Reds Stormed To Anfield Victory

LIVERPOOL 3 (Riera, Keane x2)
Bolton 0


Robbie Keane unwrapped Liverpool's best Christmas gift this season with a double and continues to steer the Reds clear of their rivals in the Barclays Premiership. Albert Riera was on the score sheet as well as he opened the account in the first half.

Riera celebrating his goal

2 draws on previous occasion threatens to derail Liverpool's title hopes but thankfully for them, their rivals managed to slip up just as they did.

The traditional boxing day fixture is always an intriguing one and though the Anfield faithfuls weren't treated with a spectacular match with goals overflowing, it was still a professional performance and a job well done.

Bolton failed to threaten Liverpool in any way with Pepe Reina in goal was given little to do. But it was as expected as they were more busy dealing with the red tide that went their way, piling intense pressure on their defence.

It was no surprise that Liverpool made the breakthrough from a corner as Albert Riera's front post run was left unchecked and he was able to volley home awkwardly and brought much joy to the Kopites.

Keane raveling in his own glory

But it was Robbie Keane who stole the show thereafter as he continued his good goalscoring form with two goals which showed us just a glimpse of what he can do and why was he worth 20 million pounds.

His predatory skills started to show in recent weeks and up against Bolton, he was calm and composed. The goal at The Emirates could've injected some much needed confidence into the Irish striker and you could see it oozing through his display.

After his second goal, he was all over the pitch, looking hungry and daring to go. Though he was leading the line, he still dropped back and helped out. Then before you know it, he sprinted 20-30 yards forward again. Full of energy.

It was a good 3 points for Liverpool, one that will surely please the fans and the recuperating Rafa Benitez, who was in the stands. A professional job, nothing spectacular and straightforward.

Here's looking forward to 2009 that the Reds will maintain their decent run, kick start their engine further, go a gear higher and claim back the title that was lost so long ago.

Jussi Clanger

English Premiership

Bolton 1 - 3 LIVERPOOL

Scorers:
BOL - Cohen (79);
LIV - Jaaskelainen (12 og), Babel (60), Aurelio(75);

Liverpool's bid for fourth place received a massive boost after Rafa Benitez finally exorcised the hoodoo at Reebok Stadium with a well deserved 3-1 win over Bolton Wanderers. It's the first time the Spanish manager tasted success against Bolton, a side renown for their physical approach to the game.

Off the field uncertainties continue to plague Liverpool but with 4th place being the be all and end all for the season, Rafa knows that a victory at the Reebok will propel the team back into Champions League contention, albeit for only a few hours.

On the note, Liverpool probably breezed through this game unlike the uncountable times when they huffed and puffed and got nothing away from their north east neighbours. It has been 5 years since the Reds have got all 3 points from their 'unhappy hunting ground'.

But it's obvious that this Bolton team is a shadow of what they were once, under the management of Sam Allardyce. His replacement, former Anfield favourites, Sammy Lee, got them into the mire earlier on and now, Gerry Megson managed to stabilise the ship. Only just.

Bolton started off brightly enough and looked confident that they will get the result. Former Anfield misfit, El-Hadji Diouf was unlucky to see his free kick come off the cross bar while Bolton continuously threatened from set plays.

Martin Skrtel is preferred at centre back alongside Sami Hyypia, pushing Jamie Carragher out to the right. Though uncertain at set plays due to new idea of zonal marking, the Slovenian international excelled throughout the game with nicely timed tackles and interceptions.

Then against the run of play, Liverpool took the lead through an unfortunate mistake by the usually reliable Jussi Jaaskelainen. Skipper Steven Gerrard's shot was inches away from the goal but the Finnish goalkeeper haphazardly dived for it and the ball went in the net, off his head.


Liverpool couldn't believed their luck but after years of questionable refereeing decisions at the Reebok including Reina's alleged handball outside the penalty box and also Luis Garcia's wrongly disallowed goal, it's probably time for Lady Luck to switch side.

Bolton continued to threaten through diagonal crosses, with Kevin Davies perfectly made as a target man. The centre forward had a fantastic chance to draw level, only to be denied by Pepe Reina. His header 6 yards out was miraculously kept out by the Spanish goalkeeper.

The game drew on into a chess-like affair with Liverpool playing more cautiously. Yet the game was somehow, wide open after the break as both Bolton pushed forward and leaving huge gaps in their defence.

Liverpool grabbed their opportunity in the 60th minute as Ryan Babel took his chance well and put the visitors in the driving seat. Kuyt turned Carragher's cross against the post and a poor clearance from Bolton enabled Babel to get hold of the ball before slamming it past the hapless Jaaskelainen.

They then extended their lead through a marvelous strike from Brazilian full back, Fabio Aurelio. He was known to score goals from free kicks but this time, he took his chance fantastically and finds the net for the first time in the red shirt.

Gerrard's corner was headed clear but Aurelio was on hand to chest it down nicely before sending a half volleyed shot into the net, with aplomb. Bolton should've closed him down sooner but at that point, the home side were already losing hope.

A consolation came their way though, through a corner. Not a surprised as Liverpool struggled every time there is a corner and this time, they were punished through their former player's son. Tamir Cohen, son of Avi Cohen, eluded his ball watching man markers and slammed it past Pepe Reina.

The visitors held on for an important and crucial win as Rafa would finally breathe a sigh of relief for finally defeating an old nemesis. The 3 points lifted them into 4th place until city rivals, Everton, defeated Portsmouth 2 hours later with the same scoreline.

The race for the title is heating up just as it is for the race for the final Champions League placing. Rafa previously admitted that Everton and Aston Villa are 2 teams that will most likely wreck the team's chances to qualify for next season's Champions League but now, he should be quietly confident that his side can take the all important 4th place.

NUMBER 1: Peter Crouch vs Bolton

Well well, after weeks and weeks of dragging and waiting, this is the pinnacle of the
goal that sets the 06/07 season alight and the highlight of our season.



I had a friend that commented that his goal against Galatasaray was a fluke and it was lucky but how lucky is he to score two of the same in a season!

It was almost a carbon copy goal of the one he scored against the Turks but this time round, it was a little more difficult than the previous and therefore justifies the position of this goal, number one!

Well, there ends the top 25 goals of Liverpool in the 06/07 season and hopefully you've enjoyed it and if you have comments on the placing of the goals then do share it with the rest of us.

And let's pray that next season, we'll have much more greater quality goals and that we'll drop our jaw everytime we look at it! Have fun :)

8: Steven Gerrard vs Bolton

Dear oh dear, it's our skipper on the list again. But who can blame him for constantly scoring some majestic goals such as this one, a perfect example of arriving in the box late, catching defenders sleeping and finishing it with some style.

Throughout the coverage of the Top 25 goals, I noticed that Pennant actually did a great job for the team and he has been pretty decent to be honest. I still have my doubts over him but overall, he seemed to play a heavy role in some of the fantastic goals we scored.

Drogballs' Weekly Thoughts

The Good Gets Better

With the exception of my beloved Liverpool, the 3 of the 'Big 4' won this weekend. United brushed a spirited Charlton aside but goal fest that's promised at Old Trafford just didn't happen.

Whereas Chelsea thrashed bogey team, Middlesbrough 3-0 at home. Reasonably simple fixture for them while Arsenal only merely managed to beat Wigan. The Latics gone ahead with Danny Landzaat's long range effort but were unable to hold on to the lead after Fitz Hall scored an own goal while Tomas Rosicky finished it off predictably.

Meanwhile, Liverpool lost at Newcastle with lady luck tucked in the heavy clouds at Tyneside. Now, they'll have to concentrate on the UEFA Champions League game against Barcelona. Away from the rainy Newcastle and down to Portugal where the sun always shine.

Bolton kept up with pace with the Champions League place after defeating Fulham 2-1 while surprise package of the season, Reading, continue their fantastic form with a dominant 2-0 win over Aston Villa. It's always nice to see the black horse doing so well.


The Poor Gets Worst

Well, always not very nice to write about this part because I personally hate to criticise teams. But honestly, Spurs and West Ham can't escape from them because to me, they're beyond poor. It's mind boggling poor. How can a team like Spurs ended up with 6 games without wins? The lost at Sheffield United caused some Tottenham fans to start questioning Martin Jol. The Spurs faithful have been pretty supportive of the Dutch coach but in recent times, the results have dipped while Jol could only watch at the sidelines.

And every week's featured team, West Ham United. I have a soft spot for them as I've mentioned but I can't help but laugh at them sometimes. Does a rich owner gives you the divine right to stay in the Premiership? No. But some players just played as if they're 'too good to go down'. Remember the last time the Hammers went down? They told themselves the same thing. And looked what happened.

Losing to Watford at Upton Park is just unbelievable. If they want to stay up, it's the most they can do to beat these so called 'inferior' teams. Looking at their run ins, it's going to be a long journey down for Alan Curbishley. United and Chelsea just weeks away.

The Hammers fan now starts to turn their anger on captain, Nigel Reo-Coker, who have been a shadow of his former self this season and to them, it's a disgrace. Players like Harewood and Zamora are fielded and prance around without much effort while committed player like Carlos Tevez was left on the bench.

Oh and, Lucas Neill. Again, I don't know whether to laugh or cry. All the best with your fat wallet.

Liverpool Starts 2007 With A Bang

English Premiership

LIVERPOOL 3 - 0 Bolton

Scorers:
LIV - Crouch (61min), Gerrard (63min), Kuyt (83min);

Match Highlight:

A form team up against a form team. Third place against fourth place. And Bolton were definitely fired up for this match with Rafa Benitez’s pre-match comment about them not playing football.

In the first fixture of 2007, Liverpool showed what they’re capable of as they defeat a resilient Bolton side 3-0. The score could’ve been more embarrassing for Bolton if Peter Crouch was better with his headers.

But nobody could really complain about the qualities of the goal. All 3 goals were of the highest quality with Peter Crouch scoring yet another overhead kick. It was a reminisce of that goal against Galatasaray in the Champions League when the ball fell behind him and he did an extraordinary overhead kick.

And before Bolton could regain their composure, Liverpool struck again. This time, it was skipper Steven Gerrard. Jermaine Pennant’s cross from the right was met with the boot of Gerrard, who made the late run into the box. The ball connected with his feet so beautifully and it went straight to the top corner.

Bolton came undone. To be fair, they defended very well in the first half and kept Liverpool at bay. Goalkeeper, Jussi Jaaskelainin was on top of his form when he denied Finnan with an excellent save. But they were always in the back foot and were under very much pressure from Liverpool, who sounded their intent to play fast pace football right from the first minute, when Gerrard flashed a shot past Jaaskelainen.

And with their defence pinned back on many occasions, their attack didn’t work out like it did for the past few games, where they were on fire. With former Liverpool players Nicolas Anelka and El-Hadji Diouf on the field, they were given a ‘warm’ reception from the Anfield crowd. But the pressure on them didn’t work for them as they both had a rather anonymous game.

With the good news of Dirk Kuyt’s father with a chance of recovering from cancer, Kuyt Jnr recovered from his slump in form with a goal as well. Taking the ball into a tight corner with Ricardo Gardner following closely, he placed the ball nicely past the defender and the keeper with a reverse angle shot.

It was a fantastic win for Liverpool considering Bolton’s recent form were pretty decent. And as Benitez mentioned that this match is a very important match to the club’s Champions League aspiration, it is definitely a boost to the player’s morale and bring cheers to the fans.

One could say that Liverpool are still a little too wasteful in front of goal with Crouch being the main culprit again. But after all, it was a result that went to the Red’s way and now they will move into 3rd place, leaving Bolton a little behind now. With the quality of those goals, they certainly brought some smile to all the fans.

Drogballs' Thoughts: What a way to start the year. A revenge for that unfair 2-0 defeat against us earlier this season, we managed to keep Bolton out with only 1 pathetic shot on goal (off target even) and when it comes to attack, besides Crouch being a little wasteful, we really cranked a gear up in the second half and battered them.

Without Jaaskelainen, Bolton could've been really embarrassed today. Steve Finnan was unlucky not to get his second goal in his Liverpool career and Crouch constantly heading the ball straight at him.

It seemed like the form of last season starts to come back and players finding confidence. New players like Pennant and Bellamy finally settling in the side and Rafa not tinkering as much, now we play with more consistency and the team showed more fluidity.

The defence was at their top condition today with Hyypia putting in a towering performance and Carragher with a couple of important clearances and interceptions. Steve Finnan once again impressed with his crossing and gave Pennant alot of support down the right.

The partnership between Gerrard and Alonso looked better every passing game and Gerrard was rewarded with a brilliant goal. Alonso was unfortunate not to score as well. He played well and was up for the physical game Bolton was put out to play.

Crouch and Kuyt both worked very hard in the front lines. With the absence of Bellamy, there was a shortage of pace up front. But both of them proved that they could do without Bellamy's pace with 2 quality goals each.

All in all, a impressive second half performance for the Reds. We looked to have finally stepped out of the shadow that was cast over Anfield for the past few months and let's hope 2007 is a year of Liverpool. The thing that worries me will be Crouch's finishing and his header. Like I've mentioned after the lost at Ewood Park against Blackburn, we should always punish teams when we're given the chance and today, the finishing was poor at times.

But I'll still take the result and finally, it was satisfying to see us beat Bolton and looking at Sam Allardyce's pissed off face makes me smile.

Reds Defeated Again

Poor Decision By Ref Was Turning Point

Reebok Stadium

Bolton 2 - 0 LIVERPOOL

Scorers:
BOL - Speed (30min), Campo (50min);

I didn't catch the first half, but I did watch the highlights and boy, was I pissed. Reina took a goal kick and adjudged to have 'handball outside the penalty box' and Liverpool promptly got punished by yet another Bolton set piece. Gary Speed blasted home the free kick and Liverpool were behind, unfairly.

What on earth is the linesman thinking? If he does watch football a fair bit, he will know that Reina ALWAYS take his goal kick that way and replays shows that he clearly released the ball INSIDE the box. Wrong decision, another controversy and talking point for the following week.

Liverpool had their fair share of chances with Alonso hitting the post and Gerrard had a couple of chance to take pot shot at goal. But they struggled to break down the resolute Bolton defence. Kuyt and Bellamy were kept really quiet and even though Crouch was brought on for the second half, there was little the on form striker could do, showing some poor touches and some moments of frustration.

Campo then punished Liverpool the same way Galatasaray did during the Champions League game. Wingers and midfielders moved towards Liverpool's left flank, drawing Hyypia and Carragher that direction before sending a ball into the penalty area. Ivan Campo outjumped Steve Finnan, who's the only defender covering the penalty spot and it was pretty much over for Liverpool.

Bolton's fantastic home record continues, unbeaten and has yet to concede a goal. Liverpool struggled to break them down and the longer it took, the more frustrated the Liverpool players were and the deeper Bolton defended.

In the end, a great win for Bolton, but Liverpool need to start to find some form away from Anfield, as they have yet to win away this season thus far.

Drogballs' Post Match Report:

A bad bad decision cost us again. But let's look things in perspective. We're awful. We couldn't keep the ball as the ball retention was beyond poor. Sissoko wasted loads of possesion and the strikers were cut off from the supply line. Campo held the defensive midfield position very well and both Kuyt and Bellamy were rendered useless.

Bellamy could not put his pace into action due to the deep line Bolton held and Kuyt was marked out of the game. Even when Crouch was put into action, the in form striker could not hold on to the ball due to the physical approach by the Bolton defence.

I thought Benitez should've kept Kuyt instead of Bellamy because after 70 minutes, Bolton closed shop and left nothing behind their defence line for Bellamy to run into. Gerrard looked off form again and Sissoko was pretty poor.

We really need to start grinding out results away because away games count as well and next up is Blackburn and it's another away game. We cannot afford to lose another game if we're to 'challenge for the title' and already losing 3 games, we're already halfway there to the maximum number of lost possible for anyone that is to challenge for the title.

Let's not give up hope just yet shall we, although this might sound like blind faith. Just keep supporting our lads and don't give up on them.

Oh and the media will have another field day, '96th games without a settled side', eh?

Player Ratings:

Reina 7

Finnan 7
Carragher 7
Hyypia 7
Riise 6

Pennant 5
Alonso 7
Sissoko 6
Gerrard 7

Kuyt 6
Bellamy 6


Subs:

Crouch 6
Luis Garcia 6
Zenden 6