Blackburn vs Liverpool

[Gerry]

Hopefully we get back to winning ways this Saturday !
Three points is a must !

[jaza]

Lets stuff paul ince and get behind our red men and live up to the reputation as the best fans in the world.

[byrnetred]

positive thoughts

[Badman]

i can only see a win here for the pool - playing away from the disgruntled baying fans at anfield may actually be a blessing for the players. i'd expect them to be more comfortable on the ball and play without the nervousness they have at anfield when things arent going well ( i think the same thing applies to chelsea cos theyve won 10 on the bounce away from home but are crap at the bridge - same reason as us, huge expectancy and impatient crowd).
ewood park is a big wide pitch with loadsa space to run into so should suit countrattacking style - babel would be ideal. i think 2-0 - cos the faster we get the last two games out of the system the better. our last away game against bolton was the best we've passed the ball in years remember

[Pimboli]

Hopefully we get back to winning ways this Saturday !
Three points is a must !

The fact after almost every game since Spurs the 'three points is a must' comment shows how we are not performing yet we arent getting the 3 points.

[jaza]

The fact after almost every game since Spurs the 'three points is a must' comment shows how we are not performing yet we arent getting the 3 points.

3 points is always a must in all fairness

[RedArmagh]

I think we will get back on track here (strange saying that when we are top!) with a vital away win. Blackburn are struggling and hopefully getting knocked outa the cup last night will have knocked the stuffing outa them. They are also suffering from injuries and illness at the min.
I think Rafa should go with this side.
Reina
arb carra agger doss
alonso macherano
kuyt gerrard BABEL
Keane

I think Babel is a must. Riera looks jaded lately and Babel can be one of our most effective players if given a run of games! he had a higher tranfer fee than Riera - give him the same chance to justify it! I also want to see Keane complete 90mins - it would do wonders for his confidence. And if wer struggling for a goal again (personally i dont think we will be) push babel up front alongside keane and take one of the holding players off. This would let keane play his normal game and would let babel play off the last defender and we could use his pace. I really think this is the game the boys can get a bit of confidence back going into the busy Christmas period! Come on the Reds!!

[Fowler's God]

Crucial that we win this game, Arsenal, Chelsea and Utd have come away with wins from Ewood this season. I think you will see a more supportive Liverpool following this weekend than what I can only describe what I experienced at Anfield Monday night as a joke.

Time to stand up and be counted....

My Team would be still the same as I predicted for the West Ham game:

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

------Arbeloa---------Carra--------Agger-------Dossena----

-------Kuyt-----------Xabi--------Gerrard-------Riera-------

---------------------Keane--------Babel--------------------

[edcarroll02]

Crucial that we win this game, Arsenal, Chelsea and Utd have come away with wins from Ewood this season. I think you will see a more supportive Liverpool following this weekend than what I can only describe what I experienced at Anfield Monday night as a joke.

Time to stand up and be counted....

My Team would be still the same as I predicted for the West Ham game:

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

------Arbeloa---------Carra--------Agger-------Dossena----

-------Kuyt-----------Xabi--------Gerrard-------Riera-------

---------------------Keane--------Babel--------------------

That's the team i'd like to see this weekend, no messing about with keane up front by himself. Babel is going to be needed with Torres out for so long so lets get him straight into the action.
Unfortunately Benitez rarely does what seems like the sensible thing so we may be left frustrated by the team selection again. I don't know what he's done but i've a feeling that we won't see too much more of Babel in a liverpool shirt if he doesn't get into the first team soon enough!

[Fowler's God]

That's the team i'd like to see this weekend, no messing about with keane up front by himself. Babel is going to be needed with Torres out for so long so lets get him straight into the action.
Unfortunately Benitez rarely does what seems like the sensible thing so we may be left frustrated by the team selection again. I don't know what he's done but i've a feeling that we won't see too much more of Babel in a liverpool shirt if he doesn't get into the first team soon enough!

He needs to be given a start in a position he is comfortable in. Benitez has even said without Torres we have Robbie, Dirk, Ngog and Babel as options to play up front. But still picks Babel on the left or when he brings him on for Riera, it does baffle me sometimes.

[Shels-07]

That's the team i'd like to see this weekend, no messing about with keane up front by himself. Babel is going to be needed with Torres out for so long so lets get him straight into the action.
Unfortunately Benitez rarely does what seems like the sensible thing so we may be left frustrated by the team selection again. I don't know what he's done but i've a feeling that we won't see too much more of Babel in a liverpool shirt if he doesn't get into the first team soon enough!

AGREE 100%

[djsim]

I also agree 100% with that team selection. But if we can all see the best 11, why cant Rafa. Unless we put out that team, I cannot see us getting 3 points. I thought we were terrible against West Ham. We got what we deserved.

[RedArmagh]

without a doubt lads that the team most wants to see, but i think we all know rafas policy by now, that if are two holding midfielders are fit, they will play in the away games. that means stevie playing off keane and if babel is to start it will be on the left

[D-Red]

I thought we were terrible against West Ham. We got what we deserved.

You mean Booed off????

[edcarroll02]

You mean Booed off????

I think he means a draw and he's right, having not seen the game i assumed that we were pretty poor but i saw extended highlights last night and we weren't actualy that bad. Benni, Kuyt and Hyypia were all unlucky not to score but sometimes that can be the way it goes, the fact that its two games in a row is a concern but it will all be forgotten if we stuff blackburn this weekend.
A bit concern is how ineffective gerrard was, if Torres is out injured we really need him to be on top of his game so hopefully he's back to his usual self this weekend!

[Rover 609]

Think seriously about this...

Anxiety and fear strips away courage and makes great performances impossible.

Doubt makes even the best decisions feel difficult and causes procrastination.

Anger rips your focus away from your goals.

Frustration can only serve to make you quit.

Guilt makes it impossible to enjoy any successes you achieve



For all our pessimists.

[D-Red]

I think he means a draw

God knows man... If you read his comments on the West ham thread you'll understand why I was asking

[edcarroll02]

God knows man... If you read his comments on the West ham thread you'll understand why I was asking

Sorry mate i just assumed that there were no genuine liverpool fans involved in the booing.
Its insulting to the team (who by the way are top of the table), it puts even more pressure on the players and manager and it reflects very poorly on the other 40,000 people in the ground that aren't booing.

[D-Red]

Sorry mate i just assumed that there were no genuine liverpool fans involved in the booing.
Its insulting to the team (who by the way are top of the table), it puts even more pressure on the players and manager and it reflects very poorly on the other 40,000 people in the ground that aren't booing.

No worries mate, we'd all like to assume there were No Genuine fans involved in the booing.
Although your man in question sounds far from being a genuine fan.

As you said there, key point too, it "reflects very poorly on the other 40,000 people in the ground that aren't booing".
Really does too coz it's tarnishing the reputation of Liverpool fans when you get that shite at games. A mate of mine is a Gooners fan and he thought it was absolutely hilarious that Liverpool fans were booing their own team after going top of the league. Kind of says it all really.

No doubt our traveling fans will do us proud at Blackburn Saturday, it's the boo-boys at the Home games that need to look at themselves (or better still, stop going)

[titti]

lads dossena is a fake , we need to win this and get back on track ,to many man scum fans getting lippy again so need them to lose and put them back in there place

[edcarroll02]

lads dossena is a fake , we need to win this and get back on track ,to many man scum fans getting lippy again so need them to lose and put them back in there place

Mate if you think that its bad now then you best take a back seat on this one because as long as we're top of the league they're gonna be breathing down our necks and don't think they won't let you know about it especially if we slip up later in the year.

Just rise above it, liverpool fans aren't like them scum, when they beat us last year i got about 20 texts off utd friends of mine slagging me off. When we beat them this year i never even mentioned it.

[paddypower111]

i think the lads can get the win this weekend we went through ur rough patch now im thinking please god . the team i would put in is our best i think anyway


riena

abeloa carra agger (dossena) = thought he played ok the other night)

macshca onlonso


babel gerard riera

keane

i think that team is good defensivly and great going forward with the pace of babel gerrard and riera and putting good balls to feet of keane we can get the win . don,t worry lads thats a team id like to see so sonme of yee might not agree with and thats ok

we all know rafa and 1 out 10 of us trying to pick the team rafas going to put out id say 1 would be close lol cause its hard to know whats going through the guys head:)

[paddypower111]

oh yeah guys is the game on tv ???????

[Rover 609]

oh yeah guys is the game on tv ???????

Ye it is,and PS find a spot for Dirk in that line up will ya!!!

[sean]

oh yeah guys is the game on tv ???????

Yup, on Setanta.

[paddypower111]

i think the lads can get the win this weekend we went through ur rough patch now im thinking please god . the team i would put in is our best i think anyway


riena

abeloa carra agger (dossena) = thought he played ok the other night)

macshca onlonso


babel gerard riera

kyut

i think that team is good defensivly and great going forward with the pace of babel gerrard and riera and putting good balls to feet of keane we can get the win . don,t worry lads thats a team id like to see so sonme of yee might not agree with and thats ok

we all know rafa and 1 out 10 of us trying to pick the team rafas going to put out id say 1 would be close lol cause its hard to know whats going through the guys head:)


put kyut up front instead of keane even

[25052005]

Massive game given the last 2 weeks. .. . also with United & Chelski likely to win their games no slip ups.

Reina

Arbeloa Carra Agger Aurelio (If fit)


Dirk Alonso Gerrard Riera

Keane

Babel

Lets stretch which is something that we haven't done to a team as of late. Come on lads a good confident display from the start and 3 points is in the bag,

[LFCDave]

RAFA BENITEZ has urged Robbie Keane’s team-mates to help him end his barren spell.
The £20m signing has hit just two League goals since his move from Spurs. And he looked frustrated at being substituted – for the 15th time in 18 starts – once again on Monday night.
But the Reds boss has stood by him and asked his team-mates to create more chances for him.
“Robbie is a better player than the one we are seeing now,” said Benitez. “We know what kind of player Robbie Keane is. He needs people around him to pass the ball well.
“I believe he will be okay, he will score more if we create chances for him. But if that does not happen we have to use players with different qualities to open up the game.”
Keane is set to continue at Blackburn on Saturday, but Danish defender Daniel Agger must fight for a return to the starting line-up after Sami Hyypia’s impressive performance on Monday.

Agger admitted he can do better – but reassured Reds fans he was happy on Merseyside after reports claimed Reds officials were stunned by his pay demands in contract talks.
The Denmark defender’s representatives are reportedly seeking to double the player’s wages to more than £70,000 a week.
“It’s difficult to compare to how I was before, and I know there are some things I need to improve, but I can feel myself getting better and better with every game,” said Agger,
“It has been difficult with the injury last year but that’s the past. Hopefully I’ll be 100 per cent soon.
“Outside of the pitch I’m really happy. I am enjoying everything. The people in Liverpool are so friendly. I was really surprised when I came to the city how friendly the people were compared to other places I have been. I feel at home.”



http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-fc/liverpool-fc-news/2008/12/04/rafa-benitez-we-ve-got-to-help-robbie-keane-liverpool-fc-latest-100252-22403447/2/

[bobby benitez]

Reina
Arbeloa Carra Agger Dossena
Kuyt Masch Alonso (Reira or Babel)
Gerrard
Keane

I have made Keane my fantasy football captain. This is the match for him, stevie threading balls between 2 slow centrehalves.

I'd like Rafa to tell Keane that no matter how shit he plays, he will complete 90minutes this week and next.

Comfortable win for once.

[GaryMc]

hmmmm..... I want to be really positive and say we will stuff Blackburn, however they are going to get a decent result eventually, hopefully not this weekend. Santa Cruz is quality and I am wondering will Sami be in for his aeriel power.

I dunno lads, I think Riera needs a rocket and could be a game for him to ride the pine. I would like to see El Zhar get in from the start, not likely, but he is a rare breed of a winger inour squad. Pace and something of the unexpected. In both Middlesboro and Wigan games he came on made a difference.

What I would like to see

Reina,
Arbeloa, Carragher, Agger, Dossena (Did ok on Monday)
El Zhar, Gerrard, Alonso, Babel
Keane, Kuyt

More likely lineup
Reina,
Arbeloa, Carragher, Hyppia, Dossena
Kuyt, Masherano, Alonso, Riera
Gerrard
Keane




On a side note - Watching Press Box on LFC Tv and they are talking about Stephen Warnock. He could have been worth hanging on to. He would get in the side this season

[Alex Raisbeck]

I hope this is the type of game where the home teams fans will urge them on to us, and we can attack them early for a quick goal.
Come on redmen.

[Liverpool-law]

hmmmm..... I want to be really positive and say we will stuff Blackburn, however they are going to get a decent result eventually, hopefully not this weekend. Santa Cruz is quality and I am wondering will Sami be in for his aeriel power.

I dunno lads, I think Riera needs a rocket and could be a game for him to ride the pine. I would like to see El Zhar get in from the start, not likely, but he is a rare breed of a winger inour squad. Pace and something of the unexpected. In both Middlesboro and Wigan games he came on made a difference.

What I would like to see

Reina,
Arbeloa, Carragher, Agger, Dossena (Did ok on Monday)
El Zhar, Gerrard, Alonso, Babel
Keane, Kuyt

More likely lineup
Reina,
Arbeloa, Carragher, Hyppia, Dossena
Kuyt, Masherano, Alonso, Riera
Gerrard
Keane




On a side note - Watching Press Box on LFC Tv and they are talking about Stephen Warnock. He could have been worth hanging on to. He would get in the side this season

Not having a go but in relation to El Zhar, most people are saying Rafa should play his strongest 11 week in week out and whatever about his flashes of brilliance we don't know how El Zhar would do playing 90 minutes, especially away. If he did poorly, fans would be on Rafa's back saying what's he doing throwing in a youngster and El Zhar's confidence could be ruined. No matter what Rafa does there will be hurlers on the ditch saying he should've done something else. My own opinion is it's not a game to throw a young fella into for 90 minutes.

As for Riera, to say he needs a rocket is harsh. He hasn't been as effective lately but it doesn't mean he's not putting in the effort, which he is in my opinion. For a guy who has come into the club only a few months he's done better than anyone expected. He may be tired but I wouldn't say he's not putting in the graft.

[redabbey]

Not having a go but in relation to El Zhar, most people are saying Rafa should play his strongest 11 week in week out and whatever about his flashes of brilliance we don't know how El Zhar would do playing 90 minutes, especially away. If he did poorly, fans would be on Rafa's back saying what's he doing throwing in a youngster and El Zhar's confidence could be ruined.

Yes, I agree with you I don't think El Zhar is up to a full 90 minutes in a game like Saturday but I have been very impressed with his brief 1st team games this year when he has come on as a substitute. It would seem to me that Rafa trusts him to do a job and El Zhar plays with the discipline that his manager demands. Now the only time I have actually seen him play live was in the home game against Standard Liege this season and he was an immediate threat in that match and if my memory serves me correct could have won a penalty. I also thought his performances when he came on against Middlesboro and Wigan were good too.

[chippyd]

lads dossena is a fake , we need to win this and get back on track ,to many man scum fans getting lippy again so need them to lose and put them back in there place

i agree we need a win tmrw to settle things down and keep scum quite

[GaryMc]

Not having a go but in relation to El Zhar, most people are saying Rafa should play his strongest 11 week in week out and whatever about his flashes of brilliance we don't know how El Zhar would do playing 90 minutes, especially away. If he did poorly, fans would be on Rafa's back saying what's he doing throwing in a youngster and El Zhar's confidence could be ruined. No matter what Rafa does there will be hurlers on the ditch saying he should've done something else. My own opinion is it's not a game to throw a young fella into for 90 minutes.

As for Riera, to say he needs a rocket is harsh. He hasn't been as effective lately but it doesn't mean he's not putting in the effort, which he is in my opinion. For a guy who has come into the club only a few months he's done better than anyone expected. He may be tired but I wouldn't say he's not putting in the graft.


Can't argue with you on El Zhar, away against Blackburn is not likely to be the game where he comes into the team. He is though a player who i think be used a bit more.

I think Babel may come in for Riera in this one. He has done well and I was impressed with him in is early games. Babel is due a start in the PL, although Rafa watches the players in training, so he knows best ;);)

[carpe diem]

although Rafa watches the players in training, so he knows best ;);)

is it ok to question that? watch and see,4-5-1- babel comming on with 25mins to go,
reina - arbeloa carra agger/maybe sami with santa cruz/dossena

kuyt alonso masher reira

gerrard

keane

so predictable and rovers wil be prepared for that,rafa needs to grow a set imo,keep masher on the bench,play babel off keane and see how it plays out,2-0 win playing that way.

[galway-red]

is it ok to question that? watch and see,4-5-1- babel comming on with 25mins to go,
reina - arbeloa carra agger/maybe sami with santa cruz/dossena

kuyt alonso masher reira

gerrard

keane

so predictable and rovers wil be prepared for that,rafa needs to grow a set imo,keep masher on the bench,play babel off keane and see how it plays out,2-0 win playing that way.

Agree 100%
I think thats how we will line-up...... and it is very predictable, because there`s no pace in that side at all, so we could have the same problems all over again( breaking them down) if Rovers what to play for a point and dont go for it.

[shibox]

Just watchin sellotanta sports news. Robbie Keane won't start today, and according to this fella, might even be up for sale in January.

[south]

Rafa Benitez has hinted that he is set to take Robbie Keane out of the firing line as Liverpool look to strengthen their position at the top of the Premier League table at Blackburn.

Keane, 28, has struggled for form since joining his boyhood heroes from Tottenham in the summer and has been substituted in five of his last six appearances.

His only two Premier League goals so far came in the 3-0 win over bottom club West Brom last month.

Even the absence of hamtring victim Fernando Torres is unlikely to save Keane from being demoted to the bench at Ewood Park as Benitez takes action after failing to see his side score in the last two league games.

Despite establishing a one-point lead over Chelsea at the summit on Monday, Liverpool players were booed off the pitch at Anfield after a goalless stalemate with Fulham.

"He (Keane) is in the same situation as the rest of the players," said Benitez, who is set to play Dirk Kuyt as a lone striker.

"I cannot guarantee a position to anyone.

"He is working hard, he has a good mentality and has enough confidence in himself.

"After this, I have to decide about each team selection because we want to win every game and have to pick the best players for each game."

Meanwhile, Benitez has revealed that talks over a new contract are no nearer being concluded.

The Spaniard had hoped to commit his future to the club by the end of November but discussions look like continuing well into December.

"My advisors are in contact with the club, and that's it. I want to concentrate on football," added Benitez yesterday.

Asked whether there was an end in sight to the talks, Benitez said: "No, but the end has to be sooner rather than later."


http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/liverpool/3568786/Rafael-Benitez-set-to-take-Robbie-Keane-out-of-Liverpool-firing-line-Football.html

[corcaigh]

babel up front on his own hopefully, see if he has the chelsea performance in him again.

[red1965]

paul ince on ssn crying about his job ,saying that he needs more time
are all the ex mancs going down

[byrnetred]

fantastic to see insua playing today...delighted for the lad...

pitty riera isnt playing instead of benayoun:mad:

[carpe diem]

The Liverpool team in full: Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher, Hyypia, Insua, Benayoun, Mascherano, Alonso, Babel, Gerrard, Kuyt.

Subs: Cavalieri, Keane, Dossena, Agger, Riera, Lucas, El Zhar.

[Andrew]

Strong lineup but what the hell is going on with Keane??

Only thing I can think of is that Rafa deems it better to leave him off completely and get himself together (physically and mentally) instead of subbing him off at the 60 minute mark and continuing this trend of Keane being pissed offed being subbed.

[carpe diem]

hope insua plays a blinder today,he wont get many chances throughout the season,this is one to stake his claim.looks like it might be babel out on the left,benni on right gerrard off kuyt???

[tibor]

Strong lineup but what the hell is going on with Keane??

Only thing I can think of is that Rafa deems it better to leave him off completely and get himself together (physically and mentally) instead of subbing him off at the 60 minute mark and continuing this trend of Keane being pissed offed being subbed.

"He is working hard as always in training and practising in every training session but I cannot guarantee a position to anyone, we have to win," the Liverpool manager said. "He is in the same situation as the rest of the players. We can talk about 10 or 15 players who cost more than £20m in other teams, and you can see two or three of them on the bench every week and people don't talk about them all the time. We know that because we only have two players of that value, then people will talk about them. But for me, it's not a question of the value of the player. To me he's just another player and that's it."

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2008/dec/06/liverpool-rafael-benitez-robbie-keane

[Andrew]

Don't suppose anyone has a stream for this?

[carpe diem]

http://www.atdhe.net/

use mozilla firefox browser if you have it.

[carpe diem]

what a save by reina

[fernsred]

Need big improvement for second half - need to really pick up the pace.

[fermoyred80]

For once agree with Dolan, wat the fcuk is Babel at? Hes more interested in playing backwards, wate of space on todays performance so far. He should be breaking his balls to get into the box.

Have to put two up front its to easy for blackburn. Feck sake utds second team scored 5 wed against them

[Anthony_1892]

another 0-0 i see

babel is given his chance and is doing feck all

he is a lazy git and his touch is brutal

we need keane and reira on

[denashpot]

come on the pool!! all we need is 1!!

[denashpot]

http://www.atdhe.net/

use mozilla firefox browser if you have it.

nice1 for the link as always carpe. ;)

[Anthony_1892]

look at sami he's 34 and still immense

wish some of them would take a leaf out of his book

[Andrew]

http://www.atdhe.net/

use mozilla firefox browser if you have it.

Yeah, thanks for the link. You're a life saver.

[denashpot]

look at sami he's 34 and still immense

wish some of them would take a leaf out of his book

ya, his playing another great game today.

[Anthony_1892]

gerrards playing a stinker

[Anthony_1892]

jasus

so close

[denashpot]

how the f**k didnt we score there!!

[Anthony_1892]

elzar on babel off

still no keane ???

[Anthony_1892]

we have nothing going forward

so poor

dont deserve the league if we cant even win here

[denashpot]

elzar on babel off

still no keane ???

i know. wont help his confidence at all!

[Andrew]

Come on the reds!!!
Keane on to score the winner. It will happen!

[Anthony_1892]

alonsoooooooooooooooooooooooo

1 nil

[south]

happy days

[Andrew]

Finally!!!
Get in Alonso!

[Anthony_1892]

go for the 2nd lads

wrap it up

[denashpot]

get in there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[fernsred]

thank God

[Anthony_1892]

alonso provng his worth

[Anthony_1892]

just go for the jugular lads

help the goal diff

[Anthony_1892]

benayoun

2 nil

[denashpot]

great finish by benayoun!!

[Anthony_1892]

were staying top lads

[Andrew]

Great, that should be the points wrapped up. Now bring on Keane and let him loose.

[Anthony_1892]

ahhhhh poxy goal

2-1

[rev]

Keane should get a run out!

[Andrew]

Brown trousers time again :(

[Andrew]

Lucas on for Masch :confused:

[Anthony_1892]

well done kuyt

[Anthony_1892]

gerrard

3-1

[Andrew]

Thank Christ for that.

[denashpot]

great win!! much needed!!

[Anthony_1892]

still top :)

[red1965]

gerrards playing a stinker

who the goal scorer or the one that set up alonso goal:D:D

[Anthony_1892]

who the goal scorer or the one that set up alonso goal:D:D


that was before he did that

looked lost today sean

you get that text i sent

[carpe diem]

after a dodgy first half i thought they done well in the 2nd half,sami and alonso were immense today,would love to see alonsos pass completion rate,insua didnt do too bad at all,am happy for the lad,3 points happy days,still top of the league,i'll drink to that http://www.emoticons4u.com/happy/143.gif

[CrazyHorse]

It seems like an age since our last win, and even longer since our last goal!!!

Good away win again, and still top....

It aint that bad after all!!

:)

[Block102]

Looks like the BBC are in denial over the result :)

http://www.block102.com/conspiracy.jpg

[carpe diem]

Looks like the BBC are in denial over the result :)

http://www.block102.com/conspiracy.jpg

lmao,chelsea hackers hard at work again.

[Andrew]

What's the longest stretch of time Liverpool have managed to stay top of the table since it became the premiership?
Nothing in recent years comes to mind where Liverpool were top of the table over two consecutive games. It feels good :)

[rushiekop]

Sammi's a legend, my man of the match today.

[windhover]

Get in. Will totally take this one! Another week at top of the table lads! :D

[dubit10]

Rubbish first half, brillant second half. Top of the table and still the best striker in world football to return. I'm really believing we can do it this year.:)

[Alex Raisbeck]

What's the longest stretch of time Liverpool have managed to stay top of the table since it became the premiership?
Nothing in recent years comes to mind where Liverpool were top of the table over two consecutive games. It feels good :)

Had a spell at the top in the beginning of the 02/03 season didnt we?
Challenge the lads need to set themselves now is to stay top and extend it. After all the bitching over the Fulham and Hammers games we can look on with some positivity this evening. You could see the relief in every player on the pitch when Alonso scored.

Was that Arbeloa coming in at the end and nearly jumping over everyone?
I like that fleea and the way gets so excited over our goals.

[galway-red]

Nice to get a win again, hopefully we can kick on from here, and put a good run together now..... 3 points is all what matterd today.....job done.



What's the longest stretch of time Liverpool have managed to stay top of the table since it became the premiership?
Nothing in recent years comes to mind where Liverpool were top of the table over two consecutive games. It feels good :)

The last time we were at the top for a length of time, was under Evans in 95(i think) and we were clear by some distance then too. but D James cost us in the end up!! :o

[Anthony_1892]

great to see sunderland holding the mancs after 39 mins

hope they draw or sneak a win

[fermoyred80]

Shite performance today. Gerrard looked lost in midfield not up for it all. Lucky for us Robinson is a shite keeper, he dove over the ball for the first imo. It alright playin like this against the lower teams but the better teams will not concede that cheaply.

As for BABEL if Madrid are offerin 15 mill get rid, use the money to try and get Ribery

[25052005]

Really poor in the first half, no imagination and no drive, Stevie didn't drive us on as normal. As already referred to Sami was top notch, nothing got past him and we have to give credit to Insua who was very good.

Its 3 points and hopefully it will instill some confidence.

[D-Red]

See the way the fans backed and supported the team, that's the way it should be at Anfield

[wonit5times]

Good result today and deserved nice to see us score a few aswell, bit dissapointer we conceded so cheaply but its another 3 points.

Roll on redmen!!

[RedMurph08]

Booooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!! No?:rolleyes:

[Kiltyred]

Although I'm still worried about how they'll handle the pressure in the business end of the season after the fiascos against Fulham and West Ham, we got back to running ways today and 7 points from the next 3 games would put us in good stead at the half way point. The next two months or so will be big, between the Arsenal match in two weeks time and Chelsea and Everton in January.

[Kiltyred]

As for BABEL if Madrid are offerin 15 mill get rid, use the money to try and get Ribery

I'm worried about that, if Rafa doesn't start giving him decent game time, he may go and end up being immense for someone else, when he could have stayed and been immense for us. He is a great player, not great today, but when you get as little a run as he does, that's understandable. Pat Dolan made a twtat of himself going on about no league goals this season. So you weren't watching the United game Pat, no?:p

Babel is a good player, he needs to be given a chance, and more playing time.

[RedMurph08]

Although I'm still worried about how they'll handle the pressure in the business end of the season after the fiascos against Fulham and West Ham, we got back to running ways today and 7 points from the next 3 games would put us in good stead at the half way point. The next two months or so will be big, between the Arsenal match in two weeks time and Chelsea and Everton in January.

16/08/2008 Sunderland Away W 1-0 Torres (82) 43259
23/08/2008 Middlesbrough Home W 2-1 OG - Pogatetz (85), Gerrard (90) 43168
31/08/2008 Aston Villa Away D 0-0 41647
13/09/2008 Manchester United Home W 2-1 OG - Brown (26), Babel (76) 44192
20/09/2008 Stoke City Home D 0-0 43931
27/09/2008 Everton Away W 2-0 Torres 2 (58, 61) 39574
05/10/2008 Manchester City Away W 3-2 Torres 2 (54, 72), Kuyt (90) 47280
18/10/2008 Wigan Athletic Home W 3-2 Kuyt 2 (36, 84), Riera (79) 43868
26/10/2008 Chelsea Away W 1-0 Alonso (10) 41705
29/10/2008 Portsmouth Home W 1-0 Gerrard (pen 75) 43378
01/11/2008 Tottenham Hotspur Away L 1-2 Kuyt (2) 36183
08/11/2008 West Bromwich Albion Home W 3-0 Keane 2 (34, 43), Arbeloa (90) 43451
15/11/2008 Bolton Wanderers Away W 2-0 Kuyt (28), Gerrard (72) 24893
22/11/2008 Fulham Home D 0-0 43589
01/12/2008 West Ham United Home D 0-0 41169



Both those games were at home Kilty and if you check out the home and away so far you will see fcuk all difference really, but its at home we need to improve, so if bellends persist in boo-ing the team at home is it any wonder the pressure will be on in the "business end" of the season?

[D-Red]

its at home we need to improve, so if bellends persist in boo-ing the team at home is it any wonder the pressure will be on in the "business end" of the season?

Exactly. Well said RedMurph.

If you get tools booing at the home games then it's surely only natural that our lads get nervy. Away from home there's proper SUPPORT for the reds and the players look more calm and confident, surprise surprise.
If we are going to mount a challenge then we need the boo-boys/gimps to either cop the fcuk on or stay away. I'd prefer the latter.

[paddypower111]

WELL FRIENDS WE DONE WHAT WE NEEDED TO DO AND GREAT I WAS VERY PLEASED AND HAD NO NAILS LEFT BY THEW TIME OLONSO GOT US GOING BUT RAFA,S SELECTIONS I KNOW WE GOT 3 POINTS BUT RIGHTS HE PLAYED INSUNIA I THINK THATS HIS NAME RIGHT IF HE,S GOING TO START HIM ID LIKE TO SEE HIM START EL ZAHIR 4 THE HULL GAME IF NOT THE PSV GAME ID PICK EL ZAHIR BEFORE BABEL SIMPLY BECAUSE EL ZAHIR ISINT TO LAYED BACK ANYTIME HE COMES ON HE LOOKS EXCITING AND IF IM THINKING RIGHT DID,NT HE HAVE AN ASSIST IN 1 OF THE GAMES HE PLAYED IN THIS SEASON I THIN HE DID BUT ANYWAY ID JUST LIKE TO SEE HIM START FROM THE START CAUSE HE,S A PLAYER I THINK CAN HAVE A GREAT TIME AS LFC PPLAYER BUT THE ONLY WAY WE WILL FIND THAT OUT IS IF HE STARTS A GAME FROM THE START.

I KNOW ROBBIE DID,NT START AND I WAS DISSAPOINTED HE DID,NT START TO BE HONEST BUT HOPEFULLY RAFA WILL GIVE HIM HIS CHANCE AGAIN AND PLSS GOD ROBBIE WILL BE PATIENT AND MORE HUNGRY WHEN HE IS SELECTED.

AS FOR THE GAME WE ARE GREAT FROM THE DEFENCE UP TO THE MIDFIELD BUT WHEN WE GET INTO THE FINAL 3RD IT WAS HARD TO SEE HOW WE WERE GOING TO GET A GOAL BUT THX TO XABI IT DID AND THANKFULLY A FEW MORE FOLLOWED THOUGHT SAMMIE WAS A ROCK AT THE BACK AS WAS CARRA INSUIA CAN,T SPELL HIS NAME BUT THE LEFT BACK WAS DECENT FAIR PLAY TO HIM SO HE DESERVES A FEW MORE STARTS I THOUGHT BENNY WAS GOOD BUT HIS CROSSING WAS A LET DOWN BUT APART FROM THAT GREAT GOAL FROM HIM KUYT WAS A WORK HORSE ONCE AGAIN BUT RAFA PLEASE HE CAN,T PLAY UP FRONT ON HIS OWN IT LOOKS PAINFULL EVEN WATCHING HIM GETTING JAMMED BETWEEN THE 2 CENTRE BACKS :eek:

BUT LADS GOALS WERE WHAT WE WERE LACKING OF LATE AND WE GOT THEM TODAY AND WE HOPEFULLY FINGERS CROSSED HAD OUR BAD PATCH AND CHELSEA ARE STILL BEHIND US SO HOPEFULLY THEY CAN STAY WERE THEY ARE

ALL ROUND IM VERY HAPPY TONIGHT WERE TOP OF THE TABLE . AND I WATCHED THE MACS MATCH AND UNLUCKY SUNDERLAND CAUSE THEY DID WELL AND I THOUGHT THEY WOULD HOLD UNITED TO A DRAW BUT THEY GOT A BIT OF LUCK SO SAME TIME NEXT SATURDAY MY BIRTHDAY GREAT PRESAENT OF ALL WILL BE 3PTS AND THE TEAMS BELOW US LOSING POINTS LETS HOPE ANYWAY. THE PRIEMERSHIP IS TOUGH THIS YEAR ITS JUST AS TOUGH 4 UNITED AS IT IS 4 US ALL THE TEAMS ARE GIVING 100% TO TRY AND GET SOMETHING 4OM THE TOP 4 SO ITS GOING TO BE HARD BUT WELL DONE RAFA IM HAPPY TONIGHT WERE TOP AND LETS US BE THERE TILL THE END :)

[RedMurph08]

FOOTBALL
Leaders Liverpool beat Blackburn

From BBC website...................... How good does that headline feel lads and lassies??

[RedMurph08]

WELL FRIENDS WE DONE WHAT WE NEEDED TO DO AND GREAT I WAS VERY PLEASED AND HAD NO NAILS LEFT BY THEW TIME OLONSO GOT US GOING BUT RAFA,S SELECTIONS I KNOW WE GOT 3 POINTS BUT RIGHTS HE PLAYED INSUNIA I THINK THATS HIS NAME RIGHT IF HE,S GOING TO START HIM ID LIKE TO SEE HIM START EL ZAHIR 4 THE HULL GAME IF NOT THE PSV GAME ID PICK EL ZAHIR BEFORE BABEL SIMPLY BECAUSE EL ZAHIR ISINT TO LAYED BACK ANYTIME HE COMES ON HE LOOKS EXCITING AND IF IM THINKING RIGHT DID,NT HE HAVE AN ASSIST IN 1 OF THE GAMES HE PLAYED IN THIS SEASON I THIN HE DID BUT ANYWAY ID JUST LICK TO SEE HIM START FROM THE START CAUSE HE,S A PLAYER I THINK VAN HAVE A GREAT TIME AS LFC PPLAYER BUT THWE ONLY WAY WE WILL FIND THAT OUT IS IF HE STARTS A GAME ROM THE START.

I KNOW ROBBIE DID,NT START AND I WAS DISSAPOINTED HE DID,NT START TO BE HONEST BUT HOPEFULLY RAFA WILL GIVE HIM HIS CHANCE AGAIN AND POLS GOD ROBBIE CWILL BE PATIENT AND MORE HUNGRY WHEN HE IS SELECTED.

AS FOR THE GAME WE ARE GREAT FROM THE DEFENCE UP TO THE MIDFIELD BUT WHEN WE GET INTO THE FINAL 3RD IT WAS YHARD TO SEE HOW WE WERE GOING TO GET A GOAL BUT THX TO XABI IT DID AND THANKFULLY A FEW MORE FOLLOWED THOUGHT SAMMIE WAS A ROCK AT THE BACK AS WAS CARRA INSUIA CAN,T SPELL HIS NAME BUT THE LEFT BACK WAS DECENT FAIR PLAY TO HIM SO HE DESERVES A FEW MORE STARTS I THOUGHT BENNY WAS GOOD BUT HIS CROSSING WAS A LET DOWN BUT APART FROM THAT GREAT GOAL FROM HIM KUYT WAS A WORK HORSE ONCE AGAIN BUT RAFA PLEASE HE CAN,T PLAY UP FRONT ON HIS OWN IT LOOKS PAINFULL EVEN WATCHING HIM GETTING JAMMED BETWEEN THE 2 CENTRE BACKS :eek:

BUT LADS GOALS WERE WHAT WE WERE LACKING OF LATE AND WE GOT THEM TODAY AND WE HOPEFULLY FINGERS CROSSED HAD OUR BAD PATCH AND CHELSEA ARE STILL BEHIND US SO HOPEFULLY THEY CAN STAY WERE THEY ARE

ALL ROUND IM VERY HAPPY TONIGHT WERE TOP OF THE TABLE . AND I WATCHED THE MACS MATCH AND UNLUCKY SUNDERLAND CAUSE THEY DID WELL AND I THOUGHT THEY WOULD HOLD UNITED TO A DRAW BUT THEY GOT A BIT OF LUCK SO SAME TIME NEXT SATURDAY MY BIRTHDAY GREAT PREAENT OF ALL WILL BE 3PTS AND THE TEAMS BELOW US LOSING POINTS LETS HOPE ANYWAY. THE PRIEMER SHIP IS TOUGH THIS YEAR ITS JUST AS TOUGH 4 UNITED AS IT IS 4 US ALL THE TEAMS ARE GIVING 100% TO TRY AND GET SOMETHING 4OM THE TOP 4 SO ITS GOING TO BE HARD BUT WELL DONE RAFA IM HAPPY TONIGHT WERE TOP AND LETS US BE THERE TILL THE END :)

Phew ill get back to you in a week or so!! :cool:

[paddypower111]

Phew ill get back to you in a week or so!! :cool:

LOL sorry boout caps and sorry if i offended or bored you lol were top fogive me lol

[RedMurph08]

LOL sorry boout caps and sorry if i offended or bored you lol were top fogive me lol

No probs dude!! :D

[fermoyred80]

LOL sorry boout caps and sorry if i offended or bored you lol were top fogive me lol

Thought you were after a few :D:D
Ya top for another week, one week closer to may

[paddypower111]

FOOTBALL
Leaders Liverpool beat Blackburn

From BBC website...................... How good does that headline feel lads and lassies??

its great murhpy man itsssssssssssssss gr8888888888888 im happy tonight hopefully the 2 irish boxers can beat amir khan and that black heavy wight and ill be even happyier and of course the golden boy hope he wins to:D

[Bren100]

Good result, very tough place to go and get a win

Xabi, Carra and Arbeloa all questionable for their goal.

[seaneire]

good result today,reina with world class save was as much the player who won this match as anyone.thought we were good up to midfield then poor up front,until we got the 1st goal.we can still play a lot better than this but a win and three goals is a start.pity we conceded but short corner wasnt defended,two players turned their backs to it and the cross was to easy as carragher pointed out to them after the ball went in the net.great to see insua getting a game.hoping for more of the same next week at home to hull.

[maloneavic]

Very good result today i thought.

Although some times i couldnt see where a goal was gonna come from and never thought we where gonna get 3.

Alonso is a class player he never panics and is just world class, will be sorry to see him sold in jan i guess. wasnt one of gerrards better games today although last 30 mins he did come to life and lifted the team.

[paddypower111]

Very good result today i thought.

Although some times i couldnt see where a goal was gonna come from and never thought we where gonna get 3.

Alonso is a class player he never panics and is just world class, will be sorry to see him sold in jan i guess. wasnt one of gerrards better games today although last 30 mins he did come to life and lifted the team.

i agree with u mate if rafa was selling him in the summer it was madness im glad he stayed and look what he has done helped us beat chelsea amd when we were desperate to get one today he never paniced just slotted into the back of the net world class to good to be at another club for me;)

[paddypower111]

I'm worried about that, if Rafa doesn't start giving him decent game time, he may go and end up being immense for someone else, when he could have stayed and been immense for us. He is a great player, not great today, but when you get as little a run as he does, that's understandable. Pat Dolan made a twtat of himself going on about no league goals this season. So you weren't watching the United game Pat, no?:p

Babel is a good player, he needs to be given a chance, and more playing time.

yes babel is good but he,s wasting his time with us if he plays at the pace odf 40 year old a few people i noticed critisized beny why he put 100% into game were as babel doesent imo so if the moneys there to buy him id rather see more bottle more guts taking on players than babel just strolloing around the place an aron lennon type player id like to see at the club

[paddypower111]

See the way the fans backed and supported the team, that's the way it should be at Anfield

tottally agree mate the pressure they put the players under at anfield is immense and to be boooooooo after words is disrespectfull imo

[carpe diem]

babel started against spurs in the carling cup,when was his last start before that??? give the lad a break,he was just starting to find himself before he was carted off,i know it took him long enough but he was just starting to find his confidence and wham,whipped off,this fella is gonna be an anfield legend,i have no doubt,i really do see this guy as a big piece of the liverpool jigsaw,as i have stated in umpteen threads,once he hits form there'll be no defence stop him !

[dazzlermac]

great result.we havent hit form yet lads and we are top,rafas teams are always stronger in the 2nd half of season so hopefully tha same this year.dont think xabi will go in january,from the way he celebrated that goal it ment something,really ment something to him.xabi is back to top form and the finish was outstanding,if we go all the way he will be as crucial as any imo.reina made an outstanding save and although the performances arent first class at the moment they will come,but we are winning and we are top all that matters imo.

march on redmen

[carpe diem]

great result.we havent hit form yet lads and we are top,rafas teams are always stronger in the 2nd half of season so hopefully tha same this year.dont think xabi will go in january,from the way he celebrated that goal it ment something,really ment something to him.xabi is back to top form and the finish was outstanding,if we go all the way he will be as crucial as any imo.reina made an outstanding save and although the performances arent first class at the moment they will come,but we are winning and we are top all that matters imo.

march on redmen

+1 a mention of samis performance and it would have been ++1

[CrazyHorse]

great result.we havent hit form yet lads and we are top,rafas teams are always stronger in the 2nd half of season so hopefully tha same this year.dont think xabi will go in january,from the way he celebrated that goal it ment something,really ment something to him.xabi is back to top form and the finish was outstanding,if we go all the way he will be as crucial as any imo.reina made an outstanding save and although the performances arent first class at the moment they will come,but we are winning and we are top all that matters imo.

march on redmen

Oh, and Sami was legendary today for us!!!

:)

[carpe diem]

Oh, and Sami was legendary today for us!!!

:)

+1,aggers got a fight on his hands to get into the league squad,ok he'll start against psv,but the skrtel is back in a week r 2,sami playing out of his skin,rafas got a headache,great stuff !!

[RedWally]

3 goals and 3 points - good result. As others have stated, would be terrible to see Alonso go - hopefully won't happen.

[chippyd]

the result is all that matters lads i think alonso is liverpools best player at the moment and sami was excellent i agree we are a stronger team 2nd half of season if were top goin into new year we have a great chance

[James]

Great result considering the performance.

[Rover 609]

Having said here before that Babel is an out and out left winger i have to concede i was wrong on that score.He has bags of pace but not an ounce of confidence playin wing footballRafa chopped and changed him and Beneyoun several times yesterday and it contributed to a disappointiong display.In fairness Rafa has to give achance in a more central role in the hole behind the front man and let his pace work from there.

ps the atmosphere in the Darwen end pissed over anything ive experienced in Anfield this season which is a sad indictment on our home atmosphere,fuuck off boo boys!!!!

[redabbey]

ps the atmosphere in the Darwen end pissed over anything ive experienced in Anfield this season which is a sad indictment on our home atmosphere,fuuck off boo boys!!!!

Ronan heard you belting out 'We'll be coming down the road' on the TV. The support that can be heard from the away fans is always the best. No day trippers from Ireland or Norway there:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D

[Rover 609]

Ronan heard you belting out 'We'll be coming down the road' on the TV. The support that can be heard from the away fans is always the best. No day trippers from Ireland or Norway there:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D

Definitely no BOO BOYS,thats form fcukin sure.:D

[redabbey]

Having said here before that Babel is an out and out left winger i have to concede i was wrong on that score.He has bags of pace but not an ounce of confidence

I think that is why Rafa did not bring him on earlier against West Ham.

In this thread I don't remember anybody mentioning the contribution of Reina with his save where he touched the ball onto the crossbar from Pedersen. The mark of a really good keeper is when you have only 1 thing to do in a half of football and you do it.

A few years ago Carson looks superb as the Charlton keeper with some great saves but its a very different thing playing in a top team where maybe you only have to make one save in a game. RANT OVER.

[MutantNinjaSkrtel]

lads,yossi has to go.i dont care if he scored a beaut on the break his overall contribution was horrendous.if id come across him walkin down the tunnell at half time id have given him a smack.

I've said it before-hes so desperate to make an impression on rafa when he plays that he tries to do it all himself.he'll go round 2 players really well and then instead of giving a simple pass he'll try to round a third and **** it up.ive said it every time hes played this season,i swear i could have twatted the greedy prick!

Dont let the goal fool you.he could have cost us that game had xabi not made the breakthrough.

[GaryMc]

lads,yossi has to go.i dont care if he scored a beaut on the break his overall contribution was horrendous.if id come across him walkin down the tunnell at half time id have given him a smack.

I've said it before-hes so desperate to make an impression on rafa when he plays that he tries to do it all himself.he'll go round 2 players really well and then instead of giving a simple pass he'll try to round a third and **** it up.ive said it every time hes played this season,i swear i could have twatted the greedy prick!

Dont let the goal fool you.he could have cost us that game had xabi not made the breakthrough.

Half to say I was thinking Rafa was insane to take Babel off (instead of Benayoun) after he actually seemed to be getting into the game. I thought Benayoun was too easily knocked off the ball and as you say if the game was still 0-0 would he have taken that chance. Anyway Rafa left him on and it paid dividends.

A few things pleased me about yesterdays game
- Insua looks a better long term bet than Dossena
- Alonso ran the game once again (Player of the season so far in my opinion)
- Good to see El Zhar getting into the action, he takes people on!!! (Although he did give the ball away a few times)

Stevie did not have his best day at the office, but he setup the first goal scored the clincher

[dazzlermac]

lads,yossi has to go.i dont care if he scored a beaut on the break his overall contribution was horrendous.if id come across him walkin down the tunnell at half time id have given him a smack.

I've said it before-hes so desperate to make an impression on rafa when he plays that he tries to do it all himself.he'll go round 2 players really well and then instead of giving a simple pass he'll try to round a third and **** it up.ive said it every time hes played this season,i swear i could have twatted the greedy prick!

Dont let the goal fool you.he could have cost us that game had xabi not made the breakthrough.

+1

[seaneire]

In this thread I don't remember anybody mentioning the contribution of Reina with his save where he touched the ball onto the crossbar from Pedersen. The mark of a really good keeper is when you have only 1 thing to do in a half of football and you do it.

A few years ago Carson looks superb as the Charlton keeper with some great saves but its a very different thing playing in a top team where maybe you only have to make one save in a game. RANT OVER.[/QUOTE]

"you must not have read all the posts then".

[jamsieboy86]

I agree that Benayoun has to go, he is so wasteful, nearly as wasteful as Kuyt but without all the chasing down. We need a new right winger, for all Kuyt's effort hes not a natural in that position. With Torres back, a new winger and Babel fulfilling his potential on the left we will be a serious force for the League and CL come May.

[zamaguire]

I dont care about the performance, the 3 points is all we worry about. Look at Arsenal, play the nicest football, but would you swop with them.

[bossman]

Definitely no BOO BOYS,thats form fcukin sure.:D
Is correct

[trucker]

Great day had poor performance but good result, good to meet a few lads of the IK over there, also believe a Bobby mught have been relieved of his head garment, you know who you are!!!!!

[kelly jones]

Great day had poor performance but good result, good to meet a few lads of the IK over there, also believe a Bobby mught have been relieved of his head garment, you know who you are!!!!!

james was telling me there is an article on rawk about that , funny as fcuk that

[corcaigh]

only saw the MOTD highlights, babel looked good, he was involved in nearly every move before he came off. why haul him off so early. i just dont get Rafa sometimes...

[MutantNinjaSkrtel]

only saw the MOTD highlights, babel looked good, he was involved in nearly every move before he came off. why haul him off so early. i just dont get Rafa sometimes...


highlights can make anyone look good.if you seen the full game babel was poor.contributed nothing.im not tryin to criticise him-i really rate him but thats just a fact.

[Gerry]

james was telling me there is an article on rawk about that , funny as fcuk that


Yeah its on the rattle too, quality

[MutantNinjaSkrtel]

+1


YES!!i always wanted 1 of those!my 1st one.nice 1:D

[bobby benitez]

Anyone else here forced to listen to the game on Today FM. Commentators a thick Manc and Craig Brown is a c*nt. He said Keane had 1 prem goal and 1 carlin cup goal all season, with Robbies record this season he doesnt need some pr*ck halving it on him. Finally they went and lost connection with Ewood park for the last 25 minutes, nothing more stressful than not knowing what is happening, especially when you've been playing fairly shit. Anyway Rant over,wont be listening again.

Good result, nearly a very good weekend.

[SUPERFAN]

Great day had poor performance but good result, good to meet a few lads of the IK over there, also believe a Bobby mught have been relieved of his head garment, you know who you are!!!!!

broke me boll1x laughing when you told me about that last night:D

[gowinit6times]

I

In this thread I don't remember anybody mentioning the contribution of Reina with his save where he touched the ball onto the crossbar from Pedersen. The mark of a really good keeper is when you have only 1 thing to do in a half of football and you do it.

A few years ago Carson looks superb as the Charlton keeper with some great saves but its a very different thing playing in a top team where maybe you only have to make one save in a game. RANT OVER.

Great save from Pepe at 0-0 kept us in it. He has been immense this season. Along with Alonso he has been our best player all season. I think he is now the best keeper in the premier league.

[corcaigh]

highlights can make anyone look good.if you seen the full game babel was poor.contributed nothing.im not tryin to criticise him-i really rate him but thats just a fact.

o yea, fully agree, i doubt he deserved to get subbed so early though.

[MutantNinjaSkrtel]

o yea, fully agree, i doubt he deserved to get subbed so early though.

he drifted in and out.didnt really look too interested.then he got a knock(warnock halved him) and had to go for treatment and got subbed pretty much straight away.

[Ray2007]

At the end of the day, 3 points - still top of the pops - reckon we would all be happy with this at the start of the season

Reckon, sometimes we are too moany groany - possibly coz we have not won the Premiership

Not sure about Yossi - all flash, but loses the ball too easy - agree with earlier comment that he should take the easy option and pass the ball after beating 2 players

Sami was just immense - getting better with age

We still need to put away these teams more clinically - score, then get the get the second, third and then take the foot off the pedal

What a beautiful day - top of the Premiership looking down on the Mancs

R

[Rover 609]

I wonder are the mancs whinging as much as some of us do when they beat a rag tag outfit half an hour into injury time.Get one thing straight,the league table wont lie come the end of the season,if where top its cos we got better results than the rest of the cunnts,THATS WHAT COUNTS.Stop disecting results and perfomances lads and live for the moment,we'll all be a long time dead.

[James]

Well said, although I think alot of our fans were born moaners.

[Niall]

Would we swap places with any other team?

[Rover 609]

Would we swap places with any other team?

No chance

[edcarroll02]

Would we swap places with any other team?

Yeah i wouldn't mind swapping with sunderland, i bet there's some crack trying to avoid relegation without a manager!! :)

[GaryMc]

I wonder are the mancs whinging as much as some of us do when they beat a rag tag outfit half an hour into injury time.Get one thing straight,the league table wont lie come the end of the season,if where top its cos we got better results than the rest of the cunnts,THATS WHAT COUNTS.Stop disecting results and perfomances lads and live for the moment,we'll all be a long time dead.

I agree, however the post count on irishkop.com would be a lot less :D:D

Between going to matches and watching on TV, the Portsmouth and West Brom matches are the only ones I have not seen the entire 90 mins. These days its a lot easier to look at every poor performance from a player and all their mistakes. Back in the day, you might get 1 live match a month and then highlights of the rest (unless you went to all games).
For instance on Saturday, I thought Stevie and Yossi did not play very well. If you watched the highlights on MOD, they were both involved in the first goal, Yossi scored the second and Gerrard the third.

[The Chanter]

Good result, nice to score 3 and get 3 points.

Reina was excellent.

[ewoodyg]

Great save from Pepe at 0-0 kept us in it. He has been immense this season. Along with Alonso he has been our best player all season. I think he is now the best keeper in the premier league.

I'd agree with this wouldn't swap him for any one else in the league he has been top draw for quite some time now.
Alonso really has stepped back up to the level we all know he can reach this season and long may it continue.
Babel was lack luster again the weekend and i fear we will never see him develop his potential as he doesn't seem to have the work ethic to make the next step.
Good win again on the road and nice to continue the play shite win routine.
Can't wait to see what happens when we actually hit a bit of form!
Since Raffa has been here we traditionally play better in the 2nd half of the Season and if this happens again this year then who knows what lies a head.

[Meijer the trier]

Can't wait to see what happens when we actually hit a bit of form!
Since Raffa has been here we traditionally play better in the 2nd half of the Season and if this happens again this year then who knows what lies a head.

Problem with this theory is this though:

- We've never been in a position to challenge for the league in the 2nd half of the season under Benitez and have been concentrating on a European Cup or FA Cup run

- The pressure is already telling, both on the pitch and on the terraces. The reaction to this will be a telling factor come the crunch time

- The infamous Rotation policy meant that the top players didnt start playing in virtually every match until Feb/March - will they begin to tire during the latter stage of the season, especially if we're also challenging for European honours


Still, its great to be able to worry about these things this season.....

[mada999]

made the trip myself and it was worth it in the end...away crowd was deadly..was hoarse after it...great singing on the train back to manc land also..some great songs!!

didn't think Babel played well at all, he didn't look interested to me...

tbh we were very cautious and we always play the ball backwards..i'd like to see us running at defenders to try - el zhar did it when we got the ball...

but i think we'll get a lot better after xmas.. so overall happy to get the 3pts to keep us on top..

[gicky ricketts]

didnt play well but didnt need to. 3 points and good displays by xabi and pepe, could have been a banana skin this one so happy enough with 3-1

[redspider]

Only getting around to comment on this match now. A good result, but not a great game from our point of view.

The surprise of course was the leaving out of Robbie K, and then not using him at all. If Robbie responds to this type of "man management", we'll find out soon in the PSV match perhaps. But it cant be good for his confidence.

Formation: 4-2-3-1

----------- Reina ----------
Arbeloa - Carra - Hyypia - Insua
----- Masch --- Alonso -----
Benayoun - Gerrard - Babel
-------- Kuyt -----------

Babel was sometimes on the right but I concur with others that he didnt have a good game. He does suit being an impact sub more on the left, whether he likes it or not at the moment. Dossena dropped/rested at left back. Insua was okay for a plahyer who doesnt get many run outs. He got down the flank okay. He needs more match practice and more development though.

Solid performancs from the usuals: Stevie G, Carra, Masch, Alonso. Kuyt, well we know he is no centre striker. Benni tried several times but 9 times out of 10 his run would always get stopped. Just as well for us his 10th one did work. The 3rd goal was icing on the cake as they pushed forward. A good assist from Riera though.

So overall, we still have our problems, yet amazingly are still top. But is it just a matter of time ..... I wish it were different but the signs are not good. I think we can continue to eke out results like this. But we will also drop points. It will depnd on the others and the head to heads. We should do okay in them as they are tight games. In fact, the better the opposition the better our 'cautious' approach and 4-2-3-1 setup will work. With Torres up front we will have danger. I wish he were back.

Fingers crossed for you Robbie ....

As for Paul Ince, I actually felt very sorry for him. He is trying his best. He is wearing his heart on his sleeve, you can see that. And results are just not going his way. With Santa Cruz, if he does get firing, things will turn around. Its very tight down there.

Redspider

[Daz]

Solid performancs from the usuals: Stevie G, Carra, Masch, Alonso. Kuyt,

Agreed with most except for this bit. Thought Alonso was very good and Stevie actually had a mare