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.

Wigan 0-4 Liverpool Match Report

3 Mar

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The Suarez Show

Luis Suarez was the star of the show at the DW Stadium on Saturday evening as Liverpool hammered Wigan 4-0. Stewart Downing headed Liverpool into an early lead before Suarez fired in a hat-trick in a comfortable win for the Reds.

Suarez has now scored 21 league goals this season and is now 2 goals clear of Robin Van Persie in the race for the Golden Boot. The win moves Liverpool into 7th place in the Premiership and 9 points behind Spurs who are in fourth place.

The Team

Brendan Rodgers made just the one change to the side that played Zenit with Coutinho replacing Jordan Henderson. Daniel Sturridge was still unavailable through injury. So the team read Reina, Johnson, Enrique, Carragher, Agger, Coutinho, Downing, Lucas, Gerrard, Allen and Suarez.

The Match

Liverpool made the perfect start when Downing headed in a cross inside two minutes from the brilliant Coutinho. Liverpool dominated possession in the early stages and it wasn’t long before they made it 2-0 when Coutinho sliced open the Wigan defence to present Suarez with a chance that he gratefully despatched past the helpless Al Habsi.

Liverpool were now in cruise control although Reina had to make a brilliant acrobatic save to prevent an Emmerson Boyce volley flying into his net.

But things got worse for Wigan when Suarez scored his second of the night and Liverpool’s third when his long range free-kick deflected of Maloney and beat Al Habsi at his post.

Liverpool were really enjoying themselves now as they passed the ball around confidently against a disheartened Wigan side. But Wigan almost pulled a goal back before half-time but Di Santo’s headed effort was brilliantly saved by Reina.

Liverpool moved out of sight just 4 minutes into the second half when Glen Johnson found Suarez after a great run into the Wigan half and the Uruguayan fired past Al Habsi for his hat-trick and Liverpool’s 4th goal of the night.

Liverpool continued to probe for a 5th goal but were hardly pushed by the shell shocked hosts as the match finished in a low key fashion. Another very good win for Liverpool and they have now scored 9 goals with none conceded in their last two league games.

Summary

A great win for Liverpool and another good performance, although Wigan were very poor. But the way in which Liverpool never gave Wigan a chance to get back into the match was encouraging as in previous games this season we dominate without killing the game off and then get hit with a sucker punch, so that was very pleasing. Suarez at his best again and proved just how valuable he is to Liverpool if they are to progress.

The much maligned Reina was superb and had his best game for a while with some excellent saves. Great to see Downing weigh in with a goal as he has been criticised for not scoring enough , and Coutinho looks like the perfect player for Liverpool, a player who can open up a defence with his creation. Overall it was a great win and performance for Liverpool and sets them up nicely for Spurs at home next Sunday.

Reds Suffer Derby Heartache

26 Feb

‘Reds Suffer Derby Heartache’

 

LFC U21s 0 – 1 Man Utd U21s

 

On a cold Monday night at Langtree Park, saw bitter rivals Liverpool and Manchester Utd lock horns in the U21 elite group. Like their first team has done so many times in the Premier League, it was Man United who scored an injury time thanks to Italian Centre-Back Michele Fornasier, which brought last minute heartache to the Reds. Missing a number of key players such as Jordan Ibe, Danny Wilson and Michael Ngoo, the reds called on the first team experience of Raheem Sterling, Andre Wisdom, Suso and Jonjo Shelvey to help boost the U21s.

 

 

In a very busy first 15 minutes of the match saw lots of chances created for both sides. Manchester United trialist Jeffrey Schlupp missed a one-on-one oppurtunity in the first minute of the match, narrowly missing Danny Ward’s goal. It wasn’t just Man Utd’s number 9 who was in the chances as Adam Morgan headed wide after a sweeping cross from Suso, with later replays showing that it did hit the arm of the 18 year old Liverpudlian. This was a rare moment where Suso had the chance to deliver the ball as Manchester United fullback Alexander Buttner was making opportunites hard to come by for Liverpool’s young Spanish winger.

 

It wasn’t too long before Morgan was in the chances again. Following a darting run and low cross on the right hand side from fullback Andre Wisdom, Morgan collected it on the far left hand side inside the box and with the help of Ben Amos’ right boot and the post, he was denied from giving Liverpool an early lead.

 

 

After the 15 minute mark in the match, chances came very hard to come by, with the best chances of the first half falling to 20 year old Schlupp who after a smart passing move from the visitors, resulted in a good yet comfortable save from Liverpools Danny Ward. Following his recent lack of games, Jonjo Shelvey was determined to make a positive impression to manager Brendan Rodgers, who was in the crowd for the match. Shelvey made numourous strong challenges and showed a determined and professional attitude similar to what he shown earlier in the season, which impressed the Reds fans at the game and manager Alex Inglethorpe.

 

 

After Liverpool’s first corner of the match in the 48th minute following a cross from Andre Wisdom, the first chance fell to the home side but Manchester United’s defence were able to clear. The second started in the worst possible way for the home side and the agility and manouverability of Jeffrey Schlupp became too much for Liverpool centre back Stephen Sama, and after a foul on the German Striker, he was given his second yellow of the match in his second foul, meaning he would miss the Reds next fixture against Southampton U21s at St Marys on the 4th March.

 

This was Sama’s 2nd sending off against the red devils, so Liverpool would have to climb a mountain to get a good result. Following the sending off of Sama, Manchester United did their best to capitalise with the one man advantage. Liverpool found themselves having to adapt their side with Jonjo Shelvey moving to Right-Back as a result of Andre Wisdom moving to centre-half. The visitors kept creating several chances and if it wasn’t for the heroics of Welsh international Danny Ward in the Liverpool goal, Manchester United would have scored a handful of goals.

 

However, Liverpool still couldn’t find a stronghold in the match, and Jeffrey Schlupp continued to cause problems for the home sides defence with his skill and powerful shots that Danny Ward matched and safely kept it out. Manchester United continued to apply strong pressure in the match however it was moments of outstanding defending from defenders Conor Coady and Jonjo Shelvey, who were called upon multiple times to stop the visitors from taking the lead with the latter clearing an attempt off the line from a Manchester United corner.

 

 

After this wake-up call, Liverpool showed a lot of character to get back into the match. Adam Morgan wasted an opportunity after trying to dribble it in the box instead of shooting first time, while Suso sliced a shot high and wide of Ben Amos’ goal from the edge of the area. Then came the best chance of the half for Liverpool as Joao Carlos Teixeira hit a strong and powerful shot from 30 yards, which took a slight deflection off Jonjo Shelvey forcing a terrific save from Ben Amos.

 

The game was marred by suspected racist chanting from the away fans and temporarily stopped as a result of flares being thrown onto the pitch once again from the Manchester United fans. The opening goal came in the 93rd minute of stopping time, after a cross from Frederic Veseli was not cleared properly by the Liverpool defence and it fell to Jesse Lingard who produced another fine stop from Danny Ward. However despite Ward’s heroic efforts, even he couldn’t stop the 19 year old Italian from looping his shot over Jonjo Shelvey on the line.

 

The result means that Alex Inglethorpe’s side remain second in the Elite Group on 9 points, but are 7 points adrift of leaders Tottenham Hotspur with a game in hand, so could reduce the gap to 4 points if they beat Southampton at St Marys next Monday and hope Spurs slip up against Wolves. The defeat is Liverpool’s 2nd defeat this season and 2nd defeat in the last 3 games. It was also Alex Inglethorpe’s 2nd defeat in charge of the U21s. The Reds face a stern test against 4th placed Southampton U21s at St Mary’s on Monday 4th March where the will look to get back to winning ways and put pressure of leaders Tottenham Hotspur.

Guest Writer

Scott Taylor

Improving Liverpool

24 Feb

Improving Liverpool

 

Liverpool have endured a rollercoaster of a season since Brendan Rodgers took over in the summer, and the results have been so inconsistent leaving the club way off the pace for a top four finish. But this season was always going to be a transitional period.

 

Liverpool lost a lot of experience in the summer for one reason or another and Brendan Rodgers had to turn to youth to fill the gaps in his team. Players like Andre Wisdom, Suso and Raheem Sterling have stepped up to the plate for Liverpool and Liverpool are now starting to reap the rewards of their youth system with many others showing great quality and who will be challenging for a first team place in the not too distant future.

 

Jordan Ibe looks the pick of the bunch of talented youngsters but Connor Coady, Yesil, Ryan McLaughlin, Sama, Morgan, Flanagan, and Jack Robinson who is out on loan at the moment are a few worth mentioning.

 

New managers come to a new club and try to install their ideas and methods of how they want their team to play and Brendan Rodgers is no different, Rodgers likes to play a passing style including pressing the opposition high up the park. This has took a while to implement with signs of it working in some matches and many mistakes especially in defence costing the team dear in others.

 

To qualify for European competition next season would be high on the agenda at the start of the season, but with so many changes at the club the most important thing should be that the team is showing signs of improvement, and I believe that they are.

 

OK so the defence has been a bit more vulnerable than in recent seasons, but by playing a passing game from the back does put extra pressure on defenders and as the season has progressed I feel they are learning that there are still times when you have to just clear your lines when under pressure, when earlier in the season they would pass their way into trouble. There is still the odd mistake like Carragher’s the other night but individual mistakes do happen and I’m sure they will clear up soon.

 

The amount of chances Liverpool are creating has to be encouraging although the conversion rate is poor, but it is more of a problem when you are not creating chances and to produce 35 shots at goal in one game is quite remarkable and the conversion rate will improve.

 

The reliance on Suarez for the most part of the season has been a problem but he has been immense regarding Liverpool’s lack of striking options. But with the addition of Sturridge to the team Liverpool look far more threatening and a more attacking team. Lucas coming back from injury has freed up Gerrard to get forward more and the resurgence of Stewart Downing and Jordan Henderson has been a great addition to the team.

 

The performances against Swansea and Zenit were very encouraging with the team playing some great football but more importantly playing with a desire, passion and high tempo that we have not seen enough of this season. So hopefully this style of play and attitude will continue as opposition teams will struggle against a Liverpool team playing this way.

 

There is a lot to play for in the remainder of the season for Liverpool and if they can continue to show improvement then the future will be bright for the Anfield side.

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Liverpool 3-1 Zenit Match Report

22 Feb

Liverpool 3-1 Zenit Match Report

 

A brave comeback from Liverpool just fell short as Liverpool exited the Europa League to Zenit on away goals after drawing 3-3 on aggregate. An early goal from Hulk gave Liverpool a mountain to climb, but they nearly reached the summit after goals from Allen and a double from Luis Suarez put them within touching distance of the next round, but their spirited effort finally ran out of steam as Zenit held on.

 

The Team

 

Brendan Rodgers had to make two changes to his side that beat Swansea on Sunday with Coutinho and Sturridge ineligible to play in the Europa League, so Joe Allen and Jordan Henderson were their replacements. Reina, Johnson, Agger, Carragher, Enrique, Lucas, Gerrard, Downing and Suarez completed the line-up.

 

The Match

 

Anfield had the atmosphere of one of those special European nights as Liverpool set about overturning a 2-0 deficit. Liverpool started the match brightly with Gerrard and Henderson firing in early shots.

 

Liverpool were looking dangerous pressing the visitors back as they looked for an early goal but it was Zenit that produced the early goal when a mis-hit back pass from Carragher allowed Hulk to race through one on one with Reina before producing a clinical finish to leave Liverpool needing to score four goals to win the tie.

 

The setback didn’t seem to affect Liverpool too much as they continued show great energy and passion in their play and they were rewarded in the 28th minute when Agger’s slalomed run from defence was brought to an abrupt end resulting in a free-kick for Liverpool just outside the Zenit penalty box. Suarez fired the opportunity straight through a gap in the Zenit defensive wall and into the net to the delight of the Kop who were given renewed hope.

 

Moments later Gerrard had an effort cleared off the line as Liverpool kept up the pressure on Zenit, and they managed a second goal just before half-time when Joe Allen knocked in from close range after seeing his initial headed effort saved.

 

The half ended with a show of appreciation of the home side’s efforts as the teams left the field. The second half began with a penalty appeal after a handball by Tomas Hubocan. Referee Bjorn Kuipers waved play on and Suarez found the ball at his feet only to fire wide as the crowd continued to protest.

 

Liverpool continued their comeback when a third goal arrived on 59 minutes as Suarez bent home his second free-kick of the night, this time from 30 yards at the Kop end. The miracle seemed to be possible with half an hour to go as the Kop roared on their favourites.

 

Both Oussama Assaidi and Jonjo Shelvey had been preparing to come on when the goal went in and Brendan Rodgers stuck to his plan, replacing Henderson and Allen.

 

The belief inside Anfield was inspirational as the players continued to attack in the search for the important fourth goal. Another free-kick for Liverpool, this time after Assaidi was hauled to the ground. Suarez stepped up for a hat-trick but this time was denied by Vyacheslav Malafeev. Seconds later the goalkeeper made an acrobatic stop to thwart a Gerrard volley.

 

Hulk forced Reina into a rare save but it was Liverpool creating all the chances as Shelvey hit the side netting with an effort before Agger headed wide during a succession of corners, but for all Liverpool’s effort time ran out on the Anfield men as Zenit held out to prevent conceding a fourth. At the end the home supporters gave their team a standing ovation for their tremendous effort.

 

Summary

 

So close to making a miraculous comeback on another great European night at Anfield, but conceding an away goal proved the killer for Liverpool as they failed to find one in Zenit last week. Such a shame for Carragher to make such a costly mistake in what proved to be his final European appearance for Liverpool. But Liverpool showed great spirit and character to mount a fight back after this setback. Suarez showed once again why he is rated as world class with two superb goals. Liverpool showed great energy throughout the 90 minutes by pushing Zenit back as they only just managed to hang on to go through. After Sunday’s great performance against Swansea at the weekend, this was even better and so many positives can be taken from this performance and hopefully Liverpool can go on a positive run now for the remainder of the season.

 

 

 

 

 

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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Albion Smash And Grab Stuns Reds

12 Feb

Albion Smash And Grab Stuns Reds

 

Liverpool were left stunned by West Brom after dominating most of the game and missing numerous chances. Liverpool even had a Steven Gerrard penalty brilliantly saved by Foster before goals from McAuley and Lukaku gave the visitors the 3 points.

 

The Team

 

Brendan Rodgers made only one change to his team that faced Manchester City last weekend, with Shelvey replacing the injured Daniel Sturridge. Lucas made his 200th appearance for Liverpool and Glen Johnson made his 100th league appearance for Liverpool. The team read Reina, Johnson, Agger, Carragher, Enrique, Henderson, Gerrard, Lucas, Downing, Shelvey and Suarez.

 

The Match

 

Shelvey thought he had given Liverpool an early lead in the 9th minute but it was correctly chalked off for offside. Suarez snatched at a couple of opportunities that came his way and Agger missed two good headed chances as Liverpool dominated possession.

 

Gerrard fizzed a shot just wide and Steven Reid miskicked under his own bar as Liverpool looked for the opener.

 

The second half followed the same theme with Liverpool on the front foot. Downing and Johnson combined resulting in Henderson back heeling towards goal but Foster was alert to parry away the danger.

 

Borini and Sterling were introduced by Rodgers for Shelvey and Henderson as he looked for a change of fortune. Borini went close with a dipping volley but Foster was equal to it. Foster made another good save from a Gerrard blockbuster and got a slice of luck as Borini put the rebound into the side-netting. New signing Coutinho was given his first appearance for Liverpool with 12 minutes to go for Downing.

 

Then Liverpool were awarded a penalty when Suarez went down under pressure from Olsson, but Gerrard’s spot-kick was superbly saved by Foster.

 

The miss seemed to knock the stuffing out of Liverpool and the visitors seized their chance when McAuley headed past Reina from a corner kick, Lukaku rapped up the points late on after a surging run.

 

Summary

 

I like the way that Rodgers is trying to keep a settled team and only making changes when he is forced to, unfortunately he was forced to replace Sturridge with Shelvey this time, and Liverpool’s new signing was sorely missed. A very disappointing result for Liverpool losing to a West Brom side that has been struggling. Like so many games this season when Liverpool don’t score an early goal they struggle. Once again Liverpool found it difficult to break a team down with all their possession and they must become more clinical with their finishing if they are to become a top side. The penalty was soft but Suarez didn’t dive he was bundled from behind, but when Gerrard misses a penalty you know it’s not going to be your night. But Liverpool defended poorly at both goals and Agger in particular should have defended better.

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

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