Liverpool F.c.

[scousemouse]

So it looks like the Gooners , the Chelski and then the Mancs.............. mai pen rai .

Barca in the final

going be interesting. both us and arsenal have nightmare games before and after the fixtures.

going be a heavy few weeks for the red men

It sure is mate

[scousemouse]

And this won't help :

Agger to miss rest of Reds season

Liverpool central defender Daniel Agger has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a metatarsal injury.

The Denmark international, 23, will undergo surgery on his troublesome foot injury early next week after being sidelined since September.

"It's a blow for Daniel but we want to get his problem sorted," Rafa Benitez told the club's official website.

"We have defensive cover and Martin Skrtel is playing very well, Daniel will be back for next season."

Agger has only played six games for Liverpool this season and his absence is a blow for the club who have key games coming up in both the Premier League and most notably the Champions League.

[scousemouse]

Liverpool v Reading

Anfield

Saturday, 15 March

Kick-off: 1500 GMT

Coverage on the BBC Sport website, BBC Radio Five Live & highlights on Match of the Day

Liverpool defender Daniel Agger is out after being ruled out for the rest of the season with a metatarsal injury.

Midfielder Xabi Alonso is back in the squad missing the win over Inter Milan to attend the birth of his son.

Reading are missing defender Graeme Murty with a knee injury while midfielders Brynjar Gunnarsson (groin) and Emerse Fae (malaria) also miss out.

Winger Glen Little is on the verge of a return after being sidelined for a year because of an Achilles problem.

Make your Premier League predictions

Liverpool (from): Reina, Arbeloa, Finnan, Carragher, Hyypia, Skrtel, Riise, Aurelio, Benayoun, Gerrard, Mascherano, Alonso, Lucas, Babel, Kuyt, Torres, Crouch, Voronin, Itandje.

Reading (from): Hahnemann, Federici, Rosenior, Ingimarsson, Bikey, Sonko, Cisse, Shorey, Oster, Matejovsky, Harper, Hunt, Convey, Doyle, Long, Kitson, Kebe, de la Cruz.

Liverpool striker Dirk Kuyt:

"Our target now is obviously to go to the final, but we have to make sure we are in the Champions League again next season.

"This club has to be there, that is the biggest objective.

"We must keep going, beat Reading, and make sure that we are in those top-four teams at the top of the league."

<LI>Reading midfielder Stephen Hunt:

"The training was very hard - it has to be like that with a game like Liverpool away coming up.

"We all watched the Inter game and it was a great result for them. We know it will be tough for us to go there but Anfield is a great place to play.

"The atmosphere is always electric. I enjoyed playing there last season."

BIG-MATCH FACTS

Champions League quarter-finalists Liverpool are THE form team in the Premier League. The midweek conquerors of Inter Milan have won their last six in league and cup, and are vying for a fifth straight maximum in the league.

Liverpool have scored at least three goals in each of their last four league outings, and have totalled 13 goals in those wins, but suffered a shock 3-1 defeat at Reading in December.

Reading are chasing a 25th Premier League victory under Steve Coppell, and the third in a row; having beaten Middlesbrough (a) and Manchester City (h) after suffering eight successive league losses.

This match pits the clubs to have joint most draws (Liverpool 11) and the equal least (Reading, four). It also brings together the second most infrequent losers (Reds, three) with the second most frequent (Royals, 17).

Reading have not won in the North-West this season, and have lost their last four visits to the region.

These clubs are meeting for the third time this season. Reading won the reverse league fixture, having earlier been knocked out of the Carling Cup by the Reds. Those two matches produced 10 goals.

CLUB FORM

LIVERPOOL

Club statsFixtures

Highest achievable after Saturday's matches: 4th

Lowest could fall: 4th

All statistics and sequences refer to the Premier League only, unless otherwise stated.

1. Won every game since being knocked out of the FA Cup by Barnsley on 16 February - their only defeat in nine (all competitions).

2. Unbeaten in six; won five and drew one since defeat at West Ham on 30 January - their only loss in 13.

3. Lost three times; only Arsenal have been beaten less frequently (just once).

4. Drawn 11 - only Fulham match that.

5. Conceded 20 goals; only Manchester United (15) and Chelsea (17) have shipped fewer. Also, allowed the opposition to score first in six games; only Manchester United can better that (five times).

6. One of two clubs not have picked up a red card from matches in this league this season; Bolton is the other. Also, shown 37 cards; only Everton have a better disciplinary record with 33 cards (30 yellow, three red).

7. Registered five goalless draws. Only Portsmouth have also been involved in as many as that.

8. One goal short of conceding 600 all-time in this league.

9. Challenging for a fifth successive home victory, and not lost in seven on home soil. Manchester United is the only club to have left Anfield with all three points this season. Indeed, the 0-1 defeat to the Red Devils on 16 December is their only reverse in 19 home matches in over a year.

10. Four season-defining fixtures follow: Manchester United (a), Everton (h), Arsenal (a) and Blackburn (h).

READING

Club statsFixtures

Highest achievable after Saturday's matches: 12th

Lowest could fall: 15th

All statistics and sequences refer to the Premier League only, unless otherwise stated.

1. Won the last two after an 11-game winless run in league and cup, the last seven of which were defeats.

2. Aiming to register three victories on the bounce for the first time since between 14 and 30 April last year; then the victories were against Fulham (h), Bolton (a) and Newcastle (h).

3. Not scored in the opening 15 minutes of any game so far this season; the earliest being Kalifa Cisse's 16th minute equaliser in the 6-4 defeat by Tottenham at White Hart Lane on 29 December.

4. Scored five goals in nine outings; three in the 90th minute, and one in the 88th. Also conceded more goals in the last 10 minutes than any other club (13); Liverpool have only shipped three in that time frame.

5. Vying for back-to-back wins over North-West clubs, having defeated Manchester City 2-0 at the Madejski last Saturday.

6. Lost 17 matches; only Derby have been beaten more often (21).

7. Drawn four games; only Manchester United have finished level that infrequently.

8. 15 points down, year on year.

9. Own the second weakest defence away from home; 34 goals conceded in 14 matches on their travels (Derby have shipped 39).

10. Home fixtures against Birmingham and Blackburn follow this, before visiting Newcastle.

KEY PLAYER NOTES

LIVERPOOL

Fernando TORRES is Liverpool's top scorer with 26 goals, and their leading marksman in the Premier League with 19.

TORRES needs one goal to become only the second player to score at least 20 Premier League goals for Liverpool in a season. Robbie Fowler scored 25 in 1994-95, and 28 in 1995-96.

The Spanish striker has scored 89% of his league goals at Anfield (17). No other player has scored as many Premier League goals in front of their home supporters this season.

Goalkeeper Jose REINA is the only remaining player to have been on the field for every minute of every one of Liverpool's Premier League matches this season.

READING

Dave KITSON is Reading's top scorer with nine Premier League goals.

Marcus HAHNEMANN is the only remaining player to have been involved in every minute of every one of Reading's Premier League matches this term.

If selected:-

Graeme MURTY will be making his 50th Premier League appearance - all for Reading.

If on the field from the outset:-

Kevin DOYLE will be making his 100th start in a Reading shirt.

HEAD TO HEAD

Reading pulled off a major shock in winning the reverse fixture 3-1, to set up the possibility of a first ever league double over Liverpool.

The Reds, who did the double over the Royals last season, will want to avenge that result at the Madejski in December, as it ended their unbeaten Premier League start to the season.

Home and away

League (inc PL): Liverpool 2 wins, Reading 1, Draws 0

Prem: Liverpool 2 wins, Reading 1, Draws 0

at Liverpool only

League (inc PL): Liverpool 1 win, Reading 0, Draws 0

Prem: Liverpool 1 win, Reading 0, Draws 0

LAST SEASON'S CORRESPONDING GAME

Liverpool 2-0 Reading

4 November 2006 - Ref: Uriah Rennie

Liverpool scorers: Kuyt 14, 73

THIS SEASON'S REVERSE FIXTURE Reading 3-1 Liverpool

8 December 2007 - Ref: Andre Marriner

Reading scorers: Hunt 17 pen, Doyle 60, Harper 67

Liverpool scorer: Gerrard 28

[scousemouse]

An interview from this morning with Rafa :

RAFA ON ARSENAL, READING AND AGGER

Rafa, first of all, what is your reaction to drawing Arsenal in the last eight of the Champions League?

Everyone was expecting a difficult draw as there were three other English teams involved. Arsenal will be a tough game for us because they are at the top of the table but it will also be difficult for them.

We have to play the Gunners three times within a week and before that we have to play Everton and Manchester United. How much of a test will that be for your team?

The key for these games will be our squad. So I will not rotate but I will change players!

Do the games against United and Everton make the Arsenal game even more difficult to prepare for?

I think it will be the same for both of us. These matches in the Premier League will be really difficult but at the end of the day we play three games in six days against Arsenal and they will have the same problems.

Given our form in the Champions League do you feel Arsenal will fear you more than you fear them?

No, I think we know they are a really good team so I think it is the same situation for both of us. They are at the top of the table so maybe we will be underdogs, but it will difficult for both teams.

There was a feeling among those in Switzerland that everyone wanted to avoid Liverpool because you are playing so well...

Yes we are playing well. At this moment we are winning games in a row, scoring goals and not conceding many. Each game is different so we will see and try and beat Reading and keep our confidence high.

Looking at the draw it could transpire that you have to beat Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United to win the Champions League...

It could be, but I don't know whether I would agree that that is how it will happen. If we progress clearly we could come up against another English team and it would be another difficult game.

Do you feel your team has belief again now following the six match winning streak?

Yes I think so. Some of the games we drew we could have won but at the end of the day it is the result that counts and if you cannot win you are not so confident. Now we are playing well and winning. Everyone is happy and maybe it is easier for the players to play better.

The games are coming thick and fast but do you feel the players are happy about that because they are in such buoyant mood?

They are enjoying their football now. I'm sure if you offered them the chance to play a game and then train two or three days or play two games in a short period of time, they would choose to play the games. They are playing well and enjoying themselves.

Given the number of points we have already dropped at home this season do you think it is imperative we win almost all of our home games up until the end of the season to ensure we claim fourth place?

It is clear we need to win almost every game because Everton are no longer in the UEFA Cup so they will be really focused on the Premier League. We need to win every game and then see what the situation is. We cannot affect their games so we must focus on our own. The only game we can manage is the game against Everton which will be really important.

We know Daniel Agger is out for the rest of the season - can you just give us a bit more detail about his situation?

We were expecting to see him very soon because he was playing with the reserve team. But after every game he was feeling pain so the doctor we spoke to said he could carry on with the pain because the operation would be the last thing to consider. But he couldn't continue so on Monday he will have an operation and although he will miss the rest of the season, he should be ready for the start of the next season.

You said a few months ago that you wanted your team to hit form towards the end of the season - do you feel that you were right and the side are now in top gear?

I said this before and I think you can see that it appears to be true now. The only thing is that some of the draws we had could have been victories and then we would be talking about playing for something more than just fighting to be in the top four. We cannot change this situation but we are really pleased to see players like Torres, Gerrard, Kuyt, Mascherano and Babel playing well. It is a big help for the rest of the team.

If we can continue this run right up until the end of the season - it could well turn out to be a good season couldn't it?

I think we are in a good position in the Champions League. We have important games coming up against Arsenal but in the Premier League we need to keep winning and try to get as close as possible to the top three.

We play Reading today and they've just run into a bit of form. Are you expecting them to give you more problems than some people might expect?

They have won their last two matches so they have more confidence now. Their mentality is really positive now so it will be tough game.

Looking back, do you feel the 3-1 defeat at Reading back in December was a low point for you?

I remember the game, but I think we conceded an opening goal that was a penalty that shouldn't have been. Then we conceded from a free-kick and then on the counter attack, after Gerrard had hit the crossbar. It was a disappointing day and it was the first defeat of the season in the league. Everyone was talking about other things that were not to do with football, but now we are talking about football and that is much better.

Reading may come to try and make things difficult for us, do you think an early goal will be vital?

It is always important, especially at Anfield, to score the first goal and concentrate after that. We know from experience this year when we have made mistakes and at the end we paid for them.

It's been a difficult season, but you mentioned that everything is calm now - do you feel that it is no coincidence that it has coincided with your best form?

I think it is clear that when you are winning games, everyone is happier and you can talk about football.

So does winning help deflect attention away from off the field issues?

Clearly you can see Torres is scoring goals, or Gerrard or Babel, so we can talk about this. The supporters prefer to talk about this.

Javier Mascherano has come in for some great praise this week and he has been in fine form all season. Do you feel that as a player of his type, there are few better?

It is difficult to find a better player than Javier in his position and I think everyone knows the type of money other top sides have to pay for a player in this position. We needed to do the deal because he is a key player for us. It is now done and he is more settled.

Have you spoken to Tom Hicks and is he happy with recent results and the performances of the players?

Yes, we speak about players, he has spoken to me about Torres and he is really happy with the squad.

[ThaiPauly]

Congrats on your win yesterdy lads, I think you just about deserved it on the balance of play.

All we had to take from it was one of the best goals of the season, having said that your equaliser was pretty good as well

[scousemouse]

Congrats on your win yesterdy lads, I think you just about deserved it on the balance of play.

All we had to take from it was one of the best goals of the season, having said that your equaliser was pretty good as well

I thought Reading gave a good go of things and Coppell was one of the few managers who came to Anfield looking for a win .

We did have a bit of an European hangover I thought , but once again Torres got the winner .

[scousemouse]

LIVERPOOL 2-1 READING

MASCH SCORES IN SEVENTH STRAIGHT WIN

Javier Mascherano bagged his first Liverpool goal as the Reds came from behind to make it seven wins on the bounce with a 2-1 victory over Reading on Saturday.

Once again, however, the name Fernando Torres is likely to hog the headlines after El Nino became the first Anfield player since Robbie Fowler in 1995-96 to net 20 league goals in a season.

The victory, which consolidates fourth spot, means Rafa Benitez's side now have 59 points - as many as Liverpool have ever had after 30 Premier League games.

Suddenly, after a season marred by disappointing draws and off-the-field events, things are starting to look up.

True to his word, Benitez once again selected his big guns, with Torres and Gerrard leading a four-man attack which has proved so effective in recent weeks.

No surprises either in the Reading gameplan, the likeable Steve Coppell sending his men out to defend with the hope of pinching something on the break.

Coppell, then, doubtless thought all his Easters had come at once when his side silenced the home crowd within five minutes with Marek Matejovsky's stunning drive into the top corner.

The sucker-punch was even harder to take due to the fact it came after referee Andre Marriner wrongly adjudged Alvaro Arbeloa of an infringement down the right.

A month or two ago Liverpool may have wilted, but here was a side with new resilience; a side that triumphed in the San Siro just four days ago.

A raft of chances followed, first when the recalled Xabi Alonso grazed the top of the bar with a majestic hit from 20 yards. The new father was clearly on a mission to dedicate a goal to little Jon, coming close again later in the half with a terrific left-foot volley.

Next, though, it was Liverpool's dynamic duo, Gerrard and Torres, who threatened, the number eight threading his partner in crime through only for the smart reaction of Marcus Hahnemann to thwart proceedings. From there the skipper tried his luck with a neat knee and volley. Not this time, but the leveller was coming.

It arrived on 19 minutes from the unlikeliest of sources. Mascherano, without a goal in 43 prior appearances, has been peppering opposition goals with speculative efforts for months, and it finally paid off when he navigated Stephen Hunt before unleashing a dynamite Kop end strike. His celebration, like his midfield play, was understandably beastly.

Rafa's 4-2-3-1 was now in full flow. It took a brilliant reflex save from Hahnemann to prevent a second when Ryan Babel jinked past two defenders and smashed the ball goalwards.

The Dutch dynamo then went one better by rippling the back of the net with a near-post header. Unfortunately, the linesman's flag was correctly raised.

Perhaps the best opportunity to take the lead before half-time fell to Dirk Kuyt, who volleyed just over from the penalty spot after good work from Alvaro Arbeloa down the right.

Never mind, for within three minutes of the restart the new king of the Premier League reacquainted himself with The Royals' net.

Back in September, Torres scored his first hat-trick in English football against Coppell's men - now he was their scourge once more, leaping high above Kevin Doyle to nod home Gerrard's well-placed free-kick.

With his name on scoresheet, the Madrid matador then turned provider, feeding Babel on 62 minutes. The Dutch international made easy work of Liam Rosenoir but failed to keep his shot down.

Left-back Fabio Aurelio was next up with a curling dig from 30 yards. Hahnemann saved well and Torres was unable to direct the rebound on target.

Reading, by this stage totally devoid of attacking impetus, were getting frustrated. Andre Bikey, who had no cause for complaint at receiving a yellow card for a cynical push on the bombarding Stevie G, proceeded to square up to the Reds captain for an ugly exchange of words.

The visitors' blood threatened to boil right over in the closing minutes when Gerrard blocked a Dave Kitson hit with his arm. There was no way the England man could have shifted his position, however, and with a lack of intent, referee Marriner was right to wave away appeals.

Seconds later Hunt came close when Pepe Reina appeared to have fumbled, but the Spanish stopper quickly grabbed the ball and the danger was dead.

All that was left was an audacious 75-yard hit from Alonso. A third goal from his own-half in less than three years? Now, that would have made him the daddy. Sadly it bounced just inches wide.

Stay logged on to .tv for highlights on Sunday.

Teams

Liverpool: Reina, Aurelio, Carragher, Skrtel, Arbeloa, Babel, Alonso, Mascherano, Kuyt, Gerrard ©, Torres. Subs - Benayoun, Crouch, Hyypia, Itandje, Riise

Reading: Hahnemann, Shorey, Bikey, Ingimarsson ©, Rosenior, Hunt, Harper, Matejovsky, Oster, Doyle, Long. Subs - Cisse, Federici, Kebe, Kitson, Sonko

Referee: Andre Marriner

Liverpoolfc.tv Man-of-the-Match: Javier Mascherano

[scousemouse]

BENITEZ: GOALS WILL FLOW FOR FERNANDO

Rafael Benitez is confident Fernando Torres will continue his hot streak in front of goal after the Spaniard took his tally to 20 league goals for the season with the winner against Reading. The Reds boss was delighted to see El Nino score his ninth goal in six matches to secure a 2-1 win over the Royals and extend Liverpool's winning run to five Premier League matches.

It is a superb tally for a player still coming to grips with the hustle and bustle of the English league but Benitez feels there will be more to come if the Reds maintain such irrepressible form.

"If the team continues playing well he will score more goals," said Benitez.

"He is always a threat. In wide areas we have players who can beat defenders, and when teams play high against us Torres can beat defenders. He can create his own situations for scoring goals.

"It is important for us to have a player who is always a threat for defenders. It creates more space for players like Gerrard and the wingers. They are left in one on one situations because everybody is thinking about Torres."

Liverpool had to come from behind to maintain their winning run against Steve Coppell's men and Benitez insists it was vital that the Reds managed to pick up maximum points before they head into a what could prove to be a decisive period in our season.

"We knew we had some games like Reading, Bolton and Newcastle that everyone said we must win (because tough trips to United and Arsenal were coming up)," continued Benitez.

"We knew we needed to get three points because now we have some difficult games and, if we make a mistake, at least we have these points."

With a league meeting with Arsenal sandwiched between a Champions League quarter-final clash with the Gunners and further crunch matches with Manchester United and Everton, it promises to be a mouthwatering three weeks for the Reds.

But while Benitez would love to consider the prospect of extending their run of success in those five matches, he is refusing to look beyond next Sunday's clash with arch rivals United.

"You cannot thinking about the second game before the first," he said.

"If you can keep a momentum it will be easier to go into the second one. We could talk about all the games coming up but I think we'd be wasting our time. Let's talk about the first one."

[scousemouse]

EXCELLENT

FULHAM 1-0 BLUE SH#TE

[scousemouse]

KUYT: RAFA'S THE BEST

Dirk Kuyt has described Rafael Benitez as 'the best manager he has ever had' and aims to repay the Spaniard for his support by helping to fire Liverpool to more Champions League glory. The Dutchman admits he has endured a difficult season following the death of his father last year but believes he can now see light at the end of the tunnel and feels he is about to prove just how important he can be to Liverpool's future.

"You always give your best as a player but sometimes you can have problems mentally," said Kuyt.

"It was difficult to concentrate on football after my father died but I feel it is all behind me now. Sometimes things just need time for you to recover.

"People don't know what is happening with players behind the scenes. Everybody knows I have had a hard time privately, and I am just coming out of it.

"I've played better in the past few games, I have scored a few important goals and I have provided a few assists.

"It was the first time anything like this had happened to me and it has made me only stronger. Now I feel much better than a few months ago, I want to carry on and show I am a good player."

Kuyt's recent upturn in form has seen him play a significant role in Liverpool's seven match winning streak - including a vital goal in a 2-0 win over Inter Milan - and he insists it was Benitez's support during the difficult times that helped him to come through it and he now wants to reward his manager with another European Cup success.

"It would be really special to repay him by winning the Champions League," continued Kuyt.

"He is a really great manager. In the period when it was hard for me, when I had some problems, he was there for me.

"That he cared what happened to me outside the pitch means a lot. He is the best manager I've had.

"Playing football has been like a medicine for me. When you play great games, such as against Inter Milan in the Champions League, you can devote all your energy to what happens on the pitch.

"Hopefully, I can keep going like this and we can do well in the league and Champions League. We lost the final last year, we definitely want to be there again this time."

While the Reds' hopes of a third Champions League final appearance in four seasons remains their only realistic chance of silverware this year, they must still maintain a push for fourth spot in the Premier League.

A 2-1 win over Reading has helped them to consolidate that position ahead of next weekend's crunch trip to Old Trafford and Kuyt feels it is about time Liverpool got a result that past performances have against United have not been rewarded by.

Kuyt added: "We were a bit unlucky in our recent games against United, so hopefully we will get that luck this time.

"It is unbelievable. We deserved something more from those games.

"I think when you are at Liverpool you want to win every game, and especially against Man United.It is a really big game coming up and we really want to show we can beat them.

"United have a quality team. Only in the past six or seven games have we shown it."

[kopite]

We did have a bit of an European hangover I thought

yep, my thoughts exactly. mind you didnt we all

[kopite]

so its nearly upon us. liverpools annual daytrip to castle greyskull.

after man yoo's game with bolton on wednesday the papers will be full of mind games from neville and fergie, carra and gerrard will be giving it back, and fans forums will mostly consist of words that we are not allowed to write on TV.

and so it begins...

[scousemouse]

so its nearly upon us. liverpools annual daytrip to castle greyskull.

after man yoo's game with bolton on wednesday the papers will be full of mind games from neville and fergie, carra and gerrard will be giving it back, and fans forums will mostly consist of words that we are not allowed to write on TV.

and so it begins...

Is the lad Tevez is legging it from Skrtel ??? , if so I like it .

[scousemouse]

MASCH: I WON'T GO GOAL CRAZY

Javier Mascherano has spoken of the joy he felt at finally breaking his duck for Liverpool - but has warned Reds supporters not to expect him to embark upon a sudden hot-streak in front of goal. The diminutive midfielder marked yet another impressive display in the 2-1 win over Reading with a sensational equaliser in front of the Kop end.

It set Rafael Benitez's men on the road to an important home victory and, he admits, the sheer jubilation he felt on finally hitting the back of the net got the better of him as he went wild with celebration.

"It was an incredible moment," he said.

"I have not scored a goal since I was at River Plate, so to score one for Liverpool - and in front of the Kop as well - was really special.

"I can't really describe the feeling but I know I celebrated like I had gone crazy.

"Some of the lads in the dressing room said I was like Inzaghi in the Champions League final.

"It just meant so much to me and it was important also for the team because we had just gone a goal behind."

The Argentina international's 23-yard drive proved to be the catalyst that saw the Reds go on to record a seventh straight win and while boss Rafa Benitez suggested it could for the first of many for the midfielder, Mascherano insists he will put the good of the team ahead of any personal glory in the goal charts.

"I think the manager was joking," he laughed.

"It would be nice to score more goals but I don't think there are many holding midfielders who score lots of goals.

"In this position you have to play deep and try to keep the balance of the team and that is the most important thing for me.

"I will try to score more goals but I know that I have to do my own job first."

Mascherano's teammates were also pleased to see him finally net a goal for the club and Fabio Aurelio - who also got off the mark in a red shirt in the recent 3-1 win over Bolton - believes it was much-deserved following a series of top performances this season.

"Javier has been having a great season," he said.

"He's been working really well for the team and I think he deserved to have a great moment like the one on Saturday. Everyone was happy for him."

[kopite]

so its nearly upon us. liverpools annual daytrip to castle greyskull.

after man yoo's game with bolton on wednesday the papers will be full of mind games from neville and fergie, carra and gerrard will be giving it back, and fans forums will mostly consist of words that we are not allowed to write on TV.

and so it begins...

Is the lad Tevez is legging it from Skrtel ??? , if so I like it .

yeah, you gotta let it load first then it looks boss. tevez's face is f***ing funny

[scousemouse]

so its nearly upon us. liverpools annual daytrip to castle greyskull.

after man yoo's game with bolton on wednesday the papers will be full of mind games from neville and fergie, carra and gerrard will be giving it back, and fans forums will mostly consist of words that we are not allowed to write on TV.

and so it begins...

Is the lad Tevez is legging it from Skrtel ??? , if so I like it .

yeah, you gotta let it load first then it looks boss. tevez's face is f***ing funny

Yeah , I enjoyed it .

And Tevez looked like he had dropped a brick .

[scousemouse]

I know my mate Kopite lives in Pattaya and I think a few of the other lads live there aswell.

I'm going to be in Jomtien this Friday and Saturday on a seminar but I should be able to sneek away for a pint or 7 as long as its late enough .

I'm coming back to Bkk on the Sunday afternoon in time for Bangkok Football Beer Night 7 ( we all know whose playing ) and it would be great if a few of the Pattaya lads could be there .

[kopite]

I know my mate Kopite lives in Pattaya and I think a few of the other lads live there aswell.

I'm going to be in Jomtien this Friday and Saturday on a seminar but I should be able to sneek away for a pint or 7 as long as its late enough .

I'm coming back to Bkk on the Sunday afternoon in time for Bangkok Football Beer Night 7 ( we all know whose playing ) and it would be great if a few of the Pattaya lads could be there .

would have met up mate, but in spain since thursday.

[ThaiPauly]

What on earth did Macherano think he was doing?

Every time the ref gave a decision against Liverpool he was laughing at him or telling him to F... off.

I reckon his sending off was justified , he ran 20 yards to moan at the ref about Torres booking.

One Liverpool player tried half heartedly to restrain him but that was it, surely Liverpool's captain marvel knew he was on thin ice why did he not run over to get him to shut up?

He let Liverpool down badly and probably cost them the game

What a jerk.

PS I have just seen a poll on Sky Sports wher 69% of voters thought the sending off was justified

Edited March 23, 2008 by ThaiPauly

[onethailand]

What on earth did Macherano think he was doing?

Every time the ref gave a decision against Liverpool he was laughing at him or telling him to F... off.

I reckon his sending off was justified , he ran 20 yards to moan at the ref about Torres booking.

One Liverpool player tried half heartedly to restrain him but that was it, surely Liverpool's captain marvel knew he was on thin ice why did he not run over to get him to shut up?

He let Liverpool down badly and probably cost them the game

What a jerk.

PS I have just seen a poll on Sky Sports wher 69% of voters thought the sending off was justified

50-50 if you ask me. Mascherano had been mouthing off ever since he got his first - and deserved - yellow card. One could hardly blame any ref for giving someone a yellow for dissent - but a second yellow for what didn't look like any serious words with the ref is debatable.

Can't say I blame Steve Bennett for sending him off, he probably deserved it - but on the other hand Bennett was also very loose with the cards when it came to Liverpool and he really should have had a little more patience before brandishing that second yellow which inevitably put Liverpool at a large disadvantage.

Xabi Alonso tried to restrain Mascherano but only got a hand on him... and Gerrard was nowhere near the area. He would've had to be Dash from The Incredibles to have gotten over there by the time Bennett showed Mascherano the door.

Edited March 23, 2008 by onethailand

[mrtoad]

As TP has pointed out, I reckon it was the fact that he had been constatntly moaning throughout, and then decided to prance across the turft to further complain. He should have known better, and don't be suprised if he gets hit with a further penalty from the FA for refusing to leave the field of play.

What a complete and utter &lt;deleted&gt;.

[Ground Engineer]

In South America footballers are allowed to mouth off, as they are the heart and soul of the game. In Europe where administration is more important than the core of the game and refs have too much say, then sometimes there ego gets the better of them.....this is what happened with Bennet tonight. Saying that Masha should have known better.......he was asking to be sent off. MU played better and deserved the win, but Browns goal somewhat reminded me of Maradona's hand of god.

Is there a coach available to teach LFC how to handle set pieces? When will we ever learn?

[TheAceFace]

Gutted about the result, we got hammered, could have been more, no complaints from me regarding the red card. Ran off the park.

[oldgit]

What on earth did Macherano think he was doing?

Every time the ref gave a decision against Liverpool he was laughing at him or telling him to F... off.

I reckon his sending off was justified , he ran 20 yards to moan at the ref about Torres booking.

One Liverpool player tried half heartedly to restrain him but that was it, surely Liverpool's captain marvel knew he was on thin ice why did he not run over to get him to shut up?

He let Liverpool down badly and probably cost them the game

What a jerk.

PS I have just seen a poll on Sky Sports wher 69% of voters thought the sending off was justified

50-50 if you ask me. Mascherano had been mouthing off ever since he got his first - and deserved - yellow card. One could hardly blame any ref for giving someone a yellow for dissent - but a second yellow for what didn't look like any serious words with the ref is debatable.

Can't say I blame Steve Bennett for sending him off, he probably deserved it - but on the other hand Bennett was also very loose with the cards when it came to Liverpool and he really should have had a little more patience before brandishing that second yellow which inevitably put Liverpool at a large disadvantage.

Xabi Alonso tried to restrain Mascherano but only got a hand on him... and Gerrard was nowhere near the area. He would've had to be Dash from The Incredibles to have gotten over there by the time Bennett showed Mascherano the door.

Did they put something in his tea before the game?He was demented .I thought Gerrard and other senior players like Carragher should have done a whole lot more to defuse the situation.There was enough time to nip it in the bud as Torres was disputing his yellow prior to Mascherano joining in.

[Sparkles]

What on earth did Macherano think he was doing?

Every time the ref gave a decision against Liverpool he was laughing at him or telling him to F... off.

I reckon his sending off was justified , he ran 20 yards to moan at the ref about Torres booking.

One Liverpool player tried half heartedly to restrain him but that was it, surely Liverpool's captain marvel knew he was on thin ice why did he not run over to get him to shut up?

He let Liverpool down badly and probably cost them the game

What a jerk.

PS I have just seen a poll on Sky Sports wher 69% of voters thought the sending off was justified

The sending off made little difference. Man U were dominant from the start. Benitez is now,predictably, going into bat for Macherano so does he feel that the harrassment of officials by players is acceptable? However the downlight for me was the attitude of captain Gerrard, why was he not showing some leadership and sending his players away from the referee. He also put in probably his worst performance of the season. Carragher is another walking a fine line. The FA should have acted a long time ago on the matter of players behaviour but as usual the faceless men have done nothing.

[MiG16]

Macherano

just when we need you to win........cant expect any favours from the 'pool can we.

sighhhhhh

[scousemouse]

Macherano

just when we need you to win........cant expect any favours from the 'pool can we.

sighhhhhh

Get Off !

ps - scousemouse alom mai dee

[kopite]

Gutted about the result, we got hammered, could have been more, no complaints from me regarding the red card. Ran off the park.

yep me too. at the end of the day, our players just didnt show up. they bottled it big time. stevie me went missing again, carra was awful, alonso non-existent and skrtyl was simply shocking, and reina had a calamity james day at the office.

extremely painfull to watch. masch was playing up from the start. he always looked like picking up another yellow, but at the same time, big games need big men running them. bennett couldnt handle the pressure. full stop.

oh well, the derby next weekend. smash the bitters for 2 or 3 and im sure we will all feel a lot better.

[scousemouse]

Gutted about the result, we got hammered, could have been more, no complaints from me regarding the red card. Ran off the park.

yep me too. at the end of the day, our players just didnt show up. they bottled it big time. stevie me went missing again, carra was awful, alonso non-existent and skrtyl was simply shocking, and reina had a calamity james day at the office.

extremely painfull to watch. masch was playing up from the start. he always looked like picking up another yellow, but at the same time, big games need big men running them. bennett couldnt handle the pressure. full stop.

oh well, the derby next weekend. smash the bitters for 2 or 3 and im sure we will all feel a lot better.

It wasnt an enjoyable night sitting with Man U fans ( but 1 Liverpool fan ) on Bangkok Beer night 7 , but winning the sweep stake helped ease the pain ( great idea Macanello , the sweep stake should remain a permanent fixture on the Bangkok Football Beer nights ) .

The writing was on the wall for Mascherano as soon as he got his first yellow card , he deserved it and let the team down big time. He cost us any hope of getting a result .

Eyes now on the bluesh#te and only a win will do .

[scousemouse]

Rafa has some words to say about numnuts Mascherano :

BENITEZ: JAVIER KNOWS HIS MISTAKE

Rafa Benitez admitted Javier Mascherano was naïve during Sunday's 3-0 defeat to Man Utd but claimed the Argentine was dismissed simply for asking the referee a question. Steve Bennett showed the midfielder a second yellow on the stroke of half time after his enquiry as to why Fernando Torres was booked.

Lively protests followed before Benitez eventually calmed Mascherano down.

The Liverpool boss said: "It's clear Mascherano made a mistake but he was only asking the referee a question. Ryan Babel was there and saw that he was just asking.

"I do not think that to ask is a big problem in the end. Maybe Javier does not know the referees.

"If you want to win you must have passion in a big game, and sometimes you make mistakes, but he was only asking the referee about a bad tackle.

"I have talked to him and he knows it was a mistake."

On the player's response to the red card, Benitez added: "The referee decided to give a second yellow and he couldn't understand. He was as surprised as me.

"I could speak to him in Spanish, so I said, 'Listen, it's finished.'

"He is a very good professional who has played a lot of international games all around the world, and he couldn't understand why he was sent off for just asking.

"It's difficult to explain some things that happen on the pitch and I think it is perhaps better to not say too much this time."

Benitez was asked after the final whistle whether he'd now talk to his players about their conduct in front of referees.

He said: "We haven't had too many problems with referees in the last three or four years. I can see other teams but not ours. Tell me in which game over the last four years you've seen our players go at referees? We have a lot of respect for referees."

Asked if he thought Bennett would have sent off Mascherano had Ashley Cole not caused such outrage with his show of dissent in midweek, Benitez replied: "You will have to ask him."

The result means Benitez is now eight league games without a win against United.

Even though the hosts were in front through Wes Brown when the sending off took place, the Spanish coach felt the day could still have brought that first win had the second half started with 22 men on the pitch.

He said: "I am really disappointed because we saw two games: one before the sending off and one after.

"Before the sending off we were more or less okay. We were trying from counter attacks and had some corners.

"We pressed a little bit in the second half but when you play against a team with pace and ability it is hard.

"Our people will now be disappointed and I am the first to be disappointed, but we cannot change the situation."

Benitez admitted afterwards that defensive errors cost his side dear on the day.

"We conceded two goals from two mistakes," said the Anfield boss. "Pepe Reina is better than a lot of players and sometimes you think you can arrive but you just arrive late. These things can happen."

Another player in the thick of the action was Fernando Torres, who received tough treatment from Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand before being brought off with 10 minutes to go.

Benitez added: "He has some knocks on his ribs and ankle. A lot of knocks and a lot of kicks. I was just trying to protect him. The doctors will do a scan and we will see."

Despite the result, Liverpool go into next weekend's Merseyside derby with a two-point cushion in the race for fourth.

Benitez said: "This game is finished, now we have an international break and then an important game against Everton. I will say to the players to forget about this as soon as possible and think about Everton.

"It's never easy to forget when you lose against one of your rivals when you know that, if you beat them, you will be really, really close. The only thing we can do is think about the next one."