Liverpool vs Manchester United Match Report

Liverpool vs Manchester United Match Report

 

 

Well that was atrocious.

 

A red card for Steven Gerrard just about summed up Liverpool’s day as they strayed to 5 points off the top four.

 

Manchester United took the early lead through Juan Mata when Ander Herrera played what was admittedly a good ball through to him so he was through on goal. He took the ball in his stride and placed it into the bottom left corner to make it one nil. Questions will be asked of Alberto Moreno who was completely out of position.

 

Adam Lallana missed a huge chance to equalise. The ball ricocheted around until the ball fell to Jordan Henderson. He curled the ball across the Daniel Sturridge who squared the ball to Adam Lallana on the edge of the box but he hit his shot wide.

 

A pretty poor half was ended with a ranged shot from Michel Carrick that was comfortably saved by Mingolet but it was a pretty poor half from both teams.

 

Seeing the poor performance Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers made a substitute at half time bringing on Steven Gerrard for the injured Adam Lallana. He didn’t even last a minute.

 

I would love to say that it was a poor decision or something like that but I can’t. He made a strong but fair challenge on Juan Mata but made a clear stamp on the ankle on the ankle of Ander Herrera and deserved the red card.

 

Soon after Philippe Coutinho had a long rage attempt but saw his effort sail over the bar.

 

United doubled their lead on the hour mark through Juan Mata. He played the ball into Di Maria who chipped the ball back to the Spaniard who through an acrobatic effort but the ball into the far bottom corner past the helpless Mingolet.

 

The poor Alberto Moreno was subbed for Mario Balotelli who of course quickly got himself booked for tripping Phil Jones.

 

However on 69 minutes the Reds pulled a goal back. Philippe Coutinho nicked the ball in midfield and drove at the defence. He slipped the ball through to Daniel Sturridge who powered the ball past De Gea at the near post to continue a good scoring record against Manchester United. This was Liverpool’s first shot on target which shows how poor they were during the game.

 

Balotelli nearly got himself after a great touch to nearly take the ball past Smalling. He tangled with the defender and looked ready to do something stupid but in all fairness did restrain himself with the help of Liverpool fans near where he fell.

 

Liverpool huffed and puffed but United had the biggest chance to score when Blind was bought down in the box by Can. Rooney’s Penalty was saved but Liverpool couldn’t score and this feisty affair was ended in defeat for Liverpool.

 

It is by no means over with 8 games to go but Liverpool are 5 points behind United and will need to get back to winning ways next time out away at Arsenal in another huge game after the international break.

Swansea vs Liverpool Match Report

Swansea City vs Liverpool Match Report

A freak Jordan Henderson goal gives Liverpool the points as they close the gap on Manchester United in fourth.

 

The race for the top four is extremely tight and anything could happen as we enter the finale of the season.

 

Liverpool had the first early sight of goal when Raheem Sterling passed to Daniel Sturridge for a shot about 20 yards out. It went well wide however.

 

Adam Lallana had an attempt when Sturridge chested the ball down to him in a similar position but his shot was straight into the arms of Swansea keeper Fabianski.

 

Swansea were far better in the first half however and nearly made it count after Gomis had a shot on goal after some neat interplay with Wayne Routledge. His low shot however was saved by Mingolet.

 

Sigurdson also went close after receiving the ball from the impressive Neil Taylor. His shot on the turn went over the bar however. The Icelandic international had another attempt soon after when he curled a shot towards the top corner. Mingolet made an acrobatic save however.

 

In the second half Coutinho had a good chance when Sturridge and Sterling combined and the ball was squared to the Brazilian in the box. His near post shot however was saved.

 

Soon after Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard was introduced and not long after the Reds took the lead. Martin Skrtel hoofed a ball forward that was hooked on by Sturridge towards Jordan Henderson. Amat made a challenge but the ball hit the Liverpool midfielder and looped over the keeper in the net for a fortunate goal.

 

Philippe Coutinho had one of his signature curling shots but it went just wide. Sturridge also broke free in the final minutes and made a clever attempt at goal but he unfortunately hit the post. However Liverpool closed the game out well for the victory.

 

Now Liverpool are only two points off fourth place and only four points off second place Manchester City. Their next game is an incredibly important one against Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday.

Swansea City vs Liverpool Preview

Swansea City vs Liverpool Preview

The Reds travel to south Wales to face Swansea in an attempt to close the gap to the top four to two points.

 

Brendan Rodgers will want a win against his former side to keep the pressure on Manchester United in fourth before their meeting next weekend.

 

Swansea meanwhile sit comfortably in ninth place and with no threat of relegation will want to push on and consolidate a good league position for the end of the season.

 

With Manchester United and Arsenal both winning this weekend the results have not gone Liverpool’s way and a win could be vital in their pursuit for the top four.

 

They will be confident however after taking 13 points from the last available 15 and will appreciate their much needed break after a limp performance in the F.A. cup 0 - 0 draw at home to Blackburn Rovers.

 

Swansea meanwhile have had form just about as up and down as possible, winning two, losing two and drawing one of their last five games. They have struggled for goals at times after the departure of leading scorer Wilfred Bony however they do have an impressive win at home to Manchester United in that time.

 

While playing well Liverpool haven’t been that free scoring even with Daniel Sturridge’s return. They do however have a good defensive record and have won their last two away games.

 

In the reverse fixture at Anfield Liverpool came out comfortable winners in a four goals to one win. Adam Lallana was the pick of the players during that game scoring two goals on the day.

 

The big news for Liverpool this week has been the continued contract saga of Raheem Sterling. Apparently talks have stalled and with many teams watching closely Liverpool will hope to secure him down to a long term deal.

 

Sterling could be a key player for Liverpool against Swansea as he carries a threat for Liverpool’s attack being their joint top league scorer on six goals. He will probably start the game, also Steven Gerrard, the other player on six should return to the squad, either in the starting 11 or on the bench.

 

A criticism of Liverpool lately has been that the attackers have at times been slightly selfish in good positions, taking a shot when a pass would have been preferable. Too many missed opportunities will surely mean missing out on the Champions League.

 

Swansea are a very good side and will pose a challenge. However after a lengthy break but with their high confidence I do expect Liverpool to run out as winners.

Liverpool vs Blakburn Rovers Match Report

Liverpool vs Blackburn Rovers Match Report

It remained all square at Anfield as Liverpool head for a replay to reach the semi-finals.

 

The Reds will be disappointed that they couldn’t finish of Blackburn Rovers and now have another game added to their hectic schedule.

 

Unfortunately the big early incident wasn’t football related, rather Martin Skrtel fell awkwardly and had to be taken off on a stretcher. He was unconscious at one stage and was taken to hospital as a precaution but news is it is nothing serious.

 

Blackburn had the best early chance through Rudy Gestede. A free kick was played into the box and he reached the ball before Liverpool keeper Simon Mingolet but he headed wide.

 

Liverpool had a penalty shout turned down when Markovic played the ball into Lallana in the box. The England midfielder was bought down and the defender did not get the ball but no penalty was given.

 

Glen Johnson almost scored an own goal for Liverpool when a cross was played in towards Gestede. He chested the ball down but it bounced wide of the goal.

 

The big chance of the half went to Criag Conway. The ball rolled across the edge of the box to him giving him a free shot on goal but he hit the ball high and wide.

 

Liverpool did have the ball in the net through Kolo Toure. Philippe Coutinho played a free kick into the box which Daniel Sturridge headed on. It eventually landed to the feet of Toure who smashed the ball home but it was ruled out for offside.

 

Near the end of the half Daniel Sturridge worked the keeper after receiving the ball from Raheem Sterling. He made himself some space but his shot was palmed away.

 

Simon Mingolet made a fine save to deny Blackburn defender Alex Baptiste froma corner. He headed the ball with pace towards the goal but Mingolet tipped the ball over the bar.

 

Liverpool had a second penalty appeal waved away when Raheem Sterling tried to slip the ball through to Daniel Sturridge. The England striker appeared to be held back but nothing was given.

 

Kolo Toure almost scored from another Coutinho free kick. He was unmarked in the six yard box and headed towards goal but hit the frame of the goal.

 

Substitue Mario Balotelli hooked the ball over the defence towards Daniel Sturridge who hit a left footed shot by he sliced it over the bar.

 

Liverpool could have had another penalty for a foul on Balotelli. Lallana chipped a ball towards him in the box and Baptiste was pulling his shirt but no foul was given for the Italian.

 

Balotelli had another chance when he found himself in space about 20 yards out. He tried to place the ball into the corner but his shot was comfortably saved.

 

Liverpool could not break Blackburn down after Jordan Henderson saw a late volley saved and they will have to go to  the replay at Ewood Park if they are to progress to the semi-final. Their next game is next Monday away at Swansea.

Liverpool vs Blackburn Rovers Preview

Liverpool vs Blackburn Rovers Preview

It is the F.A. cup quarter finals as Liverpool take on Blackburn Rovers at Anfield.

 

Only three more wins are required to lift the cup and all eight teams will be giving it their all to reach Wembley.

 

Liverpool have been going from strength to strength of late. Unbeaten in the league in 2015, they have only lost one game in normal time and have been the most impressive team in the premier league. They face Blackburn Rovers who have been very up and down in the league this season, winning 12, drawing 12 and losing 11.

 

This is however he second time in three seasons they have reached the last eight of the F.A. cup. They took down another premier league side in Stoke city in the last round as well as beating Swansea earlier in their campaign and will be confident they can cause a major upset.

 

Blackburn can also take heart from the fact that they won their last F.A. cup game at Anfield, a one nil win in the year 2000.

 

Liverpool will pose a greater challenge however. They were barely threatened against Burnley on Wednesday and before that beat the champions Manchester City.

 

Everything seems to be clicking into place for Liverpool at just the right time. They are scoring goals, conceding far less and looking like a real good side.

 

Liverpool’s good form has been attracting attention for manager Brendan Rodgers. Manchester City have reportedly been interested but he has said he will not be moving away from Liverpool.

 

Philippe Coutinho in particular has been in been in fine form of late. He has established himself as one of the best attackers in the premier league. He will be hoping to add to his good recent performances against the championship side this weekend.

 

Liverpool’s team is likely to be similar to the one that played on Wednesday. Steven Gerrard has returned to training this week however after 6 games out and could return the starting line-up. It seems likely that Daniel Sturridge will drop down to the bench after playing for nearly 90 minutes against Burnley.

 

While obviously a tough game I think Liverpool will be happy with the draw, having a home game against a championship side. I think the Reds will win this one and progress to the semi-finals at Wembley.

Liverpool vs Burnley Match Report

Liverpool vs Burnley Match Report

Two goals from Liverpool sunk Burnley and made it four league wins in a row for the team in red.

 

They have now taken 13 points out of the last 15 available and look in a good position to make the top four at the end of the season.

 

Liverpool started the game brightly. Sterling and Sturridge played a neat one two and then and equally good one two was played between Sturridge and Lallana. Sturridge’s shot however was tipped away by Burnley keeper Tom Heaton.

 

Heaton made another save from Henderson after Sterling received the ball on the right wing. He twisted and turned his way into the box and squared the ball to Liverpool’s captain who placed a low shot towards the bottom corner but it was tipped away.

 

On 29 minutes Liverpool did take the lead. Philippe Coutinho had a shot blocked but the ball rebounded to Henderson who hit a sweet shot into the corner of the net with the outside of his right boot. He has now made it two goals in his last two games.

 

Daniel Sturridge could’ve made it two nil before half time when he was played through by Philippe Coutinho. Unfortunately for him his shot was saved by the legs of Heaton.

 

Shortly after half time Sturridge did score. Lallana did well to keep the ball in the Burnley half before playing the ball to Henderson. He played a deep cross towards Sturridge who headed beyond the keeper for his third league goal of the season.

 

Alberto Mereno could have added to the scoreline when Raheem Sterling played a cross across the box that evaded everyone else. His shot however went high and wide.

 

In all honesty Burnley rarely threatened and it was about as comfortable as it could get for a Liverpool side who dominated both possession and attempts on goal.

 

They remain unbeaten in the league in 2015 and haven’t lost a league game in 11 attempts. Everything looks to be clicking together at just the right time and it will put Liverpool in good stead for the final push at the end of the season.

 

Burnley meanwhile are three points off safety and will be hoping to start winning soon.

 

Liverpools next game is in the FA cup at home to Blackburn Rovers on Sunday.

Liverpool vs Burnley Preview

Liverpool vs Burnley Preview

11 games to go and it’s getting exciting.

 

Nothing quite perks a team up like outplaying and beating the champions. It’s not a bad time to watch Liverpool at the moment. The team looks exciting and vibrant and we’re actually winning some games.

 

Okay maybe 14 wins from the first 27 games this season wasn’t what we would’ve hoped for. However there’s no time like the present and the Reds have won their last three games and are currently the best form team in the league with 16 points from the last 6.

 

Steven Gerrard has been absent for the last three games which means things look bright for Liverpool. The likes of Henderson and Coutinho have really stepped up to propel Liverpool towards fourth place.

 

Two fantastic strikes from the aforementioned player’s last game sunk the champions and now the Reds are only two points off the top four. They are close behind Manchester United who don’t exactly look encouraging in their recent performances.

 

They face a Burnley side who have not won once in their last six league games. They have now slipped into the bottom three having only won four times all season. Only Aston Villa are statistically in worse form and they will need to start picking up wins fast if they are to avoid the drop.

 

Burnley striker Danny Ings could be key to their survival. He has been linked with Liverpool constantly and is their top scorer in the league this season with nine goals, more than any one Liverpool player.

 

The reverse fixture earlier in the season was a tight affair where Liverpool scraped a one nil win. Raheem Sterling scored the goal to sink Burnley then and he will be hoping to do the same this time around.

 

Liverpool’s team is likely to be similar to the one that beat Manchester City on Sunday. Jordan Ibe, Steven Gerrard and Glen Johnson all remain injured and will miss the game. After being left on the bench on Sunday Daniel Sturridge is likely to be restored to the starting line-up. He hasn’t scored for a while and will be hoping to add to his goals tally after missing some good chances lately.

 

While not to be underestimated on current form Liverpool are definitely the favourites. I think Liverpool will win this one fairly comfortably and move closer to the top four, if not enter it.