You’ll Never Walk Alone

4 Jan

You’ll Never Walk Alone

 

I have always loved this anthem of my favourite football team, sung by the legendary Gerry and his Pacemakers from the sixties. When I hear it played, I get goose bumps and the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end.

 

But in this last year it has meant much more to me than ever before. The day after Liverpool won the Carling Cup my world changed when my father took a massive stroke and had to be rushed to hospital.

 

Now I am a forty- one year old man, married to a lovely wife and fortunate to have 3 beautiful kids, but I am so close to my dad and we share a drink and watch footie and listen to the same kind of music and he is my best friend, so this shock hit me like a sledgehammer and since last February I had to visit him every day in hospital for 16 weeks to encourage him in his recovery.

 

He was lucky to survive, and could have ended up a lot worse than he is, he is confined to a wheel chair because his left side is very weak, but he can see and can speak and his personality  has not been affected and I feel very lucky still to have him.

 

He is not able to go back home because he is incontinent and my mother is not fit enough to look after him, so he lives in a nursing home now, but he has settled in very well and I visit him every day and take him out walks and watch football on TV with him and I still enjoy his friendship.

 

It has been a really tough year with so much stress and not much rest and I have to credit Gerry’s anthem for helping me through this tough time. I have found the lyrics so poignant and inspirational in my year of struggle, and every night before I go to sleep I have sung this song to myself to inspire me to keep going.

 

I have walked through a storm and tried to hold my head up high and I have been scared of the thought of darkness that death brings.

 

At the end of the storm , is a golden sky, and the sweet silver song of the lark, those lyrics have gave me hope that things will get better.

 

Walk on through the wind, walk on through the rain, if you live in the west of Scotland like me, then you will know that you get plenty of both in this part of the world. But seriously, I felt like there was no sunshine at this time.

 

Though your dreams be tossed and blown, meant that all the nice things I yearned for were blown away.

 

Throughout this tough time in my life I just walked on through life and held my head up high and ignored the dark with the hope that my dad survived.

 

My dad is still with me today, not as fit as he used to be, but he is happy and I feel lucky to still have him, and I feel lucky to be a Liverpool supporter because I have used the club’s anthem to give me strength throughout this nightmare year and I encourage anyone who is facing adversity and sadness to use this tremendous song to help them.

 

Gerry and the Pacemakers You Will Never Walk Alone and thank you for keeping me sane and for saving my dad, thank you.

Liverpool 3-0 Sunderland Match Report

3 Jan

Liverpool 3-0 Sunderland Match Report

 

Liverpool finished last year with an impressive win and now they want to start the New Year with a win against Sunderland at Anfield. 2012 was far too inconsistent for Liverpool and the New Year brings new hope of better results in their quest to improve their League position. Their opponents, Sunderland, have improved in recent weeks and could provide a stiff test for Liverpool, who have struggled to make Anfield a fortress in recent times.

 

The Team

 

Brendan Rodgers was well enough to lead his side out Anfield after missing Sunday’s win over QPR through illness. He had to make one enforced change to the side that won in London at the weekend, with Jose Enrique nursing a hamstring injury, Glen Johnson was switched to left back and Andre Wisdom was recalled to the team to play at right back. Reina kept goal, with Skrtel and Agger making up the rest of the defence. Sterling and Downing started as the wide men in midfield, with Lucas, Gerrard and Henderson in the middle of midfield and Suarez as the lone striker.

 

The Match

 

Liverpool started the game brightly and looked to net an early goal, and Downing almost obliged with an effort from a free-kick, but Mignolet made a scampering save. Liverpool’s good start was rewarded in the 18th minute when Suarez played a clever ball through to the onrushing Sterling, the youngster showed great composure to lob the advancing Mignolet to give Liverpool the lead.

 

Sunderland responded and should have scored, but James McLean was twice wasteful with just Reina to beat. Then Reina made a superb reflex save from a Kilgallon half-volley.

 

Sunderland were left to regret missing these chances when Liverpool scored a second when Suarez stayed on his feet on 26 minutes despite a foul from Carlos Cuellar and completed the task with a low finish which Mignolet handled but could not halt.

 

Downing almost made it three from a dangerous Henderson cross but went in at the half 2-0 to the good.

 

Sterling almost scored his second goal of the game after being put through by the impressive Suarez, but this time the youngster’s finish let him down.

 

On 52 minutes the game was over as a contest when Gerrard dispatched a 60-yard pass from his own half which Suarez controlled before slotting past Mignolet from close range. Gerrard now has eight league assists this season – one more than Wayne Rooney and Juan Mata at the top of that particular table.

 

Liverpool were rampant now and looking for more goals, but with a mixture of poor finishing, bad luck and some great goal keeping from Mignolet, Liverpool could not add to their tally, Joe Allen thought he had scored his first goal for Liverpool, but his effort was ruled offside.

 

A great start to the New Year for Liverpool with hope of more performances like this to come.

 

Summary

 

A great performance and win for Liverpool to kick off the New Year, but there were a couple of scares in the first half with Sunderland missing good chances. But the tempo and hunger Liverpool showed throughout the match was encouraging and another clean sheet is great news. Henderson and Downing are suddenly playing with confidence and looking like totally different players. Gerrard had another superb game and Luis Suarez is getting better with every game and scoring for fun at the moment. An impressive win for Liverpool on the back of the win at QPR and hopefully a more consistent run of wins will be the theme for the New Year.

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.

 

 

 

Honeymoon Over For Rodgers

28 Dec

Honeymoon Over For Rodgers

 

Liverpool lost again on Boxing Day for their 6th league defeat of the season. It has been a very inconsistent season for the Reds, but everyone connected with the Anfield club realise that this is a season of transition, with a new young manager at the helm.

 

Brendan Rodgers has been given the backing from the supporters and the owners, which is important, and his passing style of play has impressed the supporters along with his introduction of many young players into the first team. Brendan Rodgers is also media friendly, as his post-match interviews have proved, along with his starring role in the behind the scenes documentary “Being Liverpool”. Rodgers’ relationship with the media has been very encouraging after previous manager, Kenny Dalglish’s frosty and awkward relationship with the media.

 

But for the first time since Rodgers took over in the summer, there has been some grumblings of unrest from the Anfield faithful, probably, triggered by the way Liverpool lost to Stoke the other night and not just by the defeat itself. It looked like a re-run of the Aston Villa defeat, not so long ago, apart from the fact that Liverpool never led in the Villa match. In both matches Liverpool’s defence looked vulnerable and a lack of creation in the final third never caused the opposition defenders too much trouble. But the lack of passion and commitment to get back into these matches caused the biggest concern. Gerrard and Suarez looked like the only two players willing to give their all for the club in the face of defeat and that is what is not good enough for Liverpool supporters.

 

Liverpool lost many experienced players in the summer who did a good job for the club over the years, and when you look at who Rodgers has brought in to improve the team, well, I’m not sure they are better, Assaidi, Yesil and Sahin can’t get a game, ok Borini has been unfortunate with injury, but in his short spell he has only contributed one goal and struggled with the pace of the Premiership. Even big money signing Joe Allen is struggling to get a game recently since Lucas returned from injury. So his transfer record is not impressing so far, and hopefully he can change that in January.

 

Brendan Rodgers has tried to implement a “Barcelona” style into his Liverpool side, but although Liverpool have played good football many times throughout the season, he doesn’t have the players “Barcelona” have and in defence especially his style doesn’t work. I don’t know how many times this season Liverpool have lost goals from trying to pass in their defensive third. Against Stoke it was getting embarrassing as Stoke hustled Liverpool into mistake after mistake. Liverpool’s defenders are not comfortable enough in possession to play this way and the sooner Rodgers realises the better for Liverpool. Recent stats have shown that Liverpool pass mostly in their defensive third, and it wouldn’t surprise me if Reina gets the most touches with all the back passes he receives. I’m not saying Liverpool should play long ball tactics but you have to be versatile and be able to play different styles, depending on who you are playing against and if the preferred style is not working then be willing to change.

 

Patience has been granted to Rodgers throughout this inconsistent first season, but football is a results driven business and he must find that consistency or face being under pressure from the supporters, but more importantly from the trigger happy American owners.

 

I don’t think there is a need to panic yet and I think Brendan Rodgers should get at least this whole season, hopefully longer to prove himself. But he has to show the supporters and the owners that the club is progressing in the right direction and for the first time many Liverpool supporters are wondering if that is happening.

Stoke 3-1 Liverpool Match Report

27 Dec

Stoke 3-1 Liverpool Match Report

 

Liverpool faced a tough Boxing Day fixture away to Stoke who are undefeated at home this season and on a good run of form. Liverpool have had an inconsistent season, but were buoyed by their biggest win of the season at the weekend when they defeated Fulham 4-0 in their final match at Anfield of 2012, and go in to the fixture with confidence.

 

The Team

 

Brendan Rodgers kept faith in the side that defeated Fulham at the weekend for the visit to Stoke, so Raheem Sterling and Joe Allen had to be content with a place on the bench for the second match in a row.  The eleven that started were Reina, Johnson, Skrtel, Agger, Enrique, Suso, Gerrard, Lucas, Downing, Shelvey and Suarez.

 

The Match

 

Liverpool got off to a flying start in the first minute when Suarez was tugged down by Shawcross in the penalty box, referee Howard Webb awarded Liverpool their first penalty in 31 games. Steven Gerrard made no mistake from the spot to give Liverpool the perfect start.

 

The lead was short lived, when Walters beat Reina after a slip by Martin Skrtel. Worse was to come for Liverpool, when they fell behind 6 minutes later, when Jones headed in from a Cameron corner kick.

 

Liverpool looked stunned by the quick reversal in the score, and tried to respond. Downing carved out an opening for Gerrard on the edge of the box, but his shot was just wide of the post. Then Suarez exchanged passes with Downing before shooting over the crossbar.

 

Reina did well to keep the visitors from falling further behind when he raced out to deny Etherington who had found acres of space inside the Liverpool penalty area.

 

Liverpool’s hopes of a comeback in the second half were dashed in only 3 minutes after the re-start when Jones flicked the ball into the path of Walters who chested the ball down before brilliantly volleying past the helpless Reina.

 

Liverpool tried to respond to the deficit with endeavour with Suarez looking the most likely and Gerrard trying his instrumental best, but Stoke looked comfortable and organised in defence. Gerrard brought out a fine save from Begovic from an effort from the edge of the box in one of Liverpool’s best efforts of the second half, but the damage was done and Stoke ran out worthy winners in a disappointing result for Liverpool.

 

Summary

 

I wasn’t surprised that Rodgers kept the same team that defeated Fulham after that impressive performance. But Stoke are not Fulham and I thought we were a bit small in stature to compete with Stoke’s physical approach, the likes of Lucas, Suso and Downing are a bit lightweight and I would have rather seen Henderson in the midfield and Coates in to bolster the defence against the Stoke aerial threat. I think the team were probably shocked to be awarded a penalty as it’s been so long. But after the great start it was so disappointing to lose the lead so soon and to get the stuffing knocked out of us right at the start of the second half was a big disappointment as the game turned into a carbon copy of the Villa match the other week. Enrique didn’t have one of his best games, but he gave everything for the cause. Suarez was once again our main threat but he needs more support against disciplined defences like Stoke. Gerrard played his guts out trying to drag Liverpool back into the game, but he had little help from his troops other than from Suarez. Worrying to see Agger and Skrtel once again being bullied from a couple of average strikers in the form of Walters and Jones, just similar to their inability to handle Benteke against Villa. I can’t understand how Shelvey remained on the park for the full 90 minutes, he was woeful, no effort and gave possession away at every opportunity. It was so disappointing to see the lack of fight against a team that was hungrier than Liverpool and only Enrique, Gerrard and Suarez looked up for the battle.

Have A Merry Red Christmas

25 Dec

Have A Merry Red Christmas

 

I am a forty something Liverpool supporter who has supported the Reds for over thirty years. I am blessed with a lovely wife and three beautiful children, my oldest child is severely autistic and can’t speak and my father took a massive stroke the day after Liverpool lifted the Carling Cup at Wembley. My dad is now confined to a wheel chair and has to live in a nursing home as my mother would not be fit enough to care for him at home. Liverpool Football Club keeps me sane in all my trouble and strife.

 

When I was young Christmas was all about getting toys and getting the latest Liverpool strip to re-enact my heroes out on the street. But nowadays it is all about seeing my kids getting the presents they always wanted. I don’t look for presents now, I look for three points on Boxing Day for the Reds. I am just digesting my Christmas dinner as I write this article. I have really enjoyed this Christmas day with all my kids happy with their presents, and great news that the Justice Collective’s Hillsborough charity single is this year’s Christmas number one.

 

Christmas is the time for the mid-term report of how Liverpool’s season is going, and this season has been a season of transition after the sacking of King Kenny in the summer and the arrival of Brendan Rodgers to the Anfield hot seat. Rodgers has inherited a difficult task to bring Liverpool back to the “Glory Days” that they miss so much. The new manager’s task has been even more difficult with an inexperienced squad that lacks in numbers. Liverpool’s form has been very inconsistent so far this season, hence their league position, but there has also been many positives, for example the introduction of youngsters like Wisdom, Suso and Raheem Sterling have excited the Anfield faithful this season as the youngsters have stepped up a level to become regulars in the first team this season. Luis Suarez has been unplayable and scored many goals as Liverpool’s only recognised striker as he has thrived on this added responsibility with Liverpool’s lack of striking options. Liverpool have played some great stuff this season, but failure to take their chances has been a recurring problem for the Reds. But the fact that Liverpool are not too far away from a top fourth place is encouraging and with the recent news that Daniel Sturridge should be joining soon and the hope of more signings in the January transfer window, then the second half of the season looks extremely promising.

 

Steven Gerrard has struggled this season, but he looked more like his old self when playing alongside the industrious Lucas at the weekend. Enrique’s recent form has also been encouraging after struggling in the early part of the season. The much maligned Stewart Downing looked a different player on Saturday against Fulham as he netted his first Premiership goal since joining Liverpool and if he can perform like this on a consistent basis then he could still have a big future at Anfield. Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel’s form has been once again impressive just like last season, and Glen Johnson has been tremendous at both, left back or right back. Joe Allen started the season very well, but in recent weeks he has struggled a bit, but he still looks a great addition to the squad and is used to working with Rodgers at Swansea.

 

I am really looking forward to the second half of the season and I think Brendan Rodgers has us going in the right direction. I always feel honoured to be part of this big Red family and I wish all my fellow Liverpool supporters a brilliant Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Liverpool 4-0 Fulham Match Report

23 Dec

Liverpool 4-0 Fulham Match Report

 

Liverpool has not seen many victories at Anfield this calendar year so they were hoping to sign off their last game of 2012 with a win against Fulham. Liverpool were on a decent run of form until last week’s poor performance and result at home to Aston Villa, which brought their run to an abrupt halt. Possibly a good opponent for Liverpool to play after that poor result last week, as Fulham do struggle away from home, although Fulham won this corresponding fixture last season 1-0 courtesy of a Martin Skrtel own goal.

 

The Team

 

Brendan Rodgers tweaked his side a little from the team that lost to Aston Villa. The fit again Enrique came back into the side at left back and young Suso was also given a start. Joe Allen and Raheem Sterling were given a rest ahead of the busy festive period of fixtures. Reina kept goal behind Johnson at right back and Skrtel and Agger in the middle of defence with Enrique on the left. The midfield was Suso on the left, with Downing in his more familiar role on the right of midfield with Lucas and Gerrard in the middle of midfield with Shelvey supporting lone the striker Suarez.

 

The Match

 

Liverpool got the perfect start to the match in only eight minutes when a Gerrard corner was superbly volleyed into the net by Martin Skrtel giving the home side an early lead. Downing came close to doubling Liverpool’s lead but he shot wide after cutting in from the right and shooting with his favoured left foot.

 

Liverpool continued their dominant play and continued to create chances and should have doubled their lead in the 25th minute, but Agger contrived to miss from 3 yards out as he slid in to get on the end of a deflected Suarez effort.

 

The second goal eventually came when the impressive Downing played a beautifully weighted reverse pass behind the Fulham defence to Gerrard who turned and shot first time low into the net.

 

Within six minutes of the second half Liverpool ended the match as a contest when Downing smashed a screamer of a third goal after combining with Gerrard once again. It was the much maligned Downing’s first Premiership goal since joining Liverpool.

 

Liverpool looked a confident side now and continued to create chances, Suarez created a chance for Shelvey but his effort was deflected wide for a corner.  Next the dangerous Downing cut inside from the right before hitting another rocket just missing the top right hand corner.

 

Suarez put the icing on the cake, tapping in from an Enrique cut back in stoppage time. This was the first time this season that Liverpool had scored four times at Anfield.

 

The Summary

 

Great to see Enrique and Suso starting and I felt Sterling and Allen had been struggling a little in recent matches and a rest might do them good. Liverpool got the perfect start with Skrtel’s great strike and Liverpool have struggled all season to score early in matches and what a difference it makes, they just kicked on from there showing great confidence, although the second took a while to come. It was brilliant to see Gerrard get a goal as he has not scored as often as usual this season. Gerrard was superb in midfield alongside the industrious Lucas as he sprayed passes all over the park like an American football quarterback. I don’t know what Brendan Rodgers said to Downing before the game but he looked a different player wide on the right, as he looked to run and attack former Red Riise at every opportunity. Downing scored a tremendous goal and what a pass for Gerrard’s goal, it will be interesting to see if he can continue this form in the coming weeks. Suarez got his reward for his industry with a late goal ending his short barren spell. A much needed win and performance from Liverpool and many positives to take from the match, although Fulham were very poor and Liverpool will face much bigger tests in the future, starting at Stoke on Boxing Day.

Liverpool Must Strengthen In January

19 Dec

Liverpool Must Strengthen In January

 

Liverpool are currently sitting in 12th position in the league and 20 points behind leaders Manchester United and at the moment seem a long way off being where they want to be. OK, so this is a season of transition for Liverpool and patience is the key to long term improvement. But for a club like Liverpool being in such a lowly position in December has to be a concern.

 

The American owners backed former manager Kenny Dalglish with a lot of money to make Liverpool challengers once again. Dalglish took the club back to Wembley three times in one season and won their first trophy for a number of years, but Liverpool’s lowly league position was not good enough for the Americans and even a “Legend” like Dalglish had to be sacrificed.

 

Dalglish built a strong squad mixed with a good mix of youth and experience, but many of his signings struggled in their first season. Experienced players like Stewart Downing and Charlie Adam struggled to find their form at Anfield and youngsters with big price tags like Andy Carroll and Jordan Henderson also struggled, but Dalglish and his signings should have been given more time, especially after success in the Cup competitions.

 

Brendan Rodgers has now taken charge at Anfield and he has a massive job on his hands. The former Swansea manager lost a lot of experience before the new season started, with Maxi, Kuyt, Bellamy, Aurelio and Adam all leaving for pastures new with Spearing and Carroll going out on loan. Rodgers brought in Sahin on loan from Real Madrid along with Fabio Borini and Joe Allen from his former club, youngsters Assaidi and Yesil have also been added to a threadbare squad.

 

Maybe the American owners wanted to cut the wage bill at Liverpool by letting such players like Kuyt, Maxi and Adam leave, but to let them go and not replace them looks a big mistake and the debacle at the end of the transfer window has really hurt the team, although Liverpool have been very fortunate with the form of Luis Suarez. But can he keep that going for the whole season ?

 

It has been great to see youngsters like Sterling, Suso and Andre Wisdom come through this season, but it is really because Brendan Rodgers has not really had any other option but to play some kids. A couple of years ago Dalglish did the same when he took over, with Flanagan, Robinson, Kelly, Spearing and Shelvey featuring a lot, until he could add to his squad in the summer. So hopefully this January Rodgers can do the same and be backed by the owners to strengthen the squad.

 

The youngsters have been tremendous this season, but it is a big ask for them to play week in week out at the highest level. This season’s inconsistent results have been frustrating, but the style of play Rodgers has his team playing has the Liverpool supporters’ backing, when, not so long ago Roy Hodgson wasn’t so lucky.

 

Liverpool are only seven point short of a top four place at present and still within striking distance, but everybody needs to be pulling in the same direction and the owners need to back Brendan Rodgers with money to bring new players in this January. The summer is too far away and investment in the squad is needed now. But whatever happens in January time must be given to Brendan Rodgers as too many managers have come and gone in recent years.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liverpool 1-3 Aston Villa Match Report

16 Dec

Liverpool 1-3 Aston Villa Match Report

 

Liverpool returned to Anfield after a rare week’s rest in preparation for the visit of Aston Villa, who had a great away win against the in-form Norwich City in the Capital One Cup  at Carrow Road on Wednesday night to progress to the last four of the competition. Liverpool have been on a good run of form recently with 3 wins in a week, two wins in the league and the win in Italy that secured qualification to the knock-out stages of the Europa League, prior to this week’s preparation.

 

The Team

 

Brendan Rodgers replaced the injured Enrique with Downing at left back with the rest of the defence unchanged with Reina, Johnson, Skrtel and Agger keeping their places. The midfield meant Shelvey played on the left with Sterling on the right and Lucas, Allen and Gerrard in the middle with Suarez returning to lead the line after his one match suspension.

 

The Match

 

Liverpool started the match well with Gerrard having a chance early on and Shelvey being denied from a terrific tackle after superb work from Suarez. Former Villa man Downing also went close with a long range effort.

 

Liverpool were the dominant side with Villa’s defence bending but not breaking under Liverpool’s pressure. But in the 29th minute the visitors stunned Anfield when a short pass from Holman to Benteke on the edge of the area allowed the big striker to shoot in off the post and past the helpless Reina after his defenders gave Benteke too much time and space.

 

The goal was totally against the run of play but the lead was doubled 5 minutes before the break when a clever move between Weimann and Benteke resulted in Weimann firing past Reina and leaving Liverpool with a mountain to climb in the second half.

 

Shelvey was replaced by last week’s hero Cole for the second half, but was guilty of losing possession to Benteke after being put under pressure from a Joe Allen pass. Benteke sliced through the middle of Liverpool’s defence before placing the ball past the exposed Reina to make it 3-0 to the visitors.

 

Liverpool had a big shout for a penalty prior to Villa’s third goal when Agger had his shirt grabbed as he waited for a cross but as always for Liverpool the referee wasn’t interested in the offence.

 

Liverpool tried to get back into the match as they pushed Villa back but the visitors made it very difficult getting men behind the ball and defending very deep.

 

Gerrard managed to head a consolation goal from a long range Johnson effort, but it was too little too late in a disappointing result and performance from the Anfield men.

 

Summary

 

Still can’t understand why Downing gets played as a left back, he never will be. Good start from Liverpool but failure to capitalise on dominance once again punished in an ever so familiar theme. Liverpool’s defence was as poor as it’s been for some time and struggled to cope with the impressive Benteke.  Don’t think we will ever get another penalty after the latest big shout when Agger was man-handled. Liverpool have to win these kind of fixtures and this defeat is a big blow when things were looking up. Liverpool never really looked like making a comeback as we lacked imagination and guile offensively and I was surprised we managed a consolation. Got to beat Fulham next week or big concerns for the new year.

West Ham 2-3 Liverpool Match Report

9 Dec

West Ham 2-3 Liverpool Match Report

 

Liverpool have had a busy week with a win last Saturday followed by a trip to Italy in the Europa League where they could not fly home until the Friday, before travelling down to London for a testing fixture against West Ham. The Hammers had a week to prepare for the match after a tremendous win against Chelsea last weekend. But Liverpool are in confident mood too after winning two games in a week.

 

The Team

 

Liverpool had to find goals from somewhere else against West Ham with Luis Suarez serving a one match suspension after picking up his 5th booking of the season last weekend against Southampton. Brendan Rodgers made 5 changes to the side which beat Udinese on Thursday night. Reina kept goal behind Johnson at right back with Skrtel and Agger in the middle of defence, and Enrique at left back. Sterling was selected on the left of midfield with Lucas, Allen and Gerrard in the middle and Downing on the right of midfield. Jonjo Shelvey was selected as the man to lead the line up front.

 

The Match

 

Liverpool started the match well and looked to establish their passing game from the first whistle with Glen Johnson in particular threatening down the right, and it was the England right back that fired Liverpool in front in the 10th minute with a goal of the season contender from the edge of the Hammers’ penalty area.

 

Sterling had two chances to double Liverpool’s lead the first chance he shot wide after Gerrard’s shot was cleared to his feet. Moments later Johnson cut in from the right before rolling the ball to the youngster, but Sterling’s low drive was just off target.

 

But Liverpool had to make an early change when Enrique had to be replaced by former Hammer Joe Cole, with Stewart Downing switching to left back. This change upset Liverpool’s positive start to the match and the home side started to dominate and put Liverpool under pressure.

 

West Ham’s pressure told 9 minutes before the break when they were awarded a penalty after Joe Allen was adjudged to have handled Demel’s powerfully hit shot from the edge of the box. Referee Lee Probert deemed the block to be intentional before Noble stepped up to coolly convert the penalty.

 

The home side were buoyed by this goal and put Liverpool under severe pressure and Matthew Taylor headed high and wide with a great chance.

 

But the Hammers did take the lead when the unlucky Gerrard headed past Reina from another tremendous delivery from Jarvis.

 

Shelvey shot wide on the stroke of half time after being picked out by Downing and Liverpool went into the dressing room with it all to do in the second half.

 

Sterling came close to levelling when his effort was tipped over by Jaaskelainen as Liverpool tried to get back into the match. Liverpool were struggling to create chances against a well organised West Ham defence, but Shelvey flashed a header wide with 20 minutes to go, before Brendan Rodgers brought on Jordan Henderson for Lucas.

 

The home side were dealt a blow when the influential Diame suffered a serious looking leg injury and had to be replaced by James Tomkins.

 

With Liverpool not looking like breaking the West Ham defence it was another former Hammer Joe Cole who levelled things up when he smashed low into the corner after being played in by Sterling, but like Johnson, Cole refused to celebrate in respect to his former team.

 

The game was finely balanced now with both teams looking for a winner and Liverpool grabbed the lead again with 12 minutes to go when Henderson sent in a dangerous low cross which Shelvey and Collins competed for only for the ball to skew off the West Ham defender and loop over the helpless Jaaskelainen and into the net.

 

Sterling almost broke away to score another as West Ham threw the proverbial kitchen sink at Liverpool and Jonjo Shelvey should have been awarded a penalty late on after tricking his way into the box only to be tripped in the box.

 

Liverpool held out for the additional 5 minutes of stoppage time to secure a very important win.

 

Summary

 

As expected Shelvey deputised for the absent Suarez and he was superb running himself into the ground. A good start to the match and Glen Johnson was running riot in the early stages capped by a brilliant goal. West Ham came into the match and put Liverpool under extreme pressure which Skrtel and Agger did superbly to combat. But West Ham got a couple of lucky breaks, the first was a disgrace of a penalty by referee Proben before Gerrard unluckily headed past Reina. Great spirit shown in the second half by Liverpool to come back and Joe Cole scored a great goal from a great pass from the impressive Sterling. A touch of luck for the winner but Liverpool deserved it and Shelvey should have been given a penalty after being brought down late on. A brilliant win from Liverpool and this win will give great confidence.

 

 

 

 

← Older Entries
Newer Entries →