22 2014March Date: 22 March 2014 Western Mail Sunday Times Sun Telegraph Telegraph Opposition: Cardiff City BBC Observer Times Mirror Echo Sun Independent Guardian Mail
Competition: League
Rodgers sees the power but still demands more Johnson says Liverpool are the people's choice for title Cardiff City Mutch 9, 88, Campbell 25 3 There was a time when the majority of football fans were sick to death of the Liverpool Suarez 16, 60, 90+6, Skrtel 41, 54, Sturridge 75 6 sight of Liverpool parading league titles and dominating the domestic scene but it Referee N Swarbrick Attendance 28,018 is a measure of how much the landscape has changed over the last couple of Total football. Brendan Rodgers did not use the phrase, but as he reviewed the decades that Glen Johnson may well have captured the public mood when he said tactical and technical background to the latest demonstration of Liverpool's brutal Brendan Rodgers' team would be the people's choice to finish top this year. attacking power, the explanation he offered for what had just transpired was While Manchester United and Everton supporters will shake their head at those wholly in keeping with the Dutch philosophy of interchangeable positions and sentiments, within football there is no shortage of admiration for the structural fluidity. way Liverpool are playing right now. It is hard not to warm to a team that gives "There was a great moment whenever Steven Gerrard filled in at right back and the impression there is little point worrying about keeping clean sheets when Glen Johnson played in midfield for a little period," the Liverpool manager said. goals come so easily at the other end. Liverpoolhave won their last six league "That's what we talk about. It doesn't matter where you are on the field when you matches and racked up 24 goals in the process. change, as long as you fill the spaces. Another three points against Sunderland at Anfield on Wednesday night and the "I saw areas that we've developed on the training field: full backs going inside; club that has not won a league title since 1990 will be breathing down Chelsea's there were moments Johnson was inside, becoming a midfield player, and Jordan neck. "I think just to spice things up the neutrals would want to see us win it," Henderson was outside, so it bodes well for us." Johnson said. "Nobody wants the same teams to be winning it over and over Twelve months ago, Rodgers was all too often held up to ridicule for daring to be again. descriptive about his football ideals, terms such as "nine and a half" and "flipping "I guess the neutrals will be packing a punch for us. We must be good to watch. the triangle" being frowned upon by his detractors. Now, with Liverpool riding the People watch football to enjoy themselves, see goals and see exciting football and crest of a wave, his methodology is lauded. I think we do provide that. I think people will be rooting for us because it will be Winning changes everything, of course, and in the case of Rodgers it has altered something different." the perception of him beyond all recognition. Converts have been won over by a While Liverpool's emergence as authentic title contenders was not exactly in the slew of evidence supporting the growing sense that the body of work he is script, there has always been a quiet confidence among Rodgers' squad about responsible for could turn out to be among the most significant at an English club what they could achieve. "I'm not that surprised," Johnson said. "Even last season in recent times. Certainly, Liverpool's firepower and ability to attack from all we were battering teams but not getting the goals. At the moment we are playing angles is a thing of wonder, as Cardiff City became the latest to learn to their cost. well and getting the goals. It's a case of staying calm, really. As long as we keep The six goals that Liverpool scored on Saturday -- a third hat-trick of the season going week by week, winning our games, we know we will be there or for Luis Suarez, a brace for Martin Skrtel and a solitary strike for Daniel Sturridge - thereabouts." - took their total for the season to 82. With eight games remaining, a century of The one obvious chink in Liverpool's armour is their porous defence. Two goals league goals, which they have achieved only once in their history, in 1895-96, is a from Jordon Mutch here and another from Fraizer Campbell exposed Liverpool's genuine possibility. Their average of 2.73 goals per game means that Liverpool are limitations in that department - they have shipped 38 goals in 30 matches. level with Tottenham Hotspur's double winning side of 1960-61 as English To put that record into context there has been only one occasion in the past 13 football's most prolific team. seasons when the Premier League champions have conceded more than a goal Such statistics are remarkable, but it is the visible effect that Liverpool are having per game. on opponents that is most remarkable. "I know as a manager that when you are On the other side of the coin, rarely has a team produced such exhilarating stood on the touchline, the thing you fear in a game is the opponent and their attacking play and scored so freely. Liverpoolare on course to top 100 Premier offensive threat. That's the thing that you fear most as a manager," Rodgers said, League goals this season, largely thanks to Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge. his empathy surpassed only by pride. "You are playing against a team that you Suarez's third hat-trick of the campaign, which meant he has equalled Robbie know can score from anywhere, any angle, and a team that can dominate the Fowler's 28-goal record for a LiverpoolPremier League season, and Sturridge's ball." second-half strike means that Liverpool's front two have contributed a In the early stages, Cardiff showed none of the fear that would later engulf them. remarkable 47 Premier League goals between them. Having twice taken the lead through Jordon Mutch and Fraizer Campbell, theirs, Reflecting on Liverpool's firepower, Rodgers sounded as if he is almost starting to initially at least, was a performance that would give Ole Gunnar Solskjaer hope feel a degree of sympathy for his opposite number, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. "I know that relegation can be avoided. as a manager that, when you are stood on the touchline, the thing you fear most Spirited, effective and creative, Cardiff threatened to prevent Liverpool from is the opponent and their offensive threat," the Liverpool manager said. "You are extending their winning run to six games, but once their opponents settled, playing against a team that you know can score from anywhere, any angle, and a started to play and began to make incisions, the outcome became inevitable. team that can dominate the ball." "I sensed that," Rodgers said. "If you think back to when I first came in, there was It is also a team that has learned to remain calm in the face of adversity and stay always a panic. We played last-five-minutes football with 70 minutes to go. When true to the passing principles that Rodgers has worked hard to ingrain since taking I first came in, we lost the composure. I think there's now an inherent belief in the over. "If you think back to when I first came in, there was always a panic, we team." played last-five-minutes football with 70 minutes to go. We lost the composure," "You can't give them anything," Solskjaer said. "When they get to 3-2 and 4-2, Rodgers said. "I think there's now an inherent belief in the team." that is when they start to enjoy themselves. They are good at keeping the ball and For Cardiff the stakes are every bit as high at the other end of the table. Solskjaer they counter-attack when you get your pressing wrong. They sprint in behind was bitterly disappointed that Martin Skrtel scored his second goal when Cardiff you." were down to nine men, with Mutch and Kevin Theophile-Catherine waiting to The only concern for Rodgers as Liverpool reaffirmed their title credentials was come back on after receiving treatment, but the Norwegian could have no that the defensive shortcomings that could yet undermine them made an complaints about the final outcome. unwelcome return. The defeat leaves Cardiff second from bottom and facing a game of huge Mutch's second goal came too late to be anything other than a consolation, but in significance at West Bromwich Albion on Saturday. "We don't want plaudits for its nature -- an opponent left unmarked in the six-yard box to nod past a giving Liverpool a game; we need points," the Cardiff manager said. "We've got goalkeeper who had been left exposed by those in front of him -- it underlined seven games to get four more points than the two teams in front of us. We are why Rodgers continues to seek improvement from his defence. definitely running out of time. I don't know if it is going to require four more wins. "I think we showed our power in the offensive game today," he said. "We can be I actually think it might be less. But the game against West Brom is not negotiable. better -- there are areas defensively that we can improve on. I think the biggest It will be vital. You can't lose that one." thing from conceding three goals was that we showed the resilience to come Man of the match Luis Suarez (Liverpool) back. Our second-half performance was outstanding. The idea is to win, to win well, and we won well." @TonyBarretTimes RATINGS Cardiff City (3-5-2): D Marshall 5 -- K Theophile-Catherine 5, S Caulker 5, J Cala 4 -- F Da Silva 4, Kim Bo Kyung 5 (sub: W Zaha, 65min 4), G Medel 5, J Mutch 7, D John 5 (sub: M Daehli, 65 5) -- C Bellamy 6 (sub: K Jones, 70 5), F Campbell 7. Substitutes not used: J Lewis, B Turner, P Whittingham, A Gunnarsson. Booked: Da Silva, Cala. Liverpool (4-3-1-2): S Mignolet 6 -- G Johnson 9, M Skrtel 8, D Agger 6, J Flanagan 6 (sub: A Cissokho, 73) -- S Gerrard 7, J Henderson 8, J Allen 6 -- P Coutinho 7 (sub: R Sterling, 68 6) -- D Sturridge 8 (sub: M Sakho, 90), L Suarez 9. Substitutes not used: B Jones, L Leiva, V Moses, I Aspas. Booked: Gerrard, Skrtel, Allen.
Compiled by Graeme Riley
22 2014March Date: 22 March 2014 Western Mail Sunday Times Sun Telegraph Telegraph Opposition: Cardiff City BBC Observer Times Mirror Echo Sun Independent Guardian Mail
Competition: League
We can reign as people's champs; Fans love our style, says Johnson Lethal Liverpool strike fear into rivals CARDIFF 3 Cardiff City 3 LIVERPOOL 6 Mutch 9, 88, Campbell 25 THE latest extraordinary match in Liverpool's season had just ended when Liverpool 6 spontaneous applause began rippling around the stadium. Suarez 16, 60, 90, Skrtel 41, 54, Sturridge 75 Att: 28,018 As Liverpool's players celebrated a remarkable win in front of their exultant Liverpool are doing nothing to assist the campaign to reduce Premier League travelling fans, the Cardiff supporters showed their respect for the quality of ticket prices. If ever a side is worth the entrance fee, whatever the cost, this is it. football they had witnessed. They should be rolling up to games with an entourage of trailers and production This also happened when Liverpool scored five at Stoke in January and put three staff, promoters issuing flyers welcoming the Anfield showmen to town. If CecilB past Southampton. This side is fast gaining admirers, so much so that Glen DeMille was still around he would be shadowing this Liverpool team and planning Johnson thinks they are the people's favourites in the title race. 'Neutrals would his next visual feast. Brendan Rodgers is rapidly becoming the Premier League's want to see us win it,' said Johnson. 'Nobody wants the same teams to be winning equivalent of PT Barnum. it over and over again. 'People watch football to enjoy themselves, to see goals His troupe took their tally to 82 goals for the campaign with this latest critically and exciting football. We provide that. People will be rooting for us as we'll be acclaimed performance in Cardiff, the choreography between Luis Suarez and something different. Daniel Sturridge finding new means in which to elicit gasps from the audience. 'We are not getting caught in the pressure of being title contenders. We just need For Rodgers, there is another dimension to his side. It is not only the capacity to to carry on doing what we are doing.' Should they do that, they will be there at thrill, but the opponent's sense of awe and alarm that is satisfying the end. This was a test: could they negotiate a game they were expected to win the Liverpool coach. "I know as a manager that when you are stood on the with the panache evident in the destruction of Manchester United? If the opening touchline, the thing you fear most in a game is the opponent and their offensive stages were shaky, when Liverpoolallowed Cardiff too much time and space, the threat," said Rodgers. end result was spectacular. "You are playing against a team that you know can score from anywhere, any Luis Suarez took over, with his third hat-trick of the year, apparently on a one- angle, and a team that can dominate the ball. The variety and imagination in our man crusade. He has 28 Barclays Premier League goals this season, equalling game is at a real top level. When I came in last season, I said that after scoring Robbie Fowler's 1997 club record, but there were great displays from Johnson, more goals last year, we wanted to find 20–plus more goals, through two-goal Martin Skrtel and Steven Gerrard. different areas and through more work, so we've done that." What most impressed, though, was how Liverpool were never flustered at any Ole Gunnar Solskjaer made no secret of his foreboding and his enterprising stage, even when they trailed 1-0 and 2-1. They kept passing, pressing and formation – utilising the pace of Craig Bellamy and Fraizer Campbell while probing, moving the ball from side to side to hypnotise Cardiff, then blow them ensuring there were never less than five defenders preventing swift counter away on the break. attacks – demonstrated it. 'That is one of our main attributes,' Johnson continued. 'We got in at half-time It meant Cardiff started well, posing a tactical conundrum for a Liverpool side level. Over 45 minutes, we can beat anyone. initially denied space and time to craft frequent openings. 'This type of game has been difficult for us in the past after a big win. Those three The fact Liverpool still scored twice in the first half was a hint of what would points were just as important as the ones at United.' Liverpool's capacity to score follow, Suarez and Martin Skrtel cancelling out excellent finishes from Jordon will raise the anxieties of Manuel Pellegrini and Jose Mourinho ahead of their trips Mutch and Campbell. to Anfield on April 13 and April 27. 'I know as a manager that when you are stood For the second consecutive week, Cardiff bore no resemblance to a side on the touchline, the thing you fear in a game is the opponent and their offensive meandering tamely back to the championship. They just bowed to superiority. In threat,' Brendan Rodgers said. retrospect, Cardiff looked as though they had spent the first 30 minutes erecting 'That's the thing that you fear most as a manager.' Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the barricades in preparation for an inevitable, full–on assault. When it understandably, was flat and snappy afterwards but Cardiff did not do a lot arrived at the start of the second half, the hosts were helpless, brushed aside by wrong. the velocity, imagination and power of this natural, attacking force. 'We don't want plaudits for giving them a game,' said the Norwegian. Suarez's hat–trick seemed almost predictable. The Uruguayan's third was CARDIFF (5-3-2): Marshall 6; Fabio 4, Caulker 6, Cala 5, Theophile-Catherine 6, the result of his calculation that Juan Cala would anxiously fall to the floor when John 6 (Daehli 65min, 5); Mutch 7, Medel 6, Kim 5 (Zaha 65, 5); Bellamy 6 (Jones the striker challenged in the fifth minute of injury time, but it was Sturridge's 70, 4), Campbell 7. Subs not used: Whittingham, Gunnarsson, Turner, Lewis. assist for his second – a back–heel demonstrating a telepathic Booked: Fabio, Cala. understanding – that left the most lingering impression. LIVERPOOL (4-3-1-2): Mignolet 6; Johnson 7, Skrtel 7, Agger 6, Flanagan 6 Suarez is freakishly brilliant and Sturridge, who tapped in the fifth, is still (Cissokho 70, 6); Gerrard 7, Henderson 7, Allen 6.5; Coutinho 7 (Sterling 68, 6); underrated. Sturridge is more than just a support act. If he ends up on the wing Sturridge 7 (Sakho 90), Suarez 9. Subs not used: B Jones, Aspas, Moses, Lucas. under orders to assist his full–back at the World Cup this summer, it Booked: Gerrard, Skrtel, Allen. Referee: Neil Swarbrick 7. Man of the match: Luis would not just be maddening. It would be negligent. Suarez. Solskjaer was clutching at straws to argue that the application of an illogical rule
was the game's pivotal moment, as – with the game still 2–2 – Mutch and Kevin Theophile–Catherine were ordered off for 90 seconds having received treatment. Skrtel headed Liverpool ahead in their absence. It is a peculiar law, but Solskjaer might ask his two defenders if an opposition corner is the best time to request a face and leg massage. Liverpool's defence still offered opportunities and conceded a third. You will recall a few months ago how we concluded that it was impossible for a team so prone to errors at the back to compete for the title. History also tells us only those capable of grinding out dour, slender victories on their travels carry the mark of champions. Consider those views revised. The remaining eight games cannot be viewed as mere 'fixtures'. If Liverpool keep winning, they will be events. Solskjaer's final act of the afternoon was a declaration that he could not care less if Liverpool are capable of winning the league. The problem is, expressions of ambivalence are highly contradictory when delivered in such a tetchy way. It is not possible to be apathetic where this Liverpool team are considered. As Rodgers rightly observed, if you are not one of those enchanted by this team, you are firmly on the side of those who fear it.
Compiled by Graeme Riley
22 2014March Date: 22 March 2014 Western Mail Sunday Times Sun Telegraph Telegraph Opposition: Cardiff City BBC Observer Times Mirror Echo Sun Independent Guardian Mail
Competition: League
Luis Suarez hat-trick seals win in nine-goal thriller Liverpool’s six-hitters had their fans dreaming as they steam-rollered gallant Cardiff to maintain their push for a first Premier League title. It took their goals total to an astonishing 82 in 30 games, as they stretched their winning run to six games. And Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers hailed the “remarkable” Luis Suarez after his hat-trick underpinned a spectacular triumph. The Uruguayan has now scored 28 Premier League goals this season and Rodgers said: “He is a remarkable player. His determination, his desire, his will is at such a big level. He is a world-class player, who is enjoying his football, and long may it continue.” Martin Skrtel (below) helped himself to a double and the outstanding Daniel Sturridge also scored, but it needed a second-half masterclass from Liverpool after they twice found themselves behind and were being held 2-2 midway through a pulsating encounter. Goals by Jordon Mutch and Fraizer Campbell (inset) raised the possibility of relegation-threatened Cardiff causing a stunning upset, but it was not to be – and they remain firmly in the relegation zone, with just seven games left. “We were probably a little bit too deep in the first-half and gave too much space to their players who were a threat,” said Rodgers. “We probably lost the ball one or two times too cheaply, but we were still an offensive threat. “It was an outstanding result for us. The mental resilience is how we’ve grown over the past 18 months – and that confidence to know we can get back in the game. “You look at our imagination and creativity today. “I think the crowd felt that, every time we were in their half, we could score, so that’s a wonderful recognition for the type of team that we are. “We’ve got footballers, technicians, who can open up a game for us.” But Rodgers refuses to look beyond their next game – at home to Sunderland on Wednesday night – or anticipate title glory. “The fans can dream and they have every right to dream after watching us score six goals away from home,” added Rodgers. “But we can only focus on each game at a time. I’m just delighted to be going back to Anfield. “We’ve had three away fixtures on the trot and it feels like a long time since we were there. We now have five of our last eight games at home – and I’m pleased about that.” Even beaten Cardiff boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, a lethal marksman during his Mnchester United playing days, admitted: “Suarez is a top, top striker. “He has so much energy – and optimism. He always expects to score.”
Compiled by Graeme Riley
22 2014March Date: 22 March 2014 Western Mail Sunday Times Sun Telegraph Telegraph Opposition: Cardiff City BBC Observer Times Mirror Echo Sun Independent Guardian Mail
Competition: League Western Mail Luis Suarez destroys Bluebirds in nine-goal thriller Cardiff City briefly threatened to cause one of the shocks of the season against Liverpool before they were blown away by the attacking power of Brendan Joy of six for travelling Kop Rodgers' title-chasers. Luis Suarez wanted more, Brendan Rodgers wanted more and the away end The Bluebirds led twice through Jordon Mutch and Fraizer Campbell, but they wanted more. After a poor first half the Reds produced an emphatic turnaround simply had no answer to the movement and finishing of Luis Suarez and co. to twice come from behind and win emphatically in the Welsh capital. In many ways it was a performance for Cardiff to be proud of, Ole Gunnar It wasn’t quite the poetry in motion it has been at times this season but it was Solskjaer's men refusing to just sit back and play for a point against a side going another breathless chapter in a whirlwind Liverpool campaign. for glory. They weren’t at their very best – especially in the first half – but not for the first But their defensive frailties were exposed once again by the most dangerous time the phenomenal firepower of the SAS proved the difference. attacking unit in the Premier League. In the end, the jury is still out on a blundering backline after a run of consecutive There was better news from elsewhere, though, with the bottom five teams all clean sheets came to an abrupt end. But Luis Suarez is on a goalscoring tear that losing to leave the relegation battle as tight as ever. could eclipse yet more milestones. A third hat-trick of the season now puts the Cardiff had promised so much as they took the lead on two occasions but Martin Uruguayan level with Robbie Fowler for the most goals scored for Liverpool Skrtel claimed Liverpool's second equaliser just before the break following during the Premier League era – 28. And with Chelsea smashing Arsenal for six Suarez's 16th-minute effort from close range before Cardiff were finished off and Manchester City thumping five past Fulham it was imperative for Rodgers’ during a devastating six-minute spell. side to maintain momentum in the title race. Skrtel's 54th-minute header from a corner put Liverpool ahead for the first time, To think, Liverpool had not won at Cardiff in the league for 85 years. and then an audacious back-heel by Daniel Sturridge gave Suarez all the room he But the goals from Suarez, complimented by two from Skrtel and a 19th goal of needed to make it six league wins on the bounce. the season for Daniel Sturridge, ended that drought. Philippe Coutinho replaced And Sturridge completed a second-half masterclass when he scored 15 minutes Raheem Sterling at the tip of the diamond that has proved so pivotal in away trips from time to continue Liverpool's irresistible form and keep Cardiff in deep to Manchester United and Southampton in recent weeks. trouble, despite Mutch claiming a consolation goal two minutes from the whistle Joe Allen and Jordan Henderson provided the width while Gerrard sat deep, as Liverpool triumphed 6-3 when Suarez pounced deep in injury time. allowing Coutinho to spearhead the attack. However, in just the first minute the Liverpool remain four points behind leaders Chelsea with a game in hand, and skipper set the tone for a bedraggled opening 45 minutes with a booking for a Rodgers will breathe a sigh of relief after Cardiff arguably produced their best rash challenge on Fraizer Campbell. The Reds were slow, lethargic and struggled display during Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's managerial reign. to get a collective run of passes together as they were overawed by an explosive But when the Reds turned up the heat, Cardiff could not live with their precision start from the hosts. How Cardiff wanted and needed a result and it showed. passing and quality finishing, meaning they remain in the relegation zone with just The warning signs were there for Liverpool as on three occasions Jordon Mutch seven games left. was able to find space for a cross on the right side. That burst of pressure There was further pre-match evidence of discontent among Cardiff fans when continued and it eventually broke Liverpool’s defensive dam. supporters staged a peaceful protest against the club's controversial rebrand Allen saw his poor pass intercepted by Campbell who slid a low cross for Mutch to under owner Vincent Tan from blue to red. slot home with relative ease in just the eighth minute. Liverpool were asleep and A number of supporters' groups combined to march to Cardiff City Stadium from a they paid a heavy price for their lacklustre start. But eight minutes later, a first nearby pub, with many fans wearing blue inside and outside the ground. positive passage of play resulted in the equaliser. Coutinho pushed and probed on Cardiff dominated the opening exchanges, going close from a free-kick after the edge of box and eventually passed it off to Henderson. The midfielder Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard was cautioned for fouling Campbell, then Kevin threaded an inch perfect pass for Glen Johnson who crossed for Suarez to net his Theophile-Catherine blasted over the bar. 26th league goal from close range. Finally, Liverpool were able to dominate But it took Cardiff just nine minutes to open the scoring and Liverpool could have possession after a nightmare start and were close to completing the turnaround few complaints as Campbell's impressive approach work created space that when Daniel Sturridge almost picked out Suarez with a cross. allowed Mutch to drive the ball home past Simon Mignolet. That progress was quickly ended when former Manchester United striker Mutch's strike, though, stirred Liverpool into action, and they equalised seven Campbell put Cardiff back in front. Mutch turned provider and was given far too minutes later when Jordan Henderson found Glen Johnson, and his slide-rule much time deep in midfield to play a defence splitting ball for the attacker, who delivery was tucked away by Suarez. checked back inside and finished superbly in the 25th minute. Suarez's 26th goal of the season could easily have deflated Cardiff, yet they What was the initial response from Liverpool? A wild effort from 25 yards out continued to play with an accuracy and tempo that belied their lowly league from Coutinho and a shot indicative of the first half display. But just before the status. half-time whistle, Martin Skrtel got his side back on level terms by poking home a And that enterprise was rewarded when Campbell turned Daniel Agger inside out beautiful cross from Coutinho after a short corner. It was a fifth goal of the season before finishing brilliantly past Mignolet to put Cardiff 2-1 up after 25 minutes of for the defender and he was not finished there. Soon after the interval the an enthralling contest. Slovakian headed the Reds into the lead for the first time in the match. Liverpool tried to assert themselves on proceedings but they had to wait until The goal was tinted with controversy, though. Cardiff were down to nine men as four minutes before half-time before Cardiff could be punished for a second time. both Kevin Theophile-Catherine and Mutch where sent to the sidelines after This time it was Coutinho who played in a telling pass from the left, and Skrtel receiving treatment. Coutinho’s corner found Skrtel free at the front post and inched ahead of Cardiff's central defenders to deliver a left-footed finish past from there it was all Liverpool. Rodgers’ side merely stoked their embers but once goalkeeper David Marshall. they blazed, the sight was breathtaking, colourful, and as riveting as watching a Marshall then had to save at Suarez's feet in the final act of a gripping opening 45 firework display. Suarez grabbed his second on the hour mark but he had his minutes that saw Cardiff make light of trailing Liverpool by 37 points before kick- striker partner Sturridge to thank for a quite breathtaking assist. off. The busy Johnson galloped down the right wing yet again and another cross found But Liverpool went ahead nine minutes into the second-half when Skrtel pounced Sturridge who, with his back to play, back heeled the ball into the path of Suarez for his second, heading home a Coutinho corner. to smash home. Cardiff, though, could feel aggrieved that referee Neil Swarbrick allowed the Sturridge revealed how he likes to watch his goals while heading to the team bus corner to be taken with Cardiff pair Theophile-Catherine and Mutch both on the – this is another clip he’ll want to add to that. touchline waiting to return after receiving treatment for knocks. The striker then ensured the game would finish a procession with a fifth when It was rough justice on the home team, and Suarez rubbed their noses in the dirt Suarez sprung from a driving run following Johnson’s long ball to calmly square six minutes later with another cool finish following a Sturridge back-heel that set for his strike partner in the 75th minute. the Uruguayan up. There was still time for Suarez to grab his hat-trick late on after he outmuscled Suarez returned the compliment by providing the assist for Sturridge to post Juan Cala to finish one-on-one. Liverpool's fifth goal, and while Cardiff hardly deserved such a beating, there was The Reds backline faltered again in the 88th minute when they conceded a third. no disguising the fact they had ultimately been crushed by a team oozing Mutch netted his second with a header after a Theophile-Catherine whipped-in confidence, even though there was enough time for Mutch to cut the deficit and cross was cushioned down by Jones for him to head home from just yards out. Suarez to claim his hat-trick. But a sixth consecutive win for the first time in eight years was in the bag for Liverpool. Lapses in concentration at the back continue to be a worry and the result means Liverpool surpassed a club record goal tally in the Premier League. Rodgers, though, still wanted more from his team in the closing stages and on the display yesterday he will surely be thinking of more than just Champions League qualification this season
Compiled by Graeme Riley
22 2014March Date: 22 March 2014 Western Mail Sunday Times Sun Telegraph Telegraph Opposition: Cardiff City BBC Observer Times Mirror Echo Sun Independent Guardian Mail
Competition: League
Liverpool smash six after early stutters Cardiff City 3 Mutch 9, 88, Campbell 25 Att: 28,018 Suarez hits three as Reds overwhelm poor Cardiff Liverpool 6 Suarez 16, 60, 90, Skrtel 41, 54, Sturridge 75 A game in which Liverpool's attacking play and their striker Luis Suarez - with If Liverpool bring to an end their 24-year wait to claim English football's most another hat-trick - showed why they could be champions, and their defending coveted prize they will surely cast their minds back to this goal-crazy afternoon. revealed why they probably will not, turned on one of those moments when a Twice behind to a Cardiff side that looked more mid-table than bottom three, referee really ought to use common sense. Neil Swarbrick's decision-making was they went on to score six: three for the irrepressible Luis Suarez, two for Martin not as grievous as dismissing the wrong man, but it was more telling than Andre Skrtel and a 22nd of the season for Daniel Sturridge. That is 50 for the 'SAS' this Marriner's faux-pas at Chelsea. season and 24 team goals in the last six league games. Nine minutes into the second period, with the game evenly poised at two-all, The form of champions? Only time will tell. Still, it came as no surprise that a Liverpool free-kick ended with a corner being awarded and a pair of Cardiff Brendan Rodgers, who cut his management teeth 40 miles west of the Cardiff City players on the deck. K[c]vin Th[c]ophile-Catherine required treatment, Jordon Stadium, was wholly satisfied with his side's performance in front of more than Mutch just a reviving drink of water, but Swarbrick insisted both had to leave the 2,500 travelling Reds. field. Cardiff protested, to no avail, this would leave them two men short at the "We conceded some poor goals but I thought we showed great resilience. It was corner. Sure enough, when the ball came over Martin Skrtel's header bounced an outstanding result for us. The great thing is that we have the confidence to inside a far post which had necessarily been left unguarded. Referees allow know we can get back into games. We have got great footballers and technicians goalkeepers back on in these situations. Swarbrick should have shown some who can win games. common sense and let Mutch stay on the pitch. "Luis is a remarkable player who has terrific determination, desire and will and he Some managers would have seized on this and blamed the official for their defeat, gets his rewards. He is world-class player who is enjoying his football. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, however, merely said "the rule should be looked at". "How "Wednesday [against Sunderland] will be a great night. We have five games at can you defend a corner kick with nine men?" said the Cardiff manager. "I said to home and three away. The fans can believe in dreams and when you see your side the fourth official, 'they will score here'." It could be argued that if Steven Caulker score six goals, you are allowed to do that." had marked Skrtel properly it would not have mattered, but as Solskjaer pointed It was the perfect end to a day that began badly. They had Steven Gerrard booked out: "Two of my biggest men were out of that corner kick. It was the vital goal." inside three minutes for a sloppy tackle on Fraizer Campbell and trailed seven Such was the quality of Liverpool's attacking play they may well have won minutes later when Jordon Mutch exposed a weakness along Liverpool's left to anyway, but so porous is their defence they may not have. "It certainly was an beat Simon Mignolet with a smart strike from a dozen yards. Cardiff, fighting for important goal," said Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers, adding of Solskjaer their Premier League lives after winning only one in seven, had clearly ignored the "he'll probably have a word with his medical staff". Rodgers did not elaborate, but script. They were slick in midfield, ambitious in the final third and surprisingly his own medics will probably be reminded not to treat two players at the same secure at the back where Ole Gunnar Solskjaer employed three central defenders. time unless safeguarding their health requires it. Defending as deep as possible, Cardiff had one line of five and one of four with Rodgers was more interested in praising his team's resilience, for they trailed Campbell doing his best to pick up their pieces whenever his colleagues cleared twice in the first period, and an offensive power underlined by Suarez and Daniel their lines. Sturridge taking their joint tally to 47 league goals. Liverpool have now scored 40 It required patience and with Rodgers encouraging his players to bide their time, goals in 16 away games and won six straight matches scoring 24 in the process the breakthrough finally came when Jordan Henderson flicked the most delightful That led the travelling support to spend much of the second half singing about ball inside Declan John for Glen Johnson to set up Suarez for a near-post finish winning the league. that said everything about the Uruguayan's predatory instincts. It was a clinical "The fans can believe, when a team scores six away from home they have every finish that came in contrast to the visitors' defending. right to," said Rodgers. "But the immediate future is of course all I can focus on." Jon Flanagan, of whom so much has been said in recent months, was all at sea Liverpool remain four points behind Chelsea, with a game in hand. With the against the twin threat of Mutch and Campbell. In fact, such was the apparent bottom five all losing Cardiff's position is also unchanged, but the other four all weakness along the Reds' left flank, that Craig Bellamy switched from the played away from home. "Some had more winnable games, so we're not worse opposite side to join in the party. off," said Solskjaer. Liverpool monopolised the early possession but two loose With 25 minutes gone, City were back in front when Campbell cut inside and beat passes put them at a disadvantage. First Sturridge conceded possession and Mignolet with a similar finish to Mutch. Back to square one for Liverpool who Steven Gerrard was drawn into a foul on Fraizer Campbell that brought him a found themselves searching for answers. caution. Then Joe Allen's careless pass was poached by Campbell who cut it back Thankfully, as the game wore on, so the back four showed a little less generosity. for Mutch to score. Cardiff lost their edge and after Skrtel appeared inside the six-yard box to level Cardiff retreated, but 81 minutes is a long time to sit on a lead. It lasted eight matters from Coutinho's cross, five minutes before the interval, you got the minutes. The problem with playing a back five is that the full-backs are often feeling that Cardiff's chance might have gone. caught in no-man's land. Thus was Declan John exposed as Jordan Henderson The biggest disappointment for Solskjaer and of course, the home fans, was the rolled a pass inside him for Glen Johnson to run onto and cut back for Suarez. manner in which Skrtel scored his side's third goal, five minutes into the second Liverpool's matches are so watchable in part because a goal always looks likely at half. Injuries to Mutch and Kevin Theophile-Catherine meant both players were either end. With the crowd in good voice having been roused by a pre-arranged standing on the touchline when Skrtel rose to convert Coutinho's corner. chant of 'We're Cardiff City, we're always in blue" after 19 minutes and 27 Solskjaer said: "I'm disappointed we haven't got anything out of the game. I seconds (to commemorate the 1927 FA Cup win) the home side went forward thought the first half we were exceptional and then we conceded that third goal. I again. think we need to look at the rule. How can you defend a corner kick with nine Campbell headed over from a Craig Bellamy cross, then Mutch released the men? I don't want to sound like a old grumpy man, but it's unfair. I just knew they striker inside Jon Flanagan. Campbell turned Daniel Agger far too easily before were going to score. Two of my biggest men were out of the corner kick. But rules scoring his ninth of the season. are rules." Then came Skrtel's game-changing second. Cardiff were still simmering when Sensing Cardiff's feeling of injustice, Liverpool swept forward in search of the goal Suarez doubled the lead sweeping the ball in after Sturridge reacted first to a half- that would surely kill off the challenge of Solskjaer's side. It came in the 61st blocked Johnson cross with a clever back-heel. Solskajer threw on a trio of minute when an audacious back heel from Sturridge picked out Suarez who did substitutes, all acquired in his January shopping, and went to a conventional 4-4- the rest from eight yards. Game over. 2. Rodgers responded by bringing on Raheem Sterling as Liverpool went into Suarez returned the compliment 10 minutes later with Sturridge beating Marshall counter-attacking mode. from three yards and though Mutch snatched a late consolation, it That brought reward when Caulker mis-judged's Johnson's long pass and Suarez was Liverpool who had the final say when Suarez shrugged off Juan Cala and set up Sturridge for his 19th of the campaign. Mutch reduced the arrears with a raced clear to beat Marshall. free header after Kenwyne Jones nodded down Th[c]ophile-Catherine's cross, and Cardiff City (5-3-2) Marshall 6; Fabio 6, Theophile-Catherine 6, Cala 5, Caulker 5, aroused wildly ambitious hope of a late rally. These were doused when Suarez John 5 (Daehli 64, 6); Mutch 6, Medel 6, Kim 5 (Zaha 64,5); Bellamy 6 (Jones 70,5), brushed aside Juan Cala to clinch his hat-trick and draw level with Robbie Fowler's Campbell 6. Subs Lewis, Turner, Whittingham, Gunnarsson. Booked Cala 33, Fabio Premier League club record 28 goals. 50. Cardiff City (3-4-2-1): Marshall; Caulker, Cala, Theophile-Catherine; Da Silva, Liverpool (4-1-3-2) Mignolet 6; Johnson 7, Skrtel 7, Agger 6, Flanagan 5 (Cissokho Medel, Kim (Zaha, 65), John (Daehli, 65); Mutch, Bellamy (Jones, 70); Campbell. 73, 5); Gerrard 7; Henderson 6, Allen 7, Coutinho 8 (Sterling 67, 6); Suarez 8, Liverpool (4-1-2-1-2): Mignolet; Johnson, Skrtel, Agger, Flanagan (Sissoko, 73); Sturridge 8 (Sakho 90, 5). Subs Jones, Aspas, Moses, Leiva. Booked Gerrard, Skrtel, Gerrard; Henderson, Allen; Coutinho (Sterling, 68); Sturridge (Sakho, 90), Suarez. Allen. Referee N Swarbrick. Referee: Neil Swarbrick. Man of the match: Suarez (Liverpool) Match rating: 6/10
Compiled by Graeme Riley
22 2014March Date: 22 March 2014 Western Mail Sunday Times Sun Telegraph Telegraph Opposition: Cardiff City BBC Observer Times Mirror Echo Sun Independent Guardian Mail
Competition: League
Unstoppable Suarez stars in another rout Suarez hits hat-trick after Reds' slow start The Liverpool bandwagon rolls on. "We're gonna win the league" reverberated CARDIFF CITY from the travelling supporters after a sixth successive Premier League victory Mutch 9, 88 maintained Liverpool's pursuit of a first title since 1990 and offered further Campbell 25 3 evidence of their staggering firepower and ability to score almost at will. LIVERPOOL Trailing 2-1 at one stage, Liverpool responded in emphatic fashion through a hat- Suarez 16, 60, 90 trick from the irrepressible Luis Suarez, who took his tally for the season to 28 in Skrtel 41, 54,Sturridge 75 6 25 appearances, two goals from Martin Skrtel and another for Daniel Sturridge. SHORTLY before kick-off and in the right-hand corner of the Cardiff City stadium, Cardiff, who remain second bottom, were powerless to stop the the Liverpool contingent unfurled three banners that read "Make us dream". They inevitable Liverpool onslaught. Brendan Rodgers's side have racked up 24 goals were displayed again five minutes before the end, by which time Liverpool were across those last six league fixtures, an incredible return that underlines why they leading 5-2 and, although more goals were to come at either end, assured of a are not just legitimate title contenders but also entitled to stake a claim to be the sixth consecutive Premier League victory. most enjoyable team to watch in the Premier League at the moment. Liverpool were indeed making their followers dream and yet, for the first 45 Sunderland travel to Anfield on Wednesday night for the first of five home minutes, they had succeeded only in making them sweat. Impressive going games Liverpool have in their remaining eight fixtures - another reason for forward but careless in defence, Brendan Rodgers' side -- who had thrashed supporters to believe this could be their year. Manchester United at Old Trafford six days earlier -- twice allowed struggling "The immediate future is all I can focus on," Rodgers said. "The fans can believe Cardiff to take the lead. and dream - and that's important when you're a supporter. And when you come The talk before this match was about how many goals Liverpool's devastating and see your team play away from home and score six goals, then you've got strike force of Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge might score against one of the every right to do that." most fragile defences in the top flight. At half-time the question was whether If there is one nagging doubt about Liverpool's ability to finish top come 11 May, Liverpool's dithering defenders could keep out Fraizer Campbell and his it is the defensive vulnerability that surfaced again here. Cardiff, who have teammates for another 45 minutes. struggled for goals all season - Suarez alone has plundered more than Ole Gunnar How Rodgers must have been grateful for the half-time whistle. He had watched Solskjaer's entire squad - managed to score three times and on each occasion Jordon Mutch give Cardiff an early lead and then, after Suarez's equaliser, Liverpool's defending left much to be desired. Campbell restore it. Both Cardiff goals stemmed from weak defending. Although It was put to Rodgers that there are similarities between Liverpool and the Martin Skrtel netted a second equaliser shortly before the break, Rodgers knew a Newcastle team that Kevin Keegan managed the first time around, when the significant improvement was needed. modus operandi seemed to be to simply try to outscore opponents no matter His players responded well. In the second half Liverpool were more solid and what happened at the other end. disciplined as they saw off Cardiff's feisty challenge with some clinical finishing, "I think we're a totally different team to that - they were a wonderful team," notably from Suarez, who claimed his third hat-trick of the season. Rodgers said. "It's not how we work. We don't look to just outscore opponents, They profited from a numerical advantage to take the lead in the 54th minute, we work on our balance, we just conceded poor goals [today]. Skrtel heading Philippe Coutinho's corner past David Marshall while Cardiff had "We're off the back off two clean sheets, which I take as much pride in. We just two players off the pitch. conceded too much space. But the key thing for me is how we respond, and how "We were too deep and gave too much space to players who were a threat," said we've grown over the last 18 months has been that mental resilience and that Rodgers. "We lost the ball too cheaply and conceded poor goals. At half-time we confidence to know that we can get back into game, so I'm more pleased with reinforced the idea that we had to dominate the ball." that." The opening minutes were uncomfortable for Liverpool. Steven Gerrard was For Solskjaer, the biggest frustration was the manner in which Liverpool went cautioned after barely two minutes for a cynical foul on Campbell, before ahead for the first time. When Skrtel headed in Philippe Coutinho's corner to defender Kevin Theophile-Catherine wasted a fine chance for Cardiff. The sluggish put Liverpool 3-2 in front, Mutch and Kevin Theophile-Catherine were both off the start was soon punished. Joe Allen gave away possession, Campbell passed to pitch, after being ordered to leave the field following treatment. "I think you Mutch and he beat Simon Mignolet with a superb finish. should look at that rule," the Cardiff manager said. "How can you defend a corner Seven minutes later a delightful four-man move involving Coutinho, Jordan kick with nine men, and two of your men have not faked anything, they've not Henderson and Glen Johnson ended with Suarez equalising with his 26th goal of dived, they just want to get [back] on the pitch. I said to the fourth official: the campaign. It should have been the cue for Liverpool to seize control but more 'They're going to score here.'" poor defending allowed Cardiff, playing their most incisive football since Ole Solskjaer was at least able to take some encouragement from the way Cardiff Gunnar Solskjaer took charge at the turn of the year, to restore their lead. played in the first half. Mutch put them ahead in the fourth minute, after Campbell cut inside Daniel Agger, after controlling Mutch's delightful pass, and Campbell capitalised on Joe Allen's wayward pass, and beat Mignolet. although Liverpool equalised through Suarez, following a fine move involving Glen Five minutes before the interval, Liverpool broke through again. Coutinho crossed Johnson and Jordan Henderson, Cardiff were soon back in front. Daniel Agger was from the left and Skrtel, unmarked inside the six-yard box, poked the ball past left badly exposed by Mutch's slide-rule pass and Campbell skipped past the Dane Marshall. before confidently beating Simon Mignolet. This intriguing match arguably turned in the 54th minute. As Skrtel guided Skrtel then grabbed his first to bring Liverpool level, when he got in front of Juan Coutinho's corner past Marshall, Cardiff had only nine men on the pitch. Cala to volley in Coutinho's cross, and the central defender added his second with Theophile-Catherine and Mutch were both standing on the touchline, waiting for a glancing header when Cardiff were down to nine men. Sturridge's delightful permission to return after treatment. backheel set up Suarez for the Uruguayan's second and the roles were reversed "I think we need to look at this rule," said Solskjaer. "I knew they were going to for Liverpool's fifth. Suarez, running on to Johnson's long diagonal pass, got away score. Kevin and Jordan are two of our biggest players, and they were out of the from Steven Caulker before crossing for Sturridge to tap home. corner kick." Rodgers agreed that the goal was important but said Solskjaer Mutch's 88th-minute header, from a Kenwyne Jones knockdown, after "might have a word" with his medical team. the Liverpool defence again went missing, gave the scoreline a more respectable For the last half hour Liverpool toyed with their opponents. Suarez added a fourth look from Cardiff's point of view but Suarez was not finished. Shrugging off Cala, after being set up by Sturridge's back-heel, then provided the cross for his strike the striker sprinted clear in injury-time and beat David Marshall with nonchalant partner to make it 5-2 after Steven Caulker's failure to clear. Mutch headed a ease to register his third hat-trick of an extraordinary season. "He's a remarkable consolation goal for Cardiff but Suarez had the last word when he barged Juan player," Rodgers said. Cala off the ball before teasing, then beating, Marshall. CARDIFF Marshall; Fabio;, Caulker, Cala;, Theophile-Catherine, John (Daehli 65); Cardiff: Marshall 6, Fabio 6, Caulker 5, Cala 5, Theophile-Catherine 6, John 6 Mutch, Medel, Kim (Zaha 65); Bellamy (Jones 70); Campbell Subs not used Lewis, (Daehli 65min), Mutch 7, Medel 6, Kim 6 (Zaha 65min), Bellamy 6 (Jones 70min), Turner, Whittingham, Gunnarsson Campbell 7 Liverpool: Mignolet 6, Johnson 7, Skrtel 7, Agger 6, Flanagan 6 LIVERPOOL Mignolet; Johnson, Skrtel;, Agger, Flanagan (Cissokho 73); Gerrard;; (Cissokho 73min), Henderson 7, Gerrard 7, Allen 7, Coutinho 7 (Sterling 68min), Henderson, Coutinho (Sterling 68), Allen;; Suarez, Sturridge (Sakho 90) Subs not Sturridge 7 (Sakho 90min), Suarez 8 used Jones, Aspas, Moses, Leiva
Cardiff City Stadium 28,018 Game rating Referee Neil Swarbrick
Compiled by Graeme Riley
22 2014March Date: 22 March 2014 Western Mail Sunday Times Sun Telegraph Telegraph Opposition: Cardiff City BBC Observer Times Mirror Echo Sun Independent Guardian Mail
Competition: League
Luis Suarez equalled Robbie Fowler's 28-goal record for a Liverpool league season with a hat-trick as they kept the pressure on Premier League leaders Chelsea by seeing off Cardiff. Cardiff twice took the lead, through Jordon Mutch and Fraizer Campbell. Suarez levelled after Mutch's opener and Martin Skrtel did the same after Campbell struck. After twice going behind in the first half, Liverpool underlined their credentials as title contenders by remaining composed and confident against a side battling against the serious threat of relegation. With most of their fellow strugglers also losing, Cardiff ended the day no worse off than they started at second from bottom. Feelings among some protesting home fans also remained the same over the club's continued rebrand from blue to red under Malaysian owner Vincent Tan. With former Swansea boss Brendan Rodgers' side arriving in the Welsh capital on the back of a 3-0 win at Manchester United, the form book was heavily-weighted against Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men. The hosts took the game to Liverpool and were rewarded with Mutch's well-taken opener after former Swansea City midfielder Joe Allen gifted the Cardiff attacker possession. Mutch's low, left-footed drive gave Simon Mignolet no chance. Liverpool's response was swift as Suarez latched on to Glen Johnson's cross to beat David Marshall from close range. The visitors were guilty of giving Mutch too much space in the build-up to Cardiff's second. Campbell was equally free to gather Mutch's through ball to hit home from almost the identical spot from which Mutch had scored. Given the gulf in league positions and winning run it was no surprise that Liverpool's confidence remained unshakeable. And when Brazilian Philippe Coutinho's cross allowed Skrtel to add the deft scoring touch late in the opening period, Cardiff were left to discover whether their self-belief was as well-founded as Liverpool's. That test became even more stern after Coutinho crossed following a corner for Skrtel to head home his second in the 54th minute. The Bluebirds were down to nine men at that point as Kevin Theophile-Catherine and Mutch were receiving treatment on the sidelines. And when Sturridge sent through the pass that allowed Suarez to stylishly add his second, the contest was all-but over. Johnson then found Suarez, whose pass gave Sturridge the chance to score from close range. Mutch gave the home side late hope with his header and the announcement of five minutes of added time gave Solskjaer's side another boost. But when substitute Wilfried Zaha hesitated under a long ball before falling to the floor, Suarez had the time and space to tease home goalkeeper Marshall before putting the finishing touch to Liverpool's impressive display with a hat-trick. Cardiff manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer: "We had them exactly where we wanted. "We tested them defensively and we scored some fantastic goals, and maybe we conceded two poor goals. Liverpool didn't have a lot in the first half, chances wise. "[Suarez] is a top, top striker. He is on the move all the time. But for long periods, I thought we dealt well with him, especially in the first half." Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers: "[Suarez's] determination, his desire, his will is at such a big level. He is a world- class player who is enjoying his football, and long may it continue. "The mental resilience is how we've grown over the past 18 months, and that confidence to know we can get back in the game. "You look at our imagination and creativity today. I think the crowd felt that every time we were in their half, we could score. We've got footballers, technicians, who can open up a game for us."
Compiled by Graeme Riley
22 2014March Date: 22 March 2014 Western Mail Sunday Times Sun Telegraph Telegraph Opposition: Cardiff City BBC Observer Times Mirror Echo Sun Independent Guardian Mail
Competition: League
Full time Match ends, Cardiff City 3, Liverpool 6. 45:00 Second Half begins Cardiff City 2, Liverpool 2. 90:00+6:41Full time Second Half ends, Cardiff City 3, Liverpool 6. 45:00+2:24Half time First Half ends, Cardiff City 2, Liverpool 2. 90:00+5:27Goal scored Goal!Goal! Cardiff City 3, Liverpool 6. Luis Suarez (Liverpool right 45:00+1:51 Corner, Liverpool. Conceded by Steven Caulker. footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom right corner. Assisted by Martin 45:00+1:49 Attempt saved. Luis Suarez (Liverpool right footed shot from the centre of Skrtel following a fast break. the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Glen Johnson with a through ball. 90:00+3:50 Corner, Cardiff City. Conceded by Martin Skrtel. 44:33 Daniel Agger (Liverpool wins a free kick in the defensive half. 90:00+3:17Booking Joe Allen (Liverpool is shown the yellow card for a bad foul. 44:33 Foul by Fraizer Campbell (Cardiff City. 90:00+3:13 Foul by Joe Allen (Liverpool. 43:30 Corner, Liverpool. Conceded by David Marshall. 90:00+3:13 Gary Medel (Cardiff City wins a free kick in the defensive half. 43:02 Corner, Liverpool. Conceded by Gary Medel. 90:00+2:36 Attempt missed. Fraizer Campbell (Cardiff City right footed shot from 42:04 Foul by Joe Allen (Liverpool. outside the box is too high. Assisted by Gary Medel with a headed pass. 42:04 Fabio (Cardiff City wins a free kick in the defensive half. 90:00+1:50Substitution SubstitutionSubstitution, Liverpool. Mamadou Sakho replaces 41:52 Attempt blocked. Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool left footed shot from the right side Daniel Sturridge. of the box is blocked. Assisted by Luis Suarez. 90:00+1:10Booking Martin Skrtel (Liverpool is shown the yellow card for a bad foul. 40:11Goal scored Goal!Goal! Cardiff City 2, Liverpool 2. Martin Skrtel (Liverpool left 90:00+1:03 Foul by Martin Skrtel (Liverpool. footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Philippe 90:00+1:03 Wilfried Zaha (Cardiff City wins a free kick in the attacking half. Coutinho with a cross following a corner. 90:00+0:49 Attempt saved. Luis Suarez (Liverpool right footed shot from outside the box 39:29 Corner, Liverpool. Conceded by Gary Medel. is saved in the top centre of the goal. Assisted by Raheem Sterling. 36:33 Attempt saved. Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool left footed shot from the left side of 89:18 Foul by Glen Johnson (Liverpool. the box is saved in the top centre of the goal. Assisted by Jordan Henderson. 89:18 Wilfried Zaha (Cardiff City wins a free kick in the attacking half. 34:37 Foul by Luis Suarez (Liverpool. 87:15Goal scored Goal!Goal! Cardiff City 3, Liverpool 5. Jordon Mutch (Cardiff City 34:37 Cala (Cardiff City wins a free kick in the defensive half. header from the centre of the box to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Kenwyne Jones 33:54 Attempt missed. Joe Allen (Liverpool left footed shot from the right side of the with a headed pass. box is close, but misses to the right. Assisted by Philippe Coutinho following a corner. 83:50 Luis Suarez (Liverpool wins a free kick in the attacking half. 33:22 Corner, Liverpool. Conceded by Steven Caulker. 83:50 Foul by Cala (Cardiff City. 33:17 Attempt blocked. Luis Suarez (Liverpool right footed shot from outside the box is 82:50 Attempt missed. Luis Suarez (Liverpool header from the centre of the box is too blocked. high. Assisted by Steven Gerrard with a cross following a set piece situation. 32:22Booking Cala (Cardiff City is shown the yellow card. 82:19 Raheem Sterling (Liverpool wins a free kick on the left wing. 32:06 Joe Allen (Liverpool wins a free kick in the attacking half. 82:19 Foul by Wilfried Zaha (Cardiff City. 32:06 Foul by Kévin Théophile-Catherine (Cardiff City. 81:19 Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool wins a free kick in the defensive half. 30:53 Attempt blocked. Fabio (Cardiff City left footed shot from outside the box is 81:19 Foul by Cala (Cardiff City. blocked. Assisted by Craig Bellamy. 77:37 Attempt missed. Wilfried Zaha (Cardiff City left footed shot from the left side of 29:26 Attempt missed. Philippe Coutinho (Liverpool right footed shot from outside the the box misses to the right. Assisted by Kenwyne Jones with a headed pass. box misses to the right. 74:25Goal scored Goal!Goal! Cardiff City 2, Liverpool 5. Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool right 27:45 Foul by Steven Gerrard (Liverpool. footed shot from very close range to the centre of the goal. Assisted by Luis Suarez 27:45 Declan John (Cardiff City wins a free kick on the left wing. following a fast break. 26:50 Daniel Agger (Liverpool wins a free kick in the defensive half. 73:01 Foul by Aly Cissokho (Liverpool. 26:50 Foul by Jordon Mutch (Cardiff City. 73:01 Kenwyne Jones (Cardiff City wins a free kick on the right wing. 24:52Goal scored Goal!Goal! Cardiff City 2, Liverpool 1. Fraizer Campbell (Cardiff City 72:05Substitution SubstitutionSubstitution, Liverpool. Aly Cissokho replaces Jon left footed shot from the centre of the box to the centre of the goal. Assisted by Jordon Flanagan. Mutch. 71:29 Glen Johnson (Liverpool wins a free kick in the defensive half. 23:09 Attempt missed. Fraizer Campbell (Cardiff City header from the centre of the box 71:29 Foul by Kenwyne Jones (Cardiff City. is too high. Assisted by Craig Bellamy with a cross. 69:31Substitution SubstitutionSubstitution, Cardiff City. Kenwyne Jones replaces Craig 15:47Goal scored Goal!Goal! Cardiff City 1, Liverpool 1. Luis Suarez (Liverpool right Bellamy. footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom right corner. Assisted by Glen 68:29 Attempt missed. Steven Gerrard (Liverpool right footed shot from a difficult angle Johnson. and long range on the right is too high from a direct free kick. 14:34 Philippe Coutinho (Liverpool wins a free kick in the attacking half. 67:58 Glen Johnson (Liverpool wins a free kick on the right wing. 14:34 Foul by Jordon Mutch (Cardiff City. 67:58 Foul by Fabio (Cardiff City. 12:35 Steven Gerrard (Liverpool wins a free kick in the defensive half. 67:28Substitution SubstitutionSubstitution, Liverpool. Raheem Sterling replaces Philippe 12:35 Foul by Jordon Mutch (Cardiff City. Coutinho. 10:47 Foul by Jon Flanagan (Liverpool. 64:45Substitution SubstitutionSubstitution, Cardiff City. Wilfried Zaha replaces Kim Bo- 10:47 Fraizer Campbell (Cardiff City wins a free kick in the attacking half. Kyung. 10:19 Hand ball by Fabio (Cardiff City. 64:31Substitution SubstitutionSubstitution, Cardiff City. Mats Daehli replaces Declan 8:28Goal scored Goal!Goal! Cardiff City 1, Liverpool 0. Jordon Mutch (Cardiff City left John. footed shot from the right side of the box to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Fraizer 64:00 Attempt blocked. Fabio (Cardiff City header from the centre of the box is blocked. Campbell. Assisted by Craig Bellamy with a cross. 7:20 Philippe Coutinho (Liverpool wins a free kick in the attacking half. 63:39 Corner, Cardiff City. Conceded by Martin Skrtel. 7:20 Foul by Fabio (Cardiff City. 62:04 Foul by Joe Allen (Liverpool. 3:09 Attempt missed. Kévin Théophile-Catherine (Cardiff City right footed shot from the 62:04 Fraizer Campbell (Cardiff City wins a free kick in the attacking half. centre of the box is too high. Assisted by Fraizer Campbell with a cross following a 61:24 Attempt missed. Jon Flanagan (Liverpool right footed shot from the centre of the corner. box is high and wide to the right. Assisted by Luis Suarez. 2:35 Corner, Cardiff City. Conceded by Simon Mignolet. 59:44Goal scored Goal!Goal! Cardiff City 2, Liverpool 4. Luis Suarez (Liverpool left footed 1:58Booking Steven Gerrard (Liverpool is shown the yellow card for a bad foul. shot from the centre of the box to the bottom right corner. Assisted by Daniel Sturridge. 1:41 Foul by Steven Gerrard (Liverpool. 55:54 Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool wins a free kick in the attacking half. 1:41 Fraizer Campbell (Cardiff City wins a free kick on the right wing. 55:54 Foul by Fabio (Cardiff City. 0:00 First Half begins. 54:45 Attempt missed. Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool left footed shot from the left side of 0:00 Lineups are announced and players are warming up. the box is close, but misses to the left. Assisted by Joe Allen.
53:04Goal scored Goal!Goal! Cardiff City 2, Liverpool 3. Martin Skrtel (Liverpool header from the centre of the box to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Philippe Coutinho with a cross following a corner. 52:15 Delay over. They are ready to continue. 51:22 Delay in match Kévin Théophile-Catherine (Cardiff City because of an injury. 51:09 Corner, Liverpool. Conceded by Kévin Théophile-Catherine. 51:07 Attempt blocked. Luis Suarez (Liverpool right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. 51:04 Attempt blocked. Luis Suarez (Liverpool right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. 49:56Booking Fabio (Cardiff City is shown the yellow card for a bad foul. 49:34 Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool wins a free kick in the attacking half. 49:34 Foul by Fabio (Cardiff City. 48:43 Foul by Luis Suarez (Liverpool. 48:43 Kévin Théophile-Catherine (Cardiff City wins a free kick in the defensive half. 47:24 Corner, Cardiff City. Conceded by Martin Skrtel. 46:22 Offside, Liverpool. Daniel Sturridge tries a through ball, but Luis Suarez is caught offside.
Compiled by Graeme Riley