It will be a hostile atmosphere when United take on arch rivals Liverpool this weekend, and Sir
Alex's side are slightly odds-on at 1.91 with Paddy Power to come out on top in what promises to be
a real hard fought battle.
The game sees Patrice Evra come face to face with Luis Suarez for the first time since the
Liverpool striker was banned for eight games after racially abusing the United defender and the
role of referee Phil Dowd will be crucial.
‘Welcome to Hell' read the memorable banner as United arrived in Istanbul to be greeted by
Galtasaray fanatics in 1993. The second leg of a European Cup tie saw Aslanlarsupporters
arrive four hours before kick-off within the confines of the infamous Ali Sami Yen stadium, as the
intensity soon resembled a war zone.
Let's not beat around the bush here and let's tell it like it is. We've seen two managers, drama,
controversy, speculation, excitement, frustration and find ourselves at the turn of this year in
the exact same position as we did a year ago. Isn't it strange how things have turned out!
This is my review of 2011 and a year on my blog as written by me, a lifelong Chelsea fan giving you
my take on everything that happened.
It's that time of the year again, the time when Santa comes knocking and also the time when
everyone looks back at the year that was and takes note of the joy and sorrow that it has given us.
It has been a while since I've posted and I thought this is the best time to write a round up on
the year that was as a Man United fan.
I wrote a thoughtful piece at the Run of Play on linguistic differences between Spanish and
English. Since then, the FA has banned Luis Suarez for 8 games based on allegations that he made
racist remarks. I don't care to get into the mucky and murky waters of administrative proceedings.
Rather, I want to focus on Liverpool's official statement in response.
The end came swiftly. One minute she was pulling pints, engaging in banter and very occasionally
allowing herself a tipple or two while she served the thirsty patrons of the Railway. The next
minute, the axe fell. Ladies and gentlemen, Gina has left the building.
The news reached me as I enjoyed the build-up to the 125th birthday celebrations before
yesterday's 1-0 hammering of Evertoffee.
The end came swiftly. One minute she was pulling pints, engaging in banter and very occasionally
allowing herself a tipple or two while she served the thirsty patrons of the Railway. The next
minute, the axe fell. Ladies and gentlemen, Gina has left the building.
The news reached me as I enjoyed the build-up to the 125th birthday celebrations before
yesterday's 1-0 hammering of Evertoffee.
Liverpool FC youngster Marc Pelosi revealed on Twitter a few days ago that he was mugged by a
couple of 'angry scousers', which is not the greatest welcome to a new city (!). Thankfully, Pelosi
wasn't hurt, and he seems to be settling in well despite that experience.
Speaking after the draw with Stoke in the FA Youth Cup, the midfielder, said:
"I'm really liking it.
Liverpool FC youngster Marc Pelosi has revealed on Twitter that he was mugged last night in
Liverpool.
The 17 year old American, who recently arrived at Anfield from DeAnza Force Club in California,
tweeted the following:
"At police station, just got mugged by two angry scousers on bikes!
Why I'm backing Liverpool to triumph in the battle of the Bridge
Sunday afternoon at four o'clock, it's AVB v KK (in other words, Chelsea at home to Liverpool).
Good job SWP doesn't play for the King's Road club any more. Liverpool's away form has been
impressive — wins at Stoke, West Brom, Everton and Arsenal have pushed King Kenny's side up to
within three points of today's opponents.
Newcastle United are third in the league, were even in second place for a couple of hours, and
all is well on the football field. Fear not Toon fans, Mike Ashley and cohort Derek Llambias are
always here to bring us crashing back down to earth. Sure enough, they are going to rename St
James's Park to Sports Direct Arena.
If this was 2005-2010, and Chelsea played Spurs, I'd give it to Chelsea in the blink of an eye.
If Manchester United played City, I'd give it to the former, or if Arsenal played Blackburn, I
would undoubtedly go for the one I wouldn't today, but well, that was then. That was the former
Premier League — sadly or fortunately, no more.
Hillsborough disaster: a case of class injustice? | Michael White
Monday's Commons debate on the tragedy sounded like a prime example of old-fashioned class
justice meted out to the working class by their old foe in blue – the police Despite David Conn
's excellent articles in the Guardian, I must admit to a sceptical shrug when catching the start of
Monday's Commons debate on the 1989 Hillsborough football stadium disaster.
The Hillsborough disaster's legacy of lies | David Conn
Had responsibility for the football tragedy been accepted early on, there would be no need for a
parliamentary debate The families of the 96, mostly young, people who died on the terraces of
Hillsborough have waited 22 years, not only for the authorities culpable to acknowledge their
responsibility.
Scousers' skill school (not that there's any Scousers involved) Liverpool stars Stewart Downing,
Jordan Henderson, Jonjo Shelvey and Martin Skrtel were put through their paces as they faced off in
a skills challenge. The players competed in a crossbar challenge, extreme keepy-uppies and a trial
of shooting accuracy in the 188BET Skills Challenge.
Professional Scousers Part 2: The Flip Side
In our recent interview with a ‘professional Scouser', we explored the extremities of what is
known as the best fan base in the world, and in doing so unearthed that we also play host to some
of the most small-minded, hostile and bigoted individuals that any faithful has to offer.
An Interview With a Professional Scouser: Part 1
We all know one, unfortunately. Someone who truly believes that their geographical location –
their accent – automatically elevates them to a ‘holier than thou' status in the context of
being a Liverpool supporter.
By January of last season, Dimitar Berbatov had scored more hattricks for Manchester United than
Wayne Rooney had goals, as we chased down that historic 19th title. Berbatov ended the season the
league's top scorer with 20 goals and United knocked the scousers off their perch.
After failing to fully justify his massive price tag in the first two seasons it was great to
see our Bulgarian play such a vital role in such a massive season for the club.
Even stood next to Bale, Kuyt was still the ugliest specimen on the fieldRemember when Liverpool
were really good? No? Well that's fair enough, it was a fairly long time ago (he says in jest,
fully aware of his own team's recent decline). But if you believe the crowing coming from
Merseyside these days, you'd be forgiven for thinking they're shoe-ins for the title.
Liverpool lip-service shows Everton signing is no Carlos Tevez and no mug
either
Everton's Argentinian loan-signing Denis Stracqualursi has attempted to quell any fears that he
is a home-sick carbon copy of his compatriot Carlos Tevez. "I know all about Tevez's problems in
Manchester but I don't think I'll have them here," he said.
When Joe Cole was available on a free transfer from Chelsea last summer, I was one of many
United fans who thought he'd be worth a punt. Turns out the club weren't interested but I was not
alone in thinking he might be worth the wages with him coming without a transfer fee.
Cole, who claimed to be a lifelong Chelsea fan, rubbed salt in the wounds of blues upon signing
for Liverpool.
Arsenal slip again as Wenger obsesses over wantaway players - originally posted on
Soccerlens.com
As Arsenal players struggled to convince Scousers that losing is part of being a trendy North
Londoner this weekend, you'd be forgiven for asking exactly where all the adversity came from. A
team carrying Robin Van Persie, Andrei Arshavin and Thomas Vermaelen shouldn't struggle very often,
yet it couldn't pull away from a team containing Charlie Adam.
Arsenal slip again as Wenger obsesses over wantaway players - originally posted on
Soccerlens.com
As Arsenal players struggled to convince Scousers that losing is part of being a trendy North
Londoner this weekend, you'd be forgiven for asking exactly where all the adversity came from. A
team carrying Robin Van Persie, Andrei Arshavin and Thomas Vermaelen shouldn't struggle very often,
yet it couldn't pull away from a team containing Charlie Adam.
Arsenal have reached the midpoint of this pivotal opening month. The two games thus far have
brought along gruelling performances and just about acceptable results, which in a way has been
much better than what many predicted or secretly dreaded.
On Saturday, the Gunners will take on the Scousers in a fixture that should provide a real and
reliable benchmark for both sides and an accurate initial assessment of their chances for the
season.
Part 2 of my season preview sees me look at the chances of the mid tablers. If it pans out
anything like last season, these predictions could be all over the shop and separated by just 8
points come May. I'm on a hiding to nothing really ain't I hey?
We continue....
14 Bolton
The Trotters disappointed me last season, I thought Owen Coyle really had something but the
longer the season went on, the worse they got.
If you had asked me a little over a year ago to name the eight teams most likely to fill the top
eight places in the Premier League come May I would have said; Liverpool, Everton, Man Utd, Man
City, Aston Villa, Tottenham, Arsenal and Chelsea. Not in that order, obviously.
Then our manager skipped off into the sunset and the season that followed will last in the
memory for many years.
Gary Neville's greatest Liverpool put-downs and how the Scousers got their
revenge
There's no love lost between these two
View the full story here: Talksport
A news article on 2011-08-11 15:38:36 from: Talksport
This news item has been reproduced from today's media.
Not a very exciting title and certainly not one that is going to shoot the lights out of the hit
stats but after questioning myself about it I thought why not, do I really want to attract people
who's blog name is "Wenger The Liar" and the like, not really was the answer. No, far happier am I
to address the solid regulars of this fine site.
Not a very exciting title and certainly not one that is going to shoot the lights out of the hit
stats but after questioning myself about it I thought why not, do I really want to attract people
who's blog name is "Wenger The Liar" and the like, not really was the answer. No, far happier am I
to address the solid regulars on this fine site.
Every transfer window and more so in the summer months in England, we await with baited breath
the big name signings in the Premier League' Last season for example saw Manchester City go on a
buying spree bringing in big players in the international game such as David Silva, Carlos Tevez
and Yaya Toure.
Video: Hatton on Gerrard and Scousers
We caught up with former world boxing champion Ricky Hatton over the summer and got his thoughts
on Scousers, Man City and whether Steven Gerrard would make a good boxer. LFCTV Online subscribers
can watch the interview now.
View the full story here: Liverpool FC
A news article on 2011-07-19 10:05:00 from: Liverpool FC
This news item has been reproduced from today's media.
I know I am no Arsenal fan, and actually like any true fan of bitter rival club, I do derive
immense joy from watching the gunners suffer, especially that horror fortnight they had in
Feb/March, to quote the effervescent Barney Stinson,
‘It was Legen.......wait for it........ dary!!
Chicharito receives top scorer award
Chicharito receives player of the tournament award
Mexico presented with Gold Cup
Watch all the goals at 101 Great Goals
-
The deadline for the Caught Offside blog awards is today. Just a few % in it
between us and the scousers.
19. The magic number that finally knocked the Scousers off their perch. Here's your chance to
relive United's latest title win, as well as every other success that went before it – going all
the way back to 1909.
GoneDigging's Manchester United football book is a tabloid-sized book featuring reprints of
original newspaper reports on United.
Manchester United are just one point away from winning a record 19th title, making us the most
successful club in English history.
Given that history is all Liverpool have to cling on to, being outdone by United will obviously
be devastating for them.
Steven Gerrard, who has never won the league, has admitted that it hurts to lose their record to
United.
Look back at the usual starting eleven under Benitez in the 2008/2009 season, the season which
we mounted our strongest Premier League title challenge yet finishing 2nd. The usual players (not
in order of any sort) where:
Pepe Reina (Spanish)
Andrea Dossena (Italian)
Sami Hyypia (Finnish)
Steven Gerrard (English)
Daniel Agger (Danish)
Jamie Carragher (English)
Xabi Alonso (Spanish)
Yossi Benayoun (Israeli)
Albert Riera (Spanish)
David Ngog (French)
Fernando Torres (Spanish)
Emilano Insua (Argentinean)
Javier Mascherano (Argentinean)
Lucas Leiva (Brazillian)
read more
A lot has happened since the sides met on the opening weekend of the Premier League. Liverpool
have hit the metaphorical rock-bottom and are now on their way up again. I don't think this is a
good time to play the Scousers because they really don't have much to lose, which always makes
teams that much more dangerous.
10am ET, live in the US on Fox Soccer Plus
Last four head-to-head:
1-0 Liverpool (h) 08.29.10
2-0 Liverpool (a) 05.17.09
3-0 Liverpool (h) 11.08.08
2-0 Liverpool (a) 04.01.06
Last three matches:
Liverpool: 2-0 Sunderland (a); 0-0 Braga (h); 0-1 Braga (a)
West Brom: 2-2 Arsenal (h); 3-1 Brum (a); 1-1 Stoke (a)
Goalscorers (league):
Liverpool: Kuyt 8; Meireles 5; Gerrard 4; Maxi 3; Johnson, Kyrgiakos, Ngog, Suarez 2; Cole,
Skrtel 1
West Brom: Odemwingie 10; Morrison, Mulumbu 4; Scharner, Tchoyi, Thomas 3; Brunt, Fortune,
Vela, 2; Dorrans, Jara, Olsson, Pablo, Reid 1
Referee: Martin Atkinson
Guess at a line-up:
Reina
Carragher Skrtel Agger Johnson
Kuyt Lucas Spearing Meireles
Suarez Carroll
Hodgson v Liverpool, the revenge match.
Abhinav's Note: I originally intended my new post to be either on the current hopelessness
of perennially injured Owen Hargreaves or in praise of the Scousers (sic). Since both are subjects
that would've driven me to the verge of questioning my sanity, I decided to question you guys, who
apparently have been deceived into reading this post.
