Kenny, Comolli and the future.

Whilst the departure of Damien Comolli came as a shock, it was inevitable that there was going to be a reaction to our poor league form this season. Reports that the owners had flown in early ahead of the semi-final against Everton should have given us a hint that something was about to happen. They took the decision that he wasn’t the right man for the job and it’s hard to argue. Whether you think the likes of Carroll, Downing, Henderson and Adam will come good or not, it’s fair to say none of those players have consistently played at a level required at a club like Liverpool. Even the form of Enrique and Suarez could be called into question. This may sound harsh but if we have ambitions of getting back into the top four and challenging for trophies that’s the pressure that the players have to cope with. Unfortunately too many of the players I’ve mentioned have struggled with this pressure and haven’t stepped up to the plate since leaving so called smaller clubs.

I know Kenny took responsibility for bringing in the players, but this is just a sign of the man and his loyalty to those around him. He wasn’t even hired when Suarez and Carroll were bought There’s no way the owners would have entrusted £57m to a temporary manager.

For the owners, getting rid of Kenny is an impossible task. Although some supporters have questioned his position, many still remember all he has done for the club in the past and have faith that he is the right man to lead us to more glory in the future. John W Henry and Tom Werner are no fools. They know if they were to get rid of Kenny and appoint someone else only for it to not work out they would alienate the fans. Furthermore, they have rejuvenated a massive club in America and understand the importance of stability. Replacing a manager every twelve months doesn’t lead to success.

That said, the sacking of Comolli demonstrates the owners are prepared to make big decisions if they feel it’s the right time. The pressure is now on Kenny. What I like about Werner’s interview is that he was very emphatic when he said we will be better next season and we can compete with other clubs for the top players. Another season of underachievement in the league won’t be tolerated. We can expect a busy summer in the transfer window where first and foremost we will undoubtedly look to add a quality goal scorer. Despite our poor results in the league, we have played some great football this season and if we had someone like a young Robbie Fowler who gets in the right positions and puts the ball in the net we would surely be looking forward to playing in the Champions League next year.

For us, this season is now all about adding the FA Cup to the Carling Cup. Two trophies and European football would be an impressive start to Kenny’s second coming. First we have to overcome an in-form Everton. I think we will and I’m heading to Wembley with confidence.

Come on Red Men!

Everton 0 – Liverpool 2 : Match Report

Well derby day on Merseyside for the first time this season at Goodison Park with Kenny Dalglish leading his Liverpool team across Stanley Park for the first time in over 20 years, since that unforgettable 4-4 match which proved to be Kenny’s last match of his first spell as Liverpool manager. Such an important fixture for both sets of supporters with a lot more than bragging rights at stake. Liverpool came into the match on the back of a win at home to Wolves last week and were hoping to build some momentum with another win before the international break. Everton lost at Manchester City last week but proved how difficult they are to beat. A win for Liverpool would take them back up to 4th in the League before the 3pm kick-offs.

THE TEAM

Dalglish made just the one change to the side which beat Wolves, with Dirk Kuyt coming in for Jordan Henderson. Kuyt who has great experience scoring winning goals in this fixture probably gave him the nod over Henderson. But Liverpool still had 5 players making their Merseyside Derby debuts. Kenny once again had Carragher and Skrtel in the centre of defence with Enrique on the left and Martin Kelly on the right side of defence. Charlie Adam once again partnered Lucas in the middle of midfield with Steven Gerrard once again starting on the bench as he eases back into full fitness. Downing would play down the left with Kuyt on the right of midfield.

THE MATCH

As per usual the match started at a frenzied pace with Everton looking to pressure Liverpool high up the park. But it was Liverpool who had the first real chance, and it came when Kuyt crossed to Suarez but he could only head straight at Howard. Everton countered immediately and Reina had to make a very good fingertip save from a Cahill headed effort.

Distin and Saha both had chances but failed to hit the target as Everton were having the better of opening stages. But they were stunned in the 23rd minute when they were reduced to 10 men after Jack Rodwell went in with a strong challenge on Luis Suarez, which resulted in a controversial straight red card.

Liverpool started to threaten with the numerical advantage and Suarez went close with an angled effort hitting the side netting. Then Charlie Adam drilled a free-kick into the Everton defensive wall. A minute before half-time Liverpool were awarded a penalty when Jagielka upended Suarez in the box. Dirk Kuyt took the spot kick but Howard made a superb save low to his right. It was the first time Kuyt had missed a penalty since he moved to Liverpool. Then Adam saw a superb strike from the edge of the box smack off the underside of the crossbar with Howard beaten. Everton hung on to go in 0-0 at half-time with Liverpool left wondering how they were not in front.

The second half started with Liverpool applying the pressure and Everton looking to counter attack. Then 5 minutes into the second half a Charlie Adam corner was met by the head of Carroll but his effort was cleared off the line by Saha. A similar chance shortly after resulted in Howard smothering on the line.

Enrique then took a quick free-kick sending Kuyt behind the static Everton defence but he failed to connect properly. With 25 minutes remaining Dalglish made a double change with Gerrard and Bellamy coming on for Adam and Downing.

Then in the 71st minute Liverpool took the lead when Bellamy released Enrique down the left who then cut the ball back for Andy Carroll who slammed the ball into the Everton net for his first League goal of the season and the away supporters wild with delight.

A second goal soon followed after Distin and Baines got into trouble in their own penalty box presenting Suarez with a great chance yards from goal, and the striker made no mistake with a crisp finish and ending the match as a contest. So the Red half of Merseyside went home very happy after seeing off their Blue neighbours.

SUMMARY

I thought Kenny got his team spot on and I was so pleased to see him bring Kuyt back into the team for Henderson. Everton started the better forcing us back in the early stages of the match. But the game certainly turned in our favour with the sending off. Never a red card, in fact I thought it was a great tackle by Rodwell. But many times this season we have been unlucky with refereeing decisions, so it was great to see us getting a decision in our favour for once. We started to dominate after the sending off and it was pleasing to see us stay patient and not panic after missing so many opportunities. The penalty was a stone waller and Kuyt was unlucky with his attempt, with Howard making a superb save. It was great to see Carroll scoring and you could see his confidence returning after the goal. Suarez was a constant threat and great to see him scoring the second goal. Lucas was superb in the middle of the park and Enrique had another impressive game at left back creating the first goal. I thought it was a professional performance from Liverpool where they didn’t let the sending off affect them and they remained patient and used the extra man to their advantage. Great result and sets us up nicely for our next match at home to Manchester United.

Man Of The Match – Suarez – was a constant threat, scored and was involved in most of main incidents in the match.

Liverpool v Everton Odds Make Liverpool A Big Price By Favourites

The biggest game of the season so far for Liverpool takes place on Saturday with Liverpool heading to Goodison Park to take on Everton, the knowledge that Everton can go above Liverpool with a win despite still having a game in hand will bring about extra tension and makes it a must win game really for Liverpool and the bookies make Liverpool the favourites to take all three points.

It looks a very open match though, by offering 6/4 on the favourites Liverpool, the bookies are clearly suggesting that this is one of the hardest games to call all season. Fans who like to back Liverpool on a regular basis will be very pleased to see those odds, Liverpool were just 2/5 to beat Wolves last week so the opportunity to watch Liverpool win and back a 6/4 winner will tempt many in. An Everton victory is just about deemed the second most likely outcome at 21/10 with the draw only slightly bigger odds at 23/10 at the time of writing.

Neither side has enjoyed a huge advantage over the other in recent years at Goodison, out of the last eight matches between the two teams at Goodison Park Liverpool have had most success with four wins, Everton have won three and there has been just one draw. Backers of under 2.5 goals at 8/11 may point to the fact that the last four derbies at Goodison Park have had under 2.5 goals but it is worth noting that Liverpool’s last six league visits to Goodison Park have all had at least two goals in so you’d expect there to be at least a couple of goals. Both teams have also kept just one clean sheet in all competitions so far this season so again at least two goals looks likely making over 2.5 goals look good value at 11/10.

The 2-0 scoreline could be popular with the last three league games between these teams at Goodison all being won by that scoreline, a 2-0 win for Liverpool can be backed at 11/1 whilst a 2-0 win for Everton is 14/1. With both teams struggling for clean sheets the 2-1 win might actually represent a better bet, Liverpool look good value at 8/1 to win by that scoreline whilst anyone who thinks the draw is the best bet will surely be tempted by the 16/1 on a 2-2 scoreline.

Luis Suraez’s goal against Wolves last week meant he has now scored in three of the four league games Liverpool have scored in this season, you’d certainly expect Liverpool to score this weekend so Suarez should once again be amongst the goals, 6/4 on Suarez to score at anytime looks a good bet whilst anyone wanting a bet at bigger odds should look to back Suarez to score the first goal at 11/2.

Are Liverpool a good bet at 6/4 to win this game? Will Suarez score once again in this match? Let us know your thoughts and best bets on this crucial game.

For the latest tips on Liverpool v Everton , visit the highlighted link.

The Daily Antoine: 27th Apr 2011 – Liverpool F.C. News update

Congrats to Paige Williams who won 2 tickets to LFC vs Newcastle more…
(YNWA)

The young Reds crashed to Everton 4-0 more…
:-(

The club almost went bankrupt under Hicks & Gillett more…
(We already know that)

Gerard Houllier is doing better more…
(Excellent news, YNWA) 

Pepe Reina indicates that he will stay at LFC more…
(Excellent news) 

Lucas will fight for his place more…
(Good luck YNWA)

Dirk Kuyt also talks about King Kenny more…
(YNWA)

The company should be announcing the new Warrior deal later this year more…
(I think they are waiting for the 2nd away kit to be released before doing that)

Aldo strongly believes that Kenny will sign the long term contract soon more…
(Agree with Aldo)

The former striker also praises Dirk Kuyt more…
(YNWA)

He also talks on how LFC fans are divided over the Europa League more…
(If we win it I don’t think anyone will complain)

And he praises Tranmere Rovers for surviving more…
(They should be in the EPL not Everton)

Ameobi relishing this Sunday’s encounter more…
(AMEOBI)

Amoo scored for Hull more…
(YNWA)

And Dimitri Payet is the latest player linked with us more…
(Hummm)

On Twitter @empireofthekop

The Daily Antoine: 7th Apr 2011 – Liverpool F.C. News update

LeBron James becomes a minority stake holder in LFC more…
(Interesting)

Liverpool will play in Malaysia on July 12th more…
(I am sure our Malaysian fans are excited)

Reports that Sylvain Marveaux has joined on a free more…
(Pre contract agreement I assume)

Daniel Agger is out for the rest of the season more…
(NO)

Stevie’s extent is still unknown while Jonjo & Fabio might feature against City more…
(I am praying that Stevie’s isn’t bad)

John W Henry admits that the squad lacks quality more…
(Ok then, time to give it some quality summer is upon us)

Andy Carroll promises to win trophies for LFC more…
(YNWA)

Aquilani wants  a permanent move to Juve more…
(Ok then let us do it)

Ayew rejects Liverpool link more…
(Hummm)

Howard (not Webb) wants Everton to pass us in the league table more…
(And what do you receive by doing so?)

And finally here is an update of our players on loan more…
(Wow)

On Twitter @empireofthekop

The Daily Antoine: 25th Mar 2011 – Liverpool F.C. News update

The reserves came back from being 2-0 down against Everton to tie it 2-2 more…
(Good fighting spirit, YNWA)

Former Reds defender Trevor Storton has passed away more…
(RIP)

Brad Jones going to Derby County on loan more…
(Good luck, YNWA)

Comolli talks on how Suarez was the perfect buy more…
(Couldn’t agree more)

In the meantime Luis should be fit for WBA more…
(Excellent News)

Terry McD talks on how Kenny can help Carroll more…
(YNWA)

Ian Holloway talks how Charlie Adam is irreplaceable more…
(Good now sell him)

Rafa still dreams of returning to Liverpool more…
(YNWA Rafa however we have the King right now)

It has been revealed that Arsenal made a big bid for Reina last summer more…
(Humm)

Bayern Munich are also after Jose Enrique more…
(Humm)

We are being linked with Douglas Costa more…
(Humm)

And also Scott Dann more…
(Interesting)

And Cary Cahill again more…
(Even without Give Me Football there are so many names linked)

A young Red will be the mascot for the England – Wales game more…
(YNWA)

Texas Rangers’ value has increased by 25% since Tom Hicks left more…
(Yep)

Eric Abidal is recovering well following his surgery more…
(YNWA)

Qatar wants to develop artificial clouds to cool down the stadiums more…
(Oh Boy)

And finally Man Utd are suing their own fans more…
(Now imagine what would happen if they were internet terrorists)

On Twitter @empireofthekop