Tag Archives: Gerrard

Liverpool 1-0 Manchester United Match Report

1 Sep

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Liverpool 1-0 Manchester United Match Report

 

Daniel Sturridge provided a fitting tribute to Bill Shankly with a 4th minute winner against old rivals Manchester United at Anfield on the eve of the great man’s 100th birthday. Sturridge scored his 3rd goal in 3 matches as his goals have been enough for Liverpool to record three 1-0 wins to start the season and fire them to the top of the league which is appropriate as Liverpool celebrate the 100th anniversary of the birth of Bill Shankly.

 

The Team

 

Brendan Rodgers suffered a few injuries in midweek against Notts County with new signings Cissokho ruled out for possibly 6 weeks along with Kolo Toure who was stretchered off in extra time and Joe Allen also had to come off after picking up an injury. Forgotten man Martin Skrtel came back into Liverpool’s defence with the absence of Toure. Simon Mignolet kept goal with Johnson, Enrique and Agger alongside Skrtel in defence. Coutinho, Lucas, Gerrard, Henderson, Aspas and Sturridge made up the rest of the team.

 

The Match

 

Anfield produced a tremendous tribute to the great Bill Shankly on the eve of what would have been his 100th birthday by producing a mosaic on the Kop and a minute’s applause prior to kick off.

 

The game kicked off with United surging down the left flank before a Giggs cross was easily collected by Mignolet.

 

But in the 3rd minute Liverpool won their first corner of the match which Gerrard took and he found Agger who headed towards goal only to be diverted into the United goal by the head of Sturridge and send Anfield into raptures of delight.

 

The goal lifted the already noisy Anfield up a notch as the Liverpool fans celebrated. But United responded and van Persie went close with an overhead kick.

 

The game started to shift from end to end as Welbeck forced Mignolet into action before Gerrard produced an effort at the other end.

 

United started to settle into the game after the frenetic start and a corner taken by Young missed everyone as it rolled along the 6 yard box.

 

Then Johnson produced a superb block as Welbeck looked to fire in an equaliser. But Gerrard was orchestrating Liverpool’s midfield superbly as they enjoyed good possession.

 

Next it was Liverpool on the attack as Gerrard fired a free-kick on target but De Gea was equal to it. Aspas and Cleverley picked up yellow cards as things became a bit heated and Cleverley’s booking resulted in Liverpool receiving a free-kick in a dangerous position but Coutinho’s effort was high and wide.

 

Then within the space of 2 minutes United picked up another 2 yellow cards when Carrick and van Persie were punished.

 

The referee blew for half-time with tempers flaring as Gerrard and van Persie squared up to each other.

 

United started the second half on the attack and pushed Liverpool back as they looked to draw level. Glen Johnson had to head a dangerous cross behind for a corner as the pressure mounted.

 

Then Gerrard took a free-kick but Agger headed over. But United were dominating possession now and van Persie had the next effort but it was deflected wide.

 

Then Young had a volley blocked after Agger’s weak headed clearance before Welbeck thought he had won United a penalty after colliding with Aspas in the box.

 

Brendan Rodgers brought on Sterling for Aspas with 30 minutes to play in hope of giving Liverpool an outlet with his pace. But the game became very scrappy with both teams losing possession too easily.

 

Substitute Nani’s corner kick was then headed over by Giggs at the near post as United kept up the pressure on the Liverpool defence.

 

Moments later a dangerous run by Evra was brought to a halt by a crunching challenge by Glen Johnson which resulted in the Liverpool defender having to be replaced by Andre Wisdom.

 

Then Nani unleashed a rocket from the edge of the box but Mignolet punched the shot to safety as Liverpool continued to defend.

 

With time running out for United they produced the chance they wanted when van Persie was slipped through behind the Liverpool defence but for once the Dutchman fired into the side-netting.

 

With 5 minutes to be added on at the end Liverpool kept possession in the United half before Sterling surged forward before firing a shot into the top corner which De Gea tipped over the bar.

 

Anfield celebrated when the final whistle went as Liverpool made it 3 wins from the games.

 

Summary

 

The tribute for Bill Shankly was special before the kick-off and the atmosphere inspired Liverpool to get early goal. I was worried about Skrtel being recalled to the team because of Toure’s injury but Skrtel was brilliant and was my man of the match. Skrtel’s performance was more impressive because of the fact that he hasn’t been playing regularly for the last year. Liverpool didn’t play as well as previous games but the work rate and resilience was impressive as United pushed for an equaliser in the second half. Gerrard was superb and produced a few great tackles and I liked the way he sorted out van Persie before half-time. Glen Johnson was also brilliant in defence and he produced a couple of bone crunching tackles, unfortunately one of them resulted in him having to leave the field. But Liverpool made a big statement by beating United and proved that they can compete with the big teams and the result can only boost confidence with the fact that Liverpool are top of the league.

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Thailand 0-3 Liverpool Match Report

28 Jul

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Thailand 0-3 Liverpool Match Report

 

Liverpool ended their pre-season tour with a trip to Thailand. The Reds won comfortably in front of another stadium full of Liverpool supporters. Liverpool won the match 3-0 through goals from Coutinho, Aspas and Steven Gerrard to the delight of the Thailand public. Luis Suarez featured once again as speculation over his future remains unclear.

 

The Team

 

Brendan Rodgers used as many players as possible in this match against Thailand as he prioritise match fitness with his players. New goalkeeper Mignolet started the match with other new signing Toure in defence in front of him alongside Enrique, Agger and Johnson. Rodgers selected a midfield of Lucas, Gerrard, Coutinho and Allen with other new signing Aspas and Borini providing an attacking threat.

 

The Match

 

Liverpool made light of the searing heat and humidity as they grabbed the initiative from the start. Coutinho caught the eye in the early stages with stunning close control and tricks that impressed the audience.

 

Aspas almost scored after one of Coutinho’s trademark runs, but the striker’s effort was deflected over. Then Coutinho sent an acrobatic volley just wide after being picked out by Johnson as the chances kept coming.

 

Then Borini saw an effort saved before the magical Coutinho finally beat the overworked Hathairattanakool. The Brazilian bamboozled 3 defenders before shooting past the helpless keeper with a goal of stunning individual brilliance.

 

Thailand rallied late in the first half and Liverpool had Mignolet to thank for staying in front. Thailand’s Anun’s powerful strike from the edge of the box appeared destined for the net but Mignolet pulled off a stunning reflex save to keep the Reds in front.

 

Liverpool had little trouble in the second half as they dominated proceedings. Coutinho’s vision allowed him to find Aspas with a wonderful pass which the Spaniard controlled instantly before netting his third goal in four friendlies since his move from Celta Vigo.

 

Aspas then turned provider as he unselfishly laid the ball off to Gerrard who sent a stunning lob over the keeper to make it 3-0.

 

Suarez came off the bench with half an hour to play and was left frustrated when his header hit the underside of the bar from a Gerrard cross. Henderson went close before Gerrard saw his effort hit the woodwork late on.

 

Summary

 

Liverpool played well and created a lot of chances against Thailand. Plenty of players managed some game time as the players look sharper with every match. Gerrard bossed the midfield and scored another brilliant goal. Aspas scored again and his form in his young Liverpool career is impressive. Coutinho is just a magician and was awesome again for Liverpool, his goal was pure class and he is going to be a very important player for the Reds this season. Mignolet is looking like a great buy and the big Belgian has not put a foot wrong in goal. Overall it was another good workout for Liverpool as they have made plenty of new friends and left many great memories for their distant supporters.

 

 

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Melbourne Victory 0-2 Liverpool Match Report

24 Jul

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Melbourne Victory 0-2 Liverpool Match Report

 

Liverpool continued their pre-season tour with another win as they beat Melbourne Victory 2-0 thanks to goals from captain Steven Gerrard and a late Aspas strike at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The match was watched by an amazing 95,000 sell-out crowd.

 

The Match

 

The match started without much in the way of goal mouth action as Liverpool looked happy to concentrate on keeping possession in the early stages. Sterling had the first meaningful effort on goal but unfortunately his 25 yard effort sliced wide of target before Andrew Nabbout tested Brad Jones at the other end.

 

Gerrard had a long range effort well saved by Nathan Coe after connecting on a pass from Sterling. But the Victory goalkeeper was helpless to prevent Gerrard scoring moments after the half-hour mark when the Liverpool captain slotted past the keeper after great work by Joe Allen to create the chance.

 

The goal came at a good time for the Reds with the hosts enjoying their best spell of possession of the match. Youngsters Sterling and Ibe looked lively down the flanks and created Liverpool’s best chances, but too often Liverpool lacked numbers in the box to take advantage.

 

Gerrard managed to get on the end of one of Sterling’s crosses but his effort rose over the crossbar just before half-time.

 

Liverpool continued to look for goals in the second half and Skrtel almost made it 2-0 shortly after the re-start when he produced a looping header from a Gerrard corner which Coe managed to tip over the bar.

 

The game became pedestrian with no keeper called into action until the hour mark when Borini executed a vicious volley which Coe did well to smother before Connor Pain produced a swerving left-foot drive that Jones managed to parry away.

 

Borini became more involved in the second half and improvised to produce an overhead kick which bounced just wide of the post.

 

Rodgers made wholesale changes with about 20 minutes remaining with most eyes on Suarez whose future is shrouded in mystery.

Substitute Aspas put the icing on the cake with a second goal for Liverpool in stoppage time after trademark trickery from fellow substitute Luis Suarez.

 

Liverpool will now travel to Thailand for the last match of their three-match summer tour against a Thailand X1.

 

Summary

 

Liverpool recorded another win and another clean sheet in Melbourne. Gerrard looked much better in a dominant first half capped by a brilliant goal. Jordan Ibe and Raheem Sterling showed great appetite and sharpness down the wings with Borini looking much better in the second half after a quiet first half. Liverpool should have won by more than 2 goals but it was another good match for Liverpool although the future regarding Suarez remains unclear even though he managed 20 minutes game time.

 

 

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Liverpool’s Best Signing

16 Jul

Liverpool’s Best Signing

 

Liverpool made their biggest signing of the summer this week when Steven Gerrard put pen to paper on a contract extension. Forget about the signings of Aspas, Mignolet, Alberto and Toure, Gerrard’s signing is the most important one.

 

Gerrard has been a figure head for the club for as long as most Liverpool fans care to remember and his contract extension will probably tie him to the club for the rest of his playing career. Gerrard is such an important player for Liverpool, he is the captain of course, and of England. His ability is renowned across the globe, but it isn’t just his ability that is admired, but his leadership and inspiration to galvanise Liverpool when they are looking beat. He has inspired Liverpool to many amazing comebacks over the years, that amazing goal against Olympiakos in the Champions League, the Gerrard Cup Final against West Ham where he produced 2 stunning goals, and the first goal in Istanbul to start the unforgettable comeback to win the Champions League in 2005.

 

Gerrard is getting on a bit now and is in the twighlight of career but his importance is still unparalleled by any other squad member. Last season Gerrard played in nearly every Premier League match for the Reds and proved that there is plenty miles left in the tank.

 

With the loss of Carragher through his retirement from football, Gerrard’s experience and importance has never been more needed and his contract extension hopefully sets an example to others that he is still as determined as ever to help his beloved Liverpool.

 

His loyalty to the club will influence other players who might be thinking of moving away and could also encourage new players to sign who might have been undecided on coming to Anfield, the rest of the summer will prove if Liverpool can attract more new players, but if they do, then I’m sure Gerrard will be a big influence in tempting them.

 

Liverpool have many youngsters breaking into the first team and Gerrard has helped them along the way by setting an example in training and now he can help continue their development into the first team as the likes of Sterling, Morgan, Wisdom, Ibe but to name a few are being inspired by Gerrard’s attitude and his dedication.

 

Gerrard’s role in the team has changed slightly in a deeper midfield role, but he seems to be thriving on it with more space than by playing further up the park. The return of Lucas from injury has been a major help for Gerrard as his industry frees Gerrard up to play the “American Quarterback” role, where he can spray passes all over the park and influence games with willing runners upfield. Gerrard’s delivery at dead ball situations are lethal and provide so many goals and create so many chances for Liverpool and his calmness at taking penalties highlights his responsibility of being captain of Liverpool.

 

See what the rest of the summer brings, but I’m sure you will agree that Gerrard’s signing is the best Liverpool signing of the summer.

 

 

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Liverpool 0-0 West Ham Match Report

8 Apr

Liverpool 0-0 West Ham Match Report

 

Liverpool had to settle for a point against West Ham who frustrated the Reds with a dogged defensive display on Sunday. The Reds carved out several opportunities but failed to convert, although substitute Sturridge had the ball in the net in the second half only to see it ruled out for offside.

 

The Team

 

Brendan Rodgers decided to keep the same eleven that won at Aston Villa last weekend which meant no place in the team once again for Daniel Sturridge. So Reina kept goal once again with the defence consisting of Johnson, Enrique, Agger and the veteran Carragher. Jordan Henderson kept his place in the midfield alongside Coutinho, Downing, Lucas and Gerrard with Suarez as the lone striker.

 

The Match

 

Prior to kick-off Anfield held a minute’s silence in memory of the 96 supporters who died at Hillsborough ahead of the 24th anniversary of the tragedy on April 15.

 

Liverpool made a bright start to the match and Coutinho tested Jaaskelainen early on with a low drive. Gerrard, Henderson and Suarez all had efforts of their own but failed to make the breakthrough as Liverpool dominated possession.

 

But the visitors could have snatched the lead in the 25th minute when Diame produced a powerful run into the Liverpool box but he blazed his effort into the Kop.

 

Stewart Downing was replaced by Sturridge in the first half as Liverpool were forced into a change with Downing’s problem.

 

Suarez almost broke the deadlock after linking up with Coutinho in the box but his low effort was saved by the feet of Jaaskelainen. At the other end Lucas got caught in possession which led to Carlton Cole with a shooting chance, but he was denied by a brilliant block by Daniel Agger.

 

Jaaskelainen saved from Sturridge from close range after misjudging Coutinho’s corner kick in stoppage time at the end of the first half.

 

Liverpool continued to search for the opening goal in the second half as Gerrard burst into the box before producing a low cross which was hooked to safety by Diame with Sturridge in attendance.

 

Gerrard was then frustrated when he saw his net-bound effort cleared of the line by Tomkins with Jaaskelainen helpless.

 

Sturridge diverted a Henderson shot into the net from 6 yards but it was ruled out for offside in the 66th minute. Moments later Coutinho arrowed a shot just wide of the upright.

 

Moments later Gerrard went tumbling under a challenge from Tomkins but referee Taylor waved away appeals for a penalty.

 

Liverpool continued to search for the winner but could have lost the match as Lucas produced a brilliant goal-line clearance on the line from Collinson’s powerful header late on.

 

Liverpool had to settle for a point as time ran out in a frustrating afternoon at Anfield.

 

Summary

 

I was disappointed to see Sturridge on the bench once again, especially at home. I understood why Rodgers went with just Suarez up front at Villa after being too attack minded at Southampton the week before, but at home against West Ham he was far too conservative in his team selection.

 

Liverpool made a few chances but not enough, although credit must go to West Ham’s tremendous defensive performance. I thought Sturridge’s “goal” was a close decision but not for the first time this season it never went for Liverpool. Gerrard’s penalty appeal could also have been given on another day. But West Ham should have been awarded a penalty too when Enrique kicked the back of Collinson in the box. Liverpool need to win these type of games. Such a frustrating result for Liverpool once again.

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Aston Villa 1-2 Liverpool Match Report

31 Mar

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Gerrard Sinks Villa

Steven Gerrard capped a second half comeback for Liverpool as he converted a penalty to give Liverpool the 3 points after Benteke had given Aston Villa a deserved first half lead. Jordan Henderson levelled early in the second half after being sent clear by Coutinho. Gerrard was the hero at the other end of the park too when he cleared a goal-bound Benteke header off the line to earn the win for his side.

The Team

Brendan Rodgers made 4 changes to the team that lost to Southampton 2 weeks ago. Reina, Carragher, Lucas and Jordan Henderson all returned to the side. Johnson, Enrique, Agger, Coutinho, Downing, Gerrard and Suarez completed the line-up for the visitors.

The Match

Like at Southampton Liverpool struggled to settle into the match as Villa set about unsettling their visitors. Agger had to intervene twice early on to prevent an opening goal.

Lucas blocked a goal-bound effort inside the 6 yard box as Villa pressed. Then Reina pulled off a point-blank save from Agbonlahor as Liverpool continued to struggle.

Villa finally got their reward in the 31st minute when Guzan’s long clearance was touched on by Agbonlahor to Benteke who smashed the ball past the helpless Reina to give the home side a deserved lead.

Liverpool responded with Suarez looking the most likely to bring the visitors back into the match. He had already dragged a shot wide after a superb through ball by Coutinho. Suarez was then denied by Guzan when one on one with the American.

Guzan had to be alert to deny Gerrard ‘s long range effort. Liverpool went in at half-time 1-0 down but deep down they knew it could have been more.

Liverpool got the perfect start to the second half when Henderson beat Guzan after being sent clear with a defence splitting pass by Coutinho.

8 minutes later Liverpool should have been in the lead but Coutinho failed to find the target after linking up with Suarez. Liverpool were far better in the second half as Aston Villa struggled to find their form from the first half.

Glen Johnson was unlucky to see his effort strike the post as Liverpool continued to threaten. But Liverpool took the lead moments later when Suarez was felled in the box. Gerrard made no mistake from the spot as he fired the ball past Guzan.

Villa tried to take something from the match the led and Weimann came close with an effort before Gerrard pulled off a goal-saving diving header off the line from Benteke.

Minutes later Reina had to be alert to tip a mis-hit cross to safety as Villa continued to threaten. Then in the last minute of stoppage time Benteke smashed the ball into the Liverpool net, but it was ruled out for offside as Liverpool hung on for the 3 points.

Summary

Aston Villa caused Liverpool a lot of problems in the first half and the visitors were lucky to only be 1-0 down at the half. But the important thing was they kept themselves in the game unlike the Southampton match. Poor defending at the Benteke goal but Liverpool showed more resilience in coming back from a difficult first half. Jordan Henderson showed great composure with his impressive finish from one of many clever Coutinho passes. No argument about the penalty, it was a definite penalty. Gerrard proved once again that he has plenty to offer Liverpool with another outstanding performance. A good away win for Liverpool as it was important to bounce back from that defeat at Southampton.

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YNWA Anne Williams

10 Nov

YNWA Anne Williams

A normal lady, a normal mother, with a typical football loving boy

Who lost her son at a football match

A life lost, a life changed forever

Every parent’s worst nightmare to lose a son or daughter

But at a football match, this should never happen

96 never returned, 96 families lives changed forever

Unthinkable tragedy, unbelievable lies

Anne lost her son 23 years ago

All she wanted was to know what happened that day

How her Kevin died

Was that too much to ask

The victims were blamed for their own deaths

Anne knew the lies

She would get the truth against the establishment

She fought for the truth

She fought for justice

Against all odds when mere mortals would give up

Most would tire of the fight

Most would struggle with a broken heart

Anne’s heart is as big as Liverpool

Anne has led the fight for justice

She has never backed down

She would not be defeated

Her strength is unparalleled

Anne fought the law and Anne won

23 years fighting for the truth and for justice

Her belief never waned, her spirit never broken

Finally rewarded in September

The truth came out

Anne has put her body and mind through hell for 23 years

Anne deserves the inquest into her son’s death brought forward now

It is the least she deserves as her health suffers

Anne Williams suffered tragedy

She suffered the lies

Never felt sorry for herself

Never gave up

Respected by many

Carried a city against injustice

Anne Williams you will never walk alone

PLEASE BRING FORWARD KEVIN WILLIAMS INQUEST – e-petitions epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/40925 please help Anne by signing this petition (for UK residents only)

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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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