Fernando Torres Stock

Roy: Torres to face Blues

2010-10-16T01:45:00.000-07:00

Roy: Torres to face Blues

15th Oct 2010

Roy Hodgson has revealed that Fernando Torres has won his race to be fit for Sunday's Merseyside derby at Everton.

The Spain star sustained an adductor strain during the 2-1 defeat against Blackpool but has now joined Paul Konchesky in handing the boss a double injury boost ahead of the Goodison Park clash.

Hodgson told Liverpoolfc.tv: "Konchesky has made a good recovery as has Fernando Torres so all being well we can welcome those two back. We get two good ones back, but lose a good one in Kuyt.

"Fernando's season needs to kickstart, he's been hampered a bit by injuries and what happened at the World Cup.

"We see a livelier and a better Fernando every day. It was really unfortunate he got that injury against Blackpool but luckily it came in the international break so he won't miss anymore league games for us."

Hodgson could also welcome Fabio Aurelio back into the fold following his recovery from an achilles problem but Daniel Agger remains a doubt after picking up an injury with Denmark.

"Aurelio has made a good recovery and could be considered at the weekend," added Hodgson.

"He's been out for so long it would be unlikely I would use him, but medically speaking he is physically fit to be selected.

"Agger missed two weeks with the injury he picked up after Sunderland but recovered in order to go and play for Denmark where he got injured again. I don't know what the state of play is with him yet."

Author: Paul Hassall

Credit www.liverpoolfc.net

Roy relishing Anfield debut

2010-08-06T11:10:00.000-07:00

Roy Hodgson took 15 minutes out of his preparations for his Anfield debut as Liverpool boss against FK Rabotnicki to chat with radio journalists at Melwood. Here's what he had to say.

Journalist: Roy, it's fantastic news regarding Fernando Torres isn't it?

I've always been of the belief he would stay with the club. Christian Purslow, who spoke with him during the World Cup and afterwards, has always been convinced he would stay and that it was pure speculation he would go.

But, on the other hand, it was very nice he came out and gave such a glaringly positive interview. I am sure he has sent a great cheer through the hearts of Liverpool Football Club supporters by making it clear not only is he staying, but he's looking forward to the season and is going to attempt to reproduce the form of the season before last when he was unstoppable.

Journalist: You get the feeling he is really passionate about Liverpool Football Club and the great rapport he has with the fans...

Yes, that's important. Liverpool Football Club is a special football club. Maybe it's not a club that is going to win the Champions League every year because no club wins the Champions League every year. But if you're talking about the great football clubs of Europe, we at Liverpool are up there and I think all of our players are perfectly aware of that and their enormous responsibilities as a result of it.

The fans at clubs like Liverpool and Inter Milan - the two I can speak about with some sort of knowledge - expect the best, the team to win and the players to be very, very special. If the players can then give them something back, they idolise those players and you very quickly become a member of the family - just like I regard myself a member of the Inter family.

Journalist: We've seen Fernando break records and score spectacular goals here, but one thing he hasn't done is completed a full season without injury problems cursing him. You must be thinking about how to get the best out of him over a longer period?

The answer to that is quite simple and it's to do with the quality of the sports science and medical department. Ours is very, very good, so I am sure that will be an enormous benefit.

The other thing is how big a squad you've got to enable players to be rested when they need one and to ensure they're not being thrown into situations all the time where really and truly they'd have been better off having a rest.

If we are to proceed in the Europa League, it is going to mean an awful lot of matches, so the strength and size of our squad will be of vital importance.

It doesn't matter if you're Fernando Torres or anybody else, to play three games a week for something like 35-40 weeks of the year is an impossible task at the level we're playing at. The little blows and injuries take their toll.

Journalist: Even in the short space of time you've been at Anfield, can you sense an element of heightened optimism amongst the supporters? Gerrard and Torres are staying, Joe Cole has arrived and there is a renewed vigour amongst Liverpool fans - they can't wait for the start of the Barclays Premier League...

That's great to hear. Of course, I seem to spend most of my days here at Melwood at the moment, so I don't venture out too often - but certainly the people I have met have all been extremely positive and optimistic.

I am pretty sure you guys are in a better position to judge the mood than I am, but I am delighted to hear it and it is up to us now to try and make sure we continue to give them that vigour and keep the optimism and belief alive with our performances on the field.

Journalist: So can you sum up how pleased you are to know two of your star players have committed their futures to the club?

It's a much nicer feeling sitting here today with all of these players I admired last year still with us and with the possibility to still bring in one or two new faces that I think will help us even more and make the squad stronger.

It's also nice to be here knowing the fans outside have picked up on what we're trying to do and are getting behind us because that has always been Liverpool's strength.

All the quotations on the walls around here at Melwood are from famous managers and players who played here - and the first thing they say is playing at Liverpool is an incredible experience because of the strength the team gathers from the fans.

When the day comes that we don't gather strength from the fans, then we take a step backwards. It's nice to hear that doesn't seem to be the case at the moment.

Click the image below to hear the latest team news from the boss

Journalist: Do you feel you've had a slice of luck in having those players stay put and how much easier does it make your job?

It makes my job easier in the sense that football players win matches. Managers don't win them, spectators don't win them and administrators don't win them - matches are won by players who go out onto the field.

The better the players you've got to put on the field, the more chance you have of winning matches.

It sounds an extremely simplistic thing to say, but funnily enough it's something which isn't said often enough. In this convoluted world of football today, we try to find excuses and reasons for things all over the place and forget sometimes the most important people in the game of football are those guys you pay to go and watch and they are the footballers, not the managers, people sitting in the stands or even the owners to be quite honest. It's all about the players.

The fact the good players are staying here has, I hope, made my job that little bit easier, but of course it will only make my job easier if they perform like big players. Names don't win you anything, football players do. Sometimes football players can get names and cease to be the player they were - but that has not been the case with the players we've got here and I am sincerely hoping it won't be the case in the future.

Journalist: Tonight is about you as well as the players. You've stood on the Anfield touchline many a time, but I am sure there will be a different feeling and perspective from yourself this time...

Yes, I am looking forward to it of course. It would be foolhardy to say anything other than your first game as manager of Liverpool Football Club at Anfield is a special occasion.

It will be equally as special - if not even more so - for the first Premier League game. With respect to Rabotnicki, it's not quite the same as Liverpool versus Arsenal.

I am lucky in a way because I think I will have mini-debut followed by a full debut, meaning I will have two debuts to savour at the club.

I am looking forward to it and, as I said, the fans have been excellent so far in terms of the welcome they've given me. I hope they understand as manager I will do everything I can to prepare the team and put them on the field in the best possible shape.

We've got to hope Liverpool Football Club will continue to have the players who can get out and win football matches.

Journalist: It was a very confident and competent performance in Skopje against Rabotnicki, but tonight is still a match that will need to be won even though we know individually you are a better team...

I was asked the question by LFC TV if there was any danger of complacency, but I don't think so. I don't think this is a complacent team. A lot of things are new - the manager is new and so the players have got to impress upon me how good they are. A lot of them are maybe new to the team - players like Jovanovic, Pacheco if he plays, and guys like that. They all want to make certain they give a good performance.

I think quite frankly you won't get many complacent performances at Anfield. It would surprise me (if you did). One of the good things I have thought over the years is that if you were manager of a club like Liverpool, the fans would do everything they could to prevent complacency.

So complacency isn't a fear - we need to be more fearful of anxiety than complacency. That won't be the case tonight, but in future anxiety would worry me more than complacency.

Journalist: Roy, you've been here just over a month now - have you changed much?

It's been a strange month because I haven't worked with the players that are going to be the important players. I came here a week before we left for Bad Ragaz in Switzerland and the people we took there are basically players who will not be playing in the first team very often this season, if at all.

It's only been since returning from Bad Ragaz just over a week ago that I've actually had a chance to work more with the sort of players you regard as the Liverpool team, and still there are a good four or five left of those who have done no work with me.

I certainly haven't changed anything greatly and I don't think my input should be judged anyway in such a short period of time. You've got to give people a chance to establish their philosophy and get their style and how they like things to be done through to the players. It would be ridiculous to suggest after one month I've made vast changes in that respect.

Journalist: Over the summer, there have been people claiming there is a cloud hanging over the club, but you haven't felt any of that - it is just a perception from the outside world?

In the perception from the outside world, everyone was portrayed as wanting to desert the 'sinking ship'. But as we have established very firmly, that isn't the case at all. Even Mascherano is still here, doing his job well in training and if nothing happens will play against Arsenal.

Basically speaking, that was an anxiety that fuelled by the speculation - in particular about Torres and Gerrard and, to some extent, Mascherano and Reina. But it seems to me now, we've put that to bed and so there is no reason for me to have any doubts about everyone's commitment and our possibilities anymore.

Click the image below to watch Roy Hodgson's pre-Rabotnicki press conference

Credit by :www.liverpoolfc.net

Torres impressed by Hodgson

2010-08-06T11:04:00.000-07:00

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres has been impressed by new manager Roy Hodgson and his signing of Joe Cole and cannot wait to work with both after pledging his future to the club.

Despite speculation surrounding British record transfer bids from the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City the Spain international has stressed his commitment to the Reds has never wavered.

"I really appreciated the fact that Roy came out to see me while I was on my holidays," said the World Cup winner.

"He told me about his plans for the club and what he wanted from me and I appreciated that.

"I hope he will be the right man to reach the targets of Liverpool Football Club and I am really looking forward to working with him.

"At the moment I am training just on my own but as soon as I can I will train with the team and with the new manager.

"My commitment and loyalty to the club and to the fans is the same as it was on my first day when I signed.

"I am looking forward to the challenge ahead."

Spain are the World Cup champions!

2010-07-12T01:39:00.001-07:00

Andres Iniesta scored the final's only goal in extra-time to claim a first World Cup for Spain. The Red Fury fully deserved the victory against a hard tackling Dutch side, and clinched the most important trophy in World football with a goal four minutes from time.Fernando Torres, who was brought on for strike-partner Villa at the start of the second period of extra-time, had a hand in his country's winning goal. A cross from the striker fell to Fabregas who passed to Iniesta for the Barcelona man to finish.

Vicente Del Bosque named an unchanged side from Spain's win over Germany in the last four, unlike his Dutch counterpart, who made two changes to the side that started against Uruguay in the semi-finals. Gregory van der Wiel and Nigel de Jong returned from suspension to replace Boulahrouz and De Zeeuw in the Dutch starting XI.

Spain made a confident start to the contest, taking the game to the Netherlands from the kick-off. Stekelenburg produced a good save to deny Sergio Ramos on 5 minutes. The defender out-jumped his marker to head a Xavi free-kick goalwards but the Dutch keeper managed to palm Ramos' effort away. All the play was taking place in the Dutch half as Villa shot into the side netting with Spain's next chance.

Holland were playing to the limit, as the game turned into a stop-start affair. Van Bommel was shown a yellow card for a very strong challenge on Iniesta as the Orange continued to use tough tackling tactics to stop Spain from playing their normal slick passing game.

The Netherlands were somewhat fortunate to still have eleven men on the pitch after a reckless challenge from De Jong on Xabi Alonso. The Dutch midfielder caught his adversary full in the chest with a reckless high boot. Sneijder then left his foot high on Busquets, but the Inter Milan player escaped a booking.The Red Fury also had Ramos and Puyol booked in what was a highly contested first-half.

Chances for both sides were at a premium. A good run from Pedro ended with the Canary Islander shooting just wide and Robben had a shot tipped around by the post by Casillas in Holland's only real effort on goal.

There were no changes at half-time as both sides continued with their respective gameplans. Van Bronckhorst and Heitinga were both carded as Spain came close to scoring. Puyol flicked-on a Xavi corner at the near post, but the defender's header just evaded Capdevila at the far post.

The best chance of normal-time fell to the Netherlands on 62 minutes. Robben was sent clean through on goal by Sneijder, but Casillas did brilliantlly to keep out the

winger's left-foot effort. Although the keeper had dived down to right, the Spain number 'one' managed to divert Robben's shot was an outstretched leg.

The game was slowly opening-up. A cross from Navas made its way to Villa, but Heitinga somehow managed to deflect the forward's strike from three yards out over the

bar. The Spain number '7' then had a shot deflected behind for a corner in their next attack. The European champions were looking favourites to score as Ramos headed over when unmarked in the box.

Holland were still looking dangerous on the break, and Casillas had to race off his line to dive at Robben's feet after the midfielder had burst past Puyol. That was the last opportunity for either side before the whistle was blown for normal-time.

Fabregas had Spain's first chance of the first period of extra-time. The Arsenal man ran on to an excellent threaded pass from Iniesta but the midfielder's shot was blocked by Stekelenburg. The Red Fury were getting closer and closer as a drilled effort from Jesus Navas clipped a defender before flying into the side netting.

Cesc Fabregas was again the dangerman as the midfielder skipped his way past three players before letting fly. His right-foot shot flew just past the up-right with the Dutch keeper rooted to the spot.

Fernando Torres entered the fray at the start of the second period of extra-time as Vicente Del Bosque made his final substitution. Holland were soon reduced to ten men as Heitinga was shown a second yellow card for a foul on Iniesta. The defender had hauled down the midfielder on the edge of the box. The Netherlands were now defending with everyone behind the ball as they tried to hold on to the end of extra-time and a penalty shoot-out.

With just four minutes remaining Spain finally got the breakthrough their football deserved. A cross from Fernando Torres fell to Fabregas who spotted an unmarked

Iniesta in the area. The midfielder controlled with his first touch before sending a low shot past Stekelenburg. The European Champions were now seconds away winning their first World Cup.

Spain kept their heads in the final stages, and despite Holland's desperate attempts for an equaliser, the European Champions held on to do the 'double'.

- Match Stats: Holland 0-1 Spain (aet)

Holland: Stekelenburg, Van Bronckhorst (Braafhied, 115), Heitinga, Van der Wiel, Van Bommel, De Jong (Van Der Vaart, 100), Sneijder, Kuyt (Elia, 71), Robben, Van Persie

Booked: Van Persie, Van Bommel, De Jong, Van Bronckhorst, Robben, Van der Wiel

Sent-off: Heitinga 109

Spain:Casillas, Capdevila, Puyol, Piqué, Ramos, Busquets, Xabi Alonso (Fabregas, 87), Xavi, Iniesta, Pedro (Navas, 60), Villa (Torres, 116)

Booked: Ramos, Puyol, Capdevila, Iniesta, Fabregas

Goals: Iniesta,116

PHOTOS: J.A. SIRVENT

credit byhttp://www.fernando9torres.com/index.php?p=4052

Torres in the hunt for a poker of ´Aces´

2010-07-12T01:36:00.000-07:00

July 10, 2010

Yet another final. And that's now four with Spain for Fernando. In his previous three outings, Torres has finished on the winning side on all three occasions. And come Sunday, with the world watching, Fernando will be aiming to help his country to their first World Cup. And the striker has an excellent track record going into the final against Holland. The Spain and Liverpool number '9' has won European titles with the Under 16s, Under 19s and with the full national side. In all three finals, Torres was voted the Man of the Match, and in all three finals Torres had the 'Ace' up his sleeve, scoring the game's only goal...

In April 2001, the Spain Under 16s tasted European glory in England. The young Red Fury beat Italy and Croatia before facing France in the final. Torres had been breaking goalscoring records for his club's youth teams, Atletico Madrid, and now it was the turn of the French Under 16s side. The game was scoreless until the 76th minute. Spain were awarded a penalty from which Fernando Torres scored. The spot-kick was the third he converted during the tournament, and all three in the same spot. Torres recalled that: "It didn't once cross my mind not to take the penalty as I was the designated penalty taker. I had already taken two during the championships and I had scored them both. I fired the penalty in the same direction as my previous two. Why change a winning formula? I was very confident and knew that I wasn't going to miss. Going into the final, we were confident of winning the title. Our triumph made all the papers, and after our victory I was promoted to Atletico's first team."

In 2002 Torres played with the Under 19s in Norway. The striker now had first team experience with Atletico Madrid, and although taking part in the European Championships was going to leave the young forward with no holidays, he didn't think twice. The opponents in the final were Germany. The game was goalless at half-time, but eight minutes after the restart Torres latched onto an Iniesta cross from out on the left.Torres described his goal: “It wasn't the prettiest of goals but it did the job." Spain went onto lift the title.

The third triumph arrived in 2008 at the European Championships held in Switzerland and Austria. Spain crossed swords with Germany, and once again, just like in 2001 and 2002, the Red Fury won by a solitary goal. His strike ended a 44 year wait for international silverware for Spain. Not since their Euro triumph over the USSR in 1964 had Spain won a major international trophy. Torres had already given the German central pairing of Mertesacker and Metzelder a tough old evening before outwitting Lahm. In the 33rd minute Torres sped past Lahm before clipping the ball past Lehmann. "It was a good pass from Xavi. The defender thought he had it under control, and I took advantage of a moment of relaxation at the back to create enough space and time to lift the ball past the onrushing Lehmann", added Torres

Soccer City in Johannesburg now awaits the Spain marksman who will be looking for his 'run at the card table' to continue with another 'Ace', this time in the World Cup final!

Photo: J.A. Sirvent

credit by http://www.fernando9torres.com

Torres’ goal (0-1), France 0 – Spain 1 (Under-16 Euro Final). April 2001

Torres’ goal (1-0), Spain 1 – Germany 0 (Under-19 Euro Final). July 2002

Liverpool left waiting on Fernando Torres knee news

2010-04-13T03:59:00.000-07:00

Liverpool left waiting on Fernando Torres knee news

LIVERPOOL will have to wait to discover the full extent of striker Fernando Torres' knee injury after he was examined by a specialist.

The Spain international missed Sunday's goalless draw at home to Fulham – a result which caused a huge dent in Liverpool's top-four aspirations – to travel to Spain for an assessment.

He received some treatment yesterday, but will be reassessed later in the week when the specialist will have a better idea of how the problem is likely to affect the rest of Torres' season.

Liverpool's next match is not until Monday, when they play host to West Ham United.

FERNANDO TORRES FEELING PAIN IN SPAIN

2010-04-13T03:55:00.000-07:00

FERNANDO TORRES will remain in Spain for the next 48 hours as Liverpool fret over the knee injury that could limit his involvement over the remainder of their season.

Striker Torres will stay in Barcelona until Thursday with eminent Spanish doctor Ramon Cugat for another scan
on his right knee which had surgery on it in January.

He missed Sunday’s damaging 0-0 stalemate with Fulham and faces having to pick and choose his games
between now and the end of the campaign as he seeks to manage his fitness.

Torres will be anxious to face his boyhood club Atletico Madrid in the Europa League semi-finals,
having missed out on an emotional reunion last season.

Liverpool head to Madrid next Thursday for the first leg before the return at Anfi eld a week later and, with fourth place in the Premier League now realistically beyond Rafa Benitez’s side, Torres may target trying to get the club into the Europa League fi nal on May 12. He was examined by Cugat at his clinic yesterday and a Liverpool spokesman said: “Fernando received treatment and will continue to do so over the next few days, with the injury being reassessed later this week.”

Spain star Torres was sidelined for five weeks after undergoing a cartilage operation following the FA Cup
defeat by Reading in January and he is understandably concerned about the injury with the World Cup looming.

While Liverpool face an anxious wait over the fitness of Torres, co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett
remain poised to formally announce that Barclays Capital are to oversee the sale of the club.

They will also confirm the appointment of British Airways chairman Martin Broughton as Liverpool’s new
independent chairman.

CISSE: TORRES TIPS CAN IMPROVE NGOG

2009-11-07T12:00:00.000-08:00

CISSE: TORRES TIPS CAN IMPROVE NGOG
Paul Hassall 07 November 2009

Djibril Cisse believes David Ngog can follow in Fernando Torres' footsteps and become one of the most feared strikers in England.

The France international, who now plies his trade with Greek side Panathinaikos, reckons his compatriot has all the attributes to make a big impact in the Barclays Premier League, and is tipping the 20-year-old to take his game to a new level alongside El Nino.

"Ngog scored against Manchester United recently and it is great for his confidence to find the net in such a huge game like that," Cisse told Liverpoolfc.tv.

"He's still very young and it will give him the belief that he can go on and make a big impact this season.

"He's a talented player with really good technique and pace. He trains every day alongside a player like Torres so he can learn a massive amount from him.

"Fernando's movement and all-round ability can rub off on David and if he can pick up any tips from him, then it can only serve to improve him as a player."

Thanks Info By Liverpoolfc.net

RAFA'S UPDATE ON INJURED SEVEN

2009-11-07T11:57:00.000-08:00

RAFA'S UPDATE ON INJURED SEVEN
Steve Hunter 07 November 2009

Rafael Benitez is hoping to have seven of his injured stars available for selection against Birmingham City on Monday night.

The boss will make a late decision on whether to start inspirational skipper Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres and he could also be boosted by the availability of Glen Johnson, Martin Skrtel, Fabio Aurelio, Albert Riera and Nabil El Zhar.

Speaking exclusively to Liverpoolfc.tv, after Saturday morning's training session, Benitez said: "We have a lot of good news with players coming back from injury and they all took part in a light training session this morning.

"Steven trained on Friday with the physios and did a light training session today with the team and did well. He is improving and has more confidence.

"We will decide on Monday before the game if he can play. He hasn't been training for a long time so we have to be careful.

"With Fernando we know he has to keep working with the physios and we will see how he progresses. We will see how is he is because he still has some pain so we will decide if he can play on Monday.

"Johnson did a light session today and will train again on Sunday. If he is okay then hopefully he will be available to play against Birmingham.

"Martin Skrtel, Fabio Aurelio and Nabil El Zhar are doing well and were also involved in the training session so we will decide if they can play on Monday.

"Albert Riera also trained after his hamstring injury and that is good news for us.

"You can see we have had a lot of young players on the bench in recent weeks but we have more players back in training now. It's good for me and an option we didn't have available before."

Jamie Carragher will sit out this game as he serves a one-match ban for his sending-off against Fulham but Alberto Aquilani is in line for a first taste of the Anfield experience after he was an unused substitute in Lyon.

The Reds No.4 is unlikely to start against Alex McLeish's side but he is in the squad and the boss added: "His match fitness is still a problem.

"We are hopeful of having some players fit and available so maybe he can wait and change the game if it's necessary.

"We were controlling the game in Lyon and Lucas and Javier Mascherano were doing a very good job. When we scored we didn't want to change the shape. Aquilani was better after his virus and could have played some part but hopefully now he will be better for Monday."

Thanks Info By Liverpoolfc.net

TORRES AND GERRARD INJURY LATEST

2009-11-07T11:51:00.000-08:00

TORRES AND GERRARD INJURY LATEST
Paul Hassall at Melwood 07 November 2009

Rafael Benitez today revealed that he will give Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard late fitness tests before deciding whether the duo can face Birmingham City on Monday.

The Reds boss has had to cope with a growing injury list in recent weeks but is hopeful he will be able to recall some key personnel when his side face Alex McLeish's men.

"We are improving. We have some players doing light training again. At least they are training and hopefully today they will be a bit better," he told his pre-match press conference.

"We will see if they can be available. There is a big difference between players being fit and whether they can be available.

"It is something we have to analyse. For example, yesterday Gerrard was training with the physios on his day off. He is improving. We don't know if he will be fit. We don't know if he will be available. We will have to analyse the situation. He was injured before and has now been 15 days without training with the team.

"Can he play or can he be on the bench? At this moment we do not know."

Asked about the fitness of Torres, the boss said: "He has gone to Spain to see a specialist. We have also been in contact with our medical staff. We know that he is a little bit better than he was before.

"He still has some problems and will be working with the physios. We don't know if he can face Birmingham. He can train, but we will have to manage the situation. After all this we will make a decision."

The injuries to both Gerrard and Torres have raised questions as to whether they will need surgery to cure their respective problems, but Benitez believes they must analyse each case carefully before making a decision.

"They have had experience of these types of problems for years, so it is a question of trying to keep going and to see how they react," he said.

"Each player is different. Some players will work with the physio and be fit throughout the whole season. Others may need to stop and then carry on again.

"Torres is playing with pain, but he is someone who has a positive and good mentality. He wants to play for the team and I think he can carry on.

"I was really surprised with the criticism after some games. You can see he's not 100 per cent. So when can we decide if he can carry on or not? Again, it depends on the reaction of the player.

"At this moment he is playing and trying to do his best. Sometimes you can see he is not fully fit, but he is improving. He was much better after the game against Fulham than he was against United. It was the same after Lyon, so he is improving.

"Stevie is totally different. He is clearly not fit and will need time. Fernando is not fully fit. There is a big difference."

He added: "We've done really well in the last year without them. We have had some bad results recently but if you analyse the late goals against Lyon, it is just one minute that could have made a massive difference in terms of the mood, the mentality and the team spirit.

"Everybody knows these two players are important for us but we can also manage without them."

Xabi Alonso Departure Would Be Serious Loss For Liverpool - Fernando Torres

2009-08-01T01:34:00.001-07:00

El Nino fears for the club if they lose the Basque to Real Madrid
29 Jul 2009 12:03:03

Spanish striker Fernando Torres has warned that Xabi Alonso's proposed move to Real Madrid would be a "serious loss to Liverpool".

The Liverpool hitman admitted he has been kept in the dark so far and told The Liverpool Echo, "It would be a bad piece of work if Xabi left. He plays his cards close to his chest so I don’t know what is going to happen.

"Alonso has been strongly linked to join the Real revolution this summer and become the newest galactico at the Bernabeu, after the mega money signings of Kaka from AC Milan and Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United.

Whilst Alonso himself is yet to speak out on the subject, his team-mates, old and new, have been voicing their opinions.

Real Madrid goalkeeper, and former Anfield colleague of Alonso's, Jerzy Dudek believed the move would be a "dream come true" for Alonso to move to Madrid.

"He is Spanish and all the Spanish guys want to play for Real Madrid. This is a dream come true for them and Xabi knows that he’s not the only one," the Pole explained.

However current team-mate Torres made it clear that Alonso would make the final decision on any move.

"I’d put Xabi’s own wishes ahead of everything else, of course, but he’s got three years left on his contract with us and I’d love it if he stays," he said."It would be a serious loss for Liverpool if he left this summer."

Last Match HiLighT : WEST BROM 0 - 2 LIVERPOOL

2009-05-18T08:54:00.001-07:00

WEST BROM 0 - 2 LIVERPOOL
Sunday 17 May 2009 13:30 , Barclays Premier League

REDS RELEGATE BAGGIES WITH 2-0 WIN

Goals from Steven Gerrard and Dirk Kuyt ensured Liverpool will end 2008-09 with their highest ever Premier League points tally.

The 2-0 victory means the Reds have now amassed 83 this term, one more than in 2005-06. Strikes either side of the break also ended any lingering hopes of survival for a plucky West Brom side.

While there is no consolation for missing out on the title following United's draw against Arsenal, Rafa Benitez will take heart from the fact his team took the race to the penultimate weekend, a feat not achieved by any of his three predecessors.

It was a West Brom side fighting for their Premier League lives who created all the early chances here, notably when Jonathan Greening forced a superb low save from Pepe Reina after a far-post corner.

The Baggies skipper continued to lead by example, nutmegging Javier Mascherano before firing a wicked ball across the area which Reina somehow managed to divert.

It was already turning out to be one of the busiest of Reina's 50 appearances this term as his teammates struggled to find their rhythm against a team desperate not to be playing Championship football in 2009-10.

Next, Kuyt had to display all of his defensive qualities to head clear a Chris Brunt cross as Juan Carlos Menseguez lurked.

Liverpool had yet to muster a serious opportunity when they opened the scoring on 28 minutes. It came when Gerrard pounced on sloppy possession from Shelton Martis, strode into the box and sliced beyond Dean Kiely.

A distraught Martis was consoled by his teammates as the newly-crowed Footballer of the Year pondered his 24th strike of a memorable campaign, one more than his previous best tally.

Tony Mowbray's men almost conjured an instant reply when Carragher slipped to let Marc-Antoine Fortune through on goal before Daniel Agger intervened with a fine interception.

But it was Liverpool for whom half-time came too soon as they began to demonstrate some of their relentless end-of-season form.

First, Kiely added to a weekend of fine saves, tipping a flicked header from Torres onto the roof of the net. The goalkeeper's good work was almost immediately undone when he spilled a 25-yard drive from Agger, with Yossi Benayoun's bid to capitalise thwarted by an offside flag.

The half ended in controversy as Gerrard squared up to Jonas Olsson after being denied a penalty following a barge to the ground.

West Brom regained some impetus as the sides came out for the second half, with Menseguez testing Reina with a low drive after a mistake from Lucas.

Even worse for the visitors was the sight of Mascherano limping to the touchline on 51 minutes with a knock sustained late in the first period.

His replacement, Xabi Alonso, nearly had an instant impact with a lovely ball to Torres, who found a yard before blasting wide with his right foot.

The Spain international was again sent clear by Gerrard minutes later but the angle made Kiely's low save routine.

With time running out on his club's top flight tenure, Mowbray sacrificed centre-back Martis for midfielder Borja Valero.

The Baggies' record signing wasted no time making his presence felt with a slick pass which defied Liverpool's offside trap. Menseguez was through on Reina but instead squared to Fortune, who was beaten to it by a clumsy if effective challenge by Lucas. A collective scream echoed round The Hawthorns but referee Martin Atkinson waved away their penalty protests.

Moments later indignation turned to heartache as Liverpool scored the goal which effectively sealed their fate. It came on 63 minutes as Kuyt and Gerrard combined before the Dutchman lashed an unstoppable effort beyond the reach of Kiely from the edge of the box.

Kuyt, too, had now trumped his best ever goals tally in England with an impressive haul of 15 from the right wing.

Lucas should have got his name on the scoresheet after doing all the hard work to turn Olsson before poking wide from eight yards.

West Brom refused to go down without a fight, with Fortune denied first by a last-gasp challenge from Jamie Carragher, then by the crossbar. Substitute Luke Moore also struck the post with a neat turn and shot from the edge of the box.

Their side was trying everything, though it was becoming harder for the capacity crowd to believe with every passing minute.

Liverpool's own desire to claim three points was illustrated by a fiery exchange between Carragher and Alvaro Arbeloa after a defensive lapse allowed Fortune sight of goal.

Any faint hopes of a miracle comeback for the hosts were almost put to bed with five minutes remaining when a superb dummy from Alonso left substitute Ryan Babel with just Kiely to beat. The Dutchman somehow contrived to curl wide.

The miss proved academic as Liverpool held on to record their 13th away win of the season, equalling a club record set 104 years ago.

Teams

Liverpool: Reina, Insua, Carragher, Agger, Arbeloa, Benayoun, Mascherano, Leiva, Kuyt, Gerrard (captain), Torres. Subs - Alonso, Riera, Ngog, Dossena, Cavalieri, Skrtel, Babel

West Brom: Kiely, Donk, Martis, Olsson, Zuiverloon, Koren, Greening (captain), Mulumbu, Brunt, Menseguez, Fortune. Subs - Carson, Moore, Borja Valero, Simpson, Wood, Meite, Filipe Teixeira

Referee: Martin Atkinson

Conditions: Windy

Attendance: Unknown

Liverpoolfc.tv Man-of-the-Match: Dirk Kuyt

Breakdown

12:32 GMT : Match Starts
1 min : Gerrard and Torres get the game underway at The Hawthorns
2 mins : Insua floats a ball forward towards Torres but the striker is pulled up for a foul
3 mins : Good defending by Carragher who clears the danger after a good right wing cross
4 mins : An error from Insua gifts the first corner of the game to the home side
5 mins : Brilliant stop by Reina to deny Greening who hits a low shot goalwards from close range
7 mins : The Baggies win another corner as they enjoy the better of the early stages
11 mins : Gerrard whips in a free kick which is well defended
13 mins : Gerrard goes down under a challenge - and has stayed down
14 mins : But he's back up and looks fit to carry on
18 mins : Free kick in a good area for West Brom which comes to nothing as Carragher heads clear
22 mins : Kuyt is pulled back by Greening - free kick to us on the right hand side
23 mins : Insua fires the ball goalwards from the edge of the area but his shot is blocked
25 mins : First Booking: Jonathan Greening:
27 mins : Good defending by Kuyt to clear the ball under pressure inside his own six yard area
28 mins : GOAL! Steven Gerrard: Gerrard latches onto a mistake by Martis to stride forward and open the scoring
35 mins : The goal has taken the sting out of West Brom's play now. Dreadful mistake by Martis to gift us the opener
36 mins : Mascherano is on the receiving end of a late challenge and needs treatment
40 mins : Kuyt's cross towards Lucas is driven out for a corner
41 mins : Good save by Kiely as Liverpool threaten to add a second
44 mins : First Booking: James Olsson:
45 mins : Agger's free kick is well saved and then the offside flag goes up against Benayoun
45 mins : Gerrard goes down under a challenge from Olsson but the ref says no penalty
13:20 GMT : Half Time Reached
13:36 GMT : Second Half Begins
46 mins : West Brom get the second period underway needing to score to save their Premier League lives
48 mins : Brunt crosses from the right but there's no-one in the area to take advantage
48 mins : Substitution: Xabi Alonso for Javier Mascherano:
49 mins : Reina makes a smart stop at his near post to keep out a well struck shot
50 mins : Liverpool break at speed and Torres curls an effort just over the goal
53 mins : Gerrard slips the ball through to Torres who brings a decent stop out of Kiely
55 mins : Substitution: Iglesias Borja Valero for Shelton Martis:
57 mins : West Brom miss a sitter as Lucas gets in a timely challenge to deny a certain goal
62 mins : GOAL! Dirk Kuyt: Kuyt smashes the ball hard and low into the bottom corner to double the lead
64 mins : Lucas almost adds a third but Kiely makes a great save with his fingertips
68 mins : Substitution: Luke Moore for Youssouf Mulumbu:
68 mins : Substitution: Ryan Babel for Fernando Torres:
73 mins : Substitution: David Ngog for Yossi Benayoun:
74 mins : Brilliant defending from Carragher to divert a shot from Fortune over the goal for a corner
75 mins : Awful miss from Fortune who heads over when totally unmarked in front of goal
79 mins : Fortune smashes the ball home but is flagged offside
79 mins : First Booking: Marc-Antoine Fortune:
83 mins : Gerrard has a shot from distance which is blocked on the edge of the box
85 mins : Babel misses a golden chance to add a third with a shot wide when one on one with the goalkeeper
88 mins : The home sides are rallying and have won a couple of corners in quick succession
14:25 GMT : Match Over

LAST MATCH STATS : CHELSEA 4 - 4 LIVERPOOL

2009-04-15T22:21:00.000-07:00

CHELSEA 4 - 4 LIVERPOOL
Tuesday 14 April 2009 19:45 , Champions League Quarter Final (2)

REDS BOW OUT DESPITE HEROIC EFFORT

Liverpool have bowed out of the Champions League with their heads held high after a dramatic 4-4 draw at Stamford Bridge.

Goals from Fabio Aurelio and Xabi Alonso meant the Reds led 2-0 at half-time, but Chelsea regained their two-goal aggregate lead early in the second half through Alex and a Pepe Reina own goal.

Frank Lampard was next to score and the quarter-final tie looked over until strikes from Lucas and Dirk Kuyt late on.

Any hope of a remarkable turnaround were thwarted, however, when Lampard scored again on 89 minutes to make it 7-5 overall.

It always looked like mission impossible following Chelsea's 3-1 win at Anfield a week ago. Only once in their illustrious history had Liverpool successfully overturned a two-goal first leg deficit in Europe, and Guus Hiddink's XI were a far tougher prospect than the Auxerre side of 1991.

To make matters worse, a footballing miracle would have to be achieved without top scorer Steven Gerrard, whose adductor injury denied him a place even on the bench.

Despite all this, what seemed at best unlikely looked as if it might just happen after a thunderous first half for the visitors.

Liverpool almost took the lead on 13 minutes when Kuyt found Yossi Benayoun in a position where his silky skills can be so effective. The Israel captain used his instep to flick to Torres, who, with just Petr Cech to beat, fired over.

Six minutes later the opener came after an innocuous challenge down Chelsea's left. Aurelio shaped as if to swing the ball in the direction of a crowd of red and blue shirts hovering on the opposite side of the box, but instead curled it sweetly towards the near post. A stranded Cech had no chance and the travelling Kop started to believe. Whether it was a piece of ingenuity from Aurelio or a ruse straight from the training ground, Chelsea were all of a sudden rattled.

Liverpool were next to threaten when Torres burst down the left before cutting inside to Benayoun, who was thwarted by a late tackle from Ricardo Carvalho.

It wasn't too long before the second arrived, however; and again it came after an Aurelio free-kick down Chelsea's left. This time the full-back did swing towards the hoards, where referee Luis Medina Cantalejo spotted a tug on Alonso by last week's hero Branislav Ivanovic. With Gerrard watching from the stands, the Spanish midfielder seized the ball and sent Cech the wrong way.

With 28 minutes gone, the aggregate score was now 3-3, but Liverpool still needed another goal to progress.

Stunned, Hiddink made a change, swapping Salomon Kalou for Nicolas Anelka. It had little effect. Liverpool almost had a third on the stroke of half-time when Alonso picked out Kuyt at the back post and the Dutchman directed a header back across goal. It was almost reminiscent of Gerrard's goal in Istanbul, the difference being that Cech did what Dida couldn't and tipped clear.

This aside, the Czech was enduring a terrible night, illustrated again straight after the restart when he came to collect a Benayoun throughball only to be beaten to it by Lucas. The Brazilian cut back to Aurelio, who lobbed the ball towards the far post only to see it cleared.

Down at the other end, Reina had been given little to do, but he was about to feel his opposite number's pain on 51 minutes when Anelka drilled a low cross towards the near post. Drogba got the faintest of touches to deceive Reina, and in a bid to recover the Spanish goalkeeper palmed into his own net.

If that changed little about the task facing Liverpool, what happened six minutes later did. For the umpteenth time, the Spanish referee blew for a nothing challenge, this time by Jamie Carragher on Drogba. Alex stepped up from 35 yards and gave Reina no chance with a thunderous strike. The Reds now needed two goals to progress.

They nearly got one of those on 63 minutes when Cech could only parry a low volley from Javier Mascherano. Benayoun pounced but the angle was too acute.

Liverpool began to regain control, though Chelsea nearly had them on the counter when Drogba broke down the right, out-muscling Carragher before crossing to Michael Ballack. The German had the goal at his mercy but his low shot was tame and Reina saved.

Next, Torres almost stunned the Shed End with a blistering turn and shot from 35 yards. Just wide.

Then came a hammerblow for Liverpool, and again it was a lightning break from Chelsea that opened up the Red defence. This time it was Drogba down the left who provided the ammunition for Lampard to tap home. It was over, wasn't it? Maybe.

Lucas was having a fine game in an advanced midfield position, and it was his speculative effort from 20 yards on 81 minutes which deflected off Michael Essien and beyond Cech. This made it 3-3 on the night and 6-4 to Chelsea on aggregate.

But only for two minutes, as substitute Albert Riera sent a pinpoint cross into the six-yard box for Kuyt to head ferociously past Cech.

Liverpool went into the dying moments with hope but it was Lampard who ensured Chelsea could breathe the hugest sigh of relief on 89 minutes with a fine sidefooted curler beyond Reina after good work from Anelka.

As disappointed as Rafa Benitez and his squad will be following a mammoth effort, their resurgence in the Premier League means there is still plenty of hope around Anfield that 2008-09 will end in glory.

Teams

Liverpool: Reina, Aurelio, Carragher (captain), Skrtel, Arbeloa, Benayoun, Alonso, Mascherano, Leiva, Torres, Kuyt. Subs - Hyypia, Riera, Ngog, Dossena, Cavalieri, Agger, Babel

Chelsea: Cech, Cole, Carvalho, , Ivanovic, Ballack, Lampard (captain), Essien, Malouda, Drogba, Kalou. Subs - Hilario, , Belletti, Di Santo, Anelka, Mancienne, Obi Mikel

Referee: Luis Medina Cantalejo

Conditions: Mild

Attendance: 38,286

Liverpoolfc.tv Man-of-the-Match: Xabi Alonso

Breakdown

18:44 GMT : Match Starts
1 min : Liverpool get the game underway at Stamford Bridge
2 mins : Early defending from Arbeloa who heads out for a throw
2 mins : Mistake from Alex almost gifts a chance to Lucas but the defender recovers
3 mins : Kalou drives a cross into the area but Reina is well positioned to gather comfortably
5 mins : Mascherano looks to break but Benayoun slips and can't collect the pass
6 mins : Drogna goes down under a challenge from Carragher and needs treatment
8 mins : Drogba is back on the pitch and this time concedes a free kick to Liverpool
10 mins : Torres wins possession for the Reds on the right and earns a throw off Carvalho
11 mins : Arbeloa is caught by Malouda and we have a free kick in a good position - can we get a good ball in?
12 mins : Aurelio bends a decent ball into the box but Cech is commanding and clears
13 mins : Golden chance for Torres but he slices the ball wide from Benayoun's pass
14 mins : Lampard drives a free kick goalwards but Reina has it well covered
15 mins : Cole has space on the left but his deep cross is overhit and the ball goes out of play
16 mins : Kalou gives away a free kick for a foul on Aurelio. Another free kick in a good area....
17 mins : But this time the free kick is poor and Chelsea clear comfortably
19 mins : GOAL! Fabio Aurelio: Stunning free kick from Aurelio as he bends the ball home from distance to open the scoring
24 mins : Mascherano brings down Essien and gives away a free kick
25 mins : Malouda's delivery is defended by Carragher and we're able to break
26 mins : Good defending by Inavonic to deny Benayoun after another good Liverpool attack
28 mins : Penalty Scored! Xabi Alonso: Ivanovic brings down Alonso and the Spaniard converts from the spot
28 mins : First Booking: Branislav Ivanovic:
32 mins : A corner for Liverpool now in an incredible first period for the Reds
35 mins : Substitution: Nicolas Anelka for Salomon Kalou:
37 mins : Chelsea have a couple of quick corners and are coming back into the game - but what a start we have made
40 mins : First Booking: Yossi Benayoun:
43 mins : Mascherano's cross is headed behind for a corner to Liverpool
45 mins : Kuyt's header forces a decent stop from Cech
19:31 GMT : Half Time Reached
19:46 GMT : Second Half Begins
46 mins : We're back underway at the Bridge - as things stand we need one goal to go through
47 mins : Cech rushes off his line and into no-mans land, but we can't take advantage
47 mins : Benayoun's long throw into the Chelsea area is well defended
50 mins : GOAL! Didier Drogba: Sloppy goal to concede as Reina loses Drogba's shot and the ball goes into the net
56 mins : Stunning free kick from Drogba beats Reina but flies just inches wide
57 mins : GOAL! Alex : Powerful free kick from Alex levels the scores on the night for the home side
60 mins : Mascherano's shot is saved by Cech and Benayoun can't follow up
61 mins : First Booking: Ashley Cole:
65 mins : Alonso whips the ball into the danger zone but it's too strong for any of his teammates
67 mins : Drogba speeds away and squares to Ballack who fires straight at Reina when he had the chance to completely finish the tie
70 mins : Liverpool looking ready to make a change
70 mins : Substitution: Albert Riera for Javier Mascherano:
71 mins : Shot from Torres from outside the area but it flashes wide of the target
73 mins : Brilliant defending from Skrtel as Malouda charges through and looks for a shot at goal
78 mins : First Booking: Alvaro Arbeloa:
76 mins : GOAL! Frank Lampard: Drogba squares for Lampard to surely kill off our European hopes for this season
80 mins : Ballack smashes another free kick wide of the target
81 mins : Substitution: David Ngog for Fernando Torres:
80 mins : GOAL! Lucas Leiva: Long range shot from Lucas which finds its way home
83 mins : GOAL! Dirk Kuyt: Kuyt heads home Riera's cross - it's on again
84 mins : Substitution: Ryan Babel for Alvaro Arbeloa:
89 mins : GOAL! Frank Lampard: Lampard scores off the far post to surely end it this time
90 mins : Substitution: Franco Di Santo for Didier Drogba:
20:34 GMT : Match Over

BENITEZ: THIS WAS THE PERFECT RESPONSE

2009-04-11T22:10:00.000-07:00

NEWS STORY
BENITEZ: THIS WAS THE PERFECT RESPONSE Jimmy Rice 11 April 2009

Rafa Benitez labelled his side's 4-0 thrashing of Blackburn 'the perfect response' to their midweek defeat to Chelsea.

The whole country was waiting to see if Liverpool could pick themselves up from their Champions League disappointment - and they responded in style thanks to goals from Fernando Torres (2), Daniel Agger and David Ngog.

Benitez told his post-match press conference:

"To play a good game, score goals and not concede - it was the perfect response by the players. "It could have been even better because we had really clear chances, but I'm really pleased. "You always need your key players and Fernando was very important here - the first goals opened the game."

The result elevated Liverpool above Manchester United ahead of their game in Sunderland. Benitez added:

"Clearly they are under pressure. Alex Ferguson is always talking, which shows they are under pressure. I know he's nervous, so it's good."

Torres' second goal came from a set piece. Asked if the failure of Blackburn's man marking was the ideal riposte to critics of zonal defending, Benitez added:

"The statistics can be presented in many ways but I think they (Blackburn) have conceded 10 from set pieces with man to man. For us, it (zonal marking) has been good for the last five years."

Benitez admitted his delight after his side added two late goals to increase Liverpool's superior goal difference. "Hopefully it will be vital," he said. "We were trying to score goals because we know anything can happen."

Liverpool did not have to use skipper Steven Gerrard, who was named on the bench after his adductor injury.

On whether he will be fit for Tuesday's trip to Stamford Bridge, Benitez added: "The risk was there but he's got more chances now. The physio will work with him, so hopefully he'll be there."

All info and credit 100% by www.liverpoolfc.net

Last Macth HiLiGhT : LIVERPOOL 4 - 0 BLACKBURN ROVERS

2009-04-11T22:05:00.000-07:00

LIVERPOOL 4 - 0 BLACKBURN ROVERS
Saturday 11 April 2009 12:45 , Barclays Premier League

TORRES AT THE DOUBLE IN ROVERS ROUT

A double-blast from Fernando Torres helped inspire Liverpool to a convincing 4-0 win over Blackburn on Saturday lunchtime.

The Spain international's first-half brace included a sublime volley before Daniel Agger and David Ngog boosted their side's goal difference late on.

It was the perfect reaction to the Reds' 3-1 midweek defeat to Chelsea and further proof that they have the resilience to take this year's title race to the wire.

The mid-afternoon triumph saw them leapfrog Manchester United at the summit of English football before Alex Ferguson's men reclaimed top spot with a narrow 2-1 victory at Sunderland.

All this on a day when Anfield remembered 96 Kopites who died at Hillsborough 20 years ago this week.

The Kop choir conducted a stirring version of their anthem, You'll Never Walk Alone, before the famous stadium was hushed for a minute's solemn reflection. There was a touch of class from the visitors, too, as former Reds defender Stephen Warnock laid a floral tribute beside the Kop goal.

Inspired, Liverpool set about an ambush. The Anfield scoreboard showed just five minutes had been played when Jamie Carragher's long ball was chested down by Torres, who swivelled and sent an unstoppable volley over the despairing arms of Paul Robinson. You'll not see a better goal on Match of the Day this month.

So far, so good in what Carragher labelled the most important league game of his 12-year career.

It should have been 2-0 on 15 minutes when Liverpool found Dirk Kuyt galloping unmarked into the Rovers half. Javier Mascherano was first to join him, but when the pass came, the Argentine laboured in deciding which way to shoot. Robinson saved and Torres fired the rebound over.

Much has been made of Liverpool's defending from set-pieces this week, but it was Blackburn's marking that was put into question on 24 minutes when Agger was given a free header on the back post following Xabi Alonso's dead ball. The Dane's effort was accurate enough but lacked the power to beat Robinson.

The tally of missed opportunities grew on 26 minutes when Kuyt headed straight at the goalkeeper after a beautiful cross from Emiliano Insua, with Yossi Benayoun failing to capitalise on Robinson's spill.

It was down to Torres to once again show his teammates how it's done on 33 minutes when he comprehensively out-jumped Andre Ooijer to head home after another pin-point free-kick from Alonso.

Billy Liddell was the last Red to net a hat-trick against Blackburn back in 1958; Torres now had two thirds of the game to emulate a player some regard as the greatest in Anfield history.

Liverpool came out for the second half eager to add to their lead. Alonso pulled the strings in the middle, while Rovers were unable to cope with the dual threat of Insua and Albert Riera down the left. Mascherano, meanwhile, was everywhere; chasing, harrying and controlling the midfield like a man possession. The Kop echoed their appreciation.

Kuyt was first to try and add a third after Insua found him 15 yards out. The Dutchman worked himself some space but his shot was deflected wide.

Riera twisted and turned his way through the visiting defence on 63 minutes before firing wide. The Reds backline might as well have got out their deckchairs and enjoyed the glorious Mersey sunshine.

Benitez took the opportunity on 74 minutes to rest Torres, denying him the possibility of a hat-trick but ensuring his freshness ahead of Tuesday's Champions League quarter-final return at Stamford Bridge.

The first real threat from Blackburn did not arrive until 76 minutes when a low cross evaded the home rearguard and found Christopher Samba alone at the back post. The striker took a touch and looked to sidefoot beyond Reina, but the Spaniard was equal to it on his 200th appearance.

Back at the other end, a third looked certain when Riera drove across the face of goal to substitute Nabil El Zhar. It eventually came back to Mascherano, whose shot couldn't navigate a wall of Blackburn defenders.

The third finally arrived on 83 minutes when Agger marked his return to the first team with a 35-yard piledriver into the top of the Kop net. It was a carbon copy of his goal here against West Ham two years ago and may just give Torres' earlier effort a run for its money in the goal of the month stakes.

The icing came on 90 minutes when Carragher's deep cross was headed back across goal by Lucas for fellow sub Ngog to nod into an empty net.

Teams

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

Blackburn Rovers: Robinson, Givet, Ooijer, Nelsen (captain), Andrews, Warnock, , Mokoena, Treacy, Dunn, Samba. Subs - McCarthy, Olsson, Grella, Doran, Bunn, Villanueva, Khizanishvilli

Referee: Mike Riley

Conditions: Sunny

Attendance: 43,466

Liverpoolfc.tv Man-of-the-Match: Torres

Breakdown

11:47 GMT : Match Starts
1 min : Blackburn kick off attacking the Kop end
2 mins : Prior to kick off there was a minute's silence to mark the 20th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster that takes place on Wednesday. RIP the 96. You'll Never Walk Alone
2 mins : There was also a great moment in which Stephen Warnock carried a wreath of flowers to the Kop end to pay his respects. Fantastic gesture
5 mins : GOAL! Fernando Torres: Stunning volley from El Nino. Great start
6 mins : First Booking: Daniel Agger:
10 mins : It's been a lively start from the Reds. Just the type of response needed following the shock defeat against Chelsea in Europe
15 mins : A lightning break and it should be 2-0. Dirk Kuyt puts Javier Mascherano through and he manages to keep his feet and fire a shot at goal that Robinson manages to beat away. Torres on the follow up... over the bar
20 mins : It's been all Liverpool so far. Free-kick to the Reds to the left of the area. Chance for Xabi to cross...It comes to nothing
24 mins : Xabi flights another free-kick to the far post....but Agger's header is well held by Robinson
25 mins : Kuyt's first-time ball almost sends Riera clear - Liverpool mean business today
26 mins : Ryan Nelsen is down after colliding with Robinson. A welcome breather for his teammates
27 mins : Another Sublime move but still only 1-0. Riera and Insua combine down the left with the Argentine sending over a great cross for Kuyt. The Dutchman's header is brilliantly saved by Robinson with Benayoun crashing the rebound over the top
30 mins : A long ball almost allows Samba in on goal but Reina is there to claim at the second attempt
31 mins : Riera drills in a low cross that Kuyt is inches away from turning home while Masch tests Robinson with a shot from the edge of the area
34 mins : First Booking: Keith Andrews:
34 mins : GOAL! Fernando Torres: A great header from Xabi's free-kick
37 mins : Riera sends over another great cross that Kuyt heads just over. It's been a commanding first-half display from the Reds
40 mins : David Dunn finally forces Reina to make a save with a tame strike from 25 yards
44 mins : It's been a stroll in the sun so far the Reds. Same again in the second half please!
45 mins : There will be a minimum of two minutes added time
12:34 GMT : Half Time Reached
12:49 GMT : Second Half Begins
46 mins : Substitution: Aaron Doran for Aaron Mokoena:
46 mins : Liverpool restart the match attacking the Kop end
46 mins : The Reds are immediately on the front foot with Riera firing a 25 yarder just wide of goal
48 mins : Free-kick to Blackburn...Dunn curls it harmlessly out of play
49 mins : Great ball by Yossi plays Riera in. The winger's cross is blocked. Corner ball...
50 mins : Rovers clear but Liverpool maintain possession
51 mins : It's another corner. Kuyt's low shot deflects wide with Torres inches away from being able to turn it home
52 mins : It's all Liverpool
53 mins : The players in red are first to the ball in everything. Rovers are lucky to be just the two goals down
56 mins : Dirk turns well but drills his shot high into the Kop
60 mins : Substitution: Carlos Villanueva for David Dunn:
61 mins : Insua and Agger have both sent efforts well wide while Torres almost got through when Rovers misjudged Reina's long kick
63 mins : A great cushioned ball from Insua sends Riera racing down the flank. The winger cuts in but arrows his right foot shot into the side netting
67 mins : Substitution: Vincenzo Grella for Tugay :
67 mins : Today's attendance is 43,466
70 mins : Free-kick to the Reds on the right hand touchline. Dangerous position...
71 mins : Xabi takes but it comes to nothing
71 mins : Great feet from Riera almost gets him through on goal but Nelsen makes a great last-ditch tackle to deny him
74 mins : Substitution: Nabil El Zhar for Fernando Torres:
75 mins : Sub Carlos Villanueva fires a long range effort just over the bar
75 mins : First Booking: Xabi Alonso:
77 mins : Best chance of the match for Rovers. Samba finds space at the far post but sees his poked effort well gathered by Reina
78 mins : It's been a somewhat quiet 200th LFC appearance for Pepe today. Hopefully he can mark it with yet another clean sheet
79 mins : Yossi is blatantly pushed to the floor on the edge of the box but the ref refuses to give a free-kick
80 mins : Riera's driving runs sees him hit the byline with Masch seeing is effort deflected after El Zhar was blocked off
83 mins : GOAL! Daniel Agger: A 30 yard thunderbolt!
85 mins : Substitution: David Ngog for Dirk Kuyt:
87 mins : Substitution: Lucas Leiva for Xabi Alonso:
89 mins : Benayoun sees his low shot deflect inches wide. It's been an emphatic win to move us clear at the top
90 mins : GOAL! David Ngog:
13:37 GMT : Match Over

LIVERPOOL 5 - 0 ASTON VILLA

2009-03-23T05:29:00.000-07:00

LIVERPOOL 5 - 0 ASTON VILLA
Sunday 22 March 2009 16:00 , Barclays Premier League

FIVE-STAR REDS CLOSE IN ON UNITED

Liverpool moved to within one point of Premier League leaders Manchester United after a Steven Gerrard hat-trick helped them to a breathtaking 5-0 victory over Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon.

Further strikes from Dirk Kuyt and Albert Riera in front of a jubilant Anfield made it 13 goals in three games for the Reds, who now have a superior goal difference to Alex Ferguson's men.

Gerrard's efforts saw him breach the 20-goals barrier for the third time in his career, while a clean sheet for Pepe Reina means the Spaniard has reached 100 shut-outs faster than any custodian in Liverpool history.

His opposite number, Brad Friedel, saw red for a foul on Fernando Torres, though by this stage the Anfield scoreboard already read 4-0.

What was a wonderful week for the club has turned into a fantastic fortnight with regards our quest for silverware. First Real Madrid were dispatched at a saunter, then United suffered the indignity of a 4-1 home defeat to their biggest rivals. It couldn't get any better, could it? It could, and it did when the Rafa Benitez contract saga finally ended with an announcement on the club website at 9.02pm on Wednesday.

Clearly rattled, Ferguson reacted with some wholly inaccurate assertions about Liverpool's transfer activity. His side then responded in kind with a 2-0 defeat at Craven Cottage in a match which saw two of United's most gifted servants dismissed.

All of which meant Liverpool went into this game knowing victory would make it game-on in the title race with eight fixtures remaining.

Not that anyone inside Anfield is likely to lose perspective, especially on a day when the famous stadium mourned the premature death of club secretary Bryce Morrison this weekend with a minute's silence.

With these sad formalities out of the way, Liverpool set about dismantling an ailing Villa side without a win since February 7.

Within 50 seconds Gerrard won a corner for the home side which Fabio Aurelio planted on to the head of Martin Skrtel. The Slovak redirected the ball towards the top corner but it was reasonably comfortable for Friedel.

Minutes later Gerrard latched onto a nonchalant throughball from Torres before slipping at the crucial moment. It already looked ominous for the visitors.

And so it proved on eight minutes when a glancing header from Xabi Alonso sent a Gerrard free-kick clattering against the crossbar. Kuyt reacted first with a wicked drive into the bottom corner to take his season's tally to 10.

Gerrard might have made it 2-0 soon after had he not been forced to adjust his body at the last minute after Nigel Reo-Coker deflected a Riera cross. The skipper stretched but his close-range volley did not bother Friedel.

Like the narrow streets surrounding Anfield, it was one-way traffic.

The first real threat from Villa took 21 minutes to arrive when John Carew flicked an Ashley Young cross towards to the top corner. Reina had to be smart.

Seconds later the Spaniard needed every inch of his 6'2 frame to stop a Carew header with a diving save.

Then, just as Villa were threatening to get a foothold in the game, the title-chasers hit them with two goals in seven minutes.

Reina doesn't get enough credit for his kicking, but the bald-headed goalkeeper is totting up quite an assist count in Liverpool colours. It was his route-one ball on 33 minutes which persuaded Riera to ghost behind the Villa backline before launching an unstoppable first-time volley in off Friedel's bar.

If that made Villa's task almost impossible, what happened next on 40 minutes ended the contest completely. Again it was Riera bursting down the left which proved their undoing, this time thanks to a rash challenge from Reo-Coker just inside the box. Referee Martin Atkinson didn't hesitate, and Gerrard waited for Friedel to move before dispatching his penalty in the opposite direction.

The half-time whistle was an act of mercy from Mr Atkinson, but any respite was short-lived. It took just five minutes after the restart for Gerrard to make it 4-0 after Kuyt won a free-kick in the D. The number eight shaped as if he was about to bend it into the top corner but instead rolled it haughtily into the bottom.

Sarcastic shouts of 'Rafa's cracking up' echoed from the Kop, who, not for the first time in recent weeks, were witnessing a very good side being made to look distinctly average.

It became 5-0 on 65 minutes when Torres rounded Friedel in the box only for the former Red to lean across and bring him down. The American was sent to the stands and Gerrard made no mistake against substitute goalkeeper Brad Guzan from 12 yards.

There was still time for a further boost for Benitez with the introduction of Daniel Agger, who made his first appearance for months following a back injury.

Teams

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

Aston Villa: Friedel, Young, Davies, Cuellar, Reo-Coker, Young, Barry (captain), Petrov, Milner, Carew, Heskey. Subs - Gardner, Shorey, Guzan, Knight, Delfouneso, Salifou, Agbonlahor

Referee: Martin Atkinson

Conditions: Breezy

Attendance: 44,131

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

Breakdown

16:04 GMT : Match Starts
1 min : Aston Villa get the game underway attacking the Kop end
2 mins : Prior to kick-off both teams and their supporters observed a minute's silence for Liverpool's Club Secretary Bryce Morrison who sadly passed away yesterday. RIP Bryce, You'll Never Walk Alone.
2 mins : Good start from the Reds. Aurelio swings in a corner that is met by Skrtel... but in the end it's an easy save for Friedel
3 mins : Villa respond and Milner's shot is deflected for their first corner of the match
4 mins : Stevie G breaks clear...but after cutting inside he loses his footing and the chance is lost
7 mins : Riera's pressure forces Reo-Coker into making a poorly timed challenge. Free-kick to the Reds
8 mins : GOAL! Dirk Kuyt: The Dutchman drills home after Alonso's header crashes back off the bar
12 mins : A perfect start for the Reds. The home side have raced out of the traps today
15 mins : A great ball in from Ashley Young is superbly defended by the returning Alvaro Arbeloa
16 mins : It should be 2-0. Albert Riera's deflected cross is met by Gerrard on the stretch, but the skipper just fails to turn it home at the far post
21 mins : Ashley Young's left wing cross is well met by John Carew.. great save Pepe
23 mins : First Booking: Steven Gerrard:
24 mins : Magnificent play down the right by Arbeloa sees the Spaniard feed Torres just inisde the area... but El Nino's side footer is easy for Friedel
25 mins : Reina maintains Liverpool's lead with a stunning stop from Carew's header. It's been a superb contest so far
28 mins : Gerrard flicks on for Torres but just when it seems our number nine is in, Cuellar steps across with a vital interception
31 mins : Villa have responded well to going behind and are causing problems with high balls towards Heskey and Carew
33 mins : GOAL! Albert Riera: The winger crashes a volley in off the bar after racing onto Reina's kick
35 mins : A poor kick by Friedel gifts the ball to Arbeloa but his cutback to Torres is underhit and Villa escape
40 mins : Penalty Scored! Steven Gerrard: The skipper fires home the kick after Albert Riera was brought down by Reo-Coker
41 mins : First Booking: Luke Young:
42 mins : The Reds are on fire today
44 mins : First Booking: Gareth Barry: It was the Villa skipper and not Luke Young who was booked earlier
16:52 GMT : Half Time Reached
17:11 GMT : Second Half Begins
46 mins : Liverpool restart the match attacking the Kop
49 mins : Free-kick to LFC in a dangerous area. Stevie to take...
50 mins : GOAL! Steven Gerrard: The skipper places the ball into the corner from Xabi's touch off
54 mins : It's all one-way traffic now
55 mins : 44,131 lucky fans are inside Anfield today and most have a great big, beaming smile on their face - Villa followers aside of course!
56 mins : It could be five. Xabi drags a shot wide after finding space just inside the area
58 mins : Substitution: Gabriel Agbonlahor for Emile Heskey: Emile gets a big clap from both sets of fans as he makes way for the Villa number 11
60 mins : Fair play to the Villa fans. They are four down and still trying their best to boost the team
62 mins : A great flick from Torres feeds Arbeloa but the full-back's attempted pass to Stevie G is deflected to safety
63 mins : Sending Off: Brad Friedel: Torres is brought down by the Villa stopper as he races clean through. It's a penalty and a red card
64 mins : Substitution: Brad Guzan for Nigel Reo-Coker:
65 mins : Penalty Scored! Steven Gerrard: HAT-TRICK
66 mins : Substitution: Lucas Leiva for Xabi Alonso:
70 mins : It's raining goals at Anfield today. Makes the job very busy but in a very good way!
72 mins : Martin Skrtel sees a low shot deflect off Lucas and away while Masch tests sub keeper Brad Guzan from 20 yards. There's a real buzz at Anfield today
76 mins : Substitution: Daniel Agger for Alvaro Arbeloa: Great to see the Dane back in action
79 mins : It's looking like the title race could well be back on. Liverpool are in scintillating form
80 mins : Substitution: David Ngog for Steven Gerrard:
83 mins : The Reds have taken their foot off the pedal since the fifth goal but there could yet be more goals. After all, El Nino hasn't scored today!
85 mins : A great run by Agger almost sees the Dane release Torres, but our number nine is flagged just offside
89 mins : Substitution: Craig Gardner for John Carew:
90 mins : There will be a minimum of three minutes added time
90 mins : First Booking: Craig Gardner:
17:56 GMT : Match Over

NEWS STORY : LFCCTV: TORRES V UNITED

2009-03-15T20:32:00.000-07:00

NEWS STORY

LFCCTV: TORRES V UNITED Jimmy Rice 15 March 2009

Fernando Torres was back to his sensational best against Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic as Liverpool left Old Trafford with a 4-1 win. We've compiled an exclusive video montage of the Spaniard's contribution which you can now watch on demand.

LFCCTV gives you the chance to take an in-depth look at one of Rafa's stars during any given match. So, sit back and enjoy our record signing at the peak of his game.

As well as reliving all the highlights and analysis from Tuesday night's game, this video feature is yet another reason to sign up for the e-Season Ticket, your access-all-areas pass to the premium content on the club's official website.

With weekly interviews with the manager and players at Melwood, goals, highlights and expert analysis from every Premier League, Champions League and Carling Cup game we play, live commentary from wherever in the world the Reds are playing, live coverage of the reserve team, action from the Academy and exclusive 'Top 100' countdowns, the e-Season Ticket has never been better value for money and could be yours for as little as 13p per day.

And, of course, if you sign up for an e-Season Ticket you can also enjoy live streaming of LFC TV - the club's dedicated channel - or enjoy the best bits on demand whenever you want.

Credit and Info 100% bt www.liverpoolfc.net

NEWS STORY : STEVIE: WE'VE GOT THE WORLD'S BEST

2009-03-15T20:29:00.000-07:00

NEWS STORY

STEVIE: WE'VE GOT THE WORLD'S BEST

Jimmy Rice 15 March 2009

Steven Gerrard labelled Fernando Torres the world's best striker after our Old Trafford rout - and admitted Liverpool's title challenge had been undermined by the Spaniard's injury woes.

El Nino has featured in just 15 of the Reds' 29 league games this season following a series of hamstring problems.

The Spain international was back to his best as Liverpool beat Manchester United 4-1 on Saturday - and Gerrard knows his fitness is crucial if 2008-09 is to end in glory.

"He is magic," said the Huyton-born star.

"I know I am biased but I don't think anyone will argue with me when I say he is the best striker in the world. If we keep him fit until the end of the season then it'll be an exciting run.

"It's been frustrating not having him out there. I believe if we'd had him fit for more games we'd be closer to, if not ahead of, United." Meanwhile, Gerrard revealed how Liverpool's goal spree in M16 was not simply down to chance.

"They are a good side but we came here to fight and play a bit higher than usual," said the 28-year-old. "So, we had the belief that we could get back in the game after going 1-0 down. We showed great character and got our reward in the end. "It was a wonderful performance and the result was fully deserved."

All Credit and Info 100% by www.liverpoolfc.net

MANCHESTER UNITED 1 - 4 LIVERPOOL

2009-03-15T20:25:00.000-07:00

MANCHESTER UNITED 1 - 4 LIVERPOOL
Saturday 14 March 2009 12:45 , Barclays Premier League

REDS THUMP UNITED TO KEEP DREAM ALIVE

Liverpool's title dream is still alive after they came from behind to thump Manchester United 4-1 at Old Trafford on Saturday lunchtime.

Fernando Torres cancelled out a Cristiano Ronaldo penalty before Steven Gerrard completed a remarkable turnaround with his own spot-kick just before the break.

A sublime free-kick from Fabio Aurelio following the dismissal of Nemanja Vidic wrapped up the points before a late lob from Andrea Dossena put the gloss on a week that has had many Kopites pinching themselves.

The result leaves Liverpool four points behind United, who have a game in hand, with nine fixtures remaining. It also ensures a first league double over our arch-rivals since 2001-02.

Rafa Benitez will accept the title is still a tall order, but wherever the Premier League trophy ends up, this performance and scoreline will go down as one of the highlights of the Spaniard's reign.

Benitez went searching for his 100th league win as Reds boss without the injured Xabi Alonso. If Javier Mascherano is Liverpool's engine in midfield, then Alonso is the oil that keeps everything flowing nicely. Still, his absence gave Lucas a chance to shine on the biggest stage, and the Brazilian will have won over some of his critics with a rudimentary but effective display.

Another blow came during the warm up when right-back Alvaro Arbeloa injured his hamstring, forcing Sami Hyypia to tie his boots at the last minute.

The sides set about a cagey start at a wind-swept Old Trafford. United were first to threaten when Ronaldo cut back to the oncoming Ji-Sung Park. The goal gaped and it took a well-judged deflection from Carragher to clear for a corner.

Similar heroics were required from Vidic after Aurelio sent Gerrard bursting into the United box on 11 minutes.

You could have prepared and swallowed a prawn sandwich in the time it took either side to enthuse their fans again when Torres turned Rio Ferdinand on a sixpence before Vidic saved his partner's blushes.

The game of cat and mouse was finally broken on 23 minutes when Park sprinted into the box and navigated Pepe Reina, who caught a trailing leg and gave referee Alan Wiley no option but to award a spot-kick. Liverpool's Spanish goalkeeper went the right way but Ronaldo's penalty was too precise.

The travelling Kop's deflation lasted just four minutes, however, thanks to a downfield pass from Martin Skrtel which left Torres with just Vidic and van der Sar to beat. United's Serbian defender lost his footing, leaving El Nino to slot coolly beyond the goalkeeper to claim his 11th goal of the season.

Minutes later Torres nutmegged Vidic in the box as he searched for a second but it was cleared for a corner.

The next goal would be crucial and both sides knew it. United came close through a Ronaldo dead ball which Reina spilled only to recover just before Tevez pounced. Next, Michael Carrick turned Lucas before firing a fierce effort narrowly over the crossbar.

But it was Liverpool who eventually turned the game on its head when Gerrard burst past Patrice Evra to catch a Torres throughball. The full-back challenged clumsily, prompting Wiley to point to the spot for a second time.

Gerrard once had a penalty saved by van der Sar when the Dutchman wore Fulham colours, but he made no mistake with this one before kissing the television cameras in celebration of his 18th goal of the campaign.

United came out for the second period eager to respond, and almost had a huge slice of luck when a Ronaldo cross swerved onto Reina's post and back into play. Liverpool cleared but it was a warning.

Park was impressing down the right as the hosts responded to chants of 'attack, attack, attack' from their fans, and the former PSV man would have been one-on-one with Reina on 53 minutes but for a smart interception from Aurelio.

Reina had to be alert to palm over after Tevez squeezed a cross-cum-shot past Carragher. Liverpool's custodian fumbled the resulting corner but claimed well at the second attempt under pressure from Tevez.

Wayne Rooney tried to twist and turn his way to an equaliser on 62 minutes only to have his shot deflected wide by Dirk Kuyt.

The pressure continued.

Next, Ronaldo, patrolled well all game by Aurelio, beat his man to find Rooney at the far post. The Scouser headed back across goal and it took some resilient defending from Skrtel to stop Tevez threatening.

The Argentine should have levelled the game on 72 minutes after chesting down a lofted ball from Ferdinand. Liverpool's defence protested for offside but the flag stayed down. With just Reina to beat, Tevez scuffed his shot and the ball roll harmlessly wide.

Alex Ferguson had seen enough. With 16 minutes remaining, he made a triple substitution, replacing Carrick, Anderson and Park with Paul Scholes, Dimitar Berbatov and Ryan Giggs.

It was a bold move from the Scot but it soon backfired following the dismissal of Vidic. Wiley had no choice but to show the Serb red after a lovely touch from Kuyt sent Gerrard clean through. Last man Vidic interjected and United were down to 10 men with 14 minutes left on the clock and no opportunity to make a change.

Any hopes of a comeback were then dashed completely when Aurelio curled the resulting free-kick beyond van der Sar at the Stretford End. Ronaldo would have been proud.

Gerrard could have made it four with the kind of chance he normally buries but it mattered not.

Substitute Andrea Dossena showed the skipper how it was done on 90 minutes, lobbing van der Sar after a Reina punt.

"We want five," sang the cluster of Liverpool fans at the opposite end of the ground. They know the title is still a long shot, but this result keeps United looking over their shoulder. Whatever happens come May, they'll never forget today.

Teams

Liverpool: Reina, Aurelio, Hyypia, Skrtel, Carragher, Riera, Mascherano, Leiva, Kuyt, Gerrard (captain), Torres. Subs - Hyypia, Insua, Ngog, Dossena, Cavalieri, El Zhar, Babel

Manchester United: Van der Sar, Evra, Ferdinand (captain), Vidic, O'Shea, Park, Carrick, , Ronaldo, Rooney, Tevez. Subs - Giggs, Evans, , Foster, Berbatov, Scholes, Fletcher

Referee: Alan Wiley

Conditions: Windy

Attendance: Unknown

Liverpoolfc.tv Man-of-the-Match: Aurelio

Last MatCh HiLighT : LIVERPOOL 2 - 0 SUNDERLAND

2009-03-04T23:17:00.000-08:00

LIVERPOOL 2 - 0 SUNDERLAND
Tuesday 03 March 2009 20:00 , Barclays Premier League

NGOG AND YOSSI SINK SUNDERLAND

Liverpool registered a comfortable 2-0 Barclays Premier League victory over Sunderland after David Ngog and Yossi Benayoun struck second-half goals at Anfield.

Ngog finished off an excellent attacking move from close range on 51 minutes before Benayoun headed home from a weak Marton Fulop save to secure the win 14 minutes later.

The result means Liverpool are still level on points with Chelsea after Guus Hiddink's side disposed of Portsmouth 1-0 at Fratton Park courtesy of a Didier Drogba goal.

Rafa Benitez demanded an instant improvement from his charges prior to kick-off and made four changes to his starting line-up to the side that went down 2-0 to Middlesbrough on Saturday.

David Ngog made his first home league start and spearheaded the attack alongside Dirk Kuyt, while Javier Mascherano slotted in at right-back in the absence of the injured Alvaro Arbeloa and Emiliano Insua came in for Fabio Aurelio at left-back.

Sunderland proved to be every inch the usual visitors to Anfield and started the match in a 4-5-1 formation with target man Kenwyne Jones taking up a lone striker role. But it was Ricky Sbragia's side who started brighter and had an excellent opportunity to take the lead on three minutes.

Kenwyne Jones found himself a yard ahead of Jamie Carragher and through on Pepe Reina's goal. The towering hit man lined himself up to burst the net, but miscued it and Reina easily saved easily. It was a fantastic chance for the visitor - Liverpool were let off the hook with that one.

The Reds went on the attack after that and had their own chances to go in front. Similar to the opposition's early chance, each Liverpool player who got into a shooting position could not connect cleanly and gave Marton Fulop an easy save to make.

Dirk Kuyt got a cleanly struck low drive in at Fulop on 12 minutes, but other than that there seemed to be a series of mishits and blocks in the opening exchanges. It was all positive stuff however, and probably one of the most open kick-offs to a game we've seen in some time.

A great move between Insua, Ngog, Benayoun and Kuyt almost unlocked the Black Cats defence on 15 minutes. The ball zipped right across the pitch to the man who scored the winner at the Bernabeu last week, Benayoun, who swung in a cross for Kuyt to convert. The Dutchman tried one of his trademark near-post finishes, but Fulop saved well and cleared the danger.

A goalmouth scramble followed five minutes later, but Kuyt was adjudged to have fouled in the area after Albert Riera, Steven Gerrard and Xabi Alonso had snapshots from a powerful Yossi cross.

The 0-0 scoreline after 20 minutes was probably about right - both sides had chances to score, but neither could add the killer touch. Sunderland were proving to be typically resolute, if a little too open, while Liverpool might have been always on the look-out for openings but were also very lucky to be still in with a chance of a clean sheet after that early scare.

More Liverpool probing followed and Riera was next to try his luck on the half-hour mark. The Spanish winger turned a defender and cut in from the left flank to shoot with his right foot. Riera's well-struck shot nearly crept in under the keeper's right-hand side from a deflection, but Fulop managed to get a fingertip to put the ball out for a corner.

Mascherano clipped the bar with a thundering shot after Sunderland cleared from the corner. It seemed that Ricky Sbragia's side were riding by the seats of their trousers - and getting away with it.

By the time the end of the half came it was Liverpool who had enjoyed the best of the chances and could have been in front.

It wasn't so much a case of Rafa's men forcing the issue, but more like Sunderland playing openly in front of the back four and and inviting the Reds to shoot on sight. A rather different first half to what the Anfield faithful have become used to this season, but the 0-0 scoreline at the break was as familiar as the biting wing whirling around the ground.

The Reds attacked from the get go in the second half and forced a corner straight from the restart. Benayoun popped up unmarked from Gerrard's corner and directed a powerful header just wide.

The Israeli utility man got away from Black Cats captain Dean Whitehead two minutes later and almost set Gerrard free down the left; Yossi seemed to be grabbing the game by the scruff of the neck.

With two chances coming in the space of five minutes in the opening exchanges of second half, it seemed that they were edging closer to breaking the deadlock with each foray forward.

But they only needed one more chance to make the extra incentive pay and took the lead through David Ngog on 51 minutes.

Riera took the ball down to the byline on the left and whipped in a lofted ball into the box, which an oncoming Gerrard nodded over for the Frenchmen to finish from close range.

It was a confident finish to round off an excellent move - the Kop was in raptures.

The Reds looked fully composed after that and went in search of securing the victory with a series of positive moves forward.

Insua, Kuyt and Alonso all had efforts at goal, but Sunderland continued to get away with allowing their defence to be pummelled time and time again.

The Black Cats boss Sbragia brought on Istanbul hero Djibril Cisse to partner Jones up front on 62 minutes in an effort to tip the balance in their favour. But with less men clogging up the midfield it seemed that the move only served to invite more pressure.

Within seconds of that substitution Liverpool had doubled their lead through the on-form Benayoun.

Ngog managed to get a high overhead kick across the penalty area after a miskicked Sunderland clearance, then Fulop parried the acrobatic cross-cum shot into the path of Benayoun who made no mistake from a couple of yards out to put the Reds 2-0 up.

It might have been a soft goal to concede from Sunderland's point of view, but Yossi should be commended for taking full advantage of Fulop's weak parry.

The Reds continued to create chances after that and looked to keep possession for the remainder of the match, which they did for the most part.

For all of Sunderland's huffing and puffing, it seemed that the likes of Benayoun, Kuyt, Alonso and Mascherano could ping the ball around until an opening came their way.

Okay, they could have gone for the jugular and attempted to improve goal difference, but after Saturday's defeat to Sunderland this victory will be the perfect tonic for the Reds confidence.

Teams

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

Sunderland: Fulop, McCartney, Ferdinand, Ben-Haim, Collins, Richardson, Whitehead (captain), Leadbitter, Malbranque, Jones, Reid. Subs - Murphy, Cisse, Gordon, Davenport, Bardsley, Edwards, Healy

Referee: M Halsey

Conditions: Fine

Attendance: Unknown

Liverpoolfc.tv Man-of-the-Match: Yossi Benayoun

Breakdown

20:02 GMT : Match Starts
1 min : Liverpool kick off attacking the Anfield Road end
3 mins : First chance of the match to the Reds. Ngog plays a neat ball into Yossi but his cut back is hacked away from Kuyt in the six yard box
3 mins : Sunderland instantly respond and Kenwyne Jones misses a glorious chance when he fires straight at Reina after running clear of the LFC defence
8 mins : Yossi and Stevie G both see efforts blocked as the home side look to gain an early advantage
10 mins : A weaving run down the right from Benayoun sees him make progress into the area...But his cross eludes the red shirts in the box
12 mins : Masch - who is filling in at right back - finds Kuyt on the edge of the box. The Dutchman shoots....well saved Marton Fulop
13 mins : Richardson tries his luck from distance but his effort lacks pace and is easy for Reina
14 mins : Ngog fires straight at Fulop...but it doesn't matter, the flag is up anyway
15 mins : Great build up involving Kuyt and Ngog sees the ball fed wide to Yossi. The Israeli crosses low but Fulop is once again there to deny Kuyt a tap-in
16 mins : First Booking: David Ngog:
20 mins : Riera tries an ambitious volley from the left hand side of the area but it is deflected to safety by a Sunderland body
21 mins : The Kop give a warm reception to Djibril Cisse who is warming up as a Sunderland sub
22 mins : A flashy piece of skill by Ngog sets up another LFC attack. It comes to nothing but the Frenchman receives a roar of approval for his efforts
26 mins : Yossi finds space but sees his 25 yarder blocked. A familiar story for LFC so far
27 mins : First corner of the match to the Reds sees Gerrard curve one to the back stick where Kuyt is inches away from connecting
28 mins : Free-kick in a promising position...Gerrard overhits it and a chance to continue the pressure is lost
31 mins : Riera's deflected strike is superbly tipped past the near post by Fulop
32 mins : A ferocious strike from Mascherano skims the top of the bar. The Reds are on top but that breakthrough goal remains elusive
34 mins : A driving run from Gerrard earns another corner...
35 mins : Again the ball bounces around the Black Cats' area but no-one can find the finish. Gerrard ensures the away side survive again with a poor drive that flies way over
37 mins : Corner to Sunderland at the Kop end...
37 mins : And another one as the ball clips Insua and rolls out of play
38 mins : A rare period of Sunderland pressure comes to an end when Jones' heavy touch denies him a shooting opportunity in the Reds' penalty area
39 mins : Liverpool continue to probe for an opening but it's looking like another goalless first 45 at Anfield
41 mins : Score update. Chelsea are goalless at the interval in their match at Portsmouth...
43 mins : Ngog breaks and plays the ball to Masch who sees his low shot crash into the side netting
44 mins : Riera wins a corner with a teasing run and cross. Last chance before the interval...
45 mins : The visitors clear and win a free-kick. There will be one minute of added time
20:48 GMT : Half Time Reached
21:05 GMT : Second Half Begins
46 mins : Sunderland kick off the second period attacking the Anfield Road end
47 mins : Let's hope the Kop can inspire a goal for the Reds in the second period. Ngog has earned an early corner...
47 mins : Yossi almost recreates his Madrid magic, but this time his header flies just wide
48 mins : Alonso hits a raking ball towards Ngog who just runs out of pitch - unlucky Reds
51 mins : Carra makes two great challenges within a minute as Sunderland look to pull off a shock
52 mins : GOAL! David Ngog: The Frenchman knocks home Gerrard's header after a good cross from Riera
53 mins : Relief spreads throughout Anfield. Now let's build on it
57 mins : Insua storms into the box from the left but drags his shot just wide of the far post
60 mins : Great chance for Steed Malbranque... he volleys way over Reina's goal. Let off for the Reds
62 mins : Substitution: Djibril Cisse for Grant Leadbitter: One of our Champions League winner returns to Anfield
65 mins : GOAL! Yossi Benayoun: Fulop drops Ngog's volleyed cross straight to Benayoun who makes no mistake from four yards out
69 mins : Chelsea have just taken the lead at Pompey
70 mins : Substitution: Lucas Leiva for David Ngog:
76 mins : Substitution: Daryl Murphy for Kenwyne Jones:
79 mins : Gerrard fires just over as the Reds look for a third. It's looking like richly deserved three points
81 mins : Substitution: Carlos Edwards for Steed Malbranque:
82 mins : Substitution: Ryan Babel for Steven Gerrard:
84 mins : Sub Ryan Babel earns a free-kick on the left, but Kuyt heads the resulting kick straight at Fulop
87 mins : Lucas heads straight at Fulop after Alonso picked him out at the far post
89 mins : Babel goes close with a superb run and shot
90 mins : Substitution: Nabil El Zhar for Yossi Benayoun:
90 mins : First Booking: Dean Whitehead:
90 mins : There will be a minimum of three minutes added time

Last MaTcH HiLight : MIDDLESBROUGH 2 - 0 LIVERPOOL

2009-03-01T01:27:00.000-08:00

MIDDLESBROUGH 2 - 0 LIVERPOOL
Saturday 28 February 2009 15:00 , Barclays Premier League

REDS SLUMP TO RIVERSIDE DEFEAT

Goals from Tuncay and Xabi Alonso (OG) confided Liverpool to a 2-0 defeat in Middlesbrough on Saturday afternoon.

The Reds failed to convert a host of chances against Gareth Southgate's relegation-battlers and remain seven points adrift of leaders Manchester United, who have a game in hand.

To make matters worse for Rafa Benitez, the returning Steven Gerrard was withdrawn with 15 minutes remaining after appearing to pick up a knock.

Liverpool may have entered this game on the back of a famous victory in the Bernabeu, but they were without a win at the Riverside since 2002. Middlesbrough, meanwhile, hadn't won a league match in 14. Something had to give.

Gerrard's return from a hamstring tear had been a major plus for Benitez, who made four changes from the side that beat Real Madrid. With Alvaro Arbeloa and Fernando Torres injured, Sami Hyypia and Ryan Babel came in, while Nabil El Zhar was handed a first league start.

The visitors began brightly enough, carving out three excellent chances in the opening quarter of an hour.

The first fell to El Zhar on eight minutes after a neat one-two with Dirk Kuyt. A goal looked certain but the Morocco international blasted too close to Brad Jones from 10 yards. The rebound dropped first to Babel, then Kuyt; both failed to capitalise.

Kuyt was presented with an even better opportunity minutes later when Hyypia spotted Fabio Aurelio's surge down the left. The Brazilian sent in one of his bending crosses, which Kuyt controlled before lashing the ball towards the top corner. Again Jones was smart to it.

Next, Babel found himself on the end of a well-worked move but the angle of his shot meant the goalkeeper was always favourite.

Liverpool were firmly on top but had nothing to show for it. A snapshot from Gerrard hit the side netting, while Alonso tried his luck from 25 yards. Still no breakthrough.

The Riverside DJ played Let Me Entertain You as the sides made their way onto the pitch; not that Southgate's players took the hint. They mustered just a single goalscoring opportunity prior to their breakthrough when Gary O'Neil beat Aurelio to Stuart Downing's cross only to be denied by a reflex save from Pepe Reina.

All the more sickening for a raucous travelling Kop, then, when Alonso deflected a Downing corner in his own net after 31 minutes.

Downing forced another save from Reina from the edge of the box before Rob Styles blew for half-time, but it was Liverpool who showed all the initiative with no reward.

Martin Skrtel, operating in an unfamiliar role on the right of Liverpool's defence, was first to threaten straight after the restart with an ambitious effort which sailed over.

Seconds later, Gerrard burst into the Middlesbrough box before putting a goal on a plate for El Zhar, who dropped his head in disappointment after shooting over from 10 yards.

A short corner between Gerrard and El Zhar which broke down due to an offside summed up what was becoming a very frustrating afternoon for Benitez's men.

Things were about to go from bad to worse on 63 minutes when Ryan Babel conceded possession, allowing Jeremie Aliadiere to ghost behind Liverpool's defence before cutting back to Tuncay, who finished with aplomb.

The Reds almost clawed one back when Gerrard bombed through the home rearguard and crossed to Kuyt, who missed an open goal.

A fantastic save was required from Reina to deny substitute Marlon King on 73 minutes, by which stage it was clear Liverpool's miserable record at the Riverside was going to continue.

Substitute Ngog spurned a free header in injury time, but it would have been academic.

News of Chelsea's victory over Wigan filtered through as referee Styles put an end to a miserable afternoon for Liverpool, who drop to third in the Premier League.

Teams

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

Middlesbrough: Jones, Pogatetz, Wheater, Huth, Hoyte, Downing, Arca (captain), Bates, O'Neil, Aliadiere, Sanli. Subs - Turnbull, Johnson, Emnes, King, Alves, Walker, Taylor

Referee: Rob Styles

Conditions: Chilly

Attendance: 33,724

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

Breakdown

15:02 GMT : Match Starts
1 min : Rob Styles gets the game underway at the Riverside
1 min : Skrtel is starting at right back. Carragher and Hyypia in the middle
4 mins : We've started brightly and had most of the ball so far
5 mins : Skrtel thinks he's won a corner after a run down the right, but the ref awards a goal kick
8 mins : Almost a dream full debut for El Zhar after a pass from Kuyt, but the youngster's shot is well saved by Jones
9 mins : Aurelio crosses from the left and Kuyt directs a header wide. We've started very brightly
10 mins : First chance for Boro as Downing's cross is volleyed goalwards by O'Neill, forcing Reina into a decent stop
14 mins : More good play from Liverpool as Hyypia frees Aurelio who crosses for Kuyt, with the Dutchman's shot forcing Jones into another save
15 mins : This time it's Babel with a scoring chance, but from a tight angle he can't beat Jones with a low shot
16 mins : We're totally in control at the moment - but can we make the breakthrough?
20 mins : Aliadiere is down needing treatment for an ankle knock
24 mins : Downing has space down the left but his cross is too strong for O'Neill and the home side fail to make the most of a good opportunity
27 mins : Alonso and Gerrard have snap shots in quick succession as we continue to completely boss the match
29 mins : The home side win their first corner of the match
31 mins : Own Goal! Xabi Alonso: Downing's corner strikes Alonso and the ball flies past Reina to give the home side an undeserved lead
34 mins : Another cross from Aurelio is headed away for a corner. How are we behind?
40 mins : Good drive by Downing which is well held by Reina
15:49 GMT : Half Time Reached
16:05 GMT : Second Half Begins
46 mins : We're back underway - no changes at the break
47 mins : Good run by El Zhar and the ball falls nicely for Skrtel who drags his shot high and wide
48 mins : Our best chance so far as Gerrard pulls the ball back for El Zhar who somehow misses the target with his left footed drive
51 mins : Hyypia leaves the field for treatment after a clash of heads
52 mins : Aliadiere capitalises on the space in our defence but fires wastefully over
55 mins : Pogatetz gifts Liverpool the ball but we're quickly caught offside
61 mins : The game has gone scrappy now - we need to pick the pace up and look for a way back into it
63 mins : GOAL! Tuncay Sanli: Boro break down the right and Tuncay converts from close range
67 mins : Kuyt misses a sitter in front of goal from Gerrard's cross
66 mins : Substitution: Marlon King for Jeremie Aliadiere:
66 mins : Substitution: David Ngog for Nabil El Zhar:
71 mins : Substitution: Yossi Benayoun for Jamie Carragher:
72 mins : King has a glorious chance to add the third but Reina keeps out his shot
76 mins : Bates clatters into Babel and concedes a free kick
76 mins : Substitution: Lucas Leiva for Steven Gerrard:
77 mins : Skrtel volleys the ball over after Boro half clear a corner. We're running out of time now
78 mins : O'Neill volleys just wide from Downing's deep cross
79 mins : Substitution: Adam Johnson for Tuncay Sanli:
84 mins : Benayoun crosses towards Ngog but Boro clear again
85 mins : Lucas brings a good save out of Jones after finding space in the area
87 mins : Substitution: Josh Walker for Julio Arca:
90 mins : Four extra minutes to be played
90 mins : King has the ball in the net but is flagged offside
16:54 GMT : Match Over

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Last Match HiLighT : LIVERPOOL 1 - 1 MANCHESTER CITY

2009-02-23T05:35:00.000-08:00

LIVERPOOL 1 - 1 MANCHESTER CITY
Sunday 22 February 2009 15:00 , Barclays Premier League

KUYT ON TARGET BUT REDS HELD

Craig Bellamy dealt a blow to Liverpool's title chances as Man City earned a 1-1 draw at Anfield on Sunday afternoon.

The former Red opened the scoring early in the second half before Dirk Kuyt equalised to leave Rafa Benitez contemplating a seven-point gap to leaders Man Utd.

With United scraping victory over Blackburn on Saturday tea-time, the pressure was very much on Liverpool, who found themselves eight points adrift despite just one defeat all season.

Benitez responded by selecting perhaps his strongest available side. With Xabi Alonso suspended and Steven Gerrard hamstrung, South American duo Lucas and Javier Mascherano were charged with stifling 12-goal Robinho in midfield. Fernando Torres and Kuyt, who between them scored all three goals in Liverpool's 3-2 victory at Eastlands in October, returned up front.

The game was preceded by some moving words from Kop old boy Brian Hall in tribute to pitchside announcer Phil Easton, whose death earlier this month stunned everyone at Liverpool Football Club and many more besides. Fittingly, Phil's baton has been passed, for 2008-09 at least, to Radio City colleague Peter McDowall.

With these sad formalities out of the way, Liverpool set about dominating their opponents pretty much from the word go. The hosts created three opportunities in the opening 10 minutes, the best of which fell to Torres after a lofted ball from Jamie Carragher was cut back by Yossi Benayoun. For once, the Spaniard's control let him down, and his shot was about as mis-placed as the story this week suggesting he fancied an appearance on Dancing on Ice.

Next, three Liverpool players failed to attack an inviting ball into the box from Andrea Dossena. There was similar confusion on 22 minutes when first Torres, then Riera failed to hit the target in the midst of a goalmouth scramble.

City were defending like a side with just one away win all season, but Liverpool's tally of missed chances was already totting up.

The visitors fired a warning shot on the half-hour mark when Stephen Ireland found Robinho with a 50-yard pass before surging forward to receive the ball in the penalty area. He needn't have bothered, for his shot was rifled straight into the chest of a grateful Pepe Reina.

Dossena then came close with a left-foot volley from distance, while Riera might have done better after Torres made a mug of Wayne Bridge down City's left.

El Nino was at the centre of everything Liverpool did, and it was he who fed Benayoun 18 yards out as half-time approached. The Israeli couldn't keep his shot down, while minutes later Kuyt headed wide to leave the game in stalemate as Phil Dowd signalled for the interval.

As has been the case all too often this season, Anfield was having to be patient. What the patrons didn't expect was a goal at the wrong end from a man once brought to Merseyside to win us the title. In curling a shot beyond Reina via the feet of Alvaro Arbeloa, Bellamy dealt a potentially devastating blow to Liverpool's championship ambitions.

It took almost 15 minutes for the home side to recover after Riera was replaced by Nabil El Zhar. The little Moroccan, so effective from the bench in the early part of the season, whipped a lovely ball towards Torres only for Richard Dunne to get there first.

It would take Liverpool until the 78th minute to wrestle an equaliser out of their increasingly resilient opponents when Benayoun struck a low cross into the box which, after a mis-hit shot from Torres, was rolled into the Kop net by Kuyt.

The Dutch international almost got his second five minutes later with a thunderous drive from 25 yards which Shay Given could only parry.

City's goalkeeper saved his new teammates again seconds later when El Zhar's cross was headed across the face of goal by Torres to Benayoun, who half-volleyed too close to Given.

Kuyt nearly produced a winner with a turn and shot but it wasn't to be and Liverpool now have a mountain to climb if this is to be the season when we win our 19th league title.

Teams

Liverpool: Reina, Dossena, Carragher (captain), Skrtel, Arbeloa, Riera, Mascherano, Leiva, Benayoun, Torres, Kuyt. Subs - Hyypia, El Zhar, Babel, Ngog, Cavalieri, Aurelio, Spearing

Manchester City: Given, Bridge, Dunne (captain), Onuoha, Richards, Ireland, Kompany, De Jong, Zabaleta, , Bellamy. Subs - Vassell, Hart, Blumer, Weiss, Caicedo, Evans, Garrido

Referee: Phil Dowd

Conditions: Mild

Attendance: Unknown

Liverpoolfc.tv Man-of-the-Match: Yossi Benayoun

Breakdown

15:03 GMT : Match Starts
1 min : Man City get the game underway attacking the Kop end
2 mins : Big shout out to Pete McDowell who has taken over from the late Phil Easton as pitchside announcer until the end of the season
4 mins : A fine run and cross from Arbeloa ends with Riera heading wide of target
9 mins : Carra clips a long ball towards Yossi but his touch off is fired high, wide and not so handsome by El Nino
10 mins : Benayoun does well to feed Kuyt on the right but his low ball in is brilliantly hacked clear by Dunne at the near post. Promising stuff from the Reds
14 mins : Dossena outwits ex-red Bellamy to earn the home side a goal kick. Needless to say Craig has had sometihng to say about it
15 mins : A quarter of an hour in and the pattern looks set with LFC probing and City looking to hit us on the break
17 mins : A flowing move involving Yossi and Lucas finishes with Dossena flashing a low ball straight across the middle of the City area. Someone should have been on the end of that
18 mins : Free-kick to the Reds on the edge of the area
19 mins : Benayoun curls an effort straight into the wall with the rebound coming to nothing
22 mins : The pressure is mounting. Arbeloa and Riera both sent over dangerous crosses that eventually led to a corner. From the right-wing delivery City somehow managed to survive with Riera coming close to stabbing home on the line
27 mins : Nice to see a couple of Reds legends taking in the game at Anfield today in the shape of King Kenny and Phil Thompson. Thommo is sporting an impressive tan!
30 mins : City should be ahead. The lull in the game comes to an explosive end as Ireland hits a long ball to Robinho before making up the ground to strike a tame effort at Reina. He then hits the rebound into the side netting. A great chance for the visitors
32 mins : First Booking: Richard Dunne:
35 mins : Dossena forces Given into action with a long range drive
37 mins : A lightning break sees Torres race beyond Bridge and cut the ball back for Riera, but the winger can't provide the finish as he fires narrowly wide
39 mins : The game has been halted while Richards receives treatment for a head injury
40 mins : The England man is back on and we are underway again
42 mins : Torres turns brilliantly and plays in Yossi but the Israel international smashes the ball way over the top of Given's goal
43 mins : City earn a corner that Reina just about manages to punch clear
45 mins : Two minutes of stoppage time
15:50 GMT : Half Time Reached
16:11 GMT : Second Half Begins
48 mins : GOAL! Craig Bellamy:
51 mins : The Reds are up against it now. The Welshman hit a well struck shot that touched off Arbeloa and flew into the corner of Reina's net
54 mins : As it stands Man United will remain eight points clear at the top having played the same number of matches as us
56 mins : There is a serious sense of frustration inside Anfield. The Kop is doing its best to try and boost the players
58 mins : Torres heads a corner high into the Kop
60 mins : Ireland curls a shot over the top after a clever City counter attack
63 mins : Substitution: Nabil El Zhar for Albert Riera:
65 mins : Substitute El Zhar almost makes an immediate impact but Torres can't get there ahead of Dunne to turn his cross home
66 mins : Almost curtains for LFC. A cross shot hits Ireland and trickles into the net... the sight of the referee's assistant's flag brings with it a huge sigh of relief from the home support
69 mins : Robinho is tripped right on the edge of the Liverpool penalty area. Danger here...
70 mins : The Brazilian fires a shot just wide of the post and somehow manages to convince the ref it's a corner
71 mins : It's all City at the moment
74 mins : First Booking: Vincent Kompany:
76 mins : First Booking: Nabil El Zhar:
76 mins : Substitution: Fabio Aurelio for Andrea Dossena:
78 mins : GOAL! Dirk Kuyt:
79 mins : Kuyt levels with 12 minutes remaining after Torres miscued Benayoun's cross into his path. Game on.
81 mins : The game has completely changed and the Reds now have their tails up
83 mins : Substitution: Ryan Babel for Javier Mascherano:
85 mins : Shay Given produces a miracle save to keep out Benayoun. LFC are pushing
87 mins : Kuyt fires one inches wide after taking Arbeloa's pass on the turn
88 mins : Substitution: Felipe Caicedo for Robinho :
90 mins : City have a free-kick as we enter the final moments
90 mins : Reina claims and the Reds launch one of their last attacks. Seven points behind the leaders unless we can snatch another last-gasp win against Mark Hughes' men
90 mins : Three minutes of stoppage time
16:56 GMT : Match Over

TORRES DEFIANT OVER TROPHY CHANCES

2009-02-11T00:41:00.000-08:00

NEWS STORY : TORRES DEFIANT OVER TROPHY CHANCES
Paul Hassall 09 February 2009

Fernando Torres is optimistic Liverpool will go on to enjoy a successful campaign after his last-gasp winner at Portsmouth kept the Reds in the title hunt.

The Spaniard admits Rafael Benitez's men have not been at their best of late, but is confident they will start to improve in the coming weeks as the Champions League tie with Real Madrid looms ever closer.

"We began very well and at the moment we're going through a period which isn't the best," he said.

"But we're not bad, maybe it's just that we're stifled by lesser teams who are happy with a draw.
"We are better against the big teams and we have to show that against Real Madrid. "We're getting back players that have been absent with injury like me.

"It all depends on how you look at things. You can be pessimistic and think we have been knocked out of the Cup and that it was tough for us to win.

"Or you can think positively, which is what I do, and see that we are fighting for the league, that we're in the last 16 of the Champions League, that on the whole we are better than previous years.

"That's what I think." The Reds now face a two-week break before a home clash with Manchester City is followed by the first-leg of their Champions League last 16 tie with Real Madrid in the Bernabeu.

Being a former Atletico star, Torres is relishing the prospect of a return to his homeland and is targeting a first ever win at the home of the reigning Spanish champions.

"It is the most attractive tie of the Champions League," he said. "One of the teams with the best history in Europe against one with the greatest in England and only one can remain in the competition.

"For me it's not just another game and that's not just for my Atletico past: it is an extra motivation for anyone to face Madrid in Europe.

"I have never won in the Bernabeu and with all the respect that I deserve and they have for us, I really want go and look like equals against Real.

"There is no favourite, apart from maybe each team at home. That the second leg is at our place might be an advantage, but that doesn't always prove true.

"I am well aware that they will be very dangerous in the Champions League. They always have been.

"But in cup games, and the other day is the exception that proves the rule, we are like a fish in water.

"The league is harder because there are clubs who have more money and you can tell that."

Skipper Steven Gerrard faces a race against time to overcome his hamstring injury and face the nine times champions on February 25, with El Nino desperate for the Reds number eight to make a rapid recovery.

"He is irreplaceable," he said. "Every great team has a model player, one whose home is there, one who stays there for life.

"People come and people go and he always stays. Here that's Gerrard. Liverpool is him and 10 others. He is everything for us.

"They're saying he'll be out for three weeks, let's hope it's less. I hope and would love his lay-off to be shorter."

News / Credit / Info 100% by : www.liverpoolfc.net

TORRES: I DON'T WANT TO PLAY ANYWHERE ELSE

2009-02-11T00:35:00.000-08:00

NEWS STORY : TORRES: I DON'T WANT TO PLAY ANYWHERE ELSE Paul Eaton 10 February 2009

Fernando Torres has again pledged his long-term future to Liverpool following reports that Barcelona are weighing up a summer bid for his services.

Speaking ahead of Spain's friendly with England on Wednesday night, the Liverpool striker insists he is happy at Anfield and isn't considering a move away.

"I don't see myself playing for Real Madrid, or Barcelona or Chelsea or any other team," he said.

"I see myself playing for Liverpool. I have a long contract and that's that."

After netting late winners in each of Liverpool's last two league games against Chelsea and Portsmouth, El Nino is hopeful his injury problems are now a thing of the past.

"This year what I am more worried about are injuries," he added. "I have had many problems since last summer but I hope I will be okay now until the end of the season."

And Torres is keeping his fingers crossed that Reds skipper Steven Gerrard can make a speedy return to first team action after a hamstring problem.

"Hopefully Steven will be okay too," he said. "He's a special player and a vital part of our team and we need him fit again soon.

"I don't know how long it will take for his leg to heal, but we wish him the best and hope we can have him back as quick as possible. "If it is in time for the Champions League game with Real Madrid even better."

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NEWS STORY : NGOG IN FOR TORRES AT POMPEY

2009-02-07T22:49:00.000-08:00

NEWS STORY

NGOG IN FOR TORRES AT POMPEY Jimmy Rice at Fratton Park 07 February 2009

David Ngog replaces Fernando Torres for this evening's clash at Fratton Park, while Fabio Aurelio comes into central midfield.

Torres played 101 minutes in midweek and is not yet ready to play three games in a week, meaning his French understudy gets a first Premier League start against Portsmouth.

Alongside Torres on the bench will be Xabi Alonso, who has an ankle knock, meaning Aurelio stands in as a makeshift midfielder in the absence of the suspended Lucas and hamstrung Steven Gerrard.

Meanwhile, Rafa Benitez has selected five at the back, with Daniel Agger returning. The Reds XI in full is: Reina, Arbeloa, Dossena, Agger, Carragher, Skrtel, Mascherano, Aurelio, Benayoun, Babel, Ngog. Subs: Cavalieri, Torres, Hyypia, Riera, Alonso, Kuyt, El Zhar.

Credit and Info 100% by : www.liverpoolfc.net

PORTSMOUTH 2 - 3 LIVERPOOL

2009-02-07T22:45:00.000-08:00

PORTSMOUTH 2 - 3 LIVERPOOL
Saturday 07 February 2009 17:30 , Barclays Premier League

LATE DRAMA AS TORRES PUTS REDS TOP

An injury-time winner from substitute Fernando Torres sent Liverpool back to the top of the league after a dramatic 3-2 win at Fratton Park.

The Reds twice came from behind through Fabio Aurelio and Dirk Kuyt before El Nino's ninth goal of the season saw them leapfrog Manchester United until Sunday at least.

All five goals came in an unbelievable second half, and though Liverpool had trailed through David Nugent and Hermann Hreidarsson, the victory was deserved.

Changes were expected following the extra-time defeat to Everton just 72 hours earlier, though the extent no doubt shocked some of the hardcore Scousers who braved the arctic conditions at Fratton Park.

With Torres and Xabi Alonso deemed fit enough only for the bench, rookie striker David Ngog got his first Premier League start, while Fabio Aurelio stood in as a makeshift midfielder, something he was occasionally asked to do by Benitez at Valencia. Elsewhere, there were five at the back, with Daniel Agger returning.

Liverpool started brightly but it was one of their ex stars who was first to threaten when some great hold up play from Nugent allowed Peter Crouch to ghost into the box before shooting straight at Pepe Reina in front of the travelling Kop.

The visitors were dominant from there, as if Benitez's starters felt they had a point to prove.

One of those to impress was Agger, who found Alvaro Arbeloa with a superb lofted pass. The full-back seemed to take Pompey by surprise with an early ball to Yossi Benayoun, who strode into the area only to squander his shot.

Next Aurelio, assuming free-kick duty in the absence of Alonso and the hamstrung Steven Gerrard, brushed the post with a 25-yard bender.

The Brazilian looked a natural in midfield, though had his head in hands on 16 minutes after skewing wide following some slick football from Ngog and Ryan Babel.

Aurelio's midfield partner was next to be denied. The sight of Javier Mascherano directing a scorcher into the bottom corner on 26 minutes took David James by surprise, but the former Reds stopper did just enough to tip wide.

At the other end, Pompey's threat was largely restricted to set-pieces, although a turn and shot from Crouch as half-time loomed caused temporary alarm.

Liverpool started the second half on the front foot, with Ngog winning a corner after skipping past two defenders.

Minutes later Howard Webb waved away penalty protests following an apparent handball from Glen Johnson. If the visitors felt hard done by, things soon evened themselves out when a slip from Agger saw him inadvertently palm the ball away from a blue shirt. No penalty, said Mr Webb.

The away fans were starting to bounce in tribute to their £20million substitute, though it was Kuyt who Benitez introduced for Ngog after 56 minutes.

The Dutchman almost made an instant impact. It was Benayoun who skipped effortlessly past Hreidarsson before finding Kuyt, who drove the ball across the six-yard box only for Babel to miss an open goal.

Then, on 62 minutes, a breakthrough at the wrong end. And to add insult to injury, it came from an Evertonian as Nugent latched onto a superb throughball from, who else, Crouch before keeping his cool to slot underneath Reina.

The irony would not have been lost on Sunday newspaper writers had Crouch inflicted a serious blow to Liverpool's title challenge, but just seven minutes later the big man was instrumental in restoring parity. It was the England striker's mis-judged back pass that was handled by James, resulting in an indirect free-kick 10 yards out. Substitute Alonso took the faintest of touches before Aurelio thundered into the bottom corner and it was 1-1.

Cue tremors around Fratton Park as Torres entered the fray. El Nino had 15 minutes to make the difference, but his task was about to be made almost impossible, for it was Portsmouth who struck next.

The goal came on 77 minutes when Nadir Belhadj's in-swinging free-kick was nodded beyond the despairing Reina by an unmarked Hreidarsson.

If Liverpool were to keep the pressure on Manchester United at the top, another one of those early-season comebacks would be required.

The first step to exactly that was taken on 84 minutes when Torres burst clear of Sylvain Distan before cutting back to Kuyt, who took two touches before blasting into the top corner from a difficult angle.

Then, after one minute of injury time, mission impossible was complete when Benayoun's pinpoint cross was met by a bullet header from Torres.

Teams

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

Portsmouth: James, Hreidarsson, Campbell (captain), Distin, Johnson, Belhadj, Basinas, Mullins, Davis, Nugent, Crouch. Subs - Pamarot, , Kranjcar, Gekas, Begovic, Mvuemba, Lauren

Referee: Howard Webb

Conditions: Very cold

Attendance: Unknown

Liverpoolfc.tv Man-of-the-Match: Fabio Aurelio

Breakdown

17:33 GMT : Match Starts
1 min : Liverpool get the game underway at Fratton Park
2 mins : Snap shot from Nugent fails to trouble Reina
5 mins : Nugent finds Crouch in the box but the former Red can't beat Reina from close range
6 mins : It looks like we're playing three central defenders, two wing-backs, Aurelio and Mascherano in the middle and then Babel and Benayoun behind Ngog
7 mins : Dossena wins a free kick off Johnson after a foul on the left hand side
8 mins : Great chance for Benayoun but he scuffs a left footed shot into the side netting
11 mins : Aurelio bends a free kick fractions wide of James' post - great effort from the Brazilian. Good start from Liverpool
15 mins : Good run by Babel down the left leads to a spell of good passing from the Reds. We're dominating so far
17 mins : Aurelio goes close again with a left footed shot from 20 yards which is disappointingly wide
25 mins : Great effort from Mascherano who forces James into a diving save away to his left
27 mins : Reina makes a comfortable stop from a Basinas free kick from 25 yards
28 mins : Agger catches Basinas with a challenge and the Portsmouth debutante needs treatment
35 mins : Crouch turns outside the box and smashes a shot over the goal. The game has gone a bit scrappy of late
18:20 GMT : Half Time Reached
18:37 GMT : Second Half Begins
46 mins : Portsmouth get the second half underway with the scores still goalless
46 mins : Early shot from Ngog wins Liverpool a corner in front of their own fans
46 mins : Substitution: Niko Kranjcar for Hayden Mullins:
51 mins : Good play from Ngog leads to a promising attack but in the end James is out to gather
55 mins : Substitution: Dirk Kuyt for David Ngog:
58 mins : Golden chance for Babel to open the scoring but he somehow fails to make contact in front of goal from Kuyt's cross
61 mins : GOAL! David Nugent: Nugent slides the ball under Reina from close range to open the scoring
66 mins : Substitution: Xabi Alonso for Andrea Dossena:
67 mins : James handles a backpass, giving Liverpool a free kick inside the area
69 mins : GOAL! Fabio Aurelio: Aurelio fires home the free kick low past James
71 mins : James saves well from a stinging drive from Kuyt
75 mins : Kuyt has the ball in the net from Aurelio's pass but is flagged offside
76 mins : Substitution: Fernando Torres for Ryan Babel:
77 mins : GOAL! Hermann Hreidarsson: Pompey regain the lead as Hreidarsson heads home unmarked from in the box
81 mins : Benayoun has half a chance but James is out quickly to clear the danger
84 mins : GOAL! Dirk Kuyt: Kuyt smashes the ball into the roof of the net to level the scores - can we win it now?
88 mins : First Booking: Hermann Hreidarsson:
90 mins : GOAL! Fernando Torres: Torres heads home a sensational winner from Aurelio's cross

2009-02-05T06:43:00.000-08:00

NEWS STORY

TORRES KEEN FOR MORE DERBY GLORY

In-form Fernando Torres is hoping for a repeat of his heroics at Goodison earlier in the season when Liverpool take on Everton for a place in the fifth round of the FA Cup tonight.

After two late goals saw off the challenge of Chelsea at the weekend, Torres is closing in on his best form once again after recovering from a hamstring injury.

It was Torres' deadly double which claimed three league points at Everton back in September and tonight he'll be looking to maintain his record of never having been on the losing side against our city rivals.

"It was a fantastic day for me that last time I played in a derby at Goodison Park," he recalled. "I was lucky enough to score two goals and we won the game so it was a good moment for us.

"It is true that Liverpool have not been beaten by Everton since I came here but that does not mean anything in this game.

"It would be fantastic if we could keep that run going because it would mean that we are in the next round but we know we will have to work really hard for this to happen.

"We want to keep advancing in the cup, this is another target for us.

"Beating Everton away will be very difficult but we will do our very best because we know that it will be fantastic for our fans if we can beat Everton at Goodison.

"Unfortunately, we could not beat Everton on the last two occasions that we played them at home.

"We know that they will be even more dangerous on their own ground in front of their own fans but we also know that we have another chance to win."

Info and Credit 100% by : www.liverpoolfc.net

Last Match Stats : EVERTON 1 - 0 LIVERPOOL

2009-02-05T06:35:00.000-08:00

EVERTON 1 - 0 LIVERPOOL
Wednesday 04 February 2009 20:10 , FA Cup 4th Round Replay

TEN-MAN REDS CRASH OUT OF FA CUP

Liverpool are out of this season's FA Cup after crashing to a 1-0 extra-time defeat against Everton at Goodison Park.

The Reds endured a torrid evening against the Blues and went down to a Dan Gosling goal on 118 minutes after Lucas Leiva was sent off for a second bookable offence in normal time.

Having drawn the first two matches of this Merseyside derby trilogy, Rafael Benitez's men went into the final clash against their neighbours with the rallying cry of skipper Steven Gerrard ringing in their ears.

The inspirational number eight urged his teammates to build on the momentum of Sunday's last-gasp win over Chelsea by securing a place in the fifth round; but it became somewhat of an uphill battle as the night wore on, especially when the club captain was forced off with a hamstring strain after just 16 minutes.

It was a huge blow for the Reds who had started brightly, with Xabi Alonso fizzing a 25 yarder just wide on eight minutes.

Rafael Benitez's men were the more dominant in possession but the enforced substitution of Gerrard for Yossi Benayoun seemed to disrupt their flow and from that moment on the game developed into a tough battle.

The Blues knew their best hope would once again come from set pieces and their first sight of Pepe Reina's goal came when Leon Osman volleyed well over after latching on to an up-and-under from a half-cleared corner.

It seemed to boost the home side's confidence and they nearly grabbed the opener just shy of the half hour mark, but Tim Cahill mis-kicked following an almighty scramble in the visitors' penalty area.

Unfortunately, that was as good as it got in the first 45, with any trace of goalmouth incident overshadowed by the type of full-blooded challenges that had been something of a missing ingredient in our previous meetings this campaign.

The Reds tried to inject some urgency into their play in the second period but as the half wore on the game remained tense and scrappy.

It looked more and more likely that one goal was going to settle it and the Reds nearly got it on 61 minutes. Alonso picked the ball up midway through the Everton half before delivering a sublime defence-splitting pass for Albert Riera whose low shot was brilliantly blocked by Howard.

Everton responded and 10 minutes later Mikel Arteta and Tim Cahill combined to tee up Osman but the midfielder saw his drilled strike crash back off the near post.

With extra-time looming Liverpool suffered another huge body blow when they were reduced to 10-men after Lucas was handed a second yellow card for a foul on Joleon Lescott.

It instantly handed the advantage to David Moyes' side and as the match moved beyond the 90 minutes they took the game to the Reds with Cahill inches away from turning home Leighton Baines' inviting cross.

Osman then fired straight at Reina before the Spaniard pulled off a stunning double stop to keep out both, the midfielder's long range strike, and substitute Gosling's follow-up.

It was all Everton at this point and from the resulting corner Cahill flashed a flick header just past the far post. Arteta then saw a deflected free-kick arrow just wide as the Blues ended the first period of extra-time well on top.

Liverpool's best hope appeared to be a penalty shoot-out but just when that looked likely Everton put together the move that would win them the match.

Substitute Andy Van Der Meyde picked up the ball on the right and sent a cross to the far post that Gosling took down, and after initially hesitating, he curled an effort beyond Reina into the far post to sink the Reds.

Teams

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

Everton: Howard, Baines, Lescott, Jagielka, Hibbert, Osman, Arteta, Neville (captain), Pienaar, Cahill, Fellaini. Subs - Yobo, Rodwell, Castillo, Jacobsen, Nash, Gosling, Van der Meyde

Referee: Alan Wiley

Conditions: Mild

Attendance: Unknown

Liverpoolfc.tv Man-of-the-Match: Jamie Carragher

Breakdown

20:11 GMT : Match Starts
1 min : Liverpool get the game underway at Goodison
2 mins : Fellaini concedes an early free kick for a foul on Arbeloa
3 mins : Pienaar has the ball by the corner flag but Liverpool crowd him out and win the ball back
4 mins : Poor tackle from Osman on Dossena gives us a free kick in a good area on the left
4 mins : It's a good delivery from Gerrard but there's a foul in the box and Everton have a free kick
6 mins : Torres wins a corner off Lescott and limps away from the challenge
6 mins : Terrific effort from Alonso who fizzes a right footed shot just wide from distance
9 mins : Good start to the game by us. We're dominating possession and playing in the Everton half of the field
14 mins : Benayoun is getting ready to come on
15 mins : It's going to be Gerrard coming off when the play stops
16 mins : Substitution: Yossi Benayoun for Steven Gerrard:
17 mins : Fellaini is all over Alonso and concedes a free kick. He probably deserved a booking
19 mins : First Booking: Tim Cahill:
23 mins : Benayoun has space to run into down the right but the resulting shot is poor and Howard gathers comfortably
25 mins : Osman blasts a volley over from outside the box
26 mins : News coming through that Gerrard was forced off with a hamstring injury
27 mins : Good run by Dossena down the left forces Everton into conceding another free kick
28 mins : Lucas gives away a dangerous free kick which Arteta drives into the wall
33 mins : Kuyt has space but delays his pass and eventually Riera is flagged offside
37 mins : Lucas is down and needing treatment after a tackle from Pienaar
43 mins : First Booking: Steven Pienaar: Booked for a dreadful tackle on Lucas
21:00 GMT : Half Time Reached
21:16 GMT : Second Half Begins
46 mins : Everton get the second half underway
47 mins : First Booking: Phil Neville:
48 mins : First Booking: Lucas Leiva:
53 mins : Skrtel and Benayoun combine well down the right but Everton defend well again
53 mins : Substitution: Dan Gosling for Marouane Fellaini:
55 mins : Hibbert swings in a cross from the right which is easily held by Reina
60 mins : Substitution: Jack Rodwell for Steven Pienaar:
61 mins : Best chance so far falls to Riera who is fed the ball brilliantly by Alonso but Howard is out quickly to smother
68 mins : Good spell of pressure by us ends with Kuyt's header looping into Howard's arms
71 mins : Osman smashes a shot against the post as Everton go close to taking the lead
72 mins : First Booking: Mikel Arteta:
76 mins : Sending Off: Lucas Leiva: Sent off for two bookable offences
80 mins : Substitution: Javier Mascherano for Albert Riera:
82 mins : Rodwell tries from distance but doesn't trouble Reina
85 mins : Time ticking away - we're heading for extra time and maybe penalties
88 mins : First Booking: Xabi Alonso:
22:06 GMT : 90mins over -> Extra Time Pending
22:11 GMT : Extra Time 1st Half Begins
91 mins : Everton kick off the first period of extra time
96 mins : Gosling is foiled by Reina as Everton win a corner
97 mins : Cahill comes within inches of scoring as his header flies just wide
101 mins : Substitution: Ryan Babel for Fernando Torres:
22:27 GMT : End of 1st half of extra time
22:27 GMT : Start of 2nd half of extra time
115 mins : Substitution: Andy Van der Meyde for Phil Neville:
112 mins : First Booking: Tony Hibbert:
117 mins : GOAL! Dan Gosling: Gosling curls the ball past Reina to open the scoring
120 mins : Two minutes left to play
22:46 GMT : Match Over

TORRES: WE ALWAYS BELIEVED WE'D WIN

2009-02-02T06:12:00.000-08:00

NEWS STORY
TORRES: WE ALWAYS BELIEVED WE'D WIN Joe Curran 02 February 2009

Fernando Torres claims Liverpool always believed they could get the better of Chelsea - even as the score remained goalless with injury time looming.

The Spanish striker finally broke the deadlock after 89 frustrating minutes before adding another seconds before the final whistle.

Torres believes 'the Liverpool way' of fighting right to the death saw them through yet again.

"We always thought we could win - that is the Liverpool mentality," said the 24 year old.

"We had to keep on working until the end. A lot of goals are scored near the end of games in England, and we knew that it could be like this in this game. "I am very happy. We knew before that this was a massive game. We needed to get the three points and stay close to Manchester United in the league. "We knew before that we needed to win. We have a lot more confidence now, of course. "It's a very long title race. We know that United are at the top of the table at the moment but we have time and are going to fight until the end. It brings us closer than before, and we know that we still have a chance."

El Nino admits he is happy to have bagged his first goals at Anfield in eight months following a season blighted by injuries.

"It's very important for me because they were my first goals after the injuries and we will all have more confidence after this as well," he added. "It is fantastic for me - to score at home, and against Chelsea. It has been very frustrating not to be able to play. I am very happy, but more for the result."

Credit and Info By : www.liverpoolfc.net

Last MaTcH HiLiGhT :LIVERPOOL 2 - 0 CHELSEA

2009-02-02T06:01:00.000-08:00

LIVERPOOL 2 - 0 CHELSEA
Sunday 01 February 2009 16:00 , Barclays Premier League

LAST-GASP TORRES SINKS CHELSEA

Fernando Torres struck a last-gasp double to claim a sensational 2-0 victory for Liverpool against 10-man Chelsea.

The Reds produced a dominant second-half display against the Blues and deservedly claimed the three points when El Nino grabbed his first Anfield goals of the season on 89 and 94 minutes.

It means Rafael Benitez's men move up to second place in the table and are now two points behind leaders Man United who still have a game in hand.

The Reds had gone into the match with the Londoners hoping to send out a message that they were still very much a part of the title race.

Vice Captain Jamie Carragher had urged his teammates to make a statement of their intent and they duly set about making life uncomfortable for Luiz Felipe Scolari's men.

A lightning break after just 60 seconds almost provided the perfect start but for once Steven Gerrard failed to make the most of an opening on the edge of the Chelsea penalty area.

Amidst the backdrop of snowfall both sides showed a keen appetite for the contest and in the early exchanges there were some thunderous challenges, but little in the way of actual attempts at goal.

Xabi Alonso went some way to altering that stat with a stinging 25 yarder that Petr Cech managed to tip over the bar at full stretch, but it remained an evenly matched contest throughout the half.

The Reds looked the more likely to make a breakthrough with a series of long range efforts that will have caused some concern for the visitors, particularly when Javier Mascherano's thunderbolt was spilled by Cech. Sadly for Rafa and co there was no red shirt close enough to take advantage.

The game needed a goal and it could so easily have arrived on the half hour mark when Jamie Carragher crossed from the right for Torres, but the Spaniard's turn and shot was brilliantly blocked by a Chelsea defender.

As the half finally came to close the Reds could claim to have edged it and with a touch of luck they could have gone in ahead.

Albert Riera evaded two challenges and forced a smart save out of Cech with Ashley Cole lucky to see the rebound smash off his knee and wide of the far post.

A second-half onslaught at the Kop end was the order of the day and Dirk Kuyt went close to an immediate breakthrough when he stabbed an effort wide following Alex's mistake.

Mascherano then floated a pass to Gerrard inside the area but despite a superb knockdown from the skipper, Torres saw his goal-bound effort well blocked.

The Reds were turning the screw and could easily have been awarded a penalty on 56 minutes when John Terry appeared to bring down Kuyt, but referee Mike Riley refused to point to the spot.

Tensions were reaching fever pitch and Liverpool were handed a huge advantage just shy of the hour mark when Frank Lampard was shown a straight red card for a high tackle of Alonso.

The dismissal inspired a crescendo of noise inside Anfield with the Reds surging forward to chants of 'attack, attack; attack, attack, attack'.

Gerrard saw his free-kick deflected to safety by the Chelsea wall and Mascherano headed Carragher's cross just over before Alonso's curler cannoned off back off the crossbar.

The home side were camped inside the Chelsea half and must have thought they had finally scored on 72 minutes. A corner from the right fell at the feet of Torres and as the striker turned he unleashed a fizzing effort at goal that was somehow hacked clear on the line.

Substitute Yossi Benayoun twice came close late on before El Nino saved the day with a sublime near post header from Fabio Aurelio's pinpoint cross.

And it got better four minutes into injury-time when the Spaniard lashed home the loose ball after Benayoun was challenged in the penalty area.

It means Liverpool have completed their first league double over Chelsea since 1990 - the last time they won the title.

Teams

Liverpool: Reina, Aurelio, Carragher, Skrtel, Arbeloa, Riera, Alonso, Mascherano, Kuyt, Gerrard (captain), Torres. Subs - Benayoun, Agger, Ngog, Dossena, Babel, Leiva, Cavalieri

Chelsea: Cech, Cole, Terry (captain), , Bosingwa, Malouda, Lampard, Ballack, Obi Mikel, Kalou, Anelka. Subs - Ferreira, Hilario, Stoch, , Ivanovic, Mancienne, Drogba

Referee: Unknown

Conditions: Snow

Attendance: Unknown

Liverpoolfc.tv Man-of-the-Match: Fernando Torres

Breakdown

16:01 GMT : Match Starts
1 min : It's second v third in the Barclays Premier League. Chelsea get the match underway at a snowy Anfield - they're playing towards the Kop end
1 min : Torres initiates an attack through the middle and plays in Gerrard on the edge of the Chelsea penalty area, but the Blues usher him away
2 mins : Cech fires a free-kick upfield
3 mins : The referee blows for a foul after Albert Riera took down Bosingwa, apparently
4 mins : My word, that is proper snow
6 mins : Riera plays in Torres down the left. El Nino puts a ball across for Kuyt, but the referee blows for another foul - this time Gerrard was at fault after attempting to control on the edge of the area
7 mins : A pleasing one-two between Kuyt and Arbeloa runs on a bit too far - the idea was there though
8 mins : Gerrard chips in a free-kick goalwards, but it runs over into the travelling Chelsea fans
9 mins : Riera cuts inside, but his pass finds a blue shirt
10 mins : It's been a testy opening ten minutes - both sides are sizing each other up here at a chilly Anfield
11 mins : Chelsea nearly found a way through there, but it turned out that Kalou was offside
12 mins : Fantastic shot from Alonso is tipped over by Cech
12 mins : The Spanish midfielder came close to getting another goal against Big Phil's men there - he really hit it from 19 yards and Cech had to stretch in order to keep the scores at 0-0
14 mins : Masch tidies things up at the centre - good work
14 mins : Liverpool are pushing for a goal here, but Chelsea seem content to play on the counter
15 mins : Malouda looks to get in down the left, but Carragher ushers him away
16 mins : Ballack disposesses Riera and floats a ball into the Liverpool penalty area, but Carra is there again to clear the danger
17 mins : Ballack has scored his only three goals of this season in the last four games.
18 mins : Riley gives Masch and Ballack a ticking off after a bit of handbags
19 mins : Reina sets Aurelio free down the left
19 mins : Mascherano shoots from out on the right, which Cech parries before clearing
20 mins : Bosingwa takes down Riera with an over-zealous aerial challenge. Liverpool free-kick
20 mins : First Booking: Javier Mascherano:
20 mins : That booking has been on the cards for some time now
21 mins : Malouda takes down Aurelio, things are getting rather feisty
23 mins : First Booking: Ashley Cole:
23 mins : Cole took down Kuyt to guarantee a booking there
24 mins : Chelsea have really come into things now. They're getting the ball down and playing
26 mins : Gerrard and Torres combine and come close to finding a way through, but Chelsea manage to clear
27 mins : Kuyt storms down the wing on the break, but the attack fizzles out
29 mins : An horse-like backheel from Alonso brings a cheer from the Anfield crowd. It came after another Chelsea clearance
30 mins : Cech looks to dribble the ball out of his area, and nearly pays for it when Riera attemtps to tackle
32 mins : Torres tees himself up for a shot from nine yards out, but his effort is blocked
36 mins : Riera looks to play a long pass, but it just runs straight through to Cech
37 mins : It's more of the same kick and run stuff here at Anfield. Chelsea have been clearing everything
39 mins : Chelsea threaten at the other end, but Skrtel gets it away
40 mins : Gerrard sets up an attack
41 mins : Bosingwa hoofs clear
42 mins : Riera thunders a great shot in at Cech, but somehow the Chelsea defence puts it out for a throw after the keeper got a hand to it
43 mins : Liverpool corner
43 mins : Cech punches clear. Someone might want to tell him it could be an idea to catch it every now and then
45 mins : Chelsea have a free-kick in a dangerous position
45 mins : Carragher clears
16:48 GMT : Half Time Reached
17:03 GMT : Second Half Begins
46 mins : Liverpool get the second half underway. We are shooting towards the Kop end
46 mins : First Booking: Xabi Alonso:
47 mins : Bosingwa looks in a lot of pain after that challenge from Alonso
48 mins : Aurelio thumps clear from a lofted long ball
49 mins : Some good build-up play from Liverpool is looking promising here
51 mins : Gerrard picks the ball up in space and finds Kuyt on the right, who puts a cross in which deflects off a Chelsea defender. Liverpool corner
52 mins : Kuyt tries a speculative dink of a shot after the Gerrard corner misses everyone else and finds the Dutchman on the far side. It goes a couple of yards wide
53 mins : First Booking: John Obi Mikel:
53 mins : This is a good spell for Rafa's men. Now Torres tries a shot, which is blocked
54 mins : The snow is really whipping around the place now
55 mins : Mascherano looks for options and finds Alonso
56 mins : Arbeloa storms down the right and plays in Kuyt, who is tackled by John Terry just before a potential shot. Good stuff
57 mins : Arbs is looking lively here - he's right in the thick of it
58 mins : Exclusive news: Today's official attendance is 44,174 - you heard it here first
60 mins : Sending Off: Frank Lampard:
61 mins : First Booking: John Terry:
64 mins : That sending off has really stoked things up at anfield - Liverpool have a free-kick 23 yards out. Game on
65 mins : John Terry heads clear, then Arbeloa floats in a cross which Mascherano tries a header from. The Argentine heads just over
66 mins : Ballack tries to throw Reina off the ball, but he's having none of it
68 mins : Gerrard comes close with a header, but Cech clears for a corner
68 mins : The Reds latest attack hits the bar before Cech clears for another corner. We're getting closer
68 mins : Substitution: Deco for Florent Malouda:
69 mins : Substitution: Didier Drogba for Nicolas Anelka:
69 mins : Drogba is booed by pretty much the whole of Anfield
70 mins : First Booking: Steven Gerrard:
70 mins : Mike Riley reckons Gerrard dived there
71 mins : Aurelio brings the ball up the left flank
72 mins : The Brazilian tries a shot, but yes - you've guessed it, Chelsea manage to block it
73 mins : Torres comes agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock, but the Blues' defence clear it off the line
74 mins : Substitution: Yossi Benayoun for Albert Riera:
74 mins : The Spanish striker is having a right good go here, but a stoic Chelsea keep hacking it away
75 mins : 15 minutes left to find a way through
76 mins : Alonso tries to pick out a shot, but it skids wide. Great build-up play, but the end product wasn't there
77 mins : Liverpool are throwing everything at the Chelsea rearguard
78 mins : Arbeloa takes down Kalou
78 mins : The Kop roar on the Reds to attack
79 mins : Torres acrobatically turns and shoots, but Cech comfortably collects
80 mins : Fantastic effort from Benayoun. He cuts inside from the left before unleashing a powerful right-footed shot. Cech gets a hand to it and puts out for a corner
81 mins : Torres has yet another shot blocked, Chelsea attack on the counter
81 mins : Dirk is disposessed just inside the penalty area
83 mins : Another great shot from Yossi
83 mins : Substitution: Ryan Babel for Javier Mascherano:
85 mins : Substitution: Miroslav Stoch for Salomon Kalou:
87 mins : Liverpool keep attacking, but to no avail
89 mins : GOAL! Fernando Torres:
89 mins : Torres heads home to surely secure the points for Liverpool!
90 mins : There will be a minimum of five minutes added time
90 mins : Anfield is bouncing
90 mins : Substitution: David Ngog for Fernando Torres:
90 mins : Liverpool have won!

NEWS STORY : DEGEN MAKES COMEBACK AS RESERVES DRAW

2009-01-29T20:51:00.000-08:00

NEWS STORY : DEGEN MAKES COMEBACK AS RESERVES DRAW
Jimmy Rice in Altrincham 29 January 2009

Liverpool Reserves were held to a goalless draw by arch-rivals Manchester United on Thursday night as Philipp Degen made his comeback from injury.

The result does nothing to improve the Reds' disappointing league position, though they can at least take comfort from looking down on joint bottom United.

Liverpool, who employed a slick 4-1-3-2 formation, could have got more from the game had they capitalised on a decent first-half showing.

Nabil El Zhar flicked a dangerous ball across the face of goal after just two minutes but no one was there. It took another nine minutes for either side to muster a shot when Gerardo Bruna picked up a loose ball before curling over.

One of few chances for David Ngog to repeat his goalscoring antics against Middlesbrough Reserves two weeks ago came after 23 minutes. The Frenchman had options but elected to turn and shoot only for Tomasz Kuszczak to smother.

The hosts were offering little in return, and when they did rouse towards the end of the half, they were twice denied by the rule book.

First, striker Lee Martin broke free of the Reds defence but all he got for his troubles was a yellow card after trying to con a penalty out of goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi. Next Federico Macheda did find the net only to be denied by an offside flag.

A quiet half for Gulacsi, then; though he can expect a bill from Altrincham FC for booting TWO yellow balls over the stands.

The most memorable moment of the opening period came just before the break when, with Kuszczak in no man's land, Ngog parodied Maradona's famous handball before finding an empty net. Sadly for him, the referee was sharper than his counterpart from 1986 and gave the young striker a booking for his indiscretion.

More positive for Liverpool was the return of Swiss right-back Degen, whose first 45 of football since November were useful even if he was restricted to the odd tackle and a couple of surging runs down the right.

The sight of him walking sheepishly towards the bench with 10 minutes of the first half remaining prompted a few groans from Kopites who travelled along the M62 - though thankfully he was just requesting a replacement shin pad.

Having made a tentative step towards a first-team comeback, the Bosman signing watched from the bench as United upped the tempo at the start of the second half.

They would have gone in front through Macheda but for a superb close-range save from Gulacsi.

Perhaps Liverpool's best chance after the break came when the lively El Zhar crossed for Ngog, who skewed his volley.

Rarely do you see a league table with both Manchester United and Liverpool languishing at the wrong end, but that's the reality for Ablett and counterpart Ole Gunnar Solksejar following disappointing seasons. So, it was perhaps no surprise that, despite the best efforts of both sides to play good football, the game petered out as the night wore on.

The last action came with seconds to spare when El Zhar skipped past his man before firing into the side netting from a difficult angle.

Liverpoolfc.tv man of the match: Nabil El Zhar.

Bookings: Damien Plessis, David Ngog.

Gulacsi, Degen (Mendy 45), Darby (cap), Kelly, Spearing, Plessis, El Zhar, Pacheco, Ngog, Simon (Palsson 72), Bruna (Weijl 61). Subs: Bouzanis, Antwi.

CREDIT AND INFO BY HTTP://WWW.LIVERPOOLFC.NET

NEWS STORY YOSSI FRUSTRATED AS POINTS SLIP AWAY

2009-01-29T20:48:00.000-08:00

NEWS STORY : YOSSI FRUSTRATED AS POINTS SLIP AWAY
Joe Curran 29 January 2009

Yossi Benayoun has challenged his Liverpool teammates to turn around their recent string of draws by defeating Chelsea at Anfield on Sunday.

The Israeli international opened the scoring against Wigan Athletic on Wednesday with an impressive goal four minutes before half-time, but Mido struck a late equaliser from the penalty spot to ensure the Reds of a seventh draw in ten matches.

Benayoun told Liverpoolfc.tv he was happy to get on the scoresheet for the second time this term and he has every confidence his teammates have the quality to turn things around soon.

"Scoring goals is good on a personal level, but the important thing is to play well for the team. I was quite happy with the way I played today, but it obviously wasn't good enough in the end," he said.

"We have to try to play better and must score the second goal when we are winning 1-0, but were unable to do that today.

"We had a lot of creative players on the pitch and we did our best. Everyone gave 100 per cent against Wigan but sometimes that is not good enough.

"But football can be like this. They only had one counter-attack near the end and got a penalty from it. We should have got a second goal before that to make sure of the win.

"We are very disappointed and expect to win these games, and we have to start winning games soon - that needs to start on Sunday with a very important game against Chelsea.

"Every game is important. We have to take three points against Chelsea just like we should have won against Wigan.

"It's important to take each game as it comes and Chelsea is the next game at home, so we have to concentrate and do our best against them.

"I'm sure that we will turn things around and start winning games soon - that is something we have to do. We definitely have the quality to do that - we have a lot of big players like Stevie, Carra and Torres - the next game will be massive for us."

Credit and Info By http://www.liverpoolfc.net

Last Match : WIGAN ATHLETIC 1 - 1 LIVERPOOL

2009-01-29T20:40:00.000-08:00

WIGAN ATHLETIC 1 - 1 LIVERPOOL
Wednesday 28 January 2009 19:45 , Barclays Premier League

REDS HELD TO LATICS DRAW

Liverpool have been held to a 1-1 draw with Wigan Athletic at the JJB Stadium after a late Mido penalty cancelled out Yossi Benayoun's first-half strike.

Mido scored from the penalty spot on his Wigan debut with eight minutes of the match remaining to earn an unlikely draw for Steve Bruce's side after Benayoun jinked in to fire home from close range at the end of the first half for Liverpool.

Lucas Leiva took down the Egyptian striker after a Wigan counter-attack and referee Phil Dowd had no other option but to indicate for a spot kick.

The result means the Reds are now two points behind league leaders Manchester United with one more game played than Alex Ferguson's side. Rafa Benitez's side have also slipped to third in the table on goal difference after Chelsea cruised to a 2-0 win over Middlesbrough at Stamford Bridge.

It will undoubtedly be looked upon as two points dropped, and the Reds will surely be disappointed after dominating for much of the match.

With his Liverpool charges playing important games in the space of seven days, Benitez took the opportunity to rotate his squad for this clash with Wigan.

Yossi Benayoun came into the side in place of Dirk Kuyt on the right wing, while Fabio Aurelio replaced Andrea Dossena at left-back and Xabi Alonso made way for Lucas Leiva in the centre of midfield.

Latics' manager Steve Bruce had no such luxury, however, and was forced into making three last-minute changes after Chris Kirkland, Titus Bramble and Antonio Valencia all pulled up with injuries.

Mike Pollitt started between the sticks, while Emmerson Boyce came in at the centre of defence and Michael Brown started in place of Valencia on the right wing.

The Reds began the match brightly and tested the Latics rearguard with a series of searching balls within the opening five minutes.

Steven Gerrard floated over a searching free-kick on two minutes which flashed past Pollitt's goal, and Benayoun showed the odd glimmer of trickery when coming in from the right wing.

With Wigan fielding a new-look starting line-up, they looked a lot less organised than what we have become used to seeing from a Steve Bruce side. Javier Mascherano enjoyed a lot of time on the ball, and the Liverpool back four were allowed to push up in support of the attacks.

Then a left-sided Ryan Babel got some space to link up with Steven Gerrard to produce Liverpool's best chance of the half so far on 11 minutes. The Dutch forward jinked past two players before threading a ball to the Reds skipper, who put in a pinpoint cross for Fernando Torres .

El Nino came agonisingly close to scoring with a glancing header, but his effort rebounded off the post and, fortunately for Wigan, to safety. That's twice the Spanish striker has hit the post in as many league games - surely it would be only a matter of time until he finally found the net.

Torres created a chance out of nothing for himself five minutes later. Picking the ball up 20 yards out with his back to goal, he turned and struck a first-time pot shot which went narrowly wide. The number nine was certainly seeing a lot of the ball.

But Liverpool were by far the superior team here throughout the first half. Never mind goalmouth action, the continuous pressure from Rafa Benitez's side restricted Wigan to only a handful of forays into the opposition's half. Their first opportunity of the match came only after 25 minutes had past, and even that lobbed header was comfortably collected by Pepe Reina.

Benayoun created another opportunity for the Reds just before the half-hour mark.

The Israeli utility man dummied from an Alvaro Arbeloa pass to allow Ryan Babel space before picking the ball up on the right-hand side of the penalty near the goal line, but his cross was just between Torres and Gerrard, where neither could get anything on it to get a shot on goal.

Lucas surged forward from midfield two minutes later and with the Wigan defence backing off, the Brazilian had a lot more time than he first thought to get a shot in. He disappointingly scuffed his effort wide despite having the space to inflict more damage.

But then Liverpool gifted Wigan an opportunity to take the lead against the run of play on 35 minutes. Five blue shirts were left unmarked inside the penalty area as a dangerous ball came in, but Emmerson Boyce couldn't get anything behind his header and Reina easily saved. The Reds were really let off the hook there.

The Latics had certainly come back into the proceedings and appealed for a penalty when Martin Skrtel seemed to take down Paul Scharner in the penalty area. But referee Phil Dowd waved play on.

But Liverpool responded to the pressure in the best possible way and took the lead through Yossi Benayoun with four minutes of the half left to play.

Mascherano brought the ball forward and did especially well to pick out Benayoun's run into the area. The Israeli kept his composure to take the ball around Pollitt before firing into the empty Wigan goal from an acute angle. A great finish from a tight angle on the right-hand side.

After scoring the winner in this fixture last year, the JJB Stadium was proving to be a very happy hunting ground for Benayoun, and Liverpool went into the break with a deserved one-goal cushion - but only after Steven Gerrard came close to getting a second on the stroke of half-time with a fantastic shot from over 30 yards out.

A testy opening to the second half ensued, with both sides hacking long passes forward but enjoying no real breaks.

Aurelio tried a long-range shot from a centrally placed, free-kick; Maynor Figueroa went on a marauding run at the Reds defence, but even though Wigan looked the brighter team, there wasn't much to shout about in the first 15 minutes of action after the break - a lot of loose passes were going astray.

But Wigan continued to improve and were starting to show some of the dangerous forays forward they penetrated Liverpool with at Anfield fixture earlier on in the season. That nail-biting 3-2 victory might have been punctuated by the always dangerous Amr Zaki, but this one seemed to be much more about a team effort from Steve Bruce's side.

They were starting to reap the benefits of a changed gameplan and really getting under Liverpool's skin.

Liverpool really needed a cushion here, and were always at risk of letting in an equaliser from an ever-improving Wigan Athletic outfit. Amr Zaki really came into the game midway through the second half after a quiet 65 minutes and looked dangerous out on the left flank.

Ryan Babel took up a much more advanced position when Fernando Torres made way for Albert Riera on 71 minutes. With a crucial match against Chelsea on the horizon, it seemed that Benitez was looking to rest his Spanish striker.

Steven Gerrard almost added a second goal for the Reds on 74 minutes. The number eight gained a couple of yards from his marker before cutting in from the right flank and hitting a fierce shot on the half volley, but the strike skidded narrowly wide.

Goalscorer Benayoun was next to make way, with Dirk Kuyt coming on with 15 minutes remaining.

With both sides cancelling each other out, this match had gone into something of a lull by the 76th minute, but then, with the game seemingly heading for a 1-0 victory, Lucas Leiva took down Jason Koumas to give away a penalty with seven minutes remaining.

Mido made no mistake on his debut to level the scores from 12 yards.

It was a bitter pill for Liverpool to swallow after dominating for so long, but no one could complain with the referee's decision to point to the spot - everyone in the ground could see that Lucas had made contact with Koumas.

The equaliser had really put the wind in Wigan's sails, and they continued to attack. Substitute Koumas nearly nicked it for the Lancashire side in injury time with a thunderous free-kick.

Liverpool will look upon this result as a missed opportunity as the match finished honours even. History might record this as a 1-1 draw, but it certainly feels like a defeat tonight.

Teams

Liverpool: Reina, Aurelio, Carragher, Skrtel, Arbeloa, Babel, Mascherano, Leiva, Benayoun, Gerrard (captain), Torres. Subs - Alonso, Keane, Dossena, Riera, Cavalieri, Kuyt, Agger

Wigan Athletic: Pollitt, Figueroa, Scharner, Boyce, Melchiot (captain), De Ridder, Brown, Cattermole, Taylor, Zaki, . Subs - Camara, Watson, Kingston, Rodallega, Kapo, Edman, Koumas

Referee: Phil Dowd

Conditions: Cold

Attendance: Unknown

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

Last Match HiLight : LIVERPOOL 1 - 1 EVERTON

2009-01-28T05:16:00.000-08:00

LIVERPOOL 1 - 1 EVERTON
Sunday 25 January 2009 16:00 , FA Cup 4th Round

GERRARD STRIKE EARNS REDS REPLAY

Liverpool's FA Cup dream is still alive after Steven Gerrard's second-half equaliser earned a 1-1 draw with Everton in a hard-fought fourth round clash at Anfield.

The inspirational midfielder netted his second Merseyside derby goal within a week to cancel out Joleon Lescott's 27th minute header and secure a replay at Goodison Park.

It was the least Liverpool deserved after dominating throughout the contest, and the Skipper's 15th goal of the season means we will now face yet another meeting with the Blues to decide which side will book a fifth round tie at home to Aston Villa or Doncaster Rovers.

Heading into the 210th Merseyside derby Rafael Benitez made four changes to the team that had drawn 1-1 in the first match of the double header with David Moyes' side on Monday night.

The inclusion of Ryan Babel and attack-minded full-backs Alvaro Arbeloa and Andrea Dossena was a sign of Liverpool's intent, and further evidence of the Reds' desire came after just 20 seconds when Xabi Alonso sent a drilled effort just wide of Tim Howard's far post from 25 yards.

The visitors had barely recovered when Fernando Torres sent a devilish ball in from the right, but Babel could not react in time to turn an effort goalwards.

There was much more purpose to Liverpool's play than in the early stages of the league encounter and on 12 minutes Gerrard found Jamie Carragher just inside the visitors' penalty area. The defender dragged the ball away from his marker with a sublime piece of skill before fizzing a shot into the side netting.

It was an outrageous piece of play by the vice-captain and proved to be the highlight of the Red's early dominance.

On the eve of the contest Everton had suffered the blow of losing creative midfielder Mikel Arteta through injury and they rarely looked capable of opening up the home side in open play.

However, they were always threatening from set pieces and despite enduring a barrage of attacks, they broke forward to open the scoring from their first corner of the match on 27 minutes.

Pienaar's searching delivery from the left found Cahill unmarked at the far post and when he headed towards goal, Lescott was on hand to nod it into the net from underneath Pepe Reina's nose.

The Reds stopper - whose last appearance in the FA Cup came in the final itself against West Ham in Cardiff in 2006 - had been little more than a spectator prior to the goal, and he had little to do in the remainder of the match as Everton sat back, desperately hoping to defend their lead.

As expected, the Reds pushed for an equaliser but struggled to get in behind the Toffees' rearguard, with Javier Mascherano's deflected strike from distance the closest they came prior to the interval.

However, as they attacked the Kop end, Liverpool stepped it up a gear in the second 45 and after initially going close with an unorthodox overhead effort, Gerrard pulled the hosts level on 54 minutes.

The ball was fed into Torres midway inside the Everton half and after holding off two defenders he expertly back heeled a pass into the skipper's path, and he raced through to steer a low effort beyond Howard at his near post.

The initiative was now with the home side and the inspirational number eight was nearly celebrating again just three minutes later, but the Blues stopper made a magnificent save to keep him out after Torres had chested the ball into his path.

It was one-way traffic at this point and as the clock ticked down Everton became more and more desperate in their bid to force a replay.

Dirk Kuyt went close to winning it but saw his low shot beaten away by Howard before Torres' goalbound strike from Gerrard's cut back was somehow deflected to safety by a Blues defender.

With just minutes left Liverpool continued to push, but they could not fashion a second goal and must now secure their second Goodison Park win of the season, if they are to maintain their hopes of reaching Wembley.

Teams

Liverpool: Reina, Dossena, Carragher, Skrtel, Arbeloa, Babel, Alonso, Mascherano, Kuyt, Gerrard (captain), Torres. Subs - Hyypia, Leiva, Riera, Ngog, Cavalieri, Benayoun, Aurelio

Everton: Howard, Baines, Lescott, Jagielka, Hibbert, Osman, Neville (captain), Castillo, Pienaar, Cahill, Anichebe. Subs - Yobo, Gosling, Nash, Jacobsen, Rodwell, Jutkiewicz, Van der Meyde

Referee: Steve Bennett

Conditions: Fine

Attendance: Unknown

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

NEWS STORY : RAFA'S MESSAGE TO LIVERPOOL STARS

2009-01-20T04:36:00.000-08:00

NEWS STORY : RAFA'S MESSAGE TO LIVERPOOL STARS
Jimmy Rice at Anfield 19 January 2009

Rafa Benitez has told his disheartened players they still have an excellent chance of ending Liverpool's long wait for a league title despite missing out on top spot with a 1-1 draw against Everton.

Steven Gerrard looked to have given the Reds all three points with a wonderful hit from 30 yards. Anfield was stunned, however, when Tim Cahill nodded home at the near post with just minutes remaining.

The result puts Liverpool level on points with leaders Manchester United, who have a superior goal difference and a game in hand.

Asked how big a blow a derby draw was to his side's title hopes, Benitez replied: "It is too soon. We are in a very good position. It could be better, but we have to look at the positives. We are level on points at the top with Man Utd and it's January. We are also through in the Champions League and the Cup.

"We have to be disappointed because we dropped two points when we were winning with three minutes to go, but still there are a lot of positives.

"You have to think about whether we would have wanted to be in this position if you asked back in August - I can guarantee that 100 per cent of the fans would have said yes.

"I have told the players - and it's not easy because everyone is disappointed - that they have to look at the positives.

"We can play better. Some players are coming back from injury and they will improve."

Asked if the foul from Yossi Benayoun which led to Everton's equaliser was avoidable, Benitez added: "I have seen the replay of how we conceded and maybe it wasn't necessary. The delivery was really good but maybe we could have done better."

Reporters also quizzed Benitez on whether he regretted substituting Fernando Torres shortly before the leveller.

He said: "I do not know what difference it would have made to have a very tired Torres on the pitch defending this free-kick."

Credit and Info By : http://www.liverpoolfc.net/

LAST MATCH STATS : LIVERPOOL 1 - 1 EVERTON

2009-01-20T04:29:00.000-08:00

LIVERPOOL 1 - 1 EVERTON
Monday 19 January 2009 20:00 , Barclays Premier League

REDS HELD TO DERBY DRAW

Liverpool have drawn level on points with Manchester United at the top of the Barclays Premier League after Tim Cahill cancelled out Steven Gerrard's strike to secure a point for the Blues in the 209th Merseyside derby at Anfield.

It was a pulsating match from start to finish, but Liverpool will be disappointed not to take more from this clash after enjoying so much possession in the second half. The result means the Reds are second only on goal difference at the league summit.

The singing of 'You'll Never Walk Alone' was always going to be particularly rousing for a match as big as this, but it seemed that the recent death of massive Reds fan, Bobby Wilcox, and Gerry Marsden being made a Freeman of the city on the same day as this derby clash made the singing of the Liverpool anthem extra special.

This wasn't so much one of those derbies which started off with flying tackles and hard challenges -Howard Webb didn't even blow for the first foul until after seven minutes - it was more of a high tempo affair with plenty of chances in the opening minutes.

Only 35 seconds had gone when Blues forward Victor Anichebe chested down and shot goalwards at the Kop end. Pepe Reina got just enough to it to make sure the shot went out for a corner, but it served as proof that David Moyes' side had not come to make up the numbers here.

A great flick from Fernando Torres two minutes later sparked off Liverpool's first attack of the match, but Albert Riera put too much on his lofted cross after gaining possession on the left flank and the ball went out for an Everton goal kick.

Robbie Keane found space on the right with five minutes gone and had two opportunities to find his striking partner Torres in the six-yard box. But Everton recovered quickly and managed to intercept both of the Irish marksman's low efforts.

Torres got himself into another great position four minutes later and probed the Blues' defence, looking for a way through. But the Spanish striker was ushered away by the stoic Everton rearguard.

Dirk Kuyt had a half chance to open the scoring on 12 minutes. The Dutchman picked up the ball from a Steven Gerrard free-kick on the far-right corner of the Everton six-yard box and unleashed a snap shot on the half volley, but his effort was well blocked.

Everton looked frustrated by Livepool's superior amount of possession and began to give away a string of free-kicks in dangerous areas on the 15-minute mark.

Joleon Lescott, Leighton Baines and Tony Hibbert were well drilled in defending from set pieces, but the likes of Steven Gerrard, Xabi Alonso and Fabio Aurelio were getting closer with each free-kick and the Reds could have found the net on a number of occasions.

Rafa Benitez's charges were enjoying much less space five minutes later, however. With Phil Neville stirring things up in the middle of the park and Phil Jagielka putting himself about at the centre of Everton's defence, Everton had made a vast improvement on the opening passages of play and were starting to ruffle Liverpool's feathers.

But every time they looked to have gained a grip on the game, Liverpool went down the other end and reminded the Blues once again of their attacking threat.

Torres made an incisive run from the right flank to set up Xabi Alonso for a pot shot on 25 minutes. Standing on the edge of the area, Alonso didn't have long to strike the ball, but he teed himself up and struck a fine shot goalwards, which Everton did well to block.

Then Torres found himself running through on goal and bearing down on Blues stopper Tim Howard. The Spanish striker did the hard part by staying on his feet and keeping Jagielka at bay, but his cool dink rebounded to safety, leaving most of Anfield wondering how Liverpool had not taken the lead.

It was by far the best chance of a fast and furious match so far. Torres might not have started a first team game since November, but he looked sharp as ever from the off - it could only bode well for the remaining 60 minutes.

Everton continued to press and tested Reina with a series of lobbed crosses into the Liverpool box. Unorthodox they might have been, but the Reds' keeper managed to flap away the threat as half-time approached at Anfield.

This was definitely their best spell of the match so far, but Liverpool's defence, particularly Martin Skrtel, withstood the pressure to make sure the scores stayed at 0-0 going into the break.

The opening 45 minutes stayed to a familiar pattern: when one team had a chance, the other side would have just as good an opportunity down the other end.

And things where no different here when Anichebe put a rolled cross into the Liverpool penalty area. Skrtel cleared things up at the back before Liverpool started their own attack at the other end. Riera took the ball in an advanced position before firing a fierce shot at the Blues' goal.

The Spaniard didn't get a clean connection on it, however, and the ball spun into the Everton fans in the Anfield Road end before the referee blew for half-time.

The second half began with a flurry of snow, but the wintery weather did nothing to chill this lively encounter and Everton had yet another half chance from a low cross just one minute after the restart. Anichebe rolled speculative ball in, but Reina was on hand to clear the danger.

Then Liverpool had a penalty appeal waved away by the referee. It looked like Torres had been pushed over inside the penalty area, but even though Howard Webb was well placed right behind the incident, he waved play on, deeming there to be nothing wrong with the challenge.

Torres had got himself into another great position from a quick foray forward, but the Spaniard could only look on from the floor as he rued another missed opportunity.

Liverpool had another great opportunity a few minutes later. Kuyt collected the ball in the Everton six-yard box before taking two touches and laying off to Gerrard. The Reds' captain slid in a low drive which Howard palmed away into the path of Sami Hyypia, but the Fin's close-range effort rebounded out for a goal kick.

This period of sustained pressure continued for some time, and it seemed like it would only be a matter of time until the Reds took the lead. They had no corners during the whole of the first period, but now they had enjoyed a string of them in a 15-minute spell.

Torres had another chance to get on the scoresheet after 62 minutes, this time from just outside the penalty area. The number nine quickly turned and shot, but his effort went about a yard over.

And the pressure finally paid for Liverpool when Steven Gerrard scored one of his trademark goals on 68 minutes.

The centrally placed Reds captain picked up around 25 yards out from Albert Riera before taking one touch and unleashing an unstoppable shot straight past Tim Howard and into the net.

It seemed that there would be only one outcome when the ball left Gerrard's right foot, and within seconds he was revelling in the joy of scoring another goal against Liverpool's local rivals. What a way to mark his 250th game as Liverpool captain.

Liverpool allowed David Moyes' side to attack after that, however. Everton managed to get a few breaks and they made the Reds pay when Yossi Benayoun took down Steven Pienaar on the left flank.

Tim Cahill found the net after Arteta drifted in the resulting free-kick, leaving the Reds with less than two minutes to regain their lead. The Australian midfielder scrambled the ball home to ensure the Blues took a point from this closely fought contest.

Having enjoyed the best of the posession and led with less than two minutes to go, Liverpool will disappointed not to get anything more than just a point. But on reflection, a draw is probably a fair result. Liverpool might have had more chances, but Everton came with a gameplan and stuck to it.

Teams

Liverpool: Reina, Aurelio, Hyypia, Skrtel, Carragher, Riera, Gerrard (captain), Alonso, Kuyt, Torres, Keane. Subs - Benayoun, Babel, Leiva, Dossena, Cavalieri, Arbeloa, Mascherano

Everton: Howard, Baines, Lescott, Jagielka, Hibbert, Pienaar, Cahill, Neville (captain), Arteta, Osman, Anichebe. Subs - Van der Meyde, Rodwell, Castillo, Nash, Jutkiewicz, Kissock, Gosling

Referee: Howard Webb

Conditions: Fine

Attendance: Unknown

Liverpoolfc.tv Man-of-the-Match: Xabi Alonso

HUNT: WHY TORRES CAN LAND NUMBER 19

2009-01-18T23:29:00.001-08:00

HUNT: WHY TORRES CAN LAND NUMBER 19
Paul Hassall 18 January 2009

Roger Hunt believes the return of Fernando Torres can help fire Liverpool to their first title since 1990.

The club's all-time leading scorer in the league is convinced the Spaniard will give Rafael Benitez's side the edge in the second-half of the season and is tipping his former team to end the campaign with championship number 19.

"They can reclaim top spot if they beat Everton and this is the best chance they have had in a long time. I think they can win it and I think they will win it," Hunt said in an exclusive interview with Liverpoolfc.tv.

"When Liverpool drop points the other teams don't seem to take advantage and with Torres now coming back to fitness, I expect them to go from strength to strength.

"Fernando has had a stop-start season so far, but if he stays fit and gets his form back, then it can only benefit us because he has that extra bit of pace and ability to get a goal out of nothing. With him playing regularly up top, I think we'll have a great chance."

Since his arrival from Atletico Madrid last summer, El Nino has developed a lethal partnership with skipper Steven Gerrard.

It is an understanding Hunt feels could be crucial again this season, and he is also backing Robbie Keane to show his best form in the title run-in.

"Torres has a very good understanding with Gerrard and I think that can be key," he said. "But it's not just Gerrard who can form a partnership with him. I thought when we first signed Keane that he would develop a good link with Torres because he is such a clever player.

"Some say it hasn't quite come off yet, but I think Keane has shown glimpses of what he is capable of. He's scored some goals recently against the likes of Arsenal and Bolton and I think he can still have a big say in the latter stages of the season."

Last match HiLiGhT : STOKE CITY 0 - 0 LIVERPOOL

2009-01-10T21:35:00.000-08:00

STOKE CITY 0 - 0 LIVERPOOL
Saturday 10 January 2009 17:30 , Barclays Premier League

REDS STILL TOP DESPITE STOKE DRAW

Liverpool have stretched their lead at the top of the Barclays Premier League despite being held to a goalless draw at Stoke City.

The Reds produced a disjointed performance in their first league match of 2009 but did enough to earn a share of the spoils and increase their advantage to four points ahead of Manchester United's clash with Chelsea on Sunday afternoon.

It was a frustrating evening for Rafael Benitez and his men who twice went close to winning it late on when two Steven Gerrard efforts bounced back off the woodwork.

Prior to the clash, the Reds boss had made six changes from the side that saw off Preston in the FA Cup, with Martin Skrtel returning to partner Sami Hyypia at the heart of the defence.

It was the Slovakian's first start since October and his inclusion suggested the Reds were expecting to encounter a series of aerial assaults from the Potters.

It is a game-plan that has served Tony Pulis' men well this season, and after Dirk Kuyt guided Albert Riera's pinpoint cross wide on eight minutes, they nearly grabbed a shock lead with their first set piece of the match.

A long throw from Rory Delap was only half-cleared by the Liverpool defence and when Amdy Faye launched an up-and-under, the midielder arrived late in the box to crash a shot from six yards against the crossbar.

It was a let-off, but one that the Reds would learn from.

Indeed, the remainder of the first-half was a scrappy affair, with both Hyypia and Skrtel in imperious form at the back, while at the other end Kuyt saw a drilled effort from a tight angle beaten away by Thomas Sorensen.

Rafa and co will have been frustrated by their first-half display and they began the second 45 determined to make a marked improvement.
However, they nearly came unstuck on 50 minutes when Pepe Reina's rushed clearance fell straight at the feet of Stoke striker Dave Kitson.

The former Reading man ran through on goal and rounded the Spanish stopper, only to lift his shot into the side netting with the goal gaping.

Liverpool responded by introducing Fernando Torres into the proceedings and his presence on the pitch almost inspired an immediate breakthrough on 61 minutes, but Hyypia thrashed a shot over after Lucas Leiva had headed back across goal.

El Nino has scored six goals for the Reds this season - all away from Anfield and all from the 55th minute onwards - but there would be no lucky number seven on this occasion, as Stoke held firm.

Teams

Liverpool: Reina, Aurelio, Hyypia, Skrtel, Carragher, Riera, Mascherano, Leiva, Benayoun, Gerrard (captain), Kuyt. Subs - Torres, Plessis, Keane, Dossena, Cavalieri, El Zhar, Babel

Stoke City: Sorensen, Higginbotham, Shawcross, Faye (captain), Wilkinson, Etherington, Whelan, Faye, Delap, Kitson, Cresswell. Subs - Griffin, Pugh, Tonge, Sonko, Olofinjana, Simonsen, Lawrence

Referee: Unknown

Conditions: Very cold

Attendance: Unknown

Liverpoolfc.tv Man-of-the-Match: Sami Hyypia

Breakdown

17:32 GMT : Match Starts
1 min : Stoke City get the match underway
1 min : Late change for Stoke as Diao is injured in the warm-up and replaced by Whelan
3 mins : Free kick to Stoke in a dangerous area 25 yards from goal in a central position
3 mins : Whelan curls the kick high over Reina's goal as Stoke waste a good chance to hit the target
5 mins : Benayoun sends in a deep cross towards Riera but the ball is too high
8 mins : Kuyt glances a header just wide as Riera delivers an accurate cross from the left
11 mins : Delap's first long throw of the afternoon is headed clear
12 mins : The Reds bar is rattled as Delap blasts off the underside of the bar and the ball bounces to safety
16 mins : Liverpool enjoying good possession but not yet tested Sorensen in the Stoke goal
20 mins : Delap picks up a sloppy Lucas pass and charges forward, but his cross is easy for Reina
22 mins : Sorensen saves well as Kuyt goes for goal from a tight angle
30 mins : Shawcross heads home but the goal is ruled out for offside. Stoke have had the better of the last few minutes
37 mins : Riera delivers from the left but Benayoun doesn't gamble in the box and the chance is gone
39 mins : Hyypia concedes a corner from another long throw
18:19 GMT : Half Time Reached
18:34 GMT : Second Half Begins
46 mins : Liverpool get the second period underway
47 mins : Torres is warming up, just as he was throughout the half time interval
47 mins : Free kick in a good area for Liverpool as Gerrard is fouled on the right hand side
48 mins : Gerrard's free kick is headed behind by Shawcross for a corner
49 mins : Now we have a corner thanks to a Mascherano run - already this is better
49 mins : But Sorensen does well to hold the corner kick at the second attempt
50 mins : Reina's kick goes straight to Kitson but the Stoke striker can only fire into the side netting
53 mins : Great defending by Carragher to concede a corner under pressure from Shawcross
59 mins : Stoke win another corner which causes a foul on Reina in the ensuing scramble
60 mins : Substitution: Fernando Torres for Albert Riera:
63 mins : Gerrard has space in the box but Faye makes up ground to make a good challenge
64 mins : First Booking: Steven Gerrard:
65 mins : Gerrard squares the ball to Mascherano who blazes a shot miles over the goal
66 mins : First Booking: Matthew Etherington:
67 mins : Lucas heads the ball across goal and Hyypia is well off target with his shot from a tight angle
70 mins : Stoppage in play as Faye requires treatment on the pitch for cramp
72 mins : Another Delap throw is met by another headed clearance from Hyypia - our best player so far this evening
73 mins : Kitson heads over as another Delap throw is hurled into the box
76 mins : Substitution: Ryan Babel for Yossi Benayoun:
77 mins : Lucas gives away a free kick on the edge of the area
77 mins : First Booking: Lucas Leiva:
78 mins : Substitution: Liam Lawrence for Matthew Etherington:
78 mins : Whelan bends the kick just the wrong side of the post. Good effort
83 mins : First Booking: Andy Wilkinson:
84 mins : Gerrard's free kick crashes off the bar and away for a throw
87 mins : Three minutes plus stoppage time to go - can we find a crucial winner?
88 mins : Substitution: Danny Pugh for Dave Kitson:
89 mins : Babel's shot is deflected behind for a corner
90 mins : Agonisingly close as Torres heads into Gerrard's path and the skipper clips the outside of the post. So close
19:23 GMT : Match Over

Last Match : PRESTON NORTH END 0 - 2 LIVERPOOL

2009-01-03T22:45:00.000-08:00

Last Match HiLighT

PRESTON NORTH END 0 - 2 LIVERPOOL
Saturday 03 January 2009 17:25 , FA Cup 3rd Round

TORRES BACK WITH A GOAL AS REDS PROGRESS

Goals from Albert Riera and the returning Fernando Torres saw Liverpool book their place in the FA Cup fourth round with a 2-0 victory in Preston.

Riera hit an unstoppable drive midway through the first half before substitute Torres tapped in from close range with seconds to go to ensure the Cup shocks suffered by Manchester City, Chelsea and Stoke earlier in the day were not repeated in Lancashire.

Equally as pleasing was the return to footballing matters of Steven Gerrard, who set up El Nino to renew their prolific partnership after the Spaniard's hamstring injury.

Rafael Benitez's selection reflected both the strength of the opposition (Preston are just outside the Championship play-off positions) and the importance of the FA Cup to Liverpool's season after two years without a trophy.

Of the 11 who started, just two could be described as fringe players: Dutch winger Ryan Babel and second choice goalkeeper Diego Cavalieri.

It took 13 minutes for Liverpool's class to show when Riera twisted past two defenders before cutting back to Robbie Keane, who skewed his shot wide.

Seconds later a right-foot drive from Steven Gerrard was fumbled by Andy Lonergan, but the Preston goalkeeper recovered before any of those in red could capitalise.

The visitors were not having it all their own way, mind. Midfielder Richard Chaplow, who starred for Burnley when they knocked Liverpool out of the Cup in 2005, made Cavalieri work from range on 22 minutes. Moments later Wallace drove down the left before curling into the grateful palms of our Brazilian goalkeeper.

The travelling Reds were keeping themselves busy with chants of Shankly, Shankly. The legendary Liverpool manager did enough in his time as a Preston player to have a stand named in his honour; one fittingly given over to the visiting supporters for this third round tie, and one which was about to erupt.

Few in the Shankly Kop were holding their breath on 25 minutes when Riera collected possession on the right-hand side of Preston's box. But the Spain international quickly manoeuvred the ball onto his left foot before tricking his way into a yard of space and smashing beyond the helpless Lonergan.

It would have been two on 40 minutes but for a superb save from Lonergan when Keane weaved his way into a scoring position on the edge of the six-yard box.

Five minutes later Keane again had his head in his hands when Gerrard put a goal on a plate with a fine cross to the back post. A volley was the Irishman's only option but his connection was poor and the ball whacked the hoardings.

Perhaps it affected his confidence. Seconds before half-time Keane was again presented with a golden opportunity to double Liverpool's lead. But, with the goal at his mercy, the striker instead chose to cut back to Riera, whose shot was bravely blocked.

The enforced change of Lucas for Xabi Alonso didn't stop the Reds picking up where they left off when the second half got underway, with Gerrard sending in a devilish ball to Keane, whose shot was deflected out of play. Agger headed wide from the subsequent corner.

It was turning into a busy afternoon for Lonergan, whose acrobatic save denied the excellent Gerrard from 20 yards.

All these chances were doubtless whetting the appetite of Torres, sitting on the Reds bench after seven games out with a hamstring tear.

Preston were creating little in return, though they did have the ball in the back of the net through substitute Stephen Elliott midway inside the second period. Sadly for Alan Irvine's men, Jon 'The Beast' Parkin had been bear-hugging Jamie Carragher for the previous 10 seconds at least.

Still, it roused the hosts, who proceeded to bully and harass Liverpool for the next 10 minutes. A let off arrived when a teasing ball across the face of Cavalieri's goal reached Sean St Ledger, but the centre-back couldn't connect with sufficient bite. Time for Torres.

It seemed El Nino would have just one run and shot to show for his 15 minutes on the pitch until Gerrard burst clear in injury time before unselfishly passing to his old mate, who tucked into an empty net.

Please note that due to FA rules, we are unable to show highlights of the game on Liverpoolfc.tv until midnight on Sunday night.

Teams

Liverpool: Cavalieri, Insua, Hyypia, Agger, Carragher, Riera, Alonso, Mascherano, Babel, Gerrard (captain), Keane. Subs - Skrtel, Torres, El Zhar, Ngog, Leiva, Aurelio, Reina

Preston North End: Lonergan, Davidson, Mawene, St Ledger, Jones, Wallace, McKenna (captain), Chaplow, Sedgwick, Parkin, Mellor. Subs - Nolan, Brown, Carter, Whaley, Nicholson, Elliott, Neal

Referee: Martin Atkinson

Conditions: Freezing

Attendance: 23,046

Liverpoolfc.tv Man-of-the-Match: Daniel Agger

Breakdown

17:27 GMT : Match Starts
1 min : Liverpool get the tie underway at Deepdale
1 min : Parkin turns in the area but is flagged offside as he turns and shoots for goal
3 mins : Jones crosses from the right for Preston but Cavalieri is able to watch the ball drift wide
5 mins : Agger concedes a free kick 30 yards from goal in a central position
5 mins : Wallace takes the kick and forces Cavalieri into a save. Corner to Preston
6 mins : Mawene wins the ball in the air from the corner but directs it off target
10 mins : Liverpool have their first spell of pressure but Preston defend resolutely
12 mins : Riera does well on the left and crosses for Keane but the Irishman can't get a shot on target from a good area
13 mins : Gerrard turns and shoots at goal but Lonergan is well placed to stop the effort from the skipper
17 mins : Alonso bends in a dangerous looking cross which St Leger heads clear
21 mins : Chaplow strikes for goal but it's an easy stop for Cavalieri
23 mins : Good run from Gerrard wins Liverpool their first corner of the match
25 mins : GOAL! Albert Riera: Riera fires a brilliant shot into the roof of the net to break the deadlock
31 mins : Babel has a great chance to double the lead but totally mis-kicks in front of goal. We're in total control now
34 mins : First Booking: Richard Chaplow:
36 mins : Agger tries his luck and wins a corner as his shot is deflected behind
38 mins : Perfect pass from Alonso to find Keane, but Lonergan makes a smart stop as Keane tries to clip the ball over him
43 mins : Carragher thinks he should have a corner and is furious as the referee instead awards a goal kick
44 mins : Keane somehow shoots wide in front of goal after a great cross from Gerrard. Should be 2-0
18:13 GMT : Half Time Reached
18:28 GMT : Second Half Begins
46 mins : Substitution: Lucas Leiva for Xabi Alonso:
46 mins : Early free kick for Preston on the left - but it comes to nothing
47 mins : Another chance goes begging as Agger heads wide from Gerrard's corner into the area
49 mins : Gerrard wins a corner off St Ledger - second half continuing in same pattern as first period
50 mins : No news on Alonso's injury - but he limped off gingerly at end of first period
51 mins : Preston threaten as Parkin and St Ledger combine but Cavalieri is out quickly to collect
55 mins : Substitution: Eddie Nolan for Callum Davidson:
56 mins : Liverpool win a free kick in centre of the field which leads to Mascherano smashing a shot just over
58 mins : Gerrard is in space but Lonergan holds onto his long range drive
59 mins : Better stop from Longeran to keep out the skipper this time - but it's another corner
61 mins : Riera drives a low cross into the danger zone but can't find a red shirt
61 mins : Substitution: Stephen Elliott for Neil Mellor:
64 mins : St Ledger has the ball in the net but the goal is ruled out for a foul in the box
65 mins : Babel crosses from the right to Gerrard who directs a header wide
65 mins : Billy Jones is well off target with an ambitious drive from distance
67 mins : Wallace wins a corner as Preston look for an equaliser
69 mins : Best spell of the game for Preston - can our defence hold firm?
72 mins : Substitution: Fernando Torres for Robbie Keane:
75 mins : Great chance for St Ledger who misses in front of goal after a Wallace free kick
75 mins : Torres gets his first touch and turns superbly before blasting wide
80 mins : Substitution: Barry Nicholson for Richard Chaplow:
80 mins : We're ten minutes away from a place in the fourth round
81 mins : Substitution: Fabio Aurelio for Javier Mascherano:
86 mins : Lonergan makes another stop from another Gerrard shot
90 mins : GOAL! Fernando Torres: Gerrard charges forward and squares for Torres to slot the ball home
19:19 GMT : Match Over

Info and Credit by : www.liverpoolfc.net

NEWS STORY:RAFA: GERRARD PLAYS, TORRES IN SQUAD Jimmy Rice 02 January 2009

2009-01-02T22:51:00.000-08:00

NEWS STORY
RAFA: GERRARD PLAYS, TORRES IN SQUAD Jimmy Rice 02 January 2009

Rafa Benitez today confirmed Steven Gerrard will feature in the FA Cup third round clash with Preston North End on Saturday, while Fernando Torres returns to the squad.

The Liverpool boss is expected to make changes for the Deepdale trip but his skipper will play after excelling since the squad returned to training on Wednesday. In his first press conference since returning from a kidney stone operation, Benitez said: "Steven has been okay, training normally. I said in the statement that I've talked to him. I am supporting him 100 per cent. The best thing for us is that he is focused on football, training well and he will play tomorrow.

"Everyone has been supporting him. We know what's going on and it's clear that it's a special situation but we have to support him because we trust him."

Asked if Gerrard was mentally ready to play, Benitez added: "He will play, and that means, for me, he's ready.

"He is a professional and a very, very good one. He will just be thinking about football. Hopefully he will score some goals, play as well as he was before and everyone will be talking about the game."

On what kind of team will step out in Lancashire, and whether Torres will return after seven games out with a hamstring tear, Benitez said:

"It will be a strong team and we'll try to keep the momentum.

"Maybe we will change some players but we'll still have a very good team on the pitch.

"Gerrard is playing well and hasn't played too many games - he was injured for a long time during different parts of the season. It's not like Dirk Kuyt, who has played every game.

"It's the same with Torres, who's been injured. He and Gerrard have not played too many games so they can play.

"Torres will be in the squad. If we need him he can play. He is not 100 per cent because he hasn't got the match fitness. But he is ready."

Benitez will be further boosted by the imminent return of Fabio Aurelio and Martin Skrtel from injury.

They, along with Torres, will be like three new signings, according to the gaffer.

"They have been very good players for us in the past, so it'll be like signing three new players," said Benitez.

"They are very cheap signings because we haven't spent much money!"

Quizzed on whether there would be any new additions to the squad in January, the boss replied: "If we need something we will try. But we are in a good position and we'll try to use the players we have now."

Meanwhile, Benitez stressed the importance of the FA Cup to Liverpool's season.

He said: "We will try to progress. The FA Cup is a fantastic competition for us so we'll try to progress and go to Wembley if possible.

"It will be difficult. Preston are doing well in the league and we know that to play against Liverpool is always a motivation. We know it will be a classic Cup game."

The tie will see Preston striker Neil Mellor face his former club. Mellor scored six goals in 21 games for Liverpool, and Benitez said:

"Mellor was a very good player for us. He scored fantastic goals against Olympiacos and Arsenal. They were very important goals.

"He is a great finisher and can score a lot of goals - hopefully in the league, not the Cup."

Info and Credit by : www.liverpoolfc.net

Last Match : NEWCASTLE UNITED 1 - 5 LIVERPOOL

2009-01-02T00:04:00.000-08:00

Last Match : NEWCASTLE UNITED 1 - 5 LIVERPOOL

NEWCASTLE UNITED 1 - 5 LIVERPOOL
Sunday 28 December 2008 12:00 , Barclays Premier League

FIVE-STAR REDS END THE YEAR ON TOP

Liverpool will head into 2009 top of the Barclays Premier League after a double from Steven Gerrard and other goals from Sami Hyypia, Ryan Babel and Xabi Alonso (penalty) secured a 5-1 win at Newcastle United.

The Reds dominated throughout a one-sided encounter and followed up their emphatic Boxing Day success over Bolton with another superb attacking display to clinch a second successive league victory at St James' Park for the first time in 21 years.

It means Rafael Benitez's men are now three points clear of second-placed Chelsea, who were held to a 2-2 draw at Fulham.

A lively contest saw the home side create the first real opportunity of the match when United centre back Fabricio Coloccini unleashed a fierce drive that flew just over on seven minutes.

It inspired an instant response from the visitors, with Dirk Kuyt forcing a smart save from Shay Given from a tight angle before Gerrard broke through the middle, only for the Newcastle stopper to block his shot with his feet.

The Republic of Ireland keeper is regarded as one of the best in the business and he proved his quality again on 11 minutes with a magnificent one-handed stop to keep out another stinging drive from the Reds skipper after good play by Babel down the left.

It was one-way traffic at this point and only Sami Hyypia will know how he failed to find the net when he guided a free header from Gerrard's left-wing free-kick inches wide.

Next it was Emiliano Insua's turn to stretch the Magpies defence with a driven cross that somehow evaded everyone in the six yard box before falling to Kuyt at the far post. The Dutchman showed good composure to steady himself and thread a low pass into Lucas who was somehow denied by the inspired-Given from point blank range.

Less than 20 minutes into the match and the Reds should have already had the three points in the bag. It was turning into a case of Liverpool versus Shay Given and he again denied Lucas with an agile dive to keep out the Brazilian's header while Hyypia's flicked volley was hacked off the line.

It was only a matter of time until Liverpool's dominance paid dividends and on 31 minutes they finally beat Newcastle's man of the match to break the deadlock.

A patient team move ended with Javier Mascherano feeding Yossi Benayoun on the right hand side of area and his cut back found our inspirational number eight, who made no mistake with a well placed strike that crashed in off the post.

It was the skipper's 12th goal of the season and one that would provide the catalyst for another emphatic Reds triumph.

Given had single-handedly kept Rafael Benitez's side at bay for just over half an hour, but after such an impressive show of defiance, he soon find himself picking the ball out of the net again just five minutes later.

The Magpies had already shown vulnerability at set pieces and so it came as no surprise when Hyypia finally took full advantage of some sloppy defending to thump a bullet header into the top corner.

The giant Finn was having a quiet day at the back and seemed to be enjoying himself in the opposition penalty area. So much so, that he almost grabbed his second of the game on 40 minutes when he saw his header from Daniel Agger's flick-on beaten away by Given.

As the first-half entered stoppage time, the travelling Kop must have wondered how we hadn't run up a cricket score, and they will have been left hugely frustrated when the Reds switched off at a corner to allow David Edgar to reduce the arrears with a near post header.

"Game on" was the rallying cry from the home support who now felt a point was very much on the cards, particularly given Joe Kinnear's record against Liverpool.

The Magpies boss had only lost three of his 19 matches as a manager against Liverpool prior to the clash, and he would have hoped his side would respond in the second 45 and take advantage of their good fortune to maintain his proud run.

However, if the Geordie faithful were expecting a second-half revival they were to be disappointed, as Liverpool continued where they left off and restored their two-goal cushion within four minutes of the restart.

Yet again, the hosts failed to clear a corner from the right and when the ball fell to Babel inside the six yard box, he was allowed the luxury of miscuing his attempted back-heel before sweeping it beyond Given and the five Newcastle defenders on the goal-line.

Substitute Geremi almost made it interesting on the hour mark when he crashed a 25 yard free-kick against the crossbar, but there was to be no stopping Liverpool, who added a fourth on 66 minutes.

Lucas picked up the ball in the centre circle and played a sublime through ball to Gerrard, who raced clear of his man to clip the ball over Given and claim his second of the match.

So often this season, the Reds have failed to score the goals their performances have deserved, but not on this occasion, as substitute Alonso capped a five-star display with a well struck penalty 14 minutes from time to equal our biggest ever victory at St James' Park.

Teams

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

Newcastle United: Given, Enrique, Taylor, Coloccini, Edgar, N'Zogbia, Butt, Guthrie, Gutierrez, Owen (captain), Duff. Subs - Ameobi, Carroll, Kadar, , Lua Lua, , Harper

Referee: Mark Halsey

Conditions: Cold

Attendance: Unknown

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

Breakdown

12:03 GMT : Match Starts
1 min : The game is underway at St James Park
1 min : N'Zogbia wins a throw on the left hand side after good play by ex-Red Guthrie
4 mins : Babel gets round the back of the Newcastle defence but his low cross is cleared
7 mins : First shot of the game is from Gerrard who sends a right footed effort well over the goal
8 mins : Newcastle respond at the other end as Collocini fires a rasping drive just wide of target
11 mins : Great chance for Gerrard to open the scoring but he delays his shot and Newcastle get the ball away
12 mins : Bad challenge from Carragher on Owen leads to a free kick to the home side on the left
14 mins : It's Gerrard v Given again and once more the Newcastle stopper comes out on top to palm away a fierce effort from our skipper
16 mins : Insua is down after a late tackle from Gutierrez. Free kick on the left for Liverpool
17 mins : Gerrard floats the ball in towards Hyypia and the big Finn glances a header just wide when perhaps he should have done better
20 mins : How hasn't Lucas scored? The ball is squared into his path but Given denies him from one yard out
21 mins : Another close shave as Lucas' header is flying towards the far corner until Given fists the ball to safety.
22 mins : How is this game still goalless? We could be five or six goals up already
27 mins : The ball falls for Gerrard outside the box but his first time shot drifts well wide
31 mins : GOAL! Steven Gerrard: Gerrard breaks the deadlock with a deserved goal after shooting into the top corner from Benayoun's pass
36 mins : GOAL! Sami Hyypia: The lead is doubled as Hyypia heads home Gerrard's corner from 12 yards
42 mins : Given makes another save from another Hyypia header
45 mins : GOAL! David Edgar: Edgar heads home in first half stoppage time to give the home side hope
12:50 GMT : Half Time Reached
13:07 GMT : Second Half Begins
46 mins : Liverpool get the second period underway
46 mins : Substitution: Shola Ameobi for Jose Enrique:
47 mins : Ameobi gets in behind Insua but his cross is too strong and Liverpool can clear
48 mins : Gerrard wins a corner on the far side after good play by Benayoun
50 mins : GOAL! Ryan Babel: Babel turns the ball home from close range after Newcastle fail to deal with a corner
54 mins : Agger is penalised for a foul as Newcastle win a free kick in a dangerous area on the right
54 mins : Substitution: Geremi for Nicky Butt:
57 mins : First Booking: Javier Mascherano:
59 mins : Geremi almost makes an instant impact but his free kick crashes back off the bar
60 mins : Substitution: Xabi Alonso for Yossi Benayoun:
66 mins : GOAL! Steven Gerrard: Gerrard latches onto Lucas' defence splitting pass to clip the ball over Given
68 mins : Decent stop from Reina to keep out a well struck shot from Duff
69 mins : Substitution: David Ngog for Steven Gerrard:
71 mins : Reina collides with the post after dealing with a long ball into the area
74 mins : First Booking: Steven Taylor:
76 mins : Penalty Scored! Xabi Alonso: Alonso slots home from the spot after Ngog is felled in the area
79 mins : Substitution: Martin Skrtel for Dirk Kuyt:
79 mins : Substitution: Kazenga Lua Lua for Michael Owen:
80 mins : Lua Lua tries his luck from long range but it's a tame effort and easily saved
89 mins : Given saves from Lucas and Ngog heads wide of an open goal
90 mins : First Booking: Shay Given:
13:55 GMT : Match Over

LAST MATCH : LIVERPOOL 3 - 0 BOLTON WANDERERS

2008-12-26T23:36:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-21T22:21:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-21T22:19:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-15T04:59:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-11T21:11:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-06T22:21:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-02T00:05:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-01T23:57:00.000-08:00

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.

BELLAMY WILL BE DANGEROUS

2008-11-28T22:39:00.000-08:00

NEWS STORY

BOSS: BELLAMY WILL BE DANGEROUS Joe Curran 28 November 2008

Rafa Benitez today warned of the threat former Reds striker Craig Bellamy will pose when West Ham visit Anfield on Monday.

The Welsh captain scored nine goals during a one-year spell with the Reds before moving to Upton Park in July 2007, and Benitez admitted the Hammers, who climbed to 13th in the league after a 1-0 away win over Sunderland last week, could be dangerous with Bellamy spearheading their attack.

"It will be difficult for them to take something away from Anfield, but it will be hard for us too because it is the Premier League and it's always tough," said Benitez.

"We have experience of teams coming here very well prepared and defending, and I think it will be the same situation with West Ham - they will be organised and have some good players with Bellamy up front, so they will be a threat.

"Bellamy is a good player and was a very good professional when he was with us - he worked very hard.

"We had a lot of confidence in him, he was a good player for us and he is a winner, but some players prefer to play every week and it's something you need to understand.

The Reds boss also revealed he was grateful to get a few more days before the West Ham clash and said: "Clearly it makes a massive difference when we have extra time to prepare for a game. Just one day can be important, but two or three extra days is even better.

"Maybe I will watch some of the other games on Sunday, but I am more concerned about my own team. The main thing for us is to improve and try to get the three points - you cannot do anything about the other teams' results.

"Sometimes it can be more pressure watching what the other teams do, so it's better to relax, enjoy the weekend and try to win when our game comes."

2008-11-28T22:29:00.000-08:00

LAST MATCH HILIGHT

LIVERPOOL V OLYMPIQUE MARSEILLE
Wednesday 26 November 2008 19:45

STEVIE: I WANT TO OUTDO ISTANBUL

2008-11-25T23:07:00.000-08:00

NEWS STORY
STEVIE: I WANT TO OUTDO ISTANBUL Jimmy Rice 25 November 2008

For Kopites of a certain generation, the miracle of Istanbul is our finest hour - a night which could never be bettered. Three down at half-time against an AC Milan side containing Kaka and Paolo Maldini. There was simply no way back.

Until, that is, Steven Gerrard inspired the greatest comeback football had ever seen. Six of the most bizarre minutes in sporting history brought the Reds level before Jerzy Dudek's penalty heroics secured our fifth European Cup. For the players involved, just as for the fans watching from the stands or at home, it was the greatest night of their footballing lives - something they'd be asked about everywhere they went for the rest of their days. No one more so than Gerrard, whose glittering career will always be best remembered for what he did on May 25, 2005. Or so some might believe.

For now, three and a half years later, the Huyton-born midfielder has spoken of his determination to retire having equalled - or even bettered - the seemingly impossible achievement of Istanbul. "I've got a drive and a hunger to match Istanbul, if not beat it," said Gerrard, who is poised to return from injury for Wednesday's penultimate Champions League group game with Marseille.

"Obviously Istanbul was mine and the club's finest hour for a long time. But I don't just want to milk that final. I think I'd have regrets if I didn't win anything else."

Gerrard's list of honours includes two FA Cup triumphs, two League Cup successes and a UEFA Cup winners' medal. All that's missing is the Premier League, but with Liverpool currently joint top of the table, many are predicting the hole in Gerrard's medal collection could soon be filled. "I can understand why people are saying it," added the club captain. "We've gone 2-0 down a couple of times, we haven't given up, and we've managed to turn games around. So they're saying we've got title credentials.

"It's nice, but it raises expectations. It's important to stay humble. We know we're a good team, we know we're getting closer to a title challenge – we can say that. But we've got to prove we can stay in the race till the end."

Liverpool will qualify for the last 16 of the Champions League should they avoid defeat to Marseille, who lie third in the French Ligue 1 following Sunday's 2-2 draw with Lille. "Liverpool belong in Europe," Gerrard said. "Yes, you have to earn the right to be in it, but our history, the number of cups we've won in Europe, it's our stage, it's where we want to be.

"We see how successful the club have been. Players before our generation delivered, and fans expect the same of us today."

HiLight Livero\pool VS Fulham 22/Nov/2008

2008-11-23T00:27:00.001-08:00

HiLight

LIVERPOOL V FULHAM
Saturday 22 November 2008 15:00

The Reds welcome Fulham to Anfield confident of picking up another three points.

The Cottagers have never won at Anfield and in 27 visits to L4 they have only managed seven draws.

Last season Rafa's men left it late to clinch a 2-0 victory with both goals arriving inside the last 10 minutes courtesy of Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard from the penalty spot.

RAFA: IT'S A MISSED OPPORTUNITY

2008-11-23T00:20:00.000-08:00

RAFA: IT'S A MISSED OPPORTUNITY
Jimmy Rice at Anfield 22 November 2008

Rafa Benitez admitted his side missed a golden opportunity to go clear of Chelsea at the top of the league after a frustrating goalless draw at home to Fulham.

The Reds dominated at Anfield but failed to carve out enough clear-cut chances - and those they did went begging. The one consolation was that Chelsea also drew 0-0 at home to Newcastle, meaning Liverpool remain joint top. But Benitez knows it could have been much better.

He said: "It was a bad day. We weren't playing well, we didn't have enough energy and we did not pass well. "But we had three good opportunities even though we played badly.

"We started the second half really well. We had more intensity and more determination. "There is a bit of frustration. We are disappointed because when we got to the dressing room we were told that Chelsea drew and Arsenal lost.

"Clearly it is an opportunity lost - but it's also an opportunity lost for Chelsea." Benitez selected Lucas Leiva in midfield, while Xabi Alonso, who played 90 minutes for Spain in midweek, was named on the bench. The boss said: "We tried to use two or three players with fresh legs but you could see three or four players didn't have the energy. Lucas had fresh legs but Dirk Kuyt and Albert Riera played 90 minutes in midweek and had to fly around."

Fulham boss Roy Hodgson added: "It's a point against a potential champion of this country so we've got to be happy with our performance.

"They've won almost all of their recent games and we knew they were going to throw the kitchen sink at us. You are never comfortable against Liverpool. "A 0-0 at Liverpool is a very good result. My goalkeeper made two very good saves."

	LIVERPOOL 0 - 0 FULHAM Saturday 22 November 2008 15:00 , Barclays Premier League
REDS FRUSTRATED BY FULHAM

Liverpool remain level on points with Chelsea at the top of the Barclays Premier League despite being held to a goalless draw with Fulham at Anfield.

The Reds dominated throughout a lively contest but missed the chance to move clear of Luiz Felipe Scolari's men after failing to find that elusive match winning goal. It was all the more frustrating for Rafa and co after the Londoners drew a blank at home to Newcastle United.

The first chance of what proved to be hugely frustrating match for Liverpool fell to the hosts on four minutes when a magnificent 40 yard ball from Fabio Aurelio found the marauding Alvaro Arbeloa down the right.

The Spaniard showed good awareness to cut the ball back for Dirk Kuyt on the edge of the box but for once the Dutchman couldn't finish and dragged his shot wide of the far post. It set the tone for the rest of the half with the home side wasting a series of good openings while Fulham threatened on the counter attack.

Roy Hodgson's men had not won at Anfield in 27 previous visits prior to kick-off, and although that run has now stretched to 28 matches, they could have given themselves a fighting chance of a shock victory on 20 minutes when they carved Liverpool open.

The Reds failed to clear a right-wing free-kick and after Jimmy Bullard and Clint Dempsey had combined to set up Andy Johnson, the former Everton man fired a gilt-edged opportunity straight at Pepe Reina. It was proving to be an entertaining encounter and although Fulham had their moments, the hosts should have gone in at the interval ahead.

The chance of the half fell to Robbie Keane, who really should have done better after racing on to a flick from Lucas and smashing a shot straight at Mark Schwarzer from just eight yards out.

The returning Fernando Torres - who was making his first league start since the clash at Manchester City on October 5 - then went close with two instinctive efforts before the Cottagers again showed how dangerous they could be on the break when Bullard forced a top drawer save from Reina after Zamora's rampaging run down the right had left the Liverpool defence exposed.
The underlying feeling reverberating around Anfield at the halfway point was one of frustration and the home side set about putting that right with a fast start to the second period. Torres was beginning to have more and more influence on the play and created two good openings in the first five minutes of the half.

First he saw a delightful effort curl just over the top after some good play by Keane, before a brilliant individual run saw him cut in from the left and sting the fingertips of Schwarzer with a sizzling strike. The Reds were turning the screw and the Fulham stopper had to be at his instinctive best again on 70 minutes when he pushed Dirk Kuyt's effort away after a volleyed cross from Albert Riera.

It looked like being one of those days for Rafa and co, and after Lucas and Daniel Agger both went close late on, it would prove to be the case, as Fulham held on to claim a surprise point.

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

Fulham: Schwarzer, Konchesky, Hughes, Hangeland, Pantsill, Dempsey, Bullard, Murphy (captain), Davies, Johnson, Zamora. Subs - Baird, Zuberbuhler, Gray, Gera, Stoor, Kallio,

Nevland Referee: M Halsey Conditions:

Cold Attendance: Unknown

Liverpoolfc.tv Man-of-the-Match: Jamie Carragher

RAFA ON GERRARD, TORRES AND FULHAM

2008-11-22T01:15:00.000-08:00

NEWS STORY

RAFA ON GERRARD, TORRES AND FULHAM Steve Hunter 22 November 2008

Rafa Benitez took 10 minutes out of his pre-Fulham preparations to talk to radio journalists about the game and the week that was.

Journalist: How is Steven Gerrard Rafa?

He is not fit and cannot play against Fulham. Hopefully if everything is okay he can ready for the Champions League game against Marseille.

Journalist: Did it disappoint you that England forced Steven to be seen by their own medical staff before they ruled him out of the friendly game with Germany?

We know the rules and we respect the rules. I will not talk too much about this because we don't have another international break until March. I prefer not to say anything. The question was Gerrard couldn't play so we were right when we said he was injured, and that's it.

Journalist: How are the rest of your squad after the midweek matches?

The rest of the players are fit and can play. Some of them played in very difficult games but everybody is happy. Hopefully after the game against Fulham we will all be very happy.

Journalist: Fernando Torres scored for Spain in midweek, how much of a boost was that for you?

Clearly he needed match fitness and the only way he can get that is by playing games. I was watching Spain against Chile which was a difficult game played at a high tempo and he did well. He scored a very good goal so hopefully he can now score for us on Saturday. Last season he scored a crucial goal for us against Fulham and hopefully he can score early on Saturday and then we can enjoy the game.

Journalist: What's his fitness level like now?

It's difficult to say. Clearly for the Carling Cup game against Tottenham he was not fit. Against Bolton he was better and then he scored for Spain and looked sharp. What did you make of Javier Mascerano captaining Argentina in midweek? We knew this could be a possibility. He has that mentality and I know Maradona is very pleased with him so that is very positive. To be captain of your country means you have the quality, the character and the right mentality for being a success.

Journalist: Fulham up next Rafa. What sort of test will they be for your team? They are playing well. They have won their last two games in a row and have confidence. They have quality in midfield and a lot of pace up front. We know every game in the Premier League is difficult but we have confidence. The team is playing well and we want to keep the momentum.

Journalist: Will you have to keep a close eye on their front two of Johnson and Zamora? The understanding between them is good. We know Johnson from his time at Everton and he is very dangerous. Zamora is also a good player and they can both make it difficult for defenders.

Journalist: Another key player for Fulham is Jimmy Bullard who has come back from a serious injury. How highly do you rate him as a player?

Clearly he has quality. He has energy from midfield and he is always a threat. He can be very dangerous.

Journalist: You missed a lot of chances against Bolton last week. Is that something you need to improve on and be more clinical to finish games off quicker?

Clearly the team is playing well. We are creating chances and we know that we have to take our chances and be more clinical.

Journalist: Your supporters automatically expect you to beat Fulham. Does that bring any added pressure? It's always difficult, especially after an international break. We were talking about this yesterd

ay and the players know they have to be focused from the beginning to the end of the game. We don't want to make mistakes and we know what we have to do.

Journalist: Is there a belief amongst your players that you could finish as high up in the table as you have done for some time this season?

Clearly we have belief and confidence in ourselves. Also we know the only way to be contenders is to take one game at a time. That is the key for me.

Journalist: Dirk Kuyt has had a great start to the season and is scoring a lot of goals for you. How important is he to your team?

Everybody can see how hard he works for the team in every game. Now he is scoring a lot of goals and I'm really pleased for him and his teammates are very happy with this situation. He is a very good professional.

Journalist: We are coming up to the 10th anniversary of Steven Gerrard's first team debut. Just how important is he to Liverpool FC?

Everybody can see how good he is on the pitch and he is also a nice lad. When you talk with him you can see his commitment to this club. Hopefully he can win more trophies and be here for another 10 years.

Journalist: It's quite rare these days isn't it for a player to be loyal to one club for 10 years...

It's not easy. There is a lot of money around and a lot of top clubs are asking about one player, but I am really pleased to have Gerrard here with us. Clearly he has passion for the club. He loves this club and he loves the city. Maybe he can be the manager who will replace me in the future!

You can listen to the big game live on Liverpoolfc.tv from 2.30pm GMT. Click here to sign up for an e-Season Ticket>>

Match 22 November 2008 15.00

2008-11-22T01:00:00.000-08:00

NEXT MATCH

LIVERPOOL V FULHAM
Saturday 22 November 2008 15:00

News Updates.

NEW VIDEO: THE LFC WEEK IN 10 MINUTES Paul Eaton 21 November 2008
It's been another busy week in the world of Liverpool FC with games and goals involving the first team, reserve team and academy teams and you can now enjoy a complete recap - along with snippets of exclusive interviews - online.

'The week in 10 minutes' is a brand new video feature exclusively available to e-Season Ticket holders and will be published every Friday afternoon, documenting the previous seven days in the life of the Mighty Reds. In this week's clip you can relive the best of the action from the victory at Bolton, the reserves' return to winning ways over Wigan and the under-18s impressive derby victory over local rivals Everton. You'll also hear from manager Rafael Benitez, full-back Fabio Aurelio, reserve boss Gary Ablett and skipper Jay Spearing as well as under-18s coach Hughie McAuley.

Click here to watch the review of the week now>> If you're not an e-Season Ticket subscriber then then make sure you sign up today and you'll also be able to enjoy live commentary from Anfield on Saturday as the Reds take on Roy Hodgson's men. With weekly interviews with the manager and players at Melwood, goals, highlights and expert analysis from every Premier League, Champions League and Carling Cup game we play, live commentary from wherever in the world the Reds are playing, live coverage of the reserve team, action from the Academy and exclusive 'Top 100' countdowns, the e-Season Ticket has never been better value for money and could be yours for as little as 13p per day. And, of course, if you sign up for an e-Season Ticket you can also enjoy live streaming of LFC TV - the club's dedicated channel - or enjoy the best bits on demand whenever you want.

Click here for more information and to sign up today>>

His Life

2008-10-23T04:28:00.000-07:00

Early career

Torres, born on 20 March 1984, became interested in football as a child and joined his first team, Parque 84, at the age of five.[1] His grandfather was not passionate about football, but prided himself in being an Atlético Madrid supporter, and Torres inherited his love for the Madrid club
When he was seven years-old, he started playing regularly in an indoor league for his neighbourhood club, Mario’s Holland, as a forward.Three years later, aged ten, he progressed to playing for an 11-side team, Rayo 13.After an impressive season with his new club, in which he scored 55 goals, Torres was one of three Rayo 13 players to earn a trial with Atlético Madrid. He impressed the scouts and, aged just eleven, joined the club in 1995.

Club career

Atlético Madrid

Torres arguing with the referee during a match with AtléticoAfter progressing through the ranks, Torres won his first important youth title in 1998. Atlético Madrid sent an under-15 team to compete in the Nike Cup, both domestically and European, to play youth teams from prominent European clubs; Atlético won the tournament.He was later voted the best player in Europe for that age-group. In 1999, aged fifteen, Torres signed his first contract with Atlético Madrid. He spent his first year playing in the youth team team and them moved onto the participating in the Honour Division when he was 16. The 2000–01 season had started badly, as Torres suffered from a cracked shinbone that kept him out of action until December.Torres trained with the first team to get prepared for pre-season, but eventually made his debut for the team on 27 May 2001, at Vicente Calderón, against Leganés. A week later, he scored his first goal for the club against Albacete and the season finished with Atlético narrowly mising out on promotion to La Liga.

The 2001–02 season saw Atlético win promotion back to La Liga, which was a poor one for Torres, during which he netted only six times in 36 appearances in the Segunda Division.Torres' first season at the highest level of Spanish football, 2002–03, was a good one which saw him manage to score 12 goals in 29 appearances as Atlético finished 11th. In the 2003–04 season, his second in La Liga, Torres made further strides, scoring 19 league goals in 35 appearances, meaning he finished as joint third highest scorer in the league. Aged just nineteen, he was also named Atlético's club captain. Atlético narrowly missed out on qualification for the UEFA Cup, but by finishing in 7th place in 2004 they qualified for the UEFA Intertoto Cup, giving Torres his first taste of European club competition. He scored two goals in the two round four matches against OFK Beograd, with one coming in each leg. Atlético reached the final, but lost on penalties to Villarreal. Premier League champions Chelsea were believed to be interested in Torres in 2005, but Atlético president Enrique Cerezo said that they had "no chance" of signing him. Cerezo later said in January 2006 that the club were willing to listen to offers for Torres, and Torres claimed Newcastle United had made a bid to sign him in March.

After the 2006 FIFA World Cup, in which Torres participated as a member of the Spanish national team, he admitted that he had turned down the chance to join Chelsea at the end of the 2005–06 season. Following the 2006–07 season, in which he scored 14 La Liga goals, Torres' future at Atlético was once again the subject of speculation after their inability to secure an automatic UEFA Cup spot. Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United were all linked with a move for him,with reports in the English media stating that Torres was the main transfer target of Liverpool.The rumours reached such a fever pitch that Atlético president Enrique Cerezo made a statement saying, "We've received no offer from Liverpool or any other club or player." However, a few days later, new reports suggested Atlético had agreed a deal with Liverpool for Torres; the fee rumoured was £25 million with Luis García moving in the opposite direction in a separate transfer deal. Then on 30 June Atlético announced a deal with Villarreal to sign Diego Forlán, which was seen as a move to replace Torres before his departure had become official. On 2 July it was reported Torres had cut short a holiday to fly back to Madrid to finalise the move to Liverpool. The following day, Torres passed a medical for Liverpool and it was announced that a farewell press conference would be held in Madrid on 4 July to bid farewell to the Atlético fans.The transfer fee is the highest paid in Liverpool's history, and in March 2008, manager Rafael Benítez confirmed to The Times that Torres was acquired for around £20 million.

Liverpool

Torres playing for Liverpool against Middlesbrough on 23 February 2008, during which he scored a hat-trickTorres made his competitive debut for Liverpool against Aston Villa in a 2–1 win on 11 August 2007. He made his first appearance in the UEFA Champions League four days later in a 1–0 victory over Toulouse, after coming on as a 78th minute substitute.[19] His first Premier League goal came on his Anfield debut on 19 August, in the 16th minute in a 1–1 draw against Chelsea. His first hat-trick came in a 4–2 victory over Reading in the League Cup in September, with all of his goals coming in the second half. His first goals in the Champions League came on his third appearance in the competition as Liverpool beat F.C. Porto 4–1, during which he scored twice.

He won the Premier League's player of the month award for February, during which he scored four goals in two league appearances, including a hat-trick against Middlesbrough on 23 February 2008. This hat-trick and another in a 4–0 victory over West Ham United on 5 March 2008 meant he became the first Liverpool player since Jackie Balmer in November 1946 to score a hat-trick in successive home matches. Later in March, after he scored a 47th minute header against Reading at Anfield, he became the first Liverpool player since Robbie Fowler in the 1995–96 season campaign to score 20 league goals in a season.

In April, he scored another Champions League goal, this time against Arsenal in the quarter-final second leg, to help take Liverpool through to the semi-final.This goal took him onto 29 goals for the season in all competitions, eclipsing former Liverpool favourite Michael Owen's personal record for goals in a season.On 11 April 2008, it was announced Torres had made a six man shortlist for the PFA Players' Player of the Year Award, which was eventually won by Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United. The Spanish international was also nominated for the PFA Young Player of the Year Award, which was won by Cesc Fàbregas of Arsenal and was named in the PFA Team of the Year. In May, he finished second to Ronaldo for the FWA Footballer of the Year award.

On 4 May 2008, Torres scored a 57th minute winner against Manchester City, which equalled the consecutive Anfield league goal record of eight games set by Roger Hunt. After scoring his 24th league goal in the final game of the season, a 2–0 win against Tottenham Hotspur, he set a new record for the most prolific foreign goal scorer ever in a debut season in England, eclipsing Ruud van Nistelrooy's 23 goals. He ended the season in joint second with Emmanuel Adebayor in the race for the Premier League golden boot. Torres was subject to media speculation that Chelsea were willing pay £50 million to sign him,to which Torres responded to by saying it will be "many years" before he leaves Liverpool. Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks later said he would not allow him to leave the club at any price.

International career
In February 2001, Torres won the Algarve Tournament with the Spain under-16 team. The under-16s took part in the 2001 UEFA European Under-16 Football Championship in May, which they also won, with Torres scoring the only goal in the final, as well as finishing as the tournament's leading goalscorer and was also named the player of the tournament. In November 2001, Torres represented Spain at the 2001 FIFA Under-17 World Championship, but the team failed to progress through the group stage. In July 2002, he won the 2002 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship, finishing as top scorer and being named player of the tournament and was again the only goalscorer in the final.

In 2003, Torres made his senior debut for the senior Spanish national team on 6 September 2003 in a friendly against Portugal. His first goal for Spain came against Italy on 28 April 2004. He was chosen as part of the Spanish squad for Euro 2004, but only managed to appear as a late substitute in Spain's first two group games, but made the first eleven for the deciding game against Portugal; Spain lost 1–0 and were eliminated.

He scored seven goals in eleven appearances in qualifying for the 2006 FIFA World Cup,[making him Spain's top scorer for qualification. At his first ever appearance in a World Cup finals at the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany, Torres scored the final goal in a 4–0 victory over Ukraine with a volley. In the second group match, Torres scored twice against Tunisia; firstly in the 76th minute to take Spain 2–1 into the lead and then again from a penalty kick in the 90th.[41] He finished the tournament as Spain's joint top scorer alongside fellow striker David Villa with three goals. The Madrilenian was called up to Spain's UEFA Euro 2008 squad, where he set up Villa to score Spain's first goal of the tournament in the opening game against Russia. Torres came under criticism for apparently refusing to shake the hand of Spanish manager, Luis Aragonés, after being substituted. He has since denied being angry with the coaching, citing that he was actually "angry with himself".He scored his first goal of the tournament after scoring the opening goal in Spain's next game, a 2–1 win over Sweden. Torres scored the winner and claimed the man of the match award in the final against Germany in a 1–0 victory. He was later named in the "team of the tournament".

Fernando Torres Song

2008-07-02T09:02:00.000-07:00

Fernando Torres Music Video and Song

Liverpool - Fernando Torres Song With Music + Goals

Fernando Torres

FERNANDO TORRES AT LIVERPOOL FC [PICTURES, VID, MUSIC]

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The Perfect Stiker: Fernando Torres Part I

The Perfect Stiker: Fernando Torres Part II

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Fernando Torres - 2 of a Kind

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