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.

Read more: Liverpool FC Official

Source: FootyTube

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Picture of the Day: City humiliated United at their our backyard

Sir Alex Ferguson described Man United's incredible 6-1 derby day demolition at the hands of Man City as the worst day of his managerial career.

Source: TalkSport

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Video Highlights: Liverpool 1-1 Norwich City

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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 250^th 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 10^th 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

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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

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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 10^th 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 20^th 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 55^th 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.

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