written by Jamie McLaughlin website at www.anfieldnews.com
Liverpool returned to Anfield for the visit of newly promoted Swansea City after their good away win at West Brom last weekend. Swansea have had a good start to the season after promotion, but have struggled away from home with only one point away from home. Liverpool have struggled to win matches at home this season, with three draws recorded so far this season. Liverpool have struggled against newly promoted sides in recent times , with Norwich getting a point just two weeks ago at Anfield, Liverpool would be hoping put this problem behind them with a home win and keep them in the chase for a Champions League place.
THE TEAM
Kenny kept the same team that won at the Hawthorns last week, which was no surprise to anyone, especially with Gerrard and Carragher still out injured . So Andy Carroll would start alongside Luis Suarez, which is what the Liverpool want to see mature. The unlucky Kuyt left on the bench once again.
THE MATCH
Liverpool started by putting Swansea under pressure early and they should have taken the lead in the 7th minute when Downing produced a superb low cross which found the onrushing Andy Carroll only 6 yards out but the big striker smashed his effort off the crossbar, letting the visitors off the hook.
Suarez and Downing came close with efforts soon after as it looked like just being a matter of time before Liverpool would take the lead. But Liverpool were almost stunned on the half hour mark when Danny Graham hooked an effort on goal which Reina had to make a good stop from.
Back came Liverpool and Suarez was unlucky with a powerful left foot strike which saw Vorm make an excellent save from, turning the shot round the base of the post. Downing volleyed over the bar from the resulting corner.
The game became more stretched as the half wore on with Swansea starting to gain more confidence from surviving the difficult start to the match. Both teams went in at the half scoreless with Liverpool once again thinking about missed chances.
Dalglish brought on Dirk Kuyt for the second half, replacing Henderson, with the hope of breaking the deadlock. But Liverpool continued to toil for the opener and Reina almost got caught out when Graham closed him down when receiving an Enrique pass back, but the Spaniard just managed to clear to safety.
The second half was becoming very difficult for Liverpool to sustain any pressure as Swansea’s growing confidence was showing in their passing game as they continued to play their way out of trouble and almost scored when Dyer struck a low 20 yard effort at Reina, which the stopper spilled but he reacted quickly to block Graham’s follow up.
With time ticking away Dalglish brought on Bellamy for Carroll to ignite a bit of pace with Liverpool rarely threatening the Swansea goal in the second half. With time running out Liverpool finally pressured the visitors’ goal with Kuyt having an effort blocked and Agger heading onto the roof of the net.
But Swansea could have won it late on but Gower skied Graham’s knock down from close range. Liverpool responded and thought they had scored the winner in the last couple of minutes when Kuyt found the net from an Agger knock down, but the celebrations were short lived as offside was given. Then in stoppage time Vorm superbly tipped over a Glen Johnson volley, earning the visitors a point and leaving Liverpool once again frustrated at home.
SUMMARY
I can’t complain about the team as I was glad to see Kenny keep a settled team after the good win last week, although I do like to see Kuyt in the side. Anyway, this had to be a win for Liverpool and the result is a massive blow for us, with massive games coming up against Chelsea and Man City I felt we couldn’t afford more dropped points at home. To be fair to Swansea they deserved their point and made it difficult for us, but we should be winning these games especially at home. We didn’t really play well although it could have been oh so different if Carroll had scored early on. But we have to be able to grind out results even when we are off form, as all the successful teams seem to do. The pleasing thing was another clean sheet and we are keeping our unbeaten run going but overall great disappointment in another frustrating day.
I think we have to start winning our matches. I see no reason why we shouln’t be at the top with our new signings and the fact that we are not playing in the CL.
carroll has no future at anfield.daglish is gradually lfc all in the name of playing british players and he’s also making lfc qualifying for the champion league difficult
I think you are the only one ok with the team, jordan playing on the right? Take a look again charlie adam needs to know he is not a regular in that side. Downing needs to pick up his game.
I think we bought in players who are used to loosing and draw at home and the are ok with it.
Get tevez we can use a player like him
Another boring display after spending so much money in the transfer market.
Signings other that Suarez and Enqrique have proved to be disappointing. Continuing to play them when they simply aren’t good enough is down to the manager. It’s time to get the youth back into the side, add Kuyt up front, and Bellamy. Carroll to be a sub and play for the reserves until he finds the net regularly. Henderson needs to play in the middle, but isn’t ready yet. Adam can go, it’s clear why no one else came in for him. Too fat, too slow and can’t head 45,000 people shout “man on!”.