Thursday 16 December 2010

Liverpool v Utrecht Match Report

Liverpool and Utrecht had a repeat of the last time they met, with a 0-0 draw in their final Europa group match.

Reds manager Roy Hodgson had said before the match that Fernando Torres and Pepe Reina would both start for the team, but neither made an appearance on the pitch, in preparation of the Fulham game on Saturday.

The team Hodgson put out consisted of several reserve players meant to get their chance to shine, however the game came off dull.

Milan Jovanovic had the greatest chance of a goal for Liverpool only eight minutes in, but the ball just hit the crossbar.

Utrecht’s Van Wolfswinkel needed to be stretchered off just before halftime after falling awkwardly and breaking his collarbone.

The second half did not improve for either team. Joe Cole tried to score a late game winner, but the goal was stopped by the Utrecht defence.

Utrecht pushed in the final moments to do the same, but was denied by Reds’ keeper Brad Jones.

Overall, most of the players just seemed absent on the pitch for both teams, leaving fans bored and disappointed.

Though Utrecht was already out of the competition, the away fans cheered their team with a standing ovation while Liverpool were met with boos from their fans, even though the team has already qualified for the Europa League knockout stages.

The knockout round will begin in mid-February.

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