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Public Enemy Number One

22 Apr

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Public Enemy Number One

 

Luis Suarez grabbed all the headlines once again for all the wrong reasons after taking a bite out of Chelsea defender Ivanovic’s arm at Anfield. Suarez has hardly been out of the headlines since joining Liverpool but his latest action has brought disgust and calls for him to booted out of Liverpool for this unsavoury incident.

 

Suarez has cleaned up his diving act in recent months as he has tried to improve his image highlighted by the nation’s media. The media have constantly hounded the Uruguayan since he arrived on our shores and every wrong move by Suarez has been headline news.

 

The biggest saga until now was the ban after allegedly racially abusing Manchester United’s Evra which resulted in the striker receiving an 8 match ban and a fine of £40,000. Many believe former Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish lost his job over the defence of Suarez.

 

But Liverpool have once again been let down by Suarez and once again he has put them in a difficult position. The biting incident has shocked the country, even though Suarez has previous after being banned for by the Dutch FA for 7 matches after biting PSV midfielder Bakkal while playing for Ajax.

 

Suarez is one of the best strikers in the world but he has serious flaws and he is capable of anything good and bad.

 

Liverpool have come out and handled the situation well by making Suarez apologise for his conduct and fining him, but also by stating that he will remain a Liverpool player.

 

Credit has to go to Ivanovic for not making a meal of the whole situation where many players would and Rafa Benitez also deserves a lot of credit for not getting involved when interrogated after the match by the media.

 

It is a nonsense for people to say Suarez should be kicked out of Liverpool and it won’t happen. Footballers don’t get sacked and they are important commodities and worth a lot of money to their club and unless Liverpool get offered a massive amount of money for Suarez, then he will remain a Liverpool player.

 

Suarez will get banned by the FA and he and Liverpool will accept the ban and life will go on and Suarez will continue to score goals for Liverpool and he will get booked occasionally but Liverpool will do all they can to help their star striker with his on the field behavioural problems.

 

 

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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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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.

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