Liverpool FC 1-1 Sunderland AFC
Liverpool started their season with an anti-climax as they drew at home to Sunderland.
Goals from Luis Suarez and Sebastien Larsson made sure that both teams shared the points.
Kenny Dalglish's men started the game brightly, with an array of slick passing and quick one-two's between the front men. Luis Suarez's bullish tendencies paid off when he closed Kieran Richardson down and blocked his clearance. The Uruguayan then charged through on goal, went round the advancing Mignolet, only to be taken down by Richardson. Penalty for Liverpool; yellow card for the Sunderland defender. Liverpool's star man surprisingly sent his penalty into the heavens and rued his missed opportunity.
He made up for it just minutes later, though, as he glanced in a Charlie
Adam free-kick to give Liverpool the lead and score the first Premier
League goal of the 2011/12 season.
Sunderland were threatening from set-pieces but nothing troubled Liverpool goalkeeper, Pepe Reina.
Charlie Adam was pulling the strings in the first-half, linking up Downing, Suarez and Carroll throughout and causing the Sunderland midfield problems with his passing and movement. Jose Enrique was also playing well, keeping Sessegnon quiet.
Andy Carroll had a goal disallowed for a push and Downing hit the bar with a speculative shot but Liverpool were dominating and looked good for their lead going into half-time.
Sunderland came out after the break reignited and troubled Liverpool. New signing Larsson scored a spectacular volley to level the score on 57 minutes.
Liverpool were now struggling to retain possession and couldn't find the zip in their play that they had in the first-half. Passing was slow and when in control of the ball, the Reds looked desperate to create chances. There was a constant stream of passing out wide to Dirk Kuyt (on for Henderson, 60mins) and Downing who would then send a cross or long ball into the penalty area hoping for Andy Carroll to get on the end of it. Whatever Liverpool tried, it just wouldn't work. Sunderland were defending well and wouldn't let anything past. Their midfield were dogged and kept the pressure on Liverpool high up the pitch.
But Dalglish's men were still pushing for the victory, Andy Carroll going close with a header in the last ten minutes. Charlie Adam was the driving force in the middle, tackling and passing excellently - keeping Liverpool ticking over. But wherever Adam went, Lee Cattermole was following him - a complete contrast to his performance on the opening day of last season.
Nothing came from all of the pressure as Sunderland held on for a great away point. They nearly stole all three in injury time with a counter-attack but Cattermole sent his shot over Reina's bar.
It was a disappointing start to the season given the hype and excitement surrounding the club, but there are still plenty of positives to take from today's game. Jose Enrique only played because Fabio Aurelio picked up an injury but was outstanding on his debut - as was Charlie Adam, orchestrating the midfield like he'd been there for years. There are still 37 games left to play and Liverpool will be looking for their first three points when they meet Arsenal at the Emirates next Saturday.
LFC Man of the Match: Charlie Adam
Referee: Phil Dowd
Attendance: 45, 018
Sunderland were threatening from set-pieces but nothing troubled Liverpool goalkeeper, Pepe Reina.
Charlie Adam was pulling the strings in the first-half, linking up Downing, Suarez and Carroll throughout and causing the Sunderland midfield problems with his passing and movement. Jose Enrique was also playing well, keeping Sessegnon quiet.
Andy Carroll had a goal disallowed for a push and Downing hit the bar with a speculative shot but Liverpool were dominating and looked good for their lead going into half-time.
Sunderland came out after the break reignited and troubled Liverpool. New signing Larsson scored a spectacular volley to level the score on 57 minutes.
Liverpool were now struggling to retain possession and couldn't find the zip in their play that they had in the first-half. Passing was slow and when in control of the ball, the Reds looked desperate to create chances. There was a constant stream of passing out wide to Dirk Kuyt (on for Henderson, 60mins) and Downing who would then send a cross or long ball into the penalty area hoping for Andy Carroll to get on the end of it. Whatever Liverpool tried, it just wouldn't work. Sunderland were defending well and wouldn't let anything past. Their midfield were dogged and kept the pressure on Liverpool high up the pitch.
But Dalglish's men were still pushing for the victory, Andy Carroll going close with a header in the last ten minutes. Charlie Adam was the driving force in the middle, tackling and passing excellently - keeping Liverpool ticking over. But wherever Adam went, Lee Cattermole was following him - a complete contrast to his performance on the opening day of last season.
Nothing came from all of the pressure as Sunderland held on for a great away point. They nearly stole all three in injury time with a counter-attack but Cattermole sent his shot over Reina's bar.
It was a disappointing start to the season given the hype and excitement surrounding the club, but there are still plenty of positives to take from today's game. Jose Enrique only played because Fabio Aurelio picked up an injury but was outstanding on his debut - as was Charlie Adam, orchestrating the midfield like he'd been there for years. There are still 37 games left to play and Liverpool will be looking for their first three points when they meet Arsenal at the Emirates next Saturday.
LFC Man of the Match: Charlie Adam
Referee: Phil Dowd
Attendance: 45, 018
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look on the brightside at least we are 3rd at the moment haha
Another dissapointer. Flanagan and Henderson to start the match? ahead of Aquilani, Kelly and Mereilles and NOT even on the bench?, with Spearing also ahead of the above mentioned???.I hope Kenny that this and the HOOF the ball to Carroll, stops right now. We want the ball played on the ground and NOT two passes back and one hoof forward. Sunderlands goalie should have stayed at home, because for a home match against a team like Sunderland (no disrespect) we were absolutily brainless!!!
Bit harsh and over the top isn't it? We played really well in the 1st half, quite poor in the second. They had one clear-cut chance and took it.
@Jack...We were playing at HOME against Sunderland jack, and attacking the Kop side second half, so of course we expect their goalie to be busy and, not a spectator!.
@Jack...We were playing at HOME against Sunderland jack, and attacking the Kop side second half, so of course we expect their goalie to be busy and, not a spectator!.
Yes, because Sunderland stepped up and put us under pressure. Also contained our attacks. Decent start to the season, we can only improve from here.
Not a great start to the season but give the lads some time.
Short, sweet, to the point, FREE-eaxctly as information should be!
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