Spectacular Henderson strike downs Blues

Sports - Football - Premier League - CFC 1:2 LFC

Liverpool impressed, dominating and beating Chelsea 1-2 at Stamford Bridge, inflicting manager Antonio Conte with his first defeat as Blues boss and seeing the Reds move into the top four.

Merseyside manager Jürgen Klopp likes Stamford Bridge, winning there last season too, and can be very happy with his team's away display and form, adding this convincing victory to the thrashing of Arsenal on the opening weekend of the season and drawing at Spurs.

Not to forget, Liverpool thrashed champions Leicester at Anfield last weekend, so, the Reds were flying high going into this match, and you could see that.

The visitors out-ran and -played the home side, the hosts evidently and obviously missing their experienced skipper and defender John Terry as an organiser and controller due to injury.

With 17 minutes gone, Liverpool took the lead thanks to Dejan Lovren's fine finish from close range, given all the space in the world thanks to no marking whatsoever.

Reds captain Jordan Henderson put his side in total control with a 2-0 lead through a spectacular 25-yard smacker of a strike, unstoppable for keeper Thibaut Courtois, gobsmacking for manager Conte, nine minutes before the break.

The second half was less firey and dominant for the Reds, but the Blues still struggled to take any kind of control.

Just past the hour-mark, Diego Costa did pull one back, but it was to be to no avail after a laboured performance, a struggle basically.

Missing Roberto Firmino ended up being no worries for the visitors. Ruled out with a groin problem, the crucial forward's team mates made up for him. Sadio Mané added pace, Georgini Wijnaldum and James Milner were reliable and hard-working as always. Klopp and the Kop can be very happy and optimistic.

Chelsea Goal: Diego Costa 61'.

Liverpool Goals: Lovren 17' & Henderson 36'.

Chelsea Team: 13 Courtois; 28 Azpilicueta, 30 David Luiz, 24 Cahill, 2 Ivanovic; 22 Willian (booked 45'+1') (15 Moses 84'), 21 Matix (4 Fabregas 84'), 7 Kanté; 19 Diego Costa, 10 Hazard, 8 Oscar (11 Pedro 84'). 4-3-3 => 4-5-1
Subs not used: 1 Begovic, 3 Alonso, 23 Batshuayi, 34 Aina.

Liverpool Team: 22 Mignolet; 7 Milner, 6 Lovren, 32 Matip, 2 Clyne; 5 Wijnaldum (35 Stewart 90'), 14 Henderson (c), 20 Lallana; 19 Mané, 15 Sturridge (27 Origi 57'), 10 Coutinho (21 Lucas 82' (booked 88')). 4-3-3
Subs not used: 1 Karius, 16 Grujic, 18 Moreno, 53 Eraria.

Match Stats: Chelsea-Liverpool
Attempts: 12-13
On target: 4-5
Corners: 6-4
Fouls: 6-13
Bookings: 1-1
Possession: 53%-47%

Referee: Martin Atkinson
Man of the match: Dejan Lovren
Attendance: 41,514

Images taken from BBC match report

Click here for my previous LFC match report

Premier League Picks Of The Week 4

Sports - Football - Premier League- Week 4

The fourth week of the Premier League action saw:

294 shots - most by Chelsea = 28

34 goals - most by Liverpool, Tottenham and Watford = 4 each

206 fouls - most by Tottenham = 18

43 bookings - most by Southampton = 5

0 red cards

2 penalties - 2 scored

Stoke manager Mark Hughes seeing red and being honest about it

Happy birthday Laurent Koscielny! The fifth Arsenal player to score a PL goal on his anniversaire and what an acrobatic goal it was! 🎂😊🎂

Liverpool's first home game at revamped Anfield - fans happy with the result but very annoyed by the new camera angle

What a game! What a turnaround! Watford were nowhere when West Ham were 2-0 up thanks to Michael Antonio's double with just over half an hour gone. But Walter Mazzarri's side levelled the score before the break and turned the game on its head in the second half. Slaven Bilic was disgusted and rightly so. The Hammers were lost, nowhere, broken to bits and pieces, presenting the Hornets with their first win of the season in shocking style. Great for the neutral, mind blowing and worrying for the fans and teams concerned, depending which side you're on.

What a team! City v United, Guardiola v Mourinho, the derby of all derbies, the clash of all clashes. Well, that's what it's pitched and previewed as to make our mouths all watery and drooling, but it did not live up to it. The hosts outplayed the visitors in all aspects, the score could and should have been much worse. It's a reality check for the Special One whilst the Blue side of Manchester are in unbeaten heaven. The only nightmare headache for City goes to the debutant keeper and Joe Hart replacement Claudio Bravo. He's lucky the Red Devils weren't on the ball and couldn't take advantage of his nervous display and shaky performance.

What a man! Romelu Lukaku scored his first club goal for Everton since March - and made three of it, scoring a hat-trick in just 11 minutes with two headers and a low finish, downing Sunderland in style at the Stadium of Light. The win takes the Toffees into third place, unbeaten with ten points from the first four games, a strong start for new manager Ronald Koeman, much in contrast to the Black Cats' new boss David Moyes, seeing his side just make one point, second from bottom.

What a goal! Arsenal are keeping their fans on their toes, that's for sure! After losing their first home game in spectacularly devastating fashion 3-4 against Liverpool on the opening day of the season, the Gunners were understandably worried and sour when they fell behind against the Saints thanks to Petr Cech's unfortunate own goal. But Laurent Koscielny's overhead beauty levelled the score and in the dying seconds, over 95 minutes gone, Santé Cazorla sealed the win from the spot for the home side.

What the hell?! Diego Costa AGAIN! It feels like I can tag his name under this category automatically every week before a ball is kicked or another word is written because he is always in the midst of it. The dives, the clashes, the antiques and he still gets away with it - to then score and settle the match for his side in controversial fashion. This time it was just a point for Chelsea at Swansea, the first points dropped this season for the Blues, but still. Lucky bugger(s)!!!

My predictions - Actual results
Man United 3:3 Man City - 1:2
Arsenal 2:1 Southampton - 2:1
Bournemouth 0:0 West Brom - 1:0
Burnley 0:2 Hull City - 1:1
Middlesbrough 2:1 Crystal Palace - 1:2
Stoke 1:2 Tottenham - 0:4
West Ham 2:0 Watford - 2:4
Liverpool 1:1 Leicester - 4:1 - click here for my match report
Swansea 1:4 Chelsea - 2:2
Sunderland 0:1 Everton - 0:3

Click here for last week's Premier League Picks

Images taken from BBC match reports and Google search

Liverpool brush champions aside 4-1

Sports - Football - Premier League - LFC 4:1 LCFC

The new expanded Anfield enjoyed their team outplay and easily beat Premier League champions Leicester 4-1 in the first home game of the season for the Reds.

It was nearly perfect for Jürgen Klopp's men, a strong, dominant and in control performance, except for Lucas Leiva's giveaway to Jamie Vardy just seven minutes before the break. It was a shocker.

Before that muck up, Roberto Firmino had opened the scoring off James Milner's pass, stepping inside Robert Huth before netting the ball into the bottom corner.

Skipper Jordan Henderson and Daniel Sturridge combined well, the latter's heel cheekily finding Sadio Mané to score on his home debut and make it 2-0 with just over half an hour gone.

The team and crowd were on fire, to be quenched by Lucas' inexplicable blooper of a pass, intended for keeper Simon Mignolet, but ending up perfectly across goal, fit for Vardy, an easy tap in for the profound striker.

This gave Claudio Ranieri's men hope and a breath of fresh air, however, Liverpool got their act together again in the second half, Adam Lallana making it 3-1, firing a shot into the top corner.

And to wrap up the win, Firmino doubled his score and made it 4-1 thanks to an unselfish Mané, who rounded an oncoming Kasper Schmeichel, to pass the ball to the Brazilian, who made no mistake of beating the Leicester defence to steer it in.

The score is harsh in the Danish stopper who made seven saves in an otherwise strong performance, but shows how crushing the Reds were, wearing and tearing down their opposition. So much so, Klopp lost his glasses in all the excitement, once again. Someone contact his optician/insurance/provider...

Liverpool Goals: Firmino 13' & 89', Mané 31' and Lallana 56'.

Leicester Goal: Vardy 38'.

Liverpool Team: 22 Mignolet; 20 Clyne, 32 Matip, 21 Lucas, 7 Milner; 20 Lallana, 14 Henderson (c) (booked 44'), 5 Wijnaldum (35 Stewart 76'), 19 Mané (18 Moreno 90'+3'); 15 Sturridge (10 Coutinho 76', 11 Firmino. 4-4-2
Subs not used: 1 Karius, 16 Grujic, 17 Klavan, 27 Origi.

Leicester Team: 1 Schmeichel; 17 Simpson (2 Hernandez 34'), 5 Morgan, 6 Huth (booked 82'), 28 Fuchs; 26 Mahrez, 13 Amartey (booked 28'), 4 Drinkwater, 11 Albrighton (23 Ulloa 65'); 20 Okazaki (7 Musa 45'), 9 Vardy. 4-4-2
Subs not used: 3 Chilwell, 10 King, 21 Zieler, 22 Gray.

Match Stats: Liverpool-Leicester
Attempts: 17-12
On target: 11-3
Corners: 1-7
Fouls: 4-8
Bookings: 1-2
Possession: 62%-38%

Referee: Craig Pawson
Man of the match: Roberto Firmino
Attendance: 51,232

Pictures taken from BBC match report

Click here for my previous LFC match report

Premier League Picks Of The Week 3

Sports - Football - Premier League - Week 3

The third week of the Premier League saw:

270 Shots - most by Man United = 29 

22 Goals - most by Arsenal & Chelsea = 3 each

227 Fouls - most by Watford = 18

46 Bookings - most by Watford = 6

0 Reds Cards

6 Penalties - 3 scored, 3 missed

ByTheMinute coverage at its best, even when the match has not got much to write about...

And the ByTheMinute team are also keeping track of all the transfer gossip and news, deadline day tomorrow!

First international break with Big Sam, here is who the new England boss picked and what he had to say.

What a game! The goalless game between West Brom and Middlesbrough did not have much to watch, report or cheer about. I feel with the fans, who should receive a refund for the ordeal. The fans reacted accordingly, calling for Tony Pulis' head. The pressure is already on, just three games into the season, after the side have only recorded one win in the last 13 games and averaging less than a goal a game since Pulis took over in January 2015. Dire.

What a team! Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United form a quite familiar top three, the only sides left with a 100% winning record in the Premier League after three games. Is this how the season will finish, I hear and read many ask. Wait out! Three new managers, 35 games to go... I think it is very premature to crown the champions already!

What a man(ager)! As mentioned above, the top three unbeaten teams, their three new managers, none other than Pep Guardiola, José Mourinho and Antonio Conte, are untouchable and you cannot get away from them. It seems like none of them can do anything wrong at the moment and could not have asked for a better start to the season. Or could they? Guardiola has been the most honest and realistic, seeing and pointing out where his side is lacking and needs improving... Early days!

What a goal! Star striker Jamie Vardy finally kicked off his season for defending champions Leicester (in case you needed reminding who the actual champions are at the moment after all the hu ha and bla bla about the current top three). And it was a fine finish off Danny Drinkwater's pass, a delicious goal we were used to be fed on a regular basis last season. And surprise surprise, long lost Raheem Sterling also shone with two goals for City. Reborn? Or just an exception? We will see.

What the hell?! Again, the referees are under fire. This time they missed Sergio Agüero's blatant elbow into West Ham defender Winston Reid's throat. I hope and think a ban will take him out of the Manc derby on the 10th September. On the other hand, Arthur Masuaku got away with a late tackle on John Stones when he was already cautioned, so could and should have been sent off, too. So, both sides got away with it, hence you could say justice was evened out. But I wish the referees could use replays, as it is ridiculous to see what players get cautioned for in contrast to what they then get away with! I've ranted enough about that plenty of times, so, to quote a Hammer friend of mine...

"Do referees have a Premier League directive in not sending off the top team's best players? Two weeks ago it was Costa and a blatant hack on Adrian, today its Aguero and a clear elbow in the throat of Reid...if the officials are not seeing these incidents then they are not doing their job, and if the officials are seeing these and taking no action, then they are not just incompetent, but corrupt...no complaints about the result, got beaten by the superior team (just), but something's rotten in the state of Denmark, and its called the FA..."

My predictions - Actual results

Tottenham 2:1 Liverpool - 1:1 - click here for my match report and here for my bythemin coverage
Chelsea 2:1 Burnley - 3:0
Crystal Palace 0:0 Bournemouth - 1:1
Everton 1:0 Stoke - 1:0
Leicester 2:1 Swansea - 2:1
Southampton 4:1 Sunderland - 1:1
Watford 1:2 Arsenal - 1:3
Hull City 2:3 Man United - 0:1
West Brom 1:1 Middlesbrough - 0:0
Man City 2:2 West Ham - 3:1

Click here for last week's Premier League Picks

Pictures taken from Bing search, BBC match reports & another Bing search

Liverpool take a point at White Hart Lane

Sports - Football - Premier League - THFC 1:1 LFC

It ended all level 1-1 at White Hart Lane, but with plenty of talking points. On the one hand Liverpool will feel more like two points dropped because of Sadio Mané's disallowed goal. But Spurs were pushing and dangerous, especially with Harry Kane, so, better than nothing. Fair result in the end, intense game, both going for it, both getting something from it.

The game started mixed, the home side on top, keeping the Red back line and keeper Simon Mignolet the busier, producing a couple of top notch saves against Kane. Both sides did not give each other much space, so possession changed quickly and regularly, both pushing again and again on the counter, Michel Vorm with some good stops of his own against Philippe Coutinho early on.

It did not take long for the tide to swing and Jürgen Klopp's men to take over, the front three Coutinho, Roberto Firmino and Mané challenging the Spurs' back line. Just before the break, the pressure bared fruit. Firmino was brought down in the box by Erik Lamela chasing back. James Milner sent keeper Vorm the wrong way and netted the spot kick into the left corner, sending Liverpool into the interval 0-1 ahead.

The second half started just as intense, both teams not leaving each other much room to play with, possession not lasting long, giving away a lot of throws and free kicks. Mané and Danny Rose kept clashing after both had already been booked in the first half for their rants and tangles, keeping each other on their toes and tensions high.

The Reds should have had their lead doubled on 57' after a lovely move that involved Georginio Wijnaldum, Adam Lallana and Mané, the latter netting and celebrating, only to be flagged for offside. It was a very close call.

And it did come back to bite them indeed, Mauricio Pocchetino's men given too much time and space, even though there were six Liverpool players in the box. Rose was able to easily squeeze the ball in the near post to level the score with just under 20 minutes to go.

Kane was surprised to be taken off late on, youngster Joshua Onamah replacing him, Tottenham pushing for a win. Disgruntled Daniel Sturridge came on eventually, Mané coming off in the final minutes. But both changes were in the vane, the game continued and ended how it was all along, mix and match, give and take, great build-up and chances to clumsiness and giveaways.

This display sums up both sides' mixed season so far quite well. They both showed quality, but also plenty of points in need of improvement. 1-1 reflects this. After their embarrassing defeat at Burnley last week, Liverpool can be relieved and look forward to their first home match at the revamped Anfield against champions Leicester after the international break in a fortnight.

Here is my full coverage of the match, relive all the action on ByTheMinute LFC.

Interesting OptaJoe stats from the match:

Before the match:

0 - Harry Kane has never scored a Premier League goal in August.

9 - There have been more own goals scored in PL games between Spurs & Liverpool than any other fixture (9).

3 - Liverpool are the first team to play away in their opening 3 top-flight league games of a season since Chelsea & Bolton in 1997-98.

5 - Simon Mignolet has conceded the last five shots that he has faced on target in the Premier League.

HT & 2nd half:

41 - James Milner has never been on the losing team after scoring in a PL game (W34 D7 L0 before today).

6 - Six of Danny Rose's eight Premier League goals have come at White Hart Lane, including each of the last five.

10 - Harry Kane has not scored in any of his 10 Premier League appearances in the month of August.

FT:

42 - James Milner is now unbeaten in 42 PL games that he's scored in (W34 D8 L0); only Darius Vassell (46 games) has a better record.

Tottenham Goal: Rose 72'.

Liverpool Goal: Milner pen 43'.

Tottenham Team: 13 Vorm; 3 Rose (Y29', G72'), 5 Vertonghen (Y52'), 4 Alderweireld, 2 Walker (9 Janssen 28'); 12 Wanyama, 15 Dier; 23 Eriksen (29 Winks 93'), 20 Alli (Y77'), 11 Lamela; 10 Kane (c) (25 Onomah 83'). 4-2-3-1
Subs not used: 31 McGee, 38 Carter-Vickers, 33 Davies & 7 Son.

Liverpool Team: 22 Mignolet; 7 Milner (pen 43'), 6 Lovren (Y63'), 32 Matip (Y94'), 2 Clyne; 5 Wijnaldum, 14 Henderson (c) (Y85'), 20 Lallana (35 Stewart 94'); 10 Coutinho (Y46', 27 Origi), 11 Firmino, 19 Mané (Y33, 15 Sturridge 88'). 4-3-3
Subs not used: 13 Manninger, 16 Grujic, 18 Moreno & 21 Lucas.

Y = yellow card, G = goal, pen = penalty

Sky Sports Match Stats: Tottenham-Liverpool HT & FT
Possession: 48.6%-51.4% & 49.4%-50.6%
Attempts: 4-6 & 11-13
On target: 1-3 & 4-3
Corners: 2-1 & 5-5
Offside: 0-3 & 2-6
Free kicks: 11-6 & 17-11
Bookings: 1-2 & 3-5

Referee: Robert Madley
Ground: White Hart Lane
Attendance: 31,211
Man of the match: Dejan Lovren

Pictures taken from BBC match report

Click here for my previous LFC match report

Sturridge double seals EFL Cup progress

Sports - Football - EFL Cup - BAFC 0-5 LFC

Liverpool started their EFL Cup campaign successfully and comfortably with a 0-5 win at Burton Albion.

Coming back off a Premier League defeat at Burnley on Saturday, and still hurting from their League Cup final defeat against Manchester City last season, Jürgen Klopp's men came back all guns blazing.

Well, not quite. The score line over-compliments the Reds, a match that was less thrilling, entertaining and impressive, more like a kick in the park.

Divock Origi opened the scoring at the Pirelli Stadium, 15 minutes in, netting Sadio Mané's cross from close range with a cheeky back-heel flick.

Roberto Firmino doubled the score seven minutes later, keeper Stephen Bywater throwing the ball into Nathaniel Clyne's path whose surge down the right wing provided the Brazilian with a perfect cross to head in.

Just when it looked like Nigel Clough's men may be able to grind back something out of the match, taking more possession in the second half, a Tom Naylor own goal just past the hour made it 0-3.

Substitute Daniel Sturridge added two more to the Brewers' misery, 78' and 83', being in the right place at the right time, in the box, central, seemingly proving a point to those watching.

The only worry for Klopp's men on an easy night out came with Emre Can's injury who went down without any tackle or contact and had to be replaced just over halfway through the second half.

The next big test comes Saturday, lunch time, at White Hart Lane, where they can really prove what they are made of! (I'll be covering the Premier League match live on ByTheMinute.co)

Liverpool Goals: Origi 15', Firmino 22', Naylor OG 61', Sturridge 78' & 83'.

Burton Albion Team: 13 Bywater; 14 McCrory, 5 McFadzean (c), 15 Naylor; 11 Dyer (21 Fox 65'), 36 Irvine (16 Palmer 45'), 19 Choudhury (booked 57'), 7 Williamson (booked 61'), 10 Akins (22 Harness 65'); 9 Butcher, 12 Beavon. 3-5-2
Subs not used: 6 Turner, 23 Delaney, 1 McLaughlin, 8 O'Grady.

Liverpool Team: 22 Mignolet; 7 Milner, 6 Lovren, 32 Matip, 2 Clyne; 14 Henderson (c), 23 Can (35 Stewart 71'), 20 Lallana (5 Wijnaldum 64'); 11 Firmino (15 Sturridge 64'), 27 Origi, 19 Mané. 4-3-3
Subs not used: 13 Manninger, 17 Klavan, 18 Moreno, 28 Ings.

Match Stats: Burton Albion-Liverpool
Possession: 41%-59%
Attempts: 4-15
On target: 0-8
Corners: 6-3
Offsides: 0-5
Fouls: 4-7
Bookings: 2-0

Referee: Simon Hooper
Ground: Pirelli Stadium
Attendance: 6,450

Pictures taken from the BBC match report, stats taken from Sky Sports app

Click here for my previous LFC match report

Premier League Picks Of The Week 2

Sports - Football - Premier League - Week 2

The second week of Premier League action saw:

253 Shots - most by Liverpool = 26

22 Goals - most by Man City = 4

237 Fouls - most by Watford = 20

34 Bookings - most by Man City & Watford = 4

1 Red Card - 2nd yellow for Arter for Bournemouth

3 Penalties - 3 scored, 0 missed

Paul Merson's rant about Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger's team selection and choices

Jeff Stelling promoting Hartlepool to the Premier League and Iain Dowie losing track of the score

David Moyes being blunt about Sunderland's chances

What a game! Burnley's win against Liverpool after their seven-goal thriller-victory against Arsenal last week was impressive but less surprising looking at the Reds' mixed form of last season. Jürgen Klopp's men proved once again possession and stats in general don't mean anything and everything. The Reds have created the most chances in the Premier League so far this season (34), but not converting near enough. From top to flop within days and you don't know which one will turn up next. We will wait and see which one will turn up against Burton Albion in the EFL Cup and then at Tottenham in the next Premier League clash (which I will be covering live on ByTheMinute.co).

What a team! Hull City proved all doubters wrong again after beating Swansea 0-2 at the Liberty Stadium. If caretaker manager Mike Phelan doesn't get the job permanently, then fool them. The relegation favourites could not have wished for a better start to the season, flying high in the top four.

What a goal! Cristhian Stuani's opener for Middlesbrough at Sunderland was a stunner. The Uruguayan opened his account for Boro and the Premier League with an unstoppable long-range smacker against the run of play after 13 minutes at the Stadium of Light. He doubled David Moyes' men's misery just before half time and the home side got a goal back in the second half but were not able to recover. Aitor Karanka's side recorded their first win of the season whilst Moyes' account at the Black Cats is still blank, looking more and more difficult and hopeless.

What a man! Zlatan Ibrahimovic can't do anything wrong at the moment. The 34-year old has scored in both opening games to feed United six point out of six and José Mourinho's ego and big mouth. As if the latter needed that! But it's still early days, LVG won the first two games last season as well and we know what happened next...

What the hell?! Diego Costa got away with it once again!!! Manager Antonio Conte's changes did work the magic and got his side back late on after falling behind at Watford. Second sub Michy Batshuayi pulled a goal with ten minutes left before third sub Cesc Fabregas set up Costa for the winner just before the end. But like last week, Costa got away with it! The 27-year-old should have not been on the field after appearing to dive to try and win a second-half penalty, when he had already been in referee Jon Moss' book. The rules are there for a reason, new and old, so please enforce them!!!

My predictions - Actual results

Man United 1:1 Southampton - 2:0
Stoke City 0:1 Man City - 1:4
Burnley 0:3 Liverpool - 2:0
Swansea 2:2 Hull City - 0:2
Tottenham 2:0 Crystal Palace - 1:0
Watford 1:2 Chelsea - 1:2
West Brom 1:1 Everton - 1:2
Leicester City 1:1 Arsenal - 0:0
Sunderland 0:0 Middlesbrough - 1:2
West Ham 2:1 Bournemouth - 1:0

Click here for last week's Premier League Picks

Pictures taken from BBC match reports (top picture montage taken from Bing Search)