Respect To Munich And The 96

24 Sep

Respect To Munich And The 96

Yesterday’s match at Anfield was a very emotional occasion as it was Liverpool’s first home game since the release of the Hillsborough Independent Panel’s report being released. With Liverpool playing against bitter rivals Manchester United put the whole occasion under intense scrutiny as to how everyone would behave.

For many years sections of both supports have chanted about each other’s tragedies, and in the lead up to this fixture, both managers called upon the supporters to end this sick activity. Sir Alex Ferguson in particular was very intent on ending the vile chanting as he issued letters to Manchester United supporters going to the match about their conduct.

Manchester United Football Club made a tremendous gesture with the legendary Sir Bobby Charlton gifting Liverpool’s legendary striker Ian Rush a bouquet with 96 red roses. Both teams warmed up with track suit tops on with the number 96 on their backs. Then team captains Ryan Giggs and Steven Gerrard released 96 balloons into the sky prior to kick-off. Then supporters in sections of the crowd held up red and white leaflets portraying simple poignant messages :” the truth”,” justice” and “96”. The handshakes between both teams before the match was also scrutinised, focusing on Patrice Evra and Luis Suarez whose recent history has not been friendly to say the least, headlined by their “racism row” which resulted in Suarez receiving a lengthy 8 match ban, followed by Suarez’s refusal to shake Evra’s hand prior to kick-off last time both teams met.

But respectfully both players shook hands on this occasion and set the tone for the afternoon ahead where the football and respectfulness of both clubs and supporters took the headlines. United won the match 2-1 but for once the result felt secondary to the occasion that was marked with great respect from two great rival football clubs.

Reports suggested that a couple of Liverpool supporters made aeroplane gestures after the match where United supporters retaliated with chants of “Always the victims” and “Murderers”. But a couple of “Morons” should not be allowed publicity to overshadow a tremendously honoured respectful occasion which both sets of clubs and supporters deserve great credit for.

The authorities should deal with this very small element of idiots harshly and ban them from ever entering a football ground again, and the media must stop encouraging these idiots by giving them headline news which they thrive on.

Hopefully this example of respect by Liverpool and Manchester United will end the “tragic” chanting as both clubs and supporters have shown that they can be respectful rivals. To both Manchester United and Liverpool, to the tragic souls who lost their lives in Munich and to the 96 who died at Hillsborough :

You’ll Never Walk Alone

Liverpool 1-2 Manchester United Match Report

23 Sep

Liverpool 1-2 Manchester United Match Report

 

Liverpool at home to Manchester United is always an emotional encounter, but this time it was even more so, with Liverpool playing their first match at Anfield since the Hillsborough Independent Panel’s report was released. Both managers called for respect from both sets of supporters as the rivalry has recently got very bitter with disgusting chants relating to the tragedies that both clubs have suffered.

 

The Team

 

Brendan Rodgers made a number of changes to the team that played against Young Boys on Thursday, with first team regulars Reina, Skrtel, Agger, Kelly, Johnson, Allen, Gerrard, Sterling and Suarez coming back into the side after being rested.

 

 

The Match

 

Before the game got underway red and white coloured leaflets were raised by the Kop and sections of the Centenary and Anfield Road stands, portraying three simple yet poignant messages: ‘The Truth’, ‘Justice’ and ’96’.

To commemorate the findings of the Hillsborough Independent Panel’s report, the mosaic was held as You’ll Never Walk Alone rang around Anfield and remained in place for the first minute of the game.

 

Liverpool started the match brightly and Suarez went close when he smashed the ball across goal which Lindegaard got a hand to as Gerrard looked to finish off the move.

 

Borini was then denied after Suarez pivoted sharply and threaded an instinctive pass between a wall of United defenders for him to chase. However, when the Italian found himself a yard clear of any marker and clean through on goal, his first touch was too heavy and Lindegaard was out quickly to smother his effort.

 

With Liverpool dominating possession Gerrard side footed into the side netting after a short free-kick. Then Evans bundled Agger to the ground in the penalty box, but referee Halsey waved away Liverpool’s appeals.

 

Suarez slalomed towards the United goal as defenders swarmed around him in an attempt to pre-empt his next move. The Uruguayan shuffled the ball onto his right foot and tried to whip it into the top corner of Lindegaard’s net but his strike dipped over the bar.

 

United seemed content on defending deep and trying to hit Liverpool on the break, but they continued to give possession back to Liverpool.

 

However, on 38 minutes Anfield was stunned when Shelvey launched himself into a 50-50 challenge with Evans and Halsey deemed him to have come over the ball with two feet and the midfielder was sent off.

 

Deflated only momentarily, the home side refused to surrender momentum. Suarez sent a free-kick crashing towards Lindegaard’s left but the ‘keeper was down smartly to parry. Allen fed a pass into Borini, who cut the ball back from the touchline but no Liverpool player could turn home his inviting pass.

 

Suso came on for Liverpool to start the second half and he made an immediate impact being involved in the move that led to the opening goal. His attempted cross was blocked and Johnson picked up possession. The full-back darted into the United penalty area where the ball bobbled up to Gerrard. The skipper controlled with his chest before volleying left-footed into the corner of Lindegaard’s net.

 

Anfield was rocking, but it was stunned into silence 4 minutes later when Rafael curled an effort into the top corner past Reina from just inside the box.

 

On the hour mark Suarez let the ball roll across his body as he swivelled on the edge of the penalty area and fired low towards the corner of Lindegaard’s goal. Once again, however, the ‘keeper was not found wanting as he palmed the ball to safety.

 

United crept back into the game as time wore on. Alex Ferguson’s men looked more dangerous on the ball as van Persie lurked on the shoulder of the Liverpool defence.

And despite a short spell of possession for the home side, Antonio Valencia seized upon a mix-up for the Reds and ran half the length of the field before going to ground in the box.

Reina was booked, a penalty awarded and Van Persie side-footed the ball home to give United the lead.

 

Liverpool tried to respond in the latter stages with Kelly going close with a header, but United held out for their first victory at Anfield in the league since 2007.

 

Summary

 

A very emotional day today and tremendous tributes and respect shown by both teams and supporters prior to kick-off. Great to see Suarez and Evra finally shake hands too. Liverpool played very well and deserved to take something from the match, but when you are struggling things don’t go your way and the two big refereeing decisions went against Liverpool. Evans could very easily have been sent off with his two footed challenge with Shelvey and Valencia went to ground very easily at the penalty. Great goal from Gerrard and some good performances by Suarez, Allen and Kelly was superb, young Suso did brilliantly when coming on too. But another defeat and now Liverpool are in the bottom three and need to start winning very soon.

 

 

Young Boys 3-5 Liverpool Match Report

21 Sep

                                 Young Boys 3-5 Liverpool Match Report

 

Liverpool’s first match in the Europa League group stages was a trip to Switzerland to face Young Boys in a tricky away match for the Anfield side. With one eye on Sunday’s clash with Manchester United, Brendan Rodgers took a very young squad to Switzerland.

 

                                           The Team

 

With first team regulars like Gerrard, Reina, Skrtel, Agger, Johnson and Suarez being left at home, Brendan Rodgers fielded a very young side. Experienced players like Carragher, Enrique, Downing were complimented by youngsters making their debuts, Assaidi, Suso and Andre Wisdom at right-back. Sahin and Jordan Henderson were handed another chance to impress Brendan Rodgers.

 

                                          The Match

 

Although Liverpool started the match with an unfamiliar line-up, the passing style of the team was still the same as the men from Anfield set out to pass their way to victory.

 

Passing, moving, stopping and turning, Rodgers’ men stunned the home side with a combination of subtle movement and precise passing to carve an opening. The ball found its way out to Stewart Downing on the right flank and he burst towards the byline and whipped a cross into the centre where Juhani Ojala turned the ball past his own ‘keeper for 1-0.

 

Moments later the home side responded when Raul Bobadilla sprung the offside trap and latched onto a perfectly-weighted pass over the top of the Liverpool back four but Jones pushed his vicious effort into the side netting and behind.

 

Assaidi shot wide via a deflection after Pacheco found him down the left wing. Just after the half-hour mark, Jose Enrique bustled Zarate to the floor and the Greek referee Michael Koukoulakis indicated the player had been fouled outside the box, much to the frustration of the home crowd. However, the danger passed for Liverpool when Alexander Farnerud put too much power on his attempted cross and the ball sailed over Jones’ crossbar.

 

Suso almost doubled Liverpool’s lead when he burst into the box leaving defenders in his wake, but instead of shooting, the youngster tried to cut the ball back to a team-mate.

 

Moments later, Young Boys drew level. Enrique took control of a loose ball inside a packed penalty area but the full-back took one touch too many as the opposition closed in around him and the Spaniard could only clear to Raphael Nuzzolo, who fired home for 1-1.

 

But the celebrations of the raucous home support lasted for just two minutes as Wisdom wrote his name into the Liverpool history books by becoming the Reds’ fourth-youngest European goalscorer when he slammed home a towering header.

 

Liverpool took a 2-1 lead into the dressing room at the interval. But Young Boys responded in the second half by applying all the pressure as Liverpool’s defence battled against a series of onslaughts.

 

The home side got their reward when Bobadilla whipped a fine cross into the area towards Ojala, the defender made amends for his earlier error by ducking in behind Coates and diverting the ball past Jones to equalise with a fine header.

 

Moments later, Young Boys took the lead for the first time when Bobadilla used his strength to barge Jamie Carragher off the ball before outmanoeuvring the advancing Suso and threading the play into the path of Zarate. His pace took him away from Enrique and when Jones rushed out to meet him, the attacker lofted the ball beyond the ‘keeper with a delicate chip.

 

Rodgers brought on Borini and Shelvey in the second half and they made a huge impact. Borini won a corner in response to Liverpool falling behind for the first time in the match.

 

The ball was swung in from the right and Coates was head and shoulders above the Young Boys defence to power a header home as Borini tried to get on the end of it.

 

In an enthralling contest with both teams going for the win. it was Liverpool who grabbed the lead again, when Borini played a low pass across the penalty area to Jordan Henderson, who tapped the ball back into the path of Shelvey and the midfielder side-footed home for 4-3.

 

Shelvey wasn’t done there, however, and he wrapped up the win with a late drive to put the seal on a memorable night’s work in Switzerland.

 

                                               Summary

 

Rodgers gambled by leaving so many regulars at home, but he got away with it, just. Great experience for the youngsters who Rodgers put his faith in, and they didn’t let him down. Assaidi showed flashes of his potential, and Suso showed what he is capable of with some confident runs and passes. Pacheco worked his socks in an unfamiliar role. Andre Wisdom looked a regular at right-back and capped off a superb performance with a tremendous goal. Jordan Henderson impressed in the middle of midfield with good passing and amazing workrate. Disappointing to lose so many goals as Liverpool continue to have problems in defence. Enrique had a nightmare and looks a totally different player to the one that started last season. Borini made a huge impact when he came on as substitute, but was upstaged by Shelvey who came on to score two brilliant goals and looks certain to start against Manchester United on Saturday. A great win away from home in Europe and to score five goals is very encouraging.

Sunderland 1-1 Liverpool Match Report

17 Sep

Sunderland 1-1 Liverpool Match Report

 

After such an emotional week for Liverpool Football Club, where the Hillsborough Independent Panel’s report was released, after 23 years fighting for justice. Liverpool turned back to football matters. An away trip to Sunderland was Liverpool’s schedule, with both teams looking for their first league win of the season. It seemed a long time ago since Liverpool lost at home to Arsenal because of the international break.

 

The Team

 

Enrique was replaced by Glen Johnson at left-back with Martin Kelly slotting in at right-back alongside Skrtel and Daniel Agger in Liverpool’s defence. Jonjo Shelvey coming in to the team for new signing Nuri Sahin was the other change to the side that lost at home to Arsenal.

 

The Match

 

Prior to kick off, Liverpool’s players took to the field with the number 96 printed on the back of their anthem jackets in tribute to those who lost their lives in the disaster, as well as the families, survivors and fans who have campaigned for so long.

 

Sunderland too showed their support by flying the flags at the Stadium of Light at half-mast in light of events this week, while they also paid their respects with a message displayed on the two big screens inside the ground as the game got underway.

 

Liverpool started the match on the front foot with Shelvey dragging a shot wide of target on 4 minutes.

 

Next, Suarez spun into space 25 yards from goal before seeing a similar effort evade the far post.

 

Liverpool was dominating possession as Sunderland looked to hit the visitors on the break.

 

On 18 minutes Borini pounced on a slack header by Cuellar only to see his prodded effort blocked by Mignolet.

 

Liverpool were by no means in complete control, but they were to threaten again soon after. Another finely-executed passage of play saw Shelvey slip a neat reverse ball into the path of Suarez’s run into the box. The Uruguayan produced a first-time lay off to set up Borini on the edge of the box, and his snap-shot was beaten away by Mignolet.

 

Then on 29 minutes, Liverpool was stunned when Sunderland took the lead with their first effort on target.

 

Gardner skipped beyond two challenges on Liverpool’s left before delivering a teasing centre that evaded the hand of Pepe Reina and allowed Fletcher to tap in from close range.

 

Liverpool continued to dictate the play after this set-back, but they could not get the goal to give them parity before the break.

 

A positive start to the second half was the order of the day for the visitors, and after Shelvey had tested Mignolet from distance, Glen Johnson cannoned a curler against the crossbar after collecting possession in space down the left.

 

Sunderland dominated a spell of pressure before Gerrard shaved the base of the post with a side-footed effort after good work by Sterling and Shelvey.

 

The chances were now starting to come more frequently and Skrtel’s glance goalwards from a deflected Gerrard strike almost caught Mignolet off guard, but a lack of power meant the ‘keeper was able to collect.

 

Johnson saw a tremendous curling effort smash of the Sunderland bar as Liverpool cursed their luck.

 

Then, on 70 minutes, Sterling’s ball to Suarez created a shooting opportunity for the No.7, however his attempt was deflected away into the path of Johnson, who drilled over the bar.

 

Sterling’s influence on the contest was growing – and it was, therefore, no surprise he played a key role in Liverpool’s equaliser a minute later.

 

The 17-year-old danced into space beyond Danny Rose before feeding the ball into the danger zone. Titus Bramble was unable to clear, allowing Suarez to slam home with aplomb.

 

It was no more than Liverpool deserved and Liverpool now looked for a winner. But for all their pressure they had to settle for a point, with Shelvey going the closest in the final stages , bringing out a good save from Mignolet.

 

Summary

 

Liverpool deserved more from this match they dominated. But once again Liverpool’s failure to finish off chances proved costly. Raheem Sterling put in another great performance and instrumental in Liverpool’s equaliser. Glen Johnson made some great attacking forays down the left flank. A very encouraging performance from Liverpool , but disappointing to only take a point from the match.

 

 

 

96 Red Angels

13 Sep

96 Red Angels

On a week where the truth about Hillsborough has finally came to light

What a shock to the country at the extent of the cover up

Where 96 poor souls died at a football match

Those poor souls who never returned will never be forgotten

They had hope in their hearts and now they never walk alone

The Reds will carry on playing for these 96 angels with hope in their heart

23 years ago King Kenny led Liverpool through those dark days

 

Kenny carried the city of Liverpool

The Reds triumphed for the 96 angels in the final that year
Just like Shankly and Paisley they will never be forgotten

Etched in the fabric that is the history of this famous club

The 96 angels have made this club stronger

The fight for justice and the truth of that fateful day

The cover up

The lies

The blame on Liverpool supporters

But this club stood firm

The family that is Liverpool Football Club is unique

With more history than any other club

There have been many triumphs and disasters

But Liverpool will go on making history

This week provides another chapter

 

One of togetherness and what Liverpool supporters will fight for

 

When the odds are stacked against them

At last the families have won their fight against corruption

 

Now everyone knows the truth

 

The fight for justice will begin

 

But at long last the 96 Angels can rest in peace

You Will Never Walk Alone

Liverpool In Crisis

4 Sep

Liverpool In Crisis

 

As a Liverpool supporter it pains me to say it but “Liverpool are in big trouble”. Last Friday’s debacle to sign a last minute striker highlighted the mess the club are in.

 

Liverpool is falling further behind the top teams in the Premiership as confirmed with a lowly 8th position in the league last season.

 

But matters are so bad now with only two recognised strikers in Liverpool’s squad. It amazes me how we could let Andy Carroll go on loan to West Ham without a replacement for him. Brendan Rodgers stated that he would not have allowed that to happen, so it seems he has been let down somewhere.

 

Would the club not pay the money for target Clint Dempsey ?

 

Or, does the club not have the money ?

 

Either way, it is quite amazing when not so long ago Liverpool’s American owners was willing to back former manager Kenny Dalglish with so much money, especially as they was not prepared to give Dalglish the time to gel his team together.

 

Dalglish brought in many new players and one season was never long enough to see how they would do. Dalglish took Liverpool to two Cup Finals, winning one of them, and he had his team playing some of the best football Anfield has seen in years.

 

But the panic button was pressed at the end of the season by the American owners and Dalglish was sacked along with Damien Comolli, who was the orchestrator of the Liverpool’s transfer dealings.

 

Liverpool did pay over the odds for many of their players like £20 million for Stewart Downing, £20 million for Jordan Henderson, but the biggest expenditure was for Andy Carroll who cost £35 million.

 

It was extremely trustworthy of the owners to put their faith in Dalglish and Comolli with their money. But to let them spend so much of it and then sack them at the end of the season was ludicrous.

 

Now the owners have brought in new manager Brendan Rodgers with the task of bringing back Liverpool to the summit of English football.

 

Rodgers has come in with a fresh approach and great ideas on how he would like Liverpool to play, and he has been given some money to bring in a few of his own players to the club.

 

But since Rodgers has arrived he has not fancied Andy Carroll and has wanted rid of the big man, eventually getting his wish last week.

 

But although Rodgers wanted rid of Carroll, he looked keen on signing Clint Dempsey from Fulham. But for whatever reason Liverpool failed to get their man as Spurs nipped in to steal him from under their nose.

 

It looks like Liverpool’s owners was not wanting to make the same mistake expenditure wise as they did with Dalglish, or they just don’t have the money now. But surely for the sake of an extra one or two million it was worth it to get Dempsey.

 

Liverpool’s problem in recent years has been in the striker department even since the days of Torres. Dalglish at least gave himself striking options, although goals was still hard to come by, but Rodgers is left in a seriously desperate position with only two strikers, Luis Suarez and new signing Fabio Borini.

 

None of those two players will score enough goals and if Liverpool get injuries to any of them it will be even more disastrous with only young Adam Morgan to call upon, unless Rodgers can bring in a free agent.

 

It is no secret that Liverpool needed strikers and for the hierarchy at the club to allow this scenario to materialise is a disgrace and John W Henry’s letter holds no substance with his excuses.

 

After spending all their money on Dalglish they should have gave him time for his team to grow, after all they have said it will take time for Liverpool to get back to the top.

 

But now they have said Brendan Rodgers will get time, with no money and no strikers, I am not holding my breath. We’ll see.

 

 

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Liverpool 0-2 Arsenal Match Report

3 Sep

Liverpool 0-2 Arsenal Match Report

 

Always one of the most important fixtures of the season, but with Liverpool still looking for Brendan Rodgers’ first league win in charge, this match took on added importance.

 

An encouraging draw against Manchester City last weekend followed by qualification to the group stages of the Europa League against Hearts on Thursday, has renewed optimism with the Anfield faithful.

 

The Team

 

The big team news for Liverpool was the selection of new signing Nuri Sahin to make his debut in a Red shirt. Agger came back into to the side at the expense of Coates after serving his suspension. Enrique slotted back into his familiar left-back role, with Johnson moving over to right-back to replace Martin Kelly. The exciting Raheem Sterling started on the left with Joe Allen and Gerrard in the middle, with Borini down the right and Suarez up front.

 

The Match

 

Liverpool made an encouraging start to the game as Borini flashed the first chance of the match wide after bursting through the middle.

 

Moments later Suarez tricked Mertesacker into hacking him down on the edge of the box, earning Liverpool a free-kick. Unfortunately for Liverpool Suarez couldn’t repeat his free-kick of the previous week as he blazed over the bar.

 

Then Joe Allen broke up an Arsenal attack which ended with Borini firing a shot into the Anfield Road end.

 

Arsenal slowly grew into the game and Cazorla almost put the visitors in front, but Reina stood firm. Arteta and Cazorla started to influence the game and Liverpool found it hard to gain possession.

 

Raheem Sterling made a dangerous move towards the Arsenal penalty box only to be halted by Arteta just outside the box. However, Gerrard fired the free-kick straight into the wall.

 

Then Arsenal broke the deadlock with a lethal counter-attack, when Gerrard lost possession just outside the Arsenal box. The move orchestrated by Cazorla ended with Podolski firing past Reina and stunning the Kop.

 

Liverpool almost levelled immediately when Sterling turned inside the box, but his fierce shot shaved the outside of the post.

 

Liverpool had a shout for a penalty but replays suggest Howard Webb was correct as Mertesacker stretched to stop the lightning Sterling as he burst into the box.

 

But Arsenal should have doubled their lead after a tremendous break by Diaby which ended with Giroud shooting into the Kop with only Reina to beat.

 

5 minutes after the re-start Liverpool thought they should have had a penalty when Suarez was bundled to the ground by Mertesacker inside the box after a low cross by Gerrard. But Howard Webb waved away Liverpool’s appeals.

 

With Liverpool chasing the game Brendan Rodgers brought on Downing for Borini  and Shelvey on for Sahin to freshen things up and Downing made an instant impact with a clever back heel to set up Suarez but the Uruguayan’s effort was palmed over the bar by Mannone.

 

Then in the 68th minute Liverpool was undone for a second time when Cazorla exchanged passes with Giroud on the edge of the box before ploughing into the Liverpool penalty area and hammering the ball under Reina for 2-0.

 

Liverpool huffed and puffed to get back into the match and Suarez  and Shelvey having chances late on but Liverpool could not break through a stubborn Arsenal defence, as the visitors held on for a deserved 3 points.

 

Summary

 

Pleased to see Sahin finally starting for Liverpool in a side that looked about as strong as Rodgers could field. Liverpool started the game brightly, as Liverpool created a few chances, but was opened up far too easily on the counter-attack as proved by the first goal. Sterling looked dangerous, but was paid a lot of attention by Arsenal’s defenders. Joe Allen was once again superb in midfield, but Gerrard’s passing was surprisingly poor. Worried about the number of goals Liverpool is conceding and with no strikers on the bench, there doesn’t seem to be a plan B. I have to blame Reina for the second goal, he should have saved it, and he is making far too many mistakes all of a sudden. Liverpool played some nice football without a cutting edge and never looked solid defensively either. Deservedly beat.

 

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Rodgers Been Let Down

1 Sep

Rodgers Been Let Down

 

 

The Transfer window has now slammed shut, and Liverpool is now left to work with the players they have left, which is not very many.

 

There has been an exodus at Anfield this summer, with many players leaving and not so many coming in. The American owners probably have a lot to do with it, as they gave former manager Dalglish so much money to transform the team.

 

Unfortunately Dalglish’s signings never fulfilled their potential. Players like Adam, Downing, Henderson and the much criticised signing Carroll.

 

It is easy to blame Dalglish or Comolli of their transfer strategy, but the owners have to take most of the blame for allowing silly amounts of money to be spent on overpriced players, and with the result of this summer’s transfer window, it looks like Liverpool have very little money left.

 

Brendan Rodgers has come into Liverpool with a massive job on his hands to try and make Liverpool challengers again. Rodgers has his own strategy and knows what players he wanted to bring in to improve his side, but I can’t believe he is very happy with the way the transfer window has turned out for him.

 

I’m sure Rodgers was instructed to reduce the wage bill, and this has been achieved as many players have been shown the exit in one way or another.

 

Liverpool have lost players like Kuyt, Maxi, Aurelio, Craig Bellamy, Charlie Adam and Eccleston, with Danny Wilson , Jay Spearing and Andy Carroll going out on loan , to mention a few, and not so many have arrived at Anfield to strengthen a depleted squad.

 

OK so the American owners have spent around £29 million on players to bring in, but Liverpool still look very short of players.

 

Striker Borini has been brought into the club, along with Joe Allen from Swansea, winger Assaidi and Sahin from Real Madrid on loan.

 

But the most obvious position that Liverpool look short in, is in the striker department, Liverpool only have new signing Borini, and Luis Suarez as recognised strikers, with young Adam Morgan who has no experience at all.

 

Liverpool letting Carroll go on loan to West Ham looked like it would be a certainty that Liverpool would bring in another striker. But it didn’t happen.

 

Chelsea’s Sturridge was rumoured to be a transfer target, and it was no secret that Liverpool wanted Fulham’s Clint Dempsey, who also wished to come to the club. But as it turned out Spurs nipped in and stole him from under Liverpool’s nose, and now Liverpool are left very short of strikers.

 

Liverpool has a lot more games to play this season too, with the inclusion of the Europa League. So having two recognised strikers for the whole season just does not look enough.

 

Suarez will pick up bookings and receive suspensions and will need to be wrapped up in cotton wool to protect him from injury, but will he be able to provide the goals Liverpool need to have a good season ?

 

So far Borini looks like he has never played up front as he has been guilty of missing a few chances in his fledgling Liverpool career.

 

Liverpool struggled to score goals last season and most people thought they needed another striker back then, when Liverpool had the services of Andy Carroll, Luis Suarez, Craig Bellamy and Dirk Kuyt.

 

But now Liverpool look as if they are going to struggle for goals and with all their rivals like Spurs, Arsenal, Chelsea, Man City and Man United improving their squads, it looks like Liverpool could finish another season in mid-table.

 

I just feel Brendan Rodgers must feel he has been let down by the likes of Ian Ayre and his American owners as I’m sure although he didn’t want Andy Carroll he still wouldn’t have allowed him to leave without being certain of getting another front player in.

 

Time will tell if Liverpool can cope with the players they have but I fear the worst for the club I love.

 

 

Liverpool 1-1 Hearts Match Report

31 Aug

                                             Liverpool 1-1 Hearts Match Report

 

 

After last week’s 1-0 win over Hearts at Tynecastle, Liverpool was hoping to finish off a stubborn Hearts side that made things very difficult in Edinburgh.

 

Many experts would expect Liverpool to win convincingly at Anfield against the Scottish side, but Brendan Rodgers stressed that he would not be taking Hearts lightly.

 

Liverpool was buoyed by their performance against Manchester City at the weekend and would be hoping to build on that showing against Hearts to increase their confidence.

 

                                             The Team

 

Brendan Rodgers named a much stronger team than he did last week, with Suarez and Gerrard included in the line-up.

 

Skrtel partnered Carragher at the heart of the defence with Kelly at right-back and a new position for Downing at left-back.

 

Jordan Henderson came back into the side after falling out of favour in recent league games, and great to see youngster Adam Morgan getting a chance up front.

 

 

                                           The Match

 

 A tremendous atmosphere at Anfield , for the visit of Hearts, who brought a brilliantly,  vocal travelling support down from Edinburgh.

 

Stewart Downing excelled in the early stages in his new role, racing down the left and floating crosses into the middle. One such cross found the 18 year old, Adam Morgan at the back post, but the youngster failed to control.

 

In the 12th minute, Downing provided another cross which Morgan headed back across the face of goal to Suarez, who nodded over the advancing keeper, only to see his effort cleared off the line.

 

Callum Paterson looked a threat for the visitors and fired a shot over the bar early on.

 

At the other end Suarez nutmegged a Hearts defender before having his cross deflected behind.

 

Liverpool was dominating the play in the first half and quick to win the ball back as they showed signs of Brendan Rodgers philosophy.

 

Morgan produced a stinging drive in the 25th minute which MacDonald almost spilled into the path of Gerrard.

 

Moments later Gerrard burst into the box, driving past two defenders only to see his dinked effort blocked by MacDonald.

 

Then Suarez cut the ball back from the goal-line for Morgan to tap into the net, but the youngster’s celebration s was short lived as the linesman’s flag was raised as he adjudged Suarez had taken the ball out of play before he crossed.

 

After the interval Liverpool stepped up the pace with Joe Allen the main instigator in proceedings.

 

With Hearts remaining resolute against Liverpool’s pressure, Brendan Rodgers decided to bring on Raheem Sterling for Adam Morgan for the last 30 minutes. Morgan was rewarded with a standing ovation from the Kop.

 

The pressure was turned up a notch as Sterling ran at the Hearts defence. Then Henderson played through Suarez, but after rounding the Hearts keeper, he had his effort blocked behind to safety.

 

A minute later Suarez smashed an effort past MacDonald’s post as the pressure mounted.

 

Chance after chance was coming and going at the Hearts end, but Liverpool could not penetrate the Hearts defence.

 

Then with 6 minutes remaining Liverpool was stunned when Templeton struck a speculative effort from 25 yards straight at Reina, the Liverpool keeper spilled the ball into his net to send the visiting support wild and levelling the tie.

 

The game looked certain for extra-time when Suarez burst through the Hearts defence from midfield before firing low past MacDonald and breaking Scottish Hearts.

 

It was a tough end for Hearts, but massive relief for Liverpool.

 

                                            The Summary

 

Impressive to see Rodgers field such a strong team against Hearts and also give Adam Morgan his first start. Liverpool moved the ball well and played some nice stuff, but I never felt we created enough chances for all the possession we had. Suarez was very wasteful, but then popped up with an amazing goal to save Liverpool.  Morgan played well and was unlucky to have his effort chalked off. Downing played very well in an unfamiliar role at left-back, and Joe Allen was very impressive once again in the middle. I thought Liverpool would have won comfortably, but great credit to Hearts they played brilliantly and defended superbly, probably deserved to get to extra-time for their efforts. Another worrying defensive mistake contributing to a goal, this time Reina, and he is starting to make quite a few mistakes that he never used to. Good to get past Hearts although it was hard work.

 

 

Liverpool 2-2 Manchester City Match Report

27 Aug

Liverpool 2-2 Manchester City Match Report

 

 

Liverpool’s first match of the season at Anfield could not have been any tougher than facing the Premiership Champions Manchester City.

 

 

Liverpool hoping for their first points of the season , after losing at West Brom last weekend in a disastrous 3-0 defeat.

 

 

Manchester City won their first league match 3-2 at home to Southampton last weekend.

 

 

Brendan Rodgers would be hoping for a response from his players after last weekend’s poor show.

 

 

The Team

 

 

Rodgers made a couple of brave decisions in his team selection for the visit of City, with the young Raheem Sterling making his full league debut.

 

 

Martin Skrtel was partnered in defence with Sebastian Coates, with Agger serving a suspension. Martin Kelly and Glen Johnson served as the full-backs.

 

 

Lucas, Joe Allen and Gerrard were deployed in the middle of the park with Borini out on the right with Suarez up front.

 

 

 

The Match

 

 

Gerrard set the tone with an effort just wide inside the first minute as Liverpool started on the offensive.

 

 

Moments later Liverpool was dealt a blow when Lucas had to be replaced by Shelvey after picking up an injury.

 

 

Liverpool made a lively start to the match and looked dangerous on the attack. Sterling created a great chance for Borini but he could only poke the ball wide of target.

 

 

Moments later Tevez looked to have given City the lead, but his effort bobbled of the post and into Reina’s grateful arms.

 

 

The game went from end to end in a pulsating match, with both teams going for it.

 

 

Then Gerrard whipped in a dangerous low cross from the right which was diverted over the bar by Kompany. Liverpool took the lead from the resulting corner when Skrtel smashed a header past Joe Hart from a Gerrard corner.

 

 

Liverpool almost doubled their lead when Borini played in Suarez, but he could only poke his effort wide.

 

 

City bounced back in the 62nd minute when a Tevez cross was deflected over the diving Reina at the near post, only to bounce off the surprised Kelly falling kindly to Yaya Toure, who swept the ball into the empty goal.

 

 

Minutes later Liverpool took the lead again when Suarez brilliantly curled a free-kick around City’s defensive wall and low into the corner of Hart’s goal.

 

 

Liverpool looked comfortable defending their lead until Skrtel passed the ball straight to Tevez who intercepted Skrtel’s attempted pass back to Reina, before rounding Reina and passing the ball into the Liverpool net.

 

 

It was a huge blow to Liverpool after a huge effort to overcome City, but they showed great character in their quest to find a third goal, and almost nabbed a winner but substitute Carroll’s headed effort was cleared off the line as both teams had to settle for a draw.

 

 

Summary

 

 

A terrific performance from Liverpool who should have taken all three points, but like last week , defensive mistakes proved costly.

 

 

Brendan Rodgers picked a very young but exciting team and his selection was proved right in the performance they produced.

 

 

So many great performances, but special mention to Raheem Sterling who showed no fear, and looked to run at defenders all day long. Joe Allen was immense , breaking up the play and his passing was superb as he never gave the ball away.

 

 

Disappointing not to take all 3 points, but so many encouraging signs for the future after this passionate and exciting performance.

 

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