18/01/10 ~ 24/01/10 : Football and Me

Time has passed fairly quickly and before I knew it, it is the start of Term 1 Week 4 already. In this post, I shall share with you happenings of the previous week. Before that, I am sad to announce that Liverpool draw 1-1 with Stoke City, further dampening their hopes of reaching the fourth place. Both sides played scrappily but Liverpool managed to take the lead through Kygriakos. However, Stoke levelled in the 90th minute and cause Liverpool to let another valuable 2 points slipped. Visit this link for further information.

During PE lesson on Wednesday, we were required to run 2.4km or 6 rounds on the school tracks as practice for the NAPFA test. It was very tiring but I managed to run continuously without stopping and finished the run under 12 minutes. It was my first time to be able to maintain running throughout. According to the PE teacher, I am able to get an A/Gold for that timing. I came in 3^rd in my class, but that was because several of my classmates who were in track and field were not taking this seriously, else they would be sure to finish before me. This Wednesday, we were going to run 3km, and the next, 4km to train us for our jogathon race. I am not too sure about looking forward to PE lessons which I have always anticipated. Besides that, I have acquired a pain in my calves and was unable to play football for a few days. The pain subsided soon and I resume playing football after that.

On Thursday, there was a fire drill during study time. On other days, I would be glad of it as the study time would be cut down . However, my workload was high on that day with many deadlines to be meet on Friday and 30 precious minutes of my time was wasted. As a result, it was half past one when I finally went to sleep and woke up quite late in the morning. I had a hurried breakfast and fortunately managed to reach school on time (I raced all the way to the terraces). I decided not to leave things undone until the last minute but get them done as soon as possible to avoid this kind of scenario from happening again.

CCA orientation continues on Friday. I played with some secondary 1s who were interested in joining the CCA (Chinese Chess) to find our their standard. Although those who went for orientation that day was unsatisfactory, this batch of sec 1s were promising. We have 2 former champions in their primary school days and whose standard are even higher that mine. We were also happy to include a PRC scholar who is quite a good match for our Team A. This boosted our strength significantly and raise the competitiveness of the club. I will be facing tougher competition and have to work harder to keep my place in the school team.

On Saturday, I went out with my friend to buy the materials needed for the lantern-making competition. I have decided to make one just like this. We walked a few hundred metres to Coronation Plaza and managed to buy everything except the 2 litres mineral water bottle. After that, we took bus to Bukit Timah Plaza and bought files needed for school at the Popular bookstore there. We went back at around 5pm and I went for football.

The next day, I went out again to buy some type of colour paper required for decorating our cluster, take passport-sized photos of myself (I had completely forgotten about it on Saturday), and to have another attempt at buying the mineral water bottle. My roommate accompanied me this time; his only objective was to buy the colour paper. We went to Coronation again, by bus this time, and located the bottle after a thorough search at the NTUC supermarket there, and took the photos, and have bubble tea while waiting for the photos to process. After collecting my photos, we went to Bukit Timah Plaza (again) and walked around and around the mall searching for the colour paper, but we were unsuccessful. I estimated the distance we walked in the mall is equivalent to the distance from the boarding school to BTP. We took a bus back and was tired out. Although so, I went for football (again) after receiving a sms of invitation from my friend. I felt that we must cherish every second on the football court as there will be lesser opportunities for us to play as the exam neared.

On 20^thJan (Wed), Liverpool got their challenge for a Champions League spot back on track with a 2-0 victory over Tottenham. Although without stars Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres, Liverpool outplayed their rivals and deserved the win. Dirk Kuyt scored both goals in the 6^th and 90^th(pen) respectively. Hence, he was awarded "Man of the Match" deservedly. I shall not elaborate more on the match but here's the link for the live commentary.

The 4th round of FA Cup has taken place over the weekends. You can visit this website for the scores.

That's all for today. Bye and wait for my next post!

Term 2 Week 9

Sorry for not blogging for a long time, say about 2 weeks? This is mainly because of the term 2 class tests we were having for the past few weeks. On 14^th May, the nightmare has finally ended, with Maths test 4 as the last one. However, I am still quite occupied since the Mathematics Olympiad and Raffles Cup Chinese Chess Competition is just around the corner, and I have to be well-prepared.

This post shall be mainly about the happenings on term 2 week 9 (17^th ~ 23^th May), which is also the second last week for term 2, after which are the anticipated June holidays! Hooray!

This week is when we received most of our test results. Frankly, I am quite pleased with mine, of which most have exceeded expectations. I am almost ecstatic. However, some deteriorate too, and were considerably lower than last term's. I decided to put in more effort in those subjects.

On Thursday, I went for health check, which all Malaysian scholars are required to go since we have not been fully immunised; the locals having done it last year. It was actually scheduled to be on the 6th of June, but this would mean that I had to return home few days later. Thus, it was rescheduled to be on that day, and I had to go alone. Since I do not know the way there, I boarded a taxi, alone. This was my first, and it went out quite well, unless you counted waiting for a not-hired taxi for nearly half and hour. The journey took approximately 20 minutes; I reached my destination at 4, just in time for my appointment.

There, my height and weight was measured (I was pronounced normal O.O). After that, I undergo eye-check (for colourblind and short-sightedness) hearing check and the dreaded injections. I received a 3- in-1 for each arm. Ouch. For the left arm, I only experienced a slight pain, but after the immunisation it was terrible. It was exactly opposite for my right arm. After the immunisations, I went back to the boarding school (by taxi too), left arm screaming in pain along the way and after that. The next morning was even worse. I was unable to hold anything properly, needless to say my arm being clutched or grabbed or even touched by some unknowing people. It got better as the day progresses, and the pain subsided to almost none after CCA. By Saturday, I could feel no pain at all. Yay!

There was another important event on Thursday too. The boarding school chose to hold the annual investiture dinner on that day I had the health check, in the dining hall. I was a little late, thus receiving a small reprimanding. The dress code is formal, like most dinners, but we were allowed to wear collared T-shirts and pants in the end, since many doesn't have formal attire. This dinner signified the "passing of the baton from the 8^th boarders' council to the 9^th", or something like that. Mr Tan Pheng Tiong, also the deputy principal of the high school, was the guest of honour, and all "VIPs" of the boarding schools were present too.

We listened to speeches from the presidents of the former boarders' council and the current one. All councillors were introduced, and they also performed a dance. Tokens of gratitude in the form of a certificate and money (I think) were given to our former councillors, whose contributions could not be denied. We also counted ourselves fortunate to be able to listen to vocal performances (singing) by Yan Ming, first runner-up for this year's inter boarding school singing competition - Hall of Fame, and Felisa Titirwinata, the champion of Hall of Fame 2008. The food was especially good, though I decided not to eat the fried but delicious-looking food, since i just had immunisations. Ice-creams were also served towards the end of the event. In a nutshell, I thoroughly enjoyed myself, and I believed most did too.

On Friday, we had our cluster activity. Mr Tan Chee Wee, our cluster mentor, had kindly brought us to a hawker centre along Adams Road to have supper. We ate mutton soup (extremely spicy) with bread, roti prata ( a popular Indian dish), fish ball soup and other local delicacies. The food was delicious, and I decided to visit the hawker centre again when I had time.

My Saturday morning was quite meaningful. Classes 2O2, 1A2 and 1A3 had jointly organized an activity to Marina Barrage, where we took care of some elderly besides exploring. Besides gaining knowledge and promoting closer friendship among the 3 classes with Malaysian scholars, we could also care for the elderly and and gained CIP hours. Each groups of 2 was assigned to 1 elderly, Soo Han and I looked after an old lady who was in her sixties. She was quite a cheerful person and we chatted quite animatedly. Fortunately, she was able to speak in Chinese, which enabled us to communicate with her well, since both of us do not master any dialects. The climax is the exhibition, where we learnt a lot about Singapore water conserve and why and how and whatsoever, especially about Marina Barrage and its uses. We explained patiently to the elderly whenever they do not comprehend something. After that, we took a group photo and went home, or rather boarding school respectively. It was a meaningful and enjoyable day for us .

Besides, Liverpool had finally announced that they had lost the title chase. Despite a 2-0 win over West Bromwich Abber, and Man Utd draw 0-0 against Arsenal, Man Utd led the table with 6 points and 2 games remaining, signifying the end of the title challenge. I am extremely disappointed, but Liverpool had done their best. They were just 4 points behind their rivals and triumphed in goal differences by 6. This was the best results Liverpool had in recent years, and their closest to clinching the title. Just think of the outcome if Torres was not injured during the start of the season, or Liverpool were just luckier in some matches were heaps of scoring opportunities were wasted. I felt that it would be a different result altogether. Nevertheless, I am still proud of them and hoped that they will obtain better results in the next season. All the best of luck, Liverpool!

Recent happenings

Last Friday, I completed my online portfolio which we were required to finish as a term project for Infocomm Studies. The project was crucial as it constitutes 33.33% of the overall 50% for Type 3 Assessment for Infocomm Studies; therefore, I put my best effort in it. You can click on the link above to view it and please comment so that I can improve it. Thanks a lot!

On the 23^rd of April (Thursday), 9 Sec 1 classes , including mine, went to give our support to our track and field team in the Inter-School Track and Field Competition. In this round, our school did not perform well and only managed to bag 5 silver medals and a bronze, despite our cheering. Most of us shout until our voice grew hoarse, especially the councillors. However, HCI still clinch the overall champions for B and C division boys and A division girls and boys were the 2^nd and 3^rd runner-ups respectively, as they were brilliant in previous rounds. We continue to dominate the B and C division boys with 19 and 9 consecutive champions respectively. The track and field team has done us proud.

As a result, Dr Hon announce that school will end early on Friday!

Three cheers for track and field!

Three cheers for Dr Hon!

It was tiring, but nonetheless a fruitful day.

As for football news, I am sorry to say that Liverpool draw 4-4 against Arsenal, and with Man Utd's victory, the chance of regaining the long-lost title seemed slim. Last night, Hull City saw off with a 1-3 loss, due to goals by Alonso and Kuyt (2), and also an overwhelming 73.5% of possesion. However, Man Utd won 5-2 over Tottenham in a late match and dampen their hopes. Liverpool are currently trailing their rivals by 3 points and are at a disadvantage of one more match played.

Links :

My Online Portfolio

Matchcast : Liverpool vs Hull City

Matchcast :Man Utd vs Tottenham

Premier League table

Feast your eyes!

Basically, post mostly compromise of videos which I like to share with you. It is also the 50th post for this blog. So much for an achievement! Now, let's kick back and enjoy!

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As you can guess, I am a huge and die-hard fan of Steven Gerrard, the captain of Liverpool FC. Below is a video of his top 10 goals. As you can see in this video, most of his shots came from outside the penalty box and they were long, curved, magnificent, superb, fascinating, marvellous and unstoppable, leaving the keepers no chance. The video is uploaded on April 2006, and Gerrard was wearing the no.17 jersey at that time, except for the last and best strike against Olympiakos, which saw Liverpool advanced into the knockout stages and finally to the legendary comeback at Istanbul, where they proudly lifted the Champions League trophy in triumph. I am really proud of him.

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This video, however, is about Xabi Alonso, another of my favourite player, scoring a goal from 70 yard. It was unbelievable - the goalkeeper was actually at the another half of the pitch! What do you think of that?

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Flashback : The miracle of Istanbul
This is final of 04/05 Champions League which I mentioned just now. Liverpool overturned a 3 goals deficit and claimed the title on penalties. It is a memorable match for Liverpool. This match also serves as a warning to all of us: do not celebrate even though when you are 3 goals up, especially when you are facing Liverpool, as they are best at comeback victories!

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Some skills demonstrated by Liverpool! Enjoy!

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Special thanks to : YouTube

Recent and important news!

Liverpool draw Chelsea 4-4 in the second leg of the quarter-finals, thus was unable to advance into the semi-finals. Sad. T.T

Chelsea and Everton ended the day with victories over Arsenal and Man Utd respectively, and will meet in the finals of the FA cup.

Liverpool 4 Blackburn 0

Liverpool demolished a hapless Blackburn side with a 4-0 thrashing. They displayed some superb attacking football against the outclassed Blackburn. A first-half brace from Torres put Liverpool firmly in control while late goals by Agger and N'Gog ensured a overwhelming and crucial victory for Liverpool, and enabled them to lift her morale against the match against Chelsea.

The pitch was dominated by Liverpool just since the start of the match. They got paid-off for their dominance on the 4^th minute when a long pass by Jamie Carragher from the Liverpool half found its target. Torres controlled the ball on his chest with his back facing the goal, and suddenly span round on the spot and lofted a perfect strike that curved powerfully over the helpless Robinson into the far top corner.

The sublime strike signal the start of Liverpool's attacking reign. They wasted golden opportunities after another and should have built a 4 goal lead. Mascherano and Kuyt wasted chances after receiving nice passes from their teammates, while Agger's header was saved and Torres' rebound over the bar.

The 33' minute finally sees the second goal. It was Torres again - he got onto the end of Riera's free kick and netted the ball with a ferocious header leaving Robinson no hope of saving. After that, Liverpool continued surging forward, and should have scored again when Torres and Riera closed in on goal 5 minutes later.

In the second half, it seemed that Liverpool's finishing touch had deserted them; Torres, Kuyt and Riera from the centre, right and left wing respectively missed chances that should have seen the ball touched the back of the net. El Zhar also lost his footing at the critical moment.

Agger finally sent the ball the third time into the net when he broke Blackburn's resistance with an unstoppable and stunning left-foot rocket in the top-left corner past the diving Robinson. And in the final minute, Leiva received a pass from Carragher and head to N'Gog. He headed home and boosted Liverpool's goal difference and a deserved emphasis to their victory.

Blackburn were often energetic, but they had little to show for their efforts as they were played off by a rampart Liverpool side. Their best chances come in the 72' minute when Samba headed into Reina's hand.

Liverpool enjoyed a 67% of possession, 23 shots including 10 on-target shots and 7 corners, perfectly outclassed Blackburn. This victory also proves that Liverpool is able to do without Gerrard, who is currently recovering from an injury.

Both Man Utd and Chelsea ended the day in triumph, but with narrow wins. Man Utd won 2-1 over Sunderland while Chelsea had to hold their breath until the last minute; they had been leading 4-0 but Bolton fought back heroically but still they lost 3-4 to their more superior opponent. Arsenal won 4-1 over Wigan too.

Links :

Matchcast

Watch - All goals

Liverpool vs Blackburn Rovers Preview

EXPECTED LINE-UP

Liverpool : Reina, Aurelio, Skrtel, Carragher, Arbeloa, Mascherano, Alonso, Riera, Gerrard, Kuyt, Torres.

Blackburn : Robinson, Ooijer, Samba, Nelsen, Givet, Andrews, Mokoena, Warnock, Dunn, Diouf, McCarthy.

INJURIES

Hyypia, Degen (Both Liverpool), Santa Cruz, Roberts, Emerton, Grella, Reid, Pedersen (All Blackburn).

SUSPENSIONS

None

LAST 5 RESULTS (from most recent)

Liverpool : LWWWW

Home 1-3 Chelsea (Champions League)

Away 1-0 Fulham
Home 5-0 Aston Villa
Away 4-1 Man Utd
Home 4-0 Real Madrid (Champions League)
Home 2-0 Sunderland

Blackburn : WDLWD

Home 2-1 Tottenham

Home 1-1 West Ham

Away 0-4 Arsenal

Away 2-1 Fulham

Home 0-0 Everton

 

Premiership matches unless stated

STATISTICS

• In the previous 2 Premiership meetings of Liverpool and Blackburn have ended as 3-1 victories to the Reds.
  
• Blackburn have scored exactly 1 goal in 4 of their last 5 clashes with Liverpool.
  
• Out of 14 Premiership matches at Anfield, Blackburn have won only 1 going back to September 1993.
  
• All 4 goals in this fixture last season came in the final half hour of the match.
  
• Liverpool have gone 26 home games without defeat, the longest current run in the top-flight.
  
• Liverpool have scored the most 90th-minute goals this season : 8
  
• Liverpool have been hit the woodwork 24 times this season, currently leading in the Premiership.
  
• Both teams have been awarded a joint-high 5 penalties this season.
  
• Liverpool are the only side not to have 0 player sent off this season - Liverpool is the most disciplined team!
  
• Rovers have lost only 3 of their last 14 Premier League games.
  
• Liverpool have won 8 and drawn 3 of their 11 north-west derby games this season, scoring 25 goals in the process.

LINKS

• http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/premier-league/2008-2009/liverpool-blackburn-236935.html
  
• http://www.espnstar.com/football/premier-league/fixtures/preview/item94200/

Liverpool 1 Chelsea 3...Aaargh~

I am wordless and stupefied when I saw the results. This probably marks the end of Liverpool's Champion League title challenge. Liverpool has little hope of a comeback as they would be facing Chelsea at Stamford Bridge next time.

Although Liverpool enjoyed better possession, Chelsea was superior in shots and shots on target. Both teams waste quite a lot of opportunities to create goals. Torres put Liverpool in the lead in the 6' minutes, but an Ivanovic double headers and one by Drogba help Chelsea to come from behind.

Liverpool must win at least 3-1 next round to keep their slim title challenge hope alive. However, there is still a chance. Remember, they demolished Man Utd 4-1 away. Futhermore, Liverpool had famously overturned a 3-goal deficit to AC Milan in the 05 Champions League final to claim the title. Thus, we should not deprive ourselves of thinking that this is the end.

In the other match, Barcelona thrashed Bayern Munich 4-0 and should have no doubt of advancing into the semi-finals. Messi (9', 38), Eto'o (12') and Henry (43') scored to decrease the chances of advancing into semi-final of a Bayern side without Klose to almost zero.

I am too depressed to say anymore. You can visit this link for more information about this match. See you and wait patiently for my next post, which will most probably be about the preview of Liverpool vs Blackburn which shall take place on 11^th April.

Liverpool vs Chelsea Preview

In the quarter-final clashes of the Champions League, the match that is most worth to view is, and should be, Liverpool vs bitter rivals Chelsea at Anfield.

EXPECTED LINE-UP
Liverpool : Reina, Aurelio, Skrtel, Carragher, Arbeloa, Riera, Lucas, Gerrard, Alonso, Kuyt, Torres.
Chelsea : Cech, Ivanoic, Alex, Essien, Terry, Cole, Malouda, Lampard, Ballack, Anelka, Drogba.

INJURIES
Degen (Liverpool), J.Cole, Bosingwa, Ferreira (all Chelsea)

SUSPENSIONS
Mascherano (Liverpool)

LAST 5 RESULTS (from most recent)

Liverpool : WWWWW
Away 1-0 Fulham
Home 5-0 Aston Villa
Away 4-1 Man Utd
Home 4-0 Real Madrid (Champions League)
Home 2-0 Sunderland

Chelsea : WLWDW
Away 2-0 Newcastle
Away 0-1 Tottenham
Home 1-0 Man City
Away 2-2 Juventus (Champions League)
Away 2-0 Coventry City (FA Cup)

Premiership matches unless stated

HEAD TO HEAD (last 10 matches)
Liverpool leading by 4 victories, 3 draws and 3 defeats

FACTS "N" FIGURES

• Liverpool have met Chelsea in each of the last 5 seasons in the Champions League.
• The team who drawn at home in the 1st leg each of the last 3 meetings in the knockout stages was eliminated.
• Liverpool have won 7 and lost none of their last 9 Champions League home matches.
• Liverpool have played Chelsea 22 times in 4.5 seasons since Rafael Benitez's reign, with 7 victories and 9 defeats.
• Liverpool have won both matches against the Chelsea in the Premiership this season.
• Fernando Torres has scored 4 goals in his 4 appearances against the Chelsea.
• Steven Gerrard has scored 7 goals in 7 Champions League appearances this season, currently leading the top scorers.
• Didier Drogba has scored in his last 3 Champions League matches.
• In previous 8 Champions League encounters between Liverpool and Chelsea, only 1 has seen more than 2 goals, and 2 more than 1.
• Chelsea have been caught offside in the Champions League more than any other team so far : 36.
• Liverpool have taken and scored the most penalties in the competition so far : 3.

YESTERDAY'S RESULTS

Villareal 1-1 Arsenal
Senna 9’ ------ Adebayor 65’

Man Utd 2-2 Porto
Rooney 16’ ---- Mariano Gonzalez 89’
Tevez 85’ ------ Rodriguez 4’

TODAY'S FIXTURES

Barcelona vs Bayern
Liverpool vs Chelsea

Click on the following link to view the finer details of Liverpool vs Chelsea.

Fulham 0 Liverpool 1

Liverpool go to the top of the Premier League after an injury time winner by Yossi Benayon saw them beat Fulham 1-0.

As usual, Liverpool dominated the pitch with about 61% of possession and 20 shots against the opponent's miserable 3, including 7 shots on target and 1 for Fulham.

It looked like the Reds had blown a great opportunity to put more pressure on Man Utd after they missed a host of chances and hit the woodwork 4 times in the game. Lady Luck was not, or almost never, with Liverpool in this match.

However, the Israeli winger - on as a substitute - latched on to a loose ball in the 92^nd minute and drilled a rising shot past the previously impregnable Mark Schwarzer to boost Liverpool's title credentials, lifting them to the top of the table, though Man Utd have 2 games in hand. They will be facing Aston Villa in the next must-win match.

Goalkeeper Jose Reina had an easy job in this match, barely touching the ball and without a save. On the other hand or the other end of the pitch, Fulham goalkeeper Schwarzer was fantastic, saving many goals that under normal circumstances should touch the back of the net, but was helpless against Benayon's goal.

Click on this link to view Benayoun's goal or this to watch the highlights of this match. For more information about this match, you can click here.

Liverpool 5 Aston Villa 0

Liverpool demolished Aston Villa with another spectacular and emphatic victory, a 5-0, with Steven Gerrard scoring a hat-trick (2 penalties and a free-kick) while Dirk Kuyt and Albert Riera scored a goal apiece. With that win, Liverpool continue pressurizing Man Utd with only one point less than them. This was Liverpool's biggest win this season.

Having routed Man Utd 4-1 last weekend, Liverpool took advantage of the champions losing 2-0 at Fulham on Saturday. Man Utd has 65 points after 29 games; Liverpool 64 after 30 games. Chelsea, who lost 1-0 at Tottenham on Saturday, has 61.

Liverpool dominated the pitch with 62% of possesion. They also managed to get 19 shots including 7 shots on target. Aston Villa had a few chances to score but Jose Reina superb performance denied them of creating any goals.

In the 64' minutes, Torres' run invited a challenge from Friedel after the Spain striker knocked the ball past the keeper, who could not help but bring him down. Referee Martin Atkinson had no hesitation in pointing to the spot, but also in brandishing a red card to the American. This marks the end of Aston Villa's hopes of a comeback win, or even a draw, as they were already 4 goals down and a penalty awaiting. Steven Gerrard completed the hat-trick with the penalty.

For more information about this match, click on this link.

Liverpool news

Liverpool faces Chelsea again

Today, the drawing results of the Champions League quarter-finals were splashed on almost all headlines in almost all newspaper, I believe. And the subtitle? "LIVERPOOL FACE CHELSEA AGAIN..." or something like that.

This is very true. Liverpool certainly face Chelsea again in the quarter finals, and this is the fifth consecutive seasons they have, or would have met. Liverpool have won 2 and Chelsea 1 of the clubs' recent battles in Europe, but it is the Blues who triumphed in the most recent head-to-head encounter-last year's semi-finals.

Reds won the 04/05 semi-final, before the teams locked horns again in the 2005/06 group stage. Liverpool then won the 2006/07 semi-final against Chelsea under Avram Grant. I felt that Liverpool shall revenge on their rivals as they have already slaughtered them twice this season. However, it would not be Mourinho, Grant or even Scolari they would be facing this time; it will be Guus Hiddink, who has not led Chelsea to a defeat, yet.

Holders Manchester United play Portuguese champions FC Porto, while Arsenal meet Villarreal from Spain. The winners of the Liverpool-Chelsea tie will take on either Barcelona or Bayern Munich, with the pair meeting in the other quarter-final. Of all the teams, I think Man Utd has the best draw of all.

1^st leg April 7, 2^nd leg April 15
Villarreal v Arsenal
Manchester United v Porto

1st leg April 8, 2nd leg April 14
Liverpool v Chelsea
Barcelona v Bayern Munich

Semi-finals (1st leg April 28&29, 2nd leg May 5&6)
Manchester United or Porto v Villarreal or Arsenal
Barcelona or Bayern Munich v Liverpool or Chelsea

Liverpool continued leading Power Rankings

Liverpool continue to dominate the European Power Rankings following their stunning victory over Manchester United. Not satisfied with slaughtering Real Madrid 4-0 just few days earlier, Liverpool were at it again at Old Trafford, coming from behind to register a spectacular, ego-busting, morale-raising, title race opening 4-1 win. That was enough for them to maintain their lead over Barcelona at the summit of our the Power Rankings for another week, while Devils slipped a place to the 4th place following the mauling in Old Trafford.

Bayern Munich were the team to take advantage of the slip, rising into 3rd after victory over Bochum. Chelsea and Arsenal stayed in 5th and 11th place respectively despite convincing victories. Porto dropped a place to ninth Villareal, slipped to 17th as a result of Atletico Madrid 's 3- 2 win. For the record, Atleti jumped two places to 15th.

European Power Rankings (previous rankings in brackets):
1 (1) Liverpool - 23.02
2 (2) Barcelona - 22.85
3 (4) Bayern Munich - 20.94
4 (3) Manchester United - 20.36
5 (5) Chelsea - 19.89
6 (7) Juventus - 18.66
7 (8) Real Madrid - 18.61
8 (9) Porto - 18.57
9 (12) Hamburg - 17.94
10 (6) CSKA Moscow - 17.90
11 (11) Arsenal - 17.72
12 (10) AS Roma - 17.59
13 (13) Inter Milan - 17.41
14 (14) Metalist Kharkiv - 16.74
15 (17) Atletico Madrid - 16.71
16 (19) Sporting - 16.50
17 (16) Villarreal - 16.46
18 (15) Dynamo Kiev - 16.23
19 (20) Panathinaikos - 16.05
20 (18) Lyon - 16.02
29 (25) Manchester City - 13.03

For more information on how it works, visit this website.

Liverpool 5 named by Spain

5 Liverpool players were named in the Spain squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Turkey, namely goalkeeper Jose Reina, defender Alvaro Arbeloa, midfielders Xabi Alonso and Albert Riera, and striker Fernando Torres. More

Click here to view the table, fixtures and results of 2010 World Cup qualifiers.

Gerrard assault charge dropped

Prosecutors have dropped accusations of assault against Steven Gerrard but the he will still face a charge of affray over a bar brawl. More

Late "Happy Birthday!" for Torres

It was Fernando Torres' birthday yesterday!

Man Utd 1 Liverpool 4

What a fantastic week for Liverpool! After a thrilling and speculating 4-0 win over Spanish side Real Madrid, Liverpool capped another humiliating victory over Man Utd, triumphing twice against their bitter rivals for the second time this season.

Goals by Fernando Torres(28'), Steven Gerrard(44', pen), Fabio Aurelio(77') and Andrea Dossena(90+1') helped Liverpool to launch a comeback and cut the gap between Man Utd to 4 points and rekindle their title hopes, although Man Utd still have a game in hand. Cristiano Ronaldo's opener came from a well-taken penalty spot kick on 22 minutes after Jose Reina had brought down Park Ji-Sung with a reckless and unnecessary challenge in the Liverpool penalty area.

I was almost ecstatic when I know about it. I could not believe my eyes when I saw the results. Liverpool positively outplayed their fiercest rivals as you can see in the live commentary and team statistic in the following link:
http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/premier-league/2008-2009/man-united-liverpool-236908.html

I was convinced when I saw the goals scored in the match (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Px6wN5GBdw). Liverpool did brilliantly and all the goals were perfect. Torres' and Dossena's goals came from long passes from the other end of the pitch while Gerrard's and Aurelio's spot-kicks were magnificent. They recorded a stunning win and put Man Utd consecutive wins to an end. Rafa Benitez also celebrates his 100^th Premiership victory. Most important of all, Liverpool revive their faltering title chase.

This match is also :

• Liverpool's first win at Man Utd in 5 years.
• Rafa Benitez's first win at Old Trafford.
• Liverpool's biggest win at Old Trafford in 73 years.
• Man Utd's worst home defeat since a loss by the same score in 1992 against Queens Park Rangers.
• Man Utd's first defeat for 11 games.
• Man Utd's first game without victory for 25 games.

Did you know that Liverpool are officially kings of Europe, not Man Utd, Chelsea, Barcelona or AC Milan - and you can click here for the proof - as they top the European Power Rankings.

What happened today?

Today, the fifth of March, is quite a good day, for me, at least. I found that the questions in the Maths test were quite easy except for the bonus questions which was not so important. I managed to solve 2 out of 3 questions anyway, so it is actually quite okay.

Few hours later, we had Literature Arts. I was dreading it because we would receive our test papers which I did not think I had done well. The teacher started giving out the test papers and you would have feel the tension if you are there. This is our last paper we would receive for this term. Some of them smiled in sastification while dismay was written all over some faces. Many people were also comparing results. Finally, the teacher called my name and I rushed forward to receive my paper, folding it so that I would not see the marks yet.

When I got back to my seat, I slowly unfold my test paper and a digit 2 was revealed (the total mark is 30). I was almost ecstatic. However, I would still get a B3 if the next digit is 0. According to our teacher, there were no one who score A1 and for A2, a miserable 1. I took a deep breath and the second digit was 1! I was even more ecstatic as I thought that I was the lucky one. Later, I learnt that there were at least 3 people who got an A2. Still, it was a commendable result for me.

Besides that, I was finally chosen by the teacher for the Current Affairs dicussion. Everytime the activity was carried out, I was never chosen although I had raised my hand every time, either Chinese or English.

During this afternoon, I went to play street soccer with my friends and some seniors at the futsal court. I managed to score a goal unexpectedly. This was my first goal in over a month. This was not strange actually, as I did not touch a football at all during the past three weeks of tests.

On the other hand, there were some less fortunate incidents which happened today. Together with my friend from another class, we were supposed to consult a teacher regarding a Chinese competition which clashed with the Sec 1 Annual Camp. The office was closed when we got there after school at 2:30 pm. We were unable to find the teacher earlier because our recess time are different.

Furthermore, while we were playing soccer, one of my friend accidentally hurt himself quite severely. We took him to the general office to receive treatment. After that, he would be sent to a clinic. We promised to be more careful when we play next time to avoid this kind of incidents to happen again.

Manchester United win Newcastle 2-1 today. That does not concern me too much but I think this might be the end of Liverpool's title dream. Sad. More (in a new window)

That's all for today. So, do you think I have a good day today? Or just the opposite? You can share your views in the comment box. Wait for my next post!

Liverpool 2 Sunderland 0

Finally, a Premiership victory for Liverpool.

Their Premier League title challenge was back on track with a 2-0 victory over Sunderland at Anfield. However, if rivals Man Utd succeeded in winning out-of-form Newcastle, their efforts would be wasted. Still, I am not complaining; I am trying to be positive but Liverpool do seem to have little hope of regaining the title.

The visitors almost took a shock lead in the 4' minute as the sides fought out a goalless in the first 45 minutes. David N'Gog's shot on 52 minutes broke the deadlock, while Yossi Benayoun's 65th-minute strike put the match beyond doubt, most of all mine.

This win gets Liverpool back to within 4 points of Premier League leaders Manchester United, albeit having played two more games than their rivals. If, just if, Man Utd lost to Newcastle, preferably a goal difference of more than 3, all could be well again.

Click on the following link for more information about this match: http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/premier-league/2008-2009/liverpool-sunderland-236899.html

Middlesbrough 2 Liverpool 0

Liverpool fading Premiership title hopes suffered another crushing blow as they went 0-2 down to strugglers Middlesbrough. They also give up the second place to Chelsea who triumphed 2-1 against Wigan. This should be the end of Liverpool's title dreams, unless miracles do happen, and this is extremely unlikely...

Despite dominating the whole match with nearly three quarters of possesion, 23 shots and 4 shots on target, Liverpool conceded an own goal by Xabi Alonso. Stewart Downing swung his corner in from the right and Alonso, who appeared to be having his shirt pulled, inadvertently redirected the ball past Jose Reina and into the far corner off his left hip. Aargh~

Before the goal, Kuyt and Gerrard missed plenty of oppurtunities to score goals, and that is what one of the factors Liverpool is famous - they create hosts of chances, but they always waste them. I can't figure why.

The 2^nd half begins, with El Zhar missed a couple of golden chances. During the 63' minute, O'Neil releases Aliadiere down the right on the counter-attack, and the Frenchman pulls it back for Tuncay to stroke a cool finish into the bottom-left corner. 2 minutes later, Liverpool was denied a penalty by referee Styles. That's another - Liverpool does always seems to get less penalties and more unfair judgings...

Another 3 minutes later, Liverpool bring on N'Gog for El Zhar; Middlesbrough King for Aladiere. Yossi Benayoun subsituted defensive colossus Jamie Carragher in the 71' minutes. I don't think this is wise...

When Gerrard - still not fully fit after his hamstring injury - went off 15 minutes from time, the game was effectively up for Liverpool. He is needed in the match against Real. This officially (is there a more suitable word?) marks the beginning of the end, if not the end...

Emanuel Pogatetz comes away on the break for Middlesbrough. He crosses low for King to finish into the empty net, but there is an offside flag up! Phew! The referee finally made a good judging (I might have exaggerated it) and Liverpool did not suffered a 0-3 shame.

Middlesbrough secured a famous victory undeservingly . Liverpool? A famous lose.

Other Premiership results :

Chelsea 2-1 Wigan Althetics

Arsenal 0-0 Fulham

Everton 2-0 West Bromwich Abber

* So do you think you are a die-hard fan of Liverpool? Or do you think you know Liverpool very well? Click here to test yourself!

Liverpool vs Middlesbrough Preview

The match is going to take place 2 hours later, it is kind of late posting this, but never mind.

Expected line-up
Liverpool : Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher, Skrtel, Dossena, Benayoun, Mascherano, Lucas, Reira, Gerrard, Kuyt
Middlesbrough : Jones, Hoyte, Wheater, Huth, Pogatetz, O'Neil, Arca, Johnson, Downing, Aliadière, King

Injuries
Liverpool : Torres, Degen
Middlesbrough : Riggott, Digard

Suspensions
None

Statistics

• Middlesbrough have failed to score in 8 of their last nine Premiership matches. It is 8 hours and 15 minutes since they last scored.
• Middlesbrough have converted just 8% of their shots into goals - the worst percentage in the top flight.
• Liverpool have gone 15 league games without a defeat.
• Liverpool have come from behind to claim 18 points this season, more than any other team, including a 2-1 win over Middlesbrough earlier this season. They also won 3-2 at Anfield last season after falling behind.
• Liverpool have scored 16 goals in the closing 15 minutes of games, more than any other team.
• Middlesbrough have scored 44% of their goals in the final 15 minutes, the highest proportion in the top division.
• Middlesbrough have scored only 1 miserable goal in the opening 15 minutes of a match - the lowest tally in the Premier League.
• Similarly, Liverpool have only netted 5% of their goals in the opening 15 minutes.
• Fernando Torres scored 4 goals in 2 games against Middlesbrough last season including a hat-trick at Anfield.

My prediction : Liverpool came off better with a 2-0 win!

You can visit this website for live match highlights.

Liverpool vs Man City Preview

Liverpool will face ninth-in-the-league Manchester City in Anfield (1500 hrs in UK time, 2300 hrs in Singapore time).

I figure that Liverpool will have to win at least 11 out of 13 matches, if not more, to prevent Man Utd from winning the title and matching their record, so this is a must-win game for them.

EXPECTED LINE-UP

Liverpool : Reina, Aurelio, Skrtel, Carragher, Arbeloa, Reira, Lucas, Mascherano, Benayon, Torres, Kuyt

Man City : Given, Onuoha, Richards, Dunne, Bridge, Zabaleta, Elano, De Jong, Robinho, Bellamy

INJURIES

Liverpool : Gerrard, Degen

Man City : Hamann, Petrov, Benjani, Johnson, Sturridge

SUSPENSIONS

Alonso (Liverpool), Wright-Phillips (Man City)

Now, let us take a look at some interesting statistics of this match :

• Fernando Torres has scored 3 goals in his last 2 appearances against Manchester City.
• Liverpool are unbeaten in their last 7 Premier League encounters with the Citizens.
• City have failed to score in 6 of those 7 games.
• The last 3 Premier League clashes between these sides at Anfield have ended as 1-0 wins for the Reds.
• City's only Premier League win at Anfield came in May 2003.
• Liverpool have gone 14 league games without a defeat, longer than any other team currently.
• The Reds have gone 23 home games without being beaten - also a current Premier League best figure.
• City have gone 32 games since a goalless draw, longer than any other top-flight team currently.
• Liverpool have been denied by the woodwork 18 times this season, more than any other team.
• Torres has scored a goal every 114 minutes this season, the best rate in the Premier League.
• City have managed only 2 points more than West Brom on their travels.

Wow! Most of this stats seems to benefit Liverpool. But it may not be an easy win. Captain Steven Gerrard has still been ruled out of the clash with City as he is still recovering from a hamstring strain. Lucas and Javier Mascherano are likely to make-up an all South American central midfield as Xabi Alonso is suspended.

My prediction : Liverpool 2-0 Man City!

My favourite football player

... is none other than Steven Gerrard!

Cut my veins open and I bleed Liverpool red. I love Liverpool with a burning passion. That was what Gerrard, the captain of Liverpool said in his biography.

Liverpool's inspirational captain is arguably the most complete footballer in the world. Power, pace, touch and a never-say-die attitude; he has it all, and rarely have these attributes been more apparent than when he skippered the Reds to 2005 Champions League glory in Istanbul.

Gerrard's profile :

Full name : Steven George Gerrard

Date of birth : 30 May 1980 (age 28/2009 - it is not May yet)

Place of birth : Whiston, England

Nationality : England

Height : 6 feet 0 inches or 1.83m

Weight : 83 kg

Club information :

Current club : Liverpool FC

Position : Midfielder (usually playing as right winger, but is able to play in almost all midfield positions)

Squad Number : 8

Career :

(Youth) 1987-1997 : Liverpool

(Senior) 1997-now : Liverpool

Steven Gerrard looks like he will stay at Liverpool till he retired!

Early career :

Gerrard started out playing for hometown team Whiston Juniors, where he was noticed by Liverpool scouts. He joined the Reds' youth academy at the age of nine. Gerrard then had trials with various clubs at fourteen, including Manchester United, which he claimed in his 2006 autobiography was "to pressure Liverpool into giving me a YTS (youth training scheme) contract." He signed his first professional contract with Liverpool on 5 November 1997.

Gerrard and Liverpool :

Gerrard made his Liverpool first-team debut on 29 November 1998 in a match against Blackburn Rovers as a last minute substitute for Vegard Heggem. He made 13 appearances in his debut season, filling in the midfield position for injured captain Jamie Redknapp and playing on the right wing, but he scarcely contributed in the little on-pitch time he received, due to nervousness affecting his play. Gerrard recalled in a interview, "I was out of position and out of my depth." The Liverpool hierarchy nonetheless remained convinced that he would improve. Gerrard saw himself as a defensive player primarily, looking to make key tackles rather than push the team forward. More

Club statistics - Appearances and Goals (More details on this season? Click here)

International goals

Personal life

Honours :

Liverpool
FA Cup: 00/01, 05/06
League Cup: 00/01, 02/03
FA Community Shield: 01/02, 06/07
UEFA Champions League: 04/05
UEFA Cup: 00/01
UEFA Super Cup: 01/02, 05/06

Individual
PFA Young Player of the Year: 00/01
UEFA Club Footballer of the Year: 04/05
UEFA Champions League Final Man of the Match: 04/05
FIFA Club World Championship Silver Ball: 05
PFA Players' Player of the Year: 05–06
FA Premier League Player of the Month: Mar 01, Mar 03, Dec 04, Apr 06
FA Cup Final Man of the Match: 05/06
FIFPro World XI: 06/07, 07/08
UEFA Team of the Year: 04/05, 05/06, 06/07
PFA Team of the Year: 00/01, 03/04, 04/05, 05/06, 06/07, 07/08

Others
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE): 07
Honorary Fellowship from Liverpool John Moores University: 08

Are you a fan of Steven Gerrard too? Or are you becoming one? You can visit http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/team/squad/gerrard/ for more information.

Today's happenings

Today was meant to be the start of our class test, but it was not to be. Both our English test and InfoComm Studies was postponed (Cheers!). Besides that, today was Singapore Total Defense day, and we went to Singapore Discovery Centre. It was great fun there and we have an enjoyable and meaningful time as we learn heaps of useful stuff and invaluable information.

Tomorrow will be our history test. I do not think that it will be postponed (but I hope so, who won't?) so I will have to study hard.

On another side of the world, Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari was sacked sensationally despite being in charge just a little over half a season. The 59-year-old Brazilian arrived in West London last July, but the club's poor form and rumours of discontent in the dressing room have cause his position undermined.

Chelsea's results, especially at home have been particularly disappointing, winning just 6 of 13 games at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League. Saturday's goalless draw at home to Hull City saw them slip to fourth in the table, 7 points behind leaders Manchester United, and therefore the chances of regaining the title seem slim.

Nevertheless, the dismissal of Scolari, who lead Brazil to win the 2002 World Cup and reached the Euro 2004 final with Portugal, comes as a major shock. Chelsea have reached the last 16 of the Champions League where they face a Juventus side managed by former Stamford Bridge boss Claudio Ranieri, and they still able to compete in the FA Cup.

Scolari started brightly with six wins and two draws from his first eight league games, including masterpieces like 5-0 over Sunderland and Middlesbrough, 4-0 over Portsmouth and they led the table most of the time until the mid-November.

However, the 0-1 lose to Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on October 26 to end Chelsea's 86-match unbeaten home league run and their home form started to dip alarmingly with another loss to Arsenal at the end of November and a series of poor draws with middle-or-bottom-placed teams. Scolari's substitutions were also questioned by fans, who taunted him on Saturday with cries of "you don't know what you're doing".

The club, who won back-to-back titles under Jose Mourinho in 2005 and 2006 and were beaten on penalties in last season's Champions League final by Manchester United, slipped further back in the title race when they were beaten 3-0 by Man Utd and 2-0 again by Liverpool recently.

Scolari's assistant Ray Wilkins takes temporary charge of the first-team, but one of the favourites to take over permanently is West Ham manager and former Blues legend Gianfranco Zola, who has been voted the greatest player the club's history. Russia manager Guus Hiddink and Avram Grant who was sacked by Chelsea last May after reaching the Champions League final - are also believed to be on the shortlist.

Meanwhile, Luiz Felipe Scolari's sacking has left Alex Ferguson with a sense of shock that the Brazilian's time at Chelsea has been so short. He believes the sudden end of Scolari's tenure is a "sign of the times" - in which one of his colleagues can lose his job so easily.

When asked about the situation, Ferguson said: "I am really surprised. It is a shock so soon - he only took the job seven months ago. He is a man of great experience; he took Brazil to World Cup winners - and was the obvious choice to replace Avram Grant. It is a sign of the times. There is absolutely no patience in the world now."

Chelsea will face rivals Aston Villa in a crucial match; whichever team that lose is very likely to be kicked out of the title challenge, or even the third place. Villa sets to win in order to break the monopoly of the "Big Four".

That's all for today. See you!

Liverpool clinch to a narrow and crucial win over Portsmouth

Portsmouth lose narrowly to Liverpool despite leading twice. Fernando Torres scored 2 minutes into the injury time and Liverpool return to the top of the league, at least for one day.

Without captain Steven Gerrard, Liverpool started a starting line-up that included full-backs Arbeloa and Aurelio deployed in midfield roles and 19-year-old striker David N'Gog starting in place of Torres.

Even with Torres, Kuyt, Xabi Alonso and Albert Riera watching from the sidelines, Liverpool dominated possession for much of the game, with Aurelio going close with a well-struck free-kick early on and Javier Mascherano seeing a shot from distance saved by David James. The first half ended goalless, former Liverpool striker Peter Crouch also wasted a chance for Portsmouth.

At the 59' minute, Benayoun slaloms through the midfield brilliantly and feeds it out to Kuyt on the right, and the Dutchman crosses and Babel misses the ball from 6 yards out with the open goal at his mercy!

3 minutes after, Crouch slips a ball into the path of Nugent, who is unmarked and slips the ball underneath the onrushing Reina and into the net and Portsmouth took the lead! At the 69' minute, Alonso rolls the ball into the path of Aurelio, who absolutely blasts the ball into the bottom corner of the net t0 draw Liverpool level.

Babel was subsituted with none other than Torres in the 76' minutes. But 2 minutes later, a Portsmouth corner comes in and Hermann Hreidarsson is completely unmarked to send a header through the arms of Jose Reina and send Portsmouth 2-1 up! Liverpool are level again in 85' minutes. Torres finds himself in acres of space as he cuts a ball back from the byline to Kuyt, who evades two attempted challenges from Distin before blasting a shot past James at the near post!

Hreidarsson appeals for a corner, but he doesn't get it, and slaps his hands on the ground in frustration. If that wasn't bad enough, this is all right in front of the referee, and after a couple of choice words from the Icelander Howard Webb whips out the only yellow card in the highly disciplined match in the 88' minutes.

With 1 approximately 1 minutes left, Mascherano plays Benayoun to the byline and the Israeli chips a ball to the near post for FERNANDO TORRES TO HEAD HOME!! Torres is once again Liverpool's hero again!

Portsmouth was consigned to a fourth straight home defeat. While Liverpool's title challenge lives on! Hooray!