You'll Never Walk Alone -- The End...

[m_vaughan]

Excellent signing that. He will offer a lot of width and attacking potent to Liverpool's play. His physical strength will help him adapt to the rough nature of the Premier League as well.

 

[shantanu_rooney]

Last updated: 14th August, 2010

Liverpool kick-off their bid for an second successive premier league title with an away meeting against FA Cup and Community Shield winners Chelsea.

The Blues finished fifth in the Premier League last term, as well as won the FA Cup final against Liverpool. Chelsea will be hoping to get off to a flying start, with the Blues harbouring realistic ambitions of bringing the title back to Stamford Bridge this term. Pre-season performances bode well for the Blues, with impressive showings on an American tour complemented nicely by Community Shield success last weekend.

Jose Mourinho has already splash the cast on big-names signings by bringing in Sergio Aguero for a record British fee along with the former Fiorentina left-back Juan Manuel Vargas. Liverpool remain the team to beat as they have overtaken fierce foes Manchester United as the most successful side in the Englaish league.

Team news

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has a fully fit squad to choose from. Alessandro Rosina could be given his debut alongside Deco in 4-3-2-1 formation of Chelsea. Frank Lampard, Michael Essien and Michael Ballack would probably in midfield for the Blues and Ricardo Carvalho will partner John Terry in center defence.

Summer signings Juan Manuel Vargas and Sergio Aguero are set to start their first ever premier league game for the champions. Mourinho will go mostly with the 4-4-2 formation to accommodate his star strikers. Alexis Sanchez or Ryan Babel will start on left wing and Dirk will probably start on the right. Alberto Aquilani will partner Steven Gerrard in midfield.

Possible Lineups

Chelsea: Cech, Bosingwa, Terry, Carvalho, A Cole, Essien, Lamapard, Ballack, Rosina, Deco, Drogba.

Liverpool: Reina, Johnson, Carragher, Agger, Vargas, Kuyt, Gerrard, Aquilani, Sanchez, Torres, Aguero.​

 

[shantanu_rooney]

Last updated: 14th August, 2010

Steven Gerrard fired champions Liverpool to victory over Chelsea in their Barclays Premier League opener at the Stamford Bridge.

The Liverpool skipper produced a vicious drive eleven minutes from time to claim the points. It was a bitter pill to swallow for a the Community Shield winners Chelsea side who had enjoyed the best of the play and all but negated the British record signing of the Argentine striker Sergio Aguero.

The FA Cup winners immediately went on the attack, midfielder Joe Cole powering straight into the Liverpool half before losing the ball at speed. Out-of-favour Deco was also eager to make an impression, nimbly turning Alexis Sanchez but chipping his through-ball just too long.

With just five minutes gone Joe Cole's pace had worried Premier League champions twice, first drawing a last-ditch tackle from Jamie Carragher and then forcing Jose Reina into a clearance. Liverpool attempted to force their way back into the match, Gerrard drifting out wide as he twice tried and failed to play in Sergio Aguero from the right.

Joe Cole, enjoying quite a start to a new season, proved more incisive after 14 minutes, crossing the ball for Didier Drogba but the Ivorian headed straight at Reina. Gerrard then prevented another attempt on goal when he stole in to dispossess the Michael Ballack in the box.

Chelsea briefly lost their composure after 25 minutes when the unlikely figure of Martin Skrtel caused a mix-up between goalkeeper Petr Cech and his defence although Liverpool's attackers were unable to take advantage.

Referee Stuart Attwell decided not to award a penalty after a heavy collision involving Alexis Sanchez, instead blowing for a foul on Gerrard moments before. The resulting free-kick was in a promising position, but a telegraphed routine from Aguero and Gerrard ensured nothing would come of it. Aguero made a better fist of a half-chance three minutes before the interval but screwed his shot wide after skilfully setting himself up.

After 54 minutes, former West Ham United man Joe Cole spurned a fine chance. Drogba, making amends for his earlier miss, laid the ball tantalisingly across goal only for Jose Cole to scuff his shot to a grateful Reina.

Gerrard gradually started to rouse the Reds, elegantly starting a move which ended with one of their better chances - a Torres shot cannoning off Ricardo Carvalho on the six-yard line. With 20 minutes to go, Sanchez won a free-kick a yard from the edge of the penalty box - but again Gerrard's delivery was tame.

An Torres long range shot from within his own half almost settled the match in spectacular fashion, but the striker was just wide with his strike - much to Cech's relief. It was Torres's touch too that freed his skipper after 79 minutes - but the finish, turn and technique, was all Gerrard.

__________________________________________________​

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti: "We lost concentration in the last 15 to 20 minutes - which is something I should take responsibility for. We should have had some tougher games in pre-season. For all the hard work, the number of goals scored in the last 15 minutes is huge - and the other 75 minutes goes out of the window. It was just one moment - that's all we're talking about - but that's the beauty of the Premier League. I can't complain, because I've been on the other side of it."

Liverpool boss Jose Mourinho: "You could see the team was really focused. We want to concentrate on winning, and the best news for our supporters is to win games. In the first half, they were attacking; the second half, we were on top and attacking - and continued until the end. We had chances. Gerrard is a key player and he can change games. For the team, it's really important to have these sorts of players."

__________________________________________________​

Chelsea: Cech, Bosingwa, Terry(C), Carvalho, A Cole, Ballack(Rosina 71), Essien(Rolfes 81), Lamaprd, J Cole, Deco(Anelka 71), Drogba.
Subs Not Used: Turnbull, Zhirkov, Alex, Montolivo.

Liverpool: Reina, Johnson, Carragher, Skrtel(Agger 88), Vargas, Kuyt, Gerrard(C). Aquilani(Camacho 90), Sahcnez(Babel 83), Torres, Aguero.
Subs Not Used: Aurelio, Riera, San Jose, N'Gog.

Booked: Carragher

Goals: Gerrard.

Att: 41,739.

Ref: S Attwell.

Man of the Match: Pepe Reina.​

 

[m_vaughan]

Liverpool again coming out on top in the more important of the two games. How did Vargas play?

 

[shantanu_rooney]

Liverpool again coming out on top in the more important of the two games. How did Vargas play?

Vargas ended as the third best player on field after Reina and Gerrard.

 

[shantanu_rooney]

Last updated: 17th August, 2010

Reds set sight on Dzagoev

Alan Dzagoev in demand​

Liverpool are believed to be preparing a late transfer swoop for CSKA Moscow's Russian international midfield starlet Alan Dzagoev.

The Kings of Europe are keen to bolster their midfield options following the departures of Javier Mascherano to Juventus and Lucas Leiva to Lyon and have identified the Russian international as their prime target. The 20-year-old signed a new long-term contract at Luzhniki Stadium just a fortnight ago, but it is understood that the deal was only agreed in order to settle a transfer protocol with the Russian Premier League club.

CSKA Moscow are subsequently in a position to demand 19.8million euros (?15million) for the player, a figure which Jose Mourinho may struggle to meet. If the Reds fail in their attempts to bring the playmaker to Anfield, Chelsea and Real Madrid are expected to renew the interest they showed in Dzagoev last year.

Juande Ramos admits that the likelihood of keeping the midfielder in Russia looks slim and expects one of Europe's top clubs to come knocking during the close season. "Before thinking about bringing in reinforcements during the transfer window, we need to know who is going to stay, and above all the players I want to keep," the CSKA Moscow boss told Interfax.

"If there is a big offer for Alan, then of course he will leave. I can't criticize the club because it is the same everywhere. When there is a huge offer made, players leave."​

 

[shantanu_rooney]

Last updated: 20th August, 2010

Gary Megson's Bolton Wanderers suffered their second Barclays Premier League defeat of the season against Champions Liverpool in a frantic finish at Anfield.

The Reds were hanging on to a precarious 2-1 advantage thanks to goals from Alberto Aquilani and Ryan Babel early in the first half, with Johan Elmander replying in the 29th minute. Then a late show gave the scoreline a convincing look as skipper Steven Gerrard and midfielder Alberto Aquilani both scored stoppage-time goals.

Bolton striker Kevin Davies could have scored inside four minutes, but his low shot following a run and cross from the left by Sam Ricketts was blocked by Carragher inside the area. The Reds applied some pressure and Bolton goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen did not look too secure when electing to punch away Steven Gerrard's corner - for another flag kick. Centre midfielder Aquilani's goal came when he outjumped Michael Dawson and Gary Cahill to head in Gerrard's superbly delivered corner.

Liverpool made it 2-0 nine minutes later with a controversial goal that was at first was given as a Michael Dawson own goal but later was credited to Ryan Babel. Gerrard had started the move with a fine ball through to Aquilani and Babel made ground to meet the Italian's low cross with a scuffed first-time effort which ended up trickling in taking a slight deflection of Dawson.

Seven minutes later, though, Johan Elmander was allowed a free passage through the Liverpool penalty area and pulled a goal back with a neat finish just inside the far post. But Bolton's relief was short-lived. Elmander was soon booked for disputing an offside call and then Davies limped off to be replaced by Fabrice Muamba.

The Reds have been two up early on many occasions in the past few seasons and ended up hanging on for a 2-1 win. So their fans were not exactly sitting comfortably. And when Muamba's effort was ruled offside in the 35th minute they knew they had been given a lucky escape.

Straight after the interval came an even bigger one. Torres, back in defence, handled a free-kick by Geremi but Reina plunged to his left to keep out Elmander's penalty. Reina excelled once more, saving with a foot when Glen Whelan's close-range header looked a certain equaliser in the 73rd minute after Muamba's cross sailed over the head of substitute Nicky Hunt at the far post.

But Jaaskelainen was equally heroic for Wanderers, bravely keeping out Aguero's shot after the Argentina star made his home debut for the Reds at Anfield - and then pushing Gerrard's fierce drive around a post as the Reds looked to make sure of the points.

There was no stopping Gerrard, though, as he raced onto Juan Manuel Vargas's through-ball at the start of five minutes stoppage-time. And just for good measure Aquilani blasted a fourth and his second of the game with almost the last kick.

__________________________________________________​

Liverpool boss Jose Mourinho: "I'm very delighted we got the win. It's been a good two weeks of the season so far, the performance at Chelsea and the way we played today was very good. It's great to play over here at Anfield when the fans are behind and cheer you for everything you. Our fans are truly the best in the world and we wont to do the same thing what we did last season for them."

Bolton Wanderers boss Gary Megson: "Everything went against us today and everything went for them. I'm not happy because we had enough chances to change the coruse of the game. Liverpool are obviously a great team and they are very lucky to have a manager like Jose Mourinho who is second to none."

__________________________________________________​

Liverpool: Reina, Johnson, Carragher, Skrtel(San Jose 80), Vargas, Babel, Aquilani, Gerrard, Sanchez(Kuyt 60), Aguero, Torres(N'Gog 90).
Subs Not Used: Auerlio, Agger, Riera, Camacho.

Goals: Aquilani 13, Babel 22, Gerrard 89, Aquilani 90.

Bolton: Jaaskelainen, O'Brien, Cahill, Dawson, Ricketts(Hunt 50), Davis(O'Brien 60), Davies(Muamba 29), Whelan, Geremi, Gardner, Elmander.
Subs Not Used: Al Habsi, Vaz Te, Mills, Steinsson.

Booked: Whelan

Goals: Elmander 29

Att: 45,329.

Ref: H Webb.

Man of the Match: Alberto Aquilani.​

 

[Ayub 95]

Great story mate. Good win against Bolton, how much was San Jose and what team did you buy him from?

 

[shantanu_rooney]

Great story mate. Good win against Bolton, how much was San Jose and what team did you buy him from?

He was in my reserves team.

 

[shantanu_rooney]

Last updated: 23rd August, 2010

Liverpool complete Dzagoev signing

Alan Dzagoev signs for Liverpool​

Premier League and Champions League winners Liverpool have completed the signing of CSKA Moscow and Russia playmaker Alan Dzagoev for an undisclosed fee.

The Reds have confirmed the capture, with the Russia international penning a long-term contract at Anfield. A deal had reportedly been struck towards the end of July and the player was waiting for his work permit after the player's official website announced the 20-year-old had secured his transfer to Merseyside.

However, the statement proved to be premature, and was subsequently removed, sparking confusion over the progress of the switch. But now the former Russian Premier League Young Player of the Year has sealed his protracted move to Liverpool for a reported fee in the region of ?15million which could increase to ?17.5million depending on his achievements with club.

Dzagoev told the club's official website: "I'm very happy to become aL iverpool player, it means such a lot to me. This is a very important step in my life as a football player because Liverpool is a very massive club. I really hope everything will go well for me here. I will give my best for Liverpool and its fans and I am honoured to be part of such a great football club."

Manager Jose Mourinho added: "We are delighted to be signing Alan Dzagoev. He is young, quick and technically an outstanding player. He has shown great potential with his performances for CSKA Moscow and the Russian national team over the past two seasons and he will add great quality to our squad."​

 

[shantanu_rooney]

Last updated: 26th August, 2010

UEFA Super Cup Preview

Arsenal and Liverpool in action​

The UEFA Europa League winners and Premier League runners-up Arsenal meet Champions League and Premier League winners Liverpool best side in Monaco...

Kick-off: Friday, August 27, 20:45 CET, Stade Louis II, Monaco

Monaco is a favoured location for UEFA events. They hold their draws there, give out prizes there. And, once a year, the most modest of their club competitions comes here, too: the European Super Cup.

The Stade Louis II plays host to a match that, like Monaco itself, is more about style than substance. It is a branding exercise: a glitzy match in front of the jet set, or at least some of them.

But make no mistake: for the clubs involved it is not simply a formality. Granted, it pales in comparison to the domestic club campaign, but to start the season off right with silverware is everyone's goal.

Liverpool already had a chance to win a cup this season. But failed to add to their domestic and Europeon double of 2008-09 is the Community Shield, hoisted aloft by Chelsea at Wembley a couple of weeks.

Barca have changed a lot as a squad since their Champions League win in Madrid back in the spring, but what alterations there have been are considerable. It's a case of quality over quantity: Sergio Aguero has come in up front to support Fernando Torres, while Juan Manuel Vargas arrives at left-back to compete with Fabio Aurelio.

A few other signings seeing former CSKA Moscow playmaker Alan Dzagoev arriving at Anfield on Wednesday, and some departures in form of Javier Mascherano (Juventus), Lucas(Lyon), Appiah(Sporting Lisbon), Dossena(Aston Villa) and Degen(Portsmouth).

Arsenal, UEFA Europa League winners last season, have a few more distractions than even Liverpool. Arsene Wenger's outfit were eliminated from the Champions League in the group stages, but went on to win the Europa League and they are flying high in the new Premier League season and are currently at the top of the table after two games.

Arsene Wenger has not made many changes to his side during the transfer window, as he has just signed one player in John Heitinga from Atletico Madrid to replace the flop Belgium international Thomas Vermaelen who swaped Arsenal for Deportivo.


FORM GUIDE

Liverpool
21 Aug Liverpool 4-1 Bolton (Premier League)
15 Aug Chelsea 0-1 Liverpool (Premier League)
08 Aug Chelsea 1-0 Liverpool (Community Shield)
29 May Chelsea 1-0 Liverpool (FA Cup Final)
26 May Liverpool 1-0 Inter (Champions League Final)

Arsenal
21 Aug Arsenal 5-0 Middlesbrough (Premier League)
14 Aug Arsenal 1-0 Bolton (Premier League)
23 May Arsenal 3-4 Manchester City (Premier League)
19 May Arsenal 3-0 Sevilla (Europa League Final)
15 May Wigan 1-1 Arsenal (Premier League)


TEAM NEWS

Liverpool
Manager Jose Mourinho has taken the entire senior squad, along with three youth players, to Monaco. There is as yet little indication as to his starting line-up, but expect a strong eleven, with youngsters such as San Jose and Plessis likely to come off the bench. The man himself said to the CP, "Of course we will field a strong team. Victory is never guaranteed."

Possible Starting XI: Reina, Johnson, Carragher, Agger, Vargas, Kuyt, Gerrard, Aquilani, Sanchez, Aguero, Torres.

Arsenal
New-signing John Heitinga and striker Nicklas Bendter are doubtful for the upcoming game while keeper Manuel Almunia(knee) is ruled out and Robin van Persie is suspended. Arsene Wenger like Liverpool have brought the full squad of 28 members and said in the press conference that he expects Arsenal to take the game to Liverpool.

Possible Starting XI: Kinsky, Eboue, Senderos, Gallas, Clichy, Walcott, Fabregas, Toulalan, Arshavin, Vela, Eduardo.


PLAYERS TO WATCH

Liverpool - Sergio Aguero: The British record signing himself has much to prove at a European level to his doubters, and there is no time like the present. The onus is on Kun Aguero to find his predatory instinct early and often.

Arsenal - Cesc Fabregas: The club captain and Spanish ace is one of the players coach Wenger wants to hold on. The playmaker has attracted huge interest from big clubs across Europe including Liverpool in the past - could he haunt them on Firday?


PREDICTION

Both teams have made a winning start to the season and in comfortable fashion. Its going be a very tight game, but Liverpool have some more quality in depth in their side and might just be able to win this one.

Liverpool 1-0 Arsenal.​

 

[shantanu_rooney]

Last updated: 27th August, 2010

Liverpool hit jackpot in Monaco

Albert Riera celebrates after scoring the second goal for the Reds​

The English champions and UEFA Champions League holders won the UEFA Super Cup in Monaco with headed goals from Steven Gerrard and Albert Riera, although Theo Walcott's late drive for Arsenal ensured an exciting finish.

Of course, there have been changes at both clubs since they ended last season with such cause for celebration and this was a winning start in European competition for the Champions League holders Liverpool. Liverpool lost the chance of winning the first silverware of the season when they lost the Community Shield to Chelsea at the start of the season, but Mourinho will have relished the winning of this trophy. Arsenal who have featured in the Uefa Super Cup only once before and lost it, made just one change from the squad they had when they defeated Sevilla in the Europa League finals. Thomas Vermaelen who left Arsenal for Deportivo was replaced by John Heitinga from Atletico Madrid.

After ten minutes, the Croatian international forward Eduardo pounced on to a loose ball and flashed a half-volley goalwards, bringing a smart save out of Pepe Reina. The rebound fell to Carlos Vela but the Mexican's shot was blocked by Martin Skrtel.

Eduardo was there again with a header wide of the near post on 24 minutes, after the quick feet of Carlos Vela, operating at the head of a four-man midfield, had opened up space down the Liverpool left and fed Nasri to supply the cross. With Robin van Persie suspended, the onus was on Carlos Vela - the young Mexican international - to provide Arsenal with a creative spark.

The first opportunity of note for Liverpool fell to Riera. Alberto Aquilani picked out the Spaniard but the ball came off the his shoulder and bounced wide. Reira was starting alongside Dirk Kuyt in the wings instead of Alexis Sanchez and Ryan Babel who were confined to the bench until late on.

If Riera was profligate there, Gerrard showed him how it was done on 32 minutes when he netted with a powerful header. Glen Johnson sent over a cross from the right, and skipper Gerrard met the ball strongly from close to the penalty spot and sent it flying past the right arm of Antonin Kinsky for his third goal of the season.

Arsenal almost drew level eleven minutes into the second half, when Carlos Vela stepped inside his marker and lashed in a shot which Reina turned behind at his near post. However, the match's decisive second goal came at the other end. Dirk Kuyt was the architect with a superb delivery to the far post where Riera's header directed the ball in off the woodwork. Liverpool now really discovered their fluency, and only the crossbar denied Gerrard a third goal from another headed opportunity.

However, Arsenal were not finished. After Nasri had sent a free header over the bar, Walcott, scorer of the winning goal against Middlesbrough in the Premier League at the weekend, reduced the deficit. It was a fabulous drive from 25 metres which Pepe Reina could not block, but not enough to prevent a second Super Cup defeat for Arsenal.

__________________________________________________​

Liverpool: Reina, Johnson(San Jose 72), Carragher, Skrtel, Vargas, Kuyt(Sanchez 82), Gerrard(C), Aquilani, Riera, Torres(Babel 90), Aguero.
Subs Not Used: Aurelio, Agger, Camacho, N'Gog.

Booked: Vargas, Gerrard.

Goals: Gerrard 34, Riera 67.

Arsenal: Kinsky, Sagna, Senderos(Djourou 62), Gallas, Clichy, Nasri(Diaby 84), Fabregas(C), Toulalan(Arshavin 82), Walcott, Vela, Eduardo.
Subs Not Used: Fabianski, Rosicky, Simpson, Song.

Booked: Fabregas.

Goals: Walcott 78.

Att: 18,506.

Ref: W Stark.

Man of the Match: Albert Riera.​

 

[Ollie_H]

The spanish champions weren't playing in this game, but in the first line you put 'The Spanish champions and UEFA Champions League holders won the UEFA Super Cup in Monaco'.

A good win though, took me a while to work out what happened in the game.

 

[shantanu_rooney]

Last updated: 28th August, 2010

Reds get Valencia

UEFA Champions League Draw​

Liverpool face Valencia, Galatasaray and NK Dinamo in Group E of this season's Champions League.

The European champions were last paired with Valencia eight years ago. The Spanish club won both the matches in the group stage. Valencia won 2-0 at the Mestalla and defeated Liverpool 1-0 at Anfield, a result which saw the Reds failing to qualify for the knockout stages and instead qualifying for the UEFA Cup.

Liverpool met Galatasaray last time in 2006/06, both clubs winning one match apiece in the group stage. Rafa Benitez's team triumphed 3-2 at Anfield and lost 3-2 in Istanbul on the last matchday of the group stages.

NK Dinamo are the unknown quantity in Group E, having never faced Liverpool before. However, the Reds have never played against a club from Croatia in the Champions League. So its going to be a first time experience for the Reds to play a Champions League match in Croatia.


Group Stage Match Dates:

15 Sep - Galatasaray(A)
28 Sep - NK Dinamo(H)
19 Oct - Valencia(H)
03 Nov - Valencia(A)
23 Nov - Galatasaray(H)
08 Dec - NK Dinamo(A)


Group A: Rapid Wein, Lokomotiv Moscow, AC Milan, Benfica.
Group B: Feyenoord, Marseille, Arsenal, Juventus.
Group C: Zenit, Rapid Bucharest, Levski Sofia, Real Madrid.
Group D: Celtic, Man Utd, Partizan, Leverkusen.
Group E: NK Dinamo, Galatasaray, Valencia, Liverpool.
Group F: Anderlecht, FC Porto, Lyon, AS Roma.
Group G: Spartak Moscow, Man City, Schalke, Inter.
Group H: Dinamo Kiev, Sparta Prague, PSV, Barcelona.​

 

[shantanu_rooney]

Last updated: 28th August, 2010

Purslow - Testing trips ahead

Testing trips ahead for Jose Mourinho's side​

Liverpool director Christian Purslow admits the club face a stern test in qualifying for the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League, but is confident Jose Mourinho's side will progress.

The Premier League and Champions League winners, Liverpool who defeated Italian Champions Inter Milan 1-0 in the last season's final at the Bernabeu, have been drawn against Valencia CF, Galatasaray and NK Dinamo in Group E.

Purslow conceded that the trips to Spain, Turkey and Croatia will put a strain on the squad amid a congested domestic programme, but feels the Reds have enough quality to advance to the knockout stages.

Purslow told Sky Sports News: "One of the big issues for Jose is the distances we have to travel. They are tough games with very difficult stadia to play in. I'm sure they will be very stiff competition, the results at home will be what will decide this group. But we are optimistic and confident we will get through to the knockout stages."

When asked if the club are hopeful of adding to the side before the close of the transfer window, Purslow replied: "It is up to Jose. If he has got the player he wants then we will buy him."​