Liverpool v Brighton reaction

Gus Poyet accused Brighton of "comic" defending after they scored three own goals in a 6-1 FA Cup hammering by Liverpool at Anfield.

Last Updated: 19/02/12 at 20:21 Post Comment    Bet with SkyBet  FA Cup Winner 11/12. Click here to bet.

Carroll: Had a great game for Reds

Carroll: Had a great game for Reds

Liam Bridcutt twice found himself in the wrong place at the wrong time, whilst Lewis Dunk's disastrous attempt at controlling a Luis Suarez cross also ended in calamity.

In front thanks to Martin Skrtel, only to be pegged back by Kazenga Lua Lua's excellent effort, Liverpool cruised home with Andy Carroll capping an outstanding display with his third goal in 10 games before setting up Suarez, who had earlier missed a penalty, to complete the Reds' biggest win since September 2009.

"I watched the goals on the computer," said Poyet. "There are a few funny ones in there. They were comic goals.

"I haven't spoken to the players about it. There were so many individual mistakes it would take all day.

"I made changes at 3-1 and I am responsible for what happened afterwards. But I don't like it and I didn't enjoy it.

"I learned a lot. I hope my players did the same."

Brighton certainly learned that Liverpool can manage perfectly well without the assistance they were offered.

Despite the visitors' best efforts, fair and foul, Carroll refused to be shackled, Steven Gerrard was his usual rampaging self and Suarez, after all that recent controversy, edged further towards top form.

It was the trio's first start together and the timing was perfect given Liverpool will look to secure their first trophy since 2006 when they take on Cardiff in the Carling Cup final at Wembley next Sunday.

"The three of them are fantastic footballers and they played really well today," said Dalglish. "The more any team gets iconic players like they are on the pitch the better chance they have of being successful.

"But we have got more than three players.

"The fact we have done as well as we have and that was the first time the three of them have started a match tells you how well the other boys have done.

"We will stand and be counted as a squad and I don't think we have done too badly this year."

Dalglish confirmed absent duo Craig Bellamy and Daniel Agger should both be fit for Liverpool's first Wembley appearance since 1996.

And Carroll has certainly done his chances of a starting berth no harm whatsoever with a powerful display.

Were it not for his £35million pricetag, the former Newcastle star might be judged rather less severely by his critics.

However, Dalglish insists Britain's costliest player has nothing to prove on Merseyside.

"We have always been positive, and we always will be," said the Liverpool boss.

"We will always be supportive of any player who comes to this football club.

"It doesn't matter what his name is. We will judge him and we will judge whether we are happy or unhappy."

Suarez will have to get used to being jeered by opposition fans given the Brighton supporters abused him, even though their manager Poyet has been one of his fellow Uruguayan's staunchest supporters.

And, after Dalglish admitted to the error of asking Suarez to take Liverpool's penalty after Dirk Kuyt had been fouled in the box, even Poyet admitted he was delighted that Suarez got his name on the scoresheet.

"Yes," he said. "Especially after the penalty. "It wasn't a matter of conceding one more. He needed it. It was important for him."

Bet with SkyBet  FA Cup Winner 11/12. Click here to bet.

Football365 Facebook Fan Page

The Football365 fan page is a great place to meet like minded people, have football related discussions and make new friends.

Related News

Sky Bet

Most Commented

Readers' Comments

W

onder if thats the same kit he had on for saturdays photos, hope he washed it after all the bood,sweat and tears he put into winning it

swampdog83
Terry: Bad memories erased

A

bsolutely delighted for Chelsea, what a story. Particularly happy for Drogba to (possibly) sign off a career on such a high note. Wonder how the spurs fans are feeling tonight.

gunnergremlin
Champions League glory for Blues

Y

eah yeah, whatever fatty. Keep trying to talk down a competition you'll never play in. I bet you'll get relegated next season and claim the 38th game is more important than the CL final too.

gooner4ever
Allardyce: This is the one

Footer 365

Blues may wait over RDM deal

Roberto Di Matteo could be made to sweat over his Chelsea future until his contract expires, chief executive Ron Gourlay has admitted.

We're in it to win it - Doyle

Striker Kevin Doyle insists it would be far from madness to consider the Republic of Ireland as potential Euro 2012 champions.

Dortmund set Kagawa price

Borussia Dortmund's highly-rated Japanese midfielder Shinji Kagawa will cost prospective buyers around 20 million euros (£16.17m).

Mail Box

The England Optimism Has Returned...

Perhaps England expectations dropped so low that we've actually gone full circle, with a couple of you backing them in the mailbox. Plus, AVB is owed some credit...

Spurs Fans: What's Wrong With The Europa?

Spurs fans are understandably unhappy after Chelsea's Champions League victory cost them a spot next season. But surely it's worth trying to win the Europa League...?

© 2012 365 Media Group Ltd. All Rights Reserved