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Liverpool 2-2 Chelsea Match Report

22 Apr

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Liverpool 2-2 Chelsea Match Report

 

Luis Suarez stole the headlines on Rafael Benitez’s return to Anfield with a last gasp equaliser 6 minutes into injury-time. But unfortunately it wasn’t his late goal that grabbed the headlines, but his bite on Chelsea defender Ivanovic which the match officials missed. Oscar headed Chelsea into the lead before Liverpool substitute Sturridge levelled in the second half. But moments later a Suarez handball allowed Hazard to convert a penalty to restore the visitors’ lead before Suarez’s last gasp headed equaliser.

 

The Team

 

Brendan Rodgers made one change from the side that drew 0-0 at Reading last week, with Stewart Downing returning to the side in place of Daniel Sturridge who dropped to the bench. Reina kept goal with Johnson, Carragher, Agger and Enrique the defence in front of him. Coutinho, Lucas, Gerrard, Henderson and Downing made up the midfield with Suarez in attack.

 

The Match

 

The pre-match build up was concentrated on the return of former Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez who is still a big favourite at Anfield. Benitez also laid a floral tribute at the Hillsborough memorial prior to the match in tribute to the 96. A minute’s applause was also performed prior to kick-off in respect of Hillsborough Campaigner Anne Williams who died last Thursday and for the victims of the last week’s Boston Marathon.

 

After all the emotion prior to kick-off, the match started very flat with not a lot happening in the early stages. The first chance fell to former Chelsea player Glen Johnson, but he could only toe-poke an effort into the hoardings.

 

Former Kop favourite Torres was thwarted by a diving interception from Enrique as Chelsea started to settle into the match. The first quarter of the match was very laboured without any goal mouth action until Oscar headed past Reina at a corner kick at the near post after losing the Liverpool defence.

 

Three minutes later David Luiz fired in a dipping free-kick which Reina spilled only to recover just in time before the ball crossed the line. Torres then earned himself a booking for an elbow into the face of Carragher, before Suarez smashed a shot at goal but Cech made a good save at his near post.

 

Liverpool’s poor first half performance resulted in Rodgers making a change at half-time with Sturridge replacing Coutinho, and Sturridge made an instant impact with a great run before setting up Gerrard whose low shot was brilliantly saved by the left foot of Cech.

 

Seconds later Sturridge let fly from 25 yards only to be denied by the post with Cech beaten. The former Chelsea man had changed the match completely and energised Liverpool’s performance.

 

Then Sturridge levelled the match from close range after a delicious curling cross from Suarez sending the Kop wild with delight. But the celebrations were short lived as 4 minutes later Chelsea were awarded a penalty kick when referee Kevin Friend noticed a handball by Suarez in the Liverpool box.

 

Hazard converted the resulting spot-kick sending Reina the wrong way and giving the visitors the lead again. Liverpool seemed to have the wind taken out of their sails by the loss of the goal and struggled to create chances as the game became more nasty with a few unsavoury incidents as Carragher became involved with a running battle with Torres, and Sturridge was lucky to escape a red card after a nasty challenge on Chelsea defender Ryan Bertrand.

 

But the bite by Suarez was obviously the worst incident, although missed by match officials at the time, the incident was witnessed by replays shown to TV viewers.

 

Rodgers replaced Downing with Shelvey as time started to run out on Liverpool and he should have made himself a hero seconds after coming on when Sturridge presented him with a golden opportunity to equalise, but the youngster fired into the side-netting.

 

Chelsea looked to have taken all 3 points after surviving the additional 6 minutes shown by the fourth official but in extra added time Suarez headed past Cech from a Sturridge cross with last action of the match sending the Kop wild with delight and earning Liverpool a deserved point.

 

Summary

 

Rodgers was wrong leaving Sturridge out and he proved that with his second half performance. The first half was one of the worst performances from Liverpool this season as they showed no energy and cohesion and constantly gave the ball away as they surrendered possession to Chelsea. The second half was far better and it was really down to Sturridge who ignited the team, although hopefully a few choice half-time words from Rodgers may have helped too.

 

But the match and the score pales into significance as all the talk will be about Suarez biting Ivanovic and that is sad. But the incident was really disgusting and as unsavoury an incident as you will see in football and there is no defending that type of behaviour. Suarez has to be, and will be punished. But Liverpool can’t be expected to sack or sell him without a replacement of his calibre, which will not be easy to find.

 

Suarez should be given help by mental health professionals as he obviously has a problem which could happen again if not treated. He has committed this crime in the past and it could very easily happen again if not treated. He is a terrific player and like other great players like Cantona and Zidane they have a self-destruct button that can be triggered at any time.

 

Liverpool and Suarez did the right thing by issuing an apology and contacting Ivanovic, who showed remarkable restraint and professionalism to continue playing in a concentrated fashion after the incident and also for accepting Suarez’s apology. Liverpool have reportedly fined Suarez for his behaviour and state that they will continue to support their player and they will wait to see what punishment the FA will decide upon.

 

 

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Y.N.W.A. Anne Williams

18 Apr

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YNWA  Anne Williams

 

A normal lady, a normal mother, with a typical football loving boy

 

Who lost her son at a football match

 

A life lost, a life changed forever

 

Every parent’s worst nightmare to lose a son or daughter

 

But at a football match, this should never happen

 

96 never returned, 96 families lives changed forever

 

Unthinkable tragedy, unbelievable lies

 

Anne lost her son 24 years ago

 

All she wanted was to know what happened that day

 

How her Kevin died

 

Was that too much to ask

 

The victims were blamed for their own deaths

 

Anne knew the lies

 

She would get the truth against the establishment

 

She fought for the truth

 

She fought for justice

 

Against all odds when mere mortals would give up

 

Most would tire of the fight

 

Most would struggle with a broken heart

 

Anne’s heart is as big as Liverpool

 

Anne has led the fight for justice

 

She has never backed down

 

She would not be defeated

 

Her strength is unparalleled

 

Anne fought the law and Anne won

 

24 years fighting for the truth and for justice

 

Her belief never waned, her spirit never broken

 

Finally rewarded last September

 

The truth came out

 

Anne has put her body and mind through hell for 24 years

 

Anne fought for an inquest into her son’s death

 

Because she knew he could have been saved

 

Last October she was diagnosed with terminal cancer

 

And she continued to fight her for her cause

 

Although her body was suffering

 

Anne’s body finally gave in this week

 

Sad that she never lived to see the inquest

 

As she joined her beloved son Kevin

 

But not before defying doctors with one last show of courage

 

To attend Monday’s 24th Hillsborough Anniversary Service at Anfield

 

 

 

Anne Williams suffered tragedy

 

She suffered the lies

 

Never felt sorry for herself

 

Never gave up

 

Respected by many

 

Carried a city against injustice

 

Anne Williams rest in peace

 

You will never walk alone

 

 

 

 

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R.I.P Maggie From Liverpool

17 Apr

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R.I.P. Maggie From Liverpool

So today is the funeral of former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and she will not be missed by many people from the city of Liverpool. Like so many towns and cities in the North of the country Liverpool’s industry was badly affected by her term in office.

Liverpool in the 1980’s was a city of industrial unrest with rioting in the streets of Toxteth. Mrs Thatcher believed that declining industries should not be propped up, but her policies may have exacerbated it.

Cabinet papers released under the 30 year rule in 2011, showed that Mrs Thatcher’s Chancellor Sir Geoffrey Howe (now Lord Howe) argued that Liverpool should be left to “manage decline”.

While ministers such as the then Secretary for the environment Michael (now Lord) Heseltine were arguing for regeneration funding to rebuild the riot-hit communities. Lord Howe thought it would be a waste of money.

He warned Mrs Thatcher “not to commit scarce resources to Liverpool”.

Strangely enough, Lord Howe has since said that his letter was misunderstood.

Lord Heseltine stated that Thatcher did care about Liverpool after being sent by her to the city in the aftermath of the Toxteth riots.

Thatcher also had an impact on football and in particular in the city of Liverpool. Following the Heysel disaster in 1985 Mrs Thatcher pressured the FA to ban all English clubs indefinitely from European competition.

Her wish was granted when UEFA banned all English clubs for what they stated was “an indeterminate period of time”. Liverpool received an additional ban of “indeterminate plus three years”, or more precisely, three further years in which Liverpool qualified for European competition. If they didn’t, the ban would roll on until they did.

With her arguable dislike for the city and for football and football supporters in general, it was just the excuse she needed to put the boot into football just the way she had with the miners.

The infamous ID card scheme was brought about by Thatcher and her advisors in the aftermath of Heysel for football supporters to gain entry into football stadiums and to “do something” about football hooliganism in the country. The scheme was only scrapped after the Hillsborough disaster.

Thatcher’s role in the immediate aftermath of the Hillsborough disaster remains unclear. It was believed that the publication of the Hillsborough Independent Panel’s report could shed some light on her behaviour and comments in the days and weeks and months following the tragedy.

But Mrs Thatcher did voice concern that a 1989 report into Hillsborough constituted a “devastating criticism” of police.

Mrs Thatcher had already been warned the interim report was “very damning” of police but attached “little or no blame” to Liverpool fans.

She was told in a memo from a civil servant the interim report found the chief superintendent in charge at Hillsborough “behaved in an indecisive fashion” and senior officers infuriated the judge seeking to “duck all responsibility when giving evidence” to his inquiry.

But Mrs Thatcher made clear in her handwritten note that she did not want to give the government’s full backing to Lord Taylor’s criticisms, only to the way in which he had conducted his inquiry and made recommendations for action.

She wrote: “What do we mean by welcoming the broad thrust of report ? The broad thrust is devastating criticism of the police. Is that for us to welcome ? Surely we welcome the thoroughness of the report and its recommendations –M.T.”

We do know that she only wanted to protect her valued police force from the whole disaster and this leaves Liverpool supporters disliking her as Liverpool supporters and their families had their reputations tarnished for all those years while lies were spread of the events of the disaster where Thatcher wanted those guilty of negligence protected.

Although it has been a long time since Thatcher ruled this country, feelings are still raw in Liverpool and not many tears will be shed today in Liverpool.

R.I.P. Maggie

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Respecting The 96

15 Apr

 

Respecting The 96

24 years ago today 96 football supporters attended a football match never to return home.

It should never happen, but it did.

It could have been me or you, but we were lucky.

It could have been any team’s supporters.

Tragically it was Liverpool supporters.

The loss of lives was tragic enough.

But the aftermath and blame directed at the supporters

Was disgusting.

Supporters that were there that day tried to save their friends.

They thought they would come home heroes.

How wrong could they be.

The headlines in the Sun tarnished them.

The outrageous lies

No respect for the dead

The supporters did everything they could to help that day

While the authorities did nothing.

Liverpool supporters knew they were not to blame

And a massive cover up prevented the truth

But against all the odds and the corruption of the system

The fight for justice won the day

When at long last the truth of the disaster was made public

The years of being blamed

The years fighting for justice

The years fighting for the 96

Too many names to mention that helped bring the truth to the public.

Respect has finally been recognised

After the public’s shock from the truth

April the 15th will always be a sad day for Liverpool Football Club

But the 96 will never be forgotten

And they have made Liverpool Football Club stronger

Today is the anniversary of the tragedy

But every day the 96 are in our thoughts

You Will Never Walk Alone

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Reading 0-0 Liverpool Match Report

14 Apr

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Reading 0-0 Liverpool Match Report

Liverpool left the Madejski Stadium frustrated after missing numerous chances to win the match against a Reading side fighting for their Premiership survival.  Reading goalkeeper Alex McCarthy was the main reason why Liverpool failed to find a winning goal as he produced numerous saves to keep the Reds at bay.

The Team

Brendan Rodgers made just the one change to the side that started against West Ham last weekend, with Sturridge replacing Stewart Downing. The rest of the team included Reina in goal, with Johnson, Enrique, Agger and Carragher in defence. Coutinho, Lucas, Gerrard and Henderson were the midfield with Suarez in attack.

The Match

Prior to kick-off Reading paid an emotional tribute to the 96 Liverpool supporters who died at Hillsborough ahead of Monday’s 24th anniversary of the disaster with a minute’s silence.

Liverpool dominated possession in the early stages of the match without creating any chances until the 14th minute, when Coutinho split the Reading defence with a clever pass sending Suarez through on goal, but the striker’s dinked finish past McCarthy was headed off the goaline by Gunter.

Liverpool continued to press and Sturridge saw an effort blocked by McCarthy before Coutinho’s low curling effort was tipped around the base of the post by the inspired goalkeeper. From the resulting corner, Carragher headed narrowly over.

It was one-way traffic as Reading fought to stay in the game against constant Liverpool pressure. Suarez saw another effort saved by McCarthy before Gerrard volleyed the rebound at the legs of Karacan.

Coutinho blasted high and wide after Sturridge saw his run into the box halted. Then just before half-time Sturridge was denied by a point-blank save from McCarthy following a corner before Agger headed inches past the wrong side of the post.

Liverpool finally put the ball in the Reading net moments after the re-start when Coutinho flicked home a Gerrard centre, but his effort was ruled offside.

The second half continued in the same pattern as the first half with Liverpool continuing to create chances. Rodgers introduced Downing for Jordan Henderson for the last half hour as his team continued to search for the opening goal.

Coutinho then skimmed an effort wide of the far post after a Sturridge cut-back. But Reading almost stole the lead against the run of play when Pogrebnyak’s centre found Hunt only yards out but Reina made a stunning point-blank save to keep the score level.

Reading called Reina into action again when McAnuff’s 12 yard drive had to be tipped over the bar by the Spaniard as the hosts enjoyed their best spell of the game.

But it wasn’t long before Liverpool were back on the attack as Suarez saw a great effort from a free-kick clip the outside of the post before Downing drilled a shot off target after cutting in from the right flank.

Liverpool continued right to the end in search for the winning goal but they were left bewildered by the form of Reading keeper McCarthy as he pulled off stunning late saves from Gerrard and then Suarez before Sturridge fired over the bar when presented with a great chance as Reading held out for a share of the points.

Summary

Another frustrating day for Liverpool as Reading somehow managed to keep Liverpool out. Frustration has been a common theme this season as Liverpool must be left wondering how they never managed to win this match. A catalogue of missed chances including poor finishing and outstanding goalkeeping from the inspired McCarthy led to Liverpool’s frustration as they continue to search for the recipe of consistency in their results. But many positives must be taken from the game as the drive and determination to get that vital goal right up to the final whistle was encouraging as the players showed great attitude in creating so many chances. Another clean sheet was another positive to take from the game. Gerrard’s energy to drive his players on was inspirational as he proved once again that he has a few miles left in his tank yet. But overall another disappointing result for Liverpool and the search for consistency continues.

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Liverpool 0-0 West Ham Match Report

8 Apr

Liverpool 0-0 West Ham Match Report

 

Liverpool had to settle for a point against West Ham who frustrated the Reds with a dogged defensive display on Sunday. The Reds carved out several opportunities but failed to convert, although substitute Sturridge had the ball in the net in the second half only to see it ruled out for offside.

 

The Team

 

Brendan Rodgers decided to keep the same eleven that won at Aston Villa last weekend which meant no place in the team once again for Daniel Sturridge. So Reina kept goal once again with the defence consisting of Johnson, Enrique, Agger and the veteran Carragher. Jordan Henderson kept his place in the midfield alongside Coutinho, Downing, Lucas and Gerrard with Suarez as the lone striker.

 

The Match

 

Prior to kick-off Anfield held a minute’s silence in memory of the 96 supporters who died at Hillsborough ahead of the 24th anniversary of the tragedy on April 15.

 

Liverpool made a bright start to the match and Coutinho tested Jaaskelainen early on with a low drive. Gerrard, Henderson and Suarez all had efforts of their own but failed to make the breakthrough as Liverpool dominated possession.

 

But the visitors could have snatched the lead in the 25th minute when Diame produced a powerful run into the Liverpool box but he blazed his effort into the Kop.

 

Stewart Downing was replaced by Sturridge in the first half as Liverpool were forced into a change with Downing’s problem.

 

Suarez almost broke the deadlock after linking up with Coutinho in the box but his low effort was saved by the feet of Jaaskelainen. At the other end Lucas got caught in possession which led to Carlton Cole with a shooting chance, but he was denied by a brilliant block by Daniel Agger.

 

Jaaskelainen saved from Sturridge from close range after misjudging Coutinho’s corner kick in stoppage time at the end of the first half.

 

Liverpool continued to search for the opening goal in the second half as Gerrard burst into the box before producing a low cross which was hooked to safety by Diame with Sturridge in attendance.

 

Gerrard was then frustrated when he saw his net-bound effort cleared of the line by Tomkins with Jaaskelainen helpless.

 

Sturridge diverted a Henderson shot into the net from 6 yards but it was ruled out for offside in the 66th minute. Moments later Coutinho arrowed a shot just wide of the upright.

 

Moments later Gerrard went tumbling under a challenge from Tomkins but referee Taylor waved away appeals for a penalty.

 

Liverpool continued to search for the winner but could have lost the match as Lucas produced a brilliant goal-line clearance on the line from Collinson’s powerful header late on.

 

Liverpool had to settle for a point as time ran out in a frustrating afternoon at Anfield.

 

Summary

 

I was disappointed to see Sturridge on the bench once again, especially at home. I understood why Rodgers went with just Suarez up front at Villa after being too attack minded at Southampton the week before, but at home against West Ham he was far too conservative in his team selection.

 

Liverpool made a few chances but not enough, although credit must go to West Ham’s tremendous defensive performance. I thought Sturridge’s “goal” was a close decision but not for the first time this season it never went for Liverpool. Gerrard’s penalty appeal could also have been given on another day. But West Ham should have been awarded a penalty too when Enrique kicked the back of Collinson in the box. Liverpool need to win these type of games. Such a frustrating result for Liverpool once again.

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Aston Villa 1-2 Liverpool Match Report

31 Mar

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Gerrard Sinks Villa

Steven Gerrard capped a second half comeback for Liverpool as he converted a penalty to give Liverpool the 3 points after Benteke had given Aston Villa a deserved first half lead. Jordan Henderson levelled early in the second half after being sent clear by Coutinho. Gerrard was the hero at the other end of the park too when he cleared a goal-bound Benteke header off the line to earn the win for his side.

The Team

Brendan Rodgers made 4 changes to the team that lost to Southampton 2 weeks ago. Reina, Carragher, Lucas and Jordan Henderson all returned to the side. Johnson, Enrique, Agger, Coutinho, Downing, Gerrard and Suarez completed the line-up for the visitors.

The Match

Like at Southampton Liverpool struggled to settle into the match as Villa set about unsettling their visitors. Agger had to intervene twice early on to prevent an opening goal.

Lucas blocked a goal-bound effort inside the 6 yard box as Villa pressed. Then Reina pulled off a point-blank save from Agbonlahor as Liverpool continued to struggle.

Villa finally got their reward in the 31st minute when Guzan’s long clearance was touched on by Agbonlahor to Benteke who smashed the ball past the helpless Reina to give the home side a deserved lead.

Liverpool responded with Suarez looking the most likely to bring the visitors back into the match. He had already dragged a shot wide after a superb through ball by Coutinho. Suarez was then denied by Guzan when one on one with the American.

Guzan had to be alert to deny Gerrard ‘s long range effort. Liverpool went in at half-time 1-0 down but deep down they knew it could have been more.

Liverpool got the perfect start to the second half when Henderson beat Guzan after being sent clear with a defence splitting pass by Coutinho.

8 minutes later Liverpool should have been in the lead but Coutinho failed to find the target after linking up with Suarez. Liverpool were far better in the second half as Aston Villa struggled to find their form from the first half.

Glen Johnson was unlucky to see his effort strike the post as Liverpool continued to threaten. But Liverpool took the lead moments later when Suarez was felled in the box. Gerrard made no mistake from the spot as he fired the ball past Guzan.

Villa tried to take something from the match the led and Weimann came close with an effort before Gerrard pulled off a goal-saving diving header off the line from Benteke.

Minutes later Reina had to be alert to tip a mis-hit cross to safety as Villa continued to threaten. Then in the last minute of stoppage time Benteke smashed the ball into the Liverpool net, but it was ruled out for offside as Liverpool hung on for the 3 points.

Summary

Aston Villa caused Liverpool a lot of problems in the first half and the visitors were lucky to only be 1-0 down at the half. But the important thing was they kept themselves in the game unlike the Southampton match. Poor defending at the Benteke goal but Liverpool showed more resilience in coming back from a difficult first half. Jordan Henderson showed great composure with his impressive finish from one of many clever Coutinho passes. No argument about the penalty, it was a definite penalty. Gerrard proved once again that he has plenty to offer Liverpool with another outstanding performance. A good away win for Liverpool as it was important to bounce back from that defeat at Southampton.

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Happy Birthday Borini

29 Mar

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Happy Birthday Borini

 

Today is Liverpool’s Fabio Borini’s birthday and I wish him a good one, especially with the difficult time he has endured so far in his first season in Merseyside.  Borini celebrates his 22nd birthday today and is still very young although he has been around a few clubs in his young career.

 

Borini has already had spells at Chelsea and Swansea where he worked with Brendan Rodgers, before returning to his native Italy and a spell at Parma before moving to Roma where he enjoyed his best scoring run of 10 goals in 14 games. Liverpool bought him for £10.4 million last summer.

 

Borini’s Liverpool career got off to a good start with an Anfield debut goal against Gomel in the Europa League, but that goal remains his only goal for Liverpool in 16 appearances for the club. A broken bone in his foot meant a lengthy lay-off for the striker, and on his return from injury in February he badly injured his shoulder against Swansea after coming on as a substitute.

 

Borini has come in for a lot of criticism in his short spell at Liverpool, and a few bad misses in front of goal have not helped his cause of winning over the Anfield faithful. But he does show great endeavour for the team and makes good runs off the shoulder of the last defender.

 

It is very difficult for any youngster to settle into a big club like Liverpool with expectations so high, especially involving a big transfer fee. Injuries have not helped Borini settle into the Liverpool team and he must be given time.

 

Too many people see the price tag on a player regardless of his age and expect him to perform brilliantly straight away and in every game, and this very rarely happens and it is more difficult for a youngster who lacks the experience of a seasoned professional to deal with the situation.

 

I remember not so long ago a young Brazilian called Lucas who was criticised in his younger days for not being good enough to play for Liverpool. I was one of those critics, and how wrong we have all been proved in the passing of time. Lucas is now one of the best holding midfielders in the Premiership and it is quite embarrassing to think of the criticism he endured.

 

In Borini’s case it is more difficult because he also comes with a big price tag and has not had many chances to impress because of bad luck with injuries. But there has been speculation that he might return to fitness before the end of the season.

 

Hopefully Borini gets fully fit for the start of next season and can get a chance to prove his worth to the team and the supporters. After all his injury problems this season, he deserves a bit of time to succeed at Liverpool.

 

Happy Birthday Fabio.

 

YNWA

 

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Fergie Haunted By Paisley

6 Mar

 

Fergie Haunted By Paisley

Sir Alex Ferguson has been on a relentless mission to knock Liverpool off their perch as the most successful English club. In determined fashion he achieved the remarkable feat of winning more league title than the Merseyside club when United won their 19th title in 2011.

Liverpool have struggled since their last League success back in 1990, but they still have more European Cup successes than Manchester United, the last success being in 2005 in that amazing night in Istanbul. In recent years Liverpool have not been able to add to their tally because of failure to qualify for the Champions League, where Manchester United are perennial qualifiers.

Ferguson is not content with beating Liverpool in the number of League titles, he is determined to win more European Cups too. But time is running out for the great Manchester United manager as he is now in his 70’s and although he has made United the dominant force in English football and won them 2 Champions Leagues , he has not been able to match the great Bob Paisley, who remains the only manager to have won Europe’s elite prize 3 times.

Bob Paisley won the European Cup in 1977, 78 and in 1981 in a trophy laden 9 year spell as manager. Paisley must be the most underrated manager in history as most experts don’t give him the credit he deserves because he took over from a great team that Shankly built. Paisley built his own team during his time and his success in 9 years is unparalleled.

Ferguson has used Liverpool as a the bench mark for success and endeavoured to surpass his great rivals in league titles, but the target that Bob Paisley set is really getting to him, especially with all the past failed attempts to equal him.

Father time waits for no man and Ferguson realises his chances are running out. Much has been said about the great team that he has assembled this season, but the English league is not as strong as in previous years and although United look to be comfortable winners of the Premiership this season, they have once again failed in Europe.

Ferguson’s reaction to defeat against Real Madrid showed how difficult it was for the great man to take. A controversial sending off for one of his players really upset Ferguson and although it did have a great bearing on the result of the match, Ferguson was deemed “too distraught” by his assistant Phelan to attend the post-match press conference.

Ferguson has seen it all before but this defeat really hurt, and to blame a refereeing decision is an attempt to vent his frustration, after all United were leading 1-0 at the time of the sending off and even with 10 men there is no reason why they shouldn’t have seen the match out. Ferguson was obviously worried incase he said something he might regret at the press conference, but his team’s exit in the competition means he has to wait another year for his next opportunity to equal Paisley’s record and he will be another year older.

The tremendous achievements and ambition of Ferguson during his career at United must be applauded, but his final hurdle looks like being one too high as he might have to settle for second best to Liverpool and the great Bob Paisley who kept quiet and just got on with the job of winning and who conquered Europe three times.

Sir Alex, there is always someone better.

Impressive Reds Thrash Swans

18 Feb

Impressive Reds Thrash Swans

 

Liverpool finished a tough week on a high with an emphatic win over Swansea whose manager Michael Laudrup, made 7 changes to his side with one eye on next weekend’s Capital One Cup Final at Wembley.

 

Brendan Rodgers gave new signing Philippe Coutinho his full debut and Daniel Sturridge returned to the line-up to boost the attack.

 

Liverpool missed a host of chances in the first half before finally taking the lead through a Gerrard penalty, and the impressing Brazillian Coutinho capped a fine debut with an excellent goal just seconds into the second half before further goals from Enrique, Suarez and Sturridge put Swansea to the sword.

 

The Team

 

Brendan Rodgers made four changes to the team that lost at Zenit on Thursday with Brazillian debutant Coutinho, Sturridge, Agger and Lucas all starting in an attacking line-up. Reina, Johnson, Carragher, Enrique, Downing, Gerrard and Suarez made up the rest of the team.

 

The Match

 

Liverpool started the match with Coutinho playing down the left and immediately won a corner in the first minute. A minute later the Brazillian evaded a couple of challenges before having his shot blocked for a corner, Downing volleyed wide from the resulting corner.

 

Liverpool continued to press high up the park in the early stages as the visitors struggled for possession, next Suarez had his first strike of the afternoon, but Vorm saved easily.

 

Swansea managed to win a corner against the run of play and they had appeals waved away for a penalty when Lamah’s low effort struck Johnson.

 

Next Downing cut in from the right but fired his shot wide. Then Johnson headed a Downing corner off target as Liverpool continued to attack.

 

Then Suarez was fouled just outside the penalty area but Gerrard’s effort struck the wall before Suarez fired the rebound over.

Moments later Suarez was fouled in another dangerous position, but Suarez curled the resulting free-kick over the bar.

 

Suarez was becoming much more involved and was unlucky with an audacious lobbed volley in the 20th minute which just landed on the roof of Vorm’s net.

 

Downing created the next attack with good work down the right before crossing for Sturridge but the striker couldn’t keep his header down.

 

Then in the 25th minute Sturridge wriggled into the box before seemingly being tripped before Coutinho shot wide, Howard Webb waved penalty appeals away.

 

Liverpool won a penalty in the 33rd minute when Suarez was bundled to the ground after trying to go past Agustien. Gerrard dispatched the penalty with great relief after missing from the spot against West Brom last Monday night.

 

Liverpool were buoyed by the goal and went for the jugular and Sturridge went close after cutting in from the right before dinking an effort over Vorm just wide.

 

Liverpool went in at the break at with a slender 1-0 lead to show for all their dominance.

 

Barely seconds into the second half Liverpool doubled their lead when Coutinho burst clear of the Swansea defence before firing past Vorm for his first Liverpool goal on his full debut for the club.

 

Coutinho almost scored a second goal moments later with a cheeky backheel which just went wide of the far post.

 

But Liverpool scored a third after a fine move involving Coutinho, Suarez and Sturridge all combining to release Enrique on the edge of the box. He played a pass into Sturridge, who picked out his run into the danger zone with a low cross and the Spaniard found the net with a close-range prod.

 

Liverpool were rampant and they made it 4-0 six minutes later, when Suarez bamboozled two defenders before firing a shot into the bottom corner past Vorm from 18 yards.

 

Coutinho was given a standing ovation when he was replaced on the hour mark by Jordan Henderson.

 

Moments later Sturridge was again thwarted by Vorm when his left-footed sliced shot was saved by the Swansea keeper’s legs.

 

But Sturridge was not to be denied and when Liverpool were awarded another penalty, this time for a handball by Routledge, Steven Gerrard handed over the penalty taking duties to the striker, Sturridge seized his chance to get on the score sheet with confidence by firing into the top corner and making the score 5-0.

 

Moments later Sturridge clipped the top of the bar with a long range effort as he continued to impress.

 

Luis Suarez was replaced with just over 10 minutes to go for Borini as Rodgers looked to give his star striker a rest ahead of Liverpool’s Europa League second leg clash with Zenit on Thursday night.

 

Liverpool finished the game with only 10 men after substitute Borini landed heavily on his shoulder and had to head down the tunnel in obvious pain.

 

It was a magnificent performance from the Reds, who scored five and could have got 10. Brendan Rodgers’ side climb to seventh in the Barclays Premier League.

 

Summary

 

Brendan Rodgers would have been looking for a positive reaction from his players after two defeats on the bounce, and he couldn’t have asked for more. OK so Swansea were not at full strength and had their mind on next week, but you can only beat who you are playing against, and Liverpool did that impressively.

 

Brilliant to see Coutinho make his full debut and he looked very good with a bit of pace and creativity. Capped off a tremendous day with a superb goal. Sturridge made a big difference once again to Liverpool’s attack with his pace and movement complimenting Suarez.

 

It looked like it could be one of those days again with many chances being wasted in the first half and only going in at half-time one goal to the good, but the amazing start to the second half gave Liverpool great confidence to finish Swansea off. Liverpool had 35 shots at goal in the match which is a Premiership record this season and could have scored 10 as Michael Laudrup said afterwards.

 

The whole team played well, but special praise has to go to Gerrard who dominated the midfield by spraying passes all over the field. Suarez and Sturridge were a constant threat and look to be forming a dangerous striking partnership. But star of the day must be Coutinho who showed no nerves in his full debut and gave the Kop food for thought with some clever runs and passes from the left of midfield, a memorable day for the youngster and I’m sure he won’t forget his first goal for Liverpool.

 

Overall a superb performance from Liverpool, but Rodgers must be asking why his team can’t play like that every week ? Liverpool need to find this form on a consistent basis, but for now Rodgers should be allowed to enjoy the victory.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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