Reds slip to final day defeat

Liverpool ended the 2011-12 season with a 1-0 defeat at Swansea City on Sunday afternoon. In a game of few clear-cut chances at the Liberty Stadium, Andy Carroll's overhead kick was the Reds' best effort, but he was denied by a fine stop from Swans 'keeper Michel Vorm. Both sides pressed in search of a winner during the latter stages, however Danny Graham's 87th minute strike from close range clinched victory for the Swans and meant the Reds finish the campaign in eighth position in the Barclays Premier League table. Liverpool travelled to Wales in buoyant mood following the commanding 4-1 win over Chelsea in midweek. Meanwhile, Swansea's approach to their return to the top-flight had won them plenty of admirers over the course of the campaign, and they went into the final day sitting comfortably in 12th position - not bad for a team tipped by many to head back to the Championship at the first time of asking. Indeed, it was claimed in some quarters there was more chance of Elvis Presley being sighted in the UK than the Swans maintaining their Barclays Premier League status - leading to a large percentage of the home fans arriving at the Liberty Stadium dressed as the legendary musician creating something of a carnival atmosphere in the south Wales sunshine. As far as Liverpool fans are concerned, however, there is only one King - and Kenny Dalglish named a starting XI that consisted of Alexander Doni after Pepe Reina was ruled out due to illness. Martin Kelly also came into the side to replace Martin Skrtel as just two changes were made to the side that began against Chelsea in midweek. However, they could have fallen behind with nine minutes on the clock when Joe Allen dispossessed Jonjo Shelvey 25 yards from the visitors' goal before charging into the box and drilling wide of the far post. There was more danger for Liverpool to avert moments later when Swansea won an indirect free-kick inside the box after Doni had picked up an Andy Carroll back pass from near the half-way line. Scott Sinclair struck goalwards after being teed up by Gylfi Sigurdsson, but the Reds' wall stood firm. Liverpool had yet to trouble Michel Vorm, though Maxi Rodriguez did flash wide with an edge-of-the-box drive after good work from Glen Johnson on 15 minutes. Next, a well-worked corner routine resulted in Sigurdsson's effort being blocked on the line by Carragher before Swansea's No.42 drew a fine save from Doni with a low free-kick just after the half-hour. With half-time looming, Carroll's turn and shot had Vorm worried, but Liverpool had Doni to thank for ensuring the teams went into the break on level terms when the Brazilian thwarted Nathan Dyer's powerful hit with his legs. Dalglish would have demanded more attacking impetus from his charges during the break, and Jordan Henderson brought a routine save out of Vorm with a curling strike moments after the re-start. Liverpool were beginning to pose more questions of the Swans' rearguard - and they were unfortunate not to open the scoring on 56 minutes. Kelly's long throw into the area bounced up for Carroll, who sent a spectacular overhead kick towards goal, only to be denied by Vorm's flying stop. With an hour gone, Dalglish introduced Craig Bellamy into the action to take the place of Stewart Downing, but the hosts were the next to go close when a wayward clearance from Carroll following a Swansea corner was almost poked into the bottom corner by Angel Rangel. At the other end, the No.9 again went close when he prodded substitute Dirk Kuyt's cross goalwards with his right boot, but again Vorm was equal to it. The visitors continued to toil in search of a winner, but it wasn't to be, as Graham netted late on to secure the three points for Swansea.