10/11 LFC recap: Everton 2 : Liverpool 0- Henry first taste of Anfield faithful frustration

After years of speculation, Liverpool finally kicked out Hicks and Gillet with new owner Henry of NESV Consortium made his first visit to LFC local derby against rival Everton. Before the match, Henry has promised he will try his very best to bring glory days back to Anfiled and also handed Hodgson vote of confidence. However, after witnessing the dismal performance against Everton, Henry should know how massive a task and challenge he is facing.

It was a frustrating match with Lucas and Merelies starting as DMF/CMF pair in another passive 4-2-3-1 formation that has been proving to be ineffective since two seasons ago. Gerrard was assigned as AMF role just behind Torres to provide attacking spark. Sadly, Lucas and Merelies have failed their job in deeper DMF roles. The 1st 20+ minutes of 1st half is probably one of the worst 20 minutes I have seen for a long time with LFC hardly been able to move the ball past the Everton defensive half. Hodgson may regret not to keep Gerrard in deeper CMF role. Everton's Cahill and Arteta goals are thundering shots that Reina could have done nothing to stop. Liverpool was able to attack more with Gerrard move back to CMF and once again, the struggling Torres played a bit better once Ngog was substituted into the game after switching to 4-4-2 formation with more direct attacking play. However, changes are too late as LFC sits one place above the bottom at 19th. Like everyone connected to LFC, I have never been so worried about the team in the past 20 years....

LFC player of the game: N/A

Starting line-up: (4-2-3-1)

Reina
Carragher Kyrgiakos Skrtel Konchesky
Meireles Lucas

Maxi Gerrard J.Cole

Torres

10/11 LFC recap: Liverpool 1 : Blackpool 2- Do we belong to Regelation Zone?

Liverpool was in all-time low as they shockingly lost to newly promoted side Blackpool in Anfield! What brothers me is the way LFC has lost the game, as Blackpool has shown superior passing, movement and skills throughout the game to win the football match. LFC showed their attacking ambitions with Torres and Kuyt starting as strikers in 4-4-2 formation. However, with Torres suffered another groin injury and forced to leave the field as early as 9th minute during the 1st half, Blackpool was able to take psychological edge without worrying about marking Torres; thereby, allowing them to fully-commit to their all-attacking football. Liverpool replaced Torres with N'Gog but both N'Gog and Kuyt do not have individual skills to beat defenders but rely on midfield to create chances. However, with Gerrard playing deep as CMF in "Xabi Alonso'" role and Cole and Meireles both forced to play on the wing , LFC failed to create any meaningful chances for their strikers. Sadly, the most threatening attacking move from LFC was the headers from giant Greek CB Kyrgiakos as he scored one and almost tied the game near end of the game with another header. The problem for LFC was the lack of essential elements in different positions. Up-front, they need a power striker with heading ability. LFC do not have natural wingers as none of Jovanovic,Kuyt,Babel,Maxi,J.Cole,Meireles can operate on the flanks effectively. In DMF, both Poulsen and Lucas are simply not good enough wearing LFC jersey, forcing Gerrard to play deep to serve both CMF/DMF role. At the back, LFC need to find a giant CB or they will keep conceding headers. While the ownership issue can be a big cause for the current team slump, players cannot make excuses but to show their pride wearing the LFC jersey by keep raising their own game level. I did notice LFC has not been pressing and chasing opponents as hard under Hodgson era compared to Benitez's era. Although LFC have been a success team in Europe over the past 10 years, they always rely on hard work and never had they been able to beat opponents based on superior skills. Yet, players like Gerrard, Kuyt and Carragher are all gradually ageing and do not have the energy to play a hard chasing games like they were capable of in the past. In fact, Hodgson has played a full-strength team minus Gerrard in the Europa League only three days before this Blackpool game. The players have shown fatigue in the 2nd half as they tried to chase from behind but did not really have the energy level. I believe Hodgson should now decide whether he should focus on the domestic league or the Europa League more as the current LFC squad do not have the depth to handle both competitions. Now media and fans are calling for Hodgson's resignation. Although I admit I have already lost a bit of trust and confidence in him, I still believe he can turn it around but he really needs to make some changes in the side, such as switching Meireles back to the CMF and either benching the poorly performed Glen Johnson or assigning him to play right wing as he has made millions of mistakes in the right back position.

LFC may now be 18th in the league standing, but they are only 5 points behind 5th place. It's still too early to raise white flag and we fans must provide continuous support. We just hope a rich and ambitious investor can finally successfully takeover our club away from those 2 lousy Americans before Oct. 15!

LFC player of the game: Kyrgiakos

Starting line-up: (4-4-2)

Reina

Johnson Kyrgiakos Skrtel Carragher

Meireles Gerrard Poulsen J.Cole

Kuyt Torres*

*replaced by N'Gog in 9th min.

Goals: Kyrgiakos '53

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)