Take Stoke & You're Stuck... ANOTHER DREADED DRAW

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Wasn't the draw annoying? It was. (Not the above photo. That is how Rafa sees Fergie...hahaha)

First, all of us had to wait until 1.30am. Then when it ended at 3.30am, we didn't get the win. Worst of all the performances by the LFC squad is lackluster. Though I still puzzled with Rafa's decision to play Kuyt upfront, deputised by Gerrard as second striker. Why Kuyt? What is wrong with Torres and Keane?

I thing Kuyt should have played on the right, never upfront alone. Rafa should have knew what Stoke can do to distrupt our game plan - after all this is the same team that parked the bus in front of Sorensen at Liverpool. However, on home turf, Stoke can be categorised as playing their best game. I think Rafa got it wrong tactically last night. He should be brave enough to sit at the bench and not next to Rick Perry.

Somehow this small club really put on the show when they're facing the BIG FOUR. Though Liverpool `seems' to control the game in terms of possession but every time that Volleyball player (Delap) throw his freaking-long ball, it somehow rattled our goal-post. Luckily, none converted.

The draw disturb our momentum a bit. We should have accelerated by now but the engine obviously is facing some serious combustion issues. It can't fired-up, it can't get any better at the moment unless one Ferrari by the name of Torres is unleashed.

* The shriek look-alike photo was taken without permission from The Guardian UK

A FRIEND OF OURS : THE LATE JOHARI SHAWAL

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EARLY this morning, I received a rather sad news. A devastating one, actually. Johari Shawal passed-away due to the illness suspected to be tuberculosis at 8am, while warded at the Hospital Pakar Sultanah Fatimah, Muar in Johore Hospital. He is buried at his family's hometown in Muar at 6pm this afternoon, next to his father's.

A good friend, an office mate (he was our Chief Bureau in Perlis since Jan 2007) and someone who is remembered most for his cheerfulness, happy-go-lucky and loves his golf. He has been a sport writer for awhile prior to his promotion to Perlis. He joined Utusan in 1993 and assigned to the Crime Desk, Motoring and Sport's desk.

He also used to write about automotive and we even exchanged our respective test-cars, according to our needs... He also play football for the Utusan's club. Some one whom I can trust to deliver ( I was the manager!).

The dreaded disease, believed to have been contracted by Johari while he was in Perlis since November 2008. He was warded there last month. He was allowed to resume his medication at his hometown in Muar and today he's gone. He was 41 years old, survived by a wife and 4 children.

Thank you Rizal of http://rizalhashim.blogspot.com/ for helping me in informing the rest of the sport writers community. I know both of you were good friends too. I believed Johari was the one who introduce you to me during one of my trip to the football matches in the 90's.

He's family address is : No. 228, Jalan Chenderawasih 18, Kampung Kenangan Tun Dr. Ismail 5 Selatan, Sungai Abong, Muar, Johor.

Condolences can be send via his sister, Miss Nor Senita 017-875 6699

For those who knew him, please give him a prayer and Al-Fatihah.

So Long brother. Allah will blessed you, Insyallah.

utusanLFC :

No Liverpool posting for 2 days...

Ferguson: Inexperience can undo Liverpool's title challenge

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FOR the last 2 days, I have been engrossed with my children schooling and registration. Today would be my first day at work after a short 2 weeks holiday due to the arrival of my own `Steven Gerrard'. And I had to return to JPN's office 3 times simply because they insisted on my wife's doctor appointment card. What an experience! I don't recall this requirement when I registered my 2 girls. This must be new. Must be something to do with the influx of foreign workers in Malaysia. Must be related also to the extend of dangerous level we're facing with the international forgery scam. Must be. And I - the legitimate Bumiputra had to endure all those new regulations. Thank God all the registration processes completed today. But no, I didn't register my boy as Steven Gerrard. hahaha...

So only at 2pm (my shift is at 4pm), I can switch on my pc and read some football news. This one attracts me. And make me think.

Ferguson: Inexperience can undo Liverpool's title challenge
By Jeremy Butler (The Daily Sport UK)

Sir Alex Ferguson has started his mind games early this season by suggesting leaders Liverpool are capable of blowing up in the title run-in.
The Manchester United manager is the Barclays Premier League's master of psychological warfare and is using that in a bid to unsettle Rafa Benitez's side.
Liverpool are three points ahead of Chelsea and seven in front of third-placed United, who have two games in hand, but Ferguson insists the Anfield side's inexperience in title chases will cost them.
Liverpool have won the League title 18 times but the last one was in 1990 and Ferguson believes nerves will get to them and cause them to drop points while United continue to haul in their Merseyside rivals.
Ferguson said: 'There's no doubt in the second half of the season they will get nervous. With the experience we've got, having won a couple of titles in the past couple of years, it helps you.
'They are going into the unknown and, at this stage, if you make mistakes you get punished.'
Champions United hope to gain ground on the top two by beating Chelsea at Old Trafford on Sunday. Ferguson said: 'That will be a big game. Chelsea have done very well away from home but not so well at home, so it has been interesting form for them this season.'
Should United win in front of their own fans it will take them to within a point of Luiz Felipe Scolari's side, having played two games fewer.
Ferguson admits that would strike a major psychological blow against the team widely expected to provide United's main competition for the Premier League crown this season.
The United manager said: 'If we can get within a point of Chelsea and we've games in hand, then we're in a great position.'

So my questions to you :

1. Do you agree with Sir Alex? What would happened to Liverpool if Gerrard is indicted?

2. Can Man.U overhaul a much malign Chelsea?

3. In those games, who do you put your heart into? Chelsea if they win, they still be 3 points behind (provided we beat Stoke). If Man.U wins, they will be trailing right at the neck... So are we hoping both to draw? hahaha

EVERTON IS SCARED TO THEIR BONES... DOUBLE WIN FOR LIVERPOOL DURING THE CHINESE NEW YEAR!

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I was on the way to the Jabatan Pendaftaran Negara this morning when I heard the good news. Good news? Yes. Liverpool will meet Everton in the next round of FA. What could be more delicious affair than meeting the small club? The attraction definitely is brighter than meeting Preston which was speculated by some quarters that they could mount a surprise win on us. Yea... what ever. But in Everton, the excitement is different. As rightly pointed by our fella, Kajang-Today (I don't think he'll change his name... still a bit weird la... hahaha), the game on 24th or 25th Jan is just 5 days after the league meeting. What do you have in mind? A double win against the Toffees? SURELY, DEFINITELY, YES, OUI OUI... hahaha

I tried to log in a bit earlier during the day but it was impossible with my chores the whole day! And I have to stop now. Got to fetch my 2 girls from al-Quran class. See you later.

LSCM on Steven Gerrard

by NANTHA KUMAR

Most of us have reached the general consensus that Steven Gerrard should know better than to get into an altercation with a club DJ over his preference of music. That was Southport after all.
The majority of us, however, do not believe that the skipper deserved all the flak that has flown his way since last Monday’s regrettable incident.
There are many of us who have not forgiven Gerrard for his attempt to sell Liverpool FC down the Mersey when Chelsea called - not once but twice.
None of us would know the real story behind those transfer transgressions until the main figures behind those two incidents leave the club. Right now, Gerrard is dying for a fight back.
His reaction will help the Reds determine how they would like to end the season. The tone was set by Rafael Benitez when he reportedly called his midfield live wire to assure him of his place in the team.
Benitez’s relationship with Gerrard is a stop-start affair and there are a number of us who believe that he would have sold Gerrard to Chelsea.
There also also many of us who believe that Benitez would welcome the opportunity to peg down Gerrard to a few notches just to trim his ego.
Benitez is too smart a manager to take the second option. He would turn this discomforting episode into a classic “us-against-them” siege mentality special to stave off any more claims that his team are ordinary without Gerrard.
Gerrard’s value to the team is indisputable and, if anything, he can be expected to come out battling for his reputation and the club’s title challenge. He has - contrary to his belief - a lot to prove now to the supporters. It is to Benitez, however, the team, will turn to for leadership and inspiration.
The manager is in his strongest position for the first time since his arrival at Anfield in the summer of 2004 - in relationships with the club’s owners, key officials and team’s idols.
He knows, more than anyone else, that this is a turning point in a campaign to land the dream title and Champions League honours. Gerrard’s bar brawl has unexpectedly provided the team a bigger opportunity to bond and become stronger.
There are no complaints with the team spirit that has been forged under Benitez - there are no superstars or destructive cliques in the dressing room and everyone is answerable and respond
to a single authority.
Benitez has managed to impose his work ethics and style of play on the Reds. Watch the more promising youngsters coming through to the first team - players such as Nabil El-Zhar - and you will seen a distinct stamp. This is Benitez’s Liverpool and the Premiership has been warned.

PRODUCED INDEPENDENTLY FROM LSCM E-NEWSLETTER

BMW 135i ( A coupe of its own) by utusanLFC

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I have already fallen in love with the compact variant of BMW 1 Series when we first ``introduced to each other'' in 2005. To me, it has all the `naughty image/ bad boy' ingredients within its design, internal power and charisma. Now come the newly introduced BMW 1 Series Coupé.

It raises the design language so typical of this model series to a new, even more distinctive level. The sporting proportions of the car give it a unique look in the compact segment, the long front end, the passenger compartment – or the “greenhouse”, as it is sometimes called – moved far to the back, and the short rear end clearly distinguishing this two-door performer from its competitors.

Seen from the side, the shoulder-line of the car beneath the window area is the most striking element, while the widely flared side-sills accentuate the convex/concave surfaces of the side body panels. Interacting with the muscular wheel arches, these powerful contours clearly emphasise the sporting character and performance of the BMW 1 Series Coupé.

In its front end design, the new Coupé stands out clearly as a member of the BMW 1 Series: The design of the radiator grille, the kidney grille so typical of BMW with its powerfully accentuated chrome frame and headlights, is identical on all models. BMW 135i Coupé stands out clearly through its modified M Aerodynamics Package. Indeed, right from the start the front air dam with its extra-large central air intake emphasises the concept designed for superior driving dynamics.

The two separate air intakes at the sides, in turn, are subdivided by a dark crossbar and border on slightly flared flaps extending deeper down than the central air intake to guide the air past the front wheels and emphasise the wide front end of the BMW 135i Coupé also in visual terms.

The side-sills of the BMW 135i Coupé also boast their own, distinctive design, an additional light edge reinforcing the wedge shape. Again, this design feature typical of a BMW Coupé creates the impression of dynamic performance right from the start, even with the car at a standstill.

To highlight the BMW 135i Coupé as the top model also from the rear, the middle section of the rear air dam is finished in matt anthracite beneath the bumper, where the integrated diffuser optimises the car’s aerodynamics.

The side sections finished in body colour point towards the rear wheels, accentuating the wide track of the car. A further feature is the dark chrome finish of the tailpipe covers on the exhaust system, while the discreet spoiler lip commonly referred to in motorsport as a “gurney” on the rear lid provides yet a further sign of distinction with a positive impact on the flow of air.

The design of the radiator grille, the typical BMW kidney grille with its powerfully contoured chrome frame, and the headlights reflect the same body features at the front of the five- and three-door models.

Dark-coloured trim bars surrounding the lights create a clear optical contrast to the metal surrounds on the striking dual headlights. The bi-xenon round headlights, together with their corona-shaped light conductor rings serving to provide a daytime light function, likewise characterise the Coupé unmistakably as a BMW. The prominent chrome frame around the kidney grille, finally, adds to the particular style and flair of this compact model.

The rear end of the BMW 1 Series Coupé is equally powerful and striking in its look, distinctive horizontal lines accentuating the sheer width of the car. In combination with the widely flared wheel arches, these powerful lines also bear testimony to the safe roadholding of the new Coupé.

As a particularly sporting feature, the rear lid boasts a carefully sculptured contour flap visualising the short rear end and enhancing downforce on the rear axle at high speeds. And last but not least, the rear end also comes with a third brake light integrated in the rear spoiler.

The subdivision of individual light units within the L-shaped rear light clusters follows the horizontal orientation of lines at the rear, with the back-up light and direction indicators standing out clearly as a white band.

Horizontal light conductors are also integrated into the rear-light clusters, illuminated by light-emitting diodes (LEDs) for a particularly homogeneous lighting effect. Indeed, this design feature already well-known from other model series clearly reveals in the dark that the BMW 1 Series Coupé is a genuine BMW in every respect. And finally, the two-stage brake lights varying in brightness and size as a function of brake power are another feature typical of BMW serving in addition to enhance safety on the road.

The interior of the BMW 1 Series offers clear and at the same time solid, sophisticated flair. Dynamic, horizontal elements create a formal connection between the front and rear, with the cockpit characterised by taut but widely stretching lines and surfaces.

The upper section of the dashboard, in turn, is finished in black, with high-quality, natural-looking surface grain further enhancing this touch of quality.

The lower section of the dashboard comes in either black, grey or beige, like the rest of the interior, again emphasising the orientation of the car through its horizontal design and creating a generous feeling of space.

The control console for entertainment and air conditioning is integrated smoothly and harmoniously into the dashboard through its soft radii and flowing surfaces. The Controller featured in the iDrive control system is integrated directly into the centre console, again following BMW’s characteristic philosophy. Galvanised pearl gloss surfaces, finally, are to be admired on the door openers, on the glove compartment opener, on the radio’s rotary knobs, on the knobs of the automatic air conditioning, on the iDrive Controller, and on the ornamental trim strips featured on the leather sports steering wheel.

The frame less window... imagine the convertible variant... wow... (but not on Federal Highway please! You might caught some serious lung problems driving without the air-conditioned!!!!)

The BMW 135i Coupé features 18-inch light-alloy wheels highlighting the car’s active performance and dynamism. And as yet a further feature the BMW 135i Coupé comes as standard with M Sports Suspension and a high-performance brake system incorporating six-piston fixed callipers on the front axle and two-piston fixed callipers at the rear.

Straight-six gasoline engine with Twin Turbo and direct fuel injection (High Precision Injection), capacity 2,979 cc, max output 225 kW/306 hp at 5,800 rpm, max torque 400 Nm/295 lb-ft from 1,300–5,000 rpm, acceleration 0–100 km/h in 5.3 seconds, top speed 250 km/h (155 mph) (electronically limited).

The OTR price : RM423,800.

You got to be damned rich as the European footballer to own one, I guess. If not, I suggest you go for a bit practical models that were on the same price range but with four-doors and less sporty suspension! hahaha... This is Malaysian automotive market! 130% import tax and this is a German made!

Preston 0 - LFC 2

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Robbie `KING OF MISSES' Keane...

WHEN most of the highlight was focus on Gerrard, personally I was more inclined to see Robbie Keane to resume his scoring prowess which was abruptly ceased in the Newcastle's game last week. Prior to that, he has been scoring a couple goals. And that is supposed to be a promising, coming to the new year.

Last night, Keane started the game. He had four great chances to wrap up the game before the hour but missed the lot. A particularly poor miscue from six yards with the goal gaping on the stroke of half-time was enough to make every one of us experiencing some anger and deep frustration. I even send a text to Khan : ``Keane lost his confidence miserably'' and true enough, he failed again and again until he was substituted by Fernando Torres.

Ok Torres scored, simply because the captain is soooo kind to him, not that Gerrard couldn't score himself. But that kind of a kind passes, just to ensure your long time-injured teammate got a feel for a goal... is something rather difficult to do, even by our village standard ! (I play futsal, I do pass it to my mates even when I am facing the keeper one-on-one. But that is due to the nature of futsal. There's not enough space and time to muster a dribble. It's all about one touch and quick thinking. So if there's a mate on your left, perhaps it is a better chance to pass him the ball. But in Gerrard's case, what he did was ohh..so... kind!)

Wonder what if Keane was at the other end, could anyone put a dollar bet that he could convert it at all? Not with the pricey 4 clear-cut chances that he miserably missed!

At the moment, I have no feeling towards him. If Rafa wishes to sale Keane now, so be it. It' one thing to say that you can't score any goals if you're not been given a good service (a through pass from the midfielders or wingers) but hey... Keane - he just squandered one chance after another.

And the frustration is reaching a dengue-peak, the questions has been asked again and again... and now the voices are becoming louder. Is Keane the right one for us? Because the anger in us has become unbearable, something that has never been seen before... not even when we waited for Crouch to open his goal account. WHY WAS CROUCH SOLD IN THE FIRST PLACE? idiot.

REJUVENATE THE WINNING OF 2001 & 2006

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F.A Cup in 2001 was won single-handedly by Michael Owen.

2006 it was Steven Gerrard and the heroic of Pepe Reina (also his calamity the first half).

Is there gonna be 2009?... Not really our focus this time, right? It's still the EPL Champion that we're after. And perhaps a good showing in the European Champions?

PRESTON NORTH END vs LFC 4 Jan 1.25am LIVE!

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Preston North End or PNE have lost just twice in their last nine games and sit seventh in the Championship standings, just goal difference shy of the play-off places. They could only manage a draw against Barnsley last weekend, but the 1-1 result may have given Alan Irvine’s men a curious sense of confidence: that of being on level terms with a team who downed Liverpool (and Chelsea, for that matter).

Defensive duo Liam Chilvers and Neal Trotman remain unavailable through injury, as does goalkeeper Wayne Henderson. On-loan Ross Wallace is expected to feature, however, after receiving clearance from his owners, Sunderland.

Meanwhile, Neil Mellor is a chance to line up against his former club. The striker, best known for his contribution to the Reds’ successful 2005 Champions League campaign, will tussle with Jon Parkin, Chris Brown and Stephen Elliott for a starting spot.

The big news is that Stevie G is expected to play, just days after being charged with assault and affray for brawling at a Southport nightclub. Captain Fantastic was not only in electric form on his last outing, but the spotlight is well and truly fixed on him after his late-night fight at the Lounge Inn. The England man will be desperate to get the press and the public focusing on his football once more, so Preston’s midfield could be in for a bit of a battering.

Equally exciting is the possibility of Fernando Torres’ return to action after a month out with a hamstring problem – the Spaniard should be named on the bench.

Some of Anfield’s young guns will get a run-out, with the likes of Damien Plessis, Lucas Leiva, David N’Gog and Nabil El Zhar all in contention to start. Robbie Keane, left out altogether against Newcastle, may also feature from the get-go.

Alvaro Arbeloa (hamstring) and Fabio Aurelio (calf) return to the squad after injury, while Martin Skrtel could make his first start in defence since suffering knee-ligament damage in October.

FIRST DAY OF 2009... A mix of Liverpool and automotive to come!

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With Gerrard's story still occupying the main pages, I decided not to read further. More depressing is that I can't find the preview for our next games against Preston North End, this coming Sunday. Well, Gerrard is THE story now if you're a media man. What made it even more delicious is the fact that Gerrard is the captain of Liverpool, hails from Liverpool and Liverpool is on top of the Premier chart now. Our enemies wishes that the whole Gerrard's predicament will derail our effort to the submit come May. Some even suggested that Gerrard's image will never be the same to the fans but my reply is that as long he is not accused of murdering anyone, I'm not bothered. This is a little distraction, a bit irritation on our New Year celebration.

So, what's with the Nissan Navara picture above? Yes it was taken by me using Canon 400D. And yet to be published actually. May be sometimes within this month. This Saturday's edition will be my review on BMW 135i Coupe.

As you can see, I am still a truck lover. I owned a 3 liter Isuzu D-Max. A mammoth on the road in terms of engine size. However, the new Navara beats all - the biggest size, the most powerful engine 2.5 liter that exuded over 175 horse power and a nice suspension system. The Nissan buddies ask me if I wish to `switch' my truck. I would love to but reality check is that with the global credit crunch today, I don't think I can get a reasonable loan interest rates and also, a sustainable second hand value for my existing truck. But above all, my love towards D-Max never diminished.

It took me a good 12 months before I come to the decision. I tested all the truck available on our market except Tata - which has no aesthetic value at all. And the main reason for me choosing D-Max is for its fuel efficiency. A full tank of 75 liter, you can drive up to 800 km maximum with an average speed below 110km/h. Mine is an automatic transmission. If you choose a manual... there's an annual test made by Isuzu and monitored by independent bodies that proves D-Max can go as far as 1,500 km ! But I suspect they are driving below 100 km/j. In my case, sometimes I drove between 110 km/h to 140 km/h (depending on my mood) and on none-working days I just sailed below 100 km/h.

Because of my job also which allows me to test-drive many-many cars in a month... my truck just register slightly over 19,200 ++ km yesterday. This aspect itself, surely will be a plus factor if ever I think I want to sale it off. Of course the negative factor is that the road tax is almost RM2K. I still not sure what is the current rate because the government did announced sometime ago that the diesel road tax would be standardise with the petrol. Now that the oil price has been lowered, I really not sure. I guess I have to wait for my insurance agent to confirm it for me.

A few buddies ask me about changing their cars this year. My advice is that they have to monitor the nation's economy. Listen to the news more. The global economic problem is expected to be felt within the first quarter here in Malaysia. Though the government, through our `new' Finance Minister is working hard to ensure all the stimulus packages that were announced last year, will be implemented in full-swing. If these works, the impact won't be that dire (or so the experts hopes).

However, my understanding as of now is that, our domestic automotive industry has been experiencing the slowdown of sales since last October (post-Aidilfitri). The negatives are said to be felt across-the-board. Meaning it affected both the players who are the franchise holders (i.e Toyota, Honda, Nissan etc..etc..) and also those Grey Market (Approved Permit Holders) that sold reconditioned premium cars. During the oil price hike in late 2006, the decreased was felt only on the franchise holder. Now, when the AP Holders also admitted that their sales has been affected... it shows that majority of people and companies are controlling their lust for new cars. The warning system of economy breakdown has been sounded since late October, so there is ample time for all of us to adjust. With the exception of a few including the Perak State Government who opted to purchase the Toyota Camry, every one must practice caution for awhile.

There is a positive side of being so. First, if you go now to buy a car... the interest rate inflicted upon you is enormous than before. While 1 point won't make much different to some, but when it is translated into RM60-RM100 extra on your monthly installment, you must do some calculation on your whole budget. The wisdom is that, your car expenses should not be more than 1/4 of your monthly salary. The rest must be balanced between your house mortgage, groceries, child schooling, Astro, petrol etc etc...

Second, your purchasing power is reduced in terms of down payment. If you have a car and you want to resale it to gain some capital, the residual value is an issue based on the car-make. A big disaster if you owned a national car or a korean-car that has been re-badged as national car. For example, for a 2003 Proton Waja the market price could be RM30,000. Now it could be reduce to a few thousand ringgit more. The excuses given by the 2nd hand car dealer is that they also don't have ready buyers.

Third, most of the car dealers are aiming for the Chinese New Year spirits where they usually register lots of new sales annually during that period. Look out for good bargain within this 2-3 weeks prior to the CNY. If you're lucky, you might be offered good value items if you buy a car. At least Perodua (Klang Branch) I have noticed is offering a 32inc Plasma TV for a new MyVi.

Forth, if the sales during the CNY is lousy, the car dealers have to think of something to stimulate their sale. Expect a more rigorous and aggressive marketing ploy among the players. The end benefit is ripe for us to take!

Fifth, if you eyeing for the premium segment, we are hoping the AP holders will lowered the prices of cars like Toyota Caldina, Harrier, Honda Elysion and etc etc. The discount could be between RM15k to RM40k depending on your luck!

hmmm.... I stop here now. So this is a snapshot of what utusanLFC would be starting today. I shall mix my writing between Liverpool FC and automotive industry. Hope you guys like it.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2009!