Carling Cup Final 2012 - 3 things we have learned

As Liverpool ended their six year wait for Silverware after sneaking past Cardiff City, we take a look back at the game and pick out three things we have learnt from the first show-piece final of 2012.

Martin Skrtel – is finally maturing into the complete centre half 

One of the most improved players in a red shirt this season has been the Slovakian international who has matured immensely and can be looked upon as Liverpool’s Mr reliable.

Daniel Agger & Martin Skrtel

This season was very much make or break for the twenty seven years old, who after four largely unimpressive campaigns came into this season needing to improve of face the exit at Anfield.

Finally he has been given the opportunity to form a partnership with Daniel Agger

A source of frustration for Liverpool fans he has added that bit of class to his overall game. The trust Kenny Dalglish has instilled into him cannot be underestimated, there was amble opportunity for him to sign a big name into the summer and move him on. Although he has kept him on his toes with the signing of the talented Sebastian Coates who has impressed in his outings this season.

He has contributed with goals from set pieces but crucially he is now reliable and no longer seen as a liability. At Tottenham he was dismissed in Liverpool’s poorest showing of the campaign and it looked as if his early season promise would fade into just that.

He recovered from the early season set back and has put a run of impressive performances together. He looks calm cool and collected and alongside Agger Liverpool now looks to have a solid and reliable pairing at the back, something they have not had in recent seasons.

Dirk Kuyt - good things come to those who wait 

He looked to have won the game for the reds in extra time as he smartly shot past Tom Heaton at the second attempt despite Cardiff’s late equaliser he was not be denied his first piece of silverware at Liverpool.

Dirk Kuyt

An integral part of the team last season, he has had to make do with been very much a bit part player this season. Despite this he is still very much a man for the big occasion with a late winner in the FA Cup against United in January and at Wembley he came up big. 

After his goal he held his cool from the spot at a key point in the shoot out after two earlier misses Liverpool needed him to deliver and his celebration proved how much he finally wanted to be the winner. 

No one deserves success that Kuyt who unselfishly has worked tirelessly for the cause since his arrival from Feynoord in 2006. At the age of 31 his best years are certainly behind him. Certainly not the most naturally talented players who has ever worn the red shirt, despite his inefficiencies he has worked at his game and as a result has played in a World Cup and a Champions League final.  

He has provided reds fans with a number of memorable memories including his hat-trick against Manchester United last season and his part in securing the Athens final of 2007.

One of the nicest men in football has been rewarded finally with a winners medal and no one looked happier than the Dutchman and I for one am delighted for him.

Cardiff City - under Malky Mackay will flourish 

They played a huge part in a memorable League Cup final and will have won over many fans with their passion and never say die attitude.

A fine early goal from the impressive Joe Mason stunned Liverpool into submission and showed that they were not there just to make up the numbers.

Joe Mason & Kenny Miller 

Malky Mackay had talked up his side’s ability throughout the build up and they certainly did him proud.

The centre half partnership of Ben Turner and Mark Hudson was hugely impressive and they will be pivotal if the Bluebirds are to finally make the step up to the top flight.

Aron Gunnarson ran the midfield and was on his last legs during extra time and looked very comfortable in the company of Steven Gerrard.

Many at the South Wales club will have seen the final as a ‘nice’ distraction and the manner of the defeat will hurt but the must out the hurt to one side and push for promotion. 

Mackay’s post match interview for me summed up the man ‘what doesn’t kill us will make us stronger.’ What he has achieved in such a short space of time has been nothing short of remarkable and he is set for big things in the game.

Under his guidance Cardiff will come back from this stronger and he the man to finally end the long wait for promotion and join their Welsh rivals in the Premier League. 

Bellamy sets up dream final

A sensational performance from Cardiff born Craig Bellamy tonight, saw Liverpool get past Manchester City to secure their place in the Carling Cup final against Cardiff City at the end of next month.

Craig Bellamy

After last night’s drama in Cardiff the second semi final was a sensational encounter that was on a knife edge throughout. Liverpool simply wanted it more over the two legs and after Saturday’s awful showing at Bolton Kenny Dalglish needed his players to stand and deliver.

Having watched his boyhood Bluebirds book their place in the showpiece final there was no way he would miss out on joining them. He hounded the City backline all night, a constant menace at times unplayable.

In the early stages Bellamy tested the impressive Joe Hart who kept City in the tie, as he caused havoc.

He was his usual self continually snipping at the City players and mouthing off to his own players particularly Stuart Downing. He forced Roberto Mancini into a tactical change when Stefan Savic had to be replaced at half time as he torn apart time and time again by Bellamy.

When Edin Dzeko got on the end of Alexander Kolorov’s cross it looked like it would all in tears for Liverpool and Bellamy. Despite the hammer blow Dalglish did not panic and decided to stick with Bellamy and boy he delivered.

He showed great composure to bury his chance and finally beat his nemesis Hart and sent Liverpool to their first Wembley final since 1996.

He went off to a standing ovation in the closing minutes and the sheer respect that his former City colleagues showed him, proved how highly Bellamy is thought of by those who have played with him.

Nobody deserves a place in a showpiece final more than Bellamy, he was an unused sub in his only other final in football in Liverpool’s Champions League defeat in 2007.

His performance tonight has set up what will be memorable day for everyone involved with Welsh football but be rest assured he will not be giving his home town club an easy ride. 

Liverpool toothless as Stoke frustrate

As Stoke City joined a growing list of teams leaving Anfield with a share of the points, Liverpool fall further behind in their pursuit for a return to the Champions League.

Since his arrival from Feynoord in 2006 Dutch international Dirk Kuyt has won a lot of fans at Anfield but this season he has struggled with only one goal and missed from the spot in the derby, unfortunately yesterday afternoon was no different. 

Dirk Kuyt

Yesterday he started in a lone striker role in an unfamiliar Liverpool line up. Kenny Dalglish opted to give Sebastian Coates his first start in the Premier League since his summer move from Nacional and Jamie Carragher returned to the starting XI in place of the injured Daniel Agger.

For Kuyt it was always going to be a tough afternoon against a solid Stoke backline. For all of his hard work he lacked the creative edge that the reds have needed on so many occasions this season.

His one chance came late on, when Jose Enrique’s cross was deflected into his path but he headed just wide, it summed it his season. One goal to date in a Carling Cup tie at Brighton is his only contribution, he has never been prolific but time and time again has come up with key strikes.

Predominantly he has been used a winger at Liverpool and has been key over the last couple of seasons. His drop in form this season has certainly played a part in Liverpool’s alarming lack of goals. Simply the midfield as whole have not contributed enough goal wise and creating openings for the front men.  

At 31 Kuyt’s best years are behind him and he has been a great servant of the club, but it is time for him to move on. Liverpool are crying out for a more dynamic attacking winger. In Maxi, they do have this and let’s not forget Joe Cole who is enjoying a fine season with Lille.

But like Kuyt, both Cole and Maxi are in their early thirties and should not be bit part players, it can be argued that they have not maximised their potential. For Kuyt the opposite can be said as through sheer hard work and determination he has appeared in Champions League and World Cup finals.

In terms of where Liverpool needs to strengthen it is in the final third of the pitch.  Eden Hazard has been muted as a possible additional if not in January in the summer. For me a more realistic target would be Swansea’s Scott Sinclair who has impressed this season and will have Chelsea wondering why they let him go.

Defensively Liverpool have improved tenfold with Martin Skrtel arguably the most improved player in a red shirt and is building a formidable partnership at the heart of defence with Agger. Enrique and Glen Johnson have impressed and Coates looks to have a great future ahead of him and the new defensive unit will be overseen and guided by Carragher.

Martin Skrtel

Going forward I cannot see Liverpool consistently being strong enough to overhaul Chelsea and Arsenal into the all important fourth spot this season. Progress has been made in the cup competitions and a return to Wembley after 16 years is on the cards if they can shut out Manchester City in what promises to be a red hot atmosphere at Anfield next week.

Many will back Liverpool to overcome Manchester United in the FA Cup on the following Saturday again at home. Going back twelve months, the club is in a lot healthier position,  but as we know fans are never satisfied.

In order to build on a solid first twelve months since his return to helm, Dalglish will have eventually move on certain players and for me Kuyt unfortunately is topping the list.

Reds in control against poor City

Steven Gerrard’s first half penalty gives Liverpool a vital lead, against a lacklustre and toothless Manchester City.

A distinct lack of atmosphere at the Etihad was apparent as everyone involved with City looked as if they were still smarting from their FA Cup exit at the hands of their neighbours. This was typified by Mario Balotelli who once again didn’t seem to ‘fancy it’ against Liverpool, and City’s lack of invention was alarming.

Before Gerrard’s excellent spot kick, Joe Hart had already denied Andy Carroll and the returning captain's effort, after a smart layoff from Stuart Downing.

Steven Gerrard

Much of the talk pre match was on how City would miss Vincent Kompany and that proved to be the case, when Stefan Savic recklessly fouled Daniel Agger in the area to round off a woeful opening for the young Serbian.

In terms of goalmouth action that was it really from Liverpool, Kenny Dalglish’s gameplan had worked a treat and crucially unlike last week they had managed to take advantage of their early dominance.

Balotelli was poor and his petulance following a foul by Charlie Adam summed his nights’ work up. His replacement Samir Nasri was placid and did little to show why he would be worthy of a regular starting spot a shadow of his Arsenal form.

Pepe Reina was solid all game and saved Martin Kelly’s blushes when he blocked off Sergio Aguero’s route to goal after the Argentine had been set free, he was also on hand to deny Micah Richards’ goal bound header.

It was a case of backs to the wall for Liverpool as they soaked up the City pressure, it was reminiscent of the Benitez era in Europe and just as his sides did got what they wanted.

The lack of David Silva’s invention and creativity was apparent as Nasri and co continually came up against a sea of red, which was solidified by Jamie Carragher who ensured that the backline held firm.

The Carling Cup

Tonight Liverpool have taken a huge step towards their first visit to Wembley since 1996, but they know that Manchester City will not be that poor again. It will be like a European night at Anfield to kick off a week that will see both Manchester sides visit in cup games. The League Cup it is a trophy Liverpool ever since their second round tie at Exeter have set out to win.

The Carling Cup might not be at the forefront of Mancini’s thoughts right now but he will want to add to his growing legacy at City and knows his side has it all to do in two weeks time in what is sure to be a ferocious atmosphere. 

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.