Swans sink Reds

The final day of a disappointing 2011/2012 season finished in fitting fashion as a late strike from Danny Graham condemned the Reds to a 1-0 defeat at the Liberty Stadium. A typical end of season encounter, where neither side had anything left to play for except pride, inevitably produced an unremarkable spectacle. Unfortunately, defeat soured an instantly forgettable afternoon.

Alexander Doni replaced the ill Reina in goal, while Skrtel and Gerrard missed out due to injury. Meanwhile, Maxi Rodriguez started on the right wing in what looks likely to be his last appearance in a Red shirt.

After 11 minutes, the Brazilian keeper was to blame as he picked the ball up after a back-pass from Carroll. Thankfully, Sinclair blazed over the bar from the free kick inside the area. Doni compensated for his earlier error by making an impressive save just after the half hour mark. Sigurdsson, who was playing his final game on loan at Swansea before returning to his parent club Hoffenheim, hammered a threatening free kick towards the corner of the goal and Doni got down quickly and brilliantly to push the ball wide.

The hosts continued to press while the visitors lacked a crucial cutting edge up front. Taylor cut inside from the left and fired in an effort on goal but Doni made a comfortable save. The former AS Roma stopper was then called into action again, as he made a fine save to deny Dyer the opener.

On the stroke of half time, Carroll and Williams were booked for an off the ball altercation after the latter had unfairly challenge the former. The tall Geordie striker reacted in the wrong way but it was perhaps the only example of Liverpool showing any desire or passion in a first half where the Merseysiders failed to test Vorm in the Welsh side's goal.

However, Carroll's recent good from provided some solace and, when his stunning overhead kick 10 minutes after the restart drew a strong save from Vorm, there was a glimmer of hope that the number nine could drag the away side back into the contest.

On the hour mark, Bellamy replaced the ineffectual Downing and dragged an effort wide of goal soon after. Agger then powered a header straight into Vorm's arms before the keeper collected Carroll's first time strike, as Kenny's men began to show some signs of promise and potential.

Nevertheless, Swansea's only real goalscoring opportunity in the second period saw Danny Graham clinch all three points with his 100th career goal four minutes from time. Rangel and Sinclair combined on the right wing and squared the ball to Graham, whose crisp finish from close range beat Doni and found the back of the net.

It was a frustrating but hardly unexpected conclusion to a disappointing League season. Away from home against tough opposition and with nothing tangible to play for, Liverpool unsurprisingly lost. The one main positive to come from the contest was the performance of Doni, who looks to be a competent back up to Reina.

After Everton's 3-1 victory over Newcastle United at Goodison Park on the final day of the season, Liverpool finished behind their local rivals for only the second time in Premier League history. Eighth place is simply not good enough and must be improved upon next season.

At least City clinched the title ironically in Fergie time to deny United and, well, there's always next season!

YNWA