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.
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