ReinaCarragher Hyypia Agger InsuaKuyt Gerrard Alonso RieraKuyt KeaneGoals:Riera 26Keane 53 58Thats what Liverpool needed to deliver. For 60 minutes, that was as complete a performance as any this season. Liverpool dominated possession from the off, spread play beautifully with Alonso and Gerrard as pivots in the center, got excellent width from the wingers and fullbacks, and got the needed first half goal to relieve the pressure of the previous home draws.Boltons sniff through Nolan in the 2nd minute was as close as they came to scoring, and from there, Liverpool throughly controlled proceedings. Without Kevin Davies as a frontman, Bolton struggled to keep hold of the ball, and Liverpool pressed constantly, with Benayoun and Riera frequent targets on the flanks.Pressure truly started to mount 15 minutes in, and Jaaskelainen had to save Insua’s long-range low drive in the 19th before Kuyt narrowly headed over in the 20th. The number of corners shows Liverpools superiority, and they opened the scoring on their 8th in the 26th minute when Riera met Gerrards whipped low ball at the near post with a neat flick.For all their supremacy, Liverpool only had a one-goal lead to show for it at halftime, with Carraghers shot (left footed, from the left channel no less) only just over the bar in the 41st and another Insua blast from distance blocked before it could hit the target. But, for all the worry when Liverpools only a goal to the good, it never looked like Bolton would get back in it.Davies came on after the break, and it led to more possession for the visitors, but Keane put the game to bed before the hour mark. First, he took advantage of a perfect through ball from Gerrard with one touch and a left-footed shot past Jaaskelainen. Five minutes later, Reinas distribution led to a gorgeous goal on the break, less than 10 seconds after the visitors threatened with a free kick. Reina claimed and quickly threw the ball out to Alonso, who charged forward into space and found Benayoun on the right. The Israelis first-time ball released Keane, who made no mistake. Maybe his goal against Arsenal really will be a springboard.After the third, Liverpool took the foot off the gas and was content to see out the match. The home side was able to rest Riera, Gerrard and Kuyt, bringing on El Zhar, Lucas and NGog. I can’t help but read into the fact that Babel again was left on the bench, especially with January just around the corner.Bolton almost pulled one back in the 84th, but Smolarek dragged his shot wide, while Liverpool had a couple of opportunities of their own. And although it would have been nice to see Liverpool go all out for the full 90 and add a couple more to the scoreline, a comfortable 3-0 home win while resting some players before a busy Christmas program will certainly suffice.Leaving Mascherano on the bench, Liverpool looked good in the 4-4-2, although they were helped by Boltons willingness to sit back and defend. That’s stifled Liverpool in the past, but thanks to Gerrard and Alonsos vision spreading the play from side to side, and Riera and Benayouns willingness to run at defenders (with both fullbacks doing well to support), they were finally able to break down a stingy defense at Anfield. And once they got the first, more goals always seemed imminent.It probably was the best Liverpools played all season. Ive got no complaints, and could go on in praise of every player on the pitch. As I said, I was most happy about the range of passing, as well as the support from fullback. Insuas on his way to making the left back position his own with another heady performance, and Carragher was excellent on the right positionally in both attack and defense, and getting forward better than I expected. Not to downplay Arbeloas importance so far this season, but when Skrtels fit, I hope to see Carragher-Skrtel-Agger-Insua as the regular backline.And while Alonso was again in the middle of everything, man of the match probably has to go to Keane. Always busy in attack, and willing to drop deep with Kuyt playing furthest forward more often than not, hes tallied three goals in two games. His run for Gerrards throughball was exact, as was the one on the break for Benayouns center. He said hed come good, and on the basis of the last two games, he just might be right.With Chelsea and United both doing the business, a win here was essential. But not only did Liverpool win, they won convincingly, and did it in style. Its the perfect start to this stretch of four games in the 15 days, which continues with Newcastle on Sunday.

ReinaCarragher Hyypia Agger InsuaBenayoun Gerrard Alonso RieraKuyt KeaneGoals:Riera 26Keane 53 58Thats what Liverpool needed to deliver. For 60 minutes, that was as complete a performance as any this season. Liverpool dominated possession from the off, spread play beautifully with Alonso and Gerrard as pivots in the center, got excellent width from the wingers and fullbacks, and got the needed first half goal to relieve the pressure of the previous home draws.Boltons sniff through Nolan in the 2nd minute was as close as they came to scoring, and from there, Liverpool throughly controlled proceedings. Without Kevin Davies as a frontman, Bolton struggled to keep hold of the ball, and Liverpool pressed constantly, with Benayoun and Riera frequent targets on the flanks.Pressure truly started to mount 15 minutes in, and Jaaskelainen had to save Insua’s long-range low drive in the 19th before Kuyt narrowly headed over in the 20th. The number of corners shows Liverpools superiority, and they opened the scoring on their 8th in the 26th minute when Riera met Gerrards whipped low ball at the near post with a neat flick.For all their supremacy, Liverpool only had a one-goal lead to show for it at halftime, with Carraghers shot (left footed, from the left channel no less) only just over the bar in the 41st and another Insua blast from distance blocked before it could hit the target. But, for all the worry when Liverpools only a goal to the good, it never looked like Bolton would get back in it.Davies came on after the break, and it led to more possession for the visitors, but Keane put the game to bed before the hour mark. First, he took advantage of a perfect through ball from Gerrard with one touch and a left-footed shot past Jaaskelainen. Five minutes later, Reinas distribution led to a gorgeous goal on the break, less than 10 seconds after the visitors threatened with a free kick. Reina claimed and quickly threw the ball out to Alonso, who charged forward into space and found Benayoun on the right. The Israelis first-time ball released Keane, who made no mistake. Maybe his goal against Arsenal really will be a springboard.After the third, Liverpool took the foot off the gas and was content to see out the match. The home side was able to rest Riera, Gerrard and Kuyt, bringing on El Zhar, Lucas and NGog. I can’t help but read into the fact that Babel again was left on the bench, especially with January just around the corner.Bolton almost pulled one back in the 84th, but Smolarek dragged his shot wide, while Liverpool had a couple of opportunities of their own. And although it would have been nice to see Liverpool go all out for the full 90 and add a couple more to the scoreline, a comfortable 3-0 home win while resting some players before a busy Christmas program will certainly suffice.Leaving Mascherano on the bench, Liverpool looked good in the 4-4-2, although they were helped by Boltons willingness to sit back and defend. That’s stifled Liverpool in the past, but thanks to Gerrard and Alonsos vision spreading the play from side to side, and Riera and Benayouns willingness to run at defenders (with both fullbacks doing well to support), they were finally able to break down a stingy defense at Anfield. And once they got the first, more goals always seemed imminent.It probably was the best Liverpools played all season. Ive got no complaints, and could go on in praise of every player on the pitch. As I said, I was most happy about the range of passing, as well as the support from fullback. Insuas on his way to making the left back position his own with another heady performance, and Carragher was excellent on the right positionally in both attack and defense, and getting forward better than I expected. Not to downplay Arbeloas importance so far this season, but when Skrtels fit, I hope to see Carragher-Skrtel-Agger-Insua as the regular backline.And while Alonso was again in the middle of everything, man of the match probably has to go to Keane. Always busy in attack, and willing to drop deep with Kuyt playing furthest forward more often than not, hes tallied three goals in two games. His run for Gerrards throughball was exact, as was the one on the break for Benayouns center. He said hed come good, and on the basis of the last two games, he just might be right.With Chelsea and United both doing the business, a win here was essential. But not only did Liverpool win, they won convincingly, and did it in style. Its the perfect start to this stretch of four games in the 15 days, which continues with Newcastle on Sunday.

10am, live in the US on SetantaI dont know how many are going to see this preview, but I thought getting it up on Christmas Eve would be a bit better than on the actual holiday tomorrow. Hope everyone who celebrates this commercialism gets everything theyre hoping for. Happy Holidays.Last 4 head-to-head:2-0 Liverpool (a) 11.15.083-1 Liverpool (a) 03.02.084-0 Liverpool (h) 12.02.073-0 Liverpool (h) 01.01.07Last 3 matches:Liverpool: 1-1 Arsenal (a); 2-2 Hull (h); 3-1 PSV (a)Bolton: 2-1 Pompey (h); 2-4 Villa (a); 0-2 Chelsea (h)Goalscorers (league):Liverpool: Gerrard 6; Kuyt, Torres 5; Keane 3; Alonso 2; Arbeloa, Babel, Benayoun, Carragher, Riera 1Arsenal: Davies, Elmander, Taylor 5; Cahill, Gardner, Steinsson 2Referee: Alan WileyGuess at a squad:ReinaCarragher Hyypia Agger InsuaMascherano AlonsoKuyt Gerrard RieraKeaneExcept for the backline, this is the same line-up that beat Bolton 2-0 in November.The Echo reports that Arbeloa will miss the next couple of weeks with a hamstring (sigh) injury, while I hope Insua stays in the team after his performance against Arsenal. Theres always a chance Darby could step in at right back, but I imagine Benitez (whether hes present or not) will stick with an established player, especially if Insua is on the left. Doesnt seem likely hed play both youngsters in the same league fixture.As usual, the question is whether Liverpool will go 4-4-2 or 4-2-3-1 at home. Will Liverpool sacrifice Alonso or Mascherano (more likely Masch) for NGog or Babel? Or Kuyt up top with Benayoun, Babel, or Pennant (the forgotten man whos stunningly been rumored for a Real move, in the linked article above) on the right?Honestly, even though the added firepower looks needed with the recent goal return, I doubt itll happen. When Torres returns and thats seemingly soon itll be more of a debate, but for now, Ill be surprised if Liverpool deviates from the 4-2-3-1. It gets the best players on the pitch, and its a formation thats brought Liverpool success, even if it hasnt happened with Keane up top. But the Irishman showed signs of improvement with a well-taken goal against the Arse, and Liverpool started to adapt to the way he wants the ball. Granted, it led to more long balls from deep than were used to, but whatever works. And with the way Bolton plays with a congested midfield hoofing forward for Davies and Elmander its not the worst tactic.But Bolton has played some decent football of late. I got the chance to see their match against Pompey last Saturday, and up two within three minutes, they deserved to win by more. As in the match at the Reebok last month, Gardner spurned a couple of sitters (knock on wood, let’s hope that doesn’t change). Despite two losses in their last three, theyve risen up to 9th on the backs of three wins from the last five. Elmanders starting to settle (I finally dont look stupid for having him in my fantasy team), Gardner adds an extra dimension on the left, and theyre still a physical handful of a team.Liverpool have been lucky of late when they drop points, so have the teams around them. But as with the late winners a few months back, that luck cant last forever. The team needs to pick up wins at Anfield, and with the fixtures coming quickly over the next couple of weeks, needs to hit top form, as they have during the winter in previous campaigns.

Greetings!
In the spirit of “You’ll never blog alone”, I have volunteered as Caretaker-Manager of Liverpool’s Offside whilst our dear Asian Persuasion is away on a lovely trip. When I say “volunteered”, I meant “do-it-or-I’ll-post-all-your-drunken-embarrassing-photos-on-The-Offside”. (Thanks Nad!)
Meanwhile, this is rather new to me and I hope all you readers will bear with me while I get [...]

ReinaArbeloa Carragher Agger InsuaLucas AlonsoKuyt Gerrard RieraKeaneGoals:Van Persie 24Keane 42Well, after Arsenal went up 1-0 within 24 minutes at the Emirates in a cagey, back-and-forth match, a comeback draw doesnt look the worst result. Especially with Torres still absent, Mascherano missing out with flu, and Benitez remaining on Merseyside thanks to kidney stones earlier in the week. And especially considering the teams never won at the Emirates, not to mention that three out of the four games against the Gunners ended 1-1 last year.But when Liverpool has a man advantage for 30 minutes, and dominates possession for the majority of the second half after getting the equalizer before the break, it again feels like two points dropped.Chances were few and far between early on, with Gerrard pretty much playing as a second striker. And it was the captain and Keane linking up in the 10th minute when the striker laid the ball off nicely, but Gerrards strike was straight at Almunia.Arsenals passing game improved as the game went on, but it was a Nasri long ball over the top that van Persie controlled with his chest past Carragher which opened the scoring. And the goal, which was brilliantly taken, clearly emboldened the home side, who were controlling the game and the ball, but chances remained at a premium.Liverpool never looked like being overrun, with Lucas and Alonso strong in midfield, and in the 42nd minute, an Agger long ball over the top led to an equalizer as stunning as the opener. Keane outpaced Djourou to beautifully half volley on the second bounce, giving Almunia no chance.That goal completely changed the game, and Liverpool were unlucky not to get a second before the whistle. In the 45th, Kuyt took the ball off Clichy and centered for Gerrard, but the skipper was a step behind, and could only put a diving left-footed shot high and wide. A minute later, Kuyt forced Almunia into a low fingertips save with an on-target effort from the right corner of the box.And it continued after the restart, although Arsenal certainly werent helped by Fabregas injury, which brought Diaby on for the second half. Lucass shot after Insua did well to get a cross in was well-saved by Almunia in the 47th, and Liverpool settled into their possession game. But when Adebayor was sent off in the 62nd minute for two soft yellows (yellows nonetheless, mind you), Arsenal was more content to sit back and absorb the pressure.And Liverpool responded by playing worse. They were more reliant on long balls forward, more hesitant, and looked less likely to get the winning goal. Arsenal created more opportunities on the break than Liverpool did with an extra man, although Reina was never really tested.Babel (for Riera in the 71st), El Zhar (for Keane in the 81st) and Ngog (for Lucas in the 88th) again came on, and once again were wondering why it took so long to make the changes, especially adding the second striker for a midfield player with a man advantage. Dont get me wrong Lucas had an excellent game, and was probably man of the match but it seemed like Liverpool should have added more attackers and take advantage of the edge. And it was always going to be Lucas replaced instead of Alonso. El Zhar had an excellent opportunity with a header (from Insuas cross) just wide in the 90th, but again, too little, too late.Again, I thought Lucas, bustling and busy in midfield (and lucky not to see yellow until the 81st), was outstanding, and he looks a far better player next to Alonso in midfield, who, as usual, spread the play well when Liverpool were on top. Insua never looked out of place against a top team, and supported the attack well. And Keane had an excellent game up top, diligently running throughout, and took his goal masterfully well.Despite getting forward well early on, Gerrard was a passenger too often, went deeper as the game went on (especially after the subs), and didnt take a couple of good opportunities, which you dont get many of in a game like this one. Unfortunately, Babel again did nothing off the bench, and didnt really looked too bothered, which isnt a good sign. And again, Im not happy that Liverpool, with Arsenal putting two lines of defenders behind the ball, looked a step slower after going up a man.But, honestly, I would have taken a point before the game. Yes, Liverpools gotten far too many draws of late, but this isnt one of the painful ones. Going to Arsenal is never an easy match, and Arsenals found a way to step it up against the big sides. Its just disappointing that Liverpool couldnt take advantage of the edges handed to them.It goes without saying that I hope for better on Friday.

Liverpool has made drawing games their specialty, as they failed to capitalize on 10-men Arsenal, after Emmanuel Adebayor was shown the red by Mr Howard Webb for soft challenges on Insua and Arbeloa. Which now begs the question: do we really need to hope Blueshite draws with Chel$ki tomorrow?
It was scintillating first half. Samir Nasri [...]

Liverpool has made drawing games their specialty, as they failed to capitalize on 10-men Arsenal, after Emmanuel Adebayor was shown the red by Mr Howard Webb for soft challenges on Insua and Arbeloa. Which now begs the question: do we really need to hope Blueshite draws with Chel$ki tomorrow?
It was a scintillating first half at [...]

It shall be revenge for Torres as Liverpool drew with all-Dutch Spanish giant, Real Madrid, whose recent form has been dodgy enough to warrant for Bernd Schuster to be replaced by Spurs flop, Juande Ramos.
Other mouth-watering fixtures:
Inter Milan vs Manchester United: The Special One is finally back on English soil!
Arsenal vs Roma: Erm…
Chelsea vs Juventus: [...]

It shall be revenge for Torres as Liverpool drew with all-Dutch Spanish giant, Real Madrid, whose recent form has been dodgy enough to warrant for Bernd Schuster to be replaced by Spurs flop, Juande Ramos.
Other mouth-watering fixtures:
Inter Milan vs Manchester United: The Special One is finally back on English soil!
Arsenal vs Roma: Erm…
Chelsea vs Juventus: [...]

11am, live in the US on FSCLast 4 head-to-head:4-2 Liverpool (h; CL) 04.08.081-1 (a) 04.05.081-1 (a; CL 04.0.081-1 (h) 10.28.07Last 3 matches:Liverpool: 2-2 Hull (h); 3-1 PSV (a); 3-1 Blackburn (a)Arsenal: 1-1 Boro (a); 0-2 Porto (a); 1-0 Wigan (h)Goalscorers (league):Liverpool: Gerrard 6; Kuyt, Torres 5; Alonso, Keane 2; Arbeloa, Babel, Benayoun, Carragher, Riera 1Arsenal: Adebayor, Van Persie 7; Nasri 4; Denilson 2; Bendtner, Clichy, Eboue, Fabregas, Gallas, Silvestre, Walcott 1Referee: Howard WebbGuess at a squad:ReinaArbeloa Carragher Agger DossenaMascherano AlonsoKuyt Gerrard RieraKeaneWith Liverpool away at the Emirates, where they havent yet won, I imagine the line-up will be fairly conservative and familiar: back to the 4-2-3-1 with both Masch and Alonso holding, Kuyt on the right, and Keane up top with Torres still out. And honestly, despite being clueless over a fair few line-ups of late, Id be very surprised if Sundays team looked much different than this.I still dont know what Keane did to seemingly land in Benitezs doghouse, but he has to start here. And after years of playing in London derbies for Spurs, hell hopefully be raring to do the business against the Arse. But itll be essential that hes supported by Gerrard and Kuyt, and not left isolated plowing a lone furrow.The key to Liverpool getting back in the game against Hull was Gerrard driving further forward from midfield, and getting into the box to be in position to score those two goals (making him top scorer for the season so far hes got the most in both the league and Europe). If hes able to do that playing off of Keane, itll help the Irishman, and Liverpools league scoring woes, immensely.This is one of those matches where Kuyts defending and workrate will be vital, so hes likely to shift back to the right, where hell probably be matched up against Nasri and Clichy. Thatll be a key area for both sides, and I think Benayoun, for all his talents, would be a liability against those two. Similar goes for Babel, but I do expect to see one or both used off the bench for fresh legs later on, as usual.With Van Persie and Adebayors speed, I expect Agger to replace Hyypia. Samis performed admirably the last couple of times out, and Adebayor is a big lad, but Aggers pace (and ability to carry the ball out of defense) will be even more crucial.Arsenals still missing Toure, Walcott, and Rosicky, and like Liverpool, drew their last match in the league. Sitting in fifth, eight points behind the leaders, Arsenal will be every bit as up for this game as Liverpool. Despite their troubles, theyve beaten both United and Chelsea so far this season. Every time theyve had a backs against the wall game, theyve come away winners. Heres hoping that changes on Sunday.