This is my blog on the unpredictable world of football. Hope you enjoy it.

Monday, May 2, 2011

Liverpool lay out lacklustre Newcastle

The much hyped return of Andy Carroll against his former club Newcastle provided plenty for Liverpool fans as they romped home 3 goals to nil. It was a dominant performance from the Reds, further highlighted by a lacklustre effort from the Geordies.

The first half was dominated early on by Liverpool with all the possession, the Kop only had to wait 10 minutes for the first goal. Young right back John Flanagan provided an enticing cross from the right flank, that Suarez could not quite reach. It however fell back to last weeks hat-trick hero Maxi Rodriguez who slotted home after a deflection from Newcastle right back Simpson. Jay Spearing - an academy product - one of Liverpool's in form players in recent weeks had some space just outside the box and fired a dipping low shot towards goal that was saved, only just by Newcastle 'keeper Krul who had two onrushing Liverpool players to keep him worried. Liverpool's next opportunity also came from Spearing as he picked out his central midfield partner Lucas. He headed tamely at goal for Krul to catch comfortably and waste a brilliant opportunity to go two goals ahead. Jonas Gutierrez was the shining light for Newcastle in this match, as he caused many problems for John Flanagan in the first half. He was the reason why Flanagan received a yellow card in the first half as well. The first half ended at 1 nil to Liverpool.

The second half began with a brilliant chance for Newcastle to get themselves back in the game with a goal. That man Gutierrez was involved in the lead up play and a cross was delivered from the left flank to a undetected run by Joey Barton who could only shoot wide and waste a superb opportunity. The second half also saw Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish swap young Flanagan to left back to avoid him being troubled by the flying Gutierrez and being sent off with a second booking. Luis Suarez then showed his fight as he chased down a misguided pass on the right side of the field to cut inside onto his left foot and shoot powerfully, only for it to be deflected by a Newcastle defender almost into their own goal. Minutes later Suarez once again chased a long ball that looked to be blocked well by centre back Williamson, only for Luis Suarez to burst around the side and collect the ball racing into the penalty area. Williamson had other ideas as he cynically pulled Suarez down resulting in a penalty for Liverpool and a yellow card for Liverpool. Replays showed that he may have been pulled down marginally outside the box, but the penalty was awarded. Dirk Kuyt slotted the ensuing penalty kick away making it 2 nil to Liverpool. Not long after Kuyt had another chance from a free kick. He was unmarked but facing the wrong way to try and head home. Only minutes later Luis Suarez scored his third goal for Liverpool since joining in January. He dribbled up to the box looking to play a one-two with his team mates, before passing it into a defender. The ball rebounded off the defender into the path of Kuyt who unselfishly passed back to a free Suarez to fire home and give Liverpool an important 3 nil victory, moving them into fifth place. You can watch the highlights here.

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