Zarate has signed for Inter till 2015 on loan. We could have landed him if we had strong bid..

Welcome solstice, anything for the club's thread

How'd you mean messing up the team? I think he was great during the time with us. He scored some great goals.
Apart from the incident with Riise. I still think he'll fit with the current pace of the team.

This post has been edited by sKyWiR3pT3lTd: Sep 2 2011, 01:01 AM

Fingers crossed , hope that he's at his best against United in Oct.

Kenny was given an offer he couldn't refuse. Only I would have respected the boss all the more if he had. Dalglish had a fire sale of sorts. One person who was on the chopping block was Raul Meireles. The midfielder is now the property of Chelsea, and they are thrilled to have him. The Blues get an aged Portuguese international that is at a crossroads in his career. Meireles found himself increasingly on the outside looking in at Anfield.

With newer and younger faces coming in, Meireles was assured of getting even less time as the season wore on. So this move was significantly better for the player, despite claims he would have like to stay at Anfield. On the outside, the deal looks pretty good for Liverpool as well. Dalglish did get £500,000 more than the club paid FC Porto last year. For a 28-year-old to yield his side a profit, a miracle usually has to be performed.

With little play being offered and extra cash coming in, the Reds had to pull the trigger. Yet, that doesn't it make it the right move. We are young all around the pitch. We will miss , not just the depth that Meireles offered, but his veteran wisdom. Such a thing is a hot commodity in the EPL. The real worry is that Chelsea, a team we will battle all year for the second spot on the table, now have the depth to compete domestically and in the Champions league.

Meireles is a versatile player able to attack and serve the ball in deep as well as win balls. Chelsea get a perfect player for their style of play. More than that, Meireles is a cerebral player that does very well to lead on the pitch. Chelsea needed to get younger, which they didn't, in this regard. But they also needed quality characters, which they received in spades.

Addition by subtraction? Not in this case

This post has been edited by sKyWiR3pT3lTd: Sep 4 2011, 03:07 AM

Found this article on how to beat Stoke this weekend. Sharing it with the rest. Read below.

As Liverpool looks to continue their run of good form coming out of the international break, they may face their toughest challenge yet in Tony Pulis's Stoke City. While the Potters don't have mesmerizing creative players, they more than make up for it in grit and toughness.

Here's a look at the side the Reds will face this weekend and how they can leave Britannia Stadium with three points.

Stoke Defense vs. Liverpool Forwards

Strong, resolute defending is the hallmark of Stoke City's brand of football.

In three league matches this season, the Potters have conceded only one goal, a set piece header scored by Norwich City. Their defensive dominance includes a 0-0 home draw against title contenders Chelsea, so their ability isn't only shown against the minnows in the top flight.

The centerpiece of the Stoke back line is center back (and skipper) Ryan Shawcross. At only 22 years of age, Shawcross is a great talent who has been capped by Fabio Capello and has a bright future ahead of him.

At 6'3'', he provides a great aerial presence, which is a common thread for Stoke's squad. The first choice pairing with Shawcross at the center of defense is summer signing Jonathan Woodgate, who has been absolutely fantastic for his new side after injuries prevented him from finding success at Tottenham.

Incidentally, the shortest first choice defender for Stoke at six feet tall, Woodgate has shown that when not bitten by the injury bug, he can be a solid contributor who can put out many fires.

With fullbacks that are in the mold of center backs as well, (Robert Huth and Marc Wilson are both over 6'2'') it is evident that the back line is not particularly adventurous, and looks to rely on size and strength over speed.

Since the defense stays compact and well organized, it will be crucial for Liverpool to bring their best pass-and-move game to the match. It would be playing right into Stoke's hands to play Andy Carroll and hope to win the aerial battles, so it should be expected to see a similar front four as the past few matches: Suarez, Kuyt (or perhaps Craig Bellamy), Henderson, and Downing.

This group of players could result in attempts to stretch play to the wings and get Stoke's defenders out of their element, or swift passing moves in the box to elude the hulking back line of the Potters


The Midfield Battle

Stoke's midfield generally uses two central players who are defensively-minded, as well as two wingers who move forward.

Among the common selections in the center of midfield, the most notable player is Irishman Rory Delap. While he doesn't have many skills on the ground, he has a solid work rate and is renowned for his long-throw ability. Given the immense height advantage that Stoke has over most other sides, his throws into the box create both havoc and goals.

Along the wings, the usual suspects are Matthew Etherington and Jermaine Pennant. While these two aren't going to do a great job of creating chances for themselves, they are good at crossing the ball onto the heads of big target men.

Ultimately, the midfield is going to be another wave of bodies that an opposing offense will need to work it's way through before hitting the defense. While the wide players will get forward occasionally, the midfield will not be able to hold onto possession for extensive periods, and will look to blast the ball forward and hope that a striker can get onto it.

A new component to Stoke's midfield is Wilson Palacios, who could make his debut against Liverpool. He was a solid defensive presence for Spurs last term, and will fit right in with the mentality of his new side.

For Liverpool, the role of Downing and Henderson is described above, but it will be interesting to see who pairs with Lucas in central midfield if Charlie Adam is still unfit after picking up an injury on international duty.

If Adam can't play, it may be an opportunity for the Reds to play five purely attack-minded players and only one central midfielder, since Stoke won't pose much of a threat except on the occasional break.

Lucas should be able to handle holding responsibilities alone (though Adam has never been a defensively-minded midfielder anyway).


Stoke Forwards vs. Liverpool Defense

Aside from Jonathan Walters, who is a hard worker who normally plays behind a center forward, the Stoke attack is all about large target men with heading ability.

Before the transfer deadline, Kenwyne Jones was the primary center forward, and he scored the point-saving goal at the death against Norwich City last month. Heading into the match against Liverpool, however, the Potters have acquired two new forwards that add quality and depth to the side.

Firstly, Peter Crouch may be on a run of poor form and is only good for tap-ins and headers, but really that is all that Stoke needs. He was never great for Liverpool or Tottenham, but his skill set is perfect for the Potters, and I expect him to be an asset for Stoke whenever he makes his debut.

The second forward addition was Birmingham's Cameron Jerome, who is another big target, but he also provides some pace, something Stoke as a side lack, let alone up front. A pairing of either Jones or Crouch and Jerome could prove a difficult pairing to stop...if they can get service, of course.

This sort of the match, one where the biggest threat is through the air, is the perfect one for new signing Sebastian Coates to make his debut. While it remains to be seen when Kenny Dalglish will select the Uruguayan, a pairing of him and Agger would be a fine answer to the size of Stoke's forwards.

On the wings, Jose Enrique and whoever plays at right back shouldn't have a problem containing Stoke's wing players, as they don't exhibit too much pace and will be highly predictable.

Conclusion

The most encouraging sign for Liverpool heading into the weekend is Stoke's inability to score goals. They've only managed one each against Norwich and West Brom, and none against Chelsea, so absent a defensive miscue, I don't expect them to score more than one against Liverpool.

The biggest challenge will be for Liverpool to come up with a goal, but Liverpool's style of attack is perfect to counteract Stoke's defending. Of course, it's never easy to move a parked bus, but with the form Luis Suarez is in, he should be able to come up with another beautiful piece of play to hit the net for the Reds.

Add in the numerous attacking talents Liverpool have, and the Reds should have no problem coming up with just enough to come away with three points against Stoke.

How about having Kuyt, Suarez, Downing, Bellamy, upfront..of course Kuyt is not the fastest player at Anfield, but has the scoring touch. Carroll could be starting on the bench..or Kenny has some other plans ?

It's less than maturity shown by "the u know who" fans in terms of humiliating other clubs since they achieved the 19th. Perhaps they need to learn to respect more than anyone other clubs fans. I simply don't like visiting their threads , while i admit i used to , long ago. I just couldn't stand the immature behavior and comments.

Just to share with everyone a comment from an African Kop fan

Just to get things straight here, first of all very few fans and especially players have ever said we will win the league this season and as Jamie clearly quoted " im not saying that we're going to win the league but you feel as if we can give people a run for their money and that goes for most of our fans. And since when is there anything wrong with being optimistic and supporting our team through thick and thin, isn't that the point of supporting a football team?? Yes, we have had a rough few seasons but we've rolled with the punches and maintained our support, yet that seems decades ago compared to where we are now with the current players and management staff at the helm.

The dark days are behind us now and we as Liverpool fans have proved our loyalty and love to the club, which through the decades has become world famous and a part of Liverpool, which few clubs can match. Just look at the last 6 months which could have hardly gone any better for us than it did. We've managed to bring the inspirational King Kenny back on a full managerial deal as well having an outstanding coach in Clarke. We have found new owners who clearly care more about the club than their predecessors and already seem to have the full support of the Liverpool faithfull which is very rare to see so early on, as well as having a level headed and supportive Damien Comolli behind the books.

We've sharpened our squad with the departure of Meireles being the only player who really proved himself and even he would have struggled for a starting place in our new squad. We have managed to bring in some top players in the likes of Suarez, Carroll, Adam, Bellamy, Enrique, Downing, Henderson and Coates who all have the ability to be great. To make matters better at least 85% of these players are younger than 25.

When you consider these FACTS Liverpool fans have every right to be optimistic about the future!! YNWA

This post has been edited by sKyWiR3pT3lTd: Sep 9 2011, 05:22 PM

Match facts

• Liverpool have never won a Premier League game at the Britannia Stadium, drawing two and losing one
• Stoke have failed to score in four of their last six games against Liverpool
• Should he score, Dirk Kuyt will have achieved 50 goals in the Premier League
• Kenny Dalglish's side have scored in all but one of their last 13 away league games
• Asmir Begovic has made the joint-highest amount of saves this season, with 21
• Stoke have lost one of their last 10 home league games

The lads should be able to overcome "giant" Stoke players. Wish to see Bellamy at some point of time.
Coates as well, hope he starts. Should we get a killer 2 goals cushion tomorrow, the game is in our hands.

A win would be sweet before the mighty captain returns the following week.

I'm confident enough in Kenny's selection tomorrow and hope the team to replicate the performance shown in the last 3 games.

It's the rivalry facts and i believe there's nothing to do with the banner or sort?
Could anyone spot on with the one claimed above? "Come back when you win the 18th"?

Try posting something in their thread, you'll become famous in seconds! We or United fans are not the one whose running the actual show. We can't predict what's gonna happen on the match day. I don't know if anyone believe that bookies play their part in this? (Correct me if i'm wrong)

Even chasing for the titles or silverware , it depends how you win the games. You could be dirty, clean, tactical etc, at the end , a win is the important fact. They may be the English giants at the very moment , but the season is yet to end and its getting tougher and tougher , year after year.

Well said REDshaun. If one needs to see their "favorite" club winning every match day, you know where to go. And stop blabbering about , "oh my team not winning cause some shite team won last night and they are taking a piss on me".

Every supporters should be behind the team when they are in bad terms and good terms. Supporting a team is not just when they are winning, gotta learn to take the positives from the performance.

I couldn't catch up with the game last night , but when i was updated with the score by a mate, i took it easy and thought that there could be a reason why we screwed the 3 points. Rivals winning it doesn't matter and how far they are.

Downfall is not far away for them.

I watched the highlights this morning and i believe there was number of penalty shout for us were denied. What ever the outcome was on the weekend, i'm still positive that Kenny could do his wonders with this current team, with our captain fantastic is making a return, i could see we have better season ahead. Not being optimistic, but feeling positive that the top 4 could be achieved.

This post has been edited by sKyWiR3pT3lTd: Sep 12 2011, 02:19 PM

Paul Merson backs Liverpool's performance deserves something. "Its definitely not a penalty"

Watch The Video.

This post has been edited by sKyWiR3pT3lTd: Sep 12 2011, 08:10 PM

We were just unlucky with the decision made.
Just wanted to share the opinions of others on our brilliant yet nothing out of it game.

Beating Spurs on the 18th would be sweet after the defeat last week. Some real test coming up..

A good review of the game against Stoke.

Have a look boys..

DukeRed,

I have no words to describe how grateful and happy i am for all your love and passion towards Liverpool, your comments , especially the reply for The Star article. The same i have and each and every year, i believe we could do something better and if that has failed, at least i take the positive facts for the season and move on.

To simplify, current season, target has to be Champions League football. It doesn't matter to me who wins the title. The best team always does that..

A convincing win for Blackburn against Gunners. I feel sorry for them, i saw while i went out to a mamak and the score was 1-2 at 37th min. I didn't expect them to lose this encounter.

They'll get over it soon..