Gonzalo Higuain has poured cold water on speculation about a possible move away from Napoli, insisting he is happy at the Serie A outfit.
The Argentina striker has been strongly linked with a big-money switch to Liverpool in the winter transfer market.
However, speaking to Sky Italia shortly after Napoli's 1-0 triumph at Lazio on Sunday - a match which saw him net the only goal - Higuain said: "I am happy here.
"I have a contract here."
Napoli's signing of Italy forward Manolo Gabbiadini from Sampdoria last week increased speculation about Higuain future at the club.
The 27-year-old joined Napoli in the summer of 2013 from Real Madrid and is under contract with the Naples outfit until June 2018.
Higuain's winner against Lazio saw him move onto 10 goals in 19 league appearances for Napoli this season, and helped his side leapfrog their opponents into third place in Serie A.
The top three teams in Italy's top flight will compete in next season's Champions League.
"Fortunately, we took control of a game that looked to be a difficult test," Higuain said. "Lazio are a strong side to face but we have to win in order to overtake them in the table.
"This was an important game for us and now we need to look ahead to our next match."
Napoli host Udinese in the Coppa Italia round of 16 on Thursday.
Gonzalo Higuain has poured cold water on speculation about a possible move away from Napoli, insisting he is happy at the Serie A outfit.
The Argentina striker has been strongly linked with a big-money switch to Liverpool in the winter transfer market.
However, speaking to Sky Italia shortly after Napoli's 1-0 triumph at Lazio on Sunday - a match which saw him net the only goal - Higuain said: "I am happy here.
"I have a contract here."
Napoli's signing of Italy forward Manolo Gabbiadini from Sampdoria last week increased speculation about Higuain future at the club.
The 27-year-old joined Napoli in the summer of 2013 from Real Madrid and is under contract with the Naples outfit until June 2018.
Higuain's winner against Lazio saw him move onto 10 goals in 19 league appearances for Napoli this season, and helped his side leapfrog their opponents into third place in Serie A.
The top three teams in Italy's top flight will compete in next season's Champions League.
"Fortunately, we took control of a game that looked to be a difficult test," Higuain said. "Lazio are a strong side to face but we have to win in order to overtake them in the table.
"This was an important game for us and now we need to look ahead to our next match."
Napoli host Udinese in the Coppa Italia round of 16 on Thursday.
We round-up the best newspaper reaction from Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Aston Villa at Villa Park.
It was another good day at the office for Liverpool, and they are now unbeaten in eight games in all competitions. Fabio Borini and Rickie Lambert’s goals were enough to earn Brendan Rodgers‘ side all three points, but they had to see off a spirited Villa onslaught after the break.
Similarly to last weekend, the papers are beginning to realise Liverpool’s decline earlier in the season may have been exaggerated.
Ian Baker of The Telegraph discussed the Reds’ good form, highlighting the fact they still have three trophies and a top-four finish to play for this season:
It has been far from the convincing season that Liverpool’s high standards expected but a routine victory at Aston Villa suggests that it is one that could still end in Champions League football.
[…]
But it also takes it to eight matches unbeaten and with a Capital One Cup semi-final tie with Chelsea to look forward to on Tuesday, their season is still very much alive on several fronts.
Tim Rich of the Independent also hails Liverpool’s recent turnaround in fortunes:
A little more than a month ago, Brendan Rodgers was facing the kind of pressure that is wearing down the man in the opposite dug-out. Liverpool had been beaten badly by Manchester United, were hopelessly off the pace domestically, out of the Champions League and every other question was about Mario Balotelli.
Since that defeat at Old Trafford, Liverpool have not lost, largely because of the radical 3-4-3 formation that the Liverpool manager who admits to pacing the floor of his kitchen rolling tactics around his head, adopted.
The Daily Mail ‘s Dominic King was full of praise for Simon Mignolet, who performed admirably after a tough time of late:
History suggests Liverpool crumble when pressure is applied and this looked like the moment when they would concede.
Standing firm, though, was Simon Mignolet. Benteke may have unleashed fury from his right foot, smashing his drive towards the Holte End net, but Mignolet – so often lampooned for his mistakes – would not be beaten.
[…]
This was more like it. Mignolet has had a poor season, his low point coming when he was dropped for the December 15 trip to Old Trafford, but here was a performance to show why he was bought. For the first time in a long while, he exuded the authority of a Liverpool No 1.
The Liverpool Echo ‘s Kristian Walsh declares, “How could Liverpool contemplate moving from three at the back after a run like this?”, outlining their sizeable improvements at the back in recent weeks:
Granted, the Reds were on the ropes for a fair portion of the second half. At one point, they had officially been declared under the cosh, with limbs and heads flying towards the ball in an effort to keep it out of the net, and keep the score to nil.
But they did it. Sometimes, defending isn’t about the artistic slide challenges and well-timed headers; sometimes, it simply involves clinging on, gritting teeth and not crumbling as the sledgehammer flies in.
Next up for Liverpool is their Capital One Cup semi-final first-leg clash with Chelsea at Anfield on Tuesday (7:45pm), before Bolton head to Merseyside in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday.
Their next Premier League game is not until January 31st, when they host West Ham.
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We round-up the best newspaper reaction from Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Aston Villa at Villa Park.
It was another good day at the office for Liverpool, and they are now unbeaten in eight games in all competitions. Fabio Borini and Rickie Lambert’s goals were enough to earn Brendan Rodgers‘ side all three points, but they had to see off a spirited Villa onslaught after the break.
Similarly to last weekend, the papers are beginning to realise Liverpool’s decline earlier in the season may have been exaggerated.
Ian Baker of The Telegraph discussed the Reds’ good form, highlighting the fact they still have three trophies and a top-four finish to play for this season:
It has been far from the convincing season that Liverpool’s high standards expected but a routine victory at Aston Villa suggests that it is one that could still end in Champions League football.
[…]
But it also takes it to eight matches unbeaten and with a Capital One Cup semi-final tie with Chelsea to look forward to on Tuesday, their season is still very much alive on several fronts.
Tim Rich of the Independent also hails Liverpool’s recent turnaround in fortunes:
A little more than a month ago, Brendan Rodgers was facing the kind of pressure that is wearing down the man in the opposite dug-out. Liverpool had been beaten badly by Manchester United, were hopelessly off the pace domestically, out of the Champions League and every other question was about Mario Balotelli.
Since that defeat at Old Trafford, Liverpool have not lost, largely because of the radical 3-4-3 formation that the Liverpool manager who admits to pacing the floor of his kitchen rolling tactics around his head, adopted.
The Daily Mail ‘s Dominic King was full of praise for Simon Mignolet, who performed admirably after a tough time of late:
History suggests Liverpool crumble when pressure is applied and this looked like the moment when they would concede.
Standing firm, though, was Simon Mignolet. Benteke may have unleashed fury from his right foot, smashing his drive towards the Holte End net, but Mignolet – so often lampooned for his mistakes – would not be beaten.
[…]
This was more like it. Mignolet has had a poor season, his low point coming when he was dropped for the December 15 trip to Old Trafford, but here was a performance to show why he was bought. For the first time in a long while, he exuded the authority of a Liverpool No 1.
The Liverpool Echo ‘s Kristian Walsh declares, “How could Liverpool contemplate moving from three at the back after a run like this?”, outlining their sizeable improvements at the back in recent weeks:
Granted, the Reds were on the ropes for a fair portion of the second half. At one point, they had officially been declared under the cosh, with limbs and heads flying towards the ball in an effort to keep it out of the net, and keep the score to nil.
But they did it. Sometimes, defending isn’t about the artistic slide challenges and well-timed headers; sometimes, it simply involves clinging on, gritting teeth and not crumbling as the sledgehammer flies in.
Next up for Liverpool is their Capital One Cup semi-final first-leg clash with Chelsea at Anfield on Tuesday (7:45pm), before Bolton head to Merseyside in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday.
Their next Premier League game is not until January 31st, when they host West Ham.
.
Fabio Borini and Rickie Lambert ensured victory at Aston Villa, but neither suit Liverpool’s system like Daniel Sturridge, writes Jack Lusby.
In what was, overall, a relative stroll to victory at Villa Park on Saturday, Liverpool’s Brendan Rodgers had his peripheral attacking figures to thank for the defining moments, with Fabio Borini and Rickie Lambert notching two all-important goals.
A 2-0 away victory, a thriving performance and another clean sheet stands as one more step in the right direction for a Reds side that has so struggled this season.
Borini and Lambert shared the spoils with a pair of fine finishes, which belied their jarring with Rodgers’ system.
They will rightly take the plaudits for their goals, but with a tough run of fixtures coming up, their overall contribution to the side will likely be found wanting.
To achieve a high-profile, devastating sheen, Liverpool will need to turn to their soon-fit striker, Daniel Sturridge.
Fabio Borini
For every positive with Borini, there is seemingly a negative attached.
Namely, Borini is regularly praised for his movement and industry, with Rodgers often the first to note this, as he did in October after an impressive contribution in the Capital One Cup against Swansea City:
“His pace, movement and work rate gave them problems…He’s very determined and he showed that in the game…Playing up there you need to have that mobility. You’ve got to have that willingness to take risks in the right areas and work your socks off. Fabio did that.”
At Villa Park, Borini was a persistent outlet, perhaps vindicating Rodgers’ decision to start the Italian.
But there is effective running and running for the sake of it, and at times against Villa, Borini bordered on the latter.
While his goal was well taken, and the timing of Borini’s run on that occasion was commendable, this needs to be matched with a consistency and awareness throughout the game.
On 66 minutes, Raheem Sterling found Jordan Henderson in a dangerous position near the Villa by-line, and the captain sent a dangerous ball across the face of goal.
Goalkeeper Brad Guzan easily collected the cross, with Borini making a run to the far post—a striker with sharper movement, like Sturridge, would invariably head towards the near post.
Another example of Borini’s lack of awareness was his failure to square the ball across to an onrushing Philippe Coutinho when fed through by Henderson on 57 minutes.
Instead, Villa centre-back Jores Okore easily shepherded the striker out of harm’s way.
Sturridge was criticised for such single-mindedness in his early days with the club, but a hugely fruitful partnership with Luis Suarez last season seemingly ended this—the striker is now happy to provide as much as he is to finish.
Borini’s faults serve to underline Sturridge’s merits and, for different reasons, the introduction of Lambert on 72 minutes went a step further.
Rickie Lambert
Lambert entered the action with the game precariously poised, an entirely different proposition to the dominant first half.
After the interval, Villa were arguably the more threatening side, with Christian Benteke growing in stature, and new signing Carles Gil providing a cultured touch just behind the striker.
Rodgers needed to level the playing field and, while it seemed a bizarre move at the time with fellow substitutes Adam Lallana and Jordon Ibe more suiting Liverpool’s style, Lambert proved to be the right option.
Lambert made just 10 touches, six passes and one tackle, but his physical presence was enough to occupy Villa’s defence.
Happily, Lambert finished the game off with an expertly taken goal on 79 minutes:
This was by far not a poor performance by Lambert—the England striker likely did exactly what was asked of him, challenging the Villa defence physically, and even went a step further with his goal.
But this is exactly the role Lambert is to play: a plan B, a situation equaliser, a physical match.
Introducing Daniel Sturridge
A series of assessments from Rodgers after the game outlined a rational view of Lambert and Borini’s roles at the club, as well as pointing to a bright, optimistic second half to the season.
Firstly, the manager declared: “Lambert gives his all, and from the bench he can come on and make a difference.”
Lambert and Borini are squad players, and their overall jarring with Liverpool’s evolving, successful system outlines why—neither can be built around, neither can comfortably contributed to the fluid play that Rodgers is looking to stimulate, for one reason or the other.
This was followed by praise for his flourishing system at Liverpool:
“We are performing at a good level, defensively we are strong and playing some good football. We have to keep improving… It’s a real young exciting team. You see some of the football we played today, and maybe we could have had one or two more goals.”
This clearly involves Sturridge in a focal role, as Rodgers outlined: “Just having him on field to begin with will be critical to the team because I think his threat is obvious.”
“It’s the only way we will get him back up to speed.”
Rodgers will be thankful that Borini and Lambert were able to provide the finishing touch to his thriving system against Villa, particularly as this will serve as a confidence boost for the pair.
With Liverpool still competing on four fronts this season, these squad players will be invaluable.
But it is clear that their all-round game isn’t near suitable to the system that is being implemented, and Rodgers has clearly identified this.
The return of Daniel Sturridge to fitness, to the side and to goals can’t come sooner.
What role should Fabio Borini and Rickie Lambert play for Liverpool? Let us know in the comments below.
.
Fabio Borini and Rickie Lambert ensured victory at Aston Villa, but neither suit Liverpool’s system like Daniel Sturridge, writes Jack Lusby.
In what was, overall, a relative stroll to victory at Villa Park on Saturday, Liverpool’s Brendan Rodgers had his peripheral attacking figures to thank for the defining moments, with Fabio Borini and Rickie Lambert notching two all-important goals.
A 2-0 away victory, a thriving performance and another clean sheet stands as one more step in the right direction for a Reds side that has so struggled this season.
Borini and Lambert shared the spoils with a pair of fine finishes, which belied their jarring with Rodgers’ system.
They will rightly take the plaudits for their goals, but with a tough run of fixtures coming up, their overall contribution to the side will likely be found wanting.
To achieve a high-profile, devastating sheen, Liverpool will need to turn to their soon-fit striker, Daniel Sturridge.
Fabio Borini
For every positive with Borini, there is seemingly a negative attached.
Namely, Borini is regularly praised for his movement and industry, with Rodgers often the first to note this, as he did in October after an impressive contribution in the Capital One Cup against Swansea City:
“His pace, movement and work rate gave them problems…He’s very determined and he showed that in the game…Playing up there you need to have that mobility. You’ve got to have that willingness to take risks in the right areas and work your socks off. Fabio did that.”
At Villa Park, Borini was a persistent outlet, perhaps vindicating Rodgers’ decision to start the Italian.
But there is effective running and running for the sake of it, and at times against Villa, Borini bordered on the latter.
While his goal was well taken, and the timing of Borini’s run on that occasion was commendable, this needs to be matched with a consistency and awareness throughout the game.
On 66 minutes, Raheem Sterling found Jordan Henderson in a dangerous position near the Villa by-line, and the captain sent a dangerous ball across the face of goal.
Goalkeeper Brad Guzan easily collected the cross, with Borini making a run to the far post—a striker with sharper movement, like Sturridge, would invariably head towards the near post.
Another example of Borini’s lack of awareness was his failure to square the ball across to an onrushing Philippe Coutinho when fed through by Henderson on 57 minutes.
Instead, Villa centre-back Jores Okore easily shepherded the striker out of harm’s way.
Sturridge was criticised for such single-mindedness in his early days with the club, but a hugely fruitful partnership with Luis Suarez last season seemingly ended this—the striker is now happy to provide as much as he is to finish.
Borini’s faults serve to underline Sturridge’s merits and, for different reasons, the introduction of Lambert on 72 minutes went a step further.
Rickie Lambert
Lambert entered the action with the game precariously poised, an entirely different proposition to the dominant first half.
After the interval, Villa were arguably the more threatening side, with Christian Benteke growing in stature, and new signing Carles Gil providing a cultured touch just behind the striker.
Rodgers needed to level the playing field and, while it seemed a bizarre move at the time with fellow substitutes Adam Lallana and Jordon Ibe more suiting Liverpool’s style, Lambert proved to be the right option.
Lambert made just 10 touches, six passes and one tackle, but his physical presence was enough to occupy Villa’s defence.
Happily, Lambert finished the game off with an expertly taken goal on 79 minutes:
This was by far not a poor performance by Lambert—the England striker likely did exactly what was asked of him, challenging the Villa defence physically, and even went a step further with his goal.
But this is exactly the role Lambert is to play: a plan B, a situation equaliser, a physical match.
Introducing Daniel Sturridge
A series of assessments from Rodgers after the game outlined a rational view of Lambert and Borini’s roles at the club, as well as pointing to a bright, optimistic second half to the season.
Firstly, the manager declared: “Lambert gives his all, and from the bench he can come on and make a difference.”
Lambert and Borini are squad players, and their overall jarring with Liverpool’s evolving, successful system outlines why—neither can be built around, neither can comfortably contributed to the fluid play that Rodgers is looking to stimulate, for one reason or the other.
This was followed by praise for his flourishing system at Liverpool:
“We are performing at a good level, defensively we are strong and playing some good football. We have to keep improving… It’s a real young exciting team. You see some of the football we played today, and maybe we could have had one or two more goals.”
This clearly involves Sturridge in a focal role, as Rodgers outlined: “Just having him on field to begin with will be critical to the team because I think his threat is obvious.”
“It’s the only way we will get him back up to speed.”
Rodgers will be thankful that Borini and Lambert were able to provide the finishing touch to his thriving system against Villa, particularly as this will serve as a confidence boost for the pair.
With Liverpool still competing on four fronts this season, these squad players will be invaluable.
But it is clear that their all-round game isn’t near suitable to the system that is being implemented, and Rodgers has clearly identified this.
The return of Daniel Sturridge to fitness, to the side and to goals can’t come sooner.
What role should Fabio Borini and Rickie Lambert play for Liverpool? Let us know in the comments below.
.
Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers claimed his team were getting back to their best after they closed in on the Champions League spots with a 2-0 win at Aston Villa.
Fabio Borini‘s first Reds goal in almost two years and Rickie Lambert’s strike extended the Merseysiders’ unbeaten run to eight games in all competitions and lifted them to seventh place in the Barclays Premier League.
Rodgers believes they have moved on from their difficult start to the campaign, which saw them win just six of their opening 19 games.
“It was fair to say in the opening four months of the season we were nowhere near what we had been, so we needed to find a solution,” he said.
“I had seen enough of the dynamic to see the side had enough going forward. We will always look to improve and the challenge is to improve.
“We’re building towards the future and progressing really well. The team is performing at a good level and playing some wonderful football.
“If we can get through to the end of January, getting to the top four is still an objective.
“We could have had one or two more goals, but it was a tough game.
“The system is working very well for us. In my time here we’ve played a lot of different systems but this one is exciting. The players that we bring in are footballers anyway.
“The most important thing for me is the identity and style of the team.”
Martin Skrtel also hit the post for Liverpool and defeat left Villa three points above the relegation zone, having not scored in eight hours and 42 minutes ahead of a daunting run.
They go to Arsenal and then host Chelsea – after facing Sky Bet Championship leaders Bournemouth in the FA Cup – in their next two league games. PA
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Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers claimed his team were getting back to their best after they closed in on the Champions League spots with a 2-0 win at Aston Villa.
Fabio Borini‘s first Reds goal in almost two years and Rickie Lambert’s strike extended the Merseysiders’ unbeaten run to eight games in all competitions and lifted them to seventh place in the Barclays Premier League.
Rodgers believes they have moved on from their difficult start to the campaign, which saw them win just six of their opening 19 games.
“It was fair to say in the opening four months of the season we were nowhere near what we had been, so we needed to find a solution,” he said.
“I had seen enough of the dynamic to see the side had enough going forward. We will always look to improve and the challenge is to improve.
“We’re building towards the future and progressing really well. The team is performing at a good level and playing some wonderful football.
“If we can get through to the end of January, getting to the top four is still an objective.
“We could have had one or two more goals, but it was a tough game.
“The system is working very well for us. In my time here we’ve played a lot of different systems but this one is exciting. The players that we bring in are footballers anyway.
“The most important thing for me is the identity and style of the team.”
Martin Skrtel also hit the post for Liverpool and defeat left Villa three points above the relegation zone, having not scored in eight hours and 42 minutes ahead of a daunting run.
They go to Arsenal and then host Chelsea – after facing Sky Bet Championship leaders Bournemouth in the FA Cup – in their next two league games. PA
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Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers hailed Simon Mignolet’s performance and his side’s resilience in their 2-0 win at Aston Villa.
The visitors held off a spirited second-half display from Paul Lambert’s side to move within four points of the Premier League’s top four.
Mignolet produced an excellent stop to deny Christian Benteke with the score at 1-0, and Rodgers was full of praise for the under-fire goalkeeper, who has now kept five clean sheets in his last seven Premier League games.
“In the second half they made a good start as you’d expect from a home side, but we were resilient and strong today, and defended really well,” he said.
“I thought the goalkeeper – what he had to do – was outstanding. Simon Mignolet really grew for me today as a goalkeeper.
“He was very dominant against some players who are really good in the air, came and took his crosses well, and made two very important saves for us when he was called upon.”
Fabio Borini was given the nod up front by Rodgers, and rewarded his manager’s faith as he put the visitors in front halfway through the first half.
The Italian had been linked with a move away from Anfield but Rodgers was delighted with the striker’s professionalism.
“He’s very strong minded, Fabio,” he said. “He hasn’t been in the team and hasn’t featured a great deal, but what he hasn’t stopped doing is working.
“His perseverance is a great example, but I think he knows I’m the type of manager where it’s never personal with a player, whether he stays or goes.
“If he’s contributing, working hard, and shows that he cares then I’ll always give him the opportunity. He’s done very well.”
Raheem Sterling returned to the Reds’ line-up at Villa Park after being given a rest for tiredness, and Rodgers said the break was not just for him to help Liverpool’s top-four push this season, but also to benefit the England international’s long-term career prospects.
“Giving Raheem a break wasn’t just a short-term thing – it’s for his career. He’s just turned 20 years of age, he’s played more minutes for us than anyone.
“He’s a real catalyst for the team and we’ve got a very important second part of the season. I thought he did very well today – should have scored and he’ll be disappointed with that, but as always with Raheem he’s tireless and a real threat.”
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers hailed Simon Mignolet’s performance and his side’s resilience in their 2-0 win at Aston Villa.
The visitors held off a spirited second-half display from Paul Lambert’s side to move within four points of the Premier League’s top four.
Mignolet produced an excellent stop to deny Christian Benteke with the score at 1-0, and Rodgers was full of praise for the under-fire goalkeeper, who has now kept five clean sheets in his last seven Premier League games.
“In the second half they made a good start as you’d expect from a home side, but we were resilient and strong today, and defended really well,” he said.
“I thought the goalkeeper – what he had to do – was outstanding. Simon Mignolet really grew for me today as a goalkeeper.
“He was very dominant against some players who are really good in the air, came and took his crosses well, and made two very important saves for us when he was called upon.”
Fabio Borini was given the nod up front by Rodgers, and rewarded his manager’s faith as he put the visitors in front halfway through the first half.
The Italian had been linked with a move away from Anfield but Rodgers was delighted with the striker’s professionalism.
“He’s very strong minded, Fabio,” he said. “He hasn’t been in the team and hasn’t featured a great deal, but what he hasn’t stopped doing is working.
“His perseverance is a great example, but I think he knows I’m the type of manager where it’s never personal with a player, whether he stays or goes.
“If he’s contributing, working hard, and shows that he cares then I’ll always give him the opportunity. He’s done very well.”
Raheem Sterling returned to the Reds’ line-up at Villa Park after being given a rest for tiredness, and Rodgers said the break was not just for him to help Liverpool’s top-four push this season, but also to benefit the England international’s long-term career prospects.
“Giving Raheem a break wasn’t just a short-term thing – it’s for his career. He’s just turned 20 years of age, he’s played more minutes for us than anyone.
“He’s a real catalyst for the team and we’ve got a very important second part of the season. I thought he did very well today – should have scored and he’ll be disappointed with that, but as always with Raheem he’s tireless and a real threat.”
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers praised his side’s “complete” display after Liverpool beat Aston Villa 2-0 at Villa Park on Saturday.
Video: YouTube user nhlsarok
Goals in each half from Fabio Borini and Rickie Lambert gave Liverpool an important victory which lifts them to seventh in the Premier League, just four points off fourth place at time of writing.
“It was always going to be a difficult game – they’re a very hard team to break down but I thought we were very complete today in our performance,” he said,
“We passed the ball really well. At times our counter-attack was very good and we probably should have exploited that more.
“Importantly, when we had to defend we stood up to the challenge and got another clean sheet. It was a fantastic win for us.”
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Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers praised his side’s “complete” display after Liverpool beat Aston Villa 2-0 at Villa Park on Saturday.
Video: YouTube user nhlsarok
Goals in each half from Fabio Borini and Rickie Lambert gave Liverpool an important victory which lifts them to seventh in the Premier League, just four points off fourth place at time of writing.
“It was always going to be a difficult game – they’re a very hard team to break down but I thought we were very complete today in our performance,” he said,
“We passed the ball really well. At times our counter-attack was very good and we probably should have exploited that more.
“Importantly, when we had to defend we stood up to the challenge and got another clean sheet. It was a fantastic win for us.”
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Liverpool earned three more precious points in their quest for a top-four finish, ruthlessly disposing of Aston Villa 2-0 at Villa Park.
Clinical finishes in either half from Fabio Borini and Rickie Lambert were enough to see the Reds earn the win, which means Brendan Rodgers‘ side have now won five straight away games in all competitions.
The visitors were not always at their best against Paul Lambert’s side, particularly in the second-half, but gritty wins like this are crucial if they are to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
Mamadou Sakho was particularly excellent at the back- Emre Can and Martin Skrtel also thrived – while Simon Mignolet was also much improved. Jordan Henderson and Lucas Leiva bossed the midfield for large parts, while the returning Raheem Sterling was a little rusty.
Liverpool have now lost only once in 14 games, and there are definite signs that they are ready to mount an impressive second-half to the campaign.
Here is how Liverpool media and fans reacted, both during and after the game.
abcd in the forums:
Since that awful performance away to Crystal Palace the away form has been quite good. Last two wins were over poor sides but the points are accumulating. Pity Spurs got a late winner but edging back into contention for Top 4 with League Cup and FA Cup games to come in the weeks to come as well. For the first time this season there looks to be a small bit of light at the end of a dark tunnel.
scousehedross in the forums:
Mignolet looks like he’s been working hard on distribution, which was much better today – helped us stay fluid and take the game to Villa first half. Still need to move on Jones and get a new no.1 though.
Let us know your thoughts on Liverpool’s win in the comments section below.
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Liverpool earned three more precious points in their quest for a top-four finish, ruthlessly disposing of Aston Villa 2-0 at Villa Park.
Clinical finishes in either half from Fabio Borini and Rickie Lambert were enough to see the Reds earn the win, which means Brendan Rodgers‘ side have now won five straight away games in all competitions.
The visitors were not always at their best against Paul Lambert’s side, particularly in the second-half, but gritty wins like this are crucial if they are to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
Mamadou Sakho was particularly excellent at the back- Emre Can and Martin Skrtel also thrived – while Simon Mignolet was also much improved. Jordan Henderson and Lucas Leiva bossed the midfield for large parts, while the returning Raheem Sterling was a little rusty.
Liverpool have now lost only once in 14 games, and there are definite signs that they are ready to mount an impressive second-half to the campaign.
Here is how Liverpool media and fans reacted, both during and after the game.
abcd in the forums:
Since that awful performance away to Crystal Palace the away form has been quite good. Last two wins were over poor sides but the points are accumulating. Pity Spurs got a late winner but edging back into contention for Top 4 with League Cup and FA Cup games to come in the weeks to come as well. For the first time this season there looks to be a small bit of light at the end of a dark tunnel.
scousehedross in the forums:
Mignolet looks like he’s been working hard on distribution, which was much better today – helped us stay fluid and take the game to Villa first half. Still need to move on Jones and get a new no.1 though.
Let us know your thoughts on Liverpool’s win in the comments section below.
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Liverpool defeated Aston Villa 2-0 at Villa Park on Saturday, and we assess each Reds player on the day.
SIMON MIGNOLET (out of 10)- 7.5
The Belgian did well all afternoon, making a good first-half stop after a Villa shot had deflected off Martin Skrtel, and brilliantly denying Christian Benteke after the break. Arguably his best display of the season.
Vote Mignolet as your Man of the Match on Twitter:
EMRE CAN- 7
The 20-year-old looked a class act at the back all afternoon, using the ball intelligently and exuding calm. The young German looks a real prospect.
Vote Can as your Man of the Match on Twitter:
MARTIN SKRTEL- 7.5
Skrtel has been playing well of late, and he impressed again on the whole. He was strong in the air, and seems to have erased the consistent mistakes that were plaguing his game earlier on in the season. Made one brilliant block in the second-half.
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The Frenchman continues to be the most dominant defender Liverpool have at their disposal. He didn’t put a foot wrong all game, and made a couple of expertly-timed tackles. Another brilliant performance.
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LAZAR MARKOVIC- 6.5
The in-form Serb was quiet by his recent standards, failing to get forward much in his wing-back role. He was solid but unspectacular. Like the rest of the team, a professional performance.
Vote Markovic as your Man of the Match on Twitter:
LUCAS LEIVA- 7
The 28-year-old quietly went about his business in the middle of the park, breaking things up and reading the game well. His impressive run of performances continues. No wonder Rodgers has now decided not to sell him!
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JORDAN HENDERSON- 6.5
The Reds vice-captain produced a sublime cross for Borini’s goal, and was as industrious as ever in midfield. Having struggled prior to the turn of the year, Henderson has been pretty good of late. As ever, much better in the centre.
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ALBERTO MORENO- 6.5
The young Spaniard had a goal disallowed in the first-half after a typically speedy burst through the middle, and he offered attacking thrust from the left.
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PHILIPPE COUTINHO- 6.5
The 22-year-old has been in scintillating form recently, but he wasn’t at his best. He started well, but struggled to get involved as the match went on.
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Sterling wasn’t at his sharpest, having had two weeks off to recharge his batteries. He should have scored when clean through in the first-half, but produced a sloppy finish when attempting to chip Guzan. Rather than looking refreshed, he often looked rusty.
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FABIO BORINI- 6.5
The Italian may not be the most popular player at Anfield, but he scored his side’s crucial opener with a well-taken effort, and showed good work-rate and movement prior to be being replaced by Lambert. His lack of awareness let him down on occasion though and Sturridge’s return will still be very welcome.
Vote Borini as your Man of the Match on Twitter:
Substitutes
RICKIE LAMBERT (on for Borini 71)- 7
The 32-year-old has taken plenty of flack lately, but he scored his side’s vital second goal with a clinical finish from the edge of the box.
Vote Lambert as your Man of the Match on Twitter:
JOSE ENRIQUE (on for Moreno 71)
His arrival was needed as Villa were hugely piling on the pressure at the time.
JORDAN IBE (on for Raheem Sterling 84)
Bright cameo for the recently recalled youngster.
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Liverpool defeated Aston Villa 2-0 at Villa Park on Saturday, and we assess each Reds player on the day.
SIMON MIGNOLET (out of 10)- 7.5
The Belgian did well all afternoon, making a good first-half stop after a Villa shot had deflected off Martin Skrtel, and brilliantly denying Christian Benteke after the break. Arguably his best display of the season.
Vote Mignolet as your Man of the Match on Twitter:
EMRE CAN- 7
The 20-year-old looked a class act at the back all afternoon, using the ball intelligently and exuding calm. The young German looks a real prospect.
Vote Can as your Man of the Match on Twitter:
MARTIN SKRTEL- 7.5
Skrtel has been playing well of late, and he impressed again on the whole. He was strong in the air, and seems to have erased the consistent mistakes that were plaguing his game earlier on in the season. Made one brilliant block in the second-half.
Vote Skrtel as your Man of the Match on Twitter:
The Frenchman continues to be the most dominant defender Liverpool have at their disposal. He didn’t put a foot wrong all game, and made a couple of expertly-timed tackles. Another brilliant performance.
Vote Sakho as your Man of the Match on Twitter:
LAZAR MARKOVIC- 6.5
The in-form Serb was quiet by his recent standards, failing to get forward much in his wing-back role. He was solid but unspectacular. Like the rest of the team, a professional performance.
Vote Markovic as your Man of the Match on Twitter:
LUCAS LEIVA- 7
The 28-year-old quietly went about his business in the middle of the park, breaking things up and reading the game well. His impressive run of performances continues. No wonder Rodgers has now decided not to sell him!
Vote Leiva as your Man of the Match on Twitter:
JORDAN HENDERSON- 6.5
The Reds vice-captain produced a sublime cross for Borini’s goal, and was as industrious as ever in midfield. Having struggled prior to the turn of the year, Henderson has been pretty good of late. As ever, much better in the centre.
Vote Henderson as your Man of the Match on Twitter:
ALBERTO MORENO- 6.5
The young Spaniard had a goal disallowed in the first-half after a typically speedy burst through the middle, and he offered attacking thrust from the left.
Vote Moreno as your Man of the Match on Twitter:
PHILIPPE COUTINHO- 6.5
The 22-year-old has been in scintillating form recently, but he wasn’t at his best. He started well, but struggled to get involved as the match went on.
Vote Coutinho as your Man of the Match on Twitter:
Sterling wasn’t at his sharpest, having had two weeks off to recharge his batteries. He should have scored when clean through in the first-half, but produced a sloppy finish when attempting to chip Guzan. Rather than looking refreshed, he often looked rusty.
Vote Sterling as your Man of the Match on Twitter:
FABIO BORINI- 6.5
The Italian may not be the most popular player at Anfield, but he scored his side’s crucial opener with a well-taken effort, and showed good work-rate and movement prior to be being replaced by Lambert. His lack of awareness let him down on occasion though and Sturridge’s return will still be very welcome.
Vote Borini as your Man of the Match on Twitter:
Substitutes
RICKIE LAMBERT (on for Borini 71)- 7
The 32-year-old has taken plenty of flack lately, but he scored his side’s vital second goal with a clinical finish from the edge of the box.
Vote Lambert as your Man of the Match on Twitter:
JOSE ENRIQUE (on for Moreno 71)
His arrival was needed as Villa were hugely piling on the pressure at the time.
JORDAN IBE (on for Raheem Sterling 84)
Bright cameo for the recently recalled youngster.
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.
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