Liverpool’s big derby at Anfield was an almost perfect night out for Kenny Dalglish’s men in red, as they led their Merseyside rivals Everton to a 3-0 defeat, ending their 3 games losing streak. We saw Steven Gerrard rise to the occasion and he scored a hat trick on his 400TH league appearance to take home the match ball. Liverpool showed their usual attacking mentality, but this time, they were rewarded for it.
With Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll up front together, I felt they linked up well, something we have been hoping for all season from them. Suarez once again used his delicate touches and smart passes to create problems for the Everton back four. He was the main catalyst for the three goals and also did provide a threat on goal on few occasions.
On the other hand we saw Steven Gerrard, show a glimpse of his goal scoring ability, when he netted in all three goals to seal three points for Liverpool. His first goal proved his class when delicately hit it over the defenders and away for Tim Howard. Gerrard also seemed to have an understanding with the Red’s number 7 striker, which is something to look forward to in the future.
But is there an over reliance on the skipper for goals?
That is the question which needs to be properly addressed immediately by the Liverpool staff. There have been games when Gerrard features Liverpool’s fortunes seem to change for example: Liverpool against Manchester United, Steven Gerrard enters as a substitute during a tight game only to score Liverpool’s only goal (Result: It ended as a draw at Anfield). Another example this season would be against Newcastle when he finally returned on Liverpool’s bench from injury, to feature as a substitute. After a going a goal down to the Magpies, the return of Gerrard boosted Liverpool’s midfield and Gerrard also scored a goal (Result: Liverpool won 3-1).
There is no denying that Gerrard has been fantastic in front of goal, but is it okay for the rest of the team to solely depend on him? My concern is that Liverpool should dump their goal scoring duties only on Gerrard, like they did to Torres (which had him injured quite often). During the halftime of the Everton game it did look like Gerrard was having problems with his ankle but it was quickly addressed to and Gerrard looked fit and fine for the rest of the game.
It would point out that Gerrard is not going to be very regular in the Liverpool outfit, so the goal scoring problem has to be addressed now, before the start of the new season. Either Kenny should invest in a striker or he should stick to one proper line-up; that is let Suarez and Carroll play up front more often. And if Downing and Henderson are not able to display performances invest in proven wingers and have Kuyt and Bellamy hold the fort for the time being.
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For Heaven’s sake! He scored a few goals in a match and you have the “end of the world is nigh” attitude. Time you grew up.