English Premier League - Liverpool should be BPL Champion

As I take a close look at the EPL table, Liverpool drawn 13 matches. Out of these 13 drawn matches, Liverpool could have won 5 of them.

I can recall how Rob Syles robbed Liverpool a victory against Chelsea. Then Liverpool dominated the game against Birmingham but could not scored. Liverpool could have won Arsenal at Anfield only to allow Cesc Fabregas to equalise in the last 10 minutes of the game. Away victory against Man City and Blackburn could have achieved if the ball did not strike the woodwork or if our striker had put on the scoring boots.

Imagine turning these 5 matches to victory, it will give Liverpool extra 10 points. This will mean 86 points. Liverpool could have put pressure on Man Utd. Better still, we could have win the title or finish second.

I am proud of what Liverpool had achieved this season. More away wins than any other top 4 teams.

English Premier League 2007/2008 - Congras Man Utd, Don't Cry Reading and Birmingham

Finally it's over! After 8 long gruelling months of agony and joy, the outcome was signed, sealed and delievered. There can only be one Champion and there will be 3 of them relegated.

My heartest congraluation to Fergies's Man Utd for retaining the title and showed us why they are best in England once again. While Reading, Birmingham and Derby will sing their own rendition of "Don't Cry for Me Argentina" as they face life in the Championship.

Despite thrashing of Derby 4-0 and Blackburn 4-1 respectively, both Reading and Birmingham could not survived the dread drop. Reading was so close to staying up until Murphy scored the only goal at Fratton Park with 13 minutes remaining. It was heartbreak for the Brums and Royals. Over at the JJB Stadium, the title was made sure when Ronaldo scored from the spot and Giggs scored the 2nd goal. Over at the Stamford Bridge, a late goal from Davies ensure that the title does not decide by goal difference.

Middlesbrough scored the biggest win of the season by thrasing hapless Man City 8-1 after Dunne was sent off early in the 1st half. Elsewhere, the fight for the final UEFA spot was also decided on the last day when Everton won 3-1 against the Magpies.


Of course not forgetting my team, Liverpool. The Reds signed the season off with a pleasing 2-0 win away to Spurs. Voronin and Torres scored the goals. Torres broke Ruud Van Nisterooy's record at his debut season. It was a magnificent achievement for Torres. I am sure that more will come from El Nino next season.

I thoroughly enjoyed this season very much with the title and relegation going down to the final day.

Once again, I saluate Man Utd for being the Champion of England. The Red Devils are certainly history maker and they are one title short to equal Liverpool's record of 18 titles.

Before I end my BPL 07/08 blog for now, let me let off a friendly warning to Chelsea and Man Utd, Liverpool will be there next season. We will win the league next season!!

Till then, see you on 16th August for the 2008/2009 season.

English Premier League - Liverpool's Summer Exodus

As we approach the last round of 2007/2008 this weekend, many clubs are preparing for next season. Liverpool is no exception. Kewell will be leaving the club after a injury -dogged career at Anfield. Riise and Crouch may leave.

I am sad to see Crouch leave Liverpool as he provide Liverpool with a different attacking option. If he leave and signs for another BPL team, he will be a threat to our defence. Crouch wants to play regular football which Rafa could not promise. If there is offers for Crouch, Liverpool will sell.

As for Riise, his senseless own goal against Chelsea was the last straw for Rafa to sell him. He is pecking order after Aurelio and Alveroa. I could see Riise going to Villa as a swoop for Barry. I think it is better for Riise to leave.

I would love to see Roque Santa Cruz or Berbatov to play alongside Torres if we can raise the money from the sale of Crouch. That will be a dream strikeforce.

Apart from Aaron Lennon, Gamdt Pedersen and Bentley, I would hope to see Martin Petrov attacking from the left side of Liverpool's midfield. If we can't get Pedersen, then we get Petrov or vice versa. Likewise for Lennon and Bentley, either one will be great for the right midfield slot. I do not see Pennant remaining in Anfield.

My choice for Liverpool XI :

1) Pepe Reina

2) Stven Finnan

3) Gareth Barry

4) Carragher / Martin Sktrel

5) Daniel Agger

6) Steven Gerrard / Xavi Alonson

7) Javier Mascherano / Youssi Benayoun

8) Aaron Lennon / Ryan Babel

9) Martin Petrov / Gamst Pedersen

10) Fernando Torres

11) Santa Cruz / Berbatov

I believe with this line up, we have pace on both wings and will counter the threat of Man Utd's Ronaldo and Nani.

English Premier League -Final Victory at Anfield

It was a match where Liverpool have nothing to play for. With the exit of the Champion League and the 4th spot secured, the Reds will end the season empty handed.

So the final match at Anfield this season is a reward for the every faithful Reds fan. Liverpool did not disappoint the fan when they dominate the game. It was stalement at the interval.

However, it was Torres that got on the score sheet after some defensive error by the City's defender. Torres beat Dunne for pace and slot past Hart for the only goal of the game. It was Torres's 23 goal in his debut season.

After the match, the Liverpool player's did a lap of honour is saluate to the fans. There were some missing players which might be a signal of them leaving Anfield this summer.

I am looking forward to see what signings Rafa will make.

4th spot Assured

Liverpool came from two goals down to level the match to 2-2. This result assured Liverpool Euro qualification for next season unless Everton won their last 3 matches with rugby score.

I expected Rafa to field a weaken side with the return leg of the Champion League at Stamford Bridge on Thursday. Liverpool never look like posing any danger to Birmingham in the first half. The Reds only came alive after the interval. However Birmingham extended their lead through Larsson. Crouch and Youssi's goal ensure the Blues get the blues.

P.S - In my previous post, I questioned Rafa for bringing in Riise. Now I understand that Aurellio was injured. Sorry Rafa for that.

Don't Bet Against Liverpool

Liverpool have all but secured the 4th spot with a convincing 2-0 win away to Fulham. Rafa sent out his second team with the midweek Champion League Semi-Final on his mind. There were no Kuyt, Torres, Gerrard and Carragher in the starting line up.

It look like Fulham are in for a win when Rafa sent out this team. However, with Fulham lacking on quality in front of goal, Reina hardly has any saves to make. When Pennant blasted past Keller for 1-0, Liverpool was on total control.

The second half started the way as the first. Crouch made it 2-0 on the half hour mark to end Fulham's challenge. With this defeat, it signal the end Fulham status in the first flight football.

As a Liverpool fan, I'm absolutely delighted at this win as Liverpool stretched the lead for fourth spot to 8 points with 3 games to go. Liverpool virtually sealed the 4th spot after yesterday match. I do not see Everton getting any closer now. Liverpool can focus on their Champion League semi-final against Chelsea who still have a chance for the BPL title. That will be an additional distraction to them. The scenario looks perfect for Liverpool.

Don't against bet against Liverpool like I have found out..

No Europe Hangover

Liverpool capped a remarkable week on the field with a 3-1 win over Blackburn Rovers. With their rival Everton drawing at Birmingham, Liverpool widen the gap to 5 points for the fourth spot.

The first half was a half with few chances. Both teams are trying to break down the defence. Liverpool have 2 penalties appeal turned down. It was 0-0 at half time.

Liverpool opened the floodgate through Gerrard after a lovely one-two with Lucas. Torres got the second goal from a header after a superb cross from Gerrard. Substitue Voronin got the third goal in the 90th minutes.

Santa Cruz got the consolation goal for Blackburn in th 92nd minutes.

It was a professional display from Liverpool despite a tough European night during midweek.

All Square Again

It's 1-1 for the second consecutive match at the Eimerates Stadium. The result suit Liverpool fine but dealt a fatal blow to Arsenal's title aspiration. Crouch's goal meant Arsenal need to chase the game. In the end, Arsene Wenger was left frustrated aagain.

On the whole match, Liverpool could claim all 3 points if not for Voronin's poor composure in front of goal. Overall, I'm pleased with the Reds performance. The way Liverpool conceded the game was worrying. Reina was not commanding enough. The defence looked shaky at set pieces. I hope things will inprove this Wednesday.

Now onto the return leg of the Champion League. With no injuries to both teams, the return leg at Anfield could prove to be an intriging match. Both team season will depend on the Champion League. Arsenal should be out of the title race after today match. I should say Arsenal in a dangerous team now. Now that Arsenal are out of the title race, they will divert on their focus and energy into the Anfield game. Liverpool will well be very cautious.

Hopefully, the 12th man of Liverpool will spur them to their 3rd Champion League semi-final in 4 years. And I hope Chelsea will not win their 2nd leg and it would be a dream semi-final.

Edgeing to 4th spot

With the BPL title surge effectively ended by Man Utd last weekend, the Reds must win this game to consolidate their position for the fourth spot. A defeat will see Everton overtake Liverpool while a draw will only benefit the Toffees.

Liverpool made a promising start to the match and was rewarded when red hot Torres scored from the edge of the box to give Liverpool a 1-0 lead just only 8 mintues into the game. This was after Yakubu lost possession in his own penalty area.

The game was played in high tempo from Liverpool looking to kill the game with a second goal but there was no breakthrough. Everton came out stronger in the second half while Liverpool is keeping possession and go for the counter. It was quite obvious they are playing it safe with the Champion League quarter-final on their mind.

There was no real threat from the Blues. With Tim Cahill injured, Everton lack a player to run to the box to create havock to the Liverpool backline.


The triple headed match against the Gunners should be interesting especially they are in a bit of wobble. They did well to snatch a comeback win against Bolton with 10 men but Liverpool is a different opposition from Bolton. Let's hope Liverpool can take a 1-0 lead back to Anfield.

I feel so bitter

This picture tell you a thousand words if you have watched the game. When I woke up this morning, I felt so lousy. I have not recover the shock that Liverpool was comprehensively beaten by the Red Devils. The last big defeat was a 4-0 defeat when Hyppia was sent off.

Liverpool came to this match with high confidence. There was even talk that the Merseyside can take something out of the match. The 3 main men of Liverpool that can pull Liverpool through was Torres, Gerrard and Mascherano but we did not see any of their threat. The latter was mad. The defence must be blamed for the 2 goals. Reina could have punched the ball out for the first 2 goals but instead he was beaten. Both Sketrel and Alonso must take the share of blame was they were outjumped.

How on earth Liverpool got themselves into this mess? When can we beat Man Utd again? When can we challenge for the title again? Unless we have more Torres and Gerrard next season, it should be a two horse race between Man Utd and Chelsea again next season. Liverpool lack quality full backs and wingers.

The defeat is too much for any Liverpool fans to take. It is just so so painful.

Mad Mad Mascherno

Liverpool continue their winless streak against Man Utd with a 3-0 lost at Old Trafford. With a goal down, Mascherano talked his way to his second yellow card. It's a bloody stupid and mad things to do. What on earth is he thinking? He was the cause of the defeat. Oh yes, when you lose, you lose as a team but no this time. Imagine running 50 metres to confront the refree?

With this defeat, it signal the end of a late surge to the title. Liverpool simply just not good enough to match Man Utd. In term of quality, Man Utd is superior man to man. Just imagine the attacking forces of Ronaldo, Rooney, Nani and Tevez.

It was a painful result for the long suffering Liverpool fans too see Man Utd consistently getting one over us. Will next season will be better one?

I simply hate Cristaino Ronaldo. He is arrogant. Just look at his face when he scored. Whenever he was standing with his legs apart taking his free kick, how I wish I was there to give him a kick in between his legs.

Liverpool face Everton next week. If the Reds win, they will open a 5 points gap between them and the Toffess for the battle for the fourth spot. However, Liverpool must bounce back. I hope the defeat to Man Utd will give them the extra motivation to beat Everton. I demand nothing less than a backlash from the Reds. Everton, Be Very AFRAID!!!

I HATE LOSING TO MAN UTD!!!!!!!

Mascherano, you are plain bloody stupid!!!!!!!!!!

Easter Super Sunday

The next 3 matches in the EPL will define Liverpool season. They will travel to Old Trafford follow by Everton visit to Anfield and then a visit to the Emirates to face the Gunners. If Liverpool can take maximum points from these 3 matches, Liverpool will make a late late surge for the title. Let us base on this scenario.

Suppose if Man Utd won their game in hand against Bolton and Chelsea drew against Spurs, then Man Utd and Chelsea will have 70 points and 65 points respectively going into this Sunday clash. Arsenal will have 67.

If the next 3 results are to be:

Liverpool beat Man Utd, Everton and Gunners
Man Utd lose to Liverpool, beat Villa and Boro
Gunners draw Chelsea, beat Bolton and lose Liverpool and
Chelsea draw Gunners, beat Boro and draw Man City...

The points will be:

Man Utd 76 points
Arsenal 71 points
Chelsea 70 points
Liverpool 68 points

Base on the above, Liverpool will have the chance to go second. How good will that be? Of course, it very much depend on Liverpool's performances. I'm looking forward to this Sunday clash and hope Liverpool put one against the Red Devils..

Torres breaks Reading's Heart

Liverpool consolidate their grip on the fourth position with a hard-fought 2-1 win over the Royals. Liverpool did not have it easy and they have to come back from a goal down. Reading got in front just after 4 mintues with a superb shot outside the box from a free-kick. When the ball flew into the net, I was thinking maybe it was one of those days when Liverpool got "chocked".

When Mascherano scored the equalizer and his first goal for his club, normal function was resumed. It was Liverpool with most of the attacks but just could not find a way past Reading's defence.

The first half ended 1-1. However, it was 2-1 after 55 mintues when Torres headed home his 20th goal of the season. He was quick to evade his marker and rose first to Gerrard's free kick. With Torres in such red hot form, it was unwise to bet against him scoring. Liverpool tried to find the third goal to kill to game off but it was not to be.

It was left to Everton to keep the heat on Liverpool but they crumbled away to regelation threatened Fulham 0-1. Liverpool is in the pole position to achieve the fourth spot.

I'm in love with them

I'm still in recovering from the joy that Liverpool is through to the last 8 of the Champion League. The fact remain that Liverpool is very good in CL but not the EPL. However, there are 3 men who will form the backbone of Liverpool if they are to challenge for the EPL title next season. These 3 are whom I love fallen in love with.

In Defence, we have the ever-present Jamie Carragher. He is a no-nonsense centre back who gives 101% in every match. Ever so reliable and efficient. I rate him better than John Terry for the fact that Terry do not respect the man in black. He is more like a gang triad on the field rather than a team captain.

In Midfield, we have our general in Steven Gerrard. He is one of the world finest midfielder. He is much better than Frank Lampard. Gerrard can make those burst which Lampard does not. He will run his lung out for the team. A good passer, a excellent tackler, a marvellous crosser of the ball and he can strike the ball with venom. In all, Gerrard is the most complete midfielder. The team can count on him when the tough gets going.

Lastly in Attack, we have "El Nino" - Ferrando Torres. Many cluns including Man Utd and Chelsea were reportedly trying to sign him. In the end, Liverpool signed him. I have my doubts over him at first as he might be another Fernando Morientes. Good in Spain but flop in England. After almost half a season gone, he prove to be an phenomenal. 26 goals in all and counting. He single handly won some matches for Liverpool. Blessed with frightening pace and skills, he will be Liverpool striker in chief for many years to come.

However, Carragher is 30 and Gerrard is in his late twenties. Both are true scouser and are driven with passion for the club. It is not easy for someone to step into their shoes to replace them in years to come. Liverpool will need many Carraghers and Gerrards for the future.

Next season will be a more promising one in term of the EPL title hope and I'm sure Gerrard & Co will prove the critics wrong for being pretenders for so many seasons...

San Siro, Here We Come

The thought of King Kev & Co rising to the occasion at Anfield was banished in the last 5 minutes of the first half by an bizzare goal from Pennant and the irresistable scoring machine Torres. Gerrard wrapped the game in the 50th to made the score line 3-0 in a one-sided affair.

The Magpies were never allow time and space from the man in Red. The Newcastle players simply lost their direction and passion. They play each game hoping the season will end soon. Maybe the team consist of "has-been" such as Own, Duff, Butt, Smith and Duff. All these are quality players but somehow they are not playing to their standard.

On the other hand, Liverpool played like team on a mission. With Torres and Gerrard in fine form, it is hard to see Newcastle getting anything out of the game. Like what Rafa said "It was a perfect day".

With Inter in the San Siro in midweek, Liverpool can go into the game with confidence having won their last 5 matches and scoring 16 goals. Liverpool hold a 2-0 lead and will do well not to concede a early goal which will unsettle their nerve.

Having said that, I'm sure Liverpool will pass the Inter test and go through to the last 8 of the CL when they might face one of the English teams.

"Teriffic" Torres Treble

The hand game in hand with the Hammers is a match Liverpool can't afford to slip up. They will draw level on points with the Toffees but leapfrog into fourth on goal difference.

Liverpool has been receiving many criticism of late. Defeat against lowly Barnsley in the FA Cup followed by an empathic win against Inter and then laboured to win Boro. However all the critics were put on bed as early as the 8th minute when Torres latched on a Kuyt cross to open the scoring. It was one way traffic then. Torres went on to score his second and third with Captain Gerrard pile on West Ham's misery by adding the fourth.

Liverpool will go into this Saturday match against the Magpies with brimming confidence. With Newcastle winless in the last 7 games, Liverpool will well take advantage of the situation to put Newcastle into more trouble. Depsite winning the last 3 games, this is a potential game that Liverpool might get "chocked". Let's hope the real Newcastle will not turn up this Saturday.

I'm sure the Liverpool fan will give King Kev on warm reception off the pitch and hope Liverpool strike hot on goals. Hopefully, Torres on a hattrick again?

Narrow Escape

Liverpool return to winning way after a unconvincing 3-2 defeat against a 10-man Boro team. It was a disappointed performance only to bail out by a Torres hatrick and a disallowed goal. It could be 3-3 if the goal was given.

Following the impressive win against Inter in the CL, many expect Liverpool to sweep past Boro. However, things got worse when Boro stole a 1-0 lead.

What on earth are they playing? What if Torres was not match fit? I really can't see Liverpool getting that fourth spot. With Everton and Villa in irresistable form, Liverpool might just lose out on the last CL spot and that will spell disaster.

Having secure huge debts, the last thing the club can ill afford is to fail to qualify for the CL. Everton and Villa has shown that without paying for large transfer fees, they can still compete with the best.

Liverpool, please learn from them!

Crisis and more Crisis

After draws and a laboured win in the FA, Liverpool lost to a last minute penalty to West Ham.

After the loss, the Reds are in 7th position not even in the UEFA spot. Just what is happening to my beloved Reds?

Is there a internal struggle? Is there discontent among the owners and the manager or whatever.

If Liverpool can't even secure a UCL spot, then it will have a dire consequences on the financial books for the Reds. Rafa would be gone when the season gone. Did the takeover made matter worse or did Liverpool fall into the wrong hands? Only Heaven knows.

I just hope Liverpool will bounce back and beat Sunderland on weekend and get a result at Chelsea.

Takeovers destroyed the game

The English League in the 70s, 80s and until the mid 90s are simply great to watch. There are more English players than foreigners. Transfer fees are not inflated. There is a level playing field for all teams.

The promise of the pre-presidential election of some football started to bring in world class players started to bring up the transfer fees. Soon came the investor buying over the clubs and start pouring in millions into the club. They pay over the moon for a star player and offer hard to resist finanical package to the players. When the team do not achieve the results in just 8-10 matches into the season, the owners sack the manager. Football clubs are run like business nowsaday.

No longer can the poorer club compete with the teams backed up by millionaires. Unless and until rich investor take over the likes of Leeds Utd, Stoke City , Nottingham Forest, Oldham Alt etc..they always end up in the lower tier of the league.

Watching the EPL is no longer as enjoyable as before. It's sickening to see the same teams challenging for the league title.

I hope FIFA can do something, otherwise the beautiful game will be a boring game.

Just what these 3 pictures tell you about?

It's about betrayal! Never in the history of Liverpool Football Club line up a "insurance policy" behind the current manager. It is utter disgrace, Hick!

Maybe Rafa is right. If he is sacked, he will take legal action against Mr. Hick, a decision I agreed and supported Rafa.

Given the turn of event, the person who should go from Liverpool are the new owners not Rafa.

The off the pitch has suddenly made Liverpool look like a club in turnmoil. With the rumour that the new owner is selling the club to Dubai International, Liverpool has been treated like a ball being kicked around.

The takeover should not happened in the first place. It's sad for the fan.

A season with a empty promise.