10/11 LFC recap: Liverpool 2 : Sunderland 2- Simply Frustrating!

LFC's failure to beat Sunderland at home is another indication that LFC is facing a massive challenge to fight for success in the most competitive English Premier League ever. With the general standard from most mid-table to bottom teams gradually improved and the disadvantage of most top teams having their key players playing in the World Cup without proper rest in the summer, many top teams have suffered defeat and point loss to lower teams so far. In a week when Arsenal lost to West Brom at home, Man. Utd. failed to beat Bolton and Tottenham losing to West Ham, LFC may not have too much to complain in their 2 point drops against the rising Sunderland, especially with Sunderland has already held Arsenal and beat Manchester City this season! Fans sure need to give Hodgson more time, but getting only 5 points in the first 5 games sure frustrate every fan and also include the players. As shown from this game, LFC players lost patience in their passing and confidence in their general gameplay. LFC players might have never expected Sunderland to be so hard to play against especially LFC has fielded their strongest side on paper with Kuyt back from suspension to join Torres,Gerrard,Cole and Merieles, but really, the overall performance, workload and passing movement of Sunderland have been so impressive and really deserved a dra against us. This reality has left LFC fans and players in pure furstration! However, this is another game to prove that we might need to switch to 4-4-2 as we have never been able to gain back poessession and domination until we substituted DMF Poulsen with CF N'Gog with striker support for Torres. Good news is Torres has shown strive in form with two important assists to Kuyt and Gerrard. We now only has 6 points in first 6 games. I guess we fans just need to keep patience and faith in Hodgson and the players.

LFC player of the game: El Nino Torres

Staring Line-up: <4-2-3-1>

Reina

Johnson Carragher Skrtel Konchesky

Gerrard Poulsen

Kuyt Meireles J.Cole

Torres

Goals: Kuyt '5 & Gerrard '63

10/11 LFC recap: Manchester United 3 : Liverpool 2- LFC can't stop Bebertov!

Liverpool made early season visit to Old Trafford without much expectation. It turned out to be one of the most exciting matches of the Premier League Season so far! With Torres, Gerrard, Joe Cole and Raul Meireles starting together first time this season, LFC has shown potential in creative passing, but they still need much more games to gain understanding with each other. With Meireles making his full league starting debut as AMF behind Torres, Gerrard was able to start as CMF with poor Lucas finally sitting on the bench (has been waiting for this for so long!!!!!!!). LFC has never been able to stop headers since the departure of legend Hyypia. Alex Ferguson has known for this LFC weakness for years and he asked his team simply sending crosses after crosses to the box. Over the years, Ferdinand,O'Shea and many Red Devil players have been able to score header against LFC due to their inability in defend crosses and headers. This time it was the 101% in-form Bebertov send LFC hopeless with 2 headers and a stunning bicycle kick. I suggest Hodgson start Kyrgiakos more in future games to partner Carragher/Skrtel/Agger;otherwise, LFC will continue to concede headers in every game and not just against the Red Devil! United was in control for majority of the game especially we still need much more games to gel together. The 2 goals from Gerrard might have helped hiding our short-comings in the game, but it's worth to notice our 2 goal come-back has never been materialized until we send in N'Gog to partner Torres and changed from 4-2-3-1 to 4-4-2. With Torres failed to sustain his super-human form any-time soon, Torres gradually needs a striker partner. It was an exciting game to watch especially for netural fans, but a loss is still meaningless for any LFC faithful. Yet, everyone can see Raul Meireles and Joe Cole can improve our creativity and flair that we have been lacking since the departure of Alonso and Luis Garcia.





LFC Man of the Match: Captain Gerrard





Staring Line-up: <4-2-3-1>

Reina

Johnson Carragher Skrtel Konchesky

Gerrard Poulsen

Maxi Meireles J.Cole

Torres

Goals: Gerrard '64 & 70'

10/11 LFC recap: Birmingham 0 : Liverpool 0- Reina to the rescue!

Liverpool's early season struggle continued as they were lucky to escape Birmingham with an unimpressive scoreless tie. With Joe Cole still serving his last of three-match suspension and Kuyt unavailbe for the game due to a shoulder injury, LFC needed to start with both poor Poulsen and Lucas in the CMF. Maxi and Jovanovic produced absolutely nothing from the wing, leaving helpless Gerrard supporting the still sluggish Torres. As Birmingham has never lost a league game at home since last February, it was logical LFC failed to gain much-needed 3 point. In fact, if it hasn't been Reina's incredible double saves from two threatening headers from Birmingham in 1st half, LFC could have left Birmingham with 0 point!

LFC Man of the Match: Pepe Reina

Starting Line-up: <4-2-3-1>

Reina
Johnson Carragher Skrtel Konchesky
Lucas Poulsen
Maxi Gerrard Jovanovic
Torres

2010/2011 Top European League Teams Round-up

Spain La Liga

Barcelona <4-3-3>

Valdes
Alves Puyol Pique Maxwell
Xavi Mascherano(Busquets) Iniesta
Messi Villa Pedro

Comment: Barc possess six of the Spain World Cup final starters and there is no question they remain the team to beat in Spain as well as in Champion League. Not only does the team has some of the most skillful players in the world, most of them have played together for both clubs and nations and developed great understanding. Ibrahimovic has been a mis-fit in the team and eventually was loaned to AC Milan. David Villa's arrival will bring the a top class goal scorer back to the team as Ibrahimovic has failed to fill the void left by Eto'o last season. As Henry has begun his new football adventure in America, Bojan may be given increase chance to kick-start his football career in back-up striker role. Mascherano arrived before the transfer deadline to fill the void left by YaYa Toure but could still face stiff competition from the continuous improving Busquets who had an impressive World Cup this summer.

Real Madrid <4-2-3-1>

Casillas
Ramos Caravalho Pepe Marcelo
Khedira Alonso
C.Ronaldo Ozil(KaKa) Di Maria
Higuain

Comment: Similar to his first year with Chelsea and Inter Milan, Mourinho made sure he has bought in quality players at several important positions: a reliable CB (Caravalho), an effective DMF (Khedira), a quality AMF (Ozil) and a skillful winger (Di Maria). This has always been Mourinho's winning formula. With these new additions, Real has a more balanced and deeper squad, with the likes of quality players Albiol, Diarra, Canales, Van Der Vaart, Benzema contributed from the bench. Kaka is nursing long-term injury that could keep him out for 3-4 months and young German sensational playmaker Ozil is ready to fill his place and it's hard to tell if Kaka can re-gain his starting spot upon his recovery. The one area Mourinho still wants to improve is the striker position. While Higuain has had great scoring record with the club and Benzema is aiming to have a revival 2nd season with the team, Mourinho has been targeting someone like Drogba to complete his potential title winning side.

Italy Serie A

Inter Milan <4-2-3-1>

Cesar
Maicon Lucio Samuel Zanetti
Motta (Stankovic) Cambiasso
Eto'o Sneijder Pandev
Milto

Comment: Benitez is in loss-loss situation. Last season, Mourinho has achieved the Treble for Inter Milan and it's simply impossible to reach new height, let alone matching similar level of achievement. Benitez now takes over a highly quality and efficient team developed by Mourinho with all the winning elements in every position in the team, the question is if the players may have lost their hunger for winning after last season ultimate success. Benitez did not make many changes other than selling the young Italian sensation FW Balotelli to Manchester City for crazy 30M! Inter does not have much weakness at the moment, but I have a feeling that Benitez may make some awkward and improper changes, just to show that he is superior to Mourinho. In the end, he may find not changing anything is better than inputting his silly idea. I never have trust in Benitez but Inter Milan is still too strong for not winning the Serie A.

AC Milan <4-2-3-1>

Abbiati

Bonera Nesta Silva Antonini

Pirlo Ambrosini

Pato Ronaldinho Robinho

Ibrahimovic

Comment: Two massive transfers before the trade deadline could make AC Milan become the most improving team this season. Ibrahimovic and Robinho may have failed to impress in Spain and England respectively, both could find new life in Italy Serie A, especially given Ibrahimovic's past successful experience in Serie A. These two skillful world-recognized stars could team-up with Ronaldinho and Pato to become one of the most fearful attcking combination throughout the Europe! The team still needs to get in more new-blood as they still contain too many ageing veterans such as Nesta, Pirlo, Gattuso, Seedorf, Inzaghi, Zambrotta, but with the exception of Nesta and Pirlo, they do not have to start every game like the past. Defense is still suspectful as Milan still could not afford injury to Nesta. The team is still lacking of strength in depth compared to Inter Milan but could finally fight with them all the way for Serie A title this season.

Juventus <4-4-2>

Buffon

Motta Bonucci Chiellini Grosso

Krasic Aquilani Melo Pepe

Amauri (Quagliarella) Del Piero

Comment: Juventus is going through a wholesale change as they attempt to rebuild their depleted team after failing to obtain a Champion League spot. Sampdoria manager Delneri arrive to replace Blanc while veteran CB Cannavaro, winger Camonersi and Brazilian playmaker Diego have all left. To rebuild their defense, Juventus acquire new Italian international RB Motta and CB Bonucci. To improve option up-front, Italian international FW Qualiarella was acquired from Napoli to give the ageing but always brilliant captain Del Piero a breather. Juventus will carry on their old-fashioned Italian tactics 4-4-2 with emphasis on attack through the wing with the arrival of rising Serbian winger Krasic and Italian international winger Pepe. Yet, the key of the team could be the performance of Brazilian international DMF Melo, who had a very disappointing debut season with Juventus last year, as well as Liverpool flop Italian playmaker Aqualiani. While there is no question regarding to their talent, they must turn around their horrible season last year to lead Old Lady for their determined revival. With so many new players coming in, it's natural for the team to take excessive time to gel together. While league title quest is too demanding for the team, a Champion League spot should be their aim.

AS Roma <4-4-2>:

Sergio

Cassetti Juan Mexes Riise

Menez Pizarro De Rossi Vucinic

Totti Borriello (Adriano)

Comment: Under manager Spalletti, Roma has been the closest challenger for Inter Milan during their Serie A domination period for the last few seasons. In reality, Roma never came close as they never have transfer budget to strengthen the squad. Roma has had a skillful and creative midfield with De Rossi,Pizarro,Taddei, but never have a decent striker to partner Totti up-front. After the failing experiement of playing veteran Toni as Totti's partner last season, Roma has signed veteran Brazilian forward Adriano and Milan Italian striker Borriello. Both are hopeful of providing some fire-power up-front but it's hard to see Adriano get back in top shape any time soon. The back-line is still seriously short in depth. Although a full-strength Roma can give Inter and AC a challenging game, the current Roma squad does not have the depth to fight for the league title.

10/11 LFC recap: Liverpool 1 : West Brom 0- An unsatisfactory victory.

What I like:

- Liverpool finally won their 1st league game. It's not a comfortable win as every fans expected , but LFC cannot afford to lose any point after only getting 1 point out of the first two challenging games.

- Torres continued to show improvement in his race for fitness and form. His goal is an encouraging sign and let's all hope Torres can stay injury-free this season and get back to his best gradually.

- Gerrard is playing as AMF behind Torres in this game and he has made some good passes despite failing to open his account in the scoring department in the league.

What I don't like:

- With Gerrard being pused up-front as AMF due to the suspension of Joe Cole and injury of N'Gog, Poulsen and Lucas are the starting pair in the CMF and their combination resembles the last season ineffective Mascherano + Lucas combo, which could never work as both are work-horse without creativity. New signing Merieles will soon play an important part as CMF/DMF in Xabi Alonso's role upon getting ready for action for the Reds. If Gerrard assigned as AMF in the future, Meriles will play as CMF to propvide much needed passing with either Poulsen or Lucas carrying on their work-horse DMF role.

- With Kuyt and Jovanovic not providing serious attacking threat in the wing position and natural CB Agger failing to provide any overlap run from the LB position, LFC has been relying too much on Glen Johnson to provide wing attack from the RB position. LFC may need a CF, but they sure need a natural winger when transfer window re-open in January.

Best moment:

During the 2nd half, GK Reina made a great long-throw to Kuyt who made 1-2 with Torres before making an accurate low cross to Torres to finish his sensation one-timer volley.

Worst moment:

There were certain periods of the game when West Brom looked like the more likley team to score the 1st goal of the game.

LFC Player of the game:

Despite far from fully fit, Torres proved to be the most dangerous attacking threat for LFC.

Starting Line-up: <4-2-3-1>

Reina
Johnson Carragher Skrtel Agger
Lucas Poulsen
Kuyt Gerrard Jovanovic
Torres

Goal: Torres (LFC)

10/11 LFC recap: Manchester City 3 : Liverpool 0- A failing experiment....

What I like:

- Nothing other than Hodgson's willingness to be more adventurous by playing 4-4-2 even in a very tough away game against Man. City. If he attempted 4-2-3-1 defense + counter, Liverpool could still have failed against a very strong Man. City side at home. At least, Hodgson is willing to introduce new idea to the team. Fans should give him time as it's clear the team is still in re-building stage.

What I don't like:

- Plenty.... With Mascherano refusing to play for the team and Poulsen still needs time to settle, Hodgson was forced to start poor Lucas in CMF. With Hodgson seemingly already given up on Aqualini as he was loaned to Juventus, Gerrard needs to drop back to CMF role. Without the suspensed Jole Cole and natural wingers, Torres and Ngog were not supplied with scoring chances.

- Agger struggled as LB and LFC really need to sign a LB quickly. As much as we need a quality forward to partner Torres, we need a natural winger badly. Now Mascherano must go, as he affected the lockroom spirit as well. We need to get $ from his trasnfer to get a CF,LB and WG.

Best moment:

None. Appreciate Hodgson's bravey in playing 2 up-front in away games. We need to play more attacking football in away games in the future. However, we need to get natural wingers and a good CF to partner Torres.

Worst moment:

Another Reina's mistake in the 2nd goal. Hope he will regain his form and confidence. Skrtel's penalty concede is silly!

LFC Player of the game:

Gerrard plays well and he was unlucky not to score as his shot hit the woodwork as LFC tried to come back from a 2 goal deficit.

Line-up: <4-4-2>

Reina

Johnson Carragher Skrtel Agger

Kuyt Lucas Gerrard Jovanovic

Ngog Torres

Goals: Tevez 2, Barry (all Man. City)

10/11 LFC Recap: Liverpool 1: Arsenal 1- Stunning red for Joe & Shocking blunder from Reina!

What I like:

- Liverpool has organized their defense very well under Hodgson. Carragher, Skrtel and Agger have shown they can be a reliable defensive trio as Arsenal failed to create many good chances despite winning the possession.

- N'Gog continues to improve as he scored a sensational goal after scoring three important goals in Europa League qualifier during last 2 weeks. He should now be top back-up for Torres ahead of Kuyt and Babel until we get a higher quality striker. N'Gog almost scored a header but was unlucky to be cleared off by Gunners' defender.

- Mascherano still plays hard and keeps great form even if he expressed his desire to leave England for Inter or Barcelona. Until LFC receive geniue offers from those big clubs, here's hoping Mash can keep fighting hard for the team.

- Gerrard may not play many supporting striker/attacking midfield role this season as Joe Cole will take the supporting role for Torres. Gerrard will play in deeper role in midfield as the midfield general, a role that Alonso used to serve two season ago. I like what I see so far.

What I don't like:

- Joe Cole should have got a yellow card as his tackle is not intention. Yet, it's an unnecessary silly tackle. Certainly, this is a debut game to forget for the sorry Joe Cole as he will now serve 3 game suspension beginning from next game vs Manchester City! In fact, Gerrard also made some stupid tackle and was lucky to escape a yellow card in the 1st half. Here is hoping both Gerrard and Cole avoid silly tackles in future games.

- LFC still doesn't have natural winger. Kuyt and Jovanovic have done well, but both are scoring midfield operating in the wing and neither is natural winger who can attack through the flank and use the width effectively. I would prefer to see Maxi start on right and only either Kuyt or Jovanovic start in games together.

- Torres is back but it may take considerable time for him to get back to his best form. LFC must sign a quality scorer to upgrade the fire-power up-front.

- LFC is extremely unlucky. When will "bad luck" disappear from our team? How can Joe Cole and Reina both been so unlucky in the game.

- Agger already hurt? I hope Mash is okay too. Where the hell is Aqualini?

Best moment:

N'Gog great goal in 2nd half to help 10-men Reds take the 1-0 lead.

Worst moment:

Joe Cole's red card or Reina's blunder... you take your pick.

Man of the Match:

Mascherano: if he will leave LFC soon, he is making sure he will leave on a high. Mascherano provided perfect display in defensive role in this game and even made an important assist for N'Gog goal.

Lineup: <4-4-1-1>

Reina

Johnson Carragher Skrtel Agger

Kuyt Mascherano Gerrard Jovanovic

J.Cole

N'Gog

Sub used: Torres, Lucas, Maxi

Goals: N'Gog 47', Reina own goal 90'