Suarez Saga: Hung Drawn and Quartered

At long last the FA made a decision on Suarez and his alleged racist comments towards Evra, it really is so amazing how long it has taken to come to a conclusion. I obviously feared he would be found guilty but the harshness of the punishment is unbelievable, obviously the FA are making a strong statement to UEFA on their stand against racism in this country and they were determined to make an example of someone, and unluckily for Suarez he was the man they were looking for.

Suarez has been treated harshly since his arrival in this country, constantly being brought up is his handball on the line in the World Cup to biting a players’ ear, his remarkable talent and great play being secondary to these incidents. But the incident with Evra seemed lightweight, it was like Evra’s word against Suarez and yet the FA has hammered Suarez with a fine and an eight match ban. There is players that end other players careers with bad challenges and don’t receive as harsh a ban.

Liverpool have backed Suarez throughout the whole affair and I suppose you would expect that but with such a case as this the clubs’ integrity is at stake here and yet even after the recent verdict they are still supporting their man. The club seem outraged by the decision with the statement they have produced regarding the decision and it will be interesting to see their next move as they look set to retaliate.

Evra is no angel with a history of controversy and this makes this all the more strange how the FA believe his word against Suarez. If he was angry with what Suarez said during the game, then why did he not tell the referee during the match instead of complaining after the game, most “men” would deal with the matter on the park not go crying to officials after the match, can you imagine Souness acting in this way, me neither.

This ban could have a massive effect on the rest of Liverpool’s season as they will not want to lose their star striker for such a long spell. With Liverpool chasing a top four spot, they will need all of their star players available. But more worrying is Suarez being labelled a racist, mud sticks and even if he appeals and gets off with it, the footballing public won’t forget and this stigma will be attached to a wonderful player because one man decided to get him into trouble.

Suarez has been hung out to dry by the FA as they have drawn the whole episode out far too long and they are now going to ban him for about a quarter of the remainder of the season. I just hope Liverpool stick by Suarez and make a stand against the FA because this has not been handled in the right manner, it seemed the FA had made up their mind a long time ago and Liverpool need to do what is right and not be bullied by them. Watch this space, but whatever happens Luis Suarez will never walk alone.

Written by Jamie McLaughlin, who writes for Anfield News

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Extended Match Highlights: Wigan 0-0 Liverpool

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Video Interviews: Show Luis Suarez Racism Appeal In Public

Former Football Association chief executive David Davies tells BBC Breakfast that the FA's charge of racism against Liverpool striker Luis Suarez is "perhaps the most difficult disciplinary case the FA has had to deal with in modern times" due to "the language and cultural issues" surrounding it.

Davies describes the Uruguayan's eight-game ban as a "tough verdict" and believes "the message will go around the world that the FA are serious against" the issue of racism.

More video on Luis Suarez ban:

  

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Liverpool striker handed an eight-match ban and fine by the FA

Liverpool Football Club is very surprised and disappointed with the decision of the Football Association Commission to find Luis Suarez guilty of the charges against him.

The Football Association imposed the punishment, suspended for 14 days pending any appeal from the club, and a £40,000 fine after a ruling by an independent regulatory commission.

   “It is key to note that Patrice Evra himself in his written statement in this case said ‘I don’t think that Luis Suarez is racist’.

“The FA in their opening remarks accepted that Luis Suarez was not racist.”

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish was fuming at the decision by an independent regulatory commission following a three-day hearing last week.

Club officials will now study the written findings before formally deciding whether to appeal or not. But if he appeals and loses he risks being handed an even longer ban of up to 10 games. Read Liverpool FC Official statement on Luis Suarez here.

An FA statement said:

   “Mr Suarez used insulting words towards Mr Evra during the match contrary to FA Rule E3 (1).

“The insulting words used by Mr Suarez included a reference to Mr Evra’s colour within the meaning of Rule E3 (2).

“Mr Suarez shall be warned as to his future conduct, be suspended for eight matches covering all first-team competitive matches and fined the sum of £40,000.

“The penalty is suspended until after the outcome of any appeal, or the time for appealing expires, or should Mr Suarez decide not to appeal.”

   “Suarez didn’t have to be proven guilty “beyond the benefit of doubt”. This was not English justice, but a sports tribunal. He did not get given the chance to defend himself to a jury of his peers. He faced a small panel, that was not fully independent or without its agendas (such as taking on Sepp Blatter on the issue of racism, and perhaps using this to prove a point). The fact that this was such a tricky issue perhaps made the procedure insufficient; at least John Terry gets to go through a more established process.

“People are wrongly convicted of things all the time, especially with only verbal accusations. Cases are frequently overturned; initial guilty verdicts can be appealed, and are often successful.

“But once tarnished, it sticks.” – excerpt from The Tomkins Times

However, Suarez is available for tonight’s Premier League clash at Wigan but whether he is in the right frame of mind to play remains to be seen.

From an outside point of view looking into this verdicts on Suarez’s charges, it’s only one man’s words against another man. The committee setup by the FA has failed to provide a concrete evidences on the allegation. Luis Suarez will remained “innocent” until be proven guilty of serious offences beyond a reasonable doubt.

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D-day for Liverpool striker on racism row

Liverpool FC striker Luis Suarez's FA disciplinary hearing could be decided today.

The striker is anxiously awaiting the verdict of the independent three-man panel into allegations of racist abuse made by Patrice Evra.

A decision on the charge was initially expected on Friday but the FA released a statement saying it would be ‘Tuesday at the earliest’ as deliberations continued over the weekend.

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Source: Liverpool Echo

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Liverpool to sign a new striker next month

It’s hardly a conspiracy theory or wild rumours that Liverpool FC and Kenny Dalglish longing for a new striker next month when the January transfer window re-opens.

We all know that Luis Suarez will be indefinitely be suspended at some point by the FA on the racism allegation and the finger gesture during the Fulham match. Unless, Andy Carroll can step up to the plate and proved his critics wrong in the next few games, which I’m highly doubt he can. While, Dirk Kuyt and Craig Bellamy can’t run the show for the full 90-minutes week in, week out as both players are in their twilight years of their career. Who else can we call upon to lead the front-line?

A Scottish international has been named as a target, along with Rangers’ Nikica Jelavic and Polish striker Robert Lewandowski name resurfaced yet again.

Liverpool are pondering a January move for Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Steven Fletcher. Dalglish is desperate to sort out the Reds’ profligacy in front of goal and has identified the 24-year-old as a possible solution.

Liverpool are also preparing an £8million bid for Rangers striker Nikica Jelavic. The 26-year-old has scored 12 times in 17 appearances this season and is believed to be attracting interest from a number of clubs. Newcastle United have also been linked to Jelavic’s signature this January.

Borussia Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski is back in the frame again with Liverpool his most likely destination. Lewandowski is not your typical out and out scorer but has still managed to notch up 10 league goals in 16 matches this season. He was instrumental in helping Dortmund lift the Bundesliga title last season and could see a move to Merseyside as a fresh challenge. The 6ft Polish striker would be the perfect player to complement Luis Suarez as he holds the ball well and likes to feed people through.

The Polish youngster moved to Dortmund on a four year contract in 2010 for a fee of around €4.9 million and will take some doing to lure the youngster to leave Dortmund having just signed with the club a year ago. However Liverpool’s new owners have shown enough steel that they are willing to spend big in a bid to put Liverpool back on the map, having already spent over £100 million since their takeover.

Which of the trio of players you would like to see donning the red shirt this January? Leave your thought in the comment box below.

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Liverpool and Suarez given new extension date on FA charges

Liverpool have been given more time by the Football Association to respond to the two charges that followed last week's defeat at Fulham.

Reds striker Luis Suarez was charged with improper conduct over an allegedly abusive hand gesture, while the clubs were charged with failing to control their players following the sending off of Jay Spearing.

Liverpool were originally given until 4pm on Monday to respond to the charges but have now been given an extension.

Suarez is also the subject of another FA disciplinary case after he was charged last month of racially abusing Manchester United defender Patrice Evra in October.

Spearing has already served one game of his three-match suspension after missing the weekend win over Queens Park Rangers, and the midfielder will serve the final two games of his suspension against Aston Villa and Wigan.

Liverpool's next game comes away to Aston Villa on Sunday. The Reds are currently three points outside the top four heading into the busy Christmas period.

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Source: Sky Sports

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Liverpool 1-0 QPR Match Report

With Liverpool’s unbeaten run ending last Monday at Fulham they were hoping to bounce back quickly in their return to Anfield. But Liverpool have not found it easy at Anfield this season, having drawn five matches and especially struggling to beat newly promoted teams, with draws against Norwich and Swansea already this season. QPR have started pretty well this season and Liverpool would have to be at their best to overcome Neil Warnock’s side.

THE TEAM

Dalglish brought Maxi and Kuyt back into the team for this match. With Jay Spearing suspended and Lucas out for the season, Jordan Henderson was drafted into the middle of midfield. Andy Carroll was once again relegated to the bench alongside Jamie Carragher who is struggling to win his place back because of the outstanding Skrtel and Agger.

THE MATCH

Liverpool started the match brightly with 3 corners inside the first 3 minutes but the first real chance came when Downing crossed to Suarez but his header was tame.

Then Kuyt and Suarez combined before Suarez shot inches wide. Liverpool were dominating and QPR were struggling to cope. Maxi then set up Suarez but he shot against the hoardings. Suarez was causing all sorts of bother in the QPR defence and he almost turned provider with a dangerous cross after wriggling free of his marker.

Then Kuyt sent Maxi clear but he was thwarted by a great save from Cerny. QPR had to wait until the 41^st minute for their first attempt on goal from Wright-Phillips but it ballooned into the Kop.

Liverpool responded with Downing sending Suarez clear but his dinked effort was saved by Cerny who was proving hard to beat. Liverpool went in at the half wondering how they had not scored with all their dominance of the first half.

But Liverpool finally broke the deadlock in the 47^th minute when Adam crossed from the left to find the unmarked Suarez who headed past Cerny to the delight of the Kop. Liverpool went in search of the killer second goal with Kuyt going close with a couple of efforts and Maxi once again being denied by another brilliant Cerny save.

Liverpool continued to create chances but between bad finishing and great goalkeeping they could not find the second goal and as the game entered the latter stages QPR started to believe they had a chance of scraping something from a match that they had been outplayed in. The visitors started to make Liverpool defend for the first time and had a penalty appeal waved away when Skrtel made a challenge in the box.

Liverpool had to defend a few corners in the latter stages but they almost doubled their lead in the final seconds when Bellamy’s cross was diverted of the bar by Wright-Phillips. There was great relief around Anfield at the final whistle.

SUMMARY

Great to see Maxi and Kuyt start and Henderson play in his favoured position. Liverpool totally dominate the match, but once again not converting the chances created into goals, which is becoming a common theme. Thankfully we got the goal that was enough to win the match, where in previous games at home we have too often failed to net a winner. Hopefully this win will get another run going. We are playing some tremendous stuff right now and it is far more enjoyable to watch than in previous years.

Man Of The Match – Suarez- unplayable at times, a constant threat, terrorised the QPR defence and thoroughly deserved his goal.

Written by Jamie McLaughlin, who writes for Anfield News

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Liverpool 1-0 QPR: Suarez on the mark

Luis Suarez clinched the points as Liverpool returned to winning ways with a 1-0 victory over QPR.

The striker headed his eighth goal of the campaign during a game which the home side dominated.

The A-team theme blared before kick-off and the plan eventually came together for Kenny Dalglish and co despite a wasteful first half.

For his part, skipper Pepe Reina was a virtual spectator.

Dalglish switched Jordan Henderson to a central position in the absence of the suspended Jay Spearing and injured Lucas Leiva.

The Reds applied the early pressure, winning three corners inside the first three minutes.

The first opening arrived on 10 minutes, Stewart Downing crossing from the right towards an unmarked Suarez. The Uruguayan's limp header did not trouble the goalkeeper.

Shortly after that Suarez and Dirk Kuyt exchanged possession in the box before the former daggered a shot within inches from a ludicrous angle.

Soon it would be a hat-trick of chances gone when Maxi rolled the ball into Suarez's path and watched his fellow South American skew against the Anfield Road hoardings.

Some of Liverpool's football was scrumptious, but the scoreline remained blank.

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Video Highlights: Liverpool 1-0 QPR

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Suarez Being Victimised

Luis Suarez has been a terrific signing for Liverpool, what an impact he’s had. The supporters love him, Torres and the absent Gerrard have been virtually forgotten about.

I remember the great sense of loss and despair I felt when the news broke of Torres leaving us, although I knew Suarez was coming to us I was so gutted to think that no player could replace Torres. How wrong I was, Suarez has lit up Anfield so many times with his mesmerising skills and his never stop running work ethic.

OK so far he has not been as clinical in front of goal as Torres but he has brought so much more to the team that the supporters appreciate.

The first I knew of him was in the last World Cup where I thought he was a real pest of a player, constantly niggling away at defenders but with great ability, and I was left hoping that somehow we could sign him and I was so pleased when we did as I thought there would be so much competition for his signature.

Suarez is one of those types of players that you love if he is in your team but you would hate him if he is playing against you, a bit like what I thought about Paul Ince. Suarez is loved at Liverpool but already he is being victimised by other teams and even referees.

We have had people making comments about him after matches which is going against him and giving him an unfair reputation, like when Paul Scharner commented on him going down too easy after our win against West Brom, when the following week he got no protection from the referee at home to Norwich when he was kicked all over the park.

But the start of the conspiracy came from who else but Sir Alex when he spoke about Suarez diving all over the place, after our 1-1 draw against United, and I’m sure he was the instigator in making Evra accuse Suarez of racial abuse.

The FA are now charging Suarez and he could now find himself with at least a 6 match ban that would hurt us deeply. In my view its Sir Alex and his fear of Liverpool’s resurgence that has brought him to delve deep into his large book of “dirty tricks” which has made him so “great” and well respected over the years.

The FA also backing his team once again, with the charge against Suarez, where little, or no evidence to back up the claim. It will be interesting to see if the England Captain receives the same punishment, I think not, the FA will show hypocrisy and racism by hammering a foreigner and let the Englishman off the hook.

I just hope that Suarez is not driven out of our club through this “witch hunt” that could drive him from our shores as he must have a strong feeling of injustice and believe he is being victimised for doing nothing more than giving his all in every game.

Luis Suarez you have the backing of all the Liverpool supporters, we just can’t get enough.

Written by Jamie McLaughlin, who writes for Anfield News

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Racism row: FA charged Suarez and Dalglish defends him

Liverpool FC received notification from the Football Association of their decision to charge Luis Suarez and will take time to properly review the documentation which has been sent to them.

They will discuss the matter fully with him when he returns from international duty, but he will plead not guilty to the charge and they expect him to request a personal hearing.

Luis remains determined to clear his name of the allegation made against him by Patrice Evra.

Liverpool FC remain fully supportive of Luis in this matter.

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Racism row: One month past and still no ending

There has been a latest twist in the racial saga that blew up between Manchester United's Patrice Evra and Liverpool's Luis Suarez.

The Frenchman had accused the striker of using racist language during a 1-1 draw at Anfield on 15 October, and after a long drawn saga that has lasted a month, the English Football Association have plans to charge the Liverpool star for misconduct.

However, a new twist has emerged, as Evra, who has accused Suarez of uttering a derivative of "negro" at least "ten times", according to reports in the Guardian, has been informed that he may find it tough to prove his allegations.

This is because of a counter-argument that certain variations of the word are not deemed offensive where Suarez grew up, in Uruguay.

It has been argued that the word 'Negrito', which Suarez has said he used, has no derogatory meaning, and is used somewhat as a term of endearment, often in the same way you would call a friend 'pal', or 'mate' in conversation.

Recently Dani Pacheco, a Liverpool player on loan at Rayo Vallecano, sent to Barcelona's Thiago Alcântara a message via Twitter on Friday, which read: "Negrito, enjoy yourself ..."

Suarez has been backed by Liverpool and repeatedly protested his innocence, saying last week what he said was just a "way of expressing myself. I called him something his team-mates at Manchester call him, and even they were surprised by his reaction."

If Patrice Evra are a gentleman and sportsman-liked footballer, he should be the one who issuing the apologizes to the FA and Suarez over this farce.

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Source: ESPN

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International Break: Suarez net four for Uruguay

Luis Suarez declared himself 'very happy' after scoring all four goals in a 4-0 win over Chile to help Uruguay stay top of the South American World Cup qualifying group.

Our No.7 became the first player to fire four in a CONMEBOL World Cup qualifier since Brazil's Romario in October 2000.

He hit two in three minutes just before the break, including a stunning low drill with his left foot from 25 yards.

Two more followed after half-time before Suarez went home with the match ball.

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Rumour Mill: David Villa to Liverpool?

First the papers says Liverpool having a popped at Carlos Tevez, and now it’s David Villa’s turn. According to reports in Spain, Liverpool have made an initial enquiry about an audacious move for Barcelona striker.

Why suddenly Liverpool are looking to add more firepower upfront? The recent team performances in the league has lead to the media to suggest that the Reds forward-line which consist of Luis Suarez, Andy Carroll, Dirk Kuyt and Craig Bellamy doesn’t provide enough firepower to Liverpool.

Spanish premier radio station Cadena SER has reported that the Spain's top marksman is rumoured to have had a bust-up with Lionel Messi and is said to be unhappy at the Nou Camp after the club hesitated on offering him a new contract following the signing of Alexis Sanchez in the summer.

But Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola has denied that Villa and Messi have fallen out.

   “It is impossible to be an enemy of David, he is too nice a person.

“He is generous both in the way he plays football and also in his personal life. It is impossible not to get on well with him.”

Does Liverpool's recent home draws against Norwich and Swansea, enough to sanction such a panic? Dalglish may feel he needs more goals up front as he looks to re-establish the Reds in the Premier League's top four and with it qualification for the Champions League next season. But it’s the pressure on the manager to get Suarez and Carroll playing together could have leads to the Reds recent scoring droughts.

David Villa to Liverpool? And Barcelona won’t praised with its asset on the cheap – we are looking in the region on £33million price tag for the Spanish international striker. Although, John W. Henry and FSG would eager to invest on the playing squad but Dalglish need to sell before he can make that audacious move on Villa.

Let us know what are your thoughts on Villa moving to Anfield in the comment box below.

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Source: TeamTalk

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Racism row: Suarez is innocent until proven guilty

Luis Suarez wants an apology from Patrice Evra if he’s cleared of racially abusing the Manchester United defender.

The Liverpool striker has spoken out for the first time about the serious allegations made by Evra and is adamant the claims are untrue.

The Football Association launched an investigation following the 1-1 draw between the sides last month and met with Suarez at Melwood last week.

Both clubs are awaiting the FA’s findings but the Reds’ top scorer, who has the full backing of boss Kenny Dalglish, insists his conscience is clear.

Speaking to reporters following his arrival back home in Uruguay ahead of Friday’s World Cup qualifier against Chile.

   “There are things that happen in football, things of the moment, which leave one feeling bad.

“Now it is necessary to hope that this topic is decided and then the Manchester player and I are going to have to clear things up.

“Depending on which way the judgement goes, one of us will have to apologise.

“The English federation is going to have to clarify it with him because there is no proof at all that I have said something racist to him.
"And I did not say it to him.

“There were two parts of the argument, one in Spanish and the other one in English.

"I did not insult him, it was just my way of expressing myself.

“I called him something that his own companions of Manchester say to him.

“Moreover, even they themselves were surprised by his reaction.”

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Source: Liverpool Echo

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Rumour Mill: Liverpool chasing Polish striker

According to Polish news source Gwizdek24.pl, Liverpool are one of those clubs monitoring Lewandowski and a potential €10 million January bid has been mooted.

The Poland international has been in fine form this season - netting eight times in 15 games - and has been attracting admiring glances from further afield. Lewandowski joined Dortmund in the summer of 2010 and is under contract until 2014.

Liverpool manager, Kenny Dalglish has grown increasingly concerned by his side’s lacked of cutting edge in front of goal recently and is pondering the possibility of adding some extra firepower in the January transfer window.

Should the young forward move to Anfield, he is expected to be used as cover for Luis Suarez, while providing more direct competition for Andy Carroll.

Liverpool will be in duel with Chelsea for the Polish international striker as the Blues are also keen on him as the the player's agent confirmed to the press on Tuesday.

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Stoke City 1-2 Liverpool Match Report

With no European football for Liverpool this season the Carling Cup has taken on extra importance. Drawn away to Stoke was not the kindest draw for Liverpool but they would know what to expect after losing 1-0 to them recently in the league. Kenny has stated how important this competition is for the club and he has proved with his team selections in previous rounds of the competition. The last time Liverpool visited Stoke at this stage of the competition was in 2000-01 when they won 8-0 on their way to lifting the cup.

THE TEAM

Kenny made 8 changes for the visit to Stoke from the team that drew with Norwich at the weekend. But the team Kenny selected certainly wasn’t a weakened side as he has so many more options and strength in depth this season. Dalglish obviously selected a team to cope with the Stoke’s dangerous set-piece tactics. The team read, Reina, Kelly and Agger at full-backs and Carragher and Coates in the middle of defence. The midfield had Maxi on the left and Henderson on the right with Lucas and Spearing in the middle, with Carroll and Suarez up front. There was also a very strong bench with Aurelio, Kuyt, Adam, Doni,Skrtel,Flanagan and Bellamy. There was a big surprise with no mention of Gerrard on the team sheet.

THE MATCH

As ever a tremendous atmosphere for this match at the Brittania Stadium, and it was Liverpool who threatened first when Carroll had a chance with a free header from a left wing corner. Suarez almost beat the Stoke offside trap as he started menacingly.

But Stoke had the next chance when Walters saw a curling effort worry Reina as it flew just over. But Liverpool were on the front foot and dictating the play and Carroll was unlucky with a stinging shot which Sorenson could only parry to the onrushing Suarez but he could only direct his effort wide of the target with the ball rebounding to him so quickly.

Stoke were playing second fiddle to a very sharp looking Liverpool side, but they did have their moments, mostly from the menace of Delap’s long throws.

Liverpool were playing some great football in the first half as Stoke struggled to cope with their movement. A great move involving Lucas and Maxi resulted in a low cross to Suarez but his close range effort was superbly saved by Sorenson as Suarez cursed his luck once again.

Liverpool showed they were not going to be intimidated with Stoke’s physical approach as Carragher showed when he was booked for a strong challenge midway through the first half.

Liverpool once again were not getting their reward in goals for their superb play similar to the match last weekend and they were dealt a blow just before half-time when Stoke took the lead. A mistake by Coates allowed Walters to get down the right flank before crossing to Jones who headed past Reina stunning the visitors. Suarez almost equalised in stoppage time but he dragged his shot wide.

The second half started with Liverpool still creating chances although the second half was contested more evenly. But Liverpool did manage to equalise, and what a way to do it. Suarez collected the ball on the left before producing a sublime nutmeg on Shotton giving himself a sight of goal from the edge of the box, Suarez then spectacularly curled a shot into the far corner of Sorenson’s goal giving the keeper no chance.

Liverpool and their supporters were buoyed by this goal and were now looking for the winner. But with all the enterprising play from the visitors they could not find a winner so Dalglish brought on Bellamy for Maxi with about ten minutes to go to ignite some pace into Liverpool’s attack and he made an immediate impact hitting the post with a shot from 20 yards after good link up play with Carroll.

With extra time looming Liverpool snatched the winner with 5 minutes remaining when Henderson found Suarez at the back post with a volleyed cross and the Uruguay striker headed past Sorenson sending the visiting support wild. Stoke bombarded the Liverpool goal in the latter stages but the visitors held on to book a place in the quarter finals of the Carling Cup.

SUMMARY

A superb performance and result from Liverpool. The desire and work ethic of the players was superb. Stoke is such a difficult place to go, and to go behind after playing so well in the first half was like a kick in the teeth, but the response was brilliant. Dalglish put out a very strong team, but I was worried their would be a lack of creativity in the midfield without Adam and Gerrard, but I was oh so wrong, some of the passing was superb as we created so many chances. Andy Carroll was flying around the park like a man on a mission and his link up play was very good, all that was lacking from the big man was a goal. The defence was superb as they had to withstand many long throws. Coates was very impressive apart from the mistake for Stoke’s goal. But it was great to see us get a win we so greatly deserved after being left frustrated against Norwich. So many great performances from Liverpool players but I think Agger deserves a mention, he was superb on the left side of defence and creative going forward. But Suarez is amazing, unplayable at times and deserved his superb goals, For me, this was the performance of the season so far.

Man Of The Match – Suarez- it just had to be. He is unbelievable right now and got the goals his performance deserved.

Written by Jamie McLaughlin, who writes for Anfield News

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Carling Cup: Stoke City 1-2 Liverpool

Luis Suarez struck a superb brace as Liverpool swept into the quarter-finals of the Carling Cup with a 2-1 victory over Stoke City on Wednesday night.

The Reds dominated for long spells and created countless chances but fell behind on the stroke of half-time to Kenwyne Jones's thumping header.

It looked like being another day of missed chances for the visitors until the Uruguayan conjured up some magic to drag his team level with a stunning curler just after the restart.

From that moment on there was only one winner in it and it was no surprise when Suarez pounced again four minutes from time with a header that broke Stoke hearts.

It means Kenny Dalglish's side are still fighting for honours on three fronts and will approach Saturday tea-time's showdown with West Brom in buoyant mood.

Heading into the contest in the Potteries, the Scot made eight changes to the team that was held to a frustrating 1-1 draw with Norwich City.

There was no place for captain Steven Gerrard in the travelling party but Lucas Leiva was involved from the start after serving a one-match suspension against the Canaries.

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Video: Liverpool FC will backed Suarez on Evra racism row

Kenny Dalglish insisted that Luis Suarez has the full support of everyone at Liverpool Football Club following allegations made in the aftermath of last weekend's clash with Manchester United.

   "The only thing we'll say, and then that is it put to bed, is that this Football club and everyone at the club is totally and utterly behind Luis Suarez.

"There was an allegation after the game about him diving all over the place and then there was an allegation from Patrice Evra.

"Obviously the two things are quite emotive, but we fully support the wee man in both things and everyone at the club does.

"I think the football club came out at the start of the week and made our position known - and apart from what I've said there, we won't be adding to it.

"We fully look forward to a complete, transparent report from the FA and look forward to co-operating 100 per cent fully with what is done." - Dalglish told reporters at Melwood in a pre-match conference.

Source: Liverpool FC Official, FootyTube

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