As the smoke clears from Anfield after yet another feisty derby, Liverpool supporters suffer with the notion that every match is the most important of the season. This was definitely no exception. From the start we saw tic for tack fouls set the tone of the tie. An intense and physical match saw neutral fans scoff at the lack of quality football. Innocent bystanders might of found the match to be sloppy but supporters of both teams enjoyed the underling intensity.

A heavyweight boxing bout is never pretty and always brutally rough. This was just that. We saw Liverpool play with 10 men for the majority of the game after Sotirios Kyrgiakos was dismissed for a two-footed tackle on afro puffs Fellaini in the 30th minute.
Lasik surgery candidate/referee Martin Atkinson somehow missed Marouane Fellaini's double whammy foot stamp on the Greek defender's right shin in the same play that led to his red card. The lone highlight that did not include scuffles and cards saw Dirk Kuyt's 55th-minute header from a corner beat American Tim Howard to seal the deal for the Reds.

The flying Dutchman has scored 4 goals in as many games for LFC. Dirk's winner was also the 50th of his career with the prestigious outfit. Despite having a man advantage, all Neverton could muster was aimless long balls to a clueless Saha. Donovan folded under the pressure and Arteta barely saw any action since his inception in the first half. Rafa set the 10 man formation accordingly and the Liverpool players did what they had to do to secure the lead and eventual victory.

Steven Gerrard attracted more fouls than goal scoring chances. He was also quick to praise the referee in a post game interview for allowing them to "play" through tough tackles. Surely Stevie's outlook would be different if the sending off changed the score for the worse. Everton continue their winless run at Anfield shitting the bed since 1999 and all seems right in the world once again. With all of the weeks results going Liverpool's way. LFC currently sit in 4th place with a chance to be 2 points from third if a win can be earned vs. the perpetually prepubescent Arsenal. Liverpool Football Club fought an ugly battle with their backs to the ropes. Only if you come out swinging do you have a shot at winning.

Senior American architect working on the the "new Anfield" project discusses stadium in detail. New Kop to hold 20,000 fans! Click on Anfield for amazing video.

With uncertainty looming of Alonso’s departure to RealMadrid, everyone affiliated with Liverpool are adamant that Xabi stay a red. LFC players and fans alike are deeply disrupted by the ongoing public discussions between Xabi Alonso and his suitors Real Madrid. The Galaticos are no doubt back, having spent over 200 million euros on new superstars that include Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Kaka.

The off season transfer talk is either hated or loved by football fans but never ignored. However, I don’t recall seeing a transfer situation quite like Xabi Alonso’s. The crafty multi faceted mid fielder had a wonderful 2009 and quickly became a fan favorite.

Regardless of public support, Xabi Alonso has publicly stated in various Spanish media especially Real Madrid’s megaphone “Marca” his desire to play for the royal squad. Most recently he handed LFC his transfer request. Xabi keeps one foot in Anfield and his eye on El Bernabeu dispite a worldwide audience pleading with the player to stay in Liverpool. During Liverpool’s preseason run in Asia, signs begging "Xabi to stay" were the only white spots in an otherwise sea of red. Asian make shift Kop’s serenaded songs in broken English to the disgruntled player. Seems everyone wants Xabi to stay but Xabi Alonso. Looks like LFC will eventually part with the mid-fielder but he will go under their terms only.

There is no doubt that Alonso is incredibly important to what LFC want to accomplish. Looking ahead to the season, we thank the heavens that the end is near for the summer transfer window. Xabi will continue to play an important role for Liverpool if he stays put. Despite his desire to play elsewhere, Liverpool supporters will continue to cheer even if his heart is in Madrid. I’m still baffled by the overwhelming support Xabi gets for not wanting to be a red. Liverpool Supporters want a winning team, but why do we insist on loving a player that doesn’t love us back?