abc

Could it be because we were playing them, controlling the game while being ahead for most of the match, done by a dodgy free kick (never one) which led to the equaliser and then a last minute winner? Coupled with the fact that we hadn't won jack in yonks, and that it was our only hope of any kind of success that season? And that we hadn't beaten them in ages, plus they were on their way to a very successful seeason? That match killed me then. But in all honesty, 7/8 years on, with every single trophy won, bar the league, please forgive me if I can't get excited for an FA Cup 3rd round tie against a team which we are expected to win. Of course I'd love for us to win the thing, a trophy is a trophy. But if it's at the expense of our league and CL performances, then please let us get knocked out tomorrow. We are still playing catch up in the league, with 2 games behind teams in around us. And with the potential of a replay (it still exists right?), it will wear our team down later in the season. Remember, we started in July. Like Rafa said last year, it's about priorities. And the FA Cup should always be 3rd on the list, after the league and CL.

Exactly what I thought. The way we have taken teams apart in the past few months, is testament to how far Rafa has taken us forward. We are convincing, and play very good passing football, using the full dimensions of the pitch, with ability to vary our attacking threat, using Kewell's trickery out wide, Crouch and Gerrard's excellent link play in the center, and Alonso's superb ability to orchestrate the flow and tempo. I can only come to a conclusion if anyone really believes what Mourinho (allegedly) says: they must be watching videos of (the successful period) of Houllier's time at Liverpool!

One that got away, for Man Utd that is. I believe he was heavily linked with them last summer. They clearly got the better keeper in Van Der Sar. By a country mile.

Agree with fyds. He puts in his best ones from the edge of the box when we have a corner cleared. He puts alot of height and dip on them, to try and beat the offside trap.

I'm surprised he hasn't already scored one of them. He's got the ability, and also the willingness to hit them accurately. I bet he pictures the crossbar as a teammate's chest, cause he arrows passes to their feet so well.

It's no coincidence that our football standard has raised since Kewell returned to the side. He provides width, intelligent passing and movement, and can beat a player and put in a good cross. Also, if you watch some matches back around November/December last year when Harry was getting slaughtered by fans, you'll find that he was still playing good possession football. But because his movement seemed so restricted, he came across as lazy and therefore whatever positive contribution made to the team was unnoticed. In Kewell, Luis Garcia, Morientes, Alonso, Crouch and Gerrard, we have a "front six" who are what people call "footballers"; each on their own have unique sets of skills. Put together, they have everything you need on a football pitch. The guile of Kewell, movement and ball control of LG, heading ability of Morientes, hold up play of Crouch, passing of Alonso, and the aggression and pace of Gerrard. Perhaps most importantly, all of them can score goals. Maybe the only thing I can think of missing is a good free kick (cross).

We've been getting a lot of red card decisions in our favour this season. Off the top of my head it's Sunderland home, Brum away, Newcastle and the derby.

I thought the folks on RAWK were kidding when put down in the title of their post-match thread that Crouch's goal was officially an OG. You've got to be kidding me. There's never been such nonsense till the Wigan match. Beyond ridiculous.

Is right. The way some idiots talk in such dissatisfaction at him not playing to his potential, you must have thought we paid 15 million pounds for him. If you think about the 5 million Houllier spent on Salif Diao, Kewell has more than justified the 5million we splashed out on him a year later, with the 13 or so goals he scored in his first season. I do think he should get his hair cut though. I reckon it'll weight him down less...

I thought Alonso's passing was as wayward as I'd ever seen. Seems to me like he converted about 70% of his passes which is pretty poor by his standards. But still, such a brilliant passer he is, that on a mediocre day he can still come up with a perfectly weighted 50 yard ball. I like the way he hit Cisse with that knee high driven pass which DC took in his stride delightfully but blazed over once in the box. What Rafa has brought to Liverpool is a superb balance of hard work and skill. For some reason Houllier only had players that could either play or graft. In Alonso, LG and Morientes, we have players who will work all day, fight for the ball, and when in possession are actually magical players. That's a rarity.

Thommo said in an interview post-Istanbul that our team last season wasn't made to take the game to the opposition (in light of us going behing in the 1st minute). That's been addressed. After yesterday's performance, and the many over the last couple months, it's confirmed that, surely.

Some of the passing and movement was delightful. That's the way football should be played, simple and effective. The first goal was all about intelligent movement and the use of Crouchy's physical strength to take the ball on, his superb control of a football and Stevie's powerful running and excellent finishing.

Did prevent Rivaldo from taking the free kick which he won theatrically against us at Anfield. Rolled around, trainer came out, and then he was complaining that he couldn't stay on to take it. Funny as. But most other times, it's a stupid ruling.

7 league goals in 21 starts isn't all that bad. That's why I said decent.

Pace + movement off the ball + decent finisher. Like pj said, injury crisis is literally crippling our options up front. Beggars can't be choosers. Sides, he's a very good player. Opportunity for him to grow up if he comes to LFC...