A Complete Game: Liverpool 4 - Fulham 0

Photo by Stevesworldofphotos on Flickr

Which made Correspondent Scott a happy man for the International Break:

While they didn't score as many goals in the second half as they did in the first, Liverpool's 4-0 drubbing of Fulham at Anfield on Saturday was their most complete game yet this season.  With Liverpool boy Austin Powers (nay, Mike Myers) in attendance, the Reds positively exploded with offensive firepower after the first 20 minutes and kept the Cottagers pinned back for the rest of the game.  It's really a wonder they didn't score more in the second half after leading 3-0 at the interval.

The own goal that opened the flood gates was a direct result of the quality of Steven Gerrard's delivery of the free kick.  The captain may have his detractors (even I have risked blasphemy to point out his shortcomings when necessary) but he has resurged as an experienced force each week, now with a lengthy run of healthy play.

Soon after, despite all the pressing, Liverpool's second goal came from another set piece - this time a corner.  How about that Martin Skrtl?  Emphatically powering home his header, the Slovak has found new life after his previous relegation to the bench.

The all-out siege on Fulham's goal continued until the halftime whistle and produced another fine goal when Jordan Henderson deftly weighted  his pass for the indomitable Luis Suarez to slip past the onrushing 'keeper.  Such was the euphoria and momentum that the Reds barely protested when the referee waved off the tepid appeals for a penalty when Kieran Richardson clearly handled the ball.

As a fan, player and coach (and wannabe blogger), I appreciate effort more than many other facets of performance.  So to say I was pleased with Liverpool's effort in the second half, despite being up by three early on and extending to 4 by Suarez' brace, would be an understatement.  The burning desire to score was tattooed on Philippe Coutinho's and Daniel Sturridge's faces as they relentlessly passed, juked and shot.  While I'm convinced Suarez would have sacrificed a body part to complete his hat trick.  Nothing important - maybe a tonsil or even a spleen if it came to it.  I checked the clock at the 87th minute and again in the 90th minute and there was swarm of red still working hard to win the ball, often led by the indefatigable and ubiquitous Lucas Leiva.

The only thing I didn't like was Suarez' stupid behind-the-leg shot in the 91st minute.  But that was the exception to an otherwise exceptional, and complete, game.  

This is farlieonfootie for November 14.