The emergence of Jordan Henderson's influence (West Ham 2 - Liverpool 3)

West Ham United's goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen fails to stop a goal by Liverpool's Glen Johnson (not pictured) during their English Premier League soccer match at Upton Park in London December 9, 2012. - REUTERS



Liverpool's manager, Brendan Rodgers spoke fondly of Jonjo Shelvey who was pushed to a more attacking role from his normal position in midfield, and of course, the 20-year-old rewarded the gamble with a fine performance.

Due to Luis Suarez's absence (suspended for collecting 5 yellow cards), many fear Liverpool would be stumbled as even when the Uruguay striker in playing, the goals seems remote. But hell no. Jonjo were good. Though there was a question raised by the TV commentator if his goal was really his or did it came off James Collins foot. But as far as we're concerned, the goal was rightly belongs to Jonjo. The ball won't go in by itself but for Jonjo's strong attack.

The match last night (12 midnight Malaysian time) were so intriguing and Glenn Johnson shock us all with his goal, and that is no ordinary goal.

Johnson's 11 minute goal was superb, beauty and crazy! Many of us who play football would testified, being surrounded by two defenders are already a daunting task. Johnson was technically cordoned off by not less than six West Ham players by the time he kick the ball via his rarely-used right foot.

Then West Ham managed to get a rather harsh penalty decision, then lead the scoreline with another rare own-goal by the skipper, Steven Gerrard. I hardly could remember his other own goal so this must be his first ever.

Rodgers sent on Jordan Henderson for Brazilian midfielder Lucas Leiva in the 71st minute and the change sparked Liverpool’s late revival. It was Joe Cole, who has endured a miserable time with Liverpool since joining from Chelsea three years ago, who equalised in the 76th minute when he took Sterling’s pass and curled a superb shot past Jaaskelainen.

And Liverpool completed their great escape three minutes later when Henderson whipped a low cross towards Shelvey to deflect the ball over Jaaskelainen.

Jordan Henderson is practicing his high pitch for the upcoming British Got Talent rehearsal.

I'm not sure if any of you would agree with me (not that I care...hahahaha) but in the last 3 or 4 matches, Henderson's game has improved remarkably. He has prove he is is the £16 million player we have hoped for. In the last night match, Lucas who is known as a more `the stopper in the midfield' was replaced, and Henderson, known to be an attacking-midfielder came in, could be consider one of Rodger's fine tactics. Long have we waited for such player. Even as a sub, that player must be able to change the course of the game and influence others to tag along. But Henderson did very well when he started the match against Udinese in the Europa Cup. It was more a rotation tactic to have a fresh leg between 3 days as Lucas was rested from travelling to Italy.

I sense Henderson will grow more in his game in the coming weeks. He is not a direct mould of Gerrard (who can pass the ball, create chances and score himself) but Henderson's quality will still come good as he has shown he is a hardworking horse on the pitch. He ran, he chased the ball and he can pass the ball brilliantly. Gone were the days where he can't keep the ball, passes erratically and seems silly on the pitch.  Now will the real Mr Jordan Henderson stand up? Let's cheer for him...!!!

Salute! Salute! Salute! 

Utusanlfc's Man of The Match : Jordan Henderson