0 Kudo

<< Previous Topic Next Topic >>

Spank the Spurs.

Author

Comment

Raeser

Spank the Spurs.

Lead

[-]

Posts: 960

(22/05/09 13:18:58)

Administrator

Tags : None

Here we go for the last game of the season. Some joy over the way the latter part of the campaign has evolved and also some sadness at saying goodbye to Sami.
There's also some apprehension over how the squad will change/improve over the summer, we all want Xabi to stay at all costs and the improvements to come in
the wide areas. Right full back, left full back and an option on both wings in the form of very good, recognised wingers.

I'm very happy with the Torres/Gerrard pairing but recognise that we do need other options. But it must be of a similar quality.

On the face of it, this game is all about pride. We only need a draw to seal second spot and Spurs really have nothing to gain from a win.

The return of Robbie Keane will spice things up a bit and he may even get to score but I think we should win this one, though it will be tough.

"For those of you watching in black and white, Liverpool are the team with the ball"

Raeser

[-]

Posts: 961

(22/05/09 13:19:54)

Administrator

	THE VIEW FROM SPURS Jimmy Rice 22 May 2009

Spurs fan Dave Tickner from Sportinglife.com provides the view from White Hart Lane ahead of Sunday's season finale at Anfield. How are you feeling about this trip to Anfield? Not sure, to be honest. I always reckon the last day of the season isn't a bad time to play the 'big four' as there's a decent chance there's a more significant game round the corner - United and Chelsea this season - or they've got a lot less to play for than they would earlier in the campaign - Arsenal (happily) and you (less happily) this time round. We've been brilliant recently apart from 10 minutes at Blackburn and 45 at Old Trafford, so I'm fairly confident we'll do ourselves justice. Wilson Palacios is a big miss - he's been huge for us - although the reason does rather put all this football nonsense in perspective. Enjoyed the Premier League season? It's all ended a bit flat, really. A couple of months ago it looked like everything could still be up for grabs right to the end but apart from hoping and praying that Newcastle go there's not really too much left to get excited about now. Good season, though; if perhaps low on quality. As a Spurs fan it's frustrating to see Villa fall away spectacularly while Everton are solid and no more than that. But for that ridiculous start (which you'd really think 'Arry would make more mention of...) we'd have been right up there with them. But there's been some excitement and impressive seasons from unexpected places - Fulham, Stoke, West Ham - which must be a good thing. You do start to wonder whether anyone can ever split you four up at the top, though. And if Man City do it, I'm not really sure that's progress. Highs and lows? Highs: that ridiculous game at the Emirates (although the DVD release was a tad embarrassing), the thoroughly deserved home win against you, Luka Modric's superb winner against Chelsea at the Lane and somehow ending the season with our best ever home defensive record and six straight wins. Lows: the first eight games, losing to a last-minute goal at Wigan after one of the most timid, gutless Spurs performances I've ever seen, getting a scandalous decision from the officials at Old Trafford. Again. Yes, I was going to mention that. Thanks... At no other ground in the country is that penalty given. Ridiculous decision - he couldn't wait to get United back in the game. But it doesn't excuse the way we capitulated afterwards. It was embarrassing. You could see how nervous the players were right at the start of that second half, and the shoulders just slumped after the penalty. The players never seemed to actually believe they could hold on and win at Old Trafford. Sorry - wish we could have helped you out. Who do you expect/want to go down? Middlesbrough are doomed. I'd love to see Newcastle go, if only because for some misguided reason some of their shirt-fearing Best Fans in the World labour under the misapprehension that they are in some way a bigger and better club than we are. A bizarre and baffling delusion. Mind, Phil Brown has cut an increasingly despicable figure as the season has gone on so there'd be no tears shed should Tango Man fall through the trapdoor. Summer arrivals? I really, really hope we have a quiet summer. We need continuity, not another summer of rebuilding followed by a dreadful league start (something that's happened for the last three years). An experienced centre-back would be nice but hardly essential with Michael Dawson and Vedran Corluka already here. Bit of left-sided cover, maybe. But I expect us to sign half-a-dozen players for a combined £72million. It's the Tottenham way. How is Robbie Keane getting on? He gave the club a massive lift when he came back - we went about six or seven games unbeaten and jumped from the bottom three to safety. But I'm certain we only re-signed Robbie because Jermain Defoe was injured and we were desperate for a striker. Fair enough - it worked. But long term we've got the same problem we had when Defoe and Keane were here before. Keeping them both happy will be tricky, and it's hard to know which way it'll go seeing as JD is Redknapp's pet and Keane has been made captain. What's the score going to be? It'll be close, I think, but you'll end the season on a winning note. 2-1, maybe.

"For those of you watching in black and white, Liverpool are the team with the ball"

franklampard89.kingofpopdiscus...

[-]

Posts: 1

(22/05/09 20:36:34)

Liverpool is in a great form now.I think they will win 2-0..

___________________________________________
www.floatingtank.at
andro

Bakersboy10

[-]

Posts: 342

(23/05/09 09:46:38)

Here's hoping we end the season on a high,we don't really need the three points as the Chavs would have to score a shed-(sorry for the pun!! ) load of goals to take second place,but I would still love us to play as we have been doing,to send us fans off into the summer break happy and ready for August, so,yes,let's spank the Spurs.

Red till I'm dead,then it's up to the heaven eleven.

peileadoir

OOoooooo SamiSami...SamiSamiSamiSami Hyypiä!!

[-]

Posts: 659

(24/05/09 01:21:05)

Moderator

Hyypia bids farewell to Liverpool

bbc sports

Liverpool defender Sami Hyypia says he will be leaving behind a club that has improved dramatically in the last 10 years when he joins Bayer Leverkusen

The 35-year-old leaves Anfield this summer after a successful decade in which he has won numerous trophies, including the Champions League in 2005.

"It will only be after I've left I'll be able to sit back and realise what we've done in my 10 years," he said."It is hard to take in now. It is nice to be remembered here."

Hyypia, who joined Liverpool from Dutch side Willem II in 1999 for £2.5m, is expected to make his 464th appearance for Liverpool in their final game of the season, at home to Tottenham on Sunday.

As well as the Champions League, the former club captain has also won the Uefa Cup during his time on Merseyside, as well winning the European Super Cup in 2001 and 2005, the FA Cup in 2001 and 2006 and League Cup in 2001 and 2003.

However, Hyypia admits he will leave the club regretting that was never part of a Premier League-winning side - and he reflected on this season where they came agonisingly close to dethroning Manchester United.

"The only thing that bothers me is that I will leave Liverpool without a Premier League medal, that disappoints me as much for the fans but the club will do it soon," he said.

"This season has shown that we can push any team right to the end. Everything looks very bright for next season, and hopefully the team can move their confidence up another level."

The Finland international also stated a desire to return to Liverpool in a coaching capacity in the future, something current Reds boss Rafa Benitez would encourage.

I would like to come back to Liverpool one day as a coach, and it was great to hear the manager would like me to return.

"At the end of my playing career I will look to take the badges and then see (what happens). I have so many memories of Liverpool, and really would love to return one day."

Benitez revealed that he had tried to keep Hyypia on a player-coach contract beyond the end of this season.

"Sami is so important that we talked about him becoming a member of the coaching staff in the future," he said.

"But he thought he could play more and wants to be involved in the first team.

"The fact that we were talking to him about becoming a coach shows how much we think of him, he is a perfect professional.

Steven Gerrard, who took over the Liverpool captaincy from Hyypia, also praised the central defender.

"It's difficult to put into words how we feel about Sami. He's been fantastic for us, a colossus," said Gerrard.

"He certainly deserves legendary status and he is definitely one of the best players I have ever played alongside."

Sami Hyypia visits young Oliver Cornish in the Intensive Care Unit with Oliver's parents, Ellen and Michael from Wrexham.

Sami Hyypia visits Oliver Cornish in the Intensive Care Unit with parents, Ellen and Michael from Wrexham.
(source: Liverpool Daily Post 07)

"The cup ended up with Stevie G in his room. His girlfriend wasn't here, so he had the cup in his bed instead."

Last Edited By: peileadoir 24/05/09 02:26:54. Edited 1 times.

peileadoir

[-]

Posts: 660

(24/05/09 03:15:33)

Moderator

Liverpool v Tottenham

PREMIER LEAGUE

Venue: Anfield Date: Sunday, 24 May Kick-off: 1600 BST

Sami Hyypia, who is joining Bayer Leverkusen this summer, is set to play his 464th and final game for Liverpool.

Hyypia may not start the match but is expected to feature at some stage.

Tottenham winger Aaron Lennon (groin) misses out while Jonathan Woodgate (groin) and Benoit Assou-Ekotto (knee) will have late fitness tests.

Michael Dawson (ankle), Tom Huddlestone (knee) and Jamie O'Hara (knee) are sidelined and Wilson Palacios is on compassionate leave.

Liverpool (from): Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher, Hyypia, Agger, Skrtel, Aurelio, Insua, Dossena, Alonso, Gerrard, Mascherano, Lucas, Babel, Benayoun, Kuyt, Riera, Torres, Cavalieri, Ngog.

Tottenham (from): Gomes, Cudicini, Corluka, Hutton, Bale, Chimbonda, Assou-Ekotto, Woodgate, King, Zokora, Bentley, Jenas, Modric, Keane, Campbell, Defoe, Pavlyuchenko, Bostock, Gunter.

Liverpool assistant boss Sammy Lee:

"It hurts that we have not won anything, very much so. That is what this club is all about.

"You can look at all the statistics you like, showing we came close and did well.

"We are not here to be second, third or fourth. United may be 21 points ahead or just one point, but it is still a gap and we still haven't won the title."

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp on aiming to qualify for the Europa League:

"The format of the competition means it is a lot of games, Thursday then the Sunday which is not ideal, but we would still take it if we can.

"But Fulham are in pole position, they are red-hot favourites, and it's going to be a tough one.

"We all look forward to going to Liverpool because there is nowhere with the same feeling as going to Anfield, when the Kop is in full voice."

BIG-MATCH FACTS

If Liverpool avoid defeat here, they will make Premier League history by being the first club to lose as few as two Premier League matches and not end up with the title. A draw would guarantee runners-up spot for the second time in the Premier League; the first was in 2001-02.

Tottenham must win to stand any chance of overhauling Fulham to finish seventh and land Europa League football next season.

Spurs ended last season's Premier League campaign with defeat to Liverpool at White Hart Lane.

It's six years since Liverpool ended a top-flight season with defeat; they are yet to lose a final day Premier League fixture at Anfield; Spurs have lost three of their last four last day away league fixtures.

Tottenham have already played Liverpool twice this season and have won them both; 2-1 in the reverse league fixture and 4-2 11 days later in the fourth round of the Carling Cup on 12 November at White Hart Lane. Roman Pavlychenko has scored a total of three goals in those two games.

Tottenham have only achieved one Premier League victory at Anfield. They prevailed 1-2 on 25 August 1993, when Teddy Sheringham scored both their goals - one from the penalty spot. Since then, the Londoners have drawn five and lost nine of 14 visits.

Distance between the clubs: 214 miles (344 kilometres)

CLUB FORM

LIVERPOOL

2nd 83 points
Highest achievable: 2nd (Merit payment: £14,440,000)
Lowest could fall: 3rd (£13,680,000)

1. Missed out on a first Premier League title, despite boasting the sharpest attack in the division.

2. The current tally of 83 points is already their record total for a Premier League season; victory would give them 25 wins for the second time, and first since 2005-06 when a third placed finish was procured.

3. Unbeaten in 10 Premier League games; won nine and drawn one (28 points out of 30) since losing 2-0, away to Middlesbrough on 28 February; their only loss in 26 league games.

4. Chasing their 1,300th win in post-war league football.

5. Defeat in the reverse fixture is their only loss in nine league games against London clubs this season; defeat would mean Tottenham had become the only club to do the double over them this term.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

8th 51 points
Highest achievable: 7th (Merit payment: £10,640,000)
Lowest could fall: 9th (£9,120,000)

1. Guaranteed a fourth top-half finish in five years.

2. Won four of the last six league games, kept clean sheets in four of six and failed to score in one of the last 12.

3. Lost for the first time in seven fixtures against 'Big Four' clubs this season when Manchester United came from behind to win 5-2 at Old Trafford on 25 April, but not recorded an away win against the elite quartet.

4. Won only four times on the road in this top-flight campaign, and four goals short of conceding 500 away from home all-time in the Premier League.

5. Already beaten West Ham and Manchester City home and away, and could also do the double over Liverpool.

KEY PLAYER NOTES

LIVERPOOL

Pepe REINA is the only remaining player to have been on the field for every minute of every one of Liverpool's Premier League matches this season.

Jamie CARRAGHER is the only other player to have started all of Liverpool's Premier League games this term.

Steven GERRARD is the club's top Premier League scorer, with 16 goals, a quarter of which were penalties.

Fernando TORRES and Andrei VORONIN have both made two Premier League appearances against Tottenham and have both scored on each occasion.

If he scores:-

TORRES will reach the milestone of 50 goals for Liverpool.

If selected:-

Martin SKRTEL will be making his 50th appearance for the Reds.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

Robbie KEANE has scored four goals in his last seven Premier League appearances for Tottenham against Liverpool.

Darren BENT is Tottenham's top scorer of Premier League goals with 12.

BENT is also a double shy of 100 career league goals (Ipswich, Charlton and Tottenham).

If selected:-

BENT will be making his 250th career league appearance, and 300th in all club competitions.

Jermain DEFOE will be making his 300th career league appearance (Charlton, West Ham, Bournemouth, Tottenham and Portsmouth).

Jermaine JENAS will be making his 150th appearance in a Tottenham shirt.

KEANE faces Liverpool, where he spent just seven months from July last year, before returning to White Hart Lane in February for £12m. He made just 28 appearances (19 Premier League) for the Merseysiders, scoring seven goals (five league).

HEAD TO HEAD

Tottenham's league loss at the Lane on 1 November ended Liverpool's eight-match unbeaten sequence against Tottenham in the Premier League.

The Londoners have not done the double over the Reds since 1986-87.

Spurs need to score three times to total 150 league goals against Liverpool.

Liverpool inflicted on Spurs their club record league defeat; 7-0 at Anfield on 2 September 1978.

Home and away
League (inc PL): Liverpool 61 wins, Spurs 36, Draws 34
Prem: Liverpool 15 wins, Spurs 8, Draws 10

at Liverpool only
League (inc PL): Liverpool 41 wins, Spurs 5, Draws 19
Prem: Liverpool 10 wins, Spurs 1, Draws 5

LAST SEASON'S CORRESPONDING GAME

Liverpool 2-2 Tottenham Hotspur
7 October 2007 - Ref: Mark Halsey
Liverpool scorers: Voronin 12, Torres 90
Spurs scorers: Keane 45, 47

THIS SEASON'S REVERSE FIXTURE

Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 Liverpool
1 November 2008 - Ref: Phil Dowd
Spurs scorers: Carragher 70 og, Pavlyuchenko 90
Liverpool scorer: Kuyt 3

REFEREE:

Peter Walton (Northamptonshire)

"The cup ended up with Stevie G in his room. His girlfriend wasn't here, so he had the cup in his bed instead."

Double Sheds

[-]

Posts: 349

(24/05/09 09:38:10)

Reina, Skrtel, Carragher, Agger, Aurelio, Alonso, Mascherano, Kuyt, Benayoun, Gerrard, Torres.

Subs: Cavalieri, Degen, Ngog, Insua, Hyypia, Riera, Lucas.

Bit sad to se Sami isn't starting. This is one of the few games that isn't on live over here today so I'll probably be watching villa v newcastle and keeping an eye on this game online.

uly55es

[-]