Soccer Blogs Posts Tagged Xabi Alonso

EPL Week 13: Liverpool, Heurelho Gomes and The Future Of The England National Team

2008-11-17T20:05:36+00:00

Alonso and Kuyt Key To Liverpool Success Despite sitting joint top of the Premier League after 13 games, Liverpool's summer recruitment's, Albert Riera apart, have yet to justify Rafa Benitez's decision to bring the to the club. Robbie Keane has struggled to recapture his Tottenham form and has been guilty of some glaring misses, Philip Degen [.

Good Game Bad Game [vs Atletico Madrid]

2008-11-05T13:00:00+00:00

For so long it was a case of deja vu. As with last Saturday, Liverpool pressed hard, came close to scoring on a number of occasions but failed to do so. To be fair to them, Atletico were a lot classier than Spurs and you have to wonder what Simao could have achieved had the transfer to Liverpool gone through a couple of years back.

UCL Matchday 4: Liverpool 1 Atletico Madrid 1

2008-11-04T22:27:54+00:00

It was a boring match until the last 4 minutes of stoppage time, which saw a questionable penalty given to Liverpool (Fine by me, we'll take the draw) and 4 yellow cards.

If we hadn't scored, I would probably started off by saying Liverpool was shite. Nando's former club outplayed us, and though we had most of the possessions in the 2nd half, we were not able to find the net.

Good Game Bad Game [vs Tottenham]

2008-11-02T13:00:00+00:00

This was bound to happen, wasn't it? Having won so many games at the death this season, Liverpool were due to suffer a bit of hearthbreak of their own. Yet, for it to come in this game was astounding, such was Liverpool's domination till the 70th minute.

By the time Jamie Carragher put the ball past his own net,Liverpool should have been comfortably ahead.

Good Game Bad Game [vs Chelsea]

2008-10-27T13:00:00+00:00

What a game! For a brief period towards the end of the first half when Chelsea were playing really well, I was afraid about what was to come. Instead if a team deserved to score in the second half, it was us. We played really well just as we did against United for the matter and deservedly won.

Now the real task is keeping the players' minds on the next game.

10 Things We Learned in the Premier League

2008-10-27T09:00:19+00:00

1. The Rocket Club in Birmingham is like Lourdes for footballers Despite suffering from fatigue, Villa's John Carew was spotted at the Birmingham lapdancing club the night before Villa's UEFA Cup game vs Ajax, which got "the city's tallest footballer" a one game timeout (and a hefty fine) from Martin O'Neill.

Down Goes Chelsea’s Home Streak

2008-10-26T16:54:42+00:00

Talk of the town will be "Pool's 4 realz b*ches!!!!", but more impressive than anything is the fact that they were able to down Chelsea's 86 game home win streak, going back to February of '04. Of course it always had to be Liverpool, a team which has, until last spring, had Chelsea's number in [...]

The Friday Junk Pile

2008-10-24T21:00:58+00:00

Every weekend we tend to find ourselves with random junk on our computers which isn't quite worth throwing away, but isn't quite worth posting about. Problem, meet solution. Are you a woman? Do you like football? Do you really like football? Your accessories have arrived. * - Not that you have to be a woman.

Good Game Bad Game [vs Atletico Madrid]

2008-10-23T12:00:00+00:00

A point away against the biggest rival in the group stages of the Champions League isn't exactly a bad result but, having led for so long, it is inevitable that this result is tinged with disappointment. In reality, this was a very difficult game to call. Liverpool didn't play brilliantly but could have easily scored a couple more.

Liverpool 3 Wigan 2

2008-10-18T16:53:19+00:00

What have we learnt...

1. I do have a crystal ball =X
2. Daniel Agger would make a good winger or midfielder.
3. Our opponents should be careful the next time they score against us first.
4. Once again, we have won the hard way, but we have what it takes to be serious title contender.

Champions League News Roundup

2008-10-16T18:20:31+00:00

With World Cup qualifying on, its been a little slow for UEFA club competition news but here are some stories around the web that I thought you'd find interesting. ESPN Soccernet details the problems at Fenerbahce Bundesliga Talk has posted a quick update on every club in the league Owen Slot, Chief Sports Reporter for the Times, offers [.

Should Rafa stop Mascherano going to the Olympics?

2008-10-06T08:18:09+00:00

With Xabi Alonso's future at Anfield still under scrutiny despite Juventus' admission that they have completed their summer recruitment drive, and Lucas, Ryan Babel and Javier Mascherano having been called up by their respective countries, do you think Rafa Benitez...

Don’t cry, Robinho…just suck that thumb

2008-10-05T18:32:39+00:00

Liverpool showed glimpses of their resilient form, last seen during the 2006 FA cup finals against West Ham, when they came back from a 2-goal deficit, to beat Manchester City 2-3, both teams ending the game with 10-man.

Oasis's favourite football team got off to a good start when they went ahead with a goal from Stephen Ireland ,as Alvaro Arbeloa failed to clear the ball around the penalty area.

FA reject Cahill appeal

2008-09-30T16:33:00+00:00

The Football Association have today rejected an appeal by Everton against the wrongful dismissal of midfielder Tim Cahill during Saturday's derby game against Liverpool. Cahill, 28, was shown a straight red card for a tackle on Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso and will now miss the Toffees next three Premier League games.

MARK LAWRENSON: Signs That This Could Be Benitez’s Year

2008-09-30T16:29:00+00:00

WHISPER it softly, but Liverpool are showing signs of putting together a genuine title challenge.

And it may be that manager Rafael Benitez is prepared to gamble more on Premier League success this year than in the past.

He is putting out his most attacking teams since arriving perhaps in the realisation that it is no use drawing games if you want to finish as champions.

Everton appeal Cahill red card

2008-09-29T12:08:00+00:00

Everton have today lodged an appeal to the FA over the dismissal of Tim Cahill during Saturday's derby game against Liverpool. The Australian midfielder was shown a straight red card, for what looked like a pretty innocuous challenge on Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso.

A decision is likely to be made no sooner than Wednesday, were Everton will find out if they will be without one of their best midfielders for the next three games.

IL GARANTE

2008-09-29T08:24:00+00:00

I consigli per gli acquisti di Ranieri

Claudio Ranieri ha garantito per Poulsen. Quando la società gli ha chiesto chi preferisse tra Xabi Alonso ed il danesino, il tecnico romano non ha avuto dubbi: ha scelto l'oracolo dello sputo tottiano.

Good Game Bad Game [vs Everton]

2008-09-28T12:00:00+00:00

As with the game against Manchester United, I felt awful before this game. And, as with the game with Manchester United, I shouldn't have bothered. Rarely have Liverpool dominated with such ease at Goodison Park (61% of possession, the stats showed at the end) and really it was a game that could have been won by a bigger margin.

Beating Everton Will Prove Liverpool's Title Credentials, Says Xabi Alonso

2008-09-26T10:54:00+00:00

Xabi Alonso insists Liverpool can prove their title credentials by winning tomorrow's Merseyside derby.

The Spain midfielder and his team-mates are desperate to bounce back after being held 0-0 at home by Stoke.

But Alonso believes victory at Everton will show they are ready to compete with Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal.

Fernando Torres Needs Matches Not Rest, Says Rafael Benitez

2008-09-22T16:15:00+00:00

Rafael Benitez, previously renowned for his rotation policy, has indicated that Fernando Torres will remain one of his "untouchables" despite the goals drying up for the Spain striker. The Liverpool manager, who was left frustrated by Saturday's goalless draw against Stoke City at Anfield, argued that the 24-year-old will be better off playing his way back to full sharpness rather than resting.

Good Game Bad Game [vs Stoke]

2008-09-21T12:00:00+00:00

After the week Liverpool had, it was almost inevitable that something like this would happen to end it on a sour note. Last week it was suggested that in beating Manchester United, Liverpool had finally overcome the problem that had held them back in the past. To an extent that is true yet Liverpool must also win these games to have a realistic chance.

Match Report: LiverpooL 0 - 0 Stoke City

2008-09-20T16:52:00+00:00

Defiant Stoke stopped unbeaten Liverpool in their tracks at Anfield with a magnificent rearguard action.

Liverpool dominated throughout, had close on 70% possession, but just could not find a way past goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen and his outstanding defenders.

Stoke play to their strengths - being direct and physical - but they deserved their day in the sun.

Match Preview: LiverpooL vs. Stoke City

2008-09-19T16:03:00+00:00

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez hopes full-back Fabio Aurelio recovers from a calf injury to face Stoke having failed to make the midweek trip to Marseille.

Andrea Dossena was a less than convincing alternative at left-back in France, while Benitez must also decide whether to recall Robbie Keane to partner striker Fernando Torres.

Tommy Smith: Liverpool Made Us Feel So Proud

2008-09-17T16:16:00+00:00

NO COLUMNIST enjoys giving stick to players - but sometimes you have to do it.

So it is only fair that after a performance like Saturday's, every Liverpool player involved gets a huge pat on the back from me.

That is what they all thoroughly deserve after a magnificent performance against Manchester United, one which lifted the heart of every Reds fan, including me.

Match Report: Marseille 1 - 2 LiverpooL

2008-09-17T16:16:00+00:00

Steven Gerrard played a captain's role by taking his Liverpool goals tally to 99 as the Merseysiders opened their Champions League group campaign with a crucial win.

The Stade Velodrome had been the venue for Liverpool's European salvation last season, and Gerrard made sure it was a welcome return to the south of France.

My Worst Nightmare is Now Reality

2008-09-16T22:22:00+00:00

Reina

Arbeloa Carragher Skrtel/Agger Aurelio

Babel Alonso Mascherano Riera

Gerrard

Torres

Normally, when one plays away from home, in Europe, against a team who love to play quick tempo football, you will try as hard as possible to try and slow the game down.

Finnan Explains Espanyol Move

2008-09-16T17:45:00+00:00

Steve Finnan has revealed that Liverpool's Spanish players convinced him to come to Espanyol.

The Republic of Ireland international made the switch to Espanyol on deadline day as Albert Riera travelled in the opposite direction to Anfield.

Finnan admitted last week that the transfer had come 'out of the blue' but he decided it would be a good move after speaking to the likes of Jose Reina, Alvaro Arbeloa and Xabi Alonso.

Alonso Focused On Liverpool

2008-09-16T17:39:00+00:00

Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso has promised the club that he is 100% committed to their cause this season, after a summer in which he was left in transfer limbo.

Alonso began the summer as a target for Italian giants Juventus and looked set to seal a deal when he returned to Anfield after claiming the European Championship with Spain.

Alonso: Transfer window was a strange time for me

2008-09-16T13:22:14+00:00

Xabi Alonso has admitted the summer transfer window was a 'strange time' for him at the club.

Alonso: Transfer window was a strange time for me

2008-09-16T13:22:14+00:00

Xabi Alonso has admitted the summer transfer window was a 'strange time' for him at the club.