Newcastle (A) 12 noon Sunday 28th Dec

[stiffler]

Half way through the season, we are sitting top of the tree, couldnt have asked for more at the start of the season.

Keane has found a bit of form, hopefully he gets to start to keep his run going.

Torres possibly on the bench, Mascherano may return with Yossi dropping to the bench and Dirk out wide.

[MutantNinjaSkrtel]

This ones on sky too.roll on 3 points.Robbie finally looks like hes ona bit of a run!

[semifortorres]

Have tickets for the away end. me first away day. cant wait ... hopefully we can stay top :)

[zamaguire]

Our midfield should be too strong for them. They have a few injuries after yesderday and a suspension.

[trucker]

I hope Robbie gets to play in the same free role he was allowed yesterday if that means leaving the chief on the bench so be it, same 11 as yesterday I hope.

[SUPERFAN]

Have tickets for the away end. me first away day. cant wait ... hopefully we can stay top :)

there's a boozer called the black bull right beside sjp,you should head there before the game.
we were in there before the game last season,good spot..
i like your username by the way,although i tend to get the full blown torres horn:D

[Gerry]

Have tickets for the away end. me first away day. cant wait ... hopefully we can stay top :)

Nice one, have a good day, as willie said the black bull right beside the ground is a decent spot, bring your hiking boots for the walk up the steps in the ground mate

[stiffler]

there's a boozer called the black bull right beside sjp,you should head there before the game.
we were in there before the game last season,good spot..
i like your username by the way,although i tend to get the full blown torres horn:D


Is it liverpool fan friendly?


my flight gets in at 10 so i should have time for a quick pint or 2 before the game.

[SUPERFAN]

Is it liverpool fan friendly?


my flight gets in at 10 so i should have time for a quick pint or 2 before the game.

it's a newcastle pub but there were no problems in it last season.
i'm not one for wearing colours to away games but there were loads of lads there in lpool gear...

[Kiltyred]

I'll be watching it in my local with my best friend who is a Geordie and a Newcastle Fanatic, so we better win or I'll never live it down. Looking forward to it, a good win here would put us back on a winning streak and banish the memories of all those draws. It would also be important to go 10 points clear of the scum, because even with 3 games in hand, that kind of a gap puts them under savage pressure to get results.

[DalglishN]

I'll go for another 3-0 for us? Always a good game against Newcastle though. Anyone got the odds on Keane for a hat trick. 5 to 1 to get the first goal against Bolton. He has'nt scored a hat trick in 5 years so it must be worth a €10.

[MutantNinjaSkrtel]

These should be showing it for anyone whos stuck:

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/hdforever3

http://www.atdhe.net/live-tv-1798.html

wont work until closer to KO.

[RedMurph08]

I'll go for another 3-0 for us? Always a good game against Newcastle though. Anyone got the odds on Keane for a hat trick. 5 to 1 to get the first goal against Bolton. He has'nt scored a hat trick in 5 years so it must be worth a €10.

66/1 on Blue sq mate

[Phil!]

Going to be tougher than Bolton anyway with Newcastle doing well enough at the moment.Hopefully Torres can come off the ench would be good to see him cack and i think we will be too strong for Newcastle in the end....Liverpool 2-1 Newcastle

[Block102]

Javier Mascherano returns to the starting XI for Liverpool's final match of 2008 at Newcastle United. Listen live from 11.30 GMT.
The midfielder comes in for Xabi Alonso as the Reds make three changes from the team that secured a comfortable Boxing Day triumph over Bolton.

Ryan Babel and Lucas Leiva also start with Robbie Keane and Albert Riera dropping to the bench.

The Reds have also been boosted by the return from injury of Martin Skrtel who is named amongst the substitutes.

The Liverpool team in full: Reina, Carragher, Insua, Agger, Hyypia, Mascherano, Lucas, Gerrard, Kuyt, Babel, Benayoun. Subs: Cavalieri, Keane, Riera, Alonso, Ngog, El Zhar, Skrtel.

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N162676081228-1115.htm

[reddave]

still no torres on the bench..hopes this works for rafa. with the changes his made he will be slaughtered if we lose or draw..!

[Rover 609]

2 team sheet reports within nanoseconds of team been announced,you are a pair of keyboard sluts:D

Next to impossible to predict Rafa team selections,hes colourful il give him that.:)

[MutantNinjaSkrtel]

http://www.eloquor.net/mod/ixp_compositions/resultats/composition-5.php?mon_champ=angleterre%2Fpremier_league%2Flive rpool1.png&gardien=REINA&Defdroit=CARRAGHER&Defcentdroit=HYYPI%C4&Defcent=&Defcentgauche=AGGER&Defgauche=INSUA&Mildefdroit=&Mildefcentdroit=&Mildefcent=&Mildefcentgauche=&Mildefgauche=&Mildroit=&Milcentdroit=MASCHERANO&Milcent=&Milcentgauche=LEIVA&Milgauche=&Milorgdroit=KUYT&Milorgcentdroit=&Milorgcent=GERRARD&Milorgcentgauche=&Milorggauche=BENAYOUN&Attdroit=&Attcentdroit=&Attcent=BABEL&Attcentgauche=&Attgauche=&Rempa=CAVALIERI&Rempb=SKRTEL&Rempc=X.+ALONSO&Rempd=RIERA&Rempe=EL-ZHAR&Rempf=N%B4GOG&Rempg=KEANE&submitButtonName=Formation+n%B01



On first glance was less than impressed with that team but in fairness some players do need a rest and just looking at it on paper we should be well strong enough and plenty of options off the bench.

[trucker]

Kuyt is a f****in joke as a striker but Keane scores twice and gets left out, I hope im wrong and we piss on them but stupidity is what has happened with that team selection, he picks the back 4 Gerrard and Kuyt, and its like he just draws the rest of the names from a hat today. On a good note nice to see Skertel on the bench.

[MutantNinjaSkrtel]

Just get the feeling that babels due a big game here?.......

[Block102]

2 team sheet reports within nanoseconds of team been announced,you are a pair of keyboard sluts:D

Someone has to fill the vacancy left by Reder (RIP) :D

[Meijer the trier]

Mascherano and Lucas on the team - too much respect for Newcastle playing two defensive midfielders. We should be going for the jugular, instead it looks like Rafa hopes to catch them on the break.
Another long 90 minutes to come methinks.

[trucker]

Someone has to fill the vacancy left by Reder (RIP) :D

Wheres Reder gone?

[Phil!]

Is this on the Radio?

[bobby benitez]

Kuyt is a f****in joke as a striker but Keane scores twice and gets left out, I hope im wrong and we piss on them but stupidity is what has happened with that team selection, he picks the back 4 Gerrard and Kuyt, and its like he just draws the rest of the names from a hat today. On a good note nice to see Skertel on the bench.

Calm down mate. It was fairly obvious that once Xabi and Robbie played 90 minutes they would be on the bench today.

Kuyt will probably be on the right and we need him there today, Newcastle's strongest point is there left wing.

[Block102]

Wheres Reder gone?

His keyboard was seized by the internet police on Christmas Eve - he's currently in a padded cell in St John of Gods, no visitors or contact with the outside world allowed....

Diplomatically speaking, I think he's just had enough of the site to be honest, probably best not to say too much more....

[CrazyHorse]

You gotta remember that we played about 36 hours ago, it was easily predictable that Rafa would make changes, although who, is never evident with the gaffer.

Babel has a point to prove, and Masch & Leiva will offer the protection.. a clean sheet is the first place to start when playing away.

Hopefully we get an early goal, coz I dont think I could stand a long ardous 90 minutes!!!

C'mon Redmen.. lets keep the pressure on and get the 3 points early doors today!!

[Rover 609]

Kyut will play up front unfortunately,Babel on the left were he doesnt work,and Yossi on the right.Please God we get a win.

[Rover 609]

His keyboard was seized by the internet police on Christmas Eve - he's currently in a padded cell in St John of Gods, no visitors or contact with the outside world allowed....

Diplomatically speaking, I think he's just had enough of the site to be honest, probably best not to say too much more....

Thats a politicians answer and i dont trust politicians:D

[edcarroll02]

Mascherano and Lucas on the team - too much respect for Newcastle playing two defensive midfielders. We should be going for the jugular, instead it looks like Rafa hopes to catch them on the break.
Another long 90 minutes to come methinks.

Lucas isn't a defensive midfielder despite what rafa seems to think, he's going to have to push forward a lot today and help Gerrrard and Babel! I think this could actually be a decent enough line up today. Babels pace and power will really torment their defence and i'm sure we'll have plenty for an injury ravaged newcaste today. Surprised to see keane getting dropped when he's hitting such a rich vein but cest la vie with Benitez around.

On the other hand if we don't win i'm sure we'll have the rafa out brigade back in here at half two.

[trucker]

Calm down mate. It was fairly obvious that once Xabi and Robbie played 90 minutes they would be on the bench today.

Kuyt will probably be on the right and we need him there today, Newcastle's strongest point is there left wing.

We dont have another league game for 2 weeks we should be going all out today, the strongest side should have played today, there professional footballers if they were'nt playing they'd be training bollocks to that resting crap,Robbies game is about confidence when he scores 3 in 2 games and Torres is out he has to play. The team playing should have enough I dont have a problem with the rest of it but I still think its madness to take a chance leaving Robbie out.

[James]

I know this is a mad request but any chance that we can wait until the match is over before we judge the team selection?

[CrazyHorse]

I know this is a mad request but any chance that we can wait until the match is over before we judge the team selection?

Its a forum m8... expect reactions to lineups etc, etc...

[RedMurph08]

http://www.iraqgoals.com/en/ch1.html

[Rover 609]

http://www.iraqgoals.com/en/ch1.html

Thats a cracking stream Redmurph only 3 secs behind sky.

[D5Hoop]

how the f**K have we not scored yet

[rev]

how the f**K have we not scored yet

One word!! Given!

[D5Hoop]

How we never went for him over the years is beyond me

[D5Hoop]

cracker !!!

[D5Hoop]

playing some good football, lead fully deserved

[D5Hoop]

get in !!!!!

[Tarabuses]

Sameeee.....

[carpe diem]

happy days !!!!

[D5Hoop]

few more would be nice and good for goal difference

[D5Hoop]

shit!!!!!

[fernsred]

A desperate end to whats been a brilliant 1st half. Should be out of site 4 or 5 nil. StevieG is on fire. Need to batter them again in the`second half and take our chances.

[Tarabuses]

Yes, it will be a more nervous second half than it should have been.

[REDHEART]

ffs.excellent performance for 46 mins and then a silly goal to give away.we better not blow this.hopefully it will keep us on our toes.really good stuff tho so far.

[MutantNinjaSkrtel]

cock and bollox they did not deserve that........

weve been excellent though-too much guile and movement up top for them.yossi's been excellent so has stevie and masch and lucas are doing a good job in the middle.

Since when are we good at corners?!thats 2 in 2 games and weve caused mayhem generally with them.

should have been giving stevie a rest 2nd half but that goals let them back into it ffs.lets get a second early doors and put this one to bed.

[D5Hoop]

yess- they all count

[D5Hoop]

and again !!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Andrew]

I'm tellin ya. The sooner we get shut of Lucas the better :p

Fantastic stuff. Well on the way to a great win. Roll on 2009.

[D5Hoop]

impressive score line and i think one/two more to come:)

[Andrew]

There's 5. Peno by Alonso.


Hmmm, perfectly good goal number 6 ruled offside there.
Woo! Skyrtel's back!

[D5Hoop]

There's 5. Peno by Alonso.


Hmmm, perfectly good goal number 6 ruled offside there.
Woo! Skyrtel's back!

Six is the number today ...please!!!!!

[D5Hoop]

good performance

[trucker]

****in brilliant performance, Lucas MOM

[red1965]

pure class

only for given id say the goal differance would be wiped out
top of league for new year

[Rover 609]

That was a performance from a team on a mission!!!!!

[DalglishN]

Great result hard to beleive Gerard has never scored a hat trick?

[RedMurph08]

Wtf was Rafa thinking.................

[Rover 609]

Wtf was Rafa thinking.................

Yeah exactly giving that bitch a pic and the match on!!!!!!!head butt she should have got!!;)

[CF999]

Truely awesome performance. Everyone was great. Perfect.

and even jamie redknapp is praising us as a team.

lovely stuff

[gowinit6times]

Most covincing performace this season. And big Marty and El Nino on their way back. Couldn't get much better. Hopefully Chelski and Scum can drop points now.

[Rover 609]

The confidence and mentality has to be going off the scale after that,its got to instill a belief that no one can beat us and that is a mega thing to have in your team.Some il call it cockiness that it can lead to complacency but absolute horseshit.Were really lookin like the real deal and Nando to come back!!!!!my mojo is risin!!!

[jaza]

fulham winnin aswell sweet

[Andrew]

Fulham up 1 on Chelsea early on. A bonus New Year present perhaps :)

[red1965]

can this day get any better fulham 1-0 up

[CrazyHorse]

Great performance, great scoreline, with the exception of their goal, and great confidence gathered..

This is the way to start the 2nd set of 19 games..

Start as we mean to go on!!

Go on Redmen, top for the new year!!

[James]

Bbbbbbbbooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!

[Monty]

Great performance today, lets hope for a few favours but everything going well today so far...

[SUPERFAN]

Bbbbbbbbooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!

ye beat me to it ye fcuker:D
booooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo oooooooo!

[MrsStevieG]

Excellent stuff today, confidence and form is really starting to build in the team. And we're looking like we're back on track and are only getting better.
We're right up there in terms of chances of winning this year. Come on lads!!!

Special mention for Lucas and Yossi, two players who I think get stick from the fans, unfairly sometimes and justified at other times but they have really upped their game in the last two games especially.

[reddave]

thats two good performances in a row.. top stuff. think rafa gambled today but obviously got it right..!

[arklowred]

****in brilliant performance, Lucas MOM

Funny how a full time result changes the opinion trucker mate:D

I'M really taking to Lucas Leiva. I know the opposition wasn't great but we can only beat who is in front of us and Lucas did not put a foot wrong today.

Never mind Stevie nearly gettin a hattrick, Lucas Leiva should have had 1!!

Skrtel back playing minutes today. Torres to come back. 18 league games remaining, **** me for getting excited, but come on the redmen.

A game a week for the next 4 weeks: a good cup win next Sat then beat the potters, the bitters and the latics heading into the chavs game, i really will have a full torres hornnnnnnnn!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[trucker]

[QUOTE=arklowred;117106]Funny how a full time result changes the opinion trucker mate:D


I said in my comment before the game Keane should have played but I was happy with the rest of the team and we should have enough, as it was it was more than enough, very impressive today, im off to get a few bevys into me:D
QUOTE]

[arklowred]

[QUOTE=arklowred;117106]Funny how a full time result changes the opinion trucker mate:D


I said in my comment before the game Keane should have played but I was happy with the rest of the team and we should have enough, as it was it was more than enough, very impressive today, im off to get a few bevys into me:D
QUOTE]

yeah, yeah.

a few bevys, get back into that house and mind that little girl of yours. the missus is after letting you off for 90 mins to watch the redmen, get back to work:D:D

[prendy]

great result today, nice to put away a team. lucas has proved again that he has a future at LFC. Torres to come back, all going well. life is good!

[KELMG]

We played like champions today lads,we really did.Were going into 2009 top of the league and we still have Nando to come back!Great to have Martin back running again aswell.

Have to give a mention to Insua also,this young lad is a breath of fresh air...was really impressed with him.

[trucker]

[QUOTE=trucker paddy;117109]

yeah, yeah.

a few bevys, get back into that house and mind that little girl of yours. the missus is after letting you off for 90 mins to watch the redmen, get back to work:D:D

:D

[SUPERFAN]

Great result hard to beleive Gerard has never scored a hat trick?

sky haven't got a fcukin clue ;)
http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/match/season/2005-2006/jul/470/teamsheet.htm

[edcarroll02]

Absolutely brilliant stuff today and Lucas was fantastic, always available to take the ball and willing to get forward at ever oppurtunity, inch perfect pass to gerrard and great set up for ngog when he was harshly ruled offside.

Only negative i seen in the game was about Babel, i really thought he looked ineffective today. Didn't know what to do when he had the ball but to be fair he got a goal and had two lads marking him most of the time.

[redabbey]

sky haven't got a fcukin clue ;)
http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/match/season/2005-2006/jul/470/teamsheet.htm

Not to be pedantic but they did say Premier League hat trick ;-)

[arklowred]

Not to be pedantic but they did say Premier League hat trick ;-)

Redabbey, we will let Superfan away with that one as he is on his 6th can of lager and it's not even half 3!!!!!.

Im 4 cans behind ya will. Go on the redmen, yahooo!!!!!!!!

[fermoyred80]

Yeah exactly giving that bitch a pic and the match on!!!!!!!head butt she should have got!!;)

And the muppet even got the kid to take the picture and fecked off then, if anythin why not get the child a picture. Youd think theyd have some sort of security about to stop that shite.

Footballs like a yorkie not for girls. (only messing ladies):D

[Fowler's God]

Someone was due this beating for a while now from this Liverpool side. Great couple of days for the Reds.

Gray and Redknapp were criticising Benitez in not picking Keane and Sky Sports News kept saying "Keane is dropped".

He played a full ninety less than 48 hours ago. Keeping him fresh for Preston next weekend. Its about time they all shut the flip up, we're top happy days!!

[fermoyred80]

Someone was due this beating for a while now from this Liverpool side. Great couple of days for the Reds.

Gray and Redknapp were criticising Benitez in not picking Keane and Sky Sports News kept saying "Keane is dropped".

He played a full ninety less than 48 hours ago. Keeping him fresh for Preston next weekend. Its about time they all shut the flip up, we're top happy days!!

Exactly when the other teams rest players nothing said about. Did anyone see all the media talking pictures of Robbie before kick-off when sitting on the bench. Wait for the bull 2m saying hes not happy, wants to leave yawn yawn

[Tarabuses]

Great equaliser by Fulham - three points up for the New Year.

[MutantNinjaSkrtel]

And the muppet even got the kid to take the picture and fecked off then, if anythin why not get the child a picture. Youd think theyd have some sort of security about to stop that shite.

Footballs like a yorkie not for girls. (only messing ladies):D


That was a bit much in fairness alrite.fair play to rafa for obligin though when he really shouldnt have bothered.if she went up to whiskeynose he would have spat at her and then filed a complaint to the FA over a lack of security.silly bitch though.

[Jockser]

great performance from the lads.Lucas caught the eye today. Newcastle were a disgrace but you can only beat whats put infront of you and we would have beat anyone on todays performance.

and cmon whos mother was that wreckin Rafas head during the game. was a funny moment indeed. Rafa just couldnt say no the legend :)

[SUPERFAN]

Lucas caught the eye today.
Lucas?
boooooooooooooooooooooooo!:D

[denashpot]

great win today. newcastle were terrible tbh. our passing through mf was class and everytime we broke from defence we looked like scoring. how keane didn't start is beyond me:confused: lucas played well and Insua also impressed again. 3 points clear!! loving it!!

[bobby benitez]

I really taught after 25 minutes it was gonna be one of them days. Best Liverpool performance of the season. Babel was shit again and Reina was well dodgy but the rest were savage. Stevie,Lucus,Insua (again) and Fulham:) were excellent.


Bring on 2009.

[denashpot]

Reina was well dodgy

he dropped the ball once in the area was it??

[MutantNinjaSkrtel]

What about that for a throughball from lucas for stevies 2nd........you'd swear he was brazilian;)

should have had another assist for n'gogs goal but was wrongly deemed offside.


yossi had a very good first half but was anonymous in the 2nd-much like the bolton game.

Another good sign was that babel looked genuinely delighted to have scored - something we havnt seen in a while - not least when he got the winner against the mancs and just trotted about.i'd have been balls naked and halfway up the kop but he didnt look too bothered.seemed to have had a better attitude today thank christ.a sign of things to come i hope.

[MutantNinjaSkrtel]

I really taught after 25 minutes it was gonna be one of them days. Best Liverpool performance of the season. Babel was shit again and Reina was well dodgy but the rest were savage. Stevie,Lucus,Insua (again) and Fulham:) were excellent.


Bring on 2009.



If thats what you call one of reinas dodgy days then he must be the best keeper in the game.One dodgy moment where he caught the ball backpeddling,hit his back of the post,dropped the ball,smashed his face of MO's knee and then had the shot covered anyway before carra slid in?


We were fookin immense-a joy to watch.just imagine what the score would have been if we had nando and keane on the pitch and went for it?!

[SUPERFAN]

i'd have been balls naked and halfway up the kop

ha ha,quality:D

[bobby benitez]

he dropped the ball once in the area was it??

By his sky high standards he was off form today. Looked shaky on more than a couple of occasions. I felt nervous when he came off his line today, I am normally 100% confident in him.
I know from reading interviews etc with him that he will agree with me, nothing wrong with seeking perfection.

[JFsports]

Now that was as enjoyable a day football-wise that I've had in a long time.
Thanks for '08 Liverpool!!

[dubit10]

Kuyt is a f****in joke as a striker but Keane scores twice and gets left out, I hope im wrong and we piss on them but stupidity is what has happened with that team selection, he picks the back 4 Gerrard and Kuyt, and its like he just draws the rest of the names from a hat today. On a good note nice to see Skertel on the bench.

You really make yourself look silly sometimes :rolleyes:

[dubit10]

I really taught after 25 minutes it was gonna be one of them days. Best Liverpool performance of the season. Babel was shit again and Reina was well dodgy but the rest were savage. Stevie,Lucus,Insua (again) and Fulham:) were excellent.


Bring on 2009.

Yeah your right....Reina was well dodgy :rolleyes:

[dubit10]

Have to say i don't know what is more enjoyable, the way we are playing this season or the comments of some so called fans pre-match about Rafa's selections :D. Also to watch the likes of Andy Gray and Richard keys having to backtrack like fools match after match this season as Rafa continues to guide us to number 19 :)...pure quality

[MutantNinjaSkrtel]

Mascherano and Lucas on the team - too much respect for Newcastle playing two defensive midfielders. We should be going for the jugular, instead it looks like Rafa hopes to catch them on the break.
Another long 90 minutes to come methinks.

Two words come to mind mate- 'humble' and 'pie':D


You weren't the only one mind.......

[sean]

Two words come to mind mate- 'humble' and 'pie':D


You weren't the only one mind.......


Not having a pop at you mate, but I can't find a post from yourself defending Rafa's selection. Its all good and well coming along 7 hours after the game and banding the terms "humble" and "pie" about the place, but at least Meijer the Trier had the balls to come along and give an honest assessment of what he thought was a poor team selection. Too many people ride in on their high horse with cystal clear hindsight long after the game handing out ridiculment. I was a bit disappointed that Keane didn't start but thankfully I didn't come on here saying that or I'd be labelled a mere "so called fan" or Sky Sports merchant :eek:

Anyway, rant over :D On the game, stating the obvious I know but decent performance today and starting to play like champions in waiting. Lucas played a great game up there in November 07 and turned out another awesome performance today. Great to see Skrtel back, and with a certain player itching to get us all bouncing again in 2009, there is much to look forward to. Bring it on!

[Kiltyred]

Excellent performance today and fantastic result. Only problem I had today is that it was so embarrassingly one sided (it could have been 10) that i couldn't engage in proper banter with my Newcastle fanatic friend. I playfully rubbed his head after the first 2 goals and then just said nothing to him for the rest of the match, I honestly didn't know whether to console him or pull the piss out of him, so in the end did neither.

[Kiltyred]

Not having a pop at you mate, but I can't find a post from yourself defending Rafa's selection. Its all good and well coming along 7 hours after the game and banding the terms "humble" and "pie" about the place, but at least Meijer the Trier had the balls to come along and give an honest assessment of what he thought was a poor team selection. Too many people ride in on their high horse with cystal clear hindsight long after the game handing out ridiculment. I was a bit disappointed that Keane didn't start but thankfully I didn't come on here saying that or I'd be labelled a mere "so called fan" or Sky Sports merchant :eek:

Anyway, rant over :D On the game, stating the obvious I know but decent performance today and starting to play like champions in waiting. Lucas played a great game up there in November 07 and turned out another awesome performance today. Great to see Skrtel back, and with a certain player itching to get us all bouncing again in 2009, there is much to look forward to. Bring it on!

Maybe he didn't think it was worth commenting on? You can say he is speaking with hindsight, but how do you know he wasn't genuinely okay with Rafa's selection. We can't tell what people have in their minds, so let's give him the benefit of the doubt.

Personally I have to say, when I saw the line up, my first thought was "Why are we putting on our b team?" I can understand very well why he didn't use Keane, Alonso and Riera, but remember thinking that it wasn't an attacking line up, Thankfully we didn't need the players left out on this occasion.

[denashpot]

love when the point of the thread goes sideways! :rolleyes:
cant we all be happy that were 3 points clear going into 2009! :D

[bobby benitez]

Have to say i don't know what is more enjoyable, the way we are playing this season or the comments of some so called fans pre-match about Rafa's selections :D. Also to watch the likes of Andy Gray and Richard keys having to backtrack like fools match after match this season as Rafa continues to guide us to number 19 :)...pure quality

Andy Gray predicted in The Star at the start of the season that we would win the league so he is hardly backtracking and Richard Keys opinion doesnt count.

[trucker]

Richard Keys opinion doesnt count.

Well said, the man is a Yeti, who despises us.

[liverbird!!]

And the great thing about all this, they are only starting to hit top form.
And with our top striker too come back, only more happy days to come, me thinks!!:D

[stamullen red]

what a win to-day we started at a high tempo with players looking hungry for the ball and kept it going for the whole game yes i have been a critic of lucas and in fairness he played very well today and that is good to see,insua looks very promising at left full and looks comfortable on the ball something aurellio and dossena dont and to be able to leave alonso,reira and keane out of the starting lineup was a gamble that payed off,would have liked to see robbie get some game time today and no doubt he could have added to his goal tally against a poor defense again great performance more of the same please

[Raven136]

resting important players and hopefully does the same for the Preston game as we need them as fit as possible.
Just imagine the damage Torres would have done to that backline today:D

Insua and Lucas both impressive again today and next season they both will be even better.No point in writing people off before the age of 22.Lucas showed a great eye for a pass today and it will be interesting to see how he develops as an Alonso type defensive midfielder as thats not his natural position.
Babel in my opinion has bags of talent but just doesnt apply himself as much as he should.Would love to see him really try a bit harder(im nitpicking now).

Great performance and gives me great hope for 2009.

14/15 more wins and i reckon we would have enough points to win it.In it to win it for a pleasant change

[MutantNinjaSkrtel]

Not having a pop at you mate, but I can't find a post from yourself defending Rafa's selection. Its all good and well coming along 7 hours after the game and banding the terms "humble" and "pie" about the place, but at least Meijer the Trier had the balls to come along and give an honest assessment of what he thought was a poor team selection. Too many people ride in on their high horse with cystal clear hindsight long after the game handing out ridiculment. I was a bit disappointed that Keane didn't start but thankfully I didn't come on here saying that or I'd be labelled a mere "so called fan" or Sky Sports merchant :eek:

Anyway, rant over :D On the game, stating the obvious I know but decent performance today and starting to play like champions in waiting. Lucas played a great game up there in November 07 and turned out another awesome performance today. Great to see Skrtel back, and with a certain player itching to get us all bouncing again in 2009, there is much to look forward to. Bring it on!



You obviously didnt look through my posts very carefully then mate cos on the very first page of the thread i said and i quote:

"in fairness some players do need a rest and just looking at it on paper we should be well strong enough and plenty of options off the bench."

That post was at a time when people were goin ape at the omission of keane,riera,xabi etc and i pointed out that i understood why rafa was doing this and felt he still put out the armoury to win the 3 points.The people who doubted our manager were proved wrong and rafas 'questionable' selection was vindicated by that awesome performance.Just thought id remind the people who moaned about him before the game that Rafa still knows a hell of alot more than any of us.No doubt if we dropped points people would be comin on afterwards sayin " i told ya rafa should have started keane" etc so just thought it was worth pointin out the flip side of that for a change:)

Up on my highhorse?!Get real fella!:pnothin with being happy with a team selection and subsequently their performance when others were doubters:)

PS i wasnt handing out 'ridiculement' to meijer - i was just being cheeky-having a bit of banter(hence the smiley face at the end of my comment).Surely thats allowed on the forum without creating a stir,as is having a different opinion?

[CrazyHorse]

Calm down, calm down!!
:)

Theres been a few performances this season when Rafa made questionable team selections and more than a few of us said afterwards that Rafa should have started him, and him instead of him and him...
Most of these games we've dropped points in, I dont need to list them.

Today, Newcastle were shite.. no 2 ways about it.
But credit to the men who wore red today, they went for the jugular from the off, and everything fell into place... happy days!!

I, along with the rest who post here, are genuine fans of Liverpool.. the majority at least!!.. and Im over the moon we're top by 3 going into the new year.

If we won those games earlier in the season when Rafa rested some of the bigger names, none of the pre-team selection posts would have been made, would they?

On the flip side, if we only drew against the Toon, or worse, lost... then the pre-match posts would very likely have been spot on... wouldn't they?

Anyways, hindsight is a wonderful thing, but foresight is quite another...
And unless your name is Nostradamus, then forget it..
Its not my name, nor yours, nor is it Rafa benitez' name.

Anyway, Rafa's team has been the best in the Premier league at the half way stage, and even tough the scum have a few games in hand, they cannot change this fact.

We're top, and we're aiming to stay there until the awards are handed out in May!!




I think now is a good time for a new years resolution!!!!
Im getting behind my team more than Ive ever done before, and Im gonna
support each and every player that pulls on the Liverpool red!!!
Its gonna be a long march to May, and we need to support our team every step of the way..

Number 19 is close lads..
I can ****ing feel it!!!

[Rover 609]

Who was our best player at Newcastle on Sunday?

Your vote has been registered.
Thanks for taking part in this poll.

Results So Far

Gerrard 3443
Lucas 1891
Hyypia 206
Insua 138
Benayoun 108
Mascherano 74
Agger 70
Alonso 70
Kuyt 45
Babel 36
Skrtel 28
Carragher 15
Reina 9
Ngog 7

[CrazyHorse]

Gerrard was brilliant today, but thats his usual!!!

Lucas played very well, and that wasn't his usual.

I hope to God he can kick start his Anfield career after that performance.

[Kiltyred]

Who was our best player at Newcastle on Sunday?

Your vote has been registered.
Thanks for taking part in this poll.

Results So Far

Gerrard 3443
Lucas 1891
Hyypia 206
Insua 138
Benayoun 108
Mascherano 74
Agger 70
Alonso 70
Kuyt 45
Babel 36
Skrtel 28
Carragher 15
Reina 9
Ngog 7

To me the best player was Gerrard, followed by babel. Lucas did well but missed a lot of chances too.

[pam]

Excellent preformance, Stevie G, was brilliant, m.o. never got a chance, poor Robbie again on bench, tho brilliant feeling going into 09 top of the league. hapy days

[The Chanter]

Was delighted with that performance. I expected Keane to play but Rafa is wise; he knows that players are more likely to get injured if the haven't had enough time to fully recover and with Torres already out he didn't take the risk. If a team wins in the emphatic style that we did yesterday then there can be no arguements about selection.

Well done reds. "We shall not, we shall not be moved!"

[redabbey]

resting important players and hopefully does the same for the Preston game as we need them as fit as possible.
Just imagine the damage Torres would have done to that backline today:D


It's funny but the same fixture last year when we played Newcastle was probably the only time Torres was not as clinical in finishing as usual. Liverpool won 3-0. Goals from Gerrard, Kuyt & Babel. Liverpool could have won 6-0. This result helped pushed Big Sam out of the Newcastle revolving door.

[Meijer the trier]

Was great to see the team throw off the shackles and go for Newcastle. A change in philosophy perhaps or just a rarity?
I was worried that another Fulham at home was on the carsd when I saw Lucas and Mascherano starting with no Alonso but Lucas dominated the midfield and hopefully this game will give him the confidence to drive on further whenever he gets a chence for the rest of the season.
And also great to see Skrtel back.
Found myself singing "we're gonna win the league" yesterday for the first time in a decade. So I wasnt suprised this morning to see I'd jinxed it and Gerrard had been arrested....

[Phil!]

Really expected it to be closer game but delighted with the win nice way to finish the year its just a shame the next Premiership match is so far away (10th of Jan vs Stoke correct me if im wrong) with only Preston in between so hopefully the effects of this win wont have worn off

[CrazyHorse]

Fuller will be suspended for this game, will he not??

He's capable of upsetting any defence with his power, that'll be a bonus if he's out!

[semifortorres]

I know this is a mad request but any chance that we can wait until the match is over before we judge the team selection?

Well said ...

[semifortorres]

Kuyt is a f****in joke as a striker but Keane scores twice and gets left out, I hope im wrong and we piss on them but stupidity is what has happened with that team selection, he picks the back 4 Gerrard and Kuyt, and its like he just draws the rest of the names from a hat today. On a good note nice to see Skertel on the bench.

You are a head wrecker. You cant really mean any of that? If so you have no respect for Rafa or the brilliant job he is doing under constantly difficult circumstances.

[semifortorres]

there's a boozer called the black bull right beside sjp,you should head there before the game.
we were in there before the game last season,good spot..
i like your username by the way,although i tend to get the full blown torres horn:D

haha cheers :) yeah well worth it great city. everything real close. aqnd sure i dont even need to comment on the performace or the result:)

[semifortorres]

Nice one, have a good day, as willie said the black bull right beside the ground is a decent spot, bring your hiking boots for the walk up the steps in the ground mate

feck me your right must be 200 steps!! Could see everything from up there tho. Great view of a great performance :)

[Niall]

Great day out. Nice to be able to relax during a game:D:D

[byrnetred]

Great day out. Nice to be able to relax during a game:D:D
it was

plenty off women who work in bars who just dont wear anythin from the waist up...

whats up with that:)

[Gerry]

it was

plenty off women who work in bars who just dont wear anythin from the waist up...

whats up with that:)

Ha ha you found it then :D

[byrnetred]

Ha ha you found it then :D

i would never of stumbled across such a place without the help your pinpoint directions :D

[stiffler]

Just home from the game there now....this had to be the best i have ever witnessed the reds play.

1st half they were unreal, to be only 2 1 up for the biggest shock of the day.

Newcastle were terrible, though they did try to the end, they just werent able to compete.

I was sitting in the Gallowgate end, had to keep quiet for each goal, though this was easier than i thought as i shouted inside my head instead. Though when Edgar scored, it was only me and my mate who remained seated in the stand. Fair play to the geordie fans, they cheered their team on till the end and also give gerrard a standing ovation when he got subbed.

Lucas, Insua and Gerrard where immense, as too benayoun and alonso to a lesser extent.

Sundays game was also known as Sir Bobby Robson day at newcastle, great to see them honour this legend.

Newcastles a mad spot too- id recommend anyone to make this away trip in the future!

[Selakovic]

To me the best player was Gerrard, followed by babel. Lucas did well but missed a lot of chances too.

I actually can't believe that statement. Babel was undoubtedly the worst player in red on Sunday, everyone in the Liverpool end around me was livid with him, as was I. One could count the number of crosses he got into the box on one hand. He showed no application or determination. I actually thought that he was pants, especially compared with Gutierrez, who played quite well I thought.

[RedMurph08]

I actually can't believe that statement. Babel was undoubtedly the worst player in red on Sunday, everyone in the Liverpool end around me was livid with him, as was I. One could count the number of crosses he got into the box on one hand. He showed no application or determination. I actually thought that he was pants, especially compared with Gutierrez, who played quite well I thought.

I think he is Rafas kind of player, Hard working, not afraid to take people on and definately not afraid to leave the boot in as Insua will testify!

[MutantNinjaSkrtel]

I think he is Rafas kind of player, Hard working, not afraid to take people on and definately not afraid to leave the boot in as Insua will testify!

Would love to sign him.Hes exactly what we need and a worker too.Stevie was MOTM by a distance,yossi was superb 1st half but drifted out a little bit in the 2nd,lucas also had a very tidy game.Babel was nowhere near our MOTM-not even top 10!