Liverpool F.c.

[Devil]

Liverpool's Steven Gerrard hailed as world's best player by Zinedine Zidane

Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard is the best player in the world according to retired France international Zinedine Zidane. The legendary former Real Madrid playmaker saw his old club dismantled by Gerrard's side in midweek, when Liverpool ran out 4-0 winners at Anfield, 5-0 on aggregate.

The England international scored two of the goals and ahead the weekend's crucial trip to Old Trafford, and Zidane has claimed he is a better all-round player than Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo, the current holder of the Ballon d'Or.

"Is he the best in the world? He might not get the attention of Lionel Messi and Ronaldo but yes, I think he just might be," said Zidane.

"If you don't have a player like Steven Gerrard, who is the engine room, it can affect the whole team.

"When we were winning league titles and European Cups at Real, I always said Claude Makelele was our most important player. There is no way myself, (Luis) Figo or Raul would have been able to do what we did without Claude and the same goes for Liverpool and Gerrard.

"When Claude left us for Chelsea I campaigned for us to buy Patrick Vieira – and Gerrard is now in the same mould as him.

"For many years Patrick was the most complete midfielder in the world and now that award must go to Gerrard."

Zidane, who has recently been linked with a return to the Bernabeu to take on a consultant's role, insisted that Gerrard's influence on the rest of the squad is what makes him a true legend at Anfield. Taking nothing away from his talent as a player the Frenchman added: "No team will be successful without a heartbeat and you can see Gerrard is that heartbeat.

"He has great passing ability, can tackle and scores goals, but most importantly he gives the players around him confidence and belief. You can't learn that – players like him are just born with that presence."

Daily Telegraph - http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/...ine-Zidane.html

Excellent...Gerrard would be first pick on any team sheet.

[The Vulcan]

mancs 1 - LIVERPOOL 4

I really enjoyed that!

The last two goals were absolutely sublime - both must be in serious contention for goals of the season.

Superb result. I bet "Looney" really hates us now!

Now bring them on in the CL

p.s. Hi "James" - how was your weekend? :D

[Devil]

mancs 1 - LIVERPOOL 4

I really enjoyed that!

The last two goals were absolutely sublime - both must be in serious contention for goals of the season.

Superb result. I bet "Looney" really hates us now!

Now bring them on in the CL

p.s. Hi "James" - how was your weekend?

Nice one Vulcan! Cant wait to hear from Jim Jim, Stevie H also!

Fuc_ing hel_l boys WOOOOOOO... We absolutely hammered Man Ure today at Old Sh_it Hole... Listen that was spot on tactics by Raffa and Fergi got it all wrong, yes so very wrong. Did you see his face! HA

You clearly saw today who is the best team right now and best Manager! And Raffa is the man for the job, we have come on so far since his reign!

Lucas came through for us today and Torres, Gerrad are simply the best strike pairing in the game.

Only 4 points behind now in the league! and on with the Champions league!

YNWA

Edited March 14, 2009 by Devil

[echobono]

Although the scoreline flattered Liverpool they were certainly the better team today. They will, I'm sure, enjoy the result.

However, it is clear that Manchester United will retain their Premiership Crown this year, a certain 7 points clear when they win their game in hand will be too much for their nearest rivals to make up. (just my opinion of course)

I also think that should Liverpool have the misfortune to draw Manchester United in the Champions League they will regret their actions today.

Edited March 14, 2009 by echobono

[rixalex]

mancs 1 - LIVERPOOL 4

I really enjoyed that!

The last two goals were absolutely sublime - both must be in serious contention for goals of the season.

Superb result. I bet "Looney" really hates us now!

Now bring them on in the CL

p.s. Hi "James" - how was your weekend?

Nice one Vulcan! Cant wait to hear from Jim Jim, Stevie H also!

Fuc_ing hel_l boys WOOOOOOO... We absolutely hammered Man Ure today at Old Sh_it Hole... Listen that was spot on tactics by Raffa and Fergi got it all wrong, yes so very wrong. Did you see his face! HA

You clearly saw today who is the best team right now and best Manager! And Raffa is the man for the job, we have come on so far since his reign!

Lucas came through for us today and Torres, Gerrad are simply the best strike pairing in the game.

Only 4 points behind now in the league! and on with the Champions league!

YNWA

Congrats guys. Don't think you outplayed us but we made some daft errors and you made us pay - credit to you for that.

Tactics spot on? Really? For me in the second half you were inviting us back into the game, and if it weren't for the red card i think you'd have paid for that.

As for Rafa being the best manager and yours being the best team??? Well if you think so fair enough. I do seem to recall not much more than a week or so ago a lot of you guys coming out and saying you didn't have the best team - and that's all changed because of a win over Real Madrid who didn't show up to play and one win over us? How quickly things change!

Let's just see how things end up at the end of the season before rushing to any hasty conclusions anyway.

[Devil]

mancs 1 - LIVERPOOL 4

I really enjoyed that!

The last two goals were absolutely sublime - both must be in serious contention for goals of the season.

Superb result. I bet "Looney" really hates us now!

Now bring them on in the CL

p.s. Hi "James" - how was your weekend?

Nice one Vulcan! Cant wait to hear from Jim Jim, Stevie H also!

Fuc_ing hel_l boys WOOOOOOO... We absolutely hammered Man Ure today at Old Sh_it Hole... Listen that was spot on tactics by Raffa and Fergi got it all wrong, yes so very wrong. Did you see his face! HA

You clearly saw today who is the best team right now and best Manager! And Raffa is the man for the job, we have come on so far since his reign!

Lucas came through for us today and Torres, Gerrad are simply the best strike pairing in the game.

Only 4 points behind now in the league! and on with the Champions league!

YNWA

Congrats guys. Don't think you outplayed us but we made some daft errors and you made us pay - credit to you for that.

Tactics spot on? Really? For me in the second half you were inviting us back into the game, and if it weren't for the red card i think you'd have paid for that.

As for Rafa being the best manager and yours being the best team??? Well if you think so fair enough. I do seem to recall not much more than a week or so ago a lot of you guys coming out and saying you didn't have the best team - and that's all changed because of a win over Real Madrid who didn't show up to play and one win over us? How quickly things change!

Let's just see how things end up at the end of the season before rushing to any hasty conclusions anyway.

Not me mate???

Any way thanks for the congrats Rixalex (respect to you)...

I have been saying the leagues not over until its over, but to go to Old Trafford and then complete the double over our biggest Rivals and Chelsea is special for LFC considering you guys have been winning everything of late. So I hope you can understand the joy of today and this week! And the shit being said about Raffa also made today and this week very sweet.

You can clealry see the difference with Torres back in the side who we sadly have missed for most of the season and if only...

[The Vulcan]

Congrats guys. Don't think you outplayed us but we made some daft errors and you made us pay - credit to you for that.

Tactics spot on? Really? For me in the second half you were inviting us back into the game, and if it weren't for the red card i think you'd have paid for that.

As for Rafa being the best manager and yours being the best team??? Well if you think so fair enough. I do seem to recall not much more than a week or so ago a lot of you guys coming out and saying you didn't have the best team - and that's all changed because of a win over Real Madrid who didn't show up to play and one win over us? How quickly things change!

Let's just see how things end up at the end of the season before rushing to any hasty conclusions anyway.

Give over. Assuming Vidic had stayed on, the free kick was still in and then we were 3-1 up! You were never coming back from that, Vidic or no Vidic.

[rixalex]

Not me mate???

Any way thanks for the congrats Rixalex (respect to you)...

I have been saying the leagues not over until its over, but to go to Old Trafford and then complete the double over our biggest Rivals and Chelsea is special for LFC considering you guys have been winning everything of late. So I hope you can understand the joy of today and this week! And the shit being said about Raffa also made today and this week very sweet.

You can clealry see the difference with Torres back in the side who we sadly have missed for most of the season and if only...

Yes i understand and you guys deserve your moment of hysteria - enjoy it.

I said before the game that even if it meant defeat i'd prefer an exciting game with goals rather than a dull nil nil - so i'm not that angry or upset about the outcome. The consolation for us is that we actually played pretty well and despite what the the score-line might suggest, it was far from being a one-sided game. One has to accept that from time to time these things happen - the key is that they happen when it doesn't matter so much - and tonight i don't think it did. Time will tell of course, but i feel in some ways it's exactly what we need to focus our minds.

Anyway, this is the Liverpool thread so i'll stand aside and let you guys get back to your celebrations!

[rixalex]

Give over. Assuming Vidic had stayed on, the free kick was still in and then we were 3-1 up! You were never coming back from that, Vidic or no Vidic.

Sorry i wasn't clear. When i said "if it wasn't for the red card" i meant the red card incident in its entirety - or to put another way, had Vidic not made the challenge. At that stage in the game you were sitting further and further back, inviting us on and giving away the ball carelessly - the only thing you were doing well was wasting time. The Vidic incident got you out of a hole.

[Devil]

Give over. Assuming Vidic had stayed on, the free kick was still in and then we were 3-1 up! You were never coming back from that, Vidic or no Vidic.

Sorry i wasn't clear. When i said "if it wasn't for the red card" i meant the red card incident in its entirety - or to put another way, had Vidic not made the challenge. At that stage in the game you were sitting further and further back, inviting us on and giving away the ball carelessly - the only thing you were doing well was wasting time. The Vidic incident got you out of a hole.

Dream on? Out of a hole . You were at home and loosing so makes sense for us to sit back and soak up some pressure ready for the counter which we did! That was a bad foul on Gerrard by Vidic as Gerrad was through one on one otherwise.

[bkkjames]

Firstly, congrats to you guys, when you make the kind of defensive errors we made, no way to win. Free kick was sublime.

Enjoy it while it lasts. Wonder how it will feel in a few weeks when you finish in 3rd 10 to 13 points behind. Oh well at least u can say u did the double over us

[The Vulcan]

Firstly, congrats to you guys, when you make the kind of defensive errors we made, no way to win. Free kick was sublime.

Enjoy it while it lasts. Wonder how it will feel in a few weeks when you finish in 3rd 10 to 13 points behind. Oh well at least u can say u did the double over us

And inflicted the biggest home defeat in 17 years!

Strange that we've put 8 goals past what was regarded as the icons of world football and it was all down to defensive errors!

One for the scrap book "James" - :D

Edited March 15, 2009 by The Vulcan

[rixalex]

Strange that we've put 8 goals past what was regarded as the icons of world football and it was all down to defensive errors!

In the case of Real Madrid i don't think it was so much defensive errors, more that they simply didn't turn up.

Against us we played well but had a few moments of madness which cost us. But take nothing away from you. The bottom line is you won.

I think every United fan will be wishing we get drawn against you for CL, so we have a chance to make ammends - and we will.

P.S. For all the moans about Ronaldo, your man Torres goes to ground quite easily doesn't he!

[mrtoad]

What can one say?

Didn't think the scoreline reflected the game, but well done to Liverpool putting away the chances. The misery was further compounded, as I can't drink alcohol at the moment.

[The Vulcan]

Strange that we've put 8 goals past what was regarded as the icons of world football and it was all down to defensive errors!

In the case of Real Madrid i don't think it was so much defensive errors, more that they simply didn't turn up.

Against us we played well but had a few moments of madness which cost us. But take nothing away from you. The bottom line is you won.

I think every United fan will be wishing we get drawn against you for CL, so we have a chance to make ammends - and we will.

P.S. For all the moans about Ronaldo, your man Torres goes to ground quite easily doesn't he!

He does with Ferdinand, Anderson and Vidic clattering into him at every opportunity! For a man still not yet fully recovered from a season of injuries he sure made a mug of your central defence - Just as he did with Real.

Pity Stevie G missed that sitter to make it 5 :D

[rixalex]

P.S. For all the moans about Ronaldo, your man Torres goes to ground quite easily doesn't he!

He does with Ferdinand, Anderson and Vidic clattering into him at every opportunity!

By clattering do you mean tackling?

[The Vulcan]

P.S. For all the moans about Ronaldo, your man Torres goes to ground quite easily doesn't he!

He does with Ferdinand, Anderson and Vidic clattering into him at every opportunity!

By clattering do you mean tackling?

No, it means making sure that the best and most feared striker in the EPL is brought down at every opportunity. And to think old "rednose" doubted his ability to adapt to the English game!

[rixalex]

No, it means making sure that the best and most feared striker in the EPL is brought down at every opportunity. And to think old "rednose" doubted his ability to adapt to the English game!

Don't question his ability, all i was saying is that he goes to ground easily at times. Like Ronaldo, he doesn't need to because he has so much skill.

[StevieH]

that was enormously enjoyable. played for and deserved as with the madrid games. a shame it's come as late in the season as it has otherwise maybe more teams would have been more confident about taking points off united this season.

torres and gerrard are just breathtaking.

[Jimjim]

Wonderful match. I had to watch it a day later here on the show The Match through the club channel online, as they didn't show it on TV on the channels I have. It was torture knowing something had happened but not knowing what, and for me the only way to watch it would be to not know what happened. Best match all season, because of the opposition. As good as they come. I think the City match was better as entertainment, because of the dramatic fashion, but it's wonderful to see a win like this, and to see Ferguson starting to celebrate a Tevez goal that didn't come (offside not called, now if he scored that it would have pissed me off). Loved the look on his face as they were clearly heading towards a loss.

As for being on the back foot, Liverpool clearly were for the first 25 minutes of the second half, it has to be said. I felt a goal was likely for manu, but by time of the red card Liverpool had soaked up the pressure and had more possession. Gerrard would have been one on one with the keeper and it was a clear red card. Nobody can use that as an excuse for them losing, clear red card and he's out of the match. That's the rules of the game. Much clearer red card than Masch's last year. Looks like we have a great spot kick specialist as well. Fantastic goal.

Now that Dossena's scored two goals in two games, he doesn't look so crap does he? Perhaps he's better in midfield. I think he's settled in, though, and his performances have been better, and clearly he just played a small part here.

To win the league, I think we have to win every match from here on out and United have to drop 8 points. Still a hard task to do but remember if we had done the double over man u last year, we would have finished one point ahead, as it's a 12 point swing. Wouldn't have been first, though. So we've got to win the matches we should win from here on and hope teams like Arsenal, Villa and Tottenham can beat United, which does sound improbable. But we can still have hope!

[bkkjames]

that was enormously enjoyable. played for and deserved as with the madrid games. a shame it's come as late in the season as it has otherwise maybe more teams would have been more confident about taking points off united this season.

torres and gerrard are just breathtaking.

careful stevie or you might need a tissue.

[bkkjames]

Firstly, congrats to you guys, when you make the kind of defensive errors we made, no way to win. Free kick was sublime.

Enjoy it while it lasts. Wonder how it will feel in a few weeks when you finish in 3rd 10 to 13 points behind. Oh well at least u can say u did the double over us

And inflicted the biggest home defeat in 17 years!

Strange that we've put 8 goals past what was regarded as the icons of world football and it was all down to defensive errors!

One for the scrap book "James" - :D

Well, devil like i said, the free kick off the red card was unstoppable , vidic and evra were clowns.

[StevieH]

that was enormously enjoyable. played for and deserved as with the madrid games. a shame it's come as late in the season as it has otherwise maybe more teams would have been more confident about taking points off united this season.

torres and gerrard are just breathtaking.

careful stevie or you might need a tissue.

i needed a boxful on saturday night james.

[bkkjames]

that was enormously enjoyable. played for and deserved as with the madrid games. a shame it's come as late in the season as it has otherwise maybe more teams would have been more confident about taking points off united this season.

torres and gerrard are just breathtaking.

careful stevie or you might need a tissue.

i needed a boxful on saturday night james.

I bet you almost blew a load when SG kissed the camera - I fricking had to go shopping for a new 42 inch TV - almost, needless to say, the wall beside it needed washing and a slight touch up. A violent man, nooo but occaisionally my Irish side doesn't smile

Edited March 16, 2009 by bkkjames

[StevieH]

I bet you almost blew a load when SG kissed the camera - I fricking had to go shopping for a new 42 inch TV - almost, needless to say, the wall beside it needed washing and a slight touch up. A violent man, nooo but occaisionally my Irish side doesn't smile

i'd like to know why supposed man utd fans were taking photos of gerrard doing that, him having just put their team 2-1 behind. they're lucky they didn't get a kicking from their own fans for that.

[bkkjames]

I bet you almost blew a load when SG kissed the camera - I fricking had to go shopping for a new 42 inch TV - almost, needless to say, the wall beside it needed washing and a slight touch up. A violent man, nooo but occaisionally my Irish side doesn't smile

i'd like to know why supposed man utd fans were taking photos of gerrard doing that, him having just put their team 2-1 behind. they're lucky they didn't get a kicking from their own fans for that.

I thought it was the Sky or whatever broadcast guys ? anyways, next time I see his mug that close up, it will be a mug shot I hope.

[StevieH]

I bet you almost blew a load when SG kissed the camera - I fricking had to go shopping for a new 42 inch TV - almost, needless to say, the wall beside it needed washing and a slight touch up. A violent man, nooo but occaisionally my Irish side doesn't smile

i'd like to know why supposed man utd fans were taking photos of gerrard doing that, him having just put their team 2-1 behind. they're lucky they didn't get a kicking from their own fans for that.

I thought it was the Sky or whatever broadcast guys ? anyways, next time I see his mug that close up, it will be a mug shot I hope.

in the shot of gerrard kissing the camera in the background there are three united fans taking photos of him. i saw united fans at the front of stands taking photos of carragher when he was taking a throw-in. what is wrong with these people?

[bkkjames]

I bet you almost blew a load when SG kissed the camera - I fricking had to go shopping for a new 42 inch TV - almost, needless to say, the wall beside it needed washing and a slight touch up. A violent man, nooo but occaisionally my Irish side doesn't smile

i'd like to know why supposed man utd fans were taking photos of gerrard doing that, him having just put their team 2-1 behind. they're lucky they didn't get a kicking from their own fans for that.

I thought it was the Sky or whatever broadcast guys ? anyways, next time I see his mug that close up, it will be a mug shot I hope.

in the shot of gerrard kissing the camera in the background there are three united fans taking photos of him. i saw united fans at the front of stands taking photos of carragher when he was taking a throw-in. what is wrong with these people?

Away fans

[rixalex]

in the shot of gerrard kissing the camera in the background there are three united fans taking photos of him. i saw united fans at the front of stands taking photos of carragher when he was taking a throw-in. what is wrong with these people?

Don't concern yourself overly Stevie - there's probably a perfectly reasonable explanation.

Perhaps these keen snappers had some photoshop treatment in mind.

Carragher stood straight with his arms aloft and his pelvis thrust forward, whilst StevieG bends over in front of him with his lips puckered. Get the picture?

[StevieH]

Away fans

dressed head to toe in united megastore gear? unlikely.

Don't concern yourself overly Stevie - there's probably a perfectly reasonable explanation.

Perhaps these keen snappers had some photoshop treatment in mind.

Carragher stood straight with his arms aloft and his pelvis thrust forward, whilst StevieG bends over in front of him with his lips puckered. Get the picture?

think you give them too much credit rix.