Dismal Display At Anfield

The Liverpool-ManUtd match yesterday was a disappointment for United fans. ManUtd lost 0-2 to the "wounded animal" Liverpool who desperately needed a win to overcome their 4 loses in a row crisis.

I drove to the mess to watch the match at 8pm WIB (Waktu Indonesia Barat - west Indonesian time) only to know that the live match will only start at 9pm WIB. The schedule provided by the local newspaper was inaccurate.

After the start of the match, frustrations mounted as Utd struggled to dominate the mid-field area and the first half ended 0-0. Thinking that the second half will turn out to be better for Utd, came the Liverpool goal where Spaniard Fernando Torres (aka El Nino) outpaced out-of-form England and Utd centerback Rio Ferdinand to shoot past keeper Edwin Van Der Sar. 1-0 down, Utd tried to fight back but the introduction of former Liverpool man Michael Owen did not provide Utd much magic that we hoped for. Nemanja Vidic (Utd) and Javier Mascherano (Liv) were both sent off after 2 bookable offences. After added time beyond the 90th minute, Liv scored again and my heart sank.....

After a whole week of taunting and exchanging "fire" with my Liverpool friends on Facebook, I had to swallow the bitter pill. Can't stand my friends keep talking about the "you'll never walk alone" crap (motto of Liverpool), so I called their home site ANT-field instead of Anfield. The "Liver-POO vs. Manure United" rivalry will have to wait till the next match at Old Trafford in 2010. Funny how the people give names to the players and teams of their rivals.... the best is still "ARSE-Shavin" playing for "ARSE-Anal"! (Andrei Arshavin playing for Arsenal)....

The Reds deserved to win at home against a woeful United side yesterday. The win also temporarily delayed the crisis call at Liverpool and their manager Rafa Benitez' job is gonna be safe at least for a few more games. It was also time that Utd lost their 11 game unbeaten streak so that they could bounce back in the next few games esp the tough test at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea on Nov 7, 2009.

I hope this is a blessing in disguise for United as last season they also lost both games to Liverpool but ended up clinching the ultimate prize - being the Champions of the English Premier League!

THE Match Preview - Liverpool vs United (25/10/09)

Many readers do not like to read about my Manchester United posts but tomorrow is a BIG match where Liverpool hosts Manchester United at Anfield.

Liverpool has had a 4 consecutive match losing record coming into tomorrow's game while United (current league leaders) are seeking to avenge their double loss to the reds last season. Liverpool is weakened by the absence of their influential skipper Steven Gerrard while United will be without their star striker Wayne Rooney who is still out injured.

I will need to watch the match at my colleagues place in the company's mess because they have Indovision cable TV (the new EPL match broadcaster). I am sure Liverpool will want to use this opportunity to bounce back with a win over their arch rivals. I am anticipating a 2-2 draw but as a Devil fan I hope former Liverpool star Michael Owen (photo below) will tip the scales with a last gasp goal for United against his former club.

Can't wait for the cracker match tomorrow! Go Red Devils!!!

Heart Break At Anfield

Manchester United took the lead at the 3rd minute through a beautiful pass from Berbatov to Tevez to shock Liverpool at Anfield stadium.

Then came the bizarre own goal from Wes Brown - a deflected shot went across the United goal, keeper Edwin Van De Sar came off his line to palm the ball away, only to see it come off defender Wes Brown to his own net. Football pundits claimed that Van De Sar should not have come out for the ball but I think it was just unlucky of him.

From that time onwards, United played poorly and Liverpool dominated the mid-field, especially after mid-fielder Michael Carrick limped off with an ankle injury and was replaced by Ryan Giggs after half time. United were still playing catching up despite the score being 1-1.

The score was level until Ryan Giggs (the oldest player in the team) made a mistake at the corner line at United's half. He wanted to shield the ball to let it go out of bounds but did not see Liverpool's Mascherano coming from behind to poke away the ball to substitute Ryan Babel, who made no mistake by putting the ball through a couple of United defenders to the top corner of the net. To add insult to injury, United defender Nemanja Vidic was sent off for a second bookable offence - elbowing an opponent during an aeriel duel for the ball.

My prediction of the 2-1 score was correct, except it was Liverpool 2-1 United. I also got one of the scorers correct, Carlos Tevez for United.

To sum it up, it was just an unconvincing display from United. I am especially disappointed at United's new signing Berbatov who just faded away from the game after the first half. The champions United will have a lot to work on before this coming Wednesday's UEFA Champions League group game vs. Villareal (Spain) and next Sunday's game at Stamford Bridge against rivals Chelsea.

I will just go to sleep after venting my frustrations & disappointment on this post!

Big Match Of The Week (Liverpool vs. Man Utd)

The highly anticipated football match between Liverpool & Man Utd will be screened live on Aora TV at 6:40pm today. I have invited 2 colleagues over to have a football-pizza dinner at my place.

Based on recent stats it seems like Liverpool has an inferior record against United despite playing at home.

However, with the Liverpool striker Fernando Torres and mid-field dynamo Steven Gerrard fit again, the Kop (Liverpool's nickname) should provide the Red Devils (Manchester United) a good challenge.

United will also be boosted by the arrival of new signing Dimitar Berbatov and a possible early return of Cristino Ronaldo (top scorer for United last season).

My prediction: Liverpool 1-2 Manchester United

Scorers: Torres (LIV), Tevez & Berbatov (MU)

Go Red Devils! Can't wait for the match!!