retired_provrb7

Bookies Say Liverpool Have No Chance Of Winning The Champions League

Yes it's true, Liverpool are 18-1 outsiders of winning it. Might put my weeks wages on that Anyway back to the match at hand. Riise came back from his international duties with a chest injury so Traore had to be moved into central defence. Hyypia said he was very tired after his international so he's rested for Pellegrino.

Saturday 11th September, 15.00. Anfield, Liverpool.
Premiership
Liverpool 2, Alonso 77, Garcia 90
Birmingham 0
MOM - Garcia
Att: 45137

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

Birmingham (4-4-2); Taylor; Melchiot, Cunningham, Upson, Clapham; Pennant, Nafti, Carter, Lazaridis; Morrison, Pandiani

1st Half
As the game started Paco turned around to me on the bench and thought I had a concerned expression on my face. I explained that both Riise and Hyypia's absent could cause an upset in the defence. But I said that Pellegrino is very experienced so he should be able to hold it together.
Min 15 - Pandiani sends a free kick from 30 yards over the bar. Very close to an upset.
Time flew through this half and it seemed like a deadlock between the teams. Birmingham had only one mission, 0-0. At halftime I explained to the lads that Birmingham had no attack so I asked Garcia and Kewell to push further upfield. Both Finnan and Hamann explained that the Birmingham players were playing very rough today and that both had suffered knocks. I asked if they could play on and both nodded very determined.

2nd Half
The second half started as the first one really, Birmingham happy to defend and they were defending well.
Goal! It took 77 minutes to break the deadlock! Taylor sent a freekick down the pitch which Pellegrino happily headed down to Cisse, Cisse passed it back to Hamann who passed even further back to Pellegrino, he then passed Finnan who sent a long ball to Garcia, he headed to down to Cisse who took it down the right wing, crossed it to the halfcircle and Alonso smashes it into the top left cornor on the goal to score his first goal for the club! 1-0, and I gave the thumbs up to Alonso. Straight after the goal I told Josemi, Welsh and Morientes to get their overalls off, Cisse, Finnan and Hamann were coming off.
Min 87 - Yet another free kick from Taylor was headed by Pellegrino to Alonso, he held onto the ball and picked out Steven Gerrards forward run perfectly, Gerrard bore down on goal, shot low, but Taylor is equal to it and Upson cleared for a throw in on the left.
Goal! - The clock just hit 90 minutes on the dot when Garcia buried one of his piledrivers! Another long ball was headed down by Pellegrino to Alonso, he found a free Garcia on the right who bent it from the edge of the box into the top left cornor. Pure Class, 2-0 and the fans are again very satisfied costumers!
Full Time!

In the lockeroom after the game there was only smiles. I congratulated Alonso on his first goal for the club and I then looked at Garcia and just smiled. No words were spoken, we just had this understanding that I was very happy for him, and he already knew that. I told the lads that they'd done brilliantly this week and I didn't expect to see them at the training ground tomorrow. Have the day off!

retired_provrb7

And They Say The Weather In England Is Bad?

After the players had been out celebrating the good start to the season it was back to normal at the club, and the focus on Rosenborg away. We went to Trondheim on the Monday and started training. The only player not to come with us was Hamann who picked up a slight shoulder injury against Birmingham, nothing serious thou. Cisse got injured on the Monday training in Norway and would not be participating against Rosenborg. Riise was still not fit enough but made the trip anyway just in case.

PRE MATCH INTERVIEW

No Riise, No Ciise, No Hamann, are you concerned?
Of course there is a bit of concern since these three are first teamers but as I've said before we have adequate cover.

This is Morientes first game from the start, how is his fitness?
Still not match fit but where else can you get fitness from unless your playing ? I believe in his ability and I'm sure he'll do well today.

Do you feel any threat from Rosenborg?
None at all to be honest, I feel that the Scandinavium teams are nothing compared to the teams from, say, England, Spain or Italy.

Good luck today.

Tuesday 14th September, 19.45. Lerkendal Stadion, Trondheim.
UEFA Champions League Grp C
Rosenborg 0
Liverpool 2, Garcia 2, Alonso 47
MOM - Dudek
Att: 22485

Rosenborg (4-4-2); Martinsen; Basma, Hoftun, Riseth, Dorsin; Strand, Berg, Winsnes, Braaten; Johnsen, Helstad

Liverpool (4-1-4-1); Dudek; Finnan, Carra, Hyypia, Traore; Biscan; Garcia, Gerrard, Alonso, Kewell; Morientes

1st Half
Both teams marched out onto the pitch for the beginning of THE biggest club competition in Europe, probably the world. As me, staff and the subs took to the bench I looked up into the sky as the drops of rain hit my face I looked over to Paco who also was looking into the sky. He looked at me and I said "And they say the weather in England is bad?". He just smiled as referee Tokat blew for the first half.
Goal! - Just 2 minutes into the game! Hyypia, Carra and Finnan were all passing the ball amonst them in defence when then Finnan picked out Garcia beautifully on the right wing, he dribbled down the right and just when you expect he's going to cross, he smashes it into the left hand of the goal! A deja vu from the Birmingham game! 1-0, Garcia's 5th of the season and Liverpool are off to a great start!
Min 5 - Rosenborg look for an early reply, attack goes through Strand on the right, who find Johnsen infront of the penalty area, he shoots! Deflects off Carra but finds itself to Helstad who shoots straight at Dudek! Finnan clears to a cornor.
Min 9 - Hoftun's free-kick from 25 yards is high and wide.
Min 28 - Counter attack by Rosenborg after a poor Gerrard free kick, the ball is played out wide left to Helstad who runs towards goal, luckily three Liverpool defenders have recovered and Carra puts pressure on Helstad and he ballons a shot over the bar.
The rest of the first half, creditedly goes to Rosenborg who tried their best to get through our defense but we are always there in numbers.

At halftime confidence was high, the players barely looked tired and we were in control. I looked and Garcia and said "Can you do that every match or something?" He smiled and said "Play me every game and we'll see."

2nd Half
Min 46 - Right from the off Traore wins a header against Strand, it goes to Kewell who dribbles upfield, Morientes comes to meet, he receives the ball, passes centrally to Gerrard who finds Garcia outside the box, he volleys it but it goes over!
Goal! - After Garcia's chance came directly another! The goal kick was headed away by Traore, it found Kewell again who dribbled down the left, this time he finds Alonso outside the box, he shoots from 25 yards! Right in the top cornor! 2-0 and the travelling fans are loving the new spaniards!
Min 50 - A long ball to Garcia is cut out by the Rosenborg defence. The ball is played out to Braaten who goes down the right, he passes into Strand who takes a pop from 25 yards! Great save by Dudek who tips it over the bar!
Min 59 - Subs: Kewell and Morientes off, Partridge and Sinama on.
Min 69 - Sub: Garcia off for Foy.
Min 85 - Free kick by Rosenborg is headed to Partridge by Traore, he centres the ball for Sinama, Sinama passes back to Biscan who slices it through the defence back to Sinama, Sinama is 1-on-1 with the keeper who saves wonderfully and holds the ball.
Min 87 - Patridges infield pass is cut out by Brattback, he finds Johnsen infront of the Liverpool defence, Carra goes to close down, Johnsen gets the ball past and shoots towards goal, but it's well wide of Dudek's right post.
Min 90 - Strand upended Gerrard and he's had to come off. It looked very bad and a stretcher had to come on.
Full Time!

POST MATCH INTERVIEW

Congratulations Daniel, another victory, this time in Europe.
Yes, great credit to Rosenborg thou, they tested Dudek a few times but the win was confortable.

The spaniards seem to be settling in nice, what can you say about the goals?
Great goals by great individuals. Garcia has done this numerous times now and Alonso seems to have hit his form. I'm very happy for them.

How is Steven Gerrard? The knock seemed very serious.
I won't know until tomorrow but it seemed quite bad, we'll just have to hope it's not too serious.

retired_provrb7

GERRARD BLOW FOR REDS
15th September 2004

Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard is set to miss next month's Premiership showdown with Chelsea through injury.

The English international faces a month out of action after picking up a knee injury in last nights's Champions League victory over Rosenborg.
Scans have shown Gerrard is suffering from a ligament problem and the news is a massive blow to Liverpool's Premiership hopes and their chances of keeping their first place in The Premiership.
"Stevie will be out for a month," said Reds boss Daniel Taylor. [i]"He has a ligament problem and usually it takes at least four weeks to recover.
"Now we need to look at some of the youngsters who did so well in the pre season.
"I'd prefer not to talk too much about my options for the Tottenham game now because of the circumstances. I can plan to use players, but I have to make sure they are fit for fight,"[I] he told Liverpool's official website.
"I need to wait and keep my fingers crossed."

retired_janearific

Sitting here with tears of joy in my eyes - Carra gets his first goal for years, you beat the Geordies, life just doesn't get better

Are you Rafa in disguise

This is a must read for all Liverpool fans, really good stuff :thup:

retired_provrb7

@ Supa Playa - I will once I've played some more games into the season. :thup:

@ jep - Thanks for the kind words!

"We Miss You Stevie"

We've had good time to prepare for the match at White Hart Lane with Gerrard and Cisse being our absantees. Morientes was'nt fit enough to start the game today which left a gamble in young Sinama-Pongolle. Other then that the team was the same as it's been all season.

Saturday 18th September, 15.00. White Hart Lane, London.
Premiership
Tottenham 2, Kanoute 45, King 88
Liverpool 3, Pongolle 4, Garcia 28, Pellegrino 81
MOM - Alonso
Att: 36153

Tottenham (4-4-2); Robinson; Pamarot, King, Naybet, Ziegler; Davies, Carrick, Mendes, Jackson; Defoe, Kanoute

Liverpool (4-1-4-1); Dudek; Finnan, Carra, Hyypia, Riise; Biscan; Garcia, Hamann, Alonso, Kewell; Sinama

1st Half
As I stepped out of the tunnel at White Hart Lane my first glance was over to the travelling fans where I saw this big banner saying "We Miss You Stevie". After shaking Jol's hand I decided to walk over and applaud the fans and I raise my fist as to say C'MON!
Goal! - It took 4 minutes for Sinama to make his statement! Carra's long ball is won in the air by Garcia against Ziegler, he heads it down to Hamann who squares it for Alonso, instead of shooting he served a ball into the box for Sinama who finishes cooly to Robinson's left! 1-0, so early in the game!
Min 11 - Davies comes down the right, Riise tackles the ball but Davies get's it back, crosses, meets Defoe's head but it flies high over the bar.
Min 20 - Dudek's free kick is won in the air by Alonso against Pamarot, he heads to down the left wing for Kewell, he takes it to the byline, crosses far post to Alonso who's taken a central position, he heads it! But it sails over the bar.
Goal! - Alonso takes a cornor from the right 28 minutes in, it goes inbetween Carrick and Pamarot and Garcia gets it free in the 6 yard box, and smashes it hard in the goal beside helpless Robinson! Get in there! 2-0!
Min 31 - Hyypia wins Robinsons clearence clean in the air, he heads it down for Hamann who 1 touch sends it right to Garcia, he advances with the ball and tries a long shot from 30 yards! But it curves wide and high of Robinson's right post.
Min 35 - Garcia again involved in the action! Finnan wins the ball off Brown outside Tottenhams area, he cuts it back for Hamann who squares it for Garcia who takes a pop! But Robinson pulls off a great save!
Min 40 - Tottenham get a free kick outside the area, it's cleared by Carra but Ziegler sends it left to Jackson, he crosses for Defoe who gets a head to it! It hit the bar!! Cleared by Riise.
Goal! - Mistake by Dudek! Ziegler takes a freekick form within the Tottenham half, Dudek goes to claim but Kanoute gets a head to it before Dudek arrives and the ball goes over the Pole, 1-2! Right on the stroke of half time!

2nd Half
Min 55 - Sinama's got the ball infront of the Tottenham defence, he decides to pass Kewell, Kewell switches flanks with a great 30 yard pass, Garcia hits it on the volley! But it's high over the bar!
Min 64 - Subs: Hyypia, Kewell and Sinama off. Morientes, Pellegrino and Partridge on. Hyypia had picked up a knock in the second half and I didn't want the injury to get any worse.
Goal! - Partridges cornor from the right finds Pellegrino at the near post on the 81st minute, he rises above King and heads it into the top right cornor! 3-1!! Great goal for the sub who grabs his first goal for Liverpool!
Min 83 - Long ball from Naybet is headed down to Biscan by Finnan, but it's intercepted by Defoe! He catches the defence off guard and takes a pop from 25 yards! But it sails over the bar! That was enough for the Tottenham fans, they started to leave the stadium whilst the Liverpool fans sang "You'll Never Walk Alone" and it echoed over the whole stadium.
Goal! - 88 minutes into the match and the defence are sleeping, a cornor from Brown on the right finds King at the penalty spot, he strikers it very cooly into the back of the net out of Dudek's reach, 2-3! Could there be a comeback ?
Min 93 - Alonso steals the ball off Defoe by the halfway line on the left, he passes forward to Partridge, he takes the ball down the left wing, passes centrally to Morientes who holds the ball, crosses to the far post, Garcia on the volley! Great save again by Robinson! And with that, the final whistle blows!

This will be the last update until Monday. Going away for the weekend!

retired_provrb7

atm I'm second behind Chelsea on goal diffrence but only by 2 goals Next game however is Chelsea at home at "Fort" Anfield See you guys on Monday!

retired_provrb7

Spurs Come To "Fort" Anfield For Carling Cup Third Round

Yes it's true, Spurs are coming to Anfield for the 3rd round of the most useless cup in England. I was actually hoping for a team in the lower leagues but that never happened.

In training the day after I had a small chat with Kirkland. I told him that I knew that he had'nt had alot of chances to prove himself but I told him that the Carling Cup was his, if he was fit. Kirkland said he was delighted that he finally could show me what he is really made of. I knew that him and Dudek are very comparable and are both good keepers.

Anyway, back to the match in hand. The Blues had travelled to Liverpool to take on the only team, except from them, that hadn't lost this year.. yet. Cisse was unfit for this game so I decided to give "El' Moro" a run in. Riise and Gerrard were out injured so Traore and Biscan keep their places in the first team.

PRE MATCH INTERVIEW

First off, the big absentee must be Gerrard in a game like this?
Off course. He is a worldclass player, these are two world class teams playing in a world class fixture. But I believe in Biscan's ability this season as midfielder and he hasn't disappoionted so far.

Riise and Cisse gone aswell, that's 3 players missing from your starting eleven, how's that effecting todays match?
Of course they are very good players but we have a very good squad and Traore, Moro and Biscan know what I expect of them. You are forgetting aswell, there is a 12th player today and that's the fans.

Both you and Chelsea haven't lost yet. After todays game, will that still be the case?
No. As I've said numerous times before, there is no team taking any points from this stadium and that goes for all the teams in the world.

If you win today then you will go 3 points clear so early on in the season, how's that feel?
The team deserve it, they have been playing out of this world and deserve to be first. Chelsea, Mourinho and Roman don't scare me at all and I see us winning by a large margin this afternoon.

Thanks and good luck today!

Saturday 25th September, 12.45. Anfield, Liverpool
Premiership
Liverpool 3 Garcia 35, Sinama 59 72
Chelsea 1 Gudjohnsen 71
MOM - Garcia
Att: 45350

Liverpool (4-1-4-1); Dudek; Finnan, Carra, Hyypia, Traore; Biscan; Garcia, Hamann, Alonso, Kewell; Morientes

Chelsea (4-3-3); Cech; Ferreira, Gallas, Huth, Bridge; Makelele, Lampard, Duff; Drogba, Luque, Kezman

1st Half
My best experience as Liverpool manager so far. The feeling is indiscribable when walking out of the tunnel onto the pitch and greeted by a full stadium who are singing "You'll Never Walk Alone". It sends not only one shiver, but a thousand down your spine and it gives you a sense of comfort ahead of this important fixture. The only thing that ruined the day was the rain which was pouring down from the skies.
As for the game it started as I expected, both teams "feeling" each other and being very cautious.
Min 21 - Good counter by Liverpool. Chelsea had a cornor on the left and it was cut out by Kewell. He found Alonso ahead of him at the halfway line, he held onto the ball and anvanced down the right flank, he found Garcia outside the area who tries a long shot! He however slices the very wet ball and it goes comfortably into Cech's hands.
Goal! - Garcia, who else ? A long ball is cut out by Finnan who heads it down to Carragher, he finds Hamann in midfield who with just one touch slices it ahead of Garcia on the right flank, he dribbles inwards, feints Cech to the ground and puts it past the helpless keeper! 1-0! The stadium is literally rocking!
Min 37 - Chelsea go for a quick reply, a throw in on the left is taking short to Luque by Bridge, he crosses into the box where Drogba wins the ball in the air against Carra, so close!
Min 38 - Free kick in the Chelsea half taken by Cech, long to Drogba who again wins itin the air against Carra, he heads it to the left flank to Kezman, he crosses to Drogba who makes a run into the box, he heads it! Narrowly over again!
Min 45 - Cornor by Duff on the left, finds Drogba at the far post, he heads it across goal! Lampard can't miss at the other post! But Finnan cuts it off the line!

At halftime Traore said he was having a very touch time against Kezman. I asked him whether it was because I was asking him to go forward when we've got the ball. He nodded. I told him to solely concentrate on taking Kezman out of the game. I knew Mourinho would of analysed the game and seen that Traore was having a tough time. I said to Traore if he is still having problems that I would sub him.

2nd Half
Min 54 - Morientes was looking knackered and I had my concerns over him. He wasn't getting anywhere near fit. I subbed him for Sinama.
Goal! - Superb goal by the substitute 59 minutes in! Traore tackled the ball off Kezman, Carra gathered it up, passed to Hamann in midfield, he had no options so he passed back to Hyypia, long ball from Hyypia to Kewell on the left, he heads down to Sinama who is outside the box, he runs up agianst Huth, feints right but goes left, Huth is totally lost now, Sinama is free in the box! He shoots low and hard and Cech is nowhere near it! 2-0!
Min 60 - After the goal I decided to rest Kewell for the next game, he's off for Partridge.
Min 67 - Sinama shows his skills as he powers his way down the left with great pace. He finds Partridge centrally just outside the box, Partridge returns the pass beautifully back into the box, Sinama cuts it back to the spot to Hamann, he's all alone, only Cech to beat! But he blazes it over!! Hamann hangs his head in shame, he knew how easy it was.
Goal! - Instead of being 3-0 up, we conceded a silly goal in the 71st minute. We got a freekick on the halfway line, Hamann miss kicks it and it goes straight to Kezman in the wall, he sees Luque running out wide on the left, Chelsea are now 3 on 2 in the Liverpool half. Luque crosses into the box, deflects off Finnan, Dudek tries to claim but Gudjohnsen pokes the ball before Dudek gets there, 1-2 to Chelsea! I decided to sub Alonso for Welsh at that point.
Goal! - The quickest reply in history? Right from the kick off we reply to Chelsea's goal! The ball was with Biscan, he found Hamann in midfield, he found Welsh on his left, Welsh's first touch on the ball is a ball to Sinama outside the area, Sinama wacks it! It curves way past Cech's left and right into the top cornor! What a goal by Sinama!! 3-1! The fans stand up, clap and chant "Easy! Easy! Easy!".
Min 80 - Chelsea look beaten at this point but they keep going. Makelele tries a shot from 25 yards out but it ballons way over the bar.
Min 91 - Lampard slices open the Liverpool defence with a perfect ball to Gudjohnsen, he's in the box! Great tackle by Carra! But the ball finds Luque who crosses to Lampard, he's free in the box! Shoots low! Deflected off Hyypia for a cornor. 3 minutes extra time.
Min 93 - Pressure from Chelsea, a throw in on the left is taken by Bridge to Luque, cross to the far post, hit on the volley by Tiago! Great save by Dudek! That was the last thing to happen in this great and entertaining game!

POST MATCH INTERVIEW

Great game today Daniel! You are joined here by the man of the match Garcia, how do you feel now you've won Daniel?
Great! It was a great game for the neutral and we fully deserve it, we played Chelsea off the park

Garcia, you've been playing well recently and you've scored again, how do you do it?
[i]Well it was a team effort today, I was very tired towards the end but the fans here carry you and you forget your tired. Without the fans today we couldn't of done it.

Daniel, what can you say about this player?
Well he deserves all the praise he gets. He has been our best player in the last 5-6 games and always grabs a goal and he has contributed greatly for our league position

Top of the league, 3 points clear. Your reactions?
As I said before the game, we deserve to be there, we have fought bravely, we've scored in every game and we concede almost nothing. How Chelsea could of been so high up and played so badly today is beyond me.

Thank you guys and go easy on the party tonight

retired_provrb7

FANS LOVE GARCIA
25th September 2004

Fans have said to be delighted with in-form Garcia so far this season

An article in the Liverpool Echo said that fans argueably think Garcia is the prem's best player at the moment. His displays have been setting the world alight and surely a call up to the Spanish national team would be the greatest and deserved award for the attacking midfielder. Fans have said to be delighted to have such a player at Anfield and that the performances have been a joy to watch. Liverpool legend Alan Hansen had this to say, "He's definatly one of the best midfielders in the prem. Great technique and could do the unexpected and it's something Liverpool have missed in recent years. He also grabs goals and that's important when strikers don't score goals that a midfielder can come in, score a 30 yarder and save three points. I hope he gets a call up soon

retired_provrb7

Can Garcia Make It 6 In A Row?

We stay in Liverpool to host Paris St Germain this evening in the Champions League. Cisse is declared fit but not Riise so Traore and Biscan keep their places. Cisse is'nt unfamiliar with Paris and said that on the road they are not so good.

PRE MATCH INTERVIEW

Daniel, Cisse's back, what does that mean to you?
Alot for several reasons. He is very important and can score loads of goals. He also has experience of scoring against Paris. Moro has still not hit any sort of fitness so it was important to get a fit striker today.

With your record so far at home, this should be a walk-over?
You bet, Paris should be aware of this and should not expect any points from this tie.

If Garcia scores tonight that will make it 6 matches in a row. You think that'll happen?
He is in form and he'll get his chances. It's just a case of sticking them away. I wouldn't bet on him NOT scoring tonight thou.

Wednesday 29th September, 19.45. Anfield, Liverpool.
Champions League Group C
Liverpool 3 Alonso 13, Sinama 80, Garcia 83
Paris 0
MOM - Hamann
Att: 40053

Liverpool (4-1-4-1); Dudek; Finnan, Carra, Hyypia, Traore; Biscan; Garcia, Hamann, Alonso, Kewell; Cisse

Paris (4-4-2); Alonzo; Pichot, Helder Marino, Yepes, Mendy; Semak, Cisse, Cana, Boskovic; Reinaldo, Pauleta

1st Half
Min 8 - Hyypia tackles the ball off Reinaldo, He passes it left to Kewell, he dribbles down the left, Cisse runs to the left to draw his marker away, Kewell passes centrally to Garcia, he shoots! It curves towards the left cornor! Brilliant save by Alonzo! He cooley clears it.
Goal! - 13 minutes in! Hamman intercepts a pass from Cana to Pauleta, he passes forward to Cisse. He advances without anyone closing him down, he runs down the right wing, he centres it to Alonso who's outside the box, he shoots! Curling towards the right top cornor! 1-0!! Great goal by Alonso but credit has to go to Cisse to have picked him out.
Min 15 - Garcia with the ball on the right, loses his marker, passes to Hamann centrally, he throughs it to Cisse, Cisse is one on one with the keeper, shoots! Great save by Alonzo!
Min 18 - Reinaldo gets free down the left, he passes centrally to Pauleta who runs outside down the wing with the ball, shoots from range! Well well wide..
Min 21 - Pauleta free kick slightly outside left of the penalty area. But he curves it high and wide!
Min 33 - Free kick to Cisse in the same sort of position as Pauleta had but his effort is just over the bar!
Min 34 - Biscan intercepts a pass and set Kewell on his way down the left, he takes the ball out on the wing, passes centrally to Alonso who takes a shot! Curves again to the right top cornor! But this time Alonzo is equal to it, great save!
Min 37 - Long ball from Carra finds Cisse running in behind the defence, he back heels it to Garcia who one times the shot from the edge of the box! Again a great save from Alonzo!
Min 44 - Hamann's got the ball outside the box, passes left to Alonso, he plays a one-two with Kewell, Alonso is free against the keeper! He fires the ball towards goal! Great save again by Alonzo, he's keeping Paris in this single handedly.

2nd Half
Min 48 - We start the second half as we've been playing all the game, attacking! Kewell gets down the left flank. He goes for the cross, but it curves towards goal instead of inwards! Great save again by Alonzo! I doubt Kewell ment that.
Min 51 - Biscan finds Alonso in midfield, he draws Yepes out of the Paris defence, he slides the ball behind Yepes to Cisse, he bares down on goal! But the shot is way too weak and Alonzo makes his easiest save of the game, lovely move by 'Pool thou.
Min 57 - Carra intercepts another pass to Pauleta, he cooly plays it back to Dudek who finds Kewell with a great ball to the left. He passes centrally to Cisse who runs with the ball, he gets to the area, passes right to Garcia who shoots a long shot! Again, great save by Alonzo! Kewell and Cisse come off for Partridge and Sinama.
Min 63 - Hyypia wins the ball off Semak and plays Biscan. Biscan, with one touch, finds Partridge out left, Partridge passes inwards to Alonso who one touches it out wide left to Sinama, Simana dribbles the ball down the byline towards goal, cuts it back to Alonso infront of goal, shoots! Great save by Alonzo on the line!
Min 67 - Alonso is looking tired so I subbed him for Welsh.
Min 75 - Finnan has the ball on the halfway line, finds Biscan centrally, lays off to Welsh who gets rid of his marker, shoots! But way wide. I bet Alonzo was happy not to make yet another save.
Min 77 - Sinama wins a header after a paris throw in, finds Hamann centrally, he one touches out to the right flank where Garcia is totally unmarked, hits it beautifully on the half volley! Great save by Alonzo agian!! At this point I thought it was rediculous, how can he possibly make all those saves?!
Goal! - Finally!! It took 80 minutes for the second to go past a fab Alonzo. Sinama got a throw from Finnan on the right, he makes Bosokvic look like fool, he dribbles towards the line but then turns the other way to make Boskovic slide right into the Paris subs bench, he then left to Biscan, he then finds Hamann infront of the area, Sinama overlaps, Hamann backheels it, Sinama is one on one with the keeper, shoots to the keepers left! 2-0!! Great goal by Liverpool! His 5th of the season was a beauty!
Goal! - It took 83 minutes for Garcia to wave his magic wand! Welsh's free kick is cleared, he gathers it up himself, passes to Partridge, Partridge passes inwards to Biscan, he passes to Welsh, he then finds Hamann infield, the Paris midfielders are looking like headless chickens with all this great passing, Hamann finds Garcia on the right edge of the box, he takes it down, shoots! Curls past Alonzo for 3-0!! What a strike!! He runs out to the Kop with his thumb in his mouth. The fans absolutly love him! The photographers cameras go off in flashes like a severe case of lightning.
Min 91 - Chance for Paris for some sort of consulation. A Paris free kick is cleared, Cana gathers up and tries a long shot from 25 yards and it just shaves the bar! So so close for Cana.
Full Time

POST MATCH INTERVIEW

Congratulations, you seem to be really making your mark in the Prem.
A truely magical night, I feel that this game really showed everyone out there that noone messes with this team and that the spirit is very high in the camp.

Garcia did it again. That makes 6 matches in a row.
As I said before the game, I wouldn't bet on him NOT scoring and against WBA this weekend he has another great chance to score. He is showing his qualities this season. I'm very happy for him and I hope he gets a call up from Spain.

Porto won over Rosenborg, that puts you infront with 2 points ahead of Porto. Next game is Porto at home, do you feel some advantage?
Definatly, I know Porto are reigning champions but without Carvalho, Deco and Ferreira and indeed Mourinho they aren't even half the team they were last year. I'm very confident with the group and that we'll win it very early on.

Well again congratulations and all the luck against West Brom.
Cheers!

retired_provrb7

Daniel Taylor is Manager of The Month for September.

Yes and well deserved too because I'd won all my September games and Garcia won goal of the month award against Birmingham.

WBA at home I thought was going to be quite an easy fixture so I decided to rest two key players. Hyypia and Garcia gave way to Partridge and Pellegrino. Cisse had picked up a light injury in training and was replaced by Morientes. Gerrard was still out so Biscan carries on in anchor midfield.

Saturday 2nd October, 15.00. Anfield, Liverpool.
Premiership
Liverpool 2 Kewell 37, Riise 67
West Brom 0
MOM - Albrechtsen
Att: 45318

Liverpool (4-1-4-1); Dudek; Finnan, Carra, Pellegrino, Riise; Biscan; Partridge, Hamann, Alonso, Kewell; Morientes

West Brom (4-5-1); Johnsen; Albrechtsen, Gaardsoe, Moore, Robinson; Gera, Koumas, Kanu, Greening, Clement; Earnshaw

1st Half
Almost a sell out crowd came to see us play against relegation candidates West Brom. The game went underway and it was clear what West Brom wanted. They played defensive, narrow and with 5 players in midfield. Talk about parking the bus.
Min 26 - Riise has a free kick on the left side, chips it into the area, headed away by Albrechtsen, Riise gathers up, squares for Hamann outside the area, hits it first time! hits the bar!!
Goal! - It took 37 minutes to bust the West Brom defence. West Brom had a throw in on the left, Biscan broke it all up and passed Partridge right of our own area, he found Hamann furhter up field, he then found Kewell on the halfway line, Kewell dribbled inwards, found Morientes to the right, he then found Alonso outside the area, he took on Albrechtsen, Albrechtsen tackled the ball but Alonso got it back, shoots! Johnsen saves! Kewell gathers the rebound, slides it past an out of position Johnsen, 1-0!! Kewell's first of the season!!
Min 45 +4 - Far into extra time Finnan found Partridge on the right wing with a perfect ball. Partridge dribbled into the area, struck it low! Crept past the far post! So close!

2nd Half
Min 47 - Riise wins a header against Gera, heads to Kewell, he takes it down the left, finds Alonso centrally, Alonso can take his pick, he picks Partridge on the right, Partridge shoots on the volley! High and wide!
Min 52 - Kewell's looking tired and is replaced by Traore. Riise moves to left wing and Traore down to left fullback.
Min 59 - Morientes is looking fitter but is replaced by Sinama after 59 minutes.
Min 64 - Traore wins a header against Gera, heads it to Riise, he takes it down the left wing, crosses to the other wing to Partrige, he looses his man! Shoots! Way wide of Johnsen's right post.
Min 64 - Alonso is replaced by young Welsh in midfield.
Goal! - 67 minutes in and Riise grabs his first this season! Carra wins a header against Kanu, heads it to Partridge, he plays it all the way back to Dudek who strikes it first time, it slices it's way past the West Brom defenders through to Riise, he takes it down, blasts it on his left past Johnsen! 2-0! Great goal and great pass from Dudek!
Min 86 - Carragher dwells on the ball and Kanu nicks it off him, he is quickly closed down by both Carra and Finnan and his shot goes well wide.
Half Time!