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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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 want-away star striker scores a fine free kick

Confederations Cup: SPAIN 2 URUGUAY 1

 

 

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Liverpool set to complete £7.7M deal for Celta Vigo striker

According to The Guardian, Liverpool are close to completing their second signing of the summer after Iago Aspas arrived on Merseyside to finalise his £7.7m move from Celta Vigo. The 25-year-old forward travelled to Liverpool on Monday, having cancelled a holiday to the Caribbean once he became aware of interest from Anfield, and will undergo a medical on Tuesday before sealing the transfer from his boyhood club.

Aspas, 25, was tracked by Rodgers throughout last season and he initially intended his purchase to complement rather than replace Suárez.

With Suárez’s future looking increasingly to be away from Anfield and Daniel Sturridge fighting to be fit for the start of the season, Rodgers will have to find further striking recruits in the next few months.

Suárez’s public flirtation with Madrid has continued as he has spoken of the attraction of playing alongside Cristiano Ronaldo.

Aspas can operate across the front line and scored 12 goals in Celta's return to the top flight last season following five years in the second division. He had offers from Valencia, Portuguese and Italian teams plus Swansea City, whose failure to conclude the deal has added to Michael Laudrup's frustrations at the Liberty Stadium, but cleared the way for a move to Liverpool after settling a contractual issue with Celta Vigo.

Source: The Guardian

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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Liverpool star net winner on international friendly

France manager Didier Deschamps has hailed Liverpool striker Luis Suarez as the 'difference' in his side's 1-0 loss to Uruguay.

He has been in the headlines non-stop over the past couple of months for reasons that are not always positive, but Wednesday night saw him back to doing what he does best—scoring goals and winning games.

Les Bleus travelled to Montevideo for the friendly against the South American opponents but received no hospitality as Suarez scored the only goal of the game. France will be next up against football powerhouse, Brazil and the odds are not so kind for the French as football betting site, Unibet revealed.

And Deschamps said the second-half substitute introduction was the catalyst that turned the advantage to Uruguay's benefit.

After not playing a competitive match since being suspended for biting Branislav Ivanovic in late April, Suarez was left on the bench for the first half of the international friendly, with Diego Forlan and Edinson Cavani paired in attack. A low-key and uneventful first 45 minutes failed to yield a goal, and Suarez was introduced at the break in place of Forlan.

Suarez took only five minutes to score after coming on as a half-time substitute in place of former Manchester United man Diego Forlan. The goal was Suarez's 32nd for his country, which has put him one behind Forlan in the all-time Uruguayan scoring stakes.

Forlan has 33 in close to a century of caps, well ahead of Suarez's 64 appearances. The former Atletico Madrid striker is now 34 years old and is unlikely to add many more goals to that tally, although the Confederations Cup will give him another target to hit.

The 50th minute goal saw him cut in from right-hand side before superbly finishing from a tight angle with the outside of the boot.

Suarez's Liverpool team-mate Sebastian Coates and Southampton striker Gaston Ramirez played for the two-time World Cup winners, whilst Arsenal trio Bacary Sagna, Laurent Koscielny and Olivier Giroud turned out for the French.

It's back to the stands however for Suarez, as he will miss Uruguay's next game, a crucial World Cup qualifier against Venezuela next Tuesday, through suspension.

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Real Madrid ready to pounce on Liverpool’s star

Reports heat up at the Santiago Bernabéu these few days - Real Madrid have added Liverpool striker Luis Suarez to their extensive list of potential recruits.

A host of Europe's top clubs including Real's city rivals Atletico have been linked with the 26-year-old, who has three years remaining on a contract signed last August.

Bayern Munich, who could be crowed European champions at Wembley on Saturday, are also ready to make a summer bid.

So far Suarez appears to be content with life at Anfield, and Liverpool defender Jose Enrique wants to know the striker will stay.

'Of course we want to keep him. He is our key player,' Enrique said.

'We've not had a great season in terms of our league position but Luis is there as our top scorer.

'For me he can play in any team in the world. If I was a manager I would have him anywhere. Not only for his goals but for how his character is.

'He is the type of player like if you play with Messi: he does impossible things. He does something out of nothing.

'I think if we keep him we will have a good season next season, for sure.

'We don't want to lose Luis because he is a top player but you never know. But if he goes, someone else has to come.

'Hopefully if that happens it will be a good player.;

Luis Suarez will be suspended for Liverpool's first six matches of next season as he serves the remainder of his 10-game ban for biting Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic last month.

Source: Mail Online

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Rumour Mill: Reds set sight on £8.5M striker

Liverpool are planning a move for Celta Vigo forward Iago Aspas, according to the Mirror. The Spanish club are perilously close to relegation from the top flight and need two wins from the final two games of the season, in addition to having other results go their way, to escape the drop.

Aspas' release clause is believed to stand at €10m but that will drop by almost a third if relegation is confirmed. Reds' boss Brendan Rodgers believes a cut-price fee for the 25-year-old could be a steal and he may have a point. Aspas has 11 goals and six assists from 32 league starts, which means he has had a hand, directly, in half of his side's goals this campaign.

A salary of £45,000 per week has reportedly been agreed but Rodgers' former club, Swansea City, have also shown interest and could look to make a second bargain signing from La Liga in as many years, after signing Rayo Vallecano forward Michu last summer.

Meanwhile, Rodgers has already confirmed the Anfield club will add, despite a meager summer budget, at least two attacking players to the first team. The Northern Irishman has Uruguayan Luis Suarez, England international Daniel Sturridge and young Brazilian Philippe Coutinho as his first choice attacking line but wants cover and reinforcements.

Liverpool fans are used to having a player in Luis Suarez that so ferociously divides opinion. They’ve taken to the Uruguayan as one of their own, irrelevant of the opinions Suarez’s detractors hold.

It will make fascinating viewing then, if another contentious character in Iago Aspas turns out for them.

Aspas too, is of that 'love to have him on your team, hate to play against him' mould. He also happens to be a very, very good footballer.

The 25-year-old plays each game like it’s his last, getting in the faces of opponents and going to the ends of the earth for his team. He’s energy, enthusiasm, and endeavour. But he’s also skill and sublime.

He was born in Moana, a town of just 20,000 in Galician. At school he was a terror too, constantly distracted in lessons with only focus on football.

Asked what his favourite moment as a Celta fan was he didn’t mention a goal, or assist, he recalled when Wagner infamously booted Diego Tristan in the air during a Galician derby.

It was in 2010/2011 that he first rose to prominence, scoring 23 goals in 35 games as Celta pushed towards a return to Spain’s top flight.

He played as a lone striker in the Segunda that season, working in tandem with the various support acts he was handed. His coach at the time was a certain ex-Liverpool man in Paco Herrera, part of that glorious Champions League victory steered by Rafa Benitez.

Herrera had to handle Aspas with care, for he was always on the brink of breaking.

That season he played for every single fan that entered the stadium; would chase lost causes, formed the first part of defence from his attacking role, put in tackles and of course, scored goals.

He’s a passionate character too, constantly muttering to himself when moving around the field and when against an opponent engaging in some exchanged words. It motivated him, psyched himself up. It rarely did not produce an end product.

Aspas' transition from Segunda to Primera was seemingly effortless for the player. He managed three goals in his opening seven games, and as it stands has 11 in 32 matches.

There's a common misconception that Aspas is just a tenacious striker, but there's much more to him than that. He’s a creator too, marking down six assists and generally being the centre of everything good his team produces.

Aspas can drop off into midfield and start attacks, move into the channels and take players on with pace – particularly on the right hand side, where he likes to drift in from with a drop of the shoulder. He can also play on the shoulder like a number 9, offering a team verticality in their play.

His movement is one of the most impressive aspects of his game, harnessing a sweet change of direction and burst of pace. Although he doesn’t have great strength or power, he puts his body between the ball and an opponent intelligently while using skill or that pace to jet away.

His stature and skill set makes him a slippery character, difficult to contain. Out-and-out striker, inverted winger, second striker – Aspas would do any of these roles justice. He is though most at home in that second striker berth.

Aspas is seen as a Jekyll and Hyde character, so much so his ex-coach Herrera referred to him as part Messi and part monster. The latter part came to fruition in two incidents this season; one when he had to be substituted by Herrera to avoid being sent off then another when he head-butted an opponent and was banned for four games. All the while, Celta fans still sung the name of their hero who they felt represented them.

The truth is Aspas had many faces and many talents, and if he can channel that passion he has in the right direction he’ll accomplish great things.

Source: Mirror

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: 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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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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Premier League: Liverpool 3-0 Wigan

Luis Suarez took his season haul to 13 with a brace as Liverpool recorded an emphatic 3-0 victory over Wigan Athletic in the Barclays Premier League at Anfield.

After an even first half which the Reds edged in chances created, Suarez hit the target just two minutes into the second period and added another within ten minutes before Jose Enrique completed the rout.

Pre-match, the Reds were boosted by the return of goalkeeper Pepe Reina between the posts, while Enrique was rewarded with another opportunity to impress following his positive performance in the draw at Chelsea.

A 2-1 victory here had proved a pivotal success in Wigan's battle for survival last season, but the Latics had no answer to a blistering 20-minute assault from the home side in the second half this time around.

Attacking towards The Kop in the first half, it was Enrique who struck the first shot in anger after retrieving possession in Wigan territory. The attempt was always wide of Ali Al Habsi's goal, though.

An exquisite piece of individual play followed, with Suso making the most of the freedom being offered by a central berth behind Suarez. The Spaniard rolled his man and glided past two more but was blocked when trying to unleash from the edge of the area.

Full report: Official LFC

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Match Highlights: Sunderland 1-1 Liverpool

Luis Suarez's strike secured a point for Liverpool as they played out a 1-1 draw with Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Saturday evening.

Steven Fletcher gave the home side the lead on 29 minutes against the run of play, tapping home from close range after a run and right-wing cross from Craig Gardner.

Glen Johnson smacked the crossbar in the early stages of the second half as the Reds sought a deserved equaliser.

And the leveller did finally arrive on 71 minutes, with Suarez firing beyond Simon Mignolet after Raheem Sterling's cross had caused panic in the Sunderland box.

The Reds dominated the final stages as they went in search of a winner, but the sustained spell of pressure couldn't yield another goal and they were forced to settle for a point.

The release of the Hillsborough Independent Panel's report on Wednesday made for a momentous week on Merseyside as the 23-year quest for justice took a huge step forward.

Prior to kick off, Liverpool's players took to the field with the number 96 printed on the back of their anthem jackets in tribute to those who lost their lives in the disaster, as well as the families, survivors and fans who have campaigned for so long.

Sunderland too showed their support by flying the flags at the Stadium of Light at half-mast in light of events this week, while they also paid their respects with a message displayed on the two big screens inside the ground as the game got underway.

Full report: Official Liverpool FC

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Match Report: Liverpool FC 2-2 Manchester City

A stunning free-kick from Luis Suarez helped earn Liverpool a point against champions Manchester City as the Reds drew 2-2 in their first home game of the 2012-13 Barclays Premier League campaign.

The Uruguayan curled low and hard past Joe Hart in the 66th minute to restore the Reds' lead after Yaya Toure had cancelled out a towering Martin Skrtel header.

However, Carlos Tevez cut out a Skrtel pass with 10 minutes remaining and rounded Pepe Reina to clinch a point for the visitors.

Steven Gerrard set the tone for a boisterous Anfield occasion when he surged into the penalty area and smashed a Suarez lay-off wide of Hart's post after just 30 seconds of play.

The ground was rocking but it was soon to be dealt a sobering blow when Lucas Leiva pulled up in pain and dragged his shirt over his head in frustration. Jonjo Shelvey was on his feet in a matter of seconds and the switch was made.

There was scarcely a moment to dwell on such a loss as an almighty roar went up from the Kop when Raheem Sterling, making his full league debut, killed the ball with one touch and sped towards goal.

Borini looked to slip it back to him but Pablo Zabaleta appeared to block it with his hand. No penalty given.

The Reds looked lively and hungry for a goal. At the heart of their midfield, Joe Allen was neat and industrious. The 22-year-old broke down City moves all over the park; muscling players off the ball, cutting out passes and putting his foot in.

Full report: Official Liverpool FC

Video source: FootyTube

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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.

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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Video Highlights: Norwich City 0-3 Liverpool

Kenny Dalglish has hailed a 'fantastic team performance' after watching his side cruise to a well deserved 3-0 victory at Norwich.

Luis Suarez was the hero with a memorable hat-trick as the Reds began warming up for next weekend's FA Cup final in style.

While acknowledging the brilliance of Suarez on the day at Carrow Road, the boss was also keen to pay tribute to all those involved in such a convincing victory.

* By pressing play on the video, you’ve agreed with the English FA rules and regulations on its broadcasting. This video is googled and for personal viewing only. Red's Fury™ does not host or upload this material and is not responsible for the content.

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FA Cup Highlights: Liverpool 2-1 Everton

Andy Carroll headed a dramatic late winner to send Liverpool into the FA Cup final with a 2-1 victory over Everton at Wembley.

Nikica Jelavic gave the Blues a 24^th minute lead when he capitalised on a loose ball inside the box after Jamie Carragher's attempted clearance had struck Tim Cahill and fallen into the path of the striker.

Luis Suarez drew the Reds level just after the hour-mark when he latched onto a short back pass from Sylvain Distin and slotted home.

And Carroll secured victory with time ticking away when he headed home from Craig Bellamy's free-kick to send the travelling Kop into delirium.

Liverpool will now meet either Chelsea or Tottenham in May's Wembley final as they seek to complete a domestic cup double.

Prior to kick-off, Wembley observed a minute's silence in memory of the 96 Liverpool fans who lost their lives at Hillsborough ahead of Sunday's 23^rdanniversary of the disaster, and captains Steven Gerrard and Phil Neville also presented bouquets of flowers to families of the 96.

Both sets of fans also paid a moving tribute to the memory of Gary Ablett, who sadly passed away earlier this year.

Read more: Liverpool FC Official

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Video Source: YouTube

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Video Highlights: Liverpool 1-1 Aston Villa

A tap-in from Luis Suarez earned Liverpool a 1-1 draw at home to Aston Villa on Saturday afternoon.

The visitors led from the 10th minute thanks to a Chris Herd strike, but our No.7 secured a point with a poacher's goal eight minutes from time.

The Reds were denied by the post several times and felt aggrieved at not being awarded penalties on three occasions - one of which looked a certain foul.

The game was preceded by a minute of silence in memory of the 96 supporters who died at Hillsborough 23 years ago next weekend.

Proceedings then commenced and there was an unfamiliar face on show for the hosts - that of Brazilian goalkeeper Alexander Doni, deputising for the suspended Pepe Reina to become the 14th regular stopper to play for Liverpool in the Premier League.

Elsewhere, Jonjo Shelvey retained his place in midfield, while Dirk Kuyt partnered Suarez up top.

And it was Kuyt who was first to make either goalkeeper work, finding himself denied by Shay Given - who saved onto the post - from a tight angle after Stewart Downing beat a man and crossed.

Instead it was Villa who took the lead on 10 minutes when a Stephen Warnock centre was palmed away by Doni into the path of Barry Bannan. He cut the ball into the stride of the unmarked Herd, who guided into the top corner at the Kop end.

Read more: Liverpool FC Official

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