Merseyside Derby Semi-Final

Well after a terrible performance from the Sunderland side, Everton go through to Wembley for a Merseyside Derby Semi-Final.

After the first half goal from Jelavic, set up by Magaye, Sunderland were hopes were still in sight to at least level but it was the Toffees that pushed forward and made more chances. Sunderland seemed to wane in and out of the game as they gave the ball away far too many times. There was a lack of fire in the way they played. It didn't seem like Sunderland wanted to win.

A second half substitution of Kyrgiakos off for Vaughan was meant to be a sign of more offensive power but it was Vaughan who ended up netting for the Blues as he turned in a shot from Jelavic.

Vaughan tried to clear it with his left only for him to knock it into his right foot which sweeped across to knock it into his own net.

In the other game, Tottenham won 3-1 against Bolton. After the first was abandoned with the collapse of Muamba.

So the Semi-Finals for the FA-Cup is as follows:

Tottenham vs. Chelsea

Liverpool vs. Everton

Everton may have played more Semi's than most teams but results have not been great for them, although the last time Liverpool played the Toffees in a Semi final, Liverpool were forced into a repeat after a 2-2 draw in the first leg only for Liverpool to win the second with a magnificant 3-0 finish back in 1977. Liverpool have already beaten their Derby Rivals twice this season getting the double after the first was won with a goal from Suarez and Carroll, while the Anfield game saw Gerrard score a hat-trick in for a 3-0 win not too long ago.

With the game played at Wembley, will this be the game to see at Liverpool make it their second trip to Wembley having won the Carling Cup.

Dalglish has already spoken of the change in his game philosophy as the last two games saw Liverpool lose against bottom of the table clubs QPR and Wigan.

The introduction of the younger plays has shown potential in the Melwood Academy, hopefuls such as Sterling, Robinson, Flanagan, all of which hope to be the next Gerrard or Carragher.

It has been a while since such brilliant starlets have come out of Melwood, is this the start of a group of new legs to help carry Liverpool into the future.

Newcastle play host to Liverpool as they hope to creep closer to finishing in a position that reflects their true abilities. Against a very strong side that has been a real thorn in all the top teams sides, the Magpies are looking at stealing fifth from the top teams.

Bellamy is still out along with Agger. But with a weeks rest before the game, we'll see what the Reds can really do.

I Hate My Gut Feeling

I've said this before, and I'll say it again. Never underestimate a team fighting against relegation. I had a bad feeling about this game, a gut feeling if you will, with QPR having home advantage. It turns out I was right to worry, after QPR fought back from 2-0 to steal three points in added time 3-2.


The first performance made the worries subside for a little while. Liverpool gaining much of the possession with nifty footwork and quick one-touch passing that cut through the QPR defence. Great style, but no substance at the final third with Liverpool unable to finish in the first half. Despite corner after corner, nobody was able to get their head on the ball. Seven corners in the first fifteen minutes should lead to one goal in any match from the Premiership.


There were certainly plus-points. Downing was a threat with a chance on the left side that went just wide. The teamwork by Downing, Gerrard and Suarez saw numerous chances created for Suarez, who on another day would have added to his goal tally. Once again however, it was poor finishing that let the team down.


In the second half it began much the same, with Liverpool controlling the match. With Coates on for an injured Kelly, it brought an unlikely debut goal that will certainly challenge for goal of the month. A corner led to a shot deflecting off a QPR player saw the sub take a step, prepare and perform a side bicycle kick into the top of the net.


Kuyt would then double the tally with a barrage of attacks on the QPR goal. Suarez rattling the post, shortly followed by Henderson forcing a save from Kenny, before Kuyt poaching on the rebound with a typical two-yard finish from the Dutchman.


QPR's men were able to hold onto their stamina by defending extremely well and with their strike force, doing little as Liverpool held onto most of the possession in the first half. In the second half however, QPR became the hungry pack of wolves that needed goals to keep their hopes alive in staying in the Premier League and as soon as Mackie was brought on, the fans got behind them and all hell broke loose.
Joey Barton, an ill-faired player at QPR, as it seemed at Loftus Road tonight, was soon replaced by Mackie who acted as an impact sub and what an impact he made. As soon as he came on, not only the fans but the players were suddenly rejuvenated and life came back to the Hoops ground and they began attacking harder and faster against a Liverpool side that seemed to be out of steam.
Reorganising from Mark Hughes saw QPR receiving a corner and the most was made from it as Derry squeezed in-between Carragher and Henderson, to knock the ball in to the top left-hand corner.


Another onslaught came as QPR rushed to grab hold of the ball, with a Liverpool side playing too cautiously which became their downfall. QPR's men were able to win a corner, and yet again, Liverpool's defence was all over the play allowing Cisse to score while receiving a cramp at the same time.
A slip up from Enrique while trying to clear a ball, after stunning game from the defender, allowed Mackie to go one on one with the the Liverpool Stopper and put away the game.


Liverpool's efforts were all but stopped by the QPR's solid defence as the Kop Army were unable to continue their vicious attacks and beautiful play. The stamina of the team ran out half way through the game with a last push for the second goal got them back. However with no strength in their legs, the Liverpool side fell apart, mentally and physically.


Mistakes were made in the Liverpool defence which started off in the season as a brilliant line of men. Skrtel's mistake of positioning allowed Cisse to move around him to get the second. The communication between Henderson and Carragher was off allowing Derry to connect on the corner kick.


Corners seem to have been a flaw in Liverpool's games as of late, with the number of chances at Wembley and this one shows the work that needs to be done both defensively and offensively.


A well earned win for QPR and a disappointing game from some beautifully played football by Liverpool but there is proof of better passing throughout the team, better communication however there is still no fine finishes.


People seem to have different views on Carroll coming on for Suarez, very little would have been done had Suarez came on as he was not on defensive duties.
However had Carroll been on sooner in the game, there could have been a different score line. As much as I do criticise Carroll, his role in the box is still important for corners. He acts as not just a target for the kicker but also a distraction for the other players available in the box. He takes the attention off the other players, Skrtel, Kuyt and Coates/Kelly would have had a better chance on those balls had they had other people in the box who were able to get their heads on it.


Coates can happily say, his goal goes down as goal of the month by far, it is a shame it did not accompany a win but there is something even Alan Hansen wouldn't be able to say he could do.
A bright young star in the making and having worked along side Suarez, a beautiful team up is sure to come just around the corner.


All is not lost for Liverpool, as it is being the only team who has picked up any silverware. The title race is still between the Mancunians with City trailing by one, the Manchester derby will be the deciding match so only 1 team will be able to take home a cup as both were taken out of the Europa League. The only team left with a chance are those in the FA Cup and Chelsea who have a chance still in the Champions League.
They are up for some tough competition as the chance of a Merseyside Derby becomes possible, the Toffees will want revenge over the Derby double for the Reds but we shouldn't rule out Sunderland who have already beaten Liverpool at the Stadium of Light and held the Reds to a one-all draw at Anfield, they will be wanting to win against both Merseyside's to prove their ability.




With this defeat, Liverpool's hopes of getting 4th place seems shattered as even Newcastle are now 5 points ahead, Swansea just on their tail with 3 point difference. Liverpool have got to step up their game if they want to stay in the top half of the league in a respectable position.

Suarez Says Stay!

Paris St Germain seems to be trying to buy everyone as of late, there were rumours of Henry (while he was back at Arsenal), Van Persie (Arsenal), Higuan (Barcelona) and now Suarez.

Well simply put, after the all the media about his time at Anfield, he has released statements on Facebook and Twitter of his stay at Merseyside and having no intention of moving anywhere.

Suarez served an eight match ban following the racial remarks made towards Patrice Evra during a clash of rivalry between Manchester United and Liverpool and Anfield.

After the eight match ban, Suarez returned only to play the Red Devils at Old Trafford where he refused to shake Evra's hand. He publicly apologised and we move on.

However there were speculations as to whether he was happy in England suffering all the criticism and it is at this point, PSG offered him a way out of England. Playing on the media and what they heard, they believed to be giving Suarez a back door out of Liverpool and the Premier League to play for PSG.

PSG is a leading top-flight team in the French Ligue 1, where they currently stand at the top with 57 points, two points ahead of Montpellier Herault SC. Their team has some truly strong players such as their Brazilian midfielder, Nene, their current top scorer who is on 13 goals this season. Their strike force of Gameiro and Hoarau have a collective tally of 16 with a very offensive defence line who have scored at least a goal each this season.

But what team wouldn't always be on the look out for the best and Suarez is undoubtedly one of the best in the Premier League. Although with his 8 match ban, it was impossible to show what he was really capable of. With him back, he has been a threat to any and every defence, working along side Carroll who, despite playing more games has yet to score as many. His pace and accuracy to squeeze the ball into the smallest gaps to find the net puts him on many peoples top-player list also his footwork gives life to the game and makes the beautiful game ever more so.

His link ups with the Skipper proved deadly in the Merseyside Derby as he set-up Gerrard to get him his hat-trick and was a real threat throughout.

Suarez has spoken out in an interview of his love for Liverpool, how his family are happy in Liverpool and fully intends to honour his contract.

Liverpool have already spoken of extending that contract even further than the year 2016 he has signed for.

Next Game sees Liverpool go up against QPR who are struggling at the bottom but with the desire to stay in the premier league fuelling them, we shall see whether the Reds can take the battle to the enemy at Loftus Road.

Are you a C-Cup or an FA-Cup or both?

Apologise for the drought of blogging, but I'm back and after a brilliant Merseyside derby, we return to difficult FA Cup game against Stoke.

Well we finally see a return for Maxi who has finally been picked over Henderson, a character who was difficult to place on the pitch but did this really make a difference? This game also saw the return of Peter Crouch and Pennant.

First half was difficult to make out who was doing better, who was making the right moves as it started very messy from both teams. The sun was difficult to deal with making trouble with balls in the air causing issues between players.But after Liverpool finally find their feet, a little touch from Suarez onto Maxi who plays a first touch back to Suarez who makes the run and holds his composure to strike a brilliant shot into the bottom right-hand corner.

But this did not deter the Stoke players from moving forward and attacking.

With the striking force still full of energy, Crouch made his way up forward and became very threatening on the ball and in the air of which he made the most of to give Stoke the equaliser.

A corner from one side saw the ball knocked out of play which should have been a goal kick to Liverpool but the referee then decided against it and gave Stoke a second corner. This time, they make the most of it as Liverpool do not bring enough men back to defend properly and we see Crouch take advantage of the freedom.

Saying so, Reina's positioning as a goal keeper was spending too much time pressuring Shotton  and losing concentration on the ball giving the goal away.

Walters chance towards the end of the game seemed to be the only chance Stoke really had at getting a second but it was a poor shot as Walter fires it wide.

Start to the second half we see the sun go down for the Stoke team but with the Kop behind them, Liverpool were not about to let Stoke go ahead.

Liverpool get there act together for the second half and play brilliantly to keep possession and put much more pressure. All that was not to waste as a lovely play between Gerrard and Downing who was left with ample amount of space to run forward. A little help from the Skipper to play a ball for Downing to run forward and as he takes his time and knows he should take a shot and we see what Downing is truly capable of as he finishes with a beautiful strike to see Liverpool ahead.

Suarez close shave again as a corner came in but goes just slightly wide of the far post.

With all the pressure, it seemed Stoke was beginning to lose hope but the last minutes of pressure came as Liverpool try to keep hold of the ball only attacking during breakaways.

A wasted free kick just outside the box for Stoke as they take it short but with the slow movement, Spearing was able to close in quickly to cover the ball.

Both Kelly and Suarez were taken off at the same time as they both receive injuries. Kelly from a close chance for a goal while Suarez was stepped on by Shawcross was seen stepping on Suarez's foot though it does not seem to be in any malicious manner. Coates and Henderson were made to come on to replace the injured.

In the end a last minute corner was not enough and a couple of long throws from Delap was easily handled by Reina and cleared as Liverpool hold their one goal lead to take themselves into the Semi-Finals of the FA Cup against the winner of the Quarter Final game between Everton and Sunderland which currently are stuck as one a piece.

The other game sees Chelsea, who won convincingly today against Leicester by five goals to two, take on the winner of Tottenham and Bolton, a game which was dismissed  as Muamba suffered a cardiac arrest. Hopefully he recovers and is able to get back onto the field.

Now lets look at the players themselves shall we?

And I am sick and tired of saying this but watching Liverpool play with Carroll is as if they were playing with 10 players and his performance today showed it.

When strikers are needed to drop back to help defend, he seems to forget he has to get back into position as soon as the ball is played back into Liverpool's possession. Every single time he drops back he seems to becomes confused and takes about 5 seconds to realise where he is. The rest of the team are left stranded with one less player to play the ball to, who which is suppose to be the one who is capable of collecting the ball in the air.

Another problem is his lack of pace and the amount of time he spends on the floor. It is absolutely frustrating.

To play a one-two with Suarez seemed to be impossible as he seems to forget he's suppose to continue moving forward.

His positioning was poor as he drifted to the left constantly instead of running into the box where he should be which seemed to confuse Enrique and Downing as to where to make their move. He made some crosses to players that were essentially doing his job.

Also his ability to look up and see those around him is astoundingly bad as he played the ball far too many times back to the defenders when he moves back for the ball.

Spearing's role seemed to require a lot of effort from Gerrard who was playing more of a right back picking up after Spearing. His own chance came when the Captain played him in to take a shot but his shot was over the bar. Though Spearing did well to hold off Crouch as he tried to make his way down the centre.

Maxi Rodriguez did well to move forward and provide after assisting in the first goal but after a long stint of not playing first time, it looks as though Kenny was unsure about where to play him most effectively. He did well to play along side Suarez throughout the game but seemed frustrated to be subbed off for Kuyt.

Gerrard, as ever played a splendid game, though it seemed he had to play all over the place putting quite a bit of strain on him but as ever, played like a legend providing and picking out players.

Kelly did well pressing forward and making his way back into position to fend off any threats but an attempt to assault the back of the net which saw him being injured but with a little more work and he could really become a very threatening defender at the back and up front along side a strong forward.

Skrtel had the real tough holding back Crouch but did it as well as he always does while Enrique was tied up against Walters but Jose came out as the better player as he was able to recover the ball almost every time.

Downing's goal puts him down as my Man of the Match, he continuously put pressure on Stoke's defence as well as providing many chances for the attacking force making it difficult for anyone to speak badly of him.

We'll see soon enough whether this becomes a classic Merseyside Wembley Classic in the Semi-finals of the FA Cup. The next game we see Liverpool travel to Loftus Road to take on QPR. With Newcastle's win over  Norwich means Liverpool are stuck behind them in seventh with 5 points behind.

Liverpool will go up against a team which has lost 4 out of 6 of their last top-flight games though QPR are desperate to stay afloat as a draw or a win would take them out of the relegation zone.

Will their desperation bring forward a team that will take every chance and not waste them or will Liverpool continue this strong form they are having and keep up with Newcastle?