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Stoke and Crewe

Wednesday, 24 September 08, 08:25 AM

Stoke was a stinker of a game. When I read that it was 0-0 at half time, I had an idea that it would end that way. After seeing the highlights, I think that the Gerrard goal should have stood. But besides that, we should have been well capable of beating a team like Stoke at Anfield. We created the chances but didn't take any. Some of the players are looking tired, like Dirk and Javier, who didn't play here. Others are off form like Robbie and Torres, who hasn't got into his grove so far. It'll come. This was disappointing in so far as we could have gone top of the league and we need to be taking these opportunities. We drew far too many games last year and I don't want us to go down the same route this year. Teams will come and sit 10 behind the ball. We need to be cleverer about how we break them down, be it Albert and Ryan on the wings or Yossi on the edge of the box.

The sparkling spectre of the Carling Cup has rolled around again. Against Crewe, we played Sami and some of the youngsters. The average age was 22 if you removed our Finnish veteran. Unfortunately for Phil Degen, he broke a few ribs on his debut so will be out for a while. This could be an opportunity for local right back Steven Derby. We knew that he had a history of injury so this was him living up to his rep. Another player making his full debut was Diego Cavalieri. The goals came from an Agger free and a header by Lucas from a pennant cross. The bonus was that we got to rest some first teamers while giving some of the youngsters some valuable competitive experience.
Sat morning sees us visiting Goodison for the first Derby of the season. They'll be well up for it, as usual, and we'll need to match them. Moyes has a shite record in these games against Rafa so let's hope that continues. The senior players will have benefited from the midweek rest and should be full of energy. I think reds everywhere would be happy if this were the game that Robbie manages to get off the mark in this one.
Pepe reiterated his desire to stay with LFC. I hope that he doesn't move any time soon. He's a superb keeper and is improving each season. It's not by fluke that he's won the golden golden gloves three times in a row.

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Filter by Tag: Sami Hyypiä, Robbie Keane, Jose Reina, Phillipp Degen, Daniel Agger, Cavalieri Diego, Lucas Leiva, Everton, Crewe, Stoke
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Ins and outs

Monday, 14 July 08, 10:16 PM


The pre season friendlies are under way and it started with a whimper. This was typical of this part of the season which is about getting fitness rather than performance or results. Nice to see the kids getting a run out, especially Pacheco up front. Yossi made it worthwhile with this wonder strike from the edge of the D after a pass from Lucas, but otherwise it was a walk in the (Prenton) park. Loads of subs and a relaxed tempo was the MO. I expect the Swiss games will be more of the same.


Rafa demonstrated his dance moves for Degen and Dossena at their press conference. Our new backup keeper, a 25 year old Brazilian, is called Cavalieri. He will replace Itanje, who looks to be on his way to Galatasary. While one keeper has arrived, it appears that Itanje will meet Scott Carson heading the same way as he leaves. Tony Barrett in the Echo, thankfully returned from his holidays, says that two clubs are on his trail, Stoke and West Brom, a race which looks likely to be won by Stoke for around £4m+. Villa paid £2m for his loan deal last year and £1m from Charlton the year before added to the fee for him now, will represent a sizeable profit on his £750,000 fee from Leeds. Barrett also says that Danny Guthrie will complete a move to Newcastle after a fee was agreed between the clubs of around £2.5m. He did well at Bolton last season by all accounts but it's another case of him not being good enough to challenge the first team here.

This is Anfield continue their excellent Kopstar series which focuses on the stars of the future. This time Dani Pacheco comes into focus.

Our Hungarian quotient has increased with the arrival of another teen from MTK in Budapest. Zsolt Poleskei, a 17 year old midfielder, is joining on a season long loan. He shouldn't find it hard to fit in with the likes of SImon and Nemeth here already.

News just in - Pepe is superloco. I can't say that I'm too surprised.

In the mood for a wildly speculative transfer link? Here you go. He has gone on record a few years back as saying
"I have been a Liverpool fan for as long as I can remember and it would be a dream to play there. I watched the Champions League final and celebrated every goal as if it was for Independiente."
Rafa did try to sign him before he left Argentina. He would cost a fortune but would be a phenomenal signing. Can't see it happening, even with Xabi in part exchange. Expect him to go to Utd when Ronaldo goes to Real. I think that the Robbie Keane rumours are much more likely. He's a red and wants the move so I think that one will happen.

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