Football: Shambolic Liverpool slide to defeat

Goal-keeper Reina red-carded in 2-0 defeat to Newcastle in Premier League.

NEWCASTLE:

Shambolic Liverpool ended the game in disarray with 10 men as they slid to a 2-0 defeat at Newcastle, with Andy Carroll suffering a humiliating return to Tyneside.

Papiss Cisse scored twice as Liverpool goal-keeper Pepe Reina saw red in the latest blow to the Reds’ rapidly disintegrating Premier League campaign.

A sixth loss in seven league games left the League Cup holders languishing 11 points adrift of their hosts, who recorded their third consecutive victory.

Liverpool finished the match in embarrassing fashion after a late red-card for Reina to leave manager Kenny Dalglish with a mounting list of problems after his keeper was ruled out of the FA Cup semi-final with local rivals Everton.

The Spain international received his marching orders following a bad-tempered spat with James Perch, where he appeared to aim a headbutt at the Newcastle man.

Wenger fumes Arsenal

Meanwhile, Arsene Wenger accused his players of a lack of commitment during their lacklustre 2-1 defeat at struggling Queens Park Rangers (QPR).

Wenger’s side came into the game on the back of a run of seven successive Premier League victories but failed to contain QPR.

“Of course, it was a shock for us and I felt sub-consciously something was missing,” said Gunners boss Wenger.

“And in the Premier League if you miss something on the commitment front then you are beaten and that was the result of the game.”

Di Matteo eyes upbeat end

Elsewhere, Chelsea’s interim manager Roberto Di Matteo believes his team is gaining momentum at just the right time as they enter a pivotal period in their season.

The Blues’ 4-2 win at Aston Villa was their sixth victory in eight matches since Di Matteo took over from Andre Villas-Boas.

“We knew our schedule was difficult but for us it’s just good that we keep this positive momentum and spirit. Every game and win helps us continue and believe,” said Di Matteo.

“After they drew level we could have capitulated but you saw the spirit and desire to win the game.”

Rooney key to United title charge, says Fergie

On the other hand, Sir Alex Ferguson believes a more mature Wayne Rooney is key for Manchester United as the champions look to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League against Blackburn today.

Formbook suggests Rooney will be a pivotal figure if the Reds are to hold onto their crown.

“He’s doing well. He’s scored 17 out of 17. I hope he gets to 40,” said Ferguson of Rooney, who has a total of 29 goals to date this season.

“Eight games left, averaging a goal a game, you’d take that wouldn’t you? There could be games when he might get two.

“He could even pip Arsenal’s Robin van Persie to Player of the Year but can only do that if he keeps scoring right up to the end.”

Sir Alex Ferguson

“Rooney’s doing well. He’s scored 17 out of 17. I hope he gets to 40. He could even pip Arsenal’s Robin van Persie to Player of the Year but can only do that if he keeps scoring right up to the end.”

Arsene Wenger

“Of course, it was a shock for us and I felt sub-consciously something was missing. In the Premier League if you miss something on the commitment front then you are beaten and that was the result of the game.”

Published in The Express Tribune, April 2^nd, 2012.