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
Ya a very very poor game. We need a new manager not sure dalglish because he wont tarnish his reputation as the team are low on confidence. May be Frank Rijkaard.
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