Sunderland v Liverpool Match Report

Liverpool ssecured a much needed three points at the Stadium of Light against Sunderland on Sunday afternoon.

It was the Premier League debut for new Red Andy Carroll and alongside Luis Suarez, although the Reds were without their captain Steven Gerrard due to a groin injury.

Liverpool’s first goal came from a controversial penalty. Midfileder Jay Spearing was fouled by the Black Cats’ John Mensah right at the edge of the box. It was given as a penalty and safely taken by Dirk Kuyt.

The second goal came after halftime from Luis Suarez. The midfielder secured it from a tight angle from a throw in by Dirk Kuyt. This was the second goal for the Uruguayan international since joining Liverpool in January.

Although Sunderland started off as the livelier side, they failed to make anything of it leaving goalkeeper Pepe Reina without much to do and a clean sheet in the end.

The Black Cats also lost three players due to injury, including Sulley Muntari, Danny Welbeck and Kieran Richardson.

Luis Suarez also suffered a strain in the 89th minute and was replaced by Joe Cole. The extent of this injury is currently being assessed.

However before his departure, Luis Suarez already proved that he will be vital in Liverpool’s future.

Former Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp told the official website: "I think he'll prove to be a great acquisition for the Barclays Premier League, not just Liverpool."

Liverpool are currently in sixth place on the Barclay’s Premier League table, just four points off Tottenham in fifth and that highly desired European spot.

SC Braga v Liverpool Match Preview

Liverpool have made the trip to Portugal today to face SC Braga in the last-16 round of the Europa League.

The team travelled with Andy Carroll, who is expected to make a full debut at Braga’s ‘Quarry’ stadium tomorrow night.

"It's been a long process rehabilitating him - about eight or nine weeks - but we are happy with the result," said Dr Peter Brukner, the head of sports medicine and science for the club.

"He'll play some more minutes against Braga and hopefully he'll be involved more and more with each game

However, the Reds will be without the likes of Steven Gerrard. The skipper did not travel to Portugal with the team for undisclosed reasons. Gerrard has been dealing with a groin issue but still managed the full 90 minutes against Manchester United last Sunday.

Fabio Aurelio and Daniel Agger are also out with injury.

Meanwhile, Braga may seem to struggle against the Reds. The Portuguese side has lost seven out of 10 times against English teams. They are currently sixth in the Portuguese Liga.

This will be the first time Liverpool and SC Braga meet in a UEFA competition.

Kick-off is at 6pm and will be shown live on Channel 5 in the UK.

Liverpool v Manchester United Match Report

Liverpool saw a triumph over Manchester United in a 3-1 win at Anfield yesterday afternoon.

While Sir Alex Ferguson was looking for a bigger lead on top of the table, Kenny Dalglish was out to put a stop to that, and his side pulled through.

However, the win did not go without a hitch. Several heated arguments and yellow cards arose from the clash of the two Premier League giants.

United’s Nani required a stretcher after a challenge by Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher, landing the co-captain a yellow and starting a confrontation between the two sides.

Then Rafael proceeded with a tackle on the Reds’ Lucas soon after, which resulted in even more words exchanged.

In the end, Dirk Kuyt scored a hattrick against the Red Devils, with new signing Luis Suarez proving to be a vital role in the win. Liverpool have not had a hattrick against Manchester United since Peter Beardsley in 1990.

Javier Hernandez put a stop to the clean sheet in extra time, but United had no chance of taking any points.

Liverpool’s 35 million pound striker, Andy Carroll, also made his debut on the pitch after a prolonged start due to injury.

Although Manchester United are still sitting on the top of the Premier League table by three points, Liverpool fans rejoiced all over the world as their biggest rivals had fallen at Anfield. The Reds of Merseyside will be holding their heads up high, as their team was a strong force against Sir Alex Ferguson’s weaker side.

While Dalglish expressed his happiness at the win, Ferguson remained quiet as he imposed a 'media blackout,' which includes his teams own station, MUTV.
Liverpool are currently in sixth place on the Premier League table, six points away from that desired Champions League qualifying position.