WATFORD 0 LIVERPOOL 3

Match Highlights

Team of the day..
Reina, Aurelio, Hyypia, Agger, Carragher, Finnan, Gerrard MBE (captain), Kuyt, Alonso, Crouch, Bellamy.
Subs - Dudek, Guthrie, Pennant, Fowler, Riise

liverpoolfc.tv reports..

A fourth away win of the season was never in doubt after Bellamy had given the Reds a 34th minute lead; and they went on to score two more goals through Peter Crouch to leave Watford rock bottom while they edge closer to the Premiership summit.

The Reds returned to Premiership action looking to put a double cup exit behind them and it was no surprise to see Rafa Benitez name a strong side that included plenty of firepower in Dirk Kuyt, Peter Crouch and Craig Bellamy.

Liverpool started well when Steven Gerrard blasted a half volley just inches wide in the 6th minute; and they continued to enjoy the better of things despite the ball spending large amounts of time in the air.

The Reds had to work hard to combat Watford's aerial style of play and to their credit they continued to try and play their football. And Rafa's decision to start with three strikers was vindicated when Craig Bellamy gave them a 34th minute lead from close range.

Daniel Agger had thought he'd given them a 12th minute lead before being flagged offside after scoring, but there was no flag to save Watford when Bellamy enjoyed acres of space inside the six yard box to slot Finnan's cross into an empty net.

It had been a somewhat scrappy first half, but Liverpool were well worthy of their lead. And they doubled their advantage in the 40th minute when Peter Crouch headed home after Ben Foster had saved Craig Bellamy's initial effort.

We had scenes that revived memories of Liverpool's last away win at Spurs at the start of the second half when the rain lashed across Vicarage Road. But it didn't interrupt Liverpool's dominance because Peter Crouch scored his second of the match to make it 3-0 in the 48th minute.

It was a smart finish from 12 yards from Crouch after Gerrard and Bellamy had combined to give him the chance. And it was the killer blow the Reds were looking for because although Jordan Stewart rattled a shot against Reina's crossbar, Watford rarely threatened or looked capable of a comeback.



Liverpool did have chances to score more, but it was already a job well done and Rafa Benitez had the luxury of giving a few a rest by using all of his substitutes in the second half.

It's Chelsea next for the Reds and they've made sure here that their season is still very much alive despite their exit from the both domestic cups.

Rafa's comments..

"After the two defeats in the cup we needed to show character. We were fully focussed, scored three good goals and controlled the game," said Benitez.

"It was difficult at first for us because the Watford pitch wasn't good and we couldn't move the ball properly like we normally like to do.

"I was happy with Crouch and Bellamy. They caused the Watford defence lots of problems."

louis' comments..

It's a good win, a good way to bounce back from the 2 heavy defeats. I'm surprised by the line-up to see Peter Crouch, Dirk Kuyt and Craig Bellamy playing all together. Nevertheless, it was a good surprise and you could see 3 of them clicking real well.

The 3 goals were all involved someway or another with the 3 of them and I'm pleased see them making chances count. The first 20 minutes, both teams were unable to get control of the game and it was bits and pieces everywhere. Once we broke the deadlock through Bellamy, it was a much easier game to play for Liverpool. We gained confidence and started to control the game, passed the ball around, making Watford looks so vulnerable.

The second goal was a combination of the 3 strikers. Kuyt knocked it forward for Bellamy who raced through the defence, appearing to score Liverpool's second, but Ben Foster made an excellent save. Still, Peter Crouch was there to rebound on the loose ball with his head. 2 goals ahead and it's comfortable for Liverpool.

Crouch added another with a cool finish from Bellamy's cross. It seems to me that they have been training well together. There were some chances we should have converted. Gerrard has some shots off target, which were unlike Gerrard's standard. Most important, we managed to held on and had the 3 points.

The top 4 teams had won this weekend. No teams had slipped. It's important that Liverpool don't slip at all in order to close the gap with the top two. Next week is going to be crucial. Chelsea is coming down to visit us at Anfield, while Arsenal is hosting Man Utd.

Come on ! Bring on Chelsea..

you'll never walk alone.

cheers.