Stewart Downing picks up the plaudits with a brilliant match-winner as Liverpool record a 1-0 victory in Belarus. Sir Alex Ferguson reveals Nemanja Vidic is ready to return for United’s remaining friendlies, while Chris Brunt admits he is struggling for fitness in time for the new season after picking up a calf problem:
FC Gomel 0 Liverpool 1
Brendan Rodgers chalked up a win and a clean sheet on his competitive debut as Liverpool boss last night. The former Swansea manager named a strong lineup for the Europa League third round qualifier, handing Steven Gerrard a role as the most advanced midfielder, while Fabio Borini led the line with Joe Cole and Stewart Downing on the flanks. Borini and Glen Johnson both had chances before Cole was withdrawn midway through the first-half after picking up a hamstring problem, but it’s fair to say Liverpool were lucky to go in level at half-time after their hosts spurned plenty of opportunities to break the deadlock. Martin Kelly and Lucas came on as subs in the second 45, with the latter continuing his comeback from a knee injury, though the Reds continued to lead a charmed life as Gomel spurning chance after chance. Stewart Downing eventually made the home side pay for their profligacy by firing home a superb 25-yard effort for the only goal of the game on 67 minutes – Borini had a chance to double the Reds’ lead and although he fluffed his lines, Rodgers’ men kept possession well to see out the victory.
Liverpool Starting XI: Jones; Johnson (Kelly 46), Carragher, Skrtel, Enrique; Henderson (Lucas), Spearing, Gerrard; Downing, Borini, Cole (Sterling 22)
The Liverpool centre-halves made the headlines for various reasons last night, Jamie Carragher marked his 700th game for the club, while Martin Skrtel’s display at the back earned him man of the match but the main talking point surrounded Daniel Agger. Initial reports suggested the Dane was absent for the 1-0 win due to a knock but – with Barcelona and Man City both rumoured to be eying up a move – the player’s agent was somewhat cryptic, going on to say:
He is not injured in any way. Only the club and the manager can answer to why he is not in the squad. But the reports of Agger handing in a transfer request are purely nonsense. He is very happy at Liverpool.
In Other News…
Only a couple of weeks ago, Sir Alex Ferguson had doubted whether Nemanja Vidic would be ready in time for the new season but yesterday the United boss revealed his skipper is well on the road to recovery and will feature in the club’s three upcoming friendlies. With Jonny Evans and Chris Smalling still unavailable, Vidic’s return is a timely boost for United’s backline ahead of their opener with Everton on Monday August 20, though Ferguson also hinted that Phil Jones could get the nod at right-back, due to the fact that Rafael is still involved in the Olympics with Brazil:
Chris Smalling is out for 10 weeks with his metatarsal operation and Jonny Evans is still just in light training. They’re big losses at the moment and they will miss the start of the season. Rafael is away [on international duty with Brazil at the Olympics] and Fabio is away on loan so there are four defensive players that we don’t have for the back four positions. We do have Phil Jones, Nemanja Vidic, Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra, though. That will be the back four on tour. Hopefully we don’t get any more injuries as it would leave me a bit short.
Chris Brunt has admitted he is struggling to make the start of the season for West Brom. The Irishman has failed to feature in the club’s recent friendlies due to a calf problem and with just over two weeks until the new campaign kicks off, is yet to return to full training. Speaking to the press yesterday, the Baggies midfielder conceded:
I’ve had a couple of decent days this week and I’m hoping if everything goes alright I’ll be back in full training next week. It’s really frustrating because I’ve missed out on a lot of fitness work as well. Also, I haven’t played any football yet – other than the few training sessions I got involved in. The nature of the injury means it’s difficult for me to run on it, which is a bit of a nightmare. If I want to be involved against Liverpool I’m going to have to play some football.
