Liverpool 2-0 Manchester United
Torres 64 (Sent off: Vidic 90)
Ngog 90
(Sent off:
Mascherano 90
This match was by no means a classic, but pleasing for Liverpool fans to see a much needed contrast in form, especially with a superb second half display, which was rewarded with a victory that should give the team a major boost to get back into the title race.
The first half was pretty tame with each keeper rarely troubled. Liverpool started as the most threatening and came closest to breaking the deadlock early on when a free-kick from Aurelio was saved brilliantly by Van der Sar, who then reacted well to block the follow-up from Kuyt. Manchester United lifted their game a little midway through the first half and could have been ahead after a fine build up in the midfield was finished with a great cross from Valencia, but Rooney couldn't get enough power with his header to trouble Reina. Liverpool had a similar chance to score ten minutes before the break with Aurelio timing his run perfectly to meet Benayoun's cross, but again headed straight at the keeper. The most eventful moment at the end of a dull half was the United players crowding the referee after the half time whistle was blown, most likely out of boredom.
The second half showed little signs of the entertainment improving until just after the hour when Yossi Benayoun passed a sublime through-ball for Fernando Torres, who had no trouble easing past Ferdinand to strike the ball past Van der Sar for the opening goal.
Despite being a goal down, it still took the United players a while to show any desire to push forward for the equaliser, but the arrival of Nani and Michael Owen added more urgency to their attack in the final quarter of an hour. Owen was eager to silence the home crowd of the team where he became the star he once was and showed glimpses of re-producing his former Liverpool form, most notably when setting up Valencia who was unlucky not to score as he hit the ball against the cross-bar.
With less than five minutes to go before stoppage time, Owen was the victim of controversy when Carragher brought him down outside the box, much like when Vidic brought down Gerrard at Old Trafford last season and was subsequently sent off. However Carragher was lucky to escape with a booking, though a sending off would have spoiled a superb defensive display alongside Agger who was also impressive at the back.
As the game went into stoppage time, Liverpool and Manchester United went to finish the game 10 a-side as Vidic and Mascherano did what they do best against their big city rivals and got themselves sent off. Vidic for bringing down Kuyt during a Liverpool counter-attack and Mascherano for a needless lunge into Van der Sar, trying to chase a stray, long ball. After that, there was still time for one more goal as Liverpool broke free with the United defence waving their white flags for surrender as Lucas passed to substitute David Ngog to score with an easy finish.
Man of the Match: Yossi Benayoun, who looked threatening from the start with some great dribbling and fine passing to provide the best chances, especially when setting up Torres for the first goal. Difficult to pick out a player for Manchester United after a disappointing all-round performance, but Ryan Giggs had perhaps the most encouraging display with accurate passing and crossing that was as consistent as Vidic departing from this fixture for an early bath.
Sunday, 25 October 2009
Sunday, 4 October 2009
Big Match Review 1 - Chelsea V Liverpool
CHELSEA 2-0 LIVERPOOL
Anelka, 59
Malouda, 90
Referee: M Atkinson
A terrific advertisement for Premier League football with chances at either end from start to finish. The half time stalemate reflected an evenly matched game at that point with both sides having their fair share of chances to score. The first 20 minutes provided little, but both teams showing desire to put the opposition defence under immense pressure.
After the half-way point in the first period, Chelsea became the most likely threat and the Liverpool midfield were helpless to prevent some slick passing on many occasions between all four of the Chelsea midfielders, making efficient use of Carlo Ancelotti's diamond system. Chelsea had at least two great opportunities before the interval due to a great cross from Essien, which Anelka could only head straight at Reina, while Ballack also missed with his head as his connection from Deco's cross was just too high. The best of Liverpool's chances in the first half came from a perfect cross from Kuyt to an unchallenged Torres, who strangely failed to comfortably head the ball past Hilario.
The second half started in similar fashion to the first with both sides moving the ball well up the field, but couldn't make use of their chances. This was until just before the hour, when Javier Mascherano, who was by far Liverpool's biggest contender for man of the match, got caught in possession by Frank Lampard who started off another slick Chelsea midfield move, with Essien combining well with Deco for the latter to feed a ball wide to Drogba. Drogba then beautifully struck the ball low across the danger area for Anelka to meet at the far post and he slyly slotted the ball past Reina for the opening goal.
Liverpool were lucky not to concede only minutes after the first goal when Lampard crossed for Drogba, who failed to get enough power behind his header to trouble Reina. Liverpool then stepped up a gear with Yossi Benayoun to replace a very poor Riera. Benayoun was inspiring going forward which proved little use as Liverpool's more common heroes Gerrard and Torres were far below their best. Gerrard's disappointing display did improve towards the end and was unlucky not to score when John Terry, as he does best, superbly blocked Gerrard's close range effort on 81 minutes. However Torres was very unconvincing the entire match and towards the end lacked any desire to meet crosses by Gerrard, Kuyt and Johnson.
The late pressure from Liverpool didn't pay off and just after the board for stoppage time was raised, Didier Drogba, on the right-hand side of the area, shrugged off Carragher for a simple low ball into the path of substitute Florent Malouda, who got to the ball just in time to hit the ball past Reina to make the score 2-0. Liverpool did however have great chances in the small stoppage time left with Benayoun using great foot work to bring the ball down to slot the ball past Hilario, but inexplicably missed the target. This was then followed by Steven Gerrard, much more like himself, hitting a ferocious half-volley from the edge of the box, which was saved brilliantly by Hilario, who had a fine match in place of Petr Cech.
By full time, Chelsea ended up deserved winners against a Liverpool side guilty of two consecutive miserable performances, which leave critics questioning their chances of obtaining one of the big trophies by the end of the season. Chelsea do their title hopes no harm whatsoever after a stunning display.
Man of the Match: Didier Drogba, despite a typical over-enthusiasm to fall to the ground often, he was there for the key moments using great accuracy and strength to provide Anelka and Malouda with the simplest of finishes. Glen Johnson being the best performer for Liverpool with some great defending and always a threat going forward.
Anelka, 59
Malouda, 90
Referee: M Atkinson
A terrific advertisement for Premier League football with chances at either end from start to finish. The half time stalemate reflected an evenly matched game at that point with both sides having their fair share of chances to score. The first 20 minutes provided little, but both teams showing desire to put the opposition defence under immense pressure.
After the half-way point in the first period, Chelsea became the most likely threat and the Liverpool midfield were helpless to prevent some slick passing on many occasions between all four of the Chelsea midfielders, making efficient use of Carlo Ancelotti's diamond system. Chelsea had at least two great opportunities before the interval due to a great cross from Essien, which Anelka could only head straight at Reina, while Ballack also missed with his head as his connection from Deco's cross was just too high. The best of Liverpool's chances in the first half came from a perfect cross from Kuyt to an unchallenged Torres, who strangely failed to comfortably head the ball past Hilario.
The second half started in similar fashion to the first with both sides moving the ball well up the field, but couldn't make use of their chances. This was until just before the hour, when Javier Mascherano, who was by far Liverpool's biggest contender for man of the match, got caught in possession by Frank Lampard who started off another slick Chelsea midfield move, with Essien combining well with Deco for the latter to feed a ball wide to Drogba. Drogba then beautifully struck the ball low across the danger area for Anelka to meet at the far post and he slyly slotted the ball past Reina for the opening goal.
Liverpool were lucky not to concede only minutes after the first goal when Lampard crossed for Drogba, who failed to get enough power behind his header to trouble Reina. Liverpool then stepped up a gear with Yossi Benayoun to replace a very poor Riera. Benayoun was inspiring going forward which proved little use as Liverpool's more common heroes Gerrard and Torres were far below their best. Gerrard's disappointing display did improve towards the end and was unlucky not to score when John Terry, as he does best, superbly blocked Gerrard's close range effort on 81 minutes. However Torres was very unconvincing the entire match and towards the end lacked any desire to meet crosses by Gerrard, Kuyt and Johnson.
The late pressure from Liverpool didn't pay off and just after the board for stoppage time was raised, Didier Drogba, on the right-hand side of the area, shrugged off Carragher for a simple low ball into the path of substitute Florent Malouda, who got to the ball just in time to hit the ball past Reina to make the score 2-0. Liverpool did however have great chances in the small stoppage time left with Benayoun using great foot work to bring the ball down to slot the ball past Hilario, but inexplicably missed the target. This was then followed by Steven Gerrard, much more like himself, hitting a ferocious half-volley from the edge of the box, which was saved brilliantly by Hilario, who had a fine match in place of Petr Cech.
By full time, Chelsea ended up deserved winners against a Liverpool side guilty of two consecutive miserable performances, which leave critics questioning their chances of obtaining one of the big trophies by the end of the season. Chelsea do their title hopes no harm whatsoever after a stunning display.
Man of the Match: Didier Drogba, despite a typical over-enthusiasm to fall to the ground often, he was there for the key moments using great accuracy and strength to provide Anelka and Malouda with the simplest of finishes. Glen Johnson being the best performer for Liverpool with some great defending and always a threat going forward.
Saturday, 3 October 2009
Album Review 1 - Blink-182 by Blink-182
I'll start my first album review by selecting the last one released by my favourite band. This was the album which was thought to be the band's final release after their "indefinite hiatus" in 2005.
This self-titled album for Blink-182 evidently shows a higher level of maturity, which was lacking from all their previous releases. The content is still no different as the majority of this album is dominated by lyrics about relationships. On a more exciting note it has a much more experimental sound with some electronic input and unique structures to the rhythm of a few tracks, which they pull off well, at least for any typical Blink-182 fans.
It starts off with "Feeling This" which lyrically is compatible with many tracks on previous albums, but however gives an indication to an album that is more diverse than what Blink-182 fans are used to, especially with the overlapping vocals throughout, providing a catchy edge to this track.
"Obvious" is the first of some unusually dark tracks, which suits Tom Delonge's angry vocals.
This leads into the pick of the tracks "I Miss You" for what Blink-182 fans will remember for many years for all the right reasons. A unique style that makes it hard to believe it was devised by this band and is instrumentally reminiscent of the Police, which complements the dark tone.
"Violence" is lyrically weak, but is supported well with an odd structure that turns into a typically catchy Blink-182 track.
This is followed by another highlight of the album "Stockholm Syndrome" which with regards to the female voice reading out a war letter* in the build up to the start, gives an indication to a dark and moody song, which eventually is executed brilliantly and is also superbly written by Mark Hoppus.
"Down" is the simplest sounding track on the album, which doesn't provide much, but is generally likeable.
This slides into what is easily this band's most surreal track "The Fallen Interlude" which at least provides something different for two minutes, but wouldn't be missed had it not been included.
The same can be said for the following track "Go" although it has a catchy rhythm to it at least.
"Asthenia" is another lyrically weak song, but is a treat when listening to the sound of the guitars, which I'm sure the fans will never tire of.
"Always" is like something out of the 80's and is matched by a supremely directed and entertaining video for the single release.
"Easy Target" is too short to be a favourite, but is among the best written on the album and is accompanied by a suitable dark tone.
The inclusion of Robert Smith is a delight for "All Of This" but doesn't offer much reason to listen to over and over unlike the tracks around the beginning of the album.
The penultimate track "Here's A Letter" starts off quite exciting, but trails off disappointingly much like the end of the album in general.
"I'm Lost Without You" is touching for the soft-hearted, but overdone and not suited for Tom who doesn't really have the voice to pull off this song. The album ends with the most unnecessary drum solo from Travis Barker, but loveable for all Blink-182 to appreciate his undeniable talent.
Overall a job well done to prove their growth as a band, which arguably starts off as one of the most exciting albums, but then like many albums, ends poorly. Having said that, more than half of the tracks should leave fans with great satisfaction, though I doubt that matches the satisfaction of the news of the reunion of Blink-182 earlier this year with the prospect of another mature and pleasurable album to listen to in the near future.
*With regards to some description in "Stockholm Syndrome" the album features a booklet with comments provided by Mark, Tom and Travis explaining each song.
**All album reviews will exclude bonus tracks as they differ with the release in other countries.
This self-titled album for Blink-182 evidently shows a higher level of maturity, which was lacking from all their previous releases. The content is still no different as the majority of this album is dominated by lyrics about relationships. On a more exciting note it has a much more experimental sound with some electronic input and unique structures to the rhythm of a few tracks, which they pull off well, at least for any typical Blink-182 fans.
It starts off with "Feeling This" which lyrically is compatible with many tracks on previous albums, but however gives an indication to an album that is more diverse than what Blink-182 fans are used to, especially with the overlapping vocals throughout, providing a catchy edge to this track.
"Obvious" is the first of some unusually dark tracks, which suits Tom Delonge's angry vocals.
This leads into the pick of the tracks "I Miss You" for what Blink-182 fans will remember for many years for all the right reasons. A unique style that makes it hard to believe it was devised by this band and is instrumentally reminiscent of the Police, which complements the dark tone.
"Violence" is lyrically weak, but is supported well with an odd structure that turns into a typically catchy Blink-182 track.
This is followed by another highlight of the album "Stockholm Syndrome" which with regards to the female voice reading out a war letter* in the build up to the start, gives an indication to a dark and moody song, which eventually is executed brilliantly and is also superbly written by Mark Hoppus.
"Down" is the simplest sounding track on the album, which doesn't provide much, but is generally likeable.
This slides into what is easily this band's most surreal track "The Fallen Interlude" which at least provides something different for two minutes, but wouldn't be missed had it not been included.
The same can be said for the following track "Go" although it has a catchy rhythm to it at least.
"Asthenia" is another lyrically weak song, but is a treat when listening to the sound of the guitars, which I'm sure the fans will never tire of.
"Always" is like something out of the 80's and is matched by a supremely directed and entertaining video for the single release.
"Easy Target" is too short to be a favourite, but is among the best written on the album and is accompanied by a suitable dark tone.
The inclusion of Robert Smith is a delight for "All Of This" but doesn't offer much reason to listen to over and over unlike the tracks around the beginning of the album.
The penultimate track "Here's A Letter" starts off quite exciting, but trails off disappointingly much like the end of the album in general.
"I'm Lost Without You" is touching for the soft-hearted, but overdone and not suited for Tom who doesn't really have the voice to pull off this song. The album ends with the most unnecessary drum solo from Travis Barker, but loveable for all Blink-182 to appreciate his undeniable talent.
Overall a job well done to prove their growth as a band, which arguably starts off as one of the most exciting albums, but then like many albums, ends poorly. Having said that, more than half of the tracks should leave fans with great satisfaction, though I doubt that matches the satisfaction of the news of the reunion of Blink-182 earlier this year with the prospect of another mature and pleasurable album to listen to in the near future.
*With regards to some description in "Stockholm Syndrome" the album features a booklet with comments provided by Mark, Tom and Travis explaining each song.
**All album reviews will exclude bonus tracks as they differ with the release in other countries.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
