23/08/2021.
From: Ciaran
John,
Were you back at Anfield on Saturday?
I thought we looked a bit rusty which has to be expected early in season. Trent in particular was sloppy.
Burnley didn’t half get stuck into us though especially Jota. They were lining up to kick or run into him.
The win was the most important thing.
Chelsea next week will be a good indicator of where both teams are.
Thanks
Ciaran
Afternoon Ciaran,
Yes I was back but I continued to wear a mask and I was the only one where I was sitting that kept a mask on. I have been double jabbed but I could still catch it and then give it to my wife which I do not want to do, so being very careful. The new ticketing system with smartphones seemed OK although I do know of a couple of people who battled with it. It was lovely being back. The last game I went to was the Champions League against Athletico Madrid which eventually was deemed to be a super spreader event. I have parking at Everton and know some of the stewards and they were all very pleased to be back.
Have a good day.
Regards,
John
31/08/2021
Morning Ciaran,
Hope this finds you well and that you had a good weekend.
As far as the cricket goes there may be some hope for your visit to Manchester.
The game on Saturday was a little disappointing. A sending off does not always work in your favour which it did not. The second half was crying out for us to try something different but we just continued with the same movements and they looked very comfortable defending it. Robertson certainly looked out of sorts but expected since he had not played a game yet. Mane also looked a little light weight and seemed to be falling all over the place or just running into defenders.
Still think we are a little light up front if for example Firmino is injured for a while and if anything happens to Mane, Jota, Salah (injury/sending off) who have we got Origi?
Have a good day.
John
From: Ciaran Hanley
My friend who is going to the cricket with me text me to say “England are snatching defeat from jaws of victory”.
I was away in Co. Wicklow for a week with not much internet coverage so was listening to it on radio until lunch time. Once it was clear England couldn’t win on final day I tuned out at lunch thinking it would just fizzle out as draw.
Can’t believe they threw it away like that but credit to India.
Would settle for a 4th and 5th day like that in final test!
My expectations are low for what Naby Kewell can do for us. He’s due to get injured again soon. Maybe he’ll surprise us and play 20+ games this season.
You are just right to continue wearing a mask. People with 2 jabs are still getting it so best to continue to be careful, it’s got us through it this far.
17/09/2021
From: Ciaran
John,
We went over on Monday anyway as couldn’t get refund on flights and hotel. Went to Headingly on Monday for Yorks v Warks – got in after lunch and there were 5 good hours of play. Woakes, Sibley, Ballance, Bresnan and Malan all played so got to see some test level cricketers. Didn’t get checking into hotel until near midnight and woke up the next morning to discover we were right beside Old Trafford football stadium. Had to cleanse ourselves by going to Anfield for a tour. Got pictures taken with the 4 trophies won in 2020. Sunday against Leeds was an excellent performance but won’t read too much into it as they are probably the only team who will go toe to toe with us all season. Missed all the goals against Milan apart from the winner as didn’t get sitting down until the second half started. Hopefully we can get a third win of the week tomorrow. My friend who I was away with this week has just informed me he’s tested positive for covid. Is there no end to this.
Thanks
Ciaran
Ciaran,
I wondered what
you would do as I assumed you would not get anything back on your travel
arrangements. The test match cancellation was a little bizarre as everything
was OK on the Thursday. The next day they decide they do not want to play. The
announcement was very late and supporters would already have left home. The
Indian Cricket Board is powerful and really controls the game. Not heard if
they forfeited the game or they will re-schedule the test match.
We did play well
against Leeds and felt very sorry for young Elliot with his injury. Klopp
looked as white as a sheet and furious. Would not have liked to have
crossed him after that game.
I am going to
Canada two weeks today for just a week and as per your last sentence with
regard to your friend decided I did not want to go to any of the games although
I have tickets. My neighbour across the road is a LFC supporter so he took my
ticket against Milan and the guy I normally go with is taking his son on my
ticket to the Crystal Palace game tomorrow. Some may think I am being too
cautious but I cannot afford to maybe test positive with all these tests I have
to have to do even though I have been double vaccinated.
We should have demolished Milan but as we have always said “we never do anything the easy way”. Here is to another win tomorrow.
Have a good weekend.
Kind Regards,
John
27/09/2021
Morning Ciaran,
Hope this finds you well and that you had a good weekend.
We scored three very good goals but not sure what to say about our defence. A bit generous, panic stricken every time they came in the box. Not their finest hour. Anyway we did not lose with MC next weekend. Will be watching it on TV with my son.
Have a good week.
06/10/2021
From: Ciaran Hanley
Subject: sunday
John,
I think once we stopped letting city do whatever they wanted, we then let them off the hook.
What a player Salah is.
Hope you’re having or had a great time in Canada.
Thanks
Ciaran
Good morning from Canada,
Yes watched the game and lucky to go in 0-0 at half time.
The second half was ours but for the second time in two games we could not hold onto the lead.
When Salah scored that goal my son and I jumped up and shouted in jubilation and gave his dog an enormous fright which was very entertaining.
Have a good week.
18/10/2021
From: Ciaran Hanley
Subject: Salah
Morning John,
Hope you had a good holiday.
Hat trick for Firmino, 100th premier league goal for Mane but everyone talking about Salah.
Big week ahead in Europe then United on Sunday. 2 wins would be a real springboard.
Thanks
Ciaran
Morning Ciaran,
It was lovely to travel again even with all the red tape. All the form filling to come back and nobody looks at it!!
Listened to the game on the radio and watched MOTD. The Salah pass to Mane was outstanding and the arrogance of shot into the goal where after he had put the defender on his backside, turned, stopped, looked up and put it in the goal.
Definitely a big week and would love a result on Sunday against MU.
Have a good week.
20/10/2021
Morning Ciaran,
Not sure I really like AM play acting with the referee trying to get players sent off. We were probably a little lucky with the VAR but I am really glad we beat them. Probably only need one more win from the next three games to go through.
Keita is still an anomaly and can see why he was taken off at half time. I thought the booking of Suarez towards the end of the game was funny with him having a go at Van Dijk.
Onto Sunday now.
Have a good day.
Kind Regards,
From: Ciaran Hanley
Subject: yesterday
Morning John,
It doesn’t get much better than that.
Thanks
Ciaran
You beat me to an email. I was just going to send WOW to you.
A perfect end to the weekend.
Kind Regards,
John
01/11/2021
Morning Ciaran,
Went to the game on Saturday. Very disappointing considering we had a 2 goal lead. Midfield just fell away and I thought we really needed Fabinho. Hangover from MU game?
Third game we have thrown the lead away. Brentford, MC (although lucky to be 0-0 at half time), Brighton. We also let Athletico Madrid score 2 when we were 2-0 up.
Have a good day and week.
Kind Regards,
From: Ciaran Hanley
Subject: yesterday
John,
Was it just me or did West Ham look like they had about 20 players whenever we had the ball yesterday?
Great chance to go closer to Chelsea missed.
Alisson has been our best defender this season but was awful yesterday. Van Dijk looked more like himself.
West Ham did a number on us and deserved the victory.
These defeats are the worst with 2 weeks until the next game.
Thanks
Ciaran
Ciaran,
When Alisson has a bad day he really does have a bad day.
If the first goal was for us I would have wanted it, West Ham deserved the win. We were second best.
Have a good week.
On 22 Nov 2021, at 09:18, Ciaran
wrote:
Morning John,
Always good when a team tries to go toe to toe with us and especially when they think they can play out from the back.
Great to see United in disarray too.
Thanks
Ciaran
Morning Ciaran,
I must say their goalkeeper is damn good.
The best bit was Klopp getting ready for fisticuffs. Best second half of the season.
Have a good day.
John
Sent from my iPhone
From: Ciaran Hanley
Subject: RE: saturday
I missed the first half but heard a few people say that when Arteta started on Klopp, it changed the game.
22/11/2021
Ciaran,
Up to that game the game had been very quiet but the crowd and the players decided we are not having this and the noise level increased as well as the players got a little tetchy which added some spice to the game.
29/11/2021
Afternoon Ciaran,
Was comfortable win really but I did hear Klopp’s comments on the radio going home from the game and agree with you.
TA assists/corners are world class but I sometimes find his defending pretty lazy. I was watching him on Saturday and he is fine going forward but going back? I do not know if you remember that sloppy throw-in to Konate who also did slip, lucky to get away with it.
Three away games
next and see how Wednesday goes.
02/12/2021
Good Morning Ciaran,
That was a very satisfying win last night.
I was quite angry in the way we did not stop them scoring. I thought after 20 minutes we started to drag ourselves down to their level of niggly distractions. 2nd half we did not fall for it.
Was quite surprised to see people leaving after we scored our second goal. Thought their supporters were more resilient than that.
Have a good day.
06/12/2021
From: Ciaran Hanley
Subject: RE: Saturday
John,
I didn’t think we were going to get anything out of that game on Saturday, it felt like it was set up for Wolves to score an undeserved winner. Although they defended very well.
Origi did it again and we will need him to do more of that when we lose Salah and Mane in January.
The return of Steven Gerrard this weekend.
Seems like England are favourites for the ashes?
Thanks
Ciaran
Afternoon Ciaran,
They did defend well but the miss of the day (maybe the season) is the Jota one. I think we were top for about 40 minutes before MC went ahead.
Origi and Minamino will both play a bigger part when they disappear. Let’s hope they are knocked out quickly.
Not sure about favourite for the ashes. If we can just stop the regular batting collapses we are in with a chance.
Enjoy the rest of your day.
There is a train of thought that maybe AC Milan are not that good, well I would interject and say we played them off the park regardless that they are the Italian current league leaders.
Got up this morning to make a cup of coffee and saw the first innings overnight score and it all seemed rather repetitious.
Have a good day.
Kind Regards,
14/12/2021
From: Ciaran Hanley
Subject: Saturday
Morning John,
Another hard earned win on Saturday.
Much like the Wolves game, we had lots of good play but couldn’t score.
Thought it was a soft enough penalty and was half expecting it to be overturned but glad it wasn’t.
It helps when we’ve someone as lethal as Salah stepping up and putting them away.
I was happier with the first draw against Salzburg yesterday but Inter shouldn’t be too difficult given what we done to Milan.
England got what they deserved in the first test after a terrible first innings.
They had a chance after a good third day but they had to do it all again on day 4 and a morning collapse was always on the cards.
Hopefully they improve for second test, actually thought they bowled well just dropped a lot of catches.
Thanks
Ciaran
Did not think it was as hard as Wolves but AV came for a draw and hoped for a breakaway goal. They only came to life in the last 15 minutes or so, not sure about their penalty appeal.
The antics by some ASV players around Salah just prior to taking the penalty were quite funny but Salah is such a cool customer in these circumstances. I thought Allison had a peculiar game and I saw a word in the papers on Sunday – Skittish – and I thought that how he was. The first CL’s draw was better and we were the second last game out the hat because I thought we were going to get PSG. Still not bad though.
The England collapses are just so regular I would have thought things would have improved. They made a decision a number of years ago to concentrate on T20 and the 1 day teams and it now shows with the test team.
Have a good day.
Morning Ciaran,
Thought we made it harder than we needed to. NU were very poor although played better in the 2nd half but not sure because we seemed to drop off quite a bit. Easy win in the end. Thought Thiago was playing for NU in the first 15-20 minutes. For me Konate was man of the match. He is a big strong lad.
See Australia already have a bit first innings score.
Have a good day and weekend.
20/12/2021
Morning Ciaran,
You beat me to it this morning.
Robertson will look at this game, missed a header in the first couple of minutes, chopped down by Kane, assisted with the goal, scored a goal and then got sent off.
Did think that the midfield did not offer enough protection for the two centre backs. Not sure why Oxlade did not play.
Just had a look at the cricket and it is all over. England have been very poor in all departments. I think I read somewhere that Australia had only dropped one catch whilst England had dropped nine.
Anyway to you and your family have a good Christmas and new year.
Take care and keep safe.
23/12/2021
Morning John,
What a game last night.
Didn’t look great when Leicester went 2 up and the youngsters (and a lot of the experienced players) were all over the place.
Klopp obviously had a plan from the bench if he needed it and played his hand to perfection.
Did you stay until the end?
Thanks
Ciaran
Morning Ciaran,
It was WOW.
I did have a ticket for the game but did not go because of having a another commitment. Distributed the ticket to a friend of mine.
Watched the game. I thought Gomez had a very poor game (I suppose he does not play often enough) and did not see the end result after being 2-0 and 3-1 down. We never gave up and it was much better in the second half. The more I see of Konate the more I like him. Vardy never had a sniff after he came on.
Merry Christmas to you and your family and have a good break and we will see what brings next week for us, I know you have some further restrictions.
Take care and keep safe.
29/12/2021
Morning Ciaran,
Hope you had a good and safe Christmas with the family.
We had enough chances to win the game but did not. Penalties can be missed so we accept that. I think they only had a couple of shots and scored one.
Mane looks as if he will never score again. I think our faint hope of catching MC has gone.
Thought it was really funny that Chris Silverwood said there were some positives to take from the losing the third test. Not sure what he saw that no one else does!
Happy New Year for 2002.
Take care.
Morning John,
Yeah Leicester was disappointing. They did a number on us.
I didn’t watch the Chelsea game as we were round at neighbours but saw we were 2 nil up and my first thought was it’s too early.
Wasn’t surprised we conceded as that’s what we have done for most of the season but 2 points from 9 over Christmas with city on an 11 game winning run has more or less sealed it for them.
We really have to take advantage of their slow starts to seasons, that’s how we won in 2020.
The ashes has been a total disaster for England. Australia have so many batsmen who can step up.
Happy new year.
Thanks
Ciaran
17/01/2022
Morning Ciaran,
First game back after my Covid break.
We normally struggle when teams have a large back line wall although I say we are at home and it is for us to break them down. Have no problem with them playing that way.
I do not think they played from the back once in the first half hence we struggled. In the second half they did start to play from the back which allowed us more room. Like the look of the young Gordon lad and he had a chance to score.
Thought we were OK and needed to win to go above Chelsea with a game in hand.
Have a good day.
Kind Regards,
21/01/2022
From: Ciaran Hanley
Subject: On to the final
Morning John,
Very professional job last night.
Did Matip go off injured or was he just protecting him again?
Jota is doing a great job for us.
Hopefully we can repay Chelsea for 2005 and 2012 finals.
Thanks
Ciaran
Morning Ciaran,
It was a very professional job and we certainly need to get one over Chelsea. Jota’s second goal was real classy.
I got the feeling that Arsenal thought, being at home, they had this one in the bag after the dour 0-0 last week.
Not sure about Matip as there was no mention of an injury.
Have a good weekend.
Kind Regards,
John
24/01/2022
Morning Ciaran,
Can only describe that Lady Luck in the form of Allisson was on our side yesterday.
Even as a Liverpool fan I do not think that it was a penalty and again Lady Luck was on our side.
The downward cycle seemed to start when Matip gave a short pass to Van Dijk and CP nearly capitalised on it. It was hard watching.
Have a good day.
Kind Regards,
From: Ciaran Hanley
Subject: RE: Lady Luck
Morning John,
Yes take the points and runs.
It has been the same old story this season, attack bailing out defence but at least Alisson had one of his world class games to save us.
No game this week then a very busy February.
Will you try and go to Wembley?
Thanks
24/01/2022
Ciaran,
Will put my name in the ballot in the next couple of days and see what happens.
John
07/02/2022
From: Ciaran Hanley
Subject: Yesterday
John,
Did you go to the game yesterday?
Took a while to get going but good to see Elliot back and scoring, Jota continues to get the goals and decent debut from Luis Diaz.
Hopefully that blew the cobwebs off and we are a bit sharper for Leicester, plenty of games this month and will probably need to use the full squad.
Starting to feel like 2001 again with our involvement in all these cups, need to win that first one against Chelsea at the end of Feb and good draw in next round of FA Cup.
Can we go deep in all competitions and still stay in touch of city for the league?
Thanks
Ciaran
Afternoon Ciaran,
Yes went to the game. First half a little rusty and we both keep saying it, but I thought Keita was poor again although I believe he had a very good AFCON tournament. Game changed when Elliot and Diaz came on. Biggest cheer of the day for Elliot.
The furthest I think we have gone in the FA cup for a while. Our hope of silverware would be the 3 cups as I do not see MC dropping too many points in the league and we would have to win every game.
My son is coming from Canada and we are both going to the final at Wembley. Looking forward to it and seeing him. He is flying in on the Saturday morning and going back to Canada on Monday morning after the final.
Kind Regards,
11/02/2022
Morning Ciaran,
Leicester were never really in the game last night although at 1-0 they were still in the game. You know what I mean.
We owed them one in my opinion. Diaz looks really good and maybe changes to the front three are slowly coming.
I quite like Curtis Jones but he keeps getting caught in possession. He reminds me a bit like Lallana where he always tries to do a turn and that’s where he gets caught.
Have a good day and weekend.
Kind Regards,
17/02/2022
Morning Ciaran,
Smash & grab. I thought we struggled the first 20 minutes of the second half but Van Dijk and Konate were fantastic.
Have a good day.
From: Ciaran Hanley
Subject: Another good week
Morning John,
Two hard fought wins against Burnley and Inter.
Just need to keep winning games.
Hopefully Jota not out too long and we continue winning between now and the home leg.
Home to Norwich up next.
Thanks
Ciaran
24/02/2022
From: Ciaran Hanley
Subject: And the reds go marching
on
Morning John,
Big win last night, we’ve done what we had to do to get back in the title race.
My only concern is that we have started matches very slowly recently and a better team could punish that.
On to Wembley now.
Should be a great game though. Enjoy.
Thanks
Ciaran
Morning Ciaran,
We always punish teams who want to go toe to toe with us at Anfield and that is exactly how Leeds play.
The best part for me was the goal scored by Matip. A centre forward could not have done it better!
The police presence last night exceeded what I have previously seen. The Leeds supporters seem to have a reputation. I thought it was quite funny but they were singing “it’s only 4-0” at some point.
Will be a different game on Sunday and looking forward to it.
Take care.
28/02/2022
From: Ciaran Hanley
Subject: RE: Wembley
You do not want to lose a tight game like that and thankfully somehow we didn't.
The longer the penalties went on, the more it looked like someone would have to
miss rather than a keeper would save one.
Luckily our keeper was the hero for scoring his and watching theirs sail into
the grateful arms of the Liverpool fans.
Agreed Diaz was excellent but it was a real squad performance I thought,
everyone played a part.
The Van Dijk offside was ridiculous. It's either a goal or a foul for blocking
by Van Dijk. Didn't matter in the end but looked like it wasn't going to be our
day.
I was watching Skysports News earlier in the day and they were live from the
pitch as the Liverpool squad and staff took a walk around.
As they came past the cameras, the host tried to engage Klopp, Milner and Van
Dijk but they just nodded politely or responded with one word answers and
walked on.
Very professional - they were there for one thing, to win the cup and that was
all they were concentrating on. That filled me with confidence beforehand.
Was that your first time at Wembley? Where were your seats? I was there for the
2014 one - Man City v Sunderland. My brother in law is a Sunderland fan and
former CEO is from my hometown and my father in law got us tickets.
Great you got to see us win a trophy. On to Norwich now in the next cup.
Morning Ciaran,
Could not watch some of our penalties, rode our luck at times but came through. Thought our best player was Luis Diaz.
First time I have seen a referee go to a monitor for a offside ruling. The longer the VAR analysis went on you knew the goal would be overturned.
Have a good day.
Kind Regards,
John
Sent from my iPad
28/02/2022
Afternoon Ciaran,
Just back after dropping my son at Heathrow on his way back to Canada.
It was the 2nd time I have been to Wembley. I went with my son when we played Everton in the last 4 of the FA cup many moons ago. We won the game and then, I think, lost in the final to Chelsea.
We were in the top tier but in the 10th row from the front. The seats were good. They were on the opposite end to the players bench so you could barely see them getting the trophy and had to watch the screens. The penalties were excruciating because penalty shoot outs are a lottery and anyone could miss. The two I got worried about were Trent and Robertson for some reason. I have seen all the penalties on on-line media now them all and I had no reason to worry.
There are still idiotic supporters on both sides. Walking, quite relaxed, to the ground with supporters of both sides some LFC supporters across the road decides to start the “Chelsea rent boy” song which got some Chelsea supporters on our side of the road agitated. I know Klopp has asked to stop singing that song. Some supporters tried to start the song off in our stand but it just petered out.
Probably will be a very different side for the Norwich cup game on Wednesday.
Have a good afternoon.
Kind Regards,
03/03/2022
From: Ciaran Hanley
Subject: last night
Morning John,
I think Roy Keane put it best last night – don’t over analyse it and move on.
You do have to marvel at James Milner running up and down the line like a man half his age.
The big games keep coming – West Ham at home on Saturday night.
Thanks
Ciaran
Morning Ciaran,
Thanks for the
Roy Keane comment, now that I think of it he is right, all we needed was a win
to go through to the last 8 which is what we did. It was all very flat but it
was expected after the Sunday excitement.
We have no cover at right back but Milner will play anywhere, I think even goalkeeper if asked. He is exceptionally fit and would like him to stay at the club because I think he is good for the youngsters around to keep them grounded.
Have a good day.
From: Ciaran Hanley
Subject: Saturday
Morning John,
Another 3 points in the bag.
Was hoping United could do us a favour yesterday but they were terrible.
Bring on your Internazionale.
Thanks
Ciaran
Morning Ciaran,
Thought we played pretty well in the first half.
A bit lucky in the second half although we did have quite a few chances as well but fluffed them. Salah had one of his games to forget but he can be forgiven as he is also human.
As I was down the kop end for the game I did not realise until watching MOTD that Keita had done some superb defending at the Anfield Road end against Antonio.
It was quite interesting watching Antonio on their corners where he tried to box Allison in. (They got some goals in the first game with this tactic). He just stood next to Allison and just moved with him irrespective of where the ball was.
Did not watch the MC/MU game yesterday but I read that MU were awful.
Have a good day.
Kind Regards,
Just sent you an
email at the same point as receiving yours. Touché.
John
From: Ciaran Hanley
Subject: last night
John,
Poor performance last night.
Jota and Thiago really off the pace coming back from injury, Fabinho was unusually careless as well.
Inter played well and took advantage of a below par performance from us.
Hopefully just a blip rather than the start of an unravelling.
On to Brighton.
Thanks
Ciaran
Morning Ciaran,
I thought we were poor but listening to the radio on the way home they were congratulating us for managing a good result in order to progress. I did not think Inter would actually score after 25 minutes or so.
Jota did not have a good game and thought we were very late in substituting him.
There seemed to be a heck of a lot of yellow cards. But we await the next round’s opponents. English opponents?
Have a good day.
Kind Regards,
16/04/2022
From: Ciaran Hanley
Subject: Brighton
Morning John,
Another solid display at the weekend.
We still seem to give up at least one really good chance in every game although I think the Xg against us was still less than 1.
Arsenal will be a tougher test. Hopefully we can keep it going and take advantage of another city slip up.
Thanks
Ciaran
Morning Ciaran,
Well taken goal to say the least. What was baffling was the goal keeper’s actions to attempt to so call so it. I do not want anyone unnecessarily sent of but would like some action taken. What would have happened if we had not got the goal. Based on the decision making it would have just been a goal kick. It reminded me of the Van Dijk/Pickford incident when the authorities di nothing and we lost a player for a whole season.
Arsenal will be a tough test but at least they will not have everyone behind the ball as it is not their style and something we do not enjoy playing against.
Have a good day.
Kind Regards,
17/03/2022
Morning Ciaran,
Another 3 points. Much improved in the 2nd half. Thiago goes from madness to utterly stunning. Firmino’s goal was quite cheeky.
Do not normally watch any pundits after the game but I left the room after the game and then came back to change the channel. The pundits were on. I listened for 10 minutes. Even though the press is starting to get over excited, the league is still in MC’s hands as they are quite capable of winning every game until the end of the season. According to Souness some MC players would not be resting easy in their beds after seeing the result. Really!! Paul Merson said if LFC won all their games they would still be behind MC by one point. They tried to explain to him that LFC play MC, but he would have none of it.
Have a good day.
Kind Regards,
From: Ciaran Hanley
Subject: RE: Arsenal
Morning John,
Yes I saw Paul Merson, Souness and Carragher.
I think Merson was trying to say it’s still in Citys hands too.
We’ve been on a fantastic run but I’m not getting carried away, the only thing that makes this season different is now we know how to win leagues again so hopefully that holds us in good stead.
I’d expect a good few changes for Forest in the cup but maybe not with no game the following weekend.
Champions League draw today too. Had to check who the other team in it was and didn’t realise Villareal had knocked out Juventus.
Benfica or them would be nice.
Thanks
Ciaran
From: Ciaran Hanley
Subject: RE: Arsenal
Benfica and home second leg. Doesn’t get better than that for QF.
If we get through it’s home first leg against Bayern or Villareal.
Ciaran,
Thanks for
letting me know. I forgot about it. At least we did not get MC or Chelsea for
the QF.
Have a good weekend.
John
From: Ciaran Hanley
Subject: Yesterday
Morning John,
Another tough game yesterday, fair play to Forest they made it very difficult for us and should have gone 1 nil up just before we scored. It could have been a long night if they scored then.
I think Tsimikas could do a job at right back for us in Trents absence. I thought even before he put in that right footed cross for Jota to score that he was two footed enough to play on the other side. Gomez did well but he’s not an attacking full back and he still has a big mistake in him every game – think there was a header back to Van Dijk yesterday and an attempted clearance just after that put us in trouble. Not saying Tsimikas is going to be whipping balls in with his right foot a la Trent, he’d more than likely cut back on his left a lot, I just think his delivery would be far better than Gomez and he can defend too.
Anyway, looking forward to a couple of weeks of no football ahead of the start of the best part of the season. Hard to believe we are still going for everything. Start of crunch time now though.
Thanks
Ciaran
21/03/2022
Morning Ciaran,
Was a tough game and similar to you my son and I mentioned Tsimikas and his right foot? It was a good cross. Thought Firmino’s chance in the first half lacked any conviction. The incident with Gomez – I thought Van Dijk got a little rattled after that for a while.
We grind on with the following after Watford, Benefica (A), MC (A), Benefica (H), MC (Wembley), MU (H) – easy!!
Have a good day.
04/04/2022
Morning Ciaran,
Another 3 points although we made hard work of it although I must admit that after a international break there appears to be some disruption.
The penalty we got seemed bizarre as we took the corner at the end I was sitting, Watford cleared it, there was no players appealing for anything, play went to the our goal and all of a sudden “VAR checking for a penalty”. Had to watch the incident on UTUBE when I got home. Jota was certainly rugby tackled but he did not appear to be near the ball. I was happy for us to take it.
Onto Benefica game next.
Have a good week.
Kind Regards,
06/04/2022
Morning Ciaran,
Good win last night. Felt quite sorry for Konate for his mistake because I think he had a good game and these things happen. I thought he looked quite shocked and could not believe that he had scored!
Salah looked completely out of touch but touching wood that he will score on Sunday.
Will take 3-1 away on a European night any day of the week.
Have a good day.
From: Ciaran Hanley
Subject: RE: Saturday and last night
Morning John,
It was another good 3 points but not such a good performance.
The game after an international break tends to be a bit disjointed.
I don’t think anyone saw the penalty incident other than maybe supporters in the Kop but it was a definite penalty although there have been thousands of incidents like that down the years that have gone unpunished. I was very grateful Fabinho was able to put the game to bed with an emphatic penalty.
I thought we looked good last night for long parts. We gave Benfica a bit of a lifeline but really we should have scored about 6 and ended the tie.
Hopefully keeping a few goals for Sunday against City.
My mother in law passed away from cancer at the end of last week so I’m only back at work today.
Thanks
Ciaran
Ciaran,
Sorry to hear your bad news so can I pass my best wishes onto you and your wife.
Should have been at least 4-0 up at half time.
Have a good day.
Kind Regards,
11/04/2022
From: Ciaran Hanley
Subject: Yesterday
Morning John,
A case of take the point and run.
Could have been 3 or 4 goals down by half time as City looked so much better than us all over the pitch.
We did much better in the second half and it felt like we might even nick a winner though they had the best chance at the end with Mahrez.
Positives are we didn’t lose, we didn’t play as well as we can and we are still in the hunt.
Hopefully we can dispatch Benfica relatively easily but preparing for another nervy night.
Thanks
Ciaran
Morning Ciaran,
Very very lucky to be only 2-1 down at the break. Cannot believe that De Bruyne scored a deflection off Matip and I think the same deflection pair at the Anfield game.
We do have this never give up attitude and a much improved second half although I was very relieved when Mahrez missed his chance.
Repeat of games this week, just different venues.
Have a good day.
14/04/2022
Morning Ciaran,
You win the tie over two legs which we did.
A very entertaining game but at 3-3 Benefica really thought they had a chance. Their fans I thought were fantastic.
The value of the player Nunez went up last night and he looked a handful and very impressed.
Onto Saturday. Was hoping Athletico would score one to take MC into extra time but it did not happen.
Have a good day and enjoy the weekend.
Kind Regards,
20/04/2022
Morning Ciaran,
Am enjoying the ride and Thiago last night was a master class in passing. MU were very poor and, in my opinion, Watford gave us a harder game. The smile on Salah’s face when he scored his first, after a lean spell, was fantastic. Always pleased when we beat MU. Despite the rivalry the fans struck a lovely chord on the 7th minute last night for Ronaldo. Cannot compare that to some of the MC fans at Wembley for the Hillsborough’s silence.
I also thought the first half against MC on the weekend we were outstanding and whilst MC did get a late second goal we deserved to go through. In the league game we were outplayed in the first half but were only 2-1 down. We outplayed them in the first half and they were 3-0 down. Makes a difference. I think Konate is an excellent find and think he has a great future at LFC.
Enjoy the rest of your week.
Kindest Regards,
John
22/04/2022
From: Ciaran Hanley
Subject: RE: LFC
Morning John,
I’m not sure if you were attending games in 1988 but there is a famous 5 nil at Anfield from then against Forest who were one of our biggest rivals. The display that night was so good the game was available to buy on vhs. I don’t listen to talksport very often but I was in the car after the city game and wanted some post match reaction. Adrian Durham was talking to Ray Houghton who played in the 88 game and Durham asked Houghton if the football Liverpool are playing now is even better. He couldn’t argue. The performance against United cemented it.
Hopefully we can continue our good run and beat Everton on Sunday.
Thanks
Ciaran
Morning Ciaran,
No I started going to Anfield regularly from about 1995. I arrived in the UK in 1987. I do not have a vhs player but I might see if there is any other media on that game.
Have a good day.
From: Ciaran Hanley
Subject: RE: LFC
Liverpool v Nottingham Forest 13/04/1988 - YouTube
Extended highlights
From: Ciaran Hanley
Subject: yesterday
Morning John,
Another hard fought victory yesterday.
I was saying to my brother in law at half time, Klopp and his assistants usually have figured out what’s needed to win the game by 60 mins and they make a double sub.
Origi is definitely a case of horses for courses with his record against them and he duly obliged.
On to Villareal now.
Thanks
Ciaran
Ciaran,
The ride continues.
You know my feeling on Keita and I was pleased when he was substituted. He does not like getting involved in these robust games. Lampard tried Mourinho tactics of time wasting. They are fine if you draw or win the game but totally useless when you lose. Allison’s mimicking of Pickford was absolute class.
Have a good day.
28/04/2022
Morning Ciaran,
The ride goes on so very happy. Frustrating first half but it all come good. Some of Thiago’s passing over the last couple of games has been outstanding. He really has come good at the right time. Easiest game Allison had had to earn his money!
Have a good day.
Kind Regards,
John
On 3 May 2022
Morning John,
I thought we dealt with Newcastle well.
Never thought I’d see the day when we are comfortable 1-0 winners but here we are.
Expecting Villareal to throw the kitchen sink at us tonight.
Hopefully we can withstand whatever they have in store for us and get through to another champions league final.
Thanks
Ciaran
Afternoon Ciaran,
And my favourite LFC player scored. Have to take back some of my comments.
Will be very disappointed if we do not go through tonight but it will not be easy.
Enjoy the rest of your day.
Kind Regards,
John
Sent from my iPad
04/05/2022
From: Ciaran Hanley
Subject: Paris here we come
Morning John,
We did it the hard way. Again.
First half I thought it was the end of the road, a bit like that Watford game when we were hammered 3 nil to end our unbeaten season record.
The transformation in the second half was incredible.
I think it must have been a combination of Villareal expending so much energy in first half and Diaz made a massive difference obviously.
What a turnaround.
I booked flightsabout 6 weeks ago so now begins the long pursuit of a ticket – so if you know anyone with one that can’t go let me know.
I know they haven’t been issued yet, already went the uefa route but no joy.
We’ll enjoy the next day or 2 then Spurs on Saturday night.
Thanks
Ciaran
Afternoon Ciaran,
My son sent me a text from Canada to say the Villareal goalkeeper did not have a good second half. Will certainly look out for any news on a ticket for you. The ride continues.
Have a good afternoon.
Morning Ciaran,
Did not play badly on Saturday but also were not creative enough until we went to 4-2-4. The atmosphere was cracking.
The league chase was never totally in our hands, but I will take that we are in 3 finals this year. My son coming over for the final on Saturday. Arrives Saturday morning, going to the game with him in the afternoon, back to Canada Sunday lunch time.
Have a good week.
Kind Regards,
11/05/2022
From: Ciaran Hanley
Subject: Last night
Morning John,
Another nervy one but we are all getting used to these 2-1 and 1 nil wins.
Not too long ago players and fans would have been pushing hard for the 2 goal cushion but there’s a confidence now that we can see it out.
Another big goal from Mane who has taken over the mantle of most important player from Salah recently.
I thought Van Dijk was immense last night too.
Enjoy the cup final with your son.
Bring us luck.
Thanks
Ciaran
Morning Ciaran,
It was pretty nail biting stuff but not sure how Mane turned that cross into a header as it did not seem to be an easy header at all.
I think Salah has been off the boil since coming back from AFCON but can excuse him as it has been a long season for him so far.
Looking forward to the cup final (no penalties or extra time – a win) and seeing my son.
Enjoy the rest of the week.
16/05/2022
Subject: FA Cup Winners
Morning John,
I hope you had a brilliant day at the final with your son.
Another gruelling game, I really didn’t think we’d beat them again on penalties and definitely not when Mane missed.
Klopps mentality monsters pulled it off again though.
We live to fight another day in the premier league as well so on to Southampton for tomorrow night, hopefully we can get the all important 3 points and set up a barnstorming final day.
Thanks
Ciaran
Morning Ciaran,
What a fantastic day. Son arrived at 8.00am Saturday, dropped him back at airport 8.00am Sunday. Back home in Montreal Sunday afternoon.
The atmosphere and noise was unbelievable. Both sides had chances with that Luiz Diaz one quite early on with that pass from TAA. So from two finals have watched 240 minutes of football with no goals (a couple of VAR in the first final) and 36 penalties. Madness!!
I cannot watch us taking penalties but decided that I would put money on Mane scoring the winning penalty. I should not have watched. Did watch Tsimikas take his penalty and then bedlam ensued.
If we beat Southampton will set up an interesting last day but it still favours MC.
Have a good day.
17/05/2022
From: Ciaran Hanley
Subject: RE: FA Cup Winners
Morning John,
Received the ticket email and have sent to my Hotmail so I have it on my phone.
It says I have to download it from ticketing, my account – is this on the Liverpool website as I don’t think I’m still a member.
I’ll have a look later, have a call now.
Thanks
Ciaran
Ciaran,
Not sure, did not know if you have to be a member or not.
If you cannot download, let me know, I will recall the ticket and you can use a spare phone I have here with the ticket on.
From: Ciaran Hanley
Subject: Southampton
Morning John,
I have to admit I was a little concerned when I saw the starting line up and even more so when we went 1 nil down but they pulled it out of the bag again.
What a season and we’re not done yet.
See you Sunday.
Thanks
Ciaran
Morning Ciaran,
I thought the game started at 8.00pm so when I tuned in we were already 1-0 down. Efficient display to do the job.
Onwards we march.
What time will you get to Anfield?
John
23/05/2022
I looked at my steps on theplane last night it was 26,000 so I’d walked a half marathon yesterday.
I only walked back from anfield
to Liverpool one which is 2.5-3m so it just goes to show you how much walking
adds up over the course of the day especially at airports.
Watched MOTD when I got home at
about 2am, it really was a crazy. A villa fan text me that Gerrard shouldn’t
have subbed Coutinho (who scored a brilliant goal by the way).
It wasn’t to be but it’s only
football the most important of the least important things as Klopp once said.
Thanks again. If you ever have
a spare ticket please think of me.
Thanks
Ciaran
Ciaran,
Have a good day.
Kind Regards,
John
Subject: RE: Saturday
30/05/2022
John,
Not the end we hoped for but what a season all the same.
To
win a league cup and a fa cup, take the premier league well into the final game
of the season and lose a champions league final 1 nil with chances right up
until the very end is testament to the squad Klopp has put together and the
players who go out and play for him and the fans. When you see how many were in
Paris and how many were on the streets of Liverpool yesterday you understand
how big this club is. Indeed, I watched the second half of the game in my airbnb
with a fan who had travelled all the way from Venezuela!
Unfortunately,
the champions league final looked like it wasn’t going to be our night. As we
missed chance after chance I just had the feeling that we were going to pay for
this. We didn’t score in the other finals but we kept clean sheets and that was
the difference.
Will
be sad to see Sadio Mane go, I never felt like he got the same love from fans
that Salah gets. He has been a great player for us and we should just wish him
all the best and get the best player in to replace. Maybe the first big test
for the new sporting director Julian ward but apparently he was integral in the
Diaz move so he’s already been in that role even before Michael Edwards left.
Looking
forward to a few months without football, next season going to be strange with
world cup in middle but we will all be ready to go again in August. Hopefully
the good times continue to roll.
Thanks
Afternoon
Ciaran,
Glad
to hear you are safely back home. The fallout from Saturday continuing even
with your text about the Merseyside police statement and BBC and ITV sports
journalists have both commented on the exemplary behaviour of LFC supporters. I
hear that the French are still trying to partly blame LFC supporters.
A
disappointing end to the season but saw a text yesterday which put into
perspective what a fantastic season we have just had. 63 games, 147 goals
scored, 2 trophies, 2 runner-up spots. Wow!!
I
have seen the rumours of Mane going but nothing official yet. Football just
moves on from this although if he is leaving has not given the club much time
to find a replacement.
I
also am happy to give football a break for a couple of months and normally always
look forward to cricket but will see if there is a proper rebuild of the
English test side. Said in an earlier email will probably try and go to a day
at a test match.
Have
a good afternoon.
Kind
Regards,
John
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