DISQUS

Villa's been an enjoyable club to watch the last two years. I'd like to see them in the CL.

1. Libel is a civil, not criminal, matter - on both sides of the Atlantic.

2. Nobody would have standing to sue.

Your end of the lesson.

I think most neutrals would dig Villa making the Champions League.

I simply hope it's not at Liverpool's expense.

Agreed. Will be interesting to see the distribution of games in the US.

Man U, the 'Pool is coming for you!!!!!!!!!!

/not really
//distant second in the league
///just wanted to flex a little, on a day that I felt like I could.

Agreed. The difference in reaction between now and the beginning of the season is the difference in form.

Doesn't change the fact that some of Gaffer's anti-Liverpool screeds in August through October were ridiculous.

It's Liverpool. It's 2009. It's a draw.

Chelsea to equalize in the 86th minute, followed by the immediate replacement of Torres, Keane, and Gerrard with Lucas, Hyypia and Plessis.

Me? Bitter much?

I agree they're the favorites, with Man U. the second best bet.

Which is why, unless they put away Arsenal and any other contender (Everton?) for the fourth CL spot early (unlikely give their current form) I don't think Liverpool puts out its best squad in the CL this year.

There is absolutely no justification for taking Gerrard off last night. None.

Without Keane to replace him, there was absolutely no justiifcation for taking Torres off in the Everton league game, up 1-0. None.

These are the straws breaking the camel's back of odd substitution decisions, which also include (a) a very steady winger in Riera being taken off almost every game that he starts, and (b) Keane being taken off almost every game that he starts, regardless of situation.

It's very possible - but to me, mind-boggling - that a week from now, Liverpool's goals for the remainder of the season could be down to (1) winning the Champions' League and (2) beating out Arsenal for the fourth CL spot for next year.

Of course, they may have to sacrifice the former for the latter, putting depleted teams out in the CL games and saving their best 11 for the League games.

In other words, a mirror image of the last two years.

Assuming they get by Everton (huge assumption given their current form), they'll need some Anfield fairy dust to avoid a defeat or a Villa Park replay in Round 5.

The doubters have been proven right by a nightmrish December/January.

And while we're at it, there are reported rumors of a Keane loan to Everton.

I'd love y'all's thoughts on that.

I know Spurs can't sign him. Can Liverpool loan him out to Spurs for the remainder of the season?

Either half of Merseyside-Villa and round 2 of Arsenal-Bunrley would seem to be the spotlight ties.

GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!

(deep breath)

OK. Better now.

Never mind. You win.

No, points are everything. Timing is nothing.

The League isn't won in January any more than it is won in October.

Your failure to acknowledge your intellectual inconsistency is disappointing, if not surprising.

As is the anti-Red bias.

P.S. Gerrard 68. So, so much for that theory.

Liverpool - 2008-09 triple winners.

Spurs - 2009 Carling Cup runners-up, 2010 Championship play-off runners up.

And United missed opportunities against Newcastle, Everton, and Spurs.

And lost to Arsenal to boot.

Your point still appears to be

Liverpool - late winners in Aug-Oct - no chance in hell.

Man. U. - late winners in Nov-Jan - have wrapped up the League.

Correct me if I'm wrong.

Because if that's your point, it's nonsense.

Giving Man U. three points for their game in hand, they're one point up on Livepool (assuming Liverpool wins today)

And their season is on the brink?

The haters are out in force.

Gaffer,

Liverpool did precisely that - against Sunderland and Boro - the first two weeks of the season.

That's when you declared that they had no shot to win the league.

They've also done it to Wigan and City.

A little intellectual consistency, please?

As the historical record and evidence suggest precisely that (that Liverpool fans caused Heysel but not Hillsborough), how does this demonstrate hypocrisy, you toolbox?

Well put. And while we're at it, aren't David Moyes and Steve Bruce, like MON, doing more with less this year? Everton doesn't even have a striker.

Such an insightful comment. Next time throw in a "yo mama" joke for added measure.

#1. 5 points ahead.

#2. By definition, the match with Liverpool is not a match in hand, wanker.

Benitez gambled and rested Torres and Keane for the Everton-Everton-Zenit London stretch.

With no Alonso, I would have started one, but so be it.

Friday had no impact on Saturday.

And this season is far from over.

Start flapping your trap when Man U. is top in reality, and not just in "matches in hand" theory.

Whatever. Rafa doesn't respond, he's "weak." He does, he's "losing it."

Given those choices, his measured response was more than appropriate.

Lot of season left. The League will not be won in January - and certainly not in the papers.

Mr. red-in-the-face-abusing-the-refs! No, not so much.

"As a United fan I know I have a manager that has class, taste, and history on his side."

So why don't you let that guy manage instead of Fergie?