Review: Liverpool stunned at Anfield

Liverpool has made a disappointing start to this season, having lost 2 of their 3 opening games. Last season, Liverpool lost 2 games in total and they have lost the same amount in just 2 weeks to the start of this season.

Liverpool played sloppily and caused themselves to have conceded 2 goals in the first half. Although Torres was able to bring them one up, Gerrard went on to conced a penalty, allowing Ashley Young to convert it, resulting in a 3-1 defeat for Liverpool against Aston Villa, at Anfield.

Well, I believe Liverpool have their work cut out for them if they wish to once again challenge for top spot in the Premier League this season. Benitez! Stop your foolish mistakes and get your act right. The loss of Xabi Alonso could be the reason as to why Liverpool has had a disappointing start. But it is definitely not an excuse. Benitez must learn to adapt to situations and change tactics based on their current squad selection and squad depth. The key to a successful manager is not only in acquiring good players but to turn their good players into fantastic players for the team, transforming their players into a squad that works and produces results!

Transfers: Money Talks!

The first major transfer has occurred between Manchester City and Aston Villa. Villa has lost their captain to Manchester City for 12 million pounds. What a pathetic scene.

Just 12 months ago, a similar saga occurred with Liverpool trying to bring him to Anfield, but with no avail. Gareth had previously expressed his desire to play in Europe and also dedicated himself to Villa's fight for top flight football. Now, with Villa qualifying to the Europa league and Man City no where near European football, Barry left for a raise in salary and at a price tag, lower than the original 18 million pounds. It seems as though money was a key factor to his transfer but surprisingly, Gareth decided to pen down a public apology to the people at Villa Park. If you ask me, all these cockamamie talk about believing in the vision of the club and wanting new challenges is "bullshit".

Ultimately, I think Gareth knows that Aston Villa will never be able to offer him as much money as Manchester City and with O'Neil needing cash to increase depth in the team for next season, Gareth Barry became the ideal sale. I believe Gareth could have sold himself out for a higher salary OR could have been sold out by the club for money. I don't think Gareth Barry will enjoy the game as much as he will with Villa. Mark Hughes may have his plans for Gareth Barry but it will be exciting to see who he brings in next and at what price. With Gareth Barry being 28 years old and with the track records of the owners behind these newly bought rich clubs, I don't think we will see Gareth Barry there for more than a season.

Who knows what the real reason is behind this transfer and who knows that their true plans are. As we all know, more often than not, the best stories never get published.