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  1. <?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
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  3.    <title>Liverpool FC News, Discussion &amp; Debate | Liverpool Banter</title>
  4.    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/" />
  5.    <link rel="self" type="application/atom+xml" href="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/atom.xml" />
  6.    <id>tag:www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk,2008-02-08://22</id>
  7.    <updated>2013-02-17T18:51:35Z</updated>
  8.    <subtitle>Liverpool Banter - Join the debate with Liverpool FC fans, staff writers and LFC legends.  Brought to you by the Liverpool Echo and Liverpool Daily Post.</subtitle>
  9.    <generator uri="http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/">Movable Type Enterprise 4.35-en</generator>
  10.  
  11. <entry>
  12.    <title>Liverpool Hit Five Against An Under Strength Swansea Side</title>
  13.    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/2013/02/liverpool-hit-five-against-an.html" />
  14.    <id>tag:www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk,2013://22.407799</id>
  15.  
  16.    <published>2013-02-17T18:49:27Z</published>
  17.    <updated>2013-02-17T18:51:35Z</updated>
  18.  
  19.    <summary><![CDATA[Liverpool proved today that if the conditions are right they can indeed beat a team above them in the Premier League.&nbsp; That team today was Swansea, who with the Capital One Cup final in seven days' time sent an unfamiliar...]]></summary>
  20.    <author>
  21.        <name>Faith Fulcher</name>
  22.        
  23.    </author>
  24.    
  25.        <category term="Fans" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
  26.    
  27.    <category term="swanseaphillipecoutinhohowardwebbsteviegluissuarezfaithfulcher" label="Swansea Phillipe Coutinho Howard Webb Stevie G Luis Suarez Faith Fulcher" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
  28.    
  29.    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/">
  30.        <![CDATA[<p><p class="MsoNormal">Liverpool proved today that if the conditions are right they
  31. can indeed beat a team above them in the Premier League.&nbsp; That team today was Swansea, who with the
  32. Capital One Cup final in seven days' time sent an unfamiliar eleven out onto
  33. the pitch this afternoon.<o:p></o:p></p>
  34.  
  35. <p class="MsoNormal">Michael Laudrup has since the match finished come out and
  36. apologised for getting it wrong this afternoon and I really hope that the clubs
  37. supporters accept his honesty.&nbsp; He is
  38. after all taking Swansea to Wembley to try and win their first trophy for many
  39. years.<o:p></o:p></p>
  40.  
  41. <p class="MsoNormal">His decision of course helped an inconsistent Liverpool to
  42. prove that yes, when they put their minds to it they can actually score goals
  43. and win games.&nbsp; We were also able once
  44. again to call upon Daniel Sturridge, who had missed the tie in Zenit because of
  45. his ineligibility in the Europa League and young Phillipe Coutinho was given
  46. his first start for the club.&nbsp; A start
  47. that would show us, he has the makings of a very good player.&nbsp; A player, who like Luis can weave in and out
  48. of the opposition and score a wonderful goal.<o:p></o:p></p></p>]]>
  49.        <![CDATA[<p class="MsoNormal">The game itself kicked off in a very quiet Anfield - so
  50. quiet in fact that you could hear the players yelling at one another.&nbsp;&nbsp; That yelling of course came from the
  51. Liverpool team who from the moment of kick-off were in the ascendency.&nbsp; The second string Swansea team seemed to be
  52. overawed by the occasion and failed to grasp any movement on the ball.<o:p></o:p></p>
  53.  
  54. <p class="MsoNormal">As the half progressed there were of course the obligatory
  55. missed shots at the goal.&nbsp; Glen Johnson
  56. set his first shot over the bar, Stevie sent a free kick straight into the wall
  57. and Luis Suarez sent several shots either wide or over the bar.<o:p></o:p></p>
  58.  
  59. <p class="MsoNormal">There was also the usual 'penalty not given incident'.&nbsp; This time though it involved Liverpool's
  60. adversary, referee Howard Webb who it appeared failed to spot that Daniel
  61. Sturridge had been brought down by Kyle Bartley. Then we had young Phillipe
  62. Coutinho send a loose ball wide.&nbsp; <o:p></o:p></p>
  63.  
  64. <p class="MsoNormal">Liverpool's luck was in today though and with them
  65. continuing to govern the play, it was not long before they took the opportunity
  66. to open the score sheet.&nbsp; Kemy Agustien
  67. decided to challenge Luis Suarez and thankfully the linesman flagged for a
  68. penalty although Howard Webb appeared to be unconvinced.<o:p></o:p></p>
  69.  
  70. <p class="MsoNormal">Step forward Stevie G and the ball was in the back of the
  71. net.&nbsp; Liverpool were now in front and
  72. with half time approaching Daniel Sturridge set a ball towards the net but this
  73. was blocked by Kyle Bartley.<o:p></o:p></p>
  74.  
  75. <p class="MsoNormal">The whistle blew for half time and with Liverpool being so inconsistent;
  76. you did have to wonder if Michael Laudrup would change his team for the second
  77. half.&nbsp; He did not and within 46 seconds
  78. of the second half starting Phillipe Coutinho announced his arrival at the club
  79. with a beauty goal, having made his way through an empty Swansea defence.<o:p></o:p></p>
  80.  
  81. <p class="MsoNormal">The next goal came after several great movements from Enrique
  82. and I am really glad it went into the back of the net because he is one of
  83. those players that have improved a lot in the last couple of months.<o:p></o:p></p>
  84.  
  85. <p class="MsoNormal">Swansea of course was in disarray by now and it took a hand
  86. ball from Wayne Routledge to ensure that we had goal number four.&nbsp; This was scored from the penalty spot by
  87. Daniel Sturridge who having tried and missed several times was told to take it
  88. by Stevie.<o:p></o:p></p>
  89.  
  90. <p class="MsoNormal">Luis Suarez who had been making some wonderful moves during
  91. the game, also ensured that his name was on the score sheet which ensured that
  92. Liverpool won the game in a comfortable manner.<o:p></o:p></p>
  93.  
  94. <p class="MsoNormal">It also saw them playing for the last ten minutes with ten
  95. men after substitute Fabio Borini went off with what is believed to be a
  96. dislocated shoulder, although having witnessed his scream it may well be more
  97. serious than that and Brendan has since confirmed that he is expected to be out
  98. for the rest of the season.<o:p></o:p></p>
  99.  
  100. <p class="MsoNormal">We now have to face Zenit St Petersburg at Anfield on
  101. Thursday and will be without Daniel Sturridge and Phillipe Coutinho who played
  102. a massive part in today's victory. This of course is a great shame and we
  103. really have to hope that the team chosen will be able to score the goals needed
  104. to go through to the next round.&nbsp; If not
  105. the inconsistency that surrounds Liverpool will rear its ugly head once again.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;
  106. <o:p></o:p></p>
  107.  
  108. <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></p>
  109.  
  110. <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></p>
  111.  
  112. <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></p>]]>
  113.    </content>
  114. </entry>
  115.  
  116. <entry>
  117.    <title>Liverpool&apos;s Very Own Maestro Ignites The Team Once Again</title>
  118.    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/2013/02/liverpools-very-own-maestro-ig.html" />
  119.    <id>tag:www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk,2013://22.407274</id>
  120.  
  121.    <published>2013-02-03T21:11:07Z</published>
  122.    <updated>2013-02-03T21:16:29Z</updated>
  123.  
  124.    <summary>Liverpool as we all know have, had a pretty torrid seven days. Seven days, which began when we lost to Oldham in the FA Cup. A defeat that if the truth be known would not had happened if Brendan had...</summary>
  125.    <author>
  126.        <name>Faith Fulcher</name>
  127.        
  128.    </author>
  129.    
  130.        <category term="Fans" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
  131.    
  132.    <category term="liverpoolmanchestercitydzekosteviegdanielsturridgeaguerofaithfulcher" label="Liverpool Manchester City Dzeko Stevie G Daniel Sturridge Aguero Faith Fulcher" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
  133.    
  134.    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/">
  135.        <![CDATA[<p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:
  136. &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Liverpool as we all know have, had a pretty torrid
  137. seven days. Seven days, which began when we lost to Oldham in the FA Cup. A
  138. defeat that if the truth be known would not had happened if Brendan had
  139. selected the right team for the game.&nbsp; It
  140. did and it appeared that he had learnt his lesson on Wednesday when the team
  141. sent out to play Arsenal at the Emirates was made up baring one of senior
  142. players.&nbsp; <o:p></o:p></span></p>
  143.  
  144. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:
  145. &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">That team did what Liverpool tend to do having
  146. managed to ensure that we were two goals to the good they lost concentration
  147. and Arsenal recovered enough to score two goals of their own, thus ensuring
  148. that Liverpool lost two badly needed points.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
  149.  
  150. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:
  151. &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">The match today was against last year's Premiership champions;
  152. Manchester City who at the start of play had learnt that local rivals
  153. Manchester United were 10 points clear at the top of the league.&nbsp; Now this should have been the spark that lit
  154. the fire, but what they had not reckoned on was the determination of Liverpool.<o:p></o:p></span></p></p>]]>
  155.        <![CDATA[<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:
  156. &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">A determination that apart from a very early scare
  157. where Pepe had to dip a shot from David Silva over the bar, saw Liverpool take
  158. the game by the scruff of its neck.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
  159.  
  160. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:
  161. &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">The recovery from this was swift and although for a
  162. short time both Liverpool and Manchester City seemed unable to take total
  163. control of the game, it was Liverpool that finally broke away and began to play
  164. like a Liverpool team of old.&nbsp; What we
  165. were watching was a joy to behold and it was more by luck than judgement that
  166. Manchester City managed to score first and it was David Silva who set it in
  167. motion.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
  168.  
  169. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:
  170. &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">He picked up a ball and having found space sent it
  171. through to James Milner, who in turn sent it flying in front of the goal for
  172. Edin Dzeko to pick up and place in the back of the net.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
  173.  
  174. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:
  175. &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Before that the partnership of Luis Suarez and
  176. Daniel Sturridge was evidence once again.&nbsp;
  177. Having raced down the left side of the pitch he passed a wonderful ball
  178. to Luis who miss cued his kick and the ball went wide.&nbsp; They also both individually caused havoc.
  179. Daniel had picked up a ball that Glen Johnson had sent towards the goal mouth
  180. with his right rather than his left foot and a few seconds of hesitation
  181. ensured that Zabeleta had plenty of time to block the shot.&nbsp; Luis also sent a further shot wide after
  182. making a good move down the right had side of the pitch.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
  183.  
  184. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:
  185. &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Liverpool who were brimming with confidence were not
  186. going to let any of this bother them and with referee Anthony Taylor allowing
  187. play to continue after Daniel Agger had brought down Dzeko.&nbsp; It was of course a legitimate challenge and
  188. with Dzeko lying on the ground feigning injury Liverpool moved the ball
  189. forward.&nbsp; Daniel Sturridge who has
  190. already repaid the £12 million that is believed to have cost, picked up the
  191. ball and sent a fantatic volley into the back of the net.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
  192.  
  193. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:
  194. &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Manchester City and their supporters were furious by
  195. this time and claimed that the ball should have been played out, which of
  196. course it should not.&nbsp; The old adage 'you
  197. play to the whistle' was in control here and as Stevie G confirmed afterwards, referee
  198. Anthony Taylor told them to play on.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
  199.  
  200. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:
  201. &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">It was of course a beautiful goal but there was more
  202. to come and when it did, it would prove to the world that the old Stevie G was
  203. definitely back.&nbsp;&nbsp; <o:p></o:p></span></p>
  204.  
  205. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:
  206. &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Liverpool were in the ascendency for the rest of the
  207. first half and came out for the second half determined to try and score the
  208. goal that would take them into the lead.&nbsp;
  209. It came on the seventy third minute who picked up a clearance from Gael
  210. Clichy and sent one of his trademark Volleys into the back of the net.&nbsp; I guess at this point in time you had to feel
  211. sorry for Joe Hart, because there is no way that he would have saved that.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
  212.  
  213. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:
  214. &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">There was also a chance seven minutes later when
  215. Daniel Sturridge who had damaged his thigh whilst scoring the first goal,
  216. headed a free kick that Stevie had sent towards the goalmouth and saw it go
  217. just wide of the goalpost.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
  218.  
  219. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:
  220. &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">The match was now into its final fifteen minutes and
  221. as always happens, mistakes begin to happen, and unfortunately it was Liverpool
  222. who yet again made the mistake that opened up the game once again.&nbsp; Martin Skrtel had come on in place of the
  223. tiring Jose Enrique and an immediate lack of concentration caused himself and
  224. Pepe to get into a muddle.&nbsp; A muddle that
  225. ensured Pepe for some reason moved away from his goal, leaving it wide open for
  226. a fantastic shot from Aguero to find the back of the net.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
  227.  
  228. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:
  229. &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">With both teams now determined to ensure that they
  230. got the winning goal, the football was fantastic but it was Liverpool who on
  231. the 90th minute came closest when Daniel Sturridge sent a low strike towards
  232. the goal only to see Joe Hart save the day.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
  233.  
  234. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:
  235. &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">The game finished in a draw and to be honest
  236. although it would have been fantastic for Liverpool to have held on to their
  237. lead, it was a fair result.&nbsp; Both teams
  238. played their hearts out and even Jamie sent two balls towards the goal - how
  239. lovely it would have been had he scored.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
  240.  
  241. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:
  242. &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Now I don't know what Colin Pascoe has been teaching
  243. them in training this week, but it certainly appears to have worked.&nbsp; That was the best performance by Liverpool in
  244. a long while and as I said above, it was fantastic to watch, so much so, that
  245. the green shoots of recovery have reared their heads once again.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
  246.  
  247. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:
  248. &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">&nbsp;</span></p>]]>
  249.    </content>
  250. </entry>
  251.  
  252. <entry>
  253.    <title>The Debacle At Oldham Ensures That Liverpool Are Out of the FA Cup</title>
  254.    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/2013/01/the-debacle-at-oldham-ensures.html" />
  255.    <id>tag:www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk,2013://22.407024</id>
  256.  
  257.    <published>2013-01-27T20:12:11Z</published>
  258.    <updated>2013-01-27T20:17:37Z</updated>
  259.  
  260.    <summary>The result this afternoon was a result that should not have happened but it did and it was blatantly obvious from the moment the chosen team was published that it was going to happen. Liverpool have always taken the F.A....</summary>
  261.    <author>
  262.        <name>Faith Fulcher</name>
  263.        
  264.    </author>
  265.    
  266.        <category term="Fans" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
  267.    
  268.    <category term="liverpoololdhamfacupsebastiancoatessteviegjoeallenfaithfulcher" label="Liverpool Oldham FA Cup Sebastian Coates Stevie G Joe Allen Faith Fulcher" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
  269.    
  270.    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/">
  271.        <![CDATA[<p><p class="MsoNormal">The result this afternoon was a result that should not have
  272. happened but it did and it was blatantly obvious from the moment the chosen
  273. team was published that it was going to happen.<o:p></o:p></p>
  274.  
  275. <p class="MsoNormal">Liverpool have always taken the F.A. Cup seriously and there
  276. was no way we were going to win that game with the calamitous Sebastian Coates
  277. in the team.&nbsp; No I have nothing against
  278. the lad, but he has proved time and time again that he is not a Liverpool player
  279. and guess what 90 seconds into the game, he did it again.&nbsp; This time though, there was nobody competent
  280. enough on the pitch to pick up the mess and stop the inevitable goal.<o:p></o:p></p>
  281.  
  282. <p class="MsoNormal">Now if I had been in Brendan's shoes, I would have hauled
  283. him off there and then and replaced him with Jamie, who would have been able to
  284. cope with the Oldham players physicality.&nbsp;
  285. Sebastian Coates could not and Martin Skrtel was no help today
  286. either.&nbsp; Why, I have no idea, but I
  287. suspect had Jamie or even Daniel Agger been on the pitch, the back four would
  288. have been a lot more solid than they were.<o:p></o:p></p></p>]]>
  289.        <![CDATA[<p class="MsoNormal">There was no one of authority on the pitch and Luis Suarez
  290. was enlisted with the captain's armband for the afternoon. Was this a good
  291. thing?&nbsp; My own personal feeling is no,
  292. because he just gets on and does what he does best and that is to try and score
  293. goals.&nbsp; Jamie will scream and shout at
  294. the players and Stevie leads by example which of course he did when he arrived
  295. on the scene, sixty minutes too late.<o:p></o:p></p>
  296.  
  297. <p class="MsoNormal">Luis of course did his best to rescue the game by levelling
  298. the score, but unfortunately those around him, proved to us all yet again, that
  299. most of them should not wear the red shirt.&nbsp;
  300. Included in those are all of Brendan' signings barring one and that is
  301. Daniel Sturridge.&nbsp; Although saying that
  302. he was not that good today.&nbsp; Joe Allen
  303. and Borini proved yet again that they are not Premiership players and should
  304. not be anywhere near the team.<o:p></o:p></p>
  305.  
  306. <p class="MsoNormal">This brings me to a quote from the post-match press
  307. conference <o:p></o:p></p>
  308.  
  309. <p class="MsoNormal">"Some of the younger players let us down today" <o:p></o:p></p>
  310.  
  311. <p class="MsoNormal">I am sorry, but the whole team barring Luis and Stevie let
  312. him down.&nbsp; They were not interested in
  313. winning the game or indeed taking part in this country's greatest football
  314. competition. <o:p></o:p></p>
  315.  
  316. <p class="MsoNormal">Talking of the youngsters, Raheem, Jack and Andre were
  317. missing the leadership of Stevie on the pitch and when the senior players fall
  318. apart, then they will also - it happens and today proved yet again that
  319. Liverpool have a very long journey in front of them before they are once again
  320. the Liverpool that we all know and love.<o:p></o:p></p>
  321.  
  322. <p class="MsoNormal">You would have thought that once Luis had levelled the score
  323. that the team would have settled down, but they did not and the shambles
  324. continued so much so that a second goal was scored just before half time.<o:p></o:p></p>
  325.  
  326. <p class="MsoNormal">Now I have no idea what went on in the dressing room at half
  327. time, but why on earth Brendan did not change his formation or indeed send
  328. Jamie and Stevie on for the second half, is something I would dearly love to
  329. know.&nbsp; <o:p></o:p></p>
  330.  
  331. <p class="MsoNormal">They were both desperately needed on the pitch but the chosen
  332. eleven were told to go out and continue playing in the same manner.&nbsp; They did of course and Oldham punished us
  333. even more after Borini made a very costly mistake.&nbsp; A mistake that Oldham seized upon and the
  334. ball was in the back of the net.<o:p></o:p></p>
  335.  
  336. <p class="MsoNormal">With Oldham now looking certain to be the team that goes
  337. through to the 5th round, Brendan finally did what he should have done when
  338. writing the team down.&nbsp; He sent on Stevie
  339. along with Stewart Downing, taking off Raheem and Andre Wisdom, who had both
  340. seemed out of their depth this afternoon.&nbsp;
  341. So much so that Raheem earned himself a yellow card.<o:p></o:p></p>
  342.  
  343. <p class="MsoNormal">Stevie of course did what Stevie does best and took the game
  344. by the scruff of its neck and immediately things began to improve.&nbsp; The midfield suddenly became more composed
  345. and this led the Oldham defence getting the treatment it should have got from
  346. the moment Lee Probert blew his whistle to start the game. <o:p></o:p></p>
  347.  
  348. <p class="MsoNormal">It was just a shame that he did not get the goal that he so
  349. rightly deserved for doing all he could to turn the game around.&nbsp; He after all, yet again this afternoon proved
  350. that he is the right man to captain Liverpool and I really hope that he makes
  351. his feelings felt about the display he had witness today.<o:p></o:p></p>
  352.  
  353. <p class="MsoNormal">The goal if it had come of course would have been a
  354. fantastic one if it had not hit the crossbar, but I guess that it felt it also
  355. had to have a part in the game.<o:p></o:p></p>
  356.  
  357. <p class="MsoNormal">The pressure that Oldham began to feel from the moment he
  358. came onto the pitch ensured that eventually the score would begin to look a
  359. little more respectable. Liverpool scored through Joe Allen, who found a way
  360. out of the muddle that was developing in front of the Oldham keeper.<o:p></o:p></p>
  361.  
  362. <p class="MsoNormal">That was not enough though and even with six minutes of
  363. added time, Liverpool could not find the final goal and went out of the 2013 FA
  364. Cup.&nbsp; <o:p></o:p></p>
  365.  
  366. <p class="MsoNormal">I just hope that, each and every one of the players, barring
  367. Stevie, Stewart and Luis, take a long hard look at themselves, because if they
  368. do not, then they should be nowhere near the red shirt of Liverpool Football
  369. Club. <o:p></o:p></p>
  370.  
  371. <p class="MsoNormal">I would at this point in time like to offer my
  372. congratulations to Oldham Football Club, who had the FA Cup etched onto their
  373. hearts, so much so that they deserved their win.<o:p></o:p></p>]]>
  374.    </content>
  375. </entry>
  376.  
  377. <entry>
  378.    <title>An Afternoon of Mixed Fortunes At The Theatre of Dreams</title>
  379.    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/2013/01/an-afternoon-of-mixed-fortunes.html" />
  380.    <id>tag:www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk,2013://22.406551</id>
  381.  
  382.    <published>2013-01-13T18:05:11Z</published>
  383.    <updated>2013-01-13T18:10:50Z</updated>
  384.  
  385.    <summary><![CDATA[We have for the last seven days been told by most of the media that the game this afternoon was the biggest in the football calendar.&nbsp; Now I would love to know why that is because it was simply a...]]></summary>
  386.    <author>
  387.        <name>Faith Fulcher</name>
  388.        
  389.    </author>
  390.    
  391.        <category term="Fans" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
  392.    
  393.    <category term="liverpoolmanchesteruniteddanielsturridgegoalsjoeallenfaithfulcher" label="Liverpool Manchester United Daniel Sturridge Goals Joe Allen Faith Fulcher" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
  394.    
  395.    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/">
  396.        <![CDATA[<p><p class="MsoNormal">We have for the last seven days been told by most of the
  397. media that the game this afternoon was the biggest in the football
  398. calendar.&nbsp; Now I would love to know why
  399. that is because it was simply a game between two rivals based in the North West
  400. of England.&nbsp; Two rivals who have been
  401. battling it out over the last twenty years to simply prove a point.<o:p></o:p></p>
  402.  
  403. <p class="MsoNormal">That point of course boils down to who will win the most
  404. trophies.&nbsp; Now as we all know Manchester
  405. United are in the lead where the Premiership is concerned, because apart from
  406. four years ago when Rafa Benitez was in charge, Liverpool have not come close
  407. anywhere close enough to ensure that they are knocked of their perch. Where the
  408. Champions League/European Cup is concerned, we have won it five times and
  409. Manchester United is playing catch up.<o:p></o:p></p>
  410.  
  411. <p class="MsoNormal">The game today was part and parcel of that fierce
  412. competition and it was always either going to be a classic or indeed one of
  413. those games that left the supporter wondering what &nbsp;would happen if things had been done differently.<o:p></o:p></p></p>]]>
  414.        <![CDATA[<p class="MsoNormal">A classic it wasn't and it was us as supporters of Liverpool
  415. Football Club, who were left asking the 'What if' questions, because for the
  416. first 45 minutes our performance was less than acceptable.<o:p></o:p></p>
  417.  
  418. <p class="MsoNormal">Now I have nothing against Joe Allen - he is young and has a
  419. lot to learn, but playing him against Manchester United was a massive
  420. mistake.&nbsp; He simply is not good enough at
  421. the moment and his form over the last couple of weeks has been terrible.&nbsp; It would have been far better for Brendan to
  422. have put the much improved Jordan Henderson in from the beginning.&nbsp; <o:p></o:p></p>
  423.  
  424. <p class="MsoNormal">Because he did not, Stevie's performance suffered because he
  425. was following and covering up for Joe Allen's mistakes rather than
  426. concentrating on his own performance.&nbsp; We
  427. only saw the Stevie we all know and love once the lad had been taken off the
  428. pitch.&nbsp; This of course allowed Stevie to
  429. roam a lot more and ensured that the game flowed in the right way.<o:p></o:p></p>
  430.  
  431. <p class="MsoNormal">Joe of course was not the only offender in the first half,
  432. because none of the players appeared to be able to settle into the game and it
  433. was not long before Manchester United scored their first goal.&nbsp; A goal, which had been coming because yet
  434. again our defence was not concentrating on what it should have been doing. <o:p></o:p></p>
  435.  
  436. <p class="MsoNormal">That goal of course came from Robin Van Persie who having
  437. caught Daniel Agger out, picked up a ball from Patrice Evra and sent it flying
  438. into the back of the net.&nbsp; It was a goal
  439. that proved to most of us that players of Robin's age can be a great asset to a
  440. team.&nbsp; An asset that FSG appear to have
  441. decided is not within their remit and I really do think that eventually
  442. Liverpool will suffer because of it.<o:p></o:p></p>
  443.  
  444. <p class="MsoNormal">It is fine believing that youngster are the future, but
  445. sometimes someone with an old head on his shoulders can do just as well.&nbsp; Raheem Sterling and Andre Wisdom did as well
  446. as they could today, but it become evident very quickly that Manchester United was
  447. all over them.&nbsp; Two experienced players
  448. may well have helped to keep Manchester United a lot quieter than they were in
  449. the first half.<o:p></o:p></p>
  450.  
  451. <p class="MsoNormal">If the truth be known, the whole team were being walked over
  452. and to be honest, it was amazing that they reached the half time whistle with
  453. only one goal against them.<o:p></o:p></p>
  454.  
  455. <p class="MsoNormal">As the first half drew to a close it also looked as though
  456. we may have to change our goalkeeper. Pepe having left his goal open went into
  457. a tackle to try and stop an ingoing ball and ended up being hurt. It was
  458. several minutes before he received attention, but thankfully appeared to fine
  459. and came out for the second half.<o:p></o:p></p>
  460.  
  461. <p class="MsoNormal">Now that second half, proved that yet again, Liverpool turn
  462. up, when they feel like it.&nbsp; Brendan had
  463. taken Lucas off and put Daniel Sturridge on.&nbsp;
  464. Now I would have taken off Joe Allen at this point and put Jordan
  465. Henderson rather than leave until the last ten minutes.&nbsp; I am not Brendan though and I respect his
  466. choices, although nine times out ten, in my eyes they are totally wrong.&nbsp; <o:p></o:p></p>
  467.  
  468. <p class="MsoNormal">This of course, led to a change in formation and ensured
  469. that Luis Suarez began to receive the service that he had been missing in the
  470. first half.&nbsp; Suddenly Manchester United
  471. were beginning to look vulnerable and were there for the taking.&nbsp; Liverpool had woken up and with gaps opening
  472. up in the Manchester United defense, Daniel Sturridge proved yet again, why at
  473. some point in the future, if all goes to plan he will be remembered for some
  474. great goals.&nbsp; <o:p></o:p></p>
  475.  
  476. <p class="MsoNormal">After watching Manchester United gain a further goal, it was
  477. only a matter of minutes before Daniel picked up a ball that David De Gea had
  478. fisted away and sent it flying into the back of the net. Liverpool had narrowed
  479. the gap and turned the match on its head.<o:p></o:p></p>
  480.  
  481. <p class="MsoNormal">Liverpool suddenly gave the impression that a draw was
  482. possible and did all they could to try and get the second goal.&nbsp; Brendan sensed this too and sent on Fabio
  483. Borini for Joe Allen, which not only freed up Stevie but meant that we had
  484. three forwards on the pitch.&nbsp; Fabio
  485. Borini of course has only just returned from injury and sent his shot
  486. wide.&nbsp; Hopefully once he is fully fit, we
  487. will see his balls go into the back of the net.<o:p></o:p></p>
  488.  
  489. <p class="MsoNormal">The players kept pressing though and if luck had been on
  490. Daniel's side, his shot on the eighty fifth minute would have found the back of
  491. net rather than go wide and Liverpool would have been level.&nbsp; It was not to be and Liverpool have dropped a
  492. further three points.<o:p></o:p></p>
  493.  
  494. <p class="MsoNormal">Three points that could in the end mean that we will not
  495. make the top four this season and I really hope that FSG wake up and realize
  496. that we need players in the team that will ensure that the Champions League is
  497. part and parcel of our season once again.&nbsp;
  498. It will also ensure that Manchester United will eventually be knocked
  499. from their perch.<o:p></o:p></p>]]>
  500.    </content>
  501. </entry>
  502.  
  503. <entry>
  504.    <title>How LFC can beat Man United: Echo readers pick their team and tactics</title>
  505.    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/2013/01/how-lfc-can-beat-man-united-ec.html" />
  506.    <id>tag:www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk,2013://22.406530</id>
  507.  
  508.    <published>2013-01-12T13:31:16Z</published>
  509.    <updated>2013-01-12T13:32:52Z</updated>
  510.  
  511.    <summary>WE ASKED Echo website readers to tell us their team and tactics ahead of Sunday&apos;s showdown at Old Trafford and the verdict is clear - Liverpool FC should take the game to Man United....</summary>
  512.    <author>
  513.        <name>sean_bradbury</name>
  514.        <uri>http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk</uri>
  515.    </author>
  516.    
  517.    <category term="lfc" label="LFC" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
  518.    <category term="liverpoolfc" label="Liverpool FC" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
  519.    <category term="manunited" label="Man United" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
  520.    <category term="oldtrafford" label="Old Trafford" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
  521.    
  522.    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/">
  523.        <![CDATA[<p>WE ASKED Echo website readers to tell us their team and tactics ahead of Sunday's showdown at Old Trafford and the verdict is clear - Liverpool FC should take the game to Man United.</p>]]>
  524.        <![CDATA[<p><strong>Your starting XI<br />
  525. </strong><br />
  526. <img alt="Man United v LFC ECHO readers team.jpg" src="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/Man%20United%20v%20LFC%20ECHO%20readers%20team.jpg" width="465" height="650" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></p>
  527.  
  528. <p>The image above shows the team ECHO readers want to see tomorrow.</p>
  529.  
  530. <p>58.3% of responses advocated a 4-3-3 formation, while 23.0% said the Reds should be a touch more cautious and go 4-2-3-1.</p>
  531.  
  532. <p>Pepe Reina took 94.6% of the votes to start in goal, with a quartet of clear choices in a back four in front of him: Daniel Agger (99.3%) and Martin Skrtel (98.7%) in the centre, with Glen Johnson (99.0%) and Andre Wisdom (76.2%) on the flanks.</p>
  533.  
  534. <p>In midfield, Steven Gerrard (99.1%) and Lucas (93.6%) were near-certainties and Joe Allen (43.4%) held off a challenge from the recent good form of Jordan Henderson (33.5%).</p>
  535.  
  536. <p>Upfront, Luis Suarez was a sure starter (99.1%) and new Red Daniel Sturridge also got the nod (82.2%) along with Raheem Sterling (67.8%).</p>
  537.  
  538. <p><strong>On the bench:<br />
  539. </strong><br />
  540. Brad Jones (4.7% had him in their starting XI)<br />
  541. Jamie Carragher (14.8%)<br />
  542. Jack Robinson (6.2%)<br />
  543. Jordan Henderson (33.5%)<br />
  544. Jonjo Shelvey (20.8%)<br />
  545. Stewart Downing (24.5%)<br />
  546. Suso (5.7%)</p>
  547.  
  548. <p><strong>Tactics<br />
  549. </strong><br />
  550. We asked for a brief tactical plan of how to get a result against United. Here are a few of your suggestions:</p>
  551.  
  552. <p>"Counter-attacking football absorbing pressure with a deep-lying midfield and pace up front"</p>
  553.  
  554. <p><em>"Target the wing backs with the pace of Sterling and Sturridge. Lucas and Shelvey closing down the midfield stopping the ball getting to RVP. Be patient and wait for the chance to strike on the counter"<br />
  555. </em><br />
  556. "Utd are weak in the midfield and we need to dominate midfield to win the game, Stevie G should play an advanced role behind Sturridge and Suarez to open the Utd defence, Lucas - holding midfielder, Downing and Johnson can advance forward into the wings when in possession"</p>
  557.  
  558. <p><em>"Press their defence high up the pitch get Suarez and Sturridge working their backline. Get around the back of their full backs and give targets to Downing and Sterling to deliver as many balls into the box from wide areas and across their six yard box"<br />
  559. </em><br />
  560. "It is essential in a game of this magnitude to get through the early stages of the game unscathed. If we survive the first twenty minutes by using our pressing game and pressing all over the field and high up the park, we will stand every chance of being able to take the points back up the M62. Our passing game is frightening when it works and over recent weeks (particularly against Fulham and Sunderland) it has started to really click into place"</p>
  561.  
  562. <p><em>"Suarez, Sturridge and Sterling to interchange with support from midfield. Lucas to sit in front of the back four with Jordan Henderson and Gerrard bombing on when required"<br />
  563. </em></p>
  564.  
  565. <p>"Attack them from the start, their defence is slow and poor and our speed can upset them. We must control midfield and mark Van Persie very tightly"</p>
  566.  
  567. <p><strong>Main man<br />
  568. </strong><br />
  569. Who will be the key player for the Reds tomorrow? Here are your thoughts:</p>
  570.  
  571. <p>"Obviously the current figurehead of Liverpool's goal threat is Suarez and he'll have to be on top form to ensure victory. However, I think Lucas will be key in breaking up United's attack and releasing our Counter-attacks, which I feel will give us the best chance of exploiting United's leaky defence"</p>
  572.  
  573. <p><em>"Henderson and Lucas. Need them pressing aggressively"<br />
  574. </em><br />
  575. "Gerrard. He's shown before that this match means more than an ordinary match to him. Has great tackling, passing and crossing ability. Will create problems for the United midfield. Will be the one that makes Suarez a goal threat"</p>
  576.  
  577. <p><em>"Martin Skrtel. Coping with RVP and potentially having to cover for Wisdom on occasions"<br />
  578. </em><br />
  579. "I would say Sturridge, because Suarez will be running rings around their defence and can lay them off for Daniel to belt home. SG won't be far behind, keeping the middle working as a cohesive whole and blocking out RVP"</p>
  580.  
  581. <p><em>"Luis Suarez. Who else?"</em></p>]]>
  582.    </content>
  583. </entry>
  584.  
  585. <entry>
  586.    <title>Liverpool FC skipper Steven Gerrard says he&apos;s got three or four years left in him</title>
  587.    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/2013/01/liverpool-fc-skipper-steven-ge-3.html" />
  588.    <id>tag:www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk,2013://22.406528</id>
  589.  
  590.    <published>2013-01-12T10:59:58Z</published>
  591.    <updated>2013-01-12T11:00:15Z</updated>
  592.  
  593.    <summary> by Tom Evans STEVEN GERRARD says he&apos;s fitter than he&apos;s ever been - and he&apos;s got another three or four years left at the top level. The 32-year-old Reds skipper has been in sparkling form recently, scoring three goals...</summary>
  594.    <author>
  595.        <name>sean_bradbury</name>
  596.        <uri>http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk</uri>
  597.    </author>
  598.    
  599.        <category term="Journalists" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
  600.    
  601.    <category term="lfc" label="LFC" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
  602.    <category term="liverpoolfc" label="Liverpool FC" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
  603.    <category term="stevengerrard" label="Steven Gerrard" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
  604.    
  605.    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/">
  606.        <![CDATA[<p><img alt="gerrardnewcastledec2011.jpg" src="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/gerrardnewcastledec2011.jpg" width="450" height="225" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></p>
  607.  
  608. <p>by <strong>Tom Evans</strong></p>
  609.  
  610. <p>STEVEN GERRARD says he's fitter than he's ever been  - and he's got another three or four years left at the top level.</p>
  611.  
  612. <p>The 32-year-old Reds skipper has been in sparkling form recently, scoring  three goals in his last five games.</p>
  613.  
  614. <p>And across the league, only Everton's Leighton Baines has created more chances than Gerrard this season.</p>]]>
  615.        <![CDATA[<p>"Physically, from day one of the season I've felt great," he said.</p>
  616.  
  617. <p>"My form hasn't always been great but physically I've been great and I've always had the hunger.</p>
  618.  
  619. <p>"In some of the games earlier on, I played well but didn't score or set a goal up and it didn't get mentioned. </p>
  620.  
  621. <p>"I've played the same recently but I've scored one or set one up and everyone is raving about your performance even though there's not really that much difference."</p>
  622.  
  623. <p>Gerrard's current contract runs out in June, 2014, and Brendan Rodgers is keen to ensure this is extended.</p>
  624.  
  625. <p>"I think I can play another three or four years," he said. "I'm not saying I want a contract that length, nothing of the sort - nothing has been spoken of yet.</p>
  626.  
  627. <p>"But I feel the best I have."</p>
  628.  
  629. <p>Having missed the start of last season through injury, the England captain is the only Liverpool player to have played every minute of every Premier League game this term.</p>
  630.  
  631. <p>"The injuries I've had have done my head in throughout the years but the desire and the hunger are still there.</p>
  632.  
  633. <p>"As soon as that goes, I'll stop playing. If you haven't got that, I don't see the point."</p>
  634.  
  635. <p>He puts his newfound fitness down to the team assembled by Rodgers at Melwood.</p>
  636.  
  637. <p>"Under this manager, the sports science team are brilliant," he explained. "They've looked at all my figures from all the managers I've worked with before they've come in and my training programme was adapted around that.</p>
  638.  
  639. <p>"I get two days' recovery after every game - that doesn't mean total shutdown, it means doing the right things for a couple of days after a game.</p>
  640.  
  641. <p>"The day before a game, I don't do any high intensity work that could make me tired going into the game.</p>
  642.  
  643. <p>"And it works."</p>
  644.  
  645. <p>Gerrard has scored against tomorrow's opponents, Manchester United, seven times in all - the most recent at Anfield in September.</p>
  646.  
  647. <p>And he'd love to add to that at Old Trafford - even if, like Luis Suarez at Mansfield, he has a helping hand from the referee.</p>
  648.  
  649. <p>"I can't sit here and claim I would run to the linesman or referee and say, 'I've handballed it' at Old Trafford," he said, responding to criticism of Suarez in the media after the Uruguayan's controversial goal last weekend. "What would Wayne Rooney do?</p>
  650.  
  651. <p>"What did [then-Manchester United keeper] Roy Carroll do years ago when the ball was four yards over the line?</p>
  652.  
  653. <p>"I never saw Alex Ferguson or Carroll run to the referee or linesman and say it was over the line, did you?</p>
  654.  
  655. <p>"It's football. These things happen."</p>
  656.  
  657. <p>Like any football fan, Gerrard is relishing the prospect of tomorrow's showdown between the league's leading lights.</p>
  658.  
  659. <p>"I think Suarez and (Robin) Van Persie are the two best players in the league on current form," he said.</p>
  660.  
  661. <p>"Van Persie is a top player and I love watching him, but Luis is the best centre-forward I've ever played with.</p>
  662.  
  663. <p>"Why? Just watch him. Imagine being a defender marking him. He's got everything, hasn't he? He can score fantastic goals or tap-ins, and if he gets you in the box you're in trouble.</p>
  664.  
  665. <p>"He is a fighter, and he doesn't like losing even in training. Luis ticks every box for me. He has been incredible this season."</p>]]>
  666.    </content>
  667. </entry>
  668.  
  669. <entry>
  670.    <title>Man United v Liverpool FC Preview: Brendan Rodgers says Reds can match United</title>
  671.    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/2013/01/man-united-v-liverpool-fc-prev.html" />
  672.    <id>tag:www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk,2013://22.406523</id>
  673.  
  674.    <published>2013-01-12T08:59:53Z</published>
  675.    <updated>2013-01-12T09:00:52Z</updated>
  676.  
  677.    <summary> by James Pearce BRENDAN RODGERS will send his Liverpool side out at Old Trafford tomorrow with the message: &quot;You&apos;re as good as any team in this league.&quot; The Reds maybe 21 points adrift of Manchester United but the manager...</summary>
  678.    <author>
  679.        <name>sean_bradbury</name>
  680.        <uri>http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk</uri>
  681.    </author>
  682.    
  683.        <category term="Journalists" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
  684.    
  685.    <category term="brendanrodgers" label="Brendan Rodgers" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
  686.    <category term="lfc" label="LFC" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
  687.    <category term="liverpoolfc" label="Liverpool FC" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
  688.    <category term="manunited" label="Man United" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
  689.    
  690.    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/">
  691.        <![CDATA[<p><img alt="Brendan Rodgers 460.jpg" src="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/Brendan%20Rodgers%20460.jpg" width="460" height="274" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></p>
  692.  
  693. <p>by <strong>James Pearce</strong></p>
  694.  
  695. <p>BRENDAN RODGERS will send his Liverpool side out at Old Trafford tomorrow with the message: "You're as good as any team in this league."</p>
  696.  
  697. <p>The Reds maybe 21 points adrift of Manchester United but the manager insists there is no reason for them to fear the showdown with the Premier League leaders.</p>]]>
  698.        <![CDATA[<p>Rodgers believes Liverpool have already proved this season that they have a starting XI who can compete with the best in the top flight.</p>
  699.  
  700. <p>Matching United over the course of a season is a different matter and the Northern Irishman admits that remains a long-term objective as he continues his rebuilding job.</p>
  701.  
  702. <p>However, with confidence high after a recent upturn in form, Rodgers is bullish about the eighth-placed Reds' chances of securing a first victory at Old Trafford in five attempts.</p>
  703.  
  704. <p>"We're in a really good moment having won seven out of our last nine games," he said.</p>
  705.  
  706. <p>"What I'm starting to see now is the courage to play and that is important. </p>
  707.  
  708. <p>"It's no coincidence that we've had that run at a time when we've stopped playing Europa League games and only had one game a week.</p>
  709.  
  710. <p>"When I first came here I said in order for us to succeed we needed to build a competitive squad. For us to compete the squad has to be stronger. What gives you consistency is the depth of your squad and that's something we need to try to improve going forward.</p>
  711.  
  712. <p>"If you look at one-off games, we were better than Manchester United at Anfield, even with 10 men. We should have beaten Man City, and we drew at Chelsea.</p>
  713.  
  714. <p>"We are as good as any team in the league. But the difference between us and United is consistency and that bit of depth, not quality.</p>
  715.  
  716. <p>"Sunday is a yardstick for us but ultimately it's not just about what happens this weekend. </p>
  717.  
  718. <p>"It's over the course of a season you need to judge it, but that doesn't take away the magnitude of the game. This is a chance to show how we can perform."</p>
  719.  
  720. <p>True to form United boss Alex Ferguson has tried to turn up the heat on tomorrow's referee Howard Webb.</p>
  721.  
  722. <p>Asked about Luis Suarez's handball in last weekend's FA Cup tie at Mansfield, Ferguson said: "The boy is laden with controversy. I don't know if he enjoys that or not. I hope we don't suffer some of the decisions which have gone his way."</p>
  723.  
  724. <p>Rodgers responded that he's merely hoping for better fortune than when the sides met at Anfield back in September when a controversial red card for Jonjo Shelvey and a soft late penalty allowed United to clinch a 2-1 win.</p>
  725.  
  726. <p>"We hope we don't have the decisions go against us that went for United at Anfield," he said.</p>
  727.  
  728. <p>"I hope they don't get the decisions that can influence the result. But we can't go too much into it or I will get another piece of paper through like I got earlier on in the season. </p>
  729.  
  730. <p>"I believe Howard Webb is a very good referee, well established in the Premier League and who refereed a World Cup final. I'm very confident the game will be decided on quality and not a referee's decision."</p>
  731.  
  732. <p>United may boast a seven-point lead at the top, but they have looked vulnerable defensively this season - conceding 28 goals in 21 games.</p>
  733.  
  734. <p>Their abundance of firepower has repeatedly got them out of trouble with Robin van Persie having bagged 16 league goals. They have won eight and drawn one of their last nine league games, scoring 25 times in the process.</p>
  735.  
  736. <p>Rodgers admits it's a tactical balancing act as Liverpool look to exploit United's weaknesses but avoid leaving themselves exposed at the back.  However, he insists his side will be bold.</p>
  737.  
  738. <p>"We are growing as an attacking force and showing our confidence with the ball," said Rodgers.</p>
  739.  
  740. <p>"United will probably be disappointed with the number of goals they have conceded at home. With ourselves creating a lot of opportunities in games we're very hopeful we can go and take those opportunities, but we know it's going to be a really difficult game.</p>
  741.  
  742. <p>"We can go there on a fantastic pitch with big spaces to play. There's no doubt that with the nature of our possession game, teams don't sit back against us, they get pushed back.</p>
  743.  
  744. <p>"I don't think they are the counter-attacking team they were a few years ago with Ronaldo and other bombing on from wide areas but they have experience.</p>
  745.  
  746. <p>"If they start with (Ashley) Young on one side, (Antonio) Valenica on the other, (Shinji) Kagawa in behind Van Persie then they have that possibility to break. Then you need that tactical discipline behind the ball.</p>
  747.  
  748. <p>"That's the risk when you play that possession game. One or two times if you don't close up quickly enough then you can be open.</p>
  749.  
  750. <p>"But I'd rather take that risk, than suffer, sit behind the ball, wait and wait and then chase the game."</p>
  751.  
  752. <p>Rodgers' confidence is boosted by the fact that skipper Steven Gerrard has hit such a rich vein of form ahead of tomorrow's game.</p>
  753.  
  754. <p>The 32-year-old midfielder, who was rested for last week's FA Cup tie, has played every minute of every Premier League game so far this season - providing four league goals and eight assists.</p>
  755.  
  756. <p>Tomorrow will be the 30th time he has faced United and he will surpass the number of league appearances he made in either 2010/11 or 2011/12 when he was hampered by career-threatening groin and ankle injuries.</p>
  757.  
  758. <p>"I've got to say, his quality has never been in question," said Rodgers.</p>
  759.  
  760. <p>"People obviously judge him on his goals, and maybe he has not scored as much as he has in the past, but the role and responsibility he has in this young team now is slightly different.</p>
  761.  
  762. <p>"What I've had from him is incredible leadership. Everyone judges him by what he does on the field, which is world class, but this is a guy who is world class off the field as well.</p>
  763.  
  764. <p>"He's a wonderful human being, and it's a real pleasure to work with someone like that. As each day goes on he's growing in his confidence and his play. He's been 10 out of 10."</p>
  765.  
  766. <p>Rodgers' first trip to Old Trafford as Liverpool boss is an occasion he is relishing.<br />
  767. "United are fighting at the top of the league but we're all really looking forward to it," he added.</p>
  768.  
  769. <p>"It's two of the biggest clubs in the world. Both clubs are institutions in their own right.</p>
  770.  
  771. <p>"People will knock Liverpool at the moment because of the standards that were achieved here in the 1970s and 1980s, but that doesn't stop it being one of the biggest clubs in the world, and a club many players want to play for.</p>
  772.  
  773. <p>"Of course Manchester United have been very dominant over a number of years, but this is a football club that also had dominance for many years.</p>
  774.  
  775. <p>"What you are always fighting for, every day, is to get back to that level.</p>
  776.  
  777. <p>"It's a long, hard journey but it has to start somewhere, and what I've seen in this first period that I've been here is that going forward we can achieve great things.</p>
  778.  
  779. <p>"We're all up for the challenge. The biggest thing I have got from my time here so far is hope. We'll go into Sunday's game with the courage and the belief we can win."</p>
  780.  
  781. <p>Jose Enrique remains sidelined by a hamstring injury but Rodgers has no other injury concerns.</p>]]>
  782.    </content>
  783. </entry>
  784.  
  785. <entry>
  786.    <title>I wouldn&apos;t swap Luis Suarez for anyone in the world, says Brendan Rodgers</title>
  787.    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/2013/01/i-wouldnt-swap-luis-suarez-for.html" />
  788.    <id>tag:www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk,2013://22.406521</id>
  789.  
  790.    <published>2013-01-12T08:22:38Z</published>
  791.    <updated>2013-01-12T08:28:22Z</updated>
  792.  
  793.    <summary> by James Pearce BRENDAN RODGERS insists he wouldn&apos;t swap Luis Suarez for anyone as the boss warned that any abuse dished out to his striker at Old Trafford will only inspire him. Tomorrow&apos;s lunchtime showdown sees the Premier League&apos;s...</summary>
  794.    <author>
  795.        <name>sean_bradbury</name>
  796.        <uri>http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk</uri>
  797.    </author>
  798.    
  799.        <category term="Journalists" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
  800.    
  801.    <category term="brendanrodgers" label="Brendan Rodgers" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
  802.    <category term="lfc" label="LFC" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
  803.    <category term="liverpoolfc" label="Liverpool FC" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
  804.    <category term="luissuarez" label="Luis Suarez" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
  805.    
  806.    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/">
  807.        <![CDATA[<p><img alt="suarezmarch2011_450.jpg" src="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/suarezmarch2011_450.jpg" width="450" height="231" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></p>
  808.  
  809. <p>by <strong>James Pearce</strong></p>
  810.  
  811. <p>BRENDAN RODGERS insists he wouldn't swap Luis Suarez for anyone as the boss warned that any abuse dished out to his striker at Old Trafford will only inspire him.</p>
  812.  
  813. <p>Tomorrow's lunchtime showdown sees the Premier League's two most prolific hitmen go head to head with Suarez up against Manchester United's Robin van Persie.<br />
  814. </p>]]>
  815.        <![CDATA[<p>Suarez is in the form of his life with 19 goals already this season, while Van Persie has found the net on one more occasion.</p>
  816.  
  817. <p>"I can't comment on who is better, but I certainly wouldn't want to swap Luis Suarez," said Rodgers.</p>
  818.  
  819. <p>"We're blessed to have someone like Luis who has carried the club for the first six months of this season by himself, in terms of being a lone striker.</p>
  820.  
  821. <p>"Every single day he gives everything. I'm very blessed and privileged to work with such a top player."</p>
  822.  
  823. <p>Suarez is guaranteed a hostile reception from United fans tomorrow following the race row with Patrice Evra and his failure to shake the defender's hand in the corresponding fixture last season.</p>
  824.  
  825. <p>Rodgers has no concerns about the Uruguayan's ability to keep his cool in the heat of battle, but there will be a reminder to all his players about their responsibilities.</p>
  826.  
  827. <p>"Luis's character is very strong, and you find that with world class players," he said.</p>
  828.  
  829. <p>"When he goes on to the field, all the stuff that can get into people's minds, it's not a problem. His mental fitness is very good.</p>
  830.  
  831. <p>"He has the brain I believe to park things, which is part of what makes him world class.</p>
  832.  
  833. <p>"He's inspired by those hostile enviroments.  I remember talking to Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard when I came in here and they said you'll be amazed by Luis because he performs in every game. They were absolutely spot on.</p>
  834.  
  835. <p>"He hurts badly when we lose. He really cares and that's why people want to give him help and support. He brings that out of you as a manager.</p>
  836.  
  837. <p>"This is a proud football club whose tradition is based on values and ethics and good moral values. It's my job to ensure I always protect that. </p>
  838.  
  839. <p>"That's something I have always done. There have been times in the season where of course I have spoken to Luis and he will tell you that."</p>
  840.  
  841. <p>Suarez was dogged by controversy once again this week in the wake of the handball which preceded Liverpool's second goal in the 2-1 FA Cup win at Mansfield.</p>
  842.  
  843. <p>Among his critics was Stags chairman John Radford, who branded Suarez a cheat, accused him of gloating with his celebration and said he should feel ashamed.</p>
  844.  
  845. <p>Rodgers believes the reaction was hugely unfair but says it hasn't affected his top scorer in the build up to tomorrow's crunch clash.</p>
  846.  
  847. <p>"I spoke with the Mansfield chairman after the game and he had obviously had a few drinks as the boardroom was buzzing," he added. "Maybe he said a few things he wouldn't have said normally.</p>
  848.  
  849. <p>"I really felt for Luis this week as he got absolutely vilified. It was ludicrous the amount of stuff that was said against him.</p>
  850.  
  851. <p>"Does it make a difference to him? No. If anything, it's actually fuel for his mentality because he is so strong.</p>
  852.  
  853. <p>"The ball hit his hand. It's not his problem to say it was handball. If you are playing snooker and you touch the ball and the other player doesn't see it, you put your hand up. That's the etiquette of the game.</p>
  854.  
  855. <p>"But that doesn't happen in football."</p>]]>
  856.    </content>
  857. </entry>
  858.  
  859. <entry>
  860.    <title>Liverpool&apos;s Two Gems Ensure That The Black Cats Are Beaten</title>
  861.    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/2013/01/liverpools-two-gems-ensure-tha.html" />
  862.    <id>tag:www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk,2013://22.406205</id>
  863.  
  864.    <published>2013-01-03T18:18:12Z</published>
  865.    <updated>2013-01-03T18:21:09Z</updated>
  866.  
  867.    <summary>Yesterday was one of those days that would go down in Liverpool&apos;s history as the day when several things happened that benefited the club. The first happened around mid-morning when it was announced that Daniel Sturridge had completed his transfer...</summary>
  868.    <author>
  869.        <name>Faith Fulcher</name>
  870.        
  871.    </author>
  872.    
  873.        <category term="Fans" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
  874.    
  875.    <category term="liverpoolsunderlandluissuarezraheemsterlingstevengerrardfaithfulcher" label="Liverpool Sunderland Luis Suarez Raheem Sterling Steven Gerrard Faith Fulcher" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
  876.    
  877.    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/">
  878.        <![CDATA[<p><p class="MsoNormal">Yesterday was one of those days that would go down in
  879. Liverpool's history as the day when several things happened that benefited the
  880. club.<o:p></o:p></p>
  881.  
  882. <p class="MsoNormal">The first happened around mid-morning when it was announced
  883. that Daniel Sturridge had completed his transfer to Liverpool from
  884. Chelsea.&nbsp; It is hoped that he will step
  885. into the breach and help Luis Suarez score the goals that are desperately
  886. needed.<o:p></o:p></p>
  887.  
  888. <p class="MsoNormal">The second came in early evening when it was announced that
  889. Joe Cole was at West Ham discussing a possible move to them and awaiting his
  890. medical. Now I mean no disrespect to Joe, but he was never going to do well at
  891. Liverpool - he simply was not the type of player that they needed or indeed
  892. wanted. I am sure that now he is back in his native East End, he will once
  893. again thrive on the pitch and I wish the best of luck for the remaining years
  894. of his football career.<o:p></o:p></p></p>]]>
  895.        <![CDATA[<p class="MsoNormal">The third came about when Liverpool played Sunderland at
  896. Anfield that evening.&nbsp; It was a game that
  897. would have been classed as a must win for Sunderland and for Liverpool it was
  898. simply classed as a game that would help on their quest to move up the table.&nbsp; It would also hopefully help to dispel the
  899. myth that Liverpool and consistency do not mix. Which, of course it did, in a
  900. style that Liverpool supporters have wanted to see for some time.<o:p></o:p></p>
  901.  
  902. <p class="MsoNormal">Daniel Sturridge, who a lot of supporters had hoped would
  903. take part in the game was able to watch the unfolding master class from Luis
  904. Suarez, Raheem Sterling, Stevie G and the rest of the team from the Director's
  905. box.<o:p></o:p></p>
  906.  
  907. <p class="MsoNormal">The game itself began in a very spiritually manner and it
  908. became evident very quickly that Sunderland were going to be left wondering why
  909. they were actually on the pitch.&nbsp; Apart
  910. from a few early defensive errors, Liverpool was running rings around their
  911. players and it was not long before the first of several fantastic moves
  912. happened.<o:p></o:p></p>
  913.  
  914. <p class="MsoNormal">Young Raheem Sterling, who since his arrival in first team
  915. has shown what a wonderful talent he is, raced to pick up a fantastic ball that
  916. had been sent towards him from Luis Suarez.&nbsp;
  917. He then quite calmly looked into the Sunderland keeper's eyes and took
  918. aim.&nbsp; The ball went straight over the
  919. keeper's head and into the back of the net.&nbsp;
  920. This was only Raheem's second goal for the senior team and what a beauty
  921. it was and proves to all those who have their reservations about him, that the
  922. lad plays football way beyond his maturity.<o:p></o:p></p>
  923.  
  924. <p class="MsoNormal">Seven minutes later, Liverpool's own version of Messi &nbsp;(to quote Brendan from his post match press
  925. conference) Luis Suarez increased the score line. This came after Stevie G
  926. having won a clear header in midfield, had it flagged as a foul by Carlos
  927. Cuellar.&nbsp; Luis Suarez then ignored the
  928. challenge and picking up the ball with his right foot and sent it passed the
  929. Sunderland Keeper.&nbsp; This move also proved
  930. that Luis has matured and is trying to shrug off his 'bad boy' image.<o:p></o:p></p>
  931.  
  932. <p class="MsoNormal">Sunderland were finding it very hard to cope with everything
  933. that was being thrown at them, during the first half, although several minutes
  934. after Raheem's opening shot, they did have what would turn out &nbsp;be their only shot on goal.&nbsp; James Mclean had picked up a ball from Steven
  935. Fletcher but sent the ball wide.<o:p></o:p></p>
  936.  
  937. <p class="MsoNormal">The remaining twenty minutes of the first half was a
  938. wonderful mixture of some fantastic football by players who had suddenly found
  939. their missing form.&nbsp; Jordan Henderson and
  940. Stewart Downing I guess are the main two and why it has taken this long for
  941. them to prove that the fees paid for them, where indeed well spent.<o:p></o:p></p>
  942.  
  943. <p class="MsoNormal">Now Liverpool are well known for letting their leads and
  944. their form slip in the second half of game, but tonight proved that perhaps
  945. that too is now in the past.&nbsp; The team
  946. came out onto the pitch and immediately the style of football that they had
  947. been playing, was in evidence once more.&nbsp;
  948. So much so that Luis Suarez and Steven Gerrard were about to show the
  949. supporters at Anfield and those watching the game by whatever means they could,
  950. what a fantastic pairing they are, when playing together and being allowed to
  951. roam wherever they want on the pitch.<o:p></o:p></p>
  952.  
  953. <p class="MsoNormal">Stevie G, whose form has been questioned recently, had been
  954. having a fantastic game, when he picked up and sent a fantastic ball seventy
  955. yards to a waiting Luis Suarez, who did, what he does best. He weaved his way
  956. through several strikers and having judged the speed of the ball, met it and
  957. sent it straight into the back of the net.<o:p></o:p></p>
  958.  
  959. <p class="MsoNormal">Liverpool was now three-nil up and continued to press the
  960. Sunderland side in the hope of adding to the score line.&nbsp; It was not to be, with Luis Suarez being
  961. denied by Mignolet.&nbsp; Joe Allen and Glen
  962. Johnson also had goals disallowed due to them being offside.<o:p></o:p></p>
  963.  
  964. <p class="MsoNormal">The game finished and all the plaudits went to Luis Suarez,
  965. quite rightly so of course because of his wonderful display, but we must not
  966. forget the rest of the team, who also played their hearts out. Each and every
  967. one of them did what we have all hoped and waited for them do, since the since
  968. began. It also I hope has proved to Daniel Sturridge that he has indeed become
  969. part of a humongous club.<o:p></o:p></p>
  970.  
  971. <p class="MsoNormal">From now on hopefully we will now sit in awe and witness
  972. many more games that are played and won in the same manner.<o:p></o:p></p>
  973.  
  974. <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></p>
  975.  
  976. <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></p>
  977.  
  978. <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></p>]]>
  979.    </content>
  980. </entry>
  981.  
  982. <entry>
  983.    <title>Suarez Cures The Yuletide Blues</title>
  984.    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/2012/12/suarez-cures-the-yuletide-blue.html" />
  985.    <id>tag:www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk,2012://22.406079</id>
  986.  
  987.    <published>2012-12-30T21:03:57Z</published>
  988.    <updated>2012-12-30T21:07:14Z</updated>
  989.  
  990.    <summary><![CDATA[Although we still have one game to play before our Christmas schedule is over, today was the day that quite possibly would prove to the supporters, Liverpool were in fact making the expected improvements under manager Brendan Rodgers.&nbsp; We were...]]></summary>
  991.    <author>
  992.        <name>Faith Fulcher</name>
  993.        
  994.    </author>
  995.    
  996.        <category term="Fans" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
  997.    
  998.    <category term="liverpoolqueensparkrangersbrendanrodgersluissuarezfaithfulcher" label="Liverpool Queens Park Rangers Brendan Rodgers Luis Suarez Faith Fulcher" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
  999.    
  1000.    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/">
  1001.        <![CDATA[<p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><p class="MsoNormal">Although we still have one game to play before our Christmas
  1002. schedule is over, today was the day that quite possibly would prove to the
  1003. supporters, Liverpool were in fact making the expected improvements under
  1004. manager Brendan Rodgers.&nbsp; We were after
  1005. all playing Queens Park Rangers, who are still languishing in the relegation
  1006. zone having only won, one game.<o:p></o:p></p>
  1007.  
  1008. <p class="MsoNormal">Off the field matters took precedence first though, as it
  1009. was announced at lunchtime today that Brendan Rodgers would not attend the game
  1010. due to an illness. This meant that Colin Pascoe, who himself was ill and Mike
  1011. Marsh were in charge of first team affairs for the day.&nbsp; The illness also claimed reserve goalkeeper
  1012. Brad Jones and meant that Peter Gulasci had to be rushed down to London from
  1013. Merseyside.<o:p></o:p></p>
  1014.  
  1015. <p class="MsoNormal">The next thing that annoyed the majority of Liverpool
  1016. supporters was the fact that Liverpool were playing in that DREADFUL black
  1017. kit.&nbsp; Now that kit should not see the
  1018. light of day because it is so awful, but I guess it has to be worn several
  1019. times a year under the agreement put into place with Warrior.&nbsp; I also understand that the sales of the shirt
  1020. are extremely low, so I get the feeling Liverpool have been told to wear it, to
  1021. ensure it gets more exposure.&nbsp; It won't
  1022. work of course, because Liverpool have played in Red since the 1960's and that
  1023. must NEVER change.<o:p></o:p></p></p><p></p>]]>
  1024.        <![CDATA[<p class="MsoNormal">The match itself began very sprightly with Liverpool gaining
  1025. the ascendancy immediately.&nbsp; They were
  1026. running circles around the Queens Park Rangers players and it was not long
  1027. before the brilliance of Luis Suarez shone through once again.<o:p></o:p></p>
  1028.  
  1029. <p class="MsoNormal">He began his goals scoring exploits today by turning Clint
  1030. Hill on the edge of the box and sending a low ball straight into the corner of
  1031. the net.&nbsp; Now you would have thought that
  1032. having watched Liverpool break through their defence and scoring a goal early
  1033. on, Queens Park Rangers would have woken up and re-grouped.&nbsp; <o:p></o:p></p>
  1034.  
  1035. <p class="MsoNormal">It did not happen and the Luis Suarez master class scored a
  1036. further goal six minutes later.&nbsp; This
  1037. time he had sent a low ball towards the net, but this was cleared by Nedum
  1038. Onuoha, who sent it back towards Suarez's feet.&nbsp;
  1039. What does the lad do, he met it with his left foot and it found the back
  1040. of the net.<o:p></o:p></p>
  1041.  
  1042. <p class="MsoNormal">Liverpool was now two up and to be honest although only
  1043. sixteen minutes of the game had been played, it was being seen as already being
  1044. won by Liverpool.&nbsp; Queens Park Rangers
  1045. were absolutely dreadful and I don't know whether this was simply down to a
  1046. could not give a damn attitude or the fact that and I mean no offense to Harry
  1047. Redknapp here, they simply had not trained well enough.<o:p></o:p></p>
  1048.  
  1049. <p class="MsoNormal">Liverpool of course were still on the hunt for more goals at
  1050. this point and on twenty eight minutes Daniel Agger sent a header into the back
  1051. of the net after picking up a cross from Stevie G.&nbsp; How they never scored any more in the first
  1052. half was simply down to them being either over the bar or indeed slightly off
  1053. target, but Liverpool went into the dressing room with a comfortable lead.<o:p></o:p></p>
  1054.  
  1055. <p class="MsoNormal">With the second half about to start it was revealed that
  1056. Colin Pascoe, who himself was suffering from a &nbsp;slightly different illness to Brendan had been
  1057. banned from the away dressing room at half time, to ensure that he was not
  1058. passed onto the players.&nbsp; Whether this
  1059. has worked or not, we shall find out when the team is announced for our game
  1060. against Sunderland on Wednesday evening.<o:p></o:p></p>
  1061.  
  1062. <p class="MsoNormal">At this point the worry was that Liverpool being Liverpool
  1063. would become to complacent and let QPR into the game.&nbsp; They did to a certain degree which meant that
  1064. the pace of play slowed down and that there were no further goals scored.&nbsp; Thankfully because Queens Park Rangers were
  1065. so bad, it also meant that we managed to keep them from scoring.<o:p></o:p></p>
  1066.  
  1067. <p class="MsoNormal">Unfortunately for the Liverpool during the second half Jose
  1068. Enrique received a tear to his hamstring which will see him side-lined for
  1069. between 6-8 weeks.&nbsp; Hopefully this will
  1070. give young Jack Robinson a chance to play first team football once more, unless
  1071. of course Brendan brings a player in during the January window to fill that
  1072. position.<o:p></o:p></p>
  1073.  
  1074. <p class="MsoNormal">It was also revealed after the game that Jordan Henderson
  1075. left his sick bed to play in the team - that may have seemed like a good idea
  1076. to begin with, but I am not sure looking forward if it was right thing for him
  1077. to do.<o:p></o:p></p>
  1078.  
  1079. <p class="MsoNormal">But the main thing of course is that we won today and
  1080. although an easy win, it is something to build on and hopefully perhaps this
  1081. time the team can begin to string some wins together to ensure that we move
  1082. further up the table.<o:p></o:p></p>]]>
  1083.    </content>
  1084. </entry>
  1085.  
  1086. <entry>
  1087.    <title>Aston Villa Burst Brendan&apos;s Bubble</title>
  1088.    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/2012/12/aston-villa-burst-brendans-bub.html" />
  1089.    <id>tag:www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk,2012://22.405776</id>
  1090.  
  1091.    <published>2012-12-15T19:01:09Z</published>
  1092.    <updated>2012-12-15T19:05:40Z</updated>
  1093.  
  1094.    <summary><![CDATA[Yesterday Brendan during his weekly press conference decided to talk the talk and stated that he could see Liverpool finish not only in the top four but in second place.&nbsp; Now don't get me wrong here because it is absolutely...]]></summary>
  1095.    <author>
  1096.        <name>Faith Fulcher</name>
  1097.        
  1098.    </author>
  1099.    
  1100.        <category term="Fans" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
  1101.    
  1102.    <category term="astonvillabrendanrodgerbentekeneilswarbrickgoalsfaithfulcher" label="Aston Villa Brendan Rodger Benteke Neil Swarbrick Goals Faith Fulcher" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
  1103.    
  1104.    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/">
  1105.        <![CDATA[<p><p class="MsoNormal">Yesterday Brendan during his weekly press conference decided
  1106. to talk the talk and stated that he could see Liverpool finish not only in the
  1107. top four but in second place.&nbsp; Now don't
  1108. get me wrong here because it is absolutely fine for a manager to have ambition.&nbsp; The problem is, that ambition is totally out
  1109. of touch with what the true standing of the team is.<o:p></o:p></p>
  1110.  
  1111. <p class="MsoNormal">So at the beginning of the match today, we had not only a
  1112. team that were over confident but a team who although still not the finished
  1113. article, had a lot of pressure piled onto their shoulders.&nbsp; That was a sure sign that things would go
  1114. wrong and they certainly did.<o:p></o:p></p>
  1115.  
  1116. <p class="MsoNormal">The day itself started with a minute's applause for
  1117. ex-manager and player Phil Taylor who had passed away a fortnight ago - How I
  1118. would love to know his feelings about the game.&nbsp;
  1119. It has also been arranged that everyone would applaud when the clock
  1120. struck nineteen minutes to show their appreciation for Sylvain Petrov, who is
  1121. winning his fight against cancer.<o:p></o:p></p></p>]]>
  1122.        <![CDATA[<p class="MsoNormal">There were signs from the moment the match began to be
  1123. honest because they did not start with the pass and move style of play as
  1124. quickly as they have done over the last few weeks.&nbsp; It was extremely scrappy and whether that was
  1125. down to Brendan's team selection only he will know.&nbsp; We were definitely missing Enrique who is
  1126. still recovering from a hamstring injury, but Stewart should have been able to
  1127. cope with the Aston Villa players, although I have to say that the performance
  1128. from the other ten players was so bad, that he was given man of the match.<o:p></o:p></p>
  1129.  
  1130. <p class="MsoNormal">Liverpool seemed to recover and for most of the first half
  1131. literally ran around Aston Villa as they controlled the field of play.&nbsp; There were also the obligatory chances to
  1132. score, but for some reason, rather than take a chance and shoot the players
  1133. freeze and the balls go anywhere but into the back of the net.<o:p></o:p></p>
  1134.  
  1135. <p class="MsoNormal">Then for some reason Liverpool's defence became wide open
  1136. and Aston Villa seized the opportunity by scoring their first goal of the
  1137. afternoon after Benteke picked up a ball from Brett Holman.&nbsp; Pepe whose form has been the subject of scrutiny
  1138. over the last few months could only stand and watch it going into the corner.<o:p></o:p></p>
  1139.  
  1140. <p class="MsoNormal">Now you would have thought this would have been seen as a
  1141. wake-up call to the Liverpool team. Instead the opposite happened and with
  1142. their confidence appearing to have been completely drained from them.&nbsp; So much so that just before half time,
  1143. Weisman sent shot past Pepe Reina.&nbsp;
  1144. Liverpool was now two down at home and it obvious that Brendan needed to
  1145. have a re-think about his playing strategy over the half time interval.<o:p></o:p></p>
  1146.  
  1147. <p class="MsoNormal">He did but the player chosen to come on was the wrong
  1148. one.&nbsp; Now we all know that Joe Cole is in
  1149. the shop window but today from the moment he stepped onto the pitch, he was an
  1150. utter disaster. For someone who was sent onto the pitch to make an improvement,
  1151. came no effort whatsoever and it would have been better if Brendan had sent on
  1152. Suso.&nbsp; It was also Joe Cole who was
  1153. responsible for Aston Villa's third goal, having allowed Holman to take the
  1154. ball away from him.&nbsp; This was then passed
  1155. to Benteke who sent his second into the back of the net.<o:p></o:p></p>
  1156.  
  1157. <p class="MsoNormal">Liverpool then decided that perhaps it might be a good idea
  1158. for them to do what they were supposed to and they began to lay siege on the
  1159. Aston Villa goal.&nbsp; Unfortunately, without
  1160. an out and out striker in the team, no goals were forthcoming until Stevie G
  1161. picked up a deflection from Glen Johnson which found the back of the net.&nbsp; It was too late though and to be honest I
  1162. think everyone was pleased when referee Neil Swarbrick blew the final whistle.<o:p></o:p></p>
  1163.  
  1164. <p class="MsoNormal">Now Neal Swarbrick also ensured that yet again there is
  1165. controversy around penalty decisions not being given. There were two incidents
  1166. and both happened in the second half.&nbsp;
  1167. The first was when Daniel Agger had his shirt pulled by Ciaran Clark and
  1168. I suspect it was the fact that Daniel appeared to pull his shirt that stopped
  1169. the penalty from being given.&nbsp; The second
  1170. was when Glen Johnson was pushed in the face by Benteke - How he only escaped
  1171. with a yellow card, is one of the life's unanswered questions.<o:p></o:p></p>
  1172.  
  1173. <p class="MsoNormal">What made the day worse was the fact that with twelve
  1174. minutes left to play, Anfield was emptying fast. Now I can understand why we
  1175. the supporters are extremely annoyed this evening, but the one thing you do not
  1176. do, is leave before the end of the game.<o:p></o:p></p>
  1177.  
  1178. <p class="MsoNormal">Aston Villa entered the game lower than us in the league and
  1179. to be honest, there are a lot of people this evening that should be asking
  1180. themselves if they actually want to work or indeed play for Liverpool Football
  1181. Club. <o:p></o:p></p>
  1182.  
  1183. <p class="MsoNormal">It was also the day when the Hillsborough Justice single was
  1184. played at half time and I urge all those of you who have not yet planned to
  1185. purchase it, to do so.&nbsp; You can do this
  1186. by texting JUSTICE to 80010 and it will be downloaded to your mobile on Monday.&nbsp; The cost is £1.00 plus your normal network
  1187. charge. &nbsp;It is also available to download
  1188. from i-tunes. If you want to purchase a CD, these will be available from HMV
  1189. and Tesco.<o:p></o:p></p>]]>
  1190.    </content>
  1191. </entry>
  1192.  
  1193. <entry>
  1194.    <title>Sam&apos;s Bubbles Burst by Former West Ham Players</title>
  1195.    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/2012/12/sams-bubbles-burst-by-former-w.html" />
  1196.    <id>tag:www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk,2012://22.405603</id>
  1197.  
  1198.    <published>2012-12-09T20:07:11Z</published>
  1199.    <updated>2012-12-09T20:10:50Z</updated>
  1200.  
  1201.    <summary>Today was the day when a fledgling Liverpool team would find out if they could cope without their talisman and only striker. Luis Suarez was as we all know serving a one match ban after receiving the fifth of five...</summary>
  1202.    <author>
  1203.        <name>Faith Fulcher</name>
  1204.        
  1205.    </author>
  1206.    
  1207.        <category term="Fans" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
  1208.    
  1209.    <category term="jonjoshelveyjoecolesteviegowngoalwesthampenaltyfaithfulcher" label="Jonjo Shelvey Joe Cole Stevie G Own Goal West Ham Penalty Faith Fulcher" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
  1210.    
  1211.    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/">
  1212.        <![CDATA[<p><p class="MsoNormal">Today was the day when a fledgling Liverpool team would find
  1213. out if they could cope without their talisman and only striker. Luis Suarez was
  1214. as we all know serving a one match ban after receiving the fifth of five yellow
  1215. cards.&nbsp;&nbsp; The name of his replacement has
  1216. been hinted at throughout the week and it as expected it was Jonjo
  1217. Shelvey.&nbsp; Now Jonjo has a terrible habit
  1218. of hesitating in front of the goal and sending the ball over the post, so it
  1219. hoped today would be the day, he found the back of the net - he did with a
  1220. little help from Collins who also managed to tap it.<o:p></o:p></p>
  1221.  
  1222. <p class="MsoNormal">Liverpool of course appear to be unable to make easy work of
  1223. any of the games that they play and today's game appeared to be split into
  1224. quarters.&nbsp; For the first twenty minutes,
  1225. it looked as though the right formation had been selected by Brendan but as usual,
  1226. the same old mistakes began to happen and our defence suddenly appeared to open
  1227. up.&nbsp; Why this is, I have no idea, because
  1228. by now the players should have covered what are becoming regular mistakes in
  1229. training.<o:p></o:p></p>
  1230.  
  1231. <p class="MsoNormal">The first goal of the game came during that period from none
  1232. other than West Ham old boy, Glen Johnson who seemed to have the run of the
  1233. left flank.&nbsp; Several times, he managed to
  1234. work his way past Matt Jarvis and it was not long before a thunderous short
  1235. from him, found the back of the net.&nbsp;
  1236. Liverpool were in front and with Stevie G also have a shot deflected, at
  1237. that point in time, although early in the game it looked as they could go on to
  1238. win it.&nbsp; Raheem also had a couple of
  1239. shots at the goal, but again failed to find the back of the net.<o:p></o:p></p></p>]]>
  1240.        <![CDATA[<p class="MsoNormal">Then disaster struck with Enrique being substituted due to
  1241. feeling a problem with his hamstring.&nbsp;
  1242. His replacement was Joe Cole, and I will admit at this point in time I
  1243. was fuming about his inclusion.&nbsp; I know
  1244. it is shop window time, but in my mind young Suso would have been a better
  1245. bet.&nbsp; I was of course proved to be
  1246. totally wrong about his lack of impact on the game.<o:p></o:p></p>
  1247.  
  1248. <p class="MsoNormal">The team immediately seemed to fall apart and West Ham
  1249. quickly gained the advantage.&nbsp; So much so,
  1250. that a disputed penalty was given by referee, Lee Probert.&nbsp; West Ham were taking a set piece when Guy
  1251. Demel sent the ball towards Joe Allen, whose arm appeared to get in the way as
  1252. he blocked the shot - now I am no expect on penalties, in fact due to the ineptness
  1253. of today's referees they confuse me, but I am pretty that was not deliberate,
  1254. so it should never have been forgiven.<o:p></o:p></p>
  1255.  
  1256. <p class="MsoNormal">Liverpool, penalties and referees tend not to get on at the
  1257. moment and I guess this knocked the stuffing out of the players because from a
  1258. team that looked totally confident in the way they were playing, they suddenly
  1259. appeared to be all over the place.&nbsp; So
  1260. much so that as the half was coming to a close, Stevie G scored an own goal and
  1261. Jonjo had one of his classic kicks sent straight over the bar.<o:p></o:p></p>
  1262.  
  1263. <p class="MsoNormal">With the lads going into the dressing room at half time, I
  1264. guess I was not the only supporter who hoped that Brendan would read them the
  1265. riot act.&nbsp; To see a game completely
  1266. turned on its heels in the way it was, simply was not acceptable and it should
  1267. never have happened.<o:p></o:p></p>
  1268.  
  1269. <p class="MsoNormal">The second half though, started as the first half had
  1270. finished, with Liverpool appearing to be all over the place.&nbsp; There simply seemed to be no consistency in
  1271. their play although Raheem did have a chance to bring the game back onto a
  1272. level footing when he sent a ball from the edge of the penalty area which
  1273. Jaaskelainen tipped over the bar with his fingertips.&nbsp; Jonjo also had a further chance to score when
  1274. he sent a header towards the goal but it went wide.<o:p></o:p></p>
  1275.  
  1276. <p class="MsoNormal">With the second half now heading towards the final twenty
  1277. minutes, Brendan took of the tiring Lucas and replaced his with Jordan
  1278. Henderson.&nbsp; Now Jordan is another of
  1279. those players which I have a question mark against, but today his introduction
  1280. ensured that the team became a unit once again.<o:p></o:p></p>
  1281.  
  1282. <p class="MsoNormal">This ensured that Joe Cole, who had been trying to get
  1283. through the West Ham defence since his introduction was able to pick up a pass
  1284. from Raheem and sent it thundering into the goal mouth. Liverpool was now level
  1285. and with both teams now fighting for possession of the ball, it was simply
  1286. going to be a case of who would score next.<o:p></o:p></p>
  1287.  
  1288. <p class="MsoNormal">That joy fell to Liverpool when Jordan Henderson sent a low
  1289. ball towards Jonjo and Collins who caught it off his foot and sent it towards
  1290. Jaaskelainen, who could only stand and see go into the goalmouth. It is a goal
  1291. that will go before the dubious goals committee but for all intents and
  1292. purposes, it appears to have been a West Ham own goal.<o:p></o:p></p>
  1293.  
  1294. <p class="MsoNormal">The second half of course did not pass without several controversial
  1295. incidents and again they were down to the decisions made by referee Lee
  1296. Probert.&nbsp;&nbsp; Matt Taylor somehow managed to
  1297. escape a straight red card when he made a challenge with his studs clearly
  1298. showing against Raheem and there was the obligatory shout for a Liverpool
  1299. penalty that was ignored although it was blatantly obvious that Jonjo was
  1300. tripped as he lined up a shot.<o:p></o:p></p>
  1301.  
  1302. <p class="MsoNormal">Now there is injury time and there is injury time and
  1303. although I know that there were injuries and substitutions to deal with, but
  1304. how the fourth official came up with five minutes is one of life's
  1305. mysteries.&nbsp; West Ham by then had made
  1306. their final change and was not going to give up that easily and did everything
  1307. that they could to prevent Liverpool scoring once again.&nbsp; So much so that Glen Johnson got caught up in
  1308. a fracas with several of the West Ham players.&nbsp;
  1309. The linesman blew his whistle to stop play and suddenly out of nowhere a
  1310. further minute and a half was added on.&nbsp;
  1311. A minute and half in which Raheem tried his best to get the goal which
  1312. would definitely seal the win.<o:p></o:p></p>
  1313.  
  1314. <p class="MsoNormal">But it was not to be and Liverpool finished 3-2 winners
  1315. which meant that they moved up to tenth position in the table.&nbsp; A position that also sees them now four
  1316. points of fourth place and providing they can hold their nerve over the
  1317. Christmas period, there is every possibility that we may be in the mix for a
  1318. Champions League spot.<o:p></o:p></p>]]>
  1319.    </content>
  1320. </entry>
  1321.  
  1322. <entry>
  1323.    <title>The Return of The Midfield Maestro</title>
  1324.    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/2012/12/the-return-of-the-midfield-mae.html" />
  1325.    <id>tag:www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk,2012://22.405399</id>
  1326.  
  1327.    <published>2012-12-01T18:59:36Z</published>
  1328.    <updated>2012-12-01T19:03:08Z</updated>
  1329.  
  1330.    <summary><![CDATA[If you know your Liverpool Football Club history you will know that today marks the 53rd anniversary of Bill Shankly's arrival at Anfield.&nbsp; An arrival that ensured Liverpool became one of most successful teams in England. He took over from...]]></summary>
  1331.    <author>
  1332.        <name>Faith Fulcher</name>
  1333.        
  1334.    </author>
  1335.    
  1336.        <category term="Fans" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
  1337.    
  1338.    <category term="lucasleivaraheemsterlingsouthamptonfluencyfaithfulcher" label="Lucas Leiva Raheem Sterling Southampton Fluency Faith Fulcher" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
  1339.    
  1340.    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/">
  1341.        <![CDATA[<p><p class="MsoNormal">If you know your Liverpool Football Club history you will
  1342. know that today marks the 53rd anniversary of Bill Shankly's arrival at
  1343. Anfield.&nbsp; An arrival that ensured
  1344. Liverpool became one of most successful teams in England.<o:p></o:p></p>
  1345.  
  1346. <p class="MsoNormal">He took over from Phil Taylor, whose death was announced
  1347. this morning and I am sure all Liverpool supporters will join with in saying,
  1348. Rest In Peace Phil and thank you for doing what you did for Liverpool Football
  1349. Club.<o:p></o:p></p>
  1350.  
  1351. <p class="MsoNormal">Today was also the day that Liverpool began the game with a
  1352. minute's applause for the young academy player, Stephen Packer who lost his
  1353. fight against cancer.&nbsp; Lucas tweeted his
  1354. condolences to the family during the week and again on behalf of all Liverpool
  1355. supporters, Rest in Peace Stephen and I know that your family will be comforted
  1356. by the fact that you are now free of pain and in peace. They will also be aware
  1357. that you will be looking down on them.<o:p></o:p></p></p>]]>
  1358.        <![CDATA[<p class="MsoNormal">It was also the day that saw the return of Lucas Leiva to
  1359. the starting line-up and what a difference it made to the midfield.<o:p></o:p></p>
  1360.  
  1361. <p class="MsoNormal">Liverpool appeared to the more comfortable of the two teams
  1362. from the moment the game kicked off, although to start with they played the
  1363. slow tikka takka style of football. Southampton began to show signs of waking
  1364. up and you did begin to wonder if it was going to be yet another of those games
  1365. where we could only manage a draw.<o:p></o:p></p>
  1366.  
  1367. <p class="MsoNormal">Now I don't know what happened, but suddenly the team
  1368. dropped the tikka takka style of football and the style of play became a lot
  1369. more fluid with balls being kicked everywhere at speed.&nbsp; This led to total of 14 shots aimed at the
  1370. goal, several of which hit the obligatory post.&nbsp;
  1371. Raheem Sterling, Luis Suarez, Jonjo Shelvey, Stevie G, Jose Enrique and
  1372. Glen Johnson all sent balls towards the goal but it was left to Daniel Agger to
  1373. ensure that a good old fashioned header found the back of the net.&nbsp; A header that ensured Liverpool went into the
  1374. half time break in the lead.<o:p></o:p></p>
  1375.  
  1376. <p class="MsoNormal">Southampton appeared to be a little lost although they did
  1377. get a chance to score just before half time when Rickie Lambert sent a long
  1378. range shot towards Pepe Reina, who slightly panicked but managed to stop the
  1379. ball.<o:p></o:p></p>
  1380.  
  1381. <p class="MsoNormal">There were also several instances of time wasting by the
  1382. Southampton goalie, who was eventually spoken to by referee Michael Oliver.&nbsp; How he never got a yellow card I guess is one
  1383. of life's little mysteries.<o:p></o:p></p>
  1384.  
  1385. <p class="MsoNormal">When Liverpool came out for the second half, it looked as
  1386. though they had, had a lot of energy drained out of them.&nbsp; They slowed down whereas Southampton came out
  1387. for the second half looking like a totally different team.&nbsp; For the next twenty minutes, they began to
  1388. show that perhaps Liverpool were as vulnerable has they have been in recent
  1389. weeks.&nbsp; Their players were beginning to
  1390. find their way through our defence and I guess if luck had not been on our
  1391. side, then they may well have scored.<o:p></o:p></p>
  1392.  
  1393. <p class="MsoNormal">Suddenly, something must have clicked with the Liverpool
  1394. team because the urgency reappeared and the movement that we had seen in the
  1395. first half was evident was once again.&nbsp;
  1396. Jose Enrique who has found a new release of energy picked up a pass from
  1397. Luis Suarez but his kick was deflected by Luke Shaw.&nbsp; <o:p></o:p></p>
  1398.  
  1399. <p class="MsoNormal">Luis Suarez was his usual self of course marauding in and
  1400. out of the area whilst trying to find a way to score.&nbsp; Unfortunately today as he and shot went
  1401. towards the goal, he touched it with his arm and was awarded his fifth yellow
  1402. card of the season.&nbsp; A yellow card that
  1403. sees him automatically suspended for Liverpool's trip to West Ham next weekend.<o:p></o:p></p>
  1404.  
  1405. <p class="MsoNormal">It will be interesting to see who Brendan Rodgers plays in
  1406. the striker role in his place.&nbsp; My own
  1407. opinion is that he will play a front two of Raheem and Jonjo.&nbsp; What we do have though, is Lucas back and as
  1408. I said above the transformation in the way the midfield operated today was
  1409. fantastic and it helped us to see the old Stevie G once again.<o:p></o:p></p>
  1410.  
  1411. <p class="MsoNormal">Today though, Liverpool won a game at home and hopefully it
  1412. is once again the start of a good run. A run that will hopefully see us climb
  1413. the table and prove to those who still harbour doubts about this season that
  1414. Liverpool albeit slowly are on their way back.&nbsp;
  1415. It also showed that you do not need slow tikka takka football when you
  1416. have players that prefer playing at speed and chasing the ball.<o:p></o:p></p>
  1417.  
  1418. <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></p>
  1419.  
  1420. <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></p>
  1421.  
  1422. <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></p>
  1423.  
  1424. <div class="zemanta-pixie" style="margin-top:10px;height:15px"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/?px" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=b32b4585-7a20-4996-a9e8-6cd01ea32629" alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" style="border:none;float:right" /></a></div>]]>
  1425.    </content>
  1426. </entry>
  1427.  
  1428. <entry>
  1429.    <title>Swansea Bore Draw</title>
  1430.    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/2012/11/swansea-bore-draw.html" />
  1431.    <id>tag:www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk,2012://22.405207</id>
  1432.  
  1433.    <published>2012-11-25T17:30:59Z</published>
  1434.    <updated>2012-11-25T17:33:37Z</updated>
  1435.  
  1436.    <summary><![CDATA[There is not really a lot to say about the ninety minutes that I have just witnessed.&nbsp; Liverpool Football Club are supposed to be a top class side.&nbsp; A side that should be capable of beating the likes of Swansea...]]></summary>
  1437.    <author>
  1438.        <name>Faith Fulcher</name>
  1439.        
  1440.    </author>
  1441.    
  1442.        <category term="Fans" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
  1443.    
  1444.    <category term="liverpoolswanseamichaellaudrupraheemjoseenriquefaithfulcher" label="Liverpool Swansea Michael Laudrup Raheem Jose Enrique Faith Fulcher" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
  1445.    
  1446.    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/">
  1447.        <![CDATA[<p><p class="MsoNormal">There is not really a lot to say about the ninety minutes
  1448. that I have just witnessed.&nbsp; Liverpool
  1449. Football Club are supposed to be a top class side.&nbsp; A side that should be capable of beating the
  1450. likes of Swansea but going by the performance today Michael Laudrup is doing a
  1451. better job of getting his players to play the game of football.<o:p></o:p></p>
  1452.  
  1453. <p class="MsoNormal">I suspect I am going to answer my own question here, but why
  1454. on earth were Stewart Downing, Jordan Henderson and Joe Cole in the team
  1455. because they certainly do not deserve to be there.&nbsp; I can only think it is because January is
  1456. just around the corner and what worries me about that scenario is I do not
  1457. believe that they will be replaced with better quality players.<o:p></o:p></p>
  1458.  
  1459. <p class="MsoNormal">Now you would have thought that Brendan would have gone all
  1460. out to prove to Swansea that as he keeps telling the world, he has indeed moved
  1461. to a better club with years of history behind it.&nbsp; He did not of course and unless something is
  1462. done about it very soon, it is my belief that the clubs supporters are going to
  1463. start getting very rebellious.<o:p></o:p></p></p>]]>
  1464.        <![CDATA[<p class="MsoNormal">There were indications from the very moment that the game
  1465. kicked off that it was not going to be the walkover that everyone believed it
  1466. to be.&nbsp; I will be honest when I say that
  1467. I could easily have fallen asleep for the first fifteen to twenty minutes as
  1468. the tikka takka style of football is becoming very boring.&nbsp; It may be pretty to watch but it is not
  1469. getting the players into the final third as quickly as it should and it
  1470. certainly does not give anyone the encouragement that they need to score a
  1471. goal.<o:p></o:p></p>
  1472.  
  1473. <p class="MsoNormal">There are even questions about Stevie G's form at the moment
  1474. and I can understand why because he simply does not look happy in the positions
  1475. that Brendan wants him to play in.&nbsp;
  1476. Stevie is a much better player when he is allowed to roam around the
  1477. midfield and pick up loose balls.&nbsp; Until
  1478. that happen once again, then I simply cannot see him scoring.<o:p></o:p></p>
  1479.  
  1480. <p class="MsoNormal">I can of course single several players who put in a good
  1481. days work.&nbsp; They were of course Raheem
  1482. Sterling who reads the game extremely well, Glen Johnson and Jose Enrique who
  1483. have both returned from injury and seem totally different players.&nbsp; Enrique is the player that stands out the
  1484. most I guess. He played extremely well again today and it was just a shame that
  1485. his goal, which came after some wonderful movement was judged as offside.&nbsp; Whether it was not, will be the subject of
  1486. many conversations in the days ahead.<o:p></o:p></p>
  1487.  
  1488. <p class="MsoNormal">Glen and Raheem had several chances at the goal but if they
  1489. did not go over the bar, they were either saved or went wide.&nbsp; Of the two, Raheem was the closest when he
  1490. sent a thundering shot towards the goal only to see it hit the post.<o:p></o:p></p>
  1491.  
  1492. <p class="MsoNormal">Luis Suarez who earlier in the week appeared to be embroiled
  1493. in yet another controversy, thankfully shook the hand of Williams before the
  1494. game began.&nbsp; He was also at his best once
  1495. again, moving around the pitch as a man possessed, although luck was against
  1496. him today and none of his shots found the back of the net.<o:p></o:p></p>
  1497.  
  1498. <p class="MsoNormal">Our midfield and our defence were not at their best today
  1499. and I am sorry but I am sick of Brendan telling everyone what a great player
  1500. Joe Allen is because he is nothing more than average.&nbsp; His performances lately have been below par
  1501. and to compare him with Xabi Alonso is very ill advised.&nbsp; In fact at certain times in the match today,
  1502. you would have thought that he was part of the Swansea team.<o:p></o:p></p>
  1503.  
  1504. <p class="MsoNormal">It was also a game of two halves yet again with Liverpool
  1505. finally finding a little rhythm towards the end of the first half only to see
  1506. it completely disappear in the second.&nbsp;
  1507. There was no rhythm in Liverpool's play or indeed any enthusiasm. Why
  1508. that was, only they will know but Brendan should have started the second half
  1509. with Jonjo&nbsp; and Suso on the pitch.&nbsp; We may well have stood a chance of scoring if
  1510. that had happened, but what did he do, he waited until the seventy fifth minute
  1511. and put Jonjo on, which is fine but to put Joe Cole on the pitch was a mistake
  1512. waiting to happen.&nbsp; I am pretty sure that
  1513. Suso would have had more than the one touch in the final fifteen minutes that
  1514. Joe did.&nbsp; This of course means that he
  1515. was no help to his team mates whatsoever.<o:p></o:p></p>
  1516.  
  1517. <p class="MsoNormal">The players of course finally woke up in the last ten
  1518. minutes after a nasty injury to Pepe Reina, but it was too late then to salvage
  1519. the game and it ended as a no score draw.<o:p></o:p></p>
  1520.  
  1521. <p class="MsoNormal">Now I know I should be behind my manager and time should be
  1522. given to see what improvements he is going to make to the team, but my patience
  1523. is being tested at moment. All I want to see is Liverpool playing a game of
  1524. football - they are not and as for climbing towards that fourth spot - it
  1525. simply is not going happen.<o:p></o:p></p>]]>
  1526.    </content>
  1527. </entry>
  1528.  
  1529. <entry>
  1530.    <title>Liverpool&apos;s top UEFA Cup moments</title>
  1531.    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/2012/11/liverpools-top-uefa-cup-moment.html" />
  1532.    <id>tag:www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk,2012://22.405118</id>
  1533.  
  1534.    <published>2012-11-22T14:44:07Z</published>
  1535.    <updated>2012-11-22T14:46:49Z</updated>
  1536.  
  1537.    <summary> AHEAD of the Reds&apos; match against Young Boys Bern in the Europa League at Anfield this evening, MICHAEL SLATTERY looks back at Liverpool&apos;s top five moments in the old UEFA Cup......</summary>
  1538.    <author>
  1539.        <name>sean_bradbury</name>
  1540.        <uri>http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk</uri>
  1541.    </author>
  1542.    
  1543.    <category term="europaleague" label="Europa League" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
  1544.    <category term="lfc" label="LFC" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
  1545.    <category term="liverpoolfc" label="Liverpool FC" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
  1546.    <category term="uefacup" label="UEFA Cup" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
  1547.    
  1548.    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/">
  1549.        <![CDATA[<p><img alt="Alaves 460.jpg" src="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/Alaves%20460.jpg" width="460" height="281" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></p>
  1550.  
  1551. <p><em>AHEAD of the Reds' match against Young Boys Bern in the Europa League at Anfield this evening, <strong>MICHAEL SLATTERY</strong> looks back at Liverpool's top five moments in the old UEFA Cup...</em></p>]]>
  1552.        <![CDATA[<p><strong>1-. RECORD FOR BIGGEST VICTORY</strong></p>
  1553.  
  1554. <p>It was Bob Paisley's first season after Bill Shankly's retirement. In that 1974-75 season there were no trophies for the Reds as we finished second in the First Division, behind Derby County.</p>
  1555.  
  1556. <p>Even though it was a tropyless season for the Reds, there was a historical moment in it. It happened during the UEFA Cup Winner's Cup.</p>
  1557.  
  1558. <p>Liverpool were facing Norweigan side Stromsgodset on the 17th of September and beat them by a record 11 goal difference.</p>
  1559.  
  1560. <p>Within 3 minutes, Alec Lindsay scored the first of many in what would be a historical Liverpool night. Phil Thompson, Stevie Heighway and Boersma twice made it 5 by half time.</p>
  1561.  
  1562. <p>After a very impressive display from Paisley's side, the Reds showed no mercy in the second half. Peter Cormack scored after the interval, and so did Hughes and Phil Thompson.</p>
  1563.  
  1564. <p>Tommy Smith, Ian Callaghan and Ray Kennedy scored in the last 5 minutes. 11 goals and 9 different goalscorers in a historical night for Liverpool FC.</p>
  1565.  
  1566. <p><strong>2-. 2001 UEFA CUP FINAL (LIVERPOOL V ALAVES)</strong></p>
  1567.  
  1568. <p>On the 16th of May of 2001 in Dortmund, Liverpool and Spanish side Alaves produced one of the craziest games ever. It was a match full of emotion which had a happy ending for the Reds.</p>
  1569.  
  1570. <p>After beating top clubs like Oporto, Rome and Barcelona, Liverpool had a big chance of winning their third UEFA cup and completing a treble with both League Cup and FA cup victories.</p>
  1571.  
  1572. <p>After a quarter of an hour, Liverpool were leading after Markus Babel's early header and Steven Gerrard's goal. Alaves scored and were just a goal away from levelling the game but McAllister scored a penalty before half time.</p>
  1573.  
  1574. <p>Spanish striker Javi Moreno scored twice to level the match. Robbie Fowler managed to hit the back of the net with a quarter of an hour remaining for the end of the game.</p>
  1575.  
  1576. <p>With a minute to go Jordi Cruyff scored the equaliser which meant extra time. With the match heading to penalty shoot out, Alaves defender Delfi Geli scored an own goal.</p>
  1577.  
  1578. <p>This own goal made Liverpool win by the golden goal rule and achieve their 3rd UEFA cup victory.</p>
  1579.  
  1580. <p><strong>3-. 1976 UEFA CUP FINAL (LIVERPOOL V CLUB BRUGGE)</strong></p>
  1581.  
  1582. <p>Liverpool were facing Belgium side Club Brugge to reach to the second UEFA cup final ever. First leg was on April 1976 were Liverpool came back a two goal defeat to win 3-2 at Anfield.</p>
  1583.  
  1584. <p>This amazing comeback was thanks to Ray Kennedy, Jimmy Case and Kevin Keegan goals in seven minutes to turn the game around.</p>
  1585.  
  1586. <p>Liverpool entered the second leg with a one goal lead, although Brugge just needed a goal to lift the trophy because of the away goal rule. The Belgium side scored a penalty after 11 minutes.</p>
  1587.  
  1588. <p>Brugge's happiness after their goal didn't last long because Liverpool equalised only 4 minutes later. Kevin Keegan scored the goal to give the reds a 4-3 aggregate lead.</p>
  1589.  
  1590. <p>The second-leg draw meant Liverpool won the tie, to win their second UEFA Cup after their first victory in 1973.</p>
  1591.  
  1592. <p><strong>4-. 1973 UEFA CUP FINAL (LIVERPOOL V BORUSSIA MONCHENGLADBACH)</strong></p>
  1593.  
  1594. <p>Liverpool faced West Germany giants Borussia Monchengladbach to reach our first ever UEFA cup final ever.</p>
  1595.  
  1596. <p>First leg was at Anfield on May of 1973 and Liverpool had a comfortable win. Kevin Keegan's double before half time secured Liverpool an easier second half.</p>
  1597.  
  1598. <p>Larry Lloyd scored another goal which meant the Reds won the fist leg by 3-0. Liverpool had to avoid losing by three clear goals to win the competition.</p>
  1599.  
  1600. <p>Second leg was in Germany and saw Jupp Heynckes score a double in the first half. Borussia were unable to score again which meant Liverpool won the tie.</p>
  1601.  
  1602. <p>The tie ended 3-2 thanks to the first leg victory and Liverpool won the first European trophy.</p>
  1603.  
  1604. <p><strong>5-. (LIVERPOOL-AUXERRE) FIRST EUROPEAN TIE AFTER HEYSEL BAN</strong></p>
  1605.  
  1606. <p>Liverpool played French side Auxerre on the 23rd of October of 1991. It was the first European tie after Heysel disater ban.</p>
  1607.  
  1608. <p>There was big expectation for this game after such a long miss from European football.</p>
  1609.  
  1610. <p>The Reds lost 2-0 in France with goals from Ferreri and Kovacs in what was a disappointing night for Liverpool.</p>
  1611.  
  1612. <p>A couple of weeks later Auxerre had to visit Anfield. This game is remebered as one of the great Liverpool European comebacks ever.</p>
  1613.  
  1614. <p>Jan Molby scored a penalty within the first 5 minutes. Mike Marsh made it two before half time. After 45 minutes in Anfield Liverpool had already equalised the tie.</p>
  1615.  
  1616. <p>Mark Walters scored in the last 10 minutes to secure Liverpool a victory and go through to the next round.</p>]]>
  1617.    </content>
  1618. </entry>
  1619.  
  1620. </feed>
  1621.  

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