Monday, December 31, 2007
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Monday, December 24, 2007
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Sunday, December 9, 2007
Friday, December 7, 2007
Monday, December 3, 2007
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Champion League Group Stage : Liverpool 4-1 FC Porto
Liverpool 1 - 0 Porto - Torres
Liverpool 1 - 1 Porto - Lopez
Liverpool 2 - 1 Porto - Torres
Liverpool 3 - 1 Porto - Gerrard
Liverpool 4 - 1 Porto - Crouch
Saturday, November 24, 2007
13th Game : Newcastle 0 - 3 Liverpool
Newcastle 0 - 3 Liverpool
28' 0 - 1 Goal S Gerrard
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46' 0 - 2 Goal D Kuyt
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66' 0 - 3 Goal R Babel
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Sunday, November 11, 2007
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Friday, November 2, 2007
Monday, October 29, 2007
10th Game : Liverpool 1-1 Arsenal
Pre Match vs Arsenal - Benitez
Liverpool vs Arsenal Highlights
Liverpool 1 - 0 Arsenal - Gerrard
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Liverpool 1 - 1 Arsenal - Fabregas
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Thursday, October 25, 2007
Champion League Group Stage : Besiktas 2-1 Liverpool
1-0 Serdar Ozkan
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2-0 Deivson Bobo
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1-2 Steven Gerrard
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Sunday, October 21, 2007
LFC September 2007 Goals Compilation
Video Link I: Download SendSpace
Video Link II: Download RapidShare
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Everton 1-2 Liverpool
Everton 1 - 2 Liverpool
Sami Hyypia (og 38) Dirk Kuyt (pen 54)
Dirk Kuyt (pen 90)
Liverpool staged a dramatic comeback with two Dirk Kuyt penalties to claim a famous 2-1 victory in the Merseyside derby.
Liverpool had been humiliated 3-0 in the same fixture last season but claimed revenge as Everton pair Tony Hibbert and Phil Neville were sent off, before the home side were denied a late penalty.
Both Everton dismissals were for incidents that produced Liverpool's second-half penalties. Hibbert brought down Steven Gerrard in the box and Neville handled on the line.
Kuyt was coolness personified as he drilled home the spotkicks to produce a victory that will do much for Liverpool's sagging confidence.
Everton had deservedly led at the break with a Sami Hyypia own goal, but after being reduced to 10 men for much of the second period - the second red card coming in the final seconds - they could not hang on for a draw.
There was no Tim Cahill, no Fernando Torres and no Xabi Alonso despite all the speculation that these injured stars would play.
Everton boss David Moyes went for Neville and Phil Jagielka in central midfield and left James McFadden on the bench.
Liverpool opted for Kuyt and Andriy Voronin in attack, while Gerrard started on the right.
Liverpool had the early edge. Gerrard almost got on the end of a crossfield ball, dropping over Hibbert's head on the Everton right.
Liverpool exploited that same space on five minutes, when Yossi Benayoun broke down the flank and set up Voronin for a snap shot that Tim Howard half stopped before snatching the ball away from Kuyt.
But when Everton got their set-plays working, they caused problems. A couple of free-kicks and a corner were not cleared well and from one cross back in from Leon Osman, Alan Stubbs saw a header drop wide of a post.
Corners and free-kicks, swirling into the near post, were a constant source of danger as Victor Anichebe saw one header flash wide.
The Reds did hit back a minute later when John Arne Riise's 25-yard free-kick was deflected just wide, but Everton's aerial threat produced a goal after 38 minutes.
A Mikel Arteta corner was half-cleared to Stubbs, who hooked it back into the danger area, where Jagielka attempted to get in a shot and the ball cannoned off Hyypia's boot high into the net for an own goal.
After the break Joleon Lescott, fresh from his England debut, was a threat on the left along with Arteta.
Osman, Neville and Jagielka in midfield pressed quick and hard, and Liverpool were again on the back foot - until a Benayoun ball out of defence gave them a lifeline.
Gerrard set off down the left channel, stretching into Everton's half with Hibbert in pursuit. The full-back was always a yard behind and when the pair reached the box, the defender clipped Gerrard from behind and referee Mark Clattenburg instantly awarded a penalty on 53 minutes.
The official showed Hibbert the red card before Kuyt stepped up to drill home the spotkick.
Everton could have had a penalty themselves when Steve Finnan manhandled Lescott in the box soon afterwards, ahead of a Kuyt break that set up Riise for a shot over the bar.
Howard blocked a Voronin shot and Kuyt headed the rebound over the top as Liverpool searched for the second.
But Everton were still coming forward. Kuyt was booked for a flying lunge at Neville and Yakubu saw a 30-yarder shot go wide.
Liverpool then replaced Benayoun with Ryan Babel on 68 minutes, before Benitez took a very brave decision three minutes later to introduce young Brazilian midfielder Lucas Leiva for Gerrard.
The Liverpool skipper looked surprised, but trotted off to allow Lucas into central midfield and Voronin to the left. However, it was Lucas' fine ball that sent Voronin away on the left, only to scuff his shot wide.
After 77 minutes McFadden came on for Yakubu and Jermaine Pennant replaced Mohamed Sissoko, before Jamie Carragher and McFadden were booked following a tussle on the ground.
Neville was then sent off on 89 minutes for handling a Lucas shot on the line, providing Kuyt with his second penalty.
Everton finished the game complaining to Clattenburg that they should have had a last-ditch penalty for Carragher pulling down Lescott.
He refused their claim and the official was booed off after being surrounded by home players.
Monday, October 8, 2007
8th Game : Liverpool 2-2 Tottenham Hotspur
Download Game Highlight:
http://www.mediafire.com/?5uuljumhkg1
1-0 Goal from Andriy Voronin
1-1 Goal from Robbie Keane
1-2 Goal from Robbie Keane
2-2 Goal from Fernando Torres
Friday, October 5, 2007
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Monday, September 17, 2007
Champion League Qualification : Liverpool vs Toulouse
1st Leg
2nd Leg
1-0 Goal from Peter Crouch
2-0 Goal from Sami Hyypia
3-0 Goal from Dirk Kuyt
4-0 Goal from Dirk Kuyt
4th Game : Liverpool 6-0 Derby County
1-0 Goal from Xabi Alonso
2-0 Goal from Ryan Babel
3-0 Goal from Fernando Torres
4-0 Goal from Xabi Alonso
5-0 Goal from Andriy Voronin
6-0 Goal from Fernando Torres
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
Finnan backs Kewell to shine in Athens
Steve Finnan believes Harry Kewell could exorcise the ghosts of Istanbul and play 'a big part' in the Champions League final.
It could be a case of deja vu for Liverpool winger Kewell, who was a surprise selection for the 2005 showpiece against AC Milan after a long injury lay-off.
If selected against the same opponents in Athens on May 23, Kewell will face almost exactly the same scenario as two years ago after missing the whole of this season.
The Australia winger showed no ill-effects at Fulham on Saturday, his first competitive appearance since suffering a foot problem in the last summer's World Cup.
Full-back Finnan has been surprised at the speed of Kewell's recovery and echoed boss Rafael Benitez's claim that he could yet feature in the Champions League final.
'I didn't expect him to play another game this season but it's good that he came on against Fulham and got some game time,' Finnan said.
'He's been out for a long time and it's like having a new player coming back. Who knows, he could play a big part for us in the final. He's a very valuable player to have in the squad.'
Kewell famously limped out of the 2005 final and shouldered much of the blame for Liverpool's disastrous start, where they fell 3-0 behind at half-time before staging the greatest comeback in European Cup final history.
Finnan added: 'I think he was just trying to recover as best as he could and was targeting pre-season. But he gives us great balance on the left-hand side.
'There's a lot of competition in the side but it's good to have him back and it couldn't have come at a better time with the final coming up.'
Finnan admits the build-up to the Champions League final started against Fulham with his team-mates desperate to impress Benitez.
Benitez rang the changes for the 1-0 defeat at Craven Cottage in order to give his big guns a rest after their semi-final heroics, giving some of his fringe players a chance to stake their claim in the process.
The Reds have just one match left of the Premiership campaign - against Charlton on Sunday - and Finnan knows time is running out for players to stake their claim.
'There's no doubt we're already thinking about the final. It's a great competition and the build-up has already started,' he said.
'But we've got to keep training and playing hard. It'll come around quickly and will be a great occasion. People are putting in the extra inch in training to impress the manager.
'Obviously we've got a big squad so a few people are going to be disappointed. Training has really stepped up. The game against Charlton will be the last opportunity to impress even more.'
Finnan expects Benitez to select a stronger team to face the Addicks in what will be Liverpool's final outing before facing AC Milan in Athens on May 23.
'I think the players who were rested against Fulham will probably play next week, certainly the players who didn't travel will,' he said.
'I'm sure the manager wants to use those players because it will have been three weeks before they play in the final if they don't feature against Charlton.
'I'm sure he'll play the guys who didn't travel to Fulham providing they're fit.
'Players want to play in the last home game of the season as well, so it should be a strong side.'
Sunday, May 6, 2007
Fulham 1-0 Liverpool: Cottagers nearly safe
Fulham 1-0 Liverpool: Cottagers nearly safe
Fulham substitute Clint Dempsey finished off a fine move in the second half to condemn Liverpool to a 1-0 defeat and put Lawrie Sanchez's side on the brink of Premiership survival
JonBuckle/Empics
Xabi Alonso recieves treatment after a blow to his on his nose
Dempsey combined with Liam Rosenior before sending the ball past Jose Reina in the 69th minute to snatch the victory that should be enough to keep Fulham in the top flight for a seventh successive season.
It was the perfect moment for the 24-year-old, signed from New England Revolution for £1.5million by former boss Chris Coleman in January, to open his account with the Cottagers sat perilously close to the drop zone.
Liverpool selected just goalkeeper Reina and winger Jermaine Pennant from the side that beat Chelsea in Tuesday's epic Champions League semi-final, but they still outclassed Fulham for most of the match.
• Benitez blast
Italian marksman Vincenzo Montella, who replaced Claus Jensen in the only change to the side beaten 3-1 by Arsenal, struck the woodwork with a deflected overhead kick, but otherwise Fulham hardly threatened until Dempsey's breakthrough.
The victory was the perfect way for chairman Mohamed Al Fayed to celebrate his 10-year anniversary since taking over at Craven Cottage and the players completed a march around the pitch to rapturous applause.
But there was one serious blot on their copybook, with skipper Michael Brown lucky to escape a red card after appearing to head-butt Xabi Alonso in an incident which left the Spanish midfielder with a bloody nose.
Liverpool created the first chance, with Mark Gonzalez picking out Bellamy, who struck first time but failed to connect cleanly.
Niemi came to Fulham's aid again in the ninth minute when Fowler sent Bellamy charging into space, but he was denied by the Finland keeper after pulling the trigger from a tight angle.
Liverpool were finding plenty of space in the opposition half, with their slick passing leaving the Cottagers trailing in their wake.
But Fulham squandered a great chance to take the lead in the 15th minute when Philippe Christanval lofted the ball to Brian McBride on the edge of the area.
The move caught the unmarked McBride by surprise and his first touch was poor, forcing the ball to bounce harmlessly away from danger.
Fulham had their tails up and struck the woodwork shortly after when an overhead kick from Montella was deflected onto the right post.
Alonso briefly left the pitch after his run-in with Brown and Brown was fortunate referee Steve Bennett missed the incident.
The lively play that had marked Liverpool's opening to the match was now missing, but Bellamy again went close on the 35th minute following a clever back-heel from Pennant.
Brown had a shot deflected by Gabriel Paletta and only a perfectly-executed tackle by Christanval prevented Bellamy from launching a counter-attack.
Liverpool fans were left shaking their head in disbelief moments before the interval when Fowler missed an open goal from just three yards out after Pennant had slid the ball across Fulham's defence.
The Reds veteran was involved once again as Liverpool probed down the left, with Bellamy racing onto his team-mate's pass and squaring, but there was nobody in support.
Montella was replaced by Dempsey in the 54th minute as Fulham caretaker-boss Sanchez attempted to breath some life into his fading team.
Papa Bouba Diop fired a free-kick straight into the arms of Reina and then the Spaniard had to show sharp reactions as McBride tried to force the ball in at the left post.
Then it was Niemi's turn to come to the rescue, blocking Bellamy's shot from point-blank range.
Play switched ends with increasing regularity and in the 69th minute Fulham took the lead.
Dempsey picked up the ball on the edge of the area and played a one-two with right-back Rosenior before sending the ball past Reina from eight yards.
Liverpool brought Harry Kewell on for his first appearance since the World Cup and then had the ball in the back of the net with seven minutes to go, but Paletta was rightly adjudged offside.
The Reds pressed for an equaliser, but Fulham, who had Diop sent off in injury-time for picking up a second yellow card, held firm to secure three priceless points.
• Benitez blast
Furious Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez blasted the officials for missing Michael Brown's headbutt on Xabi Alonso in today's 1-0 defeat by Fulham.
A 68th-minute winner from Clint Dempsey put the Cottagers on the brink of Barclays Premiership survival but Brown's first-half attack on Alonso muted the celebrations.
The Spain midfielder required brief treatment after being left with a bloody nose and Benitez was angered by the failure of referee Steve Bennett and his assistant to see the incident.
He said: 'It was clear and everybody saw it. When the FA view the replay I suppose they'll take action.
'If the officials had seen it then it could have changed the game. Big money has been spent in the electronics system for the four officials yet nobody could see anything.
'We could save the money spent on that and use it for the academy system because it's not working.
'The officials say to me `Be careful with the line, be careful with the line', but I don't want to break the line (of the technical area), I want to watch the game.
'I had four players injured in this game - Jose Reina (shoulder), Mohamed Sissoko (knee), Alvaro Arbeloa (ankle) and Xabi Alonso (nose). It's unbelievable.
'You can use 20 referees, 2,000 cameras and a lot of electronic systems but if you don't want to see it you won't. Unbelievable.'
Benitez risked infuriating Fulham's relegation rivals by naming a weakened team showing nine changes to the side that defeated Chelsea in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
But the Reds would still have been out of sight at half-time had Craig Bellamy and Robbie Fowler brought their shooting boots while Fulham keeper Antti Niemi was in fine form.
Benitez said: 'If you want to win you need to take chances. We had chances but couldn't score. They had a chance and scored.
'I can understand other managers' frustration at the team we chose. But each manager has to do what's best for his club.
'But we still had five clear chances today but missed them and if that's happened then you can't do anything else as a manager.'
Fulham caretaker-boss Lawrie Sanchez revealed Brown claimed his clash with Alonso was an accident.
He said: 'I didn't see the incident but saw Alonso have treatment on the side of the pitch.
'I asked Browny what happened at half-time and he said they ran into each other, there was no headbutt.
'I believe my captain if he says that. He did say they clashed heads but added there was no intent.
'What will be will be - it's not for me to decide what the Football Association will do.'
Fulham travel to Middlesbrough for their final match of the season and Sanchez, who will be overseeing his final game in charge, will not celebrate escaping the drop until his side are 100% safe.
He said: 'People tell me it's still mathematically possible to be relegated so until it's proven we're safe I'll save the relief. 'But we took a big, big step today. It was a big ask of the players.
'The players proved they're good enough with two good halves and they did it front of their own fans.
'I was brought here to keep Fulham in the Premiership and we're close to that now.'
Saturday, May 5, 2007
Liverpool FC Greatest Goals and Moments
Liverpool FC Greatest Goals and Moments
2001 UEFA Final. (Westfalenstadion, Dortmund, May 16)
4' 1-0 L: Markus Babbel
16' 2-0 L: Steven Gerrard
27' 2-1 A: Iván Alonso
41' 3-1 L: Gary McAllister (pen)
48' 3-2 A: Javi Moreno
51' 3-3 A: Javi Moreno
73' 4-3 L: Robbie Fowler
89' 4-4 A: Jordi Cruijff
116' 5-4 L: Delfi Gelà (og)
Liverpool vs Arsenal - FA Cup Final 2001
Liverpool vs AC Milan - Champions League Final 2005
Liverpool vs West Ham - FA Cup Final 2006
Champion League Semi Final vs Chelsea
Champion League Semi Final vs Chelsea Preview
Stamford Bridge
Anfield
Liverpool look to tie down stars with new deals
Liverpool look to tie down stars with new deals
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez expects not only Steven Gerrard to sign a new contract in the next few weeks but also a clutch of big-name Anfield stars.
Gerrard today has not only confirmed he is in discussions over a new contract, but that he is on the brink of signing a four-year deal believed to be worth £120,000 a week.
And Benitez, ahead of tomorrow's trip to Fulham, revealed that Jamie Carragher, Xabi Alonso, Luis Garcia, Jose Reina, Steve Finnan and Daniel Agger could soon follow.
Benitez said: 'We have been talking to several players, not just Steven. Those talks were suspended ahead of the Chelsea game in the Champions League, but we will start talking again.
'Nobody has yet agreed a deal, but if we can get them sorted out, as well as some for younger players too, before the Champions League final at the end of the month, we will do.
'But I would expect that it would now be after the Athens final that deals are agreed. When you talk to players it is easy, but not always with agents.
'But I am confident things will be cleared up. We have approached players, let them know we want to do new deals rather than leave them to worry and think, maybe there is a problem.'
Gerrard, talking to the club's website, Liverpoolfc.tv leaves little doubt that the process is running smoothly, particularly after new co-owner Tom Hicks said in the aftermath of Tuesday's semi-final win over Chelsea: 'I cannot see Steven Gerrard playing for another club.'
Gerrard says: 'Tom Hicks has said he cannot see me playing for another club, and yes, I'm in talks to extend my contract at Liverpool and I've never been happier with my football.
'I'd love nothing better than to get this contract sorted and signed, so I can understand where he's coming from.
'We need to keep all of our big players here so it's very important we get the contracts sorted out so they can be here for a long time.'
Gerrard is unlikely to play at Craven Cottage tomorrow as Benitez plans to rest more of his potential first choice line-up in Athens.
The Anfield skipper could join a host of absentees at Craven Cottage, with John Arne Riise, Finnan, Carragher and Reina expected to be rested again, with the Champions League final later this month.
And there is also the prospect that Italy Under-21 international keeper Daniele Padelli could make his debut, with Argentinian teenage full-back Emiliano Insua - who made his debut at Fratton Park - getting another outing.
Benitez is likely to rely mainly on players who did not play, or complete 90 minutes against Chelsea in midweek.
And the Spanish coach has been quick to brush aside criticism of his team by Gennaro Gattuso, the AC Milan midfielder, who has claimed Liverpool are a long-ball team and not as good as Manchester United.
He said: 'I expect more of this sort of thing, but I wonder just how many times he has seen us play. Maybe he remembers 2005 in Istanbul and is already a little worried.'
The Athens final, not surprisingly, is already Liverpool's one and only priority for the season although Benitez said: 'We still want to finish third and we will field teams we feel can win.
'I understand concerns of other clubs, but we have our priorities and lots of teams in the division will be fielding different players in the final few games.'
Gerrard, too, is already focused on Athens, and he has revealed that he is surprised that AC Milan will be Liverpool's final opponents in Greece.
He said: 'I'm confident we can go to Athens and bring the cup back home.
'But Milan are a fantastic team and we know it's going to be really difficult, so we need to be right at the top of our game.
'I was really surprised actually that they won their semi-final because I had confidence that Manchester United would get the result they required.
'I thought it was going to be a Liverpool-Manchester United final, but credit to Milan because they were excellent on the night and deserved to win the game.'
He added: 'Now I am sure Milan will want to make amends for 2005 because I'm sure Istanbul hurt them. They have a chance for revenge now but me and the boys are going to be ready for that and we're looking forward to it.
'They have some quality players like Gattuso who work really hard for the team but we'll be ready for them on the night. I'm confident we can beat them.
'Obviously I'm very excited. I don't think it's sunk in yet and probably won't until we set off for Athens, and we've got a couple of domestic games first before we start our preparations for the big final.
'But we've got nothing to fear from Milan, we've been there and done it before, we've got a fantastic team spirit, the team is playing really well in Europe and we've got one of the best managers in the world so we have every confidence that we can do it.'
Reds in red for final date
Reds in red for final date
Liverpool will wear their red home kit for the Champions League final against AC Milan on May 23.
Rafael Benitez's side had been named as the away team for the match in Athens but Milan have chosen to wear their all white strip.
That means the teams will be wearing the same colours as when they met in the 2005 final in Istanbul, when Liverpool came back from 3-0 down at half-time to win on penalties.
Friday, January 5, 2007
Alonso: I'm staying at Anfield
I'm staying at Anfield
Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso has dismissed speculation linking him with a return to Spain.
The 25-year-old, who arrived from Real Sociedad during the summer of 2004, has instead vowed to play his part in reeling in third-placed Chelsea in the Barclays Premiership.
Alonso told the club's official website: 'I do not speak about the rumours of my return to Spain. I have a contract signed with the Reds and I am happy at this club.
'Now Liverpool are playing to our best level of the season. This is perfect for the beginning of the year with the next big challenges.
'To get to third place is very important for morale for us after the problems in the first months of the league. Now our objective is to consolidate the effort.'
Gerrard targeting FA Cup double for Reds
Gerrard targeting FA Cup double for Reds
Steven Gerrard has set his sights on becoming the first Liverpool captain to lift the FA Cup twice.
The 26-year-old skipper, who was awarded an MBE in the New Year's Honours List, got his hands on the famous trophy last May after a remarkable penalty shoot-out victory over West Ham.
His side begin their defence with one of the toughest possible tests this weekend when Arsenal visit Anfield in the third round.
However, the England midfielder is determined to help his home-town club retain the trophy for the first time in their history and set his own personal record.
He said: 'I know Liverpool have never won the FA Cup two years in a row, but this team likes breaking records and rewriting history, and this is another statistic we want to put right.
'We all remember how we won the competition last season and we are keen to do it again.
'I would love nothing better than to lift the trophy again at the new Wembley at the end of the season.'
Ron Yeats was the first Liverpool captain to pick up the FA Cup in 1965, and he has been followed since by Emlyn Hughes, Alan Hansen, Ronnie Whelan, Mark Wright and, with the help of Jamie Redknapp and Robbie Fowler, Sami Hyypia since.
Gerrard became the latest man to accept the most treasured of domestic cups last season after inspiring the Merseysiders to a remarkable fightback at the Millennium Stadium.
He twice levelled after West Ham had taken 2-0 and 3-2 leads, the second of his goals coming in spectacular style at the end of normal time.
Gerrard was also on target in the shoot-out as the Reds won 3-1, and the euphoria he experienced that day is the perfect motivation for another crack at the big prize and he is relishing the challenge of facing Arsenal.
He told the club's official website: 'The draw could have been kinder, but the important thing is we are at home. They will be fearing the tie more than we will.
'They are a top side with top players and we know it's going to be a very difficult game.
'But we have proved we can beat anybody at Anfield and I'm sure it's going to be a terrific match this weekend. We are certainly all looking forward to it.
'We have got a really strong squad, we are playing well at the moment and I fancy us to be in the draw for the fourth round.'
Wednesday, January 3, 2007
Crouch makes public his desire to stay a Red
Crouch makes public his desire to stay a Red
Liverpool striker Peter Crouch has sought to dismiss recent transfer speculation by pledging his long-term future to the club.
Crouch insists he has no intention of seeking a big-money move away unless Reds boss Rafael Benitez wants him to leave.
The 25-year-old ended a run of recent poor form by scoring a stunning opener in the New Year's Day victory over Bolton.
And Crouch told the Liverpool Echo: 'I have heard all the speculation and all I can say is I am happy here and love playing for the club.
'It is a fantastic club, all the games are massive and I wouldn't want to leave. I see my future here and as long as the manager doesn't want me to go, I won't be going.'
Newcastle were linked with a £12million January swoop for Crouch with the England striker believed to have become frustrated with Benitez's controversial squad rotation system.
But despite showing obvious displeasure upon being substituted during the recent defeat at Blackburn, Crouch claimed that is not the case and insists he is happy to give others their chance.
He added: 'I have had challenges throughout my career and this is another one. There are a lot of players who get rotated and I am not the only one.
'When you get a chance, you've got to take it. Hopefully I've given the manager something to think about. We all need to impress, not just those who are in and out.
'It can get frustrating when you want to play every game and do your best for the club, but all you can do is keep working hard.
'I know the manager has got no problem with me. Everyone who knows me knows my attitude won't change. I've always worked hard and given my all, and that's always going to be the case.'
Tuesday, January 2, 2007
Liverpool 3-0 Bolton
Happy New Year for Reds
speculation, repaid manager Rafael Benitez's faith in him by scoring the crucial opening goal after a frustrating first half and could have easily finished with a hat-trick.The 6ft 7in forward, benefiting from Craig Bellamy's hamstring injury, made the most of the opportunity with a brilliant strike in the 61st minute.
Gerrard then made it 2-0 by converting Kuyt's cross less than two minutes later, before the Dutch striker added a third in the 83rd minute.
It lifted Benitez's side above their opponents into third and ensured the Reds ended the packed festive programme with nine points from four matches.
The pattern of the game was established early on, with Gerrard first to try his luck in the second minute, combining with Kuyt but dragging his 25-yard effort wide of Jussi Jaaskelainen's right-hand post.
Crouch then headed down Finnan's right-wing cross for Kuyt to volley from long range, but the Bolton defence closed ranks to block his effort.
The Dutch striker was only inches away from flicking on Gerrard's inswinging cross in the ninth minute as Liverpool enjoyed the majority of early possession.
Kevin Davies' foot-up lunge at Gonzalez bizarrely prompted the Chile winger into an immediate change of boots as Gerrard wasted the opportunity to test the Bolton defence with the free-kick.
Davies and Nicky Hunt then linked up down the right and when the full-back crossed, Jamie Carragher conceded a 15th-minute corner. However, Gary Speed's delivery was poor and the chance was lost.
Bolton actually had the first effort on target, but Hunt's tame looping cross-shot following Ivan Campo's long throw was comfortably held by Jose Reina.
Referee Graham Poll then ruled Kuyt had fouled Jaaskelainen after the goalkeeper failed to collect Gerrard's cross, which had deflected up off Abdoulaye Faye.
In the 20th minute Kuyt launched a quick breakaway, but after running 40 yards he was halted by Tal Ben Haim, who was booked for the foul.
Jaaskelainen was finally forced into a save in the 28th minute when Steven Finnan's 20-yard piledriver was tipped onto the crossbar and over.
For all Crouch's height advantage Liverpool were really missing the pace of Bellamy as the Bolton defence coped comfortably with every ball played in behind them.
Xabi Alonso was next to attempt to break the deadlock in the 33rd minute from just outside the area after John Arne Riise's driving left-wing run, but the ball curled agonisingly wide of the goalkeeper's right-hand post.
Liverpool's frustrations grew towards half-time and they were not helped when Poll appeared to direct a Harry Enfield Scouser-style `calm down' towards the bench after they complained about Bolton's approach.
Gonzalez had the hosts' first effort after the break, heading over Pennant's 52nd-minute cross after the former Birmingham winger had linked cleverly with Kuyt.
A blatant shove by Campo on Pennant earned the former Real Madrid man a 58th-minute booking, but it did the job in halting the winger's progress.
The breakthrough finally came just after the hour and it was a worthy opener.
Kuyt beat two defenders before playing in Pennant and his right-wing cross was dispatched into the net by a Crouch overhead kick, not dissimilar to the one he scored at Anfield against Galatasaray in the Champions League.
Less than two minutes later it was 2-0, this time Pennant linking with Kuyt for the Dutchman to cross and Gerrard to volley home from 12 yards.
Faye then earned himself a booking for disputing a foul on Crouch and was lucky to stay on the pitch after deliberately bumping into Poll and then kicking the ball away.
Crouch almost grabbed his second with 20 minutes to go when he volleyed straight at Jaaskelainen from Finnan's short cross.
The England striker then headed over Pennant's centre from six yards in the 76th minute.
Kuyt's weaving run from the halfway line then took him to the edge of the penalty area, but Jaaskelainen tipped over his shot.
From the resulting corner the goalkeeper had to throw himself to his right to turn aside Hyypia's header.
But when substitute Luis Garcia played in Kuyt, he rolled his shot across Jaaskelainen and inside the far post for the third.
'Perfect start to 2007' - Gerrard
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard admitted the 3-0 victory at home to Bolton was 'the perfect start' to 2007.
A stunning Peter Crouch overhead kick, Gerrard's volley and a late goal from Dirk Kuyt gave Liverpool the win at Anfield and lifted them into third place in the Premiership.
Gerrard, who was awarded an MBE in the New Year`s Honours List, told Sky Sports 1: 'It was the perfect start: a home win, three points and a clean sheet and we played some really good football against a decent side.
'It's been a great week for me personally but personal things are put on one side when you go onto the pitch.
'It was a great team performance and there should be a special mention for Jermaine Pennant. He's been criticised this season but today he was fantastic, his crossing from the right was superb.
'My goal was really nice. I was really quiet second half but I was pleased with the goal.'
Man of the match Kuyt added: 'It's a good beginning to this year.
'We're now third in the table, and for us it's very important just to keep going.
'Just winning the home games is the most important thing. It's a tough league and a long race so we'll see.'
Reds boss Rafael Benitez echoed his skipper's sentiments.
'I think all the supporters must be really happy. We started the year really well; it's a fantastic start to 2007,' he told Sky Sports 1.
'We were waiting for a physical game and in the first half it was more difficult. In the second half we scored the goals and opened the game, it was very good.'
Asked about referee Graham Poll's performance - Benitez urged officials to monitor Bolton's tactics more closely - Benitez added: 'If it's the same for everybody, perfect.'
Monday, January 1, 2007
Liverpool v Bolton: Preview
Liverpool v Bolton: Preview
Bolton manager Sam Allardyce is hoping it is third time lucky at Anfield, claiming Liverpool have had the rub of the green on their own patch the last two years.
Goals from Robbie Fowler and Igor Biscan gave Rafael Benitez's side home victories in successive seasons.
Bolton, however, are in a rich vein of form and aiming for a sixth straight victory.
Allardyce stated: ``I'm not saying that we are going to win but I'd like to come away without being beaten.
``That would be the icing and the cherry on top of the cake for us.
``It's well documented that Liverpool don't like the way we play but they have been very lucky over the last two years at Anfield.
``We've got close and I'm hoping that we can get a positive result.''
Allardyce believes Nicolas Anelka's searing pace and eye for goal could hold the key to their hopes of a place in Europe.
The #8million striker took his tally to seven goals in eight games in the battling 3-2 victory against Portsmouth.
Allardyce said: ``Nicolas started the revival by his piercing runs, using his skill and his pace.
``That began to frighten Portsmouth's back four and we got more and more balls in the box. Then finally they cracked.
``You have to admire Nicolas not just for his scoring record but for his all round play.
``When I see him chasing an opposing defender down, running 30 yards to take the ball off him and creating another attack I know I am winning.''
Meanwhile, Liverpool striker Craig Bellamy was taken off as a precaution against Tottenham ahead of the Barclays Premiership clash against Bolton at Anfield.
The Wales international had a tight hamstring and was replaced early in the second half at White Hart Lane.
Boudewijn Zenden, Mohamed Sissoko and Harry Kewell continue to recover from long-term injuries.
2006/2007 RESULTS
FIXTURES & RESULTS First team - 2006-2007 - ALL COMPETITIONS
FA Community Shield
13/8 Chelsea 1 - Liverpool 2
CarlingCup
26/10 Liverpool 4 - 3 Reading
08/11 Birmingham City 0 - Liverpool 1
09/01 02:45am Liverpool 3 - Arsenal 6 (1/4 final)
Champions League
3rd Qualifying Round
09/8 Liverpool 2 - Maccabi Haifa 1
23/8 Maccabi Haifa 1 - Liverpool 1
Group Phase
12/09 PSV Eindhoven 0 - Liverpool 0
27/09 Liverpool 3 - Galatasaray SK 2
19/10 Bordeaux 0 - Liverpool 1
31/10 Liverpool 3 - Bordeaux 0
22/11 Liverpool 2 - PSV Eindhoven 0
05/12 Galatasaray 3 - Liverpool 2
Last 16
21/02 02:45am Barcelona 1 - Liverpool 2
06/03 02:45am Liverpool 0 - Barcelona 1
Quarter Final
03/04 02:45am PSV Eindhoven 0 - Liverpool 3
11/04 02:45am Liverpool 1 - PSV Eindhoven 0
Semi Final
25/04 02:45am Chelsea 1 - Liverpool 0
02/05 02:45am Liverpool 1 - Chelsea 0 (Liverpool won on penalties 4-1)
Final 23/05 02:45am AC Milan vs Liverpool
FA Cup
06/01 12:15am Liverpool 1 - Arsenal 3 (3rd Round)
Premiership
19/8 Sheffi U 1 - Liverpool 1
26/8 Liverpool 2 - West Ham 1
09/9 Everton 3 - Liverpool 0
17/9 Chelsea 1 - Liverpool 0
21/9 Liverpool 2 - Newcastle 0
23/9 Liverpool 3 - Spurs 0
30/9 Bolton 2 - Liverpool 0
14/10 Liverpool 1 - Blackburn 1
22/10 Mancester United 2 - Liverpool 0
28/10 Liverpool 3 - Aston Villa 1
04/11 Liverpool 2 - Reading 0
12/11 Arsenal 3 - Liverpool 0
18/11 Middlesbrough 0 - Liverpool 0
25/11 Liverpool 1 - Man. City 0
29/11 Liverpool 0 - Portsmouth 0
02/12 Liverpool 4 - Wigan Athletic 0
09/12 Fulham 0 - Liverpool 4
16/12 Charlton Athletic 0 vs Liverpool 3
23/12 Liverpool 2 vs Watford 0
26/12 Blackburn Rovers 1 vs Liverpool 0
30/12 Tottenham 0 Hotspur vs Liverpool 1
01/01 Liverpool 3 vs Bolton Wanderers 0
13/01 07:45pm Watford 0 vs Liverpool 3
20/01 07:45pm Liverpool 2 vs Chelsea 0
30/01 02:45am West Ham United 1 vs Liverpool 2
03/02 07:45pm Liverpool 0 vs Everton 0
10/02 11:00pm Newcastle United 2 vs Liverpool 1
24/02 11:00pm Liverpool 4 vs Sheffield United 0
03/03 11:00pm Liverpool 0 vs Manchester United 1
17/03 11:00pm Aston Villa 0 vs Liverpool 0
31/03 11:00pm Liverpool 4 vs Arsenal 1
07/04 11:00pm Reading 1 vs Liverpool 2
09/04 11:00pm Liverpool 2 vs Middlesbrough 0
14/04 11:00pm Manchester City 0 vs Liverpool 0
21/04 11:00pm Liverpool 2 vs Wigan Athletic 0
28/04 11:00pm Portsmouth 2 vs Liverpool 1
05/05 11:00pm Fulham vs Liverpool
13/05 11:00pm Liverpool vs Charlton Athletic
INTRODUCTION
HISTORY
"If it wasn't for one man, Liverpool Football Club would never have been born. When Everton left Anfield in a dispute over rent in 1892, club chairman John Houlding stayed behind along with a handful of supporters and just three first-team players. But he was determined to see football continue at the ground. He formed a new club from scratch, chose the name Liverpool… and created a legend."
Even John Houlding couldn't have predicted how successful it would become. More than 100 years on, no English club can match the LiverpoolFC roll of honour; League Champions 18 times, FA Cup winners seven times, League Cup winners seven times, European Cup winners five times and UEFA Cup winners three times.
When it is completed, the History channel will chart the rise and rise of Liverpool FC to the very summit of the England game, from the struggles of the early years right up to Gerard Houllier's historic treble in 2001. This channel will recall glorious domestic victories and European triumphs and reflect on the tragedies of Heysel and Hillsborough.
We've focused on 10 key dates in Liverpool Football Club's history to begin with but over time, we'll have over 100 chapters in this section alone as we present the ultimate history of England's greatest ever football club. This is a story of incredible passion and pride - a story that not only inspires Liverpool fans but football supporters the world over.
1892 – Liverpool Football Club formed
The history of Liverpool Football Club begins with our greatest rivals and neighbours, Everton, for it was from a dispute with Everton that Liverpool Football Club was born.
1901 - Our first title win
In mid-February of the 1900-01 season, Liverpool had lost eight games and conceded 31 goals and the championship looked a pipe-dream. Twelve games later and after nine wins and three draws, the title was ours.
1950 - First Wembley appearance
Arsenal provided the opposition when Liverpool made their first appearance at Wembley. It should have been a momentous occasion in the club's history but a 2-0 defeat prolonged the Reds’ wait for FA Cup glory.
1959 - Shankly appointed manager
December 1st 1959 is a date that will forever be etched in the annals of Anfield history. For it was on this day that Liverpool Football Club announced Huddersfield Town boss Bill Shankly would be their new manager in succession to Phil Taylor.
1965 - Winning the FA Cup for first time
There was a feeling of quiet optimism around Anfield that this could, at last, be Liverpool’s year in the competition we so desperately craved success in. After all, we were the reigning league champions and, under Bill Shankly, anything seemed possible.
1977 - European Champions
If winning the FA Cup for the first time in 1965 is regarded as the greatest day in the history of Liverpool Football Club, then there is no doubt that winning the European Cup for the first time in 1977 was the greatest night.
1985 - Heysel Disaster
No one will ever forget the tragic events at the Heysel Stadium in Brussels on May 29 1985. Liverpool were playing Juventus in the European Cup Final and what should have been one of the greatest nights in the club's history turned into the lowest.
1986 - Doing the Double
Liverpool Football Club kicked off the 1985/86 under a giant cloud. The events of Heysel just four months previous had heaped shame on Anfield but that grey cloud was to have a glorious silver lining.
1989 – Hillsborough
On April 15th 1989, over 25,000 Liverpool supporters travelled down to Hillsborough to watch the FA Cup semi-final match with Nottingham Forest. 96 of them never returned.
2001 - Clinching the cup treble
Just four days after dramatically snatching the FA Cup from Arsenal's grasp in Cardiff, and with the Worthington Cup already safely tucked away in the Anfield trophy cabinet, Liverpool's class of 2001 completed an unprecedented cup treble.
The 2006 FA Cup Final will be remembered in Anfield folklore as the Gerrard final as captain fantastic Steven Gerrard rescued Liverpool with a stunning last minute equaliser to break West Ham's hearts and force extra-time.League Champions
Liverpool 18
Man-United 15
Arsenal 13
Everton 9
Aston Villa 7
European Cup
Real Madrid 9
AC Milan 6
Liverpool 5
Ajax 4
Bayern Munich 4
FA Cup
Man-United 11
Arsenal 10
Spurs 8
Liverpool 7
Aston Villa 7
Newcastle 6
Blackburn 6
League Cup
Liverpool 7
Aston Villa 5
Notts Forest 4
Leicester 3
Spurs 3
Chelsea 3
PAST MANAGERS
1892-96
John McKenna / William Barclay
Tom Watson
(no manager)
David Ashworth
Matt McQueen
George Patterson
George Kay
Don Welsh
Phil Taylor
Bill Shankly
Bob Paisley
Joe Fagan
Kenny Dalglish
Graeme Souness
Roy Evans
Roy Evans / Gerard Houllier
Gerard Houllier
