The news was all over the place a couple of hrs before kickoff and it's one of two reasons why there was a minutes silence just prior to the start of the game, the other being the death of Brad Jones' son, Luca. Read someone mention Phil Jones earlier, huh?

I don't know which game your friends were watching because I felt Reina had a really good game. The thing is most people only rate keepers when they make point blank saves like Hart did in the third minute if extra time. They don't appreciate the fact that someone like Reina diffuses situations much earlier on by rushing off his line. We've heard the term sweeper keeper though not nearly as often as not many keepers can distribute the ball as well as Reina and are as comfortable on the ball. What was it? Some 3 seasons back that he played in midfield in a friendly against Mainz? He may not be as flamboyant (and some may also say reckless) as Rene "El Loco" Higuita but he has shown he doesn't panic in possession. Another thing he does well is command his box as he did yesterday. How many time has he fumbled a ball. His handling is admirable. His presence is one reason we could play such a high defensive line against Chelsea and Man City yesterday. Even if the ball is played behind Agger and Skrtel, we are assured that Pepe will come racing off his line to clear the danger. He may have been caught out once this morning but out of how many times? That all being said, he is a good shot stopper as well and his save last week against Chelsea proves that.

Can't remember which pundit it was yesterday. When asked which team had the better keeper, he mentioned Pepe and I agree.

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Added on November 28, 2011, 12:46 pmThat isn't a certainty. Like I said earlier, Andy was effective because City were already hanging on for dear life by the time he came on. He only needed to park himself in the opposition box. It's different when teams are going toe to toe and you have to work to push forward, something he's been struggling with. It's why people are questioning his fitness level and commenting on how sluggish he looks. I don't think King Kenny was wrong to start with one up front given City's attacking prowess. Do note that they had scored 3 or more goals in 6 consecutive games leading up to our clash at Anfield. They also have the best goal difference in the league unrivalled since Preston in the 1800's! That is a frightening statistic and it was right for us not to totally throw caution into the wind. It was important to have Kuyt help against Nasri or Silva since Johnson is known to be suspect defensively. King Kenny got it right tactically as far as I'm concerned.

There is also talk over the exclusion of Maxi and I feel it was a tactical decision and not one based on form. With only Suarez leading the line, it seemed logical to have at least one wide player in the side to stretch the defense, avoiding congestion in the middle, giving Suarez more room to run at the back two. Players aren't always excluded because of a lack of form. Tactics matter. Why else would someone with red hot scoring form like Balotelli be resigned to the bench? He doesn't do much defending and Mancini opted for a more cautious approach by fielding Nasri.

This post has been edited by Duke Red: Nov 28 2011, 12:46 PM

Another thing to note is that Liverpool old boys, Danny Murphy and John Arne Riise linked up to force Vermaelem into an own goal against Fulham. Danny Simpson made a goal line clearance to prevent defeat against his former teammates.

Henderson is beginning to show some really good touches as well. Against Chelsea, he blew past 2 defenders before putting a cross in. Against City, he showed good feet to keep the ball away from two defenders and on another occasion, nutmegged a defender. He's beginning to play with confidence and I hope that the shite version of him I've seen early in the season is no more.

Quickly mate! Good to hear that the Kop was in full voice... again...

Man I was one of Lucas' biggest critics but he's pulled up his socks and worked to adapt to his 'new' role. Reminds me of a certain Igor Biscan who Houllier thought made a better central defender than attacking midfielder. He put his head down, kept his mouth shut and played through the criticism and only in one of his last games for us against Bayer Leverkusen in Europe did he show glimpses of brilliance in midfield in the absence of Gerrard and Alonso.

I'm going to bed soon. Wanna get up for the game. The league cup is probably our only shot at silverware this season. Also, city are playing arsenal at the same time. 4 big teams playing at the same time.

Just listen to how loud our traveling Kop are.

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Added on November 30, 2011, 4:13 amCan't understand why we bought a keeper of Doni's calibre if he isn't even going to play in the League Cup

This post has been edited by Duke Red: Nov 30 2011, 04:13 AM

Hmm Lukaku just stands by and watches as his own teammate gets booked for a crime he committed.

The traveling Kop showing us how to make 2,000 fans sound like 40,000! All round the fields of Anfield Road, where once we say the King Kenny play...!

Get in! My man Kelly scores for the third game running!

This post has been edited by Duke Red: Nov 30 2011, 05:21 AM

Nice touch by the home fans showing their concern for what looks like a bad injury by booing Lucas off the pitch eh?

Reina went on a walk about again lol.

The traveling Kop chants, "there's only 1 Gary Speed" as Bellers trots off the pitch. Nice one lads.

This is the most of I've Carroll run since signing on. Well done Andy! You look match fit now?

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Added on November 30, 2011, 5:39 am#stamfordbridge will be empty by the time the final whistle sounds at this rate

This post has been edited by Duke Red: Nov 30 2011, 05:39 AM

No one noticed how Lucas almost killed Torres on one occasion as he won the ball of the Spaniard from behind?

"Vast improvement"? Err lower your expectations mate because I feel we have been playing pretty well of late. The last time I saw us playing fluid, positive football was the tail end of the season we finished 2nd. I don't think we can ask for much more from the lads.

Tony Fernandez has nothing to do with Palace although a Malaysian businessman by the name of Jerry Lim if I recall once bought a stake in the club some years back.

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Added on November 30, 2011, 6:12 pmSuper article on Lucas. I only noted one of the times he destroyed Torres this morning. Didn't realize there was a second incident as suggested by the article.

http://www.sabotagetimes.com/football-spor...ive-midfielder/

This post has been edited by Duke Red: Nov 30 2011, 06:12 PM

Thing is Lukaku isn't going to get punished for that challenge as Bertran picked up the yellow instead.

If i were Lukaku, I'd fessed up and told the ref it was I that made the challenge. Don't see how I could let my mate take the fall for a crime I committed.

Was thinking the same thing although I don't believe in having names on my back unless they prove to be Anfield legends, which explains why I only have Carragher's name on my kits. I try to avoid the temptation to stay current like everyone else. As good as he is I'm not going to get a Suarez until he cements himself in Liverpool folklore. Look what happened with Torres.

I will however deeply consider getting a Lucas one as I feel he's displayed all the traits of a Liverpool type player. He's put his head down amidst the criticism and now displays the energy and enthusiasm befitting of one who deserves to wear the Red shirt, a right not many in the current squad has earned yet. The other name I'd consider getting is Kuyt's

My heart sank as I saw the news. Ligament damage. Best not to rush him back. The fact that so many fans are alarmed by this news is testament to the player that he has become.

I don't see the point in the trial though. Unless we achieve a top 70 ranking in the world, what chance does Safiq or Safee Sali have of playing in England?

Cardiff may be Malaysia backed but I'm not a fan of the owner and neither are many Malaysians I can tell you that. If you haven't already, try reading up about him. He has screwed many people over and continues to do so. Is it also mere coincidence Cardiff actually have a chance of winning the cup after being bought by a man who owns just about every slot machine in the country, and wanted to legalize sports betting?

http://malaysia-today.net/index.php?option...r&Itemid=100085

This post has been edited by Duke Red: Dec 1 2011, 09:06 AM

Fixed for your delicate eyes.

Lucas gets injured and you lot want to buy another player? Seriously? We surely must have the most number of midfielders already. When Stevie returns, Adam will play a more defensive role but until then we have Spearing and Shelvey on the bench. The former has proven to be a reliable player having been a starter last season and the latter has been recalled after a successful spell at Blackpool. I don't think there is a need for panic stations when we have ample cover. No point in having an even biggest clutter in midfield when Lucas returns. I'd rather promote players than buy ala Football Manager.

On a totally unrelated note, Pitbull was friggin awesome last night!

Maybe try keeping up with current events?

Didi Hamann wasn't blessed with pace either but he read the game well. Spearing looks a good option but let's not forget that Dagger has played defensive midfielder as well. He may be tall and lanky but he's done pretty well at left back for us, running up and down the flank. He's pretty mobile and he's stated his desire to play there before. Just saying we have options.