Liverpool streak into the last 16 as Brighton are slam Dunked.

Anfield was treated to six of the, not quite, best as Liverpool ran out easy winners against Brighton. Half of the home side’s goals were scored by the visitors with Skrtel, Carroll and Luis Suarez completing the rout.

Kenny Dalglish restored Jamie Carragher to the starting line up to partner Martin Skrtel. Charlie Adam was given the nod to partner Gerrard in the middle of the park with Henderson and Downing offering width. Luis Suarez made his first appearance for Liverpool since the “Shake-gate” controversy with Carroll making his first appearance since “Pants-performance gate”.

It looked like an easy night in store for the home side after Skrtel headed in Liverpool’s first inside five minutes from a corner, whilst Brighton keeper Peter Brezovan seemed to be waiving at his Mum in the crowd. But shortly after, Liverpool were stunned after Lua Lua (remember him?) thundered in a 25 yard free kick. It was a great strike, one that Ronald Reagan would have been proud of – “Mr. Dalglish, tear down that wall!”. What the three man “wall” were thinking only they will know but they left Pepe Reina with no chance.

Liverpool enjoyed most of the possession, but in fairness they didn’t play that well. It was more a case of Brighton making a hash of just about everything defensively. The Brighton keeper, Peter Brezovan had a shocker. He flapped at just about everything. The crowd winced when a streaker ran onto the pitch late on in the game and it looked like Brezovan was going to try and catch him. Thankfully he decided against it, probably deciding that dropping these particular balls wouldn’t look great on the highlights “package”. Guffaw!

Downing had a much better game as did Carroll. It may have been against lower league opposition, but it won’t do their confidence any harm to get a good performance under their belts. Carroll started off slowly and was not impressed by the Brighton back four’s close attention, particularly Adam El Abde who surely has a future in top-flight wrestling. But Carroll needs to use his own pro-wrestler frame to his advantage rather than acting like a 16 year old with an ASBO. His constant verbal tirades against the referee is becoming a regular feature and quite frankly I cannot believe he hasn’t been booked virtually every game for dissent.

Liverpool went into the interval a goal up, after Liam Bridcutt opened up his OG account for the night after a header from Glenn Johnson led to some comic shenanigans in the Brighton area (I mean the penalty area, not the actual Brighton area – although it can’t be ruled out). The second half was pretty much one-way traffic and Carroll effectively ended the game as a real contest when he swept in Stewart Downing’s cross after he burst down the flank on the counter. Liam Bridcutt completed a memorable brace of OG’s as he rather unluckily shinned a Steven Gerrard effort into his own net. Obviously inspired by Bridcutt’s tomfoolery, Lewis Dunk decided he’d get in on the act by introducing his own slapstick improvisation routine. Chesting down a Downing cross in his own area and running toward his own goal the accepted wisdom would be to launch the ball into somewhere between row’s Y and Z. Instead, a little voice (probably belonging to the late, great Norman Wisdom) somehow persuaded Dunk to knee the ball under control. Sadly for the Brighton Rock, nobody had told Dunk to avoid the bony part of the knee. Queue mirth and mayhem as the hapless Dunk tried desperately to undo his tribute to British comedy.

Kuyt came on and was promptly bundled down in the penalty area to earn the home side a spot-kick. Kuyt seemed determined to take it, but Suarez alerted the Dutchman to the bench where Reds boss Kenny Dalglish was frantically holding up seven fingers suggesting the Urugauyan should take it. After Norman Wisdom got into Suarez’s ear as well, it may have been that Dalglish was warning everyone that Suarez had missed seven times in training.

Suarez soon made amends as Carroll headed across goal for the number 7 to nod home from close to seal Liverpool’s march into the quarter finals.

The performance must be put into the context of the opposition that turned up at Anfield. Carroll was much improved and Downing showed in flashes why Dalglish splashed out 20m for his services. Suarez is showing signs of his eight game absence and whilst his skill and wizardry was there for all to see he’s lacking the sharpness and speed that will surely come with games.

But Dalglish must be relieved the team responded to the difficult events of recent weeks in such an emphatic way. Despite the recent reversal against United in the League, Liverpool remain just four points off a Champions League spot. A quarter final tie against Stoke City at home now awaits and Dalglish will be wary of Tony Pullis’ men. But with Cardiff to come in next weekends League Cup Final, Liverpool now have plenty to play for in the final third of the season.

Suarez and Dalglish apologise after Old Trafford debacle

Liverpool FC issued an apology on behalf of both Luis Suarez and Kenny Dalglish in the ugly aftermath of Saturday's explosive League encounter at Old Trafford. The Uruguayan forward was clearly forced into a humbling apology after the gravity of Saturday finally hit home in the corridors of power at Anfield. Even the New York Times was moved to condemn Liverpool and urge Fenway Sports Group to salvage the battering that the club's image and reputation have taken. 

In what was almost a side-show, Liverpool lost at Old Trafford 2-1. An early second half brace from Wayne Rooney ended any Liverpool hopes of a result, despite Suarez scoring with 10 minutes to go to give United some last minute nerves. Liverpool's performance was woeful, but it served only to emphasise the woeful way in which the club have handled the Suarez affair. Liverpool were all at sea and one has to ask if the latest Suarez/Evra incident affected the team's performance such was the wretched nature of it.

The fact that the club were moved to issue an apology must be welcomed. That it came two months too late has to be of concern for all those genuinley concerned for the reputation of Liverpool FC. Two months ago, I wrote in this column that Liverpool FC need to apologise, that Luis Suarez is not a racist but that he is sorry for using a term that is offensive in this country and that Liverpool FC will work harder to integrate foreign players into the English game to prevent such incidents from occuring again. Simple, magnanimous and designed to move on in a quite dignified way. You know, the "Liverpool way". Instead, the club and manager not only gave Suarez carte blanche to do and say what he wanted, but they indulged him to an extent that horrified the majority of neutral fans and observers. The "let's wear Suarez" t-shirts was disgraceful and the folly of that decision only became apparant when a young Oldham player was reduced to tears at Anfield by snarling yobs wearing the very same t-shirts. Monkey chants surfaced at Anfield when Evra returned with United and yet still, Dalglish could not bring himself to let the situation go, instead maintaining that Suarez "should never have been banned in the first place". The Pandora's Box that exploded in Liverpool's face had consequences that went far beyond the Shankly Gates. The disturbing return of racism in the English game is not all Liverpool FC's fault, however the lack of leadership shown by the club has had a devasting effect on the image of the English game and it's most distinguished club. It's all very well saying we are "England's greatest club", that we have "class", that we have a history that other's just cannot buy. But that come's with a responsibilty to act with class, act like the greatest club and respect the club's own history and traditions. Sadly, many Liverpool fans have forgotten this judging by the responses on social networking sites. The level of short sighted bile and outright racism displayed has only further damaged the reputation of Liverpool FC and one really has to wonder what kind of "supporters" they are. Only today, a member of a Liverpool fan page on Facebook likened Patrice Evra to a "gorilla". If that wasn't bad enough, the amount of "likes" and similar comments was truly depressing. 

Two months ago, I wrote in this column that Liverpool FC will rue the day it allowed the Suarez saga to spiral out of control and I had messages ranging from "you don't know what you're talking about" to "you're not really a Liverpool supporter". Well today, the club have done what they should have done weeks ago and my message board has suddenly gone very quiet. And there is a huge difference between supporting a club and supporting a player even to the detriment of your club. Luis Suarez is a fantastic player and I genuinley believe he is not racist. But that is not the point as he was never charged with being a racist. Patrice Evra has said he doesn't believe Suarez is racist. Nobody has said Suarez is a racist yet because of the club's stance not only is Suarez tarnished with this label but so too has Liverpool FC. And sadly, the image of an icon of the game, Kenny Dalglish has also taken a beating. Why was Dalglish allowed to front this PR car wreck? The owners should have demanded that the club issue an immediate statement to put this whole issue to bed and to remind Luis Suarez that he is an employee of the club and not the other way around. This way you keep Dalglish away from any criticism and prevent him from being made to look foolish. 

The last few years have been an exercise in how to run into the ground a proud and great institution. With Dalglish and a new set of owners coming on board one would have hoped that even if things weren't going perfectly well on the pitch, that the clubs old traditions would be respected off it. The apology was issued and Manchester United responded in the following way: "Manchester United thanks Liverpool for the apologies issued after Saturday's game. Everyone at Old Trafford wants to move on from this. The history of our two great clubs is one of success and rivalry unparalleled in the British game. That should be the focus in the future of all those who love the clubs."

How very "Liverpool" of them. Club management please take note.

Liverpool fans have a responsibilty to stand up for the traditions of this great club. And a responsibilty to stand up to those that have no respect for that tradition. And Liverpool players have a responsibility toward their club and need to be reminded that they represent the club they play for. If you can't bring yourself to respect the club and do what the club asks of you then you are welcome to leave. Liverpool FC has survived the loss of far greater players than Luis Suarez should he decide to leave. Never again should fear of losing a player prevent Liverpool FC  from acting in the best interests of the club.

Anfield stalemate spurs Liverpool on to Old Trafford clash

Anfield witnessed it's 8th draw in twelve home games as visitors Tottenham returned to North London with a point. Liverpool dominated possession but, as has been the case so many times this season, lacked a cutting edge in the final third. Despite the home side's dominance, it was Tottenham who should have stolen all three points with arguably the best chance of the game but Garth Bale capped off a poor perfromance by squandering a gilt edged opportunity minutes from time.

Liverpool started with the returning Luis Suarez on the bench with Andy Carroll continuing his run in the side. Martin Kelly started at right back with Glen Johnson replacing the injured Luis Enrique at left back. After Chelsea were held by champions Manchester United the day before, Liverpool had the chance to get within 2 points of 4th place. The opening four minutes saw Andy Carroll at the centre of events as Pepe Reina impersonated a NATO artilleryman, the Spanish stopper launched a series of log balls for Carroll to win. But Michael Dawson set the tone for the rest of the game as he dominated the Liverpool striker. Liverpool had a penalty appeal waived away with Carroll through on goal. Replays prove that Michael Oliver was correct and the young referee put in a faultless performance all night.

After 11 minutes, a pussy was chased off the park, although rumours that it was Andy Carroll are way off the mark. The big man was better and showed some nice touches but Liverpool didn't pay 35m for some nice touches. He did some chasing down, but as former Reds striker Paul Walsh commented in the studio, he stood around for long periods of the game which doesn't help his team mates. He is clearly lacking confidence and this comes out with his incessant complaints to the referee. On the half hour, Liverpool surged forward and broke from wide right. Carroll bumps into the diminutive Scott Parker - Parker carries on running into the box like a normal (dare I say it) man, leaving Carroll standing arms outstretched looking like our feline friend that had been chased off the park some 20 minutes ago. The ball is crossed into the box and who should calmly collect the ball under no pressure but the same Scott Parker. The big brute!

Jay Spearing was his steady self and almost opened the scoring by letting fly from 25 yards only to see the shot go narrowly past the post. Steven Gerrard started off central but as the game progressed played as a second striker. It was a good ploy in patches, but Carroll is simply not mobile enough nor does he win enough headers to make that tactic a viable long term option. 

Spurs' attack was blunted by the full backs as well as the industrious Dirk Kuyt who forced Gareth Bale to switch wings on more than one occassion. The Welshman had an anonimous evening but did manage to put his hat in the ring for the British Diving team for this summers Olympics. Daniel Agger was not entirely impressed and the now customary "pushing the breasts" martial arts routine was enacted. Bale was booked but he almost won the game for the visitors after he beat Liverpool's offside trap with just 5 minutes to go. Reina however stood tall and won that particular duel. 

But the main event arrived on 66 minutes as Luis Suarez entered the fray after his enforced absence. He made an immediate impact by dispossessing Assou-Ekotto, the Spurs fullback being undone by a gust of wind that caused his unfeasibly large Afro to rock him from side to side. Two minutes later, Suarez volleyed man of the match Scott Parker in the kidneys. The England man will still probably make it to the Euro's but Fabio Cappello is already seeking assurances from FIFA that Parker can take his dialysis machine onto the pitch. It was clearly accidental, but Anfield held its collective breath to see the colour of the card. In all fairness, if the referee had shown a red card I don't think there could be much complaint. Luckily, the Uruguayan survived with a yellow and makes himself available for the trip up the East Lancs Road which promises to be the most combustable of fixtures.

Liverpool should have taken all three points. But how many times have we said that this season? The team is still progressing, their defensive record is second to none. But too often, the midfield are slow in possession and either passing sideways or back to the centre backs by which time the opposition have all eleven players firmly behind the ball. Away from home, they can sit back, defend well and hit on the counter. At home, they need to up the tempo and that tempo has to be set by Adam and Spearing. It means that Gerrard too often drops deeper to set the pace. I said a week ago that I'd be pleased with 4points from Spurs and United. Liverpool will now have their work cut out against United to come away with a win. United hold no fear for Liverpool but United will be bouyed by their stunning fightback at Chelsea and their now routine charge for the title in this second half of the season. Both teams will see this as the right fixture at the right time. Suarez will have to keep his head knowing that he'll be the target of as much abuse as Evra was at Anfield. Evra, to his credit, took it in his stride.

Let's hope Suarez can do the same and then some.

Andy Carroll was better but by no means was it even a satisfactory performance. Liverpool fans are so eager to see him succeed, which is to their credit, that mediocre perfromances are being hailed as "great". Winning headers is not ground breaking stuff and neither is not having the first touch of a rapist. At the moment, Carroll would not get into any other top four team and he'd even struggle to get back into the Newcastle team where Demba Ba is showing what is needed at ths level. Dalglish will give him time because he simply has to. By sanctioning Carroll's astronomical transfer, the former Newcastle man may well end up defining Dalglish's second coming. Liverpool simply cannot afford to carry Carroll if it means it is detrimental to the teams style of play and progress. Either Liverpool invest in more striking options so that Carroll remains one of those options. Or they go for replacement options. At the moment, the omens are not good for Carroll. He's yound and has only just started his Anfield career. But gone are the days where a striker can learn his trade in the reserves. 

Some may say that "it's not about the money, money, money..."

But it's still one hell of a Price Tag.

Carroll sets up Black country cruise

It was a day for landmarks at Molinuex as Liverpool recorded a comfortable win against Mick McCarthey's struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers. Dirk Kuyt notched up his 50th Premier League goal for Liverpool, whilst Jamie Carragher eclipsed the great Emlyn Hughes' League appearance record when he came on as a second half substitute for the 475th time. Andy Carroll struck in the 52nd minute after an exquisite ball in from Charlie Adam, with Craig Bellamy and Dirk Kuyt putting the seal on Liverpool's first Premier League win of 2012. But for all those landmarks, it was Liverpool's first of the three they scored that may prove to be the most significant. The much maligned Andy Carroll put in a performance which may not go down as a virtuoso number nine performance, but it was certainly a marked improvement.

The former Newcastle striker seemed bouyed by the anniversary of his record breaking transfer to Anfield and seemed to have finally come to the realisation that his size and frame is something that opposition defenders fear. He made his presence felt with some clattering challenges and was always available to his team mates. For all the criticism that has come Carroll's way, on this column as well, his team mates do not help matters often. Far too often, a ball would be played into the box for Carroll to win. When he did win the knock down, there was nobody following up. Carroll's now familair look of frustration was often justified last night. This is may well be a problem that will not be solved. Carroll is not the type of player suited to the role of lone striker. Liverpool are at their best, and have been since the Benitez era, by playing two holding midfielders, three central/attacking midfielders and one striker. That one striker needs mobility and pace, something that Carroll is neither blessed with nor ever likely to develop. With the imminent return of Lus Suarez after his eight match ban, Dalglish will have to make a decision as to whether to play two up and accomodate Carroll or stick with Suarez as the focal point of attack.

Dalglish will be delighted with the three points and clean sheet. It may have only been Wolves, but there was always the danger of a come down after the euphoria of back to back cup wins against Manchester City and United respectively. The fact that Liverpool played with composure and patience will instill renewed belief that they may yet be able to force their way back into the battle for a top four place. That belief will be tested this month with Liverpool hosting Spurs this coming Monday followed by the hotly anticipated trip to bitter rivals United the following Saturday. The next two games will go a long way to deciding whether or not Liverpool will be in the mix come the end of the season. The key now is to put a run together between now and the end of the season. Dalglish knows that momentum is a priceless commodity and right now, Liverpool are riding on that momentum. If anything, Dalglish will wlecome the next two games as Liverpool always compete in the big games and Old Trafford will hold no fear given their recent record against United. In just a few weeks Dalglish will have his best chance of silverware when he takes his Liverpool side to Anfield to face Cardiff in the Carling Cup Final. It may not be a big competition but winning it will only increase the self belief within the camp. One only has to look at how Arsenal's season imploded after their shock defeat in the same fixture against Birmingham to see that it can play a vital part in a club's season.

For all the doom and gloom surrounding recent League results, last night showed at least some of the positives. Bellamy put in his now almost standard Man of the Match performance. As well as his goal, he's also not afraid to show Andy Carroll who the senior man is with a look that could have killed when Carroll opted for a 30 yard shot when the Welshman had made a run down the right. Suffice to say that Bellamy was not impressed with Carroll's effort which managed only to trouble a steward half way between the goal post and corner flag. Charlie Adam was back in the starting line up and although he will always frustrate at times, he played in an absolute gem for Carroll's first goal. Spearing also returned from injury giving Liverpool a touch more balance in the middle of the park. Gerrard was rested ahead of two crucial games and Dalglish must take his team into both fixtures with confidence knowing that 4 or 6 points give a massive boost to their League campaign.

The transfer window slammed shut today (why does it always "slam" shut? you never hear of the window sliding quietly shut do?) and there was no significant business done as Dalglish had promised. 

Even so, Andy Carroll did look rather worried as helicopter blades could be heard whirring over Molinuex last night.

That would have been one expensive taxi...