Arsenal V Liverpool

[The Chanter]

Sunday 21 Dec, 2008 Away.

We've shared the points in the last few home games when we were expected to win. 1 point would generally be considered a good result away to Arsenal. However, we've beaten the mancs and Chelsea already this season. No reason we can't beat Arsenal in their own back yard. That'd go some way to making up for the last few draws and we'd be top of the league at Christmas.

[MutantNinjaSkrtel]

go for the jugular.we shouldve beaten them there last year with a weakened team.theyve lost hleb,flamini,eduardo,rosicky,gilberto,walcott,nasr i etc and with or without torres weve improved and have a better team.go for the win rafa.top at chrimbo.happy days.

[NiallD]

What a first half season it would be if we do beat them, three wins out of three against our titles rivals and top of the league at the half way point.

[m.vat red]

i think we have a great chance of winning there,if we get the 1st goal we,l take all 3pts...to be top at xmass would be great

[RedArmagh]

arsenal seem to left their game to play the top teams this season to cling onto any hope of a title charge. will be a very tough one.

[MutantNinjaSkrtel]

arsenal seem to left their game to play the top teams this season to cling onto any hope of a title charge. will be a very tough one.


then again so have we mate.batter the blueshite,beat the mancs and took the chavies home recored but cant beat stoke,fulham or hull at home.the more other teams attack us the more chance we seem to have of winning.pity we dont have marty back for this one though.always like to see him rough up fabregas ,the little bitch.

[dking]

arsenal seem to left their game to play the top teams this season to cling onto any hope of a title charge. will be a very tough one.

True ,
but its a sign of the times that even with the Nando ,the best striker in europe injured, you still have to be confident of a positive result.

[Phil!]

Definatly guna be a tough one! Confident we can get the win tough

[bobby benitez]

Is Walcott defo out for this one? Even with a sling on he would roast Dossena based on Saturdays viewing.

[denashpot]

Is Walcott defo out for this one? Even with a sling on he would roast Dossena based on Saturdays viewing.

wouldnt take much of a player to beat him.

[Selakovic]

The Arsenal game has the potential to be a very open one, with victory essential for Arsenal. Can't see anyone other than Kuyt starting wide right and Riera wide left, so as to pressure the opposing full backs as we did at Chelsea - these guys are our strongest (physically) wingers. So these leaves the stage set for Keane to really have a go, a goal in this fixture would get the fans on his side. At left back, its hard to know. If Arsenal twig our weakness there, they might deviate from their recent trend of playing the likes of Denilson or Diaby on the flanks. I'm not sure of their injury situation though. If they do play one of those centre midfielders out wide, it could be a good confidence building excercise for either Dossena or Insua, they shouldn't have too tough a time of it. The usual midfield three will start I'd imagine, with Mascherano's input into stopping Fabregas vital to our chances. I can only guess as to who will partner Carragher, my head says Hyypia but my heart is hoping for Agger. 8am kick-off here in California, then fly home to Dublin later that day!

[Niall]

Hopefully we'll get the win against this lot haven't won down there since 2000 with Titi's winner if i am right so due one surely i hope!

[edcarroll02]

This really is the one game out of the top four that i really hate having to watch and it all stems from that season when we had to play them 3 times in row. I remember that plank baptista getting a couple against us and they really we're tearing us apart at will.

That being said we are a much better team now and they are not playing at near the same level that the can either. I'm hoping that we can win this one and play in the same fashion as we did against united and chelsea but if we get sloppy like we did against hull we could concede a lot of goals in this one.

[carramagic]

Hope it's Riera and Kuyt wide alright with Keane through the middle. Would imagine if Masch and Alonso win the midfield battle Gerrard can do some real damage. Wouldn't be suprised if Babel makes an important contribution again. Hope Agger plays as I'd worry a bit about the pace of Hyppia against Van Persie etc and how deep we may have to defend with him in the team

[RedArmagh]

hyypia's height could be vital matching Adebayor in the air - ade scored a header from a corner last weekend.

[corcaigh]

we're a very well organised team compared to the children at arsenal. man united lost to them there because they were native enough to try and beat them at their own attacking game. im confident of the win here.

[edcarroll02]

hyypia's height could be vital matching Adebayor in the air - ade scored a header from a corner last weekend.

I'm not too sure about this but i would have figured that the two of them were about the same height but i am open to correction on this on, hyypia could be caught pretty bad against the quick and tricky adebaeyour and van persie (not that agger will be able to control them too easily either mind you).

[MutantNinjaSkrtel]

Hopefully we'll get the win against this lot haven't won down there since 2000 with Titi's winner if i am right so due one surely i hope!



OMG we havent beaten them away since i was 9 or 10:eek:

I think i remember that game and all though-sunny day,green jerseys and titi scored in the 1st half?

[carramagic]

I remember Agger having a great game against them when we beat them 4-1 at home a couple of seasons back. Big Samis been top class always and scored that vital goal in the champions league game last year too. It's a tough one but I think I'd go with Agger for this one

[edcarroll02]

Anyone else got a sneaky feeling we might see El Nino at some stage during this game?

[Pimboli]

Anyone else got a sneaky feeling we might see El Nino at some stage during this game?

Maybe in the stand watching the game with his misses as there is zero chance of him playing.

We know how the gooners like to play all attack and no defence so for me Riera should be benched for Babel this weekend as when a Gooner move breaks down we need pace to counter. I can see him sticking with Yossi on the wing and Kuyt up front though but that said its Rafa picking the team so who knows just as long as he doestn do something bizzare like play Lucas instead of Alonso.

[The Chanter]

I would not be surprised to see Keane start;

---------reina-----------
arbeloa-carra-agger-dossena
-----masch--alonso-------
kuyt----gerard-------reira
-------keane------------

[megager]

3 points would be nice, but a point would be no disaster here. Chelsea have a very tough game so a draw may keep us top (though it does give the Scum a bit of an advantage).

Id go with the exact same team as The Chanter for this one. Babel will come off the bench.

[NotTooXabi]

Anyone else got a sneaky feeling we might see El Nino at some stage during this game?

Yeah sitting with his missus in the stand.....lack of news on his injury is a bit worrying??

[edcarroll02]

Yeah sitting with his missus in the stand.....lack of news on his injury is a bit worrying??

I'm staying on the glass is half full side of life and assuming that no news is good news, if there was any further problems i'm sure we'd have heard about them by now.

[semifortorres]

sammy lee confirmed Torres wont play at the weekend anyway.

I'm glad in one sense. Better to ease him back in a less high profile game I think. This game might've been bad for his confidence if it didnt go too well. Robbie's a certainty this weekend tho. We'll get least a draw down there and put the glorious gunners out of the race. COME ON !!!!!!!

[Rover 609]

sammy lee confirmed Torres wont play at the weekend anyway.

I'm glad in one sense. Better to ease him back in a less high profile game I think. This game might've been bad for his confidence if it didnt go too well. Robbie's a certainty this weekend tho. We'll get least a draw down there and put the glorious gunners out of the race. COME ON !!!!!!!

Om Robbie Keane i hope your right but i wont be holing me breath.

[MutantNinjaSkrtel]

Robbie cant play up top on his own,Kuyts a dead cert for the right and we need stevie,masch and xabi so unless rafa does somethin like play babel up top with him i dont know how big an impact robbie will have.that said,the lack of a holding midfielder would perfectly suite keane but he needs a foil up there with him.

[semifortorres]

Robbie cant play up top on his own,Kuyts a dead cert for the right and we need stevie,masch and xabi so unless rafa does somethin like play babel up top with him i dont know how big an impact robbie will have.that said,the lack of a holding midfielder would perfectly suite keane but he needs a foil up there with him.

Your right he aint gonna have anyone ahead of him on Sunday. As a result he will play on shoulder and be put through by Gerrard or Alonso at least once or twice. Its just a question of weather he can stay onside & finish. And I'm sure he will. Because we will boss the midfield and they will push high lines all day, we will WIN.

[semifortorres]

Sayin that though ye never know with Rafa and he might not even be in the squad!!!!!!!! Rafa love his surprises :)

[MutantNinjaSkrtel]

Your right he aint gonna have anyone ahead of him on Sunday. As a result he will play on shoulder and be put through by Gerrard or Alonso at least once or twice. Its just a question of weather he can stay onside & finish. And I'm sure he will. Because we will boss the midfield and they will push high lines all day, we will WIN.


I dunno like.I reckon we will win but keane playing off the shoulder requires him 1)Staying near the goal and 2)staying onside.

Im not sure hes capable of either as he seems more intent on dirk-esque hastling and harrying around the half way line that actually shooting.

If we're going 1 up top i think torres and babel are the only ones capable of pulling it off.would love to see keane do well sundee but cant see it wo

Without someone like dirk or babel up there alongside him.

[prendy]

I would not be surprised to see Keane start;

---------reina-----------
arbeloa-carra-agger-dossena
-----masch--alonso-------
kuyt----gerard-------reira
-------keane------------

i think this is the team we'll see sunday.
Agger will have to play to counteract the Arsenal pace. Kuyt will play right as Yossi wont help out at the back enough. Dossena is the only worry but it would be ALOT worse if Walcott was playing.
Riera needs to reproduce the form he showed at the start of the season otherwise we may see Babel introduced earlier than usual.
I think Masc and Alonso have the beating of the arsenal Cm's but Arsenal have a habit of playing that bit better against us.
Gerrard is always up for the big matches, doesnt matter about form(which is good at the min) the lad is pure class and in the big games he ALWAYS stands up to be counted.

I would love to see Keane get the winner in this one but i'll settle for ANY one to get the winner for us.

prediction...2-0

It will be tight but if we can get one i have no doubt that we'll get a second as they are forced to push forward.

[callyno3]

I would not be surprised to see Keane start;

---------reina-----------
arbeloa-carra-agger-dossena
-----masch--alonso-------
kuyt----gerard-------reira
-------keane------------


That seems the likely line up alright. I fully expect to see babel introduced about the hr mark
1-0 for me robbie

[zamaguire]

Love to win this and wake up christmas morning top of the league. That would be the only present id want.

[CrazyHorse]

I fully expect Rafa to play Robbie this weekend, and RK is hurting, so Ill stick a 10'er on him getting the first goal!!

Kuyt & Riera out wide, Sami starting alongside JC. Dossenna will get another run our I think, Xabi, Masch with Stevie G ahead of 'em..

2-0 win to the Redmen, and Im supremely confident we will win!!!

Come on lads.. Top at Xmas.. we can do it!!!

[reddave]

cant see him starting keane...think he will go with kyut up front with yossi on the wing.

[m.vat red]

That seems the likely line up alright. I fully expect to see babel introduced about the hr mark
1-0 for me robbie
its looks like the tactics for the chelsea game will be used again,we need at least a point down there,keane to score 1st!

[trucker]

Thank God Walcott is injured, can you imagine Dossena trying to stop him, Walcott would rip him a new arsehole! Dirk on the right is a must tomorrow, dont know wether Keane will start but if he dose'nt then he'll go in january.

[noodge74]

I really fancy us for this one.............and thats not a feeling I get often!..............Just hope dossena is left out or,as this seems unlikely,the ball doesnt find its way to his general direction too often!!

[reddave]

think that with out torres we are lacking up front. arsenal are strong and quick up front and if we can keep a clean sheet it would be a good result. little bit worried where our goals will come from tomorrow.. we need stevie to be at his best. don't think that Keane is gives us enough up front and i hope that kyut plays on the right so for me that leaves babel up front.

deffo think we should go for the win and send out the signal that were gonig all the way..!

[redrobert]

I would not be surprised to see Keane start;

---------reina-----------
arbeloa-carra-agger-dossena
-----masch--alonso-------
kuyt----gerard-------reira
-------keane------------

I' d be amazed if Keane starts given that it is 99% certain that we will play 4-5-1. Keane up front in that formation just doesnt work. I expect to see Kuyt up front.

If Arsenal perform to the same level that they have against Man u and Chelsea we are going to be in for a long hard afternoon. Thank the lord that Walcott is out as he would give Dossena and truely terrible time.

[bobby benitez]

I think he will go with the team that beat chelsea bar Aurelio.
Reina
Arbeloa Carra Agger Dossena
Kuyt Masch Xabi Riera
Gerrard
Keane

You never seem to hear injury reports about Aurelio, he just disappears off injured and reappears unnoticed, wouldn't be surprised to see him play tomorrow. More worryingly Andy Reid was able to keep up with the very same Mendy that ripped Dossena to shreds last week.

Get to 0-0 after half an hour and we should win, could go either way IMO.

[GaryMc]

I really fancy us for this one.............and thats not a feeling I get often!..............Just hope dossena is left out or,as this seems unlikely,the ball doesnt find its way to his general direction too often!!


hmmm... I am the opposite, apart from Stevie, no one else is firing in front of goal. Our form recently has not been great and if RVP, Fabregas and Adebayor are on form, we could be in trouble. I hope not, but when they are good, they are very good. When they are bad, they are brutal.

If Keane does not get on the pitch tomorrow that I think that is clear sign that Rafa could ditch him. I hope Benayoun and Dossena are not on the teamsheet, but they more than likely will. I think Agger will start as they have plenty of pace.

Reina, Arbeloa, Carra, Agger, Insua, Kuyt, Masherano, Alonso, Reira, Gerrard, Keane

[MutantNinjaSkrtel]

Just got a text sayin masch is out tomorrow with d flu.Hope to god this isnt true as this is a game tailor made for el jefecito but the fella who text me isnt normally one for wind ups bout this kind of thing.

[denashpot]

Just got a text sayin masch is out tomorrow with d flu.Hope to god this isnt true as this is a game tailor made for el jefecito but the fella who text me isnt normally one for wind ups bout this kind of thing.

where did he hear about it :confused:

its not on sky, bbc or the offical site?

[MutantNinjaSkrtel]

where did he hear about it :confused:

its not on sky, bbc or the offical site?

i know,i know hardly the most reliable of sources but it was the same fella who said god was comin back before there were even rumours so i just said i'd pass on the info.

will be gutted if its true.

[denashpot]

but it was the same fella who said god was comin back

moses?

http://www.thejewishlife.com/wp-content/plugins/auto-blogster/images/moses.jpg

[MutantNinjaSkrtel]

moses?

http://www.thejewishlife.com/wp-content/plugins/auto-blogster/images/moses.jpg

:rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:.................... .............:D



ps get urself into nevadas for the game if your a real corkman;):p

[noodge74]

hmmm... I am the opposite, apart from Stevie, no one else is firing in front of goal. Our form recently has not been great and if RVP, Fabregas and Adebayor are on form, we could be in trouble. I hope not, but when they are good, they are very good. When they are bad, they are brutal.

If Keane does not get on the pitch tomorrow that I think that is clear sign that Rafa could ditch him. I hope Benayoun and Dossena are not on the teamsheet, but they more than likely will. I think Agger will start as they have plenty of pace.

Reina, Arbeloa, Carra, Agger, Insua, Kuyt, Masherano, Alonso, Reira, Gerrard, Keane

Im not applying logic to it -just have that gut feeling that we are gonna do it. Remember when we beat united we were playing sh*t while they were starting to look good.Most people didnt give us a chance yet we deservedly beat them without stevie g (for most of the game) and torres!
Now COME ON.............BELIEVE!!..........TOP OF THE PREM GOIN INTO 2009 WITH THE SCUM TRAILING IN OUR WAKE!

[armaghred]

Worrying that were traveling over 200 miles by bus this morning.

Rafael Benitez, the Liverpool manager, will defy doctors' orders today to travel with his side to the vital Barclays Premier League match against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. Benitez, who was admitted to hospital on Sunday and underwent an operation to remove kidney stones on Monday, was told by medical staff to remain at home and recuperate. However, the Spaniard insisted on being on the sidelines for a game that could see Liverpool extend their lead at the top of the table to four points.

To accommodate the stricken manager, the squad will leave Merseyside at the unusually early hour of 8am. The coach journey to north London will take significantly longer than usual because stops are planned every hour to allow Benitez to take medication and to assess the manager’s progress.

The match at the Emirates has huge significance in the title race. A victory for Liverpool would leave Arsenal 11 points behind the Merseyside club and turn up the pressure on second-placed Chelsea, who face a tricky match away to Everton on Monday night. With Manchester United in Japan for the World Club Championship, Benitez’s side have the opportunity to put nine points between themselves and Sir Alex Ferguson’s team. In the circumstances, Benitez was always likely to reject medical advice and take his place in the dugout at the Emirates.

[StevieGisMyIdol]

Sorry lads what time is kick off ??
cheers

[armaghred]

4pm :D

[StevieGisMyIdol]

cheers ;)

[REDHEART]

Worrying that were traveling over 200 miles by bus this morning.

yeah i'm with you on that.:confused:

[red1965]

yeah i'm with you on that.:confused:

agreed
but its hardly a bus more likely a luxury coach:D:D

[IrishRed1892]

according to Sly Sports Rafa's staying at home?:confused::confused:im confused!

and for the people saying keane wont start im fairly sure he will, theres a fella on RAWK with inside information he said yesterday that keane is probably starting today, not definite though!

[Block102]

according to Sly Sports Rafa's staying at home?:confused::confused:im confused!

Reading on rawk that he wasn't well enough to travel - fair enough that, not worth risking long term health for one match. First time he's rotated himself from the matchday line-up though :D

Team flew from Liverpool last night, didn't do the coach trip when Rafa wasn't up to it....

[bobby benitez]

Reading on rawk that he wasn't well enough to travel - fair enough that, not worth risking long term health for one match. First time he's rotated himself from the matchday line-up though :D

Team flew from Liverpool last night, didn't do the coach trip when Rafa wasn't up to it....


Now Rafa will know how it feels to have to listen to Redknapp, Gray and Co. Could end up back in hospital.

The prep work will well and truly be done and Sammy is more than capable for doing whats required.

Come on lads lets do it for Rafa.

[MutantNinjaSkrtel]

according to Sly Sports Rafa's staying at home?:confused::confused:im confused!

and for the people saying keane wont start im fairly sure he will, theres a fella on RAWK with inside information he said yesterday that keane is probably starting today, not definite though!


Can't see rafa staying at home for this even if he was shot in the balls.would be shocked if keane doesnt start to be honest-if he doesnt,i think we can safely say that he'll be off in january.Fingers crossed the stick he'll be getting as ex spurs will drive him on to score a couple.


No news as yet on the masch flu rumour so lets hope its exactlt that-a rumour.

[Rover 609]

Reading on rawk that he wasn't well enough to travel - fair enough that, not worth risking long term health for one match. First time he's rotated himself from the matchday line-up though :D

Team flew from Liverpool last night, didn't do the coach trip when Rafa wasn't up to it....

Who did they fly with aer arann,propeller job?remember where potless,expenses similair to FAS ceo not allowed.Hire a few high nellies let them cycle,it il be intensive training too,Rafa id be a fan of that.

[Rover 609]

Can't see rafa staying at home for this even if he was shot in the balls.would be shocked if keane doesnt start to be honest-if he doesnt,i think we can safely say that he'll be off in january.Fingers crossed the stick he'll be getting as ex spurs will drive him on to score a couple.


No news as yet on the masch flu rumour so lets hope its exactlt that-a rumour.

Goin by this on bbc he'll be there.

Liverpool assistant manager Sammy Lee on boss Rafael Benitez being absent from training this week:
"The plan of our weeks and months is always well in advance so we knew what we were going to do.

"The players have done really well, they have focused and concentrated with all the stuff which has been going on in the background.

"But it is a credit to him and the way he has set things in place that it means we can go on with him not being here.

"He doesn't like being ill and he is not happy when he is away from the football club but he will be there on Sunday."

[bobby benitez]

Goin by this on bbc he'll be there.

Liverpool assistant manager Sammy Lee on boss Rafael Benitez being absent from training this week:
"The plan of our weeks and months is always well in advance so we knew what we were going to do.

"The players have done really well, they have focused and concentrated with all the stuff which has been going on in the background.

"But it is a credit to him and the way he has set things in place that it means we can go on with him not being here.

"He doesn't like being ill and he is not happy when he is away from the football club but he will be there on Sunday."

Sammy is in charge today. Sky confirmed Rafa is not there.

[Rover 609]

Sammy is in charge today. Sky confirmed Rafa is not there.

Might not be on the bench,but cant believe he wont be in the stand or something.Id say Rafa would blow a gasket sitting at home watching HIS team playing.:D

[IrishRed1892]

Might not be on the bench,but cant believe he wont be in the stand or something.Id say Rafa would blow a gasket sitting at home watching HIS team playing.:D

no he is in hospital FACT the team were meant to get the bus to london this morning making stops every once in a while to allow rafa to take his meds but he was sent back to hospital last night and the team flew to london from liverpool last night

[bobby benitez]

Insua In Dossena out.
Masch and Benni Out Robbie and Lucas In

I am happy with that team.

[Alex Raisbeck]

Reina
Arbeloa
Insua
Agger
Carra
Lucas
Alonso
Kuyt
Gerrard
Riera
Keane

[Alex Raisbeck]

Come on Liverpool we can get the three points here.
Keane, now is your chance to grab your Liverpool career by the b******s and turn things round.
Lucas step forward and show the boo boys what you can do.
Insua, massive vote of confidence, step up and make that place yours.


Lets do it.
In the words of Gift Grubs Ronan Keating...
"COME OOOOOOOOOOOOOOONNNNNNNNNN"

[Rover 609]

Have to get out of here quick and get to watch the game,im fcukin cracking up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[REDHEART]

nice 1 glad to see robbie back in:D

come on redmen

[CrazyHorse]

C'MON THE REDMEN!!!

Robbie... today you gotta prove yourself....

[JOE]

That's how you finish!

[Tarabuses]

C'MON THE REDMEN!!!

Robbie... today you gotta prove yourself....

Great, how about another?

[denashpot]

well done robbie. we should of been ahead at the end of the first half!

[shibox]

Good finish for robbie. delighted for him. that ball in over the top is the way to go by the looks of it.

[ewoodyg]

great goal by Robbie now time to go for the kill! Fabregas is off after that crucncher of a tackle from Xabi

[shibox]

Not a bad result all in all i spose. We'd have taken a point at the emirates at the start of the season. Arsenal seemed more resilient after the sending off.

[Aido82]

two points dropped in the end

good to see keane score, and still unbeaten by the top 4 teams this year.

Thats the chavs and arsenal away out of the equation, bring them back home and we will batter them

Happy enough with the draw to be honest, if it was offered at 4pm i would have took it

[Alex Raisbeck]

Disappointed to be honest.
I felt we could have pushed on that little bit more to grab a win, which would have been a massive result.
Anyway on to Bolton and we need the 3 points there, big time.

[Andrew]

So are we cheering on the Toffees tomorrow?? Oh the conflict. For the greater good I hope they do us the favour.

Point at the Emirates, Robbie scoring a goal, Insua playing well. I'm happy.

[bobby benitez]

Will take that and move on.2 points clear feels nice. Chelsea will do well to win tomorrow, I have sneaky feeling about Everton.

[Alex Raisbeck]

Cant see the toffees getting anything out of tomorrow nights game.
No strikers and a crap defence = chelsea to win.

[IrishRed1892]

only positive out of that was robbies goal (which was a brilliant finish btw). other than that. . . i don't know im too angry to put my thoughts into words tbh! FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCK

[titicamara]

Not a bad result all in all i spose. We'd have taken a point at the emirates at the start of the season. Arsenal seemed more resilient after the sending off.

Would have accepted that before the game and especially after going 1-0 down, but still I can't help feeling a little bit disappointed. The chance was there to push on and try to get a winner.

Arsenal looked more likely to score after the sending off, at times it was like the players were unsure what to do with the extra man. Agger's shot would have been some winner. I thought Babel looked poor when he came on.

[Alex Raisbeck]

Would have accepted that before the game and especially after going 1-0 down, but still I can't help feeling a little bit disappointed. The chance was there to push on and try to get a winner.

Arsenal looked more likely to score after the sending off, at times it was like the players were unsure what to do with the extra man. Agger's shot would have been some winner. I thought Babel looked poor when he came on.

Thats exactly how I feel too.
To be honest Babel is becoming a let down. I ws calling for him to come on, but he just couldnt get into the game.
Last season he used to always get into the game quickly from the bench but it aint happening this year. O for a fit Fernando.

[GaryMc]

Possibly a missed opportunity. I think Rafa's caution is slightly holding the team back. Why not leave Keane on put Arsenal under pressure in the last 10. The last few games, we have not pressed on enough, too afraid of losing instead of going for the win. Even in injury time, players were content to keep the ball.

A few positives today though
- Insua was very good, should keep his place
- Lucas was better, if only he could learn to head to the ball
- Keane looked bright and took his goal well
- Still unbeaten against the three rivals

Draw between Chavs and Bitters would go down a treat tomorrow.

[RedPaddy]

lucas ok ??????? what wer u watching ???! he's the POOREST excuse for a footballer EVER ! how CAN A BRAZILIAN NOT BE ABLE TO PASS A BALL 2FN YARDS ????? a PLAIN crap nothing player ! > whats his use ????:mad:

surely some of the other ex youth team players like spearing would offer way more !:confused:

[GaryMc]

lucas ok ??????? what wer u watching ???! he's the POOREST excuse for a footballer EVER ! how CAN A BRAZILIAN NOT BE ABLE TO PASS A BALL 2FN YARDS ????? a PLAIN crap nothing player ! > whats his use ????:mad:

surely some of the other ex youth team players like spearing would offer way more !:confused:

Be realistic, I will admit he has been poor in most games this season, but he was better today. I am not saying he was outstanding, but his passing overall was better and he brought the best save from their keeper in the second half. Masherano is no world beater in terms of passing and shooting and Lucas mopped up plenty in front of the back four, which is exactly what Masher would have done.

Its easy to knock the lad week in week out, but he obviously has something in him.

[Fowler's God]

lucas ok ??????? what wer u watching ???! he's the POOREST excuse for a footballer EVER ! how CAN A BRAZILIAN NOT BE ABLE TO PASS A BALL 2FN YARDS ????? a PLAIN crap nothing player ! > whats his use ????:mad:

surely some of the other ex youth team players like spearing would offer way more !:confused:

I was counting before he got booked he fouled 10 times without getting into the book then lucky number 11 he managed to go in the book. He wasn't that awful, his performance was god in the place of Mascherano and was unlucky with his effort on goal.

Back to the rest of the team:

Insua staked a claim for a permanent starting place today, was very impressive. Dossena is definitely in no certain terms has to be on his way.

Keane, what a finish.

Agger was solid at the back today also, was also unlucky with his effort.

Babel is not a winger and Rafa needs to see this sooner rather than later or he will ruin Babel's potential.

El Zhar did ok, was unlucky with his effort.

Alonso was masterful in midfield.

[Raven136]

lucas was better than gerrard today and people need to get off his back.Imagine if lucas had air shot like he did and the stick he would have got.Tackled well and gave the ball to more attacking players around him.Basically did a good impression of masch.
Babel is very frustrating and did nothing when he came on.
Good result and 2 positives,lucas and insua.

Kuyt looks tired and el zahar should be given the bolton game.

Our left flank looks good now attacking wise and sweet goal from Keane.

Did we expect to be in this position 3 days before xmas.We are in with a shout and can do it.What more can we ask for?

[D-Red]

Good match. We took a point more than the Mancs or Chelsea managed against the same opposition.

Down through the years I've always respected how well Arsenal play when reduced to 10 men. They did it again today. I felt at 11 v 11 we were on top but the sending off impacted on the game, and not in our favour.

All in all a draw away to Arsenal will not be looked back on as a bad result after the dust settles.

Title races are full of twists and turns. Today was a steady performance that resulted in a steady result. It may not have been an extraordinary display but that point we earned today was a positive one, come the end of the season I believe it will be Arsenal who look back on today with regret, not us.

[CrazyHorse]

Positives>>

Insua had a great game, hardly put a foot wrong.
Arbeloa again was good.. one of our most consistent players of the season.
Robbies goal was exquisite.. technique like that cannot be taught!!
Lucas had a decent game in comparison to others he's played this term.
we looked really bright when it was 11 v 11, before they scored and after.

Negatives >>

We never really took the game to the Gooners when they went down to 10 men, and if anything they threatened more than us.
Rafa's substitutions again were to the detriment to our attacking force.. Keane should have been left on with a strike partner coming in for Lucas.
Stevei G couldn't get into the game whatsoever in the 2nd half and he kept coming deeper and deeper to get the ball... thats not where he does his best work..


Overall >>
I felt dissapointed at the final whistle.. it was a game we could have won, but a 1-1 before kick off, and I'd have probably taken it.
But we've opened the door for our rivals to leapfrog us once again, and I cant see Everton doing anything tomorrow night..

Mixed feelings, but we're still in there!!!

__________

A few comments I left out....

People are saying that Babel is becoming a bit of a letdown... I disagree..
He's no left winger, never was...
If anything he'd be better on the right, this way he'd stay wide instead of cutting in, and he has a decent cross on him as we've seen in the past.

Insua has showed more in this game than Drossenna has in all the games he played in.
Insua was solid, got forward well, and put some very good crosses into the arsenal pen area.
I was very impressed with his overall contribution today.

Agger had a very shaky game, defensively today.. seemed very uncertain under the highball and some of his cross balls to the right wing were off..
He offers alot moving forward from defence and poses a goal threat.. but his defensive qualities were not up to scratch today I felt.

With Skertl & Torres on their way back to fitness, I cannot wait to see them back in the starting line up!!!

[Rover 609]

Posts made during match 6(all at half time).Great to see that everyone concentrating on viewing the match.

[prendy]

lucas was better than gerrard today and people need to get off his back.Imagine if lucas had air shot like he did and the stick he would have got.Tackled well and gave the ball to more attacking players around him.Basically did a good impression of masch.
Babel is very frustrating and did nothing when he came on.
Good result and 2 positives,lucas and insua.

Kuyt looks tired and el zahar should be given the bolton game.

Our left flank looks good now attacking wise and sweet goal from Keane.

Did we expect to be in this position 3 days before xmas.We are in with a shout and can do it.What more can we ask for?

agree. worse case scenario we will be 1 point from the top at christmas. best case were two points clear.

i thought lucas did ok today, better than he has been. Robbie took his goal well, i was dissapointed he got taken off. didnt think Riera of stevie played as good as they can today. but on the flipside insua was very good, as was agger and i thought Alonso was our best player. he is showing the class we all knew he had.

one small note, i was a bit dissapointed that we didnt push on after the sending off, we looked more likely to score before it. thought we should have taken lucas off and put a striker up with Robbie.

overall i'm happy, 7 points from 9 against our rivals is brilliant and a real leap forward from previous seasons.

[Rover 609]

20 games left 14 wins 3 draws 3 losses,we'll be league champions.Im predicting 84 pts il win the championship this year,a win friday were half way there,19 games later same points return il be happy.Anyone feel near the 90 required to win it?


This theory has absolutely nothing to back it up only my faith,hope its enough.:cool:

[trucker]

Think it will be around 88 points Ronan for the title.Would have taken a draw before the game but once we equalised the game was there for the taken and our negative tactics when they went down to ten men was very disapointing, we basically played 4-5-1 against them and then when Robbie went off it was 4-6-0, Kuyt is playing awful the last few weeks and it is plain to see to everbody who has the use of there sight, it was basically 10 men each when he went up front, if Rafa/sammy was gona take robbie off they should have put ngog up to try pressure the back 4 who had an easy game 2nd half, were still top yes and may be after tomorrow, but the mancs have 2 home games against midtable teams and you can be sure they wont set there team out for a draw against them, they will be the main threat for the title, sooner the better Torres gets back as he would have murdered them today.

[skipper]

should be taking advantage of matches like these they lost 2 of there best players, went down to 10 men. take of keane and still leave babel on the wing till last 5 mins . some of the decisions baffle me at times. defo points dro
pped

[stamullen red]

Arsenal were there for the taken today another two dropped points and until we stop passing the ball sideways and backwards giving teams the chance to get players behind the ball and start playing with a bit of endeavour we can kiss the league goodbye.Lucas was poor,babel looked like he would rather be somewhere else,El zhar enough said,ngog what the fook,can anybody explain the substitutions that were made because all they did was to weaken the team and what i am really worried about is the look on stevies face its not of disappointment more what the fook am i doing here.That was a lightweight arsenal team that was there for the taken and i am affraid we could not raise our game enough to beat them the worst thing is that the team from salford can be heard laughing all the way from the other side of the world we looked anything but future champions today

[Rover 609]

Arsenal were there for the taken today another two dropped points and until we stop passing the ball sideways and backwards giving teams the chance to get players behind the ball and start playing with a bit of endeavour we can kiss the league goodbye.Lucas was poor,babel looked like he would rather be somewhere else,El zhar enough said,ngog what the fook,can anybody explain the substitutions that were made because all they did was to weaken the team and what i am really worried about is the look on stevies face its not of disappointment more what the fook am i doing here.That was a lightweight arsenal team that was there for the taken and i am affraid we could not raise our game enough to beat them the worst thing is that the team from salford can be heard laughing all the way from the other side of the world we looked anything but future champions today

I notice you mention this a lot in your posts,so you dont call em the mancs then.

[Raven136]

could be a very low points total,anywhere from 79-85 could win it

[RedPaddy]

:mad: im yet again SO annoyed & frustrated after that game......

i too was extremely dissappointed that we didnt push on after the sending off, .............. thought we should have taken lucas off and put babel up with up with Robbie and NOT after the bloody 70-75th min as always

i almost ALWAYS have a migrane after watching us play, both from our,at times,abysmul play & passing, & my frustration at yet another oppurtunity lost.......the lads (& myself) in the local team i play in, play with more heart than some of our players do....if we lose a ball wer embarrased & chase it down to recover both the ball & some pride, yet too many of our players just let it go !

how many times did we play ourselves into trouble today by playing a ball back instead of moving forward !??? kuyt created problems several times......
& now rafa has worn Reira down aswell....when he came he would take players on, now he too stops & passes backways ! grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr !:mad:

how can any fan on here, or any of our players & manager go into a game with the premeditated thought of "a draw would be a good result" ????! if we have any asperations of winning the league we MUST go in with the mentality of we MUST and we WILL win this game....aim to win & take a draw as 2nd choice, NOT aim for a draw & a win if we get it ! grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr...it drives me mad, mad i tell you!:mad:

our corners are lcrap, our frees are woeful> WHY cant rafa see this & do something about it ?!???
we lump up high balls > to a 5ft 7" striker !??? ......when we had crouch we couldn't give the lad a decent cross to head in, > what does rafa do - sell crouch & buy a winger who can cross !???? WTF !?:mad:

rafa, please KOP on !

[dubit10]

Bossed the game today. A hell of a lot of positives to take out of the game. Lucas was my MOTM by a distance but special shout out for Insua. I've yet to see the lad play a bad game for us. Love to see him get a run in the team. Really beginning to see the signs of champions in us now. We never look like we are going to get beat and when Torres gets back i can see us going unbeaten the rest of the year. Missing the best defensive midfielder and stricker in the world today and made Arsenal look like a championship side at times. Actually can see Villa getting 4th ahead of them this season as they are patheticly short on world class players. Very excited about the rest of the season as all i wanted at the start of the campaign was to be in touch around Xmas so we could push on into the new year and have a chance at the league....happy days indeed :)

[redrobert]

Arsenal going down to ten men was the worst thing to happen to us even after them losing their key player. Another bizarre decision in waiting so long to put 2 up front up. Most definitely 2 points dropped from a title winning viewpoint.

Lucas gave away a foul everytime he tackled. How could he be MOTM?

Insua was MOTM by a clear mile. He should play v Bolton.

[James]

The main thing that I took out of todays game is that we have some amount of gobshites supporting us.

[corcaigh]

lucas ok ??????? what wer u watching ???! he's the POOREST excuse for a footballer EVER ! how CAN A BRAZILIAN NOT BE ABLE TO PASS A BALL 2FN YARDS ????? a PLAIN crap nothing player ! > whats his use ????:mad:

surely some of the other ex youth team players like spearing would offer way more !:confused:
would you have booed him off the pitch?

Lucas was solid. Arsenal were well beaten in midfield and he was part of it.

[dking]

The main thing that I took out of todays game is that we have some amount of gobshites supporting us.



cén fáth?

[callyno3]

:mad: im yet again SO annoyed & frustrated after that game......

i too was extremely dissappointed that we didnt push on after the sending off, .............. thought we should have taken lucas off and put babel up with up with Robbie and NOT after the bloody 70-75th min as always

i almost ALWAYS have a migrane after watching us play, both from our,at times,abysmul play & passing, & my frustration at yet another oppurtunity lost.......the lads (& myself) in the local team i play in, play with more heart than some of our players do....if we lose a ball wer embarrased & chase it down to recover both the ball & some pride, yet too many of our players just let it go !

how many times did we play ourselves into trouble today by playing a ball back instead of moving forward !??? kuyt created problems several times......
& now rafa has worn Reira down aswell....when he came he would take players on, now he too stops & passes backways ! grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr !:mad:

how can any fan on here, or any of our players & manager go into a game with the premeditated thought of "a draw would be a good result" ????! if we have any asperations of winning the league we MUST go in with the mentality of we MUST and we WILL win this game....aim to win & take a draw as 2nd choice, NOT aim for a draw & a win if we get it ! grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr...it drives me mad, mad i tell you!:mad:

our corners are lcrap, our frees are woeful> WHY cant rafa see this & do something about it ?!???
we lump up high balls > to a 5ft 7" striker !??? ......when we had crouch we couldn't give the lad a decent cross to head in, > what does rafa do - sell crouch & buy a winger who can cross !???? WTF !?:mad:

rafa, please KOP on !

There's a moan and a half!! :rolleyes: sounds like rants of old. (awaits the call for martin o neill)

Playing the ball backwards = paitence and keeping possesion.

A draw is not a bad result from an away match to Arsenal. It is a dissapointing when we were well on top and fabregas had to go off and then after the sending off we really should have pushed home the advantage.
But you have to give credit to arsenal they did stand up strong when their backs were to the wall.

There is positives to take from the game though.
Robbies goal.( from a high ball to our 5ft 7 striker)

Insua was very impressive and should keep his place

Lucas was also impressive, he did foul quite a bit but in fairness he got stuck in and used the ball quite well.

looking forward 6 points are a must from bolton and geordies over christmas.

[GaryMc]

There's a moan and a half!! :rolleyes: sounds like rants of old. (awaits the call for martin o neill)

Playing the ball backwards = paitence and keeping possesion.

A draw is not a bad result from an away match to Arsenal. It is a dissapointing when we were well on top and fabregas had to go off and then after the sending off we really should have pushed home the advantage.
But you have to give credit to arsenal they did stand up strong when their backs were to the wall.

There is positives to take from the game though.
Robbies goal.( from a high ball to our 5ft 7 striker)

Insua was very impressive and should keep his place

Lucas was also impressive, he did foul quite a bit but in fairness he got stuck in and used the ball quite well.

looking forward 6 points are a must from bolton and geordies over christmas.

A lot people forget that there are two teams in every match. Arsenal upped their game when they went down to 1o and to be honest I was waiting for the final whistle in the last ten as I thought they could nick it.

The Newcastle match away could be a tough one. Saw the highlights of their match today and when they have everyone fit they have a decent side going forward, Owen, Viduka, Martins, Duff etc.

[RedPaddy]

well callyno3 i'm just SO frustrated with our play & consistant slip up's...
as i said, how can any fan on here, or any of our players & manager go into a game with the premeditated thought of "a draw would be a good result"

arsenal have sold 2 decent players & have lost 5 games ! you gotta go there looking for a win....rafa is way too negative.....granted torres will be back, but it'l take him to feb to get up to speed......

if you compare tables from last year i very much doubt were much ahead points wise....it's the other 2 that are behind their usual tallys, & yet we cant step up to the plate & coast ahead of them ....wer lingering there at the top, but not for long with benitez tactics......

[RedPaddy]

to make matters even more precarious KOPIRISH, newcastle (& Owen a goal) are due points against us & Bolton are playing better at the mo!:(

[James]

cén fáth?

Just peoples general attitiude and not seeing what is in front of them but instead following whatever agenda is in their head. For instance Lucas was good today but most won't give him the credit he deserves. The numerous clever fouls he made are seen as a weakness in his game but when Masch makes the same fouls its 'good man Masch'. He played three or four quality balls in the first half too and won't have received an ounce of credit. One in particular to Dirk was Xabiesque.

Then we have the crap about not going out and attacking Arsenal in the second half. Did people not see how hard they worked to get the draw? Jesus they were like men possessed and none of our players got a minute on the ball. Arsenal deserved their point because they worked their b*llocks off to get it. Instead people are giving out about tactics and shit like that. Well how about giving the opposition a bit of credit and accept the fact that we were up against a quality side who were revitalised in the second half. Jesus there was even a bit of atmosphere in the Emirates for the last half hour.

And finally we went into this match without the manager being near the squad for a week, its not exactly great preparation, yet we played well in periods of the game, probably some of the best football we've played for a while. Robbie even did what he was brought to do in getting a goal out of nothing. But still people rant and rave and moan and slag and make themselves look like twats.

[dking]

I see.
Didnt read all the earlier posts .

Thought Lucas was very good today. Retained the ball very well and from my drunk memory only stated the fouls when he was getting tired and IMO by approx 70mins looked very tired .

Insua also showed well today.

I really enjoyed the game .

[GaryMc]

And finally we went into this match without the manager being near the squad for a week, its not exactly great preparation, yet we played well in periods of the game, probably some of the best football we've played for a while. Robbie even did what he was brought to do in getting a goal out of nothing. But still people rant and rave and moan and slag and make themselves look like twats.

If everyone agreed then there would not be much need for a forum;););)

[RedMurph08]

Just peoples general attitiude and not seeing what is in front of them but instead following whatever agenda is in their head. For instance Lucas was good today but most won't give him the credit he deserves. The numerous clever fouls he made are seen as a weakness in his game but when Masch makes the same fouls its 'good man Masch'. He played three or four quality balls in the first half too and won't have received an ounce of credit. One in particular to Dirk was Xabiesque.

Then we have the crap about not going out and attacking Arsenal in the second half. Did people not see how hard they worked to get the draw? Jesus they were like men possessed and none of our players got a minute on the ball. Arsenal deserved their point because they worked their b*llocks off to get it. Instead people are giving out about tactics and shit like that. Well how about giving the opposition a bit of credit and accept the fact that we were up against a quality side who were revitalised in the second half. Jesus there was even a bit of atmosphere in the Emirates for the last half hour.

And finally we went into this match without the manager being near the squad for a week, its not exactly great preparation, yet we played well in periods of the game, probably some of the best football we've played for a while. Robbie even did what he was brought to do in getting a goal out of nothing. But still people rant and rave and moan and slag and make themselves look like twats.


Post of the year!

[bobby benitez]

to make matters even more precarious KOPIRISH, newcastle (& Owen a goal) are due points against us & Bolton are playing better at the mo!:(

I'd take 2 draws:rolleyes:

[trucker]

Lucas had a excellent game today and Insua has shown he can make that position his own if given the chance, hopefully Rafa ships out Dossena now, as somebody said to me today hes like the Dow Jones the way he's loosing value.Really did'nt think we could find anybody worse than ginger, better the devil you know!!!

[Raven136]

5 points better off than last season,the rest of the big four no better than us and arsenal and chelsea already played them away.
7 points from a possible 9 against our rivals.

what were the results when united and chelsea played arsenal.

People need to kop on around here imo.We are exactly where anyteam with title aspirations needs to be.

Oh and there is this spanish fella still to come back up front,name escapes me.

Its not all rosy but we are in it.It pains me to say it but keep near or ahead of the Mancs and we will be there at the end

[Rover 609]

Just peoples general attitiude and not seeing what is in front of them but instead following whatever agenda is in their head. For instance Lucas was good today but most won't give him the credit he deserves. The numerous clever fouls he made are seen as a weakness in his game but when Masch makes the same fouls its 'good man Masch'. He played three or four quality balls in the first half too and won't have received an ounce of credit. One in particular to Dirk was Xabiesque.

Then we have the crap about not going out and attacking Arsenal in the second half. Did people not see how hard they worked to get the draw? Jesus they were like men possessed and none of our players got a minute on the ball. Arsenal deserved their point because they worked their b*llocks off to get it. Instead people are giving out about tactics and shit like that. Well how about giving the opposition a bit of credit and accept the fact that we were up against a quality side who were revitalised in the second half. Jesus there was even a bit of atmosphere in the Emirates for the last half hour.

And finally we went into this match without the manager being near the squad for a week, its not exactly great preparation, yet we played well in periods of the game, probably some of the best football we've played for a while. Robbie even did what he was brought to do in getting a goal out of nothing. But still people rant and rave and moan and slag and make themselves look like twats.

Quality post James,to many cunnts want to play devils advocate or think there the messiah in waiting that they know whats the right thing to do and the wrong thing to do makes me wonder is this site for or against LFC some of the shite i see.LFC have become THE hardest team to beat in the premirship FACT.When is the last time we looked like we were goin to be battered?the mancs last march when we didnt turn up for the gig thats when,apart from that we have waltzed,worked and dug out every result weve got,granted id love to see us bury teams when we can but the super team dream is a bit off yet.IF we can get the wins to draws ratio soted ive no doubt we'll be champs this year and ive every faith Rafa and co can do just that for us,stop moaning and whinging like babies(especially you red paddy,are you a manc in disguise?)and get full voice behind the Reds,if you cant fcuk off and whinge on some other site!!!!

[Rover 609]

Insua leading the way for MOTM on the official site just ahead of Robbie Keane

[MutantNinjaSkrtel]

Very surprised with the amount of praise lucas is getting for his performance.Before i get abused about not knowing what the role of the holding midfielder is,"he's not there to hit 40 yarder hollywood balls" ,not appreciating him doing the donkey work blah,blah,blah i'd just like to point out that I'm one of the few who actually rates the fella and thinks he'll come good.Was absolutely delighted with his performance against PSV but must say I thought he was poor yesterday.


He was a liability throughout as he gave away silly free kicks time after time after time.everyone knows how dangerous van persie is from the dead ball and on another day these stupid,careless free kicks would have cost us.Also thought he was completely dominated physically,losing several headers he should have won and being knocked off the ball far too easily by diaby et al.If he could just show a bit more agression he could be a quality player.he seems to only show any drive and determination when chasing shadows,


This is NOT an anti-lucas rant or anything,i think his form has been much improved of late and will back him all the way for as long as he plays for us-i was just a bit surprised by so many people commending his performance when i thought he was poor enough personally!


Also,Ryan Babel is really starting to worry me.It looks to me like he's being a bit sulky at being left out and couldnt really be arsed any more when he comes on.has been absolutely anonymous in the last few games.To me it looks like his mind is elsewhere and he wants out.I know this might sound crazy but is there any way he's sick of his 'supersub' tag and is just not trying as hard when he comes on so rafa isnt just relying on him as our impact sub?The lad has all the ability in the world but between the rapping shite and waanting a loan move instead of fighting for his place you have to wonder if he has the right attitude for Liverpool Football Club.

[REDHEART]

felt lucas had a very good game meself today.won his fair share of headers in midfield.i actually thought this game would suit him.and theres no way his tackle was a yellow card offence imo.i really feel we need to win our next 2 before the fa cup.

[Red Alert]

I thought Lucas had a solid game yesterday- our midfield shaded it yesterday even before the gunners were reduced to 10 men.Insua had a very solid game as well and certainly deserves an extended run in the team. We now need to improve our record against the so called lesser teams - starting with Bolton and Newcastle over the Xmas.

[Pimboli]

I find Wengers post match comments very amusing saying they controlled the game with 10 men, imagine what they would have done with 11 obviously oblivious to the fact that before the sending off they had 11 and were being overrun and there was only going to be one winner.

I am disappointed we didnt push on, we waited too long to go 4-4-2 and for once I agree with Andy Gray when with about 15 mins to go he was saying we should have been pushing up the pitch forcing the gooners back and forcing them deep cutting off the front line and instead we stood back and just played our normal patient game but you cant really do that against a team that is so good in possession as the gooners.

[duffer]

well lads what do we make of that episode yesterday could have and should have took all 3

[eegorbishcan]

The lad has all the ability in the world but between the rapping shite and waanting a loan move instead of fighting for his place you have to wonder if he has the right attitude for Liverpool Football Club.

I didn't know he was a rapper, fcuk me, the lad thinks he's snoop dogg, pity he hasn't shown that confidence on the pitch lately!!

IMO I'm as disapointed with the two points dropped as everyone else, but you can't deny Arsenal the points with that second half performance.
On the positive side Keane scored (a cracker!), Insua played well, Lucas didn't get sent off.... Onto the next game.

I heard someone mention before the Hull game that if we took 7 points from Hull, Arsenal & Bolton we'd have one point more than man ure last season with the same amount of games played so if we can beat Bolton we'll be only one point off them.
Sammy should have enough experience with the Trotters be able to earn us full points, hopefully Robbie can carry his confidence into that game too!

[duffer]

lets hope are merseyside rivals do the buis to night then lets get back to winning ways and put this baby to bed

[Niall]

Just peoples general attitiude and not seeing what is in front of them but instead following whatever agenda is in their head. For instance Lucas was good today but most won't give him the credit he deserves. The numerous clever fouls he made are seen as a weakness in his game but when Masch makes the same fouls its 'good man Masch'. He played three or four quality balls in the first half too and won't have received an ounce of credit. One in particular to Dirk was Xabiesque.

Then we have the crap about not going out and attacking Arsenal in the second half. Did people not see how hard they worked to get the draw? Jesus they were like men possessed and none of our players got a minute on the ball. Arsenal deserved their point because they worked their b*llocks off to get it. Instead people are giving out about tactics and shit like that. Well how about giving the opposition a bit of credit and accept the fact that we were up against a quality side who were revitalised in the second half. Jesus there was even a bit of atmosphere in the Emirates for the last half hour.

And finally we went into this match without the manager being near the squad for a week, its not exactly great preparation, yet we played well in periods of the game, probably some of the best football we've played for a while. Robbie even did what he was brought to do in getting a goal out of nothing. But still people rant and rave and moan and slag and make themselves look like twats.

Was at the game myself James and agree with your points. Never heard the Arsenal crowd like that before after the sending off they got right behind the team who responed in a great way really worked their nuts off. I actually thought they might cave in but fair play they didn't. I sent my mate a text after saying how i thought Lucas had a great game then i came on here :rolleyes::rolleyes:

[edcarroll02]

Well lads we've come away from an away game with arsenal with a point which is a serious achievement considering our two main rivals we're both beaten by them this year, one at home and the other away so we can't be too hard on the team.

Having not seen much of the game after Adebayour was sent off i think i missed the worst period of the game for us so came away from the match very pleased with our performance and the result. We dominated the midfield despite the fact that Masch was out and Gerrard was very quiet. Thought Lucas was very good in a match that required him to be very disciplined in his forward movement and it seemed that himself and Alonso seemed to cover each other quite well.

Biggest positive of the day had to have been insua's performance, he was fantastic, showed how solid he is in defence and was always willing to get forward and seems to have a knack of finding a few yards in attacking areas. Worked well with Riera and with game time i'm sure we'll find that this lad is a real gem.

Another positive was of course Robbie's goal which he took fantastically well, i knew he was gonna score as soon as he got through as i remember all too clearly the two he got against us last season when he got into similar situaions, he rarely misses when he's one on one.

I think the biggest negative of the day was Kuyt, thats a few games in a row that he's been poor and there's no sign of him being dropped, that being said he did get in behind Cliche once or twice and should have put Gerrard through at the end of the first half but slightly over hit the pass and unfortunately these are the margins you play with in games like this. I'd like to see maybe Babel get a run on that right side but i know its not gonna happen.

[redabbey]

LFC have become THE hardest team to beat in the premirship FACT.

I really think this is very important fact that will keep us in good stead for the rest of the season. The confidence that has to be building from results like going away to Arsenal and giving them a genuine scare are so good for the squad. I also thing that from the performances of players yesterday there should be much more competition for places on the team which gives us so many more options.

IF we can get the wins to draws ratio soted ive no doubt we'll be champs this year and ive every faith Rafa and co can do just that for us,stop moaning and whinging like babies(especially you red paddy,are you a manc in disguise?)and get full voice behind the Reds,if you cant fcuk off and whinge on some other site!!!!

This needed to be said. C'mon Lads it has been a superb start to our season and which of us would not have wished in August to be where we are right now.

[Liverpool-law]

Bossed the game today. A hell of a lot of positives to take out of the game. Lucas was my MOTM by a distance but special shout out for Insua. I've yet to see the lad play a bad game for us. Love to see him get a run in the team. Really beginning to see the signs of champions in us now. We never look like we are going to get beat and when Torres gets back i can see us going unbeaten the rest of the year. Missing the best defensive midfielder and stricker in the world today and made Arsenal look like a championship side at times. Actually can see Villa getting 4th ahead of them this season as they are patheticly short on world class players. Very excited about the rest of the season as all i wanted at the start of the campaign was to be in touch around Xmas so we could push on into the new year and have a chance at the league....happy days indeed :)

Just peoples general attitiude and not seeing what is in front of them but instead following whatever agenda is in their head. For instance Lucas was good today but most won't give him the credit he deserves. The numerous clever fouls he made are seen as a weakness in his game but when Masch makes the same fouls its 'good man Masch'. He played three or four quality balls in the first half too and won't have received an ounce of credit. One in particular to Dirk was Xabiesque.

Then we have the crap about not going out and attacking Arsenal in the second half. Did people not see how hard they worked to get the draw? Jesus they were like men possessed and none of our players got a minute on the ball. Arsenal deserved their point because they worked their b*llocks off to get it. Instead people are giving out about tactics and shit like that. Well how about giving the opposition a bit of credit and accept the fact that we were up against a quality side who were revitalised in the second half. Jesus there was even a bit of atmosphere in the Emirates for the last half hour.

And finally we went into this match without the manager being near the squad for a week, its not exactly great preparation, yet we played well in periods of the game, probably some of the best football we've played for a while. Robbie even did what he was brought to do in getting a goal out of nothing. But still people rant and rave and moan and slag and make themselves look like twats.

Well said lads, too lazy to have a go at that myself but this sums it up for me. Lucas was very good, Insua was great and it's fantastic not to have to play Dossena who was at fault for both the Hull games last week. Great result where the scum failed. I'm an Everton fan just for tonight! An away point and 7 out of 9 in the so called big four games. People go on about the scum having played all their away games but we've played two out of three and have 4 points to show for it. As Tompkins said, Arsenal v Villa and Chelsea v the Scum coming up soon so we're in a very good position. Torres back soon, Happy days indeed.

[Daz]

Just peoples general attitiude and not seeing what is in front of them but instead following whatever agenda is in their head. For instance Lucas was good today but most won't give him the credit he deserves. The numerous clever fouls he made are seen as a weakness in his game but when Masch makes the same fouls its 'good man Masch'. He played three or four quality balls in the first half too and won't have received an ounce of credit. One in particular to Dirk was Xabiesque.

Then we have the crap about not going out and attacking Arsenal in the second half. Did people not see how hard they worked to get the draw? Jesus they were like men possessed and none of our players got a minute on the ball. Arsenal deserved their point because they worked their b*llocks off to get it. Instead people are giving out about tactics and shit like that. Well how about giving the opposition a bit of credit and accept the fact that we were up against a quality side who were revitalised in the second half. Jesus there was even a bit of atmosphere in the Emirates for the last half hour.

And finally we went into this match without the manager being near the squad for a week, its not exactly great preparation, yet we played well in periods of the game, probably some of the best football we've played for a while. Robbie even did what he was brought to do in getting a goal out of nothing. But still people rant and rave and moan and slag and make themselves look like twats.


Someone with a bit of fcuking common sense.

My God I'm sick to death of listening to people moan.:mad:

[Gerry]

nice one James of of the most sensible and in touch with reality posts i have seen in a long time, sometimes i wonder if others have been watching the same match i have been watching, not just talking about people on the net either !

[Juan]

I think a draw was a fair result yesterday,credit to arsenal, when they went down to 10 men they played well. Alonso had a great game,and Insua+lucas had solid games.what a goal by robbie,it will give him confidence,but will rafa pick him next week?..who knows.
but we desperatley need a win at home to bolton on stephens day.

[redspider]

Arsenal 1-1 Liverpool

A good result for Liverpool, although to be fair, we were more deserving of a win than Arsenal, slightly. Reina was the quieter of the two keepers. Liverpool lined out 4-2-3-1, with Keane up top, and with Gerrard moving quite far advanced at times:

------------- Reina -------------
Arbeloa - Carra - Agger - Insua
----- Lucas ------ Alonso ----
Kuyt ----- Gerrard ---- Reira
---------- Keane -----------

Arsenal could only muster 6 attempts on/or near the goal in the whole match to Liverpool's 13. If this was a boxing match, Liverpool would have taken it on points. Liverpool showed their mettle early on with Clichy loose for an off-side trap. The clear Keane laid back to Gerrard but his shot was too straight on to Almunia from range. Adebayor had a glancing header saved. Then the Arsenal
goal came out of nowhere, a long ball through, a turn by Van Persie in the box and he got off a powerful shot with his right foot. Carra was close but not close enough to blocking it and it was 1-0. Not reflective of the game per se.

Liverpool got an equaliser from an unlikely source. Not a pretty goal, and like Arsenal's a straight ball through, this time over the top, Robbie did well, Gallas didnt, semi ball-watching. But a good finish from Robbie on the half-volley. Liverpool had the upper hand in the closing minutes of the half but couldnt convert, and then the Fabregas/Alonso tackle. 1-1 at the half-way mark and fair.

Liverpool showed a bit more in the 2nd half. But both defences held up well. Throughout the game, I thought that in the final 3rd Arsenal could pass it around and create some space better. Lots of mobility, etc. Kuyt and Riera could not get through, and Stevie was trying everything. Agger's long
range shot was only inches away. As for Adebayor's sending off, a bit harsh, but clearly a foul for the 2nd one, and potentially a yellow. Van Persie also throws himself about in the box (did they all learn this from Bergkamp?) with hands flailing, etc. Its one way of keeping possession and keeping defenders off your back but it can cost and its clearly fouling!

I was pleased with Insua's performance at left back. He was assured, defending and tackled well, which is his bread and butter job, and also got up well to support attacking forays. It would be good if he could develop to hold down this position. El Zhar can do a role when he comes on to. Babel as well, but really as an impact sub, utilising his pace and perhaps getting off a shot. And Lucas did well enough I thought. With Masch playing we may have had more to win the game though.

Liverpool will be happy enough.

Merry Xmas one and all!

Redspider

[MutantNinjaSkrtel]

felt lucas had a very good game meself today.won his fair share of headers in midfield.i actually thought this game would suit him.and theres no way his tackle was a yellow card offence imo.i really feel we need to win our next 2 before the fa cup.

your right..was never a yellow card offence but i reckin webb booked him for persistent niggling fouls moreso than that one challenge.


Anyone have thae stats of the last time we lost a game that howard webb has reffed?we have a phenomenal recored in his games.

[zamaguire]

Love to win this and wake up christmas morning top of the league. That would be the only present id want.
Thank you Santa

[semifortorres]

The main thing that I took out of todays game is that we have some amount of gobshites supporting us.

HaHa ... dinnger :)