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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

here is the link to buy my brand new e-book http://www.amazon.co.uk/Kopite-View-Season-2012-13-ebook/dp/B00BMW7JTA/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1362780961&sr=1-1 10% of the royalties will go to help families of the Hillsborough Tragedy.

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

here is the link to buy my brand new e-book http://www.amazon.co.uk/Kopite-View-Season-2012-13-ebook/dp/B00BMW7JTA/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1362780961&sr=1-1 10% of the royalties will go to help families of the Hillsborough Tragedy.

 

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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Suarez V Bale

8 Mar

 

Suarez V Bale

Liverpool against Tottenham Hotspur is the stand-out Premiership fixture this weekend with both teams chasing European football for next season.

But all eyes will be on the two main men, Liverpool’s Luis Suarez and Tottenham’s Gareth Bale who have been in scintillating form this season and both are contenders for this year’s Player Of The Year award.

Suarez has almost single-handedly hauled Liverpool up the league table this season with his goals tally. While Gareth Bale has just got better and better this season and has been in prolific goal scoring form too.

In comparing the two players, firstly looking at their goals in the Premier League, Suarez has scored 21 goals in 27 games and Bale has scored 16 goals in 24 games.

However, Bale has been in devastating form since the turn of the year, he has scored 7 goals in 7 games since New Year’s Day.

But Suarez has scored 8 goals in 8 League games in that time.

Bale’s game has changed this season from a provider to a goal scorer. This selfish streak Bale has installed in his game means that Suarez has more assists for teammates than Bale. Suarez has created 78 chances for other players, so far this season, while Bale has created 57.

The pair are neck and neck with 54 efforts on target apiece. Both have a conversion rate of around 1 goal in every 5 efforts.

The criticism aimed at both players has been for “diving”. The criticism is fair as both have a history of going to ground too easily. But where Bale picked up a recent booking for diving against Inter Milan, Suarez has changed his game and looks more reluctant to go to ground.

Suarez would get my vote for the Player Of The Year award between these two players, although there is obviously other candidates for the award. But Suarez has carried Liverpool for most of the season when he was at times their only recognised striker and his form has continued throughout the whole season where Bale’s form has just really caught fire since the turn of the year.

The statistics show that both are in unstoppable form at the moment and Sunday’s match looks like being an exciting contest.

Bale’s lightning pace will be difficult for Liverpool’s defence to stop, especially as they are not the quickest at the back, especially if Carragher is playing. Bale’s movement and ability to drop deep to gain possession will be a problem and this where I think Lucas will be crucial to Liverpool’s success of stopping the danger man. Lucas is a great reader of the game, although not the quickest, but his protection of the defence will be very important to snuff out the danger from Bale.

Spurs are not a one man team but to stop Bale will give Liverpool a great chance of winning the match. But Spurs will have big problems too on Sunday trying to stop Suarez. Suarez really is a fox in the box and comes alive inside the penalty area. His trickery to get past defenders in tight situations is bamboozling at times and for defenders he is a nightmare to play against.

Like Spurs, Liverpool are not a one man team like they seemed to be earlier in the season. Suarez has the talents of Gerrard, Sturridge and now the young Coutinho to support him in attack as Liverpool pose a dangerous attacking threat since the arrival of Sturridge and Coutinho in January.

Spurs have a good recent record against Liverpool but the team from Anfield will want to correct that on Sunday.

But the focus will be on Suarez and Bale and I’m sure they will both feature prominently in the game and will have a big influence on the result.

So may the best man win.

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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A Quiet Incredible Man

14 Feb

A Quiet Incredible Man

 

 

On the 23rd of January 1919 in a little known town called Hetton-le-Hole in County Durham, was born a baby who was to grow up to be the most successful manager in Liverpool Football Club’s history. His name of course was Bob Paisley.

 

 

Paisley started his long road to success at non-league Bishop Auckland before signing for Liverpool in May 1939, but due to war breaking out Paisley had to wait until 5th of January 1946 to make his debut in Liverpool’s first post-war competitive match. Paisley became a regular in the Liverpool team at left-half and he helped Liverpool win their first league title in 24 years in his first full season at the club. Paisley had to wait until 1948 to net his first goal at Liverpool on the 1st May at Anfield in a 2-1 win over Wolves.

 

Paisley scored the opening goal in a 2-0 FA Cup semi-final win over Everton in 1950 only to suffer heartache when he was dropped for the final against Arsenal in the club’s first ever trip to Wembley, which they lost. Paisley stated that this experience helped him deal with players during his time in management when he had to tell a player he was being left out of a big game.

 

 

Paisley became the club captain the following year. He retired from playing as a one club man in 1954 and continued to work for Liverpool as a self-taught physiotherapist. He later became coach of the reserves before becoming a member of Bill Shankly’s famous “Boot Room”. In 1971 he became Shankly’s assistant manager until Shankly’s shock resignation in 1974, where Paisley succeeded as manager.

 

 

Liverpool had become one of the top clubs in the country under Shankly’s leadership and had won numerous trophies. Paisley’s task seemed a formidable one to continue in Shankly’s footsteps. But the unassuming Geordie took to management like a duck to water, although his first season did end without a trophy.

 

 

Bob Paisley went on to manage Liverpool for 9 years winning 6 League Titles, 3 European Cups, 1 UEFA Cup, 3 League Cups, 5 Community Shields and 1 UEFA Super Cup. The only cup that eluded him was the FA Cup which he lost in a final in 1977. It really is a remarkable record for a man that never really wanted to become manager.

 

 

Paisley inherited a great team from Shankly but through time he had to shape the team into his. He lost great players like Kevin Keegan but he replaced him with an even better player in Kenny Dalglish. He could change the role of an established player like Ray Kennedy who was a superb striker for Arsenal, but Paisley could see that he would be a better player in midfield.

 

 

Paisley retired from management in 1983 after serving Liverpool Football Club in so many different roles in 44 years unbroken service. He did return to help Liverpool in 1985 as a consultant and advisor to new player-manager Kenny Dalglish for two years before being appointed a director of the club until 1992, having to retire due to ill health after being diagnosed with Alzhiemer’s Disease. Bob Paisley died on the 14th of February 1996. But Liverpool Football Club honoured his fantastic service and achievements by erecting the “Paisley Gates”.

 

 

For me, Bob Paisley is the most under-rated manager in the history of British football, his record of success is astonishing. He is the only manager in history to win the European Cup 3 times. During his time as manager he always tried to shun the spotlight and maybe because he was so quiet may be the reason why he is not talked about as much as Ferguson or Mourinho.

 

 

It’s not just Paisley’s incredible management career that excites me, but his service to one club in so many roles that he played to help Liverpool Football Club achieve what they have. Paisley was the opposite of Shankly in terms of personality but similar in terms of success.

 

 

Although Paisley was quiet he did come away with some memorable quotes –

 

“Kevin was quicker off the mark, but Kenny runs the first five yards in his head.”

 

“Mind you, I’ve been here through the bad times too – one year we came second”

 

 

“It’s not about the long ball or the short ball, it’s about the right ball”

 

 

“Other people have earned more money than me in football but no-one has enjoyed it as much as me”

 

 

Although this great man is overlooked by many people on his achievements in football, he has legendary status in the hearts of Liverpool supporters. Paisley was manager of Liverpool when I started supporting them and I took the winning for granted at the time, but now after nearly 30 years since his departure from management I realise that success does not come easily in football, and I now I can fully appreciate how great a manager Paisley was.

 

Bob Paisley –  You’ll Never Walk Alone

 

 

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A Tribute To Carragher

7 Feb

A Tribute To Carragher

 

Sad news that Jamie Carragher is hanging up his battle scarred boots at the end of the season. The man has been a great servant to Liverpool Football Club and his services will be sorely missed. Carragher has been at the club since the age of 9 and played over 700 games for Liverpool, with only Ian Callaghan playing more games for this famous club.

 

Carragher has played in many positions for Liverpool during his career and in every position in defence as he proved to be so versatile in defence, this versatility hindered his international career as he was used in numerous positions instead of being selected to play in his best position in the centre of defence.

 

Carragher spent his best years at Liverpool in the centre of defence and his partnership with Sami Hyypia proved to be tremendous partnership and very important in Liverpool’s success. Carragher’s commitment and attitude and his whole hearted performances have made him a big favourite of Liverpool supporters, but his organisation on the park as he constantly shouts instructions to his team mates has also been invaluable to Liverpool.

 

Carragher has won 12 honours in his illustrious career, but his obvious highlight has to be that night in Istanbul where he picked his weary body up off the turf time and time again to fling himself into another block or interception to help Liverpool win the Champions League.

 

In these modern times of football where many players become mercenaries, Jamie Carragher has stayed loyal to Liverpool Football Club throughout his playing career just like his good friend Steven Gerrard. Carragher has not featured as often as he would have liked in the last couple of seasons and it is ironic that his announcement to retire coincides with his return to the team in the last few games. But typical of the man that Carragher is by making the announcement to end the speculation concerning his future.

 

While Carragher has not played as much in the last couple of seasons, he has never complained about being left out of the team and has remained as professional as ever waiting to be called upon to help his team, and although not playing regularly he has been superb when needed.

 

It will be the end of an era when Carragher hangs up his boots but I’m sure he will leave a legacy with the help and experience he has shared with young defenders like Martin Kelly, Andre Wisdom, Jon Flanagan, Jack Robinson and many others that will hopefully go on to play for a long time at Liverpool. I hope Carragher remains at Liverpool in some sort of coaching role but whatever he does I’m sure he will be a success.

 

Thanks for the memories Carra and for the passion you showed for the Red shirt.

 

You Will Never Walk Alone

 

 

Mansfield 1-2 Liverpool Match Report

7 Jan

Mansfield 1-2 Liverpool Match Report

 

Liverpool started their quest to reach this season’s FA Cup final at Conference side Mansfield. The David versus Goliath clash highlighted the magic of the FA Cup in which the smaller clubs can get their shot at glory. Liverpool would go into the tie with everything to lose, as a big win would be expected against the lower league club. But Liverpool would know to expect a tough tie as Mansfield would treat the match as their FA Cup final.

 

The Team

 

Brendan Rodgers took the opportunity to rest some regular players for the trip to Mansfield, as he mixed youth with experience to his team. Brad Jones started in goal, with Wisdom at right back and Jack Robinson at left back, Jamie Carragher Captained the side in the middle of defence alongside Coates. The midfield was made up with Suso and Downing on the flanks, with Lucas, Allen and Shelvey in the middle, new signing Sturridge started up front to add extra interest for the visiting support.

 

The Match

 

Mansfield marked the visit of Liverpool with a tremendous tribute to the 96 victims of Hillsborough by placing a card with each victim’s name on the empty seats separating the two sets of supporters. Liverpool responded to this kind gesture by taking an early lead when Shelvey made a defence splitting pass to new signing Sturridge who made a dream start to his career at Liverpool by clinically finishing off the move to give the visitors the perfect start.

 

The goal was the perfect tonic for the visitors who settled into their passing game and the Shelvey, Sturridge combination almost worked again but this time goal keeper Marriott thwarted Liverpool’s new striker.

 

Downing then had a shot brilliantly blocked, before Sturridge shot narrowly wide. Liverpool should have been more goals up at the break and Mansfield came out for the second half like a different team.

 

Mansfield created a flurry of chances as Carragher and Coates were put under intense pressure, Anthony Howell, Louis Briscoe, Matt Green and Geohaghon all went perilously close to levelling for the hosts, Brad Jones made a handful of good saves, while one shot was blocked and another was hacked off the line as Liverpool struggled to hold onto their slender lead.

 

Sturridge was withdrawn for Suarez, who looked to put an end to home hopes with a fortuitous finish after being played in by Downing shortly before the hour mark. The Mansfield players appealed that the ball had struck Suarez’s hand in the lead up to the goal, but the goal was given.

 

Mansfield felt aggrieved as the second Liverpool goal came against the run of play, but they continued to show great spirit and continued to pressure the Liverpool defence.

 

Mansfield managed to pull a goal back 11 minutes from time when Green volleyed in through a crowd of players after Beevers had diverted a deep cross into his path.

 

The goal set up a grand stand finish with the home side throwing everything at Liverpool and Jones had to make a good save from Green to prevent a replay as the Premiership side hung on for victory. It was a tremendous effort from the Conference side against one of the country’s top sides, and Liverpool would be relieved to escape Mansfield with the victory after a hard fought win.

 

Summary

 

Rodgers changed his team as expected, and his team should have been more than capable of beating Mansfield quite comfortably, but that was far from the case with the hosts very unlucky not to earn a replay for their efforts. Liverpool started the match well and new signing Sturridge got his Liverpool career off to a dream start with a goal in only 7 minutes. But credit to Mansfield who came out for the second half and had a real go at their more illustrious visitors. Liverpool were under all sorts of pressure in the second half and I would have to make Brad Jones as my man of the match, for some great saves and also coming out to dominate his penalty box from Mansfield’s long throws and corners. The euphoria over Suarez’s second goal for Liverpool is ridiculous because the ball struck his hand in the lead up to his goal. Any player would do the same by putting the ball into the net, but because it is Suarez it has been headline news and his goal celebration has been photographed in the newspapers, it is the same goal celebration for every goal he scores. I’ve heard some people say he should have told the referee it hit his hand and should disallow the goal, what nonsense, the referee got it wrong and him and his officials should be in the headlines, not Suarez, and ESPN’s Jon Champion’s commentary after the Suarez goal was a disgrace, claiming Suarez was a cheat, he should be reprimanded for his comments. Overall, a tougher game than Liverpool anticipated, but the most important thing is winning and getting into the next round of the Cup, and for Suarez, well, he’ll just keep sticking the ball in the back of the net, regardless of what others say about him.

QPR 0-3 Liverpool Match Report

30 Dec

QPR 0-3 Liverpool Match Report

 

Liverpool travelled to London for their last match of 2012 hoping to bounce back with a win after their poor performance and result at Stoke on Boxing Day. It has been a rollercoaster of season for the men from Anfield, so a win at QPR would set them up nicely for the New Year. QPR have struggled this season, but their form has picked up recently under new manager Harry Redknapp and Liverpool would know to expect a tough match.

 

The Team

 

Brendan Rodgers made a few changes to the side that lost at Stoke, with Sterling, Henderson and Joe Allen returning to the side, with Suso, Lucas and Shelvey dropping to the bench.  The full team read as, Reina, Johnson, Skrtel, Agger, Enrique, Sterling, Downing, Allen, Gerrard, Henderson and Suarez, who was passed fit, although nursing a swollen ankle.

 

The Match

 

Brendan Rodgers wasn’t in attendance for the match at Loftus Road due to illness and was sent to his sick bed to prevent the chance of his illness spreading through the camp.

 

Rodgers must have felt a bit better with the way his team started the match as they took the game to the hosts. Suarez forced a save in the third minute when he shot from distance after rounding his man.

 

Then in the 10th minute Liverpool took the lead after a good passing move resulting in Henderson finding Suarez 30 yards out, the striker mesmerised Clint Hill before placing the ball into the bottom corner.

 

Six minutes later the advantage was doubled when Suarez slalomed into the box and crossed for Raheem Sterling. The ball was cleared into the Uruguayan’s path and he again proved himself clinical, increasing his tally for the season to 16 in all competitions.

 

Liverpool were in the mood now and QPR couldn’t cope with their passing and movement as they tried to hang on. But Liverpool scored a third courtesy of Daniel Agger heading a cross from Gerrard into the net after a short corner with Downing.

 

Gerrard and Henderson had chances to add to the score, but QPR managed to hang on until half-time.

 

The second period began in the same way as the first, Suarez testing Julio Cesar, this time with a left-foot whack from just inside the area.

But that was where the similarities ended. QPR were now displaying resolve, and Armand Traore almost instigated a goal when he flashed the ball across the six-yard box. Jamie Mackie just couldn’t extend his foot far enough.

 

Liverpool found it more difficult in the second half to create chances with QPR reverting to three centre backs which made it more difficult for Liverpool to create chances. But although QPR had more possession in the second half, Liverpool were always comfortable and held on for a very good away win to end the year. The only disappointment was an injury to Enrique limping off in the second half.

 

Summary

 

Rodgers had to make changes after the poor performance at Stoke and it was good to see Henderson, Sterling and Joe Allen returning to the side. A great start to the match, similar to the Fulham match with the brilliantly taken early Suarez goal. Liverpool just kicked on from there and to get a second goal so quickly really helped Liverpool to show their quality as QPR couldn’t cope with the movement and Liverpool should have scored more, although Agger finished the match as a contest with a third. The second half Liverpool took their foot off the gas, and QPR did play better, without threatening and Liverpool strolled through the second half for a comfortable 3-0 win. Luis Suarez was once again the best player on the park and scored two brilliant goals to cap his performance. Gerrard was also impressive in midfield and has looked more like his old self in recent games. A good performance and very important win for Liverpool to bounce back from the Stoke defeat.

 

 

 

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