Liverpool eliminated from Carabao Cup at Leicester

Liverpool suffered elimination from the Carabao Cup at the third-round stage on Tuesday night as they were beaten 2-0 by Leicester City.

Shinji Okazaki came on as a second-half substitute to put the Foxes into the lead against the run of play after the Reds had dominated the opening period at the King Power Stadium.

The strike served to galvanise the home side – and they made certain of their place in the next round when Islam Slimani powered an unstoppable effort into the top corner as the clash ticked towards its finale, ending Jürgen Klopp’s side’s tournament hopes in the process.

Liverpool return to the same venue on Saturday tea-time for a Premier League encounter with Leicester, in which they’ll hope to end a run of four matches without a win.

The key points…

• Okazaki comes off bench to put home tem in front on 64 minutes.
• Slimani powers in second for Leicester on 78.
• Oxlade-Chamberlain makes full debut for Liverpool.
• Ings comes on for first appearance in 11 months after injury.

The team news…

Liverpool made eight changes to their starting line-up for the cup tie, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain handed a full debut.

Elsewhere, Danny Ward, Dominic Solanke, Jon Flanagan and Marko Grujic also began, as did Jordan Henderson, Gini Wijnaldum and Philippe Coutinho.

Danny Ings was named on the bench for the first time since October 2016.

The first half…

Despite the changes, Liverpool set about taking the game to their opponents from the off – and were almost ahead after just five minutes had elapsed.

Winning the ball back high up the pitch, Coutinho slid a pass into the path of Andy Robertson’s run into the area. The Scot steered it back into the centre, where Oxlade-Chamberlain arrived primed to turn it into the net; however, he was denied by an outstanding block by Ben Chilwell.

From the resulting corner, the Reds threatened again as Solanke made a nuisance of himself among a crowd of blue shirts, winning possession and drilling agonisingly across the face of goal from a tight angle.

Next, Coutinho bamboozled his way beyond three defenders and into the box, where a drive towards the near post was beaten away by Ben Hamer.

The Brazilian then had another attempt thwarted by the hosts’ goalkeeper before Solanke stabbed over the bar on the stretch when attempting to reach Robertson's latest centre.

The chances were being created frequently – even into first-half stoppage time, when a Coutinho prod presented Solanke with a chance, but he scooped over under pressure from Hamer.

Indeed, as the teams headed back to the dressing rooms, Liverpool’s attempts tally at goal stood at 13 to Leicester’s two.

The second half…

Ben Woodburn replaced Coutinho at the break and while the Reds maintained their first-half pressure in the early exchanges, the Foxes fashioned their best chance of the evening so far nine minutes after the restart when Demarai Gray’s low drive across goal had Ward momentarily worried.

And as the contest progressed, Craig Shakespeare’s side visably grew into it – and duly took the lead on 64 minutes.

A cleared corner was hoisted back into the danger zone, where Wes Morgan headed across into the path of Vicente Iborra. He nudged it back towards Okazaki, who diverted the ball low into the bottom corner.

Liverpool’s response saw Woodburn skim the roof of the net with a curler from the left-hand side of the box, while Ings was introduced for Wijnaldum.

The striker was close to an equaliser when he attempted to glance Woodburn’s cross around Hamer, but he couldn’t make the necessary connection.

However, Leicester’s influence on the game had continued to grow since making the breakthrough - and with 12 minutes left to play, they helped themselves to a second when Silmani cut in from the right and arrowed a powerful effort into the top corner, ending the Reds' hopes of progress in the competition.

Source: Official Liverpool FC

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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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Liverpool held to Burnley draw

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

The Reds responded quickly to going behind to an early Scott Arfield strike, with Mohamed Salah clinically scoring at the Kop end within three minutes.

But the hosts were unable to find another goal in the remainder of the first half or the entirety of the second as the visitors held on for a point.

Key points

• Arfield gives Burnley the lead
• Reds equalise through Salah
• Clarets' dogged defending frustrates

Team news

With the Reds coming into the game off the back of midweek Champions League commitments, Jürgen Klopp opted to shuffle his pack significantly.

The boss made seven changes to his starting XI, with Philippe Coutinho earning his first start of the season and Dejan Lovren missing out due to a sore back.

First half

Despite the reshuffle, the hosts started well, with Daniel Sturridge testing Tom Heaton's replacement Nick Pope with a low effort early before Salah had a penalty appeal waved away by referee Roger East.

But Burnley provided a response and, moments after a brilliant Andy Robertson challenge had denied Chris Wood, they were ahead.

The visitors won two successive headers before the ball dropped to Arfield, who had time and space in the centre of the box to bury his shot in the bottom corner.

Thankfully, Liverpool did not allow the concession of the goal to disrupt their rhythm, and it was for that reason they were quickly level.

Salah's diagonal run was brilliantly found by Emre Can, and the Egyptian showed coolness in chesting the ball down before slamming home.

The hosts continued to push as the break neared but saw efforts from Sturridge and Salah hit the side-netting and the goalkeeper respectively as Burnley held on.

Second half

The Clarets again struggled to get out of their own half when the second period resumed, with Sturridge and Coutinho taking advantage of the space in front of the box to take shots that went narrowly over.

Can then tested the 'keeper with an attempt from a similar area, before Sturridge followed suit after working space on his left foot.

Try as they might, though, the Reds couldn't break the deadlock - leading Klopp to call for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Dominic Solanke with 78 minutes gone.

In the aftermath of those changes, an intricate move that ended in Trent Alexander-Arnold shooting at Pope looked to be the nearest they would come.

However, there was still time for Solanke to push a Salah cross onto the bar from close range, putting the seal on a day of frustration for the hosts.

Source: Official Liverpool FC

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Goal Highlights: Liverpool 2-2 Sevilla

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

Goal highlights

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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.

Goals from Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah, which came in reply to Wissam Ben Yedder’s early opener, ensured the Reds went in 2-1 to the good after a breathless first half that also featured a missed penalty by Firmino.

It appeared that Jürgen Klopp’s side were on their way to a win on matchday one, but Joaquin Correa’s 72nd-minute strike snatched a point for Sevilla.

Key points

• Ben Yedder put Sevilla ahead in the fifth minute
• Firmino equalised 16 minutes later
• Salah’s deflected shot gave Liverpool the lead before the break
• Firmino missed a penalty late in the first half
• Correa levelled with 18 minutes left to play
• Philippe Coutinho came on as a substitute soon after
• Joe Gomez dismissed for second bookable offence in injury time

Team news

Klopp made three changes to his starting line-up, with Loris Karius, Dejan Lovren and Gomez coming into his team. Coutinho came off the bench in the 76th minute for his first appearance of the season.

First half

Roared on by a vociferous home crowd, the Reds began on the front foot and Emre Can tested Sevilla goalkeeper Sergio Rico inside the first minute with a long-range curler.

However, the visitors’ first foray forward towards the Kop ended with them taking the lead through Ben Yedder, who converted Sergio Escudero’s low cross from close range.

Liverpool responded positively to that early setback, though.

Within four minutes of the opening goal, Georginio Wijnaldum had seen a shot deflected wide, Rico had got down well to deny Sadio Mane and Firmino had planted a header onto the roof of the net.

That initial wave of pressure subsided, but a moment of real quality drew Klopp’s team level in the 21st minute.

Alberto Moreno played a sharp one-two with Jordan Henderson and fed Firmino with an excellent delivery from the byline, with the Brazilian nonchalantly side-footing home from no more than six yards.

Anfield reverberated with noise and Can went so close to making it 2-1 almost immediately, the German dragging a shot wide following the kind of lightning-quick counter-attack that is fast becoming a hallmark of this Liverpool team.

But, shortly before the interval, the Reds were in front.

After losing possession, Salah quickly won the ball back from Steven N’Nonzi and tried his luck from distance, with his effort looping up off Simon Kjaer and over the stranded Rico.

It could have been even better for Liverpool before half-time, too, but Firmino struck the outside of the post with his penalty after Nicolas Pareja had felled Mane in the area before Rico palmed away Moreno’s attempt after another rapid break.

Second half

Understandably, the frantic tempo of the first period abated a little in the early stages of the second half.

Nevertheless, it was the hosts who still looked the most likely scorers and Rico had to be alert to tip Salah’s ambitious volley wide before Mane curled a left-footed attempt over the bar.

Wijnaldum then tested Rico with a stinging 20-yard drive, but Sevilla drew level 18 minutes from time when Correa finished smartly after collecting Luis Muriel’s pass.

That was Klopp’s cue to call for Coutinho, and the Brazilian came on to a loud welcome from the home faithful.

Daniel Sturridge and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain were also introduced as Klopp went in search of a late winner, but the Reds - who were reduced to 10 men in stoppage time when Gomez received a second booking - were forced to settle for a point in their Group E opener.

Source: Official Liverpool FC

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Match Preview: Liverpool v Sevilla

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

We have a score to settle with the Spanish side after they beat us in the Europa League Final in 2016.

We started well that night, were 1-0 ahead at half time before we capitulated in the second half and lost the game 3-1. Ever Banega ran the show in midfield and Kevin Gameiro scored the important goals which won them the trophy.

There have been a few changes at Sevilla since then though. They have changed manager after Unai Emery moved to PSG. Gameiro has also moved to pastures new, whilst defender Adil Rami has moved to Marseille.

Banega has returned though, and he partners the impressive Steven N’Zonzi in the middle of the park. They’ve replaced Rami with Danish centre back Simon Kjaer and they still have the creativity of Pablo Sarabia and Joaquín Correa.

The additions of the ex-Manchester City duo Nolito and Jesus Navas gives them a few more options and in attack, they have the fantastic Wissam Ben Yedder and Luis Muriel, a player Liverpool were linked with a few years back.

Sevilla have started the season well in La Liga and currently sit third in the table, behind Barcelona and Real Sociedad. They are a dangerous side and I’m expecting a tough encounter this week.

From a Liverpool point of view, the game provides the perfect opportunity for us to redeem ourselves after the horror show at Man City… the least said about that the better!

It is important that we bounce back. Sadio Mane will want to do that and although I’m expecting a few changes for this game, Mane is sure to start due to his upcoming suspension in domestic games.

I think Jurgen Klopp will go with the same trio in the forward areas with Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino joining Mane once again.

The dilemmas come defensively and in midfield. It’s expected that Loris Karius will replace Simon Mignolet between the sticks for the Champions League games. I don’t agree with it but it seems that’s what will happen.

I’d bring Joe Gomez in at right back as I feel Trent Alexander-Arnold has struggled a bit recently, against both Hoffenheim and City.

Dejan Lovren should return in place of Ragnar Klavan and I think maybe Andy Robertson will get a go at left back over Alberto Moreno.

The midfield will probably remain the same as it has been recently, with a healthy substitutes bench of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Philippe Coutinho and James Milner awaiting their chance.

Red's Fury™ Prediction:

Liverpool 2-1 Sevilla

Source: Read LiverpoolFC

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Mane sees red, Liverpool suffered crushing defeat

10-man Liverpool suffered a first Premier League loss of the season as they went down 5-0 at Manchester City on Saturday lunchtime.

The Reds began the contest brightly at Etihad Stadium, but Sadio Mane’s sending-off for a high foot on goalkeeper Ederson just after the half-hour dealt their plans a decisive blow.

Sergio Aguero had earlier put City in the lead, while Gabriel Jesus grabbed a goal either side of half-time to add emphasis to their advantage.

Substitute Leroy Sane then added a further two as the contest edged towards its conclusion on a day to firmly forget for Jürgen Klopp’s side.

The key points…

• Aguero gave City lead on 24 minutes after rounding Simon Mignolet
• Mane sent off before half-time for challenge on Ederson
• Jesus and Sane with a brace apiece also on target for hosts
• Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain on at break for LFC debut

The team news…

Klopp made three changes for the contest from the line-up deployed last time out, with Mignolet, Ragnar Klavan and Trent Alexander-Arnold coming in for Loris Karius, Dejan Lovren and Joe Gomez. New signing Oxlade-Chamberlain was named on the bench.

The first half…

As the heavy rain made way for sunshine at the Etihad, the contest got off to a lively opening between two of the most attack-minded teams in the Premier League.

Both sides threatened in the early exchanges, with the hosts required to defend a series of testing set plays from the visitors, while Kevin De Bruyne’s run and low shot brought a save out of Mignolet.

The Liverpool goalkeeper was called into action again shortly after, this time turning Fernandinho’s skimming strike around the post.

At the other end, Roberto Firmino couldn’t connect properly with a brilliant centre from Jordan Henderson, while Emre Can’s long-ranger was padded down by Ederson.

Next, Mohamed Salah’s burst of speed saw him completely leave Nicolas Otamendi for dust on the right; however, his attempt to deceive and net at the near post was read by City’s stopper.

A goal at either end appeared inevitable – and it duly arrived in the 24th minute, though it was Pep Guardiola’s men who were to profit.

De Bruyne slid a pass between Joel Matip and Klavan for Aguero to run onto, and he made no mistake in rounding Mignolet and slotting into the empty net.

Liverpool’s attempt to muster an instant riposte saw Can strike a free-kick from inside the ‘D’ the wrong side of the upright.

Nevertheless, Klopp’s side should have restored parity on the half-hour when they sprung forward at pace once more and Mane slid Salah through on goal after a brilliant turn in the centre of the park. But the No.11’s attempt to steer around Ederson was too close to the ‘keeper, who was able to save.

The Reds were then on the receiving end of their own good fortune when Klavan conceded possession to Jesus near his own area. Mignolet denied the Brazilian’s eventual effort and, indeed, John Stones’ clear strike at goal from the resulting corner.

Seven minutes before the break, Liverpool’s hopes of taking something from the game were dealt a huge blow as they were reduced to 10 men. Mane’s challenge when attempting to beat Ederson to a ball over the top was deemed dangerous by referee Jonathan Moss, who issued a red card. After lengthy treatment, the Blues replaced their goalkeeper with Claudio Bravo.

And further disappointment was to be heaped upon the visitors before the break when Jesus headed in a close-range second for City.

The second half…

Klopp elected to bring on Oxlade-Chamberlain for his club debut at the interval, replacing Salah.

But any faint hopes of staging a comeback were dashed when Jesus hooked in a third goal for the hosts after Fernandinho put Aguero through on goal and he elected to square for his fellow frontman to net.

With a Champions League game in midweek to come, Liverpool introduced James Milner and Dominic Solanke to the action to replace the tiring legs of Georginio Wijnaldum and Firmino, with the pattern of play now having taken on an entirely different complexion to the first third.

And their disappointment was compounded by Sane adding a fourth and fifth towards the end for the home team.

Goal highlights...


Source: Official Liverpool FC

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Mamadou Sakho completes transfer to Crystal Palace

Mamadou Sakho has completed a permanent transfer to Crystal Palace.

The France international moves to Selhurst Park after four years with Liverpool and having made 80 appearances for the club since signing from Paris Saint-Germain in September 2013.

Sakho’s first Reds game came against Swansea City later that month and he was involved on 17 more occasions during a debut campaign that ended with a second-place finish in the Premier League.

The centre-back, who scored three times for Liverpool in total, marked his final appearance with a goal in the Merseyside derby at Anfield in April 2016.

Sakho spent the second half of last term on loan with Palace, featuring in eight league matches to help the Eagles avoid relegation before sustaining an injury.

Liverpool FC wishes Mamadou the best of luck in his future career.

Source: Official Liverpool FC

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