Three Solutions To Liverpool’s Scoring Troubles

Luis Suarez scored his first goal in over two months against QPR on Saturday, just Liverpool’s 18th strike in the league.

This has become a worrying statistic for Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish, as his side have begun to lose touch with the teams leading the Premier League.

Another concern is that Liverpool’s immediate rivals Chelsea and Arsenal are both beginning to show some good form.

The Anfield side have only managed to score more than once in a Premier League game on six occasions this season. This has left them with a measly goal difference of just five.

Compare this to the 21 of Manchester United and Chelsea with 15, never mind Manchester City’s whopping 34.

These scoring figures are pretty dismal, nobody can really argue that, but what can Dalglish do to improve them?

There are a number of arguments being put forward but GMF have come up with what they feel are the most suitable options for the Merseysiders.

Accommodate Andy Carroll

The £35million signing from Newcastle United has struggled to settle in at Anfield and has been spending the majority of his time sat on the bench.

This makes coaxing his best form out of him more difficult, as you cannot risk it while the team are struggling to finish games and not looking overly dominant.

However, the long-term benefits could outweigh the quick fixes in this regard, as a fully fit and firing Andy Carroll would surely lead to a great rate of goals.

His physicality alone is enough to occupy most defences, but couple this with the guile and movement of Luiz Suarez and you have a potentially devastating partnership.

Change The System

Although it is en vogue for Premier League sides to play the 4-3-3/4-5-1 formation and variations thereof, a straightforward 4-4-2 could suit Liverpool.

Following on from the previous point, this would make it easier for Andy Carroll to fit into the side and give him and Luiz Suarez the chance to form some kind of understanding.

Another expensive summer signing struggling to make his mark is Stewart Downing, whom Dalglish purchased from Aston Villa for £22million.

The England international has failed to register an assist or goal this season, but he has been quite unfortunate so far. Downing’s strengths are taking opponents on and putting dangerous crosses into the box.

Having Luiz Suarez in the middle means there isn’t much likelihood of this tactic being overly effective, which has been illustrated by a number of positive performances from Downing ultimately ending fruitless in goals stats.

Having more to aim at in the box would benefit him greatly and could in turn help turnaround the fortunes of Carroll.

Buy A New Striker

The simplest answer to Liverpool’s little problem could also be the most effective in this case. With the transfer window looming ever closer, Dalglish may be well served to go out and purchase a proven goal scorer.

Dirk Kuyt is yet to register this season, Andy Carroll has not really got going at Liverpool, Luis Suarez has only just come out of two-month drought and Steven Gerrard has spent most of the season injured.

That means the vast majority of Liverpool’s main goal sources are not doing the job they would normally do. This is a problem around the Christmas/New Year period especially, with lots of games coming over a short amount of time.

If a team is struggling to find the net and is not seeing out games, February could arrive quickly and they, seemingly all of a sudden, have fallen too far behind their rivals.

January signings have been known to reinvigorate a side’s season and spur them on to greater feats in the second half of the year. If Liverpool were to bring in a quality striker, it could mean the difference between Champions League qualification and no European football at all.

Liverpool Transfer Target Lucas Biglia On Arsenal Radar

Reported Liverpool target Lucas Biglia is being pursued by Arsenal, according to the agent of the Anderlecht midfielder.

The 25-year-old Argentine is also on the radar of Fiorentina and AC Milan, with the former making a concerted effort to seal a January deal for his signature.

Liverpool has been frequently linked with Biglia in recent months, and injury to Lucas Leiva has led to renewed speculation that he could move to Anfield.

However, Arsene Wenger appears to have stolen a march on Liverpool counterpart Kenny Dalglish, and Enzo Montepaone has confirmed the Gunners are keen on his client.

"I know that Fiorentina officials went to Belgium to have a look at him and that they spoke to Anderlecht about trying to sign him in January," Montepaone told calciomercato.com.

"Interest from AC Milan? Yes, I can confirm that there has been in the past, but there has never been anything concrete.

"Fiorentina's interest is real, but Arsenal also like him a lot.

"Italy has always been his dream and, as he holds an Italian passport, a move to Italy is very likely.

"It is, however, important to pay attention to Arsenal."

Liverpool Target Jelavic Is Happy To Stay At Rangers

Nikica Jelavic insists he's happy at Rangers despite being flattered by reported interest from Liverpool.

The striker has bagged 28 league goals in just 40 appearances since joining from Rapid Vienna in 2010.

The Croatian international was the subject of a big-money bid from Leicester City in the summer and Gers boss Ally McCoist is braced for further interest in the January transfer window.

But Jelavic told the Daily Record: 'Every day, when I open the newspapers, I’m moving to another club.

'It’s nice to think so many teams are interested in me from the strongest league in the world but I’m not thinking about a transfer right now.'

Adam Has Capabilities To Outshine Alonso

Former Liverpool defender Gary Gillespie has reiterated his claims that Charlie Adam can be as good - if not better - than Xabi Alonso.

The Spanish international became a cult hero during his five-years at Anfield, although left for Real Madrid under a cloud in 2009 after falling out with manager Rafael Benitez.

Whether the Reds have ever properly replaced the 30-year-old remains up for debate between the club's loyal fans, but Gillespie insists Scottish international Adam is the man who could go on to bigger and better things on Merseyside following his summer arrival.

"Adam's performances all season have been excellent. He's a midfield player that makes things happen. He hurts teams, and he hurts defences with his passing," said Gillespie whilst co-commentating during the 1-0 win over QPR at the weekend.

"I like him, and I've gone on record as saying I think he's got all the capabilities of being better than Xabi Alonso. I stick by that.

"He also gives you goals as well; he created a great chance for Suarez against QPR. I think he's a great player."

Adam joined Liverpool from Blackpool for a reported £7 million during the summer transfer window, having failed to help the Tangerines avoid relegation from the Barclays Premier League by the narrowest of margins.

Spearing Eyes Regular Start

Jay Spearing admits he needs to prove to Kenny Dalglish that he does not need to strengthen his side with anymore midfielders.

The academy graduate had been lined up to replace Lucas, who is out for the season with a knee injury, but was sent off in his first start of the season in the Premier League against Fulham.

Summer signing Jordan Henderson filled in for Saturday's victory over against QPR but Spearing is keen to prove he is the long term solution.

"The club is massive worldwide and the owners have come in and shown that they're going to back the manager," he said. "A club the size of this is always going to attract big players.

"It has always been my dream to play week in, week out so it's up to me to prove to the manager on a daily basis that when the transfer window does open and he has money at his disposal that he can look at a position like mine and think: 'There's no need to sign anyone there - we're pretty strong.'"

Johnson Offers Suarez Support

Glen Johnson insists Liverpool team-mate Luis Suarez will not be affected by all the furore surrounding him.

Suarez has found himself in the headlines for the wrong reasons on occasion this season with the Uruguayan being hit with two misconduct charges by the Football Association.

The former Ajax man has also been targeted by opposition fans, but Johnson believes Suarez's confidence has not been dented despite a trying last few weeks.

"Luis isn't going to let any of the silly stuff bother him," Johnson told the club's official website. "People will try everything they possibly can to upset him because he's a good player.

"No opponent wants him to feel comfortable because if he feels comfortable he will score goals and that's not what they want. Of course he will get everything thrown at him. That's just the way it is.

"But he's exactly the same - a good professional and a good player. His confidence hasn't dropped. He always works so hard for the team and he plays very well when he's not scoring. But obviously we are much happier when he's scoring.

"I've been fortunate to play with some very good players and Luis is right up there.

"The difference between him and most other strikers is that he works so hard. Obviously he loves to score goals like most strikers but he works that bit harder. And when he's in front of goal he's the man you want the chances to fall to."

Aldridge: Villa Park Is Perfect Setting For Downing To Break His Duck

It’s written for Stewart Downing to get the winner at Villa Park this Sunday.

The winger has been unfortunate so far this season. He hasn’t scored or created a goal for us and is due some luck.

Downing had his best 45 minutes for Liverpool in the first half against QPR.

He will have an extra incentive against his old club and it all points to him getting on the scoresheet – just like he did when the clubs last met at Villa Park back in May.

Villa’s home form hasn’t been great. I watched them against Manchester United and they were ordinary.

We’ll go there with confidence and it’s a winnable game for us.

Reds Spread Festive Cheer

They may be gearing up for one of the busiest periods of the campaign, but Liverpool's first-team players and staff took time out of their preparations for the Festive season to bring some Christmas cheer to Alder Hey children's hospital on Monday.

The Reds took on the role of Santa Claus for one very special afternoon to make their annual visit to the local hospital and spend time with youngsters who are facing up to the prospect of remaining on the wards for Christmas and beyond.

The team were collected from Melwood shortly after midday by Ellison's Travel, who provided the use of a fleet of mini buses free of charge as they have done for several years, and they arrived clutching goodie bags stocked full of LFC merchandise to hand out to the kids.

To ensure as many children as possible were given an opportunity to meet their heroes, the players and staff were split into groups and set off around the hospital to visit the wards.

Though hospital staff tried to keep Liverpool's visit a surprise, news quickly spread and the groups were greeted by beaming smiles on the faces of the excited patients and their families, who were not only given gifts but also the opportunity to pose for photos with the players, have a chat with them and collect their autographs.

It was certainly a poignant occasion for the Reds party - and manager Kenny Dalglish insists it's important the squad make their annual visit to Alder Hey and try to bring some holiday cheer to the children.

"We're here because we have a responsibility to the community of Liverpool," the boss told Liverpoolfc.tv. "It's an unfortunate time of year for people who are in hospital, especially children.

"It's a traditional trip for us to come to Alder Hey and every one of the boys is here. It's great for them to come along, it's great for the kids as well and you get a little bit of a lift.

"Some of them are that young they won't know who we are! But we just hope Christmas is a little bit brighter for them.

"You always realize how lucky you are coming to hospital at any time, but especially at Christmas. The nurses do a fantastic job, not just here but in every hospital, and I'm sure they're delighted to see us come and show our appreciation to the nursing staff as much as giving a wee bit of sympathy to the kids as well."

Dalglish Expects Transfer Talk

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish knows he can do little to prevent speculation that suggests he will try to sign a striker in January.

A failure to convert chances this season has undermined the Anfield club and they have already suffered five irritating home draws, the most in the Premier League, as a consequence.

It was almost a similar story against Queens Park Rangers on Saturday, when Luis Suarez's first top-flight goal since October was the only effort to be taken from 15 attempts.

The heroics of visiting goalkeeper Radek Cerny were a significant factor in Liverpool's one-goal margin, but there have still been suggestions Dalglish needs to find another forward.

Liverpool bought Suarez and £35million man Andy Carroll, whose continued loss of form meant he was an unused substitute against QPR, and they have most recently been linked with Rangers' Nikica Jelavic.

But Dalglish told his club's official website regarding the win over QPR: "We did miss some chances, yes, but the goalkeeper saved a lot of them too.

"Do I feel the need to go out and do something about that? Aye, whichever side comes along here next, we'll ask them to come without a keeper. That's the best way to do it, isn't it?

"Irrespective of what I say, it's not going to stop speculation we are going out in January to sign Joe Bloggs up front, or whoever. I don't need to say anything.

"For us it was a fantastic team performance. We are quite happy. I trust the players implicitly when it comes to scoring, implicitly."

He added: "I think some of the football we played in the first half was brilliant, and we won't change our beliefs or the way we play.

"That's why we brought the players here in the first place, and we will stick to those principles."

Liverpool Want Brazil Striker As Answer To Goal-Scoring Problems

Liverpool are hoping that they can persuade Internacional to part with star striker Leandro Damiao during the January transfer window as Kenny Dalglish attempts to address the clubs lack of goals.

The Reds have the joint best defensive record in the Premier League with Manchester City, having conceded just 13 goals, but Dalglish's side have scored just 18, 30 less than the league leaders.

Dalglish has brought the likes of Andy Carroll, Luis Suarez and Craig Bellamy to Anfield in the last year, but it seems another front man is topping his list of targets.

Brazil international Damiao has been in outstanding form for Internacional ever since becoming a regular in the first team at the start of last season.

The 22-year-old has scored a staggering 40 goals this year and has emerged as one of the most in-demand striker in South America, with the likes of Tottenham and Arsenal both showing an interest in the forward.

Liverpool had been heavily linked with Barcelona striker David Villa but the club would have to spend close to £40million to land a striker who is already 30-years-old.

The clubs transfer policy is to bring the best young players to the club and it is perhaps far more likely that they would attempt to make an offer for Damiao.

A number of European clubs have shown an interest in Damiao, but Liverpool are hoping that by making an offer of £25million they will be able to persuade the Brazilian side to part with the forward.

Reds To Win Race For Starlet

Skysports.com understands Liverpool is in pole position to sign Wycombe Wanderers starlet Jordan Ibe.

The 16-year-old is regarded as one of the brightest young prospects in England and has attracted the interest of a host of Premier League clubs.

Ibe shot to fame with a superb goal against Sheffield Wednesday at the end of October in his first professional start, following a series of impressive substitute appearances.

Liverpool has held a long-term interest in the teenager after Ibe trained with them last summer and they have been keeping tabs on his progress.

The likes of Manchester United, Manchester City and Tottenham have all been credited with an interest in the talented youngster, but Liverpool is thought to be favourites to land Ibe

The Reds have shown their transfer policy is to sign the best young British talent and they have moved to steal a march on their rivals by setting up a deal to bring Ibe to the club next summer.

Kuyt Unfazed By Goal Drought

Liverpool forward Dirk Kuyt insists he remains unfazed by his current goal drought for the club.

Kuyt, who was Liverpool's top scorer last season with 15, has one Carling Cup goal to his name this campaign but has not found the net in the Premier League since May.

The Reds have struggled for goals in general in the Premier League having scored just 18 goals in 15 games.

Kuyt is adamant he is not worried by his lack of goals and he is confident the goals will come because the side is creating chances.

"I haven't scored for a while but we all feel like we are close to it and we have the confidence to keep going and soon we will score more of our chances," said Kuyt.

"The last six months of last season we were all scoring goals.

"Sometimes in football it is like this, you have to keep working hard and it will come.

"Last season I was scoring five or six games in a row and everything I touched was going in.

"Now sometimes you are a little bit unlucky to be just in the wrong position or you just miss a chance - that is football.

"I will work hard and wait until the time comes. I am sure with the way this team plays everyone up front will score loads of goals.

"Every player in the squad has shown they can score goals - Stewart Downing, Craig Bellamy, Andy Carroll, Luis, myself and Maxi Rodriguez."

Stefan Frei Joins Liverpool For Week-Long Training Stint

Stefan Frei is the latest Major League Soccer standout to join Liverpool FC for offseason training. The Toronto FC goalkeeper will spend one week practicing with the Reds, according to TorontoFC.ca.

"This is a great opportunity for Stefan and we were happy to give him permission to train with a historic club like Liverpool," Toronto FC manager Aron Winter said. "He has emerged as one of the top keepers in the league since the start of his career and has certainly earned this special opportunity."

The Swiss-born stopper has been Toronto's starting goalkeeper since becoming a professional in 2009. He was drafted out of the University of California-Berkley in 2009, replacing Aston Villa's Brad Guzan in the TFC goal.

In three seasons, Frei has made 95 appearances in all competitions, and Toronto's notoriously pourous defense keeps the 25-year-old plenty busy. He is annually among the league leaders in goals conceded and saves. Despite allowing a high number of goals, Frei is regarded as one of the top 'keepers in MLS.

He will work LFC goalkeeping coach John Achterberg and world-class goalkeepers Pepe Reina and Alexander Doni. The trio will help him refine his game and introduce him to the "Liverpool way" of playing the position.

Frei is the second MLS player to join the Reds during the offseason. New York Red Bulls striker Juan Agudelo is currently training at the club's Melwood practice facility.

Real Defender Flattered By Reds Interest

Real Sociedad defender Inigo Martinez insists he is happy to remain in San Sebastien, despite reported interest in his signature from Liverpool.

The 20-year-old made his senior debut for Sociedad this season, and has since registered a further 13 appearances in La Liga.

His composed displays at the back have reportedly caught the attention of Liverpool, and it has been claimed that Kenny Dalglish is keen to bring the Spaniard to Anfield in January.

However, Martinez says he has no intention of moving to Liverpool - or anywhere else for that matter - at the present time.

"I am happy in San Sebastian," he told skysports.com.

"It is normal that I am happy with this news, but those things depend on the club.

"Now my head is only focused on helping Real for us to make sure we are not in a dangerous position in the table."

Meanwhile, a club source says, should Liverpool or any other interested parties make a formal approach for Martinez, it would not be considered until the summer.

"We know about the presence of scouts, but our position is clear - the subject of a sale will not even be looked at until the summer," the source told skysports.com.

Luis Suárez Given Extra Time To Reply To Conduct Charge

Luis Suárez has been granted more time by the Football Association to respond to a charge of improper conduct for an alleged obscene gesture to Fulham fans following Liverpool’s defeat at Craven Cottage last week.

And while it is not expected to influence any defence against the improper conduct charge, the emergence of photos in Holland showing Suárez allegedly making the same gesture to Feyenoord supporters while playing for Ajax in January 2010 is likely to be an embarrassing development for the Uruguay forward.

Suárez, who was charged last month with racially abusing Manchester United’s Patrice Evra, had been due to respond to the improper conduct charge by 4pm on Monday (Dec 12), but the FA has confirmed that Liverpool have asked for further time to reply.

They have also been granted an unspecified extension to respond to a charge of failing to ensure their players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion following the dismissal of Jay Spearing during the same game.

Suárez is awaiting confirmation from the FA regarding a date for the personal hearing requested when pleading not guilty to the charge of racially abusing Evra, which dates back to the Premier League fixture between Liverpool and Manchester United at Anfield on Oct 15. With the threat of a suspension hanging over Suárez should he be found guilty, Kenny Dalglish last week described the ongoing failure to resolve the case as a “bit of a joke”. While no date has yet been set for Suárez’s hearing in response to the Evra charge, it is understood that the player is likely to be given the chance to state his case to an FA panel before the turn of the year.

Although the FA closes for business on Dec 23, the disciplinary unit will work as normal in the week leading up to Dec 31, and a hearing could yet be scheduled for that week to ensure that the matter is resolved as quickly as possible. While Dalglish’s misgivings about the length of time taken to arrange a personal hearing are shared by many involved with the case, both at Anfield and Old Trafford, Liverpool’s decision to request further time to respond the charge against Suárez – issued on Nov 17 – resulted in the club being granted an extra week.

As such, the FA’s disciplinary unit has had two weeks to process Suárez’s response and make arrangements for a hearing. It is understood that Suárez will not be expected to respond to both charges against him at the same hearing because of an effort to ensure neither case is prejudiced by the other.

Liverpool Club Focus - Should Reds Tweak Their System To Get The Best Out Of Suarez?

Liverpool tasted victory over a promoted side for the first time this season as Kenny Dalglish’s men clinched all three points with a 1-0 win over Queens Park Rangers. The Reds, who had failed to beat both Norwich and Swansea at Anfield in recent months, had striker Luis Suarez to thank for the victory following the Uruguayan’s 47th minute header – his first Premier League goal since the beginning of October.

The 24-year-old forward, who is currently facing two Football Association charges, has been in the headlines for all the wrong reason of late, but Dalglish will have been relieved to see his star man end his goal drought. Suarez has now scored five league goals so far this campaign and is Liverpool’s top-scorer.

Scoring goals has been one of the Reds’ major problems this term. The Merseysiders have scored just 18 goals in 15 top-flight games this season – no other current top-half side has scored less. Liverpool have also only managed a paltry 10 goals in eight games at home so far this season. The Anfield side will undoubtedly need to find the net more often if they are to finish in the top-four come May. The last time a team ended up in a Champions League spot with less than 50 league goals was in the 2004-2005 season, when Everton finished fourth despite scoring just 45 goals.

But where are those goals going to come from? Suarez has been terrific for Liverpool since his arrival in January, and the South American striker has wowed crowds across Premier League grounds with his sublime pieces of skill, but his performance in front of goal has been average so far. The Reds’ may have to adapt their style of play in order to get the best out of Suarez – after all, this is a striker who scored an incredible 49 goals in just 48 games at Ajax in 2009-2010.

While some would argue that it is easier to score goals in the Dutch league, Suarez’s previous record suggests that he can be a prolific goalscorer in England if chances are created for him. In many games this season, the Uruguayan hot-shot has used his trickery and quick feet to create space for himself, but has failed to find the net regularly. Liverpool would perhaps be better off using an attacking midfielder tucked in behind Suarez to provide him with some much-needed support. This system worked wonders for the Reds in the 2008-2009 season, when Steven Gerrard played in behind Fernando Torres.

Given that Gerrard is injured, Dalglish may be tempted to splash some cash on a creative player in January. Other options could be to use Suarez in the ‘hole’ behind a different striker, or start playing a more direct style of football to suit Andy Carroll’s strengths. Which one of these options the manager will use remains to be seen, but it seems likely that Liverpool will have to tweak their system in order to start scoring more goals over the next five months.

Dalglish Tight Lipped On Liverpool FC Transfer Plans

Kenny Dalglish refused to be drawn on his January transfer plans after question marks were again raised about Liverpool’s potency in front of goal.

Dalglish watched his side take a richly deserved three points on Saturday afternoon to leapfrog Newcastle United in sixth in the Premier League table but Liverpool’s victory over Queens Park Rangers should have been by a more handsome margin.

Luis Suarez’s eighth goal of the campaign won the game but the Uruguayan and several of his Anfield team-mates were guilty of profligacy.

Despite the reoccurrence of this worrying theme, Dalglish remains bullish that Liverpool will rack up a healthy scoreline sooner than later and when asked if the club would look to sign a striker in the New Year in order to cure their wastefulness, the Liverpool manager was noncommittal.

“We did miss some chances, yes, but the goalkeeper saved a lot of them too,” said Dalglish, highlighting the fine performance of QPR’s Radek Cerny.

“Do I feel the need to go out and do something about that? Aye, whichever side comes along here next, we’ll ask them to come without a keeper. That’s the best way to do it, isn’t it?

“Irrespective of what I say, it’s not going to stop speculation we are going out in January to sign Joe Bloggs up front, or whoever. I don’t need to say anything.

“For us it was a fantastic team performance. We are quite happy.

“I trust the players implicitly when it comes to scoring, implicitly.

“They continued to get in there on goal, and even with the keeper having a good day, they didn’t drop their heads. They must be enjoying what they are doing, to continue playing like that, and creating chances like that.

“One day, creating chances like that, we are going to get a load…or we are going to be garbage, and win 1-0. And I think that will do us.”

As Dalglish was keen to point out, some of Liverpool’s approach play was excellent as QPR struggled to deal with their pace and precision.

“I think some of the football we played in the first half was brilliant, and we won’t change our beliefs or the way we play,” said Dalglish.

“That’s why we brought the players here in the first place, and we will stick to those principles.

“Our performance was fantastic, and the only thing missing was the goals that confirm that.

“If you look at home performances they have been fantastic, look at points…maybe not. There is not a game we have played here that we couldn’t have won, we shouldn’t have won.

“The goalkeepers that have come here have done very well for their sides…I’m saying that again. Performance wise, we don’t have any problem whatsoever, goals – yeah, we’d love more, and we’ll get more.”

Following a week in which Suarez was slapped with a FA misconduct charge for an alleged hand gesture made to Fulham supporters last Monday, the Liverpool forward answered his critics with the winning goal.

“I didn’t hear the QPR’s fans giving Luis any stick, didn’t hear anything,” said Dalglish. “I haven’t spoken to him about it – ask the people who target him, not us, they should be the ones questioned, not us.

“I did speak to him – I said well done wee man, great goal.”

Liverpool Plot Move For Real Starlet

Liverpool are looking to move for Real Sociedad defender Inigo Martinez, according to The People.

After several scouting trips to watch the 20-year-old the club is ready to splash out on the defender.

The fee being linked with Martinez is around £20 million, however Liverpool could be forced to pay more.

A clause in the player’s contract means a bid of £28 million could be sold before his contract expires in 2015.

However, in the knowledge that they won’t be able to keep hold of the starlet for long, a fee of £17 million plus a player would be enough for Liverpool to get their man.

Liverpool have spent around £100 million on new players in the last 12 months, and are unlikely to shirk away from a bid following multiple scouting trips.

Suarez Not Just About Goals

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish insists Luis Suarez's value to the team is judged on far more than goals.

The 24-year-old scored for the first time in the Premier League since 1st October as the Reds beat QPR 1-0 on Saturday to end a run of four successive Anfield draws.

During that period Suarez has racked up two Football Association misconduct charges, but the January 2011 signing has been fully supported by Dalglish.

The Liverpool boss believes his player has earned an unwarranted reputation for going down too easily, which has resulted in opponents unfairly targeting him.

However, after watching Suarez end his goal drought, Dalglish said: "I would never judge anyone solely on goals.

"That is for the simple reason that you wouldn't judge a goalie on saves because if he is making great saves we have some problems somewhere else.

"Everyone is entitled to score a goal, but certainly for anyone who scores a goal they get a tremendous lift so I am sure it will help the wee fella."

The goal was Suarez's fifth in the league - and eighth in all competitions - but the way he celebrated with his team-mates suggested it was a relief to end his drought.

"It was good to see Luis on the scoresheet because the chances have been coming for him, but he's just not been able to get them into the back of the net," Charlie Adam, who provided the cross for the goal, told Liverpool's official website.

"But like all top strikers they always wait for their time and Luis was the match winner.

"I'm delighted for him because he works ever so hard for the team - and his hard work paid off with another great goal."

Kuyt Backing For Suarez

Dirk Kuyt has been impressed by team-mate Luis Suarez's unwavering focus after the striker put his recent controversies behind him to return Liverpool to winning ways at Anfield.

Uruguay international Suarez scored his first Premier League goal since 1st October as his club beat QPR 1-0 on Saturday to end a run of four successive home draws.

During that period, Suarez has racked up two Football Association misconduct charges and he has until 4pm on Monday to respond to the most recent accusation.

Suarez has been fully supported by manager Kenny Dalglish, who believes his player has earned an unwarranted reputation, and Kuyt has also offered his backing.

"For all of us, it is important to score a goal, but especially for Luis, who played really well. It was good to see him scoring again," said the Dutchman.

"He is just focusing on the game and he is happy with all the support he gets from the club, players, manager and his own fans.

"This is the Premier League so they (opponents) are trying to do everything to stop you and the better you are the more they try to stop you - and Luis is a really good player.

"But that is football and he knows that and he is a great professional and is just focusing on his job - that is what he does in training and in the game.

"Luis has done great so far and he is a great player."