Maxi-mum output: Liverpool's Maxi Rodriguez latched onto Fernando Torres' cute through ball to earn all three points
Had he not secured the points that propelled Liverpool six places up the Barclays Premier League table, Maxi Rodriguez might well have been among those Roy Hodgson would have wanted to strangle at the end of this game.
Fernando Torres would have been at the top of his hit-list, such was the ineptitude with which he performed prior to delivering what was a delightful back-heel into the path of the advancing Rodriguez in the 86th minute. But neither of them appeared to appreciate what was at stake at The Reebok on Sunday.
The fact that a team with Champions League aspirations was sitting among the relegation places after nine games. The fact that Hodgson was under tremendous pressure, not least because John W Henry is due back in town this week ahead of Thursday’s Europa League clash with Napoli and a difficult encounter with Chelsea on Sunday.
Hodgson was exasperated in the technical area, almost spontaneously combusting minutes before the goal in response to the sight of Torres squandering another chance. No wonder he celebrated in the manner that he did when Rodriguez struck, jumping for joy, such was his relief. It was his first away win in the league since guiding Fulham’s triumph at Portsmouth on the opening day of last season.
Late escape: Maxi Rodriguez celebrates his dramatic late winner for Liverpool at the Reebok Stadium
Yet the problems remain and they could certainly be exposed by Carlo Ancelotti’s classy champions. Liverpool are still a team undermined by apathy and mediocrity, and are being carried, as far as they can be carried, by a few players who still seem to care.
Jamie Carragher is among those who do and his reaction served as a barometer of where Liverpool really are.
‘We’ll see if the confidence comes back in the next couple of weeks,’ he said. ‘It’s a win and while we played well against Blackburn, we did not perform so well here.’
It is hard to imagine him sounding more underwhelmed and understandably so when colleagues of the quality of Torres are performing like this. The Spaniard has had his problems with injury, yet so apparent is the loss of his explosive pace you have to wonder if he is still worth the investment clubs like Chelsea, United and City might be prepared to make.
But on this evidence there is an attitude problem as well, and that is so disappointing given how committed he has been in the past. He seems to be sulking, and that is the last thing Hodgson needs from a player who, three years ago, was among the finest strikers in the world.
Up for it: The goal aside, there was lots of huff and puff but precious little quality at the Reebok
Not that Hodgson seemed particularly worried. He was not convincing when he insisted we would soon see the best of Torres again, but far more important to him was his team’s position in the league. It was only in September that Hodgson asked to be judged at this point in the season.
‘I think tables are of no interest until at least 10 games have been played,’ he said. ‘Then you start looking to see how big a gap there is between yourself and the top teams, or between yourself and the bottom teams.’
This morning there is a bit of daylight on either side, but it’s a far healthier position when the boss is flying in to have a chat, and Hodgson knows that.
He brought a beaming smile into the post-match press conference and no wonder after the problems he has had since taking charge. He will know his team were a little lucky.
That players as determined as Gary Cahill and Kevin Davies did not deserve to lose. That it was through Cahill’s legs that the ball from Torres travelled was all the more unfair, given how impressive the English centre half had been prior to that.
Trouble mounting: Liverpool's Joe Cole was forced off early in the second half with a hamstring injury
Looking for something? Roy Hodgson got whatever it was he prayed for when Maxi popped up late on
A contender for man of the match but someone, in the end, who just lost out to his contemporaries in red.
Bolton had lost once in the league prior to Sunday and it was easy to see why. They are superbly organised under Owen Coyle, who must be the only man who wears shorts and a T-shirt in Lancashire in late October, but they play some decent football, too.
They even had two reasonable calls for a penalty, when Carragher seemed to block a cross with his arm and Sotirios Kyrgiakos appeared to push Davies.
There were chances for both teams in what was an entertaining first half.
Torres squandered the best of Liverpool’s and Pepe Reina excelled in denying Matt Taylor and the excellent Stuart Holden. Jussi Jaaskelainen did well to deny Kyrgiakos, and so left Liverpool as the only team - other than Stoke - yet to secure a first-half lead in the Premier League this season.
The sight of Joe Cole limping off with a hamstring injury merely enhanced Liverpool’s chances of success. He was dreadful again.
But it was Bolton who threatened most as this contest progressed towards its conclusion, and Bolton who were left crushed when Torres guided a pass from Lucas into the path of Rodriguez and then saw the winger’s shot beat Jaaskelainen.
A shot that is sure to have spared the scorer the wrath of his manager.
Alexandria Mills of the US celebrates as she crowned as the 2010 Miss World during the Miss World 2010 Beauty Pageant finals at the Beauty Crown Theatre in the southern Chinese resort town of Sanya on October 30, 2010. Miss United States, was crowned Miss World 2010, ahead of Botswana's Emma Wareus and Venezuela's Adriana Vasini at the beauty pageant.
Alexandria Mills of the US cries after being crowned winner of the 2010 Miss World pageant at the Beauty Crown Cultural Center in Sanya, in southern China's island province Hainan, Saturday, Oct. 30, 2010.
Miss U.S.A. Alexandria Mills, front, is crowned by the 59th Miss World Kaiane Aldorino after winning the 2010 Miss World pageant contest at the Beauty Crown Cultural Center in Sanya, in southern China's island province Hainan, Saturday, Oct. 30, 2010.
Alexandria Mills of the US (R) is congratulated by 2009 Miss World Kaiane Aldorino from Gibraltar as she is announced as the 2010 Miss World during the Miss World 2010 Beauty Pageant finals at the Beauty Crown Theatre in the southern Chinese resort town of Sanya on October 30, 2010. Miss United States, was crowned Miss World 2010, ahead of Botswana's Emma Wareus and Venezuela's Adriana Vasini at the beauty pageant.
Alexandria Mills of the US, front center, reacts after being crowned as winner of the 2010 Miss World pageant contest at the Beauty Crown Cultural Center in Sanya, in southern China's island province Hainan, Saturday, Oct. 30, 2010.
Alexandria Mills of the US, front center, reacts after being crowned as winner of the 2010 Miss World pageant contest at the Beauty Crown Cultural Center in Sanya, in southern China's island province Hainan, Saturday, Oct. 30, 2010.
Miss Botswana Emma Wareus, right, gestures beside Alexandria Mills of U.S.A. , left, after being announced 2nd place at 2010 Miss World pageant contest at the Beauty Crown Cultural Center in Sanya, in southern China's island province Hainan, Saturday, Oct. 30, 2010.
Miss Botswana Emma Wareus competes during the Miss World 2010 Beauty Pageant finals at the Beauty Crown Theatre in the southern Chinese resort town of Sanya on October 30, 2010. Miss United States, was crowned Miss World 2010, Botswana's Emma Wareus was second, and Venezuela's Adriana Vasini placed third.
Miss Venezuela Adriana Vasini competes during the Miss World 2010 Beauty Pageant finals at the Beauty Crown Theatre in the southern Chinese resort town of Sanya on October 30, 2010. Miss United States, was crowned Miss World 2010, Botswana's Emma Wareus was second, and Venezuela's Adriana Vasini placed third.
Miss Botswana Emma Wareus (R) smiles next to Miss United States as she is announced as the runner-up during the Miss World 2010 Beauty Pageant finals at the Beauty Crown Theatre in the southern Chinese resort town of Sanya on October 30, 2010. Miss United States, was crowned Miss World 2010, Botswana's Emma Wareus was second, and Venezuela's Adriana Vasini placed third.
Alexandria Mills of U.S.A. , center, holds hands with Miss Botswana Emma Wareus, left, and Miss Venezuela Adriana Vasini, after crowned as winner of the 2010 Miss World pageant contest at the Beauty Crown Cultural Center in Sanya, in southern China's island province Hainan, Saturday, Oct. 30, 2010.
Alexandria Mills of the US celebrates as she crowned as the 2010 Miss World during the Miss World 2010 Beauty Pageant finals at the Beauty Crown Theatre in the southern Chinese resort town of Sanya on October 30, 2010. Miss United States, was crowned Miss World 2010, ahead of Botswana's Emma Wareus and Venezuela's Adriana Vasini at the beauty pageant.
Miss Botswana Emma Wareus walks to the stage center after being announced 2nd place at 2010 Miss World pageant contest at the Beauty Crown Cultural Center in Sanya, in southern China's island province Hainan, Saturday, Oct. 30, 2010.
Alexandria Mills of the US celebrates as she crowned as the 2010 Miss World during the Miss World 2010 Beauty Pageant finals at the Beauty Crown Theatre in the southern Chinese resort town of Sanya on October 30, 2010. Miss United States, was crowned Miss World 2010, ahead of Botswana's Emma Wareus and Venezuela's Adriana Vasini at the beauty pageant.
Miss Venezuela Adriana Vasini walks to the stage center after being announced 3rd place at 2010 Miss World pageant contest at the Beauty Crown Cultural Center in Sanya, in southern China's island province Hainan, Saturday, Oct. 30, 2010.
Alexandria Mills of U.S.A. gestures after being crowned winner of the 2010 Miss World pageant contest at the Beauty Crown Cultural Center in Sanya, in southern China's island province Hainan, Saturday, Oct. 30, 2010.
Miss Venezuela Adriana Vasini (front) smiles as she is announced the third placed winner during the Miss World 2010 Beauty Pageant finals at the Beauty Crown Theatre in the southern Chinese resort town of Sanya on October 30, 2010. Miss United States, was crowned Miss World 2010, Botswana's Emma Wareus was second, and Venezuela's Adriana Vasini placed third.
Alexandria Mills of U.S.A. , front center, gestures after being crowned winner of the 2010 Miss World pageant contest at the Beauty Crown Cultural Center in Sanya, in southern China's island province Hainan, Saturday, Oct. 30, 2010.
Miss USA Alexandria Mills, right, Miss Ireland Emma Waldron, center, and Miss China Tang Xiao, left, hold hands while waiting for the announcement of the winner of the 2010 Miss World pageant contest at the Beauty Crown Cultural Center in Sanya, in southern China's island province Hainan, Saturday, Oct. 30, 2010.
Alexandria Mills of the US (C) performs with other contestants during the Miss World 2010 Beauty Pageant finals at the Beauty Crown Theatre in the southern Chinese resort town of Sanya on October 30, 2010. Miss United States, was crowned Miss World 2010, Botswana's Emma Wareus was second, and Venezuela's Adriana Vasini placed third.
Miss Venezuela Adriana Vasini is announced as the third place during the Miss World 2010 Beauty Pageant finals at the Beauty Crown Theatre in the southern Chinese resort town of Sanya on October 30, 2010. Miss United States, was crowned Miss World 2010, Botswana's Emma Wareus was second, and Venezuela's Adriana Vasini placed third.
Miss Norway Mariann Birkedal competes during the Miss World 2010 Beauty Pageant finals at the Beauty Crown Theatre in the southern Chinese resort town of Sanya on October 30, 2010. Miss United States, was crowned Miss World 2010, Botswana's Emma Wareus was second, and Venezuela's Adriana Vasini placed third.
Miss Kenya Natasha Metto competes during the Miss World 2010 Beauty Pageant finals at the Beauty Crown Theatre in the southern Chinese resort town of Sanya on October 30, 2010. Miss United States, was crowned Miss World 2010, Botswana's Emma Wareus was second, and Venezuela's Adriana Vasini placed third.
Alexandria Mills from the United States, right, Emma Wareus from Botswana, center, and Adriana Vasini from Venezuela, left, applaud as Emma Waldron from Ireland, front, walks up the stage as the top five finalists are announced during the 2010 Miss World pageant contest at the Beauty Crown Cultural Center in Sanya, in southern China's island province Hainan, Saturday, Oct. 30, 2010. Alexandria, a soft-spoken 18-year-old, was named the winner in Saturday night's contest in southern China.
Alexandria Mills from the United States speaks during the 2010 Miss World pageant contest at the Beauty Crown Cultural Center in Sanya, in southern China's island province Hainan, Saturday, Oct. 30, 2010. Alexandria, a soft-spoken 18-year-old, was named the winner in Saturday night's contest in southern China.
Contestants wait for the final announcement of the winner at 2010 Miss World beauty pageant at the Beauty Crown Cultural Center in Sanya, in southern China's island province Hainan, Saturday, Oct. 30, 2010. Alexandria Mills, a soft-spoken 18-year-old, was named the winner in Saturday night's contest in southern China.
Miss France Virginie Dechenaud competes in the Miss World 2010 Beauty Pageant finals at the Beauty Crown Theatre in the southern Chinese resort town of Sanya on October 30, 2010. Miss United States, was crowned Miss World 2010, Botswana's Emma Wareus was second, and Venezuela's Adriana Vasini placed third.
Miss China Tang Xiao competes during the Miss World 2010 Beauty Pageant finals at the Beauty Crown Theatre in the southern Chinese resort town of Sanya on October 30, 2010. Miss United States, was crowned Miss World 2010, Botswana's Emma Wareus was second, and Venezuela's Adriana Vasini placed third.
Contestants stand waiting for the announcement of winners at 2010 Miss World beauty pageant at the Beauty Crown Cultural Center in Sanya, in southern China's island province Hainan, Saturday, Oct. 30, 2010.
Alexandria Mills of U.S.A. walks on the stage during 2010 Miss World pageant final at the Beauty Crown Cultural Center in Sanya, in southern China's island province Hainan, Saturday, Oct. 30, 2010.
Miss Puerto Rico Yara Santiago stands on the stage during the 2010 Miss World pageant final at the Beauty Crown Cultural Center in Sanya, in southern China's island province Hainan, Saturday, Oct. 30, 2010.
Miss USA Alexandria Mills, right, Miss Ireland Emma Waldron, center, and Miss China Tang Xiao, left, hold hands while waiting for the announcement of the winner of the 2010 Miss World pageant contest at the Beauty Crown Cultural Center in Sanya, in southern China's island province Hainan, Saturday, Oct. 30, 2010.
Alexandria Mills of U.S.A. touches her crown after winning the 2010 Miss World pageant at the Beauty Crown Cultural Center in Sanya, in southern China's island province Hainan, Saturday, Oct. 30, 2010.
Contestants take part in the Miss World 2010 Beauty Pageant finals at the Beauty Crown Theatre in the southern Chinese resort town of Sanya on October 30, 2010. Miss United States, was crowned Miss World 2010, Botswana's Emma Wareus was second, and Venezuela's Adriana Vasini placed third.
Miss U.S.A. Alexandria Mills, center, Miss Venezuela Adriana Vasini, left, Miss Botswana Emma Wareus, second left, Miss Ireland Emma Waldron, second right, and Miss China Tang Xiao, right, stand together as the five finalists during the 2010 Miss World pageant contest at the Beauty Crown Cultural Center in Sanya, in southern China's island province Hainan, Saturday, Oct. 30, 2010.
Alexandria Mills of the US celebrates as she crowned as the 2010 Miss World during the Miss World 2010 Beauty Pageant finals at the Beauty Crown Theatre in the southern Chinese resort town of Sanya on October 30, 2010. Miss United States, was crowned Miss World 2010, Botswana's Emma Wareus was second, and Venezuela's Adriana Vasini placed third.
Ex-AKB48 member, Hoshino Michiru has reinvented her career as ’Michiru‘, a solo artist and songwriter.
She’s already prepared her debut song, “I ♡YOU no Gomoji“, which will start distributing via Chakuuta on November 10th. The song will be included in a wedding song compilation album, “~LOVE&PEACH~ Kekkon no Uta“, scheduled to be available for the 24th. Indeed, “I ♡YOU no Gomoji” has already been used as the image song of a wedding company since May!
Michiru joined AKB48 (Team A) in 2005 as the first generation member along with Maeda Atsuko, Takahashi Minami, and Itano Tomomi, but she expressed that she always wanted to compose songs by herself.
She created a song in 2007 while she was still with the idol group, titled “Ganbare!” (AKB48’s producer Akimoto Ysushi added the lyrics). ”Ganbare!” was later used as a BGM for the weather segment on “Super news.” Michiru graduated from AKB48 in June 2007 to pursue her solo career.
[starttext] After wrapping up promotions for “Can’t Nobody”, “Go Away”, and “Clap Your Hands”, 2NE1 continued where they left off with a follow-up promotion with their ballad song, “It Hurts.”
2NE1 unveiled their first follow-up stage for “It Hurts” on the October 31st episode of Inkigayo.
The song talks about a love long gone, and it was interesting to see the 2NE1 girls sing a ballad song on stage after their energetic triple song promotions earlier.
[starttext] SBS Inkigayo makes another return on a Sunday afternoon, which just happens to be on Halloween, so fans can look forward to a series of top performances.
The Take 7 nominees were miss A (‘Breathe‘), 2PM (‘I’ll Be Back‘), Ga-In (‘Irreversible‘), 2NE1 (‘Go Away‘), B2ST (‘Soom‘), Supreme Team (‘Then Then Then‘), and SHINee (‘Hello‘). Due to special circumstances, Supreme Team and miss A were not able to appear on the show.
As always, there is only one trophy, and the winner of this week’s Mutizen went to Ga-In who couldn’t quite believe it as she stayed silent for a few seconds before speaking! But it was really long overdue for Ga-In who have topped various music charts in recent weeks. Congratulations!
With October 31st being Halloween, Inkigayo marked the occasion with a special dance stage!
B2ST’s Lee Kikwang, SHINee’s Taemin, 2PM’s Wooyoung and Chansung, together with the only female representative, 2NE1’s Minzy, united for an exclusive Halloween themed dance performance to the tune of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” song. span class ="fullpost">
With all the idols listed known to be dancing gods, it certainly made for an exciting visual stage.
Crowing glory: Miss America Alexandria Mills was named the winner of Miss World at Saturday night's contest in southern China
Alexandria Mills, a soft-spoken 18-year-old American, was named the winner of the Miss World contest tonight.
The blonde Southern belle was a relative surprise winner after speculation focused on other contestants.
Second place went to Emma Wareus of Botswana, and Adriana Vasini of Venezuela came third.
Thrilled: The 18-year-old calls Louisville, Kentucky, her hometown, and she recently graduated from high school
Tears: The blonde was overcome with emotion after the announcement
The event was held in China this year, with the host country's own contestant, Tang Xiao, among the final five.
According to a brief biography on the Miss World website, Mills calls Louisville, Kentucky, her hometown, and she recently graduated from high school. She would like to become a teacher.
'I've never met a stranger and enjoy meeting new people,' she says in the bio. For the final, she was wearing a shimmering ivory-colored dress slit up the leg.
Runners up: Miss Botswana Emma Wareus and Miss Venezuela Adriana Vasini came second and third
Mills takes over the title from Kaiane Aldorino of Gibraltar, who was named Miss World 2009 at a ceremony in South Africa last December.
Women from more than 100 countries participated in the contest, organizers said. This is the 60th year of the Miss World Competition, and organizers brought back contestants from past decades to give the night a retrospective theme
Frock stars: Women from more than 100 countries participated in the contest, now in its 60th year
Maxi-mum output: Liverpool's Maxi Rodriguez latched onto Fernando Torres' cute through ball to earn all three points
Late escape: Maxi Rodriguez celebrates his dramatic late winner for Liverpool at the Reebok Stadium
Yet the problems remain and they could certainly be exposed by Carlo Ancelotti’s classy champions. Liverpool are still a team undermined by apathy and mediocrity, and are being carried, as far as they can be carried, by a few players who still seem to care. 
Up for it: The goal aside, there was lots of huff and puff but precious little quality at the Reebok
Not that Hodgson seemed particularly worried. He was not convincing when he insisted we would soon see the best of Torres again, but far more important to him was his team’s position in the league. It was only in September that Hodgson asked to be judged at this point in the season. 
Trouble mounting: Liverpool's Joe Cole was forced off early in the second half with a hamstring injury
Looking for something? Roy Hodgson got whatever it was he prayed for when Maxi popped up late on
