Wednesday, April 30, 2008 . 1:02 AM
Static
Okay I'm too lazy to put up a Birmingham vs Liverpool match review... Look out for the Chelsea one (if I feel like it) lolz.
My father has fantastically agreed to convert to Starhub Digital Cable, the upcoming deal with the channels that provide Euro 2008 coverage! All right! Look out for reviews of the big matches, as well as the matches of the team that I'll be following (and supporting), Spain! Go Torres, Alonso, Arbeloa and Reina!
Haven't been doing anything much. Haven't gone for OG outings cos (refer to previous post) and hence been staying at home reading, watching Blackadder, playing Starcraft, Football Manager 2008 and Xbox 360 games.
What a life.
If I keep up like this I'll be so bored that I can't wait for school and mugging to start.
I feel like watching Patch Adams again.
"Oh yes, damn, Percy, the devil farts in my face once more." - Blackadder, Season 2 Episode 5 "Beer"
Archangel
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Sunday, April 27, 2008 . 12:30 AM
Avoidance
I find it very hard to be civil to someone I do not like, or am not able to get along with.
Unlike what other people can do so well, I'm not able to fake like I'm a good friend with him/her because what I feel inside is what I express. I'm not a faker, liar or hypocrite.
So I avoid them.
I thought that I would be free from him/her for the rest of my life but somehow he/she has managed to weasel his/her way back into it.
The most screwed up part is... Damn. But that's just my life. Being forced to work with people you can't stand. From primary school to JC and even in the army it's been this way. Why should it change now?
So, the final equation is to remove myself from the picture.
"Oh damn. The path of my life is strewn with cowpats from the devil's own satanic herd!" - Blackadder, Season 2 Episode 4 "Money"
Archangel
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Saturday, April 26, 2008 . 1:32 AM
Liverpool 1 - 1 Chelsea
It seems that the fate of these 2 teams are intertwined. The rivalry started on the night of the final match of season 2002/03, when the two teams were fighting for the last Champions League spot, 4th place in the English Premier League. A winner from Jesper Gronkjaer sealed victory for Chelsea, putting them in the Champions League for the first time in 5 years. (A blessing in disguise though, because the qualification persuaded Roman Abramovich to buy Chelsea and transform it into the monstrosity it is today.)
Since then, the two have met in semi-finals on 3 separate occasions, first in 2005, where a controversial Luis Garcia goal gave Liverpool a 1-0 aggregate victory over the Blues to advance to the Champions League Final. Once again, they met in 2006 in an FA Cup semi-final this time, with John Arne Riise and Luis Garcia scoring giving the Reds a 2-1 victory to advance to the FA Cup Final. Just a year later, they met once more in a 2006-07 Champions League semi-final, with Liverpool winning on penalties.
This time, fate has dealt them another meeting.
Liverpool could not be blamed for going into this match full of confidence; after all, they had beaten Chelsea in all 3 previous semi-final meetings in the past 3 years, but Chelsea were always going to be a tough side to get a result against. Chelsea, who had recently seen their Premiership title challenge falter thanks to a 1-1 draw against Wigan, were looking to complete a Premiership and Champions League double.
Liverpool started the game as they always do; slow off the blocks and a little scrappy. They did manage to get into the game quicker this time, however. Although Chelsea enjoyed most of the possession in the opening 10 minutes, Liverpool carved out the first real chance of the match when a flighted throughball sent Kuyt, onside, through the defence in the 12th minute. His first touch was poor, however, and Cech got out quickly to collect.
Chelsea did not intend to let Liverpool get comfortable and in the 17th minute, Ballack distributed the ball out to the right to find Drogba, who drove his cross right across the face of the goal. Joe Cole could not get his foot to the ball, however, and it was collected by Reina. Joe Cole had another great opportunity in the 20th minute after Lampard capitalized on a poor pass from Arbeloa to send him through, but seemingly caught between shooting and controlling, he somehow contrived to miss his volley, giving Reina an easy collection.
Chelsea's tactic of the day was to punt long balls up to Drogba and hope that he could do 1 of 3 things: 1. Control the ball and hold it long enough for support to arrive, 2. Control the ball and fall down, claiming a penalty or a free kick, 3. Control the ball and try to get Carragher sent off. The first seemed to be working the best as Liverpool were caught out several times by the high balls. Carragher and Reina were vigilant though, and managed to keep the Chelsea attacks at bay.
As in every Liverpool vs Chelsea match, there was always bound to be controversy, and the first incident was provided by Drogba. A sliding tackle by Carragher in the 27th minute caught the Ivorian and he went down like a sack of potatoes in the box, claiming a penalty. Television replays showed that the challenge was outside the box and that Drogba, falling from outside the box, flung himself INTO the box so that he could claim foul. What honest footballing.
Gerrard was largely kept quiet throughout the match, thanks to the close attendance of Claude Makelele, but he managed to evade Makelele's attention for a split second to deliver a fantastic one-touch throughball to Torres in the 30th minute. Now if you wanted any Liverpool player to be one-on-one against the keeper, it would have to be Torres. But the Spaniard hesitated with his shot, allowing Cech to close the angle. When he did take the shot, it hit the keeper in the end. Should have been 1-0 to Liverpool right then and there.
Liverpool were getting into gear and a corner by Gerrard in the 36th minute nearly found Alonso at the far post, but Ballack got his head to the ball to elevate it over the head of the midfielder. Just 2 minutes later, the hardworking Kuyt dispossessed Ashley Cole in the Chelsea box on Liverpool's right flank, but his pass across goal to Torres was intercepted and cleared by the Chelsea skipper.
As half time beckoned, Liverpool pushed for the elusive first goal that would give them the psychological advantage over Chelsea in the second half. The breakthrough came when Kuyt dispossessed Lampard, who was dallying with his clearance, just outside the Chelsea box. Alonso gained possession from the resulting tackle, and backheeled it to Mascherano, who scuffed his volley. The ball fell into the path of Kuyt though, who was making a run forward. The Dutchman then showed great strength to hold of Makelele, who was virtually falling onto him, to put the ball beneath Cech and into the back of the net. 1-0 to Liverpool.
The second half began much in the way the first half ended, with Liverpool turning the screw on Chelsea. A long ball from Mascherano in the 51st minute found Babel on the left flank. Babel took Ferreira on and beat the Portugese for pace, then put in a low cross across the face of the goal. Ashley Cole was on hand to clear it away from Kuyt, but his clearance found Alonso, whose shot was deflected for a corner. Alonso grimaced after that chance, the shot was very well on target and had the deflection not occurred, Chelsea would have been 2 down.
Babel was starting to get into the game and he threatened in the 58th minute when a flick-on from Gerrard found the Dutchman on the edge of the box. He took one touch to put it past Carvalho, then his second was a shot that flashed just wide of the post.
The controversy was not over for the night, a second penalty claim was put up when Ballack appeared to have handled the ball inside the Chelsea box in the 62nd minute. Television replays showed he indeed touched the ball with his arm, but the penalty was not given.
Chelsea, who were incapable of playing good football, decided to stop Liverpool from playing at all, by putting in dirty challenges that could have put several Liverpool players out of commission, most notably, Fernando Torres and Javier Mascherano. The referee must either been blind, or bribed as he let so many challenges go, failing to give Chelsea yellow cards for what were clearly yellow card offences.
Liverpool were in good control of the match, and this was epitomized in the 84th minute, when good one-two passing between Gerrard and Kuyt freed the Englishman on the right of the penalty box. He tapped the ball past Makelele, then smashed it toward the top corner of the Chelsea goal. Cech displayed excellent reflexes to deny Liverpool their second.
Then, in the 94th minute, when Liverpool thought they must have been home and dry, a throw in on Chelsea's left flank saw the ball end up with Salomon Kalou, who produced a cross. John Arne Riise, who came on for the injured Aurelio in the 61st minute, stooped low to head the ball clear of the onrushing Anelka, and somehow contrived to head the ball past Reina into the roof of the net. There was jubilation within the Chelsea ranks as they grabbed a totally undeserving equalizer, in the cruellest manner possible (which, of course, appeals to all Chelsea fans).
Now Liverpool will have to travel to Stamford Bridge a week later and score against Chelsea. Something they have not been able to do in Rafael Benitez's reign at Anfield. The future looks bleak.
Jose Reina - 7
Did not have much to do in this match, but when called upon, produced fine stops and good goalkeeping. Could not do anything to stop the own goal.
Alvaro Arbeloa - 7
Average performance from the Spaniard. Looked a little short of match practice.
Fabio Aurelio - 7
Showed why he was able to keep Riise out of the first team with some good passing and wing play down the left flank.
Jamie Carragher - 8
His mission of the day was to stop Didier Drogba. Not only did he do that, but he managed not to fall into the Ivorian's cheating traps and shenanigans.
Martin Skrtel - 8
As always, a fine deputy for Sami Hyypia and Daniel Agger. His no-nonsense defending attitude is akin to that of Jamie Carragher's.
Xabi Alonso - 7
Average game for the Spaniard. A controlled display in midfield. Have seen him perform better though.
Javier Mascherano - 7
Such a key player for Liverpool, with his great defensive cover and harrassing of players. Was instrumental in keeping Ballack and Lampard quiet.
Dirk Kuyt - 8
Played very well on the right, putting in many great tackles, good passes and excellent running. Most notable was the way he always came back to help Arbeloa out in defense.
Ryan Babel - 7
A quiet game for the Dutchman, he was usually isolated against Paulo Ferreira, pitting his pace against the Portugese, but could not really make an impact on the game.
Steven Gerrard - 7
Was kept very quiet by Claude Makelele, did not manage to influence the game as much as he would like.
Fernando Torres - 7
Was buffeted all over the place by the Chelsea defenders. Suffered a great deal of abuse from Terry and Carvalho. He was a constant threat, however, and could have and probably should have scored from the Gerrard one-touch throughball.
Substitutes:
John Arne Riise - 6
The poor fella came on for Aurelio and did his job well, until the 94th minute when he chose to head the ball instead of just putting out an old fashioned clearance. I put it down to his unwillingness to use his right foot.
Yossi Benayoun - 6
Put on for the ineffective Ryan Babel. Failed to make much of an impact though.
Archangel's Man of The Match: Dirk Kuyt
Final Score: Liverpool 1 - 1 Chelsea
"Oh damn. The path of my life is strewn with cowpats from the devil's own satanic herd!" - Blackadder, Season 2 Episode 4 "Money"
Archangel
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Thursday, April 24, 2008 . 7:39 PM
Neil Humphreys
I loved this article in today's papers... Finally someone who writes straight and no-nonsense, someone who is unafraid to expose a team for what they truly are. Neil Humphreys, I salute you.
I've had to type out the whole article, cos I don't have an account to access The Straits Times online. All bracketed and bolded stuff is my own addition.
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"Liverpool deserve better against cheating Chelsea" by Neil Humphreys (The Straits Times, Sports Section, H11)
There was a time when Manchester United were about as popular as a kiss-o-gram at a children's party.
The arrogance, the vein-bulging haranguing of referees and the occasional flying kick (referring to Eric Cantona's kick on a Crystal Palace fan in 1995) made the Red Devils the team everyone loved to hate.
It was always going to take considerable effort for a team to snatch that mantle.
In the end, it took a Russian oligarch, a billion-dollar squad that play with less adventure than a Sunday morning pub side and Didier "I've just been shot" Drogba.
Now, throw John Terry into the mix and you have a club that only Peter Kenyon could love.
The first leg of the Champions League semi-final between Liverpool and Chelsea yesterday morning was simply heartbreaking.
Only Chelsea fans would've failed to have any sympathy for John Arne Riise after his bizarre stoppage-time goal handed the Blues an undeserved lifeline in the 94th minute.
And why were there four minutes of stoppage time anyway? The referee, Konrad Plautz, never stopped for anything. Had Terry pulled Fernando Torres' shorts off and thrown them at Plautz, the referee would've played on.
When Terry was finally shown a yellow card in the dying moments, after hed had cynically sent a rampaging Javier Mascherano airborne, the referee received a sarcastic standing ovation.
The Blues were fingernails-down-the-blackboard irritating at Anfield, particularly when their polarising centre-forward was anywhere near the ball.
Drogba is 1.89m tall and around 90kg of solid muscle, but he goes down like Bambi on ice.
There were at least six occasions when he went down after what appeared to be innocuous challenges. I'm sure he collapsed when an Anfield steward handed him the ball for a throw-in.
The striker even has a full repertoire of falls. There's the common "tree felling", suggesting he's been chopped down abruptly. Sometimes, he goes for The Matrix "I'd-better-go-down-really-slowly-so-the-ref-spots-it" tumble.
And in the second half, following a minor challenge from Riise, he opted for his preferred Platoon poster fall.
For those not familiar with the movie's iconic poster image of actor Willem Dafoe, Drogba acts like he's been shot from behind, his upper body juts out violently and he throws his arms above his head before sinking to the turf in despair.
You're never quite sure if Drogba is waiting for the referee to blow his whistle or for Oliver Stone to shout, "cut!".
The irony is of course that if one player had a right to go down like he was being machine-gunned a la James Caan in The Godfather (another Drogba favourite), it was Torres.
Chelsea's strategy, apart from containing Liverpool by playing as little football as possible, was to target Torres. The policy exceedingly simple: If Torres is standing up, he can score; ergo, don't let him stand up.
Terry was always happy to oblige.
The Chelsea skipper likes to park his Bentley in the parking spaces reserved for the disabled outside Pizza Express, so subtlety isn't his forte.
But his decision to run over a prostrate Torres and knee him in the back made the pizza incident look tactful. (And this is the man who captains England. No wonder they are going down the drain.)
A few minutes later, Ricardo Carvalho elbowed the Spaniard in the same spot, presumably while singing, "Anything you can do, I can do better".
Meanwhile, Drogba, fearing that Terry or Carvalho might upstage him, managed to pull Jamie Carragher's shirt in the box, fall over and then demand a penalty.
When the free kick went against him, Drogba shrugged his shoulders at the referee as if to say, "Who, me?"
At that moment, he became that nauseating kid in class who'd stick a pin on your chair and then feign innocence when the teacher told you off for screaming.
The outraged Anfield crowd sang "same old Chelsea, always cheating", which was rather harsh.
The old Chelsea didn't really cheat.
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I couldn't have put it better myself. True followers and believers of the game will never support Chelsea in any way or form, because, simply put, Chelsea don't play the game.
"You'll Never Walk Alone"
Archangel
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Wednesday, April 23, 2008 . 7:39 PM
Boulevard Of Broken Songs
I've been meaning to download and listen to this song for a long time... I've 3 of the 4 songs that are used in this mix (except "Wonderwall" by Oasis) so I was really intrigued by the mash up.
I really love this song now. Cos the lyrics really speak to me. And cos I can sing w/o falsetto the whole song. Muahaha. Great to belt out when I'm feeling down for all the wrong reasons.
This is actually a video made by a Youtuber "moneybooster", he made this song to the mash up that was done using the Aerosmith song "Dream On", instead of Eminem's "Sing For The Moment". The sampled songs thus are "Boulevard Of Broken Dreams" by Green Day, "Wonderwall" by Oasis, "Writing To Reach You" by Travis, "Sing For The Moment" by Eminem, which itself samples "Dream On" by Aerosmith.
"Boulevard Of Broken Songs" by Party Ben
I walk a lonely road
The only one that I have ever known
Don't know where it goes
But it's home to me and I walk alone
Today is gonna be the day
That they're gonna throw it back to you
That they're gonna throw it back to you
I walk this empty street
On the Boulevard of Broken Dreams
Where the city sleeps
And I'm the only one and I walk alone
By now you should've somehow
Realized what you gotta do
(I walk alone
I walk alone)
I don't believe that anybody
Feels the way I do about you now
(I walk alone
I walk a-)
My shadow the only one that walks beside me
My shallow heart's the only thing that's beating
Sometimes I wish someone out there will find me
'Til then I walk alone
Everyday I wake up and it's Sunday
Whatever's in my head won't go away
The radio is playing all the usual
And what's a wonderwall anyway
Backbeat the word was on the street
That the fire in your heart is out
I'm sure you've heard it all before
But you never really had a doubt
I don't believe that anybody
Feels the way I do about you now
I'm walking down the line
That divides me somewhere in my mind
On the borderline of the edge
And where I walk alone
Today is gonna be the day
That they're gonna throw it back to you
Read between the lines of what's
F**ked up and everything's all right
Check my vital signs to know I'm still alive
And I walk alone
Today is gonna be the day
That they're gonna throw it back to you
(I walk alone
I walk alone)
By now you should've somehow
Realized what you gotta do
(I walk alone
I walk a-)
And all the roads we have to walk are winding
And all the lights that lead us there are blinding
There are many things that I would
Like to say to you
But I don't know how
And all the lights that lead us there are blinding
There are many things that I would
Like to say to you
But I don't know how
I walk this empty street
On the Boulevard of Broken Dreams
Today is gonna be the day
That they're gonna throw it back to you
I walk this empty street
On the Boulevard of Broken Dreams
By now you should've somehow
Realized what you gotta do
Where the city sleeps
And I'm the only one and I walk a-
(Cos maybe)
My shadow's the only one that walks beside me
(You're gonna be the one that saves me)
My shallow heart's the only thing that's beating
(You're gonna be the one that saves me)
Sometimes I wish that someone out there will find me
(You're gonna be the one that saves me)
'Til then I walk alone
'Til then I walk alone
Sing with me, (sing) sing for the years (sing it)
Sing for the laughter, sing for the tears (c'mon)
Sing it with me, just for today
Maybe tomorrow the good Lord will take you away
"You'll Never Walk Alone"
Archangel
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Tuesday, April 22, 2008 . 2:24 PM
Distraction
I need to play soccer.
"You'll Never Walk Alone"
Archangel
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Forbidden
Whenever you make eye contact with her, it's as if you two are trying to tell each other something. Something... Forbidden.
Whenever you two are in a large group, it seems as if you gravitate towards each other, trying to find each other within the mess of it all.
Whenever you two get a chance to be alone together, it's as if you two are trying to find the right words to say... As if you want to tell each other something, but cannot do so for fear.
You don't know what you're getting yourself into.
I don't even know if I'm right.
"You'll Never Walk Alone"
Archangel
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Sunday, April 20, 2008 . 11:35 PM
Fulham 0 - 2 Liverpool
Fulham could not be blamed for going into this match supposing that perhaps Liverpool might give away a victory at Craven Cottage; that perhaps Liverpool would take their gas off the pedal for just this match, since they were already 5 points clear of Everton with a game in hand since their loss to Chelsea less than 48 hours earlier, also keeping an eye on the Champions League match with Chelsea the week later.
As the line ups for both teams were revealed before the start of the match, no one could blame the Fulham fans for hoping that they could nick something from Liverpool, for Rafa Benitez had made 8 changes to his (first team) line up from Blackburn a week ago, keeping only Reina, Lucas and Skrtel. Torres was on the bench, and Gerrard wasn't even in the squad. Fulham, on the other hand, did not make a change at all, putting forth their strongest side to face the Reds. Fulham, 5 points from safety from relegation, needed a win desperately to boost their chances of survival.
Fulham began strongly, expressing their desire to stay in the Premiership for another season at least. Liverpool were once again slow to start off the blocks, and nearly paid the price a couple of times with some good Fulham grit and running. Healy, Dempsey and Bullard were looking dangerous with their attacking play and only the hard work from the Liverpool defence denied Fulham anything from their early running, albeit giving away several free kicks and corners in the process. Liverpool, on the other hand, were not creating anything to test the Fulham defence or keeper at all.
Liverpool will be happy to note that, given their recent problems with set pieces, they managed to deal with the early onslaught from Fulham rather comfortably. Reina looked confident and almost impressive as he came off his line several times to claim high balls into the box from free kicks and crosses, denying Fulham the chance of a flick-on, knock down or follow up from set plays.
Despite Fulham's early attacking play, Liverpool were the ones who manufactured the first real chance of the game. Pennant was allowed to run at the Fulham defence, and in the 14th minutes, he produced a quality cross to meet the head of Peter Crouch. Crouch, under pressure from Paul Stalteri, headed inches wide of the post, with Fulham keeper Kasey Keller stranded.
If that was a sign of things to come, then Fulham certainly paid the price for not taking note of it. Barely 3 minutes later, Andriy Voronin passed from the centre of the park to Lucas, who then produced a brilliantly disguised throughball to find Pennant, who was making his run diagonally to the right, across the Fulham centre back Brede Hangeland. With the burly Norwegian making up ground on him, the former Arsenal right winger took his shot early, smashing it into the top corner at Keller's near post. Keller was left rooted to the spot, not expecting the shot to come so early and at his near post as well. Against the run of play, Liverpool were 1-0 up.
If that was a sign of things to come, then Fulham certainly paid the price for not taking note of it. Barely 3 minutes later, Andriy Voronin passed from the centre of the park to Lucas, who then produced a brilliantly disguised throughball to find Pennant, who was making his run diagonally to the right, across the Fulham centre back Brede Hangeland. With the burly Norwegian making up ground on him, the former Arsenal right winger took his shot early, smashing it into the top corner at Keller's near post. Keller was left rooted to the spot, not expecting the shot to come so early and at his near post as well. Against the run of play, Liverpool were 1-0 up.Liverpool slowly began to get into it, with their rearguard putting up a defensive clinic and their attacking men slowly finding their rhythm. Pennant once again produced a great cross from the right in the 28th minute, originally intended for Crouch, but the big man missed it and Riise was on hand to pick it up. A low cross shot at goal was deflected clear by Stalteri, who had gotten back to the Fulham goal line to aid his goalkeeper.
Towards half time, Liverpool were looking comfortable, but nearly let Fulham sneak an equalizer, when Hangeland got his head to the ball from a Bullard free kick that was wide of the mark. A wake up call for Liverpool then, who were not yet safe with a slender 1-0 lead.
Liverpool were well and truly in control in the second half, with Fulham struggling to keep up the pace they had set for themselves in the early stages of the match. Voronin had a chance to put his side 2 up when he found himself unmarked in the Fulham box from a Pennant corner, but his overhead kick was a tad too high. Fulham were not going to give up without a fight and nearly equalized when Clint Dempsey's header flashed just wide of Reina's left-hand post.
Liverpool have paid the price so many times this season from not being able to finish teams off once they have gone 1-0 up, and this was evident in many poor attempts at goal, from Voronin and Benayoun in particular. Despite this, they chose not to sit back and defend, and put all their effort into scoring a second and putting the game beyond doubt.
Their endeavours paid off in the 70th minutes, when a poor pass from former Liverpool man Danny Murphy was intercepted by Javier Mascherano, who squared it to the excellent Pennant. Taking on Paul Konchesky, the Englishman took the ball inside and played a pass beyond the reach of Aaron Hughes to find Crouch, whose first touch took him wide to the right and clear of Hughes, and his second was a neat strike through the legs of Keller, into the back of the net. 2-0 to Liverpool.Fulham finally realized that for them to survive the drop, they probably needed to win their remaining 3 games if they could not get anything out of Liverpool in this match, and they shot to life in the 75th minutes, with arguably their best player Jimmy Bullard putting a fine through pass to find Danny Murphy, who had the chance to score against his former club. But Reina closed the angle very quickly and stayed on his feet while one-on-one with Murphy, and the midfielder smashed his effort against Reina's leg, which deflected the ball to the right and away from goal.
As the final whistle sounded, Liverpool had established an 8 point lead ahead of Everton in the race for 4th, while Fulham were condemned to yet another defeat and possibly looking at Championship football next season, if they fail to improve on their performance this weekend.
Player Ratings:
Jose Reina - 8
Much improved this week, coming out to claim high crosses from free kicks and corners several times instead of flapping at them in previous games. Did well to stand his ground when one-on-one with Murphy to save an almost certain Fulham goal.
Steve Finnan - 6
Was poor against his former club, looked short of match fitness and made a few mistakes in defence to let the Fulham attackers through.
John Arne Riise - 7
A quiet game by his standards, his shots were off target, his free kick hit the wall. His defending was a plus though. However, by his standards, it was not an impressive performance by the once impressive Norwegian.
Martin Skrtel - 8
Put in several great tackles and showed good anticipation several times to make crucial interceptions. Denied the Fulham forwards much to work with.
Sami Hyypia - 8
A world class performance today from the big Finn, despite playing only half the game. Was so effective that he kept Brian McBride quiet for the whole first half.
Jermaine Pennant - 9
Staking a place in the first team, Pennant should be well and truly pleased with his performance today. He was a crossing machine, delivering pinpoint balls to find Crouch in the box, and was a constant thorn in the side of Paul Konchesky.
Yossi Benayoun - 6
Was not very impressive on the left for Liverpool. Did not display his creative side much, and had a couple of chances to put Liverpool 2 up but his shots were disappointing.
Lucas Leiva - 7
Usually looks short of match fitness but wasn't too bad in the middle of the park for Liverpool today. Was the creative force for the opening goal.
Javier Mascherano - 8
Was all over the place, not giving the Fulham attackers any time to think as he constantly snapped at the heels of them.
Peter Crouch - 7
Did well to get his goal, but his target man play was not as good as it was against Arsenal two games ago.
Andriy Voronin - 6
Was involved in the first goal and was very lively, but failed to get his shots on target, and that's the most important thing to do for a striker.
Substitutes:
Jamie Carragher - 7
The no nonsense Liverpool man came on at half time for the injured Sami Hyypia and did well.
Xabi Alonso - 6
Came on for Mascherano but did not really get into the game at all, losing possession a few times.
Fabio Aurelio - 7
Came on for Voronin to boost Liverpool's defence as they looked to maintain their 2-0 lead.
Archangel's Man of the Match: Jermaine Pennant
Final Score: Fulham 0 - 2 Liverpool
"You'll Never Walk Alone"
Archangel
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Friday, April 18, 2008 . 5:13 PM
Post-Exam
Before Glorijoy puts up her post-exam review, I'm gonna do one of my own! (Bwahaha Glori, I beat you to it) Here it is...
...
...
...
Done! Lol.
Our months of preparation (in conjunction with CA2s) culminated in just 3 short days... Now it's over, and I can finally get around to doing my list of post-exam activities...
1. Pray really hard that I don't get any pass/fail VIVAs
2. Play loads of soccer, Xbox 360 and computer
3. Pray really really hard that I don't get any pass/fail VIVAs
4. Exercise to build up my fitness
5. Pray really really really hard that I don't get any pass/fail VIVAs
6. Go on many photography expeditions (also building up my photography kit)
7. Pray REALLY hard that I don't get any pass/fail VIVAs
8. Continue on my conquest to get my driving licence (of which I'm too lazy to complete)
9. Pray EXTREMELY hard that I don't get any pass/fail VIVAs
10. SING. OMG. I haven't sung with Resonance for so long that I'm getting withdrawal symptoms.
11. Pray DEVOUTLY that I don't get any pass/fail VIVAs.
...and the list goes on.
Did I mention praying really hard that I don't get any pass/fail VIVAs?
"You'll Never Walk Alone"
Archangel
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Tuesday, April 15, 2008 . 1:14 PM
Cursed
I think everyday in every way someone in heaven tries to tell me that I suck.
Today, in just one short morning in school, was a quadruple whammy for me.
"You'll Never Walk Alone"
Archangel
Today, in just one short morning in school, was a quadruple whammy for me.
"You'll Never Walk Alone"
Archangel
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Monday, April 14, 2008 . 3:29 PM
Don't Question My Heart
"Don't Question My Heart" by Saliva feat. Brent Smith [ECW intro]
Well I heard you been lookin' for me but
You look for trouble, you're gonna see that your
Your words are dangerous, your talk is cheap
So now I'm standin' here
Now I'm standin' here
You tell yourself you know what to do, when
You realise that I am comin' for you, then
You’ll change your mind, and run like a child, when
You see me standin' here
Now I'm standin' here
Don’t question my heart
Don’t question the fire that burns inside
Don’t question my heart
Don’t question a heart prepared to fight
I got where I am 'cos I didn't chase things
And I seen you before and you're all the same
Just one more mouth talkin' words insane
Just one more mistake with different names
Don't question my heart
Don't question the fire that burns inside
Don't question my heart
Don't question a heart prepared to fight
I heard you're lookin' for me
Well I'm standin' here, still standin' here
I'm standin' here, still standin' here
Don’t question my heart
Don’t question the fire that burns inside
Don’t question my heart
Don’t question a heart prepared to fight
"You'll Never Walk Alone"
Archangel
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Friday, April 11, 2008 . 8:05 PM
Leave The Memories Alone
"Leave The Memories Alone" by Fuel
So here I am with my thoughts of you
And this world I've left for me
Stoic faces when I think of you
And how I once believed
So now you call me, but you know I won't let you through
I've myself to decieve
So leave the memories alone
I don't want to see
The way it is, as to how it used to be
Leave the memories alone, don't change a thing
And I'll hold you here in my memory
So I find me in your garden now
A sad smile for the scene
And all the flowers that we planted now
Taken by the weeds
But in my minds eye, you know they still bloom for me
They stand tall there, in that summer breeze
Leave the memories alone
I don't want to see
The way it is, as to how it used to be
Leave the memories alone, don't change a thing
And I'll just hold you here in my memory
In my memory, yeah
So leave the memories alone
I don't want to see
The way it is, as to how it used to be
Leave the memories alone, don't change a thing
And I'll hold you in my memory
You'll never change
You'll never change
You'll never change
You will never change
"You'll Never Walk Alone"
Archangel
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Insomnia
I can't sleep...
So many things keep running through my head.
And each time I close my eyes, I see only the mistakes I have made.
"You'll Never Walk Alone"
Archangel
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Thursday, April 10, 2008 . 2:00 AM
Liverpool 4 - 2 Arsenal
It was the final match in the trilogy, the deciding match between the 2 sides. One team, Kings of Europe for 5 times, finalists twice in the past 3 years, winning one of them in 2005. The other, underachievers in the European game, finalists in 2006, looking to stamp their authority continentally. Fate had decided that the two would meet 3 times in a week, the defining week in their respective seasons.Having drawn their previous 2 games 1-1 (both at the Emirates Stadium), Liverpool had effectively eliminated Arsenal from the title race, and the last match of the 3 was all to play for as the European Cup was their only real chance of silverware this season. Both teams fielded greatly-strengthened sides from the weekend fixture, indicating that it was now all or nothing.
Before kickoff, one surprise was that Rafael Benitez had changed his formation from his trusted 4-2-3-1 to a 4-4-2, with Gerrard playing on the left, and Crouch playing as an out-and-out striker. Given that Crouch made the Arsenal defence look like fools in the weekend game, this could either have been a masterstroke, or a fatal mistake.
Arsenal got out of the starting blocks far quicker than Liverpool did. Being the first to challenge for every ball, their fast running and accurate passing outdid Liverpool, who were sluggish in their reply. Liverpool, however, did create the first opportunity of note, when Gerrard surged to the byline, reminiscent of his fabulous fun to create the equalizer in the first leg, before squaring the ball to Kuyt. Kuyt was heavily marked, however, and could not make anything of the chance.
It was obvious from the start that Arsenal were looking to pass throughballs behind Liverpool's back four for Adebayor to run on to, but Liverpool's defence were well-versed in the offside trap, catching Adebayor offside several times in the opening minutes.
Arsenal continued to pressure, though, and it was slick passing coupled with poor goalkeeping that gave them the first goal. Good passing between Hleb, Fabregas, Diaby and Adebayor saw Adebayor through on goal at a narrow angle, before Reina rushed out to snuff out the threat. Liverpool could not clear the ball effectively, however, only getting it as far as Flamini, who brought the ball down on suspicions of handball (he used his upper arm = handball), before passing the ball to Hleb on the right. Hleb executed a quick one-two with Fabregas before playing the ball into the path of Diaby who was making a surging run into the box. His first touch took the ball further past Alonso and Skrtel, and his second was a stinging shot that beat Reina at his near post. Replays showed that the ball hit Reina's knee but the raw pace on the ball took it past the hapless keeper. 1-0 to Arsenal in the 13th minute.
Things were looking bleak for Liverpool, who had yet to threaten Wenger's side with any shots of note. Arsenal, however, looked more likely to make it 2-0. Eboue threatened with a left-footed shot after good work from Adebayor down the left, but on his weaker foot, he could not conjure enough strength to beat Reina. Arsenal nearly scored again when Diaby lost Kuyt before playing the ball down the line for Clichy, who guided his cross towards Adebayor. Reina came out early though, and punched away the danger.Liverpool started to come to life after 20 minutes, with Fabio Aurelio and Jamie Carragher doing lots of good work on their overlapping runs on either flank. A quick throw in from Aurelio found Gerrard, who neatly passed the ball between 2 Arsenal players to set Aurelio free. His cross was deflected towards goal by Kolo Toure but Almunia was alert to palm it away, with Clichy heading the ball behind for Liverpool's first corner of the match.
Despite going a goal down, Liverpool had not looked flustered as the game had worn on, and the resulting corner reflected this. As Gerrard played an in-swinging cross into the box, time seemed to slow down as Hyypia evaded Senderos and headed the ball toward the far post. It sailed through the air in slow motion before hitting the inside of the post and rippling the back of the net. The header was so well placed that Fabregas, who was stationed at that very post, could not do a single thing about it as it flew over his head into the back of the net. A precision header, from very far out, from the charismatic defender who is about to serve his 10th year in Liverpool colours. Out of nothing, Liverpool had made it 1-1. Wenger could only shake his head in disbelief.Liverpool were getting into it and Gerrard later had a shot from distance, after being fed from Xabi Alonso, as Arsenal defenders failed to close him down. At 1-1, the tie would go to extra time and penalties if it remained that way.
Coming to the end of the first half, Flamini injured his right ankle after a seemingly innocuous challenge on Gerrard. Being unable to continue, he was substituted with 2002 World Cup winner Gilberto coming on to replace him. The teams remained deadlocked as the first half drew to a close.
The second half was all Liverpool as Arsenal, with all their early running, looked to have run out of steam. Crouch, who proved to be a thorn in Arsenal's side throughout the game with his height and deft control, had a shot of note but it was too weak to beat Almunia. Arsenal did threaten when Toure played a neat throughball for Eboue into Liverpool's penalty box. He allowed the ball to run too far, however, and was unable to wrap his foot around the ball to square it for Adebayor, who was visibly frustrated at his teammate's calculation error.
Benitez was signalling to Liverpool to press forward, and press forward they did. From a long Reina goal kick, Crouch flicked the ball to Torres, who was given a lot of space by the generous Senderos. A quick turn from the Spainard and without even glancing up, he pulled the trigger. Into the top corner the ball went, and with that emphatic strike, Liverpool were 2-1 up.Wenger was getting desperate, and he sent on two strikers for his two wingers in a desperate bid to push his side into the semi-final. Robin van Persie and Theo Walcott were on for Diaby and Eboue respectively. Arsenal were briefly revived as they sought to get back into the match, and a cross that was actually intended for Fabregas somehow found its way through to Adebayor, who, one-on-one with Reina, somehow contrived to scuff his shot wide. Knowing that that was a golden opportunity to put his side ahead, he could only stare on in disbelief after his miss.
With Liverpool leading, Benitez decided to revert to his 4-2-3-1 formation, subbing Ryan Babel on for Crouch. If he was looking to see the game through at 2-1, little did he know what a big impact that substitution would make. Liverpool were controlling the game, and this was exemplified by another Gerrard potshot at goal from long range.
With 7 minutes to go and the game looking to end 2-1 to Liverpool, the players possibly relaxed for a bit. A cross from Carragher found its way to Gerrard, who missed the ball with an attempted left-foot volley, and Arsenal caught Liverpool out from the counter attack. Theo Walcott, using his greatest (and only real) weapon, his pace, carried the ball out of the Arsenal defence, and dribbled in virtually a straight line all the way to Liverpool's goal, evading 4 Liverpool defenders along the way (in truth, it was more speed than skill, hence the straight line, no one on the pitch can run as fast as him) before squaring the ball to Adebayor, who made no mistake this time with a well place finish into the bottom corner. Arsenal were jubilated and celebrated as if they had struck the lottery. 2-2, with 6 minutes to go, and if it remained that way, Arsenal would be through on the away goals rule.
As the saying goes, "don't rest on your laurels". While the replays were still showing that (supposedly) great run of Walcott's, Babel decided to go on a run of his own, using great skill to swerve past 3 Arsenal defenders, before Toure decided to push and pull at him, causing him to fall in the penalty box. The referee had no hesitation: penalty to Liverpool and a yellow card for Toure. Wenger, who had been celebrating just seconds before, looked utterly disgusted. Adebayor could only put his hands on his head and stare in shock.
Up stepped Captain Fantastic (if you don't know, that means Steven Gerrard), with the weight of the red half of Merseyside on his shoulders. With a simple run up, he struck the ball so decisively into the top corner that even though Almunia guessed the direction correctly, he was helpless to stop the shot. 3-2 to Liverpool with 5 minutes remaining.
Arsenal were going all out now. Given a free kick in their own half towards the end, all the players except Fabregas and Almunia surged forward into Liverpool's penalty box. All of them looking to make it 3-3 that would send Arsenal through. Fabregas' resulting free kick was cleared by Kuyt straight into the path of Babel, who in contrast, was the only Liverpool player forward. Showing great pace to get to the ball ahead of Fabregas, and great strength to hold off the midfielder, he coolly slotted the ball past Manuel Almunia. 4-2 to Liverpool, and Arsenal were dead and buried.No one can say that Arsenal did not try their very best. They threw everything they had at Liverpool, but the Reds, spurred on by their famous 12th man, the fans, produced another great European night to remember as they paved their way into the semi-final against Chelsea. What a night!
Player Ratings:
Jose Manuel Reina - 7
Made a mistake in positioning when he let Diaby beat him at his near post, but he did not let that affect him, and kept Arsenal at bay with his alert goalkeeping. Could not be faulted for Adebayor's goal. Even if Adebayor had missed, there were still 3 other unmarked Arsenal players against Reina.
Jamie Carragher - 8
Played his wing-back position really well. Showed great versatility in the game, almost playing as a right-winger and tormenting Clichy throughout the night. Came into the centre several times as well to help out in defence.
Fabio Aurelio - 8
Almost played as a left-winger as Gerrard was given licence to roam into the centre of midfield. Was the player who shot Liverpool to life with a shot at goal and later a deflected cross that resulted in the corner from which came the equalizer.
Sami Hyypia - 8
The charismatic centre back clawed Liverpool back with his magnificent headed goal, and saved Liverpool many times with excellent tackles and his intelligent positioning.
Martin Skrtel - 8
Skrtel just seems to be getting better and better with every game. With his no-nonsense defending, rarely gave Adebayor a sniff at goal.
Dirk Kuyt - 8
A lively performance by the striker, employed on the right in this match. Is such a hardworking individual, always coming back to aid his defenders, and going forward to support the strikers.
Steven Gerrard - 8
Was given the most pressurizing penalty in the world, and he took it so emphatically. Captain Fantastic pulled Liverpool out of the fire once again.
Xabi Alonso - 7
Poor marking allowed Diaby to score the first goal. Displayed good passing at times, linking up well with and making use of the players around him.
Javier Mascherano - 7
Not a spectacular performance from the Argentinian, but he did his job well, shackling Fabregas to a great degree.
Fernando Torres - 8
Was quiet for most of the match, but his mere presence unnerved the Arsenal defenders. Took his goal very well.
Peter Crouch - 8
Crouch always plays well against Arsenal, and he was unlucky not to score. Was a great aerial presence as he continually flicked the ball on for Torres, Kuyt and Gerrard around him. The perfect target man in this match.
Substitutes:
Ryan Babel - 9
Came on for Crouch and literally grabbed Liverpool by the scruff of the neck and along with Gerrard, hauled them to the semi-final. He won the penalty to make it 3-2 and scored the goal to put the tie beyond doubt. Supersub indeed.
John Arne Riise - 7
Came on for Torres to boost the left flank for Liverpool.
Alvaro Arbeloa - 7
Was employed to waste injury time. Made an important tackle and clearance in the closing stages.
Archangel's Man Of The Match: Ryan Babel
Final Score: Liverpool (5) 4 - 2 (3) Arsenal
"You'll Never Walk Alone"
Archangel
PICTURES FROM http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/
TO WATCH THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS GAME GO TO: http://www.goaltube.org/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=544&mode=&order=0&thold=0
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Wednesday, April 09, 2008 . 10:11 PM
Wet Sand
I contributed to the "lyrics bench" in school yesterday... Haha. I wonder if people will be able to identify which set of lyrics I wrote, and which song it came from.
Singing with the medicine people for the CeTM groundbreaking ceremony has made me realize how much I miss singing with Resonance. No offence to ASAG (or GCAG, cos Amanda See abandoned us :P) but I feel much more relaxed and carefree when I'm singing with the Resonance people. Still, it was a good effort ASAG/GCAG!
I dunno if I've said this before, but coming into Resonance, and now being asked to sing in random groups around, I finally find my singing experience much more enjoyable than in RJ Chorale. It's almost like reliving my RI choir days (in sec 3 and 4, without the tyrannical seniors and our conductor in sec 1 & 2). The people around me treat me, at least, like I have some worth. So no, I'm not going to say "no offence, RJ Chorale", cos I hated the way the people in RJ Chorale behaved as if they were best at everything, better than you at singing and techniques, and they wave you off. Like you're just there to make up the numbers... Or the attitude "I had no choice but to choose you for my bass cos all the better ones were taken". Not to mention their work ethic. I was severely disillusioned after I exited RJ Chorale, no thanks to my batch people. The only reason I didn't break down and quit the Chorale was because I knew my place... I knew I was good, no matter how much you all tried to bring me down. Now when I talk to some of my batch-mates occassionally, I find that some of them look down on their own singing, because of the culture within the Chorale. What kind of upbringing is that? To belittle others to boost your confidence? I had first-hand experience with that when I was preparing for the guest performance for RGS handbells with a makeshift FRINGE side in 2005. I still cannot accept what was said, even if there were claims that it was a joke. It's simply unacceptable to say such things, and a despicable way to boost your own ego.
I hope that answers your question.
Feeling very fatigued from studying for pros... Just too tired and too lazy to do marathon studying now... There seems to be a lack of motivation. I don't know how I'm gonna get through this.
It all seems to be a blur... It rose and rose and peaked so early and I thought it was gonna last for a long time... Or even progress to heights unheard of... But alas, how fast it sank into oblivion. Now I don't even know what's going to happen. But the future looks bleak.
My life is full of false dawns.
"Wet Sand" by Red Hot Chili Peppers
My shadow side so amplified
Keeps coming back dissatisfied
Elementary son but it's so...
My love affair with everywhere
Was innocent why do you care
Someone start the car
Time to go... You're the best I know
My sunny side has up and died
I'm betting that when we collide
The universe will shift into a low
The travesties that we have seen
Are treating me like Benzedrine
Automatic laughter from a pro
My what a good day
For a walk outside
I'd like to get to know
You a little better baby
God knows that I really tried
My what a good day
For a take out bride
I'd like to say we
Did it for the better of
I saw you there so unaware
Those hummingbirds all in your hair
Elementary son but it's so
The disrepair of Norma Jean
Could not compare to your routine
Balarama beauty
Going toe to toe
My what a good day
For a let it slide
I'd like to say we did it for the better of
I thought about it
And I brought it out
I'm motivated by the lack of doubt
I'm consecrated but I'm not devout
The mother the father the daughter
Right on the verge just one more dose
I'm traveling from coast to coast
My theory isn't perfect but it's close
I'm almost there why should I care
My heart is hurting when I share
Someone open up
Llet it show
My what a good day
For a walk outside
I'd like to think we did it for the better of
I thought about it
And I brought it out
I'm motivated by the lack of doubt
I'm consecrated but I'm not devout
The mother the father the daughter
You don't form in the wet sand
You don't form at all
You don't form in the wet sand
I do Yeah
You don't form in the wet sand
You don't form at all
You don't form in the wet sand
I do
"You'll Never Walk Alone"
Archangel
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Friday, April 04, 2008 . 12:30 AM
You Can't Always Get What You Want
In life, you can't always get what you want.
Sometimes... No matter how hard you try... You don't even get what you need.
The worst part is... There is no "need" to try for... It's just... A want. That can't be gotten.
"You Can't Always Get What You Want" by The Rolling Stones
"You'll Never Walk Alone"
Archangel
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Tuesday, April 01, 2008 . 11:59 AM
Bored In School
Quote of the day: (on the lame joke about "drawing" money) "You mean you used crayon to draw President... uh... wher... What's his name?"
- Alvin on not knowing who President Yusof Ishak was
I still can't believe you guys didn't know that if you set your phone alarm on and switched off your phone, the alarm will still ring at the designated time... How do you think the clocks in the phones keep track of time then?
Heehee... This just proves that IQ and common sense are mutually exclusive. If you have the smarts, you don't have the street smarts :D Probably explains why I'm so stupid.
"You'll Never Walk Alone"
Archangel
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