St. Benitez
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BRILLIANT LIVERPOOL DESTROY MANCHESTER UNITED
Liverpool's skipper Steven Gerrard was an inspiration at Old Trafford
Saturday March 14,2009
Manchester United 1 Liverpool 4
Rafael Benitez might end up having the last laugh after all as his Liverpool side hauled themselves back into the title fight with a decisive crushing of 10-man Manchester United at Old Trafford.
The Merseyside giants battled back from a goal down to defeat the Premier League leaders in clinical fashion, Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard turning the match on its head before the break, with Fabio Aurelio and Andrea Dossena easing Liverpool well clear before the end.
In contrast, it was an day to forget for Nemanja Vidic, who gifted Torres the equaliser before being sent off against Liverpool for second time this season as Benitez’s side reduced United’s lead at the top to four points, albeit having played a game more.
Wayne Rooney was left disconsolate
It represented Liverpool’s biggest win at United since 1936 and could yet trigger an amazing championship revival.
Liverpool were the ones who needed the win and there appeared an extra sharpness about them from the start, especially Torres who gave the Red Devils defence a torrid time.
Once Jamie Carragher had recovered his composure after being unsettled by a late switch to right-back because of Alvaro Arbeloa’s late withdrawal, they had the edge in vital areas, the hosts no better than their nervy first-half display against Inter Milan in midweek.
Indeed, it was a surprise when United went ahead.
Pepe Reina read Carlos Tevez’s through ball for Park Ji-sung well enough but came out too quickly for his own good. When the South Korean nicked the ball away, the Liverpool keeper could not stop.
And though Reina pleaded for leniency, referee Alan Wiley correctly pointed to the spot.
Ronaldo is not the type of player to waste such opportunities and duly dispatched his 17th goal of the season.
Had Sir Alex Ferguson’s men been able to hold their advantage for a decent length of time, the visitors might have panicked. But five minutes later Liverpool were level thanks to a rare mistake from Nemanja Vidic.
The Serbian has been virtually foot perfect this season, so much so that he is favourite to win the PFA player of the year award.
But first Vidic let Martin Skrtel’s long punt forward bounce when he could have headed it back into the Liverpool half quite easily. Then, he failed to deal with the loose ball, allowing Torres to nip in and streak clear, beating Edwin van der Sar with clinical efficiency.
Conceding one goal was amazing enough for the Red Devils, yet before half-time Liverpool had scored again.
Hull were the last team to score more than once against United in Premier League combat - and that was four-and-a-half months ago.
But when Torres tried to send Gerrard racing into the box and Patrice Evra mis-timed his tackle, the Liverpool skipper found he converted his penalty with the same confidence Ronaldo had shown earlier.
Gerrard’s glee was obvious. And Liverpool’s lead was fully deserved, condemning Ferguson to his first interval rallying call in league combat at Old Trafford all season.
The Scot injected a greater sense of urgency into his team, even if there was no improvement in their retention of the ball.
Carrick in particular was having a pretty bad day, twice putting his side in danger with wayward passes.
United at least managed to generate some momentum, with Tevez almost getting on the end of a Wayne Rooney knock-back and then rolling a shot on the turn just wide.
Having expressed his ’hatred’ of Liverpool earlier in the week, the last thing Rooney wanted was to suffer an immediate defeat and a chance for Gerrard - a long-time friend - to gloat.
Yet as time ticked by, that was the fate Rooney was condemned to, especially as Ferguson waited until less than 20 minutes remained before he made the introductions of Dimitar Berbatov, Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs.
It is the kind of strength Benitez does not have and one of the major reasons why Liverpool have found themselves on the wrong end of a 14-point swing in fortunes since United returned from their Club World Cup campaign in Japan just before Christmas.
What Liverpool have managed to do this season is beat Chelsea and United, against both of whom they have now registered ’doubles’.
Any hope United had, evaporated within a minute of Ferguson’s spectacular triple substitution as another woeful first touch, again from Vidic, left the Serbian little alternative other than to haul down Gerrard.
For the second successive game against Liverpool, it brought Vidic a red card and he was still making his way down the tunnel when Aurelio curled home a superb free-kick.
And Liverpool were not finished as Andrea Dossena lobbed Van der Sar to complete a memorable win, whose significance remains unknown.
Liverpool's skipper Steven Gerrard was an inspiration at Old Trafford
Saturday March 14,2009
Manchester United 1 Liverpool 4
Rafael Benitez might end up having the last laugh after all as his Liverpool side hauled themselves back into the title fight with a decisive crushing of 10-man Manchester United at Old Trafford.
The Merseyside giants battled back from a goal down to defeat the Premier League leaders in clinical fashion, Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard turning the match on its head before the break, with Fabio Aurelio and Andrea Dossena easing Liverpool well clear before the end.
In contrast, it was an day to forget for Nemanja Vidic, who gifted Torres the equaliser before being sent off against Liverpool for second time this season as Benitez’s side reduced United’s lead at the top to four points, albeit having played a game more.
Wayne Rooney was left disconsolate
It represented Liverpool’s biggest win at United since 1936 and could yet trigger an amazing championship revival.
Liverpool were the ones who needed the win and there appeared an extra sharpness about them from the start, especially Torres who gave the Red Devils defence a torrid time.
Once Jamie Carragher had recovered his composure after being unsettled by a late switch to right-back because of Alvaro Arbeloa’s late withdrawal, they had the edge in vital areas, the hosts no better than their nervy first-half display against Inter Milan in midweek.
Indeed, it was a surprise when United went ahead.
Pepe Reina read Carlos Tevez’s through ball for Park Ji-sung well enough but came out too quickly for his own good. When the South Korean nicked the ball away, the Liverpool keeper could not stop.
And though Reina pleaded for leniency, referee Alan Wiley correctly pointed to the spot.
Ronaldo is not the type of player to waste such opportunities and duly dispatched his 17th goal of the season.
Had Sir Alex Ferguson’s men been able to hold their advantage for a decent length of time, the visitors might have panicked. But five minutes later Liverpool were level thanks to a rare mistake from Nemanja Vidic.
The Serbian has been virtually foot perfect this season, so much so that he is favourite to win the PFA player of the year award.
But first Vidic let Martin Skrtel’s long punt forward bounce when he could have headed it back into the Liverpool half quite easily. Then, he failed to deal with the loose ball, allowing Torres to nip in and streak clear, beating Edwin van der Sar with clinical efficiency.
Conceding one goal was amazing enough for the Red Devils, yet before half-time Liverpool had scored again.
Hull were the last team to score more than once against United in Premier League combat - and that was four-and-a-half months ago.
But when Torres tried to send Gerrard racing into the box and Patrice Evra mis-timed his tackle, the Liverpool skipper found he converted his penalty with the same confidence Ronaldo had shown earlier.
Gerrard’s glee was obvious. And Liverpool’s lead was fully deserved, condemning Ferguson to his first interval rallying call in league combat at Old Trafford all season.
The Scot injected a greater sense of urgency into his team, even if there was no improvement in their retention of the ball.
Carrick in particular was having a pretty bad day, twice putting his side in danger with wayward passes.
United at least managed to generate some momentum, with Tevez almost getting on the end of a Wayne Rooney knock-back and then rolling a shot on the turn just wide.
Having expressed his ’hatred’ of Liverpool earlier in the week, the last thing Rooney wanted was to suffer an immediate defeat and a chance for Gerrard - a long-time friend - to gloat.
Yet as time ticked by, that was the fate Rooney was condemned to, especially as Ferguson waited until less than 20 minutes remained before he made the introductions of Dimitar Berbatov, Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs.
It is the kind of strength Benitez does not have and one of the major reasons why Liverpool have found themselves on the wrong end of a 14-point swing in fortunes since United returned from their Club World Cup campaign in Japan just before Christmas.
What Liverpool have managed to do this season is beat Chelsea and United, against both of whom they have now registered ’doubles’.
Any hope United had, evaporated within a minute of Ferguson’s spectacular triple substitution as another woeful first touch, again from Vidic, left the Serbian little alternative other than to haul down Gerrard.
For the second successive game against Liverpool, it brought Vidic a red card and he was still making his way down the tunnel when Aurelio curled home a superb free-kick.
And Liverpool were not finished as Andrea Dossena lobbed Van der Sar to complete a memorable win, whose significance remains unknown.
I've always known prayer works. Just never expected to see it do so in this context. ;D
Did you watch it on the black and white JJ?
No Sheiky, that only gets terrestrial games and this was on satellite. Old Faithful did its stuff for the Real game in midweek though. 8)
"My heart is with Liverpool Football Club, so I'm delighted to sign this new deal," said Rafa. "I love the club, the fans and the city and with a club like this and supporters like this, I could never say no to staying. I always made clear I wanted to be here for a long time and when I complete my new contract it will mean I have spent over a decade in Liverpool".
Liverpool 5 Aston Villa 0 - Tony Barrett's verdict
Mar 23 2009 by Tony Barrett, Liverpool Echo
THE home dressing room at Anfield is not the most obvious place you would imagine poetry to be recited.
But had Rafa Benitez quoted the opening line from Rudyard Kipling’s “If†during his pre-match team talk ahead of yesterday’s annihilation of Aston Villa it would have been most apt given the way Liverpool’s title rivals had spent the previous day.
For keeping your head while all about you are losing theirs is exactly what it is about at this stage of the season.
And while Manchester United and Chelsea look in serious danger of letting the situation get to them Rafa Benitez and his players are revelling in it.
Villa fans dream of their team being mentioned in the same breath as Real Madrid and Manchester United and today they are – but only because they have become the latest victims of a Liverpool juggernaut which is threatening to mow down everything in its path.
When you have demolished the continent’s most successful club then battered the reigning European champions you really should fear nothing.
And judging by their latest command performance in front of an enthralled Anfield, Liverpool can rest safe in the knowledge that no-one can live with them in their present form.
Villa certainly couldn’t as they were swept aside with a whirlwind display which produced five goals and ensured the Reds would move within a point of United at the top of the table.
Not only that, they also took what could turn out to be a crucial advantage by surging ahead of United on goal difference and goals scored.
That will be predictable, conservative Liverpool with a better scoring output than a side which apparently puts the capital E into entertainment.
Mar 23 2009 by Tony Barrett, Liverpool Echo
THE home dressing room at Anfield is not the most obvious place you would imagine poetry to be recited.
But had Rafa Benitez quoted the opening line from Rudyard Kipling’s “If†during his pre-match team talk ahead of yesterday’s annihilation of Aston Villa it would have been most apt given the way Liverpool’s title rivals had spent the previous day.
For keeping your head while all about you are losing theirs is exactly what it is about at this stage of the season.
And while Manchester United and Chelsea look in serious danger of letting the situation get to them Rafa Benitez and his players are revelling in it.
Villa fans dream of their team being mentioned in the same breath as Real Madrid and Manchester United and today they are – but only because they have become the latest victims of a Liverpool juggernaut which is threatening to mow down everything in its path.
When you have demolished the continent’s most successful club then battered the reigning European champions you really should fear nothing.
And judging by their latest command performance in front of an enthralled Anfield, Liverpool can rest safe in the knowledge that no-one can live with them in their present form.
Villa certainly couldn’t as they were swept aside with a whirlwind display which produced five goals and ensured the Reds would move within a point of United at the top of the table.
Not only that, they also took what could turn out to be a crucial advantage by surging ahead of United on goal difference and goals scored.
That will be predictable, conservative Liverpool with a better scoring output than a side which apparently puts the capital E into entertainment.
I love our fighting spirit.
The coach also drew parallels between the club's situation and the way in which the city of Liverpool has always been known as a place where people do not take a backward step, where they face adversity together and beat it.
"When I decided to sign a new contract I did it because Liverpool Football Club is more than a club," he told The Liverpool Echo.
“It is the heart of the city. It is our life and for the people here it means so much. I thought I had to sign. We have to fight. We have to do it.
"When I decided to sign a new contract I did it because Liverpool Football Club is more than a club," he told The Liverpool Echo.
“It is the heart of the city. It is our life and for the people here it means so much. I thought I had to sign. We have to fight. We have to do it.
LIVERPOOL 2 - scum 0
LIVERPOOL, Oct 25: Rafa Benitez was a happy – and relieved - manager after Liverpool ended a run of four successive defeats by scoring a third consecutive victory over Premier League champions Manchester United.
Second-half goals from Spaniard Fernando Torres and Frenchman David Ngog decided a game which both teams ended with 10 men after the late expulsions of Liverpool’s Javier Mascherano and United’s Nemanja Vidic.
Benitez said: “This was all down to our passion, our attitude and our character. Everybody worked together - from the goalkeeper to the fan in the Kop. The players answered a lot of questions.
The truth is that this team is better than people think, especially when you consider the character and quality we have.
"You just need a little bit of luck and to show this sort of character in every game. Now we have to keep going. We cannot get too excited because we have another big game on Wednesday – against Arsenal in the League Cup. Football is like this.â€
Torres won the official man of the match award. He described the result as “a massive win which keeps us in the title race.†The Spaniard added: “We are all very happy with the performance. We always play as a team and we always work hard – which is why we can beat anone.â€
LIVERPOOL, Oct 25: Rafa Benitez was a happy – and relieved - manager after Liverpool ended a run of four successive defeats by scoring a third consecutive victory over Premier League champions Manchester United.
Second-half goals from Spaniard Fernando Torres and Frenchman David Ngog decided a game which both teams ended with 10 men after the late expulsions of Liverpool’s Javier Mascherano and United’s Nemanja Vidic.
Benitez said: “This was all down to our passion, our attitude and our character. Everybody worked together - from the goalkeeper to the fan in the Kop. The players answered a lot of questions.
The truth is that this team is better than people think, especially when you consider the character and quality we have.
"You just need a little bit of luck and to show this sort of character in every game. Now we have to keep going. We cannot get too excited because we have another big game on Wednesday – against Arsenal in the League Cup. Football is like this.â€
Torres won the official man of the match award. He described the result as “a massive win which keeps us in the title race.†The Spaniard added: “We are all very happy with the performance. We always play as a team and we always work hard – which is why we can beat anone.â€
Liverpool took the honours in the Merseyside derby as Javier Mascherano's deflected first-half shot and Dirk Kuyt's late strike gave them victory at Everton.
The home side dominated for long periods but paid the price for failing to turn possession into goals as Liverpool took full advantage of their rare moments of attacking threat.
Mascherano enjoyed a huge slice of luck as Liverpool opened the scoring after only 12 minutes when his 25-yard shot ricocheted off Joseph Yobo's leg and flew beyond Everton keeper Tim Howard.
And Yobo was at fault when Liverpool wrapped up the points with 10 minutes remaining. Liverpool retrieved his sliced penalty area clearance, and when Howard could not hold Albert Riera's powerful effort Kuyt was perfectly placed to turn in the rebound.
In between Everton were left to rue their own carelessness in front of goal and the heroics of Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina as a traumatic week at Goodison Park - with the proposed move to a new stadium in Kirkby rejected by the government - ended with the pain of defeat in the 212th Merseyside derby.
Everton's £10m Russian winger Diniyar Bilyaletdinov scuffed an effort wide from just eight yards with only Reina to beat just after Mascherano's goal.
Jo, playing as Everton's lone front man, twice had the ball in the net as Everton kept Liverpool under constant pressure in the first half, but both goals were rightly ruled out for offside by referee Alan Wiley.
And the crucial moment came when Reina made a stunning double stop after 70 minutes, saving brilliantly from Tim Cahill's header and then recovering instantly to block Marouane Fellaini from the rebound when he looked certain to equalise.
Kuyt then added insult to injury with the second as Liverpool put some gloss on a disappointing week after their Champions League exit.
For all Everton's defiance, they now have only one win in 11 games and face the real prospect of a season of struggle after the riches of fifth place in the Premier League and an FA Cup Final appearance last term.
Rafael Benitez's side were poor for much of a frantic encounter, but victory was the only item on his agenda as he seeks to push Liverpool back into the top four and he will be delighted with the win, no matter how it was achieved.
Everton boss David Moyes produced a surprise in his line-up when Jo got the nod ahead of Louis Saha and Yakubu, who were named on the bench. Saha has been struggling with a calf injury and Yakubu is on his way back from a serious Achilles tendon problem, and their inability to start presented a major problem for Moyes.
And yet Jo emerged as a central figure in an eventful first half dominated by Everton, but one which ended with Liverpool claiming the lead.
It came in fortuitous circumstances after 12 minutes, when Mascherano's speculative long-range effort took a crucial touch off Yobo and flew tantalisingly out of the reach of Howard.
Everton responded with real spirit to their ill-fortune and Bilyaletdinov was guilty of a wasting a glorious opportunity to restore equality, sweeping a half-hit effort wide with the goal at his mercy as Liverpool struggled to defend a throw-in.
Jo then thought he had drawn Everton level when he turned home a finish as Everton continued to press, but Fellaini was clearly in an offside position and Goodison Park's celebrations were cut short.
South African Steven Pienaar was comfortably the most composed player on the pitch amid a typically frenetic derby atmosphere, and he was at the heart of all the good things Everton were doing.
But Liverpool almost broke the shackles to double their lead five minutes before the interval when Emiliano Insua arrived on the end of Glen Johnson's cross, but his header brought a fine reflex save from Howard.
Everton had the ball in the net again on the stroke of half-time, again through Jo, but the Brazilian was in an obvious offside position as he stood directly in front of Reina.
Reina had an anxious moment after 57 minutes when he allowed a powerful shot from Pienaar to slip through his grasp, but he was able to recover before the ball slid over the line.
Everton boss Moyes finally introduced Saha for Jo with 25 minutes left in the hope that the striker's undoubted class could overcome his lack of fitness.
Liverpool were unable to pose any sustained attacking threat to Everton, and they were grateful to Reina for a fine double save that kept them on terms with 20 minutes left.
Cahill's header from John Heitinga's free-kick looked bound for the bottom corner until Reina dived to his left to save before recovering to block the follow-up effort from Fellaini.
Liverpool made a double change as they attempted to close out what had been an anxious afternoon, sending on Yossi Benayoun and Riera for David Ngog and Fabio Aurelio.
The move reaped rewards as Riera fired in the shot that was too hot for Howard to handle, allowing the lurking Kuyt to pounce from six yards and seal Liverpool's victory.
Riera almost added a third for Liverpool when his shot was saved by Howard - but that would have been cruel on Everton who matched their rivals and more for long spells.
Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez:
"It was a great victory - everybody is really pleased. Today we worked so hard - they were tough and pushing and we did our job in defence and we had to play counter-attack."
Considering the circumstances.......
Liverpool 2-0 Tottenham: Double Delight For Dirk Kuyt As Reds Secure Vital Win
Deserved victory for Benitez's men...
A brace from Dirk Kuyt was enough to earn Liverpool a 2-0 win and a vital three points against Tottenham in a hard-fought match at Anfield.
In a disappointing encounter, Kuyt side footed home in the sixth minute and scored from the penalty spot in stoppage time to put Liverpool just a point behind Tottenham in the race for fourth place.
With Liverpool starting this match four points off their opponents it was vital for Rafael Benitez’s side to close the gap on Spurs with a win in a huge game at Anfield.
Tottenham were on top in the early moments of the match with Peter Crouch looking very threatening in the air. Their positive start nearly resulted in Sotirios Kyrgiakos diverting a Niko Kranjcar cross into his own net, but the ball was eventually smothered by Pepe Reina. From the resultant clearance though, Liverpool opened the scoring.
Some neat interplay between Kuyt and Alberto Aquilani resulted in the ball falling to the feet of Kuyt, who from just outside the area side footed the ball with his right foot into the bottom left hand corner of Heurelho Gomes’ goal, to send the Kop into raptures.
Aquilani looked to have been fouled just before Kuyt struck the ball, but a good advantage from referee Howard Webb allowed the Dutchman to make it one nil to the home side after six minutes.
Tottenham responded well to the early setback by having good spells of possession and intensely pressing the Liverpool players whenever they had the ball, but for all their pressure they struggled to really test Reina.
Spurs were very unlucky not to win a penalty in the 40th minute after an in swinging free-kick from Kranjcar. Crouch headed the ball towards goal, but the linesman said that the striker had impeded Kyrgiakos. However replay’s showed that Kyrgiakos had more than a handful of Crouch’s shirt and was lucky not to concede a spot-kick.
Benitez’s side knew they had something to protect thanks to Kuyt’s early goal and despite being the home team their desperation for three points was evident as they were more than happy to sit back for the remainder of the first half, switching to a counter attacking style of play.
That style almost saw Kuyt grab his second of the match in stoppage time. Jamie Carragher broke forward from right-back and won a corner. Albert Riera whipped the ball in and Gomes could only punch the ball as far as Kuyt whose header was blocked by a barrage of Spurs defender's on the line, and from their block, Martin Skrtel blazed over.
With the first half producing little since the opening goal, after Kuyt’s stoppage time chance, Luka Modric had a huge chance to level the game in the final minute of the half.
The best move of the match started with Wilson Palacios playing a one two with Jermaine Jenas. Palacios then threaded an inch perfect pass through to Modric, but the Croatian could only stab a right footed effort towards goal and Reina saved well with his feet and Liverpool went in at half time a goal to the good.
The second half was a much more open affair, with both teams showing a lot more attacking intent than in the first period.
The half began with a huge moment of controversy. Jermaine Defoe came back from an offside position after a long ball from Ledley King but the linesman didn’t raise his flag. Defoe then hunted down Kyrgiakos and Reina causing the goalkeeper to slip, and the striker slid the ball into the empty net. However just as Defoe made contact with the ball the linesman raised his flag. Once again throwing into doubt the complexity of the ‘phases’ of the offside rule.
Minutes later Liverpool could have compounded Tottenham’s frustration by extending their lead. Carragher swung in a fantastic cross from the right, which was superbly met by Riera, but the Spaniards header bounced back off the crossbar after finger tip heroics from Gomes.
Jenas was next to try his luck, stinging the palms of Reina with a well struck half volley from 25 yards.
As Tottenham pressed for an equaliser they were throwing more players forward which was leaving Ledley King and Sebastien Bassong increasingly isolated in defence, and Liverpool nearly exploited this space with Kuyt coming close on two occasions.
Tottenham were really struggling to get in behind Liverpool’s defence and Liverpool should have put the game beyond the visitors on numerous occasions in the closing stages.
Substitute David Ngog brought a good save from Gomes, then seconds later his knockdown left Kuyt with just the goalkeeper to beat from six yards out, but the goal scorer fluffed his lines and scooped the ball over the top of the bar. Kyrgiakos almost grabbed his second goal in as many games, but he drove the ball straight at a very busy Gomes.
However the second goal finally came in stoppage time after Ngog was brought down by Bassong inside the area, and this time Kuyt didn't miss his chance to add to his goalscoring tally.
He scored from the spot but was made to retake the penalty after referee Howard Webb spotted encroachment in the penalty area. The Dutchman held his nerve at the second time of asking though, and slotted his second penalty into the bottom right hand corner to seal a deserved win and take some of the pressure off Rafael Benitez.
Liverpool 2-0 Tottenham: Double Delight For Dirk Kuyt As Reds Secure Vital Win
Deserved victory for Benitez's men...
A brace from Dirk Kuyt was enough to earn Liverpool a 2-0 win and a vital three points against Tottenham in a hard-fought match at Anfield.
In a disappointing encounter, Kuyt side footed home in the sixth minute and scored from the penalty spot in stoppage time to put Liverpool just a point behind Tottenham in the race for fourth place.
With Liverpool starting this match four points off their opponents it was vital for Rafael Benitez’s side to close the gap on Spurs with a win in a huge game at Anfield.
Tottenham were on top in the early moments of the match with Peter Crouch looking very threatening in the air. Their positive start nearly resulted in Sotirios Kyrgiakos diverting a Niko Kranjcar cross into his own net, but the ball was eventually smothered by Pepe Reina. From the resultant clearance though, Liverpool opened the scoring.
Some neat interplay between Kuyt and Alberto Aquilani resulted in the ball falling to the feet of Kuyt, who from just outside the area side footed the ball with his right foot into the bottom left hand corner of Heurelho Gomes’ goal, to send the Kop into raptures.
Aquilani looked to have been fouled just before Kuyt struck the ball, but a good advantage from referee Howard Webb allowed the Dutchman to make it one nil to the home side after six minutes.
Tottenham responded well to the early setback by having good spells of possession and intensely pressing the Liverpool players whenever they had the ball, but for all their pressure they struggled to really test Reina.
Spurs were very unlucky not to win a penalty in the 40th minute after an in swinging free-kick from Kranjcar. Crouch headed the ball towards goal, but the linesman said that the striker had impeded Kyrgiakos. However replay’s showed that Kyrgiakos had more than a handful of Crouch’s shirt and was lucky not to concede a spot-kick.
Benitez’s side knew they had something to protect thanks to Kuyt’s early goal and despite being the home team their desperation for three points was evident as they were more than happy to sit back for the remainder of the first half, switching to a counter attacking style of play.
That style almost saw Kuyt grab his second of the match in stoppage time. Jamie Carragher broke forward from right-back and won a corner. Albert Riera whipped the ball in and Gomes could only punch the ball as far as Kuyt whose header was blocked by a barrage of Spurs defender's on the line, and from their block, Martin Skrtel blazed over.
With the first half producing little since the opening goal, after Kuyt’s stoppage time chance, Luka Modric had a huge chance to level the game in the final minute of the half.
The best move of the match started with Wilson Palacios playing a one two with Jermaine Jenas. Palacios then threaded an inch perfect pass through to Modric, but the Croatian could only stab a right footed effort towards goal and Reina saved well with his feet and Liverpool went in at half time a goal to the good.
The second half was a much more open affair, with both teams showing a lot more attacking intent than in the first period.
The half began with a huge moment of controversy. Jermaine Defoe came back from an offside position after a long ball from Ledley King but the linesman didn’t raise his flag. Defoe then hunted down Kyrgiakos and Reina causing the goalkeeper to slip, and the striker slid the ball into the empty net. However just as Defoe made contact with the ball the linesman raised his flag. Once again throwing into doubt the complexity of the ‘phases’ of the offside rule.
Minutes later Liverpool could have compounded Tottenham’s frustration by extending their lead. Carragher swung in a fantastic cross from the right, which was superbly met by Riera, but the Spaniards header bounced back off the crossbar after finger tip heroics from Gomes.
Jenas was next to try his luck, stinging the palms of Reina with a well struck half volley from 25 yards.
As Tottenham pressed for an equaliser they were throwing more players forward which was leaving Ledley King and Sebastien Bassong increasingly isolated in defence, and Liverpool nearly exploited this space with Kuyt coming close on two occasions.
Tottenham were really struggling to get in behind Liverpool’s defence and Liverpool should have put the game beyond the visitors on numerous occasions in the closing stages.
Substitute David Ngog brought a good save from Gomes, then seconds later his knockdown left Kuyt with just the goalkeeper to beat from six yards out, but the goal scorer fluffed his lines and scooped the ball over the top of the bar. Kyrgiakos almost grabbed his second goal in as many games, but he drove the ball straight at a very busy Gomes.
However the second goal finally came in stoppage time after Ngog was brought down by Bassong inside the area, and this time Kuyt didn't miss his chance to add to his goalscoring tally.
He scored from the spot but was made to retake the penalty after referee Howard Webb spotted encroachment in the penalty area. The Dutchman held his nerve at the second time of asking though, and slotted his second penalty into the bottom right hand corner to seal a deserved win and take some of the pressure off Rafael Benitez.
[quote author=Whaddapie link=topic=30006.msg1039750#msg1039750 date=1264051137]
1. So, you're just posting match reports after our better performances, I see...
2. Congrats on 6,000 posts.
[/quote]
This thread is not to question Whad.
Move along.....
1. So, you're just posting match reports after our better performances, I see...
2. Congrats on 6,000 posts.
[/quote]
This thread is not to question Whad.
Move along.....
Match Report: LFC 1-0 Everton
Dirk Kuyt's 50th goal in a red shirt secured the derby bragging rights as 10-man Liverpool produced a magnificent display to beat Everton 1-0 on Saturday afternoon.
The Dutch star nodded home his fourth goal in four matches on 54 minutes to earn three vital points for Rafael Benitez's men after Sotirios Kyrgiakos had been shown a straight red card for a first-half challenge on Marouane Fellaini.
The Toffees had rarely looked like snatching a draw and their misery was compounded in injury-time when Steven Pienaar received a second yellow card.
The win clinched the Reds' fourth Barclays Premier League double over their neighbours and means they are now up to fourth in the table- albeit having played more games than their rivals.
With Aston Villa and Tottenham going head-to-head in the evening kick-off, Benitez and co went into the 213th Merseyside derby knowing that victory would not only cement their place as the number one club in Liverpool for another season, but also enhance their bid for the fourth Champions League spot.
The added spice meant that there was more than a hint of passion around the ground as the teams made their way into gladiatorial combat, and it was no surprise that Jamie Carragher won the game's first 50-50, crunching Steven Pienaar with a well-timed tackle that the Kop greeted with a roar of approval.
It set the tone for a full-blooded clash that was rife with the sort of challenges that make these encounters an occasion to savour.
Everton came into the contest on the back of an impressive run and looked the more threatening early on, with a number of set piece deliveries causing problems for Pepe Reina, who was forced to contend with the dazzling glint of the mid-afternoon sun.
However, it was Tim Howard who was the first goalkeeper called into action, fisting away Steven Gerrard's driven free-kick from the far left of the penalty area.
It seemed to lift the hosts and another thunderous challenge from Carragher led to a corner that eventually saw the returning Daniel Agger crash a 12 yard volley over the top.
Things were warming up nicely and the Reds were beginning to enjoy the better of it. A lightning break almost saw Kuyt play David Ngog through before Emiliano Insua, who was making his 50th appearance for the club, rifled a shot just clear of the crossbar.
Everton responded and Leighton Baines tested Pepe Reina with a 25 yard free-kick before a two-footed tackle by Sotirios Kyrgiakos saw the game swing the way of the Blues on 33 minutes.
The Greece international was playing in his first Merseyside derby, but it would not be one to remember, as referee Martin Atkinson chose to show him a straight red card and bring his participation to a premature end.
Any thoughts that Liverpool would be forced onto the back foot were appeased, however, as the home side ended the half strongly.
A good spell of possession saw Gerrard hauled to the ground and from the resulting free-kick the skipper curled a magnificent 20 yard free-kick against the bar, with Howard seemingly well beaten.
Tim Cahill then headed a glorious chance over the top deep into first-half injury-time to ensure the first 45 would end goalless.
Back in March 2006, Benitez's men had faced a similar dilemma to the one they were now in, after overcoming the early sending off of Steven Gerrard to emerge 3-1 victors.
A repeat showing was the order of the day, and as Everton restarted the game attacking the Kop end, it was clear that much would rest on the young shoulders of Ngog.
The Frenchman was ploughing a lone furrow up top, but almost snatched the opener with a solo effort on 53 minutes when he raced onto Maxi Rodriguez's lobbed pass, held off Sylvain Distin and smashed a deflected shot just wide.
The resulting corner did not lead to the opening Liverpool craved, but two minutes later Gerrard won another one and sent in a delicious centre that Kuyt was on hand to flick home from just inside the six yard box.
It was the Dutchman's 10th of the campaign and saw him become only the third Liverpool player to score in both Merseyside derbies in the same Barclays Premier League season.
A goal behind, but a man to the good, the anticipated Everton onslaught was not evident at first and Ngog went close to making it two when he came within inches of converting Gerrard's centre at the far post. It was the striker's last contribution of the match before being replaced by Ryan Babel.
The Blues had an array of attacking flair in their line-up, but looked devoid of ideas as they searched for a way back into the game.
Indeed, it was Benitez's side that looked the more likely and Reina was only called into action in the dying seconds, when he was forced to deny a 30 yard drive from substitute Yakubu.
David Moyes' men threw caution to the wind in stoppage time but Liverpool withstood five minutes to stretch the Toffees' Anfield record to just two wins in their last 24 visits.
Dirk Kuyt's 50th goal in a red shirt secured the derby bragging rights as 10-man Liverpool produced a magnificent display to beat Everton 1-0 on Saturday afternoon.
The Dutch star nodded home his fourth goal in four matches on 54 minutes to earn three vital points for Rafael Benitez's men after Sotirios Kyrgiakos had been shown a straight red card for a first-half challenge on Marouane Fellaini.
The Toffees had rarely looked like snatching a draw and their misery was compounded in injury-time when Steven Pienaar received a second yellow card.
The win clinched the Reds' fourth Barclays Premier League double over their neighbours and means they are now up to fourth in the table- albeit having played more games than their rivals.
With Aston Villa and Tottenham going head-to-head in the evening kick-off, Benitez and co went into the 213th Merseyside derby knowing that victory would not only cement their place as the number one club in Liverpool for another season, but also enhance their bid for the fourth Champions League spot.
The added spice meant that there was more than a hint of passion around the ground as the teams made their way into gladiatorial combat, and it was no surprise that Jamie Carragher won the game's first 50-50, crunching Steven Pienaar with a well-timed tackle that the Kop greeted with a roar of approval.
It set the tone for a full-blooded clash that was rife with the sort of challenges that make these encounters an occasion to savour.
Everton came into the contest on the back of an impressive run and looked the more threatening early on, with a number of set piece deliveries causing problems for Pepe Reina, who was forced to contend with the dazzling glint of the mid-afternoon sun.
However, it was Tim Howard who was the first goalkeeper called into action, fisting away Steven Gerrard's driven free-kick from the far left of the penalty area.
It seemed to lift the hosts and another thunderous challenge from Carragher led to a corner that eventually saw the returning Daniel Agger crash a 12 yard volley over the top.
Things were warming up nicely and the Reds were beginning to enjoy the better of it. A lightning break almost saw Kuyt play David Ngog through before Emiliano Insua, who was making his 50th appearance for the club, rifled a shot just clear of the crossbar.
Everton responded and Leighton Baines tested Pepe Reina with a 25 yard free-kick before a two-footed tackle by Sotirios Kyrgiakos saw the game swing the way of the Blues on 33 minutes.
The Greece international was playing in his first Merseyside derby, but it would not be one to remember, as referee Martin Atkinson chose to show him a straight red card and bring his participation to a premature end.
Any thoughts that Liverpool would be forced onto the back foot were appeased, however, as the home side ended the half strongly.
A good spell of possession saw Gerrard hauled to the ground and from the resulting free-kick the skipper curled a magnificent 20 yard free-kick against the bar, with Howard seemingly well beaten.
Tim Cahill then headed a glorious chance over the top deep into first-half injury-time to ensure the first 45 would end goalless.
Back in March 2006, Benitez's men had faced a similar dilemma to the one they were now in, after overcoming the early sending off of Steven Gerrard to emerge 3-1 victors.
A repeat showing was the order of the day, and as Everton restarted the game attacking the Kop end, it was clear that much would rest on the young shoulders of Ngog.
The Frenchman was ploughing a lone furrow up top, but almost snatched the opener with a solo effort on 53 minutes when he raced onto Maxi Rodriguez's lobbed pass, held off Sylvain Distin and smashed a deflected shot just wide.
The resulting corner did not lead to the opening Liverpool craved, but two minutes later Gerrard won another one and sent in a delicious centre that Kuyt was on hand to flick home from just inside the six yard box.
It was the Dutchman's 10th of the campaign and saw him become only the third Liverpool player to score in both Merseyside derbies in the same Barclays Premier League season.
A goal behind, but a man to the good, the anticipated Everton onslaught was not evident at first and Ngog went close to making it two when he came within inches of converting Gerrard's centre at the far post. It was the striker's last contribution of the match before being replaced by Ryan Babel.
The Blues had an array of attacking flair in their line-up, but looked devoid of ideas as they searched for a way back into the game.
Indeed, it was Benitez's side that looked the more likely and Reina was only called into action in the dying seconds, when he was forced to deny a 30 yard drive from substitute Yakubu.
David Moyes' men threw caution to the wind in stoppage time but Liverpool withstood five minutes to stretch the Toffees' Anfield record to just two wins in their last 24 visits.
Rafa's reaction to yet another derby triumph
Rafa Benitez believes the 1-0 derby triumph could have a 'massive' impact on the season after Liverpool climbed to fourth place.
Dirk Kuyt won the match with his 50th Liverpool goal following the first-half dismissal of Sotirios Kyrgiakos.
Asked how significant the result could prove, Benitez replied: "It's massive for us. To win in a derby is always important, and to win with 10 players at Anfield makes it even more important.
"The people are really, really pleased - and I'm pleased for the players and the fans because everyone was working so hard. We deserved to win.
"From the beginning we did well in terms of workrate and after the sending off it was amazing to see all the players working so hard defending and also trying to go forward and score goals.
"Hopefully we'll stay in fourth but it's a long race so we have to keep going, keep working hard and winning games. At least we have won this and we can enjoy the next two or three days."
Benitez paid tribute to Kuyt after his fourth Merseyside derby goal secured victory.
"He's scoring some goals against Everton," said the gaffer. "It's good for him and good for our fans that he can be a hero. Also, 50 goals is an amazing record for a player who plays everywhere."
Kyrgiakos's 34th minute dismissal came after a two-footed tackle on Marouane Fellaini, who might also have seen red for his part in the incident.
Steven Pienaar then received a second yellow deep into injury time.
Benitez would not be drawn on the performance of referee Martin Atkinson. Instead he lauded the workrate of his players for triumphing with only 10 men.
"There were too many tackles which you could analyse, so I prefer not to comment about the referee," said Benitez.
"We tried to play with our heads as well as our hearts but it's difficult. We won two years ago with 10 players. Sometimes the team spirit is even better when you know you have to fight and stick together."
Rafa Benitez believes the 1-0 derby triumph could have a 'massive' impact on the season after Liverpool climbed to fourth place.
Dirk Kuyt won the match with his 50th Liverpool goal following the first-half dismissal of Sotirios Kyrgiakos.
Asked how significant the result could prove, Benitez replied: "It's massive for us. To win in a derby is always important, and to win with 10 players at Anfield makes it even more important.
"The people are really, really pleased - and I'm pleased for the players and the fans because everyone was working so hard. We deserved to win.
"From the beginning we did well in terms of workrate and after the sending off it was amazing to see all the players working so hard defending and also trying to go forward and score goals.
"Hopefully we'll stay in fourth but it's a long race so we have to keep going, keep working hard and winning games. At least we have won this and we can enjoy the next two or three days."
Benitez paid tribute to Kuyt after his fourth Merseyside derby goal secured victory.
"He's scoring some goals against Everton," said the gaffer. "It's good for him and good for our fans that he can be a hero. Also, 50 goals is an amazing record for a player who plays everywhere."
Kyrgiakos's 34th minute dismissal came after a two-footed tackle on Marouane Fellaini, who might also have seen red for his part in the incident.
Steven Pienaar then received a second yellow deep into injury time.
Benitez would not be drawn on the performance of referee Martin Atkinson. Instead he lauded the workrate of his players for triumphing with only 10 men.
"There were too many tackles which you could analyse, so I prefer not to comment about the referee," said Benitez.
"We tried to play with our heads as well as our hearts but it's difficult. We won two years ago with 10 players. Sometimes the team spirit is even better when you know you have to fight and stick together."
Benitez, who had four years of his five-year contract to run, finalised his departure after agreeing a severance payment and said he was "extremely sad" to be leaving the club.
"I'll always keep in my heart the good times I've had here, the strong and loyal support of the fans in the tough times and the love from Liverpool," he told the club's website.
"I have no words to thank you enough for all these years and I am very proud to say that I was your manager.
"Thank you so much once more and always remember: You'll never walk alone."
"I'll always keep in my heart the good times I've had here, the strong and loyal support of the fans in the tough times and the love from Liverpool," he told the club's website.
"I have no words to thank you enough for all these years and I am very proud to say that I was your manager.
"Thank you so much once more and always remember: You'll never walk alone."
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