Roger Johnson’s own-goal was caused by Charlie Adam's good luck
Officially, Wolves defender Roger Johnson was credited with scoring an own goal on Liverpool's first. It was described as "lucky" in some circles because Johnson's diving header put it past goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey. But the architect of that luck was Liverpool midfielder Charlie Adam. The schemer took a pass from Jose Enrique, faked a cross with his left foot (fooling Jamie O'Hara into jumping out of the way), cut back to his right and hit a left-footed shot that Johnson dove to intercept with his head. We'll never know why he didn't use his foot, but that's not the point. The point is that without Adam's instinct to shoot and the fortunate deflection it took, Liverpool would not have taken the early lead.
Marty Hughes and D Sheppard offer their views on the goal.
@MoonrakerMart: it was an own goal. Adam put the ball in & their captain headed it in
@liverpooldeep: 1-0 LFC, terrible own goal by Wolves from an Adam shot that was probably going wide.
Luis Suarez scored a Thinker's Goal
Fact: Luis Alberto Suarez Diaz is one of the top goalscorers in the game right now. His 38th-minute goal was the perfect representation of this standing. It had everything. His run, which was perfectly timed to meet Enrique's through ball, was quick and put himself in a position to do damage. His first touch carried him to goal with pace and control. The technique with which he turned defender Christophe Berra inside-out was flawless. The finish was hit powerfully and accurately inside the near post — the only place he could beat Hennessey from that angle. At each point, Suarez was thinking one step ahead of his opponent.
The managers of both teams touched on the Uruguayan's impact during their postgame remarks to the press. "Luis has been outstanding since he came to the football club, not just on the pitch but off it as well," LFC boss Kenny Dalglish said. "We are very fortunate to have him."
After watchining the Uruguayan marksman torment his team for much of the game, Wolves boss Mick McCarthy said, "Suarez was awesome. He never does what you expect him to. You think he is going to pull the trigger, then he cuts it back. You think he is going to come short and he cuts in behind you. He is just a really good player. He is something else."
Just as the goal speaks for itself, the comments from LFC supporters do the same.
@Eiler99: Great goal from Suarez today. Never takes the easy route, does he? Brilliant player. #lfc
@ElRealSlimDavid: Wonderful goal from #7 Luis Suarez for Liverpool. He has the abilities and the drive of many great former players. LIV 2-0 WOL at half time.
@maneet: And Suarez scores a breathtakingly arrogant Goal. What skill ! #Liverpool
What do you think of Liverpool's first-half goal?
