Liverpool is keen to make up for the frustration of Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Burnley.
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Showing posts with label goal highlights. Show all posts
Showing posts with label goal highlights. Show all posts
Monday, September 18, 2017
Goal Highlights: Liverpool 1-1 Burnley
Liverpool is keen to make up for the frustration of Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Burnley.
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Thursday, September 14, 2017
Goal Highlights: Liverpool 2-2 Sevilla
Liverpool began their Champions League group stage campaign with a 2-2 draw with Sevilla at Anfield on Wednesday.
Goal highlights
Tuesday, September 12, 2017
Mane sees red, Liverpool suffered crushing defeat
10-man Liverpool suffered a first Premier League loss of the season as they went down 5-0 at Manchester City on Saturday lunchtime.
The Reds began the contest brightly at Etihad Stadium, but Sadio Mane’s sending-off for a high foot on goalkeeper Ederson just after the half-hour dealt their plans a decisive blow.
Sergio Aguero had earlier put City in the lead, while Gabriel Jesus grabbed a goal either side of half-time to add emphasis to their advantage.
Substitute Leroy Sane then added a further two as the contest edged towards its conclusion on a day to firmly forget for Jürgen Klopp’s side.
The key points…
- Aguero gave City lead on 24 minutes after rounding Simon Mignolet
- Mane sent off before half-time for challenge on Ederson
- Jesus and Sane with a brace apiece also on target for hosts
- Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain on at break for LFC debut
The team news…
Klopp made three changes for the contest from the line-up deployed last time out, with Mignolet, Ragnar Klavan and Trent Alexander-Arnold coming in for Loris Karius, Dejan Lovren and Joe Gomez. New signing Oxlade-Chamberlain was named on the bench.
The first half…
As the heavy rain made way for sunshine at the Etihad, the contest got off to a lively opening between two of the most attack-minded teams in the Premier League.
Both sides threatened in the early exchanges, with the hosts required to defend a series of testing set plays from the visitors, while Kevin De Bruyne’s run and low shot brought a save out of Mignolet.
The Liverpool goalkeeper was called into action again shortly after, this time turning Fernandinho’s skimming strike around the post.
At the other end, Roberto Firmino couldn’t connect properly with a brilliant centre from Jordan Henderson, while Emre Can’s long-ranger was padded down by Ederson.
Next, Mohamed Salah’s burst of speed saw him completely leave Nicolas Otamendi for dust on the right; however, his attempt to deceive and net at the near post was read by City’s stopper.
A goal at either end appeared inevitable – and it duly arrived in the 24th minute, though it was Pep Guardiola’s men who were to profit.
De Bruyne slid a pass between Joel Matip and Klavan for Aguero to run onto, and he made no mistake in rounding Mignolet and slotting into the empty net.
Liverpool’s attempt to muster an instant riposte saw Can strike a free-kick from inside the ‘D’ the wrong side of the upright.
Nevertheless, Klopp’s side should have restored parity on the half-hour when they sprung forward at pace once more and Mane slid Salah through on goal after a brilliant turn in the centre of the park. But the No.11’s attempt to steer around Ederson was too close to the ‘keeper, who was able to save.
The Reds were then on the receiving end of their own good fortune when Klavan conceded possession to Jesus near his own area. Mignolet denied the Brazilian’s eventual effort and, indeed, John Stones’ clear strike at goal from the resulting corner.
Seven minutes before the break, Liverpool’s hopes of taking something from the game were dealt a huge blow as they were reduced to 10 men. Mane’s challenge when attempting to beat Ederson to a ball over the top was deemed dangerous by referee Jonathan Moss, who issued a red card. After lengthy treatment, the Blues replaced their goalkeeper with Claudio Bravo.
And further disappointment was to be heaped upon the visitors before the break when Jesus headed in a close-range second for City.
The second half…
Klopp elected to bring on Oxlade-Chamberlain for his club debut at the interval, replacing Salah.
But any faint hopes of staging a comeback were dashed when Jesus hooked in a third goal for the hosts after Fernandinho put Aguero through on goal and he elected to square for his fellow frontman to net.
With a Champions League game in midweek to come, Liverpool introduced James Milner and Dominic Solanke to the action to replace the tiring legs of Georginio Wijnaldum and Firmino, with the pattern of play now having taken on an entirely different complexion to the first third.
And their disappointment was compounded by Sane adding a fourth and fifth towards the end for the home team.
Goal highlights...
Source: Official Liverpool FC
Wednesday, August 30, 2017
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
Thursday, August 24, 2017
UCL Play-off: Liverpool 4-2 Hoffenheim
Liverpool secured a place in the Champions League group stages with a 4-2 (6-3 agg) victory over Hoffenheim in the second leg of the sides' qualifier on Wednesday evening.
Emre Can netted either side of a Mohamed Salah strike as the Reds made a blistering start to proceedings on the long-awaited return of European nights at Anfield.
The Germans reduced the deficit shortly before the break when early substitute Mark Uth produced a clinical finish from what was a rare chance for the visitors in a one-sided 45 minutes.
But a less frantic second half saw Roberto Firmino tap in following good work from Jordan Henderson and effectively put the seal on Liverpool's return to Europe's elite cup competition despite Sandro Wagner's late header.
The key points…
- Reds race into three-goal lead
- Can (two) and Salah net in first 20 minutes
- Uth pulls one back before half-time
- Firmino goal in second half seals it
- Wagner heads in late consolation
The team news…
Having made five changes for the weekend win over Crystal Palace, Jürgen Klopp reverted to the starting XI that had previously earned victory at Rhein-Neckar-Arena.
However, unlike in Germany, Andy Robertson and Daniel Sturridge took up two of the places on the substitutes' bench.
The first half…
The Reds wasted little time in signalling their intent, going close in the opening moments through a Salah header and a Sadio Mane one-on-one that was well saved.
As such, it was little surprise to see the opener come after just 11 minutes - and not until after Serge Gnabry had already seen a goal for the visitors ruled out for offside.
It came courtesy of Can, whose overlap was rewarded with a well-timed tee-up from Mane and a slight deflection on his side-footed finish.
The midfielder's intricate link-up with Alberto Moreno and Firmino was also key to the second, and resulted in the latter teeing up Gini Wijnaldum for a shot onto the post that was touched in by Salah.
And it was dreamland for the Reds in the 21st minute as Firmino's stand-up to the back post was met emphatically by Can to make it 3-0.
Hoffenheim coach Julian Nagelsmann responded to the onslaught by sending on attacker Uth - a move that was justified by the substitute's clinical finish from just inside the box moments later.
But Liverpool retaliated by crafting another big chance before the break, Firmino seeing a close-range effort from Salah's low cross saved well.
The second half…
The hosts' significant cushion set the tone for the start of the second period, with Klopp's men happy to sit deep and hit on the break.
And, as is so often the case, when the Reds did get the chance to spring, they did so at frightening pace.
One such counter ended in Wijnaldum blasting over after a one-two with Salah, while Mane saw a left-foot strike well parried in similar circumstances shortly after.
The Reds got it right eventually, though, with Henderson capitalising on a loose backpass to pinch the ball and teeing up Firmino for a pass into the net.
Hoffenheim refused to go down without a fight, and grabbed a consolation when Wagner rose highest to head in a deep cross in front of the visiting fans at the Anfield Road end.
But that could not take the shine off a comfortable victory for the Reds that put them back among Europe's elite.
Goal highlights…
Wednesday, August 16, 2017
UCL Play-off: Hoffenheim 1-2 Liverpool
Liverpool took a step towards the Champions League group stages with a 2-1 victory over Hoffenheim in the first leg of the tournament play-offs on Tuesday night.
After a lively start, achtzehn99 spurned the chance to open the scoring when Simon Mignolet saved Andrej Kramaric’s penalty at the Rhein-Neckar-Arena.
And it was the Reds who did the break the deadlock when Trent Alexander-Arnold grabbed his first-ever goal for the club with a sensational long-range free-kick on 35 minutes.
In a keenly-fought contest, James Milner came off the bench to net Liverpool’s second, finding the top corner via a deflection off Havard Nordtveit.
However, with full-time approaching, Mark Uth’s drive pulled a goal back for Hoffenheim to give the Bundesliga side something to cheer ahead of the return meeting at Anfield next week.
The key points…
Mignolet saved Kramaric penalty after 12 minutes
Alexander-Arnold opened scoring with stunning free-kick
Milner grabbed second in final stages via deflection
Uth reduced arrears in 87th minute with clinical finish
Reds hold one-goal lead ahead of next week’s Anfield return
The team news…
Jürgen Klopp elected to select the same line-up as the one deployed at Watford in Saturday’s Premier League opener, meaning Alberto Moreno retained his place at left-back ahead of Milner, while Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah led the three-man attack.
The first half…
Spurred on by their vocal support, Hoffenheim started brightly at the Rhein-Neckar-Arena.
Indeed, just six minutes had elapsed when Joel Matip was required to produce an excellent defensive header to deny Serge Gnabry the chance to open the scoring after Kramaric had escaped into space down the right and crossed dangerously into the centre.
Soon after, a delivery from the left at a free-kick required a combination of Dejan Lovren and Mignolet to scramble it to safety.
But on 11 minutes, Hoffenheim were awarded a penalty after Lovren was deemed to have brought down Gnabry. Kramaric stepped up to do the honours, but his kick was repelled by Mignolet, much to the delight of the away contingent housed in the corner.
The contest was being played at frenetic speed – and the Reds fashioned their first chance soon after when Salah was sent clean through from a Firmino pass after Kevin Vogt had conceded possession; however, the No.11 slid wide of the post under pressure from recovering defenders.
Liverpool were slowly growing into the game – and 10 minutes before the break, they opened the scoring in quite magnificent fashion.
A trip on Mane 30 yards out in a central position presented an opportunity to strike towards goal, and it was Alexander-Arnold who took control, curling the ball around the wall and into the bottom corner for his first ever for the club.
It was some way to mark his European debut on what was only a 14th senior appearance for the 18-year-old Scouser.
Hoffenheim threatened to level just before the break, but Mignolet reacted well to block Gnabry’s turn-and-drive before Sandro Wagner scooped the rebound wide.
Then, in stoppage-time, Lovren headed a Moreno corner inches wide of the far post as a fast-paced opening 45 minutes came to a close.
The second half…
Liverpool should have added a second goal to their tally within just 90 seconds of the re-start, but Firmino was left holding his head in his hands after his close-range swipe from Mane’s run and pass was kept out by Oliver Baumann.
Soon after, the home team’s goalkeeper was needed to repel a low drive from Mane as the Senegal forward’s pace continued to trouble Hoffenheim.
As the half progressed, the German side began to exert pressure on their guests in an attempt to restore parity; Gnabry hooked a half-volley wide on 66 minutes following a flurry of corners.
But Klopp’s men responded with Salah having a low shot turned away by the boot of Baumann before the custodian saved from a Lovren header at a corner.
The Reds had earlier replaced Jordan Henderson with Milner – and with 14 minutes left, the vice-captain struck a potentially decisive goal in the tie.
The Merseysiders broke forward at pace from a quickly-taken free-kick and Firmino spread possession wide to the No.7 in space on the left side of the area. His ball towards the back post struck Nordtveit and looped into the top corner.
With the game edging towards its conclusion, Mignolet did well to keep out Uth’s snap-shot inside the box, while Mane skewed wide when played in by Salah at the other end.
But, with just three minutes left of normal time, Uth did give Hoffenheim hope when he chested down a ball over the top and drilled low across goal beyond Mignolet to reduce the deficit.
Liverpool were required to see out some nervy moments before the full-time whistle, not least when Kramaric headed over the bar in injury-time from a free-kick, but they did enough to ensure they hold the advantage going into next Wednesday’s Anfield second leg.
Tuesday, July 25, 2017
Premier League Asia Trophy: Liverpool beats Leicester City for the trophy
Liverpool rounded off their tour of Hong Kong by winning the Premier League Asia Trophy with a 2-1 victory over Leicester City on Saturday.
Islam Slimani headed the Foxes into an early lead from close range; however, Philippe Coutinho and Mohamed Salah combined magnificently to enable the former to nod in an equaliser soon after.
Coutinho then got himself on the scoresheet with a stunning finish prior to the break, cutting in from the left and drilling into the far corner to ensure it was the Reds clinched the pre-season friendly tournament trophy.
In front of a near-40,000 crowd, a sizeable majority of which there in support of Jürgen Klopp’s side, Liverpool began strongly.
The zip of the Reds’ attacking play was raising decibel levels and causing Leicester problems, and Coutinho had Kasper Schmeichel worried with a trademark curler after just three minutes on the clock.
However, firmly against the run of play, the Foxes grabbed an early lead; after opening up their opponents down the left, Christian Fuchs delivered to the back post, where Slimani powered a header into the net from point-blank range.
Nevertheless, Liverpool didn’t waste any time restoring parity – and they did so via a goal of outstanding quality.
Initially collecting the ball wide right, Salah swapped passes with Trent Alexander-Arnold before moving inside. He then laid it square to Coutinho and continued to dart into the box.
The Brazilian took a touch before scooping a pass into the path of his teammate’s run, and Salah did the rest by heading beyond Schmeichel.
Then, 10 minutes before half-time, the Reds went close to taking the lead. Kasper Schmeichel’s punch under pressure at a Coutinho free-kick dropped invitingly for Georginio Wijnaldum, but his hook back towards goal bounced just wide of the upright.
Klopp was forced into a change just before the interval, with Alberto Moreno taking the place of James Milner due to a knock, but Coutinho gave cause for cheer when he struck a second with a trademark piece of quality.
Picking up possession on the left, the No.10 ducked and weaved his way beyond Leicester challenges before arrowing an unerring effort across goal and into the far corner.
However, that advantage could have been wiped out twice inside the opening three minutes of restart.
First, Jamie Vardy moved into space inside the box and steered his shot across goal but wide of the post, before he was thwarted in a one-on-one situation by Loris Karius on the edge of the area soon after.
At the other end, substitute Marko Grujic hooked a half-volley over the crossbar with an acrobatic effort, while Liverpool required another new introduction to the contest – Ragnar Klavan – to pull off a saving challenge to prevent Vardy from steering home a leveller after he’d again wriggled into a dangerous position.
There were to be no further opportunities of note for either team as the game edged towards its conclusion in sweltering conditions, meaning the Reds were the team lifting the Premier League Asia Trophy before heading back to Merseyside.
Thursday, July 20, 2017
Premier League Asia Trophy: Liverpool 2-0 Crystal Palace
Dominic Solanke and Divock Origi scored as Liverpool booked a place in the Premier League Asia Trophy final with a 2-0 win over Crystal Palace in Hong Kong.
The second-half substitutes found the target with a sweetly-struck low drive on the turn and a close-range finish late on respectively to secure the result.
Jürgen Klopp’s side were in the supremacy for the majority of the contest at Hong Kong Stadium and fully merited progression to a meeting with Leicester City on Saturday.
Liverpool took authority from the off, using possession neatly as the Eagles adopted a deep backline and invited pressure.
And the first real chance was created in the 13th minute courtesy of a well-worked passing exchange between Ben Woodburn and Trent Alexander-Arnold on the right edge of the box.
Daniel Sturridge’s clever movement fooled Scott Dann into allowing space for a strike that the Palace defender quickly recovered to block.
The Reds No.15 tried to lay on a goal three minutes later, drawing cheers from the crowd for an impudent flick back into Adam Lallana’s path from Jordan Henderson’s diagonal pass, but his teammate shot off target.
And the sold-out crowd – almost exclusively Liverpool fans – showed their class when the clock reached 21 minutes – paying tribute to Lucas Leiva with huge applause after the Brazilian left the club on Tuesday.
Mohamed Salah’s ability to burst past defenders was a regular feature of the half and the summer signing sent an effort swerving wide after cutting in to shooting territory.
For all of their dominance, though, Liverpool were indebted to Simon Mignolet’s reactions on 27 minutes as Andros Townsend slipped in Keshi Anderson, free inside the box, and his hit on the turn found the goalkeeper an obstacle.
Salah might have had a tap-in having knocked the ball around Dann with space to attack in behind but the centre-back committed a blatant foul to stop the Egypt international.
Sturridge then drew a diving save with a low prod from the left of the area towards the far corner and the half-time whistle was blown with the score still goalless.
There were a host of changes made in three stages by Klopp in the early minutes of the second half, with Mignolet the only player to continue on.
Among those introduced was Philippe Coutinho and it wasn’t long before the No.10 had combined at pace with James Milner to open up a trademark step infield and shot – only, his drive flew too high on this occasion.
Solanke, on the other hand, was clinical in the 61st minute.
Coutinho prompted the move with a pass into Origi outside the box and though the Belgian’s clip to his fellow forward presented a shooting chance, there was plenty still to do.
Yet Solanke made the conclusion look simple, his subtle turn and touch preceding a thumped finish on the angle across the face of goal – his first strike for the club.
Marko Grujic was inches away from doubling Liverpool’s lead with a typically fierce blast from around 25 yards, but Origi soon did from close range on 79 minutes to ensure his team’s place in Saturday’s final.
Friday, July 14, 2017
Pre-season friendly: Tranmere 0-4 Liverpool
Jürgen Klopp declared himself satisfied with his side's workout and performance as Liverpool recorded a 4-0 win at Tranmere Rovers in their first pre-season friendly of the summer.
The Reds struck twice in each half to secure victory at Prenton Park on Wednesday night, with goals coming from James Milner, Marko Grujic, Pedro Chirivella and Ben Woodburn.
Klopp elected to give 22 players a runout as his men took to the field for the first time in 2017-18 – and afterwards, spoke of his contentment with the display.
Friday, June 9, 2017
Liverpool new signing fires Three Lions into Under-20 World Cup finals
Sheyi Ojo helped to create two goals as England reached the FIFA U20 World Cup final for the first time with a 3-1 victory over Italy on Thursday.
The Liverpool winger was brought on as a substitute nine minutes into the second half of the semi-final in South Korea, where Dominic Solanke – who has agreed terms to join the Reds on July 1 – struck the first and third for his country.
England trailed when Ojo entered the action and the 19-year-old had already hit a post before his cross forged a chance for Solanke to equalise from close range.
Another delivery from Ojo led to the second goal for the Young Lions, converted by Ademola Lookman, and Solanke sealed their comeback win in the 88th minute.
Reds midfielder Ovie Ejaria was an unused substitute.
England will now face Venezuela in the tournament’s final on Sunday, to be played at the Suwon World Cup Stadium.
Source: Liverpool FC Official
Video credits to PlayWire & Footytube.
Thursday, March 27, 2014
Goal Highlights: Liverpool 2-1 Sunderland
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.
Sunday, December 22, 2013
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
Monday, December 16, 2013
Goal Highlights: Tottenham 0-5 Liverpool
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
Monday, November 25, 2013
Goal Highlights: Everton 3-3 Liverpool
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
Monday, September 2, 2013
Goal Highlights: Liverpool 1-0 Manchester United
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
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Capital One Cup: Liverpool 4-2 Notts County
Early drives from Raheem Sterling and Sturridge were cancelled out by the League One outfit, with second-half goals from Yoann Arquin and substitute Adam Coombes ensuring the tie progressed into extra time.
Despite being reduced to 10 men through an injury to Kolo Toure, goals in quick succession from Sturridge and Henderson cleared a safe passage into the next stage of the competition for the Reds.
Aly Cissokho and Luis Alberto made their competitive bows for Brendan Rodgers' side, although the French defender's night was drawn to a close early due to an injury in the 10th minute.
Liverpool looked to stamp authority immediately and Sterling epitomised that with an impressive solo goal inside the first four minutes.
The winger charged through the centre of midfield past multiple defenders before drilling a powerful shot underneath the arm of Bartosz Bialkowski and into the corner of the net.
Unfortunately for Cissokho, the full-back's first Reds start was ended prematurely as he was forced off through injury and replaced by Daniel Agger.
Full report: Official Liverpool FC
Monday, August 19, 2013
Goal Highlights: Liverpool 1-0 Stoke City
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
Sunday, August 11, 2013
Watch Liverpool last pre-season friendly highlights
The striker made an encouraging 45-minute appearance after missing the majority of the summer as the Reds were unfortunate to lose through an early Amido Balde strike.
The clash brings an end to a highly impressive run of friendlies, with Brendan Rodgers' side emerging victorious in all six of the battles that preceded the match against the Scottish side.
Despite appearing increasingly comfortable in possession in the early stages, the Reds found themselves a goal behind against the run of play, courtesy of Balde.
The towering striker managed to knock the ball around Andre Wisdom before his side-footed effort ricocheted off the onrushing Simon Mignolet's trailing leg - unfortunately it wasn't enough to alter the direction of the shot as the ball bounced into the back of the net.
That proved to be the catalyst for a flurry of attempts from Rodgers' charges that forced Celtic custodian Lukasz Zaluska into a string of impressive saves.
The Pole initially anticipated the danger well to race off his line and block Philippe Coutinho's shot from close range before producing a much more eye-catching stop just a minute later.
Stewart Downing cut in from the right flank before sweeping an attempt that was destined for the far corner before Zaluska acrobatically leapt across to palm away the danger.
Glen Johnson surged forward in typical fashion and broke through Celtic's backline but was foiled when his low shot was met by the diving 'keeper.
Full report: Official Liverpool FC
Thursday, August 8, 2013
Watch Liverpool beat Valerenga Highlights
In front of the club's principal owner, John Henry, the Reds maintained their impressive form through goals from Luis Alberto, Iago Aspas, Martin Kelly and Raheem Sterling; their clean sheet record was ended by Giancarlo Gonzalez, though.
The pre-match team news had confirmed nine changes to the Liverpool team which celebrated Steven Gerrard's testimonial by beating Olympiacos on Saturday - Joe Allen and Aspas the two men to retain their starting berth.
An incisive burst by Stewart Downing served notice of Liverpool's threat to the hosts as early as the third minute. The winger knocked the ball around his marker and showed lightning pace to collect the ball on the other side, before drilling a centre which Jordon Ibe was unfortunate not to connect with.
First-half captain Jordan Henderson whipped a free-kick high and wide in the eighth minute and Allen trained his sights with a wayward effort shortly after. Continuing the theme, Ibe skipped beyond two challenges to work space - a rash shot followed, though.
Aspas then had two inviting opportunities to break the deadlock on the quarter-hour. Downing claimed possession and drove forward in a two-on-one scenario, releasing the Spaniard to blast goalwards. Saved.
The summer signing swung a boot seconds later at the left edge of the box but his strike drifted the wrong side of the far post after taking a deflection. The subsequent corner looped off Andre Wisdom and briefly scared home goalkeeper Gudmund Taksdal Kongshavn, and Ibe directed an attempt off target as the Reds established control.
Full report: Official Liverpool FC
Friday, July 26, 2013
Pre-season friendly: Melbourne Victory 0-2 Liverpool
The skipper's composed finish and Aspas' tap-in epitomised the entire team's impressive performance as they eased their way to yet another victory to maintain their 100 per cent record in pre-season so far.
Wholesale changes were made in the second half and the starting side's replacements looked just as assured in front of the 95,000 sell-out crowd as Brendan Rodgers' squad continued their preparations for the 2013-14 campaign.
An opening quarter of an hour that was starved of goalmouth action forced both sides to bid to break the deadlock in more ambitious circumstances.
Raheem Sterling caught a sight of goal but unfortunately sliced his 25-yard effort wide before Andrew Nabbout tested Brad Jones from similar range. A firm effort from the front-man forced the Australian custodian to palm away the danger.
Gerrard cut across Sterling's pass with a fierce strike that Nathan Coe leapt across to save before the Victory goalkeeper was rendered helpless by the Reds captain shortly after the half-hour mark.
Joe Allen surged through midfield and showed patience before sliding a pinpoint pass through to the onrushing Gerrard, allowing the skipper to calmly tuck the ball into the corner.
Full report: Official Liverpool FC
