Premier League: Liverpool 3-0 Wigan

Luis Suarez took his season haul to 13 with a brace as Liverpool recorded an emphatic 3-0 victory over Wigan Athletic in the Barclays Premier League at Anfield.

After an even first half which the Reds edged in chances created, Suarez hit the target just two minutes into the second period and added another within ten minutes before Jose Enrique completed the rout.

Pre-match, the Reds were boosted by the return of goalkeeper Pepe Reina between the posts, while Enrique was rewarded with another opportunity to impress following his positive performance in the draw at Chelsea.

A 2-1 victory here had proved a pivotal success in Wigan's battle for survival last season, but the Latics had no answer to a blistering 20-minute assault from the home side in the second half this time around.

Attacking towards The Kop in the first half, it was Enrique who struck the first shot in anger after retrieving possession in Wigan territory. The attempt was always wide of Ali Al Habsi's goal, though.

An exquisite piece of individual play followed, with Suso making the most of the freedom being offered by a central berth behind Suarez. The Spaniard rolled his man and glided past two more but was blocked when trying to unleash from the edge of the area.

Full report: Official LFC

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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?

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 missed out on free transfer target

Following the sacking of Kenny Dalglish, the proposed transfer deal for Senegal midfielder, Mohamed Diame to Liverpool has collapsed.

The Senegal midfielder, 24, is a free agent after letting his contract at Wigan run down, and although he has offers on the table from Spain, France and Turkey, he admits feeling hurt after having a move to Anfield snatched away.

Diame has revealed he held discussions with Dalglish about a possible move to Anfield and that he was sad to see the deal fall through following the Scot's departure earlier this month.

   “I met before Kenny Dalglish and we talked about next season, but God decided to finish this situation,”

“It is true I was very sad in my head as I was thinking to go there, but that is OK as I think I have got other opportunities to go to another club.”

“I am free and not everybody is free in this moment like a midfield player like me and that is why I have got a lot of clubs interested in me,”

“I have to be composed and make a good decision for my future. I have got some offers from Spain, from France, from Turkey, but I really want to stay in the Premier League.” Diame told Sky Sports News.

However, there could be an outside chance of a deal being resurrected should Latics boss Roberto Martinez - who is expected to hold more talks with FSG having returned from holiday today - be appointed to succeed Dalglish.

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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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.

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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Dalglish blames fatigue for Wigan loss

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish blamed tiredness, injuries and refereeing decisions for the 2-1 defeat by Wigan, their fifth loss in six league games.

"Every single one of them is capable of passing to someone in the same colour shirt," Dalglish told BBC Sport.

"But I think the toll of three games in six days took the edge off them a little bit.

"It doesn't matter how good you are, you still need to have a bit of bounce of the ball with some decisions."

Dalglish did not elaborate on which decisions he was unhappy with, but Wigan had taken the lead from the penalty spot after Martin Skrtel's challenge on Victor Moses was deemed to be dangerous.

And, after Luis Suarez had equalised, the Uruguayan thought he had given his team the lead, only for the goal to be disallowed for handball.

Shortly afterwards, Gary Caldwell then slotted in the winner for Wigan in front of The Kop.

With Craig Bellamy, Charlie Adam, Daniel Agger and Glen Johnson all injured, Dalglish was short of options to freshen up a side that beat Stoke City in the FA Cup on Sunday before losing 3-2 at QPR on Wednesday night.

"We are not going through the best run of having players available to us," said Dalglish.

"But, if we do have designs on stepping forward, we need to learn how to manage three games in six days.

"If that is the schedule, we have to live with it and we have to have a stronger squad to be able to handle it."

With so many injuries, Dalglish chose to include teenager Raheem Sterling in his squad and he came off the bench to become the club's third youngest debutant at 17 years and 97 days.

But the Scot said that he would prefer not to have had to use the youngster.

"It's not fair on him," said Dalglish. "He's a good player and a good lad but we're going to have to manage him.

"He might have enjoyed getting on the pitch but I don't think it's the way forward for us."

Source: BBC Sport

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Pre-Wigan press conference: Dalglish want to finish the season in better position

Kenny Dalglish insists Liverpool have made progression this season - but accepts his side need to be more clinical in front of goal if they're to take the next step forward.

The Reds take on Wigan Athletic on Saturday aiming to bounce back from a midweek defeat at Queens Park Rangers in which they conceded three times in the final 13 minutes to lose 3-2.

Dalglish doesn't believe fatigue contributed to the result - but feels his side could have made certain of a win had they been able to finish off the numerous chances they created at Loftus Road.

He told journalists at Melwood: "The performance the other night was excellent for 77 minutes and then we lost three goals, but we were delighted with the way they played.

Source: Liverpool FC Official

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Match Preview: Liverpool v Wigan

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish will expect a reaction from his players when they host Wigan Athletic in the English Premier League.

On Wednesday Liverpool led 2-0 away to struggling Queens Park Rangers, but conceded three times in the final 13 minutes to lose 3-2 at Loftus Road.

Aside from winning the Carling Cup, it's been a disappointing season for Liverpool. A lacklustre offense, which has been prone to extended droughts, has caused headaches for players and fans alike. Upgrading the attack should be the Reds' top priority during the summer.

Wigan continues to battle for its Premier League life. The Latics currently sit in the relegation zone, three points behind QPR for the final safe position. They have a brutal schedule featuring Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea down the stretch, so an extraordinary effort will be necessary.

Such inconsistency has left Liverpool seventh on the table, seven points back from the Europa League qualification places, and seemingly firmly out of contention for Champions League qualification.

Liverpool will at least gain a spot in UEFA's second-tier competition due to their Carling Cup victory over Cardiff City, but there remains work to do if Dalglish is to orchestrate a return to the club's former glory days.

Liverpool Probable Line-up: Reina; Carragher, Coates, Skrtel, Enrique; Henderson, Spearing, Gerrard (c), Downing; Carroll, Suarez

Wigan Probable Line-up: Al Habsi; Boyce, Alcaraz, Caldwell, Figueroa; Moses, McCarthy, McArthur, Maloney, Beausejour; Rodallega

Source: WeAreTheRedmen

Red's Fury™ Prediction: LIVERPOOL 3-0 WIGAN

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Rumour Mill: Is Wigan striker answer to Liverpool scoring problem?

Top Premier League clubs including Tottenham, Liverpool and Sunderland have been the alerted to the availability of Wigan's Victor Moses, after the winger's agent revealed that talks over a new contract have stalled.

Liverpool has been courting the Nigerian-born England Under-19 international last season when he was with Crystal Palace.

Moses has been one of the Latics star performers in the last six months, having only previously shown flashes of his ability following a much hyped transfer from Crystal Palace in January 2010.

As his stock has continued to rise, Wigan manager Roberto Martinez opened talks over a new deal just over a month ago, but despite initial contact being made, the negotiations have since stalled, much to the frustration of his agent Tony Finnigan.

   “We talked to Wigan about a contract five weeks ago but still haven't seen anything,”

“My phone goes all the time. Victor's got his admirers out there,” – Finnigan explained.

Wigan would be hopeful they could fend off interest from Sunderland, but should Spurs, Liverpool, or even Chelsea, who have all previously scouted Moses, come calling, it would be a different matter.

A bid of around £8 million would almost certainly convince Martinez to sell, as he plots a January reshuffle of his squad, to aid his sides battle against relegation.

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

Source: Metro

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Match Report: Wigan 0-0 Liverpool

By guest writer: Jamie McLaughlin

With a busy festive period starting Liverpool travelled to the DW Stadium to face a Wigan side at the wrong end of the League table. Wigan has a good recent record against Liverpool with two draws in the last couple years at the DW. But Liverpool has good form away from home this season and played well on Sunday away at Aston Villa. Wigan’s last game was a great performance in a 1-1 draw with Chelsea at the weekend. But with the news of Suarez facing a fine and an 8 match ban for the long running saga with the FA it would be interesting to see if he would play.

THE TEAM

Dalglish did start Suarez for the trip to Wigan and only made two changes to the side which beat Villa last Sunday with Maxi and Kuyt coming into the side replacing Shelvey and Bellamy. So once again Carragher and Andy Caroll had to warm the bench . Gerrard is still recovering from injury but good news that he has started training with the first team again.

THE MATCH

Liverpool players showed their support for their much maligned team mate Luis Suarez when they warmed up in T-shirts with a picture of Suarez on them. The visiting support was very vocal in their support for their hero.

The game started with Liverpool on the attack and Adam had an early chance with a free-kick but he put his effort into the wall. Then Henderson tested Al Habsi with a shot from the edge of the box and it wasn’t until the 12^th minute when Wigan had their first effort Gomez’s close range shot was blocked by Reina after a goal mouth scramble.

The game was becoming more stretched as the half wore on with chances at both ends and it was Maxi next when he volleyed over a Suarez centre. Wigan had the next chance when Diame hit the side netting with a great swerving effort.

Maxi and Downing linked up well before Downing’s cross was hooked towards goal by Kuyt but his effort was blocked by Al Habsi. Then Johnson had a great chance inside the 6 yard box but Al Habsi once again came to Wigan’s rescue with another great save.

Liverpool was creating a lot of chances but Wigan still looked dangerous and Reina to be alert to save another Diame effort. Then Moses made a tremendous run from his own half only to see his resulting shot fisted away by Reina.

With both sides level at the half it was Liverpool who came close early in the second half, but Al Habsi tipped a Suarez free-kick over his bar. Moments later Liverpool was awarded a penalty when Caldwell handled a Suarez overhead kick. Adam blasted his spot kick into the corner only to see Al Habsi make a terrific save at full stretch.

The penalty miss seemed to affect Liverpool as they struggled to create as many chances. Dalglish brought on Shelvey and Bellamy for Kuyt and Maxi to try and change things but it was Wigan that could have snatched a winner late on but Rodallega headed against Johnson. Another frustrating night for Liverpool who had more than enough chances to win this match.

SUMMARY

I was quite surprised to see Suarez start after the week that he has had but it was great to see the vocal support from the fans towards him. Liverpool created some good chances but when you miss such a chance like a penalty then you are going to struggle to score. Wigan had chances too and made it difficult but I thought we did enough to win. Great to see our defence get another clean sheet, but it is worrying the amount of chances we miss. Two home games coming up over the festive period, so hopefully 6 points for Christmas.

Man Of The Match – Skrtel – I thought the big man was superb once again. He is playing really well and a big reason why our defensive record is so good.

Written by Jamie McLaughlin, who writes for Anfield News

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Extended Match Highlights: Wigan 0-0 Liverpool

* By pressing play on the video, you’ve agreed with the English FA rules and regulations on its broadcasting. This video is googled and for personal viewing only. Red's Fury™ does not host or upload this material and is not responsible for the content.

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Wigan 0-0 Liverpool: Reds rue missed chances

Liverpool had to settle for a point after being held to a goalless draw by Wigan Athletic at the DW Stadium on Wednesday night.

After an open first half, in which both sides had their goalkeepers to thank for keeping the score level, the Reds were awarded a penalty five minutes into the second period after Gary Caldwell handled an effort from Luis Suarez.

However, Charlie Adam's low effort from 12 yards was saved by Wigan goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi.

Liverpool continued to press in search of a winner, but they were ultimately to be left frustrated by an inspired display from Wigan's custodian.

Having watched his side win so comfortably at Aston Villa on Sunday, Kenny Dalglish opted to make just two changes to his starting line up for the short journey to Wigan - Maxi Rodriguez and Dirk Kuyt replacing Craig Bellamy and Jonjo Shelvey.

Liverpool have been highly impressive on the road so far this term, and that victory at Villa Park was their fifth in eight contests away from Anfield in the Barclays Premier League. With that in mind, Dalglish would have no doubt have called on his players to pick up where they left off.

A spirited display helped Wigan hold Chelsea to a 1-1 draw at the DW Stadium last time out , but the Reds quickly set about taking the game to their hosts.

Adam smashed an early free-kick into a Wigan wall before good build-up play presented Jordan Henderson with the chance to test Al Habsi from just inside the area.

Read more: Liverpool FC Official

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Video Preview: Wigan v Liverpool

Roberto Martinez will give striker Hugo Rodallega as much time as possible before naming his side to face Liverpool on Wednesday.

Rodallega is Wigan's only injury concern ahead of the visit of the Reds after he suffered a knock during the 1-1 draw with Chelsea on Saturday.

Martinez will assess the Colombian's fitness over the next 24 hours before making a decision on whether or not to risk him in the tie.

Emmerson Boyce, meanwhile, has recovered from a hamstring injury but the game has come too soon for him and he will have to wait until after Christmas before making his return.

Liverpool have no new injury concerns ahead of the trip to the DW Stadium, although Kenny Dalglish must do without Jay Spearing, who is serving his three-match suspension. Other absentees are full-backs Fabio Aurelio and Jack Robinson, although neither would have expected to be in the starting line-up if fit. Dalglish will have a similar match day squad as Sunday at his disposal but may rotate a few personnel to freshen things up during the busy festive period.

Skipper Steven Gerrard is nearing a return to fitness but he is still not ready to take his place following the ankle infection that has kept him on the sidelines for two months.

Referee watch:

Northumberland official Michael Oliver will take charge of his 14th game of the season when the two sides meet. So far Oliver has shown 36 yellow and 2 red cards during games under his control. The 26-year-old has refereed both sides on one previous occasion this season with Wigan enjoying a 2-0 win over QPR in August and Liverpool knocking Brighton out of the Carling Cup 2-1 in September. Oliver was the youngest-ever referee to take charge of a Premier League game, aged just 25 years and 182 days when officiating Birmingham City v Blackburn Rovers on 21st August 2010.

Wigan (from): Al Habsi, Caldwell, Alcaraz, Figueroa, Watson, Diame, Moses, Gomez, McCarthy, Di Santo, Jones, Stam, Van Aanholt, McArthur, Lopez, Thomas, Sammon, Maloney, Crusat, Gohouri, Rodallega, McCarthy, Pollitt, Kirkland.

Liverpool (from): Reina, Johnson, Agger, Skrtel, Enrique, Kuyt, Adam, Henderson, Downing, Suarez, Rodriguez, Doni, Kelly, Carragher, Coates, Shelvey, Bellamy, Carroll.

* By pressing play on the video, you’ve agreed with the English FA rules and regulations on its broadcasting. This video is googled and for personal viewing only.

Match Prediction:

Liverpool played really well against Villa on Sunday and earned a well-deserved 2-0 victory, and against an inferior Wigan side there is no excuse for them to lose.

Wigan has allowed 30 goals this season, tied for third worst in the Premier League and have had difficulty keeping opponents from piling up the goals.

Dalglish's Liverpool team have a lot of quality, especially in the midfield, and will cruise to a comfortable win over Wigan in midweek.

Red's Fury™ Prediction: Wigan 0-4 Liverpool

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

Source: Setanta Sports

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Match Highlights: Liverpool 1-1 Wigan

Luis Suarez made his first start for Liverpool as the Reds were held to a 1-1 draw by Wigan Athletic at Anfield on Saturday afternoon.

Raul Meireles opened the scoring midway through the first half, latching onto a half-cleared cross and fizzing a volley into the back of the net to secure his fifth goal in six matches.

Wigan restored parity on 65 minutes when Steve Gohouri converted at close range after reaching Charles N'Zogbia's deep centre.

Suarez rattled the crossbar with a free-kick late on as the Reds searched for a winner, though ultimately they were forced to settle for a point.

The result, however, does see Liverpool extend their unbeaten run to six matches and consolidates their position of sixth in the table.

The home side went into the contest hoping to extend their four-match winning run in the Barclays Premier League - a sequence achieved with the aid of a quartet of clean sheets and that elevated them up to sixth in the table ahead of kick-off. [Read more…]

 

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

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Goal Highlights: Wigan 1-1 Liverpool

Video highlights between Wigan vs Liverpool.

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Transfer rumours: Hodgson set his sight on two left-backs

Since the departure of Emiliano Insua to Fiorentina and Fabio Aurelio released by Liverpool at the end of last season. Liverpool has been fall short on the fullback department.

Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson is chasing Wigan Athletic fullback Maynor Figueroa and possibility of luring Wayne Bridge away from Manchester City.

The Telegraph says Hodgson is believed to be closing in on Figueroa, the Wigan and Honduras left-back.

The player will leave this summer and Liverpool remain confident of agreeing a £6 million fee.

But Bridge is supposedly the preferred choice for Hodgson, although Soccernet reports that the former Chelsea defender has been told he is still wanted at Eastlands.

However, this could be subject to change as the Blues managed to clinch a deal for Serbian full-back Aleksandar Kolarov - has penned a five-year deal with the Eastlands club and the reported transfer fee was around £15million.

This prompted the City source to admit that Bridge could join the Reds if they come in with a substantial offer.

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

Sources: Give Me Football, Goal.com

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