LIVERPOOL 1-1 MANCHESTER UNITED MATCH REPORT

   

For most Liverpool supporters this is the biggest game of the season, and with the supporters having a newly found belief with Dalglish instrumental in the club’s change of fortunes, this match was going to be a good measure of how far Liverpool has come in their quest to challenge United for the title. Liverpool went into the game with a decent start to the season and on the back of a confidence boosting win over their Merseyside rivals Everton. But Liverpool know they would need to be at their best to beat the Champions as they have been on fire since the start of the season. But Liverpool were trying to make this four wins in a row at home over United as their recent record has been impressive. This match was also going to be Dalglish’s 250^th league game in charge of Liverpool.  Another milestone was the 160^th consecutive league game by Pepe Reina becoming only the sixth Liverpool player in the club’s history to achieve this.

             THE TEAM

Kenny made only one change from the side that beat Everton with Steven Gerrard coming in for Andy Carroll. Gerrard was only starting his first match since March which was also against Manchester United.  Skrtel and Carragher were again partnered in the middle of defence with Enrique on the left side of defence and Kelly on the right. Downing on the left of midfield with Kuyt on the right and Lucas and Adam once again in the middle. Gerrard supporting Suarez in attack.

                  THE MATCH

With Anfield at capacity and the atmosphere electric  it was Liverpool who had the first attack with Enrique making a great run down the left before whipping in a dangerous cross which evaded everyone.

Then Gerrard had a free-kick headed to safety by Evra as Liverpool tried to gain the initiative. But United came into the game and Evra made a super run to the bye line before crossing to the back post but Jones could only head into the side netting.

On 21 minutes a short corner allowed Gerrard to whip in a cross towards the near post but Suarez glanced his header just wide of the target. Moments later Suarez hit an audacious 45 yard effort wide of goal with De Gea off his line.

Then in the 34^th minute Adam hit a long range drive which broke kindly to Suarez who sidestepped Evans before shooting straight at De Gea. Ji- Sung Park shot wide after robbing Enrique of possession as United rarely threatened in the first half. So both teams went in at the half level with not many chances and the game proving to be as tight a contest as predicted.

Liverpool started the second half on the attack and had appeals for a penalty waved away when Kuyt saw a header come off the arm of Evans. United countered from this and Reina had to be alert to save from Young’s low drive.

The match was continuing to be a tight affair but it came to life in the 68^th minute when Charlie Adam made a surging run through the middle of the United half and was then brought down by Ferdinand on the edge of the box. Gerrard fired the resulting free-kick through the United defensive wall and into the net sending the Kop wild.

Ferguson brought on Rooney, Nani and Hernandez to salvage the game and his substitutions worked when with 10 minutes remaining a Nani corner was headed into the roof of the net by Hernandez.

But it was Liverpool who looked to regain the lead in the closing minutes with Kuyt going so close after a superb cross by Enrique but De Gea  thwarted the Dutch man with a great save. The United keeper made another great save clawing away a brilliant dipping effort from Henderson.  From the resulting corner Skrtel fired over after mayhem in the six yard box. Then right at the death Henderson headed just over from a Downing cross leaving Liverpool having to settle for a point.

                      SUMMARY

A typical tight, and tense affair, with United setting a team out to stop Liverpool playing and in my opinion looking for a draw from the start. The game had very few chances in the first half as both teams cancelled each other out. But Liverpool did have more opportunities and were unlucky not to win especially with the chances at the end. United, hardly threatened, with very few attempts on goal. Ferdinand should have been sent off at the free-kick leading up to the goal as he was on a yellow card, Marriner bottled it. The penalty appeal for Kuyt’s header would have been very soft. Great to see Gerrard back and scoring too, although, he did get lucky with the wall breaking, but who cares. Overall I thought Liverpool were the better team and played very well and can take a lot from this performance.

Man Of The Match -  Enrique – Superb defensively and was such a threat going forward with some dangerous crosses.

EVERTON 0-2 LIVERPOOL MATCH REPORT

      

Well derby day on Merseyside for the first time this season at Goodison Park with Kenny Dalglish leading his Liverpool team across Stanley Park for the first time in over 20 years, since that unforgettable 4-4 match which proved to be Kenny’s last match of his first spell as Liverpool manager. Such an important fixture for both sets of supporters with a lot more than bragging rights at stake. Liverpool came into the match on the back of a win at home to Wolves last week and were hoping to build some momentum with another win before the international break. Everton lost at Manchester City last week but proved how difficult they are to beat. A win for Liverpool would take them back up to 4^th in the League before the 3pm kick-offs.

     THE TEAM

Dalglish made just the one change to the side which beat Wolves, with Dirk Kuyt coming in for Jordan Henderson. Kuyt who has great experience scoring winning goals in this fixture probably gave him the nod over Henderson. But Liverpool still had 5 players making their Merseyside Derby debuts. Kenny once again had Carragher and Skrtel in the centre of defence with Enrique on the left and Martin Kelly on the right side of defence. Charlie Adam once again partnered Lucas in the middle of midfield with Steven Gerrard once again starting on the bench as he eases back into full fitness. Downing would play down the left with Kuyt on the right of midfield.

     THE MATCH

As per usual the match started at a frenzied pace with Everton looking to pressure Liverpool high up the park. But it was Liverpool who had the first real chance, and it came when Kuyt crossed to Suarez but he could only head straight at Howard. Everton countered immediately and Reina had to make a very good fingertip save from a Cahill headed effort.

Distin and Saha both had chances but failed to hit the target as Everton were having the better of opening stages. But they were stunned in the 23^rd minute when they were reduced to 10 men after Jack Rodwell went in with a strong challenge on Luis Suarez, which resulted in a controversial straight red card.

Liverpool started to threaten with the numerical advantage and Suarez went close with an angled effort hitting the side netting. Then Charlie Adam drilled a free-kick into the Everton defensive wall. A minute before half-time Liverpool were awarded a penalty when Jagielka upended Suarez in the box. Dirk Kuyt took the spot kick but Howard made a superb save low to his right. It was the first time Kuyt had missed a penalty since he moved to Liverpool. Then Adam saw a superb strike from the edge of the box smack off the underside of the crossbar with Howard beaten. Everton hung on to go in 0-0 at half-time with Liverpool left wondering how they were not in front.

The second half started with Liverpool applying the pressure and Everton looking to counter attack. Then 5 minutes into the second half a Charlie Adam corner was met by the head of Carroll but his effort was cleared off the line by Saha. A similar chance shortly after resulted in Howard smothering on the line.

Enrique then took a quick free-kick sending Kuyt behind the static Everton defence but he failed to connect properly. With 25 minutes remaining Dalglish made a double change with Gerrard and Bellamy coming on for Adam and Downing.

Then in the 71^st minute Liverpool took the lead when Bellamy released Enrique down the left who then cut the ball back for Andy Carroll who slammed the ball into the Everton net for his first League goal of the season and the away supporters wild with delight.

A second goal soon followed after Distin and Baines got into trouble in their own penalty box presenting Suarez with a great chance yards from goal, and the striker made no mistake with a crisp finish and ending the match as a contest. So the Red half of Merseyside went home very happy after seeing off their Blue neighbours.

     SUMMARY

I thought Kenny got his team spot on and I was so pleased to see him bring Kuyt back into the team for Henderson. Everton started the better forcing us back in the early stages of the match. But the game certainly turned in our favour with the sending off. Never a red card, in fact I thought it was a great tackle by Rodwell. But many times this season we have been unlucky with refereeing decisions, so it was great to see us getting a decision in our favour for once. We started to dominate after the sending off and it was pleasing to see us stay patient and not panic after missing so many opportunities. The penalty was a stone waller and Kuyt was unlucky with his attempt, with Howard making a superb save. It was great to see Carroll scoring and you could see his confidence returning after the goal. Suarez was a constant threat and great to see him scoring the second goal. Lucas was superb in the middle of the park and Enrique had another impressive game at left back creating the first goal. I thought it was a professional performance from Liverpool where they didn’t let the sending off affect them and they remained patient and used the extra man to their advantage. Great result and sets us up nicely for our next match at home to Manchester United.

Man Of The Match – Suarez – was a constant threat, scored and was involved in most of main incidents in the match.

DERBY DAY

Well here we go again another derby on the horizon as we travel to Goodison this Saturday for the first derby of the season. Always a passionate affair as we look to put the Blue Noses in their place.

The score in these games is never predictable, no matter the form going into the game. But what is predictable is the way Everton play, for as long as I can remember all they ever do is try to kick us off the park, so we can’t expect anything different this weekend, especially as they have more limited resources than usual, basically they are skint, and poor old Davie Moyes doesn’t have much to work with. Although through gritted teeth I have to say he has done a superb job with Everton.

Every derby game is so important regardless of League positions, we the supporters want bragging rights for a while at least over our nearest neighbours, and defeat in the derby is horrendous, with families split over loyalties it has to be your team that wins to keep your sanity.

Unfortunately nowadays TV has rescheduled kick-off times, this time making it a 12:45 start. But nothing can take away the passion both sets of supporters show.

So many great memories from these derby matches, with my favourite one being the win over the Toffees in the 1986 FA Cup Final to win the Double with Jan Molby the architect of that famous win. I also have great memories of Ian Rush who seemed to score in every game against Everton to much delight. Gary McAllister’s amazing late winner in the last minute, there is too many too mention. We live for future memories to add to our collection.

Back to the present, Kenny will travel the short journey across Stanley Park with the boost of a home win against Wolves last Saturday after the two disappointing away defeats. But Kenny who has far more options available to him this season after all the comings and goings of the summer, has some key decisions to make in his team selection.

I feel Kenny is still trying to find his strongest side, and now he has the added bonus of Gerrard back and fit again after breaking him in gently in the last two matches. Dalglish has the dilemma in the centre of midfield of who should patrol the centre of the midfield, Lucas and Adam have played well together but now Gerrard is fit will he start him and drop one of the two mentioned.

On the right side of midfield Henderson has been ever present since his arrival in the summer, although his contribution in many of the games come under scrutiny, and with Dirk Kuyt champing at the bit for a game and having a record of scoring important goals and in recent times against Everton, he may be brought back in to the side.

Up front, its’ Suarez and another, but who, Carroll has struggled to live up to his billing and price tag, although he impressed against Wolves without scoring. Bellamy is another option and he was unlucky to miss out against Wolves after a good performance last midweek at Brighton and also scoring. Kuyt has been a partner to Suarez this season in games already this season and combined well. Then there is Gerrard who could play just behind Suarez, so Kenny has some hard decisions to make, but like every Liverpool supporter I’m sure he’ll get it right.

My team for Saturday would be Reina, Kelly, Carragher, Skrtel, Enrique, Kuyt, Lucas, Gerrard, Downing, Bellamy, Suarez. I think this would be a very strong team with good options to attack and strong defensively.

For a prediction I’m going to go for a 3-1 win for Liverpool and a good weekend. If we get this result then I’m sure I will add to my memories collection.

YNWA

BRIGHTON 1-2 LIVERPOOL MATCH REPORT

    BRIGHTON 1-2 LIVERPOOL MATCH REPORT

Liverpool in need of a morale boosting win and performance travelled to the south coast to Brighton for this perilous Carling Cup encounter. Brighton have been in superb form this season since their promotion to the Championship, although they tasted their first defeat of the season last Saturday. But at their impressive new Amex Stadium they remain unbeaten. So this would prove a tough tie for Liverpool whose early season form has stuttered in recent weeks with back to back away defeats. So Liverpool would be hopeful of getting back to winning ways and continue on their quest to reach the new Wembley for the first time.

   THE TEAM

As expected Kenny made a few changes to the side that lost to Spurs on Sunday with Robinson, Maxi, Kuyt, Bellamy and the fit again Martin Kelly starting, also new signing Coates made his first start for Liverpool, partnering Carragher in the heart of the defence. Surprisingly no start for Carroll but Liverpool were encouraged with the news that talisman Steven Gerrard was on the bench and hope to feature for the first time in 6 months for the Reds.

   THE MATCH

Liverpool started brightly looking like a team with a point to prove and they looked threatening from the first whistle, and they were rewarded in the 7^th minute when Bellamy who was making his first start for Liverpool since his return, fired an angled shot low past Angergren after being played through by Suarez.

It was a great start by Liverpool as they had the home side chasing shadows. Kuyt almost doubled the lead when he headed a Maxi cross towards goal but Greer made a goal line clearance. Liverpool continued to press for the second goal and should got it but Suarez was wasteful when shooting wide when one on one with Angergren after a lovely one two with Kuyt.

Bellamy and Suarez were causing Brighton all sorts of problems with their movement and the next chance came courtesy of a Bellamy free-kick which Suarez headed clipping the post with his attempt. Then on 40 minutes Bellamy hit a rocket of a free-kick from 35 yards which smashed against the underside of the Brighton crossbar and away to safety.

Spearing had a left foot shot brilliantly saved by Angergren  as Liverpool continued to threaten. But with all the domination they almost went in at half-time level but for a tremendous intervention by Kelly with Reina beaten.

Brighton came out with far more purpose after the break and almost scored immediately when Coates misplaced a pass straight to Navarro who’s shot rattled off the crossbar with Reina beaten. Moments later Coates made amends with a superb challenge on Noone as Brighton threatened.

Another good Brighton move resulted in Sparrow shooting but Reina saving comfortably. Liverpool were given a massive lift when Kenny sent on his Captain for Suarez in the 73^rd minute with the away support giving Gerrard a standing ovation with pleasure at seeing their hero for the first time in 6 months.

Brighton continued to look for the equaliser but were dealt a blow in the 81^st minute when a swift Liverpool counter attack saw Bellamy release Maxi who then unselfishly played Kuyt in on the right hand edge of the Brighton box who placed a low shot in off the far post and into the Brighton net giving Liverpool that crucial second goal.

Brighton did manage to score a late consolation goal from the penalty spot which Barnes converted but it was too little too late as Liverpool held on for a very good win taking them into the next round of the Carling Cup.

   SUMMARY

This was a very good performance against a very confident side in Brighton. Dalglish had a good mix of youth and experience in his side which I like as he has many options now. Good to see Coates starting and apart from one misplaced pass I thought he did well alongside Carragher. I was also very pleased to see Bellamy start with Suarez and their movement caused Brighton all sorts of problems. Bellamy has made a big statement with his performance for a regular game now, I thought he was superb and great to see him scoring too. Kuyt shows how valuable to the team his once again with his work ethic and also how is always capable of nicking a goal. Martin Kelly did very well coming back into the side and gives us a more solid looking right side of defence. But moment of the night was the return of Gerrard after 6 long months out, a welcomed sight for every Liverpool supporter. A great night all round for Liverpool as they responded superbly to the disaster at the weekend. In the first half we played some superb football and should have scored more but then we defended well when Brighton came back into the game and always looked dangerous on the break. A welcomed performance by Liverpool as we now look to the Wolves game with our confidence back.

Man Of The Match – Bellamy – a superb game, lively, great movement, linked up well with Suarez and scored a great goal, very unlucky with his effort from long range.

IS KENNY'S CROWN SLIPPING

   

Well the honeymoon period is well and truly over for Kenny with the impressive impact he had on Liverpool last season on his return a distant memory.  His team’s good start to the season has been dramatically derailed with back to back losses away from home.

This is Kenny’s first mini-crisis since his return and the performance against Spurs on Sunday has already started alarm bells ringing. The way the team was outplayed has worried many supporters but also Kenny has been receiving criticism with his team selection and tactics.

It doesn’t take long for supporters to press the panic button when results go against you. Much has been said about Andy Carroll being a waste of money already and Jordan Henderson should be dropped. I’m sure Kenny understands the supporters’ frustration and he will take the defeats sorer than the most diehard Kopites.

My take on events at Anfield this season are that we are looking a far stronger team than this time last year with a larger squad also. In my view we have plenty of options with the players brought in and cover in every position.

We started the season well and have been playing well up until Sunday which was our worst performance since Kenny returned to the club. We should have more points in the league but Lady Luck has not been shining on us so far.

As far as our new signings go, we have to be patient and give them time to settle in. We seem to forget Jordan Henderson and Andy Carroll are still very young and they are now at a massive club with massive price tags weighing them down, once they are released from their weight of expectation they will become key players for us for a very long time. So hopefully the supporters get behind them and show their support to them.

As for the defeat at Spurs I agree that it was a dreadful performance and I do believe that Kenny got his tactics wrong on the day. I didn’t like Skrtel playing at right back and thought this was a total mismatch against Gareth Bale, and unfortunately proved to be the case as Skrtel was eventually sent off. I also was disappointed to see Downing on the right and Henderson on the left and no place for Kuyt in the side.

It is so easy to criticise a manager after a defeat, at the end of the day the manager has to select a team and this season he has many options which must make it even more difficult. If he got a positive result it would have been plaudits all round.  

In my opinion Sunday was just a bad day at the office for the Reds which every team gets. Even Sir Alex gets his team and tactics wrong at times, so no one is immune to these unhappy days. But we have to remember we all wanted Kenny back and now with a couple of defeats we are getting on his back. I’m sure we will have more defeats during the season, hopefully none as bad as Sunday, but we have to trust Kenny and where he is taking us and I have every faith he will take us to glory.

So let’s be patient, Rome wasn’t built in a day.

YNWA