The Kopite View

Reds Held By Gunners

Liverpool travelled to London to face Arsenal hoping to bounce back after that disappointing defeat to Oldham in the FA Cup at the weekend.  The match was played at a frenetic pace between two teams looking for a vital win, and an early goal from Suarez and a second half goal from Henderson looked like giving the visitors the three points, but two quick goals from Giroud and Walcott set the game up for an exciting finale. Neither team could find a winning goal but it wasn’t for the lack of trying.

The Team

Brendan Rodgers made a host of changes to the team that lost to Oldham with Reina returning to keep goal for the Reds. Wisdom kept his place at right-back and fit again Johnson played at left-back. Jamie Carragher returned to the centre of defence to partner Agger to martial the defence. Lucas, Gerrard and Henderson played in the centre of midfield with Suarez in an unfamiliar role on the left and Downing on the right of midfield. Daniel Sturridge played as the lone striker.

The Match

Liverpool got the perfect start with a goal in 5 minutes from Luis Suarez after Sagna’s slip allowed Johnson to drive into the box before crossing to Sturridge, his close range strike was blocked by Szczesny but fell for Henderson who squared for Suarez to sweep home via the aid of a deflection.

Arsenal made an immediate response but Walcott was denied by a terrific save from Reina. The game developed a pattern of Arsenal dominating possession but Liverpool breaking dangerously on the counter-attack, next Suarez’s stunning outside-of-the-foot pass set Sturridge clear, but his volley bounced the wrong side of the upright.

Then Giroud sliced wide from the edge of the box. And Reina denied Walcott again tipping a curling effort round the post.

Liverpool continued to pose a threat and almost doubled their lead when Agger rose highest to head a Gerrard corner downward towards goal but Podolksi was alert to clear off the line.

Then just on the stroke of half-time Downing sent Henderson clear, but his lobbed effort landed on the roof of the net.

The second half produced long spells of dominance by the home side forcing Liverpool deep into their own half and made it difficult for the visitors to gain any respite in a sustained onslaught. Liverpool continued to defend resolutely, superbly martialled by Carragher.

Then just after the hour mark Henderson doubled Liverpool’s lead when he showed great strength to drive into the box before making the most of a fortunate ricochet to tap the ball into an empty net.

Liverpool’s lead was short lived with two goals in as many minutes. First, Giroud nodded home a Podolski free-kick unmarked to reduce the deficit before Walcott beat Reina with a fierce angled drive to level up the contest and leave the Reds rocking.

It was Arsenal who finished the stronger, but Liverpool held on for a point – though Suarez could have won it at the death when only a fine stop from Szczesny denied him a winner.

Summary

Rodgers selected a strong side with an attacking threat. Rodgers brought Carragher back into the defence to help organise the defence and it worked a treat, Carragher was immense, putting his body on the line to make blocks, constantly organising his troops and making timely interceptions. Liverpool defended well against a very dangerous Arsenal side and looked like scoring every time they counter-attacked. But in the second half Liverpool struggled to cope with Arsenal’s movement and scored a second goal against the run of play. But losing the two goals so soon was disastrous and it seemed as if Arsenal would go on to win the match, but Liverpool came back into the match and could have scored a late winner in an exciting finish to the match. Overall it was a good point and a gritty performance by Liverpool.

Oldham Athletic 3-2 Liverpool Match Report

Liverpool started their first of three matches in seven days with a very tricky trip to Oldham to face Paul Dickov’s side in the fourth round of the FA Cup. A return trip to Wembley would be gladly welcomed after three trips to the famous venue last season. But after sneaking past non-league Mansfield in the last round, Liverpool would expect to face another difficult tie at Boundary Park.

The Team

Brendan Rodgers selected a very young side for the visit to Oldham with one eye on his next two fixtures later in the week, although he had a couple of enforced changes with Reina and Johnson struggling with injuries. Brad Jones replaced Reina in goal and Wisdom and Robinson started as the full-backs, Skrtel partnered Coates in the centre of defence. Borini played on the left of midfield with Sterling starting on the right and Allen and Henderson playing in the middle of midfield. Suarez played just behind Sturridge in an attack.

The Match

Liverpool were shocked in less than 2 minutes when they went behind to a Matt Smith header after he beat Coates in the air, Skrtel tried in vain to head off the line. Liverpool looked stunned as the home side flew in to tackles to unsettle their Premiership visitors.

Liverpool equalised through Captain for the day Suarez when he drove from deep inside the Oldham half before firing into the net from the edge of the area, it was totally against the run of play.

Oldham continued to cause Liverpool problems with their energy and physical approach, especially with their tactics of trying to get the ball up to the impressive Smith as often as possible. Liverpool’s defence looked shaky and keeper Jones took a whack after spilling a routine save.

Suarez headed in from close range but his effort was ruled offside. Then Sterling should have scored after a good Liverpool move, but he shot straight at the keeper.

Seconds before half-time Smith scored his second goal of the match when he tapped in from close range after Jones spilled an easy looking save.

Liverpool looked to get back into the game straight away at the start of the second half, but Borini was wasteful when clean through on goal. Seconds later Liverpool were 3-1 down when Wabara headed into the top corner with the Liverpool defence missing.

Liverpool now had a mountain to climb and Rodgers sent on Gerrard and Downing for Wisdom and Borini to resurrect the situation. Gerrard made a huge difference as Liverpool started to dominate for the first time in the match.

It sparked a Liverpool onslaught on Bouzanis’s goal, with Gerrard, Sturridge and Suarez each taking turns to try their luck – though Paul Dickov’s side defended with dogged determination.

But there was little they could do as Allen reduced the deficit with a deflected volley from the edge of the box on 79 minutes after the hosts had only half cleared a Liverpool corner.

Gerrard and Allen both went close as the clock ticked towards to full-time, with the captain smashing the crossbar from distance, but Oldham were able to hold on and secure a place in round five.

Summary

I have to say that I thought Rodgers picked a side that was too inexperienced for the fight of a FA Cup tie against a lower league club. I agree with trying to give Gerrard a rest, but Carragher should have been in defence to organise against an “up and at em” physical side. Too many players that haven’t played much recently too was a big mistake, the likes of Coates, Robinson and Borini. Coates had a real nightmare against the physical Smith, but he never got much help from Skrtel as Liverpool’s defence looked vulnerable. Brad Jones looked very shaky too and it was a calamitous mistake for the second goal just before half-time, although it was a certain foul on Sturridge in the lead up to the goal. Too many players didn’t perform and didn’t match Oldham’s aggression and determination. Suarez scored a good goal and was unlucky with one effort being ruled out but he disappeared in the second half. Liverpool never started to dominate until Gerrard came on and if more of his team mates showed his desire Liverpool would still be in the cup, he was so unlucky with his shot off the crossbar late on, but Oldham deserved the victory after Liverpool’s very poor first half performance.

Liverpool 5-0 Norwich Match Report

Liverpool hoped to get back on track at home to Norwich after losing away to rivals Manchester United last weekend. The Anfield side had been on a decent run of form of late and a win at home to Norwich would be the perfect response after the United defeat ahead of next week’s FA Cup tie away to Oldham before facing successive away games to Arsenal and Manchester City respectively.

The Team

Brendan Rodgers made a few changes to the side that lost to United last weekend with Jamie Carragher returning to the defence alongside Daniel Agger, the veteran making only his second Premiership start of the season. New signing Daniel Sturridge was handed his Anfield debut as well, and Jordan Henderson returned to Liverpool’s midfield. Raheem Sterling, Joe Allen and Martin Skrtel dropped to the bench. Brad Jones replaced Reina in goal with the Spaniard injured, Wisdom and Johnson were the wide men in defence. Lucas, Gerrard, Downing and Suarez made up the rest of the team.

The Match

Liverpool dominated possession in the early stages, but it was Norwich who came closest when Bennett headed straight at Jones from a Snodgrass free-kick. From that point onwards it was mostly one way traffic with Liverpool dominating and Norwich looking to frustrate with Holt looking an isolated figure up front.

Suarez and Sturridge combined early with the latter shooting straight at keeper Bunn. Then Suarez bamboozled Turner with a clever backheel but his low cross-shot was claimed at the second attempt by Bunn.

Liverpool got their reward in the 26^th minute when Henderson fired past Bunn from the edge of the penalty box after a challenge on Suarez broke kindly for the midfielder.

Moments later Henderson showed his confidence with a 30 yard effort but this time it was straight at Bunn. Then in the 37^th  minute Suarez made it 2-0 when Sturridge cleverly let a pass from Lucas run through his legs and onto the onrushing Suarez who beat Bunn from close range with his left foot.

Sturridge had a good effort saved by Bunn just before the break and he completely missed his kick at the start of the second half from close range from a Suarez pass.

Liverpool continued to dominate proceedings in the second half and Sturridge made it 3-0 from close range bundling home a first-time driven cross from Downing.

Gerrard made it four when he drilled a 25 yard effort low into the bottom corner after good work by Johnson down the left flank.

Substitute Sterling’s direct run and shot made it 5-0 via Ryan Bennett as the match turned into a rout for the home side.

The match finished 5-0 and the perfect response to last week’s defeat with an impressive performance to match.

Summary

Great to see Sturridge starting with Suarez, I was also pleased to see Henderson start in the midfield, but surprised like most people to see Carragher replace Skrtel in the centre of defence. Liverpool played very well with a high tempo game and played with the right attitude which Norwich couldn’t cope with. Getting the first goal was very important and Liverpool grew in confidence after that. Henderson scored a great goal and is starting to become the player Dalglish hoped he would be. Suarez and Sturridge linked up well in a blossoming partnership, and great that they both scored. Downing also impressed down the right flank and produced a great volleyed cross for the Sturridge goal. Overall it must rank as Liverpool’s best performance of the season and now they need to find consistency in their results over the coming weeks.

                                         Will Suarez Stay At Liverpool ?

Luis Suarez is a world class striker and has been Liverpool’s best signing in many years, but can Liverpool hold onto their star striker?

Suarez signed a new, long term contract last summer for Liverpool ending speculation of a move to Manchester City. But Suarez just seems to be getting better and better with every game this season and unfortunately the same can’t be said for Liverpool.

Suarez is an ambition man and throughout his career he has continued to make progress by moving to teams that can test his ability at a higher level. Suarez left his homeland at a young age for Europe and Groningen in Holland proving that he had an ambition in abundance. Groningen couldn’t hold onto the rising young star and when Ajax made a bid for Suarez, they had to let him go.

Suarez continued to improve and make progress at both club and international level, catching the eye of Liverpool, who signed him. Suarez made an immediate impact scoring on his debut and has impressed ever since with his style of play and now this season in particular, with his goal ratio.

Suarez has become such an important player for Liverpool, especially this season with the lack of strikers in Liverpool’s squad. Suarez has scored most of Liverpool’s goals this season and Liverpool have become reliant on the Uruguayan. The striker’s form has brought many admirers and with Liverpool looking set to miss out once again on a top four spot in the League and entry into the Champions League, then the vultures that are European football’s elite may come to snatch him away from Anfield.

Suarez looks happy at Liverpool and is adored by Kopites, but he has had a rough ride since his arrival to England, with controversy never too far away. Suarez gets abused at every away ground and the nation’s media are quick to criticise the slightest misdemeanour from Suarez with headline news.

For the love of the Kop and the hatred of everyone else I don’t think it matters to Suarez as his ambition drives him on in his career, and worryingly for Liverpool this could be the time for Suarez to move on to a team that can guarantee him Champions League football where he can test his ability at the highest level of European football.

Liverpool might still make it into the top four, but it is a long shot. But if Liverpool show improvement and look to be heading in the right direction under Brendan Rodgers’ leadership then Suarez might stay if the club show the ambition that he does. Liverpool can’t afford to lose Suarez in their quest to become a top team in England once again.

Liverpool need world class players like Suarez to attract other world class players to the club, especially if they don’t have the attraction of Champions League football to encourage them. Keeping players like Suarez and Gerrard and Agger will show that Liverpool are very ambitious and have much quality to progress in the right direction.

But if Liverpool end the season mid-table Suarez could be tempted to further his career with a different team, and that could be a disaster for Liverpool at this moment in time. This second half of the season is going to be very important for the future of Suarez and for Liverpool.

                                         24 Points Behind United

Liverpool suffered another disappointing defeat to their great rivals Manchester United on Sunday and now trail the Premiership leaders by 24 points and we are only in January, but manager Brendan Rodgers feels that Liverpool are not 24 points behind United in terms of quality.

Liverpool have been had inconsistent results wise this season and their current position of 8^th in the league is about as high as they have managed all season. Obviously it takes time for a new manager to install his tactics and style of play in to his new players, and the results have suffered along the way as Rodgers implemented his style of play.

The summer signings have been poor and have left Rodgers with a threadbare squad, especially in the striking department. The loss of many experienced campaigners like Kuyt and Bellamy have only been replaced by youngsters, which is a big ask and big step up for them. Praise must go to Brendan Rodgers for showing faith in them, but has he had much of a choice, but to bring them into the first team ?

To be where Liverpool are in the league is really quite amazing as they are still within touching distance of the top four after losing seven games this season. But many thanks has to go to the form of star striker Luis Suarez, who has provided most of the goals for the Anfield club and the Uruguayan has at times been the only recognised striker available to Rodgers.

The addition of Sturridge to the squad could provide the firepower Liverpool need for the second half of the season and his two goals in as many games is very encouraging along with his understanding with Suarez in the short time they have played together.

The youngsters that have stepped up to the first team this season have been tremendous, with Raheem Sterling grabbing most of the headlines. But the outcast players like Downing and Henderson have also started to look more confident in recent games. The return of Lucas has been of great importance to the Liverpool midfield to give Steven Gerrard more freedom to create in the attacking third. Lucas is still finding his sharpness after a long lay-off, but his importance is vital to Liverpool’s midfield.

Enrique has been on fire in recent games and it really is a pity that he’s picked up an injury. Joe Allen has struggled lately, but he has shown earlier in the season how good he can be and I’m sure he will find his form again.

When you look at the league table and you look at the teams above Liverpool, well Liverpool have yet to beat any of those teams and that has to change or the Anfield side will remain in mid-table.

At present I have to disagree with Brendan Rodgers and say that Liverpool are 24 points behind United in terms of quality, United show what a great team they are week in week out in their application, determination and quality. The biggest difference between Liverpool and United is that United are blessed with a luxury of top class strikers that Liverpool don’t possess and they always seem to find a way to win even if they have to wait until the last minute. Liverpool can’t attract or buy the type of players that United can either, mainly because Liverpool are not in the Champions League, and that will not change until Liverpool get back there.

Rodgers said that it will take time to get back to where Liverpool were, but 24 points is a big gap and it looks like it could be a long time to bridge that gap, time will tell.

                                       Manchester United 1-2 Liverpool Match Report

Liverpool travelled to Old Trafford to face their fiercest rivals with the hope of improving on their poor record of recent years at the home of United. The match would provide a good test to see how Liverpool are improving under Brendan Rodgers. Liverpool have only won one of their last eight visits to Old Trafford and United have been on a run of great form as they top the Premiership table with a seven point lead over their City rivals.

                                              The Team

Rodgers decided to go for a conservative selection of his side to try and counter-act the attacking threat of United with Lucas, Allen and Gerrard playing in the middle of midfield. Reina started in goal, with Wisdom at right back and Johnson on the left, Agger and Skrtel partnered once again in the centre of defence. Downing and Sterling were the wide men in midfield, and Suarez was selected as the lone striker. New signing Sturridge had to settle for a place on the bench.

                                       The Match

Liverpool started the game looking to frustrate United as they handed possession to the hosts. United probed and Liverpool sat deep in the early part of the match as both goal keepers looked on as spectators.

But United took the lead with the first real chance of the match, when a quick passing move resulted in Evra finding Van Persie with a low cross inside the area, the Dutch striker clinically finished off the move after find a yard of space off Daniel Agger.

The Dutchman spurned a good opportunity to add a quick-fire second moments later, scooping over from just inside the area after being picked out by Ashley Young’s pass.

United were dictating the play and Suarez was left an isolated figure as Liverpool struggled to get forward. Joe Allen played a suicide pass to Welbeck but Agger produced a tremendous block to prevent the visitors from falling further behind.

Tom Cleverley volleyed narrowly wide soon after while a goalmouth scramble inside the Reds’ six-yard box saw Martin Skrtel hack Van Persie’s flick off the line to ensure the scoreline remained at 1-0 heading into the break.

Rodgers introduced Sturridge for the second half replacing Lucas and Liverpool looked more threatening in the early stages with Wisdom spurning a chance early in the second half.

But just two minutes later, the hosts extended their lead as Evra arrived at the back post to nod in Van Persie’s free-kick, though the final touch came off Vidic.

However, Liverpool served up an instant riposte when Sturridge reacted quickest to tap into the back of the net after De Gea had been unable to hold onto Gerrard’s drilled effort.

Borini was summoned from the bench shortly after, taking the place of Sterling as the Reds chased a leveller.

Liverpool’s tails were finally up and Sturridge and Borini both went close as the home crowd grew restless, but they were unable to breach the United rearguard again as the hosts held on for the three points.

                                          Summary

Rodgers was far too negative in his tactics as he basically played with three holding midfielders and Suarez playing with no support. United should have been 3 or 4 goals up at the half, but credit to Rodgers bringing on Sturridge at half time to liven things up and he did. Poor defending at United’s second goal although their first was a great goal. I was pleased with the response in the second half, but it was too little too late and we showed United too much respect in the first half. Big positive was Sturridge and Suarez showing a good understanding, but devastating losing to United.

You’ll Never Walk Alone

I have always loved this anthem of my favourite football team, sung by the legendary Gerry and his Pacemakers from the sixties. When I hear it played, I get goose bumps and the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end.

But in this last year it has meant much more to me than ever before. The day after Liverpool won the Carling Cup my world changed when my father took a massive stroke and had to be rushed to hospital.

Now I am a forty- one year old man, married to a lovely wife and fortunate to have 3 beautiful kids, but I am so close to my dad and we share a drink and watch footie and listen to the same kind of music and he is my best friend, so this shock hit me like a sledgehammer and since last February I had to visit him every day in hospital for 16 weeks to encourage him in his recovery.

He was lucky to survive, and could have ended up a lot worse than he is, he is confined to a wheel chair because his left side is very weak, but he can see and can speak and his personality  has not been affected and I feel very lucky still to have him.

He is not able to go back home because he is incontinent and my mother is not fit enough to look after him, so he lives in a nursing home now, but he has settled in very well and I visit him every day and take him out walks and watch football on TV with him and I still enjoy his friendship.

It has been a really tough year with so much stress and not much rest and I have to credit Gerry’s anthem for helping me through this tough time. I have found the lyrics so poignant and inspirational in my year of struggle, and every night before I go to sleep I have sung this song to myself to inspire me to keep going.

I have walked through a storm and tried to hold my head up high and I have been scared of the thought of darkness that death brings.

At the end of the storm , is a golden sky, and the sweet silver song of the lark, those lyrics have gave me hope that things will get better.

Walk on through the wind, walk on through the rain, if you live in the west of Scotland like me, then you will know that you get plenty of both in this part of the world. But seriously, I felt like there was no sunshine at this time.

Though your dreams be tossed and blown, meant that all the nice things I yearned for were blown away.

Throughout this tough time in my life I just walked on through life and held my head up high and ignored the dark with the hope that my dad survived.

My dad is still with me today, not as fit as he used to be, but he is happy and I feel lucky to still have him, and I feel lucky to be a Liverpool supporter because I have used the club’s anthem to give me strength throughout this nightmare year and I encourage anyone who is facing adversity and sadness to use this tremendous song to help them.

Gerry and the Pacemakers You Will Never Walk Alone and thank you for keeping me sane and for saving my dad, thank you.

Liverpool 3-0 Sunderland Match Report

Liverpool finished last year with an impressive win and now they want to start the New Year with a win against Sunderland at Anfield. 2012 was far too inconsistent for Liverpool and the New Year brings new hope of better results in their quest to improve their League position. Their opponents, Sunderland, have improved in recent weeks and could provide a stiff test for Liverpool, who have struggled to make Anfield a fortress in recent times.

The Team

Brendan Rodgers was well enough to lead his side out Anfield after missing Sunday’s win over QPR through illness. He had to make one enforced change to the side that won in London at the weekend, with Jose Enrique nursing a hamstring injury, Glen Johnson was switched to left back and Andre Wisdom was recalled to the team to play at right back. Reina kept goal, with Skrtel and Agger making up the rest of the defence. Sterling and Downing started as the wide men in midfield, with Lucas, Gerrard and Henderson in the middle of midfield and Suarez as the lone striker.

The Match

Liverpool started the game brightly and looked to net an early goal, and Downing almost obliged with an effort from a free-kick, but Mignolet made a scampering save. Liverpool’s good start was rewarded in the 18^th minute when Suarez played a clever ball through to the onrushing Sterling, the youngster showed great composure to lob the advancing Mignolet to give Liverpool the lead.

Sunderland responded and should have scored, but James McLean was twice wasteful with just Reina to beat. Then Reina made a superb reflex save from a Kilgallon half-volley.

Sunderland were left to regret missing these chances when Liverpool scored a second when Suarez stayed on his feet on 26 minutes despite a foul from Carlos Cuellar and completed the task with a low finish which Mignolet handled but could not halt.

Downing almost made it three from a dangerous Henderson cross but went in at the half 2-0 to the good.

Sterling almost scored his second goal of the game after being put through by the impressive Suarez, but this time the youngster’s finish let him down.

On 52 minutes the game was over as a contest when Gerrard dispatched a 60-yard pass from his own half which Suarez controlled before slotting past Mignolet from close range. Gerrard now has eight league assists this season – one more than Wayne Rooney and Juan Mata at the top of that particular table.

Liverpool were rampant now and looking for more goals, but with a mixture of poor finishing, bad luck and some great goal keeping from Mignolet, Liverpool could not add to their tally, Joe Allen thought he had scored his first goal for Liverpool, but his effort was ruled offside.

A great start to the New Year for Liverpool with hope of more performances like this to come.

Summary

A great performance and win for Liverpool to kick off the New Year, but there were a couple of scares in the first half with Sunderland missing good chances. But the tempo and hunger Liverpool showed throughout the match was encouraging and another clean sheet is great news. Henderson and Downing are suddenly playing with confidence and looking like totally different players. Gerrard had another superb game and Luis Suarez is getting better with every game and scoring for fun at the moment. An impressive win for Liverpool on the back of the win at QPR and hopefully a more consistent run of wins will be the theme for the New Year.