micmij

1. Arbeloa 2. Pennant 3. Mascherano

1. Pennant 2. Sissoko 3. Torres

1. Gerrard 2. Pennant 3. Arbeloa

Yeah, but we would have won it without Carra!

Didn't he come 2nd or 3rd on the Man of the Match tally that morsest1 keeps? I'd say that's a pretty decent indicator of his performances over the whole of last season. Mascherano is a good little player but Alonso, more than any other player in the Liverpool squad, influences the way we play. I may see the game differently to other people but whenever I hear people criticize him for being too slow, too weak, going missing, I just don't get it. In fact, there were some games last season where he was trying to carry the side on his own. Sure, his passing was a little off against Villa, especially when trying some longer passes, but the rest of his game was spot on. We controlled the centre of the park despite Villa playing 3 there! (Edit: spelling)

1. Gerrard 2. Kuyt 3. Torres

To call Graham Arnold a 'coach' is probably about right (i.e. he might be able to get players fit, but he knows f*** all about managing). The quicker he's replaced the better! Anyway, Harry (penalty miss apart) looked good again and was able to shake off a couple of knocks to play 60 minutes. From what I've heard the plan was always for him to link up with the Liverpool team when they arrived in South East Asia.

He was dropped, but I think Arnold realised that he'd make a more positive contribution coming on for the last half hour rather than playing the whole game. He looks trimmer, but he's still lacking match fitness and wasn't able to make a real impact in those first 2 games. Looked a lot more lively last night.

Yep, always seemed like one of the good guys and had the perfect send-off from the club. Every time I think about the story of him walking around Anfield for the last time it puts a lump in my throat.

Second Sounds like Torres has the right attitude - can't wait to see him in action!

He was supposed to be loaned to Sydney FC until the end of the next A-League season (finishes Feb/March 08), but it was announced last week that he had been de-registered by Sydney FC as Liverpool wanted him now. He's only 17, though, so I don't think he's being looked at to be first choice for the reserves or anything.

I read something when Harry was back in Australia a few weeks back that indicated that he feels like he owes Liverpool, and particularly Rafa (appears to really respect Rafa), after all his injury problems. He said that he's looking at this as the start of his career again and that he has a lot to prove. Also, indicated that he was really happy at Liverpool. If he can get back to his best and deserves another contract I doubt he'll be going anywhere. If he can't, though....

I'd go with BS! Surely Mascherano would know what's going on, wouldn't he? Wasn't he saying something along the lines of, "It would be great to play with Carlos again", and that he would be a great addition to Liverpool, but that he'd never tell Rafa what to do? This was just in the last week or so when Argentina were in camp for the Copa America. Doesn't sound like someone who's leaving soon.

Not sure if 'always' is applicable - the media here (in Australia) are constantly on his back for pulling out of internationals. I think I heard last night was his 24th cap, which doesn't translate to too many games considering he made his debut in 1996 (an average of 2 internationals a season since his debut). Don't worry about Harry, he wouldn't be at the Asian Cup if Liverpool weren't happy for him to be there.... A few points about his performance: 1. Looked fit and slim 2. Showed great pace to get past the central defender for his goal 3. Good pace and inch-perfect cross for Viduka's second 4. Gave opponent an ear-bashing when he clumsily ran into him (Kewell) - obviously doesn't want to pick up a needless injury! It'll be interesting to see how he is used at the Asian Cup. Australia are favourites for the tournament and shouldn't really need to pull out the big guns for the group stage. On top of that Australia has been doing quite well without Kewell in the lineup since the World Cup, so I'd guess that he'd be used as a substitute late in games (especially when considering his injury situation).

Is Garcia a 'star' player in the sense that you're talking about? What about Pennant and Gonzales? They're hardly grafters. What about Aimar back at Valencia (I suppose Rafa may not have actually signed him)? I think he's a man that has had to work within the financial limitations that have been placed upon him. He's had to think about improving the squad within those constraints and we have learnt over the last few months that he's missed out on a number of his targets. Still perhaps not the 'star' players that we're all dreaming of but that was before the investment. I'd be very surprised if we didn't get a couple of 'edge of the seat' signings. Not that I know anything....

I wouldn't be surprised in the slightest if Voronin ended up on loan somewhere, especially if the right players become available.

Two things - 1. Arbeloa is ace, especially the way he celebrates our goals - makes a real effort to get in on the action! 2. We need to pony up for more own goals.

Thought Aurelio had his best game for us - did very well defensively against some tricky opponents, and got forward at every opportunity. Him and Riise worked well together. Can't pick 3, though!

Have to say I agree - and I'm an Aussie!

So it comes full circle! If we don't sell Warnock to Blackburn then Neill doesn't get his dream move to West Ham - wonder what Rafa will do?

Just wondering why no-one else but the Times are reporting this? I would have thought that once his agent made the quote that it would be all over the wires - especially here in Australia!

Wouldn't surprise me, but I'd say the summer is more likely for him. Can't imagine that he'd want to leave mid-season with Seville doing so well....

Exactly! The floated corner to the edge of the box is just training ground w*****y....

Terry, too? No way!