Top 10 Moments of the Early Season

By: Ed | November 10th, 2011

suarezstoke

Noel’s done some pretty heavy lifting this week—first passing along Daniel Agger’s brutally honest assessment of the Swansea performance, then news of Luis Suarez opening up about his racism row with Patrice Evra, followed by a deconstruction of Swansea’s dominance and a frank appraisal of success of the “Buy British” approach, and, finally, where Steven Gerrard’s groin fits with England’s future. All worthy of focus of course, but nearly all were accompanied by a reference to self-harm, which we sort of try to discourage.

So here’s a ray of sunshine to try to to keep you from paper-cutting yourself too much—the ten best moments of the early season.

10. Jordan Henderson’s Goal and Performance Against Bolton

The early going wasn’t too kind to Jordan Henderson, who was immediately slotted ahead of Dirk Kuyt on the right side of midfield and expected to produce. His performances against Valencia in the preseason, and then Sunderland and Arsenal in league, betrayed the trust that Kenny Dalglish had apparently placed in him.

But we finally saw a prolonged glimpse of potential against Bolton, a match in which he was composed, confident, and effective. His goal may have been the product of some luck, but it was a deserved payoff for a player who was (and continues to be) under scrutiny for the ease with which he glided into first-team football.

9. Andy Carroll On the Stroke of Halftime At West Brom

This one’s more about the build-up than the finish, with Lucas playing a perfect ball up to Luis Suarez on the right flank. Suarez plays it to a streaking Carroll with his first touch, and while the knock-on from the front man seems to waste the chance, he expertly flicks it past Ben Foster with his left foot. For a side that’s had so much difficulty adding to a lead, added to the fact that it was in the face of the Hodgepocalypse, this one was terrific (2:37 into the video below).

8. Craig Bellamy Gets His Second First Liverpool Goal

The Welshman’s return to Liverpool was met with excitement that the club had not only another forward man with pace, but one whose will to drive a side forward is unparalleled. We maybe haven’t seen as much as we’d like from Bellamy so far, but what we have seen has more than justified the decision to bring him back. He made a huge contribution in the derby win, but his performance against Brighton was the first time we were reminded of what he brings. The goal was great, but the free kick might have been more impressive, even if it didn’t go in.

7. Steven Gerrard’s Return

This one’s more symbolic than anything else, and while the symbolism’s damaged a bit by the fact that he’s out again, the captain was able to remind us of his influence on the squad almost immediately. Fifteen minutes against Brighton in the League Cup wouldn’t typically set hearts alight, but seeing him back on the pitch was a welcomed sight. It didn’t hurt that he instantly got himself in the thick of things, barging around and telling Michael Oliver to fuck off within minutes of replacing Luis Suarez. Hopefully we don’t have to wait too much longer to see him back in the starting eleven, and that we don’t have to celebrate many more returns after lengthy layoffs.

6. First Win at the Emirates in…Ever

For most of the match it seemed that Liverpool were destined to draw an Arsenal side that fought valiantly but were clearly struggling. The introductions of Luis Suarez and Raul Meireles changed all that, though, as the visitors were sparked by the duo’s 71st minute addition. The opener was calamitous from an Arsenal perspective, but Suarez and Meireles forced the hosts’ hand with a clever one-two on the edge of the area. And the second was more of the same, this time with Lucas starting the move by pushing wide to Meireles, who rolled across to Suarez in front of an empty net.

5. Luis Suarez Makes Life Hard for Himself, Scores Anyway

If there’s one phrase we’ll be happy to see the back of, it’s “taking chances.” With much of the recent narrative focused on Liverpool’s profligacy, it’s easy to overlook the instances in which chances were taken with style, and the match winner against Wolves is as good an example as any. Enrique’s long ball over the top freed up Luis Suarez on the break, but he’s quickly closed down by Christophe Berra and Roger Johnson. He didn’t seem to have much on the near side, but with a clever move in and out, he’s able to blast a left-footed effort past Wayne Hennessey. A period of relative frustration would follow for the Uruguayan, although when it ended it would be one of the early contenders for goal of the season.

4. José Enrique Dominates West Brom, Everyone Else in the League

We’ve been man-crushing on José Enrique since the season opener against Sunderland, and we’re never going to apologize for it. He’s been terrific at a position where Liverpool have been decidedly not terrific; whether it was down to lack of quality or fitness, the club haven’t had a reliable left-back in what seems like forever. Enrique’s arrival changed all that, and what’s so refreshing is that none of us really expected it. We knew the stats were impressive, and those who had watched him at Newcastle felt he had real ability, but I don’t know that any of us could have predicted just how important he’s become.

He dominates West Brom in the second half below, which is more status quo than anything else.

3. Steven Gerrard Puts Liverpool Ahead Against United

We’d gotten increasingly large tastes of Gerrard since he marked his return at Brighton, but United at Anfield was the first occasion of the season that the captain made a start. He wasn’t able to exert much influence on the match, as a crowded midfield left little room for him to get free. But after Charlie Adam drew a dubious foul on Rio Ferdinand in the 68th minute, Gerrard stepped up and delivered his first goal of the season, curling one around the wall through a gap left by Ryan Giggs. The late equalizer and stunning performance of David De Gea left the points shared, but Liverpool were riding high after it looked like they’d get their fourth consecutive win over United at Anfield.

2. Andy Carroll Gets the Winner Against Everton

This one will mostly be remembered for the sending off of Jack Rodwell, but Liverpool’s opening goal was outstanding. Craig Bellamy replaced Stewart Downing on 67 minutes, with the Englishman on the front end of what’s proven to be a difficult patch. The Welshman linked up with José Enrique instantly, streaking down the left and causing a threat where there’d previously been no spark. It was this linking play that led to the winner, with Bellamy laying off for Enrique, and the resulting cross narrowly missing Dirk Kuyt on its way to Carroll in the center. He made no mistake on the half volley, and it was a fantastic moment for a player that’s been the subject of so much criticism.

1. Luis Suarez Scores the Leveler at Stoke

Look, you can get all high and mighty about how pathetic it is that Liverpool are taking the League Cup so seriously, but you’re mostly doing that because your own attempts at high-level athletics failed miserably after nearly strangling to death on your own jock strap. You can also criticize or boo Luis Suarez, like the neanderthals at Britannia did as they took a break from gnawing on their squirrel kabobs, but that’s mostly indicative of the lemming mentality that’s championed by Martin Samuel and the space where his neck used to be.

But come on, the brilliance here is undeniable. It’s a combination of a silly amount of skill and catharsis, as he’d hit posts, bars, and bears in the weeks leading up to the fourth round victory but couldn’t convert a number of chances that could have seen Liverpool get all three points against United and Norwich. There’s a place for analysis and chalkboards, and then there’s moments that really just call for HOLY SHIT DID HE JUST DO THAT?!?

Some Related Liverpool Posts:

Category: Miscellaneous

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redtrev73

Thanks Ed. Good stuff is good.
DJ-Chutfield

"Shows why he is the most expensive Englishman." Hearing "35 million pound man" over and over again ad infinitum in English wasn't bad enough, you find me an Arabic commentator who says the same thing?! You tryna kill me, man?!
JPR

When you consider the high transfer fee for Carroll, you also have to consider that his 60K pounds per week in wages is somewhat reasonable. Consider also the unbelievable deal we made on Luis of a 22.8 mil pound transfer fee combined with 70K pounds per week in wages. This package deal was very good business and Suarez is killer. And who realized that Suarez would be as good as he is in the EPL. Nobody. Not Abramovich, Mancini or Fergie. Compare these costs to what Chelsea paid for Aguero, 40 mil pound transfer fee and 225K pounds per week wages. Analysis below:

Player    Transfer fee       Weekly     Annual Wages   Total Cost 5Yrs
                                      Wages

Suarez    22.8 mil            70K             3.5 mil          40.3 mil pounds

Carroll    35 mil               60K             3.0 mil          50 mil pounds

Aguero    40 mil               225K           11.7 mil         98.5 mil pounds

People think the Carroll transfer fee was a little high? Well his 5 year cost is not terrible and we got Suarez for 40% what Chelsea will pay for Mata over 5 years. When somebody says "35 million pound man", the answer is Luis Fucking Suarez!!!
Purify_the_body

I thought Carroll was on 75k/week.
JPR

Yea, I think you are right. I was looking up wages for about 20 guys and the Carroll article I used was mistaken at $60K. I would really like to see a summary of the wages of the 25 first teamers for City, United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal by position (back, mid, forward) to understand what each clubs wage structure and budget is. Just want to see those 25 key players. No admin., academy, 2nd team, etc.
JPR

Sorry, I meant what City will pay for Aguero. I was looking up Mata at $175K pounds per week, and switched it inadvertantly.
DJ-Chutfield

Yessssssss! I am in total agreement with you. Torres + Babel + 5-6mil = Carroll + Suarez, both on a modest wage bill. In terms of money, it was very good business. Which is why it really gets under my skin when we're constantly reminded how much Andy cost to bring in. We're run by smart people now, they knew what they were doing! Shaddaaaaaaaaaap already!!! *pant, pant, wheeze*

And you know the worst part? Once he does come good, once he does start producing week in week out, we're not gonna stop hearing about his price tag. Now it's gonna turn into, "ANDY CARROLL, SHOWS WHY HE IS WORTH EVERY PENNY OF THAT 35 MILLION KENNY SPENT TO BRING HIM IN!" I can see it now, even while on international duty... "And Carroll steps up to take the final penalty... AND ENGLAND ARE THROUGH TO THE FINAL! LIVERPOOL'S 35 MILLION TALISMAN HAS BOOKED ENGLAND'S PLACE IN THE FINAL!" The annoyance will never end.
JPR

Yea. Annoying and funny shit. Carroll only(?) had a high transfer fee, his wages are reasonable. We got the deal of the century on Luis. Looking at them combined(wages and fees), we kicked ass!! No one knew Luis would make defenders shit themselves. Everybody just takes that little detail for granted, now. The Carroll bashers use Luis to explain how we go screwed, when you look at those two independently. Look at them combined!! And do you think Kenny, Comolli and wee Henry wil be sitting on their arses in January if things don't seem to be clicking? The guys that are screaming the loudest now will be the first ones to hop on the bandwagon when we start kicking ass. These things take time and we don't have the funds to bring in, say 5 guys in the $140K to $225K pounds per week wages category and we have to consider Stevie G. is on $125K pounds per week and we don't want to dis him. So, maybe(?) we bring in, say, a Silva at $140K pounds per week or a Nasri at $180K pounds per week or a Mata at $175K pounds per week. Maybe!?
Ryan

Hey youz guys. Any opinions on the "Great Britain" uber-team for the Olympics? I don't see it likely that Danny Wilson would go, but I'm sure most of us have some thoughts on the matter as a whole, seeing how we are somewhat connected to English football through redness.
KC

being nutmegged be one of the most humiliating things in football. I wonder if the stoke player has nightmares every night because of that lol
Suarez from the car park...

What, no cool song link?

Ed, are you getting lazy? I'm relying on you for my musical education - well, catching up on it anyhow.
Purify_the_body

I think in my top 10 moments so far, I'd include Spearing's tackle against Stoke by the sideline. I loved it. Work rate, power, attitude -- everything you want a defensive midfielder to be about (and missing from our midfield right now).
Ed

Is that the one where he and Lucas swarmed out of nowhere? If so, yes.
Purify_the_body

Yeah, I don't remember who the 2nd guy was (Enrique?), but as the Stoke player just thought he was escaping Spearing came in. Committed.
JPR

I remember the one against Stoke when the ball was in our penalty area and DAgger was contesting possession and the ball started to squirt away from him and looked like it could be trouble and Spearo came in out of nowhere like a madman, committed with evil intentions and legally wiped out the ball and the forward. I think the ball went out for a corner. Committed defense! Lucas and Spearo.
Waiting for Sterling

I know Hendo doesn't always show his raw talent, but after countless games of FIFA 12 I've come to a conclusion that if he were to play the Stevie G role behind the front striker he could be real class (note: this conclusion also came from watching his past seasons highlights and all games that he's played in a LFC jersey.)
Honestly, I think that when Hendo comes around he can be that creative spark that out team needs when Suarez isn't 100%, not that Suarez still can't score, but it would be nice to know that if Suarez and Gerrard aren't running through teams we still have another option.
Purify_the_body

Of course. That's his natural position. One of his big strengths is making runs from there in behind the back four.
Luis Suarez dentist

Can I have some of what your drinking please? :)
Ed

Apparently he was pretty impressive in the U21s match today as well. I'm more prone to trust FIFA than a Stuart Pearce orchestration, but still. Reality and all that.
NotTooXabi

Watched the match and yes, he played very well. While perhaps a moment of correlation without causation, Henderson was markedly more poised and confident than this summer. Could it be that training everyday with a new class of player has, in fact, started to make an impact on young Jordan Henderson? *Shhhh...be quiet saying such things*

And in case you missed it, Martin "Clark Kent" Kelly had a marauding (legal obligation) run complete with a finish that must have left Daniel Swagger stroking his mohiphawk with pride. A class goal by a class player.
redtrev73

'Mohiphawk'...magnificent work sir.
Luis Suarez dentist

Our £16 million player had a decent game against Iceland under 21s? Is this how low we have fallen?
Ed

Not sure how saying he had a good match is indicative of falling standards.

Were you reading every third letter and found a hidden message?
Suarez from the car park...

I think it says that if you read it backwards with a crackly 70s soundtrack.
Luis Suarez dentist

I mean that if we are celebrating one of our players having a decent game for a mediocre team against a team of minnows, then it shows how standards are dropping. Our best players Gerrard, Barnes, Carra always did it for Liverpool first and the national team second.
Suarez from the car park...

oh do shut up.
Luis Suarez dentist

Because I'm right?
JPR

It's the LSD Jonny. It fucks up yer mind. Bad.
Ed

Not sure saying he was apparently impressive is an over the top celebration, but I'm also not convinced that we shouldn't be celebrating someone playing well against anyone.

The danger in doing that is ____________________?
Luis Suarez dentist

We are currently experiencing the danger of over-hyped British players. Carroll, Downing, Adam and Henderson are contributing to driving our great club down to the dephs of mediocrity.
Ed

Saying that someone did well in a match is okay. It doesn't mean anything other than that they did well in that match. That's all. And that's okay.
Luis Suarez dentist

I just can't stand the current acceptance of utter mediocrity. Shanks must be turning in his grave.
Ed

I probably won't ever understand how saying someone played well is acceptance of utter mediocrity.
Luis Suarez dentist

The point is this. We are celebrating our £16 million player having a decent game against ICELAND UNDER 21s! Absolutely ridiculous! What level of football is that? Non-league?
Ed

NOBODY'S CELEBRATING ARGHGHGHGH I'M JUST SAYING I HEARD HE PLAYED WELL FOR FUCK'S SAKE FOWLER HELP ME
Luis Suarez dentist

Ha ha fair enough! Maybe we should agree to disagree on this one. Lets give it a few years and see what has happened to Jordan Henderson? deal?

My guess: He will be sold off for about half the price we brought him within the next couple of years. Lets hope he proves me wrong!
Ryan

hhm, using the Enigma Machine Decoder, in other words picking out every third letter, "Apparently he" means "Pele". Pretty much sums up Jordan Henderson, then.
Suarez from the car park...

you definitely need to get out more.
Ryan

Contrair. This is all going on the timesheet, baby! Johnnie Walker style.
poorscouserbobby

I think clearly. Therefore I agree with all things said above. That is all.
Suarez from the car park...

Good for you old boy. You tell 'em.