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... even days' time sent an unfamiliar...]]></summary>
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the pitch this afternoon.<o:p></o:p></p>
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<title>Liverpool FC News, Discussion & Debate | Liverpool Banter</title>
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<id>tag:www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk,2008-02-08://22</id>
<updated>2013-02-17T18:51:35Z</updated>
<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>
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<entry>
<title>Liverpool Hit Five Against An Under Strength Swansea Side</title>
<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/2013/02/liverpool-hit-five-against-an.html" />
<id>tag:www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk,2013://22.407799</id>
<published>2013-02-17T18:49:27Z</published>
<updated>2013-02-17T18:51:35Z</updated>
<summary><![CDATA[Liverpool proved today that if the conditions are right they can indeed beat a team above them in the Premier League. That team today was Swansea, who with the Capital One Cup final in seven days' time sent an unfamiliar...]]></summary>
<author>
<name>Faith Fulcher</name>
</author>
<category term="Fans" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
<category term="swanseaphillipecoutinhohowardwebbsteviegluissuarezfaithfulcher" label="Swansea Phillipe Coutinho Howard Webb Stevie G Luis Suarez Faith Fulcher" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
<content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/">
<![CDATA[<p><p class="MsoNormal">Liverpool proved today that if the conditions are right they
can indeed beat a team above them in the Premier League. That team today was Swansea, who with the
Capital One Cup final in seven days' time sent an unfamiliar eleven out onto
the pitch this afternoon.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Michael Laudrup has since the match finished come out and
apologised for getting it wrong this afternoon and I really hope that the clubs
supporters accept his honesty. He is
after all taking Swansea to Wembley to try and win their first trophy for many
years.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">His decision of course helped an inconsistent Liverpool to
prove that yes, when they put their minds to it they can actually score goals
and win games. We were also able once
again to call upon Daniel Sturridge, who had missed the tie in Zenit because of
his ineligibility in the Europa League and young Phillipe Coutinho was given
his first start for the club. A start
that would show us, he has the makings of a very good player. A player, who like Luis can weave in and out
of the opposition and score a wonderful goal.<o:p></o:p></p></p>]]>
<![CDATA[<p class="MsoNormal">The game itself kicked off in a very quiet Anfield - so
quiet in fact that you could hear the players yelling at one another. That yelling of course came from the
Liverpool team who from the moment of kick-off were in the ascendency. The second string Swansea team seemed to be
overawed by the occasion and failed to grasp any movement on the ball.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As the half progressed there were of course the obligatory
missed shots at the goal. Glen Johnson
set his first shot over the bar, Stevie sent a free kick straight into the wall
and Luis Suarez sent several shots either wide or over the bar.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There was also the usual 'penalty not given incident'. This time though it involved Liverpool's
adversary, referee Howard Webb who it appeared failed to spot that Daniel
Sturridge had been brought down by Kyle Bartley. Then we had young Phillipe
Coutinho send a loose ball wide. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Liverpool's luck was in today though and with them
continuing to govern the play, it was not long before they took the opportunity
to open the score sheet. Kemy Agustien
decided to challenge Luis Suarez and thankfully the linesman flagged for a
penalty although Howard Webb appeared to be unconvinced.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Step forward Stevie G and the ball was in the back of the
net. Liverpool were now in front and
with half time approaching Daniel Sturridge set a ball towards the net but this
was blocked by Kyle Bartley.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The whistle blew for half time and with Liverpool being so inconsistent;
you did have to wonder if Michael Laudrup would change his team for the second
half. He did not and within 46 seconds
of the second half starting Phillipe Coutinho announced his arrival at the club
with a beauty goal, having made his way through an empty Swansea defence.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The next goal came after several great movements from Enrique
and I am really glad it went into the back of the net because he is one of
those players that have improved a lot in the last couple of months.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Swansea of course was in disarray by now and it took a hand
ball from Wayne Routledge to ensure that we had goal number four. This was scored from the penalty spot by
Daniel Sturridge who having tried and missed several times was told to take it
by Stevie.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Luis Suarez who had been making some wonderful moves during
the game, also ensured that his name was on the score sheet which ensured that
Liverpool won the game in a comfortable manner.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It also saw them playing for the last ten minutes with ten
men after substitute Fabio Borini went off with what is believed to be a
dislocated shoulder, although having witnessed his scream it may well be more
serious than that and Brendan has since confirmed that he is expected to be out
for the rest of the season.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We now have to face Zenit St Petersburg at Anfield on
Thursday and will be without Daniel Sturridge and Phillipe Coutinho who played
a massive part in today's victory. This of course is a great shame and we
really have to hope that the team chosen will be able to score the goals needed
to go through to the next round. If not
the inconsistency that surrounds Liverpool will rear its ugly head once again.
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>]]>
</content>
</entry>
<entry>
<title>Liverpool's Very Own Maestro Ignites The Team Once Again</title>
<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/2013/02/liverpools-very-own-maestro-ig.html" />
<id>tag:www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk,2013://22.407274</id>
<published>2013-02-03T21:11:07Z</published>
<updated>2013-02-03T21:16:29Z</updated>
<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>
<author>
<name>Faith Fulcher</name>
</author>
<category term="Fans" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
<category term="liverpoolmanchestercitydzekosteviegdanielsturridgeaguerofaithfulcher" label="Liverpool Manchester City Dzeko Stevie G Daniel Sturridge Aguero Faith Fulcher" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
<content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/">
<![CDATA[<p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:
"Times New Roman","serif"">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
selected the right team for the game. It
did and it appeared that he had learnt his lesson on Wednesday when the team
sent out to play Arsenal at the Emirates was made up baring one of senior
players. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:
"Times New Roman","serif"">That team did what Liverpool tend to do having
managed to ensure that we were two goals to the good they lost concentration
and Arsenal recovered enough to score two goals of their own, thus ensuring
that Liverpool lost two badly needed points.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:
"Times New Roman","serif"">The match today was against last year's Premiership champions;
Manchester City who at the start of play had learnt that local rivals
Manchester United were 10 points clear at the top of the league. Now this should have been the spark that lit
the fire, but what they had not reckoned on was the determination of Liverpool.<o:p></o:p></span></p></p>]]>
<![CDATA[<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:
"Times New Roman","serif"">A determination that apart from a very early scare
where Pepe had to dip a shot from David Silva over the bar, saw Liverpool take
the game by the scruff of its neck.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:
"Times New Roman","serif"">The recovery from this was swift and although for a
short time both Liverpool and Manchester City seemed unable to take total
control of the game, it was Liverpool that finally broke away and began to play
like a Liverpool team of old. What we
were watching was a joy to behold and it was more by luck than judgement that
Manchester City managed to score first and it was David Silva who set it in
motion.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:
"Times New Roman","serif"">He picked up a ball and having found space sent it
through to James Milner, who in turn sent it flying in front of the goal for
Edin Dzeko to pick up and place in the back of the net.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:
"Times New Roman","serif"">Before that the partnership of Luis Suarez and
Daniel Sturridge was evidence once again.
Having raced down the left side of the pitch he passed a wonderful ball
to Luis who miss cued his kick and the ball went wide. They also both individually caused havoc.
Daniel had picked up a ball that Glen Johnson had sent towards the goal mouth
with his right rather than his left foot and a few seconds of hesitation
ensured that Zabeleta had plenty of time to block the shot. Luis also sent a further shot wide after
making a good move down the right had side of the pitch.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:
"Times New Roman","serif"">Liverpool who were brimming with confidence were not
going to let any of this bother them and with referee Anthony Taylor allowing
play to continue after Daniel Agger had brought down Dzeko. It was of course a legitimate challenge and
with Dzeko lying on the ground feigning injury Liverpool moved the ball
forward. Daniel Sturridge who has
already repaid the £12 million that is believed to have cost, picked up the
ball and sent a fantatic volley into the back of the net.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:
"Times New Roman","serif"">Manchester City and their supporters were furious by
this time and claimed that the ball should have been played out, which of
course it should not. The old adage 'you
play to the whistle' was in control here and as Stevie G confirmed afterwards, referee
Anthony Taylor told them to play on.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:
"Times New Roman","serif"">It was of course a beautiful goal but there was more
to come and when it did, it would prove to the world that the old Stevie G was
definitely back. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:
"Times New Roman","serif"">Liverpool were in the ascendency for the rest of the
first half and came out for the second half determined to try and score the
goal that would take them into the lead.
It came on the seventy third minute who picked up a clearance from Gael
Clichy and sent one of his trademark Volleys into the back of the net. I guess at this point in time you had to feel
sorry for Joe Hart, because there is no way that he would have saved that.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:
"Times New Roman","serif"">There was also a chance seven minutes later when
Daniel Sturridge who had damaged his thigh whilst scoring the first goal,
headed a free kick that Stevie had sent towards the goalmouth and saw it go
just wide of the goalpost.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:
"Times New Roman","serif"">The match was now into its final fifteen minutes and
as always happens, mistakes begin to happen, and unfortunately it was Liverpool
who yet again made the mistake that opened up the game once again. Martin Skrtel had come on in place of the
tiring Jose Enrique and an immediate lack of concentration caused himself and
Pepe to get into a muddle. A muddle that
ensured Pepe for some reason moved away from his goal, leaving it wide open for
a fantastic shot from Aguero to find the back of the net.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:
"Times New Roman","serif"">With both teams now determined to ensure that they
got the winning goal, the football was fantastic but it was Liverpool who on
the 90th minute came closest when Daniel Sturridge sent a low strike towards
the goal only to see Joe Hart save the day.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:
"Times New Roman","serif"">The game finished in a draw and to be honest
although it would have been fantastic for Liverpool to have held on to their
lead, it was a fair result. Both teams
played their hearts out and even Jamie sent two balls towards the goal - how
lovely it would have been had he scored.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:
"Times New Roman","serif"">Now I don't know what Colin Pascoe has been teaching
them in training this week, but it certainly appears to have worked. That was the best performance by Liverpool in
a long while and as I said above, it was fantastic to watch, so much so, that
the green shoots of recovery have reared their heads once again.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:
"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p>]]>
</content>
</entry>
<entry>
<title>The Debacle At Oldham Ensures That Liverpool Are Out of the FA Cup</title>
<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/2013/01/the-debacle-at-oldham-ensures.html" />
<id>tag:www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk,2013://22.407024</id>
<published>2013-01-27T20:12:11Z</published>
<updated>2013-01-27T20:17:37Z</updated>
<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>
<author>
<name>Faith Fulcher</name>
</author>
<category term="Fans" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
<category term="liverpoololdhamfacupsebastiancoatessteviegjoeallenfaithfulcher" label="Liverpool Oldham FA Cup Sebastian Coates Stevie G Joe Allen Faith Fulcher" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
<content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/">
<![CDATA[<p><p class="MsoNormal">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.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Liverpool have always taken the F.A. Cup seriously and there
was no way we were going to win that game with the calamitous Sebastian Coates
in the team. No I have nothing against
the lad, but he has proved time and time again that he is not a Liverpool player
and guess what 90 seconds into the game, he did it again. This time though, there was nobody competent
enough on the pitch to pick up the mess and stop the inevitable goal.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Now if I had been in Brendan's shoes, I would have hauled
him off there and then and replaced him with Jamie, who would have been able to
cope with the Oldham players physicality.
Sebastian Coates could not and Martin Skrtel was no help today
either. Why, I have no idea, but I
suspect had Jamie or even Daniel Agger been on the pitch, the back four would
have been a lot more solid than they were.<o:p></o:p></p></p>]]>
<![CDATA[<p class="MsoNormal">There was no one of authority on the pitch and Luis Suarez
was enlisted with the captain's armband for the afternoon. Was this a good
thing? My own personal feeling is no,
because he just gets on and does what he does best and that is to try and score
goals. Jamie will scream and shout at
the players and Stevie leads by example which of course he did when he arrived
on the scene, sixty minutes too late.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Luis of course did his best to rescue the game by levelling
the score, but unfortunately those around him, proved to us all yet again, that
most of them should not wear the red shirt.
Included in those are all of Brendan' signings barring one and that is
Daniel Sturridge. Although saying that
he was not that good today. Joe Allen
and Borini proved yet again that they are not Premiership players and should
not be anywhere near the team.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This brings me to a quote from the post-match press
conference <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">"Some of the younger players let us down today" <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I am sorry, but the whole team barring Luis and Stevie let
him down. They were not interested in
winning the game or indeed taking part in this country's greatest football
competition. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Talking of the youngsters, Raheem, Jack and Andre were
missing the leadership of Stevie on the pitch and when the senior players fall
apart, then they will also - it happens and today proved yet again that
Liverpool have a very long journey in front of them before they are once again
the Liverpool that we all know and love.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">You would have thought that once Luis had levelled the score
that the team would have settled down, but they did not and the shambles
continued so much so that a second goal was scored just before half time.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Now I have no idea what went on in the dressing room at half
time, but why on earth Brendan did not change his formation or indeed send
Jamie and Stevie on for the second half, is something I would dearly love to
know. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">They were both desperately needed on the pitch but the chosen
eleven were told to go out and continue playing in the same manner. They did of course and Oldham punished us
even more after Borini made a very costly mistake. A mistake that Oldham seized upon and the
ball was in the back of the net.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">With Oldham now looking certain to be the team that goes
through to the 5th round, Brendan finally did what he should have done when
writing the team down. He sent on Stevie
along with Stewart Downing, taking off Raheem and Andre Wisdom, who had both
seemed out of their depth this afternoon.
So much so that Raheem earned himself a yellow card.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Stevie of course did what Stevie does best and took the game
by the scruff of its neck and immediately things began to improve. The midfield suddenly became more composed
and this led the Oldham defence getting the treatment it should have got from
the moment Lee Probert blew his whistle to start the game. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It was just a shame that he did not get the goal that he so
rightly deserved for doing all he could to turn the game around. He after all, yet again this afternoon proved
that he is the right man to captain Liverpool and I really hope that he makes
his feelings felt about the display he had witness today.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The goal if it had come of course would have been a
fantastic one if it had not hit the crossbar, but I guess that it felt it also
had to have a part in the game.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The pressure that Oldham began to feel from the moment he
came onto the pitch ensured that eventually the score would begin to look a
little more respectable. Liverpool scored through Joe Allen, who found a way
out of the muddle that was developing in front of the Oldham keeper.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">That was not enough though and even with six minutes of
added time, Liverpool could not find the final goal and went out of the 2013 FA
Cup. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I just hope that, each and every one of the players, barring
Stevie, Stewart and Luis, take a long hard look at themselves, because if they
do not, then they should be nowhere near the red shirt of Liverpool Football
Club. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I would at this point in time like to offer my
congratulations to Oldham Football Club, who had the FA Cup etched onto their
hearts, so much so that they deserved their win.<o:p></o:p></p>]]>
</content>
</entry>
<entry>
<title>An Afternoon of Mixed Fortunes At The Theatre of Dreams</title>
<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/2013/01/an-afternoon-of-mixed-fortunes.html" />
<id>tag:www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk,2013://22.406551</id>
<published>2013-01-13T18:05:11Z</published>
<updated>2013-01-13T18:10:50Z</updated>
<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. Now I would love to know why that is because it was simply a...]]></summary>
<author>
<name>Faith Fulcher</name>
</author>
<category term="Fans" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
<category term="liverpoolmanchesteruniteddanielsturridgegoalsjoeallenfaithfulcher" label="Liverpool Manchester United Daniel Sturridge Goals Joe Allen Faith Fulcher" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
<content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/">
<![CDATA[<p><p class="MsoNormal">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. Now I would love to know why
that is because it was simply a game between two rivals based in the North West
of England. Two rivals who have been
battling it out over the last twenty years to simply prove a point.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">That point of course boils down to who will win the most
trophies. Now as we all know Manchester
United are in the lead where the Premiership is concerned, because apart from
four years ago when Rafa Benitez was in charge, Liverpool have not come close
anywhere close enough to ensure that they are knocked of their perch. Where the
Champions League/European Cup is concerned, we have won it five times and
Manchester United is playing catch up.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The game today was part and parcel of that fierce
competition and it was always either going to be a classic or indeed one of
those games that left the supporter wondering what would happen if things had been done differently.<o:p></o:p></p></p>]]>
<![CDATA[<p class="MsoNormal">A classic it wasn't and it was us as supporters of Liverpool
Football Club, who were left asking the 'What if' questions, because for the
first 45 minutes our performance was less than acceptable.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Now I have nothing against Joe Allen - he is young and has a
lot to learn, but playing him against Manchester United was a massive
mistake. He simply is not good enough at
the moment and his form over the last couple of weeks has been terrible. It would have been far better for Brendan to
have put the much improved Jordan Henderson in from the beginning. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Because he did not, Stevie's performance suffered because he
was following and covering up for Joe Allen's mistakes rather than
concentrating on his own performance. We
only saw the Stevie we all know and love once the lad had been taken off the
pitch. This of course allowed Stevie to
roam a lot more and ensured that the game flowed in the right way.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Joe of course was not the only offender in the first half,
because none of the players appeared to be able to settle into the game and it
was not long before Manchester United scored their first goal. A goal, which had been coming because yet
again our defence was not concentrating on what it should have been doing. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">That goal of course came from Robin Van Persie who having
caught Daniel Agger out, picked up a ball from Patrice Evra and sent it flying
into the back of the net. It was a goal
that proved to most of us that players of Robin's age can be a great asset to a
team. An asset that FSG appear to have
decided is not within their remit and I really do think that eventually
Liverpool will suffer because of it.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It is fine believing that youngster are the future, but
sometimes someone with an old head on his shoulders can do just as well. Raheem Sterling and Andre Wisdom did as well
as they could today, but it become evident very quickly that Manchester United was
all over them. Two experienced players
may well have helped to keep Manchester United a lot quieter than they were in
the first half.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">If the truth be known, the whole team were being walked over
and to be honest, it was amazing that they reached the half time whistle with
only one goal against them.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As the first half drew to a close it also looked as though
we may have to change our goalkeeper. Pepe having left his goal open went into
a tackle to try and stop an ingoing ball and ended up being hurt. It was
several minutes before he received attention, but thankfully appeared to fine
and came out for the second half.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Now that second half, proved that yet again, Liverpool turn
up, when they feel like it. Brendan had
taken Lucas off and put Daniel Sturridge on.
Now I would have taken off Joe Allen at this point and put Jordan
Henderson rather than leave until the last ten minutes. I am not Brendan though and I respect his
choices, although nine times out ten, in my eyes they are totally wrong. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This of course, led to a change in formation and ensured
that Luis Suarez began to receive the service that he had been missing in the
first half. Suddenly Manchester United
were beginning to look vulnerable and were there for the taking. Liverpool had woken up and with gaps opening
up in the Manchester United defense, Daniel Sturridge proved yet again, why at
some point in the future, if all goes to plan he will be remembered for some
great goals. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">After watching Manchester United gain a further goal, it was
only a matter of minutes before Daniel picked up a ball that David De Gea had
fisted away and sent it flying into the back of the net. Liverpool had narrowed
the gap and turned the match on its head.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Liverpool suddenly gave the impression that a draw was
possible and did all they could to try and get the second goal. Brendan sensed this too and sent on Fabio
Borini for Joe Allen, which not only freed up Stevie but meant that we had
three forwards on the pitch. Fabio
Borini of course has only just returned from injury and sent his shot
wide. Hopefully once he is fully fit, we
will see his balls go into the back of the net.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The players kept pressing though and if luck had been on
Daniel's side, his shot on the eighty fifth minute would have found the back of
net rather than go wide and Liverpool would have been level. It was not to be and Liverpool have dropped a
further three points.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Three points that could in the end mean that we will not
make the top four this season and I really hope that FSG wake up and realize
that we need players in the team that will ensure that the Champions League is
part and parcel of our season once again.
It will also ensure that Manchester United will eventually be knocked
from their perch.<o:p></o:p></p>]]>
</content>
</entry>
<entry>
<title>How LFC can beat Man United: Echo readers pick their team and tactics</title>
<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/2013/01/how-lfc-can-beat-man-united-ec.html" />
<id>tag:www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk,2013://22.406530</id>
<published>2013-01-12T13:31:16Z</published>
<updated>2013-01-12T13:32:52Z</updated>
<summary>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....</summary>
<author>
<name>sean_bradbury</name>
<uri>http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk</uri>
</author>
<category term="lfc" label="LFC" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
<category term="liverpoolfc" label="Liverpool FC" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
<category term="manunited" label="Man United" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
<category term="oldtrafford" label="Old Trafford" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
<content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/">
<![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>]]>
<![CDATA[<p><strong>Your starting XI<br />
</strong><br />
<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>
<p>The image above shows the team ECHO readers want to see tomorrow.</p>
<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>
<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>
<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>
<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>
<p><strong>On the bench:<br />
</strong><br />
Brad Jones (4.7% had him in their starting XI)<br />
Jamie Carragher (14.8%)<br />
Jack Robinson (6.2%)<br />
Jordan Henderson (33.5%)<br />
Jonjo Shelvey (20.8%)<br />
Stewart Downing (24.5%)<br />
Suso (5.7%)</p>
<p><strong>Tactics<br />
</strong><br />
We asked for a brief tactical plan of how to get a result against United. Here are a few of your suggestions:</p>
<p>"Counter-attacking football absorbing pressure with a deep-lying midfield and pace up front"</p>
<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 />
</em><br />
"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>
<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 />
</em><br />
"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>
<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 />
</em></p>
<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>
<p><strong>Main man<br />
</strong><br />
Who will be the key player for the Reds tomorrow? Here are your thoughts:</p>
<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>
<p><em>"Henderson and Lucas. Need them pressing aggressively"<br />
</em><br />
"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>
<p><em>"Martin Skrtel. Coping with RVP and potentially having to cover for Wisdom on occasions"<br />
</em><br />
"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>
<p><em>"Luis Suarez. Who else?"</em></p>]]>
</content>
</entry>
<entry>
<title>Liverpool FC skipper Steven Gerrard says he's got three or four years left in him</title>
<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/2013/01/liverpool-fc-skipper-steven-ge-3.html" />
<id>tag:www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk,2013://22.406528</id>
<published>2013-01-12T10:59:58Z</published>
<updated>2013-01-12T11:00:15Z</updated>
<summary> by Tom Evans 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. The 32-year-old Reds skipper has been in sparkling form recently, scoring three goals...</summary>
<author>
<name>sean_bradbury</name>
<uri>http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk</uri>
</author>
<category term="Journalists" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
<category term="lfc" label="LFC" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
<category term="liverpoolfc" label="Liverpool FC" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
<category term="stevengerrard" label="Steven Gerrard" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
<content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/">
<![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>
<p>by <strong>Tom Evans</strong></p>
<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>
<p>The 32-year-old Reds skipper has been in sparkling form recently, scoring three goals in his last five games.</p>
<p>And across the league, only Everton's Leighton Baines has created more chances than Gerrard this season.</p>]]>
<![CDATA[<p>"Physically, from day one of the season I've felt great," he said.</p>
<p>"My form hasn't always been great but physically I've been great and I've always had the hunger.</p>
<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>
<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>
<p>Gerrard's current contract runs out in June, 2014, and Brendan Rodgers is keen to ensure this is extended.</p>
<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>
<p>"But I feel the best I have."</p>
<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>
<p>"The injuries I've had have done my head in throughout the years but the desire and the hunger are still there.</p>
<p>"As soon as that goes, I'll stop playing. If you haven't got that, I don't see the point."</p>
<p>He puts his newfound fitness down to the team assembled by Rodgers at Melwood.</p>
<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>
<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>
<p>"The day before a game, I don't do any high intensity work that could make me tired going into the game.</p>
<p>"And it works."</p>
<p>Gerrard has scored against tomorrow's opponents, Manchester United, seven times in all - the most recent at Anfield in September.</p>
<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>
<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>
<p>"What did [then-Manchester United keeper] Roy Carroll do years ago when the ball was four yards over the line?</p>
<p>"I never saw Alex Ferguson or Carroll run to the referee or linesman and say it was over the line, did you?</p>
<p>"It's football. These things happen."</p>
<p>Like any football fan, Gerrard is relishing the prospect of tomorrow's showdown between the league's leading lights.</p>
<p>"I think Suarez and (Robin) Van Persie are the two best players in the league on current form," he said.</p>
<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>
<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>
<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>]]>
</content>
</entry>
<entry>
<title>Man United v Liverpool FC Preview: Brendan Rodgers says Reds can match United</title>
<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/2013/01/man-united-v-liverpool-fc-prev.html" />
<id>tag:www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk,2013://22.406523</id>
<published>2013-01-12T08:59:53Z</published>
<updated>2013-01-12T09:00:52Z</updated>
<summary> by James Pearce 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." The Reds maybe 21 points adrift of Manchester United but the manager...</summary>
<author>
<name>sean_bradbury</name>
<uri>http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk</uri>
</author>
<category term="Journalists" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
<category term="brendanrodgers" label="Brendan Rodgers" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
<category term="lfc" label="LFC" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
<category term="liverpoolfc" label="Liverpool FC" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
<category term="manunited" label="Man United" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
<content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/">
<![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>
<p>by <strong>James Pearce</strong></p>
<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>
<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>]]>
<![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>
<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>
<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>
<p>"We're in a really good moment having won seven out of our last nine games," he said.</p>
<p>"What I'm starting to see now is the courage to play and that is important. </p>
<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>
<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>
<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>
<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>
<p>"Sunday is a yardstick for us but ultimately it's not just about what happens this weekend. </p>
<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>
<p>True to form United boss Alex Ferguson has tried to turn up the heat on tomorrow's referee Howard Webb.</p>
<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>
<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>
<p>"We hope we don't have the decisions go against us that went for United at Anfield," he said.</p>
<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>
<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>
<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>
<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>
<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>
<p>"We are growing as an attacking force and showing our confidence with the ball," said Rodgers.</p>
<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>
<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>
<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>
<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>
<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>
<p>"But I'd rather take that risk, than suffer, sit behind the ball, wait and wait and then chase the game."</p>
<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>
<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>
<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>
<p>"I've got to say, his quality has never been in question," said Rodgers.</p>
<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>
<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>
<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>
<p>Rodgers' first trip to Old Trafford as Liverpool boss is an occasion he is relishing.<br />
"United are fighting at the top of the league but we're all really looking forward to it," he added.</p>
<p>"It's two of the biggest clubs in the world. Both clubs are institutions in their own right.</p>
<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>
<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>
<p>"What you are always fighting for, every day, is to get back to that level.</p>
<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>
<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>
<p>Jose Enrique remains sidelined by a hamstring injury but Rodgers has no other injury concerns.</p>]]>
</content>
</entry>
<entry>
<title>I wouldn't swap Luis Suarez for anyone in the world, says Brendan Rodgers</title>
<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/2013/01/i-wouldnt-swap-luis-suarez-for.html" />
<id>tag:www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk,2013://22.406521</id>
<published>2013-01-12T08:22:38Z</published>
<updated>2013-01-12T08:28:22Z</updated>
<summary> by James Pearce 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. Tomorrow's lunchtime showdown sees the Premier League's...</summary>
<author>
<name>sean_bradbury</name>
<uri>http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk</uri>
</author>
<category term="Journalists" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
<category term="brendanrodgers" label="Brendan Rodgers" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
<category term="lfc" label="LFC" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
<category term="liverpoolfc" label="Liverpool FC" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
<category term="luissuarez" label="Luis Suarez" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
<content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/">
<![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>
<p>by <strong>James Pearce</strong></p>
<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>
<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 />
</p>]]>
<![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>
<p>"I can't comment on who is better, but I certainly wouldn't want to swap Luis Suarez," said Rodgers.</p>
<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>
<p>"Every single day he gives everything. I'm very blessed and privileged to work with such a top player."</p>
<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>
<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>
<p>"Luis's character is very strong, and you find that with world class players," he said.</p>
<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>
<p>"He has the brain I believe to park things, which is part of what makes him world class.</p>
<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>
<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>
<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>
<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>
<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>
<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>
<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>
<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>
<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>
<p>"Does it make a difference to him? No. If anything, it's actually fuel for his mentality because he is so strong.</p>
<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>
<p>"But that doesn't happen in football."</p>]]>
</content>
</entry>
<entry>
<title>Liverpool's Two Gems Ensure That The Black Cats Are Beaten</title>
<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/2013/01/liverpools-two-gems-ensure-tha.html" />
<id>tag:www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk,2013://22.406205</id>
<published>2013-01-03T18:18:12Z</published>
<updated>2013-01-03T18:21:09Z</updated>
<summary>Yesterday was one of those days that would go down in Liverpool'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>
<author>
<name>Faith Fulcher</name>
</author>
<category term="Fans" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
<category term="liverpoolsunderlandluissuarezraheemsterlingstevengerrardfaithfulcher" label="Liverpool Sunderland Luis Suarez Raheem Sterling Steven Gerrard Faith Fulcher" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
<content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/">
<![CDATA[<p><p class="MsoNormal">Yesterday was one of those days that would go down in
Liverpool's history as the day when several things happened that benefited the
club.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The first happened around mid-morning when it was announced
that Daniel Sturridge had completed his transfer to Liverpool from
Chelsea. It is hoped that he will step
into the breach and help Luis Suarez score the goals that are desperately
needed.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The second came in early evening when it was announced that
Joe Cole was at West Ham discussing a possible move to them and awaiting his
medical. Now I mean no disrespect to Joe, but he was never going to do well at
Liverpool - he simply was not the type of player that they needed or indeed
wanted. I am sure that now he is back in his native East End, he will once
again thrive on the pitch and I wish the best of luck for the remaining years
of his football career.<o:p></o:p></p></p>]]>
<![CDATA[<p class="MsoNormal">The third came about when Liverpool played Sunderland at
Anfield that evening. It was a game that
would have been classed as a must win for Sunderland and for Liverpool it was
simply classed as a game that would help on their quest to move up the table. It would also hopefully help to dispel the
myth that Liverpool and consistency do not mix. Which, of course it did, in a
style that Liverpool supporters have wanted to see for some time.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Daniel Sturridge, who a lot of supporters had hoped would
take part in the game was able to watch the unfolding master class from Luis
Suarez, Raheem Sterling, Stevie G and the rest of the team from the Director's
box.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The game itself began in a very spiritually manner and it
became evident very quickly that Sunderland were going to be left wondering why
they were actually on the pitch. Apart
from a few early defensive errors, Liverpool was running rings around their
players and it was not long before the first of several fantastic moves
happened.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Young Raheem Sterling, who since his arrival in first team
has shown what a wonderful talent he is, raced to pick up a fantastic ball that
had been sent towards him from Luis Suarez.
He then quite calmly looked into the Sunderland keeper's eyes and took
aim. The ball went straight over the
keeper's head and into the back of the net.
This was only Raheem's second goal for the senior team and what a beauty
it was and proves to all those who have their reservations about him, that the
lad plays football way beyond his maturity.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Seven minutes later, Liverpool's own version of Messi (to quote Brendan from his post match press
conference) Luis Suarez increased the score line. This came after Stevie G
having won a clear header in midfield, had it flagged as a foul by Carlos
Cuellar. Luis Suarez then ignored the
challenge and picking up the ball with his right foot and sent it passed the
Sunderland Keeper. This move also proved
that Luis has matured and is trying to shrug off his 'bad boy' image.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Sunderland were finding it very hard to cope with everything
that was being thrown at them, during the first half, although several minutes
after Raheem's opening shot, they did have what would turn out be their only shot on goal. James Mclean had picked up a ball from Steven
Fletcher but sent the ball wide.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The remaining twenty minutes of the first half was a
wonderful mixture of some fantastic football by players who had suddenly found
their missing form. Jordan Henderson and
Stewart Downing I guess are the main two and why it has taken this long for
them to prove that the fees paid for them, where indeed well spent.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Now Liverpool are well known for letting their leads and
their form slip in the second half of game, but tonight proved that perhaps
that too is now in the past. The team
came out onto the pitch and immediately the style of football that they had
been playing, was in evidence once more.
So much so that Luis Suarez and Steven Gerrard were about to show the
supporters at Anfield and those watching the game by whatever means they could,
what a fantastic pairing they are, when playing together and being allowed to
roam wherever they want on the pitch.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Stevie G, whose form has been questioned recently, had been
having a fantastic game, when he picked up and sent a fantastic ball seventy
yards to a waiting Luis Suarez, who did, what he does best. He weaved his way
through several strikers and having judged the speed of the ball, met it and
sent it straight into the back of the net.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Liverpool was now three-nil up and continued to press the
Sunderland side in the hope of adding to the score line. It was not to be, with Luis Suarez being
denied by Mignolet. Joe Allen and Glen
Johnson also had goals disallowed due to them being offside.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The game finished and all the plaudits went to Luis Suarez,
quite rightly so of course because of his wonderful display, but we must not
forget the rest of the team, who also played their hearts out. Each and every
one of them did what we have all hoped and waited for them do, since the since
began. It also I hope has proved to Daniel Sturridge that he has indeed become
part of a humongous club.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">From now on hopefully we will now sit in awe and witness
many more games that are played and won in the same manner.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>]]>
</content>
</entry>
<entry>
<title>Suarez Cures The Yuletide Blues</title>
<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/2012/12/suarez-cures-the-yuletide-blue.html" />
<id>tag:www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk,2012://22.406079</id>
<published>2012-12-30T21:03:57Z</published>
<updated>2012-12-30T21:07:14Z</updated>
<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. We were...]]></summary>
<author>
<name>Faith Fulcher</name>
</author>
<category term="Fans" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
<category term="liverpoolqueensparkrangersbrendanrodgersluissuarezfaithfulcher" label="Liverpool Queens Park Rangers Brendan Rodgers Luis Suarez Faith Fulcher" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
<content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/">
<![CDATA[<p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><p class="MsoNormal">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. We were after
all playing Queens Park Rangers, who are still languishing in the relegation
zone having only won, one game.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Off the field matters took precedence first though, as it
was announced at lunchtime today that Brendan Rodgers would not attend the game
due to an illness. This meant that Colin Pascoe, who himself was ill and Mike
Marsh were in charge of first team affairs for the day. The illness also claimed reserve goalkeeper
Brad Jones and meant that Peter Gulasci had to be rushed down to London from
Merseyside.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The next thing that annoyed the majority of Liverpool
supporters was the fact that Liverpool were playing in that DREADFUL black
kit. Now that kit should not see the
light of day because it is so awful, but I guess it has to be worn several
times a year under the agreement put into place with Warrior. I also understand that the sales of the shirt
are extremely low, so I get the feeling Liverpool have been told to wear it, to
ensure it gets more exposure. It won't
work of course, because Liverpool have played in Red since the 1960's and that
must NEVER change.<o:p></o:p></p></p><p></p>]]>
<![CDATA[<p class="MsoNormal">The match itself began very sprightly with Liverpool gaining
the ascendancy immediately. They were
running circles around the Queens Park Rangers players and it was not long
before the brilliance of Luis Suarez shone through once again.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">He began his goals scoring exploits today by turning Clint
Hill on the edge of the box and sending a low ball straight into the corner of
the net. Now you would have thought that
having watched Liverpool break through their defence and scoring a goal early
on, Queens Park Rangers would have woken up and re-grouped. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It did not happen and the Luis Suarez master class scored a
further goal six minutes later. This
time he had sent a low ball towards the net, but this was cleared by Nedum
Onuoha, who sent it back towards Suarez's feet.
What does the lad do, he met it with his left foot and it found the back
of the net.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Liverpool was now two up and to be honest although only
sixteen minutes of the game had been played, it was being seen as already being
won by Liverpool. Queens Park Rangers
were absolutely dreadful and I don't know whether this was simply down to a
could not give a damn attitude or the fact that and I mean no offense to Harry
Redknapp here, they simply had not trained well enough.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Liverpool of course were still on the hunt for more goals at
this point and on twenty eight minutes Daniel Agger sent a header into the back
of the net after picking up a cross from Stevie G. How they never scored any more in the first
half was simply down to them being either over the bar or indeed slightly off
target, but Liverpool went into the dressing room with a comfortable lead.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">With the second half about to start it was revealed that
Colin Pascoe, who himself was suffering from a slightly different illness to Brendan had been
banned from the away dressing room at half time, to ensure that he was not
passed onto the players. Whether this
has worked or not, we shall find out when the team is announced for our game
against Sunderland on Wednesday evening.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">At this point the worry was that Liverpool being Liverpool
would become to complacent and let QPR into the game. They did to a certain degree which meant that
the pace of play slowed down and that there were no further goals scored. Thankfully because Queens Park Rangers were
so bad, it also meant that we managed to keep them from scoring.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Unfortunately for the Liverpool during the second half Jose
Enrique received a tear to his hamstring which will see him side-lined for
between 6-8 weeks. Hopefully this will
give young Jack Robinson a chance to play first team football once more, unless
of course Brendan brings a player in during the January window to fill that
position.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It was also revealed after the game that Jordan Henderson
left his sick bed to play in the team - that may have seemed like a good idea
to begin with, but I am not sure looking forward if it was right thing for him
to do.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">But the main thing of course is that we won today and
although an easy win, it is something to build on and hopefully perhaps this
time the team can begin to string some wins together to ensure that we move
further up the table.<o:p></o:p></p>]]>
</content>
</entry>
<entry>
<title>Aston Villa Burst Brendan's Bubble</title>
<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/2012/12/aston-villa-burst-brendans-bub.html" />
<id>tag:www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk,2012://22.405776</id>
<published>2012-12-15T19:01:09Z</published>
<updated>2012-12-15T19:05:40Z</updated>
<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. Now don't get me wrong here because it is absolutely...]]></summary>
<author>
<name>Faith Fulcher</name>
</author>
<category term="Fans" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
<category term="astonvillabrendanrodgerbentekeneilswarbrickgoalsfaithfulcher" label="Aston Villa Brendan Rodger Benteke Neil Swarbrick Goals Faith Fulcher" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
<content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/">
<![CDATA[<p><p class="MsoNormal">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. Now don't
get me wrong here because it is absolutely fine for a manager to have ambition. The problem is, that ambition is totally out
of touch with what the true standing of the team is.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">So at the beginning of the match today, we had not only a
team that were over confident but a team who although still not the finished
article, had a lot of pressure piled onto their shoulders. That was a sure sign that things would go
wrong and they certainly did.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The day itself started with a minute's applause for
ex-manager and player Phil Taylor who had passed away a fortnight ago - How I
would love to know his feelings about the game.
It has also been arranged that everyone would applaud when the clock
struck nineteen minutes to show their appreciation for Sylvain Petrov, who is
winning his fight against cancer.<o:p></o:p></p></p>]]>
<![CDATA[<p class="MsoNormal">There were signs from the moment the match began to be
honest because they did not start with the pass and move style of play as
quickly as they have done over the last few weeks. It was extremely scrappy and whether that was
down to Brendan's team selection only he will know. We were definitely missing Enrique who is
still recovering from a hamstring injury, but Stewart should have been able to
cope with the Aston Villa players, although I have to say that the performance
from the other ten players was so bad, that he was given man of the match.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Liverpool seemed to recover and for most of the first half
literally ran around Aston Villa as they controlled the field of play. There were also the obligatory chances to
score, but for some reason, rather than take a chance and shoot the players
freeze and the balls go anywhere but into the back of the net.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Then for some reason Liverpool's defence became wide open
and Aston Villa seized the opportunity by scoring their first goal of the
afternoon after Benteke picked up a ball from Brett Holman. Pepe whose form has been the subject of scrutiny
over the last few months could only stand and watch it going into the corner.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Now you would have thought this would have been seen as a
wake-up call to the Liverpool team. Instead the opposite happened and with
their confidence appearing to have been completely drained from them. So much so that just before half time,
Weisman sent shot past Pepe Reina.
Liverpool was now two down at home and it obvious that Brendan needed to
have a re-think about his playing strategy over the half time interval.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">He did but the player chosen to come on was the wrong
one. Now we all know that Joe Cole is in
the shop window but today from the moment he stepped onto the pitch, he was an
utter disaster. For someone who was sent onto the pitch to make an improvement,
came no effort whatsoever and it would have been better if Brendan had sent on
Suso. It was also Joe Cole who was
responsible for Aston Villa's third goal, having allowed Holman to take the
ball away from him. This was then passed
to Benteke who sent his second into the back of the net.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Liverpool then decided that perhaps it might be a good idea
for them to do what they were supposed to and they began to lay siege on the
Aston Villa goal. Unfortunately, without
an out and out striker in the team, no goals were forthcoming until Stevie G
picked up a deflection from Glen Johnson which found the back of the net. It was too late though and to be honest I
think everyone was pleased when referee Neil Swarbrick blew the final whistle.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Now Neal Swarbrick also ensured that yet again there is
controversy around penalty decisions not being given. There were two incidents
and both happened in the second half.
The first was when Daniel Agger had his shirt pulled by Ciaran Clark and
I suspect it was the fact that Daniel appeared to pull his shirt that stopped
the penalty from being given. The second
was when Glen Johnson was pushed in the face by Benteke - How he only escaped
with a yellow card, is one of the life's unanswered questions.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">What made the day worse was the fact that with twelve
minutes left to play, Anfield was emptying fast. Now I can understand why we
the supporters are extremely annoyed this evening, but the one thing you do not
do, is leave before the end of the game.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Aston Villa entered the game lower than us in the league and
to be honest, there are a lot of people this evening that should be asking
themselves if they actually want to work or indeed play for Liverpool Football
Club. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It was also the day when the Hillsborough Justice single was
played at half time and I urge all those of you who have not yet planned to
purchase it, to do so. You can do this
by texting JUSTICE to 80010 and it will be downloaded to your mobile on Monday. The cost is £1.00 plus your normal network
charge. It is also available to download
from i-tunes. If you want to purchase a CD, these will be available from HMV
and Tesco.<o:p></o:p></p>]]>
</content>
</entry>
<entry>
<title>Sam's Bubbles Burst by Former West Ham Players</title>
<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/2012/12/sams-bubbles-burst-by-former-w.html" />
<id>tag:www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk,2012://22.405603</id>
<published>2012-12-09T20:07:11Z</published>
<updated>2012-12-09T20:10:50Z</updated>
<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>
<author>
<name>Faith Fulcher</name>
</author>
<category term="Fans" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
<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" />
<content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/">
<![CDATA[<p><p class="MsoNormal">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 yellow
cards. The name of his replacement has
been hinted at throughout the week and it as expected it was Jonjo
Shelvey. Now Jonjo has a terrible habit
of hesitating in front of the goal and sending the ball over the post, so it
hoped today would be the day, he found the back of the net - he did with a
little help from Collins who also managed to tap it.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Liverpool of course appear to be unable to make easy work of
any of the games that they play and today's game appeared to be split into
quarters. For the first twenty minutes,
it looked as though the right formation had been selected by Brendan but as usual,
the same old mistakes began to happen and our defence suddenly appeared to open
up. Why this is, I have no idea, because
by now the players should have covered what are becoming regular mistakes in
training.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The first goal of the game came during that period from none
other than West Ham old boy, Glen Johnson who seemed to have the run of the
left flank. Several times, he managed to
work his way past Matt Jarvis and it was not long before a thunderous short
from him, found the back of the net.
Liverpool were in front and with Stevie G also have a shot deflected, at
that point in time, although early in the game it looked as they could go on to
win it. Raheem also had a couple of
shots at the goal, but again failed to find the back of the net.<o:p></o:p></p></p>]]>
<![CDATA[<p class="MsoNormal">Then disaster struck with Enrique being substituted due to
feeling a problem with his hamstring.
His replacement was Joe Cole, and I will admit at this point in time I
was fuming about his inclusion. I know
it is shop window time, but in my mind young Suso would have been a better
bet. I was of course proved to be
totally wrong about his lack of impact on the game.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The team immediately seemed to fall apart and West Ham
quickly gained the advantage. So much so,
that a disputed penalty was given by referee, Lee Probert. West Ham were taking a set piece when Guy
Demel sent the ball towards Joe Allen, whose arm appeared to get in the way as
he blocked the shot - now I am no expect on penalties, in fact due to the ineptness
of today's referees they confuse me, but I am pretty that was not deliberate,
so it should never have been forgiven.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Liverpool, penalties and referees tend not to get on at the
moment and I guess this knocked the stuffing out of the players because from a
team that looked totally confident in the way they were playing, they suddenly
appeared to be all over the place. So
much so that as the half was coming to a close, Stevie G scored an own goal and
Jonjo had one of his classic kicks sent straight over the bar.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">With the lads going into the dressing room at half time, I
guess I was not the only supporter who hoped that Brendan would read them the
riot act. To see a game completely
turned on its heels in the way it was, simply was not acceptable and it should
never have happened.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The second half though, started as the first half had
finished, with Liverpool appearing to be all over the place. There simply seemed to be no consistency in
their play although Raheem did have a chance to bring the game back onto a
level footing when he sent a ball from the edge of the penalty area which
Jaaskelainen tipped over the bar with his fingertips. Jonjo also had a further chance to score when
he sent a header towards the goal but it went wide.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">With the second half now heading towards the final twenty
minutes, Brendan took of the tiring Lucas and replaced his with Jordan
Henderson. Now Jordan is another of
those players which I have a question mark against, but today his introduction
ensured that the team became a unit once again.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This ensured that Joe Cole, who had been trying to get
through the West Ham defence since his introduction was able to pick up a pass
from Raheem and sent it thundering into the goal mouth. Liverpool was now level
and with both teams now fighting for possession of the ball, it was simply
going to be a case of who would score next.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">That joy fell to Liverpool when Jordan Henderson sent a low
ball towards Jonjo and Collins who caught it off his foot and sent it towards
Jaaskelainen, who could only stand and see go into the goalmouth. It is a goal
that will go before the dubious goals committee but for all intents and
purposes, it appears to have been a West Ham own goal.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The second half of course did not pass without several controversial
incidents and again they were down to the decisions made by referee Lee
Probert. Matt Taylor somehow managed to
escape a straight red card when he made a challenge with his studs clearly
showing against Raheem and there was the obligatory shout for a Liverpool
penalty that was ignored although it was blatantly obvious that Jonjo was
tripped as he lined up a shot.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Now there is injury time and there is injury time and
although I know that there were injuries and substitutions to deal with, but
how the fourth official came up with five minutes is one of life's
mysteries. West Ham by then had made
their final change and was not going to give up that easily and did everything
that they could to prevent Liverpool scoring once again. So much so that Glen Johnson got caught up in
a fracas with several of the West Ham players.
The linesman blew his whistle to stop play and suddenly out of nowhere a
further minute and a half was added on.
A minute and half in which Raheem tried his best to get the goal which
would definitely seal the win.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">But it was not to be and Liverpool finished 3-2 winners
which meant that they moved up to tenth position in the table. A position that also sees them now four
points of fourth place and providing they can hold their nerve over the
Christmas period, there is every possibility that we may be in the mix for a
Champions League spot.<o:p></o:p></p>]]>
</content>
</entry>
<entry>
<title>The Return of The Midfield Maestro</title>
<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/2012/12/the-return-of-the-midfield-mae.html" />
<id>tag:www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk,2012://22.405399</id>
<published>2012-12-01T18:59:36Z</published>
<updated>2012-12-01T19:03:08Z</updated>
<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. An arrival that ensured Liverpool became one of most successful teams in England. He took over from...]]></summary>
<author>
<name>Faith Fulcher</name>
</author>
<category term="Fans" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
<category term="lucasleivaraheemsterlingsouthamptonfluencyfaithfulcher" label="Lucas Leiva Raheem Sterling Southampton Fluency Faith Fulcher" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
<content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/">
<![CDATA[<p><p class="MsoNormal">If you know your Liverpool Football Club history you will
know that today marks the 53rd anniversary of Bill Shankly's arrival at
Anfield. An arrival that ensured
Liverpool became one of most successful teams in England.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">He took over from Phil Taylor, whose death was announced
this morning and I am sure all Liverpool supporters will join with in saying,
Rest In Peace Phil and thank you for doing what you did for Liverpool Football
Club.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Today was also the day that Liverpool began the game with a
minute's applause for the young academy player, Stephen Packer who lost his
fight against cancer. Lucas tweeted his
condolences to the family during the week and again on behalf of all Liverpool
supporters, Rest in Peace Stephen and I know that your family will be comforted
by the fact that you are now free of pain and in peace. They will also be aware
that you will be looking down on them.<o:p></o:p></p></p>]]>
<![CDATA[<p class="MsoNormal">It was also the day that saw the return of Lucas Leiva to
the starting line-up and what a difference it made to the midfield.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Liverpool appeared to the more comfortable of the two teams
from the moment the game kicked off, although to start with they played the
slow tikka takka style of football. Southampton began to show signs of waking
up and you did begin to wonder if it was going to be yet another of those games
where we could only manage a draw.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Now I don't know what happened, but suddenly the team
dropped the tikka takka style of football and the style of play became a lot
more fluid with balls being kicked everywhere at speed. This led to total of 14 shots aimed at the
goal, several of which hit the obligatory post.
Raheem Sterling, Luis Suarez, Jonjo Shelvey, Stevie G, Jose Enrique and
Glen Johnson all sent balls towards the goal but it was left to Daniel Agger to
ensure that a good old fashioned header found the back of the net. A header that ensured Liverpool went into the
half time break in the lead.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Southampton appeared to be a little lost although they did
get a chance to score just before half time when Rickie Lambert sent a long
range shot towards Pepe Reina, who slightly panicked but managed to stop the
ball.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There were also several instances of time wasting by the
Southampton goalie, who was eventually spoken to by referee Michael Oliver. How he never got a yellow card I guess is one
of life's little mysteries.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">When Liverpool came out for the second half, it looked as
though they had, had a lot of energy drained out of them. They slowed down whereas Southampton came out
for the second half looking like a totally different team. For the next twenty minutes, they began to
show that perhaps Liverpool were as vulnerable has they have been in recent
weeks. Their players were beginning to
find their way through our defence and I guess if luck had not been on our
side, then they may well have scored.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Suddenly, something must have clicked with the Liverpool
team because the urgency reappeared and the movement that we had seen in the
first half was evident was once again.
Jose Enrique who has found a new release of energy picked up a pass from
Luis Suarez but his kick was deflected by Luke Shaw. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Luis Suarez was his usual self of course marauding in and
out of the area whilst trying to find a way to score. Unfortunately today as he and shot went
towards the goal, he touched it with his arm and was awarded his fifth yellow
card of the season. A yellow card that
sees him automatically suspended for Liverpool's trip to West Ham next weekend.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It will be interesting to see who Brendan Rodgers plays in
the striker role in his place. My own
opinion is that he will play a front two of Raheem and Jonjo. What we do have though, is Lucas back and as
I said above the transformation in the way the midfield operated today was
fantastic and it helped us to see the old Stevie G once again.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Today though, Liverpool won a game at home and hopefully it
is once again the start of a good run. A run that will hopefully see us climb
the table and prove to those who still harbour doubts about this season that
Liverpool albeit slowly are on their way back.
It also showed that you do not need slow tikka takka football when you
have players that prefer playing at speed and chasing the ball.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<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>]]>
</content>
</entry>
<entry>
<title>Swansea Bore Draw</title>
<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/2012/11/swansea-bore-draw.html" />
<id>tag:www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk,2012://22.405207</id>
<published>2012-11-25T17:30:59Z</published>
<updated>2012-11-25T17:33:37Z</updated>
<summary><![CDATA[There is not really a lot to say about the ninety minutes that I have just witnessed. Liverpool Football Club are supposed to be a top class side. A side that should be capable of beating the likes of Swansea...]]></summary>
<author>
<name>Faith Fulcher</name>
</author>
<category term="Fans" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
<category term="liverpoolswanseamichaellaudrupraheemjoseenriquefaithfulcher" label="Liverpool Swansea Michael Laudrup Raheem Jose Enrique Faith Fulcher" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
<content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/">
<![CDATA[<p><p class="MsoNormal">There is not really a lot to say about the ninety minutes
that I have just witnessed. Liverpool
Football Club are supposed to be a top class side. A side that should be capable of beating the
likes of Swansea but going by the performance today Michael Laudrup is doing a
better job of getting his players to play the game of football.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I suspect I am going to answer my own question here, but why
on earth were Stewart Downing, Jordan Henderson and Joe Cole in the team
because they certainly do not deserve to be there. I can only think it is because January is
just around the corner and what worries me about that scenario is I do not
believe that they will be replaced with better quality players.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Now you would have thought that Brendan would have gone all
out to prove to Swansea that as he keeps telling the world, he has indeed moved
to a better club with years of history behind it. He did not of course and unless something is
done about it very soon, it is my belief that the clubs supporters are going to
start getting very rebellious.<o:p></o:p></p></p>]]>
<![CDATA[<p class="MsoNormal">There were indications from the very moment that the game
kicked off that it was not going to be the walkover that everyone believed it
to be. I will be honest when I say that
I could easily have fallen asleep for the first fifteen to twenty minutes as
the tikka takka style of football is becoming very boring. It may be pretty to watch but it is not
getting the players into the final third as quickly as it should and it
certainly does not give anyone the encouragement that they need to score a
goal.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There are even questions about Stevie G's form at the moment
and I can understand why because he simply does not look happy in the positions
that Brendan wants him to play in.
Stevie is a much better player when he is allowed to roam around the
midfield and pick up loose balls. Until
that happen once again, then I simply cannot see him scoring.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I can of course single several players who put in a good
days work. They were of course Raheem
Sterling who reads the game extremely well, Glen Johnson and Jose Enrique who
have both returned from injury and seem totally different players. Enrique is the player that stands out the
most I guess. He played extremely well again today and it was just a shame that
his goal, which came after some wonderful movement was judged as offside. Whether it was not, will be the subject of
many conversations in the days ahead.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Glen and Raheem had several chances at the goal but if they
did not go over the bar, they were either saved or went wide. Of the two, Raheem was the closest when he
sent a thundering shot towards the goal only to see it hit the post.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Luis Suarez who earlier in the week appeared to be embroiled
in yet another controversy, thankfully shook the hand of Williams before the
game began. He was also at his best once
again, moving around the pitch as a man possessed, although luck was against
him today and none of his shots found the back of the net.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Our midfield and our defence were not at their best today
and I am sorry but I am sick of Brendan telling everyone what a great player
Joe Allen is because he is nothing more than average. His performances lately have been below par
and to compare him with Xabi Alonso is very ill advised. In fact at certain times in the match today,
you would have thought that he was part of the Swansea team.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It was also a game of two halves yet again with Liverpool
finally finding a little rhythm towards the end of the first half only to see
it completely disappear in the second.
There was no rhythm in Liverpool's play or indeed any enthusiasm. Why
that was, only they will know but Brendan should have started the second half
with Jonjo and Suso on the pitch. We may well have stood a chance of scoring if
that had happened, but what did he do, he waited until the seventy fifth minute
and put Jonjo on, which is fine but to put Joe Cole on the pitch was a mistake
waiting to happen. I am pretty sure that
Suso would have had more than the one touch in the final fifteen minutes that
Joe did. This of course means that he
was no help to his team mates whatsoever.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The players of course finally woke up in the last ten
minutes after a nasty injury to Pepe Reina, but it was too late then to salvage
the game and it ended as a no score draw.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Now I know I should be behind my manager and time should be
given to see what improvements he is going to make to the team, but my patience
is being tested at moment. All I want to see is Liverpool playing a game of
football - they are not and as for climbing towards that fourth spot - it
simply is not going happen.<o:p></o:p></p>]]>
</content>
</entry>
<entry>
<title>Liverpool's top UEFA Cup moments</title>
<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/2012/11/liverpools-top-uefa-cup-moment.html" />
<id>tag:www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk,2012://22.405118</id>
<published>2012-11-22T14:44:07Z</published>
<updated>2012-11-22T14:46:49Z</updated>
<summary> AHEAD of the Reds' match against Young Boys Bern in the Europa League at Anfield this evening, MICHAEL SLATTERY looks back at Liverpool's top five moments in the old UEFA Cup......</summary>
<author>
<name>sean_bradbury</name>
<uri>http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk</uri>
</author>
<category term="europaleague" label="Europa League" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
<category term="lfc" label="LFC" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
<category term="liverpoolfc" label="Liverpool FC" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
<category term="uefacup" label="UEFA Cup" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
<content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/">
<![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>
<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>]]>
<![CDATA[<p><strong>1-. RECORD FOR BIGGEST VICTORY</strong></p>
<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>
<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>
<p>Liverpool were facing Norweigan side Stromsgodset on the 17th of September and beat them by a record 11 goal difference.</p>
<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>
<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>
<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>
<p><strong>2-. 2001 UEFA CUP FINAL (LIVERPOOL V ALAVES)</strong></p>
<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>
<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>
<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>
<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>
<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>
<p>This own goal made Liverpool win by the golden goal rule and achieve their 3rd UEFA cup victory.</p>
<p><strong>3-. 1976 UEFA CUP FINAL (LIVERPOOL V CLUB BRUGGE)</strong></p>
<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>
<p>This amazing comeback was thanks to Ray Kennedy, Jimmy Case and Kevin Keegan goals in seven minutes to turn the game around.</p>
<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>
<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>
<p>The second-leg draw meant Liverpool won the tie, to win their second UEFA Cup after their first victory in 1973.</p>
<p><strong>4-. 1973 UEFA CUP FINAL (LIVERPOOL V BORUSSIA MONCHENGLADBACH)</strong></p>
<p>Liverpool faced West Germany giants Borussia Monchengladbach to reach our first ever UEFA cup final ever.</p>
<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>
<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>
<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>
<p>The tie ended 3-2 thanks to the first leg victory and Liverpool won the first European trophy.</p>
<p><strong>5-. (LIVERPOOL-AUXERRE) FIRST EUROPEAN TIE AFTER HEYSEL BAN</strong></p>
<p>Liverpool played French side Auxerre on the 23rd of October of 1991. It was the first European tie after Heysel disater ban.</p>
<p>There was big expectation for this game after such a long miss from European football.</p>
<p>The Reds lost 2-0 in France with goals from Ferreri and Kovacs in what was a disappointing night for Liverpool.</p>
<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>
<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>
<p>Mark Walters scored in the last 10 minutes to secure Liverpool a victory and go through to the next round.</p>]]>
</content>
</entry>
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