Match Reports
Liverpool 1-0 Sunderland Liverpool kept their lead of the Premiership with a narrow victory over Sunderland, who had previously never lost a Permier League match at Anfield. After a third home defeat of the season last Tuesday, Liverpool needed to bounce back with a win against a side who have struggled away from home and Liverpool began the game as the stronger team with Fowler and Gerrard in particular looking impressive in the opening stages. And Fowler was the man with the best early opportunity to score. Heskey flicked the ball on to Fowler who still had work to do, but managed to beat the last defender in the area and fire in a shot from a tight angle which hit the side netting. On 22 minutes, Liverpool finally recieved reward for all of their dominance. After Smicer was taken down just outside the area following a menacing run down the left, the resulting free kick was headed in by Heskey. It was nothing short of what Heskey has deserved for some excellent performances of late, and this game was possibly his best of the season. Heskey combined his power with some great football and a piece of second half skill to beat two men which even Jari Litmanen would have been proud of. But the turning point in the game was just before half time. Dietmar Hamann went in for a 50-50 ball with two feet and despite both feet being on the ground and him clearly winning the ball, Hamann was eventually given a stright red card by referee Steve Bennett who seemed to lose complete control of the game after that, with a number of debatable decisions being given away in the second half. The sending off immediately saw Sunderland fight their way into the game after forcing a save from Dudek in the closing moments of the half, they looked to be more adventurous and as a result, the second period was largely playing in the Liverpool half, with the Reds forced to defend their lead and counter attack whenever possible. Gary McAllister had a chance to make it 2-0 midway through the half, but with the goal just 10 yards ahead of him and the goalkeeper still picking himself up from making a save from Smicer, Macca blasted the ball well over the bar when it looked certain that he would at least force the keeper into a save. It wasnt to be though and despite being kept reasonably quiet by the Liverpool back line, Sunderland never looked completely out of the game and made Liverpool work hard for a close win which was the right result in the end. With Leeds losing home points and Man United going down to yet another defeat, this time against Arsenal, Liverpool are now clear at the top and still have a game in hand, which is against Fulham at Anfield in December. View match pictures from this game!
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