Liverpool, You'll Never Walk Alone!

Liverpool, started a new era of football under Steven Gerrard against Preston North End, in the Bill Shankly cup, and this new era got off to a flyer as the Liverpool youngsters performed to a high standard.

Preston struck first 25 minutes into the game, when a cross was deflected out of the Liverpool area and into the path of Kevin Davies who volleyed the ball into the bottom right corner. Liverpool put the scores back level exactly ten minutes on with a goal from Saponara, a player who hasn't really been given a fair chance.

Borini made it 2-1 just before half time, when the ball was swung in from a really deep position. The striker saw the ball all the way and brought the ball down beautifully with a first touch shot to score his first goal. A few minutes into the second half, the Italian made it two for him, and three for Liverpool.

Ryan Gauld finally got his chance to play for Liverpool, and on the Scotsman's debut he scored when he sprinted down the touchline, cutting in and shooting toward the far bottom corner, out of the keepers reach. Preston got a consolation late on in the game, but that's all it was, as Liverpool won their first game under Steven Gerrard, 4-2.

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It was a long flight over to China, but with a days rest, and another few days hard work, the squad were raring to get out onto the pitch and impress against Henan. That they did, but it took big players to win the game late.

There were no goals in the first half, but only two minutes into the second, Daniel Sturridge nodded in a cross from Insigne.
A few minutes later, Samuel Umtiti scored his first goal for the Reds on his debut. A finely curled cross over to the back post met the French Internationals head and he powered it past the keeper which made it 2-0.

Ten minutes, later, Ryan Gauld scored again. A little like the first, but this time, the chance was set up for the winger by Philip Callery who sent him chasing the ball, luckily, Gauld was fast enough to gain a yard ahead of the last defender and he rolled it into the far corner, leaving the keeper in awe of how fast the goal came about.

The reds were unable to keep a clean sheet though. 90 minutes in, Henan's strike, Li Yuchang was put through down the left wing, but despite Umtit's efforts to close down and jockey the player, the shot was able to reach Reina's near post and hit the top corner.

Quingdao provided a tougher challenge for Liverpool. Just eight minutes into the game, they actually managed to score first but it only took two minutes for Luis Suarez to pounce on his opponents defensive error which saw Liverpool go level.

It took 57 minutes for the next goal, and it had been coming all game. It was a surprise it hadn't come sooner. Luis Suarez again, with his second goal of the game. He managed to create himself an opportunity on goal when he embarrassed yet another defender, nutmegging the poor soul, and curling a ground shot around the keeper.

Insigne got his first goal for the club as well in this game, but he had to wait 90 minutes for it to come. Some beautiful play from the reds on the edge of the box opened up an opportunity for Coutinho who unselfishly played his new teammate in on goal. The left winger took his chance with open arms and just scored, as a very light shot just rolled on past the line before a defender could get there.

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It was back to good old Blighty though, and Liverpool faced up to their Premier League opponents Sunderland in their last game of Pre-Season. It took players like Suarez, and Markovic to win the game. The pair shined brightly in this game, as did players such as Johnson, and Emre Can, who is another player deserving of a fair chance.

The game started and Liverpool took control as we'd all expected but it was Sunderland who got the first goal, from a Giaccherini free kick which went right over the wall and into the bottom corner...Somehow.

It took just one minute for Liverpool to be back on terms, which is a theme we have seen all to often. Markovic was the scorer, of this fine goal as Suarez slid the ball into position, where the Serb could just get a touch ahead of Billy Jones to fire the ball into the back of the net.

Two minutes later, virtually the exact same thing happened. Same assister, same goal scorer, same corner. Exactly the same. This goal however, would mean Liverpool head into the lead.

Suarez gave the Reds breathing space late on, and sealed another win in pre season, to make it 100% for his side. The Uruguayan really shined in this game, as did his teammate Markovic, and Steven Gerrard will be impressed by their performances for sure.

Pre-Season Review

Liverpool will be proud of their efforts in pre-season. A 100% win record is really good for a team that looked to be on the decline after manager Brendan Rodgers left the club. But it seems Gerrard has come in and made an instant impact here as manager.

The real work begins now though. This is where Liverpool have to be at their best. A community shield game against Arsenal, a Super Cup Final game against Spurs and their first three games of the season includes City and Arsenal,

This is what will really test the ability of Liverpool Football Club, but there is no doubt Steven Gerrard will be looking to go all out for each trophy up for grabs and each point up for grabs.

What an update man! Great detail, keep it up!

PLEASE LET THE FIRST SEASON TITLE WIN HAPPEN THIS SEASON COMING IRL!

Anywho, big twist to put in at the end of the first season there. BUT I LOVE IT!

It's been a busy day on rolling up to the transfer deadline, especially for Liverpool. Liverpool fans will be left a little disappointed, but two fantastic signings should also please them just as much.

Steven Gerrard, prior to deadline day had shown a huge interest in Everton starlet Ross Barkley, and is quoted saying "He's a bruiser. A better, more skillful Wayne Rooney." The new Liverpool gaffer did make a formal £18M bid for the attacking midfielder, and everything looked to be going smoothly, as the player was ready to complete his medical ahead of a trip to Mellwood.

The Reds hit a huge stumbling block though as Mourinho took advantage of the money he had in his arsenal and put in a straight £23M bid for Barkley. The offer of course was accepted straight away, and the Englishman opted to make the longer trip down to London, where he completed his medical and was revealed a Chelsea player with 8 hours of the day to spare.

Liverpool fans will be left saddened to hear that there team have missed the chance to sign such a fine player, and will no doubt bring on the 'Rot on the bench' phrases, just like Steven Gerrard, as once again he hasn't held back on his words, and is quoted saying "He is a fantastic player. My opinion still stands. But if he doesn't get the game time he craves, he only has himself to blame. We'l see how it will pan out though, maybe I am wrong. Don't forget he has to be starting ahead of players like Fabregas, Oscar, Banega and Bender.

There is some good news though as Liverpool have made two smaller signings on deadline day. Remember Ewandro, who we mentioned when Insigne was first revealed as a Liverpool player? Well the Brazilian has signed for Liverpool, and looks to be a signing for the future. The striker has been signed for £6.5M. An inflated price for an 18 year old, but this 18 year old has 13 goals, and 5 assists in 15 games. So it's no wonder the price was hefty.

The last player to join Liverpool, is a German defensive midfielder, that goes by the name of Rustam Tleubaev. At 15 years of age, he has made seven appearances for Koln II. He will join Liverpool for £1.5M and will most likely be put straight into the U18s squad.

Some good buys there

It was finally time for Steven Gerrard's first competitive game as Liverpool manager, not only was it his first competitive game, but silverwear would be at steak here today and if anyone knew how to win a trophy, it was him. The skipper left himself on the bench for this one, and instead opted for a Florenzi Henderson partnership which really has start to flourish in recent months.

Liverpool and Arsenal lined up as follows:

Liverpool XI: Reina(c), Johnson, Subotic, Sakho, Enrigue, Florenzi, Henderson, Coutinho, Lallana, Insigne, Suarez.

Arsenal XI: Damian Martinez, Jenkinson, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Monreal, Joe Allen, Ramsey, Ozil, Pedro, Cazorla, Berardi.

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Liverpool got the game under way, and right away began to control the game, spicing up a few good chances on the Arsenal goal. Shots from Henderson and Lallana were both saved fantastically by the new Arsenal keeper Damian Martinez, and then not too long after he made another blinder of a save as he managed to turn a short range shot from Suarez around the post.

Three fantastic saves were not enough though, and only seven minutes in Liverpool gave themselves the lead after some wonderful...Beautiful passing. An Arsenal attack was squandered by Subotic, and Coutinho soon had the ball and was powering through the middle of the pitch.

In space, Coutinho set his partner Suarez up with bags of room, which he would use to his advantage and play a superb long pass over to Lallana who without thinking, volleyed the ball back over across goal, and Insigne was there to just clip the ball into the back of the net with a diving header.

Liverpool had a few more chances after their goal, but Martinez was determined to keep them out for at least a little longer, at least until Arsenal pulled their socks up and started to play. A few quick attacks from the Gunners left Liverpool slightly shaken, but at the other end, Reina was in tip top shape to keep the ball out of his net.

Attack is often considered the best form of defense, and that is exactly how Liverpool reacted to Arsenal's short push for a goal. Every attack from Arsenal was defended well and countered well. Pacey players alike Lallana and Insigne used their slow markers to advantage and nearly put their side further in front, but once again it was Martinez to deny them.

HT

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The second half was now upon us, and Liverpool were still a goal to the good. There was some truly brilliant attacking football in the first half, and Liverpool replicated that with more. Arsenal on the other hand...Were a little let down.

On 51 minutes, would you believe...Joe Allen of all people picked up his second booking of the game and was sent to the tunnel. From here on, it was all Liverpool, and Arsenal couldn't find any inspiration what so ever.

Ten minutes later, the Liverpool gaffer was on and straight away he helped his team to another goal. Some brilliant one touch passing football on display here too which made it all the more special.

Gerrard, to Coutinho, back to Gerrard who then whipped it over to Lallana on the right wing. Adam was in space, and could fire in a cross but he fizzed it out to the edge of the box where Henderson stood and we witnessed a moment of brilliance from the English midfielder, who put his fut under the ball and as it span up to his chest, he let it drop and volleyed it into the left top corner. It was almost as if we were witnessing Ramsey's goal against Liverpool two years ago.


Liverpool were now two goals to the good against their rivals Arsenal and it was looking a brilliant start for Gerrard's side. Actually, it WAS a brilliant start.
2-0 against a big team. Silverwear was on the line as well, so it has to be said, the team handled themselves well throughout.

The game dragged on for a little longer, and neither team put any sort of effort in. Liverpool kept the ball for most of the game, and Arsenal just didn't have enough players on the pitch to cope with Liverpool's passing football, as Monreal had to leave the pitch due to injury, at a time where Arsenal had used all subs.

Liverpool were the same. Johnson also had to leave the field due to injury in the 70th minute after Aaron Ramsey brought the right back down.

Liverpool, and gerrard wouldn't care about that though, and neither would Johnson. They had just beaten Arsenal to take home the Community shield. Not the most prestigious award, but considering a Liverpool vs Tottenham Super Cup final is slowly approaching, it would be big confidence for the Reds.

Congrats on the win

congrats on the win, this liverpool side really is something special

Great win the Community Shield, great way to start the season off right

His career as manager has hardly even started, but already Steven Gerrard has gotten himself mixed up in a war of words between himself and fellow manager Jose Mourinho. Jose Mourinho spoke in a press conference last night just before Chelsea's friendly against Olympiakos, and seemed to take great offence to what Gerrard had to say on deadline day.

Gerrard previously stated that that he didn't expect Ross Barkley to start ahead of Chelsea's three main midfielders, Fabregas, Banega and Bender. He also said that if he comes to a point where he regrets not going to Liverpool, he'll only have himself to blame.

Mourinho, undoubtedly saw this as an opportunity to create and argument out of "Nothing" in the words of Steven Gerrard and spoke out against the Scouser's comments.

"I think his comments were highly disrespectful. Not just to myself, but to the players and most importantly Ross. He has no place telling you lot who will and will not start for my team, and he has no place to slate the signings we make and don't make. If you ask me, he is just jealous he couldn't persuade Ross to make a 100 yard switch. I think this is what has made him mad.

Fair enough, he was also trying to sign the player, and him commenting on us snatching him away from them is reasonable, because I know you lot will ask him about it, but he doesn't know what goes on at this club, he shouldn't be making the judgments he has made.

Gerrard has seemed to try and take the high ground in the situation, claiming he has no beef with Mourinho, and thinks the Portuguese manager 'misunderstood' what he was trying to say. Here is his reply to Mourinho.

In all honesty, I didn't mean anything by the comments I made. I think he has just misunderstood my words. I said, and I quote; "if he doesn't get the game time he craves, he only has himself to blame. We'l see how it will pan out though, maybe I am wrong." Seriously? What I have I said wrong there? I have made no judgments on his team, or tried to decide who will start for him.

I merely said I didn't know whether Ross would be able to start ahead of Fabregas, Banega, Oscar and Bender. Those four are incredible, and it'll be hard for him. But honestly, what's wrong with that? I just letting the player know, if he ends up like Salah, he can't say we didn't try to help. The idea was to bring him in and play him just behind Suarez and Borini, in rotation with Coutinho. But of course, he's a Chelsea player now, and we can't do anything about it.

My advise to Mourinho would be to stop taking things so personally. I didn't mean for my words to seem "disrespectful" and in my view, they weren't. I think it's pathetic really."

It seems as if this war of words will rage on for at least a couple more days, maybe even weeks. Especially after the last few words from Gerrard. Stay tuned, updates on the way.

Mourinho is a right honourable tosser, and I raise my hat to you sir for telling him so (sort of)

COMING UP: Liverpool vs Arsenal
Manchester City vs Liverpool
Norwich vs Liverpool

After their Community shield win over Arsenal, Liverpool would now have to Welcome the Gunners into Merseyside, as the pair clashed for the second time in a row. This time in the Premier League's opening day.

Of course, Arsenal would now know Liverpool's game a bit better, and will know where they went wrong. Or at least they should have. For the second time, Liverpool kicked the game off and dominated the first few minutes with about three or four decent attacks.

Arsenal replied with a couple of half arsed attempts, but nothing that would trouble Reina.
After the game was truly into the mix, Liverpool found a way through the Arsenal defense again, Sterling scored with a wonderful strike which curled around the defense and the keeper, to reach the bottom right corner. Borini with the assist.

Just before half time, Arsenal responded with a goal from Olivier Giroud who hit the back of the net with a powerful header which was wouldn't have been possible without Pedro's fantastic cross from deep.

After the Arsenal goal, the Gunners stepped it up a notch and were looking like they would score again. Their momentum was unfortunately broken by the half time whistle though, which would mean Liverpool could take their chance to regroup and recuperate.

Early in the second half, Liverpool were awarded a way back into the lead with a penalty, which was tucked away coolly by none other than Luis Suarez himself. Ten minutes on, and Liverpool were on track to another win over Arsenal, as a corner was swung in by Coutinho and nodded in by Giroud. Yes, Giroud actually headed the ball into his own net.

Late on in the game, the Liverpool defense grew tired, and Jack Wilshere was able to slot home a nice finish to round off a perfect bit of passing play from Arsenal. A third could not be found by the Londoners and Liverpool took home their first three points of the season.

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They did the double over Manchester City last season. They even beat them 4-0 at the Eithad. This time however was completely different as Manchester City ran the show at home to the Premier League holders.

Manchester City put Liverpool on the back foot straight away as David Silva made every effort to create a goal for his side. Despite numerous shots, headers, and 1 on 1 chances, Reina just would not be moved, even by the some of the best strikers in the Premier League, for example; Aguero and Negredo.

Liverpool's defense was growing more and more tired by the minute as they found themselves constantly chasing down opposition wingers. Late on, a careless tackle would leave Manchester City with a chance to take the lead as Negredo struck the ball into the top right corner from the penalty spot. Reina was finally beaten.

A few minutes later, Negredo scored again as himself, Silva, and Sandro exchanged a number of passes before he found himself 1 on 1 with the Liverpool keeper. He could try his best, but the Liverpool keeper was guaranteed to miss the save as his Spanish teammate placed a brilliantly placed shot into the bottom corner which left Liverpool with nothing.

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The Reds would now travel to the land of Norwich, where on past occasions we have seen many goals fly in from that of Luis Suarez. This time round the striker did not manage to keep up his extraordinary record against the Cannaries, but he was able to help his team to a win!

It took a long time for the game to actually get going. Most of the game was end to end stuff, and even with no goals the football did get exciting at points. Mainly when it was Liverpool on the attack, as Norwich had nothing of any quality to show.

Liverpool were awarded a corner 70 minutes into to the game, and finally got the breakthrough when Ryan Bennett managed to head the ball into his own net, which sent the Liverpool players and fans into celebrations.

Cutting the celebrations short, Liverpool kept disciplined and got the ball back straight away when Norwich got the game back underway. Whilst disciplined in defense, they kept fluid in the attack and managed to get Borini his first goal of the campaign.

Raheem Sterling, the man of the match crossed the ball from deep and the Italian striker headed the ball over the keeper and into the net which sealed a total of six points from the last three games for Liverpool.

Gerrard's view

Gerrard:
Overall, the first three games of the season have been pretty good. The first game against Arsenal saw us get off to a fantastic start, and a start we definitely deserved! Our defense was no good though, it has to be said and we paid the price for that against Manchester City.

I think the Manchester City result was a mixture of poor defense and home advantage. At times our attack was great and we just lacked that little extra luck to score. I think the pressure got to some of the players due to most of the fans being City's, and I think pressure is what killed us off in the end. Tiredness was also a factor in defense and both of these areas need to be improved because I am not happy with the back line.

Norwich was also a great game for us. Another win in which we showed how dominant we really can be. I think Sterling has been the best player in the last three games, and I am exciting to see whether he can keep out for Insigne much longer.

All there is to do now, is win the Super Cup final and find some great form in the league to put the pressure on at the top of the table.

Fantastic detailing in your updates, they are lovely Unlucky with the Man City result as well, you should find form though, so don't worry

The last time Liverpool won this prestigious trophy was indeed the last time they triumphed in the competition. Prior to this game, the Red's had already won the competition three times. 1977, 2001, and 2005, a season on from their historic win over A.C. Milan in the Champions League.
Could Liverpool find further glory against English rivals Spurs and gain a fourth to add to their massive collection of silverwear, or would Spurs come to spoil the party?

Team Line ups:

Liverpool XI: Reina, Johnson, Umtiti, Reyes, Enrigue, Lallana, Can, Florenzi, Coutinho, Suarez, Ewandro.
Subs: Jones, Agger, Aurier, Gerrard, Sterling, Sturridge, Borini.

Tottenham XI: Lloris, Naughton, Godin, Dawson, Ekotto, Dembele, Carroll, Lamela, Eriksen, Soldado, Townsend.
Subs: Friedel, Kaboul, Chiriches, Lennon, Kane, Walker, Capoue.

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Liverpool got the game underway at precisely 8PM, and straight away looked to dominate the opposition with their slick, fluid, passing we have come to see over that last few years. However with those couple of inexperienced players on the pitch, came mistakes, and these mistakes led to Spurs taking advantage of Liverpool's 'weaker' side and stroke a bit of luck in the 20th minute.

When Coutinho's misplaced pass went straight to the feet of Thomas Carroll, the youngster played it over to Eriksen who was in position to advance with the ball, however the Dane opted to slide the ball through to Lamela who was running onto his pass. The Argentine latched on before Enrique, and wrapped his foot around the ball, placing it in the bottom left corner.

Liverpool were by no means beaten though, and were by no means being dominated. They still managed to keep a lot of the possession and from that got their reward when their number 10 struck gold ten minutes on from the first goal.

The ball was passed out to Suarez by Can who was on the right wing, and looking for a way into the box. He didn't try to run it down the touchline like he usually does. Instead he lifted the ball high into the box and just managed to pick out Coutinho, who arose like a Salmon to head a powerful shot straight at Lloris, but it was so powerful that the Spurs keeper actually deflected it into his own net, making the score even for half time.

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Second Half -

The second half began a little like the start, but with the teams switched. Tottenham came out looking to attack straight away but Liverpool slowed down the tempo every chance they got, stopping Spurs from getting any kind of advantage on them.

As Liverpool slowed the tempo, they sped up their reactions which ultimately led to the Reds taking the lead just a minute in to the second half. Liverpool were awarded a free kick on the left corner of Spurs' box and somehow Coutinho got so much curve on the ball it hit the near top corner. Lloris was rooted to the spot and could do absolutely nothing to prevent Liverpool from taking the lead.

It didn't take too long for Tottenham to get themselves back on level terms. In fact, it took just a little under 20 minutes. It was definitely a goal that should never have been conceded and Steven Gerrard will not be happy with this huge error.

A little too casual, Reina held the ball at his feet on the edge of the box and looked for Glen Johnson who was stood a little further out that he realised. The pass was not nearly powerful enough and Andros Townsend smashed it first time and rippled the net which was left completely empty.

Young talent was the difference though, and going back on what I said about the inexperience in Liverpool's squad being a hindrance...I kind of regret that.
Liverpool's new striker, 18 year old Ewandro showed the world that every Brazilian or at least most carries some form of footballing magic with them.

Coutinho ran the entire length of the Spurs half late on, and once at the touchline he drilled it in low and hard. Ewandro was at the near post and really all he needed to do was direct it goal ward, but with Lloris at the near post it would be harder than first thought, so instead the young lad tapped it with the lightest of touches which gave it just enough spin to hit the post an beat Lloris.

Ewandro's goal proved to be the difference in this game as Liverpool came out of it victorius with a 3-2 scoreline. All round, both teams were fantastic and either team would have deserved to win, but it will go back to Liverpool for one more year and for the fourth time ever.

Wow that is a brilliant picture of Philippe Coutinho celebrating a vital goal in your win!