Another game, another dramatic ending. Today Liverpool faced a Swansea side who is sitting near the bottom of the table. The game seemed to be in Liverpool's hands right from the start with an early goal in the third minute.
It was a beautiful pass from Sterling with outside of his foot, guiding Sturridge in on goal. Sturridge being the world class striker he is, easily maneuvers around the goalie and scores on an open net. Three minutes in, Liverpool already up 1-0.
Liverpool were in control for much of the first half. It only took until the twentieth minute to double their tally. With Sturridge handling the ball well down the right flank of the pitch, he eases past the Swansea defense and finds an open Jordan Henderson who is waiting at the top of the box. Henderson takes a great touch and beautifully places the ball in the top left corner of the goal, with the goalie not even making a single motion. Liverpool 2-0 in the twentieth minute.
Just three minutes later as it seemed Liverpool were going to run away with the game, Dyer passes the ball with some pace to the former Liverpool man, Jonjo Shelvey, who does the rest. Shelvey one times Dyer's pass incredibly off the right side of the cross bar and in. Shelvey didn't celebrate in respect to his former club. The game was now 2-1 and Swansea gained motivation.
The Shelvey goal certainly changed the game for Swansea as they were constantly threatening the Liverpool goal. Needless to say, Liverpool's defense looked very sloppy throughout the match. Liverpool conceded a free kick about thirty yards out. De Guzman placed a very nice ball into the center of the Liverpool box and Bony Wilfried headed it home off Skrtel's shoulder. It very well could have been Skrtel's third own goal this season. The equalizer in the twenty fifth minute did not dishearten Liverpool.
Liverpool's offense never stopped pushing for goals. Just before halftime, a quiet Luis Suarez receives the ball along the left side of the box and delivers a perfect pass to Sturridge, who heads it upper ninety for his second goal of the match. This assist for Suarez has now tied him for most in the league. Most goals, most assists, what more could you want from a world class striker. Liverpool 3 Swansea 2 at the half.
You would think Liverpool's goal before the halftime whistle would carry them to success into the second half, but this was not the case. Just one minute into the second half, Skrtel nearly bear hugged Bony in the box, causing the Referee Mike Jones to sound his whistle and give the penalty. Skrtel was already having a bad game with the yellow card and near own goal and now he has let up a penalty. Skrtel has been getting away with his jersey pulling and hacking in the box all season; he was bound to get caught. The victim Bony was summoned to take the penalty. Bony stepped up and delivered a fine shot to the left hand side of the goal to equalize. Mignolet went the right way, but Bony's shot was too much for Mignolet to handle.
At this point in the match, most Liverpool fans began to feel a sense of deja vu between last weeks match vs Fulham and a 5-3 victory over Stoke a few weeks back.
The second half was fairly even with both sides threatening each other's nets. It took until the seventy fifth minute for the breakthrough to occur. An unbelievable ball from Gerrard to Suarez who takes it cooly off his chest, fires a shot which got blocked and then Henderson followed it up to knock in the game winner. Liverpool 4 Swansea 3.
Henderson has undoubtedly been Liverpool's most improved player of the season. A brace in today's match, and his consistent form has given him his label. Henderson deserved MOTM and today's victory gives Liverpool a huge boost with Spurs loosing to Norwich.
I believe Liverpool can push for the title if they solidify their defense. Six points ahead of Fifth, Liverpool have some breathing room to maintain their champions league spot. Strive for three points week in and week out. YWNA!
Sunday, February 23, 2014
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Liverpool VS Fulham round up
Liverpool vs. Fulham 2/12/14
Liverpool took on a Fulham side who is currently at the bottom of the table. Fulham came into this game with some momentum after a 2-2 draw vs. the red devils.
The game began with Liverpool owning much of the possession, however the first Fulham attack overwhelmed Liverpool causing miscommunication in the back. This then led to Kolo Toure's disastrous own goal. Unfortunately for Kolo, he has made quite a few mistakes in the past few games displeasing many Liverpool fans.
After the own goal, the game was fairly even, but it an equalizer was bound to happen. Gerrard hit one of the best balls of the season with the outside of his boot, sending Sturridge in on goal. Sturridge with the form he has been in was obviously going to finish for his eighth goal in seven games. A beautiful finish just of the inside of the post and in forced the game to 1-1 before halftime.
The second half started as it ended. Liverpool owning possession and threatening the fulham goal. However the Liverpool defense was once again caught in a difficult situation of miscommunication. Skrtel with a dreadful clearance, gave Richardson the chance for an easy tap in.
About 15 minutes later, a surprising sight took place in the game. Coutinho scored with a shot from outside of the box. Coutinho known for his playmaking and assists scored his third goal of the season. Coutinho has converted only 3% of his shots this season. It was a pleasant surprise to see Coutinho grab an equalizer.
The match began to become intense with passion shown from each side. It all came down to who wanted the three points more. Some Liverpool fans may not have been thinking Brendan Rodgers wanted the three points after subbing in Joao Carlos late in the game. Joao's inexperience certainly had the Liverpool fans questioning Rodger's decision, but Joao put in a good shift with a solid first performance.
After working the ball around well, Liverpool began to get even closer to a game winner. Suarez hit the poll, adding to Liverpool's incredible tally of woodworks; most in the league. Joao Carlos came close too, as more pressure was put on the Fulham defense.
Eventually, with all of the desire for three points and hard work being shown by the reds, Sturridge was brought down by Reither in the box inevitably. The referee didn't flinch and the call was an easy one to make.
Liverpool sent the one and only, captain marvel, to take the PK. His consistent form in scoring penalties was kept alive today as Gerrard smashed home another game winning beauty.
The game ended with a dramatic 3-2 score line with Liverpool on top.
All in all, it was a huge victory for the reds no matter who the opponent was. Any chance to claim three points is clutch. The reds now trail the top of the table by 4 points with Manchester City still to play. Next up Arsenal in the FA cup and then Swansea City in a league match. Keep up the good work Liverpool. YNWA!
Player Ratings:
Mignolet: 6/10
Flanagan: 7/10
Skrtel: 5/10
Kolo Toure: 4/10
Cissoko: 7/10
Henderson: 7/10
Gerrard: 9/10
Coutinho: 9/10
Sterling: 7/10
Suarez: 8/10
Sturridge: 9/10
Liverpool took on a Fulham side who is currently at the bottom of the table. Fulham came into this game with some momentum after a 2-2 draw vs. the red devils.
The game began with Liverpool owning much of the possession, however the first Fulham attack overwhelmed Liverpool causing miscommunication in the back. This then led to Kolo Toure's disastrous own goal. Unfortunately for Kolo, he has made quite a few mistakes in the past few games displeasing many Liverpool fans.
After the own goal, the game was fairly even, but it an equalizer was bound to happen. Gerrard hit one of the best balls of the season with the outside of his boot, sending Sturridge in on goal. Sturridge with the form he has been in was obviously going to finish for his eighth goal in seven games. A beautiful finish just of the inside of the post and in forced the game to 1-1 before halftime.
The second half started as it ended. Liverpool owning possession and threatening the fulham goal. However the Liverpool defense was once again caught in a difficult situation of miscommunication. Skrtel with a dreadful clearance, gave Richardson the chance for an easy tap in.
About 15 minutes later, a surprising sight took place in the game. Coutinho scored with a shot from outside of the box. Coutinho known for his playmaking and assists scored his third goal of the season. Coutinho has converted only 3% of his shots this season. It was a pleasant surprise to see Coutinho grab an equalizer.
The match began to become intense with passion shown from each side. It all came down to who wanted the three points more. Some Liverpool fans may not have been thinking Brendan Rodgers wanted the three points after subbing in Joao Carlos late in the game. Joao's inexperience certainly had the Liverpool fans questioning Rodger's decision, but Joao put in a good shift with a solid first performance.
After working the ball around well, Liverpool began to get even closer to a game winner. Suarez hit the poll, adding to Liverpool's incredible tally of woodworks; most in the league. Joao Carlos came close too, as more pressure was put on the Fulham defense.
Eventually, with all of the desire for three points and hard work being shown by the reds, Sturridge was brought down by Reither in the box inevitably. The referee didn't flinch and the call was an easy one to make.
Liverpool sent the one and only, captain marvel, to take the PK. His consistent form in scoring penalties was kept alive today as Gerrard smashed home another game winning beauty.
The game ended with a dramatic 3-2 score line with Liverpool on top.
All in all, it was a huge victory for the reds no matter who the opponent was. Any chance to claim three points is clutch. The reds now trail the top of the table by 4 points with Manchester City still to play. Next up Arsenal in the FA cup and then Swansea City in a league match. Keep up the good work Liverpool. YNWA!
Player Ratings:
Mignolet: 6/10
Flanagan: 7/10
Skrtel: 5/10
Kolo Toure: 4/10
Cissoko: 7/10
Henderson: 7/10
Gerrard: 9/10
Coutinho: 9/10
Sterling: 7/10
Suarez: 8/10
Sturridge: 9/10
Monday, February 10, 2014
Liverpool's inconsistency explained
It appears to be a pattern with Liverpool this year. As a major fan I have watched every game this season and have noticed Liverpool play down to their opponents. A loss to Southampton and Hull City and a draw versus Aston Villa and West Brom; all teams the reds should have beaten. Losses to Manchester City, Chelsea, and Arsenal earlier in the season were of course not what Liverpool wanted, but you can't win em all. Manchester City, Chelsea, and Arsenal are top quality teams making it understandable why Liverpool couldn't gain three points.
I do notice however, Liverpool tend to come out every once in a while and just absolutely play their hearts out and abolish their opponent: Everton (4-0), Spurs (5-0), and of course Arsenal this past weekend (5-1). These were major blowouts versus major teams. Why can't Liverpool play like this every game? I have no idea, but for sure Brendan Rodgers is not to blame for our occasional top quality play. We have the star power up top of course with the Golden Boot leader Luis Suarez and the very much in form Daniel Sturridge, with Phillipe Coutinho and speedy Raheem Sterling behind them. The Liverpool midfield is fairly solid with the very reliable and consistent Steven Gerrard and the very surprising Jordan Henderson who I feel has had a great season thus far.
Here is what I believe to be the reason for Liverpool's inconsistency, INJURIES! Injuries are something you just can't always control. Liverpool's entire starting back four is out due to injury. This includes Glen Johnson, Daniel Agger, Mamadou Sakho, and Jose Enrique. Thanks to Brendan Rodgers, Liverpool at least have a rotation. Kolo Toure was brought in for his experience in times like this. Obviously he has made mistakes, but everyone makes mistakes and he has shown he can produce great balls over top to Liverpool's attack. Skrtel, who started off the year as a substitute has shown an unbelievable amount of passion and desire for Liverpool as he has produced 4 goals this season. His marking and defense still needs work, but I feel he has done a good enough job to help Liverpool earn three points. Glen Johnson who has been having a very poor season due to his injury has been replaced by the young John Flanagan. I must say I have become a huge Flanagan fan over the past few weeks as he has shown great potential, effort, and improved defensive skills. Not to mention the real cracker of a goal he had versus Spurs. Last but not least, Aly Cissoko. Jose Enrique was major blow earlier this season due to injury and unfortunately had to go through a major surgery leaving him out for most of the season. once again thanks to Brendan Rodgers, we have an experienced back up in Cissoko. Cissoko is of course not the best, but he has certainly shown he wants to win and help the team. He has produced enough solid games to keep up the reds in the top 4. Other than the back four we have also seen our very consistent, defensive midfielder go out due to injury, Lucas Leiva. He is basically an extra center back building a brick wall for Simon Mignolet, the Liverpool keeper. We have seen the likes of Joe Allen fill in for him especially when Gerrard was out.
I believe the occasional inconsistency of the club is due to the immense amount of injuries. Rodgers, Mignolet, Kolo, and anyone on the team are not blame for a game in which Liverpool have dropped points. With all of Liverpool's starters healthy, I believe Liverpool could easily contend for the title. You have to say compared to last year, this new highly attacking goal scoring Liverpool may very well lead us back to Champions League glory.
I leave you with this, that thrashing 5-1 victory over Arsenal has most certainly given the reds a boost of confidence and shows that we can beat the big named teams. Lets keep the momentum going and get this top four spot! YNWA
I do notice however, Liverpool tend to come out every once in a while and just absolutely play their hearts out and abolish their opponent: Everton (4-0), Spurs (5-0), and of course Arsenal this past weekend (5-1). These were major blowouts versus major teams. Why can't Liverpool play like this every game? I have no idea, but for sure Brendan Rodgers is not to blame for our occasional top quality play. We have the star power up top of course with the Golden Boot leader Luis Suarez and the very much in form Daniel Sturridge, with Phillipe Coutinho and speedy Raheem Sterling behind them. The Liverpool midfield is fairly solid with the very reliable and consistent Steven Gerrard and the very surprising Jordan Henderson who I feel has had a great season thus far.
Here is what I believe to be the reason for Liverpool's inconsistency, INJURIES! Injuries are something you just can't always control. Liverpool's entire starting back four is out due to injury. This includes Glen Johnson, Daniel Agger, Mamadou Sakho, and Jose Enrique. Thanks to Brendan Rodgers, Liverpool at least have a rotation. Kolo Toure was brought in for his experience in times like this. Obviously he has made mistakes, but everyone makes mistakes and he has shown he can produce great balls over top to Liverpool's attack. Skrtel, who started off the year as a substitute has shown an unbelievable amount of passion and desire for Liverpool as he has produced 4 goals this season. His marking and defense still needs work, but I feel he has done a good enough job to help Liverpool earn three points. Glen Johnson who has been having a very poor season due to his injury has been replaced by the young John Flanagan. I must say I have become a huge Flanagan fan over the past few weeks as he has shown great potential, effort, and improved defensive skills. Not to mention the real cracker of a goal he had versus Spurs. Last but not least, Aly Cissoko. Jose Enrique was major blow earlier this season due to injury and unfortunately had to go through a major surgery leaving him out for most of the season. once again thanks to Brendan Rodgers, we have an experienced back up in Cissoko. Cissoko is of course not the best, but he has certainly shown he wants to win and help the team. He has produced enough solid games to keep up the reds in the top 4. Other than the back four we have also seen our very consistent, defensive midfielder go out due to injury, Lucas Leiva. He is basically an extra center back building a brick wall for Simon Mignolet, the Liverpool keeper. We have seen the likes of Joe Allen fill in for him especially when Gerrard was out.
I believe the occasional inconsistency of the club is due to the immense amount of injuries. Rodgers, Mignolet, Kolo, and anyone on the team are not blame for a game in which Liverpool have dropped points. With all of Liverpool's starters healthy, I believe Liverpool could easily contend for the title. You have to say compared to last year, this new highly attacking goal scoring Liverpool may very well lead us back to Champions League glory.
I leave you with this, that thrashing 5-1 victory over Arsenal has most certainly given the reds a boost of confidence and shows that we can beat the big named teams. Lets keep the momentum going and get this top four spot! YNWA
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