The International break has provided time to think back and remember Steven Gerrard.
Now plying his trade in America, it is easy to think of him as simply retired. However, everyone who has seen so much as a clip of Stevie will know he shall give 100% in every training session and match he takes part in. As I said, the break has provided opportunity to sit and think. Liverpool FC miss Steven Gerrard. Of course, this is no surprise. A man who was second to none. To list his achievements doesn’t do him justice. He deserved everything and he won almost everything. No doubt missing out on the league motivated him to try his luck elsewhere. Gerrard was constantly head, shoulders and (sometimes waist) above his Liverpool team-mates. One of Steven’s regrets may well be that he was played out of position by almost every manager, both for club and country. He has played pretty much everywhere except goalkeeper and always performed. Many will agree that he was a centre midfielder, but his greatest season, he played as a no.10 - a forward, behind Torres.
Gerrard was a leader, an inspiration and if the best players perform in the biggest games – then Gerrard is the biggest player of all. He is the only player to have scored in the final of every club competition he has participated in. Not bad for a midfielder! He has, of course, played alongside some truly word-class players, but when talent was missing – Gerrard would be on hand to dish out some of his.
How Liverpool would love just to have him back in the dressing room if not on the team-sheet. Liverpool fans will be praying that he will return – as coach, manager, something! The term legend is definitely over-used…but Gerrard is a true Liverpool Legend.
He came second to a certain Kenny Dalglish in a Liverpool poll of greatest players. A true honour.
And I for one back him to overtake Kenny as time comes on and people realise just how good this guy is/was.
Wednesday, 9 September 2015
Sunday, 6 September 2015
Liverpool FC's Season So Far
Not been exactly explosive, has it?
Any optimism accrued during the first two wins and draw with Arsenal on their home patch was destroyed - at Anfield - by West Ham. No disrespect to The Hammers, but a 3-0 win involving Liverpool and West Ham United is assumed to be a Liverpool win.
So, what next for Liverpool? Manchester United at Old Trafford; with united having recorded the double over Liverpool last season. Then, Bordeaux away in the not-so-glamourous Europa League. Liverpool need big performances to settle the fans and the players and take some heat off of Brendan Rodgers.
The boss has been taking a lot of stick and he really needs to catch a break. A win at United and that break will come – a convincing win will keep the wolves at bay for a little while. For that to happen, the players will need to stand up and put in the performances which the fans expect/demand and their reputations promise. The defence especially needs a solid display and some team-bonding sessions wouldn’t hurt. The midfield needed a creative outlet even before Coutinho got himself suspended for the next Premier League match – he cannot handle that on his own; not week-in, week-out. I do not profess to have the answers; that much is up to Rodgers and his backroom staff. Ings will be absolutely desperate for a start September 12 and maybe he could be the answer. Then Ibe or Firmino or both? Could Liverpool line-up like this – Mignolet, Clyne, Lovren, Skrtel, Gomez, Milner, Henderson, Ibe, Firmino, Benteke, Ings…or would you choose Lallana to take Coutinho’s place behind Benteke?
Liverpool fans must be looking forward to simply getting United out of the way and after Bordeaux, there is a run of four home games to put the defeat against West Ham in the past. Players need to pull their socks up and perform. A cutting edge and (that word again) creativity is desperately needed. If the defence can improve and the midfield players start producing like we know they can, then maybe the future isn’t so bad.
As much as Liverpool fans are no doubt looking forward to the big game, there will be nerves. Natural, of course, there are nerves with facing every top side but this one feels different somehow. I am hoping for a win, but expecting a draw. A defeat (as always) is unthinkable. The main problem with being a Liverpool fan is the endless optimism we have. Liverpool fans have been spoilt over the years – much more than most other clubs, but not as much as a few others. Liverpool fans demand results and they have, for the most part, been patient. Is time running out for Rodgers? Liverpool fans will, in their majority, want to give him time. He may not be proven yet, but he was a whisker away from a league title. The thing Liverpool fans have craved for many, many years. Come January, Rodgers will want to be in a strong position in the league and at least one cup competition, otherwise he could well find himself having some very uncomfortable conversations with the owners.
Football, is after all, a results business.
Any optimism accrued during the first two wins and draw with Arsenal on their home patch was destroyed - at Anfield - by West Ham. No disrespect to The Hammers, but a 3-0 win involving Liverpool and West Ham United is assumed to be a Liverpool win.
So, what next for Liverpool? Manchester United at Old Trafford; with united having recorded the double over Liverpool last season. Then, Bordeaux away in the not-so-glamourous Europa League. Liverpool need big performances to settle the fans and the players and take some heat off of Brendan Rodgers.
The boss has been taking a lot of stick and he really needs to catch a break. A win at United and that break will come – a convincing win will keep the wolves at bay for a little while. For that to happen, the players will need to stand up and put in the performances which the fans expect/demand and their reputations promise. The defence especially needs a solid display and some team-bonding sessions wouldn’t hurt. The midfield needed a creative outlet even before Coutinho got himself suspended for the next Premier League match – he cannot handle that on his own; not week-in, week-out. I do not profess to have the answers; that much is up to Rodgers and his backroom staff. Ings will be absolutely desperate for a start September 12 and maybe he could be the answer. Then Ibe or Firmino or both? Could Liverpool line-up like this – Mignolet, Clyne, Lovren, Skrtel, Gomez, Milner, Henderson, Ibe, Firmino, Benteke, Ings…or would you choose Lallana to take Coutinho’s place behind Benteke?
Liverpool fans must be looking forward to simply getting United out of the way and after Bordeaux, there is a run of four home games to put the defeat against West Ham in the past. Players need to pull their socks up and perform. A cutting edge and (that word again) creativity is desperately needed. If the defence can improve and the midfield players start producing like we know they can, then maybe the future isn’t so bad.
As much as Liverpool fans are no doubt looking forward to the big game, there will be nerves. Natural, of course, there are nerves with facing every top side but this one feels different somehow. I am hoping for a win, but expecting a draw. A defeat (as always) is unthinkable. The main problem with being a Liverpool fan is the endless optimism we have. Liverpool fans have been spoilt over the years – much more than most other clubs, but not as much as a few others. Liverpool fans demand results and they have, for the most part, been patient. Is time running out for Rodgers? Liverpool fans will, in their majority, want to give him time. He may not be proven yet, but he was a whisker away from a league title. The thing Liverpool fans have craved for many, many years. Come January, Rodgers will want to be in a strong position in the league and at least one cup competition, otherwise he could well find himself having some very uncomfortable conversations with the owners.
Football, is after all, a results business.
Changes To The Rules For The New Season
The changes to the already-pretty-complex offside rule are a little ambiguous. Now an attacking player in an offside position who doesn’t make contact with the ball but hinders an opponent is now regarded as offside.
The obvious example of which was in Liverpool’s fixture with newly-promoted Bournemouth on August 17.
Under the new rule; Liverpool’s goal should have been referred to as ‘goal’ in the newspapers the following morning. Number 10, Coutinho, knew he was offside, yet he attempted to make contact with Henderson’s cross; clearly interfering with Boruc, Bournemouth’s ‘keeper, as he scampered across his goal. Benteke turned the ball home and was onside; but the goal should have been disallowed nevertheless.
BBC Football state in their match report that, 'The offside rule has been tweaked to supposedly clear up the grey area of when a player is interfering with play...' As far as I can tell, however, this tweak has created a whole new grey area. I miss the days when you were simply offside and there were no clauses inserted. As someone rather famous once said, 'If a player is not interfering with play or seeking to gain an advantage, then he should be.'
The other changes; feigning injury, technical area code of conduct and players surrounding the referee are all good changes and nothing too major for fans to worry about. (Just sounds a little to me like someone is trying to make Chelsea FC behave a little better!) It's about time players realise that they are may in charge off the pitch; with contracts, agents, perks, add-ons, etc. But on the pitch, they are role models and need to show respect to the referee, opponents and everyone else in the stadium actually. A big thing I have noticed, (and even my wife agrees; something that happens less often than a solar eclipse), is players not leaving the pitch after being red-carded. Do they think by hanging around complaining that the referee may actually change his mind? It's time they realise that the longer they take to get off the field, the worse they look and the more time will be added as their team tries to cope with one less player.
I don't think we have heard the last of the new offside change, but the others should all improve our football experience this season.
The obvious example of which was in Liverpool’s fixture with newly-promoted Bournemouth on August 17.
Under the new rule; Liverpool’s goal should have been referred to as ‘goal’ in the newspapers the following morning. Number 10, Coutinho, knew he was offside, yet he attempted to make contact with Henderson’s cross; clearly interfering with Boruc, Bournemouth’s ‘keeper, as he scampered across his goal. Benteke turned the ball home and was onside; but the goal should have been disallowed nevertheless.
BBC Football state in their match report that, 'The offside rule has been tweaked to supposedly clear up the grey area of when a player is interfering with play...' As far as I can tell, however, this tweak has created a whole new grey area. I miss the days when you were simply offside and there were no clauses inserted. As someone rather famous once said, 'If a player is not interfering with play or seeking to gain an advantage, then he should be.'
The other changes; feigning injury, technical area code of conduct and players surrounding the referee are all good changes and nothing too major for fans to worry about. (Just sounds a little to me like someone is trying to make Chelsea FC behave a little better!) It's about time players realise that they are may in charge off the pitch; with contracts, agents, perks, add-ons, etc. But on the pitch, they are role models and need to show respect to the referee, opponents and everyone else in the stadium actually. A big thing I have noticed, (and even my wife agrees; something that happens less often than a solar eclipse), is players not leaving the pitch after being red-carded. Do they think by hanging around complaining that the referee may actually change his mind? It's time they realise that the longer they take to get off the field, the worse they look and the more time will be added as their team tries to cope with one less player.
I don't think we have heard the last of the new offside change, but the others should all improve our football experience this season.
Liverpool 0-3 West Ham United - Doom & Gloom as Reds Get Hammered
Thank you, Liverpool…
BBC Football described the atmosphere around Liverpool as ‘cautiously optimistic’ before today’s match. So, on behalf of Liverpool fans everywhere, thank you for getting that out of our systems before the international break. What a difference a single result can make, especially this early in the season. Before today; Liverpool were watertight and grinding out results. Now, we are as leaky as ever and only have two goals from four games with two average performances (which were unconvincing wins) followed by a good first half against Arsenal which was not continued after the break.
And then…this. It being my first match report, I sat down well-prepared, pen in hand. But all I wrote before giving up was Coutinho attempts to link with Benteke after around 50 seconds. Then, I saw what was coming. It was going to be one of those days. All Liverpool fans know what I mean. When the inevitable goal came, the only surprise was that it happened so soon after I thought, ‘here we go again!’
It was the Liverpool from last season, and the season before to be fair. Only (as everyone keeps reminding us) there is no world-class talent up the other end to spare the dodgy defence anymore. I am still undecided on big Benteke as I’m sure many are. I really hope he comes good; likewise Firmino too. It worries me immensely that we are pinning top 4 hopes on the shoulders of Sturridge and Coutinho. The goals conceded were sloppy, Mignolet was again at fault and I failed to see a single stand out performer in red. West Ham were more organised, more determined and fully deserved their goals and the points.
I’d like to touch on the red cards now, there seems to be question marks over both and I do not understand why. Coutinho, on a booking, slid in recklessly and brought down his man having gotten nowhere near the ball. Second yellow card, no doubt. The Noble red card was given in ‘bizarre circumstances’ according to Sky Sports. The incident, Noble loses the ball having been fouled and then lunges at Danny Ings, two-footed. Red card. The ‘controversy’ was because the ref had already blown for a foul on Noble before his lunge. I do not see how the fact it happened seconds after the whistle had blown makes it acceptable. If someone is elbowed or punched when the ball is out of play, is the referee not allowed to take action?! Of course he is.
The red card didn’t change anything of course and all that’s left now is the question – what next for Liverpool? The easy answer is – Old Trafford. A win on Sunday for United at Swansea and it will be an interesting game, one which Liverpool will want/need to win. If Sturridge is back, maybe things will improve. If not, it will uncomfortable viewing in my house with my wife – the Manchester United fan!
BBC Football described the atmosphere around Liverpool as ‘cautiously optimistic’ before today’s match. So, on behalf of Liverpool fans everywhere, thank you for getting that out of our systems before the international break. What a difference a single result can make, especially this early in the season. Before today; Liverpool were watertight and grinding out results. Now, we are as leaky as ever and only have two goals from four games with two average performances (which were unconvincing wins) followed by a good first half against Arsenal which was not continued after the break.
And then…this. It being my first match report, I sat down well-prepared, pen in hand. But all I wrote before giving up was Coutinho attempts to link with Benteke after around 50 seconds. Then, I saw what was coming. It was going to be one of those days. All Liverpool fans know what I mean. When the inevitable goal came, the only surprise was that it happened so soon after I thought, ‘here we go again!’
It was the Liverpool from last season, and the season before to be fair. Only (as everyone keeps reminding us) there is no world-class talent up the other end to spare the dodgy defence anymore. I am still undecided on big Benteke as I’m sure many are. I really hope he comes good; likewise Firmino too. It worries me immensely that we are pinning top 4 hopes on the shoulders of Sturridge and Coutinho. The goals conceded were sloppy, Mignolet was again at fault and I failed to see a single stand out performer in red. West Ham were more organised, more determined and fully deserved their goals and the points.
I’d like to touch on the red cards now, there seems to be question marks over both and I do not understand why. Coutinho, on a booking, slid in recklessly and brought down his man having gotten nowhere near the ball. Second yellow card, no doubt. The Noble red card was given in ‘bizarre circumstances’ according to Sky Sports. The incident, Noble loses the ball having been fouled and then lunges at Danny Ings, two-footed. Red card. The ‘controversy’ was because the ref had already blown for a foul on Noble before his lunge. I do not see how the fact it happened seconds after the whistle had blown makes it acceptable. If someone is elbowed or punched when the ball is out of play, is the referee not allowed to take action?! Of course he is.
The red card didn’t change anything of course and all that’s left now is the question – what next for Liverpool? The easy answer is – Old Trafford. A win on Sunday for United at Swansea and it will be an interesting game, one which Liverpool will want/need to win. If Sturridge is back, maybe things will improve. If not, it will uncomfortable viewing in my house with my wife – the Manchester United fan!
Football For The Next Generation
I was one of three boys, born ‘up north’, but living in Liverpool for only the first five years of my life before a massive move to the South-East.
To say that Kent is not as keen on football as the North would be an under-statement. So, my Dad enforced football on all three of us - eager to carry on the proud family tradition of following Liverpool FC. Indeed it was his way or the highway.
Match-day was always a special occasion in our house, particularly live games. Mum would make herself scarce, hoping for a Liverpool win as much as the rest of us, but for a slightly different reason – three happy males is better than three upset/angry ones. There we would be, Liverpool shirts on, sat in our usual seats and cheering on The Reds as if they could hear or it made any difference whatsoever to the final score.
Now, at nearly 30, I have two boys of my own and the set up in this house is entirely different. I have married a Manchester United fan (gasp) and needless to say, I have mellowed somewhat. I am the first to admit that I was hugely biased both in my love of Liverpool and hatred for all things United; but things change as you get older and other things become (slightly) more important. The wife is a ‘proper’ football fan. She knows the offside rule, she has been to her club’s ground and can name players from most of the recent history. We now watch both sets of fixtures together and are able to constructively critique the game during and afterwards. It was no easy transition though!
Our boys are aged five and two. The older boy is a Manchester United fan, along with his mum and Grandad…while the younger is obviously Liverpool, along with me and his uncles. That was the easy part…the hard part is proving to be what to teach the boys and when. I do not want them growing up only caring about their own team, with blinkers on. My brothers and I were deluded I guess and unfortunately you meet a lot of football fans who simply haven’t grown up, or have failed to realise their delusions.
I do not think that my boys will grow up this way, as supporting opposite teams should encourage them to think outside the box, I hope.
It is a challenge to get them to grow up with the viewpoint I now hold, and not the one I was given in my early years. Yet, it is a challenge I relish. We are very much a football family and will be encouraging open minds and respect for the opposition when it comes to the beautiful game.
To say that Kent is not as keen on football as the North would be an under-statement. So, my Dad enforced football on all three of us - eager to carry on the proud family tradition of following Liverpool FC. Indeed it was his way or the highway.
Match-day was always a special occasion in our house, particularly live games. Mum would make herself scarce, hoping for a Liverpool win as much as the rest of us, but for a slightly different reason – three happy males is better than three upset/angry ones. There we would be, Liverpool shirts on, sat in our usual seats and cheering on The Reds as if they could hear or it made any difference whatsoever to the final score.
Now, at nearly 30, I have two boys of my own and the set up in this house is entirely different. I have married a Manchester United fan (gasp) and needless to say, I have mellowed somewhat. I am the first to admit that I was hugely biased both in my love of Liverpool and hatred for all things United; but things change as you get older and other things become (slightly) more important. The wife is a ‘proper’ football fan. She knows the offside rule, she has been to her club’s ground and can name players from most of the recent history. We now watch both sets of fixtures together and are able to constructively critique the game during and afterwards. It was no easy transition though!
Our boys are aged five and two. The older boy is a Manchester United fan, along with his mum and Grandad…while the younger is obviously Liverpool, along with me and his uncles. That was the easy part…the hard part is proving to be what to teach the boys and when. I do not want them growing up only caring about their own team, with blinkers on. My brothers and I were deluded I guess and unfortunately you meet a lot of football fans who simply haven’t grown up, or have failed to realise their delusions.
I do not think that my boys will grow up this way, as supporting opposite teams should encourage them to think outside the box, I hope.
It is a challenge to get them to grow up with the viewpoint I now hold, and not the one I was given in my early years. Yet, it is a challenge I relish. We are very much a football family and will be encouraging open minds and respect for the opposition when it comes to the beautiful game.
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