LIVER BIRD – Carra Hits Post In Final Game For Reds

May 20, 2013 by Leave a Comment

There will never be another like him; Jamie Carragher…Image: guardian.co.uk Liverpool played their last game of the season on Sunday against QPR at Anfield. The game didn’t have any real purpose behind it though and so all of the focus was on the retiring Jamie Carragher. A guard of honour saw the number 23 out onto the pitch with The Kop creating a massive mosaic for the defender. Carragher ran towards the Kop with his son and daughter and thanked the Anfield faithful, it was an emotional moment and finally it seemed real that Carragher was in fact retiring. In terms of the game though it may not have meant anything, but Liverpool still wanted to finish their season on a high. 7th place isn’t an achievement really and finishing behind Everton just rubs more salt in the wound but here’s hoping Brendan buys well in the summer and we can push on next season finding some consistency on the way! Liverpool started the game in a confident manner whilst QPR lacked a spark. Philippe Coutinho was the star man for Liverpool though, weaving his way through problems and setting up his team mates. He’s been fantastic since we signed him and if anybody deserved to find the back of the net yesterday (aside from Carra) it was Coutinho. Coutinho actually had the ball in the back of the net earlier in the game but the referee ruled no goal and so Coutinho would have to wait a bit longer to give the Reds the lead. At 22 minutes he got his chance. After an assist from the 17 year old Jordan Ibe making his debut, Coutinho struck a powerful shot from outside the area and sent his effort low to the left of goal. It was a cracking goal really and just what Liverpool needed. QPR weren’t really troubled Pepe Reina too much, especially in the first half but it was Loic Remy who was taking the chances for his side. Some efforts early on went just shy of goal for QPR as they looked to find an equaliser before half time. In the Red corner, it was Jamie Carragher getting harassed to push forward for the Reds, almost every time he got the ball. It would have been such a story for Carragher to have scored on his debut 16 years ago and then score on his final day in a Red shirt. The dream nearly came true too after a stinging shot from long range smashed back out off the post, unbelievable! It would have been an absolutely brilliant goal, the Anfield faithful had their hearts in their mouths but it just wasn’t to be. It wasn’t a terribly exciting game but Liverpool were definitely the better of the two teams, Rob Green kept his side in with a chance after saving efforts from the likes of Enrique and Johnson but QPR just couldn’t find themselves a goal. Jamie Carragher the man of the moment was substituted at 85 minutes and to rapturous applause. Anfield began a rendition of “team of Carraghers” as the legend left the field for the last time. He was replaced by Coates. And so folks that is the end of the season and the end of an era. Liverpool finished in 7th place on 61 points. And Jamie Carragher finishes on 737 games, a feat only bettered by Ian Callaghan. What did you make of this season? Were you happy with it? Do you feel we’ve underachieved? Leave your thoughts below. As always on The Liver Bird at some point in the next week there will be a mini pocket sized round up of the season with some snippets of what was going on in the news at the time as well, once again, thank you all for stopping by on my little blog here and roll on 2013/2014!Like “The Liver Bird” on Facebook – www.facebook.com/TheLiverBirdsBlog

A news article on 2013-05-20 11:28:00 from: The Liver Bird

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LIVER BIRD – Carroll & Cole Won’t Make Anfield Return

April 6, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Carroll can’t feature on Sunday…Image: guardian.co.uk West Ham are the visitors to Anfield on Sunday as they look to really cement their stay in the Premier League. After coming back from a goal down to beat Aston Villa last weekend Liverpool showed real fight and with the Anfield crowd behind them you would hope to see a home win and all 3 points collected. For Liverpool there are no new injury worries and although they won’t be available there was some positive news this week with Fabio Borini and Martin Kelly spotted back in training. West Ham are unable to use Andy Carroll due to the terms of his loan agreement and another ex red Joe Cole will be unable to play, he remains out with a hamstring injury. The Hammers are also without Mark Noble. The last time the two sides met was in December last year, in a game packed full of goals Liverpool were the eventual winners, the game ended 3-2. Joe Cole, Glen Johnson and Jonjo Shelvey were on the scoresheet for the Reds that day. The last time West Ham paid a visit to Anfield was in November 2010. Liverpool scored 3 goals without return in that game. In terms of their record at Anfield the Hammers have failed to notch up a win here in all competitions for 50 years. Stat Sandwich Liverpool have scored 15 goals in their last 5 Premier League games. Jussi Jaaskelainen has made more saves than any other keeper in the league this season. Philippe Coutinho has made 3 assists and scored twice in 369 minutes of Premier League football for Liverpool. I feel pretty confident going into this game Liverpool have only lost 1 out of their last 5 league games whilst the Hammers have lost 3 out of their last 5. One thing Liverpool have at the moment is a strong attack and so scoring goals on Sunday I don’t feel will be a problem. Also with West Ham missing Andy Carroll that could cause them problems as they haven’t been finding the back of the net very often lately. For this reason I’ll punt for a 2-0 Liverpool win, I might put a quid on that, depends how the Grand National goes today! Haha! Enjoy the match folks! Like “The Liver Bird” on Facebook – www.facebook.com/TheLiverBirdsBlog

A news article on 2013-04-06 13:18:00 from: The Liver Bird

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LIVER BIRD – Give Us A Vote?

January 25, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Image: sportskeeda.com Afternoon folks! I’m delighted to announce that I’ve been shortlisted for the Sportskeeda Blogger Awards! I must admit I’ve never come across the site before but was very happy to receive the email this morning and I’ve since had chance to look around, it’s a very comprehensive sports website and it would be brilliant to receive an accolade from the folks over at Sportskeeda. As you all know I was over the moon last July after winning best female blog at the football blogging awards and I’d really appreciate your help in my quest to try and gain the blog another gong. I know my blog isn’t the most technical, that’s not what I’m here for and we all know that I’m no footballing genius but one thing I’m sure you will vouch for is my effort, since starting in September 2009 I have only missed one match preview and my blog has become a massive part of my life! The Liver Bird is the only Liverpool FC blog in the category and we can’t have somebody like Republik Of Mancunia winning it now can we?! Lol. TO VOTE simply follow this link, scroll to the bottom of the page and select “The Liver Bird” for “Best Club Fan Site” then cast your votes for the other categories (Fellow Liverpool blogger Feint Zebra is in the video category, drop him a vote please!) then simply enter your email and submit! Your votes are very much appreciated, I will keep you updated as things progress, voting ends 31st January! #YNWA Like “The Liver Bird” on Facebook – www.facebook.com/TheLiverBirdsBlog

A news article on 2013-01-25 16:31:00 from: The Liver Bird

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LIVER BIRD – Reds In Norwich Rout

January 20, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Henderson was over the moon with his goal…Image: guardian.co.uk Liverpool put 4 past Norwich and accepted a gifted own goal to finish their 5-0 rout at Anfield on Saturday as the doubters of the Sturridge and Suarez partnership were hushed once again. In a game where Steven Gerrard found the back of the net and Jordan Henderson too it was a brilliant performance from the Reds who look to be finding their feet. Liverpool were without Pepe Reina and Martin Skrtel for this one and so Brad Jones was between the sticks with Jamie Carragher brought back into the defence. Norwich were thankful to be able to start their main man Grant Holt up front as they would need the extra fire power. Immediately for Liverpool it was clear that Sturridge and Suarez (despite the small amount of time they’ve been working together) had an awareness about them. Sturridge knew exactly where Suarez was and Suarez knew exactly where Sturridge was, to be playing that freely already and feeling confident in your partner is fantastic and it wasn’t long until Suarez was causing problems for the Norwich defence. Weaving in and out and closing in from tight angles as he always does, Suarez was causing havoc in the run up to Liverpool’s first goal. Eventually the ball found it’s way to Jordan Henderson, most who praise Henderson will still admit that he’s very much a confidence player and so to see him “have a pop” with the way the ball fell to him was fantastic. Hitting it first time it was a cracking finish that flew straight into the back of the net and gave Liverpool the lead. Henderson celebrated emphatically, you could see what it meant to him. Ten minutes later and that man Suarez was making sure everybody was talking about him again. On a break he took the ball all the way to the keeper and with typical flair, provided a classy finish to give Liverpool their second. Lucas set him up after Sturridge allowed the ball to run through his legs, knowing that the Uruguayan striker was free. Things were going almost too well for Liverpool, you have to take into account the opposition and the fact it was at Anfield of course but we were running like a smoothly oiled machine, even with big changes to our usual line up. Norwich were creating chances here and there and sprung Brad Jones into action very early on but the Reds had too much of a hold on the game now, it had the feel of a goal fest and it certainly turned into one. No substitutions were made from either side for the second half. Norwich needed a spark to be honest but Hughton wasn’t ready to change things yet. He’d perhaps left it too late though as Daniel Sturridge scored close to the hour mark. It’s 3 in 3 for the ex Chelsea man and once again he was in exactly the right place at exactly the right time, it’s such a simple goal but as I’ve mentioned before, Downing plays that lovely cross in any other game pre – Sturridge and it’s simply not scored, because no one is bloody there in the box waiting! A tap in suits me just fine. It’s a late one but my New Year’s resolution is definitely to learn Sturridge’s celebratory dance… Hughton made a sub five minutes after this goal bringing on Hoolahan for Bennett who ended up having a less than favoured impact on the game. Norwich are in a bit of a rut at the moment after a good start to the season and they may have fancied their chances of getting something against us after their draw last time out at Anfield but it just wasn’t to be. Immediately after the substitution Steven Gerrard decided he’d quite like to get in on the action and with a goal that showed remnants of his glory days, his long range shot beat the keeper to the left bottom corner of the goal. Raheem Sterling and Fabio Borini were brought into play shortly after the Gerrard goal and it makes you realise that we do have some decent options at the moment, people who can add a different element to a game. Just to rub salt in the wounds for Norwich, Raheem Sterling created the problem that caused their man to turn the ball into the back of his own net at 75minutes. It was unfortunate for Ryan Bennett but some good work by Sterling meant his cross would have probably been met by Fabio Borini anyway even if Bennett didn’t get in the way. It was a brilliant performance from Liverpool, a real rout and to keep a clean sheet too is just fantastic. I’d never have guessed a 5-0 scoreline pre-match. It must be a hard one to take for Norwich who didn’t actually play all that bad but for a change Liverpool were not wasting their chances and made nearly every one count. If we can take that kind of attitude and performance to Arsenal next in the league then we may well be on to something but before that we have to face Oldham in the FA Cup.Like “The Liver Bird” on Facebook – www.facebook.com/TheLiverBirdsBlog

A news article on 2013-01-20 01:10:00 from: The Liver Bird

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LIVER BIRD – Agger Do

December 2, 2012 by Leave a Comment

It was brilliant to see Lucas back!…Image: thetimes.co.uk Liverpool notched up a 1-0 win over Southampton at Anfield on Saturday with defender Daniel Agger heading home in the first half for the Reds. It was an improved performance from Liverpool and whilst finishing still could have been better there were plenty more chances than there have been of late. Starting for Liverpool was Lucas Leiva, a real staple for the side in most people’s eyes he retained his old position in the centre of midfield allowing Steven Gerrard a lot more freedom. Up front for Liverpool was Suarez as always whilst Southampton had the rather dangerous Rickie Lambert leading their attack. Liverpool began the game with a real tempo and applied great pressure on the Southampton defence. Chances from Shelvey and Suarez were thick and fast and the supply from the likes of Glen Johnson and Jose Enrique on the flanks was plentiful. With Steven Gerrard entitled to move around a lot more too it was clear more direct balls were going through. Liverpool have played the passing game a lot this season but it’s refreshing for me to see a cut through ball straight into the box every now and then and Gerrard can certainly provide that. Liverpool saw two of their chances come back off the woodwork late in the second half as a Jonjo Shelvey shot smashed off the post it was followed by a Suarez free kick that crashed off the bar. Luckily for Liverpool the deflection fell to Glen Johnson who had plenty of red men left in the area to play the ball to. A nice cross in allowed Agger to finish with a lovely header leaving the Southampton defence dumbstruck. The Reds were ahead and deservedly so. For the second half Southampton must have made the most of their half time break as they appeared more confident now. Chances mainly via Gaston Ramirez gave Liverpool something to deal with but Pepe Reina pretty much had everything covered. Jordan Henderson was brought on just before the 70 minute mark for Liverpool replacing Joe Allen. Many fans were intrigued as to how the system would work with both Allen and Lucas in the midfield but I feel it went pretty well. Allen was forced into a more attacking role which is good because although Joe is effective in his role he does tend to pass sideways quite a lot and as mentioned before with a more direct approach Liverpool on the whole were looking more dangerous. At 80 minutes something happened that kopites have perhaps been expecting for a long while. Luis Suarez picked up his 5th yellow card of the league season meaning he would miss the next match. I dread to even think what we’re going to do against West Ham without him but at least this game against Southampton had more positives than usual. The Reds still troubled keeper Gazzaniga a few more times late on in the second half via Jose Enrique and Luis Suarez but they couldn’t double their lead. Lucas left the field of play for Jamie Carragher late on too but the score remained the same until the end of the 90 minutes. A win is a win and despite the fact the goal tally perhaps should have been higher I was happy with that performance. For me the passing was a lot more purposeful and it proved that you can retain stacks of possession but still attack consistently and vitally find a goal that gets you all three points, for me, it was a big improvement and part of that fell down to the reintroduction of Lucas and the knock on effect he has. Today the Reds drew Lincoln/Mansfield in the FA Cup which is a very nice draw for Brendan but next up is Udinese away.Like “The Liver Bird” on Facebook – www.facebook.com/TheLiverBirdsBlog

A news article on 2012-12-02 16:48:00 from: The Liver Bird

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LIVER BIRD – Reds Seek Win At Spurs

November 27, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Lucas is getting closer to returning to the first team…Image: paisleygates.com With barely a second to rest after their tie with Swansea this weekend the Reds make the trip to London on Wednesday evening to face Andre Villas Boas’ Tottenham side. Liverpool have a strong unbeaten run at the moment in the league but find themselves requiring goals. Tottenham are unable to call upon striker Adebayor who is still out through suspension. Spurs also have a growing injury list with Ekotto, Kaboul, Parker and Benoit all out. Sandro is available though after picking up a stomach injury during their recent West Ham fixture. For Liverpool things are still pretty much the same. Encouragingly Lucas Leiva featured with the reserves this week but is still not ready for the first team and Andre Wisdom has recovered from a knee injury he picked up in the Europa League. Tottenham are currently 7th in the league whilst Liverpool find themselves in 11th. Only 4 points separate the two teams though and Liverpool will certainly be looking to close the gap during this difficult away game. Spurs recent clash with West Ham saw them win 3-1 but they were embarrassed during their trip to Arsenal losing 5-2 and Adebayor in the process. Liverpool’s last two games saw them notch up a goalless draw with Swansea and a comfortable 3-0 win over Wigan. The last time the two sides met was in February this year. The tie at Anfield ended in a 0-0 draw. The Reds last visit to White Hart Lane is perhaps one to forget as Dalglish’s side lost 4-0 and saw both Martin Skrtel and Charlie Adam sent off. Stat Sandwich Liverpool have drawn 7 out of 13 league games so far this season. Spurs have won 3 out of their last 4 matches with Liverpool. The draw with Swansea on Sunday was Liverpool’s first clean sheet away from home this season. This one for me is going to be a tough fixture, if it was at Anfield I’d perhaps feel a bit more confident but, it’s not. Spurs will have more chances at goal I feel but Liverpool will certainly get their time too we just need to make sure we convert our chances this time instead of wasting them! Drop me a tweet and let me know you predictions folks @LFCKirstyLFC. Enjoy the match! Like “The Liver Bird” on Facebook – www.facebook.com/TheLiverBirdsBlog

A news article on 2012-11-27 16:40:00 from: The Liver Bird

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LIVER BIRD – Goalless Draw At Liberty For Liverpool

November 26, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Rodgers discusses tactics with Gerrard…Image: teamtalk.com Liverpool had to settle for a 0-0 draw at the Liberty Stadium on Sunday as Swansea held out the Reds attack and failed to find the net themselves. It was probably a fair result in the end but Liverpool did appear to have the better of the chances, unfortunately for Brendan’s side though they were not converted. Liverpool had recalled Henderson and Downing to the starting line up after they featured in the Europa League and Brendan also decided to utilise Jose Enrique’s presence in attack pushing him forward on the wing. It was a very balanced 90 minutes from both sides perhaps boiling down to the fact that both managers enjoy a passing game, it was so similar we cancelled each other out at times and it was always going to take something special for a lead to be gained. The early exchange of attacks saw Swansea force Reina into action just after the 10 minute mark when Routledge put in a strong strike. Shortly afterwards a searching cross into the box from Glen Johnson left Enrique having to use his chest to try and turn the ball home and he was nearly successful. Glen Johnson and Jose Enrique had another good game in terms of attack for Liverpool especially Enrique who relished every chance to push himself forward and try to help gain his side a goal. Luis Suarez wasn’t as lively as he has been of late but a chance in the first half left Tremmel having to make a last ditch save to prevent the away side from taking the lead. Sterling followed the Suarez chance with perhaps the best effort for Liverpool in the game, his volley had power and almost enough accuracy but the youngster had to watch it smash off the crossbar, Swansea were still in the game. More pressure was on for Laudrup’s boys though, this time Enrique was back to cause trouble, a Suarez ball in the box found it’s way to the Spaniard but fortunately for Swansea his goal was disallowed and he was ruled offside. Liverpool had ran through several decent chances already in the first half but crucially they hadn’t converted any, it wasn’t going to get any easier to score, only harder. In the second half one of the main highlights ended up being a collision between Pepe Reina and Nathan Dyer. Free on a break into the box Dyer knew he had to make it to the ball first but so too did Reina, both players took a nasty knock, Reina in the face! But encouragingly both players got up, shook hands and smiled and just got on with things. Sometimes it’s refreshing to see that sort of reaction. A counter attack in the second half for Liverpool after a Swansea corner failed left Suarez and Sterling in acres of space. Suarez played the ball to Sterling and continued his run but Sterling put too much weight on his return and Suarez was left with more to do that he expected, his shot was saved and you can’t help but think if only Sterling made the perfect pass. It’s hard to determine whether to be pleased with a draw at the Liberty considering Brendan spent so much time there but I suppose ultimately it was a decent result. I must admit immediately after the game I found myself describing it as “boring” but after watching the highlights back it’s clear that’s not the case however I still feel so frustrated with the amount of passing compared to end product, it’s really doing my swede in but I don’t think that is going to be fully addressed until the January transfer window. Next up for Liverpool is a big game with Tottenham on Wednesday night.Like “The Liver Bird” on Facebook – www.facebook.com/TheLiverBirdsBlog

A news article on 2012-11-26 16:06:00 from: The Liver Bird

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LIVER BIRD – Reds Almost Steal Win At Chelsea

November 12, 2012 by Leave a Comment

His name is Luis Suarez! He wears the famous Red!…Image: guardian.co.uk Liverpool were the visitors to Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon as the Reds looked to continue their good run on Chelsea turf. After a distinct lack of goals for Liverpool though and a recent lull in league form it was looking like a difficult task. Glen Johnson was brought back into the starting XI on Sunday but Pepe Reina despite travelling was left out after a late fitness test. Raheem Sterling was given a more forward role for this one sitting just off the lead man Luis Suarez. The first half for Liverpool was a pretty darn dire one in all honesty. The Reds were passing and passing as usual but there were no clear options through the Chelsea defence. It was frustrating to watch. I mentioned on Twitter that it’s becoming boring watching the lads pass in triangles but to no avail. Luis Suarez is often left in two mindsets too because he’s supposed to be a target man in the box when we’re in possession but he spends so much time out of it offering his all to the side and trying to take the ball into the danger area himself that we end up left with no options. This isn’t of course always a bad thing because nobody is denying Suarez’s work ethic and it’s most appreciated but if Suarez is on and playing roles over most of the park then he needs a man on with him who can be in the right place at the right time for those crosses or direct balls through. As per usual, despite Liverpool’s possession we conceded before finding the back of the net ourselves. John Terry on 20 minutes found himself with a great opportunity after being given way too much space by the Liverpool defence. An incoming corner from Juan Mata was met by the head of Terry and Chelsea were 1-0 up. With a response needed you would think the Reds may change gear but it was much of the same for the remainder of the first half for Brendan’s boys. The only real incident of note left before the whistle again involved John Terry. A horrible accident as the result of a collision involving Luis Suarez left Terry falling on and twisting his own leg, it was one of those moments that you struggle to watch back and as much as I hate Terry it became clear that something was quite wrong after the scream he let out. The second half for Liverpool luckily turned into the complete opposite of the first. Enrique and Johnson looked as though they were encouraged to push forward more by Brendan and just before the hour mark Suso was introduced and added some flair to the midfield. Just after 70 minutes the Reds had got their equaliser. A corner taken by the fresh Suso allowed none other than stalwart Jamie Carragher to dink a flick on, perfectly setting up an awaiting Luis Suarez who headed home with ease for Liverpool. Some are complaining about the push in the box from Suarez and yes it was clear but the amount of shoving that occurs with defenders from corners? Well you have to weigh it up with that for me. Suarez was pretty lively all game but in the second half he really set alight. Several chances for the Uruguayan including a one on one with Petr Cech nearly enabled Liverpool to pinch a winner but it was the dying moments of the game that would have Liverpool fans on the edge of their seats. A last ditch attempt from the impressive man of the match Jose Enrique was struck well but Cech made a strong save and in the end saved his team a point. At the start of this game we would have bitten Chelsea’s hands off for a draw but as it went on it really began to feel like we could win, these sort of games always provide mixed emotions because in the minutes after the whistle you feel a bit hard done by but then you realise that actually, it was a good point. The game still however highlighted our goalscoring problems, I dread to even think of the day Suarez is out through suspension or injury and so I won’t bother talking about it! Next up for Livepool is Wigan. Like “The Liver Bird” on Facebook – www.facebook.com/TheLiverBirdsBlog

A news article on 2012-11-12 23:14:00 from: The Liver Bird

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LIVER BIRD – Joe Allen: Welcome To Anfield

August 10, 2012 by Leave a Comment

He looks pretty chuffed…Image: liverpoolfc.com Liverpool have completed the signing of Joe Allen making it the shock of the century after he was spotted watching the lads versus Gomel, I hope whoever planned that one doesn’t have to organise a surprise birthday party… But nevertheless he’s here and we’re happy. At 22 he’s a youthful signing from Brendan and of course the manager knows him extremely well from his time spent working with him at Swansea. So much for not going after their players ay? I’m sure a Christmas card to the chairman will sort everything out if they don’t feel it’s in their best interest. Allen was clearly keen to link back up with his former boss but there seemed to be a bit of a tussle over the price. In the end Liverpool are believed to have paid in the region of £15million. Slightly more than I would have liked us to have paid if I’m honest but definitely not extortionate. The midfielder is renowned for being a great passer of the ball, in a side that Brendan wants to make sure retain possession he will be invaluable. After reading several blogs on the player too (I haven’t seen as much of Joe up close as I would like) it appears he not only enjoys keeping possession but if it’s lost, he’s the first to try and regain it. I like somebody with tenacity. Those who chat to me on Twitter will know that my only real question about Joe was where he would fit into our midfield but after watching the Gomel game last night and chatting to a few people online it’s quite evident now that he and Lucas will sit in the centre allowing Gerrard to have a lot more freedom. Looking at it that way it’s quite an exciting prospect if Joe can replicate the form he had under Rodgers at Swansea, which I’m sure he will. I’ll be the first to admit I have been a bit disappointed and not very excited this transfer window but slowly things seem to be clicking in to place and I’m never a person to dive on a manager or his signings before we have seen anything. Here’s hoping Brendan Rodgers’ second signing will have a good first season with the Reds. Joe Allen on joining Liverpool – “The passion that people here have for football is something I share and I want to be part of that.”

A news article on 2012-08-10 22:55:00 from: The Liver Bird

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LIVER BIRD – Reds Return From North America

July 30, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Gerrard featured against Spurs…Image: lfctour.com For this season’s preparations Liverpool made the trip across the pond to take part in a North American tour, facing the likes of Roma, Spurs and Toronto it was a great chance for Brendan Rodgers to get to know his squad properly and also play around with some of his many ideas. The first match against Toronto saw the Reds grab a 1-1 draw. The Major League Soccer side were perhaps the most unfamiliar of opposition for Liverpool but that didn’t stop youngster Adam Morgan getting on the score sheet. Amarikwa scored for Toronto as a substitute in the second half but Morgan quickly cancelled out their lead with his goal just before the 70 minute mark. Raheem Sterling deserves a mention here also because it was his efforts that set up Morgan and Raheem had a brilliant game. It was a great show all round for Liverpool’s youth with Dani Pacheco impressing the crowds also. Next up for the Reds was AS Roma. With Aquilani and Borini in the squad we’d be facing familiar opposition. This match was held at a brilliantly prepared Fenway Park, it looked like a fantastic occasion as the Reds walked out against the Italians. Unfortunately for the Liverpool fans present though Roma were victorious in a 2-1 win. Some of the more regular names were featured in this match with Carragher, Skrtel and Spearing all starting. It was Charlie Adam though who grabbed Liverpool their only goal of the game with a great strike. The last match of the three was against Tottenham Hotspur. With Andre Villas Boas now at the helm he may have felt as though he had a point to prove to the people who were rumoured to be his employers but with Brendan in our hot seat this was set to be an interesting battle as both sides looked for a win. Typically though, the match that gets the most talk always seems to be the most disappointing and in this case certainly in terms of goals, it was. The 0-0 draw was a decent result for both sides and perhaps the main upside was that Fabio Borini got himself half an hour on the pitch. Brad Jones had a good first half in goal for the Reds and Gulasci improved too in the second half on his earlier performance in the tour. Frustrations were raised after the match due to Charlie Adam injuring Gareth Bale, it is quite ironic really that the Welshman supposedly faked an injury to miss the Olympics and now he is actually injured… All in all as always this was, what it was. Pre-season. I’m not one of these fans that really takes these things seriously, you have some people that believe they can predict a teams performance in the league just from watching their pre-season, it’s nonsense. There’s that many variations of players and tactics that there’s no way you could predict. My favourite thing out of this tour though has the be the return of Lucas Leiva, how we have missed that man! Here’s hoping he and Liverpool can get off to a winning start with the Premier League just around the corner. Next up for Liverpool though are two ties with FC Gomel in the Europa League and a friendly with Sami Hyypia’s Bayer Leverkusen at Anfield.

A news article on 2012-07-30 15:46:00 from: The Liver Bird

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