Liverpool again wasted a chance to take a commanding lead at the top of the Premier League as brave West Ham forced a goalless draw at Anfield.

• Upson pleased for Zola
It is 45 years since they have won at this stadium, so this first point in nine years at Liverpool was a fine achievement.

West Ham have never been known for their defensive reliability at Liverpool, but they were magnificent as they stretched an unbeaten run to three games.

At the back goalkeeper Robert Green, England defender Matthew Upson and Welshman James Collins stood defiant.

And another Welshman, former Liverpool man Craig Bellamy, came close to breaking the deadlock with a 30-yard shot which crashed against a post.

Liverpool are back on top of the table, but by only one point, and this disappointing display follows hot on the heels of an identical result achieved by Fulham here in the previous home league game.

Liverpool dominated, but West Ham repelled the waves of attacks as they grabbed a crucial point in their own battle for survival.

Liverpool called in veteran defender Sami Hyypia and former West Ham winger Yossi Benayoun, keen to take advantage of Chelsea's defeat by Arsenal 24 hours earlier.

Robbie Keane and Andrea Dossena replaced the injured pair Fernando Torres and Fabio Aurelio, with Daniel Agger and Javier Mascherano rested to the bench.

West Ham, without a win at Anfield since 1963, brought in Hayden Mullins in midfield for ankle injury victim Lee Bowyer, in the only change from the side that won at Sunderland last time out.

Mark Noble returned to the Hammers bench after a knee injury, while Diego Tristan made his first appearance in the squad since he joined on trial two months ago.

Liverpool had two early penalty appeals turned down by referee Peter Walton when both Benayoun and then Dirk Kuyt drove the ball at Herita Ilunga from close range.

West Ham had looked nervy, and after 14 minutes Green raced from his line to punch weakly away. The ball fell to Albert Riera whose shot was blocked in the six-yard box by James Collins.

Then from a right-wing corner, Hyypia rose to head narrowly over the bar. The Liverpool pressure increased and Mullins was booked after 19 minutes when he tripped Benayoun in full flow.

Two minutes later another header from Hyypia was kicked off the line by Ilunga.

West Ham's only shot until this point had been a weak long-range effort from Julien Faubert, scooped up by Jose Reina.

But Liverpool kept plugging away, showing the sort of patience in such situations that Benitez called for after the stalemate against Fulham nine days earlier.

Steven Gerrard worked his way in from the right and fired into the sidenetting, before Bellamy - on his return to Anfield after moving to West Ham 17 months ago - almost broke the deadlock.

Bellamy picked up possession and unleashed a fine, swerving drive which crashed against Reina's right-hand post and bounced across goal to safety.

Then Green made a fine point-blank save from Kuyt's header following Xabi Alonso's corner, two minutes from the break.

Kuyt and Keane both saw shots go wide as Liverpool opened the second half on the attack. But Bellamy was still a danger for West Ham, and after running past Hyypia he was body-checked by Alonso, the Spaniard being booked.

Then Green produced a stunning save to turn over a Benayoun drive, before Alonso volleyed fiercely over from a squared Gerrard free-kick.

Four minutes later the ineffective Keane was replaced by French striker David Ngog.

West Ham fancied their chances, breaking out of defence after 67 minutes and winning a corner. And when Bellamy curled it towards the near post, Carlton Cole headed inches wide.

Liverpool then sent on Ryan Babel for Riera after 78 minutes, with West Ham by that stage hanging on as the pressure mounted.

Hyypia headed just wide from a Gerrard corner, the Kop behind Green's goal demanding that Liverpool attack more.

West Ham sent on Luis Boa Morte for Faubert with six minutes of regulation time left.

Green then produced another fine save from a close-range Kuyt effort following Gerrard's deep cross.

Bellamy and Parker created a chance for Boa Morte on the break, but he sliced his effort wide. Babel then broke to see a shot deflected over.

Upson pleased for Zola
Matthew Upson believed Gianfranco Zola was beginning to get his rewards after West Ham ground out a 0-0 draw with Liverpool at Anfield.

He told Setanta Sport: "It's a massive result: it's another clean sheet and perhaps at the end we could have nicked something.

"He (Zola) stuck to his beliefs: he had had a bit of pressure to change things.
"He has got us more organised and drilled and started to change things.
"I'm very happy here at the moment, the team are doing well, I've just got to take each game as it comes."
Former Liverpool striker Craig Bellamy hit the post with a long-range shot in the first half and he also rued the side's inability to convert their chances.

"I'd love to see Liverpool win every game for the rest of the season apart from when we play them. I'm West Ham now," he said.

"We tried to make it frustrating for them and also had decent opportunities.
"It's very difficult to get a result here because they have great players. But maybe we could have got a goal at the end."

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10:23 AM
Categories: EPL 08-09 result, liverpool captain, soceer, sport, West Ham. Author: nik

Liverpool survived a test of character at Bolton to maintain their challenge at the top of the Premier League with a 2-0 win at the Reebok Stadium.

• Megson furious with ref Styles

The disappointment of the Carling Cup defeat at Tottenham in midweek was swept away by what eventually turned out to be a convincing victory.

Liverpool have never enjoyed Bolton's physical approach but this time they stuck to their gameplan and won with fine goals from Dirk Kuyt and Steven Gerrard.

Kuyt opened the scoring from Fabio Aurelio's cross before Gary Cahill's header was controversially ruled out by referee Rob Styles.

Despite some more nervous moments, the Reds eventually sealed victory when Gerrard headed in substitute Fernando Torres' cross.

Bolton recalled captain Kevin Nolan following suspension, with Ricardo Gardner dropping to the bench.

Liverpool decided against including 20-year-old Stephen Darby for his league debut at right-back and switched Jamie Carragher from the centre of defence. Sami Hyypia retained his place alongside Daniel Agger.

Torres, who was taken off after 55 minutes at White Hart Lane and criticised by manager Rafael Benitez for his display, was left on the bench as Liverpool made nine changes.

The visitors found out quickly that they would have to match Bolton's industry and willpower. Tackles by Gavin McCann and Fabrice Muamba on Steven Gerrard and Javier Mascherano showed that.

But Liverpool soon had Bolton pinned back, with only Kevin Davies up front as they got defenders Hyypia, Agger and Carragher into dangerous wide positions.

Likewise Albert Riera, but he twice wasted excellent openings on the right with poor delivery early on.

Liverpool's patient build-up was starting to stretch Bolton. Mascherano and Gerrard both saw long shots go close before Dirk Kuyt saw an effort crash against the bar after 24 minutes from a Gerrard pass.

The Reds forged ahead when Aurelio crossed from the left after 29 minutes and Kuyt rose to send a looping header into the top corner for the lead.

Liverpool then started to power forward and somehow Robbie Keane managed to miss an open goal from two yards before Agger flashed a 25-yard effort just wide of the far post.

Bolton had an effort from Cahill disallowed seconds before the break when he headed in a corner, with referee Styles insisting that Reina had been fouled seconds earlier.

Styles was booed off by the home fans at the break and almost from the restart Bolton were awarded a string of free-kicks which allowed them to mount the sort of intense aerial pressure they excel at.

Gardner came on for Muamba at the break and when he broke clear on the left after 52 minutes he almost equalised, as Reina's rush from his line forced a shot into the side-netting. Agger, hurling himself towards the post, collided with the woodwork.

Liverpool then brought on Torres for Keane and from a right-wing cross from the Spanish striker, Gerrard almost got the second goal from a yard out.

Liverpool were hanging on to their lead as Bolton hammered away in search of an equaliser.

But the danger was always clear for the home side with Torres now on the pitch.

And after 73 minutes he created a superb second goal for Liverpool, clipping in a cross with the outside of his foot for Gerrard to send past Jaaskelainen with a diving header.

It could have been three for Liverpool in the closing stages, the Bolton goalkeeper saving superbly from Torres and then Xabi Alonso.

Torres could also have scored after 88 minutes but he struck the post from Lucas' lay-off.

Megson furious with ref StylesReferee Rob Styles was at the centre of more controversy. Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez praised Styles for protecting his goalkeeper and insisted that goalkeepers have "priority'' in the six-yard box.Megson was nonplussed, saying: "We saw the TV pictures within a minute of it being disallowed and again at half-time. But our thoughts are that we did not see a huge amount wrong."If anyone is going to find an infringement - although it would have been harsh - it is that we should have had a penalty when Reina pushed Nolan in the back."There is nothing else that happens. Kevin does not do anything but stand his ground and there's nothing wrong with that. Also there was nothing wrong with the act of scoring from Gary Cahill."I wasn't surprised to see Rob Styles refereeing, it never occurred to me. He gave a ridiculous decision against us at Old Trafford, that was a mistake. We spoke on the phone on the Monday and we didn't make a lot of it, regardless of the Respect campaign."Now there has been another one. We seem to be on the wrong end of him making mistakes.''He added: "Have I heard of a rule that says goalkeepers have priority in the six-yard box? I have to say that one has passed me by."What is the priority, can you go and belt someone like Nolan was? I'm sure there is a priority if someone is fouled, but standing your ground like Kevin was is not a foul."If Nolan shoves the goalkeeper it is a free-kick, so if the goalkeeper does it then it should be the same punishment. But I am not expecting a phone call (from the referee).''Benitez had a different view.He said: "The rules are very clear. They say that the six-yard box is for the 'keeper, if you have three players in front of him and he cannot go for the ball, then it is simple, it is a free-kick."It is clear. Sometimes you see five or six attacking players in the six-yard box, that is wrong. The rules say it is for the 'keeper, he has priority. If he has three players blocking him and he cannot do anything, he cannot go for the ball, it is a foul."The international rules are very clear. I always say the same, the first time I came here (to the Reebok) I said the same. Three players around the 'keeper is a free-kick. If he wants to go for the ball, he is being obstructed."Yes, those goals are given in England sometimes. But the international rules are for everybody, the referees know the rules, it has to be like this.''

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4:29 PM
Categories: Bolton, EPL Anfield, Fernando Torres, steven gerard. Author: nik

Steven Gerrard drove home a controversial penalty four minutes into injury time to salvage a dramatic Champions League point for Liverpool.Atletico will believe they were robbed of a place in the last 16 by referee Martin Hansson's hotly disputed penalty award for a debatable foul on Gerrard by Mariano Pernia.
They had led from the 37th minute following a cleverly constructed Maxi Rodriguez goal and frustrated Liverpool at every turn.

But Gerrard never gave up and his penalty eventually spared Liverpool's blushes and both sides should advance to the last 16.>
Fernando Torres failed to even make the bench, missing his sixth match since picking up a hamstring injury while on international duty last month.

He cut a disconsolate figure in the directors' box having also missed the chance to play at his former club a fortnight ago.

From that match Liverpool left out Andrea Dossena and Yossi Benayoun, bringing in Fabio Aurelio and Dirk Kuyt, while Luis Garcia and Florent Sinama-Pongolle were also left on the bench by Atletico boss Javier Aguirre.

Liverpool started with pace and desire and could have scored in the first minute when Kuyt's close-range effort was grabbed by Leo Franco.

Another chance went begging when Xabi Alonso's stunning 40-yard pass found Robbie Keane arriving at pace on the edge of the box, but the Irishman's fierce drive thudded into the side netting.

Madrid were not slow to hit back and should have scored four minutes later. Pernia got to the byline and pulled back a cross but Simao hooked it over the bar from six yards.

Two more Liverpool chances then went begging, Riera's touch into the box almost set-up Gerrard as he surged into the area and Keane denied by Franco when he tried to round the Argentinian goalkeeper.

Atletico were also producing some quality football and scored an outstanding goal after 37 minutes.

Antonio Lopez broke down the right, taking a long pass with a superb first touch to confound Daniel Agger.

His pass into the box found Rodriguez moving into space away from Jamie Carragher before firing a shot across Jose Reina and inside the far post.

Atletico had looked calm and controlled in the first period, but came out for the second half having to defend in front of the Kop.

Liverpool were instantly at their throats. After just 60 seconds Luis Perea flicked the ball away from Keane with his right hand in the box, but Swedish referee Martin Hansson ignored the appeals.

Agger saw a header drop onto the roof of the net as Liverpool cranked up the pressure.
Ryan Babel was now on for Riera, Liverpool almost camped in Madrid's half with Atletico looking for the break to settle it. Surging runs from Simao and Diego Forlan emphasised the dangers.

Liverpool almost grabbed the equaliser after 70 minutes when Arbeloa and Keane combined to set up Gerrard, but the captain's shot just cleared the angle.

Maniche was booked for a foul on Arbeloa before Liverpool sent on David N'Gog for Keane. But at the same time Madrid sent on their brilliant Argentinian striker, Sergio Aguero in place of Forlan.

Lucas replaced Javier Mascherano but the danger of a devastating Madrid break was there every time Aguero got the ball.

N'Gog's control let him down a couple of times, but he forced Franco into a near-post save that produced a corner from which Agger saw another header go agonisingly wide.

Carragher got in on the act with a run and drive that Franco touched over, before a minute from time Luis Garcia came on, to a great reception, for Simao.

Still Liverpool looked unable to break through, until the fourth minute of injury time when Gerrard went down in the box under an aerial challenge from Pernia.

He made no contact with the ball but it was a debatable decision and Gerrard picked himself up to drive home the penalty and ruin Madrid's night.

Luis Perea, Aguero and John Heitinga Lopez were all booked in the uproar that followed but Liverpool had their fortunate draw.

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1:25 PM
Categories: athletico madrid, European Champion League group D, steven gerard. Author: nik

Liverpool maintained their unbeaten home league record in 2008 with a stunning 3-2 comeback victory, but how Wigan made them fight.

• Bruce slams ref Wiley

The Anfield men are specialising in dramatic comebacks, and after Chelsea's 5-0 win at Middlesbrough earlier in the day, they knew they could not afford to slip-up.

But they were twice behind to first-half goals from Egyptian striker Amr Zaki, his second an acrobatic volley into the Kop end.

Dirk Kuyt's first equaliser kept Liverpool in the game and they fought their way back to win 3-2, just as they had at Manchester City a fortnight ago.

Wigan battled for everything and the game turned on a red card for Antonio Valencia with 16 minutes left.

The Latics were down to 10 men and Liverpool powered forward, with Albert Riera grabbing the equaliser and Kuyt, with a slightly less clean version of Zaki's volley, secured maximum points for Rafael Benitez's side.

Liverpool were forced into four changes from the side which claimed a late fightback at Eastlands a fortnight ago with Daniel Agger, Robbie Keane, Andrea Dossena and Jermaine Pennant all coming in.

Fernando Torres, Javier Mascherano, Martin Skrtel and Fabio Aurelio were all out.

Emile Heskey, who revealed earlier in the week that a return to Liverpool would be "lovely'' was missing for Wigan with a hamstring strain, so Dutchman Daniel de Ridder came in.

Tackles flew in, there was pace and desire from Wigan and they had the bulk of the early possession.

Zaki gave Agger and Jamie Carragher plenty to think about, and the collision between Lee Cattermole and Steven Gerrard in midfield was uncompromising.

Jose Reina needed to be at his best when he had to beat away a drive from Olivier Kapo after a clever pass from Wilson Palacios had put him through on the left of the box.

Liverpool had not really threatened to this point, but almost scored when Riera's ball put Keane in on the left after 28 minutes.

He was forced a yard wider than he would have liked, and saw his angled right-foot shot just clear the far post.

Then within a minute, Wigan were ahead after a terrible mistake from Agger.

Reina tapped a routine pass out to the Dane, who was far too casual. He allowed the ball to bounce away from him enough for Zaki to pounce, win the tackle, and stride into the box to beat Reina with a shot into the bottom corner.

Agger knew he had to do something after that howler and atoned after 37 minutes when he came out of defence down the left before exchanging passes with Dossena.

He then went past Cattermole in the box before crossing for Kuyt to fire in the equaliser, his first home league goal since scoring against the same opposition in April.

Kuyt then hit the crossbar and Riera's towering header cleared the top of bar.

But Zaki had the final word of the half with a stunning scissors-kick from a Valencia cross which flew past Reina for a sensational goal.

Liverpool went searching for a second equaliser straight from the restart and it took a fine save from former Liverpool goalkeeper Chris Kirkland after 57 minutes to keep Wigan ahead. Pennant jumped over Keane's low cross from the left, and Kuyt's instant shot was blocked by Kirkland's left leg.

Riera almost set up Keane in the six-yard box before Gerrard lashed a 30-yard shot wide.

Liverpool were now gambling by throwing men forward, risking more danger from the robust, physical Zaki, who was more than happy to take on Carragher at every opportunity.

Gerrard side-footed a free-kick wide after a Wigan wall had failed to retreat far enough, and Valencia was booked.

Wigan were furious because they believed that Xabi Alonso's touch sideways of about a yard meant the kick had been taken.

But worse was to follow for Valencia. Soon after he was in trouble again for a foul on Alonso, and referee Alan Wiley showed a yellow and then a red card to the Wigan man.

That just inspired Liverpool to launch a new wave of attacks, and when substitute Nabil El Zhar crossed from the right after 79 minutes, Riera lashed home his first goal for the club. Wigan deserved more, but with five minutes to go, Pennant crossed from the right and Kuyt hooked the ball down into the turf and up to clear Kirkland's stretching fingers.

Bruce slams ref WileyWigan manager Steve Bruce claimed two decisions from referee Alan Wiley cost his team the game as they lost 3-2 at Liverpool today. Bruce pointed to a yellow card for Antonio Valencia for encroaching at a free-kick, and then another booking for the same player for a foul on Xabi Alonso, that he claimed "changed the game''.

Valencia was sent off playing for Ecuador last weekend, and with 16 minutes to go at Anfield saw red again, this time with Wigan 2-1 ahead. But Bruce said: "In my opinion we were robbed. It is a joke that we have not come away from this match with something.

"The referee got the first booking for Valencia wrong. The Liverpool player took the kick, and Valencia did not encroach towards it until the ball had been kicked. So he got that one wrong.

"Then there is the tackle on Alonso, in which I felt the lad touched the ball. I felt that was harsh. Those decisions changed the whole course of the game. With 11 against 11 we would not have lost. But there were a lot of tired bodies out there and we could not hold out.

"When you are at Anfield you need some things to go for you. I keep hearing the word 'respect' but I did not think we got that from the referee's performance today.''

Bruce added: "We were ahead at the break and deserved it. It was not a fluke, we had taken them on and Zaki was outstanding. He is scary to play against and he will not understand how he can be on the losing side after a performance like that.''

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez saw his side maintain their unbeaten record this season, and stay in second place on goal difference from Chelsea.

He said: "We started badly, but Dirk Kuyt did us proud in this game. The whole side showed great character to come back like that again. We did something similar at Manchester City a fortnight ago, and maybe I would like a calmer time on the bench.

"You will have to ask my doctor how much of this I can take. It would be nice to have three or four goals at the break for a change. But I felt we won it because we have belief in ourselves, and believe that we can win these games. It is a positive situation for us that we have this level of confidence.''

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10:58 AM
Categories: Amr Zaki, Dirk Kuyt, EPL, Latics, the kop, Wigan. Author: nik

Steven Gerrard scored a superb goal and made another one as he helped England to a 3-1 World Cup qualifying win in Belarus.

The Reds inspirational captain opened the scoring with a superb strike from over 30-yards out, and then created a goal for Wayne Rooney in the second half with an exquisite pass. Gerrard also hit the post.
It was also a great night for Robbie Keane who scored the only goal of the game as Republic of Ireland beat Cyprus 1-0 in Dublin. The Reds number seven captained his country and played the full 90 minutes. Keane's close range header was his 35th in the green of Ireland.

Yossi Benayoun was also on the mark as Israel drew 1-1 in Latvia. Israel were all set for a victory but the home side levelled with two minutes left.

Fernando Torres was forced to leave the field after just 17 minutes during Spain's dramatic 2-1 win in Belgium. Xabi Alonso came on as a 64th minute replacement for Santiago Gonzalez and David Villa scored the winner two minutes from time. Pepe Reina and Alvaro Arbeloa were unused substitutes.

Dirk Kuyt played the full 90 minutes as Holland beat Norway 1-0 in Oslo, but Ryan Babel was substituted after 27 minutes. Former Reds ace John Arne Riise played for Norway.

Andrea Dossena started for Italy and played for an hour during the 2-1 win over Montenegro.

It was a disappointing night for Sami Hyypia as Finland lost 3-0 to Russia in Group Four. The Reds number four played the full 90 minutes.

Stay logged on to .tv for further international news.

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12:21 PM
Categories: Belarus, England, steven gerard, World Cup qualifier. Author: nik

Dirk Kuyt scored his first Premier League goal since November to secure a dramatic 3-2 victory for Liverpool at Manchester City.

The Holland striker rattled the ball home in stoppage time to stun 10-man City.

• Benitez hails determination

The home side had raced into a two-goal lead in the first half through Stephen Ireland and Javier Garrido.

Fernando Torres pulled a goal back before City's Pablo Zabaleta was sent off.

The momentum was then with Liverpool with Torres adding a second before Kuyt, who was guilty of a shocking earlier miss, having the final word.

Liverpool almost went ahead as early as the fourth minute when Albert Riera got a good touch and goalkeeper Joe Hart had to look alert to turn his effort around the post.

The visitors kept up the pressure and launched a swift counter-attack in the 15th minute. Javier Mascherano, who was preferred to Robbie Keane tried to send Steven Gerrard clear.

However Shaun Wright-Phillips showed his defensive qualities to get in a crucial challenge.

Three minutes later Kuyt should have put Liverpool ahead only to sky his shot over the top in front of the post after Riera had set up the opening.

City made the breakthrough a minute later thanks to Ireland's third goal of the season.

Wright-Phillips did well to cut the ball back from the by-line but it seemed to get stuck under Robinho's feet.

However it eventually fell to Ireland and the ever-improving midfielder rifled an unstoppable shot into the corner.

Whenever Liverpool did break forward City were defending in numbers from front to back.

Xabi Alonso tried his luck from distance in the 38th minute but Hart was equal to his effort.

City extended their lead three minutes later after Wright-Phillips was bundled over Riera, who had a spell on loan at Eastlands.

Garrido stepped up and sent a superb free-kick over a stunned Reina for his first goal for the club.

However it was game on the 56th minute with Liverpool pulling a goal back through Torres.

England midfielder Steven Gerrard, a subdued figure in the first half, began the move by releasing Alvaro Arbeloa.

He skipped to the byline before delivering a cross into the path of Torres, who scored from close range.

It was the Spain striker's fourth goal of the league campaign and came on the back of his brace in the victory over Everton.

This was now a test of character for City, whose own form in the domestic campaign has been a little bit inconsistent.

However they hit back and Wright-Phillips skipped down the wing in the 65th minute, leaving Liverpool players trailing in his wake.

He picked out Robinho but he was unable to test Reina, his effort going over the bar.

The game took a dramatic twist in the 68th minute when City were reduced to 10 men.

Zabaleta was sent off by referee Peter Walton for what the official deemed as a two-footed lunge on Alonso, who needed brief treatment.

Keane was introduced at the expense of Mascherano in the 72nd minute and a minute later Liverpool were level.

Torres peeled away from his marker as Gerrard swung in the corner and thumped home a header.

He had a chance of completing his hat-trick in the 82nd minute only to send his effort at the back post wide of the target.

Kuyt then secured the points in stoppage time, smashing the ball high into the net after Torres' shot had bobbled off Dunne and into his path.

Benitez hails determination
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez praised his side for the "fantastic'' character that enabled them to stretch their unbeaten run to 12 matches.
Benitez said: "Our character and determination shone through in the second half. It was fantastic. We were made to pay for two mistakes but we went on to show a good mentality to win the game,'' said Benitez.

"The belief of the players was the key to our success. I just told the team at half-time that we just needed one goal to get back in the game. Physically were are in good condition as well and the players are ready for every game.''

Benitez acknowledged the key contribution from Torres who is hitting top form.

"We all know how important Torres is for us,'' said the Liverpool boss. "He is always a threat for defenders. He can score goals and he also gives space to his team-mates. He is a great boy with an excellent mentality.''

Torres sparked the Reds fightback by pulling a goal back before Pablo Zabaleta was sent off for the home side by referee Peter Walton following a challenge on Xabi Alonso. City manager Mark Hughes had no complaints about the sending off after watching TV replays.

He said: "I have seen it in slow motion and he makes contact with the player's standing leg. Pablo has cleared the ball and the man as well. I can see why the referee has given it.

"That made it difficult for us as it is hard enough with 11 men against the top four teams, never mind being a man down.''

Hughes added: "I thought we were excellent in the first half and took the game to Liverpool. We caused them a lot of problems. The disappointing thing from our point of view is we let them back into the game so early in the second half.

"Then, after the sending off, we just tried to get through the game only for Liverpool to get the win when maybe we should have had something to show for our efforts.''

Benitez admits he fears the worst regarding Skrtel's knee injury.

"We have to wait for the scan but we think it could be serious. When a player like Martin is on the ground you know it's serious so we will keep our fingers crossed that it won't be too bad.''

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10:28 AM
Categories: EPL result, Fernando Torres, Liverpool, Manchester City. Author: nik

Liverpool's players responded to manager Rafael Benitez's pre-match challenge to earn themselves a place in his plans for Saturday's Merseyside derby with a comfortable 2-1 victory over Crewe in the third round of the Carling Cup.

Jermaine Pennant was a constant menace on the right flank while Lucas and Daniel Agger produced assured performances to give the Spaniard a selection poser for the game against Everton.

Agger gave Liverpool a 15th-minute lead from a free-kick before Michael O'Connor's equaliser 10 minutes later.

Pennant supplied Liverpool's second goal with a dangerous cross which was headed home by Lucas in the 58th minute but really the margin of the victory should have been greater.

While strengthening the Reds first team for a Barclays Premier League title challenge has been Benitez's priority he is attempting to build a squad to challenge on several fronts.

• Rafa satisfied with result

The manager included only one English player - Pennant - in his starting line-up as he handed debuts to Brazilian goalkeeper Diego Cavalieri and Swiss defender Philipp Degen.

Sami Hyypia, named as captain, and Agger were recalled in central defence while there were places for Lucas, Emiliano Insua and Damien Plessis while Nabil El Zhar, Ryan Babel and David Ngog carried the attacking threat.

Crewe first-team coach Steve Holland included former Liverpool youth team defender Danny O'Donnell alongside captain Julien Baudet at the back.

Degen and Pennant linked up well down the right flank in the eighth minute to create Liverpool's first chance.

Breaking from a Crewe free-kick, Pennant slipped a clever ball to Degen on the overlap and he whipped a low cross into the penalty area but neither Ngog nor Babel were able to get a touch.

Pennant continued to provide the home side's best outlet and Crewe defender Billy Jones was lucky to escape a booking after a late challenge on the winger in the 12th minute.

Liverpool's pressure eventually paid off three minutes later after Ngog was fouled on the edge of the penalty area by O'Connor.

Denmark defender Agger took the resulting free-kick and smashed a powerful low effort past goalkeeper Steve Collis.

Crewe equalised in the 25th minute after Byron Moore's shot was deflected by Agger for a corner.

Jones crossed and Calvin Zola's header was parried by Cavalieri but O'Connor made amends for his earlier foul when he slammed home from close range.

The Railwaymen began to settle but it was Liverpool who created the next opportunity in the 41st minute.

Hyypia was picked out on the penalty spot by a Pennant corner but Collis blocked his shot and Plessis could only fire the loose ball into the crowd.

Babel went close moments after the interval when his shot from the left edge of the penalty area was deflected and wrong-footed Collis but looped on to the roof of the net.

Liverpool restored their lead in the 58th minute after good work down the right flank by the impressive Pennant.

The lively winger delivered a dangerous cross into the penalty area and Brazil midfielder Lucas timed his run superbly to direct a header past Collis.

Benitez surprisingly introduced Fernando Torres and the Spain international was immediately involved.

Pennant delivered another ball into the penalty area in the 82nd minute and Torres' header was tipped past the post by Collis.

The Crewe goalkeeper saved again from the Spaniard two minutes later after Torres had broke clear of the Crewe defence.

Liverpool were given a few late scares as Crewe pressed for an equaliser but held on to secure their place in the next round.

Rafa satisfied with result

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez was satisfied with his side's performance after they secured their place in the fourth round of the Carling Cup with a 2-1 win over Crewe.

''It was one of those types of games where if you do not score the third goal and finish the game then it can be difficult,'' he said.

''We were a little bit nervous today and we certainly had enough chances to score a third goal.

''Tonight we can talk about two good goals - Daniel Agger's free-kick was a fantastic strike and also Lucas is a player that likes to get into the box and I am confident he can score more goals like this.

''It was a very positive result and a positive reaction from the players and perhaps the only thing is that we could not score the third goal.''

Benitez explained the decision to introduce Fernando Torres in the second half despite the Merseyside derby at the weekend.

The Spain international had an immediate impact and was twice denied by Crewe goalkeeper Steve Collis.

Benitez added: ''We brought Torres on to try and score the third goal - every competition is important so we were trying to create more chances.

''So going forward Torres would give us more space and you could see he had two chances to score which if they would have gone in would have sealed the game.

''I was thinking the same with Robbie Keane but we had a problem with Philipp Degen so I was not able to put him on earlier to put him in a position to score.''

Crewe first team coach Steve Holland was proud of the way his side acquitted themselves and said a trip to Anfield last week helped settled any pre-match nerves.

''I brought the players to Anfield to do the stadium tour last week so they were not overawed by the whole experience of playing here,'' he said.

''Admittedly there was a mass brawl to get Fernando Torres' shirt afterwards but overall I think they didn't show any signs of nerves on the night.

''We acquitted ourselves well - we stuck to our game plan and could have even have nicked an equaliser at the end with a couple of late chances.''

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11:27 AM
Categories: Carling Cup Result, Crewe, Daniel agger, lucas leiva. Author: nik

Dirk Kuyt admitted the Liverpool players were hugely frustrated after they were robbed of what seemed like a legitimate goal in Saturday's goalless draw at home to Stoke City.

The Dutch forward felt Steven Gerrard's third minute free-kick was harshly ruled out for offside but was honest enough to suggest the Reds should have made more of the chances they created during a hugely one-sided 90 minutes.

"We thought we'd scored a goal through Stevie but the referee has said he disallowed it for offside," Kuyt told Liverpoolfc.tv. "That's frustrating but we still had time to overcome that disappointment and score another goal.

"We had a lot of possession and created a lot of chances but at the end of the day you have to score goals to win matches."

The stalemate with the Barclays Premier League newcomers means Liverpool's hopes of maintaining a prolonged 'perfect' record at Anfield are already over after just three matches.

It is particularly frustrating for the Reds coming on the back of last weekend's magnificent triumph against Manchester United and Kuyt felt they were unlucky not to take more than a point from a clash they dominated from start to finish.

"You always want to win your home games, especially against opposition like Stoke," he said.

"It was like a game of attack against defence where they had 10 men behind the ball all the time. But it's our job to break them down and although we made a number of openings we weren't able to convert them.

"Sometimes football is like this. You deserve to win but at the end you are unlucky. After beating Manchester United last week it was a good chance to build up some momentum and it's disappointing that we didn't manage to do it.

"But we must look ahead now, go to Everton next week and put this result behind us with a win. We got a good win there last season and I have good memories from that game too, so hopefully it can be the same again."

Kuyt also had words of support for strike duo Fernando Torres and Robbie Keane who have yet to hit top form so far this season.

"The goals will come for Fernando and Robbie," he said. "We have no worries. They will score goals."

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11:59 AM
Categories: Dirk Kuyt, EPL result, Liverpool, Stoke City. Author: nik

Steven Gerrard played a captain's role by taking his Liverpool goals tally to 99 as the Merseysiders opened their Champions League group campaign with a crucial 2-1 win in Marseille.

The Stade Velodrome had been the venue for Liverpool's European salvation last season, and Gerrard made sure it was a welcome return to the south of France.

Marseille had taken the lead through their skipper Lorik Cana, but Gerrard - already Liverpool's record scorer in Europe - grabbed a fine equaliser with an outstanding 25-yard curler.

Then six minutes later he cracked home a twice-taken penalty to give Liverpool something to hang on to.

And they needed to fight hard as the French side battled bravely in the second period, but Liverpool clinched their victory with a defiant rearguard action.

The Reds included both Gerrard and Fernando Torres in their starting line-up for the opening group D clash.

Both key players have been recovering from injury and their inclusion was a major boost for the Anfield club.

Andreas Dossena came into the side in place of calf-injury victim Fabio Arbeloa, while Lucas took over in midfield from Xabi Alonso.

Marseille, who won 1-0 in the Champions League last term at Anfield before losing the return 4-0, included Hatem Ben Arfa, their £10m signing from Lyon, who had recovered from an ankle problem.

Skipper Cana also returned, having been rested at the weekend in the draw at Bordeaux.

Liverpool had opted for caution with Robbie Keane and Albert Riera both on the bench. Gerrard was being used in the attacking midfield role that worked to such good effect last season, and several times early on Liverpool could have scored.

After just seven minutes, Steve Mandanda tipped over a Lucas header and soon afterwards Dirk Kuyt's pass set-up Ryan Babel.

The Dutchman created the space with his first touch but blasted a good opening high over. Then Gerrard forced Mandanda into a diving save before Torres saw a header clear the far angle.

Marseille had chances of their own. Mamadou Niang was clear on the left but wasted the opportunity, shooting high over. Martin Skrtel was booked for a late tackle on Niang after 20 minutes as the game became surprisingly open.

But after 23 minutes the French side were ahead when they caught Liverpool square and punished them with a fine goal.

Rarely are Liverpool exposed straight through the middle, but when Benoit Cheyrou's first-time ball sent Cana clear, his quality side-footed finish sent the Velodrome fans wild.

Liverpool's response was emphatic.

Two minutes later Torres won possession on the halfway line and presented Kuyt with a pass on the right that was instantly played into Gerrard's path.

The Liverpool skipper struck a first-time, curling effort from 25-yards that soared over Mandanda into the far corner for the equaliser.

And after 31 minutes Liverpool were ahead. Babel's sharp turn in the box ended with Ronald Zubar's trip and a penalty. Zubar was booked before Gerrard struck the ball past Mandanda off the post.

But Austrian referee Konrad Plautz ordered a re-take because Kuyt had encroached into the box. Gerrard kept his nerve and clinically netted a second time to put Liverpool ahead.

The double strike extended Gerrard's European goals record for the club. Last season, in the Anfield side's 4-0 win in Marseille, Gerrard's goal that night broke Michael Owen's benchmark of 23.

He extended that tally later in the competition to 25, and two more here in the opening half for the captain stretched his tally to 27, and 99 for the club in all competitions.

Marseille were stunned and soon sent on Mathieu Valbuena for the injured Modeste M'Bami after 41 minutes.

Ben Arfa lasted until the 56th minute before his ankle problem forced him off, Karim Ziani taking over.

The game was still very open. Babel almost forced the ball around Mandanda at one end, while Liverpool were making too many defensive errors at the other for Benitez to rest easy.

Marseille could easily have been level when Vitorino Hilton met a corner with a fierce downward header that Jose Reina managed to hold on to.

Liverpool sent on Riera after 64 minutes for Torres, who had looked short of pace after his spell out, before Ziani struck a 12-yarder over the bar as Marseille searched for parity.

The Reds then withdrew Gerrard after 68 minutes, sending on Yossi Benayoun with Babel now the lone striker.

Liverpool had got the most possible out of their recently-injured stars, and it was now left to their colleagues to withstand a mounting Marseille onslaught.

Ziani fired over again before Mamadou Samassa replaced Bakari Kone.

Babel saw a golden chance to finish the contest go to waste after 74 minutes when Riera and Benayoun set him up close in, only for Mandanda to save the point-blank effort.

The youngster then struck the post after 78 minutes as he surged through on the left. But still Marseille came forward searching for the equaliser as Liverpool sought to punish them on the break.

With five minutes left, Kuyt was replaced by Keane, fresh legs to the cause as Liverpool continued to hang on.

Niang saw a diving header go wide from a right-wing cross, Marseille still fighting for an equaliser.

Reina saved superbly in injury-time from Niang and Liverpool had their victory.

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1:01 PM
Categories: European Champion League group D, liverpool captain, Marseilles, steven gerard. Author: nik

Rafael Benitez today declared Liverpool's momentous victory over Manchester United as something the whole team can be proud of.

The Reds went down to a Carlos Tevez goal early on in the match but rallied to produce their best performance of the season and record a first league win over Alex Ferguson's side in over four years.

Benitez paid tribute to his players after the match and was happy with the amount of character his charges showed to come from behind and take the points.

"I think today is a game we can be really satisfied with because we were losing against a very good team," said Benitez. "But we showed character and played very well in the second half, so this was very positive.

"The team showed a lot of character after conceding an early goal. I was really disappointed when they scored so early because I wanted a high tempo from the start. They were passing the ball and keeping possession, so we needed to change a lot of things. I think it was really important to have chances and to improve a lot in the second half."

There were many stand-out performances during the match, but the Liverpool manager focused on the whole team and said: "Today you could see a lot of players working really hard, especially the strikers Dirk Kuyt and Robbie Keane, who were doing amazing work up front, and also Albert Riera in his first game played well – he is a lucky man.

"Physically he was not ready but we needed to use his ability. And after we used Steven Gerrard, he did well too. I can talk about a lot of players - Ryan Babel was really good too, but I think the overall play of the team was good."

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson admitted that his team couldn't cope with Liverpool's tackling and harassing in midfield.

Benitez agreed, saying: "In the last two years, I can remember that they were happy waiting and just playing on the counter-attack until we make mistakes," added Benitez. "And today was more or less the same situation. When you have players with the quality of Berbatov, Tevez or Rooney in front, sometimes they just need to wait and if we make a mistake they will kill us off.

"We didn't make many mistakes today. We can always improve and do things better, but the team played well.

"One thing that we needed to improve was our results against the top sides so now we have three points and we are in a better position than last season. We now have more wins against the top four so hopefully it will be the same against Chelsea and Arsenal. Everton is also another difficult game for us."

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9:36 AM
Categories: Carlos Tevez, EPL Anfield, MU Liverpool, Ryan Babel Rafa Benitez, Wes Brown. Author: nik

Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard have both been passed fit to face Manchester United at Anfield this weekend. Both players completed a light training session at Melwood this morning and have been included in the squad to take on Alex Ferguson's men tomorrow. "They are both much better," confirmed Benitez. "They came through a full training session this morning. It wasn't a very hard session, but they will both be in the squad. If they are in the squad then they can play. "It's important for us to have these two players of quality who can change a game. I'm not surprised they are available because the medical staff have done a good job and the players have been working really hard with the physios to get fit." Benitez has no fresh injury concerns ahead of the showdown with United, although midfielder Lucas won't be involved after arriving back late from international action during the week.

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10:43 AM
Categories: Fernando Torres, Manchester United, steven gerard. Author: nik

Here are all the pre-match stats and facts ahead of Saturday's showdown with Manchester United at Anfield. Last season here United took all three points with Carlos Tevez scoring the only goal after 43 minutes. They went on to record a league ‘double' winning 3-0 at Old Trafford. Javier Mascherano was controversially sent off ten minutes after Wes Brown had opened the scoring for the home side. Ronaldo and Nani added goals the last 11 minutes. Liverpool are unbeaten in their last ten league games since losing at Old Trafford last March. There has been only one goalless draw between the sides in the Premiership – here in 2005/06. Liverpool have not scored in any of their last seven league games against United since John O'Shea scored an own goal at Old Trafford in September 2004. In fact, no Liverpool player has scored a league goal against United since Danny Murphy from the penalty spot at Old Trafford in April 2004. Harry Kewell in November 2003 was the last to score in open play. Liverpool's last league win here against today's opponents came in November 2001 when they won 3-1 with Michael Owen (two) and John Arne Riise scoring. Liverpool have been waiting since September 2004 to record a 50th league win over United. Should he play, Robbie Keane will play the 450th club game of his career. Liverpool's next goal will be their 400th scored under Rafa Benitez. Peter Beardsley scored the last of the six Liverpool hat-tricks against United in League meetings in September 1990 while Stan Pearson in 1946-47 has scored the last United hat-trick. If today's game finishes all-square it will be Liverpool's 50th draw in all competitions under Rafa Benitez. Robbie Keane and Dimitar Berbatov scored 46 goals between them for Tottenham last season - each scoring 23. They both scored 15 in the Premier League. Last season Liverpool were the highest scorers in all four divisions with 199. Manchester United with 110 had the third best total. Liverpool have won just seven of the 32 Premiership meetings with United taking maximum points in 18. Rafa Benitez is looking to record his first league win over United at the ninth attempt. He did however oversee Liverpool's first F.A.Cup victory over United in 85 years thanks to a Peter Crouch goal on this ground in 2006. Albert Riera made his debut in English football in January 2006 for Manchester City against Manchester United. It was a dream start as City won 3-1 with Robbie Fowler scoring the final goal in the last minute. Liverpool's biggest ever win here was 7-1 in the first meeting between the two sides in October 1895 when United were known as Newton Heath. United's biggest win here was in December 1969 when they recorded a 4-1 victory.

	LFC V MAN UNITED: STAT ATTACK Ged Rea 11 September 2008
Of Liverpool's last 55 league games at Anfield they have lost only twice…both to Manchester United. There has not been a goal scored in the opening 69 minutes of any of Liverpool's five games this season with the Reds having to wait until the 83rd minute at least to open their account. They have not scored a first half goal in any of their last nine games. The last was a 43rd minute strike from Dirk Kuyt against Chelsea in the Champions League at Anfield back in April. All of Liverpool's goals have this season have been scored while Nabil El Zhar has been on the pitch. If United win today they will equal Everton by recording their 23rd league victory at Anfield. No club has won more. Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs are United's most prolific scorers in the Premier League. Both have scored 96 though Scholes has played 101 fewer games. If Liverpool fail to score today United will become the first visiting team ever to keep five successive league clean sheets at Anfield. United have lost only one of the last dozen league meetings home and away and at Anfield are unbeaten in the last six visits winning five. United have failed to score in only two of the last 12 league visits to Anfield. Dimitar Berbatov could make his debut for United today. The last players to play their first United games against Liverpool were Mikael Silvestre and Massimo Taibi on this ground in September 1999. United have lost just once away from home in the Premier League in 2008. That setback came at Chelsea in April when they were beaten 2-1. Darren Fletcher has scored both of Manchester United's league goals this season. Ryan Giggs is looking to score for the 19th successive season. United have scored in each of their last 26 Premier League since failing to find the net at Bolton back in November. United's league title last season was built on their home form as both Chelsea and Arsenal had better away records. They won 17 of their 19 games at Old Trafford with ten victories coming on the road. Given their home form in the league it is a surprise that they were eliminated from both the F.A.Cup (Portsmouth) and League Cup (Coventry City) at Old Trafford.

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10:44 AM
Categories: Anfield, EPL, Liverpool, Manchester United. Author: nik

Liverpool will give Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard every chance to prove their fitness for Saturday's clash with Manchester United. Hopeful manager Rafael Benitez, still awaiting his first league win over the Reds' arch-rivals, says both of his leading lights are 'improving' as they battle back from their respective injuries.

Gerrard is the bigger doubt for the lunchtime clash after groin surgery but the Anfield club's medical staff are reportedly encouraged by Torres' progress in recovering from a hamstring injury.

Last weekend Gerrard said the United match would come too soon for him, and he was targeting the Champions League match against Marseille next Tuesday.

"It is always more difficult to prepare for the match with injuries because you know that if they are fit we will use them, but in this case you never know," Benitez said.

"It is better to avoid saying whether they can be available - it is difficult to say if they can play or not because they may have not played for 10 or 15 days.

"But they are both working hard with the physios and are improving, so there's still some time to decide."

Benitez remains optimistic about Gerrard, although he has confidence in the rest of the squad should his captain not make it.

"You never know, he is still progressing. The key is the fitness of the player - it makes a massive difference if he has confidence. That is the main thing for him," the Spaniard told the club's website.

"Clearly we have enough quality in the squad, so it is always important to look to the other players and sometimes they can give more to you than the big names.

"They can have the same quality and passion and they also have a lot to prove to the supporters."

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12:43 PM
Categories: Manchester United, Marseilles, Rafa Benitez, Soccernet, steven gerard. Author: nik

Steven Gerrard has admitted there is nothing he would like more in football than to lead Liverpool to the Barclays Premier League title. While lifting the European Cup after the epic Champions League victory over AC Milan is his career highlight to date, the Reds skipper said winning the league would surpass that. "The memories of Istanbul will go to the grave with me," said Gerrard. "There isn't a day goes by that I don't think about it, but I want more memories. I want to get on another open-top bus and see another million people on the streets of Liverpool, acclaiming the league title. "The city will explode if we win the league, and I don't want it to happen when I'm retired. I'm 28 and realise the years are flying by. In November I'll have been a first-teamer for 10 years and yet it seems like I only made my debut two or three months ago, I've enjoyed it that much. I want from 28 to 35 to be even better, and I feel my best years are ahead of me. "I don't want to retire and have just Istanbul and a couple of FA Cups to remember. It will be a disaster, personally, if I don't win the league here." The Reds number eight believes there is a lot more to come from him and the team this season after admitting early performances have been below par. "The performances so far haven't been that good, we're still only in second or third gear," he said. "A few of the lads haven't been 100 per cent and I've been nowhere near it myself. "We played well in pre-season, but come the real deal we weren't at the level we wanted. The promising thing is that the results have been good."

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11:28 AM
Categories: EPL, steven gerard. Author: nik

Liverpool fans have given Jamie Carragher their backing after the Reds star admitted he has always put club before country.

Carragher came in for a storm of criticism yesterday after extracts of his forthcoming autobiography were published in a national newspaper in which he revealed an England defeat "never hurt me in the same way as losing for my club". He even went as far as saying he "would rather miss for England than LFC", when discussing his England penalty miss against Portugal in the 2006 World Cup. Former Liverpool player Stan Collymore, who won a total of three England caps before retiring at the age of 30 having never fulfilled his potential, was among those who criticised Carragher for his stance. But the Bootle-born defender won the backing of Reds fans with Les Lawson of the Liverpool Supporters Club saying: "I agree with Carra. My only thought when international breaks come around is that I hope the players come back uninjured. "I couldn't care less about England, I'm a Liverpool supporter. We are Scouse, not English!" Lawson even went as far as admitting Liverpool fans prefer to show allegiance to Spain because of the large contingent of Spaniards at Anfield. He said: "I have watched Liverpool reserves when England are playing. In fact, if England were playing Spain, you would probably find Liverpool fans supporting Spain." Carragher's attitude has been met with disappointment but not surprise by England supporters. Mark Perryman, of the England Fans' Group, thinks that European Cup-winners like Carragher, who play regular Champions League football, don't reach the pinnacle of their careers on the international stage. He said: "You do not want to hear things like that, but I do understand where someone like Carragher is coming from. "His view is no different to many fans, particularly those who support the big clubs. "If you asked most fans whether they would want their club to win the title or England to win the World Cup, they would back their own clubs. "It is an attitude that has arisen as the Champions League has got bigger and bigger. I know that as an England fan these days, I am in a minority. "The Champions League provides international quality football from September to March to players like Carragher. Success in it is crucial to the big clubs, so I understand his view."

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1:22 PM
Categories: England, Jamie Carragher, LFC. Author: nik

Rafa Benitez is backing his side to shift through the gears during what is set to be a crucial month in the club's season.

The Anfield boss knows the Reds have not totally convinced in their opening five matches despite an unbeaten run which has taken them to joint top of the league.

But with massive games against Manchester United and Everton looming in the next month, not to mention the start of our Champions League campaign, Benitez expects his side to start reaching full potential.

"Javier Mascherano, Lucas and Ryan Babel arrived late and I am sure that in a few weeks' time it will be better," the gaffer told Liverpoolfc.tv.

"We need to have better possession and work on having a higher tempo."

Liverpool's last outing brought a credible point at Villa Park without Steven Gerrard and, for the most part, Fernando Torres.

Benitez added: "Getting a draw without them showed the quality in the squad – but it could have been better.

"Having watched the videos, I thought we could have won. We had four chances – Alonso, Kuyt, Ngog and Keane. They had two and some set-pieces. So, the point was good but it could have been better.

"We changed the system to play 4-3-3 and give Xabi Alonso freedom, then when he was being pressed we changed to 4-2-3-1. People said, 'Oh, Robbie Keane wasn't playing well on the left.' But we had to think about winning the game, not just one player."

Gerrard is currently recovering from a groin operation due to keep him out 10-15 days.

On the skipper's race to face United on September 13, Benitez said: "Steven is okay. He's started with bicycle work and will start jogging, so I think he will be ready soon."

Meanwhile, the Liverpool boss is backing Daniel Agger to rise to the challenge of extra competition at centre-back.

The Dane has been absent from the starting XI since the first leg of our Champions League qualifier in Liege.

Benitez said: "Martin Skrtel is a good centre-back, Jamie Carragher is very consistent and Sami Hyypia is a good option also, so Daniel needs to work hard if he wants to play and he knows that.

"We want two players for each position but Daniel has a very good mentality and he will be ready."

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1:48 PM
Categories: Daniel agger, Manchester United, MU, Rafa Benitez, steven gerard. Author: nik

He's a Spain international who has enjoyed an eye-catching spell with Espanyol - but what else do you know about our new left winger?


Liverpoolfc.tv endeavours to bring you up to speed with a list of 10 things you probably didn't know about Albert Riera.

1. Riera is known as Spain's answer to Middlesbrough's Stewart Downing but when among friends he goes by the nickname of 'Flossy'.

2. Albert was born on April 15, 1982 and shares his birthday with actress Emma Watson and former Blue Peter presenter Katy Hill.

3. Riera can boast to have matched new teammate Steven Gerrard's achievement of scoring in a UEFA Cup final. However, unlike Stevie, it would prove to be a bitter-sweet occasion for the winger, as Espanyol eventually succumbed to a penalty shoot-out defeat in the 2007 final against Sevilla. The match had ended 2-2 after extra-time.

4. Albert can already claim to have some Barclays Premier League experience having made 15 appearances for Manchester City after spending some of the 2005-06 season on loan at the club.

5. He made his Blues debut in a memorable 3-1 win at home to local rivals Manchester United on January 14, 2006. A similar result would be most welcome if he makes his Reds bow against the Red Devils on September 13.

6. Riera managed just one goal under City boss at the time Stuart Pearce, when he opened the scoring in a 3-0 win at home to Newcastle on February 1, 2006.

7. Guillem Balague believes the winger will make the most of his second spell in the Premier League after claiming City did not take full advantage of the 26-year-old's strengths. "He was not given the opportunity to play in his natural, attacking, position at City," he wrote on his website. "He spent his time there being used as a wing back: his natural position is a winger in a 4-2-3-1 formation."

8. Albert hails from the island of Mallorca and comes from a town called Manacor, which, incidentally, is the same place where tennis star Rafael Nadal was born.

9. Riera has already sampled the famous Anfield atmosphere after playing 77 minutes of City's 1-0 defeat away to Liverpool in the 2005-06 campaign. Harry Kewell was the Reds' goalscorer that day while Joey Barton was sent off for the visitors.

10. Albert scored his one and only international goal in Spain's 3-1 win away to Denmark in a European Championship qualifier on October 13, 2007. He has five caps for his country to date.

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11:51 AM
Categories: espanyol, Reiera, winger. Author: nik

Liverpool have been drawn in Champions League Group D alongside PSV, Marseille and Fernando Torres' former club Atletico Madrid.

The draw will take El Nino back to the Vicente Calderon for the first time since his record transfer last summer.

Atletico, whose squad includes former Reds Luis Garcia and Florent Sinama-Pongolle, finished fourth in La Liga last term.

Marseille, meanwhile, were the third best team in France during 2007-08.

They twice faced the Reds in last season's group stages, winning 1-0 at Anfield before missing out on a place in the second round following a 4-0 home defeat.

Ex Red Bolo Zenden still plays at the Stade Velodrome.

Dutch champions PSV make up Group D, a side Liverpool faced four times en route to Athens in 2006-07, with Gerrard and co recording three wins and a draw.


Group A
CHELSEA
ROMA
BORDEAUX
CFR CLUJ

Group B
INTER MILAN
WERDER BREMEN
PANATHINAKOS
ANOTHOSIS FAMAGUSTA

Group C
BARCELONA
SPORTING LISBON
BASEL
SHAKHTAR DONESTSK

Group D
LIVERPOOL
PSV
MARSEILLE
ATLETICO MADRID

Group E
MAN UTD
VILLARREAL
CELTIC
AALBORG

Group F
LYON
BAYERN MUNICH
STEAUA BUCHAREST
FIORENTINA

Group G
ARSENAL
PORTO
FENERBACHE
DYNAMO KIEV

Group H
REAL MADRID
JUVENTUS
ZENIT ST PETERSBURG
BATE BORSOV

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11:25 AM
Categories: European Champions League 2008/2009 draw Group D, UCL. Author: nik

The Reds will travel to the south of France to take on Marseille at the Stade Velodrome on September 16 - the scene of their 4-0 victory last December when they sealed their place in the last sixteen of the competition.

That fixture is followed by a home game with PSV Eindhoven before a double header with La Liga giants Atletico Madrid.

Liverpool will kick-off their Champions League Group D campaign at the scene of one of their most impressive European performances of recent years.

An Anfield clash with Marseille follows with the group campaign ending with a trip to Holland to face PSV.

Liverpool's Group D fixtures are as follows:

September 16 v Marseille (a)
October 1 v PSV Eindhoven (h)
October 22 v Atletico Madrid (a)
November 4 v Atletico Madrid (h)
November 26 v Marseille (h)
December 9 v PSV Eindhoven (a)



Five-time champion Liverpool, which needed a 118th-minute goal Wednesday to qualify, was drawn into a group with PSV Eindhoven, Atletico Madrid and Olympique Marseille. That means Liverpool's star striker Fernando Torres, who scored the winner for Spain against Germany in June's European Championship final, gets a chance to face his former team.

"With Fernando and the other Spanish players, there will be huge, huge interest in that one," Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry said. "It's great. That's what makes the Champions League so exciting. It's fantastic."

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11:16 AM
Categories: European Champions League 2008/2009 draw Group D, UCL. Author: nik

Liverpool left it late - very late - to secure their place in Thursday's Champions League draw and you can now enjoy Dirk Kuyt's 117th minute strike against Standard Liege online.

With the clock ticking towards a nerve-shredding penalty shoot-out Ryan Babel's cross from the left finally unlocked a well organised Belgian defence and Kuyt celebrated his 100th game for the club with the most important goal he's ever scored.

Meanwhile benitez hails amazing Kuyt ..

Rafael Benitez hailed the 'amazing' energy of Dirk Kuyt after the forward marked his 100th game for the Reds with the winner against Standard Liege.

The Dutchman was on hand to fire home Ryan Babel's deep cross with just two min
utes of extra-time remaining to secure a 1-0 win and book Liverpool's place in the lucrative Group Stage of the Champions League.

It was a strike that ended the Belgian champions' brave resistance and the Reds boss admitted he was relieved that his side's efforts were eventually rewarded.

"I was really pleased because Kuyt scored the winning goal," said Rafa.

"His effort is amazing every game. I'm also really pleased because Nabil played well again.

"We knew it could be difficult. From the first minute they played well and we knew they would play well on the counter attack so we had to work really hard until the end.

"For me the most positive thing is that we played a little bit better against a good team who are sharp and we scored at the end. That means that the team are working really hard."

Benitez felt the overriding factor behind his side's late winner was their ability in the wide areas and was pleased that they kept going, despite suffering an evening full of frustration.

"The goal came from a good cross from Ryan Babel and Nabil also played well," he said. "You play with wingers because it gives you space for penetrating passes.

"It's important to have balance in defence but also in attack so that you have pace and quality in the wide areas, with Torres and Keane in the middle.

"We had confidence and we kept pushing. We knew from the first game they are really good and today they also played well. They were always a threat because you know you can concede from a free-kick or a corner but we were going forward well and controlling the game but we were missing the final pass to make the difference."

In an end to end first-half the Reds were twice grateful to Pepe Reina for producing two fantastic saves and while Benitez was delighted with his stopper's display he refused to heap too much praise on individual performances.

"Pepe was the key player in the first game but today it is not about just one player, it is about all of them," he said.

"You could see how hard they were working against a good team. When you play this kind of game you know the other team is training and playing thinking about just this game.

"We had the international break the other day and a lot of players weren't ready, so it was important to make sure we got through and we can now start work again with the group."

Benitez and co can now look forward to tomorrow's group stage draw safe in the knowledge they have once again boosted both the Anfield coffers and their chances of more silverware come May.

"To have the possibility to play for trophies is amazing and really important and also in terms of money," he added.

"We know it is important. If you play at this level you will have more chances of winning trophies and money."

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10:05 AM
Categories: Dirk Kuyt, ECL, Rafa Benitez, Standard Liege. Author: nik

Steven Gerrard has urged his teammates not to blow the chance to play in a fairytale final in Rome next May
Liverpool tonight bid to qualify for a Champions League which reaches its finale in the stadium where Emlyn Hughes lifted our first European Cup back in 1977.

After a goalless draw in Liege two weeks ago, Gerrard isn't taking entry into the group stages for granted - but the skipper hopes the prospect of a dream final in nine months' time will inspire the Reds into the competition proper and beyond.

"We want to go one further than last year and we're confident we can do it," Gerrard told Liverpoolfc.tv.

"They were the better team on the night two weeks ago and you have to give them credit. It was a massive wake-up call that they can't be underestimated. They have some big, physical boys who can also play a bit.

"We need to make sure we improve from Saturday and see that we're on it – if not, we'll come unstuck.

"It's a massive game and we need to play very well. But we know we're at home and we're at a better level than two weeks ago, so we're very confident we'll win the game.

"The squad's even stronger this year and we know how good we can be in Europe over two legs. To go to Rome and get to another final would be an unbelievable achievement but that's the target we've set for ourselves."

Defeat or a score draw tonight would see Liverpool fail to qualify for the Champions League for the first time under Rafa Benitez.

Despite his confidence, Gerrard knows the pressure is on.

"An away goal would throw a spanner in the works so we have to defend properly," he added. "But we're capable of keeping clean sheets and we know we have match winners in the team.

"There certainly is respect for the opposition. We can't afford to start slowly and go a goal down – that would be a disaster.

"There is a bit of pressure but we have to play our own game. A first goal will help us settle but, you know, on paper we should win this game.

"It's easy to say that, though; now we've got to go out there and do it on the pitch."

Gerrard admits Liverpool have yet to leave "second gear" this season, but with six Barclays Premier League points already on the board, the 28-year-old is concentrating on the positives.

He explained: "It looked like we were going to lose points at home but now it's very nice to see six points on the board already. But we're not happy with how we're playing at the minute – we need to raise it a bit.

"When we were losing 1-0 we'd have taken a point because Middlesbrough were defending well and we weren't playing well at all. If you look at our games last season, that's where we came unstuck – drawing and losing at home.

"To win the league you need to win when you're playing badly and that's what happened on Saturday.

"The pleasing thing at the moment is that we've won two out of two and yet we're still in second gear. We know we can step it up."

The remarkable comeback against Middlesbrough was secured thanks to an injury-time hit from Gerrard five minutes after Jamie Carragher equalised with a deflected strike which some credited as an Emanuel Pogatetz own goal.

Ever a good friend, the club captain is adamant the leveller should go down as Carra's fifth career goal.

He said: "You've got to give him it. If he hadn't had a shot from there then we wouldn't have got the goal. He deserves the credit and deserves the goal."

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4:55 PM
Categories: Champions League, steven gerard. Author: nik

Jamie Carragher has warned Liverpool cannot take anything for granted when they face Standard Liege in a must-win Champions League qualifier at Anfield on Wednesday.

With the tie in the balance after a goalless first leg in Belgium, the vice-captain knows our Champions League qualification is far from a formality. "They are definitely the toughest opponents we've had in a qualifier," said Carragher. "I know people expect us to get through, but it's not as if we're playing a Mickey Mouse team. "The Belgian league has a lot of quality and their champions are used to getting into the group stages. "We had a tough match against Anderlecht a few years ago so I'm not surprised Liege caused us problems. "They caught us a bit cold in the first leg. Their manager said we were sleeping but they deserve credit for the way they played. "They were spot on tactically, hitting us on the counter-attack and trying to make us play like a home side. You have to remember they'd gone something like 30 games unbeaten in their own league – and they are a club with European pedigree. "We didn't play well and we know we'll have to improve at Anfield. Everyone knows how important it is for our season to get into the group stage." Carragher added: "It's always a funny time for us to have such a massive game before we've got going in the season. Some of our results have reflected that. "We lost at home to AK Graz in the year we won the competition and had a narrow win in the last minute against Maccabi Haifa two years ago, so anyone thinking we'll win comfortably knows that's very dangerous. "You have to bear in mind this is probably the biggest game of the season already, and in some cases it may be the most important match they've ever had in their career. "That makes them very tough opponents so we will have to be on our guard. Any side which can keep Fernando Torres and Robbie Keane as quiet as they did in the first leg has quality. We didn't have any chances in the game. "It would be unthinkable for us not to be in the Champions League. You just want to get this qualifier out the way, put Europe on the back-burner for a while and get focused for a couple of months on doing well in the league. "As players we expect to be there and so do the fans. We know in this situation all the pressure is on us, but we don't want to get negative about that. "All the hard work finishing in the top four last season was geared towards reaching the group stages, so there's no way we want to let that slip. "If we go through it gives us a bit of momentum and confidence and gives us those six group games to look forward setting up our season."

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2:19 PM
Categories: Champions League, Jamie Carragher, Standard Liege. Author: nik

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard fired a stunning stoppage-time winner to floor Middlesbrough 2-1 after they threatened an Anfield shock.

Empics
Steven Gerrard slides in on Tuncay Sanli
England head coach Fabio Capello suggested in midweek that Gerrard is not fully fit, but he was still going strong late in the game against Boro as Liverpool came from behind to claim three points.

• Benitez lauds skipper Gerrard
Boro had not won in the league at Anfield since 1976 and when Mido came off the bench to put them ahead with 20 minutes left, that record looked likely to be consigned to history.

But Jamie Carragher saw a 20-yard cross-shot deflect home off Emanuel Pogatetz for an own goal with five minutes of regulation time remaining and then Gerrard rifled home a 20-yard winner deep into injury-time.

Liverpool replaced the injured Sami Hyypia with Martin Skrtel in defence for the match, while Gerrard shrugged off worries over a groin problem to start in a match which saw Robbie Keane and Andrea Dossena make their home league debuts.

Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate initially named the side which beat Tottenham last week, with new signing Justin Hoyte on the bench.

But a pre-match injury to goalkeeper Brad Jones meant Ross Turnbull was thrust into action at the last moment.

He was put under immediate pressure by Liverpool. After three minutes Fernando Torres surged towards the penalty area and fed Dirk Kuyt, whose fierce drive was turned aside at full stretch by Turnbull.

Then Dossena fired over a swirling cross-shot which Turnbull pushed behind.

Torres saw a flicked header go wide, before there was a lengthy delay when Dossena and Jeremie Aliadiere clashed heads, both leaving the field.

Boro's French forward returned with his head heavily bandaged, while Dossena needed a stitch before being allowed back into the fray.

It then took a fine flying save from Jose Reina to touch over an 18-yard shot from from Boro's Andrew Taylor.

Tuncay and Afonso Alves gave Liverpool central defenders Carragher and Skrtel plenty to think about before Gerrard almost scored at the other end when his dipping drive flashed just over, following neat build-up play between Torres and Kuyt.

Middlesbrough's England winger Stewart Downing, a possible target for Liverpool, cut inside two defenders from the left before sending a shot just wide of the far post.

The pace barely dropped and only fine defending by David Wheater twice stopped Torres in the box, the second time after the Spaniard had been put clear by Kuyt.

Torres should then have given Liverpool a half-time lead, but his shot was deflected wide by Emanuel Pogatetz.

Boro sent out Turnbull for a half-time warm-up in front of the Kop, the goal the visitors were due to defend in the second period.

But despite having the majority of possession, Liverpool were not making clear chances.

All the effort in the world was there from Keane and Kuyt, but Boro's defence was standing firm.

Liverpool's set-plays were weak and ineffective, and corners in particular were repeatedly wasted.

Boro sent on Mido for Alves on the hour mark, the Teesside club clearly believing they could get something out of the game.

And they almost took the lead after 62 minutes when Mido crossed from the left and Tuncay produced a clever turn and flick before forcing Reina into a sharp save.

Liverpool sent on Ryan Babel, fresh from his Olympic campaign with Holland, in place of Yossi Benayoun after 65 minutes.

Torres immediately went close with a 25-yard strike, but it was Boro who grabbed the lead after 70 minutes.

Xabi Alonso conceded possession and the ball was switched from Aliadiere to Mido, some 30 yards out. His fierce, low drive beat Reina and found the bottom right corner.

Liverpool replaced Dossena with Fabio Aurelio, with Boro sending on Hoyte for Taylor.

Keane was booked for dissent after Liverpool were denied a penalty when Gerrard's fierce drive was deflected wide, seemingly off a Middlesbrough player's arm.

Then Mido found his way into referee Mike Riley's book for time-wasting.

Liverpool sent on Nabil El Zhar for Arbeloa with seven minutes left and they finally managed to pile on the pressure.

They drew level when Carragher made the most of Riley playing an advantage after a shot from Alonso hit Gary O'Neil's arm.

Amid loud appeals for a spot-kick, Carragher unleashed a shot which looked to be going off target but deflected past the unlucky Turnbull off Pogatetz.

Turnbull made a fine save from a Gerrard free-kick in injury-time. But in the fourth minute of added time, Liverpool's talisman smashed home the winner, driving the ball into the right corner of the net from the edge of the penalty area after Wheater's poor defensive header.

Benitez lauds skipper Gerrard
Rafael Benitez hailed the winning mentality of his skipper Steven Gerrard after Liverpool stole the points with two late goals against Middlesbrough.
Boro took the lead in the 70th minute with a Mido strike before Jamie Carragher's drive was deflected home by Emanuel Pogatetz with five minutes of normal time left.

Liverpool looked relieved to have saved a point, but Gerrard crashed home the winner four minutes into added time.

Benitez said: 'I was very pleased with the first 15 minutes or so, we created a lot of chances and could have scored a couple.

'But after that we did not play well, and we allowed them to control our attacks. They did not create too much themselves, but it was not a good performance from our team.

'Then in the second-half they scored a good goal and we had to throw people forward to get ourselves back in the game.

'I am sure that Jamie Carragher will be claiming that goal, despite the deflection, but afterwards he was only really concerned that we had got ourselves level.

'But it was Gerrard who showed the winning mentality, he has done that so many times from a similar position. Many other players would have put it high over the bar, but you know Gerrard will hit the target.

'Last season we drew far too many games at Anfield, but this time we have sent out a message that in such situations we can win the game. We have winners here.'

Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate admitted his side were bitterly disappointed to have lost the game.

He said: 'That was hard to take. The players are heartbroken in the dressing room.

'We deserved more, we certainly deserved a point. We produced a disciplined performance and the two matches we have played so far have given me plenty of confidence.

'We beat Spurs last weekend and now we have very nearly beaten a side who can win the title.

'Their equaliser was a freak, and we should have been able to see out the game even at 1-1.

'But I have told them that they can leave Anfield with their heads high.'

Southgate revealed that goalkeeper Brad Jones dislocated a finger in the warm-up.

He said: 'It was just one of those things, but Ross Turnbull came in and did very well, he can be pleased with his performance.'

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10:08 AM
Categories: Middlesbrough, steven gerard. Author: nik