West Ham 1-2 Liverpool - Match Report

Liverpool returned to the top of the Barclays Premier League this afternoon with a fiercely fought win at Upton Park against spirited opposition in Sam Allardyce’s West Ham side. This, like all the remaining games for Brendan Rodgers’ men was a must win affair and would ensure three points and a return to the top of the pile.

Steven Gerrard: Keeps the Reds flying high

Win they did and the Reds now occupy pole position in the title race. The top of the Premiership is currently like the final round of a PGA tour match with all players needing to hold par or better, a birdie put, in order to win through. Fortunately it’s not sudden death... For now. The only change for Liverpool was centre back Mamadou Sakho deputising for Daniel Agger who was injured in training on Friday.

The visitors arrived at their hosts on the back of an eight match winning run which has seen them score 30 goals in the process. This West Ham side were in no mood to suffer the same fate and set their stall out to defend stoutly and attack quickly and physically. Needless to say, this was reflected in the scoreline as clearcut chances were few and far between. The best chance fell to top Scorer Luis Suarez on 27 minutes when his deftly placed chip struck the crossbar beyond the despairing dive of  Adrian. The visitors were patient in possession and waiting for opportunities to put through balls in behind the crowded home defence. 

As the end of a seemingly goalless first half approached, a 40-yard pass from captain Steven Gerrard found Luis Suarez on the edge of the West Ham penalty area, closely marshalled by James Tomkins. As Suarez scooped the ball beyond his marker, Tomkins inexplicably raised his hand and prevented the ball from passing him and leaving referee Anthony Taylor no option but to point to the spot. Up stepped Gerrard to push the ball to the ‘keeper’s right with a text book penalty kick. It now seemed as if Liverpool would go into the break with their noses in front. Alas, on occasion, all is not what it seems and in the second minute of injury time, West Ham clawed a goal back in controversial circumstances.

Mark Noble’s corner from the right was all but claimed by ‘keeper Simon Mignolet when ex-Liverpool man Andy Carroll impeded the Belgian with his arm connecting firmly to Mignolet's face. The ball fell to Guy Demel who stabbed home from close range to equalise. The infringement was spotted by the Mr. Taylor’s assistant Stuart Burt who’s flag was raised accordingly, as well as the visiting players appeals but despite both, the referee opted to allow the goal to stand. Not the best game the man in the middle has ever had. Well, hopefully not anyway. The whistle blew to signal the end of an eventful first half. Lacking in quality, but compensated for with controversy.

The second half was largely uneventful other than a Carroll header that thundered against Mignolet’s cross bar. The Reds pushed forward and patiently sought an opening to get a second but the home side stood firm and packed the defence. The deadlock was broken on 81 minutes as Jon Flanagan rushed into the West Ham penalty area to meet Lucas Leiva’s through ball only to be brought down by Adrian. It was a tough call. To coin a phrase "I've seen them given...", and given it was. Mr. Taylor pointed to the spot. Penalty number two was converted for goal number two by none other than Gerrard to send the travelling fans into raptures. Late efforts from Suarez - another deft chip hitting the bar - and Raheem Sterling went begging. The home team by the end had come to accept there was nothing down for them this time and that the visitors would be leaving with the spoils. 

Brendan Rodgers quite rightly asserted after the game that Liverpool were the better side and I don’t believe West Ham can have any genuine complaints after that. They were frankly beaten  by a better side, despite their best efforts to thwart that. Liverpool’s winning run now stretches to nine games and on this form, they need that to continue if they’re to break their 25 year duck and retain the Premiership crown. On this performance, there’s every chance they may just be able to manage it. The fans can dare to dream and next up, the Reds welcome Manchester City to Anfield for what is certain to be a real corker of a match.

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West Ham Utd v Liverpool FC - Match Preview

Liverpool travel to East London this afternoon with the intention of regaining their place at the top of the Premier League. With fellow challengers Manchester City and Chelsea recording emphatic wins

Glen Johnson: Will Glenda be out key man today - again?

yesterday, today's match will provide further evidence as to whether Brendan Rodger's side genuinely are in the hunt, or simply also-rans. Sam Alladyce will be sure to make this as difficult a task as is humanly possible in order to secure top flight survival for the Hammers. 

Luck, like everything in this world is not infinite and it'll be interesting to see if the Gaffer's continues, or whether he used up the last of it with his Grand National sweepstake win yesterday. Liverpool, or the housewives favorite if you prefer, are currently a solitary point behind Jose Mourinho's side with a single game in hand, so a win would restore the Reds' two-point advantage at the top of the table. Hopefully Rodgers' side can avoid falling victim, like Across The Bay did yesterday, to an unseated runner as one could call West Ham - long out of the race, but continuing all the same as trained to do.

If observers claimed Liverpool may suffer under pressure, then this match will see if they're correct. This fixture is one that Champions should be winning. The kind of game where they can show they will not lie down. Both to the immediate opposition and to the other challengers. Andy Carroll will be doing his level best to show Rodgers what he so willingly let go, and lifelong Reds supporter Kevin Nolan will be looking to put a dent in the visitors' hopes for sure. 

In terms of selection, I can't see any changes. Simply because the current team has done so well in the last couple of months and seem really settled. I'm hoping that Rodgers will start with a front three. Raheem Sterling out wide on the right, swapping the width with Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez. The latter two switching between offering the wide option and the central attacking threat. I'd prefer to see Sterling start ahead of Philippe Coutinho simply because I believe he can handle the inevitable physicality. Coutinho, on the other hand will probably win more free kicks and against a packed defence, this may well be the side's best bet for scoring opportunities. In any case the team has options and goals so we'll see which approach the boss goes with. 

The midfield three of Steven Gerrard in front of the back four, Jordan Henderson and Joe Allen ahead of him. I don't see a start for Lucas at the moment, but should the visitors secure a comfortable enough lead, then we can expect his introduction in the second half. The defense will gave a tough test managing Carroll and Nolan and I'm praying that the back four can keep them at bay. This is going to be a vital part of this match and if the visitors are to remain the only unbeaten premiership side this year, it's imperative that there are no sloppy mistakes to make a difficult risk harder still. This will also be a chance for Glen Johnson to continue his return to form and maintain his impressive scoring record against his old club.

For me, Manchester City are still the favorites to take the title this season. Their two games in hand could see them take a two point lead at the top so this really us a must-win game for Liverpool. Indeed, every one of the remaining six matches will be. This, if Rodgers' men can maintain their form, will be the reason why a title win would be that little more special. Just in case it isn't special enough. So let the analysis and talking stop and let the game begin. Let's hope the team come away with a win. 

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A look ahead to this weekend

Another weekend of top-flight footy awaits us with Liverpool, and all fans for that matter keen to

Brendan Rodgers: Thumbs up for Sunday

 witness the ups an down of another round of games in week 33 of the Barclays Premier League. Vital points will be won and lost as the season moves toward the most exciting finale we've seen in recent times. 

No longer is there a double-digit points lead at the top and everyone else playing for the scraps. Despite Jose Mourinho's public concession of his side's assault on the title, I'm sure privately, he still feels Chelsea have a chance. They must have. It's not over until the fat lady sings and I don't think she's even turned up yet! The Blues will be hosting Stoke in the late kick off tomorrow and one would expect them to be making amends. However, this could be another proverbial banana skin for them in addition to the one they encountered last weekend at Crystal Palace that landed them spectacularly on their wealthy behinds. 

The expression is that there are no easy games and I'll have this in mind for the biggest fixture of the weekend, in my opinion - albeit that I'm absolutely totally biased. Brendan Rodgers and his vibrant Liverpool team travel down to the cauldron that is Upton Park on Sunday hoping to extend their lead at the top against West Ham. The way things have panned out over the last few games, there isn't really much point in speculating as to who will be in the side. Unfortunately Rodgers doesn't have a massive squad to choose from. Those that have been called upon however, have been top class. Seeing as the Hammers are a very physical side as expected from Sam Alladyce, whoever the Gaffer picks will have to be up to the challenge of what will surely be a bruising encounter. And dare I say it, not the most attractive to watch either. I suspect there may be one or two neck aches in the crowd among the travelling support looking up at the long balls being launched into the box for Anfield old boy Andy Carroll. 

Manchester City will host Southampton at the Etihad Stadium tomorrow which will be a tricky one for them too. Southampton will be trying to bridge the gap between them and Manchester United in 7th so potentially another hazard there for Manuel Pellegrini. Despite winning the Capital One Cup this season, I believe Pellegrini will be under the most pressure of all the current title contenders. Should he fail to win the Premiership this season, the powers that be at the Etihad may well feel the need to wield the axe. Notwithstanding the fact that this City side is probably the most effective and clinical we've seen in a long long time. 35 wins from a possible 48 - a 73% success rate in old money - is as good a return as any so it'll be a bold move if he gets shown the door come the end of the season. 

Elsewhere, Crystal Palace travel to Cardiff where a win may all but seal their survival and Cardiff's doom. That said, West Bromwich Albion's visit to Norwich City could also have dire consequences for the loser depending on the outcome of the Palace match. Fulham, for me and anybody else with more than one brain cell, are dead and buried now. They can only play the part of spoilers between now and the end of the season. 

So we have an exciting weekend of footy ahead of us. I'm hoping that Liverpool can continue their current form at Upton Park. What's vital for Rodgers' men apart from winning of course, is to keep a clean sheet. It's not beyond the realms of possibility that this title race may come down to goal difference and if so, it's imperative that the Reds can prevent the opposition from scoring for the fourth game in their last six. Apart from breeding confidence into a defence that has been a tad erratic at times, it will send a clear signal to the chasing pack that they're going to have to be at their very best to get anything from us. 

I have to mention a special good luck to the Liverpool Under 18s side who play away at Leicester City's Aylestone training ground tomorrow afternoon. Unfortunately the lads aren't in a position to win the U-18 league this season but lie in a creditable third position with 41 points (as much as it burns me to say it, behind Everton and Man City) and a further three matches to go. 

Finally, no predictions for me, simply a suggestion that the Reds will return victorious from East London tomorrow, albeit by a slim margin. One thing it won't be is an expansive game as 'Big Sam' will keep the game as tight as duck's bottom and probably as rough as old boots too. 

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Liverpool 4-0 Tottenham - Match report

Raheem Sterling: Top, top top player! 

Liverpool returned to top spot in the Premiership in style yesterday with a convincing win over a distinctly unconvincing Tottenham side at Anfield. From the first whistle to the last, the home side was in total control of the fixture and brushed the visitors aside with some mesmerising football. Goals from Luis Suarez, Philippe Coutinho and Jordan Henderson added to an opening own goal from Younes Kaboul were too much for Tim Sherwood's side to cope with. 

The Merseysiders took the lead after only two minutes when Man of the Match Raheem Sterling attacked the Tottenham left side and slid a simple pass to Glen Johnson who's overlapping run went initially unnoticed by the visiting defence. Daniel Sturridge was waiting for the inevitable centre in front of goal but needn't have bothered as Kaboul helped the ball into the net with the kind of back-heel John Barnes would have been proud of. One would have expected the vengeance-minded to have sought immediate retribution but alas, nothing. 

On 25 minutes the second goal came. An awful back pass from Michael Dawson with his first touch of the ball after coming on for the injured Jan Vertonghen was pounced on by live wire Suarez whose strength and pace as he ran toward goal signaled the inevitable before he duly slid the ball across a helpless Hugo Lloris to notch up his 29th goal of the season. 

The second half started in much the same manner as the first in so far as the visitors showing a complete inability to handle the attacking flair of the hosts. Time after time, Liverpool passed around the Tottenham side as if they simply weren't there. On 55 minutes a rare offensive forray into the Liverpool area was cleared left to Jon Flanaghan who sold the most audacious dummy to his assailant and passed to Coutinho completely free in the middle of the pitch. Unchallenged, he headed toward the opposing penalty area and unleashed a text-book drive low into the left corner of the goal and past the outstretched arm of Lloris. 

This, to all intents and purposes was game over. There was no sign of the heroics from last week that saw Spurs come back from 2-0 down to win and it was clear in their body language that there wasn't going to be anytime soon. At least not today. The mauling was complete on 75 minutes when Jirdan Henderson's free kick from the left bypassed a packed penalty area and into the net. There was a spell of pressure from the visitors for the last 10 minutes but this was in vain. The Liverpool defence stood firm although in all honesty is wasn't exactly an onslaught that Tottenham subjected their hosts to. Merely, it seemed, to demonstrate that they hadn't turned up just to stand still.

Considering Tottenham, in the build up to the match, used the word "revenge", to describe their imminent mission, they didn't seem to be a unit with revenge a forethought. To say they were outclassed would be an understatement. Full credit must go Brendan Rodgers for sending the side out with an aggressive and brutal approach to this game. On the other hand, one has to wonder what happened to their opponents. At times it was almost embarrassing to watch. There was a total lack of desire from the North Londoners. Tim Sherwood has really got his work cut out with this lot. 

Liverpool now sit three points clear atop the Premiership and they actually look good value for it on recent performances. The next game away at West Ham won't by any means, be an easy one at their notoriously difficult venue. The Reds have the momentum now and on this showing, it will take one hell of a performance from West Ham to put a dent in that. However Sam Alladyce being the wily technician that he is will not make it an easy ride for their visitors and I've no doubt it'll be a sterner test than yesterday. 

There is a real sense of purpose in this Liverpool side now and it's easy to see why the fans are singing "We're gonna win the league...". Yesterday, they played without any inhibitions and yes, for the first time in the last two or three games, as if they were enjoying themselves. I have to say, this is the best football I've seen the team play for 25 years and on this form, I'm finally beginning to accept this song being sung. Next stop, Upton Park. 

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Liverpool v Tottenham - Match Preview

Today's afternoon kick-off sees Liverpool welcome Tottenham to Anfield for what is, for Brendan

LFC Squad. Could be worse. Could be better too

Rodgers' men, a chance to take pole position in the Premiership. If ever there was a must win game for LFC, then we'll be seeing it come 4pm this today. After yesterday's results, Liverpool have the top spot there for the taking and if the team is going to have any hope of lifting the title this season, then this is the chance to get one hand on it.

The weekend could not have gone any better for Liverpool upto now. Chelsea were done over 1-0 by a hungry Crystal Palace side who are fighting tooth and nail to remain in the top flight. Manchester City faltered at Arsenal in a 1-1 draw at the Emirates Stadium. I remain positive. I don't believe Tottenham or Tim Sherwood have what it takes to overturn Liverpool or Brendan Rodgers. Before Tottenham's win over Southampton last week, they hadn't won since the 1-0 home victory over strugglers Cardiff. The fact that all of the games since then and last week have been against what you'd generally call "Quality" opposition (Chelsea, Arsenal and Benfica), it's only natural to conclude that Tottenham struggle against this type of opposition. The type in which one can definitely count Liverpool.

Tactically, it's almost a given that Rodgers will start with the same side that's been doing so well since the turn of the year. The only change I can see is perhaps Raheem Sterling starting in place of Philippe Coutinho but then, that's something I've expected for the last few games and it hasn't come about. Expect the home side to press high up the pitch and pressure the Spurs midfield. Martin Skrtel and Daniel Agger will have to be at their combative best and obviously, avoid the individual errors that have cost the team goals in recent weeks. The right tactics though, are only one element of what is required.

I recall the ex-Liverpool winger John Barnes being asked in an interview "What is the secret for Liverpool's success?". Barnes' response was "Well firstly, we have the best players and secondly, the Gaffer just tells us to go out and enjoy ourselves". So for a start, Liverpool don't have the best players. Perhaps the best strikers and one or two midfielders arguably, but in defence certainly not. Thus Barnes' first point is irrelevant for the current team. However, what they can do is to go out tomorrow and enjoy themselves and I'm glad that Rodgers has put that point to the team ahead of tomorrow's match via the Liverpool Echo. 

Nobody knew that the team would be where they are at the beginning of the season. As underdogs for the Premiership - which they undoubtedly are - they shouldn't be feeling the pressure. That's the job of Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal but not Liverpool. They're in the mix and clearly have a chance but I'm not convinced that Liverpool will win the title. Mainly because there's no depth in the squad. All it takes is a 2-match yellow card ban (Steven Gerrard), an injury to Luis Suarez, Daniel Sturridge or indeed Gerrard, and then the title challenge will likely be as over as Austin Rover. The squad is right now four or five key players - not squad players - short of being genuine title material and Rodgers knows this. 

The bottom line is, Liverpool FC have nothing to lose and everything to gain. The apparent nervousness on Wednesday against Sunderland from both the team and supporters should not be. In reality, we've got to be happy we got this far. Surely that's worth celebrating. And come Monday 12th May, we might be celebrating still further.

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Gerrard and Sir Alex meet for peace talks

Steven Gerrard and Sir Alex Ferguson met in London yesterday for peace talks. Ferguson's autobiography released shortly after his retirement from Manchester United after 27 years, caused controversy after criticising a number of the games most high profile figures including his own players. Most notably, David Beckham.

The 72 year-old Scot also used his book to maintain his long held jealousy of his club's bitter rivals Liverpool FC. Wherein he said Jordan Henderson's gait would lead "to problems later in his career", and that Gerrard is now "not a top player". Both statements and many others were met with dismay from many greats in the game including Zinedine Zidane.

Watch the video exclusive here:

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Liverpool FC - True grit, or ready to submit? Discuss.

Lucas Leiva: Bend it like Gerrard!

Liverpool have seven games of the season remaining. Up until now they've bagged 84 goals over the 31 matches played this season. That's an average of almost three goals per match. More than half of them, 47, have come from Luis Suarez with 26 and Daniel Sturridge on 21. This has been all too well. Lovely to watch, deserving of the praise and confirming the side is now in a place to challenge the very best.

However, that's all done now. Brendan Rodgers' men have arrived at the business end of the season in a position that is theirs for the taking and the Premiership title a real possibility. The saying goes that there's no game more important than the next one and this applies to Liverpool this weekend with the visit to Anfield of Tottenham Hotspurs. Can Liverpool come out on top? I certainly believe so. In fact, if I go against the expression and look at the remaining fixtures, I don't see any games that the team can't win. Even the main protagonists Manchester City and Chelsea should not be a cause for alarm. True grit or bottle, yes. Alarm or submit, certainly not. 

This is the time for the entire squad to show what they're made of. Courage is what is needed at this stage of the season. With this statement, I'm not just referring to Joe Allen, Raheem Sterling or Martin Skrtel. Not that any of those named are showing anything less right now. I'm talking about Brendan Rodgers. I'm loathe to criticise a man who has done wonders for the club. He's restored some pride and metal into a flagging side. He's turned a bunch of wannabe's into a real group of contenders and this is wherein lies my point. He has a group of contenders. 

Liverpool Football Club have a squad of players. To cover injuries, to enable competition for places and to allow for practical as well as tactical selection. With that in mind, I'm baffled as to why Rodgers is insisting on playing Gerrard when he's one yellow card away from a two match ban. Yes he scored against Sunderland in the week and he is, after all, the team's source of back bone, drive and a kick up the backside when required. That said, the club has a squad of players and I think Rodgers needs to show the courage to use it. 

The next game may well be the most important but it's not the deciding game of the season and I don't feel there's much point in Rodgers' indulgence. Dare to be brave yes, but foolhardy? I'm not sure if playing Gerrard is what you could call brave. I'm leaning more toward foolhardy. If he's that vital an ingredient then surely we need to avoid the One day feast and one day famine scenario, to coin one of my mother's favorite expressions. There's more food in the cupboard! Looking at the squad, there is another player who could do a job in Gerrard's position and isn't getting a look in. 

Enter Lucas Leiva. Gerrard is, after all playing in his position and I don't think many a Liverpool supporter would say Lucas has done a bad job. For the last three seasons or so, he's become an integral part of the team, let alone the squad and I think it's about time Rodgers showed a bit more faith in the Brazilian and kept Gerrard in reserve for the next game or two. I believe the squad has sufficient depth - just about on account of Lucas - to be able to turn Tottenham and West Ham over without Gerrard. Man City? Debatable. What I'm beginning to not believe, is that the manager is brave enough to stick his neck out and make that call. 

Should Gerrard pick up a yellow card against Tottenham, and let's not delude ourselves, it's not beyond the realms of possibility, then it'll be fair to say that the manager has undone himself. Is Iago Aspas an able replacement for Luis Suarez or Daniel Sturridge? Probably not and that's definitely an area of the squad that needs a good understudy and reason for not playing him. Is Lucas an able replacement for Steven Gerrard. I'd say yes. Certainly a better replacement for Gerrard than Aspas is for either of the front two. 

Come on Brendan. Show us what you're made of. The team is not a one trick pony and I'm sure you're of the same belief. Let's use the depth of the squad. It may not be as strong as some of our rivals, but there's strength there nonetheless. 

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