Window-Shopping: Potential Premier League signings who could set the Premier League alight if given a change of scenery this January

Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez are two examples of players who excelled after arriving in the Premier League in January

As the Gregorian calendar begins anew so too does the mass hysteria which greets each and every Premier League club as fans and management alike ponder who can improve the playing rosters of their beloved clubs. The January transfer window is a time for clubs to evaluate their starts to the season, determine who is pulling their weight and who isn’t, who has earned their money and who will be deemed surplus to requirements, but most of all, it is a time where fans and pundits argue endlessly as to who should be signed to fix that problem area. Newspapers spurt out a seemingly uninterrupted stream of mostly nonsensical rumours which help to further fuel speculation as to who will arrive at and depart from Europe’s top clubs. As players do eventually join, the question must be asked, who will succeed and who will fail?

The following players have all been linked in some capacity to one of the Premier League’s 20 teams and all have the ability to become an immediate success at whichever club they arrive.

Juan Mata

Chelsea’s player of the year for the past two consecutive seasons has cut a forlorn figure on the many benches of grounds around the Premier League. Mata has gone from one of the league’s most electric playmakers to one of its most expensive seat-fillers in the space of less than a season. Simply put, Jose Mourinho clearly failed to view a single Chelsea game in the previous two seasons to returning to Stamford Bridge from Real Madrid. For if he had, Mata would be occupying a spot atop the assist chart alongside Mesut Ozil rather than a seat on the sidelines. There is no doubt that clubs such as Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool would be monitoring Mata’s situation at Chelsea, licking their lips at the thought of the Spaniard joining their ranks in January. Rest assured, if a move for Mata materialises for any of these clubs he will return to his devastating best and Mourinho will be left ruing the day he let the diminutive world cup winning winger leave the books of Chelsea.

Chelsea fans are well aware of what Mata can offer when given a bit of playing time.

Tom Ince

Ex-Liverpool academy player Ince was heavily linked with a return to Anfield in August but no move materialised. As a result, he continued to ply his trade with Blackpool in the Championship, displaying the type of skill, pace and determination which could make him a fruitful move for a Premier League club in January. As of late, he has been linked with moves to Swansea, Crystal Palace, Arsenal, Tottenham, Liverpool and Everton, the majority of which is pure speculation on the part of tabloids aiming to coax unsuspecting readers into believing drivel in order to boost sales. However, if a move for Ince foes eventually come to fruition he could be money well spent as his playing style is sure to contribute goals and/or assists for whomever acquires his services.

Wilfried Zaha

When Zaha arrived at Manchester United at the beginning of this season he was fresh off leading Crystal Palace to promotion from the Championship and was considered by many as one of the brightest talents in England. However, his opportunities with the Red Devils have been almost non-existent and like Mata he has spent much of this season on bench, if even picked for that honour by David Moyes. Zaha is the kind of player fans love and opposition teams hate, a tricky winger with bags of pace who is not afraid to take a player on. If sent out on loan by United he could make all the difference for a side looking to avoid relegation. The perfect signing for a side like Fulham or Crystal Palace who lack a cutting edge. If he does leave United, the Premier League will soon take note of his immense talent.

That is the Rosey Wrap on the English stars who would benefit from a January move,

Thanks for reading,

By Jake Rosengarten

Liverpool turn back the clock with stunningly average loss against inferior Hull City

The Reds’ display at the KC Stadium would have felt all too familiar for Liverpool fans who have become all too familiarised with their side being ludicrously inconsistent and would be in no way surprised to see them lose to a distinctly inferior side. It certainly felt like the Liverpool of old who managed to dominate possession and large stretches of the match against Hull City but simply failed to convert what few chances they created and then proceeded to leak goals and in turn three points. If it weren’t for Steven Gerrard’s magnificent free kick, the score line would have been even more embarrassing for Liverpool, who had previously never lost to Hull City in any competitive fixture.

Liverpool were of course without the prolific Daniel Sturridge, something they will have to get used to, as it was confirmed the striker will miss up to 8 weeks with ankle ligament damage. The next month or so is crucial for Liverpool as they face the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City, if they play like they did against Hull, they could find themselves on the end of a shellacking similar to what City inflicted upon Tottenham just a week ago. If Liverpool are to achieve Champions League football for next season, consistency is key. They simply cannot afford to lose games at inferior opponents.

From the outset, Liverpool had looked a shadow of the team that they have been for the opening 12 fixtures. Possession was sloppy, chances were few and far between and the likes of Victor Moses and Glen Johnson were made to look simply inept by Hull City players. A performance like this should serve as a wakeup call to Brendan Rodgers and his side. Liverpool were mediocre at best, and multiple players simply failed to contribute to the cause in any way. If Liverpool are to return to the summit of English and world football, they must build a squad with depth. It seems as though without Daniel Sturridge and Jose Enrique it could collapse all too easily.

Hull City's David Meyler uses his arms to measure his excitement at his first Premier League goal.

The formation employed by Rodgers at Hull was certainly not the problem, it was rather the players who failed to fulfil their roles. Victor Moses was simply useless, he provided not one chance going forward and practically gifted Hull their opener with sloppy dribbling out of the back, albeit the goal came from a deflection, but nonetheless the ball should have been cleared by Moses rather than fluffing around in his own half. Moses should not be playing against Norwich in midweek, the only adequate, yet harsh, word to describe his performance is ‘useless.’

The midfield was not exactly the problem, with Steven Gerrard, Jordan Henderson and Lucas patrolling the centre admirably and controlling possession for large stretches of the game. However, as a team, Liverpool were unbelievably sloppy in possession, something you cannot afford to be in the Premier League, if you lose the ball, teams will punish you, it is that simple. Words never rang more true yesterday as Liverpool conceded three goals after failing to secure possession and not clearing their lines. 

The defence was an absolute shambles, Glen Johnson seemed as though he was going on a Sunday Morning walk every time he gained possession, simply wandering in field and being disposed a huge number of times. Jon Flanagan was better in possession but his passing was wayward and he played in to the feet of Moses repeatedly despite the fact that the Nigerian was being closely marked, the equivalent of simply handing over possession, for Premier League quality fullbacks, that is like taking candy from a baby. Kolo Toure did not look assured, he took too long on the ball and whilst his centre back partner Martin Skrtel may have been an imposing presence neither did enough to stop any of the soft goals Liverpool conceded.

In conclusion, yesterday’s match showed Liverpool the danger of underestimating an opponent, they cannot afford to lose their consistency now, and they Rodgers must figure out how to get his side winning without Daniel Sturridge or it could be a long 8 weeks for Reds fans. Further, defence is a big problem for the Reds and January must see the purchase of a first team quality left back, one or possibly two wingers, and a creative midfielder if they are to gain some consistency in the New Year.

That’s the Rosey Wrap on Liverpool vs. Hull City,

Thanks for reading,

By Jake Rosengarten

Clinical Lukaku matches SAS to share the spoils in match of the season contender Merseyside Derby

History tells us that the Merseyside derby is no ordinary fixture, red cards, goals and controversy aplenty are always on offer when Anfield or Goodison hosts both sides of Liverpool, blue and red. The 212^th Merseyside derby certainly did not disappoint, with Everton’s Goodison Park hosting a match which had it all, a match which caught the eye of both invested supporters and neutral lovers of the world game and had one and all wishing that the encounter would simply continue on and on. It didn’t take long for the match to come to life as a 5^th minute Liverpool corner was flicked on by Suarez to find Coutinho at the back post, who made no mistake in slotting past Tim Howard. The opening stages were lively as both sides created numerous opportunities, Liverpool’s lead was short lived as just three minutes later Kevin Mirallas found the net from close range and we were back on level pegging.

The goalscoring chances continued to flow for both sides, with Luis Suarez and Philippe Coutinho as well as Ross Barkley and Romelu Lukaku, looking lively for Liverpool and Everton respectively. It was a stunning Luis Suarez freekick from well outside the box which found a small gap in the wall and expertly into the bottom right hand corner of the net. The visitors led 2-1 on 17 minutes thanks to the Uruguayan, a lead they maintained until the whistle of Phil Dowd blew for half time. The first half saw two cautions for Evertonian players as Ross Barkley and Mirallas saw yellow, the former for a deliberate dive, and the latter for a shocking challenge on Suarez which could have been worthy of a red card, depending on which teams colours you are wearing.

Mirallas' contentious challenge on Suarez

The second half yielded more of the same, dominant periods for each side as the wrestle for dominance continued. It looked as though Liverpool were to seal a famous victory as the ball fell kindly for Joe Allen deep in the Everton box. With Luis Suarez in support and only Tim Howard to beat, it looked certain that the Welshman would either score or assist, leaving Liverpool what felt at the time an unassailable lead. It wasn’t to be, as the ex-Swansea man missed an absolute sitter, incurring legions of anger from Suarez, who had helped to manufacture the chance, and eventually costing Liverpool what would have been a valuable victory. However, it wasn’t to be, as on loan Chelsea striker Lukaku found the equalizer from close range after scrappy defending from Liverpool.

With a fluctuating score line, changes were made by both managers. Allen’s miss was not forgotten by Brendan Rodgers, and he and Lucas Leiva were soon replaced by in-form striker Daniel Sturridge who had started on the bench thanks to a dead leg suffered on England duty in midweek and Nigerian Victor Moses. With the SAS united it seemed as though Liverpool could snatch a winner, but the action was down the other end as Glen Johnson failed to track the flying Belgian Lukaku whose header from an 82^nd minute Mirallas corner found the top left corner as Goodison erupted. The Toffees had grabbed the lead for the first time in the match having come from behind twice, but in true Merseyside derby form, the game had a few more punches to throw.

Liverpool worked hard in an attempt for an equaliser until Victor Moses earned a freekick on the right wing which was quickly taken by Steven Gerrard whose gem of a ball found the head of Sturridge who nodded it home at the back post. Sturridge’s net-bulger saw the game once again equalized, this time at 3-3. It was not over yet, with Liverpool’s Suarez and Moses both spurning chances to grab the three points, whilst Everton’s Lukaku and Deulofeu did the same up the other end. The final score 3-3 as a famous fixture saw a brilliantly entertaining encounter which will go down as a match of the season contender. Both sides will be content with a draw as they continue to endeavor to maintain their positions at the summit of the table and look to secure European football for next season.

Man of the Match: Simon Mignolet

Liverpool’s Belgian shot stopper made a string of unbelievable saves to deny Barkley, Lukaku, Mirallas and Deulofeu at various points in the match, if it weren’t for him, Liverpool would not have taken a single point from this fixture.

That’s the Rosey Wrap on the 212^th Merseyside Derby,

Thanks for reading!

By Jake Rosengarten

Suarez and Sturridge teach the Baggies a lesson: 5 things learnt from Liverpool vs. West Brom.

1. Sir Alex Ferguson is wrong
   
   The release of Sir Alex’s autobiography was sure to cause a stir, and that it did. With the former Manchester United gaffer claiming amongst other things that Liverpool’s favourite son Steven Gerrard is not, and has never been, a “top, top player.” These words have surely sparked about half the reported pub brawls in the Liverpool area for the past decade or so. Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers took to the media this week to defend his skipper, stating that he felt Ferguson’s comments were “harsh” and that Gerrard’s “performance level at 33 years of age shows he's a top, top player. He's a great talent - a wonderful player - and I don't think anyone could argue against that." However, Gerrard himself did not comment, he rather opted to let his football do the talking, and that it certainly did at Anfield on Saturday. Gerrard took up a more advanced position than he has been in recent matches and his class shone through, he marshalled the midfield expertly, hit his trademark long balls with pinpoint accuracy, fed Sturridge and Suarez with remarkable vision and led his side with poise. Gerrard certainly proved Sir Alex wrong, and he will continue to do so if form is any indicator.
   
   
2. Luis Suarez is one of the world's best strikers
   
   The way in which the Uruguayan took his opportunities was a thing of beauty. If the way he nutmegged a West Brom centre back and stroked the ball calmly past Boaz Myhill wasn’t stunning enough then his second certainly was. Suarez played the ball out wide to left wing back Aly Cissokho who simply chipped the ball into the past of the flying number 7 whose header from the edge of the box was simply perfect to beat Myhill and sail into the top left corner of the net. Headers don’t get much better than that. His hat trick goal came off the back of a beautifully weighted Steven Gerrard free kick from the edge of the box which Suarez helped on its way into the top right hand corner of Myhill’s net. This hat trick showcased every part of Suarez’s game which makes him one of the top strikers in world football. The movement, the clinical finishing, the tricks, the defensive work, the link-up play, every facet of Suarez’s game is focused upon putting the ball into the net, and this is what makes him one of the world’s top 5 strikers. Sure, there are many strikers who can score goals, but as Brendan Rodgers alluded to in his post-match press conference, most are not as ‘complete’ of a player as Suarez. His hat trick was exceptional, and a Suarez firing on all cylinders will be a worrying prospect for Arsene Wenger and his rampant Arsenal side who welcome the Uruguayan and his Liverpool teammates to the Emirates next Sunday. 
   
   
3. West Brom's midfield simply isn't good enough
   
   Yes, Liverpool’s midfield performed well in this match, but they were allowed too much time, space and possession by West Brom’s Claudio Yacob and Youssouf Mulumbu whose work in defensive midfield was far from satisfactory. Time and time again the ball found its way to Suarez or Sturridge dropping deep towards halfway and they were granted room to run at the defence, and players of their quality and form are not going to be kept at bay for 90 minutes if they are allowed to run at defences. However, Steve Clarke’s tactical approach to this match is partly to blame, although Yacob and Mulumbu were shocking. Clarke failed to realize the necessity to minimize space through the centre of the park and Liverpool continued to exploit this, as the score line reflects. The Baggies significantly strengthened their line-up in the previous transfer window with the arrivals of Nicholas Anelka, Steven Sessegnon and Morgan Amalfitano, but what they will really need in January is a box to box midfielder who will marshal the centre of the park and allow West Brom to accumulate some possession and control periods of a match.
   
   
4. Manchester United are well behind Liverpool this season
   
   This West Brom side defeated David Moyes’ Manchester United at Old Trafford just two matches ago, but today they were handed a heavy defeat by the Reds. This showcases the gulf between the Merseysiders and the Red Devils. In addition to this, as West Brom were convincingly bested by Liverpool, at Old Trafford United scrapped to a 3-2 victory over lowly Stoke City after being down 2-1 at half time. Moyes must be weary of the form and quality of both Liverpool, and current league leaders Arsenal, who have both showed that they have come a long way from last season and could possibly be real title contenders come the business end of this season. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
5. Liverpool have the best strike duo in the league
   
   Wayne Rooney and Robin Van Persie? Sergio Agüero and Alvaro Negredo? Olivier Giroud and…? Step aside, as Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez’s four goal display at Anfield showed exactly how dangerous they are and that there is no better strike combination on offer in the Premier League this season. In fact, on a world landscape, there aren’t many better. The understanding between the two has flourished since Sturridge’s arrival from Chelsea last January, in which time Sturridge has netted 21 times in 27 appearances in the red of Liverpool. This season, between them they have had the net bulging 14 times in as Sturridge and Suarez sit cement themselves as numbers one and two respectively in the race for the premier league golden boot. Even more remarkably, Suarez has scored 36 goals in his past 46 games for Liverpool, including 6 in 4 games this season. If these two keep firing, there is no telling the heights Liverpool could reach this season, they hold the key to champions league football.
   
   
   That’s the Rosey Wrap on Liverpool vs West Brom,
   
   
   Thanks for reading,
   
   
   By Jake Rosengarten

4 things learnt from Fulham vs Liverpool (12/5/13)

1. Daniel Sturridge can be England’s top striker

On a marvellous afternoon at Craven Cottage, one man outperformed the rest. Lightning quick, ex-Chelsea striker Daniel Sturridge stamped his name all over a potentially dull match with a triad of marvelous finishes. Goals in the 36^th, 62nd and 85th minutes - all which showed off all of his best assets, his pace, trickery and finishing, comprised his first ever premier league hat trick. This mercurial performance could well have caught the eye of England national team manager Roy Hodgson. In addition to Sturridge, England have recently used all of the likes of Andy Carroll, Jermain Defoe, Danny Welbeck and Wayne Rooney, but Sturridge will be looking to beat these players to a permanent spot in the first 11.

At the age of 23, if Sturridge were to be given a chance by Hodgson and he added to his current international goal tally of 1, scored in March’s 8-0 demolition of San Marino, then he could potentially set himself up for a long illustrious career at the highest level of the game. However, one thing is for sure, Sturridge certainly has the skills to play at the very highest level and to forge himself a reputation as a consistent goal-threat. His current tally with Liverpool is 11 goals from 15 games, a tally which would be envied by the very best.

2. Fulham desperately need a quality central midfielder

One thing looked certain to me as Liverpool’s midfield dominated the likes of Greek international Giorgos Karagounis and Ajax loanee Eyong Enoh, Fulham could be a very good side if they were to sign a top notch central midfielder. Considering Liverpool were missing their greatest midfield asset Steven Gerrard, this should be an issue of great concern to Fulham manager Martin Jol.

Jordan Henderson and Lucas Leiva passed the ball around at will, as they played 61 and 67 passes respectively, whilst successfully controlling the midfield battle. Overall, Fulham did not put up a bad fight on the day, carving out a couple of good chances and only finding themselves going down due to a few moments of brilliance from Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho. The midfield was where Fulham lost the match, and had they not been so overwhelmed in this area the match could well have resulted in 3 points for Fulham and not the unwanted record of their first ever 4-game home losing streak.

If Jol were to look to strengthen this aspect of his side then there would be a few options out there for him. One name that leaps to mind is Newcastle midfielder Yohan Cabaye, who, since arriving on Tyneside has proved himself as one of the top playmakers in the premier league, however he could prove a bit dear for a side like Fulham. Another one to watch could be Wigan Athletic’s James Mccarthy, who could come on the cheap if Wigan are unable to stave off the drop.

3. Liverpool are capable of playing good football without Suarez, Gerrard and Agger.

Liverpool fielded a new look team in this match, employing a 5-3-1-1, with some seemingly odd positional changes, and the absence of key players Steven Gerrard, Daniel Agger, and obviously, through suspension, Luis Suarez. In doing this, Brendan Rodgers showed his trust in his youth players, such as Jonjo Shelvey and Andre Wisdom who returned to the starting lineup after a long layoff. 

This match also showed just how deep Liverpool’s roster can be, in previous years, without the likes of Gerrard especially, Liverpool have struggled to gain any penetration in midfield. However this was not the case in this match, with Lucas and Henderson providing the influence deep, and Philippe Coutinho supplying the attacking prowess. This showing could prove strong for Rodgers if injury were to strike next season, as he ponders who to trust in the absence of usual starters.

4. Liverpool must sign a centre back if they are to be top four contenders

The scorecard seemingly reflects a reasonably comfortable afternoon for the likes of Jamie Carragher and Sebastian Coates, however this wasn’t the reality. Both Struggled at points to distribute from the back as well as to keep the dangerous Dimitar Berbatov and former Liverpool academy player Alexander Kacaniklic. One incident springs to mind in which, Coates could potentially have received a red card after colliding with Kacaniclic as last man.

This told me one thing, if Liverpool hope to reinstate themselves as one of England’s fabled top four, then they must strengthen the centre back position, especially with the impending retirement of Jamie Carragher. Names that have been rumoured to be on the table are that of Swansea’s Ashley Williams and Feyenoord’s Stefan de Vrij. Only time will tell if Rodgers can emulate his achievements in January’s transfer window by pulling off another coup to the heights of their illustrious past.

That’s Rosey’s wrap on Liverpool vs Fulham,

Thanks for reading,

By Jake Rosengarten

Merseyside Derby Preview: In form Liverpool side attempt to close the gap on their neighbours from across the park.

For Liverpool supporters, there are two fixtures which they immediately search the premier league fixtures list for upon its release every season. The first is against recently crowned premier league champions of 2012/13, Manchester United, and the other is against cross town rivals Everton. This game reserves particular importance and always proves to be one of the most entertaining fixtures of the season.

This season has been a tough one for Brendan Rodgers’ Liverpool side who have been very erratic with their form throughout the campaign, however they will see Sunday's fixture as one in which they attempt to gain bragging rights over their neighbours whilst simultaneously moving within two points of leap-frogging their opponents into sixth spot on the table. For Everton, a victory in this match at Anfield will surely see them secure sixth spot on the table, and well and truly post themselves as the most successful Merseyside club of this campaign, much to the discontent of Liverpool supporters everywhere.

Of course, Liverpool will be lacking their top scorer Luis Suarez who was banned for 10 matches last week by the FA after his infamous bite on Branislav Ivanovic. However, Liverpool showed with a 6-0 away thrashing at Newcastle in their last match that they are by no means a one man team and can find the net without talisman Suarez. Young Brazilian Philippe Coutinho will be looked to as play-maker in the final third as he looks to continue his exciting recent form. Daniel Sturridge will be the key man up front for the reds, most probably deployed as a lone striker, as he looks to add to his impressive tally of 8 goals in 13 games for Liverpool since joining in the January transfer window.

For Everton, there are many danger men when it comes to finding the back of the net, the likes of Nikica Jelavic, Marouane Fellaini, Steven Pienaar and Kevin Mirallas have all been in good form this season, contributing to the scoreboard frequently. Both teams will be hoping for a solid showing in this match as they attempt to maintain form for the final two games of the Barclays premier league season which for Liverpool are away at Fulham (13/5) and welcoming QPR to Anfield (20/5); and for Everton, at home to West Ham (13/5) and away at champions league hopefuls Chelsea (20/5).

Strength at the back will be key for both sides as they attempt to gain a hold on this match. For Liverpool, the back line seemingly picks itself, with Glen Johnson and Jose Enrique unchallenged for their spots at fullback. Whilst Daniel Agger should partner the man with two games left in his illustrious Liverpool career, Jamie Carragher. For Everton, the likes of Phil Jagielka and Sylvain Dystin will be expected to retain their spots at centre back. Whilst Seamus Coleman and the impressive Leighton Baines should start in the fullback positions for the Toffees.

This fixture tends to bring about the best in legends for both clubs, and they don’t come much more legendary than Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard who will attempt to further add to his remarkable goal tally against this opposition. Gerrard has been incredibly important for the Reds this season, playing every minute of the season up until he was finally substituted for the first time last week at Newcastle.

Form generally goes out the window for this fixture, and making a prediction generally shapes up as a random stab in the dark, but here goes nothing:

Prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Everton.

That’s Rosey’s preview of Liverpool vs Everton.

Thanks for reading,

By Jake Rosengarten

What to do with human headline Luis Suarez?

The big dilemma which came out of the match against Chelsea was that of how to deal with the erratic Luis Suarez. Surely, Liverpool’s best player as well as their, and the premier leagues, top scorer with 23 goals, Suarez clinical finishing has been a revelation this season. However, football players don’t come much more controversial than Luis Suarez; in his career he has been involved in a huge number of incidents on the field. Including his handball in the world cup for his native Uruguay, his alleged racial abuse of Patrice Evra last season, a bite on PSV’s Otman Bakkal whilst playing for Ajax in the Eredivisie, and the latest altercation, another biting incident, this time  with Chelsea centre back Branislav Ivanovic.

A player of Suarez’s skill and stature would get a game at any club in the world; however there comes a point where the pros of having a player’s on field abilities are outweighed by the cons of the controversies and bad PR which he brings to the club. This could well be the final straw for Luis Suarez, another high profile incident and a probable multi-match ban could see him sold in the summer by Brendan Rodgers who may deem him a liability.

On the field, even with Suarez, Liverpool have struggled for scoring form and could well sink further into impotence without the clinical Uruguayan. However, if Suarez leaves for a significant fee then Liverpool could well bring in another top class striker from elsewhere to share the load with the likes of Daniel Sturridge, Philippe Coutinho and Steven Gerrard. The question must then be asked, who else in world football can do what Luis Suarez does? The answer is not many people, and Brendan Rodgers will have to scour the ranks of world football to find another player who can score as freely as Suarez can; a talent like that will not come cheap.

It seems Brendan Rodgers will have little choice as to whether Suarez stays, with Liverpool’s American owners, Fenway Sports Group, extremely pre-occupied with public relations; Suarez could well be shown the door regardless of whether or not Rodgers wishes this to be the case. If Suarez is put on the market, Liverpool must be shrewd in finding the best deal in order to maximize funds for new signings and a much needed replacement for Suarez.

Assessing the conundrum of Luis Suarez will very much be a case of pros and cons, and Brendan Rodgers could well spend long hours at Melwood mulling over whether or not to sell his prized asset. This will be a big test of his managerial skills and if he makes the wrong choice he may well find himself out of a job in the not so distant future.

That’s the Rosey roundup on the Luis Suarez conundrum,

By Jake Rosengarten

Match Report - Liverpool vs Chelsea (21/4/13)

Anfield was abuzz for the returns of ex-talisman Fernando Torres and former manager Rafael Benitez whose Chelsea side was eager to take three points and post themselves as firm favourites to secure a champions league spot for next season. For Liverpool, eyes were fixed firmly on Luis Suarez as fans looked on in hope that he would find the back of the net, something Liverpool had failed to do in their previous two fixtures, at Reading and West Ham. Suarez did not disappoint though, he featured heavily in the match and will surely make headlines for his soon to be infamous bite on Branislav Ivanovic in the second half.

The match opened tentatively, with both sides looking to cement their defensive positions and not leak goals early. Chances were few and far between in the first half, with the scoring opened in the 26^th minute as Oscar nodded in at the near post from a Juan Mata corner. Liverpool’s usual creative dynamo, petite Brazilian Philippe Coutinho failed to make his presence known, as he struggled to even get a touch of the ball. Chelsea midfielders Ramires and John Obi Mikel controlled the middle of the park as Liverpool attempted to hold onto some possession in the hope of gaining some penetration in the final third. However, it was not forthcoming, as the first half came to a close Chelsea were firmly favourites to secure three points from this fixture while Liverpool were seemingly struggling to put together anything resembling a foray at goal.

The half time break proved pivotal as Brendan Rodgers made his first substitute of the match, replacing the out-of-sorts Coutinho with ex-Chelsea striker Daniel Sturridge. This proved a master stroke for the Reds as Sturridge proceeded to make the lives of the Chelsea defenders a nightmare, hitting the post, playing in Steven Gerrard and finally finding the back of the net, within 7 minutes of his arrival. The goal was expertly manufactured as Stewart Downing controlled a Daniel Agger long ball, finding Luis Suarez who dinked the ball over the head of the defender to Sturridge who found the back of the net in true style. Liverpool well and truly found themselves back in the game, and even with momentum, looking like they could even grab all three points.

Luis Suarez came to the fore once more as a corner in from Juan Mata found Suarez’s hand and referee Kevin Friend had no choice but to point to the spot. Eden Hazard stepped up for the visitors and slotted home past Pepe Reina in the 54^th minute. With Chelsea’s lead restored, Liverpool attempted to step up the tempo and find an equaliser, a challenge which they continued until the final kick of the ball.

The moment which the match will surely be remembered for took place with 20 minutes to play, as Luis Suarez seemed to lunge at and bite Chelsea’s Serbian centre back Branislav Ivanovic. Controversy ensued, as the incident was missed by the officials but certainly not by fans nor by the television cameras. Suarez will surely be in a great deal of trouble with the FA, and could well be handed another multi-match ban. The premier league’s current top scorer may well miss the rest of the season and could even miss some matches next season if he remains with the Merseyside club.

As the match wore on, both Benitez and Rodgers made changes to their sides. For Chelsea, former-Liverpool midfielder Yossi Benayoun replaced Eden Hazard in the 78^th minute, and Nigerian Victor Moses replaced Oscar in the 83^rd. For Liverpool, Jonjo Shelvey replaced Stewart Downing in the 80^th minute, and received a yellow card for catching Oscar just one and a half minutes after his introduction.

Liverpool had many chances to find an equaliser in the final minutes as they again lacked the final product until the 7^th minute of stoppage time when a brilliantly weighted Daniel Sturridge ball from the right found none other than the infamous Luis Suarez whose header beat Petr Cech at the near post to secure a point for Liverpool. Capping off a truly eventful performance from Suarez whose goal is his first in over 400 minutes of premier league football.

Liverpool’s attacking play was the real improvement in this game, as they managed to find the net, thanks largely to Daniel Sturridge who could prove instrumental in the run home if indeed Luis Suarez finds himself on the end of a length ban. Chelsea will be ruing a missed chance to steal a march in the champions league race over against Tottenham and Arsenal, and now find themselves in 4th place, just one point above tottenham and one under Arsenal. Benitez and the blues supporters will be hoping that they can come home strong.

That’s Rosey’s roundup on Liverpool vs. Chelsea!

Thanks for reading,

By Jake Rosengarten