Resurgent Liverpool finally asking questions?

I'd like to think that on Wednesday past, Mr. Benitez poured himself a glass of rioja, sat down to bask in the glory of a brilliant victory over Real Madrid, typed his name into Google to read about his magnificence, and stumbled upon this blog. I'd also like to think that he took the time to read the most recent post and decided that it was time to lay caution to the wind and give Liverpool fans what they want.

Of course he didn't.

That being said, something must have happened. A little spark, a lightbulb, something like that. Whatever it was, not even the most optimistic of Kopites could foresee such a rewarding trip up the M62 a few days later. However surprising the result was (United haven't conceded 4 goals at Old Trafford since Q.P.R. visited in 1992), the scoreline was hardly flattering for Liverpool.

Liverpool hassled Manchester United from the off, got into their faces, closed them down quickly, and got men behind the ball when required. Sounds just like Liverpool under Benitez, right? Liverpool fans must have been fearing the worst when Pepe Reina bundled Park Ji-Sung over to give the hosts the chance to lead. Ronaldo obliged.

What followed was even more impressive from Liverpool. Their passing was sharp and incisive, their commitment faultless. The difference on Saturday, however, was Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard. Yes, without the pair, Liverpool may be average, but they have them and with them in the team it suddenly becomes a more impressive unit.

We can pick the bones out of United's (and particularly Nemanja Vidic's) performance, but they simply could not handle the pace and movement of Liverpool's front men. Torres created the equaliser for himself via his frightening turn of speed and endeavour. Of course Vidic should not have given him the chance, but let's not take anything away from the Spaniard's assured finish.

Over to you, Steven.

Gerrard created the goal to send the travelling fans into ruptures, drawing the foul from Patrice Evra. With the penalty dispatched just beyond the grasp of Edwin Van Der Sar, Liverpool were firmly in the ascendency. United huffed and puffed after half-time, but the resilience of Benitez's men was plain to see. Not many can argue with the foul which lead to the dismissal of Vidic - again due to the driving force of Liverpool's captain; Aurelio's free-kick was simply pouring salt on the wounded beast.

As Old Trafford emptied, Andrea Dossena lobbed Van Der Sar to put a gloss on an accomplished performance, which perhaps signalled that there may yet be life in this year's title race. Manchester United still have a four point advantage over their north-west rivals and Chelsea, with a game in hand. It will still take a monumental collapse for United to surrender their grasp on the Premier League trophy. That's what we were saying on Saturday morning, and if it is to happen, it had to start somewhere.

What lies beneath: the Real facts.

Liverpool signalled their intent in Europe tonight by thrashing a woeful Real Madrid side at Anfield. 4-0 wasn't harsh on Real; the fact that Iker Casillas was their best player by a long distance tells a story all of its own.

Steven Gerrard was inspirational, as so often has proved to be the case for Liverpool in recent years. Fernando Torres said afterwards that the pain [from his recent ankle problems] doesn't matter against Real Madrid. Of course, one would like to think any player would break the pain barrier to score against the Kings of European football. Torres, though, danced across in front of the Real fans after scoring the opener, with his name in clear view - just to remind them that Atletico will always have a place in his heart.

And the mastermind behind yet another wonderful European night for Liverpool? Rafael Benitez. You might think I'd only have good things to say about the Liverpool boss after their exploits tonight. Not so fast.

On the eve of this tie, Benitez had the audacity to suggest that he has not been given credit that he has been due, thanks to his team's performances in Europe, since he has arrived. Just a few things to note, Mr. Benitez. Not one man should ever believe he is bigger than any football club, not least a club steeped in as much history and tradition as Liverpool are.

Benitez's recent wranglings over his new contract, apparently demanding complete control over the club's dealings, may have started the alarm bells amongst a few inside Anfield. Could he believe he is, in fact, bigger than the club? His statement yesterday might just reinforce this possibility. Yes, he has been the catalyst for the club's success in Europe over the previous four years, but credit can not be claimed by one man.

What about Gerrard, Torres, Carragher, Benayoun, Hamann, Crouch, Alonso, Garcia, Reina and Dudek? What about Traore? What about the so-called 12th man, the commoners who have made Anfield a seemingly European fortress? Those are the players that won the Champions League, these are the players who reached the semi-finals a year ago and the final a year previous.

Onwards amigo, I hear you cry.

"The facts are there to see. Anyone can see what I have done here."

The facts are there, indeed, Rafa. You have failed to steer Liverpool Football Club anywhere near a prolonged challenge on the one that the fans want. The bread and butter; the holy grail; the Premier League title. Liverpool appear to be closing the gap, and at Christmas the season looked like it could be very productive - it wasn't. 37, 9, 21, 11; the facts.

Tonight, the gap between Liverpool and the summit of the Premier League is potentially 10 points (should Manchester United win their game in hand, before even considering Saturday's game at Old Trafford). As mentioned above, the players must take some of the "credit", but the fact is that Benitez has failed domestically. He doesn't deserve any credit for that.

Liverpool's title challenge this season is likely to be remembered as the season that Benitez decided to jot down "the facts" for Sir Alex Ferguson. Liverpool promptly blew their chance to stop Manchester United from equalling their long-standing record as the team with the most league titles to their name. Even the most optimistic Liverpool fan would agree that should Liverpool record an unlikely win at the home of their fiercest rivals on Saturday, it will merely be prolonging the pain of another arduous season.

"Maybe some people don't realise how difficult it is to keep succeeding in the Champions League."

This, Mr. Benitez, is unlikely. There is no denying his spectacular achievements in Europe, especially that memorable night in Istanbul. Furthermore, no-one can argue that Liverpool have been much improved in the Premier League this year. But the difficulty of succeeding in the Champions League means nothing if you can't mix it with the top sides in England.

Many of you will think this is ridiculous considering Liverpool's masterclass performance tonight. Maybe it is. But I would genuinely love to hear what anyone else thinks. Do you think this is an overreaction (bar the timing)? Would the Liverpool fans out there settle for a European run every year at the expense of a prolonged tilt at the Premier League title?

Maybe Rafa can answer one question: who deserves the credit for tonight's performance? He may offer an eponymic answer, whilst the rest of us would suggest Gerrard, Torres, Babel or Alonso. One more question Rafa: have you signed that contract yet? And one more fact for you to absorb: best team in Europe over the past five years, statistically? Yes. Fourth best team in England over the past five years?

Marginally.

A Real shocker.

England-4, Italy (and Spain)-0.

So, all my talk of England's elite looking forward to this week's Champion's League games with trepidation has proved totally unfounded. It's been a very good couple of nights for the English clubs, but there is still a lot of work to be done. First up, on Tuesday, were Manchester United in Milan and Arsenal at home to Roma. United should, and probably will, be feeling that they should be ahead in their tie with Internazionale. They dominated for long periods and had a number of very good chances. Ryan Giggs', in particular, was one that the Welsh wizard should have done better with. Inter rarely threatened, but did show at times that they have quality at their disposal; and with Sr. Mourinho at the helm I expect a nervy night at Old Trafford in two weeks time.

Arsenal will also be sensing opportunities missed. Roma rarely had a sniff, and Arsenal should really have snatched another goal or two. I highlighted their profligacy in front of goal in recent times, and that trend continued on Tuesday. However, they got the goal advantage and didn't concede, so they should go to Rome confident of shutting Spalletti's men out. Sounds easier than it is, though. I don't expect Roma to be as poor as they were at the Emirates in front of their home fans, but I do expect Arsenal to have enough quality to edge this one.

Wednesday, conversely, saw less dominance for the English clubs, but arguably two better results. Chelsea scored early against Juventus at Stamford Bridge, and appeared to sit back a little after that. Guus Hiddink was understandably frustrated at Chelsea's response to going ahead, and Juve will feel a bit disappointed at not having grabbed a crucial away goal. Again, Chelsea won't have it all their own way in Italy, but I fear Pavel Nedved's dream of ending his career with a Champion's League triumph might just be over in a couple of weeks.

And so to the Bernabeu, where Liverpool secured a memorable win against the might of Real Madrid. Ok, Real weren't exactly mighty, but it was still another brilliant win for Rafael Benitez to add to his scrapbook. Apart from the odd flash of brilliance from Arjen Robben, Real simply didn't show up. Liverpool, meanwhile, set about harassing and closing down their opponents at every opportunity. It worked, and although the free kick Heinze gave away was disgraceful, and the marking was non-existant, Fabio Aurelio's sweetly struck free was well headed by Yossi Benayoun past Iker Casillas, and Liverpool had the vital away goal. Only a fool would write Real Madrid off, but if Gerrard and Torres are fit it will take a monumental effort for them to turn this tie around at Anfield.

Banker of the Week (II).

Harry Redknapp and Martin O'Neill have, perhaps understandably, insisted that they will play weakened sides in tonight's UEFA Cups ties with Shakhtar Donetsk and CSKA Moscow respectively. Redknapp is clearly focussed on Premiership survival, and will almost certainly have an eye on Sunday's Carling Cup Final against Manchester United. O'Neill has the luxury of concentrating on something much more lucrative - Champion's League football. For those Villa fans who have made the trek to the plastic pitch of the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, and the Spurs fans intent on attending the Lane, I would have advised you to spend your money more wisely.

Mark Hughes has different views on this competition. Manchester City will want to make some sort of statement of intent in Europe - their summer transfer dealings may well be a little smoother if they can do so. Hughes should field his stongest XI against FC Copenhagen tonight, and they should have more than enough to see off the Danes. Thus, that brings me (belatedly) to only my second ever Banker of the Week. A £5 treble with William Hill on CSKA (8/13), Man City (1/2) and Shakhtar (7/5) will return just less than £30. For the adventurous among you, chuck in Hull City at 11/10 and the same stake will return just over £60.

Woods to face the new pretender?

Tiger Woods' much awaited comeback took place yesterday at the World Match Play Championship in Arizona yesterday. And it wouldn't be a Tiger Woods comeback if he didn't win; he duly did. Woods plays South Africa's Tim Clark, and should he progress a mouthwatering match-up with Northern Ireland's very own golfing superstar, Rory McIlroy (who plays Hunter Mahan today), is in the offing. If both players win today, I'm backing McIlroy to upset the world number 1, who looked a little bit rusty yesterday and struggled a little to close out the match. McIlroy's odds of 33/1 look very appealing, and are obviously due to the fact that he would play Woods next. A few quid on that would make things interesting, and I don't expect to see better odds than that for McIlroy for the rest of this year, majors included.

As mad as a Blatter.

Real test ahead for Liverpool.

It's been a weekend of slightly strange football results across the board. From Barcelona suffering their first home league defeat at the hands of La Liga's bottom club - Espanyol, to Reading losing for only the second time in the Championship at the Madejski stadium. Even Chelsea's 1-0 win at Villa Park was almost unexpected. However, the form of clubs elsewhere in Europe will have England's big guns looking forward with apprehension.

Internazionale won 2-1 at Bologna to keep themselves firmly in control of capturing a fourth successive Serie A title. Next up, of course, is the visit of Manchester United to the San Siro on Tuesday. A tough task has been made even tougher by United's problems at the back, and Sir Alex Ferguson's men will do well to come away with a draw. Chelsea's opponents, Juventus, kept up their pursuit of Inter with a win over Palermo, and a clean sheet is a must for the Blues at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.

Roma have been struggling in Italy this season, and their away form hasn't been particularly impressive. However, they scraped a 1-0 win over Siena, and will take hope from the fact that Arsenal have only scored six times in the league at the Emirates since October. But looking at Wednesday's horizon with more fear than the rest should be Rafael Benitez.

Liverpool laboured to another under-par home draw on Sunday, struggling to a 1-1 draw with away-day points-dropping specialists, Manchester City. Meanwhile, the night before, Real Madrid dismantled Real Betis at the Bernabeu, Madrid leading 6-1 by half-time. A positive, if you can call it that, is that Real failed to score in the second half. Clutching at straws, yes, but if Liverpool are on the wrong end of a heavy defeat on Wednesday, Rafa may be clutching for more than straws, as Liverpool's season could well have crumbled by then.

Love to say "I told you so".

I'm not the bragging type, but my banker of the week was never in doubt. Whilst England should really have taken out the West Indies' tail-end, credit must go to the hosts, who fought and battled all the way to a brilliant draw. One wicket in hand, only a few overs remaining, and the light fading badly. It was England's to throw away, and they duly did so. Without a fully fit Flintoff, England's attack look short of options, and that will be a big worry if Freddie is still struggling when Australia arrive in the summer.

Andrew Strauss' declaration caused a bit of a stir among a few, but the fact is that the batsmen had done their job of guiding England to a lead of 500 plus, and the bowlers failed to play their part. England have two Tests left in the Caribbean, before the West Indies come to England for two more. With only one-dayers and Twenty20 action before the Ashes series, England must make these next four Tests count if they want to challenge a shaky Australian side.

Football's weak Blatter.

The 'golden goal', the 'silver goal', mandatory bookings for players who have the indecency to celebrate a goal by removing their shirt (even if they have a shirt underneath) or diving into the crowd, and even making the World Cup champions qualify for the next tournament. You would think it would stop there, wouldn't you? Think again, accepting that mistakes are part of the game and so red cards cannot be appealed, women footballers should wear tighter shorts, and half-time intervals should now be 20 minutes rather than 15.

So if I've completely baffled you, the common denominator here is Sepp Blatter. These are a number of examples of his changes and proposed changes to football, with the latest being an extension of the half-time break. Why, Sepp? Why? What use will this be? What are the advantages? I'm glad the FA look set to oppose this ridiculous tinkering of the game. I hope they make Mr. Blatter aware of the fact that football simply doesn't need this, and that perhaps he could look at the use of video technology, or at the confusing offside rule instead. Then again, Mr. Blatter thinks this will help TV stations sell more commercial space. Oh, why didn't you say, Sepp? We'd never have guessed it was all about the money.

First lady of football.

West Indies on the brink.

Ok, so my very first banker of the week may have been the biggest non-starter ever. but let me just say that it still may happen. Primarily, there is a supposed 40% chance of rain in Antigua tomorrow. That can mean it will rain for 40% of the day, or there is a 40% chance that one drop of rain will fall. Whilst I'm holding out for the former, I think it is safe to say the latter is more plausible.

Nonetheless, Ramnaresh Sarwan (who looked in pretty decent nick in the first innings - before throwing his wicket away) and Shivnarine Chanderpaul (who I predicted will fancy knuckling down in the first innings - before he was out for 1) seem to have got in. If those two can bat through to lunch and the Windies can survive until tea without losing more than 2 wickets, there might still be a chance (especially with a bit of rain) that the West Indies could scrape a draw. Highly unlikely, I know, but here's hoping you will all be proclaiming my first banker of the week, rather than replacing the 'b' in that phrase with a 'w'. For those of you still interested, latest odds on a draw are 11/4 with Coral.

EDIT: It now seems likely that Andrew Flintoff will be restricted to bowling a few overs today due to a hip injury, if he bowls at all. This may not have any impact on the outcome of this Test, but it does add a little extra pressure to Harmison, Broad and Swann. If Freddie is unable to bowl, it will significantly reduce England's pace attack, as it would to almost any in the world.

United extend lead.

If any of you are wondering, 'why the recent obsession with cricket?', don't worry, it's only been the main topic for a few days as I've been following that "banker". Back to the football, and Manchester United did what we all expected them to do and beat Fulham (with apparent ease) at Old Trafford tonight. While I still believe that the league is not won in February, it is starting to look a little ominous for the rest. I maintain that United haven't been outstanding going forward since their run of clean sheets started. However, they've been nicking goals when needed, and are displaying what they call 'the form of champions'.

It does remain to be seen, however, how they cope with the crowded fixture list coming up - the perils of remaining in four competitions. Chelsea were still in all four at this stage last season, and even their expensively assembled squad ran out of legs - just. On Saturday, Man United can go 8 points clear (9 if you include the superior goal difference) and then the pressure on the rest really starts to mount. It's not over yet, of course, but it will take some turnaround for someone else to beat United to the title.

EDIT: Interesting to see Sir Alex Ferguson rule Chelsea out of the running for the title. He is obviously just stating what most others think, and perhaps he's testing the water for mind games with Hiddink. But to declare it so openly is a bit of a risk (OK, a tiny risk). Ferguson also mentioned that he's be keeping a "wary eye" on Aston Villa, which is great credit for their season so far.

A game of two sexes.

Chauvinists, look away now - they've only gone and let a woman manage a football team! Donna Powell is said to be the first woman to manage a professional or semi-professional team, when she 'bought' the right to lead Fisher Athletic out to play Eastleigh. The Blue Square South game finished 2-1 to Eastleigh, which will have football purists rejoicing.

I'm not going to say if it is right or wrong, but if Match of the Day commentators are anything to go by, she wouldn't have been my first choice. One thing is certain though, Powell has mastered the art of the cliche; "I am no shrinking violet", "do not suffer fools lightly", "playing the game the right way" and "I will be playing ball to feet". Well, not many will be laughing, but is a funny old game.