Liverpool

April 23, 2009 by D-Dub

Tuesday, April 21^st

The Premiership (EPL):

What it is: England’s topflight, domestic, club football (soccer) league.

Arsenal v. Liverpool: Goals Galore

If any of you enjoy lots of goals in football matches, as I do, then you’d have loved Tuesday’s clash between Liverpool and Arsenal. It was a terrific game, a real cracker.

After Andre Arshavin’s lone first half goal in the 36^th minute put Arsenal ahead, things settled down with Liverpool having several close but unsuccessful first half opportunities.

It was in the second half, however, when the two teams exploded for a combined seven goals. Liverpool scored on a sweet header from Spanish wunderkind, Fernando Torres, in the 49^th minute and an outstanding hustle goal by, Israeli, Yossi Benayoun in the 56^th putting Liverpool up 2-1.

Miscommunication and sloppy play between Liverpool defenders Jamie Carragher and Alvaro Arbeloa gifted Arshavin another opportunity in the 67^th, and the talented Russian made Liverpool pay. Score: 2-2.

More sloppy defensive play from Liverpool in the 70^th minute saw Arshavin score his third goal after Arbeloa played a left-wing cross straight to Arshavin 10 yards from goal. The Russian made his hat-trick as he drilled the shot under Liverpool keeper, Pepe Reina. Arsenal leads 3-2.

Remarkably, Liverpool was level again two minutes later when Torres fired a low shot past Arsenal keeper, Fabianski. Score: 3-3.

Most thought Arsenal surely secured the game when Theo Walcott’s pace on the counterattack played Arshavin in for his fourth goal. You read that correctly: four goals. Remarkable! Arshavin 4, Liverpool 3.

Astonishingly, Benayoun pushed in an equalizer at the death to salvage the tie for Liverpool. Final score: 4-4.

Commentary:

Several things stand out in this game, most notably Arshavin’s four goals, an impressive scoring display by the young Russian. Unfortunately, Arshavin is cup tied and unavailable to play for Arsenal as they move into the semifinals of the Champions League, the competition between the best teams from each of Europe’s top domestic leagues.

Liverpool scores at least four goals for the seventh time this year, including four goals in six of their last nine games. Liverpool currently leads the Premier League with 63 goals scored this season. It’s nice to see The Reds scoring goals in bunches for a change.

Liverpool’s slim chances of overtaking Manchester United as the Premiership’s top dog became even more stretched following the tie with Arsenal. While the single point from the tie with Arsenal puts Liverpool top of the table by one point, this perch should be short-lived. United is a single point behind Liverpool with two games in hand. Barring a surprising collapse from United, the domestic league championship is now United’s to lose.

Chelsea Versus Liverpool What A Classic

April 15, 2009 by D-Dub

UEFA Champions League
Home and home competition between Europe’s top football (soccer) clubs from each of Europe’s top domestic leagues: England, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Germany, etc.

Purpose: Determine Europe’s top club team.

Tuesday night’s return leg between Chelsea and Liverpool was a cracker of a game. Chelsea held a significant advantage heading into Tuesday night’s clash at Stamford Bridge after scoring three away goals at Anfield a week ago. Chelsea up 3-1 on aggregate had scored three away goals placing them in a dominant position. Liverpool had significant work to do if they were to overcome Chelsea’s 3-1 aggregate and two away goal advantage. The fireworks to come surprised and delighted everyone.

Liverpool, trailing 3-1 from the first leg at Anfield, stunned Chelsea with two first-half goals from Fabio Aurelio and Xabi Alonso. The score now tied 3-3 on aggregate, still favored Chelsea due to the Blues 3 away goals at Anfield. Nevertheless, things were just getting started.

Three consecutive Chelsea goals in the second half from Alex, Drogba and Lampard put Chelsea in the catbird seat, leading 6-3 on aggregate and away goals. However, this amazing match took another twist when Liverpool scored twice through Lucas and Dirk Kuyt to leave them a single goal away from an unthinkable victory.

Liverpool continued to apply pressure; however, an 89th minute Chelsea goal from Frank Lampard secured the victory for Chelsea. Match score 4-4 on the night, but Chelsea goes through to the semifinals based on the 7-5 aggregate score line.

What an amazing game. For those of us who follow European football, it was a joy to see such a free flowing offensive exhibition. This is what true football is about. No stifling defensive tactics deployed here. Coaches Rafael Benitez and Guus Hiddink seemed content for the game to be a wide open affair. Kudos to the coaches.

If only all coaches and teams adopted this philosophy, perhaps football (soccer) could garner the popularity in the US it rightfully deserves.

Next up for Chelsea in the semifinals is Barcelona, Europe’s top club team in my humble opinion. I’m picking Barcelona to win the whole shebang, so Chelsea should savor tonight’s great victory. Chelsea’s Champion’s League campaign will soon end at the hands of the eventual champions, Barcelona.

Liverpool and Arsenal Explode

Chelsea Versus Liverpool What A Classic