Liverpool building for next season

Liverpool’s demolition of Manchester City on Monday night shows there’s still life in the old Liver bird.

The Reds dominated in all areas of the game last night with impressive performances from Andy Carroll and youngster John Flanagan.

A big injury list at Liverpool threatened to derail Kenny Dalglish’s rebuilding project. However Flanagan with Carragher at his side showed skill and quality beyond his years, but most importantly the full back kept a cool head throughout his Liverpool debut. He looked like he had always been a part of the back four.

Liverpool are far from being the finished product but last night they showed signs that they are moving in the right direction. They hustled and pressured City all over the park. The performance resembled Liverpool in the Champions League. Their desire for victory was clear they showed no fear and played some fantastic football at times.

Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll’s link up play was good and Carroll finally started to stand up to his expensive price tag.  Both showed a great work rate as they got back and helped out in midfield when they needed too.

Another positive for Liverpool was Jay Spearing. Last night was defiantly his best performance for Liverpool. He will never be at the level of a Xabi Alonso or a Mascherano but his passion and will to do well in a red shirt is clearer than ever. A recent run in the first team has doubled his confidence. Spearing looks twice the player he first was when he came into the Liverpool first team. It’s clear his positioning, awareness, touch and passing are all better.

Liverpool’s performance last night continued to show the work of Dalglish and the rest of the backroom staff as Liverpool’s movement, passing and pressing caused City many difficulties. The shackles have been taken off Liverpool and they are running free because of it.  After years and years of pundits and journalists saying Liverpool relay too much on Steven Gerrard it was refreshing to see the side flourish in his absence.

There is still work to be done. Liverpool will need a couple of signings in the summer not only to bolster the team but to keep the likes of Pepe Reina happy. Reina is crucial to Liverpool’s progress. Look at the issues Arsenal have had between the sticks. It could be argued that if Reina was in goal for Arsenal this season they would win the league this season.  

Liverpool are crying out for a winger. With Suarez doing all the leg work and Carroll and unstoppable force in the air the Reds need a player that can put a top quality ball into the box. Liverpool’s wings haven’t had a quality player since Steve McManaman left for Madrid in 1999.

All in all Liverpool displayed the confidence and performance they need to. They have progressed a great deal under Dalglish and showing all the signs that the Liver bird will be fighting it out next season for a top four finish.

Spurs European dream in ruins

Tottenham were outclassed in all areas as they suffered a 4-0 demolition at the hands of Real Madrid.

Crouches early red card proved to be the catalyst that drove Real Madrid on to an emphatic victory. Emmanuel Adebayor scored before Crouch’s second yellow. However there were clues to Spurs destruction prior to kickoff. Jenas was a late replacement for Lennon in the Tottenham starting 11. Spurs form has been poor recently and they haven’t scored in 4 games after tonight’s result.

As Crouch saw red any hopes Spurs had of getting back into the game were looking more and more unlikely. Like a world class boxer Real Madrid saw their chance to get on top of the fight and score an early knockout in the first leg of the tie. However Spurs rallied and more positive play from Gareth Bale saw them begin to gain a foothold in the tie.

Los Blancos piled the pressure on in the second half and doubled their lead in the 57th minute when Adebayor scored again with his head. Spurs just couldn’t match the speed and creativity of Real Madrid. Real Madird then went into another gear and lay siege to the Tottenham goal with Ronaldo pulling the strings more goals where inevitable.

Di Maria added number three with a curling shot then Ronaldo got his name on the score sheet with a well executed volley.

Redknapp’s side have become over stretched with injuries and are looking jaded but they will have to dig deep to find the energy and the points to keep hold of 5th place in the Premier League. The game also demonstrated Spurs reliance on Gareth Bale. Bale didn’t look hundred percent throughout the game and when he was unable to unlock the Real defence no one else in a Spurs shirt could raise their game to match his level.

The result sees Spurs European dream all but over. The key factors in the result are undoubtedly Crouches red card and the brilliance of Real Madrid. Jose Mourinho’s side a beginning to go a new level and if they keep this performance up they could go all the way in the Champions League.

Link to the goals!
http://rutube.ru/tracks/4298379.html?v=a5e3bbc391c1aca2446102e36347cb3c&autoStart=true&bmstart=1000

Elano free kick!

Unreal free kick from Elano (formally of Man City) in Colo Colo vs Santos 3-2 Libertadores 2011

Premier League round up

After weekend of Premier League action began and the results from Saturdays games have had a massive effect on the top and bottom of the table.

The key results are Manchester United’s late 1-0 win over Bolton and Arsenals failure to over come West Brom. The Gunners thought back from 2-0 to end the match 2-2.

Elsewhere in the league there were wins for Wigan and Wolves, leaving the relegation battle wide open.

It’s tight at the bottom with bottom club Wigan only 2 points from safety and only 5 points from 12^th place.

Stoke City moved into the top half of the table after an emphatic win 4-0 win over Newcastle. Everton’s 2-1 win over Fulham lifts the Toffee’s above Sunderland who play Liverpool tomorrow.  The win puts David Moyes side back into contention for a Europa League place.

Up in the North West Blackburn battled back to earn a point against Blackpool in a 2-2 draw. The points keep both teams on 33 points hovering above the relegation zone.

Birmingham City will be frustrated that they didn’t take all the points away at Wigan when they let a 1-0 lead slip away and ended up losing 2-1 to the Latics. Although Birmingham are 19^th on 31 points they have a game in hand on their relegation rivals. The result keeps Wigan bottom although they have closed the gap on the teams above them.

Tottenham and West Ham shared the points in the early kick off. Spurs will be disappointed they didn’t take all 3 points as they dominated the game having over 30 efforts on goal. The results leaves Spurs in 5^th still chasing Chelsea and Man City in the Champions League places.

As for West Ham the points keeps their good run of form going. The Hammers are now just out of the drop zone on 32

Champions League Quarter Final (and Semi Final) draw

The Champions League Quarter Final and Semi Final draws were completed this morning.

The draw brought together the teams from the 2008 final, Chelsea and Manchester United. Whilst new boys Tottenham Hotspur drew the competitions most successful side Real Madrid. Madrid has won the competition 9 times.

Else where in the competition Inter Milan drew Schalke and current favourites Barcelona drew Shakhtar Donetsk.

The semi final draw was also made and the winner of Spurs V Real Madrid will play the winner of Barcelona V Shakhtar. Leaving Chelsea or Manchester United to play either Inter Milan or Schalke.

Chelsea Vs Manchester United (Brief preview)

Chelsea are at home in the first leg which can be a positive or a negative depending on which way you want to look at it. They have to take the game to Manchester United who along with Real are the only unbeaten teams left in the competition. However this could play into Man United’s hands as time and again they have proved they are deadly on the break.

The team selection/ tactics are also vital for Chelsea. At the moment Carlo Ancelotti can’t fit Fernando Torres and Didier Drogba in the same side. Chelsea haven’t looked as deadly in front of goal as they have in recent years and they will defiantly need to take any chances that come their way in this tie.

As for Manchester United they will be hoping for key defenders to be fit again. Without Vidic and Ferdinand their backline is much weaker and inexperienced. Wes Brown and Chris Smalling Vs Drogba and Anelka only has one winner for me and they normally play in blue.

However with the second leg at home I would say this gives Manchester United a slight advantage, as they will feel at Old Trafford they could turn over a deficit or score a goal if needs be.

No doubt Rooney and Hernandez will have a part to play. Rooney is the link to create chances for Hernandez to take.

Tottenham V Real Madrid (brief preview)

Spurs travel to the Santiago Bernabeu for the first leg and have to defend well if they still hope to be in the tie come the second leg.

There will no doubt be goals goals goals in this tie. Real boast some of Europes finest attacking talent and Harry’s men pride themselves on their attacking talent.

However if Spurs let it become a gung ho shoot out they better save that for the second leg at home. Real are unbeaten at home and will want to win the tie their before employing a typical Jose Mourinho defensive away performance at White Hart Lane.

A more detailed preview for every game will be available closer to ties themselves.

Quarterfinals schedule

(First legs April 5-6, second legs April 12-13)

Barcelona (Spain) vs. Shakhtar Donetsk (Ukraine)

Chelsea (England) vs. Manchester United (England)

Inter Milan (Italy) vs. Schalke (Germany)

Real Madrid (Spain) vs. Tottenham (England)

Semifinals schedule

(First legs April 26-27, second legs May 3-4)

Inter Milan-Schalke winner vs. Chelsea-Manchester United winner

Real Madrid-Tottenham winner vs. Barcelona-Shakhtar Donetsk winner

Liverpool and City bore themselves out of Europa League

Liverpool and Manchester City have crashed out of the Europa League.

Both teams were facing deficits in the second leg as Liverpool trailed Portuguese side Braga 1-0. Whilst Man City trailed Dinamo Kiev 2-0.

A 6 o’clock kick off frustrated the locals as City looked to turn over a 2-0 score line inflicted by Andrey Shevchenko and his Kiev team mates a week ago.

City looked good in the early stages however their progression back into the tie took a blow when Mario Balotelli was sent off for a high footed clash in the 36th minute.

Moments after Balotelli’s red card City stuck. Aleksandar Kolarov’s drive found the net as Carlos Tevez obscured Shovkovskiy view with a late run across the box.

However City struggled with 10 men and will be no doubt frustrated by the lack of chances they failed to create.

Tevez led the line in the second half and ran himself into the ground as he tried to lift his sinking City team.

Edin Dzeko and winger Adam Johnson came on with 20 minutes to play. However City’s Europa dream was fading. The duo had little to no effect on the game.

Kiev looked comfortable as they sat two banks of four in front of their goal and asked City to break them down.

City failed to answer the question as Kiev’s tactic was clearly to frustrate City and break up the play as much as they could.

The tie was brought to a close and Kiev and their fans began to celebrate as they booked their place in tomorrow’s quarter final draw. All in all it was a happy return to England for Shevchenko.

 

City boss Roberto Mancini after Balotelli's red card (image from

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/man_city/9428455.stm)

In the later game at Anfield Liverpool had a slightly easier task of over coming a 1-0 score line against weaker opposition Braga.

Andy Carroll made his first start for the club and the teams tactics where clearly set up to use the 6ft 3inc striker. As Liverpool pumped long ball after long ball into opposition territory.

However it was clear Carroll is still short on some match sharpness. The rest of his Liverpool teammates struggled to get the ball down and play it into a good crossing position.

Liverpool’s build up looked slow and lacked any cutting edge. The team where clearly missing the directness and creativity of Steven Gerrard and Luis Suarez.

As the game dragged on Braga did their best to make it difficult for Liverpool to play as they stalled the game as much as possible.

The visitors offside trap and high line squeezed the play and caught Liverpool offside time and time again. This tactic also stopped the Reds playing the quick sharp short passes that caused Man United so much trouble in their last home game.

As the second half progressed the nerves and anxiety heightened. Liverpool tried to go into another gear but just couldn’t get out of first. As their build up play kept failing with the final ball.

Braga offered little in an attacking option as they just looked to see out the 1-0 lead from the first leg.

King Kenny looked to his inexperienced bench for options and threw David N’Gog and Jay Spearing into the fray.

N’Gog added an extra option up front and caused a few problems but only half chances fell his way.

Then in the final moments of the game Carroll’s goal bound header hit Dirk Kuyt and stayed out. Moments later Martin Skrtel had a chance to level the tie but Braga keeper Artur rushed out and saved well to deny and hopes Liverpool had of adding to their impressive number of European trophies.

The game ended goalless and Liverpool joined Manchester City in the Europa League waste bin whilst Braga rolled into tomorrow quarter final draw.

Carroll applauds fans after defeat (image from LFC.tv)

Champions League round up

This week saw the final round of 16 in the Champions League battle it out for a place in the quarter finals in Europe’s top club competition.

Last week efficient performances by Barcelona and Shakhtar Donetsk saw both teams progress into Friday’s quarter final draw along with Tottenham Hotspur and German side Schalke 04.

This week on Tuesday in the Champions League Bayern Munich clashed with holders Inter. With Bayern leading 1-0 from the first leg Inter knew they had to fight their way back into the tie.

Samuel Eto’o levelled the match in the early stages. However sloppy defending allowed Bayern to surge into the lead. Goals from Mario Gomez and Thomas Muller ensured Bayern went in to half time with a solid 2-1 lead (3-1 on agg).

However Inter weren’t out of the fight. Wesley Sneijder pulled one back before Goran Pandev scored a late winner. The tie finished 3-3 on the night and Inter progressed on the away goals rule.

Tuesday’s second game saw another machine like performance from Manchester United as they progressed into the last 8 of the Champions League ahead of Marseille.

After a goalless first leg in France the tie reached its climax at Old Trafford. A brace from Javier Hernandez did enough to see off the French Champions. Wes Brown’s late own goal gave some hope for the travelling supports however their side was unable to score the crucial second away goal.

The tie finished 2-1 on the night  and 2-1 on agg to Manchester United.

Wednesday’s action saw Chelsea create chance after chance against FC Copenhagen however Didier Drogba and co couldn’t breach their Danish counterparts backline.

However Chelsea’s 2-0 win in the first leg was enough to see the English champions into the last 8.

The final game in the round of 16 saw Jose Mourinho and Real Madrid play hosts to Lyon. The game was on a knife edge after the first leg ended 1-1. However Real Madrid made easy work of the second leg as they won 3-0.

Two goals against his former club from Karim Benzema and another from Angel Di Maria  allowed Real to maintain their 100% home record this season.

Champions League Final 8

Barcelona (Spain)

Shakhtar Donetsk (Ukraine)

Tottenham Hotspur (England)

Schalke 04 (Germany)

Inter (Italy)

Manchester United (England)

Chelsea (England)

Real Madrid (Spain)

The draw for the quarter finals takes place on Friday, 11 am and will be hosted by Gary Lineker.

(image from http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/gary-lineker-to-conduct-champions-league-draw-2244833.html#)

Barcelona Vs Arsenal - Champions League round of 16

(image from http://www.breakingglobalnews.com/barcelona-v-arsenal-preview-2/12216023_)

Two of the most exciting and vibrant teams clash again tonight in the Champions League. Barcelona Vs Arsenal is a game that gets the adrenaline pumping. In this one I am a neutral I’m not one of those that wants all English clubs to dominate in Europe, I just want the best for football. So tonight you can keep your pancakes I will be sitting getting ready to have my taste buds tantalized by master chefs Messi, Xavi, Iniesta, Fabregas (Wenger says hes 90% sure he will play) Wilshire and Nicklas Bendtner…

Barcelona

Both teams play football the right way attacking stylish football. The only difference in my eyes is Barca have a higher caliber of player. Barca’s pressing tactic means they will hustle quickly to get the ball back. They work at this in training as Pep Guardiola informs his players to get the ball back within four seconds of them giving it away. Barca have been unstoppable in La Liga this season. They currently sit top of the tree with 74 points from 27 games. They are going to finished with well over 100 points this year. Barca can boast the best player in the world in Lionel Messi and arguably the best striker in Villa and midfielder in Xavi or Iniesta. At home they will create chances that is a fact. From the first whistle they will look to dominate the game and get the crowd behind them. If they settle quickly it could be an easy night for the Catalan giants. However their backline will be missing Barca captain Puyol and his usual partner Pique is suspended.

Arsenal

The fitness of RVP is crucial. On his day Van Persie is unstoppable but a half fit half interested Van Persie is quite a different prospect. If Bendtner is the main man in the Arsenal attack hes going to have to put in a focused professional performance and play the best he can. The gunners fired blanks at the weekend as they slumped to a goalless draw at home to Sunderland. I don’t think this matters much. When the Arsenal players get to the Camp Nou they’ll know it business time. All 11 players have to be a unit and have a positive early start to silence the home crowd send a few nerves into the Barca ranks. The come back at the Emirates in the first leg will no doubt breathe fresh confidence into the lungs of Arsenal and the pace of Walcott will cause Barca discomfort.

The Verdict

Arsenal may be missing their first choice strike force but Barca are defiantly missing their first choice central defenders. That levels the playing field in my eyes as Messi and co are more than a match for Laurent Koscielny and Johan Djourou. If Arsenal look to hold out and defend their 2-1 lead I think they’ll be out of the competition by half time but I have no doubts Wenger will set his team out to take on Barca after all it is the Arsenal way. Arsenal don’t have the players to park the bus and shutout the Spanish champions they will push forward and try to get an away goal. I think it’s a given that Barcelona will score when they are at home they are a different beast to the one that was tamed in the second half by Arsenal. Ultimately Barcelona will have too much fire power the Gunners. A rookie goalkeeper for Arsenal in Wojciech Szczesny could lead to a nervous backline. Arsenal will have to learn from the mistakes they made last season as they lost the second leg 4-1 despite taking an early lead however I don’t think they will be able to with stand the pressure and attacking options Barca have at their disposal.

I think Arsenal will put in a great effort and strong fight but go down to the class and superiority of Barcelona.

Final score prediction Barcelona 3 – 1 Arsenal (4 – 3 on agg)

Why Man Utd will still win the league!

Despite Manchester United’s loss at Anfield at the weekend the Red Devils will still make history and win the race for the 19^th title.

Why is this case though? The Man Utd side I witnessed at Anfield didn’t look like Champions but they are still top of the league and after a lacklustre Arsenal couldn’t break Sunderland down to close the gap the other challenging teams are still off championship winning pace. Man United may be poor but they are the best of a bad bunch.

Current Champions Chelsea and new challengers (and noisy neighbours) Man City are still looking doggy at times and likely of dropping points before the end of the season as for Spurs they are still short of Championship challenging experience and well behind in the race in terms of points.

After the misfiring gunners and Man Utd dropped points at the weekend the title race has been blown wide open. Arsenal are 3 points behind Man Utd with a game in hand but if I was a United fan I wouldn’t be too worried. Arsenal lacked that cutting edge that is needed to win the league. They are still Champions of the playing the best football in the league but no quality keeper and tame strike force without RVP the gunners won’t win the league this season.

I think it’s also worth noting the Carling Cup final defeat to Birmingham City.  Conceding that late will surely have an effect on the teams mental state. For example if they are in a title winning position a few weeks before the end of the season the risk of them bottling it is higher than the risk of Man United bottling it from the same position. Man United have a title winning pedigree. The core of their team has seen and done it all before.  

In truth this Man United team would be one of the poorest to win the league however all the teams in the hunt would never be considered to be the greatest Premier League win to take home the trophy.

On paper Chelsea are the strongest but for whatever reason (tactical choice from Carlo, injuries, age, form) they blew a chance of winning back to back titles. As for Arsenal they’re still not quite ready to regain a championship yet. The goalkeeping situation will no doubt be addressed in the summer and  I wouldn’t be surprised if a defender and another strike option came into the Arsenal squad. Man City are slowly building and next season we shall see them rise to challenge for the title from the opening day.

So this leaves Man United. Like I said they have the experience of winning titles. It’s going to be a tight finish but they will keep their cool use a bit of Fergie time and win the league by default. In Hernandez they have one of the brightest talents in English football his impact will be key in the coming weeks. On paper they aren’t champions but on the pitch they are like a machine. They grind their opponents down and keep adding points to the table while everyone below scraps for the automatic Champions League places. However the Man United machine has had recent dip in performance in recent weeks all they need is a fresh oil change and they will be rolling on to number 19.