Friday 30 December 2011

Liverpool v Newcastle Match Report

Liverpool ended 2011 on a high as they bagged three points at Anfield against Newcastle in a 3-1 win.

The Reds suffered an early blow, when a ball from Toon Yohan Cabaye was deflected off Liverpool defender Daniel Agger's shoulder and past goalkeeper Pepe Reina into the net.

However only a few minutes later, Craig Bellamy leveled up the scoreboard when a dverted ball ended up at his feet before shooting it past the sea of blackand white shirts into the net. The Reds nearly went ahead in the first half but Martin Skrtel was unable to take full advantage of Bellamy's corner kick.

The second half saw a change of spirit when eventually manager Kenny Dalglish replaced Charlie Adam with captain Steven Gerrard, who has been on the bench for the last two games due to a long term injury.

His presence had an impact as the team pushed on for more goals. In the 67th minute, Bellamy scored his second goal of the evening from a free kick. Later he would have to leave the pitch for an injury suffered after an elbow to the head.

Newcastle came dangerously close to leveling up when a shot from striker Demba Ba went over Reina, but Skrtel bolted into the goal to make a significant clearance.

With 12 minutes left on the clock, Gerrard sealed the deal and three points with a third goal for Liverpool.

Although there were high hopes for former Newcastle player Andy Carroll to score, he was unable to capitalise on any chances, including hitting the crossbar once, but the chances were more easily created for him with Gerrard there.

Luis Suarez missed the game due to an imposed suspension by The FA after an obscene gesture made earlier in the month at Fulham.
Liverpool move into fifth place tonight, tied for points with Arsenal in fourth.

Sunday 18 December 2011

Aston Villa v Liverpool Match Report

Liverpool grasped their fifth away win of the season and three points at Villa Park this afternoon.

The Reds took on Aston Villa and won 0-2 thanks to stunnings goals from Craig Bellamy and Martin Skrtle in the first half.

Liverpool were all over Aston Villa from the start. It wa sonly ten minutes in when Stewart Downing, flooded with boos from his former fans, took a corner which Jonjo Shelvey then created the chance for Bellamy to strike the ball into the net at close range.

It was only five minutes later when another corner turned into the second goal. Bellamy's corner kick was perfect for defender Martin Skrtel to score a header.

The home side were obviously suffering without Gabriel Agbonlahor (suspended) and Darren Bent (injured). Aston Villa struggled to create any chance, but Charlse N'Zogbia got the closest with a shot in the first half that went over the bar.

Liverpool had the chance to create a bigger gap in the scoring, but striker Luis Suarez had hit just the underside of the crossbar and the ball bounced outside the net. Suarez was given a standing ovation nonetheless when he was substituted by Andy Carroll in the 74th minute by Liverpool fans showing their support in light of his ongoing trial with The FA.

The Reds now see themselves in sixth place on the Barclay's Premier League Table, just behind Arsenal who have the same amount of points but remain ahead on goal difference. Aston Villa are in tenth place.