RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner
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RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner - 1/3/2007 4:24:01 PM
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azinorum
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PREMIERSHIP TABLE - 3rd January 2007
TEAM PL W D L F A GD PTS
Manchester United 22 17 3 2 49 15 +34 54
Chelsea 22 14 6 2 37 17 +20 48
Liverpool 22 12 4 6 32 16 +16 40
< Message edited by azinorum -- 1/3/2007 4:31:36 PM >
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RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner - 1/4/2007 11:55:23 PM
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azinorum
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GERRARD IS PREMIERSHIP'S MOST WANTED
Jimmy Rice 04 January 2007
Steven Gerrard is the player most Premiership fans want in their team, according to a survey unveiled today.
Sky Bet polled British supporters and discovered that over a third were desperate to see Stevie G don their club's colours for the New Year.
The Reds skipper, awarded an MBE in the New Year, beat ****nal's Thierry Henry into second place.
The top five most wanted were: Steven Gerrard (35 per cent); Thierry Henry (30); Ronaldinho (24); Wayne Rooney (23); Frank Lampard (21).
The research also revealed that the most highly-prized manager was Martin O'Neill of Aston Villa (18 per cent), with the Ulsterman beating his more illustrious rivals Sir Alex Ferguson (16), Jose Mourinho (11) and ****ne Wenger (10).
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RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner - 1/5/2007 12:02:38 AM
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azinorum
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BENITEZ: LET'S NOT COUNT OUR CHICKENS
Jimmy Rice 04 January 2007
Rafa Benitez insists he is not getting carried away with his side's run of good form, believing there is still a long way to go to secure a top four finish.
One defeat in 10 has elevated the Reds to third in the Premiership, just eight points behind second-place Chelsea.
"As a manager of a team that has a good balance between attack and defence, I am very happy," said Benitez.
"I think it will be a good month for us. But we are not looking at the table. We are looking at the FA Cup against ****nal, our next game.
"If you start counting your chickens then, at the end, you will have problems.
"There are a number of teams that are contenders for Champions League places: ****nal, Portsmouth, Bolton, Tottenham - all of them can be there.
"It is not easy to talk about this now because we have a long race."
Benitez admitted being disappointed at missing an opportunity over the festive period to be even closer to the top two.
He said: "We deserved to win against Blackburn. We had a lot of chances and if we had scored the first goal maybe it would have been another thing.
"It is a pity now but you cannot change it. The only thing you can do is find positives and that is the consistency of the team, the chances we are creating, the good football we are playing and the clean sheets."
The Spaniard also revealed Bolo Zenden – who has been out since November with a knee injury – could be back within two weeks.
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RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner - 1/5/2007 12:04:44 AM
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azinorum
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POSSIBLE FA CUP REPLAY DETAILS
Michael Crowder 03 January 2007
FA Cup 3rd Round Replay
****nal v Liverpool
In the event of a draw in the home FA Cup 3rd round tie this game will be played at The Emirates Stadium, London
On Wednesday 17th January, Kick Off 7.45pm
Liverpool Football Club will receive an allocation of 2926 stand tickets for this ALL ticket fixture priced as follows:-
Adult - £32.00
Over 65s - £16.00
Child £16.00 (under 16)
Ticket Allocation
Tickets will be available to Season Ticket Holders who recorded at least ONE FA Cup away fixture during Season 2005-2006 on their Fan Card. Either Luton (07.01.06), Portsmouth (29.01.06), or Birmingham (21.03.06).
Attendance at ONE or more game
From Sunday 7 January 2007
In the event of tickets remaining after the above sale, tickets will be available as follows;
Fancard Holders who recorded at least ONE FA Cup away fixture during Season 2005-2006 on their Fan Card.
Attendance at ONE or more game
From Tuesday 9 January 2007
Should there still be tickets remaining after the above sales, a further announcement will be made.
The allocation of tickets will be subject to availability and while stocks last.
Tickets will be available for personal application at the Ticket Office, by postal application and credit card bookings on Telephone Number 0870 220 0034.
The Fan Card must be presented when applying at the Ticket Office and in the case of postal applications or telephone applications the Fan Card number must be quoted, telephone bookings will require the applicants address to be confirmed and are subject to a booking fee.
Please Note: Supporters can purchase one ticket per qualifying Fancard.
Supporters can purchase tickets for up to a maximum of SIX qualifying Fancards at the Ticket Office window, and FOUR qualifying Fancards on the Telephone booking lines.
If Supporters wish to purchase a greater number of tickets they can apply by postal application.
Please do not apply if you do not meet the required criteria, any queries regarding the Fan Card please telephone 0870 220 2345.
We would emphasise to all eligible applicants that no guarantee can be given that tickets will be available to all who apply.
Executive Box holders, Centenary, Premier and Executive members should contact the Corporate Sales Department.
Ticket Office Opening Hours
Monday – Friday 8.15am – 5.30pm
Saturday – Sunday 9.15am – 1.00pm
Please note that telephone booking lines will open at 8.30am Monday – Friday.
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RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner - 1/5/2007 12:09:02 AM
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azinorum
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PENNANT LEAVES SAM'S PLAN OUT OF SHAPE
David Pleat, The Guardian 04 January 2007
Bolton Wanderers are rarely out-fought but their jaded players were outplayed and had no answer to the inspirational wing play of Jermaine Pennant.
The former Birmingham winger was a revelation at Anfield on Monday. His selection of passes, his movement with and without the ball and his combination play dominated a fine performance from Rafael Benítez's side. For all that Steven Gerrard, running midfield, and Steve Finnan fed him and supported him, it was the enigmatic winger who caught the eye. He showed the quality Liverpool hoped they would get for their £6.7m in the summer.
He was aided by Bolton's inadequacies. The visitors set out with their trusted formation, splitting the front runners El Hadji Diouf, Nicolas Anelka and Kevin Davies, but Liverpool settled quicker and dominated the attacking play with Gerrard and Xabi Alonso supported by the full-backs Finnan and John-Arne Riise.
Bolton's method means any two of their three front men must hold the wide positions - in the first half, Diouf and Davies were full of team responsibility but far too deep. The visitors were happy to defend, relying on their strong defensive duo of Tal Ben Haim and Abdoulaye Faye to compete when Finnan, Pennant or Riise pushed balls into the box.
When Bolton did win possession, their direct play bypassed a tiring Gary Speed, a spasmodic Kevin Nolan and a sluggish Ivan Campo, but Anelka was left far too isolated. As a result, Liverpool's full-backs pushed up. One can only assume Sam Allardyce was not too worried provided he got to half-time level, but his team could not go up a gear thereafter and Liverpool's wide play, particularly on the right, began to find spaces in advanced positions.
Pennant worked himself into good crossing positions and Kuyt and Crouch were always available, one coming short and the other pulling away whenever the winger received the ball. Liverpool deserve credit for having more than 60% of the second-half possession and 18 attempts on goal. Wanderers, through Faye, had only one.
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RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner - 1/5/2007 12:12:52 AM
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azinorum
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STEVIE VOTED PFA FANS' PLAYER OF THE MONTH
Jimmy Rice 04 January 2007
Steven Gerrard has been voted PFA Fans' Player of the Month for his performances throughout December.
The midfielder, who received an MBE in the New Year Honours list, helped the Reds register five victories during the month.
He bagged goals against Fulham and Charlton, the latter a superb curler round Thomas Myhre from an awkward standing position.
Gerrard is the current holder of the PFA Players' Player of the Year.
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RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner - 1/5/2007 12:33:55 AM
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azinorum
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REARRANGED CARLING CUP GAME REMINDER
Michael Crowder 04 January 2007
Please note the following ticket arrangements for this rearranged fixture
Ticket holders who did not enter the stadium should retain their ticket as it will be valid for the rearranged fixture.
If the date for the new game is not suitable then return your ticket to the ticket office for a refund by 12:00pm on Friday 5th.
Ticket holders who entered the stadium should return their ticket stub to the ticket office by 12:00pm on Friday 5th for a replacement ticket or a full refund. Please enclose full contact details along with the ticket stub. Send to LFC Ticket Office, PO Box 204 Liverpool. L69 4PQ.
****nal fans who didn't enter the stadium can use their ticket for the new date or contact ****nal FC for a refund.
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RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner - 1/5/2007 4:51:15 AM
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azinorum
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BELLAMY ANSWERS YOUR QUESTIONS
Jimmy Rice 05 January 2007
Why don't you wear a collar on your Liverpool shirt?
I just hate collars, there's nothing more to it than that. I don't think Adidas are too happy with me! To be honest, you've got to do whatever you feel comfortable doing, and ever since I've been doing that at Liverpool my form has dramatically improved. All players are the same when they're not playing well: it has to be something's fault. In my case it was the collar! I'm just not comfortable with collars. It's the same with shirts and ties.
How much do you enjoy playing with Steven Gerrard?
Of course. That's a highlight for any of the players, because he's outstanding at everything. His professionalism is amazing, even in training. He's the ultimate player because he hasn't got a weakness.
What has been the best moment of your career so far?
It's difficult, because there have been loads of highs and lows. I try not to think about this kind of thing too much, I'll do that when I finish playing. The way I look at it, I've still got lots of targets that I want to achieve. One of the things I'm proudest of, though, is the fact I've played for the teams I always wanted to play for. I've represented my country and been captain, and then I've played for Liverpool and Celtic. Those were the three things I wanted to do in football.
You've captained your country, would you like to do the same at Liverpool one day?
Players like Jamie Carragher and Stevie G, the home-grown boys, they're the kind of lads who should be captain. Like, if I ever went to Cardiff, which is where I'm from, I'd be shouting for the captain's armband there. It's in safe hands at Liverpool right now, Rafa's got it right. It was the same at Newcastle when Shearer was the captain, and rightfully so because he was a home-grown boy. I'm not saying we don't all feel the same for the club, because we do, but when you're brought up in an area and brought up with the club, it's only right you get the armband.
Can you see yourself finishing your career at Liverpool?
You never know. I'd like to finish my career at Cardiff because I'm from there and I'd like to do it for my old man. I've played everywhere apart from there, so he's had to travel to Scotland, Norwich, the north-east and now here to watch me play. He goes to watch Cardiff so it'd be great if he could watch me there, though definitely not until I've made a decent name for myself at Anfield.
What's Pako like?
Pako is an exceptional fitness coach. It takes time to get used to because he has different methods to every fitness coach I've worked with before. Everyone has their own ideas. I've never worked with a fitness coach who has had as much power as him, with him being assistant. I've been at clubs where you do your fitness work with the ball, but here it's kept separate. I wouldn't say it was way more demanding or anything, because sometimes you are eased off. It took me a while to adjust, though I know his methods are the right way of doing things. I feel of late I'm really benefiting from being with Pako. And he leads by example, too.
John Toshack recently compared you to Kevin Keegan. How do you feel about that and what kind of relationship do you have with John?
Obviously it's flattering, but the way I take it is he's giving me a confidence boost. Kevin Keegan was an immense player – I don't feel I'm at his level. It's a compliment coming from John, with him playing alongside Kevin for a number of years. My relationship with John is good, we get along. I want to play for my country, I want to play in the friendlies and I want to stay on in games. He sees that and he sees how committed I am. I think it helps that I've come to Liverpool, because he's got a close relationship with the club having spent some of his best years here. We've connected a lot better because of that I think. Obviously he made me captain as well, so I'll always be in debt to him.
Name one player you'd love Liverpool to sign?
Wayne Rooney.
How did it feel to score against Blackburn at Anfield earlier in the season?
It was a bit strange. I was a little annoyed with my performance before the goal. I just felt like, great we've got the goal, but we now need to go get another.
Did any of your old teammates give you any stick after they beat you at Ewood Park?
Not really. I think they knew they got away with murder a little bit. They didn't gloat because, especially in the first half, we should have been ahead. But credit to them, they showed that fighting spirit. It was important for them and it's set them off. Part of me feels like we got robbed, but if we're going to get robbed, there's no team I'd rather rob us than Blackburn.
Can you tell me one piece of advice Mr Benitez has given you since you came to Liverpool?
He has given me a lot of advice, so it's difficult to emphasise one thing. He's made me think about my movement a lot more - and I always thought I had pretty decent movement as well! I speak to him and watch his DVDs on Craig Bellamy when he's analysising them. He is Rafa Benitez, he's got DVDs on everyone. He's probably got DVDs on you, mate. He's got DVDs on probably every player in the world! The man is just football. There's not one thing he misses. You think you've got away with something in a game, but you never do. He pulls you up and goes through little bits. I think I'm really benefiting from being with him.
Which website do you visit the most?
YouTube, because I can download all the best bits from all my favourite footballers.
What are your thoughts on playing in a new stadium, if it happens?
It's all ifs and buts. I'm just concentrating on playing at Anfield, and it's a great stadium as it is. It would be nice if we could have made it bigger, but I don't think that was possible. All clubs move on, and if it helps you compete at an even higher level than you already are, then it has to be done. People talk about history but a club like Liverpool has to keep creating history. We don't want to keep looking back. We want people to look back on this team in 30 odd years, not still be looking back on the teams we look back on, if you know what I mean. You can only maintain the history of a club if you keep winning things, so that's what this set of players has to do. If a new stadium helps us to get more money and helps us compete with the other top clubs, then obviously it's a must.
Who's your best mate at the club?
It's quite an open squad. There's Robbie, Carra, Stevie, Crouchy, Pennant. Dirk's a good lad, too. Everyone mingles in. But I've learnt at this club that as soon as training finishes, you're at home, because you're back straight away the next day and it's the same again. I haven't done anything since I've been up here. I haven't been into the city centre, I couldn't even tell you what shops there are. All the clubs I've been at have been professional, but here is a bit different because there are a lot more games. You are in the Champions League and you progress in the cups.
Are you happy with the way you are playing?
Of late, yes. In the last month I've gone from five or six ratings to seven or eight. This needed to happen and it took me longer than I wanted. I do think I can still go higher in my performances. There are still one or two things to do to get to the level I really want to be at.
I'm from Malta and I've read somewhere you have Maltese relatives. Is this so?
Yes, my granddad is Maltese. It's my mum's side of the family. They are more into boxing than football, so they don't give a damn if I play football or not! We get on but when we talk it's about boxing. I like boxing but it's something I could never get to a good level at.
Do you have a goals target for the season?
At a club like Liverpool you try to do this kind of thing. When I came I had a target but then Rafa spoke to me and said he'd be happy if I just got a certain amount. Now I've realised where he was coming from because you don't always play a full 90 minutes and you don't start every game. Your minutes on the pitch compared to other forwards elsewhere are completely different. I'm not telling you the target because that'll show what Rafa's expectations were compared to mine!
If you were in a karaoke bar with the other players and they said you had to get up and do a song, what would you do?
I'd do anything. I don't mind getting up to do that kind of thing, though I'm not really a very good singer. I'd give any song a go, old or new, any kind of music, as long as I knew the tune and had something to read off.
Do you watch highlights to see how you've played and if so, which other teams do you enjoy watching?
I like watching Football First on Sky. You can see whatever game you want then. I like watching ****nal, especially when they are at home, because they move the ball around so quickly when they're really at it.
What would you be if you weren't a footballer and were you any good at school?
I find it hard when I'm asked this because I don't know what I would have done. I was poor at school. I was naïve in my approach, thinking I was going to be a footballer from an early age. If I'd known then what I know now I would definitely have knuckled down more at school and made sure I had something to fall back on, because football is such a cut-throat business. From such an early age as well, it's a case of if you are not good enough, you're out. It's such a fine line, not just with your ability, but also your attitude has to be right. It's hard enough to make it as a professional, never mind making it to the top level.
You've played for a few other clubs, so you're probably in a great position to describe how opposition teams feel when they visit Anfield?
It was different for me because I always wanted to play at Liverpool and Anfield. It's always difficult for teams coming to Anfield because the pitch is tight and the club always has top players. If you come away with anything you see it as a good trip.
How does the atmosphere in the dressing room compare with other clubs you've been at?
It's a bit different here. Blackburn was loud, there was a lot of banter. Celtic was loud as well, and Newcastle had a lot of music, it was more relaxed. At Liverpool it's more focused before the game. We're looking at what we need to do, looking at sheets. The gaffer talks to you individually as well, so no stone is unturned.
Is Dirk Kuyt as nice as he seems?
Yes, he's a lovely guy.
Is there a goalkeeper you dread being one-on-one against?
There's a lot of good keepers in the Premiership. I had a one-on-one with Petr Cech while I was playing for Wales and it's haunted me ever since, because it was a clear one, no angle or anything. I failed to go round him, he read me really. I owe him one. Mind, a team like Chelsea, you're not likely to get a clear one-on-one because of the way they play. I might have to wait until the next time Wales play the Czech Republic.
Finally Craig, would you like to be a manager one day?
No, not really. I'd like to be a youth coach. Then I can stay out there day in, day out without worrying too much about results.
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RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner - 1/5/2007 12:52:08 PM
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azinorum
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RIISE: REDS FANS ARE THE WORLD'S BEST
Jimmy Rice 05 January 2007
John Arne Riise has declared Reds fans the best in the world and reckons the Anfield faithful are capable of roaring their side to a double victory over ****nal.
In an exclusive one-on-one with liverpoolfc.tv, the Norwegian claimed home advantage would be key when he and his teammates take on the Gunners twice in four days in the two domestic cup competitions.
"For us these are two competitions in which we feel we can progress," said Riise.
"These will be two tough games because, when ****nal play their football, they are a great side and are difficult to play against with them moving the ball around very well.
"We just want to play big games. ****nal is always a big game because they have big-name players. For us, it's a pleasure to play against world-class players.
"But it's always an advantage for us playing at home because of the crowd, we've got the best fans in the world.
"If we start pressuring the other team we know the crowd will get behind us. I love playing at home - it gives us a big advantage and we're going to use it."
The left-back confessed he and his teammates are starting to feel invincible at Anfield because it has been so long since they tasted defeat there.
He said: "We just feel like when we go into a game, we're not going to concede a goal and we're going to win. That's a feeling any team would like to have.
"Teams who are coming to Anfield know how strong we are at home, they know it won't be easy."
On Liverpool's current run of good form, Riise added: "The team as a whole has a lot more confidence, and players themselves have more confidence.
"We know we can go on the pitch and win games. That's the feeling you have to have, and maybe that was missing at the start of the season.
"We've got a chance in every competition. The league is going to be hard but in the cups we have great chances to progress further."
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RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner - 1/5/2007 12:53:29 PM
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azinorum
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BELLAMY BACK TO FACE GUNNERS
Paul Eaton 05 January 2007
Craig Bellamy has been declared fit to return to the Liverpool side to face ****nal at Anfield tomorrow.
The Welsh striker missed Monday's victory over Bolton with a minor hamstring problem, but he's back in full training now and is available for selection against the Gunners.
"It's good to have Craig back because he has been playing well and he gives us a different option in attack," said manager Rafael Benitez.
"We don't have any new injury problems ahead of the game. The good news is that Bolo Zenden and Momo Sissoko are both doing well in their rehab work and have joined in training. Bolo is probably one or two weeks away and Momo a bit longer. It'll be nice to have them back again."
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RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner - 1/5/2007 12:54:31 PM
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azinorum
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RAFA WARY OF HENRY THREAT
Paul Eaton 05 January 2007
Rafael Benitez has admitted he has to prepare his side to face an improved ****nal now that Thierry Henry is back in the Gunners line-up.
Henry returned from a neck injury to play a crucial role in ****nal's 4-0 thumping of Charlton on Monday and will lead the line for his side at Anfield.
****ne Wenger is without the suspended Robin Van Persie and Cesc Fabregas for the pick of the third round games, but Benitez knows that if Henry is on the field then the Gunners will be tough opponents.
He said: "We know Henry is back and we know they are a better side when he plays. We have to be aware of him because he can cause problems.
"It's clear that he is a very good player and he has a big impact on his team. We need to be careful.
"I even heard rumours this week that Henry was supposedly coming to Liverpool. All I can say is that he is coming tomorrow but will be going back to London after the game. He might come here on Tuesday as well!"
Benitez added: "****nal have a good side and they will be dangerous opponents. They usually score goals and they are back playing at their level now.
"It's going to be a good game because both sides will want to win. The last thing we want is a draw and I'm sure they are thinking the same thing."
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RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner - 1/6/2007 5:24:59 AM
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azinorum
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Liverpool v ****nal
Anfield
Saturday 6 January
Third Round
Kick-off: 1715 GMT
Referee: Steve Bennett (Kent)
Replay date (if required) : Tues, 16 Jan, 1945 GMT
Live on BBC ONE, and coverage on the BBC Sport website and BBC Radio Five
Liverpool striker Craig Bellamy is fit to return after shaking off his recent groin injury.
Bolo Zenden returned to training this week but is still some way from full fitness, while Mohamed Sissoko and Harry Kewell remain sidelined.
****nal are without the suspended Cesc Fabregas, but Julio Baptista and Emmanuel Eboue return to the squad.
Theo Walcott, Adebayor, Freddie Ljungberg, William Gallas and Abou Diaby remain on the road to recovery.
Liverpool (from): Reina, Finnan, Agger, Carragher, Riise, Gerrard, Luis Garcia, Aurelio, Alonso, Bellamy, Kuyt, Hyypia, Gonzalez, Crouch, Fowler, Pennant, Paletta, Martin, Dudek, Warnock
****nal (from): Lehmann, Eboue, Toure, Senderos, Clichy, Hleb, Gilberto, Flamini, Rosicky, Aliadiere, Henry, Almunia, Djourou, Hoyte, Denilson, van Persie, Baptista, Song.
Big Match Facts
LIVERPOOL begin their defence of the FA Cup against ****nal, in front of live BBC television Match of the Day cameras in a teatime encounter at Anfield, which could turn out to be a classic. Both clubs are seemingly out of the running for the Premiership title and chasing consolation Champions League spots at third and fourth in the table. Their best chance of domestic silverware will therefore lie in the two Cup competitions. Should one or other get knocked out here, the pair meet again on the same ground on Tuesday in the rearranged League Cup quarter-final.
The Merseysiders are one point superior to the Gunners in the League, but will want to complete the job here, as they were thrashed 0-3 at the Emirates Stadium in November. Rafael Benitez' side have lost their last two clashes with the Gunners in north London, but won the last two on home turf.
****ne Wenger's men prevailed in their most recent FA Cup meeting (1-0 in the fourth round at Highbury on 27 January 2002). Prior to that, the Merseysiders turned the tables in no uncertain terms in the first final to be staged at the Millennium Stadium in 2001. They were trailing 1-0 and seemingly down and out, when two goals in the last seven minutes from Michael Owen ensured the Cup headed north to Merseyside.
****NAL and Liverpool have won the oldest, and arguably the greatest knock-out competition in world club football on 17 occasions (10 for ****nal, seven for Liverpool). The last two were the first to be decided on penalties. ****nal beat Manchester United 5-4 on spot kicks after a goalless 120 minutes in 2005. West Ham were just seconds away from lifting the trophy in May, when Steven Gerrard fired home a first-time drive from 35 yards to take the match into extra time, at 3-3. A massively exciting final was decided in favour of the Reds by three spot kicks to one in the shoot-out.
The Gunners travel north on a run of five wins in eight games, including Tuesday's 4-0 crushing of Charlton, when Thierry Henry made a surprise return and opened the scoring with a 30th minute penalty.
An ****nal player has lifted the FA Cup in three of the last five years, and on four occasions in the tenure of Wenger. They've reached the final in four of their last six attempts, and the semi-final on one of the other two occasions. Last season the Gunners were knocked out by Bolton in the fourth round. They will not want to fall even earlier this time around, or become the 15th club in 17 League and Cup matches this season to lose at Anfield. They would be delighted if they could be the first to win on the Reds' hallowed turf since Benfica in the Champions League on 8 March last year.
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RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner - 1/6/2007 3:08:56 PM
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azinorum
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Liverpool 1-3 ****nal  
****nal produced three stylish goals as they knocked FA Cup holders Liverpool out of the competition with a stubborn and resilient third round performance.
Tomas Rosicky curled a sublime strike and squeezed in a shot from the edge of the box to put the visitors 2-0 ahead. Liverpool hit back when Dirk Kuyt glanced in from point-blank range. But Thierry Henry ended hopes of a Reds comeback when he robbed Jamie Carragher and slotted home to book ****nal's place in Monday's fourth round draw.
Liverpool had plenty of possession early on but ****nal had kept them at arm's length while waiting for the chance to counter-attack.
The home side were being denied the space and time to create a chance and had only a long range Steven Gerrard strike, which went comfortably wide, to show for their early efforts. ****nal's ploy almost reaped reward when a clever pass by Robin van Persie was slid into the piercing run of Rosicky, who lacked the bravery to try and squeeze the ball past on-rushing keeper Jerzy Dudek. The match started to develop into a fractious affair as rash challenges, stray arms and simulation saw play interrupted on a regular basis.
Reds midfielder Xabi Alonso thought he should have had a penalty when he went over after minimal contact by Gilberto Silva tackle but only ended up getting booked for diving. In amongst the set-pieces, Reds striker Peter Crouch ballooned a volley over and Alonso went close from 20-yards.
****nal had a strength to their play which critics have accused them of lacking and they blended that with the kind of flair they are famed for to take a 2-0 lead. The visitors won possession in their own half and Rosicky exchanged a number of passes with Alexander Hleb down ****nal's right flank.
The final act of the goal saw Hleb pull a low cross back to the near edge of the box and Rosicky curled a shot into the far side of the Reds goal. The Czech Republic attacking midfielder added a second when Liverpool's defence stood off him and shot low into the corner. An urgency in Liverpool's play after the break put ****nal under relentless pressure. And, while the visitors threatened on the counter-attack, they started to become overrun by the waves of attacks from the Reds.
The home side's efforts finally told when Kuyt flicked in a header and Aurelio sent an angled volley just wide as Liverpool's dominance was almost rewarded with an equaliser. But Henry dispossessed Carragher on the left touchline and ran towards goal before cutting inside and sidefooting in to secure ****nal's win.
Liverpool: Dudek, Finnan, Carragher, Agger, Riise (Aurelio 60), Pennant, Alonso, Gerrard, Luis Garcia, Kuyt, Crouch.
Subs Not Used: Reina, Hyypia, Gonzalez, Bellamy.
Booked: Alonso.
Goals: Kuyt 71.
****nal: Almunia, Eboue (Hoyte 66), Toure, Senderos, Clichy, Hleb, Silva, Flamini, Rosicky, Henry (Walcott 88), Van Persie (Julio Baptista 72).
Subs Not Used: Poom, Djourou.
Booked: Senderos, Clichy, Eboue.
Goals: Rosicky 37, 45, Henry 84.
Att: 43,619
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RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner - 1/6/2007 4:09:15 PM
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azinorum
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RAFA: MISTAKES COST US
Steve Hunter 06 January 2007
Rafael Benitez reflected on the 3-1 FA Cup defeat by ****nal and admitted defensive mistakes cost his side dear.
The Liverpool manager felt the Reds started the game well but added he was disappointed with the errors.
"It was a bad day for all our supporters and for us and we have to be disappointed because we made some mistakes which cost us," admitted Benitez.
"We controlled the game for the first 35 minutes but we then made two mistakes and we found ourselves 2-0 down at half-time. We then got back into the game but made another mistake but with us going forward and trying to get another goal that was always a risk.
"It was a close game but when you make a mistake you normally get punished. Xabi Alonso thought he could have had a penalty but I haven't seen the replay again and you can't change these things now. I don't think he should have been given a yellow card though."
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RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner - 1/6/2007 5:22:35 PM
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azinorum
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SKY SPORTS
Rafa Benitez was left to rue the fact that Liverpool did not take advantage of their dominance following the 3-1 loss to ****nal.
Liverpool spent long periods of the game in the ascendancy, but found themselves 2-0 at half-time and with a mountain to climb just to earn a replay. They continued to hold sway in the second half and pulled a goal back through Dirk Kuyt, but Thierry Henry broke away with six minutes remaining to seal ****nal's passage to round four.
"I think it was a good game for the supporters," Benitez told Sky Sports.
"We were controlling the game in the first half. I think they had two attempts and they scored two goals.
"The second one, at the end of the first half, made it really difficult in the second half.
"We knew that we needed to score one goal to be in the game, and we score this goal.
"Then I thought we were pushing, going forward and creating chances, but after we scored the third goal, the game was over."
Benitez was sad to see Liverpool fall at the first hurdle in their defence of the FA Cup, but believes he can learn from the defeat. "We won the FA Cup last season and we wanted to do the same this season," he said.
"But if you cannot change a result you must think of solutions to stop defeats in the future."
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RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner - 1/6/2007 5:27:09 PM
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azinorum
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LFC WEBSITE
WENGER AND HENRY HAIL LIVERPOOL'S 'FABULOUS' FANS
Paul Eaton 06 January 2007
****ne Wenger and Thierry Henry have joined forces to hail the Liverpool fans after an unprecedented show of fan passion kicked off Saturday's FA Cup clash at Anfield.
The opening six minutes of the tie were played against a backdrop of incessant chanting of "Justice for the 96" as fans on the Kop held up a mosaic spelling 'The Truth' and sang their hearts out in an appeal for the justice they feel those who lost their lives at Hillsborough have never received.
The inspiration for the idea came from the organisers of the newly launched Reclaim The Kop campaign and, while ****nal may have prevailed on the pitch, the main men at their club were full of respect for the home fans.
Wenger said: "You can only admire the Liverpool fans. They kicked every ball for the team for the whole 90 minutes and were just fabulous. The club has a great support here."
Star striker Henry, who netted the third goal which killed off any chances the Reds had of a late fightback, added: "I'm not sure what the fans were singing at the start of the game but when it stopped the noise they made meant no-one could hear what was going on on the pitch.
"I have such respect for this ground and these supporters. What a place this is to play football."
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RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner - 1/7/2007 3:21:31 AM
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azinorum
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NEXT GAME Carling CupTuesday, 09 January 2007 Liverpool v ****nal, 19:45 BST
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RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner - 1/7/2007 3:27:37 AM
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azinorum
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Liverpool FC - the remaining fixtures for the 2006-2007 season.
Saturday, 13 January 2007
Barclays Premiership
Watford v Liverpool, 12:45
Saturday, 20 January 2007
Barclays Premiership
Liverpool v Chelsea, 15:00
Tuesday, 30 January 2007
Barclays Premiership
West Ham v Liverpool, 19:45
Saturday, 03 February 2007
Barclays Premiership
Liverpool v Everton, 12:45
Saturday, 10 February 2007
Barclays Premiership
Newcastle v Liverpool, 15:00
Wednesday, 21 February 2007
UEFA Champions League
Barcelona v Liverpool, 19:45
Saturday, 24 February 2007
Barclays Premiership
Liverpool v Sheff Utd, 15:00
Saturday, 03 March 2007
Barclays Premiership
Liverpool v Man Utd, 12:45
Tuesday, 06 March 2007
UEFA Champions League
Liverpool v Barcelona (agg 0-0), 19:45
Saturday, 17 March 2007
Barclays Premiership
Aston Villa v Liverpool, 15:00
Saturday, 31 March 2007
Barclays Premiership
Liverpool v ****nal, 12:45
Saturday, 07 April 2007
Barclays Premiership
Reading v Liverpool, 15:00
Monday, 09 April 2007
Barclays Premiership
Liverpool v Middlesbrough, 15:00
Saturday, 14 April 2007
Barclays Premiership
Man City v Liverpool, 15:00
Saturday, 21 April 2007
Barclays Premiership
Liverpool v Wigan, 15:00
Saturday, 28 April 2007
Barclays Premiership
Portsmouth v Liverpool, 15:00
Saturday, 05 May 2007
Barclays Premiership
Fulham v Liverpool, 15:00
Sunday, 13 May 2007
Barclays Premiership
Liverpool v Charlton, 15:00
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RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner - 1/7/2007 11:29:09 AM
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azinorum
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Joined: 8/25/2006
From: Baghdad Iraq
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GERRARD LEFT DISAPPOINTED AFTER DEFEAT
Steve Hunter 07 January 2007
Steven Gerrard couldn't hide his disappointment at seeing Liverpool crash out of the FA Cup at home to ****nal and admitted mistakes cost the Reds dearly.
The Liverpool captain agreed the team had made a good start to the match but said you can't make mistakes against a quality team like ****nal.
"For the first 30 minutes we played well and looked like the team who would score the first goal but I think unfortunately their goals came from our mistakes," admitted Gerrard.
"****nal are a very good side with some fantastic players and they defended well in the second half but from our point of view we are very disappointed to go out of the FA Cup."
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RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner - 1/7/2007 11:37:52 AM
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azinorum
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Reaction to "The Truth" protest
Written by Jim Boardman
Sunday, 07 January 2007
Last night The Kop made a massive and memorable protest which should go down in history, and hopefully it will.
For more on what the protest was all about, here's what the Daily Mirror's Brian Reade said about it in yesterday's paper.
"TIME TO KOP THE TRUTH KELVIN
MEMO to Kelvin MacKenzie: If you're doing nothing at 5.15 tonight why not tune in to the Liverpool v ****nal game on BBC1, where you will find 12,000 Kopites expressing what they think of your persistent campaign to rubbish the findings of Lord Justice Taylor's Report into the Hillsborough Disaster.
It will last a full six minutes. Or as long as 96 fans were left by police to die inside cages while an FA Cup tie played on in front of them in April 1989. But I don't need to remind you of the details, as you know them all. Even though you were 200 miles away at the time.
Because some anonymous Yorkshire copper who was ordered to deflect attention away from his force's culpability, span you a pack of lies, which you gladly published as The Truth, and which cost your newspaper dear.
Perhaps you still loathe yourself for being a submissive lackey who mouthed a false apology at Rupert Murdoch's behest or maybe you're too vain to accept hard evidence and let it go.
Either way you're still telling audiences, like the one in Newcastle last month, The Truth about Hillsborough was that Liverpool fans got tanked up, stampeded a gate, killed their own, and as they lay dying, pissed on them and stole their belongings.
I just hope the Kop's tribute to you evokes a fraction of the anger and pain your continued lies do to the many people still living with the harrowing consequences of British football's most tragic day.
But I don't think it will. Which, Mr Mackenzie, is the saddest Truth of all."
The BBC seemed unwilling to give the protest as much coverage as most of us would have liked, but John Motson could not help but refer to the noise that lasted as promised until the game was six minutes old, with the chants of "Justice for the 96". Motson probably faces censure from his bosses for talking about the protest - but he's well aware of just how horrific Hillsborough actually was. He was there that day in 1989, covering the game for the Match of the Day programme. Hillsborough happened in an era when only the final was shown live, but the cameras were there to record the game. Grandstand would soon carry live pictures of the scenes that were unfolding. Last night the BBC's director seemed intent on trying to hide the mosaic as much as possible, but they couldn't hide it altogether. John Motson's references to the noise and the mosaic were extremely welcome, and I for one am delighted that he had the decency and the honour not to try and ignore it. Well done John Motson.
The BBC didn't have their usual offering of "interactive" coverage last night either, normally you'd be able to watch the game without having to listen to the commentary, with the option of just listening to the crowd noise. Perhaps they were worried about how the Kop would react verbally to their decision to employ the liar MacKenzie on their station.
Most of the Sunday media have covered the protest, but there were two notable websites who had decided to try and ignore it.
The Sunday Times: "With yesterday’s game shown live by the BBC it started with the Kop leading a protest against Kelvin MacKenzie, recently hired by the corporation, who was editor of the The Sun during its notorious coverage of Hillsbrough. It was extraordinary, a six-minute repetition of a single chant: “Justice for the 96”. So little happened on the pitch at the time it was as if the players were waiting respectfully for the crowd to stop."
The Observer: "To say Anfield was noisy at the start of this Cup tie would be the understatement of 2007. The Kop welcomed the television cameras as promised, with a superbly orchestrated protest over slurs on fans' behaviour at Hillsborough, recently re-aired by Kelvin MacKenzie. He was editor of the Sun at the time of the original accusations. The display lasted exactly six minutes into the game - though with grim irony, fans were warned that holding up placards during play would infringe safety regulations - then switched off with military precision, to coincide with the time when the 1989 FA Cup semi-final was abandoned. The protest was replaced by the type of sustained din usually reserved for big European nights."
The Independent: "There had been an unreal air to the opening six minutes as the whole of the Kop held up red and white cards to form a giant mosaic and chanted "Justice for the 96" in support of those supporters who died at Hillsborough almost 18 years ago. Anyone whose view was obscured would have missed nothing, the first quarter of the game passing without incident."
Sunday People: "The opening six minutes were dominated by an incredible display on The Kop where, to a man, supporters held up cards which spelt out 'The Truth' in letters 20 feet high, a tribute to the 96 Liverpool fans who died at Hillsborough and a protest against the perceived injustice of so many deaths.
It prompted a frenzied atmosphere which seemed to affect both sets of players as they struggled to find any kind of pattern for the first 15 minutes with so many passes misplaced or over-hit."
Sunday Mirror: "It may be almost 18 years since the tragedy of Hillsborough, but the wounds from that terrible day in Sheffield continue to run deep.
Stirred by recent sickening comments made by the former editor of a tabloid newspaper, fans on the Kop held up cards to produce a mosaic which read: "The Truth" as they sang "Justice for the 96."
The main protest lasted until six minutes after kick-off - a reference to the time it took for the authorities at Hillsborough to realise that people were being crushed to death in the Leppings Lane end of the stadium.
When the fans eventually began to concentrate on the game, there was little to shout about."
The BBC Sport website: Nothing. Not a mention. Embarrassed? Ashamed? After all, they employed MacKenzie despite earlier protests and without any sign of concern.
The Sky Sports website: Again, nothing, not a mention. Sky aren't currently part of the boycott of The S*n, but are owned by Murdoch, the owner of The S*n. Then again, so are The Times, and they managed to mention it. Why are Sky ashamed to mention this protest?
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