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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All hails the King: Kenny Dalglish kops three year deal

Anfield legend confirmed as permanent Liverpool manager.

Kenny Dalglish has signed a new three-year contract as Liverpool manager.

The Scot has been rewarded with an extended deal having taken over in January in a caretaker role after Roy Hodgson was sacked in January.

Dalglish and assistant manager Steve Clarke, who has also been handed a three-year deal, have lifted the club from the lower reaches of the table to their current position in fifth.

Dalglish, who was initially given the job until the end of the current campaign, has signed a three year deal with the Reds. It was also announced that First Team Coach Steve Clarke has put pen to paper on a three year contract.

   “Kenny is a legendary Liverpool figure both as a supremely gifted footballer and successful manager. Since returning in January he has shown extraordinary leadership and the ability to bring the best out of so many people associated with the Club. It was obvious to us very early on that the atmosphere surrounding the Club had been transformed by his presence. No one else could have produced such a response. Therefore, I'm delighted we have agreed to a new contract. We didn't need nor want to look elsewhere for the right man to manage the team.

“Working closely with him, we've seen first-hand his love for the Club and his determination to do whatever is necessary to produce a winning side again. He has a unique relationship with our supporters and embodies everything that is special about the Liverpool way of doing things. Liverpool enjoys a global standing within the sport, but having Kenny in the dug-out will help us in our efforts to bring the best available talent to the Club as we continue to move the club forward.

“I'm also pleased we have reached an agreement with Steve Clarke, as his contribution to Kenny's backroom team has been significant over the past four months.” - Principal Owner John Henry.

He has overseen a dramatic improvement in results, with the Merseysiders climbing to fifth in the Premier League from mid-table mediocrity having strung together some impressive performances.

While people outside of the game may have doubted Dalglish's credentials having spent a decade out of management, FSG insists to always had faith the Scot would work his magic and transform the fortunes of the Reds.

   “It was extremely important that we enjoyed a period of stability after some difficult times and Kenny has done a tremendous job over the last three months in bringing the whole Club back together. It's clear how much the players have responded to his leadership, his man management skills and knowledge of the game and that sense of optimism now runs throughout the Club. We have a clear vision of the way a Liverpool team should play and the way the Club should be run and Kenny's inspirational effect on the senior squad and his keenness to involve and feature the younger players from our Academy set-up sits perfectly with that way of thinking.” - Chairman Tom Werner.

The Reds have enjoyed a rapid rise up the league table since Dalglish's return back in January, with only Chelsea sitting above them in the form table over the second half of the campaign.

   “I think we are most pleased for the fans. Bill Shankly once said 'Liverpool was made for me and I was made for Liverpool' and although it's not very often you can compare anything about Shankly with anyone else, I think in this case it is befitting of Kenny.” - Managing Director Ian Ayre.

As well as enjoying much-improved results over recent months, the style of football and attacking intent to win games has also pleased Reds' fans, all of whom will be thrilled with Kenny's permanent appointment.

But Comolli is keen to stress this isn't a decision merely to appease the fans' clamour for the return of King Kenny.

   “It is definitely the right decision and is based on what's happening on the pitch and not taking anything else into consideration.

“The game on Monday was just the perfect example of what we want. It was a perfect evening of great football, great movement, great attacking and five goals.

“This is the tradition of the club. When you're talking about the playing and coaching philosophy, this is what we want. If you see us from U13 through to the first team, it's the same idea and same way of thinking.

“Sometimes games are so tight at the top level that the manager has to make the right decision, the right substitution or the right tactical decision which is going to win the game. Players know each other so well that the intensity of the game and the concentration is so high that sometimes the change you make can make the difference. Kenny has shown several times since he came back that he is able to do that.” – Director of Football Damien Comolli.

Enough said. Now everybody, please rise and all hails the King!

Source: LiverpoolFC.tv

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The King’s Confirmation

At last the news that every Liverpool supporter had been waiting for, Kenny Dalglish today signed a three year contract to manage Liverpool Football Club. To be honest it had to happen, there would have been a lynching of the new owners if they chose somebody else for the job.

Kenny as we all know has legendary status at Liverpool but not even his greatest fan could have anticipated the impact and improvement in such a short space of time with him in charge. It was a tremendous decision at the time by the new owners to bring him back as the club was floundering under the leadership of Hodgson, they gave Hodgson time but things were not working and he had to go and Kenny was the only man that could have steadied the ship.

Dalglish has lifted the whole club, supporters and most importantly the players since his arrival. So many supporters myself included thought our squad of players was not good enough and needed a major overhaul in the summer, but a few months down the line and I'm not so sure that we need to bring in as many players as I thought.

The style of play Dalglish has installed into the team with the famous pass and move style which every player seems so confident to play is like a breath of fresh air. The work rate Dalglish demands of his players to press high up the park is respected by the Anfield faithful as we the supporters want to see our team give 100%.

Kenny is integrating the youngsters into the first team which we have not seen for a few years now. There are so many positives in Dalglish's short time back in charge that for the first time in a while we believe we could actually challenge once again for honours.

I like the way the new owners work they were always going to give Kenny the job on a permanent basis but they were not going to be rushed into any announcement or decision until they were ready. Even with the constant demands from the supporters and the media to give Dalglish the job they waited until the time was right and that was today.

Its so good to finally hear the confirmation today and I don't think we could have a better man to lead us back to the glory days and knock Manchester United off their perch. Kenny has proved that although he has been out of the game for a while that he hasn't lost it. We can all look forward to next season with a renewed optimism.

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 almost certain to land Newcastle full-back but also keeping tabs on Arsenal’s man

Liverpool's chances of signing Newcastle United full-back have been boosted after Alan Pardew made it known he would be interested in signing Paul Konchesky as a replacement.

Enrique is Liverpool's first choice to solve the club's problem left-back position in the summer and Newcastle's interest in Reds defender Konchesky raises the possibility of a player-plus-cash deal.

The two clubs are yet to open negotiations but Newcastle are privately resigned to losing the £8 million-rated man, who has just one year left on his contract and is also attracting interest from Arsenal and European giants AC Milan and Bayern Munich.

Reds manager Kenny Dalglish has also been keeping tabs on Arsenal full-back Gael Clichy, but Enrique has always been his top target following his consistent displays throughout this season. Meanwhile, Manchester City and Real Madrid are also interested in the Gunners full-back.

The two big spending clubs have placed Clichy on their list of summer targets but face strong competition from Liverpool, who have a long-standing interest in the Frenchman.

Negotiations stalled earlier in the year after Clichy's request for a hike on his £50,000-a-week wages was rebuffed by the club.

Manager Arsene Wenger fears the Gunners' longest-serving player will not extend his stay at Emirates Stadium and is becoming increasingly willing to listen to clubs who will match Arsenal's £5.5 million valuation rather than allow the France international to leave for free in a year's time.

Clichy, who turns 26 in July, is on the radar of a number of top clubs who are in the market for a proven performer at left-back.

However, director of football Damien Comolli was instrumental in bringing Clichy to London from Cannes in 2003 when he was working for Arsenal as their French scout.

City and Real are also in the market for a new left-back as they bid to beef up their squads in the summer.

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

Sources: LiverpoolFC.tv, Goal.com

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Liverpool ready to swoop for £15m Tottenham winger

Spurs could be willing to cash in on the England winger after a series of bust-ups with the boss, who feels the player is not improving and does not respond to orders.

Tottenham are willing to sell Aaron Lennon for £15 million this summer following a breakdown in his relationship with Harry Redknapp.

The Spurs manager is fed up with below-par performances from the England winger and is ready to listen to offers for him.

Lennon has scored just three goals in 42 matches this season and, although he has chipped in with eight assists in all competitions, only three of those have come in the Premier League.

His relationship with Redknapp has steadily deteriorated over the last two seasons following a string of disagreements, culminating in a barely concealed falling-out following Tottenham’s 4-0 Champions League defeat at Real Madrid last month.

The Spurs boss has become increasingly frustrated by what he believes is Lennon’s failure to respond to orders.

“Harry feels Lennon is not learning, not improving and not listening to instructions,” a Tottenham source told Goal.com. “He has been really disappointed by Lennon’s performances since the first half of last season and does not believe he is as willing to run at the full-back as he should be.”

Glaring holes first started to appear in Redknapp’s relationship with the 25-year-old in a 1-0 home defeat against Stoke City in October 2009.

The Spurs manager would not allow Lennon to come off when the player insisted he had an ankle problem but he ended up subbing himself with 10 minutes to go in any case even though Redknapp had already used all three substitutes. “Harry was furious and they had a massive row afterwards,” the source added.

The pair clashed again in the Christmas 2009 fixture against West Ham. Lennon was struggling with a groin injury but was made to play on until the 89th minute and ended up being out for four months and nearly missing the World Cup.

The latest flare-up came at the Bernabeu, where Lennon withdrew from the team five minutes before kick-off after failing to shake off an illness that the club later confirmed had been affecting him for more than two days before the game.

Redknapp denied being disappointed with Lennon but made some thinly veiled comments and the player used his Twitter account the following day to declare that he “will not be made a scapegoat saying they only knew just b4 KO”.

Lennon has clung on to his regular starting place but insiders insist that is due more to an absence of competition on the right flank.

“They have a really bad relationship and Harry wants to cash in,” said the source. “Spurs have not yet started touting him around but if they get a good offer, they will probably sell him.”

Liverpool director of football Damien Comolli is a big admirer of Lennon from their time together at Spurs and could be willing to test the water with an offer for the former Leeds man, who joined Spurs for £1m as an 18-year-old.

Among the replacements Spurs are lining up include Sevilla midfielder Diego Perotti, as revealed by Goal.com, and Brazilian Hulk, who has been in outstanding form for Porto this season.

Hulk, who is valued at £20-25m, plays on the right of Porto’s front three and has weighed in with 33 goals in 49 matches, including 22 in 25 in the league.

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

Source: Goal.com

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Liverpool plan €10m move for Barcelona winger

Sources state that Kenny Dalglish is keen on the Dutch international who has struggled to secure a spot in the Catalan club's starting eleven since his move to the Nou Camp in January.

25-year-old wide man Afellay arrived at the La Liga champions for a nominal fee as his PSV Eindhoven contract was due to expire at the end of the season and has made just four league starts and has subsequently been linked with a summer exit.

Kenny Dalglish and director of football Damien Comolli are drawing up a list of prospective targets as the club's owners prepare to fund significant moves in the transfer market. For some time now there has been talk of the need for more natural wide options as regular starters Maxi and Dirk Kuyt struggle to make a consistent impact.

Having signed Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll at the tail end of the last transfer window, Liverpool are now looking to bring in natural width to help provide ammunition for their strike force. Afellay has however impressed in recent cameo roles, most notably during the Champions League Semi-Final with Real Madrid.

Barcelona are however reportedly heavily in debt and they could opt to cash in on a player who cost them just €3m (£2.6m) and will listen to offers of €10m (£8.7m) for the talented winger who can also play as an attacking midfielder or in the hole behind the striker.

Dalglish is reportedly happy to meet any reasonable valuation in order to land Ibrahim Afellay who may be keen on the chance to move to the Premier League especially if such a move helps secure regular first team football.

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

Sources: LiverpoolFC.tv, CaughtOffside

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