LFC Fans Forum

[chelseagirl]

andyj said:

Everton 3-0

Freaky, well done andyj, go the wee blues

[brett]

andyj said:

Everton 3-0

Genius

[Farthing]

What the hell was Reina doing throwing the ball on Andy Johnson's head and timmy cahill just loves scoreing in the derby

[johnnywarren]

there will surely be a spanish inquisition. jersey was a fingers man and now it looks like reina's got the same gloves on.

[johnnywarren]

Liverpool will be without John Arne Riise for two weeks after he injured his ankle in the 3-0 defeat at Everton.
The Norwegian defender Riise, 25, will miss Liverpool's Champions League tie against PSV Eindhoven on Tuesday and Sunday's league game against Chelsea.

The injury is a reoccurence of the one Riise suffered on the first day of the season in the draw at Sheffield United.

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez said: "It's not serious but John will be out for the next 10 to 15 days."

DARN

[johnnywarren]

ok latest from dugouts is that bellend lost the plot on saturday because he was left out of squad for derby and had a spit with rafa. but apparently he is in the squad to play psv. we need bellamy playing in first eleven. even though he is a nutter we need his hardness and commitment

[Dan]

johnnywarren said:

ok latest from dugouts is that bellend lost the plot on saturday because he was left out of squad for derby and had a spit with rafa. but apparently he is in the squad to play psv. we need bellamy playing in first eleven. even though he is a nutter we need his hardness and commitment

Don't believe it for a second. You will be reading shit like that on koptalk.com (kraptalk) everytime he is left out of the team! Easy target.
Loved the king kenny clip. Was standing on the kop for the derby in 91/92. David Burrows scored a screamer from leftback after 31seconds. Lost BOTH my shoes in the surge. We won 3-1 in the end and i left Anfield a happy boy.
With a limp.

[johnnywarren]

good one dan. hope we go well this weekend. after a tough week - lost to everton and then the draw with psv hope the boys will turn it around and play to their potential. i think that the rotation system might not work at liverpool and rafa will have to sort out his starting format. got some good players to work with and needs to come up with the goods.

[johnnywarren]

RAFA BENITEZ has dismissed claims Liverpool's hopes of a title challenge depend on a result against Chelsea this weekend.
With one defeat in their first three league games, Benitez is well aware of the importance of a positive outcome at Stamford Bridge.
But the Anfield boss is adamant the race for the Premiership will be as open as ever this season, and he doesn't believe a defeat for either side on Sundaymeans they should be written off.
Benitez predicts the final points tally this year could be much lower than the 91 Chelsea accumulated in winning their second consecutive title.
"I'm surprised so many people are saying if we lose, the title will be impossible," said Benitez. "Last year we won one of the first six league games but finished the season with 82 points and came third. This time,Iwouldn't besurprised if a team with 75 points finished first.
"I think the Premiership is much stronger this year and a lot of clubs have improved. More teams will beat each other."
Liverpool will welcome the extra day's preparation before heading to London, having been forced to play in three consecutive early Saturday league fixtures so far.
Benitez will be pondering who to pair with Jamie Carragher, with Daniel Agger's claims enhanced by his man-of-the-match performance in Eindhoven.
Steven Gerrard will return to the starting line-up having been rested in midweek, but John Arne Riise is still injured.

[johnnywarren]

Chelsea increased the gap over title rivals Liverpool to eight points after a stunning Didier Drogba winner.

Drogba swivelled and powered in a shot from 18 yards to put the Blues ahead before the home side's Michael Ballack was sent off for an apparent stamp.

Steven Gerrard spurned the best chance for the visitors when he shot straight at keeper Petr Cech from eight yards.

Liverpool were denied a penalty when Gerrard seemed to be pushed before Peter Crouch missed with a late header.

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho had waited in the tunnel for Reds counterpart Rafael Benitez prior to kick-off as the antagonism between the pair appeared to have been eased with a shake of the hands.

When the action got under way, Chelsea slowly started to exert some authority against a Liverpool side that was sitting back and trying to sting the Blues on the counter-attack.

Chelsea struggled to break down the discipline and organisation of the Reds, while the visitors were let down by some stray passing.

But Reds striker Dirk Kuyt almost unlocked a cagey first half when a defence-splitting diagonal ball from Xabi Alonso left him with a clear sight of goal.

Kuyt made powerful contact with a rising, angled drive but agonisingly saw it come back off the crossbar.

Frank Lampard saw a 25-yard free-kick easily gathered by keeper Jose Reina, while at the other end Craig Bellamy had a shot saved as the rival teams enjoyed yet another tight affair.

It needed a moment of brilliance to break the deadlock and Drogba produced it when he chested down Lampard's ball, with his back to goal.

In one move the Ivory Coast striker swivelled and unleashed a left-foot, half-volley with such speed and power that it left defender Jamie Carragher stunned and Reina rooted to his spot.

Mohamed Sissoko was fortunate not to be sent off for a second bookable offence after a foul on Lampard before Gerrard came close to equalising just before the break.

Gerrard cut in from his left-midfield position and decided to shoot from a tight angle - instead of crossing for better-placed team-mates - only to see his shot sail shot sail high.

Chelsea suffered a setback when Ballack was red-carded for a rash 51st-minute challenge on Sissoko when it appeared he stamped on his rival midfielder's leg.

The visitors slowly started to capitalise on their advantage in numbers and created a glorious chance for Gerrard, who saw a fierce shot from eight yards blocked by Cech.

Arjen Robben had a penalty claim waved away at the other end when he was the filling between a Carragher and Daniel Agger sandwich as the game opened up.

Liverpool's turn to be incensed came when they were not awarded a spot-kick for what appeared to be a Lampard push on Gerrard.

The visitors had chances to pull level but lacked a cutting edge and Crouch headed straight at Cech late on to sum up their frustration.


Chelsea: Cech, Boulahrouz (Paulo Ferreira 71), Ricardo Carvalho, Terry, Ashley Cole, Essien, Makelele, Ballack, Lampard, Shevchenko (Robben 65), Drogba (Kalou 90).
Subs Not Used: Cudicini, Mikel.

Sent Off: Ballack (51).

Booked: Boulahrouz, Drogba, Cech.

Goals: Drogba 42.

Liverpool: Reina, Finnan, Agger, Carragher, Warnock (Aurelio 54), Pennant, Gerrard, Alonso, Sissoko (Zenden 67), Bellamy (Crouch 78), Kuyt.
Subs Not Used: Dudek, Hyypia.

Booked: Warnock, Sissoko.

Att: 41,882.

[johnnywarren]

Liverpool struck three times after the break to seal an impressive victory.

But Spurs were left to regret an astonishing miss from Jermaine Jenas seconds before Mark Gonzalez gave Liverpool a 63rd-minute lead.

Jenas somehow missed from a matter of inches from Edgar Davids' cross, and Spurs were punished when Gonzalez scored after Craig Bellamy hit a post.

Dirk Kuyt slammed home the second after 73 minutes and John Arne Riise hit a spectacular third in the dying seconds.

Liverpool chose to rest Jamie Carragher and recall Sami Hyypia, while Spurs boss Martin Jol gave a rare outing to the strike partnership of Robbie Keane and Jermain Defoe, with Dimitar Berbatov out injured.

Xabi Alonso, whose 60-yard strike stunned Newcastle in midweek, tried his luck from closer range after 12 minutes, firing a low shot just wide through a packed penalty area.

But it was Spurs who should have gone ahead 13 minutes later when Ledley King somehow failed to get a touch to Danny Murphy's free-kick only six yards out with the goal at his mercy.

Liverpool came even closer when Gonzalez's corner deflected off Pascal Chimbonda onto an upright with Paul Robinson beaten.

The home side had penalty appeals turned down on the stroke of half-time when King appeared to handle and then haul down Bellamy as he raced into the area.

But referee Howard Webb got the decision correct as King had timed his tackle to perfection.

Liverpool carried all the momentum after the break, forcing Jol into a change after 61 minutes, sending on Davids for Teemu Tainio.

And the move should have paid swift dividends as the Dutch veteran raced down the left flank and set up Jenas inside the six-yard box, but he somehow slid the ball wide when it was easier to score.

Liverpool made Spurs pay heavily for Jenas' shocking miss, taking the lead within seconds.

Steven Gerrard's cross found Bellamy right in front of goal, and even though he managed to conjure up a miss every bit as bad as Jenas by hitting a post, the rebound fell kindly for Gonzalez to beat Robinson from an angle.

And Spurs' afternoon got even worse as Liverpool doubled their advantage with 17 minutes left.

Substitute Luis Garcia, on for Bellamy, threaded a pass through to Kuyt who provided a powerful finish as Spurs waited for an offside flag that was never going to come thanks to dreadful positioning by Benoit Assou-Ekotto.

Liverpool were in the ascendancy, and just to confirm this was not going to be Spurs' afternoon, Riise fired a trademark thunderbolt past Robinson in the dying seconds.



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Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez:
"After they made that mistake with the missed chance we hit them on the counter attack.
"After the first goal we got better and took control and that was the key."

"In the first half we were looking for the right pass, but after the break we started with a higher tempo."


Tottenham boss Martin Jol:
"We had two or three opportunities before Jermaine Jenas missed a good chance.
"We deserved something from the game but it is about putting our chances away and we failed to do that.

"Overall we did a good job because our midfield especially played well but we have to keep our spirit high and we must make it happen."



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Liverpool: Reina, Finnan, Hyypia, Agger, Riise, Gerrard, Alonso (Carragher 84), Sissoko, Gonzalez (Aurelio 77), Bellamy (Luis Garcia 68), Kuyt.
Subs Not Used: Dudek, Crouch.

Booked: Hyypia.

Goals: Gonzalez 63, Kuyt 73, Riise 89.

Tottenham: Robinson, Chimbonda, Dawson, King, Assou-Ekotto, Jenas, Murphy (Mido 79), Zokora, Tainio (Davids 61), Keane, Defoe.
Subs Not Used: Cerny, Lee, Huddlestone.

Att: 44,330

Ref: H Webb (S Yorkshire).

[johnnywarren]

well done. manu had a draw so gets us closer.

[johnnywarren]

HARRY KEWELL is confident he will return "stronger, quicker and fitter" for Liverpool when he recovers from his latest injury setback.

The Anfield forward is back in Australia undergoing a series of operations to cure the niggling problems that have sidelined him since the summer.

Kewell has not played since scoring the equaliser in the 2-2 draw with Croatia that earned his country a place in the knockout stages of the World Cup in June.

The 28-year-old, who flew out to his family home in Smithfield, Australia last week, is expected back at Melwood within the next fortnight.

And although no date has yet been slated for the winger's return to first-term action, Kewell - who described his left foot as being "all mashed up" and currently has both feet wrapped in bandages - is convinced his long-term future is not under threat.

"No question - I'll come back stronger, quicker and fitter," he said. "I've been out for a long time and I'm hungry to come back into it - that's what I'm really looking forward to."


Kewell underwent surgery to strip the bone in the big toe on his left foot, which was attacked by septic arthritis, a bacterial infection. A tendon in his right ankle was also scraped to ease inflammation, with the player due to have a hip arthroscopy this week to ease pain in his troublesome groin.


"I can walk around now but I have to be very, very careful," added Kewell. "It's going to be a couple of weeks before I can do anything.


"I'm in a bit of pain now but expect to be fine in a couple of days. But it's part and parcel of football. If you pick up an injury, you've got to deal with it. You've got to move on."

Kewell has been in constant contact with Liverpool during his time in Australia, which was given the green light last week by manager Rafael Benitez.

"We've discussed everything since I've been out here," said Kewell. "They know exactly what I'm doing and that's how we like it, we like to keep everything open. They've been fantastic through the whole thing as well."

Kewell's absence has opened the way for his left-wing rivals to impress, with Mark Gonzalez scoring in the 3-0 win over Tottenham on Saturday.

It was the Chile international's second goal following his prolonged wait for his Liverpool debut at the start of the season.

Gonzalez has failed to command a regular place in Benitez's starting line-up having struggled with illness and adapting to life amid the hurly-burly of the Premiership. But now the 22-year-old is determined to find his true form, and said: "It's not been easy for me because I've not played many games, but the more you play the more you learn and get used to it.

"English and Spanish football is very different which I've known from the beginning. The physical side is what I'll be working on most. I like that all the fans knew me and were watching me before I joined, because then they know the kind of player you are and the qualities you have.

"Now it's up to me to show them, because if people know what to expect, there's no reason why you can't show it."

Meanwhile, Benitez is hopeful midfielders Xabi Alonso and Mohamed Sissoko overcome minor knocks in time for tomorrow's Champions League group game with Galatasaray at Anfield.

[johnnywarren]

Well, we went to bolton concerned as their game is one that always gives liverpool grief. don't know if it is the sam connection or just the way bolton play. but anyway here it is from bbc___________

Bolton outmuscled Liverpool to inflict a third consecutive away league defeat on Rafael Benitez's side.

Sam Allardyce's team went ahead with a disputed goal after Jose Reina was wrongfully penalised for handball.

Playing his 750th league game, Gary Speed inflicted maximum punishment on Liverpool as he arrowed in a free-kick.

Bolton extended their lead when Ivan Campo thumped a header against the bar and over the line from Kevin Davies' cross early in the second half.

Liverpool struggled on their league travels in Benitez's first season in charge and having picked up just one point away from home during this campaign they are again faltering outside of Anfield.

Bolton might have been fortunate with that first goal, but once they were ahead the way they defended suggested they were never going to relinquish their lead.

Both goalscorers typified that grit as they both made important defensive interventions as Liverpool threatened.

In the first half, Speed got back to tackle Jermaine Pennant, while after Campo had scored his goal, the former Real Madrid player was soon stretching to stop Jamie Carragher's pass reaching Luis Garcia.

Prior to Saturday, Benitez had been concerned about Bolton's physical approach and it was not long before he was expressing his frustration as his team were unsettled by the home side's tactics.

Abdoulaye Faye was booked for a crude tackle on Steven Gerrard, while Dirk Kuyt was left with a bloody head after he was involved in a clash of heads with the Bolton defender.

Liverpool's pain was further increased when they fell behind in controversial circumstances.

Reina was penalised for handling outside of his area, though television replays showed the Spaniard released the ball when he was clearly inside in his box.

Reina was made to pay for linesman Andy Halliday's mistake as Speed's low left-footed shot flew into the corner of the net.

The former Villarrel goalkeeper has had an uncertain start to this season and in trying to save Speed's free-kick he made the strange decision to dive in the space his wall was protecting as the ball went the other way.

Speed's strike was Bolton's only direct shot at goal in the first half.

Nicolas Anelka should have got a shot on target earlier but he delayed too long allowing Sami Hyppia to recover after he slipped allowing the Frenchman a chance to run at goal.

Either side of Speed's goal, Liverpool had chances to score.

Alonso's sweetly-struck volley hit the base of the post, while Jussi Jaaskelainen reacted quickly to beat away Gerrard's powerful shot.

If Bolton had been unable to conjure up an attack in the opening 45 minutes they proved quicker off the mark after the break.

On 51 minutes Davies delivered a cross from the right that was met by Campo with a thumping header that rebounded off the bar and over the line with Reina well beaten.

Bolton manager Sam Allardyce:
"The performance nullified them. We closed down, worked hard and had a gameplan and we frustrated Liverpool for all of the game really.
"What half-chances they did get, people were prepared to die to stop the ball going in the back of the net.

"We might have been a bit fortunate with the free-kick but we've taken advantage of it."


Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez:
"It's clear that a mistake has been made.
"Pepe let go of the ball inside the area and then kicked it outside.

"The linesman was in a bad position. I knew at the time it was a mistake but what can you do?"



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bolton: Jaaskelainen, Hunt, Meite, Faye, Ben Haim, Davies, Campo, Nolan, Diouf (Giannakopoulos 87), Speed, Anelka (Vaz Te 84).
Subs Not Used: Walker, Tal, Fojut.

Booked: Faye, Speed.

Goals: Speed 30, Campo 51.

Liverpool: Reina, Finnan, Hyypia, Carragher, Riise, Pennant (Luis Garcia 59), Sissoko (Zenden 75), Alonso, Gerrard, Kuyt (Crouch 49), Bellamy.
Subs Not Used: Dudek, Agger.

Booked: Crouch.

Att: 25,061.

Ref: P Dowd (Staffordshire).

[johnnywarren]

Some great quotes from Bill Shankley.

"If you are first, you are first. If you are second, you are nothing."


"Some people believe football is a matter of life and death. I'm very disappointed with that attitude. I can assure you it is much, much more important than that."

"Football is a simple game based on the giving and taking of passes, of controlling the ball and of making yourself available to receive a pass. It is terribly simple."

"I'm just one of the people who stands on the Kop. They think the same as I do, and I think the same as they do. It's a kind of marriage of people who like each other."

"It's there to remind our lads who they're playing for, and to remind the opposition who they're playing against."

"Of course I didn't take my wife to see Rochdale as an anniversary present. It was her birthday. Would I have got married in the football season? Anyway, it was Rochdale reserves."

"I only wanted him for the reserves anyway (Lou Macari)."

"The trouble with referees is that they know the rules, but they do not know the game."

"It was the most difficult thing in the world, when I went to tell the chairman. It was like walking to the electric chair. That's the way it felt (On his resignation)."

"Liverpool was made for me and I was made for Liverpool."

"If Everton were playing at the bottom of the garden, I'd pull the curtains."

Sources : WikiQuote

[johnnywarren]

BLACKBURN'S Lucas Neill has urged Liverpool to re-ignite their interest in him when the transfer window opens.

The Aussie defender has spoken for the first time about his disappointment at failing to secure a summer switch to Anfield.

He claimed 'no player in their right mind would turn down Liverpool'.

A deal failed to material-ise at the eleventh hour on August 31, as Rovers held firm on their wish for a swop deal involving Stephen Warnock.

Reds boss Rafa Benitez refused, but is likely to re-consider the option in the New Year.


Neill would be able to sign a pre-contract agreement with other clubs in January, and leave on a free Bosman transfer next summer.


Neill, who will captain Australia in a friendly with Paraguay tomorrow, said: "I was linked with Liverpool most famously, and no player in their right mind would not want the opportunity to go to a club like that, with so much history and prestige.


"The deal that was presented to the club at the time from Liverpool was not in Blackburn's best interests, therefore I didn't have a say and I didn't move on.


"It's unfortunate for my career that it didn't go that way, but as a professional I have to move on.

But now I'm hopefully in just as good a position when those opportunities present themselves again in January, or if not then, I'll get a free transfer in June."

With Steve Finnan and youngster Lee Peltier the only recognised right backs in the squad, Benitez is sure to make a move in January.

If Blackburn hope to receive a fee, they'll have no choice but to release him during the next transfer window.

[johnnywarren]

Liverpool continue to stutter in the Premiership despite Craig Bellamy scoring his first league goal against former club Blackburn.

After a shaky start Blackburn went ahead when Benni McCarthy deftly converted David Bentley's cross.

Liverpool huffed and puffed in search of the equaliser, pulling level on 65 minutes when the unmarked Bellamy headed home a Fabio Aurelio corner.

Blackburn nearly snatched it when Bentley was denied by Jose Reina.

Bentley briefly glimpsed goal as Jason Roberts got the better of Sami Hyypia, but Reina did well to narrow the angle and deflect the ball for a corner.

Soon afterwards Jamie Carragher had to be brave in challenging Shabani Nonda as the on-loan Roma striker threatened.

To their credit Blackburn were never content to sit on the lead and always used the possession they had intelligently.

Before McCarthy put Blackburn ahead, Liverpool had had several chances as Jermaine Pennant delivered a series of crosses from the right.

And Zura Khizanishvili did well to clear Peter Crouch's scuffed shot off the line with Brad Friedel beaten.

Crouch then benefited from Bellamy's clever dummy, but the England forward was again unable to get a clean strike on the ball and Friedel comfortably gathered.

If Pennant's work on the wings stood out for Liverpool in the opening half, Bentley provided a similar service for Blackburn on the right flank.

It was Bentley's cross that created Blackburn's goal, his in-swinging cross drawing Reina out of position, providing the opportunity for McCarthy to sidefoot the ball home.

Reina's positioning might have poor, Steve Finnan and Carragher might have also done better in dealing with Bentley's cross.

McCarthy's strike served to unsettle Liverpool out of their rhythm and although Pennant continued to probe down the right, Blackburn had little difficulty protecting their lead for the rest of the first half.

Despite Pennant's endeavours he was replaced by Luis Garcia early in the second half as Benitez tried to inject some life into his labouring side.

Soon after coming on Garcia was just unable to reach a Crouch header across goal following Xabi Alonso's free-kick.

That chance prompted a mini-Liverpool revival and on 65 minutes the home side equalised.

Bellamy had worked hard against his former team, but had had few sights of goal.

That all changed when he was left unmarked at the far post from Aurelio's corner, the Welshman guiding a diving header past Friedel.

But a below-par Liverpool were unable to find the winner, though John Arne Riise and Alonso tried their luck with shots.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez:
"We defended badly on the left, and then when the cross came in our central defenders were in the wrong positions. It was a bad goal.
"But we have Craig Bellamy to thank for the equaliser. I am pleased for him and it was very important for him

"We can now stop talking about when he will score in the league for us."


Blackburn manager Mark Hughes:
"You expect to come under pressure at Anfield but we coped and we restricted them to a few chances. Late on we might have even stolen the win.
"I was delighted with the performance. I thought some of our play was really progressive - you have to be brave in and out of possession.

"We created Liverpool problems, getting out wide and putting in crosses."



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Liverpool: Reina, Finnan, Hyypia, Carragher, Aurelio, Pennant (Luis Garcia 53), Alonso, Gerrard, Riise, Crouch, Bellamy.
Subs Not Used: Dudek, Gonzalez, Paletta, Zenden.

Booked: Hyypia.

Goals: Bellamy 64.

Blackburn: Friedel, Emerton, Ooijer, Khizanishvili, Neill, Bentley, Savage, Kerimoglu (Mokoena 72), Pedersen (Gallagher 72), McCarthy (Roberts 80), Nonda.
Subs Not Used: Brown, McEveley.

Booked: Bentley, Neill, Savage.

Goals: McCarthy 17.

Att: 44,206.

[johnnywarren]

Liverpool 3-1 Aston Villa
By John Sinnott


Liverpool produced their best display of the season to hand Aston Villa their first league defeat of the campaign.

The home side were 3-0 up at half-time, Dirk Kuyt volleying Liverpool in front, before Peter Crouch added the second with another first-time effort.

Steven Gerrard, Kuyt and Crouch then linked to set up Luis Garcia, who slipped the ball under Thomas Sorensen.

Early in the second half Gerrard hit the post before Gabriel Agbonlahor's incisive finish reduced the deficit.


The frustration for Villa was that until that mini second-half revival they were unable to show the form that had brought them to Anfield unbeaten in their previous nine Premiership games.

But they can have few complaints at the half-time scoreline after failing to establish any sort of connection with their forwards Juan Pablo Angel and former Liverpool striker Milan Baros.

Liverpool proved much more adept at finding their forwards Kuyt and Crouch.

Kuyt had missed an early chance after Garcia had crossed, while Crouch went close with a downward header.

John Arne Riise then tried his luck with a couple of powerful shots.

Liverpool finally found the solution to turning possession into goals on 31 minutes.

Kuyt's goal came from an unusual source - Liverpool's central defensive partnership of Jamie Carragher and Sami Hyypia.

Carragher's flighted pass was headed on by Hyypia to Kuyt, who after controlling the ball on his chest, arrowed a volley past Sorensen.

Steve Finnan picked up the attacking baton from his fellow defenders to help create Liverpool's second.

Liverpool had kept possession well before Garcia played the ball out to Finnan, who swung in a cross from the right.

As the ball came into the box Crouch extended his right leg to guide a volley down and past Sorensen.

If Liverpool's opening two goals had owed much to the attacking play of their defenders, the home side's third saw their forwards combine in a flowing move.

Gerrard, Kuyt and Crouch swiftly exchanged passes on the edge of the Villa box to set up the marauding Garcia, who sidefooted home.

Soon after the break Gerrard came close when he rattled the post after Villa failed to clear the ball.

But Agbonlahor's goal gave Liverpool a real jolt.

Agbonlahor broke clear of the Liverpool defence to collect a pass from Chris Sutton, who was one of two substitutions made by Martin O'Neill at the start of the second half after Villa's lacklustre performance in the opening period.

Sutton came desperately close to scoring his first goal for Villa when his flicked header was superbly tipped away by Jose Reina.

The former Celtic striker then tried to turn a Steve Davis shot past Reina.

Garcia might have had a second goal after he collected a pass from Gerrard, but the Spaniard put the ball the wrong side of the post.

In stoppage time substitute Robbie Fowler came close to scoring on his 350th appearance for Liverpool.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez:
"The first half was as good as anything we have produced this season, apart maybe for the first 30 minutes against Galatasaray.
"We started with a high tempo and maintained it. And the players were able to give the fans what they wanted.

"The players were able to enjoy their skills and they came in at half-time knowing they had played well."


Villa manager Martin O'Neill:
"The players are downbeat and so they should be.
"We've been well beaten by a very good side and we have to learn from it. Now we need to go on another unbeaten run.

"But I have to credit my players for how they've played in these last 10 league games and it's important we shouldn't overlook that."



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Liverpool: Reina, Finnan, Carragher, Hyypia, Riise, Gerrard (Fowler 81), Alonso, Sissoko, Luis Garcia (Zenden 77), Kuyt, Crouch (Pennant 75).
Subs Not Used: Martin, Agger.

Goals: Kuyt 31, Crouch 38, Luis Garcia 44.

Aston Villa: Sorensen, Hughes, Mellberg, Ridgewell, Bouma, Agbonlahor, Petrov, Osbourne (Davis 74), Barry, Angel (Sutton 46), Baros (Agathe 46).
Subs Not Used: Taylor, Laursen.

Booked: Mellberg.

Goals: Agbonlahor 56.

Att: 44,117.

[johnnywarren]

Liverpool 3-0 Bordeaux

Luis Garcia scored twice and Steven Gerrard netted his first goal of the season as Liverpool qualified for the Champions League knockout stages.

Garcia volleyed the Reds in front on 23 minutes with a powerful shot from a tight angle after Gerrard's cross.

Bordeaux's Fernando Menegazzo was sent off for a savage headbutt on John Arne Riise on 67 minutes, before Gerrard sidefooted home from inside the box.

And Garcia raced clear on 76 minutes to shoot home and seal the victory.

It was a deserved win for Liverpool, who overcame a shaky spell early in the second half to guarantee progress from Group C.

The Reds did look rather disjointed in the opening stages - somewhat ironically given that boss Rafael Benitez named an unchanged side for the first time in 100 games.

But Garcia gave the home fans something to cheer with their first shot on target.

The Spaniard produced a powerful volley from a tight angle on the left, hitting Gerrard's cross into the ground and over Bordeaux keeper Ulrich Rame.

The goal seemed to settle Liverpool, who began stroking the ball around far more fluently.

But first-half chances were at a premium with Liverpool looking comfortable against a toothless Bordeaux attack.

Wendell's free-kick just before the break - comfortably saved by Jose Reina - was as close as the visitors came.

But Bordeaux showed far more attacking intent after the interval, Florian Marange setting the tone with a 47th-minute drive which Reina had to tip over the bar.

Jean Claude Darcheville also had the alarm bells ringing in the home defence as he beat the offside trap, only to be denied by Reina.

Johan Micoud was also denied by a fine lunging tackle from Sami Hyypia as Bordeaux enjoyed a spell of pressure.

Liverpool were struggling to rediscover their form, but midway through the half Menegazzo handed the initiative back to the Reds after his baffling act of thuggery left his side a man short.

Bordeaux had been unhappy with a Mohamed Sissoko challenge in midfield and during the break in play, Menegazzo strode up to Riise and headbutted the Norwegian.

Riise was bleeding profusely and referee Markus Merk swiftly produced a red card.

Shortly afterwards, Gerrard found the net to double the lead, finishing smartly after Boudewijn Zenden's superb pass.

And Garcia strode through on 76 minutes after a defensive blunder before rifling home to end the game as a contest.

Liverpool created more chances late on, as Sissoko's drive was tipped over by Rame, while Hyypia headed over from the rebound after the keeper parried Gerrard's shot.



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Liverpool: Reina, Finnan, Carragher, Hyypia, Riise, Gerrard, Alonso (Zenden 57), Sissoko, Luis Garcia (Fowler 78), Kuyt, Crouch (Pennant 72).
Subs Not Used: Dudek, Agger, Aurelio, Warnock.

Booked: Sissoko.

Goals: Luis Garcia 23, Gerrard 71, Luis Garcia 76.

Bordeaux: Rame, Faubert, Jemmali, Cid, Marange, Menegazzo, Ducasse, Micoud (Mavuba 74), Wendell, Chamakh (Perea 11), Darcheville (Obertan 59).
Subs Not Used: Valverde, Henrique, Alonso, Francia.

Sent Off: Menegazzo (67).

Att: 41,978

Ref: Markus Merk (Germany).

[johnnywarren]

obviously when reds aren't doing well, no one wants to respond.

well as you can see we are making progress up the chart and are sitting in fifth place - sixteen behind the mancs and 10 behind "the russians".

but the real scenario is now that we have to do well in the champions league. imo i don't think that we can catch the top two. the pl will be a close 2 horse race. so we need to make the final or CL and we really need to do well in the fa cup for rafa to stay at the club.
so lets give it to the arse in the 3rd round .

if any other reds out there want to post something - go ahead.