Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner
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Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner - 12/26/2006 3:11:56 AM
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azinorum
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Thought it was time to dedicate a post to the greatest team in the history of British Football (and it's not Man Utd!!)
Question for all you Reds out there - what's your greatest Liverpool XI of all time? This will show your age.
Heres mine:
Goalkeeper
Ray Clemence
Right-back
Phil Neil
Left Back
Steve Nicol
Centre backs
Alan Hansen & Mark Lawrenson
Right Midfield
John Barnes
Left Midfield
Ray Kennedy
Centre Midfield
Graham Souness & Jimmy Case
Centre Forwards
Kenny Dalglish & Ian Rush
Subs
Robbie Fowler, Tommy Smith, Bruce Grobbelar, Ian Callaghan, Steven Gerrard, Kevin Keegan, John Toshack, Ronnie Whelan
Manager
Bob Paisley or Bill Shankley (can't seperate between them).
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RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner - 12/27/2006 9:54:27 AM
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azinorum
Posts: 1823
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Some news and facts about LFC. Blackburn v Liverpool
Ewood Park
Tuesday, 26 December
Kick-off: 1500 GMT
Coverage on the BBC Sport website, BBC Radio Five Live, and highlights on MOTD
Liverpool will check on minor leg injuries to Steven Gerrard and Craig Bellamy but both are expected to play.
Peter Crouch and Mark Gonzalez are pressing for starts, but Mohamed Sissoko, Bolo Zenden and Harry Kewell are all still injured.
Blackburn: Friedel, Neill, Todd, Ooijer, Gray, Emerton, Savage, Kerimoglu, Pedersen, Bentley, Nonda, McCarthy, Brown, Derbyshire, Mokoena, Henchoz, Peter, Khizanishvili.
Liverpool: Reina, Finnan, Agger, Hyypia, Carragher, Riise, Pennant, Gonzalez, Gerrard, Alonso, Luis Garcia, Aurelio, Bellamy, Kuyt, Crouch, Fowler, Dudek, Warnock.
LIVERPOOL still trail second place by 11 points, despite winning their last four. The Merseysiders are unbeaten in seven Premiership games, and have not conceded in 640 minutes (10 hours 40 minutes), since William Gallas netted ****nal's third in the Londoners' 3-0 home win on 12 November. The Reds have not lost the first fixture after Christmas for five years (winning four and drawing one).
The Merseysiders picked up just two points from the first 21 on offer away from Anfield. But since then they've beaten Wigan 0-4 and Charlton 0-3, so travel the 40 miles to Ewood Park vying for a third successive away Premiership maximum.
The Reds are unbeaten in 16 Premiership meetings with Blackburn (won seven, drawn nine). They've won three and drawn four in the last seven trips to Ewood Park. Robbie Fowler netted the only goal in last season's visit.
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RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner - 12/27/2006 9:57:38 AM
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azinorum
Posts: 1823
Score: 51
Joined: 8/25/2006
From: Baghdad Iraq
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Liverpool FC Trophies & Honours
League [21] titles: 18
1900-01, 1905-06, 1921-22, 1922-23, 1946-47, 1963-64, 1965-66, 1972-73, 1975-76, 1976-77, 1978-79, 1979-80, 1981-82, 1982-83, 1983-84, 1985-86, 1987-88, 1989-90
European Cups and UEFA Champions League[2] titles: 5
1977 3-1 vs. Borussia Mönchengladbach
1978 1-0 vs. Club Brugge
1981 1-0 vs. Real Madrid
1984 1-1 (4-2 in penalty shootout) vs. AS Roma
2005 3-3 (3-2 in penalty shootout) vs. AC Milan
UEFA Cups: 3
1973, 1976, 2001
FA Cups: 7
1965, 1974, 1986, 1989, 1992, 2001, 2006
League Cups: 7
1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1995, 2001, 2003
Community Shields [22]: 15
1964 (shared), 1965 (shared), 1966, 1974, 1976, 1977 (shared), 1979, 1980, 1982, 1986 (shared), 1988, 1989, 1990 (shared), 2001, 2006
UEFA Super Cups: 3
1977, 2001, 2005
Liverpool's tally of eighteen Football League championships is a record for English clubs, their nearest challenger being Manchester United with fifteen. Liverpool have also achieved the League and FA Cup "Double" in 1986 and two "Trebles". The first treble of League, League Cup and European Cup was achieved in 1984 (the first English club to win three major competitions in a single season) and a second treble was achieved in 2001 with the winning of the FA Cup, League Cup and UEFA Cup.
Liverpool's total of five European Cups[2] is an English record and the third highest total overall, after Real Madrid and AC Milan. The fifth victory in 2005 entitled Liverpool to receive the UEFA badge of honour, thus allowing them to keep the trophy permanently.
Liverpool's total of three UEFA Cups is a record for English clubs and also ties the overall record with Inter Milan and Juventus. The tallies of seven League Cups and three European Super Cups are also English records.
Liverpool have won more Football League titles, European Cups, UEFA Cups, League Cups and European Super Cups than any other English team. They have also won the Champions League 5 times and so are entitled to keep one of the original trophies. The only major competition Liverpool hasn’t won more than other teams is the FA Cup.
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RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner - 12/27/2006 9:59:30 AM
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azinorum
Posts: 1823
Score: 51
Joined: 8/25/2006
From: Baghdad Iraq
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LIVERPOOL FC CLUB RECORDS
Appearances
Most first team appearances
Ian Callaghan (857)
Most League appearances
Ian Callaghan (640)
Most FA Cup appearances
Ian Callaghan (79)
Most League Cup appearances
Ian Rush (78)
Most European appearances
Ian Callaghan (89)
Oldest player
Ted Doig, 41 yrs & 165 days v Newcastle United (A), 11 April 1908
Youngest player
Max Thompson, 17 yrs & 129 days v Tottenham Hotspur (a) 8 May 1974
Most seasons as an ever-present
Phil Neal (9)
Most consecutive appearances
Phil Neal (417) 23 October 1976 to 24 September 1983
Longest serving player
Elisha Scott – 21 yrs & 52 days: 1913 to 1934
Oldest debutant
Ted Doig, 37 yrs & 307 days v Burton U (H) 1 September 1904
Goals
Most first team goals
Ian Rush (346)
Most League goals
Roger Hunt (245)
Most FA Cup goals
Ian Rush (39)
Most League Cup goals
Ian Rush (48)
Most European goals
Michael Owen (22)
Highest scoring substitute
David Fairclough (18)
Most hat-tricks
Gordon Hodgson (17)
Most hat-tricks in a season
Roger Hunt (5 in 1961-62)
Most penalties scored
Jan Molby (42)
Most games without scoring
Ephraim Longworth (371)
Youngest goalscorer
Michael Owen, 17 yrs & 144 days v Wimbledon (a) 6 May 1997
Oldest goalscorer
Billy Liddell, 38 yrs & 55 days V Stoke City (h) 5 March 1960
Internationals
Most capped player
Ian Rush (67) with Wales
Most international goals
Ian Rush (26)
Honours
Most medals
Phil Neal (20)
Matches
Record victory
11-0 v Stromgodset
Record defeat
1-9 v Birmingham City
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RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner - 12/27/2006 10:03:45 AM
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azinorum
Posts: 1823
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Blackburn 1-0 Liverpool
Liverpool paid the price for some lackadaisical finishing in the first half when Benni McCarthy stroked the ball in from close range on 49 minutes.
Brad Friedel had been key to Blackburn going in at half-time on level terms and the Rovers goalkeeper continued to defy Liverpool after McCarthy's goal. Friedel saved well from Dirk Kuyt, though he was rescued by the woodwork, when Xabi Alonso's shot hit the post. Liverpool will wonder how they went away with nothing from this game, but that they did had much to do with Friedel's heroics.
The American enjoyed a miserable spell at Anfield between 1997 and 2000, but he has flourished since joining Rovers. If Blackburn rode their luck at times, there was nothing fortunate about their second-half display as they unsettled Liverpool out of their passing game.
Liverpool's loss of composure was illustrated when Alonso was rightly booked for a horrible tackle on McCarthy after the South African had skipped past a couple of tackles.
Liverpool's defeat marked an unhappy return for former Blackburn striker Craig Bellamy, who was making his first return to Ewood Park since his summer move to Anfield. Bellamy's movement was as ever exemplary and although he was eventually replaced by Luis Garcia he was one of more Liverpool's impressive performers. Bellamy came close to giving Liverpool the lead when he got on the end of a flowing move involving Alonso and John Arne Riise, but the Liverpool striker's shot went the wrong side of the post. Bellamy has forged an effective partnership with Kuyt in recent games, but with the Dutchman rested, Crouch was chosen to link up with the Welshman. Crouch missed two headed chances, the first time putting the ball straight at Friedel, though for the second one the Liverpool striker forced the Blackburn keeper into a good save.
Having negotiated the opening 45 minutes, Pedersen and McCarthy combined to put Blackburn ahead just after the break.
The move was started by a delightful piece of skill from Tugay, whose stepover took him away from Steven Gerrard, before the Turkish midfielder released Pedersen, whose inviting cross was sidefooted in by McCarthy.
Benitez did not wait long to replace Crouch with Kuyt and the former Feyenoord striker's arrival reinvigorated the Liverpool attack.
The Dutchman forced a reaction save from Friedel, who was then beaten by a swerving shot from Alonso, which thudded against the post. Alonso was soon turning away in frustration for a second time when another shot was brilliantly pushed away by the former Liverpool goalkeeper.
Blackburn: Friedel, Emerton, Todd, Ooijer, Neill, Bentley (Mokoena 87), Savage, Kerimoglu (Henchoz 90), Pedersen, Nonda (Derbyshire 78), McCarthy.
Subs Not Used: Brown, Gray.
Booked: Nonda, Pedersen, Emerton.
Goals: McCarthy 49.
Liverpool: Reina, Hyypia, Carragher, Agger, Finnan, Gerrard, Alonso, Riise, Bellamy (Luis Garcia 76), Crouch (Kuyt 56), Gonzalez (Aurelio 64).
Subs Not Used: Dudek, Pennant.
Booked: Agger, Alonso.
Att: 29,342
Ref: R Styles (Hampshire).
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RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner - 12/30/2006 6:04:27 AM
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azinorum
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Joined: 8/25/2006
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Tottenham v Liverpool
White Hart Lane
Saturday, 30 December
Kick-off: 1500 GMT
Coverage on the BBC Sport website, BBC Radio Five Live, and highlights on MOTD
Tottenham pair Robbie Keane (knee) and Jermaine Jenas (ankle) will not be back until January.
Aaron Lennon (knee) and Mido (groin) remain concerns after missing the Boxing Day win over Aston Villa.
Dirk Kuyt is in line to return to the Liverpool starting line-up, with Peter Crouch set to make way.
Jermaine Pennant, Luis Garcia and Sami Hyypia are among those also pushing for recalls but Liverpool do not have any new injuries to contend with.
Tottenham (from): Robinson, Cerny, Chimbonda, Lee, King, Dawson, Ghaly, Malbranque, Huddlestone, Zokora, Defoe, Berbatov, Murphy, Ziegler, Davenport, Assou-Ekotto, Gardner, Davids.
Liverpool (from): Reina, Finnan, Agger, Hyypia, Carragher, Riise, Pennant, Gonzalez, Gerrard, Alonso, Luis Garcia, Aurelio, Bellamy, Kuyt, Crouch, Fowler, Dudek, Warnock.
Tottenham midfielder Tom Huddlestone on Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard:
"We know all about his qualities going forward and hopefully we'll be able to counter that by pushing him the other way.
"Having said that, he's a good defensive player as well. Xabi Alonso is also another player I admire.
"Liverpool have strength throughout but we're the home team and we have to concentrate on what we want to do."
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez:
"When we concede, we sometimes play too quick. Maybe a different style of football is needed when the other team scores.
"Of course, it's a different game when that happens because the opponent is able to play much deeper and counter-attack.
"But it's also clear we need to improve our composure in this area and take control of situations more."
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RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner - 12/30/2006 6:07:10 AM
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azinorum
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BIG MATCH FACTS
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR and Liverpool are positioned next to each other in the Premiership table. The Londoners have been climbing steadily, and a victory here would put them level on points with the Merseysiders. But being the highest placed club with a negative goal difference, Martin Jol's side would need a clear seven-goal victory to leapfrog their opponents.
Both these clubs have scored the bulk of their points on home turf. The Merseysiders top the Premiership's "home" table with 26 points - 18 more than they've gained on their travels. Spurs have bagged 19 more points at home than away (25 at White Hart Lane, six on the road). The north Londoners have won their last 12 in League and Cup at the Lane - seven of which were in the Premiership.
Spurs have lost only one of the last nine home Premiership meetings against Liverpool. Since being on the wrong end of an 2-3 scoreline on 16 March 2003, the Londoners have won one and drawn the last two against the Reds at the Lane.
LIVERPOOL thought they had banished their away-day blues, but old habits die hard and their first two victories on the road this season have been followed by a 1-0 defeat at Blackburn on Boxing Day. It was the first goal the Anfield club had conceded in eight League outings. The reverse at Ewood Park also ended a seven-match unbeaten run in the Premiership and saw them drop from third to sixth. Victory at the Lane would put them back on course for a Champions League spot.
The Merseysiders have kept more clean sheets in this Premiership season that any other club, with the exception of Chelsea (10 each). Spurs have managed just four - no club has kept fewer than that.
The Reds are unbeaten in five Premiership meetings with Tottenham, winning the last two including this season's reverse fixture 3-0. That sets up the possibility of a third Premiership 'double' over the North Londoners and first since 2002-03.
LIVERPOOL
6th 34 points
Highest achievable after Saturday's matches: 3rd
Lowest could realistically fall: 6th
1. Won three of the last four Premiership matches.
2. Conceded one goal in 730 minutes (12 hours 10 minutes) of Premier League soccer.
3. Won all nine top flight matches in which they've opening the scoring.
4. Holding a 100% record when leading at half time - six matches against West Ham (h), Newcastle (h), Aston Villa (h), Reading (h), Wigan (a) and Charlton (a).
5. Won twice as many Premier League matches as lost under Rafael Benitez (won 52, lost 26).
6. Beaten only Wigan (0-4) and Charlton (0-3) in Premiership matches away from home this season.
7. Hoping to add to 100 Premiership victories away from home all-time.
8. Failed to score in eight away matches in this top flight campaign.
9. The New Years Day fixture is a lunchtime kick-off, home to Bolton.
HEAD TO HEAD
Home and away
League: Spurs 35 wins, Liverpool 59, Draws 33
Prem: Spurs 7 wins, Liverpool 13, Draws 9
at Spurs only
League: Spurs 30 wins, Liverpool 18, Draws 15
Prem: Spurs 6 wins, Liverpool 3, Draws 5
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RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner - 12/31/2006 2:10:10 AM
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azinorum
Posts: 1823
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From: Baghdad Iraq
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Tottenham 0-1 Liverpool 
Luis Garcia's strike earned Liverpool a third away win this season to take them up to fourth as Spurs were left to rue a host of missed chances late on.
The winner owed much to an error from Didier Zokora, which led to Spanish striker Garcia sweeping in after Steven Gerrard had been gifted possession.
Dirk Kuyt also came close, but a late Spurs assault so nearly bore fruit.
Steve Finnan hit his own bar and Hossam Ghaly twice contrived to fire wide with the goal gaping, but the Reds held on.
It represented Spurs' first home defeat in 13 games, but Martin Jol will wonder how his side did not emerge with at least a point after a thrilling conclusion to the game.
However, the hosts, disjointed in the absence of skipper Ledley King, did themselves few favours as they took an age to get into the match.
Despite Mido blazing wide from 18 yards when well-placed on 10 minutes and an effervescent performance from Jermain Defoe, it was Liverpool that edged the first hour.
Robinson had to save low twice from Craig Bellamy efforts and Kuyt curled wide when well-placed, but the half looked to be drifting towards stalemate until Garcia's intervention.
After a Liverpool attack had broken down, Zokora spilled a pass to Gerrard and, after exchanging passes with Kuyt, the midfielder's effort bobbled to Garcia who swept home left-footed.
The second half started much like the first, with the visitors looking dangerous on the break as the hosts struggled to find their rhythm.
Spurs stood firm though, despite Kuyt and Steven Gerrard going close, and, with 20 minutes remaining, they launched their assault.
With the rain lashing down, silky football made way for harem-scarem stuff, and Tottenham camped themselves in the opposition half.
Dimitar Berbatov's arrival lifted crowd and team alike and the Bulgarian almost helped bring the hosts level on 75 minutes, his clever run and pass ending with Steve Finnan rocking his own bar with a defensive header.
Minutes later, Spurs broke clear again, this time Ghaly contriving to blast wide from three yards with Reds keeper Pepe Reina stranded on the deck.
It was an enthralling conclusion, with the visitors still looking good on the break, but Tottenham were left to rue their profligacy once again when Ghaly failed to poke home awkwardly when Defoe's strike was only parried by Reina.
There was still time for the hosts to see Gerrard's own 'goal' correctly ruled out for offside and Berbatov to finish tamely from 12 yards when clear but Liverpool held on to reignite their Champions League push.
Tottenham manager Martin Jol:
"We feel gutted. Neither side played particularly well but it was an even game and we conceded such a soft goal.
"But it was us that took the initiative in the second half and deserved so much more from the game. Berbatov, Ghaly, Defoe all had chances, and that's not including us hitting the bar.
"I can only recall one chance they had and that makes the defeat all the more gutting.
"As for Ledley King, he has bruising on his foot - it's a minor injury. He won't play on Monday but it's nothing major and nothing to do with a previous knee injury."
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez:
"That was a fantastic effort against a difficult team. I felt we controlled a lot of the play, soaking up pressure and trying to hit them on the counter attack.
"They pushed us a lot with long balls, in fact the way they played should prepare us quite well for the Bolton game on Monday, but we held on and the win's the most important thing.
"I'm not sure yet if Craig Bellamy will play on Monday, he felt his hamstring and I took him off as a precaution."
Tottenham: Robinson, Chimbonda, Dawson, Davenport, Lee, Ghaly, Huddlestone, Zokora (Murphy 56), Malbranque, Defoe, Mido (Berbatov 59).
Subs Not Used: Cerny, Ziegler, Gardner.
Liverpool: Reina, Finnan, Carragher, Agger, Riise, Luis Garcia, Alonso, Gerrard, Aurelio (Gonzalez 79), Bellamy (Pennant 49), Kuyt (Crouch 66).
Subs Not Used: Martin, Paletta.
Goals: Luis Garcia 45.
Att: 36,170
Ref: M Halsey (Lancashire).
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RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner - 12/31/2006 3:58:05 AM
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azinorum
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Gerrard 'thrilled' with MBE
Steven Gerrard is 'absolutely thrilled' to be awarded an MBE in the New Year's Honours List.
The Liverpool captain has received the honour for services to football, 12 months after he was originally tipped to be recognised.
Following The Reds' UEFA Champions League success over Milan in May 2005, Gerrard was expected to be awarded the MBE.
He has now been awarded the honour in the New Year list and offered his gratitude to those who have helped him to become one of the game's most famous players.
"I am absolutely thrilled and honoured to receive this recognition for playing a game I've loved all my life," said Gerrard.
"I'd like to accept this on behalf of all those people who have been so supportive to me throughout my career, all my team-mates over the years, everyone at Liverpool Football Club, everyone at Team England, all my family and friends, and all those coaches who have helped me since I was eight."
Gerrard's 2006 highlight arrived in the FA Cup final when he scored a last-minute equaliser against West Ham United, having also levelled earlier in the game.
His goal sent the tie into extra-time and the midfielder later scored in the penalty shoot-out as Liverpool claimed the trophy.
But the 26-year-old's World Cup proved to be less distinguished as he failed to fire as England lost to Portugal in the quarter-finals.
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RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner - 1/1/2007 5:00:40 AM
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azinorum
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Joined: 8/25/2006
From: Baghdad Iraq
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Liverpool v Bolton
Anfield
Monday, 1 January
Kick-off: 1245 GMT
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez must wait on Craig Bellamy's fitness ahead of Bolton's visit after the striker felt a tight hamstring in the win over Spurs.
Otherwise Benitez has no new worries, with Boudewijn Zenden, Mohamed Sissoko and Harry Kewell long-term injuries.
Bolton manager Sam Allardyce could be tempted to name an unchanged side after their 3-2 win over Portsmouth.
Nicolas Anelka will hope to add to his recent record of seven goals in eight games against his former club.
Liverpool (from): Reina, Finnan, Agger, Carragher, Riise, Gerrard, Luis Garcia, Aurelio, Alonso, Bellamy, Kuyt, Hyypia, Gonzalez, Crouch, Fowler, Pennant, Paletta, Martin, Dudek.
Bolton (from): Jaaskelainen, Hunt, Meite, Faye, Ben Haim, Giannakopoulos, Speed, Campo, Nolan, Diouf, Anelka, Davies, Walker, Pedersen, Gardner, Vaz Te, Tal, Teimourian, Fojut.
LIVERPOOL and Bolton will get the Premiership underway in 2007. Their lunchtime engagement is an intriguing affair between the two clubs sitting in the top four. The Reds climbed back to fourth with Saturday's single goal victory at Tottenham - their fifth win in six Premiership outings. Another maximum here would see them swapping places with the Trotters.
Rafa Benitez' side have not conceded in five games or 484 minutes (eight hours four minutes) of Premiership football on home turf, since Gabriel Agbonlahor scored Aston Villa's only goal in a 3-1 result on 28 October. Liverpool hold one of the three remaining unbeaten home records in the top division. They've not lost in 26 League games at Anfield, winning 22 and drawing four since the 1-4 reverse to Chelsea on 2 October 2005. This season, eight clubs have left the Merseyside club without a point and only Blackburn (1-1) and Portsmouth (0-0) have claimed a point each.
Robbie Fowler celebrated his 31st birthday in fine style by scoring the only goal in last season's corresponding fixture. It was Liverpool's fourth successive home League win over Bolton and extended their unbeaten Anfield Premiership record against the Trotters to seven games (six wins and one draw). They have not lost a home League game against the Trotters in 53 years, winning nine and drawing two of 11, since the 1-2 top flight defeat on 2 January 1954.
BOLTON WANDERERS have climbed into the top three with a fifth win on the bounce by the odd goal in five over fellow in-form Portsmouth. This is Bolton's eighth season in this League, and they've never before managed a string of six successive Premiership victories.
The Trotters travel the 42 miles in search of a sixth League victim on the road and a third in succession. The Reebok club have already accounted for Portsmouth, Newcastle, Blackburn, Aston Villa and Manchester City on their top flight travels.
Wanderers took advantage of Liverpool's wretched away form to win the reverse fixture 2-0. Gary Speed opened the scoring with a free kick controversially awarded after Reds keeper Jose Reina was adjudged to have carried the ball out of his area, but television replays showed he had not. Bolton are now on target for their first League 'double' over Liverpool since the 1953-54 season.
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RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner - 1/1/2007 5:06:49 AM
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azinorum
Posts: 1823
Score: 51
Joined: 8/25/2006
From: Baghdad Iraq
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KEY PLAYER NOTES/POTENTIAL MILESTONES
LIVERPOOL
Peter CROUCH is Liverpool's top scorer with nine goals.
Jose Manuel REINA is the only remaining player to have been on the field for every minute of the Reds' Premiership matches this season.
REINA and Steven GERRARD are the only players to have figured in at least a part of each of Liverpool's Premiership games this season.
BOLTON WANDERERS
Nicolas ANELKA is Bolton's top scorer with eight goals - seven of which were in the Premiership.
ANELKA has scored five in five League appearances.
There are two former Liverpool players in the Bolton ranks - ANEKLA and El-Hadji DIOUF.
ANELKA made 22 appearances and scored five goals (20 appearances, four goals in the Premiership) when on loan to the Merseysiders from Paris St-Germain for five months from December 2001.
DIOUF made 80 appearances and scored six goals in two seasons at Anfield, until he was transferred to the Reebok in a £3.5 million move in August 2004. The Senegal international scored three goals in 55 Premiership appearances for the Reds.
Only Jussi JAASKELAINEN has figured in every minute of every one of the Trotters' Premiership fixtures this season.
If he keeps goal from the outset, the Finland International will be making his 300th start in English League appearance - all for Bolton.
Kevin DAVIES is a brace shy of 50 career Premiership goals.
When he next keeps goal from the outset, Ian WALKER will be making his 400th career League start (Spurs, Oxford, Leicester and Bolton).
LAST SEASON'S CORRESPONDING GAME
Liverpool 1-0 Bolton Wanderers
9 April 2006 - Ref: Rob Styles
Liverpool scorer: Fowler 45
THIS SEASON'S REVERSE FIXTURE
Bolton Wanderers 2-0 Liverpool
30 September 2006 - Ref: Phil Dowd
Bolton scorers: Speed 30, Campo 51
HEAD TO HEAD TOTALS
Home and away
League: Liverpool 43 wins, Bolton 35, Draws 29
Prem: Liverpool 8 wins, Bolton 3, Draws 4
at Liverpool only
League: Liverpool 27 wins, Bolton 10, Draws 16
Prem: Liverpool 6 wins, Bolton 0, Draws 1
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RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner - 1/1/2007 5:25:11 AM
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azinorum
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Blocking and diving is Bolton's way, says Benítez
Dominic Fifield
Monday January 1, 2007
The Guardian
The simmering antipathy between Liverpool and Bolton Wanderers has resurfaced yet again before the teams' meeting at Anfield this afternoon, with Rafael Benítez warning today's referee, Graham Poll, to look out for what he perceives to be the visitors' overly aggressive tactics and gamesmanship.
Benítez claimed that Bolton's emphasis on blocking opponents at corners and free-kicks would not be tolerated in his native Spain and he urged Poll to be aware of El Hadji Diouf's apparent pride at winning set plays by diving - the former Liverpool striker said in November that "sometimes when I need to dive to get a penalty it's because, for me, the best footballer is a footballer who is very clever".
A victory for Liverpool would lift them above Bolton into third place in the Premiership but Sam Allardyce's side pose a threat. "When you play against Bolton, the key during the game is the referee," said Benítez, who suffered his first domestic defeat as Liverpool's manager against Bolton in August 2004 and has had a fractious relationship with Allardyce ever since.
"Each player or each team decides how they want to win, and you can't criticise them for that, but the rules are the same for everybody. When you play against Bolton you must say to the referee: 'Be aware of each throw-in, each foul or each free-kick you award because it makes a big difference if the decisions are right or wrong.'
"I don't think Bolton could play the way they do in Spain. At every free-kick, every corner, every throw-in they commit what in Spain would be a foul, but here it's not. They know this and they take advantage of all these things.
"When they block someone or go against the goalkeeper, it's up to the referee to see it's a foul. It happens from all their set pieces - you can see two or three players trying to take advantage of this. I've seen two or three players surrounding the keeper sometimes. That is a foul, simple as that.
"Diouf and Nicolas Anelka are good players but one of them is really proud of diving and I don't like that. If we are killing the players who dive and someone says he is proud to dive because it is good for him and his team, then I feel we cannot support this. The referee must be aware of this."
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RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner - 1/1/2007 8:53:29 AM
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azinorum
Posts: 1823
Score: 51
Joined: 8/25/2006
From: Baghdad Iraq
Status: offline
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HALF TIME
Liverpool 0-0 Bolton
Liverpool
· 25 Reina
· 03 Finnan
· 4142 Carragher
· 04 Hyypia
· 06 Riise
· 7778 Pennant
· 8990 Alonso
· 08 Gerrard
· 113114 Gonzalez
· 125126 Crouch
· 137138 Kuyt
Substitutes
· 01 Dudek,
· 05 Agger,
· 09 Fowler,
· 189190 Luis Garcia,
· 201202 Aurelio
Bolton
· 217218 Jaaskelainen
· 02 Hunt
· 241242 Faye
· 253254 Ben Haim
· 265266 Gardner
· 08 Campo
· 04 Nolan
· 06 Speed
· 313314 Diouf
· 325326 Anelka
· 337338 Davies
Substitutes
· 01 Al Habsi,
· 365366 Teymourian,
· 05 Meite,
· 389390 Vaz Te,
· 401402 Tal
Ref: G Poll
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RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner - 1/1/2007 9:53:20 AM
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azinorum
Posts: 1823
Score: 51
Joined: 8/25/2006
From: Baghdad Iraq
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Liverpool 3-0 Bolton
Liverpool climbed above Bolton to third in the Premiership after a superb second-half performance at Anfield.
Peter Crouch grabbed the first, the striker majestically volleying in from eight yards after fine approach play from Dirk Kuyt and Jermaine Pennant. Kuyt was again involved two minutes later as Steven Gerrard brilliantly volleyed in the Dutchman's cross. After Jussi Jaaskelainen saved well from Sami Hyypia, Kuyt got his goal by drilling under the Bolton goalkeeper.
The second-half drubbing was largely what Bolton deserved for an apathetic display during which they failed to muster a single shot on target.
Unbeaten at home in the league for 27 games now, their best run since 1981, Liverpool kicked off 2007 in lively fashion as they surged at Bolton from the start.
With plenty of width provided by Mark Gonzalez and Pennant they tested Bolton's defence early on, Gerrard lashing wide and Kuyt's goalbound volley bravely blocked by Abdoulaye Faye. Bolton did not want to give third place up easily and they soon settled into their customary rhythm of breaking up the play, though they never looked like creating much.
To Liverpool's credit they matched their opponents' physical ability and continued to probe for an opening, with Pennant a constant threat down the right. The little winger was linking up well with Steve Finnan and after one move the right-back fired in a shot from 20 yards that Jaaskelainen did well to parry on to the bar.
Another impressive passing move lead to the ball falling at Xabi Alonso's feet 20 yards out, but the Spaniard's side-footed effort curled away from goal and narrowly wide of the target.
It was a different story after the break, as two goals in as many minutes got the home fans rocking.
Just after the hour mark Crouch conjured up a goal right out of the top drawer, acrobatically volleying in from eight yards after brilliant work from Kuyt and Pennant down the right. Only 83 seconds later it was game over, as more fine approach play from Kuyt ended with the Dutchman crossing for Gerrard to superbly volley into the top corner. Stunned by the suddenness of their demise, Bolton fell apart.
Crouch fired at Jaaskelainen then headed over when he should have scored, before Sami Hyypia forced a wonder save from his fellow Finn with a header from a corner. Bolton's repreive was short-lived, as Kuyt got the goal his all-action display deserved by latching on to Luis Garcia's pass and firing under Jaaskelainen into the far corner.
The Premiership's form team started the new year just as they ended the last one.
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RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner - 1/2/2007 4:36:15 AM
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azinorum
Posts: 1823
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Joined: 8/25/2006
From: Baghdad Iraq
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GERRARD WELCOMES FRESH YEAR AND NEW START
Alan Smith, Daily Telegraph 02 January 2007
Both a rewarding and promising start to 2007, you might say, for Steven Gerrard. An MBE in the New Year's Honours List kicked off proceedings nicely before a true captain's performance yesterday breathed life into Liverpool's demolition of Bolton.
On top of that, one or two signs make for positive reading. Still unbeaten at Anfield this season, Gerrard and co have almost forgotten what it feels like to concede a Premiership goal as they bust a gut to make up for a dreadful start.
Confidence is growing and you never know, something might yet turn up come the end of this season, some form of success that didn't look possible between August and November.
Back then Rafael Benitez's side were fumbling in the dark. The manager's penchant for squad rotation was being roundly criticised when one lacklustre away performance after another cast a dark cloud.
Now, things look different. This collection of players might not stir the blood in the way others can – there aren't any Cristiano Ronaldos within the ranks - but a team ethic bolsters some undoubted quality to make Liverpool a serious proposition.
With ****nal up twice next in the FA Cup and Carling Cup quarter-final, with Chelsea due to visit towards the end of the month, and the mouthwatering prospect of facing Barcelona in the Champions League hovering in the distance, the immediate future looks exciting.
So what about the captain? How's he feeling just now? Well, Gerrard's decision, two summers back, to stay loyal to his roots, despite Chelsea's fervent pursuit, could bear fruit if he can sit tight for a while longer.
Most encouragingly, DIC, the Dubai-based group planning to buy this famous old club, should, if all goes well, transform the whole scene. Hopes and ambitions are suddenly hiked up. A new 60,000-seat stadium would help, as would the extra cash that will reportedly become available for new players.
And that, after all, has always been Gerrard's main wish: that his beloved team could build something substantial to give his prodigious talent (my words, not his) a fitting stage on which to flourish. Don't get me wrong, Liverpool aren't there just yet. In fact, it will probably take a couple of seasons to see a marked improvement, but the potential is growing to take a real crack at the big boys.
Yet for 45 minutes here, that prospect looked a world away. Anfield was terribly subdued as it watched a drab contest searching for quality and class. In the middle of the mediocrity, Gerrard kept plugging away, trying to lift the mood by adding some urgency with his barn-storming bursts.
In the end, that enthusiasm paid off, albeit indirectly through Peter Crouch's spectacular opener. Then up stepped the skipper to make his own mark. Anticipating Dirk Kuyt's cross perfectly, he sneaked between two defenders to find the top corner with a sweet volley. Running towards the corner flag, his regal bow to celebrate seemed the appropriate reaction for this latest Member of the British Empire.
Yes, it has been a good start to 2007. Gerrard, what's more, sounds like a man on a mission. 'New Year means a new start', he said determinedly in his programme column. Finding out where that start leads should prove interesting.
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RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner - 1/2/2007 12:46:10 PM
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azinorum
Posts: 1823
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Joined: 8/25/2006
From: Baghdad Iraq
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CROUCH: I DON'T WANT TO LEAVE
Peter Crouch claims he is loving life at Liverpool and insists he will remain at the club for as long as the manager wants him
Both the striker and Benitez have now poured scorn on transfer talk which surfaced over the festive period.
"I've heard all the speculation and all I can say is I'm happy here and love playing for the club," said Crouch.
"It's a fantastic club, all the games are massive and I wouldn't want to leave. I hope I've shown when I do play I always give 100 per cent. I see my future here and as long as the manager doesn't want me to go, I won't be going.
"I've had challenges throughout my career and this is another one. There are a lot of players who get rotated and I'm not the only one.
"When you get a chance, you've got to take it. Hopefully I've given the manager something to think about. We all need to impress, not just those who are in and out.
"It can get frustrating when you want to play every game and do your best for the club, but all you can do is keep working hard.
"I know the manager has got no problem with me. Everyone who knows me knows my attitude won't change. I've always worked hard and given my all, and that's always going to be the case."
Crouch's wonder-strike against Bolton on New Year's Day was his 10th goal of the season, making him the club's top scorer this term.
He added: "I was thinking about the Galatasaray goal when I struck it and it was nice to prove that was no fluke.
"It was a good ball in and it was an instinctive strike. That's just what we needed, because the game opened up then to allow us to get three.
"We've got ourselves back in a good position again. There are some difficult games to come, but there's a lot to play for and it's up to us what we get out of the season."
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RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner - 1/2/2007 12:49:08 PM
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azinorum
Posts: 1823
Score: 51
Joined: 8/25/2006
From: Baghdad Iraq
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