How Liverpool stormed past Blackburn Rovers
Fernando Torres ended his goal drought with a winner at Anfield against Blackburn to help register Liverpool only their second win of the season. Liverpool are still in the bottom three with 9 points from as many games.
A dynamic Liverpool performance in the first half saw former England no.1 Paul Robinson make a series of stunning saves. Liverpool enjoyed 74% of possession in the first half but failed to find a way past Robinson’s goal.
However, in a frantic start to the second half, three goals were scored in a matter of 6 minutes. Sotirios Kyrgiakos, a constant threat from corners, after a couple of mistimed headers was finally able to make a strong contact and he hammered the ball into
the back of the net from a Steven Gerrard corner.
This was soon followed up by a rare Blackburn attack which led to Paul Konchesky making a goal line clearance, only for the ball to deflect back into the net via a helpless Jamie Carragher.
Liverpool came back strong and looked more likely of the two teams to score a goal. Minutes later, Joe Cole dinked in a lovely cross which was neatly finished by the underperforming Fernando Torres. He left his marker and ghosted near the 6 yard box to side
foot the ball past Robinson.
The goal sent Anfield into raptures, as Torres scored only his second goal of this Premier League campaign. The scorers were not troubled any furhter than that and the score remained 2-1 until the final whistle.
The only question which remains is that will Liverpool be able to reproduce this kind of performance away from home at the Reebok Stadium next weekend?
It came as a pleasant surprise to all Liverpool fans, which saw their team press hard and play at a high tempo, from the start of the game. Liverpool have been playing desperately deep in their own half and have been using the long ball tactic more often
than not this season.
The team selection was still more of the same by Roy Hodgson, but he gave more freedom to Raul Meireles who played some neat passes and was lively throughout. Steven Gerrard dictated the game as he has done so many times during his career and it was a welcome
performance from the totally rejuvenated Maxi Rodriguez, who was lucky to retain his place in the starting line-up after his anonymous display in the Merseyside derby last weekend.
Due to the injury of Glen Johnson, Jamie Carragher was again deployed as a right back, who put in an assured display with some uncharacteristic surging runs down the right flank. Sotirios Kyrgiakos put in a man of the match display. The big Greek gave a
towering performance and was a threat from corners and free kicks throughout the game. While he was a threat near the Blackburn goal, he hardly put a foot work when in his own half.
Joe Cole still needs to find top form as he was the least impressive of the Liverpool players. However, he did grab himself an assist and was a lot more involved in the game than last weekend.
The reason why Liverpool gave such good account of themselves can be attributed to the much more positive tactics applied by Roy Hodgson. The players had the freedom to play higher up the pitch and be more attacking and aggressive in their approach. The
fact that Blackburn did not push Liverpool or close them down helped the Liverpool cause.
If Liverpool can do more of the same and play with passion and aggression in their upcoming matches than they can slowly but surely make their way back into the top four reckoning. With Dirk Kuyt and Glen Johnson expected to return next week and a much needed
confidence boosting victory, Liverpool can kick start their season.
Next weekend’s game at Bolton has now become ever so important. The positive message that has been sent across the Red half of Merseyside could be easily forgotten, should the mighty reds fail to capitalize on their excellent display against Blackburn. 'More
of the same please Mr Hodgson', is the message from all Liverpool fans.
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