Video Highlights: Arsenal 1-1 Liverpool

Dirk Kuyt secured a point for Liverpool with the last kick of the game following a dramatic encounter at the Emirates.

The contest was set to end 0-0 until Robin van Persie fired an injury-time penalty. Minutes later referee Andre Marriner again pointed to the spot, with Kuyt converting to give the visitors a share of the spoils against the odds.

Earlier in the game Jamie Carragher (concussion) and Fabio Aurelio (thigh) had to leave the field - making Liverpool's comeback all the more remarkable.

The result leaves them four points off European qualification, though rivals Tottenham have two games in hand. Arsenal, meanwhile, trail Manchester United by six points as Alex Ferguson's men chase a record 19^th title.

Kenny Dalglish named an unchanged side following the 3-0 win over FA Cup finalists Manchester City on Monday.

That meant another start for 18-year-old John Flanagan, though Samir Nasri would hope to pose the right-back more questions than either James Milner or Mario Balotelli managed to do.

Straight away Arsenal probed down Liverpool's right and earned a free-kick following a foul from Luis Suarez. Cesc Fabregas whipped into the box, with Abou Diaby heading narrowly wide.

Liverpool countered with a cross from Suarez which was met by Andy Carroll before Jay Spearing tumbled under a goalmouth challenge from Johan Djourou. Andre Marriner had a good view and decided not to blow his whistle.

A speculative effort from Theo Walcott almost gave Arsenal a lead on 12 minutes when it was spilt by Pepe Reina. van Persie looked to capitalise, flashing the ball back across goal only for Flanagan to intervene with a fine clearing header. [Read more…]

 

Sources: Video courtesy of FootyTube.com and match report from LiverpoolFC.tv

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Video Highlights: Liverpool 3-0 Manchester City

Andy Carroll struck his first Liverpool goals as big-spending Manchester City were dispatched 3-0 at Anfield.

The 22-year-old scored twice with Dirk Kuyt getting the other as the Reds treated their fans to a fine exhibition of football.

It is a result that leaves Kenny Dalglish and co. five points off European qualification, though fifth-placed Tottenham have seven matches remaining compared to Liverpool's six.

The game was preceded by a minute's silence ahead of the 22^nd anniversary of Hillsborough this week. The impeccable manner in which it was observed and the performance that followed from Liverpool was a fitting tribute to the 96 supporters who lost their lives.

The Reds went into the fixture with a makeshift defence including fit again Fabio Aurelio and 18-year-old Scouser John Flanagan, who was handed a debut due to a clutch of injuries in full-back positions.

We will never know how vulnerable this back four were - because Liverpool dominated from start to finish. [Read more…]

 

Sources: Video courtesy of FootyTube.com and match report from LiverpoolFC.tv

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LeBron James joins Liverpool FC

United States basketball star LeBron James has become a minority stakeholder in Liverpool after signing a representation deal with club owners Fenway Sports Group.

The Wall Street Journal claims that FSG has struck a deal to partner the Miami Heat player's sports-marketing firm, LRMR Branding & Marketing, to become his exclusive worldwide representative.

The newspaper said Maverick Carter, chief executive of LRMR, had expressed his desire to build James' portfolio internationally and find opportunities for him to gain equity in companies throughout the world as his commercial interests have largely been limited to sponsorship and endorsement deals.

The report also said James received an undisclosed minority stake in Liverpool as part of the deal.

Source: ESPNSoccernet

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West Bromwich 2-1 Liverpool: Costly error and referee blunder

Two penalties and two injuries proved Liverpool's undoing as they came up against former manager Roy Hodgson at the Hawthorns.

The Reds took the lead through Martin Skrtel despite early injuries which forced Glen Johnson and Daniel Agger from the pitch - but the game ended 2-1 to the Baggies after Chris Brunt successfully converted a pair of spot-kicks.

Liverpool travelled to the Midlands without skipper Steven Gerrard, who continues to recover from the groin operation he underwent three weeks ago.

In his absence Dalglish selected exactly the same team and bench as served us so well in Sunderland before the international break.

The visitors instantly looked to penetrate a nervy West Brom defence and almost scored on two minutes when Andy Carroll flicked on a Raul Meireles corner only for Dirk Kuyt to be denied on the line by former Reds stopper Scott Carson.

The momentum was theirs - but Dalglish was dealt a duff hand on eight minutes when yet another full-back collapsed with an apparent hamstring problem. It is an injury that is already keeping Martin Kelly and Fabio Aurelio in the treatment room - and it looks like they will now be joined by Johnson for a period of time. The reshuffle saw Sotirios Kyrgiakos strip down and Agger shift to left-back.

Kuyt again came close to affecting the scoreboard when he dragged wide after a Luis Suarez pass, while any problems Liverpool did encounter were presented to physio Rob Price rather than Pepe Reina. He was on the field again on 24 minutes to accompany Agger down the tunnel. [Read more…]

Sources: Video courtesy of FootyTube.com and match report from LiverpoolFC.tv

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Can Liverpool Steal 5th Spot?

As disappointing as Liverpool’s exit from the Europa League against Sporting Braga last week was, Reds fans can console themselves with the fact that for the first time in a couple of years now, there are plenty of reasons to be positive. Since the arrival of Kenny Dalglish, the fortunes of a club - who unthinkably considered the possibility of relegation just a few short months ago – have been transformed and there is cause for optimism once again at Anfield.
Just two seasons ago, Liverpool were part of the “Big Four”, a group of clubs at the top of the Premiership so dominant that we were told it couldn’t be broken into. Not only are Liverpool not in the top four anymore, they aren’t even in the top five!  It is certainly possible Liverpool can regain their Champions League place by finishing in the top four next season, but to do that, they are going to have to secure European football next season.
As he struggles to find form at Chelsea, Fernando Torres is already a forgotten man at Anfield as the Kop worship a new season. Luis Suarez shirts have been flying off the shelves ever since the Uruguayan hitman arrived at the club and wowed fans with his exciting range of skills and finishing prowess. His classy finish against Sunderland on Sunday underlined his quality and the potential he offers Liverpool.
Liverpool are still in need of more quality additions to their squad to supplement the undoubted quality of the likes of Steven Gerrard, Raul Merieles, Suarez and Andy Carroll. With new owners who have pledged to invest in the team and the feel good factor returning to the team with Dalglish, the summer certainly looks like being an exciting one for Liverpool supporters. But key to attracting players to the club is the lure of European football.
As things stand, not many would fancy Liverpool to catch Tottenham for fifth spot, with Harry Redknapp’s men sitting four points clear with a game in hand. However, the obvious distraction of Spurs Champions League quarter final with Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid could be the source that lets Liverpool creep in for an unlikely comeback.
Liverpool fans are certainly starting to believe. Sales of Liverpool football shirts complete with official football shirt printing have significantly increased since the arrival of Dalglish and victories over Chelsea, Manchester United and Sunderland have added to the confidence levels at Anfield. That setbacks will occur is undoubted, as the squad is still not deep or strong enough to show the level of consistency boss Dalglish would like.
But with Suarez in the form he is in and £35m striker Andy Carroll still to be fully integrated into the team, the signs are positive for Liverpool. It will be a tough ask to overhaul Spurs but with 24 points still to play for it is certainly a possibility.
Written by Eddie Smith, a sports writer who blogs about cheap football shirts.

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A struck of luck and Suarez’s magic

Luis Suarez crashed home a superb solo effort as Liverpool eased to a deserved 2-0 win at Sunderland on Sunday afternoon.

The Uruguay star capped a majestic all-round display with a stunning near-post finish on 77 minutes after Dirk Kuyt had put the Reds in control with a first-half penalty.

The victory means our hopes of securing European football for next season remain very much alive as Kenny Dalglish's men moved to within four points of fifth-placed Tottenham with eight matches left to play.

Ahead of the contest the Scot gave a signal of his intent by selecting what was arguably Liverpool's most-attacking line-up of the season.

Andy Carroll made his first full start in the Barclays Premier League while Suarez returned following his ineligibility in Europe.

It offered the Travelling Kop the first glimpse of a much-anticipated strike partnership and the Reds were further buoyed by the return from injury of Daniel Agger.

The team sheet certainly gave those who had made the trip to the north-east reason for optimism and that feeling would have intensified when the visitors went close on five minutes.

Kuyt saw his shot on the turn brilliantly blocked by the legs of Simon Mignolet before going even closer when he powered a free header over the crossbar from the resulting corner.

For their part the hosts had looked dangerous without truly threatening but on 17 minutes they almost stole ahead. Asamoah Gyan and Danny Welbeck combined brilliantly down the left but the latter saw his superb cross flash right across the six yard box. [Read more…]

Sources: Video courtesy of FootyTube.com and match report from LiverpoolFC.tv

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Europa League: Liverpool knocked out of Europe

Liverpool's quest for silverware is over for another season following a goalless draw with Braga at Anfield on Thursday night.

The Reds could not overturn a 1-0 deficit from the first leg of their Europa League last 16 encounter with The Arsenalists.

The result means a fifth-place finish in the Barclays Premier League is now likely to be required to secure participation in continental competition next term.

It should have been a night to remember for Pepe Reina on his 300^th appearance for the club and for Andy Carroll, who was deemed fit enough to start his first game since arriving for a record fee in the January transfer window.

It took him just eight minutes to earn nods of appreciation from the Kop with a towering header through to Joe Cole, whose angled shot was parried by Artur. Carroll attempted to steal his first Reds goal from the rebound only to see his shot deflected wide. Predictably, it was the 22-year-old who won the aerial battle from the resulting corner but this time his effort flashed wide of its own accord.

Braga took a while to settle but enjoyed the better chances as the half wore on. Last week's goalscorer Alan twice did well to carve space for a shot, while Lima powered towards goal only for his attempt to ricochet off Martin Skrtel to safety.

Liverpool had several shouts for a penalty denied - a handball and a shove on Lucas - but the visitors would have been aggrieved if either had been given. [Read more…]

Source: LiverpoolFC.tv

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Liverpool owner dismissed contract offer to Dalglish

Liverpool owner John W Henry has revealed the club have not started contract discussions with Kenny Dalglish, but have set a date to discuss the Scot's future as manager.

The takeover of Liverpool Football Club by New England Sports Ventures has prompted a return to old ways at Anfield, with the club now making a sustained effort to conduct its business behind closed doors until any formal announcements can be made. Such demeanour was employed over the failed Charlie Adam approach in the January transfer window, and now a similar approach will be taken over the future of Dalglish.

A Kop idol from his previous years as player and manager, Dalglish has inspired a turnaround in fortunes since taking over from Roy Hodgson earlier in the season, leading Liverpool to sixth in the table.

Victories over Chelsea and Manchester United, produced largely without the aid of £35 million signing Andy Carroll, have provided hope for the future, while fellow new capture Luis Suarez is already looking like a shrewd purchase.

Liverpool's owners have always said they will take time to ensure they pick the best man to lead the club forward in the future, with Dalglish's current deal only keeping him in the manager's job until the end of the current campaign. Henry would not confirm if the Scot had done enough to earn a permanent contract and rejected claims that a deal had already been offered.

"The only discussion we've had has been with Kenny and that was solely concerning when we should begin discussions," Henry said in the Telegraph.

"I wouldn't anticipate any further comments until such discussions have commenced and we have something to announce. Any reports until then are purely speculation."

Jurgen Klopp of Borussia Dortmund, Porto's Andre Villas-Boas and Didier Deschamps of Marseille have all been linked as alternative options for the Anfield role.

Source: ESPN

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