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Carroll goal opens 3-0 Reds win over Wolves

Comment: 0 February 1st, 2012

LIVERPOOL’S Andy Carroll hailed his one-year anniversary with the Anfield club by scoring the first goal in the Reds’ magnificent 3-0 win over the Wolverhampton Wanderers Tuesday.

The struggling English striker, whose underperformance since his £35-million transfer from Newcastle has been subjected to growing criticism, opened up the Reds’ rally in the second half with what will count as his seventh goal for Liverpool.

A goal by Craig Bellamy not long after and another by Dirk Kuyt highlighted the Reds’ overall dominance over the Wolves, and rocketed them two notches up to fifth place in the Premier League table.

Carroll found the back of the net from the far post after receiving a Charlie Adam cross in the 52^nd minute, netting his first goal in three months.

Less than 10 minutes after Welshman Craig Bellamy came barrelling down before launching a low strike that slipped right past Wolves keeper Wayne Hennessey and doubled the Liverpool lead.

The triad was completed by Dirk Kuyt who sealed the victory on the 78^th minute after a back-and-forth play with Adam.  This was the Dutchman’s second consecutive goal after converting in Liverpool’s 2-1 FA Cup win against Manchester United.

Another Carroll goal came literally within inches of the net after an attempted header of a Bellamy corner during the dying minutes of regulation time.

A last-ditch effort for the struggling Wolves came as substitute Sylvan Ebanks-Blake attempted a volley that found nothing but the inside of the post.

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish was all praises for the squad but singled out Carroll, who also had a magnificent display in their FA Cup tie with the Red Devils.

“We’re pleased with everybody. It was a great finish for the first goal,” the Scot said.

“[It was] a great ball in from Charlie Adam and a great finish from Andy, who played really well.

“He’s a Liverpool footballer and he will make a contribution for us many times.”

These words come as a resurgence of acknowledgement for Carroll’s role in the squad, following rumours of Liverpool planning to see him off to Manchester City.

“[The team] applied themselves well and got what they deserved.  I’m delighted with everyone who played.

“It was great for Andy to score a goal.  Craig scored a fantastic goal as did Dirk.”

Dalglish also gave note to Bellamy, whom he praised for his constancy within the team strategy.

“The wee man certainly has been fantastic for us.  I wish his numbers were the other way around.

“Instead of being 32, I wish he was 23.  He doesn’t do anything that surprises you.  He prepares himself well for matches.

“He does things for himself within the framework of the team.  You expect something to happen.”

Liverpool’s win puts them one place just outside the top four, and a possible contention for the Champions League match next season.

This however comes as the Wolves’ ninth straight Premier League match without a win, and their 11^th across all competitions.

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