Liverpool went into the game against Birmingham on a run of draws in the league that stretches 7 games, knowing one more draw would have equalled the record for the most consecutive draws in the Premier League. Following the last minute draw against Arsenal there was two changes for Liverpool with Robinson replacing Aurelio as he did at the Emirates and Maxi coming in to replace Carroll who has a knee problem.
It wasn't long before Liverpool took the lead as Spearing unleashed a shot from 25 yards which goalkeeper Ben Foster allowed to slip from his grasp to the onrushing Maxi Rodriguez, who slid the ball under the keeper who was just getting back to his feet. Liverpool doubled their lead on 23 minutes as Kuyt played in Suarez but the Uruguayan saw his attempt blocked by Foster who then collided with one of his defenders but the ball fell just behind Kuyt and the Dutchman turned well and placed the ball right in the corner to continue his great run of goals since Kenny took charge. Foster then had to go off after the collision however even with 2 keepers on Birmingham wouldn't have been able to do much to stop Liverpool's third. Suarez was played in down the right and the Birmingham defence tried to appeal for offside however it was in vain at the full back on the other side kept him on side. Suarez then delivered a perfect cross towards the back post for Maxi who volleyed home with ease. Birmingham hadn't offered much all game however their defence also looked shaky and this was proven when Maxi hit a tame shot but the ball was cleared straight back out to him and this time he made a much better effort of it and completed his hat trick in style. There was even time for Cole to come off the bench with 5 minutes to go and the first time he got the ball he cut inside and fired a low shot towards the goal that somehow crept through the keeper to give Liverpool a comfortable 5-0 win.
Liverpool's youngsters once again showed they have what it takes to play at the top level even though they weren't really tested by a lacklustre Birmingham side who aren't that far from the relegation places so should have had something to fight for. There was even time for Shelvey to step in at left back when Robinson went off and he played confidently even though out of position but this confidence will have come straight from Dalglish. The confidence all of the team has now is one of the main positives since Kenny took charge and the feeling that on their day they can beat anyone allows them to play much better football and get much better results. There is also confidence off field as a new £25million a year contract has been agreed with Boston based sports manufactures Warrior which will hopefully finance a few new signings to allow Liverpool to challenge for the title next year.
Back to this season and with Spurs only managing a draw against West Brom the gap to 5th and a Europa League place is now only 3 points away for Kenny Dalglish's men however the North London club still have a game in hand. The two clubs still have to play each other and Tottenham also have to play Man City and an on form Chelsea so Liverpool will feel they can definitely still make it to the Europa League place.
Next up for the reds is Newcastle at home on Sunday.
Tuesday, 26 April 2011
Monday, 18 April 2011
Late Penalty Show at The Emirates
Kenny Dalglish named an unchanged Liverpool side for the trip to Arsenal following a great win at home to Man City on Monday night. This meant that 18 year old John Flanagan retained his place at right back in a reds defence that was seriously weakened by injuries even before Sundays game. When the game started, Liverpool's seemingly never ending bad luck with injuries continued as an injury prone Aurelio limped off in the first half yet again, this time after just 17 minutes. This then opened the door for another of Liverpool's impressive youth as a 17 year old Jack Robinson came on. Robinson has already played once for the reds before, when he became the youngest ever Liverpool player at the end of last season in a game against already relegated Hull however after impressing in the reserves this season, he allowed Kenny to show once again that he has no problem in switching players between the two. Robinson and Flanagan both impressed again and didn't allow the talented Walcott, Nasri, Arshavin, Van Persie et al get the better of them and showed confidence and composure despite the lack of experience.
This confidence comes mainly from Dalglish picking them to step up to the first team but also from the motivation he gives them. This motivation was clear to see when Robinson was called to come on. It could be seen that Dalglish was joking and laughing with Robinson and little things like that can lift a lot of pressure and calm a lot of nerves for a youngster especially when he will have been expecting to spend the game on the bench. Another player who has really benefited from the confidence boost given by a run of games is Jay Spearing. The little midfield terrier had a great game against Arsenal and along with Lucas (who also had a great game) they didn't allow Fabregas and Wilshere any time on the ball and they easily stopped them taking any control of the game as they usually do. Fabregas and Wilshere who are regarded as two of the best midfielders in the league, have a habit of dominating games on their own but to the credit of Lucas and Spearing it was the Liverpool duo that dominated and this was very important to protect the makeshift defence behind them.
In terms of the first half Liverpool were clearly on the back foot and Arsenal had large periods of possession however the patched up defence held firm and only really looked like being penetrated from set-pieces. Liverpool were denied a good shout for a penalty when Spearing was brought down, Diaby headed just wide and Koscielny hit the bar but that was it as far as real chances came in the first half. The second half brought yet another defensive injury for Liverpool as Carragher was knocked out by a collision with Flanagan which resulted in a long delay. Again the way Dalglish handled the situation by calling the youngster over was admirable. Had he just been left standing and watching as his captain and mentor over the past 2 games received oxygen and was put on a spinal board, who knows what would have been going through his head knowing it was a collision with him that caused it. By calling him over and reassuring him that it couldn't be helped Dalglish proved his man management skills.
Liverpool's weakened defence got weaker however there was another worry at the other end as Carroll seemed to go over on his ankle and injure his knee at the same time. It wasn't that bad for the reds however as another youngster, Shelvey, came on. This seemed to have changed the mentality of Suarez who found more success up front with Kuyt. Suarez forced a good save from Szczesny however Van Persie also forced Reina into a even better save. The game continued and 8 minuted of added time were put up by the officials following Carra's injury. In the 97th minute Spearing tangled with Fabregas in the box and referee Mariner pointed to the spot. It was the only mistake Spearing had made all game but when Van Persie put it away well in the 98th minute it seemed over for Liverpool. Kuyt hit a shot straight from the kick off that nearly caught out Szczesny and also proved that Liverpool hadn't given up. They kept the fight going and Shelvey managed to force the ball to Lucas on the edge of the box. Song took a swipe at Lucas and he fell into the box causing claims for a penalty but Mariner made the right decision to award a free kick. Suarez took the kick and it hit the wall which had moved forward a good few yards. The ball bounced out wide towards Lucas and Eboue bundled him over which resulted in another penalty. Kuyt stepped up to take it and showed a lot of composure to slot it past Szczesny in the 102nd minute. While Spearing was well deserving of the man of the match award I would give it to Lucas who showed the same tenacious attitude and also won the free kick and penalty for the equaliser.
The draw was the right result and a fair result however it doesn't really help either team in their league positions. Kenny Dalglish then had a run in with Wenger after their thoughts differed about the penalty and the Scot told the Frenchman where to go. People may say that Liverpool have gifted the title to Man Utd however they only got 3 points from Liverpool this season while Arsenal got 2 points so only if the title is won by 1 point will I agree with that statement. Things definitely look good for Liverpool with the youth coming through however the injuries are a worry but there doesn't seem to be much to play for as the gap seems to big to bridge considering Spurs have 2 games in hand. One thing is certain however, if the never say die attitude from this game is anything to go by then 4th place wont be given up on.
Next up is Birmingham at home on Saturday.
This confidence comes mainly from Dalglish picking them to step up to the first team but also from the motivation he gives them. This motivation was clear to see when Robinson was called to come on. It could be seen that Dalglish was joking and laughing with Robinson and little things like that can lift a lot of pressure and calm a lot of nerves for a youngster especially when he will have been expecting to spend the game on the bench. Another player who has really benefited from the confidence boost given by a run of games is Jay Spearing. The little midfield terrier had a great game against Arsenal and along with Lucas (who also had a great game) they didn't allow Fabregas and Wilshere any time on the ball and they easily stopped them taking any control of the game as they usually do. Fabregas and Wilshere who are regarded as two of the best midfielders in the league, have a habit of dominating games on their own but to the credit of Lucas and Spearing it was the Liverpool duo that dominated and this was very important to protect the makeshift defence behind them.
In terms of the first half Liverpool were clearly on the back foot and Arsenal had large periods of possession however the patched up defence held firm and only really looked like being penetrated from set-pieces. Liverpool were denied a good shout for a penalty when Spearing was brought down, Diaby headed just wide and Koscielny hit the bar but that was it as far as real chances came in the first half. The second half brought yet another defensive injury for Liverpool as Carragher was knocked out by a collision with Flanagan which resulted in a long delay. Again the way Dalglish handled the situation by calling the youngster over was admirable. Had he just been left standing and watching as his captain and mentor over the past 2 games received oxygen and was put on a spinal board, who knows what would have been going through his head knowing it was a collision with him that caused it. By calling him over and reassuring him that it couldn't be helped Dalglish proved his man management skills.
Liverpool's weakened defence got weaker however there was another worry at the other end as Carroll seemed to go over on his ankle and injure his knee at the same time. It wasn't that bad for the reds however as another youngster, Shelvey, came on. This seemed to have changed the mentality of Suarez who found more success up front with Kuyt. Suarez forced a good save from Szczesny however Van Persie also forced Reina into a even better save. The game continued and 8 minuted of added time were put up by the officials following Carra's injury. In the 97th minute Spearing tangled with Fabregas in the box and referee Mariner pointed to the spot. It was the only mistake Spearing had made all game but when Van Persie put it away well in the 98th minute it seemed over for Liverpool. Kuyt hit a shot straight from the kick off that nearly caught out Szczesny and also proved that Liverpool hadn't given up. They kept the fight going and Shelvey managed to force the ball to Lucas on the edge of the box. Song took a swipe at Lucas and he fell into the box causing claims for a penalty but Mariner made the right decision to award a free kick. Suarez took the kick and it hit the wall which had moved forward a good few yards. The ball bounced out wide towards Lucas and Eboue bundled him over which resulted in another penalty. Kuyt stepped up to take it and showed a lot of composure to slot it past Szczesny in the 102nd minute. While Spearing was well deserving of the man of the match award I would give it to Lucas who showed the same tenacious attitude and also won the free kick and penalty for the equaliser.
The draw was the right result and a fair result however it doesn't really help either team in their league positions. Kenny Dalglish then had a run in with Wenger after their thoughts differed about the penalty and the Scot told the Frenchman where to go. People may say that Liverpool have gifted the title to Man Utd however they only got 3 points from Liverpool this season while Arsenal got 2 points so only if the title is won by 1 point will I agree with that statement. Things definitely look good for Liverpool with the youth coming through however the injuries are a worry but there doesn't seem to be much to play for as the gap seems to big to bridge considering Spurs have 2 games in hand. One thing is certain however, if the never say die attitude from this game is anything to go by then 4th place wont be given up on.
Next up is Birmingham at home on Saturday.
Tuesday, 12 April 2011
Carroll Brace Stuns City
With not much to play for this season and a lot of injury problems Liverpool went into the game against Man City as clear underdogs. The big surprise before the game was the selection of John Flanagan with Kenny Dalglish picking the 18 year old picked for his first team debut in light of the number of defenders Liverpool had injured. Another surprise was in the City team as all of their first team where named despite talk of the manager resting them for the F.A. cup semi final this coming week. While the F.A. cup may be their best chance of a trophy this season they still have aspirations of getting into the Champions League next year so this was still a must win game for Mancini's men.
Liverpool started the game the brighter as after just 4 minutes Carroll knocked it down to Suarez who found Kuyt but the Dutchman's shot went over the bar. Just 2 minutes later Liverpool created another good chance as this time Carroll played a through ball which Suarez got on the end of and the Uruguayan was only denied by a great save from Joe Hart who pushed the ball on to the post. Liverpool did get a deserved break through after 12 minutes however, as a speculative shot from Meireles bounced back off Company and on to the left foot of Andy Carroll 25 yards out. The £35 million man then started to justify some of the price with a perfectly hit low shot which caught Hart off guard. Some raised questions about the keeper as the ball wasn't that far away from him however the power and pace of the shot and the speed of which the Liverpool number 9 decided to take the shot where easily enough to beat most keepers.
Liverpool continued to apply the pressure and didn't look to sit back on the lead and after 33 minutes a sustained onslaught on the City goal was rewarded with a second goal. Meireles had a shot blocked and the rebound came to Suarez whose shot deflected out to Kuyt. Kuyt put a cross in to the back post where Carroll headed it back and then Meireles and Spearing combined to set up Aurelio but again his shot was blocked. This time the ball rolled across the area 12 yards out and Dirk Kuyt allowed it across him, opening his body at the same time, before stroking a right footed shot into the bottom left corner. The amount of Liverpool players in the box and the desire of them all to be the first the ball was what made the goal and this typifies the spirit of Liverpool under Dalglish.
The second goal was always going to be vital as it took a bit of the pressure off but what came just 2 minutes later was a bonus as Meireles crossed towards Andy Carroll on the penalty spot and the big Geordie striker did what most Liverpool fans would have expected him to do and he nodded the ball in to the far corner of the goal. If there was a type of goal that you'd expect Carroll to score then this was it however his first goal proved that there is more to his game than just heading the ball.
In terms of the rest of the game both sides seemed to have accepted the result however if there was to be another goal Liverpool always looked the most likely to get it. Suarez was a constant threat and created a number of chances on his own however he was overshadowed by his fellow strike partner for the man of the match. Flanagan was another contender for the award as he bullied Milner, Balotelli and Sliva out of the game and didn't show any signs of his inexperience but Kuyt also impressed and his work rate really helped out Flanagan at right back which is vital to help him settle in. Things definitely look good for Liverpool in terms of the Youth and Academy players that are coming up through the ranks and it only gives the other players in the Youth team confidence when they see the run of games that the likes of Spearing, Kelly, Shelvey and now Flanagan are getting in the first team.
While the result doesn't move Liverpool up in the table it closed the gap on 5th place Spurs however the North London club still have a game in hand. Next up for Liverpool is Arsenal away on Sunday were they will hope to correct that inconsistent away form.
Liverpool continued to apply the pressure and didn't look to sit back on the lead and after 33 minutes a sustained onslaught on the City goal was rewarded with a second goal. Meireles had a shot blocked and the rebound came to Suarez whose shot deflected out to Kuyt. Kuyt put a cross in to the back post where Carroll headed it back and then Meireles and Spearing combined to set up Aurelio but again his shot was blocked. This time the ball rolled across the area 12 yards out and Dirk Kuyt allowed it across him, opening his body at the same time, before stroking a right footed shot into the bottom left corner. The amount of Liverpool players in the box and the desire of them all to be the first the ball was what made the goal and this typifies the spirit of Liverpool under Dalglish.
The second goal was always going to be vital as it took a bit of the pressure off but what came just 2 minutes later was a bonus as Meireles crossed towards Andy Carroll on the penalty spot and the big Geordie striker did what most Liverpool fans would have expected him to do and he nodded the ball in to the far corner of the goal. If there was a type of goal that you'd expect Carroll to score then this was it however his first goal proved that there is more to his game than just heading the ball.
In terms of the rest of the game both sides seemed to have accepted the result however if there was to be another goal Liverpool always looked the most likely to get it. Suarez was a constant threat and created a number of chances on his own however he was overshadowed by his fellow strike partner for the man of the match. Flanagan was another contender for the award as he bullied Milner, Balotelli and Sliva out of the game and didn't show any signs of his inexperience but Kuyt also impressed and his work rate really helped out Flanagan at right back which is vital to help him settle in. Things definitely look good for Liverpool in terms of the Youth and Academy players that are coming up through the ranks and it only gives the other players in the Youth team confidence when they see the run of games that the likes of Spearing, Kelly, Shelvey and now Flanagan are getting in the first team.
While the result doesn't move Liverpool up in the table it closed the gap on 5th place Spurs however the North London club still have a game in hand. Next up for Liverpool is Arsenal away on Sunday were they will hope to correct that inconsistent away form.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)