View Full Version : The official Liverpool thread -- the final leg.
Panavision
09-04-2009, 07:33
Remaining fixtures:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/liverpool/fixtures/default.stm
I emailed Alan this morning to see if we could restart this thread and haven't had a response so this may not be allowed.
Also if you are going to restart a club thread, maybe a little read of the forum rules might be pertinent?
In addition the following is not longer permitted on the forums:
Posting football fixtures in full on the forums, links to sites that contain these fixtures wiil be permitted.
The rest of the season is going to be exciting, that's for sure. I think the worst thing that could happen for Liverpool now is for Man Utd to get knocked out of the Champions League. We looked knackered against Porto the other day and the 4-0 that we must not ever mention again ;) has certainly taken the wind out of our sails.
yeah so as not to get the thread closed again delete the fixtures and 'the season is falling apart' nonesense. :) consider the lyrics of ynwa :thumbs:
sure we got found out by hiddink last night but the season is not over! last 3/4 weeks we have we not literally rebuilt our season hopes!?
fair play to chelsea last night. essien sitting between torres and stevie left us with little in the way of attacking options- gerrard was a spectator in the 2nd half... and even with terry out next week if essien plays i cant see what we can do. a formation change?! maybe to start with yossi but i can't see how we will score 3 against them with only torres up front. have to hope tho :)
as rafa says, forget last night, need to score more than blackburn on saturday.
Check out this review (http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/hiddink-stifles-gerrard-in-the-storming-of-anfield-1666284.html) of the game last night.
Guus Hiddink who last night appeared to have unlocked the secrets to a Liverpool team that have overachieved in Europe ever since they embarked on that unlikely journey to the Champions League final in 2005.
At times we have won lucky but I never would say we have overachieved.
Skrtle is starting to look really suspect at CB lately. He was very poor last night.
The day after and I am still annoyed about the game last night. Chelsea were very good and well deserved their win but we were very poor. It would be brilliant to go to Chelsea and turn this tie around but I don't see it happening. The mountain is huge.
I really hope this result doesn't knock the stuffing out of our season. I don't think we can win the league but I want us to be right in it till the last minute of the season.
rather than knock the stuffing out of us i hope its a wake up call... its understandable for the lads to think they are giants putting 5 past real, 4 past manc and 5 past villa but we went out full of confidence against them, scored and practically rested on our new found laurels... allowing them to get their shape back and they started to take it to us we imploded... the lack of concentration/confusion was clear right after we scored (drogba played well onside 1v1 against reina) and during the corners.
it was a case of snuff out gerrard, dont allow our fulls backs from coming forward to help cross in and we will resort to long alonso balls.
just need to bounce back focus on the league and boss blackburn.
Skrtle did look nervous - I suspect scoring the own goal in the Euros knocked the stuffing out of him. We really need Agger to sign up and soon. Is he still injured - he wasn't even on the bench last night was he?
Have to say that Chelsea were just awesome last night - there is no way you can argue with the result or their performance. It's also nice to see some perspective in this thread as well. No cries for Rafa's head etc. Lucas did have a very good first half but tailed off in the second, and that is what did for us. Mascherano back in the next game and Terry out will mean quite a change - but to give us a chance we needed the second goal. Such a shame Kuyt didn't bury his chance just after the Chelsea equaliser.
So, onwards and upwards. United to struggle against Sunderland hopefully, after we post a Blackburn win and put the pressure on them again. United will need to have one eye on the Porto match, whereas hopefully we will put the priority on the Blackburn game now the CL is out of reach.
Hopefully, this will actually help our league ambition.
Well, i can dream.........
Agger should get the start at the weekend for me - no point having depth if you're not prepared to use it should a player's form drop off.
No complaints at all about last night though - Chelsea were fantastic and it was easily the best performance against us this season. Never seen them so attacking home or away in a big game and we had no answer. Essien was especially brilliant completely erasing Gerrard out of the game. 2nd leg is just a formality for us - if Man Utd dropped points again at the weekend, wouldn't surprise me if the players even approach the game at less than 100% so to ensure they can stay fit for the league.
TigaSefi
09-04-2009, 09:23
I wish that we could get rid Lucas any way possible…… he really starting to get on my wick now. He was absolute pinnacle of uselessness last night!!!
lucas has had bad games for us but he was no way our worst player last night! as said first half he was doing his job fine.
I wish that we could get rid Lucas any way possible…… he really starting to get on my wick now. He was absolute pinnacle of uselessness last night!!!
That's a bit harsh. He played alright last night. He was very composed in the first half and got forward a couple of times (Although one of his shots did end up on Anfield road). He was quiet in the second half but so was half our team. I don't remember him making too many mistakes.
Agger was on the bench last night by the way.
AdamBrunt
09-04-2009, 09:41
That quote from the game review is absolutely hilarious. Good to the "lucas is crap" posts are back as well.
Having slept on it i still think we have to accept the game is up when the time is right. However, should we get a 2 goal lead by HT on Tuesday then game on :)
It's an interesting point about Man U in the CL now ... if we do go out on Tuesday, do we want Man U to stay in the competition ?
TigaSefi
09-04-2009, 09:43
Yeah I know. Masher would have sorted out Essien which Lucas didn’t do. But honestly I don’t see anything he does adds to the team. He doesn’t score, he doesn’t tackle properly, he doesn’t break up plays efficiently (Masher imo would have stopped Essien from launching attacks – we shall see on Tuesday) So I am not overly harsh at all. I already said in the other thread that Skrtel needed to wake up during the match and hopefully Agger will come back in. Rafa can’t be that stubborn to realise out of form players ? :shrug:
I wish that we could get rid Lucas any way possible…… he really starting to get on my wick now. He was absolute pinnacle of uselessness last night!!!
Surprised you didn't turn the game off after the first goal went in for them.
I mean come on and be realistic. A comment like that in the aftermath of defeat is one thing but 12 hours later?
Fancy picking on Gerrard too?
essien launching attacks? i thought he was playing the role of a holding midfielder that kept gerrard out the game and stifled our forward play?
lucas' job was to shut shop for lampard/ballack and when possible malouda/kalou... win the ball and provide to alonso/gerrard. essien wasnt chelsea's driving force. lucas played ok. he wasn't the problem last night.
mascherano couldnt have sorted essien out... only player that could have done that would have been gerrard as he was being man marked nearly. and its clearly no easy task as gerrard struggled, especially in the 2nd 45 mins.
TigaSefi
09-04-2009, 11:06
I haven't switch off a game all season and I have seen every one of them!
D J Fryer
09-04-2009, 11:10
Fancy picking on Gerrard too?
Second goal was his fault ;)
TigaSefi
09-04-2009, 11:12
Nah that's zonal marking which was **** last night. When it works, it works, when it doesn't then you out of the CL :)
last night the players didnt work... hence letting in two goals from corners, the first two goals conceded from corners this season or so i read.
further bad news: http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009/apr/09/gerrard-scan-on-groin
We are not a one man team and must deal with players being injured...
Yes he's the captain but as a team we have a strong spine. Rest him on Saturday...
If we can't beat Blackburn without him we don't deserve to be anyway near the league title...
Was very impressed with their right-back last night...He kept Riera wrapped up and looked very quick as well. His desire for the 2 goals was amazing...
saltysam
09-04-2009, 15:49
Blackburn will give us a hard game.Still not safe from the drop and Allardyce will be licking his lips at how we defended aerially last night now he's playing Samba up front. Still quite stunned how easy Chelsea beat us last night,don't think i've seen us dominated at Anfield in such a way for many years,maybe since Valencia played there.
Reason: Breaking daft rules.
If you want to pay for a license so we can display the fixtures feel free to do so until then the daft rule will remain in place.
We are not a one man team and must deal with players being injured...
And yet we are a shadow of the team without him.. Essien did a great job yesterday and we saw the result of a quiet Steg.:(
I have a sneaky feeling we'll see Insua, Hypia, Skrtel and Carragher playing at the back on Sat...
My reasoning of the goals against was two poorly marked goals from corners where a late run to meet the ball caught people out and one great well worked goal. Without Reina it could have been worse. Although I am disappointed, it's a wake-up call and with Mascherano back and Terry out I would say anything is possible. Hope the boys can forget about this and take it up to where we left off before the CL game.
I have a sneaky feeling we'll see Insua, Hypia, Skrtel and Carragher playing at the back on Sat...I know for a fact Hyypia would have dealt better with those crosses that's for sure.
TigaSefi
09-04-2009, 17:03
Hyypia is god when it comes to crosses.
Yep deffo the best header of the ball we have.
And we'll need him against Samba...
Darth Sidious
09-04-2009, 19:24
last night the players didnt work... hence letting in two goals from corners, the first two goals conceded from corners this season or so i read.
further bad news: http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009/apr/09/gerrard-scan-on-groin
usually many of liverpools players fail to deliver offensively, while being pretty solid defensively, this wasnt so last night.
it all probably would have ended different if kuyt had scored just before half time.:(
saltysam
09-04-2009, 20:30
Yes the Kuyt chance was a big miss in the context of how the game panned out.however even if he'd scored i still think Chelsea would've pegged us back and still probably won.they really were excellent last night,Hiddink has worked wonders.
AdamBrunt
09-04-2009, 21:44
Indeed. It will be gutting if they don't manage to keep hold of him next season .... NOT !!! ;)
Looks like Gerrard will miss tomorrow, Chelsea and the Arsenal game with his groin problem - no idea how we'll be beating Arsenal without him :(
AdamBrunt
10-04-2009, 10:37
what's the source for that ? all the places I've read suggest he might miss the Chelsea game but nothing to suggest he'll miss Arsenal as well. Having said that, I haven't seen anywhere wherre he's ruled out of tomorrow's game yet.
Lee Brown
10-04-2009, 11:04
what's the source for that?
Probably the Daily Mirror (http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/2009/04/10/liverpool-skipper-steven-gerrard-ruled-out-with-new-injury-115875-21267589/). The report is hugely contradictory though, so they're just making a story out of nothing.
AdamBrunt
10-04-2009, 11:42
I have seen a couple of newspaper stories making a great deal of him not playing the full 90 minutes @ Fulham .... yeah, cos he missed all of the last 20 seconds :oh-hum:
Reading that Mirror article - why is Benitez planning to rest Gerrard for the next two weeks to get him fit for Arsenal when the Arsenal game is less than 2 weeks away :?:
Rafa says he's in the squad tomorrow - doesn't sound like he'll start though:
http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N163970090410-1245.htm
More positive than the papers were saying :)
AdamBrunt
10-04-2009, 12:04
As say, the papers on Sunday/Monday were all stating that he wouldn't play in the 1st leg ....
Wednesday at 8.00pm on History and History HD:
Hillsborough Remembered
60 mins
Poignant documentary looking at the events of the Hillsborough sporting disaster. Ninety-six Liverpool football fans died, crushed to death as a result of overcrowded spectator pens. Also in HD
AdamBrunt
10-04-2009, 21:10
Maybe we'll see if Rafa still prioritises the CL if Gerrard doesn't start tomorrow but plays the full 90 minutes on Tuesday :suspect:
Maybe we'll see if Rafa still prioritises the CL if Gerrard doesn't start tomorrow but plays the full 90 minutes on Tuesday :suspect:
And yet had anyone else said that your predictable reply would have been "we should not beed Gerrard for a team like Blackburn" [or words to that effect]:p
BlueDwarf
11-04-2009, 12:02
Should have been 2 there.
Is Kuyt one who has extended his contract? Another abysmal miss.
Blimey, says something when Torres produces a fantastic finish and no one in this thread even blinks...
It was an absolute gem though.
shocking miss from Kuyt, and the rebound should have been buried.
we should be 3-0 and looking to crank up the GD, which could, could, be crucial if we take it to the wire...
Torres again...
Damn I should have put him in my fantasy team this week...
Great header against 6'5 Samba. He's on fire at the moment...
bang bang 2-0. Torres with a superb header from a sweet free kick.
Blimey but how many chances [straightforward ones at that] have we missed!
Should be game over, Torres with matchball and rested by 1/2 time.
euqiddis
11-04-2009, 12:46
thats us this season, missing very straightforward chances.
TigaSefi
11-04-2009, 13:09
Someone tell Riera to pass to his team mates :mad:
Insua has been great again...
Think he should be given a chance at Chelsea as he seems to have a great understanding with Riera...
Be good experience for him. And I'd fancy him better against Walcott than any of the others.
'bout bloody time...
Agger special.
Not seen us this comfortable all season...Blackburn are shocking.
Like a training game.
Now 4-0...
Glad we didn't timewaste in the 90th minute from the corner. Great header from Lucas for Ngog...
Andy Gray reckons Robinson could have done much better :lol:
What an idiot.
Why? He is right. Beaten at 3/4 height on his near post...
BlueDwarf
11-04-2009, 13:39
Always good to see a team of Fat Sam's hammered.
"We're gonna win the league" :lol: :nuts:
Why? He is right. Beaten at 3/4 height on his near post...
Yea, by a rogue scud missile from Iraq that moved away from him!
Insua has been great again...
Think he should be given a chance at Chelsea as he seems to have a great understanding with Riera...
Be good experience for him. And I'd fancy him better against Walcott than any of the others.
It would, but he's not in the champions league squad ;)
It would, but he's not in the champions league squad ;)
Bah...
Oh well...Would still prefer him to Aurelio against Arsenal though. He's quite hard to get round, very strong despite his size.
surfer_chicky
11-04-2009, 13:58
Comon Utd Loose :)
I have a funny feeling we could win the league....
TigaSefi
11-04-2009, 14:25
Yes we want them to "lose" but it won't be happening. Sunderland are much too **** for that shock.
pivotalgubbins
11-04-2009, 15:45
Yes we want them to "lose" but it won't be happening. Sunderland are much too **** for that shock.
They won't have been anywhere near as shocking as Blackburn today - Samba upfront on his own, bloody Fat Sam! :lol:
FFS - stupid Macheda denies us 2 weeks in a row! :mad:
TigaSefi
11-04-2009, 15:58
Well we just have to keep winning.
saltysam
11-04-2009, 17:02
Just back from the game and a few pints afterwards watching Arsenal on one screen and Utd on the other. I was wrong about thinking Rovers would give us a hard game,they were awful,surprised to see a team of Allardyce's lie down so readily. To be fair they were missing a few players and Tugay must be around 60 now...:p despite the scoreline i don't think we were great,Blackburn were the ideal team to meet after Wednesday the way they played.Insua was excellent.
All we can do is keep winning our games,if Utd still outpoint us then fair play,they'll have deserved it.Watching them today,they were pretty poor until Sunderland equalised ,they cranked it up and despite the jamminess of the winner probably deserved to win.
Kudos to the Blackburn fans for observing the minute's silence impeccably and for sending a wreath to the Kop end..a nice bit of class.
AdamBrunt
11-04-2009, 20:08
I loved the Blackburn chant of "you've never won the Championship" :lol:
Brilliant result (score wise) but I thought we were pretty 'poor'. Or rather, certainly in the 2nd half, we seemed to saving ourselves for Tuesday - which I am now beginning to change my mind about. If Bolton can score 3 at the Bridge .....
Just a shame that, at the moment, the mancs are getting wins they don't overly deserve. But if they don't improve they will come a cropper.
Oh, and how could I forget ... I think that's Goal of the Month (season ?) sorted :clap:
saltysam
11-04-2009, 20:12
we seemed to saving ourselves for Tuesday - which I am now beginning to change my mind about. If Bolton can score 3 at the Bridge .....
I'd say that was probably the worst thing that could've happened for our chances...can you really see Chelsea conceding 3 at the Bridge twice in 3 days....no way :( amazing how we are now brushing aside fodder like Blackburn...if we could've done it months ago the title would now be ours :mad:
AdamBrunt
11-04-2009, 20:17
I'd say that was probably the worst thing that could've happened for our chances...can you really see Chelsea conceding 3 at the Bridge twice in 3 days....no way :(
why not ? that, i think, was the same back 4 they're more than likely going to play on Tuesday (but they'll have to swap Terry for someone else)
a
mazing how we are now brushing aside fodder like Blackburn...if we could've done it months ago the title would now be ours :mad:
Indeed. But as I always say, Man U fans could say exactly the same thing about the stupid points they've dropped as well.
saltysam
11-04-2009, 20:24
why not ? that, i think, was the same back 4 they're more than likely going to play on Tuesday (but they'll have to swap Terry for someone else) when was the last time they let 3 in 2 home games on the run? not impossible but highly unlikely imo.
Indeed. But as I always say, Man U fans could say exactly the same thing about the stupid points they've dropped as well. Utd have lost the bulk of their points against decent teams? Us x2,lost to Arsenal,Drew away with Chelsea,Everton,Villa...yes they lost to Fulham but we lost to Boro,failed to beat Stoke x 2, West Ham, Fulham home,Wigan,Hull Home...i think they've dropped much less silly points than we have.
Pisces Iscariot
11-04-2009, 22:39
i think they've dropped much less silly points than we have.
On the other hand we were leading against yourselves twice, Chelsea and Everton. To take the lead in 4 games and only collect 2 points is definitely dropping silly points.
Plus there's nothing sillier than failing to beat Newcastle at home. :p
great result yesterday. Shame bout macheda :-(
Managed to get a seasie book outside just before kick off for face value. Best seat I've had, right on halfway line row behind the radio commentators so had their tv's to look at the replays :) Aldo was six seats along and hyypia five rows down in the posh seats. And what a strike from torres!
Any chance of us scoring 3 at the bridge has been dashed by the trotters :cry:
Crazy that we could finish with 90+ points and still miss out - shows how tough this league is to win!
EDIT: Oh and I wonder if we'll see Hyypia up front at some stage on Tuesday - seeing how rubbish Chelsea were against the high balls, I wonder if Rafa will have a couple of sessions around Sami as a late last throw of the dice up top. He's easily our best attacking threat in the air and we might be needing every different threat we can find!
Lee Brown
12-04-2009, 10:30
Crazy that we could finish with 90+ points and still miss out - shows how tough this league is to win!
EDIT: Oh and I wonder if we'll see Hyypia up front at some stage on Tuesday - seeing how rubbish Chelsea were against the high balls, I wonder if Rafa will have a couple of sessions around Sami as a late last throw of the dice up top. He's easily our best attacking threat in the air and we might be needing every different threat we can find!
We can't reach 90+. We're on 70 points with 6 left to play, gives us a maximum of 88 points.
A total of 88 points would have won it last year (87), and 2002/3 (83), but no year in between. It is a very tough league to win.
saltysam
12-04-2009, 10:41
On the other hand we were leading against yourselves twice, Chelsea and Everton. We did the same twice in the space of 3 days Vs Everton & Wigan, both in the last few minutes of the game as well :(
AdamBrunt
12-04-2009, 18:30
Any chance of us scoring 3 at the bridge has been dashed by the trotters :cry:
Always the optimist I wouldn't say that ... I'd be more worried if Bolton hadn't done it yesterday ie before yesterday, when was the last time they let 3 in (net alone 3 in 2 games in a row, saltysam) ?
They conceded 3 with their best defender in place. Why won't they concede 3 (against a better team) without him ?
We may well have to change tactics though - Gerrard was practically non existant in the 1st leg, we can't afford for that to happen on Tuesday. Hyypia should definitely be starting IMO for his abilities at both ends of the pitch.
We can't reach 90+. We're on 70 points with 6 left to play, gives us a maximum of 88 points.
There are loads of people on RAWK convinced that 88 points will be enough to win the title this year.
Lee Brown
12-04-2009, 19:17
There are loads of people on RAWK convinced that 88 points will be enough to win the title this year.
Even if we win all our games (which I think we can do), we need them to drop four points. A loss and a draw or two draws, makes no difference really.
I can see them dropping points against Arsenal, but beyond that I can't see it. Was hoping for Man City to come good, but after they took a pasting at home today, I'm not sure they're up to it.
Utd aren't playing great though, so who knows.
Pisces Iscariot
12-04-2009, 19:19
There are loads of people on RAWK convinced that 88 points will be enough to win the title this year.
It probably would be. United won't achieve maximum points in the remaining games but I seriously doubt Liverpool will either.
i wouldnt be pinning any hopes to the fact bolton scored 3.
chelsea were home and dry, took off 2 stars to rest and the team went into standby mode.
They got an shock and nearly blew it but the only reason they conceded 3 was they were 4 up and took the foot off
AdamBrunt
12-04-2009, 22:16
I can see them dropping points against Arsenal, but beyond that I can't see it. Was hoping for Man City to come good, but after they took a pasting at home today, I'm not sure they're up to it.
Utd aren't playing great though, so who knows.
Spurs won't be easy (but we've got them as well) and if it went down to the last day, Hull away wouldn't be my first choice of fixture either.
But who knows it could come down to Liverpool getting better results than Man U in the Arsenal and Spurs games.
It probably would be. United won't achieve maximum points in the remaining games but I seriously doubt Liverpool will either.
That's what I meant ... there are plenty of people who believe that IF Liverpool win all their remaining then they WILL win the title.
chelsea were home and dry, took off 2 stars to rest and the team went into standby mode.
Someone made this point either on MOTD or 606 yesterday ... but it was countered with taking off 2 attacking players should not cause you to concede 3 times in 8 minutes.
Someone made this point either on MOTD or 606 yesterday ... but it was countered with taking off 2 attacking players should not cause you to concede 3 times in 8 minutes.
and?
you are 4.0 up at home and have a qtr final 4 days later. the whole team relaxes and concentration drops, they take off players to rest for the CL game.
Its not the fact you sub 2 attacking minded players but what it suggests.
your best chance is not pinning hopes to the bolton goals but to the fact you have the best forward around lashing them in for fun.
campdave
13-04-2009, 12:44
A
They conceded 3 with their best defender in place. Why won't they concede 3 (against a better team) without him ?
Assuming you mean Terry, who is certainly not their best defender.
Pisces Iscariot
13-04-2009, 12:47
Assuming you mean Terry, who is certainly not their best defender.
It will depend on Carvalho's fitness but he's certainly better equipped to handle a player like Torres than Terry is.
RobDickinson
13-04-2009, 21:46
Ahh 1st time with internet after the Blackburn game, for once i actualy got to watch it..
Cant believe how easy they gave up, yes Torres goal was class but then they just folded, 'pool could have scored 10 had they set their mind to it rather than trying to be too fancy.
Cracking game from liverpool tho nice to see them passing so well cant say much else hardly a challenge.
Sunderland gave Man U a much harder game more like what I would have expected.
As for Chelsea, ofcourse we can put 3 past them, its a slimmer chance than I'd like but entirely doable.
AdamBrunt
14-04-2009, 07:08
As a spectator tonight .... whilst believing we can possibly do it, I've resigned myself to us more than likely going out and anything else will be a brilliant bonus.
As a spectator tonight .... whilst believing we can possibly do it, I've resigned myself to us more than likely going out and anything else will be a brilliant bonus.
I'm the same. At least there is no reason for our lot to be nervous so it will hopefully make for an exciting game.
cheeseypuffs
14-04-2009, 10:17
It's kind of irrelevant if they score 1 or 0, we'd have to score 3 regardless to stay in the competition. Hopefully Rafa sends out an attacking team, I would like to see Gerrard (if fit) and Bennynanoon both playing behind Torres, then if Essien is doing a man marking job on Gerrard again that should leave Yossi with a bit of freedom. I'd be a bit wary of starting Riera against Ivanovic as he doesn't have a speed advantage, his delivery was a bit wayward on Saturday and, to be brutally honest, Ivanovic pwn3d him last time out,.
AdamBrunt
14-04-2009, 10:17
I'm the same. At least there is no reason for our lot to be nervous so it will hopefully make for an exciting game.
Indeed.
1-1 at HT wouldn't be bad (and wouldn't put the game out of reach), 2 goals ahead (or 2-1 up) with 15 mins to go could be interesting.
AdamBrunt
14-04-2009, 10:25
It's kind of irrelevant if they score 1 or 0, we'd have to score 3 regardless to stay in the competition. Hopefully Rafa sends out an attacking team, I would like to see Gerrard (if fit) and Bennynanoon both playing behind Torres, then if Essien is doing a man marking job on Gerrard again that should leave Yossi with a bit of freedom.
The mate I go to the game with reckons Rafa should have spotted Gerrard's lack of contribution (due to Essien) and moved Gerrard over to the right to see what Essien did then.
There's also the issue, tonight, of how welcome Chelsea would be towards 30 minutes of extra time.
unrealnils
14-04-2009, 10:31
Yes please to extra-time
AdamBrunt
14-04-2009, 10:34
:lol: ... but then I also want extra time in a certain Cup game on Saturday ;)
cheeseypuffs
14-04-2009, 10:58
The mate I go to the game with reckons Rafa should have spotted Gerrard's lack of contribution (due to Essien) and moved Gerrard over to the right to see what Essien did then.It was pretty obvious and Rafa should've spotted it, but so should Gerrard. Maybe the early goal clouded his judgement as it made it seem like all was ok? Gerrard moving out left would've been better than moving out right as Kuyt /Arbeloa use the space well on that side and he could've helped out Riera who was having a tough time of it.
TigaSefi
14-04-2009, 12:19
I see Torres wasn't listed as PFA Player of the year. Knob-tastic! :mad: WTF has Giggs done this year/Season ?
tonight i would go ball deep and set about them:
.........................pepe
arbs........carra.............agger.............aurelio
................mascherano..alonso
yossi...............gerrard.................babel
......................torres
agger and aurelio could offer some attacking options from defence, and babel gives the added pace on the wing... out of form but no worse than riera and he is quicker... and allow yossi and gerrard to swap positions to try and disturb essien's role in front of the back four... torres knows what to do.
giggs hasnt won it yet thats why he is on the list. plus he has had a few good games.
I see Torres wasn't listed as PFA Player of the year. Knob-tastic! :mad: WTF has Giggs done this year/Season ?
Giggs was Manu's best player for most of the season. He has gone off a bit lately though.
I am really surprised Torres didn't make the list though.
AdamBrunt
14-04-2009, 12:53
Giggs has had less time on the pitch than Torres this season. Given the number of injuries Torres has had ... it is a joke that Giggs is on but Torres isn't.
unrealnils
14-04-2009, 12:57
.........................pepe
arbs........carra.............agger.............aurelio
................mascherano..alonso
yossi...............gerrard.................babel
......................torres
needing 3 goals dont you think starting with 2 upfront is better ?
AdamBrunt
14-04-2009, 13:05
4-0 against Real Madrid, 4-1 against Man U, 5-0 against Villa, 4-0 against Blackburn ... I could be wrong but I don't recall us playing 2 upfront in any of those ;)
unrealnils
14-04-2009, 13:16
You go through no problems then :D
needing 3 goals dont you think starting with 2 upfront is better ?
think torres works better on his own. if i had to choose two forwards it would be babel and torres... but rafa would always go with dirk.
any two upfront then i would pick gerrard and torres... but i think the formation we play is pretty good, alot of tonight will depend on how rafa plans to free gerrard from essien.
cheeseypuffs
14-04-2009, 15:02
tonight i would go ball deep and set about them:
.........................pepe
arbs........carra.............agger.............aurelio
................mascherano..alonso
yossi...............gerrard.................babel
......................torres
agger and aurelio could offer some attacking options from defence, and babel gives the added pace on the wing... out of form but no worse than riera and he is quicker... and allow yossi and gerrard to swap positions to try and disturb essien's role in front of the back four... torres knows what to do.I'd also like to see if Ivanovic would be so comfortable with the quicker Babel against him, though I very much doubt that Kuyt will not start tonight so it would seem to be a three way choice on the left between Riera, Babel and Benayoun. Having said that I'd like to see Benayoun start because if Essien is man marking Gerrard again then he can just drag him out wide and give Benayoun the space inside.
AdamBrunt
14-04-2009, 15:09
I'd also like to see if Ivanovic would be so comfortable with the quicker Babel against him, though I very much doubt that Kuyt will not start tonight so it would seem to be a three way choice on the left between Riera, Babel and Benayoun. Having said that I'd like to see Benayoun start because if Essien is man marking Gerrard again then he can just drag him out wide and give Benayoun the space inside.
Babel was the only one of the three not involved on Saturday so you never know.
I also like your tactic of Gerrard dragging Essien out wide leaving space for Yossi in the middle :)
Giggs has had less time on the pitch than Torres this season. Given the number of injuries Torres has had ... it is a joke that Giggs is on but Torres isn't.
Let's see what contribution Torres will be giving to a top side when he is Giggs' age.
AdamBrunt
14-04-2009, 15:18
What's age got to to with it ?? It's not some sort of "lifetime achievement" award (which I don't dispute Giggs should get), it's the Player of the Year award.
What's age got to to with it ?? It's not some sort of "lifetime achievement" award (which I don't dispute Giggs should get), it's the Player of the Year award.
Giggs' performances for United have made a mockery of his age and has shown he has adapted his play this season. His performances as a defensive midfielder have been out-standing at times.
rustybin
14-04-2009, 15:24
He honest Adam, unless Liverpool's starting 11 were nominated, you wouldn't have been happy.
Between Sept - Jan, Giggs was outstanding. The fact he's in his mid-30s make his performances even more impressive.
unrealnils
14-04-2009, 15:42
hold on these aren't really player of the season are they ? when does voting go ahead last christmas ?
He honest Adam, unless Liverpool's starting 11 were nominated, you wouldn't have been happy.
Between Sept - Jan, Giggs was outstanding. The fact he's in his mid-30s make his performances even more impressive.
Im sorry but you are either crazy or mis informed. Between Sept 08 and Jan 09 (in the Premier League) Giggs got a total of 1 assist and zero goals, total time on pitch matched about 8 games I think. I have not been particularly inpressed with his displays either during that period.
EDIT: He got 3 assists agasint WBA end of Jan and scored his only goal in February i think.
I like the guy and what he has done over the years, but player of year not a chance.
If you had said Jan 08 and Sept 08 then maybe more of a case but still a thin one.
I like the guy and what he has done over the years, but player of year not a chance.
he'll get the award tho. cos he has been one of the leagues great players but has never got it.
slideymoo
14-04-2009, 15:54
Far funnier than giggs being nominated is rio, van der sar and ronny?! being nominated.
AdamBrunt
14-04-2009, 15:55
He honest Adam, unless Liverpool's starting 11 were nominated, you wouldn't have been happy.
Not sure what you're on about there. I already said in the Man U thread I can't understand why Rooney, Jagielka, Anelka, Davies and Taylor are not on the list. Don't think any of those play for Liverpool :shrug:
The simple truth is, IMO, VDS and Giggs should not be on the list and, depending on whether it's for the period Jan 08 - Dec 08 or Aug 08 - May 09, neither should Ronaldo.
But it's never been clear what period the award covers.
Between Sept - Jan, Giggs was outstanding. The fact he's in his mid-30s make his performances even more impressive.
As saviola points out - given the amount of time (or lack of) he's played recently he'd have to have been outstanding in order to even get a whiff of being in the Top 6. And he hasn't been.
rustybin
14-04-2009, 15:55
Im sorry but you are either crazy or mis informed. Between Sept 08 and Jan 09 (in the Premier League) Giggs got a total of 1 assist and zero goals, total time on pitch matched about 8 games I think. I have not been particularly inpressed with his displays either during that period.
EDIT: He got 3 assists agasint WBA end of Jan and scored his only goal in February i think.
I like the guy and what he has done over the years, but player of year not a chance.
If you had said Jan 08 and Sept 08 then maybe more of a case but still a thin one.
38 Games this season so far. Did he play all those in the last 10 weeks?????
He scored in the Carling Cup and against Celtic in the CL early on in the season.
You're falling into the trap of Goals = Good (or rather, lack of goals = Crap)
Players like Giggs offer so much more to a team than just a few goals (3 so far this season).
rustybin
14-04-2009, 15:59
iven the amount of time (or lack of) he's played recently he'd have to have been outstanding in order to even get a whiff of being in the Top 6. And he hasn't been.
saviola is misinformed.
Giggs has played 38 games this season (only 2 less than Gerrard).
In your opinion, he hasn't been outstanding. In the opinion of many others, myself included, he has been. Agree to disagree I think.
LouBarlow
14-04-2009, 16:00
Aren't these awards nominations from the actual players themselves, or do they just vote from the shortlist? If so, I would take the opinion of the people playing against these players, week-in week-out, over anybody.
AdamBrunt
14-04-2009, 16:03
38 Games this season so far. Did he play all those in the last 10 weeks?????
38 appearances not games - there's a difference. Unless you're suggesting he's been on the pitch for every minute of all 38 of them.
Even MUFC TV (sorry Sky) are suggesting he's only in for sentimental value.
38 appearances not games - there's a difference. Unless you're suggesting he's been on the pitch for every minute of all 38 of them.
Even MUFC TV (sorry Sky) are suggesting he's only in for sentimental value.
Ultimately does it matter who wins the award or the young player award, do many people remember the past winners for every year compared to the League, FA Cup and Champions League winners?
AdamBrunt
14-04-2009, 16:05
Aren't these awards nominations from the actual players themselves, or do they just vote from the shortlist? If so, I would take the opinion of the people playing against these players, week-in week-out, over anybody.
I'm pretty sure they're like the Oscars ie some committee comes up with the shortlist and all the members have to pick one (but can't be a team mate).
If the nominations came from the players themselves then surely they'd already know the winner and wouldn't need a shortlist.
and all the members have to pick one (but can't be a team mate).
Maybe the Liverpool players picked Giggs?;)
saviola is misinformed.
I stated the stats are for the Preimer League. He has in fact managed about 1200 mins in total and started maybe 9 games in the Premier League this season. Those facts are freely available on thier website.
VDS got the nod due to his cleans sheet record I feel and that alone warranted him a few votes, shortlist maybe (not totally convinced).
AdamBrunt
14-04-2009, 16:07
Ultimately does it matter who wins the award or the young player award, do many people remember the past winners for every year compared to the League, FA Cup and Champions League winners?
From the fans POV you're probably right, but to a player I think it means a lot.
Maybe the Liverpool players picked Giggs?;)
What ?? AFAIK the players haven't voted yet. The players now have to pick one of the six - they got no say in who the six were.
rustybin
14-04-2009, 16:10
From the fans POV you're probably right, but to a player I think it means a lot.
Depends on the player - for Alan Shearer doesn't it represent the only thing he won at Newcastle?!?
Here's a list of past winners:- (warning - massive Man Utd Bias!!)
http://www.premiershiplatest.com/pfa-player-of-the-year-award-winners-199.html
AdamBrunt
14-04-2009, 16:20
Depends on the player
Indeed - winning medals is all well and good but being recognised as the best player by your fellow professionals I would say ranks quite highly as well (esp if the team you play for has no hope of getting you any medals that year).
(esp if the team you play for has no hope of getting you any medals that year).
Bet Torres is gutted then ;)
unrealnils
14-04-2009, 16:53
lol
edit
Wenger conferms its decided in feb
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_5188238,00.html
Sky reckon there is a rumour that Gerrard won't be involved at all this evening which ends any hopes if a comeback I reckon.
Well, come on fellow redmen we can do this.
Sackers of Old Trafford.
Destroyers of Chelsea's home record.
Humiliators of Real Madrid.
Free scoring heroes.
Madness?
WE
ARE
LIVERPOOL!!!!
The Reds XI in full is: Reina, Aurelio, Arbeloa, Skrtel, Carragher, Kuyt, Lucas, Alonso, Mascherano, Benayoun, Torres.
Subs: Cavalieri, Dossena, Hyypia, Agger, Riera, Babel, Ngog.
Time for the other lads to step up!
Don't like the look of that side at all - looks more a straight 4-5-1 with Kuyt and Benayoun out wide. Knowing Rafa though, it'll end up shaking out in a different way!
I wonder if its gonna be a 433 a la the one he was reckoned to want barry / keane for. Lets say Kuyt is Keane, alonso is barry and bennynanoon is steg. No idea what the tactics are like, but I can't see the 451 option with that midfield having any penetration.
I've just lost my confidence :D
AdamBrunt
14-04-2009, 18:12
If there was a possibility of Gerrard starting tonight (as all the press seemed to think this morning) but he isn't playing then IMO he is clearly being rested for Arsenal.
Hopefully that team is going to play 4-3-3 rather than 4-5-1.
Can see us playing very narow through midfield with Lucas left of a narrow 3 behind Torres.
Like I said it is about time the lads stepped up in Stevies absence, operfect oppurtunity, no?
There is no left sided player in the midfield. Aureilo is going to need some help on the left.
slideymoo
14-04-2009, 18:21
This afternoon I had no doubt we'd get at least 2, that it would be all out attack with carra hyyp and agger at the back in a 343. Then I saw the team and the enthusiasm has gone.
Lucas should not be playing a game where 3 goals are required as he isn't attacking enough and I've never seen yossi have a good game on the left.
BlueDwarf
14-04-2009, 18:27
We're ******.
saltysam
14-04-2009, 18:33
Skrtel for Agger :oh-hum: brilliant.that team is a damage limitation exercise imo.Love to be wrong but i can't see it.
I really hope not. If you don't think we can progress Rafa, why not save Torres too? Its a mish-mash of lets go for it (Torres) and lets give it up (Lucas). I think we'll see some tactical innovation from Benny hill and who knows if we score a couple what will happen.
As much as I would like to see Liverpool come back and win, it would be a great story at a significant time, I can't see it happening. I think the match will go one of two ways: Liverpool score first and take it to the wire or Chelsea will score and kill the game quickly. The former would make it a better game but I'm sure Chelsea would prefer to do the latter.
Drogba was a disgrace there. Can a ref book a player for that? If not, he should be able to.
Philmster
14-04-2009, 18:58
Lucas should not be playing. Reira on the left, Benayoun where Gerrard is usually - would work much better creativity wise.
Not seeing us doing anything with this line up :(
dustjunkie
14-04-2009, 19:00
wheres the faith . . . we can do it
Philmster
14-04-2009, 19:03
Genius, pure genius!
Pisces Iscariot
14-04-2009, 19:04
A splendid bit of quick thinking by Aurelio. Cech will be embarrassed!
Fat Bloke
14-04-2009, 19:05
100%. I said to myself 'go for goal' 5 seconds before he hit it. Cech was waaaaay over. :-)
wheres the faith . . . we can do it
This is the Liverpool thread - negativity and slagging off our players and manager is the norm!
Fabio channelling Gary Mac there! :lol:
BlueDwarf
14-04-2009, 19:12
Ivan..tapenalty
Philmster
14-04-2009, 19:14
.......its a rarity a decision like that is given. I'm still not seeing any creativity in the middle of the park, but, that hasn't stopped us thus far! :D
What was he thinking?
Game on now.
Has anyone worked out our formation?
Philmster
14-04-2009, 19:16
451
Benayoun meant to be on the left but drifting centrally. Rest normal.
This ref is a bit whistle happy!!
TigaSefi
14-04-2009, 19:30
God we could have had them there :mad:
Couldn't' Gerrard at least be on the bench ? it's seems a bit :nuts:
Gotta go out and play five a side now......:cry:
COME ON REDMEN! We can do this!
Why is Gary Busey on the bench beside Rafa?
lovegroova
14-04-2009, 19:32
Chelsea fans booing their team off! lol
slideymoo
14-04-2009, 19:32
I've never seen a team with 3 goals to give so scared.
saltysam
14-04-2009, 19:33
Whatever happens from here on in well done to Rafa and the team for giving this a real,real go.
We should already be 4 up: miss my Torres on his left foot and then that scramble just before 1/2 time...
I've never seen a team with 3 goals to give so scared.
Did you see Spurs away to Burnley in the Carling Cup semi-final 2nd leg?!!! :nuts:
Whatever happens from here on in well done to Rafa and the team for giving this a real,real go.
Exactly, at least we made it more respectable.
This game is crazy. Now the managers earn their cash - these half time team talks will have major major bearing on the second half (early on, at least). Can Torres please switch on his boots???
LouBarlow
14-04-2009, 19:42
Exactly, at least we made it more respectable.
:nuts: Behave, I'm already resigned to going out. You are totally the favourites now.
Yep the team have made us all proud no matter what happens.
JT may not be their best defender but he's certainly their leader and they are rocking.
Really didn't expect this but now we're this close I say we go for it.
Chelsea fans are crap...no help to their team whatsoever and probably more help to us.
And their pitch is well ropey...Game on!
As a neutral, I'm realy enjoying this! Chelsea are playing like Southgate has taken over
Seeing as you lot don't seem to be missing Gerrard, can we borrow him until the end of the season, please?
BlueDwarf
14-04-2009, 19:52
Shocker.
TigaSefi
14-04-2009, 19:52
What a sickener :( Should never concede from there.
That should swing it the other way...now.
I know we still need a goal, but I'm thinking mentally.
Just think it will give Chelsea more confidence. But we're nothing if not fighters...
Now it's game over...
Good effort and at least we'll hear the Chelsea fans...
TigaSefi
14-04-2009, 19:58
Game over now :nuts: What a free kick.
Fat Bloke
14-04-2009, 19:59
Arse!
rustybin
14-04-2009, 20:00
Game on - this is one of the best games I've seen this season.
Panavision
14-04-2009, 20:01
We need 2 goals. COME ON.
TigaSefi
14-04-2009, 20:02
Ref gives it to them everytime they fall :(
Who is this ref ? he easily the worse referee I have ever seen :nuts:
Panavision
14-04-2009, 20:07
Liverpool need to substitute now.
Ref gives it to them everytime they fall :(
Who is this ref ? he easily the worse referee I have ever seen :nuts:
Ref seems to be giving you just as many - nice bit of drama to get Ashley Cole booked there that the Ref bought.
Philmster
14-04-2009, 20:09
Lucas off, Reira or Babel on, something like that, please!
TigaSefi
14-04-2009, 20:09
He a **** poor referee full stop. He far too whistle happy.
Rafa!! Lucas needs to come off!!
Ref gives it to them everytime they fall :(
Who is this ref ? he easily the worse referee I have ever seen :nuts:
He falls for exaggerated play acting on both sides...
But he's pretty quick to see things.
Ok we're going for it now taking off Mascher...
rustybin
14-04-2009, 20:10
He a **** poor referee full stop. He far too whistle happy.
How many pens does a Ref have to give Liverpool before he's considered good? :)
Not just arguing the toss but I don't think the ref's been too bad. I've seen far worse.
Philmster
14-04-2009, 20:11
Even Mascherano is better going forward than Lucas, damn it!
Panavision
14-04-2009, 20:17
USELESS Liverpool.
wow...
Knew that **** pitch would undo us...
We had about 3 players slip over then...
Fair cop.
USELESS Liverpool.
What you on about?
You understand anything about football?
I think we've given our all tonight. Weren't our fans booing at half-time!
saltysam
14-04-2009, 20:18
Didn't foresee this second half collapse :( Reina's been great but his howler probably cost us a semi final place.
TigaSefi
14-04-2009, 20:19
Alonso made a bad pass there.
Excuses about the Chelsea pitch, don't you remember the green sand pitch in the mid 90s?
Panavision
14-04-2009, 20:22
Here we go. 3-3
Torres goes off and Lucas scores! :lol:
What this game needs is more goals...
Philmster
14-04-2009, 20:22
Lucas still sucks.
Excuses about the Chelsea pitch, don't you remember the green sand pitch in the mid 90s?
You'll find I mentioned the pitch earlier in the game.
And Cech slipped for Aurelio's free-kick. I thought we'd end up having someone slip in a defensive position and we did.
It's cost both sides a goal...I'm not blaming it for the result.
Well, it's entertaining at least! Think Liverpool made a decent shout of it but are right to pull off the big guns now.
edit; well shows what i know!! 4-3
What this game needs is another goal...
ffs...what the hell is going on.
4-3 now?
rustybin
14-04-2009, 20:23
You couldn't script it! Are you Bolton in disguise?
Philmster
14-04-2009, 20:23
Interesting.....
TigaSefi
14-04-2009, 20:23
Game ******* On!!!!
Pisces Iscariot
14-04-2009, 20:23
What the ****! :nuts:
This is mental.
Rafa substituted for tuesday and we get two back!!
The ref is complete useless.
Rip Curl
14-04-2009, 20:25
Nice TV :)
Ok...now I think mentally the game has switched the other way...
We may be on to do this again.
Bloody Hell...
Babel for the win...
Hitman2411
14-04-2009, 20:25
Holy ****, surely you lot can't do it :eek:
Cracking game! Its a pity we cant have extra time
I fancy a last minute goal here, just don't know who will get it though :thinking:
Great game for the neutrals :D
If Chelsea try and see the clock out, they will get beaten.
Rip Curl
14-04-2009, 20:29
Great game for the neutrals :D
:lol: Surely you're not thinking weary legs
rustybin
14-04-2009, 20:30
Game of the Season - Full Stop
Panavision
14-04-2009, 20:30
I fancy a last minute goal here, just don't know who will get it though :thinking:
:lol:
Chelsea.:(
Ok...now Can we say it's game over?
I'm impressed with our fighting spirit but we're done now.
Well done fella's!
Pisces Iscariot
14-04-2009, 20:31
This is a lot better than watching the 0-0, 0-1 games of the past!
:lol: Surely you're not thinking weary legs
It hadn't actually crossed my mind but now you mention it there is that bonus as well (although I think Utd will look more weary tomorrow!).
There's still goals in this game
saltysam
14-04-2009, 20:31
Great effort....glad we haven't got a game the weekend,we'd be knackered!
Sandeep C.
14-04-2009, 20:31
This is mental. One of the best games I've ever seen.
TigaSefi
14-04-2009, 20:32
Drogba is such a cheating lil ****!!
This is a lot better than watching the 0-0, 0-1 games of the past!
This match makes up for all of them and more. Brilliant game of football, a credit to both sides.
Drogba is such a cheating lil ****!!
Shock revelation!
Incredible game, credit to Liverpool for having a go. Chelsea look shocking on crosses.
WP both teams (even Drogba!)!
It was worthy of the final
Cracking match! Well done both teams.
Great game and both teams were brilliant (although defense wasn't really an option tonight). The ref was useless, he gave stupid decisions (on both sides) throughout the game. Also how was there only 3 minutes of time added on?
Well done Chelsea, I still think Barca are the favourites but I doubt any other game this season will top that one.
Chelsea fans are going to have to step up their game to help their team though...
They really were no help to their team at all. Sometimes they can't half make a difference.
Well done Chelsea, the work you did in the first leg deserved the win.
Exceptional game of football played in the true spirit of the game (apart from Drogba's antics).
Great game, but truly gutted.
Hitman2411
14-04-2009, 20:39
Well done to both teams, an incredible match to watch :nuts:
fsheehan
14-04-2009, 20:40
What a game, one way then the other - well proud of our team and even till the end we were still running to take corners! YNWA! Well done to Chelsea for making it a cracking second half. The game was :nuts:!
Rip Curl
14-04-2009, 20:40
This match makes up for all of them and more. Brilliant game of football, a credit to both sides.
I agree. Fantastic game.
On the eve of the Hillsborough disaster anniversary it was great spectacle.
AdamBrunt
14-04-2009, 20:41
Fantastic game - I thought we were going to do it at 4-3 for a moment. Half time came at the right time for Chelsea and were certainly helped by an uncharacteristic Reina cock up and the foul for the freekick they got their 2nd from was non-existant.
Chelsea's defence was shocking tonight (and Cech was awful) - I can't see Barcelona having any trouble getting to Rome based on tonight's game.
saltysam
14-04-2009, 20:42
It's a shame that the night Chelsea's defence goes missing ours does as well (2nd half at least) :( Overall Chelsea deserved it over the 2 legs,to score 3 at Anfield and 4 in one half in the return takes some doing!
jamesdean
14-04-2009, 20:43
However good the effort was, Rafa still has alot to answer for. Lucas, ffs. Taking Torres off, not playing Riera. At 2-0 half time, we fell apart, especially after taking Masch off. We were so open after that. Should have been Lucas off. Amazing game, good effort from the players, but we could have done it without the manager.
LouBarlow
14-04-2009, 20:45
(apart from Drogba's antics).
Hmmm he was no worse than Arbeloa (was it?) who got Ashley Cole booked, and missing the first leg, for his dive. Also, to get all the semantics out the way, the foul that was given for your first was flimsy as hell.
All that aside, what a game of football that was. I can't believe Liverpool scored 4 and still didn't go through. Extraordinary. Well played, and good luck chasing Man U in the league.
Incredible game. What an emotional rollercoaster. I'm knackered!
However good the effort was, Rafa still has alot to answer for. Lucas, ffs. Taking Torres off, not playing Riera. At 2-0 half time, we fell apart, especially after taking Masch off. We were so open after that. Should have been Lucas off. Amazing game, good effort from the players, but we could have done it without the manager.
To be fair Lucas wasn't playing defensively at all tonight he was supporting the attack so he's not to blame for us losing...
Taking Mascher off I think was probably the defining moment, but I do think he was winding himself up to get sent off.
But it meant they could counter-attack at will.
Still we thought we were all going out before the start but at least we did it with style...
:)
I dunno...but I've got a smile on my face tonight, knowing that I can hold my head up at work tomorrow and people will be congratulating me on an entertaining game rather than ripping the **** out of me.
Incredible game. What an emotional rollercoaster. I'm knackered!
Ditto.:(
Amazing. Good luck Chelski - please make sure you (or Baraca) win it from here on in as the far superior, amazing hald of the draw!!!
That'll take some getting over that for me - so many ups and downs. Fantastic effort to score 4 at their place. Just can't believe that we've scored 5 in the tie and still lost by 2 goals :(
However good the effort was, Rafa still has alot to answer for. Lucas, ffs. Taking Torres off, not playing Riera. At 2-0 half time, we fell apart, especially after taking Masch off. We were so open after that. Should have been Lucas off. Amazing game, good effort from the players, but we could have done it without the manager.
Right...so did you only start watching football last week?
Lucas had a pretty good game and offers a bit more as an attacking player than mascherano. I thought that sub worked quite well, benayoun worked a lot better when he was moved behind torres.
Torres was taken off as the game was over and he hadn't done much other than two shots all through the game.
jamesdean
14-04-2009, 20:52
To be fair Lucas wasn't playing defensively at all tonight he was supporting the attack so he's not to blame for us losing...
Taking Mascher off I think was probably the defining moment, but I do think he was winding himself up to get sent off.
But it meant they could counter-attack at will.
Still we thought we were all going out before the start but at least we did it with style...
:)
I dunno...but I've got a smile on my face tonight, knowing that I can hold my head up at work tomorrow and people will be congratulating me on an entertaining game rather than ripping the **** out of me.
Just don't see his obsession with Lucas. I did think there was no need to take Masch off. Same as you, I'm smiling, besides going out. I'm still, and have never been happy with Benitez, I must disagree with at least 75% of his decisions. No idea what he brings to the club.
AdamBrunt
14-04-2009, 20:52
Torres was taken off as the game was over and he hadn't done much other than two shots all through the game.
Exactly, at the time there was nothing wrong with the Torres substitution at all ... unless, of course, Rafa should have known we'd score two in quick succession.
degeneration
14-04-2009, 20:53
Gutted, but able to take a lot from it. Without Stevie G and and with an off form Torres, we did prettty damn good. The only taint for me is Drogba. If the amount of "injuries" that he got were real, he would be in a wheelchair.
Stevie G
14-04-2009, 20:53
Unbelieveable! Wonder how many people put money on that score, and what the odds were!
Disappointed in the end, but I did my grieving last week and didn't expect anything from the game! Shame it had to turn against us on a poor goalkeeping error by Reina, but so pleasing to see them keep going until the end, and keeping our feint hopes alive. Hopefully be enough not to ruin the team spirit in the battle for the title.
Good luck to Chelsea against Barca.... much rather them win than Man U if that's how the final turns out!
saltysam
14-04-2009, 20:54
Exactly, at the time there was nothing wrong with the Torres substitution at all ... unless, of course, Rafa should have known we'd score two in quick succession. Are you suggesting Rafa had given up? i doubt it with the way the Chelsea defence were creaking.He took him off in the semi last season with an "injury" if you remember.
jamesdean
14-04-2009, 20:55
Right...so did you only start watching football last week?
Lucas had a pretty good game and offers a bit more as an attacking player than mascherano. I thought that sub worked quite well, benayoun worked a lot better when he was moved behind torres.
Torres was taken off as the game was over and he hadn't done much other than two shots all through the game.
To be fair, Lucas was better than his normal standard. I can see what your saying, and I agree, I would have had Benny instead of Lucas from the beginning, Riera left, no bloody Lucas.
AdamBrunt
14-04-2009, 20:55
Gutted, but able to take a lot from it. Without Stevie G and and with an off form Torres, we did prettty damn good. The only taint for me is Drogba. If the amount of "injuries" that he got were real, he would be in a wheelchair.
Indeed. :lol: at the moment where he managed to dive off the pitch, see that play hadn't stopped, so rolled back onto the pitch in his 'agony' to get the game stopped.
Are you suggesting Rafa had given up? i doubt it with the way the Chelsea defence were creaking.He took him off in the semi last season with an "injury" if you remember.
Torres wasn't on form and wasn't doing much at the time in attack so subbing him was the right decision. I doubt Rafa gave up, but game was up.
jamesdean
14-04-2009, 20:57
Think we missed our chance in the first half, could have been 3 or 4 up.
Chief Brody
14-04-2009, 20:59
"However good the effort was, Rafa still has alot to answer for. Lucas, ffs. Taking Torres off, not playing Riera. At 2-0 half time, we fell apart, especially after taking Masch off. We were so open after that. Should have been Lucas off. Amazing game, good effort from the players, but we could have done it without the manager."
Lucas played fine, and scored the third goal (by a flukey deflection but still). As soon as Torres came off we scored. Riera has been struggling recently after a cracking start (our best option on left midfield is probably The Doss at the moment). Masch had to come off with us chasing the game - the defensive tactics had to go out the window. You're really reaching here, in short.
Drogba aside, Chelsea deserve credit. In last year's semi we were hugely unlucky, Riise's 'accident' and all. This year they have beaten us fair and square.
AdamBrunt
14-04-2009, 20:59
Are you suggesting Rafa had given up? i doubt it with the way the Chelsea defence were creaking.He took him off in the semi last season with an "injury" if you remember.
Chelsea's defence had been creaking all night, I didn't see Torres doing much in 75 minutes to justify keeping him on for the last 15 when AT THE TIME it looked game over for us.
Drogba aside, Chelsea deserve credit. In last year's semi we were hugely unlucky, Riise's 'accident' and all. This year they have beaten us fair and square.
Agree with that.
Think we missed our chance in the first half, could have been 3 or 4 up.
Agreed...
If we'd have got the 3rd by half-time they would have had to attack us which would have played more into our hands.
At no point were they behind in the tie...so we had to keep attacking them which meant they could counter.
Anelka's superior pace against Aurelio changed the game and meant they had two great outlets over the top.
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