Questionable Penalty Helps Liverpool Avoid Defeat

 2-2 

Liverpool welcomed Daniel Sturridge back into the line-up with Aston Villa coming to Anfield.  The striker has been out for the last nine matches and got to start next to Suarez today in the attack.

Despite playing on the road, Aston Villa gained all the momentum early in the match and kept Liverpool on their heels for most of the first-half.  Gabriel Agbonlahor was especially a handfull and helped the visitors take a two goal lead.  First Agbonlahor beat defender Kolo Touré to get a cross into the box that was finished by Andreas Weimann sliding into the shot (25').  Then Agbonlahor provided the cross that Christian Benteke finished with a header (37').  Benteke was helped out by Liverpool keeper Mignolet who missed his punch to allowed a free header on an open net.

Liverpool managed to get one back in the first-half stoppage-time to narrow the gap before the break.  Suarez made a pass to Jordan Henderson who used a heel-flick to play Sturridge behind the Aston Villa defense.  Sturridge was left onside by captain Ron Vlaar and beat keeper Guzan for Liverpool's first goal of the match (45 +2').

After half-time Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers replaced Philippe Coutinho with Lucas to help protect the defense.  This allowed Gerrard to push forward and get more involved in the attack.  Liverpool played better in this system and equalized when Suarez earned a penalty.  Aston Villa keeper Guzan came off his line to stop Suarez dashing forward, but missed the ball in his attempt.  Suarez went down rather easily to get the call and Villa players and supporters were shouting for a simulation yellow card.  Regardless Gerrard scored from the spot to level the match (53').

The rest of the match was left wide open with neither side taking control.  In the end though neither side could produce a go-ahead goal and the match ended in a draw.  The result was kind of win-win for both clubs with Liverpool recovering from a two goal deficit, and Aston Villa getting a point on the road.  Unfortunately Arsenal and Man. City won matches today and pull further away from Liverpool in the Premier League table.

Super Match For Suarez, Scores Four Against Norwich

 5-1 

Liverpool have been in a slight slump after the terrific start to the season.  Coming off a surprising loss to Hull City, Liverpool looked to bounce back today against Norwich City.  Liverpool had to play without Daniel Sturridge who is out injured, but Luis Suarez more than made up for the absence with a monster game for the Reds.

Suarez already had two hat-trick games against Norwich on record and his fortunes continued against the Canaries.  Suarez was the first to scored today finishing a spectacular half-volley from over forty yards.  The ball was knocked forward by Steven Gerrard and fell in front of Suarez.  Instead of trapping the ball and pushing further forward, Suarez took the long shot and put the perfect flight on the ball to beat keeper John Ruddy (15').

The second goal came durring a corner-kick that was delivered by Philippe Coutinho.  Gerrard was making a near-post run and Coutinho tried to put the ball on him, but Gerrard missed his attempt to flick the ball.  Suarez was waiting behind him though and scored the one-hopper for his second goal of the match (29').  Suarez completed the hat-trick before the end of the half with another brilliant finish.  The striker made a good run with the ball and separated himself from Leroy Fer with a tricky chip move before blasting the shot to again beat the Norwich keeper (35').

The second-half was not much better for the visitors as Liverpool continued to create shots and keep the Norwich defense on its heels.  Suarez was able to score one more goal with a perfectly struck free-kick to add to his special night (74').

Norwich did eventually get one on the board when Nathan Redmond picked out Bradley Johnson for a header finish (83').  Unfortunately for Norwich, Liverpool got one back when Suarez added an assist to his stats.  He found Sterling with a cross in front of goal for a clean finish and the last goal of the match (88').

Liverpool do not move up any in the table following this win as Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester City all won matches as well, but the confidence is certainly showing.  Liverpool host West Ham United over the weekend and look to keep momentum heading into the holidays.

Arsenal Stretch League Lead, Beat Liverpool

 2-0 

First place Arsenal hosted second place Liverpool today with the latter looking to take over the top spot.  Liverpool came into the match two points behind Arsenal with a chance to overtake the Gunner if they could come away with a win.  It was not to be for the Reds, however, as the league leaders proved they deserve to be in first.

Santi Cazorla got Arsenal started with a header that came off the post.  The rebound fell right for him though, to give him a second chance.  Liverpool keeper Mignolet laid out trying to stop the initial header and when the follow-up volley from Cazorla again came his way, he could do nothing from the ground to stop the goal (19').

Following the goal, Arsenal had all the momentum and put pressure on the Liverpool back three.  Liverpool were not completely out of it, but Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge were slow to really get into the match.  After half-time Liverpool abandoned the 3-5-2 for the more common 4-4-2, and brought Philippe Coutinho into the match, but the changes did not slow down Arsenal.

Aaron Ramsey scored a second goal for Arsenal with a well struck half-volley.  Using one touch to settle the ball, Ramsey set himself up for a clean shot outside the 18 yard box (59').  Coutinho and Suarez came alive late in the match, but could not create the spark to get Liverpool back in the game.  Instead Arsenal, for the most part, continued to control possession and forced keeper Mignolet to stay active.

With the win Arsenal extend their lead in first place.  Chelsea also lost today 2-0 against Newcastle giving Arsenal a solid five point buffer over the Blues and the Reds in the Premier League standings.  Next weekend Arsenal will travel to Manchester for a game against United while Liverpool host Fulham.