LAST MATCH : LIVERPOOL 3 - 0 BOLTON WANDERERS

LIVERPOOL 3 - 0 BOLTON WANDERERS Friday 26 December 2008 15:00 , Barclays Premier League

KEANE AT THE DOUBLE TO KEEP REDS TOP Robbie Keane hit a second-half double as Liverpool retained top spot in the Barclays Premier League with a stylish 3-0 win over Bolton at Anfield. The Ireland international fired two goals in six minutes to put an end to a run of three straight league draws on home turf after Albert Riera had got us off to the perfect start with a neat finish on 26 minutes. It means we retain our one point lead at the summit of English football with a seventh straight win on the spin against the Trotters in L4, and have now gone the entire calendar year undefeated at Anfield. The Reds went in to the clash having topped the table at Christmas for the first time since 1996, but with Chelsea beating West Brom in an earlier kick-off, the home side knew three points were essential if they were to remain there come quarter to five. The presence of Rafael Benitez in both the dressing room and the directors' box following illness would have provided the perfect lift ahead of the match and the players would have wanted to give the boss some belated Christmas cheer with a fast start against Gary Megson's men. However, it was the visitors who carved out the first opening of the contest on two minutes when both Sami Hyypia and Daniel Agger failed to clear, allowing Kevin Nolan to burst in to the area. The Liverpool-born midfielder had Johan Elmander in support but his clipped effort was neither clever enough nor high enough to trouble Pepe Reina in the Reds goal. It was the chance of the match as far as Bolton were concerned, and as they struggled to keep pace with Liverpool's attack, they were fortunate not to fall behind just seconds later when Riera's drilled volley was directed wide by Robbie Keane in the six yard box. It inspired a roar of approval from the Kop and after Riera drilled another near post effort well wide of target, Emiliano Insua went close with a sizzling volley that brought a fine save out of Jussi Jaaskelainen. So often this season the Reds have been made to pay for contriving to miss a number of good opportunities against stubborn opposition, and after Dirk Kuyt put a free header over the bar on 20 minutes, Kopites could have been forgiven for thinking it was going to be another one of those days. Earlier in the week Riera had suggested the Reds needed to try more long distance shooting in order to bring an end to their Anfield frustration, and it was perhaps fitting that it was he who found the key to unlock the Trotters defence - albeit from six yards out. The Spaniard has enjoyed a promising start to life at Anfield since his summer arrival from Espanyol and he added to his stock on 26 minutes when he arrived late at the near post to stab home Steven Gerrard's right-wing corner and claim his third goal in Liverpool colours. The relief was visible throughout the whole of Anfield and Bolton will have been happy to have gone in at the interval just the one goal behind as the Reds pushed forward in their search to hammer home their advantage. Yossi Benayoun, who was enjoying a productive game, flashed a volley just wide of the far post before Jamie Carragher popped up on the left to crash a 25 yard drive inches over the top. The second-half brought with it a change of tact from Gary Megson's side, with the attacking figure of Kevin Davies brought on in place of former Aston Villa full-back Jlloyd Samuel. Not that it had any effect on Liverpool, who swept forward and added a second within seven minutes of the restart. Gerrard found space just inside the Bolton half before striding forward and playing a neat through ball to Keane, who made no mistake with a clinical first-time finish from just inside the area. It was a goal that knocked the wind out of the away side and six minutes later it was all over bar the shouting. A lightning break saw Reina feed Alonso, who in turn played in the marauding Benayoun. The Israeli raced into the penalty area and steered an instant ball into Keane who flashed home from six yards out. It was the 28-year-old's seventh goal of the season and follows on from his superb strike in last week's 1-1 draw at Arsenal. With the three points in the bag, Liverpool eased through the remainder of the encounter and although there was to be no hat-trick for Keane, it was the perfect pick-me-up for Rafael Benitez who watched his side claim their highest points total in a calendar year since 1990. Teams Liverpool: Reina, Insua, Hyypia, Agger, Carragher, Riera, Gerrard (captain), Alonso, Benayoun, Kuyt, Keane. Subs - Darby, Mascherano, El Zhar, Ngog, Babel, Leiva, Cavalieri Bolton Wanderers: Jaaskelainen, Samuel, O'Brien, Cahill, Steinsson, Taylor, McCann, Muamba, Gardner, Nolan (captain), Elmander. Subs - Davies, Smolarek, Obadeyi, Riga, Shittu, Basham, Habsi Referee: Alan Wiley Conditions: Cold Attendance: 43548 Liverpoolfc.tv Man-of-the-Match: Robbie Keane Breakdown 15:02 GMT : Match Starts 1 min : Keane and Kuyt get the Boxing Day game underway 1 min : Good start from Liverpool...Carra's flying down the wing but he's just beaten to it. Arbeloa has a hamstring problem and is sat in the directors' box with Fernando 2 mins : Bolton break but Pepe catches the cross and the danger is averted. Lively opening 3 mins : Yossi threads it through to Dirk, who wins a corner... 4 mins : Stevie's corner finds it's way to Albert, whose shot is deflected wide by Keane 5 mins : Liverpool probing from the off... 7 mins : Brilliant 50-yard crossfield ball from Gerrard to Riera...he passes to Insua...but the cross is too hard work for Keane...goalkick 10 mins : Bolton were banging out a bit of Oasis 'Don't Believe the Truth' in the dressing room before kick off 10 mins : Rafa is in the directors' box - though he was in the dressing room beforehand 11 mins : Riera beats one...and two...but his cross is headed clear 11 mins : Another Gerrard corner is headed clear...eventually comes to Riera, whose shot goes askew 17 mins : Spiderman, Danger Mouse and Superman are among the Boxing Day crowd 18 mins : Hyypia threads Yossi through...he crosses...great clearance from Cahill 19 mins : Corner....headed clear to Insua...he shoots first time but it's saved by Jaaskelainen. Good effort from the youngster 19 mins : Alonso crosses...Dirk's going to get his head on this...it's over 22 mins : Mis-placed pass from Insua sets Bolton on the break but the threat is dealt with 23 mins : Sami up to Dirk...he nods on to Yossi but that's a great tackle by Muamba 24 mins : Yossi crosses towards Agger but it's headed out for a corner 25 mins : Fantastic tackle by Yossi to regain possession - he's having a good game 25 mins : Another corner...this time Xabi will take it....flies across goal and out for another corner 26 mins : GOAL! Albert Riera: Gerrard corner is tucked home by the left foot of Riera at the near post. 34 mins : Lovely flick from Riera...it eventually comes to Insua down to left flank but he over-eggs his cross 36 mins : Gerrard floats a free-kick to Hyypia...his nod down finds Yossi who take a touch before shooting wide 38 mins : Agger surges forward but his left-foot shot is wide 41 mins : Kuyt lays it off to Carra who tries one from 30-yards...not this Christmas, Jamie 43 mins : It's all Liverpool here 44 mins : Riera dinks it over his man and the Reds are away...it comes to Yossi...he's taking it round all of them...gets a cross in...cleared for a corner 15:48 GMT : Half Time Reached 16:03 GMT : Second Half Begins 46 mins : Substitution: Kevin Davies for JLloyd Samuel: 46 mins : Bolton get the second period up and running 46 mins : First Booking: Gretar Rafn Steinsson: 48 mins : It's absolutely freezing here at Anfield �fingerless mittens are order of the day among the journos in the press box 48 mins : Riera is felled by Steinsson, who's taking a risk after just being booked 49 mins : Keane twists and turns near the corner flag and eventually gets his cross in despite the presence of two men 50 mins : Bolton corner...caught by Reina 53 mins : Nice little header back to Reina from Insua 53 mins : GOAL! Robbie Keane: Keane latches onto a Gerrard throughball to make it 2-0 57 mins : First Booking: Daniel Agger: 58 mins : GOAL! Robbie Keane: Brilliant team move which started with Reina is finished by Keane after great work from Yossi and Xabi 63 mins : 43,548 is the Boxing Day turnout 67 mins : Substitution: Mustapha Riga for Matthew Taylor: 67 mins : Substitution: Ebi Smolarek for Johan Elmander: 69 mins : Substitution: Nabil El Zhar for Albert Riera: 73 mins : Substitution: Lucas Leiva for Steven Gerrard: 75 mins : El Zhar goes one way, then the other but he drags his shot wide 77 mins : Substitution: David Ngog for Dirk Kuyt: 82 mins : First Booking: Gavin McCann: 87 mins : Sasmi just can't get his head to a well taken corner 87 mins : The Kop is singing the name of just about every member of Rafa's squad 88 mins : Keane could be on for a hat-trick here...he's away...oh, that's a class last-gasp tackle from O'Brien...credit where credit's due 90 mins : YNWA echoes round Anfield...there's going to be four minutes of injury time

NEXT MATCH

	LIVERPOOL V BOLTON WANDERERS Friday 26 December 2008 15:00
If form is anything to go by then Liverpool will be hoping to make it a magnificent seven when they face Bolton on Boxing day. The Reds have beaten the Trotters on each of their last six visits to Anfield and will also be hopeful of doing the double over Gary Megson's men, having won 2-0 at the Reebok back in November.

Last Match

ARSENAL 1 - 1 LIVERPOOL Sunday 21 December 2008 16:00 , Barclays Premier League

KEANE KEEPS REDS TOP WITH EMIRATES DRAW A fantastic goal from Robbie Keane earned Liverpool a 1-1 draw at the Emirates in the absence of ailing boss Rafa Benitez. Keane's sweet half-volley levelled Robin van Persie's opener on the stroke of half time, while the Gunners had to play the last 30 minutes with 10 men following the harsh dismissal of Emmanuel Adebayor. The result means Liverpool will spend Christmas top of the league for the first time since 1996 should Chelsea fail to win at Everton on Monday night. All the pre-match talk centred on those absent from the Liverpool camp. Benitez stayed on Merseyside to continue his recovery from last week's kidney stone operation, while Javier Mascherano failed to shake off a bout of flu. Andrea Dossena, Fabio Aurelio and, most crucially, Fernando Torres completed the sick list. All this meant Lee sent out a side including Lucas, 19-year-old left-back Emiliano Insua and the recalled Keane. Arsenal were first to threaten on eight minutes when Bacary Sagna crossed to the back post, where Adebayor initially seemed to get the better of Pepe Reina. But, as the ball trickled towards goal, a linesman's flag indicated something untoward. Television replays showed a blatant handball; think Maradona on Peter Shilton circa 1986. Sagna and Adebayor again combined on 14 minutes only for the latter's glancing header to be gathered well by Reina. At the other end, Keane, booed from the off thanks to his Spurs connection, managed to steal a 10-yard march on Arsenal's bewildered offside trap before laying back to Gerrard, whose powerful drive was too close to Manuel Almunia. Despite this, it was Arsenal who looked the more dangerous, and their drive reaped rewards on 24 minutes when a long ball from the returning Samir Nasri was controlled by van Persie, who turned Jamie Carragher before firing past Reina's dive from 15 yards. Liverpool would now have to live up to their reputation as comeback kings to guarantee Christmas number one status, though memories of an overturned deficit against another big four side, Man Utd, earlier in the season kept the travelling Kop optimistic. Down on the away bench, goalkeeping coach Xavi Valero listened intently on a mobile phone, doubtless relaying instructions from his boss watching back home. If 'bang a hopeful ball to Keane and leave him to do the rest' were Benitez's orders, it wasn't long before they were duly carried out. There were 43 minutes on the clock when the recalled Daniel Agger lofted a 60-yard pass beyond Johan Djourou and the rest of the Gunners backline. The timing of Keane's run was perfect, and the Irishman smashed an unstoppable half volley into the top corner. The silence from Arsenal's faithful, and the critics who've documented Keane's Liverpool career so far, was deafening. Minutes later Gerrard skewed a wonderful opportunity to turn the game on its head after Dirk Kuyt's low cross into the six-yard box, and there was still time for Kuyt to force a fingertip save from Almunia before Howard Webb blew for half-time. News that the injured Cesc Fabregas would be replaced by Abou Diaby for the second half gave the visitors a further boost, and it was Liverpool who started most brightly after the restart. Two minutes in, Lucas forced Almunia into a diving save with a well-struck effort from inside the box. Next, Insua broke down the left before finding Keane in the box. Again the Arsenal goalkeeper was made to work, though his save needn't have been so dramatic. Liverpool were beginning to purr, and Arsenal's cause was about to be dealt another serious blow, this time by referee Webb. Replays proved harsh his decision to display a second yellow on 62 minutes to Adebayor for a flailing arm near Alvaro Arbeloa. There were more yellow cards than serious chances as a fiery encounter entered its closing stages. A left-foot rocket from Agger flew just wide as injury time loomed, while substitute Nabil El Zhar's downward header from an Insua cross had Arsenal hearts in mouths. It wasn't to be, but a point will be considered a valuable return from one of the season's toughest fixtures. Teams Liverpool: Reina, Insua, Carragher, Agger, Arbeloa, Riera, Alonso, Leiva, Kuyt, Gerrard (captain), Keane. Subs - Hyypia, El Zhar, Babel, Ngog, Cavalieri, Plessis, Benayoun Arsenal: Almunia, Clichy, Gallas, Djourou, Sagna, Nasri, Fabregas, , Song, van Persie, Adebayor. Subs - Eboue, Wilshere, Silvestre, Ramsey, Vela, Diaby, Fabianski Referee: Howard Webb Conditions: Fine Attendance: 60,094 Liverpoolfc.tv Man-of-the-Match: Emiliano Insua Breakdown 16:01 GMT : Match Starts 1 min : Liverpool kick off wearing their away kit 2 mins : Arsenal keeping the ball in the early stages 3 mins : Reina is out quickly to gather a floated free kick into his area 7 mins : Cliche launches a long ball forward which is well defended by Agger 8 mins : Liverpool building well down the left and forcing a throw-in off Gallas 9 mins : First chance of the game falls to Gerrard and the skipper brings a smart stop from Almunia with a long range drive 12 mins : The home side work the ball well down the left but Cliche over-hits the cross 17 mins : Arsenal corner on the left comes to nothing as Carra heads clear 19 mins : First Booking: Robbie Keane: 23 mins : GOAL! Robin van Persie: Van Persie pulls away from Carragher and smashes the opening goal past Reina 31 mins : Liverpool win a free kick in a good area - can we get back onto level terms? 32 mins : Gerrard bends a free kick goalwards but Almunia holds comfortably 35 mins : Gerrard is caught offside after making a powerful run forward 37 mins : First Booking: Emmanuel Adebayor: 41 mins : Arsenal drive a free kick into the box which Liverpool scramble away before Kuyt blasts the ball clear upfield 42 mins : GOAL! Robbie Keane: Stunning strike from Keane as he latches onto a long ball forward to drive past Almunia. Great finish 44 mins : Kuyt crosses for Gerrard who turns the ball over from close range. What a great chance 45 mins : Good stop from Almunia to turn the ball behind from a Kuyt shot. We're finishing the half well 16:49 GMT : Half Time Reached 46 mins : Substitution: Abou Diaby for Francesc Fabregas: 17:05 GMT : Second Half Begins 46 mins : Arsenal get the second half underway at the Emirates 47 mins : Gerrard free kick is well defended and then Lucas sees a shot saved by Almunia. Good start to the second period 50 mins : Adebayor goes down on the edge of the box but appeals for a free kick are waved away 52 mins : Insua gets the cross in from the left towards Keane but he can't get enough contact on the ball 56 mins : Kuyt wins a corner in front of the travelling Liverpool fans 57 mins : Alonso delivers the corner which is headed behind by Agger 58 mins : Quickly taken free kick by Gerrard into Keane but the Irishman is flagged offside 61 mins : Sending Off: Emmanuel Adebayor: Adebayor sent off for a second bookable offence after late challenge on Arbeloa 63 mins : Denilson drives a ball low across the face of goal after breaking into the area 65 mins : First Booking: Robin van Persie: 68 mins : First Booking: Bacary Sagna: 69 mins : Substitution: Ryan Babel for Albert Riera: 71 mins : First Booking: Jamie Carragher: 74 mins : Arsenal seeing a lot of the ball but Liverpool standing firm and looking dangerous on the break 77 mins : Nasri nut-megs Carragher but doesn't win the free kick 79 mins : Nasri charges forward and goes for goal with a long range strike which is well over Reina's goal 79 mins : First Booking: Lucas Leiva: 79 mins : Substitution: Nabil El Zhar for Robbie Keane: 81 mins : Van Persie curls in a corner which is over-hit and rolls out of play 84 mins : Gerrard's clever pass into the area almost breaks for Kuyt but Almunia clears 85 mins : Agger goes close from long range, missing the far post by inches 85 mins : Substitution: David Ngog for Lucas Leiva: 90 mins : Insua crosses from the left and El Zhar glances a header wide. Good chance to win it 90 mins : Substitution: Emmanuel Eboue for Samir Nasri: 17:54 GMT : Match Over

Lat match : LIVERPOOL 2 - 2 HULL CITY

LIVERPOOL 2 - 2 HULL CITY Saturday 13 December 2008 15:00 , Barclays Premier League

GERRARD DOUBLE RESCUES POINT FOR REDS

Liverpool have gone two points clear at the top of the Barclays Premier League after Steven Gerrard scored a first-half brace to help Rafa Benitez's men come from two goals down and draw 2-2 with Hull City at Anfield.

The Reds might only have the extra breathing space at the top of the table until Chelsea take on West Ham United tomorrow, but this enthralling match proved that it takes more than a couple of early goals to beat this resurgent Liverpool side.

First in the league and fresh from topping their Champions League group courtesy of their midweek triumph in Eindhoven, Liverpool went into the match hoping to stretch their lead at the summit of English football.

However, having witnessed back-to-back stalemates in our last two league encounters on home turf, the Anfield faithful may have been somewhat concerned by the Tigers' impressive away record.

With 15 goals to their name prior to kick-off, only Chelsea had found the net more times on their travels than Phil Brown's men and with victories at Arsenal, Newcastle, Spurs and West Brom already under their belt, they will have been undaunted by the prospect of a trip to the league leaders.

In fact, they had the first real opportunity of note when skipper Ian Ashbee headed a corner over the top on five minutes.

It sparked an instant reaction from Liverpool, as both Yossi Benayoun and Albert Riera saw shots blocked before the Spaniard miscued when a searching corner from the left found him unmarked at the far post.

The Reds were looking to avoid three successive goalless draws in the league for the first time in their history and could have gone in front on 10 minutes when Dirk Kuyt came within inches of adding the finishing touch to Xabi Alonso's dangerous free-kick.
It was a moment they would rue just seconds later when defender Paul McShane out-jumped Andrea Dossena to steer a header into the top corner of Pepe Reina's net and stun the home crowd.

But Liverpool looked to make amends straight from the restart. Dirk Kuyt almost ended the home goal draught when he went within a hair's breath of converting Andrea Dossena's superb run and cross.

It was a nervy moment for Hull but their dream start got even better when Marlon King's magnificent cross field ball found Bernard Mendy in space on the right. The defender turned winger surged to the byline and sent a dangerous ball across the face of goal which the unfortunate Jamie Carragher could only turn into his own net.

The visiting support could barely believe their eyes.

An instant reaction was required if Rafa and co were to avoid more Anfield angst and once again it was the skipper who dragged the Reds back into it.

Kuyt found space down the right on 24 minutes and, although his dangerous cross was flicked clear by a desperate Tigers' defender, Gerrard was on-hand to steer the ball home.

It was an incredible start to the proceedings, and with Liverpool sensing that another sensational comeback was on the cards, they set about turning the visitors' dream into a nightmare.

Then Gerrard struck again to get the Reds' back into the match on 32 minutes.

Carragher swung in a cross on the left flank for Kuyt to head down before controlling well and finding Benayoun, who looked up and played in the advancing Gerrard. Then the Reds' skipper made no mistake with a smart finish into the top corner.

Liverpool continued to press forward and went in search of a third, but both teams went into the break level after a fantastic 45 minutes.

Shooting towards the Anfield Road end, the Reds made a bright start to the second half and continued to probe the Hull rearguard.

Gerrard made a series of forays forward, while Kuyt found some space across the front line.

And it was from a Gerrard corner that Liverpool had the best chance of the second period. The Reds captain swung in a pinpoint corner for Sami Hyypia to head goalwards, but the Finnish international's powerful effort bounced off the left-hand post for the Hull defence to clear.

But Hull continued to threaten and went straight down the other end to whip in another fierce shot over Reina's goal. It seemed that every time Liverpool went forward, Hull were never afraid to reply with equal measure.

Introducing veteran striker Dean Windass to the proceedings in place of former Red Nick Barmby on 77 minutes suggested that Phil Brown wanted more than just a point from this encounter, but Rafa Benitez also made moves to win the match and introduced Nabil El Zhar, Ryan Babel and Lucas Leiva to the action.

But despite pressing for a winner throughout the second period, Hull hung on to claim a point from this riveting encounter. This match came loaded entertainment value for the neutrals, but it will also be laced with more frustration for the Reds as they could only manage a point at Anfield for the third league game in a row.
.

Teams

Liverpool: Reina, Dossena, Hyypia, Carragher, Arbeloa, Riera, Alonso, Mascherano, Benayoun, Gerrard (captain), Kuyt. Subs - Agger, El Zhar, Babel, Ngog, Leiva, Cavalieri, Keane

Hull City: Myhill, McShane, Turner, Zayette, Ricketts, Barmby, Ashbee (captain), Boateng, Mendy, , King. Subs - Warner, Garcia, Marney, Cousin, , Halmosi, Windass

Referee: A Wiley

Conditions: Fine

Attendance: Unknown

Liverpoolfc.tv Man-of-the-Match: Steven Gerrard

info from Liverpoolfc.net

PSV EINDHOVEN 1 - 3 LIVERPOOL
Tuesday 09 December 2008 19:45 , Champions League Group Phase

REDS SEE OFF PSV TO FINISH TOP

Liverpool have qualified for the last 16 of the Champions League as winners of Group D after Ryan Babel, Albert Riera and David Ngog found the net in a 3-1 victory over PSV Eindhoven.

The Reds went into this match at the Philips Stadium in Eindhoven knowing they had to better Atletico Madrid's result against Marseille or win by more than two more goals than the Spaniards.

But Liverpool were assured of taking the top spot after Atletico could only managing a 0-0 draw at the Olympique Stadium in France.

The result means Rafa Benitez's side will have the advantage of playing the second leg of the next round at fortress Anfield in early March.

Click here to watch the goals now››
With both sides sizing each other up and keeping things tight, there were no real clear-cut chances in the first 10 minutes but a few flashes from the lively Ryan Babel hinted that there might be a few goals in this one.

Mascherano started off an attack within the first 90 seconds. The Argentine did what he does best picked up possession in the middle of the park before finding an outlet in the form of Ryan Babel. The Dutch forward, who had switched to the right flank for this match, tested the PSV rearguard with a jinky run, but he was stopped in his tracks by an alert Jeremie Brechet.

PSV soon took their opportunity to attack, however, and Nordin Amrabat earned a free-kick when Jamie Carragher took him down 25 yards out. But Diego Cavalieri made a confident start to the match by collecting the delivery.

Babel was at it again on 11 minutes and glided past Carlos Salcido and into the PSV penalty area, but his pass in search of Robbie Keane deflected off a defender and the Dutch side cleared the danger.

Amrabat caused more problems for the Reds' defence when he sidestepped Jamie Carragher and laid off to midfield powerhouse Timmy Simons, who struck a fizzing shot which Cavalieri parried to safety. PSV's main threat Amrabat tested Liverpool's rearguard a matter of seconds later, and nearly found a way in behind - but eventually he found himself in a dead end and his touch let him down.

They might have made a tentative start to the proceedings, but PSV looked much more comfortable on the ball after the 15-minute mark and came close to finding a way in on a number of occasions.

Liverpool looked like they had started to contain the Dutch side, but PSV managed to break the deadlock on 37 minutes when Danko Lazovic took advantage of a lucky deflection from their first corner of the match.

The unmarked Lazovic pounced on the ball after a nasty richochet in the six-yard box and slotted home from close range and give the home side the lead.

Huub Stevens' side had made the most of their first clear opportunity of the match. After plugging away at Jamie Carragher and Daniel Agger for the first 30 minutes, they deserved to strike the first blow and were good value for their lead.

But Liverpool showed their mettle and equalised eight minutes later from an excellent Ryan Babel header.

Lucas Leiva put a pinpoint cross into the PSV penalty area for the Dutchman to head home on the stroke of half-time.

With the scores level at the beginning of the second half, both sides continued in the same formations as PSV looked to chip away, while Liverpool searched for gaps in the home team's defence.

But Liverpool soon gained the ascendancy and set about creating a string of scoring opportunities.

Keane nearly set David Ngog away when he picked up the ball in the hole on 48 minutes, but his pass was half a yard too far for Ngog to reach.

The Irish marksman had made a particularly lively start to the second half and nearly got on the end of a low Ryan Babel cross into the penalty area in the 50th minute, while he also came close to finding his French striking partner inside the six-yard box with a typically deft through ball a matter of seconds later.

Babel reminded PSV left-back Carlos Salcido how dangerous he can be when cutting in from the right wing, and dragged a low drive a yard and a half wide just before the hour mark.

But PSV remained a threat at the other end and Alvaro Arbeloa came to the Reds rescue when he headed out for a corner three minutes later. The lofted cross was destined for the head of Lazovic, but the Spanish full-back rose to put the ball to safety.

And then Albert Riera produced something very special. Riera must have been well over 25 yards out when he let fly with a fierce left-foot shot to put Liverpool into the lead.

He might have been given time on the ball, but the Spanish winger couldn't have hit it any sweeter and Andreas Isaksson in the PSV goal had no chance. What a strike.

With PSV needing something from this game to have a hope of qualifying for the Uefa Cup, Huub Stevens' side were always on the look-out for a potential way through Liverpool's back four, but as the game went on they left more and more gaps at the back for Liverpool to take advantage of.

And David Ngog made took advantage of one such gap when scored his first goal for the senior side on 78 minutes after a lapse in concentration from PSV. The French striker was let through on goal and slotted home to put the Reds 3-1 up.



Rafa Benitez also gave Reserve team starlets time on the pitch towards the end of this Group D clash. Stephen Darby came on for Arbeloa on 70 minutes, Jay Spearing for Riera on 77, and Martin Kelly replaced Jamie Carragher on 81 minutes.

They might have took a considered approach throughout, but PSV really gave this one everything they had at times here, but in the end this Liverpool team had too much for them.

Babel, Lucas, Riera and Keane all put in impressive displays after receiving more than their fair share of flak in recent weeks to put the Reds into the last 16 as group winners. They will certainly be thankful of this result come February time.

Liverpoolfc.tv man of the match: Ryan Babel: Playing out on the right wing, the versatile forward was a threat throughout and fully deserved his goal on 45 minutes.

Teams

Liverpool: Cavalieri, Dossena, Carragher (captain), Agger, Arbeloa, Riera, Mascherano, Leiva, Babel, Keane, Ngog. Subs - Gerrard, Alonso, Kelly, Darby, Spearing, Benayoun, Reina

PSV Eindhoven: Isaksson, Salcido, Brechet, Marcellis, Culina, Dzsudzsak, Simons (captain), Bakkal, Mendez, Lazovic, Amrabat. Subs - Ramos, Nyland, Manco, Pieters, Wuytens, Rodriguez, Koevermans

Referee: Nikolai Golubev (Rus)

Conditions: Fine

Attendance: Unknown

Liverpoolfc.tv Man-of-the-Match: Ryan Babel

Breakdown

19:45 GMT : Match Starts
1 min : Liverpool get their final Champions League group game underway in Eindhoven
1 min : Keane wins an early free kick for Liverpool in a potentially dangerous situation
2 mins : Dossena delivers the free kick which Riera heads well wide
5 mins : Mascherano concedes a free kick to the home side in the middle of the field
6 mins : But the free kick is wasted and Cavalieri gathers easily
7 mins : Great control by Riera on the left but his driven pass is over-hit and beyond Keane
11 mins : Babel shows neat trickery down the left to create space but his pass to Keane is well defended by PSV
16 mins : Cavalieri makes his first stop of the game as he palms away an effort from Simons
20 mins : Even game so far with both sides looking to attack whenever they get the chance
21 mins : Terrific challenge from Agger to deny PSV a shot at goal from close range
22 mins : Mascherano needs treatment after taking a bang to the mouth
26 mins : Cavalieri gathers well as the ball is launched long and high into the Liverpool area
33 mins : PSV look to build again on the edge of our area but Carragher clears the danger
36 mins : GOAL! Danko Lazovic: Lazovic drives into the net from close range after being left unmarked at the far post
37 mins : First Booking: Albert Riera:
41 mins : First Booking: Alvaro Arbeloa:
41 mins : First Booking: Timmy Simons:
45 mins : Ngog has a chance to level the scores but can't direct his header wide of the 'keeper
45 mins : GOAL! Ryan Babel: Lucas bends in a free kick which Babel heads high into the net
20:47 GMT : Half Time Reached
20:47 GMT : Second Half Begins
46 mins : PSV get the second half started with the scores level at 1-1
47 mins : Keane almost sets Ngog free but PSV get the ball away
50 mins : Chance for Keane inside the six yard box but he slides the ball wide of target
52 mins : First Booking: Andrea Dossena:
57 mins : Lazovic goes for goal again but shoots straight at Cavalieri
59 mins : Babel cuts in from the left but blasts a low shot into the side netting
68 mins : GOAL! Albert Riera: Riera strikes a brilliant shot from 30 yards into the top corner to give us the lead
69 mins : Substitution: Stephen Darby for Alvaro Arbeloa:
71 mins : Substitution: Danny Koevermans for Nordin Amrabat:
78 mins : Substitution: Jay Spearing for Albert Riera:
77 mins : GOAL! David Ngog: Ngog races clear and secures the three points with a well struck shot
80 mins : Substitution: Raimond Manco for Edison Mendez:
82 mins : Substitution: Martin Kelly for Jamie Carragher:
85 mins : It's still goalless in Marseille meaning Liverpool will top Group D if the scores remain the same
87 mins : Good play by Cavalieri to smother the ball as the cross is delivered from the left
88 mins : Ngog cuts inside onto his left foot and blasts high over the goal
21:36 GMT : Match Over

Last Match HiLight

	BLACKBURN ROVERS 1 - 3 LIVERPOOL Saturday 06 December 2008 15:00 , Barclays Premier League
REDS SEE OFF ROVERS TO STAY TOP

Liverpool have got back to winning ways with a 3-1 win over Blackburn Rovers thanks to strikes from Xabi Alonso, Yossi Benayoun and Steven Gerrard.

After two successive 0-0 stalemates against Fulham and West Ham United and with Chelsea running out 2-0 winners over Bolton Wanderers, the Reds really had to make sure of the three points against a relegation-threatened Blackburn Rovers side to stay at the summit of the Barclays Premier League.

Fernando Torres might have been missing from the starting line-up, but it was the Reds midfielders who made the difference. Alonso and Benayoun coolly slotted home on 70 and 79 minutes respectively, while Steven Gerrard rounded off the win when he shot into an empty net in the dying seconds.

It was a typically frustrating first half for the Reds, however. Carrying on from the frustrations of the last two league games, there was simply no outlet up front and a string of reckless passes allowed Paul Ince's side to go on the attack. Where Liverpool put in a number of searching balls out to the wings, it was Blackburn who had the most clear-cut chances within the opening 10 minutes.

Tugay dinked one ball over the top in seach of Roque Santa Cruz, while Pepe Reina took one inswinging cross from the left flank to clear the danger. The Spanish stopper also kept the Reds in the match when he denied Morten Gamst Pedersen on 20 minutes. Steven Gerrard gave away possession in the middle of the park, which the Norwegian forward picked up and proceeded to charge down the wing. Pedersen then let fly with a fizzing shot from 20 yards, which Reina stretched to tip onto the bar to keep the scores at 0-0.

It was a fantastic shot from the Norwegian, and a surprising loss of concentration from the Reds skipper. There might not have been any clear-cut opportunities for the Reds during the first 45 minutes, but a few hopeful chips forward created the odd half chance. A glorious ball from Xabi Alonso found Ryan Babel on 10 minutes. The Dutch winger jinked his way past one defender before laying off to Steven Gerrard, but the Liverpool captain's pass was misplaced and Blackburn regained possession.

And it looked like Alvaro Arbeloa was going through on goal on 13 minues, when Jamie Carragher floated a pass up-field. The Spaniard's first touch was top class, but he coudln't bring it down in his second movement to forge any real attack. Liverpool's best chance of the half came on 19 minutes, when Dirk Kuyt played an excellent through ball to Yossi Benayoun. The Israeli international was bearing down on Rovers keeper Paul Robinson, and the former Tottenham stopper got just enough on it to put out for a corner.

Gerrard charged across the centre of the park on 24 minutes and weaved a hopeful ball through the Blackburn rearguard looking for the forward-running Emiliano Insua, but the Reds' skipper put too much on his pass and the ball went out for a goal kick. Liverpool's Argentine pair linked up well on 28 minutes. Javier Mascherano picked the ball up in the centre circle and found Insua with an excellently placed pass. The left-back really gave Andre Ooijer a torrid time and nearly found a way into the Rovers' penalty area.

With a host of players giving away possession during the first period, Liverpool found themselves under pressure far too often and could have gone a goal down on a number of occasions. But Pepe Reina put in a stand-out performance to keep the Reds in the game. Blackburn went on the attack straight from the start of the second half, with Pederen storming through the penalty area to fire a speculative shot goalwards.But Pepe Reina was again on hand to keep Blackburn at bay.

Xabi Alonso had a great chance to score on 57 minutes. A great ball into the centre from Insua found Alonso, who trapped the ball before cleanly shooting with his right foot. But the Spaniard's shot was straight at Paul Robinson and the keeper parried clear. Liverpool's midfield maestro would go on to learn from that chance, however, and struck a much sweeter shot to break the deadlock 13 minutes later.

Steven Gerrard, who had switched to the right wing a few minutes earlier, got a ball into the box for Kuyt to shepherd towards the Spaniard. Then Alonso ran onto Kuyt's ball and placed a neat shot past Paul Robinson with his right foot to put Liverpool in the lead and give the travelling Kop something to sing about. It was a fantastic ball in from the Reds skipper. He picked up the ball on the right and didn't waste time in getting a low cross over to the danger zone. Having already forged a few incisive attacks, Liverpool were worthy of their lead and did well to make the pressure count.

But Blackburn kept plugging away and Roque Santa Cruz had an excellent opportunity to level the scores five minutes later, but he placed his header wide of Reina's goal.

Liverpool scored a second on 79 minutes when Yossi Benayoun darted into the Rovers' box and struck a low shot past Paul Robinson. The Israeli utility man turned Stephen Warnock inside out before firing into the far-bottom corner to get his first of the season. A great solo effort from Benayoun.

But Santa Cruz proved how dangerous he can be when he popped up at the far post to head home with five minutes remaining. The striker steamed in from a well-worked cross to get a clear header - the Liverpool defence had gone to sleep and Reina had now chance. Despite a string of hopeful attacks from the home side, Liverpool always looked the more likely winners here, and Steven Gerrard made sure of the three points in the dying seconds when he slotted into an open goal to round off the win.

Breakdown

15:01 GMT : Match Starts
1 min : Liverpool get the game underway
2 mins : First challenge for Insua down the left flank and he deals with it well
3 mins : Benayoun goes on a jinking run down the right but Blackburn win the ball back
6 mins : Pedersen delivers a cross from the left which Reina holds
7 mins : Ooijer concedes a corner and then another one as Liverpool turn up the early pressure
11 mins : Benayoun is just caught offside after breaking free down the right
12 mins : First shot of the game in anger comes from Emerton who fails to trouble Reina's goal from long range
13 mins : Good play by Santa Cruz down the left to win a corner off Carragher
17 mins : Not the best of games so far with neither side having started well
18 mins : Great chance for Benayoun in front of goal but great defending from Warnock to prevent a shot at goal
18 mins : First Booking: Ryan Babel: Booked for deliberate handball
27 mins : Good play from Insua down the left but he's unlucky to concede a goal kick
28 mins : Pedersen lets fly from range forcing Reina into a brilliant save as he palms the ball onto the bar and away. Great, great save
37 mins : Reina makes another stop to keep out another Pedersen effort as the home side start to up the pressure
42 mins : Gerrard has Liverpool's first shot of the game, but the ball goes well wide from his left footed effort
44 mins : Gerrard fires a pass towards Kuyt which Robinson reads well and collects
15:49 GMT : Half Time Reached
16:02 GMT : Second Half Begins
46 mins : Blackburn get the second half underway with the scores locked at 0-0
46 mins : Carragher makes a block to deny Pedersen whose shot was threatening the goal
48 mins : Warnock goes for goal from long range but the ball is well wide of target
52 mins : We're giving the ball away too easily again, just like in the first period
54 mins : Mascherano is fouled - free kick in a good position for us
55 mins : Almost a hint of a chance but Robinson scrambles the ball away to safety
58 mins : Alonso goes close with a fizzing drive which Robinson does well to save. Much better from Liverpool
59 mins : First Booking: Alvaro Arbeloa:
61 mins : Gerrard's free kick from the right is disappointing - much like the game so far
62 mins : We should be ahead!! Gerrard's shot is saved and Benayoun somehow fails to turn home the rebound under pressure from Robinson
64 mins : Substitution: Nabil El Zhar for Ryan Babel:
68 mins : GOAL! Xabi Alonso: Alonso slides home from just inside the area to finally break the deadlock
76 mins : Ooijer crosses from the right and Santa Cruz heads wastefully wide
79 mins : GOAL! Yossi Benayoun: Yossi drifts past Warnock and blasts a low shot into the far corner
81 mins : Substitution: Benny McCarthy for Morten Pedersen:
83 mins : Substitution: Lucas Leiva for Javier Mascherano:
85 mins : Substitution: Johann Vogel for Tugay :
85 mins : GOAL! Roque Santa Cruz: Santa Cruz stoops to head home a late lifeline for Blackburn
87 mins : Substitution: Albert Riera for Yossi Benayoun:
89 mins : Kuyt does really well along the byline to win a corner for Liverpool
90 mins : Four extra minutes to be played
90 mins : Substitution: Keith Treacy for Matt Derbyshire:
90 mins : GOAL! Steven Gerrard: Gerrard fires home into an empty net to secure all three points and keep us top of the table
16:54 GMT : Match Over

NEWS STORY : RAFA: WE DESERVED TO WIN

NEWS STORY


RAFA: WE DESERVED TO WIN Jimmy Rice at Anfield 01 December 2008

Rafa Benitez claimed his team deserved more than a point after Anfield endured its third goalless draw of the season.

The result moved Liverpool one point clear of Chelsea at the top of the Barclays Premier League - but it could be more.

The Reds had 20 shots during a decent display but, with Robert Green excellent in goal, Gianfranco Zola's men held firm to follow Stoke and Fulham in leaving Anfield with a share of the spoils.

Benitez said: "We clearly deserved to win. From the beginning to the end we tried to win and that's why they had one or two counter attacks in the second half.

"The team played much better than before and some players did too.

"People can be disappointed and we are too, but we are one point clear at the top.

"We didn't play well against Fulham but in this game we had plenty of possession, passed and moved the ball, and had chances.

"If you play badly, don't have chances and the other team is in control, you can be worried - but we were much better.

"The crowd can be disappointed because they've seen a draw at home but if they see the newspapers tomorrow they will see we are top.

"We have one more point than Chelsea now and if we can go to Blackburn and win we'll still be top."

Asked if his team was lacking confidence in front of goal,

Benitez said: "Maybe some players are but it's just a case of us trying to keep creating chances - then I'm sure we'll start taking them." Benitez was also quizzed on whether he would look to bring in another striker in January - possibly Michael Owen.

He responded: "Clearly I can guarantee that we are not going for Michael Owen."

LAST MATCH : LIVERPOOL V WEST HAM UNITED

LAST MATCH HILIGHT

LIVERPOOL 0 - 0 WEST HAM UNITED Monday 1 December 2008 20:00 , Barclays Premier League

Monday 1 December 2008 20:00

Liverpool welcome Gianfranco Zola and his West Ham side to Anfield looking to bounce back following the frustration of the 0-0 draw with Fulham last time out in the Barclays Premier League.The Reds missed the opportunity to move two points clear of Chelsea after being held by ex-Red Danny Murphy and his teammates and will need to get back on track against the Hammers.The Upton Park outfit have endured a difficult start under their new Italian boss, although they do have players capable of springing a surprise, with former red Craig Bellamy one to watch.Last time the Londoners came to Anfield they were undone by the Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres double-act, with the Spaniard firing home a magnificent hat-trick in a 4-0 win.