The Red Cauldron
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English FA Cup - 3rd Round
Preston North End 0
Liverpool 2 (Riera 25, Torres 90)
It wasn’t an entirely good week for Liverpool captain, Steven Gerrard, as he received massive attention for all the wrong reasons. But most of it will be forgotten as he led the Reds into a routine 2-0 win over Championship side, Preston North End, in the FA Cup 3rd round tie.
At a stage where every game is a potential banana skin, Liverpool held firm till the end though Preston did gave Liverpool some nervy moments during their second half fight back. It did result in the ball in Diego Cavalieri’s net but it was later ruled out because of a unecessary foul on Jamie Carragher.
The victory has set up a mouthwatering tie with Liverpool’s greatest rival, Everton. Fans from the blue and red portion of Liverpool city will surely be rubbing their hands with glee.
The Reds fielded an almost full-strength team, underlining their intent to not underestimate their so called ‘weaker’ opposition and on the hindsight, it proved to be a good move.
Preston North End, though inferior in quality, played their hearts out and their passing were at times, a joy to watch. Neil Mellor, the former Liverpool trainee, led the line for PNE while Robbie Keane was up front for the Reds after sitting out of the 5-1 thrashing of Newcastle.
Presented with countless of chances, Keane just couldn’t convert the chances. It was a massive disappointment for the Irish as it is only just recently that he got on a goal scoring run. It seems like consistency is not his strength.
Even more depressing for him could be the goal-scoring return of Spanish hotshot, Fernando Torres. Good news for Liverpool, bad for Keane.
It is unlikely now that Rafa Benitez would change the 4-2-3-1 formation with the one upfront as he is seeing the formation bringing stability and success to his team’s title bid this season.
With Torres back in the fray and Keane continuing to misfire, the 20 million GBP must be feeling some heat.
Torres’ goal is probably one of the easiest he’ll score in his career but it highlights the selflessness of Steven Gerrard, who ran the show at St. James’ Park and played a major role in the 2-0 victory.
Albert Riera fired Liverpool into the lead with a sweet left foot strike, finishing it with aplomb. The Spanish winger is in red hot form recently with 3 goals in the last 4 games. He is one of the most improved players I’ve seen in recent times. Struggling to make an impact in the pre-billionaire era Manchester City, he was slow and clumsy.
But now, he plays an integral part in Liverpool and has made the left wing spot his own.
His competition, Ryan Babel, started the game at Preston as well but was had a real bad day out. His touch was sloppy, poor in possession and generally delivered nothing. It must be a real heartache for the Liverpool fans, who have so much hope for the Dutch striker.
In the same way, Liverpool failed to deliver the fatal blow to Preston after given chance after chance. It beggars belief to see that they were only a goal up at half time despite many golden chances.
With the ‘Rocky’ tune played as PNE emerged from the tunnel after half time, it could be one of the reasons why they played a blinder during the second period. Liverpool were to find out that there really are no easy games in these domestic cups.
As if Burnley and Barnsley weren’t a big enough signage saying ‘Don’t underestimate your poorer cousins in the Championship’.
They put up a brave fight which puts Liverpool on the back foot for majority of the second half. After losing Xabi Alonso to injury, the visitors couldn’t control the tempo of the game as well and had to handle waves after waves of PNE attacks.
But quality in the end, showed through, and Liverpool were able to put the game to bed in injury time as Fernando Torres made his return from injury a glorious one with a simple tap-in.
Gerrard may be charged for assault and affray but once he donned his beloved red jersey, you know he’s always going to go out fighting for the cause and the only assault he’s going to be involved in will be Liverpool’s first title in 20 years and of course the FA Cup and Champions League.
Written by DROGBALLS on January 5th, 2009 with no comments.
Read more articles on FA Cup and Liverpool and Preston North End and The Red Cauldron.
Newcastle 1 (Edgar 45)
Liverpool 5 (Gerrard 31,66; Hyypia 36; Babel 49; Alonso pen76)
Rafa Benitez and his men will enter 2009 with much joy as they cemented their place at the pinnacle of the Barclays Premiership after the thrashing of Newcastle at St. James’ Park.
With Chelsea failing to win at Craven Cottage, Liverpool’s lead at the top suddenly stretched to 3 points and as the performance yesterday suggest, you got to take them seriously now.
The 5-1 score line didn’t flatter Liverpool as they were rampant from the first whistle. The only thing that mitigated an utter Newcastle mauling was the fact that Shay Given was in imperious form as he made at least 5 world class saves that kept the Magpies in the game until Steven Gerrard eventually slam home the opener.
Gerrard flying high after the double
It’s rather rare that a goalkeeper concedes 5 in a match and yet still receives praise. But he totally deserves a mention here.
With Newcastle owner Mike Astley reconsidering the sale of the club, it brought some joy to the fans but it was soon distinguished by a competent and stylish display of the visiting team.
Make no doubt that Liverpool were brilliant. Yet at the same time Newcastle was put up a defensive horror show which the visitors took full advantage of. It seemed like every player in the black and white striped jersey were still having a Christmas hangover.
Their inability to defend from set pieces was evident throughout, with Ryan Babel’s goal making an absolute mockery of the defence. They played as though corner kicks were introduced for the first time in this game.
Given on-form to shut out several key chances
With Fernando Torres still out and Robbie Keane relegated to the bench, Rafa made a massive gamble yet again but it paid off duly. They were never in trouble even though Damien Duff’s speed caused some trouble while former Reds’ hit man, Michael Owen, had the ball in the net though it was ruled out offside (erroneously).
Liverpool bombarded Shay Given’s goal relentlessly from the start and by the 20th minute, it could’ve been already an utterly embarrassing score line for the home crowd to face.
Still with his heroics, he was absolutely hapless when Yossi Benayoun squared the ball for Liverpool captain, Steven Gerrard, to crash home the opener. It has the message ‘stop screwing with us’ written all over it as he powered it in off the post.
You just got to sympathise with Given.
The next two Liverpool goals came from Gerrard’s corner. Club veteran, Sami Hyypia, rose unchallenged to score his first goal of the season while Ryan Babel’s goal just demoralizes any Newcastle fan out there.
David Edgar provided some glimpse of hope for Newcastle as a lapse of concentration from Jamie Carragher gave Edgar the chance to make the score a little more respectable at half time.
Liverpool rampant
Newcastle came back in the second half strongly but still couldn’t find a way past a well-marshaled Liverpool defence.
The inevitable happened when Lucas Leiva, who was enjoying every minute of the game, send a inch-perfect pass for Steven Gerrard to latch on and the captain finishes off in style.
Xabi Alonso made it a five star performance after he converted from the spot after a penalty was given to Edgar’s trip on striker, David N’Gog.
Liverpool finishes off 2008 with a flourish and do expect more to come from the Reds as they march into the year at the top of the table and beginning to look like they’ve kicked into gear.
With Fernando Torres eager to make a comeback, they can only be stronger. Rafa Benitez is indeed molding Liverpool into the new Valencia that usurped both the giants of Spanish football, Real Madrid and Barcelona.
There is no trophy for being at the top now, as they say. But would Rafa’s men thrive on pressure or would they crumble like in previous years? Let us await and see. But one thing’s for sure and that is Liverpool is moving in the right direction.
Written by DROGBALLS on December 29th, 2008 with no comments.
Read more articles on Liverpool and The Red Cauldron and newcastle.
English Premiership
Arsenal 1
LIVERPOOL 1
If there is one thing that will stop Liverpool from claiming their first title in 18 years and finally be ‘back on the perch’, it will be the over-cautiousness of Rafa Benitez and a lack of endeavor from the players on the pitch.
Assuming command and control from his hospital bed, Benitez wasn’t there physically but his staunch belief of ‘suffocating the enemy’ was very well manifested by his team in the awkward-looking grey and red jersey.
With Togolese striker, Emmanuel Adebayor, sent off rather harshly after an innocuous body barge with Alvaro Arbeloa, Arsenal were down to 10 with much of the second half to go yet Liverpool held back and didn’t seemed to have an intent of winning the game.
When Cesc Fabregas, Arsenal’s most creative player, joined several other Gunners (is Tomas Rosicky still there?) in the treatment room after half time, Liverpool should’ve sense blood. They controlled the game well and did decently in stopping Arsenal in playing their beautiful, seamless football.
But it just isn’t enough.
To be still at the top of the table with so many draws is probably contributed by the fact that Chelsea and Man Utd. are also at the same time, dropping points. Just as I’m typing this, I realize Everton did their rivals a huge favour by holding on to a 0-0 draw with Chelsea.
With Fernando Torres out for some time, Liverpool’s firepower was severely weakened and the ‘Goals For’ column isn’t looking pretty for the Reds. Yet it shouldn’t be an excuse for Liverpool to be overly cautious in approach to games.
A point for both teams is, let’s just say, a fair result. But it leaves a bitter taste in the mouth for Liverpool fans, knowing that it was there for the taking but the visitors didn’t really seemed interested.
The match went as how Liverpool always did this season, going behind and then score on a lucky break.
Robin van Persie took his goal well when he finished with aplomb on his right foot. An exquisite goal, all in all.
On the other side of the pitch, take nothing away from under-fire (literally and non-literally) striker, Robbie Keane. The former Spurs striker had a point to prove to both Liverpool fans as well as the Gunners as he rifled home after latching onto a long pass from Daniel Agger.
Typical route one football.
Liverpool dictated the game but couldn’t really find the breakthrough. Then Howard Webb turned the game even more in favour of the away side after sending off Emmanuel Adebayor.
Yet there was a lack of urgency in Liverpool. Rafa Benitez made no attempt to rescue Robbie Keane, who was alone upfront. It took him to the 80th minute on before sending David N’Gog to increase the physical presence up top.
The one flaw of Rafa Benitez would be his substitution and the timing of them. This season we saw a fair share of some really puzzling substitutions and on the hindsight, a lot of them made no sense or purpose.
Even though Ryan Babel had a forgettable outing at the Emirates, somehow he still seemed very under-utilised and his speed and power could’ve been exploited further.
But well, it’s Christmas and we’re still top of the table. Seems like Liverpool’s rival are happy to be giving away points just as they did. We still have yet to see the Reds in full gear so far this season and my hope is that it will be soon or all will be in vain.
Oh, and fortune does favour the brave.
Written by DROGBALLS on December 23rd, 2008 with no comments.
Read more articles on Arsenal and English Premiership and Liverpool and The Red Cauldron.
Finally, I have the time to pen down some thoughts since it’s a public holiday here in Singapore and looking at the Barclays Premiership table, I see something which is rather rare. Liverpool, top of the table, in December?
In my years of supporting the Reds, it’s one of the rare sight and considering how the recent results haven’t been the most optimal, I’m still a little puzzled.
But take nothing away because we haven’t REALLY cracked under pressure, yet. Speaking by faith, of course, I do hope we never will in the months to come. 2 subsequent nil-nil draws have caused some fans to murmur and complain. But as Christmas is coming, let’s just be thankful to Rafa and his boys for making it thus far.
At least our title aspirations didn’t falter in October, just like any other seasons. Though only a point above second-placed Chelsea and failing to capitalise on their defeat last week, somehow, Liverpool still managed to steer clear.
Last Saturday;s 3-1 win over Blackburn was a peculiar game. A game which we won but not really deserved, much like many of our games this season. Lucky some say, but I’m siding towards the thinking of fortune favouring the brave.
We never did saw the Liverpool of last season where goals flew in thick and fast (6-0 Derby and 8-0 Besiktas) but we saw how Liverpool slipped up soon after and wandered out of contention of the title by November.
This season, though, from start to end, it’s as if Liverpool bundled their way up to this point and never really beaten anyone with much conviction except for maybe Chelsea and West Brom.
The Blackburn game somehow epitomised how the Reds have been playing since day one of this season. Nothing spectacular but when the opportunity arose, they took it and the results was seemingly flattering to the away side.
The first half performance was something difficult for any Liverpool fans to sit through because other than Yossi Benayoun’s chance, the Reds looked toothless and uninspiring. Without the injured Fernando Torres and Robbie Keane dropped to the bench, it was an uphill task.
But somehow Liverpool kicked into gear from the 50th minute on with Alonso and Benayoun scoring past Paul Robinson. Even though a lapse of concentration gifted Blackburn a goal through Roque Santa Cruz, Steven Gerrard still ensured an enjoyable short ride back to Merseyside.
Many are still unconvinced by Liverpool and their title credentials this season but I’m in the mode of seeing it one game at a time. I’m refused to be drawn into the ‘this is our year’ mode yet nor am I so depressed to see the Reds right at the top of the pack.
I just want to count the blessing and say bring on the next team, Hull City!
Written by DROGBALLS on December 8th, 2008 with no comments.
Read more articles on English Premiership and Liverpool and The Red Cauldron and blackburn.
Chelsea FC has written on Gallas’ Wall - 12.56am
Chelsea FC wrote:
Well done, Agent Gallas. Your job is done. You’ll be…handsomely rewarded as we have discussed. xx
3 members of ‘I’m 6 years younger than Gallas’ has left the group.
Gallas wrote on Chelsea FC wall:
lol excellen jobz me tbf lol.xoxo
Arsene Wenger wrote on Gallas wall:
I take itz that I see nothing about the comment, no? Zis is disgusting me, you not playing zis Saturday! Dropped!
Gallas wrote on Wenger’s wall:
no problem boss lol. xx
This might or might not be true.
Written by DROGBALLS on November 21st, 2008 with no comments.
Read more articles on Arsenal and Chelsea and Facebook and Humour and The Red Cauldron and William Gallas and arsene wenger and funny.
Shocker, absolute shocker.
Who dares highlight the flaws of our great Scouse legend who gave his heart and soul for the club? Well, it’s none other than Fernando Torres, who rated a canine ‘better at dribbling than Carragher’.
LFC’s world-famous number nine shirt met Hank the German Shepherd - also a top performer in his field - at the West Lancs Canine Centre.
And after an intense one-on-one session on the pitch he proclaimed Hank was better at dribbling than his teammate Jamie Carragher.
Is he sowing seeds of discord within Liverpool like how Agent Gallas of Chelsea is screwing Arsenal big time? Of course not.
A footballing dog from Ainsdale has become an internet hit after footage of him tackling Liverpool star player Fernando Torres appeared on Youtube.
Should be ashamed. Alright, kidding of course!
Written by DROGBALLS on November 21st, 2008 with no comments.
Read more articles on Ainsdale and Canine and Fernando Torres and Humour and Jamie Carragher and The Red Cauldron and funny.
We saw how Stoke’s Rory Delap single-handedly destroyed Arsenal few weeks back with a couple of long throw ins. Now, he should tremble in fear because there is an even more fearsome thrower of the ball than him.
Watch this, sucker!
Written by DROGBALLS on November 21st, 2008 with no comments.
Read more articles on Humour and The Red Cauldron and Throw In and Video and funny.
Well if you are, then you’re in for a treat!
The Red Cauldron is happy to link up once again with the brilliant SoccerPro.com with the Soccer Trivia Contest. They are giving out FREE REPLICA JERSEYS EVERYDAY till the 16th (sorry I’m late to inform you BUT there’s still time!) and all you need to do is…
1) Visit the website
2) Key in all the vital information and then
3) Squeeze out every ounce of your brain juice and put in as many trivia of as possible
So there you go. A free treat for all of you and all the best!
Written by DROGBALLS on November 14th, 2008 with no comments.
Read more articles on Contest and Soccer Pro and Soccer Trivia and The Red Cauldron.
English Premiership
Liverpool 3 - 0 West Brom
Scorers:
LIV - Keane (34, 43min), Arbeloa (90min);
After the 12th time asking, Liverpool’s big summer signing, Robbie Keane, finally broke the duck, scoring his first and second league goals in a home encounter with relegation fodder, West Brom. Alvaro Arbeloa added a third in the closing moments of the game.
It was 2 exquisite finishes from the Republic of Ireland striker, who had difficulty finding feet at Liverpool. After several fruitful seasons at North London, the Irish captain was purchased at high price by Liverpool.
Perhaps due to his costly price tag, he was pressurized to perform right from the beginning but the pressure, perhaps, was a little too hard to handle for him.
Also, many fans commented that he looked too eager to impress early on the in season where he was seen running around like a headless chicken. Claimed to be a boyhood Liverpool fan, he looked determined to play at his best donning the red jersey albeit trying a little too hard.
But just like Peter Crouch, it took him a little longer to adjust and hit second gear.
Will his career continue to flourish in months to come, like Crouch, is hard to tell. But as I’ve mentioned in my post, which heralded his arrival, was that he has the talent and ability to shine, as a proven goal-scorer in the Premiership with not only Spurs but also earlier in his career at Coventry, Wolves and Leeds.
The goal scoring instinct which seemed to be inborn within him seemed to be missing amidst his ‘running his heart out attitude’ until now. He was suddenly, in perfect understanding with the Liverpool players, such as Gerrard, who provided him with a precise through-ball for his opener.
He might have learned his lesson in the Atletico match where he missed a golden opportunity. Instead of trying to put the ball over the diving goalkeeper, he tried to round him but missed the opportunity.
This time round, he was put through by Steven Gerrard’s inch-perfect pass and he did not hesitate before dinking the ball past the despairing dive of Scott Carson. His movement was brilliant during the build-up of the goal, evading his marker and making room for himself.
It was a huge sigh of relief from both Keane and also the Kop faithful.
He then doubled his tally through a fantastic counter attack. West Brom’s corner was cleared and Liverpool caught the away side napping. A quick release from Albert Riera sent Robbie Keane through.
Scott Carson, the former Liverpool goalkeeper, charged out of his own box trying his best to intercept but was caught in no man’s land. It left Robbie Keane with a simplest of finish and the Reds were well on track to victory.
Though West Brom started brightly and looked like they were at Anfield for football, Liverpool always looked comfortable and in control. Chances from both sides were few and far between but it was Liverpool’s class that was apparent.
The long-awaited return of star striker, Fernando Torres, was another key highlight of the match. It didn’t take long for the Spanish hotshot to show his intent when his 25 yards strike stung the hands of Carson.
After missing for 6 games, Torres still looked pretty sharp and his pace was quite a problem for the WBA defence, especially Zuiverloon on the right.
Yet it was another Spaniard, Arbeloa, who stole the limelight when he found acres of space in the penalty area and curled home with a beautiful left foot shot.
Can’t jump on his back for celebration, eh?
It was overall, an easy game for Rafa Benitez and his men, eager to bounce back from that disappointing lost at White Hart Lane. Still, not all guns firing and blazing but a professional and controlled performance from Liverpool.
Best news is, Keane is back.
Written by DROGBALLS on November 10th, 2008 with no comments.
Read more articles on English Premiership and Liverpool and Robbie Keane and The Red Cauldron and west brom.
I’m sure most of you would be interested in this. Behind the scenes of all those men in jerseys playing football are some amusing and even… puzzling stories of their lives and their behaviour. Some might not be all that surprising but here are some classics:
Jason McAteer:
He was locked out of his own porsche, Neil ‘Razor’ Ruddock asked him to get a coat hanger and try to smash the window. Jason came back with a wooden one.
According to former Blackburn team-mates, Jason’s greatest moment came on a squad night out to an Italian restaurant. Asked by the waitress whether he wanted his pizza cut up into eighths, McAteer is alleged to have replied, “Nah, I’m not that hungry - just cut it into four.”
In another possibly apocryphal (that means it might be made up, Jason) story, McAteer is reckoned to have asked a Liverpool team-mate what to put in the space marked ‘Position In Company’ on a credit card application form. According to legend, the source of McAteer’s confusion was that “I’m a central midfielder but the boss is playing me at right wing-back.
Jason calls his best friend “a deep thinker - he could easily be a
news reporter”. Jason’s best friend is Phil Babb
Bobby Robson:
Bobby Robson when at Newcastle, said to his board he wanted to sign ‘that black player from Wilmbledon’.
He meant Jason Euell, but he got Carl Cort
Bryan Robson come down for breakfast while with England, Bobby Robson says ‘Morning Bobby’
Bryan ‘ No boss, you’re Bobby, I’m Bryan
Reporter to Newcastle’s Shola Ameobi: ‘Do you have a nickname?’
Ameobi: ‘No, not really’
Reporter: ‘So what does Bobby Robson call you?’
Ameobi: ‘Carl Cort.’
Sir Bobby is signing copies of his autobigraphy in a bookstore in Newcastle. A kid patiently queues for ages to get his book signed. When he gets to the front of the queue Sir Bobby asks him his name and starts to sign his copy….
Kid: “So, have you signed a lot of books today Mr Robson.”
Sir Bobby: “Hundreds son, absolutely hundreds.”
Outside the shop the kid opens his copy of the book to read what the legend has written…………”To Jimmy, Best Wishes From Bobby Hundreds.”!!!!
Other Classics:
A french left back from Monaco going to meet Spurs for transfer talks, he finished the talks and Spurs are convinced they have got their man, they even pay for his taxi when he says he wants to go for a ride around town. Turns out he went down the road and had talks with Arsenal and ended up signing for them and playing in midfield, striking up a good partnership with Vieira. The player was Manu Petit.
In 1978, after Kieth Burkinshaw signed Ardilles and Villa, the story was that at training at Tottenham Burkinshaw would hold up the ball, motion kicking it and point to the goal whilst saying, “Ball, kick, kick ball, goal”. Eventually Ardilles and Villa become fed up with this so one of them says to Burkes, “It’s alright boss, we speak English” whereupon Burkinshaw replies, “I’m not talking to you two…”
The story about AC Milan scouts watching an exciting black young fella playing for Watford in the Eighties, the f**king clowns signed Luther Blisset for 1 million, while John Barnes went on to havea brilliant career at Liverpool.
Pre-season at Liverpool when Souness was in charge & all the players come in for weigh-in.
Souness looks at Jan Molby, and asks him how heavy he is. “fourteen stone, boss” replies Molby and walks across the room to be weighed. Steps up on the scales and the physio announces that he is in fact sixteen stone.
“F**k’s sake” shouts Souness, “you only walked the length of the room”.
David Beckham was being interviewd around the time of the 98 World Cup (possibly after his sending off) and was asked by the interviewer “Do you consider yourself to be a volatile player?” To which Beckham replied “Yes, cause I can play down the right or in the middle.
Few years back, Bolton’s new def midfielder Ivan Campo. Anyway he fills in his tax return for his first period and they write back to him saying we can’t process these without some form of photo id. Well, he’d scored the weekend before and was on the back page of the Bolton evening news heading home the winner……..he cut this out with an arrow pointing to his curly locks heading the ball home saying “this is me”
Hope you enjoyed it 
Written by DROGBALLS on November 4th, 2008 with no comments.
Read more articles on Anecdotes and Humour and Jason McAteer and Sir Bobby Robson and The Red Cauldron and football and funny.
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At a stage where every game is a potential banana skin, Liverpool held firm till the end though Preston did gave Liverpool some nervy moments during their second half fight back. It did result in the ball in Diego Cavalieri’s net but it was later ruled out because of a unecessary foul on Jamie Carragher.
Presented with countless of chances, Keane just couldn’t convert the chances. It was a massive disappointment for the Irish as it is only just recently that he got on a goal scoring run. It seems like consistency is not his strength.
