Liverpool F.c. News..........

[joyvy67]

Premier League - Liverpool scrap to victory


Liverpool continued to tighten their stranglehold on fourth place with a hard-fought 2-1 Premier League win over Reading at Anfield.

Goals from Fernando Torres (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/jose-fernandotorres.html) and Javier Mascherano (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/javier-mascherano.html) helped the Reds come from behind after Marek Matejovksi's wonder-strike, the Champions League hopefuls managing to avoid a post-Euro hangover following a big win over Internazionale.


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[joyvy67]

Rafa Benitez claims Liverpool are not out of the Premier League title race ahead of their Grand Slam Sunday meeting with Manchester United.
The Reds were written off as title contenders after slipping down the table and remain eight points behind Sir Alex Ferguson's league leaders, who also have a game in hand.

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We have been criticised this season, but let us see where we are in three or four weeks

[joyvy67]

This might be the game that Liverpool fans want to win, but Manchester United's need is much greater on Grand Slam Sunday.

Games against United are as important as Merseyside derbies for Liverpool supporters, but for United this could be a defining weekend in their bid to win the title.



There are some massive games coming up involving the big teams and one way or another I can see the title being decided within the next three weeks.


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[joyvy67]

Manchester United (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/manchester-united/) took full advantage of Javier Mascherano (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/javier-mascherano.html)'s dismissal to cruise to a 3-0 win over arch rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford.



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Wes Brown (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/wesley-brown.html) put the hosts ahead before Mascherano was sent off for a second yellow card just before half time. Cristiano Ronaldo (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/cristianoronaldo.html) then netted his 34th goal of the season with just over ten minutes remaining before substitute Nani (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/nani.html) completed the scoring two minutes later...............
............http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/23032008/58/premier-league-mascherano-united-six-clear.html

[joyvy67]

Liverpool strengthened their grip on fourth place after Fernando Torres' 28th goal of the season gave them victory in the Merseyside derby.

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The Spaniard expertly slotted the ball beyond Tim Howard for the only goal of the game after just seven minutes.........


.........http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/7309368.stm

[joyvy67]

Arsenal and Liverpool (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/liverpool/) drew 1-1 in their Champions League quarter-final first leg encounter at the Emirates Stadium



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Emmanuel Adebayor (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/sheyiemmanuel-adebayor.html) gave Arsenal a 23rd minute lead but Dirk Kuyt (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/dirk-kuyt.html) equalised within three minutes to claim a vital away goal for Liverpool.

[joyvy67]

Arsenal (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/arsenal/) were once again left frustrated by Liverpool (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/liverpool/) as Saturday's 1-1 draw dealt a near fatal blow to their fading Premier League title hopes.

Just three days after their European tie ended all square, both teams were back at the Emirates Stadium to do battle for league points.
Each manager made several changes, no doubt with one eye on next week's second leg of their Champions League quarter-final, but there was still more than enough talent on display to make for an entertaining encounter.
Recalled striker Peter Crouch (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/peter-crouch.html) gave Liverpool the lead at the end of the first half, with Nicklas Bendtner (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/nicklas-bendtner.html) levelling on 54 minutes.



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[joyvy67]

Liverpool reached the semi-finals of the Champions League with a dramatic 4-2 victory over Arsenal (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/arsenal/) at Anfield to go through 5-3 on aggregate.

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[joyvy67]

Liverpool set up a Champions League semi-final with Chelsea after a stunning late win over Arsenal.
Abou Diaby put Arsenal into an early lead but Sami Hyypia lost Phillipe Senderos to head an equaliser.
Fernando Torres looked to have settled the tie when he turned and drilled into the top corner, only for Emmanuel Adebayor to level.
But Kolo Toure fouled Ryan Babel and Gerrard held his nerve from the spot, before Babel broke to add a fourth.
It was an extraordinary end to yet another wonderful European tie at Anfield.




"YOU'LL NEVER WALK ALONE"

[joyvy67]

Fernando Torres scored his 30th goal of the season as Liverpool outfought Blackburn to strengthen their grip on fourth place in the Premier League

Steven Gerrard, who had a penalty appeal turned down after he was clipped by Brad Friedel, broke the deadlock with a cool finish in the second half.
Torres met Gerrard's deep cross with a precise header to make it 2-0 before Andrei Voronin slid home a third.
Roque Santa Cruz hooked in a late reply for Blackburn, who were well beaten.



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[joyvy67]

Torres (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/jose-fernandotorres.html) said he could not imagine Anfield without his compatriot, and credited Benitez for his fast start in English football.
"I have learned a lot with him, he is someone with whom you can learn a great deal," he told

"He has a lot of experience in football and a great CV, and we all hope to do better for him. And I have to thank him because he helped me take the first step.
"I don't know about [rumours Benitez will be sacked]. I know that everything is magnificent here, and you can interpret that in whatever way you want. But for the moment I can't see Liverpool without Benitez."
The 23-year-old has enjoyed a remarkable first season in English football, scoring 30 goals and earning himself a nomination for the PFA Player of the Year award.

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[joyvy67]

A second-string Liverpool (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/liverpool/) stamped their authority on fourth place with a 2-0 win over Fulham, who are now clinging to their Premier League status by a thread.

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/19042008/58/premier-league-reds-send-fulham-deep-mire.html

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[joyvy67]

John Arne Riise's dramatic injury-time own goal secured Chelsea a 1-1 draw against Liverpool in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final at Anfield.
Liverpool had been on course for a well-earned victory after Dirk Kuyt's first-half opener, but Riise's dramatic last-gasp intervention now tips the tie firmly in Chelsea's favour.

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[joyvy67]

Birmingham City (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/birmingham-city/) stayed in the Premier League relegation zone after throwing away a two-goal lead in a 2-2 draw at home to Liverpool (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/liverpool/).

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[joyvy67]

Benitez confident of breaking record


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Manager Rafael Benitez is in confident mood as Liverpool prepare to confront their Chelsea demons in Wednesday's Champions League semi-final second leg.
The Liverpool boss knows his team have never scored at Stamford Bridge in eight matches during his four years as manager, and for the Reds to reach Moscow on May 21 that must change as Chelsea hold a crucial away goal from the first leg, which finished 1-1.
But ahead of the showdown in west London, Benitez insisted: "We will score. We will win and we will get to the final."
He admits for Liverpool to succeed at Stamford Bridge will rank among his greatest achievements as a manager, but he is bullish in the extreme as he prepares his side.
Defeat will end Liverpool's season early. Fourth spot in the Barclays Premier League is secured and all that will be left if Moscow is denied them is several more months of boardroom upheaval without the distractions of a third trip to the European Cup final in four seasons.
But Benitez said: "The team is ready and focused, they are concentrating on the job and confident.
"I am not really worried about how people judge our season, I am only concerned about how we progress, and how we will feel after the game when we are happy with ourselves.
"We have guaranteed fourth position now, that has been our aim. Now we intend to go to the Champions League final.
"Our aim is always to win trophies, that's simple, and we intend to do so this season."
Benitez must also concern himself with the problem confronting the Scouse heartbeat of his side, with Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard one booking away from missing the final - a scenario which also faces Chelsea's John Terry.

[joyvy67]

Chelsea beat Liverpool in thriller............

Chelsea reached the Champions League final for the first time with a dramatic 3-2 victory over Liverpool after extra-time at Stamford Bridge…



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Red dreams end...........

[joyvy67]

Liverpool's plans for a new stadium have been approved - for the third time in five years.

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[joyvy67]

Fernando Torres (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/jose-fernandotorres.html) grabbed his 24th league goal of the season as Liverpool (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/liverpool/) finished a difficult season with a 2-0 win away at Tottenham Hotspur.

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[joyvy67]

Juventus have revealed they are in talks to sign Liverpool (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/liverpool/) midfielder Xabi Alonso (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/olano-xabialonso.html), and will meet the player's agent on Wednesday afternoon

Club president Giovanni Cobolli Gigli warned, however, that Juve have not agreed a fee, and they are known to be reluctant to match Liverpool's £15 million valuation of the player.
The Serie A side signed fellow Liverpool midfielder Mohamed Sissoko in January and have now set their sights on the 26-year-old Alonso, who was one of Rafa Benitez's first signings when he arrived at Anfield in 2004.



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[joyvy67]

In England (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/England), the song's most successful performance was recorded in 1963 by the Liverpudlian (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liverpool) Merseybeat (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beat_music) group Gerry and the Pacemakers (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gerry_%26_the_Pacemakers) (peaking at number one in the singles chart (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UK_Singles_Chart) for four consecutive weeks). It quickly became the anthem of Liverpool Football Club (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liverpool_F.C.) and is invariably sung by its supporters moments before the start of each home game. The words You'll Never Walk Alone also feature in the club crest and on the Shankly (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Shankly) Gate entrance to the stadium. Gerry Marsden (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gerry_Marsden) told BBC Radio (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BBC_Radio) how, in the nineteen-sixties, the deejay at Anfield (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anfield) would play the top-ten commercial records in ascending order, with the number one single transmitted last, shortly before kickoff. Supporters (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kopites) standing on the Spion Kop (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spion_Kop_%28stadia%29) terrace (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terrace_%28stadium%29) would sing along, and once You'll Never Walk Alone dropped out of the top-ten, says Marsden, they continued to sing it.The song was later adopted by the Scottish (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Football_in_Scotland) team Celtic (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Celtic_F.C.).

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[hhung84]

happy Liverpool FC

[joyvy67]

Andrea Dossena (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/andrea-dossena.html) has spoken of his delight as he draws closer to becoming the first Italian international to play for Liverpool.

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[joyvy67]

Today's Transfer Talk will be presented in descending order of rumoured transfer fee, so we begin with the news that Steven Gerrard (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/steven-gerrard.html) is a £30 million target for new Internazionale manager Jose Mourinho, whose eyelash-fluttering is likely to throw the Liverpool captain into yet another summer of self-important soul-searching played out in the full glare of the tabloid spotlight.


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[joyvy67]

Liverpool have dismissed claims that Fernando Torres could be tempted away from Anfield by a massive bid from new Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari.

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The 24-year-old Spain striker was at the centre of speculation that he was a top target for Scolari, along with AC Milan's Brazil superstar Kaka.
But Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry told BBC Sport: "Fernando Torres is just not for sale to anyone.
"It is as simple as that, really - he is not going anywhere."
Torres took the Premier League by storm last season, scoring 33 goals after his move to Liverpool from his boyhood club Atletico Madrid.
And he has already delivered an impressive performance for Spain in their 4-1 win against Russia in their opening game of Euro 2008.


Scolari has been handed a huge transfer budget by Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, and Torres was among a number of names listed as players he will attempt to sign once he arrives at Stamford Bridge on 1 July. But Parry has made it clear even Abramovich's millions will not prise Torres away from Liverpool after only one season on Merseyside.
And Torres himself said during Euro 2008: "I have no intention of leaving. We have to focus our energies to give the little step we need to get to the top teams. If we only improve the team a little, we are going to manage to do so.
"I want to say very clearly that I'm not on the market and it is my desire to continue at Liverpool.
"I am very happy at Liverpool and want to carry on."

[joyvy67]

Liverpool left-back John Arne Riise is in Italy's capital to discuss a possible 6m euros (£4.75m) move to Serie A side AS Roma.

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According to the AS Roma website, the club had been given permission by the Reds to discuss personal terms with the 27-year-old Norway international.
Riise signed for Liverpool in 2001 and helped them to the FA Cup, League Cup and Champions League titles.

[joyvy67]

Liverpool have begun preliminary work on their new £350m stadium.

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The Reds have been allowed to proceed with the construction process under licence until September while talks over the 999-year lease deal continue.
"I'm pleased the club have received full planning permission and it can commence with enabling works," said Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks.
"We recognise the importance of a new LFC stadium as part of the wider regeneration of the local area."
A spokesman for Liverpool City Council confirmed that a special licence had been arranged to allow the work to start.

[joyvy67]

Liverpool held by Krakow



Liverpool (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/liverpool/) managed a 1-1 draw with Polish side Wisla Krakow in Fribourg, Switzerland on Saturday evening.Rafael Benitez's side took the lead when Andriy Voronin scored just six minutes into the match, reacting quickly to reach a rebound from his own shot.
However, the Poles equalised six minutes later when Tomas Jirsak (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/tomas-jirsak.html) put the ball past new boy Diego (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/diego.html) Cavalieri in the Liverpool goal.
Fellow new signing Andrea Dossena (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/andrea-dossena.html) also got a run-out for the Reds.

[joyvy67]

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez insists that Steven Gerrard's groin injury will not rule him out of the start of the new season




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The Reds captain, 28, was sent home from their training camp in Switzerland on Saturday.
"Steven's problem is not serious but he cannot train so we decided to send him back to Melwood," said Benitez.
"He should be OK in about a week. It's not serious but there's no point him staying here unable to train or play."
Meanwhile, Gerrard will receive an Honorary Fellowship from Liverpool John Moores University on Friday in recognition of his services to sport. "I am very proud to become a Fellow of Liverpool John Moores University," stated Gerrard.
"Not only has LJMU done so much for this city and the people of Liverpool but it has given the science of football international credibility. It is an honour to be recognised with this award."

[joyvy67]

Liverpool have signed 18-year-old right-back Emmanuel Mendy on a free transfer from Spanish third division side Murcia Deportivo.
The Spanish teenager, who can also play at left-back, is expected to compete for a place in the reserve set-up overseen by Gary Ablett.
The Reds have made several youth signings over the summer.
Mendy joins Christopher Buchtmann, Nikola Saric, Zsolt Poloskei and Vincent Lucas Weijl at Anfield.
Manager Rafael Benitez has added Philipp Degen, Andrea Dossena and Diego Cavalieri to his senior squad.





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[joyvy67]

Liverpool have completed the signing of highly-rated French youngster David Ngog from Paris St Germain.


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The 19-year-old has penned a four-year deal at Anfield for a fee thought to be in the region of £1.5 million.
The teenager becomes Liverpool's fourth signing of the summer after boss Rafael Benitez added Andrea Dossena (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/andrea-dossena.html), Diego (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/diego.html) Cavalieri and Philipp Degen (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/philipp-degen.html) to his squad.

[joyvy67]

England and Liverpool football player Steven Gerrard has been awarded an honorary fellowship by a Liverpool university.

The 28-year-old, who was awarded the MBE in 2007, was given the honour by Liverpool John Moores University.
It was given to mark the Anfield club captain's contribution to sport.
Gerrard, who said he was proud to receive the honour, had his fellowship conferred during a graduation ceremony at the city's Anglican Cathedral.
Speaking earlier, Liverpool John Moores University's (LJMU) Vice-Chancellor Professor Michael Brown said they were "delighted" to welcome Gerrard to the university family.
"Steven epitomises the university philosophy of dream, plan, achieve," he said.
"As a young boy he excelled in the sport he loves and ensured his talent was recognised, looking upon challenges as opportunities and pursuing each available avenue.
"As a result he has become one of the best sportsmen in the country, if not the world.
"As a prominent sporting figure and a son of the city, it is fitting that LJMU, an international leader in sports and exercise science and a major contributor to Liverpool's success and growth, should award Steven with this honorary fellowship."


http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/merseyside/7525297.stm

[joyvy67]

Liverpool are expected to complete the £18m signing of striker Robbie Keane from Tottenham within 24 hours.

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He underwent a medical on Monday and may be able to fly to Spain with the Liverpool squad ahead of Wednesday's friendly against Villarreal.
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez completed the final stages of his negotiations with the 28-year-old over the weekend.
The Republic of Ireland star is expected to sign a five-year deal worth about £80,000 per week.

[joyvy67]

New Liverpool signing Robbie Keane admits it is a dream for him to sign for the Anfield outfit.

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Keane, 28, signed from Tottenham on Monday in a deal worth £20.3m and says he always wanted to play for the Reds.
"I've been waiting for this day since I was a kid. I'm a massive fan, so to be sitting here in a Liverpool tracksuit is a dream come true," said Keane.
"I am so grateful just to be here. I love the club and this is the one dream I had still to achieve."
He added: "I always wanted to be a footballer as a kid, but also to play for Liverpool, maybe you never feel it is going to happen.
"Now I am enjoying every minute and I can't wait to pull on that red shirt. This is a massive club and I want to do everything I can to make them even more successful.




"The reasons I left Spurs are that I am a huge Liverpool fan and the chance to play for them may never come around again. "This opportunity is something I couldn't let go. I am at an age now when I believe I am at my peak, and aim to kick on."
Keane's move has been criticised by Spurs chairman Daniel Levy, but he does not believe he betrayed the White Hart Lane outfit down by leaving.

[joyvy67]

Rangers manager Walter Smith wanted a stern test ahead of Tuesday's make-or-break Champions League qualifier against FBK Kaunas - and Liverpool were happy to oblige by handing out a 4-0 thrashing in Saturday's friendly at Ibrox.
David Ngog (pic) opened his goalscoring account for the Reds after Fernando Torres claimed the only goal of the first half.
Yossi Benayoun then found the back of the net, before Xabi Alonso completed the rout from the penalty spot.
Rangers failed to score once again after Wednesday's Ibrox stalemate and know an improvement will be needed when they travel to Lithuania for the crucial second leg, as they bid to keep their European hopes alive.




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[joyvy67]

Liverpool (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/liverpool/) were fortunate to escape with a 0-0 draw from their Champions League third qualifying round clash with Standard Liege of Belgium.

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[joyvy67]

Fernando Torres got Liverpool's new season off to a winning start with a superb late strike against Sunderland.

http://img121.imagevenue.com/loc23/th_12675_0491230643754818600_123_23lo.jpg (http://img121.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=12675_0491230643754818600_123_23lo.j pg)

The Spain international began the match alongside Robbie Keane but it was only after his strike partner was substituted that Torres found the net at the Stadium of Light.
Torres was picked out by Xabi Alonso and drilled a low shot from 25 yards which skidded past goalkeeper Craig Gordon and into the bottom left corner of the net.

http://img182.imagevenue.com/loc378/th_12723_0671230613754872600_123_378lo.jpg

[joyvy67]

Liverpool make it two wins out of two to start the season and what a way to win it!
Steven Gerrard (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/steven-gerrard.html) slammed home a 94th-minute winner as Liverpool (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/liverpool/) claimed a dramatic 2-1 Premier League win at home to Middlesbrough (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/middlesbrough/).




http://img14.imagevenue.com/loc970/th_14943__44954014_jc_getty220_123_970lo.jpg (http://img14.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=14943__44954014_jc_getty220_123_970l o.jpg)http://img230.imagevenue.com/loc182/th_14949__44954020_sg_afp416_123_182lo.jpg (http://img230.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=14949__44954020_sg_afp416_123_182lo. jpg)http://img235.imagevenue.com/loc480/th_14950_28433a7ae92fecbbe0aa02b9bdc20f06_123_480l o.jpg (http://img235.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=14950_28433a7ae92fecbbe0aa02b9bdc20f 06_123_480lo.jpg)


The England (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/england/) midfielder finished from the edge of the box with almost the last kick of the game to complete a remarkable reversal of fortunes.
The visitors had led through Mido's superb long-range effort on 70 minutes and looked set for an impressive away triumph.
But Jamie Carrgher equalised, five minutes from time, with his fourth league goal in over a decade, a 25-yard effort that deflected wickedly off Emanuel Pogatetz (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/emanuel-pogatetz.html), before Gerrard's stunning winner.
Although Rafa Benitez's side were well below their best, they claimed their second win in as many games to open the season and have reason for optimism after this great escape.
Strikers Fernando Torres (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/jose-fernandotorres.html) and Robbie Keane (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/robbie-keane.html) showed signs that their partnership is developing encouragingly.

[joyvy67]

Liverpool (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/liverpool/) were saved the embarrassment of an early exit from the Champions League as Dirk Kuyt (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/dirk-kuyt.html)'s extra-time winner saw the Reds to a 1-0 win over Standard Liege at Anfield.

http://img193.imagevenue.com/loc256/th_48728_046da6fe958314605c37f5aaafe9278a_123_256l o.jpg (http://img193.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=48728_046da6fe958314605c37f5aaafe927 8a_123_256lo.jpg)


Penalties loomed after the tie went into extra-time deadlocked at 0-0 on aggregate after 180 fruitless minutes.
But with just three minutes remaining, Kuyt stole in at the back post to knee home Ryan Babel (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/ryan-babel.html)'s cross to ensure Liverpool would take their place in the draw for the group stages on Thursday afternoon.
With an estimated £25million jackpot on the line, the winner was met with absolute delirium from the Anfield crowd and a look of enormous relief from manager Rafael Benitez.

[joyvy67]

Some pics....

http://img237.imagevenue.com/loc541/th_76230_0441230623763310500_123_541lo.jpg (http://img237.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=76230_0441230623763310500_123_541lo. jpg)http://img243.imagevenue.com/loc484/th_76232_0381230683763314700_123_484lo.jpg (http://img243.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=76232_0381230683763314700_123_484lo. jpg)http://img231.imagevenue.com/loc389/th_76233_0981230623763318200_123_389lo.jpg (http://img231.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=76233_0981230623763318200_123_389lo. jpg)

[joyvy67]

Liverpool (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/liverpool/) lost the Premier League's last remaining 100 per cent record after a dull 0-0 draw with Aston Villa at Villa Park.

http://img213.imagevenue.com/loc393/th_11224_0a204330949cd912c5211a00b535bbf2_123_393l o.jpg (http://img213.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=11224_0a204330949cd912c5211a00b535bb f2_123_393lo.jpg)

Following Gareth Barry (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/gareth-barry.html)'s ultimately unsuccessful transfer bid this summer - which had sparked a war of words between both clubs - the clash had been eagerly anticipated.
But in the end, the game did not live up to the hype and proved to be a damp squib.
Despite a several late Villa assaults on the Liverpool goal, as a spectacle the game largely disappointed as both teams cancelled each other out.
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez and his Villa counterpart Martin O'Neill - the chief protagonists in the summer unpleasantries - set the tone for the day, shaking hands prior to kick-off as Barry lined up to face the club he so badly wanted to join just weeks earlier.

[joyvy67]

Liverpool claimed their first Premier League victory over Manchester United under Rafa Benitez, coming from behind to win 2-1 at Anfield

http://img249.imagevenue.com/loc465/th_14728_7545d3979f0f894c953350bf566added_123_465l o.jpg (http://img249.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=14728_7545d3979f0f894c953350bf566add ed_123_465lo.jpg)http://img121.imagevenue.com/loc554/th_14873__45014800_liverpool_getty226x170_123_554l o.jpg
Substitute Ryan Babel (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/ryan-babel.html) scuffed the winner 13 minutes from time to spoil record signing Dimitar Berbatov (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/dimitar-berbatov.html)'s United debut.
Carlos Tevez (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/carlos-tevez.html) gave United a third-minute lead, assisted by Berbatov, before a defensive mix-up brought Liverpool level via a Wes Brown (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/wesley-brown.html) own-goal.
Liverpool dominated the second half, with Steven Gerrard (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/steven-gerrard.html) and Babel coming off the bench, and went provisionally top of the table with Chelsea (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/chelsea/) playing later on Saturday.
A dreadful afternoon for the champions was capped off when referee Howard Webb showed Nemanja Vidic (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/nemanja-vidic.html) late on for a second bookable offence.
The afternoon began brightly for United, who received a boost before kick-off with the news that Gerrard and Fernando Torres (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/jose-fernandotorres.html) both lacked sufficient fitness to start.

[joyvy67]

Liverpool fans staged a protest against owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett before Saturday's clash with rivals Manchester United at Anfield.

http://img237.imagevenue.com/loc255/th_18604__45013476_hickscredit_123_255lo.jpg

The Spirit of Shankly group organised a march from Lower Breck Road to the stadium, but it did not stop Gillett taking his place in the directors' box.
The organisation says it wants to direct its anger "towards those ruining our football club".
Plans for a new stadium were delayed amid reports of financial problems.
Hicks and Gillett have become increasingly unpopular among Reds fans since they took the club over in March last year, drawing criticism for their treatment of manager Rafael Benitez and their financial management of the club.
Since taking charge, Liverpool's proposed new stadium has had two re-designs and the loans the pair took out to purchase the club have had to be refinanced.
In addition, there has been continued speculation that Dubai International Capital, which tried to buy Liverpool before Gillett and Hicks took control, remain interested in buying out either one or both of them.


http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/l/liverpool/7613347.stm

http://liverpoolfrance.forumactif.com/users/17/33/01/smiles/niko_liv.gif

[joyvy67]

Liverpool (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/liverpool/) are sweating on the fitness of key players Steven Gerrard (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/steven-gerrard.html) and Fernando Torres (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/jose-fernandotorres.html) ahead of Tuesday's Champions League encounter at Marseille.

http://img136.imagevenue.com/loc1046/th_23264_683dfa2bc5a078dee033846b0ca7ee16_123_1046 lo.jpg (http://img136.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=23264_683dfa2bc5a078dee033846b0ca7ee 16_123_1046lo.jpg)

Gerrard managed 22 minutes of Saturday's confidence boosting 2-1 win over Manchester United (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/manchester-united/) on his return from a groin operation.
But Spanish international Torres (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/jose-fernandotorres.html) remained on the bench after suffering a hamstring injury against Aston Villa (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/aston-villa/) on August 31.
Javier Mascherano (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/javier-mascherano.html) is also a doubt after pulling up with a calf problem in Saturday's game.
Liverpool are second in the Premier League and head to France on a high after manager Rafael Benitez saw his team record their first league victory over United in his fifth season in charge.
"Now we will go to Marseille in a good frame of mind," Benitez said after Saturday's win.
"That was our best performance of the season and we now feel we can go into a Champions League in good heart and spirit."
Former European champions Marseille met Liverpool in the group stage last season, winning 1-0 at Anfield before being thrashed 4-0 at home.

[joyvy67]

Steven Gerrard scored a wonder-goal and a penalty as Liverpool lead 2-1 at Marseille in Group D of the Champions League


http://d.yimg.com/i/ng/sp/eurosport/20080916/25/d6469901e150c6af2f7da3db719e6164.jpg

[joyvy67]

Liverpool were held to a surprise goalless draw by Stoke in a Premier League game short on at entertainment at Anfield.

http://img213.imagevenue.com/loc224/th_29397_ade2a151a1a92cae127652d66374f7f9_123_224l o.jpg (http://img213.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=29397_ade2a151a1a92cae127652d66374f7 f9_123_224lo.jpg)

Liverpool were held at home by newly promoted Stoke but their point was still enough to send them back to the top of the Premier League table.

[joyvy67]

Fernando Torres struck twice in three minutes as Liverpool comfortably eased past Everton in the Merseyside derby.

http://img225.imagevenue.com/loc110/th_36918__45057267_torrescred226_123_110lo.jpg http://img21.imagevenue.com/loc1042/th_37321__45057702_torrcred226_123_1042lo.jpg

Torres slid home Robbie Keane's cross after 59 minutes then pounced on a loose ball to score from close range after Phil Jagielka tackled Dirk Kuyt.
Tim Cahill had Everton's best chance after 13 minutes but mis-kicked from Mikel Arteta's corner.
Everton's misery was complete when referee Mike Riley sent Cahill off for fouling Xabi Alonso after 80 minutes.

It was a victory that gives Liverpool their best start to a Premier League season - with star striker Torres ending a barren six-game sequence in style and keeper Pepe Reina not having a save to make in the match.


You'll never walk alone....here http://fr.youtube.com/watch?v=Ka_eBOpLP_g

[joyvy67]

Robbie Keane scored his first goal for Liverpool in a comfortable 3-1 Champions League Group D win over PSV Eindhoven at Anfield.

http://img103.imagevenue.com/loc763/th_26961_002e2536ec5e4211775aa4fb4b399ae9_123_763l o.jpg (http://img103.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=26961_002e2536ec5e4211775aa4fb4b399a e9_123_763lo.jpg)

Liverpool dominated the match and Dirk Kuyt (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/dirk-kuyt.html) opened the scoring after only four minutes when Andreas Isaksson (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/andreas-isaksson.html) failed to keep out his low drive following a corner.
Keane doubled the lead half an hour later with a flick from Fernando Torres (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/jose-fernandotorres.html)'s excellent cross. It was the Irishman's first goal for the Reds since joining from Tottenham and the relief on his face was tangible as he celebrated scoring for the club he supported as a boy.
Steven Gerrard (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/steven-gerrard.html) put the result beyond doubt with a sweetly-struck 76th-minute free-kick that left Isaksson no chance. It was Gerrard's 100th goal for Liverpool and sealed a 250th game in charge for boss Rafael Benitez.
Danny Koevermans (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/danny-koevermans.html) pulled one back for PSV two minutes later when he got ahead of Martin Skrtel (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/martin-skrtel.html) to bundle home a centre from former Reds full-back Jan Kronkamp.
Aside from the goal action, Liverpool had several chances to add to their tally, with a hard-working Torres (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/jose-fernandotorres.html) close on several occasions.

You'll never walk alone....here http://fr.youtube.com/watch?v=Ka_eBOpLP_g

http://liverpoolfrance.forumactif.com/users/17/33/01/smiles/niko_liv.gifhttp://liverpoolfrance.forumactif.com/users/17/33/01/smiles/niko_liv.gifhttp://liverpoolfrance.forumactif.com/users/17/33/01/smiles/niko_liv.gif

[temi]

Liverpool are really doing well at the moment. I see them coming 3rd in the league behind Chelsea or Manchester United.

I know joyvy will probably not want to hear that, he will want to think they will win :)

[joyvy67]

Dirk Kuyt scored another late winner as Liverpool fought back from 2-0 down to beat Manchester City 3-2 in an entertaining clash at the City of Manchester Stadium.

http://img145.imagevenue.com/loc1115/th_29700_10a0d02d62d31f41d867863964bcddc2_123_1115 lo.jpg (http://img145.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=29700_10a0d02d62d31f41d867863964bcdd c2_123_1115lo.jpg)

Dirk Kuyt scored an injury-time winner as Liverpool came back from two goals down to beat 10-man Manchester City.

http://img37.imagevenue.com/loc761/th_29883__45080492_kuyt226x282_123_761lo.jpg

Stephen Ireland lashed in a shot to put City ahead and Javier Garrido curled a 22-yard free-kick into the top corner to extend the home side's lead.
But Fernando Torres sidefooted home and, after City's Pablo Zabaleta was sent off for a tackle on Xabi Alonso, headed in to level for the visitors.
Kuyt dramatically decided the game late on when he slotted in at the far post.
Liverpool showed plenty of character and belief in completing a battling comeback which will only have served to enhance their title credentials.
The game was a match up between a City side who were the highest scorers in the Premier League before the encounter, while the Reds had the top-flight's meanest defence.
And they produced an action-packed match with plenty of drama.

You'll never walk alone....here http://fr.youtube.com/watch?v=Ka_eBOpLP_g

[temi]

Lucky escape for Liverpool :)

[joyvy67]

Lucky liverpool....yes.............but keep heads high and keep on working.

http://liverpoolfrance.forumactif.com/users/17/33/01/smiles/niko_liv.gifhttp://liverpoolfrance.forumactif.com/users/17/33/01/smiles/niko_liv.gifhttp://liverpoolfrance.forumactif.com/users/17/33/01/smiles/niko_liv.gif

[joyvy67]

Liverpool are sweating on the outcome of defender Martin Skrtel's scan after he suffered posterior cruciate ligament damage against Manchester City on Sunday.

http://img213.imagevenue.com/loc188/th_54099_skrtelinjuredPA_450x300_123_188lo.jpg (http://img213.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=54099_skrtelinjuredPA_450x300_123_18 8lo.jpg)

He will discover in the next 24 hours how long he is expected to be out injured after a scan revealed posterior cruciate ligament damage in his right knee.
The 23-year-old Slovakia international was given oxygen and left the field on a stretcher during Liverpool's 3-2 win over Manchester City after he fell awkwardly on the edge of his own penalty area.

[joyvy67]

Liverpool (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/liverpool/)'s Champions League match with Atletico Madrid on October 22 will be played at a neutral venue after the Spanish side were slapped with a stadium ban.

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Atletico are being punished for crowd trouble, which included racist abuse, before, during, and after their last Champions League match with Marseille and have been told by UEFA that they must play their next two Champions League matches at least 300kms away from Madrid.
Monkey chants were aimed at the French club's players, while the Marseille team bus was attacked after the match.
European football's governing body said the punishment could be extended to a third home match should there be further trouble at the club within a five-year probationary period.
Atletico have also been fined 150,000 euros and their coach Javier Aguirre has been banned for both matches with Liverpool for abusing Marseille players.

[joyvy67]

Fernando Torres looks likely to miss Liverpool's next two matches after suffering a thigh injury playing for Spain against Belgium on Wednesday.

http://img23.imagevenue.com/loc1152/th_50301__45113006_nando226b_123_1152lo.jpg

The striker was substituted on 16 minutes, clutching his right thigh.
Spanish media reported that Torres, 24, had suffered either a hamstring strain or a tear, and suggested he would be out for a minimum of seven to 10 days.
Meanwhile another Liverpool forward, Ryan Babel, damaged his ankle playing for Holland in their 1-0 win in Norway.
Babel, who missed Euro 2008 with ankle ligament problems, played no further part in Wednesday's match after going down in a tackle from Morten Gamst Pedersen on 26 minutes.
Liverpool have a busy schedule, with a home match against Wigan on Saturday followed by the away Champions League tie against Atletico Madrid, Torres's former club, next Wednesday.

[joyvy67]

England striker Emile Heskey has responded to reports of a January move to Liverpool by saying it would be "lovely" to re-sign for his old club.

http://img234.imagevenue.com/loc481/th_77110__45119200_heskey2_226_body_123_481lo.jpg

Heskey, whose contract with Wigan expires next summer, has experienced a resurgence in form this season.
The 30-year-old told BBC Radio 5 Live that he is "keeping my options open".
When asked about a return to Liverpool, for whom he made 150 appearances from 2000 to 2004, he said: "It would be lovely. We'll see how it goes."

[joyvy67]

Dirk Kuyt (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/dirk-kuyt.html) scored twice as Liverpool (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/liverpool/) came from behind to snatch a 3-2 Premier League win against 10-man Wigan at Anfield.

http://img212.imagevenue.com/loc33/th_53322_1767bc91ca92f97834d0d83b30f5a184_123_33lo .jpg (http://img212.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=53322_1767bc91ca92f97834d0d83b30f5a1 84_123_33lo.jpg) http://img142.imagevenue.com/loc1149/th_53393__45121365_kuytgol226getty_123_1149lo.jpg


Dirk Kuyt's scissor-kick five minutes from time gives Liverpool a 3-2 win against 10-man Wigan in a pulsating game at Anfield.

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez:
"I think that we were attacking, controlling and creating chances so we were in control of the second half.
"We didn't start well and they started really well.
"After conceding the goal the team was a little bit nervous but when we scored the first goal, we were again in the game and were controlling.
"We then concede the second goal when we were playing better."


http://liverpoolfrance.forumactif.com/users/17/33/01/smiles/niko_liv.gifhttp://liverpoolfrance.forumactif.com/users/17/33/01/smiles/niko_liv.gifhttp://liverpoolfrance.forumactif.com/users/17/33/01/smiles/niko_liv.gif

[temi]

I wonder why the let him go in the first place


England striker Emile Heskey has responded to reports of a January move to Liverpool by saying it would be "lovely" to re-sign for his old club.

http://img234.imagevenue.com/loc481/th_77110__45119200_heskey2_226_body_123_481lo.jpg

Heskey, whose contract with Wigan expires next summer, has experienced a resurgence in form this season.
The 30-year-old told BBC Radio 5 Live that he is "keeping my options open".
When asked about a return to Liverpool, for whom he made 150 appearances from 2000 to 2004, he said: "It would be lovely. We'll see how it goes."