Sunday, 18 December 2011
Bellamy The Instigator Supreme
Craig Bellamy's match winning performance propelled Liverpool on the way to our fifth away victory of the season, as many as we won last season, in what was probably the easiest win of the season. Liverpool started with Jonjo Shelvey playing tucked in behind Luis Suarez and it was he provided the opening from the corner, flicking the ball on which Bellamy prodded home.
Spearing looked promising in the role linking up with Adam, Henderson and Suarez with lung bursting runs to provide the supporting cast in attack. But it was Bellamy who ignited the Liverpool attack, each time he touched the ball there was a razor-like edge to his play in its directness. With Liverpool very fluent and only a missed Emile Heskey chance early on to cause any discomfort, the surprise was that both Liverpool goals came from corners. But it was good to see a defender getting on the score sheet and Skrtel as he has done this season rose like the proverbial salmon to guide a Bellamy corner into the top corner of the net.
With the ease of the victory it seems almost churlish to witter on yet again about the lack of a killer instinct in our finishing, but once again our nemesis was the woodwork. First, Suarez struck the bar when tenaciously winning back the fall from a glorious long ball from Downing, with more care he could and should have wrapped up the game. Secondly, he hit the post from a delicious chip which left the Villa Keeper flapping in mid-air. That he could have put Bellamy in is a moot point because that is the Suarez we have come to know, but if Lionel Messi can play the occasional through ball and lift his head up so can the brilliant Uruguayan.
Charlie Adam had a good game filling the boots of Lucas and moving the game on with his short passing, but not for the first time this season when driving through the middle he failed to pass the ball to a colleague (Shelvey) unmarked in a better position in the area. We had enough chances to have put the game to bed the hour mark and rest Suarez, Bellamy and Co.
Fortunately, with the profligacy continuing from game to game, Liverpool's strong recent run of only one defeat in thirteen is built on having the best defensive record in the Premiership with Skrtel and Agger looking impregnable, conceding 13 goals this season and keeping the LFC legend Jamie Carragher out of the side.
While we may not have as comparable attack as those competing with us for Champions League places the spine of the team is improving and if we can start to share the goals around and take our chances the sky's the limit.
Kop Post Man of The Match: Craig Bellamy – A clever footballer who guided Liverpool with his clever touches, his ability to open defences and bring others into the game. Quite simply a world class talent.
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Pleased with the performance. Shelvey (who looks like he’s dead) was lively throughout. Another good game from Adam and Hendo in the middle. Bellamy was superb again, it was a masterstroke bringing him back to the club. Have to say that I was really disappointed with Carroll, he got 20 mins at the end and he didn’t look bothered at all, I hope that Kenny gives him dogs abuse for shear lack of effort. Very pleased with another shut out from Agger and Skrtl too. I think that Carra will get a game against Wigan though because we’ll have to manage Agger’s fitness during a busy xmas schedule. Also I hear that Bellers can’t play too frequently because he has a bit of a dodgy knee so two games in 4 days would be too much for him.
ReplyDeleteIt’s going to be a tough match on Weds because Wigan away has been a banana skin for us in recent years and they looked decent against the Chavs at the weekend. It’s vital that we get three points because Spurs and Chelsea play on Thursday and one or possibly both of them will be dropping points. I would put out this team against Wigan:
Reina
Johnson Carra Skrtl Enrique
Downing Adam Hendo Maxi
Kuyt
Suarez
If Suarez gets a six match ban tomorrow as I think he might then we might be forced to go with our lumbering £35 million attitude problem.
I do have a feeling that Evra did not come to Equity with a clean hence the decision could have taken on Friday. Yes, good idea to view things from the worst case scenario anger, 6 match ban for Suarez, dead serious, as they with witabix, we will survive. I will rather play Raheem Sterling instead of Andy Carroll as a striker. Andy just did not care, he came in for 20 mins, the first pass went astray. The guy still pick up his fat wage package week-in-week-out, that can't be right.
ReplyDeleteIt’s a win well needed, as I’m still reeling from the Fulham loss.
ReplyDeleteWe really needed to have won that game for this one to have really meant anything.
We got two great goals but our finishing is a major concern.
We should have more goals past Villa. It looks like everyone's on different wave lengths and it seems to be annoying Suarez especially.
Agree on MOTM - Still have long way to go.
Good performance but it would have been even better had we scored another goal through open play. Some players had really solid performances, including Shelvey and Henderson. Shelvey had at least 4 shots at goal. Had Suarez been a little more generous, I think we would have scored another.
ReplyDeleteA little harsh on Caroll I think. Physically, he looks a lot leaner than he did when he joined the club – I reckon he’s putting a lot of effort in behind the scenes. I agree with your side but not sure whether now is the time to rest Agger, perhaps we could rest him against Blackburn on 2nd Jan instead.
ReplyDeleteWhat we must do is to ensure that our players get a good run out so that they are fit to play when needed. So for example, if we ever take our opportunities and go 3-0 up in a game, we can bring someone off the bench and give them a good ½ hour or so on the pitch. Perhaps one day, we will also be able to bring on a youngster to give them some experience.