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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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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Can The Reds turn the Theatre of Dreams into a nightmare?

Utd v LFC: The slave has become the master?

Brendan Rodgers and his resurgent Liverpool team travel to the wrong end of the East Lancashire Road on Sunday for what will be one hell of an encounter with the old enemy Manchester United. Can David Moyes' men put a halt to Rodgers' effervescent eleven, or will the Theatre of Dreams become a nightmare on Sir Matt Busby Way for the home side come 3.15 on the day?

It's certainly shaping up to be one of the games of the season so far. Not just because Liverpool have simply out performed United in every way so far this season, but also due to the history between the two clubs. Your average Manyoo fan must be spitting nails at the progress shown by LFC this term. From the point of view of a Liverpool supporter, I have to revel in the current achievements, or lack of, for both teams. 

The Merseysiders have gatecrashed the top-of-the-table party in spectacular style and along the way gained an army of admirers. Since the turn of the year they've remained unbeaten in nine Premiership games firing 29 goals past their opponents. In the process recording scorelines of 4-0, 5-1 and 0-3 against Everton, Arsenal and Southampton respectively. Fully deserving of the plaudits born from these performances. An average of 3.2 goals per game means you have to fancy the Reds for this one. Sir Alex Ferguson's noisy neighbours are now sounding an emphatic warning to all who stand before them.

Allied to that, there is clearly a new-found steel to Rodgers' men and a determination that is making them a very difficult team to turn over. Liverpool have not achieved their current level by any serendipitous means either. The planning, the purpose and the detail of Rodgers is plain to see and translating into firm results on the pitch. The work he's done in improving Luis Suarez, Daniel Sturridge, Jon Flanagan and Jordan Henderson among others, has been nothing short of astonishing.

On the other hand, their hosts have been nothing short of poor. And that's putting it mildly. Mathematically, United still have everything to play for. Realistically they're merely playing for pride. Since the turn of the year, they have managed only four wins in the nine games and mustered just 14 goals. Less than half the tally of Sunday's visitors and translating into an average of just 1.2 goals per game. Their biggest win being 0-3 against West Bromwich Albion in their last outing. The team have seemingly struggled to adapt to Moyes' requirements since he took over and one could argue his ousting of Sir Alex's successful back room staff may not have been his best move. With Robin Van Persie only netting 11 times this season and £37.1m record signing Juan Mata not exactly setting the world alight, the situation doesn't look like improving anytime soon.

There are however two positives for United. Firstly, Marouane Fellaini who has played in the last two matches and he now looks as if he's returning to the form that led Moyes to fork out £27.5m for him. It's no coincidence that United have looked stronger in, and won, these last two league matches with him in the side. Secondly, their defensive record is superior to Liverpool's which, let's be honest, isn't much too write home about. Conceding only nine goals since the turn of the year in as many matches against the visitors who's leaky back line shows 12 in the 'A' for Against column. A goal a game for Manyoo versus 1.3 for LFC.

This is shaping up to be a feisty encounter between these two giants and I can't wait until the ref blows for kick-off on Sunday at 1.30. The current situation for both teams could not be anymore opposite to how things have been in recent times. Should Liverpool come out on top, I think it'll give them the psychological edge over United, having been in their shadow for the best part of the last 25 years. Could this be the time for a change in the tide for the next 25 years? Who knows, but there's no time like the present to start and what better venue than in your biggest rival's back yard.

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Fortunate win keeps Reds in the hunt

A Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Hyde performance this afternoon gave Liverpool another three points to stay in

Dr. Jekyll or Mr. Hyde... You decide.

touch with the Premiership's leading pack. Two goals from each of Daniel Sturridge and Jordan Henderson saw off a spirited Swansea side under the stewardship of their new boss Garry Monk. Whilst Swansea deserve some credit in a thrilling match for the neutrals, Liverpool's defence were akin to a 12th man for Swansea at times. Attacking flair and clinical finishing at one end, and suicidal defending at the other.

If there was any more proof required that Brendan Rodgers needs to beef up his defence in the next transfer window, then this must surely be it. The calamitous displays of Martin Skrtel, Daniel Agger and Kolo Touré make me wonder where the team would be were it not for the current forward line. The words "mediocrity" and "mid-table" come to mind.

Liverpool started brightly enough and were two up after superbly taken goals from Sturridge on three minutes and then Henderson 17 minutes later to put the reds firmly in the driving seat. At this point one would think it should have been game over for Monk's men, but alas, enter the Dr. Jekyll defence. In fairness to Swansea, there were warnings to Liverpool before then with the impressive Jonjo Shelvey and Wilfred Bony, continually being allowed space to run at the home side's defence, without any sign of a challenge until far far too late. Shelvey got the Swans back into the game with a wonderful effort, in every way equal in quality to Henderson's strike a few minutes earlier.

The reaction from the ex-Liverpool midfielder was somewhat muted presumably as a sign of respect to the fans of his old club. Personally, I find this quite lame. If a player scores, especially in the way that Shelvey did, then he has every right to celebrate it in my opinion. Whether it's against his old team or not. Four minutes later the visitors were level due to what can only be described as laughable defending by Liverpool. A clear free kick against Skrtel for needlessly tripping Shelvey with his trailing leg - after a perfectly timed tackle - allowed the game to be brought back to parity. Bony heading in past Simon Mignolet with yet more help from the hapless Skrtel. Much to the annoyance of the home fans. Again, the pendulum swung back when Sturridge bagged his second of the game to restore Liverpool's lead. Again, you'd think Liverpool would get a strangle hold of the game now. Again, this was clearly too much to hope for.

The second half continued in as equally a shambolic manner as the first, as Dr. Jekyll, or Skrtel as he's often called, brought Bony down in the area to prove that you can't continually drag opponents to the ground or take their shirt off and expect to get away with it. Bony stepped up and slotted home to bring the game back to 3-3 with his second of the game. Liverpool were rattled. Not really by Swansea, but by their clear lack of any cohesion. The Mr. Hyde-like midfield and attack worked tirelessly, only for the Dr. Jekyll-like defence to undo the good work.

Rodgers substituted Daniel Agger, who it must be said was not having his happiest of returns to the team, with none other than Kolo Touré. Things could only get worse one thought and the anxiety of the Anfield faithful was felt every time he touched the ball. In fairness to him, he wasn't that bad although he was still bad enough. The introduction of Joe Allen for Raheem Sterling a few minutes earlier gave Liverpool some much needed zip in midfield, and things seemed to take a different slant. The home side started to play as if they actually knew each other and Allen's endeavour down the left was beginning to bear fruit.

Finally with 15 minutes remaining, the very same Joe Allen was involved again as his run down the left and switch to Luis Suarez who's cross saw Henderson pounce on the rebound from his initial shot to restore Liverpool's lead. Gerrard went close late on and hit the post, but other than that, there wasn't much else to shout about. by now Liverpool were looking more assured and saw out the rest of the game in relative ease. Special praise must go to Jon Flanagan who was absolutely immense at right back. He has come on leaps and bounds this season and one has to wonder when Martin Kelly, equally capable will get his chance for a run in the team. Let's face it, he can't do any worse than Glen Johnson, who was "ok" in his first game back but seems to be showing his age from what I can see. Come on Brendan save the club another £12m and give the boy a chance.

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LFC Mid Term Review

The Teacher's Pet!

With the festive period over and past the halfway mark this season, I think it's only fair to take a look back at the season so far. I thought I'd make something more like a report. You know, like the ones from school that always got "lost" on the way home, only for the school secretary to "kindly" send one in the  post! 

So, without further ado, read below the mid-term report. In no particular order other than positional groups:

Simon Mignolet: A good start to the term including very important saves early on. Unfortunately his work has suffered just a wee bit with a couple of soft errors. Will do well if he doesn't get too sloppy with his work. Grade B-

Glen Johnson: Hasn't been at his best this season and performed very poorly against Chelsea in the last test. Needs to concentrate more in class and avoid day dreaming. Grade C

Jose Enrique: Poor attendance due to injury may give him the "Sicknote" tag among his peers. Not enough coursework to be marked. 

Kolo Toure: Started the term well but his level appears to have dropped a tad. Must avoid needless talking in class... To the press. Grade B-

Daniel Agger: A promising start, and very popular with his peers. A reliable deputy head boy and member of the class. Unfortunately poor attendance through injury has curbed his progress. Grade A-

Mamadou Sakho: A likeable lad. However, the early promise he showed when joining the class seems to have deserted him. Sloppy work and failing to follow instructions have blighted his efforts this term. Grade C

Aly Cissokho: Good potential but often seems to miss the point of lessons. Seems to wander away from the topic being taught. If he applies himself properly he'll do well. His peers remain unconvinced. Grade C+

Martin Skrtel: the lad has come on leaps and bounds since a shaky start to the term where he struggled to grasp some basic topics. Must be careful his enthusiasm doesn't get him into trouble with pupils from other classes. Grade B

Martin Kelly: Very promising pupil who is always keen to raise his hand to answer questions if asked. Must knuckle down and have more confidence if he's to reach the potential shown in the last school year. Grade B-

Jonathon Flanagan: A good term thus far from another of the younger members of the class. Enthusiastic and keen to participate in class activities. Good attitude. Grade B-

Steven Gerrard: Continues to excel as head boy and remains an example to his peers and younger pupils alike. Recent absence has spoiled an otherwise good term's work. His final graduation will leave a large void in the class. Grade A

Philippe Coutinho: An excellent understanding of topics covered in class. Could perhaps finish his work with more conviction, particularly in tests where marks matter most. Grade B+

Jordan Henderson: A likeable member of the class who has really improved both his theory and practical work. Potentially a future head boy. Must refrain from using obscenities when things don't go his way. Grade B+

Lucas Leiva: Performing to high expectations this term and is an able deputy to the head boy when called upon. Beginning to return to his previous high standards following a long absence through injury. Keep up the good work Lucas. Grade A-

Raheem Sterling: A very capable young lad who is now showing his potential following a drop in his own high standards at the end of the last school year. Is also paying more attention in class and willing to take on more responsibility. Grade B

Victor Moses: A bit of an enigma is young Victor. Displays lots of ability one lesson, then completely absent the next, even if present. Shows flashes of ability and is well thought of by his tutor. Complained of being overlooked in his last class. Grade C+

Joseph Allen: Joe, as his peers call him is a likeable lad. What he lacks in natural ability he makes up for in hard work. A tad on the small side for his age but copes well against the bigger lads in class. Progressing well after a difficult period. Grade B-

Luis Alberto: Struggling to cope with life in a new school but seems determined to succeed. Has a good theoretical ability but needs to work harder at practical tasks. Grade C

Iago Aspas: Similar to his compatriot Alberto but looks to be adapting slightly better. There have been rumours of his wanting to move to another class. If this happens, one can only wish him well. Grade C+

Daniel Sturridge: Has settled in very well after being removed from his previous class for sulking. Young Daniel cannot be faulted for his effort and is very popular in school. Especially for his love of robotic dancing. He has handed in some excellent pieces this term. Although absent sick, his return will be welcome by his peers. Grade A-

Luis Suarez: Coping excellently this term and his work has been absolutely top class. He is winning over the doubters in his class and in school overall. He is also willing to help the younger members of the class. Will fulfill his massive potential only when he stops feigning illness during tests when faced with one or two challenging questions. Grade A

Class tutor, Mr. Rodgers: Appears to have got an otherwise noisy, lazy and disenchanted bunch to pull their socks up and apply themselves as required. Having done well in his previous school he has shown in our class why he has been so highly regarded in his field all over the land and abroad. He certainly has an eye for talent and is coping well with being in the limelight. Despite a few shaky moments in front of the governing board - or "press" as they like to be called - early on. 

There you have it. My mid term report. I think I've been fair. Reds fans, will admit that Brendan Rodgers' men have been punching above their weight this term and lie in a creditable fourth place. I thought the team would be in "the mix" around this time, but sixth or possibly fifth would have been acceptable for me. However, the performances have more than justified the current position and, but for a bit of luck and a lack of the odd visually impaired referee, a firm spot in the top three would be fair. For me, Jordan Henderson, Lucas Leiva, and of late, Raheem Sterling have been the stand out performers. Not to mention of course Daniel Sturridge and the irrepressible Luis Suarez. Despite my disdain of the latter, you can't argue with his performances this season. Simply top drawer stuff. 

As usual I don't make predictions. However, I'd be satisfied with European qualification this season, be it the hallowed Champions League or the less glamorous Europa Cup. Both of these would represent a fine achievement from all at the club and without doubt an improvement on las season's seventh placed finish. Similarly, for this afternoon's FA Cup third round  tie against Oldham, I don't expect a repeat of last year's failing to Oldham, where Rodgers' men lost 3-2 at Boundary Park. If it does... Suspensions all round and a good lash with the headmaster's cane to add to it, never mind the letter home!

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It was only a friendly!

The boy done good!

Now the dust has settled my inflated optimism at Liverpool's 0-4 drubbing of Preston North End has

turned more to caution. A feet on the ground approach to what was undoubtedly a very positive performance. No disrespect to Preston's players, but there wasn't much to establish the improvement, if any, that Brendan Rodger's summer signings have made to the squad.

That said, I was pleased with a number of the performances. Clearly most of the plaudits will go to Iago Aspas with his clever assist for Raheem Sterling to slot home Liverpool's third and his own top drawer finish to put the Reds clean out of sight with the fourth. Philippe Coutinho for some great individual moments and putting the visitors ahead from the penalty spot. And of course Sterling himself  who worked tirelessly and thoroughly deserved his goal. Also worth a mention is young Jordon Ibe. 

For the last couple of seasons now Ibe has been improving and improving since the sauff London lad joined Liverpool from Wycombe Wanderers and his outstanding promise is beginning to deliver. He took his goal extremely well. The other plus is that the performances of Coutinho, Aspas and Sterling actually took the limelight away from Ibe which can only be a good thing for him. I can't see him being a regular fixture for next season but he will get some chances to show what he can do. This is for sure. 

Equally impressive was Andre Wisdom and he showed that he can cope well in his preferred position at Centre Back. What I found most pleasing is that he can bring the ball forward from defence and distribute it intelligently, whilst also showing that he can provide some bite in the tackle. Martin Kelly didn't really have much game time, but I think he still showed he's on the way back to what we expect of him. Stewart Downing and Jordan Henderson both had good games and another newbie Luis Alberto also put in a good performance and came close also with a couple of chances. He reminds me quite a bit of Xabi Alonso. He seems to have a good eye for a pass and I think he can be pleased with his debut.  

The only disappointment was Fabio Borini. He has yet to justify his inclusion in the side in my opinion. All industry and no end product. The one-on-one he had towards the end of the first half that he blazed wide was simply typical of his clear lack of composure and ability in front of goal. I hope he was watching when Sterling had an almost identical opportunity, rounded the keeper and slotted home. That's the way to do it!

Overall, as warm-ups go it was pleasing to watch. I didn't see Preston scoring and said so in my preview. All of the players that took part looked as if they enjoyed themselves and the team is developing a good understanding with the newcomers and this can only bode well for the coming season. I guess the fact that Simon Mignolet and Kolo Toure had very little to do, kind of sums up the level of threat from Preston. I therefore have to remind myself and all Liverpool fans, in case we forgot... It was only a friendly. 

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In Brendan I trust!

"I haven't done that badly, guys!"

It's been over a year since I last "blogged" about Liverpool . I recall the last piece was "Liverpool forward Suarez must leave following handshake fiasco". Nothing new there then! I still believe this to be the case. Maybe replace "handshake" with "bite"... Same old. Anyway I stop here where that particular liability is concerned, and focus on another. The average LFC fan. You know the one, crowing on about the "old days", and how Liverpool "should be challenging..." etc. The most bizarre one being that Brendan Rodgers "must go", whilst implying that he's out of his depth blah blah blah... Closet Newcastle supporters maybe?

Now I don't claim to be able to read the future or be a slave to the past, but one cannot deny that the two are directly correlated if applied correctly. Events from the past can and generally do indicate what the future holds. In the same way that a weather forecast is (for the most part) reasonably correct by looking at past data. Don't forget Bill Shankly didn't win anything at Liverpool, other than promotion for, what four or five seasons? I'm not sure what happened after that. It's all in the past now anyway!

If we apply that logic to Liverpool, I think Mr. L.F.C. Averagefan,  as we'll call him, may be pleasantly surprised. If you look back over the years, most successful teams have achieved that through two factors. Continuity and stability. It's not simply down to having the most money to buy the best players. Those things are important but they don't appear overnight. They come through giving everybody involved time to develop. Not just players, but perhaps more importantly, the manager and his staff. Take the Liverpool managers since Joe Fagan, those that done best were at the club for at least five years and had over 300 games in charge. The closest exception was Roy Evans but he had 226 or 244 if you include the 18 in his "partnership" with Gérard Houllier. Between Kenny Dalglish, Evans, Houllier and Rafa Benitez, the win ratio was around 55%. The other incumbents of the hot seat managed 43% from the same amount of managers. I haven't included "Caretakers". I know statistics can be bent in all manner of ways, but even Stevie Wonder (no disrespect to the musical legend) would see there is a clear pattern here.

In times of transition, which Liverpool obviously are, we all have to be grateful for small mercies. In this sense, Mr. L. F. C. Averagefan has to ask himself: Where did Liverpool finish in the 2011/12 season? And where did they finish in the 2012/13 season? Rodgers has most definitely improved the side. They're one position higher - as I said "...small mercies..." - they've scored almost twice as many goals whilst conceding only three more, and again our friend Mr. Wonder can observe that Rodgers' Liverpool side have played some of the most entertaining and attacking football we've seen since the Roy Evans' days. To confirm what I said about stats, Benitez may have been more successful but his brand of footie wasn't exactly the most enthralling you'll ever see.

Rodgers has managed to get remarkable improvements from at least a couple of players who many Liverpool fans, myself included and I won't deny it,  would have sold for two bob at the beginning of last season, namely Jordan Henderson who finished the term as arguably one of the most effective midfielders in the Premiership, let alone Liverpool and Stewart Downing who would himself admit, has played his best football since joining the club. Transfers in have been massively encouraging especially Daniel Sturridge and Phillippe Coutinho. The introduction and progress of the youngsters Andre Wisdom and Raheem Sterling among others - worthy of nothing less than praise and credit where it is definitely due.

As we embark on another close-season of transfer speculation, pre-season friendlies, (traditionally) over-inflated expectations of the season ahead, my words of advice to Mr. L.F.C. Averagefan is to get behind the team. Support the manager, the players and look at the wider picture. I'm not convinced Liverpool will qualify for the Champion's League next season either, but to be honest, another couple of places up the league, European qualification and some good entertaining football in doing so will be enough for me.

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