LFC: A Week Is A Long Time In Football

By guest writer: Jamie McLaughlin

What a week in Liverpool’s season. Liverpool’s season could have been over if results went against them in the last week, but instead the week just past has been a memorable one, with wins in the Carling Cup against Manchester City, followed by knocking out Manchester United in the FA Cup. All this after Liverpool suffering one of their worst performances and results since Kenny Dalglish’s return to Liverpool the previous weekend away to Bolton, where Dalglish came out and made it publicly clear that he was not happy with his team’s performance.

Liverpool supporters must have been fearing the worst going in to two massive cup games against the two Manchester clubs that are flying high above Liverpool in the league right now. But Dalglish was looking for a reaction from his players, and he certainly got that in abundance. The performance against City in the second leg of the Carling Cup semi-final was superb. The hunger that was shown was great to see from the players, especially after suffering two setbacks as City took the lead twice. The excitement at gaining the result needed to take the club back to Wembley was there for all to see. Liverpool has never been to the new Wembley and now they have a cup final to look forward to for the first time since 2007.

Little time to celebrate Liverpool had to prepare for another massive cup tie against bitter rivals Manchester United at Anfield. This match was a totally different match with Liverpool approaching the game more defensively as they allowed United most of the possession and looked to hit their visitors on the break. Kenny got his tactics spot on with Carragher deployed in midfield to protect the defence and Kenny’s tactics limited United to very few chances. But in the second half Dalglish made attacking substitutions with Charlie Adam, Dirk Kuyt and Liverpool’s in form player, Craig Bellamy coming on as Liverpool looked to knick a winner in the closing stages. Scripted perfectly in a Liverpool memoir was United nemesis Dirk Kuyt to score the winner in the last couple of minutes and shatter Fergie’s dream in the FA Cup.

It really was make or break time in Liverpool’s season with two cup ties in a week followed by a league fixture away to Wolves on the Tuesday in their chase for a top four place. It would have been easy for Liverpool to ease into complacency after their success in two cups, but Liverpool kept their momentum going with a convincing win at Molineux, even resting Steven Gerrard in the process as Liverpool’s squad is showing strength in depth, where Dalglish felt he never needed to bring in any new faces in the January transfer window. Liverpool have stuttered a bit in the league this season but their cup form has been an important distraction and has also brought them some confidence with some great wins against tough opposition. Liverpool have managed to progress in the cup competitions and kept up their challenge in the league in the absence of their star striker Luis Suarez. The much maligned Andy Carroll has looked a much improved player in the last couple of games and Liverpool’s defence is looking water tight.

So there is much to look forward to in the remainder of the season, but whatever happens I’m sure it will be a long time before we forget last week with the importance of keeping our season alive and proving how far the team has come in just over a year under Kenny’s management.

Written by Jamie McLaughlin, who writes for Anfield News

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Match Report: Wolves 0-3 Liverpool

By guest writer: Jamie McLaughlin

After a very exciting week of cup football for Liverpool, it was back to league business as they travelled to Wolves in their chase for a top four place. Going into the match Liverpool had only won one of their last six league games , so a win was vital for Liverpool. Wolves are struggling at the foot of the league table, but they earned a good away point at Spurs recently and they would be hoping to upset Liverpool with home field advantage.

The Team

Dalglish made five changes from the side that knocked out Manchester United at the weekend, with Adam, Spearing, Johnson, Bellamy and Kuyt returning to the side. Steven Gerrard was rested for this match after playing three games in the last week. Andy Carroll led the attack once again after his good performance at the weekend.

The Match

Liverpool started the game attacking and almost took the lead inside 3 minutes but Kuyt just couldn’t divert the ball home after a good knock down from Carroll who met a Bellamy cross. Wolves had the next chance when Edwards hooked effort brought out a save from Reina. Moments later Edwards headed over the bar from a free-kick as the home side looked for the opener.

But Liverpool was looking dangerous on the attack and Bellamy went close when he poked an effort just wide as Hennessey rushed out of his goal. Then Agger had a header saved by Hennessey from a Bellamy corner as Liverpool pressed. Moments later Adam made a surging run before scuffing his shot wide from the edge of the box.

There were chances at both ends in the latter stages of the half, but no goals as both teams went in at the break level.

Liverpool got a great start to the second half when they took the lead inside the first 7 minutes when Andy Carroll knocked home a dangerous Adam cross. Carroll grew in confidence after netting and was causing the Wolves defence problems.

Bellamy scored a second Liverpool goal by shooting low past Hennessey after a good run from the Welshman. The visitors were in the ascendancy now and looked like adding to their lead, with Adam volleying over and Agger going wide with a header, then Hennessey pulled off a terrific save from a deflected Kuyt shot.

Liverpool put the game out of reach in the 78^th minute when a swift break by the visitors resulted in Kuyt drilling low past Hennessey. It was a good win for Liverpool as they earned their first league win of 2012.

Summary

Dalglish put out a very attacking team and I was expecting a few changes to the team in what has been a hectic week of football for Liverpool. I was surprised to see Gerrard not playing but he is just back in the team and has been playing a lot recently. It was great to see Jay Spearing back and he did play very well alongside Adam who played a big part in two of Liverpool’s goals. Liverpool’s defence was tight once again and good to get another clean sheet. Craig Bellamy was very dangerous again and scored once again. Good to see Kenny play Kuyt again and he has now scored two goals in two games. Andy Carroll was a real handful for the Wolves defence and he took his goal well. A great night for Liverpool, and good to score a few goals too.

Man Of The Match – Andy Carroll – Superb game, he worked his socks off and linked up well. Scored a good goal and you could see his confidence grow from this.

Written by Jamie McLaughlin, who writes for Anfield News

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Goal Highlights: Wolverhampton 0-3 Liverpool

Liverpool recorded their first Barclays Premier League victory of 2012 with an emphatic 3-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux on Tuesday night.

After an end-to-end first half, Andy Carroll opened the scoring on 52 minutes when he turned Charlie Adam's cross home at the back post courtesy of a well-taken finish.

Craig Bellamy quickly doubled the Reds' lead when he found the back of the net with a low effort from the edge of the area for his ninth of the season so far.

Dirk Kuyt sealed the win with his 50^th Liverpool league goal when he fired home from a tight angle following a quick-fire counter attack.

Liverpool continued to create chances as they dominated the closing stages, and although they were unable to find a fourth, the result was enough to move them into fifth place in the table.

Read more: Liverpool FC Official

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Liverpool making £15M bid for Barcelona defensive midfielder

Rumours suggest that Javier Mascherano is in Liverpool holding talks with officials regarding a sensational £15 million return to Anfield.

Liverpool are looking to boost their midfield rank in the second half of the season after the inspirational Lucas was ruled out for a year with a cruciate ligament injury.

Mascherano left Liverpool for Barcelona in 2010 for a £22 million. His career hasn’t really gone the way he had hoped, as a ball-winning central midfielder by trade but has not really been given a chance in that position due to the form of Sergio Busquest.

He is keen to get back playing regular first-team football again before his career comes to a close.

He still has a real love for Liverpool and dedicated that Champions League victory over United to the fans that had taken him to their hearts in a fruitful three year spell.

The Barcelona midfielder has a close association with Kia Joorabchian, who is also allegedly keen to get the Argentine back to England as he feel the style of football in Britain suits his player more than it does in Spain.

Liverpool have yet to confirm, or deny, the reports that Mascherano is in Merseyside to discuss a move but if this deal could be completed before Tuesday’s transfer window closes then it would be a huge signing for Liverpool as they look to climb back towards the Champions League qualification places in the Premier League.

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: Footy Bunker

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Rumour Mill: Liverpool set to give City’s outcast a lifeline

The transfer activities in the premier league has been set ablaze with just 3 days to go before it shutdown. We all knew Liverpool is trying to sign a new striker to partner Luis Suarez after Andy Carroll failed to find his form.

According to Guardian, Liverpool have made a remarkable bid to swap Andy Carroll with Carlos Tevez. The move demonstrates how Liverpool are now openly looking at offloading Carroll despite the insistence behind the scenes at Anfield that he can still play a prominent part and Kenny Dalglish's praise for the player after the 2-1 FA Cup defeat of Manchester United.

Carroll has scored only six goals in 35 appearances since becoming the eighth most expensive footballer in history and has not even been able to establish himself as a regular starter this season.

His problems adapting on Merseyside have also left Liverpool willing to take a £10 million hit on the player, with Tevez valued at £25 million, though that revelation is hardly surprising considering his difficulties at Anfield, added to the sense that he has not always been fully focused.

Tevez is planning to return to Manchester next week now it has become apparent that Milan are not able to meet City's asking price and, unless anything changes before Tuesday's transfer deadline, his adviser, Kia Joorabchian, says the Argentinian wants to re-establish himself in the team.

Whether that is possible remains to be seen, with Mancini not prepared to entertain the idea unless there is an apology from Tevez for walking out on the club and the string of other offences that have already led to him being found guilty of gross misconduct and losing almost £10 million in wages, fines and lost bonuses since the start of the season.

Tevez is still a formidable striker and finished as the league's joint-top scorer last season, but he will be returning to England with a severely damaged reputation and Liverpool's attempt to take him along the M62 will surprise many people given his propensity for causing dressing-room problems and an apparent dislike of living in England.

There is also the fact that, approaching his 28th birthday, he would not have fitted into Liverpool's usual policy of buying players at a young age who will keep a resale value over the course of their contract. Liverpool, however, were willing to make an exception and City would have been glad to arrange a deal after unsuccessful talks not just with Milan but also Juventus, Internazionale and Paris St-Germain. They remain open to offers for the Argentinian but will not change their mind about Carroll.

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: Guardian

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Goal Highlights: Liverpool 2-1 Manchester United

Liverpool stormed into the FA Cup fifth round in the expense of Manchester United. Those who were unable to watch the match live, here’s the goal highlights.

* 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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Match Report: Liverpool 2-2 Manchester City

By guest writer: Jamie McLaughlin

Liverpool went into this Carling Cup second leg tie with a slender one goal advantage after their gritty performance in Manchester a fortnight ago. Liverpool would be hoping to finish of the job at a packed Anfield, as they hoped to return to Wembley for the first time since 1996, and get to their first major final since 2007. Dalglish would be hoping for a response from his team after publicly criticising his players after their poor performance against Bolton at the weekend.

The Team

Dalglish made two changes to the side that lost at Bolton with Dirk Kuyt and Stewart Downing returning to the side in place of Andy Carroll and Maxi. With Jay Spearing still recovering from injury, Gerrard and Adam once again were paired in the middle of midfield. But Liverpool had an attacking looking about their team, especially with a draw being good enough to take them to Wembley.

The Match

Anfield was packed and the atmosphere before kick-off was reminiscent of those famous European nights. Liverpool started the match with intent on adding to their one goal aggregate lead, and inside four minutes they almost scored when Enrique had a shot saved by the right leg of Joe Hart with the rebound smashed wide by Downing.

Moments later Charlie Adam had a right foot rocket well saved by Hart low to his left. City tried to respond to Liverpool’s early onslaught but Nasri’s effort was wayward. The lively Bellamy brought out another save from Hart after scampering past the nervy Savic. With Liverpool on top and looking the more dangerous it was City who scored first when De Jong’s long range effort ended up in the top corner, stunning the Kop.

But Liverpool responded brilliantly after this setback and they soon equalised when Richards’ block on Agger’s shot was handled and referee Dowd pointed to the spot. Steven Gerrard converted the penalty as Anfield erupted with delight. Both teams went in at the half with Liverpool still holding a one goal advantage.

Liverpool started the second half the way they started the first with Kuyt bringing out another save from Hart early on. But then Joe Hart brought out the save of the match with a brilliant fingertip save from a prodded Skrtel effort. Joe Hart was playing a blinder and he made another great save blocking Stewart Downing’s back-post volley.

But just like the first half Liverpool were stunned when Dzeko tapped in tapped in a brilliant Kolarov whipped cross from close range in the 67^th minute. But Liverpool looked hungry to get to Wembley and they equalised in the 74^th minute to gain the aggregate advantage when Bellamy finished off a terrific move involving Kuyt and Johnson.

City tried to respond as they pinned Liverpool back in the closing stages, but Liverpool stood firm and City never really got a clear chance as Liverpool celebrated at the end overjoyed at the thought of ending their long wait to return to Wembley.

Summary

A tremendous night for everyone connected with Liverpool to reach Wembley for the first time since 1996. I was very pleased with Kenny’s team selection by playing Kuyt and Bellamy who give great movement. The hunger shown by the whole team was impressive after such a disappointment at Bolton. Kenny couldn’t have wished for a better response from his players. If it wasn’t for Joe Hart it would have been a lot more comfortable. Some big performances with Charlie Adam having a very good match, as I have felt he has been struggling in recent games. Dirk Kuyt gave so much to the team and great selection by Kenny to play him. Stewart Downing was very good and he looks far better on the left linking up with Enrique. Bellamy was just everywhere, amazing performance. City should have got a penalty when Adam caught Dzeko in the first half, but the referee was behind the incident and never got a good view. Liverpool got lucky with the penalty but so glad we got it. Great for Liverpool to get back to a cup final, and even better with it being at Wembley.

Man Of The Match – Bellamy – one of the best individual performances at Anfield by a Liverpool player in a long time. Brilliantly taken goal too.

Written by Jamie McLaughlin, who writes for Anfield News

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Video Highlights: Liverpool 2-2 Manchester City

Liverpool are through to the Carling Cup final after a pulsating 2-2 draw with Manchester City at Anfield on Wednesday night gave them a 3-2 aggregate victory.

It was no more than the Reds deserved for a lively performance and they can now look forward to contesting their first major final since 2007 against Cardiff City at Wembley in February.

With Liverpool leading 1-0 from the first leg, Nigel de Jong levelled the aggregate scoreline just after the half-hour mark when he found the back of the net from distance with the visitors' first real effort on goal following a dominant opening from the hosts.

But Liverpool went back ahead in the tie on 41 minutes when Steven Gerrard scored with a penalty after Micah Richards was adjudged to have blocked a Daniel Agger shot inside the box with his hand.

Read more: Liverpool FC Official

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