Liverpool Vs Arsenal

[rafalabamba]

1st time ever doing this so who knows i could be a lucky charm!!!:D
Cant fcuking wait for this one really looking forward to the new season now, lets hope its the start of a glorious era under Roy. Team/Score predictions??

[Irishlad]

I'm going to go out on a wim and hope it's a busy week

-----------------Reina

Johnson-----Carra----Agger----LB

------------Poulson---Gerrard

---Kuyt-----------Cole--------Jova

------------------Crouch

Cavalieri
Aurellio
Kelly
Skrtel
Maxi
Pacheco
Ngog

2-1 Reds

[gav003]

----------Pepe--------
Magic Carra Daggar Fabio
----------Lucas-------
Kuyt Gerrard Aqua Cole
---------Nando--------

Cav
Skittles
Jova
maxi
Kelly
Ngog
Babel

1 nil home win

[Kop On]

I seen on SSN this morning that Fabregas and Van Persie are both injured and unlikely to be fit to face us on Sunday?

Not sure whether to believe it or not, but if true would be a massive boost for us. Hopefully they don't tog out.

[kingofthekop]

.....................Reina.......................
Glen......Skrtel........Agger.........Fabio
................Gerrard........................
............................Aquaman..........
Maxi.......................................Jova
................Cole............................
........................Kuyt/Nando...........

What a team!! Cole to score on debut.
Liverpool win 2-0. (Cole, Aquaman)

How'd u like them apples!! :p:p:p

[RedArmagh]

Is nando fit to start?

If not i think we could see something along the lines of -

---------------Reina--------------
Magic-----Carra-------Agger-----Fabio

---------------Lucas----------------

maxi------Gerrard------cole-------jova

-------------kuyt----------------

Cav
Skrtel
Kelly
Aqua
Ngog
Babel
Pacheco/Poulsen

[Kop On]

.....................Reina.......................
Glen......Skrtel........Agger.........Fabio
................Gerrard........................
............................Aquaman..........
Maxi.......................................Jova
................Cole............................
........................Kuyt/Nando...........

What a team!! Cole to score on debut.
Liverpool win 2-0. (Cole, Aquaman)

How'd u like them apples!! :p:p:p

Gerrard sitting protecting the back 4? :confused:

Not liking the look of those apples!

[kingofthekop]

Gerrard sitting protecting the back 4? :confused:

Not liking the look of those apples!

Rather him then Lucas!! Nobody else there to do the job. I think him and Aqua would interchange nicely:cool:

[travis]

Cavelieri
Kelly Carra Skrtel agger

Gerrard Lucas

Kuyt Cole Jovanovic

Ngog

[Kop On]

Rather him then Lucas!! Nobody else there to do the job. I think him and Aqua would interchange nicely:cool:

Just put Lucas there and leave Gerrard in where you have Aqua maybe?

Putting Gerrard in as defensive cover you might aswell just play with no cover. He isn’t a defensive midfielder, his natural instinct is to go forward so he won’t be disciplined enough to stay back and cover…

[dazzlermac]

...............riena
magic carra skrtel fabio
...............lucas
.....maxi gerrard jovanovic
................cole
...............ngog

thats the team i reckon roy will go with....

[sbabu_irl]

I think Ngog might start as he more "match fit" than a lot of other.
What you guys think?

[glen]

lads do the tickets get posted out or do you get them at the box office at anfield

[Phil!]

Lookin forward to this one!


Pepe
Johnson Carra Agger Aurelio
Aqualani Gerrard
Kuyt Cole Jova
Torres

If Torres is fit would go with that if he isn't then I'd be happy with Ngog up fron OR Kuyt up front and Maxi in!

Come on redmen lets get off t awinning start!!!!

[djdwainec]

-------Reina----------
Johnson Carra Skrtel Agger

Maxi Gerrard Lucas Jovanovic

-------Cole-------------
----------Torres--------

[crazy_horse]

Reina

Johnson Carra Agger Fabio

Lucas Gerrard

Cole Kuyt Jovanovic

Torres


2-1 Cole and Torres

[MutantNinjaSkrtel]

--------------------Pepe-------------------

----Glen------Carra------Skrtel-------Aurelio


--------------Lucas-----Stevie-------------


---Maxi-------------Cole-----------Jova-----

--------------------N'Gog-------------------


1-1.

(not the team I'd pick,but what I think it will be)



Cav
Kelly
Agger
Soto
Wilson
Insua (?)
Poulsen(?)
Aqua
Shelvey
Masch(?)
Babel
Pacheco
Nando(?)
Dirk


Christ we actually have a very strong bench when everyones fit and available.

[Con 93]

Reina
Johnson Carra Agger Aurelio
Gerrard Aquilani
Maxi Jova Cole
Kuyt

2-0 to us.

[RedArmagh]

Cavelieri
Kelly Carra Skrtel agger

Gerrard Lucas

Kuyt Cole Jovanovic

Ngog


id find it very odd if Reina isnt in goal and johnson isnt right back

[garyc]

And if you believe the media Arsenal are fooked with injuries
Could be a great time to get them!!!1 :D

[diggy]

If by the reports Arsenal are as weak as reported, we'd have never got a better chance to play them. Bar Torres and any new signings, we look fairly solid and have strong looking spine. Even of we have Torres or Kuty for last 30mins, I think we can nick this.

Playing City as well so soon could work in out favour, they still fishing in transfer market and don't know there best 11.

When fixtures came out I was dreading the opening weeks but actually looking forward to them now. 4 points wouldn't be the worse start, at the very least ;-)

[djdwainec]

Have 9 points outta 9 so far in my 3 trips to anfield, lets make it 12 outta 12 :), cannot wait!

[Ron1892]

Lads on sly sports, they said cesc an Van Persie are out of this game..

Can any one confirm this??

[travis]

Lads on sly sports, they said cesc an Van Persie are out of this game..

Can any one confirm this??

I wouldn't believe this , Wenger and Whiskey nose always pull these stunts before the big matches only to see the injured players fully fit on the match day, e.g Carrick on sunday

[Irishlad]

Lads on sly sports, they said cesc an Van Persie are out of this game..

Can any one confirm this??

Wenger himself has said that Van Persie & Fabregas won't be featuring in his squad. Whether this was a bluff or not, we'll have to wait and see.

[dk.lfc]

Am really looking forward to this now and we get back to the football side of things

[babbsnads]

A lot of lads going with Gerard and aquilani as a midfield pair. I'd be amazed if that's how we started on Sunday. Personally think Lucas is a definite starter especially considering he has a whole pre season behind him which not many of the other first team regulars have. Have a sneaky feeling if torres doesn't start ngog will. He's looked sharp pre season and his confidence will be high. I'd expect Cole to play in the hole and jovanavic on the left. Not sure about the right but I'll go for kuyt. Johnson,carra,skrtel and I think Kelly might get the nod at left back.

[GaryMc]

Arsenal are facing up to an injury crisis remarkable even by their standards with two 18-year-olds set to make their Premier League debut for the club in the centre of midfield at Liverpool on Sunday.


Having begun last season with six players ruled out with injury, the Gunners are set to register what might well be a new record by kicking off the 2010/11 campaign with between seven and nine first-team regulars deemed unavailable.


A full injury bulletin will only be provided on Friday, but it is increasingly likely that both Jack Wilshere and Emmanuel Frimpong will both start against Liverpool. In addition to long-term injury casualty Aaron Ramsey, Arsene Wenger is expected to be deprived of four other central midfielders in Cesc Fabregas, Abou Diaby, Alex Song and Denilson.


Wenger confirmed on Monday that he expects Fabregas, as well as Robin van Persie, to be 'short' for the trip to Anfield, while Song, Denilson and Diaby failed to appear for a single minute of Arsenal's final three pre-season fixtures.


Nicklas Bendtner will be out of action until October after undergoing groin surgery, while there are also fitness doubts against Johan Djourou and Andrei Arshavin. Neither player featured in the 6-5 win over Legia Warsaw, with Wenger confirming afterwards that "We played 100 per cent of what was available".


Wenger does at least have no injury concerns over any of his goalkeepers, with Manuel Almunia, Lukasz Fabianski and Wojciech Szczesny all in contention to start in goal. Following Fabianski's latest horror show in Warsaw, there has been growing speculation that the 20-year-old Szczesny will be selected at Anfield, although with two teenage debutants in midfield Wenger might look more favourably on the experience of Almunia.

[Irishlad]

"Wenger does at least have no injury concerns over any of his goalkeepers"

I'm sure arsenal fans are relieved :D

[Pool4Life]

I wouldnt be suprised to see fabragras and van persie at least on the bench for sunday. Still reckon we can take them no matter who plays. Comon the Reds

[CrazyHorse]

M8 of mine in the job says that Wilshire & some other young'un will start in CM for the gooners this weekend, also van Persie a serious doubt.

Their CB area is also suffering...

Could be an ideal time to play these lot, fingers crossed.
Actually, I think the reds are gonna come out roaring this season!!!

3-0!!

[KK1977]

A lot of lads going with Gerard and aquilani as a midfield pair. I'd be amazed if that's how we started on Sunday. Personally think Lucas is a definite starter especially considering he has a whole pre season behind him which not many of the other first team regulars have

The question mark over Lucas is what his fitness is like. He will be with Brazil in the United States and doesn't get back until Friday.

[Ron1892]

M8 of mine in the job says that Wilshire & some other young'un will start in CM for the gooners this weekend, also van Persie a serious doubt.

Their CB area is also suffering...

Could be an ideal time to play these lot, fingers crossed.
Actually, I think the reds are gonna come out roaring this season!!!

3-0!!

no cesc,Diaby,Song,Denilison,Van Persie..

Heard Wilshsire and another young chap who has been playing in centre midifeld all season, could start..

[babbsnads]

The question mark over Lucas is what his fitness is like. He will be with Brazil in the United States and doesn't get back until Friday.

Didn't realise that. We'll wait and see so. I still don't see aquilani patnering Gerard in the centre though. Who knows,maybe we might see mascherano?I'll stick with Lucas though with the match being Sunday.

[rafalabamba]

Anyone reckon Torres has any chance of playing even as a sub? Havent heard much about his fitness

[jonnylpfc]

Have a odd feeling history will repeat itself when mellor scored that last ditch shot at goal wat a screamer ,benitezs first encounter with the gunners 2 - 1 .

its gonna be Pacheco this time after comin on as a sub i can see it now Pacheco goal hero .

[ROCCO]

Watched a few of Arsenal pre season games , look very good in attack but defence looks all over the place..

[ROCCO]

The question mark over Lucas is what his fitness is like. He will be with Brazil in the United States and doesn't get back until Friday.

Should be grand , only the start of the season ..

[clayton]

"Wenger does at least have no injury concerns over any of his goalkeepers"

I'm sure arsenal fans are relieved :D

for a top team like Arsenal, i have never in my life seen a top club with the worst goalkeeping pair as they have.
Fabianski & Almunia, my 7 year old niece would do better.

[stevieg]

for a top team like Arsenal, i have never in my life seen a top club with the worst goalkeeping pair as they have.
Fabianski & Almunia, my 7 year old niece would do better.

I put it down to Wengers stubborness to spend money - there terrible goalkeepers ever since Seaman.

He should of signed Given a few years ago and should of even got money to of signed Hugo Lloris.

I'm fairly sure they would of won the PL at least once in the last few years if they had a decent goalkeeper.

[redbell]

Is Arshavin fit? Hope he doesnt play as he always scores at anfield.

[stevieg]

Will Roy pick Masch to start or what do people think?

[ROCCO]

Reina

Glen... Cara... Skrtel... Agger

Lucas

Gerrard ...... Alberto

Cole........Kuyt?........Jovanovic




???

[LFC123]

Think it will be...


Reina

Glen ... Cara ... Skrtel ... Agger

Lucas ........ Gerrard

Maxi/Kuyt ....... Cole ........ Jovanovic

N'gog

[mushypea]

Will Roy pick Masch to start or what do people think?


Why not i say? He's a Liverpool player unless we're told other wise & he gets paid well enough to actually earn his wage so if he's fit enough which last nights performance indicates that he is then play him. He's still a Liverpool player whether he likes it or not imo

[Badman]

Reina

Johnson-------------carra-----------skertl------------------kelly

-------------------masch-------------aquaman-----------------

--------kuyt--------------gerrard----------------cole-----------

--------------------------ngog/torres--------------------------


thats what i'd i'd go for, its actually a strong team, much stronger obviously if torres plays. if masch isnt gonna play then just put in poulsen or lucas

[glen]

reina
johnson---carra----agger----kelly
-------lucas----stevie----------
kuyt--------cole----------jova
-----------nando-----------

[macca]

Do ye think we're still going to be going with that 5-2-3-1 again this season I'm not a huge fan of it but with nando out for this game we probably will have to

A few things i'd wouldn't mind seeing this season would be stevie back in centre mid where he can control the game more and johnson moved up onto the right wing cause he's always looked more a winger playing right back than a right wing back to me. I think we would be better served by him constantly running at players and putting balls in than waiting for him to venture up from RB every so often and potentially leaving us exposed

[ROCCO]

Will kuyt/Torres start or sub with no pre season games or international friendly last night under their belt's ?

[MutantNinjaSkrtel]

Will kuyt/Torres start or sub with no pre season games or international friendly last night under their belt's ?

Dirk played and scored in a behind closed doors friendly with Tranmere yesterday.Reckon Dirk will start with Nando either on the bench or not involved at all.

[CHARMAC]

I think this is our strongest team if we can get Nando fit

--------------------Reina----------------------

Johnson------Carra--------Agger---------Aurelio

-------------------Poulson---------------------

Maxi---------Gerrard-------Cole-------Jovanovic

--------------------Torres---------------------

[stamullenredmen]

feeling a bit more confident of this game now than i was.stevie was fired up last night and he could easily carry it into this game.

[macca]

feeling a bit more confident of this game now than i was.stevie was fired up last night and he could easily carry it into this game.

well if stevies on form this season he's not worth goals in a game he's worth places on the table

[Fowler-9-]

I think this is our strongest team if we can get Nando fit

--------------------Reina----------------------

Johnson------Carra--------Agger---------Aurelio

-------------------Poulson---------------------

Maxi---------Gerrard-------Cole-------Jovanovic

--------------------Torres---------------------

I'd personally use Mascher in league games, sure if he's running the risk already playing internationals we may aswell.

[ROCCO]

Dirk played and scored in a behind closed doors friendly with Tranmere yesterday.Reckon Dirk will start with Nando either on the bench or not involved at all.

Cheers .... do you have the full team and subs that played in that game ?

[ROCCO]

Injury concerns for Wenger

Arsene Wenger will be without Johan Djourou (hamstring), Nicklas Bendtner (groin) and Aaron Ramsey (leg) at Anfield on Sunday - while several other Arsenal stars are struggling for fitness.


Midfielder Alex Song (calf) is almost certain to miss out on the season opener, and Denilson (abdominal) and Abou Diaby (calf) face late tests.
Meanwhile, Robin van Persie and Cesc Fabregas lack match fitness after a long World Cup campaign and could start from the bench.

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/latest-news/injury-concerns-for-wenger

[glen]

Arsenal fan Kingston Murinda provides the view from the Emirates ahead of our season opener at Anfield on Sunday.

What's the view among Arsenal fans about having to visit Anfield on the opening weekend?

We would have preferred a couple of games to get up and running and to get the fitness before playing a game this big. It's not the easiest start but we have a decent enough record at Anfield lately. We won last season and drew the previous two league games there I think. I'd say it's 50-50. Either side could get the three points if they're on their game.

Joe Cole could make his league debut for us. How do you feel about missing out on him?

I was disappointed, but we have a lot of technical, skilful players like him. I honestly didn't think he'd venture out of London but I reckon he'll be a good signing for you guys.

And your thoughts on Arsene Wenger's transfer activity as a whole?

Again, a bit disappointed. He's let four defenders go in Campbell, Senderos, Gallas and Silvestre and we've only brought one in: Laurent Koscielny. Up front we've brought in Marouane Chamakh but then Wenger's let Eduardo go. All this has made us weaker in my opinion. The manager said last season that we were three or four players short but where are they? We're supposedly interested in Mark Schwarzer but I'd say we need another three on top of that.

At least Cesc Fabregas looks like he's staying...

I'm happy about that but the worry at the moment is, what can we offer him? We're not going to win anything this season...

How's your pre-season been?

Good. We've only been beaten once against Legia Warsaw. Apart from that we're unbeaten. Samir Nasri has looked really good, Koscielny has been decent and Andrey Arshavin seems to be up and running.

Who should we be worried about on Sunday?

Fabregas and van Persie are only just back from their holidays and Wenger has said on the club website that they might not be up to speed. I don't think they'll start, so you should be worried about two of those I've just mentioned: Nasri and Arshavin. Arshavin seems to have something weird over Liverpool at Anfield.

And who will you be worried about on our side?

I thought Steven Gerrard's first goal for England on Wednesday was beautiful. The second was nice but the first was top drawer. Typical Steven Gerrard. I think all the England players will want to prove something this year and he's one to watch. Let's hope he has a quiet game.

What's the score going to be?

I think we're slightly better than Liverpool right now, so 2-1 to us.

And finally, what's your hope for the season as a whole?

That Spurs get relegated. Away from Arsenal, I'd also like to see Liverpool step up and challenge for the title again. You've got the most loyal supporters I've ever seen and they deserve it.

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/latest-news/the-view-from-arsenal

[dk.lfc]

Pepe
Johnson Carra Agger Fab(fit?)
Masch
Kuyt Aqua Cole
Stevie
N'gog

[glen]

Liverpool will record the 2,000th league victory of their history should the Reds beat Arsenal on Sunday. Check out all the important stats and facts ahead of Sunday's big game.

Head to Head (League only)

Overall: Liverpool 68 wins, Arsenal 60 wins, 44 draws
At Anfield: Liverpool 48 wins, Arsenal 22 wins, 16 draws

This is the seventh time the sides have met in an opening league fixture of a season. Liverpool have won four and drawn one, with the only defeat coming in the first meeting - losing 3-1 in September 1905.

Following those six opening day meetings, Liverpool went on to win the title on four occasions - in 1905-06, 1922-23, 1985-86 and 1987-88.

Kenny Dalglish's first league game in charge of Liverpool in 1985 was against Arsenal at Anfield and the Reds won the match 2-0 with goals from Ronnie Whelan and Steve Nicol.

A victory will give Liverpool their 2,000th in league history.

Should Liverpool take all three points on Sunday, Roy Hodgson will become the first Reds manager since 1892 to oversee a victory in each of his opening three games.

[diggy]

Arse saying that Arshavin will be ok but no decisioon Van Persie or Fabergas.

I think Roy will leave Torres on the bench for the last 20/30 mins, once his injury is ok and its only match fitness he is lacking.

Gerrard looks a man on a mission, which is kinda disappointing, as last season he looked far from it. Kinda gives some truth to the talk that he had enough of Rafa and was heading out the door.

Can't wait for this one.

[MutantNinjaSkrtel]

Cheers .... do you have the full team and subs that played in that game ?

Sorry,I don't.All very secretive apparently.All I heard was that we won 4-0 with Dirk and Cole bot scoring.

[ROCCO]

Sorry,I don't.All very secretive apparently.All I heard was that we won 4-0 with Dirk and Cole bot scoring.

cheers ...

Nando there ?

[MutantNinjaSkrtel]

cheers ...

Nando there ?

No idea mate,that's literally all I heard.I'd say he'll either be on the bench or not involved at all Sunday.What you reckon?

[mousey]

[QUOTE=diggy;370027]Arse saying that Arshavin will be ok QUOTE]

I'm told by my gooner friend that he played for the Russians on Wednesday so I'm sure we'll see him on show Sunday.

[south]

No idea mate,that's literally all I heard.I'd say he'll either be on the bench or not involved at all Sunday.What you reckon?

I don't think he'll be in the squad on Sunday. i'd say it might be a few weeks before we see him play.

[Ron1892]

I don't think he'll be in the squad on Sunday. i'd say it might be a few weeks before we see him play.

I think the whole stadium would erupt if they seen him warming up on sunday or running down the line to come on as a sub...

[ROCCO]

No idea mate,that's literally all I heard.I'd say he'll either be on the bench or not involved at all Sunday.What you reckon?

Sneaky he might be on the bench ... but would bet it maybe another 1-2 weeks.

[Terry Conlon]

Fcuk Arsenal & the injuries they may or may not have!
We are Liverpool & we are at Anfield.
Fear No one!


Reina
Johnson Carragher Skrtel Aurelio
Masch Aqualani
Kuyt Gerrsrd Cole
Torres


2-1 Liverpool

[7Cannibal-9Asbo]

Fernando Torres could feature against Arsenal on Sunday despite not playing any part in Liverpool's pre-season preparations.

The striker returned to Melwood late following Spain's World Cup triumph and his time since then has been spent largely with the sports science team as he continues to recover from an adductor injury.

Roy Hodgson must now decide whether to throw his star striker into his first game since the final in South Africa.

The manager said: "Yes, there's a chance he could play. He's made a remarkable effort to get himself fit and ready for Premiership football. He's worked extremely hard in the two and a half weeks he's been back. I haven't ruled him out but I haven't ruled him in either.

"His chances were rightly being played down by the sports science people. They said, quite rightly, that in an ideal world he'd have a longer preparation period.

"It's quite simply a balancing job. Do we take the risk of putting him in early or do we hold him back and put him through a more strenuous pre-season programme?

"The player's feelings also have to be taken into account, so it's a delicate mixture.

"But the bottom line is yes, he could be considered for Sunday. The same goes for Pepe Reina."


Author: Jimmy Rice at Melwood

Hopefully he won't be taken back unless he's 100% fit, no point brining him in to beat Arsenal if it means he misses 6 or 7 games after that.

Also what happened to Reina?

[LFC Barry]

I've a feeling he'll play. Sounds like he's fully recovered from the injury, but its just g=his lack of pre-season preparation is the concern

[merc]

HERE WE GO, HERE WE GO, HERE WE GO.

COME ON THE RED MEN.

Not going to try and pick the team but would like to see Ngog start with Torress on the bench. Hopefully Nando will play some part.

Very hopefull we can beat these.

[ROCCO]

Reina

Johnson.... Carragher.... Skrtel.... Agger

Mascherano.... Gerrard

Kuyt.... Cole.... Jovanovic

Ngog


Posted as the team on a few sites ?

[Pool4Life]

Reina

Johnson.... Carragher.... Skrtel.... Agger

Mascherano.... Gerrard

Kuyt.... Cole.... Jovanovic

Ngog


Posted as the team on a few sites ?

That looks about right to me. Hopefully Torres is on the bench though.

[zamaguire]

Fcuk Arsenal & the injuries they may or may not have!
We are Liverpool & we are at Anfield.
Fear No one!


Reina
Johnson Carragher Skrtel Aurelio
Masch Aqualani
Kuyt Gerrsrd Cole
Torres


2-1 Liverpool
Fear no one is right, we have in the past concentrated on the opposition to much. Lets play our own game and let them wory about us

.

[ROCCO]

Reina

Johnson.... Carragher.... Skrtel.... Agger

Mascherano.... Gerrard

Kuyt.... Cole.... Jovanovic

Ngog


Posted as the team on a few sites ?

looks 100% that will be the team ...

[MutantNinjaSkrtel]

Poulsen not included in the squad apparently.Nando is....

[ROCCO]

Poulsen not included in the squad apparently.Nando is....

Cheers .... where did you hear this ?

[Torres09]

Be a great lift to the team and supporters to see Torres come off the bench. Dont think he should be rushed back but if hes not 100%. 2-0 Jovanovic,Cole. Cant wait now at this stage!

[Malzheimer]

Poulsen not included in the squad apparently.Nando is....

That will do nicely. Get him on last half hour if we need a lift. Cannot wait for this now after watching the other pretenders today, the real season starts tomorrow. Would love to be there.....

[stalker]

Sure we'll hammer this lot. They've only a combined age of 16 so I'm led to believe.

[aleli]

Sure we'll hammer this lot. They've only a combined age of 16 so I'm led to believe.

:D Haha...combined not average.

[loppy]

Have to say, wasn't looking forward to this season a few weeks back but feeling a lot more positive now, don't think Roy has put a foot wrong so far, 4 nil win today now would be super. Roll on 4 o'clock

[redforever]

Like a teenager again really looking forward to this game have that tingly feeling in the gut,,, Come On the Pool!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Skintown Red]

Roll on 4 o'clock, can't wait for this now!

If that is the reported team I like the look of it. Just pray to god Torres is on bench, think this will give us a massive boost

[barnestormer]

3 points please !!!!!

[MutantNinjaSkrtel]

Sky saying Poulsen is set to start?Speculation?

[GaryMc]

Heading to the cinema at lunch time as will be sitting here all day speculating on the team and result.

I reckon we will see something like this

Reina, Johnson, Carragher, Agger, Kelly, Lucas, Poulsen, Cole, Gerrrard, Jokanovic,Ngog

Torres to come off the bench.

[Rover 609]

Heading to the cinema at lunch time as will be sitting here all day speculating on the team and result.

I reckon we will see something like this

Reina, Johnson, Carragher, Agger, Kelly, Lucas, Poulsen, Cole, Gerrrard, Jokanovic,Ngog

Torres to come off the bench.

On a day like today!? get your ass to Stephens Green,its gonna be heaving with class acts and head to sinnotts with a smile on your face to watch the reds smash up arsenal!!:cool::cool:

[D7Hooper]

On a day like today!? get your ass to Stephens Green,its gonna be heaving with class acts and head to sinnotts with a smile on your face to watch the reds smash up arsenal!!:cool::cool:

Sounds like a plan:D

[prendy]

On a day like today!? get your ass to Stephens Green,its gonna be heaving with class acts and head to sinnotts with a smile on your face to watch the reds smash up arsenal!!:cool::cool:

ha ha you've just organised my day for me.


I am excited about today!

comon the pool.

[Derschlimm]

I think he'll start with the following
Reina
Johnson Carragher Skrtel Kelly
Lucas
Kuyt Gerrard Aqualani Cole
N'gog
Think we'll win 2-1 in a tight game. This is it folks, let the games begin !!!!!

[torrard89]

here we go again people cant wait.........come on liverpool

[Monty]

Fooking work........aaaagggggghhhhh!!!!!!!

[MutantNinjaSkrtel]

Atkinson reffing today.Not the worst of them....

[Pool4Life]

Come on da Pool we can do it. Y.N.W.A :)

[ROCCO]

Reina

Johnson.... Carragher.... Skrtel.... Agger

Mascherano.... Gerrard

Kuyt.... Cole.... Jovanovic

Ngog




Still seems that will be the 11 for us ...

and


On Arsenal Mania a lot of people reckon it'll be something like this:

Almunia
Sagna... Koscielny... Vermaelen... Clichy
Song.... Denilson
Chamakh.... Nasri..... Arshavin
van Persie

Rumour that Fabregas may not have traveled ...

[SuperCool]

Is Skrtel not definately out?

[F@ces]

Would be happy enough with that team ROCCO. Have worries about Agger long term at LB (hope I'm wrong), poor old N'Gog will be hero or villain, and how will Jovanovic play - but that's fairly close to our best. Would be handy if Torres was on the bench. Can't see Poulson playing any part.

[leixlip kopite]

Cant wait for this. Off out to the pub soon:). Predicting 2-0 and have e5 on Gerrard to score 1st at 7/1. Just hope we can keep that little russian bollox quiet this time:)COME ON YOU REDS!!!!!!

[F@ces]

Is Skrtel not definately out?

I noticed the BBC website have him as injured. When did this happen? I thought he was fine?

[rev]

Just stuck a few quid on Jovanovic for anytime goalscorer :)

[macca]

Really think we should have 2 up front at home

Reina
Johnson - Agger - Skrtel - Kelly
Jovanovic - Poulsen - Stevie - Cole
Kuyt - Ngog

[The beard]

Palms are starting to sweat now , can't wait for this to start.

[Ron1892]

Going to the pub to watch this one and im feeling very confident...Getting excited now..

[Fowler's God]

Getting excited as much as this time last season. Hope to god the performance and result will be different.

[RedArmagh]

any word on the team yet?

[7Cannibal-9Asbo]

Team for today off the official site

Reina, Johnson, Agger, Skrtel, Carragher, Mascherano, Gerrard, Cole, Jovanovic, Kuyt, Ngog. Subs: Cavalieri, Lucas, Babel, Torres, Kelly, Maxi, Aurelio.

[MutantNinjaSkrtel]

Very strong bench.

[The beard]

Very strong bench.

It's a huge improvement from last year alright

[megager]

Team for today off the official site

Reina, Johnson, Agger, Skrtel, Carragher, Mascherano, Gerrard, Cole, Jovanovic, Kuyt, Ngog. Subs: Cavalieri, Lucas, Babel, Torres, Kelly, Maxi, Aurelio.

Aquaman not on bench. what a waste of 20 million that was. Hodgson out:D

[Carroll9]

Very strong bench.

True.It's much stronger than the bench we had at the Lane this time last year.

[F@ces]

Very strong bench.

It's a huge improvement from last year alright

+1.

[prendy]

Team for today off the official site

Reina, Johnson, Agger, Skrtel, Carragher, Mascherano, Gerrard, Cole, Jovanovic, Kuyt, Ngog. Subs: Cavalieri, Lucas, Babel, Torres, Kelly, Maxi, Aurelio.

amazing what a few additions have done to the squad, that bench even without nando is seriously strong.


any word on Arsenal line up?

[ROCCO]

Reina

Johnson.... Carragher.... Skrtel.... Agger

Mascherano.... Gerrard

Kuyt.... Cole.... Jovanovic

Ngog




;)

[MrsPepe]

Ok, we are screwed , no point watching it

http://img689.imageshack.us/img689/3396/19009790.jpg

:D

[ROCCO]

Ok, we are screwed , no point watching it

http://img689.imageshack.us/img689/3396/19009790.jpg

:D

:D

[ROCCO]

Arsenal: Almunia; Sagna, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Clichy; Eboue, Nasri, Diaby, Wilshere, Arshavin; Chamakh

[The beard]

:D

Now thats just stupid ,everyone knows only an octopuss can predict football results :p

[Carroll9]

Arsenal: Almunia; Sagna, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Clichy; Eboue, Nasri, Diaby, Wilshere, Arshavin; Chamakh

No Cesc in the squad.Van P on the bench.

[prendy]

Arsenal: Almunia; Sagna, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Clichy; Eboue, Nasri, Diaby, Wilshere, Arshavin; Chamakh

cheers.

no fabergas. but i hate seeing arshavin in anfield!!

liverlpool look the stronger team on paper, predict 3-1


comon lads lets get roy off to a flyer!

time for the pub!:D

[GaryMc]

Arsenal: Almunia; Sagna, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Clichy; Eboue, Nasri, Diaby, Wilshere, Arshavin; Chamakh

that is not a strong Arsenal team. Go for the jugular

[F@ces]

cheers.

no fabergas. but i hate seeing arshavin in anfield!!

liverlpool look the stronger team on paper, predict 3-1


comon lads lets get roy off to a flyer!

time for the pub!:D

I'd be more worried about Nasri, had a savage pre-season.

Anyway, gotta be happy with no Fabregas or RVP. Hopefully Koscielny will show his lack of experience as well. Gotta go at them big time.

Right, that's it, it's pub time....

[Carroll9]

that is not a strong Arsenal team. Go for the jugular

Any team that Wenger puts out usually performs.Would be delighted with a 1 nil win being the 1st game and all that.

[Pool4Life]

Any team that Wenger puts out usually performs.Would be delighted with a 1 nil win being the 1st game and all that.

+1

[7Cannibal-9Asbo]

Any links for this?

[Tarabuses]

Come on Liverpool, let's show them what we can do.

[MrsPepe]

http://www.iilemi.com/7207/3/Watch-Liverpool-vs-Arsenal/

advert will disappear after about 5 secs

[7Cannibal-9Asbo]

http://www.iilemi.com/7207/3/Watch-Liverpool-vs-Arsenal/

advert will disappear after about 5 secs

Cheers the one I found just went down, before it did they said Brad Jones is in the ground though. Must be a near done deal?

[7Cannibal-9Asbo]

Never a red card, going to be tough now.

[Aido82]

what a fcuking joke

[Con]

Stupid tackle

[Phil!]

Was a stupid tackle but was a terrible decison to send him off was never a red! Gonna be tough from here!

[7Cannibal-9Asbo]

Stupid tackle

Didn't really look that bad, just tried to block the ball.

[GaryMc]

That is a potential leg breaker, there is no doubt about it. In modern game you are asking for a red in a high profile game. If it was in the championship it would be a yellow, but in big games, you get sent off for anything approaching reckless. Nightmare debut for him as he hardly got a kick of the ball. Be out now for next three games. Damage limitation now.

[The beard]

Stupid tackle , but in no way a red , arsenal players are lying down very easy undersome of the challenges

[Aido82]

Stupid tackle

true, but the cnut rolling round like he was dying got him the card

never a red, ref had a shite view of it and thought it was a studded tackle, disaster.
Its gonna be hard now.

Cole now out of the city match???

[GaryMc]

true, but the cnut rolling round like he was dying got him the card

never a red, ref had a shite view of it and thought it was a studded tackle, disaster.
Its gonna be hard now.

Cole now out of the city match???

Aido, he was carried down the tunnel. He will be out for three

[CrazyHorse]

Can't blame the ref giving Cole a red for that tackle, considering the view he had....

It's a disaster for us as it was fairly even anyway.
Gonna be backs to the wall in the 2nd half.
:(

[Con]

Didn't really look that bad, just tried to block the ball.

minute to half time, ball in the arsenal corner with nothing but a punt up the pitch on and he dived in off the ground, no studs, but ref couldn't see that so for me a stupid tackle

[Fowler's God]

Being honest, has he or the team done much in the match so far. Very disappointed with the performance more than the Red card. Arsenal dominating the majority of the game.

[Aido82]

Aido, he was carried down the tunnel. He will be out for three

he was, but i will not be surprised if he is back out for the second half.

If i am wrong, i will retract the comment

[Molby Is a Legend]

true, but the cnut rolling round like he was dying got him the card

never a red, ref had a shite view of it and thought it was a studded tackle, disaster.
Its gonna be hard now.

Cole now out of the city match???

Out for the next three games, back for the mancs

No way was that a red it was no worse than wilshires tackle on Masch, If he had of caught masch it was a leg breaker aswell

[7Cannibal-9Asbo]

minute to half time, ball in the arsenal corner with nothing but a punt up the pitch on and he dived in off the ground, no studs, but ref couldn't see that so for me a stupid tackle

True just saw the close up of the face on angle on a stream so I'll wait for motd2 later on.

Annoying thing is the difference there would have been had that ball not been cleared off the line seconds earlier.

[The beard]

Can't blame the ref giving Cole a red for that tackle, considering the view he had....

It's a disaster for us as it was fairly even anyway.
Gonna be backs to the wall in the 2nd half.
:(

Yes you can blame the ref it's up to him to be in a position to watch the game. there was no mallous in that tackle, it was a simple blocking challenge.
The fact that the player maybe injured doesnt mean that the tackle was any worse ,a player can hurt himself with no-one around

[General]

Was a red, so was Wilshere's!! Stupid tackle... he needs to work on his fitness now for 3 weeks.... could do with losing half a stone..

[Fowler's God]

Koscienly is back on now!

[Aido82]

true, but the cnut rolling round like he was dying got him the card

never a red, ref had a shite view of it and thought it was a studded tackle, disaster.
Its gonna be hard now.

Aido, he was carried down the tunnel. He will be out for three

he was, but i will not be surprised if he is back out for the second half.

If i am wrong, i will retract the comment


And, he is out for the second half

[Gray72]

Well well well! We have just come off the back of a woeful campaign that we were all gad to see the back of. We have all the pain over players will they won't they and the sale of the club. Then we are bouyed by the signing of Joe Cole and the commitment of Gerrard and Torres.

45mins into the first game of the season and our great hope gets sent off for the first time in his career. Isn't it great the season has started again? Ah well may be the making of us and we can scramble a 1-0 win! Come on!!

[Pool4Life]

legend yyyyeeeesssssss !!!!

[Phil!]

Cmoooooooooooonnnnnnn!!!

[General]

Get in!!!!!!! Yeeesss!!!

[LFC Lad]

Yes!!!! Get in there David!!!!!!!!!!!!

[7Cannibal-9Asbo]

he was, but i will not be surprised if he is back out for the second half.

If i am wrong, i will retract the comment

Looks like you were right

[Aido82]

nice shot,

poor keeping though, but hey get in there

[Con]

I hate that cnut gray, he can't even praise n'gog. Its all down to a bad keeper

[Gray72]

I hate that cnut gray, he can't even praise n'gog. Its all down to a bad keeper

Listen, who gives a dame about what that blue nose says! i always talk too soon, this could be the making of us??

[General]

Gonna be a long half hour!!

[Aido82]

nando coming on :D

[Pool4Life]

Come on Nando score another one for us

[edcarroll02]

Torres better have warmed up properly!

[Aido82]

grey commenting that his boots are man city's colour
he really hates liverpool

[LFC Lad]

grey commenting that his boots are man city's colour
he really hates liverpool

It's best to just ignore him. He's nothing but a bitter bluenose who talks crap non-stop.

[Aido82]

mascher injured

[LFC Lad]

Agger's going off.

[Pool4Life]

Christ will be tight now

[Aido82]

down to 9 men

agger injured, no subs left

[Pool4Life]

Good Man Agger

[LFC Lad]

agger injured, no subs left

He's back on now.

[7Cannibal-9Asbo]

Agger back on

[Pool4Life]

This is torture. No nails left !!

[Pool4Life]

Fu%k

[7Cannibal-9Asbo]

Horrible

[Aido82]

*** it

[7Cannibal-9Asbo]

Konscielny sent off

[Irishlad]

That's just deflating

[Aido82]

pepe howler - had to be after all the rantics of fabresgas/barca/jersey incident

gutted

[Tarabuses]

Hopefully the second half performance will be how we play going forward.

[Pool4Life]

Hard Luck Lads. Not the worst result considering we had 10 men for so long. Hopefully 3 points at city next week. :)

[The beard]

my link went down for the arsenal goal , what happened?

[GaryMc]

my link went down for the arsenal goal , what happened?

Trust me mate, you would be safer not watching it

Excellent second half peformance. Thought back four played really well, as did Masher and Gerrard.

Fair play to Ngog, I dont give a fcuk what Gray says, it was in the top corner, it that was Louis Saha would be creaming himself.

Can see Jamie's face in interview, he is completely gutted.

[Irishlad]

my link went down for the arsenal goal , what happened?

They crossed it someone got a header on it, it came off the post and pepe went to catch. The ball then bounced off pepe and in the back of the net. :mad:

[The beard]

Sh1te

[Carroll9]

Absolutely gutted at the end but would have taken a point at half time.Excellent second half performance and a lot of positives for the season ahead.Heads up lads.

[prendy]

I hate that cnut gray, he can't even praise n'gog. Its all down to a bad keeper

in fairness no keeper should be beaten from that angle, fair play to ngog and all but still.



that was heartbreaking but if I was given 1-1 at 3pm I'd have taken it. Alot of positives to be taken.

Masc was brilliant I thought and Stevie pulled the strings in the centre.Ngog looked sharp, kuyt was his usual energiser bunny self. back 4 were solid.
jovanovic looked good for 45 mins.
Coles red card was harsh but you cant jump in like that, sickening especially since there was no need for it.

Jus looking at carra's interview he's almost crying he's that gutted, he is LFC.


all in all its a good point, we can push on from here.

[Carroll9]

Merson thinks that Cole's 3 game ban might get downgraded to just 1 game.Don't think it will happen myself but fingers crossed anyway.

[macca]

Carra and skrtel were immense

[Con 93]

Well that second half was certainly alot better than the first!

Im absolutely gutted but at the same time optimistic about the new season. Today I felt proud to be a Liverpool fan as they walked off the pitch. The team spirit and togetherness that we showed in that second half was unbelievable. Every man put in a good shift. When was the last time we saw a Liverpool side draw at home and the Kop applaud them off the pitch.

Carragher and Skrtel were absolutely fantastic. Yesterday morning I said to myself that 7 points from the first 3 games would be a good start and after watching the way City and WBA played yesterday we're certainly capable.

Support and Believe!!!

[CrazyHorse]

I'd have bitten your hand off for a draw at half-time the way Arsenal played in the 1st.

In saying that, it was a real sickener to concede in the manner we did, with so little time left on the board.

------------

Seen this, reading back....

Well well well! We have just come off the back of a woeful campaign that we were all gad to see the back of. We have all the pain over players will they won't they and the sale of the club. Then we are bouyed by the signing of Joe Cole and the commitment of Gerrard and Torres.

45mins into the first game of the season and our great hope gets sent off for the first time in his career. Isn't it great the season has started again? Ah well may be the making of us and we can scramble a 1-0 win! Come on!!

The first 3 words in that post tells me the way you were thinking when writing this, and no amount of backtracking will be enough.

A new season, a new manager, new players, tired players, recently injured players, out of form players.....
All of the above gave 200% effort today for the shirt, for the manager and for the fans.
And we were unlucky not to get the 3points today.
Arsenal will outpass 98% of the teams in the premiership, and J. Cole's red card was out of the blue, quite literally.

It took you 45 minutes to write us off!!!
Fcuking ridiculous! A bit of perspective wouldn't go amiss.

[CrazyHorse]

in fairness no keeper should be beaten from that angle, fair play to ngog and all but still.

In fairness, it was the only place he could have scored to...
Nando did the same last season v the mancs.

The shot was simply too good for a keeper who isn't top quality.
I thought N'gog played very well today, his hold-up play was alot better and his finish was excellent. Tired before coming off, but thats a tough job by yourself up front.

[stevieg]

Sickener in the end though would have taken a point at half-time.

Ngog scores again, he has that knack of scoring goals even though he is still raw, would be great to have the luxury to be able to give him a season on loan with another team.

Felt sorry for Pepe, he has saved us so many times, the lack of any game time lately won't have helped.

Thought Gerrard & Masch where very good, it's a pity that Masch is likely to leave because he is still the best around at his job and played the ball into Ngog for the goal.

Be interesting to see does Roy push Gerrard forward now that Cole is likely to be suspended for a few games.

[fitzpatrickgary]

real downer to concede in the last min but at half time i would have taken a draw
head up pepe lad
both carra and skrtel had great games
ngog too not just his goal but all round play

bring on citeh

[Fran74]

Would have taken the draw at half time like a hot snot but still have to feel gutted with the manner the equaliser went in. But proud of the commitment from each and every player. Masch especially did a great job, he'll be badly missed. Skrtel never puit a foot wrong and could be like a new signing for us. Onwards and upwards for the season.

[babbsnads]

Defensively we looked really solid. Skrtel in that form is excellent and carra man of the match after all the so called experts said he's finished. Carra was born to play in games like that. Gerard looked good, it's obvious he enjoys it much more in the centre of midfield where he sees a lot more of the ball.
I've been quite critical of mascherano lately and I stand by everything I said but he was outstanding today. One thing that obviously can't be questioned is his professionalism when he's on that pitch, credit where credits due. Pepes save from rosicky was world class, the goal was just one of those things. All in all I think we're looking alright and by all accounts we've another couple to come in.

[vincenzo]

Gutted with the result but happy with the performance. New season but the same old shite decisions by the ref. Never a red card.

[Bren100]

I thought both teams looked unfit and lacked sharpness, I know it's 1st game n'all.

Pitty we didn't get the 3 points, Reina should have done much better but he won't need people to beat him up over it.

Head says I'd have taken a draw before KO

[megager]

I thought there were positives but same old failings came home to roost. Passing poor, completely overrun in midfield for 80% of game by a team missing their best player. Aside from one corner (ngog header) the distribution from set pieces wasnt good enough. On the plus side tremendous heart after going down to 9 men. A lot of improvement needed to make top 4 but ultimately happy with result.

[byrnetred]

Sickener right at the end, couldn't see the goal from where I was but great performance in the second half all considering, terrific atmosphere too

Come on red men!!!!

[robbie st leger]

by the way wtf was johnson doing when he cud have played the ball well down the line instead of trying to hit the ball off the arsenal player for the throw in that led to the goal?

[MutantNinjaSkrtel]

Gerrard shouldn't be playing CM and Carra's place in the starting line-up is highly questionable.Would have taken a draw at HT though.Would like to retract my statement about Atkinson before the game.Got both sendings off horribly wrong imo.

[robbie st leger]

Gerrard shouldn't be playing CM and Carra's place in the starting line-up is highly questionable.Would have taken a draw at HT though.Would like to retract my statement about Atkinson before the game.Got both sendings off horribly wrong imo.

Can you elaborate on the carragher piece please?

[MutantNinjaSkrtel]

Can you elaborate on the carragher piece please?

Drinking.More after/tomorrow to follow

[Fantana]

Gerrard shouldn't be playing CM and Carra's place in the starting line-up is highly questionable.Would have taken a draw at HT though.Would like to retract my statement about Atkinson before the game.Got both sendings off horribly wrong imo.

Everyone entitled to opinion Ninja and that's what this is all about, but seriously? He held the entire shape of the team together. Besides Rosicky chance they had no clear cut opening? Very harsh IMO.

[vincenzo]

by the way wtf was johnson doing when he cud have played the ball well down the line instead of trying to hit the ball off the arsenal player for the throw in that led to the goal?
I know, stupid error, but I though he did ok overall.

[robbie st leger]

ye but just a bit liable to these - stil the bit id like to take out of his game tho!

[rushiekop]

How Roy saw it .....

http://www.skysports.com/video/inline/0,26691,12606_6314446,00.html


How Carra saw it .....

http://www.skysports.com/video/inline/0,26691,12606_6314449,00.html

[Gerry]

In fairness, it was the only place he could have scored to...
Nando did the same last season v the mancs..

Spot on Damo and he was hailed by everyone for it

Ngog does similar today and its bad goalkeeping,

A few things from today, Poor decision from the ref really hurt us, if that was a red where was the red for witshire? and the best keeper in the world is also human and can make a mistake, No Problem Pepe you have saved us so many times,the attitude shown today was first class in my opinion, Come on you mighty reds

[The beard]

Carra had a slight tremble of disappointment in his voice alright, Liverpool through and through.

[Bren100]

Everyone entitled to opinion Ninja and that's what this is all about, but seriously? He held the entire shape of the team together. Besides Rosicky chance they had no clear cut opening? Very harsh IMO.

Wild agree. Did Carra not get MOTM too?

[Carroll9]

Wild agree. Did Carra not get MOTM too?

He did.And well deserved.:D

[MutantNinjaSkrtel]

Can you elaborate on the carragher piece please?

Everyone entitled to opinion Ninja and that's what this is all about, but seriously? He held the entire shape of the team together. Besides Rosicky chance they had no clear cut opening? Very harsh IMO.



Nothing to do with today really.Thought he played well.

Would have been easy for me to wait for Carra to have a bad game and then criticise but I'm looking at the bigger picture and this has been my feeling for some time......


When he's in the team,his lack of pace is a major concern when Johnson bombs forward as it leaves us incredibly exposed.He has a tendancy to make rash tackles,conceding penalties and free kicks in dangerous area's.He's not particularly good in the air.His distribution is well below average and his incessant hoofs to the lone striker take the entire midfield out of the game on a regular basis.His biggest asset these days is his footballing brain and organisation qualities.Is this enough to warrant a starting place for Liverpool week in week out?I adore Carra.Best CB alongside Sami that I've seen in my 14 years supporting the club,but there comes a time when a player should be phased out once he's past his prime.This is a transitional season where we're not expected to win the big cups.No better time to play Skrtel and Agger alongside eachother on a regular basis.Hopefully they can gel and become our long-term pairing at the back.Save Carra,as we did with Sami,for the big games where his experience could be vital.

In the event that I'm talking out of my hole,disregard this,as I've had a few drinks,but I honestly don't think I'm too far off the mark.Love Carra,just want what's best for the team.

[STEVE1978]

From wat i could see of the game today, i thought we played well. Was a shame bout Coles red card, but thought it was a yellow meself.
Lot of positives to be taken out of it today, onwards and upwards.

[leixlip kopite]

just back from d pub. Sick as a parrot although looking back a point is probably a fair result.We were outplayed in the first half and it was never a red card. We played well in the second half and cant blame pepe.He has never let us down before.Onwaards and upwards!!!!

[stamullenredmen]

said id be happy with a point at half time but it was a terrible unlucky way to drop two points.pepe had a good match as usual apart from the goal.i was very impressed with jovanovic thought he had an excellent debut

[The beard]

said id be happy with a point at half time but it was a terrible unlucky way to drop two points.pepe had a good match as usual apart from the goal.i was very impressed with jovanovic thought he had an excellent debut

True , I nearly forgot about Milan after been taken off, but his performance shows that he has both the skill and the heart to play for L.F.C , He looks like a very good signing.

[prendy]

he had a brilliant 45 but I thought he tired badly in the second half.

Looks the business though, fitness will come.




True , I nearly forgot about Milan after been taken off, but his performance shows that he has both the skill and the heart to play for L.F.C , He looks like a very good signing.

[Malzheimer]

How Carra saw it .....

http://www.skysports.com/video/inline/0,26691,12606_6314449,00.html

Your man that does those interviews Geoff Shreeves is it and Rafa hated each other. Fair play to Carra havig the honesty and respect to not take his sly bait in trying to get Jamie to criticise Rafa. Amazing the different attitudes by certain pundits, journalists and media towards our club now that we have a media friendly boss in charge.

Well done today Roy, happy with the team and the attitude. Gutting to lose a late goal though in the manner we did. As Jamie says though he is the best keeper in the world, we just need to buy him a hat for his next game in the sun.

With regards to what Ninja was saying I agree Carra's distrubution is terrible and he is the cause of us losing possession and being on the back foot an awful lot. However I wouldn't swap him for anyone, what a defender and organiser, I dread the day we are forced to line up without a Jamie Carragher in the back line.

I knew Masch would be professional and put in a big shift, shame on people criticising him for wanting to move on. Can you not relate to or empathise with being stuck in a foreign culture with a family to think of? Anyway hope no bid comes in but if it does he will always have been a faithful servant in my eyes and will wish him all the best.

Jovanovic looked very promising too, very direct and keeps the ball well, can see him becomig a fans favourite.

[Coolfran]

A performance of heart if not quality. Arsenal largely controlled the game and for the first half looked like the home team.

It's difficult if not impossible to be completely unbiased re Atkinson but;
- Cole sending off. Hmm possibly yes. Not two feet off the ground as stated by some but reckless.
- Wilshere tackle. Well at least as bad as Cole's.
-N'Gog obviously should have been booked for the handball.
- Kocielsny dragged Torres down around the 83rd min no question.
- Chamakh on Reina. Honestly I thought it was fine. Reina made a mistake in waiting on the ball and allowed Chamakh in ahead of him.
- Kocielsny red card. Thought he had to go to be honest. Torres was past him and you cant wander around with your arms out.

To be honest I'm completely deflated. Feels like a loss.

[Terry Conlon]

Devastated at the end result, but we didnt loose & under the circumstances have to be happy with the result. Do aggree with Ninja, I think Carra should be used in a similar role to what Sami was.

[GaryMc]

A performance of heart if not quality. Arsenal largely controlled the game and for the first half looked like the home team.

It's difficult if not impossible to be completely unbiased re Atkinson but;
- Cole sending off. Hmm possibly yes. Not two feet off the ground as stated by some but reckless.
- Wilshere tackle. Well at least as bad as Cole's.
-N'Gog obviously should have been booked for the handball.
- Kocielsny dragged Torres down around the 83rd min no question.
- Chamakh on Reina. Honestly I thought it was fine. Reina made a mistake in waiting on the ball and allowed Chamakh in ahead of him.
- Kocielsny red card. Thought he had to go to be honest. Torres was past him and you cant wander around with your arms out.

To be honest I'm completely deflated. Feels like a loss.

Definately was a foul and possible second yellow for him:mad:

[this]

Your man that does those interviews Geoff Shreeves is it and Rafa hated each other. Fair play to Carra havig the honesty and respect to not take his sly bait in trying to get Jamie to criticise Rafa. Amazing the different attitudes by certain pundits, journalists and media towards our club now that we have a media friendly boss in charge.

Well done today Roy, happy with the team and the attitude. Gutting to lose a late goal though in the manner we did. As Jamie says though he is the best keeper in the world, we just need to buy him a hat for his next game in the sun.

With regards to what Ninja was saying I agree Carra's distrubution is terrible and he is the cause of us losing possession and being on the back foot an awful lot. However I wouldn't swap him for anyone, what a defender and organiser, I dread the day we are forced to line up without a Jamie Carragher in the back line.

I knew Masch would be professional and put in a big shift, shame on people criticising him for wanting to move on. Can you not relate to or empathise with being stuck in a foreign culture with a family to think of? Anyway hope no bid comes in but if it does he will always have been a faithful servant in my eyes and will wish him all the best.

Jovanovic looked very promising too, very direct and keeps the ball well, can see him becomig a fans favourite.

Shreeves is a p***k who always had an agenda against Rafa.

Disappointed with the result, considering with played with 10, then basically 9 men when Agger was injured, but all things considered probably would have taken a point if you offered it at half time.

Don't understand how people some are saying we were outplayed by them though, complete crap in my book. They had one notable shot on target from Rosicky that Pepe brilliantly saved, Ngog had a header cleared off the line in the first, Johnson forced the Arsenal keeper into a great stop, Skrtel & Ngog had decent chances in the second..............and we were outplayed? They did the typical Arsenal thing, more possession, but bugger all end product.

& Pepe, not a word against you mate.

Ridiculous sending off, no matter what way you look at it. Masch was an animal, haven't been impressed with some of his off field behavior over the last few months, but you can't not support a red when they pull on the shirt, and especially when they put in a performance like that.

Gerard is back, like.

Bring on the Manchester Scum Rentboys.

[this]

A performance of heart if not quality. Arsenal largely controlled the game and for the first half looked like the home team.

It's difficult if not impossible to be completely unbiased re Atkinson but;
- Cole sending off. Hmm possibly yes. Not two feet off the ground as stated by some but reckless.
- Wilshere tackle. Well at least as bad as Cole's.
-N'Gog obviously should have been booked for the handball.
- Kocielsny dragged Torres down around the 83rd min no question.
- Chamakh on Reina. Honestly I thought it was fine. Reina made a mistake in waiting on the ball and allowed Chamakh in ahead of him.
- Kocielsny red card. Thought he had to go to be honest. Torres was past him and you cant wander around with your arms out.

To be honest I'm completely deflated. Feels like a loss.

Seem to also remember a corner in the first where Chamakh actually wrestled Kuyt to the ground with both his hands around his throat. The kind of thing you'd see given on other grounds on other days, but never going to happen with Atkinson today.

Anyone else notice Hodgon's suit? Sweet.

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae160/pablo29_2010/x810.jpg

[SHOWTIME]

Well done Ngog.Always said he was quality and Masher was fcuking immense again.

Brill 2nd half performance and am very optimistic with regards to this season now!!

[Phil!]

Was devestating with the way it panned out but all in all was a good result. We were on the back foot for alot of the first half and think alot of that was due to just hoofin the ball outta defence...and Carra wasn't the only culprit imo... think we need to be lookin to make the simple passes to make our way up the pitch rather than long ball approach!

2nd half was much improved especially considering we only had ten men boys did well Skrtel and Carra were solid at the back and Mach definately showed his worth today think callin him a pr1ck because he doent like the culture of the country and he's not happy in England is very harsh on the lad. Was good to see Nando out in a red shirt too! Also be interesting to see how we defend set-pieces this year it looked like Roy prefers to use Man-Marking

The ref was fairly awful as has been said already think Joey Cole was very hard done by and would definately be lookin at appealing the 3 game ban!

[bono]

Thought Gerrard played well today,Ngog took his goal well.



a0Q-85GkWrg



Not an easy opener the boys done well.

[ROCCO]

Gutted ...

Really thought Arsenal were there for the taking the more the game went on ..

[noodge74]

I think he'll start with the following
Reina
Johnson Carragher Skrtel Kelly
Lucas
Kuyt Gerrard Aqualani Cole
N'gog
Think we'll win 2-1 in a tight game. This is it folks, let the games begin !!!!!

Whats the story with Aquaman?..........not even on bench????:confused:

[Paddser]

Thought the lads showed great heart in the second half with ten men, and then Agger's concussion. Sickening way to lose the 3 points, but Pepe pulled out a wonder save from Rosicky, and that will prob be his one mistake this season. C'est la vie. Onwards and upwards now, and if we can get 3 points against City we'll be in a great position.

[ROCCO]

Aqualani ?

[clayton]

a howler from Reina, maybe a baseball cap would have helped him - but it has to go down as a howler :(

[Badman]

i reckon aquaman wil be sold - rafa often left him out and he paid 20m for him. roy has had the whole preseaosn to look at him and i reckon doesnt fancy him either which was why lucas got in ahead of him into the squad..just a feeling i have.
on the game, ive no arguments with the result. they passed the ball around us for fun, we couldnt get it off them or pass it to each other coz we dont have a midfielder to do tht. the game shows gerrard is good in midfield, but not at controlling and taking the sting outta the game. gutted for reina coz we really tried so hard in the 2nd half but no criticism from me coz he's a f**kin legend...and welll in ngon class goal

[mushypea]

a howler from Reina, maybe a baseball cap would have helped him - but it has to go down as a howler :(

Yeah think the sun played a part in it. The save from Rosicky before that will go down as one of the saves of the season in my book so i wont go criticising him too much.

[bobby benitez]

A right kick in the nads that finish was. From the moment Cole got sent off I was sure it would be like Everton all over again with a 1-0 win. The players owe it to Pepe to get them points back, starting with City.

[clayton]

Yeah think the sun played a part in it. The save from Rosicky before that will go down as one of the saves of the season in my book so i wont go criticising him too much.

ah i know, but he should have worn a baseball cap. school boy stuff.

would have been great to get the 3 points. I think we can take man city away in the next league match, money does not guarantee success and city looked well exposed on saturday.

[Liverpool-law]

Gutted with the last minute concession, what a complete kick in the stones... but we'd all have taken a draw at half time so in the circumstances it must go down as a good result. The three points before going to City would've been a massive feelgood start though. Fair play to N'Gog, brilliant goal and generally showed for the ball well. Keep it up kid.

[Maverick]

As bad as it was to concede in the dying minutes,a draw against arsenal is never a bad result.I think the team will take great heart from the spirited performance.Arsenal were perhaps understrength but it's definately a performance and a result that shows us that this team can get us back in the top 4.Bring on city and hopefully our first 3 points of the season.

[clayton]

As bad as it was to concede in the dying minutes,a draw against arsenal is never a bad result.I think the team will take great heart from the spirited performance.Arsenal were perhaps understrength but it's definately a performance and a result that shows us that this team can get us back in the top 4.Bring on city and hopefully our first 3 points of the season.

maybe this is the mentallity we need to lose. i am greedy, and i wanted 3 points and the only reason we didn't get them is due to a poxy O.G in the last minute.

arsenal aren't great and were there for the taking, unfortunately we did not take them though.

[paulcompton]

I don't think a draw at home is ever a good result. We will have to take all the points at theirs to make up for it now.

Thanks to Liam and Dave for a good day yesterday, 1pm rule is coming back.

[ISTANBUL VET]

Just a few thoughts.
I don't have to listen to pre-match on Sky,where they have those two village idiots Rednapp and Merson but I was still subjected to the cliche ridden Andy Gray for 90 mins.
Sky were creaming themselves--Roy walked down the tunnel to be greeted by a reporter on the pitch..sic.
We had the media's favourite Joe Cole playing who to me is no better/worse than Benny and no more than a squad player.Certainly Stevie G is twice as good in that position,but of course he is now in his favoured midfield position.I agree with another poster--he doesn't need to take every corner.
Zonal marking abandoned--another victory for Andy Gray!
We rediscovered our fighting spirit which we lost under Rafa--give me a break.
Yes it did feel like a loss to me--we worked hard against the odds and should have dug out the win.
Will be sorry to see Masch go.

[redabbey]

Did anyone else notice that there is was a much restricted view of the KOP from the TV studio yesterday. If ever there is to be a protest after a match like last season there is only a very small area that can now be seen from the TV studio.

[garyc]

would have taken a point after the Cole sending off but was still gutted in the end to throw away 2 points like that!!!

[ISTANBUL VET]

Did anyone else notice that there is was a much restricted view of the KOP from the TV studio yesterday. If ever there is to be a protest after a match like last season there is only a very small area that can now be seen from the TV studio.

Obviously Sky will not buy into these protests,and there were a number going on yesterday.Correction--the green/gold gets massive coverage.
Their output has to be sanitised and full of hype to appeal to the masses.

[graham]

Hats off to Roy Hodgson yesterday.
His line-up, tactics and subs were all very positive and spot on IMO.
We were unlucky but I'm excited about the season ahead.
YNWA Roy

[Meijer the trier]

Forgive me if this question has been answered before but.....


What was the difference between Wilshires tackle and Coles tackle other than the fact one got a yellow and the other got a red?

[Derekc]

Hard to know what to make of the game. I thought the first half was really poor. 60/40 possession in favour of arsenal midfield reserves in the first half . Expected us to start with a really high tempo. At times we struggled to get out of our half.

I think if Gerard is to play centre mid then he needs to be more disciplined, not everything has to be a killer pass. When he plays like that we lose possession too cheaply.

I also hope that if Cole behind the striker and Gerard in centre mid doesn't work then Roy doesn't indulge them by keeping them there. I know he's not everyone's cup of tea on here but I thought yesterday was tailor made for aqua, if was important for us to keep the ball and we couldn't at times.

All heart in second half but I'd expect nothing less of a Liverpool team. Be easier to judge after 10/15 games, see how Roy has us playing etc. Decent start though

[CrazyDaize]

A loss in this fixture last season (when we also gifted them an og) turned into a draw this season. A very small step forward. And a fair amount of positives to take away from the game too. One being a quality goal from N'Gog. As a few lads have said here already the finishing will come. He's the type of the striker that eventually defenders will start to take a bit of notice of and mark him closer. If he gets game time alongside Torres they could be effective in opening up defences. Anyone think it will happen?

And if we could keep Masch til January or next summer it would be a great. We need him badly at the moment. Too much change in the midfield at the same time is not good.

[GaryMc]

For anyone who was at the match

1. Was there any protests about the owners?
2. Was the banner displayed with Broughton and Purslow?
3. Was there many new replica shirts (From the Tv it looks like loads of away ones on the kop)?
4. Was there any spare seats?
5. What was the general atmosphere like before the match?

[keithno1faneire]

For anyone who was at the match

1. Was there any protests about the owners?
2. Was the banner displayed with Broughton and Purslow?
3. Was there many new replica shirts (From the Tv it looks like loads of away ones on the kop)?
4. Was there any spare seats?
5. What was the general atmosphere like before the match?


1. Didnt see any, buy left as soon as final whistle
2. Didnt see that either.
3. SHOCKED at the amount of replica shirts around, I was in the city early on Sunday morning and up at the ground for 1ish it was dissapointing to see the amount of new shirts around. Locals included.
4. Seen a few spare seats around Annie Rd.
5.Atmosphere was great before the game and leading up to the kick off, then the 1st half was a bit quite, could only really hear the Arsenal fans. Second half and the place was rockin.

[redspider]

Liverpool 1 - Arsenal 1
N’Gog 46 – Reina (og) 90+1

Liverpool started the league campaign with a difficult tie, although it transpired that both teams were ‘rusty’ looking in the summer sunshine. This game would have been much different if occurring in the latter half of the season. There were some key moments which determined the result. Overall Liverpool could have come away with a win but a draw was probably a reasonably fair result.

The team were lined up 4-2-3-1, although Hodgson made some significant personnel changes. Lucas was left on the bench and Mascherano, the player who wants away, got the defensive midfield berth for his first game this season, partnering alongside Stevie G. Cole was in the attacking midfield berth playing behind N’Gog. Kelly was replaced by Agger, and Kuyt was given his first start. As was Reina:

------------- Reina -------------
Johnson - Carragher - Skrtel - Agger
--- Mascherano ---- Gerrard ------
Kuyt ----- Cole -------- Jovanovic
---------- N’Gog ---------------

Subs: Maxi for Jovanovic (65), Torres for N’Gog (74), Lucas for Mascherano (78 mins)

Liverpool started the game reasonably brightly, and seemed to be in control for the 1st half. However both teams were lacking a cutting edge in the final third. For Liverpool, many of the moves broke down when N’Gog became involved. This was quite frustrating as lots of efforts and good build-up play ended up wasted.

Cole did okay in the 1st half and Jovanovic showed a lot of determination and speed at times. But he will never be a Maradona, that’s for sure, as he just doesn’t have enough close ball control. He is more physique than skill. Kuyt was his usual self, sticking a foot in here and there and making himself awkward, but completely lacking in pace. Steven Gerrard was looking sharp. He took a lot of responsibility on himself, covering back in the defensive midfield role and playing it well with the fast Mascherano, and getting involved in neat link-ups going forward with Cole and with Johnson, who was as ever foraging forward.

Arsenal were limited in their passing game and Liverpool’s defence were mopping up anything coming through, with reasonably solid play by Carragher, Skrtel and Agger. Its an ‘asymmetric’ defence as Agger didn’t forage anywhere near as much forward as Johnson did on the right. Mascherano was fairly quiet in the 1st half, perhaps not surprisingly given his public request to leave the club, but he did get more into the game as it wore on and there can be no question of his efforts on this occasion.

Liverpool had chances saved from Johnson and N’Gog. Arsenal had quite a bit of possession but weren’t able to do anything with it.

Liverpool’s slight domination got a surprise kick in the teeth however when in a no-danger situation at the end of the 1st half, Joe Cole was straight red-carded for a hard foul on Arsenal new boy Koscielny. It probably was a yellow card, no doubt about that, but a red card was an error and probably will be appealed. Cole knew he had fouled though and I guess the Ref saw it as clear fouling intent rather than a clumsy challenge. A red card was harsh.

That left Liverpool with a big challenge for the 2nd half, being a man short. But right out of the traps they got a break they perhaps deserved in the 1st half when Mascherano intercepted the ball as Arsenal were running out of defence and fed a neat low pass to N’Gog. Without thinking and without looking, and that certainly did help, N’Gog lashed a shot close to the top right corner from about 12 yards out. It was 1-0 Liverpool. Had N’Gog had more time to think, this probably would not have gone in.

Even as the 2nd half progressed, it was hard to believe that Liverpool were a man short, as they created as much as Arsenal did. However, Arsenal came into the game more as Liverpool moved back into a defensive mode and tried to hold onto their lead. Both managers tried to change things with Arsenal bringing on Walcott and Rosicky and later on Van Persie.

Hodgson brought on Maxi, perhaps to stem Walcott a bit, Torres got a good 15 min run-out, although he is off the pace, and Lucas got a deserved run out too.

Arsenal were creating more chances and some went close with some good saves by Reina. And then when it looked as if Liverpool were about to get all 3 points, a comedy goal. A crossed in free-kick from the left had a flailing and perhaps sun-blinded Reina flapping at the ball. The Arsenal player beat Reina to the ball but the header came back off the post only for the rushing Reina to fumble it into his own net. A very embarrassing own-goal indeed and one that left Reina with a lot of egg on his face. It is well documented, at least by me, that Reina is no good at crosses and this costs us goals and points each season (whether directly as in this case or indirectly), and this is another case in point. It could be said, Liverpool 1 point, Reina –2 points!

The tally at the end of the match read Liverpool’s 6 attempts to Arsenal’s 12. Overall, you could say that a draw was a reasonably good result for Liverpool and reasonably fair on the chances created in the game. However, if one takes the view that the red card was an error, then you couldn’t draw that conclusion.

What can we tell from this match? Probably that neither team are title contenders, at least with these personnel. That Liverpool will huff and puff and errors will catch up with them over a season. It is going to be a hard struggle to get into a top-4 slot. The Ownership ‘vacancy’ hangs over the club, so Liverpool is effectively in limbo in some respects. With that in mind, Hodgson is doing a reasonable man-management job so far to keep players motivated and concentrating on the football.

Steven Gerrard is well up for this and other games which is great to see, especially after England had a disappointing world cup. The fact that he has recommitted to Liverpool once again has given him an internal momentum. This is his ‘home’, this is his club, he is as much a part of the spirit of Shankly fan group as anyone else. His blood runs red with Liverpool blood.

A win would have been a nice start, a point will do. We are not title contenders but we do have a chance of 4th. Next up is Man City away, fellow contenders for a top-4 slot, along with Tottenham. A point there would be our target I would think.

Redspider

http://LiverpoolRedspider.wordpress.com/

[Liverpool-law]

Harsh on N'Gog. If he thought about it it wouldn't have gone in??? I think he knew exactly what he was doing, had the presence of mind not to take a touch in order to let the ball run past him, which gave him the yard of freedom to drive a great strike in. If you're going to do match reviews I would try to keep personal bias out of it. That's just my opinion.

[Clerk]

Harsh on N'Gog. If he thought about it it wouldn't have gone in??? I think he knew exactly what he was doing, had the presence of mind not to take a touch in order to let the ball run past him, which gave him the yard of freedom to drive a great strike in. If you're going to do match reviews I would try to keep personal bias out of it. That's just my opinion.

It was a cracking finish and after the goal went in I thought he looked like a different player. He is definitely improving and it was a vital goal.

If for whatever reason Liverpool don't buy another striker he looks much closer to the required standard this Year than last.

I thought that his performance was the most postive thing of all about the match.:D