Liverpool deserved only their fourth home win of the season tonight, when they beat a mediocre Newcastle side 3-1 at Anfield, after the scores had been tied at 1-1 at the half.
Newcastle offered no threat up front all night, and Demba Ba was hardly in the game and starved of service, although he still almost scored in the second half after 68 minutes, when he chipped the ball over Reina, but Skrtel somehow kicked the ball high and away as it was crossing the line.
The experiment of playing Haris Vuckic as a withdrawn striker didn’t pay off and Haris was hardly in the game, and Newcastle showed no threat up front during teh entire game, which was a bit worrisome.
And apart from Ba almost scoring, goalkeeper Pepe Reina didn’t have a save to make.
The first half was fairly even with Liverpool probably just shading it, and it was Newcastle who went ahead after 25 minutes with a rather fortunate goal.
Ryan Taylor put in a good cross from the left wing and Cabaye headed it on towards goal, but it hit Agger’s arm and went into the net, and it was given as an Agger own goal, although Cabaye could have had a claim on it.
But Liverpool were level four minutes later, through former Newcastle player Craig Bellamy.
An attack down the right wing by Liverpool had Tiote only clearing straight to Bellamy about five yards outside the box, and the Welshman hit the ball nicely past Krul to level the scores.
Newcastle seemed to be playing a cagey and defensive game in the first half, and were fortunate to score, but the Magpies were still in it at the half, with the score at 1-1.
Newcastle made one change at half-time with Davide Santon coming on for Ryan Taylor at left-back, and Ryan had already been booked and was finding it tough against the fast and skillful Stewart Downing, who had been prominent down Liverpool’s right wing.
Newcastle played much better for the first 20 minutes of the second half, as the retained possession better than in the first 45 minutes, but then Steven Gerrard replaced Charlie Adam on 60 minutes.
The entrance of the England International into the game, definitely tilted it towards Liverpool.
Gerrard put in a couple of great crosses which Andy Carroll couldn’t get on the end of, and the plain fact is that Steven seemed a cut above the rest of the players tonight, and he started to make the difference.
Ben Arfa came on after 65 minuets for an ineffective Haris Vuckic.
And on 67 minutes Craig Bellamy scored his second goal of the game, and this time it was from a free kick that went in when Simpson and Krul seemed to get in each other’s way, as the ball was hit straight at Simpson.
Alan Pardew will not be happy with the goal, that’s for sure, and another one from a set piece.
Immediately following the goal, Demba Ba almost had the ball in the net with his only chance of the night, as he was put through on goal and he chipped the ball beautifully over the advancing Reina.
But as the ball was rolling into the net, Skrtrl somehow got back and kicked the ball high and away, just as it was going over the line – but it was a great effort from the Senegal International, who had no service tonight.
Steven Gerrard scores Liverpool’s third goal
And then to rub salt in the Newcastle wounds, on 77 minutes Gerrard himself was through by himself on the left wing, and from a very acute angle he put the ball into the net, and in fact it went between Krul’s legs.
The game was played out, but there’s no doubt Liverpool deserved all 3 points and for the sixth Premier League game in a row between the two sides, Liverpool beat Newcastle, who were flat tonight.
Santon looked good in the second half but in truth this was a below par performance from Newcastle and our defense again managed to leak another three goals. which was disappointing to say the least.
On the positive side we shouldn’t expect to beat teams like Liverpool, or Manchester United for that matter, and we weren’t too competitive tonight, especially over the last 30 minutes of the game.
But Newcastle will need to tighten up significantly from the way the played, if they want to continue in or around 7th place in the league table.
And there will be more calls for another striker as Newcastle weren’t a threat at all tonight, and Reina must have been pretty bored. In fact it was the most ineffective Newcastle have been all season up front.
But it’s only one game (thank goodness), and we probably didn’t expect anything from this game – and that’s good – because we got nothing – and we got what we deserved.
Comments welcome.
64 comments so far
jordijohnty
Dec 30, 2011 at 10:18 PM
Comment #1uuurghh
magpie6699
Dec 30, 2011 at 10:19 PM
Comment #21. We NEVER play well at Anfield
2. Wasn’t it 3-0 last season? So that’s an improvement!
3. Did anyone really expect any other performance or score?
Hope we play better next year!
JTOONJ
Dec 30, 2011 at 10:19 PM
Comment #3.
jordijohnty
Dec 30, 2011 at 10:20 PM
Comment #4Gerrards a class player. We have never had someone as good as him for so long as he has been at l’pool
GeordieGerman
Dec 30, 2011 at 10:21 PM
Comment #5Carried from last post:
Jack, either that. Or Tiote is saying to other clubs. “Look I’m crap.” “So why would you want me?”
Tom_Toon
Dec 30, 2011 at 10:21 PM
Comment #6Only positive is that Santon looks like a touch of class. Lovely passing, good defending and always looking to attack.
Obertan was absolutely shite; again.
JackButler
Dec 30, 2011 at 10:21 PM
Comment #7Far too many mistakes on the field and far too many mistakes in the dug out, why have ball playing midfielders in Cabaye, Vukic and then play long, hopeful balls to a lone striker FFS
GeordieGerman
Dec 30, 2011 at 10:22 PM
Comment #8JTOONJ, Interesting view.
JackButler
Dec 30, 2011 at 10:23 PM
Comment #9GG
There’s something wrong with him, as he’s not a shadow of the Tiote we saw last season
dmac
Dec 30, 2011 at 10:23 PM
Comment #10Tiote had a mare. I really dont understand whats happened to him this year. His passing is truly woeful. If Guthrie wasnt made of glass id play him over Tiote on current form.
First time id have to agree with the Obertan critics, he was very poor tonight. By far the poorest player on the pitch tonight was Simmo however. Why on earth did he run back on the freekick playing Carroll onside and then tackling Krul. Terrible.
GeordieGerman
Dec 30, 2011 at 10:24 PM
Comment #11Tom_Toon, Ehhhhh? “Santon looks like a touch of class”. Ehhhhh?
beefman13
Dec 30, 2011 at 10:25 PM
Comment #12am som dissopointed why keep playing these long hopefull balls to ball playing players, that needsa to be addressed, bad day at the office, we will get the thieving gits next time
Tiote4PM
Dec 30, 2011 at 10:25 PM
Comment #13Don’t hammer the defense here – only Simmo was poor.
We sat back on Liverpool for 85 mins because we had NO outlet. No one could keep the ball or create anything.
This lead to Tiote trying runs which didn’t work but to his credit he tried.
We play a fixed 442 or 451.. but we don’t have any wingers!
Not 1 cross today from our 2 wingers, not one opening.
I would LOVE someone to mock up a DVD of Obers play and send it to Pardew. Convinced he is the worst ‘football’ brained player I have seen for NUFC. Never seen so many ‘give aways’.
Thump
Dec 30, 2011 at 10:25 PM
Comment #14I agree completely with JTOONJ.
geoff777
Dec 30, 2011 at 10:26 PM
Comment #15It wasn’t a good night.
Probably our worst performance of the season.
I’m probably the only fan in the country that thinks Carroll really is worth 35M.
He needs a season.
Once the floodgates open he’ll win Liverpool a Championship and possibly a European Cup.
At least I can support him in a England shirt.
Cheers for that Mr Ashley … what did happen to that 35M?
Tonytoon73
Dec 30, 2011 at 10:26 PM
Comment #16Pardew loves obertan, he bought him and he is crap.
dmac
Dec 30, 2011 at 10:27 PM
Comment #17Tiote4pm i think if you counted who gave the ball away most in that game it would have been Tiote…..
kilcline
Dec 30, 2011 at 10:27 PM
Comment #181. Santon must start every game.
2. Vuckic needs to go out on loan to a top Championship side.
3. We need to sign Adam Llanana (sp) and Nedam Onuhoua if we dont sign a striker.
Tom_Toon
Dec 30, 2011 at 10:27 PM
Comment #19Yes Santon is clearly a touch of class, the weight of his passing, his marshaling in defence, the runs he makes and the facts he always wants to attack.
He needs to start every game when fit.
Ponderous Pardew
Dec 30, 2011 at 10:28 PM
Comment #20Right, one of the problems we have is, Tiote is a born winner, when he sees players like Obertan lacking in drive and desire, it frustrates him and he figures he has to do it all himself. That moment when Tiote won a header on the right flank, then Obertan stood and watched him regain his balance and dive in for the second header, only for the ball to squirt loose and Obertan dangle a whimpy leg at it, sums it up for me.
The least I want from Obertan, is to pull his weight – he doesn’t.
Oh and is it just me, or do players seem to become gradually slower, once they start playing for us?
Tiote4PM
Dec 30, 2011 at 10:28 PM
Comment #21Who would you like to see replace Obertan from within the squad?
What are the chances of us buying a replacemnet and who?
thebionicMAG
Dec 30, 2011 at 10:28 PM
Comment #22I dare Obertan sympathisers to come here and defend him now. Common where are you all???
Jan Stavik
Dec 30, 2011 at 10:28 PM
Comment #23Simpson should be fined one weeks salary for his awfully stupid actions ahead of 2-1.
Total blackout.
Tom_Toon
Dec 30, 2011 at 10:28 PM
Comment #24GeordieGerman – Please tell me where Santon put one foot wrong tonight.
JackButler
Dec 30, 2011 at 10:28 PM
Comment #25If that Mayuka story from earlier is true and he watched that shower of shyte, I think he’ll be on the next plane back to Switzerland
Brutooon
Dec 30, 2011 at 10:29 PM
Comment #261) we score first. we should keep more of the ball and frustrate liverpool. Thats what away team does right???
2) we play long ball. we are not fully utilize Cabaye and Vuckic who love short and ground ball. Plus Demba Ba is a lone striker
3) Obertan AND Jonas, Total Contribution = ZERO. Its time to replace them. Sammy Ameobi to start and maybe put HBA back at the wing
nufc mad man
Dec 30, 2011 at 10:30 PM
Comment #27the signs are getting more and more clear on just how disasterous our defence is without taylor
because while saylor was in team only twice have we conceded more than 1 goal and they are 2-2 draw with spurs and 3-1 loss to city
GD 19-12
but without saylor
only 3 times have we not did so.
here is all the results without saylor
W 2-1 vs scun
W 4-3 forest
L4-3 blackburn
L3-0 chelsea
D 0-0 swan
L4-2 norwich
L3-2 WBA
W2-0 bolt
L3-1 liver
so CB is vital
GD not including the cup games
for 7- against13
Tiote4PM
Dec 30, 2011 at 10:31 PM
Comment #28dmac possibly – but I guarantee Tiote won more than he lost.
Not defending Tiote but at least he tried to make things happen, even if creativity is not his strong point.
Ba had one ball through today – not good enough. We need support players before we need a new centre forward!
Brutooon
Dec 30, 2011 at 10:31 PM
Comment #294) The reason we lose because of JAMES PERCH.
James Perch smile to Obertan and Jonas = therefore they don’t know what to do with the ball
James Perch say hi to Simpson and Simpson score an own goal
James Perch bring bad luck. Kick James Perch out of the club !!!!
dmac
Dec 30, 2011 at 10:32 PM
Comment #30Dunno if you would class me as an Obertan sympathiser unlike you i clearly like to support my team, that consists of all the players.
Yes Obertan didnt have a good game, infact he was terrible but was he more so than raylor,tiote,jonas,vuckic,cabaye? No. The team were poor today. How about you grow up a little bit and support your team.
geoff777
Dec 30, 2011 at 10:32 PM
Comment #31I’m not a Jonas fan.
I can understand the criticism of Obertan, but it’s his first season and he’s very inexperienced.
So I’ll stand up for him this season.
Give the lad 50 starts before you do a hatchet job on him.
Jonas is fair game.
Thump
Dec 30, 2011 at 10:32 PM
Comment #32@dmac: Tioté is trying to do too much. Like I said on the last thread, if he stops trying to play the killer balls and reverts to those nice, simple passes of last season (and more Arsenal goals please) he’ll be flying.
Our game plan isn’t getting the most out of the lads and it’s largely down to Pardew being stubborn.
That said!
Am I the only person who has noticed who worried/stressed Pardew is looking of late? I noticed it around the Swansea game (I think?) and he’s starting to look worse and worse. Wonder what’s going on behind the scenes…
thebionicMAG
Dec 30, 2011 at 10:33 PM
Comment #33In fact heres an open message to Obertan if he’s reading this on his Ipad back at the hotel:
Get forward! Attack! Take players on! Have greater awareness…stop being afraid and play with some confidence…Do all of the above man what have you got to lose cause the way you are playing now is crap anyway. If you at least tried and were crap we wouldn’t be as hard on you.
Thump
Dec 30, 2011 at 10:33 PM
Comment #34Alright Brutoon, that made me laugh.
Tonytoon73
Dec 30, 2011 at 10:34 PM
Comment #35Tiote4pm Gutierrez can take obertans place and put Ben arfa on the left.
Brutooon
Dec 30, 2011 at 10:36 PM
Comment #36Put HBA and Sammy at the wings.
1)HBA played there before where he obtain CHAMPIONS for Marseille and Lyon
2) Sammy is hungry for first team action
3) A message to Gutierrez and Obertan that there are no Automatic Choice in the team !!!
Obafan
Dec 30, 2011 at 10:37 PM
Comment #37Krul: good keeper, but needs to learn how to kick a ball
Simmo: worst performance so far!!!!
Willo: average
Colo: needs a better partner next to him
Raylor: not a LB; play him at RB
Obertan: frustrating to watch this lad
Tiote: needs to pass the ball quicker upfront
Cabaye: some touches of class; but his set pieces were awful
Gutierrez: needs a rest IMO
Vuckic: not ready for this type of game
Ba: poor lonesome cowboy, who worked really hard. Did get 1 descent ball and finished it in style (hate that Skrtell)
Santon: did nothing wrong, but had no real impact
HBA: play him as winger and he will be more effective
Sammi: not enough time to do something
Pardew: learn some tactics, cause you are not up to the tast at this moment!!!
Tiote4PM
Dec 30, 2011 at 10:37 PM
Comment #38tonytoon73 – doesnt that leave Taylor even more exposed?
I just don’t think we have any natural wingers at the club… not one that can run a line and cross a ball anyway.
robtheguru
Dec 30, 2011 at 10:38 PM
Comment #39We were poor. Nobody making a run forward for the pass and always going backwards. Absolutely terrible display and we’ll be lucky to stay in the league if we perform like that week in week out! Disgusted is the only word to describe my feelings!
Tonytoon73
Dec 30, 2011 at 10:40 PM
Comment #40Tiote4pm santon left back mate.