Match Report: Liverpool 3 - 0 Newcastle

Goals continue to flow at Anfield under Kenny Dalglish as Liverpool strengthened their claim for European football next season with a 3-0 victory over Newcastle.

The Reds, who have scored 14 in their last three home matches, moved above Tottenham into fifth place having rarely been troubled by the Magpies.

Dirk Kuyt's eighth in his last seven Barclays Premier League matches was sandwiched between another for Maxi Rodriguez, who hit a hat-trick in the 5-0 win over Birmingham last week, and one for the impressive Luis Suarez.

Only a goal for Andy Carroll, the subject of incessant abuse from the travelling fans, against his former club would have capped off the performance.

The £35million striker came on for the final 20 minutes but made little impact save for increasing the vitriol from the large away contingent.

Their anger at the way Carroll left them in January, with the club claiming he handed in a transfer request when made aware of Liverpool's interest, was understandable but he was never going to be a major player in this game having missed last week's victory with a knee injury.

The man who was the main reason Newcastle's record of just two wins at Anfield in their last 39 visits was not improved was Suarez.

Carroll's fellow deadline-day signing has made a much greater impression and his inventiveness and workrate were a constant problem to the Magpies.

But it took even him a long while to get things going as, having played their best football of the season in demolishing Birmingham, the first half failed to reach anywhere near those heights despite taking a 10th-minute lead.

Raul Meireles had already bundled a shot wide from a cross by Glen Johnson, returning at left-back after a three-match absence with a hamstring injury, before the hosts went ahead.

Even then they required a slice of luck. Teenager John Flanagan's deep cross was only half headed clear by Mike Williamson and Rodriguez's follow-up volley took a big deflection off Danny Simpson.

It went downhill from there for Dalglish's side as they conceded too much territory to their opponents, who enjoyed a sustained period of possession without really threatening.

It was briefly broken by Jay Spearing's dipping shot, which Newcastle goalkeeper Tim Krul claimed at the second attempt with Meireles bearing down on him.

The home side were fortunate, however, that for all their time on the ball Newcastle struggled to carve out a decent opportunity.

Liverpool-born midfielder Joey Barton was the Magpies' main culprit as his delivery from set-pieces was poor.

The one time he did put a free-kick into a dangerous area Johnson headed behind for a corner, from which Kevin Nolan subsequently ballooned a shot over.

Liverpool's only other chance of the half saw Lucas Leiva's looping header easily caught by Krul, while Newcastle left-back Jose Enrique, a summer target for the Reds, had the final opportunity with a free-kick deflected behind off the wall.

For the second half Liverpool's full-backs switched sides, with Flanagan having been given a difficult time by Jonas Gutierrez.

But the youngster was almost caught napping within seconds of the restart as Nolan's low cross was side-footed wide by Barton at the far post.

Luck was certainly on Liverpool's side as Suarez almost scored with a deflected shot which hit the side netting and Rodriguez hit the crossbar as he tried to centre from the left.

There was a hint of fortune about Liverpool's 59th-minute second when Suarez isolated Williamson wide on the left from Jose Reina's kick and was sent tumbling by the defender right on the edge of the penalty area close to the byline.

Referee Peter Walton, who had frustrated the home crowd with a number of decisions, had no hesitation in pointing to the spot to allow Kuyt to score.

The Holland international should have doubled his tally with a free header seven yards out minutes later but missed the target.

Suarez made no such mistake in the 65th minute when he exchanged passes with Kuyt to sidefoot under Krul from 10 yards.

With the game safe Dalglish sent on Carroll for Rodriguez with 20 minutes to go, just before Meireles' diving header was deflected behind by Fabricio Coloccini.

Carroll barely touched the ball as his side ran out comfortable winners and, despite having played one match more than Tottenham, Liverpool are strong contenders to take the Europa League berth.

Kuyt - Confidence High

Liverpool forward Dirk Kuyt insists confidence is brimming at Anfield following his terrific run in front of goal.

The Holland international scored for the fourth successive game on Sunday in the Reds' 3-0 league success over Newcastle.

Since finding the back of the net against Sparta Prague on February 24, the 31-year-old has now bagged 10 goals in 12 games in all competitions.

Kuyt knows he is currently at the top of his game, although he believes everyone has their tails up after moving ahead of Tottenham in the Premier League ladder into fifth.

"The last time I had a run like this must have been in Holland, where I scored quite a few," explained Kuyt.

"At the moment things are going well, I have scored in the last four games now, which is nice to do.

"My confidence is high, but that is also to do with the management and my team-mates.

"I think the confidence of every player is high at the moment, because everyone is doing well.

"It is the same for me, I am feeling much better than I did at the beginning of the season, and I am enjoying playing football again."

Reds Look To Defender

Paris Saint-Germain may have priced centre back Mamadou Sakho out of a move to Liverpool or Arsenal with an inflated price tag.

The centre half has been attracting interest from both Liverpool and the Gunners but, after seeing PSG put a £20m price tag on his head, neither club are likely to offer that sort of money.

Reds boss Kenny Dalglish has a list of candidates for the positions he wants to strengthen in the summer and director of football Damien Comolli will oversee all the transfers in a busy close season.

If the Reds decide that £20m is over the top for the 21-year-old Sakho they will refocus their attentions on either Gary Cahill at Bolton, thought to be their preferred choice, or Phil Jones at Blackburn.

Moyes Insists Leighton Baines Won’t Join Liverpool

Everton manager David Moyes has brushed off the prospect of Leighton Baines joining Liverpool this summer, insisting that he has the final say on the club’s transfers.

The 26-year-old left-back has been linked with a move away from Goodison Park in recent weeks but the Everton boss has dismissed the possibility of the England international crossing the Merseyside divide.

Baines, who has made 152 appearances since signing from Wigan Athletic for £6m in 2007, penned a new five-year deal with Everton last summer.

“I can’t see it,” said Moyes. “It’s not for me that one and I think Liverpool know that as well. Nobody will leave the club unless I give it the go-ahead and that won’t change.

“We have signed Leighton on a five-year deal. I don’t want to sell him and Everton don’t sell cheap. The chairman looks after the players and gives them what he can. So Leighton’s not for sale – and they know that as well.”

Nicky Barmby and Abel Xavier are the only two players to have joined Everton from Liverpool with both clubs in the Premier League.

Steven Gerrard Targets Pre-Season Return For Liverpool

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has targeted a pre-season return for the Reds after he went under the knife in March to cure a troublesome groin injury.

The England star had initially hoped to make his comeback before the end of the season, but suffered a further setback which has left him looking a frustrated figure on the sidelines.

Writing in the program notes for Liverpool's 3-0 win over Newcastle at the weekend, the 30-year-old explained that it has been painful watching from the stand.

'Fingers crossed, I'll be there on the first day of pre-season,' he said.

'The manager and everyone else do their best to make you feel part of it. But, unless you are out there starting every week, it doesn't quite feel the same.'

Gerrard explained that he is feeling confident in his groin for the first time in a long while and hopes to be raring to go for the 2011/12 season.

He recently watched his side comfortably beat Newcastle with goals from Maxi Rodriguez, Dirk Kuyt and Luis Suarez and knows that the victory could be vital as the Reds push for a European place.

Kenny Dalglish's men are currently in 5th place in the Premier League, ahead of Tottenham Hotspur on goal difference.

Kenny Dalglish Calls For Goal-Line Technology

Kenny Dalglish added his voice to those calling for the use of a video referral system to prevent games being decided by refereeing errors.

Chelsea was lucky to secure three points against Spurs on Saturday. Frank Lampard was awarded a goal for a shot which Heurelho Gomes stopped on the goal-line, and Salomon Kalou got the better of a touch-and-go offside call to score a late winner.

On Sunday, both Manchester United and Arsenal were aggrieved not to be awarded penalties at the Emirates, as referee Chris Foy failed to whistle when Nemanja Vidic handled the ball inside United's area, then when Gael Clichy brought down Michael Owen at the other end.

When he was asked his views on bringing in goal-line technology, Dalglish said: "As for using technology, I don't know why everyone is stubbornly against it.

"When competitions are that important you deserve the best you can get," said Dalglish. I don't see any reason why it can't be there. I'm sure it has been tested somewhere."

Hyypia Calls Time On Career

Bayer Leverkusen defender Sami Hyypia has confirmed he will retire from playing at the end of the Bundesliga season.

The ex-Liverpool man won a wealth of trophies during his time at Anfield and will take up a coaching role with Leverkusen next term.

Hyypia, who joined the Reds from Willem II, helped the Merseysiders win the UEFA Champions League, Uefa Cup, two FA Cups, two League Cups and two European Super Cups during his time at Anfield.

The 37-year-old was mulling over his career throughout the season and says he has no desire to continue playing, whether it be for Leverkusen or anyone else.

"The decision to retire gradually grew during the season," he told Finnish TV station MTV3.

"I had no interest any more to go elsewhere to play. There are no regrets.

"Thanks to all those who have helped during the course of my career and to my relatives a big thank you, without family and friends it would not have been possible."

Hyypia, who will also be involved in the Finnish set-up, added regarding his move into coaching: "It will be an interesting year.

"I must get a coaching license and then I get the experience of Leverkusen and the national team coaching.

"I'm really happy about this. All who know me know I put myself fully into it. It is 100 per cent or nothing."

Judge Liverpool's Transfer Policy A Few Years From Now - Dalglish

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish believes that the club's transfer policy must be judged after a few years, whilst hailing director of football Damien Comolli and managing director Ian Ayre.

The duo was promoted to their current positions last month, and it has been reported that the manager is working with the Frenchman to outline potential targets for the upcoming transfer window.

The Reds sold Fernando Torres to Chelsea in a deal that is widely thought to be worth about £50 million, and brought in Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll in the last transfer window.

But Dalglish reckons the fans would need to watch the functioning of Fenway Sports Group for a few more years, before judging the transfer policy.

"The structure is great now with Ian as managing director and Damien as director of football," he told reporters.

"We said at the time they were two great appointments by the club.

"As for transfers, it remains to be seen. We have Andy and Luis in and they have done very well but it is only two.

"We need to wait a few years before we judge it but certainly they are two positive appointments."

The Scot also believes that the two recent arrivals can only improve further once they have had a pre-season with the Merseyside club.

He said: "Most players are better after a pre-season with their new club and that will apply to Andy and Luis next year."

But the manager also admitted that international duty could pose as a problem, as Suarez would need to represent Uruguay in the Copa America tournament in July.

"Luis will be away until 24 July if Uruguay get to the final," Dalglish said. "It's not helpful but there's nothing we can do about it and we just have to get on with it. The competition is there and it's a huge event for the South Americans and we've got to respect that."

Liverpool To Wait Another Year To Get Green Light For £200m Anfield Revamp

Liverpool will have to wait for another year before being given the green light for the long-awaited £200m redevelopment of Anfield.

The earliest the Reds can reportedly look to complete the works at their ground will be the start of the 2014-15 season, given that the refurbishment of the stadium will take at least two years.

According to News of the World, Fenway Sports Group are also evaluating the possibility of increasing the stadium’s capacity from 45,000 to 65,000 after owner John W. Henry announced in November that his final decisions on the developments will be made "within a year."

The owners have reportedly been distancing themselves from two existing approved plans.

The one proposed by AFL architects is said to be too old while previous owner Tom Hicks’ plan is too expensive a blueprint for the redevelopment.

Dalglish Wants Away Success

Kenny Dalglish has pointed to Liverpool's home form as an indication of what they are capable of.

The caretaker manager has managed to make an instant impression since taking over from Roy Hodgson, highlighted by his nine-match unbeaten run at Anfield.

But it is Liverpool's away form that has become a cause for concern and hampered the progress made under their former playing idol.

Defeats on the road have come against Blackpool, West Ham and West Brom, teams the Merseyside outfit would have expected to dispatch of.

These defeats have helped to build the sum of a staggering 10 losses on the road this term.

Newcastle will be the visitors on Sunday as the Reds go for a fourth successive victory.

And although there have been signs of a renaissance at Anfield under Dalglish, he is aware there is still much work to be done.

"You cannot have great home form and terrible away form. You may need to marry the two together," he said.

"We've had a lot of positive results at Anfield and that's a step in the right direction. We know that if we can do it at home then we can do it away too.

"The away form is something everyone would like to improve upon and if we do there will be a better chance of being successful."

Liverpool still have an outside chance of qualifying for the Europa League as they sit sixth in the table, just three points behind fifth place Tottenham.

However, they have played one game more than Harry Redknapp's team, they are still in with a chance of qualifying.

Yet, their stand-in boss, who is set to be appointed on a permanent basis in the summer, is remaining coy about their chances.

"We will play every game as it comes and see how many points we get," he added.

"The more points we get the better chance we have of finishing higher up the table.

"That is our ambition, to get three points against Newcastle on Sunday, and let's see where that takes us."

Liverpool And Arsenal Keen On Krkic

Arsenal and Liverpool are chasing Barcelona star Bojan Krkic, according to reports in Spain.

Much was expected of the young striker after his prolific form throughout the club's youth ranks, but he has so far failed to produce his best in the first team.

The 20-year-old has often struggled to break into Barca's star-studded starting line-up and has been utilized mainly from the bench in the last four seasons.

But sources in Spain have suggested that Bojan will look to move on in the summer in a bid to secure more regular first-team football.

The striker has started just seven La Liga games all season, and only 40 since his breakthrough into the first team in 2007.

Now Barcelona are reportedly ready to let him leave and Arsenal and Liverpool are among a host of clubs who are keen on making a bid for him in the summer.

Liverpool Defender Target Hints At End Of Season Move

Porto center back Rolando has hushed rumours of reaching an agreement with Liverpool already, though the star has hinted that he will consider offers to move to the Merseyside club in the summer.

“At the end of the season we’ll speak about it,” Rolando said of the interest shown by Liverpool and other English clubs.

“For now, I want to concentrate on my team and my all for them.”

Rolando’s agent recently admitted that there has been a lot of interest in the 25 year old this season, with competition hotting up for the star as the summer transfer period draws closer.

“Manchester United and Liverpool are following the player,' he revealed.

“I think something could move towards the end of the month but, for now, the clubs are both focused on the league and the Champions League.'

“There were observers to follow him from many clubs including Inter Milan, Juventus, Manchester United and Liverpool,' Rolando’s agent Peppino Tirri said.

'The player’s rating is very high. €15million? Even a little more.

Marveaux Becomes Liverpool's First Summer Signing

Liverpool has already started putting their squad together for next season's Premier League title challenge with the signing of Sylvain Marveaux.

The free transfer for the Rennes midfielder was agreed in April, with the former France Under-21 coming to the end of his contract, but the details of his Merseyside contract are now being revealed by French newspaper L'Sport.

The respected French paper reports that the attacking midfielder, previously of interest to Manchester United and Chelsea before his injury, has agreed a four-year deal with a possible fifth year based on appearances and performance.

The left-footed winger has played just 10 league games this season, having picking up a serious groin injury in November, but still achieved one goal and two assists.

And that form is believed to have attracted the attention of Liverpool's French director of football Damien Comolli, who plays a pivotal role in the club's European recruitment policy.

Liverpool Join Arsenal In Race For Florin Gardos

Liverpool is the latest club to join the race for Romanian defender Florin Gardos.

The Steaua Bucharest centre back, who can also play in a defensive midfield role, has been tracked by a number of clubs across Europe, with Arsenal, Juventus, Inter Milan and Bayern Munich all thought to be monitoring the 22-year-old.

Romanian daily newspaper Adevarul now claims Liverpool have joined the chase for the player, with director of football Damien Comolli making the player a 'high priority' amidst a host of potential summer targets.

Kenny Dalglish is thought to have a handful of defenders on his transfer shortlist, with a left back the main priority for the Scot. However, with an ageing core in the central position and Sotirios Kyrgiakos heading for the Liverpool exit door, a young replacement could be in the pipeline for the Merseysiders.

However, competition is likely to be fierce for the two-cap international, and Arsenal are known to be in the market for a central defender.

Gary Cahill and Mamadou Sakho have been heavily touted as potential summer additions at the Emirates, with Gunners' chief Arsene Wenger looking to spend part of his £40 million transfer war chest on a player in the club's problem position.

The Frenchman was searching for a player in the January transfer window, but failed to secure a signature for Arsenal either permanently or on loan. That will look to be rectified this summer, with Gardos an option for the north London outfit.

Reports in Romania claim the player is valued at €5 million, a figure Liverpool would be able to match should they pursue their interest in the player.

Agent Insists Perotti To Liverpool Is Not A Done Deal

Liverpool remains on the trail of Argentine winger Diego Perotti, although his agent insists no deal has been done.

Reports in Spain last week claimed Seville are ready to cash in on their £12million-rated player after they lined up his replacement in the form of German international Piotr Trochowski.

But Perotti's agent Alvaro Torres was quoted on radio station Onda Cero claiming: "There is nothing [to report]. The only thing we know is that some important clubs want to talk to Seville about their players and Diego will be one of them.

"But Seville are in charge of the situation and no proposal has come directly to us nor have any clubs spoken to us."

Liverpool reportedly faces competition for the highly-rated 22-year-old from Everton and Newcastle United.

Liverpool Youngster Set For Olympiakos

Liverpool goalkeeper Dean Bouzanis is set to join Greek side Olympiakos.

It is unknown whether any deal would be a short-term measure or a permanent transfer but it is believed Liverpool is keen on cutting the number of goalkeepers on their books.

The 20-year-old spent the 2009/10 campaign on loan to Accrington Stanley but has been appearing for Liverpool’s reserve team this season.

A move to Greece could be attractive for Bouzanis’ family with the shot-stopper’s mother originally from the country.

Reina: Four Wins Key To Europe

Pepe Reina is confident a quartet of victories will secure European football for Liverpool next season.

The Reds head into the final straight of the 2010-11 campaign three points adrift of fifth-placed Tottenham having played a game more.

However, the Spaniard is adamant Kenny Dalglish's side can still leapfrog the Londoners and reckons this weekend could be a pivotal moment in the race for a Europa League spot.

Reina told Liverpoolfc.tv: "We have to try to win all of our games and after we will see.

"I believe if we win them all we will be in the fifth position and that is probably the closest and most important target."

He added: "We won't win every game 5-0 like we did against Birmingham last week, but if we play with the same mentality and approach it in the same way, we have more chance of winning than losing.

"We have to take it one game at a time and the most important one is Newcastle because that is next. Tottenham have Chelsea away so there is a possibility we can pass them and take the fifth position this weekend. We have to make sure that we don't drop points at home because we also have Tottenham to come here.

"We also have two difficult away games at Fulham and Villa, so as I said, it's better to go game by game and make sure we don't drop points.

"Our home form has been the key and it is important if you want to be up there. Just look at Man United's results at home. They say everything about why they are up there so we have to be like that if we want to challenge at the top."

Reina concedes that he did not expect Liverpool to challenge for Europe prior to Kenny Dalglish's January arrival.

The Reds have since put together a sequence of results that has seen them emerge as one of the in-form teams in the second half of the season and the stopper is confident the future is bright for everyone involved at Anfield.

"I definitely could not see (Europe) it five or six months ago. But we kept fighting and turned the situation around. Now we need to do more to be even higher.

"It is down to all of us. Kenny Dalglish, Steve Clarke, Sammy Lee and all the staff have done a great job from January onwards.

"When the results are better and the team is winning people are happier and the mood in the dressing room is always better.

"Melwood is a happy place. The dressing room is quite young, loud and funny. When we have to work we are the first to do it and when it is time to joke, we like to joke and have fun too."

He continued: "I think we want to grow and we have to grow. The owners and the people in command of the 'boat' see we have to bring in some players. We have to be right in those transfers and the players that we already have can be important for the new project. I'm very optimistic and I believe we are going to be better.

"You can see that the fans are much more optimistic now. The team is playing better and that is easier for them. We have always felt their support though because they are so loyal. It is always great to have this kind of support."

Kenny Dalglish Hails 'Fantastic Servant' Jamie Carragher

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has praised defender Jamie Carragher as he approaches a landmark 665th appearance for the Merseyside club.

If selected at the weekend, Carragher will join Emlyn Hughes and Ray Clemence sitting second in the club's all-time appearances list, and Dalglish had several kind words to say about the Champions League-winning defender.

"Carra has been a fantastic servant to this football club. I don't know how far short he is of Cally's [Ian Callaghan's] record - I think he's got a wee while to go before he reaches that, but he's been great," he said to the club's official website.

The defender, who rose through the ranks at Liverpool, was also praised for his versatility and commitment by his manager.

"He's filled in loyally and comfortably in many positions for the football club and he's someone who has been very pleased to be associated with Liverpool - and we're pleased to be associated with him," he added.

Dalglish also offered advice to emerging young defenders Jack Robinson and John Flanagan, who will be looking to follow in Carragher's footsteps.

He said: "It wouldn't be bad for them to model themselves on Jamie or Steven [Gerrard].

"There are a lot of things a local lad coming through has to endure and the ones who might experience that in the future could do a lot worse than having a word with either of them because they know what lies ahead."

Kenny Coy On Summer Plans

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has refused to shed light on his summer transfer plans.

The Anfield legend must decide what the future holds for the 12 players that are set to return from loan spells in the summer.

Milan Jovanovic has admitted he regrets joining the Reds last summer while Christian Poulsen has also been out-of-favour.

One of Dalglish's rumoured transfer targets has been Napoli striker Ezequiel Lavezzi but the Scot is giving little aware as he finalizes his plans.

"We won't speculate on what we are going to do in the summer," he said.

"There will be a bit of movement in and a bit of movement out. That's a fact of life and everybody knows that.

"But it's not worth commenting on all the names appearing in newspapers - some of the people I don't even know."

Lavezzi is not one of those, however, according to the Argentina striker's agent.

Jose Alberti claims Liverpool have been tracking his client for a year and believes they could be set to make a summer move for the 25-year-old frontman.

"Lavezzi has been followed by Liverpool for 12 months and they could make a bid for his services," Alberti told Italian website TMW.

"Napoli must be careful not to lose a player like Lavezzi."

Lavezzi has scored 35 goals in 122 appearances for Napoli since joining them from San Lorenzo in 2007, and AC Milan are also thought to be interested.

Andy Carroll Expects Hostile Reception From Newcastle's Travelling Supporters

Andy Carroll is expecting a hostile reception from Newcastle United’s travelling fans should he recover from a knee injury in time to face his old club for the first time since his transfer deadline day move to Liverpool.

However his manager, Kenny Dalglish, is adamant the 22 year-old should take any outpouring of fury as a compliment.

It remains unclear whether the England international agitated for a move away from his boyhood club or Newcastle informed him he would be sold when Liverpool tabled their record £35 million bid for Carroll on Jan 31.

Newcastle released a statement on the day explaining their sadness at seeing the player leave after he handed in a transfer request, but in a text exchange with the editor of a Newcastle fanzine, Carroll himself insisted he was “gutted” to be leaving his hometown side and suggested he had been “kind of pushed out the door”.

Whatever the truth, Dalglish revealed on Thursday that Carroll is anticipating that his former fans will make their displeasure at his perceived treachery known at Anfield in the Premier League on Sunday.

However, the Scot believes the most expensive player in Liverpool's history has the character to take it.

“I think the boy is expecting something,” said the Liverpool manager, who will wait until tomorrow before deciding whether Carroll is fit to play.

“The fans will do whatever they want. It will not take away from what he has done for their club and it won’t take away what the club meant to Andy.

“It is a compliment, really, in a strange way, if you do get the abuse because it means you must have been important to them.

“I don’t know what they will do on Sunday but if, as a player, you don’t get abuse off your old supporters then they can’t have been too disappointed that you left.”

Dalglish, on the other hand, is simply delighted with the £35 million signing.

The Scot was confident enough in Carroll’s abilities as a footballer to suggest he is not surprised by what he has seen on the field, but it is clear he has been equally impressed by the personality of a perceived bad boy.

“There has nothing that Andy has done [on the pitch] that has surprised us, but what you don’t know to the same extent is the personality,” said Dalglish.

“If there is one thing that has pleasantly surprised us it is the boy’s personality.

"He is a real down-to-earth boy who sometimes doesn’t realize he is a footballer but that is because he is naive and has his feet firmly fixed on the ground.

“We have been delighted with the way he has gone about his rehabilitation and his performances.”