Around the League: Liverpool Over Crewe

The Liverpool subs, backups, and pointless wingers (Jermaine Pennant, come on down!), were on display Tuesday night against Crewe in their 3rd Round Carling Cup match. Danish center back Daniel Agger grabbed the first goal for the Reds, and Lucas Leiva broke a 1-1 tie in the second half to secure a 2-1 win.

This victory did little to take the sting out of Saturday's performance against Stoke.

The Gerrard free kick was a goal. I've watched it maybe 100 times now, and I'm befuddled. I actually agree with Rafa about the early goal. Had it stood, the game would of been completely different. Stoke would of had to come forward after being down a goal, and Liverpool would have most likely put in another goal or four. Instead, the Potters played a fun little game of stay on your own side of the midfield line, attempting to deny the Reds of a clear chance. The result was a lot of good chances, some great goalkeeping by Sorenson, and a 0-0 draw at Anfield.

Having said that, there is no excuse for Liverpool to not have scored after out-shooting Stoke 30-2. This is what killed their title hopes last season, home draws against bottom half teams.

The draw makes Saturday's Merseyside derby all the more important. Everton has had a disappointing start to the season, and nothing will kick start their campaign better than a victory over their hated rivals at Goodison Park. Can't wait for this one.


Around the League
-Brighton and Hove Albion have ended Man City's Carling Cup bid, 5-3 in the shootout. The Abu Dhabi is reportedly regretting not having bought Brighton and Hove, saving them about $400 million. Now they must set their sights on the FA Cup, and pray to avoid Havant and Waterloo, thus dodging the curse of the double named teams.

-Sir-guson is fuming about Pogatetz's horror tackle in Tuesday's Carling win. He became even more enrage upon finding out the Pogatetz planned to bring John Terry along with him for the appeal.

-Dean Windass may be walking out on Hull. Supporters everywhere are readying their new chants.

-Frank Lampard scored two more times for Chelsea against Pompey in the Carling Cup. How does he expect me to keep telling everyone how useless he is, if he's gonna keep playing well? Shame on you Frank, who's gonna be my punching bag now? What's that, you have John Terry and Ashley Cole from your own squad. Thanks sir, don't worry, I'll be back, about 30 seconds after your next international match.

-Arsenal's young boys keep stepping up and pushing for some first team action. Carlos Vela and Jack Wilshere put on a clinic at mid-week, and Aaron Ramsey looks formidable in midfield as well. Will the constant injection of young talent finally push them over the hump to the top spot? Or are they always destined to be just a year or two away from recapturing the league?