LIVERPOOL 1-1 MANCHESTER CITY MATCH REPORT

       LIVERPOOL 1-1 MANCHESTER CITY MATCH REPORT

The fixtures don’t come any tougher than playing against pace setters Manchester City. City remain unbeaten so far this season going into this match and have been scoring goals for fun in the league. But Liverpool was on a decent run of form too, remaining unbeaten in nine games, and with a superb victory last time out last Sunday at Chelsea.

                                THE TEAM

Kenny made two changes from the team that won at Chelsea last Sunday with Downing and Henderson coming back into the side at the expense of Bellamy and Maxi. Bellamy was left out due to the tragic news earlier in the day of the death of his friend and international manager Gary Speed. Maxi was just unlucky to be left out especially after scoring at Chelsea.

                               THE MATCH

This eagerly awaited clash was paled into comparison by the tragic news of the death of the much liked and respected Welsh manager Gary Speed who died earlier in the day at the age of 42. A minutes silence was observed before kick-off in respect of the very talented manager, and also for the passing of Liverpool’s reserve goalkeeper Brad Jones’s son who died last weekend at the age of 5 after losing his battle with leukaemia.

Once the football got started it was City who started the livelier side and in the 6^th minute Richards shot over after a good turn. But then Kompany was booked for a late challenge on Suarez as the City defender let Suarez know that he was in for a tough afternoon.

A slack back pass by Enrique almost cost Liverpool dear as Aguero raced clear only to be thwarted by the alert Reina as he came racing out of his box to block the striker.

But then the visitors took the lead in the 31^st minute when Kompany headed a Silva corner just inside Reina’s far post followed by wild celebrations at the away supporters section of the ground. But their celebrations were short lived when within a minute Adam tried his luck from 30 yards only to see his effort deflect off Lescott and into the net with Hart wrong footed.

This goal galvanised the home side and Adam almost gave them the lead but for a great save from the right foot of Hart as he looked to be going the wrong way. Glen Johnson saw a curling effort just miss the far post as Liverpool looked for a second goal. But City almost scored right on the half-time whistle with a lightning break which ended with Reina making a good save at his near post.

Liverpool started the second half on the front foot and Kuyt was unlucky with a header from a deflected Downing cross. Mancini brought on Balotelli for Nasri as he saw his side starting to struggle, but it was Liverpool who continued to threaten and Hart had to make another terrific save from a bouncing Downing effort. Then Lescott just managed to clear from Kuyt during a goal line scramble.

City were reduced to 10 men for the last 10 minutes when substitute Balotelli saw a second yellow after appearing to elbow Skrtel. Dalglish responded by bringing on Carroll for the remaining minutes as he looked for the win. But City almost stole a winner but for good goalkeeping from Reina allowing defenders to get back on the line to clear the danger through Skrtel.

But then in stoppage time Carroll produced a powerful header which looked goal bound only to thwarted by Joe Hart at full stretch, the rebound fell to Suarez who’s shot was superbly saved again by Hart at his near post, the follow up effort from Downing was blazed over, and City held on for a point in their toughest test so far in the league.

                             SUMMARY

A superb match by two heavyweights, it was a pity but very understandable that Bellamy was left out for this one, and I believe Downing was brought in for Maxi because Downing has a bit more pace to thwart the danger of Richards marauding forward. City started well and had us under pressure in the early stages and I thought Reina was a bit fortunate when he blocked Aguero after Enrique’s poor pass, it looked like the ball struck his arm. It was great to see us respond so quickly from going behind although it was rather fortunate the way we equalised. But as the game wore on the stronger we got and Adam and Lucas were superb once again, with our defence handling the quality of the City attacking threat very well. Agger and Skrtel played superbly, with Reina making some vital saves. Johnson was a threat going forward and Enrique and Downing linked up to great effect down the left. Kuyt worked his socks off as per usual but Suarez was left a bit isolated at times and given some rough treatment. I was a bit disappointed with Henderson, the game seemed to pass him by. We were a bit unlucky not to win the match as we had the better chances, but I would have taken a draw before the match and I was proud of the performance against a very strong City side.

Man Of The Match – Lucas – his best game yet, he was everywhere, breaking up City attacks, starting attacks, his passing was superb, never gave a ball away and covered every blade of grass.

ANFIELD NEWS 22/11/11

                                    ANFIELD NEWS 22/11/11

great performance by the reserves yesterday, great to see Sprearing, Flanagan, Coates and Wilson playing. A great result winning 5-1 against Sunderland after losing last week by the same score to Sporting Lisbon.

TISSUE samples were taken from Hillsborough tragedy victims without their families’ knowledge.

Ten families received letters warning them about discoveries surrounding the death of their loved one.

The fragments are what are known as “blocks” or “slides” and were taken at post mortem examinations to establish cause of death.

Today the practice would be illegal – but it was not at the time.
This is just the start of the truth coming out.

The youngsters will play Swansea in the FA Youth Cup on the 7th of December.

Lucas says he wants a Chelsea repeat. So do all of us.

Liverpool have confirmed that they will take Gustav Engvall on a trial period at the club, as Kenny Dalglish continues to put into a place a system based around building young players at Anfield.

At just 15 years old, Engvall has starred for Swedish division three side Färjestadens GoIF, and has represented his country at an Under 15 level.


Great to see us looking to the future.

CHELSEA 1-2 LIVERPOOL MATCH REPORT

               CHELSEA 1-2 LIVERPOOL MATCH REPORT

With Liverpool stuttering with draws at home and Chelsea’s recent poor form, this match was vital for both teams to get a positive result so they keep in touch with the leading group. Liverpool have had good results against Chelsea in recent years and they managed to do the double over them last season. Dalglish is unbeaten as manager against Chelsea so confidence was good going into the match.

                           THE TEAM

Kenny made three changes to his side with Bellamy, Kuyt and Maxi making his first league start of the season, Andy Carroll had to settle for a place on the bench alongside summer signings Downing and Jordan Henderson, the fit again Jamie Carragher was also named as a substitute. Former Liverpool favourites Meireles and Torres were also named as substitutes for Chelsea.

                               THE MATCH

Liverpool started on the attack with Maxi making two good early runs. Chelsea reacted with Mata volleying dangerously across goal. Then Mikel fired over from 25 yards.

Liverpool were looking dangerous on the attack and Bellamy combined well with Suarez but Cech thwarted them. Drogba looked to have scored from a free-kick but the ball rippled the net from behind.

The next chance came when Kuyt dispossessed Terry before Suarez failed to find Bellamy and Maxi at the back post. But then in the 34^th minute Liverpool broke the deadlock when Adam dispossessed Mikel before Bellamy took over, executing a one-two with Suarez before finding Maxi on the edge of the 6 yard box who finished clinically before celebrating in front of the jubilant travelling support.

Liverpool almost made it two when Lucas sent Suarez clear but his attempted cross deflected off Luiz into the side netting.

Liverpool maybe felt they should have had more than a one goal lead after their superb first half performance. Chelsea made one change at the break with Sturridge replacing Mikel.

Chelsea started the second half with intent and Drogba saw an effort bend over. Then Mata danced into the box before Skrtel ushered away the danger. But the game had changed and Liverpool were struggling to get forward now and Chelsea got their reward with the equaliser when Sturridge beat Reina from close range from a scuffed Malouda shot.

Seconds later Reina pulled off the save of the match from a glancing header by Ivanovic. Dalglish brought on Henderson for Bellamy as he tried to strengthen the midfield that was starting to struggle to stem the Chelsea tide.

The change did seem to make a difference although Liverpool  were still not threatening the Chelsea goal. Malouda had a great chance in the 75^th minute but he volleyed wide from close range. Then a great run down the right by Henderson ended up with Kuyt firing just wide.

Just as it looked like the match would end a draw, Adam sprayed a pass out to the right to Johnson who skinned Cole before racing into the penalty area and then superbly slotted a left foot shot past the helpless Cech. Liverpool held out for the remaining minutes to record an important win.

                         SUMMARY

Surprised to see Maxi  come back into the side, but what a masterstroke, with the Argentine scoring the first goal. I was also pleased to see Bellamy and Kuyt start the match with their work rate and pace. Liverpool played superb especially in the first half with their pressing game and the way the team continued to work for each other when under pressure in the second half was tremendous. The defence was resilient and Lucas and Adam combined brilliantly in the midfield with Kuyt tireless as ever and Bellamy was always a threat and was brilliant at the first goal. Suarez caused the Chelsea defence all sorts of problems, but overall it was a great team performance and a deserved victory.

 Man Of The Match – Adam – best performance this season, passed superbly and worked his socks off, played a crucial part in both goals.

SUAREZ BEING VICTIMISED

                  SUAREZ BEING VICTIMISED

Luis Suarez has been a terrific signing for Liverpool, what an impact he’s had. The supporters love him, Torres and the absent Gerrard have been virtually forgotten about.

I remember the great sense of loss and despair I felt when the news broke of Torres leaving us, although I knew Suarez was coming to us I was so gutted to think that no player could replace Torres. How wrong I was, Suarez has lit up Anfield so many times with his mesmerising skills and his never stop running work ethic.

OK so far he has not been as clinical in front of goal as Torres but he has brought so much more to the team that the supporters appreciate.

The first I knew of him was in the last World Cup where I thought he was a real pest of a player, constantly niggling away at defenders but with great ability, and I was left hoping that somehow we could sign him and I was so pleased when we did as I thought there would be so much competition for his signature.

Suarez is one of those types of players that you love if he is in your team but you would hate him if he is playing against you, a bit like what I thought about Paul Ince. Suarez is loved at Liverpool but already he is being victimised by other teams and even referees.

We have had people making comments about him after matches which is going against him and giving him an unfair reputation, like when Paul Scharner commented on him going down too easy after our win against West Brom, when the following week he got no protection from the referee at home to Norwich when he was kicked all over the park.

But the start of the conspiracy came from who else but Sir Alex when he spoke about Suarez diving all over the place, after our 1-1 draw against United, and I’m sure he was the instigator in making Evra accuse Suarez of racial abuse.

The FA are now charging Suarez and he could now find himself with at least a 6 match ban that would hurt us deeply. In my view its Sir Alex and his fear of Liverpool’s resurgence that has brought him to delve deep into his large book of “dirty tricks” which has made him so “great” and well respected over the years.

The FA also backing his team once again, with the charge against Suarez, where little, or no evidence to back up the claim. It will be interesting to see if the England Captain receives the same punishment, I think not, the FA will show hypocracy and racism by hammering a foreigner and let the Englishman off the hook.

I just hope that Suarez is not driven out of our club through this “witch hunt” that could drive him from our shores as he must have a strong feeling of injustice and believe he is being victimised for doing nothing more than giving his all in every game.

Luis Suarez you have the backing of all the Liverpool supporters, we just can’t get enough.

YNWA

MAKE OR BREAK TIME

                MAKE OR BREAK TIME

The next couple of weeks are going to be very important for Liverpool with two games away to Chelsea, one in the League and one in the Carling Cup, and a home match against Manchester City sandwiched in between. Liverpool need to keep picking up points to continue in their quest for a top four place, and the cup tie will also be very important for the club as Liverpool are desperate for silverware after a barren spell.

The cup tie away to Chelsea comes less than 48 hours after the Manchester City match and Dalglish has expressed his anger at the date of the fixture and has threatened to play a second string team against Chelsea. I just wonder if the fixture would have been changed if it was Manchester United that was in our position, I’m sure the authorities would have bent over for Fergie.

I just have a feeling that these three matches will shape our season, if we can come away with decent results in these matches then I think we will kick on and have a really good season. City and Chelsea are two of the strongest sides in the league so it is going to be a great test for us, and it will let us see how we measure up.

In my view Liverpool have nothing to fear in these matches as we have a real attacking threat now and we are also looking solid at the back now. Chelsea  look good going forward but they do look dodgy defensively and are losing quite a few goals.

City are flying right now, but I think the players and supporters will be really up for it at Anfield and I can see us beating them on our own patch. Our squad is looking healthy and Carragher and Gerrard should be back for these matches too, which will be a real boost.

I would love to see us getting to a cup semi-final but I think Kenny will have to play his best team to win the cup tie with Chelsea, and it doesn’t look like he is going to do that, which is a shame, although we have a good squad and some great youngsters that may surprise Chelsea.

I can’t wait for these games and this international break has just been so frustrating as we have had to wait two weeks between matches. Hopefully everyone reports back fully fit after these matches as Kenny will need options over the coming weeks.

So exciting times for Liverpool supporters and I have confidence that we will do well in these games setting us up for the remainder of the season and giving other teams something to think about.

YNWA

LIVERPOOL 0-0 SWANSEA CITY MATCH REPORT

              LIVERPOOL 0-0 SWANSEA CITY MATCH REPORT

Liverpool returned to Anfield for the visit of newly promoted Swansea City after their good away win at West Brom last weekend. Swansea have had a good start to the season after promotion, but have struggled away from home with only one point away from home. Liverpool have struggled to win matches at home this season, with three draws recorded so far this season. Liverpool have struggled against newly promoted sides in recent times , with Norwich getting a point just two weeks ago at Anfield, Liverpool would be hoping put this problem behind them with a home win and keep them in the chase for a Champions League place.

             THE TEAM

Kenny kept the same team that won at the Hawthorns last week, which was no surprise to anyone, especially with Gerrard and Carragher still out injured . So Andy Carroll would start alongside Luis Suarez, which is what the Liverpool want to see mature. The unlucky Kuyt left on the bench once again.

                      THE MATCH

Liverpool started by putting Swansea under pressure early and they should have taken the lead in the 7^th minute when Downing produced a superb low cross which found the onrushing Andy Carroll only 6 yards out but the big striker smashed his effort off the crossbar, letting the visitors off the hook.

Suarez and Downing came close with efforts soon after as it looked like just being a matter of time before Liverpool would take the lead. But Liverpool were almost stunned on the half hour mark when Danny Graham hooked an effort on goal which Reina had to make a good stop from.

Back came Liverpool and Suarez was unlucky with a powerful left foot strike which saw Vorm make an excellent save from, turning the shot round the base of the post. Downing volleyed over the bar from the resulting corner.

The game became more stretched as the half wore on with Swansea starting to gain more confidence from surviving the difficult start to the match. Both teams went in at the half scoreless with Liverpool once again thinking about missed chances.

Dalglish brought on Dirk Kuyt for the second half, replacing Henderson, with the hope of breaking the deadlock. But Liverpool continued to toil for the opener and Reina almost got caught out when Graham closed him down when receiving an Enrique pass back, but the Spaniard just managed to clear to safety.

The second half was becoming very difficult for Liverpool to sustain any pressure as Swansea’s growing confidence was showing in their passing game as they continued to play their way out of trouble and almost scored when Dyer struck a low 20 yard effort at Reina, which the stopper spilled but he reacted quickly to block Graham’s follow up.

With time ticking away Dalglish brought on Bellamy for Carroll to ignite a bit of pace with Liverpool rarely threatening the Swansea goal in the second half. With time running out Liverpool finally pressured the visitors’ goal with Kuyt having an effort blocked and Agger heading onto the roof of the net.

But Swansea could have won it late on but Gower skied Graham’s knock down from close range. Liverpool responded and thought they had scored the winner in the last couple of minutes when Kuyt found the net from an Agger knock down, but the celebrations were short lived as offside was given. Then in stoppage time Vorm superbly tipped over a Glen Johnson volley, earning the visitors a point and leaving Liverpool once again frustrated at home.

        SUMMARY

I can’t complain about the team as I was glad to see Kenny keep a settled team after the good win last week, although I do like to see Kuyt in the side. Anyway, this had to be a win for Liverpool and the result is a massive blow for us, with massive games coming up against Chelsea and Man City I felt we couldn’t afford more dropped points at home. To be fair to Swansea they deserved their point and made it difficult for us, but we should be winning these games especially at home. We didn’t really play well although it could have been oh so different if Carroll had scored early on. But we have to be able to grind out results even when we are off form, as all the successful teams seem to do. The pleasing thing was another clean sheet and we are keeping our unbeaten run going but overall great disappointment in another frustrating day.