Match Report.
In a game which was supposedly all about Robbie Fowler, his presence went almost unnoticed as midweek hero Emile Heskey stole the headlines from the former Anfield idol.
Heskey scored twice in two minutes to cap a magnificent second half display to sink OŽLeary's babies and put the Reds right back into the Championship race. For the first time in nearly a year Heskey showed the form which saw him net 24 times last season and the confidence of the powerful number 8 seems to be flooding back after hitting three goals in a week.
His first on 61 minutes was a delightful finish, rounding the helpless Nigel Martyn and slotting home from the tightest of angles following a magnificent throughball from midfield boss Steven Gerrard. Two minutes later he was on hand again to blast past Martyn after a superb near post flick from Stephen Wright, sending the traveling Kop into fits of ecstasy.
Although the score-line may have flattered us somewhat, the result was just desserts for a Liverpool side that had started much the brighter and made most of the early running. John Arne Riise, Danny Murphy and Michael Owen all returned to the Red's line up as the home side welcomed back long-term absentees Harry Kewell and Olivier Dacourt to their starting line up.
Liverpool were rewarded for their early industry on 16 minutes as Murphy's in-swinging free-kick was put through his own net by Rio Ferdinand. It was a terrible error from the England man, but Martyn's failure to keep the ball out could also be noted as slightly catastrophic.
True to form Liverpool sat on this lead, inviting Leeds to break them down. A succession of corners was the best O'Leary's youngsters could manage. Rio rose to meet most of them but failed to repeat his earlier feat at the other end. Ironic chants of "RIO RIO RIO!" from the Reds fans compounded his agony.
Despite Leeds' pressure it was Liverpool who came closest to scoring again before the break, as Owen shot straight at Martyn with the last kick of the half.
Leeds first half performance was uninspiring to say the least. The threat of the returning Kewell was nullified magnificently by full-backs Steven Wright and Jamie Carragher as the dangerous Aussie switched sides without any result. Dacourt, Batty and Bowyer were being outclassed and outfought by the reds midfield, leaving Viduka and Fowler pretty isolated. Fowler did well in the first half, but the quality of his movement was by no means matched by the service he received.
It was obvious to every one in the ground that Leeds were lacking that creative spark, obvious to all but the Leeds manger who chose to keep Robbie Keane on the bench.
I guess no amount of money can buy tactical wisdom eh David?
The Reds started the second period in much the same vain as they had begun the first and had the first chance of the half when Steven Gerrard volleyed over from the edge of the box. Michael Owen again came close as he nodded down a Steven Gerrard throughball and struck a viscous half volley straight at Martyn who had to be on his toes to tip over. The breakthrough eventually came with Heskey's sublime finish followed by his pounce to make it three. The Liverpool fans were in dreamland.
Leeds introduced Jason Wilcox for the largely ineffective Dacourt, but it failed to make a difference. Fowler had a penalty claim turned down, when it seemed he was upended after a mazy run, his acrobatic volley drifted wide which followed the save of the game from Dudek as he palmed away Viduka's header, but it was to be neither his nor Fowler's day.
Owen finally added his name to the scoresheet in stoppage time, needing two bites at the cherry to head home, completing the rout, which has surely put pay to any lingering hopes Leeds had of taking the title, 10 years after they last lifted the trophy.
For Liverpool however, this win leaves them just two points behind United and with the visits to the grounds of all of their rivals now behind them, they should really be in with a shout come May.
Fowler finally got a chance to say his goodbye's to the Liverpool fans whose applause for him was matched with a touching notification from our former number 9. But if there was ever a game to vindicate his sale, this was it. Fowler's Leeds 0 Liverpool 4.
THE THOUGHTS OF THE BOY SMITH
"Leeds United 0 Liverpool 4" Rarely has writing the score-line for a match report given me so much pleasure. Beating Leeds is always nice but to score four on their own ground is sooooooo sweet.
The pre-match story of Fowler v Liverpool well and truly faded into insignificance and gave the biggest indication yet that Liverpool were right to sell him. Among the traveling Reds there was mixed views on Fowlers reception. Near the end chants of "Fowler, Fowler whatŽs the score?" were eclipsed by a louder rendition of "Fowler! (clap clap clap)" by those who felt the original disrespectful. An even louder chant of "One Michael Owen" was aired by those who felt we shouldn't be chanting about Fowler at all.
Whichever song, each individual chose, everybody applauded Fowler in a mutual show of respect as he approached us at the end, saying his final goodbye.
It was a near perfect day for the magnificent away support, week long visions of Fowler peeling away in celebration after an unthinkable goal against us faded to the back of the mind, with a stellar team performance, in which everyone contributed wonderfully.
Other than Man of the match Heskey, Carra and his uglier clone Stephen Wright deserve a special mention for keeping out Harry Kewell. Such was Wrighty's success against Kewell early on that he thought switching to the right, would better his chances. Against Carra? I don't think so H me old son!
All this nonsense about Stephen's contract is really starting to become unsettling. As Dave said to me today, After all of the money we've given to shit players throughout the last decade and we're haggling over a few grand for one of the most promising youngsters in the country? What a crock of Shit! Getting rid of wasters like Diomede and Heggem will save the club money on wages, which they can then give to Wrighty. Who deserves it more, Wright or Diomede?
Stevie Gerrard was back his dominant best and spent most of the game letting Olivier 'the dirty blue' Dacourt and Lee 'you're supposed to be in Jail' Bowyer know exactly who was boss. The rest of the time, he was playing killer passes and generally being perfect. Nice to have you back Stevie!
The rest of the midfield were all superb, and must surely be our first choice quartet at the moment. Sami and Steph were as solid as ever and Michael thoroughly deserved his late goal.
Heskey seems to be another player who has stepped out of his lean spell with aplomb and his goals today must have made him feel as good as he has in over a year! More power to you Emile! Fowler's little touch at the end was nice. It still breaks my heart watching him play for them.
It only seems right to end with the fans though, who sang their hearts out almost non-stop today. Last week at Highbury we were valiant and loud in defeat, today WE deserved this victory and for once it seems the players were worthy of such backing. If only they got that level of support at Anfield where they need it the most.
Before Christmas, we cited the trip to the then lowly Ipswich on February 9th (my 20th Birthday, please make all cheques payable to Mr CÊÊÊÊ) as our easiest game in this little run. Now though, Ipswich are in Championship form at the moment, so the run of tough games looks set to continue.
One thing is for sure though; if we continue to perform in such a manner then nothing is beyond us this season.
TEAM: Jerzy Dudek; Stephen Wright, Stephane Henchoz, Sami Hyypia, Jamie Carragher; Danny Murphy, Steven Gerrard (Gary McAllister), Didi Hamann, John Arne Riise; Michael Owen, Emile Heskey:
