Reds Kop The Cottagers

Four-midable - 4 Goals, 4th Place

English Premiership

LIVERPOOL 4 - 0 Fulham

Scorers:
LIV - Gerrard (54min), Carragher (61min), Garcia (66min), M. Gonzalez (90+3min);

Match Highlights:

4 goals. 4th place in the Premiership table. Liverpool is slowly but steadily moving up the table as they gradually recover from their early season slump. With their previous win away from home, Reds drew confidence and went on to beat a spirited and defiant Fulham side by 4 goals and will now move into fourth place.

The first half was very much one way traffic with Liverpool with the lion share of possession but the lack of killer touch and cutting edge continued to frustrate the players and fans alike. Even with DIC (Dubai International Co.) representatives including their CEO present, Liverpool failed to spark into life and nearly went behind when American striker, Brian McBride managed to turn beautifully and strike the ball on target on a volley. But Pepe Reina produced a fabulous save to continue his consecutive clean sheets.

The insipid and lethargic performance was then turned into a great match with Liverpool showing their clinical side and brushed Fulham off with ease in the second half.

And I wondered what Rafa Benitez said to the players during half time.

Kuyt, who had 2 previous hand ball claims turned down, finally got it his way with the third and up steps skipper Gerrard. His initial penalty was saved by Jan Lastuvka but he managed to score from the rebound. Relief for Rafa’s men.

Then the goal that everyone has been awaiting finally arrive. Not one from 80 yards out, but a tap in from Kop’s much beloved Jamie Carragher. It was his first goal since 1999 and it was pure joy as the team ran and hugged together and showed their unity and appreciation for a man who seldom scores but does so much otherwise.


Luis Garcia then added a third with a superb looping header before Mark Gonzalez puts the icing on the cake with a peach. The last kick of the game, 20 yards out and he dispatched the free kick into the bottom right corner, out of Lastuvka’s reach.

An outstanding second half performance from Liverpool compared to the first. But credits to Fulham especially in the second half. They defended well and were compact as a team. They denied Liverpool space in the midfield and did string up some good moves which caused some problems for the Liverpool backline.

Drogballs' Thoughts: Great performance although the first half was frustrating as ever and I was fearing that it would not be out day again. I wished we had put up with this sort of performance earlier in the season. It might be a little too late, but better late than never!

It's nice to see us scoring another 4, keeping another clean sheet and of course, CARRAGHER ON THE F*KING SCORE SHEET! I mean, I don't think anyone will ever bank on him to score again and there he was, sliding in from the far post. Pure striker instinct from his part and I was pleased to see everyone going over to give him their appreciation and Gerrard being so overjoyed for his scouse pal.

Kuyt and Bellamy both played equally well albeit not as outstanding as last week. They worked really hard and Kuyt was unlucky on several occasions but got us a penalty which turned the game in our favour. Bellamy worked the channels well and his pace caused some problems.

The midfield was brilliant though, I must comment. The second half performance from the middle men was awesome with Gerrard imposing himself and Alonso doing what he does best. Luis Garcia had a really quiet and ineffective afternoon scored a beauty! I was ranting to my friend about him and Rafa should've changed him already. Right the next moment, BANG!

Even Pennant showed some promise. His touches still sloppy but he now dares to run at defenders and the quality of his crosses are improving over time.

Defence was solid but there were a few hairy moment in which Reina saved wonderfully from McBride. Agger had a good game back and front, Finnan back to his imperious best and Riise always running back and forth.

A fantastic win and I'm happy with this. I'm sure Sheikh will be well pleased that this is the team he is going to acquire and that the team is in good hands. Even after such a disastrous start to the season, we still found ourselves in the 4th spot level on points with third place Portsmouth.

Hopefully we can now go on a roll just like we did last season at this point of time. With the confidence back up, good news of investment rolling in and doing away the away day blues, I'm sure Liverpool can now march on and put up with their best from now on till May.