Liverpool Swansea Draw

Liverpool and Swansea as expected looked like they both play similar style game. Swansea was built by Brendan Rodgers after managing two successful years qualifying them for the Premier league and finishing 11th in the league table last season. After taking charge of Liverpool this season, Rodgers brought his style of game in Liverpool famously known as tiki-taka. Liverpool is still the team in the building, with 8 games unbeaten in Premier League.

The game today remained slow as both teams held possession for longer time. The first half looked like Liverpool were going to win the game with several shots on target including the one by Sterling which hit the cross bar. A goal by Enrique was rightly ruled offside but the decision was very close. At the end of the first half Liverpool were in a rhythm and looked like they were surely going to win the game. But the rhythm broke after the break. The second half was nothing special with both sides coming close but the finishing wasn't good.

The best chance came when Suarez and Sterling were on the counter. The pass from Sterling was little too heavy for Suarez. Suarez still managed to get the shot on target however the shot went right at the goalkeeper who held the ball firmly. Shelvey got his first shot after coming in by replacing Henderson which was powerful and on target but again blocked by the goalkeeper.

As the match commentator Jon Champion said, the game will not remain on the memory for a long time. It was not an exciting game to watch.

Resumption

After being lost for more than three years here is my first post on this blog. Lot of changes since the last time I wrote. Here are the major things that I'd like to mention before resuming anything:
In three years:

1. Manchester United won two titles beating Liverpool's 18 title records
2. Three managers took charge of Liverpool after Benitez was sacked
3. Roy Hodgson took over Benitez and was soon replaced by Kenny Dalglish
4. Liverpool sold players like Mascherano, Arbeloa, Alonso, Riera, Torres, Benayoun, Kuyt, and more
5. There were many in comers like Luis Suarez, Jose Enrique
6. Liverpool won the League Cup
7. Kenny Dalglish was sacked at the end of 2011/2012 campaign after Liverpool finished 7th in the league
8. Brendan Rodgers who had a very successful 2 years at Swansea was appointed as the new boss
9. Rodgers gave a new look to the team bringing in many young players with the likes of Joe Allen, Nuri Sahin, Fabio Borini
10. Rodgers gave chances to many youngsters at Liverpool like Raheem Sterling, Suso, Wisdom
 11. Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel have bonded very well at the back as one of the best defender pairs
12. Pepe Reina is still the No. 1 goalkeeper at the club
13. The captain fantastic Steven Gerrard is still making the best of impacts to get the positive results at the club.
14. Standard Chartered replaced Carlsberg as the official sponsor of the club

 The club is at the 11th position right now in the league with 12 games played and 15 points out of 36 possible. The team however looks to be gaining its right momentum. I will keep the updates every week from now on. The first update will be for tomorrow's "Europa League" game against Young Boys. Till then. Ciao.

(Liverpool - Gerrard) > Manchester United

The game kicked off with both sides looking strong. Liverpool was trying to avoid fifth consecutive defeat. It looked difficult on paper but not in the field. In fact Liverpool won both home and away against Manchester United last season and this was a consecutive third win against them in the Premiership.

Benitez was not even sure that Torres would start. It was in the bus towards Anfield that he gained confidence over his fitness and decided to let him play, Benitez later said in the press conference after the game where he looked very happy. Torres was not 100% fit but sometimes 80% of Torres is enough to make the difference, he further added.

Gerrard was not playing a part as he was injured. It seemed almost impossible for Liverpool to make it without Gerrard. But the game was important for every player and all the fans of Liverpool.

There was no genuine attack from United in the first half while Liverpool had already threatened Van Der Saar with Aurelio's free kick and Kuyt's effort. United were always second best in the game but they were attacking time and again. Liverpool's loose defense which has always been criticized this season looked unbreakable this time. The game got more and more interesting as the first half ended 0-0.

The heat didn't slide down as the second half started. Both defense were hard to break but in the 65th minute, a brilliant pass from Benayoun took Torres into the six yard box with Ferdinand chasing him in vain. The final touch was so brilliant that it left Van Der Saar looking at the ball swish past him into the back of the net. With one goal lead, Liverpool looked stronger than ever attacking the ball. United tried to prove that they were as much in the game when the kick from Valencia struck the cross bar and went out of play for a throw in. Vidic was sent off third time in a row against Liverpool with a second yellow card when he obstructed Kuyt which otherwise would have been a wonderful chance for Liverpool to double the tally. Towards the end of the game Torres was replaced by nGog as Torres was to be saved from being futher injured. Liverpool were successful in defending the one goal lead perfectly frustrating the United players. In the extra time Mascherano was also sent off for a challenge against Van Der Saar outside the D-box. In the end of the five minutes extra time nGog scored doubling the tally through a brilliant counter attack to seal the victory.

It was a perfect Sunday match to celebrate a victory for the Reds fans. Benitez's job was believed to be on the rocks with the poorest form in years. But he proved that his team is capable of doing anything at any amount of pressure.

It was a great victory indicating Red's return in the season. They will prove themselves well ahead.

Should he be sacked?

Liverpool are in the poorest form in 22 years. Four successive defeats, two in Champions League and two in the Premiership. They are in the eighth position with 15 points from possible 27 and in the Champions League Group E, they are in the third position with three points from possible nine. This is the worst position that I have seen since I supported Liverpool.

20 years since the Premiership title was won and last season Liverpool were closest in years. Everyone was hoping high about this season. But they gave a bad start with two early losses. Hopes were still alive when Liverpool bounced back, but now the losing streak doesn't seem come to an end. With Gerrard and Torres injured, the games seemed nothing like Liverpool. The loss of Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid during transfers seem to have struck hard on Liverpool this time. Though the void was filled by signing Aquilani from Roma, he hasn't debuted yet with knee injury that seems to have taken quite longer time to change Liverpool's fate.

Besides that, there are tactical problems I see. Analysing the games, whenever Rafa has played Gerrard upfront depending on Lucas for the midfield, Liverpool has lost games. Gerrard is such player who can manipulate the ball from his own D-Box to the back of the net of the opponent. He has the ability to drive the whole team if he is played in the midfield. He can support Carragher in defense and Torres up front. But when he is played at the front, he has little role in manipulating the game. Most of the time he is idle waiting for the ball to reach him which never happens. Benayoun is one impressive player who has given 100% in all games that he plays. But Rafa has other options and keeps him on bench. Riera is very witty with the ball. He can fool three defenders at a time, but he is kept on the bench. Lucas should be the last option in the midfield but he always starts and keeps losing possession.

Keeping these things in mind and if Rafa does not change his tactics, in my opinion, he should leave Liverpool alone.

The Transfer Zone

Seems like the transfer market this time is on fire. Real Madrid is the biggest player in the market with Ronaldo, Kaka, Benzema and Albiol already costing them more than 200 million pounds. They've targeted even more big names with the likes of Ribery whose arrival is not very likely however. With these big signings, speculations are that La Liga will be the most popular league in the coming season putting BPL behind.

In England, not much big signings have yet been seen.

Liverpool have signed Glen Johnson from Pompey for 17 million pound. Largely Glen seems worth the spending as he will cover the right back position as Arbeloa's exit is very likely. Alonso is on the radar of Real Madrid and they are close to landing him. Barcelona have always been tempted by one of the best holding midfielders in the world - Mascherano. However the deal has not yet been a success and is not likely. However, this will leave Liverpool to worry about signing a midfielder. Bayern were believed to receive a huge offer from Liverpool for their star player Ribery. But it also doesn't seem likely. Now Rafa is eying Valencia's Silva who could be a good signing if either of the two left Anfield.

Manchester City have been on the limelight as far as signing big players is concerned. They've already got hold of Gareth Barry, Tevez and Santa Cruz and are close to signing Adebayour and they're lining a mega bid for John Terry. However Man City lost out Kaka to Real Madrid and there were many other rumors.

Manchester United let go Ronaldo and Tevez already, while they have only been able to sign Valencia from Wigan and Owen from Newcastle. Sir Alex Ferguson is finding the transfer market crazy because whoever they target are either overpriced (everyone knows about the 80 million pound that ManU possesses)or sold to other clubs (Benzema being an example). Sir Alex has now given up on signing players this season.

Chelsea had just one significant signing - Zhirkov, while they seem to be on the verge of letting go Mr. Chelsea - John Terry. However it is still a doubt that JT will be allowed to leave Chelsea. Ancelotti, the new Chelsea boss has largely remained silent in the transfer market.

Arsenal are also on the verge of losing Adebayour to Manchester City. Their January signing Arshavin has been largely a hit while they've signed another deal with Van Persie. There has not been big sale as well as big signing yet.

The transfer zone has been merely a place to watch for English clubs this season.

Let's see what happens next in the world of club football.

Waiting for the league to start.

Till then.

Ciao.

08/09 best in years

Though today Man Utd clinched the title for the third time in a row, I was very happy with Liverpool's performance this season, even when they do not have a single award in hand. The improvement they've made this season is really appreciable. What all Liverpool fans around the world wanted was consistency and that's what they have shown. Lost only two games in Premier League this season, they have proved that they're one of the best in England and deserved a better reward. However, they are in for some real challenge and that will happen the next season for sure. With either Gerrard or Torres remaining unfit throughout the season was one of the reasons why Liverpool did not win this season. All the "big four" teams are great and every team has the potential to win the league.

For this time around, 80 points with two games still to play is a very good result. Liverpool hopes to end the season with 86 points as that is the best they can do this season. The next season will be a blast with a number of new faces in the squad and definitely the improved quality.

Shattered C Leage hopes

Chelsea visited Anfield on the first leg of the quarter finals of Champions League. The game started all well for Liverpool. They looked like the same team with the same level of confidence with Torres opening the score as early as six minutes into play. It looked as though Liverpool were going to score a couple more. However, Chelsea started to put pressure. The game was close with both the teams taking chances and attacking all the time. In the 39th minute Chelsea broke the deadlock when Ivanovic headed the ball following a corner kick into the back of the net.

The second half was more miserable for Liverpool. Chelsea capitalized another corner kick when Ivanovic again put the header into the net. Chelsea weren't going to stop as soon after the second goal, Drogba scored to make the scoreline 1-3. Benayoun replaced Riera, Dossena replaced Aurelio and Babel replaced Lucas but nothing could be changed.

Liverpool are to visit Stamford Bridge on Tuesday for the second leg. Something very special should happen for Liverpool to reach the semis.

Good Luck.

THE PERFECT ANSWER

First and foremost, it is the perfect answer to those who believe that ManU is the only club that plays football and others go to Old Trafford to eat grass. This is the perfect answer to those who believed that the season was over. This is the perfect answer to what Rooney had said earlier before match. This is the perfect answer to Alex Ferguson who believed that their 18th title is certainly on his way.

I don't think I can write about the details of the match, thanks to Nepal Electricity Authority, I couldn't watch first 67 minutes of the match. But as I turned the TV on at 8:00, I knew that Liverpool were going to win. The scoreline was 1-2 Liverpool's way. I could clearly see that ManU were fighting back, but still Liverpool were able to defend easily. Soon, Vidic was sent off for a challenge against Gerrard and Aurelio increased the lead through that free kick. They were never going to stop because just like he did in the midweek C League match against Real Madrid, Dossena scored a perfect chip through a counter attack created by Reina.

The score was ManU 1-4 Liverpool. The score speaks it all. Now Liverpool are 4 points behind ManU however ManU has 1 game in hand. Still lot more to do but it was indeed a perfect answer.

Inspired to write

I had lost hopes, frustrated, annoyed and arrogant on how Liverpool slipped their top position. I had stopped writing because there was no use of writing. It is what has happened every season. They've put some hopes and then slipped points at home all the time. Frustrated I was that I stopped commenting on how they lose points because that is what I have been doing for that last three seasons. But suddenly I am inspired to write again. I had never seen Liverpool play like last night before. They looked stronger than ever to me.

Liverpool's success at Champions League has been something to consider, something to talk about. Last night they were defending their away lead at home. Everyone must have expected Liverpool to be reluctant to attack. But 5 minutes into the play was the answer. They attacked like they were going to score 4 goals and that is what they did. The first 10 minutes were as though Real Madrid were kids trying to find out what was going on and it took them 90 minutes to know what was happening if they ever did. 16 minutes and Torres scored through a pass from Kuyt which was a perfect counter attack created by Reina and capitalized by Torres himself. Second goal was through a penalty in 28th minute which was entirely wrong decision taken by the linesman awarding penalty for a handball against Heinze who was further yellow carded.

The first half ended 2-0 with an aggregate of 3-0. 2 minutes into the play in the second half, Gerrard doubled his score through a brilliant pass from Babel. This looked like the game was concluded but Liverpool were never going to stop as Dossena who replaced Torres in 80th minute scored in 88th minute making the tally 4-0.

Not much to talk about Real Madrid's play as they looked outnumbered all the time.

Great Victory. YNWA.

A Victory of Hopes

Gerrard scored after frustrating unlucky thirty minutes where chances were won by Newcastle's luck. When Gerrard opened the score following a back pass in the D-box from Benayoun, Liverpool looked stronger than ever. Soon after 5 minutes, Hyypia scored to double the tally but Liverpool could not end the first half without conceding through a header from Edgar.

Five minutes into the second half, Babel scored again for Liverpool which was an unlikely goal with four Newcastle defenders against Babel alone inside the box that tumbled in front of the keeper Shay Given for a while. Gerrard was never going to stop scoring as he again netted the ball in the 66th minute capitalizing the one on one situation with Given. Alonso came as a substitution to score through a penalty earned by Ngog another substitution which made the score 1-5 at James Park.

The season has been the best since 1990 when Liverpool last lifted the league trophy. The hopes are that this time around Liverpool seem to have the potential to make it to the League title. May Gerrard and Carragher's dream come true.

Keane dumps Bolton

A great win to retain the top spot in the premier league. Liverpool were very strong and determined to win the home game this time. The game ended 3-0 at home with Riera scoring one in the first half and Keane scoring twice in the second. As the league has entered the second half after Christmas, the Boxing day saw Liverpool start the latter half with a very confident win. The never satisfied coach Benitez was at Anfield but Sammy Lee was the man in charge following Benitez's kidney-stone surgery.

Riera took the lead in the 26th minute goal from Gerrard's corner kick which he only had to flick to divert it into the back of the net. Then in the 52nd minute, Keane showed an example of how confident a striker he is by netting the ball with his second best left foot. The third goal was a counter attack started by brilliant keeper Reina who rolled the ball to Alonso following a simple save that saw Alonso take the ball all the way to the other side where he passed it to Benayoun who gifted it to Keane inside the box and the ball had nowhere to go with Keane's final touch except goal.

It was second 1-1 draw in a row at the Emirates Stadium between Arsenal and Liverpool in 2008 in the premier league itself. They had played last season's fixture in April where a goal each from Peter Crouch and Van Persie saw the two sides leveled. Yesterday too the match ended in a 1-1 draw with Arsenal taking the lead in 25th minute through Robin Van Persie through a fabulous cross from the wonder kid Nasri. 5 minutes before the half time the shy striker Robbie Keane made it level with a very confident one-on-one goal with Almunia. In no time, Gerrard could have doubled the score through a wonderful pass from Kuyt only 3 yards from goal which went pegging. The second half saw Emmannuel Adebayour yellow carded for the second time in the 60th minute which made him leave the field but seemed quite an unfair decision whatsoever.

Liverpool had visited Emirates without Torres and Rafa Benitez himself. However Rafa was in contact with the Goalkeeping coach throughout the game instructing Sammy Lee who was in charge of Liverpool side in his absence. The game was pretty interesting but Liverpool could have done better especially after 60th minute when Aresenal were down to 10 men without Adebayour. However, they're in the top position two points clear from Chelsea who are to visit Pompey tonight.

League Leaders

Four years and eight months of Chelsea's unbeaten record at Stamford bridge with 86 matches was brought to an end by Liverpool to top the table in the Barclay's Premier League. Liverpool have not only won the game but proved their critics wrong that their top form will not continue till the middle of the season. They have proved that they are here this time to win the title and not to settle for anything less. No one must have expected Liverpool to win the match, but their fans had faith on them that turned to be true. Liverpool got in front through a deflection on Xabi Alonso's shot in the 10th minute of the game and kept their lead throughout. Chelsea had shown their best in the last fifteen minutes of the first half otherwise, Liverpool were the better side in every way. In the second half, the game got a bit physical with the frustration that grew on Chelsea with a number of cards being produced.

With Drogba, Ballack and Joe Cole injured, Scolari had to use some new young faces which didn't turn out to be the best of efforts. There were many occassions where Chelsea was outnumbered by the Liverpool defense brilliantly. On the other side, Torres was not available with the hamstring injury, and Babel was considered not to be cent percent fit by himself. However, Babel was an important substitution in the 60th minute which troubled the Chelsea defense very well. In numbers, the efforts from Liverpool were more with Xabi Alonso coming closest with the free kick that hit the woodwork. Babel had produced an excellent effort which went a yard away from goal. Chelsea made less efforts in comparison, moreover, the Liverpool defense was very hard to break.

The win has been the most important one taking Liverpool to the top of the table three points clear Chelsea and eight points clear the defending champions Manchester United.

Done it Again

This was the fifth time Liverpool came back and won the game this season (four in BPL and one in Champions League). This shows how passionate they are for the title. Liverpool conceded a goal which was a gift to Zaki from the mistakes from Agger and Reina (I would not call it only Agger's mistake because Reina also made a mistake while playing the ball to Agger when Carragher was free on the far side) . However, Agger made a quick remedy for his mistake by moving with the ball from one side of the field to the other with a superb run and creating the chance that was converted by Kuyt. At the end of the first half, Zaki again scored with an outstanding bycycle volley.
The game changed in the second half as Antonio Valencia (Wigan Athletic) was shown the yellow card twice and sent off for two challenges that deserved bookings. This brought about a turn in the game and it was very best utilized by Rafa Benitez. Benitez substituted two full backs Dossena and Arbeloa and sent El Zhar and Benayoun into the field. As the pressure was not going to increase on the defense, Rafa took this opportunity to attack and score and it took no time to equalise when El Zhar created the best chance of the game which was tactfully left by Gerrard for Riera to strike which went into the back of the net. Liverpool were not ready to settle on sharing points and kept their attack at the highest level. They kept on putting the pressure and finally Kuyt scored again to become the savior.
Liverpool have kept the title race very much alive however, the 5-0 win over Middlesbrough has extended the Chelsea's goal difference lead. It might take these two teams to face each other to bring any difference on the point.

Trouble again

Torres will be out of field for at least ten to fifteen days with a hamstring tear from his international duty. So this means, he will be out of at least four fixtures including the one with his previous home club Atletico Madrid, Chelsea, Latics and Pompey being the other three. This may cost some points for Liverpool from BPL and CL as well. Liverpool are in a good position in both the competitions and yet to come to their best form, but Torres' injury might be a real blow to them having to slip points and position. Let's hope for the best and the best is yet to come.

Dropped Two Points

The goal from the perfect free kick by Steven Gerrard early in the game was ruled out by the poor decision made by the linesman. After that it was a frustrating game for Liverpool against Stoke City failing to score. It was a huge opportunity for them to get atop the table as Manchester United and Chelsea drew 1-1. Had they won against Stoke City, they would be two points clear Chelsea and one point ahead of Arsenal leading the Barclays Premier League. The defense and the consistent resistance from Stoke City with brilliant performance from the Goalie Sorensen was praiseworthy. They deserved the point they collected from Anfield and it was something to celebrate for them.
However, for Liverpool it was the most disappointing result in all competitions this season. The numerous attempts by Xabi Alonso, Steven Gerrard and even from Torres went pegging as they failed to score until the 90th minute. The frustrated team had to drop two points to remain at the third position behind Arsenal and Chelsea.

A Perfect Win

Manchester United were no match to Liverpool as far as their latest meeting is concerned. Liverpool came from behind to win a well deserved 2-1 win over Manchester United. Liverpool started with Gerrard and Torres both on the bench. They got behind right in the third minute into play. Two debutantes from either side (Riera for Liverpool and Berbatov for Manchester United) left something to look for in future. Berbatov set an early goal for Tevez who was completely missed by Mascherano, that gave them lead in style. On the other side, Riera played really good football at the left wing putting on decent crosses at times. With a couple of mistakes from goalkeeper Van Der Saar, Manchester got a little bit unlucky to have conceded an own goal through Wes Brown. The game ended levelled at 1-1 at the end of the first half.

The second half began with Liverpool putting pressure right from the beginning. Couple of chances created by ManU went pegging with the likes of a 5 yard effort from Tevez and a long range effort by Paul Scholes. Rafa had no choice but to send Gerrard on field in the 68th minute who changed the game literally by troubling the defense. Then came the super substitute Ryan Babel in the 72nd minute to replace Riera. Within minutes after entering the field, Kuyt set a nice goal to Babel who in turn struck so confidently that the ball had no destination except the back of the net. This was a perfect reply and a replica to what Manchester United had produced in the 3rd minute of the first half to take the lead. This time it was Liverpool's turn to take the lead.

Referee had no choice except to send Vidic off with second yellow card, after a harsh challenge over Alonso in the 90th minute. The game ended with 2-1 scoreline, Liverpool winning and climbing to the top of the table with 10 points. Chelsea are visiting Manchester City later tonight and if they lose or draw the game, Liverpool will be on the top for at least a week.

The Clash

As the day has come, Liverpool have some good news. In a press conference, Benitez revealed that Gerrard and Torres both have made good progress and will be on the squad. When asked about whether they will play or not, he replied that when they are in squad they are there to play. This might have surprised many at Old Trafford as they were expecting them not to be available and even Liverpool FC fans were disappointed earlier when Gerrard ruled himself out of the clash. But however, they are in the squad and that's a good news not only to Liverpool FC fans but to every football fan willing to watch a quality game. Liverpool vs Manchester United is a big game and without big players from both sides, it won't be good enough, though Chritiano Ronaldo and Hargreaves will not be playing from the other side. 30 million pound Berbatov will probably make his debut at Anfield and provide more options to Sir Alex Ferguson.

Troubled Liverpool

Steven Gerrard will not be playing against Manchester United on Saturday after he confirmed himself unfit for the clash. Fernando Torres is also highly unlikely to be ready for the game because of the hamstring tear which could take some more weeks to bring him on field. This has left Benitez to manage his team without the 'amazing duo'. Liverpool clearly will have to play Keane and Kuyt/Babel up front and will probably introduce Reira to the Premier League on the left wing. The midfield will have Xabi Alonso, Mascherano, Benayoun/Lucas and El Zhar who will come on as a substitute as he has been successful in giving impressive performances. The defense will be managed by Carragher, Martin Skrtel, Arbeloa/Hyypia and Dossena and probably Benitez will send in Aurelio in the second half. Pepe Reina has always been Number 1 ever since he came in even though his jersey is numbered 25. He will be very busy this Saturday as Manchester United will have Rooney, Tevez and probably Berba putting pressure up front. Liverpool have not beaten Manchester United under Benitez and a win on Saturday would be the greatest reward to him.

Big Money Big Names

As soon as Abu Dhabi United Group (ADUG) took over Manchester City from Thaksin Sinawatra, a wind of revolution has been felt in the Premier League. The Light Blues have emerged as the new contender if not for the Premier League title, definitely for the Champions League position next season. This does not only mean that they have a chance of playing the Champions League next season, but also signifies that one of the top-four clubs (Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal or Liverpool) will not be playing the Champions League next season. With their desire to build the very best team on the planet, they are seeking to attract big names in football with the likes of Steven Gerrard, Michael Essien, Christiano Ronaldo, Kaka and so on with the immediate interest in Steven Gerrard and Michael Essien in the coming winter. Having already beaten Chelsea in signing Robinho from Real Madrid for 32 Million Pounds mega deal, it seems that as long as you can spend, you can do anything. After all, money matters everywhere and football is no exception.

Riise's Open Letter to Fans

After his seven years career at Anfield, Riise joined Roma. However, his open letter to fans proves that he will be and will always be accepted by his fans as a true Red forever.

“Dear fans of Liverpool FC,

“After seven seasons at Anfield, it's time for me to "walk on". In many ways it feels inspiring and exciting to be familiar with the pressure of a new employer, meet new fans, meet a new culture and play a new kind of football. I look forward to this new adventure, but I travel with a loss.

“Because, it's not easy for me to leave you - the world's best supporters! I've been thinking about this almost every day this summer. After seven wonderful seasons, and more than 340 matches for Liverpool, I never had the opportunity to make a real and proper goodbye with you - the world's most motivating fans. You have always supported me and the team and I want you all to know how important you've been to me and the other players.

“I've been giving my "thank you" to the club, the staff and the players and they'll always have a special place in my heart. And this is my thank-you letter to all the fans out there that have been supporting me during these years. I will follow the team closely from Italy and will stay in touch with many of the players and many of my friends in Liverpool.

“With respect to the many hundreds of great moments I have experienced in red, it will be unfair to draw up one highlight rather than another. There has always been the highlight of wearing the red shirt at Anfield. It's always been a privilege to have the initials LFC on the space closest to the heart. As you all know I was a player who always, no matter what, gave 110 per cent in every training session and every game. I always tried to give you the entertainment you deserved. Even in the bad moments you were there for me and the team.

“To play in front of the red crowd, every minute has been a privilege. Even after my unfortunate own goal against Chelsea in the Champions League semi last April - where all our dreams were crushed - I felt the support and sympathies from you as real and important. When I signed seven years ago, I couldn't in my wildest dreams expect the journey you all gave me. I will always be grateful for that. A big thank-you to you all.

“I'm 100 per cent sincere when I say that I will always remember all the great moments we've had and you - our fans - have such great importance for these great matches and great moments. Liverpool FC will have a lot more great moments like this in the future and I hope that I will experience great things with my new team - AS Roma. I hope you will continue to follow my career.

“Therefore, I do not say goodbye, but so long. Arrivederci - Walk on!

Sincerely,
John Arne Riise
"The ginger".

Torres too!!!

Liverpool are awarded with yet another blow. Torres is out with hamstring injury and will miss games that are crucial with the likes of next fixture with Manchester United. The previous game with Aston Villa ended in a goalless draw without Torres and Gerrard and they are visiting Old Trafford probably without these players again. Liverpool are vying to score in every match but are not being able to score with some genuine chances created by themselves. At this stage, the question arises that have Liverpool spent wisely enough this time to be able to remain in the title chase? They're not looking any better.

Gerrard Out!!! What's in store?

Steven Gerrard will be out for two weeks. With Gareth Barry confirming his stay at Villa, Liverpool will have to play Alonso, Mascherano and maybe Babel/Lucas to fill the void left by Gerrard's injury. The next two fixtures for Liverpool will be tough without Gerrard because it will be a tough away game against Aston Villa and regarding second fixture Benitez has never beaten Alex Ferguson in his career. Benitez has revealed that this time it is the League title that's most important to Liverpool and if he wants to regain long lost title for Liverpool, it is mandatory not to lose games throughout the season. Let's see what's in store.

Keane on Robbie

It rather came as a surprise when Robbie Keane joined Liverpool as he was not in the list that Benitez planned to make purchase. But question remains, is Robbie Keane really the one that leads the club to long lost title? The purpose behind his purchase could be filling the gap after Peter Crouch left for Portsmouth, although Keane and Crouch are far apart in their playing style. Keane probably will assist Torres more for goals than getting some by himself, but as the last season showed, Liverpool can do nothing only with Torres striking 33 goals. Liverpool rather needed a Torres-type striker (maybe David Villa) who can score goals in every game alongside Torres. However, the ex-Tottenham player is expected to leave the likes of Kuyt, Babel, Voronin (in case he stays), fighting for their positions in the starting eleven.

Double for ManU

This review should have come a long time ago, but due to some reasons it has been delayed. Manchester United has won both the BPL and CL taking the "double" away. Cannot say if Chelsea got unlucky with the BPL because they didn't even win the last game, but surely they got unlucky in the Champions League finals after reaching so close to the title. They have not broken their record of not winning the Champions League Title. For ManU, it must have been the most wonderful season winning the BPL for 17 times only one less than the mighty Liverpool. Anyways, the season is over now, let's wait for another to start in August.

It's getting more and more interesting

Yet another empty handed season for Liverpool. No title this season however, they played really well on the latter part of the season which was not at all enough to eye the domestic title though. At the Champions League, they got a little bit unlucky as they conceded an own goal at home. At Stamford Bridge, the same story, no one has beaten Chelsea for a long long time there. But Liverpool's season-end form always leaves a hope for the fans to await the next season.

Today looking at the season, everything has gone right for Chelsea. They were not even a threat at the mid-season and they climbed the table from third to second as Arsenal lost and drew games that were important leaving Chelsea and Manchester United to battle for the title. And now with only one game left for both of them, (Chelsea home and ManU away) the season cannot get more interesting. More importantly after this gets decided, these two teams will fight for the Champions League title. If ManU lose the BPL (Barclays Premier League), they will fully try to win the C League because after dominating the season for such a long time, they will not want to end it without a trophy. And if they win, who wants to lose the chance of getting "The Double". But looking critically at this situation, if Chelsea loses the BPL, nothing will stop them from winning the CL because they will be going to "Moscow" to play CL final which happens to be their owner's (Roman Abramovich's) homeland where most of the spectators will be supporting Chelsea. This will be like playing in a home ground.

Whatever happens, the pressure now is on Manchester United because they will have to save a title first by playing away and then CL which seems to be an away game even though it is not Stamford Bridge.

Merseyside Derby

After three consecutive draw finally Liverpool went home with vital three points from the Merseyside Derby, thanks to two penalties. However, it was not what I had expected. I had expected a draw but hoped for a win and and Liverpool got it. But the win was not satisfactory. Though it was Liverpool's day, they were favored by their luck and not their game. I think Liverpool should be able to create chances and convert them rather than depending on penalties. According to the boss Rafael Benitez, Liverpool is creating chances. What's the use when the chances are not converted? Why does Liverpool always try luck from 30 yards? Why Riise tries to score from so far when there is a lot of opportunity from inside the box? Liverpool is not creating chances seriously. Scoring is more important than just creating chances. Shots from inside the box are not on target and if they happen to get on target, they are always blocked by one defender or the other. Liverpool conceded a lot of penalties earlier this season and many of them were not converted thanks to brilliant blocks by goalkeeper Reina. But now we cannot be proud of winning penalties, scoring from the spot and winning, because we need to play, create chances, and score. That's the only way we can win games.

NO form NO title

I'm not happy with Liverpool vying to win every game and ending up with a single point. "We are not in form" is no excuse, because you need to be in form to win titles. If you're not in form at any point of the season, you do not deserve a title. Stevie G is the best player in the world and can produce chances from anywhere. I have no questions regarding his credibility. But when Stevie G is not in form, he should be replaced. All 22 players in the squad do not get out of form at the same time. I think Rafa can do much better. Despite various speculations, I do not question his credibility either, because Rafa has the ability and vision to take the team to where he wants. Things don't work at times and Rafa too should adapt to everything. If his rotation is not working, he should accept it and adapt to the change. There is nothing to panic because this is not the end of the season, but every game matters as we all know. I still believe Liverpool can lift Premiership title this season.