Liverpool held to Burnley draw

Liverpool endured a frustrating afternoon at Anfield as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Burnley on Saturday.

The Reds responded quickly to going behind to an early Scott Arfield strike, with Mohamed Salah clinically scoring at the Kop end within three minutes.

But the hosts were unable to find another goal in the remainder of the first half or the entirety of the second as the visitors held on for a point.

Key points

• Arfield gives Burnley the lead
• Reds equalise through Salah
• Clarets' dogged defending frustrates

Team news

With the Reds coming into the game off the back of midweek Champions League commitments, Jürgen Klopp opted to shuffle his pack significantly.

The boss made seven changes to his starting XI, with Philippe Coutinho earning his first start of the season and Dejan Lovren missing out due to a sore back.

First half

Despite the reshuffle, the hosts started well, with Daniel Sturridge testing Tom Heaton's replacement Nick Pope with a low effort early before Salah had a penalty appeal waved away by referee Roger East.

But Burnley provided a response and, moments after a brilliant Andy Robertson challenge had denied Chris Wood, they were ahead.

The visitors won two successive headers before the ball dropped to Arfield, who had time and space in the centre of the box to bury his shot in the bottom corner.

Thankfully, Liverpool did not allow the concession of the goal to disrupt their rhythm, and it was for that reason they were quickly level.

Salah's diagonal run was brilliantly found by Emre Can, and the Egyptian showed coolness in chesting the ball down before slamming home.

The hosts continued to push as the break neared but saw efforts from Sturridge and Salah hit the side-netting and the goalkeeper respectively as Burnley held on.

Second half

The Clarets again struggled to get out of their own half when the second period resumed, with Sturridge and Coutinho taking advantage of the space in front of the box to take shots that went narrowly over.

Can then tested the 'keeper with an attempt from a similar area, before Sturridge followed suit after working space on his left foot.

Try as they might, though, the Reds couldn't break the deadlock - leading Klopp to call for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Dominic Solanke with 78 minutes gone.

In the aftermath of those changes, an intricate move that ended in Trent Alexander-Arnold shooting at Pope looked to be the nearest they would come.

However, there was still time for Solanke to push a Salah cross onto the bar from close range, putting the seal on a day of frustration for the hosts.

Source: Official Liverpool FC

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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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Match Day: Watford 3-3 Liverpool

Liverpool were held to a 3-3 draw by Watford in their opening game of the Premier League season on Saturday.

The visitors twice fell behind at Vicarage Road, but goals from each of Jürgen Klopp’s front three - Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah - appeared to have been enough to earn a hard-fought victory for the Reds.

However, Miguel Britos netted in injury time to ensure Watford claimed a share of the spoils.

Mane’s fine strike equalised Stefano Okaka’s early opener, but Watford regained their lead before half-time through Abdoulaye Doucoure.

Two goals in the space of two minutes shortly after the restart - the first a Firmino penalty and the second a poacher’s effort from competitive debutant Salah - turned the match on its head, only for Britos to level deep into stoppage time.

Team news

Alberto Moreno started at left-back for the Reds, while Salah, Mane and Firmino were deployed in Klopp’s forward line.

First half

Having enjoyed the majority of possession early on, the Reds fell behind in the eighth minute.

Dejan Lovren did well to divert Roberto Pereyra’s shot wide but the resulting corner led to the opening goal, as Okaka powered home Jose Holebas’ inswinging corner with his head.

Little of note occurred in the following 20 minutes, but the game burst into life around the half-hour mark.

Mane finished off some slick interplay after he’d stepped over Moreno’s pass and been played in by a clever Emre Can ball. The No.19 darted in from the left and classily side-footed into the far top corner.

Liverpool’s parity lasted just two minutes, though. Tom Cleverley’s low cross was half-cleared by Trent Alexander-Arnold and Doucoure was on hand to lash in the loose ball from eight yards.

Mane went close to levelling again in stoppage time - the forward nodded Firmino’s corner narrowly wide with Heurelho Gomes beaten - but Klopp’s side went in at the interval behind.

Second half

A strong start to the second period felt crucial if Liverpool were going to get back into the game - and that’s exactly what they got.

Indeed, by the 57th minute, the Reds were in front.

First, Firmino sent Gomes the wrong way from the spot after the Watford goalkeeper had felled Salah as he raced onto the Brazilian’s perfectly-weighted pass.

Then, Firmino latched on to Lovren’s over-the-top pass and lifted the ball over the advancing Gomes for Salah to bundle home in front of a raucous away end.

Watford were rocking and the hosts had the woodwork to thank for keeping their deficit at one goal when Alexander-Arnold’s 65th-minute corner was flicked onto the crossbar by Joel Matip.

Gomes then denied Lovren with a fine reaction save from another dangerous corner from Alexander-Arnold and Salah fired a half-volley over the bar after excellent work from Moreno.

The Hornets regained something of a foothold, but Liverpool were a constant threat on the counter and Salah shot into the side-netting in the 77th minute after he’d been fed by Mane.

It looked like the lack of a fourth goal would matter not for the Reds, but Britos’ late, late header meant the Hornets snatched a point.

Source: Liverpool FC Official

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Goal Highlights: Liverpool 2-1 Sunderland

Liverpool reclaimed second position in the Barclays Premier League and closed the gap to leaders Chelsea to a single point with a 2-1 victory over Sunderland at Anfield on Wednesday night.

Steven Gerrard broke through the away side's stubbornness via an outstanding set-piece with moments remaining in the first half, then Daniel Sturridge doubled the advantage minutes after the restart with the help of a deflection.

Substitute Ki Sung-Yeung capitalised on too much space from a corner to the back post on 76 minutes to set up a nervy finale, but the hosts warded off the threat of a damaging equaliser to take the three points.

When teamsheets were handed in to the referee, the one bearing Liverpool's name confirmed that Brendan Rodgers had selected exactly the same starting XI and substitutes as the group that racked up a 6-3 victory over Cardiff City last weekend.

Glen Johnson and Philippe Coutinho both crashed long-range efforts high over the crossbar during the opening exchanges, before fans waited in expectancy as Luis Suarez braced over an inviting free-kick from 20 yards - but the ball travelled narrowly over the crossbar.

Next it was Sturridge's turn to train his sights from distance - off target from the right corner of the Sunderland area - and the No.15 was then unfortunate not to successfully redirect an outside-of-the-boot cross from his strike partner at the far post.

The Reds were dominating possession but finding the visitors difficult to break down, which prompted Joe Allen to unleash a drive after completing a one-two with Suarez, but that too was no danger to Vito Mannone between the posts.

Attempting to take matters into his own hands, the Reds' top scorer set off on a lengthy dribble which concluded with a left-footed punt shortly after the half-hour, but once again there was little to concern the Sunderland goalkeeper.

The home fans were in uproar when Santiago Vergini was shown merely a yellow card when he hauled down Suarez as he bore down on goal, but their annoyance quickly turned to joy when Gerrard stepped up to curl over the wall and past Mannone in the 39th minute.

Full reports: Official Liverpool FC

Image credits to Getty Images.

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Premier League Result: Fulham 2-3 Liverpool

Steven Gerrard struck the winner as Liverpool fought back from a double deficit at Craven Cottage on Wednesday night to claim a sensational 3-2 victory from their challenging Barclays Premier League encounter with Fulham.

The deadlock was broken in unexpected fashion on the evening as Kolo Toure unfortunately diverted a cross beyond his own goalkeeper, although Daniel Sturridge registered for the seventh consecutive league match for 1-1.

Kieran Richardson re-established the Londoners' lead in the second half by capitalising on another defensive error, but the Reds hauled themselves level once more courtesy of Philippe Coutinho's accurate conversion from distance.

But the stage was set for the skipper in the closing seconds, stepping up to dramatically convert from 12 yards after Sturridge had rightly been awarded a penalty for a late challenge by Sascha Riether.

One hour before kick-off, it was confirmed that Brendan Rodgers had selected an unchanged starting line-up for the fourth consecutive fixture; fit-again Daniel Agger was named among the substitutes, while Academy talent Joao Carlos Teixeira was included for the first time.

Full report: Official Liverpool FC

Are Liverpool a genuine title contender?

Jose Mourinho claims Liverpool are the title-race danger-men because they are the one contender not liable to a spring meltdown.

Chelsea boss Mourinho believes the imminent return of the Champions League could destabilise any of the current top three.

Echoing comments he made in December, The Special One said: "People are asking if Arsenal might fall apart after what happened at Liverpool, but it can happen to any one of the three of us - any one - but not Liverpool, because they have this stability of playing one match a week.

Moving on, Brendan Rodgers is emerging as a manager capable of mixing it at the top of the table. He is now cast as the strong leader of a confident group. Thankfully, the envelopes have been put back in the drawer.

   "We might be the chihuahua that runs in between the legs of the horses," Rodgers said post-Fulham.

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Goal Highlights: Liverpool 3-1 Cardiff City

Luis Suarez celebrated committing his long-term future to Liverpool by firing two more goals and sending the Reds to the Barclays Premier League summit with a 3-1 victory over Cardiff City.

Fresh from signing a new contract on Friday, the stand-in captain fired a brace of sublime first-half efforts which sandwiched a goal from Raheem Sterling that the Uruguayan created selflessly when played behind in acres of space.

Jordon Mutch headed home a consolation for the side from Wales in the second half, but Brendan Rodgers' team took the points and now top the Premier League standings; they will enjoy first place on Christmas Day if early pace-setters Arsenal cannot overcome fellow challengers Chelsea on Monday evening.

The pre-match team news was straightforward; Suarez retained the captain's armband he wore with distinction against Tottenham Hotspur and the boss kept faith with the same starting XI which notched five at White Hart Lane.

Sterling raced in behind the visiting defence in just the second minute from an incisive Glen Johnson through ball and, when his cross was cleared high into the crisp Merseyside air, Suarez directed a volley wide at the near post.

Suarez then had an effort from a promising central position blocked by Andrew Taylor after being teed up by Sterling, who had streaked onto a lofted Jordan Henderson pass; Philippe Coutinho subsequently slashed wide with his left foot.

In response, Mutch whipped a low attempt comfortably wide from the right corner of the Liverpool penalty area, before Simon Mignolet was required to spring to his right and expertly palm away a Craig Noone curler on 15 minutes.

Full report: Official Liverpool FC

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Preview: Liverpool v Cardiff City

Things get started bright and early on Saturday with a match of great consequence when Liverpool hosts Cardiff City at Anfield.

Liverpool could go top of the table if they manage to overcome Cardiff at Anfield tomorrow lunchtime as they look for their fourth consecutive league victory – and build on the 14 goals they have scored in their previous three games. Luis Suarez is to thank for over half of them. You should be placing your bets on Suarez scoring a few goals in this match on betfair.com or Liverpool winning on a big margin again.

Liverpool are still without captain Steven Gerrard, who will not be fit to return to the new year because of his hamstring injury.

Brendan Rodgers is also missing striker Daniel Sturridge and defender Jose Enrique.

Cardiff await news on whether ex-Liverpool striker Craig Bellamy will be fit to face his former club.

Aside from that, Bluebirds manager Malky Mackay has a fully fit squad to select from.

Cardiff enter the match on the back of a much-needed victory over West Bromwich, with Peter Whittingham's header ending their five-match winless run in the top flight.

That result saw the end of another managerial reign in the Premier League, with Steve Clarke sacked at West Bromwich following the loss.

Cardiff sit 15th in the table, four points above the relegation zone, but the strained relationship between chairman Vincent Tan and manager Mackay has hit the headlines again this week.

Mackay had previously spoken about his desire to sign players in January but Tan hit back in a strongly worded statement, saying that "not a penny" would be spent in the upcoming transfer window and that the manager had had more than enough funding.

Rodgers shared his sympathies with Mackay, saying: "He has had great results this season and is going to go on and be a great manager at a big club and I find it absolutely astonishing there is talk about him leaving there."

So far this season Liverpool’s home form has been very good, with the loss to Southampton in September the only blot on their Anfield copybook so far this season, and they come up against a Cardiff side that has only won the one game on the road this term.

The two club’s last met in the final of the Capital One Cup in the 2012 when won 3-2 on penalties after it finished 2-2 in normal time.

The last league meeting between the two sides came during the 1959/1960 season in the old second division when Cardiff won 4-0 at Anfield, a similar result this time round would send shockwaves throughout the Premier League.

Fancy Suarez scoring a hat-trick?

 

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Goal Highlights: Tottenham 0-5 Liverpool

Luis Suarez was the creator and provider in his first Barclays Premier League match as Liverpool captain, leading the side to a resounding 5-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane.

The 26-year-old was handed the armband for the second time in his Reds career as Steven Gerrard was missing through injury.

He was on the scoresheet twice, and superbly helping to create the other three goals, which were claimed by Jordan Henderson, Jon Flanagan and Raheem Sterling.

There was just one change to the starting line-up, with Lucas Leiva returning to the team in the place of Gerrard.
The Reds were presented with a chance in the first minute, as the brilliant Suarez played in Philippe Coutinho, but the midfielder wasn't expecting the ball, and snatched at his shot.
The trend continued in the opening stanza, with Liverpool asking Spurs all kinds of questions in and around their box. Sterling was the creator-in-chief, bursting forward and getting the better of Kyle Naughton.

On 16 minutes, he skipped down the right channel and put pressure on Hugo Lloris' near post. In the next move, the winger got behind Spurs' defence again, but the French 'keeper averted the danger.
Suarez had seen an earlier effort go marginally wide, but there was no such repeat when Henderson slipped him in on 18 minutes.

Full report: Official Liverpool FC

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Goal Highlights: Everton 3-3 Liverpool

Bragging rights on Merseyside will have to be shared after Daniel Sturridge scored a dramatic late equaliser to claim a 3-3 draw for Liverpool against Everton in an action-packed Merseyside derby at Goodison Park.

Philippe Coutinho broke the deadlock with a conversion at the back post, before Everton responded immediately through a clever goal by Kevin Mirallas as the ball fell kindly at the back post.

Suarez fired a sensational set-piece into the bottom corner from long range, but Lukaku found the target with a calm finish and later a powerful header to shock the visitors.

Substitute Sturridge had the last say and salvaged a dramatic point, however, by glancing a beautiful header into the top corner from Steven Gerrard's pinpoint set-piece.

Brendan Rodgers had made two changes to his starting XI against the Blues, with midfielder Joe Allen replacing Sturridge and young defender Jon Flanagan entrusted with the left-back position.

It was the home side who made the faster start, forcing a high tempo in the opening exchanges; James McCarthy, in particular, threatened with a lung-busting drive from the centre of midfield.

But in the fifth minute, the Reds struck. Gerrard curled a corner into the Everton penalty area, Suarez flicked on the delivery and there was Coutinho to control and force into the back of the net from close range.

The lead was short-lived, however, as Mirallas produced an instant response for Roberto Martinez's team on eight minutes. The Belgian latched onto a loose ball in the Liverpool box to flick an improvised effort past the hand of Simon Mignolet and into the top corner.

Full report: Official Liverpool FC

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Goal Highlights: Liverpool 1-0 Manchester United

Daniel Sturridge's early header was enough to secure Liverpool's 1-0 Barclays Premier League victory over Manchester United at Anfield.

The forward's goal - on his 24th birthday - maintained Brendan Rodgers' side's impressive 100 per cent record in the 2013-14 campaign.

Liverpool's win proved to be the perfect occasion to mark the 100th anniversary of Kop legend Bill Shankly's birth.

The match provided the pulsating start that the day deserved as Sturridge became only the second player ever to score for the Reds in the opening three matches of the Premier League season.

The forward instinctively glanced in Daniel Agger's header from a corner in the third minute, causing an already vociferous Anfield atmosphere to erupt.

Sturridge's header proved to be the catalyst for a flurry of attempts at both ends of the pitch as the rapid tempo of the encounter grew.

Robin van Persie improvised with an acrobatic overhead kick after Patrice Evra nodded across the face of goal before Philippe Coutinho dragged a 25-yard effort wide immediately after.

Danny Welbeck failed to trouble the Liverpool goal with an attempt fired straight at Simon Mignolet but the Reds avoided much more of a scare minutes later.

An Ashley Young corner drew no contact in the six-yard box and took the well-placed van Persie by surprise at the back post; the Dutchman failed to control and finish as the ball fortunately bounced away to safety.

Full report: Official Liverpool FC

 

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Goal Highlights: Liverpool 1-0 Stoke City

Daniel Sturridge's stunning 25-yard strike ensured Liverpool began the 2013-14 campaign in perfect fashion with a 1-0 victory over Stoke City at Anfield.

The forward's goal emphasised how much Brendan Rodgers' side dominated in a match where the Reds hit the woodwork on three occasions.

A heroic Simon Mignolet secured all three points for Liverpool with a penalty save to deny Jonathan Walters in the dying moments of the encounter.

The excitement surrounding the first game of the season was epitomised by a pulsating quarter of an hour that involved the woodwork being rattled twice and the Reds being foiled by the linesman.

Mignolet struggled to properly parry away a cross and Robert Huth failed to hit the target with a rebounding volley that he lashed against the crossbar.

This proved to be the catalyst for Liverpool exercising their dominance and they thought their efforts had paid dividends through Sturridge.

The forward glanced Gerrard's free-kick into the far corner but celebrations were short-lived as he was judged to have been offside.

That didn't dampen the Reds' spirit as they stepped up their search to break the deadlock. Kolo Toure sent a powerful header crashing off the crossbar before Sturridge's follow-up attempt from an acute angle was driven high and wide.

Full report: Official Liverpool FC

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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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Press Release: Away Kit marks Diamond Era for Liverpool FC

New Warrior design redefines standout features of the 80s and 90s

[05 JUNE, 2013] Warrior has officially launched the new 2013/14 Liverpool FC away kit.

Channelling direction from breakthrough patterns and graphics featured throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, Warrior’s core inspiration behind the new design stems from the Club’s white and red 1981 League Cup-winning kit.

Head of Warrior Football Richard Wright says the brand worked closely with Liverpool FC throughout the design process.

“We believe we have produced an away kit which stays true to the Club’s heritage but has a fresh look and feel. It has been particularly helpful having LFC involved in the process, emphasising the relevance of past kits which has helped us to design a strip fans will identify with.”

Brendan Rodgers, Liverpool FC manager, agrees.

“A football strip fuses a team together; it is a Club’s uniform for players and fans. The fact that glimpses of the Club’s history appear in this kit is a really nice touch from Warrior,” said Rodgers.

Primarily white and black with elements of red, the overall kit carries a strong traditional look. The graduation of colour from the shirt down into the shorts and socks sparks strong interactivity between the three components.

Beyond the traditional colour scheme, the neckline has been reworked to give the shirt a modern edge, while an eye-catching diamond print draws attention to its bottom half. Originally featured as part of the 1989/91 away version, the dynamic pattern is a refreshed interpretation of the detailed graphic.

“I like that this strip is different, the pattern and colours are fresh. It looks and feels great on and I can’t wait to wear it next season,” said Liverpool FC forward Daniel Sturridge.

In line with the new home kit, contrast detailing features on each sleeve. A fully embroidered Liver Bird crest sits on the shirt’s front, while two commemorative Eternal Flames and a 96 logo are prominently positioned on the back of the neck.

Designed using War-Tech, Warrior’s ground-breaking apparel technology system, the away kit is powered by breathable, moisture-wicking War-Tech fabric. Four-way stretch mesh panelling under the arms and across the back of the shirt facilitates optimum ventilation while allowing for added comfort and temperature control in core heat areas.

Fans are encouraged to weigh in with their feedback about the new away kit by connecting with Warrior Football on Twitter using the hashtag, #RiseUpLFC

To learn more, visit www.warriorfootball.com.

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Liverpool ready to offload England centre-forward to Hammers

West Ham have agreed a fee with Liverpool for Andy Carroll but the England striker has yet to decide if he wants to join the Hammers permanently.

The London side will match Liverpool's asking price of around £15m, but the 24-year-old is unsure about the move ahead of a World Cup year.

It is understood interest from former club Newcastle United has cooled.

West Ham are expected to bid for Vitesse Arnhem's Wilfried Bony if Carroll rejects their approach.

The 24-year-old Ivory Coast international finished as 31-goal top scorer in the Dutch league this season, but West Ham manager Sam Allardyce has made no secret about Carroll being his main summer target,

Meanwhile, Carroll has withdrawn from the England squad for the upcoming friendlies against the Republic of Ireland and Brazil because of a heel injury.

Carroll was signed by Kenny Dalglish and moved to Liverpool on transfer deadline day in January 2011, for what remains a record fee for a British player of £35m.

He had impressed by scoring 31 times for his boyhood club Newcastle United in 81 appearances, but his time at Anfield was short lived.

Coupled with the arrival of Brendan Rodgers and a new style of play, Carroll's return of just six goals in 44 outings for Liverpool saw him loaned to West Ham in late August 2012.

Despite a knee injury ruling him out for December, Carroll scored seven times for Allardyce's side during the season, form which encouraged the West Ham boss to pursue a permanent deal.

"If we can start with Andy Carroll, that would be a great achievement for us as he can only get better and better," he said after West Ham's weekend win over Reading.

"Then we build around that in terms of how we want to improve next year, with better quality.

"Andy is a player who is wanting to enjoy his football. He lives for his football and wants to play every game. He wants to use his strengths and score as many as he can - but he also works very hard for the team."

Whether the deal goes through appears to rest with Carroll, who has said he has "enjoyed every minute" of his loan spell in London.

"I have had a great season here at West Ham, really enjoyed being part of a great set of lads in the team, with the staff around us and the fans," Carroll told the club's official website.

"Everyone has been so welcoming to me and I have been over the moon to be here. This is a great club."

Source: BBC UK

This story has been reproduced from the media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club or Red's Fury™ blog.

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Full-Time Highlights: Liverpool 3-2 Tottenham

Steven Gerrard's late penalty secured a dramatic 3-2 victory for Liverpool over Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday afternoon.

The Reds captain struck home from the spot with eight minutes remaining of an end-to-end contest to seal the three points.

Luis Suarez had put the Reds ahead on 21 minutes with a slick instant finish from Jose Enrique's pass in the box.

Spurs equalised just before half-time when centre-back Jan Vertonghen headed Gareth Bale's centre home from yards out.

The visitors' No.5 then put them in front shortly after the break when he lashed home a loose ball in the box from a free-kick the Reds couldn't clear to safety.

But Liverpool levelled on 66 minutes when Hugo Lloris made a mess of trying to deal with a wayward back pass, allowing Stewart Downing to go through on goal and drill into the net with the 'keeper out of position.

Then it was left to Gerrard to have the final say after Beniot Assou-Ekotto had brought down Suarez in the box - and the No.8 made no mistake with a low finish to clinch victory and move the Reds up to sixth in the Barclays Premier League.

The pre-match team news confirmed Pepe Reina would miss the contest due to injury, with Brad Jones deputising in the absence of the Spaniard. Daniel Sturridge, however, returned to an attack-minded starting XI after a knock.

Meanwhile, Jamie Carragher notched up his 500th league appearance for the club - only the second man to do so in Anfield history following Ian Callaghan.

Full report: Official Liverpool FC

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Full-Time Highlights: Manchester City 2-2 Liverpool

Stunning long-range goals from Daniel Sturridge and Steven Gerrard helped Liverpool to a 2-2 draw against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

The Reds made a positive start to the contest, but were underdone midway through the opening period when Edin Dzeko ghosted into the box to convert James Milner's low centre from close range.

But Liverpool levelled up before the half-hour mark when Daniel Sturridge fired into the bottom corner from distance.

The visitors began to dominate and they got the goal their display merited when Steven Gerrard netted with a volley from distance after pouncing on Gael Clichy's clearance.

However, City secured a point when Sergio Aguero beat Pepe Reina to a long ball into the box and netted from a tight angle to ensure the points were shared.

Following the spirited midweek draw at Arsenal, Brendan Rodgers elected to make just one change to his line up with the fit-again Jose Enrique replacing Andre Wisdom in defence.

The Reds had impressed right from the off at the Emirates, but within 60 seconds of the game getting underway at the Etihad, Pepe Reina was required to tip a stinging David Silva drive over the bar.

Liverpool stood up firmly to the host's early pressure and, on 14 minutes, carved out a brilliant opening when a free-flowing move resulted in Sturridge touching a lofted pass into the box beyond Joe Hart, but Pablo Zabaleta was on hand to prevent the striker from turning the ball into the unguarded net.

Full report: Official Liverpool FC

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Full-Time Highlights: Liverpool 3-0 Sunderland

Luis Suarez fired his second brace in four days as Liverpool beat Sunderland 3-0 at Anfield.

On a day when the club signed another striker in Daniel Sturridge, top scorer Luis Suarez took his tally for the season to 18 - one more than his total for 2011-12.

He also assisted the opener for Raheem Sterling as the Reds made it three wins from four festive fixtures and climbed to eighth in the table.

Ineligible to play after signing a contract earlier in the day, Sturridge will have liked what he saw from the directors' box. Just as they did at QPR three days ago, the Reds established a firm lead inside the opening 45 minutes - and again Suarez was central.

The first might have come through Stewart Downing on 12 minutes when both Suarez and Steven Gerrard stood aside to allow him a dead ball effort. The England man didn't disappoint but was denied by a scampering save from Simon Mignolet.

Instead it was Sterling who secured the opener on 18 minutes, the second goal of his first full season in the Liverpool team. His lob over the visiting goalkeeper followed fine work from Suarez, who in one movement twisted his body and launched a ball over the top of the Sunderland defence.

Martin O'Neill's side had several chances to breach the Kop net in the first period, but James McLean was twice wasteful with just Pepe Reina to beat. The Liverpool goalkeeper had to work harder to prevent Matt Kilgallon scoring with a half-volley from close range but he was up to the task with a superb reflex save.

Full report: Official Liverpool FC

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Post-Match Interviews: Liverpool vs Fulham

Watch Brendan Rodgers and Martin Jol post-match press conference.

   “I thought Stewart was brilliant today, in every aspect of the game,”

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Full-Time Highlights: Liverpool 4-0 Fulham

Liverpool signed off from 2012 at Anfield with a 4-0 Barclays Premier League victory over Fulham on Saturday night.

Martin Skrtel's emphatic finish gave the Reds an early lead as he volleyed powerfully beyond Mark Schwarzer after controlling a corner in the box before Steven Gerrard doubled the lead before half-time with a neat finish.

Stewart Downing extended Liverpool's advantage by cutting into the box and firing into the Kop end net in the early stages of the second half.

Luis Suarez wrapped it up in stoppage time to send Brendan Rodgers' side into eighth in the table, just five points off third-place Arsenal.

The Reds went into the day's late kick-off aiming to bounce back to winning ways following last weekend's 3-1 Anfield reversal at the hands of Aston Villa.

Rodgers made a handful of changes in order to hand some of his stars a breather ahead of the hectic Festive period, meaning starts for the likes of Suso and Downing while Raheem Sterling and Joe Allen began on the bench.

Liverpool began the brighter of the teams and after Daniel Agger had headed over and Jonjo Shelvey's flick had caused panic in the box, Skrtel thumped them into an eighth-minute lead as he controlled Gerrard's corner inside a crowded box and lashed a volley into the back of the net.

Full report: Official Liverpool FC

Alternative video source: FootyTube

 

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Full-Time Highlights: West Ham United 2-3 Liverpool

A James Collins own goal fired Liverpool into the top half of the Barclays Premier League table and clinched a thrilling 3-2 win for the Reds at Upton Park against West Ham.

Brendan Rodgers' men made it back-to-back wins in the league for the first time this season and leapfrogged above the Hammers - but they had to come from behind late in the game to do so.

Glen Johnson put them into the lead after just 10 minutes when he produced a goal-of-the-season contender from the edge of Jussi Jaaskelainen's penalty area.

Mark Noble slotted from the spot after Joe Allen was adjudged to have handled in the penalty area before Steven Gerrard turned a Matt Jarvis cross past his own 'keeper to give West Ham the lead.

However, Joe Cole struck against his old club to equalise and then Collins turned a Jordan Henderson cross  into his own net to send the travelling Reds into euphoria.

All the build-up to the clash revolved around the absence of Luis Suarez, who was ruled out after picking up his fifth yellow card against Southampton, but his replacement Shelvey proved to be the hero of the hour.

Upton Park was on its feet on six minutes when Jarvis's cross was scrambled clear by Daniel Agger and Mohamed Diame fired the loose ball against Carlton Cole, who deflected it a yard wide of Pepe Reina's post.

The Hammers posed a real threat down the left flank with Jarvis, who was constantly keen to spin a deadly cross in behind Martin Skrtel and Agger and this would prove to be a real thorn in the Reds' side throughout the match.

Full report: Liverpool FC Official

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