TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR 2-1 LIVERPOOL MATCH REPORT

                        MATCH REPORT

I thought this would be a very tough fixture especially with Tottenham's form in recent weeks. Our away form has been so poor aswell, but with Spurs playing in midweek and Liverpool having the week off I was hoping this would give us a slight advantage. A win would put as right in the thick of it in the chase for a top four place.

                      THE TEAM

About as strong as Hodgson could field although I was disappointed once again at Kyrgiakos not starting again, I prefer him to Skrtel. Very pleased at playing two forwards away from home especially against a team that is very attack minded.

                    THE MATCH

Liverpool really played well in the first half and caused Spurs a lot of problems, Meireles and Lucas played very well and Meireles creating some dangerous attacks with some great passes. It really was an end to end game but Liverpool having the best of the chances, Torres had a couple of great chances which not so long ago he would have buried, but he is still trying to find his true form. At the other end Carragher had a great goal line block as the game swung from end to end. Liverpool took the lead just before half time through an unlikely scorer, Martin Skrtel proding the ball home from a corner after his initial header had been blocked. 1-0 at half time and it should have been more when Torres superbly played in Maxi who should have scored as he was clean through but he took to many touches and the chance was lost.
  Spurs came out more threatening after half time and started causing Liverpool more problems. They should have equalised when they were awarded a penalty after N'Gog raised his hands in a defensive wall at a free kick. Defoe missing the resulting penalty pulling it wide of Reina's right hand post. But their pressure told and they equalised when Skrtel diverted a low cross into his own net, giving him a very mixed day. The game was stretched now with both teams going for a winner, Liverpool looked like they should have won a penalty when Kuyt was scythed down but the referee Atkinson played on. Liverpool were dealt a blow when Carragher dislocated his shoulder in the last five minutes, an injury that will keep him out for three months, Krgiakos coming on for him. But insult to injury and heartbreak was to follow when Crouch flicked on a through ball and with Konchesky caught sleeping, Lennon raced onto it and slid the ball past Reina winning the game in stoppage time.

                       SUMMARY

It really was a great spectacle of a game but like most of our season not getting the result we need. Big blow with Carragher's injury and he will be a big miss. I liked the way Hodgson put out his team to have a go at Spurs and we really did create a lot of chances which we lived to regret by not taking more of them. But it was encouraging to create as many chances away from home as we have not being doing that in previous games. The game could have went either way but once again luck deserted us. Disappointing obviously but we really have to take so many positives from this performance.

YNWA

OUR RUN UP TO THE NEW YEAR

I have had a look at our fixtures running up to the New Year and I thought I would give it a go at predicting how we are going to get on . The fixture list seems not too bad to me with more home games than away games. But we need to get our away form sorted out, it really is a major concern and we have no chance of finishing in the top four unless we sort it out. A really good win the other week away to Bolton, especially with the run of form Bolton are on at the moment. But back to some poor away performances at Wigan and Stoke reminding us that we still have big problems away from home. At home our form has been better other than that disaster at home to Blackpool. I do think Hodgson is changing things slightly without making wholesale changes to the team on a weekly basis to try and improve. I am happy that he is trying to get a settled team, but very happy that in recent games he has been giving Torres support up front, which has made Torres look a happier player and I hope he continues with this, Kuyt and his workrate is really looking like the perfect foil for Torres.

                                    PREDICTIONS

28/11/10  AWAY   TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
I don't give us much hope here I'm afraid, we don't have a great record here and Spurs are flying at the moment. Minus Gerrard is a massive miss for us, but encouraging that Cole may be back. Hopefully Spurs will be feeling the effects of their midweek exertions whereas we have had a week off. But I don't think we will come away with any points here.
02/12/10  AWAY  STEAU BUCHAREST
Hodgson will put out too strong a team for this one as he will be looking to the next League game, but with our position in the Europa League there won't be too much concern on the result. But I still think we will get a draw here.
 06/12/10 HOME  ASTON VILLA
I'm sure there will be a great welcome back for Gerrard Houllier but I don't think it will be a happy return for him. We will keep up our good home form here with a win.
11/12/10  AWAY  NEWCASTLE
Once again I will have concerns over our away form for this one, Newcastle who have been up and down so far this season. But I do think we will get a point in this one.
15/12/10  HOME  UTRECHT
With a weakened team for this game we will still be too strong at home for Utrecht and can look forward to the knockout stages of the Europa League in the new year.
18/12/10  HOME  FULHAM
Another win for me at home in this one as I expect our home form to continue.
26/12/10  AWAY  BLACKPOOL
Blackpool have been a tough nut to crack this season and I think we will find it hard, I think we will come away with a point though.
29/12/10  HOME  WOLVES
We will end the year with another home win setting us up for the new year in good spirits.

                   OVERALL
So with these fixtures I reckon we will be 11 points better off in the League by the end of the year, and after Sunday's game we will be unbeaten for the rest of the year. Hopefully we can pick more up away from home than I have predicted but I'm not sure we will unless we start pressuring higher up the park. Still, if we get 11 points I think we would be fairly happy with that.
  Let's look forward to the rest of the year.

YNWA

IF I WERE HODGSON

There is no doubting that Roy Hodgson has walked into a very difficult job at Anfield on and off the park. Obviously he would have liked a better start to the season but there are signs of improvement, and I think the new owners will give Hodgson time as most managers at Liverpool are. I like the way he is not making wholesale changes to the side the way Rafa did on a weekly basis, giving more of a settled team. There is a lot of work and improving to be done but hopefully over time we will get back to where we belong.
  I just want to give you my thoughts on what I think is our best team.

                                      MY TEAM

GOALKEEPER - Reina  I'm sure I won't get into any arguments here, he is one of the best keepers around.
RIGHT BACK - Carragher  I would like to see him here as he would make it tough for any opposing wingers. Great experience to organise those around him.


LEFT BACK - Konchesky  He is starting to look like a solid defender who also likes to get forward.
CENTRE BACK - Kyrgiakos  great in the air and gives everything for the team.

CENTRE BACK - Agger  I think he would compliment Kyrgiakos well as he is a good reader of the game and good on the ball.
LEFT MIDFIELD - Cole  he has a lot to offer, he's just been unlucky not getting a run in the team for different reasons.
RIGHT MIDFIELD - Johnson  I would like to see him played here as he is so good going forward and with Carragher playing behind him he would have good cover.
CENTRE MIDFIELD - Gerrard  I prefer him deeper in midfield where he can spray the passes about and influence the game more.
CENTRE MIDFIELD - Meireles  settling in now and would work well alongside Gerrard, good passer and can get forward.
STRIKER - Kuyt   a perfect foil for Torres with his workrate and can weigh in with goals as well
STRIKER - Torres   Just so important for us but would glad of the support Kuyt would bring.

I think the 4-4-2 formation would suit best for these players I have selected giving us a strong defence with a good midfield with plenty of attacking options and attack minded players.

Everyone would love to pick their own team, I just wanted to share mine with you.

YNWA

LIVERPOOL 3-0 WEST HAM MATCH REPORT

 MATCH REPORT

 Liverpool really needed to get back to winning ways quickly after two poor results away from home recently. Hopes had been high after that great result against Chelsea, but Liverpool have been brought back to earth with a nasty bump and back at home for this game against bottom team West Ham a win was a must to get Liverpool back on track. West Ham had been playing quite well recently without getting the results their performances had deserved so a good performance would be needed to win this one.

                                    THE TEAM

Hodgson didn't have many options for this one especially in the centre of midfield, with Lucas suspended and the midweek injury blow to Gerrard on international duty, Liverpool were decimated in midfield, young Spearing looked likely of selection but he picked up an injury on Friday which will keep him out for six weeks. So the much lambasted Poulsen had to start this one partnering Meireles in the middle. Good to see Torres getting support up front in the shape of David N'Gog. Pleased to see Johnson fit again and starting at right back, Carragher shifting back into the middle. Disappointed Kyrgiakos was dropped for this match where I certainly prefer him to Skrtel, and with his added threat at attacking set pieces.

                                THE MATCH

Liverpool started the game brightly and won a corner in the second minute puting West Ham on the back foot a few early chances being created by Liverpool with Johnson looking dangerous and puting over a great cross early on after getting to the touch line which was headed clear. With Poulsen and Meireles dominating the midfield Liverpool were creating all the chances and the it was just a matter of time before Liverpool took the lead and it came in the 17th minute when Meireles sent in a corner which Johnson chested down before reacting quickest to fire a low shot into the West Ham net. It was only what Liverpool deserved and they added to their lead in the 27th minute when Torres won a penalty trying to go past a defender which was handled. Kuyt fired the spot kick straight down the middle making it 2-0. A great start for Liverpool and West Ham offered nothing at all as an attacking force. To be fair Liverpool were not being made to work too hard for their domination as West Ham were really poor, but you can only beat whats in front of you and Liverpool were doing that. A  third goal was added in the 38th minute when Maxi glanced a Konchesky cross into the corner of the West Ham net after Torres was foiled by Green. 3-0 at half time was I'm sure far more than what Hodgson would have hoped for. The second half was just more of the same with Liverpool very comfortable with West Ham not creating anything at all. As the second half wore on the game turned more into a friendly match with both teams looking like accepting the outcome. Liverpool didn't really need to work the second half but they were in so much control. The odd chance still being created by Liverpool as the tempo dropped but Liverpool had to settle for 3-0 which will set them up nicely as the head to the in form Tottenham next Sunday.

                          SUMMARY

I thought this would be a tricky game especially with the Gerrard missing and Lucas who had also been playing well in recent games. No doubting that West Ham were very poor but Liverpool did create chances a plenty and that was encouraging, it would have been nice to have seen a few more goals in the second half. Great to see Johnson playing and scoring, he was a big threat down the right. Torres looked lively without scoring, Green pulling off a great save in the second half to deny him. Poulsen and Meireles did well in the middle as they dominated midfield, Poulsen pulling off a great save from Green in the second half. Both players passed the ball well and it was pleasing to see as Poulsen especially has faced much abuse from the Liverpool support. Maxi and Kuyt played well on the flanks and the defence, especially Reina were virtual spectators. Overall a great result and pleasing with so many players missing.

Man Of The Match -  Johnson    Great first game back and scoring as well capped off a fine display.

YNWA

                 

STOKE 2-0 LIVERPOOL

                MATCH REPORT       

After a rather lacklustre draw at Wigan on Wednesday night Liverpool travelled to Stoke anticipating a very tough night. Stoke is always a very tough away fixture and Liverpool's away record in recent times has been so poor. With the recent unbeaten run lifting Liverpool out of the bottom three Liverpool were  hoping to extend this decent run of results. But knowing the way Stoke play Liverpool were expecting a battle.         

              THE TEAM 

I was once again pleased with Hodgson's team selection in keeping a settled team with the only change being Kyrgiakos coming in for Kelly with Carragher going to right back. Pleased to see the stability with the team selection and happy to see Kyrgiakos come in with the physical threat Stoke possess.. Carragher giving the experience at right back.

              THE MATCH

Right from the kick off Stoke were right in Liverpool's faces and Liverpool struggled to cope with pressure. It was all Stoke and Liverpool struggling to cope with Stoke's game plan. Delap and his long throws giving Liverpool big problems as he bombarded the Liverpool box. Stoke had the best chances in the first half Reina making a good save from a resulting Delap throw. Liverpool quite lucky to get away with a penalty shout when Maxi barged Jones to the ground. Jones missed the best chance of the first half when Jones got a free header from a corner kick heading it wide. Liverpool's only produce in the first half was a Kyrgiakos header from a corner cleared by a Stoke defender and Gerrard had a long range shot which was well saved. But Liverpool were happy to go in 0-0 at the half.
  The second half was more of the same as Liverpool struggled with the Stoke pressure. Then in the 56th minute Stoke took the deserved lead from initially Liverpool's own mistake when Konchesky played a poor pass back to Reina who could only kick to touch, which Delap could only oblige by hurling another bomb into the Liverpool box, this time with just reward when after a major melee the ball was poked home from Fuller giving Stoke the lead. Liverpool tried to fight back but the best chance they had was a shot from close range from Maxi after good work from Kuyt. Liverpool never really looked like scoring and were put out of their misery when Gerrard played a poor pass which allowed Stoke to break and they took advantage with Jones finisjing off the move and ending the game. Lucas was sent off at the end for a second booking which summed up Liverpool's night. Stoke thoroughly deserved the win.

                      SUMMARY

For me this game had a lot of dejavu about it from the Everton game not so long ago. The way Liverpool were pressured by Stoke and not able to cope with it and the way they kept trying to pass in their own half causing themselves no end of problems. Unlucky to lose the first goal the way they did but thats what happens when you are under pressure for so long the attacking team will get a break sometime. I am disappointed the way we seem to struggle against teams that pressure us on the ball. We never got a foot hold in the game and hardly created anything Torres was as well sitting beside me as he had no service. Poor to see the midfield outfought as bad. Gerrard was quiet but then he can't be great all the time. Overall I thought we would get four points out of the last three games but not in the way it happened. Next up home to West Ham next Saturday so hopefully back to winning ways.

Man Of The Match -  Kyrgiakos  I thought he battled well and was our best defender against the Stoke bombardment, he gave everything once again.

YNWA

WIGAN 1-1 LIVERPOOL MATCH REPORT

                             MATCH REPORT  

After that amazing result on Sunday Liverpool were hoping to build some more momentum on the back of that result. This was never going to be an easy fixture, basically there is no easy fixtures in this League especially away from home. Liverpool's away form has been a concern over the last year or so but after the recent win at Bolton much confidence has returned. A hectic recent schedule for Liverpool giving them no respite after recent games against Napoli and Chelsea, now with away games at Wigan and Stoke to end the week. I was expecting us to win this one but not by much as Wigan never make it easy.
                           THE TEAM

I do like the way Hodgson seems to like sticking with a winning team, totally different with Rafa's ideas. But I believe you should stick with a winning team unless you are forced to make changes through injuries etc. So no complaints from me about Roy's team selection for this one, great to see Kelly starting again, he really is staking a claim for a regular place in the team.

                         THE MATCH

Liverpool started the game like a team that has been on a good run of form and passed the ball about well from the start. Gerrard pulling the strings once again, puting Wigan on the back foot. Liverpool capitalised on their early domination with a brilliant goal on 7 minutes when Gerrard who was given so much time in the middle of the park put a slide rule pass through to the red hot Torres who brilliantly controlled the pass with one touch as he ran past the struggling Caldwell and then with his second touch shot low into the corner of the Wigan net leaving Al-Habsi beaten. It really was a tremendous goal created and finished off by Liverpool's main men. Liverpool could have went further ahead when a brilliant move from Gerrard, Torres and Kuyt was finished off with Gerrard shooting over the bar when maybe he should have scored. Wigan gradually crept into the game and Liverpool went in at that half 1-0 up.
  The second half found Liverpool losing their way and Wigan sensed this and started to create problems for the Liverpool defence. Careless passing causing Liverpool so many problems for Liverpool in the second half. Just when you felt a goal was coming for Wigan, it came. A dangerous low cross from the right could only be parried by Reina and the ball fell kindly for Rodallega and he swept the ball into the net giving Wigan a deserved equaliser and giving Liverpool problems as the had lost their fluency. Liverpool never really got their passing game going again as Wigan looked the more likely to snatch a winner. Liverpool could have won it though, the best chance falling to Gerrard as Maxi slid a ball through to Gerrard but his shot shot hit the underside of the bar and bounced away to safety. I think a draw was a fair result and although it wasn't a win Liverpool kept their good unbeaten run going but a better performance will be needed against Stoke on Saturday.
                            SUMMARY

I was disappointed that we couldn't win the match especially after taking the early lead and starting the game well, but once Liverpool let Wigan into the game they couldn't get going again, sitting far too deep at times for me. It has been a hectic week and the players did put so much into the Chelsea game so maybe they were a bit drained and tired, but I still believe Hodgson did the right thing by not changing the team. Credit to Wigan too they did work their way back into the game well, but I did feel that many times Liverpool's passing did let them down especially in the second half, puting them back under pressure. Positives were, not losing the game, Torres with another goal, I thought Kelly had another really good game at right back and I thought Konchesky had another really solid game at left back. Reina was unlucky at the goal as it was a dangerous cross in. Torres looking better with every game. Still onwards and upwards to Stoke and hopefully back to winning ways.

Man Of The Match - Torres  a great finish from our hit man and great movement from him but disappointingly never got the same service thesecond half as Liverpool struggled.

YNWA

LIVERPOOL 2-0 CHELSEA MATCH REPORT

                        MATCH REPORT

Always one of the key fixtures of the season, but more so for Liverpool this season after the poor start and Chelsea sitting on top of the league. But with a better run of form in the last couple of weeks Liverpool had found some much needed confidence. So a win for Liverpool against Chelsea would be massive for the coming weeks in Liverpool's season and give them something to build on.

                   THE TEAM   

I was very pleased to see Hodgson go with two up front as I think he should do this more often, I was amazed to see Kuyt make this match as I believe he had just returned to training last week. Great to see Gerrard in that deeper role where I think is his best position. Skrtel came in for Kyrgiakos who was unwell and great to see young Kelly come into the side at right back, due to Johnson having a slight injury.
                   THE MATCH

What an atmosphere for this one, Liverpool roared on from a passionate support were quietened temporarily in the early stages as Chelsea kept good possession without creating much. But then the game lit up in the 11th minute with the much maligned Fernando Torres erupting Anfield with some world class finishing. Pass of the match from Kuyt floated over the head of Terry and Torres controlled brilliantly before finishing past the helpless Cech. Liverpool had Chelsea rattled and started to dominate with Gerrard pulling the strings from midfield as he sprayed the ball around.

                  Torres opens the scoring

Liverpool were not giving Chelsea any time on the ball as Liverpool pressed them, Lucas especially broke up so many attacks as he had probably his best game for Liverpool. Konchesky and Kelly were solid in defence preventing Chelsea from getting much joy down the flanks. Kuyt's work rate was a perfect foil for Torres as he looked so much happier with having support up front. Just as it looked like the sides were going in 1-0 at half time, Torres struck again. Cole was caught in possession at the half way line and Meireles broke forward before passing wide to Torres, Torres moved into the edge of the Chelsea penalty box being faced by Ivanovic, he then created a yard of space for himself and then curled a superb shot into the top left hand corner of Cech's net, leaving Cech stranded. Pure class from Torres showing everyone that he is still one of the best strikers around.

                               Torres celebrates    

It was a big goal for Liverpool going in at half time with a 2-0 lead as they knew Chelsea would come back in the second half. The introduction of Drogba for Chelsea for the start of the second half showed Chelsea's intentions. Drogba being on the bench as he was unwell and not 100% fit, but Chelsea having to gamble with the two goal defecit. As expected Chelsea upped their game and laid seige to the Liverpool goal as Liverpool found it hard to keep hold of the ball. But for all Chelsea's possession Liverpool defended brilliantly not giving Chelsea too many chances to get back into it. Zhirkov had a good shot which Reina saved at his near post. But midway through the second half Reina had a brilliant point blank save from Malouda after great work by Drogba. Chelsea kept up the pressure but Liverpool's defence withstood the onslaught with Carragher immense at the back as he battled with Drogba and organised his defence superbly.

                           Torres scores his second    

Kuyt was so unlucky not to make it three as Cech pulled off the save of the match, Kuyt turned and hit a low shot which looked to be going in but Cech stuck out a right leg diverting the ball past for a corner. Then with minutes to go Anelka hit a shot which went went underneath Reina bouncing up onto the crossbar and looking like a tap in for Drogba before that man Carragher flung himself in front of Drogba sliding the ball into Reina's grateful hands as he could have easily knocked the ball into his own net. Liverpool could have scored a third goal right at the end as Maxi was sent clear inside the Chelsea box but he took too long to shoot and the chance was lost. Liverpool thoroughly deserving of the win and a brilliant team performance against the Champions. 

                          SUMMARY

A brilliant result and performance from Liverpool and it just shows what this team is capable of, what a difference a couple of weeks makes. Hopefully now a bit of heat will be taken off Hodgson as I felt too many people were calling for his head without giving him a chance. Obviously it is not like we are going to beat everyone in sight now but it is a start in the right direction and very encouraging with recent results and the current form must be built on. Great to see Torres back to his best, it gives us so much extra when he is in form like that, so dangerous, but what a game from Kuyt hopefully this will be a regular partnership up front. Gerrard dominated the first half and defended brilliantly in the second half when Liverpool never got as much possession. Carragher was his brilliant best as he was running through brick walls for the cause in the name of Drogba. Lucas, best game for the club, he broke up so many Chelsea attacks and never gave a ball away superb performance. Konchesky and young Kelly were rock solid at full back positions. Maxi and Meireles worked so hard out wide and used the ball well. Reina made a couple of key stops as Chelsea pressed. But a superb team performance and hopefully we can build on this great result.

Man Of The Match - Torres   there was a few contenders, Gerrard, Carragher, Lucas and Kuyt but I have to go for Torres with his 2 goals and looked back to his best, clinical finishing from Torres

LIVERPOOL 3-1 NAPOLI MATCH REPORT

                         MATCH REPORT     

After another confidence boosting result at the weekend for Liverpool there were high hopes of another win at home against Napoli in the Europa League. Napoli proved a decent European outfit two weeks ago. But with another tough fixture looming on Sunday against Chelsea, changes to the line- up were expected. Liverpool top of their Europa League group were hoping to cement their position with a win in this one.      

                         THE TEAM 

As expected there were changes made by Hodgson for this game, obviously thinking about the Chelsea game on Sunday. Still, it was a strong team Hodgson sent out as he was obviously wanting to qualify sooner rather than later from this group. A strong defence was selected with Johnson coming in at right back after recovering from injury, moving Carragher back into the middle of defence alongside Kyrgiakos. It was good to see youngsters Shelvey and Spearing starting with Jovanovic on the left, Poulsen coming into the holding role in midfield. N'Gog being selected up front giving Torres a rest. I was concerned about the midfield being strong enough and creative enough for this game, but still it was good to see Roy giving the youngsters a chance again.
                        THE MATCH

A good crowd for this game with not many empty seats and Liverpool started the match well in the early minutes with Jovanovic getting down the left and swinging in a couple of dangerous crosses. But the early onslaught soon waned as Napoli settled and started to dominate proceedings. Liverpool suddenly found themselves struggling for possession as Napoli sprayed the ball around. Lavezzi being the main danger to Liverpool as he made one or two good attacking runs causing concern to the Liverpool defence. Lavezzi came very close when Shelvey gave the ball straight to Lavezzi and he ran straight down the middle before firing a vicious shot that went just wide of Reina's post. Liverpool were causing a lot of their own problems with so many poor passes puting them under pressure. Then Liverpool were finally caught out on the 28th minute with another mistake, this time a poor Poulsen header put Napoli in a great position and they took advantage with a brilliant finish from that man Lavezzi as he slipped the ball past the onrushing Reina. It was no more than Napoli deserved as they were by far the dominant side. So Liverpool went in at half time with a lot to think about.

                               Gerrard sets the tone for the second half

The biggest cheer of the night came when they saw Gerrard warming up for the second half as Hodgson took drastic action. Jovanovic made way for his Captain. Right from the off Gerrard flew into a challenge winning possession before being fouled, setting the tone for the second half and lifting the team and the crowd. Liverpool suddenly looked a different team and Napoli looked rattled as Liverpool drove forward. Gerrard instrumental in everything. The Italians tried to slow the game down and break up the play when they could but they couldn't stop the shift in momentum. Liverpool started creating chances as N'Gog went close with Napoli keeper De Sanctis making a good save and Meireles shooting wide when he should have scored. Shelvey should have done better with a header at the back post

                           Gerrard scores from the spot     

With chances being missed you started to wonder if Liverpool were going to get that elusive goal, especially with time starting to ebb away. Then on the 75th minute former Liverpool player Dossena was short with a pass back to his keeper which Gerrard read and Gerrard went flying into the challenge with the keeper and the ball ended up in the Napoli net, true grit and determination from Gerrard. Liverpool now were looking for the winner. However, an unsavoury moment developed when Napoli defender Aronica lunged in on N'Gog almost snapping N'Gog's leg, unbelievably escaping the referee's notebook. N'Gog eventually had to leave the field for Lucas. Just as it looked as if Napoli were going to hold on for a draw Johnson burst into the box, and was upended by Aronica which was pleasing as he should have been sent off earlier so it was good to see him making a major contribution. Gerrard stepped up to the plate and didn't disappoint as he put the penalty away convincingly. An amazing turn around and display by Gerrard. Then a minute later in the 89th minute Gerrard got his hat-trick after Lucas made a good tackle winning the ball which released Gerrard one on one with De Sanctis and his finish was sublime as he dinked the ball over him and sent the Kop wild. A brilliant second half performance by Liverpool and another amazing performance from Gerrard.    

                               Gerrard silences the Italian crowd

                   SUMMARY

A great comeback inpired by Gerrard once again, how many times has he done this unbelievable. If if ever there was a game of two halves. The first half was very poor from Liverpool as Napoli dominated. Liverpool's midfield remains a concern in Gerrard's abscence highlighted by Liverpool's first half display. Poulsen doesn't look good enough and made matters worse with his mistake for the Napoli goal. Spearing worked really hard but his passing was poor too often. Meireles has still to convince me as his passing was also poor. The defence looked solid enough and Johnson got better as the game wore on and done really well winning the penalty. It is worrying that we had to rely on Gerrard once again as we need others to step up to the plate and show the commitment he shows. But it was encouraging of the character shown in the second half. Good to see it was Aronica who was guilty of bringing down Johnson in the box for the penalty after being allowed to stay on the park after his horrendous tackle on N'Gog. Bring on the Chelsea three wins in a row a win on Sunday and who knows what we can achieve.

Man Of The Match - Gerrard - no competition here, only needed 45 minutes for this accolade, truly brilliant performance from Gerrard and hat- trick as well, the heart and soul of this team.

YNWA

BOLTON 0-1 LIVERPOOL MATCH REPORT

                MATCH REPORT
After a good performance and a much needed win last week it was off to another tough place to prise points, Bolton. Bolton have proved to be a tough nut to crack this season and Liverpool have been struggling all season for results, but with the good win last week against Blackburn, Liverpool were hoping to build on this. I thought this would be a very difficult game to win all three points and I really thought that a draw wouldn't be the worst result at such a tough place.
               THE TEAM

 I was hoping Hodgson would keep the same team that won last week, and I wasn't disappointed, although Hodgson was still restricted for choice with injuries to some key players. It would have been interesting to see what he would have done if Johnson and Kuyt had been fit. But I think you keep a winning team. So I was really pleased Roy kept faith with the players that beat Blackburn.             
                     THE MATCH

This was always going to be a battle for Liverpool and they were not disappointed as Bolton used their physical strength to unsettle Liverpool. However, Liverpool started well and Torres was unlucky with a header early on and then a couple of minutes later had a great chance when he cut into the Bolton box before being wasteful when the Torres of old would have found the net. The game continued at a frantic pace with end to end action with not a great deal of sublime football. Bolton were trying at every attempt to go long to the robust Davies but the impressive Kyrgiakos dealt with most thrown at him. Liverpool played some nice football at times with Gerrard probing. There were not too many chances in the first half, Reina had a good save from a shot from distance, but a great Liverpool move should have been finished off by Gerrard but he skewed his shot wide. Bolton had a shout for a penalty when a cross hit Carragher on the arm but the referee rightly waved away the appeals.

                        Lucas in the thick of the action

The second half was more of the same with a tremendous tussle ensuing between Kyrgiakos and Davies, both knocking lumps out of each other but fascinating to watch. Liverpool were dealt a blow when Joe Cole left the field with a hamstring problem, N'Gog replacing him and Liverpool resulting in a 4-4-2 formation. Liverpool were having the better of the play other than dealing with Bolton's long ball tactics fairly well. Kyrgiakos was unlucky with a header that just went over the Bolton bar. Maxi had a superb effort finish just over the bar as well. At the other end Bolton had a strong claim for a penalty as Kyrgiakos gave Davies a bit of a shove in the box, and Davies was unlucky not to score as he glanced a dangerous cross just wide.

               Maxi scores the winner    

The game looked to be heading for a scoreless draw but Liverpool were ending the game stronger and looked the most likely if there was to be a winner. Then with time running out a bit of magic from Torres as he flicked a through ball into the path of Maxi and he sruck the ball early catching Jaaskelainen out as the ball went through him. Liverpool held out for the remainder of the match and a priceless win and a very hard fought win and a great resiliance shown from the whole team.

              Maxi celebrates the winner

               SUMMARY

A great result, true it wasn't pretty but what a great battling performance from Liverpool, they had to stand up and be counted against the physical approach from Bolton. A draw would have been ok but to nick a win was amazing and really must give the team an almighty lift going into the Chelsea game next week. The defence and was immense as Kyrgiakos and Skrtel defended stoutly with everything that was thrown at them. Lucas played really well with Meireles in the middle and Carragher had a good game at right back. Joe Cole was disappointing and ended miserably with picking up an injury. Torres has been slaughtered again for this performance but I disagree, his was workrate was good and he linked up well, he just wasn't presented with many chances. But once again Torres proved his class with his sublime flick into Maxi for the goal. Gerrard came more into the game as the game wore on. But I was pleased with the way Liverpool battled for this win as I did not fancy us to win this one.

Man Of The Match - Kyrgiakos      The big man was immense again as he battled so hard and won most of the high balls up to the physical Davies, it really was a fascinating duel to watch. Great performance.

YNWA