I was reading an article this morning which stated that Steven Gerrard has scored 64 goals and 41 assists for Liverpool from the beginning of the 2004/05 season. His importance over the last decade to Liverpool is immeasurable and yesterday proved no different as he didn't just dictate the game, but he changed the outlook and showed in his cameo just how to deliver the ball to Carroll with a stream of sublime crosses.
Both teams seemed to be feeling each other out in the first 20 minutes with Liverpool players seemingly playing with a nervous energy stemming from the criticism of their profligacy over the season so far. Strangely, once Newcastle went ahead we seemed to relax and Bellamy's goal, coming from a delightful piece of composure from Adam in beating the defender and cutting ball back, before Bellamy's rapier like thrust despatched the defensive prod out home with aplomb.
Carroll seemed to lack confidence and wasn't putting himself in harm's way in the first half, although the lack of quality balls from the flanks was not conducive to helping him get on the score sheet. I agree with dedlfc's assertion during the match that having Downing on the right was not working out, but more than effecting the balance of the teams as he says, the main problem is that with Carroll in need of quality supply, to have a left-footed winger on the right cutting back on to his left to deliver the ball or when he does cross the ball with his right, invariably the ball scuttles along the ground makes it difficult for any striker to time his run in the box. Carroll was often seen to be implying that the ball needed to come over a lot quicker from Downing and Glen Johnson and maybe that they have to get used to moving away from the quick ball to Luis Suarez feet.
Dalglish must wish that Bellamy knee problem didn't preclude him playing more than one full game a week, because when he is not playing Liverpool miss his undoubted class and incisiveness. To have Bellamy, a fit Gerrard and Suarez on the park regularly is something one can only dream about at the moment, but tonight two of those three provided the quality that eventually sunk Newcastle with Bellamy's second coming from a free-kick and Gerrard's Boy's own trademark finish when he drove through at pace making Tiote look leaden footed after collecting Henderson pass and sliding home under the onrushing goalkeeper.
The great thing about Gerrard in full-flight is that he takes the team with him. To Liverpool fan's I don't need to explain because we've seen in so many times over the years, but tonight it was as if the game was set up for him to remind the doubters that he remains a vital cog in the wheel and what Liverpool midfielders must aspire too if they are to eventually take over the mantle so proudly worn by Gerrard and many a predecessor over the years. The cross which Andy Carroll headed against the bar showed how dangerous the 'big man' can be and as Gerrard said at the end of the game it is for the team to supply him with quality ball.
Newcastle showed that are comfortable in possession, but from the own goal, they had basically one real chance which Martin Skrtel hooked marvellously away, anticipating Ba's predatory instincts in flicking the ball passed Reina. The Liverpool back four are looking and playing as a unit with Skrtel looking like the defensive leader of the pack.
Man of the Match: Steven Gerrard - to even think about making him Man of the Match ahead of Craig Bellamy says it all really. A quality performance by a great footballer.
SG - PURE CLASS! And a result we needed. Bellamy da man! Carroll needs help!
ReplyDeleteRedAlert
I watched the match and kept thinking, we are a pretty good side and even though we havent taken all our chances, we do play some wonderful football, very pleasing to the eye and our defence is so solid. Anyway, I digress, yesterday was a pretty good result, was worried (like most Liverpool fans recently) whether we were going to drop points at home again, but maybe it was a good thing that we conceded midway in the first half, pushed us to get an equalizer before the half which we did and we really should have scored more before the end of the half. The second half continued like the first and the introduction of Stevie gave us that extra bite and urgency that we needed and his crosses to Carrol were pinpoint even if Carrol could not take advantage (in time he will)
ReplyDeleteAll said, we took three deserved points and played some nice football. Next match Manchester City-that should be some match
I posted a separate comment exhalting Gerrard's cameo performance in the Blackburn bame, he clearly built on that performance. He made a huge difference when he came on, suddenly the players that had been plodding in the game - Spearing, Henderson, suddenly came alive. It was a very graceful moment from Stevie too when he allowed Bellamy to take the free kick because it was "too far out". Many a captain would have taken it regardless, just like Charlie Adam used to do at Blackpool, although I have noticed that in the past when Gerrard returns from injury he does tend to shy away from some free kicks as he rebuilds his strength.
ReplyDeleteMake no mistake, that was a sublime finish by Stevie, cool, calm and precise. This was a masterclass lesson for so many players - wingers, central midfielders and strikers showing them what they need to do. Great to have him back and I'm sure Andy Carroll will agree too.
I have watched Andy Carroll over the last couple of games and there is some notable improvement in his movement even though he's not grease lightning. I hope that he's staying away from the bars. Apart from the missed opportunity that only Stevie could have the vision and ability to produce, he played ok. I was really pleased to see him giving advice to several players including Enrique, Johnson about how he likes to receive the ball when in the box. His annoyance with Downing when he selfishly shot from all of 40 yards when two players we in on goal was interesting to see. Its Downing whose place is probably gonig to come under scrutiny - incredibly, he seems to be great going backwards but not delivering enough quality for Carroll. If he doesn't play on the left, at present, he doesn't deserve to command a place in the side on current form although he does have the ability.
Whilst you can argue that we've created a lot of chances and may therefore not need a winger, I still think we need that option in the squad to feed Carroll with the quality he deserves. It will be interesting to see how we line up for the next game against City, I hope we can include Carroll, Gerrard and Bellamy in the starting line up, with reinforcers behind them.
Very fair comments - I am just hoping with the added quality of delivery by Gerrard being in the side this will make Carroll more relaxed and able to perform for us to the level we required when we signed him.
ReplyDeleteThe jury is still out on Carroll - I don't think he is good enough for us but only time will tell if he can prove me wrong - my other concern about him playing in the side is that he seems to effect the fluidity of our play as the amount of chances created was not as high as recent games.
Gerrard is world class and I just wish some of his magic can rub off onto some of the other players as I dread the day he puts up his boots for ever.
On the plus side we took the fewer chances very well.
ReplyDeleteSkrtel produced an amazing goal-line clearance and Bellamy took his first goal very well and we had a overdue slice of luck for his second.
Gerrard showed why he will always be our best player while he is still able to play.
It's was a good win against a well organised side who were at times were good in possession of the ball. As we've all said Gerrard was sensational, but you wonder whether we could've won without his intervention.
ReplyDeleteAs such,you wonder whether we need top class purchases to bolster the squad, if one recognises that Gerrard is still the go-to player in the side and two of the most talented and effective members of the squad Maxi and Bellamy are having to be man managed by the manager because of age and long-term injury worries, it's a tad worrrying when we consider that with their combined minutes on the pitch, they've scored a third of Liverpool's output in the Premiership this season.
Downing after a very promising start to the season has now the look of a workmanlike player rather the quality player we know him to be. A stint back on the left supplying the bullets for Carroll may just be the medicine he needs to cure the ills of his lack of creativity and to break his scoring duck.
Charlie Adam is the player suffering most from the loss of Lucas Leiva. He is playing in a deeper role, which seems to subdue his creativity and as such doesn't get forward as much for some reason with Spearing in the team to fill in for Lucas. In one of the few times he got forward he helped create the opening for Bellamy's equaliser.
All in all, it was game where we could have tripped up, but we took care of business and with Man Utd not winning today, we've managed to win when another top six team has lost.
Also with Chelsea losing and Spurs only drawing it has been a good day until that dreaded Independent Regulatory Commission statement came out this evening !!!
ReplyDelete