Liverpool 3-0 Wigan Match Report
Liverpool entertained Wigan at Anfield hoping to improve on their woeful home record of only 3 league wins in 2012. The encouraging 6 match unbeaten run in the league was hoping to give Liverpool the confidence to gain a much needed league victory against Wigan. Liverpool earned a good away point at Chelsea last time out and with Luis Suarez in prolific goal scoring form, an expectant Anfield was waiting.
The Team
Brendan Rodgers welcomed back his first choice goalkeeper Pepe Reina in the only change to the team that drew with Chelsea last week. Rodgers looks as if he wants to keep the team settled and make as few changes as possible in his quest for improvement. Youngsters Suso, Wisdom and Sterling continue to feature in Liverpool’s first team. Liverpool continued with Suarez as striker, as Liverpool rely on him to get the goals as their only recognised striker.
The Match
Liverpool started well and created the opening chances, with Suarez having a dangerous cross turned behind by Watson. Agger’s header from the resulting corner was tipped wide by Al Habsi.
Reina made a routine save from a long range Kone effort. But Liverpool were the dominant side and Agger and Suso headed over as Liverpool threatened.
Suso was replaced soon after by Jordan Henderson with Gerrard moving further up the park to support Suarez. Wigan lost Watson to injury after an accidental clash with Sterling. The resulting free-kick was deflected behind for a corner.
With both teams having spells of possession the half ended goalless as Anfield witnessed another frustrating half of football.
But Liverpool came out a different side after the break with much greater purpose, and it took just 2 minutes to take the lead when Sterling got behind the Wigan defence down the right flank before cutting the ball back to Suarez, who fired high into the net past Al Habsi.
The goal seemed to ignite the striker as he terrorised the Wigan defence for the remainder of the match.
Then Enrique slipped a pass through to Suarez who clinically slipped the ball past Al Habsi doubling Liverpool’s lead.
Liverpool added a third goal when they took advantage of a throw in which should have been a Wigan throw. But they took full advantage after Sterling linked up with Suarez on the edge of the box before shooting powerfully which Al Habsi parried to Enrique who scored his first Liverpool goal from close range.
Liverpool looked a confident team in the remainder of the match as they created more opportunities knowing the match was won.
Summary
A very good and much needed win for Liverpool after struggling in the first half to create many chances in a slow tempo match which suited the visitors. Sad to see Watson suffering a leg break in an accidental collision with Sterling. Jordan Henderson played really well after coming on for Suso. Enrique looked good in a new role that lets him attack more and great to see him score his first goal for Liverpool. Sterling came more into the game in the second half and was involved in 2 of the goals. Luis Suarez is unplayable at the moment and Wigan couldn’t cope with him in the second half and his 2 goals highlighted this. Another clean sheet and great to see Reina back although Jones has deputised brilliantly. A great day all round for Liverpool, a vital home win, 3 goals scored and a clean sheet.
The Kopite View 