Football Update: EPL Half Time Report- Liverpool vs. Aston Villa, 2-0 (Part 1)
Liverpool Players: Pepe Reina, Martin Skrtel, Sotirios Kyrgiakos, Paul Konchesky, Glan Johnson, Lucas, Raul Meirles, Maxi Rodriguez, Dirk Kuyt, Ryan Babel and David N’Gog.
Substitutes: Joe Cole, Fabio Aurelio, Brad Jones, Christian Poulsen, Jonjo Shelvey, Martin Kelly and Milan Jovanovic.
Aston Villa Players: Brad Friedel, Richard Dunne, James Collins, Stephen Warnock, Luke Young, Jonathan Hogg, Ciaran Clark, Stephen Clark, Stewart Downing, Marc Albrighton and Gabriel Agbonlahor.
Substitutes: Roberto Pires, John Carew, Carlos Jimenez Cuellar, Brad Guzan, Chris Herd, Nathan Delfouneso and Eric Lichaj.
With the former Liverpool manager, Gerard Houllier arriving back to Anfield, the present manager of Aston Villa had something to prove against Roy Hodgson and his men at Anfield. However, he had a tough task ahead of him, as he was not playing his full strength.
Nonetheless, Liverpool too, was unable to field their best players. Liverpool, kicked off the match, strongly and instantly made an impact, with impressive attacks. In the 13th minute ,Hodgson was celebrating with jubilation, as a brilliant corner
came flying out, to the far side of the box and defender Martin Skrtel headed it back in to close range. There, he found Frenchman David N’Gog, who scored a flying header.
Soon after this, in the 16th minute, Liverpool made some fantastic plays in the midfield, from where the ball eventually travelled out to the right side of the wing via a strong crossed lob. It was the Dutchman, Ryan Babel who got all the glory,
as the player controlled the ball superbly and then unleashed a powerful shot, with finesse finish.
After this goal, the London team Villa, seemed quite down as they tried to maintain more possession of the ball and that plan seemed to be succeeding, as their first, real attempt on goal, came after that. However, it was dismissed as soon as it came.
Liverpool seemed to be doing pretty well, Even Without the likes of Steven Gerrard, who was still injured, because of England’s friendly and Fernando Torres, who had to go out to support his wife, as she had gone into labour. After the 20th minute
mark, all four of the Liverpool defenders, had proved that they meant business tonight. While Glenn Johnson was helping his team in the attack, Paul Konchesky was alert on the left wing too. Skrtel was impressive, as he tackled who ever came on from the wing.
Luke Young was a busy man on field, as he constantly helped his team with the attack and defence. Villa seemed to be missing a link though, especially in the midfield.
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