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 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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Europa League: FC Gomel 0-1 Liverpool FC

Brendan Rodgers got off to a winning start as Liverpool manager as his side recorded a 1-0 victory over FC Gomel in Belarus on a landmark night for Jamie Carragher.

Though the Reds were under pressure for much of the contest, Stewart Downing grabbed the game's only goal when he found the bottom corner with a powerful shot from the edge of the box on 67 minutes.

Liverpool were able to see the remainder of the first leg of the Europa League third-round qualifier out and ensure the new manager marked his first competitive game in charge with a win.

There were plenty of other plus points for the Reds, as Jamie Carragher chalked up his 700th appearance for the club while Lucas Leiva was introduced into the action as a second-half substitute as he continues on the road to full fitness.

Rodgers named a strong line-up for the clash in Belarus - though it was the selection of Carragher that grabbed the headlines as he notched up his 700th run-out for the Reds.

In recognition of the feat, the No.23 was named as the team's captain for the night, despite the inclusion of Steven Gerrard on the team sheet.

Meanwhile, Fabio Borini was handed his competitive debut for the club as he led the attack, while Glen Johnson reached the 100-game mark for Liverpool.

Gomel created the first chance of the evening with two minutes on the clock as Igor Voronkov strode forward from deep and let fly with a dipping effort that grazed the roof of Brad Jones' net.

Full match report: Liverpool FC Official

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FA Cup: Liverpool 2-1 Stoke City

A sensational strike from Luis Suarez helped Liverpool book a place in the FA Cup semi-finals.

The Reds beat Stoke City 2-1 at Anfield, with Stewart Downing netting the winner after a controversial Peter Crouch goal cancelled out the stunning opener.

A trip to Wembley is the prize for Liverpool less than a month after they triumphed there in the Carling Cup final.

The game got underway following a round of applause in support of Bolton midfielder Fabrice Muamba as he receives treatment in hospital.

Kenny Dalglish made just one change to the team that beat Everton 3-0 on Tuesday, Maxi Rodriguez replacing Jordan Henderson. And it was the Argentine who mustered the first attempt on goal after three minutes, nodding marginally over the crossbar from a Steven Gerrard free-kick.

Stoke responded with lofted passes to top scorer Crouch, and though most of his headers were won, Liverpool were usually smart to the second ball.

The match was developing into a nondescript encounter until 23 minutes, when Suarez received possession midway inside the Stoke half. The No.7 found Maxi, who returned the pass first time before watching Suarez control and then thunder into the bottom corner from 20 yards.

Read more: Liverpool FC Official

* 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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The Verdict on Stewart Downing

When you sign a proven premier league player worth twenty million pounds, you are expecting him to run riot from the beginning.That is just a natural footballing instinct.Firstly, the market for British players is inflated and a joke to say the least. And secondly,I put ‘overall contribution to the football team’ over goals when it comes to a midfielder. Patrick Viera, Roy Keane, if you get my drift.

The jury has been out on Stewart Downing and will continue to do so for as long as he plays for Liverpool Football Club. The Liverpool fans need to understand that Downing will not get you 10-15 goals a season.That is the empirical truth.He is not a prolific scorer.This is a flaw in his game and from what I have observed,he is not going to get any better.Here are the statistics- Middlesbrough 181 appearances 17 goals, Aston Villa 63 appearances 9 goals. So,on an average he will fetch you a goal every 9 games. He is not the greatest English winger to have graced a football field but he is definitely not as bad as he is brandished to be.

Stewart Downing is a good footballer. He has a great work-ethic. He has the ability to drift past defenders.His positional sense on the pitch is immaculate. He has a lethal left-foot and a decent right foot too. He defends his wing-backs well. How often do you see Glen Johnson getting caught out? Liverpool fans have failed to recognize the defensive aspect of Downing’s game. Downing has moulded himself into the Liverpool set-up very well. Downing is a primarily a winger that will provide you goals. Apart from Luis Suarez there is nobody to finish off those chances. You need a Raul Gonzalez, Robbie Fowler, Henrik Larsson or Ruud Van Nistelrooy to derive the best out of Stewart Downing. Until Liverpool buy that quality striker all of Downing’s good work will go unsung.

I rate Stewart Downing highly and still believe that he will be a brilliant signing.

Final Verdict – Is Juan Mata better than Stewart Downing ? – Yes but Mata is poor defensively if you observe a Chelsea game closely. So apples and oranges.

Written by Mayank Adhye, who blogs at The Musical Escapade and also a Reds supporter.

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FA Cup: Liverpool 5-1 Oldham Athletic

Whoever were unable to watch the match live on TV can watch this goal highlights by sportnetworld at Videa.

The Latics made a plucky start to the contest and having gone close on several occasions, they opened the scoring in the 28^th minute courtesy of Robbie Simpson's dipping volley from distance.

Liverpool comeback from behind to win this tie, goals from Bellamy and Gerrard’s penalty before half-time making sure the Reds are in the driving seat at half-time. In the second half, Liverpool pressed on with goals from Shelvey, Carroll and Downing to capped off a magnificent performance of the night.

* 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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Weekend Links: Joe Cole Mooting QPR Loan Switch, Video: Funny moments at Kenny Dalglish’s press conference and many more

Here are the latest stories from the papers and beyond...

Liverpool's new midfielder Stewart Downing determined to make a success of his move to Anfield (Telegraph)

Liverpool FC manager Kenny Dalglish backing Andy Carroll to make a big impression this season (Liverpool Echo)

The worst LFC transfer rumour of the summer? (Anfield Red)

Joe Cole Mooting QPR Loan Switch (Paisley Gates)

Rumour Mill: Liverpool gearing up for a defender swoop

Liverpool vs Valencia tickets still available (This Is Anfield)

Why Kenny Dalglish’s most important Liverpool FC signing of the summer will be the next one (Liverpool Echo)

Liverpool are building a better future - Mark Lawrenson (BBC Sport)

Video: Funny moments at Kenny Dalglish’s press conference

Playing Valencia (Empire of the Kop)

Luis Suarez Looking For EPL Title After Copa America Success (Liverpool Football Facts)

Liverpool confirm midfielder exit

Stories from the internet. Enjoy your weekends.

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Video: Downing on Reds

Source: arkinses1985

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The First Interview: Downing on Reds

Stewart Downing spoken of his elation at completing his transfer to Liverpool and insisted the Reds were the only club he was interested in joining this summer.

The England international put pen to paper on a long-term deal with the club on Friday to tie up his switch from Aston Villa.

Now Downing can't wait to get his Liverpool career up and running and has set his sights on helping bring silverware back to Anfield.

"It's a great feeling and I'm very happy to be here," the 26-year-old told Liverpoolfc.tv. "It's been a long time coming and I've had to wait a few weeks, but I'm really pleased to be here.

"With the tradition, the manager and the players they have here, there was a big temptation to come here and once I knew of their interest, there was only one place I wanted to go."

He added: "It will be a great feeling to run out at Anfield. It's always nice to come and play here. The atmosphere is always great and the fans are brilliant.

"When I wanted to come to Liverpool, it was the first thing I thought of - playing at Anfield in front of those great fans. I'm really looking forward to it."

Downing became Liverpool's fourth major signing of a busy summer so far, following in the footsteps of Jordan Henderson, Charlie Adam and Alexander Doni.

And the winger is determined to repay Kenny Dalglish's faith in bringing him to Merseyside.

On his aims for his Reds career, Downing said: "It would be nice to win something. I'm sure that's the same objective for everyone, not just me personally.

"My aim is to be in the team, to play well and give something back because the manager has pushed the boat out to get me here, so hopefully I can give him something back."

Downing's acquisition significantly bolsters the options at Dalglish's disposal for 2011-12, with the new signing capable of operating comfortably on either flank.

He admits, however, that he'll be happy to fill in wherever the gaffer sees fit.

Downing said: "It depends on where the manager sees me playing. Last season at Aston Villa I played on the right, I can play on the left.

"Getting a few goals and a few assists for the lads up front, that's what I'm hoping for."

Source: Liverpool FC Official

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Villa eye Cole as Downing replacement

Kenny Dalglish flew back to Merseyside on Thursday night to seal the deal for Stewart Downing that will see Liverpool’s spending reach £100million in the seven months since his emotional return to Anfield.

In the morning press, it reported that Liverpool and England midfielder Joe Cole could move to Aston Villa.

Aston Villa accepted an offer in the region of £20million for Stewart Downing late Wednesday evening and with Villa having also lost Ashley Young to Manchester United, Alex McLeish has made inquiry from Kenny Dalglish over the availability of Joe Cole.

Joe Cole has been rumoured to be on the way out of Anfield and the high earner who joined on a free transfer from Chelsea, would jump at a chance to kick start his career again in Birmingham. The signing of Jordon Henderson, Charlie Adam and now Stewart Downing has moved him down the pecking order.

Any deal for Cole is unlikely to be part of the transfer that will take Downing to Merseyside. Both clubs likely to want to keep each deal separately.

Liverpool would be demanding a transfer fee in the region of £4million for the England international.

According to Jamie Carragher, who is captaining Liverpool in the far east, Downing's arrival could see Andy Carroll, in particular, receive the kind of service he was deprived of in his first half-season on Merseyside. Carroll, who has Alan Shearer's hunger for a well-delivered cross, managed only two goals.

   “It's a terrific signing, there is no doubt about that whatsoever,” said Carragher of Downing after an open training session in the Bukit Jalil Stadium, which attracted 38,700 supporters, who greeted every simple pass or shot into an open net ecstatically.

“He will definitely make a difference with his ability to go outside and down the line to get in quality crosses. He was Aston Villa's player of the year and he will give us something we have been lacking – genuine quality on the left-hand side.”

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

Source: Footie-Online.co.uk

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Liverpool transfer target fee agreed

Liverpool have revealed that they have had a £20million bid for England winger Stewart Downing accepted by Aston Villa.

Liverpool have now been granted permission to discuss personal terms with the player and arrange a medical.

Downing has made it clear that he would prefer to make a move to Anfield.

Villa, meanwhile, are set to see both of their England international wingers head for the exits in the same summer.

Ashley Young has already completed a £16million move to Manchester United.

Source: Liverpool FC Official, Sky Sports

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Gunners to hijack Liverpool transfer target

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

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

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

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

Read more: Liverpool FC Official, Daily Mail

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Rumour Mill: Liverpool to back in with an improved deal for Downing

Liverpool will follow up the signing of Charlie Adam with an improved offer for Stewart Downing - but they still face a fight to persuade Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish to sell the England winger.

Villa turned down Liverpool's opening £15million bid and BBC Sport understands they are refusing even to consider a price for Downing, despite speculation that they will sell for £20million.

Downing is expected to hold further talks about his future with McLeish on Friday and Liverpool's improved offer, likely to be around £18million, could even have arrived by then.

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish is keen to make the 26-year-old his third signing of the summer after concluding a deal for Sunderland's Jordan Henderson and completed the signing for Blackpool's Adam, and the player is eager to make the move to Anfield, particularly since talks on an extended contract at Villa Park stalled.

Read more: BBC Sport

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Villa rejected Liverpool £15M bid

According to Skysports.com, the initial bid of £15million for Aston Villa England international player has been rejected yesterday.

The winger has been reported as a target of the Anfield club for several months and fits the young, British profile sought by owners Fenway Sports Group.

Rumours have suggested that 26-year-old Downing has grown frustrated at Villa Park following last season's disappointing and uncertain campaign.

But new manager Alex McLeish said at the end of June that he hoped he would be able to convince the former Middlesbrough player to stay at Villa.

It is therefore thought that a fee closer to £20million would be required if Villa are to part with another of their key assets in the wake of Ashley Young's transfer to Manchester United.

Time for Liverpool FC to activate their plan B. Juan Mata from Valencia is rumoured to be the next target.

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

Source: Sky Sports

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Liverpool to offer £12M player-plus-cash deal for Downing

In an attempt to land the transfer target for Liverpool “trouble” position for the past season. Liverpool boss, Kenny Dalglish will offer Aston Villa £12million cash plus David N’gog, moving in the opposite direction.

It is understood that N’gog transfer to Stadium of Light has been stalled and Dalglish need to react swiftly to offload Liverpool FC fringes as the pre-season is about to kick-off.

It is believed that new boss Alex McLeish is reluctant to lose the England international, but with recent contract talks at Villa Park stalling, the club may be prepared to take accept a transfer fee and move instead for Charles N'Zogbia from Wigan.

McLeish reign already saw Ashley Young moved to Old Trafford. The Villa manager was still interested in keeping Downing.

In unforeseen circumstances, contract negotiation between N’gog and Sunderland didn’t materialized as planned although Liverpool has agreed on the transfer fee.

Liverpool and Dalglish are reluctant to met Aston Villa demand for £20million on the 26-year-old England international. A player-plus-cash deal is seems to be the best option for the Reds.

Watch this space for the latest update.

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Maxi set to leave Liverpool

Liverpool winger Maxi Rodriguez has revealed he would be open to a move back to Argentina with Newell's Old Boys.

The 30-year-old started his career at Newell's before leaving for Espanyol in 2002.

Maxi is set to ask Kenny Dalglish if he will release him from his contract and let him return to Argentina next season, despite still having two years left on his contract at Anfield.

   “When I left here, I knew I was coming back.”

“The president (Lorente) called me and I told him yes.”

“Now it all depends on the contract I have with Liverpool, that maybe can be loosened a little.” Maxi told La Capital on Tuesday afternoon.

Despite a successful end to last season's campaign with Liverpool, when he scored two hat-tricks as he hit seven goals in three matches, Rodriguez is likely to be only a fringe player next season if he stays.

As manager Kenny Dalglish looks to freshen up his squad and bring in younger players, Rodriguez's age could count against him.

Midfielder Charlie Adam, 25, and winger Stewart Downing, 26, are said to be on Dalglish's wish-list.

Source: BBC Sport

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Liverpool will need to double their offer for England winger

Liverpool will need to seriously increase their valuation to land Stewart Downing.

The Anfield club were hoping to move swiftly to capture the England international winger as soon as Aston Villa appoint a new manager

Boss Kenny Dalglish values the player at around £10million, and given he cost that figure when he moved to Villa Park from Middlesbrough, and has only two years left on his contract.

But the Villa board see things very differently, and even though they don't yet know if Downing will figure in their new manager's plans, they have indicated any offer will have to be double that figure for them to consider it.

Downing, like team-mate Ashley Young, has decided his future lies elsewhere, and he is keen to move to Anfield after being sold on the Merseyside club.

He is a friend of Andy Carroll, and wants to become part of Dalglish's revolution, but it seems there is much work to be done if he is to get his his wish.

Young's imminent departure has put pressure on the Villa board to attempt to keep the rest of their players, and they are prepared to play hard-ball to at least ensure they have the funds to find an adequate replacement.

Young seems certain to go to Manchester United. He is about to enter the final year of his contract, and Villa know they must sell now to try and recoup the £8million they paid to Watford for the player.

But Downing is a different matter, and even though the player is desperate to go, there could be a struggle over the fee reminiscent of the wrangling that surrounded Gareth Barry's on-off move to Anfield two years ago.

Dalglish will need to offload several of his highly-paid fringe players if he is to generate the funds and clear the wage bill to snatch Downing, but remains confident he will get his man.

Source: Liverpool FC Official, Daily Mirror

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