Match Preview: Liverpool v Sevilla

The Reds will return to Champions League action on Wednesday when they face Sevilla at Anfield.

Liverpool held by Sevilla in Champions League opener

Liverpool began their Champions League group stage campaign with a 2-2 draw with Sevilla at Anfield on Wednesday.

Match Day: Liverpool 1-1 Burnley

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

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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Showing posts with label steven gerrard. Show all posts
Showing posts with label steven gerrard. Show all posts

Monday, October 17, 2011

Video Highlights: Liverpool 1-1 Manchester United

Steven Gerrard marked his first start of the season with a goal as Liverpool were held to a 1-1 draw by Manchester United at Anfield on Saturday.

On his return to the starting XI for the first time since March, the Reds captain netted with a brilliant free-kick on 68 minutes to break the visitors' resistance in a tense contest.

But with 10 minutes left to play, substitute Javier Hernandez rescued a point for United when he headed home from a corner to ensure the spoils were shared in L4.

Gerrard was the main focus of the pre-match chatter after it emerged the captain had been handed his first start since March in what was Kenny Dalglish's 250th league game in charge of Liverpool.

Read more: Liverpool FC Official

Source: FootyTube

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

My Favourite Liverpool Players

I just thought I would write an article on some of the players that have been favourites of mine over the years. There has been so many since I started supporting this great club since about 1982. Everybody has their own favourites and I hope you can relate to some of mine. This is my list of players in no particular order.

Kenny Dalglish – Well I think he is most supporters’ favourite, and he is the reason I started supporting Liverpool. He was just an amazing player, I loved the way he shielded the ball from defenders and his vision and passing was just the best. For not being the quickest he certainly made up for it with his brain thinking quicker than anybody else. A great finisher too, where he never seemed to blast a shot, he always placed his shot, usually in spectacular fashion.

Ian Rush – Probably the greatest finisher our club has seen, amazing goal scoring record. Rush and Dalglish formed a lethal partnership in the 80’s. Rush had great speed which took him into goal scoring positions, but his work rate was unbelievable as he complimented Liverpool’s style of play by defending from the front.

Graeme Souness – A great player and captain of the club who had so much ability with an arrogance about him as he strutted about the midfield like a general marshalling his troops. A terrific passer of the ball and not frightened to put the boot in if things got tough. Nobody got the better of Souness if things got physical. A true Liverpool great.

Mark Lawrenson – I honestly thought he was the best defender in the world at the time when he played with us. He was such a great defender who read the game so well and was a superb tackler. Lawrenson had tremendous speed which helped him retrieve so many situations. He was also very good at springing an attack and venturing forward. I would put Lawrenson as my favourite defender.

Alan Hansen – A terrific defender and servant to the club eventually captaining the team to glory. Hansen always looked so casual and under control of the situation. A brilliant reader of the game and the best defender I have seen at bringing the ball out from defence, he started so many attacks for Liverpool with his great ability. Another Liverpool legend.

Phil Neal – A great servant who won more trophies than any other player in our history. But I thought he was such an under rated defender and was so good at going forward. Hardly ever missed a game, holds the record for most consecutive games for the Reds, Mr. Consistency.

Bruce Grobbelaar – A great keeper who could also entertain, sometimes ending up with an odd mistake. But loved by the Kop and he could save the unsavable with his amazing agility. The first keeper I noticed that could spring an attack with his quick release from hand or foot. Great memories highlighted by his antics in Rome.

John Barnes- Second only to Kenny as my favourite player of all time, in his prime he was amazing with his speed and control tying defenders in knots before scoring spectacular goals. Created so many chances with his creative play from the wing and also when he played more central. Had to change his game later in his career after injury reduced his speed, he enjoyed a new role in the centre of midfield in which he thrived on spraying passes around and rarely losing possession.

Steve McMahon – I know he played with Everton but he turned out to be a great player for us, I loved his energy and drive he showed in the midfield, he could weigh in with a few goals too. He was an important player for us in the engine room of that great side of the eighties.

John Aldridge – A great striker who lived out his dream by signing for Liverpool. Slotted into the side with ease with the likes of Barnes, Beardsley and Houghton signing around the same time. Aldridge thrived on the attacking style of the team and was a fans’ favourite.

Steve McManaman – A tremendously talented player with great dribbling ability. I loved it when he went on one of his dribbles. His goals always seemed spectacular. Sorry when he left us, but I was still pleased for him with the success he enjoyed at Madrid.

Robbie Fowler – I’m sure he is on every supporters list. One of the greatest finishers ever. He such an ability for scoring goals, he could score goals from anywhere. Should have won many more England caps. It was great to see him return to us for a second spell. He will always be remembered fondly at Liverpool.

Sami Hyypia – A classy defender who was a great servant. A great reader of the game, not the quickest but great positional sense. Sami was also dominant in the air and could weigh in with a few goals.

Gary McAllister – Came to the club in the twilight of his career, and what an impact he made. In my view he was the player of the season in our famous treble winning season of 2001. He was so instrumental and what about that goal against Everton . Wish we had him here longer.

Jamie Carragher – I just love him for his attitude and desire to win. Jamie has been a great servant to the club and long may he continue. He has been so important for us playing in various positions over the years, but always gives 100% and puts his body on the line for the team.

Steven Gerrard – A superb player, all time great. Has carried this team for years. Who can forget his rallying cry after scoring in Istanbul, then the amazing FA Cup final against West Ham which once again dragged us from the clutches of defeat. Gerrard showed his commitment to the club when Chelsea looked to sign him. I only put Kenny and John Barnes ahead of him.

Luis Suarez – I have to put him on my list already, such an impact he has made in such a short space of time. Such ability and his work rate is unbelievable. Suarez is loved already by the Kop. Such an exciting player.

These are the players that have stood out for me over the years. I’m sure I’ll add to this list in the future as the future is looking bright.

Written by Jamie McLaughlin, who blogs at The Liverword

Friday, September 30, 2011

Can King Kenny Accommodate Steven Gerrard?

The return of Steven Gerrard to the Liverpool first team has been understandably met with excitement from Reds fans. With the skipper back in the fold, Liverpool have one of the best players in the Premiership back on their teamsheet.
However, the question is being asked in some quarters as to where exactly Gerrard fits into the Liverpool team. While he will undoubtedly be eased back in gradually, doubts will remain over the midfielders ongoing fitness after being out for a long spell with a troublesome injury.
There is a long standing argument that it is difficult to build a team around Steven Gerrard. Rafa Benitez often struggled to fit his captain into his preferred position, while Fabio Capello played him wide left during England's ill-fated 2010 World Cup campaign.
As an additional complication, Gerrard is arguably no longer the main man at Anfield. While there was a time Gerrard was the darling of the supporters, sales of Luis Suarez shirts now vastly outnumber Gerrard, although it must be taken into account the captain has been out of action so far this season.
Of course, such is the talent possessed by Gerrard, boss Kenny Dalglish is unlikely to leave him out of his side. The answer to Gerrard's inclusion is likely to be the exclusion of striker Andy Carroll and the deployment of Suarez as a lone striker.
The £35m Geordie has been a major disappointment so far in his Liverpool career and is likely to be sacrificed with Dalglish going for a 4-5-1 formation which I personally see as Liverpool's best bet.
With the pace and craft of Craig Bellamy and Stewart Downing on either flank with Gerrard supporting Suarez, Lucas sitting and Charlie Adam spraying the passes, Liverpool have a very strong attacking element which should provide enough attacking flair at home and enough counter attacking pace away to pick up points and really push for a place in the 2012-13 UEFA Champions League.
Saturday's 2-1 win at home to Wolves got the Reds back on track after two defeats on the bounce but with a tough run of fixtures coming up, the sight of Steven Gerrard back in a Liverpool shirt is just the lift the supporters need.
Fans will be praying the captain's injury woes are behind him and he can finally regain his best form.
Written by Colin Hill, a sports blogger who writes about Serie A shirts.

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Suarez sulking – Is it bad or good?

An post match analysis by Sky Sports, Charlie Nicholas on the Liverpool v Wolves match yesterday. The TV pundits gave a critical views on Luis Suarez’s substitution act and Andy Carroll’s performances.

   “I think Kenny will have a giggle at that. Kenny would have been the same! Don't kid yourself, Kenny Dalglish would have come off with his lip down thinking: “Why am I coming off? I don't like that.” - Charlie Nicholas

Go to skysports.com to view the video interview.

While on the other end, Kenny Dalglish gave Sky Sports his post match interview and the gaffer are please with Suarez’s contribution and glad to have his captain back.

Watch King Kenny’s post match interview at skysports.com and we are looking forward to a long and happy future with Luis Suarez at Anfield.

Stay tune for more news and follow me on Twitter. Get the LIVE match day PTT banter on Loudtalks.

Thursday, February 3, 2011

What Kenny Dalglish trying to achieve at Anfield?

The January transfer windows has now completely shut. Liverpool Football Club paid two record transfer fees to sign Andy Carroll from Newcastle United for £35million and Luis Suarez from Ajax Amsterdam for £22.8million.

From this transfer window, do you have noticed that King Kenny has signed some players resembles to his 1987 era recruits? John Aldridge, Peter Beardsley and John Barnes back in the 1987 campaign.

Andy Carroll has the temperamental similar to Aldridge back in the 80’s, while the speedy Suarez has liken to Beardsley. But Liverpool last-minute bid for winger Ashley Young failed to materialised and Young could be the missing jigsaw piece that could sees him as the new John Barnes of the 21st century.

Formidable in the air and a real presence in attack, Carroll will be relishing the move to Anfield and a potentially deadly new partnership with Luis Suarez.

Luis Suarez on target against Stoke Uruguay international Suarez has a reputation for being one of the deadliest marksmen in Europe and is among a select few to have plundered more than a century of goals during his time at the Amsterdam Arena.

The new look Liverpool side has now go on and registered their third win in a row and three clean sheets in succession under Kenny Dalglish.

Before these new signings, Liverpool are too dependant on two players, Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard. After last night victory over Stoke City at Anfield, Kenny Dalglish is already looking forward to the time when he can field new signings Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez alongside Steven Gerrard and Raul Meireles in a "frightening'' attacking line-up. Fernando who?

Dalglish also paid tribute to his team, reorganised in a 3-4-2-1 formation to combat Stoke's approach, for their third successive clean sheet.

   "What was every bit as important was the defenders did their job to ensure we could go and win it and I thought they were superb,'' he said.

A formula to accommodate both Gerrard and Meireles, who scored the opener, behind the two new strikers could be problematic but football is not really about formations. The point is that Dalglish now has a quartet of foragers who will swing plenty of tight games his way. By an unforeseeable twist, losing the most expensive player to wear the Liver bird has broken the dependence on two star turns: Torres, who probably left months ago, in his head, and Gerrard, the over-burdened embodiment of all things Liverpool.

In less than a month Dalglish has lost a household name but rebuilt the front of his side. Just to see Suarez on the pitch in his old No.7 shirt must have felt reassuring. No longer is Liverpool's time spent worrying about who will leave next. Instead all eyes are on the new boys, the future.

Source: Guardian UK

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Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Steven Gerrard to play on for five more years and wants Kenny Dalglish as Liverpool's permanent manager

The Liverpool captain, Steven Gerrard, has set himself the target of playing for another five years.

The England midfielder, 31 in May, admits he has been lifted by Kenny Dalglish's return as manager and he wants to carry on playing for as long as possible, although he has considered taking his coaching badges.

"It's not my main priority or focus at the moment, I still think that's a long way off," he told LFC Weekly. "I believe I can play football for another four or five years but I do sometimes think about what I'm going to do when I finish playing.

"I would like to stay involved in some capacity, whether that's on the media side or in the dug-out we'll have to wait and see. I will certainly try to get my coaching qualifications at some point."

Liverpool training session Steven Gerrard has also told Liverpool's owners to look no further than Kenny Dalglish for the club's next permanent manager as they commenced their squad overhaul by agreeing to sell Ryan Babel to Hoffenheim.

Now Gerrard, who was consulted by the then managing director, Christian Purslow, regarding Hodgson's arrival last summer, has lent his influential voice to the Dalglish campaign. "I want to do everything in my power to ensure that he stays here for a long time, beyond the initial six months," the Liverpool captain said.

"I'd love nothing better when the end of the season comes than for us to be on the back of a good run of results that ensures he gets the job full-time. That's my short-term plan, to give everything I've got and all my energy to try to make that happen. I won't lie. When Kenny rang to say he was coming back it was a big lift. I love Kenny as a person and I've certainly enjoyed the first few days we've had working with him. I can see a positive future for Kenny at the club."

Dalglish is without a win in his first three matches back at Liverpool but has vanquished the disharmony that surrounded Hodgson's reign and, certainly against Everton on Sunday, has overseen an improved performance level. The 59-year-old has also been without Gerrard since the 32nd minute of his comeback game, the FA Cup defeat at Manchester United, but the midfielder insists Dalglish has the backing of the entire squad.

Gerrard added: "I think Kenny is the perfect person to get everyone moving in the right direction again. He's the talisman at this club. His nickname, the King, says it all really. He's the perfect manager and also the person to bring it all together. It's time to regroup and for us all to be pulling in the right direction because this season certainly hasn't been good enough."

Source: Guardian UK

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Monday, January 10, 2011

Gerrard sees red as Liverpool knocked out of FA Cup

Kenny Dalglish endured a frustrating return to the dugout as 10-man Liverpool went down to a 1-0 defeat against Manchester United in the FA Cup third round at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.

The Anfield icon was left stunned by the worst possible start to the encounter as Ryan Giggs gave the hosts a controversial second minute lead from the penalty spot before captain Steven Gerrard was shown a straight red card on 32 minutes for a lunge on Michael Carrick.

The Reds gave a good account of themselves in the second period but despite some magnificent support from the travelling Kop they could not find the breakthrough to force a replay.

It means our hopes of a first-ever visit to new Wembley will have to wait for another year while Dalglish and co will now turn their attention to Wednesday's trip to Blackpool and the small matter of next weekend's Merseyside derby with Everton.

Liverpool had gone into the Old Trafford encounter on the crest of a wave after a busy weekend had begun with an impressive Youth Cup victory over Crystal Palace and the sensational news that King Kenny would replace the departing Roy Hodgson in the hot-seat.

It led to a stark contrast in the mood of the supporters who had exited Ewood Park with their heads bowed in dejection following a midweek loss at Blackburn. Instead, 9000 members of the travelling Kop arrived in Manchester hopeful that their Messiah could inspire a sudden upturn in fortunes. [Read more…]

Watch the goal that shouldn’t be given

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Thursday, January 6, 2011

Match Highlights: Blackburn Rovers 3-1 Liverpool

Liverpool's away day woes continued as they were beaten 3-1 by Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park on Wednesday night.

Martin Olsson opened the scoring for the hosts just after the half-hour mark, making no mistake with a cool finish after being sent bearing down on Pepe Reina's goal.

Benjani doubled Blackburn's advantage shortly after on 38 minutes when he held off Sotirios Kyrgiakos before unleashing an unstoppable effort beyond the Reds' goalkeeper.

The Zimbabwean forward then made it three early in the second half, tapping home from close range from Junior Hoilett's cross.

Steven Gerrard claimed a consolation for the visitors with 10 minutes remaining when he finished emphatically after pouncing on a loose ball inside the box.

But any hopes of a dramatic fight back evaporated when Gerrard blazed over from the penalty spot following a poor challenge by Michel Salgado on 86 minutes.

Liverpool went into the clash aiming to secure their opening away win of 2011 at the first hurdle having won just twice on the road in the Barclays Premier League in the whole of the previous calendar year.

However, both those successes had been achieved in Lancashire - at Burnley and Bolton - and following the manner of the dramatic New Year's Day win against the Trotters, the Reds embarked on the short journey to Ewood Park with renewed confidence. [Read more…]

WATCH THE HIGHLIGHTS

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Friday, December 10, 2010

Steven Gerrard will not be featured at Toon

Roy Hodgson has contradicted the verdict of Liverpool's head of sports medicine, Dr Peter Brukner, insisting Steven Gerrard will not be fit for the weekend trip to Newcastle.

Brukner gave a positive verdict on Gerrard's fitness on November 30, revealing the Liverpool skipper was on course to make a return from a hamstring tear at St James' Park.

However, Hodgson has ruled Gerrard out of the weekend encounter, insisting the following match at Fulham is a more realistic date for the midfielder's return.

Meanwhile, Hodgson also revealed Daniel Agger could make a long-awaited return from a calf problem against Fulham.

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Sunday, November 21, 2010

England FA will compensate Liverpool for Steven Gerrard injury

The Football Association have confirmed their insurers will pay compensation to Liverpool for Steven Gerrard's hamstring injury.

Estimates say Liverpool will pocket £500,000 after their captain got injured in England's friendly defeat to France at Wembley on Wednesday.

The 30 year-old has been ruled out for a month, which could have a significant effect on his side's season after a recent revival came to an end at Stoke last Saturday.

The FA have been anxious to point out the cash will not come directly from them but an insurance scheme that has been set up, which has already paid out to Arsenal and Tottenham for injuries sustained by Theo Walcott and Jermain Defoe on international duty this season.

In a statement, the FA said: "The FA have in place comprehensive insurance to cover injuries sustained to players on international duty.

"The FA is one of a small number of countries that has a voluntary insurance scheme to cover players wages should they suffer injury on international duty.

"Liverpool do not need to pursue us for compensation as our insurers will cover the wages for Liverpool as this was clearly a legitimate injury."

Michael Owen was the subject of one of the more expensive claims when he was injured on World Cup duty in 2006.

The FA are one of the few national associations who run such an insurance scheme.

Wednesday night's opponents France do not for instance, whilst many smaller nations simply could not afford the premiums to cover their star players.

Source: The Telegraph UK

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Friday, November 5, 2010

Europa League: Liverpool 3-1 Napoli

Substitute Steven Gerrard struck a sensational second-half hat-trick as Liverpool came from behind to snatch a 3-1 victory in a keenly contested Europa League clash with Napoli on Thursday night.

The skipper deflected home visiting stopper, Morgan De Sanctis's attempted clearance on 75 minutes before slamming home a late penalty and a delightful dinked finish to earn the points after the visitors had taken the lead through Ezequiel Lavezzi's smart first half strike.

It means Roy Hodgson's side remain top of Group K, three points ahead of Steaua Bucharest after four matches played.

Ahead of the clash, the Barclays Premier League showdown with Chelsea occupied much of the pre-match chatter and Hodgson's team selection indicated he had one eye on the game with the leaders, as he made six changes from Bolton.

In came Glen Johnson for his first appearance since October 3 while the likes of Jay Spearing and Jonjo Shelvey, who impressed in Naples, were once again given the opportunity to shine.

As if buoyed by recent results Liverpool were fast out of the traps too but, despite some good possession, it was the visitors who looked the more dangerous.

On three minutes, a well worked counter attack saw Lavezzi break down the right flank and when he fizzed a low ball into the six yard box, Paul Konchesky was fortunate to see his attempted clearance crash into the side netting of Pepe Reina's goal.

The Serie A outfit appeared to have more of a threat in the attacking third and midway through the half they had another sight of goal as Edinson Cavani latched onto a clever through pass and smashed a right foot volley into the stand.

For all Liverpool's endeavour there had been little to shout about for the home support and Napoli continued to probe, with Lavezzi seizing upon Shelvey's misplaced pass and drilling a venomous shot just beyond Reina's left-hand post.

With the away side in full flow, the writing appeared to be on the wall for Hodgson's men and on 28 minutes they found themselves behind. Christian Poulsen misjudged a header in his own half allowing Cavani to nod the ball into the path of Lavezzi. The Argentine raced into the penalty area before showing fine poise to slip the ball beyond the advancing Reina.

Liverpool needed a response and they should have had it just three minutes later as David Ngog exchanged a neat one-two with Poulsen before stabbing his effort from 12 yards just wide.

Johnson then went close to marking his return from injury in style but saw his rasping left foot drive well saved by De Sanctis.

In truth, Liverpool's first-half display would not have impressed John Henry and new director of football strategy Damien Comolli watching in the stand, and it was no surprise that Hodgson made the decision to introduce Gerrard as a half-time replacement for Milan Jovanovic.

The change immediately sparked the hosts' attack into life and on 51 minutes the inspirational No.8 should have levelled but he flashed his shot high into the stand after De Sanctis had brilliantly denied Ngog from close range.

There was a clear improvement in Liverpool's approach play and they again went close just shy of the hour mark when Shelvey miscued his far post header following a great run and cross from Ngog.

Next it was Raul Meireles's turn to hold his head in hands, steering wide from 10 yards out after Shelvey had caused havoc in the Napoli defence.

There was no doubt which side was now in the ascendancy and after sending a low free-kick inches past the far post, the skipper finally levelled matters in the most fortunate of circumstances.

A probing run from Shelvey should have been cut out by the Italians' rearguard, but a poor back pass allowed Gerrard to race in on De Sanctis and ricochet the 'keeper's attempted clearance into the far corner of the net.

It was a huge slice of luck for Hodgson and co but one they would have felt their second half showing deserved.

With the clock ticking down the Reds continued to push forward and two minutes from time they snatched the lead when Gerrard converted from the spot after Johnson was felled in the area.

And the midfielder rubbed salt in Napoli's wounds a minute later, latching onto substitute Lucas Leiva's well-timed challenge and clipping the ball over De Sanctis to seal victory.

 

Source: LiverpoolFC.tv

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Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Goal Highlights: Liverpool 2-2 Sunderland


Monday, September 20, 2010

Premier League: Manchester United 3-2 Liverpool

Dimitar Berbatov smashed home a hat-trick as Manchester United edged a pulsating encounter to beat Liverpool 3-2 on Sunday afternoon.

The striker netted either side of half-time to put the Red Devils firmly in the driving seat before a quick-fire Steven Gerrard brace pulled the visitors level.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - Sunday, September 19, 2010: Liverpool's Fernando Torres and Manchester United's Nemanja Vidic during the Premiership match at Old Trafford. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda) However, the Bulgarian ensured United would enjoy the bragging rights when he nodded in his third of the game six minutes from the end to leave the away side empty-handed.

It means Roy Hodgson's men have now lost two of their opening five league matches and they remain in the bottom half of the table with just five points.

The Reds had gone into the contest with their arch-rivals on the back of a 4-1 success over Steaua Bucharest and the travelling Kop would have been further buoyed by the sight of Fernando Torres, Joe Cole and Gerrard in the starting XI. [Read more…]

 

 

 

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Thursday, August 26, 2010

No Gerrard, Torres and Jovanovic for Trabzon clash

Liverpool will be without star duo Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres for their Europa League trip to Trabzonspor, Roy Hodgson today confirmed.

Steven Gerrard Gerrard has a back problem while the club has decided not to risk Torres playing a third successive game following his injury troubles.

Both are expected to be fit for Sunday's clash with West Bromwich Albion. The recurrence of the back problem for Steven Gerrard and Hodgson needs to protect his star striker, Torres, has left Liverpool’s squad a little bit short of firepower.

Milan Jovanovic did not travel to Turkey for today's Europa League clash with Trabzonspor after figuring in all five of the Reds' fixtures so far this season.

However, Hodgson confirmed Jovanovic could return to face the Baggies.

Hodgson will also be without Daniel Agger (concussion) and Maxi Rodriguez (illness) for the jaunt to Turkey.

Liverpool squad v Trabzonspor: Reina, Gulacsi, Hansen, Johnson, Kelly, Skrtel, Carragher, Krygiakos, Aurelio, Cole, Spearing, Poulsen, Lucas, Pacheco, Shelvey, Babel, Kuyt, Ngog, Eccleston.

Source: LiverpoolFC.tv

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Friday, August 6, 2010

Europa League: Liverpool 2-0 FK Rabotnicki Highlights

Roy Hodgson celebrated his first home game as Liverpool manager by watching his side cruise into the play-offs of the Europa League with a 2-0 victory over FK Rabotnicki.

First half goals from David Ngog and Steven Gerrard secured a 4-0 aggregate victory over their Macedonian opponents as the Reds booked their place in Friday's draw for the next play-off round of the competition.

                                V

With Liverpool's four English World Cup players named in the starting line-up - including a home debut for Joe Cole - there was a buzz around the stadium before kick-off, while the inclusion of Spanish starlet Dani Pacheco added further to the feel-good factor which has been enveloping the club over recent weeks.

Liverpool - backed by an enthusiastic home crowd who had turned out in their thousands despite the first leg cushion - started on the front foot and had the ball in the net after just seven minutes, but David Ngog was flagged offside as he bundled the ball home following a rampaging run by Glen Johnson.

The French striker should have opened the scoring four minutes later when set through on goal by Steven Gerrard, but visiting goalkeeper Bogatinov made a smart stop as Ngog delayed his shot.

With Hodgson's men enjoying total control and playing some eye-catching football, Pacheco and Gerrard both tried long range efforts before the opening goal finally arrived after 21 minutes.

Ngog - whose two goals last week put the Reds firmly in control of the tie - broke the deadlock on the night with a fine header from Cole's deep left wing cross.

Cole the provider almost turned into Cole the goalscorer minutes later, but his curling effort from the edge of the area curled just the wrong side of the woodwork.

It was only ever going to be a matter of time before the second goal came long, and it duly arrived six minutes before the break when the lively Ngog was fouled in the area and Gerrard stepped up to confidently stroke the penalty into the corner of the net.

Milan Jovanovic, another player in red making a home debut, stung the fingertips of the Rabotnicki goalkeeper with a well struck drive early in the second period as Liverpool picked up where they left off at the end of the first period with wave after wave of attacks.

Cole twice went close to opening his Liverpool account in the early stages of the second half, while Johnson drilled a long range drive over and Ngog headed tamely at Bogatinov when well positioned.

Pacheco, fresh from starring for Spain's Under-19s over the past few weeks, almost added the third of the night when he steered Jovanovic's pass wide of the upright and Martin Kelly, who was also celebrating today after being named in the England Under-21 squad for the first time, also went close with a well struck drive as the home side continued to completely dominate.

Steven Gerrard and Milan Jovanovic were replaced soon after by Alberto Aquilani and Maxi Rodriguez, but the procession towards the Macedonian goal continued as Cole again tested the goalkeeper with a low shot after clever movement inside the box.

Shots continued to rain down on the visitors goal, with Rabotnicki content for the most part to abandon any sense of attacking adventure and instead concentrate on damage limitation and ensuring they didn't suffer a heavy defeat.

In their only attack of note in the second period, the Macedonians almost snatched a late consolation when Kelly conceded a corner with a brilliant goalline clearance and then from the resulting kick Wandeir struck the base of the post.

In the end Liverpool's complete dominance wasn't reflected in the final scoreline, but doubtless Roy Hodgson will have been more than satisfied with the performance of his men on his first Anfield outing - and now all thoughts can focus on the big kick-off next weekend when Arsenal arrive on Merseyside.

David Ngog - 21st

 

Steven Gerrard (pen) - 40th

 

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Match report courtesy from LiverpoolFC.tv

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Weekend Link - Has Steven Gerrard lost his ambition or is it just misplaced?, Harry Redknapp believes Tottenham are title contenders but what do you think?, Former Blue in awe of Reds’ attack, Ricardo Carvalho dreaming of Real Madrid switch & Liverpool, Good News At Last

At last, the weekend links are back! And the bad news is Liverpool has just lost its pre-season friendly at Kaiserslautern 0-1. A great run-out for the young lads.

This week posting from my link partners:

Has Steven Gerrard lost his ambition or is it just misplaced?90Minutes Online

Harry Redknapp believes Tottenham are title contenders but what do you think?Football Corner

Former Blue in awe of Reds’ attackPremiership Talk

Ricardo Carvalho dreaming of Real Madrid switchThe Sport Review

Liverpool, Good News At LastFootball News Blog

 

Have a great weekend. YNWA.

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Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Two giants slain in a space of four days

While Liverpool very left licking the wounds after the Boro's defeat. The Reds bounced back to produced the most memorable performance in a European night by inflicting a 4-0 defeat of Real Madrid at Anfield. And we reminded Real that "This is Anfield".


With our title credential under fire by the media and pundits. They claimed, Liverpool were moulded as a cup competition team rather than an English club. So the faintest of hope to savage some pride and shut the critics, nothing sooner than a clash with Manchester United in the Premier league, where it's a do-or-die for the team from Merseyside.

The Red Devils were seven points ahead and with a game on hand before the start of the match. But soon after the final whistle, the lead has been cut to four and now Liverpool need to push United to the limits by winning the remaining nine games.


Well, if a season double over the reign champion and Chelsea in a football calendar wasn't enough to earn Liverpool the credits that has been overdued. I don't know what to say anymore? Manchester United were torn apart by the brilliant tactics of Rafa Benitez.

YNWA,
Red's Fury™

Monday, November 17, 2008

Bolton 0-2 Liverpool

English Premier League
15th November 2008
The Reebok Stadium (A)
BOLTON 0-2 LIVERPOOL

Kuyt and Gerrard celebrateLiverpool heading back to winning way after losing twice to Tottenham Hotspurs in the league and Carling cup. Two headed goals from Dirk Kuyt and Steven Gerrard ensured Liverpool came away with all three points at the Reebok Stadium last Saturday.

A fine cross from Fabio Aurelio in the 28 minutes setup Dirk Kuyt's goal. Earlier, Kuyt unleashed a thunderous shot against the Bolton's woodwork as the Reds plied on the pressure in the first half.

Bolton has a goal disallowed before the half-time whistle. Cahill headed in a corner but referee Rob Styles claimed Reina has been fouled seconds earlier.

Rafa brought on Torres for Keane on the hour mark as Bolton seized control in the second half. Gardner almost equalised for Bolton after broke clear on the left and shoot the side-netting.

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

Torres could have added a goal to Liverpool's lead as he struck the post in the 88 minutes.

Liverpool back to the top of the Premier League only for a couple of hours as Chelsea's late kick-off.

YNWA,
Red's Fury™

Posted using Windows Live Writer Beta

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Liverpool 1-0 Portsmouth

English Premier League
29th October 2008
Anfield (H)
LIVERPOOL 1-0 PORTSMOUTH

Steven Gerrard Steven Gerrard’s second-half penalty was enough to maintain Liverpool’s hold on the Barclays Premier League top spot - but how Tony Adams’ Portsmouth made them fight.

The former Arsenal man’s fist game in command after Harry Redknapp’s departure ended with nervy Liverpool clinging on to their three points.

Gerrard’s penalty after Papa Bouba Diop’s handling offence after 75 minutes also extended Liverpool’s unbeaten start to the campaign to 16 matches.

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez made four changes from the side which claimed top spot in the Barclays Premier League on Sunday for the visit of Portsmouth.

Daniel Agger, Javier Mascherano, Robbie Keane and Albert Riera were all dropped to the bench, with Sami Hyypia, Jermaine Pennant, Ryan Babel and Lucas coming into the side as Liverpool looked to extend their 16-match unbeaten run.


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Liverpool: Reina, Aurelio, Carragher, Hyypia, Arbeloa, Babel, Alonso, Leiva, Pennant, Gerrard (c), Kuyt.
Subs - Agger, Benayoun, Cavalieri, Dossena, Keane, Mascherano, Riera

Portsmouth: James, Traore, Distin (c), Kaboul, Pamarot, Belhadj, Davis, Diop, Diarra, Crouch, Utaka.
Subs - Ashdown, Defoe, Hreidarsson, Hughes, Kranjcar, Mvuemba

Referee: S Tanner

YNWA,
Red's Fury™

Posted using Windows Live Writer Beta

Monday, August 25, 2008

Local lads saves Liverpool the blushes

English Premier League
23th August 2008
Anfield (H)

LIVERPOOL 2-1 MIDDLESBROUGH

Late goals from Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher claimed a dramatic victory for Liverpool after Middlesbrough had threatened to pull off a shock win at Anfield.

With just five minutes remaining the Reds had looked on the verge of a frustrating defeat against Gareth Soutgate's side - but the home-grown duo had other ideas.

Gerrard, who is so often the hero, produced the goods again, this time with a superb curler from the edge of the area after Carragher's deflected strike had cancelled out Mido's opener.

It was a positive end to a frustrating afternoon for the Reds who dominated for the majority of the clash but struggled to find a way past rookie stopper Ross Turnbull.

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YNWA,
Red's Fury™

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