Good result for us and we played some very good football during the first half. I thought Zurab and Oojer both played very well while the two aussies started to fade in the second half. Nonda and MGP were ineffective all afternoon. Shame about the goal, although them scoring was certainly on the cards the way we were playing during the second 45. The intensity and aggression seemed to be lacking and we dropped to deep, thus letting their passers dictate the game. I think Brett will have to take responsibility for the goal as he was stranded in no mans land with Bellamy totally unmarked behind him. Also very strange that we had no one on the post. Nonda dived trying to get a penalty off Hyypiä, there was minimal contact and no active arms from the defender. Savage was extremely lucky to avoid the second yellow and a sending off late on. Benni McCarthy showed class yet again and I hope the knock he took in the middle of the second half wasn't too bad. Happy with a point from Anfield though.

Right, I've downloaded the demo from XBL Marketplace and while it looks absolutely fantastic the gameplay felt very sluggish. So not too impressed. The player models are brilliant though, they really look the part.

It's Spider-Man Eddie Did you mean the Ultimate Spider-Man game btw? I loved that one, but then again, I geeked out seeing the creative team behind it. It had its faults, like all the bloody stupid races or chases but the story was decent enough. Can't wait for next gen Spidey though! I like the open ended superhero games even though they could do with a little work, specially when it comes to sidemissions. I'm interested to see what they've done with this Superman game. But before that, Marvel Ultimate Alliance...can not wait!

I bought Madden 07 on release day Eddie and I love the game so much. I haven't even touched the franchise mode though. Superstar mode is where it's at! The game is worth getting just for the superstar mode imo. It's a bit disappointing not to have Madden in there but to be fair, I haven't missed him much. The commentary you get is decent enough while it's more fun to hear the players interact on the field. It's just great to put a huge hit on someone and hear your player talking it up afterwards

That looks dissapointing to you? Looks like fun to me...

As I understand it, if you want to get FIFA this year, you should go for the 360 version as this is the one they have "rebuilt" from scratch. The games press seem to think that next gen FIFA 07 could actually compete with PES this time around. We'll see I guess.

You haven't heard anything about the Superman Returns game have you? Been very quiet lately although there was a new video out not long ago. Looks like a lot of fun...

I'm sorry M-K, where did you say you work again?

I give you the classic series!

Wait...what? You said you'd prefer it if none of our players were to consistant (as in playing well over time), in other words, you'd want us to be poor in order to keep hold of players. Which doesn't make sense. Then you want all our players to play well? So which is it?

So...you'd prefer us to be rubbish?

That it was about time he started to actually do something constructive during matches instead of running around like a headless chicken. And this isn't a get out of jail card. He shouldn't be allowed to faff about like before during the games to come. He needs to keep delivering the goods consistantly.

Just Cause demo is available on XBL Marketplace.

The Godfather, NHL 07 and Tiger Woods 07 will all be hitting shelves by the end of next week.

Err...yeah...that is actually the whole point of the superstar mode. You create your superstar and play out his career. You can pick and chose exactly what position you want your superstar to play in though, based on your parents genes. If you don't like what you get once you start up a new superstar, you can change around your parents until you find something you like. I've currently got one QB going, got drafted to KC and I've got one HB going which got drafted to the Patriots. LOVE superstar mode!

Well, I've just seen the game on a delay here and my thoughts for what its worth...I'm getting worried. There was something disjointed about us...not co-ordinated, off the pace, lack of confidence...something. MGP needs to be dropped badly. He looks totally off the pace and unable to do anything right. Infact, he's pretty much on the level he's been playing for Norway during the last year or so (with the exception of that goal against Hungary). I mean, Lucas Neill looked more dangerous coming forward than "Gamst" ever did! Infact, Bentley looked like the only one even remotely interested and willing to get anything going in attack. He put some decent crosses in and he's always willing to take on his man...the complete opposite of MGP then. A lot of things need to improve in the next week if we're going to kick start our season.

Really? Because I've heard good things, specially about the revamped Superstar mode, which is where it's at imo. True, the franchise mode is more basic than recent Madden games for current gen consoles but that doesn't bother me to much. Personally, I can't wait. Should be a good game of football.

For what it's worth, I got a 360 about two months ago and I've been enjoying the hell out of it so far. It's good fun dude. And the next few months are going to be great for games. Some really interesting titles coming out, starting next week. Madden and TDU in the same week...my wallet will huuuurt.

Yeah I was annoyed about that too but then I remembered that the first paper of the semester is due on the 6th September and the new date is now the 8th so that suits me perfectly Getting Madden on time would have been very distracting. I hear the superstar mode is very good this year so i'm looking forward to it. Just got a 3000 word paper on CVA's to write first

So what game were you watching? Chelsea were far from impressive today but they got a penalty (which was fair enough) at the right time. Drogbra's goal was unlucky but we needed to come forward to get something from the game, they hit us on the break. These things happen. We need to get better in the final third. The final ball isn't good enough at the moment. MGP is starting to show his faults now. He's been rubbish for Norway for the last two years while chipping in with important goals for Rovers. Well, he's done nothing so far...Sergio should walk into the side now, if only he was fit.

I wish referees could be more consistant when it comes to holding in the area. Roberts was just held back very clearly by Carvalho and I've seen penalties for similar incidents before. I think we're seeing our lack in squad depth here. Reid and MGP have been poor but we haven't got anyone to replace them who could do a better job it seems. Emerton is looking very good at right back, has he finally found his place now?

Bad mistake by Oojer, held Terry down for a penalty and booking. Unfortunatly, the referee got that one spot on

I'm watching it right now. We're playing quite well and are not giving Chelsea any time to settle. But we're not creating anything to speak of, which worries me. We should be converting now when we've got them where we want them. Just got very lucky with a penalty decision. Neill flattened Kalou and it should have been a pen. Also seen one of the more bizarre bookings when Sav got run over by Essien and then got booked! Oojer is looking decent and Neill has had a good first half at left back.

I thought the Saints Row demo was ok. Sure, it's a shameless copy/take on GTA but it does it well I think. It adds some interesting elements to the style of game and visually it's very good. I will be looking into to it once it hits the shops.

We need to see a response from the players but with our defensive problems this could get messy. Still, I'm going to hope for a 2-1 win.