Transfer Window Round-up
February 3, 2010
Transfer Window… It’s the 31 day period when seasons are often defined by the influx of new unfamiliar faces that don’t deliver, or the freebie veteran who inspires you to safety. Some teams it appears have spent wisely, others have had to sell to survive and it really doesn’t look like Portsmouth are going to have what it takes to remain in the league this season. Their best players are after leaving this season in the form of Niko Kranjcar, Jermain Defoe, Peter Crouch, Younes Kaboul and their promising ‘keeper Asmir Begovic has also left the club with an inability to replace any of them due to their crippled financial situation. The uncertainty over their finances continues as rumours continue to circulate that the players haven’t been paid in weeks.
One of the most interesting signings this January was that of Victor Moses, the 18 year old superstar of Selhurst Park who completed a reported £2.5 million move to Wigan. He proved his worth in the championship with some phenomenal strikes but the Premiership is a completely kettle of fish as proven by Sylvain Ebanks-Blake who has struggled to replicate his scintillating form of last season into the top tier. I feel however that he is a great capture for Wigan and could be one of the signings of the season, and there is a hint of Theo Walcott about his move to the Premier League in a World Cup year.
Manchester City signed in my opinion one of England’s best wide players in Adam Johnson who is quite apt on either side of the pitch. His end product is quite promising as well but you have to wonder was he wearing rose-tinted glasses when he completed the deal? You have to wonder where is he going to fit into this Manchester City team that are undoubtedly going to sign more star-studded names from abroad and if he does not deliver immediately there is a feeling that he may end up on the City scrapheap where he may waste one or two years of his career. Patrick Viera is another signing that was greeted with much fanfare around the blue half of Manchester but has yet to don the shirt and after one month without their first sighting many are starting to wonder whether their team have just signed a crock whose best years are behind him.
Celtic pulled off one of deadline day shocks when they swooped for out of favour Robbie Keane from Tottenham for the remainder of the season. I feel that this was a very poor move on Keane’s behalf moving to a league where there are really only two teams. The Old Firm have dominated the league since the days of Alex Ferguson’s departure from Aberdeen in the mid-80’s . Robbie is going to prove nothing to any other possible suitors by having a good season in Scotland, but if he proved to have a tough time of it his stock will drop dramatically. The expectations that have been put on him are very high by the Celtic faithful as hundreds of supporters were out in force to greet him in the early hours of February 2nd. If he fails to deliver here I feel his career may begin to nosedive spectacularly.
In other deals around the Premiership, West Ham have signed three strikers in an attempt to curb their recent lack of goals. Ilan, a Brazillan international, Benni McCarthy from Blackburn and Mido from ‘Boro. I feel that of those three Benni McCarthy will probably be the best signing as he is proven in the league and if Gianfranco Zola can extract the best from him it will be money well spent. Mido is a bit of an enigma and you never really know what you’re going to get from him and Ilan is an unknown quantity to English supporters after being released by St. Ettiene.
So, overall a fairly dull transfer window period sprinkled with a few shrewd singings by various clubs. It will be interesting to see how the unproven players will cope with the pace and pressure of the English Premiership and what impact they will have.
Fergie’s Swoop For League Two Star
December 11, 2009
Sir Alex Ferguson is ready to launch miraculous bid for ex England centre back Sol Campbell to solve his defensive frailties. Despite training with his ex team Arsenal, the 35 year rock at the back has been linked with various clubs including ex clubs Tottenham Hotspur and Portsmouth. After leaving only weeks into his five year contract with league two side Notts County, Campbell has been realised by the club and could seek a move in the January transfer window.
United, who were forced to field two mid-fielders in defence in their previous two games, are without seven of their first choice defenders due to injury. United are investigating how quickly they can sign the ex England ace. If Campbell signed for the champions, Campbell could two of his former clubs within two months as the red devils play the Gunners on January 31st and Pompey on February 6th. With his experience at the back, Sol could be the reds answer to their drastic defensive injury situation.
Campbell told ESPN Soccer early today “have heard nothing officially from Manchester United, but there have been suggestions and of course, it would be a great move for me, if it happens. Of course I would love to play for Manchester United, but I am not counting any chickens, just waiting to see what happens.
Ferguson has already brought in an ex player from another so called top four club- Micheal Owen who so far has scored seven goals for the reds. With Alex Ferguson’s shock signing in the summer, the possibility is present that Campbell could rescue United’s defence.
Man Utd linked with double signing
November 26, 2009
Manchester United are said to be lining up a move for both Napoli midfielder Marek Hamsik and Palermo defender Simon Kjaer.
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is likely to look towards younger players either in January or next summer, with the likes of Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Edwin Van der Sar and Gary Neville, as well as the potential exit of centre-back Nemanja Vidic whos wife is reportedly unhappy in England.
Napoli are said to value Hamsik at around the £25 million mark and the Slovakia international has been the subject of much transfer speculation in the past year, especially after being credited as the driving force behind his nations surprise qualification for next years World Cup.
Kjaer meanwhile has already been linked with Man Utd before, as well as several other top European clubs. The Danish centre-back revealed that despite being a Liverpool fan he would have no hesistation in joining the Premier League Champions.
Ferguson is likely to target a centre-back is his next transfer dealings after being told Rio Ferdinand’s injury woes are likely to continue for the rest of his career, whilst Vidic may also be on his way out of the club next summer.
Liverpools Season So Far
September 22, 2009
With a new season, came a fresh believe of optimisim amongst Liverpool Football Club and its fans, that this year could finally be year that they end their 19 year wait for the Premier League title. In come Glen Johnson for £18m and Alberto Aquillani for £20m, with the latter replacing Xabi Alonso, who failed to resist the lure to become one of many new ‘Galacticos’ in the all white of Real Madrid , following Alvaro Arbeloa out of the Anfield exit door, and aboard a plane to Madrid. Some question whet her Liverpool have been weakened over the summer transfer window,but when you look at their rivals dealings over the window, its a reason to be optimistic. Manchester United , who last year pipped the Reds to the league title, have lost Carlos Tevez, and more crucially, Cristiano Ronaldo. No matter how much the Porteguese winger is hated, he is irreplac able for our rivals from the other side of the East Lancs road, whilst Antonio Valencia, and shockingly ex Liverpool striker Michael Owen been the only major signings for Ferguson. Chelsea haven’t really strengthened, and could be vunerable due to Carlos Ancelottis appoinment, whilst Arsenal have lost key players such as Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Adebayor to Man City without replac ing them, and it is thought that if they are in the race at any point, they wont last the distance. Its 18-18 now in the title stakes, and come May, Liverpool fans everywhere will be hoping that the Liverbird is knocking the Red Devil well and truly off the perch.
Tottenham 2-1 Liverpool
Liverpool’s title push last year was helped largely due to the fact they only lost two games, one been at White Hart Lane, and debutant Sebastian Bassong made sure the Reds fate was the same as their last visit as he rose to head past Pepe Reina in the second half, in a game not short on controversy. Benoit Assou Ekotto had given the hosts the lead on the stroke of half time with screaming effort after Tom Huddlestones effort had come back of the wall. Steven Gerrard levelled the game up on 55 minutes from the pe nalty spot after Hereliho Gomes had took Gle n Johnson out in the box, but Bassong headed the winner two minutes later in a deserved win for Tottenham, againgst a lacklustre Liverpool side, who failed to create ma ny chances. The after match press conferences had one main topic, after Liverpoo l had been denied two second half penalties with the score at 2-1, with goalscorer Assou Ekotto being the culprit on each occasion. The first was f or handball as he attempted to block Fernando Torres cross, although it looked lik e a possible case of ball to hand. The second incident, he barged Andriy Voronin to the floor as the Ukranian bore down on goal, making no attempt to clear the ball, leading to angry protests from the Liverpool bench, resulting in Assistant Coach Sammy Lee been sent off from the touchline. £18 Million pound right back Glen Johnson started his first competitive game for the Reds, whilst Ryan Babel was giving a starting role on left hand side of midfield, in what looks to be the Dutchmans make or break season at Anfield, whilst Robbie Keane, who endured a poor 6 month spell at Anfield this time last year, was given the nod up front for Harry Redknapps side, in place of other ex red Peter Crouch. The first incident of the gam e came due to a clash of heads between Carragher and Skrtel, which l ed to lengthy treatment, Carragher was forced of whilst he got patched up, Skrtel stayed on, but wa s troubled throughout, before later been substituted. The first chance of the opening exchanges fell to Steven Gerrard, but his 25 yard effort was wide of Gomes goal. Robbie Keane must of been out to prove a point to Rafa=2 0Benitez, and should of done in the best possible way as he had the goal at is mercy, but Pepe Reina made a superb save to deny the Irish man, although he should of still scored. He was then once again denied by Reina, before blazing well over moments later. It look ed like Liverpool had made it to the half time whistle after a poor first half at 0-0, but Martin Skrtel g ive away a free kick 25 yards from goal, Tom Huddlestones initial effort came back off the wall falling to Assou- Ekotto, who took one touched, before catching the ball beautifully as it flew beyond Reina into the top corner, a superb goal from the defender. Pepe Reina continuted his superb performance, as he made a world class save to deny Palacios, in which it would of been very hard for Liverpool to get back into the game, but moments later that save proved vital, as Glen Joh nson went on an inspired run, before been hauled down by Gomes, leaving Gerrard with the chance to open Liverpools account for the season, and getting them back on level terms, and he did that, as he lashed the ball down the middl e into the roof of the net. But moments later, Spurs regained their lea d, and Liverpools defensive issues from set pieces, was proved evident. Modric floated a high ball into the box, with Bassong met with a powerful header which flew past Reina, to regain the lead for the hosts, and give the Ex Ne wcastle defender a debut goal for his new side. Liverpool had two late penalty shouts, but both was w aved away, which led to angry post match interviews from Rafa Benitez.The Reds now face Stoke at Anfield in 3 days, in which improvement is needed, in a game that was highlighted as where the Reds failed to win the league last season.
Liver pool 4-0 Stoke City
Liverpools aims at the start of the season, was to beat the lesser teams who come to Anfield an d park the preverbial ‘bus in front of goal’, as Stoke did last year, as the Reds failed to score againgst the Trotte rs home or away, dropping four points, which would prove vital in the title race come May. But it was a very different story on Wednesday as the Reds demolished the visitors, and put the poor performance at White Hart Lane behind them. It didn’t take them long to show their intent, as Fernando Torres fired past a stranded Tomas Sorensen inside four minutes to s ettle any nerves inside Anfield. From then on, it was a superb footballing display by the Merseysiders, with a first goal for Glen Johnson in a red shirt, and second half goals from Dirk Kuyt and David Ngog giving the scoreline a convincing look to go with a very convincing display. Yossi B enayoun replaced Ryan Babel in Liverpool’s side, that been the only change from the side tha t was beaten three days earlier. The first real chance of the game fell to Lucas, as the ball rolled invitingly towa rds the Brazilian on the edge of the box, but his low drive was well held by Sorensen, but they didn’t have to wait long to get the opener. Steven Gerrard pulled the ball back from the byline, an d found Fernando Torres who sidefooted past the keeper to give Liverpool the perfect start. Emiliano Insua had a great opportunity the double the Reds lead, and open his account after a sw eeping Reds move, Torres cross found the young Argentinian left back, but he didn’t get the contact required, and the ball bounced agonisingly pas t the post. One the stroke of half time, it was two, and it was Glen Johnson s first in a Red shirt, and in stunning style. Steven Gerrards corner found the head of Dirk Kuyt, his header was only half cleared from under the Stoke crossbar, and Johnson acrobatically overhead kicked the ball into the net. The Reds dominance continued after the break, as they camped in the visitors half in the second half, although they did force a superb save from Pepe Reina at the start of the second half, Rory Delaps low volley looked destined for the bottom corner, but Reina acrobatically got down and pushed the ball away for a corner, gathering applause from four sides of Anf ield. Johnson almost got his second goal of the evening as he cut inside and fired towards the near post, producing a good stop from Tomas Sorensen. Ge rrards effort was only parried moments later in to the path of Dirk Kuyt, but he got his feet in a mess, and he failed to find the net, as t he Reds pushed hard for number 3, moments later there was a third, and a moment of sheer brilli ance. Gerrard somehow made a magical turn inside the box, turning Danny Higginbot ham inside out, and turning faster than Usain Bolt, before firing across the box into the path of Kuyt, who slid the ball into the net, but the credit must go to the Reds skipper after a piece of magic, and great ball into the path of Kuyt. Johnson’s cross, who was superb all night, caused Sorensen all sorts o f problems, before the ball fell for David Ngog to nod the ball into the net for number 4, with virtually the last touch off the game. The mood after the game was a huge contrast to that of Sunday, Anfield was upbeat after seeing the Reds put aside away with ease, in which last season would of been hard work, phone lines were buzzing in optimism for the rest of the season, and in particular, the performance of Glen Johnson, with the key moments been the quick start, early goal, and keeping on top and pressuring after the first goal. Dissapointment has been replaced with optimism and excitement around Anfield now, and the Kop will be looking forward to Monday night if a repeat performance is in order, as Aston Villa roll i nto town.
Liverpool 1-3 Aston Villa
Aston Villa grabbed t here first points of the season, and left the Kop looking on in horror as they produced a shock at Anfield to already put doubts over Liverpools title challenge. The Hosts dominated the early procedings, and on one occasion, somehow managing not to divert the ball in to the Villa net, but a Lucas own goal and a controversial Curtis Davies header gave them a 2-0 half time lead, Fernando Torres pulled a goal back for Liverpool with 20 minutes left, but only moments after Steven Gerrard took the onrushing Nigel Reo-Coker out and Ashley Young converted the penalty, on a very dissapointing night for the Reds. Yossi Benayoun was given a starting role after impressing in t he two opening games, whilst Martin Skrtel passed a late fitness test to make sure he partened Jamie Carragher. The Home side almost took the lead within the opening 30 seconds as Fernando Torres found the head of Benayoun, but his backward header was inches wide of Brad Friedels post, who produced a world class performance on the night inbetween the sticks for Villa. They came even closer moments later, Torres misfired shot fell in to the path of Gerrard, before Benayoun t ried his luck, before Gerrards effort came of Friedels raised foot and was diverted for a corner when a goal looked certain. Ten minutes before the break, Villa made Liverpool pay for misse d chances. Young’s free kick was headed into his own net by Lucas to send Anfield silent. It was a blow to the Reds, but what followed on the break of half time, was a knock out blow. Steve Sidwells shot seemed to have gone straight out, but Martin Atkinsons deemed the ball had taken a knock of Martin Skrtel b efore going out for a goal kick, which infuriated Pepe Reina, before the Spaniard booted the b all away before been shown a yellow card by referee Atkinson. From the resulting corner, Davies ghosted in at the near post to head past Reina. Rafa Benitez was incensed by th e goal, but not due to the circumstances it was given in, but due to the fact the goal was scored almost a minute after the alloted added time. The hosts came out for the second half and attacked the visitors, but found it hard to find a way past th e inspired Brad Friedel, with his best stop denying a Steven Gerrard drive. Dirk Kuyt came even closer moments later, after his header came back off the post, but with 18 minutes left, they finally got their lifeline. Emiliano Insua raided into the box down the left and played it on a plate for Fernando Torres to fire into the roof of the net, and send the Anfield atmosphere up a notch, but only for three minutes. Nigel Reo-Coker surged into the box, and Steven Gerrard’s poorly timed tackle left Martin Atkinson with no option but to point to the spot, with no Liverpool player, staff, or fan could have complained againgst his20decision. Ashley Young stepped up and sent Reina the wrong way, to make sure t he points were heading back to the Midlands. Villa held out comfortably infront of a restless Anfield. The Reds visit the Reebok to face Bolton on Saturday, and defensive and attacking improvements must be made, especially a game ag aings t such a physical side as Bolton, especially in a game that in some parts is already b een dubbed as must win.
Bolton 2-3 Liverpool
Steven Gerrard was once again Liverpools saviour with a late goal, and give the Reds a priceless three points at the Reebok. The Captain fired the Reds in to the lead for the first time in the 84th Minute to send the following Kopites into raptures. The Reds had twice been behind due to goals from Kevin Davies and Amir Cohen, but was pegged back on each occasion as Glen Johnson grabbed his second goal in a Red shirt, and Fernando Torres got his third in three consecutive games after Shaun Davies had been giving his marching orders for a second yellow card, before Liverpools Captain Fantastic fired home to make sure the three points were travelling back up to Merseyside. Rafa Benitez handed Sotiros Kyrgiakos his first start in a Liverpool shirt following his summer move from AEK Athens, as he partened Jamie Carragher in central defe nse, whilst Albert Riera was also handed his first start of the season on the left wing. The Reds started of poorly, creating little chances, and they were punishe d for failing to deal with a corner, as Kevin Davies poked the ball in from close range to give the hosts the lead. It woke the visitors up, and Fernando T orres had a great chance to level moments later, but his left footed strike fired just wide of the far post. Moments later, it was Bolton who was guilty of failing to cle ar a corner, and the ball fell to Glen Johnson, who dummied past a defender, before stri king low left footed into the net past Jaaskelainen to continue his impressive start to the sea son, and get his second goal of the season. The Reds had once again played poorly, but managed to head in at half time level, but mom ents after the break, they were on the back front again. A long ball up from Bolton found Kevin Davies, who flicked it on into the path of Cohen, son of Avi, who fired past Reina, in what you could call, a typical Bolton goal. Th e two goals were the first of the season for Bolton, and a shock defeat looked on the cards, but then a refereeing decison changed the course of the game. Sean Davis was given his marching orders for a second yellow card, and handing Liverpool the ascendancy in doing so, moments later, Steven Gerrards excellent volley smashed back of the bar, and it looked like the Reds luck was out, but moments later, the Reds were back on level terms. Kuyt chested the ball down into the path of the onrushing Torres, and he fired into the Bolton net to level the game, and give the travelling support something to shout about. The Reds pushed for a winner, with Kyrgiakos firstly having a overhead kick ea sily saved by Jaaskelinan, before he headed just wide of the post, but as so many occasions last season, a Steven Gerrard late goal came to Liverpools rescue. Torres headed down, and the Reds skipper expertly guided his volley into the net from the edg e of the box to send the visiting support into raptures, as their heroes rushed to congr atulate their influentical skipper infront of the travelling support. The gaps was now opening in the Bolton defense, and Torres effort was denied inches before crossing the line after a superb counter attacking move, moments after Benayoun fired just wide. As the final whistle went, there must of been a collective sigh of relief by everyone concerned with the club. Although improvement is needed, it was a hard earned three points by Benitezs side, who will be pleased to see that spirit from last season still remains. They now head into an international break, in which he will be hoping his players can stay injury free, and come back full on confidence, as Burnley are set to visit Anfield on September 13th.
Liverpool 4-0 Burnley
Yossi Benayoun showed Rafa Benitez why he is worth a place in the starting line up, after the Israeli internationa bagged his first Premier League hat-trick as the Reds sweeped away ne w boys Burnley at a sun kist Anfield. Steven Gerrard took up a more defensive role due to the injury to Javier Mascherano, with Dirk Kuyt and Benayoun alternating between the right wing and playing in the hole, and Benayoun grabbed his opportunity with both hands as he grabbed his second Liverpool hat-trick, the last been in the 8-0 Champions League win over Besiktas. Benitez brought Martin Skrtel back to the heart of the defense, whilst Emiliano Insua continued at left back, with Alber t Riera playing in front of him. Owen Coyles Burnley had impressed since been promoted, beating both Manchester United and Everton at Turf Moor, but had been well and truly beaten at Stamford B ridge in their last game before the international break, and many expected the same outcome at Anfield. The first chance for the hosts fell to Dirk Kuyt, but his effort was well held by Brian Jensen, before Torres curling effort from 20 yards just evaded the far post. The hosts were building up pressure, and Benayoun headed his first effort of the day just wide af ter he met Insuas cross. But it didn’t take the Israel captain much longer to break the deadlock, as he cut in side Graham Alexander and fired across goal into the corner to give Liverpool a goal that had been coming, and a goal for recently released Michael Shields to celebrate, who was sat in the stands as an official guest of the club. It was turning into a siege on the away goal, a minute after his goal, Jensen had to be on hand to deny him again, a nd then deny the follow up from Kuyt, before denying Lucas and once again, Benayoun. Martin Paterson had the first chance of the game for Burnley, but his effort was well stopped by Pepe Reina. Four Minutes before the break, the Reds doubled there lead and once again, Benayoun was at the heart of it. His 20 yard strike was parried by Jensen, but straight into the path of Kuyt who placed the ball past Jensen to give Liverpool a comfortable two goal cushion. The Reds was keepi ng up t he pressure, and Jensen had to be on hand once again to provide a world class save to deny Gerrard on the stroke of half time. The home side went for the crucial third goal afte r the break, with Riera having two efforts blocked, and Kuyt been denyed by the excellent Jensen, but he was helpless to deny the Reds third. Steven Gerrard burst through the heart of the Burnley defense, before unselfishly squaring the ball to Benayoun, who was left with the easy role of stroking the ball into the net, which he did with aplomb. Be nay oun thought he had got his hat-trick following Jensens parry, but the linesman had put his flag up, although replays show the goal should of stood, before Gerrard once again burst through the back line, before rounding Jensen but couldn’t beat the post from a tight angle on his weaker side. Nine minutes from time, substitute Voronin threaded the ball through to Benayoun, who stroked the ball past Jensen to complete his hat-trick, and round up the reds scoring for the day, although they could of had more. Voronin’s beautiful back heel laid the ball on a plate for Gerrard, but his effort was well stopped by Jensen, and Voronin was played through on goal, but his chip fell just wide of the post. All in all, it had been a good day for the home side, as they once again disposed of a team they would have struggled again last season. Attention now turns to the European Tie againgst Debreceni in midweek, before travelling to Upton Park next saturday.
Liverpool 1-0 Debreceni
A lacklustre Liverpool stumbled over the line to beat Champions League minnows Debreceni at Anfield thanks to Dirk Kuyts first half goal. The performance was poor from the home side, a home side of which we have come to expect alot more from in the Champions League over the past few years. Rafa Benitez kept the same side that had overcome Burnley at Anfield days before, with Yossi Benayoun keeping his place after his hat-trick. The Reds first real chance came on 17 minutes, as Fernando Torres got the ball inside the box, before hitting on the turn, but his strike was wide of the near post. Steven Gerrard then picked up a needless yellow card, which could come back to bite him later in the tournament, as he recieved a yellow card after not waiting for the referee to blow the whistle before he cold take the free kick. Debrecen hadn’t threatened the Liverpool goal, but did two times just before the break. Pepe Reina had to be on hand firstly to deny Peter Czvitkovics half volley as he tipped it over the bar following poor defending, before Laszlo Bondar was denied by Reina after his 40 yard free kick. The game was beginnining to open up, and Albert Riera twice found him self in on goal, his first effort he could of probably closed in on goal more, but his effort was just wide, before getting through on goal again, but his effort was well saved by Poleksic, whilst Dirk Kuyts follow up was hacked off the line. Riera was cauFsing the visitors problems, and he laid it on a plate with a pull back for Gerrard, but his low drive was just wide. It looked as though the Hungarians had held Liverpool till half time in front of a suprisingingly quiet Anfield, but in first half stoppage time, Dirk Kuyt give the hosts the lead. Torres effort could only be pushed ack out by Poleksic, and into the path of Kuyt who put it in the corner from 12 yards. At the start of the second half, the Kop had penalty claims waved away as Gerrard went down in the box, but the claims was rightly, waved away. The skipper was at the heart of it again moments later, as he produced a stunning volley from the edge of the ox, which skimmed along the bar and denied him what would of been one of his greatest goals.It looked as though it wasn’t going to be Gerrard’s night in terms of goals, and he was once again denied, this time by the Debrecen keeper following his long range effort. Yossi Benayoun had een the Reds star on Saturday, and he almost got his name on=2 0the scoresheet again, as he jinxed beyond four defenders, before producing a good strike from an acute angle, winning his side a corner. Jamie Carragher had to be on hand to head the ball wide to make sure a suprise goal wasn’t on the way, in which would of been a huge shock. Ryan Babe l was thrown on with seven minutes left, and he produced some more threat from the hosts, and set up Torres, who layed on Benayoun, but the Israeli must of left the boots he wore on Saturday at home, as he fired well over. The Hungarians weren’t out of this, and Benitez knew that as he brought on Javier Mascherano with minutes remaining. There was still time for Gerrard to try his look again after been set up but Babel, but his shot was dragged wide, but it was the last chance of the game, on what had been a good result for the Redmen, but a poor performance and they must improve before they visit Upton Park on Saturday.
West Ham 2-3 Liverpool
Fernando Torres got back to his old ways as he fired twice to hand Liverpool all three points in a event packed game at Upto n Park. The Reds took the the lead on two seperate occasions, been pegged back by the Hammers each time, but Torres 75th minute header put the Reds into the lead for the third time, and made sure the three points was heading back to Merseyside. Javier Mascherano was recalled to the visitors starting line up after missing the last two games due to injury, with Albert Riera been sacrficed for the Argentine, and Dirk Kuyt and Yossi Benayoun operating the wings. West Ham had a fanastic opportunity within two minutes to take the lead. Jamie Carragher dithered following Glen Johnson’s pass, and Hines nipped in, before firing past Pepe Reina in a one - on - one situatuion, but his strike came back of the post in to the arms of Reina much to the gratitude of Carragher, on what was the start of a tough afternoon for the Scouse centre back. Liverpool’s first chance came to Torres, who turned and fired just past the near post, but three minutes later, the Spaniard found the net. Emiliano Insua fed Torres on the edge of the box,and he played with Tomkins, before skipping past him and firing in at the near post, a goal that only a player of Torres calibre can score. Matthew Upson injured himself trying to stop the Spaniard scoring, and was forced off, with Danny Gabidon replacing him. Moments after, Valon Behrami was forced off, also through injury, been replaced by Radoslav Kovac. But despite that, the home side managed to get themselves back on level terms, as Carragher was adjuged to had pushed Hines over in the box, which replays show was a soft award. But the controversy over the goal didn’t end there, Diamanti stepped up on his debut, and the Italian slipped as he took it, with the ball hitting his other foot before looping into the goal to level it up, much to the frustration of Pepe Reina and the rest of the Liverpool side. Four minutes before the break, Liverpool h ad regained the lead. Benayouns co rner at his old stomping ground found the head of Steven Gerrard who nodded towards goal, with Kuyt getting just enough contact on the ball to poke it into the corner, much to the delight of the travelling Kopites. But the lead was short lived, as in f irst half stoppage time, Carlton Cole rose to meet the corner of Mark Noble, and he headed into the corner to send the game in to the break on level terms. It was much a case of defending in the second h alf for the Hammers, despite the problems Hines was causing the Liverpool backline, the closest they came, was Diamantis inswinging corner, that had Reina backpedalling as he tipped it away for a corner. With half an hour left, Ryan Babel was thrown in to the action in replace of goalscorer Kuyt. Benayoun produced two excellent mazing runs into the Hammers box within a minute, but he failed to get a shot off on each occasion, on the second occasion, should of probably layed Gerrard off on the edge of the box. Ryan Babel has recieved alot of stick in recent weeks, but his half an hour cameo looked ve ry promising, as the Dutchman did what Liverpool fans have been wanting him to since he joined the club, but his best moment of the game, won it for the Reds. His cross from the right was inch perfect, and Torres rose to head past Green to give Liverpool the lead for the third time. West Ham pushed in the final minutes, but never looked like providing a huge threat to the Liverpool goal , and as the full time whistle blew, it was a hard earned three points for Rafa Benitez’s men at a very tough Premier League ground. Next up for the Reds is a trip to Elland Road to face Leeds United in the Carling Cup, but what side Benitez picks, is anyones guess.
Spurs Wrap Up Kranjcar Transfer
September 1, 2009
Tottenham Hotspur have completed the signing of Croatian playmaker, Niko Kranjcar from Portsmouth, with the Croat perhaps being seen as an immediate replacement for his fellow countryman, Luka Modric, who suffered a leg break at the weekend.
The player underwent a successful medical at White Hart Lane earlier today, before leaving to join up with his national side ahead of the forthcoming World Cup Qualifying games against Belarus and England.
Kranjcar made over 100 appearances in a Portsmouth jersey, with the south coast club keen to cash in on the midfielder whose contract terminated next summer.
A statement made on Tottenham Hotspur’s official website read:
” We are delighted to announce that we have reached an agreement with Portsmouth for the transfer of Niko Kranjcar to the club, following the player successfully completing a medical examination and agreeing personal terms.”
Categories
- 2010 World Cup
- Editorial
- English Blue Square Premier
- English Championship
- English League 1
- English League 2
- English Premiership
- European Football
- French Ligue 1
- German Bundesliga
- Italian Serie A
- Main Content
- MLS
- Scottish Football
- Spanish La Liga
- Transfer News
- UEFA Champions League
- UEFA Cup
Friends
21onlinecasinos.com has the latest and highest casino online payouts for players that could play and win the casinos jackpot!After you're done checking out all the latest football action why not have a punt playing some online poker.
Related Sites
- 2010 World Cup
- Aston Villa Blog
- Aston Villa FC Fansite
- Auto-Golazo
- Blog Catalog
- Dreamfootball
- Extra Footie
- Football Betting
- Football Highlights
- Football Kits
- Football Shirts
- Free Bet
- Free Bets
- Free Bets
- In the Stands
- Man City Blog
- Omni Football
- Online Football Spread Betting
- Soccer Highlights
- Soccer Jerseys
- Soccer News
- soccernetlive
- Technorati Profile
- The Gunning Hawk
- WINKI DIRECTORY
