Liverpool who are on a great run of form at that moment were hoping to continue this run at home to Newcastle. This is a fixture with a history of exciting games and plenty of goals, but there is an added spice to this match this time around with Newcastle having won against Liverpool earlier in the season and with a certain Andy Carroll scoring for the Magpies that day. Carroll now a Liverpool player facing his old team for the first time since his last minute transfer in the January transfer window would be preparing for a hot reception from his former supporters.
THE TEAM
Liverpool still with a long list of injuries welcomed back Glen Johnson to the side at left back with young Jack Robinson making way for him at left back. The rest of the team was the same that started against Birmingham last week. Carroll who was coming back from injury was only passed fit for the bench, so Maxi kept his place in the team after his brilliant hat-trick last week. Flanagan once again starting at right back as he continues his impressive run in the side.
THE MATCH
Similar to last weeks match Liverpool struck early and it was that man Maxi once again who netted after a good passing move by Liverpool which was finished off by the Argentine via the leg of Danny Simpson.
It was another great start for the home side but unlike last week where domination set in Newcastle responded by getting good possession as Liverpool struggled to make headway. Jay Spearing was unlucky with a 25 yard effort which Krul could only parry, but he recovered quickly befory Kuyt and Meireles could pounce.
Ameobi connected with a Joey Barton header as Newcastle threatened and they continued to dominate proceedings with a series of corner kicks and free-kicks inside Liverpool territory as Liverpool struggled to clear their lines.
Lucas had a chance before the break with a header from a Flanagan cross but Krul was alert to the danger. So Liverpool went in at the break with a slender 1-0 lead.
The second half began with chances at both ends, first Barton fired just wide from a Nolan centre, then Suarez danced past a couple of defenders on the left before his shot was almost deflected beyond Krul by Mike Williamson.
Liverpool came out a different team in the second half and they were looking more dangerous and passing the ball better. Then in the 58th minute Reina sent a long searching ball downfield which Suarez chased after, but Williamson read the situation as he tried to let the ball run out for a goal-kick, but Suarez never gave up and he somehow managed to keep the ball in surprising Williamson who tried to recover the situation by fouling Suarez in the box giving referee Walton no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Dirk Kuyt despatched the spot-kick sending Krul the wrong way and doubled Liverpool's lead. It was Kuyt's 14th goal of the season and his 8th goal in his last 7 League outings.
Minutes later Kuyt should have made it three but he headed wide of goal from 6 yards out. But then in the 65th minute Kuyt became provider with a lovely flicked pass into the path of Suarez who fired into the net from 6 yards out ending the match as a contest.
With the points secure Dalglish introduced Andy Carroll to a standing ovation from the Kop. Liverpool nearly made it four but Meireles headed just wide from a Johnson cross. But another impressive win for Liverpool as they now move up to 5th place in the League.
SUMMARY
Another great win for Liverpool as the scoreline doesn't suggest how difficult it was at times. Liverpool got off to a great start and great to see Maxi finding the net again, but Newcastle dominated long spells of the first half as Liverpool played second fiddle. The defence played really well and stood firm under this Newcastle pressure limiting them to very few chances. Spearing and Lucas were again superb in midfield and Flanagan coped well against a difficult opponent in Gutierriez who goes to ground very easily and drew a soft booking from the youngster. Dalglish made a great move at half-time when he switched the more experienced Johnson to right back which nulified the threat of Gutierriez, instead of substituting Flanagan which could have damaged his confidence Dalglish switched him to left back where he played very well. Luis Suarez was a constant threat and got a deserved goal. Kuyt is superb right now involved in everything and scored once again keeping his fine scoring form going. The only disappointing thing for Liverpool right now is that the season is drawing to a close but up to 5th in the League now and a real chance of European football next season which would be some achievement for the club with all thats happened in this eventful season. It would be great ot go out on a high.
Man Of The Match - Kuyt - so involved in everything good about Liverpool, once again a cool head at the penalty and a sublime pass to Suarez for his goal. He is such an important player for us.
YNWA
No comments:
Post a Comment