The Good
Happy to see Dirk Kuyt start. It was a wise decision given the threat of Leighton Baines. Can't blame him for the penalty miss as it was a good save from Howard. Good also to see Martin Kelly back. He had a solid game and one reason why Tim Cahill's kangaroo impressions only earned him one clear opportunity off his nut. Less I'm mistaken, Kelly was marking him during corners. I'm a big fan of Kelly and I imagine he'll make the England senior team by the end of the season if he can stay healthy. Carra has a good game as well. He was strong in the air and with exception of the occasion where he and Skrtel backed off Saha to present the Frenchman with too much room, he marshaled the defence pretty well. Jose Enrique had another good game and once again, you have to ask why he hasn't earned an international cap yet? I mean even Arbeloa who is a right sided player gets picked ahead of him. Baffling. Another player worth a mention is non other than Luis Suarez. He's been a revelation since signing for us and was once again a live wire up front. Was gifted a goal in the end by Distin and finished with aplomb.

The Bad
Well may "bad" is too strong a word but here are players I don't think had a good game. Carroll offered little with the exception of his goal. I think he spent more time out wide than he did in the Everton box. Adam had a quiet game and until he thumped Tim Howard's goal post, I forgot he was on the pitch. Stuart Downing was surprisingly innefective as well. Linked up well with Enrique but his delivery was off the mark on a number of occasions. Stayed out wide was much of the match to my dismay.

The Ugly
Martin Atkinson has a reputation of being card happy which can sour derbies and it kinda did last night. The Merseyside derby has produced more red cards than any other Premiership fixture and you just knew that Mr. Atkinson was going to flash someone a red. In truth, it was a harsh decision and Suarez made the most of it but you know what? I could care less. It's about time we had the rub of the green after having had several decisions go against us in recent games. There are few sights I like more than the vision of Tim Cahill in misery.

Not always easy on the eye but it was a derby after all and it had all the ingredients of one - crunching tackles, flared tempers, Tim Cahill being a ****, and bitters throwing rubbish on their own pitch no less. Always thought that Woodison was a dump.

Well looking at it again and again, Rodwell did catch his ankle and anyone who is into sports can tell you that bending your ankle even at a slight ankle can hurt. Sprains can hurt more than breaks. Suarez milked it no doubt but that can hurt.

I like to keep each incident separate. I think we'd all agree that Suarez does a little too much remonstrating and play acting. Thankfully, he's a very good player and we can therefore be a little more forgiving. Whilst Rodwell's challenge was not deserving of a red, there was obvious contact and I hope that those commenting on it not hurting have actually experienced ankle sprains before. It can hurt like a b**** and from that replay, you can clearly see that his ankle was bent if even for just a second.

I agree that players can be different even if they play in the same position but at some point, one has to be able to make a comparison. I think managers say it best when they say they want to sign the "right" players and not necessarily the "best" players. In the end, we're looking for someone who is a better fit for our team. If you ask me who fits us best, I'd have to say Luis Suarez but this isn't because Torres left. I still think Torres is a quality striker and his first season with us was arguably his best. He really hit the ground running and defenders struggled to match his pace and strength. The problem was that he is more individualistic and whenever he was out with injury or was being rested, we struggled to score goals. Luis Suarez may not as prolific but he can create opportunities for for his teammates. His pass to Dirk Kuyt who finished from centimeters out against the Mancs after a mazy run is a prime example.

Would have been nice to see them both up front of course but alas, it wasn't meant to be. I really think Torres would have flourished playing next to someone like Suarez who can create space and goalscoring chances for him.

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Added on October 3, 2011, 1:51 pmI agree that players can be different even if they play in the same position but at some point, one has to be able to make a comparison. I think managers say it best when they say they want to sign the "right" players and not necessarily the "best" players. In the end, we're looking for someone who is a better fit for our team. If you ask me who fits us best, I'd have to say Luis Suarez but this isn't because Torres left. I still think Torres is a quality striker and his first season with us was arguably his best. He really hit the ground running and defenders struggled to match his pace and strength. The problem was that he is more individualistic and whenever he was out with injury or was being rested, we struggled to score goals. Luis Suarez may not as prolific but he can create opportunities for for his teammates. His pass to Dirk Kuyt who finished from centimeters out against the Mancs after a mazy run is a prime example.

Would have been nice to see them both up front of course but alas, it wasn't meant to be. I really think Torres would have flourished playing next to someone like Suarez who can create space and goalscoring chances for him.

This post has been edited by Duke Red: Oct 3 2011, 01:51 PM

Darn it. Martin Kelly was so close to making the England squad but lost his place to who I think is Kyle Walker from Spurs. I could care less if England benefits from his inclusion and would rather he not feature and stay fit for us, but at the same time, I would like for him to get the recognition I feel he deserves. I still stand by my earlier claim that he will make the senior national squad by the end of the year. He's a solid young defender who has hardly put a foot wrong, and he's got good pace for a lad who is 6'3". I'm a fan.

I've not come across many youtube vids of him but that's understandable since he hasn't been around too long and isn't a flashy player. Here's one of him against the mancs though.

He did well the last time round. I'm positive he'll start if he stays fit. The Mancs have scored a few from long crosses into the box this season and Kelly is well adept at protecting the far post. Also, he has the pace to cope with an overlapping Patrice Evra to cut out crosses before they come in. Him and Enrique will have their hands full.

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Added on October 5, 2011, 11:33 amIf memory serves me, Rigobert Song appeared on 3 World Cups, captaining Cameroon in at least 2 of them and he also got himself sent off twice.

Kvarme had a decent start to his career here before leaving for France, and he did finish 2nd in La Liga once with Real Sociedad where he bumped into another former Red, Sander Westerveld.

I've no idea why we bought Krompkamp till this day.

Julian Dicks was useless and fat. Took up space, nothing more. Surprised that West Ham took him back.





This post has been edited by Duke Red: Oct 5 2011, 11:33 AM

The ref didn't issue a red purely because of Suarez's reaction. He did so because he interpreted it as a studs up challenge. If a player is deemed to not be in control of his challenge, it is dangerous play and even if you don't make a whole lot of contact, it is a bookable offence.

Having said that I think the whole world agrees Martin Atkinson made a mistake, including me but don't place blame only where you choose to.

On the same score, I read an SMS message in the Star today from yet another ill-informed noob. Not sure which club he supports but he's accused Mike Riley and Martin Atkinson of being in league with Liverpool. REALLY??? On what basis? Prior to 2009, Mike Riley had awarded numerous penalties in favour of Man Utd so much so that when Everton met them in the 2009 FA Cup semifinals, David Moyes actually called for an investigation into Mike Riley when it was learnt he was selected to referee the match. Subsequently, Man Utd were denied a penalty in the match and Fergie then accused him of being influenced by Moyes' comments. Suddenly, Mike Riley's contributions over seasons past were forgotten and he was no longer the flavour of the month at Old Trafford. Here's a source. It's 7 yrs old but it gives you an idea of why Moyes made such a claim (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2004/nov/03/theknowledge.sport). So then, any proof that he's suddenly a Kopite?

Martin Atkinson a Kopite as well? Firstly, he had been known to be a little card happy, having issued 13 red cards last season. Secondly, his biggest controversies involved Man Utd. First, he allowed play to go on for 6 minutes into extra time, giving Man Utd a 4-3 win over City after the fourth official had signaled for only 4 minutes of injury time. Michael Owen scored in the 96th minute prompting the saying, " Fergie time". Next, he controversially blew the final whistle in a game between Man Utd and Everton as the scored were tied at 3-3, with Everton midway into an attack. Jagielka eventually fired straight into Van Der Sar's hands but the whistle had gone just before the shot came in.

So now, what is there to indicate that either of them are pro-Liverpool? I really wonder where some people get their facts from?

What are the odds that Howard Webb will be appointed to officiate?

It will be no easy task for them at Anfield, that's for sure. I'm not saying I'm confident of getting 3 pts at home, but I can say that we won't keel over and die. We'll make them work for it and with both sides looking defensively suspect in recent games, who is to say we won't see a high scoring match? We usually do turn up for this game even when we lose so it's going to be a matter of how clinical we are in front of goal. They mancs have been putting their chances away and hence they are able to grind out results. Berbatov is out of favour and whoever they choose to start, they will have a pretty quick and mobile forward line with the likes of Hernandez, Rooney, Welbeck and even Owen in fine goal scoring form. I'm a little apprehensive with starting both Carra and Skrtel in the heart of defence but I reckon it's our safest option given that Agger is out injured and Coates is inexperienced and new to the Prem. If Glenn Johnson were back, it would be interesting to see Martin Kelly slot right into the heart of our defence given how quick he is. We're probably going to concede, I just hope we score.

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Added on October 5, 2011, 3:43 pmInterested to hear your thoughts. It is a highly charged encounter and possibly the most watched match all over the world. I've heard mancs downplaying the importance of this game but if you are truly a fan of either club, it doesn't come bigger than this. If it does, well, maybe you were born yesterday. The rivalry runs deep, certainly deeper than even football itself. The atmosphere at Anfield will be akin to one of those famous European nights. The Kop will certainly be up for this. They proved this at White Heart Lane as we were hammered, and still "YNWA" from the away end was audible. Let's to our part again.

This post has been edited by Duke Red: Oct 5 2011, 03:43 PM

I', hoping that Gerrard will be given a starting berth. He may not be back to full match fitness but it's the international break and I'm sure he's going to be put through his paces on the training ground. At this point, a half fit Steven Gerrard is at least as good as Charlie Adam and definitely better than a Henderson. His mere presence should boost morale which is something not many players at the club can lay claim to doing. *Fingers crossed*.

We're playing at Anfield and I moot we go on the offensive for two reasons. a) our defense has looked fragile and by sitting back, we're inviting unwanted pressure, and b) their defence has looked shaky as well and by virtue of the fact that we're playing at home roared on by the Kop, we need to capitalise on this to take some pressure of ourselves.

I'm still torn who to partner Suarez up front though. I am split between playing him alone, flanked by Kuyt and Downing, supported closely behind by Gerrard, or pairing him with Andy Carroll. Bellamy is an option but we won't have any height during set pieces. We'll only have Kelly and Skrtel to aim for.

Some of these comments in the Star are really embarrasing. This manc posted that the only reason we've beaten them 3 times is because of Mike Riley and Martin Atkinson. HUH?

Forget what I posted days ago about how Mike Riley has awarded numerous penalties in their favour, at Old Trafford no less and how Martin Atkinson helped develop the term "Fergie time", when did Riley and Atkinson hand us a win over them? I'd shoot myself if I were such an idiot. Stupid people like this should do us all a favour and kill themselves so as to not waste precious oxygen.

A lengthy but good read. Only know do I know that his deal was already done prior to Istanbul.

Sorry mate you lost me for a bit. Which book is this?

On a separate note, my admiration for Carra isn't exactly the best kept secret and amidst the criticism he's been receiving of late for being out of sorts, I've always maintained that he is the type of player who would step down if he felt he could no longer contribute. Just last week there was an article stating that he was contemplating retiring in the next 2 years. It speaks volumes of the kind of guy he is. He's willing to step aside if it's in the best interest of the team. It's like Carra always says, "the club comes first".

Here's what the fans have to say about him.



There is a reason his is the only player's name I have on my kits. I don't even have a "Gerrard" kit.

We all dream of a team of Carraghers...



Wanna learn to speak Scouse?



It'll be an honour for me to have seen him play his first and last game for us. If you have asked me back then what I thought of our Carra, I'd have said he didn't deserve a spot in the starting 11. How wrong he proved me to be. It is extremely rare these days to find players as loyal and dedicated to their clubs. He isn't the most gifted of footballers but he'd willingly put his body on the line for the club. He is the soul of LFC and he represents everything I like about the club. For that, he is a living legend. Let me try to articulate why I love him so.



23. Carra. Gold.

Not a damaging article in my opinion. It's common for teammates to be at odds with one another every now and then. It just shows you how important the game is to them. The bottom line is they made up after without having to swing golf clubs at one another. It was a mild incident in comparison the McManaman vs. Grobbelar one.

From a Liverpool perspective, I'd have to agree with Ian Ayre. Yes, people do watch Wolves play Norwich for example if nothing else is on but I'm sure they'd much rather see Liverpool play Bolton. I understand that there needs to be opportunity for smaller sides to grow but this has to happen in stages. As it is, we've just started talking about financial fairplay let's see how that works out first. If you make the battleground totally even, then what's in it for bigger sides? Shouldn't they be allowed to reap the rewards of their endevour?

This sticks out.



I could care less for match predictions unless it's backed up by a well written piece of journalism. The thing here is; "the real reds"?

Let's take a little walk down memory lane shall we?

Liverpool FC was officially formed in 1892 but adopted a red kit only in 1894. Although Newton Heath was formed in 1878, they wore a green & gold kit and only in 1902 were Manchester United officially formed and only then did they start wearing a red kit. So, what is the definition of a "real red"? It isn't conclusive who can lay claim to the title since I don't know what it means. All I know is we wore red first.

I think King Kenny handled himself really well, certainly much better than Roy Hodgson did. You got the feeling that the latter would piss in his pants each time Fergie looked his way. King Kenny played down the match and rightly so because there is no point in winning this "big" one and losing our other games as we have done in seasons before. From a result oriented standpoint, this game is worth a maximum of 3 points, same as the rest. From the perspective of fans however, the winner has bragging rights if only for a short while. However, that isn't Kenny's concern, it's ours. To him, it's just 3 points and 3 points against the mancs is worth just as much as 3 points against anyone else.

It's match day and I'm stoked! The day can't pass quickly enough for me. Watching the game with a bunch of Liverpool fans but I've to meet my mates for a birthday party after and they're all mancs! All I ask is that the boys play well and give their all. If they do, the result should take care of itself.

Let's put things in perspective shall we? First off, we didn't claim to be the "real reds", it's you mancs that do. Like I pointed out in a post yesterday however, we first wore red in 1892 while you lot only did in 1902, duh!

Secondly, I agree with redshaun on the comment about there being many retards. Now, I'll gladly put my hand up if we had lost, I have always done so but last night we came out guns blazing in the 2nd half. There is no argument who played better but fairplay, you don't always win although you played the better game. Sometimes you need to grind out a result. If the situation were reversed, only a dumb f*** manc would agree that they didn't play better, and there are many out there unfortunately i.e. young punks supporting the flavour of the month, giving real fans a bad bad name.

It was a stonewall penalty in my opinion. How Andre Marriner failed to spot it is beyond my comprehension. My mates were arguing that it was ball to hand? Fooking hell, really? Evans was at least 5 yards away from Kuyt and he left his hand there. So if Pepe had launched a rocket from inside our on half and Evans left his hand there, it would still be ball to hand? That's retarded. Biased opinion. Am I complaining however? No, it happens. Sometimes you get the rub of the green and sometimes you don't. It just pisses me off that my mates won't admit it. I mean Downing dived, I admit to it so be a man and fess up. It was a penalty and it wasn't given but that's how games go and over 38 games, your luck evens out.

Expected really. Even when we aren't playing them, you'll get some first rate morons dropping in to give us stick. Really classy eh? Funny how they seem to have watched a different game. Justify your claims then mancs, if you can.