Liverpool FC 4 Tottenham Hotspur 0 Match Report 30-Mar-2014

Before kick-off, Elvis Presley's rendition of 'If I Can Dream' boomed out across Anfield. Liverpool's title aspiration can no longer be confined to mere slumber.

On a weekend when their rivals in the battle for the Premier League crown both slipped up, Brendan Rodgers' side had to take full advantage and seize the opportunity they did.

Tottenham were little more than house guests as the home crowd generated a party atmosphere. Moving two points clear at the table's summit in the final third of the season tends to have such an effect, particularly when the wait for a title creeps towards a 24th year.

"The dream is for our supporters, they want to win the title. It has been a long time but it's not in my thinking," said Rodgers.

"We just need to prepare and do well and if we do that, we will win games. We have won eight games in a row and we will enjoy that. It's just about going back to work next week and we have a tough game against West Ham next.

"We just want to concentrate on the next game and that is what we will focus on."

For a club that, according to several of their former players, have sold Elvis and bought The Beatles, the only semblance of a fab four for Tottenham was in the scoreline.

Bill Shankly once declared that opposing teams were frightened of visiting Anfield and the proneness to error of Tim Sherwood's side against the backdrop of a vociferous ambiance suggests those claims may once again carry plenty of weight in the long-run.

It was the famous old ground's atmosphere at its finest. It has been a while since those words were last uttered. The array of flags and banners that have forged the tapestry of some of the stadium's most memorable occasions were out in force.

From the first whistle to the last, the Kop's voice never waned. They know that the title is within their grasp. An unenviable run-in could still see this latest bid condemned to the annals of underwhelm alongside the seasons of 1996-97, 2001-02 and latterly 2008-09.

Yet unlike his predecessors, there is something different about Rodgers' Liverpool. The hype generated at the beginning of each of those failed attempt campaigns was a constant factor. Their status as predominantly unfancied challengers this term has served them well.

"We were seventh last year so the expectation wasn't there at the start of the season. Now we are up there at the top of the league with that pressure," said Rodgers.

"Today we answered the question about pressure. We like to dominate the ball and you saw that today. The movement, confidence and composure was good. We fight as a team to get the ball back and overall I was very proud of the team.

"That is eight wins in a row and that takes some going at this level."

At the start of the first half, a message was relayed to supporters over the PA system in a bid to discourage persistent standing. Watching a Liverpool side that has stormed its way into this season's title race has fast become a spectacle that is best experienced from the edge of seats.

With barely two minutes on the clock, Spurs found themselves on the back foot. Younes Kaboul turned a Glen Johnson cross into his own net and the party mood commenced henceforth.

Sherwood elected to observe his team's performance from the directors' box. The north Londoners' head coach previously had fond memories of this stadium when he lifted the title as Blackburn Rovers captain in 1995 but it has rapidly turned into an increasingly unhappy hunting ground.

And true to narrative, it was a player that he passed up signing that compounded that misery further as Luis Suarez doubled the advantage. Sherwood declined the chance to lure the mercurial Uruguayan to White Hart Lane from Ajax while he was a member of Harry Redknapp's scouting team.

That decision came back to haunt him on 25 minutes, when Suarez capitalised on poor defending between Kaboul and Michael Dawson before executing a pacy finish reminiscent of Robbie Fowler - the man whose club Premier League record he has now overtaken.

Tottenham were restricted largely to potshots, typified by Nacer Chadil's ambitious long-range shot. Gylfi Sigurdsson offered a slightly more realistic chance but his header was saved comfortably by Simon Mignolet.

Liverpool could and should have been ahead by further far sooner. Daniel Sturridge teed Suarez up for a header that Hugo Lloris somehow managed to keep out while, after the interval, Jordan Henderson spurned a golden opportunity when he skied a Raheem Sterling cut-back from close range.

But their continued ascendancy paid dividends as Jon Flanagan fed Philippe Coutinho for the Brazilian to unleash a low-driven shot that nestled into the far corner of Lloris' net.

After Henderson finally recorded his name on the score sheet with a free kick that evaded the clutches of all and sundry in the penalty area, the travelling Spurs fans became mutinous. 'Where is our manager?', they repeatedly chanted. Sherwood remained motionless in the directors' box.

The reaction as Phil Dowd's final whistle confirmed Liverpool's place as league leaders was one not witnessed for several years. Rodgers and his players were roared off by a stay-behind Kop as they applauded the supporters. The once impossible dream is now in their hands.

LIVERPOOL (4-3-3): Mignolet; Johnson, Skrtel, Agger, Flanagan; Gerrard (Lucas 70), Henderson, Coutinho (Allen 63); Sterling (Moses 83), Sturridge, Suarez
Subs not used: Jones, Aspas, Sakho, Cissokho

Goals: Kaboul OG (2), Suarez (25), Coutinho (56), Henderson (75)

TOTTENHAM (4-2-3-1): Lloris; Naughton, Kaboul, Vertonghen (Dawson 24), Rose; Bentaleb (Dembele 60), Sigurdsson; Lennon (Townsend 60), Chadli, Eriksen; Soldado
Subs not used: Friedel, Sandro, Winks, Kane

Booked: Kaboul, Sigurdsson

Referee: P Dowd (Staffordshire)
Attendance: 44,672

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Source : http://www.clickliverpool.com/sport/liverpool-fc-news/1220991-match-report---liverpool-fc-4-tottenham-hotspur-0.html

Liverpool Set to Start Their Last English Premier League Stage with a Win against Sunderland

26^th of March will see the second team in command at the English Premier League points table fight it out with the third team from the bottom- Sunderland. It is expected to be an easy win for Liverpool as they are currently in their top form, second only to Chelsea.

Liverpool in Better Position Compared to Sunderland

Sunderland is placed 18 on the points table with only 6 wins out of 27 games while Liverpool is placed at number 2 position with 19 wins out of 29 games. Liverpool fans are very excited as the team has the potential to replace Chelsea at number one position. Besides, Liverpool tickets are very much in demand as Luis Suarez is scoring well. He has scored close to 35 goals.

Sunderland Faces Relegation

Sunderland will make every effort to fight back against Liverpool even though they have very less chances. The team will try not to slip into the relegation zone. There have been a few inquiries for the Sunderland Matches for the Match at Anfield. The team has won only a couple of matches in their last 6 matches. The predictions for this match say that Liverpool will win this match with a 3-1 margin. Chelsea faces a tough competition from Liverpool.

The Liverpool vs Sunderland match will give a practice session to Liverpool for sure.Liverpool has come a long way from being in a third position at the table to number two position.

It will only be a miracle if Liverpool loses this match against Sunderland.

Liverpool to Experience an Easy Win against Cardiff City in English Premier League

The English Premier League has completed week 30 and now only 8 weeks remain for the title match. Each team is trying its best to finish at the top. On March 22, Liverpool will get to crush Cardiff City and again make their claim stronger for the title.

Liverpool Looking to Crush Cardiff City

The fans will get to witness Cardiff City vs Liverpool match on March 22 at the Cardiff City stadium. Liverpool has just defeated defending champions Manchester United with a 3-0 win, so their confidence will be at sky level. Thus the sale of Liverpool tickets is sure to rise for their upcoming matches. Liverpool is currently at 2nd position with 62 points and 19 wins out of 29 games.

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Cardiff in a Bad State at the Points Table

Cardiff City is on second position from the bottom and there is no possibility that it can even think to beat Liverpool. The Cardiff City tickets sale is just picking up. They have only beat their partners at the points table-Fulham with 3-1 win. Cardiff City has lost the last few matches in a row, so it will be a very tough task for them to beat Liverpool.

Manchester United Vs Liverpool: Liverpool Tickets Already Sold Out

The Week 30 of the English Premier League will finally get to see some real action after a good gap. March 16 2014 will see the defending champions battle it out with a strong competitor Liverpool.

Liverpool looking strong against Manchester United

Manchester United which won the English Premier League 2012-13 will face Liverpool on March 16th. The fans will buy the Manchester United tickets in bulk to see this exciting match. David Moyes will look forward to a good team work from his boys. Manchester United is currently on the 6th position with 48 points winning 14 out of 28 games, while Liverpool are way ahead standing second at the points table. Liverpool are with 59 points winning 18 out of 28 games. They have even out-staged Arsenal and looking a fierce team at the moment. Liverpool tickets are already sold out ahead of this match.

Weakest current squad of Manchester United

The current United squad is termed as one of the weakest as due to unknown reasons, the team seems to have lost its momentum. They will have to perform as a team against Liverpool which won their last game against Southampton with 3-0 on 1st March. The experts predict that in the Manchester United vs Liverpool match at Old Trafford, the later stands the chance to win it with 2-1 margin.

Liverpool FC 4 Swansea City 3 - Match Report - 22-Feb-2014

For all their brilliance this season, Liverpool's innate sense of capitulation still threatens to get the better of them. Swansea City almost became the latest beneficiaries of haphazard defending by Brendan Rodgers' side. Forget 'poetry in motion', it was largely organised chaos from the hosts.

And that calamituous back line approach threatens to jeopardize their plans to secure the safe return of the Champions League to Anfield next term, not to mention offsetting the exploits of Daniel Sturridge and Raheem Sterling, the afternoon's stand-out performers in attack for the Reds.

Sterling's development over recent months has been cause for optimism among the Anfield faithful that he is finally realising his true potential. Now playing without the burdening expectation of channelling the spirit of John Barnes in his pomp, the 19-year-old exudes quality.

None more so was that evident than when he handed Liverpool the advantage with an exquisite pass, after dispossessing Angel Rangel, for Sturridge to pounce upon and round an advancing Michel Vorm for his eighth goal in as many league outings.

There is no longer any doubt of Sterling's place in England's 23-man squad for this summer's World Cup finals - consistent performances such as this show why he is virtually guaranteed to be on Roy Hodgson's shortlist for the flight to Brazil.

Sturridge, similarly, is another Liverpool player assured a spot in the Three Lions' travelling party, with that third-minute goal seeing him become the first Premier League player since Ruud van Nistelrooy to reach that milestone but more was still to come from the rejuvenated marksman.

The duo could find themselves joined by another of their Anfield compatriots in Jordan Henderson, who not only helped double their advantage with a curling shot from the edge of the area after Sturridge squared the ball to him, but also proved the eventual saviour later in the game.

"He showed great leadership today. You could see him driving the team on," said Rodgers.

"His first goal was an outstanding goal. We've been talking to him about getting up there because in training his finishing is subline and he practices and he works at it. But what was really pleasing for me was his second goal.

"We were telling him to get into the box because he's got the legs and energy to do that. The thing I always say to the midfield players to try to get inside the six-yard box, and that's where his goal has come from."

Swansea appeared galvanized from Thursday's Europa League stalemate with Napoli and it was reflected in their output. Holding the Italians seemed to instill hope in Garry Monk's side that they could again upset the odds.

Jonjo Shelvey engineered the majority of their attacks in the first half but the midfielder was apologetic and seemed embarrassed when he reduced the deficit against his former club with a carbon copy of Henderson's shot that nestled in the top right-hand corner of Simon Mignolet's goal.

Minutes later the visitors pulled level after Wilfried Bony flicked on Jonathan De Guzman's free kick before a Martin Skrtel deflection took it past Mignolet en route to the Kop's net.

Sturridge was on hand again to help Liverpool retake the lead as he rose to nod home a Luis Suarez ball across the face of the area. But within minutes of the interval, poor defending saw Liverpool punished again as Skrtel was penalised for pulling down Bony, who drew Swansea level with the ensuing penalty kick.

The Slovakian can have little complaint with Mike Jones' denouement; his reputation for heavy duty challenges has preceded him for the large parts of the current campaign. However he is not the only Liverpool defender culpable for allowing winning positions to occasionally slip from their grasp.

Softly-spoken though he may be off the pitch, Henderson is a tireless performer that has proved Liverpool's secret weapon at times this season with his energy a vastly underrated quality of Rodgers' attacking juggernaut. 

And that relentlessness worked to their full advantage 15 minutes from time after Steven Gerrard's pinged pass found Suarez to line up the midfielder. Vorm was equal to Henderson's initial effort but his follow-up rendered the Swans stopper powerless.

When Rodgers took the reins at Anfield, Liverpool had amassed just 47 goals in a season. With 12 games remaining, they could easily plunder double that amount. Henderson's strike was the club's 70th domestic goal this term - more than any of their Premier League peers.

The danger, however, is that they will not always be able to rely on out-scoring their opponents - something which Rodgers is all too aware.

"Up until now we've got away with it but some of the things that we concede goals in, you can't coach that," admitted Rodgers.

"There's a feel that when you're in the game of how to defend and you have to use that experience to be able to defend properly. I've always said that since I've been here.

"Today we had moments in the game that we weren't so good at, but I'll focus really on the other side - our character to keep going. We were 2-0 up, pulled back to two each and we kept going again."

LIVERPOOL (4-3-3): Mignolet; Flanagan, Skrtel, Agger (Toure 65), Johnson; Gerrard, Henderson, Coutinho; Sterling (Allen 58), Suarez, Sturridge (Moses 79).
Subs not used: Jones, Teixeira, Aspas, Cissokho

Goals: Sturridge (3, 36), Henderson (21, 74)
Booked: Skrtel

SWANSEA CITY (4-2-3-1): Vorm; Rangel, Flores, Williams, Taylor; Britton, De Guzman (Hernandez 73); Dyer (Ngog 79), Shelvey (Canas 46), Routledge; Bony.
Subs not used: Tremmel, Amat, Tiendalli, Hernandez, Emnes.

Goals: Shelvey (23), Skrtel OG (27), Bony (48)

Referee: M Jones (Cheshire)
Attendance: 44,731

Liverpool Football Match Tickets

Source : http://www.clickliverpool.com/sport/liverpool-fc-news/1220770-liverpool-fc-4-swansea-city-3---match-report.html

Watch the goals as LFC progress in FA Youth Cup

Liverpool’s under 18s progressed to the quarter-finals of the FA Youth Cup with a 2-0 victory against Watford at Vicarage Road on Wednesday evening.

Promising midfield duo Daniel Trickett-Smith and Harry Wilson scored the goals for Neil Critchley’s side.

The Reds will face Reading in the quarter finals, with the winner playing Fulham or Huddersfield in the semi-final.

Liverpool: Ryan Fulton; Connor Randall (c), Jordan Williams, Lloyd Jones, Joe Maguire; Harry Wilson, Jordan Rossiter, Cameron Brannagan, Sheyi Ojo; Ryan Kent (Jerome Sinclair 75), Daniel Trickett-Smith (Pedro Chirivella 81)
Subs not used: Sam Hart, Andrew Firth, Daniel Cleary

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Source: http://www.thisisanfield.com/2014/02/watch-goals-lfc-progress-fa-youth-cup/#sthash.AtSCsGA3.dpuf

Liverpool v Everton match prediction 28 Jan 2014

Liverpool vs. Everton (NBC Sports Network Live Extra, 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT): You want Derby, bubba? We got Derby. Merseyside flavor. Now leave goat alone. Liverpool (13-4-5) welcomes Sort-of Noisy Neighbors Everton (11-9-2) to Anfield in what guarantees to be a chippy game at its complete chippiest. Chipped-teeth chippy. So chippy you may have to call a plumber specializing in Chip Removal. Epic, almost illegal levels of chip, Chip. Possibly so much chip bubba that you won’t even be able to file a 1040EZ tax form because of the utter chip complications. So don’t say you weren’t warned. The Merseyside derby traditionally has more players sent off than any other Premier League fixture. You’ll see when you’re cleaning the blood off of your TV at halftime there, bourbon breath. Now go away.

Anyway, back on the third planet from Our Favorite Star, the Toffees head to The Beatles hometown unbeaten in their last five matches but that will certainly be put to the test against a Liverpool Football match team which is a dominant 9-1-1 at home and boast the league's leading scorer in Luis Suarez (22 goals). Liverpool has held the upper hand over the last 10 in this series (5-4-1, 17-10 goals) but Everton is having one its best seasons in years and with GK Tim Howard, Chelsea loanee Romelu Lukaku (9 goals) and Seamus Coleman (5 goals) is trying to make a run at a top-four finish in the league and a prized Champions League spot. But the fourth-place Reds (16-6 Over) are also playing as well as they have in years, are still very much in contention for the EPL title—just eight points behind league-leaders Arsenal (43-51)—and will absolutely want no part of their biggest rivals coming in a raining on their parade. Listen to me.

My sacred crystal ball—bequeathed to me by King Brian the Gif Collector of Nappytown— shows Liverpool somehow finding a way to win this one with an unexpected player coming up with the second-half game-winner. Maybe Martin Škrtel. Maybe a very long overstruck Fernando Torres volley from West London from a prior game finally returning to Mother Earth. Possibly an extremely high Simon Mignolet kick that bounces off the edge of the Moon, then off Big Ben and then into the goal. Who knows. There is just a little too much fog in my crystal ball at the moment to tell for sure. This always happens this time of year. Please send help. And skids of swiss cheese.
PREDICTION: Liverpool 2 Everton 1
BET: Liverpool -125
Read more at http://swol.co/english-premier-league-matchweek-23-betting-odds-and-predictions-liverpool-v-everton-chelseas-london-derby-and-more/32501#Ajw7vuyzzAuSP1ta.99

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