Liverpool Secure Sahin On Loan

Barring the passing of a medical, Liverpool look to have secured Nuri Sahin from Real Madrid on a year long loan. The 23 year old has 31 international caps for Turkey to his name as well as helping German side Borussia Dortmund secure the Bundesliga title. 

A tidy acquisition by Rodgers I must say. Sahin had practically negative chances to impress at Real Madrid albeit injured for the bulk of the season. I'am extremely interested to see how he bounces back and if he can regain effectiveness in the heart of Liverpool's midfield. My question is does he start along with Gerrard and Lucas or will he operate from off the bench, time will tell. Also does this suggest Rodgers surrender in the Clint Dempsey deal, or does he look to pair up both midfielders in a new look Liverpool, we will see.

Liver n' Onions: Andy Carroll, better with us than against us

With reports still somewhat swirling around the possible departure of Andy Carroll from Liverpool, I have been forced to ponder the fallout that would occur if actually leaves. Liverpool's manager Brendan Rodgers has made it  crystal that Carroll does not fit into his system, and that he is willing to ship the big lad out by any means necessary. Ok fair enough he dosen't fit into the style of play your trying to cultivate, yet here is the problem that occurs if you dump him. 


This is the same problem that occurred when Fernando Torres was firing for Liverpool, that is with Carroll gone Liverpools attack will be resting solely on the shoulders of Luis Suarez. What happens if god forbid he gets hurt?...Or more likely suspended. What happens then?  Looking at Liverpool's roster the lack of experienced or semi-experienced strikers is astounding. The newly acquired Fabio Borini is by nature a striker but I have my doubts on his ability to lead a line, when I have watched him he looks more suited to play off of a number 9 type. After that their is nothing that Liverpool could feel confidant putting out against the Premier League's elite. Carroll may not be first choice but what is the harm of having backup. Looking currently at Liverpool's squad I foresee the starting XI looking something like this:


4-1-3-2 or 4-4-2

Reina

Johnson  Skrtel   Agger  Enrique

Lucas

   Downing  Gerrard     Cole 

  Borini  Suarez 

A fluid forward line full of movement and interchanging of postions, which is not conducive to hitting Carroll's strong points. If that's not working Carroll is plan B. If new signings such as Clint Dempsey or Gaston Ramirez enter the fray, this shall change, but keeping Andy Carroll at the club can only help not hinder. I would also say that I'd rather have him with us than against us. 

Recollecting on the days of old, back when Torres walked Merseyside I remember the issue the team had in his absence relying on David N'gog for goals due to a lack of recognized strikers on the books. I don't want to see this happen again. 

Keep Carroll and get rid of the chaff i.e. Charlie Adam.

Liver n'Onions: RVP Strikes Back

Before the praises where sung of Liverpool's triumphant penalty kick shoot-out win in the Carling Cup final, Liver n'  Onions wanted to see how the reds would fair at the weekend against Arsenal. I, like many took their recent form into account in making a prediction wrongfully or not. This said Arsenal was not a stale bag of bread, in terms of form- still riding high off the 5-2 trouncing of city rivals Tottenham.  Giving the Reds my much invested faith I put a ten on them to shove the Gunners back down the barrel of the gun they have be residing in for most of the year. But it's a home game, how did that slip my mind…It was the early kickoff being staged at ever growing performance cesspit known as Anfield. Much to my chagrin, that ten dollars I had riding on them did not stand a chance.  Before I continue this quick photo compilation sums up Liverpool's,

Form away from Anfield:

Form at Anfield:

Pretty much sums it up, you could say proofs in the Persie…If you may. Arsenal snapped Liverpool's unbeaten home streak with their 2-1 coup at Anfield. It may have been the first loss, but draws have been a plenty. Looking at the content of the 90 'minutes played on Saturday you would render a win was in the offing for the Reds. Arsenal looked shabby in possession and lost their midfield quarterback Mikel Arteta through a rather ambiguous injury. Top-four hopefuls Liverpool had their chances but what has separated them from a team that would make that final Champions League spot  their own is their ineptness to take chances. Prior to the game the Liverpool attacking unit had only managed 12 goals between them. Top scores Craig Bellamy and Luis Suarez are on 6 which is frankly not good enough.  The look of disgust on Dirk Kuyt's face after his poorly taken penalty was saved by the keeper Scezney said it all. With the better play falling on the side of Liverpool, the man, the myth and the monster Robin van Persie struck again, to compound woes even further. A game where Liverpool should have had 3-points in the wallet, they emerged with none. You just cannot stop the Dutch maestro, he's  so hot you could cook an omelet on him. His volley in the 3rd minute of stoppage time was superbly taken, leaving Pepe Reina with no chance, even at his front post.

I wouldn't chalk down the absence of players to Liverpool's loss, because it really was a smash and grab performance by the Gunners. But this said pundits have come out asserting that Liverpool is still way too dependent on their Captain Steven Gerrard, who did not play at the weekend. Ok i would agree to some extent, as Liverpool look lost  i the midfield when he's not playing, lacking a supplemented  vision with players like Charlie Adam and Jordan Henderson. Ever since the exit of now Real Madrid's Xabi Alonso and Barcelona's Javier Mascherano  the reliance on Gerrad  has become too much, though for many years he has been capable of doing it all. To these pundits I would pull the tainted victory mask off and look at Arsenals situation. Would Arsenal have won that game if not for their captain Robin van Persie? He does it all for Arsenal, he has scored 31goals in all competitions this season, and is top goal scorer in the Premier League. He has rescued Arsenal on numerous occasions with his goals, leading by example. Would Theo Walcott have pulled off the same deft dagger in the dying embers of the game…I  don't thinks so. Liverpool's over reliance on Gerrard is a notion holds water, but so does Arsenals over reliance on Van Persie. I pose this question: If one team where to lose their star man, Arsenal- RVP and Liverpool- Gerrard, who would be worse off? 

Liverpool and Arsenal's situations are not all that dissimilar. Two teams that are, or once were part of the fabled top four, have since fallen from grace and are repairing the damages trying coping with the fallout. Both have long standing managers who have come under scrutiny. Arsene Wenger in terms of longevity as manager, and Kenny Dalglish with his association to Liverpool, as player and manager. Both struggle to find a cohesive squad of players. Arsenals reluctancy to buy opting to rely on youth, and Liverpool's over-spending on un-proven talent. Where they finish in the league this year is really anyones guess, and both will certainly have to fight to get into the top 4.

A little nibblet to munch on before Liverpool faces Sunderland at the weekend.

Stay Oniony my friends

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Liverpool's Pepe Reina In Kind Of A Racist Commercial (Video)

A TV Advert from a Spanish Insurance company starring non other than Liverpool's man with the gloves Pepe Reina,  has received some shtick over possible racist elements.  Liverpool can't seem to stay away racism offenses of late, and it seems to follow the squad in whatever they partake in. For me it's a bit offensive, but too big a deal is being made out of it. 

Check the video below:

Thanks to TheOriginalWinger

Liver n' Onions: Liverpool is that bad friend who always gets you into trouble

Oh it has been an interesting few weeks for Liverpool football club, racism, arrests draws with Stoke, all makes it on a whole a pretty grim start to the new year. 

In the wake of Luis Suarez's 8 match ban for racially abusing Patrice Evra, Liverpool fans have been up in arms over a decision that sees their main out of action. What has come out in result of this is the club creating " support Suarez" t- shirts to which players have warn whilst warming up. This seems a bit wrong, supporting racism in a way, even if it's a team member.  Feeling aggrieved that their goal threat is now significantly diminished, the club has tried to distance them selves from the racism claim and fight the fact that it was racist at all for Suarez to say what he did to Evra. What sees those efforts squashed, quickly to mention  was a certain number of  fans racially abusing young right-back Tom Adeyemi during Liverpool's FA Cup clash with Oldham. This abuse brought the young player to tears, playing in one of the most significant games in his young career.

As a Liverpool fan this disgusts me....the fact that a fans would have the nerve to racially abuse a player is one thing,  but this occurring directly after the Suarez ordeal is just plain stupid. Feeling aggrieved that their star man will out for what they view as not a racist act, only responding with the events that took place against Oldham. Once again the Reds are in the papers for the wrong reason. Stalling a bit in the league, without their main strike force, and now a pair of racist offensives equals hardly a comfortable standing. Expanding on this Stewart Downing was taken into custody after allegedly assaulting his ex-girlfriend,  in a night-club. This is  the last thing that Liverpool needed in the wake of the Suarez incident, and what happened at Oldham. Downing scored in the 5-1 win against Oldham, his first goal since moving from Aston Villa this summer, screaming somewhat of a disappointment in the scheme of new players brought in by Dalgleish. 

Liverpool have been in the headlines for all the wrong reasons these last weeks with events mentioned above. With the January transfer window upon us rumors of Andy Carroll making a surprise move back to Newcastle, the team he moved from for 35 million pounds. Struggling with fitness since the move Carroll has yet to prove himself at Anfield, but with Suarez out for 8 games people should be focusing on how he now has the chance to prove himself instead of him leaving. 

From the red side of Liverpool it has been a silly week or so,  but all put levity aside when Liverpool faced Manchester City in the Carling Cup last Wednesday, defeating the Manchester powerhouse 1-0. The goal of a fourth or better place of the Dalgleish lead Liverpool is one that will be difficult so in that light the reds should focus sights on the Carling Cup. In all honesty the Carling Cup is a competition that the Reds should feel they could win. A Champions League spot paired with some silverware, though be it the Carling Cup is something the reds should shoot for.

Some have accused manager Kenny Dalgleish of being tactically negligent, having taken a long break away from football, and this view-point seemed to retained water when his squad faced Stoke City. The old dog showed us well some old tricks as we failed to score a goal, playing in a highly defensive set-up.  Stoke is a side that prides its self of being defensively solid, with strong players from back to front. Liverpool having one of the most defensively sound record this season seemed to fight fire with fire, seemingly to at times have a 5 man back-line. With Luis Suarez out and Carroll well whatever…Dalgleish had the options of Dirk Kuyt and Craig Bellamy, the Scot chose Kuyt to pierce the Stoke back-line, leading the line on his own.  It looked as though he was hoping the trickery of Kuyt would foil the slow, strength oriented Stoke back-line. This did not work and Kuyt scuffed a pure peach of chance, as he found himself with a free header but it spun wide.  Andy Carroll came on with 30 minutes to go to try to get on the end of Gerrard's passes, but he looked lost, and the one dimensional style of lofting balls at the pony-tailed head of Carroll, was dealt with ease by the Stoke defenders.  

There was just not enough in attack, resulting in a 0-0 draw with Stoke, Kuyt came to Liverpool as a striker, but after years of watching him, he's not. Better supporting a striker, as a link between midfield, Kuyt has been a great servant but I would not ask him to lead the line. Craig Bellamy would have been a better option as his second stint on Merseyside has been more fruitful than expected, and his speed and agility is tough for many to deal with. 

To be honest the love affair that I have with Dalgleish is being tested. Great last season, when implemented as coach but results this season have fallen by the wayside.  It's actually not so much the results but its the way that we set up at the start of the game, the mindset, the approach, all of that. Liverpool put on a defensive clinic against Manchester City  in the Carling cup, after Gerrard put the team ahead through a penalty. With Jamie Carragher

With transfer rumors swirling around the footballing landscape, Liverpool have been pretty quiet. Feeling as though he has the squad to push on, even with the suspensions and injuries, the few rumors there has been have come on the offensive side of the game. With Dalgleish trying to build a strong British based side, sights  have been set on Jermaine Defoe, who has been suffering from sores sustained by sitting on the Tottenham bench. Needing a goal scorer, the risk of going for a player whose bench time outweighs his time on the pitch is not really the direction I would orient my compass. I'm one for the outrageous and nothing would be more outrageous than an Anfield return from the once divine son, Fernando Torres. With Torres being " offered" to Carlo Ancelotti at PSG, the striker with something to prove could do this back at his own stomping grounds having seen what it's like at the next level. Call it a vision quest, and now he is ready to return and show the player he was and is.  

On a more realistic note  Liverpool have completed the signing of a player who has been heralded as " The New Deco," 19 year old João Carlos from Sporting Lisbon academy, the same academy who produced Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani. 

With Liverpool's next match against Bolton a team floundering at the bottom who recently lost their prized asset Gary Cahill to Chelsea, will be a  wounded animal that Liverpool should set out to ravage. 

Mumbai's Red Army + Awesome Video

Had to post this video I found online because it's awesome and is a perfect example of the globalness of football. It features the songs of Mumbai's Red Army supporting Liverpool with the passion you'd expect from a Scouser. The video is rad and the songs follow suit, check the video below.

Liver n' Onions: Lamenting the Loss of Lucas

Excuse me while I wipe the tear from mine eye caused upon the news that Lucas Leiva has been ruled out for the entire season with a ligament injury.

This comes as a massive blow to Liverpool as he has been the most valuable player for the Red's this season. The looming absence of the midfield rock poses a stern test for Manager Kenny Dalgleish in how to replace the defensive steel that the Brazilian provides in the center of the park.

Watching the midfielder hit the deck after a  seemingly soft challenge in Carling Cup action against Chelsea Tuesday night was a gut-wrenching sight to any Liverpool fan. Scans revealed damage to the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee rendering the midfielder a mere spectator for the rest of the season.  Used in an anchor role for Liverpool along side new signing Charlie Adam. A partnership that looked to keep paying dividends on the back of their win at Chelsea in the league a fortnight ago, and most recently the 1-1 with Manchester City. Lucas' role allows Adam to play more expansive, breaking forward quite often seen in the two matches previously mentioned. The defensive security the Brazilian provides is integral to this Liverpool side, closing teams down with lighting pace.

The question now is how does Dalgleish fill the void in midfield.  Charlie Adam is not a defensive midfielder by any stretch of the imagination, and neither is  Jordan Henderson… really. Maxi Rodriguez is out of the question, though he may get more starting opportunities, and Gerrard operates best sitting behind the striker.  Gerrard has made just five appearances this season, having had a after recovering from a groin operation in April, set back further due to an infection. So without the Liverpool captain Dalgleish has to dig a little deeper. Dalgleish has recalled 19-year-old  Jonjo Shelvy out on loan with Blackpool, but he lacks the premier experience to shut down the abundant talent in the EPL. Jay Spearing, though young has done well when asked to play the midfield role for the Red's and you should expect to see him start against the lower ranked teams in the league. The seemingly excessive summer purchases of midfield oriented players' now looks a stroke of genius by the Scot, as the options are anything but scant. But that said none really posses that defensive mindset that players likes of Lucas, Gattuso and Daniel De Rossi posses, as the role of defensive midfielder's seem to be becoming obsolete.  Jordan Henderson has been struggling on the wing since his move from Sunderland, so  assuming of the Lucas role could be some redemption for the young player. This is how I see the line-up shaping out:

Reina

Johnson     Agger       Skrtel      Enrique

Kuyt     Henderson     Adam      Downing

Carroll    Suarez

The return of Gerrard should change this, but until then I see this happening. Also prepare to see Luis Suarez up top on his own with Dirk Kuyt sitting behind him, prepared to help out the midfield when necessary.

Lucas will undergo surgery, but is not be expected back by the end of the season. Once the laughing stock of Liverpool, Lucas has evolved tremendously into a player would be first on my team sheet each week.  A couple years ago if someone asked me who on my team I would gladly have just up an vanish I would have said him, or David N'gog. Now I love his role and how he plays it, making his absence from the starting XI that much harder to bare.

Liver n' Onions: Battle of the alleged racists & Liverpool vs. Chelsea

The classic color battle: Red vs. Blue, Hot vs. Cold and in terms of this weekend Liverpool vs. Chelsea. The Reds take on West-London's Chelsea at Stamford bridge where  ex-Liverpool starlet Fernando Torres will clash heads with the new Liverpool regime.

For such a mammoth fixture in the English footballing calendar, the build up to the match has been somewhat of a docile one as off field affairs have somewhat muted the anticipation of  Sunday's match. In this week of International play a lot has gone down off the pitch in regards to Liverpool players, consequently arriving in bitter-sweet form. As the player's were off serving their countries, some more than others, journalists have been praying on the decision by the FA  to charge Luis Suarez with racial abuse directed towards Manchester United's defender Patrice Evra, during their match on October 15th. They have finally decided to act after weeks of dilly-dallying over it, releasing a official statement that reads,

“The FA has today charged Liverpool’s Luis Suarez following an incident that occurred during the Liverpool versus Manchester United fixture at Anfield on 15 October 2011.

“It is alleged that Suarez used abusive and/or insulting words and/or behavior towards Manchester United’s Patrice Evra contrary to FA rules.

“It is further alleged that this included a reference to the ethnic origin and/or color and/or race of Patrice Evra. The FA will issue no further comment at this time.”

Luis Suarez will face a 6-match ban plus a hefty fine if he is found guilty, which is not comforting to any Liverpool fan as he is the lynch-pin in the Reds attack, the one who makes us tick offensively. Without the Uruguayans influence we are left with a less than clinical Andy Carroll, a solid Dirk Kuyt, and Craig Bellamy to provide the finishing. Not bad options, but in comparison to Suarez's influence pails in comparison. 

Suarez's charge has emerged at a interesting time as his team will face a Chelsea side that fields John Terry, a player also under investigation for racial bashing. Oddly enough these player's will be lining up against each other this weekend, and furthermore could be linked when it comes to a official decision on their charges. Terry could end up being Suarez's alibi. If the FA charges the Liverpool player, they will also have to charge John Terry with the racism claims over his alleged basing of QPR defender Anton Ferdinand. As England's poster boy and captain, Terry won't be painted as a racist by the FA, so if they don't charge him they will most likely not charge the Uruguayan. 

One thing that is a fore-gone conclusion is that they will not be comparing similarities at the weekend, looking to win their personal head-to-head. Suarez will be lining up opposite Terry at the weekend in a match that really is anyones for the taking. Chelsea sit 5th behind Newcastle, 3 points atop Liverpool in the league table.  Chelsea have won 4 of their last 6 games, defeating Blackburn a fortnight ago 1-0, where Liverpool have won 3 and drawn 3. All be their defense looking the weak point of the side, Liverpool have let in only 3 goals in the their last 6 matches, having faced teams like Swansea, Stoke Manchester United, and Everton. Chelsea's stats sing a similar song, but to a more dramatic tune. Having scored a fair amount, with 3 against Arsenal, and 5 against Genk on the 19th of Oct. A more telling stat is that they have shipped 10 goals in their last 6 matches, most notably 5 against Arsenal. This paints a picture of two teams that can both score, but in defense are more than suspect. When Liverpool and Chelsea clash it often produces a quality spectacle, so I will go out on a limb and say a 2-3 Liverpool win, even though my conscience says a 1-1 draw.

Along with the guaranteed racism mentions by the match announcers, a huge talking point is former Liverpool player's Raul Meireles and Fernando Torres facing their old club. Torres will be itching to net a goal against his former employers, after he was booed by England fans in Spain's match with England. Much has come out in various media publications about Torres threatening to tell the " real" story over his exit from Liverpool, which in my mind is no more than the Spaniard creating drama, and journalists trying to sell papers. Anyhow, that just adds fuel to the fire in facing your old squad who's supporters publicly burned your jersey after your departure. Scoring 56 Premier League goals in just 79 appearances under Rafa Benitez at Liverpool, Torres has struggled to find form after his big money move and Liverpool's replacement Luis Suarez will look to show him how it's done. 

You might expect to Martin Kelly drafted into the line-up for Liverpool, chosen over Glenn Johnson at right back. Johnson's performance in England's match with Spain was one to forget, as the faults that he is usually accused with where plain to see, and proved to the fence-sitters that he lacks International class.  Having Juan Mata and and Ashley Cole running at you on the left, the last thing Kenny Dalgleish needs is his right back going walk-about. Johnson and the attacking threat  he does provide, will be chosen second to the more disciplined, old-head- yet younger player Martin Kelly.

Not to point out the obvious…Liverpool's Midfield will have to be way more commanding than displayed in their measly 0-0 draw with Swansea in their last Barclay's Premier League match. Against Chelsea, all guns must be firing so the likes of Charlie Adam has to tune his boots to the right pitch and connect some passes. Steven Gerrard, If he starts, will have to look at his opposite number and fellow England International Frank Lampard for some inspiration and motivation.  Possession was poor a fortnight ago, and when defending Liverpool sat really deep against a far less challenging opponent in Swansea City. This cannot be how the game transpires against the Blue of Chelsea, as Juan Mata will be have his cutlery sharpened, ready slice the Liverpool defense.

Looking back a few paragraphs to my prediction, Liverpool see it out thanks to a Carroll header, and a brace from Kuyt. Maxi doesn't get the start, unfortunately, for Dalgleish opts to go with the players he knows/ payed for.

Stay tuned for the next edition of Liver n' Onions as I will review the match, and bring you the latest from Merseyside.

Liver n'Onions: 11 Swans a-singing equals 11 Reds a-Rooing.

Oooh the swans were singing on Saturday at Anfield. Not a tune that Liverpool fans were whistling along to as they watched their beloved Reds tie 0-0 with the Swans of Swansea. This draw pre-empted a massacre of the majestic white birds around the grater Liverpool area. Only joking but it could have been a reality as the frustration of  dropping points  again to a newly promoted team was clearly evident. The old adage of it's a point earned doesn't incapsulate it, nor make it better. It's 2 point's lost by a Liverpool team who should be running riot over this Swansea side. 

Had an outstanding game in goal, using those big Swan wings to parry away all efforts.

In actual fact the newly promoted Swans play some decent football, sitting tenth in the table between co-promtees QPR and Norwich. But Liverpool in sixth, on 19 points should notch a convincing win at fortress Anfield. I'm not sure if you could accuse Liverpool of playing to their oppositions level, but their seems to be a Achilles heel when they face newly promoted squads. Defender Daniel Agger stated it well by saying that Liverpool looked like headless chickens running around.

"This is likely one of the most exciting 0-0 you'll see," the match announcer proclaimed, which is a grand claim, but in terms of 0-0 draws it was a a decent game. As I mentioned earlier this Swansea side do pass, and keep possession well making a good showing of it away from home at Anfield. When Swansea were mounting attacks, Liverpool responded by sitting deeper than I am usually used to seeing them. This is unlike the Liverpool I know, who are usually quick to charge down lose balls in the middle of the park. Without the commanding presence of Jamie Carragher, and Steven Gerrard in the midfield, the team seemed to lack a defensive leader.The same side that won against West Brom last week, looked half the team that marched out on Saturday.

A possible game dictating situation fizzled away as fast as it came about, when Andy Carroll rocketed a quasi- sitter off the bar from 6-yards. The missed chance from a low teasing cross from the Liverpool left, paved the way for the nail bitting, "almost", type of game it would conclude to be. Carroll was removed in the 75th minute, responding by walking strait down the tunnel in frustration for his failure to put his team ahead.

Liverpool ran the show in the early minutes but as the game rhode on, the midfield of Jordan Henderson, Charlie Adam and Lucas got out played. Charlie Adam is proving hit or miss in games, either brilliant in his distribution or invisible in the center of the park. Lucas is as solid as the rock of Gibraltar, improving immensely from his first couple seasons at the club, but in this game lost his way a-bit. Henderson I though was a tad disappointing, looking slightly unfit. Meandering into 50/50's made it hard for him to keep possession in the midfield, and his passing radar seemed to be jammed. So bringing him off at halftime, for Dirk Kuyt  was a no-brainer for Dalgleish. I have heard cries for the return of Maxi Rodriguez to the starting line-up. Is he the answer? I'am not sure, as he also can be an all or nothing player, but I think it's about time he got a shot. I also look at the work that Joe Cole is doing at Lille in League 1, and wonder if we could  benefit from his services now that Gerrard's injury seems to be more involved than was first thought. 

Liverpool looked the most dangerous on the wings, with much joy came for Liverpool down their left with Downing and the ever- impressive Jose Enrique ripping the back line of Swansea to shreds. With some of their newest signings in question against Swans, Enrique once again proves to be a class act and his ability to hold on to the ball is something to behold.

Swansea tested Reina a few times, and both sides looked as though they could make the break through, but both men in goal performed heroics to keep the game level. Swansea keeper Michel Vorm ripped a page out of John Ruddys textbook on how to keep a clean sheet against  Liverpool, denying some gilt-edged chances towards the games climax.  All in all their was a  fair amount of shots on goal, Liverpool registering 25, doubleding Swansea's 12, yet the Reds had only 2 more than the Swans when it came to shots on target. It's becoming clear to see that Luis Suarez will create more chances than a forward could wish for, but when it comes to finishing he less clinical. He's like a kid in a candy shop when running at defensives but when it comes to buying a lollipop, he lacks the maturity.

This draw makes it eight consecutive games undefeated for Dalgleish's Liverpool, but what I see is four dropped points against  two newly promoted sides. Hardly the results that the Liverpool faithful are looking for in a year that a coveted top four position is fathomable. 

In other news this week, Liverpool Football Club have confirmed the signing of Marc Pelosi a U17 United States International. The midfielder was captain of the United States U17 team who participated in this year’s FIFA World Cup tournament in Mexico. signed from the DeAnza Force Club in California, the player Pelosi has featured 28 times for the U17s against other national sides, scoring eight goals.

Liverpool's Academy director Frank McParland said: ”We’re determined to identify the best possible talent globally and I’m delighted we’ve been able to to bring Marc in to the club.”

Bringing such a young American talent to a club like Liverpool, you hope that he flourishes in the system, ultimately progressing in to the first team. Which is would be a big step forward for American soccer players. Clint Dempsey performs for his club side Fulham, week in week out, and as an American player abroad should be a role model for players such as the young Pelosi, who has a bright future ahead of him.

In a fortnight from the fore-mentioned draw Liverpool takes on Chelsea at their home of Stamford Bridge. I will preview this in the next edition Liver n'Onions to supplement your Liverpool needs during the International break.

So so dirrrty is Luis Suarez's goal against Stoke

In my last  Liver n' Onions I expressed my displeasure with the slurry of missed chances that Liverpool and more so Luis Suarez flubbed against Norwich City in their 1-1 draw last weekend. As a devoted reader of this blog SpotKickJournalism, Suarez clearly read that post and responded with one of the filthiest goals I have ever seen bar- none. First he nutmegs the Stoke defender than hits a deft curler past the outstretched Sorenson. 

Ooooh My Gooooal! Absolutely nuts. Check the vid below and prepare a change of underpants.

So sick... to add Suarez netted again boosting Liverpool into the quarterfinals of the Carling Cup winning 2-1 over Stoke City. 

Liver n'Onions: New Faces...Same Ol' Headaches

With the ceremonial anthem of " You'll never walk alone" belting louder than usually from the Anfield stands, in honor of the Hillsborough disaster, Reds fan's were unaware that they were about to witness another disaster.

The significance  of what was to come pales in NO way to the devastation of the 96  fans who lost their lives that April 15th 1989, but in terms of results within a season the 1-1 draw with Norwich City was catastrophic. Old habits returned to Anfield with a switchblade smile, once again seeing a slip up against a newly promoted team with far less  talent than Liverpool. This fairly regular theme is brought to you by poor defensive showings and a uncanny amount of missed chances.  

Luis Suarez had the bit between his teeth and was up to his regular shenanigans creating so many right  from the start  that I swear every minute I was squirming in my chair, oohing- and- awwing, waiting for the net to ripple. After I saw him miss chance after chance, I realized it could be one of those games that the missed chances some back to haunt and to hurt. Liverpool amassed a total of 25 shots on goal, an amount that you would expect to see a higher return from, yet only a single solitary one was converted,  The finishing touch was not there for Liverpool as Norwich got an all important point, not because they deserved it, but because of the home team's incompetence to finish the game off. After the 1-1 draw with Manchester United last weekend, It looked like Liverpool where making progress, but that has been halted by another score of 1-1 to a weak side, rendering it a digression from where the Reds stoop last week.

 Kenny Dalgleish opted to start Suarez up top with Dirk Kuyt and Craig Bellamy starting on the wing against the team that he started his career.

Liverpool where off in a flash having created two magnificent chances within in the first 5 minutes, but failed to convert either of them. Martin Skrtels header glanced off the bar and Suarez started his own personal barrage on Ruddy's goal with a miss.  Missing chances has been a reoccurring feature of the new-look Liverpool having already cost them in their matches with Sunderland, Stoke and Manchester United. Having said this there was no shortage of opportunities but applying the finish touch is where it all fell apart. Having netted 12 goals this season so far from their 9 premier league games is simply not clinical enough for a team that views themselves as top four contenders. The talent is apparent stressing again how many chances Luis Suarez alone had, but looking at the line-up you can clearly see that they are far capable of converting with the likes of Steven Gerrard, Bellamy, Kuyt and the Andy Carroll on the bench. This is not taking in to account the marauding fullbacks of Jose Enrique and Glen Johnson who made his return to the starting line- up replacing Martin Kelly at the right back spot.

The goal finally came at the end of the first half, which was a model of frustration to all LFC supporters. Craig Bellamy netted in the 46' minute with the ball taking a somewhat lucky deflection off Norwich's left-back Marc Tierney.

If you where thinking that LFC's lack of offensive savvy caused their downfall, I would say nay. Conceding silly goals is is a pattern  that was revisited at the weekend, and is a pattern that all involved would love to banish. When Liverpool came out for the second half they looked terribly sloppy in defense. Not lacking the cutting edge, they still failed to build on their well deserved first half breakthrough. This, coupled with slack marking led to Norwich substitute Gent Holt's equalizer, as he rose to head home past a flapping Reina. A shameful attempt by the Spanish keeper, who usually dominates in those areas gave the hungry forward an opportunity that he took emphatically. Once again done by a poor defensive display it raises the question of Jamie Carragher's ability and the overall cohesion of the back four. Reina may have been at fault which is shocking for the most consistent keepers in the EPL, but the fight to win the header defensively wasn't there.

Norwich's Keeper Ruddy determined not to be beaten by his old rivals, as a one time Everton stopper, had a strong showing in goal. Facing a firing squad from Liverpool was counting his stars that the majority of the efforts hit the post or went wide, but when he was called upon he performed magnificently.

Missed chances killed us, and lack of assuredness in the back is what cost the Reds what should have been three points. Liverpool face Stoke in the League cup this week, who were defeated by Robin van Persie's heroics for Arsenal at the weekend. Peter Crouch faces his old squad and with the strong front line of Walters, Jones and Jerome Liverpool's defensive unit will have to look sharp. In the EPL the Reds face West Bromich Albion on Oct. 29, and the onus will be on the them to get the three points with a convincing win.

Liver n'Onions: does derby day

In a footballing bender of a weekend I witnessed a total of 540 minutes, plus extra time of nerve gripping action,  included three notable derby's, the high profile match's of PSG v. Lyon, and AC Milan vs. Juventus. Thrilling as those specified were, I cannot deny that the derby's on display took the center stage, non-more exciting than the prospect of the Merseyside derby. Staying up for a 1:30 am kick off on Friday mounts to nothing on the list of things I would do to watch this game. 

Assuming my usual chair, pencil behind the ear and  coffee in hand, I grited my teeth in suspense. However when the clock struck quarter to four, howI felt was akin to the excitement felt  before Christmas, only to be let down by the gifts on display. The derby, in comparison to ones previously, lacked impotence and controversy. Watching the North London Derby on the following day only compounded my disappointment, making me question how I feel about the modern derby in general. With the likes of Gervinho, Coquelin, and  Mertesacker starting in their first N. London derby for Arsenal, I ask the question are Derby matches a young man's game, or for the old geezers? A derby match is built off of a rivalry, usually containing frenetic pace, take-no-prisoner tackles and a general distain for the opposition. With an injection of young players, or new signings, the rivalry is lessened for the players are only feeling the rivalry tension, based off what they have been told or watched themselves. This is why you see a lot of young players getting sent off because they know what it means to win the game, yet they don't know how to approach it. Derby games are built off the history of the clubs', and the passion is heightened by the fans. Current football players aren't usually permanent enough at a club to really feel the passion of the Derby game willing to kiss any badge as long as the pay is good,so a derby games is just an excuse to slag off your fellow professionals and get stuck in, harder than usual. The billing of the Merseyside Derby, or the North London Derby imply a certain amount of intensity, that some of  the derby -virgin players can quite cope with. Either Charlie Adam had a sub-par game, or he had built up the importance of the game, and how doing well in it would impress his manager, but that said he seemed to choke.  The elder state-men have played in the atmosphere for years and usually know how to approach it. This is why I was surprised not to see Gerrard come on from the start, niggaling injury aside. A player of his stature knows the playing field, what's required, treating it just like any other game. This is something you might expect from a player new to the intense atmosphere, yet often the adverse is seen.  With the older players you feel the history materializing on the pitch, which is not felt with a bucket of new faces playing in their first derby. So I ask this question, do you think that derby games are more entertaining with young, unfamiliar players looking to prove themselves, or with the experienced players who know the derby waters?  

I will admit that I am still uneasy over the current Reds, as their performance leaves me feeling unconvinced on the the new project that King Kenny has dished up. The 216th version of this city splitting clash didn't do much to change my stance, only getting into the game once the sending off of Jack Rodwell. A dismissal which was if I may a lucky one, catalyzed by a nothing tackle and a sprawling flop from Suarez. Ref Martin Atkinson got it horribly wrong, only succeeding in giving Liverpool a chance back into a game that they looked second best in up until that point. From the start Everton looked the more cohesive unit with both Sylvian Distin and Tim Cahill testing Reina in the Liverpool goal, as the Red's midfield of Adam and Lucas struggled to supply Carroll and Suarez up top. The dismissal killed Everton's expansive play forcing Cahill to slot into the wide left position leaving Louis Saha to forage for himself as the lone advanced player. Even with reduced numbers Everton still carved out a handful of chances, but it was Liverpool who came up the 2-0 winners.  Dirk Kuyt endeared himself slightly to the Everton faithful, as his grass cutting penalty kick was saved by Howard, following Jagielka's tackle on Suarez in the box- deemed an illegal one by Atkinson. One of the shining lights in the match that uncharacteristically lacked some atmosphere was Andy Carroll's first goal of the 2011-12 season, latching onto the end of Craig Bellamy's Cross. With Suarez sealing the win on a fortunate rebound clearance from Distin, Liverpool take the spoils of Derby Glory, in a scrappy win, nothing more. As long as three points are there to be taken, I will take them and run, but a comfortably controlled win is what I desire.

Derby rating: 6.5

The Sunday proceeding saw a comparably mammoth fixture with the North London Derby illuminating the eyes of London. Arsenal, though starting the season a bit shaky, I gather feel they have the edge over their closest rivals Tottenham. This fallacy was plain to see, with the power-shift between the two clubs apparent. The match announcer made the interesting point of if you where to making a best XI out of the starting lineups of the two teams, what Arsenal players would make it? Bacary Sagna and Robin Van Persie are shoo-ins, but besides them who else? Like the Merseyside derby this match lacked some atmosphere as I didn't feel much passion, also upset with the fact that the usually controversial Adebayor didn't get in to it with any of his former Arsenal teammates or fans. Both teams' defensive frailties emerged, creating a multitude of chances for each side, both with eight a piece come the whistle for the half. Tottenham were the only team to make the flurry of chances count, as Raphael Van der Vaart made sure to put on his boots with " This Machine Kills Arsenal Dreams," written on the side, as he took down a beautiful cross on the chest and in brilliant style hit it off the bounce past Szczesny into the back corner. Aaron Ramsey was having a shocker in midfield until he leveled terms in the second, adding some spice to the simmering cauldron of White Heart Lane. As the game wound to its climax Gareth Bale looked like Seabiscuit on speed, galloping down the wing looking capable of making the difference, but the winner came from the most  unlikely of specimens in right back Kyle Walker. Having studied Danny Rose's thunderous strike from a couple of years ago, he had a look, put his foot through it, and arrowed it past outstretched arms of the Arsenal keeper like a warm knife through butter. Certainly a good way to open your account for a club, in which after the match he told Sky Sports, “I’ve just picked up the ball and hit it… Why not have a go?’' 

Derby rating: 7

If Kyle walker learned to harness the power of Thors Hammer in his boot, Andy Johnson had been waxing his board, looking like the silver surfer with his shiny bald head, and his slick runs past QPR's defense. One of the West London Derby's took action as Fulham played newly promoted Queens Park Rangers, and although spending wisely in the summer showed their scars, falling subject to a 6-0 thrashing.  Fulham looked unstoppable, with Johnson notching a hat trick and Dempsey, Murphy ad Zamora grabbing the rest. QPR made Fulham look like a world superpower, complacent in defense and an attack of Jay Bothroyd, who made nil impact. With Fulham being that team you just can't hate, (QPR fans excluded), I was delighted to see them grab their first win of the season and to do it in such emphatic style made for a thrilling spectacle. I don't expect to see many similar  shorelines at  the cottage, but it was a delightful capper to a slightly disappointing Derby weekend in the English Premier League.

Derby rating: 8.5

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