Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Dirk Kuyt's Vision Created Andy Carroll's Derby Goal

My buddy, Ed and I continued our almost weekly dissection of Liverpool's weekend performance after a friendly game of indoor futsal. Now Ed is a guy with a rather thought provoking mind. While we were both thrilled that "The Beast" Andy Carroll opened his Premier League account this season with a brilliant derby goal, he remarked how Dirk Kuyt's excellent run and "dummy" duck created the room for Carroll to rifle the ball past Tim Howard.

That got me thinking. Did the Dutchman know what he was doing when he ducked under the ball as Enrique cut the ball back from the byline? Or was it just that the ball was hit at a speed that Kuyt had no choice but to avoid contact with the ball? I watched again the video replay of Carroll's first goal for Liverpool to make up my mind. In the lead up to the goal, Kuyt ran to the near post taking Distin with him, he knew Carroll was centrally placed, showed great vision by avoiding the ball, allowing Carroll to pick his spot with a sweet left footed finish.


Kuyt should get the credit for fantastic vision and the assist rather than Enrique.

So, numerical advantage or not, Liverpool got their second win on the road and looking primed for the grudge match against Manchester United two weeks from now. Particularly pleasing was that both Reds strikers scored. Also of note was that Carroll is now getting on the end of some excellent Charlie Adam corners and the goals will start to come. Now all Liverpool need is some goals from midfield and that will surely give opposition defences more to worry about. That's something that is expected from a fully-fit and match-ready Stevie Gerrard.

Gerrard came on late in the game and had to play a disciplined game as a deep-lying midfielder.

With two wins on the trot, the international break once again come as an unwelcome rest for the Reds. However with Manchester United coming up next at Anfield, there is little doubt that Kenny Dalglish will not let his Red army slack off. The Reds do have to take the chances that will inevitably come against the Red Devils otherwise United can score from their devastatingly quick counter attacks.

An exciting match is in store. Liverpool-Man United matches in recent times are also tinged with red cards and with Luis Suarez in sinister form, Anderson, Evra or Jonny Evans had better watch their tackles!


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