retired_provrb7

Garcia NOT Called Up For Spanish Friendly

Garcia, arguably the best midfielder in the Prem so far didn't get called up for a spanish friendly. I thought it was shambles to be honest. I knew the player couldn't feel very good about that but I told him to keep on playing the way he was and he'd get called up sooner or later.

Hyypia and Garcia are back in the starting eleven but Cisse is still nuturing a small knock but should be ok for the match against Norwich at the weekend. Morientes keeps his place and so does Biscan.

Wednesday 6th October, 19.30. Selhurst Park, London.
Premiership
Crystal Palace 1 Watson 6
Liverpool 3 Kewell 13, Welsh 69, Garcia 87
MOM - Hyypia
Att: 26296

Crystal Palace (3-4-3); Kiraly; Zewlakow, Popovic, Hudson; Routledge, Watson, Hughes, Kolkka; Johnson, Freedman, Shipperly

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

1st Half
Goal! - Loads of events leading up to the shock lead for Palace 6 minutes in. Throw in on the right, thrown to Freedman who crosses, Hyypia wins the header, Watson takes the shot, it looks like it's going out for a goal kick. But no! Hughes manages to save it on the line, Freedman is free in the box! Shoots! Great save by Dudek! Cornor. It goes to Popovic in the box, tackled by Hyypia, it bounces off Kewell, finds itself to Watson outside the area, curls it! 1-0 to Palace! Their fans go wild! They can't believe it.
Goal! - 13 minutes in for Liverpools reply! Kolkka crosses into the box, headed clear by Hyypia against Johnson, Morientes gathers up, goes down the right, is accompanied by Garcia, lays it off to him, Garcia pulls off a great cross field pass to Kewell, Kewell takes it down beautifully, dribbles past both Zewlakow and Kiraly at the same time and slots it into the open goal! 1-1!!
Min 16 - Another header in the box won by Sami, headed once again to Morientes he advances a couple of yards and lays off to Garcia, again a wonderfull pass from Garcia through to Hamann who is one on one with the keeper! Tries to round him, shoots! Fingertip save by Kiraly!
Min 17 - Cornor by Liverpool, punched away by Kiraly, Finnan passes one time to Garcia, shoots! Deflected out to Biscan on the top of the box, shoots! Well wide..
Min 19 - Garcia wins a header against Popovic, heads to Morientes who dribbles past Hudson, feeds it left to Kewell who is free against the keeper, shoots! Save by Kiraly! Cleared by Hudson.
Min 32 - Hamann finds Kewell in the left side of the box, Kewell crosses in for Morientes, headed away badly by Popovic, Hamann heads it from the penalty spot! But it's way to bad and flies over the bar.
Min 37 - Alonso wins a ball in the box, headed away to Morientes, he waits for Hamann to overlap, through balls it to him, Hamann runs out wide with the ball, passes sideways to Garcia just outside the box, hits it straight away! Curvs towards the left post! Great save by Kiraly!!

At halftime I told the lads to keep pressing, sooner or later we were bound to get a goal. The whole team had played brilliantly well and the 6th minute goal by Watson was very nudeserved.

2nd Half
Min 48 - Throw in by Riise in our own half to Kewell, he passes to Morientes who waits for Kewell to overlap on the left wing, passes it through to him, Kewell now on the left, passes centrally to Alonso, he gives it to Morientes who's outside the box, he shoots! Really really bad shot..
Min 55 - Kewell got injured and had to come off. Replaced by Pellegrino who slots in next to Hyypia, Carra goes out to left back and Riise up to left midfield.
Min 67 - Riise comes down the left wing, crosses! Deflected off Hudson, bounces back to Riise who tries his cross again, finds Morientes! Shoots! Over the bar!! That's it! Morientes is off, he's had enough chances! Both him and Alonso comes off. Alonso had run himself ragged. Welsh and Sinama come on.
Goal! - The lead for Liverpool comes after 69 minutes! Finnan plays the ball to the excellent Garcia who holds it up on the right wing. He sees Welsh's run from midfield to the far post, crosses, both Welsh and Sinama are there! Welsh is first to it, shoots on the volley! Top left cornor! 2-1!! Welsh's first ever goal!! He runs out to the travelling Liverpool fans and is joined by all Liverpool players! They know this was important for both player and club!
Min 85 - Luis Garcia intercepts a poor pass from Popovic, he gives it to Sinama who gives it to Riise, Riise holds it up, finds Hamann infront of the box, he has two options, Garcia to his right or Sinama in the box, throughs it to Sinama, Sinama takes one touch, his second is a shot! Save by Kiraly! Cleared by Hughes.
Goal! - It was bound to come but it took 87 minutes for the man to score. Pellegrino cleared the ball with a header, it found Sinama who advanced all the way ot the edge of the box on the left side, centered it to Welsh who found Garcia in the right side of the box, he's unmarked! He shoots low to the keepers left! Goal!! 3-1!! Garcia has done it again! 7 in 7 straight games!

After the game I was so happy with my players. Everyone showed their will to win. I congratulated Welsh on his first goal for the club, I knew that would put him on cloud nine for the whole season. I was perticularly happy with Garcia, he's whole game was a touch of brillians and he's turning out to a world beater. We were still 3 points clear of Chelsea and 5 clear of Arsenal but we felt unstoppable at this time.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">| Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 1st | | Liverpool | | 10 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 22 | 5 | +17 | 30 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 2nd | | Chelsea | | 10 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 21 | 5 | +16 | 27 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 3rd | | Arsenal | | 10 | 8 | 1 | 1 | 35 | 6 | +29 | 25 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 4th | | Everton | | 10 | 6 | 1 | 3 | 14 | 12 | +2 | 19 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 5th | | Man Utd | | 9 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 23 | 11 | +12 | 18 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 6th | | Bolton | | 10 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 14 | 8 | +6 | 16 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 7th | | Blackburn | | 9 | 4 | 4 | 1 | 12 | 8 | +4 | 16 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 8th | | Fulham | | 10 | 5 | 1 | 4 | 17 | 14 | +3 | 16 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 9th | | Tottenham | | 10 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 20 | 13 | +7 | 15 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 10th | | Birmingham | | 10 | 1 | 6 | 3 | 10 | 13 | -3 | 9 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 11th | | Man City | | 10 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 11 | 15 | -4 | 9 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 12th | | Aston Villa | | 9 | 3 | 0 | 6 | 13 | 18 | -5 | 9 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 13th | | West Brom | | 10 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 8 | 13 | -5 | 9 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 14th | | Charlton | | 10 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 9 | 20 | -11 | 9 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 15th | | Newcastle | | 9 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 8 | 19 | -11 | 8 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 16th | | Norwich | | 10 | 1 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 12 | -6 | 7 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 17th | | Crystal Palace | | 10 | 1 | 4 | 5 | 13 | 23 | -10 | 7 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 18th | | Portsmouth | | 10 | 1 | 3 | 6 | 4 | 20 | -16 | 6 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 19th | | Middlesbrough | | 9 | 0 | 5 | 4 | 11 | 21 | -10 | 5 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 20th | | Southampton | | 9 | 1 | 2 | 6 | 5 | 20 | -15 | 5 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| </pre>

retired_provrb7

Garcia To The Rescue! Again..

It's been two weeks since the match at Selhurst Park and now we face Porto at home. I've never been a fan of matches after internationals because something always seems to happen. On this occausion it was Finnan who came back very very tired and now couldn't be played against Porto. Josemi had to be called upon but he was relishing the chance to shine. Pellegrino got injured on the Monday before the match and will be sidelined for 1 week. Good news however was that Gerrard was back in training but should be gently massaged back into the team.

PRE MATCH INTERVIEW

Two weeks off and now back to action, how do you see the match going tonight?
Obviously they won't be taking the West Brom approach and will be more attacking. I'm confident that we'll take all 3 points tonight and grab this group by the balls.

How is Steven Gerrard at this time?
He's good, he's been back in training for the last couple of days but I think he'll be ready in a week or two for a game. I rather not rush him back to be honest.

The atmosphere is amazing in the stadium. Do you think you can please the fans?
Yeah I do. I said last game that we now have the fate in out own hands and I have also said that noone comes here and grabs points. That goes for reigning champs aswell.

Josemi in for Finnan, how do you see that going?
Finnan is better going forward, definatly but Josemi is more aggressive and won't give the opposition any peace on the ball.

Good luck tonight!

Wednesday 20th October, 19.45. Anfield, Liverpool.
Champions League Group C
Liverpool 2 Cisse 77, Garcia 90
Porto 1 Diego 14
MOM - Partridge
Att: 45253

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

Porto (4-1-2-1-2); Baia; Seitaridis, Jorge Costa, Pepe, Leandro; Costinha; Meireles, Maniche; Diego; Pitbull, Fabiano

First Half
Min 12 - Porto test Dudek for the first time. A throw in by Leandro to Maniche who advances a few yards, curvs the ball towards goal! But a comfortable save by Dudek.
Goal! - Cornor to Porto. Taken by Seitaridis, headed away by Garcia, but it goes back to Seitaridis, swings it in infront of Dudek, header by Diego! 1-0 to Porto! What a shock opener!! The whole stadium goes quite.. Except for the Porto fans who cheer and chant.
Min 32 - Another Porto chance. Costinha wins the ball off Kewell, Liverpool are a bit on the back foot, the ball comes to Maniche on the right side outside the area, Garcia closes him down, Maniche shoots! But well off target.
Min 37 - Seitaridis runs with the ball to the right wing, passes inwards to Costinha who is totally unmarked. Noone is closing him down!! He tries a shot from outside the area! But luckly for Liverpool, it's gone well wide.

At halftime I had a go at the players. There was no passion no footballers on the field. I was disppointed with the fight we had put up. I looked at Cisse and said to him that unless he starts playing football he'd be off and not playing the next game. Riise and Hamann were expressing some knocks and said that the opposition are playing really rough football. I had noticed this thou and suggested we'd rough them up a bit aswell. Riise and Hamann came off at halftime and were replaced by Traore and Welsh.

Second Half
Min 51 - Kewell picks up a knock and now I had to use my last sub. Partridge replaced Kewell.
Min 58 - Partridge has the ball on the left, holds up, goes to the byline, crosses into box, Alonso heads it! Save by Baia!
Min 70 - Now Biscan was limping about on the pitch. I told the fourth official that I was very unhappy with the attitude of the opposition injuring my players.
Goal! - 77 minutes in and we get a cornor on the right. Partridge swings it in, Alonso goes to head! Misses! It goes to Cisse on the far post! He shoots! 1-1!!! We needed that!
Min 87 - Traore gathers up a cleared ball, he passes to Carra, Carra sends a ball upfield, Costa won the ball against Cisse, Alonso grabs the ball, sends it left to Partridge, he swings it right to Garcia, Garcia shoots on the half-volley! Hits the sidenetting!!
Min 89 - Cisse nicks the ball of Valente, he goes down to the right byline, dribbles past Valente, centres to Welsh, he shoots!! Baia punches it away!
Goal!! - Yess!! 2 minutes into injury time! Traore gathers up a clearence, passes down the left wing to Partridge, he finds Alonso infield, Alonso passes the ball through down the left flank to Cisse, Cisse crosses it first time, Baia goes to catch the ball, but Garcia gets a head to it infront of him!! 2-1!! Garcia scores infront of the Kop!! 10th goal of the season! All the players jump onto Garcia!!

POST MATCH INTERVIEW

We're here with Daniel and Garcia, what a great evening! What do you reckon about the match, Daniel?
Well we'll give Porto the first half, we didn't play well at all and our offense was non-existant. But in the second half we got back at them and we scored 2 great goals. I have to say I wasn't happy at all with Porto's tackling and roughness. I think that UEFA should investigate some of the footage

Garcia, 8 in 8 straight games, how do you do it?
I don't know, I'm just there in the right space at the right time and I score. But tonight was a team effort. The way we come back tonight shows our strength when being behind against one of the best teams in Europe.

Daniel you mentioned the tough tackling, any serious injuries tonight?
I just had a quick word with the physio and he said that Riise and Kewell are just fine but Biscan and Hamman have minor injuries. I find it disappioting that the reigning champions need to use such methods to win games.

Biscan and Hamann are out for the game at Blackburn then?
Hard to say but I'm guessing, at this moment in time, yes.

retired_provrb7

Well... He Can't Score Every Game

Winning against Porto ment our 15th win this season. Not too bad considering we've played just as many games. Confidence was high in the Anfield camp but we we're a bit injury struck. For 1 there was no Hamann or Biscan. Cisse and Gerrard were still unfit so we aired a couple of reserves today. Garcia moves infield together with Alonso. Welsh takes care of the anchor role and Morientes up top. Gerrard however is on the bench just in case of injury.

PRE MATCH INTERVIEW

A couple of injuries for you today. Can you take Blackburn away?
We're going to give it a good go. The players out there have to give 100% today because Blackburn are no push overs at Ewood Park.

Gerrard's on the bench today. Any chance of seeing him today?
Depends on the circumstances really. I would love to air him but if it's a very tight game I might save him for the Tottenham game.

Chelsea lost yesterday away to Bolton, you think you can take advantage of that?
If the players take responsibility and we get a goal then yes, it's possible.

Sunday 24th October, 14.00. Ewood Park, Blackburn
Premiership
Blackburn 0
Liverpool 1 Alonso 45
Sent Off: Finnan 83
MOM - Friedal
Att: 31340

Blackburn (4-4-2); Friedal; Neill, Mokoena, Matteo, Johansson; Emerton, Murray, Savage, Pederson; Gallagher, Jansen

Liverpool (4-1-4-1); Dudek; Finnan, Carra, Hyypia, Riise; Welsh; Partridge, Alonso, Garcia, Kewell; Morientes

First Half
Min 9 - Gallagher wins a header against Riise, he heads down to Savage, he lays it out left to Pedersen, he goes down the left, crosses, deflected off Carra but it meets the head of Jansen! Very weak and over the bar..
Min 22 - After a cornor Partridge clears the ball to Morientes, he goes to the halfway line, holds up the ball, throughs it to Partridge who's overlapped, he goes into the box, Johansson tackles the ball, Finnan picks it up, shoots! But Friedal's got it covered.
Min 26 - Throw in to Blackburn, given to Johansson, crossed to the far post, Murray meets it with a diving header! Over the bar!!
Min 27 - Goal kick by Dudek, won in the air by Neill. He heads it to Emerton on the right, dribbles down the right, shoots from range! Over the bar!
Min 44 - Cornor for Blackburn, cut out by Welsh, but the clerence is bad, it goes out to Mokoena who shoots! But way wide of goal.
Min 45 - Dudek takes the goal kick to Alonso, he passes back to Finnan, Finnan passes back, Alonso lays it back to Welsh, Welsh returns the favour to Alonso who has taken a run behind the Blackburn defense, he runs towards goal, chased by Johansson, he finishes to Friedal's left! 1-0!! On the stroke of half time! Get in there!

At half time Alonso told me that he'd been struggling with a knock he'd gotten and he didn't know if he could go on. At that point I decided that Gerrard would lead out the team in the second half.

As we went out of the tunnel on the second half, Gerrard stood by the half way line and the fans realized what was happening. Their "boy" had come back. The travelling fans did their best to get heard when the speakers voice said "Coming off is number 14, Xabi Alonso. Coming on is number 8, Steven Gerrard". The fans roared and Stevie clapped towards the fans when he entered the pitch.

Second Half
Min 48 - Mokoena cuts out a pass towards Morientes, he passes back to Friedal, Friedal goes to punt it upfield, but it hits Morientes! It floats towards goal! But Friedal gets back in time and knocks it over the bar!
Min 51 - Kewell picks up a knock and comes off for Traore. Riise goes up to left wing and Traore slots into fullback.
Min 59 - Morientes has it on the left wing, he passes inwards to Garcia, he then passes left to Riise, Riise crosses to Garcia who is free on goal! He shoots! Great save by Friedal!!
Min 63 - Cornor to Blackburn on the right. Taken by Thompson to the 6 yard box, Johansson heads it! Saved down by the right post by Dudek, good save!
Min 68 - Matteo cuts out a long ball, he passes down the right to Thompson, he takes it down the byline, crosses to the far part of the box to Savage, he takes it down, pokes it forward to Pederson who hits it directly! Saved by Dudek!
Min 69 - Goal kick taken by Dudek, all the way up to Morientes who takes it down well, passes left to Riise and goes for the return, Morientes dribbles towards goal, shoots! Sails way over the bar! That was it, Morientes last touch, he comes off for Sinama.
Min 73 - Free kick to us, Garcia steps up.. shoots! Just over the bar! So close!
Min 75 - Matteo wins a ball against Partridge, he heads it down the left wing to Pedersen, he goes to the byline, crosses back to the penalty spot, Savage on the volley! Over the bar!
Min 78 - Throw in to us, Traore throws to Welsh, headed away by Mokoena, gathered by Traore, passes to Welsh, who tees up Partridge outside the area, shoots! Over the bar!
Min 80 - Sinama wins a header against Johansson, he heds down to Garcia who dribbles to the left edge of the area, dwells on the ball, but decides to shoot! High over the bar.
Min 83 - Finnan gets sent off for a double bookable offence. Quite harsh I thought but stuff like this happens. I put Partridge down to right back and Sinama to right wing.
Min 85 - Welsh cuts out a Blackburn throw in, finds Sinama on the right, he finds Garcia centrally, he holds onto the ball, feeds a through ball to an overlapping Sinama, he's free on goal! Bares down on Friedal, shoots! Saved by Friedal! Goes past Gerrard who was following up..
Full Time!

POST MATCH INTERVIEW

Good result Daniel, pleased?
Of course, 1-0 from here is a very good result. If Friedal wasn't having one of his "days" then it could of been more.

Both Alonso and Kewell off with knocks, are they ok?
Yeah there ok, it was just a precaution really because they were complaining about some pain but it seems to just be some bruising. Be gone by tomorrow.

The sending off, fair?
To be honest yes, I think Dunn got it right today and I have no hard feelings towards the dubbel booking.

How was it seeing Gerrard back in action?
It's always good for a team to get back their skipper but you could tell he was a bit unfit and needs to be nurtured back into form but he'll be back in action quite soon I think.

retired_provrb7

Cheers mate :thup:

retired_provrb7

SINAMA INJURY FOR REDS
27th October 2004

Liverpool striker Florent Sinama-Pongolle is set to miss the whole of next months next month's Liverpool fixtures.

The newly capped French international faces a month out of action after picking up a knee injury in last nights's training session in Liverpool.
Scans have shown Pongolle is suffering from a ligament problem and the news is a massive blow to Liverpool's manager Daniel Taylor.

"Sinama will be out for a month," said Reds boss Daniel Taylor. "He has a ligament problem and usually it takes at least four weeks to recover. Stevie just came back from the same sort of injury.
"Now we have no third choice striker and would have to field a U18 player in case Cisse and Morientes get injured. "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," he told Liverpool's official website.

retired_provrb7

"Come Back Soon Pon-Goal!"

Sinama's injury was very unfortionate when he was doing very well as a sub and playing the odd game here and there. He'd just been capped in the French squad so that shows how good he was getting. Him and Pellegrino were the only injuries I had but Biscan, Welsh, Gerrard and Hyypia were not going to play due to unfitness/tiredness so there was some chopping in the starting eleven in this fixture.

PRE MATCH INTERVIEW

No Gerrard today, why not?
Well he had to come on at half time at the weekend which I really didn't want him to do but Alonso got a knock so someone had to play. He'll however feature against Bolton at the weekend hopefully.

First Gerrard, now Sinama, spookey injury virus going about?
Haha no not really but it's unfortionate. He was really doing well and looked quite the prospect and I know he'd loved to have featured here today against Tottenham. I wish him all the best in his rehab thou.

3-2 at White Hart Lane, today?
We'll win by about 2 goals I think. The atmosphere is going to be good even thou it's the Carling Cup.

Wednesday 27th October, 19.45. Anfield, Liverpool.
Carling Cup 3rd Round
Liverpool 2 Garcia 50, Carragher pen 61
Tottenham 0
MOM - Garcia
Att: 25809

Liverpool (4-1-4-1); Kirkland; Josemi, Carra, Traore, Riise; Hamann; Partridge, Alonso, Garcia, Kewell; Cisse

Tottenham (4-4-2); Robinson; Pamarot, King, Bunjevcevic, Ziegler; Varela, Brown, Davis, Reid; Kanoute, Keane

First Half
Min 6 - Hamann clears a ball from the Liverpool penalty box, Partridge heads it to Cisse, he dribbles down the right, all the way to the penalty area, thinks about crossing but there is noone in the box, he shoots! Way over the bar!
Min 17 - Reid comes down the left, one twos with Keane to get to the byline, pulls back for Davis, he shoots! Good save by Kirkland!
Min 18 - Cornor to Tottenham, taken by Varela, headed away by Garcia, Bunjevcevic shoots on the half volley! So close!
Min 30 - Kewell intercepts Pamarot's pass, he dribbles past Pamarot, goes down the left, Pamarot is chasing, he finds Alonso in space infront of the area, he shoots directly! Wide! Great play by Kewell thou, he did well down the left.
Min 44 - Again Kewell intercepts Pamarots pass, this time just outside the box, he sees Robinson outside his goal, he tries to curve it past him! But Robinson is quick to react!

Second Half
Goal! - Guess who? 50 minutes in, Tottenham have a cornor, Alonso intercepts, he finds Garcia at the halfway line, he takes it in his stride, dribbles down the right, then cuts in, gets into the box, shots low past Robinson! 1-0! Great effort from Garcia! Needed no help what so ever!
Goal! 10 minutes after the first! Throw in by Josemi, he aims for Cisse in the box. King heads away! The whistle goes! Rob Styles blows for a penalty. With a smile on my face I agian ask Carra to take it. I know Garcia would probably like to take it but no, I want Carra to double his tally this season. Carra steps up.. strikes it right.. Robinson is too late to react, 2-0!! King Carra strikes again!
Min 63 - Cisse and Partridge off, Foy and Morientes on.
Min 83 - Josemi intercepts a pass, passes forward to Morientes, he lays off to Garcia and andvances forward, Garcia strides forward, gets closed down by Brown, shoots! Just a touch wide!

POST MACTH INTERVIEW

Daniel, was it "another day on the job"?
I guess you could say that. We played our game and we got the result. Not a game for the history books but this is the Carling Cup after all. I'm happy for my players and I'm happy Kirkland played well today, he knew he's chance would come and he took it well.

Luis Garcia again, he's scored 11 now, signing of the year?
It's looking that way. He usually scores against the run of play but he's shown he can score from wide areas, central areas and can also dribble past 1-2 opponents and score like he did today, he is wonderfull.

You guys stay here and take on Bolton at Anfield, another win I assume?
Yes, I know Bolton won against Chelsea but they won't at Anfield, Allardyce can forget that.

retired_provrb7

Crystal Palace Come To Anfield For Carling Cup 4th Round

Yes, yet another London team travels north for the Carling Cup fourth round fixture. Man Utd, Arsenal and Chelsea are still in it and Gillingham are the only team who are NOT in the premiership who's still in it.

As for the game against Bolton at home I decided to think ahead. We had Porto in midweek and Man United at the weekend at Old Trafford so I needed to rested some players. Hamann, Alonso, Garcia and Kewell were all rested for this fixture.

Saturday 30th October, 15.00. Anfield, Liverpool.
Premiership
Liverpool 2 Riise pen 37, Welsh 90
Bolton 0
MOM - Riise
Att: 43744

Liverpool (4-1-4-1); Dudek; Finnan, Carra, Hyypia, Traore; Biscan; Partridge, Welsh, Gerrard, Riise; Cisse

Bolton (4-3-2-1); Jaaskelainen; N'Gotty, Jaidi, Julio Cesar, Gardner; Nolan, Okocha, Campo; Shakes, Fadiga; Davies

First Half
Min 8 - Carra wins a header against Davies, heads it down to Partridge, he centres it to Welsh, one time pass through to Cisse, he tries to chip Jaaskelainen! Just wide!!
Min 27 - Throw in to Bolton, taken by Campo, thrown to Okocha, advances centrally with the ball, tries a shot from 35 yards! Just wide of the right post!
Min 29 - Finnan picks up the loose ball, passes back to Biscan, he picks out Riise on the left, Riise dribbles into the area, shots from a very tight angle! Over!!
Goal! - Cornor to us with 36 minutes gone, Patridge crosses, up goes Hyypia! Jaaskelainen pushes him!! Penalty!! I pointed at Riise, he'd been brilliant all day, he deserved it. He steps up.. shots in goalkeeper height to the right! Jaaskelainen missed it and it's 1-0 to 'Pool!! Bad penalty but a bad save made it 1-0!
Min 39 - Finnan finds Traore on the other side of the pitch, Traore passes Biscan, again Biscan finds Riise out left, Riise goes to the byline, crosses to the far post, Partridge gathers up, shoots! Over the bar!
Min 41 - Traore finds Riise out wide, he advances with the ball, looks up. Takes a pop from 30 yards!! Jaaskelainen can only tip it over the bar!
Min 45 - Riise again gets the ball on the left, he again crosses to the far past, it's a bit over hit but Partridge gathers it up, he centres it, Welsh takes it down, puts it on his right, shoots! Straight at Jaaskelainen! Wasted!

Second Half
Half Time Sub: Cisse off for Morientes.
Min 62 - Partridge off for Foy.
Min 64 - Riise throws the ball to Welsh, welsh passes back down the left wing, Riise gives it back, Welsh passes it back to Riise inside the box, Riise cuts it back for Welsh, he shoots! Over the bar!
Min 70 - Riise steals the ball off of N'Gotty, he gets to the byline, crosses near post, Morientes heads it towards goal! Hits the bar!! When is Morientes going to score?!
Min 72 - Hyypia wins a header against Pedersen, passes long to Riise, great ball! Riise centres to Gerrard, Gerrard finds Welsh outside the box, he shoots! Wide!
Min 81 - Riise's got a free kick outside the area, he shoots! Just shaves the bar!!
Min 88 - Carra heads the ball out of his own area, Riise gathers up, he looks up, plays a 50 yard pass into the path of Morientes, wonderful skill! Morientes is one on one with the keeper. he shoots low! Misses!!?!
Min 90 +1 - Cornor to us, Riise takes, Morientes heads it! Over the bar!!
Min 90 +2 - Gerrard crosses into the box, Morientes and Jaaskelainen go up for it! Jaaskelainen gets a hand to it! It goes out to Welsh who hits it on the volley towards goal!! 2-0!! Get in there!!
Full Time

retired_provrb7

Taylor And Welsh Grab October Awards

Yep, I got Manager of the month award and surprisingly Welsh beat off stiff opposition to win Young Player of the Month award.

On the Monday after the Bolton game we travelled to Porto to take on the reigning champs in a fixture which could mean we finish the group off... IF we we win it that is. The only two players not to travel were Riise and Sinama, Riise had picked up a small knock whihc ruled him out and Sinama is still out with he's knee ligament.

PRE MATCH INTERVIEW

Mr Taylor, If you win tonight then it's all done and dusted, your through, can you do it?
We've played 18 games and we've won all 18. Of course we can win this one but it will be very tight. I hope Porto are'nt as tough in the tackles as they were last time because we have an important game against United on Sunday.

Oh, your already thinking of Sunday?
As a manager you have to think ahead in a busy schedule and that's what we have at the moment and players get tired and the last thing you need is a team of brutes running about and breaking the legs off my players.

If you win the group today, how will the last two fixtures be played?
I'll definatly give the first teamers a rest and play some squad players and some youngsters for experience.

Finally Daniel, scoreline tonight?
I can't call this one but we're going for a win, that's for sure!

Tuesday 2nd November, 19.45. Estadio do Dragao, Porto.
Champions League Group C
Porto 0 (Seitaridis Missed Pen 43)
Liverpool 3 Garcia 40, Cisse 55, 62
MOM - Cisse
Att: 51976

Porto (4-1-2-1-2); Baia; Seitaridis, Costa, Pepe, Leandro; Costinha; Meireles, Maniche; Diego; Pitbull, Fabiano

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

First Half
Min 2 - Great chance to score early! Josemi's free kick is won in the air by Cisse, he heads right to Garcia who crosses into the box, Gerrard wins a header by the penalty spot, heads down to Kewell who is free by the far post, he shoots hard and low!! Save by Baia!
Min 12 - Leandro takes a throw in on the left, throws to Manice, he finds Fabiano with a through ball into the area, Fabiano goes to the byline, crosses into the center, Diego heads the ball! It looks goal bound!! Great save by Dudek!!! Tipped it over the bar in the last second!
Min 26 - A freekick from Porto is headed away by Hamann, gathered up by Costinha, he finds Fabiano out wide on the left, Fabiano advances into the box, shoots from the edge of the area! Comfortable save by Dudek.
Min 33 - Free kick by Seitaridis, headed away by Traore, gathered up by Seitaridis, he looses Traore, finds Costinha outside the box, Hamann is on him in a flash! Costinha shoots! Well wide..
Goal! - He does it again! 40 Minutes into the game and Porto have a freekick in their half, Baia takes, headed by Traore to Kewell, Kewell dwells on the ball at the halfway line, tackled by Seitaridis, Traore gets the loose ball, finds Kewell running down the left, Kewell passes down the left flank to Cisse, Cisse crosses first time, it goes to the far post, Baia goes to claim it, but it curvs away from him! Garcia's on the far post! Hea heads it into the empty net!! 1-0!! Great cross by Cisse!!
Min 42 - Diego finds Pitbull running down the right with a 30 yard pass, Pitbull gets past Traore, into the box, Traore fouls Pitbull! The ref blows a penalty!! Seitaridis puts the ball on the spot.. takes 2 steps back.. shoots! Hits the bar!! Useless penalty!! Alonso clears it.
Min 45 - Seitaridis tris to find Diego centrally, Hamann goes to intercept it, but it deflects off Gerrard and goes to Diego, he runs towards the defence, slides it through to Fabiano, he shoots hard and low! Dudek parries it with his legs!! Pellegrino clears.

Second Half
Min 49 - Gerrard comes off for Biscan.
Min 53 - Kewell off for Foy.
Min 55 - Free kick to be taken by Seitaridis. Strikes towards goal! Comfortable save by Dudek.
Goal! - Straight after Porto's free kick! Dudek found Foy upfield, he layed off to Hamann who went forward with the ball, found Garcia to his right, looks to shoot, does'nt, he passes out to the left side of the box, Cisse strikes on the half volley! Curvs past Baia!! 2-0!!! What a strike by Cisse! That was class!
Goal! - 10 minutes later Cisse scores again! A long throw by Josemi is won in the air by Cisse, heads towards the near post, Baia is noowhere near it! 3-0!! The fans are going wild!!!
Min 63 - The excellent Cisse comes off for Morientes.
Min 71 - Maniche finds Fabiano down the left, he goes down the wing, crosses from the edge of the box, met with a header by Diego! Wide of Dudek's right post. The Porto fans start to leave the stadium like ants fleeing a burning ant-stack.
Min 84 - Throw in to Porto, taken to Fabiano, he checks the box, crosses to the middle, it looks to go to Diego, no, it goes to Pepe, he strikes on the half volley! Ooh so close for Porto. He should of really stuck that into the back of the net.
Min 86 - Free kick outside the box to the left for Traore, he aims for Morientes, Meireles clears, McCarthy goes to get it, Josemit is there before him, passes out wide for Foy, he crosses into the box, Morientes heads it! Wide!
Full Time! We're Through To The Knock Out Stages!!

POST MATCH INTERVIEW

Congratulations Daniel, how does it feel?
Fantastic, we've advanced to the next round by beating the defending champions and that's such a great feeling. I'm so happy for players, staff and of course fans who travelled here today. Now we can focus to the match on Sunday.

Who do you fancy going through with you?
I honestly think Porto will come second. They're on level points with Paris and they have Paris at home so my vote is with them.

Rosenborg home and Paris away left, no real emphasis on these games?
Emphasis yes but I won't take any first teamers with me, it will be a great opportunity for younger players to shine.

retired_provrb7

Theatre Of Dreams? Broken Dreams More Like It

I knew after the away game at Porto we'd be on a total high and we feel unstoppable at the moment and there is no way were letting Manchester United stop us. The only absantees for this game were Hyypia and Sinama. Hyypia got a slight injury in training on Friday and will be out for a couple of weeks. Pellegrino obviously will take his spot.

PRE MATCH INTERVIEW

Big big game today, how do you see it going?
This is such a huge game and I can see it going either way. We are definatly the form team going into this battle but form doesn't count when there is rivalry in the air.

Who is the better team?
Us of course but Old Trafford is a hard place to come to but we'll get a result here. I'm happy with a draw but a win would be great and surely will put us in pole position.

Key man for you today?
Well obviously I hope Garcia scores as usual but Gerrard is back and fit and should be the cog in our works.

Dangerman or men in United?
Well we'll have to keep an eye on Rooney. He'll obviously have a license to roam and Hamann will have to mark him out of the game.

Sunday 7th November, 14.00. Old Trafford, Manchester.
Premiership
Man Utd 0
Liverpool 1 Alonso 13
MOM - Dudek
Att: 67824

Man Utd (4-4-1-1);Caroll; Neville, Ferdinand, Heinze, O'Shea; Ronaldo, Scholes, Kleberson, Giggs; Rooney; Nistelrooy

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

First Half
Min 1 - It took 21 seconds for our first chance, Finnan found Cisse upfront, Cisse won a header against Ferdinand, headed it to Garcia who one touches it to Gerrard, he finds Cisse up front, layed off right for Garcia, he shoots! Just over the bar!!
Min 6 - Cornor to Utd, taken by Giggs to the near post, Ferdinand heads it! Saved by Dudek!!
Min 8 - Rooney intercepts a pass at the halfway line and sets Ronaldo on his way down the right, he dribbles down the box, gives it to Rooney, he shoots from the edge of the box! Dudek saves!
Goal!! - Cisse is fouled on the line of the box by Heinze, Alonso steps up to take it. 13 minutes on the clock. He shoots! It curves outside the wall, past Caroll who can't see it coming!! Great free kick by Alonso to score his 5th of the season! The players run out to the fans! Get in there!!
Min 19 - Ronaldo now on the left wing, finds Rooney outside the area, he holds off Gerrard, finds Scholes outside the box on the right, Scholes strikes it first time! Over the bar!
Min 26 - Throw in by Neville, given to Scholes on the right wing, crosses to the far post, headed away by Carra, gathered up outside the area by O'Shea, he shoots from range! Wide!
Min 35 - Alonso wins the ball in United's half, finds Cisse, he runs towards the box, sees Garcia to his right, passes to him, Garcia takes two touches to get space against O'Shea, he shoots from outside the area! Over the bar!
Min 45 +3 - Giggs runs into the area, finds Rooney on the right, he holds up the ball, pokes it to Scholes, strikers first time!! Great save by Dudek!!

Second Half
Min 47 - Ronaldo is now centrally, runs towards the Liverpool defense, passes out wide right to Rooney, he shoots on the half volley! Wide!
Min 53 - O'Shea spots Ronaldo's run down the left, he is quicker then Finnan, crosses along the groud into the box, Nistelrooy's there! Shots along the ground!! Dudek parries it!! What a save! It should of been 1-1..
Min 60 - 3 subs. Kewell, Alonso and Cisse off, Welsh, Partridge and Morientes on.
Min 61 - Ferdinand's got the ball ourside the United box, Gerrard goes to close him down, nicks the ball off him and crosses for Morientes, he dribbles past Flecther, shoots low and hard! Save by Carroll!!
Min 63 - Rooney dribbles down the right flank, cuts it back for Scholes, it bounces off Gerrard, finds itself to Giggs, he tries to bend it from 25 yards! Wide!
Min 73 - Finnan intercepts a throw in from Heinze, passes to Garcia infront of him, he spots Morientes run, great ball! Morientes gives it his all towards goal, bares down on Caroll, shoots hard! Great save by Caroll!!
Min 74 - Quick counter after Morientes chance, United rip Liverpool's defense to shreads with quick passing, it ends up to Rooney on the left, he goes to the byline, cuts in to Fletcher, he shoots low! Save by Dudek! He's been immense today!!
Min 77 - Gerrard collided with o'Shea and had to come off. Unfortionatly I had done all my subs and was now playing with 10 men.
Min 90 + 2 - Throw in by Heinze, throws to Rooney, he crosses first time to the far post, O'shea is there! Cuts back to Brown by the penalty spot! He shoots!! Wide of the post!
Min 90 + 3 - Caroll finds O'Shea in midfield, he passes out left to Ronaldo, Ronaldo sees Rooney free at the far post, crosses, Rooney shots hard!! Way over the bar, probably hit the Sky Sports satillite.
Full Time!

POST MATCH INTERVIEW

You may breath now Daniel, what a win that was, do you think it was a fair result?
To be honest United had done enough to win it but they didn't stick away their chances so yes in that way the result is fair. I'm very satisfied with the players performance this afternoon.

You'll be very popular with the fans now, beating the rivals at their home ground.
It's a remarkable achievement yes and will set us on our way to winning the title. We have beaten Chelsea and United now and next will be Arsenal hopefully.

Going back home now and Palace on Wednesday?
Yeah, Palace at home should be less stressfull then this game. Alas it's only the Carling Cup so I don't really mind if we loose the match but we'd want to pick up all silverware this season.

retired_provrb7

King Carra Beats Own Record

After the two very tough games in Porto and Manchester I obviously had some tired players on my hands and now would be a prefect opportunity to rest a few. Riise, Finnan, Garcia and Alonso all stay out of this fixture and Traore, Josemi, Partridge and Biscan replace them. I felt the team were strong enough to hold off Palace at home. We recently just beat them 3-1 away so I had a feeling we'd beat them at home.

Wednesday 10th November, 19.45. Anfield, Liverpool.
Carling Cup 4th Round
Liverpool 3 Cisse 7, Kewell 24, Carra pen 36
Crystal Palace 0
MOM - Carragher
Att: 25739

Liverpool (4-1-4-1); Kirkland; Josemi, Carra, Pellegrino, Traore; Biscan; Partridge, Hamann, Gerrard, Kewell; Cisse

Crystal Palace (4-4-2); Kiraly; Boyce, Hudson, Popovic, Barrowdale; Routledge, Rihilahti, Watson, Kolkka; Johnson, Freedman

First Half
Goal! - 7 minutes gone and Josemi gathers up a clearence, he lays it back to Carra, he looks up, sees Cisse's run and boots it, great ball! Cisse takes it down well, bares down on goal, sidesteps Kiraly, passes it into the net, easy peasy! 1-0!!
Min 9 - Josemi throws to Cisse on the halfway line, he throughs it down the right flank for Partridge, he gets on the ball, crosses to the far post, Kiraly comes to claim, misses! Kewell heads the ball! Wide!! Should of been a second goal there.
Min 17 - Traore tackles the ball off Routledge, goes to Gerrard, finds Hamann beside him, Hamann slices the Palace defence open with a perfect ball, Cisse's on it in a flash, bares down on goal, shoots! Kiraly gets his fingers on it! Unlucky for Cisse.
Min 21 - A rare Palace attack, Rihilahti has it on the left, sends it down the wing for Barrowdale, he goes down the wing, cuts back for Freedman, he shoots first time! Well well wide.
Min 24 - Barrowdales cross is headed out by Biscan, the ball goes to Cisse who holds it, he finds Partridge going forward, he passes centrally to Gerrard, he finds Cisse on the right wing, Cisse crosses to the far post where Kewell is all alone, slides it calmly past Kiraly, 2-0!! This is playtime for Liverpool.
Min 31 - Kiraly's clearence is headed by Hamann to Cisse, Cisse is outside the area, decides to shoot! Over the bar!
Min 33 - Cornor by Routledge, taken to the far post, Hudson wins the ball in the air against Pellegrino but it sails wide of the post.
Goal! - A penalty in the 36th minute is awarded to Liverpool. Kewell threw a ball to Hamann who crossed towards Partridge in the center, Kiraly comes to claim, but pushes Partridge! Guess who makes his way to the spot ? Carra takes three steps back.. shoots to the right.. Kiraly dives.. but too late.. 3-0!! Carra has scored his 3rd this season which is more then he's done in 7 years!!

Second Half
Min 52 - Kewell off for Foy.
Min 59 - Partridge and Cisse off for Riise and Morientes.
Min 62 - Kirkland's clearence is headed down to Watson by Hudson, he finds Johnson infront of him, Johson lets it drop, then fires a half volley from 30 yards outside the area, but it curvs away from goal and almost hits the cornor flag.
Min 70 - Josemi wins the ball against Kolkka, finds Morientes with a long ball, he's through on goal, bares down on goal, Kiraly comes, Morientes chips him! It goes just wide! Morientes is still looking for his first goal at Liverpool. Great play by Josemi thou, he's impressed me greatly today.
Min 73 - Cornor on the left to be taken by Riise, taken to the edge of the 6 yard box, headed by Hamann! Sails just wide!
Min 77 - Josemi intercepts yet another pass, passes up to Foy, can't find any players, passes back to Carra, who lays it back to Pellegrino, tries a long ball towards Riise, heads down into the box towards Morientes, he gets there before Popovic, shoots hard and low! Just sneaks past the left post!! So close for "El Moro".
Min 83 - Long ball down the right from Palace, Traore goes to head. Misses it! Lakis continues his run, crosses into the box to the substitute Torgelle, he shoots first time! Great save by Kirky! Biscan gathers up, tackled by Johnson, Kolkka gets the loose ball, shoots! Right into the arms of Kirkland!
Min 86 - Another cornor on the left with Riise, crosses to the other edge of the 6 yard box this time, both Carra and Pellegrino go up! Carra gets his head to it!
Min 88 - Lakis has the ball on the right, dribbles down the flank, finds Torghelle centrally, he gets past Pellegrino, shoots! Save by Kirkland!
Full Time!