retired_provrb7

Don't Throw Stones In Crystal Palaces
Saturday 12th February 2005

With the Chelsea game at Stamford Bridge around the cornor, I decided to chance and give the reserves a bit of game time. Le Tallec was back from St Ettiene and was set to shine at Anfield.

First Half
Min 8 - Welsh's cross from the left found Morientes on the box, he hit on the volley!! Kiraly saves brilliantly!!
Min 15 - GOAL! Esposito gets down the left, he dribbles past Lakis, then he dribbles past Boyce, finds Le Tallec in the box, shoots hard to the top cornor!! 1-0!!! Great skills by both Esposito and Le Tallec.
Min 20 - Esposito's cornor almost goes into the back of the net but 'Baggy Trousers Kiraly' tips it over the bar and prevents it going in from the cornor.
Min 43 - Le Tallec gets down the right, finds Welsh outside the box, he advances a yard or two and strikes towards goal! Comfortable save for Kiraly.
Min 45 - Le Tallec's got a cornor on the right, lefts it into the box, Welsh wins a header against Boyce, heads towards goal! Over the bar!

Second Half
Min 61 - Esposito get's down the left flank, holds the ball well, finds Le Tallec outside the area, Le Tallec gets into the box, shoots!! Kiraly saves brilliantly again!
Min 63 - Everything is involving the young Le Tallec, he finds Welsh inside the Palace half, Welsh advances with the ball, shoots from range!! Good save by Kiraly.
Min 75 - Ventola passes back to Routledge, he carries on down the right, looks for Rihilahti centrally, the finn lays it out right for Ventola, he takes the ball forward, shoots from outside the box! Sidenetting!
Min 79 - Riise, now playing the left, centred the ball, Hall headed clear. Welsh gathers it up outside the box, shoots! Wide!
Min 88 - Alonso gathers up a ball outside the area, rifles in a half volley! Blocked by Watson, Welsh gathers up the ball on the right, crosses it into the box, Kiraly fists away! Alonso gets the rebound outside the box, curls it towards goal!! Hits the post!!

Premiership
Anfield, Liverpool
Liverpool 1 Le Tallec 13
Crystal Palace 0
MOM - Le Tallec
Att: 40907

Liverpool (4-1-4-1); Kirkland; Josemi, Pellegrino, Biscan, Traore; Hamann; Le Tallec, Welsh, Garcia, Esposito; Morientes

Crystal Palace (4-4-2); Kiraly; Boyce, Hall, Popovic, Borrowdale; Lakis, Watson, Rihilahti, Zecke; Shipperly, Ventola

retired_usmcwifekord

Djibrilliant Cisse :thup:

call me weird but i've got Y.N.W.A. playing in the background whenever i'm reading this

would be nice to see the league table after all these games, if it's not too much trouble and what happened to the interview part?

retired_provrb7

I only had the interview part on the TV coverage games but missed a few out by mistake but they'll be back next time round, I promise :thup:

I can't give the league table because I'm already halfway through the second season, stupid me But I have the final one thou :thup:

retired_edmari

Top notch story, keeping me hooked. But can I borrow some of the good performances for my lads, please?

retired_lomie

Looks like a good tactic you've got there, any chance you could post it in the tactic forum?

Great story as well, one of the best I have read and possibly the only one on here I have been bothered to read all the way through!

:thup: :thup: :thup:

retired_provrb7

To be perfectly honest it's been a mix depending on who's been available to my team but it's always a 4141 (or 451)..

I'll be posting more at the weekend because I'm too focking tired to write after work

retired_provrb7

Reds Debutant Keeps Reds Run Going
Wednesday 16th February 2005

I had a full squad to pick from and they were fully rested for the important game away to Chelsea. But it was to be a special night for a youngster who saved us from loosing at Stamford Bridge.

First Half
Min 2 - The first chance fell to us. Finnan cleared out of the area to Esposito on the right, he dribbled past two men down the right flank, he found Gerrard centrally who had loads of space, he picked out Cisse infront of the box, he dribbled past Gallas, shot low! Cech punched it away!
Min 29 - Carragher fouled Luque outside the edge of the box. Drogba lined up the freekick, he bent it over the wall! Good save by Dudek!
Min 30 - Duff knicked the ball off of Finnan, he took the ball down the left, crossed to the other side to Drogba, he backheeled a yard to Makalele who passed it through back to Drogba, he was free on goal! Shoots low! Great save by Dudek!
Min 38 - Gallas won a header against Cisse, he head down the right for Drogba, he found Luque down the right flank, he took the ball into the box, curled it towards the far cornor of the net! Great save again by Dudek!!
Min 45 - Liverpool are pushed back, Garcia's clearence only goes as far as Lampard outside the box, he finds Makalele in the box, he shoots! Straight at Dudek!

Second Half
Min 48 - Cisse has it down the right flank, he finds Gerrard centrally, again he hads loads of space, goes by himself, shoots from 20 yards out! Comfortable save by Cech.
Min 59 - GOAL! Bridge gathered up a loose ball inside the Liverpool half, cuts in, finds Lampard in the box, he's free inside the area! Dudek comes to smother it but Lampard slides it under him and it also takes a deflection off of Carra and the bull stumbles into the back fo the net, 1-0 to Chelsea.
Min 61 - Cisse came off to be replaced by the debutant Magnus Mycklebust.
Min 65 - Hyypia's free kick found Mycklebust upfront, he takes it down beautifully, gets inbetween Gallas and Carvalho, shoots! Just wide of the post!
Min 69 - Again Liverpool are pushed right back, Ferreira gathers up a loose ball on the right flank, aims for Lampard in the box, headed away by Carra, gathered up by Duff just outside, he shoots! But it's too weak and easy for Dudek to gather.
Min 72 - Subs, Esposito and Garcia off and Partridge and Hamann on.
Min 76 - GOAL!! And it was the norweigan debutant! Carragher cuts out Duff's cornor, finds Gerrard by the halfway line, Gerrard's marker Ferreira slips and now Gerrard can move down the right flank, finds a joining Partridge, he lays a great through ball through for Mycklebust, he gets into the box, rounds Cech, applies the finish! 1-1!! Remember that name!! Magnus Mycklebust scores against Chelsea in his debut!
Min 79 - Gerrard had a golden chance to score to take a lead but misses. Hamann's free kick found him inside the box, he twist and turned, shoots! But just wide of Cech's post.
Min 83 - Bridge throw in finds Gudjohnsen on the right flank, crosses into the box, cleared by Carra, Gallas gathers up 30 yards out, hits it! Well over the bar!
Min 86 - Tiago's free kick is floated into the box, header by Lampard! Puts it over the bar!

Premiership
Stamford Bridge, London
Chelsea 1 Lampard 59
Liverpool 1 Mycklebust 76
MOM - Dudek
Att: 42413

Chelsea (4-3-3); Cech; Ferreira, Gallas, Terry, Bridge; Makalele, Lampard, Duff; Drogba, Luque, Robben

Liverpool (4-1-4-1); Dudek; Finnan, Carra, Hyypia, Riise; Alonso; Esposito, Gerrard, Garcia, Kewell; Cisse

retired_provrb7

'Pool Grab A Draw In Bremen
Wednesday 23rd February 2005

With the draw at Stamford Bridge we came with high confidence. We knew that we only needed to win against Norwich in the next league game and the league would be ours. But first we needed to grab a result in Bremen and after that we had Everton in the League Cup Final. Full strength today in Germany and we'd get a result we wanted.. at least anyway..

PRE MATCH INTERVIEW

Back to European action now, you said when you drawed Bremen that they were good at home, still stand by it?
Yeah they are good at home but we are not going to let them win. I have told the lads today that anything resulting in a loss is unacceptable. We have'nt lost all season so this should'nt be too hard for them.

It's Esposito's first ever European match, when you bought him were you aware he could play in the Champions League?
Of course I did, every team playing in Europe wants his players to play in Europe and we knew when buying Esposito we'd be getting another great player for the Champions League.

Magnus Mycklebust, what can you say about him?
Well he scored in London and I know he is very promising but he still needs to develop some more. Who knows, he is on the bench today and maybe he'll come on today.

Good luck as always Daniel!
Cheers!

First Half
Min 12 - Gerrard has the ball in the centre of the park, get's past Baumann, finds Garcia infront of the area, curvs it towards goal! But Reinke sees it all the way and saves.
Min 16 - Gerrard has again the ball in the centre, finds Garcia again, he floats outside the area totally unmarked, goes out wide left, finds Gerrard infront of the area, hits it on the half volley! Well well well wide..
Min 22 - Finnan cut out a pass, finds Gerrard upfield, holds onto the ball, finds Kewell out left, he cuts infield, runs to the right with the ball, throughs it for Cisse, he's free on goal! Belts it! Well over the bar! Terrible..
Min 23 - Garcia has the ball centrally, one two's with Kewell, he's into the box, shoots low! Save easily by Reinke.
Min 25 - Riise cuts out a pass, heads to Garcia by the halfway line, passes out left to Kewell, he dribbles past Tiffert, crosses from the byeline, header near post by Cisse! Wide!
Min 27 - Baumann tripped Cisse 30 yards out. Garcia lines it up. He goes for goal from that range! But it sails harmlessly over the bar.
Min 39 - Reinke's goalkick is headed down by Alonso, he finds Kewell out left, he cuts in passes to Gerrard, lays off to Garcia, he's free just outside the box, curls it towards goal! Punched away by Reinke! Great save!
Min 40 - Riise wins a header against Klose, he finds Kewell out left, he passes centrally to Garcia, curls it towards goal again! Comfortable save by Reinke.
Min 45 + 1 - Garcia has it down the left, finds Kewell infield, turns on the ball, tees up Gerrard outside the box, one time shot by Gerrard! Good save by Reinke.
Min 45 + 3 - Bremen's first chance fell to Klasnic. Cornor by Ernst found him in the six yard box, he heads it! Just wide of Dudek's post.

I was quite disappionted by the quality of finishing. 10 shots towards goal and 5 on goal and no goal. I had a right go at the lads and told them that they have to take their chances otherwise we won't go far in this tournament.

Second Half
Min 51 - Riise gathers up a ball in the Liverpool half, hits a long ball past the Bremen defense for Cisse to run on, great ball by Riise! Cisse get's onto it, he has run away from the Bremen defense, bares down on goal, shoots! Over the bar! I was going beserk at the touchline, this was not acceptable. I told Mycklebust to warm up.
Min 58 - Finnan cuts out Ernst long ball, head to Esposito, he found Gerrard infield, Esposito gets the ball back down the right, he dribbles into the box, finds Cisse at the near post, he's free on goal, shoots! Over the bar!!
Min 60 - Alonso sweeps up infront of the backline, finds Cisse upfront, he tees up Garcia 30 yards out, curls it towards goal! Good save by Reinke!
Min 63 - That was it, subs on! Cisse, Esposito and Garcia off, Hamann, Mycklebust and Partridge on.
Min 75 - Finnan cut out yet another long ball, found Alonso centrally, laid off to his right to Gerrard, he throughs it for Mycklebust, he gets past the Bremen defense, shoots! Over the bar. This was unbelievable..
Min 78 - Partridge intercepts a pass from Klasnic, he finds Alonso in the centre of the park, he pings a ball past Fahrenhorst where Mycklebust found space, he bares down on Reinke, but his shot is poor and stright into the keepers arms.
Min 82 - Mycklebust runs down the left, holds onto it, waits for men to run into the box, picks out Gerrard in the six yard box, headed towards goal!! Over the bar!
Min 86 - Tiffert knicks the ball off of Kewell, finds Klose outside the box, passes to his right to Micoud who sets up Klasnic in the box, he's free in the box! Shoots! Well over the bar!
Min 88 - Mohr wins a header against Kewell, heads down to Tiffet, he finds Hunt on the otherside of the pitch, he dribbles down the left, finds Klasnic in the box, hit on the half-volley! Just wide of the post!
Full Time

POST MATCH INTERVIEW

Daniel, you look frustrated.
I am. I am very very unhappy by the finishing display of my players this evening. 21 shots towards goal, on 7 on target and their goalkeeper could'nt of had an easier day. I told them at halftime that this was not good enough.

You did however get a draw and away from home that is surely good?
Yes of course but it does'nt reflect the domination here tonight and they should be lucky to get this result whereas I am a bit unhappy about it.

Tired legs maybe?
That is no excuse. The players are not tired, they are very fit and have been on a very well planned rotation system and should not be tired.

Maybe either the League Cup Final or the Norwich game is in the back of their minds?
Again it's not an excuse, this is the biggest tournament in the world for clubs and today they showed no passion. And to top it Bremen could of nicked a winner with those two chances at the end.

Everton next thou, will you be hoping your players are more motivated?
Yes if another one of these displays are shown then the players will know about it.

Champions League 1st Knockout Round Leg 1
Weserstadion, Bremen
Werder Bremen 0
Liverpool 0
MOM - Reinke
Att: 42909

Werder Bremen (4-1-2-1-2); Reinke; Pasanen, Fahrenhorst, Ismael, Schulz; Baumann; Tiffert, Ernst; Micoud; Klose, Klasnic

Liverpool (4-1-4-1); Dudek; Finnan, Carra, Hyypia, Riise; Alonso; Esposito, Gerrard, Garcia, Kewell; Cisse

retired_provrb7

Cisse Double Seals First Silverware
Sunday 27th February 2005

Again a full strength team to field and the players were really up to it. This was no ordinary final, it was a rivals final and surely it would be battle towards the end. Last time these two met in the Carling Cup final was 1984 and Liverpool were victorious. That was also the only time these two teams met.

PRE MATCH INTERVIEW

Daniel, this could be the first silverware this season, confident?
Yes, as always. Everton are going to have to put in a great performance to beat us but this will not happen because we are the better team and Moyes should concentrate on the league instead.

Moyes said before that Everton will thrash you today.
I'll let my players decide that and I think Moyes will find he is bound to loose today.

What happens if the match looks like the one in Bremen?
I can assure you that won't happen.

First Half
Min 8 - Yobo finds Katan out wide, he goes down the byeline, crosses into the box, headed away by Carra, Beattie shoots from outside the box! Great shot-stop by Dudek!!
Min 14 - Esposito fouled Katan out on the right. Watson's free kick was sent into the box, Osman heads towards goal! Great save again by Dudek!
Min 26 - Katan has the ball on the left, passes back to Watson, he finds Carsley outside the box, shot from the edge of the area! Comfortable save by Dudek.
Min 28 - Kewell crosses into the box, headed away by Stubbs, Garcia gathers up, turns, curls it towards goal! But it goes wide!
Min 30 - Carra fouled Beattie 30 yards out. Arteta lined up the free-kick. Tried from range! Dudek decided to punch it away!

Second Half
Min 47 - GOAL!! Esposito's cornor was headed away by Watson. Riise gathers up the ball and gives it back to Esposito down the left, he dribbles into the box, finds Cisse at the near post, he powers in a header! 1-0!! Great goal!! Cardiff explodes into a big red party!! Get in there!
Min 55 - Finnan wins a header against Katan, heads to Esposito, he dribbles down the right, finds Cisse in the box, he shots from the edge of the penalty box! Wide! Esposito leaved the pitch and Partridge entered
Min 65 - Subs: Pellegrino came on for Kewell and Garcia off for Hamann.
Min 70 - GOAL!! Katan fouled Hyypia 35-40 yards outside the box. Gerrard's free kick was headed back by Cisse. Gerrard sets Cisse through, he bares down on goal, powers in a shot! It went thorugh the legs of Wright and 2-0!! Now the party is on! Surely they've won it now!!
Min 83 - Partridge's cornor was hit into the six yard box, Hyypia won a header against Cahill, he heads towards goal!! Just over the bar!
Full Time! Liverpool Are Carling Cup Winners!!

When Rob Styles blew the whistle the Liverpool fans went crazy! The players all piled up into a big pile with Cisse the unlucky sod to be the one at the bottom. I ran out to the pitch and congratulated my players on a job well down. As I looked around the stadium I could see Everton fans laying all over the pitch, exhausted, tired and upset. The Everton fans on one side of the stadium were making their way out, some stayed and could'nt believe it. My players started to run around the stadium clapping and showing their gratitude to tha fans.

POST MATCH INTERVIEW WITH DJIBRIL CISSE

Djibril, how does it feel?
Oh it's fantastic! I came to Liverpool to win titels and cup and this is the first of many I hope

Two goals today and a 30 in total so far this season, that can only count as a success as your first season in England
Ah well this is a team and there is no I in team. I am happy i've scored goals for this team as this is the only team I would even consider playing for, they are the best in my eyes!

Bought by Houllier, greeted by Benitez but trained under Taylor, who do you thank most?
There is no most. They all played a part in my career as did Roux in Auxerre. Houllier found me, Benitez was only here a few days but gave advice I can keep and Taylor, well, he is the best manager in my eyes and shows believe in players and keeps a tight ship.

POST MATCH INTERVIEW WITH HARRY KEWELL

Harry, you were namned man of the match, how does it feel?
Well no this was a team effort. I think we were bad the first 45 but we came out in the second half and showed our colours and Djibril scored his goals. I don't think I was any better then those all those players on the pitch in a red shirt.

You were written off as a flop under Houllier, you've kind of revived under Taylor?
I got to a stage in my life when I felt the passion was leaving my soul for football but Taylor helped me find it and now I feel better then ever and in shape.

More titles to come?
Definatly, we will take home the other 3 cups and be the best team in the world and deserve it!

POST MATCH INTERVIEW WITH DANIEL TAYLOR

Taylor, first silverware, how does it feel?
Great! I know alot of people say this is a Mickey Mouse cup but in the end it's a cup and now Liverpool have won it 8 times since it started.

You could seal the league next weekend to complete a perfect week.
Yes but we have a matter of beating Newcastle first in the FA Cup 5th round and then we'll take the title at Carrow Road.

And to beat Everton must of been the cream of the crop?
There is no better feeling then beating your local rivals in a cup and infront of these fans in this big stadium is amazing.

Carling Cup Final
Millenium Stadium, Cardiff
Liverpool 2 Cisse 47 70
Everton 0
MOM - Kewell
Att: 72842

Liverpool (4-1-4-1); Dudek; Finnan, Carra, Hyypia, Riise; Alonso; Esposito, Gerrard, Garcia, Kewell; Cisse

Everton (4-2-3-1); Wright; Hibbert, Yobo, Stubbs, Pistone; Arteta, Carsley; Watson, Osman, Katan; Beattie

retired_janearific

One down 3 to go :thup: