RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner
|
Logged in as: Guest
|
|
Users viewing this topic: none
|
|
Login  | |
|
RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner - 3/17/2007 3:43:02 PM
|
|
|
azinorum
Posts: 1823
Score: 51
Joined: 8/25/2006
From: Baghdad Iraq
Status: offline
|
ATHENS ON THE HORIZON FOR REDS
Aristo Dotse 13 March 2007 - LFCTV
Liverpool's name is once again on the lips of every football fan in Ghana and surely around the world after the Reds' masterful dismissal of defending champions Barcelona in the Champions League.
Now there is a genuine optimism among Reds fans and some football neutrals that another European Cup Final awaits Liverpool on May 23 in Athens.
With the PSV Eindhoven quarter-final and a probable semi-final both giving the Reds second leg home advantage at the fortress of Anfield where major European nights are something else, only a few would or should bet against Liverpool making a second Champions League Final in three seasons.
If the Barcelona tie was an exclusive meeting of the last two champions of Europe then PSV v Liverpool is a meeting between two sides who have rightly earned their quarter-final places after dealing with the two finalists of last season - ****nal and Barcelona.
Frankly PSV would think they've been unlucky, as their manager Ronald Koeman admitted, to draw Liverpool after the Reds' fully deserving triumph over Barcelona.
Without any trace of disrespect to the Dutch side, Liverpool, in truth, are firm favourites to advance to the semi final, although the tactically astute Benitez would not like a favourite tag for his side.
Football is no logic but Liverpool will take a lot of inspiration from the group matches against Koeman's side who held the Reds to a goalless draw in Eindhoven but lost 2-0 at Anfield.
It's worth mentioning that in drawing 0-0 in Holland Liverpool did so with an under-strength side. Ahead of the trip to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge Rafa chose to rest key players such as Steven Gerrard, Xabi Alonso, Luis Garcia and Peter Crouch. Indeed Gerrard, on as a sub, might have won the game when he was unlucky to see a volley come back off the post in the closing stages.
When these players started the game at Anfield Gerrard and Crouch got the goals that crucially helped us win the group long before it ended.
Unlike the group game in Eindhoven, Benitez it would be expected select his big guns for the game and hope to do a job similar to that which earned us success against Barcelona.
A lot of noise is being made of the 'Koeman factor' against English sides with Benfica last season and PSV this term. But are people forgetting Rafa has already dealt with that already for Liverpool this term in the group stages?
Not one team, especially if it was Chelsea in the semi-final, would want to face Liverpool in the second leg at Anfield.
Jose Mourinho's team will never forget what hit them in the 2005 semi-final, and also they have been clearly second best to the Reds this season. We beat them in the Community Shield and in the Premiership at Anfield. We also outplayed them at Stamford Bridge before Drogba scored the only goal of the game.
Without being sentimental towards Liverpool, the Barcelona victory has perfectly set Benitez and his gallant warriors on the road for Athens, and not many should be surprised to see the Reds featuring in another European Cup Final in May.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner - 3/17/2007 3:46:23 PM
|
|
|
azinorum
Posts: 1823
Score: 51
Joined: 8/25/2006
From: Baghdad Iraq
Status: offline
|
Benitez: I'll stay with Liverpool
tribalfooball.com - March 16, 2007
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has assured fans he'll still be at Anfield next season.
Benitez is again being linked with a summer move to Real Madrid but has no intentions of returning to Spain just yet.
He added: "I think I will be here next season, of course. After winning the Champions League and FA Cup, the main competition for us is the Premiership. When you haven't won it for 17 years and have won 18 in the past, it's obviously the one that we want.
I have confidence I can deliver it one day, because my team is a good one. We are really close to the ones ahead of us but, over 10 months, we are not as consistent. We need to improve in a lot of things. We're doing a lot of things well but we can do a lot of things better.
"I think we can do it, yes, but everything has to be perfect.
"We know if we make a mistake, the others will be even further away because they have been winning almost every week.
"The season hasn't been a bad one but we lost a few games away from home early on while United and Chelsea kept winning. So although we are close, we are not as close as people think.
"We could finish 20 or 25 points behind United and last season it was only one.
"This season the difference has been United and Chelsea can play badly and win games.
"My team is better now than when we won the Champions League but the others have been going even faster.
"If they are running at, say, 100kph, you have to make sure that you go at 110."
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner - 3/17/2007 3:51:38 PM
|
|
|
azinorum
Posts: 1823
Score: 51
Joined: 8/25/2006
From: Baghdad Iraq
Status: offline
|
Stadium review is a good idea says Liverpool's Benitez
By Jeremy Butler the Guardian Online - 17th March 2007
LIVERPOOL, England March 17 (Reuters) - Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez said on Friday he supported the decision of new owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett to review the plans for the club's proposed stadium. The Americans have halted preparatory work to set up a review of the new stadium to discover if they can increase the proposed 60,000 capacity. "We talked about 60,000 fans, that would be fantastic but now we're talking about 70 or 80,000 and that would be better," Benitez told reporters on Friday. "More Liverpool supporters could see the game and there are more possibilities for the club in terms of money. For me, it's good for the club." Benitez says building the new stadium is just part of the work Hicks and Gillett need to complete to bring Liverpool onto a par with Manchester United and Chelsea. He believes the club are heading in the right direction but need to speed up their plans. "The message is clear - we need to improve in a lot of things," he added."You can't spend 100 million pounds each year on players to improve the team. We are a top side, we are in the Champions League and we have to look at ways of improving the club."It is clear we are in the right way but we have to go maybe faster." Liverpool have played at Anfield since Everton left in 1892 and the proposed new stadium would be close to Anfield on Stanley Park, the open space which separates Anfield from Everton's home at Goodison Park. Although Anfield once held almost 62,000 for an FA Cup match against Wolves in 1952, the current capacity of the ground is just over 45,000.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner - 3/17/2007 3:54:05 PM
|
|
|
azinorum
Posts: 1823
Score: 51
Joined: 8/25/2006
From: Baghdad Iraq
Status: offline
|
Prem Preview: Aston Villa-Liverpool
Who: Aston Villa (13th EPL, 33/87 points) v Liverpool (4th EPL, 53/87 points)
Where: Villa Park, Birmingham
When: Sunday, 18 March, Kick-off: 13:35 GMT
While Manchester City have filled the headlines over the last few weeks with calls for the sacking of boss Stuart Pearce, it is easy to forget that Villa are just 3 points above City in the table, having played a game more. After a tremendous start to his reign in the Midlands, Martin O’Neill has seen his side slip down the table after an alarming dip in form. Indeed, it is only beacuse of vital wins against bottom duo Watford and West Ham in recent weeks that Villa have kept their heads above water in the relegation scrap. O’Neill was among the frontrunners for the England job in the summer after his previous successes at Wycombe, Leicester and most prominently Celtic, but he has yet to get it right at Villa Park, although his recent signings of John Carew and Ashley Young suggest a brighter future for the Claret and Blues.
Following a 1-0 defeat at the hands of a makeshift ****nal on Wednesday, Villa will go into this game as underdogs but knowing that Liverpool have not been in great form themselves in recent weeks. Villa have struggled all season to find the back of the net, although John Carew’s recent form certainly suggests that their poor total of 29 goals from 29 Premiership matches will be improved before the end of the season.
With the investment of Randy Lerner, and the appointment of the media’s favourite Martin O’Neill, Villa appear a club in good health and a good set of young players combined with the experience of Carew, Gareth Barry, Olof Mellberg, Gavin McCann and Stilian Petrov should see the side climb up the table over the next few weeks. Next season will bring great expectations from the passionate Holte End and O’Neill knows that he needs to get it right in the transfer market because Aston Villa are a club that has everything in place to be challenging for a place in Europe.
Liverpool go into this game on a massive high despite losing their last two fixtures without scoring a goal. The performances against Champions elect Manchester United and European Champions Barcelona were excellent, but the lack of a killer touch infront of goal left the Reds robbed against United and then hanging on against Barca despite being the better side over the two legs. The frustration that Benitez and his side must have felt could see the Reds take it out on their hosts at Villa Park.
****nal have overtaken Liverpool in the Premiership top three and Liverpool will have their work cut out to finish above ****ne Wenger’s men who have just the Premiership to play for. Benitez certainly has a knack of getting it right in Europe tactically but Liverpool have again been inconsistent in the League and have recorded only five league wins away from Anfield this season, just one more than struggling Wigan Athletic. This inconsistency has frustrated Liverpool supporters who had hopes of taking the title for the first time since 1990.
A win over Aston Villa is certainly acheivable for Liverpool who have a good record at Villa Park in recent years, they have not been beaten at the ground since 1998 when Stan Collymore was on the scoresheet twice. Liverpool made a dreadful start in their opening away games this season, but 5 wins from their last 7 fixtures on the road suggests Bneitez is starting to get it right, and the Spaniard will be confident that his side can beat a team that have won just twice in four months.
With Liverpool 6 points ahead of Bolton, it is unlikely that they will finish outside the Champions League Qualification places and this game is just as important to Villa who unbeleivably have their lowest ever Premiership points total after 29 games - even fewer than under the much maligned David O’Leary at this stage last season. O’Neill should get it right eventually, however, and a win at home to Liverpool would certainly be a boost to Villa who will hope to gain some morale and confidence to take into next season when O’Neill will really be judged.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner - 3/17/2007 4:00:01 PM
|
|
|
azinorum
Posts: 1823
Score: 51
Joined: 8/25/2006
From: Baghdad Iraq
Status: offline
|
Liverpool stadium delayed by capacity questions
The new owners of Liverpool are considering making the club's new stadium even bigger, it has been revealed.
Preparatory work on the 61,000-capacity Stanley Park stadium began just days ago but has been put on temporary hold while a review is carried out.
The review was ordered by the club's new owners, American businessmen Tom Hicks and George Gillett.
A club spokesman said: 'There is a total commitment to a new stadium but the new owners are conducting a thorough review of the current proposals, to see if there is any way they can be improved.'
The review is not expected to cause a significant delay to the construction plans.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner - 3/19/2007 2:59:08 PM
|
|
|
azinorum
Posts: 1823
Score: 51
Joined: 8/25/2006
From: Baghdad Iraq
Status: offline
|
ASTON VILLA 0-0 LIVERPOOL
Sunday 18 March 2007 13:35 , Barclays Premiership
Liverpool have moved seven points clear of fifth place in the race for Champions League qualification after they battled their way to a 0-0 draw against Aston Villa at Villa Park on Sunday.
It was a frustrating afternoon for Rafa's men as they dominated possession without creating too many meaningful chances. But they will be satisfied to have earned a point against a Villa side that don't lose too many at home.
The Reds were back in Premiership action after a two week break and their objective was to regain third spot from ****nal, after ****ne Wenger's men had overtaken them with a 1-0 win over Villa here on Wednesday night.
Liverpool started the game well and spent most of the first half on the front foot, but they failed to capitalise on their superior possession and we reached half time without either goalkeeper having had a serious save to make.
John Arne Riise was particularly prominent for the Reds in the opening exchanges and he looked to take advantage of the blustery conditions when warming the hands of Sorensen with an ambitious shot from 35 yards. Riise obviously hoping the wind would bewitch the Villa keeper and take the ball away from him.
The Norwegian was involved again just 2 minutes later when this time his cross found Kuyt unmarked and with a great chance to score, but the Dutchman couldn't control his header and the ball drifted harmlessly over.
It was clear that Liverpool were looking to exploit the pace of Craig Bellamy and he was given the opportunity to stretch his legs with a few well placed long passes. In the 9th minute he sped clear of Gary Cahill in the Villa defence and was unlucky to lose out to Sorensen, who had raced to the edge of his penalty area to clear.
Aston Villa's main threat came via the strength of John Carew and the pace of Young and Agbonlahor and they might have felt hard done to when Petrov went over in the area under challenge from Carragher, but the referee adjudged that no offence had taken place.
The second half started promisingly when Gerrard and Bellamy combined almost to good affect, but the game quickly settled back into the pattern of the first half and chances to score were rare. At times, it wasn't pretty to watch.
To their credit, Liverpool did continue to show the greater ambition, but they were continually met by a stubborn Villa defence. The Reds were frustrated at every turn, be it because of a poor pass or a well drilled Aston Villa.
Rafa Benitez tried to change things when he replaced Sissoko, Bellamy and Gerrard with Alonso, Pennant and Fowler. And Fowler almost won it with a last minute header that was well saved. But there was to be no winner and the Reds must wait until the next game, at Anfield against ****nal, for another opportunity to reclaim third spot.
Teams
Aston Villa: Sorensen, Cahill, Bouma, Mellberg (c), Bardsley, Barry, McCann, Petrov, Agbonlahor, Carew, Young. Subs - Angel, Berger, Hughes, Maloney, Taylor
Liverpool: Reina, Riise, Agger, Carragher, Finnan, Aurelio, Mascherano, Sissoko, Gerrard MBE (c), Bellamy, Kuyt. Subs - Alonso, Dudek, Fowler, Hyypia, Pennant
Referee: L Mason
Attendance: Unavailable
Liverpoolfc.tv Man-of-the-Match: Daniel Agger
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner - 3/19/2007 3:01:21 PM
|
|
|
azinorum
Posts: 1823
Score: 51
Joined: 8/25/2006
From: Baghdad Iraq
Status: offline
|
RAFA: POINT IS THE ONLY POSITIVE
Paul Eaton 18 March 2007- LFCTV
Rafael Benitez reflected on a dour goalless stalemate at Villa Park on Sunday afternoon and declared: "At least we got a point."
The Liverpool manager was disappointed with his side's display in the Midlands as they struggled to create goalscoring opportunities, although Robbie Fowler almost claimed a late winner with a close range header.
The point takes the Reds further away from Bolton in the race for a top four finish, but Benitez admitted he expected more from the game.
"I think the only positive is that we got a point," he said. "When you don't play well and can't win the game then it's important to take a point.
"It's clear that it wasn't a good game and we weren't able to create chances. We wanted to start with a high tempo but it didn't happen.
"Robbie almost scored at the end but it wasn't to be. Sometimes when you don't play well it takes just one moment to win it and Robbie came close.
"We talked before the game about winning and that was our aim. We knew Bolton had lost and we knew we could have gone nine points ahead of them if we'd won. We'll have to wait until the end of the season to see how important this point is, but it's clear it wasn't a good game for either side."
Benitez also revealed that Steven Gerrard took a kick to his shin during the game but that it's not serious.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner - 3/19/2007 3:03:19 PM
|
|
|
azinorum
Posts: 1823
Score: 51
Joined: 8/25/2006
From: Baghdad Iraq
Status: offline
|
CARRA: WE WANT TO WIN RACE FOR THIRD
Paul Eaton 19 March 2007 - LFCTV
Jamie Carragher has insisted Liverpool are determined to win the race for third place in the Premiership this season.
Champions League glory may be at the top of the Reds' agenda over the remaining weeks of the season, but Carragher has revealed there's also a burning desire within the squad to beat ****nal to third place in the table.
"We want to go as far as we can in this season's Champions League but we also still have to ensure we're in it next season," he said. "I'm sure the battle for third will go right down to the wire and we want to claim that third place.
"We didn't make a great start to the season and we know we're a bit behind Chelsea and Man United over a nine-month campaign. The league is a long hard slog and we need to improve.
"We are a level behind the top two and there's a gap that we need to bridge.
"How we go about that is up to the coaching staff and the manager as to which direction they want to go in.
"As players we have got to do as much as we can between now and the end of the season to prove we deserve to still be here next season.
"Whether the squad needs strengthening is nothing to do with me. It's for the manager to decide what happens and, as a player, all you can do is just look at yourself."
Carragher, meanwhile, was frustrated with Liverpool's performance at Villa Park yesterday but pleased they at least came away with something to show for their efforts.
"We didn't play as well as we can and I don't think they did, either. It wasn't a great game," he added.
"They had a game against ****nal in midweek which probably took a bit out of them and we hadn't played for 10 days, so we possibly lacked a bit of sharpness.
"I can't remember a decent chance in the whole game and it was one of those games where neither side deserved to win.
"It's disappointing but if you can't win it, you have to make sure you don't lose and that's what we did."
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner - 3/19/2007 3:04:50 PM
|
|
|
azinorum
Posts: 1823
Score: 51
Joined: 8/25/2006
From: Baghdad Iraq
Status: offline
|
On this day in Liverpool history - 19th March
Ged's return
A famous night in Anfield history came five years ago today as we defeated Roma 2-0 at Anfield to qualify for the Quarter-finals of the Champions League in our first season in the current format of the competition. Jari Litmanen's penalty and an Emile Heskey header ensured we did not miss the injured Michael Owen or suspended Didi Hamann. The night was made complete by the emotional return of Gérard Houllier to Anfield after heart surgery.
Another win in the North East
We won 3-1 at Newcastle United on this day last year, as we played with three centre-backs and two wing-backs for the first time under Rafa Benítez. Peter Crouch and Steven Gerrard struck in the first half before Djibril Cissé converted a penalty after Jean-Alain Boumsong was sent off for bringing down Crouch. Our French striker enraged the home fans who accused him of ‘over-celebrating' after his goal. We had previously visited St. James' Park back in 1904 for another top-flight meeting, with Arthur Goddard on target in a 1-1 draw.
Happy birthday Nigel
Nigel Clough is 41 today. He netted nine times in 44 reds games, without making the expected impact at Anfield. He is now Player/Manager of Burton Albion, who are currently challenging for promotion from the Nationwide Conference.
The secretary made a good start
On this day in 1938, we won 3-1 at Brentford in a Second Division match. Left-half Jimmy McInnes scored on his debut, with Jack Balmer and Alf Hanson also netting. McInnes only played 51 times for us, and was the club's Secretary between 1955 and 1965, before hanging himself from the turnstile area of the Kop four days after our first ever FA Cup Final win.
United beaten
Twelve years ago today, we defeated Manchester United 2-0 in the League at Anfield, thanks to a Steve Bruce own goal and a strike from Jamie Redknapp. This result helped ensure United were denied a third consecutive League title that season.
Wilson's debut
Wing-half Charlie Wilson made his reds bow on this day in 1898, as Bolton Wanderers held us to a 1-1 draw at Anfield, with Harry Bradshaw striking his 53rd and final reds goal. Wilson joined the backroom team in 1905, staying on staff until the Second World War.
Heading towards Wembley
We beat Middlesbrough 2-0 at Anfield in the Sixth Round of the FA Cup thirty years ago today as we headed towards another Final. David Fairclough and Kevin Keegan struck the goals. We also faced Boro back in 1921, with Harry Chambers grabbing the only goal of our top-flight meeting at Ayresome Park from the spot.
Derby stalemates
We have twice played out goalless top-flight draws with Everton on this day in history, at Goodison in 1966, and at Anfield in 1983.
Up against Rovers
We have twice faced Blackburn Rovers in First Division fixtures on this day, with Harry Chambers and Tom Reid on target in a 2-2 draw at Anfield eighty years ago today. Five years later, Gordon Gunson struck a brace with Gordon Hodgson also on the scoresheet as we won 3-1 at Ewood Park.
Morgan's first
On this day in 1898, future red Hugh Morgan made his debut for Scotland as they thumped Wales 5-2 in the British International Championships at Fir Park. This was his only cap as a St. Mirren player.
Chambers for England
Harry Chambers was on target on this day in 1923 as England thrashed Belgium 6-1 in a friendly at Highbury. Fellow reds Tom Bromilow and Ephraim Longworth also featured.
Stewart on the way up
Future red Paul Stewart joined Manchester City from Blackpool for £200,000 twenty years ago today. He bagged an impressive thirty goals in 63 games, before moving to Tottenham Hotspur for £1.7m in June 1988.
Andy on the move
Andy Parkinson, who was in the victorious FA Youth Cup squad in 1996, rejoined Notts County on loan from Sheffield United three years ago today. He played nine times in this spell, and is now with League Two side Notts County.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner - 3/20/2007 3:17:42 PM
|
|
|
azinorum
Posts: 1823
Score: 51
Joined: 8/25/2006
From: Baghdad Iraq
Status: offline
|
PSV WATCH: MORE INJURY WOES FOR KOEMAN
Jimmy Rice 20 March 2007 - LFCTV
PSV have been hit by news veteran defender Michael Reiziger will miss the rest of the season with a stomach injury.
The 33-year-old, who featured against Liverpool earlier in the season, is definitely out of the Champions League double-header in April.
It's the latest injury blow for Ronald Koeman's side, who are also likely to be without influential defender Alex for the quarter-final ties against the Reds.
Meanwhile, PSV remain five points clear in the Dutch Eredivisie despite an embarrassing 5-1 defeat at home to Ajax at the weekend.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner - 3/21/2007 4:43:19 PM
|
|
|
azinorum
Posts: 1823
Score: 51
Joined: 8/25/2006
From: Baghdad Iraq
Status: offline
|
On this day in Liverpool history - 21st March
Seventh heaven
We thumped Birmingham City 7-0 at St. Andrews in the Sixth Round of the FA Cup on this day last year, our record away victory in the competition, and our biggest win to date under Rafael Benítez. Sami Hyypiä put us in front in the first minute, with Peter Crouch soon also scoring with his head, to get on target in his third consecutive game. Crouch added a third just before the break, with substitute Fernando Morientes scoring on the hour. John Arne Riise belted in our fifth, with Olivier Tebily's own goal and a shot from another sub, Djibril Cissé, completed the rout. Momo Sissoko made his comeback from his eye injury at SL Benfica a month earlier, while attempting to wear a set of protective goggles!
European victories
A superb reds win came on this day in 1984, as we won 4-1 at SL Benfica, then led by Sven-Göran Eriksson, in the second leg of our European Cup Third Round tie. Ronnie Whelan bagged a brace, as Craig Johnston and Ian Rush also got on the scoresheet, with Kenny Dalglish running the show. Eleven years previously, Kevin Keegan netted the only goal of the game at Dynamo Dresden in the UEFA Cup Fourth Round second leg, en route to claiming the trophy for the first of three times so far. Keegan had two first-half strikes chalked off before finally notching.
Derby delight and despair
We have twice entertained our neighbours from across the park on this day over the years. In 1970, we lost 2-0 as the Blues went on to claim the title for the seventh time, one of just eleven home League defeats we suffered in the entire 1970's. Eleven years later, a John Bailey own goal handed us a 1-0 victory. Billy Wright skippered the Blues, the only player ever to lead them out for the first time in a derby.
Winging his way in
Mark Kennedy signed from Millwall for £1.5m twelve years ago today. He only ever made 21 senior reds appearances, without getting on the scoresheet. He was sold at a profit to Wimbledon after three years at Anfield, and is now playing for Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Tottenham twice
Our two most recent games on this day prior to last year have both been League meetings with Tottenham Hotspur. On this day in 1992, we won 2-1 at Anfield thanks to a brace from Dean Saunders. Two years earlier, we had gone down 1-0 at White Hart Lane.
Benefit game
This day in 1914 brought a benefit game for two reds heroes, winger Arthur Goddard and striker Jack Parkinson. The League game at Anfield ended in a 3-1 win over Preston North End, raising the then-princely sum of £250. Tom Miller bagged a brace, with James Nicholl also on target. We had also faced PNE exactly six years earlier, losing 3-0 at Deepdale in another top-flight encounter.
A swift thumping
We trounced Burton Swifts 6-1 at Anfield in a Second Division fixture on this day in 1896. George Allan and Harry Bradshaw both struck braces, while Jimmy Ross and Joe McQue were also on the scoresheet. Bernard Battles made the first of his six reds appearances in this game.
Fred's first
Fred Baron grabbed his first two reds goals on this day in 1925, as we beat Burnley 3-0 in a top-flight encounter at Anfield. Danny Shone was also on target.
Tamed by Wolves
We have twice been beaten by Wolverhampton Wanderers on this day in history. We lost 2-0 at Anfield on this day in 1936, and 3-0 at Molineux seventeen years later, our worst ever League defeat there.
Bovill born
John Bovill was born in Rutherglen, Lanarkshire on this day in 1886. He signed from Chesterfield Town in April 1911, and went on to bag seven goals in 29 reds games before leaving for Linfield three years later.
Crazy Horse given the boot
Emlyn Hughes was sacked as Manager of Rotherham United on this day in 1983, as they headed towards the old Third Division. He had been in charge since July 1981.
Spud starts out
Danny Murphy signed as a professional for Crewe Alexandra thirteen years ago today. He bagged 77 goals in 166 games after Roy Evans signed him for a fee rising to £3m in July 1997.
Aldo on the move
John Aldridge joined Oxford United from Newport County for £78,000 on this day in 1984. He went on to strike ninety times in 141 games for the U's, before making his big move to Anfield for £750,000 in January 1987.
Scottish first and last
Future reds player, Manager and Director Matt McQueen won his second and final cap for Scotland on this day in 1891, as they beat Wales 4-3 in the British International Championships in Wrexham. Ex-reds left-back Duncan McLean won the first of his two caps five years later as the Scots thumped Wales 4-0 in Dundee in the same competition.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner - 3/29/2007 1:00:26 PM
|
|
|
azinorum
Posts: 1823
Score: 51
Joined: 8/25/2006
From: Baghdad Iraq
Status: offline
|
XABI: THEY'RE ALL MUST-WIN NOW
Jimmy Rice 27 March 2007
Xabi Alonso admits Spain cannot afford to lose any more points if they stand a chance of qualifying for Euro 2008.
Luis Aragones' side are currently fourth in Group F, six points behind leaders Sweden.
"The squad is confident, but we know we are not in the best position," said Alonso, a second-half substitute in Saturday's 2-1 victory over Denmark.
"We would like to be much better, but we have to focus in the next few games. We know if we get those six points the situation will be in a better position.
"They are must-win games and we can't afford to lose any more points because of that."
Spain face Iceland on Wednesday, while Sweden travel to second-placed Northern Ireland.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner - 3/29/2007 1:02:03 PM
|
|
|
azinorum
Posts: 1823
Score: 51
Joined: 8/25/2006
From: Baghdad Iraq
Status: offline
|
KEEPER: REDS DUO ARE ENGLAND'S BEST
Jimmy Rice 27 March 2007
Andorra keeper Koldo Alvarez has declared Steven Gerrard and Peter Crouch England's finest.
The stopper is still having nightmares about his visit to Old Trafford in September when a brace from Crouch and a powerful drive from Gerrard helped inflict a 5-0 defeat.
Speaking ahead of the return fixture on Wednesday, Alvarez said: "The two England players I liked most at Old Trafford were Gerrard and Crouch.
"Peter Crouch impressed me with his ability on the floor; it was something I didn't expect from someone of his height. It's good for us that Crouch won't play on Wednesday, but then again they do have Rooney!
"Gerrard's technical ability and capacity to recover a lost ball impressed me so much. It is not normal for a player of his quality to be as determined to fight for a lost ball."
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner - 3/29/2007 1:03:32 PM
|
|
|
azinorum
Posts: 1823
Score: 51
Joined: 8/25/2006
From: Baghdad Iraq
Status: offline
|
KUYT MIFFED BY CARRA'S CAPS
Jimmy Rice 27 March 2007
Dirk Kuyt has joined the legions calling for Jamie Carragher to be given an extended run in the England side.
The 26-year-old was shocked to learn that a defender of such pedigree had represented his country just 33 times.
"He is a wonderful player. Some people don't know how good Jamie is," says Kuyt, who has 27 caps for Holland.
"At Liverpool everybody knows, so for me it's strange how few times he's played for the national side. He's one of the best defenders in the world."
The comments come from an interview with UEFA Champions League Magazine in which Kuyt was asked to pick four players to play alongside in his ultimate five-a-side team.
Carragher, Eto'o and Ronaldinho made the cut, as well as Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard.
"I think Gerrard is a wonderful player; he's the best I've played with," said the striker.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner - 3/29/2007 1:04:52 PM
|
|
|
azinorum
Posts: 1823
Score: 51
Joined: 8/25/2006
From: Baghdad Iraq
Status: offline
|
GERRARD: WE DESERVE THE CRITICISM
Paul Eaton 28 March 2007
Steven Gerrard has admitted England deserve to be criticised for their recent poor displays.
Steve McClaren has come in for heavy criticism following Saturday's draw in Israel and nothing less than a comfortable victory over Andorra in Barcelona tonight will satisfy a nation quickly losing patience with their national team.
Gerrard - who was England's best player in Israel - accepts the media reaction to the weekend stalemate was warranted, but he's also promised England will still qualify for Euro 2008.
"I don't think the criticism has been over the top," said the Liverpool midfielder. "We have drawn against Israel and we have drawn against Macedonia. With the quality of players we have, these are games we should be winning.
"As an England player, if you are not getting results, you deserve to be criticised.
"We know he (McClaren) has taken it in the neck after Saturday but the players have to take a lot of responsibility for that. We are right behind Steve. He is preparing us right and coaching us right. He is telling us the right things.
"It is us who are going there and underperforming and underachieving. It is down to myself and the other boys to stand up and turn these results around to take the heat off him.
"We are upset at the way we are playing. We are third in the table now and it doesn't look very nice. But we can promise everyone connected with England that we will be in Euro 2008. We are confident we can achieve that."
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner - 3/29/2007 1:06:17 PM
|
|
|
azinorum
Posts: 1823
Score: 51
Joined: 8/25/2006
From: Baghdad Iraq
Status: offline
|
TOMKINS: ENOUGH WITH THE TIRED COMPARISONS
Paul Tomkins 28 March 2007 - LFCTV ONLINE
It concerns me, because ultimately Houllier, for all the good work at the start of his tenure and the trophies in the middle of his reign, failed in the task of landing the silverware that mattered most. Therefore, if people draw ill-conceived conclusions, a sense of repeating the past is easy to evoke.
I loathe these clichéd comparisons for a number of reasons. First of all, it makes me wonder if those who are making the statements actually watch the game that closely. To me, it's like saying Oasis and the Beatles are identical because they hail from the north-west and play guitars. Only when these musicians are compared with something radically different – for example, Dolly Parton – do they appear similar.
The current playing style is very different to that of Houllier's day, beyond the desire to keep things tight at the back. But even the way the Reds now go about defending is different.
The defensive line is much higher up, enabling good possession from the team being in closer proximity to one another. The tactics and formations are more varied, with the ability to utilise wingers on both flanks – although that's a progression that hasn't yet been as successful as hoped, with Pennant and Gonzalez still settling in and Kewell absent.
And while coming from a goal down is difficult in any game, it was always a massive problem under the previous regime; under Benítez the Reds have done so in some of the biggest games, including Olympiakos, the Champions League and FA Cup finals, and most recently against Barcelona in the Nou Camp.
When fans grew disillusioned with Houllier from 2002 onwards, the Reds were not only disappointing in the league – finding it a real struggle to scrape into the Champions League – but getting beaten in the backwaters of the Uefa Cup. None of that applies now.
The biggest fallacy is that Benítez cannot cope with the domestic game. A League Cup final in 2005, FA Cup winners in 2006, and yet still newspaper articles arise (such as one in the Daily Express last week) suggesting that Rafa has disdain for these competitions. But my biggest bugbear is the total ignorance of what the Reds achieved in the league last season.
If Benítez really doesn't understand the English game, how did he manage to take the club to its best points total for almost 20 years?
But it's not just that. More pertinently, the Reds won exactly two out of every three league games; a feat that wasn't even achieved in 17 of the 18 league title-winning seasons. (Winning such a high percentage of games also surely negates the suggestions that Benítez is cautious. Indeed, the Reds don't draw many games.)
It took ****ne Wenger six years to break the 80-point barrier. It took Alex Ferguson eight years (when worked out as the equivalent of the current 38-game season). Even though the game has changed, are these not still relevant measuring sticks? Benítez, who "doesn't understand the Premiership", did so in his second season.
Of course, 82 points does not win you anything in itself. But surely you must 'understand' the league in question to get to that kind of level, whether you are the eventual champions or not? Isn't it a bit like saying a 100-metre sprinter who breaks the 10-second barrier but comes third in the Olympic Games doesn't understand how to run fast?
Add in last season's FA Cup run, which included getting the better of five Premiership sides (including the top two, no less), and you have an even more impressive win-percentage against top-flight clubs in 2005/06. So while this season hasn't been an outright success in the league, let's not get stuck on the idea that Benítez has no capabilities in this regard.
For Benítez's first two seasons, the Abramovich/Mourinho combination - amazing wealth and exceptional confidence, working in unity – was simply unbeatable, and was something Houllier never had to face.
Chelsea, with money, momentum and Mourinho, were an impossible foe until this season; even Paisley and Shankly never had to contend with such a situation. Wenger and Ferguson, who'd shared the previous nine league titles between them, were totally blown out of the water between 2004 and 2006, and visibly shell-shocked in the process, so what chance did Benítez realistically stand?
Rafa had very good financial support from David Moores and the outgoing Liverpool board, but it pales in comparison with what Chelsea have spent. Benítez's spending has been more in keeping with the amounts spent by Ferguson and Wenger since 2004.
But Ferguson hasn't had to spend mega-millions in the last three years – because he spent fortunes in the few years beforehand, and only now is reaping the rewards. Rio Ferdinand, Christiano Ronaldo and Luis Saha were all signed before Benítez became Liverpool manager. Wayne Rooney arrived in 2004. Meanwhile, Giggs, Scholes and Neville had already been playing for Ferguson for a decade, so no money was needed to be spent there.
Similarly, ****ne Wenger was able to procure players like Henry, Toure, Fabregas, Ljungberg and Clichy before Benítez arrived in England. So much of Wenger's work was done, either with the chequebook or the scouting system with youngsters, prior to 2004. Yes, he's reshaping his team now, but the groundwork started a long, long time ago.
To summarise the differences, Chelsea have had about £500m to spend, while Wenger and Ferguson (who's also bought several £12m-£30m players) have had 11 and 21 years in charge respectively. So it's not exactly been an even playing field.
A healthy transfer kitty from the new owners, if it is forthcoming, will not totally even things up – it won't match Chelsea's outlay, and it won't alter the fact that Benítez has been shaping his club for far less time than two of his three main rivals – but it will allow the Spaniard a fairer crack of the whip, and the chance to land some of his number one transfer targets. Given his undoubted talent, and track record with trophies, he deserves to be backed to the hilt.
The reaching of successive FA Youth Cup finals suggests the upgrading of the Academy in 1999 is finally bearing fruit: the lads now emerging have had a full education there. But it's also true that signings overseen by Rafa and his scouts have been key to that success. Paul Anderson, Miki Roque, Jack Hobbs, Godwin Antwi and Astrit Ajdarevic have all impressed, either this season or last.
So, despite some setbacks this season, I can't help but feel that the club is moving in the right direction.
Just as we knew, from 2005, that Rafa can take the Reds all the way in Europe – which is giving us belief again this season – we know from last season that his methods can win a massive percentage of games against Premiership opposition. We know from his experience in Spain that he knows how to keep a team on track, psychologically speaking, when in a tense title race. It doesn't guarantee success in the future, but he has vital top-level experience.
Even the greatest Liverpool sides had average seasons in the league. The key is to not have two disappointing years in a row; or, as the team did when finishing fifth in 1981 and 2005, pick up a European Cup for 'consolation'. There's still a lot of work to be done in that regard this season, but the chance is still alive.
So while some fans won't be happy until the Premiership title is won, a trip to Athens in May could see even the hardest-to-please Reds deliriously happy. Until next season, at least.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner - 3/29/2007 1:07:36 PM
|
|
|
azinorum
Posts: 1823
Score: 51
Joined: 8/25/2006
From: Baghdad Iraq
Status: offline
|
GERRARD: WE WERE UNDER PRESSURE
Paul Eaton 29 March 2007
Steven Gerrard has admitted last night's first half against Andorra was one of his most difficult in an England shirt.
With England failing to find an early breakthrough against the Group E whipping boys and with tensions rising among the fans inside the stadium, the Liverpool skipper admits the players were under intense pressure to turn their dominance into goals in the second half.
"The first-half was one of the most difficult 45 minutes for England," said Gerrard, who netted two of the three goals after the break. "There has been a lot of pressure. The fans were on us quite early and we found it difficult to break Andorra down.
"We knew that eventually if we were patient it would come and we could have scored four or five.
"At half-time at 0-0 we had to show a lot of character. The fans have got to be pleased with the second-half performance.
"It was difficult. It was always going to be difficult because before the game we were expected to win the game four, five or six-nil.
"You're going in with that mentality were you are rushing to score. Maybe you're passing forward too early. If you're patient and keep moving the ball it'll come."
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner - 3/29/2007 1:09:16 PM
|
|
|
azinorum
Posts: 1823
Score: 51
Joined: 8/25/2006
From: Baghdad Iraq
Status: offline
|
PENNANT: WINNERS WILL FINISH THIRD
Paul Eaton 29 March 2007 - LFCTV Online
Jermaine Pennant believes Liverpool's bid to finish in third place in the Premiership could be won or lost this weekend.
The Reds take on ****nal on Saturday desperate to avenge their three defeats at the hands of the Gunners this season and looking for a victory which will take them above ****ne Wenger's side in the league table.
Although ****nal would still have a game in hand and despite Liverpool still having seven matches to play after Saturday, Pennant believes we are entering the pivotal weekend in the race for third.
"Whoever wins this game will finish third," he said. "For that reason this is one of our biggest games of the season.
"Apart from this game I don't think either side has a difficult run-in and that's why this is a big, big match.
"They have to come to Anfield which, apart from the Man United game in the league, has been a fortress for us. If we play as well as we can then we can get the right result.
"They have beaten us a few times this season so it's time for us to get a victory."
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner - 3/29/2007 1:10:31 PM
|
|
|
azinorum
Posts: 1823
Score: 51
Joined: 8/25/2006
From: Baghdad Iraq
Status: offline
|
EIGHT REDS IN INTERNATIONAL ACTION
Jimmy Rice 29 March 2007
Eight of Rafa Benitez's first-team squad were involved in international action on Wednesday night.
Steven Gerrard scored two and made another in England's 3-0 win over Andorra. The midfielder earned the gratitude of head coach Steve McClaren after taking the game by the scruff of the neck Istanbul-style following a frustrating first half.
The night wasn't so good for Sami Hyypia, who played 90 minutes for Finland as they went down 1-0 in Azerbaijan in Euro qualifying Group A.
Craig Bellamy got a full run out as Wales beat San Marino 3-0. They remain fifth in Group D, seven points behind third-place Ireland, for whom Steve Finnan played 90 minutes in a 1-0 win over Slovakia.
| | | |
Main Page
Log In
Register
Printable Version
