Europa insignificance

Liverpool 1-1 Hearts; Liverpool win 2-1 on agg | Europa League report | Football | The Guardian
This tie played second fiddle to the going ons off the field very near the transfer deadline. An inkling of an impending move first came with the absolute absence of big Andy from the squad. Charlie Adam did not feature as well, and neither did Jay Spearing. Of course, Joe Cole is only at Anfield in body, not spirit. This was confirmed late at night with deals being finalised for Andy Carroll to West Ham, The Charlie to Stoke and Jay to Bolton or Sunderland or some such club.
As for the match, the only consonant with Europe was the sell-out crowd, everything else being lack lustre. The players probably found it difficult to motivate themselves with one in the group stages, the lack of glamorous opposition and off-field activities. BR found time and opportunity to even blood young Adam Morgan ahead off more experienced personnel. And so the match trudged on in somnolence-inducing aura until the very end when Pepe contrived to add drama by letting slip a tame shot in and provoking thoughts of extra time and shock exits. This only lasted 3 minutes when Luis Suarez danced his way in to the Hearts penalty area and squeezed the ball in from the acutest of angles to put paid to such nasty thoughts. Of note though, Joe Allen was very impressive, Stevie G improved and Raheem Sterling definitely did better when replacing Adam Morgan. Fabio Borini was brought in late but it looks like he might have to fight for a place with the possibly in-coming Daniel Sturridge. All thoughts to Arsenal and maximum points for the first time this Sunday next.

Hearts 0-1 Liverpool | Europa League play-off round first leg | Football | The Guardian

Hearts 0-1 Liverpool | Europa League play-off round first leg | Football | The Guardian
A lucky win. Only 4 starters from the previous game, with Brendan Rodgers having an eye on the City game this weekend. To all intents and purposes a second string line up. Andy Carroll failed a fitness test, consigning him to the safety of the Director's Box and further speculation on his future. An own goal by another Andy, Webster, helped Liverpool take a slender lead home where it is quite sure that progress should be guaranteed. Raheem apparently sterling in performance.

A Dismal Start

Brendan Rodgers lays into referee after Liverpool crash at West Brom | Football | The Observer
Brendan Rodgers' first League game ended in abject defeat. A 3-0 away thrashing by what would be considered a run of the mill side showed just how much needs to be done and what a mediocre team Liverpool have become. You know things are bad when Stevie Gerrard has a bad game, being directly responsible for 1 goal and numerous stray passes. The word calamity cannot begin to describe the performance with the players very sluggish and lacking ideas. To compound matters, 2 penalties were given away, Dan Agger sent off, Joe Cole strained a hamstring and there were numerous yellow cards. Jamie Carragher made 701 appearances as a substitute for the decrepit Downing but it was one to forget. Luis Suarez missed excellent chances whilst Borini went missing. One more thing, Phil Dowd was rubbish. I guess slow starts aren't just limited to players. Elsewhere in the league there were some 5-0 thrashings. Liverpool were lucky not to be in that list.

The Departures

Dirk Kuyt was the first to leave and ensuring a future personal visit to see him in Turkey when he moved to Fenerbahce for just £1m. His sterling service and personality will be missed sorely.

Maxi Rodriguez has taken over the mantle of our favourite Argentinian with his departure to Newell’s Old Boys for an undisclosed fee. An introvert, his moments in the spotlight were both numerous as well as dramatic.

Next up was Fabio Aurelio, the move back home to Gremio for free a loss to Liverpool in both fiscal and spiritual senses. Despite a mostly unglamorous turn, his effort was very much appreciated, especially with the odd strikes at goal.

Then comes the on again off again saga that was Alberto Aquilani. Despite featuring on the American tour, he has moved to Fiorentina for an undisclosed sum. Being Aquilani, it would be no surprise to us to see him resurface in our colours in some future game.

Third stringers and previous hopes for the future Toni Silva (Barnsley, free), David Amoo (Preston, free) and Stephen Darby (Bradford, free) can now have the chance to prove Liverpool wrong and come back to haunt us in some future cup tie. We wish them well.

Craig Bellamy rendered our expensively procured replica jersey redundant overnight when he gleefully accepted first team football in his home at Cardiff. Those lures were too strong to resist and swapping one red shirt for another may be another added bonus. Thanks for all the memories.

It has been good having you all. Thank you.

Liverpool 3-0 FC Gomel (agg: 4-0) | Europa League match report | Football | The Guardian

Liverpool 3-0 FC Gomel (agg: 4-0) | Europa League match report | Football | The Guardian

This was the return match of the 3rd qualifying round and generally gave Liverpool no bother at all. It possibly served more as a preamble of what is to come and allowing taut and tight sinews to limber. Fabio Borini initiated a flying start to his Anfield career with a goal, the other two being from old hands Gerrard (his 39th European) and Johnson. Luis Suarez was bestowed accolades as the architect of this victory and the difference from the previous week more than apparent with his presence here. 

Next up for the grinder are Hearts whose interest in Europe will be curtailed come 22nd August in Edinburgh and a week later with an Anfield send-off.

2012 SIGNINGS SO FAR

Fabio Borini became the first player to be signed by Brendan Rodgers at Anfield when he moved from Roma for a fee of about £8 million. Brendan is obviously a fan of this striker as he had worked with him in the Chelsea Youth set-up as well at Swansea in the 2010-11 season, where he was on loan. During his time with the Swans, Borini scored 6 times in 9 matches and his return to Italy probably had something to do with complicated ownership issues between Roma and Parma. Although selected for Euro 2012, he was an innocent bystander in Italy’s successful run to the final.

Some questionable methodology was involved in the next purchase when Joe Allen moved from Swansea (that club again). Despite having promised not to raid his former club off its assets, some sort of clause was triggered that enabled this move with a minimal of bad blood between the interested parties. This had probably something to do with the princely sum of £15 million, adequate enough to soothe most ailments. So Liverpool have now replaced one Welsh international with another, albeit a midfielder this time.

Third on the list is someone from Africa, Morocco to be precise, with the exotic name of Oussama Assaidi, Internet troll-fodder for those so inclined. It was reported that Liverpool had beaten of Ajax and Fulham for this lad’s signature, though with what exactly not being elaborated. We assume it was the smell of £2.4 million, £100 thousand for each year of his life, enticing this move form Heerenveen. It is claimed that he can play on both wings but is not deemed to be a first team fixture right from the outset. Ala Craig Bellamy, perhaps.

Gomel 0-1 Liverpool | Europa League match report | Football | The Guardian

Gomel 0-1 Liverpool | Europa League match report | Football | The Guardian
A lucky win. Gomel have only themselves to blame for this loss. Disconcertingly, Joe Cole went off injured early on. Some things never change. A fortuitous start for Brendan Rogers.