Liverpool Season 10/11

[chobolan]

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[Dodomeki]

Spearing signs new deal with Liverpool

6 May 2011

Liverpool midfielder Jay Spearing agreed to a contract extension with the Reds on Friday.

Further details of his contract have not been made public, with the 22-year-old rewarded for making eight impressive appearances for Kenny Dalglish's team this season.

Director of Football Damien Comolli said it was not only Spearing's last four games that triggered the extension.

"His commitment and aggression on the pitch is fantastic and since he has been playing I think he has added some passing quality which we didn't see before," Comolli said.

"He has started to get forward more and the more he plays, the more he improves."

Comolli said Spearing's rise through the youth ranks was a strong message for other players currently coming through the system.

"He was part of the team which won two Youth Cups and he was telling me when he signed his contract that he has been here since he was seven," he said.

"It's great for the club to have people like him around and it shows others that if you do well at the academy then you have a chance of getting new contracts."

 

[Dodomeki]

Premier League preview: Fulham v Liverpool

7 May 2011

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has urged his squad to concentrate fully on the next match - Monday’s tough trip to Fulham.

Wins over Birmingham and Newcastle have seen the Reds leapfrog Tottenham in the race for fifth place and Europa League qualification.

The clubs are level on 55 points but Spurs have a game in hand.

The stage is set for a crunch clash with Spurs at Anfield next Sunday but Dalglish is wary of the showdown with the Cottagers.

Mark Hughes’ side have climbed to ninth on the back of emphatic victories over Bolton and Sunderland and are unbeaten at home since the turn of the year.

"We never set targets, we just prepare for the next game," Dalglish said.

"Fulham played very well here earlier in the season. We beat them 1-0 but we were quite fortunate."

"They are on a good run and have had an excellent season so it’s a difficult game for us."

"If they hadn’t had as many draws at the start of the season they would have been a lot higher up the table."

"Mark Hughes is an excellent manager and has fantastic support from his backroom staff."

Liverpool will be without defenders Martin Kelly (hamstring) and Daniel Agger (knee) for the Fulham clash, while midfielder Steven Gerrard (groin) is out for the season.

Fabio Aurelio (thigh) will face a late fitness test.

Meanwhile, Fulham winger Damien Duff has been ruled out for six weeks after surgery on his Achilles tendon.

Duff, who has played a crucial role in Fulham's improvement in the latter half of the season, contributing four goals, has not featured since the 3-0 home win over Blackpool on April 3.

Clint Dempsey and Brede Hangeland are back in contention.

Midfielder Dempsey (hamstring) - the Cottagers' all-time top scorer in the Premier League - and defender Hangeland (illness) missed Saturday's 3-0 win at Sunderland.

 

[Dodomeki]

Premier League: Fulham 2 Liverpool 5

10 May 2011

A Liverpool master-class, capped by Maxi Rodriguez’s second hat-trick in three games, helped Kenny Dalglish’s side to a 5-2 win over Fulham.

It took just 26 seconds for Liverpool to open the scoring in the English Premier League encounter at Craven Cottage on Monday.

Aaron Hughes strode confidently out of the Fulham defence only to see his pass intercepted by Dirk Kuyt, who released Luis Suarez down the left flank.

His cross almost resulted in an own goal by Carlos Salcido but Mark Schwarzer came to the rescue, only to see Maxi pounce and fire the ball past the outstretched Australian keeper.

The visitors lead was doubled after just six minutes when England right-back Glen Johnson was allowed to surge down the right, reaching Fulham’s goal line and sending a perfectly-weighted ball to the back post.

Chris Baird lost sight of Maxi and the Argentine angled home with his left foot.

The third Liverpool goal came on 15 minutes and just seconds after Fulham had their first shot of the game, albeit a miscued one.

Kuyt received the ball on the corner of Fulham’s 18-yard box and struck a tame looking drive at Schwarzer’s near post.

The goalkeeper seemed set to comfortably collect the ball but, in a momentary loss of concentration, palmed it into his own net.

Liverpool spent the remainder of the half playing exhibition football.

Assured in defence and inventive in attack, they were showing the sort of form that should guarantee Dalglish the manager’s job on a permanent and long-term deal.

Fulham were playing like their summer holiday started three games too soon.

The home side did look a new team in the second half, however, thanks largely to the introduction of Bobby Zamora from the substitutes bench.

The forward helped them pull a goal back 10 minutes after the interval, holding the ball up well before setting up Moussa Dembele to curl a shot past Pepe Reina.

But Maxi popped up to complete his hat-trick just four minutes after Fulham were given the faintest glimmer of hope, and it was the Argentine's his most spectacular of the evening.

Brede Hangeland was caught in possession by the attacker, who took one touch with his white boots and rifled the ball beyond Fulham’s stranded keeper from 25 yards.

Suraez must have felt upstaged by his treble-scoring team-mate because, just five minutes after Maxi completed his hat-trick, the Uruguayan popped up with a goal of his own.

Jonjo Shelvey cut an already shredded Fulham defence apart with a single pass to release Suarez, who slotted calmly past Schwarzer.

Steve Sidwell managed to reduce the deficit with five minutes remaining with an expert finish from outside the Liverpool area, but it did little to reduce the feeling of disappointment surrounding the west London side.

 

[Wayne Piew]

19 Record-Breaking Times!!!!!
Are you watching,
Are you watching,
Are you watching merseyside?
Are you watching merseyside?

<iframe width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/_2DphN2D6UY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[Dodomeki]

Premier League: Liverpool 0 Tottenham 2

16 May 2011

Tottenham look set to qualify for the Europa League after they moved into fifth spot at the expense of Liverpool after a 2-0 win at Anfield.

Goals from midfield duo Rafael van der Vaart and Luka Modric gave the London club the win and, despite Harry Redknapp claiming the European tournament would be a hindrance next season, his team go into the last weekend of the campaign in pole position to seal their place in the competition.

The visitors dominated the first half and Liverpool really struggled to get a foothold in the game, despite home advantage and a win confirming their own place in the Europa League.

It was a scenario that seemed highly unlikely earlier in the season when the club was languishing in the relegation zone.

It took Tottenham only nine minutes to take the lead, with Van der Vaart bagging his 13th league goal of the season with a superb curling effort.

Modric's corner was only half cleared by the Liverpool back line and the ball found the Dutchman on the edge of the area, who trapped the ball neatly before unleashing an unstoppable shot into the top corner of Pepe Reina's goal.

Andy Carroll, restored to the starting line-up following a knee injury, wasted a glorious chance to draw Liverpool level, mistiming his header after a decent cross from defender Martin Skrtel.

Luis Suarez then bent a free-kick marginally over as the first half came to an end, and despite Tottenham's lack of chances, their dominance in possession saw them deservedly lead at the break.

Liverpool's hopes of hauling themselves back into game took a major blow just after the re-start following John Flanagan's barge on Steven Pienaar in the penalty area.

The home players' appeals that the offence occurred outside the box fell on deaf ears as referee Howard Webb awarded a penalty, and Modric sent his spot-kick right down the middle to double Tottenham's lead.

Tottenham settled back into their keep-ball routine on the back of their two-goal cushion and were rarely troubled by the normally impressive Suarez and his strike-partner Dirk Kuyt.

The loss would not have been how manager Dalglish would have wanted to celebrate signing a three-year deal at the club earlier in the week.

However, he can still complete his remarkable turnaround in charge of Liverpool by getting them into the Europa League if results go their way at Aston Villa next weekend.

 

[Dodomeki]

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[Dodomeki]

Dalglish surprised by turnaround
20 May 2011

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish admits his side have exceeded all his expectations since his appointment in January.

Liverpool, who were languishing in 13th when Dalglish took over from the sacked Roy Hodgson, visit Aston Villa on Sunday and could cap a remarkable turnaround by securing fifth place with victory.

And Dalglish has been surprised by the quality of his players, who have won four of their last six games scoring 17 goals in the process.

"A lot of the performances have exceeded what I thought we were capable of," Dalglish said.

"That's a great compliment to them, or maybe I'm just thick and didn't appreciate what we had here."

"When you're on the outside you don't always see the effort and commitment they have but I've noticed that since I've come in."

Despite his side's results in the second half of the season, Dalglish is expecting a busy summer in the transfer market.

"The people we'll be looking at are of the highest calibre, because the players here have done really well since January," he said.

"We've had a great end to the season. There will be lots of work done in the close season and we'll take it from there."

"Although it might affect them, players themselves expect new faces to come in and give the place a lift. It'll happen and they know it'll happen."

"If we get some quality people in to go along with the people already here, that will help everyone. It always helps to freshen up the dressing room."

"But if we're bringing anyone in they've got to be better than what we've got - and that's going to be a big ask."

Liverpool could be without midfield duo Raul Meireles (hamstring) and Steven Gerrard (groin) for the trip to Villa Park. Defenders Daniel Agger (knee) and Martin Kelly (hamstring) are also set to miss out.

Meanwhile, defender Glen Johnson will make his 250th club start if he faces Gerard Houllier's side.

 

[Baimi]

Liverpool disapointing ending season ended with
a lost 1-0 against Aston Villa.
Birmingham was unlucky not to survive as Wolves also lost.
Relegated: Birmingham, Blackpool and West Ham

 

[Dodomeki]

Premier League: Aston Villa 1 Liverpool 0
23 May 2011

Aston Villa recorded back-to-back wins for only the second time this season after a Stewart Downing wonder-goal saw them beat Liverpool 1-0.

Liverpool almost took the lead in the 14th minute, Raul Meireles’ corner falling to Leiva Lucas, whose shot was blocked on the line by Ashley Young.

Villa’s goal came in the 33rd minute when substitute Marc Albrighton’s cross found Downing at the back post and he lashed the ball into the roof of the net from a tight angle.

With little resting on the outcome of the game, results elsewhere raised more of a cheer among Villa fans, especially when news of a Tottenham goal over local rivals Birmingham came through.

Villa goalkeeper Brad Friedel, making his 400th Premier League appearance in the game, became the 21st player to reach that milestone, and he had a relatively quiet afternoon against his former club.

When called upon, however, the veteran goalkeeper was at his brilliant best and made a superb reaction save from Meireles after Luis Suarez did well to out-fox two defenders and pull the ball back.

Villa might have gone two up when Ashley Young’s free kick found James Collins - however the defender poked the ball wide.

Meanwhile, Liverpool went close to an equaliser when Fabio Aurelio flashed a left foot free kick just wide.

Villa had further chances to seal the win in the second half when Darren Bent fired straight at Pepe Reina, then set up Gabby Agbonlahor with a low drive across goal which proved just too long for the substitute.

Reina had to be at full stretch to deny Stiliyan Petrov’s low drive, with Villa finishing by far the stronger side.

 

[Dodomeki]

Tired Liverpool take deserved break
23 May 2011

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish was disappointed that his players could not finish their season on a high but urged them to make the most of their summer break.

The Reds finish sixth after a 1-0 defeat against Aston Villa on the final day.

"It's disappointing for the players," Dalglish said.

"They've done fantastic to do as well as they have done and it would've been nice to finish on a positive. We ran out of legs a little bit. Nature took its toll."

"You get that at this stage of the season but the most important thing for us is that they did the best they possibly could. The disappointment is for them, not with them."

"The challenge is to turn up in July and get ourselves going again."

"They deserve their break and I hope they enjoy it."

Dalglish is also adamant that Liverpool can attract top players to the club despite their failure to qualify for the Champions League.

"There's more players who don't play in the Champions League than do and I think Liverpool Football Club is a big enough attraction," he said.

"If we want to bring someone in I'm sure we're attractive."

Meanwhile, Dalglish's opposite number Gary McAllister was pleased his side secured a top-10 finish as a result of the victory.

"We've lost one of the last eight and we've finished on a bit of a high," he said.

"We're up in the top half of the table and we're the top Midlands club."

"Only three or four months ago we were in and among the teams at the bottom end so there should be a lot of praise for the players. There was a rallying call then and they've responded."

"It has finished not bad and we have to be happy."

"There was a nice reminder last week that they are capable and can compete against this level of team. Players at this level have to repeat and they've repeated it."

 

[Dodomeki]

 

[Dodomeki]

Dalglish rewarded for Liverpool revival
By Mitch Phillips

LONDON (Reuters) - Kenny Dalglish signed a three-year contract as Liverpool manager on Thursday after dragging them from the threat of relegation to the verge of European qualification.

Dalglish took over the job from Roy Hodgson in January in a caretaker capacity with Liverpool 12th in the standings and four points above the relegation zone. They have climbed to fifth going into the final two games of the season and are favourites to qualify for the Europa League.

Steve Clarke, Dalglish's first appointment, has also agreed a three-year contract as first-team coach. "It's a great reward for the work that's been done, not just by me but Steve, Sammy (Lee), the players and the people on the terraces and everyone else inside the club, including the owners," Dalglish told the club's website (www.liverpool.tv).

"We said at the outset if we stick together and work together then it makes it easier to produce better results and I think that is the main reason why results have improved." The club's director of football Damien Comolli said they had not looked at other options.

"Kenny turned things around very quickly, with the help of Steve Clarke," he said. "For us, it was a no brainer. "He hit the ground running from day one knowing what he wanted to do because he knew the boys anyway, especially the key players like Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher, and knew the young players in the academy."

The club's new American owners have also been impressed by the influence of Dalglish, a former Anfield favourite as a player and during his previous spell as manager. "It was obvious very early on that the atmosphere surrounding the club has been transformed," John Henry said. "No-one else could have produced such a response."

REMARKABLE TURNAROUND

It has been a remarkable turnaround under Dalglish. Although they lost to Manchester United in the FA Cup in his first game in charge and were beaten in the league by Blackpool, the side quickly turned their form around.

After a draw with Everton they won four in a row, including an impressive victory at Chelsea, to fly up the standings. At the end of January, Liverpool broke their transfer record twice in one day to buy strikers Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll following the sale of Fernando Torres to Chelsea, controversial deals that have since looked good business.

As well as getting the best from the club's established players, Dalglish has also blooded a new crop of youngsters, several of whom have come through the academy he used to oversee.

Liverpool's last five games have produced four wins and a draw at Arsenal to take them above Tottenham Hotspur, who they play on Sunday, and into fifth place. In the form table since the start of the year, only Chelsea are above them.

"When we came back in January there were no promises from anyone as to what to expect, so for me it was an ideal opportunity to go in and prove I had something to offer," Dalglish said.

"I never set any targets, but obviously we had to improve and we have done. "But we can't afford to think that because we are finishing strongly that's us set up for next year.

"There won't be any complacency for next year because of what's happened this year." Liverpool won the last of their 18 league titles in 1990 and arch-rivals Manchester United are poised to overtake them, just one point away from wrapping up their 19th championship.

 

[spotter542]

You will never kelong alone

 

[BlueCat]

with K.D,we will get results.

 

[zeddy]

with K.D,we will get results.

Just got this feeling that the upcoming season will be a good one for us.

With no Europa games, the players will be fully focussed on the League.

 

[red amoeba]

good...will Kenny get a striker to partner Carroll? Now that he has Henderson to partner Gerrard.

And a new centre back? Carrigher is not your answer to a secure backline.

 

[jw5]

good...will Kenny get a striker to partner Carroll? Now that he has Henderson to partner Gerrard.

And a new centre back? Carrigher is not your answer to a secure backline.

He already has Suarez, the world's greatest volleyball player!

Yes, they do need a centreback.

 

[red amoeba]

He already has Suarez, the world's greatest volleyball player!

Yes, they do need a centreback.

--

arh..just realise they got Charlie Adam liao..so, thats good for them.

hopefully they remain fit.

However, it is still insufficient to win the EPL next season - maybe top 4 but not winner. Man City, Chelsea, Man U stand in their way.

Arsenal - I feel, if they remain like this...will fall out of top 4.