Liverpool Ease Past Europa League Opponents
English Premier League (EPL) club Liverpool have given themselves plenty of breathing space after overcoming Europa League third qualifying round opponents Rabotnicki Skopje 2-0 in the first leg of the tie. David Ngog was the hero for the Anfield club as he scored a double for the young team.
In his first competitive game as Liverpool boss, Roy Hodgson left out nine of his players, all of whom featured at the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Those not in the squad included captain Steven Gerrard, World Cup-winning Spain striker Fernando Torres, and Dirk Kuyt, who played for the Netherlands as they lost in the final. However, the Reds won the game comfortably, claiming the first goal when Ngog lobbed over the Rabotnicki’s goalkeeper after a defensive error. Ngog doubled his side’s advantage from six yards after a cross from Martin Kelly.
Hodgson had slammed UEFA for forcing Liverpool into playing the match just 18 days after the end of the tournament in South Africa. Those left at home also included England players Jamie Carragher, Glen Johnson and new boy Joe Cole.
Extended break
However, Hodgson’s decision to afford his World Cup players an extended break was vindicated by the victory. Liverpool were set up to play defensively, with experienced trio Martin Skrtel, Daniel Agger and Sotirios Krygiakos – all of whom played in South Africa – formed a solid defence and allowed the youngsters in the team to attack.
After a shaky start, the EPL outfit grew into the game and dominated proceedings. The first half brought about a single opportunity for a goal, and it was from this that Ngog scored after 17 minutes. Captain for the night Lucas delivered a free-kick to the edge of the area which the young French striker had to chase down. Fortunately for him, Martin Bogatinov and Egzon Belica both missed the ball, allowing the 21 year-old to strike the ball home.
Rabotnicki also had a solitary chance in the first half, but Ze Carlos’ long-range effort posed no problem for Diego Cavalieri, who comfortably collected the ball.
Striker shows off talents
In the second half, Liverpool continued to be in total control as Ngog proved to be an ever-present menace to the Rabotnicki back-line. The youngster made 37 appearances for Liverpool last season, largely due to Torres being forced to sit on the sidelines for lengthy spells through injury. He scored just eight goals that season, causing doubts in fans’ minds that he was ready to step up as an able replacement for the Spaniard. However, Ngog showed off his talents in this game, raising some suggestions that he may be able to force his way into Hodgson’s plans for this campaign.
Ngog's second goal came after 59 minutes of play. The France Under-21 international managed to get himself on the end of Kelly’s cross from the right, connecting with a tidy volley which sailed into the corner of the net.
Liverpool were so comfortable that they were able to field youngsters Stephen Darby, Lauri Dallaa Valle and Nathan Eccleston to allow them to gain some experience at a high level without fearing a Rabotnicki comeback in the latter stages.
The two goal advantage should be enough to see Liverpool through after the return leg next week. That they are away goals means Rabotnicki will have to score three to stand any chance of progressing in the competition.
Teams:
Rabotnicki Skopje: Bogatinov, Belica, Sekulovski , Dimovski, Todorovski, Gligorov, Tuneski, Fernando Lopes, Ze Carlos, Da Silva, Dos Santos. Substitutes: Kandikijan, Marcio, Roberto Carlos, Sinkovic, Mojsov, Adem, Petkovski
Liverpool: Cavalieri, Kelly, Kyrgiakos, Skrtel, Agger (Darby 72), Spearing, Aquilani (Dalla Valle 83), Lucas, Jovanovic, Ngog, Amoo (Eccleston 83). Unused substitutes: Gulacsi, Shelvey, Ayala, Ince.
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