Liverpool 12/13 Season Review (Part 1)

Liverpool FC’s season was always about one word; Progress. From the first kick of pre-season in the USA till the last kick at Anfield versus Queens Park Rangers. Unlike all the previous seasons in the past couple of years this one has been one to enjoy but also there have been some bitter moments.

The season did begin in a low with Liverpool Legend, Kenny Dalglish sacked as the manager. Also many players, who were instrumental last season, especially in the League Cup triumph, left too, such as Fabio Aurelio, Dirk Kuyt, Maxi Rodriguez and Craig Bellamy. However former Swansea manager, Brendan Rodgers entered the helm and demanded change in this historical football club. He brought in not only many players like Oussama Assaidi, Joe Allen and Fabio Borini but he brought a ‘New Footballing Philosophy’ to Liverpool which will ensure success in coming years according to the Irishman. We did see glimpses of that philosophy at the USA tour in games that ended in a draw or defeat versus Toronto, Roma and Tottenham. Many weeks later in a Europa League qualifier against FC Gomel the Kop did witness what was to come. Stunning performance from the Reds gave the fans hope of what was to come, the match ended 3-0 to a beautiful yet devastating Liverpool.

The league season finally began away at the Hawthorns where there was confidence in the air for the travelling fans. Liverpool hadn’t won an opening day fixture in four seasons but it wasn’t going to change. West Brom were too good for Liverpool on the day defeating them by 3 goals to nil and it wasn’t the start Brendan Rodgers’s Reds hoped for especially with the high expectations. The following week the champions Manchester City came to Anfield for the first home game of the season. Liverpool finally began to tick with goals from Martin Skrtel and an exceptional free kick from star-man Luis Suarez. Liverpool’s dominance was cancelled out by a poor back-pass to City’s Carlos Tevez who finished with ease, Liverpool were so close to a win but a point versus the champions isn’t too bad. 

The mediocre start continued as defeats to Arsenal and Manchester United followed. The Sixth league fixture did see Liverpool earn their first win of the campaign away to Norwich. Similar to last season Liverpool thrashed the Canaries 5-2 and Luis Suarez scored another hat trick against them. October and November saw Liverpool win just twice in home games against Wigan and Reading. Other than that Liverpool either drew or lost. Draws against strong oppositions such as Chelsea and eventual League Cup winners, Swansea were hard fought. Furthermore a two-all draw against local rivals, Everton, saw the Reds robbed off a goal when Luis Suarez’s late winner was disallowed for an offside that was incorrectly given.  Liverpool also tasted a defeat at White Hart Lane, where the game started off poorly which cost Liverpool gifting Spurs the win. However they did play some quality football in those matches, unfortunately that was to be the story of the season. Unlike last season where Liverpool hit the woodwork in nearly every match, this season it was; Dominate matches to draw or lose.

December arrived in which was to be the most inconsistent of months for Liverpool. There were some low moments in the month where Liverpool lost twice 3-1 at home to Aston Villa and on Boxing Day away to Stoke City. There were some high nervy moments in the month, such as the 1-0 Udinese win in the Europa League which sent the Reds to the knockout stage or the 3-2 West Ham win. What’s more is that Liverpool did begin to kill off matches rather than hit and miss chances. Rare wins at Anfield came twice in the month, in a 1-0 win vs. Southampton and a 4-0 drubbing vs. Fulham. The calendar year which Liverpool wanted to forget finally came to an end with a 3-0 away win to QPR; this was a sign of what was to come in an impressive second half of the season.

Beginning of the End for United? Ferguson's Retirement

The day has finally come, the day I thought that will never arrive, the day Sir Alex Ferguson retires. When I first heard the news I thought there were just rumours from the media spread like wildfire but they were official and I was over the moon! I thought Manchester United won’t be the same team again without him, and will become an average team. Of course this won’t happen but what an impact this man has made to the club and England. Yes, his career deserves to be acknowledged because his record is amazing; here is the list of honours he won at Old Trafford;

 

Premier League Titles: 13
FA Cups: 5
Champions League: 2

League Cups: 4
Community Shield: 10
European Cup Winners Cup: 1
European Super Cup: 1
Intercontinental Cup: 1
FIFA Club World Cup: 1

Overall that’s an outstanding 38 trophies! Many United fans are obviously depressed after hearing the news, but for us Liverpool fan its music to our ears. The bookies are saying that Everton manager, David Moyes will become the next Man. United manager or even Jose Mourinho. Whoever it is they will have some big shoes to fill after what Ferguson has succeeded.

The thing that gets my head stirring is the United fans who are calling him the ‘greatest manager of all time’, what’s that all about? Have they not heard of Robson, Clough, Shankly and Paisley? Yes he was brilliant as manager but to call him the greatest over these legends isn’t right. He does have a marvellous manager’s CV but did he ever lead a 2^nd Division side to World Domination? Did his team ever receive a European Ban which denied them more success in Europe? Did he manage mediocre teams to success? No, he has done none of these. One of the greatest managers of all time but he’s got nothing on these Legends.

               

 

REVIEW: Liverpool Home Kit 13/14

It’s that time of year again where fans anticipate the new kits for their favourite team in which they will play in next season.  Some fans will find their beloved team’s kit horrible, beautiful, or average. Warrior Sports has just revealed Liverpool’s home kit for next season, and I think every Liverpool fan would agree that this is a stunning looking kit. Everything about it is brilliant, from the actual shirt itself to the minor details.
 
The kit looks similar to last year’s kit from a distance but if you look closer it is much better than last year’s; why? First off the collar from last year is removed from the kit, it was attractive but it did get boring after a while. Now Warrior Sports have gone (yet again) retro with the shirt. Inspired by Liverpool’s 1984 European Cup triumph in Rome, they have introduced a new white trim on the sleeves and the collar. This stands out and makes the kit look retro and modern at the same time; a perfect combination for a football club like Liverpool.  If you look real close you can see new pin-stripes on the kit which was used in the iconic 1984 strip. What really makes this a beauty of a kit is the writing, in a red hue colour, printed on the stripes which read ‘Liverpool FC’. This is a lovely touch to what is already an amazing kit. Warrior has installed their very own apparel technology system called ‘War-Tech’. Now the kit is breathable, keeps the players dry and most importantly it’s comfortable. The shorts and socks complete the home kit, like the shirt they both feature eye-catching stripes. The goalkeeper kit was also revealed, it’s similar to the actual home kit but it is white and contains black stripes. I personally think that this kit should be used as the away kit instead of a goalkeeper kit. Nonetheless it is an amazing kit, best goalkeeper kit I have seen from any team in a while.  

 

Warrior has made many fans proud yet again and Warrior should be applauded for producing a kit like this. The Liverpool fans are now waiting for Warrior to reveal the away kits, if they end up looking like the leaked kits that have spread all over the internet then the fans won’t be happy. However from this evidence Warrior are capable of manufacturing a world-class kit. If this kit brings the success of 1984, The Kop are in for a great season.

 

Suarez Situation

As everyone knows Luis Suarez’s situation is pretty bad. If you don’t, basically he just bit Branislav Ivanovic on the arm and has made his future at Liverpool unclear. Luis Suarez has had a history of doing over the top actions, such as handballing on the line in the World Cup or biting PSV’s Otman Bakkal in Holland to earn himself an 8-match ban and also saying racist comments to Patrice Evra. Yesterday was another chapter of his saga; The Bite Part II. He of course did make today’s headlines and will be receiving some action from the FA and has also received a fine from Liverpool FC. I agree that he has made Liverpool into a joke. Yes, he has committed a massive mistake and deserves to be fined, plus get a match-ban. However many people are going over the top with this situation which is unfair. He has apologized, Ivanovic is okay and everything is fine. The media and the worldwide football fans are going on as if he shot someone, which he hasn’t! Everyone is forgetting his Footballing talent because of this ‘bite’ and don’t realize what he has done for Liverpool. All this could potentially move him out of the club and country just as he did when he was at Ajax. That is a horrible thought for Liverpool fans because it is him that has lead Liverpool to winning matches almost to what Ronaldo was to Man Utd. If he leaves I believe Liverpool will be in trouble and I like every Kopite wouldn’t want see that. Also where were these people who are saying that ‘he shouldn’t play football again’ or ‘He’s a dirty player’ when Agüero stamped on Luiz or when Defoe bit Mascherano? Just because of Luis Suarez’s reputation people are verbally attacking him and the club which is unfair. I think he should stay at the club and shouldn’t move out just because of the media; did Man Utd sell Cantona when he kung-fu kicked a fan? City with Tevez?  No, and these players were highly influential for the club. He should get the ban, the fine, no one should defend him and everyone should move on.

EDIT: Luis Suarez has been charged by the FA and will be banned for more than 3 matches, huge loss for Liverpool.  

 

 

 

 

Match Report: Liverpool 2-2 Chelsea

Liverpool Star-man Luis Suarez rescued a point for the Reds and has dented Chelsea’s European hopes, with some controversy.

Rafa Benitez returned home with a cheerful crowd showing him some respect while another player also returning Fernando Torres receiving jeers from the Anfield faithful. The match began with a slow start when both Chelsea and Liverpool were knocking the ball between their own players. Johnson came close after some pleasant football from Liverpool but he hit it well wide. Chelsea took the lead though when their corner was headed in by one of the shortest players on the pitch, Oscar. Pepe Reina had fingertips on it but couldn’t keep it out. It could’ve been two for Chelsea when David Luiz’s shot dipped right in front of Pepe Reina who made a hash of it and almost went in but his quick reactions didn’t allow it to happen. After a poor half from Liverpool they stepped up a gear in the second. Sturridge came on for a quiet Coutinho in the second half and instantly changed the game. A brilliant run ending with a great save from Cech from Gerrard’s shot almost saw the equalizer; minutes later he smashed the post which could’ve been one of the goals of the season.  Sturridge did however get what he deserved; a goal. A long ball was hit down by Jose Enrique and Downing’s lay-off set up Suarez whose beautiful cross found Sturridge who slotted home.  Liverpool’s joy didn’t last long as Chelsea was awarded a penalty. Suarez’s accidental handball was seen by referee Kevin Friend and Eden Hazard scored it sending Pepe Reina the other way. Suarez again was the villain because what he did next has sparked a lot of controversy. Suarez attempts to cut inside Ivanovic who dispossess him and Suarez then bit the Serbian. Ivanovic protested his views that he was bitten by Suarez but Kevin Friend waved play on. Liverpool were back to their best as the second half proceeded but couldn’t find the goal they needed. 90 minutes were played and a huge six minutes were added on for Liverpool to grab an equalizer. They did find the equalizer which was drenched in controversy; first the goal was scored 30 seconds over the time given and it was that man who was the taking all the headlines, Luis Suarez, who scored it. Daniel Sturridge this time the provider whose inch-perfect cross needed a touch from Suarez’s head to beat Petr Cech in the near post. That was the last kick (or head) of the game, which was highly controversial.

Liverpool (Sturridge 52’ Suarez 90’) 2-2 Chelsea (Oscar 26’ Hazard 57’ (pen))

Man of the Match: Daniel Sturridge: Just what Liverpool were slacking in the first half. He instantly changed the match for the Reds, almost setting up Gerrard for the equalizer and also hit the post. He was rewarded for a superb display with a goal and an assist.

Flop of the Match: Fernando Torres: You would expect the returning man pumped up for this fixture; instead it looked like he wanted to leave the pitch. Poor display from Torres even with his mask on.

Highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yF-mEAubM1Y

Match Report: Manchester United 1-2 Manchester City

Another important winner from Sergio Agüero sealed 3 points over title challengers Manchester United, is it enough though?
Last year Sergio Agüero sealed the league title for City with a fantastic winner; today he scored another brilliant goal this time to close the gap on United to 12 points. The match began with both teams sparring with each other, neither able to hit the knockout punch in the first half. James Milner came close with a shot from 20 yards saved by David De Gea. Moments before half-time Man United’s right back Rafael chipped shot beat Joe Hart but not the goal as it hit the woodwork. Like any old derby it was certainly heating up when Wayne Rooney’s challenge on Milner and further clashes between the players throughout.

Six minutes into the second half the most experienced player on the pitch, Ryan Giggs gifted Man City the ball with a poor attempted back heal which saw City capitalise through James Milner as his deflected shot beat De Gea. City well deserved the lead as they were dominant and all over United. However United woke up and seven minutes later they equalized. Robin Van Persie has been in a goal drought of late but he is still gaining the assists; his beautifully whipped in cross from a free kick found Phil Jones whose header was going wide deflected off the City captain, Vincent Kompany. Kompany, who scored the winner last year which was huge in the title race last year, may have knocked City out of it this year. Roberto Mancini had to win this one so he brought on the danger man Sergio Agüero. As usual he didn’t disappoint. 12 minutes from time, similar to the title winning goal last year versus QPR, he took on the whole defence before smashing it into the roof of the net, no keeper would’ve saved that never mind De Gea. Manchester United tried their best to get their equalizer but even with six additional minutes of ‘Fergie Time’ there was no time for a United goal.

City won on the night but it may be too late for them to have a chance at the title and Mancini did say that the title race is ‘finished’...or is it? Man Utd have Chelsea and Arsenal also Aston Villa and Stoke who are both looking to stay in the league, so there won’t be any easy games. Man City has to win every game to have a chance but I can’t see Man Utd losing 12 points so easily. It is City’s night but it’s United’s season.

Manchester United (Kompany OG 59’) 1-2 Manchester City (Milner 51’, Agüero 78’)

MAN OF THE MATCH: Gael Clichy: Agüero comes close to the award giving Man City the edge they needed but Clichy’s performance was brilliant. He helped City attack but also defended well too, keeping Rafael quiet.

Flop of the Match: Ryan Giggs: Simply shocking performance from a player so experienced. Nothing was going his way and the back heel which lead to City’s goal summed it all up for him.

Premier League set for a Relegation Grandstand Finish

As the Premier League season edges closer and closer towards the finishing line, the league title is pretty much wrapped up by Manchester United and the race for 3^rd and 4^th is proving to be a tough task for those who are competing, but the entertainment of the Premier League lies in the bottom of the table. The whole bottom half is not safe and each team can get relegated. For QPR and Reading who lie 19^th and 20^th with 23 points, seven off from safety look set to play Championship football next season. Reading who got promoted last season have games against Liverpool, Man City and a 6-pointer with QPR, it will be a tough task for the Royals to stay up. QPR can say goodbye to the Premier League as they have matches in which they are likely to lose from. They have Wigan this week who are also fighting relegation and Everton, who are looking for the Champions League spot. Furthermore the last month of the season sees them play Arsenal, Newcastle and Liverpool; all teams fighting for something this season, and it will be hard to earn points from them matches. Harry Redknapp has saved teams before but this year might not be his year.

Wigan Athletic, the team that goes through relegation battles annually and this year it looks as if they survive yet again. Every year they play poor throughout the season and in the last 2 months of the season they put the foot on the pedal and survive in style. Wigan have got tough teams to face but there showing last year beating Man Utd, Arsenal and Liverpool helping them survive and their recent class performances they can beat anyone on their day; if they believe. A trip to Wembley is also set for them which will give them a huge confidence boost if they reach their first FA Cup Final in the club’s history. My second favourite team after Liverpool is Aston Villa and sadly their Premier League status might come to an end. This season they have lost the experience and the leadership of the team, with Richard Dunne injured, Stiliyan Petrov recovering from Leukaemia and Darren Bent unknown, there’s no class or quality in the squad. They have got Christian Benteke to lead the team and his goals are helping them but he can’t do it all the time as he hasn’t got the quality to support him. They have got some quality such as Agbonlahor and Weimann but they can’t perform consistently also the defence is shocking and concedes too many from situations where they shouldn’t be conceded from.  In the last seven matches they play Man Utd and Chelsea and many teams like Villa eager to find precious points such as Wigan and Sunderland. To play in the Premier League you need to have the quality and Aston Villa doesn’t have that quality. Sunderland who have recently appointed Paulo Di Canio as their new manager, are in trouble too. Couple of months ago you wouldn’t imagine Sunderland in the relegation battle, but times have changed, teams such as Southampton and Wigan are escaping the ‘abyss’ whereas Sunderland are entering it at the wrong time too. The sacking of Martin O’Neil has made things worse for Sunderland as it has definitely lowered the morale in the team which will have an effect on the results they will receive. The teams they have for the next seven games are all looking for something at the end of the season. They face Chelsea, Tottenham and Everton who are all combating for a Champions League spot and they face Southampton, Stoke and Newcastle who aren’t safe yet. There’s no doubting the quality of Sunderland’s squad but the mentality of the squad just don’t know how to win games at the moment, that has to change if they want Premier League football next season.

No team in the bottom half is safe and the next seven games will confirm the three teams who will play in the Championship next season. The remaining games must be won as a draw or a loss is unacceptable. I can’t see Reading and QPR staying up unless ‘Harry Houdini’ pulls a rabbit out of the hat we shall see, but who will join them? I believe that Aston Villa will get relegated; unfortunately they don’t have the quality and belief to stay up. But knowing the Premier League who knows what will happen, we could even see Newcastle relegated after such a fabulous season they had last year. We will wait and see what the Premier League has in mind in the next couple of weeks.