Match Reports
COVENTRY 0-2 LIVERPOOL Liverpool won their 4th match in a row to move closer to their target of 3rd place in a tough game at Highfield Road. Coventry looked the brighter side early on as they went close on a couple of occasions in the first quarter of the game. Defender Paul Williams found himself with only Sander Westerweld to beat, but the big keeper saved the shot with his legs to knock the ball wide for a corner. Shortly after that chance, Eustace had another chance for the home side but he put a header over the bar from less than 6 yards out. Liverpool struggled to create many clear chances in the first half, and their best opportunities fell to Danny Murphy, who hit a free kick well over the bar, and Fowler, who headed wide from inside the 6 yard area. Gerard Houllier introduced Michael Owen early in the second half at the expense of Robbie Fowler, and he looked lively as soon as he came on. Owen went on a few runs and caused a lot of problems for the Coventry defence as Liverpool used Owen's pace to try and get the win they badly needed. His best chance came when he tried to chip Kirkland, but the Coventry keeper just got a touch on the ball to put it out for a corner. Then, with 8 minutes to go, Owen looked certain to give Liverpool the lead after getting into a good position but his shot hit the hand of Williams in what looked like a blatant penalty. But the referee said no and Liverpool were this time the victims of a controversial penalty decision. But from the resulting corner, Sami Hyypia headed in to give Liverpool a vital lead. It was nothing more than Liverpool deserved for their second half display. Coventry had to attack and went straight up to the Liverpool end, but failed to score and just 2 minutes after going ahead, Gary McAllister scored from a free kick against his former club to seal the victory for Liverpool. The result sees Liverpool close the gap on Ipswich and Leeds, and even though they remain in 5th place, a win away to Bradford next week could see Liverpool claim 3rd place if other results go their way. View match pictures from this game!
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