Skillz

Agreed. He was perfect other than his positioning could of been slightly better for both goals. I only say this because he is normally perfect. No way was he at fault though, had a great game and was very assured.

I think it was a pen, but it was a 50/50 in terms that they are often not paid. We didn't have the rub of the green in this tie but over 3 SF against them their has been very little between them all and too expect to have it go our way in all 3 is a bit much, IMO. Of all the 3 I am glad this is the one we lost for a number of reasons but it needs to be said that the ref had a very, very good game considering the size of the game. IMO of course. EDIT: The Babel one was not a pen. Surely I am not alone in thinking this. EDIT 2: I thought the 1st game was a disgrace. Carvalho & Terry (x2) elbowing Torres in the head, nothing and how Terry gets away with kneeing Torres in the back while on the ground and nothing, I repeat nothing being said by anyone.

He's very raw but has a lot of attributes to make him a success. I suspect we will not truly start to see his potential until the second half of next season, perhaps even longer. We should persist though, infact I am certain Rafa has a special program sorted for him this summer designed to fast track his development. He's in good hands, IMO.

Actually, AC Milan would be a good move for Xabi. He would be dominant in Italy IMO.

He was also quoted as saying he "wont be going there" (Real Madrid) just prior to signing for us. He might have a change of heart but I would of thought Barca was the next place for him, perhaps they don't want him?

Pretty sure the banks insisted that the board vote unaminously in favour on loading the debt.

And yet any day is a bad day to talk s*** to TV. Yesterday, today even tomorrow (Thursday). Fact's are that we play Chelsea next week and I could not care one jot for Hicks and Gillett. My advice? Shut the f*** up. We have a trophy to win.

and tomorrow is too close to Chelsea.

Me too. However I sleep at night knowing that Rafa is the one making moves and to me that means we will more than likely win.

Very clever. BTW if you want to tell someone how football works, stick to your owns fans. When it comes to Europe you don't have the experience.

Not sure if it was meant to be bulls***, but it is.

It's not only laughable but so predictable.

I would bet any money in the world that Rafa has that on his wall in his office.

I hope so. This weekend represents a very good opportunity to let these pricks know exactly where they stand.

He would have better inside info than any of us IMO. It's a dilemma cos I trust Rafa, especially when it comes to LFC. I despise Hicks though.

Agree completely.

Good young fit team that had a good run injury wise. Losing it badly now and are in freefall due to injury, fatigue and general softness.

Sorry for quoting this again but for me this is something that needs repeating. Too many supporters are neglecting the amazing achievements of our team in Europe. We are starting to expect success every year in this competition and that shift in mindset is massive, IMO.

Rafa's response or lack there of will be telling.

I felt Reina was about a foot to far to the right. It stood out to me because I can hardly remember Reina being out of position before in this type of scenario. His positioning is brilliant and has been consistently so I am not going to criticise for this 'mistake'. He's class.

I think you are right about the start. I was just thinking out loud really as it does allow us to play all our effective players together. However I feel it will give too much ball to the a*** to be a realistic option. As for Crouch I am sure he would be up for a game like this one but agree that he has put in far too many poor performances this year when given the opportunity.

Anyone else think Rafa might go with 3-5-2/5-3-2 combination to allow all 3 CD play, all of Mash, Xabi & SG play aswell as Crouch and Torres. It would allow us to to defend strongly and break to Crouch with Torres on his shoulder. It would be a big gamble but might catch Arsene off guard. Probably a stupid suggestion and might allow Arsenal to play high up the pitch but it is Rafa. Any one else see this as a possibility?

What makes this even more laughable is that he never specifically mentioned either set of fans. Everton in their 'smallness' just took the bait and have run with it. Again

Skrtel Gerrard Hyypia

Exactly. Rafa has done pretty well this year considering what he has been through, IMO.