Top of the league, having a laugh?
Top of the league! Liverpool FC are now at the top of the league, following an impressive month. The Reds played five fixtures, winning three and drawing two. The Merseyside club, played beautiful football throughout the month, often destroying opposition defences. The club's success has often been overshadowed by controversy involving, Suarez, Evra, the fans and even the manager himself John Barnes.
The Reds first fixture of the month was against Hull City at Anfield. The first game after John Barnes revealed he was racially abused by Stoke fans. However this didn't seem to affect Liverpool's performance, especially Steven Gerrard's as he scored a wonderful brace. You would have thought that was the only talking point, but his celebration stole the show. The veteran English midfielder celebrated both goals by showing off his "KICK IT OUT" undershirt. A truly amazing touch from Stevie G.
Next up for Liverpool, an away fixture vs West Ham, a tough team with a unique playing style. This match was more of a contest than the previous match, unfortunately for West Ham, Liverpool, were in no mood to play around as they cruised to a 2-0 victory. The first half ended 0-0, a fairly boring half. In the second half, Liverpool shifted up a gear. Matt Jarvis picked up an injury in the 52nd minute and had to be stretchered off. Iago Aspas broke the deadlock in the 66th minute with a very nice finish. Kevin Nolan, was sent off in the 86th minute, however in controversial circumstances. Luis Suarez put the game to bed in the 90th minute with a trademark finish. Final score, 2-0 to Liverpool.
Liverpool's third game was vs Southampton at Anfield. The Kop was louder than then ever, chanting the famous "You'll never walk alone!". The fans looked up for the game, the players did too. The game kicked off and Liverpool went straight out to score and eventually did in the 10th minute through a Steven Gerrard penalty. Not shortly after, Gerrard doubled the lead with a tidy finish. Southampton seemed very frustrated and this was evident after Victor Wanyama was sent off, just before half time, giving Liverpool an extra advantage. With only 10 men, Southampton were completely demoralized and had given up. Liverpool sensed this and upped their game a bit. Star striker, Luis Suarez scored The Reds 3rd goal of the game. Southampton managed to score a consolation goal through Adam Lallana.
The next match Liverpool played, against Fulham, should have been renamed the Steven Gerrard show as he was the main talking point, but not just for good reasons. The Liverpool captain, gave The Reds the lead in the 20th minute but this goal was cancelled out by Flourent Malouda on the brink of half time. In the second half, both teams had chances but failed to convert. Gerrard picked up his second yellow card of the game, and was sent off in the 73rd minute. Despite being sent off, the fans still cheered the legend off the field. Final score, 1-1.
The last game of the month, was fairly frustrating for Liverpool as they failed to beat premier league newcomers Crystal Palace. The team from Croyden proved they were no pushovers as they started the game very well, testing Reina in goal. Ironically, it was Liverpool who took the lead through Yohan Cabaye in the 13th minute. Niklas Hult equalised for The Eagles, much to the delight of the Palace fans. The highlight of the second half was the injury suffered by Louis Alberto in the 89th minute, Liverpool will be hoping he recovers swiftly.
Due to Liverpool's unbeaten run continuing, The Reds are now top of the league with 32 points, alongside with Arsenal, however Liverpool's goal difference is greater. Nobody would have thought that the they would be at the top of the league, nearing Christmas.
Liverpool player of the month
The Liverpool player of the month is.... MARTIN SKRTEL! The Slovakian centre back has put in some brilliant performances, wowing many. Liverpool will be hoping that their star defender can keep up his good form as they aim to stay at the top of the league.