Liverpool facing competition from Arsenal for French star

Arsenal have reportedly reignited their interest in Monaco midfielder Thomas Lemar, as rumours continue to gather pace about their forward Alexis Sanchez leaving the club.

Lemar has been strongly linked with a move to Liverpool this week, with Gunners boss Arsene Wenger suggesting a deal was "dead" for the France international, per Jack Austin of The Independent.

However, according to Sky Sports' Kaveh Sohekol, Arsenal are ready to make another effort to get the midfielder, with Manchester City chasing Sanchez:

Man City second bid for Alexis Sanchez is £55m plus £5m in add ons. We're also told Arsenal are back in for Thomas Lemar from Monaco

— Kaveh Solhekol (@SkyKaveh) 31 August 2017

It's been reported by Sky Sports' Guillem Balague there is hope from Arsenal's perspective that a deal for Lemar can be done:

Alexis close to sign for City for £55 + £5. Arsenal asked for few hours to sign Thomas Lemar, which they confident they are going to do

— Guillem Balague (@GuillemBalague) 31 August 2017

It had previously been reported by Solhekol that Monaco were seeking to earn around €100 million (£92 million) from any potential sale of Lemar. According to Sami Mokbel (h/t Adam Shergold of the MailOnline), the Gunners have made an offer in the region of £90 million for the 21-year-old.

It's an amount that'd far outstrip the £60 million that'd potentially be picked up from the sale of Sanchez.

But according to Sky Sports News, Arsenal would not be willing to accept a straight cash offer for their star forward.

As noted in the piece, Raheem Sterling has previously been tipped as a potential makeweight in the deal. Balague suggested those stories are wide of the mark, though, with City boss Pep Guardiola keen to keep Sterling at the club:

1. More detail on Sterling. When he heard he could be part of swap deal for Alexis, he rang Pep and was told City did not doubt for a second

— Guillem Balague (@GuillemBalague) 31 August 2017

2. Sterling was told he is fundamental for City and Arsenal were told they were not interested in including him in any deal

— Guillem Balague (@GuillemBalague) 31 August 2017

If the Gunners were able to do a deal for Lemar at this late stage of the window then perhaps they would consider letting Sanchez leave.

After all, the Monaco man also operates off the left flank, too. Lemar is much more of a midfielder in style compared to Sanchez, though.

Convincing the French champions to sell at this point in the campaign will be a massive challenge for the Gunners, especially given they have already lost key men this summer in the form of Tiemoue Bakayoko, Benjamin Mendy and Bernardo Silva. Additionally, Lemar is on international duty with France, who have a game on Thursday.

Sanchez's departure would leave a huge void at the Emirates Stadium and supporters disappointed. Lemar's arrival would help fill that gap to a degree and give the fans a bright future to look forward to if their attacking talisman was sold.

You sense a deal will need to be agreed for the latter before the former gets the switch he's seemingly keen on.

Source: Bleacher Report

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Dominant Reds put four past Arsenal

Liverpool produced another scintillating attacking display to defeat Arsenal 4-0 at Anfield on Sunday afternoon.

Four days on from their dominant performance versus Hoffenheim, the Reds were arguably even more impressive against the Gunners as their irrepressible front three of Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah all got on the scoresheet.

Firmino’s header and an outstanding effort from Mane ensured they went in two goals to the good at the interval, with Salah adding a breakaway third early in the second half before Daniel Sturridge came off the bench to nod in a fourth.

Seven points from their opening three Premier League games of the season mean Jürgen Klopp’s side head into the international break second in the table.

Key points

• Firmino headed Liverpool into a 17th-minute lead.
• Mane made it 2-0 shortly before the break.
• Salah increased the Reds' advantage soon after half-time.
• Sturridge came on as a sub to score a late fourth.

Team news

With Simon Mignolet rested, Loris Karius started in Liverpool’s goal, while Joe Gomez replaced Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back as Klopp made two changes to his starting line-up.

First half

Emre Can and Danny Welbeck exchanged early attempts on goal, with the Liverpool midfielder heading Alberto Moreno’s cross wide before the Arsenal forward miscued a shot over the crossbar after a dangerous central burst from Alexis Sanchez.

The decibel level increased around Anfield and the Reds responded by creating their first clear-cut chance in the 10th minute.

A slick one-two between Can and Firmino on the edge of the visitors’ penalty area put the former in position to aim a low cross into the path of Mohamed Salah, but Petr Cech somehow scrambled across his six-yard box to deny the No.11.

But Liverpool didn’t have to wait much longer for their opener.

Gomez won the ball back high up the pitch, traded passes with Can and swung in a left-footed delivery, which an unmarked Firmino nodded home with ease.

It was very nearly 2-0 two minutes later. Jordan Henderson swarmed over Mesut Ozil and won possession, but then lifted the ball over Cech and off target after being played in by Firmino.

Mane volleyed Georginio Wijnaldum’s knockdown around the half-hour mark, but made no mistake when rounding off a devastating Liverpool counter five minutes before the break.

A lightning-quick transition from defence to attack - which saw Wijnaldum, Can and Firmino work the ball up the pitch to Mane - ended with the Senegalese cutting inside Rob Holding and curling a low, right-footed effort beyond Cech for his third Premier League goal in as many games this season.

Second half

There was to be no let up after the interval, and it was the willingness of Klopp’s front three to press high that resulted in Liverpool’s third goal in the 57th minute.

Salah pounced on a loose touch from Hector Bellerin - who was left alone at the back as Arsenal took a corner - just inside the Reds’ half, surged away towards the Kop and coolly slotted past Cech from 12 yards.

Mane was within a yard of making it four when he slid an effort past Cech, but the Gunners cleared off the line.

That was the No.19’s final contribution before being withdrawn, to a fully deserved standing ovation, for Sturridge.

Sturridge made an immediate impact, too, as he nodded Salah’s cross in from close range following yet another brilliant team move from Liverpool, who have now won four consecutive matches in all competitions.

Goal highlights

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Liverpool ready to compete for Mbappe

Liverpool will go head-to-head with Arsenal in an attempt to pull off the most spectacular and unexpected transfer in their history should Kylian Mbappe decide to move to England rather than Real Madrid.

The French teenager is now the most wanted footballer on the planet and Jurgen Klopp is determined to be part of the conversation should Monaco agree to sell their star striker before the start of the season.

Liverpool have reportedly seen a staggering €100million offer for Monaco starlet Kylian Mbappe rejected as they step up their pursuit of the youngster.

There’s no denying that the 18-year-old is the most in-demand player in Europe this summer, as after his exploits last season, he has stolen the attention of every top club around the major leagues.

With 26 goals and 14 assists in 44 outings in all competitions, Mbappe was crucial in helping Monaco win the Ligue 1 title as well as reach the semi-finals of the Champions League.

There is a broad expectation 18-year-old Mbappe will go to Real Madrid, who have the finances to outbid any competitors. It is rare for any player to reject the overtures of the Bernabeu club once they have been identified as the number one target. It is difficult for any player to say no when Madrid call and French media have today reported meetings between Mbappe and Real coach Zinedine Zidane in which he has been assured of a starting place.

But Liverpool, like Arsenal, have investigated whether Mbappe would prefer a move to the Premier League at a club where he can be guaranteed game time and patience. It is felt career progress rather an immediate desire to become a Galactico is Mbappe’s priority, even if Madrid remain clear favourites and the most likely winners of the pursuit.

Should Mbappe decide it is too soon to move to the Spanish giants, Liverpool are prepared to spend big to get him. Unlike Arsenal, they could be playing Champions League football this season, although they also know Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea would make rival offers if what currently seems like a fantasy evolved into reality.

The Reds are monitoring the situation and have registered their interest in the player.

Source: The Telegraph

Image credits to AFP.

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Oxlade-Chamberlain set for Liverpool move

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp will continue the Anfield spending spree with a £30million move for Arsenal's Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

The Kop boss completed a £39million deal for Roma winger Mohamed Salah on Thursday and, has now set his sights on raiding the Emirates for the Gunners' England midfielder.

Oxlade-Chamberlain, 23, has just 12 months left on his contract and has become frustrated at the club’s lack of talks over a new deal — and with not being a regular starter under Arsene Wenger.

Jurgen Klopp is a known admirer and is set for a busy summer as he attempts to build a squad capable of challenging both in the Premier League and in Europe where the Reds are back in the Champions League after a two-year absence.

Arsenal’s wage bill is expected to rise significantly as the club look to strike deals with influential duo Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil.

The club will therefore be forced to save money through player sales and it is claimed Olivier Giroud could follow Oxlade-Chamberlain out of the exit door in the coming months.

Arsenal are set for an overhaul of their own and are under pressure to cut their wage bill in the wake of the Premier League's new cost control measures that are coming into force this summer.

The rules say that a club’s wage bill should not be more than £7million more than it was in 2016-17, or £19million more than from the 2012-13 season.

If it does increase beyond that limit, the money can only come from external sources such as player sales, ticketing or commercial money, rather than Premier League central funds.

This means the money will have to be found in player sales this summer, not just of fringe players, but first-team players too.

Olivier Giroud is another who could follow Oxlade-Chamberlain out with Napoli joining Marseille and West Ham monitoring his situation. Jack Wilshere is another who could leave after spending last season on loan at Bournemouth but his wages may prove a stumbling block to a permanent move.

There are plenty of fringe players likely to depart, including Calum Chambers, Wojciech Szczesny, Chuba Akpom, Kieran Gibbs, Lucas Perez and Carl Jenkinson but Hector Bellerin is set to stay with the Gunners telling Barcelona that the Spanish right back is not for sale at any price.

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Luis Suarez to Arsenal but not with £40M price tag

Liverpool admitted for the first time they will sell Luis Suarez, after the player told them he wants to talk to Arsenal.

However, Anfield boss Brendan Rodgers has put a £50million price on the head of his Uruguay striker.

Arsenal triggered a clause in Suarez’s contract with a stunning £40,000,0001 bid, although Liverpool rejected the offer. It’s like a game of poker - bottom dealing and hope no other clubs enters the bidding war.

But the first signs Arsenal’s strategy is working came when Suarez was told he can to speak to the Gunners as Liverpool finally admitted they are prepared to sell him.

Arsenal are ready to raise their bid slightly plus add-ons and bonuses but they are unlikely to go to £50M.

Rodgers, however, is unmoved. He has had a number of conversations with Suarez at Liverpool’s base in Melbourne and will have more discussions with the 26-year-old when they arrive in Bangkok on Thursday.

Earlier, Suarez made an 18-minute cameo appearance as a substitute on as he returned to the Liverpool team for the first time since April 21. In front of 95,000 fans at the MCG, he set up the second goal in the Merseysiders’ 2-0 win.

Brendan Rodgers has compared Suarez's value to that of Edinson Cavani, who joined Paris Saint-Germain last week for £55M, but the Anfield manager has stopped short of completely ruling out the Uruguayan's departure, merely saying every player has his value and he will only leave "if something drastic happens".

A bid rising to £42M for a 26-year-old who is banned for the first six games of the new season might be regarded as tempting by Liverpool's America-based owners Fenway Sports Group but a tweet sent from John W Henry's Twitter account seemingly ridiculed Arsenal’s latest bid for Suarez. "What do you think they are smoking over there at Emirates?" the account said.

Mockery aside, Liverpool are angered it took Arsenal two weeks to improve their initial offer of £30M plus £7M in add-ons, and only then to a sum that their chief executive, Ivan Gazidis, had been told would be instantly rejected. For their part Arsenal, evidently encouraged to believe that £40,000,001 would prompt negotiations with Suarez, hope the 26-year-old will agitate for an exit from Anfield in the coming days. A Premier League or legal hearing could ultimately be required to resolve the stand-off should it continue.

It was a message echoed by Brendan Rodgers after Liverpool's 2-0 pre-season friendly victory against Melbourne Victory at the MCG on Wednesday.

Suarez owed the fans, he said. Suarez had a debt of gratitude to a city that has taken him in like a son and sheltered him as he served lengthy bans for racially abusing Patrice Evra and biting Branislav Ivanovic.

And yet the controversial Uruguayan remains intent on leaving Liverpool this summer, intent on walking away to join a club that can offer him Champions League football.

Arsenal’s biggest concern is Real Madrid making a late bid, and they are set to receive a £30M boost to their transfer kitty after agreeing to sell Gonzalo Higuain to Napoli for £30m.

Arsenal will put a five year, £150,000-a-week contract on the table to tempt Suarez.

Arsenal believe they have been given enough encouragement by the Uruguayan's representatives that he is keen to move to Emirates Stadium in search of Champions League football.

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Liverpool to hijack Arsenal’s deal

Liverpool without the financial muscle to sign player on a permanent basis will be relying on one or two loan deal this summer.

Reports on Monday claimed that Nuri Sahin was set to be announced as an Arsenal player but Madrid said the reports were false as the Turkish midfielder attended training in the Spanish capital.

Now, it is reported that both Real Madrid and Arsenal are failing to agree terms as the Gunners are unwilling to accept a loan deal and were pushing for a permanent deal.

This has prompted reports in Spain that Sahin’s agent Reza Fazeli has met with senior Liverpool officials in an attempt to revive the possibility of a loan move to Anfield.

It is understood that Liverpool withdrew their interest in signing the former Borussia Dortmund player last Saturday after learning that he wanted to join Arsenal.

It is uncertain whether Real are willing to sanction the permanent sale of Sahin even though Jose Mourinho has made it clear that the player will benefit from a season in the Premier League.

Sahin would strengthen the midfield options of Wenger, who sanctioned the sale of Alex Song to Barcelona for £15 million on Monday and is also likely to be without Jack Wilshere for the first three months of the season through injury.

We know how Wenger deal in the transfer market – buy cheap, gain profit later. He will not pay over the odds to get his players.

Mourinho and Rodgers has a good relationship back at Stamford Bridge. Liverpool could use Rodgers’ influence to scupper Arsenal’s deal.

We’ll soon find out where Nuri Sahin will play his football this weekend.

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Rumour Mill: Liverpool eye Arsenal winger

The summer Anfield clearance has begun! With the latest signing of Fabio Borini and the departure of Maxi Rodriguez, Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has started to reshuffles his playing squad.

Andy Carroll has been subject to many speculation after Rodgers has admitted that the England international striker could leave on a season-long loan with a permanent deal at the end of 12-months. Although Liverpool has rejected Newcastle bid earlier for Carroll. AC Milan and West Ham United are still interested on signing the big striker on a season-long loan deal.

News on Zlatan Ibrahimovic almost completing his move to Paris St. Germain from AC Milan has boosted the chance of Carroll moving in the opposition direction.

Meanwhile, Liverpool are ready to rival Chelsea in the hunt for Arsenal winger Theo Walcott.

Walcott has just a year to run on his contract with the Gunners and could follow Robin van Persie's lead by seeking a move away from the Emirates Stadium if the club does not boost his wages to £100,000 per week.

Rodgers will be pondering a £15million move and could use money from any sale of Andy Carroll to pay for the deal.

As a pacy winger with an eye for goal, Walcott would fit seamlessly into Rodgers' preferred playing style.

Target-man Carroll, however, may find opportunities under Rodgers more limited.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is desperate to keep Walcott, especially with Robin van Persie refusing to sign a new deal but some members of Emirates board would be prepared to cash in now.

Will Theo Walcott move to Anfield?

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Liverpool wants Barcelona playmaker

Liverpool FC long-term transfer target and want-away Barcelona playmaker, Ibrahim Afellay could be donning the red shirt of Merseyside. But with the Catalan giants ready to accept offers in the region of £6 million, Arsenal, Tottenham and Newcastle have all been alerted to the availability of Barcelona playmaker.

The midfielder was signed by Barcelona from PSV Eindhoven for a cut-price £2.3 million after he entered the last year of his contract with the Dutch side, and despite showing immense promise initially, an injury hampered his progress at the Spanish giants. After returning from injury, it is thought that he would be available for as little as £6 million, which is considered a bargain for a player of such a high quality.

Barcelona have put the 26-year-old up for sale and believe his starting berth for Holland at the Euro's will be a perfect platform to boost his price.

According to reports, not only will Afellay be available for purchase this summer, but he'll be available for a lot less than expected. This makes it crucial for the Reds to pursue him.

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Rumour Mill: Liverpool rival Premier League clubs for £50M-rated striker

Liverpool joining the race to sign one of French finest international forward this summer. Arsenal, Newcastle and Bayern Munich has identified the Montpellier striker, Olivier Giroud as a potential transfer target.

However, Giroud has also attracted interest from Arsenal and Newcastle in recent months. Arsene Wenger has reportedly instructed his France-based scout Giles Grimandi to keep a tab on the player's progress.

And Montpellier owner Louis Nicollin dismissed Newcastle's attempts to court the services of his star striker last year declaring the northern club to be "too small" for Giroud.

Liverpool manager, Kenny Dalglish has been searching a strike partner for Luis Suarez to bolster the Reds attacking options. The £35million signing, Andy Carroll has failed to liven up to his expectation at Anfield so far and may leave this summer but on a loan term.

Dalglish and assistant Steve Clarke watched Montpellier’s 1-0 victory at Toulouse on last Friday night and were joined in the stands by Arsenal scout Gilles Grimandi and Bayern Munich’s general manager Christian Nerlinger.

Although there were other players on show that have attracted Liverpool’s interest in the past year, including Toulouse midfielder Moussa Sissoko and Montpellier captain and defender Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa, it is understood Giroud was the focus of Dalglish’s attention.

Giroud is rated at £50million but is understood to have a release clause considerably lower at £13.5million.

The stumbling block though could be his desire to play in the Champions League.

Montpellier should qualify while Liverpool will be in the Europa League.

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Video Highlights: Liverpool 1-2 Arsenal

Robin Van Persie's injury-time goal meant Liverpool suffered a harsh 2-1 defeat to Arsenal at Anfield on Saturday afternoon.

Dirk Kuyt missed an early penalty for the Reds, but the hosts took the lead on 23 minutes when Laurent Koscielny turned Jordan Henderson's cross into his own net.

The Gunners equalised just after the half-hour mark against the run of play, with Van Persie heading a Bacary Sagna cross beyond Pepe Reina from close range.

Liverpool continued to dominate throughout the second half, but Van Persie netted his second with a clinical volley in the 92^nd minute to claim three points for the visitors.

Kenny Dalglish's side went into the lunchtime contest aiming to build upon last Sunday's Carling Cup final success by bolstering their top-four hopes against the current occupants of the position, Arsenal, who began the day seven points ahead having played a game more.

Prior to kick-off, the League Cup was held aloft on the Anfield pitch by Steven Gerrard, who missed the contest due to the injury he sustained while on international duty in midweek.

Also absent were Daniel Agger and Glen Johnson, meaning recalls for Jamie Carragher and Martin Kelly, as well as cup final hero Kuyt.

Read more: Liverpool FC Official

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Video: Kenny Dalglish’s pre-Arsenal press conference

Kenny Dalglish has confirmed Liverpool are waiting to discover the extent of the injury Steven Gerrard picked up on international duty – but the boss expects to be without Daniel Agger for a 'few weeks'.

Gerrard returned to Melwood today and will undergo assessment from the club's medical team after being substituted in the 32^nd minute of England's 3-2 defeat to Holland on Wednesday night.

Video source: YouTube

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Rumour Mill: Liverpool in the market for new striker

Liverpool may be ready to bid for Aston Villa striker Darren Bent, who has become unsettled in Birmingham "following a summer of change and a succession of niggly injuries".

Bent joined Villa from Sunderland for £24 million in the 2011 January transfer window, but he has recently expressed frustration at the lack of service he is receiving at the club.

He has also incurred the wrath of fans by missing Villa’s 2-0 home defeat by Liverpool - opting to go Christmas shopping instead.

Liverpool have also been put on alert following reports that contract talks between Theo Walcott and Arsenal have broken down.

Walcott is one of several players at Arsenal who will have just one year left on their existing deals at the end of the season, and if a new deal is not agreed before the summer, manager Arsene Wenger could be forced to sell rather than risk losing him on a free transfer the following year.

Walcott said in October that he was willing to listen to the Gunners about a new contract following reports linking him with a move away from Emirates Stadium, however his agent later admitted that he did not know if the forward would still be at the club next season.

Who should Liverpool FC buy in January to strengthen the forward line?

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Premier League big guns after Liverpool’s transfer target

Lille's academy director Jean-Michel Vandamme has claimed Chelsea are paying most attention to £40 million-rated youngster Eden Hazard.

In-demand Lille forward Eden Hazard has alerted clubs around Europe by admitting that he wants to leave the French champions at the end of the season.

Hazard, 20, has been strongly linked with Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea in the past - with other clubs in England and Spain also believed to have followed the Belgium international's progress intently.

Despite being tipped for a move abroad last summer Hazard decided to remain at Stade Lille-Metropole to experience Champions League football with his current club, but he has now made it clear that he wants a new challenge at the end of the current campaign.

Blues manager Andre-Villas Boas has been keen to introduce more youth and flair to his squad at Stamford Bridge, with Romelu Lukaku, Oriel Romeu, Juan Mata and Thibaut Courtois joining the club over the summer.

The Portuguese has already stated his admiration for Genk's Kevin De Bruyne, but it is Lille star Hazard who is currently attracting most attention around Europe. Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United and Paris St. Germain are all believed to be pursuing the 20-year-old, but it is Chelsea who head the queue.

However the Ligue 1 outfit stood firm, knowing that another year with them would see his stock rise even further.

Hazard has also previously been linked with Real Madrid, and he boosted their hopes of negotiating a transfer by making it clear he has no intention of staying in Ligue 1 - despite the fact Qatari-backed Paris Saint Germain are reportedly prepared to pay around £35 million to secure his signature.

Hazard's agent has already revealed that Arsenal failed in their attempt to sign the playmaker during the summer transfer window.

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Source: ESPN

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Liverpool goalkeeper almost joins the Gunners

The Liverpool FC Spanish goalkeeper adores the city, he is proud that his children speak with a Scouse accent – and he believes that he represents one of the greatest clubs in world football.

But in his searingly honest autobiography, published this week, Reina also admits that three times he came close to leaving all that behind.

“I have been through three dark nights of the soul at Liverpool and on all three occasions I have questioned whether I should stay at the club that I have come to love,” he declares.

“On each occasion I could have walked away.

“I had opportunities to continue my career elsewhere, but I never took that final, decisive step that would have severed my ties with Liverpool forever. Thankfully.”

The first occasion, in 2006, came as a personal crisis of confidence.

Doubts that had festered after an unconvincing FA Cup final appearance, were magnified by an error in the Reds first home league game and reached crisis proportions in the Goodison derby match.

“Everyone – especially the Evertonians – remembers the day we lost the Merseyside derby 3-0 at Goodison Park on September 9, 2006,” he explains.

“The moment that stands out the most for me was when Andy Johnson scored Everton’s third. It all started when Lee Carsley had a shot from outside the area in the 94th minute. I parried it away, but as the ball went into the air, it headed back towards the goal. I turned to get it but in a split second opted to try and catch it, realising too late that I would carry it over the line. I tried to push it over the bar but could only direct it into the path of Johnson, who had an easy task to head it into the roof of the net.

“When things like that happen you feel like you have let everyone down, especially when it happens against your local rivals in a game that the supporters are desperate to win. But that wasn’t even the worst of it for me because that mistake wasn’t a one-off. If anything, it summed up my form as I struggled to get out of one of the most testing slumps of my career.”

It was manager Rafael Benitez who talked Reina round.

“Like every other player when things go wrong you need the help of the people around you and in this case it was the support of Rafa Benitez that made the biggest difference,” he said. “He gave me such strong backing at the time, and showed he believed in me.

“I knew that Valencia were there and their interest was in the back of my mind. Rafa changed everything and put all those fears to rest. He made me forget about the possibility of leaving Liverpool before I had even proved myself here. With the help of the boss and Jose Ochotorena, the goalkeeping coach, I came through it.

“From the middle of January to the beginning of May 2007, we conceded only 12 goals and managed 11 clean sheets – including one against Everton in the return league fixture at Anfield.

“I had been strong enough to cope with a difficult situation with their support, and I ended up having a good season.”

Read more: Liverpool Echo

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Match Report: Arsenal v Liverpool

Always one of the biggest fixtures of the season and after both teams kicking off the new season with draws last week, there would be an impatience to record their first win. Liverpool go into the game knowing that they have never won at the Emirates Stadium and have not recorded a win against Arsenal away from home for 11 years. But Liverpool have a new confidence and belief encouraged by Dalglish as manager and with all the new summer signings. Arsenal on the other hand are like a club in turmoil, with their talismanic captain Cesc Fabregas leaving for Barcelona last week and an uncertain future regarding star player Nasri, Arsenal have also been decimated by injuries in this new season. Even with all Arsenal's troubles Liverpool know this would be a very difficult match.

THE TEAM

Dalglish made a couple of changes to the side that drew with Sunderland last week, Martin Kelly came in for the unfortunate Flanagan, but more surprisingly was the news that Luis Suarez was to start on the bench with Dirk Kuyt coming back into the side. Even without Suarez starting the match the side still had a lot of attack minded players starting with the likes of Carroll, Kuyt, Downing and Adam being complimented with marauding wingbacks in the shape of Enrique and Kelly.

THE MATCH

Another massive crowd inside this magnificent stadium for the match of the day and Arsenal were the first to threaten in the early stages when Vermaelen headed over from a corner.

The game became a little heated when Frimpong squared up to Henderson resulting in a yellow card for the Arsenal youngster. Arsenal were dealt another injury blow when Koscielny hobbled out of Arsenal's makeshift defence.

Liverpool tried to capitalise as Arsenal regrouped when Carroll had a header from an Enrique cross well saved by Szczesny. Then Henderson failed to convert a Kuyt centre.

Liverpool were shading the play during the first half and Adam went close with an ambitious effort from the centre circle, the ball just going over the crossbar.

It was 30 minutes before Arsenal threatened Reina's goal when Frimpong had an effort well saved by Reina. Then Nasri had a very good run ending up with a shot into the hoardings. Downing had a similar effort at the other end as the half ended.

Liverpool started the second half with Carroll setting up Kelly who shot against the outside of the post. But as the half wore on, Arsenal started to dominate.

Carragher did well to cut out a Walcott cross as Van Persie waited to fire home. Then Adam made a great tackle on Nasri at the edge of the box as Arsenal continued to test Liverpool.
But the game changed in the 70th minute when the reckless Frimpong caught Lucas late with a bad challenge and was sent off for a second yellow card.

Dalglish changed his attack at this point bringing on Suarez and Meireles for Carroll and Kuyt. Liverpool smelled blood now and looked dangerous. Downing went close with a rasping shot being brilliantly saved by Szczesny.

But Liverpool made the breakthrough in the 77th minute in bizarre fashion when Henderson tried to pass a ball through to Suarez but Miquel's clearance ricocheted off Ramsey and into the Arsenal net bringing great joy to the travelling Liverpool support.

Meireles should have made it 2-0 but he shot high. But Liverpool finished the game off in the 90th minute after a triangle of passes between Lucas and Meireles was finished off by Suarez and gave Liverpool a superb victory.

SUMMARY

Well I was as surprised as everyone to see Suarez not starting but Dalglish probably feels he needs a bit more training yet as he did tire last week. I was pleased to see Kuyt come back into the team as his work rate was needed at the Emirates. Liverpool worked superbly as a unit and limited Arsenal to few chances. There was a hint of offside at the goals but we were unlucky with decisions last week so good to see them going for us this week. Great performances from Adam, Enrique, Downing and Kelly, to name a few. But overall a great performance and a confidence boosting result ending an 11 year wait.

Man of the Match -  Enrique - Walcott never got past him all game and he looked dangerous going forward too. Looking like a great signing.

Written by Jamie McLaughlin, who blogs at The Liverword

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Video Highlights: Arsenal 0-2 Liverpool

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Source: FootyTube.com

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Match Report: Suarez ends Liverpool hoodoo

Luis Suarez was on target as Liverpool claimed their first win on Arsenal soil in more than 10 years.

The 24-year-old came off the bench to make it 2-0 following an unfortunate Aaron Ramsey own goal.

All this after a second-half dismissal for Emmanuel Frimpong for a horrible tackle on Lucas Leiva.

The result sends Liverpool joint top of the league ahead of the remaining weekend programme and brings an end to a 14-game sequence without a win at either Highbury or the Emirates since Titi Camara fired a winner in February 2000.

Kenny Dalglish surprised a few by naming Copa America winner Suarez on the bench for the lunch-time kick-off. Dirk Kuyt took the Uruguayan's place while Jon Flanagan made way for Martin Kelly at right-back.

The Emirates patrons were in downbeat mood as they mingled on the concourse prior to kick-off, the blow of seeing their skipper leave for Barcelona compounded today by a clutch of injuries and suspensions.

Cesc Fabregas may have been watching from 700 miles away but one man who did start was Samir Nasri despite speculation about an imminent move to the Etihad Stadium.

Read more: Liverpool FC Official

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Video: Former Liverpool defender believes Dalglish will bring back the glory days

Former Liverpool defender explains what Kenny Dalglish was like as a manager, predicts where Liverpool will finish this season, and slates Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger's transfer policy.

Mark Lawrenson was talking about the forthcoming season at the Kinect Sports Xbox 360 football event at the Sports Cafe London.

Source: talkSPORT, talkSPORTmagazine

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Gunners to hijack Liverpool transfer target

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is plotting to hijack Liverpool's bid to buy £15million England winger Stewart Downing from Aston Villa.

Wenger will swoop for Downing, 26, as a ready-made replacement for Frenchman Samir Nasri, who will complete a £25million move to Manchester City when he returns from Arsenal's pre-season tour to Asia.

Arsenal's manager has vowed to keep Nasri at the Emirates but the 24-year-old has just a year left on his Arsenal contract and sources close to the deal are convinced a move will be agreed.

While Wenger will have to cope with another high-profile departure when Barcelona make a final and almost certainly decisive £35million bid for club captain Cesc Fabregas, the Arsenal manager has been
authorised by his directors to spend the full £60million Arsenal are expected to raise from selling their two stars.

Read more: Liverpool FC Official, Daily Mail

This story has been reproduced from the media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.

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Weekend Links: Flanagan signs new contract, Jordan and Adam numbers set, Jovanovic meets with Anderlecht, and many more.

Defender John Flanagan today (Friday) signed a new long-term contract at Liverpool. Read more here. (liverpoolfc.tv)

 

New signings Jordan Henderson and Charlie Adam have had their squad numbers confirmed. Read more here. (liverpoolfc.tv)

 

Serbian holds talks in bid to end Anfield nightmare. Read more here. (Sky Sports)

 

Denmark international yet to be told if he will be sold. Read more here. (Sky Sports)

 

Do Liverpool really need him upon his return? Read more here. (Our Kop.com)

 

Glen Johnson revealed his delight at signing an extension to his Liverpool contract. Read more here.

 

Liverpool midfielder at risk of summer clearance. Read more here.

 

Defender insists money no motivation to Arsenal exit. Read more here. (Sky Sports)

 

Kenny Dalglish is looking forward to Charlie Adam replicating his Blackpool heroics in a Liverpool shirt next season. Read more here. (liverpoolfc.tv)

 

Dalglish excited by Adam arrival. Read more here. (ESPN)

 

Why Liverpool will not be in the market for a new left-back? Read more here.

 

Stories from the internet. Enjoy your weekends.

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