Everton 0-2 LIVERPOOL
Premier League, Saturday October 1st, 2011
Andy Carroll
went some way towards answering his mounting critics with a 71st minute
goal which set Liverpool on their way to victory in the 216th edition
of the Merseyside Derby.
Luis Suarez
scored the Reds second and decisive goal in a hard-fought 2-0 win. But
it was referee Martin Atkinson who took centre stage. As his
controversial decision to produce a red card for Jack Rodwell’s
challenge on Suarez midway through the first half ultimately swung the
game in Liverpool’s favour.
The Goodison faithful understandably, if somewhat predictably, lamented
their hard-luck and chastised the performance of the referee. Atkinson
having also awarded Liverpool a deserved penalty-kick in the closing
moments of the first half – one which Dirk Kuyt ultimately failed to convert.
However, from a Liverpool perspective it was simply a case of job done. Once Everton
had been reduced to 10-men there was an air of inevitability about the
eventual outcome. Yet, the Reds far from had it all their own way. And,
as is seemingly the case with every derby encounter, this result was
grafted through hard work rather than any degree of flair.
Dismissals are another facet which seem almost inescapable in any
match between the red and blue halves of Merseyside. There was certainly
a degree of familiarity about the Rodwell red card and its probable
impact on the eventual outcome of this game.
This was the 12th red card issued in the last 16 Merseyside derbies.
That combined with Atkinson’s noted penchant for showing cards, meant
that it was hardly surprising that the match did not last the distance
with a full compliment of players.
But that should not discredit Liverpool’s efforts in achieving a result
which could yet prove pivotal in their own season. With the visit of
Manchester United to come, it was important for Kenny Dalglish’s
team to take something from a game which is perennially one of the most
keenly contested of the season. Especially after having already
suffered a couple of set-backs in the early stages of their season.
The dismal may have been the game-changing incident. But this was
hardly a case of Liverpool cruising to victory having been granted a
numerical advantage. Indeed the Reds were professional and clinical in
front of goal rather than dominant for the most part.
Liverpool began the game brightly. Dalglish having opted for a
relatively attacking line-up, with Kuyt, Carroll and Suarez all present
in the starting XI.
Suarez should have done better when he could only force Tim Howard into a
comfortable save with a header from Kuyt’s cross. After Phil Jagielka
had sliced a clearance under pressure from the Dutchman in the opening
minutes.
Yet, the hosts gradual began to take the game to the Reds, in what grew into an inevitably full-blooded encounter. Pepe Reina
had to make a creditable save from a Tim Cahill header – tipping the
ball over the bar at full stretch. Whilst Sylvian Distin probably should
have tested the Spaniard moments later. The centre-back having escaped
the attentions of Jose Enrique before firing over.
As has been a regular theme away from home this season; Liverpool were
struggling to genuinely gain a foothold in the game in midfield. And
that continued even after Rodwell’s dismissal. Indeed, it was not until
the introduction of Steven Gerrard and Craig Bellamy on 66 minutes that the Reds were genuinely able to gain the upper hand in that area of the field.
Of the sending off – the result of a midfield challenge by Rodwell on
Suarez – the young midfielder can consider himself unfortunate to have
received red, for a challenge which was strong but fair even if he did
catch Suarez with the follow though. Particularly, considering that
there were worst challenges in the game which went unpunished.
But it was Liverpool’s responsibility to take advantage of the
situation. And it was not until the closing stages of the opening half
that they came close to doing so.
First Liverpool were awarded a penalty for what was clearly a rash
challenge by Jagielka on Suarez in the corner of the Glawdys Street end
penalty area. Kuyt was handed the responsibility but contrived to miss
the first spot-kick of his Liverpool career. Howard diving to his left
to push away a fairly tame effort.
Shortly afterwards, Kuyt played the ball into the path of Charlie Adam;
following some good build up play. Adam sent his sweetly struck shot
against the underside of the crossbar with Howard beaten.
The Suarez-Carroll partnership had again struggled to ignite during
the opening half. And Liverpool fans will still take some convincing
that they can compliment each others game in the long term. Carroll, in
particular was failing to pose a threat the Everton rearguard.
But, after a quite first period, Carroll sprung to life early in the
second half. The striker twice connected with corner-kicks delivered by
Adam. The first, Louis Saha had to acrobatically clear off his own goal
line. Whist the second, Howard had to tip around his post at full
stretch.
Liverpool were beginning to gain to some momentum. But the Blues
delivered a reminder that the game was still tentatively balanced. Saha
was given far too much time to turn and send a ferocious shot just wide
of Reina’s right-hand post from the edge of the penalty area.
The introduction of Gerrard and Bellamy from the substitute’s bench for Adam and, the largely anonymous, Stewart Downing, may have proved pivotal. However, it was players who were already on the field who combined to win the match for Liverpool.
The opening goal was well worked. Bellamy eventually played in the
overlapping Enrique down the left flank. And his cross was expertly left
at the near post by a ducking Kuyt; to allow Carroll to fire a volley
into the corner of the net, to the combined relief and delight of the
travelling Reds.
And with 9 minutes remaining the result was sealed. Distin and
Leighton Baines involved themselves in a mix-up, under pressure from the
advancing Suarez. And the Uruguayan was not going to pass up possibly
the easiest finish he will be granted in the Premier League this season.
Suarez’s fifth of the season ensured a comfortable Liverpool victory
and sent the joyous travelling support home happy with bragging rights
intact.
LFC: Reina Kelly, Carragher Skrtel,Enrique Kuyt,
Lucas (Henderson, 88), Adam (Gerrard, 67), Downing (Craig Bellamy, 67),
Carroll, Suárez.
Man of the Match: Jose Enrique
A composed presence at the back and, as ever, a reliable and potent option going forward.
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