Liverpool slip to Third

On a day when Liverpool could have managed to cut the lead on BPL leaders, Manchester United they fired blanks away at Middlesborough losing 2-0.

Xabi Alonso’s goal in the first half and Turskish Striker Tuncay’s goal clinched the tie in favor of Boro and got them out of the relegation goal.

The match was an important one for both the teams at the two ends of the table. For Liverpool it was a chance to close in on Machester United and cut the lead to 4 points and for Boro it was a chance to get out of the relegation zone. As it happened boro came out of the last three and Liverpool slipped down to third spot.

Tuncay goal was the first Premier Football League goal scored by a Boro player since January 10, more than a month back. After conceding a goal in the first half, Liverpool lost the grip on the game. Alonso headed a Stuart Downing Cross into his own net and gave Boro the lead. Downing’s corner from the right made its way into the six-yard box, where it hit the unwitting Alonso’s head and flew in past Reina into the back of the net. And as the game went on, Boro seemed to take confidence from that shock opener. Liverpool’s defense opened up and Tuncay scored the second. Liverpool were lucky not to concede another goal before full time.

However, Liverpool should have been back on level terms just minutes in to the second half after Gerrard made his way into the penalty area and put the back into open space.

Boro’s obstinate defence was proving more than sufficient to keep Liverpool away as Rafael Benitez’s men continued to keep a lot of possession, but they could not materialize the possession.

The final whistle was greeted by delighted cheers from the crowd of 33,724 present at the Riverside Stadium as they had seen their team win after a long time , especially against a top rung side.

Previous Post : United win Carling Cup on penalties