Suarez scores on Anfield return as Liverpool ride back to the top

Premier League
Saturday 05 October 2013 - 3:00 pm
Anfield
Liverpool3
1Palace
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Sterling'
⚽️ Suarez13'
⚽️ Sturridge17'
⚽️ Gerrard38'
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A dominant first half Liverpool performance helped the reds back to the summit of the Premier League.

Luis Suarez, marking his first game at Anfield since his 10 game ban, scored in the 13th minute to help Liverpool on their way.  Daniel Sturridge popped up with a brilliant individual goal five minutes later, before Steven Gerrard added a 3rd from the penalty spot towards the end of the first half.

Memories of Liverpool's 9-0 defeat of Crystal Palace were on the minds of many after Liverpool's strong start - but Liverpool failed yet again to inspire in the second half, and a consolation goal from Palace denied the reds the clean sheet.

Rodgers' made one change to the Liverpool team - an enforced one due to Lucas Leiva's one game suspension for collecting too many yellow cards - with Raheem Sterling coming in to replace him.

With Sterling operating as the right wing back - this gave Henderson the opportunity to move into the middle alongside Gerrard - a much preferred position for the youngster.

Brendan Rodgers greets Ian Holloway

Brendan Rodgers greets Ian Holloway

Liverpool set the early pace against a Palace side low on confidence after a sluggish start to their Premier League campaign.

The talk before the game was about the return of Kenny Dalglish as non-executive director.  And it was one of his signings who broke the deadlock and gave Liverpool a deserved lead.

In the 14th minute Victor Moses fed the ball to Suarez.  The Uruguayan exchanged passes with Jose Enrique before falling over in the box but still managing to steer the ball into the back of the net.

It was Luis' 19th goal in the past 22 games for Liverpool.

Suarez celebrates on his Anfield return

Five minutes later and strike partner Daniel Sturridge popped up with yet another goal for the club.  Collecting the ball on the left side, he weaved in and out, and in and out again, before slamming a left footed shot in from a tight angle.  A great goal from England's number one in form striker.

Sturridge adds yet another goal to his collection at LFC

There was brief concern at the other end as Mamadou Sakho almost sliced into his own net in front of the Kop  - but this was moments before Liverpool put the game to bed.

Raheem Sterling was adjudged to have been dragged down inside the area and the reds were awarded a soft penalty.  Steven Gerrard stepped up and converted, to become the first player in Liverpool's history to score in 15 consecutive seasons for the club.

In the second half Liverpool weren't as impressive - although both Victor Moses and Daniel Sturridge were denied by the woodwork.

It was Palace who grabbed a consolation goal - thanks in some part to them switching a player into midfield from attack to give Liverpool less control of the game.

It was Raheem Sterling who gave away a free kick, picking up a yellow card in the process, and the set piece was crossed in for Gayle to head in with 15 minutes left on the clock.

But Palace's goal wasn't a sign of a major fightback and the game limped to it's inevitable conclusion.

Liverpool move back to the top of the Premier League, albeit temporarily as both Arsenal and Spurs play Sunday.

5 wins and a draw in the opening 7 games is a solid return - especially as Liverpool continue to be exposed from set-pieces and have yet to produce a decent second half display.

If we manage to correct both those issues then Liverpool look very well placed for a much improved Premier League season.

MOTM: Daniel Sturridge

One comment on
Suarez scores on Anfield return as Liverpool ride back to the top

  1. There are players missing through suspension and injuries. When all the players are back, Liverpool will get stronger. Brendan will have a major headache then, as to who to field for the first eleven. Today Raheem played poorly throughout the ninety minutes and should have been replaced by Ibe. That would have improved the team considerably as the player was the main culprit losing possession and also giving away the free kick that resulted in the goal for Palace. Stevie G is seen to be a tired player and needs to be rested, especially in the last half hour, when the team needs to on top. When Johnson and Coutinho return the passing will improve and the team will be scary to play against. The next couple of games will be tough against Newcastle and westbrom which respectively. Newcastle will be still smarting from their 6-0 thrashing at home last season and will be fired up after the international games. Westbromwich has improved under former Liverpool coach, Steve Clarke and will be tough customers. But Liverpool will have key players back by then, so will be able to overcome the team.

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