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Liverpool defeated at home

August 25th, 2009

Liverpool’s 31 games undefeated streak at home finally came to an end. Liverpool lost 3-1 to a Villa side which was desperately looking for a win. Before this match Villa had won only 2 of their last 18 matches, so, this win would give them the much needed confidence especially at the start of the season.

It all started well for Liverpool, Benayoun almost drew first blood in the first minute itself. They kept creating chances in the first 30 minutes but nothing was converted, luck didn’t seem to be favoring them. Finally the breakthrough came from a Liverpool player, but he scored for the away team.  Lucas headed Ashley Young’s cross into his own net in the 34th minute. Aston Villa added another just before half time, again from a set piece. This time the goal scorer was Davies who headed at the near post from a Nicky Shorey’s corner.

Liverpool looked dangerous in the second half. They kept pushing Villa’s defense to the limits. Finally in the 72nd minute Torres netted one back for Liverpool and suddenly it seemed that Liverpool might win it. Three minutes later Liverpool captain, Steven Gerrard provided a penalty to Villa through a reckless tackle on Nigel Reo-Coker, allowing Young to make the score 1-3.

Liverpool still kept creating chances here and there but nothing proved significant. The match leaves Liverpool at 10th place in the league table. Liverpool has already lost two of its first three games in the current season, and interestingly they lost only two games in entire season last year.

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Posted in Aston Villa, Liverpool, Premier League

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Football fever on a high

August 22nd, 2009

With the football fever on a high and spread like wild fire among all the soccer fans in the world, the Premier league that began from 19th august surely was more than welcomed.

The league kick started with one of the top favorites Arsenal taking on Stoke city and as expected from the star studded team they took it as it came and swept the game away from Stoke City by a stunning 4-0 win.

The game was filled with surprises and a little ruff play from Dean Whitehead of the stoke city landed them in a little trouble with him getting booked for unsporting game play.

The goal scorers from Liverpool were Torres, Johnson, Kuyt, Ngog.

Well the team surely have kick started there league with a bang and sent thrills down the spine of many other teams in the league.

The next match for the in form team is due on 24th august and in this game Liverpool will be taking on Aston Villa at Anfield.

It will be a very crucial match for both the teams but especially for Aston Villa who are already down the table with 1 game played and lost and are currently standing at the 16th position were as the Liverpool are inching towards the top of the chart with 3 points to there tally and are currently standing at 4th position in the table were as the chart leader Chelsea and Tottenham are each standing at the 2nd and first positions respectively with 6 points each.

Well the Liverpool bench will be really working hard to keep up the form and take this opportunity to make there way into the top 3

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Posted in Arsenal, General, Liverpool, Premier League

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Rafa: No regrets for the verbal attack

March 13th, 2009

There is no regret in the mind of Liverpool Boss, Rafael Benitez, for his verbal assault on Sir Alex Ferguson, his Manchester United counterpart. He feels that this assault was pivotal for him.

Benitez will be taking his side to the Theater of Dreams on Saturday. He admitted that everything will need to be perfect, if they wish to continue their dream of winning the Premier League crown.

The Spaniard is ready for a very hot reception from the faithful of Old Trafford. However, he refused to accept that his outburst on Ferguson can impact the result of the game.

Rafa also denied claims that he set a couple of week deadline for sorting out the new contract. However, he confirmed that his lawyers would soon have discussions with club owners, George Gillett and Tom Hicks.

However, currently his mind is filled with concerns for his side, as Liverpool is looking to get three points from the champions and keep their title hopes alive.

With Steven Gerrard & Fernando Torres back in the squad, Benitez said, ‘There’s a greater desire needed for winning each game in hand.’

‘Players must use this game for getting extra-motivated. We should be proud of what we have achieved so far and keep up the good work.’

‘They should know that going to Old Trafford and playing well there is their responsibility for the club. I think that they have realized this fact.’

‘It was this motivation, which allowed us to pummel Real Madrid in the Champions League and the same will work against the Red Devils.’

The matchup against Liverpool & Manchester United is always a nail biting event. Now, with huge stakes revolving round the game, things will only get more entertaining.

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Posted in Liverpool, Man U

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Malouda might consider leaving Chelsea

March 1st, 2009

Florent Malouda admitted he might be forced to leave Chelsea, if he is not given a better chance to perform by the club.

French winger has been struggling to hold a regular spot in the Blues at Stamford Bridge after making a move from Lyon for £13.5million in July 2007.

According to Luiz Felipe Scolari, Malouda wasn’t playing at his peak, during the manager’s stint at the club.

The winger has only featured in one game, since Guus Hiddink has been appointed the new boss of the club. This has made the situation more aggravated for the French International. He is not thinking of looking for other options, if he will not be able to secure regular action in the remaining part of the season.

Following the clubs 2-1 victory over Wigan Athletic at Stamford Bridge, Malouda said, ‘I want to play more games and have 3 more months for trying and getting a regular space in the squad.’

‘However, if this will not happen, I am going to analyze the ongoing scenario and look for other options.’

Meanwhile, Liverpool suffered a humiliating 2-0 loss at the hands of Middlesbrough in the Premier League encounter at the Riverside Stadium.

With goals from Turkish international Tuncay Sanli and an own goal from Xabi Alonso, Middlesbrough has made sure that the Reds have fallen far behind in their bid to win the title.

At Goodison Park, Everton managed a 2-0 victory over West Brom with a touch of class from Louis Saha that resulted in the wonderful second goal for the home side.

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Posted in Chelsea FC, Liverpool

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Injury to Torres causes further worries to Liverpool

February 26th, 2009

Fernando Torres is all set to miss the coming Premiership encounter against Middlesbrough on Saturday at The Riverside Stadium.

The Liverpool striker picked up a severe injury in his ankle during his side’s 1-0 victory over Real Madrid at Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday in the Champions League.

The Spaniard was barely able to move and limped out from the field after 61 minutes of the game.

Now, Rafael Benitez, Liverpool Boss, has no idea about the time that may require for Torres to come back. Tension in Rafa’s mind is understandable, as the striker gets counted amongst the prized asset for the Reds.

During a post-match interview, Benitez said, ‘I have no idea about the current situation with Torres. Yes, there are possibilities that he may miss some games, but how many is what I would also wish to know.’

‘We have a game at the Riverside Stadium against Middlesbrough in three days. However, it is going to be difficult for him to be fully fit within this short span.’

The injury to Torres is going to come as a major hit to the preparation of Benitez’s side, as they are attempting to close in the seven-point gap, which currently separates them from Manchester United, who are sitting pretty at the top of the table.

Following their trip to the Riverside Stadium, Liverpool is going to face Sunderland at Anfield. According to Benitez, there is a very slim possibility of Torres to be fit for this game.

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Posted in Liverpool, Premier League

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Benitez has threatened to quit Anfield

February 23rd, 2009

Rafael Benitez, Liverpool manager, threatened to walk out of Anfield after he rejected a new contract that was offered to him.

Sources revealed that the Spaniard rejected a 4-year contract offered to him last week, an event, which left Tom Hicks, club co-owner, stunned.

Benitez insists that he does not have any intentions of committing to the Reds, unless radical changes have been made in the club.

Benitez has been sending angry emails to Liverpool owners accusing them for their lack of support.

Apart from being shocked at the turn of events, co-owner Hicks was fuming for his refusal in signing a contract, which was reportedly worth 16-million pounds.

Things went from bad to worse for Liverpool, as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday.

Dirk Kuyt, who scored his 9th goal of the season, saved the day for Liverpool, after City took the lead through an own goal from Craig Bellamy.

Liverpool’s dream of attaining their 19th title appears all but over with this draw. If the Red Devils falter in the coming games, which they are unlikely to, then only they can get back in frame.

Meanwhile, a 10-man Newcastle held Everton to a goalless draw and moved to a considerable distance from the relegation zone.

After midfielder Kevin Nolan got sent off for a dreadful challenge on Victor Anichebe in the 43rd minute, Magpies showed immense courage to fend off the challenges thrown at them.

Elsewhere at Cravens Cottage, Fulham continued their excellent home form and got on top of West Brom 2-0 thanks to goals from Bobby Zamora and Andy Johnson.

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Posted in Liverpool, Manchester City

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Kuyt determined to win a silverware for Liverpool

February 21st, 2009

Dirk Kuyt admitted that he was frustrated of not being with a winner’s medal at Liverpool, since he arrived in Anfield three years back.

With Liverpool embarking on their final 13 League games of the season, which starts with a clash against Manchester City on Sunday at home, Kuyt insists that he’s more motivated than ever before for ending their title draught.

The coming few days are going to be tough for the Reds. Following the meeting with City at Anfield, they next face the Real Madrid at Bernabeu on Wednesday in the last-16 clash of the Champions League.

Liverpool will be playing against Mark Hughes’ men without Steven Gerrard, who has still not recovered from his hamstring injury. Again, they will also be without the services of Xabi Alonso, who is serving a suspension.

Their absence will only make Liverpool’s job more difficult, as they are fighting to be in the hunt for the silverware at the end of the season.

Kuyt says, ‘The most imperative thing to me is winning trophies with Liverpool.’

‘It’s my third season with the club and we’re still to win any silverware. Hopefully, this season will change everything.’

‘Every season we have tried hard to come out on top. However, we have failed in achieving success till date. For me, at this stage, these failures will work as an extra motivation to win something in this season.’

Reds have been fighting to make it 19 top-flight titles for 19 years. However, it seems that their dream may have to wait for another year, as Manchester United is storming for glory yet again.

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Posted in Liverpool, Premier League

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Gerrard likely to make a comeback against Manchester City

February 17th, 2009

Steven Gerrard is almost certain to make his return against Manchester City during this weekend.

Liverpool captain was on the sidelines following a hamstring injury, which he suffered on February 4 against Everton.

Initially, the England International was expected to sit out for three weeks or even more than that. However, Rafael Benitez, Liverpool Boss, believes that Gerrard, the inspirational figure in the Reds lineup, may make a comeback against Mark Hughes’ men from the bench.

During an interview, Benitez reportedly said, ‘There is a possibility of seeing him on the bench against City on Sunday. However, we still do not have any confirmation on it.’

Gerrard was most likely to return during an important Champions League clash against Real Madrid. However, Benitez said, ‘He has been consistently improving. The condition he is in, every day spent is important.’

‘The good thing is that he has been working hard with our medical staff and progressing quite well.’

‘Normally, I rate him amongst the players, who can recover quickly. He requires lesser time than other players.’

‘I was surprised to know when a Spanish Daily released that there is a possibility of him playing for some minutes during the weekend before starting against Real Madrid. However, I do not have any idea about the exact scenario.’

‘Gerrard wants to be a part of each game that we play. He feels that the game against Manchester City is going to be very important for our future in the Champions League and shares the same feeling for the Real Madrid encounter.’

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Posted in Liverpool, Premier League

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Torres thanks Rafael Benitez for bringing him to England

February 16th, 2009

Liverpool Striker, Fernando Torres, thanked Rafael Benitez for getting him to England and helping him in improving his game.

During his first year at Anfield in 2007, Spanish international netted 33 times that made it a brilliant campaign for him, after he became the record signing of the club.

This has been a tough season for the EURO 2008 star, as he has been out of most games with injuries and scored only nine goals in sporadic burst.

Despite the troubles he is currently facing in England, Torres does not regret leaving Atletico Madrid.

24-year-old star said, ‘English football, with its fast and direct style of play, has worked well for me. Again, fewer stoppages have allowed me to concentrate better in my game.’

‘Speed & power, two qualities that are natural to me, fits the Premier League perfectly.’

‘I’ve been playing as a #9 up along side centre-backs. In case, I would have still represented a Spanish club, my style was sure to fail as I would have hardly seen the ball.’

‘Rafa was in search of a striker, who had my traits: quick feet for surprising defenders and getting behind them.’

‘Rafa is more fundamental than others and gives preference to the game’s statistical side. I have learnt a lot from him. It has been a pleasure, so far, to work for him.’

‘At Atletico, I was an instinct player and did my own thing. However, Rafa has made me know more about positioning oneself during the game that can run players ragged.’

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Posted in Liverpool, Premier League

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Aurelio: Liverpool still in with a chance to win the league

February 13th, 2009

Liverpool left back, Fabio Aurelio, feels that his side can still win the Premier League this year. According to him, they will have enough chances to overtake Manchester United in the remaining matches of the season.

Red Devils is going through a conquering run in the second half of the Premier League. This has helped them to overhaul Liverpool’s points tally and securing the top position on the Premier League Table. In fact, many bookmakers have singled United as a lone contender to win the title this year.

Aurelio insists on the fact that it is only a matter of a few matches before the Red Devils will hit a bad patch.

During an interview, Aurelio said, ‘It is almost certain that they are not going to get positive results till the end of this season.’

‘We will be playing in Old Trafford next month, and it would be really difficult for United to beat us. If we keep on getting our points and have confidence, we can repeat our performance at Anfield.’

‘It is really important for us to fight for the Premier League crown till the end of the season.’

‘If Ferguson’s men do not lose any match from now, they will definitely finish some points ahead. However, we should make sure that we do our part properly.’

Benitez and his men had a wonderful start to this season. It has been the only reason, why they are still well ahead of Arsenal and Chelsea. They’ll be looking forward to carry that form and retain their position on the top of the table.

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Posted in Liverpool, Premier League

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