Premier League Result: Fulham 2-3 Liverpool

Steven Gerrard struck the winner as Liverpool fought back from a double deficit at Craven Cottage on Wednesday night to claim a sensational 3-2 victory from their challenging Barclays Premier League encounter with Fulham.

The deadlock was broken in unexpected fashion on the evening as Kolo Toure unfortunately diverted a cross beyond his own goalkeeper, although Daniel Sturridge registered for the seventh consecutive league match for 1-1.

Kieran Richardson re-established the Londoners' lead in the second half by capitalising on another defensive error, but the Reds hauled themselves level once more courtesy of Philippe Coutinho's accurate conversion from distance.

But the stage was set for the skipper in the closing seconds, stepping up to dramatically convert from 12 yards after Sturridge had rightly been awarded a penalty for a late challenge by Sascha Riether.

One hour before kick-off, it was confirmed that Brendan Rodgers had selected an unchanged starting line-up for the fourth consecutive fixture; fit-again Daniel Agger was named among the substitutes, while Academy talent Joao Carlos Teixeira was included for the first time.

Full report: Official Liverpool FC

Are Liverpool a genuine title contender?

Jose Mourinho claims Liverpool are the title-race danger-men because they are the one contender not liable to a spring meltdown.

Chelsea boss Mourinho believes the imminent return of the Champions League could destabilise any of the current top three.

Echoing comments he made in December, The Special One said: "People are asking if Arsenal might fall apart after what happened at Liverpool, but it can happen to any one of the three of us - any one - but not Liverpool, because they have this stability of playing one match a week.

Moving on, Brendan Rodgers is emerging as a manager capable of mixing it at the top of the table. He is now cast as the strong leader of a confident group. Thankfully, the envelopes have been put back in the drawer.

   "We might be the chihuahua that runs in between the legs of the horses," Rodgers said post-Fulham.

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Post-Match Interviews: Liverpool vs Fulham

Watch Brendan Rodgers and Martin Jol post-match press conference.

   “I thought Stewart was brilliant today, in every aspect of the game,”

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Full-Time Highlights: Liverpool 4-0 Fulham

Liverpool signed off from 2012 at Anfield with a 4-0 Barclays Premier League victory over Fulham on Saturday night.

Martin Skrtel's emphatic finish gave the Reds an early lead as he volleyed powerfully beyond Mark Schwarzer after controlling a corner in the box before Steven Gerrard doubled the lead before half-time with a neat finish.

Stewart Downing extended Liverpool's advantage by cutting into the box and firing into the Kop end net in the early stages of the second half.

Luis Suarez wrapped it up in stoppage time to send Brendan Rodgers' side into eighth in the table, just five points off third-place Arsenal.

The Reds went into the day's late kick-off aiming to bounce back to winning ways following last weekend's 3-1 Anfield reversal at the hands of Aston Villa.

Rodgers made a handful of changes in order to hand some of his stars a breather ahead of the hectic Festive period, meaning starts for the likes of Suso and Downing while Raheem Sterling and Joe Allen began on the bench.

Liverpool began the brighter of the teams and after Daniel Agger had headed over and Jonjo Shelvey's flick had caused panic in the box, Skrtel thumped them into an eighth-minute lead as he controlled Gerrard's corner inside a crowded box and lashed a volley into the back of the net.

Full report: Official Liverpool FC

Alternative video source: FootyTube

 

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Rumour Mill: Surprised signing and more surprise signing for Liverpool

We really didn’t see this coming last week as Liverpool FC and Brendan Rodgers surprised everyone with the signing of Morocco international winger, Oussama Assaidi.

Liverpool were understood to have interested in Gaston Ramirez with the news from Italy has suggested that the Uruguayan will be joining his compatriot, Suarez and Coates at Anfield.

Southampton are now favourite to complete the signing of Gaston Ramirez despite Bologna delaying the move due to their financial troubles.

A fee and payment plan have been negotiated for the 21-year-old attacking midfielder, who has won nine caps for Uruguay and is reported to be commanding a club record fee of £12million.

Former club Penarol, who own 30 per cent of his registration, are also satisfied by the terms of the agreement.

However, it is understood cash-strapped Bologna are stalling as they seek to secure a loan against the repayments.

Southampton are determined for the transfer to proceed having beaten off competition from Liverpool and Tottenham for Ramirez, but are looking at other options in case the deal collapses.

Ramirez last week outlined his desire to swap Serie A for St Mary's.

What makes Liverpool FC to missed out on a potential big signing? M-O-N-E-Y. Rodgers has spent £11million on Fabio Borini and £15million on Joe Allen. From there, a total of £26million has been use and we could guess that Rodgers’ transfer budget are limited to £30million plus fees recoup from players sale.

Poor Clint Dempsey who are desperate to join Liverpool. But without player leaving Anfield, I don’t see where do Liverpool FC will find the money for the Fulham’ midfielder fee? The Cottagers has slapped a £10million price tag on Dempsey.

All talks on Liverpool signing midfielders but the Reds could lose on one of its striker in the transfer deadline day. Andy Carroll wants Newcastle move but the Toons are reluctant to meet Liverpool’s transfer fee. Liverpool are ready to cut their loses and demands £24million in returns from the big Geordie striker.

Liverpool’s fourth and fifth signing are very much depend on the sale of Carroll. We would expect Liverpool to sign a relatively unknown striker and a winger to end the summer transfer dealing.

This story has been reproduced from the media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club or Red's Fury™ blog.

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Liverpool to tempt Fulham with cash plus player for American midfielder

Liverpool may have received some encouragement in their pursuit, according to the Daily Telegraph. A report claims that the Reds are willing to allow Charlie Adam to join the Cottagers on part-exchange potentially helping to force through a deal.

Rodgers sees the 26-year-old as surplus to requirements at Anfield following the arrival of Joe Allen from Swansea City on Friday and the impressive form of Jonjo Shelvey.

Rodgers and the club’s American owners want USA striker Dempsey but have been unable to agree a deal with Fulham, who value him at £10million.

But Liverpool hope the inclusion of Adam as part of the package will help push the move forward. Fulham are looking for a creative midfielder following the departure of Danny Murphy.

Rodgers is an admirer of Adam but has been surprised by the emergence of youngster Shelvey, who was picked ahead of his Scottish rival for the Europa League win against Gomel last week.

Rodgers has already begun breaking up Dalglish’s squad by letting Craig Bellamy, Maxi Rodriguez, Dirk Kuyt and Alberto Aquilani leave but he needs more departures to bring in more signings, following the arrivals of Fabio Borini and Allen.

Daniel Agger is the subject of interest from Manchester City, while Liverpool hope to agree a deal which would see £35m Carroll return to Newcastle only 18 months after he joined.

Both the Telegraph and Guardian also report that Rodgers remains keen to add width to his side, with Adam Johnson his preferred target. The England international has struggled to hold down a regular place in the Manchester City first team and could well be available this summer.

Although left-footed Johnson has established himself on the right flank and could potentially be a replacement for the departed Dirk Kuyt.

This story has been reproduced from the media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club or Red's Fury™ blog.

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Dempsey not joining Liverpool, yet?

Fulham have dismissed reports linking Clint Dempsey with Liverpool by announcing they have yet to receive any offers and would not welcome interest in the American.

Dempsey has been linked with a move away from Craven Cottage this summer after enjoying a superb campaign for Martin Jol's side last season.

It had looked as though Liverpool were closing in on Dempsey after a video posted on the official website of the Fenway Sports Group, who are the club's owners, indicated that a deal would be completed by the end of the week.

The mention of Dempsey was soon deleted and Fulham have now moved to clarify the situation by insisting that nobody has contacted them with an official approach.

"We have not received any bids for Clint Dempsey," a spokesperson said. "We would also discourage any bids."

Dempsey has previously stated that he would love to play UEFA Champions League football, having emerged as one of the Premier League's most consistent performers since arriving at Fulham from New England Revolution in 2007.

He is now 29 and has just one year remaining on his current contract, but Jol has made it clear that the versatile attacker remains an important part of his plans and hopes a new deal can be agree.

Source: Sky Sport

However, Brendan Rodgers revealed yesterday that Liverpool have made enquiries about Fulham striker Clint Dempsey.

In an interview with Liverpoolfc.com at the team hotel in Boston, the manager moved to clarify the club's position on the USA international, who scored 23 goals for Fulham last season.

"Clint is a player we've enquired about, it is as simple as that," said Rodgers.

"Ian Ayre, our managing director, has spoken with the club to see what the position is. That is where we're at.

"He's a very talented player but we don't like to talk about other clubs' players."

Source: Liverpool FC Official

Fulham are trying to keep hold of its player but it’s only a matter of time until Liverpool FC could offer the right amount of money for their midfielder.

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Transfer Watch: Who will Liverpool sign first?

Who will become Brendan Rodgers’ first signing as a Liverpool manager? Let’s go through the list reported in the press.

Clint Dempsey

The Anfield club's co-owner Tom Werner admitted: 'We never talk publicly about our transfer targets, however, any team would be lucky to have Clint Dempsey playing on their squad.'

At the moment Rodgers is also said to be actively pursuing Clint Dempsey, whom he feels will fit into the system of play that the new head honcho prefers. By agreeing to coach Liverpool, Rodgers will carry the aspirations, dreams and desires of hundreds of millions of Liverpool fans worldwide.

Adam Johnson

Talks are set to move forward in the coming days and the Kop outfit are hoping the Blues will do quick business on the England star who narrowly missed out on Roy Hodgson's Euro 2012 squad.

Brendan Rodgers knows he also faces stiff competition from both Sunderland and Newcastle for Johnson, but the Merseysiders are understood to be willing to match his City wages.

Former Anfield boss Kenny Dalglish set the wheels in the motion last season and Liverpool scouts have been tracking the tricky 24-year-old ever since.

Rodgers is also a huge admirer of the player and has been told the funds are there to push through a big deal.

Johnson is now looking for more first-team opportunities to further his England claims and Liverpool are confident they can provide them.

Gylfi Sigurdsson

Iceland midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson admits he would be interested in a move to Liverpool to be reunited with former manager Brendan Rodgers after claiming his record-breaking move to Swansea is off.

Last week the Swans agreed a £6.8million transfer - almost doubling their record fee - to sign the player from Hoffenheim permanently after his successful four-month loan spell subject to a medical.

However, Rodgers' departure to Anfield cast doubt on the deal and Sigurdsson now does not think he will complete it - despite being keen to remain in the Premier League.

Mohamed Diame

Mohamed Diame’s move to Liverpool is back on, after it emerged that new Reds manager Brendan Rodgers is a fan of the former Wigan midfielder.

The Senegalese international was initially sounded out by former Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish about a move to Anfield, before the Scot lost his job.

The 24-year-old – available on a Bosman after his contract with the Latics ran out – said he had hoped to move to Liverpool but was looking at other options, but it has now emerged that Rodgers would be keen on signing him.

First summer signing for LFC?

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Transfer Watch: Liverpool to re-ignites Fernando interest and other possible transfers

Liverpool has been alerted by the news report coming out from the Real Madrid camp on the availability of Argentine defensive midfielder, Fernando Gago.

Real Madrid manager, Jose Mourinho has instructed the club that he intends to get rid of Kaka, Fernando Gago, Hamit Altintop and Ricardo Carvalho in the off-season. According to Mundo Deportivo, Gago will follow Kaka, Altintop and Carvalho through the Bernabeu exit if Mourinho gets his way in the summer.

Gago is not part of Mourinho's plans and the midfielder spent the season on loan at Roma. He was expected to seal a permanent move to the Serie A outfit last month but the Italians refused to meet the €7million asking price set by Madrid by the June 1 deadline. Gago has one year left on his contract and may now be forced to run out his contract next season if no other interested buyers come in.

Liverpool new manager, Brendan Rodgers are looked set to recruit more players to mount a serious Premier League challenge this August. There are a few key areas in the Reds team need to be covered and Lucas Leiva’s position are the most crucial as the Reds struggles to fill the defensive midfield role last season when the Brazilian midfielder sat out through injury.

Fernando Gago transfer probability – 3/5 and worth £5.7million, aged 26, will fits into FSG’s plan.

Let’s look at other transfer target for Liverpool FC.

Many reports suggested that Rodgers are interested in his former Swansea City players, Joe Allen and Gylfi Sigurdsson. Are these the kind of players that can drive Liverpool back to Champions League football?

According to the BBC, Sigurdsson has verbally agreed to make his loan move to Swansea permanent, but since Rodger’s made his Liverpool switch, his future has become somewhat more uncertain. Rodgers has since admitted that “if he comes on the market I have to be interested. He knows that I rate his qualities and abilities.”

Rodgers’ interest in Joe Allen also has an air of authenticity. He was the mainstay at Swansea City and Rodgers’ is clearly a big fan. There’s every chance that he’ll look to bring him over to the Reds (if Swansea doesn’t placed a players protection clause when Liverpool signs Rodgers).

Another noticeable mentioned by the press was Fulham’s Clint Dempsey. Liverpool’s chairman Tom Werner has made his interest in the American star clear. He publicly told the press, “We never talk publicly about our transfer targets. However, any team would be lucky to have Clint Dempsey playing on their squad.”

All three are Internationals, can pass the ball around neatly and score goals. They’ve all got Premier League experience, are physical and have bucket loads of energy. In particular Clint Dempsey is the real deal and how Liverpool could use his goals moving forward.

Without Champions League football, Liverpool FC would never going to get Fernando Llorente, Kaka or Eden Hazard. As such the Reds need to start making sensible signings and rebuilding. These three players look like they’ve got the nous to get Liverpool competing again.

Source: LFC Stats

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Rumour Mill: Liverpool eyeing a trio of Premier League stars

After losing the FA Cup Final to Chelsea last Saturday, Liverpool FC were left with nothing to play for with last two league matches to go before heading for the break.

According to reports, Liverpool manager, Kenny Dalglish has highlighted the importance of next season and getting the right personnel into the playing squad. The likes of Aston Villa’s Darren Bent, Fulham’s Clint Dempsey and Wigan’s Victor Moses, all are on Liverpool’s summer shopping list. These three players are Premier League ready and would served as the most potential players to fill-in the gaps at Anfield.

Bent who is said to be nearing a full recovery from an ankle injury that has kept him sidelined for much of the second half of the current campaign. Liverpool could well do with alternative attacking options after managing just 43 goals in 36 Premier League matches. Luis Suarez has been the attacker in chief and even though Andy Carroll has scored three in his last five matches the former Newcastle United man is still yet to make a real impact at the Merseyside club.

Liverpool are believed to be the favourites to sign the USA international, who is heading for the Craven Cottage exit door as he stalls over accepting the offer of a new three-year contract. Dempsey's reluctance to put pen to paper has alerted Gunners boss Arsene Wenger, who is looking to bolster his side this summer following the recent addition of Lukas Podolski.

While Victor Moses has produced a string of scintillating performances as the Latics have climbed away from the Premier League relegation zone in recent weeks. That has alerted the likes of Harry Redknapp and Dalglish, who could be preparing to place bids for the Nigeria international.

The major stumbling block for Liverpool FC are the recently published annual financial loses and Dalglish will need to trimmed down the squad further if he wishes to add in more new faces this summer.

Will Bent, Dempsey and Moses move to Liverpool FC this summer? Leave your thoughts in the comment box below.

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Video Highlights: Liverpool 0-1 Fulham

Kenny Dalglish gave an honest appraisal of his side's 1-0 defeat to Fulham and admitted - our attitude was not right.

The Reds went behind early in the game after a ball delivered by John Arne Riise and knocked on by Alex Kacaniklic was ricocheted into the net by Martin Skrtel.

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Fulham 1-0 Liverpool Match Report

Liverpool was hoping to keep their good run of form going in this testing trip to Craven Cottage. Liverpool had good memories of their last visit to Fulham when they had a convincing win with Maxi netting a hat-trick. Fulham have been unlucky with a couple of defeats in their last two games and with former Reds’ players Riise and Danny Murphy in their side the home side would be well up for the contest.

THE TEAM
Dalglish brought Suarez and Spearing into the side, Spearing making his first league start of the season for Liverpool to replace the injured Lucas. Jamie Carragher had to be content with a place on the bench as Dalglish stuck with Agger and Skrtel in the centre of defence. Andy Carroll was given another start as he looks to find his form in front of goal. Bellamy and Henderson also started as Dalglish left Kuyt, Downing and the unlucky Maxi on the bench.

THE MATCH
Liverpool started the game with great possession with most players getting an early touch of the ball, but it was Fulham that almost took an early lead when Dembele got behind the Liverpool defence from a clever pass from Ruiz but Reina came out sharply and made a great blocking save.

Liverpool had the next chance when Adam’s volleyed effort was deflected to safety. Then Carroll had a shot saved by Schwarzer as Liverpool continued to press. Schwarzer made another good save from a low shot by Adam.

Fulham looked threatening going forward too and Reina made a great save on the stretch from a great effort from Dembele and shortly after Reina had to be alert to an ambitious volley from Dempsey.

With the game going from end to end Henderson saw his curling effort come off the inside of Schwarzer’s far post and away to safety. Then a great run from Suarez to the bye line was then cut back to Carroll but his shot was well blocked to safety.

It was amazing how the score remained 0-0 at the half with all the chances that were produced by both teams.

Liverpool started the second half on the offensive with Agger having a 30 yard effort deflected wide before Enrique being denied his first Liverpool goal by Schwarzer. Chances were still being created at both ends with Zamora being thwarted by Agger before Adam’s surging run was ended by a late challenge by Senderos on the edge of the box. Bellamy’s free-kick was blasted into the defensive wall with Agger heading wide from the resulting corner.

Johnson played a great pass through to Bellamy but he dragged his shot well wide of the target. Liverpool thought they had taken the lead when Suarez brilliantly put the ball in the Fulham net from a clever pass by Enrique but his effort was ruled out for offside.

But the game changed in the 71st minute when Jay Spearing was shown a straight red card after crashing into a tackle on Dembele. Dalglish brought on Kuyt and Downing for Carroll and Bellamy just after the sending off.

Dempsey saw an effort come off the Liverpool bar with Reina beaten before Downing was denied by a brilliant save from Schwarzer onto the post. But Liverpool were stunned inside the last 10 minutes when a Danny Murphy shot was spilled by Reina which saw Dempsey fire the rebound into the net from close range.

Liverpool tried in vain in the remaining minutes to salvage a point as Fulham held on leaving Liverpool frustrated at the outcome of a game that had many chances and many controversial refereeing decisions.

SUMMARY
I thought Dalglish sent out a very attacked minded team and I was pleased to see Bellamy and Carroll starting along with the impressive partnership of Agger and Skrtel keeping their place at the expense of Carragher. I expected Spearing to replace Lucas in the midfield with his style of play. Liverpool played very well in what was a very good game with Fulham adding to the spectacle as the game ebbed and flowed. Another night of bad luck and missed chances which are proving costly in our quest for a Champions League place. But I’m sorry I have to say the referee was no “Friend” of us as every big decision went against us, the sending off was ridiculous as no Fulham player appealed for anything in what was a terrific tackle from Spearing. Senderos should have been shown red and Liverpool could have been awarded a couple of penalties one with Adam running into the box to be taken out by Senderos then Suarez going round Hangeland only to be impeded and Suarez puts the ball into the net only to be flagged for offside when he was onside. Suarez once again getting no protection from a referee. But we did lose the match because our Mr. Dependable Pepe Reina made a big mistake which cost us the game. I am very frustrated with the missed chances and the referee but I am proud of the performance and if we keep playing like this we will do ok.

Man Of The Match - Skrtel - defended superbly all night and made some great clearing challenges and headers.

Written by Jamie McLaughlin, who writes for Anfield News

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Video Highlights: Fulham 1-0 Liverpool

Source: DailyMotion

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Preview: Fulham v Liverpool

Liverpool FC have been enjoying their short stays in the capital.

Already this season Kenny Dalglish’s Liverpool FC men have celebrated a first ever victory at the Emirates Stadium and two impressive wins at Stamford Bridge.

September’s day to forget at Tottenham remains the only blot on their copybook.

Liverpool FC return to London on Monday night with the glorious memories of last season’s trip to Craven Cottage still fresh.

Damien Duff looks doubtful for Fulham's Monday night game at Craven Cottage.

The Republic of Ireland international was forced off in the first half of their Europa League 1-0 defeat at FC Twente following a recurrence of a calf injury.

Mousa Dembele also limped off but could feature at Craven Cottage, while Clint Dempsey should return from a thigh complaint.

Bryan Ruiz comes back into contention after being cup-tied against former club Twente.

The loss of midfielder Lucas through long-term injury provoked a somewhat hysterical reaction at Anfield.

The Brazilian has developed into an excellent player, but his absence should not derail his team’s recent upsurge.

Expect Jay Spearing to rise to prominence as a replacement, while Maxi Rodriguez will look to build on last season’s Craven Cottage hat-trick.

Fulham may have to revert to a defensive formation or suffer the consequences of an open contest as they did in their last meeting with the Merseysiders.

Fulham probable starting line-up: Schwarzer, Baird, Senderos, Hangeland, Riise, Dempsey, Murphy (c), Etuhu, Ruiz, Zamora, Johnson

Liverpool probable starting line-up: Reina (c), Johnson, Skrtel, Agger, Enrique, Spearing, Adam, Rodriguez, Kuyt, Downing, Suarez

Red's Fury™ Prediction: Fulham 0-2 Liverpool

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Fulham want Liverpool midfielder

Fulham boss Martin Jol has made a £1.5m approach for Liverpool midfielder Christian Poulsen, according to reports.

Jol signed Czech under-21 star Marcel Gecov last week but remains keen on bolstering his squad ahead of the new season and speculation suggests that Poulsen is one of his targets.

The Denmark international is facing an uncertain future at Liverpool having made only 21 appearances for the Reds last term and looks to have fallen further down the midfield pecking order over the summer following the arrivals of Charlie Adam, Stewart Downing and Jordan Henderson.

Liverpool appear ready to sell Poulsen but the transfer fee could be the sticking point with Fulham's Premier League rivals likely to want to recoup the majority of the £5 million fee they paid for him last summer.

This story has been reproduced from the media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.

Source: Liverpool FC Official, Setanta.com

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Rumour Mill: Liverpool interested in Argentine striker

According to Skysports.com, Blackburn Rovers have agreed terms with the Argentinean striker Mariano Pavone, who will sign a three-year deal with the Premier League club during the weekend.

But the Lancashire outfit have been unable to finalise the deal.

Now Pavone, who is a free agent after buying out the remaining year of his contract at Real Betis, is growing increasingly frustrated.

Whilst Rovers remain in pole position to sign him, Pavone is now ready to consider other offers and a number of clubs are showing an interest in the forward.

Skysports.com understands Liverpool, Fulham and Swansea are all interested in now striking a deal to land Pavone.

Pavone's British representative Barry McIntosh confirmed that a number of clubs were monitoring the situation.

This story has been reproduced from the media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.

Source: Sky Sports

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Fulham Match Report

MATCH REPORT
Liverpool going into this Monday night match on a tremendous run of form hoping to keep it going at Fulham as they chase a European place. Never an easy place to go to especially this season as they are unbeaten at home in the League this season. Fulham gave Liverpool a very tough match at Anfield earlier in the season as Dalglish recorded his first victory since his return to Anfield with an own goal being the winning goal that night. Fulham also went into the game with a good victory last weekend so confidence with both sides was high.

THE TEAM
With Liverpool having no new injury worries and no players on the injured list back to fitness left Dalglish with an unchanged side from last weeks win over Newcastle. So Flanagan extended his run in the side this time at left-back with Johnson switched to the right-back position. The ever improving engine room of Lucas and Spearing also started and the free-scoring Maxi kept his place in the team. Andy Carroll still unfit to start as Suarez and Kuyt provide the firepower.

THE MATCH
There are good starts to a match and for Liverpool they couldn't have dreamt of a better start when they took the lead inside the first minute, Lucas played a great pass down the left freeing Suarez whose deflected cross was kicked clear by Schwarzer only to find Maxi who smashed the ball home continuing his goal scoring streak.

After taking the lead on 32 seconds Liverpool went for the jugular as Fulham were reeling and they doubled their lead on 7 minutes when once again Lucas sent a defence splitting pass through to Johnson who crossed perfectly to the back post for Maxi to volley into the bottom corner of Schwarzer's net.

Liverpool were rampant now as they dominated proceedings and hemmed Fulham into their own half. Next came a claim for a penalty when Suarez raced behind the Fulham defence only to be impeded by Hangeland as the big defender was caught out, but appeals were waved away.

Then on 16 minutes Liverpool made it three when Kuyt shot low from just outside the box, it should have been a comfortable save for Schwarzer but he uncharacteristically let the ball squirm through him and into the net.

Spearing and Lucas were dominant in midfield and Suarez was virtually unplayable tying the Fulham defenders in knots at times and he almost made it four when he turned Hangeland down the left before firing wildly from close range.

The next chance was created by a good throw from Reina sending Suarez on his way before teeing up Maxi who volleyed into the stands as he looked for his second hat-trick in three matches.

Fulham were unlucky not to pull a goal back as they witnessed Johnson making a great clearance off the goal line from Dempsey.

So Liverpool went in at half-time three goals up and hoped to keep their good form going in the second half.

But early in the second half Liverpool were dealt another injury blow when Meireles had to be replaced by Shelvey. Fulham came out more like the team that has remained unbeaten at home this season as they pressed Liverpool into their own half.

Dempsey had a shot from 20 yards but it flew over Reina's bar. But in the 57th minute Fulham got a goal back when substitute Zamora set-up Dembele who curled a shot beyond Reina from just inside the box, it was only what Fulham deserved.

Zamora then had a header cleared off the line as Fulham felt the game was far from over after getting a goal back.

But the fightback was short lived when in the 70th minute Maxi got his hat-trick with a great strike into the top corner from 25 yards. It took the wind out of Fulham and Liverpool made it five in the 75th minute when Shelvey split the defence with a perfect pass to Suarez and he danced round Schwarzer before passing the ball into the net. It was just reward for his outstanding performance.

With the game now finished as a contest Fulham snatched a late consolation when Sidwell hit a 25 yard strike into Reina's top right hand corner giving the Spaniard no chance. But it could not take the gloss off a magnificent performance from Liverpool.

SUMMARY
I thought we would only come away with a draw from Fulham as their home form has been superb and I certainly was not expecting us to grab such a convincing win as this. I heard you could have got odds of 250-1 on predicting this score line. But obviously the early couple of goals were paramount in the performance and really set the team up for another great performance. The pressure and work rate  we put Fulham under in the first half was impressive as Dalglish continues to have us pressing higher up the park and putting teams under pressure. Spearing and Lucas were dominant in midfield and some of their passing was a joy to watch, Lucas set up the first two Liverpool goals with passes from midfield. Like most people I can't believe the form of Maxi who has now scored 7 goals in his last 3 matches. Suarez was a constant threat as the Fulham defence struggled to deal with his movement and he deserved his goal. It really was one of the best performances of the season if not the best and I'm just disappointed that we are at the end of the season.

Man Of The Match -  Luis Suarez - I thought he was outstanding, his movement his constant threat and the Fulham defence couldn't live with him. Great finish too.

YNWA

Written by Jamie McLaughlin, who blog at http://theliverword.blogspot.com/

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Luis Suarez tormented The Lilywhites

Maxi Rodriguez may have walked away with the match ball last night, but it was once again the performance of Luis Suarez that stole the show as Liverpool recorded a highly impressive 5-2 victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage last night.
The Reds were three up inside 15 minutes as two goals from Maxi and a howler from Aussie keeper Mark Schwarzer which allowed a Dirk Kuyt shot to trickle past him left Kenny Dalglish’s men in cruise control. It wasn’t until the final 10 minutes that the Uruguayan hitman got himself on the scoresheet, but it was a goal he fully deserved.
The new Liverpool away shirt is released tomorrow ahead of what has now become a much anticipated 2011/12 campaign for the Reds, who have been revitalised since the return of club legend Dalglish.
It’s fair to say that a large percentage of the new kits sold will include Luis Suarez shirt printing, such is the impact the striker has made since joining from Ajax in the January transfer window. It would have been unthinkable just a few months ago for a Liverpool fan to believe that Fernando Torres would be a forgotten man but as the Spaniard struggles to make it into the Chelsea team, let alone justify his transfer fee, the Kop has a new favourite.
While the impact of Dalglish has undoubtedly breathed fresh life into an ailing Liverpool side, nobody epitomises the new found belief and spirit at the club than Suarez. Out of every forward in the Barclays Premier League, he must arguably be the most irritating to play against. Like a sugar-filled child at Disneyland, he simply does not give you peace for a second and buzzes about constantly, not giving his opponents time to think let alone catch breath.
Time after time, Suarez forced errors from the Fulham background and Brade Hageland can count himself lucky not to be sent off after losing out to the striker with the scores already 3-0.
With Andy Carroll to come properly into the team for the new season when he fully regains fitness, the 2011/12 campaign promises much for Liverpool supporters and with some fresh investment in the summer, the minimum the club can expect next year is to be once again competing for a Champions League spot.
Written by Eddie Smith, a sports blogger who writes about vintage football kits.

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Video Highlights: Fulham 2-5 Liverpool

Another Maxi Rodriguez hat-trick helped Liverpool climb back into a European spot with a 5-2 win over Fulham at Craven Cottage.

The Argentine bagged his second treble in two weeks after opening the scoring in the first minute, with Dirk Kuyt and the irrepressible Luis Suarez also getting in on the act during a superlative exhibition of football.

Mousa Dembele and Steve Sidwell snatched consolations in the second period to deny Jamie Carragher a clean sheet on a day when he climbed to outright second in the club's appearance table having worn Liverpool colours an incredible 666 times.

The result means he and his teammates are now two points clear of rivals-for-fifth Tottenham having played a game more. The sides meet at Anfield on Sunday.

With Andy Carroll not fit enough to participate, Kenny Dalglish opted to photocopy his teamsheet from the 3-0 victory over Newcastle.

And Fulham were to suffer a similar fate to the Magpies by conceding an early goal to Maxi- this time after just 32 seconds. It was Lucas who drove the ball through Fulham's rearguard for Suarez to run onto. His cross then ricocheted off Carlos Salcido before Maxi hammered into the net.

But we hadn't seen anything yet. On seven minutes it was 2-0 as another Lucas pass split the home defence. On this occasion Glen Johnson received possession before floating a cross to the back post where Maxi was waiting to execute a first-time volley into the bottom corner. [Read more…]

  

Sources: Video courtesy of FootyTube.com and match report from LiverpoolFC.tv

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Liverpool left-back heading back to his former club

Liverpool are believed to be in advanced talks with Fulham over a possible return to Craven Cottage for left-back Paul Konchesky.

Konchesky has dropped out of the picture at Anfield in recent weeks following the appointment of Kenny Dalglish as manager.

The left-back was brought to Merseyside from the West London club in the summer by former Cottagers boss Roy Hodgson.

However, the defender has endured a difficult time in trying to win over the Reds fans and he has not played since Dalglish replaced Hodgson, with Glen Johnson starting in the left-back slot.

Fulham are now ready to offer Konchesky an escape route out of Anfield and a quick return to his former club by taking him on loan for the remainder of the season.

Mark Hughes is in the market for a new left-back, with Mexican defender Carlos Salcido reportedly failing to settle to life in England.

A number of clubs are thought to have made enquiries to ask about Konchesky's availability, but because he has already played for Fulham and Liverpool this season, the only club he can join during this month's transfer window is the Cottagers because of FIFA regulations.

Fulham are now hoping to reach an agreement with Liverpool to sign Konchesky before the transfer window closes on Monday.

This story has been reproduced from the media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.

Sources: LiverpoolFC.tv, TeamTalk

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Goal Highlights: Liverpool 1-0 Fulham

Liverpool's renaissance under Kenny Dalglish continued as victory over Fulham lifted them into their highest Barclays Premier League position of the season.

It was not the most notable of performances, although there were plenty of spells of good football from the hosts, as John Pantsil's second-half own goal divided the teams.

But the Reds registered back-to-back wins for the first time since early November to move up to seventh, within six points of fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur, and maintain the feeling of optimism which arrived when Dalglish replaced Roy Hodgson earlier this month.

The last time the legendary Scot faced a Fulham team at Anfield he was player-manager on the occasion of a 10-0 League Cup victory in September 1986 against the then third-division side - and he did not even score.

There was to be no repeat of those fireworks, understandably considering Liverpool's still fragile form and the Cottagers' precarious position.

Portugal international Raul Meireles was man of the match at the weekend and he started brightly again as he kept the advanced midfield role even on captain Steven Gerrard's return after suspension.

It was he who got on the end of Martin Kelly's right-wing cross to direct a low header goal wards which the goalkeeper turned around his post.

Stockdale was called into action again in the 25th minute when Glen Johnson, playing at left-back, cut inside to unleash a right-footed shot which the keeper tipped over.

Clint Dempsey forced Jose Reina into a low save just before the half-hour but the Spain international should not have been given a chance seconds later when Andrew Johnson cut the ball back to the penalty spot but Moussa Dembele hit his shot straight at the goalkeeper.

Daniel Agger fired a low 30-yard drive wide and Torres headed over from Kelly's cross in added time at the end of the first half as the hosts failed to make their dominance pay.

Maxi Rodriguez had a shot blocked by Aaron Hughes but when a cross was swung back into the area the Argentinean wasted his free header with an aimless looping effort.

But that was forgotten when Liverpool took the lead in the 52nd minute. [Read more…]

 

Source: Video courtesy of FootyTube.com

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