Liverpool F.C - You'll Never Walk Alone!

Nice update, shame about the Loko Moscow but you can't win 'em all

Finally, it was here! The day the Barclays Premier League kicks off and comes to stay for another eight months. It was here with the excitement and tension it promises to bring year in, year out. The first day brought a thrilling group of fixtures to our front room television sets.

Chelsea vs West Ham, City vs Swansea, Arsenal vs Spurs. Much like the North London Derby, Liverpool's game against Southampton seemed to stand out amongst the pack as both teams in Red would be battling it out at St Mary's for the three points.

It proved to be a good day at the office for Liverpool, who initially started off dominating the Saints. There weren't many goals in the first half but there certainly could have been had Sow and Sturridge been able to hit the opposing targets.

Thankfully for his teammates, Sturridge was able to spare his colleagues Rodgers' half time frustrations as he passed the ball into Southampton's empty net after Sterling's long range shot was saved by the Saints keeper.

Liverpool's front three of Coutinho, Sterling and Sturridge were tearing it up in the first half and we saw no different in the second as they pushed wave upon wave of attack onto the Southampton back line. Finally, they got the breakthrough fifteen minutes later as Sterling this time pounced on a shot which was parried out by the Southampton goalkeeper.

Two goals to the good, and Liverpool became complacent. Which actually gave Southampton a chance to have a pop at goal themselves. Nathaniel Clyne ended up being left in a great situation to score. Mignolet had booted the ball out to him leaving his net unprotected. Clyne noticed this and accurately belted it in over the line as Mignolet scrambled to get back. He wasn't quick enough unfortunately and he'd let his team down. They were however able to see the game out, so he was spared his blushes.


It was finally time to get back to Anfield now. In a huge game. Chelsea were their opponents and if Liverpool were to win they'd be stamping down a real statement by beating arguably what is the best team in the league currently.

Beating the Blues is easier said than done though, as they proved. Parking the bus seemed to be on Liverpool's agenda, but sadly it didn't work. Even in their own backyard. Clearly they were trying to give Chelsea a taste of their own medicine but it wasn't working and it took minutes for Savic to fire in a header from Hazard's wide free kick.

Maybe the bus was working? Half time saw Rodgers change Liverpool's style a lot, and so that seemed to open the flood gates for Chelsea. It took five minutes for Costa to break free of Sakho's might and was able to strike a beautiful shot from range to double the lead.

It took a while, but Costa finished off Liverpool ten minutes before the final whistle. It was a big mistake from Skrtel really. Nothing more. His back pass just wasn't hard enough to reach Mignolet in time and Costa pounced on it to leave Liverpool out of the game. Six minutes later, Terry headed home a fourth from Oscar's corner, which was just rubbing salt in the wounds.

---

---

Now..."Pick yourself up, Dust yourself off". Something we hear a lot whenever we're put down. This is exactly what Liverpool had to do now, and didn't they just. They couldn't let the Chelsea game effect performances in other game, and they didn't!

The boys were hellbent on avenging that defeat. What made it worse was that it was at Anfield, and to what they might call "The Rent Boys". None of that mattered though. What mattered now was Crystal Palace...Who they absolutely trounced!

Borini was stepping in for injured teammate Sturridge who actually didn't play the Chelsea game. Balotelli stepped in for that fixture, but his poor performance saw him dropped. So, Borini had to step in and step up by scoring if he really wanted to fill in for Sturridge.

Fabio scored very early on with an outrageous header from and outrageously tight angle. His header lobbed the keeper, god knows how but it did and that meant 1-0 Liverpool. Another moment of brilliance in the second half from him saw his team go 2-0 up. Skrtel played in a long ball to the striker (We're still not sure whether Skrtel meant to) but the ball came down right to Borini's chest. He then brought it down to his feet, took it past the keeper and nestled it into the empty goal. Remember Suarez vs Newacastle? Yeah...A lot like that. Only with more defenders and less space. Incredible.

Henderson sealed a nice 3-0 win for the Reds late on by scoring his first goal this season. Whenever he scores, it's usually from far out and this long ranger did not disappoint. He smashed it so hard it swerved all over the place and dipped over Hennessey and went in off the bar. It's a wonder the bar didn't crack actually.


Liverpool really were not holding back on goals. They took whatever was missing from the Chelsea game and poured it all over their next two games! Goals galore. West Ham would be in for a royal thumping at Anfield and would you believe it? Another four goals at Anfield.

Henderson scored his second goal of the season to get the scoring underway in the 13th minute. Another good goal from outside the box. His shot took a the smallest of deflections but seems as though it still goes down as his own.

Winston Reid ensured a bad day at the office for himself as he virtually walked the ball into the back of his own net, and Martin Skrtel would be celebrating another goal after taking advantage of an unmarked front post, to convert Fabio Borini's low cross.

Fabio Borini was too back on the score sheet. This boy is on a mission. A mission to prove his worth to Rodgers' side. He stopped a move to Sunderland by throwing a spanner in the works this summer so he really does owe a lot to Rodgers after being given another chance at the club. He's doing well so far, he just has to keep consistent and remain focused.

---

Rodgers: It's been a good start to the season. Of course the loss to Chelsea was hard to take, and even I am surprised we came back from it the way we did. The lads aren't though. They remained focused and picked themselves up brilliantly. Nine points from twelve is very goo, and that's something I am happy with. I'll take it as long as we keep working hard for more points like the ones we've already gained.

Gerrard: What a month. There have been some highs and lows but despite all the disappointments, we've come out of the blocks running and we've started ever so well. Nine points in twelve. Third place. I'll take that any day! We've had an amazing start bu we can't become complacent.

Complacency is one of our weakest areas, we are very bad at becoming complacent. Everyone knows that. We must remain focused, we must keep working hard. I'll do everything in my power to make sure the lads know what's at steak and that we're no where near finished yet!

It was finally here. The highly anticipated 2014/15 group stage draw. For Liverpool fans, this was special. After five very long years they were finally back. They weren't swimming in a pond anymore, they were back dipping and diving through the Ocean. They were in pot three for this years draw, which does mean they would most likely be coming up against one of the biggest teams in the World.

Perhaps Real Madrid? Or Bayern Munich? Maybe they'll come against someone a little smaller like Paris Saint Germain or Atletico Madrid? Well, no matter who they got the Liverpool fans would not be fussed. All that mattered to them right now was that their team were back challenging for the biggest club tournament on the planet. And their two fierce rivals...Were not.

Really whatever the outcome of this years tournament, the club and supporters wouldn't be fussed as long as they were in the running for next years group draw. Now that sounds a little like they're giving up, but no. They will give it their all we are sure but they aren't expected to pull up any trees this time around. It'd be better to strengthen even more and make a real go of it next year, unless of course they think they really can spring a surprise this year.

Now, what do the groups look like?

Champions League Group Stage Draw:
Group A: Arsenal, Schalke, Ajax, Roma
Group B: Napoli, Red Bull Salzburg, Benfica, Leverkusen
Group C: Real Madrid, Liverpool, Basel, Monaco
Group D: Zenit, Atletico Madrid, Galatasaray, Dinamo
Group E: Porto, Juventus, Olympiakos, Kobenhavn
Group F: Paris Saint germain, Bayern Munich, CSKA Moscow, Celtic
Group G: Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea, Shakthar, Anderlecht
Group H: Man City, Sporting CP, Sparta Prague, Barcelona.

Arguably one of the hardest groups in the tournament. Liverpool will have to take on the likes of Real Madrid and Monaco if they want to progress any further in the competition. Can you believe it? In their first year back they must play the reigning Champions.

It's likely that Real Madrid will be holding no prisoners. Really...It'll be next to impossible for Liverpool to beat the ten time European Champions. However, the plus side is that Real Madrid have never beaten The Reds. That will be a real incentive to make sure it stays that way. Especially at home.

Wow, almost identical group!

Scary how much that group is like the one in real life! Good luck though, because this group looks even tougher than the irl one

Hey guys, I know this story ended rather abruptly and the reason for that is because I just played the save on and on without even thinking. So, I've come back to the save and I've played a year and a half ahead, so there is a lot to catch up on, this will be back and because I am so far ahead it's not like I have any excuse to end the story so I hope to be here for a while. (He saus again) Yes, I know that's what your thinking!

Back in the game - Liverpool's contribution to the 14/15 Champions League would be their first for four years

---

After a four year wait, Liverpool would finally be travelling abroad to France to compete in the Champions League since the 2009/10 season when they were knocked out late on in the group stage by Lyon. This time around though, it was Lyon's league rivals Monaco that would take on the mighty Reds.

The game started with both teams looking like they'd cancel one another out. The way either side set up and played seemed to hint at what would be a very cagey game as both teams looked to defend rather than attack.

The first half brought nothing but one good chance that went in the favor of Monaco. As right back Fabinho pushed forward, a newly signed Alberto Moreno showed a nervous look in the direction of the pacey Brazilian. Fabinho kept running at the Liverpool left back who failed to make the tackle on his opponent.

The Monaco right back turned in toward the goal, and back out again fooling Moreno and allowing him the space to whip in a tricky cross. As per, Mignolet looked oblivious to the cross and Ocampos blasted a header at the left post after a bursting run into the Liverpool box. A really poor miss in the end.

It was the second half of the game that provided the goals. they took their own sweet time, but in the end Monaco took the lead in the 66th minute when a cross that was flown in toward Mignolet was parried back out by the Belgian only to leave Valere Germain with an open net to hit at. Typically poor from the Reds keeper.

Monaco remained in the lead at 1-0, and even controlled the game completely so you could say it was justified when they got a second late goal five minutes from time. Given that it'd been coming since the first.

It was Kamara that broke free from the shoulder of last defender Martin Skrtel...Latching onto a simply superb Toulalan killer ball. Kamara touched the ball into space and took it beyond an oncoming Mignolet giving him the chance to ripple the open net, which he did.

It was too little too late for Liverpool when Daniel Sturridge managed to get himself on the score sheet. They'd live to regret those missed chances earlier on in the game, but the English forward would always be left pleased by his brilliant one on one finish, which was composed by Suso's flick on from a goal kick.

The former Champions of Europe would be left deeply disappointed by their first result in this return to the Champions League, but it's far from over.

Sergio Aguero - In the last few years, the former Liverpool target has become a nightmare for the Liverpool defense. Could they keep him out this time round?

---

Manchester City would welcome Liverpool back to the Etihad stadium for the first time in nearly a year. Last time round at their new ground, they triumphed 2-1 over a lackluster Liverpool but the Reds won when it mattered most, beating them 3-2 after a fantastic finish from Coutinho won them the game. That win would put them in the driving seat for the title but after a harsh loss to Chelsea two games later, City would find themselves with the title in their hands once more. Would Liverpool find the quality to take their revenge?

Liverpool's talisman Sturridge got his side off to the best possible start. After Suarez leaving, the Englishman would undoubtedly take centre stage up top and they'd need him more than ever. Currently, he was answering their calls.

Looking back on Kompany's slice last year, he'd be made to feel even more humiliated as he failed to make any sort of contact on his pass back to Joe Hart. The Awkward ball saw Sturridge through and you knew the minute he'd taken his first touch that it would always end up in the bottom right of his English teammates net.

It didn't take long for the Sky Blues to find the Equalizer. When City were given a corner not even ten minutes later, Milner swung a high cross into space for an unmarked Silva who hammered it on to the inside of the post. The ball came flying back out and caught his foot which caused the ball to roll back into the path of Mignolet's goal, who couldn't fumble quick enough to get it.

But City would be left broken twenty minutes later into the game. Liverpool found their way back into the lead after a moment of brilliance from the right foot of Can. Flanagan with back to goal and the ball at his feet did well to hold off Silva, before laying off Can who belted it over the top to Sturridge who sped on beyond the City back four to receive a brilliant pass with an even better touch. The one on one opportunity provided only one option. Yes, a goal. 2-1 Liverpool.

It wasn't as if Liverpool deserved their lead. City had been dominating completely for the first 30 minutes and when Clichy broke free of a naive Flanagan, he curled in a delightful low cross which bent around the last Liverpool defender reaching Aguero who easily converted it into the net from close range.

From here on the game fell dead, and throughout the entire second half period there was nothing of any real significance to show. But these types of games are so unpredictable and in the 93rd minute when all was looking lost for both teams, someone popped up with a last gasp winner. David Silva, already on the score sheet came up with his second of the game, converting Jovetic's last ditch cross to win his side the points. Liverpool would be left devastated.


Next in the premier league would be Burnley. Newly promoted, there was almost no doubt of a Liverpool win and the 18 Champions proved exactly why that was. The entire team played out to a blinder, and even debutant Jordan Rossiter was given a 7/10 for performance.

Once again Daniel Sturridge came up with the goods in this one. The on form deadly finisher struck early in the second half with a great header from Jordan Rossiters early cross from deep. This put them in the lead which put them in full command considering the total domination that came before.

Rising star Raheem Sterling finished the Clarets off with a goal that sealed a solid 2-0 victory. Sterling's goal was tee'd off by attacking partner Sturridge. The left winger took it on a little bit further and despite seeing an opening in the defense, he still decided to blast it into the top right from 25 yards.

---

---

The Capital One Cup would bring Middlesbrough to Anfield for a thrilling encounter. After recent results, Liverpool would look to put that City defeat well behind them by securing a second win on the trot.

The side fielded was no doubt weakened however fully capable of beating Borough, and actually should be beating them no trouble at all. That's exactly how things panned out too.

Recent arrival Lazar Markovic was on fire in this game. Purely unbeatable and he didn't hesitate to show that with his brilliant solo run in only the second minute. He took on a number of players before arriving at the edge of the box and playing a clever one-two with Suso. The pass back was received well by Lazar who blasted it beyond Connor Ripely.

From then on the game was pretty even but it was Liverpool who struck again, and this time through vice captain Jordan Henderson. His goal came about rather luckily but they all count and when Borini's thirty yard pile-driver came off the bar, he took the opportunity to place the ball nicely into the net as Ripley led stranded on the floor.

A little while on from the second goal, Emre Can left his teammates, manager and supporters in complete disappointment as he was sent for an early bath after his horrible two footed challenge on ledesma. Some would say the player milked it, but replay's showed the decision was the right one.

In the second half, very early on Middlesbrough got right back into the game with a goal from Jelle Vossen. Wildschutt who did well to run on to a beautiful killer ball, crossed the ball into his teammate. Vossen leaped like a salmon to reach it and his header was brilliantly saved by Mignolet. The Belgian dived pushed the ball in the wrong direction though, and his Belgian teammate smashed home the ball.

Despite being a man down, Liverpool held no prisoners after the Borough goal. Suso was the first of many in the 58th minute. Former Liverpool layer Ayala was running back toward his goal where he would try and reach Jose Enrique's over powered pass. Oblivious to Suso's whereabouts, the Spaniard nicked the ball off the poor defender and blasted it into the top left.

Jordan Rossiter found himself starting this game too, after his great debut performance against Burnley. With 20 minutes left, Markovic's corner came into the 16 year old Central midfielder, and he volleyed it right at the keeper who was to slow to react. 4-1 Liverpool.

Ayala was having a poor game, and it only got worse when Skrtel's ball over the top to Markovic was intercepted by himself and taken back off him by the pacey Serb who was now one-on-one with Ripley. Lazar placed it nicely into the far corner to secure a second goal for himself, and Liverpool's place in the Fourth Round.

---

Rodgers: We weren't completely at our best at the start of these three games which to me is disappointing because I would have hoped to bounce back from the loss in the Champions League. Manchester City are a good team though and we did well to take the lead twice and keep it at 2-2 away from home and for most of the game. We were unlucky to lose the game so late, but that's what happens when you lose interest.

The next two games were brilliant, but I'm slightly disappointed with Can. I have spoken to him and made my feelings clear. It was just a rush of blood he exclaimed, and for a first time incident I can accept, as long as it doesn't happen again.

Gerrard: Now although I didn't start any of the last three games, I'm happy that the lads were able to put in such performances. The last two games were brilliant and the City game really was very unlucky. The brilliance from Sturridge over the past few games will be needed for the rest of the season so I do hope he keeps fit and on form.

I'm looking forward to playing again and taking part in more games. It's upsetting to know I am out with injury for so long but apparently I'm projected to make a return at the United game, and I'm ready to make an impact Old Trafford.

Still waiting - Real Madrid haven't beaten Liverpool at any point in the past. The Reds have beaten Madrid three times in three games including in the Champions League Final of 80/81

---

Just days before Liverpool host Real Madrid in the Champions League for the second time in their history, Carlo Ancelotti has been talking a lot in the build up to the game claiming it's high time his club got their long awaited victory over the five time champions of Europe.

Acting slightly out of character, the Italian arrogantly claimed that his team were undoubtedly of much higher caliber than the Reds which many may consider to be a true statement. He also expressed how he expected a demolishing when facing up to Rodgers' side on Tuesday night.

"I think it's clear that we're the much better side. I also think it's expected that we'll walk over them. Even if it is at Anfield. True, the atmosphere at that ground is truly unbeatable at times, even with the small maximum capacity it has. But my boys are fazed by nothing, and we will win this game.

I'm looking forward to playing them, it'll be nice to win the game which of course I think will happen. I'm also excited to see how they handle us. Either way, they won't handle us very well.

Oh and before you ask me, Ronaldo will be unavailable. I know you're all dying for that to be answered. We've a full squad to pick from except from him unless we get a last minute injury so it's all looking good for now.

Brendan Rodgers will probably feel angered after reading the comments made by the Italian coach, but whether a reply is inbound we do not know. Liverpool players on the other hand may even feel motivated. Will the Reds prove them wrong? Here's what we think.

The Reds have won five of their first eight games this season, beating the likes of Southampton, West Ham and Palace. However, their three losses have come against Chelsea, Manchester City and Monaco. All very big teams. They conceded overall a total of 9 goals in these three games, for of them to Chelsea which they will want to forget.

On the other hand, Real have been victorious in seven of their first nine this season having won two cups in the process. The European Super Cup and the Spanish Super cup. Conceding defeat to both Sociedad and Atletico, we infer that both Madrid and Liverpool are prone to defeat against the bigger teams in their respective leagues.

We do agree with Ancelotti in the way that Real are on paper the bigger and better team although Liverpool will be a big challenge for them. Despite only showing any signs of quality against the considerably smaller teams in the Premier League, they're still a very good team that plays very attractive football and will be tough to beat.

Liverpool Predicted Starting XI: Mignolet, Moreno, Flanagan, Sakho, Skrtel, Lovren, Lucas, Henderson(c), Coutinho, Sterling, Sturridge.

Real Madrid Predicted Starting XI: Casillas(c), Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo, khedira, James Rodriguez, Modric, Kroos, Bale, Benzema.

A really well written few updates which I hope you can continue with and not give up on yet another story to add to your long list

James: Endless list* Thanks mate, I'm hoping to keep it up. I'll be here for at least another season and a half so don't worry just yet!

Steven Gerrard nets his first of two goals in a 4-0 in Liverpool's 4-0 demolition job of Real Madrid at Anfield

---

Although without their talisman, Liverpool will be looking to replicate their last victory over Real Madrid when they play as hosts to Ancelotti's men in just two days time. The last time the two played, Steven Gerrard inspired them to a 4-0 win with a brilliant all round performance and two goals to show from it.

This time round Stevie G will not be available to take on the likes of Kroos and Modric as he's currently out with an injury but his presence off the pitch is all but lost as he's bitten back at Carlo Ancelotti's recent comments.

Gerrard: "He's got every right to make those comments of course, but I want to make it known that making said comments was a big mistake and I know the lads will only have been motivated by him. If his aims were to unnerve everyone at this club then he's gone about things in the complete wrong way.

My call to the lads now is just to go out there and show everyone we aren't easily beaten. We won't back down to Madrid, we're not scared. Anyone can beat anyone in the Champions League in I'm ready to see us prove that on Tuesday.

They may have all these high profile players that everyone looks up to but they don't have the fans we do, and at the end of the day if you've got that 12th man then you've got the advantage and a big one at that.

I'd urge Carlo to stay classy after we show him up on Tuesday. I'm not saying we'll batter them or even win but him and his players will know they've been in a game come the 90th minute."

It's surprising to have heard from Gerrard. Not often does the player speak before the manager but if anyone can inspire Liverpool to a win it's their skipper. Can Liverpool replicate their last performance over their next opponents?

Nice updates, hope you £&%#ing batter Real!!

---

On a cold, wet Tuesday night at Anfield, Liverpool would play hosts to Real Madrid for only the second time in their existence. In light of recent comments made by both Ancelotti and Gerrard, Madrid would be looking to prove their manager right, and Liverpool would be looking to prove him wrong and pleasing their skipper in the process.

The first ten minutes of the game was very even as only one side found a chance go their way and the other side finding an array of space over and over in the final third. Liverpool started by dominating the possession with a high tempo style of play, keeping the ball and playing it around almost as well as you might expect to see Barcelona do.

The first chance went Real Madrid's way when James Rodriguez found an opening in the Red backline. Out of position Mignolet was powerless to spot the oncoming pile-driver from Rodriguez as Lovren was in his line of sight. Diving to his left at the last minute still saw him beaten, luckily the shot was off target and the post denied Rodriguez a screamer. Something he seems to have a knack for.

After Liverpool's 20 minute spell of complete domination, Madrid began to fall tired due to consistently closing down the opposition. Madrid were looking vulnerable to Liverpool's attacking threat of Sterling, Sturridge and Coutinho. They continued to look even more weaker by the minute too.

Five minutes later Liverpool struck gold...Or so seemed. Winning a corner from Casillas making a vital save against a well struck long ranger from Henderson, the skipper would whip in a delicious cross to the head of Martin Skrtel who pounded it into the back of Real's net. Only for it to be ruled out for shirt pulling.

Come the 45th minute, Real Madrid had seen a five minute improvement with one or two chances going their way. One of those chances urging an unbelievable stop from Simon Mignolet to keep them at bay as Bale picked out Ramos from a corner who was unlucky to score from close range.

The second half was upon us at Anfield and the scores were still only 0-0. With both sides cancelling each other out, it was still fair to say that the home side were the better of two. Madrid though found a chance to put the Reds under the spot light in the first minute of the half by piling nearly all 10 outfield players into their half.

With Madrid desperately seeking a goal by overloading the final third, Liverpool found themselves under intense pressure but who better to deal with that pressure than the Scousers?

Showing the Los Blancos up, Liverpool stuck to what they knew and patiently worked the ball around the Spanish giants awaiting for an opening. They found very few but the ones they did they came extremely close. Sturridge with the best of them, unbelievably striking it against the bar from an open goal just five yards out. Sterling would be left in horror at the fact his cross was not met with good results.

The last half an hour remained all square and neither team could find the goal they so craved. Liverpool fans were left oo'ing and aar'ing at each superb chance squandered, as Real Madrid could only offer their fans a few good long range shots that never really had the potential to wet the lips of supporters.

Liverpool had done their skipper proud, and shoved the words of Carlo Ancelotti down his very throat. Although a win could not be found, the Liverpool fans would go home happy after such a promising performance.

Kinda secretly wanted Madrid to win but oh well not a bad result