. Despite that, Vidic was soon sent off for pulling Gerrard down after he was again released free to go one-on-one with Van der Sar. From the resulting free-kick, Aurelio granted my prayers that he took it and scored Liverpool's third which would have Beckham standing applauding for the sheer quality. If M*n U*d thought the nightmare at the Teather of Dreams was over, they were wrong as Dossena scored with a chipping shot two minutes from time. 4-1 and Ferguson insisted his team was the better team. I smell some fear in him for the very first time!

"Aurelio showed you don't have to walk five steps back, open the legs wide and shake your shoulders before scoring a free kick!"

On the night, there's little doubt Liverpool were on top of M*n U*d. While M*n U*d started arguably not their strongest eleven, Liverpool did not either without injured Benayoun, Alonso and Arbeloa. In fact, Sami Hyypia only knew he was playing minutes before the game after Arbeloa pulled his hamstring in warm up. Throughout the game, Hyypia did everything right and showed why he is still as important to Liverpool as ever. As a team, Liverpool were immense.

"Hoping Liverpool score 3 everytime so I nick the fourth"

Now, I only have few questions for M*n U*d fans, pundits, commentators and football experts to answer.

How can a team that were held by Middlesbrough able to beat a strong team such as M*n U*d?

How can M*n U*d, a team which beat Inter few days ago, go on to lose 4-1 to a team which have drew with so many mediocre teams in the Premier League?

How can M*n U*d, the current world champion and holders of the Champions League and Premier League, lose to a team only seating third in the league?

SO PLEASE STOP HARPING ON THE STUPID QUESTION THAT HOW LIVERPOOL CAN BEAT REAL MADRID AND STILL LOST TO MIDDLESBROUGH!!!

So an asshole in London said on Football Forecast that Liverpool beat a pub team (namely Real Madrid) and expect M*n U*d to maul Liverpool.

No chance whatsoever?

Well, say what? I can't hear a word from you now!

Or M*n U*d are also another pub team?

It must be one of the best lullabies the Liverpool-hater enjoys on the night.

"Ref: To the tunnel; Hyypia: Wow, that's far!"

M*n U*d fans ought to learn something on the night. They are facing one of their biggest rivals and yet the supporters deserted the team when the team needs them most. Throughout the game, Liverpool supporters only in the thousands were louder than the tens of thousands M*n U*d supporters. Towards the end, the empty seats were so many it showed on the television screen. Maybe they support the team only to taunt others when they win. When they lose, all you hear is silence. This is a lesson to all supporters. Support your club for the love of the club. It's not for you to bask in glory and make a fool of others. On the night, the fool was you!

Benitez asked for respect from the media to Liverpool and himself. For years, this respect was never given. Even before the start of the season, Liverpool is the target of jokes. "This will be our season". Hahaha! Very funny. The respect was never given. Benitez replied with a double in a season over Chelsea and M*n U*d, two of the best team in England and Europe last year. Should the respect be given? In my mind, Liverpool always deserved more respect. Will it be given after this? I doubt so.

It was a week I truly enjoyed in football terms. Beating U*d is a big big bonus. Media and others are starting to say the win has put Liverpool back into the title race. I won't go there. I said every game now is a bonus and this win is no difference. I only smell something fishy about the media. I know if Liverpool is to lose or draw the next game, the media will make a even bigger headline that Benitez screwed it again. That's what they hope for anyway. The beating of U*d kind of forced them to put a friendly headline for Liverpool, not a headline written with the most sincere of hearts.

Torres and Gerrard have only started nine games together this season. I still believe if they have started together more, Liverpool would be well ahead of everyone else at this point of time. Even without them, Benitez did nothing wrong as most games still saw a lot of chances just not taken. That is no fault from Benitez. If he could have put his shooting boots on, I am sure he would have. Time to put things into perspective. You (M*n U*d fans and the rest) may not like Liverpool but make no mistake Liverpool deserve the respect top clubs enjoy. Thank you, Liverpool! 4-1 I will remember. For a long, long time.

"You'll Never Walk Alone"

Liverpool 4 Real Madrid 0

2009-03-11T14:14:00.003+08:00

A REAL trashing! It was a night of jubilant as Liverpool totally wrecked Real Madrid into pieces. In respond to the Spanish media who branded Liverpool too defensive, Rafa sent his team out to put 4 pass Real Madrid in style. It was indeed a night to remember; another famous European Night at Anfield.

From first minute to the last, Liverpool's intention was clear. They were out there to score goals and seal the game as early as possible. If there was any doubt about Benitez's credential in Europe, then he has put it to rest. Before the match, players and himself talked about how Real will play at Anfield. Some "game plan" was also exposed that Liverpool's intention is to be cautious and try to win. However from the first whistle, Liverpool went on the attack so quickly that it put Madrid into a state of confusion. Of course, Madrid players would have been overawed by the Anfield crowd even before the kick off. Sometimes I wonder what damage the 12th player can do if they were as loud as last night for every match whether in the League Cup or the Champions League.

At the first attack right from the start, Torres tried to go pass the whole Madrid defence. It surely encouraged even louder cheers from the crowd. In return, the players were even more pumped up about giving their all. If the first move from Torres did not put the Madrid defence into a panic, his next surely did as he turned a pass from Gerrard so beautifully that Cannavaro could only stay rooted. However, Iker Casillas was able to stop Torres one-on-one from scoring the opener. From the corner, Masherano presented the next chance as his volley was palmed on to the crossbar by Casillas. In the first five minutes, Liverpool could have torn Real Madrid apart if not for Casillas. When Masherano did that volley, there's a feeling it will be Liverpool's night. After all, he was on target with a left foot volley!

"Remember my name, fellow Spanish!"

As Liverpool continued to dominate the game, the deadlock was soon broken by none other than Fernando Torres. The goal sparked some debate on whether Torres fouled Pepe before he scored. On replays, it showed that Torres had his hands on Pepe's shoulder before Pepe went down the ground. However if you take your eyes off the hand, it is clear to me the referee got it right. If you have noticed, Pepe actually went down the ground not due to Torres' heavy hand but he was actually going down to extend his leg to clear the ball. However, he failed to get a good touch on the ball and Kuyt snatched it to pass across goal for Torres to slot in from close range.

The goal in the 16th minute surely erupted Anfield. Despite the controversial, Real Madrid really can't complain as they could have found themselves two down before Torres scored. For Torres, it was personally a very meaningful goal as it was only his second time to score against Madrid despite having played 9 derbies against them when he was at Atletico. This time, he also experienced his first win against Real Madrid.

After the goal, Liverpool continued to pressure Madrid and played the attacking football they showed from start. On the 28th minute, Heinze was wrongfully judged to have handled the ball inside the penalty area when he used his shoulder to clear the ball from Arbeloa. Because of the positioning and his movement, the linesman thought he used his arm as Arbeloa was blocking the view and Heinze moved his whole arm upwards to put some force into his shoulder. Heinze was the guilty party for conceding the free kick to Liverpool at Bernabeu which led to the winner. This time, he was guilty again to put the tie beyond Real Madrid. Unfortunate for him this time around but who's to complain as a Liverpool fan? I wonder what Ferguson was thinking when he saw Heinze, who could have been a Liverpool player if not for him to sell to Real, contributed to Liverpool's victory over Real?

"Stevie G on top of his game!"

With that foul, the referee gave a penalty to Liverpool and captain fantastic Steven Gerrard was as cool as a cucumber when he scored from the spot. Iker Casillas was sent the wrong way and had no chance. With that goal, the game was virtually ended. Madrid would need to score three goals in order to win the leg and nobody could see Liverpool conceding that many on a European Night at Anfield. In 20 minutes, Liverpool have done their job and secured their way to the quarter finals. Gerrard's goal was a rightly reward for him as it was his 100th match for Liverpool in the Champions League.

After the second goal, Madrid became desperate and tried some long shots. Sneijder could have pulled one back for Madrid right away after the restart but Reina was keen to keep a cleansheet on the night and pulled off a good save from it. While Liverpool were creating chances after chances, Real Madrid was limited to some long range effort and half chances. Throughout the first half, Reina had little to do.

With a 2-0 lead into half time, I thought surely the second half was to ensure the lead is protected to see off the game. However, Liverpool came out fighting and challenging like they in the first half. Within two minutes from the restart, Liverpool extended the lead to 3-0. Babel did well on the left flank to pull away from Sergio Ramos and pulled back a good cross for Gerrard to half volley it beyond Casillas. It was well taken by Gerrard and the ball was too fast for Casillas to handle. With that goal, it marked the dreadful night Madrid is suffering.

Not too long after that, Gerrard could have scored his hat-trick if not for Casillas. If not for Casillas, Real Madrid would have found themselves 5 or 6 nil down instead of just 3-0. After Benitez felt Liverpool have secured the tie, he substituted Alonso, Gerrard and Torres off to rest them for the upcoming weekend tie against M*n U*d. On the night, it was so comfortable for Liverpool that Benitez could afford putting on Jay Spearing for his second Champions League outing. Despite having to fill in Gerrard's shoe, he actualy did well.

"Dossena scores his first!"

With Gerrard's departure, Madrid got into the game more and created a few chances. Nonetheless, Liverpool's defence led by Carragher was on top form too and managed to handle everything Real threw at them. On the other end, Madrid's defence was all over the place and never looked prepared for the game. With two minutes left, Liverpool added the humiliation to Real Madrid when they scored again from a counter attack. Babel did well to bring the ball forward before finding Mascherano who managed to assist Dossena to score his first goal for Liverpool. That goal tells the whole story of the night. Liverpool were on top form and fully prepared tactically and mentally to face Real while Real probably played into Benitez's tactics and became disjointed as a team. Without a doubt, this was a well deserved victory for Liverpool and some would probably argue it is by far their best performance thus far this season.

Before the game, Benitez called for more respect should be given to Liverpool and I am totally with him on this issue. When you look at how opponents play against Liverpool as compared to M*n U*d, it is clear who gets more respect. In fact, they give M*n U*d so much respect that they are basically giving a lot of room for the players to attack them freely. People asked how come Liverpool can beat a team like Real Madrid but not a team like Middlesbrough. I thought it was the silliest question. It is like asking how M*n U*d won the title as the best club on the planet yet not winning every single game they play. Is it even a logical question? It's bull shit. So if Liverpool beat M*n U*d on the weekend, should I ask how M*n U*d can lose to Liverpool while Middlesbrough didn't? So let's put this question to rest. And if you are seriously looking for an answer, the answer lies in the difference in respect given to both clubs.

For now, I am going to embrace this victory. Liverpool under Benitez have conquered so many big teams in Europe and adding Real Madrid, the 9 time winner in Champions League, is icing on the cake. However, nobody is complaining it's getting too sweet. It can never be too sweet! On the weekend, I hope I can enjoy another game when Liverpool take on M*n U*d.

"You'll Never Walk Alone"

Real Madrid 0 Liverpool 1

2009-03-10T10:22:00.004+08:00

Bernabeu, Checked! A solitary goal from Yossi secured another famous win for Liverpool. On a European Night, it seems to suggest that Liverpool are secured to give a great performance which will go down well in history. Forget about what's happening in the league. This match showed what won Liverpool the Champions League in 2005 - resilience, patience, commitment, discipline, and concentration.

"Great defensive discipline!"

While people talk about the attractive attacking football usually displayed by M*n U*d and Arsenal which make them successful, Liverpool's is the disciplined football they display. This partially explains why they do better in Europe or cup football than in league. In the league, if you play as such against lesser teams, the football will be dreadful. In the league, Liverpool are denied to play as such and sometimes it becomes the downfall for Liverpool as they are forced to play a system which is not custom to Liverpool. When they win, it is their quality which pulls them through. When they don't, it is their unfamiliarity in playing a more open game.

"Yossi on top of his game!"

Back to Madrid, Liverpool played well and was in control most of the match. The players denied Madrid to only a few chances and most of them are from long range. On the other end, Liverpool have some players who were able to penetrate their defence. One of them was Benayoun who played well on the night. Not only was he daring to go forward against Real's defenders he also made some good movements around their box and was able to dribble pass their defenders.

In the first half, Liverpool had two good chances but Torres and Benayoun failed to score from them due to the alert Iker Casillas. However, Iker was beaten in the second half when Benayoun scored from a header near the end of game. Heinze made a stupid foul on Kuyt and Liverpool won the game from the free kick. Aurelio took the free kick beautifully and Benayoun made no mistake from his header.

"Key player at the moment?"

Despite this win, which was euphoric, it is clear to everyone that it is only half time. There are still 90 minutes to play and Real Madrid is a quality team which won't be too affected by the Anfield crowd. It is an advantage for Liverpool now to play the second leg at Anfield and holding a lead. However, the lead is slender and Liverpool need to play to win at Anfield.

Before the game, one thing is already for sure. The Anfield crowd will make it another memorable European Night. On the night, they will aim to blow off the roof again. I am eager to watch and enjoy the game. Let's all hope the ending is something we all can smile upon. Come on, Reds!

"You'll Never Walk Alone"

Liverpool 2 Sunderland 0

2009-03-04T16:05:00.003+08:00

Yes yes yes! A win! Liverpool beat Sunderland 2-0 to keep improve their season's point tally. After a disappointing weekend against Middlesbrough, Liverpool showed character by beating Sunderland comfortably.

"Ngog got the goal!"

Throughout the game, Liverpool played well by controlling all areas. However as time passed by, it looked as if it is threatening to be another bore 0-0 draw which Liverpool have suffered quite a bit this season especially at Anfield. Thankfully, Ngog who made his first start in the league opened his scoring too on the 52nd minute. The goal came from a good cross from Reira. It was sent into the penalty area and Benayoun did well to pull away the defenders for Gerrard to head the ball cleanly across the goal for Ngog to volley in.

"Yossi's on form!"

After the goal, Liverpool continued to dominate. Soon after, the second goal came to seal the game. When Ngog attempted an overhead kick, Fulop parried the ball weakly and it fell to Benayoun who tapped in the ball. It was a well deserved goal by Benayoun. Of late, he has been producing some great display for Liverpool. If he keep his consistency, he will be a crucial player for Liverpool in the remaining games. If Garcia had a hand in winning Liverpool the Champions League in 2005, Yousi Benayoun can play an even bigger part in helping Liverpool achieve the same this season. I have always liked him and it is a joy to see him playing well. People sometimes don't realise how good his runs and vision are.

Although this win helped Liverpool stay on equal points with Chelsea and four behind M*n U*d who have two games in hand, it did not ignite any hope in me that they still have a chance to win the title. Probably it is because they are as certain as out of it already but more so is because I accepted that they have improved tremendously from last season and this win is just another bonus. After the game, I was just pleased. I was especially please when the first goal was scored. It was pure joy and no pressure. They might be out of the title race but this win gave me a joy which I have not felt for a long time this season.

"You'll Never Walk Alone"

Middlesbrough 2 Liverpool 0

2009-03-03T11:55:00.003+08:00

The woes continue! However like I said earlier, it doesn't matter anymore. Liverpool have done tremendously this season. We never expect them to win the title. We expected them to be contenders. First, we wanted them to stay in contention in December. They did it. January, they did it. March, they are on equal points with Chelsea. We will all be disappointed but I am refusing to complain how we "threw" the title away. For a fact, Liverpool have improved and maybe this shortcoming can be a lesson to them for next season.

"Disappointment"

Liverpool played well in the first 20 minutes against Boro. Chances were created but none taken. When the goal came, it was an own goal from Alonso. At times like that I ask myself how more unlucky can Liverpool get? Failing to win to a deflected goal in the previous match and then now conceding to an own goal. The game was later sealed by Tuncay who scored the second for Boro.

"El Zhar ready to step in?"

During the game, El Zhar had a couple of good chances. Although he didn't score throughout the match, I think he did well. I hope he with some others from the reserves can soon come into the first team and show their worth. Now that the title chase is as well as confirmed over, maybe Rafa can consider starting players like El Zhar, Pacheco and Insua more. When Liverpool have good chances and fail to score, it's this time when we all feel we missed Torres this season. Benitez has said it's Torres' injuries which has cost Liverpool a lot this season. I would agree. It is M*n U*d without Ronaldo and I feel we have to be proud of what Liverpool have achieved without him featuring much.

This game was no bonus. Will the next against Sunderland be a bonus? Hopefully. A good win with three points will surely cheer me up. I think I will be even happier if nobody talks about the title chase anymore whether a win will ignite some hope or be taunted as something which comes a little too late.

"You'll Never Walk Alone"

Liverpool 1 Mancheser City 1

2009-02-23T10:00:00.004+08:00

Title dreams over? Liverpool were held 1-1 by Man City and it means Liverpool will now be 7 points behind leaders M*n U*d who scrapped a 2-1 win over Blackburn. Twelve games to go and will there be another twist of events? Unlikely. However, should the manager, the players and the supporters give up when they are still in with the slightest of chance? Don't think so. 36 points to play for and a 7 point gap can be overcome.

Without Gerrard, Liverpool truly lacked the firepower up front. Torres was a threat to Man City but he rarely received it the way he would love it. Kuyt did well in the first half on the right when he managed a few crosses but he could have done better. Torres was constantly on his spot waiting for a pull back from Kuyt but he never received it. Kuyt's crosses were ineffective because there were just a lot of defenders defending the ball against the odd one or two Liverpool players going for it. Torres did the right thing in staying to his spot but he never receives the ball. Despite having a few chances, Liverpool did not do enough to score in the first half.

"Agony!"

In the second half, Man City played better and that put a lot of pressure on Liverpool. Unfortunately, Liverpool came undone by Man City soon as they got a deflected goal. It truly caused a major panic due to the position Liverpool and M*n U*d were in. Later on, Kuyt scored a goal which is as fortunate as the one scored by Man City and that lifted the crowd and the hope came back. Two comebacks against Man City? It was not to be. It didn't happen. Despite more chances, they never looked clear cut and again, Liverpool did not do enough to win it. In the end, it was just a draw and that must have delighted M*n U*d who now look secured for the title.

It was truly frustrating and nerve wrecking watching Liverpool play yesterday. The draw probably will do Liverpool good. In order to clear my mind, I have to bring myself back to where it started. I think after this draw, the players can play without as much pressure anymore. To many, it is over and I think they should just play to enjoy. The pressure has been enormous and it was not a good feeling. Before the season, we all hoped they challenge and challenge they did. They might be further adrift but they are still second to M*n U*d and we have to give credit to Liverpool on their season. Benitez has managed to lead the club to overtake Arsenal and Chelsea. It truly is already a step forward for the club. I have told myself but I remained hopeful. Again after this game, I have to tell myself again despite my agony that Liverpool have achieved what they aimed for this season.

Every game now on, I want to tell myself it doesn't matter anymore. Win or lose, they have achieved what I hoped for. It would probably not be this season but it can be improved next season. The team have progressed and we should happy about it. I rarely say "this season would be it" but I think with the improvement this season, I can say that next season with a real hope. This season's league might be over for Liverpool but there still is a chance. Again, 36 points to play for. However, I will stop expecting and let the results sort it out. If Liverpool managed to close the gap and win the league, well great! If not, they have done well as well. Thank you, Liverpool!

"You'll Never Walk Alone"

Morality

2009-02-18T15:28:00.004+08:00

Eli's nude! As if you never! So what's all the big fuss that a Chinese girl was photographed while she was asleep? Okay, she might be sleeping in the nude or whatever but why are we pointing fingers at her? I have been walking around semi naked and if my pictures are being circulated, is the society going to condemn me for not covering up? Hello!!! I'm a Chinese, you bastards!

Let's forget about her being a state assembly representative or the Selangor state exco member. So what she is photographed in the nude? She is a Chinese and sleeping in the nude has nothing got to do with her religion. Whether Christianity or Buddhism, has all our Islamic fellow countrymen forget that both figures of Jesus and Buddha are not totally covered up? They are Gods and they expose some flesh here and there don't they?

Come on! This is not an issue about her morality! It's an issue about invasion of privacy. It's about a very irresponsible person, not her but the one who took her pictures without consent and worse still to expose it to the public. The BN-controlled press is not helping. BN as the government is not helping. People like the botoxed face Khir Toyo who asked Elizabeth to quit are simply irresponsible as a politician. What is his message to people? In a weather like Malaysia, I would encourage everyone to sleep in the nude! She did nothing wrong, period.

Please, Mr. Botox Face, stop comparing this with Chua Soi Lek's incident. Eli has done nothing wrong and thus does not need to resign whatever position she's holding. Chua Soi Lek had adultery. He slept with another woman who's not his wife. That is not accepted in any religion. Even in Islam, that woman has to be your second, third or fourth wife if not the first. What Chua Soi Lek did was absolutely wrong in any aspect. Darwin might fight a case for him but his purpose was not to reproduce. So no argument there. And for Chua Soi Lek, please don't try to empathize with Elizabeth. What you felt was guilt, if you ever felt you were wrong. What she is feeling now is probably anger, humiliated and betrayed. You might felt those too but she definitely does not need to feel guilt!!! Disgusting BN politicians!!!

If anyone wants to comment about this, their comments should focus on the irreponsible act of the person who exposed the pictures. They should suggest the police force to act swiftly on this and find the culprit. Whatever they are commenting in the press and how the press chose to report the incident are just not acceptable.

I have stayed away from blogging sociopolitical issues for a long time already. Partly I was lazy. However, I was simply tired of saying the same things. I don't even bother reading newspapers and watching news anymore. What's the point if I can't stand to listen or read a full news article? Everytime, I just felt disgusted and wanted to throw up. Our media is total bull shit while our federal government is fucked up. People asked me why didn't comment about Perak. What's there to say? Whatever needs to be known is out there. With their actions, if you still think they are a good government, then I can't convince you anymore.

For You, My Valentine

2009-02-14T00:00:00.002+08:00

Today is the day,
Where lovers cherish their love,
Today is the day,
Couples are to be with each other,
Today is the day,
Love birds show their affection,
Today is the day,
I want to show my appreciation,
Today is also the day,
I miss you greatly,
Today is the day,
We are miles apart sadly,
Still we have to celebrate,
For February 14 is still Valentine's Day,
For you this poem I dedicate,
A poem to say I love you everyday.

Weeks back to this date,
I have wanted to write this to my babe,
Today is the chance I seize,
I hope our love will never cease,
More than wanting to see you pleased,
I hope I am your every bliss.

Six years we have been a couple,
Through ups and downs,
Thick and thin,
We have shared tears and laughter,
First two were from a distant,
Just able to speak and listen,
Another four went by in an instant,
Together most times it felt like heaven.

I have been reflecting,
Probing and thinking,
Of our memories as lovers,
Of the changes in us,
Of what we have achieved,
Or what we have missed,
Of what beholds our future,
Of what could have been better,
Of you my dear love,
Of everything is our love.

Between us things have changed,
Since the day I held your hands,
When you coughed in the dark,
In the crowded cinema,
On the day we first hugged,
To this day we are apart,
Yet we are together,
You are still my partner,
You are still my lover,
We are still together.

Back then was so tough,
So much so it was hard to laugh,
We missed each other so much,
Thinking how good if we could touch,
Every night we called and said goodnight,
Never once it felt like goodbye,
Our hearts felt close,
Far apart bodily but not our souls.

You are my cherry I am your tart,
Yet we are a mismatch from the start,
Geminis are not meant for Pisceans,
Dogs shouldn't live with the Oxen,
I am one you are the other,
Yet we have chosen to be together,
Best or secret friends we are not,
But we are a matching key and lock,
Social rules don't favor us,
Our age difference is like a curse,
How can it be that I am younger,
And you are older,
This surely upset the elders,
Yet we held strong to each other,
Six years later,
We are still together,
We have defied all odds to be lovers,
We are still lovers,
We are still together,
We are still together.

I miss the days of the past,
Even though they were hard,
We were so strong together,
Our love was simply unshakable,
When you came home,
When you were leaving,
Each hug came with tears,
They were tears of joy,
They were also tears of sorrows,
It was bitter sweet for years,
It was painful at times,
It was hurtful for the mind,
Yet those were days I miss much,
The days the world we couldn't care much,
The days we only had eyes with each other,
The days our lives had no others.

We used to sms each other for everything,
We used to chat about anything,
We used to talk on phone endlessly,
We felt comfort even we spoke silently,
We used to kiss and hug at every moment,
We shared secrets we had never spoken,
How things have changed for better or worse,
Now we hardly share with each other,
Sharing with others you would rather,
Because at times I don't seem to bother,
Keeping to myself is my preference,
I don't seem to understand your problems,
There are times I can't stand your noise,
There are days I raise my voice,
Despite that we are still together,
For all I know we still love each other,
There are good days,
There are bad days,
For better or worse,
We are still together.

I hope you remember,
When you were a scholar,
You wrote me a 15-page long letter,
I am not a very good reader,
I can hardly read pass to pages,
Minutes to me feels like ages,
However that's with my studies,
Not with your letter,
It was so pleasant to think back,
The days when I love everything you did,
When I love every moment we shared,
When you felt the same about me,
When we grazed into each other,
Knowing we have each other's love,
Knowing we are so strong together,
Feeling it would only be greater.

We might have shared less,
We might have hugged less,
We might have kissed less,
We might have talked less,
We might have called less,
We might have cared less,
But I know I love you still,
Because fear is what I feel,
In fear of hurting you,
In fear of disappointing you,
In fear of annoying you,
In fear of not listening to you,
In fear of not supporting you,
Most of all in fear of losing you,
For that I know I love you still,
I love you still.

Throughout the years,
I have made promises,
Some are fulfilled,
Others are not,
Some are simply the forgotten lot,
I have been such a disappointment,
I felt like that very often,
At times I wish I am a lot better,
I want so bad to be your perfect partner,
I long to be a little taller,
Smarter and broader,
I want to be of better manner,
I wish I am much older,
Only if I already have a career,
And be far far richer.

I want to be the man,
Who fulfills your dreams and wishes,
Who takes away all your grouses,
I want to be the man,
Who gives you tons of happiness,
Who erases all your sadness,
But I know I am not the man,
I am far from your ideal man,
I know because I felt weak,
I know because I felt sick,
Negativity looms around me,
I looked at things less cheerfully,
I care so much more,
I see myself on the floor,
Sad that tons I want to change,
Signifying I am not on the lane.

Over the years,
We have grown as persons,
Over the years,
We have changed for our own reasons,
We have affected each other,
To be different from when we're first together,
Our mindset might not be identical,
Our thinking might be dissimilar,
Our interests might be conflicting,
Our hobbies might not be matching,
However there's one thing we share,
And that's our feelings for each other,
That's what that has mattered,
That's what that holds us tight,
That's why we are still together,
Despite we had fights,
I just want to tell you,
I still love you,
With you my days are bright,
For you have been my light.

I know your heart has never changed,
I know your love has remained,
Your love for me is not justified,
A lot that you has sacrificed,
You have tolerated my weaknesses,
You have accepted my inabilities,
You have seen my idiosyncrasies,
You have felt hurt because of me,
You have your dreams on hold,
For I have yet to fall into the mold,
Yet I am still your lover,
And that indicates to me,
You still love me,
You still love me.

I wish today we are together,
I wish today I am stronger,
I admit I am scared,
That you wouldn't have cared,
That you would have a great time,
Forgetting about mine,
I want to reach you so bad,
I really fear I would go mad,
I don't want to be sad,
But my heart felt a crack.

No matter what our future holds,
I need you to know,
That you have given me lots of memories,
I will definitely cherish,
That you have loved me,
Like I have loved you unconditionally,
That we have shared our lives,
More than that we have realized,
That we are not obliged to each other,
But we are still lovers,
That though we are separated,
Our love remained united.

Baby,
Thank you for your patience,
Thank you for your trust,
Thank you for your respect,
Thank you for your time,
Thank you for everything,
That you have given me,
Thank you for the 6 years,
Thank you for wanting more,
I love you to your core,
More than all the above,
I thank you for your love.

This poem might be filled with flaws,
It might have broken the grammar laws,
It might not rhyme,
It might be wrongly timed,
It might have words misspelled,
But what the hell,
I hope it's a poem you would love,
On this very day to celebrate us,
For you, my love,
I dedicate this poem,
For you, my love,
I wish you from a distant,
Happy Valentine's Day,
I hope I made your day.

Adam
Feb 14, 2009

Portsmouth 2 Liverpool 3

2009-02-09T15:51:00.006+08:00

Liverpool keep the pace! Starting with a very unusual line-up, Liverpool dominated the whole match but somehow found themselves conceding twice and needed a last minute header by Fernando Torres to earn Liverpool a win. A gamble by Benitez? Well, it paid off!

After a tiring match against Everton in the FA Cup replay, Benitez opted to rest a lot of his usual starters. Riera and Kuyt were rested while Torres and Alonso were also kept in the bench after passing some late fitness test. The starting line-up put out by Benitez saw 6 defenders. However, only 3 played in defence while the others in midfield. In defence, Benitez opted for three men namely Carragher, Skrtel and Agger. In midfield, he had Arbeloa and Dossena on the wings while Aurelio played in central midfield which he last played as a Valencia player years back. Mascherano played his usual role in the defensive midfield position. As for the attacking players, Benitez started Ngog with Benayoun and Babel supporting alongside.

The line-up would have not been anticipated by Tony Adams. It was the first time Benitez played this line-up and it truly shocked everyone. Despite the unfamiliarity, the team actually played rather well. Though they failed to produce many clear chances in the first half, they totally dominated the possession of the ball. They were all quick to close down players, played excellent short passing, and threatened the goal mouth a few times. Benayoun was first to be released but his shot hit the side netting. Then, Aurelio had two chances where one hit the post from a free-kick while another flew inches wide. Even Mascherano had a shot which required David James to stretch full length to palm it away.

Without Torres and Gerrard, Liverpool might have very limited options in front and lack in creativity. However there's no doubt without them, the other players have much more freedom with their play. They get to see the ball more and had more possession of the ball on their feet. For example, Benayoun stepped into Gerrard's shoe and played some good passes as well as had a dribble or two. Aurelio who took the central midfield role also saw the ball more and was not afraid of possession. It was probably one of the better performance I have seen Liverpool played with the ball while attacking. Despite that, Liverpool lacked the final delivery. As a result, they failed to score despite making Portsmouth nothing much more than spectators.

"We will keep winning!"

In the second half, Benitez made 3 timely substitution to win the game. He substituted in Kuyt, then Alonso and lastly Torres. All of them contributed greatly to Liverpool. Some questioned Benitez's decision on the basis that if only these three started, Liverpool would have won earlier. I thought on the contrary. These players including Riera have been involved in two very competitive games against Chelsea and Everton. If Benitez has a choice, I am sure he would have also rested Carragher. I thought the win was only won because these three players played as substitutes. Playing around 30 to 15 minutes of football, it meant these players can contribute more than if they were to play from the start. We all saw how tired and how little they contributed in the previous game against Everton. Torres in particular, was clearly lacking in match fitness. Thus, I thought Benitez was right to rest them and used them in the way he did.

Liverpool had the chance to take the lead in the second half. However, Liverpool were made to pay when Babel missed the glorious chance to score. After good play from Benayoun and Kuyt to release Babel right in front of goal, he somehow missed the ball from 2 yards out. Right after that, Portsmouth went on to score their first goal courtesy of Everton-fan Nugent. However, Liverpool fought back and was fortunate when Crouch made a silly back pass to James. Under pressure from the onrushing Kuyt, James was forced to handle the ball and resulted in an indirect freekick. With very little space as Portsmouth packed their players in front of the goal mouth, Aurelio was able to smash the ball into the bottom corner for the equaliser.

After the equaliser, Liverpool were back into control. To get a winner, Torres was brought in. However, Portsmouth went ahead again when they earned a free-kick which was headed in by Hreidarsson. With less than 15 minutes left, Liverpool were sent into a panic. I was so scared of this lose I prayed so hard for a 3-2 to Liverpool. Thankfully, my prayers were heard. On the 85th minute, Kuyt smashed in the equaliser again much thanks to luck. He managed to squeeze the ball into the net from a very tight angle. James was just at the post but with his powerful shot, James was unable to react fast enough.

At 2-2, no Liverpool fans will be happy knowing M*n U*d will be in a very comfortable position if they win against West Ham the next day. Then, came the hero Fernando Torres who headed the winner with less than a minute of injury time left. I was just relieved. With time running out, Aurelio and Benayoun combined very well on the left flank. Running into tight space, Benayoun attempted a cross with his weaker right foot but it was pin-point and found the calm Torres in the box. While everyone was running towards the goal knowing Benayoun was going to cross, Torres held his ground and headed the ball strongly. James was there but it was too powerful as he only managed to push it up into the roof of the net.

"Rely on me!"

A win is a win. Although it might not have come the way we wanted, it will be three crucial points for Liverpool. At this stage, all I care for is winning. It may come ugly or lucky, I don't give a damn as long as it is three points. With M*n U*d on fire, it will not be easy to keep momentum with them. Even if at the end of the day it means ending the season second behind M*n U*d, I would be really pleased and happy if Liverpool win all their remaining matches. That would require M*n U*d to win all except one and it means Liverpool finishing 2 points behind them. I would be pleased. However, let's still hope Liverpool finish first thanks to some hard work, lady luck and consistency.

Now the league will have a two-week break. Hopefully, it will mean much rest to Liverpool players. God bless, hopefully none of Liverpool's players especially the crucial ones like Torres come back injured. With this break, hopefully Benitez will be able to prepare Liverpool to win upcoming matches easier. Also, maybe this break could break M*n U*d good streak. Let's all hope!!! I want it to happen so badly!!! For now, let's take a breather!

"You'll Never Walk Alone"

Everton 1 Liverpool 0

2009-02-09T14:32:00.003+08:00

Out of the FA Cup! After a long battle with Everton, Liverpool succumbed to fatigue and let Everton got the better of them. After crashing out of the FA Cup no thanks to a lucky strike by Dan Gosling of Everton, Liverpool have only the league and Champions League to play for. Two targets left but they are two of the biggest. Maybe, this defeat will be a blessing in disguise!

"Gerrard sustained an injury"

After two draws with Everton in recent weeks, the FA Cup replay guaranteed a winner and it was Everton. The game was not the nicest to watch. It was full of tackles and physical contact. The ball was very much in the middle of the park for long periods. Although Liverpool controlled from the start, it only lasted as long as 16 minutes before Gerrard asked to be substituted due to a hamstring injury. Since then, the game was more balance.

"Not a good day for the Reds"

All I really could remember about the game were the bookings shown and Gosling's hurtful goal. Throughout the game, nothing much was produced at either end. What was the turning point of the game was Lucas' dismissal. In the second half, Lucas was given a second yellow card. With 10 men, Liverpool struggled to attack Everton and was constantly bombarded by Everton's attack. Torres was a lonely figure up front and he got very frustrated throughout the game for some unknown reason. Instead of seeing him making intelligent runs, Torres was flying into tackles and vented his frustrations on the officials. It was a poor day for Liverpool without a doubt.

Despite struggling to play well, Liverpool managed to hang on into extra time. At that moment, I am sure we all wished for penalty kick-offs as we all know how well Reina is in saving penalties. However, it was not to be as Dan Gosling managed to score 2 minutes before the end of extra time and dashed Liverpool's hope of landing the FA Cup for the second time under Rafa Benitez.

This defeat was upsetting but it might be a blessing in disguise for Liverpool's title challenge as it means fewer games for Liverpool to deal with in the coming months. The defeat did not matter the most. It was Gerrard's injury and an apparent knock Torres received on the foot which is much more worrying. With M*n U*d leading the league table, Liverpool have to keep momentum and win as many games as possible. If M*n U*d slip up, Liverpool must be in a position where they will be able to dictate their title hopes. As such, the injury to Gerrard is truly a big blow.

Liverpool are not currently in their best form and they could truly do without an injury to their captain. With Gerrard out for around 3 weeks, Liverpool's other players must step up their game and score goals. The players such as Babel, Benayoun, Kuyt and even Ngog will have bigger roles now and must take to the task to help Liverpool win as many games as possible and take over M*n U*d if possible. Besides them, players such as Insua, Plesis, Pacheco and Nabil EL Zhar might be called upon and they too must play up to standard. They must be able to play in place of injured or fatigued players and not compromise on the quality.

Rafael has come into the left back for M*n U*d and is doing well. Dan Gosling was called upon in this game and scored for Everton. Liverpool's very own young players might matter in the coming weeks or months and they too must step up and play at the top of their game to help Liverpool mount a serious challenge on the title.

For now, let's all forget about the FA Cup. From start, everyone wanted the league. Liverpool is in a good position. Despite M*n U*d holding the advantage, Liverpool must take their chances if M*n U*d slip up. Thus, Liverpool have to win their games. With or without the captain, Liverpool have enough qualities to win games. It is the strongest squad Benitez has assembled at Anfield and it is their best chance to land the number 19th for Liverpool. We as supporters must support them no matter what. At this point, we must all get behind them and let them know they have no one to fear. They can take on opponents and tear them apart. In them, we trust. Or at least, it them I trust! In Rafa, I still trust!

"You'll Never Walk Alone"

Liverpool 2 Chelsea 0

2009-02-03T17:12:00.003+08:00

Title chase still on!!! After a very very frustrating January, Liverpool ended their misery with a comfortable and deservedly victory over Chelsea to leapfrog them to second. It looks as if the worst month is over but let's keep our heads down. There's no point to get hopeful in every victory just to call for Benitez's head chopped after every single unsuccessful attempt to win.

"One might be forgiven of thinking Anfield as a mental institution after recent reports!"

When in trouble, we support the manager and the team. Only then when in triumph, do we have the rights to celebrate with the manager and the team. After a month of turbulence which saw Liverpool slipping away from the top spot, a win over Chelsea surely brought back the life and belief into Liverpool. Now, Liverpool looked to be the only team capable of challenging M*n U*d. Despite commentators refusing to write off Chelsea, it is no doubt Liverpool is in a better position than Chelsea. If the victory had gone to Chelsea, I am sure everyone would have put an end to Liverpool's title hopes. Let's be fair. Liverpool have shown what they can do on their day.

With this victory, Liverpool did a double over Chelsea where the previous time saw Liverpool last lifted the league title. Why can't they do it now? People might still put Chelsea as favourites to challenge M*n U*d rather than Liverpool come May, I am one not to believe so. I have every reason to believe Liverpool are in a great position and the closest challenger to M*n U*d and probably the only team which is capable to take back the top spot from M*n U*d. In fact, I only need a reason to hold my belief strong - I am a Liverpool Football Club supporter!

Against Chelsea, Liverpool were on top throughout the match. Liverpool were on top from the first to the last minute. Despite the goals only came after Lampard was wrongfully sent off, there's no doubt it was a well deserved victory for Liverpool. On Lampard's sending off, I thought the referee has every right to give him a booking for his challenge. Yes, he was going for the ball. However, he went for it at mid air and his legs were high. If he had not reached the ball before Xabi Alonso, it would have been a definite red. I thought even with him touching the ball first, he was warranted at least a foul.

Lampard's sending off clearly opened Chelsea up for Liverpool. However, let's not forget this is how the game works. It is fair, not unfair. Let's remember the times Liverpool were robbed off a victory simply because the referees called for penalties which should not be given. At least this time, 11 against 11, Liverpool were superior to Chelsea and everyone would agree if there is to be a winner, it will be Liverpool.

"Strong together!"

Liverpool only took the lead on the 89th minute thanks the superb Fernando Torres. A moment of brilliance was all he need to put Liverpool back. After Lampard's sending off, Alex defended superbly for Chelsea. He was on the way of every ball which was struck towards their goal. However, he could do nothing against Torres' header. Liverpool worked the ball well much owing to Captain Fantastic outside the penalty area before Torres found space and leaped in front of Alex to direct the ball with his head beyond the reaching legs of Cech. A lot of blame was put on Cech for his positioning but let's not take it away from Torres who worked all his way for his first goal at Anfield in 2009.

People questioned Benitez's decision to sub off Torres against Wigan. Against Chelsea, I think we owe Benitez an apology and thank you. Torres looked sharp and fit throughout the match against Chelsea. I am sure everyone would agree he played much better than against Wigan. He was just getting his match fitness back and against Chelsea, El Nino showed he is probably back to his best. He is back to win games for Liverpool. He is back to end Liverpool's dry spell for a second goal. He is back to finish games off for Liverpool. He is back to displace M*n U*d and put Liverpool back to the place it belongs. Hopefully!

After his 89th minute goal, unlike previous games where they would show fear of attacking and concentrate on defending, Liverpool continued to pressure Chelsea and attack them on the counter whenever possible. During the match, a player who pressured the Chelsea defence whenever they had possession is Dirk Kuyt, the man who Scolari fear most. Throughout the 90 minutes plus the 5 minutes added time, Kuyt was pushing every Chelsea player on the ball into giving back the possession. It is at games like this where we truly appreciate his work rate. It showed his work rate means more than tireless legs and aimless runs. It showed his work rate is much valued by Liverpool and something Scolari was right to fear. Scolari was made into a joke and called insane by media when he said that. Well, looks like he was in the right mind after all.

"With love from Spain!"

Right at the end of the game, Liverpool scored their second again through Torres. However, this goal is very much Ashley Cole's fault for failing to control the ball better. He was robbed off the ball by Benayoun when he failed to keep the ball at his feet at the edge of his penalty area. As a result, Benayoun's effort was deflected to Torres by Cole's tackle which Torres coolly shoot into the empty net.

On the night, two goals which came late might appear pretty cruel to Chelsea. However given Liverpool's dominance throughout the 95 minutes, Liverpool deserved the score line. In fact, one would argue Liverpool should have scored more if it wasn't for Alex and if Benayoun was that little bit more accurate. Besides credit given to Benitez for his tactical genius once again and to Torres for his instinct and calmness in front of goals, Benayoun deserves a mention for the impact of his substitution. He came in and immediately caused troubles to Chelsea. Benitez used him on the left as opposed to the commentator's believe that it should either be Mascherano or Alonso out rather than Riera and Benitez was proven right for his decision. At the left side, Benayoun managed to have two great shots at goal. First, it was too close to Cech where he managed to punch the ball away and second his intelligent shot had too much power in it causing the ball to dip just above the crossbar.

With a convincing win over Chelsea, let's all hope Liverpool's believe is back within the players. With 14 games left in the league, it will be the final push towards the title. After this victory, it should instill much confidence and optimism into the team. Now on, every game would be a "must-win" and this win should help them in their confidence towards achieving that.

Keane has been sold back to Tottenham. As much as he is a Liverpool fan, he has failed to shine there. He has had his chances but failed to impress. Although it is a shame to see him go, it probably is the best thing for him and for Liverpool. I wish him the best in Tottenham. I would love to see him score goals for Tottenham like he used to. I was a fan of him then. As for Liverpool, with Keane offloaded, I guess Benitez would be playing his much trusted 4-2-3-1 line up with Gerrard playing behind Torres now on. Keane's departure probably will bring away all the pressure the team has for Benitez to play him up front with Torres. It clearly did not work too well despite the fans wanting it. I am for one glad to see him off as I am pretty sure not many would be calling Benitez to put Kuyt right behind or alongside Torres. At least now, the team can play as to how Benitez wants it without the pressure from the much-liked Robbie Keane. Despite that, I am not putting off the chance of Kuyt playing alongside or behind Torres. With Benitez, we simply never know!

Back in second, two points off M*n U*d, and with a game more than M*n U*d with Liverpool still to play M*n U*d, I am still confident this season can still be won by the Mighty Reds. It is really close this season and it is nerve-wracking. Aston Villa is a prove for the intense title race. Without a warning and without making much noise, they are now third on equal points with Chelsea. Besides that, the ones below them such as Arsenal and Everton could still chase Aston. With games between the top 6 still to come, this season can make or break for each of the teams especially the top 4 depending on the results they play against each other. Although people are putting M*n U*d as favourites followed by a slim chance for Chelsea then only Liverpool, the standing order of the odds could change magnificently if the spoilers nearby could take victories off the top 3. At the end of the day, again, I wish it is Liverpool who will emerge top. At the end of May, it might not only be Scolari which will be proven sane, Benitez might not be as crazy after all! Fight on, Reds!

"You'll Never Walk Alone"

Wigan 1 Liverpool 1

2009-02-03T12:14:00.004+08:00

Liverpool slip to third!!! Another draw and it spells trouble for Liverpool. Not only results are not going Liverpool's way, Rafa Benitez has yet to agree with the owners on his contract, Agger has yet to sign a new deal, and the owners are reported to sell the club to the 46th richest man on earth. What is going on at Liverpool? Even Benitez said he does not know what's happening. Still, let's not all panic and get into a frenzy. Another draw might have erased further hopes but it's undeniable this is Liverpool's best season still. The title is still to play for!

"Yossi makes it look easy!"

Again, Liverpool controlled much of the possessions. They were good in the first half but again they failed to finish teams off. Minutes before the first half ends, Benayoun scored from a tight angle. It was a difficult shot to score and it showed what Benayoun can do for Liverpool. He might not be the best player to hold the ball for long and make huge impact like Torres. However, his intelligence and technical abilities proved crucial for Liverpool. He is a very valuable squad player which Liverpool need. I see his impact bigger than the less consistent Babel. It would be a sad sight if he is sold during this January transfer. I hope not.

"El Nino, when are you planning to strike?"

Although Benayoun's goal gave Liverpool the lead, Liverpool failed to score the second goal and was made to pay for it. Towards the end, Mido scored from the spot to give Wigan a point. For Liverpool, they would be very disappointed again for their failure to finish teams off. It is very frustrating when Liverpool dominated the match but failed to find a breakthrough or fail to secure the victory. This is where M*n U*d is much superior compared to Liverpool. When they attack, teams got shaken and do not defend as confident. Not only that, M*n U*d have the players especially in Cristiano Ronaldo to tear defence apart. At Liverpool, only Torres and Gerrard strike such fear into opposition. When others have the ball, they seem clueless what to do with it especially when they are near to the penalty area. It is very very frustrating.

At these testing times, Gerrard caught my attention. Despite all these disappointing results, Gerrard has played his role as captain to the fullest. He seems to be committing more in challenges, in taking the ball into opponent's penalty box, in opening up defence, in taking the ball to feed strikers and in running into positions where he would have a go. However, football is not a one man's game and that's where Liverpool fall short. The others beside, in front and behind the captain has to step up their game too and play like lions. Whether it is good times or bad times, they have to play like lions who would pounce on their opponents and tear them apart. Mistakes have to be cut out.

At this stage, it looks as if every game will be a must-win game. Although M*n U*d will not probably win all their remaining games, they would not be surrendering too many points. Not only that, others including the beloved Liverpool too will drop points. That's just being realistic. And probably, people will agree that M*n U*d would probably drop the least points if compared to Liverpool, Chelsea, Aston or Arsenal. However, the remaining games are still to come and as Liverpool supporters, all we could do is pray hard M*n U*d drop more points than Liverpool and that Liverpool end up at the top for their 19th title. The title chase is not over and the fight continues!

"You'll Never Walk Alone"

Liverpool 1 Everton 1

2009-02-03T10:24:00.004+08:00

Another draw dampens the mood! After a disappointing draw against Everton in the league, Liverpool were held again against the Blues in the FA Cup. Disappointed again? For sure. Let's hope it is the Blues who will feel their colour when the replay comes around. This time around, it was still Cahill who haunted Liverpool.

"An image we all want to see come May!"

It was again, his header which helped Everton score. He assisted Lescott for a header which Liverpool failed to defend again. Thank goodness though, Gerrard equalised for Liverpool in the second half with a fantastic goal! Torres proved how crucial he is to Liverpool yet again when he combined magnificently with Gerrard for that goal. If only Torres was fully fit and fresh throughout the season, I can't imagine the damage he would cause to other teams and the position Liverpool would be in at this point in time.

This result became the third draw in a row for Liverpool. Not only that, it has become very common. The recent results are reminding the fans of last season where too many draws caused the title. Although this is the FA Cup but the draws in the league has been worrying too. If this trend continues, M*n U*d will be almost unchallenged for the title. In addition, Liverpool might see themselves going down the tables very fast. They were top until the recent draws coupled with the fantastic run by M*n U*d pushed them down to second. If the results continue to disappoint, Liverpool might fall further than third. They risk falling behind Aston Villa. When that happens, what was achieved earlier will all go down the drain. At the end, people will just remember that it is another bad season for Liverpool as they were third or fourth. They will be remembered as another non title-contender despite their bullish challenge throughout August till December.

I do not want to see that happen. They might not win the title yet but they have been better this season. They have been challenging this season. They have improved a lot this season. They have given me a lot to cheer about this season. I want to see Liverpool end the season on a high. I want to see Liverpool end the season which people will remember them as genuine title contenders if not victors! The league is still to play for so is the FA Cup. There are three more trophies which Liverpool can win. I want to see them fight to win them all. Come on, Reds!

"You'll Never Walk Alone"

Liverpool 1 Everton 1

2009-01-20T10:57:00.003+08:00

Liverpool stay second! With just a draw against Everton, Liverpool stay second on equal points with M*n U*d who has a game in hand. Despite the drop of form recently, fact is Liverpool are in a good position and we should stay positive.

"Gerrard's leadership will be crucial for Liverpool now on!"

After an uneventful first half, the game saw two goals in the second half. Right after Keane was taken off, Gerrard got into a more advance position and scored straight away. He was unmarked 30 yards out and scored a screamer. Once Liverpool took the lead, Everton upped their game. Despite Everton opened up behind, Liverpool did not take advantage of it. I don't remember seeing them counter. They were just defending whatever Everton throw at them and clear the ball when they get it. I was disappointed Liverpool did not go for the second goal but chose to defend the one goal lead.

In the end, they were made to pay for it when Cahill scored the equaliser 3 minutes from normal time. It was just a mistake and Liverpool were made to regret it. Cahill scores for Everton against Liverpool just like Joe Cole does it for Chelsea. I absolutely hate it. Worse, both of them celebrate ala Rooney. It's like a spit at your face after a slap. With the goal stealing two points from Liverpool, it hurt even more.

Seeing Liverpool lie second behind M*n U*d is a big disappointment. However, I don't think we should dwell on it too much. M*n U*d started with a bad patch in the season when they were without Ronaldo. Arsenal had that inconsistent problem early on too. After that, Chelsea suffered a bad period too around Christmas. Now, it's just Liverpool's turn to face the bad patch. Looking at the table, the top four are really close to each other. Whoever loses or draws will see a change in the standing. Despite Arsenal not playing that consistently, they are still in with a chance. Will M*n U*d, Liverpool, Chelsea or Aston Villa drop points? I am hundred percent sure all of them will continue to drop points.

"Torres will play a huge role in Liverpool's title challenge"

At the moment, I just hope Liverpool will stay with M*n U*d at the top. Of course like every Liverpool fan, I hope Liverpool win the title. It has been 19 years. To some, they have faced the whole 19 painful years. However, isn't it also a reason for us to stay positive that Liverpool are in this position? At least, they are challenging for it. For the past 19 years, were Liverpool still challenging at this stage? Or are they aiming to win the FA Cup or Champions League. There have been times where they were just in for the League Cup.

Liverpool had a glorious past, an extremely glorious past. However, it has been so long since and I am just happy Liverpool are in this position. They are still in with a huge chance. Keep winning and when face M*n U*d at Old Trafford, beat them. Like Torres said, a win against M*n U*d and if Liverpool are still among the first two when it comes, it will be a huge belief to the players that this season is theirs for the taking. It will be the moment Spain beat Italy in Euro 2008. Let's just hope that's the case when March comes around.

Although I am hugely disappointed now, I believe just like every Red fans out there except the ones who call themselves the Devils, I think we should all heed Rafa's advice and stay positive. Most importantly, the players must stay positive and take each game at a time. Liverpool are full of leaders. You just have to see the players who have been captains before and who are still captains for their countries. Liverpool are full of them. With that, I hope their leadership qualities come into play during this period to push Liverpool on and keep everyone's faith intact. Liverpool can do it. Let's not take this draw or the ones against Stoke as a testament to Liverpool's shortcomings. Instead, let's take the wins against Chelsea and M*n U*d as testament to Liverpool's strength when they are on top of their game. They can do it and I want them to do it.

"You'll Never Walk Alone"

Stoke 0 Liverpool 0

2009-01-12T17:21:00.004+08:00

The title pressure builds up! Liverpool failed to break Stoke as the match ended in stalemate. With M*n U*d trashing Chelsea the day after, M*n U*d became the biggest threat to Liverpool's title ambition. With two games in hand, M*n U*d could go top with a single point lead if they win them. Is it going to be a nail-biting end to the Premier League 08/09? We'll see.

"Captain frustrated!"

Although Gerrard managed to hit the woodwork twice against Stoke and Liverpool dominated the possession, the common opinion was that Liverpool did not deserve to win this game. So I guess a lot of credits should be paid to Stoke City. They have done pretty well against the 'Big Four'. Am I disappointed Liverpool didn't win? Of course I am. I will always be no matter who Liverpool is up against if they don't win.

"Score from now on? Okay!"

Before the game, Benitez had a go at Ferguson during the pre-match press conference for having too much to say about Liverpool. Did it affect the players? I am with the opinion of Benitez that it didn't. However, it sure spurred Ferguson and his players to play extremely well against a very poor Chelsea side. As a result, M*n U*d are closing in and with games in hand. They are in a good position. Although Liverpool dropped points, Liverpool are in a good position too.

"Let's all who support the Mighty Reds pray till May!"

Could the title be decided in March when Liverpool take on M*n U*d at Old Trafford? If Liverpool win the match, I hope so! Before the season begun, I predicted that this season will be between Liverpool and M*n U*d. I made this prediction because of the weight it has on both clubs. If M*n U*d win it, they will equal Liverpool's long held total league titles of 18. As for Liverpool, they would want to win it to pull away from M*n U*d to ensure they continue as the club which won the most league titles. The rivalry between these two clubs doesn't have to be mentioned. It is always tense and full of fire.

With the way this season is shaping up, the confrontation between both clubs on and off the field has the potential to be the fieriest of all. Ferguson already gave a jab on Liverpool and Benitez has replied. It is no doubt now the build up to the match between both sides has begun. Before this, I was anticipating for the title to be decided on the final day between Liverpool and M*n U*d. After this weekend's result, I am not sure if that's what I want anymore. I want Liverpool to pull clear from the rest as soon as possible. I want the title to be secured by Liverpool come April. I will be so concerned and tensed whenever Liverpool play now. Anything less than a win now on could potentially harm Liverpool's title hopes. Similarly for Chelsea and M*n U*d, they know they too have to win all of their matches to ensure they have a good chance of winning the title. This season is great! Come on, Reds!!! You all can do it!

"You'll Never Walk Alone"

Boycott US Goods

2009-01-07T16:01:00.003+08:00

Is it even doable? Let's not joke ourselves. The Israel attacks on Palestine has caused an uproar in Malaysia. Dr. Mahathir wants people to boycott goods from United States. The Muslim community is angered and is looking to heed Dr. Mahathir's words. I would like them to ponder a few questions before telling everyone they are boycotting United States products.

In the Israel-Palestine crisis, I am not taking sides. I think the interference from other countries into their crisis has not helped at all. They don't like solving it themselves. Interference from outside countries definitely is not helping. How will the crisis be solved? It's been decades long and I am definitely not the man with the answers. If I have it, I would have shared it and win a noble prize!

The Malaysian Muslims are planning to boycott goods from the United States as a protest to the Israel attacks and support from the United States government. I really think this is not possible. If you can say NO to all the questions below, then maybe you will be the person to really boycott United States products.

Will you be staying away from KFC forever (where 90% of the time is filled with Muslims)?

Will you stop eating McD for good (Ramli Burger going rich)?

Will you stop wearing and purchasing merchandise from Nike even the pirated ones (Bata supporter from now on)?

Will you stop going for Hollywood movies (sure you not going to watch Transformer 2)?

Will you stop watching HBO, CNN, Hallmark, Discovery, National Geography, etc in Astro (the come back for RTM)?

Will you stop driving a Ford or Chervolet if you have one (selling it for a Perdana)?

Will you stop using your Dell computer or laptop (Toshiba anyone)?

Will you stop using Windows softwares (Ubuntu maybe)?

Will you give up Mac products (there goes the iPod, iPhone, G4)?

Can't do that all? Then we can't boycott United States product, period. Let's stop trying to be a hero. We discriminate our own people and we have prejudice among each other. We would fight among each other. Who are we to fight for others? And for God's sake, be realistic and stop threatening to boycott United States products. Before you really achieve it, you would die of trying! May more prayers be done to bring peace to Israel and Palestine and the entire world!!!

Preston 0 Liverpool 2

2009-01-05T16:59:00.003+08:00

Victory in the FA Cup! A goal each from Riera and Torres saw off Preston to set up Liverpool a date with local rival, Everton. Preston gave a fight in the second half but thankfully Liverpool triumphed.

"Riera scored a beauty!"

Rafa Benitez started a strong squad against Preston. In the first half, Liverpool had the upper hand of Preston thanks to the difference in quality. Gerrard despite the problem he faced before the game showed no negative impact of it as he pulled off another great performance. He was threatening the Preston goal time after time but just couldn't get the goal. However, the first goal was scored by Riera. It was another beauty by him. He got the ball inside the penalty area on the right and then found himself space to blast it into the net.

The game stayed that way till the very final minute when Gerrard was in a one-on-one situation with the 'keeper. Unselfishly, he looked up to find Torres on his left and pass the ball to him after pulling the 'keeper to his side. Torres was substituted in for Keane and all he had to do was tap in for his first goal after coming back from injury. Fingers crossed, hopefully he can stay injury-free now on. Keane fumbled a few great chances in the first half to put Liverpool further ahead but he miss kicked all of it. I bet he was thinking, "Why such luck doesn't happen to me?" when Torres tapped in his goal.

"A sweet sight much missed by Liverpudlians!"

Despite the final score showed a rather comfortable victory for Liverpool, credit must be given to Preston as well for their attempt to fight back in the second half. They had a good period but were just not good enough. Their midfield was no fight to Liverpool's and as such there were few balls supplied to the strikers. On the night, the only disappointment was the injury to Alonso. He has been playing extremely well and to see him limping off at the end of first half was worrisome. He received seven stitches on his instep. Hopefully, he will not be out for anything longer than a month. His service should be badly needed in February when there are lots of difficult matches for Liverpool. It was nice to find out that Liverpool will now face Everton in the next stage. It promises another fiery Merseyside derby.

"You'll Never Walk Alone"

Newcastle 1 Liverpool 5

2008-12-30T00:07:00.003+08:00

2008 ended with a bang! If the rest needed testament about Liverpool's intention of winning the Premier League, this would be it. Playing 2 hours earlier than Chelsea, Liverpool made their message loud and clear to their rivals that they want and can win the Premier League this season. It was a five star display by the Reds. The first half was by far the best I have seen in awhile and the second half was as good to make it probably the best performance by Liverpool this season.

"Sammy 'Lone'Lee without Benitez"

I have seen reports saying a 5-1 victory flattered Newcastle and it may as well be an understatement. Liverpool could have scored as many in the first half itself. Gerrard, Kuyt, Hyypia, and Lucas Leiva had chances and were foiled by Given time after time. His saves in the first 30 minutes were absolutely unbelievable. Of course, it was equally unbelievable Leiva could have scored a hat-trick but ended up with none. After some shameful display throughout the pitch by Newcastle but for some fantastic saves by Given, Liverpool finally broke the deadlock they well deserved through Steven Gerrard.

"Hyypia still a vital player to the Reds"

He was lively throughout the game until he was substituted. It was only right that the magnificent captain ended his day with two goals and two assists. His first was Liverpool's opener. A through pass by Mascherano found Benayoun inside the box and he made a beautiful pull back to give Gerrard the opportunity to blast pass Given which he took it without mistake. It migth have came in the 35th minute but as people say, better late than never. Soon, Given was left frustrated by his teammates again as Hyypia met a Gerrard corner to put Liverpool 2-0 up. Newcastle's defence and off ball play was really awful. Maybe, it was made awful by Liverpool's fantastic display thanks to Benitez's meticulous preparation.

"Babel able to jubilates!"

Despite in full control of the game, Liverpool somehow conceded a goal right at the end of the first half from a corner to give Newcastle a life line. Despite that disappointment, Liverpool came out the second half the way they did in the first half. They continued to dominate the game and tormented Newcastle's defence. As the game went by, Liverpool went on to score three more goals through Gerrard, Babel and substitute Alonso. Babel scored his goal through a penalty box scramble. Again, a corner was not well defended by Newcastle and they were punished by it. The ball was shouldered towards goal by Leiva after Hyypia made a dummy on the ball. The ball fell to Babel right in front of goal where he tried to back-heel it but was blocked. However, too many cook spoilt the soup as the mass of Newcastle players within reach of the ball failed to clear it and Babel capitalize on it by kicking it into the net with Given on the ground.

"No way! No way anyone will be catching us!!!"

After that, Gerrard gave Liverpool a three goal lead with a great finish. Leiva made a fantastic through pass to Gerrard from distance and he raced and latched on to it before cooly put the ball beyond Given. To his disappointment though, he was substituted soon after that as I guess Benitez knew this game was dead and buried and wanted to save his captain's energy. Although without Gerrard, Liverpool went on to score another through the spot after substitute Ngog was brought down in the box. Another substitute Alonso was responsible to take it and he scored as we would expect him to. After that fifth goal, Liverpool could have gotten even more but it was not to be.

"Nearly sold but thankfully not!"

With such a convincing win, it surely gave a loud message to the rest that Liverpool are serious about winning the league and are not planning to slow down in the second half of the league. In fact, it is a statement that they are prepared to step up their game as the usually do under Benitez. The others must have cautioned that they must step up their game even more if they are to wrestle Liverpool off the top spot as the Reds would probably gain more points in the second period than the first period if they continue the trend under Rafa. Against Newcastle, it can already be seen that Liverpool's players are still fresh and very energetic. This probably is due to the "rotation" system that Benitez adopt. Some of us might have cursed him for it and may still be doing so. However, maybe we might have to thank him come May for it (fingers crossed).

Chelsea's draw with Fulham later on was probably the icing on the cake. It surely took off some pressure from Liverpool as they get a three point lead into 2009. Having said that, M*n U*d would be just one point off Liverpool if they win their two games in hand. It is time to be cautious but hopefully Liverpool will not be too cautious to the point where it affects their game. Pray hard, Liverpool would continue their impressive form and go on to win the league. This team this year has been showing some real grit, character, and hunger. In addition to that, there are true qualities all around the field and the commitment of the players can't be questioned. So far so good and I want to say the same thing game after game!

"You'll Never Walk Alone"

Liverpool 3 Bolton 0

2008-12-29T22:24:00.004+08:00

A win to stay top on Boxing Day! Liverpool stayed numero uno after beating Bolton 3 goals to none. Goals from Keane (2) and Riera ensured the Reds end 2008 without a single lose at home. Rafa Benitez was on the directors' box only as he has yet to fully recover from his kidney stone surgery. Credits must be given to the staffs who operated so well without him and much of it goes to Sammy Lee.

"Gerrard, how did I score???"

After three consecutive draws at home, Liverpool stepped up their game to ensure they got back to winning ways. Riera took the initiative first when Liverpool gained a corner in the 26th minute. Gerrard took the corner and Riera ran in front of a defender to connect with the ball midair to push the ball into the net with the sole of his foot. Liverpool went into the tunnel at half time with the slander lead.

"No cartwheel but this will do!"

However, the victory was very much assured not long after the start of the second half. On the 53rd minute, Keane opened his scoring with a great goal to give Liverpool a two goal advantage. A through ball from Gerrard met with Keane and he made no mistake to put it into the net. Within 5 minutes, Keane sealed the victory for Liverpool with his second and Liverpool's third. It all started from Reina whose quick-thinking helped Liverpool launch a counter-attack. He caught the ball from a corner and threw the ball to Alonso who was free in the middle. He combined well with Keane and Benayoun which gave the Bolton defence no chance. Keane made a clever run to release Benayoun on the right. He received the ball from Alonso and passed it first time to Keane who slotted the ball past Jaaskelainen.

Overall, it was a dominating display from Liverpool. Everyone must be pleased with the victory having drawn three consecutive home league matches. I was pleased to see Keane scored another two goals after his equaliser against Arsenal. He showed he can play for Liverpool and score some great goals. Maybe when he arrived, he was not accustomed to Liverpool's style of play. Also, he was not used to playing up front alone. However, I think he has benefited from Torres' absence. It has created the opportunity for him to play a role he was not familiar with. Game after game, maybe he has understood the position better and is adjusting his strengths to need of the position. He has played with Torres before and I did not see much linking between both. Now that Torres is getting back and Keane has grown as a player up front, I dare to believe I will see goals from both players the next time they play together. 4-4-2 with both of them up front might be a very lethal weapon for Liverpool now on. We'll wait and see.

Up next will be the last fixture of 2008. Liverpool will face Newcastle and it will be massive if Liverpool beat them. It will place Liverpool as league leaders going into 2009. Hopefully as time pass, we would be able to say Liverpool are still top of the league until the last game is out of the way!

"You'll Never Walk Alone"

Encapsulating 2008

2008-12-22T16:23:00.010+08:00

Goodbye, 2008! As we bid adieu to 2008, I would like to reflect back on what kept me entertained throughout the year. As with every year, I will focus on events with words starting with a particular letter. If it is still not obvious what alphabet I will be touching on, it is none other that 'E'.

Elections

"Penangites voted for a new government and a new Chief Minister!"

Nothing can come bigger than this in 2008. Election was not held in Malaysia in 2008 but also in a lot of other countries. Just to name some, the United States, Taiwan, Pakistan, Spain, South Korea, and Nepal. The theme for most elections seemed to follow that of United States. Change was the focus. Change was what people were made to believe possible. Yes, we can! United States saw a change from Republicans to the Democrats. Not only that, they voted for the first African American President, Obama. Nepal had their first parliamentary elections. Pakistan and Taiwan too saw changes in power if I am not mistaken. And of course, Malaysia's government BN lost five states to Pakatan Rakyat namely Selangor, Kedah, Kelantan, Perak, and my hometown, Penang. In addition to that, the BN administration also lost 10 out of 11 of their parliamentary seats in the capital, Kuala Lumpur. Will Malaysia face a federal government change in the next General Election? I hope so!

Environment

"Green now and beyond?"

Since when we all start to become so conscious of our environment? Supermarkets started to sell shopping bags encouraging buyers to stop using plastic bags. Starbucks even changed their serviettes into those produced through recycled papers. Also, more people became eco-friendly. More people buy only stuffs which did not use animals in their testing, consume organic food, and start to recycle things which they would not think twice throwing. It was such an eco-conscious year that fashion also took advantage of it. "I'm not a plastic bag" sounds common? 100% biodegradable plastic bags sound common? What about the term "going green"? I must say, Al Gore's effort on saving the earth really had a big impact on the world population. Media played its part and the rest was left for the people to do. Did I become any more eco-friendly or less unfriendly than I previously was? I doubt I played my part. Maybe I will start playing my part when eco-friendly stuffs become cheaper than those which are not environmental friendly.

Erosion

"Will Bukit Antarabangsa be the last victim of human neglegence?"

Malaysia definitely is not a country lacking in land erosion! The first major one came in 1993 which caused the collapse of the Highland Towers. 15 years down the line, another major one happened at Antarabangsa Hill. It truly is sad that despite having suffered such a tragedy 15 years ago, our government has failed to implement the necessary measures to prevent such events again. In a 15 year time frame, they almost did nothing but encourage such hillside development. After the latest land erosion which affected the rich Malaysians, the government has stopped all hillside projects of a certain height. How long will such development be stalled? For sure, it won't last forever. Soon, we will see more hillside projects. We will see people forgetting about the danger and fond of getting one of those luxurious bungalows or condos. Let's just not stall those projects. Come up with some rulings and more importantly, enforce it for God's sake!!!

Entertainment

"Maya Karin got hitched!"

I always love to see news from the entertainment world. On the local front, I would consider Maya Karin getting married as one of the big news. She's probably one of the few pleasant looking artiste in Malaysia and it was nice to hear that she has found her man of her life. Also if you have been following some Malay papers, you would have probably came across an article about some artiste getting conned millions of Ringgit to join some stupid religious cult which allowed them to skip prayers and have sex before marriage. I have to say, that's plain stupid because I think you can just do those without having to join any cult. It's just a matter of morally and religiously right or wrong. This year, I would say that the local industry did quite well especially the indie music. Groups like One Buck Short, Bittersweet, Estranged, and Pop Shuvit had some big gigs. Estella came into the scene and radio stations are still playing their song. It was quality! I love it. Hopefully such local indie/rock/pop bands can come into the scene and play a bigger part in 2009.

"Britney making a come back?"

On the international front or rather the Hollywood world, I just have to talk about Britney Spears. It is definitely her year, isn't it? It looks as if she has made a come back. Her life is more organized and she just released a brand new album. She still has fan base. She may not be the girl who wears the school uniform anymore but she sure is still popular despite having two kids already. Kudos, Britney! I will wait how long her sanity will last. What about the drama-filled Jennifer Aniston? Get hooked up with John Mayer, then broke up, and then back together apparently because she is pregnant with his kid. Someone has not been practicing safe sex but no surprise! It's Hollywood! It's all fine for her to have found a guy who can make her pregnant but then I don't understand why she's having such a bitch over Angie's relationship with Brad. It's over Jen, get over with!!! Let's focus on keeping John happy and forget about Brad! He isn't coming back after having tasted a girl called Angelina Jolie! I know I wouldn't if I have Jolie! Also, Heath Ledger definitely worth some mentioning for his death was such big news which broke so many hearts. Not only that, his death too helped the Batman break some records in the entertainment industry! Well done, Heath! May you find peace in Heaven.

"A sad end to Joker!"

English Premier League

"I love this sport!"

Okay, it is now called Barclay's Premier League but essentially, it's still English! I think this season is a great season. Aston Villa is now third but if M*n U*d win their two games in hand, they could take over the spot and be on equal points with Chelsea. That would put them just one point behind Liverpool. I have been following the Premier League since 1998/99 and have never seen such a close fight among the top teams. It is my tenth year watching the Premier League and it is such a joy to see Liverpool top the table currently. I am not focusing whether they will it or not but surely hope so. At the moment, I just enjoy the close fight from the top teams. I remember not too long ago people were saying that the league is always about the top four and end up being a two-horse race between M*n U*d and Chelsea. This season, it has proven that the other teams are stronger than ever and we have yet to see the top two pulling away from others. We have yet to see a clear top four shaping up. Arsenal who are usually in the top four are currently at fifth place. However, they are just 8 or 9 points off Liverpool. This is the most exciting season I have experienced and I am enjoying it. Last season, it was all credit to M*n U*d. They won the Premier League and Champions League. A lot of it was due to the magnificence of Ronaldo in front of goals. However, I still hold by the belief that Fernando Torres should be winner of the Golden Ball for he was fantastic in his first season at Liverpool, he won Spain Euro 2008, and he would have scored more than Ronaldo if we take off Ronaldo's goals from penalties and free kicks. Hopefully, he will be free injury now on and emulate his brilliance last season. If he does that, Liverpool have a great chance of achieving the doubles M*n U*d did last season this season! I sure hope so!!!

I would like to wish everyone who dropped by a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Arsenal 1 Liverpool 1

2008-12-22T10:36:00.002+08:00

Will Liverpool remain top after tonight? Let's all just pray hard the blue half of Liverpool will do the red half a favour by beating Chelsea tonight. Against Arsenal, was it two points lose or a point gain? A draw at the Emirates is not the worst Liverpool have suffered and it's definitely a point I would be happy to take. The title is not won in December and rest assured no teams leading the league at the moment can win all their games till May.

Liverpool did not start as well as they could. However, it would be understandable as it was against Arsenal. In addition to that, I would bet Rafa's absence despite having constant contact on the phone is a huge lost to Liverpool considering his tactical ability which could definitely been better if he was there on the sideline. Nonetheless, I thought Sammy Lee did fantastic sending the messages to the players.

"Carra's mistake was Van Persie's gain!"

On the night, the first goal was scored by Van Persie for Arsenal. It was great goal by Van Persie but I have to blame it on the usual Mr. Reliable, Carragher. Van Persie was not offside because Carragher ran back to put Van Persie back onside before the ball was sent by Nasri. He saw it happening but he moved too early as he did not see that the others have put Van Persie on an offside position. Van Persie did the rest to put Arsenal ahead. It was definitely a little bit against the flow of the game.

"Keane comes good!"

Thankfully, Liverpool equalised before half time through Keane who scored his third goal in the league. It was also a great goal. The Arsenal defence was caught cold with a long ball from Agger which fell nicely for Keane. Almunia had no chance with a well taken strike. I have to say Keane played this game. His run was better timed. What was unfortunate would be the midfield did not create more chances for him.

On the other hand, I thought Kuyt was not good at all on the night. He made mistakes when put under pressure. On the overall though, the midfield was not particularly strong on the night. Liverpool depended very much on the long ball. In the second half, Adebayor got himself sent off when Liverpool were in control of the game. Somehow, this spurred Arsenal to play at a much higher tempo and fight for every ball. It made Arsenal play much harder and the players put in much more commitment.

Wenger said he was sure if they had 11 players, they would have won the game. He surely has not taken into account the domination Liverpool had over them when they were playing with 11 players. It was Adebayor's dismissal which spurred the players. It also energized the fans to support their players. Before that, I could hear Liverpool supporters singing their songs in the Emirates. Arsenal could have lost if Adebayor stayed on.

Anyway, a draw was the result and it can't be changed now no matter what. Again, let's just hope Everton come good tonight and give Chelsea a beating. The Premier League is definitely tight this season. Will Liverpool remain top on Christmas Day? Will Liverpool remain top on January? Will Liverpool still be top come March? Will Liverpool win the Premier League? We'll only know as the games go by.

"You'll Never Walk Alone"

Liverpool 2 Hull City 2

2008-12-16T10:34:00.000+08:00

Liverpool still top!!! Okay, it was not the results many would have expected. Fourth consecutive draw at home. Another two points "dropped". So was the case for Chelsea, M*n U*d and Arsenal. I remain optimistic. So far, it is still the best season Liverpool have enjoyed that I could remember.

"Mr. Reliable slipped up but he still gets my support!"

The game against Hull was what I expected. Hull did not sit back like Stoke. The game was open and had plenty of chances. It was a much better game for Liverpool than the previous draws. I thought it was a good performance in the attacks. Gerrard pulled the strings, linked well with Benayoun, Kuyt had chances. It was not as bad as some comments I have read. The credit must be given to Hull's defenders. They made some last ditch challenges which saved them the early blushes. Kuyt did not play as bad as some people ranted. I take that as just some furious fans for not seeing Keane starting in place. I back Rafa for that. Keane would not have played any better from what I saw from him. It could have been worse. I could not see him making the contributions Kuyt made which led to Gerrard's brace.

"Captain Fantastic was truly fantastic!!!"

I would just say the game was not as bad as people said. Liverpool actually played well due to Hull's attacking mind set. It was just that their defenders who did well with those challenges when Liverpool went into the final quarter. Liverpool had a lot of chances in the second half but the ball either went to the wrong side of the post or hit the post. I will not say more about their performance. I was happy too that the fans started to really support the players once they conceded the first goal. I did not hear the moans early on. I thought Liverpool needed that backing and the noise truly did contribut to the fighting spirit which saw Gerrard pull them back into the game. I just hope to see the same support throughout the match and in the future as well.

"Gerrard's importance for Liverpool can't be doubted!"

Some fans are saying if Liverpool have beaten Stoke, West Ham and Hull, Liverpool would be more points clear at the top. What can I say about this mindset? I am sure many of Chelsea's, M*n U*d's, and Arsenal's fans would have said the same "if's" a lot of times. If those "if's" are reality, then all of them would have won all their games, on equal points only be divided by goal difference!!! I will say the same with some pundits and commentators. I have read about how they think these draws at home will come back and haunt Liverpool. Isn't the same happening with Chelsea?

Truth is, we should stop making assumptions and presumptions about results. Premier League these days are not as plain and simple as we like to see. We tend to think if Liverpool are playing against a team outside the top four, it should be a win. It has been proven this will not be the case this season. All top fours have conceded points to the rest. I am very convinced this trend will continue until May. I just hope at the end, it will be Liverpool who drop the fewest points and remain top. No team ever tops the league without depending on others. So let's not say Liverpool are top just because the others dropped points too. All champions need the rest to draw more than them or lose more than them. If not, again, everyone will end up on equal points only be separated by goal difference.

This season is still very exciting and Liverpool are still in with a big say. They are top and the others are still chasing. I choose to remain positive because there are really a lot of positives to be taken from compared to previous seasons. I say again, Liverpool were good against Hull and let's keep things into perspective!

"You'll Never Walk Alone"

Nyanyuk

2008-12-12T14:22:00.000+08:00

It's confirmed! Both Abdullah Badawi and Mahathir suffer from dementia. It's such a shame that Malaysians have two very unforgettable forgetful big shots. One is the current Prime Minister who people claim he likes to flip and flop. He always say one thing today and the opposite tomorrow. I don't think he simply likes to flip and flop. I think it is just that he forgets. The second person suffering from dementia would be our former Prime Minister who now doubts his vision, Vision 2020. Of course, he forgot he made an impossible vision to start of with. In Malaysia Language, we call these people nyanyuk!

First of all, let's talk about the current Prime Minister. In The Star Online, he told the Pakatan Rakyat Selangor Government not to push the blame to others but to just get on with the job to restore Bukit Antarabangsa which suffered a major landslide last week. So is he saying that this tragedy has nothing to do with the previous state government under Khir Toyo? No, it wasn't the buyers fault to choose to stay there. No, it wasn't the developers fault to build bungalows there. No, it wasn't any of the Selangor's past government's fault for approving all the projects there. It simply is the state government in power since 9 months ago which caused this disaster which killed 4 people. No? Oh, he is saying no matter who did the mess, you clean it up as you are in charge now. If not, someone please challenge me that I misinterpreted him and make it clear to me what he meant.

Khalid Ibrahim said the previous government approved 99 hillside projects. Then Badawi came out and simply told him to get on with his job which is cleaning up the mess. Now I know we have a very irresponsible Prime Minister in charge! He forgot it was his party members in the previous state government which approved all these projects and led to the landslide. If not that, he is just not taking the blame. Is it really that hard to just accept the responsibility and apologize?

I am disgusted time and again for the very same reason that the UMNO government does not know what is called apology and responsibility. Whenever there's a mistake, a major mistake which can't even be dismissed, will simply be put aside and not bothered with. Even when challenged, they have this nonchalant attitude towards it, turning a blind eye and not doing anything to restore their image. That's how powerful they are that they do not fear being challenged. They simply won't accept anything against them. You say them bad, you are mad! It's never ever their fault.

Then let's talk about Tun Mahathir. He came up with Vision 2020 which also talked about national unity. He wanted to see Malaysians unite as one. Then, he was a member of UMNO who always parade their Malay Supremacy which put the other races on unequal footing. It can't be challenged as they always say it is in unconstitutional. Yet, this smart guy came up with a vision to get the support of the whole nation for 22 years. People see him so unique as if he is the only Muslim who has a vision. People bought his vision, just to be called stupid. From start, the vision was never one which can be achieved. It simply is unconstitutional if pursuit. Now, he said he is doubtful if it can be achieved. I think he forgot that he made the vision to coy people into supporting him only rather than truly wanting to achieve it. Yet, he currently doubt it can be achieved. It never was designed to be achieved.

I am so proud to be a Malaysian. So happy to be born and live under such forgetful idiots. Maybe they are not nyanyuk at all. They simply play stupid. Why this situation changed so little? The answer would be we are more stupid than those fools. Let's prove we are not and challenge them till they fall apart!!!

PSV Eindhoven 1 Liverpool 3

2008-12-12T13:39:00.000+08:00

Liverpool top Group D! Liverpool have done it with their so-called "fringe" players. With the second leg at Anfield, it sure is an advantage. However, there's sure to be no easy opponents here on. Who I want next? I just hope Liverpool win till the end. Deep down, I feel Liverpool will meet Lyon, which was my hope when Houllier was still Lyon's manager. For interest sake, I hope Liverpool face Inter, which is now under Mourinho! If Liverpool win against them, the confidence and mood at Anfield will go sky high again.

"Select me in place for El Nino!!!"

It was not a spectacular game but football doesn't always happen that way. With seven changes made to the squad, Liverpool still looked a very strong team. Riera, Babel, Keane, Mascherano and Carragher were in the line up. For the first half, nothing much happened. Liverpool controlled the game and were on top of PSV. However, the first goal came against the run of play when Lazovic scored for PSV in the 36th minute. Thankfully, Babel snatched the equaliser just in time before the end of the first half. Lucas Leiva took a well taken free kick which was met by the unchallenged Babel.

"Riera scored a screamer!"

In the second half, the same continued as Liverpool were the better side. Still, there were not many goal mouth actions. However without warning, Reira took a shot at goal from 30 yards out to put Liverpool ahead when 20 minutes were left. It was a beautiful shot. The goal spurred the others to score as well. Ngog was taking shots at goal. Keane were constantly yelling for the ball just to be annoyed by Babel. With Keane looking absolutely angry with Babel, I did not like it at all. He was calling for the ball even when he was in a bad position. He made some good runs but nothing near Torres' standard.

"Ngog got his goal!"

Soon, he got frustrated and start running the midfield more. Instead of waiting for an assist, he turned to making an assist himself to show the others what kind of ball should be sent to him. His first great pass went to Ngog beautifully and Ngog made no mistake to secure the win. Then moments later, Keane tried again and found Lucas but he failed to control the ball. Throughout the match, I thought Keane was only good after Reira scored. Before that, I didn't see him contributing a lot.

Thanks to Marseille who drew with Atletico Madrid, Liverpool topped the group with 14 points and will now await their next opponent. Their next Champions League game will be three months from now. Liverpool topped the Champions League group and the Premier League table. Now, that's an indication to me that Rafa is doing things right although may not be doing things the most convincing of ways. I can't remember when was the last time Liverpool were in this position. Now that they can fully concentrate on domestic football, I hope Liverpool see through Christmas unscratched. They say January will be the time to see if Liverpool will still stay top as an indicator that they are real contenders this season. To me if they stay in contention by then, they stand a great chance to win the title as they always performed better than the rests in the second half of the season!

"You'll Never Walk Alone"

Liverpool 0 West Ham 0

2008-12-02T10:23:00.000+08:00

Liverpool took over Chelsea as leaders of the BPL! However, it was not the best result Liverpool could have hoped for. Despite a point more than Chelsea, it was very disappointing not to win against West Ham at home. Throughout 90 minutes, West Ham played for a draw and they achieved it. On the positive, Liverpool can aim to stay above the rest throughout the season now on.

After some disappointing display against Fulham and Marseille, I was looking forward for a much improved performance. Liverpool played better. They passed better and were in full control of the game. However, they failed again in the last quarter and that has reduced their advantage over Chelsea. West Ham was putting everyone behind the ball. It clearly achieved in stopping Liverpool. I can't remember the last time I saw that many long shots from Liverpool. I guess I must go back to the days Berger, McManaman and Redknapp were in Liverpool's midfield.

I do fancy long shots when opponents are hard to breakdown. However, Gerrard just could not find his strides on the night. He was probably too anxious of getting the winner. I thought he was pushing it too much to the point he compromised his game intelligence. I felt he could have done better in certain situation than simply having a go at the ball despite under pressure. On the night, Rafa got it right. He must have knew West Ham would be there to defend. That's why he started Hyypia behind. He played well on the night too defending well and attacking corners with his headers. It was just the players who failed to break West Ham's defence. I am already starting to miss Torres. I hope I don't have to feel this way until he comes back!

"Where was I?!!"

Keane was totally out of synch with Liverpool's game. I am really starting to think he is a waste of money. He did not do enough to challenge for the ball. When he got the ball, he lost posession of it. His runs were never close to anything Torres would do. Maybe in Torres' absence, Rafa should start considering putting Babel up front. He may not give a consistent preformance but I would prefer that than someone who consistently failed to perform.

The result could not be solely blamed on Liverpool. I thought Green did some fantastic save to secure the point for West Ham. Benayoun did nothing wrong with an opportunity in front of goal. Yet, Green was up to it and managed to save the shot. It was just a frustrating night for the Reds. This season, Liverpool have been playing better away than home. When I saw the match, I think I know why. Away from home, there was less pressure from the fans. They could play their normal game. At home, especially like last night when Chelsea dropped points, the fans were just impatient to see Liverpool score. The moans could be heard so loud. In the first half, I heard some Christmas tunes. In the second half, I felt Anfield was a horrible place whenever a player did not make a sprint with the ball. I felt their moans caused the players to be under extreme pressure. Ironically, the pressure comes from the ones who call themselves world's best supporters.

I understand it is irretating when the opportunity is there to be grabbed and the players failed to do so on the pitch. However, we must remember they need our support. We want them to play as well as they could at home, with the pleasure of the support from the fans. Not the pressure from the fans. I thought the support was unconditional. At times this season, I felt I was wrong. Maybe after nearly two decades of not winning the league title, everyone just couldn't wait. Let's all stop moaning and back them up like we used to when they needed it. They need it to stay top till May. If we want to see an improvement in their matches, I think fans should start supporting them unconditionally to get their spirit and confidence up. Reds, Come on!!! In Liverpool, I believe!!!

"You'll Never Walk Alone"

Liverpool 1 Marseille 0

2008-12-02T09:16:00.000+08:00

Liverpool through to the knockout stage! Despite not playing up to par again, Liverpool managed to pull off the victory thanks to a superb header from captain Steven Gerrard. With qualifications secured, Liverpool can now concentrate more on the league. Having said that, I am sure they are still gunning for top spot in the Champions League group for the advantage of having the second leg at Anfield.

"There's only ONE Stevie G!"

It was another nervy performance by Liverpool. They were not getting their passing right and were under constant pressure from Marseille. Thankfully, they saw it through and a moment of brilliance from Gerrard was the difference. Alonso found him and crossed a beauty for him to score the header. It was a very good header indeed.

After the goal, Liverpool failed to score the second and it really caused Liverpool to be under pressure. Liverpool seriously need to be more clinical up front. If not, games will never be ended before the final whistle and that will wear out Liverpool. Players are already showing signs of fatigue due to the matches where they had to fight till the end to win the games earlier in the season. Now, they still have to fight till the end despite not conceding because they cannot finish.

"Reina keeps another clean sheet!"

Torres has yet to find his match fitness. And after the game, it was such a disappointment to know that he injured his hamstring again. It was the third time this season. Liverpool will be without him for another month. I fear Liverpool might really miss him. The others especially Keane just do not impress in the final quarter.

Despite not playing well against Marseille, I am thankful Liverpool won. This season has been good in terms of results. Their performance has not been great but I would be very happy if they just continue winning.

"You'll Never Walk Alone"

Saga Over Yoga

2008-11-24T11:09:00.000+08:00

Yoga being turned into a religious issue! Yes, you heard it right. I am sure by now everyone has heard that the Malaysia Fatwa Council has decided to make Yoga haram for Muslims in Malaysia. If you do not know of this, probably this is a good time to say, "What the Fatwa??!"

"The Child pose in Yoga"

This country is full of jokers. If I live in comic world, I would have been the happiest guy. Sadly, I know I live in reality and this people are indeed real people. When they said something like that, I do not know if I should laugh or cry. It's really a joke but the joke is the Fatwa guys are being serious about it. Malaysia is a good country to live in? I think that's only because these people don't really implement or enforce their rulings. If not, this country must be hell. Especially for Muslims, I do really feel sorry but then I am not in a position to argue when it is salient to their religious teaching or culture.

"Eh, should this be considered The Child pose? So they are Sinners?!!"

However, the council is starting to make decisions which are totally irrelevant to their teachings. That's why we see Muslims coming out to fight against such rulings. I would understand that if they are totally against females wearing "revealing" clothes or alcohol consumption. However, banning Yoga and discriminating tomboys? I mean...come on!!! What the Fatwa!!!

If there are cases where Muslim Yoga practitioners wanted to change their religion, then there's an argument for their decision. However, have you heard of any? I highly doubt so. Instead of making stupid rulings, maybe the Fatwa Council should spend more time catching the ones shaking their booties and boobies and locking lips with one another in the clubs. How about catching those who drink alcohol? I see them in Jalan Alor. I see them everywhere. To add on, I see Muslims in KL going to Chinese food stall buying their roast pork rice! What is the Fatwa Council doing about all these? They probably should be setting up booth or station personnels at places where they could easily catch these people. Instead, they chose to come up with more rulings which is sillier one after another. In the end, they probably will not do anything about it or do very little. So what's the point? Just to create controversial for fun?

Now on, my Muslim friends, as much as you want to sing, "I like to move it, move it; I like to move it, move it; I like to move it, move it; I like to....MOVE IT!" in Yoga, you can't. You can't move in Yoga as your Fatwa Council said so. So...sit and stare lah! Sorry but that's what your religion council is saying. They are the idiots so complain to them.

On another note, have you guys been watching Astro? Have you guys come across a local dance competition which involves celebrities? If you have, I am sure you would have heard the word, "berdansa". It means dancing. I don't know when it became an official word in the Malaysia language but I saw it in subtitles every time "dance" or "dancing" is said. What's wrong with "menari"? I find it a beautiful word. When I say "dancing" it is translated as "menari". When I say "dance" it is translated as "tarian". How does that work for "berdansa"? Is "dansa" the root word? Maybe Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka should also consider changing "danger" from "bahaya" to "danja"!!! Danja jika kamu membuat Yoga! Marilah berdansa bersama-sama!!! Shake it, shake it, shake it, shake it, shake it!!! Shake it but don't break it 'cause the guys don't like it!

Liverpool 0 Fulham 0

2008-11-24T10:20:00.000+08:00

Weird, weird weekend! That's about all I can really say. Despite Liverpool failing to take their chances and ended up dropping two points at home, the rest of the top ten did not win as well! Chelsea drew blanks against Newcastle and so did M*n U*d against Aston Villa. With all top three dropping two points, it was like a weekend that never happened. The point difference, goal difference and position did not change at all. However, the same can't be said about Arsenal as their woes continued with a 3-0 lose to Man City. As a result, Aston have broken into the top four changing places with Arsenal.

"Maybe he had a hand in the weird results in the other matches?"

This game against Fulham and the next against West Ham were suppose to be Liverpool's chance to break away from Chelsea on the top. Chelsea, M*n U*d and Arsenal all faced and will be facing opponents who are more difficult on paper. However, it was proven not the case for the first match of these two ties as all of the top four dropped points. In a way, Liverpool were the biggest loser of them all as they were the team which had the advantage to pull away but failed to. Like Benitez said, it was an opportunity missed. An opportunity has been wasted. Though, next weekend could be another chance for Liverpool to pull away. The next time, they must ensure to take three points. Chances like this don't come too often and if Liverpool failed to capitalize again, it might just hurt Liverpool's title chances.

"Torres showed his ability but not helped by his teammates"

Against Fulham, Torres was the only one who looked to win the game. He was challenging for the balls, running the opponents down, creating chances for himself and shooting at every chance. However, he failed to convert any. Without Gerrard, Liverpool really looked lack of creativity up front. None of the midfielders looked like creating chances for the strikers. Benitez played the 4-4-2 people want to see but Keane again failed to shine even in his preferred position. We could say it was because Gerrard did not play. However, the midfield totally failed to perform on the night. Alonso was brought in and did a better job than Lucas or Mascherano. People moaned when Mascherano was taken off for Alonso. I agreed probably Lucas should be the one off but then Mascherano was not creating chances and never looked like one who has the vision for it. On the other hand, Lucas was someone who could but he didn't.

"Torres was a frustrated man on the night!"

The surprise for me was that Benitez did not start Benayoun. In my opinion, Benayoun was the one who could replace Gerrard in terms of creating chances up front. He is an intelligent player who could make clever runs and open the defence. He also could make those defence splitting passes. I felt Liverpool missed Benayoun on the night in the absence of Gerrard. This is just my opinion. Whether it would have worked, will be another case.

In the end, Liverpool only managed to draw. Good thing is so did Chelsea and M*n U*d. Maybe Liverpool have failed to take their chance but I am not going to complain as they still sit on equal points with Chelsea. Clearly Liverpool have to take their chances in front of goal more and I would love to see it start against Marseille. Against West Ham in the league, Liverpool will be expected to win. However, West Ham is not as an easy team as people might suggest. I won't be expecting an easy game. Still, Liverpool should win especially if Gerrard and Torres play together. Benitez can't wait to pair up them again and I can't wait for it as well.

"You'll Never Walk Alone"

Bolton 0 Liverpool 2

2008-11-18T09:53:00.000+08:00

Another win in the bag! Liverpool scored two goals to win but it could have been more. At the same time, Liverpool could have conceded a couple as well but fortunately none cross the line. A good win overall but could have been much better.

Playing at the Reebok stadium has never been an easy task and it was proven again. Bolton played football and gave Liverpool a difficult game. As much as Liverpool tried to control the match, it was really difficult especially when Bolton brought in Gardner. He was just energetic and running Liverpool down. I was impressed by his determination and the energy he brought into the team. Thankfully, I was not impressed by his finishing because he could have scored two.

"Flying Dutchman scores again!"

Kuyt opened the scoring for Liverpool in the first half with a clean header. Aurelio found him in the box and crossed perfectly to his direction. With a good header, Jaaskelainen was left with no chance at all. Nowadays Kuyt just couldn't stop scoring, could he? In the first half, Liverpool should have doubled their lead. This time, Kuyt turned provider but his receiver did not do well at all. Again, Keane missed right in front of the goal. He tried to hit it with his right but the ball went pass him. In the end, all he hit was air. Unbelievable.

"Look at the ball Keane!!!"

Bolton had a goal disallowed right before the end of the first half. It was a header from a corner. It was disallowed because Nolan was fouled for blocking Reina. It is debatable whether the goal should have been disallowed. It is even debatable that a penalty should be given for Reina's push on Nolan. In my opinion, the decision was right. Nolan fouled Reina, period. He was blocking Reina with his force. He even had one leg right between's Reina's legs. Is that not a foul? If not, then I hope Liverpool do that every time they take a corner. It just means the 'keeper will not be able to move from his spot.

In the second half, Bolton were just coming at Liverpool. I have to give it to Bolton. They were pressuring Liverpool, showed no signs of fear, and kept winning the second balls. Gardner's presence pushed every Bolton player to give more than 100 percent. Liverpool found it hard to cope. Twice Gardner could have scored. Twice he failed to finish. Thank God! It was just unpleasant to watch. I was thinking, "Oh no, a repeat against Tottenham waiting to happen." Thankfully it didn't. Torres was substituted in for Keane and that was a great move. Seeing how Torres played, I was really pleased. He was such a threat compared to Keane. Torres is worth more than his price tag while the same can't said about Keane at this moment.

"Gerrard fluffed his chance too"

Torres came in and could have assisted Gerrard earlier. With a good pass into the center of the goal, Gerrard did a Keane by missing from a couple of yards out. He touched ball but it went away from the goal. However, he redeemed himself by scoring moments later when Torres did well to find himself space and time to cross to Gerrard for a header right in front of goal again. This time, he did no wrong and laid my fears to rest. After that, Torres could have scored himself too. He had a shot which hit the outside of the post. With that goal, it really gave Liverpool more room to breathe. In the end, Liverpool got three good points in the bag and went top before Chelsea got it back.

"But not the second time!!!"

Liverpool's impressive run has see them going up to top before going back to second with Chelsea's better goal difference almost every week. This might bring caution to Benitez. I think Liverpool must finish more often. They managed to create lots of chances in the games they played but always scored only a couple of them. The goal difference might play its part in the end although the chances are little. However if it does, then Liverpool might regret the missed chances. Given a sight at goal, a shot at least must be on target. The finishing must improve as I hope to see Liverpool cancelling the big goal difference with Chelsea. If Liverpool manage to do that, they do not have to go back to second everytime Chelsea win as well. If Liverpool can score three goals and above against most opponents and not conceding, then that's good. If not, it is always a risky game as proven against Tottenham.

At this moment though, I am happy Liverpool are winning games. At some stage, both Chelsea and Liverpool will probably drop some points. At the moment, Arsenal is being very inconsistent. However, M*n U*d is showing signs of taking the opportunity whenever Chelsea and Liverpool loses points. They are scoring goals and winning games comfortably. Let's hope Liverpool take in the pressure and continue winning.

"You'll Never Walk Alone"

CACAT

2008-11-14T09:52:00.000+08:00

I am so with Jagdeep! I totally agree with him on his concern that the Penang State Government is going to pay RM 1000 to an incompetent Opposition leader. It is definitely positive that the Opposition in Penang is being given the rightful recognition for the significant role it should be playing. Every democratic government needs a sound and just opposition. Sadly, I don't see that in the guy called Azahar Ibrahim. He is another Bung Mokhtar in my eyes; a good for nothing disruptive annoying brainless childish bastard.

If the Penang State Government need a constructive opposition, I would say BN is not that opposition. They have yet to live in reality as an opposition. They have yet to learn the role of an opposition. They are still sour and sulking.

Despite the initiative from the government, Azahar Ibrahim accused the them of not being sincere. In The Star Online, he said he didn't ask for the monthly payment as he is not in need of it. Well then, I say donate that monthly payment to a NGO. After all, he seems to be saying he doesn't want it. Despite getting paid, he is complaining about it. Did anyone bribe him RM1000 to ask him to shut up?

Guan Eng said he wants an opposition which also practices the CAT system. He continued to quote Deng Xiao Ping that no matter what colour the cat is, as long as it is a good cat in catching mice, that's all that matters. Azahar Ibrahim? Far catch from a good cat! If Garfield is good for nothing besides entertaining us who read its comic, Azahar Ibrahim is not even entertaining.

Would you try to simulate shooting your opponent when he or she is saying something during the State Legislative Assembly? It's senseless. Grow up! An adult doing this in the House is unacceptable. It's no different with Bung Mokhtar doing his vulgar hand sign in the Parliament. These two are total idiots yet they hold high posts in their respective place. Bung Mokhtar is the leader of the BN backbenchers while Azahar Ibrahim is the Opposition leader in Penang. You wondered how BN is full of useless people? How can they not be when their leaders are of such and still being retained year after year?

Lim Guan Eng wants Azahar Ibrahim to be practicing the CAT system. He wants him to be a good cat in catching the mice which might appear in the state government. To me, he will never be CAT (Competent, Acountable, & Transparent). Instead, he is already and will always be CACAT (Coward, Arrogant, Crazy, Antagonistic, & Trashy). Pay him shit instead! He may need some to nourish his brain!

Talking Shit!

2008-11-13T15:55:00.001+08:00

Do you support BN? If yes, you are supporting people who shit from their mouth! Seriously, it defies logic they are leaders of the community. Worse is, now some of them are playing the role of oppositions and are absolutely terrible at it. While the ex-oppositions may not have experience in governing, at least they are doing a decent job.

As everyone might have known, people are making a big hullabaloo about the cancellation of the tennis event in Penang. I don't understand what's that all about. Is the cancellation being such a big news just because a chief editor of a newspaper is a big fan of tennis and making it a big news in his dailies? Have you never heard of an event cancellation? Do you need me to name the numerous concerts being called off last minute in Malaysia? Let's not make such a big deal about it. Okay, a tennis event was cancelled in Penang but it is not like cancelling a schedule from the WTA Opens. If WTA Penang Open was cancelled then it is understandable. By the way, there's no such event called WTA Penang Open, yet!

What pissed me off the most though was not about the unnecessary frenzy over the cancellation. It is about the frenzy over the Esplanade field and that's where the ones who talk shit comes in. Have you read the newspapers? There's this someone called H’ng Khoon Leng (Gerakan Youth Tanjung Division chief) voiced out his disappointment over MPPP for allowing the organizers to destroy the field at Esplanade. For all those who comes from Penang Island and has been to Esplanade for whatever reason, tell me how was the condition before the "destruction"?

I used to play football week in week out with my mates there few years back. I can tell you it was hell then. The field was full of stone pebbles and sand. When it rains, the field is filled with pools of water. When it is bright, our boots get a cut here and there and the studs shaved off a few milimeters. So please don't try to be hero for the Penangites and say the state government destroyed the field. They didn't. It was destroyed years back by the good for nothing Gerakan-led state government.

If the Esplanade field is such a treasured heritage site, why has it been allowed to host Bon Odori for the past years? I remember once Bon Odori was dampened by rainfalls and what the state government did was lay the field with stone pebbles to avoid muddy grounds. Safe to play football? A community field? Probably not. Why has it been used for military show years back? I remember there was once a military show being held there where soldiers set off grenades all over the field. Now, who destroyed the field? Probably with the added damage to the field now, it can be restored and revived back to the good old field we once have.

Then of course, there's also another issue which has been brewing for quite some time and now the one once caught with his pants down came out to support the Penang state government in putting up multi-language road sign. A bunch of BN-supporting Malays were unhappy. They made their voice heard. Now, a leader from a component party in BN has came out and said there's nothing wrong with putting up multi-language road signs and even supported it. Being a torn in the flesh already, he added on to say something bad about the controversial Ahmad Ismail. Obviously, he is not afraid of offending the big bosses from UMNO. After all, he was recently given a small role in his party and the one who needs to answer to the big bosses is not him but the new Ong (king) of MCA. He clearly is unhappy with the new Ong and is stirring the pot. Is he purely defending the road signs? I doubt so. More like pulling the Chinese support and pressuring his big bosses. Is he not someone who talks shit from BN? The new defender for Chinese? Tsk tsk...Once he gets what he wants, I bet he will be the shit-talker he once was.

When it was suggested that such road signs be put up in Penang, the BN shit-talkers came out and say things like it's a threat to the Malaysia language (Malaysia language not Malay language mind you because it is now Bahasa Malaysia not Bahasa Melayu!). They even have people to set up a group to go against this move. Is Malaysia language really that important? If it is, bring it to Korea and use it, smart asses!

For the past weeks, I have been saying very little about the happenings in Malaysia. Plain and simple reason is that it's the same everyday. The mass media are still bias, the new state governments get bashed for every little mistakes even though they are big enough to admit their mistakes and vowed to learn from it, everytime the new oppositions open their mouth it's like pot calling kettle black forgetting they once committed bigger mistakes and never admit to them, the federal government still in a limbo because the ruling party is in a limbo...I am even bored of posting the same things over and over again.

In the end, I might find myself talking as much shit as the ones in BN. Shit!

Tottenham 4 Liverpool 2

2008-11-13T14:49:00.000+08:00

Spurs gave Liverpool a double-bashing! Liverpool have lost to Tottenham twice this season; first in the league and now in the League Cup. In this match, I was prepared for a defeat. I predicted Benitez would field a much-changed first eleven against a rather strong Tottenham side. After all, Benitez and co should set their priorities in the league after a great start. On the other hand, Tottenham's best bet for a silverware this season is the one they won last season; the League Cup.

Although Liverpool fielded familiar names, they were the ones who have not started that many games this season. Benitez made 10 changes to the side. I did not watch the game as I chose to sleep. However looking at the line up, Liverpool have Degen who has yet to start a game this season (or so little that I never notice!). Also, the midfielders were Plessis, Babel, Ngog and Leiva. On paper, it looked to be light weight. I couldn't imagine how these players filled the roles of Alonso and Mascherano in protecting the defence. And in reality, they failed to do so as Liverpool conceded four in 14 minutes. It's plain shocking despite the line up. To me, this highlighted the importance of having Mascherano and Alonso in Liverpool's midfield.

"A future ahead for Plessis?"

From the 38th minute to the 63rd, the game saw all the goals; a total of six. Why oh why didn't the Gods wake me up on the 37th minute?!! A brace each for Campbell and Pavyluchenko killed off Liverpool's chance. Goals from Plessis and Hyypia only served as consolation but nothing more. Well, the way I want to see it now is a lesser trophy less to be concerned of and it means more concentration on the big prize now on. The only setback to me would be that players will have fewer chances to play. However, it also means the competition to start in the league intensifies and that can be a positive thing. Touchwood but if Liverpool go out as early in the FA Cup, then I will feel sorry for the likes of Cavalieri, Plessis and Ngog. Let's hope not. I am greedy and I want Liverpool to achieve the treble! So M*n U*d fans will not have anything to say at the end. I know even if Liverpool win the league, they are going to say, "But Liverpool did not achieve the treble!"

"Hyypia still scoring the headers!"

From the League Cup results, I want to say that Liverpool are now a bigger threat to the others in the league. Similarly with Chelsea, it is a cup out of the way. It means their fixtures will be less tight than Arsenal's and M*n U*d's. It means that Liverpool and Chelsea will have more rest than the two. It also means that hopefully later into the stage, Arsenal and M*n U*d will be worn out and drop further off from the top of the league. I am totally bias here but I know this is the only way for us fans to see it. Liverpool have earned themselves a great shot at the league title this season and they must see it this way to push on. It's a setback no doubt but it's not a lose Liverpool can't swallow. Take it on the chin and move on. This weekend, I am expecting nothing less than a good display against Bolton to bounce back. Torres has got nearly an hour on the field after a month's absence. Against Bolton, I expect him to be much more dangerous. Liverpool can and should be dangerous in the next match. Fight on, Reds!

"You'll Never Walk Alone"

Liverpool 3 West Brom 0

2008-11-09T12:16:00.000+08:00

Liverpool go back top! Keane opened his scoring in the league and got two before Arbeloa scored the third to seal the win for Liverpool. It was great response from Liverpool after their defeat to Tottenham. If Blackburn can create an upset against Chelsea later, then Liverpool will again go three points clear. Let's hope!

Before the game, I was talking so much about Berbatov and Keane. They have moved to M*n U*d and Liverpool respectively but both have yet to hit the form they are used to at Tottenham. While Berbatov failed to make his impact felt against Arsenal earlier, Keane scored his first and second league goals to secure three points for Liverpool.

"Keane keens to score more!"

For his first, he was put through by a great pass from Gerrard. Once he got himself into a good position, his left foot made no mistakes to put the ball into the goal. For this match, Benitez did not start with two defensive midfielders. Alonso was left out. Benayoun played in the right wing and that got Kuyt partnering Keane up front. I was thinking that Torres would start this match but I guess after a series of injuries, Benitez felt there was no need to risk Torres. Keane was very lively up front. Besides that, everyone was just trying to feed him the right ball. He seemed to know he is the one responsible to score. I wonder if Benitez planned for him to open his scoring this game. It was after all an ideal opponent for him to score against. Not only are they one of the weaker teams, they are also one of the teams Keane loves to score against. As proven, he scored not only once but twice.

The second goal was scored almost the similar way. This time, it was Aurelio who assisted him. He was put through again and rounded Carson who came rushing to put the ball into the empty net. Even after two goals, everyone is still trying to feed him the ball. It was clear. Benayoun and Gerrard could have tried and score themselves when they are in good position. However, they made passes to him which at times looked more difficult than taking a shot.

"Thanks Kop!"

Before Keane can add his third for a hat-trick, Benitez opted to sub him out to bring Torres in. It was a smart move because West Brom were pushing for a goal and Torres can make use of his speed to exploit the gaps. He had some good runs but nothing more than that. In the few minutes, he was unable to score. However, someone else did for the first time. It was Arbeloa in injury time. Kuyt saw him and made a good pass which put him through facing the goal. Carson was left with no chance when he took it with his left to curl the ball top corner! I thought to myself before that Arbeloa will score sooner or later but never did I think that it will come in such a fashion. He had a few chances before from corners when the ball was pass to him lurking around the edge of the box. His shots from there have been dangerous and I thought he will score from there. Against West Brom, he showed he can use his left foot as well. Great goal.

The next few matches will be crucial for Liverpool. They are matches which Liverpool should win. To stay in pole position for the title, they need to win those games. The season is getting better and better. The teams are all so close together. A win or a lose will cause big changes in terms of position. Liverpool and Chelsea are in great position and I can't wait to see Liverpool pull away from Chelsea if they drop points. Liverpool need to stay in this position for throughout the season. If Liverpool are in M*n U*d's position now, everyone would have write off their chances. If Liverpool lost 3 games like Arsenal although still third, nobody will give them a chance.

Out of the top 4, I would say I am not bias in saying that Liverpool is the most put-downed teams. A lost will get the pundits going about their accuracy in saying that Liverpool will not win the title this season. Probably after Liverpool, Arsenal suffer the most. The pundits and commentators just love to give good comments to Chelsea and M*n U*d no matter where they are in the table. If there's one reason for Liverpool to win the title, this reason itself is good enough; shut the pundits up! Keep going, Reds!

"You'll Never Walk Alone"

Abdullah Joked!

2008-11-07T11:10:00.000+08:00

Hahahahaha! Why you guys didn't laugh? Didn't you hear/read about our Prime Minister's joke? I didn't know he can pull off such a funny joke. I always thought he only knows how to sleep soundly. Well, he proves to be a joker as well. Hahaha.

After Obama's win, he came out to answer a question on whether a minority in Malaysia can be the PM. He answered yes! Yes, you heard it right...he answered YES! Hahahahaha...well done, PM! When the Americans showed they are serious about wanting change and casted their vote for a change, you came out to make a fool of yourself and the rest of us who calls ourselves Malaysians.

So with that statement, doesn't it mean that all leaders from all the component parties inside BN can challenge Najib for the PM post when Abdullah retires? So what they hell are you waiting for Tsu Koon, Samy Vellu, and Tee Keat? Go and tell Najib right at his face, "I want to challenge you for the PM post! There's no such thing as UMNO President equals Malaysia Prime Minister! Our current PM said so!"

Wait a minute, we need to be an UMNO member to be UMNO President before we can be the Prime Minister of Malaysia? And UMNO is only open for Malays? Oh...shucks! Now, isn't it clear who are the ones playing racial politics? There you have it, our PM bluffed again.

Liverpool 1 Atletico Madrid 1

2008-11-07T10:22:00.000+08:00

Gerrard to the rescue! After going a goal down to Atletico from a counter-attack, Liverpool could not penetrate the immense defence displayed by Atletico. It was the case until the 95th minute when Captain Fantastic won the Reds a penalty and took it with poise.

"Captain Fantastic!"

It was a frustrating game. Liverpool tried and tried but just could not find the goal. It was hard enough to find a way through the Atletico players. Throughout the whole night, Atletico only created a couple of chances where one was scored by their captain Maxi Rodriguez. It was a great counter-attack. The Liverpool defence was totally helpless. The players knew what to do and did it perfectly to score first. After the goal, Liverpool just tried every way they could to score the equaliser. On a good night, Agger could have easily scored a hat-trick! Liverpool did not score until the very last minute of injury time.

"You must be joking me?!"

In the 94th minute, Gerrard dashed and jumped to chest the ball inside the box. In the process, he was challenged by Pernia who used his body to clash with Gerrard's. Gerrard went down and the referee pointed to the spot. In Atletico's point of view, it was hard to take especially when they have done so well defending throughout the game. If it was on the other end, I would have been at rage. Although luck played a little part in it, it must be said Liverpool were without that luck for 94 minutes of playing time. As cool as a cucumber, Stevie G scored the equaliser from the spot to give the Kop something to cheer about. The one all draw kept Liverpool on equal points with Atletico.

"If Reina can't stop me, you can't!"

Throughout the game as much as it frustrated me as a viewer, I must give credit to Atletico. From early on, I was so impressed by their defence. They were down right disciplined. It was the kind of performance Liverpool showed in 2005. Not only their defending, were they good without the ball. It was so hard for the Reds to find someone to pass to. Every pass they made seemed to be cut short by an Atletico player. I felt it was as frustrating for Liverpool as it was for Chelsea when they played against Liverpool. They had a plan and they stuck to it. It worked until the referee pointed to the spot.

Despite I am happy that the referee pointed to the spot, I must say his performance on the night was the biggest shame. His decisions were inconsistent and he seemed not to know what he was doing. He looked as if he was out of control and then started to make funny decisions. I would say the game was not helped at all with him in the middle. However, it was another emotion-filled game for all Liverpool fans out there.

"You'll Never Walk Alone"

Tottenham 2 Liverpool 1

2008-11-03T10:01:00.000+08:00

Talk about tough luck! It was another come back. Sadly, it was not for Liverpool but for Spurs. Spurs came back from the dead against Arsenal on the previous game before this to snatch a 4-4 draw. This time around, they came back to snatch a 2-1 win over Liverpool. At last, the suspected "it will haunt you" come backs really happened. As a result, Liverpool dropped to second on goal difference to Chelsea.

"Kuyt scores; again!!!"

After only a couple of minutes, Liverpool took the lead through Dirk Kuyt. In the absence of Torres, he has played his role to fill the gap. I bet nobody expected him to totally go free-scoring like Torres does and he didn't. However, it has to said that he has played well. With Torres' absence, he has given the role to drift in more from the right and at times position himself in the striker's zone. Against Tottenham, the goal he scored was a beauty. In a tight angle, he managed to shoot it just beyong the reach of the 'keeper and just right below the bar. At that position, one would even wonder if Torres could have scored it. We all have seen how Kuyt can sometimes shoot totally off target. This goal; beautiful!

Throughout the game, Liverpool totally dominated Spurs. In the first half after Kuyt scored, Tottenham seemed to have their fear resurfaced and could not cope with Liverpool. Liverpool should have extended the lead and go on to wrap the game. Gerrard had three chances and two of them hit the woodwork. One was pushed to the post by Gomes after the shot was deflected off a defender's arm. If it didn't caught the arm, I bet it would have gone in with the power. Minutes later, Gerrard tried to lob the ball over Gomes after a mistake by the 'keeper. It looked to be a wonderful goal to seal the game. However, it hit the crossbar.

"Missed chances ruined Reds' day!"

At that point, I was thinking Liverpool are going to pay for the missed chances. I can't help but to think Spurs will score one goal late on and make Liverpool regret. It didn't cross my mind though that Spurs would go on to score two. First, it came off Carragher's head for an own goal and the second through Pavlyuchenkofrom close range with seconds to go. After so many come backs, at last one came back to haunt Liverpool.

Like Carragher said though, the title challenge starts now. After last weekend, the table at the top is more like how it will be for the rest of the season. Chelsea, Arsenal, M*n U*d, and Liverpool are all in the top four and within touch of each other. It can be a very exciting season if all four clubs can keep the momentum going. Things do not look so good at Arsenal but they have the quality to sort it out. I have no doubt Wenger can handle it but maybe the title is beyond them this season. Still, I would not bet anything on it. M*n U*d with Ronaldo on fire, their season probably starts now and this means danger for Liverpool. Chelsea are still very versatile even though without Drogba and this could well be their season.

As for Liverpool, the good start means they are still in with a fantastic chance. If they can keep fighting for results and maintain the belief, I don't see why they can't keep challenging until May. With a row of games coming up which Liverpool should win, this may be their chance to go back top again. However, these games also present the chance for Liverpool to be put out of the title race by critics if they fail to win one of it. With the quality they have and Torres back, Liverpool must win all these games if they want to believe they are in with a shout.

After the game against Tottenham, it probably wasn't an all-negative result. I hope the team learned something from it. First of all, chances have to be taken. Liverpool have improved on this but they still need more players to take their chances. They need more players to hit the target. Riera, Alonso, Benayoun, Babel, Keane; they must score more! Secondly, winning early on and winning convincingly. Liverpool must start to win more than one goal and start closing the door as early as possible. After losing and dropping to second, the goal difference played its part. Chelsea are top with a goal difference of 23 while Liverpool's is just 9. It will be a close fight until the end if all top 4 are going to keep a close distance with each other. Thus, the goal difference may play a major role come May and at the moment, Liverpool's do not look too good. Now on, this is the real test for Liverpool.

"You'll Never Walk Alone"

Liverpool 1 Portsmouth 0

2008-10-31T11:45:00.000+08:00

Liverpool stay 3 points clear! After beating Chelsea to go top, people are just waiting for the moment to see Liverpool drop off the position. After all, they need Liverpool to drop at least to second or third. Majority of people have written off Liverpool like every other season and they can't stand being proven wrong. Well, they have their rights to do so. It is 20 years since Liverpool won the league title. However, I am enjoying every moment as Liverpool persisted to stay numero uno.

"Hale Super Stevie!"

It is easier to be first than to stay first. Liverpool showed they have the ability and resilient to stay there. However, it did not come easy as Liverpool almost find themselves in the situation after beating M*n U*d earlier in the season. They drew with Stoke City at home after that and they so nearly draw again. Despite dominating the game for majority of the time, Liverpool only managed to break the deadlock through a penalty. Gerrard was the taker and he took it coolly like he always does. David James nearly got his hands on it but thankfully didn't.

In the first half, Liverpool had some good movements and chances. Kuyt had a good shot which was pushed to the post by James. This season, I am glad Kuyt showed he can still play up front and produce some danger for the opponents. He has taken too much criticism and I am happy he has justified why Benitez values him so much when others thought he is just a roadrunner but nothing more.

"I can't stand the noise now!"

Against Portsmouth, Benitez opted to start Hyypia. I predicted he would do so and I am happy for it. Playing against Crouch, Hyypia would be the better choice because of his aerial ability. Besides that, Crouch is not a fast striker. I noticed in the few minutes Hyypia played against Chelsea, he had four crosses to deal with and he headed every one of them. I have siad it before and I will say it agsiadain, Hyypia is not only superior to the others in heading away balls from opponents; he is also much superior to Agger, Carragher and Skrtel in getting something out of corners. He proved it against Portsmouth.

"Hyyp! Hyyp! Hyypia!!!"

A corner ball came to him and he lept high to meet it. This forced Papa Bouba Diop to make a silly challenge on Hyypia which resulted in the penalty. Not only did Diop push Hyypia, his raising hands over Hyypia's head got into contact with the ball thus the penalty. Although I recognise that Hyypia will not start as many games as he would like, he is still a very valuable player for the squad. He has a lot of experience and knowledge which will be useful for the team. He has a lot to be taught to the likes of Agger and Skrtel. When Liverpool need to grind out results, he is the one who can be substituted in late and try to get something from a corner or like against Chelsea, substituted in to protect a lead.

Next up, Liverpool will have to face Tottenham. Facing Portsmouth and Tottenham at this time is surely not the perfect time. Both clubs are facing some changes with Harry Redknapp going over to Tottenham to make himself another headline by saving them from relegation while Portsmouth will be finding it hard to keep their players after their manager left. I still can't agree with Tottenham in sacking Juande Ramos. I believe anyone can take over Tottenham and save them from relegation. Like Benitez said, there are too many quality players in the squad. It is just a matter of bringing back some belief and trust to the players.

Facing them next will surely be dangerous. The belief is back. It is clear with the way they came back against Arsenal. Scoring two goals in the final minutes to equalise against Arsenal at 4-4? Without Keane, Berbatov and Defoe, they showed they still can score goals. Probably, Juande Ramos never got over the lost of his best strikers and was trying too hard to find a solution while the answer is right in front of him that the others can score goals too. One good message from the Arsenal game though would be that Tottenham can concede goals too and can concede a lot of them. Liverpool clearly have the players to score goals and they must do so if they want to stay top. Chelsea, Arsenal and M*n U*d are just right behind and surely don't look like slowing down.

I can't wait for the next game as I continue to believe Liverpool can keep their unbeaten run. Not only that, I am convinced they can keep winning. As long as the players keep their feet on the ground and play as hard as they do every week so far, I know they can keep Liverpool top. I want to believe until May is over!

"You'll Never Walk Alone"

Four Laughs!

2008-10-28T13:09:00.000+08:00

I can't help but to share four news I got from The Star Online! They are kind of upsetting news but I just couldn't help laughing at them. Malaysia is indeed a silly funny place. Let's have a laugh!

Former MP's wife, in coma after plastic surgery, dies

"More like Sebelum botox, Selepas botox!"

I think this serves as a good warning for someone. The wife of a former MP and Labuan UMNO chief passed away due to complication from a plastic surgery. Apparently she had a plastic surgery in Klang during January but the result was not what she wanted. With a tummy tuck, liposuction and eye bags removal, she ended up with a coma and subsequently death. Well, someone sprung into my mind when I read this and he better be careful!

Ear bitten in catfight

"Make you deaf so no more Karaoke!"

So it was nothing less than the incident between Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield. On a calm Saturday night, an upset businesswoman got enough of another woman who kept asking her mom to karaoke sessions confronted her and bit off a piece of her left ear. Well, that's what I call Saturday Night Fever! Fierce!

Samy Vellu wants to defend his post as MIC president

"Dreaming...I am king of the city jungle!"

Hahahahaha! Someone must be still day-dreaming or under delusion. So, I guess he never woke up since the March 8 General Election. I think after the announcement was made that he lost, he left straight away to his car and started murmuring to himself in denial. Even the PM knows he has to leave although he is leaving a bit late. This guy with the wig, just couldn't face the reality. "I will also go. I have fixed the time already," Samy Vellu was quoted from The Star Online. When? Maybe 2100!

Security issue at open houses

"Aiyoh, search for the C4!!!"

Since when open houses are under threat? Since a mother and her daughter went and gave the PM a greeting card and teddy bear? Well, start employing the FRU as well as having metal detection at the entrance next time! Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister Datuk Shafie Apdal said the government will continue organizing open houses if security is not an issue. He is still one of the old dinosaurs who still view open houses as a great way to unite the Malaysians. I wonder if he knew that open houses are made into jokes by college students because they seem to be the only thing that the government knows about fostering racial ties. One moment gives you free food, and then tells you to respect their supremacy. So racial unity is about having a master who the others must obey because they depend on the free food given out? There's even some classical conditioning in open houses. You come, I feed, and you go say some good words about me. Next year, you can come again! I can afford my own meals and I prefer visiting people I am close to when there's a festive than going to shake the dirty hand of big shots and fight over free food as if I am suffering a famine! We need some smart Ministers, not some smart asses!

Chelsea 0 Liverpool 1

2008-10-28T09:42:00.000+08:00

A statement of intend! That was Liverpool's achievement over the weekend. They have beaten M*n U*d before this and now ended Chelsea's 86-game unbeaten home record. If there was any doubt Benitez is trying to build a team capable of winning the Premier League, it must have been erased totally. Year after year, Benitez definitely has assembled a quality team with resilience and character. Now, the title challenge starts for Liverpool.

"The conductor & the maestro?"

Before the game, I was so pissed off with the ESPN pundits just like when Liverpool faced M*n U*d. All of them was so convinced Liverpool were going for a draw and will definitely lose the match. "3-1", "2-0", "1-0"; those were their guesses. To add in the insult, I am sure I heard, "Liverpool totally have no chance in beating Chelsea" or something along the line. Well, when the final whistle blew I clenched my fists in joy and couldn't wait for what the pundits have to say later.

In the first half, Chelsea had plenty of possession and tried time and again to break down Liverpool's defence. However, the Liverpool defence showed it was not compromised with the more attacking football Liverpool have been showing this season. When they needed to defend, they defended and they did it well. On the night, Carragher was again the man Liverpudlians fell in love with in 2005.

"Alonso scores his first of the season!"

Although Chelsea had plenty of the ball, the better chances came from Liverpool. The first good chance fell to Alonso and it was a goal. He took a shot from outside the box and it was deflected in by Bosingwa. If it was not deflected, I am almost sure it will not be a goal because Cech clearly went the right direction Alonso intended the shot. Thus, Liverpool were lucky with that goal. However, let's not brand Liverpool as the lucky team. Clearly, they worked for it. How many goals Lampard scored through deflection? How often Liverpool outplayed M*n U*d and Chelsea in past seasons just to see all shots not going in and then conceding late? Liverpool played well and won this game deservedly.

"Job well done, boys!"

Gerrard could have doubled Liverpool's lead in the firts half with a well taken shot. However, Cech was up for it and palmed it over the crossbar. In the second half, Liverpool came out with the intention to keep the ball up. They played better and limited Chelsea to play long balls and crosses only. However, Chelsea had their best chance of the game when Ashley Cole was put clear on goal but had his shot way off target. Di Santo's introduction clearly created more chances for Chelsea with his ability in heading. I see a good future for this young player. Although Chelsea had their chance to equalise, Liverpool too had their chances to pull further away. Alonso had a free kick which hit the post. It was a well taken free kick. Cech was left rooted. Then, Kuyt and Babel too had chances to score but their efforts were not on target.

"A team with quality, character & resilience!"

At the end, Liverpool saw out Chelsea and won the game. Yes, the first win against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge under Benitez, the first goal Liverpool scored there under Benitez, and the victory which ended Chelsea's 4 years and 8 months unbeaten home record. Liverpool's victory put them 3 points clear at the top. It is their best start to the season and this has left a big impression that Liverpool are serious in challenging for the title. However, it is time to be cautious and make sure they don't drop silly points against lesser opponents. That starts with Portsmouth. If not, such victories will come in vain. I am glad Benitez, Carra, Gerrard and Alonso have came out and made statements to aks everyone to stay on their feet and not get carried away.

It is still early in the season. The fact that Hull City are equal on points with Chelsea at third place is the best indication that Liverpool is far from secured at first place. No disrespect to Hull City, but I just don't see how they can manage to stay there for too long. However, they have showed that by playing as a team, individual qualities can be nullified. They clearly have beaten the odds. No way now that they will be relegated.

This season will be interesting. Benitez has assembled a very strong team, especially mentally. Benitez has often paid tribute to the players after winning games. It could be seen that the players are the ones deserving the credits for the way they are playing, giving their all and never give up. However, let's not forget it is Benitez who bought the players in. With the players he has, it has made his job easier because he know whoever he fields they will give him nothing less than a 100 percent. I hope Liverpool will continue the fight for the title. It is now a real challenge to stay top which is really hard to do. It means Liverpool cannot afford to lose but I am confident they can do it!

"You'll Never Walk Alone"

Atletico Madrid 1 Liverpool 1

2008-10-23T10:41:00.001+08:00

Two points lost! That's according to Rafa. However, equal on 7 points with Atletico and standing top of the table leave Liverpool rather comfortable to qualify by the next game against Atletico at Anfield. A draw away from home against one of the dark horses of this competition and join favourites with Liverpool to qualify from this group is not at all a bad result.

Before the start, Rafa made a surprise by leaving on-form Kuyt on the bench. I guess it was a decision made with the consideration of the massive top-table clash on the coming weekend against Chelsea. Without Torres, Keane and Kuyt are crucial in helping Liverpool sustain their unbeaten run.

Playing in the Calderon, it was noisy! The fans were truly as vocal as they have been portrayed. In the first half, Liverpool dominated the game. They passed around well and challenged for the ball constantly. Atletico found it hard to keep the ball. However, they still managed to get some chances up front. For Liverpool, they too have their chances in front of goal. In the 14th minute, Keane was put through by Gerrard and he coolly slot the ball pass the onrushing 'keeper to score the opener. It is his second goal in the Champions League but he has yet to score for Liverpool in the league. Replay suggested that Keane was slightly offside but that's football. Some decisions go your way and some just don't.

"Keane opens the scoring!"

Minutes later, Keane could have doubled his tally. Again, Gerrard was the creator. He received the ball on the right wing and saw the opportunity to cross in low in between the defenders and 'keeper. Keane reacted to it and should have connected with the ball with a simple side foot to put the ball into the net. However, he chose to be a little bit fanciful with it and wasted the chance by missing the ball completely. If that have gone in, the game would have been pretty much settled. It could have won the game for Liverpool.

Liverpool lost their way a little in the second half with the introduction of Sergio Aguero for Atletico. Liverpool were further hit after 7 minutes with an injury to Keane. With some tired legs and knocks, Gerrard and Alonso were also substituted out earlier than the usual time Rafa would make a substitution. Again, this decision was probably made in precaution for the Chelsea game. I am sure Rafa wants as many fit players as possible facing Chelsea.

"Benayoun with Kuyt's work ethics on the night!"

In the 49th minute, Benayoun was put through by Keane and he turned to score. However, he was judged to be offside. This decision was debatable as replays showed he was actually marginally onside. Such dubious decision worked in the way for Liverpool later as Maniche looked to have scored for Atletico but was judged offside. Like I said earlier, such is football where decisions may not always be right but work both way for and against you. On the night we got to see various bad offside calls. The only positive was probably the spot on referee who caught the divers. It was a shame though we saw players going down looking for a foul from both sides!

With a resurgent Altetico in the second half, Liverpool managed to hang on to their lead. However, that ended in the 83rd minute when Simao scored from a mistake by Carragher. With that, the game ended with a point each. Based on the chances Atletico got in the second period, Liverpool would be considered lucky to come away with that one point. However, for Rafa, to concede after leading for a majority of the game was two points lost. On the night, it was probably fair that the points are shared. With Aguero not really fit and Torres out of this game, the tie probably did not produce as much excitement up front as people expected. In the return match at Anfield, both players should feature and maybe we will get to see a more exciting match especially and hopefully for Liverpool!

"You'll Never Walk Alone"

Adam's Creek

Starting Anew

Senses

It Is Okay

The New Chapter

Liverpool 1 Debreceni 0

Liverpool 4 Burnley 0

Bolton 2 Liverpool 3

Liverpool 1 Aston Villa 3

Liverpool 4 Stoke City 0

Tottenham 2 Liverpool 1

The Season Is BACK!

Ray of Hope?

Going Nowhere

Liverpool 3 Tottenham 1

West Brom 0 Liverpool 2

A New Chapter

West Ham 0 Liverpool 3

Liverpool 3 Newcastle 0

Hull City 1 Liverpool 3

Liverpool 4 Arsenal 4

Chelsea 4 Liverpool 4

Liverpool 4 Blackburn 0

Liverpool 1 Chelsea 3

Fulham 0 Liverpool 1

Liverpool 5 Aston Villa 0

M*n U*d 1 Liverpool 4

Liverpool 4 Real Madrid 0

Real Madrid 0 Liverpool 1

Liverpool 2 Sunderland 0

Middlesbrough 2 Liverpool 0

Liverpool 1 Mancheser City 1

Morality

For You, My Valentine

Portsmouth 2 Liverpool 3

Everton 1 Liverpool 0

Liverpool 2 Chelsea 0

Wigan 1 Liverpool 1

Liverpool 1 Everton 1

Liverpool 1 Everton 1

Stoke 0 Liverpool 0

Boycott US Goods

Preston 0 Liverpool 2

Newcastle 1 Liverpool 5

Liverpool 3 Bolton 0

Encapsulating 2008

Arsenal 1 Liverpool 1

Liverpool 2 Hull City 2

Nyanyuk

PSV Eindhoven 1 Liverpool 3

Liverpool 0 West Ham 0

Liverpool 1 Marseille 0

Saga Over Yoga

Liverpool 0 Fulham 0

Bolton 0 Liverpool 2

CACAT

Talking Shit!

Tottenham 4 Liverpool 2

Liverpool 3 West Brom 0

Abdullah Joked!

Liverpool 1 Atletico Madrid 1

Tottenham 2 Liverpool 1

Liverpool 1 Portsmouth 0

Four Laughs!

Chelsea 0 Liverpool 1

Atletico Madrid 1 Liverpool 1

Mn Ud 1 Liverpool 4