Thursday, December 31, 2009

5 reasons for the provision of a system or a 4-5-1 formation in soccer or football match

In the modern game of football or soccer recently, training or a 4-5-1 system, a much higher proportion has enjoyed playing mostly small clubs or clubs or nations Playing Away. Here are five reasons why such training is used or a system.

A system definition is needed first. A 4-5-1 refers to the use of a goalkeeper, four defenders, five midfielders and strikers. An example of a team for the success of the training is Greek nationalism in the European UnionUEFA Euro 2004, where they arise as a master of using such a system. And now, for the reason.

Flexibility - football or soccer is a fast game, in which an attack against the attack can be activated by the opposition, even if she lost possession. Therefore, deploying a 4-5-1 system allows flexibility in both attack and defense. In the attack, or possession of the ball, the player left and right midfielder would press a winger and enter the single striker function.In addition, three midfielders, one or two may also join push to attack, while another midfielder would return again to help the defense in the event of failure or attack cons of the opposition.

As for the defense or without possession of the ball, five midfielders in theory be able to return the ball to the opposition press. Another example would be the five midfielders party man to add more steel in midfield to win possession, or simply to keep the pressure onback.

Defending a lead of one goal - in some games, the game may be very near where one goal can decide the outcome. Consequently, some managers employ to defend 4-5-1 lead in the last ten to twenty minutes of the game. The flexibility of the system is already explained in point 1. The system would also lead the team when necessary to cons-attack if the opposition raises a caution to the wind of the equalizer. The other objective is to round the ballDown the clock and the best way to retain, then in the property.

Far from playing a game - in games in modern league, one point from a particular game when the game immediately, or face a strong opposition is crucial. The reason is that most teams were going home, do their best at home with their supporters behind them, as just 12 to win. For example, in recent matches, as Liverpool or Manchester United Birmingham City Verse Verse Reading townRead busy stifling 4-5-1 system, the midfielder Liverpool and United. The system would allow a rule to find a team to avoid a point or a defeat at the hands of a strong opposition. This point is usually a win for small clubs.

The game against stronger opposition - As mentioned in Section 3, playing against strong opposition at home, a 4-5-1 system would receive the same logic to a point or to avoid a heavy defeat to use. Such an attitudeGame can be seen as a defeatist attitude, but survival in the great world championship would mean huge revenues for clubs. An example is the English Premier League, where millions can be lost if a team is relegated. Therefore, some teams prefer this type of education to employ a low-scoring defeat or a draw to secure the game for a point during an attack on the opposition, a status like that before.

Injuries - This is the least common reason why a 4-5-1 formation would be used. The reason isvery simple. It is generally not the defensive midfielder and a striker for the club. Thus, if a club has an injurious situation forward, they may be more inclined to use such a system than others. In addition, the use of players in known positions would be a much better result when they play in an unskilled position.

Therefore, the above reasons should help to explain why the use of a 4-5-1 system or education.

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Bill Shankly - Liverpool manager

The late Bill Shankly in 1913, born in Glenbuck, a small Scottish mining village.

As many Shankly family have been involved in football, it was inevitable he would follow the same path in the game, the alternative to a long career in the slot.

Shankly career as a wing back in professional football, including a brief spell at Carlisle United, attended by nearly 300 games for Preston North End, managing only seven caps for Scotland in a gain ofinternational career has been hampered by the outbreak of the Second World War.

Bill Shankly came to his first professional club, Carlisle United, to begin what proved a very successful career in football management, including spells at Grimsby Town, Workington and Huddersfield Town.

Shankly was the manager of a second division team struggling to Liverpool in December 1959 and began a revolution of the club, culminating in LiverpoolThe winners of the first league championship in 1964, was quickly followed by a victory in the FA Cup in 1965 and another first league championship in 1965.

The UEFA Cup win under Shankly was proved in 1973 that the first of many European trophies over the next 35 years are in the same season, Liverpool still won a championship first division.

The following year was bittersweet as Liverpool after another, winning the FA Cup surprise Shankly Liverpool 's board, fans and playerswith his shock resignation.

The famous all red Liverpool kit, red shirts and red shorts was Shankly. In their first season in Europe (1964/65), he suggested that Big Ron Yeats made even greater if he wore red shorts, with its red roof would. It is rumored that Ian St John suggested, they might as well wear red socks, as well, and since then she has played Liverpool in their famous red kit.

The legacy left behind Shankly was the basis for allSuccesses, Liverpool since his reign at the club, many say that the club would not Shankly ever won victory after five Cup finals European left.

The Shankly Gates at Anfield ground in Liverpool are a constant reminder of important managers and even be incorporated into the badges of the association.

Shankly Prices are often repeated to this day and give a deep insight into his vision of football and his beloved LiverpoolTeam.

"Football is a simple game made by people who should be better acquainted with complicated"

"There are two great teams on Merseyside, Liverpool and Liverpool Reserves"

"If Everton were playing at the end of my garden, I'd see the curtains"

And perhaps most frequently repeated of all the quotes Bill Shankly:

"Football is not a matter of life or death. It is much more important than that."

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Cristiano Ronaldo | Real Madrid | Skills Objectives | Season 09/10 | By CR9Productionz and CR9Productions

, Hocus-Pocus on stage goalkick, Volleyball, vs. bicycle kick Extra Tags: Ronaldinho vs Zlatan vs C Ronaldo Ronaldinho Thierry Henry Ronaldinho Barcelona Brazil vs England 2002 World Cup kick-Ronaldinho vs c ronaldo ronaldinho elastico ronaldo elastico ronaldinho house ronaldinho bicycle Cup 2002 World kick Ronaldinho dribbling ronaldinho compilation Austria Ronaldinho Freestyle Ronaldinho C. Ronaldo vs Robinho basketball juggling Ronaldinho VS Zidane Cristiano Ronaldo Rooney Wii Xbox c c ...

Monday, December 28, 2009

Samir Nasri (Arsenal) 08-09 All objectives

09/10 2009-2010 so far ... be pursued Champions League Barclays Premier League Weekend FA Cup Carling Cup Manchester United vs 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 8 7 9 goals against all the powers of skills to cons fixtures and results: 0-0 against Portsmouth Community Shield Newcastle vs 1 to 1 Premier League Premier League vs Portsmouth 1-0 vs Zenit 1-2 Super Cup UEFA vs Liverpool 1-2 Premier League UEFA Champions League against Villareal 0-0 vs Chelsea 1-1 Premier League vs League ★ Middelsbrough Bolton 3-1 vs 2 -0 ...

Sunday, December 27, 2009

A Look At Italy Soccer

Founded in 1898, the Italian Football League, also known as Italy soccer, the highest football league in the country. A series that began in 1929, is the top division of Italy Soccer and is primarily the mobile phone company TIM Italian sponsored. Before the start of the Serie A Italian football has been divided into regional groups. The championship title is commonly referred to as Scudetto, the plate "small" because the uniforms of the Champions League in a small class function is calledArms during the following season. After playing more than 100 years, Italy is football at the height of popularity, it is both the eyes of fans and media. How can we know it today, is the Serie A elite of all divisions of the Italian Football League. Other divisions include Serie B Serie C1, Serie C2, Serie D, and Excellence.

Italy calls with a football league, consisting of 18 teams of 18 or 20 Serie A club that all other teams play in both cases, even in theirHome stadium and once at the home of their opponents. The first half of the season traditional Italian football consists of each team, once against all other clubs. The second half of the season will consist of the same competition in the same order, with the only difference being the location of games.

When it comes to scoring, an Italy soccer team receives three points for a win, one point for a draw and none for a defeat. When it comes to counting points to seeWhich club will be crowned champion, teams are accumulated based on their accumulated points during the season ranked. If two teams are level on points at the end of this season, both teams will meet in a playoff game. The four best teams in Serie A football in Italy will qualify for the UEFA Champions League.

As the area itself, Italy soccer is rich in history and tradition. Playing with success for so many years, the competitors, a number of SetRecords. Since September 2006, three players hold the record for the greatest number. These include Paolo Maldini, Gianluca Pagliuca and Dino Zoff. Records for being the oldest player appearance Belong Marco Ballotta and Dino Zoff. During the 2005-06 season, AS Roma set a record for most wins in a row, with a total of 11 consecutive victories.

For more information on the Series A and / or Italian football, fans can visit their website at http://www.lega-calcio.it.Latest standings, news, updates, photos, historical profiles and league news is available online and will be offered primarily in Italian. A professional design with colorful appeal make this site very popular among football fans in Italy. The football itself is still a popular sport in the world and is celebrated in many different countries. Legions of fans around the world, it seems that footballers seem to be high for many years.

Saturday, December 26, 2009

The inventor of modern football - English football history

The history of English football - Early Days

It is difficult to determine exactly how soccer became so popular in England in the 19th century century, but the truth is that in the mid-19th century, almost all major cities there was a team semi-professional football. These teams are usually associations of workers in the same factory or institution or simply students at a local university.

Games between these teams have played occasionally, with little or no money, but only for the competitionSake. However, these games were played without rules or a referee and as soccer is not necessarily a sport that is completely clean of violence, it took a difficult case, or start a discussion on a given rule in a bloody battle between the two teams and their supporters.

But the year 1863 marked a very important chapter in the history of English football, as several soccer clubs from across the country (and London) in the English capital, and met a kind"Shaping the football," said the Laws of the Game (a modified version of the rules of origin are still in force and remain as such).

This was also the birth of the Football Association, or simply FA, still dominate English football today and had a huge significance in the history of football in England and how they are developed.

The history of English football - Milestones

With England is rightly regarded asInventor of the modern game, one might expect, they are among the national teams most successful in the world. But while some of the soccer players of class through time and despite always considered favorites for the competitions they start in the England team just achieved significant milestones in the history of football in England .

The culmination of English football and the most important chapter ever to be written in the history of football in Englandcertainly had a World Cup functioning successfully in 1966, a competition that took place on English soil, by understanding their advantage on the Cup, long overdue.

The 1966-Team, the legendary Bobby Moore and other key components such as Jack Charlton and Geoff Hurst playing regularly captain, remains the best team in the history of English football, especially since their success has not been possible since .

The history of English football - ModernEra

England is still a top team in Europe and worldwide and has some players, as with world class quality, but the team remains a mixed success, although studded with stars.

Recently eclipsed the form of English clubs, the poor performance of the national team as Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool or Arsenal will be difficult to be contenders for the European Champions League every year, the most prestigious club continueCompetition in the world.

If with respect English clubs impose in Europe happy fans are still yearning for that time expected the European or World Cup, which could shape a new chapter in the history of English football.

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Liverpool vs Manchester United target Ngog

A recording of me on the purpose of Ngog

The essence of England, a Going on vacation

Take leave much time in careful planning and enough money will do for you. You have to do much research on the country itself and the remaining requirements for your entry. In many cases you have the type of visa that your target calls and, for many vaccines, if they have questions. In view of an England leave for your next trip will be very exciting. This gives you the opportunity to know more of its rich history to reachand the remaining areas that are destinations world's most promising in the world.

Why visit England?

England itself has many stories to tell. It is a nation that offers a rich history, culture and art throughout the series of cathedrals, museums, castles, gardens are included, monasteries, abbeys and Roman cities. The country is also on the sea, thus explaining why some tourists en masse known there for a visit. England is also knownfor its popular entertainment, sports, music and literature.

Other than London, the capital, other cities in England are included, also deserves a visit. Museums and historic houses also fill in the urban centers of Brighton, Oxford, Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds and Birmingham, among others.

A closer look at each of the City Pride

London, the capital of England. The city is the seat of the cultural, financial and fashion too. Youto several places and see the landscape. Under Trafalgar Square, London Eye, Tower Bridge, the Palace of Westminster, the Tower of London, Kensington Palace, Buckingham Palace, Kew Palace, St. James Palace, London Zoo, Madame Tussaud's, Kensington Gardens, Hyde Park, Royal Academy, Tate Modern, National Gallery, and several others.

Manchester. You can take a ride and also enjoy going to stadiums and arenas, theatrical and musical performances and art galleries.

Brighton. IfThey prefer to see the ocean, this city is worth the detour.

Liverpool. Of course, you will connect the city with the famous band The Beatles. The visitors want, you can truly exceptional music, sports miracle, and architectural representations of the city.

Birmingham. Labeled as the second largest city in the United Kingdom, this place is primarily for sports, shopping, entertainment and cultural activities.

York. Become a taste of Gothic cathedrals of primitivehistoric streets, walls of the medieval, Roman roads, and the Vikings and the Middle Ages have been preserved.

Bad. This is another major attraction and is also worth a visit.

Other Places to Visit

Apart from the above to other places you have worked assuming Maritime Greenwich, Canterbury Cathedral, Stonehenge, Durham Cathedral, Roman Baths, Alton Towers, Windsor Castle, Stratford-upon-Avon, Yorkshire Dales National Park and the Lake District National Park.

Asunderstand that it is effective, there are many places to visit in England, and also enjoy many landscapes. You can take your camera and camcorder to capture every moment you commit yourself to a holiday in England. These provisions will ever let you down. There is always something new to discover novices on England and its famous cities.

Besides the historical aspects, they also have a fair share of pieces of educational information to tell you.So why not consider your reservation now apply?

Monday, December 21, 2009

Fulham 3-0 Manchester United

Bobby Zamora was the best English striker on the field as Fulham thrashed Manchester United 3-0.

Craven Cottage was treated to a vintage performance from an English striker pressing a strong claim for inclusion in Fabio Capello's plans.

And it wasn't United's Michael Owen, given a starting place at the expense of Dimitar Berbatov, who caught the eye - as he was totally eclipsed by the performance of man-of-the-match Bobby Zamora.

Owen saw little of the ball in the early exchanges.

Paul Scholes, however was in the thick of the action, soon being yellow-carded for a reckless sliding tackle on Fulham's Damien Duff.

The challenge was a sign of the Red Devils' desperation to get a foothold in the match; Tomasz Kusczak made a fingertip save from a Zoltan Gera volley as Fulham took control.

Van der Saar's understudy could do nothing about Fulham's opener in the 21st minute. Danny Murphy dispossessed the wretched Scholes outside the United penalty area and hit a shot which bounced once before crossing the goal-line.

Sir Alex Ferguson would have been well-aware that former Liverpool player Murphy has scored the winning goal against United on four separate occasions.

Gera was also proving to be a thorn in the visitors' side, supplying a cross which the livewire Zamora might have scored from as Fulham's dominance continued.

Within 20 seconds of the second half Fulham doubled their lead, Duff and Clinton Dempsey combining to set up Zamora in the six-yard box. The former Brighton striker made no mistake, volleying his fifth goal in the last four games.

Off came Ritchie de Laet and Darron Gibson and on came Berbatov and Fabio Da Silva as United regrouped.

Owen, deprived of any meaningful service from the midfield, was substituted shortly afterwards.

Perhaps Scholes should have been hooked instead: screwing shots wide and miscuing passes as United struggled to launch a comeback.

The contest was settled in the 74th minute, when Zamora used his chest to control a long pass and released Duff whose left foot shot had goal written all over it.

Zamora again used his chest to nearly score before he was substituted to loud applause from fans who had doubted him earlier in the season.

Friday, December 18, 2009

Jamie Carragher has admitted that he would consider leaving Anfield if he was able to leverage their capabilities.

Reds veteran defender has been criticized in some quarters this season after a rocky start to the campaign uncertain of the club.

Carragher, 31, said he would leave Liverpool if he felt he was past his best for the five-time European champions, but insists the club's failure to secure Champions League qualification would not be a deciding factor in his choice.

He said: "It 'hard to think of playing for another club.

"But I know that with age as a player you fall, there is no player in the history of The Game, who has not, and I wonder if I want to be so in the end.

"I would not get to 34 or 35 with Liverpool and are people who think," He blessed. "Then I think about whether it would be better to go, are still at a decent level and play for my day in another club.

"I worry, perhaps playing in big games for Liverpool and, perhaps, the side of costs, and I also do not play every week and if I could do it.

"Over the next year or two, I need to make a decision. I'd like to stay at Liverpool --- that is what I do --- but there are several things that I think you can compromise.

"Sometimes I think the movement can not be a bad thing, I do not want that to happen. But when you're used to a way all the time --- --- Liverpool are a lot of ideas and ways of doing things, not only the way of Liverpool.

"I did not move with the thought of improving myself, though. It is only if it was not playing enough, or something like that.

"I was an Everton fan as a child. But I'm a fan of Liverpool and now watching our fans and not 'as if determined to The Game, if you do not finish fourth. And' his club and is the same thing with me.

"Wherever we end does not want to leave just because we did not have the Champions League. Liverpool is my team and we are here to recover them in the top four, which is our challenge."

While looking at their options, Carragher insists it had no interest from other clubs and he is happy with life at Anfield.

He added: "Obviously, I am an agent, but he never called and told me that a team has asked me.

"I do not know if this is a good thing or bad. I always wonder if anyone outside of Liverpool really think I am nothing.

"Why should I leave Liverpool, one of the biggest clubs in the world?"

Monday, December 14, 2009

Liverpool FC 1, Arsenal 2: Sound of silence symptomatic of Reds demise

ANDRE MARRINER, the fourth official, strode to the touchline and hoisted aloft the electronic board which shows how much injury time must be played.

Usually, when Liverpool are trailing in games at such moments, Anfield’s crowd will fill its lungs, stand together and scream collectively for one final, desperate push to salvage what appears a hopeless situation.

On many occasions down the years, it is a tactic that has worked a treat. Liverpool, you see, were never beaten until the last whistle and the club’s history is littered with contests that looked to have slipped from their grasp but were somehow turned into victories.

How we yearn for a return to those days.

Yesterday, when Marriner indicated there would be a minimum of four added minutes, the only soundtrack that accompanied the declaration was that of empty seats clattering back into place.

No fight, no anger, no bellowing, no bawling, nothing. Anfield was dead, shocked into silence by a wretched second half display which enabled the Reds to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory against an Arsenal side that could scarcely believe its luck.

How utterly demoralising. Just when you thought that, maybe, Liverpool had found the perfect point to relaunch a campaign which has lurched and lumbered from one low to another, along comes quite possibly the biggest disappointment of all.

Infuriating, exasperating, call it what you will, Liverpool had the perfect opportunity to revive their flagging fortunes but, somehow, contrived to find themselves stuck in an even bigger hole than they were before.

They could not have wished for a greater incentive to make a statement; practically every result went their way on Saturday and victory against Arsene Wenger’s men would have catapulted them into fifth.

Instead, they remain in seventh but, most significantly, have suffered another crushing blow to their brittle belief.

They may be just five points off fourth place, but the fact that numerically they are closer to the relegation zone than to a title fight speaks volumes.

Now this is not suggesting for one moment that Liverpool are in the midst of a battle to keep their heads above water in the Premier League.

But the longer they keep slipping up, the more these weekends pass with their rivals accruing points and the Reds frittering them away, the harder it is going to become to rouse themselves to secure the kind of position that is imperative for the club’s future.

What puzzles most of all about this latest offering is that it should have been so, so different; following a thoroughly encouraging first 45 minutes, everything suggested they were ready to start moving through the gears again.

With the exception of Alberto Aquilani, who dropped down to the bench after making his first start against Fiorentina, the team Rafa Benitez sent into battle was ultimately the strongest he is able to name at this present moment.

Fitting Aquilani into his first XI is clearly going to be a head-scratching conundrum for the manager and, now the Italian is up and running, it is one he is going to have to solve sooner rather than later.

If he sticks with his favoured 4-2-3-1 formation who misses out? Does Dirk Kuyt drop out with Steven Gerrard moving to the right flank to accommodate Aquilani in a central position in front of Lucas and Javier Mascherano?

by Dominic King, Liverpool Echo

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Premier League Player Ratings: Manchester United 0-1 Aston Villa

Villa stunned United to go third in the table and Goal.com was on hand to rate the performance of the players at Old Trafford.....

MANCHESTER UNITED

Tomasz Kuszczak - 7 - His legs kept United in the match after he bailed out Fletcher for losing the ball to Agbonlahor on the edge of the box. Let down by Brown for the winner and dealt with everything else that came his way efficiently.

Darren Fletcher - 6 - One shaky moment aside, stuck well to his full-back task. Energy was missed in midfield, however.

Wes Brown - 5 - Fell asleep to allow Agbonlahor the space to nod home his goal.

Nemanja Vidic - 6 - Comeback was well timed as he made a series of blocks, headers and tackles to deny the vibrant visitors.

Patrice Evra - 8 - Simply United's best attacker and finest defender. Embarrassed Park with his flair going forward and stuck manfully to his task of denying Villa space to cross.

Michael Carrick - 7 - Kept the hosts ticking over in the middle. Sprayed passes across the pitch and also clattered in to tackles a number of times.

Anderson - 6 - Covered the blades of grass to good effect and was positive in possession. Taken off for Gibson.

Antonio Valencia - 6 - Quiet night for the Ecuadorian. Decent when he got involved, but didn't go searching for the ball enough.

Ji-Sung Park - 4 - Lost the ball every time it came his way and his very presence on the pitch robbed United of the threat up top that was needed. Made way for Berbatov.

Ryan Giggs - 6 - Looked to hold the key to the Villa defence. Probed and prodded without too much effect, however. Came off for Owen.

Wayne Rooney - 5 - A shameful dive was rightly carded and his final ball was disappointing. Rattled the bar with a shot in the first half.

Substitutes

Michael Owen - 5 - United's midweek match-winner didn't find the space to strike this time.

Dimitar Berbatov - 5 - Couldn't provide the remedy to United ills. Hammered a volley in to the ground rather than the back of the net.

Darron Gibson - 6 - Looked to test Friedel with a number of long distance pot shots.

ASTON VILLA


Brad Friedel - 7 - Enjoyed a quieter night than he would have expected. The few shots that came his way were handled with no fuss.

Luke Young - 6 - Dominated Park, but came unstuck when Evra bombed on from full-back.

Richard Dunne - 8 - Does exactly what he says on the tin. Solid, obstinate defending is his forte, and there was no sign of those standards slipping.

Carlos Cuellar - 7 - Provided the energy next to Dunne. His rangy physique was stretched to the limit a number of times to deny United.

Stephen Warnock - 7 - A stiff neck didn't stop him getting the better of Valencia. Linked up with alternating wingers Ashley Young and Stewart Downing to good effect. Collision saw him withdrawn for Collins.

Ashley Young - 7 - Stuck to his manager's orders and pumped the ball in to the United area with consistent quality. Picked out Agbonlahor to set up the opener.

James Milner - 8 - Is excelling in the close environs of centre midfield. Used his reservoirs of energy to win the ball and his winger's technique to pass the ball out wide with speed.

Stiliyan Petrov - 5 - His every involvement seem to end with Martin Atkinson blowing his whistle for a free kick. Broke up play, but tested the letter of the law.

Stewart Downing - 7 - Last involvement was to clear Vidic's header off the goal line. Put in a cultured performances before coming off for Reo-Coker.

Gabriel Agbonlahor - 8 - Drifted intelligently in to space to nod home the winner and was a constant thorn in the side of the United back line. His pace unsettles even the best of defenders and his record against the 'Big Four' is impeccable.

Emile Heskey - 5 - Ambled around the penalty box to little effect. Looked more oafish than international class. Taken off for Carew after hamstring pull.

Substitutes

John Carew - n/a

Nigel Reo-Coker - n/a

James Collins - 7 - Dug in manfully as Villa fought to keep back the Red tide.


Matt Monaghan, Goal.com UK

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Michael Owen backed for England recall in time for World Cup 2010

Michael Carrick is confident Michael Owen will hit the goal trial to reclaim his England place in time for next year's World Cup Finals.

The Manchester United striker scored a hat-trick against Wolfsburg in the Champions League on Tuesday to take his tally to seven this season and Carrick believes there is more to come.

"It was a great achievement," said Carrick.

"Scoring a hat-trick away from home in the Champions League doesn't happen so often but it is just what he is all about.

"We always knew he could do it. He has been doing it all his career.

"Hopefully now he can get on a roll and he will continue to score many important goals for us over the next few weeks."

Carrick has just as much reason to be pleased with himself at the moment as, along with Darren Fletcher, he is one of the men asked to rescue United from their defensive nightmare.

First as a makeshift central defender at West Ham, then as a sweeper, Carrick has slotted into the new role with authority.

"I have never headed the ball as much," he said.

"It is not the physical side that is hard about playing centre-half, it is the mental.

"You need to maintain concentration and focus at all times. I just put myself in the right positions and hoped for the best."

-- Help Capello do his job - pick your England team to decide if Michael Owen should be on the plane to South Africa.

by telegraph.co.uk

Monday, December 7, 2009

Wolfsburg v Manchester United: match preview

Tuesday, December 8

Wolfsburg v Manchester United
Volkswagen Arena
Kick-off: 19:45 GMT
TV: Sky Sports2 7pm.

Touchline duel: Armin Veh v Sir Alex Ferguson

Veh, 48, succeeded Felix Magath last season after his predecessor had guided the unfashionable side to a first Bundesliga title. Veh is struggling to keep Wolfsburg in the race to defend their crown due to a run of one win in six games. He needs a positive result to seal qualification for the Champions League knock-out stage.


Key battle: Michael Carrick v Edin Dzeko

Not the duel that Carrick would have been expecting, but a defensive crisis means that he is expected to form a central-defensive partnership with Darren Fletcher. Carrick will have his hands full against the towering Bosnian forward, who dominated the more established pairing of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic during Wolfsburg’s 2-1 defeat at Old Trafford in September.

Talking tactics

Considering the team that Ferguson is likely to put out, damage limitation would appear to be the priority. But with qualification already assured and the benefits of topping the group minimal, Ferguson might view the closing stages of the fixture as the perfect opportunity to blood unheralded youngsters such as Oliver Gill, Magnus Eikrem and Matty James.

Who's saying what

SIr Alex Ferguson


"Wolfsburg will be delighted we have so many injuries," admitted Ferguson.

"I know we might come second in the group but I am not sure whether it really makes much difference.

"AC Milan and Real Madrid are in one group, Bordeaux, Bayern Munich and Juventus are in another, Barcelona, Rubin Kazan and Inter Milan in a third, so if you get one of those it doesn't matter whether you have finished first or second.

"The one issue is that if you finish second you have to play the first leg of your knock-out round at home, but that is all."

Wolfsburg (4-3-1-2): Benaglio; Schafer, Barzagli, Costa, Riether; Gentner, Josue, Hasebe; Misimovic; Grafite, Dzeko.
Manchester United (4-3-2-1): Foster; Evra, Carrick, Fletcher, Park; Anderson, Scholes, Gibson; Obertan, Valencia; Owen.
Referee: B Kuipers (Hol).


By Mark Ogden
Published: 6:00AM GMT 08 Dec 2009

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Blackburn 0 Liverpool FC 0: Rafa Benitez disappointed with draw

Dec 6 2009

Liverpool FC boss Rafa Benitez admitted his disappointment with Saturday's 0-0 draw against Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park.

Benitez's side failed to win for the fifth time in six Premier league games, although David Ngog went close when he hit the bar.

The Liverpool FC boss said: "We did not play well in the first half, but after the break we were much better. We were certainly better in possession than we had been in the last game when we won at Everton.

"We need to win, though, in these situations. We are getting better but we know we have to do better."

Benitez revealed that Liverpool FC are likely to have Fernando Torres fit for the Champions League match on Wednesday against Fiorentina, with Alberto Aquilani also expected to start the match.

Benitez defended his decision, again, not to bring on Aquilani from the bench.

He said: "He is fit now, the ankle injury has healed. But I feel this was a difficult, physical place to come and not the right time to throw him on.

"He will be better getting his chance in a home match with our fans behind him. It is a difficult decision when someone is not fully match fit, he could make a mistake and it would set him back."


by dailypost.co.uk

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Team News Update 3/12/09

Thursday, 3 December 2009

* 22:40 Manchester United Supporters' Trust raise concerns over club finances
* 20:15 Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson - Cristiano Ronaldo my 'signing of the decade'
* 17:28 Manchester United youngster Danny Welbeck explains Usain Bolt celebration
* 16:56 Steven Gerrard: I have total belief in my Liverpool team-mates
* 16:38 Alex Ferguson won't know who to pick against Manchester City - Mark Hughes
* 15:11 Luis Fabiano: I really admire Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson
* 13:17 Matt Monaghan's Manchester United Comment: Manchester City draw makes League Cup come alive
* 11:58 Manchester United to loan out Ben Foster in January - report
* 11:44 Shaun Wright-Phillips: Manchester City delighted to face United
* 11:34 Neil Jones' Liverpool Special: 500 not out for Steven Gerrard
* 11:20 Carlos Tevez: Manchester City's League Cup semi-final against United is 'a Clasico'
* 09:41 Fernando Torres nearing Liverpool return - Rafa Benitez
* 08:44 Manchester United pull out of Adem Ljajic deal
* 08:08 I want to be a Liverpool legend - Fernando Torres


by goal.com

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Ryan Giggs a 'dedicated professional and legend' at Manchester United

Ryan Giggs has been described as the personification of Manchester United by Old Trafford team-mate Darren Fletcher


Giggs, 36, has been named on the shortlist for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award after a remarkable year that has seen him win an 11th Premier League title and also the PFA Player of the Year award.

The former Wales captain scored his 100th Premier League goal during United’s 4-1 victory at Portsmouth at the weekend and manager Sir Alex Ferguson is expected to offer him a one-year contract extension in the new year in order to extend his Old Trafford career beyond his 37th birthday.

Giggs is set to be rested for tonight’s Carling Cup quarter-final against Spurs at Old Trafford, with Ferguson keen to preserve the veteran’s energies prior to Saturday’s trip to West Ham.

But with the BBC nomination the latest recognition of Giggs’s longevity and success, Fletcher admits that his Manchester United colleague is the perfect example of how to manage a career at the top level of the game.

Fletcher said: “He (Giggs) has got the perfect balance. He’s a wealthy man and he can enjoy himself, but he doesn’t throw it in anyone’s face.

“He’s not in the papers every week for the wrong reasons or daft magazines. He’s a dedicated family man, a dedicated professional and a legend here at United.

“He’s played more games than anyone in the club’s history, won more trophies and scored in every season of the Premier League.”

Scotland midfielder Fletcher has become a pivotal figure in Ferguson’s United team over the last 12 months.

But he credits Giggs with helping him realise his ambition of securing a first-team spot at Old Trafford.

Fletcher said: “It was great to have someone like Ryan here when I was a youngster.

“I looked up to him and saw that there was no ego. If you have an ego at this club, it gets kicked straight out of you.

“It’s not about fame at this football club, it’s about winning trophies. Young players see that straightaway when they join.

“They see Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Gary Neville. The heroes and inspirations are already at the club every day.

“Some players come in a little bit confident, but it’s out of them within a few weeks. You can’t be like that here.

“The great thing I’ve noticed is that even the young foreign players who come hold the senior players in real respect.

“Cristiano Ronaldo was a hugely talented player, but he hadn’t done it season in season out like Giggsy or Scholesy.

“They (young players) see that when they’ve finished their career, they can look back on successful times with the trophies to show for that.

“Me, Carra (Michael Carrick), Wazza (Wayne Rooney) and Rio (Ferdinand) have achieved a little bit of success, but Giggsy blows us all out of the water.

“We’re all jealous of him and we want more of what he’s had. We want to match his medal haul.”

By Mark Ogden (telegraph.co.uk)

Sunday, November 29, 2009

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is working hard to make sure Liverpool FC regain top form

RAFA BENITEZ has promised Liverpool’s supporters he is working overtime to turn their frustration into elation after insisting he is at Anfield for the long-haul.

The Reds’ manager has come in for huge criticism from certain sections of the media and come under fire from a minority of fans following a hugely disappointing run of two wins in 11 games.

Liverpool have fallen out of contention in the Premier League and have also made early exits from the Carling Cup and Champions League in that period but Benitez is adamant the situation will change.

He understands how much Anfield regulars are hurting at the minute but Benitez has promised he will not walk away, after revealing he has rebuffed several opportunities to go – including in the summer just gone.

“You cannot be a fan and be happy if your team is not winning,” said Benitez. “It has to be that way. You have to be disappointed. The only thing you can do is understand the reason why. I will not be making excuses, as we know that we have to improve.

“I think we can improve and that is the positive thing for me. The reaction of the players has been very positive. As a fan or anyone close to the club, of course you will be disappointed that you are not winning. That’s normal.

“But as a manager, you have to keep going, you have to keep working hard. That is the only way things will change. It’s not been easy for us to be at this level but I know that we will improve.

“When I decided to stay (last March), I wanted to fight for this club. I signed a five-year deal. Sometimes there are good moments, sometimes there are bad moments but still I will fight. If we win I will be happier. If we cannot, we will fight until we win.”

Several former Liverpool players have been quick to voice their displeasure about the way Benitez has handled things in recent months and knows the longer he goes without collecting another trophy, the more intense the criticism will become.

It is, of course, all part of the pressure that comes with being a high-profile Premier League manager but Benitez, whose side tackle Everton at Goodison tomorrow, is confident the tide will turn. That’s why he has no intention of seeking a job elsewhere, which will scupper any thoughts Real Madrid may have had about luring him to the Bernabeu – they have tried on several occasions – if their current coach Manuel Pelligrini is jettisoned.

“We have seen for years that Liverpool is a top side, a very successful side,” he said. “It is easy to talk and say ‘you have to win’. When I first arrived, everyone was so pleased. Just to improve was good. But we won the Champions League after 21 years.

“Now they talk about the Premier League. It is part of the situation. Maybe with Liverpool it is different. We couldn’t win the Premier League last year but Arsenal won, Chelsea won, Manchester United won, so it is just Liverpool the target.

“They (the critics) do not want other teams. We knew this. When I signed my new contract, I had offers for more money, bigger transfer budgets, more options to sign player. But I am here. I love the city, the club and I love the fans.”

by Dominic King, Liverpool Echo

Sir Alex Ferguson: Manchester United Will Not Sell Nani In January


Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has insisted the club has no intention of selling Portuguese winger Nani despite speculation surrounding his future.

The 23-year-old has once again struggled to make an impact in the first team this season and has spoken out about his frustration at being dropped for important games against Liverpool, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur.

While this has led to speculation the youngster could be heading for an Old Trafford exit, Ferguson has insisted this is not the case.

“Some big clubs have been mentioned for Nani, like Milan and Benfica, but there has been no contact made with us – and we wouldn’t entertain selling him anyway,” he told the Sunday Mirror.

“He is only 23. If someone came in for Nani in January we would tell him that he is going absolutely nowhere.”

The Scot also hinted that the Portuguese international could expect a start in midweek when the Red Devils take on Tottenham Hotspur in the League Cup.

“He’s a young boy and he wants to play – and he might get a chance
against Spurs in the Carling Cup this week,” explained Sir Alex.

“He has suffered because Valencia’s form has been excellent and because Obertan has emerged as an interesting player.”

The United boss also warned Nani that when he was handed an outing he must “take his chance”.

He added: “It is no criticism of Nani, but the way things have developed in the last few weeks have gone against him.

“I have spoken to him and told him that he must take his chance when it comes along.”

Gill Clark, Goal.com UK

Saturday, November 28, 2009

Liverpool FC's Lucas Leiva refuses to win over his critics

Lucas Leiva believes that he will never be able to win over his critics amongst Liverpool's support despite becoming a regular in Rafael Benitez's starting line-up.

The Brazilian has cemented his place in central midfield alongside Javier Mascherano whilst Alberto Aquilani continues his comeback from injury.

However the 22-year-old is still berated by some sections of the Reds' support following a mixed start to his Anfield career and despite some strong performances during Liverpool's so far faltering campaign Leiva does not think he will ever be able to win over the Kop cynics.

He said: "I am trying to improve all the time and I am feeling good on the pitch. I have improved a lot since last season and hopefully I will keep going.

"But things might always be more difficult for me at Liverpool, to be honest, but I am trying to prove I can do well for myself and my team-mates. The real supporters of Liverpool know this and support me a lot."

"When I came to Liverpool I came with a challenge of winning titles and making history for the club. Hopefully I can still do that.

"I am playing almost every game now. I have a good link with Javier Mascherano. I understand the way he plays and he helps me a lot. I think it's good for the team that we can keep the balance."

by Richard Buxton (clickliverpool.com)

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Anguish for Liverpool FC despite win over Debrecen

IT is indicative of Liverpool’s ongoing tortuous season that even the much-needed tonic of victory should be greeted with wails of anguish and pangs of regret.

IT is indicative of Liverpool FC’s ongoing tortuous season that even the much-needed tonic of victory should be greeted with wails of anguish and pangs of regret.

David Ngog’s fourth-minute strike was enough to down Hungarian champions Debrecen and earn Rafael Benitez’s side only their second win in 11 games.

But matters 457 miles away in Florence meant Liverpool have failed to progress to the knockout stages of the Champions League for the first time under the Spaniard.

A penalty from Fiorentina’s Juan Vargas against an already-qualified Lyon was enough to send the Italians through and deepen the gloom that has engulfed Anfield over the past few months.

Liverpool’s players gathered around a television monitor to watch the closing moments of Group E’s other game in the hope Lyon could do them a favour.

None was forthcoming. But Liverpool weren’t eliminated because of events last night. Nor does the blame lay with the poor first-half showing that resulted in defeat at Fiorentina.

Benitez’s side will ultimately rue the last-minute goals conceded in both games against Lyon that turned a potential four points into just one and wrested their Champions League future out of their own hands.

Once the now irrelevant final group fixture against the Italians is negotiated – has Anfield ever hosted such a pointless European game – attention will turn to the Europa League.

Not quite the New Year treat Benitez and his players had envisaged at the start of a campaign that harboured hopes of success both home and abroad.

Liverpool budget for progress to the first knockout stage of the Champions League, and the anticipated loss in revenue of £2.4m would be swallowed up by a run in the Europa League.

Europe has often provided refuge from domestic failings during Benitez’s reign, but this year they have served only to exacerbate them.

Yes, the Anfield manager has not been helped by a succession of injury problems to key players that have highlighted the summer spending policy forced upon him by the club’s financial constraints.

But the players who have been available should have produced far better performances and results than they have this season.

The laborious 1-0 home win over Debrecen in the opening group game set the tone for Liverpool, who have struggled to score goals throughout this Champions League campaign.

And with the defence proving worryingly porous, it isn’t difficult to surmise that is a combination that doesn’t exactly encourage success.

On the night, this was not a performance that will linger long in the memory, despite the fillip of victory and an all-too-rare clean sheet.

Given their home ground holds only 10,200, Debrecen have been compelled to trek 120 miles for their home games during the group stage to the vast Ferenc Pusks national stadium in Budapest.

Despite the inconvenience, the Hungarians were afforded plenty of support by the local population to ensure there was a healthy atmosphere on a chilly evening.

With Yossi Benayoun and Alberto Aquilani only fit enough for the bench, Benitez did not have an array of offensive options at this disposal, although Glen Johnson returned to augment the attack with his raids from right-back.

Debrecen had already shipped 14 goals in the group stages – eight coming in their two previous home games against Lyon and Fiorentina – and it took Liverpool just four minutes to find a way through.

Having again been roundly criticised for their inability to defend set-pieces following Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Manchester City, it was the turn of Benitez’s side to capitalise on a dead-ball situation.

Javier Mascherano fed a short corner to Fabio Aurelio, whose cross to the far post was headed back across goal by Jamie Carragher where David Ngog reacted quickest to poke the ball home via the woodwork. Debrecen’s defence simply stood and watched.

The Hungarians had yet to even register a point in Group E, and on their subsequent dismal first-half showing it was easy to see why.

Dirk Kuyt was close to connecting with a diving header from Steven Gerrard’s right-wing cross, while an ambitious Aurelio effort swerved wide of the target.

Liverpool, though, lacked the required threat to further punish the hosts. And when news filtered through of Juan Vargas putting Fiorentina ahead from the penalty spot midway through the half, an air of resignation descended upon the travelling support. Jamie Carragher had stated Liverpool would pay no attention to events elsewhere, but that proved difficult when the stadium announcer revealed news from Italy to the delight of the home support. It may have been said in Hungarian, but the message was obvious.

Ngog kept Debrecen goalkeeper Vukasin Poleksic busy with a brace of efforts, the latter from the edge of the area which solicited a decent parry clear.

Emiliano Insua flashed a shot wide moments after the interval as the second half continued in the same manner with Liverpool pressing without any genuine conviction.

Gerrard was denied by a block from Marcell Fodor and then drew a good save from Poleksic, before Lucas – as against Manchester City at the weekend – sent an inviting header wide of goal from Kuyt’s right-wing delivery.

Johnson was put in a spot of bother by some dangerously loose play by Insua outside the area, with the ball breaking down the other end for Kuyt to flash and angled effort over.

A clearly bored Daniel Agger then sauntered out of defence and threatened to take on the entire Debrecen team before teeing up Gerrard for a shot that flashed wide.

Carragher headed wide before Debrecen finally made Pepe Reina work in the 81st minute when the keeper palmed over a speculative effort from Gergely Rudolf.

And Debrecen almost rubbed salt into the wounds in injury time but substitute Adamo Coulibaly struck straight at Reina.

Nov 25 2009 by Ian Doyle, dailypost.co.uk

Monday, November 23, 2009

David Pleat's tactical report: Manchester United v Everton

Until David Moyes can reassemble his top midfield, life will continue to be a toil for Everton


Leighton Baines, left, with Manchester United's Luis Antonio Valencia, defended well but lacked chances to venture forward. Photograph: Jon Super/AP

Shape

David Moyes is in handcuffs at present. Denied his defensive holder Phil Neville, his wide worker Leon Osman and the left-footed balance of the recently introduced Diniyar Bilyaletdinov, the Everton manager opted for a cautious five-man midfield to support the lone striker, Louis Saha. This is a team who managed 17 clean sheets last season but had managed none in their previous nine games, so the quintet in midfield was always likely to prove more of a protective shield to the back four than a springboard to support Saha. To succeed, Everton would need to gain possession of the ball and support quickly by passing through midfield.

Tactics

used their full-backs to great attacking advantage. With the visitors pressed back, Saha became more isolated as the first half progressed. Everton failed to pressurise United's full-backs: Dan Gosling found difficulty in containing the lively Patrice Evra while, on the left, Tim Cahill, tucking in, allowed Rafael da Silva space to exploit. The central midfielders Jack Rodwell, Marouane Fellaini and Johnny Heitinga were neither fierce nor athletic enough to threaten the home side. Clearly, Everton's five individuals here were not precise enough with their passing or capable of disturbing United's rhythm.

Did it succeed?

No. A poor first half gave United the clear initiative. Sensibly, Moyes abandoned his plan at half-time and switched to 4-4-2 with Saha and Yakubu as the dual target. However, it remained a square-pegs-in-round-holes performance. With Cahill switched to the right and Fellaini on the left, both were out of position, and the absence of Steven Pienaar and Mikel Arteta was keenly felt. In central midfield, Rodwell and Heitinga could not affect Darren Fletcher and Michael Carrick, who looked to link with Wayne Rooney at every opportunity. It was brave of Moyes to open up the midfield and, at 1-0, they looked to have enough forward strength to wrestle their way back into the contest if they could only generate some service.Yet Fellaini's headed superiority over Rafael was quickly nullified when Sir Alex switched Fletcher to right-back to cope, and the visitors' strikers Yakubu and Saha flickered only briefly. Both when they boasted numerical advantage in midfield in the first half, and when they surrendered it after the break, Everton showed they do not have the depth to cope with opponents who shift the ball quickly and show good movement.

Strengths

Tim Howard is more than sound in goal, while Joseph Yobo and Sylvain Distin negate the loss of the injured Phil Jagielka and the departed Joleon Lescott. Heading strongly, and quick on the turn, their problems only begin when the opposition midfield get clear possession behind their own midfield. Yakubu, Saha and Jo are all capable enough to occupy opposing centre-backs but, ideally, Everton need Cahill behind any one of those three to be successful because Moyes's front men do not complement each other. Leighton Baines defended well but, in this fractured performance, never got any opportunities to venture forward.

Weaknesses

Their problem remains men being forced to play out of position. Gosling, Cahill and Fellaini do not appear comfortable in wide areas, so the supply to the forwards in the 18-yard box is limited. Lucas Neill and Baines are comfortable going forward, but they were unable to forage here as the opposing full-backs, Rafael and Evra, came forward too easily to overload against them, with Everton's central players so narrow. Rodwell is a prospect but he does not have the positional nous of Neville, who remains such a vital miss. Until the top Everton midfield – Pienaar, Cahill, Neville, Osman and Arteta – is reassembled, life will continue to be a toil.


by guardian.co.uk

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Team News Update 20/11/09

Friday, 20 November 2009

* 23:23 I feel Ireland's pain - Manchester United's Sir Alex Ferguson
* 23:14 Winning run here we come - Manchester United's Wayne Rooney
* 23:02 England over-exposing Wayne Rooney - Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson
* 22:42 Sir Alex Ferguson: Wayne Rooney not in the reckoning to captain Manchester United
* 18:15 Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez hails miracle cure
* 17:25 Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez well aware of Manchester City's threat
* 16:31 Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp rules out move for Ben Foster
* 15:57 Premier League Preview: Manchester United - Everton
* 14:40 Benfica snap up former Manchester United forward Evandro Brandao
* 14:39 Rafael Benitez confirms Liverpool's Glen Johnson received placenta treatment
* 14:07 John O'Shea hopeful of making Manchester United's clash with Everton
* 13:34 Manchester United manager backs Arsene Wenger's call for video technology
* 12:49 Gareth Barry: Manchester City go to Liverpool with no fear
* 12:43 Premier League Preview: Liverpool - Manchester City
* 11:17 Alex Ferguson: Rio Ferdinand out of Manchester United action for at least two weeks
* 10:35 Matt Monaghan's Manchester United Comment: Fixture list serves up festive cheer for Ferguson
* 09:38 Paul Scholes enjoying international breaks at Manchester United
* 09:04 Martin Kelly respects Liverpool rival Daniel Ayala
* 09:03 Mark Hughes: Manchester City ready to send out a message at Liverpool
* 09:01 Fernando Morientes Exclusive: Rafael Benitez will always be wanted by Europe's biggest clubs
* 07:10 Manchester United & Chelsea will battle for Premier League title - Everton's Phil Neville
* 01:05 Glen Johnson one of Europe's Best wing-backs - Liverpool Boss Rafa Benitez

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Rio Ferdinand out until 2010 - injured Manchester United and England

Rio Ferdinand out until 2010 - injured Manchester United and England ace will miss at least 15 matches before return

Rio Ferdinand has been ruled out of action until after the New Year after being told he needs at least six weeks of rest and physio work to heal his injured back.

The Manchester United centre-back has been plagued by back trouble since last season and the issue is said to have contributed to several poor displays this term, as well as causing other problems elsewhere in his body.

But Ferdinand is now ready to cure the problem for good, even if it means a lengthy lay-off, according to the Sun.
s Fernando Torres (left) breaks clear of Rio Ferdinand to score


Out of form: Rio Ferdinand (right) is outmuscled by Fernando Torres, who scored Liverpool's first goal against Manchester United in October's match at Anfield

The England defender had hoped to be back by the start of December, but is likely to miss United's 11 remaining fixtures in 2009, adding to the four games he has sat out since the 2-0 loss at Liverpool in October.

United medical staff are investigating the possibility that Ferdinand, 31, might need his hip realigned to relieve strain on other parts of his body, including his back, says the newspaper.

Meanwhile Ferdinand's defensive colleague Nemanja Vidic should be ready to play against Everton on Saturday after suffering no complication to his calf injury during his return to action in Serbia's 1-0 win over South Korea.

By Sportsmail Reporter (dailymail.co.uk)

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Team News Update 17/11/09

Tuesday, 17 November 2009

* 16:29 Fernando Torres likely to miss Liverpool's clash with Manchester City
* 15:57 Former Liverpool goalkeeper Bruce Grobbelaar asked to represent Winterbourne United
* 15:16 Danny Simpson eyeing permanent move to Newcastle United
* 14:11 Nemanja Vidic & Park Ji-Sung confident Manchester United can cope without Sir Alex Ferguson's touchline presence
* 12:04 Manchester City target Angel di Maria wants to join Manchester United - report
* 11:50 Matt Monaghan's Manchester United Comment: One more year for Scholes, but no more 'Big Four' battles
* 11:19 Neil Jones' Liverpool Special: Striker hunt throws up some interesting names, but will money talk?
* 10:49 Steven Gerrard fit to face Manchester City with Liverpool
* 10:15 Liverpool's Dirk Kuyt blames Italy for Robin van Persie's injury
* 09:49 Corry Evans keen to follow in brother Jonny's footsteps at Manchester United
* 09:10 Liverpool youngster Martin Kelly inspired by Glen Johnson
* 09:10 Francesco Totti: Aquilani will be a hit at Liverpool
* 08:06 Time for Javier Mascherano to repay Liverpool - Ian Rush
* 07:39 Liverpool need to buy low and sell big - Rafael Benitez
* 06:24 Tottenham Hotspur eyeing £6m splash on Manchester United's Ben Foster - report
* 06:07 I will quit if Liverpool sell Fernando Torres - Rafael Benitez

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Manchester United Boss Sir Alex Ferguson Unlikely To Spend Big In January

Fergie happy with what he's got...


Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed he does not intend to spend big in the January transfer window.

United have been linked with a handful of attacking players, including West Ham United striker Carlton Cole and VfL Wolfsburg's Edin Dzeko.

However, Ferguson is reluctant to pay the inflated fees that are often a characteristic of January trading, and has hinted that he is content with the current composition of his squad.

"I would like to do business, but only if the prices are right - and that can be a problem in January," he told The Mail on Sunday.


Zack Wilson, Goal.com UK

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Wayne Rooney ready to commit to Manchester United for life

Wayne Rooney has said he would happily finish his career at Manchester United as he prepares to begin talks over a new contract.


The United striker who is currently on England duty in Qatar, has been linked with an £85 million move to Barcelona, while Cristiano Ronaldo has said he would love to see his former team-mate play alongside him at Real Madrid.

But Rooney has no plans to quit the Premier League and try his hand abroad and is committed to extending his stay at Old Trafford with his current deal due to expire in 2012. "It is nice to get noticed but I have said before I am really happy at United," the 24 year-old said. "Unless they tell me otherwise, I can't really see myself leaving.

"Obviously I've got two years left after this year (season), so I'm sure over the next few months we will be negotiating a new deal."

Asked if he was contemplating finishing his career at Old Trafford, Rooney responded with an emphatic 'yes', before underlining the importance he attaches to being close to his roots in nearby Liverpool.

"I love the place," Rooney said. "It is 30 minutes from home and all my family and I have got a great chance of winning trophies.

"It is a massive club. Growing up, although I was an Everton fan, I used to love watching United play, the way they played and attacked, always right to the end and scoring so many late goals.

"Now to be there and winning trophies, I don't think I will be going anywhere soon."

By Telegraph staff (telegraph.co.uk)

Friday, November 13, 2009

Team News Update 12/11/09

Thursday, 12 November 2009
* 22:06 Sunderland's Anton Ferdinand backs big brother Rio to bounce back
* 18:35 Barcelona's Yaya Toure admires Arsenal and Manchester United
* 17:50 Fabio Capello's England can win World Cup - Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva
* 14:49 Darren Fletcher revelling in status at Manchester United
* 14:30 Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson punished with fine and four-match ban by FA
* 14:06 Manchester United's Darren Fletcher would make England team - George Burley
* 13:13 Liverpool's problems could be down to mentality - Albert Riera
* 12:57 Sir Alex Ferguson: Ireland can overcome France with win in Dublin
* 12:10 Loan move for Tottenham misfit Pavlyuchenko interests Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez
* 11:56 West Ham slap £20m price tag on Carlton Cole in wake of Liverpool interest - report
* 11:56 Neil Jones' Liverpool Book Review: Red Race by Paul Tomkins
* 10:59 Matt Monaghan's Manchester United Comment: Nani's letter of resignation
* 08:44 Liverpool's Yossi Benayoun & Albert Riera out for four weeks - report
* 08:23 Alan Shearer worried over Michael Owen's chances of making England squad for World Cup


by goal.com

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Team News Update 11/11/09

Wednesday, 11 November 2009
22:48 Wes Brown: Brazil clash is a taste of what's to come in South Africa
17:22 Andrea Dossena may leave Liverpool for Napoli - agent
14:53 Liverpool defender Insua dreaming of World Cup glory with Argentina
14:02 Cristiano Ronaldo: Manchester City can rival Manchester United, but not yet
12:21 Glen Johnson calls for Liverpool to stay calm and stick together
11:42 Man Utd midfielder Owen Hargreaves looking to learn from 'bad experiences'
11:36 Matt Monaghan's Manchester United Comment: Trailing by five points...it was worse last season
10:09 Liverpool ponder bid for West Ham United striker Carlton Cole - report
09:31 Premier League captains Gerrard, Terry, Fabregas, donate signed armbands to Bob Wilson's charity
08:10 Albert Riera claims Liverpool are 'untidy'
07:42 Players' responsibility to stamp out diving - PGMO boss Keith Hackett
07:11 Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez: Fernando Torres out for two to three weeks
06:44 Barcelona can't afford Robinho or Javier Mascherano - report
06:08 France play-off game against Republic of Ireland bigger than Champions League final - Patrice Evra

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Team News Update 09/11/09

Monday, 9 November 2009
22:39 Birmingham draw an ‘unbelievable’ result – Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez
22:18 Lee Carsley brands Liverpool penalty ‘an embarrassing case of cheating’
22:00 Liverpool 2-2 Birmingham City: Gerrard penalty grabs point for Reds
22:00 Neil Jones' Liverpool Special: David Ngog's dive shows Reds' desperation, but is the point worth the embarrassment?
18:38 Zoran Tosic determined to fight for Manchester United place
17:49 Liverpool consider move for unsettled Real Madrid star Lassana Diarra - report
17:21 Premier League Player Ratings: Liverpool 2-2 Birmingham City
16:49 Owen Hargreaves can match Cristiano Ronaldo for dead-ball delivery - Alex Ferguson
16:30 FA warn but don't punish Wayne Rooney after '12 men' TV jibe
15:17 I am 100 per cent sure that Liverpool will bounce back - Rafael Benitez
14:46 Liverpool's Fernando Torres excluded from Spain squad for international friendlies - report
14:05 Manchester United deserved to win against Chelsea - John O'Shea
13:30 Darren Fletcher claims Arsene Wenger has made referees wary of him
12:53 Gabriel Obertan keen to kick-start Manchester United career after four months of 'waiting'
11:59 Matt Monaghan's Manchester United Debate: Where now for wounded United?
11:54 Neil Jones' Liverpool Comment: Rafa's men need to rediscover ruthless streak
11:49 Pepe Reina: I would die for Liverpool shirt
10:19 FA could investigate Wayne Rooney's alleged '12th man' mime, but Alex Ferguson won't be punished for comments
09:00 FWA Weekly: Do we have more quality attackers in the Premier League than defenders?
08:39 Stoke City's Ryan Shawcross: Leaving Manchester United was the right decision
07:54 Rafael Benitez: Lucas Leiva will reach his potential with Liverpool
07:38 Fernando Torres can become a legend at Liverpool - Rafael Benitez
07:21 Carlo Ancelotti: Manchester United players 'protested a lot' against Chelsea
06:37 It was 'disappointing' for Manchester United to lose against Chelsea - Wes Brown
01:40 Report: Liverpool line up world record £250m naming rights deal for 'New Anfield'
00:51 Birmingham City manager Alex McLeish wary of Liverpool 'backlash'


by goal.com

Monday, November 9, 2009

Liverpool Line Up World Record £250m Naming Rights Deal For 'New Anfield' - Report


The Times reports that Liverpool co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett are planning to sell the naming rights to the club's new stadium for an unprecedented £250 million.

Hicks confirmed recently that he and his partner were aiming to secure a deal that would be "the most attractive in the world", saying that they would target a globally recognised company.

On top of the recently sealed £20m-per-year shirt sponsorship with Standard Chartered, this latest news signals something of a recruitment drive as the Americans seek to wipe away the club's debts.

The proposed new stadium in Stanley Park is presently on the backburner with the Merseyside outfit around £300m in arears, but the owners believe their bold plan will provide a huge boost for the 'New Anfield' project.

It is understood that Hicks and Gillet plan to underwrite some 50 per cent of the construction costs through the sale of the new venue's naming rights, in a deal that would surpass all others of its kind.

This venture is sure to attract attention in the wake of Newcastle United's move to rename St James' Park and Chelsea's controversial plans for Stamford Bridge, but the Kopites may be more understanding given that the plans are for an entirely new stadium.

Mick Maguire, Goal.com UK

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Team News Update 08/11/09

Sunday, 8 November 2009
19:18 Carlo Ancelotti delighted with win against Chelsea's 'best opponent'
18:40 Sir Alex Ferguson lambasts key decision as Manchester United lose at Chelsea
18:20 Matt Monaghan's Manchester United Special: Ref rage at the Bridge but United prove prowess in defeat
18:00 Premier League Player Ratings: Chelsea 1-0 Manchester United
17:55 Chelsea 1-0 Manchester United: John Terry header wins it for Blues
16:40 Liverpool confident of reaching Champions League last 16 - Rafael Benitez
15:23 Chelsea are the team to beat - Manchester United's Patrice Evra
14:30 Liverpool's Rafael Benitez confirms Alberto Aquilani set for Anfield debut against Birmingham City
12:38 Andrea Dossena wants to leave Liverpool
11:55 Premier League Preview: Liverpool - Birmingham City
11:51 Birmingham City manager Alex McLeish prepared for tough Liverpool task
11:32 Birmingham City defender Scott Dann aims to perform against boyhood club Liverpool
11:13 Neil Jones' Liverpool Exclusive Interview: Joey Jones on why the critics should lay off Rafa Benitez
10:55 John Terry insists England can count on Rio Ferdinand
10:34 Birmingham’s James McFadden aiming to pile more misery on Liverpool
10:00 I’d rather face Didier Drogba than Fernando Torres – Manchester United’s Jonny Evans
09:40 Rafael Benitez urges Fabio Capello not to pick Steven Gerrard for England
09:23 Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson reveals he has had offers to manage abroad
09:10 Liverpool will not sell star players despite results – owner Tom Hicks
07:54 Carlo Ancelotti will not be worried about Jose Mourinho's success at Chelsea - Sir Alex Ferguson
07:36 Alberto Aquilani could play a part against Birmingham City - Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez
06:56 Injury crisis at Liverpool is lifting - Rafael Benitez
06:26 Time is right for Chelsea to play Manchester United - John Terry
00:53 Barcelona in shock £85m swoop for Manchester United star Wayne Rooney - report

by goal.com

Saturday, November 7, 2009

Kop out: Liverpool, Manchester United and Bolton refuse to wear poppies for weekend matches


Football's top two clubs stubbornly refused today to mark Remembrance Day by wearing poppies on their shirts.
Most of the Barclays Premier League teams will embroider the British Legion emblem on to their match day kit.
But Manchester United and Liverpool will play their weekend fixtures without the poppy that symbolises respect for the nation's heroes.
At the start of this week only 12 clubs in football's top flight had informed the Premier League that they intended to have a poppy on their kit to mark the Remembrance period.
After the Mail's sports columnist Charles Sale named the 12 - Arsenal, Birmingham City, Burnley, Chelsea, Everton, Hull City, Manchester City, Sunderland, Spurs, West Ham, Wigan and Wolves - Portsmouth, Fulham and Aston Villa immediately followed suit and ordered their poppy embroidery.
Stoke City and Blackburn Rovers quickly followed suit, admitting the 'Poppygate' campaign launched in Sportsmail was a key factor in their decision to join the majority of the Premiership clubs in honouring Britain's war dead and injured.
But Manchester United and Liverpool, along with Bolton, have defied public opinion and their players will not wear poppies for the fixtures that coincide with the solemn tribute to the nation's fallen.
The England team will pay their respects at 11am on Armistice Day next Wednesday in their hotel in Doha while they prepare for their friendly match against Brazil the following Saturday.
At this weekend's games Arsenal intend to auction their team shirts to raise money for the Poppy Appeal, as will Manchester City - where two soldiers will lead out the City and Burnley sides and 100 complimentary tickets have been donated to serving armed forces personnel.
Manchester United's decision not to put poppies on their shirts will be underlined during their live TV match on Sunday against Chelsea, a club that highlights their connection with the famous Chelsea Pensioners on Remembrance Sunday weekend

The top two clubs' excuse that the red flower doesn't show up on the United and Liverpool shirts have been undermined by the emblem being proudly displayed on the red shirts of Arsenal - and Premiership title contenders West Bromwich Albion are sowing a poppy on their red away kit for their match against Leicester.
A Manchester United spokesman said:' We are very proud of the work we do with the armed forces and we do not feel a poppy on the shirt would add to our contribution.
'Our staff and officials will be wearing them as usual and we are confident we are doing the right thing.'
A statement from Anfield said: 'Liverpool Football Club has worked with the Royal British Legion to help publicise and support the Poppy Appeal.
'A minute's silence will be held before Monday's live televised game against Birmingham City at Anfield and this will be preceded by two service personnel and a Royal British Legion standard bearer placing a ceremonial poppy on the centre circle.
'In addition, a ground collection will be held and advertising made available within both the matchday programme and on electronic LED pitchside boards to further raise awareness of the appeal.'
Liverpool said the team shirts from the game will also be given to the Royal British Legion to auction to raise money for the Poppy Appeal. Bolton Wanderers made no comment.

by Michael Seamark (dailymail.co.uk)

Friday, November 6, 2009

Team News Update 06/11/09

Friday, 6 November 2009
14:44 Sir Alex Ferguson hoping Manchester United reverse recent record at Stamford Bridge
13:44 Liverpool must 'believe' - Daniel Agger
12:32 Antonio Valencia relishes goalscoring form for Manchester United
12:08 Liverpool striker David Ngog keen to repay Rafa Benitez's faith
11:53 Steven Gerrard: Liverpool have some exciting academy players
11:44 Manchester United goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak was joking about Van der Sar - Alex Ferguson
11:33 Matt Monaghan's Manchester United Comment: Change out wide is Ober-due
11:20 Neil Jones' Liverpool Comment: Time to stop making Fernando Torres play through the pain
10:58 Rio Ferdinand out of Manchester United's trip to Chelsea
10:22 Gary Neville: Manchester United fans' behaviour at Barnsley was not bad
10:06 Chelsea have too much firepower for Manchester United - Deco
10:04 Antonio Valencia will score more goals for Manchester United - Alex Ferguson
09:20 Xabi Alonso: Rafa Benitez can turn it round at Liverpool
09:00 Gabriel Obertan elated with Manchester United supporters
08:40 Liverpool's draw against Olympique Lyonnais felt like a defeat - Dirk Kuyt
08:12 Bowing out of Champions League will not be a disaster for Liverpool - Pepe Reina
08:00 Steve Coppell Exclusive: Paul Hart will keep Portsmouth in the Premier League
07:31 Top table clashes are always important for Manchester United - Gary Neville
06:34 Fernando Torres flies back to Spain for second opinion on injury - Report
06:03 Manchester United's Tomasz Kuszczak: Edwin van der Sar is not helpful in training


by goal.com

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Manchester United3 - 3CSKA Moskva

Manchester United v CSKA Moskva

Manchester United v CSKA Moskva

Lyon v Liverpool: Where did it go wrong?

Highlight: Lyon 1 - 1 Liverpool

Olympique Lyon v Liverpool

Liverpool drew 1-1 with Lyon last night, leaving any chance of getting through the group stages of the Champion’s League hanging by a thread’ but what do you think went wrong last night?
There are a number of possible reasons: Rafa’s tactics/his woeful decision to play Voronin/the lack of introduction of Aquilani/bringing on Babel too late, or we are just simply unlucky.
We still had a team (apart from Voronin) that was good enough to win last night, yet again we threw it away against Lyon who were hardly at full strength themselves. What do you think was the problem?

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Preview: Lyon v Liverpool FC


Liverpool will be looking for revenge when they take on Olympique Lyon in tonight's Champions League Group E encounter.

The Reds lost in heartbreaking fashion to the French champions a fortnight ago at Anfield after Cesar Delgado hit a stoppage time winner to give the visitors a 2-1 win, leaving Rafael Benitez's side with it all to do in their remaining three group matches.

Questions have been raised about the Spaniard's ability to lead the club to success following eight defeats in all competitions this season but he sought inspiration from the Anfield anthem 'You'll Never Walk Alone' during his pre-match press conference.

He said: "I'm very pleased to be here and I wish to be here for a long time.

"The players are strong enough for this challenge. The mentality is good, and they are determined to win.

"When you walk through a storm with your head high, I will try to keep it high."

Benitez is still without captain Steven Gerrard (groin), Albert Riera (hamstring), Martin Kelly (ankle), Martin Skrtel (muscle), Glen Johnson and Fabio Aurelio (both calf).

Alberto Aquilani returns to the side after a virus ruled him out of the 3-1 defeat to Fulham at the weekend. Also missing at Craven Cottage were Daniel Agger (back) and David Ngog (ankle) who are expected to be available for this evening's clash at the Stade Gerland.

Benitez continued: "We have good players but too many injuries. If you think of any of the top sides in the world, if they lose three players who could start, and four or five who could be on the bench, it is not easy.

"Gerrard has been working with our physios and fitness coach. He was improving, but it is too early. We have to wait two or three days to see his reaction, but he is doing well."

History appears to be on Liverpool's side as they found themselves in a similar situation at the same stage of the competition in 2007-08 where they won their remaining games which Benitez looks to ahead of tonight's match.

He added: "We have been talking about this. We have some experience and we know it is difficult, but you always have to have the belief you can do it because we have done it in the past.

"We have a lot of respect for Lyon because they are a good team, but we have to try to do our job and win.

"At a top side, every game is important. We will try to do our best, but we can't do anything other than be ready.

"We have a lot of very good memories here in France, and it will be a massive achievement for us if we can win.

"We have experience of winning in the last games when we needed to, so it is important to have the spirit and belief we can do it and take confidence from these very good memories."

Kick-off is at 7.45pm

by Mark Lawless(clickliverpool.com)

Team News Update 03/11/09

Tuesday, 3 November 2009
23:50 This is Manchester United's best start in years - Gary Neville
23:15 Manchester United's Patrice Evra: I never lose against Chelsea
22:10 Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson bemoans referee decision against CSKA Moscow
22:00 Champions League Player Ratings: Manchester United 3-3 CSKA Moscow
20:14 Liverpool keen on Eljero Elia - report
19:55 Manchester United 3-3 CSKA Moscow: Late Antonio Valencia strike sends Red Devils through
18:41 Rafael Benitez hopes Liverpool's Fernando Torres won't require surgery on hernia
18:09 Liverpool's Glen Johnson and Fabio Aurelio to miss Lyon clash
17:18 Liverpool tracking Hungarian midfielder Vladimir Koman - report
16:32 Antonio Valencia targets more goals for Manchester United
14:08 Michel Platini wants English football to follow German model of debt protection
13:06 Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson: English teams will dominate Champions League again
11:23 Neil Jones' Liverpool Outlook: Injury list mounts as crunch time looms for Reds
10:48 Paul Scholes wants more fluency from Manchester United
10:42 Matt Monaghan's Manchester United Comment: Win tonight and the rest is easy
10:31 Ryan Babel: European record will spur Liverpool at Lyon
10:15 Liverpool stars Steven Gerrard & Fernando Torres facing possibility of surgery - report
09:56 Champions League Preview: Olympique Lyonnais - Liverpool
09:34 Alex Ferguson: Manchester United must beat CSKA Moscow and win our group
09:02 Rafa Benitez: Liverpool's 'spirit' can overcome Lyon
08:59 Liverpool's history shows we can beat Lyon - Pepe Reina
07:51 Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson happy to see Darren Fletcher shake off critics
07:22 Manchester United's Michael Owen shrugs off 'crock' tag
06:55 Liverpool erred by not signing Nicolas Anelka - Jamie Carragher
06:26 Manchester United is the focus, not England - Michael Owen
00:18 Roberto Mancini linked with Liverpool job - report


by goal.com

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Manchester United Special: Berbatov Brings United Back To The Boil

Dimitar Berbatov's goal was from the heavens but tonight's victory showed Manchester United's priceless ability to deal with the Premier League bread and butter.

The Bulgarian's stunning tee-up and volley stole the breath of the frustrated Old Trafford support and ensured the three points were captured by the reigning champions.

Fresh from the setback at Anfield, the 2-0 victory over Blackburn Rovers exhibited why United are right on the coat-tails of the men from the Kings Road in the race for domestic glory.

No team deals with the riff-raff more clinically than Sir Alex Ferguson's charges. Last year's league title was claimed on the back of a run of results that saw points dropped to a side in the bottom half of the table on just one occasion.

Reversals in the glamorous Big Four battles are becoming too common. As long as the rest are sent packing though, then the ultimate award will still be residing in the trophy cabinet come the end of May.

Liverpool were handed a boost last weekend by United's insipid display, but they now sit seven points behind the club they vanquished after going down 3-1 at Fulham.

Push for the League | United battled for the win

United's consistency stands as a stark contrast, but one problem is still apparent. Nani caused the home faithful to tear their hair out again as he danced past his marker only to fire a careless cross in to the path of the Rovers defence.

In a nod to the mental state of the audience in the Theatre of Dreams, Ferguson spared their sanity past the hour mark as he introduced new cast member Gabriel Obertan.

The Frenchman's league debut was a welcome breath of fresh air. Forget the moment when he fluffed his lines when played in by Michael Owen; everything else he touched turned to gold.

Obertan seems a mix of Antonio Valencia and Nani. He is blessed with the consistency of delivery of the Ecuadorian, whilst also possessing the imagination of United's more wayward wide man.

His introduction at this stage in the season should boost United's drive to blast past the pack in the hunt for Premier League glory.


Matt Monaghan, Goal.com UK

Saturday, October 31, 2009

Team News Update 31/10/09

Saturday, 31 October 2009
21:54 Manchester United debutant Gabriel Obertan shakes off wasted chance
20:07 Blackburn’s disallowed goal an ‘unbelievable decision’ – Sam Allardyce
19:49 Dimitar Berbatov hails Manchester United defence after Blackburn Rovers win
19:28 Manchester United 2-0 Blackburn Rovers: Berbatov and Rooney on target for champions
17:44 Liverpool were in control of Fulham game before dismissals – Rafael Benitez
17:24 Premier League Player Ratings: Manchester United 2-0 Blackburn Rovers
17:21 Matt Monaghan's Manchester United Special: Berbatov brings United back to the boil
17:18 Fulham victory over Liverpool well deserved – Roy Hodgson
17:00 Premier League Player Ratings: Fulham 3-1 Liverpool
16:57 Neil Jones' Liverpool Comment: Jekyll & Hyde form continues as Liverpool unravel
16:50 Fulham 3-1 Liverpool: Cottagers stun nine-man Reds
15:27 Rafael Benitez admits Steven Gerrard is a doubt for Liverpool's 'must-win' Lyon clash
15:16 Media to blame for Rio Ferdinand's loss of form – Sir Alex Ferguson
14:53 Rafael Benitez keen to extend Pepe Reina's Liverpool stay
13:58 Sir Alex Ferguson confident Darren Fletcher will return for Chelsea clash
12:35 Carling Cup quarter-final draw announced
11:13 Rafael Benitez pleased with Gerrard & Torres FIFA nominations, praises Mascherano
09:55 Harry Redknapp rubbishes Rio Ferdinand to Tottenham Hotspur rumours
09:35 Rafael Benitez: Alberto Aquilani closing in on Liverpool start
07:35 Manchester United haven't reached their best - Paul Scholes
07:22 Wayne Rooney should join Real Madrid - Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo
03:41 Park Ji-Sung's knee causing headache for Manchester United


by goal.com

Friday, October 30, 2009

Team News Update 29/10/09

Thursday, 29 October 2009
15:02 Dirk Kuyt happy with Alberto Aquilani debut for Liverpool
13:59 Emiliano Insua looking to continue hot form with Liverpool
13:57 Ben Amos joins Peterborough on loan from Manchester United
13:11 Manchester United confirm they are to appeal Fabio booking
12:15 League Cup Player Ratings: Arsenal 2-1 Liverpool
12:07 Man Utd striker Michael Owen wants to be judged on more than just goals
11:55 Neil Jones' Liverpool Comment: David Ngog can be the player Ryan Babel should be
11:50 Liverpool plan £16.5m swoop for Valencia winger Juan Mata
11:14 EXCLUSIVE: FA must not make 'scapegoat' of Manchester United after 'diabolical' behaviour at Barnsley - Fanzine Spokesman
11:10 Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand Reveals Kevin Davies & John Hartson As Toughest Opponents
00:43 Pepe Reina rewarded with new Liverpool contract - report


by goal.com

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Arsenal 2 Liverpool FC 1 - Ian Doyle's Carling Cup verdict


The end result could have been the same, but the emotions of the players as Liverpool were beaten by the meadow were significantly different.

A wild 6-3 defeat against Arsenal in the League Cup in January 2007 in a debate raging about the strength of the team of Rafael Benitez and his youth policy.

However, there should be similar post-mortem after taking Anfield slipped out of competition for the same opposition to the Emirates last night.

The frustration and humiliation is the dominant feeling among the fans who travel with a fortune of Liverpool have done them justice, supporting roles Benitez give grounds for hope.

And with 20 million pounds Alberto Aquilani make his long-awaited bow in a Liverpool shirt, there have been very positive for the Anfield manager.

There was some doubt on the commitment and application of the second string Liverpool last night. After all, progress in this competition represents the best chance of first team football for many of them.

However, the harsh reality is that Liverpool had lost five of the last six games, with their hopes in the Carling Cup Benitez came to an opposition in London for the sixth consecutive season.

But with a trip to Premier League Fulham on Saturday followed by a crucial Champions League showdown with Lyon, this unit is strongly priorities Benitez.

There was Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres, Jamie Carragher and Glen Johnson in group travel to Liverpool, with only Dirk Kuyt - appointed captain for the night - and Emiliano Insua survivor of the team that beat Manchester United, completely in the end week.

But this duo were among the seven international full-time starting line-up of visitors, a figure in line with Arsenal - a fact that probably overlooked by many because of the uproar surrounding the Gunners youth policy.

Young Danny Ayala, Stephen Darby and Nathan Eccleston were all on the bench for Liverpool, but his eyes only on Aquilani, available for the first time since his arrival was 20 million pounds of Roma.

The Italian has emerged over the last 13 minutes and was soon showing some fine touches, although it is clearly still some way short of full match fitness.

Liverpool could rejoice as they responded to ensure equality during the break after an entertaining and well fought first half.

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