Liverpool's revival under Kenny Dalglish is officially under way after he secured his first win since returning for his second spell as Reds boss with Wolves beaten 3-0 at Molineux.
Having seen improvements on the pitch if not in results in his three previous matches in charge after taking over from Roy Hodgson the Scot finally got the victory he was craving.
Fernando Torres scored his eighth and ninth Barclays Premier League goals of the season either side of Raul Meireles capping a fine individual performance with a brilliantly-taken second-half volley.
It was only Liverpool's third away win in the league in 13 months and their first point outside Anfield since the 1-1 draw at Wigan on November 10.
EPL Today
Showing posts with label liverpool. Show all posts
Showing posts with label liverpool. Show all posts
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Monday, January 17, 2011
Dalglish to rebuild duo of Konchesky and Poulsen
Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish says he has some bridges to rebuild in restoring the damaged confidence and reputations of some of the experienced members of his squad.
He specifically named Paul Konchesky and Christian Poulsen - both much-maligned signings of his predecessor Roy Hodgson - as those who have suffered the most.
Konchesky has not played once in Dalglish's three matches in charge since taking over a little more than a week ago and was an unused substitute for Sunday's 2-2 draw in the 215th Merseyside derby against Everton at Anfield.
The 29-year-old was signed from Fulham on transfer deadline day in August but has failed to win over fans who believe he is not up to the quality required.
He specifically named Paul Konchesky and Christian Poulsen - both much-maligned signings of his predecessor Roy Hodgson - as those who have suffered the most.
Konchesky has not played once in Dalglish's three matches in charge since taking over a little more than a week ago and was an unused substitute for Sunday's 2-2 draw in the 215th Merseyside derby against Everton at Anfield.
The 29-year-old was signed from Fulham on transfer deadline day in August but has failed to win over fans who believe he is not up to the quality required.
Suarez linked with Liverpool
Liverpool are reported to have made a move for Ajax striker Luis Suarez.
Ajax boss Frank de Boer has confirmed Suarez, 23, has indicated that he wants to move on if an offer comes in and said that plans for his replacement are already in place.
"I've had a showdown with Luis," De Boer said. "I wanted to know what his plans are and what the future will bring. Luis is training hard. He told me that if a big club comes in for him now he is ready to talk to them.
"I've a back-up scenario ready."
Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf reported on Monday that Liverpool made contact with Ajax on Saturday night and negotiations continued on Sunday.
GettyImagesLuis Suarez appears to be ready to take the next step in his career
Ajax boss Frank de Boer has confirmed Suarez, 23, has indicated that he wants to move on if an offer comes in and said that plans for his replacement are already in place.
"I've had a showdown with Luis," De Boer said. "I wanted to know what his plans are and what the future will bring. Luis is training hard. He told me that if a big club comes in for him now he is ready to talk to them.
"I've a back-up scenario ready."
Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf reported on Monday that Liverpool made contact with Ajax on Saturday night and negotiations continued on Sunday.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Liverpool 2-2 Everton
It was not an entirely happy homecoming for Kenny Dalglish on his first match at Anfield since becoming Liverpool manager for the second time but a draw in an entertaining 215th Merseyside derby represented some progress.
The club's legendary former player went into the game on the back of successive defeats to Manchester United and Blackpool but the result against their closest rivals at least ensured his first point.
However, there are still many issues to address as Liverpool's defensive frailties let an early advantage slip in a frenetic six minutes after half-time and their pride was only salvaged by a penalty in the final quarter.
Raul Meireles picked the perfect time to score his first goal to give the club he joined in the summer an interval lead but Sylvain Distin and Jermaine Beckford soon turned that around after the break.
The club's legendary former player went into the game on the back of successive defeats to Manchester United and Blackpool but the result against their closest rivals at least ensured his first point.
However, there are still many issues to address as Liverpool's defensive frailties let an early advantage slip in a frenetic six minutes after half-time and their pride was only salvaged by a penalty in the final quarter.
Raul Meireles picked the perfect time to score his first goal to give the club he joined in the summer an interval lead but Sylvain Distin and Jermaine Beckford soon turned that around after the break.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Blackpool 2-1 Liverpool
The manager and the year may have changed but Liverpool's problems away from home continued as Kenny Dalglish's first Premier League match since returning as boss ended in a 2-1 defeat at Blackpool.
Liverpool's troubles on the road contributed to the departure of Roy Hodgson last weekend but the Seasiders showed October's win by the same score at Anfield was no fluke.
Fernando Torres had given Dalglish the ideal start with a third-minute strike but goals from Gary Taylor-Fletcher and DJ Campbell extended Liverpool's miserable away league record to just two victories in almost 13 months.
It was not the start the 59-year-old Scot was expecting on his return to the top flight after more than 12 years away.
Liverpool's troubles on the road contributed to the departure of Roy Hodgson last weekend but the Seasiders showed October's win by the same score at Anfield was no fluke.
Fernando Torres had given Dalglish the ideal start with a third-minute strike but goals from Gary Taylor-Fletcher and DJ Campbell extended Liverpool's miserable away league record to just two victories in almost 13 months.
It was not the start the 59-year-old Scot was expecting on his return to the top flight after more than 12 years away.
Wednesday match
Liverpool and Blackpool get the attention of the entire EPL with the makeup match being rescheduled for today. Tied at 25 points with both in the middle of the table, this could be a very beneficial match for either team if they win.
New Liverpool manager Dalglish must win this match if he is to put forth a resume that could put him in the running for the job at the end of the season. He will be without skipper Steven Gerrard, who must face the 3 match ban for his straight red card versus Man U in the FA cup.
Competition Stats
New Liverpool manager Dalglish must win this match if he is to put forth a resume that could put him in the running for the job at the end of the season. He will be without skipper Steven Gerrard, who must face the 3 match ban for his straight red card versus Man U in the FA cup.
Competition Stats
Dalglish backs Torres to find form
Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has vowed to help Fernando Torres emerge from his form slump as he heads to Blackpool on Wednesday night without suspended captain Steven Gerrard.
Torres has scored just six times in 22 matches and only once in his last eight games this season. Asked whether he is the man to revive Torres' season after taking over from Roy Hodgson, Dalglish said he would help where he could but insisted that Torres himself holds the key to a turnaround.
"In the games I've been in charge he has been brilliant,'' joked Dalglish. "It is strange when you talk about people of his calibre having a lack of confidence but at the same time he is still a top goalscorer and someone everyone fears when he goes on the pitch. Someone asked me if I have a magic wand for Fernando. I said I don't need one, he has got one himself.
Torres has scored just six times in 22 matches and only once in his last eight games this season. Asked whether he is the man to revive Torres' season after taking over from Roy Hodgson, Dalglish said he would help where he could but insisted that Torres himself holds the key to a turnaround.
"In the games I've been in charge he has been brilliant,'' joked Dalglish. "It is strange when you talk about people of his calibre having a lack of confidence but at the same time he is still a top goalscorer and someone everyone fears when he goes on the pitch. Someone asked me if I have a magic wand for Fernando. I said I don't need one, he has got one himself.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Ryan Babel in trouble over photoshop
Associated Press
LONDON -- Liverpool winger Ryan Babel could face disciplinary action from England's Football Association after posting to Twitter a digitally altered picture of referee Howard Webb wearing a Manchester United shirt.
Webb awarded a penalty shot against Liverpool and later ejected its captain, Steven Gerrard, in Man United's 1-0 victory Sunday in the third round of the FA Cup.
Before linking to the image of Webb, Babel wrote on Twitter: "And they call him one of the best referees. That's a joke."
The FA later told The Associated Press: "We will definitely look into this matter."
LONDON -- Liverpool winger Ryan Babel could face disciplinary action from England's Football Association after posting to Twitter a digitally altered picture of referee Howard Webb wearing a Manchester United shirt.
Webb awarded a penalty shot against Liverpool and later ejected its captain, Steven Gerrard, in Man United's 1-0 victory Sunday in the third round of the FA Cup.
Before linking to the image of Webb, Babel wrote on Twitter: "And they call him one of the best referees. That's a joke."
The FA later told The Associated Press: "We will definitely look into this matter."
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Hodgson is out
LONDON -- Roy Hodgson's six-month reign as Liverpool manager ended Saturday with former title-winning player and boss Kenny Dalglish put in charge until the end of the season.
Since taking over from Rafa Benitez in the offseason, Hodgson presided over Liverpool's worst start to a season in more than 50 years -- a dismal run of results that coincided with financial instability and a bitter court battle to oust unpopular American owners.
Roy Hodgson lasted just six months as manager of Liverpool, which has suffered some embarrassing losses this season.
But even the arrival of Boston Red Sox owner John Henry in October couldn't halt Liverpool's slide.
The club finally lost patience with the 63-year-old Hodgson after Wednesday's 3-1 loss at Blackburn, which left Liverpool languishing in 12th place, with star players such as Spain striker Fernando Torres underperforming this season.
Since taking over from Rafa Benitez in the offseason, Hodgson presided over Liverpool's worst start to a season in more than 50 years -- a dismal run of results that coincided with financial instability and a bitter court battle to oust unpopular American owners.
Roy Hodgson lasted just six months as manager of Liverpool, which has suffered some embarrassing losses this season.
But even the arrival of Boston Red Sox owner John Henry in October couldn't halt Liverpool's slide.
The club finally lost patience with the 63-year-old Hodgson after Wednesday's 3-1 loss at Blackburn, which left Liverpool languishing in 12th place, with star players such as Spain striker Fernando Torres underperforming this season.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Blackburn 3-1 Liverpool
Roy Hodgson has survived many low points in his short spell as Liverpool manager but a 3-1 defeat at Blackburn would seem to be one disaster too far and could hasten his exit from Anfield.
Even before Saturday's injury-time winner against Bolton the suggestion was club owners New England Sports Ventures were actively looking for a replacement.
On this performance they will probably have to speed up that search as two goals from Benjani Mwaruwari, who had not started since November 6 and scored once in 12 previous appearances, and one from Martin Olsson condemned the Reds to a ninth Premier League defeat of the season, despite Steven Gerrard's late consolation.
The now almost-obligatory chants for club legend Kenny Dalglish surfaced in the second half and at one point it seemed all four sides of Ewood Park were singing "You're getting sacked in the morning'' to Hodgson.
Even before Saturday's injury-time winner against Bolton the suggestion was club owners New England Sports Ventures were actively looking for a replacement.
On this performance they will probably have to speed up that search as two goals from Benjani Mwaruwari, who had not started since November 6 and scored once in 12 previous appearances, and one from Martin Olsson condemned the Reds to a ninth Premier League defeat of the season, despite Steven Gerrard's late consolation.
The now almost-obligatory chants for club legend Kenny Dalglish surfaced in the second half and at one point it seemed all four sides of Ewood Park were singing "You're getting sacked in the morning'' to Hodgson.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Liverpool 2-1 Bolton
Liverpool earned manager Roy Hodgson some breathing space, but nothing more, with a last-gasp 2-1 victory over Bolton at Anfield.
With reports suggesting owners New England Sports Ventures are now actively seeking a replacement, the 63-year-old knows he is living on borrowed time after a woeful six months in charge.
When Kevin Davies headed in Matt Taylor's 43rd-minute free-kick things looked even worse for Hodgson, but a revitalised Torres volleyed home an equaliser before Cole tapped in his first league goal for the club he joined in the summer.
The result came as a welcome relief to Hodgson after back-to-back Premier League defeats, but it may only give the Reds boss a temporary stay of execution.
With reports suggesting owners New England Sports Ventures are now actively seeking a replacement, the 63-year-old knows he is living on borrowed time after a woeful six months in charge.
When Kevin Davies headed in Matt Taylor's 43rd-minute free-kick things looked even worse for Hodgson, but a revitalised Torres volleyed home an equaliser before Cole tapped in his first league goal for the club he joined in the summer.
The result came as a welcome relief to Hodgson after back-to-back Premier League defeats, but it may only give the Reds boss a temporary stay of execution.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Wolverhampton 1-0 Liverpool
Liverpool's lack of match practice cost them dearly as they lost an eighth Barclays Premier League match of the season and bottom side Wolves picked up their first three-point haul since last March with a 1-0 win.
Snowy weather had forced the postponements of games against Fulham and Blackpool, meaning the Reds had not played in the league for 18 days.
That showed as they lacked invention and energy - even with the return of Steven Gerrard from six weeks out - but the visitors did have that spark and ended a run of six successive defeats away from home thanks to Stephen Ward's first Premier League goal.
The last time Wolves won at Anfield was 27 years ago next month when Steve Mardenborough scored the only goal of his Wanderers career.
Snowy weather had forced the postponements of games against Fulham and Blackpool, meaning the Reds had not played in the league for 18 days.
That showed as they lacked invention and energy - even with the return of Steven Gerrard from six weeks out - but the visitors did have that spark and ended a run of six successive defeats away from home thanks to Stephen Ward's first Premier League goal.
The last time Wolves won at Anfield was 27 years ago next month when Steve Mardenborough scored the only goal of his Wanderers career.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Liverpool 0-0 FC Utrecht
Liverpool may have given children free tickets for the Europa League tie against Utrecht at Anfield but even they will have felt short-changed by the disappointing goalless draw against Utrecht at Anfield.
On Tuesday manager Roy Hodgson had pledged to play his one fit star name, Fernando Torres, but had a last-minute change of heart after being persuaded otherwise by his medical staff.
With the Reds already qualified for the last 32, it led to a turgid and uninspiring night which highlighted the lack of depth in the squad.
Hodgson had initially planned to give Torres pitch time to rediscover his goalscoring touch - goalkeeper Jose Reina was also expected to start but he was left out of the squad altogether - but was forced to watch the entire 90 minutes from the bench instead.
On Tuesday manager Roy Hodgson had pledged to play his one fit star name, Fernando Torres, but had a last-minute change of heart after being persuaded otherwise by his medical staff.
With the Reds already qualified for the last 32, it led to a turgid and uninspiring night which highlighted the lack of depth in the squad.
Hodgson had initially planned to give Torres pitch time to rediscover his goalscoring touch - goalkeeper Jose Reina was also expected to start but he was left out of the squad altogether - but was forced to watch the entire 90 minutes from the bench instead.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Newcastle 3-1 Liverpool
Andy Carroll and Joey Barton combined to hand Alan Pardew a winning start to his Newcastle reign as jeers turned to cheers at St James' Park.
The 21-year-old England international's 10th goal of the season cemented a priceless victory for the Magpies after Scouser Barton's 80th-minute strike had restored their lead.
Skipper Kevin Nolan, another native Liverpudlian, had got the Magpies off to the perfect start with a 15th-minute opener, but Dirk Kuyt looked to have snatched a point for the visitors when his 50th-minute shot was deflected past keeper Tim Krul by the unfortunate Steven Taylor.
A delighted crowd of 50,137 had arrived determined to voice their fury at owner Mike Ashley's decision to sack Chris Hughton, and they did just that.
The 21-year-old England international's 10th goal of the season cemented a priceless victory for the Magpies after Scouser Barton's 80th-minute strike had restored their lead.
Skipper Kevin Nolan, another native Liverpudlian, had got the Magpies off to the perfect start with a 15th-minute opener, but Dirk Kuyt looked to have snatched a point for the visitors when his 50th-minute shot was deflected past keeper Tim Krul by the unfortunate Steven Taylor.
A delighted crowd of 50,137 had arrived determined to voice their fury at owner Mike Ashley's decision to sack Chris Hughton, and they did just that.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Ronaldinho to Liverpool? Liverpool midfielder Lucas Levia wants it.
Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva says that he would be pleased if Brazilian team-mate Ronaldinho joined him at Anfield.
Ronaldinho has been linked with a move away from AC Milan in January, with Liverpool and clubs from Brazil and the MLS interested in securing his services and, with his contract set to expire at the end of the season, the playmaker looks like he may move on.
The former World Player of the Year has slipped down the pecking order at the San Siro, with team-mate Robinho preferred of late, and Liverpool's Lucas thinks he would fit in well at Anfield.
Ronaldinho has been linked with a move away from AC Milan in January, with Liverpool and clubs from Brazil and the MLS interested in securing his services and, with his contract set to expire at the end of the season, the playmaker looks like he may move on.
The former World Player of the Year has slipped down the pecking order at the San Siro, with team-mate Robinho preferred of late, and Liverpool's Lucas thinks he would fit in well at Anfield.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Liverpool 3-0 Aston Villa
Liverpool's stand-in strikers shrugged off the absence of Fernando Torres to secure a comfortable victory over Aston Villa and make it an unhappy return to Anfield for former Reds manager Gerard Houllier.
With Torres given the night off to be with his wife Olalla, who had gone into labour with their second child, David Ngog and Ryan Babel ensured he was not unduly missed with first-half goals.
Maxi Rodriguez added the third in the 55th minute to make it four successive Barclays Premier League victories for Liverpool at Anfield.
In truth Villa, like previous visitors West Ham, posed little in the way of a threat but there were some encouraging performances from Liverpool all the same.
With Torres given the night off to be with his wife Olalla, who had gone into labour with their second child, David Ngog and Ryan Babel ensured he was not unduly missed with first-half goals.
Maxi Rodriguez added the third in the 55th minute to make it four successive Barclays Premier League victories for Liverpool at Anfield.
In truth Villa, like previous visitors West Ham, posed little in the way of a threat but there were some encouraging performances from Liverpool all the same.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Spurs and Liverpool eye Parker swoop
By Harry Harris, Football Correspondent
Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool have made Scott Parker their top January transfer target, but
West Ham United are refusing to sell their prized asset.
It would take a massive bid to persuade the Hammers to change their minds, but the club are expecting a renewed bid for their influential midfielder, who only recently signed a new record-breaking five-year contract.
Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool have made Scott Parker their top January transfer target, but
West Ham United are refusing to sell their prized asset.
GettyImages
It would take a massive bid to persuade the Hammers to change their minds, but the club are expecting a renewed bid for their influential midfielder, who only recently signed a new record-breaking five-year contract.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Point secures Reds passage
Liverpool secured top spot in Group K of the Europa League with a 1-1 draw against Steaua Bucharest in Romania but required a helping hand from their rivals after a howler from goalkeeper Jose Reina.
Milan Jovanovic's first-half header was cancelled out when the Reds captain on the night allowed Eder Bonfim's effort to escape his grasp and creep over the line.
A point would have been enough to put Roy Hodgson's side through but Utrecht's 3-3 draw with Napoli ensured they could not be caught at the top of the table with a match still to play.
The Reds boss put his faith in fringe players and reserves having travelled to Romania without eight first-teamers, only three of whom were injured, and he was rewarded by the likes of Jovanovic and Babel.
Milan Jovanovic's first-half header was cancelled out when the Reds captain on the night allowed Eder Bonfim's effort to escape his grasp and creep over the line.
A point would have been enough to put Roy Hodgson's side through but Utrecht's 3-3 draw with Napoli ensured they could not be caught at the top of the table with a match still to play.
The Reds boss put his faith in fringe players and reserves having travelled to Romania without eight first-teamers, only three of whom were injured, and he was rewarded by the likes of Jovanovic and Babel.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Tottenham 2-1 Liverpool
Aaron Lennon scored deep into stoppage-time as Tottenham completed another amazing comeback to beat Liverpool and stay in the Barclays Premier League title hunt.
An incident-packed game looked certain to end in a 1-1 draw after Martin Skrtel netted at both ends and substitute Jermain Defoe also missed a penalty.
Several other clear-cut chances went begging for both sides before Lennon became the hero to move Spurs to within a point of fourth-placed Manchester City and back to six of the summit.
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| Getty Images |
An incident-packed game looked certain to end in a 1-1 draw after Martin Skrtel netted at both ends and substitute Jermain Defoe also missed a penalty.
Several other clear-cut chances went begging for both sides before Lennon became the hero to move Spurs to within a point of fourth-placed Manchester City and back to six of the summit.
Friday, November 26, 2010
Roy plotting Spurs 'surprise'
The Reds travel to White Hart Lane this weekend in the unusual role as underdogs, having been usurped by Spurs as one of the Premier League's top four clubs last season before making a terrible start to the current campaign.
But Hodgson, who will again be without injured captain Steven Gerrard, saw his side defeat rock-bottom West Ham with ease last Saturday evening to ensure they have now lost only one game in eight matches in all competitions.
After an apparent lack of fitness and confidence, Fernando Torres has rediscovered his goalscoring form in that period, while Ngog impressed against the Hammers when starting in Gerrard's absence.
But Hodgson, who will again be without injured captain Steven Gerrard, saw his side defeat rock-bottom West Ham with ease last Saturday evening to ensure they have now lost only one game in eight matches in all competitions.
After an apparent lack of fitness and confidence, Fernando Torres has rediscovered his goalscoring form in that period, while Ngog impressed against the Hammers when starting in Gerrard's absence.
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