2009 Alonso, 2010 Mascherano, 2011 Torres

Monday 31 January 2011

By KP

With the green shoots of recovery seemingly underway, the rug was well and truly yanked from under our feet’s by the sudden transfer request from Fernando Torres.  Even with signing of Luis Suarez in the pipeline, supporters were hoping that Torres would come to his senses, but it was not to be.  For the third consecutive year Liverpool supporters have seen a world class player leave and at least this time the club reacted to keep away potential allegations that we had become a selling club.

The question still needs to be asked is why the club waited so long to become active in the transfer market?  Andy Carroll is a part of this equation, not because he was bought to replace Torres, but the fact that we have had to pay substantially over the odds shows the position the club is in.  We had no option, but to go for a striker with Premiership experience, but the rub was that with no top class options available, it was essential to bring someone in; even it is one with little experience in real terms, but enormous potential.

Increased bids for Charlie Adam and another rumoured to be for Micah Richards, makes one wonder why these bids were not made at an earlier juncture?  It seems as if the club is flailing in quicksand, instead of doing their business early and by-passing the long sand pit that is deadline day.  A Carroll and Suarez strike force is potentially very exciting, but the muddled transfer policy before Dalglish, has put the club in the position whereby, in Carroll we have arguably the most lethal offensive aerial threat in the a league, with no quality wide man to supply the ammunition.

Dalglish may well be forced to play Glen Johnson further up the pitch, utilizing Carroll strengths in a similar way to which Spurs use Peter Crouch to provide knock downs for the onrushing van der Vaart.

We can blame Torres for the timing of his transfer request, but the thrilling nature of his play at his best is why we are all feeling disappointed and the fact he is going to a direct rival makes it even harder to stomach knowing that he will almost certainly push them forward. He may well say he’s leaving us in a good position, but for many of us, there is only one Fernando Torres, even with a bitter taste in our mouths.  As a friend said to me earlier about the Fulham game which we attended, “I can’t believe that the match against Fulham, is the last time we’ll ever see Torres in a Liverpool shirt”.

KP

Monday 31 Janauary 2011

Should he stay or should he go?

To be fair to Fernando Torres, one can understand his wish to move on.  We are not in the Champions League and in all probability won’t qualify for next season’s competition.  We’ve only been in contention for the Premiership in one of his four seasons at Anfield and with his 27^th birthday round the corner, this is a footballer who should be now arriving at the peak of his powers.  Torres has won only the Second Division Title in Spain with Atletico Madrid, whereas most of his colleagues in the Spanish team have a plethora of club medals. He would also have the chance to play Champions League football this season.

The previous regime made Torres promises of bringing new players, but with some poor signings and our continuing struggles this season, he is obviously disillusioned. The imminent signing of Suarez has given him an avenue to leave.

The problem with this is transfer request is the timing. Torres at his best is arguably the most complete striker in world football, so just how are we supposed to replace him with another player of a similar standard in the remaining time frame, considering that Liverpool have said and reiterated yesterday that Suarez was not a replacement for Torres? If Torres had posted his transfer request at the start of the month the club would have been in a position to buy replacements with a substantial kitty in the bank reserves.  It also not beyond the realms of possibility that a resurgent Liverpool, with Torres and Suarez in tandem could grab fourth place with fifteen games to go, usurping Spurs and for that matter Chelsea. 

King Kenny will have to work the oracle to keep not just keep Torres, but to have him stay with a happy heart, as it no good him staying if doesn’t want to be at the club. If he goes and is not replaced, then we are in a worse position with one top class striker at the club, but with no Premiership experience.

Lastly, whether is 40, 50, 60 or 70 million should we be selling to a Premiership rival? Why not say to Fernando, “Stay until the summer, if we don’t get into the top four you can leave, but not to a Premiership rival.”  Any decision taken must be for the good of Liverpool Football Club. The club was here long before Fernando Torres and will be here long after he has gone.

KP

Saturday 29 January 2011

Strength in Adversity

Thursday 27 January 2011

By KP

The expectation in and around me from Kopites following the Wolves game was fever pitched which resulted in a rousing rendition of our club anthem, but the referee for some reason started the game before we reached the end which was disrepectful to our traditions.

Liverpool started with a high tempo, pressing high up the pitch with fluid passing led by Gerrard and Meireles prompting and posing problems for the Fulham midfield and defence led by old Liverpool stalwart Danny Murphy.  The fast start almost led to a goal when Torres fastened on to a Kuyt through ball and clinically prodded the ball past the unrushing Stockdale, but was adjudged off-side - supporters around me castagated the lassistant referee's decision and commented that the female assistant referee (Sian Massy) should be called to replace him.  The dominance in this period allowed Agger to move serenely into midfield on more than one occasion, linking up delightfully with Glen Johnson.

Both full-backs were getting forward, with Kelly as has become his trademark, providing the overlapping option and after 10 minutes h produced a precise low cross which was met with a Maxi diving header which was pushed away by Stockdale.  This marked the end of any pro-longed Liverpool dominance in the game with, and our intensity and pressing dropped, with Danny Murphy and Steve Sidwell asserting their authority and controlling possession for almost the rest of the first half, a part from a Glen Johnson drive being tipped over by Stockdale on the 24 minute mark.  In fact, Liverpool could quite easily have gone in 1-0 nil when Fulham had two shots, one paried by Reina in quick succession on the half-hour.

Liverpool started the second-half with a markedly higher tempo, but could not get a grip on the midfield and it came as surprise when we took the lead after 52 minutes when from a loose Fulham pass, Torres defelected shot struck the post and Panstil hooked the ball in his own-goal trying to clear of the line.  Fulham, then took control pinning us on the back foot for the rest of the game with Liverpool defence having to provide a rearguard action with Reina producing an excellent save from Dempsey's shot and Meireles clearing of the line from a Hangeland header from a corner. Fulham came close a few more times before the end with Reina again coming to the rescue from Dempsey.  Raul Meireles continued on from his impressive man of the match performance against Wolves, again linking up delightfully with midfielders and Fernando Torres.  He seems to be providing Liverpool with another go too option a part from Gerrard.

Sitting in the Kop the last fifteen minutes felt like an hour, but we made it. While we were fortunate, we managed to win when not playing well which is what good teams do.  It’s obvious we need more creative quality and pace as has been said more than a few times on this blog, but we are showing enough passion to win even when not controlling matches, which is no bad thing... roll on Stoke.

KP

Thursday 27 January 2011

Youth Team uphold recent traditions

Our Blogger dedlfc watched the recent FA Youth Cup 4^th round game and was very impressed with standout performer Connor Coady, who has since, with Jesus Fernandez Saez (Suso), been asked to train with the first team!

Saturday 8 Jan 2011

Liverpool Academy vs Crystal Palace

By dedlfc 

The future for our youngsters looks bright as the lads reached the fifth round of the FA Youth Cup after a comprehensive 3-1 win over Crystal Palace at Anfield on Saturday.

The determination of our young Reds to come back from a goal down to beat Palace after extra-time is something to be looked on and admired by our senior players.

Half-time substitute striker Kristian Gauti Emilsson a recruit last Jan from HF in Iceland was a surprise inclusion in the squad as main striker for the reserves Michael Ngoo was out injured and scored twice at the Kop End and our reserve Captain Marvel Conor Coady stepped up and slotted home a late penalty.

The football played by Rodolfo Burrell’s team at times this season has been mesmerising and this was another instance of the fantastic brand of football with Sterling and particularly Suso tormenting the Eagles defence.

The game started with several chances being created by Liverpool mainly for Adam Morgan but not taken and then against the run of play Palace took the lead after 34 minutes when their best attacking player winger Jack Caprice’s low cross from the right found Ibra Sekajja who netted at the Kop end.

After taking the lead Palace started to show why they currently top the reserve league and our defender Jack Robinson was given a tough time by their winger Caprice but stuck with his task and should come out of the game with lots of credit for his determination.

So 1-0 down at half-time we needed a change to try and alter the pattern of the game

with Emilsson replacing striker Adam Morgan at the break, he made a sensational impact when he made it 1-1 nine minutes after the break.

Coady’s brilliant cross from the right found Emilsson unmarked, he instantly chested the ball down before smashing an unstoppable bullet shot into the back of the net.

Liverpool continued to push forward squandering chances and the gifted substitute, Toni Silva should have won the game in stoppage time when clear in on goal he hit his shot straight at the keeper Charlie Mann.

That miss took the game into extra-time when Borrell’s side finally got their reward for their exciting football when that man again Emilsson headed home from Silva’s pinpoint cross.

Palace tried in vain to come back but their fate was sealed when Raheim Sterling was brought down late in injury time for captain Coady to step up and seal a wonderful 3-1 win.

Our youngsters did themselves, the Academy and most importantly Liverpool FC proud with another excellent performance made even more sweeter by the fact that it was their first of hopefully many performances on our hallowed turf.

Well done lads !!! YNWA !!!

The LFC team named was:-

Tyrell Belford, John Flanagan, Jack Robinson, Stephen Sama, Matty McGiveron, Conor Coady, Raheem Sterling, Craig Roddan, Adam Morgan (Kristian Emilsson sub 45), Krisztian Adorjan (Toni Silva sub 70), Suso. Unused subs: Brad Smith, Jamie Stephens, Peter Aylmer.

My man of the match was Conor Coady – showed again why he is highly rated as a future inspirational LFC captain – watch out Stevie G!!!

dedlfc

Saturday 8 January 2011

Meireles class shines through

Wolves 0  Liverpool  3

By KP

Saturday 22 January 2011

Liverpool produced arguably their most cohesive performance of the season against a Wolves side confident of victory going into the match.  We made one change from the Everton game and Jay Spearing must have felt himself unlucky to be relegated to the subs bench after an encouraging performance, but with the inclusion of Poulson, Dalglish was obviously aware that the defensive unit needed bolstering.

In the first two games under King Kenny, the change has been there for all to see, with the shackles broken on his midfielders, Torres is no longer ploughing a loan furrow up front with midfield runners get up and beyond him for the first time this season.  It’s no coincidence that Raul Meireles is now of the mark and Fernando Torres is now getting somewhere towards the player we know and love and looking as though he’s beginning to enjoy his football again and his battle with Richard Stearman was key to Liverpool’s success.

Meireles had is best game in a Liverpool shirt, showing poise, touch, awareness and wonderful technique with two glorious volleys. The first, a hooked volley, flashed past the post, showing excellent technique.  The second was pure and simple from the top drawer, volleying a defensive header in the top corner to leave Wayne Hennessey with no chance.  Earlier, he showed composure and assured touch, after beating the off-side trap to run onto Poulsen’s pass and roll the ball into Fernando Torres path to open the scoring.

Wolves were fairly robust in the tackle, led by their returning captain Karl Henry, but with Meireles leading from the front, and with Poulson, Lucas, Maxi and Kuyt putting in a shift it allowed Liverpool’s better football to come through.  The football was bright and fluent throughout the first-half with chances falling to Maxi, Poulson and Torres put through by piercing cross field pass, which Torres cutting in from the right saw a left curled shot parried away by the keeper.

Wolves may feel that their efforts in the second-half deserved rewarding, but to be truthful Liverpool only began to sit back once Meireles second goal went in.  The game should have been over when Shelvey, with almost his first touch having replaced Poulson (enjoyed a steady game), was put clean through from a sand wedge of a floated pass by Meireles, only to blaze over.  He’s shown in recent cameos that he has a bright future.

We were excellent today, matching Wolves in their endeavour, and were well worth our win, playing at times some excellent football, with Meireles conducting our overture like play.

Martin Skrtel’s continued lack of confidence is worrying. He seems to be making wrong decisions in trying to control balls in dangerous areas rather than clearing his lines.  Dalglish may feel he has to persevere with him because he more mobile than Kyrgiakos and Carragher’s still out injured.

Adam Hammill with two delicious crosses made us wonder about what might have been, but with Meireles’ performance so easy on the eye, Torres champing at the bit (booked for the third successive game), the returning Gerrard and the promise of new players on the horizon, we can be enthused about the future.

KP

Saturday 22 January 2011

The Future

Thursday 20 January 2011

By KP

With Ryan Babel poised to leave, the presumption is that a replacement is on the way.  If that replacement is to be Suarez, then a left-back, a wide-man and possibly another midfield player would be the order of the day.

For to long the first team has lacked pace and with the loss of Alonso and Benayoun in consecutive seasons, out with them went a serious amount of creativity.  So, with King Kenny at the helm and his immediate move to intergrate Suso and Coady into the first team squad, there is a recognition that we may have to fast track young talented footballers into the first team squad, to supliment Pacheco, Spearing and Kelly.

Ashley Young and Steven Defour (still injured at the time of writing), fit the criteria above and Stephen Warnock, mentioned in dispatches over a possible return, would give Dalglish time to pick out a long-term replacement for Konchesky.

From the little we've seen of this incarnation of King Kenny it seems he wants players who are comfortable on and using the ball, hence playing Glen Johnson at left-back. The side he built, featuring Barnes, Houghton, Beardsley and Aldridge to name but a few was a formidable footballing side and just maybe having to rebuild the current team has and will force his hand into bringing in players to compliment Gerrard and Torres and change the dour style of play which has been, for the most part, as far away from pass and move than Shanks and Bob Paisley could ever have dreamt.

Who would like to see Kenny go for? Young, N'Zogbia, Downing, Honda or Charlie Adam and Gary Cahill?

By KP

Thursday 20 January 2011

Fast start, but age old problems remain

By KP

Sunday 16 January 2011

The Reds were obviously inspired by the home coming of King Kenny the manager, and with Torres firing on all cylinders and Liverpool producing their best first-half since the Spurs game.  Torres lead from the front showing that when he is on his game he is not only a devastating finisher, but leads the line and holds the ball up with such conviction that it allows Meireles and Kuyt to provide him with support and the team to see him as another leader to follow.

Kelly produced yet another accomplished performance starting off with a marauding run down the flank in which he showed some serious speed to beat two players, leaving Baines in his wake before whipping ball across which was put out for a corner.  Along the same lines,  as a Liverpool supporter is was nice to see two local lads in the starting-line up with Jay Spearing making his second start in a Liverpool shirt and after a nervous beginning, held his own amongst a more than capable Everton midfield.

Torres provided a moment of sublime brilliance after 16 minutes where he slalomed past the Everton defence and into the area, before caressing a left-footed shot passed Howard, but unfortunately against the post, Kuyt’s follow-up shot deflected off Neville and up over the bar.  Torres also produced an angled drive which was parried by Howard into the path of Maxi, who blazed over.

The dominance in possession was justly rewarded when just before the half-hour we broke the dead-lock when Johnson’s cross was headed on-goal by Kuyt where Howard produced an excellent save, he was up quickly to block the Kuyt powerful second effort, which ricochet out to Meireles, who unleashed a spanking drive into the back of the net to break his duck with aplomb.

Liverpool’s midfield dominated to such an extent that Meireles was able to fill the giant size boots of Gerrard by driving forward being the link between midfield and Torres.  That we weren’t home and hosed by half-time with further efforts from Maxi did note bode well, as Everton had already shown the ability to be a threat from crosses and dead-ball situations pressuring the out of form Skrtel.

Both Everton goals were down to lack of concentration and particularly bad defending (not helped from the loss of Daniel Agger to illness at half-time) which will not please the coaching staff, especially with the goals coming so soon after the interval.  Skrtel while marking Distin, did not get off the ground as the Everton centre-half headed toward goal, where Glen Johnson on the line, seemed like Skrtel to be fighting gravity in an unavailing attempt to header the ball of the line.  Just six minutes later Everton were in front, when the ball broke on the edge of the area after an aerial challenge by Kelly and once again, Skrtel was beaten in what seemed a half hearted challenge which resulted in Beckford rolling Meireles  to slot the ball past Reina.

Everton dominated most of the second-half to such an extent that we had very few opportunities and it came as a relief when Howard upended Maxi, with Dirk Kuyt making no mistake from the penalty spot.  In terms of possession a draw seemed about right, but we had enough chances to have killed the game off in the first-half, but with th team low ebb, hopefully it is onwards and upwards and if we can carry the first half intensity into upcoming games the future could be brighter.

What do you think?

KP

Sunday 16 January 2011

No gain without pain...

Wednesday 12 January 2011
By KP
King Kenny managed to stoke the fires burning inside Fernando Torres, to produce his best display since his demolition of Chelsea. He produced a goal of genuine class when he sped on to a Martin Kelly pass to hit a ferociously struck shot pass Kingson.

There were positives for Liverpool in terms of efforts on goal. Torres, with a flashing drive volley from a Jovanovic cross which seared over the bar, and a further shots from Torres shot and Kuyt respectively which were well saved by Kingson. Meireles got forward at every opportunity, producing a left footed shot while moving in from the left and should have done better with a glorious opportunity following a Torres cross.

What rankles if that both goals were caused by mistakes. The first when Meireles needlessly gave way possession with a misplaced pass, but in saying that, the less than robust challenge by Agger allowed Taylor-Fletcher to squeeze his shot under the onrushing Reina. The second goal was nothing new for Liverpool supporters, but instead of the lax defending coming from a dead ball situation, it came from a cross in open play. The end result being that Skrtel was palpably beaten by Evatt with DJ Campbell nodding in the resultant knock down unchallenged, suggesting that awareness, responsibility and concentration is a problem in defensive areas.

Blackpool thoroughly deserved their win as they dominated the majority of play for the most part, and had most of the clear cut chances on offer. Charlie Adam showed what he is, a cultured midfielder with an ability to work hard for the teams cause. They have a good team ethic which in addition to their attacking attributes, it augurs well for their attempt to stay in the Premier League.

The Liverpool bench looked decidedly weak, with Gerrard, Cole and the surprise omission of Babel, the lack of pace and creativity leaves the team bereft of flair. If, as has been suggested this week, Liverpool will not delve into the transfer market this month, players with the ability to unlock defences such as Pacheco, Amoo and even Thomas Ince from the reserves may warrant being added to the first team squad. All is not lost as the attacking nature showed that the team does have in them to create chances, but there is a need for a more steely disposition in the midfield and defensive areas, and especially in the absence of Gerrard and Carragher the lack of leadership seems all to apparent.

The Everton game takes on even more importance as we are now hovering just above the relegation zone and the pressure on King Kenny from critics outside the club will be even more vocal if we can't come away with a win.

KP

Wednesday 12 January 2011

Gerrard off, but Kenny's boys show willing

Sunday 9 January 2011

By KP

With Howard Webb slipping back to World Cup Final mode, Liverpool were up against it from the first 30 seconds of the match when Berbatov went down under a Daniel Agger challenge as if he'd been picked off by Dirty Harry.

We came back well after the penalty stringing together some nice passing moves and showing the heart which had been sadly lacking against Wolves.  Gerrard and Maxi managed to test Kuszczak and up until Gerrard was sent off Liverpool were more than holding their own.  On another day, Gerrard may just have escaped with a yellow card, but he the fact his feet left the ground made up the referees mind.

The ten men of Liverpool played with great resolution after the sending off especially after the break with Reina making three excellent last ditch saves from a fine Man United move, helped by some tremendous defensive blocks.  Aurelio manage to sting the fingers of Kuszaczak from a curling free-kick heading for the corner of the net.

All in all, it was strong performance, which was notable not just for the fuel-injection which a new manager instils, but for the fact we played some good football.  Stand out performer was Martin Kelly, whose performance may give Dalglish the option of playing Glen Johnson ahead of him in the future as has been said previously on this blog.  The body language of the players seemed more upbeat as was shown by Fernando Torres as he was subsituted to be greeted by his manager on the touchline.

Dalglish showed in just his first game back that he is more than willing to pick players who are capable/comfortable with the football, hence the choice of Agger and Aurelio.  Could it mean more game time for Ryan Babel and Dani Pacheco in the future?  It was also interesting to see that Paul Konchesky did not make the substitutes bench...

With Gerrard now serving a three match ban, let's hope that the level of performace on show at Old Trafford is maintained against Blackpool.

KP

Sunday 9 January 2011

King Kenny is Back!

8 January 2011

By KP

So what does the future hold for Liverpool FC and are we happy with Kenny being back in the hotseat?

By KP

Death knell sounds time on the Hodgson era

Wednesday 5 January 2011

By KP

Roy Hodgson must fear the sack (with many supporters hoping he just ups and leaves) after what can only described as a woeful performance against Blackburn. The team is managing to reach new lows in a season containing plenty of embarrassing performances.  The way Blackburn forwards roasted the Liverpool centre-halfs makes one wonder if Hodgson knows anything about his players. 

Time and time again this season the Skrtel and Kyrgiakos pairing has been shown up for pace this season and with Agger on the bench after such an accomplished performance against Bolton it seems the former Fulham manager has a death wish to go down in flames.

The way Kyrgiakos was spun and left for dead for the second goal must have had the Liverpool physiotherapist reaching for the smelling salts as the Greek International looked decidedly dizzy and the least said about the third goal the better as Skrtel was left leaden footed by Hoilet before he embarrassingly squared for Benjani to roll the ball into an empty net.

Yes Gerrard scored and yes he missed a penalty in the final ten minutes of his 550 first team appearance, but even with the inadequacies of Hodgson, if rest of the players showed the drive and willingness of their captain Liverpool supporters wouldn’t have to put with inept performances such as this in a season which is beginning to reassemble a horror show.

With the FA Cup game against Man United on the horizon, 2011 could turn out to be our annus horribilis if action isn’t taken soon by John W Henry & co. 

By KP

Wednesday 5 January 2011

Twelve years on and it's still All About Stevie

Liverpool 2 Bolton 1

Saturday 1 January 2011

By KP

If Roy Hodgson is to loose his job in the next week with the spectre of King Kenny in the background, he may count himself unfortunate after Liverpool became the first team to beat Bolton twice this season.

But with the crowd ten thousand down on the usual attendance, the Kop have obviously spoken with their feet in response to Hodgson critique after the Wolves match, the sudden drop in revenue may force the owners hand, in addition to the recent abysmal performances.

Bolton started well, but Liverpool had the majority of the possession without showing any intent or inventiveness.  Torres, as his wont when his confidence is down, his first touch seems a million miles from that of a top class player and with the lack of pace out wide our ability to get behind seemed impossible.  The game and possibly the manager’s future changed with the outcome of one tackle. Meireles, who as mentioned elsewhere on this blog, has shown marked improvement, recently picked up a foot injury tackling back.

He was replaced by Steven Gerrard who immediately set about driving Liverpool forward, inspiring as usual by example.  Liverpool almost took the lead, when following a close shave from Bolton’s Matt Taylor’s magical left-foot, Maxi almost scored with a superb header back across goal following an excellent cross from Kuyt. Bolton took the lead close to the break following Aurelio’s, who had an uncomfortable half defensively, gave away a free-kick, bringing down Moreno.  Kevin Davies left Glen Johnson stranded and headed in another excellent dead ball delivery from Taylor.  We should have gone in all-square, after Lucas slid in on a Kuyt lobbed pass, but screwed it wide.  At this point, the envelope with Roy’s P45 must have been hovering around the Chairman’s in-tray with the boos from the punters firmly ringing around the stadium.

The second half was all about Gerrard.  With Bolton making a good account of themselves, he hit heights only great players can, by probing and inspiring.  So much so, that within four minutes of the re-start we were level, with Gerrard clipping a glorious pass on the half-volley which floated and curled straight into the path of the on-rushingTorres who volleyed home with aplomb.  Proving that if Torres is given chances in the business end of the pitch he will score and it is incumbent upon the manager and the club to provide the ammunition, in terms of formation and players, for him to feed off. He immediately looked like a different players with Gerrard on his game and his close proximity allowing Torres to suddenly increase his ratio of chances.

Everything that was good about Liverpool in the second-half went through the truly magnificent Gerrard, who is often man to man marker in these games Muamba, couldn’t get near.  It came as know surprise , two minutes into injury time, when Gerrard unveiled yet another fantastically whipped cross which deflected off a Bolton defender under pressure from Maxi and into the path of the floating Cole, who had replaced Ngog to tap in.

It would be churlish to say that Hodgson didn’t have impact in turning this round at half-time, but as it has been so many times over the last decade it was Steven Gerrard whose star shone brightly in the nervous Anfield atmosphere.

The problems are still there, we need a left back with defensive capabilities, pace on the flanks and a back-up striker.  Daniel Agger provided positives with his assuredness and a few times running the ball out of defence. Hopefully, this is the start of a winning run for the team with the aim to play with a more attacking intent which may start bringing a smile to Fernando’s face.
KP

Saturday 1 January 2011

Hodgson caught in the headlights

Thursday 30 December 2011

By KP

As a life long Liverpool supporter, I cannot remember a more abject, lacklustre performance as witnessed against Wolves.  There was no cohesion and certainly a lack of drive apart from the early miss chance by Meireles.  Inept and pathetic are adjectives which come to mind and when was the last time a Liverpool player was mockingly cheered of the pitch while being substituted and he was one of the manager’s buys.

After almost half a season and there is still no perceived style of play, except to say there doesn’t appear much difference from this Liverpool to the one, Rafa left.  Yesterday, Wolves obviously did their due diligence on our Standard Chartered outfit, pressing high up the pitch, thus putting the leaden footed pairing of Skertel and Kyriagkos under pressure from their fleet footed strike force.  The sooner a fit Daniel Agger gets back into contention the better as there’ll be no need to for holding midfielder in home games!!!

Meireles improvement in the last games had fans wondering about a potential axis with Gerrard in the future, yet he was dumped on the left of midfield. Question, why did Steve Gerrard need to start against a side which had amassed one point away from home this season after being out for the best part of six weeks?  With every move, Roy is beginning to get into the struggling coach’s syndrome of putting square pegs in round holes.  I’m not a great fan of Maxi, but he would have provided better balance. 

The demeanour of the players on the pitch seems to suggest they have faith in the manager and Hodgson seems unable to instil any belief into a side devoid of confidence.  Torres, looks like someone thinking ‘they lied to be me about bringing in players, I could’ve been at the Nou Camp, and I sure as hell am not running for that loose past which Lucas just hit!’  He seems woefully devoid of ideas.  After bringing on Babel and Cole, two of the very view creative players in the squad, he made no discernable change in formation.  No three at the back, with Glen Johnson pushing on.  No, Babel up alongside Torres with Cole in behind.  After an hour, one could only hope that a flagging Steven Gerrard could summon up one more bit of magic from his medicine cabinet to fix the Liverpool ills, but it was not to be this time.

It’s not just that we are losing. It’s the fact there is not an attacking threat, no drive, no style and certainly no guile. But Woy, has never been one for free-flowing football as far as I’m aware.  He has in the last weeks become the Minister for Misinformation, blaming Rafa, bad contracts, openly criticising players for their lack of form – failing to acknowledge that even with all the problems from last season we still finished seventh and right at this very moment Liverpool fans are quaking in their boots with the thought of another potential loss on the horizon to Bolton dropping us deep into the regulation mire.  Remember, this man has previous, being responsible for Blackburn being regulated in 1998, after being sacked in the December of that season. One thing Liverpool fans won’t want to hear is that he was given money and bought in a string of bad buys, culminating with reports of him losing the dressing room.

Gerrard, Reina and Torres.  Name another side in the Premiership with three truly world class players.  Finished thinking? Probably Chelsea. So tell us Woy, why are we plummeting like a meteor? 

KP

Thursday 30 January 2011