Liverpool continues turnaround by beating Manchester United in derby

Dirk Kuyt works tirelessly for Liverpool and does whatever the club asks of him. His hard work paid off against Manchester United when he scored three goals, all from less than six-yards out, to secure Liverpool's win over its dreaded rivals. (Courtesy n.macca Flickr)

By Kevin Koczwara

Kenny Dalglish celebrated his 60th birthday on Friday, but the real party was put off until Sunday when ‘King Kenny’s’ men beat up on Sir Alex Ferguson’s team, 3-1. The win, a crowning achievement over Liverpool’s hated rivals, marked the high point thus far for the remarkable turn around under Dalglish.

Since his appointment, Dalglish has lead Liverpool to a 5-2-2 record in the league, wins over top-four teams Chelsea and Man United are the highlights of his time. The Scot brought faith back to the club, something that was sourly missing. His moves in the January transfer window reignited the team.

The purchase of Luis Suarez from Ajax could be the best buy of the year for any team. Suarez quickly adapted to the Premier League. His performances so far would put him in contention for EPL Player of the Year despite making so few appearances because of the January transfer. He’s a game changer, and he is just getting started.

What The Soccer Guys are Reading – Sept. 16, 2010

ESPN Soccernet – Arsenal breeze by Braga

Cesc Fabregas and Carlos Vela net two goals a piece to see the Gunners by their Portuguese foe at Emirates Stadium. Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger had an obvious eye on this weekend’s opponents, Sunderland, as the Frenchman substituted Marouane Chamakh, Alex Song and Andrei Arshavin within seven minutes with the game well in hand.

Sky Sports – Ajax can’t handle Madrid – by James Pearson

Gonzalo Higuain  scored two goals, personally seeing his team over the Dutch side, 2-0, at Bernabeu. Beside netting two, the Argentinian forward was proving his team and its fans restless by his wasteful play in the box, before finally cashing in. Madrid are now level with AC Milan in Group G.

Fabregas Leading Streaking Gunners

Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas scored twice and assisted on two other goals in the Gunners 6-0 win over Braga in the Champions League on Tuesday. (Photo Courtesy Gordon Flood)

By Joe Meloni

Come May 2011, Arsenal’s last two victories – a pair of routs over Bolton Wanders in a Premiership match and Braga in a Champions League match – will be forgotten. They were ostensibly Arsenal’s notice to the favorites of each competition that the club from North London has its eye on trophies. In each match, the Gunners took a lead, withstood a rush and eventually ran away with the match – both ending with exclamation points from Carlos Vela. Lost in the barrage of goals was the performance of the Gunners 23-year-old captain.

Yes, Cesc Fabregas is only 23 years old. People forget this often. Blaming them is difficult when watching Fabregas play. Whether he’s patiently leading an Arsenal attack or positioning himself four steps ahead of an opposition rush, he almost never displays angst or nerves associated with young, gifted players.

“He has taken another dimension,” Wenger told ESPN Soccernet after the 6-0 win over Braga. “People forget he is 23, where other players start. Cesc has a fantastic influence. What is important is that he leads the team to winning.”