LIVERPOOL 0-1 WOLVES MATCH REPORT

                                          MATCH REPORT

After an unscheduled winter break, Liverpool finally had a game this time at home to bottom of the table Wolves, who have a worse away record than Liverpool. So a win for Liverpool was very much expected in this match especially with Gerrard returning to the side. Wolves had not won at Anfield for nearly 27 years so expectations were high from the Liverpool support.

                                         THE TEAM

I haven't criticised Hodgson much with his team selections this season , but I was disappointed this time. The defence was what I expected although I would rather see Aurelio than Konchesky starting. I wasn't happy with Meireles being stuck out on the right to accomodate Gerrard, Meireles has been playing brilliantly in the middle, and Kuyt being stuck out on the left was a nonsence, when Maxi has being playing there so often this season. I would have kept Lucas and Meireles in the middle with Maxi out on the left and Kuyt on the right and Gerrard just behind Torres, but Hodgson is the manager not me.

                                        THE MATCH

Respects were paid before the match to two former Liverpool players who died recently, Bill Jones and Avi Cohen. But when the game started you could tell Liverpool were hungry after their lack of games recently, and in the 9th minute they almost took the lead after a quick Torres free kick sent Meireles clear with just Hennesssey to beat, but the Wolves keeper managed to block. If the Liverpool supporters thought this was going to be the pattern of the game then they were to get a rude awakening. Wolves started to come into the game and pressure Liverpool into making mistakes. In the 17th minute Johnson had to make a great defensive header at the back post as Hunt tried to connect with a cross. N'Gog had a shot from outside the box but it was easy for Hennessey. Liverpool never threatened as Wolves dominated the first half. Supporters were expecting a lot better in the second half, but it got worse. N'Gog did have a shot early in the second half which went just wide after good work from Johnson. But even with Gerrard trying to rally his troops and create something it was Wolves who looked the more likely to score, and it wasn't a surprise when they took the lead in the 56th minute, A long ball through the middle was headed down by Kyrgiakos straight to Ebanks-Blake who passed first time through to Ward who got clear after Skrtel failed to cut the pass out, Ward then slipped the ball past Reina as he tried to block. It was no more than Wolves deserved and Ward could have doubled their lead had it not been for a brilliant block from Johnson. Hodgson made changes bringing on Aurelio, Cole and Babel but not much changed and the Liverpool fans showed their feelings as they shouted "Hodgson for England" and chants of "Dalglish" . Liverpool did get the ball in the net late on as Skrtel headed in but he was rightly judged offside. So the game ended with another soul destroying defeat and with the sound of obvious discontent from the supporters, fortunes have to change quickly for Hodgson.

                                        SUMMARY

This was a disasterous result for Liverpool even worse than the Blackpool one. Wolves were by far the better team and deserved their win. Hodgson's team was all wrong as he catered for the return of Gerrard as he played Kuyt and Meireles out of position. The team looks like it lacks confidence on the ball and the team was so disjointed at times. Any time a team puts us under pressure we just don't seem to be able to handle it. I have backed Hodgson all season but after this I seriously question his credentials as we have a transfer window coming up, do we give him the money and let him bring in his players or do we get a new manager now so he can buy in January, personally I would bring in a new manager now. Bring on the New Year, as its great to see the end of this year and it can only be better.

Man Of The Match - Johnson    he defended superbly and tried to get forward too he was the best of a bad lot.

I wish you all a Very Happy New Year.

YNWA

MERRY CHRISTMAS

                                       MERRY CHRISTMAS

I am looking for a merry Christmas as a Reds fan, I think there is a lot to look forward to especially with the games coming thick and fast this festive period. Its true we have had a disappointing start to the season, but there has been signs of improvement. Our home form has been really good with the only blip being that loss to Blackpool, and we have went over 7 hours without conceding at home so we are strong at home. Yes our away form has been dreadful but there has been signs in recent away games to show that we are inproving, our game at Spurs could have went either way but lady luck didn't shine on us that day. At Newcastle when it was 1-1 we had chances to take the lead but failed, but it has been encouraging the way we have been creating chances whereas earlier in the season we never looked like scoring. With Hodgson deciding to play with two strikers has made a big difference and gave us a goal threat, ok so we have still been losing but at least we are having more of a go at teams and I think our fortunes will change for the better.
  Its also great to have Gerrard fit again and he will be a massive boost to the team, and this transfer window will be very interesting and I expect Hodgson to bring in a few new players which can only be good. The fixtures we have coming up over the next few weeks also give me great optomism as I can see us going on a decent run here giving us a good start to the year. I have been encouraged with some players performances in recent weeks too, Lucas has really improved since I slated his performance against Everton, he really has played well and has looked stronger. Meireles has looked a real class act in recent games especially since his move into the middle of midfield. Kyrgiakos has been a rock all season and with Agger fit again Roy has options at the back, Kelly and Wilson have also impressed in there appearances this season and in my view looking to be regulars in the first team.Joe Cole has a lot to offer he will prove that in the new year. Torres I'm sure will get back to form and start banging them in again. Maxi is becoming a key player and scoring some important goals. N'Gog is getting stronger and has looked a good partner for Torres in some of the games. Even Babel has started to show a good attitude in recent games and played well in them. So I am very optomistic with the New Year.
  I fancy us to beat Blackpool away on Boxing day then we have Wolves at home, which I hope for another three points, then we start the New Year with Bolton at home which will be tough but I think we will win followed by Blackburn away and I think our away form will improve with another win. If we get a good run of results in these games it will set us up confidently going to Old Trafford for our FA Cup clash.
  So I hope I find all my fellow Reds with just as much optomism as me and have a Merry Christmas and a winning New Year.

Seasons Greetings

YNWA

LIVERPOOL V FULHAM MATCH PREVIEW

                                                   MATCH PREVIEW

Hodgson left Fulham 5 months ago and this is the first time he has faced them since leaving. Hodgson who is still trying to win over the Liverpool support is badly in need of a win. Hodgson upset many fans midweek with his team selection against Utrecht, especially by misleading the fans about Torres playing. Hodgson should be able to rely on good home form for this one as Liverpool have went over 7 hours without conceding at Anfield in League or Cup matches. Fulham have struggled away from home and are sitting just above the relegation zone on goal difference, despite only losing 5 of 17 matches this season.

                                                 TEAM NEWS

Gerrard may return after being out for a month. Agger is still out (calf) and Spearing is also out (ankle).
Carragher (shoulder) remains long term.
Reina will make his 200th Premier League Appearance, and all the regulars will return after being rested against Utrecht on Wednesday night.

                                               MY VIEW

I think we will get a win as our home form is good and Gerrard will start giving the team a lift with Meireles playing alongside him. Fulham will make it difficult but I think we will be too strong for them and I'm hoping for a good performance to gives us a lift going into the Christmas period .

                                              POSSIBLE TEAM

Reina
Johnson
Konchesky
Kyrgiakos
Skrtel
Maxi
Gerrard
Meireles
Kuyt
N'Gog
Torres

PREDICTION -    Liverpool 2-0 Fulham

LIVERPOOL 0-0 UTRECHT

                                                       MATCH REPORT

With Liverpool already having qualified for the knock out stage of the Europa League this was a welcome change of being a match with no pressure. Great to see Liverpool letting kids in for free for this match and reduced prices for adults a tremendous gesture by the club. A good chance for Hodgson to rest some of the regular players once again as he has done in all of the Europa League fixtures this season. Liverpool hoping to finish of their group with a convincing win at home in their final group game.

                                                     THE TEAM

As expected Roy made many changes to his team for this one from the team that lost to Newcastle at the weekend. Hodgson made a total of 10 changes and once again great to see so many youngsters starting and gaining more experience. Great to see the likes of Jones, Wilson, Kelly, Shelvey and Nathan Eccleston making his first start, also good to see other fringe players starting and Joe Cole who has had a tough start to life at Anfield and still trying to find his true form.

                                                     THE MATCH

With the reduced prices and free admission for kids and a very large and very loud travelling Utrecht support this made for a great atmosphere at Anfield. The game started off very slow paced and to be honest continued in this theme for most of the game. Utrecht passed very cautiously with much of their play being controlled between their defenders and their goalkeeper. Young Eccleston showing a bit too much passion with his first start picked up a deserved booking as he went flying in late on  a Utrecht player in the 6th minute. Then on 8 minutes Jovanovic made a good run into the Utrecht half and sent a 25 yard effort crashing off the Utrecht cross bar, this was about as good as it got as Utrecht looked to frustrate Liverpool and showed little in the way of ambition. Liverpool didn't show much in cohesion either as they looked like a team that had been flung together. Joe Cole found it hard to get into the game as he was playing out on the left and looked a frustrated figure at times. Young Kelly had a shaky start as Mertens looked to take him on at every opportunity and he almost let Utrecht in early in the game with a slack pass to Skrtel who did well to cut out the danger. Eccleston and Babel worked hard and made some good runs up front but they were not getting the service their runs deserved. Poulsen was being very sloppy in his play although Shelvey worked hard and was always looking to create something. Aurelio had a good chance with a free kick on the edge of the box but his shot hit the wall. Utrecht were dealt a blow when striker Van Wolfswinkel fell awkwardly and had to be stretchered off with a suspected broken collar bone right on the stroke of half time.
  The second half was only slightly better as Liverpool struggled to create chances. Babel had a fine run and shot narrowly wide of the target as he aimed to impress. The introduction of young Pacheco gave the game a bit of a lift and he created a good chance immediately sliding a pass through to Babel who failed to pick out a Red shirt in the box, and seconds later after good play by Jovanovic, Kelly broke down the right and drilled over a dangerous low cross which Babel almost got on the end of. Kuyt came on for the last 15 minutes mainly for sentimental reasons to face his former club and reach his 50th appearance for Liverpool in Europe. Liverpool pushed for a winner but the closest they came was in the last 5 minutes when Cole smashed a shot net bound from inside the box but it was brilliantly blocked by Sander Keller. Liverpool had to settle for the draw but it was a poor spectacle for the supporters but more experience for the youngsters which can't be bad.

                                                   SUMMARY

This was a very strange game with no pressure on the result but much pressure still mounting on Hodgson and his team's performances. This was a very poor game, Liverpool struggled to impress and looked disjointed with no cohesion although Utrecht looked to frustrate. Great to see the squad being used by Hodgson and especially the youngsters gaining more experience. Shelvey played really well in the middle of midfield, and Kelly came on to a very strong game after a shaky start, Wilson looked very assured at the back beside Skrtel then Kyrgiakos. Babel and Eccleston worked hard without much sevice. Aurelio played well at left back after being out for so long he seems to be getting sharper. Poulsen was very poor again and still doesn't look good enough, he gave the ball away sloppily quite often and Joe Cole is still struggling for form as he found it hard to influence the game I personally would rather see him play more central. Overall it was a poor game with not many chances although Utrecht showed  little intent and seemed happy with 0-0. Plus points were experience for the youngsters and game time for the fringe players.

Man Of The Match -  Wilson   strolled through the game and dealt with anything he had to do, looked very comfortable, good on the ground and dominant in the air, looks very promising.

NEWCASTLE 3-1 LIVERPOOL MATCH REPORT

                                              MATCH REPORT

Another away fixture for Liverpool and with high hopes of improving on a very poor record away from home this year. Confidence high going into this match after such a good performance against Aston Villa. But I was worried when I heard of the departure of Chris Hughton from Newcastle earlier in the week. Worse still with a new manager in Pardew being installed as new manager before Liverpool faced them. I often find teams with new managers getting good results in their first games in charge. But with confidence high I was hoping for a good performance from Liverpool.

                                            THE TEAM

With Torres available after the birth of his son, I was expecting him to come straight back into the team and I wasn't disappointed, very tough on Babel making way for him though as he had played very well in his last two starts. Again good to see Hodgson playing with two men up front away from home in the shape of N'Gog and Torres. Also I am pleased in the way Hodgson is trying to keep a settled team.

                                            THE MATCH

Pretty much a mixed atmosphere at the start as the Newcastle fans have not been happy with events in the last week. The game started at a slow tempo with Liverpool very comfortable at the start and able to pass the ball around. The first real chance came with Kyrgiakos firing in a shot after the ball broke to him after a Meireles free kick. But with Newcastle's first real chance of the match they took the lead, when a Barton free kick was met by the head of Carroll who headed across goal to the incoming Nolan who fired past Reina from close range, there was a hint of offside about it but the goal was given. Liverpool responded with Maxi heading over from a Johnson pass and Torres shot wide from a free kick from the edge of the box. But Newcastle still looked threatening with Carroll and Ameobi and on 30 minutes Reina made a good save when Carroll hit a good volley from the edge of the box after a good knock down from Ameobi. Then Meireles hit a volley which deflected off N'Gog before being cleared off the line by Gutierrez. Seconds later Meireles gifted Newcastle a great opportunity with a pass straight to Ameobi who ran towards the Liverpool penalty box before shooting which deflected off Kyrgiakos and just went past Reina's right hand post as Reina was left stranded. Liverpool shouted for a penalty just before half time when Maxi seemed to be tripped just inside the box but play was waved on. Then right on half time Kyrgiakos headed just past the post from a corner.
  Liverpool got the perfect start to the second half when they found themselves level on 49 minutes when Taylor and Campbell hesitated on the edge of the box allowing Kuyt to collect the ball and fire a shot which took a slight deflection off Taylor and past Krul. This goal gave Liverpool a boost and they started to dominate as they pegged Newcastle back. Torres had two good chances, his first a header straight at Krul, then Konchesky played a quick free kick through to Torres but his shot was thwarted by Krul who spread himself to block his effort. Then Andy Carroll had a free diving header which he should have done better with as he headed over. Newcastle then made a change bringing on Nile Ranger who almost scored just a minute after coming on for Ameobi, after a Skrtel slip he was through with only Reina to beat but he fired just wide. But Liverpool found themselves under pressure and it was no surprise when Newcastle took the lead on 80 minutes. A long clearance from Krul was headed on by Carroll which Joey Barton managed to get on the end of and shoot past Reina. As Liverpool tried to push for an equaliser late on they were punished when Carroll hit a great goal from outside the area giving Reina no chance and ending Liverpool's hopes sending them to their 7th defeat of the season.

                                          SUMMARY

Another very disappointing away day for us, especially after looking so good after equalising, I thought we were the team that was looking the more likelier to go on and win. I thought early in the match we were comfortable without creating too much then with Newcastle's first attack we were down 1-0. I thought we were dictating most of the play but when Newcastle stepped up their game I felt we didn't respond especially in the second half as a second Newcastle goal looked like coming. A big moment in the game was Torres missing from close range. But I felt the game changed when Nile Ranger came on for Newcastle and he caused so many problems and he seemed to give Newcastle a lift which we couldn't respond to. The second goal was terrible defending, a long clearance headed on by Carroll who was being challenged by Lucas the smallest player in the team, why Kyrgiakos or Skrtel wasn't challenging is beyond me then Skrtel made a mess of trying to clear allowing Barton to finish as Johnson tried to challenge. The third goal was poor as Carroll ws given the freedom of the park as Lucas made no attempt to close him down. Kyrgiakos battled hard all day as Carroll is a difficult opponent. Skrtel was pretty dodgy, Lucas was pretty quiet in the middle. Meireles had another good game for us. Maxi was quiet and Kuyt scored but I felt he never gave us much. N'Gog was poor and Torres just doesn't look sharp at all. Overall far too many players underperforming once again. Hodgson is being slated once again but I can't question his team selection, but I do have question marks over his motivational skills as he doesn't look like a motivator to me. But then should players on 100 grand a week need motivating, the players need to stand up and be counted when the going get
s tough. At home next week but its our away form that has to be sorted out.

Man Of The Match -  Meireles  I thought he had a great game once again, some really good passes always trying to create, although nearly cost us with that sloppy pass to Ameobi. He was the shining light in another dark night.

YNWA

This Week

There has been a lot of transfer speculation this week as the January transfer window looms. We just need to take it with a pinch of salt as who knows where all these stories come from. The few stories I have heard have been Saurez of Ajax maybe coming to Anfield, I think he is a cracking striker and would be a great addition to the team. Elmander from Bolton is another one mentioned and he has been on fire this season. £15 million for Ashley Young of Aston Villa is another, he is a very good player and the type we need, a good wide man with plenty of pace which we have lacked but price tag seems a bit steep in my mind. Right back Rod Fanni from Rennes is hotly tipped to be moving to the Reds with new sporting director Comolli conducting the process.
 There is many more I'm sure you have heard about I am only mentioning a few as there is more every minute getting named.
  But on to team matters there is speculation that Glenn Johnson is unsettled at Liverpool and might leave, time will tell, we have good back up in that position and with Fanni being mentioned who knows. Gerrard won't feature tomorrow against Newcastle but should hopefully return next week against Fulham. Torres will be back which is good news although I know many of you won't agree but I like to stick to a winning team and I wouldn't change the team for tomorrow night and if things are not going to plan then you have Torres or others to come off the bench and hopefully change things. It will be difficult tomorrow especially with Newcastle with a new manager, as teams always seem to get a lift when they have a new manager, but with such a good performance against Villa confidence should be high, so here's hoping for another win. Its good to see that Agger is close to fitness and may be available for the Fulham game. Here's hoping for a good win tomorrow night and an improvement in our away form.

YNWA

LIVERPOOL 3-0 ASTON VILLA MATCH REPORT

                                                  MATCH REPORT

Liverpool had to win this game to keep in touch after another defeat away to Spurs last week. With the return to Anfield of former manager Houllier it was sure to be an emotional evening, as he is still fondly remembered here. With Villa struggling for form at the moment and like Liverpool with injuries, serious hopes of a home win  here. 

                                                  THE TEAM

The youngsters that played in Bucharest on Thursday I'm sure were resigned to the fact that more experienced players would be used for this match. With Gerrard, Carragher and Torres with a late call off due to his wife going into labour, meant that this would be far a more difficult match than anticipated. Skrtel, Johnson and Konchesky came back into defence after Thursday's absence. In midfield Maxi, Kuyt, Meireles and Lucas came in. Good to see two up front again in the form of Babel and N'Gog. Great to see Babel getting another chance after his good performance on Thursday night.

                                                   THE MATCH

Liverpool started well and in only the second minute when a Meireles cross from a free kick caused problems in the Villa penalty area, resulting in Kuyt firing a volley high and wide. There looked a real sharpness about Liverpool as they passed the ball about well. Liverpool were rewarded with their good play in the 14th minute when a corner was headed back across goal by Martin Skrtel and David N'Gog dived to header the ball into the net giving Liverpool a deserved lead. Then only two minutes later Liverpool doubled their lead when a clever ball by Lucas over the top of the Villa defence found Babel, looking slightly offside turned and shot first time low past Friedel into the far corner of the net, it was a superb finish. Liverpool were bouyed by this and kept their passing game going with Villa not threatening at all. Kyrgiakos should have done better on the half hour mark when he headed over from a corner. The lively Babel almost scored right on half time with a curling shot just past the post after a clever pass by Meireles. So Liverpool went in 2-0 to the good at the half.
 The second half started with Villa pushing a bit more and Liverpool sitting back a little hoping for a counter attack. Then in the 53rd minute came the turning point of the match when Downing got free down the left and cut the ball back to Agbonlahor who was brilliantly denied by a point blank save from Reina. Then only two minutes later Liverpool counter attacked with N'Gog racing down the left and unselfishly played the ball to the supporting Maxi and he brilliantly side footed the ball into the top corner of Friedel's net giving him no chance. It was a superb goal from one end of the park to the other and it was the killer goal. Liverpool really played now with so much confidence and had more chances. Johnson after a mazy run hit a great shot which Friedel did well to save. Two minutes later Johnson had another shot but this time he blazed over. Kyrgiakos met another corner kick with his head only to see it cleared off the line by Hogg defending the back post. So Liverpool had to settle for 3-0 but it was an impressive performance with so many key players missing.

                                             SUMMARY

I thought this would be very tough to get a win especially with so many key players missing and with the added late call off to Torres. But the team played very well and could have scored more. The only player I could criticise was Kuyt as his touch and passing was very poor at times but as usual his workrate is very important. Johnson had a very good defensive display with some good covering and tackles. Kyrgiakos and Skrtel were dominant with Konchesky looking solid on the left. Lucas and Meireles were superb in the middle really controlling the game. Maxi played well down the left with a superb goal. N'Gog and Babel played well together and caused Villa many problems and great to see both players scoring.  It really was a great team performance and very encouraging to see others stepping up to the plate. Great to see Reina get his 100th clean sheet making him the quickest goalkeeper in the club's history to do this.

Man Of The Match - Meireles    So many good performances but I give it to Meireles, his passing and workrate was immense and he never gave the ball away all night, he really had a superb game and he is getting better with every game.

YNWA

STEAUA BUCHAREST 1-1 LIVERPOOL MATCH REPORT

                              MATCH REPORT

Liverpool being very close to qualifying for the knockout stages and thinking a draw would do with the reassurance of a final home game against Utrecht to come, were obviously going to make changes to the team for this one as Hodgson has done in this competition from the start. It never is easy away from home in Europe and with Steaua who have a great history in Europe would not make this easy for Liverpool who were hoping to keep their unbeaten Europa League record going.

                            THE TEAM

I was never going to be able to predict the team for this one as wholesale changes were expected with Aston Villa our next League game at home on Monday night. Many regulars didn't even travel. Reina was on the only player starting from the Spurs fixture last Sunday and it was great to see him captaining the side. I was very encouraged and pleased to see so many youngsters and fringe players starting the match. Kelly, Wilson, Pacheco and Shelvey given great experience by starting. Also great to see Aurelio, Cole and the enigmatic Babel playing too. The team selected really interested me in how they would cope in this one.

                          THE MATCH

Liverpool started the match on the back foot and and sat very deep as Steaua took the initiative. Steaua controlled the early proceedings winning a few corners and free kicks without really testing Reina. But then with just over ten minutes played Steaua should have taken the lead when a cross from the left was headed over the bar. Liverpool responded and with their first real venture forward Jovanovic did well playing the ball wide to Babel who made a yard of space before crossing the ball to Jovanovic who produced a great header directing into the corner of the Steaua net totally against the run of play. Liverpool should have doubled their lead soon after when Babel broke down the left and squared the ball to Cole who was clean through but his first touch let him down and the chance was gone. Jovanovic had started the game well with a few good runs forward and looked like he was trying to impress. Babel also looked lively in the early stages for Liverpool. But Steaua continued to press and Bicfalvi came close volleying just wide of Reina's right hand post from the edge of the box. Then right on half time Steaua should have equalised when Stancu held off the aireal challenge of Kyrgiakos in the box and found himself with just Reina to beat but he shot well wide and Liverpool went in at the half with a 1-0 lead. The second half scripted the same as the first half with Steaua doing all the pressing and Liverpool under pressure to hold their lead. Early in the second half Alves had a header from close range which Reina held. But Steaua got their deserved equaliser on the hour mark in bizarre fashion when a blocked cross by Aurelio spun into the air and was headed towards goal by Bonfim from about 15 yards out, it seemed like a routine save for Reina but it somehow managed to squirm between his legs and over the line for the equaliser. The rest of the game followed the same theme as Steaua went for the winner and Liverpool defending stoutly. Liverpool were unlucky not to take the lead again in the 65th minute when an Aurelio corner was headed by Kyrgiakos only to see it come off the top of the Steaua cross bar. Steau came close in the latter stages when Stancu's curling effort just landed onto the top of Reina's net. Liverpool held on for the precious draw but it was not easy.

                            SUMMARY

Not the most important fixture we will play this year hence Roy's team selection but it turned out a great result considering so many first choice players missing. Tremendous to see Pacheco, Kelly, Wilson and Shelvey starting. We did play second fiddle for most of the game as Steaua dominated but I thought the defence played really well, Wilson and Kyrgiakos held firm in the middle and Kelly defended superbly as the winger he faced tried to take him on at every opportunity with very little success. I thought Shelvey played really well and looked very confident on the ball never misplacing a pass. Jovanovic started well but faded but a great header from him for our goal. I was very disappointed with Pacheco as I felt the game passed him by, not involved enough. Joe Cole was another disappointment as he continuely gave the ball away and missed a great chance to score when Babel sent him clean through his first touch letting him down., but he must be a bit rusty after being out so long so it was a big ask. Babel played really well and looked like he was their to impress and in my view he did, great assist for the goal. A good result and plenty of positives to take out of this performance.

Man Of The Match - Babel   he looked hungry and played as a team player holding the ball up making good runs and making the right passes, great cross for our goal and superb work to set up Cole. He's gave something for Hodgson to think about now.

YNWA