Source: TalkSport
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Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Picture of the Day: City humiliated United at their our backyard
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Video Highlights: Liverpool 1-1 Norwich City
Source: FootyTube
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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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Liverpool 1-1 Norwich City Match Report
Liverpool was hoping to put newly promoted Norwich to the sword in their quest for at least a top 4 place. Liverpool who drew 1-1 with Manchester United last weekend would be hoping to get back to winning ways against Paul Lambert’s charges. Norwich have impressed so far this season with their style of play, they have played an attractive attacking style with tremendous displays without reward at Chelsea and more recently at Old Trafford. Norwich go into the match on the back of great win against Swansea last weekend and will give them great confidence.
THE TEAM
Dalglish made two changes to the side that drew with Manchester United last week with Glen Johnson coming in for Kelly and Craig Bellamy replacing the suspended Lucas. A big night for Dirk Kuyt making his 250th appearance for Liverpool. Liverpool started with a very attacking line-up with Gerrard and Adam in the middle of midfield with Downing on the right and Bellamy on the left of midfield with Kuyt and Suarez up front. Andy Carroll had to be content with starting on the bench once again.
THE MATCH
Liverpool attacked from the start and almost took the lead inside two minutes when Skrtel headed off the bar from an Adam corner, then two minutes later Suarez made a brilliant turn before shooting wide.
Liverpool were dominating the early stages with Suarez and his brilliant best. Then in the 10th minute Bellamy made a great run down the left before crossing low to Suarez and his first time effort was tipped onto the post. Moments later Suarez tried a chip from outside the box but it floated over the bar.
The chances kept coming for Liverpool and another one went a begging when Suarez shot wide after being played in by Johnson. But Norwich showed the threat they had Morrison powered a header straight at Reina from a corner kick. Then moments later Norwich had another effort from long range saved by Reina.
Then on the half hour mark Kuyt had a header blocked from a corner. Liverpool continued to create chances as the half wore on, but just as it looked as Norwich would hold until half-time Liverpool took the lead after tussle for the ball involving Suarez broke to Bellamy who ran into the box before shooting past Ruddy via a deflection.
Norwich started the second half sharply and Pilkington was unlucky with a low shot bringing out a save from Reina. A minute later Kuyt couldn’t direct his header on target from a Downing cross as Liverpool responded.
A few minutes later a piece of brilliance on the edge of the box by Suarez left the Norwich defence bewildered but his shot was deflected onto the post as he cursed his luck. Liverpool was still threatening and Gerrard made one of his trademark runs into the box but he shot weakly.
But Norwich drew level on the hour mark when Adam lost possession looking for a foul and Pilkington’s dangerous was headed into the Liverpool by substitute Holt who beat Reina to the ball.
Shortly after Holt could have scored a second with another header but for a great reaction save from Reina. Norwich were certainly encouraged by the goal and Liverpool were struggling to find their first half fluency.
Dalglish brought on Henderson for Bellamy and Carroll for Downing in the latter stages to try and win the game but it wasn’t until stoppage time when the best chances came first a brilliant cross from Gerrard found the head of Carroll but his header went agonisingly wide from 6 yards out. Then with just about the last kick of the ball Suarez smashed a volley on target but Ruddy pulled off an amazing save to earn Norwich a point and leave Liverpool frustrated.
SUMMARY
I was expecting nothing less than a win here tonight as I feel we have to win these type of games if we are to challenge this season. I liked the look of the team Kenny selected as it had a very attacking look about it. We started on fire and could have been four up inside 20 minutes but couldn’t get one. I just had a bit of a feeling these missed chances could come back to haunt us and unfortunately it did. We had some great attacking play, especially from Downing and Bellamy on the flanks and Suarez was causing all sorts of problems, the only thing lacking from him was he couldn’t find the net. The referee didn’t give Suarez much as I felt he was constantly fouled, leaving the striker frustrated. We did lose a bad goal as Norwich posed more of a threat second half, with Reina getting caught out. But these things can happen. We were very unlucky right at the end with Carroll and then Suarez’s volley. I’m left very disappointed with the result as both Chelsea and Manchester United have struggled against Norwich this season but managed to win, where we failed to. But I’m very encouraged with the performance and the amount of chances we created and I’m sure the goals will come over a very long season.
Man Of The Match – Suarez – once again, unplayable at time, lost count of the number of attempts he had on goal, only a goal was missing from his night.
Written by Jamie McLaughlin, who writes for Anfield News
Friday, October 21, 2011
Preview: Liverpool FC v Norwich City
Liverpool will be looking to better their home record this weekend following a 1-1 draw with champions Manchester United and begin to make a statement of intent for this season. The Reds have produced a decent run of results as of late, but even first team coach Steve Clarke believes their start is not up to their full potential. The Reds will look to hit that top hear this weekend against Norwich City, who haven’t been in the top flight since the 2004/2005 campaign.
History is on Liverpool’s side in this fixture with the Reds bagging a total of 13 wins at home all-time, however Paul Lambert’s side has put on some strong displays against Manchester United and fellow new-boys Swansea City. Norwich are coming off the back of a 3-1 over Swansea, and will be hoping their form can continue at Anfield, where the Reds are yet to keep a clean sheet.
Luis Suarez is likely to return to the starting line-up after being rested in Tuesday’s 1-0 loss to Rangers, and could start alongside Andy Carroll. Carroll started in Tuesday’s match, and though chances have come slim this season, Dalglish could change up his side again. Liverpool are yet to find a working partnership amongst their quad-set of strikers, but could be feeling the pressure of Carroll’s price-tag yet to be justified.
Liverpool fans will go into the game with a sense of nervousness knowing that recent history has not been kind to them in a game like this. Over the years Liverpool have seemingly out-performed themselves against the big-guns and under-achieved against opponents in the bottom half of the table. Dalglish knows that to get Liverpool back amongst the elite, results must be ground out on all fronts, but if Liverpool are to be taken seriously, a fine display against a rather strong Norwich side could kick start a good string of results for the Reds before a strong November sees them travel to Chelsea and host Manchester City.
Lucas Leiva serves a one-match suspension for Liverpool so Jordan Henderson, dropped to the bench for the last two matches, may regain his starting place.
Defenders Daniel Agger (rib) and Glen Johnson (hamstring) are fully fit again after playing in the midweek friendly defeat to Rangers.
Norwich City, however, will be no pushovers.
Midfielder Anthony Pilkington talked up the Canaries’ confidence and motivation against big-name opponents: "These are the games we need to win. We like to go everywhere believing we can win and believing we can cause an upset," Pilkington said.
Steve Morison has been a constant threat up front for the Canaries alongside Pilkington and Grant Holt, and is integral to Norwich’s attacking play.
Liverpool (probable line-up): Reina, Kelly, Carragher, Skrtel, Enrique, Henderson, Gerrard(c), Adam, Downing, Kuyt, Suarez
Norwich (probable line-up): Ruddy, Naughton, Barnett, Martin, Tierney, Bennett, Fox, Johnson, Pilkington, Hoolahan(c), Morison
Red's Fury™ Prediction: Liverpool 3-0 Norwich
What’s your score prediction for tomorrow’s match at Anfield? Leave your comments at the box below.
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Thursday, October 20, 2011
Glasgow Rangers 1-0 Liverpool Match Report
It is very unusual for Liverpool to be playing friendly matches at this stage of the season, but with both Liverpool and Rangers not participating in Europe the match was arranged to benefit both clubs, both financially and for match fitness. Dalglish who supported Rangers as a boy would be determined for his side to put on a good show in Glasgow. Obviously the main aim was to get some much needed match fitness, especially for the players that have not been getting a game and for the players returning from injury.
THE TEAM
As promised Dalglish did bring a strong team up to Glasgow for this glamour friendly, although many of the players starting the match have not played recently. Kenny started the match with Doni in goal with former Ranger Wilson at left back, the fit again Johnson at right back, with Coates and Agger in the middle of defence. The midfield consisted of Aurelio on the left with Spearing and captain for the night Lucas in the middle, and Maxi on the right side, with up front Andy Carroll partnering Craig Bellamy.
THE MATCH
It was a decent crowd for a friendly fixture with a nice gesture before the match with supporters from both clubs parading a banner in memory of those who lost their lives in the Hillsborough and Ibrox disasters prior to the match, while a collection was set up with half of the total funds raised going towards the Hillsborough Family Support Group.
The game started with Liverpool almost taking the lead within 90 seconds when Maxi found Carroll with a tremendous pass on the left hand corner of the penalty area, but the big striker’s first time volley went into the crowd.
After this early chance Rangers started to threaten and in the 10th minute Ortiz beat the Liverpool offside trap but the Liverpool defence managed to scramble away his cutback for a corner. Shortly after Ortiz had a drilled effort well saved by Doni as Rangers kept on the offensive.
Then in the 20th minute Doni made a great save from a low Whitaker shot pushing the ball round his left hand post. But from the resulting corner Rangers took the lead when McCulloch’s scuffed effort squirmed beneath the legs of Aurelio on the goal line as Liverpool failed to clear the corner. It was a deserved lead for the hosts.
Rangers were on the ascendancy now and Doni had to make another good stop from McKay’s headed effort from a Lee Wallace centre. Then Davis should have doubled Rangers lead when he got behind the Liverpool defence but his lobbed effort landed on the roof of the net.
Liverpool never troubled McGregor in the Rangers goal during the first half but they did work a fine move with Johnson and Maxi combining down the right but Maxi’s effort was well blocked by Broadfoot to keep Rangers in the lead at half-time.
I think Dalglish had some strong words to his team at the break after watching his side look extremely off the pace in the first half, and within minutes of the re-start Bellamy almost brought Liverpool level with a shot on the turn just missing the upright.
But Rangers thought they had made it 2-0 in the 55th minute when Lafferty smashed his effort off the post from 6 yards out before Doni managed to prevent the ball crossing line when it seemed like a goal was inevitable. The big stopper injured a finger in the process and had to be replaced by Hansen.
As Liverpool looked to get back into the game they should have equalised when Maxi robbed Broadfoot of possession 25 yards out but his cutback towards Carroll was well read by the Rangers defence.
Dalglish brought on Adam, Kuyt, Downing and Flanagan for the last 25 minutes as they tried to salvage the game but it was Rangers that came closest with Lafferty and the veteran David Weir being very unlucky with terrific efforts.
As the game entered its conclusion, Carroll was centimetres away with a powerful header from an Adam corner. Downing also had low strike well saved by McGregor at his near post. The substitutions had the desired impact but Rangers held out to claim a win.
SUMMARY
I took my daughter to the match but unfortunately had to sit with the Rangers supporters as the Liverpool end was full. So I’m afraid it was not as enjoyable an experience as I had hoped. It was a tremendous gesture by the supporters with the banner being paraded before kick-off in respect of both disasters that both clubs have endured. It was good to see so many players starting the match that were in desperate need of match fitness. Good to see Johnson, Aurelio and Agger back to fitness although Johnson and Aurelio looked off the pace. In fact most of the team looked short of match fitness as they struggled against a sharper Rangers side in the first half. If it wasn’t for Doni we could have lost by a lot more as he made some terrific saves but worryingly left exposed too often as the Liverpool defence looked disjointed. I thought Maxi looked lively and Bellamy too without an end product. But Andy Carroll was very disappointing and looked like very lethargic on the night. I was very disappointed that Carragher and Suarez but especially Gerrard never featured as there was a superb travelling support, but I can see the reasons for not playing them in a friendly with so many important games coming up. I can’t hide my disappointment of the night but got to take out the positives and they are the match fitness for many of the squad players.
Man Of The Match - Agger – great to see him back and thought he played well under quite a bit of pressure at times from Rangers. He just shaded it from Doni who made some vital saves.
Written by Jamie McLaughlin, who writes for Anfield News and was at Ibrox Stadium that night.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Liverpool went down at the Gers
Charlie Adam and Danny Wilson were never going to match Paul Gascoigne’s prodigal son performance at the weekend when they made their returns to Ibrox in this friendly match. But then, not many in the Liverpool ranks – only one of whom had started against Manchester United on Saturday – seemed in the mood for living up to lofty reputations. The game was entertaining enough, but clearly one for swelling the Ibrox coffers rather than stirring the Ibrox blood.
Indeed, from the start it was obvious that this would be a contest of distinctly subdued passions, the temperature rising only when Craig Bellamy figured in a move. The bustling, scuttling Bellamy did at least give the impression that he cared about the outcome, a concern reflected by the Rangers supporters who, remembering the Welshman’s brief stint at Celtic a few years ago, roundly booed everything he did.
Bellamy’s subtle manoeuvres across the forward line were almost as distracting for the Rangers defence. In time, they did seem to get the measure of him, although they seemed less able to close down the space Andy Carroll created for himself. Yet Carroll’s finishing was of a lower order and the striker began the first half by lashing a volley well past the left post and ended it with a horribly sliced shot high into the stand.
All of which pleased the Rangers fans no end, but they had more reasons to be pleased with what their own side were doing in front of goal. Rangers held a 1-0 lead at half-time, courtesy of Lee McCulloch’s sharpness when Liverpool made a hash of mopping up a corner in the 19th minute, but they could easily have had a couple more by then. The corner which brought McCulloch’s goal had been won by a lashing shot from Steven Whittaker, well saved by Doni, and Steve Davis had been unlucky with a clever lob in the 35th minute that skimmed the top of the crossbar.
It did nothing to diminish the crowd’s contentment level that Bellamy opened the second half with two wild and wayward shots. At the other end, a fierce effort by Kyle Lafferty was stopped by a combination of Doni and the post, but then seemed to spin just over the line. The despairing Doni grabbed it back – injuring his hand in the process – and the assistant referee gave Liverpool the benefit of the doubt and ruled that it had been kept out.
If anything, what little steam there had been in Liverpool’s early display seemed to evaporate after the break. Rafts of substitutions from both sides broke up the continuity, although there hadn’t been much of that either. When Adam arrived, replacing Lucas in the 65th minute, his first act on the pitch was to shake hands with a couple of old Rangers colleagues.
A few minutes after Lafferty’s goal-that-wasn’t, another sizzling effort from the striker was just inches too high. Not to be outdone by this parade of boldness, club captain David Weir then launched a volley with more grace and athleticism than any 41 year-old should be able to muster, an attempt that seemed to come even closer than Lafferty’s.
But then, it was that sort of night – a game of party tricks rather than biting competitiveness. Overshadowed, of course, by the knowledge that both teams would rather be doing other things in Europe right now.
Source: Telegraph
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Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Liverpool 1-1 Manchester United Match Report
THE TEAM
Kenny made only one change from the side that beat Everton with Steven Gerrard coming in for Andy Carroll. Gerrard was only starting his first match since March which was also against Manchester United. Skrtel and Carragher were again partnered in the middle of defence with Enrique on the left side of defence and Kelly on the right. Downing on the left of midfield with Kuyt on the right and Lucas and Adam once again in the middle. Gerrard supporting Suarez in attack.
THE MATCH
With Anfield at capacity and the atmosphere electric it was Liverpool who had the first attack with Enrique making a great run down the left before whipping in a dangerous cross which evaded everyone.
Then Gerrard had a free-kick headed to safety by Evra as Liverpool tried to gain the initiative. But United came into the game and Evra made a super run to the bye line before crossing to the back post but Jones could only head into the side netting.
On 21 minutes a short corner allowed Gerrard to whip in a cross towards the near post but Suarez glanced his header just wide of the target. Moments later Suarez hit an audacious 45 yard effort wide of goal with De Gea off his line.
Then in the 34th minute Adam hit a long range drive which broke kindly to Suarez who sidestepped Evans before shooting straight at De Gea. Ji- Sung Park shot wide after robbing Enrique of possession as United rarely threatened in the first half. So both teams went in at the half level with not many chances and the game proving to be as tight a contest as predicted.
Liverpool started the second half on the attack and had appeals for a penalty waved away when Kuyt saw a header come off the arm of Evans. United countered from this and Reina had to be alert to save from Young’s low drive.
The match was continuing to be a tight affair but it came to life in the 68th minute when Charlie Adam made a surging run through the middle of the United half and was then brought down by Ferdinand on the edge of the box. Gerrard fired the resulting free-kick through the United defensive wall and into the net sending the Kop wild.
Ferguson brought on Rooney, Nani and Hernandez to salvage the game and his substitutions worked when with 10 minutes remaining a Nani corner was headed into the roof of the net by Hernandez.
But it was Liverpool who looked to regain the lead in the closing minutes with Kuyt going so close after a superb cross by Downing but De Gea thwarted the Dutch man with a great save. The United keeper made another great save clawing away a brilliant dipping effort from Henderson. From the resulting corner Skrtel fired over after mayhem in the six yard box. Then right at the death Henderson headed just over from a Downing cross leaving Liverpool having to settle for a point.
SUMMARY
A typical tight, and tense affair, with United setting a team out to stop Liverpool playing and in my opinion looking for a draw from the start. The game had very few chances in the first half as both teams cancelled each other out. But Liverpool did have more opportunities and were unlucky not to win especially with the chances at the end. United, hardly threatened, with very few attempts on goal. Ferdinand should have been sent off at the free-kick leading up to the goal as he was on a yellow card, Marriner bottled it. The penalty appeal for Kuyt’s header would have been very soft. Great to see Gerrard back and scoring too, although, he did get lucky with the wall breaking, but who cares. Overall I thought Liverpool were the better team and played very well and can take a lot from this performance.
Man Of The Match - Enrique – Superb defensively and was such a threat going forward with some dangerous crosses.
Written by Jamie McLaughlin, who blogs at Anfield News
