Reds Take It Out On Baggies As Title Bid Comes to an End

Liverpool 2 (Gerrard 28, Kuyt 63)
West Brom 0

There was no thrill but plenty of emotional spill as Liverpool’s victory over West Bromwich Albion sends the Baggies down to the Championship. The Reds’ spirit were dampened prior to the match as they saw the Premiership crown being lifted at Old Trafford once again, equaling their 18 league title record.

Yet they were able to conjure up a spirited and determined performance to see off West Brom away from home. It was a make-or-break game for the bottom-placed team as anything but a victory over the league runners-up means relegation.

It was as if inevitable that West Brom would go down as they stayed cemented on the foot of the Premiership table. Yet the previous 2 games suggested otherwise and the Baggies fans were hopeful of yet another great escape just like the one in 2004.

No doubt they were determined to make it count and even the presence of a full strength Liverpool side did not derail them of their original game plan.

The away side, on the other hand, was like a wounded animal. Seeing their title bid gone up the smokes without even a kick of the ball, they had nothing to play for. Perhaps only pride and a hope to finish the season on a high note.

Of course, Jamie Carragher would beg to defer as he his altercation with fellow Reds, Alvaro Arbeloa came under the spotlight. Seeing the Spanish defender’s lackadaisical defending for much of the game, the born and bred Liverpudlian gave Arbeloa a earful and it nearly turned into a Bowyer and Dyer-esque fight scene.

It was uncalled for and Carragher should have dealt with it behind closed doors. But on the other hand, one could see Carragher’s spirit and attitude of a man who gives his all for the club.

Perhaps, it was brewed through pure frustration of yet another barren year for Liverpool. Seeing the Premiership crown whizzed by, a ‘so near so yet far’ feeling was by far worse than the ‘out of title bid by November’.

But despite with so little to play for, Liverpool put up a professional performance to see off West Brom. A 2-0 victory all but sealed West Brom’s fate but they only had themselves to blame.

Steven Gerrard’s opener was totally against the run of play. Despite having a decent start to the game, West Brom decided to play Father Christmas as a lapse of concentration gifted Liverpool the vital goal.

Its mistakes like this that gives you the idea as to why they are in the mire. Yet the defenders were not the only one that should’ve been blamed.

Despite being presented with decent chances, all credits to their hardworking midfielders, the strikers were unable to put the ball in the onion bag. It doesn’t help having Jamie Carragher on the opposing team, either.



Dirk Kuyt then doubled the lead as he secures his best scoring record since arriving in England 3 years ago. The striker turned winger was given time as space as he fired home from 25 yards out.

The goal all but buried any hopes that West Brom fans harbored. Yet the home fans were still singing at the top of their lungs in appreciation of their efforts. As many fans could point out that it’s never easy singing in defeat.

Liverpool, on the other hand, can take pride in one of their finest ever domestic campaign, despite actually not winning it. The win took them to 83 points, one of their best ever and it would’ve won them the title a few years back.

Unfortunately, the bar was raised higher in recent years and despite only just 2 defeats throughout the whole campaign, they just fell short. It must be utter disappointment for the players who truly, gave their all.

With this pain and disappointment, they’ll probably strive harder next season. It’s the closest they have came in over 20 years and with a couple of shrewd signing this summer, the hunt of the title could be over in the next few years.

It couldn’t be any closer, can it?

Keane Ends Goal Drought

English Premiership

Liverpool 3 - 0 West Brom

Scorers:
LIV - Keane (34, 43min), Arbeloa (90min);

After the 12^th time asking, Liverpool’s big summer signing, Robbie Keane, finally broke the duck, scoring his first and second league goals in a home encounter with relegation fodder, West Brom. Alvaro Arbeloa added a third in the closing moments of the game.

It was 2 exquisite finishes from the Republic of Ireland striker, who had difficulty finding feet at Liverpool. After several fruitful seasons at North London, the Irish captain was purchased at high price by Liverpool.

Perhaps due to his costly price tag, he was pressurized to perform right from the beginning but the pressure, perhaps, was a little too hard to handle for him.

Also, many fans commented that he looked too eager to impress early on the in season where he was seen running around like a headless chicken. Claimed to be a boyhood Liverpool fan, he looked determined to play at his best donning the red jersey albeit trying a little too hard.

But just like Peter Crouch, it took him a little longer to adjust and hit second gear.

Will his career continue to flourish in months to come, like Crouch, is hard to tell. But as I’ve mentioned in my post, which heralded his arrival, was that he has the talent and ability to shine, as a proven goal-scorer in the Premiership with not only Spurs but also earlier in his career at Coventry, Wolves and Leeds.

The goal scoring instinct which seemed to be inborn within him seemed to be missing amidst his ‘running his heart out attitude’ until now. He was suddenly, in perfect understanding with the Liverpool players, such as Gerrard, who provided him with a precise through-ball for his opener.

He might have learned his lesson in the Atletico match where he missed a golden opportunity. Instead of trying to put the ball over the diving goalkeeper, he tried to round him but missed the opportunity.

This time round, he was put through by Steven Gerrard’s inch-perfect pass and he did not hesitate before dinking the ball past the despairing dive of Scott Carson. His movement was brilliant during the build-up of the goal, evading his marker and making room for himself.

It was a huge sigh of relief from both Keane and also the Kop faithful.

He then doubled his tally through a fantastic counter attack. West Brom’s corner was cleared and Liverpool caught the away side napping. A quick release from Albert Riera sent Robbie Keane through.

Scott Carson, the former Liverpool goalkeeper, charged out of his own box trying his best to intercept but was caught in no man’s land. It left Robbie Keane with a simplest of finish and the Reds were well on track to victory.

Though West Brom started brightly and looked like they were at Anfield for football, Liverpool always looked comfortable and in control. Chances from both sides were few and far between but it was Liverpool’s class that was apparent.

The long-awaited return of star striker, Fernando Torres, was another key highlight of the match. It didn’t take long for the Spanish hotshot to show his intent when his 25 yards strike stung the hands of Carson.

After missing for 6 games, Torres still looked pretty sharp and his pace was quite a problem for the WBA defence, especially Zuiverloon on the right.

Yet it was another Spaniard, Arbeloa, who stole the limelight when he found acres of space in the penalty area and curled home with a beautiful left foot shot.

Can’t jump on his back for celebration, eh?

It was overall, an easy game for Rafa Benitez and his men, eager to bounce back from that disappointing lost at White Hart Lane. Still, not all guns firing and blazing but a professional and controlled performance from Liverpool.

Best news is, Keane is back.