Who’s G-Owen to stop this goal machine?
The Liverpool striker is bang in form after a barren start to the season when he failed to score in his opening four games.
His goal famine prompted a nationwide debate as to the reasons why he appeared to have lost his touch. It all seems nonsense now as his double blast against the Hammers brought his tally to 10 in the last eight games and 11 in total.
Owen made the breakthrough following a mazy dribble in the area and a deft chip over goalkeeper David James. His second, however, showed the good fortune he is enjoying at the moment.
His scuffed shot did not appear to have enough power to threaten the Hammers goal but somehow trickled over the line despite desperate efforts by Christian Dailly to retrieve it.
‘‘They were definitely both my goals,’’ he said. ‘‘I always own up when they’re not my goals, but those two certainly were.
‘‘Of course I didn’t expect to score the second after I hit the shot so poorly. I thought the West Ham defender would clear it. But he seemed to be slipping as he chased after it and it was brilliant to see the ball go in.
‘‘This was a big result for us and of course I’m happy to be scoring again.
‘‘I had a poor start to the season by my standards but I feel much happier now. I was missing 99% of the chances early on but at the moment I’m scoring them. Hopefully, it will continue.’’ Owen’s record of 19 league goals last season is looking in serious danger, which is good news for England and Liverpool.
Manager Gerard Houllier believes Owen is growing in stature in more ways then one. ‘‘I think Michael will have a tremendous year. Physically he is stronger,” said the Anfield boss. ‘‘I have been stunned by his physical commitment in the last two or three games. He works extremely hard for the team.
‘‘As a striker, he drops back when he has to drop and he gets hold of the ball. He runs across defenders and he runs off the ball. It looks as though he’s getting there now with his strength and his pace.’’ With all their stars back on show, the odds on Manchester United’s title dream being rescued by Phil Neville and Diego Forlan must have been well into three figures.
It was just unfortunate for Saints boss Gordon Strachan that the unlikely duo combined to wreck his club’s valiant attempts to register a first Old Trafford triumph in 18 attempts, snatching a win which, after successive draws, just about keeps Liverpool in view.
“If we had dropped any more points question marks would have been raised about whether we were capable of winning the league,’’ reflected Neville, who was making his 200th league appearance for his only professional club.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
