In Memory of the 96

On 15th April 1989, 24 years ago today, Liverpool supporters set out to Hillsborough, Sheffield to support their team in the FA Cup semi-final. Tragically, 96 supporters never returned. They had been crushed to death in the pens after fatal over-crowding.

These are the names of the 96 who lost their lives;

John Alfred Anderson (62)

Colin Mark Ashcroft (19)

James Gary Aspinall (18)

Kester Roger Marcus Ball (16)

Gerard Bernard Patrick Baron (67)

Simon Bell (17)

Barry Sidney Bennett (26)

David John Benson (22)

David William Birtle (22)

Tony Bland (22)

Paul David Brady (21)

Andrew Mark Brookes (26)

Carl Brown (18)

David Steven Brown (25)

Henry Thomas Burke (47)

Peter Andrew Burkett (24)

Paul William Charlie (19)

Rayond Thomas Chapman (50)

Gary Christopher Church (19)

Joseph Clark (29)

Paul Clark (18)

Gary Collins (22)

Stephen Paul Copoc (20)

Tracey Elizabeth Cox (23)

James Philip Delaney (19)

Christopher Barry Devonside (18)

Christopher Edwards (29)

Vincent Michael Fitzsimmons (34)

Thomas Steven Fox (21)

Jon-Paul Gilhooley (10)

Barry Glover (27)

Ian Thomas Glover (20)

Derrick George Godwin (24)

Roy Harry Hamilton (34)

Philip Hammond (14)

Eric Hankin (33)

Gary Harrison (27)

Stephen Francis Harrison (31)

Peter Andrew Harrison (15)

David Hawley (39)

James Robert Hennessy (29)

Paul Anthony Hewitson (26)

Carl Darren Hewitt (17)

Nicholas Michael Hewitt (16)

Sarah Louise Hicks (19)

Victoria Jane Hicks (15)

Gordon Rodney Horn (20)

Arthur Horrocks (41)

Thomas Howard (39)

Thomas Anthony Howard (14)

Eric George Hughes (42)

Alan Johnston (29)

Christine Anne Jones (27)

Gary Philip Jones (18)

Richard Jones (25)

Nicholas Peter Joynes (27)

Anthony Peter Kelly (29)

Michael David Kelly (38)

Carl David Lewis (18)

David William Mather (19)

Brian Christopher Matthews (38)

Francis Jospeh McAllister (27)

John McBrien (18)

Marion Hazel McCabe (21)

Joseph Daniel McCarthy (21)

Peter McDonnell (21)

Alan McGlone (28)

Keith McGrath (17)

Paul Brian Murray (14)

Lee Nicol (14)

Stephen Francis O'Neill (17)

Jonathon Owens (18)

William Roy Pemberton (23)

Carl William Rimmer (21)

David George Rimmer (38)

Graham John Roberts (24)

Steven Joseph Robinson (17)

Henry Charles Rogers (17)

Colin Andrew Hugh William Sefton (23)

Inger Shah (38)

Paula Ann Smith (26)

Adam Edward Spearritt (14)

Philip John Steele (15)

David Leonard Thomas (23)

Patrik John Thompson (35)

Peter Reuben Thompson (30)

Stuart Paul William Thompson (17)

Peter Francis Tootle (21)

Christopher James Traynor (26)

Martin Kevin Traynor (16)

Kevin Tyrrell (15)

Colin Wafer (19)

Ian David Whelan (19)

Martin Kenneth Wild (29)

Kevin Daniel Williams (15)

Graham John Wright (17)

Justice for the 96. Never Forgotten. You'll Never Walk Alone

Reading keeper on top form to deny Reds

An inspired goalkeeping performance from Alex McCarthy restricted Liverpool to a point at Reading's Madejski Stadium yesterday afternoon. The 23-year goalkeeper, a product of Reading's Academy, pulled off a host of stunning saves in his first match since November to deny the Reds the victory their dominant performance arguably deserved. At the other end, his opposite number made a couple of impressive saves as well to prevent the home side stealing all three points late on.

Before kick-off, an emotional minute's silence to commemorate the 96 Liverpool supporters who lost their lives at the Hillsborough disaster 24 years ago tomorrow was impeccably observed.

Liverpool's players remember the 96

Brendan Rodgers made one change to the team that was held to a goalless draw versus West Ham at Anfield six days earlier, as Daniel Sturridge started in place of Stewart Downing, who dropped to the substitutes' bench.

After a scrappy start, Liverpool beat goalkeeper McCarthy for perhaps the only time after quarter of an hour, although frustratingly Chris Gunter managed to clear off the line to deny the Merseysiders an early opening goal that might well have changed the course of the contest.

An excellent team move involving the ever improving Henderson, the delightful Coutinho and a dummy from the inventive Sturridge released Suarez in space in the Reading box. His clipped effort evaded the keeper but was impressively cleared off the line by Gunter to thwart the Uruguyuan.

Three more chances followed in quick succession, as Sturridge's shot from an awkward angle was blocked after Suarez had played him through and Coutinho's follow-up attempt was smartly turned behind for a corner by McCarthy. Jamie Carragher, of all people, connected with the subsequent set-piece, watching his header glide past the far post.

With still no pressure from the dire Reading, who seemed to have accepted their fate, Liverpool continued to craft chances, Suarez's strike being beaten out to Gerrard, whose controlled effort after an awkward bounce of the ball was deflected wide of the target.

There was one more goalscoring opportunity before the break, as Suarez swung a left wing corner into the box after Henderson's drilled strike was deflected narrowly wide. The ball fell to Sturridge, who was denied by a crucial stop from McCarthy from point blank range.

During the interval, it felt like it was going to be one of those days again. That feeling intensified a few minutes after the break when Coutinho wonderfully found the net but his effort was ruled out for offside. Gerrard centred from the right and the diminutive Brazilian fantastically sent the ball into the net with a deft flick of his back heel, but the linesman rightly flagged for offside.

Coutinho's brilliant skill went unrewarded

After Coutinho had sent a powerful side-footed strike just wide, Reading responded with a quarter of the match left. Firstly, Hunt and the spectacularly named Pavel Pogrebnyak combined, with the latter squaring to the former, who was excellently placed to net an undeserved opener. Thankfully, Reina, who had had his proverbial pipe and slippers out up until this point, retained his concentration and produced a vital block. 

Nigel Adkins' side seemed to feel they might be able to pinch a win after somehow managing to remain in a contest that should have been over after 45 minutes. Reina was called into action once again on 76 minutes, tipping Jobi McAnuff's goal-bound drive over the bar.

Fortunately, unlike what might have happened in previous games, Liverpool didn't allow the hosts to dominate the closing stages and instead continued to pursue a winner themselves. Unfortunately, McCarthy appeared to relish the amount of work he had to do, producing save after wonder save to keep his team in the match.

Suarez's curling free kick clipped the post on its way wide, before Downing's shot went just the wrong side of the post. McCarthy then superbly denied Steven Gerrard, before astonishingly catching a sweet volley from Suarez and also punching clear another effort from the bewildered number seven in injury time. 

In the final analysis, it's clear that McCarthy made the difference. His world-class performance meant Liverpool failed to score in successive games for the first time in 14 matches. As a result, any European ambitions are quickly evaporating and, even more embarrassingly, Everton appear increasingly likely to finish above us in the table.

On the positive side, Pepe Reina kept a clean sheet and the Reds' attack seemed to be in relatively good form, although they obviously left their shooting boots back on Merseyside! Suarez, Sturridge, Coutinho and co. will have to remember to wear them next week if they are to score the goals that defeat Rafael Benitez's Chelsea on the Spaniard's return to Anfield.

Justice for the 96, YNWA

Reds held by stubborn Hammers

Liverpool failed to break down West Ham United's defence at Anfield yesterday, as Sam Allardyce's men frustrated their hosts to claim a point that should see them safely avoid the drop this season. The Merseysiders, meanwhile, face an uphill task to even finish ahead of neighbours Everton, let alone qualify for European competition.

As it was the Reds' closest home game to the 24th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster, a minute's silence for the 96 was held before kick-off, which both sets of supporters observed impeccably.

Never forgotten- the Reds respect the memory of the 96

When the football began, Liverpool were in control and enjoyed most of possession but the visitors remained solid at the back and adhered to their game plan manfully. Coutinho's low shot was saved by Jasskelainen and Gerrard's half volley bobbled wide, but it was West Ham who showed the first sign of real excellence.

Diame did superbly well to get out of the corner of the pitch, using impressive skill to navigate the challenges of numerous Liverpool players before blasting over the bar when he should have really tested Reina. After the sick Stewart Downing had to be replaced by Daniel Sturridge, a good block was also required from Agger to stop Carlton Cole's shot, as the game began to even up.

In truth, though, there was little in the way of action and the only other chance before the break came on the stroke of half time, as Henderson's shot was deflected wide. During the interval, it felt as if it was going to be one of those days. With the Hammers set up to keep the Reds out at all costs, an early goal was crucial and, having failed to net one, the home side's task seemed doubly difficult.

Gerrard nearly opened the scoring ten minutes after the restart but he was denied by a goal line clearance from Tomkins. Suarez's cross then screamed across the face of goal, before Sturridge had the ball in the back of the net but he was marginally offside. 

Although creating little going forward, the Londoners had a good penalty shout turned down by referee Anthony Taylor, as Enrique inadvertently kicked Tomkins as he tried to clear a free kick into the box. However, he was arguably fortunate not to concede a spot kick himself at the other end, as he then fouled skipper Steven Gerrard in the penalty area but the Reds' protests fell on deaf ears. Maybe the myth that refereeing decisions tend to even themselves out was accurate on this occasion. 

Four minutes from time, West Ham almost netted a smash-and-grab winner, as a goal line clearance from Lucas Leiva was required to prevent Collison's header finding the back of the Anfield Road end net. Suarez's shot in injury time may then have tested Jasskelainen, but the Finn was up to the task and pushed behind for a corner, which came to nothing.

Frustration- Suarez was shackled by Collins

It was a disappointing conclusion to what was a frustrating afternoon. To be fair to West Ham, their effective rearguard performance was what made the match frustrating, as they limited Liverpool to only a few goalscoring chances and successfully accomplished their aim of pinching a point by keeping a clean sheet.

Thankfully these matches have become rarer under Rodgers, whose style of play has usually led to high-scoring affairs. Unfortunately, though, that doesn't take away the exasperation experienced after a goalless draw that leaves Liverpool floundering in seventh place, with little scope to climb the table before the end of the campaign.

Justice for the 96, YNWA

Villans slain on Easter Sunday

It was a Happy Easter for Liverpool as they came back from behind to defeat relegation threatened Aston Villa 2-1 at Villa Park and keep alive their faint hopes of European qualification. After trailing to Christian Benteke's first half strike, rather than dropping their heads the Reds responded encouragingly, showing character to clinch all three points thanks to a clipped finish from Jordan Henderson and a well taken spot kick from skipper Steven Gerrard to reward a much improved second half display.

Desperate to keep pace with the likes of Arsenal, Tottenham and even Everton, Brendan Rodgers picked a strong side to take on Paul Lambert's men. Jamie Carragher returned to marshal the centre of defence, while Coutinho, Henderson and Downing provided a potent attacking triumvirate behind the industrious Luis Suarez and Gerrard and Lucas patrolled the midfield effectively once again, the captain particularly impressing.

Villa were the better side during the first half, however, and should have gained the lead after only a quarter of an hour. Matthew Lowton's superb swerving cross found Agbonlahor in the six-yard box. Fortunately, the forward's effort was beaten away by Reina. Suarez then saw his strike tipped over by Guzan, before Agbonlahor dragged another shot wide at the other end soon after.

His strike partner Benteke, who single-handedly destroyed the Reds at Anfield in December of last year, displayed superior finishing skills as he became the Merseysiders' nemesis once again on the half hour mark. After Agbonlahor had flicked a header down to him, the 22-year old Belgian drilled home past Reina from the edge of the area to open the scoring.

Reina was forced into action to deny Benteke moments later as well, preventing his header from doubling the Midlanders' lead. Meanwhile, his American counterpart did well to stop Gerrard levelling just before half time, as the number eight smashed a strike at goal that moved in the air but was smartly punched away by the on-form Guzan.

He could do nothing to prevent Henderson equalising minutes after the restart, though. Coutinho, who has been a revelation since signing from Inter Milan in January, played a precise through ball into the path of the on-rushing Henderson, who retained his composure and expertly lifted the ball over Guzan and into the net before celebrating in front of an ecstatic travelling Kop.

Henderson wheels off in celebration after equalising

In the absence of Sturridge, who was left on the bench, Coutinho was the Reds' main midfield playmaker, linking up with Suarez superbly. The Brazilian is the type of signing that Rodgers will have to continue making  to demonstrate to Suarez that progress is being made and encourage him to stick with his project. On 56 minutes, Suarez set up Coutinho, putting him through one-on-one with the keeper. Unfortunately, his shot went agonisingly wide of the far post.

As Liverpool cranked up the pressure, Johnson's shot smashed against the post, before Baker blatantly and ludicrously felled Suarez in the area to gift the visitors a penalty. Gerrard made no mistake from the penalty spot, stroking the ball just past the grasp of Guzan and into the bottom left corner to reach double figures in a season for the eighth time. Captain fantastic then pulled off some heroics at the other end as well five minutes later, amazingly heading off the goal line to prevent Benteke equalising for Villa with a headed effort from a corner.

Gerrard's goal line clearance was as good as a goal

Benteke may have had the ball in the back of the net during injury time, but it was rightly ruled out for offside and Liverpool held on to claim three much welcome Premier League points from a potentially tricky fixture. Villa may have begun in the ascendancy, but Liverpool thankfully weathered the storm and displayed character to work their way back into the game and clinch the win thanks to two goals during a 15-minute second half spell in which they dominated.

Liverpool will need to replicate this performance in upcoming matches away to Reading and Newcastle if they are to end the season well and push for European qualification right up until the last day of the campaign. 

HAPPY EASTER, YNWA

Reds sunk by Saints

Liverpool's hopes of achieving European qualification suffered a significant blow yesterday as they fell to a disappointing but admittedly deserved 3-1 defeat away to struggling Southampton. After dominating the first half, the hosts held a two-goal lead thanks to goals from Schneiderlin and Liverpool supporter Rickie Lambert. Coutinho's goal on the stroke of half time gave the visitors hope, but they failed to build on that and Rodriguez's strike ten minutes from time was the final nail in the Merseysiders' coffin.

With Reina still out injured, Brad Jones continued to deputise for him in goal. Meanwhile, Martin Skrtel replaced Jamie Carragher at centre back and Allen started ahead of Lucas alongside Steven Gerrard in the holding midfield role. Those two decisions ultimately proved to be mistakes from Brendan Rodgers, as Liverpool's back four were woefully bad and Lucas' steadying presence in the middle was sorely missed during a first half in which Southampton seemingly ran rampant.

Right from the word go, Mauricio Pochettino's men were in the ascendancy, threatening the Reds' back line and creating notable goalscoring chances. On four minutes, an important block by Skrtel was required to deny Rodriguez before Gaston Ramirez's low effort called Jones into action. Only a minute later, Southampton took the lead thanks to a clever piece of play from the home side and a bit of poor defending from the visitors.

Ramirez sent a cross to the far post, which Rodriguez knocked down for the onrushing Morgan Schneiderlin, who had been allowed to advance unchallenged from within his own half. The 23-year old Frenchman guided the ball beyond the keeper and into the net to give the Saints the all-important first goal as a reward for their early superiority.

Jones and Skrtel after the Saints opened the scoring

They didn't rest on their laurels, though, and neither did Liverpool's dreadful defending improve. After captain Adam Lallana fired over the bar, Agger's terrible decision to try and catch Lambert offside allowed the number seven to race through one-on-one with Jones. Thankfully, the Aussie stopper spared Agger's blushes, standing up well and denying Southampton a second so soon after their first, which would have left the Merseysiders with a mountain to climb.

The Reds continued to lack rhythm, while their opponents were really enjoying themselves and capitalising on their opponents' deficiencies, Rodriguez testing Jones on several occasions. On the half hour mark, Rickie Lambert's free kick took a decisive deflection off the wall, wrong footing Jones and eventually ending up in the back of his net.

It was a massive stroke of fortune for the Saints, but the old adage that you earn your own luck seemed apt. 

Nonetheless, that second goal seemed to provoke some sort of reaction from the Reds, Coutinho unfortunately shooting straight at Boruc after Johnson had played him through. The Brazilian, who played under Saints' boss Pochettino while at Spanish side Espanyol, reduced the deficit on the stroke of half time, picking his spot after a goalmouth scramble had culminated in Sturridge's blocked shot falling to his feet.

Coutinho pulls one back for Rodgers' Reds

Disappointingly, the away side failed to build on that goal after the break. They were expected to come out for the second half determined to right the wrongs of their first half performance, galvanised by a goal they arguably didn't deserve. However, that drive to turn things around that was so evident against Tottenham Hotspur last Sunday was crucially lacking this weekend.

Southampton were less dominant, but they remained relatively untroubled at the back. Sturridge shot wide from an awkward angle and Suarez saw Boruc save his free kick, but the Reds' attack lacked the potency of Lambert and Rodriguez, who had worked so superbly and efficiently to put them in the driving seat heading into the closing stages.

After Gerrard's bobbling effort had been collected by Boruc, Rodriguez scored a sensational goal on 79 minutes to put the outcome of the contest beyond doubt. He dribbled a sizeable distance without being challenged by the Reds' defence. After too easily gliding past half time substitute Lucas, Rodriguez fired past Jones at the second attempt to send the majority of the 32,070 spectators inside St Mary's wild.

Rodgers' men had no response to that and ending up falling to a disappointing 3-1 defeat to their relegation threatened opponents. It was a frustrating afternoon of football all round as well, as Everton unexpectedly beat Manchester City 2-0 at Goodison to go three points ahead of us with a game in hand.

Liverpool are going to have to improve in games like this if they are to end the season on a positive note. They travel to Aston Villa and Reading in coming weeks, who are both in similar situations to Southampton. They will be fighting for their lives and the Reds will have to match their grit and determination and desire to win if they are to pick up points and close the campaign in good form.

If they fail to do so then the recent momentum built up will be lost and they'll have to start from scratch again at the beginning of the new season.

YNWA

Super Reds sink Spurs in five goal thriller

Liverpool claimed a thrilling 3-2 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield to extend their run of good form and move ahead of neighbours Everton into sixth place in the Premier League table. Despite dominating the first half and bagging the opener, Spurs had the lead soon after the restart thanks to two goals from Jan Vertonghen. Perseverance and a large dose of good fortune allowed the Reds to get back into the match, though, as Downing exploited a dreadful defensive error to equalise before Steven Gerrard's late penalty in front of the Kop clinched all three points for the jubilant home side.

With Pepe Reina out due to a calf strain, Brad Jones made his first appearance since his below-par display versus Oldham in the FA Cup contributed to the Reds' crashing out of the competition. Meanwhile, Jamie Carragher played his 500th Premier League game, as he reached an impressive landmark for potentially the last time in his career. Up front, Suarez, Downing and Coutinho formed a formidable triumvirate behind Daniel Sturridge, who returned from injury.

Brendan Rodgers' side began in the ascendancy, Sturridge shooting into the Anfield Road end and then just losing control of the ball after promisingly rounding goalkeeper Lloris. At the other end, the closely monitored  Gareth Bale fired a free kick goalwards, which Jones nervously beat away.

On 21 minutes, Liverpool's pressure paid off and some passing football of the highest caliber produced the goal it deserved. Coutinho's cute pass found Enrique, whose incisive through ball took out the entire Tottenham back line. Suarez poked underneath Lloris to find the back of the net and claim his 29th goal in all competitions during this campaign.

On fire- Suarez just can't stop scoring

Soon after, Liverpool's claims for a penalty were rejected by referee Michael Oliver after Walker pulled Coutinho in the box to prevent him reaching Suarez's drilled cross.

Tottenham's attack had been largely kept quiet thanks to Liverpool's focus on nullifying the threat posed by Bale, who had been restricted to shots from range that went high and wide. However, the hosts were given a scare when Sigurdsson, who had been one of Rodgers' transfer targets in the summer, fired inches wide when through on goal.

Frustratingly, Spurs netted an arguably undeserved equaliser on the stroke of half time, as Vertonghen rose above Johnson to head Bale's cross into the bottom corner. The timing of the goal was disappointing, deflating the home side and boosting the visitors heading into the interval. This was seen in the start to the second half, which was controlled by Villas-Boas' side. 

After Defoe's shot was just about dealt with by Jones, poor defending from the Reds allowed Bale's free kick to fall to Vertonghen, who powered a left-footed volley beyond Jones and into the corner of the net to complete the reversal and double his personal tally. 

When Sigurdsson's shot was then deflected onto the post by Johnson after a barnstorming run past Gerrard and Carragher by Bale, Liverpool breathed a sigh of relief, as a third goal really would have killed off the contest. Without a change of the flow of momentum, however, a third from Spurs seemed inevitable.

Thankfully, a piece of good fortune was the game-changing event that swung the match in the Reds' favour. A horrendous back pass from Kyle Walker gifted Downing a chance at goal and, after rounding Lloris, the former Villa winger, who has come on leaps and bounds in recent months, kept his composure and fired into the net to level the scores.

Downing profits from poor defending and levels for Liverpool

Back to his best, Downing then flew down the right wing, crossing to the back post where Sturridge headed into the side-netting.

Another piece of woeful defending from Spurs helped Liverpool win the match. Defoe's misjudged pass put Assou-Ekotto under pressure. In the process of trying to clear his lines, he barged into Suarez, who was instantly awarded a penalty by the referee. Spurs could have few complaints. Gerrard took advantage of their needless mistake, netting low to Lloris' left thanks to the knowledge of the keeper's tendency to dive to his right given to him by goalkeeping coach John Achterberg.

Ecstatic- Gerrard cannot hide his delight after netting a late spot kick

It was a terrific way to end an enthralling encounter. To comeback from 2-1 down against the in form Tottenham Hotspur was a remarkable achievement that Liverpool should be praised for. Yes, poor defending and good fortune contributed to their victory, but the Reds still performed competently to take advantage of those factors which, for once, went in their favour.

Liverpool's attack appears to be firing on all cylinders and could propel them to a fantastic end to the season, which may see them leap into the European places. This up-swing in form is finally yielding results against the big teams and, in the long run, appears to be garnering momentum to support Rodgers' plans to re-build and revamp the squad.

For the first time in a while, there is real hope in Kopites' hearts.

YNWA

Suarez puts Wigan to the sword

Liverpool clinched their first win at Wigan since 2007 last night to keep their continental quest on the right track. An early goal from Stewart Downing was followed by an exquisite hat-trick from the irrepressible Luis Suarez as the Reds unexpectedly cruised to victory at one of their bogey grounds. The three points leave them in seventh, five points behind fifth placed Arsenal.

After being ineligible to play against Zenit St Petersburg, new signing Philippe Coutinho started and impressed throughout, providing assists for the first two goals. Unfortunately, though, Daniel Sturridge failed to even make the bench as he continues to struggle to shrug off a knock.

The visitors didn't need him, however, as they began brightly, scored early and remained firmly in control of the contest for the whole of the 90 minutes. Although Arouna Kone had a chance to open the scoring after only 30 seconds had been played, it was the Reds who struck first two minutes after the kick off.

Wigan failed to deal with Reina's long ball forward, which found Coutinho in space on the left. The Brazilian skillfully beat Boyce and then centred to Stewart Downing, who nodded home from yards out to net his first league goal away from Anfield for Liverpool. It was the perfect start to a potentially tricky tie for Rodgers' side.

The former Inter Milan playmaker was at it again on 18 minutes, sliding a magnificent through ball into the intelligent run of Suarez, who took a touch and then shot past Ali Ali Habsi to put Liverpool firmly in the driving seat.

Perfect pass- Coutinho sets Suarez in for the Reds' second

The relegation threatened Latics remained a threat but they came up against a seemingly unbeatable Pepe Reina, who displayed the type of form that made him one of Rafael Benitez's most successful Spanish imports. 

Soon after Suarez's strike, Reina dived acrobatically to stop Boyce's volley flying into the roof of his net. He then proceeded to thwart Di Santo and tip Beausejour's free kick over the bar before the interval to keep Liverpool's defensive sheet clean.

At the other end, Liverpool weren't carving out countless goalscoring chances, but, crucially, their finishing was clinical, which is a positive sign of improvement from previous seasons, when profligate finishing cost the Merseysiders' dear. 

A little bit of luck always comes in handy as well and, on the half hour mark, Suarez experienced some good fortune as his free kick found the back of the net via a deflection off Maloney's shoulder and the inside of the post.

Suarez scores his fifth free kick of the season

Liverpool were creating their own luck and deservedly went in at half time with three goals and three points all but in the bag. They put the outcome of the contest beyond doubt four minutes after the restart, Johnson marauding forward and then playing Suarez one-on-one with the goalkeeper. The Uruguyuan beat Al Habsi to seal his hat-trick and move to the top of the Premier League's goalscoring chart on 21 goals. 

Three and easy- Suarez celebrates scoring a hat-trick

With the match effectively over, little noteworthy action took place for the rest of the second half. The Reds were content with a four-goal victory while Roberto Martinez's men accepted their fate without putting up a fight. Meanwhile, the travelling Kop were in a jubilant mood, singing songs in honour of Hyypia, Dalglish, Rodgers, Gerrard, Enrique, Coutinho, Luis Garcia and, hilariously, Rafael Benitez.

In the dying moments substitute Jordan Henderson saw his header cleared off the line by McCarthy, but, with a phenomenal goal difference of +19- better than fourth placed Spurs- Liverpool won't be bothered about bagging four rather than five. They'll just be pleased with a thoroughly pleasing performance that sets them up perfectly for next weekend's clash with Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield.

While it's pleasing to beat a bogey team and maintain our formidable record against teams lower in the table, the real test of this squad's ability will come in the games against the big boys. If Suarez can help Liverpool put Spurs to the sword as well, then there's every reason to be optimistic about our conclusion to the 2012/2013 campaign.

YNWA