Articles
Talk lfc match report
Preview, Report and Player-by-player analysis by Robbie Amins' for talklfc
Some of the less patient fans are already moaning. They are pointing out to Liverpool's position in the league as an indicator to the club's fortunes. In truth, Rafa Benitez has done well considering that he has inherited a team with just a few good players and many mediocre ones on huge pay packets. The majority of those underperformers have been shipped out like what they wanted but still some are starting to get on Benitez's back.
The performances at home have been encouraging. And that is an understatement. Liverpool played like Liverpool. The good ol' Pass and Move...the Liverpool groove. West Bromwich Albion and Norwich were outclassed at Anfield. Yes, you could say those are the teams thought to be among the relegation battlers but what about Monaco? Last season's Champions League runners-up were second best for the whole of the 90 minutes in their 2-nil defeat to the Reds. And to be perfectly honest, it could have been a much more humiliating reverse for the French side.
The away form of course could have been much more pleasing on the eye. But the players are just getting used to Rafa's 4-4-1-1 formation away from home (and the zonal system implemented at set-pieces). The Spaniard has already admitted that he needed time to make it work. Even striker Djibril Cisse (who despite not yet adapting to the pace of the game in England but has already scored 3 goals) has come out and said that he too needed more time to show what he is really made of.
Many of those critics albeit a very small group have failed to see that the Reds have played one game less than most of the other clubs in the league and if Liverpool win that game in hand, they will leapfrog to 4th place in the Premiership.
A defeat to Fulham though means they would be languishing in the bottom part of the league table. The same goes for the Reds' opponenets on Saturday. At the end of the match, Fulham could see themselves either winning a place in the top half of the table or sink into the relegation zone. Victory would see the Cottagers overtake Rafael Benitez' side in the standings.
The Reds have suffered back-to-back 1-0 away defeats against Olympiakos in the Champions League and Chelsea in the Premiership. They're still looking for their first League win on the road this season, having lost the last three on their travels. The 1-1 opening day draw at Tottenham is Liverpool's only point away from Anfield thus far.
Despite the poor away record so far this season, Liverpool can look for strength in that the London side have a poor record against them. The visitors have won 10 of the 24 previous games, with the hosts winning just 7. The most recent encounter between these two sides was less than a year ago, in November 2003, with Liverpool inflicting a narrow 1 - 2 defeat upon the Cottagers in a Premiership match. Both the players who scored on that day, Heskey and Murphy, no longer at the club.
Fulham's top scorer Andrew Cole will be suspended for the match. Harry Kewell scored and came off at half-time in Australia's midweek match against the Solomon Islands after getting a knock but he is expected to be fit and start. Didi Hamann is tipped to return to the starting eleven after being a sub against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge and Rafa Benitez is expected to continue with the 5 men at midfield formation against the Cottagers.
--------------
Match report
It was a game of two halves for Liverpool. Very different halves. Benitez sprung yet another selection surprise. Many expected Didi Hamann to return to the starting line-up but none thought it would be at the expense of Spanish midfielder Xabi Alonso.
Starting Team:-
-------- Kirkland ---------
Josemi Hyypia - Carra Traore
Garcia Hamann - Diao Riise
----- Baros --- Cisse -----
On the bench:- Dudek (gk), Alonso, Biscan, Warnock, Pongolle.
1st Half:
-----------
In the first half, they were playing like a Nationwide team being outclassed by a Premiership team. The Reds couldn't even string a few passes together let alone come up with a significant attacking move. Bereft of ideas, the players started to go into the 'hopeful ball upfield' mode. It was sad to watch and hard to swallow for any fan. The Reds started well enough but then pressed the self-destruct button.
Salif Diao gave away the ball needlessly in midfield and the ball finally found it's way to American Brian McBride who squared the ball for Boa Morte to tap the ball in for the opener. The side from Merseyside looked to hit back and pressed for an equaliser but just minutes later, Boa Morte struck again.
Luis Garcia was guilty of losing possession to Malbranque and the Frenchman capitalised on the mistake by sending Boa Morte racing clear on goal. The Portuguese winger outpaced Sami Hyypia and Josemi to shoot low between the legs of the advancing Chris Kirkland.
One could sense the desperation sinking into the Reds' game. Garcia tried a hopeful long shot that could have been the goal of the season if it went it. But it was way over the intended target. That was all they could offer to the fans. 2-0 down at half-time, not many would have given the visitors a chance to come back. Many fans were resigned to the fact that it was about to be the fourth straight away defeat for Liverpool.
2nd Half:-
------------
Rafa Benitez decided enough was enough and sent on Alonso in place of the awful Salif Diao. But Benitez's men did not come out with all guns blazing in the second forty-five. In fact, it was a lucky break that the Reds got to come back into the game. An optimistic effort from Milan Baros struck Zatyiah Knight. And the deflection off the lanky defender fooled Edwin Van Der Sar in the Fulham goal. The early goal for the away side in the second half. The comeback was on the cards now.
Djibril Cisse had a half chance for Liverpool on 66 minutes when he arrived to meet Baros' corner at the front post, but he could not direct his volley on target. Just five minutes later, Milan Baros equalised for his team. A delicious looking ball into the box from the left by Alonso found his Spanish mate Luis Garcia's head but while Van der Sar did well to react with a one-handed stop, he could do nothing to stop Baros from slamming the ball into the back of the net from close range.
The over-zealous Josemi was sent off just a few moments later. He had been troubled by the pace of Boa Morte all day and after the Portuguese went past him one more time, the fullback decided to bring him down. It was his second yellow and surely now you would have thought that Fulham were surely going to win this one with the numerical advantage.
But Liverpool did not surrender. In fact, the equaliser gave them the much needed boost and confidence that they lacked in the first half. They kept on trying to attack to find a goal and the third goal finally came in the form of a freekick from Alonso. The Spanish genius' freekick (with a little help of a deflection off Papa Dioup) went to to the top corner with Van der Sar not even close to it.
Diop came close to grabbing an equaliser for Fulham two minutes from time when he ghosted into the box to get on the end of a long ball, but he could not get enough power in his shot to trouble Kirkland.
Alonso should have put the game beyond doubt a minute later with Cisse picking the Spaniard out six yards out, but with the goal at his mercy he somehow blazed his shot over the top. He could be forgiven for that considering how he had turned the game around for the Reds.
Igor Biscan came on for Milan Baros in the dying moments of the match. Not satisfied at being a tool for time-wasting, the Croat scored with a wonderful shot from just outside the box after an unusual 'one-two' with Warnock. The last action of the match and Chris Coleman must be wondering what just happened there.
The Man City match was the first match in a couple of years that we came back from behind to win a match but when was the last time we came back from 2 goals down to get all 3 points?? Liverpool's away blues are over (at least for the time being)...
------------------------
Player-by-player analysis
Chris Kirkland
Chris probably could do nothing with the two goals that he conceded. Unlike his predecessor, Chris was always comfortable with the balls played into the box (especially those in the air). One could sense the confidence the defenders had in their new No.1 to handle the situation and did not panic during the dead-ball situations.
Jose Miguel Rey
Like in the Chelsea match, Josemi yet again stuggled against pacy widemen. This time it was Boa Morte. He could have done better to prevent the first goal but the former Malaga man failed to track the Portuguese's run. The challenge that earned him his second yellow reeked of desperation and the referee (who was going trigger happy) had no choice but to sent him off after the persistent fouls.
Sami Hyypia
Sammi launched himself into some good last-ditch tackles when Fulham might have increased their lead and he was at the right place at the right time to head the ball away on a few occasions when Fulham had set-pieces in dangerous territories. But Sammi is definitely not vocal enough as a captain and that's why many are lobbying for Carra to be skipper in Stevie G's absence.
Jamie Carragher
Typical Jamie Carragher. Full of commitment and full-blooded passion. Carra has done well in his new full-time job as a centre-half. Nobody is mentioning Stephane Henchoz anymore which shows what a good job Carra is doing. He converted to right-back after Josemi's dismissal and he never showed Boa Morte the path towards goal.
Djimi Traore
Harry Kewell's absence due to a slight injury meant yet another chance for Djimi at left-back. Riise has played very well there since the start of pre-season but the much-maligned Frenchman seems like a new man under Benitez and he did not make any obvious mistakes like he did during Gerard Houllier's era. Had another decent game.
Luis Garcia
He did make two speculative efforts that would have been spectacular goals but you would have expected more from a player of his quality. Game after game, Luis is looking a bit lightweight in away matches. Not that he was ever a heavyweight. The pint-sized Spaniard struggled at times against larger opponents and unless he improves in future travels, many fans would be calling for him to be 'rested' in away matches.
Didi Hamann
In the first half, Didi looked panicky when under pressure but at least he did not give away the ball needlessly. Looked more comfortable when paired with Xabi Alonso in the second forty-five. And apart from yet another ineffective and boring free-kick routine, he did have a decent match.
Salif Diao
Before the match, Salif declared that the fans 'haven't seen the best of me'. But on this occasion, the fans saw the worst of him. Salif struggled against the workmanlike partnership of fellow countryman Papa Diop and Mark Pembridge. And unless he comes up with a vast improvement on his performances (which looks unlikely to happen), he won't have much time left in a Red shirt.
John Arne Riise
Johnny Riise did okay without being too impressive. Kewell's inability to make the game meant yet another match for the Norwegian at the left wing. He almost scored with a textbook header in the first half and he combined well with Djimi down the left.
Milan Baros
Milann....Milannn...Milannn... The fans chanted his name after his contribution to the first goal and after scoring the equaliser. There were some encouraging signs in the Baros-Cisse partnership in which one of them took turns to take the ball at their feet. But still, on many occasions, the pair wanted the ball played in behind them and this meant many wasted balls in the woeful first half. A rare phenomenon occured in this match. In fact, it could be one for the record books - Milan taking corners for Liverpool.
Djibril Cisse
Djibril drew a blank for yet another match but Liverpool fans would be asking for Rafa to continue with the strike duo for the next few matches. Took turns with Baros to play as a right winger after Garcia slotted in midfield. Did well to carve out a goalscoring chance for Alonso who almost made it 4-2.
Xabi Alonso
The Spanish midfield maestro's introduction provided the impetus for Liverpool's awakening from their slumber. Many fans will be asking why he is not taking more of those freekicks outside the box after that goal he scored. He could have bagged a brace after Cisse picked him out near the end of the match. That miss was inconsequential though because he already did enough to inspire the Reds to a comeback.
Stephen Warnock
Stephen didn't have much time to impress but it was a good ball to Igor Biscan to kill off Fulham's challenge. The pace was already on the ball and all Igor had to do was sidefoot the ball home.
Igor Biscan
The big Croat deserved the goal. You could see the delight on his face after scoring the 6th goal of the match. And if anybody deserved to score, it was Big Igor. His time at Anfield has been glittered with mistakes and bloopers that some were looking at him as if he was a clown. But what a preety goal that was and it would do wonders to his confidence.
Man of the match:- Xabi Alonso
Some of the less patient fans are already moaning. They are pointing out to Liverpool's position in the league as an indicator to the club's fortunes. In truth, Rafa Benitez has done well considering that he has inherited a team with just a few good players and many mediocre ones on huge pay packets. The majority of those underperformers have been shipped out like what they wanted but still some are starting to get on Benitez's back.
The performances at home have been encouraging. And that is an understatement. Liverpool played like Liverpool. The good ol' Pass and Move...the Liverpool groove. West Bromwich Albion and Norwich were outclassed at Anfield. Yes, you could say those are the teams thought to be among the relegation battlers but what about Monaco? Last season's Champions League runners-up were second best for the whole of the 90 minutes in their 2-nil defeat to the Reds. And to be perfectly honest, it could have been a much more humiliating reverse for the French side.
The away form of course could have been much more pleasing on the eye. But the players are just getting used to Rafa's 4-4-1-1 formation away from home (and the zonal system implemented at set-pieces). The Spaniard has already admitted that he needed time to make it work. Even striker Djibril Cisse (who despite not yet adapting to the pace of the game in England but has already scored 3 goals) has come out and said that he too needed more time to show what he is really made of.
Many of those critics albeit a very small group have failed to see that the Reds have played one game less than most of the other clubs in the league and if Liverpool win that game in hand, they will leapfrog to 4th place in the Premiership.
A defeat to Fulham though means they would be languishing in the bottom part of the league table. The same goes for the Reds' opponenets on Saturday. At the end of the match, Fulham could see themselves either winning a place in the top half of the table or sink into the relegation zone. Victory would see the Cottagers overtake Rafael Benitez' side in the standings.
The Reds have suffered back-to-back 1-0 away defeats against Olympiakos in the Champions League and Chelsea in the Premiership. They're still looking for their first League win on the road this season, having lost the last three on their travels. The 1-1 opening day draw at Tottenham is Liverpool's only point away from Anfield thus far.
Despite the poor away record so far this season, Liverpool can look for strength in that the London side have a poor record against them. The visitors have won 10 of the 24 previous games, with the hosts winning just 7. The most recent encounter between these two sides was less than a year ago, in November 2003, with Liverpool inflicting a narrow 1 - 2 defeat upon the Cottagers in a Premiership match. Both the players who scored on that day, Heskey and Murphy, no longer at the club.
Fulham's top scorer Andrew Cole will be suspended for the match. Harry Kewell scored and came off at half-time in Australia's midweek match against the Solomon Islands after getting a knock but he is expected to be fit and start. Didi Hamann is tipped to return to the starting eleven after being a sub against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge and Rafa Benitez is expected to continue with the 5 men at midfield formation against the Cottagers.
--------------
Match report
It was a game of two halves for Liverpool. Very different halves. Benitez sprung yet another selection surprise. Many expected Didi Hamann to return to the starting line-up but none thought it would be at the expense of Spanish midfielder Xabi Alonso.
Starting Team:-
-------- Kirkland ---------
Josemi Hyypia - Carra Traore
Garcia Hamann - Diao Riise
----- Baros --- Cisse -----
On the bench:- Dudek (gk), Alonso, Biscan, Warnock, Pongolle.
1st Half:
-----------
In the first half, they were playing like a Nationwide team being outclassed by a Premiership team. The Reds couldn't even string a few passes together let alone come up with a significant attacking move. Bereft of ideas, the players started to go into the 'hopeful ball upfield' mode. It was sad to watch and hard to swallow for any fan. The Reds started well enough but then pressed the self-destruct button.
Salif Diao gave away the ball needlessly in midfield and the ball finally found it's way to American Brian McBride who squared the ball for Boa Morte to tap the ball in for the opener. The side from Merseyside looked to hit back and pressed for an equaliser but just minutes later, Boa Morte struck again.
Luis Garcia was guilty of losing possession to Malbranque and the Frenchman capitalised on the mistake by sending Boa Morte racing clear on goal. The Portuguese winger outpaced Sami Hyypia and Josemi to shoot low between the legs of the advancing Chris Kirkland.
One could sense the desperation sinking into the Reds' game. Garcia tried a hopeful long shot that could have been the goal of the season if it went it. But it was way over the intended target. That was all they could offer to the fans. 2-0 down at half-time, not many would have given the visitors a chance to come back. Many fans were resigned to the fact that it was about to be the fourth straight away defeat for Liverpool.
2nd Half:-
------------
Rafa Benitez decided enough was enough and sent on Alonso in place of the awful Salif Diao. But Benitez's men did not come out with all guns blazing in the second forty-five. In fact, it was a lucky break that the Reds got to come back into the game. An optimistic effort from Milan Baros struck Zatyiah Knight. And the deflection off the lanky defender fooled Edwin Van Der Sar in the Fulham goal. The early goal for the away side in the second half. The comeback was on the cards now.
Djibril Cisse had a half chance for Liverpool on 66 minutes when he arrived to meet Baros' corner at the front post, but he could not direct his volley on target. Just five minutes later, Milan Baros equalised for his team. A delicious looking ball into the box from the left by Alonso found his Spanish mate Luis Garcia's head but while Van der Sar did well to react with a one-handed stop, he could do nothing to stop Baros from slamming the ball into the back of the net from close range.
The over-zealous Josemi was sent off just a few moments later. He had been troubled by the pace of Boa Morte all day and after the Portuguese went past him one more time, the fullback decided to bring him down. It was his second yellow and surely now you would have thought that Fulham were surely going to win this one with the numerical advantage.
But Liverpool did not surrender. In fact, the equaliser gave them the much needed boost and confidence that they lacked in the first half. They kept on trying to attack to find a goal and the third goal finally came in the form of a freekick from Alonso. The Spanish genius' freekick (with a little help of a deflection off Papa Dioup) went to to the top corner with Van der Sar not even close to it.
Diop came close to grabbing an equaliser for Fulham two minutes from time when he ghosted into the box to get on the end of a long ball, but he could not get enough power in his shot to trouble Kirkland.
Alonso should have put the game beyond doubt a minute later with Cisse picking the Spaniard out six yards out, but with the goal at his mercy he somehow blazed his shot over the top. He could be forgiven for that considering how he had turned the game around for the Reds.
Igor Biscan came on for Milan Baros in the dying moments of the match. Not satisfied at being a tool for time-wasting, the Croat scored with a wonderful shot from just outside the box after an unusual 'one-two' with Warnock. The last action of the match and Chris Coleman must be wondering what just happened there.
The Man City match was the first match in a couple of years that we came back from behind to win a match but when was the last time we came back from 2 goals down to get all 3 points?? Liverpool's away blues are over (at least for the time being)...
------------------------
Player-by-player analysis
Chris Kirkland
Chris probably could do nothing with the two goals that he conceded. Unlike his predecessor, Chris was always comfortable with the balls played into the box (especially those in the air). One could sense the confidence the defenders had in their new No.1 to handle the situation and did not panic during the dead-ball situations.
Jose Miguel Rey
Like in the Chelsea match, Josemi yet again stuggled against pacy widemen. This time it was Boa Morte. He could have done better to prevent the first goal but the former Malaga man failed to track the Portuguese's run. The challenge that earned him his second yellow reeked of desperation and the referee (who was going trigger happy) had no choice but to sent him off after the persistent fouls.
Sami Hyypia
Sammi launched himself into some good last-ditch tackles when Fulham might have increased their lead and he was at the right place at the right time to head the ball away on a few occasions when Fulham had set-pieces in dangerous territories. But Sammi is definitely not vocal enough as a captain and that's why many are lobbying for Carra to be skipper in Stevie G's absence.
Jamie Carragher
Typical Jamie Carragher. Full of commitment and full-blooded passion. Carra has done well in his new full-time job as a centre-half. Nobody is mentioning Stephane Henchoz anymore which shows what a good job Carra is doing. He converted to right-back after Josemi's dismissal and he never showed Boa Morte the path towards goal.
Djimi Traore
Harry Kewell's absence due to a slight injury meant yet another chance for Djimi at left-back. Riise has played very well there since the start of pre-season but the much-maligned Frenchman seems like a new man under Benitez and he did not make any obvious mistakes like he did during Gerard Houllier's era. Had another decent game.
Luis Garcia
He did make two speculative efforts that would have been spectacular goals but you would have expected more from a player of his quality. Game after game, Luis is looking a bit lightweight in away matches. Not that he was ever a heavyweight. The pint-sized Spaniard struggled at times against larger opponents and unless he improves in future travels, many fans would be calling for him to be 'rested' in away matches.
Didi Hamann
In the first half, Didi looked panicky when under pressure but at least he did not give away the ball needlessly. Looked more comfortable when paired with Xabi Alonso in the second forty-five. And apart from yet another ineffective and boring free-kick routine, he did have a decent match.
Salif Diao
Before the match, Salif declared that the fans 'haven't seen the best of me'. But on this occasion, the fans saw the worst of him. Salif struggled against the workmanlike partnership of fellow countryman Papa Diop and Mark Pembridge. And unless he comes up with a vast improvement on his performances (which looks unlikely to happen), he won't have much time left in a Red shirt.
John Arne Riise
Johnny Riise did okay without being too impressive. Kewell's inability to make the game meant yet another match for the Norwegian at the left wing. He almost scored with a textbook header in the first half and he combined well with Djimi down the left.
Milan Baros
Milann....Milannn...Milannn... The fans chanted his name after his contribution to the first goal and after scoring the equaliser. There were some encouraging signs in the Baros-Cisse partnership in which one of them took turns to take the ball at their feet. But still, on many occasions, the pair wanted the ball played in behind them and this meant many wasted balls in the woeful first half. A rare phenomenon occured in this match. In fact, it could be one for the record books - Milan taking corners for Liverpool.
Djibril Cisse
Djibril drew a blank for yet another match but Liverpool fans would be asking for Rafa to continue with the strike duo for the next few matches. Took turns with Baros to play as a right winger after Garcia slotted in midfield. Did well to carve out a goalscoring chance for Alonso who almost made it 4-2.
Xabi Alonso
The Spanish midfield maestro's introduction provided the impetus for Liverpool's awakening from their slumber. Many fans will be asking why he is not taking more of those freekicks outside the box after that goal he scored. He could have bagged a brace after Cisse picked him out near the end of the match. That miss was inconsequential though because he already did enough to inspire the Reds to a comeback.
Stephen Warnock
Stephen didn't have much time to impress but it was a good ball to Igor Biscan to kill off Fulham's challenge. The pace was already on the ball and all Igor had to do was sidefoot the ball home.
Igor Biscan
The big Croat deserved the goal. You could see the delight on his face after scoring the 6th goal of the match. And if anybody deserved to score, it was Big Igor. His time at Anfield has been glittered with mistakes and bloopers that some were looking at him as if he was a clown. But what a preety goal that was and it would do wonders to his confidence.
Man of the match:- Xabi Alonso
