Liverpool FC Official Thread

Jordan Henderchip wrote:All we needed was a point, if we had have bussed and they had have bussed it would have been a terrific 90 minutes and we would have got a point

Scott_LFC wrote:

Jordan Henderchip wrote:All we needed was a point, if we had have bussed and they had have bussed it would have been a terrific 90 minutes and we would have got a point

Hindsight.

The way we played was fine. We were dominating and they didn't look like scoring at all, until that Gerrard slip, which gifted them a free shot at goal. If that didn't happen, and we went into the break at 0-0, I'm sure we would have gotten at least a 0-0 draw anyway.

Gerrard's mistake affected his game in the second half, where he then became really selfish and took a load of desperate long range shots. In fact, his mistake affected everyone, to be honest. In the first 45 minutes, only one team looked like scoring, and that was us. So to concede a goal of that nature in the stoppage time that Chelsea had built up by time wasting from the first minute was a cruel blow which would have affected our players mentally.

Having said that, we were the only team that really looked like scoring in the second half too. But unfortunately, in the last minute, whilst we had all 10 men in the opposition's half, desperately chasing an equaliser, Chelsea hit us on the counter, which resulted in their second stoppage-time one-on-one of the game, and that kind of thing happens often when a losing team is chasing the game in the dying minutes. They did the same thing against Barcelona, with that Torres one-on-one in the CL.

That Gerrard slip will probably be the Macheda moment of this season.

I'm just glad we're in the CL next season without even having to play a qualifier, and the fact there is still hope of winning the title is also pleasing, although I think yesterday's result will affect us when we go to Palace.

Jordan Henderchip wrote:

Scott_LFC wrote:

Hindsight.

The way we played was fine. We were dominating and they didn't look like scoring at all, until that Gerrard slip, which gifted them a free shot at goal. If that didn't happen, and we went into the break at 0-0, I'm sure we would have gotten at least a 0-0 draw anyway.

Gerrard's mistake affected his game in the second half, where he then became really selfish and took a load of desperate long range shots. In fact, his mistake affected everyone, to be honest. In the first 45 minutes, only one team looked like scoring, and that was us. So to concede a goal of that nature in the stoppage time that Chelsea had built up by time wasting from the first minute was a cruel blow which would have affected our players mentally.

Having said that, we were the only team that really looked like scoring in the second half too. But unfortunately, in the last minute, whilst we had all 10 men in the opposition's half, desperately chasing an equaliser, Chelsea hit us on the counter, which resulted in their second stoppage-time one-on-one of the game, and that kind of thing happens often when a losing team is chasing the game in the dying minutes. They did the same thing against Barcelona, with that Torres one-on-one in the CL.

That Gerrard slip will probably be the Macheda moment of this season.

I'm just glad we're in the CL next season without even having to play a qualifier, and the fact there is still hope of winning the title is also pleasing, although I think yesterday's result will affect us when we go to Palace.

Just the bolded part

Kalas had a free header a couple of yards out, the penalty shout and didn't Schürrle/Salah have a decent chance that Mignolet did well to palm away?

Zzonked wrote:

This guy has the eloquent expression of a poet.

Jordan Henderchip wrote:All we needed was a point, if we had have bussed and they had have bussed it would have been a terrific 90 minutes and we would have got a point

RAWK wrote:The thought that we won't do better next year or years beyond is indeed a lazy one.

The other clubs will strengthen, but how effective will it be?

To put it in perspective, if Chelsea don't win the title this year, it'll be 1 league title in 8 years. If City don't win it, it'll be just the one after they've spent boatloads. Why has Alex Ferguson been far more successful? You can even argue he has a worse squad than the other two. It's not like the Glazers are top level spenders either. What truly brings continued success is stability and mentality.

Looking at the rich clubs, they have ridiculous expectations. Ancelotti was sacked after finishing 2nd, this one year after he won them the league and FA Cup. That tells you all you need to know. Since then, Chelsea haven't won the league. Despite spending hundreds of millions, hiring and sacking coaches on almost a yearly basis is not going to win you league after league. When a new manager comes in, he's bringing in new coaches, scouts, and sometimes completely different philosophies. To have to go through that year after year won't help. Everyone's quivering in their boots when Chelsea or City make major signings, but if the manager that makes these signings is unceremoniously dumped after 1 season, what happens if the manager doesn't rate those signings? Sell them (see Juan Mata)? It's so incredibly inefficient and you also end up letting top class talent go (see Daniel Sturridge).

These clubs don't have the patience for a Brendan Rodgers. They want everything now and in their quest to achieve everything now, they'll ultimately make poor managerial appointments and set themselves back.

With the new stadium, improved finances, a young team, a talented youth system, and a young manager, our goal is to be competitive for years to come. And if Rodgers can continue to build the club and the players have the right mentality, we'll be up there challenging no matter what.

Chelsea brought Mourinho back and he signed Eto'O, Willian, Matic, and Salah. Look at that squad.

City brought in Pellegrini and they signed Jovetic, Navas, Fernandinho, and Negredo. Look at that squad.

Yet, we're currently ahead of them. Our first team has Flanagan and Sterling, two players in their first true full season as first-teamers at the top level. We have a manager that hasn't even completed his third full season as a Premier League manager.

If the whole club has the same vision going forward, the sky's the limit.

RAWK Mongs in 2009 wrote:This season has been a fantastic one for me as a Liverpool supporter. I couldn’t have enjoyed everything about it any more. Everything from beating United 4-1, or drawing with stoke City 0-0, to 4 all thrillers with Chelsea and Arsenal respectively. It’s been absolutely fantastic and I’ve loved every single minute of the ups and downs on the pitch.

What’s really stirred me though, what has made me so buoyant about my club, world football and particularly about our future, is the signs this season holds in clear view, in flashing red and white lights for everybody involved in top flight football and indeed for the world to see. What has particularly has fascinated me, has been Mr Ferguson’s reaction.

Before I go on however, I’m still looking no further than the remainder of this season. There’s still so much to play for. It’s unlikely that we will win the title, and yes we know how we love nothing more than to achieve the impossible, but I didn’t expect us to come even this far at the beginning of September. It’s another reason about my joy with this season – I knew it was possible we could do this well, but because I didn’t expect it to be the case makes it much the sweeter. The same way I don’t expect us to win the title, but that’s certainly not to say we aren’t capable of it, I know we are.

And that’s the reason I refuse to lose belief. We may well come off second best but by fuck do I want to go down without a fight to the death. We are not going to win fuck all unless we fucking want it. We need to absolutely steam roll anyone who stands in our way until it is mathematically impossible for us to clinch it. Put the pressure on the neighbours down the road. That’s the only way they will buckle, if we force them too. Giving up the title now would be like handing it them on a plate. Fuck….that.

It really will blow one last warning into United’s face for next season, finishing strong this time round. It sends a message loud and clear that we are capable of fighting until the bitter, bitter end, and that’s what they will be up against next season. Not only will Rafa, the players, staff and fans be ferociously snarling and seething at the mouth come September, but United and Fergie will be fully aware that we are psychologically tough and determined enough to throw a full assault at the title next season. Not only that, but Rafa has the summer time to analyse and tinker with this already extremely strong squad; just a few minor adjustments to really let the shackles off.

Mr Ferguson is all too aware of this threat, and this season his ears have pricked and he’s started barking. He and Rafa have never been, how do you say…? As thick as thieves - you could almost taste a strong disliking to one another. Rafa came here as we became his project. The man refuses to be second best. His mentality is to win. The best manager in the world, managing the best team in the world, that he has created and sculpted, and are the dominate force in all European football. That’s his goal over the next 5 years. Doubtlessly.

And how Mr Fergoson disapproves. The media coverage this season between the two has riled me, humoured me, and caused endless debates between me and my mates. As much as it has caused mixed emotions and discussions, it’s intrigued me. It’s fantastic to see Fergie so wound up. He’s rattled alright, big time.

He knows full well that the pressure is on this season. If we carry on the way we have been with the run in we’ve got, he knows we will not stop rampaging through games until the race is done and dusted. He’s spoken out a lot this season, in his usual manner, lacking in discretion, and a full on approach. That’s how he works when his back is up, and it’s held him in good stead for a number of years. Rafa however, is subtle and mischievous in his handling of the media, making his point clear but giving nothing away. Never would you see the man sinking to the desperate lows of calling up his mate and saying “look how Mr Ferguson has disgraced you”. Rafa isn’t here to make friends in the right places and manipulate people, he’s here to fight one on one with whoever stands in his way of dominance.

It is clear Mr Ferguson isn’t just scared of throwing this season away. He’s scared of being knocked off his perch in the long term. The wrath he will face next season as we pounce towards his jugular while he’s still barking away has him massively concerned. That’s why he is barking just so loudly while we stare and snarl with intent. It’s one last desperate attempt to scare off Benitez. One last throw of the dice before the fight threatens his superiority.

Well I’m sorry Mr Ferguson, although I’m not all that apologetic about it. But we are obsessed with that title. We might not win this battle, but the war is just beginning. You’d have to agree though, Mr Ferguson, that surely the war can’t go on all that long? You are an aging dog I’m afraid, Sir. You have to ask yourself the question Mr Ferguson, have you got enough fight in you to compete for the long haul? To finally put United’s name above Liverpool’s? And even if you do somehow manage that Mr Ferguson, how long will it last, given your age? One season? It’s hardly putting Manchester United in a league of their own, in the grand sceme, Mr Ferguson. If I might be so bold.

Even if we don’t win fuck all this season ladies and gentleman. We will not fall to pieces. Rafa is bringing back the glory days. And I do apologise Mr Ferguson, but there is fuck all you can do about it.

Scott_LFC wrote:Probably irrational reasons, tbh. I'd prefer us to go for proven players from abroad.

I can't help but feel that Lallana is flavour of the month/year, but I could be wrong.

A good punt if cheaper. £20 million for a player that won't get ahead of Coutinho or Sterling though? No chance.

menalawyerguy wrote:

Zzonked wrote:

This guy has the eloquent expression of a poet.

He actually makes a very good point about how, ironically, Liverpool might have done better if Chelsea played its first XI.  They would have been inclined to play more football which would have given Liverpool more space to play in.

Zzonked wrote:

Scott_LFC wrote:Probably irrational reasons, tbh. I'd prefer us to go for proven players from abroad.

I can't help but feel that Lallana is flavour of the month/year, but I could be wrong.

A good punt if cheaper. £20 million for a player that won't get ahead of Coutinho or Sterling though? No chance.

Lallana has looked pretty legit whenever I've seen him play. His link up play on the right wing was a nightmare for City.

Keyser Söze wrote:Everton have 10 wins in their last 15 homes games against Manchester City with just one defeat. Everton have been pretty good at home this season against the so called "big teams", beat Arsenal, beat Chelsea, beat Manchester United and only dropped points to Liverpool thanks to a last minute equaliser. They also drew 0-0 with Spurs.

Now that I seriously think about, in all honesty, Liverpool will still win the league courtesy of Everton getting a result against City. Yes, they were poor against Southampton, but so were they against Palace and they still managed to put it behind them and outclass United. I don't think they'll beat them, but they could more than likely manage a draw.    

Keyser Söze wrote:Out of Suarez's 30 goals only 1 has come when Liverpool have been behind in a games. Average position of teams Suarez has scored against is 14th. Only 16.5% of his goals have come against the top 6.