liverpool 2-0 preston

4/01/2009
liverpool-2-0-preston

liverpool continue their fa cup run after a 2-0 win over preston north end. the reds played a mostly full strength squad, taking no risks in their third round clash.

reira opened the scoring with a solid drive after 25 minutes. reira, after a shaky start to life at anfield, has become a solid performer, chipping in with numerous goals. liverpool’s second goal came just before full time, scored by fernando torres. torres is returning from injury and subbed on for keane in the 78th minute.

liverpool now await the draw for their fourth round opponents, and look ahead to next saturday’s game against stoke city.

No Comments

2008 in review

31/12/2008
2008-in-review

wow … 2008 was a hell of a year. for me, it was probably the busiest and craziest year of my life.

the year started with a bang. first came the big d, followed by quitting my university job and starting work at an adult education school. i really missed my university position. it was such a fun, cruisy job. moving to the adult school was hell on earth. i spent the entire year waking up at 5.40 am, having to be at school by 6.20 am. i began classes every day at 6.30 am.  the school had its ups and downs. the schedule was terrible, but my students were always fantastic. the management was moronic, but the actual classes were fairly easy … overall, however, i’ll be very glad to leave that school … worst. job. ever.

i’ve saved a lot of money this year … a bi-products of working like a dog. that’s definitely been the biggest highlight of the year, since it has opened up a lot of doors in terms of future options. it’s hard to believe that i worked four jobs this year. i had money coming in from everywhere. just when i thought i couldn’t get busier, i’d pick up a job editing a thousand page textbook, or some other assignment which would keep me up late at night, make me tired and grumpy, but keep the bank account ticking along nicely. i have to be honest and i can definitely say that i know now how it feels to be korean - working long hours, getting very little sleep, having no social life, and focusing on the money … it’s a terrible way to live, and i definitely couldn’t do it forever.

this has also been a good year for photography. i picked up a few odd jobs, made a little bit of money, bought some lenses and gear, started a photography club, published columns in korea’s english newspaper, made a bunch of friends and taken heaps of photos. i’ve learned a lot and had a lot of fun with photography this year. i think i’ve improved and i can take away a lot more skills. but i’ve still got a lot to learn, especially with editing, but there’s plenty of time to work on that.

i bought my first leica this year. my film camera was so much fun … and just what i needed to mix things up a bit. i got to play with film, as well as do some printing and developing. the leica is going with craig back to australia. hopefully he’ll get some use out of it for the next few years.

my website has done well. i’ve started getting traffic and making a few friends. the site has been through a few redesigns as i try and find my style. the design that i’ve got now is hopefully the design that i will keep for a while. it’s fantastically minimal. i bought a few domains and played around with internet stuff.

i don’t usually talk about my relationships on my blog, but i did have a good relationship this year. i know i have not always been a perfect guy, but i’ve learned a lot from my mistakes.

i started reading books again, which was nice. i tried to learn the ukulele, but gave up. i tried to learn korean and spanish, but gave up. i tried to spend more time learning php and css, but gave up too. i attribute my failures to a lack of sleep and lack of time, rather than a lack of willpower!

liverpool had a good year. despite the lack of trophies, they fought hard and played well. the signings of torres and keane have been huge for the club. liverpool finish the year on top of the table, for the first time in 12 years. here’s hoping that they can hold on until may and take home the league title.

rubberchicken winging his way to korea in december was the cherry on the cake. i hadn’t seen my little buddy in three years, so it was good to hang out with him. happy new years mate!

the year will finish tonight and now i have to look forward to 2009.

my resolutions are to travel, take more photos, learn spanish, work as little as possible. i’m not a big ‘resolutions’ person, and 2009 is a difficult year to make promises, but i’m hoping that it’ll be a good year with much more fun and much more freedom.

to all my friends and family, happy new year. i wish everyone a happy, healthy and prosperous 2009.

No Comments

liverpool 5-1 newcastle

29/12/2008
liverpool-5-1-newcastle

liverpool handed newcastle a 5-1 thumping last night when the reds traveled to st james park last night. liverpool were in fine form, despite having neither torres or keane on the pitch, and proceeded to dismantle newcastle’s defense from the opening kickoff.

liverpool dominated the magpies and gave them very little ball or opportunities to attack. the reds pushed forward and liverpool’s defensive line was playing very high. it was only thanks to the efforts by newcastle keeper shay given that the score line wasn’t more embarassing for the toons.

it didn’t take long for the floodgates to open. steven gerrard angled a shot off the post and into the net after the 30th minute. moments later veteran sami hyypia doubled liverpool’s lead. hyypia’s powerful header found the net after a great corner kick by gerrard.

liverpool had more chances but were unable to capitalise. the half time whistle was a welcome relief for newcastle’s ailing defenses.

8996304

gerrard’s shot beats the keeper, finding the net after deflecting off the inside of the post

8996306

hyypia’s powerful header gave liverpool a two goal lead

prop081228-24-newcastle_liverpool

a close range punt by babel found the net, thanks to some terrible defense

newcastleunitedvliverpoolpremierleague0xqdbiri9del

stevie g gets his brace, chipping the keeper, for liverpool’s fourth goal

newcastleunitedvliverpoolpremierleagueatu73nsmp6bl

alonso cooly slotted home a penalty

after the break, newcastle showed an improved performance, earning a few corners, and were able to make the most of it by scoring a soft goal. newcastle were back in the game, only one goal down, but liverpool immediately retaliated with an easy goal thanks to some terrible defense. newcastle were unable to clear the ball, leaving babel to punt home from close range.

the third goal broke newcastle’s resiliance and gerrard took full advantage. a fantastic pass by lucas found gerrard up front. the liverpool skipper held off the defender and chipped the ball over the onrushing keeper. liverpool then finished off with a penalty. babel made a good run but was brought down in the box. alonso did the honours from the spot.

the result has shown what liverpool is capable of when they’re in form. playing with kuyt as the lone striker (keane was benched and torres is still recovering) the reds completely demolished newcastle. liverpool go three points clear at the top of the table, after fulham held chelsea to a draw.

the anfield squad will be feeling full of confidence as they return to merseyside to take a much needed break. benitez, watching from the stands, praised liverpool’s performance without two of their big gun strikers.

liverpool now prepare for their fa cup match against preston north end, followed by stoke, everton and wigan. the reds should be able to make the most of an easy january run, including the all important home game derby against everton, before facing chelsea on february 1st.

if liverpool are still leading the league after the chelsea match, there’s a good chance that they can hang on to take the title.

No Comments

liverpool 3-0 bolton

27/12/2008
liverpool-3-0-bolton

liverpool maintain their slender lead over the premier league, thanks to a great display against bolton wanderers in last night’s traditional boxing day clash.  the reds began well, controling the ball and dominating possession. bolton had very few opportunities to threaten, as liverpool pushed forward in search of the opening goal.

they only had to wait 20 minutes before the deadlock was broken. bolton had conceded a succession of corners and their defence had begun to show cracks. from a great steven gerrard corner, reira angled a deflection into the near post, beating the bolton keeper.

8991474

liverpool finished the half with 70% possession and a one goal lead. then, after the break, the reds continued their good form and dominated the match, denying bolton any opportunities to attack.

in the 53rd minute, under fire striker robbie keane went on a rampage, scoring two goals in five minutes.  the first goal came after a great gerrard cross. keane’s first touch controlled the ball and his second touch was smashed into the net. keane struck again after a move started by reina, who threw a long ball to alonso. the spaniard found benayoun who crossed to keane. the irish striker again smashed the ball home, to the rousing cheers of the anfield faithful.

640x

keane celebrated his return to form, having scored three goals in two games, and also silenced his critics - who have accused keane of being a failure since his move to anfield. the reds were riding high and were full of confidence. agger, gerrard and even carragher were taking shots at goal. carragher’s powerful left footed drive flashed across goal.

liverpool retain their lead by a single point after rivals chelsea also won their match. manchester united won, and are 7 points behind but with two games in hand. if united win both of their extra games, there will be a single point separating the top three teams … creating a very tight race for the title.

liverpool now look to sunday’s lunch time game against newcastle united. the reds will be hoping that torres will be able to return from injury and take his place in the side. liverpool need to continue their winning form and ensure they remain in the hunt for the title.

No Comments

liverpool 2-2 hull

14/12/2008
liverpool-2-2-hull

liverpool have drawn yet another game they should have won. the reds hosted hull at anfield last night and it seemed from the outset that the home side would walk away easy winners. however, despite liverpool’s dominance, they were unable to put hull away and claim all three points.

hull, recent promotion winners, have enjoyed a great season and are currently in sixth position on the premier league table. the visitors didn’t look to be able to keep up with the anfield squad, however hull got a lucky break and scored early. their lead was doubled after a rare jamie carragher error resulting in an own goal.

liverpool poured forward, seeking much needed goals, after being shocked and suddenly 2-0 down. captain and liverpool hero steven gerrard came to the rescue with two goals. both goals were short range goals after gerrard found himself on the end of good build up play. the first goal came via a perfect kuyt cross. the second came when benayoun put the ball into gerrard’s path, leaving the captain with the simple job of driving the ball into the net.

the reds continued to dominate and missed a mulititude of chances, much to benitez’s chagrin. the spaniard said that if liverpool were still leading the league by new year, they’d be an 80% chance of winning the premiership. however that possibility took a slight dent after last night’s draw.

fortunately, in other games, manchester united and arsenal both drew their respective matches. as a result, arsenal have now dropped down to fifth position, behind aston villa. that’s a dangerous place for the gunners to be. if villa can hold onto fourth, then they’ll nick a champions league place from arsenal next season.

chelsea play their match tonight. a victory will give them a one point lead over liverpool.

the reds now look toward their crucial away game against arsenal. before that, liverpool will discover their next opponents in champions league, which is drawn on december 19th.

No Comments

liverpool 3-1 blackburn

7/12/2008
liverpool-3-1-blackburn

liverpool stay on top of the premier league, thanks to a solid win away to blackburn rovers last night. struggling blackburn did all they could to frustrate liverpool, and despite liverpool’s possession, blackburn managed to keep liverpool’s attacking threat neutralised.

in fact, it was blackburn who had the better of the first half chances, after a long drive was deflected off the post by a diving reina. at the other end, kuyt and benayoun missed chances but none were serious threats to blackburn’s back line.

liverpool looked to continue their run of goalless draws, as the half time whistle sounded, to the jeers of the traveling fans. however, after the break, the game got scrappy and both sides had trouble stringing moves together. alonso had a good shot denied, and gerrard’s thumping drive was parried into the path of benayoun, who was unable to put the ball into the net.

alonso wasn’t going to be denied twice. the spaniard got into the penalty box and when blackburn failed to clear, he side footed home an easy goal.  blackburn again missed a good chance before benayoun collected a great pass from kuyt. the israeli captain stepped over a tackle and fired a shot into the bottom corner.

stoppage time - gerrard shoots, scoring liverpool’s third goal

blackburn fought back with a late goal, but the game was put out of their reach when gerrard scored in stoppage time. the blackburn keeper was under enormous pressure from el zhar. the keeper’s clearance found reira who passed to gerrard, leaving liverpool’s captain with a simple task of shooting into an unguarded net.

the game was a good return to goals for liverpool, who have been suffering a goal drought with two goalless draws and torres injured. it was quite a different formation for liverpool. out of form keane was on the bench, while babel and benayoun (who’s unhappy with his lack of game time) both started.

liverpool have made a good start to their december campaign. the reds now look toward their midweek game against psv eindhoven. the game, although important for leading their champions league group, is actually a dead rubber for liverpool, who have already qualified. following that, liverpool prepare to face hull and arsenal, which will no doubt be liverpool’s toughest game in december.

No Comments

liverpool 0-0 west ham

2/12/2008
liverpool-0-0-west-ham

liverpool regain their position at the top of the premier league after a frustrating 0-0 draw with west ham at anfield last night. chelsea fell to arsenal yesterday, clearing the way for liverpool to take top spot. all three points would have given liverpool a useful cushion, however the reds were denied their chance by their resilient visitors.

liverpool started well and dominated possession, controlling the midfield and putting good passes together. however it was former red craig bellamy who almost stunned the home team with a long range drive that was deflected off the post. liverpool’s best chance of the half came when west ham’s keeper brilliantly saved a shot by benayoun. twice more west ham were forced to save off their line, denying reira and hyypia the chance to score.

liverpool continued to apply pressure and were unlucky not to be awarded two penalties, after an apparent hand ball by a west ham defender. hyypia had two more opportunities, both headers missing their mark. kuyt and gerrard also being denied by west ham’s defense.

west ham pushed forward late in the second half, as liverpool began to tire, but were not able to put together any serious attacks.

despite the win, the anfield faithful showed their disappointment with a chorus of jeers at the final whistle. although liverpool now sit at the top of the table, it was clear that the home team’s performance was below expectations. liverpool are beginning to show a predictable pattern of not getting vital wins at home, to teams who are traveling to anfield looking for a draw.

rafa claimed that liverpool “deserved to win”. yet, there was very little evidence that liverpool deserved anything with their poor finishing.

having taken the lead, liverpool now need to focus on keeping it. the reds have a good run through december. liverpool will be away to blackburn rovers this coming weekend, followed by a midweek game against psv eindhoven in the champions league. liverpool will finish the year with games against hull, arsenal (away), bolton and newcastle. the match against arsenal at emirates stadium will be a tough game, but the rest are easily winable.

1 Comment

liverpool 0-0 fulham

22/11/2008
liverpool-0-0-fulham

both liverpool and chelsea have blown their chances to take the outright lead over the premier league. liverpool hosted fulham and chelsea hosted newcastle. both home teams were favourites to win their respective matches, however they were frustrated by strong defending and poor finishing.

the reds started without playmakers gerrard (injured) and alonso (benched). torres started but is still getting back to match fitness after an injury.

liverpool didn’t make much of a start in the first half. the players looked tired from midweek international games. liverpool’s passing was sloppy and they allowed fulham too much time on the ball. the reds were forced to defend and gave the visitors a few chances to score.

at the other end keane rarely looked like troubling the defense, but torres made some good runs. however it was keane who had the best chance of the half, his shot heroically blocked by fulham’s aussie keeper mark schwarzer.

the second half was a better affair for the home team. liverpool started to get forward more and alonso’s introduction saw a marked improvement in liverpool’s passing. kuyt had a terrific shot which was also parried away by schwarzer.

the liverpool fans were howling for lucas levia to be substituted off. the young brazilian wasn’t having a good game and gave away too many balls in the midfield. however, he played the full match, with kuyt and riera coming off for babel and el zhar. a better substitution would have been to bring off levia for benayoun, who has been complaining about his lack of games for liverpool. tonight would have been a perfect chance to give him some decent time on the pitch.

as the game headed towards full time, liverpool’s intensity increased. however, the reds couldn’t break down fulham’s defense and find a goal that would give them all three points.

at stanford bridge, chelsea racked up 33 shots on goal to newcastle’s 2 shots. the blues pitched tents in newcastle’s half and spent the game taking pot shots at goal. considering the talent in chelsea’s squad, it’s a huge victory to newcastle to hold them out.

in other games, manchester city are proving their rise to power with a solid 3-0 victory over arsenal. the gunners are having a bad season (by their own standards) and wenger is under enormous pressure to get results … and poor old sheffield wednesday still can’t get a win, going down 0-1 to coventry. the owls have only won 1 of their last 7 matches. their next three games are against lowly ranked blackpool, norwich and southampton. here’s hoping sheffield wednesday find some form.

manchester united, with two games to play, now have a chance to cut back the gap between themselves and liverpool/cheslea.

the reds, meanwhile, turn their attention to the midweek game against marseille. a win or draw will guarantee progress to the champions league knockout stages. next sunday liveprool travel to west ham to begin their all important run through christmas.

update: manchester united also drew, missing a golden opportunity to catch the liverpool and chelsea.

No Comments

liverpool 2-0 bolton

15/11/2008
liverpool-2-0-bolton

liverpool have continued their fine run with a solid 2-0 win over bolton wanderers at reebok stadium last night. the reds completely dominated the first half with fantastic passing. dirk kuyt opened the scoring for a liverpool with a superb header after 30 minutes. the lead should have been doubled when robbie keane missed an absolute sitter in front of goal. all he had to do was connect with the ball and it was in. bolton were also unlucky to be denied a goal in injury time. wanderers scored a header from a corner, but the goal was disallowed after the attackers were adjudged to have interfered with the keeper.

bolton looked much better after half time and took control of the opening minutes. the home side missed another good chance after reina was beaten, but the striker lost his footing and couldn’t direct the ball home. liverpool worked their way back into the game and gerrard became the second red player to miss a gilt-edged chance. torres’ cross fell into the path of gerrard who couldn’t make contact. again, the slightest touch would have been enough for the ball to find its mark.

however, gerrard made up for his miss with liverpool’s second goal. another torres cross fell into the path of the charging gerrard. he nodded it into the corner. lucas leiva, a late substitute, also missed a sitter when his header glanced outside the post.

liverpool were comfortable winners, despite a few scares. the reds had numerous chances, which i’m sure benitez will talk about in training this week. liverpool now look ahead to their game against fulham.

chelsea and manchester united both won their matches. arsenal were defeated by aston villa. that means liverpool and chelsea are tied for the lead, again, with manchester united 8 points behind. man united have a game in hand and could reduce that deficit to 5 points. arsenal are now 9 points behind.

No Comments

liverpool 3-0 west brom

8/11/2008
liverpool-3-0-west-brom

liverpool have returned to the top of the table after a clinical 3-0 win over visiting side west brom. robbie keane scored a brace, his first premier league goals for liverpool.

west bromwich albion traveled to anfield with a record of having never beaten the reds for 41 years, and it was clear from the outset that the visitors were going to be totally outclassed. however, to west brom’s credit, they didn’t park the bus in front of goal. the baggies came with a mind to do some attacking.

keane had an early shot and benayoun was also unlucky not to score in the opening minutes. former red keeper scott carson got his body in the way and blocked benayoun’s shot. a goal looked inevitable as liverpool pressed forward. gerrard pushed a clever ball through to keane who finished with a clean strike. minutes later keane got his brace, doubling liverpool’s lead, after he rounded the keeper and shot into an empty net.

the reds enjoyed a comfortable lead and went into the break without being threatened at all by west brom. however after the break liverpool seemed to be playing in second gear and the visitors tried to work their way back into the game. a chance by west brom went begging and that was all it took for liverpool to regain composure and retake control of the game.

keane came off to give torres a run. the spaniard has been out injured and is making his return. although he didn’t play much of a part in the game, but it was a valuable chance for the striker to regain match fitness.

in the pouring rain, arbeloa’s curling shot gave liverpool their 3rd goal

second before the full time whistle, arbeloa fired a left footed curling shot, giving liverpool their third unanswered goal.

liverpool retake control at the top of the premier league table. arsenal, who are under fire for their recent poor form beat manchester united. that gives the reds some breathing room via a six point buffer between 1st and 3rd. however chelsea are likely to take the number one position tonight when they face blackburn rovers.

liverpool should have a good run for november and up to christmas. the reds face spurs in the carling cup this week, followed by league games to bolton and fulham. liverpool then have a champions league game against marseille, before facing west ham and blackburn.

in past years, liverpool’s season has been completely destroyed by christmas. this year the reds look good enough to continue their good form and run of wins, maintaining pressure on their challenge for the league title.

No Comments

liverpool 1-2 tottenham

2/11/2008
liverpool-1-2-tottenham

liverpool have relinquished their lead in the premiership and have lost their first game of the season during the reds’ trip to london to face tottenham last night.

liverpool started brightly with kuyt finding the net after just three minutes. liverpool looked positive and attacking. the reds seemed to have tottenham’s measure, with numerous shots on goal. spurs were lucky not to concede again with gerrard hitting the post and firing in threatening strikes. however, the home team were let off the hook after an uncharacteristic mistake by veteran jamie carragher. the defender headed the ball into liverpool’s own net, gifting tottenham the equaliser.

liverpool pushed for a winner, but were stunned by a late tap in by spurs, allowing them to steal victory.

the result was a disappointment for liverpool, who had started to show real resiliance. however, one loss isn’t the end of the world. liverpool is still tied on first with chelsea. while manchester will play themselves into contention, arsenal seem to be having difficulty finding any form and are unlikely to be a serious threat this year.

the reds can keep pressure on chelsea and force the londoners to continue winning games. both teams are playing well and it should be a good race if liverpool can remain consistent.

liverpool now look to their midweek clash against athletico madrid. the spanish team will visit anfield and the reds will have a good opportunity to take three more points, after madrid’s lucky away draw. following that is west brom in the league, spurs again in the carling cup, then bolton and fulham.

liverpool should be able to win all three premier league matches. a win against athletico will all but ensure liverpool’s progress to the knockout stages in champions league.

No Comments

liverpool defeat chelsea - go top of the league

26/10/2008
liverpool-defeat-chelsea-go-top-of-the-league

liverpool have defeated chelsea for the first time under rafal benitez. the result puts liverpool on top of the league, outright, with 23 points.

the reds have traveled to london with a record of never scoring against chelsea during rafa benitez’s reign as manager. rafa’s men started with a defensive setup, just a single striker in robbie keane. liverpool’s star striker torres is still injured. however chelsea too were missing drogba and ballack.

after a cagey start by both teams, chelsea started to press a little bit and liverpool found themselves playing deep. but 10 minutes into the game, liverpool got a break and alonso opened the scoring after a fluke deflection off a chelsea defender.

liverpool celebrate alonso’s lucky goal, their first against chelsea at stanford bridge

that put chelsea behind and they went on the attack. liverpool responded with good possession and shutting down chelsea plays. liverpool were looking a lot more attacking and confident than many would have guessed, considering their poor record against chelsea in the premier league.

both teams engaged in some good end to end football. reira and gerrard both came close, as did deco down the other end. reira and gerrard were also yellow carded for tackles. gerrard’s card was unlucky, considering he won the ball and liverpool would have been able to counter attack. as the half wore on chelsea started to dominate again. liverpool gave away too many balls and a lot of room on their left wing. chelsea had most of the possession and were unlucky not to score after gerrard was depossessed and deco fired a shot just outside the left post.

the second half opened at a lively pace. liverpool started well and a few whistles were in liverpool’s favour. chelsea picked up 4 yellow cards (plus one to mascherano for dissent) and alonso’s fantastic free kick hit the post. keane came off and was replaced by babel. for chelsea, deco and cole had very good chances to score.

despite chelsea’s urgency, clear chances didn’t materialise. liverpool’s defense was resilient and they made the most of every touch. the reds frustrated chelsea, especially in defense. but most importantly, the anfield team didn’t wait for chelsea to attack, liverpool also attacked, creating chances and keeping possession away from the home team.

liverpool won’t have much time for rest, hosting portsmouth midweek and then traveling to beliguered hotspurs next saturday. four days after that, liverpool also play host to athletico madrid.

No Comments

liverpool 3-2 wigan

18/10/2008

liverpool retain their unbeaten win with a 3-2 victory over wigan at anfield last night. the reds kept themselves in the game after twice giving wigan the lead. kuyt was the hero with two goals including the late strike that sealed the win for liverpool.

liverpool played well but gave wigan too much room to move. a mistake from agger gave wigan the chance to open the scoring. however agger redeemed himself with a good run down the left wing, a dummy in the box and a short pass to kuyt who drilled home from close range. wigan again scored, through their striker zaki, before another left wing move put the reds in a good position. the cross this time found reira whose low drive found its way through the traffic and into the bottom right corner of the net. the goal was reira’s first for liverpool.

flying dutchman - kuyt’s aerial volley sealed the victory for liverpool

with the scores level, liverpool started to press and wigan put men behind the ball. wigan were educed to 10 men after a player picked up two yellow cards. wigan were being pushed back and not given room to move. pennant came on and his long cross from the right found kuyt whose flying volley bounced over the keeper and into the net.

the late goal was a lucky escape for liverpool. wigan played well and probably deserved at least a draw. benitez was satisfied with the result but criticised his team for not taking control of the game.

No Comments

liverpool 0-0 stoke

21/09/2008
liverpool-0-0-stoke

despite more than 20 shots on goal by liverpool, the reds couldn’t put away lowly stoke at anfield last night. liverpool set up tents and camped in stoke’s half. gerrard found the net early, but his celebrations were cut short when kuyt was unfairly ruled offside, despite not being involved in the play. gerrard had numerous attempts and came close again, but couldn’t convert his chances.

alonso, babel, torres all had shots on goal. alonso blazed a few shots wide, but his shot from the edge of the box was a certain goal and miraculously saved by the stoke keeper.

for stoke, a draw at anfield is as good as a win, so the away fans were celebrating the result. however, for liverpool to have beaten manchester united and marseille this week, the result is sorely disappointing. worse is the fact that chelsea and manchester united clash this week, which was the perfect opportunity for liverpool to gain some valuable points in their battle for the league title.

liverpool look to get themselves in order for a midweek match against crewe alexander in the carling cup, folllowed by the all important derby next weekend against mersey side rivals everton.

No Comments

liverpool 3-1 blackburn rovers

14/04/2008
liverpool-3-1-blackburn-rovers

liverpool threw themselves at blackburn rovers, during their premier league clash last night. the players ignored the board room dramas to turn on a great performance, comfortably beating the rovers 3-1.

the first half was mostly liverpool. the reds chased down every ball. passing was good and the players looked in control of the game. gerrard was denied an early penalty, in which he could have earned a yellow card for diving. the captain was again denied a penalty late in the half, this time when he was physically overpowered by the blackburn defense.

however, in the second half the goals started to flow. it was gerrard who opened the scoring. torres put gerrard through in the box. he bundled between two defenders and slotted the ball past the keeper.

gerrard.jpg

gerrard celebrated in front of the anfield faithful … it was a great goal, thanks to the neat pass by torres. and gerrard soon returned the favour, crossing the ball into the box for torres to head home with a low shot inside the far post.

torres came off to a standing ovation, having scored his 30th goal for the season. a very impressive result in his first year at anfield. the 25 million pound investment is paying great dividends as the spaniard cements himself into liverpool fokelore.

vororin and riise came on late. both men combined for liverpool’s third goal. riise made good space in the right of the box, passing through to vororin who tapped the ball home under enormous pressure from the blackburn defense. it was a needed goal for vororin, whose injury woes and poor form have left him out in the cold this season.

blackburn were never in the game, however they did score an injury time consolation goal, adding some respectability to the scoreline.

liverpool are now 5 points clear of everton, who drew their game on saturday. with four games remaining, it’s very likely that the reds will hold 4th spot. it’s unlikely though, short of a miracle, that we’ll catch chelsea.

speaking of the stanford bridge mob, liverpool face them in 10 days for their third champions league showdown in four years. before that, though, the reds travel to fulham. liverpool’s final 3 domestic matches will be against birmingham, manchester city and spurs.

No Comments