Liverpool 1-1 Atletico Madrid, a last gasp equalizer saves the day

After an unlucky loss at White Hart Lane, Liverpool were bound to bounce back to their winning attitude. Liverpool FC started the game really well . The first deadly occasion created saw Agger nearly score. It was unfortunate that Liverpool did not get a penalty at that moment as Agger was clearly pushed by a Madrid defender, in an attempt to prevent him score. Other goal scoring occasion fell Liverpool's way, the best one being a superb overhead pass that found Keane who shot just inches wide. Gerrard, Riera and even Mascherano attempted to score but it wasn't to be. Atletico is known for its quick counter-attacking football, which effectively earned them a goal, scored by Maxi Rodriguez. I was really furious. Football is sometimes unfair.

In the second half, Liverpool continued to press Atletico, forcing them to defend. Again Liverpool should have been awarded a penalty kick due to what seemed like a blatant hand ball in the box by Perea. Liverpool were still unlucky. Liverpool's domination continued until Gerrard was fouled in the box during injury time. This time Liverpool weren't going to be denied of the penalty spot. The foul on Gerrard was clear and it was as well wise thinking by the captain who knew if he won the header, the defender might foul him. Gerrard then made no mistake to convert the penalty kick into goal as Anfield immediately erupted in joy for this sweet escape at last gasp.

It is very clear that Liverpool are playing well, but the finishing touches lack accuracy. With a bit of luck and more concentration, players like Keane and Kuyt could well and truly become great heroes of the Anfield faithfuls. Keane and Kuyt are already big players but they have to add credential to their status by scoring when Liverpool are mostly in need of that winning goal. Liverpool are currently joint top of the CL table as well as the PL table. So far, it has been a good season for Liverpool in the CL and PL alike. The next Premier League match will see Liverpool host West Brom at Anfield. The good news is that Torres could make the starting line up on Saturday.

Tottenham 2-1 Liverpool, an unlucky loss

I would never have imagined to come here and write about a Liverpool loss against a Tottenham side that we dominated in most parts of the game. As from the first half, the scoreline must have read 3 or 4 nil in the favour of Liverpool FC. The balls which went off the bar and the own goal by Jamie Carragher were all signs that Liverpool were unlucky. And Tottenham used our bad luck to form their own luck as Pavyluchenko made it 2-1 in the dying seconds of the match.

Even Rafa was clearly disappointed by this Liverpool loss. He himself stated that it could have been 4-0. But this is football. Many teams had been caught against us, as we found the winner in the late stages of the game. Man U, Manchester City and Middlesbrough were all victims of a late Liverpool comeback. Similarly, we were victims of a late comeback by Tottenham.

Seen the way Liverpool are currently playing their football, every Liverpool supporter will talk about how proud he is of his team. It's been a long time since Liverpool have shown the character they are now showing. Not to forget, Torres is still injured and yet Liverpool have managed to win their matches before this loss. Certainly, confidence is high at Anfield. Rafa is doing a great job and once again Riera has been a precious buy.

Next up is Atletico Madrid at Anfield. With a bit of luck and the never say die attitude, I am pretty sure Liverpool will get back to their winning ways.

Liverpool 1-0 Portsmouth, a tiny win that speaks big

Liverpool's unbeaten run in the PL was kept ongoing in style when a changed Liverpool side made no mistake to defeat Portsmouth at Anfield, courtesy of a Steven Gerrard penalty kick which sent the red arena ablaze. Liverpool won the match by the tiniest of scores to secure an additional 3 points to remain top of the PL table. Rafa changed 4 men from the side that faced Chelsea. Hyypia got the call to the starting line up and so was Pennant, Babel and Lucas.

It was on the very rarest of occasions that Portsmouth threatened the Liverpool goal. Crouchie was well marked as were a host of other Portsmouth players. Undoubtedly, Liverpool were the better side attacking their opponent and creating goal occasions which they could not convert. Clearly Liverpool should have won the match by more than a goal, but as most will agree, a win remains a win. From my point of view, Pennant didn't perform at all. He was going down too easily and his runs weren't fruitful. He very rarely crossed the ball. Come January, i bet he'll be placed on the transfer list. It seems to me that he's not the player with the right mentality that Benitez needs.

The introduction of Benayoun in the second half to replace Pennant enabled Liverpool to attack with more venom. It was clear, Pennant couldn't do in an hour what Benayoun did within just minutes of entering onto the pitch. Besides, Babel is a player who is always going to progress. He is young and his techniques on the ball will become better. His pace and ability has many times threatened the Portsmouth players during the match. Gerrard was again our captain fantastic controlling the midfield alongside Alonso. As for Lucas, well, i have not much to say. Let's give him one more season to prove himself. Not to forget, Keane nearly opened his PL scoring account during the dying minutes of the match, after he had just been introduced on the pitch.

All in all, Liverpool's performance didn't come close to that demonstrated at Stamford but it was enough to beat a resilient Portsmouth side. Match 10 is now over, with hard earned 26 points for us fans and Liverpool players alike to savour. Next up is Tottenham at White Hart Lane. If we can overcome Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, there is no reason why we cannot snatch 3 points from White Hart Lane. Belief and hard work will be the key attributes for a possible win.

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.

Atletico Madrid 1-1 Liverpool FC, a fair Liverpool performance.

Once again Liverpool showed why they are one of the most respected teams in Europe. The first half of the game at Vicente Calderon saw Liverpool control the game and dominate possession. The blistering pace of Gerrard was always going to setup Keane for a magnificent occasion which he made no mistake to convert. Albert Riera was instrumental in the wide area giving problems to the defenders. But Liverpool should have killed the game in the first half when a superb cross by Gerrard was wrongly negociated by Robbie Keane who failed to make it 2-0. While this seemed to be the miss of the night, there was plenty of positives to take from the match even though Atletico found the equaliser in the dying minutes of the second half.

Atletico played well in the second half as they introduced Aguero who helped to create enough space on the pitch. On the other hand Rafa had to substitute three key players in the name of Gerrard, Keane and Alonso. Gerrard was tired while Alonso had received knocks and Keane had a muscle problem. This definitely provided enough area on the pitch for Atletico to build their game. But from my point of view, Liverpool played well and a draw at Vicente Calderon speaks for itself.

With three matches already played and 7 points safely in the bag, Liverpool FC have confirmed a good start to their CL campaign. Liverpool's 2008-09 campaign will undoubtedly send a warning to all those doubters. Has the giant finally woken up? I have not stopped saying: this can indeed be our year. So let's keep on watching. Next up is Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Can Liverpool break Chelsea's home record of 86 unbeaten matches? Let's wait to get this answer on Sunday.