Liverpool FC 1 Blackburn Rovers 1 [MATCH REPORT]

Woops… Adam turns it into his own net

Not even the return of Liverpool FC skipper Steven Gerrard could prevent Liverpool from dropping 2 precious points at Anfield against Premier League strugglers Blackburn Rovers after falling behind right before half time.

Liverpool Maxi (53)	1-1 (HT 0-1)	Blackburn Adam (og 45)
Bookings:Agger (72)

It was pretty much the same old story for Liverpool FC, whom paid the price for not putting the ball into the back of the net early, as frustration grew as the first half wore on. The Reds fell behind after a corner whipped in by Blackburn Rovers midfielder Pedersen resulted in Liverpool midfielder Charlie Adam accidentally turning the ball into his own net, just over the head of Jose Enrique, whom was standing at near post.

Liverpool FC responded shortly after the break on the 53rd minute mark as a result of yet another set piece goal, with a cross from out wide causing a ruckus, and the ball fell for Slovakian defender Martin Skrtel, whom then placed an inch-perfect pass for Maxi Rodriguez to head in from the backpost.

Kenny Dalglish kept to his promise to English striker Andy Carroll and decided to start the lanky Englishman in this encounter against the Premier League’s (now) bottom boys Blackburn Rovers ahead of the likes of Steven Gerrard and Welsh winger/forward Craig Bellamy.

Liverpool started brightly, as Suarez won a foul in the early minutes, then taking the ensuing freekick which saw the Uruguayan hit it just a bit too high. Liverpool fans were incensed when referee Mike Jones called a clear cut penalty for Liverpool in the first half after calling an offside on the Argentinian winger. Replays suggested otherwise, and Liverpool fans will rue the decision, given that it could have changed the whole complexion of the game.

Liverpool FC’s play showed promise, but the lack of clinical finishing in front of goal cost the Reds dearly, as Andy Carroll struggled to make an impact against Blackburn’s pillar of strength Christopher Samba. They were duly punished on the 45th minute mark, as the Blackburn Rovers corner resulted in a surprise lead for Blackburn.

It wasn’t the number of shots that was disappointing, it was simply the lack of clear cut chances from inside the box that let down the Reds.But Liverpool responded well following the interval as Enrique’s marauding runs down the left flank and Suarez’s presence knocked on Blackburn’s door queueing up to score, and the honour of scoring the equalizer went to Maxi Rodriguez, whom made it 4 goals from 10 appearances in all competition.

Steven Gerrard also signalled his return following his ankle infection, with him going on for the rather uninspiring Charlie Adam to ruptious applause from Liverpool fans, and made an instant contribution, with his free kick into the box finding Maxi Rodriguez, only for the shot to go just wide.

Gerrard looked good with his passing in his short time on the pitch and tried to spur Liverpool onto victory. Liverpool were almost rewarded for their efforts on the 90th minute mark, with drama to cap the match off. Andy Carroll was (once again) denied from being Liverpool FC’s last minute hero (denied by Man City goalkeeper Joe Hart previously) as he saw his shot saved really well by Blackburn keeper Mark Bunn for a corner.

In the following corner, Martin Skrtel was denied a goal right at the death, with Adam Henley producing a sensational on-the-line clearance to secure the point for Rovers and deny 2 points for Liverpool FC.

This result leaves Liverpool in 6th place, not gaining nor losing anything in terms of placing, although they will rue the dropping of the points, with Chelsea also dropping points this afternoon.