Oops I did it again: Gerrard error hands Man City title advantage

Uh oh. It's happened again.

Steven Gerrard's costly error on Sunday gave Chelsea exactly the opportunity they needed to turn over Liverpool at Anfield and inadvertently hand Manchester City the advantage in the title race.

A typical Mourinho display full of dogged defending and underhand tactics frustrated the usually free-flowing attacking flair of Brendan Rodgers' side until Gerrard's slip allowed Demba Ba to roll the visitors in front.

Willian tapped home a second goal in the last minute to ensure this season's title race is far from done and dusted.

Monday, 28 April 2014 10:26

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Rodgers' Liverpool juggernaut powers on

Liverpool's remarkable season chugs on - their first title win since 1990 is edging ever closer.

Manchester City threatened to derail Brendan Rodgers and his side after coming back from two goals behind at Anfield on Sunday.

But the Reds fired up the engines once again to rally back and find a winning goal, via Philippe Coutinho, to move seven points clear of third-placed City.

Just four games now stand in the way of the Anfield club as they strive to bring an end to 24 years without a top-flight title.

Can they do it? All the signs suggest they most certainly can...

Monday, 14 April 2014 11:00

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Rooney rocked by Liverpool nightmare

Wayne Rooney described Sunday’s 3-0 loss to Liverpool as one of the worst in his career as Manchester United are left to pick up the pieces from another uninspiring display.

The Premier League champions find themselves miles off the title pace, while pressure continues to mount on manager David Moyes, who was at a loss to explain the manner of his side’s defeat at Old Trafford.

"It's a nightmare,” Rooney told MUTV.

"It's one of the worst days I've ever had in football.

"It's hard to take. You have to give Liverpool credit - they played well - but it's difficult to take.

"Nobody wants to lose, especially in this way, in your own stadium. It's not nice."

Monday, 17 March 2014 12:00

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Chelsea & Liverpool top of the class but Pardew on the naughty step

The Premier League once again produced another action-packed Saturday as the title race took yet another turn, while Newcastle manager Alan Pardew hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons.

At the top of the table, Chelsea extended their lead with a comfortable 3-1 win over local rivals Fulham with Andre Schurrle the Blues' star man, hitting a second-half hat-trick to secure victory for Jose Mourinho's men.

Behind the Blues, Liverpool leapfrogged Arsenal after a 3-0 win at Southampton while the Gunners' title hopes took a knock after they slipped to a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Stoke City.

Manchester City, meanwhile, now lie fourth but with two games in hand over their rivals as they prepare for Sunday's Capital One Cup final with Sunderland.

However, perhaps the biggest news of the day was at St James' Park were Pardew was sent off after headbutting Hull City midfielder David Meyler.

Sunday, 2 March 2014 09:41

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Villa sting Liverpool in title rally

Liverpool's Premier League title challenge was stopped in its tracks on Saturday as Aston Villa claimed an unlikely point at Anfield.

Paul Lambert's side raced into a two-goal lead in the first half through Andreas Weimann and Christian Benteke, who capitalised on a Simon Mignolet error.

But Daniel Sturridge pulled a goal back before the break, and the Reds were level when Steven Gerrard scored from the penalty spot after Luis Suarez went down following a Brad Guzan challenge.

Liverpool are now eight points adrift of Premier League leaders Arsenal, and only two ahead of rivals Everton, who have a game in hand.

Sunday, 19 January 2014 12:00

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Merseyside gears up for demolition derby

Everton host Liverpool on Saturday lunchtime in what is sure to be a feisty affair.

Last season, Luis Suarez was credited with two goals and celebrated by diving in front of the Toffees' then manager David Moyes. The Uruguayan then had a last-minute winner incorrectly ruled out to leave the Reds furious.

Both sides have started the current campaign in fine form, and victory would mean third place for Everton or first place for Liverpool - ahead of the 3pm kick-offs, anyway.

With so much at stake, it's sure to be chaotic.

Saturday, November 23, 2013 08:30

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Real vultures close in on Suarez

Luis Suarez may be fully fit, suspension-free and free-scoring, but he will never shake speculation surrounding his future at Liverpool.

And so as the January transfer window approaches, what better time for Real Madrid to begin laying the foundations for a big money move?

The Liga giants may find it hard to muster the cash and convince the Reds to sell their star striker this winter, but he has certainly moved to the top of their wishlist with a series of impressive displays under Brendan Rodgers.

Expect numerous quotes from players, Florentino Perez and anyone with an affiliation to Madrid in the coming months, before a long and painful (but ultimately successful) pursuit in the summer.

The vultures are circling.

Tuesday, November 5, 2013 08:26

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Roy The Redeemer leads England to Rio

England were finally able to celebrate on Tuesday night after a 2-0 victory over Poland booked a place at the 2014 World Cup.

Knowing Ukraine were likely to thrash Group H minnows San Marino, Roy Hodgson's side had to win at Wembley Stadium in order to top the table and avoid a potentially tricky play-off tie.

And the Three Lions were sent on their way just before half time by a Wayne Rooney header, before captain Steven Gerrard secured a vital three points in the closing stages.

Hodgson and his charges have come in for criticism throughout his spell in charge, with the former Fulham and Liverpool manager once comically mocked up as the Christ The Redeemer statue prior to the Euro 2012 clash with France, such was the nation's bleak view of England's chances of progression.

But few could knock Hodgson after two exhilarating victories wrapped up an ultimately unbeaten World Cup qualifying campaign.

Wednesday, October 16, 2013 11:00

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Final obstacle for World Cup hopefuls

Just one more game stands between a number of teams and qualification for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

England can secure their place at next year's competition with a victory over Poland, with anything less meaning Roy Hodgson's side will be relying on San Marino to shock Ukraine to avoid a play-off tie.

Spain, meanwhile, need a single point against Azerbaijan to complete their road to Rio, with France likely to have to settle for second place.

Russia are also likely to finish top of their group at the expense of Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal, while Honduras and Mexico are still playing for automatic qualification in the Concacaf zone.

In South America, Ecuador and Chile clash with both teams requiring a point to qualify, and Uruguay will be relying on either side to lose, while still needing to beat Argentina, who are already bound for Brazil.

Tuesday, October 15, 2013 10:15

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Redknapp poison piles pressure on Roy

Harry Redknapp was spurned by the Football Association last year as the rulers of the domestic game appointed Roy Hodgson as manager of England.

Unsurprisingly, Redknapp did not walk quietly into the sunset, shrugging his shoulders and muttering "ah well, that's life". No, no, Redknapp has instead revealed all in his upcoming autobiograhpy - a raucous tale of backstabbing, contradictions and half-truths that has drawn pressure on Hodgson.

England face Montenegro on Friday night at Wembley before another home showdown, this time against Ukraine next week. Two wins will guarantee qualification for World Cup 2014 and ease the pressure on Hodgson - but with Redknapp waiting in the wings, perhaps it'd be more fun to watch this story play out a little more.

Friday, October 11, 2013 12:38

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Suarez in the doghouse as Liverpool look to keep him on a leash

 

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez was both hero and villain as the Reds drew 2-2 with Chelsea at Anfield on Sunday.
The Uruguay international set up Liverpool’s opener for Daniel Sturridge with a sublime pass before scoring an equaliser with virtually the last kick of the game to earn his side a point.
However, it was Suarez’s clash with Branislav Ivanovic that stole all the headlines, the striker biting the Chelsea man, and leaving the controversial star, once again, in the doghouse.

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Ashley Cole joins England's 100 Club

 

Ashley Cole may not have always been the most popular figure outside of Stamford Bridge, but the left-back will join an elite group of England players on Wednesday.

The defender will join England's 100 Club at Wembley Stadium against Brazil, joining such decorated stars as Steven Gerrard, David Beckham, Sir Bobby Charlton and Bobby Moore.

Somewhat controversial off the pitch but rarely anything other than reliable on it, England might actually allow itself to celebrate Cole on Wednesday evening. 
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Magic Ibrahimovic bamboozles England hopefuls

 

There are few doubts about who was the star of the show in England's 4-2 defeat to Sweden on Wednesday night - the inimitable Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

England had six debutants on show in Leon Osman, Raheem Sterling, Wilfried Zaha, Ryan Shawcross, Steven Caulker and Carl Jenkinson.

But there was little any of them - or indeed Roy Hodgson's more senior players - could do about Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who had already scored twice before completing a hat-trick with a powerful long-range free-kick.

And for his next trick, the Swedish magician rounded off the scoring with a mystifying, looping overhead kick from over 20 yards out which almost defied logic, leaving Hodgson and his charges thoroughly dumbfounded.
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England make a splash with new kit

The World Cup qualifier between England and Poland didn't exactly go according to plan on Tuesday night.

What was supposed to be a crucial Group H clash became the washout in Warsaw, as a waterlogged pitch saw the game postponed after officials failed to close the stadium roof amidst the onset of a downpour.

The game has been rescheduled for Wednesday afternoon, where England players will no doubt be well prepared for the conditions.

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Doors close on England for Rio

 

When John Terry announced his international retirement, the spotlight turned to Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand.

The centre-back missed out on Euro 2012, but many called for the veteran to be included in Roy Hodgson's latest squad for the World Cup qualifiers against San Marino and Poland.

Of course those calls were quickly silenced when Hodgson was caught, prior to the squad announcement,  telling commuters on a London tube that Ferdinand was no longer part of his plans - a hasty apology swiftly followed.

 

Gerrard's genie can't deliver his title wish with Liverpool

 

Steven Gerrard's analysis of his own chances of winning the Premier League with Liverpool was summed up in five words. It will be a miracle.

The Premier League title is the only domestic honour which has eluded the 32-year-old, who is now entering the final years of his career at Anfield which also boasts triumphs in the Uefa Cup and Champions League during his time on Merseyside.

But, with the level of competition in the top flight increasing by the season, Gerrard admits his ambition of being crowned a Premier League champion may remain unfulfilled.

"It will be a miracle if I now realise my dream of winning the title with Liverpool," Gerrard wrote in his recently published autobiography, My Liverpool Story.

"I say that because of my age and where we finished in the league the past couple of years. And also the situation we're in with the rivalries.

"There's not just United and Arsenal now but City, Chelsea and Tottenham. Newcastle coming as well. The Premier League has become a lot more difficult to win for everyone."
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Liverpool fluff their lines on opening day

 

Brendan Rodgers arrived at Liverpool this summer charged with bringing the glory days back to Anfield after a somewhat difficult season for the club last time out.

Optimism was high as the Reds headed to the Hawthorns to face West Brom, yet it was to be an opening day to forget for the former Swansea manager.

Not content with shipping three goals to the Baggies, Liverpool also had Daniel Agger sent off and Luis Suarez again misfiring in front of goal as the Reds fluffed their lines on the first day of the new Premier League season.

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Zlat's amazing Carroll (are you Ibrahimovic in disguise?)

 

Much has been made of England's tactical approach to Euro 2012, but their conservative approach went out of the window against Sweden as the Three Lions roared to a 3-2 victory.

Striker Andy Carroll came into the team and made an instant impact, heading home the opener with a towering header from a Steven Gerrard cross.

However, the Swedes took the lead, thanks to a double from Olof Mellberg before goals from Theo Walcott and Danny Welbeck sealed victory for England and a good night for Hodgson and his men.
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The Reds bid a fond farewell as Kuyt departs for a snip

 

The Brendan Rodgers revolution has begun at Anfield, with Dutchman Dirk Kuyt the first casualty as the new Liverpool boss starts the rebuilding process on Merseyside.

The 31-year-old's move to Turkish giants Fenerbahce was confirmed on Sunday, with the hardworking forward leaving for the cut price of £800,000, owing to a clause in his contract concerning European clubs.

Although the figure is a notably low one, the move does not exactly come as a surprise, with the former Feyenoord man becoming an increasingly peripheral figure during the last campaign as he slipped behind Luis Suarez, Andy Carroll and Craig Bellamy in the pecking order.

However, there is little doubt that Kuyt will be sorely missed at Anfield, as he leaves behind a six-year legacy in which he made 285 appearances, netted 71 goals, and lifted the League Cup in February this year. Time will tell if Rodgers is right to cut him loose.
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Hodgson takes cautious approach after England's injury pile up

 

Following the withdrawals of Gareth Barry and Frank Lampard from the England squad through injury, it appears manager Roy Hodgson may take a cautious approach when Belgium come to entertain on Saturday.

The midfielders were ruled out of the trip to Euro 2012 with a groin and thigh injury respectively, with Phil Jagielka and Jordan Henderson called up as replacements.

With doubts also remaining over the fitness of Scott Parker, rumours that a large order of bubble wrap is heading into Wembley Stadium are currently unfounded.
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