Suarez Seals Win Against Sunderland

Liverpool went in to today's game on the back of going out of the Europa League during the week but in the Premier League Liverpool where one of the top teams on recent form following their win against Man Utd. In terms of the line up Liverpool welcomed back Suarez who was cup tied for the Europa League and he started up front for the first time with Andy Carroll. Liverpool where still without the injured Gerrard, Kelly, Aurelio and Shelvey but Agger made his return after 4 week out. Sunderland had been having recent injury problems themselves but they had nearly a full squad to choose from as a number of players made returns to the squad after a period out.
Sunderland were the livelier of the teams in the opening 20 minutes, they were first to the second ball on many occasions as Liverpool took their time to get going but while they failed to conjure a threat in open play, Kenny Dalglish's men looked dangerous on set-pieces, especially with £35m giant striker Andy Carroll present up front. Liverpool had the best chances to take the lead with the former Newcastle man involved in a move with Suarez that resulted in a corner. Raul Meireles pinged the corner to the back post which the tall forward nodded back into the six-yard area for Dirk Kuyt. The Dutchman's shot was then well saved point-blank by Mignolet.
Sunderland then had to make two forced changes due to injuries and their luck got worse when Mensah's poor chest control allowed Spearing to steal before the Sunderland player brought him down. The referee pointed for a free-kick before changing his mind on the advice of his assistant on the touchline, much to the fury of Sunderland boss Steve Bruce. While the tackle started outside the box there was contact while Spearing was inside the area so it was clear to see what the linesman thought. Even with numerous replays in slow motion on the TV there was still debate about the decision but the officials only had one chance to see it and the decision had been made. Dirk Kuyt stepped up to place the ball to the left of Mignolet and give Liverpool the lead. Kuyt celebrated with Lucas who had another reason to celebrate this week due to the birth of his first son Pedro Lucas. The goal seemed to lift Liverpool and the reds came close to adding another when Luis Suarez's low half volley had to be palmed away by the Sunderland keeper.


Suarez celebrates his goal which sealed the game.

 The Uruguayan had better luck after the break, although his strike owed more to audacity than fortune. The midfielder was picked out by Kuyt's throw-in and after a one two with the Dutchman he then drove down the right and cut in along the goal line, bypassing a couple of defenders before thrashing the ball past the head of a crouching Mignolet from the tightest of angles for his second goal for Liverpool which no one can deny, had been coming. Sunderland had failed to trouble keeper Pepe Reina all game and Liverpool looked comfortable, but things got worse for Sunderland. They then lost Welbeck because of another injury and with the eight minutes of the match remaining, Sunderland's miserable day was compounded with the sending off of Mensah for pulling back Suarez who was through on goal. Liverpool have a slight worry as Suarez went off in the last few minutes holding his groin but with a break for internationals he should have time to recover.
Liverpool deserved the win and it lifts them to within 4 points of Spurs who are in the only Europa League place that will be available this year. While Liverpool can't be ruled out of grabbing that 5th spot I find myself thinking that it wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing if the reds didn't get in to Europe his season. While the prospect of playing in Europe is a great thing the amount of extra games and the interruption of the pre-season for qualifying games it brings with it have a negative effect on the league performance. I think a good rest over the summer a proper pre-season, less mid-week games and maybe a few new signings will allow Liverpool to really challenge for the league title next season.