Review: Steven Gerrard Testimonial

Yesterday Anfield paid tribute to one of Liverpool’s greatest players of all time, if not, THE GREATEST; Steven Gerrard
August 3^rd wasn’t a day for transfer speculation or Luis Suarez it was all about Steven Gerrard. A player who has graced the Anfield pitch for 15+ years. His opponents were the Greek outfit Olympiacos a team who Liverpool beat dramatically to progress in the Champions League campaign of 2005 of which Liverpool won remarkably. The match was best known for his late wonder goal (also for Martin Tyler and Andy Gray’s brilliant commentary) which is arguably his best ever goal in his long, eventful and legendary career. To make it more special Liverpool Legends Jamie Carragher and Robbie Fowler were also in the squad. In a sell-out crowd at Anfield, Steven Gerrard received a huge reception as expected and Anfield was rocking from start to finish; absolutely extraordinary scenes in Liverpool.

Over to the match it was a great one to watch, chances from Liverpool came left, right and centre. Iago Aspas, who has impressed a lot since his move from Celta Vigo was on top form again leaving defenders for dead with his dribbling skills. His brilliant flick on set up Joe Allen who missed a sitter, however moments later another brilliant pass from Aspas set Joe Allen, who was in the centre of Liverpool’s chances, up for a tap in. As usual Steven Gerrard with Lucas were bossing the midfield and Philippe Coutinho was working his magic not allowing the Olympiacos players to have a sniff of the ball.

In the second half legends Jamie Carragher and Robbie Fowler made their appearance which was met with a huge roar from the Anfield faithful. Robbie Fowler wasn’t up to his usual best as anticipated but it was great to see him back in Anfield once again. Also coming on was Luis Suarez who has been linked with a move away from Liverpool to Arsenal. Many, including myself, expected Suarez to receive jeers and boos but it was the complete opposite as his appearance made Anfield go wild in cheers and even the Kop started to sing his song; it was as if it was his testimonial. If that doesn’t persuade him to stay I don’t know what does because as preseason so far has proved, Liverpool have the best fans in the world and he won’t get the same reception at the Emirates that’s for sure.

Along with those big names substitutions Jordan Henderson also came on. Within 12 seconds of his appearance he scored letting the Kop know that he came on as well. In form Raheem Sterling pass broke through the Greek defence and Henderson’s cool finish made it 2-0. Olympiacos had some recognizable names in their ranks such as Vladimir Weiss, formerly of Rangers and Manchester City, and former Real Madrid and Barcelona star, Javier Saviola, but they couldn’t do anything against a strong and organised Liverpool.

The match ended with Steven Gerrard taking a lap of honour around the pitch, with 45,000 applauding the Scouse Icon. Although it was a special match business was done for Liverpool who have had a great preseason thus far winning 5 out of 5 scoring 13 and conceding none. Next up for the Reds they travel to Oslo, Norway to face Valerenga on Wednesday. The Testimonial was a match that I won’t forget in a long time, the only thing that was missing was Robbie Fowler scoring in front of the Kop or Steven Gerrard, one of the greatest footballers of all time, scoring a thunderbolt from 30 yards.

The Season Ahead 2013/2014

Less than two months to go till the Premier League season begins and it promises to be a great season. New managers, new signings, and new clubs I’m sure that it’ll be a great season. For Liverpool it’s another season of progression and targeting the Champions League place.

So far Liverpool have signed four players; Iago Aspas from Celta Vigo, Simon Mignolet from Sunderland, Luis Alberto from Sevilla, and Kolo Toure from Manchester City. Brendan Rodgers has promised there’s more to come; rumour has it that Shakhtar Donetsk’s Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Papadopoulos of Schalke and many more are also on their way to Anfield. Luis Suarez on the other hand looks set to leave Liverpool unfortunately unless Brendan Rodgers persuades him to stay we shall wait and see. By the looks of things Liverpool mean business coming into the 2013/2014 Premier League season.

The fixture list has been harsh on Liverpool in recent years however this year I believe (I’m sure many will agree) that is has been kind on Liverpool. The Reds begin their campaign at home to Stoke City and it’s a match that they can win. Liverpool haven’t won an opening day fixture since 08/09 let’s hope it changes this year with a win. From then on to October they haven’t got a tough fixture excluding Champions and rivals Manchester United who Liverpool plays in their third fixture and no disrespect to the other clubs. So if they can win those games it’ll certainly bring momentum to the club and hopefully go on to win the games against the top opposition. Also November and December can shape Liverpool’s season as they play Arsenal, Everton, Tottenham, Manchester City and Chelsea in the space of two months, but winning the previous games can provide confidence that’s needed into the team. It’s easy said than done but the team have the talent and are capable of winning every game. Drawing is no option and losing is out of the equation Liverpool has to have that winning mentality going into this season. Furthermore they have to be efficient in front of goal and take every chance they get and play like the team we had for the second half of last season showing teams no mercy and making Anfield a fortress again.

 

Next season will be great not only in England but around Europe, Neymar to Barcelona where everyone will be watching magician from all around the world or in Germany where we’ll see if treble winning Bayern Munich can do it all again especially with the arrivals of Pep Guardiola and Mario Götze. Also could this be the season where Liverpool returns to the Champions League after a four year absence or go one better by winning the league; highly unlikely. Whatever it is 2013/2014 is going to be a great season and with the World Cup at the end of it, the fans of football couldn’t have asked for more.

 

 

Credit to OvertimeOnline.co.uk @TheAsianKop @MostarLFC for the Images

Liverpool 12/13 Season Review (Part 2)

The second half of Liverpool season was enjoyable but also hard to take for the Kopites.

2012 ended with a brilliant 3-0 win at QPR which was an indication of things to come for the remainder of the season; that was goals. January came with Liverpool doing business in the transfer window signing two players, Philippe Coutinho and Daniel Sturridge, both who would go on to prove themselves to become fans favourites. January saw Liverpool thrashing Sunderland and Norwich at home 3-0 and 5-0 respectively. However the Reds hadn’t defeated a team above them in the league all season and it wasn’t going to change either, a 2-2 draw to Arsenal and a 2-1 loss to rivals Manchester United kept the Reds outside of the European places. Furthermore the FA Cup run was one to forget too. Liverpool beat non-league side Mansfield 2-1 in the 3^rd Round of the cup which saw Daniel Sturridge scoring on his debut. The winner came controversially from star man Luis Suarez who was seen using his hand to score, but the referee didn’t see it and awarded the goal. The curtains closed on Liverpool as they were eventually knocked out in the next round by League 1 side Oldham losing 3-2.

 

In February Liverpool had yet another inconsistent month of results. First came another 2-2 draw away to Champions, Manchester City, then a 2-0 loss to West Brom at Anfield. If there was any consolation Liverpool did play brilliantly in those matches which gave them hope. In the next league fixture against Swansea, Liverpool believed that they have to take their chances because all season it has been costly and that’s exactly what they did. They showed no mercy at all towards Swansea City thrashing them 5-0. In the Round of 32 of the Europa League Liverpool played Russian side, Zenit St. Petersburg. After losing 2-0 in the 1^st leg in Russia the Reds needed a miracle at Anfield. In the return leg, Luis Suarez, who missed so many chances and could’ve scored four goals in the 1^st leg, was magnificent in the second. Scoring two brilliant free kicks the Kop felt as if it was going to be another magic European night at Anfield. It wasn’t to be although they won 3-1 Liverpool bowed out of the cup on the away goals rule and killed off Liverpool’s chances of silverware that season. This was not only the last European game of the season but it was Jamie Carragher’s 150^th and last European outing of his long legendary career who earlier in the month announced that this was going to be his last season as a footballer.

 

For the remainder of the season Liverpool were only competing in the league hoping for ‘’the highest possible place on the table’’. Liverpool beat Wigan 4-0, Aston Villa 2-1 and finally defeated a team in the top four, Spurs 3-2. The only setback was a 3-1 loss to Southampton at St.Mary’s.

 

April followed and began with two 0-0 draw’s in a row against West Ham and Reading. The next fixture was at home to Chelsea, of what was to be one of Liverpool’s bittersweet matches of the season (For the Match Report scroll down). Liverpool was losing thanks to Oscar’s header in the first half but Daniel Sturridge’s half time inclusion changed the match for Liverpool. He had a point to prove against his former club giving the Chelsea defence a headache. He of course did score to equalize before Luis Suarez’s handball gave away a penalty and Eden Hazard coolly slotted it home. Luis Suarez later in the match was caught by the TV screens to be biting Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic, Suarez didn’t receive a booking but was set to be punished later. On the 97^th minute Suarez who had been Liverpool’s life saver that season scored an outstanding header to seal a point for Liverpool. Unfortunately this was to be his last match and goal for the season, due to his bite on Ivanovic the FA gave him a harsh 10 match ban which will go into the following season.

The fans now wonder where the goals would come from. That seems to be no problem since Liverpool went on to thrash Newcastle 6-0 at St. James Park.  The last matches came with nothing to play for when Liverpool’s European hopes died out and they secured 7^th place when they drew 0-0 in a mediocre Merseyside Derby. Liverpool did continue to win beating Fulham 3-1 and QPR on the last day 1-0.

 

This season wasn’t the greatest if you look at the table but ‘Progress’ was made. Yes, there was no silverware and no European qualification nonetheless Liverpool are beginning to look like a top class team they were in the past. This season we have seen the team play beautiful football and showing numerous teams no sympathy. Also outside of the pitch the Truth of Hillsborough has come out. Liverpool are progressing as a club and Brendan Rodgers is the right man to bring Liverpool Football Club success again; Rome wasn’t built in a Day it took Progression.

 

MY PLAYER OF THE SEASON: Luis Suarez

MY YOUNG PLAYER OF THE SEASON: Philippe Coutinho

MOST IMPROVED PLAYER OF THE SEASON: Stewart Downing/ Jordan Henderson

GAME OF THE SEASON: Liverpool 3-1 Zenit (Although Liverpool got knocked out, it was a great European night and the loudest Anfield crowd in years)

WORST GAME OF THE SEASON: Stoke City 3-1 Liverpool

NOTIFICATION: Lack of Posts for the Next Couple of Weeks due to Examinations

It’s that time again where the season has ended but it’s also the time where examinations take place. As a student it is important to stay focused on education which is why I won’t be posting much on this blog for the next couple of weeks. However I will still be Tweeting (@RougeMEF) the news going around the World of Football. Good Luck to everyone taking an exam and I’ll see everyone in a couple of weeks, remember to follow @RougeMEF.

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.