Leader's return gives Reds much needed lift

On Friday evening Liverpool’s talismanic captain returned from the start to lead his team into the fourth round of the FA Cup, as they overcame an impressive Oldham at Anfield.

A wonder strike early on from Robbie Simpson ensured Oldham got a deserved opener that their bright play deserved and sent their impressive away fans into delirium. 

Although their joy did not last too long as Craig Bellamy deflected the impressive Jonjo Shelvey’s shot in within two minutes. 

Jonjo Shelvey 

The early goal from Paul Dickov’s men was the kick up the backside Liverpool needed. They were poor and lacked a spark in the early exchanges and were fortunate to only concede the one as Shefki Kuqi (now 35) worryingly tormented Jamie Carragher and his apprentice Sebastian Coates.

As Liverpool grew into the game and stamped their authority on the tie on the stroke of half time a needless foul on Maxi, ensured Liverpool would go into the break leading thanks to Steven Gerrard who buried his chance from 12 yards. 

Oldham’s first half showing ensured a great start to the third round weekend and they still were in with a shout until the menace Craig Bellamy set up Shelvey who netted his first goal in the red shirt firing from ten yards.

A fantastic finish from Andy Carroll will lift some of the pressure off his shoulders (until the carling cup tie on Wednesday at least).


The home side ran away with the game after some unsavoury scenes that involved Oldham’s on loan defender Tom Adeyemi and home fans. It is way too early to comment until we see the facts, but any fans charged with abuse of any kind will surely get a lifetime ban from the game and it will not be tolerated.

Stewart Downing added a fifth late on and it will lift his confidence as well, the fitness of Steven Gerrard is going to key as Liverpool look to end their 6 year cup drought and see a return to the Champions League.


Gerrard's vision and creativity will relieve the pressure burdened on Jordan Henderson, Downing and Carroll, he will also play a huge part in the development of Jay Spearing and Shelvey as Liverpool begins to plan for a future without him.

Steven Gerrard

For now Gerrard has a role to play and with him in the first XI he could once again hold the key as the club need to start performing on the field and take some of the focus from recent off field incidents.