Liverpool 2 Valencia 0: Dalglish faces injury blow as Glen Johnson limps off in friendly

06 August 2011 19:20
Glen Johnson is facing a fight to be fit for the start of the new Barclays Premier League season after he was injured in Liverpool's final warm up game on Saturday afternoon.[LNB]England head coach Fabio Capello, who had made a trip to Anfield to watch a number of players ahead of the midweek friendly with Holland, saw Johnson hobble off after seven minutes of Liverpool's 2-0 win over Valencia, clutching his hamstring and shaking his head.[LNB] That's Andy: Carroll is congratulated by team-mates after opening the scoring for Liverpool[LNB]Johnson's injury, however, was the only disappointment for Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish, whose side recorded their first clean sheet in their warm-up campaign against the best opposition they have faced. Victory was secured thanks to goals from Andy Carroll and Sotirios Kyrgiakos. [LNB]Looking sharper than at any point during pre-season, Liverpool made an eye-catching start to the game with a series of moves that were all about short, sharp passes and quick movement off the ball to create space.[LNB]It almost paid dividends after four minutes when Stewart Downing burst to the by-line and fizzed in a cross that whizzed between a posse of Valencia defenders but was just a fraction too far away from Carroll, who was lurking at the back post.[LNB] Early blow: Glen Johnson speaks to manager Kenny Dalglish after limping off with a hamstring injury[LNB]Liverpool, though, did not have long to wait before taking the lead and for that they had Carroll to thank. When David Albeida fatally under-hit a back pass, Carroll seized upon the loose ball and managed to squeeze in his effort at the second attempt.[LNB]Liverpool, though, failed to press onand the game became scrappy following a series of niggling fouls, the worst of which was committed by Carroll on 29 minutes. His lunge on AdilRami caused tempers to fray and referee Martin Atkinson was left with no option but to book him.[LNB] Flashpoint: Tempers flare as Carroll goes face to face with Adil Rami[LNB]While he deserved censure for that challenge, one thing for which Carroll could not be faulted was his general approach. This display was somewhere close to the standards expected of him and showed why Dalglish has been keen to laud him in recent weeks.[LNB] MATCH FACTSLiverpool: Reina; Johnson (Kelly 7), Carragher, Agger (Kyrgiakos 79), Aurelio (Robinson 46); Aquilani (Maxi 58), Spearing (Lucas 46), Adam (Flanagan 74), Henderson (J Cole 58), Downing (Kuyt 58); Carroll (Ngog 58). Subs unused: Jones, Doni. Booked: Carroll.[LNB]Valencia:Alves; Parejo (Mathieu 46), Topal (Banega 76), Rami (Ricardo Costa 76),Saltor (Maduro 46), Piatti (Dealbert 76), Albelda (Tino Costa 46), Mata(Bernat 67), Jonas (Feghouli 58), Jordi Alba (Monteiro 46), Hernandez (Soldado 58). Subs unused: Pereira, Alcacer. Booked: Saltor, Albelda.[LNB]Big things are expected from the ?35million man in the coming weeks and months but Carroll, who opened his account for the summer in last Monday's 3-3 draw with Valerenga in Oslo, at least showed he has the appetite for the challenge.[LNB]The first half petered out and the second period followed a similar tone, as a number of substitutions fromboth sides punctured the flow but Dalglish, who spent most of the 90 minutes stood with his arms folded on the edge of the technical area, will have been satisfied nonetheless.[LNB]His side looked the most likely to score and they almost extended their advantage when Carroll's replacement David Ngog attempted a spectacular scissor kick that flashedpast the post.    [LNB]Valencia attempted to stage a late rally and substitute Tino Costa went close twice, first with a free-kickand then a looping chip from the edge of the area, but Liverpool sealedthe win just before the final whistle, when Kyrgiakos - despite lookingoffside - bundled in from close range.[LNB] Clincher: Dirk Kuyt is congratulated after sealing a 2-0 win in the final minute[LNB]  CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE FANTASY FOOTBALL GAMEKenny won't bow to price tag! Downing plays down chances of automatic Reds starting placeFlop Jovanovic is shown the door at Liverpool to join Anderlecht on a freeLiverpool hijack Arsenal's Biglia bid as Lucas looks set to leave on loan[LNB] [LNB]

Source: Daily_Mail