Season 2007/2008
Sat 11 Aug, Aston Villa -- League-- A -- KO-17:15 -- Live: Setanta
Villa 1 – LFC 2 : (Laursen (og 30) - Assist: Kuyt), (Gerrard (87) - FK) ------- Bookings: Pennant, Reina
Notes: Good LFC performance, deserved our win, great free kick from Gerrard to seal win although the decision to give a free kick was dubious
EST1892 MOM: Steven Gerrard
Wed 15 Aug, Toulouse – CLQ 3rd Round-- (1st leg) - A -KO-15:30 – Live: Setanta
Toulouse 0 – LFC 1 : (Voronin (43) - Assist: Crouch) ------- Bookings: Sissoko
Notes: Pretty average perfomance, great goal from Voronin never got out of 1st gear
EST1892 MOM: Javier Mascherano
Sun 19 Aug, Chelsea -- League-- H -- KO-16:00 – Live: Sky Sports
LFC 1 – Chavs 1 : (Torres (16) - Assist: Gerrard) ------- Bookings: Pennant(2), Carragher, Gerrard, Kuyt
Notes: Great performance from LFC, totally unjust penalty (nob stiles) for Chavs to give them a draw
EST1892 MOM: Steven Gerrard
**Midweek Internationals**
Sat 25 Aug, Sunderland -- League-- A -- KO-12:45 – Live: Sky Sports
SAFC 0 – LFC 2 : (Sissoko (37) - Assist: Voronin ), (Voronin (87) - Assist: Torres ) ------- Bookings: Arbeloa
Notes: Gritty performance, dug in against a tough Sunderland side, Sissoko and Voronins first league goals, injuries to Hyypia, Carragher, but our back line coped very well all things considered.
EST1892 MOM: Momo Sissoko
Tue 28 Aug, Toulouse – CLQ 3rd Round-- (2nd leg) - H - KO-20:05 – Live: ITV
LFC 4 – Toulouse 0 (Agg 5-0) : (Crouch (19) - A:Kuyt ), (Hyypia (49) - A:Benayoun), (Kuyt (87, 90) A:Babel, Benayoun) --- Bookings: none
Notes: Total walk in the park, after we scored our first Toulouse gave up let us play our football, most impressive performance of the sason so far, but must be said against poor opposition. Sissoko continuing him imperious form and good games for Benayoun and Kuyt, debuts for Leto and Lucas also, both looked comfortable, hopefully we'll see more of them as the season progresses.
EST1892 MOM: Javier Mascherano
Sat 01 Sep, Derby County -- League-- H -- KO-15:00
LFC 6 – Derby 0 : (Alonso (26, 69) - FK, N/A), (Babel (45+1) - A:Arbeloa), (Torres (56, 77) A:Mascherano, Voronin), (Voronin (76) A:Kuyt) --- Bookings: none
Notes: Carrying on our great form from the Toulouse match, we destroyed a Derby side who haven't settled in well with the move from Championship to Premiership. Still missing Stevie and Carra it didn't make a difference, as we hit Derby for 6 and were unluck not to notch double figures. This match has done a lot of good for our goal difference and could mean a lot in a few months time.
EST1892 MOM: Javier Mascherano
**2 Week International Break**
Sat 15 Sep, Portsmouth -- League-- A -- KO-12:45 – Live: Sky Sports
Pompey 0 – LFC 0 --- Bookings: Alonso
Notes: Rafa picked a much changed team, leaving Babel, Torres and Gerrard on the bench some might call this result 2 points dropped because of these changes. We again conceded a penalty with a controversial decision given against Arbeloa. Pepe continued his impressive penalty saving form, to keep us in the game. Both sides wasted chances in front of goal, Portsmouth had arguably the best chance of the match, so to get a point might be considered a decent result.
EST1892 MOM: Pepe Reina
Tue 18 Sep, Porto -- CL -- A -- KO-7:45 - Live: ITV
Porto 1 – LFC 1 (Kuyt (17) - A:Hyypia) --- Bookings: Pennant x2 (Sent off - 1 game ban), Torres, Kuyt, Mascherano
Notes: Rafa picked pretty much what some would call his full strength team less the injured Agger and they put on the most inept performance of the season so far. We were completely overrun by Porto in the first half, their wingers causing us particular problems. We conceded yet another penalty, when Reina was caught out by some slow defending from Hyypia. Not long after against the run of play we equalised through a well worked cross. Second half improved slightly but nothing spectacular, very easy to pick MOM for this one as only Dirk looked involved in the game.
EST1892 MOM: Dirk kuyt
Sat 22 Sep, Birmingham City -- League-- H -- KO-15:00
LFC 0 - B'ham 0 --- Bookings: None
Notes: A definite improvement on the performance against Porto, but we should have done much better against a much weaker team. Birmingham came to Anfield seemingly with the sole intention of getting a point and that is exactly what the got. They defended well all match, and our forwards (of which we saw all 4) barely troubled them. Equally we weren't troubled in defense the stats showing B'ham had 1 shot on target all match. It is a worry that we still aren't able to break down teams who set out to defend, and it is something that needs to be worked on so more points aren't dropped in future.
EST1892 MOM: Javier Mascherano
Tue 25 Sep, Reading -- CC -- A -- KO-19:45 -- Live: Sky Sports
Reading 2 - LFC 4 (Benayoun (23) - No Assist), (Torres (50, 71, 86) A:Leto, Riise, Gerrard) --- Bookings: Lucas
Notes: A very entertaining game of football, started slowly, and we were on the back foot for the first 10 mins or so. Competetive debuts for Leto and Leiva, both played decently enough for their first match, but the players everyone was talking about were Benayoun and Torres. A fantastic solo effort from Yossi, got us on the scoresheet but the main man in this match was Torres with a fantastic hat-trick, even though he received absolutely no protection from woeful referee Martin Atkinson.
EST1892 MOM: Fernando Torres
Sat 29 Sep, Wigan Athletic -- League -- A -- KO-15:00
Wigan 0 - LFC 1 (Benayoun (75) - A:Pennant) --- Bookings: Mascherano
Notes: Following on from our previous 2 league matches, we were in danger of only walking away with 1 point, or even none from this fixture. Another case of toiling in midfield and in front of goal, but no end product. Torres missed a few good chances that we would normally have expected him to finish. After penalties not given at both ends, and a goal maybe harshly rules out from Wigan, the introduction of Benayoun changed things as he showed a superb piece of skill after latching onto a Pennant through ball to turn his defender twice and break the deadlock, bringing all 3 points back to L4.
EST1892 MOM: Yossi Benayoun
Wed 3 Oct, Marseille -- CL -- H -- KO-7:45 - Live: Sky Sports
LFC 0 - Marseille 1 --- Bookings: Sissoko(2), Gerrard, Carragher
Notes: Diabolical performance, tied with the Porto match for worst performance of the season, most definitely worst result of the season so far considering we were at home. Sissoko had one of his worst matches ever, Crouch was poor but didn't have much service, Riise not much better when he came on, Leto was out of his depth, and was subbed of very early in the second half. A very disappointing result.
EST1892 MOM: Pepe Reina
Sun 07 Oct, Tottenham Hotspur -- League-- H -- KO-15:00
LFC 2 - Spurs 2 (Voronin (12) - A:No Assist), (Torres(90) - A:Finnan) --- Bookings: None
Notes: A Jekyl and Hyde performance by Liverpool in this one. Liverpool started well in the first half and had a few half chances until Robinson spilled a free kick from Gerrard, allowing Voronin to pounce to make it 1-0. Numerous chances went begging in the first half, while a couple of defensive lapses allowed Spurs to score either side of half time to put us 2-1 down. A poor second half showing meant it could have been worse, until in injury time Torres met a Finnan cross and headed home to make it 2-2. An improvement from the poor show v Marseille, but not a return to the form from the start of the season.
EST1892 MOM: Andriy Voronin
**2 Week International Break**
Sat 20 Oct, Everton -- League-- A -- KO-12:45 – Live: Sky Sports
Everton 1 – LFC 2 : (Kuyt (54, 90) - 2 x PK's) ------- Bookings: Kuyt(2), Carragher(2)
Notes: The result that balances out the injustice of the Chelsea match. For all play, our shots on goal yielded very little. A Hyypia own goal that many strikers would be proud of started things off. We equalised through a Kuyt penalty, given when Gerrard was pulled down inside the box by Hibbert, the challenge warranting a red card as Gerrard was the last man. Kuyt then put us ahead from the penalty spot again, this time after Phil Neville clearly handled a goal bound effort from Lucas who had come on for Gerrard (which in itself was a talking point). Kuyt himself was luck to still be on the pitch after a two footed challenge which luckily for Kuyt, Neville was able jump over. In the dying seconds, Carra wrestled Lescott to the ground and everyones favourite ref Mark Clattenberg waved play on. Not the best performance in all but hopefully a return to winning ways.
EST1892 MOM: Dirk Kuyt
Wed 24 Oct, Besiktas -- CL -- A -- KO-7:45 - Live: Sky
Besiktas 2 – LFC 1 : (Gerrard (85) - Assists: Crouch) ------- Bookings: None
Notes: Another defeat in the CL means we've an uphill battle to qualify for the next stage. In another match where Rafa's tactics and substitutions have been called into question, we had a large percentage of possession in this match, and we weren't able to produce anything from it: with over 20 shots on goal we scored once. The first for Besiktas a comical own goal in which Carra, Finnan and Hyypia all played a part in. The second we were caught out for playing such a high back line and exposing the the lack of pace we have there. The goal Gerrard was one of the best diving headers you'll ever see but ultimately counted for nothing. It could be a very uncomfortable match v Arsenal this weekend.
EST1892 MOM: Steven Gerrard
Sun 28 Oct, Arsenal -- League-- H -- KO-16:00 – Live: Sky
LFC 1 – Arsenal 1 : (Gerrard (7) - Free Kick) ------- Bookings: Voronin, Mascherano(2), Carragher(3)
Notes: An entertaining game, in which given a little bit more luck we could have walked away from with 3 points. The game marked the returns and early exits of both Torres and Alonso. Torres didn't look fit from the start and struggled to finish the first half before being subbed for Crouch, while Alonso appeared to reagrivate his metatarsel injury, and could be out for quite a while. Liverpool opened the scoring with a fantastic Stevie G free kick, and held their lead until the last 10 minutes of the game. We didn't hold possesion very well and let Arsenal play their football for most of the game, but they were having a lot of trouble breaking us down, and the breakthrough only came when Alonso had to leave the pitch and was replaced by Arbeloa, who then failed to track the run of Fabregas which resulted in their equalising goal. Looking back it was a fair result, and could mark the start of our return to form.
EST1892 MOM: Javier Mascherano
Wed 31 Oct, Cardiff -- CC -- H -- KO-19:45
LFC 2 – Cardiff 1 : (El Zhar (48) - A:Gerrard), (Gerrard (66) - A:Benayoun ) ------- Bookings: Lucas(2), Babel
Notes: An enjoyable end to end game, in which the end scoreline suggests the game was closer than it really was. As usual with the Carling Cup, Rafa rang the changes and we all got to see the likes of Itandje, Hobbs, Aurelio, Lucas, Leto, Kewell (for the first time this season), El Zhar, and even Babel playing up front. After a fairly quiet first 50 mins, El Zhar broke the deadlock with a superb solo effort 25 yards from goal, certainly a goal of the season contender. Then against the run of play Cardiff got their equaliser from a free quick, but only 1 minute later, after some fantastic build up play by Benayoun, Gerrard scored to put us back in front. This is how the scores remained to send LFC through the next round. It was also nice to see Kewell make his return, even if it was only for 20 mins.
EST1892 MOM: Steven Gerrard
Sat 03 Nov, Blackburn Rovers -- League-- A -- KO-17:15 – Live: Setanta
Blackburn 0 – LFC 0 ------- Bookings: Carragher(4)
Notes: A cast iron contender for most boring game of the season, spoilt only by the late introductions of Kewell and Crouch, which sparked this game into life. There's not much to say about this game other than that Kuyt up front on his own doesn't work, and passing the ball around aimlessly for 70 mins will not win you a football match. Overall, 2 more points dropped, especially when both Arsenal and the mancs dropped points this weekend.
[COLOR="DarkRed"EST1892 MOM: Steven Gerrard[/COLOR]
Tue 6 Nov, Besiktas -- CL -- H -- KO-7:45 - Live: ITV
LFC 8 – Besiktas 0 : (Crouch (19,88) - A:N/A,Benayoun),(Benayoun (32,52,56) - A:Voronin,N/A,N/A),(Gerrard (69) - A:Voronin),(Babel (78,81) - A:Benayoun, N/A) ------- Bookings: None
Notes: A fantastic performance by LFC; a new champions league record scoreline, a first hat-trick for Benayoun, a chance for Crouch to stake his claim with 2 goals , 2 goals also for Babel, a fantastic supporting performance from Voronin, another clean sheet and it looks like we're starting to find our form in the champions league this season. After a workmanlike start to the match, the floodgates opened after Crouches first and didn't close for the whole match. Exactly the performance we needed, and gives us an outside change of qualifying.
EST1892 MOM: Yossi Benayoun
Sat 10 Nov, Fulham -- League-- H -- KO-17:15 – Live: Setanta
LFC 2 – Fulham 0 : (Torres(81) - A:Reina), (Gerrard(85) - PK) ------- Bookings: None
Notes: A really good performance which was in danger of not getting the result it deserved. Rafa decided to stick with the same team 2 games in a row, for the first time in over a year (31/10/06) and they started well, creating many chances, but for all our pressure we went in at half time 0-0. We came out all guns blazing in the second half but were unable to break Fulham down with Niemi having an inspired game until Babel and Torres entered the fray. Our first goal came from a hopefull punt downfield from Reina, which Torres controled and skilfully finished. Crouch then won a dubious penalty for our second which Gerrard slotted home, 2-0 up and game over. Now we go into the international break on a high, lets hope we can come back from it in the same mood.
EST1892 MOM: Sami Hyypia
**2 Week International Break**
Sat 24 Nov, Newcastle United -- League-- A -- KO-12:45 – Live: Sky Sports
NUFC 0 – LFC 3 : (Gerrard(27) - Free Kick), (Kuyt(46) - A:Hyypia), (Babel(66) - A:Gerrard) ----- Bookings: Sissoko
Notes: A game that started slow but was sparked into life with a stunning Gerrard free kick, Lucas laid the ball off to Gerrard who nearly burst the net with a rising kick from around 30yds out. After that the result never really seemed in doubt, Newcastle failing to manage shot on target in the whole match. Kuyt then made it two after an inswinging Gerrard corner went in off his knee, then yhe match was then put beyond any doubt after a magnificent 17-pass move resulting in a sublime 1-2 between Gerrard and Babel, which left Babel with only the keeper to beat. Looking back on this match however we'll remember it more for the starting point of behind the scenes troubles between Rafa and Hicks/Gillett, Rafa's press conference where he tpld everyone he was focused on coaching his team and the debut of Rafa's new tracksuit. Hopefully this is something we'll be able to consign to the history books before too long.
EST1892 MOM: Steven Gerrard
Wed 28 Nov, Porto -- CL -- H -- KO-7:45 - Live: Sky/ITV
LFC 4 – Porto 1 : (Torres(19,78) - A:Gerrard,Kewell ), (Gerrard(82) - PK), (Crouch(87) - A:Gerrard) ----- Bookings: Hyypia
Notes: A great opening half hour, and a fantastic closing 15mins, sandwiched a poor middle 45mins. After going ahead through Torres after heading home a pinpoint Stevie G corner, we had many opportunities to wrap up the points, but a Porto goal against the run of play knocked the stuffing out of Liverpool and we didn't recover for the rest of the first half or the start of the second. Things changed however with the introductions of Kewell and Crouch, Kewell set Torres up after a good run for our second, then a blatant handball in the area gave us the chance for our 3rd, Gerrard duly converting. Then with only 3 mins remaining, Crouch scored from another Gerrard corner, to give us a 4-1 win. Flattering as the scoreline may have been, take note Andy Gray, we scored 4 goals in our good 45mins, Porto scored 1, and goals win games. Also special mention to the show of support for Rafa before the game from our supporters, without Rafa Euro nights like this might be a thing of the past.
EST1892 MOM: Fernando Torres
Sun 02 Dec, Bolton Wanderers -- League-- H -- KO-15:00
LFC 4 – Bolton 0 : (Hyypia(17) - A:Gerrard), (Torres(45) - A:Gerrard), (Gerrard(56) - PK), (Babel(85) - A:N/A) ----- Bookings: None
Notes: A very convincing performance from the reds and a complete pleasure to watch. Rafa fielded possibly his most attacking lineup, with Crouch and Torres getting a rare start up front. After a decent start, Sami heads home from a Gerrard free kick to put us ahead. Bolton then have a brief period of possession without doing much, after one or two chances, Gerrard puts through a perfect ball for Torres to run onto and make it 2-0. After the break there's a brief worry for Carra as after a clash with Reina he's taken off with a problem in his ribs again, giving Hobbs a rare chance to get into the game, and he doesn't disappoint. Not long after Crouch is tripped inside the box, a pen given, and Gerrard converts to make it 3-0. Babel is later subbed on for Kewell and caps a lively cameo with a goal after Kuyt's shot rebounds off Jaskelinen. The players now get a rare midweek break, so can rest up and hopefully get a few players fit in time for the Reading game next weekend.
EST1892 MOM: Steven Gerrard
--Free midweek--
Sat 08 Dec, Reading -- League -- A -- KO-17:15 - Live: Setanta
Reading 3 – LFC 1 : (Gerrard(28) - A:Torres) ----- Bookings: Gerrard(2)
Notes: A disappointing result, given our recent run of form we were expected to win this comfortably, but a poor display meant that this was our first league loss of the season. Rafa made changes to the lineup as always, in particular handing starts to Sissoko, Voronin and a first leage start for Jack Hobbs. We started well playing a strange, very narrow 4-3-3 formation with Torres Crouch and Voronin up top, but unluckily conceded a penaly from a Carragher foul which was clearly outside the box, which put them ahead. We equalised shortly after Torres and Gerrard combined, then things went downhill; there was little cohesion or inventiveness in the team, and as a result we conceded two more, whilst also having 2 decent penalty claims waved away. With the game basically gone, Rafa subbed off Torres (injured), Carra (1 yellow away from a ban) and Gerrard, but to be fair we never looked like getting back into the game. With this one consigned to history along with our unbeaten record, the team need to put it out of their minds and look forward to an important fortnight's games.
EST1892 MOM: Steven Gerrard
Tue 11 Dec, Marseille -- CL -- A -- KO-7:45 - Live: Sky/ITV
Marseille 0 - LFC 4 : Gerrard (4), Torres (11), Kuyt (47), Babel (90) ----- Bookings: Carragher
Notes: A pressure game and the team certainly responded with what was a simply fantastic performance. Things started well when Gerrard was brought down in the box, scoring from the rebound after Mandanda saved his spot kick. Amazingly Givet escaped a red card for the foul, but that was made immaterial when the rampant Torres jinked through their defence a few minutes later, scoring a sublime solo effort to make it two. The game was never in doubt as we continued to create chances, Kuyt's second half strike making certain before Babel, on as a sub, put the icing on the cake with a cooly finished fourth. We made things difficult for ourselves in this year's group stages, but 16 goals in 3 games sends us through in second behind Porto, facing a hard draw but confidence must be high going into the ManU game at the weekend.
EST1892 MOM: Fernando Torres
Sun 16 Dec, Manchester United -- League-- H -- KO-13:30 - Live: Sky Sports
LFC 0 - ManU 1----- Bookings: Gerrard(3), Mascherano(3)
Notes: A let down after the midweek high in what was a somewhat turgid affair. In the first half we had several chances, Torries failed to convert the best on the rebound from Kewell's volley. A defensive lapse from a corner saw Arbeloa play Tevez onside and the ugly Argentinian scored. From that point on we huffed and puffed but in all honesty never looked like getting past Vidic and Ferdinand. Kuyt had a very poor game, and it was only with the introduction of Crouch and especially Babel that we ever, abeit fleetingly. looked like equalising. We've now failed to beat all 3 rivals for the title at Anfield already this season.
EST1892 MOM: Javier Mascherano
Wed 19 Dec, Chelsea -- CC -- A -- KO-7.45 - Live: Sky
Chelsea 2 - LFC 0 ----- Bookings: Alonso (2), Lucas (3), Sissoko(3) -- Red: Crouch (3 game ban)
Notes: Rotation rotation rotation. Divided views on this I know, but 9 changes surprised everyone I think. Hobbs started, and had a good first half, while a midfield 3 of Sissoko, Alonso and Lucas held their own initially, Lucas having the best chance of the first half after a nice move, but Cech saved. It all fell apart in the second half though. First fat fwank with a typical deflected goal off carra's legs, then Crouch's ludicrous tackle on Mikel for which he was rightly dismissed effectively killed off the game, although Benitez' puzzling substitutions and their second goal also helped. Out of the CC, the least important game of an important run but it has to be said that the mood is not that positive at the moment.
EST1892 MOM: Jamie Carragher
Sat 22 Dec, Portsmouth -- League-- H -- KO-15:00
LFC 4 - Portsmouth 1 : (Benayoun(13)-A:Kewell) (og. Distin(16)-A:Torres) (Torres (66, 85)-A:Babel, Gerrard) ----- Bookings: Arbeloa (2)
Notes: A good result against a side with a good away record, two early goals, a terrific strike from Benayoun, and a Distin og trying to cut out a Torres' pass, set the tone for a confident first half display which could have brought more goals. A nervy start to the second saw several Portsmouth chances and Benjani's goal on 57 minutes pulled them back into the game before Mascherano's fine ball found babel and Torres converted the rebound to kill the game. Torres grabbed another from Gerrard's pass to take his increasing impressive tally to 14. We needed this, and with some decent looking fixtures over Christmas a good run can be hoped for.
EST1892 MOM: Fernando Torres
Wed 26 Dec, Derby County -- League-- A -- KO-15:00
Derby 1 - LFC 2: Torres (11), Gerrard (90) ----- Bookings: None
Notes: Were it not got Stevie G's last minute winner this poor performance would have been almost inexcusable. Torres took us into the lead with another sublime goal, skinning Moore on the edge of the box and finishing with aplomb but there were few highlights and too many underperformers in red. Hyppia went off injured early in the second half, luckily with Agger still out it doesn't sound too serious, and their equaliser was not against the run of play. Their goal stung the team into some life, Alonso almost scoring with a scorching drive and Torres shooting over, before Gerrard ran the length of the pitch in the dying econds to pounce on a rebound and take us all 3 points. Phew.
EST1892 MOM: Steven Gerrard
Sun 30 Dec, Manchester City -- League-- A -- KO-16:00 - Live: Sky Sports
Man City 0 - LFC 0 ---- Bookings: Torres
Notes: The less said about this the better. Man City offered nothing, and we weren't a great deal better, although all the chances were at their end. Torres, Gerrard and Benayoun went close on several occasions but even increased offensive efforts in the second half could not see us make a breakthrough. Kuyt once again failed to impress upfront, but really as a whole, our creative play was simply not good enough to break an organised defence down.
EST1892 MOM: Javier Mascherano
Wed 02 Jan, Wigan Athletic -- League-- H -- KO-8pm
Liverpool 1 – Wigan 1 : (Torres(49) - A:Finnan) ----- Bookings: Mascherano(4)
Notes: A continuation of our recent downturn in form, Rafa went with a 4-5-1 formation at home which raised a few eyebrows, and unfortunately it just didn't pay off. It took us a while to break Wigan down, but when we did is was a fantastic goal, some nice build up play from Finnan resulted in a terrific crossed ball to Torres which he finished with ease. After this we continually plugged away but couldn't get the second. we paid the ultimate price on the 80th minute when Bramble equalised after a poor clearance from Gerrard. We tried frantically for the last 10 minutes to get the winner but it wasn't our day and the scores ended 1-1. Many will look at this match as the final nail in the coffin of our title chances for this year, it would take a heroic effort to claw a 12 point gap back at this stage, and we don't look like we have the personnel for that task just yet.
EST1892 MOM: Javier Mascherano
Sun 06 Jan, Luton -- FA Cup 3rd-- A -- KO-16:00 - Live: Sky Sports
Luton 1 – LFC 1 : (Crouch(73) - No Assist) ----- Bookings: Alonso(3), Riise, Hyypia
Notes: Another shocking display from the reds, seems we really aren't starting the new year off with a bang, more like a wet fart. We played well in spells, but our performance against a team all of 60 something positions lower than us in the english leagues was not up to standard. Far too many passengers. The goal was against the run of play and we probably didn't deserve it, Voronin shot, the ball rebounded off the keeper and crouch finished calmly into the bottom corner. The equaliser was a comical own goal from JAR who kicked the ball into hs own arm and watched it beat the keeper, if only he was so adept at the other end of the pitch. Since the defeat to Reading we've had a run of really poor performances bar the odd 1 or 2, this is now time for LFC to stand up and be counted or risk finishing the season tropyless again this season.
EST1892 MOM: Jamie Carragher
------------------African Cup of Nations Begins-------------------
--Free Midweek-- - Carling Cup Semi
Sat 12 Jan, Middlesbrough -- League-- A -- KO-15:00
Boro 1 – LFC 1 : (Torres(71) -A:Babel ) ----- Bookings:Alonso(4)
Notes: Another really dissapointing display, after our recent performances, many were looking to this match to begin the upturn in our fortunes but it wasn't to be. We hadn't scored at the riverside since 2002 and while we lost that unwanted record, we were still unable to take all 3 points. The first 45 mins of this match was some of the worst football travelling Liverpool fans have had to endure since Rafa's first first season. Having gone a goal down in the first half due to some poor defending, we improved in the second half but rarely looked threatening, you got the impression it was always going to take a moment of brilliance from either Torres or Gerrard to get us something, and Torres duly obliged. He scored with a fantastic goal from some 25 yards out which left Schwarzer with no chance. We still had 20mins to get the win but it wasn't to be, inability to retain position and inability to make the most of our chances being the two main problems. It's hard to see why we are currently in this predicament but rumours about Rafa's job security and the sounding out of Jurgen Klinsman surely can't be helping matters one bit.
EST1892 MOM: Fernando Torres
Tue 15 Jan, Luton -- FA Cup 3rd Replay-- H -- KO-20:00 - Live: Sky Sports
LFC 5 – Luton 0 : Babel (45), Gerrard (52, 64 & 71), Hyypia (57) ----- Bookings:Hyypia(2)
Notes: In the end, a routine replay win notable by captain for the day Carra's 500th game for the club. An attacking linup with Crouch and Torres up front failed to make the most of their chances in the first half, the lively Babel hitting a post and firing over before he finally broke Luton's resistance on the stroke of half time. An improved second half saw a Gerrard hat trick, concluded with a trademark drive from distance, and a goal for Sami from Gerrard's corner. In the end a convincing win, but its a shame this replay was required in the first place,
EST1892 MOM: Steven Gerrard
Mon 21 Jan, Aston Villa -- League-- H -- KO-20:00 - Live: Setanta
LFC 2 - Aston Villa 2 : Benayoun (19), Crouch (88) ----- Bookings: Arbeloa(3), Mascherano(5)
Notes: Another frustrating draw at Anfield against a Villa side that failed to live up to its hype over the ninety minutes, yet one we were lucky in the end not to lose to. Against a backdrop of the Kop's highly vocal support for the manager (and against the owners) we started brightly, Gerrard and Kuyt setting up Yossi's opener. Gerrard and Mascherano dominated the midfield, and where it not for some profligate finishing, with Kuyt especially setting himself up for more forum bashing, the game would have been over before they snatched an equaliser in the middle of the second half, and then scored an instant second after an unfortunate Aurelio deflection. If Crouch, on as a sub, had not equalised late on it would have been even worse, but this was very much two more dropped points.
EST1892 MOM: Mascherano
--Free Midweek-- Carling Cup Semi
Sat 26 Jan, Havant and Waterlooville -- FA Cup 4th-- H -- KO-15:00
LFC 5 - H&W 2 : Lucas (27), Benayoun (44, 56, 59), Crouch (90) ----- Bookings: None
Notes: Sometimes, you've just got to laugh. A wonderful game for the neutral perhaps, but we could only watch in something approaching macabre humour as a truly embarrassing first half display saw our non-league opposition take the lead not once but twice. Starting without Gerrard, Torres and Reina, Skrtel had a nightmare debut, which we'll just have to hope was a one-off, and the rest weren't much better as H&W capitalised on sloppy defending to bag two goals, sandwiching Lucas' first goal in red, a delightful finish from outside the box. Yossi's equaliser just before half-time saved the ignomony of a half-time deficit, and a slightly improved second half as Havant tired led to 2 more Benayoun goals and a late tap in for Crouch. A crazy game all told, perhaps best written off to "the magic of the FA cup" and put behind us.
EST1892 MOM: Benayoun
Wed 30 Jan, West Ham United -- League-- A -- KO-19:45
West Ham 1 - LFC 0 ----- Bookings: Aurelio, Torres(2), Alonso(5)
Notes: Possibly the most depressing result of the season so far. Again, far too many passengers and a complete lack of fluency; especially in the first half we were simply devoid of ideas, or the ability to execute them. Although we came into the game in the second 45, and Lucas, who came on for the ineffective Kewell, almost put us ahead twice, the game looked to be heading for another disappointing draw until Carra's clumsy challenge on Ljungberg in the 94th minute gifted West Ham a pen, and the game. We now look to be in a real fight just for 4th place in a season where we were supposed to be pushing on as genuine challengers, and the mood is as bleak as it has been for some time.
EST1892 MOM: Hyppia
Sat 02 Feb, Sunderland -- League-- H -- KO-17:15 - Live: Setanta
LFC 3 - Sunderland 0 : (Crouch (57)A-Carragher), (Torres (69)A-Crouch), Gerrard (89) ----- Bookings: Finnan
Notes: A much changed team from midweek, with Carra at RB, Skrtel, Lucas and Crouch all starting. A pretty dire and forgettable first half as the (lack of) form seen against West Ham was carried over. However once Crouch headed the first early in the second half from a Carra cross the result was never in doubt, Torres bagging a second and Gerrard wrapping it up from the spot late on. An overdue league win against a struggling side, not entirely convincing to say the least but 3 points nonetheless.
EST1892 MOM: Mascherano
**midweek International matches**
Sun 10 Feb, Chelsea -- League-- A -- KO-16:00 - Live: Sky Sports
Chavs 0 - LFC 0 ----- Bookings: Babel (2), Riise (2)
Notes: An uninspiring and generally uneventful game where the two sides just canceled each other out. An injury to Torres saw Kuyt and Crouch start upfront, our diminished goal threat in El Nino's absence was somewhat evident. We did have arguably the better chances, Crouch going close with a low drive and failing to make the most of a couple of headed chances, although at the other end Mike Riley surprisingly waved away the opportunity to give our opponents a penalty when Mascher collided with Cole in the box. Not a bad result, but not a great one either, and a game that certainly will not live long in the memory.
Full match report
EST1892 MOM: Mascherano
------------------African Cup of Nations Ends-------------------
--Free Midweek--
Sat 16 Feb, Barnsley --FA Cup 5th-- H -- KO-15:00
LFC 1 - Barnsley 2 : (Kuyt (32)-A:Babel) ------ Bookings: Carragher(5), Alonso(6)
Notes: If we thought the result in the previous round was embarrassing, we hadn't seen anything yet. With the Inter game coming up Benitez started without Reina, Gerrard, Mascher and Torres, but that is still no excuse for was occurred in this game. From the first minute we looked shakey at the back, and although Kuyt put us ahead with his first goal in a dozen games, Barnsley were never out of the game, thanks mostly to their keeper Steele who made a string of fine stops. After their equaliser from a poorly defended cross in the second half, and a string of missed chances at the other end, a replay seemed a certainty before their last minute winner dumped us out of the cup, and heaped more pressure on the manager. We now go into The Inter tie with the CL our last chance of silverware this season.
EST1892 MOM: Babel
Tue 19 Feb, Inter Milan --CL last 16-- H -- KO-19:45 - Live: ITV
LFC 2 - Inter 0 : (Kuyt (85)-A:Pennant) , Gerrard (90) ----- Bookings: None
Notes: What a turn around from the weekend! Another fantastic European night at Anfield, two late goals against Inter's 10 men putting us in the driving seat against one of the strongest sides in the competition. Ex-blue****e Materatzzi's hilariously harsh dismissal for 2 fouls on Torres in the first half set the tone for the game, Inter playing entirely in their own half and restricting us to few clear cut opportunities; it was starting to look like a night of frustration until Kuyt's shot deflected past Cesar to break the tie open, then Gerrard's superb finish from the edge of the box put us in charge of the tie. A quality result that gives us a great chance of progressing and really making something of an otherwise disappointing season.
Full match report
EST1892 MOM: Mascherano
Sat 23 Feb, Middlesbrough -- League-- H -- KO-15:00
LFC 3 - Boro 2 : (Torres (28, 29, 61)-A:Aurelio) ------ Bookings: Reina(2), Finnan (2)
Notes: A win, and another hat trick from Torres. Has £20m ever been better spent? Still not the most convincing of performances though, conceding in the first 10 minutes then once again when 3-1 up to ensure a nervous finish in a game we should have won comfortably in the end. The game was ll about Torres though, latching onto a defensive mistake to grab his first, spanking in a superb second from 25 yards, then completing his hat trick after another moment of Boro hesitation at the back. He's now the first striker to score 20 goals in a season for the club under Benitez. Aliadiere's amusing sending off late on for a girly slap on Mascherano effectively killed the game - we can only hope this is the start of an improved run in the league, and with Torres in this form we can have good reason for some optimism at last.
Full match report
EST1892 MOM: Torres
Sun 24 Feb, --Carling Cup Final--
--Free Midweek--
Sun 02 Mar, Bolton -- League-- A -- KO-13:30
Bolton 1 - LFC 3 : Jaaskelainen og(12) Babel (60) Aurelio (75) ---------- Bookings: Hyppia (3)
Notes: Another 3 points in a fixture we traditionally struggle in. Starting with a 4-2-3-1 formation in which Kuyt and Babel looked comfortable and Gerrard certainly enjoyed the freedom afforded him, we went ahead after 12 minutes thanks to an hilarious og from the Bolton keeper, knocking a Gerrard shot that was going wide back towards the goal, with the spin taking it into the net. Playing on the counter we continued to create chances, before the impressive Babel slotted in the rebound after Kuyt hit the post. The game was put beyond all doubt with Aurelio's stylish volleyed effort, his first goal for the club, and although Bolton pulled one back the was result was never really in doubt. A good, professional away win that should keep us on track for fourth spot.
Full match report
EST1892 MOM: Babel
Wed 05 Mar, West Ham -- League-- H -- KO-20:00
LFC 4 - WHU 0 : (Torres (8)A-Kuyt, (61)A-Kuyt, (81)A-Riise), Gerrard (83) -------------Bookings : None
Notes: An easy victory that makes a mockery of the result at Upton Park last month, and another hattrick for the irrepressible Torres, his third of the season. Going again with a 4-2-3-1, Alonso partnering Mascherano in the middle and with a settled frontline, we went ahead early as Torres swept Kuyt's mi**** cross home, and probably should have had more before Kuyt once again found Torres on 60 mins for him to head home from close range. A third with ten minutes remaining, as Torres danced through the defence to slot home from a narrow angle, was followed by a trademark Gerrard screamer to cap an easy victory, and a much improved home performance with a couple more eminently winnable league games at Anfield coming up in the next few weeks.
Full match report
EST1892 MOM: Torres
Sat 08 Mar, Newcastle --League-- H -- KO-15:00 ----- Also --(FA CUP 6th Round)
LFC 3 - Newcastle 0 : Pennant (43), (Torres (45)A-Gerrard), (Gerrard (51)A-Torres) -------- Bookings : Riise(3)
Notes: Another comfortable win against a very poor Newcastle team. Benitez seems to have at last found a formation to get the best out of the current squad, and although the first half was a mainly uneventful affair we never looked under serious pressure before Pennant's somewhat fortuitous opener. An attempted clearance by Enrique cannoned back off his shin and looped over Harper to gift Pennant his first of the season, and knocked the stuffing out of the Geordies, Torres scoring a fine second just before the half-time whistle from a fabulous through ball by Gerrard. The understanding between those two seems to be growing by the game, with Torres repaying the favour for Gerrard to fire home our third early in the second half. From then on we played at a stroll, Torres and Gerrard coming off with the Inter game in mind, otherwise this could have been a rout. 4 league wins in a row now put us only a few points behind Chelsea in 3rd, and although Everton's good form continues, if we can keep this up 4th place and a respectable points total seems very achievable.
Full match report
EST1892 MOM: Gerrard
Tue 11 Mar, Inter Milan --CL last 16-- A -- KO-19:45 - Live: Sky Sports 2
Inter 0 - LFC 1 : Torres(63) ---------- Bookings: Aurelio, Gerrard, Babel, Benayoun
Notes: A great result that continues our remarkable European record under Benitez. The game itself wasn't exactly full of free flowing footy from either team, but despite a few first half opportunities, Inter never really looked capable of putting 3 without reply past the impressive Reina. The game was effectively killed off when Burdisso was dismissed for 2 yellows early in the second half, and was then put beyond any doubt in exquisite fashion by Torres ten minutes later. The only negative of the night was an abysmal referee dishing our yellows like confetti all second half, hopefully that won't cause us problems in later rounds. On we march, in Europe we really do seem to fear no-one.
Full match report
EST1892 MOM: Mascherano
Sat 15 Mar, Reading -- League-- H-- KO-15:00
LFC 2 - Reading 1 : Mascherano(19), (Torres (48)A-Gerrard) ---------- Bookings: None
Notes: Another league win to continue our good form, although we made life a little difficult for ourselves by not killing the game off. Reading came to fight and did a much better job of it than the Geordies last week, although they were pretty dirty at times. They took the lead from distance after a ridiculous free kick award against Arbeloa but we were soon level after Mascherano's first goal for the club, a thunderbolt from outside the area after he beat two men. Alonso then went close, and Kuyt should have done better with a good chance, before Torres met Gerrard's freekick at the start of the second half to head his 20th league goal of the season. Another goal would have settled any nerves but that wasn't to be, 3 more points nonetheless. Eyes are tentatively starting to drift up the table now rather than down, with a crucial few weeks coming up.
Full match report
EST1892 MOM: Mascherano
--Free Midweek--
Sun 23 Mar, Manchester United -- League-- A-- KO-13:30 - Live: Sky Sports 1
Scum 3 - LFC 0---------- Red: Mascherano (2 yellows), Bookings: Arbeloa(4), Torres(3)
Notes:
EST1892 MOM: Aurelio
**midweek International matches**
Sun 30 Mar, Everton -- League-- H-- KO-16:00 - Live: Sky Sports 1
LFC 1 - Everton 0 : Torres (7)A-Kuyt ----------- Bookings: Torres(4)
Notes:
Full match report
EST1892 MOM:Skrtel
Wed 02 Apr, Arsenal --CL Qr final 1st leg-- A-- KO-19:45 - Live: Sky Sports 2
Arsenal 1 - LFC 1 : Kuyt (26)A-Gerrard------------ Bookings: None
Notes:
Full match report
EST1892 MOM:Kuyt
Sat 05 Apr, Arsenal --League-- A -- KO-12:45 - Live: Sky Sports 1----- Also --(FA Cup Semi Finals)
Arsenal 1 - LFC 1 : Crouch (42)A-Benayoun --------------Bookings: Riise(4), Pennant
Notes:
EST1892 MOM:Crouch
Tue 08 Apr, Arsenal --CL Qr final 2nd leg-- H -- KO-19:45 - Live: ITV
LFC 4 - Arsenal 2 : Hyppia (30) Torres (69), Gerrard (86), Babel(90) -------- Bookings: None
Notes:
Full match report
EST1892 MOM:Hyppia
Sat 12 Apr, Blackburn --League-- H -- KO-13:30 - Live: Sky Sports 1
LFC 3 - Blackburn 1 : Gerrard (60) Torres (82) Voronin (90) ------- Bookings: Skrtel
Notes:
Full Match Report
EST1892 MOM:???
Sat 19 Apr, Fulham --League-- A -- KO-15:00
Fulham 0 - LFC 2 : Pennant(17)A-Lucas, Crouch(70)A-Pennant ----------- Bookings: None
Notes:
Full Match report
EST1892 MOM:???
Tue 22 Apr, Chelsea--CL Semi final 1st leg-- H --KO-19:45 - Live: ITV 1
LFC 1 - Chelsea 1 : Kuyt (43) ----------Bookings: None
Notes
EST1892 MOM:???
Sat 26 Apr, Birmingham --League -- A -- KO- 15:00
Notes:
EST1892 MOM:???
Wed 30 Apr, Chelsea --CL Semi final 2nd leg--A -- KO- 19:45 - Live Sky Sports 1
Notes:
EST1892 MOM:???
Sat 03 May,
Sun 11 May,
Sun 17 May, --FA Cup Final--
Wed 21 May, --Champions League Final--
-------------------
Scoring and Assist tables
Goals - updated 23/4
Assists - updated ????
Sat 11 Aug, Aston Villa -- League-- A -- KO-17:15 -- Live: Setanta
Villa 1 – LFC 2 : (Laursen (og 30) - Assist: Kuyt), (Gerrard (87) - FK) ------- Bookings: Pennant, Reina
Notes: Good LFC performance, deserved our win, great free kick from Gerrard to seal win although the decision to give a free kick was dubious
EST1892 MOM: Steven Gerrard
Wed 15 Aug, Toulouse – CLQ 3rd Round-- (1st leg) - A -KO-15:30 – Live: Setanta
Toulouse 0 – LFC 1 : (Voronin (43) - Assist: Crouch) ------- Bookings: Sissoko
Notes: Pretty average perfomance, great goal from Voronin never got out of 1st gear
EST1892 MOM: Javier Mascherano
Sun 19 Aug, Chelsea -- League-- H -- KO-16:00 – Live: Sky Sports
LFC 1 – Chavs 1 : (Torres (16) - Assist: Gerrard) ------- Bookings: Pennant(2), Carragher, Gerrard, Kuyt
Notes: Great performance from LFC, totally unjust penalty (nob stiles) for Chavs to give them a draw
EST1892 MOM: Steven Gerrard
**Midweek Internationals**
Sat 25 Aug, Sunderland -- League-- A -- KO-12:45 – Live: Sky Sports
SAFC 0 – LFC 2 : (Sissoko (37) - Assist: Voronin ), (Voronin (87) - Assist: Torres ) ------- Bookings: Arbeloa
Notes: Gritty performance, dug in against a tough Sunderland side, Sissoko and Voronins first league goals, injuries to Hyypia, Carragher, but our back line coped very well all things considered.
EST1892 MOM: Momo Sissoko
Tue 28 Aug, Toulouse – CLQ 3rd Round-- (2nd leg) - H - KO-20:05 – Live: ITV
LFC 4 – Toulouse 0 (Agg 5-0) : (Crouch (19) - A:Kuyt ), (Hyypia (49) - A:Benayoun), (Kuyt (87, 90) A:Babel, Benayoun) --- Bookings: none
Notes: Total walk in the park, after we scored our first Toulouse gave up let us play our football, most impressive performance of the sason so far, but must be said against poor opposition. Sissoko continuing him imperious form and good games for Benayoun and Kuyt, debuts for Leto and Lucas also, both looked comfortable, hopefully we'll see more of them as the season progresses.
EST1892 MOM: Javier Mascherano
Sat 01 Sep, Derby County -- League-- H -- KO-15:00
LFC 6 – Derby 0 : (Alonso (26, 69) - FK, N/A), (Babel (45+1) - A:Arbeloa), (Torres (56, 77) A:Mascherano, Voronin), (Voronin (76) A:Kuyt) --- Bookings: none
Notes: Carrying on our great form from the Toulouse match, we destroyed a Derby side who haven't settled in well with the move from Championship to Premiership. Still missing Stevie and Carra it didn't make a difference, as we hit Derby for 6 and were unluck not to notch double figures. This match has done a lot of good for our goal difference and could mean a lot in a few months time.
EST1892 MOM: Javier Mascherano
**2 Week International Break**
Sat 15 Sep, Portsmouth -- League-- A -- KO-12:45 – Live: Sky Sports
Pompey 0 – LFC 0 --- Bookings: Alonso
Notes: Rafa picked a much changed team, leaving Babel, Torres and Gerrard on the bench some might call this result 2 points dropped because of these changes. We again conceded a penalty with a controversial decision given against Arbeloa. Pepe continued his impressive penalty saving form, to keep us in the game. Both sides wasted chances in front of goal, Portsmouth had arguably the best chance of the match, so to get a point might be considered a decent result.
EST1892 MOM: Pepe Reina
Tue 18 Sep, Porto -- CL -- A -- KO-7:45 - Live: ITV
Porto 1 – LFC 1 (Kuyt (17) - A:Hyypia) --- Bookings: Pennant x2 (Sent off - 1 game ban), Torres, Kuyt, Mascherano
Notes: Rafa picked pretty much what some would call his full strength team less the injured Agger and they put on the most inept performance of the season so far. We were completely overrun by Porto in the first half, their wingers causing us particular problems. We conceded yet another penalty, when Reina was caught out by some slow defending from Hyypia. Not long after against the run of play we equalised through a well worked cross. Second half improved slightly but nothing spectacular, very easy to pick MOM for this one as only Dirk looked involved in the game.
EST1892 MOM: Dirk kuyt
Sat 22 Sep, Birmingham City -- League-- H -- KO-15:00
LFC 0 - B'ham 0 --- Bookings: None
Notes: A definite improvement on the performance against Porto, but we should have done much better against a much weaker team. Birmingham came to Anfield seemingly with the sole intention of getting a point and that is exactly what the got. They defended well all match, and our forwards (of which we saw all 4) barely troubled them. Equally we weren't troubled in defense the stats showing B'ham had 1 shot on target all match. It is a worry that we still aren't able to break down teams who set out to defend, and it is something that needs to be worked on so more points aren't dropped in future.
EST1892 MOM: Javier Mascherano
Tue 25 Sep, Reading -- CC -- A -- KO-19:45 -- Live: Sky Sports
Reading 2 - LFC 4 (Benayoun (23) - No Assist), (Torres (50, 71, 86) A:Leto, Riise, Gerrard) --- Bookings: Lucas
Notes: A very entertaining game of football, started slowly, and we were on the back foot for the first 10 mins or so. Competetive debuts for Leto and Leiva, both played decently enough for their first match, but the players everyone was talking about were Benayoun and Torres. A fantastic solo effort from Yossi, got us on the scoresheet but the main man in this match was Torres with a fantastic hat-trick, even though he received absolutely no protection from woeful referee Martin Atkinson.
EST1892 MOM: Fernando Torres
Sat 29 Sep, Wigan Athletic -- League -- A -- KO-15:00
Wigan 0 - LFC 1 (Benayoun (75) - A:Pennant) --- Bookings: Mascherano
Notes: Following on from our previous 2 league matches, we were in danger of only walking away with 1 point, or even none from this fixture. Another case of toiling in midfield and in front of goal, but no end product. Torres missed a few good chances that we would normally have expected him to finish. After penalties not given at both ends, and a goal maybe harshly rules out from Wigan, the introduction of Benayoun changed things as he showed a superb piece of skill after latching onto a Pennant through ball to turn his defender twice and break the deadlock, bringing all 3 points back to L4.
EST1892 MOM: Yossi Benayoun
Wed 3 Oct, Marseille -- CL -- H -- KO-7:45 - Live: Sky Sports
LFC 0 - Marseille 1 --- Bookings: Sissoko(2), Gerrard, Carragher
Notes: Diabolical performance, tied with the Porto match for worst performance of the season, most definitely worst result of the season so far considering we were at home. Sissoko had one of his worst matches ever, Crouch was poor but didn't have much service, Riise not much better when he came on, Leto was out of his depth, and was subbed of very early in the second half. A very disappointing result.
EST1892 MOM: Pepe Reina
Sun 07 Oct, Tottenham Hotspur -- League-- H -- KO-15:00
LFC 2 - Spurs 2 (Voronin (12) - A:No Assist), (Torres(90) - A:Finnan) --- Bookings: None
Notes: A Jekyl and Hyde performance by Liverpool in this one. Liverpool started well in the first half and had a few half chances until Robinson spilled a free kick from Gerrard, allowing Voronin to pounce to make it 1-0. Numerous chances went begging in the first half, while a couple of defensive lapses allowed Spurs to score either side of half time to put us 2-1 down. A poor second half showing meant it could have been worse, until in injury time Torres met a Finnan cross and headed home to make it 2-2. An improvement from the poor show v Marseille, but not a return to the form from the start of the season.
EST1892 MOM: Andriy Voronin
**2 Week International Break**
Sat 20 Oct, Everton -- League-- A -- KO-12:45 – Live: Sky Sports
Everton 1 – LFC 2 : (Kuyt (54, 90) - 2 x PK's) ------- Bookings: Kuyt(2), Carragher(2)
Notes: The result that balances out the injustice of the Chelsea match. For all play, our shots on goal yielded very little. A Hyypia own goal that many strikers would be proud of started things off. We equalised through a Kuyt penalty, given when Gerrard was pulled down inside the box by Hibbert, the challenge warranting a red card as Gerrard was the last man. Kuyt then put us ahead from the penalty spot again, this time after Phil Neville clearly handled a goal bound effort from Lucas who had come on for Gerrard (which in itself was a talking point). Kuyt himself was luck to still be on the pitch after a two footed challenge which luckily for Kuyt, Neville was able jump over. In the dying seconds, Carra wrestled Lescott to the ground and everyones favourite ref Mark Clattenberg waved play on. Not the best performance in all but hopefully a return to winning ways.
EST1892 MOM: Dirk Kuyt
Wed 24 Oct, Besiktas -- CL -- A -- KO-7:45 - Live: Sky
Besiktas 2 – LFC 1 : (Gerrard (85) - Assists: Crouch) ------- Bookings: None
Notes: Another defeat in the CL means we've an uphill battle to qualify for the next stage. In another match where Rafa's tactics and substitutions have been called into question, we had a large percentage of possession in this match, and we weren't able to produce anything from it: with over 20 shots on goal we scored once. The first for Besiktas a comical own goal in which Carra, Finnan and Hyypia all played a part in. The second we were caught out for playing such a high back line and exposing the the lack of pace we have there. The goal Gerrard was one of the best diving headers you'll ever see but ultimately counted for nothing. It could be a very uncomfortable match v Arsenal this weekend.
EST1892 MOM: Steven Gerrard
Sun 28 Oct, Arsenal -- League-- H -- KO-16:00 – Live: Sky
LFC 1 – Arsenal 1 : (Gerrard (7) - Free Kick) ------- Bookings: Voronin, Mascherano(2), Carragher(3)
Notes: An entertaining game, in which given a little bit more luck we could have walked away from with 3 points. The game marked the returns and early exits of both Torres and Alonso. Torres didn't look fit from the start and struggled to finish the first half before being subbed for Crouch, while Alonso appeared to reagrivate his metatarsel injury, and could be out for quite a while. Liverpool opened the scoring with a fantastic Stevie G free kick, and held their lead until the last 10 minutes of the game. We didn't hold possesion very well and let Arsenal play their football for most of the game, but they were having a lot of trouble breaking us down, and the breakthrough only came when Alonso had to leave the pitch and was replaced by Arbeloa, who then failed to track the run of Fabregas which resulted in their equalising goal. Looking back it was a fair result, and could mark the start of our return to form.
EST1892 MOM: Javier Mascherano
Wed 31 Oct, Cardiff -- CC -- H -- KO-19:45
LFC 2 – Cardiff 1 : (El Zhar (48) - A:Gerrard), (Gerrard (66) - A:Benayoun ) ------- Bookings: Lucas(2), Babel
Notes: An enjoyable end to end game, in which the end scoreline suggests the game was closer than it really was. As usual with the Carling Cup, Rafa rang the changes and we all got to see the likes of Itandje, Hobbs, Aurelio, Lucas, Leto, Kewell (for the first time this season), El Zhar, and even Babel playing up front. After a fairly quiet first 50 mins, El Zhar broke the deadlock with a superb solo effort 25 yards from goal, certainly a goal of the season contender. Then against the run of play Cardiff got their equaliser from a free quick, but only 1 minute later, after some fantastic build up play by Benayoun, Gerrard scored to put us back in front. This is how the scores remained to send LFC through the next round. It was also nice to see Kewell make his return, even if it was only for 20 mins.
EST1892 MOM: Steven Gerrard
Sat 03 Nov, Blackburn Rovers -- League-- A -- KO-17:15 – Live: Setanta
Blackburn 0 – LFC 0 ------- Bookings: Carragher(4)
Notes: A cast iron contender for most boring game of the season, spoilt only by the late introductions of Kewell and Crouch, which sparked this game into life. There's not much to say about this game other than that Kuyt up front on his own doesn't work, and passing the ball around aimlessly for 70 mins will not win you a football match. Overall, 2 more points dropped, especially when both Arsenal and the mancs dropped points this weekend.
[COLOR="DarkRed"EST1892 MOM: Steven Gerrard[/COLOR]
Tue 6 Nov, Besiktas -- CL -- H -- KO-7:45 - Live: ITV
LFC 8 – Besiktas 0 : (Crouch (19,88) - A:N/A,Benayoun),(Benayoun (32,52,56) - A:Voronin,N/A,N/A),(Gerrard (69) - A:Voronin),(Babel (78,81) - A:Benayoun, N/A) ------- Bookings: None
Notes: A fantastic performance by LFC; a new champions league record scoreline, a first hat-trick for Benayoun, a chance for Crouch to stake his claim with 2 goals , 2 goals also for Babel, a fantastic supporting performance from Voronin, another clean sheet and it looks like we're starting to find our form in the champions league this season. After a workmanlike start to the match, the floodgates opened after Crouches first and didn't close for the whole match. Exactly the performance we needed, and gives us an outside change of qualifying.
EST1892 MOM: Yossi Benayoun
Sat 10 Nov, Fulham -- League-- H -- KO-17:15 – Live: Setanta
LFC 2 – Fulham 0 : (Torres(81) - A:Reina), (Gerrard(85) - PK) ------- Bookings: None
Notes: A really good performance which was in danger of not getting the result it deserved. Rafa decided to stick with the same team 2 games in a row, for the first time in over a year (31/10/06) and they started well, creating many chances, but for all our pressure we went in at half time 0-0. We came out all guns blazing in the second half but were unable to break Fulham down with Niemi having an inspired game until Babel and Torres entered the fray. Our first goal came from a hopefull punt downfield from Reina, which Torres controled and skilfully finished. Crouch then won a dubious penalty for our second which Gerrard slotted home, 2-0 up and game over. Now we go into the international break on a high, lets hope we can come back from it in the same mood.
EST1892 MOM: Sami Hyypia
**2 Week International Break**
Sat 24 Nov, Newcastle United -- League-- A -- KO-12:45 – Live: Sky Sports
NUFC 0 – LFC 3 : (Gerrard(27) - Free Kick), (Kuyt(46) - A:Hyypia), (Babel(66) - A:Gerrard) ----- Bookings: Sissoko
Notes: A game that started slow but was sparked into life with a stunning Gerrard free kick, Lucas laid the ball off to Gerrard who nearly burst the net with a rising kick from around 30yds out. After that the result never really seemed in doubt, Newcastle failing to manage shot on target in the whole match. Kuyt then made it two after an inswinging Gerrard corner went in off his knee, then yhe match was then put beyond any doubt after a magnificent 17-pass move resulting in a sublime 1-2 between Gerrard and Babel, which left Babel with only the keeper to beat. Looking back on this match however we'll remember it more for the starting point of behind the scenes troubles between Rafa and Hicks/Gillett, Rafa's press conference where he tpld everyone he was focused on coaching his team and the debut of Rafa's new tracksuit. Hopefully this is something we'll be able to consign to the history books before too long.
EST1892 MOM: Steven Gerrard
Wed 28 Nov, Porto -- CL -- H -- KO-7:45 - Live: Sky/ITV
LFC 4 – Porto 1 : (Torres(19,78) - A:Gerrard,Kewell ), (Gerrard(82) - PK), (Crouch(87) - A:Gerrard) ----- Bookings: Hyypia
Notes: A great opening half hour, and a fantastic closing 15mins, sandwiched a poor middle 45mins. After going ahead through Torres after heading home a pinpoint Stevie G corner, we had many opportunities to wrap up the points, but a Porto goal against the run of play knocked the stuffing out of Liverpool and we didn't recover for the rest of the first half or the start of the second. Things changed however with the introductions of Kewell and Crouch, Kewell set Torres up after a good run for our second, then a blatant handball in the area gave us the chance for our 3rd, Gerrard duly converting. Then with only 3 mins remaining, Crouch scored from another Gerrard corner, to give us a 4-1 win. Flattering as the scoreline may have been, take note Andy Gray, we scored 4 goals in our good 45mins, Porto scored 1, and goals win games. Also special mention to the show of support for Rafa before the game from our supporters, without Rafa Euro nights like this might be a thing of the past.
EST1892 MOM: Fernando Torres
Sun 02 Dec, Bolton Wanderers -- League-- H -- KO-15:00
LFC 4 – Bolton 0 : (Hyypia(17) - A:Gerrard), (Torres(45) - A:Gerrard), (Gerrard(56) - PK), (Babel(85) - A:N/A) ----- Bookings: None
Notes: A very convincing performance from the reds and a complete pleasure to watch. Rafa fielded possibly his most attacking lineup, with Crouch and Torres getting a rare start up front. After a decent start, Sami heads home from a Gerrard free kick to put us ahead. Bolton then have a brief period of possession without doing much, after one or two chances, Gerrard puts through a perfect ball for Torres to run onto and make it 2-0. After the break there's a brief worry for Carra as after a clash with Reina he's taken off with a problem in his ribs again, giving Hobbs a rare chance to get into the game, and he doesn't disappoint. Not long after Crouch is tripped inside the box, a pen given, and Gerrard converts to make it 3-0. Babel is later subbed on for Kewell and caps a lively cameo with a goal after Kuyt's shot rebounds off Jaskelinen. The players now get a rare midweek break, so can rest up and hopefully get a few players fit in time for the Reading game next weekend.
EST1892 MOM: Steven Gerrard
--Free midweek--
Sat 08 Dec, Reading -- League -- A -- KO-17:15 - Live: Setanta
Reading 3 – LFC 1 : (Gerrard(28) - A:Torres) ----- Bookings: Gerrard(2)
Notes: A disappointing result, given our recent run of form we were expected to win this comfortably, but a poor display meant that this was our first league loss of the season. Rafa made changes to the lineup as always, in particular handing starts to Sissoko, Voronin and a first leage start for Jack Hobbs. We started well playing a strange, very narrow 4-3-3 formation with Torres Crouch and Voronin up top, but unluckily conceded a penaly from a Carragher foul which was clearly outside the box, which put them ahead. We equalised shortly after Torres and Gerrard combined, then things went downhill; there was little cohesion or inventiveness in the team, and as a result we conceded two more, whilst also having 2 decent penalty claims waved away. With the game basically gone, Rafa subbed off Torres (injured), Carra (1 yellow away from a ban) and Gerrard, but to be fair we never looked like getting back into the game. With this one consigned to history along with our unbeaten record, the team need to put it out of their minds and look forward to an important fortnight's games.
EST1892 MOM: Steven Gerrard
Tue 11 Dec, Marseille -- CL -- A -- KO-7:45 - Live: Sky/ITV
Marseille 0 - LFC 4 : Gerrard (4), Torres (11), Kuyt (47), Babel (90) ----- Bookings: Carragher
Notes: A pressure game and the team certainly responded with what was a simply fantastic performance. Things started well when Gerrard was brought down in the box, scoring from the rebound after Mandanda saved his spot kick. Amazingly Givet escaped a red card for the foul, but that was made immaterial when the rampant Torres jinked through their defence a few minutes later, scoring a sublime solo effort to make it two. The game was never in doubt as we continued to create chances, Kuyt's second half strike making certain before Babel, on as a sub, put the icing on the cake with a cooly finished fourth. We made things difficult for ourselves in this year's group stages, but 16 goals in 3 games sends us through in second behind Porto, facing a hard draw but confidence must be high going into the ManU game at the weekend.
EST1892 MOM: Fernando Torres
Sun 16 Dec, Manchester United -- League-- H -- KO-13:30 - Live: Sky Sports
LFC 0 - ManU 1----- Bookings: Gerrard(3), Mascherano(3)
Notes: A let down after the midweek high in what was a somewhat turgid affair. In the first half we had several chances, Torries failed to convert the best on the rebound from Kewell's volley. A defensive lapse from a corner saw Arbeloa play Tevez onside and the ugly Argentinian scored. From that point on we huffed and puffed but in all honesty never looked like getting past Vidic and Ferdinand. Kuyt had a very poor game, and it was only with the introduction of Crouch and especially Babel that we ever, abeit fleetingly. looked like equalising. We've now failed to beat all 3 rivals for the title at Anfield already this season.
EST1892 MOM: Javier Mascherano
Wed 19 Dec, Chelsea -- CC -- A -- KO-7.45 - Live: Sky
Chelsea 2 - LFC 0 ----- Bookings: Alonso (2), Lucas (3), Sissoko(3) -- Red: Crouch (3 game ban)
Notes: Rotation rotation rotation. Divided views on this I know, but 9 changes surprised everyone I think. Hobbs started, and had a good first half, while a midfield 3 of Sissoko, Alonso and Lucas held their own initially, Lucas having the best chance of the first half after a nice move, but Cech saved. It all fell apart in the second half though. First fat fwank with a typical deflected goal off carra's legs, then Crouch's ludicrous tackle on Mikel for which he was rightly dismissed effectively killed off the game, although Benitez' puzzling substitutions and their second goal also helped. Out of the CC, the least important game of an important run but it has to be said that the mood is not that positive at the moment.
EST1892 MOM: Jamie Carragher
Sat 22 Dec, Portsmouth -- League-- H -- KO-15:00
LFC 4 - Portsmouth 1 : (Benayoun(13)-A:Kewell) (og. Distin(16)-A:Torres) (Torres (66, 85)-A:Babel, Gerrard) ----- Bookings: Arbeloa (2)
Notes: A good result against a side with a good away record, two early goals, a terrific strike from Benayoun, and a Distin og trying to cut out a Torres' pass, set the tone for a confident first half display which could have brought more goals. A nervy start to the second saw several Portsmouth chances and Benjani's goal on 57 minutes pulled them back into the game before Mascherano's fine ball found babel and Torres converted the rebound to kill the game. Torres grabbed another from Gerrard's pass to take his increasing impressive tally to 14. We needed this, and with some decent looking fixtures over Christmas a good run can be hoped for.
EST1892 MOM: Fernando Torres
Wed 26 Dec, Derby County -- League-- A -- KO-15:00
Derby 1 - LFC 2: Torres (11), Gerrard (90) ----- Bookings: None
Notes: Were it not got Stevie G's last minute winner this poor performance would have been almost inexcusable. Torres took us into the lead with another sublime goal, skinning Moore on the edge of the box and finishing with aplomb but there were few highlights and too many underperformers in red. Hyppia went off injured early in the second half, luckily with Agger still out it doesn't sound too serious, and their equaliser was not against the run of play. Their goal stung the team into some life, Alonso almost scoring with a scorching drive and Torres shooting over, before Gerrard ran the length of the pitch in the dying econds to pounce on a rebound and take us all 3 points. Phew.
EST1892 MOM: Steven Gerrard
Sun 30 Dec, Manchester City -- League-- A -- KO-16:00 - Live: Sky Sports
Man City 0 - LFC 0 ---- Bookings: Torres
Notes: The less said about this the better. Man City offered nothing, and we weren't a great deal better, although all the chances were at their end. Torres, Gerrard and Benayoun went close on several occasions but even increased offensive efforts in the second half could not see us make a breakthrough. Kuyt once again failed to impress upfront, but really as a whole, our creative play was simply not good enough to break an organised defence down.
EST1892 MOM: Javier Mascherano
Wed 02 Jan, Wigan Athletic -- League-- H -- KO-8pm
Liverpool 1 – Wigan 1 : (Torres(49) - A:Finnan) ----- Bookings: Mascherano(4)
Notes: A continuation of our recent downturn in form, Rafa went with a 4-5-1 formation at home which raised a few eyebrows, and unfortunately it just didn't pay off. It took us a while to break Wigan down, but when we did is was a fantastic goal, some nice build up play from Finnan resulted in a terrific crossed ball to Torres which he finished with ease. After this we continually plugged away but couldn't get the second. we paid the ultimate price on the 80th minute when Bramble equalised after a poor clearance from Gerrard. We tried frantically for the last 10 minutes to get the winner but it wasn't our day and the scores ended 1-1. Many will look at this match as the final nail in the coffin of our title chances for this year, it would take a heroic effort to claw a 12 point gap back at this stage, and we don't look like we have the personnel for that task just yet.
EST1892 MOM: Javier Mascherano
Sun 06 Jan, Luton -- FA Cup 3rd-- A -- KO-16:00 - Live: Sky Sports
Luton 1 – LFC 1 : (Crouch(73) - No Assist) ----- Bookings: Alonso(3), Riise, Hyypia
Notes: Another shocking display from the reds, seems we really aren't starting the new year off with a bang, more like a wet fart. We played well in spells, but our performance against a team all of 60 something positions lower than us in the english leagues was not up to standard. Far too many passengers. The goal was against the run of play and we probably didn't deserve it, Voronin shot, the ball rebounded off the keeper and crouch finished calmly into the bottom corner. The equaliser was a comical own goal from JAR who kicked the ball into hs own arm and watched it beat the keeper, if only he was so adept at the other end of the pitch. Since the defeat to Reading we've had a run of really poor performances bar the odd 1 or 2, this is now time for LFC to stand up and be counted or risk finishing the season tropyless again this season.
EST1892 MOM: Jamie Carragher
------------------African Cup of Nations Begins-------------------
--Free Midweek-- - Carling Cup Semi
Sat 12 Jan, Middlesbrough -- League-- A -- KO-15:00
Boro 1 – LFC 1 : (Torres(71) -A:Babel ) ----- Bookings:Alonso(4)
Notes: Another really dissapointing display, after our recent performances, many were looking to this match to begin the upturn in our fortunes but it wasn't to be. We hadn't scored at the riverside since 2002 and while we lost that unwanted record, we were still unable to take all 3 points. The first 45 mins of this match was some of the worst football travelling Liverpool fans have had to endure since Rafa's first first season. Having gone a goal down in the first half due to some poor defending, we improved in the second half but rarely looked threatening, you got the impression it was always going to take a moment of brilliance from either Torres or Gerrard to get us something, and Torres duly obliged. He scored with a fantastic goal from some 25 yards out which left Schwarzer with no chance. We still had 20mins to get the win but it wasn't to be, inability to retain position and inability to make the most of our chances being the two main problems. It's hard to see why we are currently in this predicament but rumours about Rafa's job security and the sounding out of Jurgen Klinsman surely can't be helping matters one bit.
EST1892 MOM: Fernando Torres
Tue 15 Jan, Luton -- FA Cup 3rd Replay-- H -- KO-20:00 - Live: Sky Sports
LFC 5 – Luton 0 : Babel (45), Gerrard (52, 64 & 71), Hyypia (57) ----- Bookings:Hyypia(2)
Notes: In the end, a routine replay win notable by captain for the day Carra's 500th game for the club. An attacking linup with Crouch and Torres up front failed to make the most of their chances in the first half, the lively Babel hitting a post and firing over before he finally broke Luton's resistance on the stroke of half time. An improved second half saw a Gerrard hat trick, concluded with a trademark drive from distance, and a goal for Sami from Gerrard's corner. In the end a convincing win, but its a shame this replay was required in the first place,
EST1892 MOM: Steven Gerrard
Mon 21 Jan, Aston Villa -- League-- H -- KO-20:00 - Live: Setanta
LFC 2 - Aston Villa 2 : Benayoun (19), Crouch (88) ----- Bookings: Arbeloa(3), Mascherano(5)
Notes: Another frustrating draw at Anfield against a Villa side that failed to live up to its hype over the ninety minutes, yet one we were lucky in the end not to lose to. Against a backdrop of the Kop's highly vocal support for the manager (and against the owners) we started brightly, Gerrard and Kuyt setting up Yossi's opener. Gerrard and Mascherano dominated the midfield, and where it not for some profligate finishing, with Kuyt especially setting himself up for more forum bashing, the game would have been over before they snatched an equaliser in the middle of the second half, and then scored an instant second after an unfortunate Aurelio deflection. If Crouch, on as a sub, had not equalised late on it would have been even worse, but this was very much two more dropped points.
EST1892 MOM: Mascherano
--Free Midweek-- Carling Cup Semi
Sat 26 Jan, Havant and Waterlooville -- FA Cup 4th-- H -- KO-15:00
LFC 5 - H&W 2 : Lucas (27), Benayoun (44, 56, 59), Crouch (90) ----- Bookings: None
Notes: Sometimes, you've just got to laugh. A wonderful game for the neutral perhaps, but we could only watch in something approaching macabre humour as a truly embarrassing first half display saw our non-league opposition take the lead not once but twice. Starting without Gerrard, Torres and Reina, Skrtel had a nightmare debut, which we'll just have to hope was a one-off, and the rest weren't much better as H&W capitalised on sloppy defending to bag two goals, sandwiching Lucas' first goal in red, a delightful finish from outside the box. Yossi's equaliser just before half-time saved the ignomony of a half-time deficit, and a slightly improved second half as Havant tired led to 2 more Benayoun goals and a late tap in for Crouch. A crazy game all told, perhaps best written off to "the magic of the FA cup" and put behind us.
EST1892 MOM: Benayoun
Wed 30 Jan, West Ham United -- League-- A -- KO-19:45
West Ham 1 - LFC 0 ----- Bookings: Aurelio, Torres(2), Alonso(5)
Notes: Possibly the most depressing result of the season so far. Again, far too many passengers and a complete lack of fluency; especially in the first half we were simply devoid of ideas, or the ability to execute them. Although we came into the game in the second 45, and Lucas, who came on for the ineffective Kewell, almost put us ahead twice, the game looked to be heading for another disappointing draw until Carra's clumsy challenge on Ljungberg in the 94th minute gifted West Ham a pen, and the game. We now look to be in a real fight just for 4th place in a season where we were supposed to be pushing on as genuine challengers, and the mood is as bleak as it has been for some time.
EST1892 MOM: Hyppia
Sat 02 Feb, Sunderland -- League-- H -- KO-17:15 - Live: Setanta
LFC 3 - Sunderland 0 : (Crouch (57)A-Carragher), (Torres (69)A-Crouch), Gerrard (89) ----- Bookings: Finnan
Notes: A much changed team from midweek, with Carra at RB, Skrtel, Lucas and Crouch all starting. A pretty dire and forgettable first half as the (lack of) form seen against West Ham was carried over. However once Crouch headed the first early in the second half from a Carra cross the result was never in doubt, Torres bagging a second and Gerrard wrapping it up from the spot late on. An overdue league win against a struggling side, not entirely convincing to say the least but 3 points nonetheless.
EST1892 MOM: Mascherano
**midweek International matches**
Sun 10 Feb, Chelsea -- League-- A -- KO-16:00 - Live: Sky Sports
Chavs 0 - LFC 0 ----- Bookings: Babel (2), Riise (2)
Notes: An uninspiring and generally uneventful game where the two sides just canceled each other out. An injury to Torres saw Kuyt and Crouch start upfront, our diminished goal threat in El Nino's absence was somewhat evident. We did have arguably the better chances, Crouch going close with a low drive and failing to make the most of a couple of headed chances, although at the other end Mike Riley surprisingly waved away the opportunity to give our opponents a penalty when Mascher collided with Cole in the box. Not a bad result, but not a great one either, and a game that certainly will not live long in the memory.
Full match report
EST1892 MOM: Mascherano
------------------African Cup of Nations Ends-------------------
--Free Midweek--
Sat 16 Feb, Barnsley --FA Cup 5th-- H -- KO-15:00
LFC 1 - Barnsley 2 : (Kuyt (32)-A:Babel) ------ Bookings: Carragher(5), Alonso(6)
Notes: If we thought the result in the previous round was embarrassing, we hadn't seen anything yet. With the Inter game coming up Benitez started without Reina, Gerrard, Mascher and Torres, but that is still no excuse for was occurred in this game. From the first minute we looked shakey at the back, and although Kuyt put us ahead with his first goal in a dozen games, Barnsley were never out of the game, thanks mostly to their keeper Steele who made a string of fine stops. After their equaliser from a poorly defended cross in the second half, and a string of missed chances at the other end, a replay seemed a certainty before their last minute winner dumped us out of the cup, and heaped more pressure on the manager. We now go into The Inter tie with the CL our last chance of silverware this season.
EST1892 MOM: Babel
Tue 19 Feb, Inter Milan --CL last 16-- H -- KO-19:45 - Live: ITV
LFC 2 - Inter 0 : (Kuyt (85)-A:Pennant) , Gerrard (90) ----- Bookings: None
Notes: What a turn around from the weekend! Another fantastic European night at Anfield, two late goals against Inter's 10 men putting us in the driving seat against one of the strongest sides in the competition. Ex-blue****e Materatzzi's hilariously harsh dismissal for 2 fouls on Torres in the first half set the tone for the game, Inter playing entirely in their own half and restricting us to few clear cut opportunities; it was starting to look like a night of frustration until Kuyt's shot deflected past Cesar to break the tie open, then Gerrard's superb finish from the edge of the box put us in charge of the tie. A quality result that gives us a great chance of progressing and really making something of an otherwise disappointing season.
Full match report
EST1892 MOM: Mascherano
Sat 23 Feb, Middlesbrough -- League-- H -- KO-15:00
LFC 3 - Boro 2 : (Torres (28, 29, 61)-A:Aurelio) ------ Bookings: Reina(2), Finnan (2)
Notes: A win, and another hat trick from Torres. Has £20m ever been better spent? Still not the most convincing of performances though, conceding in the first 10 minutes then once again when 3-1 up to ensure a nervous finish in a game we should have won comfortably in the end. The game was ll about Torres though, latching onto a defensive mistake to grab his first, spanking in a superb second from 25 yards, then completing his hat trick after another moment of Boro hesitation at the back. He's now the first striker to score 20 goals in a season for the club under Benitez. Aliadiere's amusing sending off late on for a girly slap on Mascherano effectively killed the game - we can only hope this is the start of an improved run in the league, and with Torres in this form we can have good reason for some optimism at last.
Full match report
EST1892 MOM: Torres
Sun 24 Feb, --Carling Cup Final--
--Free Midweek--
Sun 02 Mar, Bolton -- League-- A -- KO-13:30
Bolton 1 - LFC 3 : Jaaskelainen og(12) Babel (60) Aurelio (75) ---------- Bookings: Hyppia (3)
Notes: Another 3 points in a fixture we traditionally struggle in. Starting with a 4-2-3-1 formation in which Kuyt and Babel looked comfortable and Gerrard certainly enjoyed the freedom afforded him, we went ahead after 12 minutes thanks to an hilarious og from the Bolton keeper, knocking a Gerrard shot that was going wide back towards the goal, with the spin taking it into the net. Playing on the counter we continued to create chances, before the impressive Babel slotted in the rebound after Kuyt hit the post. The game was put beyond all doubt with Aurelio's stylish volleyed effort, his first goal for the club, and although Bolton pulled one back the was result was never really in doubt. A good, professional away win that should keep us on track for fourth spot.
Full match report
EST1892 MOM: Babel
Wed 05 Mar, West Ham -- League-- H -- KO-20:00
LFC 4 - WHU 0 : (Torres (8)A-Kuyt, (61)A-Kuyt, (81)A-Riise), Gerrard (83) -------------Bookings : None
Notes: An easy victory that makes a mockery of the result at Upton Park last month, and another hattrick for the irrepressible Torres, his third of the season. Going again with a 4-2-3-1, Alonso partnering Mascherano in the middle and with a settled frontline, we went ahead early as Torres swept Kuyt's mi**** cross home, and probably should have had more before Kuyt once again found Torres on 60 mins for him to head home from close range. A third with ten minutes remaining, as Torres danced through the defence to slot home from a narrow angle, was followed by a trademark Gerrard screamer to cap an easy victory, and a much improved home performance with a couple more eminently winnable league games at Anfield coming up in the next few weeks.
Full match report
EST1892 MOM: Torres
Sat 08 Mar, Newcastle --League-- H -- KO-15:00 ----- Also --(FA CUP 6th Round)
LFC 3 - Newcastle 0 : Pennant (43), (Torres (45)A-Gerrard), (Gerrard (51)A-Torres) -------- Bookings : Riise(3)
Notes: Another comfortable win against a very poor Newcastle team. Benitez seems to have at last found a formation to get the best out of the current squad, and although the first half was a mainly uneventful affair we never looked under serious pressure before Pennant's somewhat fortuitous opener. An attempted clearance by Enrique cannoned back off his shin and looped over Harper to gift Pennant his first of the season, and knocked the stuffing out of the Geordies, Torres scoring a fine second just before the half-time whistle from a fabulous through ball by Gerrard. The understanding between those two seems to be growing by the game, with Torres repaying the favour for Gerrard to fire home our third early in the second half. From then on we played at a stroll, Torres and Gerrard coming off with the Inter game in mind, otherwise this could have been a rout. 4 league wins in a row now put us only a few points behind Chelsea in 3rd, and although Everton's good form continues, if we can keep this up 4th place and a respectable points total seems very achievable.
Full match report
EST1892 MOM: Gerrard
Tue 11 Mar, Inter Milan --CL last 16-- A -- KO-19:45 - Live: Sky Sports 2
Inter 0 - LFC 1 : Torres(63) ---------- Bookings: Aurelio, Gerrard, Babel, Benayoun
Notes: A great result that continues our remarkable European record under Benitez. The game itself wasn't exactly full of free flowing footy from either team, but despite a few first half opportunities, Inter never really looked capable of putting 3 without reply past the impressive Reina. The game was effectively killed off when Burdisso was dismissed for 2 yellows early in the second half, and was then put beyond any doubt in exquisite fashion by Torres ten minutes later. The only negative of the night was an abysmal referee dishing our yellows like confetti all second half, hopefully that won't cause us problems in later rounds. On we march, in Europe we really do seem to fear no-one.
Full match report
EST1892 MOM: Mascherano
Sat 15 Mar, Reading -- League-- H-- KO-15:00
LFC 2 - Reading 1 : Mascherano(19), (Torres (48)A-Gerrard) ---------- Bookings: None
Notes: Another league win to continue our good form, although we made life a little difficult for ourselves by not killing the game off. Reading came to fight and did a much better job of it than the Geordies last week, although they were pretty dirty at times. They took the lead from distance after a ridiculous free kick award against Arbeloa but we were soon level after Mascherano's first goal for the club, a thunderbolt from outside the area after he beat two men. Alonso then went close, and Kuyt should have done better with a good chance, before Torres met Gerrard's freekick at the start of the second half to head his 20th league goal of the season. Another goal would have settled any nerves but that wasn't to be, 3 more points nonetheless. Eyes are tentatively starting to drift up the table now rather than down, with a crucial few weeks coming up.
Full match report
EST1892 MOM: Mascherano
--Free Midweek--
Sun 23 Mar, Manchester United -- League-- A-- KO-13:30 - Live: Sky Sports 1
Scum 3 - LFC 0---------- Red: Mascherano (2 yellows), Bookings: Arbeloa(4), Torres(3)
Notes:
EST1892 MOM: Aurelio
**midweek International matches**
Sun 30 Mar, Everton -- League-- H-- KO-16:00 - Live: Sky Sports 1
LFC 1 - Everton 0 : Torres (7)A-Kuyt ----------- Bookings: Torres(4)
Notes:
Full match report
EST1892 MOM:Skrtel
Wed 02 Apr, Arsenal --CL Qr final 1st leg-- A-- KO-19:45 - Live: Sky Sports 2
Arsenal 1 - LFC 1 : Kuyt (26)A-Gerrard------------ Bookings: None
Notes:
Full match report
EST1892 MOM:Kuyt
Sat 05 Apr, Arsenal --League-- A -- KO-12:45 - Live: Sky Sports 1----- Also --(FA Cup Semi Finals)
Arsenal 1 - LFC 1 : Crouch (42)A-Benayoun --------------Bookings: Riise(4), Pennant
Notes:
EST1892 MOM:Crouch
Tue 08 Apr, Arsenal --CL Qr final 2nd leg-- H -- KO-19:45 - Live: ITV
LFC 4 - Arsenal 2 : Hyppia (30) Torres (69), Gerrard (86), Babel(90) -------- Bookings: None
Notes:
Full match report
EST1892 MOM:Hyppia
Sat 12 Apr, Blackburn --League-- H -- KO-13:30 - Live: Sky Sports 1
LFC 3 - Blackburn 1 : Gerrard (60) Torres (82) Voronin (90) ------- Bookings: Skrtel
Notes:
Full Match Report
EST1892 MOM:???
Sat 19 Apr, Fulham --League-- A -- KO-15:00
Fulham 0 - LFC 2 : Pennant(17)A-Lucas, Crouch(70)A-Pennant ----------- Bookings: None
Notes:
Full Match report
EST1892 MOM:???
Tue 22 Apr, Chelsea--CL Semi final 1st leg-- H --KO-19:45 - Live: ITV 1
LFC 1 - Chelsea 1 : Kuyt (43) ----------Bookings: None
Notes
EST1892 MOM:???
Sat 26 Apr, Birmingham --League -- A -- KO- 15:00
Notes:
EST1892 MOM:???
Wed 30 Apr, Chelsea --CL Semi final 2nd leg--A -- KO- 19:45 - Live Sky Sports 1
Notes:
EST1892 MOM:???
Sat 03 May,
Sun 11 May,
Sun 17 May, --FA Cup Final--
Wed 21 May, --Champions League Final--
-------------------
Scoring and Assist tables
Goals - updated 23/4
Code:
------------------------------------- Name ¦ PL ¦ CL ¦ CC ¦ FA ¦ Total ¦ ---------¦----¦----¦----¦----¦-------¦ Torres ¦ 22 ¦ 5 ¦ 3 ¦ ¦ 30 ¦ ---------¦----¦----¦----¦----¦-------¦ Gerrard ¦ 11 ¦ 6 ¦ 1 ¦ 3 ¦ 21 ¦ ---------¦----¦----¦----¦----¦-------¦ Kuyt ¦ 3 ¦ 7 ¦ ¦ 1 ¦ 11 ¦ ---------¦----¦----¦----¦----¦-------¦ Benayoun ¦ 3 ¦ 3 ¦ 1 ¦ 3 ¦ 10 ¦ ---------¦----¦----¦----¦----¦-------¦ Crouch ¦ 4 ¦ 4 ¦ ¦ 2 ¦ 10 ¦ ---------¦----¦----¦----¦----¦-------¦ Babel ¦ 4 ¦ 4 ¦ ¦ 1 ¦ 9 ¦ ---------¦----¦----¦----¦----¦-------¦ Voronin ¦ 4 ¦ 1 ¦ ¦ ¦ 5 ¦ ---------¦----¦----¦----¦----¦-------¦ Hyypia ¦ 1 ¦ 2 ¦ ¦ 1 ¦ 4 ¦ ---------¦----¦----¦----¦----¦-------¦ OG ¦ 3 ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ 3 ¦ ---------¦----¦----¦----¦----¦-------¦ Alonso ¦ 2 ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ 2 ¦ ---------¦----¦----¦----¦----¦-------¦ Pennant ¦ 2 ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ 2 ¦ ---------¦----¦----¦----¦----¦-------¦ Aurelio ¦ 1 ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ 1 ¦ ---------¦----¦----¦----¦----¦-------¦ Mascher ¦ 1 ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ 1 ¦ ---------¦----¦----¦----¦----¦-------¦ Sissoko ¦ 1 ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ 1 ¦ ---------¦----¦----¦----¦----¦-------¦ Lucas ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ 1 ¦ 1 ¦ ---------¦----¦----¦----¦----¦-------¦ El Zhar ¦ ¦ ¦ 1 ¦ ¦ 1 ¦ -------------------------------------
Assists - updated ????
Code:
------------------------------------- Name ¦ PL ¦ CL ¦ CC ¦ FA ¦ Total ¦ ---------¦----¦----¦----¦----¦-------¦ Gerrard ¦ 4 ¦ 2 ¦ 2 ¦ ¦ 8 ¦ ---------¦----¦----¦----¦----¦-------¦ Benayoun ¦ ¦ 4 ¦ 1 ¦ ¦ 5 ¦ ---------¦----¦----¦----¦----¦-------¦ Voronin ¦ 2 ¦ 2 ¦ ¦ ¦ 4 ¦ ---------¦----¦----¦----¦----¦-------¦ Kuyt ¦ 2 ¦ 1 ¦ ¦ ¦ 3 ¦ ---------¦----¦----¦----¦----¦-------¦ Torres ¦ 2 ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ 2 ¦ ---------¦----¦----¦----¦----¦-------¦ Hyypia ¦ 1 ¦ 1 ¦ ¦ ¦ 2 ¦ ---------¦----¦----¦----¦----¦-------¦ Crouch ¦ ¦ 2 ¦ ¦ ¦ 2 ¦ ---------¦----¦----¦----¦----¦-------¦ Arbeloa ¦ 1 ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ 1 ¦ ---------¦----¦----¦----¦----¦-------¦ Mascher ¦ 1 ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ 1 ¦ ---------¦----¦----¦----¦----¦-------¦ Pennant ¦ 1 ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ 1 ¦ ---------¦----¦----¦----¦----¦-------¦ Finnan ¦ 2 ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ 2 ¦ ---------¦----¦----¦----¦----¦-------¦ Babel ¦ 1 ¦ 1 ¦ ¦ ¦ 2 ¦ ---------¦----¦----¦----¦----¦-------¦ Reina ¦ 1 ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ 1 ¦ ---------¦----¦----¦----¦----¦-------¦ Kewell ¦ ¦ 1 ¦ ¦ ¦ 1 ¦ ---------¦----¦----¦----¦----¦-------¦ Leto ¦ ¦ ¦ 1 ¦ ¦ 1 ¦ ---------¦----¦----¦----¦----¦-------¦ Riise ¦ ¦ ¦ 1 ¦ ¦ 1 ¦ -------------------------------------
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