Torres Tribute

Done by yours truly. Enjoy.

Wigan 0 - 1 Liverpool

Yossi Benayoun. Super Sub. He was the hero for the match in which Liverpool were desperate to return to winning ways. Liverpool started the match brightly, with Steven Gerrard getting an early shot which was held by Kirkland. Wigan had a penalty appeal, when Carragher kicked the onrushing Aghahowa. However, offside was given. As much as I hate to say it, it was a bad decision by Mark Clattenburg's assistant. At the other end, Liverpool also had a penalty appeal when Titus Bramble seemed to have characteristically bumbled Hyppia over while they were challenging for the ball. Torres had 3 very good chances in the 1st half, which someone like him really should have converted.

The first came in the 25th minute, when Kuyt cushioned a cross for him. He scuffed the half volley, which rolled into Kirkland's hands. His second on the half hour came after a woeful error from life-long Reds fan Jason Koumas, who sprayed a pass along the halfway line directly to Kuyt. The Dutch forward immediately set Torres clear, and after outpacing Emmerson Boyce, he stabbed a shot goalwards that was blocked at point-blank range by Kirkland. Wigan were then fortunate as the ricochet sprang off the Spaniard and rebounded inches past the left-hand post. His best chance, came 2 minutes after, as he met with Arbeloa's cross with a specacular scissors kick which went just wide.

After the break. however, he went quiet. On 56 minutes, Rafa decided to bring on Benayoun for Fabio Aurelio. 15 minutes from time, he released himself inside the box with an innocuous flick. He brought the ball back onto his left foot, and tucked it past Kirkland. After that, Wigan has spells of pressure, but the Liverpool defenders were up to the task. In injury time, Aghahowa had a great chance to grab a point for Wigan, but when Koumas, their best player, sent in a beautiful ball over Hyppia, he headed the ball just wide.

Reading 2-4 Liverpool

The match ended with a scoreline of 2-4 in Liverpool's favour. While the starting lineup seems to send out the signal that Rafa prioritizes the Carling Cup over the Premier League, he did say not playing Torres was tactical as he was unlikely to get space against Birmingham, but he showed why he should be played every match. He was a notch over the other strikers in the twenty minutes against Birmingham, and today he was excellent as well. Well, roll on Wigan, and I hope this match buoyed the team's confidence somewhat.

The match started with Reading dominating the half, while Liverpool managed to score after a bit of skill by Benayoun. He touched the ball past one Reading player before making his way towards the goal, evading another defender before shooting past the outstretched arm of Federici. Convey equalized with a great shot that left Itandje with no chance, shooting first time after a clearance from a corner. The half ended 1-1 after Reading had been the better side, and Liverpool emerged in the second half with a performance much better than before.

Five minutes after the restart, Torres was put through by Sebastian Leto, who had a decent performance on the left wing as well. He held off his marker and rolled the ball into the bottom corner, keeper nowhere near the ball. He sent Liverpool back into the lead, but Reading equalized once more after poor defending from a corner allowed Halls a few stabs at the ball, and he netted with his second attempt after the initial effort was blocked by Aurelio. Riise and Gerrard then came on for Aurelio and Crouch respectively, and Riise ran down the left before cutting the ball back to Torres, who finished superbly, drilling past Federici into the top corner. He capped his performance with a hat trick when he was sent clear once more, and rounded the keeper to score. That would be his first hat trick for Liverpool, the first of many to come, hopefully.

Apart from that, Leto and Leiva had lively games, while Hobbs did get on for about five minutes at the end, the 19-year-old reserve captain getting a short taste of a real match, and Aurelio looks close to match fitness once more. A good win, although defending was shaky at times, but apart from that, on to the fourth round of the Carling Cup, and Wigan in the league this weekend!

Liverpool 0-0 Birmingham

It was yet another lacklustre and disappointing performance by Liverpool, being held at home by a stubborn Birmingham side that have proven to be a bogey team against Liverpool in the Premier League. Although Liverpool kept possession much better when compared to the one all draw against Porto, they lacked the cutting edge in the final third, and were unable to create many chances against a Birmingham side that came looking for a draw. A point from Anfield would already be a massive result for them, and they did get it in the end.

Defenders Ridgewell and Quedrue were playing extremely well at that night, limiting Kuyt and Voronin as well as Pennant and Babel whenever they were on the right. They frustrated the Liverpool attackers, and the strikers and wingers could not find a way past the tight defense. They rarely threatened in the first half except for a few long range efforts by John Arne Riise, both wide of the target.

Liverpool improved slightly in the second half, but a determined Birmingham side prevented them from scoring any goals, thoroughly frustrating all members of the Liverpool team. Voronin intercepted a poor pass by the defense, but failed to capitalize as his shot was palmed away by Taylor, who retrieved it even after the save. Torres and Crouch came on for Babel and Voronin respectively, and looked to find the opening goal and three points. Torres looked bright when he came on, certainly a notch over the rest of the players. He launched himself into a bicycle kick, and his attempt went narrowly over the crossbar. A flick-on played Crouch through, but the striker hesitated and was tackled. Apart from that, Gerrard had a tame effort from a corner kicked off the line.

Crouch missed a header near the end of the match, mistiming his jump such that his headed effort flew harmlessly over the bar. That summed up a poor performance by Liverpool on that night, and they dropped another two valuable points, allowing the rest of the title rivals to gain ground on them.

Porto 1-1 Liverpool

It was a poor performance by Liverpool after their goalless draw against Portsmouth last Saturday. The match was a difficult away tie to Porto, a strong side, and they showed their quality against Liverpool while not even being at their best form so far, which just goes to show how poorly the Reds performed. A draw is a respectable result for a match at Porto, and the point is valuable. However, the performance was terrible, and Porto deserved all three points.

The game started off with Porto immediately taking it into control and dominating Liverpool for the first ten minutes. Within that time, Hyypia's lack of pace allowed the Porto striker to get into the area, forcing Reina to close him down. He played for the penalty, kicking the ball beyond both players' reach and allowing Reina to take him down. The penalty was coolly sent down the middle, Reina having dived a split second too early. The goalkeeper's frustration was evident as he smashed the ball back into the net. It was a penalty he could have saved, although it seemed like Porto had done their research on Reina and knew that he dives early.

Thankfully, Liverpool soon equalized with their first real attack. Finnan swung the free kick towards the far post, where Hyypia nodded it back into the danger area for Kuyt to finish with a close range header that left the keeper with no chance. It was a lucky break for Liverpool, equalizing with their first chance at goal. After both sides' goals, the match turned back in Porto's favour as they dominated the half. Liverpool were struggling to put together a short string of passes even, and Porto used their wingers to attack the slow Liverpool defenders.

In the second half, Liverpool upped their game slightly, but Porto still found themselves with the better opportunities. Quaresma showed some of his skills and fancy flicks, but to no real end product. Porto's best chance came when Reina punched the ball to a player just outside the penalty box. Reina rushed out, and managed to deflect the strike with his shoulder, taking the sting out of the shot for Hyypia to clear from in front of the goal. Just before the hour, Pennant received a second yellow card for a reckless tackle, one that was absolutely uncalled for, the ball having gone out of play already. The remaining thirty minutes Liverpool hung in there, and Aurelio's brief touches and delivery looked good for someone who had just returned to match action, and Liverpool can look forward to his delivery once more.

---

News from 20/9/2007: Agger and Alonso have injured their feet, and both are out for four to six weeks. Agger suffered a stress fracture to his second metatarsal while Alonso suffered a stress fracture to his fourth metatarsal. Losing both players is a great loss to Liverpool, for both are important squad members. Agger is especially vital to bringing the ball out of defense rather than the long ball from Hyypia or Carragher, and Alonso dictates the passing and movement from the heart of midfield. This could be a chance for Hobbs and Leiva to prove themselves, and it would be interesting to see them feature at some point in this six weeks.

Portsmouth 0-0 Liverpool

A disappointing lacklustre performance by a decent Liverpool side that should have won. Rafa was caught between international exertions to major players and the Champions League match on Tuesday against Porto. He fielded Alonso and Sissoko in midfield and gave Crouch his first start in the League alongside Andrei Voronin, with Torres on the bench, leaving the hard-working Kuyt out of the squad. This would prove to be a mistake.

Crouch proved to be ineffective quickly into the game as there was not enough service. To his credit, he combined well with Benayoun in the opening exchanges of the match. Long balls were played from defence to exploit Crouch's height advantage. he knocked them down to Benayoun, who on one occasion, unleashed a powerful shot to force David James to make a smart save at his near post. Liverpool had a few more shots after, which was encouraging. Against the run of play, however, it was Pompey who almost broke the deadlock. Arbeloa was judged to have tugged at Kanu's shirt just inside the box, which led to a penalty, which Kanu took. It was only a great dive to his right by Reina that Liverpool were let off the hook. As a result, the two teams went into the break all square.

It was an alright performance but needed improving if Liverpool were to score any goals. It would have been preferred if Rafa had brought on Torres and Gerrard at the interval, but he bade his time. Liverpool struggled to find any rhythm in midfield, although Sissoko made some good tackles. In fact, it was Pompey who had clear-cut chances to kill the game. John Utaka drilled a shot wide from 14 yards. Minutes after, Voronin looped a shot just over the bar. By the 62nd minute, Rafa had seen enough. He brought on Torres, then Gerrard and then Babel for Crouch, Pennant and Alonso respectively. Unfortunately, it was a case of too little, too late. Torres had a half-chance when Gerrard burst through and played him in, but the ball bounced up a little and his left-footed shot went high and wide. Near the end, Voronin was centimetres away from converting a Torres cross, but it was not to be. In the end, you could say that it was a fair result as Pompey had battled hard. Now, Liverpool look forward to Porto's visit at Anfield.

The text below in italics is originally posted by Sweet Silver Song from the RAWK forums.

"OK, being slightly less lazy, I worked out the relevant league games now;

We play;

24 Nov, 2007 Newcastle United Barclays Premier League A
28 Nov, 2007 FC Porto Champions League H
01 Dec, 2007 Bolton Wanderers Barclays Premier League H
08 Dec, 2007 Reading Barclays Premier League A
11 Dec, 2007 Marseille Champions League Group Phase A
15 Dec, 2007 Manchester United Barclays

Win at porto, who effectively are our closest rivals to win the group, then it's almost guaranteed we'd probably only need to draw with them when we play them again at home at the end of November. This would mean that he can afford to play a slightly weakend team in that game, and also the entire Carling Cup team for the Marseille game. Meaning his first choice team Will be fully rested and can play against Man U on the 15th Dec. This gives us the best possible chance of making up the two points we have lost today, and probably more.

It's a deliberate strategy by Rafa. Remember the individual teams agree the particular order of the fixtures before they are played in the group stages. Anyone notice a pattern from last few years? Rafa prefers to start with the most difficult tie he is likely to face in the group. Last season it was PSV away. Season before that it was Betis away. (Yes I know Chelsea was in our group as well, but Rafa is wily enough to know that as long as we finshed ahead of Betis, we were through).

Rafa knows what he's doing. "

QFT.

Interviews with Arbeloa and Mascherano.

Both taken from http://liverpoolfc.tv, the official club website.

20 Questions with Alvaro Arbeloa

How is your English coming along?

It's better than it was last season but I have a long way to go. I don't have that much confidence speaking in English yet, even though I'm having more lessons this season than I was last year. I have to keep learning and keep doing my best though because at Melwood you have to speak English. Rafa is always on at me to 'speak English', 'speak English'!

Who are your best friends at the club?

I have a lot of friends at Anfield but am probably closest to Mascherano, Benayoun and Paletta, even though he's gone now. Sometimes we get together away from football, but it's far more traditional to go out with teammates in Spain than it is over here.

Who is the funniest player in the dressing room?

That's easy – Jermaine Pennant. He is always making jokes or singing or dancing.

Why have you changed your squad number from 2 to 17?

Because 17 has always been my number. It was the number I wore when I was captain of Castilla and also when I was at Depor. When I came to Liverpool Craig Bellamy wore that shirt so I couldn't have it, so when he left I asked if I could switch numbers and thankfully it was possible.

What music do you like?

I like Latino music mostly, like Shakira. Now that I'm in Liverpool I have to say I quite like the Beatles, but my dad is a much bigger fan of them than me.

Who has been the biggest influence on your career?

A lot of people have helped me to get where I am today. I owe a lot to my parents and my two brothers as well as my girlfriend. The most important thing in anybody's life is always their family. It's quite difficult for my family having me in another country but they are happy that I am doing well at a big club like Liverpool.

What are Liverpool's chances of winning the league this year?

I think we have a good chance but it's going to be very difficult. We have a good team and a big squad so we can definitely compete with the other sides. At the moment we are just taking things game to game and if we're still in with a chance with five or ten games to go then we might be able to start talking about winning the Premier League.

How comfortable have you felt playing at left back for the team?

I feel good in that position and think that I'm playing better with each game. I'd only ever played there for a couple of games so I'm having to learn quickly. I played in Spain at centre back but my favourite position is at right back. Just getting into the Liverpool team is a big enough challenge so I don't mind where the boss asks me to play.

How pleased were you with your performance against Lionel Messi at Barcelona last season?

It was very difficult because Messi is a big player in their team and it was obviously going to be hard to play against him, especially in an unfamiliar position in my first game for the club. I was very happy with the way the whole night went. I was pleased with my performance and of course the result was fantastic for everyone at the club.

Do you have any pre-match superstitions?

Not really. I probably do the same things before every game but it's nothing to do with superstition, it's more a habit.

Do you understand Scousers yet?

Not at all. I haven't a clue what people are saying some of the time. It's very difficult to understand some of the players, particularly Stevie and Carra. I'm sure it'll get easier for me in time, but it is a big struggle at the moment.

What do you do when you're not playing football?

I enjoy spending time with my girlfriend. Sometimes I will play on my PlayStation 3 as well. In Spain it was always good fun to play 'Paddle' – a game which is a mixture of tennis, squash and racquet-ball. It's not so well known over here.

How have you found adapting to the Premier League and how does the football here compare to La Liga?

It's very different in many ways. The Premier League is much more physical and the referee doesn't seem to give as many fouls as in Spain. I think I have settled in well considering I've only been here for a short time. The more I play the better I will become.

What do you miss most about life in Spain and what is the best thing about living in England?

Obviously I miss my family. I'm sure they are pleased for me that I am doing well in this country but it can be tough being away from them. Also over here places close much earlier than they do in Spain which can take a bit of getting used to. I am enjoying living in England though, especially as the football side is going well.

How did you feel when you heard Rafa wanted to sign you?

I was very surprised but very happy. It was always very important for me at some stage in my career to play for one of the biggest clubs and have the chance to play Champions League football. I've always liked English football and when Rafa arrived here there was a big interest in Liverpool from Spain and so naturally they were a club we all kept an eye on. From my point of view, it was an honour to be asked to come here.

Who will be the most influential player for the team this year?

Steven Gerrard because he is our best player. He was a player I always knew about because he is such a big name, but it's only when you work with him every day in training that you see how good he really is.

Have you always been a defender?

Yes, always. When I was much younger - maybe eight or nine years of age - I had a go as a striker but I was always much better at the back.

Who was your idol when you were growing up?

Zinedine Zidane, simply because he's one of the best players to ever play the game. He was a joy to watch. I don't quite have his skills myself, but that doesn't mean you can't appreciate someone of such talent.

Which three words best describe Liverpool FC?

Supporters, Anfield and history are the three which first come into my mind. The fans are the best and when they sing 'You'll Never Walk Alone' it's an amazing sound. The stadium is incredible because the supporters are able to create such a great atmosphere and, of course, the history and tradition of the club speaks for itself.

How keen are you to play for Spain?

Everyone wants to play for their country and I'm no different. I'd like it to happen one day, but whether it does or not I don't know.

Javier Mascherano: The Big Interview

We last spoke in February when you first arrived on Merseyside. How pleased are you when you look back on the last six months?

I'm very happy. I got to play in a lot of games for Liverpool last season, and important games too. I played in a Champions League final - amazing. Also the semi-final against Chelsea, that was special. It all happened so quickly for me, so yes, I'm very pleased. Things couldn't have gone better.

Quite a turnaround from the way things were going at West Ham?
Yes. I think this is because the manager has confidence in me - very important. Rafa has helped me a lot. I was not playing at West Ham, but he came to London and he told me I could play for Liverpool, told me I could play in a good team. He said he needed me. When you are not getting a game for West Ham and the Liverpool manager is talking about you, you can't believe it. It is for this reason I am very happy here.

And you can talk with him in Spanish – that must help?

I arrived at West Ham and was in another country with another language and a different culture. It's a lot easier here because the manager is Spanish. I can talk with him, though not a lot because he likes to speak English. The lessons are going well, but I find that here in Liverpool the people are hard to understand. Scousers - it's very difficult.

Which players helped you settle in?

All my new teammates were great with me, helping me adapt to this new life here at another club. Up until a week or two ago I did everything with Gabby Paletta. I was with him all the time, but now I talk a lot with Sebastian Leto and also Alvaro Arbeloa. All the players at Liverpool are good, the atmosphere is great. You can talk to anyone.

So, you've been at the club a few months, your time in England hasn't been all that great, and all of a sudden you're playing in a Champions League final. Were you having to pinch yourself?

I couldn't believe what was happening. In six months at West Ham I'd played five or six games. It was very difficult for me to even go to training everyday, because I knew no matter what I would never play. The situation was very difficult. Then when I arrived here I still thought it was going to be very difficult for me to play, because Liverpool were one of the biggest clubs in the world and they already had Momo Sissoko, Steven Gerrard and Xabi Alonso in the midfield. When I got my opportunity, all I could do was try to do my best, but it was easier because I knew the people here rated me.

And you got the fans on side pretty much straight away. Now they sing that we've got the best midfield in the world. Can you sing it?

[Laughs] No, but I know the words – the one about Momo Sissoko, Xabi Alonso, Gerrard and Mascherano. I can hear them sing it and it makes me feel good. Like you said, I've been here just six months, so to have the fans sing my name already is just great. The Liverpool fans are fantastic – I have never seen anything like them at Anfield. No other fans sing like them, it's incredible.

Having the best midfield in the world means you sometimes have to sit out – how does it feel when you're sat on the bench?

Everybody wants to play football, but Liverpool have two players in every position. This is needed because we have four competitions to play in and we want to win them all. If this means I have to go to the bench sometimes, that's not important. What is important is that when I play, I have to play really good. The manager has to know I can do well when he needs me.

You mention there's two players in each position. Your direct rival as a sitting midfielder, if you like, is Xabi Alonso. Not an easy man to get out of the team, is he?

He is fantastic. I see that every day in training. I think he is one of the best midfielders in the world. The passes and the class – really good.

Then there's Lucas Leiva. He's arrived from Brazil but the Liverpool fans haven't seen a lot of him yet. How good can he be?
I played against him in Brazil when he was with Gremio and I was at Corinthians. He gave me a tough game, so I know he is a really good player. But when you arrive in another country you have new teammates and you have to learn a language. Maybe you have to play in a different way, so you need time.

One of your fellow midfielders, Momo Sissoko, got his first Liverpool goal a week ago. What were you thinking when that went in? How long are we going to have to wait for your first strike?

It was fantastic. He is a really good person, and a big man. As for me, maybe I haven't got a goal, but I've never scored many throughout my career. It would be fantastic to score for Liverpool but sometimes it's hard from my position. I will try but I don't know if I can do it.

You got a couple of goals this summer in the Copa America, but like the Champions League, that ended in defeat in the final. How has that affected you?

To big involved in two great finals and not win one, it's very disappointing. The Champions League final is the dream for any player, and the Copa America is very important for my country. I was very disappointed - I am very disappointed.

Do these disappointments make you more determined to win things with Liverpool this year?

I don't know if it makes me more determined. When you lose in football, you can't turn back time and change anything. All I can look at is the four trophies Liverpool can win. I think this season we can win any trophy we are in, because we have a very good squad and have made a good start.

I want to talk to you about life at Melwood. In any squad you get vocal players and those who are quiet. Where do you fit in?

I'm quiet, very much so. Everyone is like that here really. I like it in this city because it's relaxed and quiet. Life is good in Liverpool. I don't go out too much. My life is at home playing with my daughter.

Who are the more vocal members of the squad?

Carra is talking and Jermaine Pennant is always happy. He is very funny.

Do your teammates have a nickname for you?

I don't have one. Arbeloa has one: we call him 'Vareta Fly'. I don't know why, I think that's just what they call him in Spain. We call John Riise 'Ginger' [Laughs].

Does he not mind?

[Still laughing] No, no. Everyone shouts 'Ginger, Ginger', I don't know what he thinks!

Which of your teammates do you have in your mobile phone?

Arbeloa, Leto and Yossi Benayoun. Yossi is my friend because we were at West Ham together for six months, and he helped me a lot there. I think that's it.

Is there anyone in training you don't look forward to tackling?

Sometimes, but training isn't really like that. You don't want to injure anyone. You work so hard running and doing weights, but when you play football 11 against 11, or seven on seven, you are not tackling hard.

Okay, finally, pick your LFC five-a-side team?

Stevie Gerrard, Pepe, Carra, Xabi and Dirk Kuyt. Dirk is fantastic, I like him. He works very hard in every game and every training session. He has class and is technically good – a fantastic player, for me.

You're not including yourself?

[Laughs] No, no way.