retired_provrb7

'Pool Reserves Overcome Bolton At The Reebok
Saturday 2nd April 2005

My mind was already on the next game to be honest, Inter at San Siro in Italy. I would have the upper hand thou. My players would of been rested for 2 weeks and we were prepared for the Italian giants. But enough about that, it was time to meet The Wanderers in Bolton. Again it was a reserve type first XI and the only diffrence from the Blackburn was that Biscan came in for Jensen in defense.

First Half
Min 12 - The first chance dropped to Bolton. Barness took a cornor on the right, he found Shakes on the far post, he heads towards goal! Saved on the line by Traore!
Min 15 - GOAL! Josemi gathered up a long ball on the right, he passes infield to Pellegrino, he passes back to Kirkland, he lays it out left to Traore, he looks up, passes up to Partridge, he gets rid of Hunt down the left, crosses into the box, Morientes is totally unmarked! Shoots low and to the right! 1-0!!
Min 24 - Josemi finds Le Tallec out right, he dribbles down the line, crosses to the far post, Partridge gathers it up just inside the penalty area, shoots! Well wide!
Min 25 - Hunt throws the ball back into play, Davies wins a header against Hamill, heads down to Kaku, he hits on the volley! Wide!
Min 31 - Traore finds Partridge down the left, he one two's with Welsh, Partridge gets down the left, crosses into the box, Welsh is free! But his composure is worse then Morientes and he blasts it over the bar! Poorly done, should of been 2-0.

Second Half
Min 50 - Le Tallec lines up a free kick just on the half circle. He shoots! It deflects off the wall, saved by Jaaskelainen!! Hamann heads the rebound!! Wide! Very poor effort from the German.
Min 52 - Morientes founds Le Tallec to his right, he passes infield to Hamill, he lays the ball off first time to Partridge free on the left, he dribbles into the box, past Hunt, shoots! Good save by Jaaskelainen!
Min 58 - Nolan takes the free kick quickly, finds Okocha, he dribbles down the left, holds off Josemi, finds Hunt outside the area, he powers an effort towards goal! High and wide into the stands!
Min 60 - GOAL! Jaaskelainen finds Candela on the left, he passes forwards to Okocha who losses his marker, he throuhgs it to Pedersen down the left, he crosses into the center! Header by Kaku! Past Kirkland and 1-1! I decided to sub Morientes for Mycklebust after the goal.
Min 64 - Shakes was pushed by Hamann and a freekick was awarded to Bolton. Nolan lined it up, struck it towards goal! High over the bar!
Min 69 - Partridge's cornor on the left found Mycklebust at the near post, he holds off his marker, twist and turns, shoots hard and low! Jaaskelainen saves!
Min 73 - Subs: Traore and Welsh off, Jensen and Woods on.
Min 81 - GOAL!! Pellegrino's free kick hit the wall, Josemi gathers up at the halfway line, goes to the right, finds Le Tallec infront of him, he crosses from deep into the center of the box, Hamann heads it! It hits the post!! And goes in!! 2-1!! Jaaskelainen had no chance! What a header!!
Min 88 - Slim chance for Bolton to come back, Fadiga receives the ball off of Kaku, he throughs it for Davies, but the Liverpool defense are well organized, Davies has the ball at the edge of the area, shoots! Wide!
Min 89 - Kirkland takes the goal kick, won by Ben Haim, headed upfield to Nolan, he flicks it over the Liverpool defense, headed by Davies! It's goalbound!! Unbelievable save by Kirkland!! He was the other side of the goal and still managed to get back and grip it!
Min 90 - Long ball from Kaku finds Gardner, he heads down to Fadiga, he advances forward, he's outside the area, shoots! Well wide!
Min 90 + 3 - Mycklebust gathers up a loose ball in Bolton's half, he dribbles past Ben Haim, tries to take it past Hunt, but can't. Hamill gathers up outside the area, takes a pop at goal! Just wide!

Premiership
Reebok Stadium, Bolton
Bolton 1 Kaku 60
Liverpool 2 Morientes 15, Hamann 81
MOM - Jaaskelainen
Att: 27473

Bolton (4-3-3); Jaaskelainen; Barness, Hunt, Jaidi, Candela; Nolan, Okocha, Kaku; Davies, Pedersen, Shakes

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

retired_provrb7

'Pool Edge Out Inter In Italy
Wednesday 6th April

Against Inter I had a few problems on my hands. Riise and Hyypia were both out injured and could'nt make the trip. Also Traore had picked up a knock at the Reebok so he could'nt start on the left so Carra had to play on the left which is'nt his favorite position and I'd have to go with Biscan and Pellegrino in the middle against Vieri and Adriano which did'nt make me feel comfortable at all.

PRE MATCH INTERVIEW

Daniel, no Traore, Hyypia or Riise. Looks like your defense is a bit depleted?
It's so typical that you rest players for certain games and then they get injured before the match. But I have asked both Pellegrino and Biscan if they are up for it and they are willing to give 100% so that feels good.

What's your strategy for today?
Well I did'nt come here to defend, we want to win but when we have injuries in the backline and they have Vieri and Adriano up top, it makes you think. Hopefully the backline can detain them and we're looking to not give Veron too much space in central areas.

Many favour Inter, can you surprise them?
I think this team has shown many a time that we can win when the odds are against us to. If we win today then it's all over for Inter, they can start thinking about their League and leave the Champions League for us.

First Half
Min 2 - GOAL! Pellegrino wins a header against Vieri, heads down to Alonso, he finds Garcia upfield, he passes sideways to Gerrard, throughs it for Cisse in the area, he gets away from Materazzi, shoots low! 1-0!! What a start from Liverpool! And a great finish!
Min 3 - Cordoba's long ball finds Adriano, he heads down the right flank for Burdisso, he crosses into the box, Vieri heads the ball! Good save by Dudek! He punches it away! Recoba gathers it up, sends it into the box for Stankovic, he shoots directly! Another good save by Dudek!! Cleared from Pellegrino!
Min 9 - Finnan was injured by Recoba and was replaced by Josemi.
Min 29 - GOAL!! Pellegrino heads the ball out of the area, Carra gathers up, finds Cisse at the halfway line, he is joined by Esposito, he passes him, he dribbles past Cordoba, throughs it for Cisse, he is free against Toldo, shoots to the right! 2-0!! Cisse is causing real trouble for Inter! His 35th for the season!
Min 39 - Veron tripped Garcia just outside the area. Esposito steps up to take it, he curls it pas the wall! Just over the bar!
Min 41 - Burdisso wins the ball off of Garcia, passes infield to Adriano, he passes back to Burdisso, he runs upfield, passes inwards for Adriano, he finds Vieri infront of the area, he shoots hard and low! Just a fraction wide of the right post!

Second Half
Min 50 - Ze Maria tripped Garcia outside the area, he lines it up. Strikes from distance! Well wide and high.
Min 58 - GOAL! Recoba runs down the left, gets to the halfway line, Josemi tackles the ball off him, Vieri gathers up the ball, finds Adriano upfield, dribbles past Pellegrino, sidesteps Dudek, slips it past the Pole. 1-2!!
Min 63 - Esposito is sent off for a double yellow and now we were a man down with a hungry Inter after us. I took off Cisse and put on Le Tallec.
Min 71 - Hamann comes on for a very tired Gerrard.
Min 76 - Vieri sends a long ball upfield, Carragher heads it, but heads it straight down to Adraino! He's through on goal! Shoots! Great save by Dudek!
Min 84 - Cordoba throws the ball to Adriano on the left, he cuts infield, shoots! Wide!
Min 86 - GOAL!!! Kewell is fouled outside the Inter area by Davids. Le Tallec grabs the ball quickly and shoo's everyone else away, he lines it up, pumps it over the wall! 3-1!!! Toldo was rooted to the spot! Great free kick by Le Tallec from 30 yards!
Min 88 - GOAL! Recoba takes a cornor on the right, crosses into Emre, he takes the ball down, shoots! Blocked by Pellegrino, falls to Vieri, he shoots! Deflects off Le Tallec! 2-3!!
Final Whistle

POST MATCH INTERVIEW

Daniel, what a game! What can you say about it?
Very intensive first and last 10 minutes. When Cisse scored early I was surprised by the lack of the Inter defense. Then Finnan got injured and then it felt like one of those days when it could all go downhill but instead Cisse scores a second then Inter come back with 1 goal, Esposito gets sent off and Cisse's replacement, Le Tallec scores a beautiful free kick and then Vieri managed to get a consulation goal.

When Vieri scored, what went through your mind?
It was so late in the game so to be honest I knew they would'nt score another. For Liverpool fans this is great and for a neutral the game was brilliant.

Esposito's sending off, fair?
I think so yes, he got two yellows and at halftime I told him to stop tugging Favalli's shirt but he did'nt listen obviously.

The return leg at Anfield, is this a done deal?
I'm already looking forward to the Semi Finals.

Champions League Quater Final Leg 1
Giuseppe Meazza,San Siro, Milan
Inter 2 Adriano 58, Vieri 88
Liverpool 3 Cisse 2 29, Le Tallec 86
MOM - Kewell
Att: 74896

Inter (4-4-2); Toldo; Cordoba, Burdisso, Materazzi, Favalli; Ze Maria, Veron, Cordoba, Stankovic; Vieri, Adriano

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

retired_provrb7

Josemi's Late Goal Keeps Run Going
Sunday 10th April 2005

Before the return leg against Inter at Anfield it was time to take on the rivals from Salford, Manchester United. Obviously I was staring at the bottom of the barrel of a shotgun playing my reserves against United's most strongest but I needed my players 100% focused on the matter in hand. Jensen was back in defense for us with Biscan given a rest.

First Half
Min 28 - Le Tallec's cornor on the left goes into the box, it flippers around like a pin ball machine, it ends up at Jensen who heads it towards goal! It hits the bar!! And Caroll catches it.
Min 34 - GOAL! Partridge has a cornor on the right, Dede intercepts and starts running down the left, he gets past the halfway line, he finds Giggs at the edge of the box, he crosses into the box for van Nistelrooy, he shoots hard and low! 1-0 to United!
Min 42 - Pellegrino intercepts a pass from Giggs, finds Morientes at the halfway line, finds Partridge to his left, he passes back, he tries a one two with Partridge, he gets into the box, holds off Dede and Ferdinand, shoots! Wide!
Min 43 - Ronaldo goes down the right, finds Tuncay infront of the box, Jensen tackles the ball off him, Keane gathers up, shoots from 25 yards! Over the bar!

Second Half
Min 48 - Heinze's free kick finds Giggs down the left, passes back to Dede, he finds Ronaldo down the right, he crosses into the box! Header by Keane! Great save by Kirkland! Nistelrooy headers the rebound!! Wide!
Min 51 - Heinze plays the ball back to Caroll, his ball finds Tuncay, he heads back to O'Shea, he finds Pizarro running 55 yards ahead of him, he takes it into the box, shoots! Over the bar!
Min 55 - Giggs takes a cornor on the left, goes low into the six yard box, it finds Nistelrooy! He shoots hard and low! Great save from Kirkland!
Min 59 - Le Tallec lines up a free kick 25 yards out, curvs it over the wall! Just a touch wide! Traore comes off for Woods
Min 68 - Subs: Morientes and Welsh off, Nunez makes his first appearence and Mycklebust.
Min 80 - Le Tallec finds Hamill centrally infront of the area, lays it out left for Partridge, played back to Hammill, he shoots from just outside the box! High and wide!
Min 90 + 2 - GOAL! Hammill takes a cornor on the left, crosse near post to Mycklebust, Tuncay pulls him down! Penalty!! I point to Josemi, this is chance to score his first ever goal for Liverpool. He puts it on the spot... strikes hard and low to the left... Caroll dives right... but it's too good!! 1-1 in the dieing seconds!! Josemi's first goal for Liverpool!

Premiership
Anfield, Liverpool
Liverpool 1 Josemi 90
Man Utd 1 Nistelrooy 35
MOM - Kirkland
Att: 45332

Liverpool (4-1-4-1); Kirkland; Josemi, Pellegrino, Jensen, Traore; Hamann; Le Tallec, Welsh, Hammill, Partridge; Morientes

Man Utd (4-4-1-1); Caroll; Neville, O'Shea, Heinze, Dede; Ronaldo, Pizarro, Keane, Giggs; Tuncay; Nistelrooy

retired_provrb7

Wednesday 13th April 2005

The game against Man Utd meant nothing in my or the players minds. It was tonight that everything counted. We needed to work hard, show determination and show that we are indeed the best in Europe. Or indeed, the world.. Esposito was suspended for the double bookable last leg so that meant I needed to reshuffle the midfield. Garcia took his right flank, Alonso back beside Gerrard and Hamann as anchor. Hyypia and Riise were back but Finnan who got injured last leg was replaced by Josemi who should be on a high after his first goal for the club.

PRE MATCH INTERVIEW

Daniel, last time you said this is a done deal. Does that still apply?
Definatly, if Inter think that they are winning on English soil then they have another thing coming. We have gotten back valuable players and our defense looks stronger then the once in Milan.

Who would you like to meet next round?
Does'nt matter, we'll beat them anyway. If I had to choose then I would'nt mind playing against Juventus seeing as these two have alot of history between them.

Finally, score tonight?
We will win.

First Half
Min 1 - The game kicked off and started the same as the first game. Intensive first minutes. Recoba had the ball on the halfway line, Alonso tackled him and passed the ball forward to Cisse, shunned off Materazzi, found Kewell out wide left, tried to shake off Zanetti, had to back track, tried again to go forward, found Cisse with a through ball, he shot from the left edge of the area! Good save by Toldo!
Min 2 - Garcia knicked the ball on the halfway line off of Stankovic, found Alonso infield, he found Gerrard beside him, he threads it through to Kewell, loads of space! Shoots! Over the bar!! How did he miss that?!
Min 16 - Kewell has the ball on the left, crosses into the box, headed away by Materazzi, back to Kewell, he crosses infront of Toldo, Alonso connects with a foot!! Straight at Toldo..
Min 20 - Kewell knicks the ball off Van der Meyde, he finds Gerrard infield, he threads through for Cisse who is unmarked, he gets into the box, shoots! Save by Toldo! He gets the ball back, tries to hit it in the far cornor! His the woodwork!! Favalli clears! Unlucky..
Min 24 - Veron nicks the ball off of Gerrard, it finds Stankovic on the left, he runs down the left, crosses into the six yard box, Recoba heads it!! Just over the bar!
Min 28 - GOAL! Zanetti takes a throw on the right, throws to Veron, he crosses near post, Josemi wins the header agianst Adriano and clears to Cisse, he runs to the halfway line, gets past Materazzi, passes back to Riise, he finds Kewell now on the left wing, he gets down the flank, crosses near post, Toldo comes to claim! But Cisse heads it first!! 1-0!! Great goal!

retired_provrb7

Sorry about that, accidently pressed "post now".

Min 30 - Favalli gathers up a cleared ball, finds Veron infield, passes back to Cordoba, he finds Zanetti to the right, he goes down the flank, crosses into the box, it goes out to the right flank to Recoba, he cuts back for Favalli, he passes to the right edge of the area to Zanetti, crosses to the penalty spot to Stankovic, passed back to Favalli, there are no spaces in the Liverpool defense, he crosses into the six yard box, header by Vieri! 1-1!! But wait... The lineman says foul, he pushed Garcia apparently, looking at the reply that was very harsh.
Min 36 - Zanetti takes a throw to van der Meyde, he passes back to Zanetti, he cuts infield, finds Stankovic in the box, headed towards goal! Over the bar! Both Kewell and Dudek had picked up injuries. Partridge and Kirkland came on to replace.
Min 39 - Riise takes a throw to Gerrard, he finds Partridge down the left, he crosses to the far post to Garcia, headed away Favalli, Gerrard gathers up, curls it towards goal! Great save by Toldo!
Min 41 - Carra's ball to Garcia is headed away by Materazzi, he heads to Recoba down the right wing, he centers it to Veron who one touch finds Stankovic down the left, he tries ihs luck from the edge of the area! Over the bar!
Min 42 - Veron's cornor is cut out by Partridge, Veron finds Vieri in the box, he heads to van der Meyde, he shoots! Just wide!
Min 45 + 1 - Alonso tackles the ball off Vieri, Carra gathers up, he passes Partridge, but it's cut out by Veron, he finds Recoba on the left, he shoots! Over the bar!

Second Half
Min 52 - Cordoba tackles the ball off of Gerrard, ball falls to Alonso, finds Gerrard, he passes forward to Cisse, gets into the area, shoots! Good save by Toldo! He's keeping them in the game so far!
Min 57 - Gerrard's got a free kick on the left, shoots! But it goes wide of Toldo's post.
Min 59 - The brilliant Cisse gets replaced by Morientes.
Min 67 - GOAL!!Partridge heads a ball down the left flank, gathered up by Veron, Partridge nicks the ball off him, crosses into the box, Morientes heads it towards the right! 2-0!! Great goal!!
Min 72 - Recoba gets past Garcia on the halfway line, he finds Vieri down the left flank, Kirkland blocks the shot! Riise clears off the line!
Min 75 - GOAL! Cornor to Inter on the left, Recoba to take, finds Materazzi on the near post, he wins a header against Carra, heads towards goal! 1-2!! Kirkland was left stranded!
Min 87 - Partridge throws the ball to Morientes, he heads back to Partridge, he crosses to the far post, Garcia heads the ball! Hits the sidenetting!
Min 90 + 2 - Cordoba heads the ball to Emre, he runs to the left, cuts in, threads it through for Adriano, he's free on goal, sidesteps Kirkland, slots it into goal, 2-2!!
Final Whistle! Liverpool Are Into The Semi's!

POST MATCH INTERVIEW

Well Daniel, that was close, 2-0 up to 2-2 in the second half, what happened?
The players got too confident I think. With 2-0 up that meant we were 5-2 up on aggregate but that can disappear so quickly with a team like Inter. I give them credit thou, the managed to keep us from winning at home.

Kewell and Dudek off in the first half, anything serious?
No just minor knocks, they'll be alright, I hope!

Real Madrid, Milan and Juventus are all through together with you tonight. Do you still fancy Juve?
Out of those three it does'nt really matter. They are all three strong teams but I think maybe I'd fancy Madrid now because even thou their attack is first class, their defense is not the best.

Champions League Quater Final Leg 2
Anfield, Liverpool
Liverpool 2 Cisse 28, Morientes 67
Inter 2 Materazzi 75, Adriano 90
MOM - Cisse
Att: 45323

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

Inter (4-4-2); Toldo; Zanetti, Materazzi, Cordoba, Favalli; Meyde, Veron, Recoba, Stankovic; Vieri, Adriano

retired_usmcwifekord

hope you meet Milan in the final

retired_provrb7

Sunday 17th April 2005

From the Champions League against Inter to the FA Cup semi final's against Arsenal in Cardiff. The fun never stops with this team. Both Dudek and Kewell are both fine after their knocks against Inter. The only first team absantee is Finnan but Josemi has been just fine on the right. Again I miss the opportunity to play against Henry, he is injured yet again and am still yet to meet him.

In other news I was drawn against Real Madrid in the Champions League and Milan took on Juventus. The bookies were saying the final should be against Real and Milan. Let's just see about that.

PRE MATCH INTERVIEW

Daniel, from the San Siro to Anfield to the Millenium Stadium, busy schedule eh?
Yes it feels like were all over the place at the moment. Some days you just wake up and wonder where you are. By the way, what time is it?

Just past 2 o' clock. You have almost your strongest elevan whereas Arsenal look a bit depleted. How do you fancy your chances?
Cheers. Well I think that the match could go either way. It's who wants it most on the day and I think you'll find we'll win. Thing is this game could go all the way to penalties and we have been practising them all week just to make sure so I'm confident whateve happens we'll be ready.

Finally, the season is almost coming to a close, you only got a one year contract before this one. Are there talks of a new deal?
Yeah I've spoken to Moores and he knows what I want and hopefully we'll be able to announce it by the end of May.

First Half
Min 5 - Esposito has a cornor on the right, crosses ot the near post, header by Cisse! Great save by Lehmann!
Min 22 - Cisse is fouled by Campbell and Styles books the big man. Cisse steps up to take it himself. Curls it over the wall! High and wide!
Min 24 - Gerrard finds Kewell out wide on the left, he cuts in, dribbles past Salihamidzic, centres it, headed clear by Campbell, gathered up by Garcia, he shoots! Over the bar!
Min 25 - Campbell argues with the ref and gets his second yellow and gets sent off!
Min 42 - Riise to take a throw, throws into the box for Esposito, headed away by Cole, Cisse heads outside the box for Garcia, Aliardiere tackles it off Garcia, Gerrard gathers up, shoots from outside the box! Puts it wide!
Min 44 - Cornor to Arsenal and Pires, crosses ot the far post, Aliardiere and Dudek get up, Dudek claims it. But wait! The ref blows for a penalty!! Dudek has pushed Aliardiere out of the way! Salihamihdzic steps up... shoots straight forward! Dudek stays on his line and keeps it out!!

Second Half
Min 49 - GOAL! Esposito with a cornor on the left, Edu clears, Esposito gathers up the ball, goes to the byline, passes back to Hyypia, Gerrard gets the ball, curls it towards the right post with his left boot, curls past Lehmann! 1-0!!
Min 50 - Arsenal go for a quick reply, Cole's long ball is headed down by Reyes to Aliardiere, he shoots hard and low! Wide!
Min 59 - Salihamidzic flicks the ball on, Hyypia flicks it up to Gerrard, he finds Esposito on the right, he cuts in, finds Kewell out left, dribbles past Salihamidzic, finds Garcia infront of the area, gets past Toure, into the box, shoots! Hits the sidenetting! Poor effort, should of been 2-0.. Kewell and Cisse come off for Hamann and Morientes.
Min 69 - Toure takes an Arsenal freekick on the halfway line, long to Bergkamp, Hyypia wins the header and heads it to Morientes, finds Esposito on the right, he goes down the right flank, gets past Pires, cuts inside the box, finds Morientes in the box, he hits on the half volley! Good save by Lehmann! Esposito looks tired and comes off for Partridge.
Min 72 - Josemi takes a throw in in the Liverpool half, Pires heads the ball, Josemi gathers up the ball, finds Alonso, passes back to Hyypia, long ball down the left for Partridge, Salihamidzic wins the header, Gilberto gathers the ball, finds Bergkamp infront of the area, tries to find Vieira, but Alonso cuts out the pass, Gilberto wins the ball back, Searches for Pires on the left, goes down the left, crosses into the box, Bergkamp wins the header against Hyypia, heads towards goal! Off the bar!!
Min 75 - Partridge finds Morientes at the edge of the area, he threads it down the left flank back to Partridge, he crosses to the far post, Cole wins the header, Gerrard gathers the ball outside the area, curls it towards goal! Just just wide!
Min 79 - Vieira takes a Arsenal free kick just inside the Liveprool half, tries to find van Persie, Carra heads the ball clear, Vieira heads the ball back into the area, finds Reyes who lays off for Gilberto, he shoots from just outside the area! Wide!
Min 80 - GOAL!Free kick to Arsenal given 25 yards outside the area. van Persie lines it up, curls it over the wall and right into the right hand side of the goal! 1-1!!

Extra Time
Min 92 - Hamann finds Riise down the left, he passes forward down the left flank to Partridge, tries to finds Morientes in the box with a cross, header towards goal! Great save by Lehmann!!
Min 97 - Dudek's free kick finds Riise down the left, passes inwards to Hamann, passes back to Hyypia, long ball to Partridge down the left, he crosses into the box for Morientes, good tackle by Cole, Gerrard gathers up the ball, curls towards goal! Right over the bar!
The Game Goes To Penalties!

Both lists from the managers came in. Wenger had chosen Salihamidzic, Bergkamp, Reyes, van Persie and Ljungberg. I on the other hand decided to let Garcia take my first since he was usally the best taker in training, Riise to take the second because he was having a good game and usually powers them in, Carra to take my third because he's already scored three this season on penalties, Professional Hamann and Morientes to round off the show with 4th and 5th penalties.

Arsenal 1st P.K - Salihamidzic steps up... shoots straight forward... Dudek dives to his right and the ball rustles the back of the net, 1-0.
Liverpool 1st P.K - Luis Garcia places the ball on the spot... he shoots straight at goal.. Lehmann anticipates greatly and keeps the ball out!

Arsenal 2nd P.K - Bergkamp runs up to take the penalty... he shoots to the left... Dudek dives right... but can't reach it! 2-0!
Liverpool 2nd P.K - Riise steps up to the spot... he powers it straight forward... Lehmann does'nt move and again saves another penalty! Arsenal are cruising!

Arsenal 3rd P.K - Reyes steps up... he shoots to the right... Dudek dives left... Punches it away! Great save!
Liverpool 3rd P.K - Carra places the ball on the spot... he shoots to the left... Lehmann dives to his right... But the shot is too good! 1-2!

Arsenal 4th P.K - van Persie to take Arsenal's 4th... he shoots to the right... Dudek dives left... he punches it away! Another great save!
Liverpool 4th P.K - Hamann to take the 'Pool penalty... he powers it straight down the middle... Lehmann was about to go left and can't get back to save, 2-2!!

Arsenal 5th P.K - Ljungberg has to score or else Liverpool have the chance to nick it... He tries down the middle... Dudek stays firm and saves!!
Liverpool 5th P.K - If Morientes scores Liverpool are in the final of the FA Cup... he shoots to the right... Lehmann dives left... no good enough and the shot goes in!! 3-2!!
Liverpool Are Through To The Final!!!

POST MATCH INTERVIEW

What a great game! What happened out there today?
It's fantastic, this is what football is all about, entertainment to the very end. However I think Arsenal were lucky to even get to a penalty shoot out.

Campbell off, 1-0 up, everyone thought it was over.
Including me but then van Persie scores a great goal against run of play on a free kick and sends it to extra time.

With that said, all of sudden it's penalties and your 2-0 down and then everyone was saying Arsenal have won it.
To be honest I was a but nervous but then Dudek came and saved the day and saved 3 penalties on the trot and justice was done because we were the best team on the day. Not even Wenger can argue with that.

FA Cup Semi Final
Millenium Stadium, Cardiff
Arsenal 1 van Persie 90 (2)
Liverpool 1 Gerrard 48 (3)
MOM - Toure
Att: 72480

Arsenal (4-4-2); Lehmann; Salihamidzic, Toure, Campbell, Cole; Ljungberg, Vieria, Edu, Pires; Aliardiere, Reyes

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

retired_provrb7

Wednesday 20th April 2005

Two matches in the Premiership before the big game at the Bernabeu against Madrid. Obviously I've got for reserve teams in those matches aswell. Today it was Aston Villa away and then Arsenal at home who will be out for revenge. Smicer was to make his first appearence this season and will be leaving for West Ham on Bosman after the season since he was'nt getting anywhere in the Liverpool shirt I'm afraid.

Chelsea managed to see off Man United 3-1 in the other Semi Final to play us in the final. Should be a very good final at the end of the season.

First Half
Min 7 - Barry has the ball on the left past the halfway line, finds McCann infront of the area, he plays it back out to Barry, he crosses into the box, header by Cole! Great save by Kirkland!
Min 10 - GOAL! Hamann's freekick found Morientes totally unmarked outside the area, took the ball down well, dribbled past Sorensen and slipped it into the empty net! 1-0! Great goal!
Min 12 - Hendrie passes back to Mellberg, he finds Schmidt to his right, he passes back to Mellberg, he looks for Barry, Barry heads it back to Laursen, he passes looking for de la Cruz on the right wing, he wins a header against Traore, heads down to Cole in the area, he dribbles past Biscan, shoots hard! Saved by Kirkland!
Min 17 - Barry has the ball on the left, passes down the flank for Angel, he;s into the area, cuts back to McCann outside the area, he shoots! Wide!
Min 18 - GOAL!! Kirkland's free kick is won in the air by Hammill against Samuel, he heads it over the Aston Villa defense to Morientes, Mellberg gathers up and clears down the left, Josemi heads the ball down the flank to Le Tallec, he passes infield to Hammill, he passes back to Le Tallec, he finds Smicer infield, Smicer threads the ball through for Morientes, Sorenson tries to come and claim, but Morientes slides it underneath him! 2-0!! Great goal by 'El Moro'!
Min 23 - Hendrie has a free kick on the left edge of the area, he looks for de la Cruz just inside the half circle, he shoots! Just wide!
Min 25 - Morientes is tripped by Mellberg, Free kick to Liverpool just outsid ethe area to the left. Partridge lines it up, shoots! Very very close, clips the bar and goes over!
Min 44 - Mellberg looks for Cole upfield, he heads back to McCann, he finds Angel to his left, Angel threads it down the left to Barry, he gets into the area, shoots! Good save!
Min 45 + 1 - Laursen lays it out right to Schmidt, he passes infield to McCann, he htreads it through to Cole, he gets into the area, shoots! Save by Kirkland!

Second Half
Morientes and Traore had picked up minor knocks and were replaced at half time by Woods and Mycklebust.
Min 50 - Hendrie takes a cornor on the right, Josemi heads away the cross, McCann gathers up and puts it into the box to Cole, he bares down on Kirkland, shoots! Save again by Kirkland!
Min 52 - Dudek clears upfield to Mycklebust, Mellberg wins the header and flicks it on for Angel upfield, he finds Barry on the left, he goes down the left, crosses from deep, Cole heads the ball! Over the bar!
Min 60 - Sub: Smicer off for Nunez.
Min 76 - Le Tallec takes a free kick outside the Villa area. He curls it over the wall! Just over the bar!
Min 82 - Laursen gathers up the clerence and lays it down left for Barry, he finds Agbonlahor down the left, he crosses into the far post, Moore connects with a header! Over the bar!

Premiership
Villa Park, Birmingham
Aston Villa 0
Liverpool 2 Morientes 10 18
MOM - Kirkland
Att: 42498

Aston Villa (4-4-2); Sorensen; Schmidt, Mellberg, Laursen, Samuel; de la Cruz, Hendrie, McCann, Barry; Cole, Angel

Liverpool (4-1-4-1); Kirkland; Josemi, Pellegrino, Biscan, Traore; Hamann; Le Tallec, Hammill, Smicer, Partridge; Morientes

retired_elpata

Good story keep it up :thup:

retired_provrb7

Cheers Cleon :thup:

Arsenal End Liverpool's Run
Saturday 23rd April 2005

Well it was bound to happen sooner or later and it was on our homeground aswell. But I rather have rested players away to Madrid then play them against Arsenal in a meningless match to be perfectly honest. Your probably suspecting I had reserve players out. Yes I did and if Wenger takes pleasure in beating my reserves then so be it.

First Half
Min 26 - Smicer tries to find Partridge on the left, he finds Morientes infront of the penalty area, he skips past Cygan, shoots! Wide!
Min 32 - Toure takes a free kick in our half, Biscan clears it, Salihamidzic gathers up the ball, feeds a high ball into the area, Aliadiere heads the ball down to Ljungberg, Woods tackles the ball off him, Salihamidzic gathers up the ball, he crosses into the box, Pellegrino pushes van Persie! Penalty!! Salihamidzic to take it... powers it down the middle! Kirkland stands firm and saves it!!
Min 35 - GOAL! Kirkland sends a goal kick upfield, Morientes heads a ball down to Hammill, he passes back to Josemi, he passes infield to Hamann, he passes back to Pellegrino, he passes back to Kirkland, he tries to find Le Tallec down the left, Cole heads the ball to Pires, he finds Salihamidzic down the right, he dribbles past Partridge, finds Ljungberg down the right flank, centres it to Vieira, he powers it low! 1-0!
Min 37 - Josemi has a free kick on the right flank, shoots from a very tight angle! Lehmann tips it over the bar!
Min 40 - GOAL! Pires has a free kick on the left edge of the box, curls it over the wall! Hits the post! And goes in past Kirkland! 2-0!
Min 45 + 2 - Cole throws in a ball on the left, throws to Pires, finds van Persie to his right, he finds Edu outside the box, he shoots! Hits the sidenetting!

Second Half
Le Tallec comes off for Nunez at halftime due to playing very poorly.
Min 62 - 'El Moro' comes off for Mycklebust.
Min 77 - Pires finds Cole down the left, he threads it down the left for Reyes, he finds Bergkamp with a cross! He heads towards goal! Over the bar!
Min 90 - Josemi gathers up a cleared ball, he finds Hammill infield, he passes back to Josemi down the right, he gets down the right, crosses to the penalty area to Hammill, one touch out left to Partridge, he gets past Lauren, shoots! Save by Lehmann!

Premiership
Anfield, Liverpool
Liverpool 0
Arsenal 2 Vieira 34, Pires 40
MOM - Pires
Att: 45329

Liverpool (4-1-4-1); Kirkland; Josemi, Pellegrino, Biscan, Woods; Hamann; Le Tallec, Hammill, Smicer, Patridge; Morientes

Arsenal (4-4-2); Lehmann; Salihamidzic, Toure, Cygan, Cole; Ljungberg, Vieira, Edu, Pires; Aliardiere, Reyes