Liverpool's season in review

8th in the Premier League

FA Cup finalists

Carling Cup winners.

Two cup finals. One cup. 8th in the Premier League. Was the 2011-12 season any good for Liverpool Football Club?

The season begun with optimism; Kenny Dalglish had led Liverpool back to contention towards the end of the 2010-11 season as the team bagged plenty of goals playing some free-flowing football.

Dalglish added to the squad; Jordan Henderson, Stewart Downing, Jose Enrique, Charlie Adam, Craig Bellamy and Doni.

None of the signings were touted as being 'World class'.

Henderson had just led the English U-21 team to a decent showing in the Euros.

Downing had a good season with Villa. He had a few good seasons in the lead up to this season.

Jose Enrique was solid for Newcastle at left back.

Charlie Adam showed tremendous commitment at Blackpool. His passing and set pieces were of the finest quality at the relegated club.

Craig Bellamy was unwanted by Manchester City. Liverpool needed a replacement for David Ngog.

Doni, who had been Roma's number one for a short while, was a decent number two to bring to Anfield.

These guys joined a squad that consisted of Steven Gerrard, Luis Suarez, Glen Johnson, Lucas Leiva, Dirk Kuyt, Dan Agger, Martin Skrtel, Andy Carroll and Jose Reina.

Plenty of reason to be optimistic?

Downing can cross for Carroll.

Adam's delivery can be tailor made for Carroll.

Gerrard can deliver for Carroll. Gerrard can strike an understanding with Suarez.

Adam and Gerrard together can be lethal.

Henderson can learn under Gerrard.

Bellamy can combine with Kuyt. Just like the duo did in 2006-07.

And many more if only's were thought of.

August provided plenty of reason to be optimistic.

An opening day draw against Sunderland. A missed penalty by Suarez was forgotten as the man himself gave Liverpool the lead at Anfield. Larsson equalised. Downing almost scored a Messi like goal, but the woodwork denied the English winger. This was just the trailer.

Liverpool then travelled to North London. They beat Arsenal for the first time at the Emirates.

A 3-1 home win against Bolton followed, as Liverpool went top on Saturday night. Goals from Henderson, Skrtel and Adam.

September got Liverpool fans back on the ground. 

A 1-0 defeat to Stoke. Henderson missed two one on ones. Carragher committed a 'foul' on Walters. Walters scored the penalty. Stoke won.

A 4-0 defeat to Spurs. Adam was sent off. Skrtel was sent off. Liverpool were absolutely crap.

The Carling Cup campaign begun with a 2-1 win at Brighton. Liverpool then won 2-1 at home to Wolves.


October got things going again.


Big Andy and Suarez scored as Liverpool beat Everton at Goodison. Kuyt missed a penalty. Adam hit the woodwork.

Liverpool then dominated the champions at home, only for Chicharito to grab an equaliser and make it 1-1. In between Suarez and Evra decided to have a verbal battle. The outcome of the battle would be revealed later.

Liverpool then dominated Norwich at home. Norwich somehow managed a draw.

The Carling Cup campaign continued. Suarez showed his magic as his brace got Liverpool a rare away victory at the Britannia.

Liverpool then travelled to Uncle Roy's West Brom. Big Andy and Charlie provided the goals in a 2-0 win. Downing hit the post.


Carried on in November.


A 0-0 draw at home to Swansea wasn't what fans expected. Carroll missed from a few yards out. Suarez hit the woodwork.

Maxi Rodriguez and Glen Johnson then ensured that Torres was forgotten as the team won again at Stamford Bridge.

Buoyed by that win, Liverpool entertained league leaders Manchester City at home. Kompany gave City the lead. Adam's Lampard-like goal then provided the equaliser. Joe Hart was at his best after that, as he denied Carroll and Adam repeatedly.

Liverpool ended November with a 2-0 win again at Stamford Bridge in the Carling Cup. Chelsea's Carling Cup run ended. Lucas' season ended as he was injured in the game.


The year end?


Spearing saw red as Liverpool went down at Fulham. Henderson and Downing did manage to hit the woodwork here too. Suarez decided to show the finger to some Fulham supporters here.

A 1-0 home win against QPR then followed.

The impressive away record continued as Liverpool scored 2 in the opening 20 minutes at Villa Park. The 2-0 win consisted of Suarez hitting the woodwork.

Wigan followed. Al-Habsi denied Adam from the penalty spot. Liverpool drew 0-0 in a game they dominated.

Blackburn then managed a 1-1 draw at Anfield courtesy an Adam own goal. Maxi saved the blushes with a late equaliser.

Gerrard then returned as Liverpool beat a high-flying Newcastle 3-1 at Anfield.

The year ended with news of Suarez's eight game ban. An added one game ban came because of his actions at Fulham.

January: A sign of things to come?


Downing could've started 2012 for Liverpool on a high. He scuffed his one-on-one chance with Joe Hart in the first 10 minutes at 0-0. City went on to win 3-0. Aguero opened the scoring. Reina opened his bloopers account for the season with a howler.

The FA Cup campaign got underway with a 5-1 home win against Oldham. Downing and Carroll got onto the scoresheet.

Steven Gerrard then scored as Liverpool beat City at the Eithad Stadium in the first leg of the Carling Cup.

A 0-0 home draw against Stoke followed.

Bolton then got all three points against Liverpool. The performance was called a disgrace by King Kenny.

Craig Bellamy then returned to haunt City. His equaliser at Anfield meant Liverpool advanced to the Carling Cup final.

Then Liverpool took on United. Dirk Kuyt's late winner ensured Liverpool advanced to the fifth round of the FA Cup. With City already eliminated and United taken out, Liverpool sensed a chance here.

The FA Cup win was built on with a 3-0 away victory at Wolves. Big Andy managed one of the three goals.


February: Reason to cheer?


Luis Suarez's ban ended as he came on as a substitute in a 0-0 draw against Spurs. He should've bagged a goal in this game, but he couldn't score with a free header.

Then came the handshake gate. Suarez didn't shake hands with Evra. Suarez did score at Old Trafford. But Rooney scored two. United won 2-1.

Liverpool then scored six past Brighton in the FA Cup fifth round.

The cup drought came to an end as Liverpool beat Cardiff on penalties.


March: The slide starts

Gerrard's injury problems returned as he missed the home tie against Arsenal. Kuyt missed a penalty. Suarez missed plenty of chances. Van Persie scored the two chances he got. Arsenal beat Liverpool 2-1.

Sunderland then beat Liverpool 1-0 at home. No beachball was needed here.

Gerrard then returned with a hat-trick as Liverpool beat Everton 3-0.

The FA Cup success continued as Suarez and Downing scored to give Liverpool a 2-1 win to Stoke. Old boy Crouch scored for Stoke in this one.

Sebastian Coates scored Liverpool's goal of the season as Liverpool took a 2-0 lead against Queen Park Rangers. Old boy Cisse then scored as QPR came back to win the game 3-2 in the last 15 minutes.

Wigan then came to Anfield. Wigan then won at Anfield.


April: What's going on?

Carroll decided to dive when it was easier from him to score. Cisse decided to show Carroll what a number 9 does. Reina decided to headbutt Perch. Newcastle beat Liverpool 2-0.

Aston Villa then held Liverpool at home. One of the many games at Anfield this season where Liverpool didn't take the chances they created.

Liverpool then showed some spirit as they went 2-0 up against Blackburn. Doni was then sent off. Jones saved the resulting penalty. Blackburn came back to make it 2-2. Carroll somehow came in to score a winner as a 10-man Liverpool team beat Blackburn.

The FA Cup semi final followed. Suarez and Caroll bagged the goals as Liverpool booked their third visit to Wembley in 2012.

Uncle Roy then got his West Brom team to Anfield. West Brom then took three points off Liverpool as they won 1-0.

Suarez then scored three of his best as Liverpool beat Norwich 3-0 at Carrow Road.


May: The FA Cup?


Fulham came to Anfield. Fulham won at Anfield.

The big FA Cup final. Liverpool didn't turn up for the first 60 minutes. Big Andy came on and scored his goal of the season. He almost scored another. Cech provided a stunning save. Big Andy was denied. Liverpool were denied.

Then came Liverpool's performance of the season; albeit in a game that didn't matter. Suarez 'megged Terry six times. Henderson scored. Agger scored. Shelvey scored. Liverpool won 4-1.

Swansea then ended the season with a 1-0 win.

Verdict: Downing didn't provide an assist or goal in the Premier League. Not good enough.

Henderson was used wide right majorly. He played better when he played in the centre.

Enrique was solid for the first half. Lack of competition for his position, probably meant complacency set in. He had an ordinary second half to the season.

Charlie Adam: Atrocious. Missed penalties. Horrible tackles to concede too many fouls. An own goal too. A season to forget. If Blackpool return to the Premier League, he may just want to head back there.

Craig Bellamy: Signing of the season. Made an impact everytime he came on.

What happens in 2012-13?

Hopefully Carroll doesn't go to Euros. That gives him time to strike an understanding with Suarez.

Henderson gets a year older.

Downing can only get better. (One assist atleast)

If Maxi and Kuyt do leave, we need a winger. Lennon? Turan? Both?

In my opinion this squad is strong enough to get a Champions League berth. Suarez needs to be hitting the back of the net instead of the woodwork. Carroll will get his fair share of goals. Gerrard should probably play a few more games next season. Lucas returns too.

Optimism again in 2012? Indeed!

What Blackburn Rovers' visit to Pune meant for Rovers, Pune FC and Indian Football

A view from inside the Balewadi Sports Complex.

Blackburn Rovers:

After the original date (July) of the visit was postponed to October, it looked highly probable that the game would be postponed to sometime next summer. But Blackburn had to visit India this year, as a visit next year, could be a year too late for them. Currently 19th in the Premier League, the winners from the 1994-95 season seem to be major candidates for the drop, to the npower championship.  A visit after relegation, would not attract the same crowd (which were lesser than expected anyway) and so the trip to Venkys homeland had to be made this year.

On the football field, Blackburn did was what expected out of them. They won 3-0, courtesy a brace from Jason Roberts and a screamer from Ruben Rochina. Big names like Yakubu, Samba, Formica, Givet and NZonzi featured in the game, and in reality, Blackburn could have scored more than those three goals, had they played with the same intensity they play with in a Premier League game. 

Pune FC:

We've heard of the cliche, 'the scoreline didn't reflect the true story of the game' numerous times. I'll repeat that. 

So Pune FC lost 3-0. They lost Anas Edatodika through his own stupidity 15 minutes into the biggest game they've played so far. What Edatodika was thinking when he made those rash tackles, we'll never know. But what we do know is that Pune need not worry about goal keepers. Shahilal Meloly, in goal because first choice 'keeper Subrata Pal was out injured, made save after save to deny a cricket like scoreline in the game at the Balewadi Sports Complex. 

Star forward, Jeje was hardly involved in the game. But then many strikers coming up against Samba hardly look involved in the game. What Pune missed was creativity in midfield, and even though Arata Izumi tried his best to provide creativity, Pune's midfield had none. Anas Edatodika's stupidity and being a player down didn't help, but to be considered a major force in the Indian League, you would expect more creativity from midfield.

But the experience of playing a Premier League side should augur well for Pune FC and the players should come out with a whole list of positives, which they should implement in future games.

Indian football:

Having hosted an international friendly between Argentina and Venezuela and now the game between Blackburn and Pune FC, we should be hoping for a brighter future in the sport we're hoping becomes as half as big as cricket in the near future. A world cup appearance in the near future is more far fetched than Ajit Agarkar getting a recall to the Indian cricket team, but we are taking small steps towards putting ourselves on the world map in football.

Shahilal Meloly, Jeje and Arata Izumi (who recently gave up his Japanese passport) could join Sunil Chhetri at a club overseas. If Blackburn want serious PR and do really want to help football in India, they should sign or take Chettri on loan in January. If they do get relegated, they should sign Chhetri on a long term deal. 

Why Arsenal and its fans shouldn't be celebrating its summer signings

Going into this summer after six trophyless seasons, Arsene Wenger and his followers knew they had their work cut out.

They knew that their club captain, and their most influential player, Cesc Fabregas was going to leave, and were in all probability looking for replacements for the inspirational Spaniard.

Arsenal were linked with names like Juan Mata, Ashley Young and Stewart Downing at the start of the summer. None of them could replace Cesc, but all three of them, could have added something this Arsenal team desperately requires;

Class!

Then, Samir Nasri added to their woes by announcing (or not), that he wanted to leave the club and was extremely close to joining their rivals, Manchester United. Luckily, for Arsenal, that move didn't work out, but unluckily a few weeks later, a move to Manchester City did materialise, and Arsenal lost two of their best players in a matter of a few days.

This followed Gael Clichy's move to Manchester City. By then, Young and Downing had signed for Manchester United and Liverpool respectively and Juan Mata had agreed terms to join Chelsea. Others, linked with the Gunners included, Scott Dann, Phil Jones, Jose Enrique, Leighton Baines, Gary Cahill and Phil Jagielka.

Wenger got none of them.

He bid 6 million for Cahill (Bolton wanted close to 15). Arsenal were interested in signing, Jose Enrique. (He signed for Liverpool) They wanted Scott Dann. (He signed for Blackburn) They bid 9 million for Phil Jones. (Blackburn sold Jones to United for 16.5 million) They wanted Baines and Jagielka. (They got none. A club in desperate need of cash might have been lured in selling for money. They got Arteta, they could have got the others too.)

Then they got beaten 8-2 to Manchester United and 'The manager of the decade' took a leaf out of a great manager, Sir Alex Ferguson's book. He spent just like other great managers do, instead of being arrogant. He bought:

Per Mertesacker. Great buy. (He's the guy who stopped Messi and the rest of Argentina in the World Cup)

Better than Jagielka? Yes.

Better than Gary Cahill? Potentially yes. But Cahill would probably get the edge because of his experience in the English game. But in all fairness, he fits into Wenger's thought process of buying potential. While, he is experienced and has proved himself, a good season in England still awaits and whether he proves himself against Rooney, Young, Suarez and Bent etc, is another thing.

Good transfer business: Umm, yea  

Andres Santos: Gael Clichy's replacement.

Is he better than Clichy? Doubt it.

Is he better than Baines? NO Is he better than Jose Enrique? Doubt it. ( a proven LB in the EPL)

Good transfer business: No. Simply because he replaced someone who was better than him. And 'The manager of the decade' could have got someone better (Baines or Enrique)  

Mikel Arteta: Replacement for Fabregas. Other players linked included Juan Mata.

Is he better than Fabregas? NO

Is he better than Mata? NO

Is he injury prone? Yes

Good transfer business: No. You can't replace players like Fabregas. You can't replace players like Fabregas with Arteta for sure.  

Yossi Benayoun: Replacement for Samir Nasri? Other players linked included Ashley Young and Stewart Downing.

Is Benayoun better than Nasri? NO

Is he better than Young or Downing? NO

Is he injury prone? YES

Good transfer business: NO. (Even though its a loan deal)  

Park Chu

Don't know, won't comment. Apparently he's good in PES. (If that's the reason, please start playing FIFA, Mr. Wenger)

So all in all, was this a good transfer window for Arsenal, considering they signed five players on deadline day? I say, no.

The signings could end up being disastrous. Also, if Santos gets injured or doesn't adjust to England? Why is Armand Traore at QPR?

And oh, they were also linked with Eden Hazard and Karem Benzema.

Note: This could be one piece of opinion that could go horribly wrong, but I'm sticking my neck out and saying, in all probability this piece of opinion will be absolutely correct.

WAKE UP Wenger, WAKE UP Arsenal. 

The curious case of Liverpool's midfield

>Amidst all the transfer gossip that's gone on so far, being a Liverpool fan, Raul Meireles' speculated move away from Anfield has caught the eye. With Charlie Adam reported to be coming in, the Blackpool captain could be the one who's replacing the midfielder.

Not the move Liverpool fans had in mind, considering Raul Meireles was one of our better players last season.

But in my opinion it's the right one. (Personally, I would love seeing Meireles continue wearing the number 4 jersey at Anfield. But if it's one between Adam and Meireles. Get Adam!)

Meireles moved to Liverpool at the start of last season from Porto and fit straight into Roy Hodgson's group of under achievers. Used wide right, when Stevie G was fit,

Meireles looked a shadow of the player, who turned up for Portugal in international games.

Steven Gerrard's injury forced Hodgson to move Meireles in central midfield alongside Lucas Leiva (one of the few players who weren't a part of Hodgson's under achievers). Meireles and Lucas struck an understanding straight away as the duo were instrumental in notching up a 3-0 victory over Aston Villa at Anfield. With Gerrard's return to the team, Meireles was pushed again into a wide role. He disappointed in the role again.

Liverpool disappointed again.

Roy Hodgson was sacked soon.

With King Kenny's return to the club, Meireles was soon pushed into the centre

again. (He started wide right in Kenny's first game in charge at Old Trafford in the FA Cup).

Not only did Kenny push him back in, he gave Meireles the attacking midfielder role behind

Fernando Torres. The Portuguese midfielder responded with an important goal in the derby against Everton. Playing off Fernando Torres, he his game of the season in one of Liverpool's best away day performance against Wolverampton Wanderers (not only did he score the amazing volley, he supplied a tap in for Fernando Torres and looked very comfortable in possession). He followed these performances with goals against Fulham, Wigan and a goal in an incredible victory over Chelsea at Stamford

Bridge.

While these games made him a hero at the club, and made him standout in a season of major disappointments for the boys at Anfield, what is worth noting is:

Meireles' best performances came playing behind the strikers. Steven Gerrard normally plays in that role. No matter what Meireles does, Steven Gerrard is the best in that role and WILL occupy that position for Liverpool.

With strikers like Andy Carroll, Luis Suarez and Dirk Kuyt around with rumours suggesting Conor Wickham joining too, Liverpool look certain to field two strikers in every match. Kuyt and Suarez being versatile help, as they can play wide right and left in a game lending to a 4-5-1 formation if needed.

In a traditional 4-4-2, with a winger expected to join in, Gerrard and Lucas will take the central roles. Lucas as a defensive midfielder proved his worth during the course of last season and will occupy the position again. If Adam joins us, he's back up for Lucas in that position as he's one who can sit in and run box to box, as he proved last season with Blackpool, not to mention his lethal freekicks and penalties.

Adam scores over Meireles in versatility. His ability of playing as a CDM, LM and central midfield will be very important under Dalgish, as his signings, with the exception of Andy Carroll, show he's looking at versatile players. (Suarez can play left, right, behind the striker and upfront on his own, Henderson can play wide right as well as down the centre.)

In a diamond formation, Meireles can occupy the left sided centre midfielder's role. Kuyt will take the right position. If Liverpool do manage an attacking left back (Clichy and Enrique linked and Insua is an attacking left back), that allows our fullbacks (Johnson on the right to bombard the wings. Clichy, Jose Enrique, Johnson and Insua are good crossers, so the ammunition to Carroll will not suffer).

Additionally, Meireles seems to has problems completing games. A central midfielder needs to be able to complete games. Normally wingers and strikers are the ones who need to be brought on to change games. With Meireles having that issue, a substitution gets wasted with a central midfielder. Adam completes games. Gerrard completes games. While trailing in games, Lucas should be the one sacrificed for an attacking midfielder (Henderson?).

Being an international, Meireles wouldn't be want to occupying the bench at Anfield. A 14 million bid from Inter, could benefit him and Liverpool.

So if the reports from the Italian media turn out to be true.

All the best and thankyou Raul Meireles.

PS: In an ideal scenario, Meireles, Adam, Henderson, Lucas and Steven Gerrard should comprise Liverpool's midfielders list come September 1, 2011.

Poor poor Arsenal

Logging onto Facebook, everytime an Arsenal game gets over (win or loss) seems to be a bigger challenge than going through an economics text book. Arsenal fans (will be referring to them as Arsene Wenger's followers) change their preferences (their own players) game by game. One day, Almunia is the best goal keeper in the world, the other he sucks and what not (will keep the post clean). Others like Denilson, Song, Diaby, Walcott and Ebouye are not spared either.

For God's sake, they can't be THAT GOOD, if they're THAT BAD.

Once they're done with their players, it's the referees that are their next target.

Referees were blamed for the 4-4 draw against Newcastle and the 1-1 draw against Liverpool, amongst other games.

Before I get to the game against Liverpool, for those Arsene Wenger followers, a penalty is a foul inside the box.

The Liverpool game had two instances of that. Spearing committed a foul on Robin Van Persie and Ebouye committing a foul on Lucas.

While, obviously, no Arsene Wenger follower complained about gaining a penalty from a soft challenge by Spearing on Fabregas, the foul on Lucas by Ebouye was seen as a Christmas gift the referee handed Liverpool and a lolly-pop the referee stole from one of the Arsenal kids.

Face it, it was a foul. Ebouye's contact on Lucas would've resulted in a free kick from outside the box, so obviously since it happened in the box, it was a penalty.

Pity, that more penalties aren't given. Pity, more penalties aren't given to Arsenal.

Arsenal seem to be the unlucky ones.

Walcott was taken off for Bendtner. Diaby for Song.

These substitutions followed Liverpool having to make two emergency substitutions.

Taking off Carragher and Aurelio for Soto and Robinson.

A fresh Soto Kyrgiakos will never be half as quick as an exhausted Walcott. A fresh Bendtner will never beat Kyrgiakos in the air.

Basic managerial issues.

Champions create their own luck.

Arsenal don't get the rub of the green and they're not champions.

Or maybe they're not the unlucky ones. Maybe they're just not good enough.

The Newcastle game:

After going 4-0 up in the first half, nothing should prevent a team from bagging all three points.

Diaby's sending off didn't help, but then again even with 8 players, Arsenal shouldn't have reached a stage they should've cried at the refereeing decisions. Tiote's screamer sealed it and Newcastle looked likely to grab all three points at the end of it. Can't even imagine what would Wenger and his followers end up doing (on facebook), if THAT happened.

Against Newcastle, once the first goal was conceded shouldn't have Arsenal switched to a more conservative style of football? Shouldn't the manager of the decade take more responsibility in his teams performance than just chucking a bottle of water onto the ground and showing the customary dissent he shows at the end of most games he fails to win?

A ten man team does NOT attack at 4-1, 4-2 away on a ground like the St. James' park. The fans are way too vocal and supportive and go a long way in bringing their team back. 15 minutes without conceding would get the volume down and take out some of the life out of the team trailing.

As a football fan, in both the games mentioned, the referee would've never been an issue at all had cranky Arsene Wenger made the right decisions.

It's Wenger who got it wrong. Whatever the reason may be, Arsene Wenger's followers should mourn about that. He's been trophyless for seven years. For a club of Arsenal's stature, or the stature they claim to have reached, that's way too long. Referee's, players and the opposition have been blamed, its time for them to check on their manager and their policy.

Batsmen, bowlers, fielders and numbers!

Who's most likely to win India the cup?

Going by the first two games, the Indian bowlers looked ordinary. Other than Zaheer Khan (one spell) no other bowler looked the part. No one looked capable of taking wickets or stemming the flow of runs in either of the two games.

But then, on Indian wickets very few bowlers can do so. An extraordinary spell by an extraordinary bowler is the only way of turning things around on such pitches.

Australia has gone that way by taking three wicket takers in Lee, Tait and Johnson.

England lack wicket taking bowlers (Tim Bresnan isn't a wicket taker and his five wickets against India could be misleading).

South Africa has Dale Steyn.

New Zealand certainly doesn't have any.

Pakistan has Shoaib and Afridi.

Sri Lanka has Malinga. (You'll read why Murali isn't mentioned as you read on)

In my opinion an extraordinary bowler isn't one with 700 wickets or with an economy of 3.5-4 runs per over. It's one who can make things happen.

The World Cup in the sub continent will have be played on flat and docile pitches. Add to that 20 overs of a powerplay and 10 slog overs (if the batting power play is taken before the 40th over). That leaves us with 20 overs where a captain can set 'his' field and the bowlers can bowl how 'they' want to.

Muttiah Muralitharan usually comes into bowl after the second power play (over number 16). A sensible batting team (or one portrayed to be sensible) stops taking risks between over numbers 16-34 (say the power play is taken in over number 35). That's when a captain, spreads his field and with the lack of catchers around the bat, Murali will not take wickets.

I stick my neck out on this one. Even if Sri Lanka win the World Cup, Muttiah Muralitharan will not be the leading wicket taker.

He won't be in the top three either.

Zaheer Khan is best known for swing.

Out of his ten overs, he bowls 5-6 in the first power play. 2-3 in the batting power play and the remaining in the slog overs.

Obviously because of the conditions and the pitches available, Zaheer cannot keep pitching the ball up, as even if he gets the odd edge and the edge doesn't go to a fielder, it could easily mean four runs to the batting team. 2-3 instances of this, coupled with the balls that don't swing, he could easily end up with figures like:

5-0-52-0. (Sreesanth's against Bangladesh)

9-0-91-1 (Anderson's against India)

Lets take James Anderson's bowling performance against India. Over the past two-three years, he's easily been the best seam bowler in England.

In the ODI at Bangalore. Anderson started off by swinging it, induced edges from Sehwag, which just evaded the fielders and he ended up playing catch up by bowling cross seam or cutters to stem the run flow. That didn't work either and he went for runs. Big runs.

Netherlands smashed him around too.With Stuart Broad returning in the next game, will Anderson be dropped?

I highly doubt.

So, a wicket taker around the world has gone for more than 8 an over in two games, only accounting for one wicket.

Sreesanth played in the game against Bangladesh. He played in the warm-up game against Australia.

With the help of statistics from a cricket website:

He induced five edges against Bangladesh in five overs. He beat Ponting's bat seven times (six, if the umpire would've spotted an edge we all spotted)..

In comparison, Zaheer beat the bat thrice in his ten overs against England. (One LBW, one bowled and one which almost dismissed Yardy).

Munaf didn't beat the bat at all.

Both ended up conceding more than six runs per over.

For the spinners, Dhoni always had a slip in place (sometimes even a leg slip for Chawla). He hoped the bowlers attacked but they never did. No flight, no turn.

Just ponder on this:

If Sreesanth came onto bowl as a first change bowler (over numbers 10-12) and bowled his overs between over numbers 10-34 (which would mean only two-three of his overs during the powerplay). If Dhoni could give Chawla a slip and a leg slip, give Sreesanth a slip for all his overs during his spell. With the spread out field, he'll probably go at 6 per over, but he gives India a genuine wicket taking threat.

India need a wicket taker during that phase of the game.

With seven batsmen, three of them who're decent spinners (Yuvraj, Yusuf and Sehwag) is it worth taking the risk of playing a genuine wicket taker?

I say it is.

PS: Two games into the World Cup, if we go by history and statistics, India might well be favourites to win the World Cup.

• The last time an Indian batsman scored 175 in a World Cup, India won it.

• Every cup that MS Dhoni has lifted has involved a tie for his team.

1. India - Pakistan in the T20 World Cup in 2007
2. Chennai - Punjab in the IPL 2010
3. Chennai - Victoria in the Champions League T20 2010.

Well done Kenny, NESV and Andy Carroll!

"I was a bit surprised and didn't really know what was going on at the time. When I knew it was real and that there was a chance for me to come here I knew it was a great opportunity and I had to take it". This is what Andy Carroll said in his first interview after joining Liverpool.

He wasn't the only one who didn't really know what was going on.

Rewind to 31st January 2011 at 10:00 pm IST, 4:30 pm GMT (just a few hours before the end of the winter transfer window) and football fans worldwide were glued to their computer screens on atleast five different websites looking for the latest on Fernando Torres' move to Chelsea. Resigned to losing Torres, we fans were hoping that Luis Suarez wouldn't face the same problem Torres faced under Roy Hodgson at Liverpool. In simpler words we were hoping to bring in a new striker.

With a few hours left for the window to shut the Liverpool management's agenda had three important points:

1: Convince Torres to stay

2: Convince Chelsea to pay 50 million (no exchange deal involving Sturridge)

3: Sign a replacement for Torres.

Along with these three important things, Dalglish and Commoli (I'm assuming they were at the forefront) were trying to get on the line with Blackpool's owner to convince him to listen for offers for Charlie Adam.

Commoli also got in touch with Houllier over a proposed move for A.Young which prompted the Frenchman to come out twice to declare that his winger wasn't available. A speculated bid for Micah Richards failed too.

Then came the inevitable. Torres' deal was agreed with Chelsea for 50 million. Frantically, Liverpool were in the market to sign his replacement. Two bids were rejected by Newcastle, before a 35 million bid was accepted and the big man was finally Anfield bound.

Now, belatedly maybe, comes my point.

35 million pounds!! Overpriced? Certainly. Rumours had it that Khedira, Ozil, Chicharito and Van der Vaart were worth 35 combined. Kenny what were you thinking??

Carroll? Why?

Is it because he's probably the best young English talent around now? (No offense to Wilshere, really rate that guy)

Is it because Liverpool needed a striker on transfer deadline day and everyone knew that. Any club possessing a player Liverpool needed would obviously overprice. Mike Ashley = Einstien then? Well done!

Is it because since Sami Hyypia left, Liverpool's only headed goal from a corner has come from Soto Kyrgiakos (who doesn't start a game now) and the Reds needed a physical presence in the box?

Is it because he's got a knack of scoring goals and has done so already this season against Arsenal and Chelsea?

Is it because he's got 11 goals for a team that has just been promoted to the Barclays Premier League?

Is it because he's got 9 assists?

Is it because Luis Suarez needs a striker to play alongside?

Is it because he's English and he's overpriced?

Carrick = 18 million. (Correct me if he wasn't overpriced)

A 17 year Wayne Rooney 28 million (not sure about the price, please correct me here)

Sir Alex made these deals and no one doubted him.

We needed Andy, we got him.

We as supporters didn't pay for him.

We as supporters can certainly enjoy the prospect of a few headed goals, a few assists and a physical presence that creates havoc in the oppositions defense.

Let's go Carroll!!