Liverpool's recent 6-1 FA Cup win over npower Championship visitors Brighton — in which Andy Carroll scored the decisive goal to make it 3-1 in the second half — was in fact the first time he, Steven Gerrard and Luis Suarez had started a game together. He got his captain's man-of-the-match nomination but there had been signs in recent times that Carroll was starting to look like he could deliver on the expectations his hefty transfer fee produced.
A more confident Andy Carroll feels his Liverpool career is starting to take off 12 months after arriving at Anfield. Since becoming the most expensive British player when he moved from Newcastle in a GBP35million deal on transfer deadline day of January last year the striker has not enjoyed the best of times.
His debut was delayed by a thigh injury sustained prior to his switch and he never regained full fitness before further problems ended his season a few games early.
The 23-year-old returned in better shape after a full pre-season but circumstances beyond his control, namely another untimely injury to captain Steven Gerrard and Luis Suarez's eight-match ban, meant his chances of playing in a properly full-strength team were restricted.
Liverpool's recent 6-1 FA Cup win over npower Championship visitors Brighton — in which Carroll scored the decisive goal to make it 3-1 in the second half — was in fact the first time he, Gerrard and Suarez had started a game together.
He got his captain's man-of-the-match nomination but there had been signs in recent times that Carroll was starting to look like he could deliver on the expectations his hefty transfer fee produced.
And the striker is feeling much better about himself after two goals in four matches, and three since the turn of the year which has doubled his tally to six for the season.
“I feel like I am doing well. I have just started scoring goals and I am doing well in games. I think it has all come together,” said the England international.
Asked whether this was now the best he had felt since moving to Merseyside he added: “Without a doubt and I think it shows in my performances. (I'm) getting around the pitch a bit more, getting involved. I am happy, more confident and things are going all right. The whole team played well (against Brighton) and I was delighted to get a goal and obviously so for Luis (who also scored after missing a penalty) as well.”
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