Why Carroll may cost Liverpool its title hopes

Andy Carroll of Liverpool is closed down by Dickson Etuhu (left) and Danny Murphy of Fulham during the Barclays Premier League match at Craven Cottage on Monday in London, England. (GETTY)

Published Tuesday, December 06, 2011

By Staff

Liverpool's £35 million striker Andy Carroll failed to redeem himself after being given a first start against Fulham since their 0-0 draw against Swansea a month go.

He had a glorious chance after seven minutes but hit his shot straight at Mark Schwarzer.

That miss seemed to affect him as he failed to impose himself against Fulham’s centre-half pairing of Brede Hangeland and Philippe Senderos.

Carroll was replaced by Dirk Kuyt with 12 minutes to go with Clint Dempsey striking a late winner for Fulham.

Yet Liverpool's team contained the biggest individual disappointment, while Fulham's

He did little more than lumber about the pitch without making his presence felt during his 77 minutes in the action.

Carroll was handed his seventh Premier League start in a season that has seen his fitness and application questioned.

Two goals in 12 Premier League appearances this season, five of them as a substitute, is not much of a return on a £35 million investment.

He came close to grabbing the glory seven minutes into Monday night's match.

Adam's pass found Suárez on the left, the Uruguayan cut the ball back at pace, and Carroll stretched out a boot but saw his effort from 12 yards out fly straight at Schwarzer.

Carroll never really brought his strength and weight to bear on the match with any sort of consistency or incisiveness.

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