The loss at Anfield after 2 years hasn't been an easy one to digest

Hello guys. I've been busy so I couldn't update just after the happenings of this past week. Well, surely Liverpool's first loss at Anfield after 2 years vs Aston Villa must have overshadowed the 4-0 Stoke devastation. I've been analysing the goals we've conceded since the start of the season. Most of you must have done the same too. We've conceded goals from free-kicks, corners and a penalty. What does this mean? In my point of view other teams have found the way to break us up. They get this foul near the edge of the penalty area and then manage to score. Here we are, we've conceded 3 goals in such situations and we've lost two out of our three opening matches. Three matches gone and three points in the bag. For me it's really devastating for a Liverpool supporter and for the club as well.

I wonder why we have a player like Lucas in our ranks. I simply don't understand what the Liverpool scouts saw in the guy to decide to bring him at Liverpool FC. I bet that Jay Spearing can do a better job than him on the pitch. I also don't comprehend why Rafa always puts him on the starting line-up. My logic doesn't permit me to believe that Rafa cannot see his mistakes on the pitch. Against Villa his performance was dreadful. I saw how me miss Xabi and his long range passes. His presence in Liverpool's midfield was something crucial. His strength, shots and ability will always be missed in the Liverpool squad. Let's not forget about Aquilani. The lad is injured at the moment. We will need to see the change he brings to Liverpool's midfield when he kicks his first ball.

However, I got a real feel good factor whenever I saw Glen Johnson touch the ball, control it, dribble and cross it. In fact, for me he was Liverpool's best player vs Aston Villa. Rafa has indeed done a great job by seizing the man from Portsmouth. From what I've seen, we have a big problem in the midfield with Lucas and at the back. Hopefully our new signing, Kyrgiakos would help resolve the issue of defending high balls at the back. As for the midfield, I am unable to figure out what needs to be done to get it running smoothly. I trust Rafa and the solution he might find out to get things running once more.

As a Liverpool fan I am a bit disappointed by the current Liverpool display. Before the season started I had great hopes that this could be our year. We must not forget how we came close to the holy grail last season. We lost only two matches during the last campaign. This time round it has only taken 3 matches for us to lose 2. I remember this saying but I forgot who said it. Here goes: You cannot win the league in 2 or 3 matches but you can certainly lose it. I am sure we will miss these points we've lost after half of this league is played.

That said, I do not know if Liverpool have the chance to win the PL this season. We will need to see at least 5 more performances to get an idea if Liverpool are improving or not. We certainly cannot drop more points. So, let's sit back and see the events unfold...

Alonso's departure, Aquilani and another pre-season win for Liverpool FC

Well my friends as you all must be aware, Liverpool agreed a fee with Real Madrid yesterday and Alonso flew to Spain for a medical. Terms were agreed and Alonso was finally sold to the Spanish giants after a hard fought battle. Even Madrid have to agree that it wasn't easy to capture Xabi Alonso from Liverpool. Any team would be reluctant to sell a player who is a member of the backbone of the team. Contracts have now become means for managers to increase their asking price for teams interested in their players. Liverpool were willing to sell Xabi at 18M pounds last season and have managed to sell him at 30M pounds this summer. Initially, Liverpool secured Alonso at 10.5M pounds on a 4 year deal from Real Sociedad.

Xabi quickly became a fan favourite thanks to his long range passes making him one of the very rare midfielders capable of doing that in modern football. He scored quite a number of goals for Liverpool including a couple of these goals from his own midfield. These have been moments of magic and amazement which every Liverpool fan would find hard to forget. For this reason, I am sad by his departure. But Liverpool could not have forbid the player to fulfill his own dreams. Alonso said he wanted new challenges, so, Rafa started to work hard to find the most suitable replacement as soon as he made his intent known.

And Rafa's effort brought him to Roma's 25 years ace, Alberto Aquilani. Liverpool FC lost no time in trying to conclude the deal. Yesterday Liverpool were given permission to speak to the player who has yet to undergo a medical at Melwood. If all goes well, Aquilani will then be a Liverpool player with a fee around 15M pounds reportedly having agreed by both parties. Here's what Rafa had to say about Alberto Aquilani:

"Roma have allowed us to talk with him, so that's good and positive. He is a player with the quality we are looking for," said Benitez.

"He can play a little bit higher than Javier Mascherano - maybe between him and Steven Gerrard.

"He has good passing - the final ball is good - and he also works. If he can settle down properly in England he can be a very good addition.

"I think the signing should excite the fans. He won the U19 European Championship with his country, and U21 too. He has some trophies - including the Italian Cup.

"I always remember one game - England versus Italy U21s at Wembley, and he was man of the match in a 3-0 win."

Souce: liverpoolfc.tv

Moreover, Liverpool played their final away pre-season friendly match against FC Lyn yesterday and it was positive to see the Reds cruise to a 2-0 victory. The only worry of the match yesterday was to see Riera limp off the field after having twisted his ankle. He was sent on the pitch as a second half substitute. Liverpool FC now have three injury worries, notably Martin Skrtl, Daniel Agger and Riera becomes the newest addition to the list. Let's just hope all three players don't take too much time to get back on the turf.

Point to be noted that Alberto Aquilani currently has an ankle injury and will still be an injured player when Liverpool conclude his signing. The man is a promising young player and can do our midfield lots of good, so let's wish him good luck in his recovery. Looking forward to see him soon on the pitch playing some world class football and blowing away our minds.

Your views are mostly appreciated. Thanks to leave a few comments.

Chelsea 0-1 Liverpool, fantastic Xabi seals the win to give Liverpool top spot

It was not much of a surprise when Liverpool beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge to claim a 1-0 victory that ended Chelsea's 86 unbeaten home games. Xabi Alonso gave Liverpool FC the lead when his deflected shot successfully found the net. Liverpool seemed too strong tactically for a quality Chelsea team. Pepe Reina hardly had an important save to make throughout the whole match. Though Chelsea had lots of possession, they were out of ideas. Every Liverpool player played for the shirt and worked their socks off to make Rafa Benitez's tactics outshine that of Scolari. It was their first encounter for the new season and Liverpool came out winners in style.

It was really pleasing to see a such determined Liverpool side. After years of watching Liverpool FC play, for the first time I'm starting to believe that we now have the players with the right mentality to win us the Premier League. Kuyt was once again outstanding. Gerrard was brilliant and Riera was absolutely a joy to watch. All in all the whole team showed character. Liverpool FC showed that they can win a match against a top side without their star striker Fernando Torres. Out due to injury, Torres must have undoubtedly wished he could play a part in Liverpool's win on Sunday.

It was a moment of jubilation to see Liverpool win and claim top spot in the PL table in style. Better was Man U's draw at Everton. 9th round cleared and 23 points already secured, Liverpool keep their momentum towards challenging for the holy grail. The win at Chelsea has unmistakably sent a message to every team in the PL: Liverpool are back in business. So, let's keep on watching. Belief is the key for our first PL trophy since 18 years. The PL 10th round will see Liverpool play Portsmouth at Anfield. 26 points after 10 matches would be the perfect start to a genuine title challenge.