Alonso scores twice. Barry has, perhaps, his worst performance in an England shirt. Does that tell us much re. Liverpool? Well, not really. Unless you still believe Baros’ is a top class striker after his goal for the Czech Republic.

What I will say, however, is that it tell us Alonso may be on his way back to top form. When last has Xabi scored, let alone twice? I hope he is.

As for whether the owners can manage to find the funds for the stadium etc. The question is: how will they/have they found the funds for transfers? Tell us what their current financial commitments are?! Just a thought.

I hope Keane can get a goal very soon. just to calm him down.

Backs
RB – Arbeloa needs a man to mark!
CH – A pairing needs to be found and stuck to
LB – Dossena was ok but didn’t get chance to maraud down the line

Midfield

The system . Played -4-4-2 – interesting system for Midfield. Took Stevie G back into the middle of the park. Still not sure that is where he does the most damage.

Central Midfield and the rest – Under 4-4-2 – Macherano plus a.n.other. Liked to see Masch and Xabi (while he remains) together with Stevie G on the right and Babel (or Benayoun) on the left

Forward line – Under 4-4-2 – Robbie Keane’s just trying a little too hard. Saw flashes of skill and his first half effort was a good sign of things to come. Just needs to ‘calm down’! As for Torres, his finish said it all (but he was frustrated with the service which is why I’d like to see Stevie G play on the right with a roaming role)

To think I received a letter from BT Vision TELLING me that my bill will go up by an extra 8%!

Get sorted asap Jim. You’ve a few gaps in our overall knowledge to fill.

I’m particularly looking forward to hearing whether Hicks and Gillett have actually spent any of their own money (or the bansk on their behalf) or whether all/most of Rafa’s dealings have been funded by his own sales (in and out) and success in the Champions League and EPL? If so, what’s the point Rafa earning so much money for the club? To fund these guys debt? Hope you’ve got some answers, sir!

Glad to have you back!

At the mercy of BT after a house move, meaning that access has been limited as different parts of BT come out with different stories about what’s happening. Phone line went on late, broadband still not on, and incidents like BT cancelling engineer’s calls without warning. Currently sitting in a place with “The Cloud” access to the net but have a lot of catching up to do over the next week or so…

I only saw the DIC storie the other day and it caught my eye becauce it was published by The National. I hear that the Dubai royal family controll its contents. But I could be wrong on that one.

http://www.guillembalague.com/rumores_desp.php?id=55

If this is true, and I’m not sure it is (Jim where art thou’?), then it does beg the question how Parry can say the ‘owners have shown their support for the manager throughout the year’ (paraphrased)? Would be good to know.

PS @ LFC Born & Bred those stories about DIC were around a couple of days ago. I don’t think there’s any truth in it. At least the way the article was written doesn’t support a bid from them at the moment.

What is fact is that the North American are feeling the pinch – the credit crunch is a problem for everyone around the world, particularly where liquidity’s concerned. The upside for the Americans is that while the dollar is taking a bounding and their deals across the pond – the pound is strong and LFC is flourishing a current and future business. Who’s going to let that go easily?!

DIC ready for fresh Liverpool bid
The National Staff

Last Updated: August 09. 2008 11:37PM UAE / August 9. 2008 7:37PM GMT DUBAI // Dubai International Capital (DIC) have made it clear they still want to buy Liverpool, as the club’s ownership battle threatens to flare up again over the proposed transfer of Gareth Barry.

Manager Rafa Benitez is reported to be at loggerheads with Liverpool’s American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett after it emerged the duo had turned down an offer of a £12million (Dh84.6m) interest-free loan to help to buy Aston Villa midfield player Barry, 27.

Benitez had waited all week for money to be put in place to allow him to end the Barry saga before he sells any more players to fund the deal. But the US owners’ failure to produce the promised short-term loan may mean the £18m transfer deal could soon be dead.

The debacle might play straight in to the hands of long-term suitors DIC who have let it be known they are still waiting in the wings with their own proposals for the club.

The investment group had a £400m offer for the Merseyside club turned down in March and a source close to DIC said: “Just because it is has been a quiet summer does not mean DIC have lost interest. They are happy that things have now become low key, and they are awaiting developments.”

There is also speculation a former prospective buyer, and several rich US-based fans, are ready to help the club out of their cash problems.

Observers believe plans for the new stadium have, as yet, not included confirmed building contracts or the lease being agreed with the local council. The club’s owners are also going to have to find cash soon to fund the stadium as well as re-finance the current loans.

But the delay over the Barry deal is beginning to embarrass Liverpool. As soon as it was suggested the owners were looking to borrow money to fund the deal, City sources – admittedly close to the DIC bid – insisted borrowing would be difficult in the current climate.