Pompey Beat Sorry Reds

Sports - Football - Premier League - Match Report

Portsmouth 2-0 Liverpool

Liverpool got well and truely beaten at Fratton Park.

Portsmouth never looked out of control. They took the lead just past the half-hour mark thanks to Nadir Belhadj who connected to a Glen Johnson header after Pepe Reina thought he had saved and cleared Kevin-Prince Boateng's strike off Hassan Yebda's cross.

It was the first real chance of the match for either side, Johnson coping and reacting weakly and clumsy against his former side.

Things went from bad to worse for Liverpool just before half time when Javier Mascherano saw red for a puch-/strangle-hold tackle against Tal Ben Haim. As it is his second red card of the season, he will be suspended for the next four matches, to make Liverpool's Christmas and New Year even more dire.

The second half continued in a hardly better trend for the Reds, wasting chances and tackling clumsy.

Portsmouth keeper Asmir Begovic kept the main and only scare out well (67). After being sent the wrong way by two deflections through the sleeping Pompey defence, he kept the ball out with his right hand, instinctively and decisively.

Dirk Kuyt and Lucas Leiva were once again the most frustrating, not able to keep hold of or aim with the ball, total wastes. Jamie Carragher and Johnson looked just as unable to cope at the back.

Boateng capped off a fine display by providing Frederic Piquionne from the right, who netted the ball from a tight angle with a right-foot bounce-volley (82).

Pompey celebrated a fully deserved win. Rafael Benitez meanwhile is looking greyer and older by the match, leaving his substitutions too late and seeming to lack options, alternatives and hope more and more so.

Portsmouth Begovic; Finnan, Ben Haim, Kaboul, Hreidarson; Yebda, Boateng (Mullins 89), Brown (c), O'Hara, Belhadj; Piquionne (Kanu 93). Bookings Yebda 48, Piquionne 82. Subs not used Ashdown, Wilson, Hughes, Utaka, Dindane.

Liverpool Reina; Johnson, Carragher, Agger, Insua (Aurelio 68); Kuyt, Lucas (Spearing 88), Gerrard (c), Mascherano, Dossena (Benayoun 53); Torres. Bookings Lucas 47, Torres 56, Johnson 60. Red Mascherano 45. Subs not used Cavalieri, Skrtel, Babel, Ngog.

1st half stats

Portsmouth-Liverpool

Attempts: 6-3

On target: 3-1

Offsides: 0-0

Corners: 4-4

Free kicks: 7-4

Possession: 44%-56% (20.min)

2nd half stats

Portsmouth-Liverpool

Attempts: 6-4

On target: 2-1

Offsides:0-2

Corners: 3-5

Free kicks: 7-3

Possession: 60%-40% (2nd half, 59.min)

Sky Sports stats

Portsmouth-Liverpool

Possession: 45.3%-54.7%

Passing Success: 73.8%-74.9%

Tackles/Success: 33/84.8%-22/77.3%

Territorial Advantage: 52.8%-47.2%

Referee: L. Mason

Man of the match: Nadir Belhadj

Premier League Tops and Flops

Sports - Football - Premier League - Picks of the Week

Top game: Tottenham's win against City was a juicy encounter and entertaining to watch. Focusing on the question who is worth and can make it into the top four, this match had it all, with Spurs ending up on top.

Top team: Spurs gets my vote again. They were much better than the previous game when they experienced a sorry defeat against Wolves. They showed determination and formed a destructive combination.

Top player: Niko Kranjcar, Jermain Defoe and Aaron Lennon formed a deadly trio for Tottenham, a top combination that damned City to defeat. Fernando Torres showed top mentality, crucial for the match and win for Liverpool. His team mates should follow his example if Liverpool want to finally get a good run together.

Top goal: Kranjcar's second for Tottenham was of stubbornly strong top quality. Off a Lennon corner, it looked like he had spilled and wasted the chance, but he stayed up and going and put it in. Cheeky but good.

Flop game: United's win against Wolves was no competition. Manager Mick McCarthy has been questioned about the ten changes he made to the side that beat Tottenham last week. I know the schedule is tight, a lot of fixtures squeezed into a couple of weeks, but that is no excuse for changing a winning side completely.

Flop team: I have to pick Wolves again for making it too easy for Manchester United. You never want to see that as a football fan. It is supposed to be and stay a competition, not a concession.

Flop goal: Portsmouth's equaliser against Chelsea prooved and underlined the Blues' weakness with set pieces once again. It was a cheeky goal that snuck in after coming off two defenders, that should not have happened if Chelsea's back line would have stayed and kept solid. But no discrediting Portsmouth, they have improved a lot since Avram Grant has taken over and just lost out to a last-minute penalty. Unlucky.

My Predictions - Actual Results

Birmingham 1:0 Blackburn - 2:1

Bolton 3:2 West Ham - 3:1

Man Utd 4:1 Wolves - 3:0

Sunderland 2:1 Aston Villa - 0:2

Burnley 1:2 Arsenal - 1:1

Chelsea 2:0 Portsmouth - 2:1

Liverpool 3:1 Wigan - 2:1

Tottenham 4:2 Man City - 3:1

Premier League Tops and Flops

Sports - Football - Premier League - Picks of the Weekend

Top game: Everton's and Aston Villa's historic results at Stamford Bridge and Old Trafford respectively have to mentioned. But the one to watch, was the strugglers against the cruisers, Bolton versus Manchester City. It was end-to-end-stuff, with referee blunders but still mouthwatering viewing. You did not know which way it was going to go next. City will definitely feel more like it was two points lost rather than a point gained, in contrast to Bolton, who can and will be proud as Larry.

Top team: Villa were brilliant. They put their bodies on the line and threw themselves in against United, stopping and blocking the champions with great tackles and loads of bodies in the box. Especially Manchester City and Chelsea should have a look at this defensive display as they have been leaking most goals from set pieces and should therefore rethink and - structure their defence.

Top player: Ivan Klasnic has impressed me lately. The first goal against City did look offside, but it does not change the fact that the Croatian striker is a thorn in the opposition's defence's eyes. Every point is precious for Bolton's battle and he is the main combatant for them.

Top goal: The second Wigan goal was amazing. Defender Maynor Figueroa spotted Stoke keeper Thomas Sorensen off his line when a free kick was given just inside his own half. The Honduran's quick thinking and exquisit skill, took the ball over and past the Danish goalie. Cheeky and legendary. Andrey Arshavin's winner for Arsenal at Anfield was unstoppable, off the post and in, nowhere near in react for the goal keeper, even if Pepe Reina had wings.

Flop game: Hull City's goalless draw against Blackburn was the only disappointment of the day. No goals, no penalties, no red cards, no controversial refereeing decisions... Just a draw... A rarity this season.

Flop team: What happened with the top two? They seemed disorganised and shaky, especially at the back. I feel the title race is more open than people think with not even half the season gone and the top teams leaking and weakening... I can understand Alex Ferguson's rage in that respect. Minutes, seconds are crucial and can end up being lethal.

Flop player: Tottenham full-back Benoit Assou-Ekotto is facing police-investigation after a clash with a fan - looks like he cannot deal with defeat and being picked on. He is a professional football player and should know better how to deal with situations like this professionally. I say that every time a situation escelates between players, too, they get payed enough to keep their sences.

Flop goal: Petr Cech was furious with his players after he was left stranded when Didier Drogba headed and Everton free kick against Louis Saha's shoulder to see it deflect into goal. Set pieces seem to be the bogey for Chelsea, this match showed it again Everton capitalised well on it. Glen Johnson's own goal at Anfield could not have felt more like a curse. It seems like nothing is going Liverpool's way at the moment. I wonder where or when the fall will end...

My Predictions - Actual Results

Birmingham 2:2 West Ham - 1:0

Bolton 1:1 Man City - 3:3

Burnley 1:0 Fulham - 1:1

Chelsea 3:0 Everton - 3:3

Hull City 3:1 Blackburn - 0:0

Man Utd 3:1 Aston Villa - 0:1

Stoke City 1:2 Wigan - 2:2

Sunderland 3:2 Portsmouth - 1:1

Tottenham 5:0 Wolves - 0:1

Liverpool 2:2 Arsenal - 1:2

Premier League Tops and Flops

Sports - Football - Premier League - Picks of the Weekend

Top game: Manchester City against Chelsea was the battle of the riches. It was not the best display by the referee with some crucial errors that led to both City goals. It was a competitive encounter that could have gone either way, but City created most of the pressure and got Petr Cech sweating most throughout the match.

Top team: Manchester City ended up on top. Chelsea keeper Cech struggled to keep up with the pressure. Mark Hughes will be very happy to finally bank a win after the long run of draws and fans starting to doubting the credibility of the side and manager.

Top player: Shay Given was man of the match at the City ground, with a brilliant display and decsisive penalty save against one of the most consistent penalty takers Frank Lampard. Chelsea are starting to shake and leak, to the relief of their rivals and other title competitors. The race is long from over.

Top goal: Wolves' opener stunned Bolton. The more stunned they were when Nenad Milijas turned from provider to scorer with a devil of a strike for the second goal. From over 20 yards outside the box the swing left Jussi Jaaskelainen with no chance. Beauty.

Flop game: Liverpool's goalless draw against Blackburn was and is only worth a yawn...

Flop team: The team with the worst home record faced the side with the dimnest away record - and Portsmouth ended up on top. Burnley looked better but have to keep working on their travelling display.

Flop player: What was Steven Gerrard thinking? At least Martin Atkinson called it right as a dive and gave a free kick against him. But Phil Dowd was not as alert when Hermann Hreidarsson tried out his theatricals on him. Players do not help making the job easier for the referees, in a time where a growing majority call for video referees and stiffer penalties against whiners and divers, i.e. drama queens.

Flop goal: As mentioned above, Wolves' opener stunned Bolton, but looked offside, with three Wolves players clear of the defenders. In the end is was good fortune and play for Wolves and hard luck for Bolton. They had more than enough chances to not only equalise but to run away with all three points, Ivan Klasnic enjoying but missing most of the chances, the one goal he got on target was just not enough.

My Predictions - Actual Results

Arsenal 1:0 Stoke - 2:0

Aston Villa 2:0 Hull City - 3:0

Blackburn 0:0 Liverpool - 0:0

Man City 2:2 Chelsea - 2:1

Portsmouth 2:1 Burnley - 2:0

West Ham 1:1 Man Utd - 0:4

Wigan 1:0 Birmingham - 2:3

Wolves 2:3 Bolton - 2:1

Everton 1:1 Tottenham - 2:2

Fulham 3:0 Sunderland - 1:0

Premier League Tops and Flops

Sports - Football - Premier League - Picks of the Weekend

Top game: Manchester United's win against Portsmouth and the flood of goals at West Ham against Burnley. The prior was more of a contest than expected - in the first half that is, but then United capitalised as usual. The Hammers looked like they were going to throw away a comfortable lead, well, not really in then end. Entertaining twists and turns all the way, all one way in the end, for United and West Ham.

Top teams: Chelsea and Portsmouth; Chelsea outplayed and -classed Arsenal, who squandered the chance of catching up with the top two, whilst the score looked harsh against Pompey. They were on top in the first half, it just all crumbled to bits in the second half. It was still a good reply to all the problems behind the scenes and the change of management. It was an encouraging display for Avram Grant to work with and make progress.

Top player: Didier Drogba; I can only say again and again, I wonder how the Blues will do without him when he departs for the African Cup of Nations in January... Ryan Giggs is another obvious choice, his date will never run out with United it seems.

Top goal: Ivan Klasnic's smart turn and finish for Bolton wins it for me. Fulham had enough chances to come, take and go with all three points but instead they had to settle for a point thanks to the lively Croatian striker. I loved Hull City's celebration to their equaliser against City, cheeky.

Flop game: Everton were unlucky not to get anything out of the derby, they were so much better than Liverpool. Jo nearly got a hat-trick of disallowed goals and the opening goal for the Reds was against the run of play and undeserved. Unlucky for the Toffees... I honestly do not know what Liverpool expect from such lacking performances, three points is definitely not worthily!

Flop team: Liverpool, Liverpool, Liverpool... I will not repeat it again. Anyway, what was up with Spurs after thrashing Wigan 9-1 the other week, they looked very subdued and the shadow of that side this week?! What a contrast! Harry Redknapp will hopefully have a word...

Flop referees: What the hell was going on with the referees this weekend?! Penalty after penalty given, goals disallowed left, right and center... If that was supposed to be a clear stance against video referees, that they can do the job without technological help, they are having a laugh!

Flop goal: Again, Liverpool's opener... It was just a lucky (or unlucky, depending on which side you see it from) deflection off Joseph Yobo, Yossi Benayoun's shot looked like it would have otherwise gone wide. Dirk Kuyt's goal just added salt onto the wound, an easy tap-in as Everton looked to have given up and run down after all their dominance. Both goals came against run of play.

My Predictions - Actual Results

Aston Villa 1:2 Tottenham - 1:1

Blackburn 1:1 Stoke - 0:0

Fulham 2:1 Bolton - 1:1

Man City 3:0 Hull City - 1:1

Portsmouth 0:2 Man Utd - 1:4

West Ham 2:2 Burnley - 5:3

Wigan 1:1 Sunderland - 1:0

Arsenal 2:1 Chelsea - 0:3

Everton 1:1 Liverpool - 0:2

Wolves 1:1 Birmingham - 0:1

Poor Reds Rob Toffees

Sports - Footbal - Premier League - Liverpool 2:0 Everton

Liverpool were lucky to get away with anything from the match at Goodison Park, not to mention two goals and three points!

Everton looked the more coordinated and better organised, pressing and pressing, enjoying most of the possession and chances throughout the match, not letting Liverpool have even just a peek at the goal.

A rare Reds attack ended up in the back of the net and put the guests ahead against the run of play (12). Javier Mascherano's shot from far-out was deflected in by Joseph Yobo leaving Tim Howard stranded to his left. It was lucky for Liverpool, unfortunate own goal for Everton, as the shot looked like it would have gone wide without the defender's intervention.

Everton continued to press on, Jo seeing two goals disallowed before half time whilst Liverpool had their only real chance of the half, created by Glen Johnson and Emiliano Insua, saved brilliantly by Howard.

Everton stayed clearly the better in the second half, keeping in mind they have only ever come back from behind against Liverpool once since WWII. Tim Cahill and Marouane Fellaini pulled a spectacular double-save from Pepe Reina with just under 20 minutes to go, a match saver.

To make matters worse for Everton, after all their dominance and a good save by Howard against Albert Riera, Yobo gave the ball away to Johnson who provided Dirk Kuyt with an easy tap-in cross from the left to make it two for Liverpool. After all their hard work, Everton seemed to have outplayed themselves.

Football can be a cruel world, as Ireland got to know the hardest way too against France most recently. But, Liverpool can hopefully use this bit of fortune to their advantage, to turn their season around for the better, to get them out of the hole they have fallen into over the last couple of months, even if it has to come at some cost, like it was Everton's today.

Everton Howard; Hibbert, Yobo (Neill 23), Distin, Baines; Pienaar, Cahill (Yakubu 82), Heitinga, Fellaini, Bilyaletdinov; Jo (Saha 66). Bookings Heitinga 84. Subs not used Nash, Coleman, Gosling, Baxter.

Liverpool Reina; Johnson, Carragher, Agger, Insua; Kuyt, Mascherano, Gerrard, Lucas, Aurelio (Riera 78); Ngog (Benayoun 75). Subs not used Cavalieri, Kyrgiakos, Skrtel, Aquilani, El Zhar.

1st half stats:

Everton-Liverpool

Attempts: 7-7

On target: 3-2

Offsides: 4-0

Corners: 3-2

Free kicks: 5-3

2nd half stats:

Everton-Liverpool

Attempts: 5-6

On target: 4-2

Offsides: 1-0

Corners: 0-4

Free kicks: 5-9

Sky stats:

Everton-Liverpool

Possession: 45.4%-54.6%

Passing Success: 75.8%-73%

Tackles/Success: 22/68.2%-35/68.6%

Territorial Advantage: 54.7%-45.3%

Referee: Alan Whiley

Man of the match: Pepe Reina

Liverpool Win In Vain

Sports - Football - UEFA Champions League - Group Stage

Debrecen 0:1 Liverpool

It would have been too good to be true.

Liverpool were in a too sticky situation, in a too deep hole, full stop.

With only one win in the last ten matches in all competitions, a must-win situation for a chance to progress to the last 16, also relying on Lyon to get something against Fiorentina in the other group match and not even counting all the injuries, ifs and buts - the odds were impossible, miserable, against the Reds.

Liverpool did start positive at the Ferenc Puskas Stadium and all-attacking. After just four minutes, Jamie Carragher provided David Ngog with a header from left outside the box, who put the ball into the back of the net and Liverpool in the lead with a cheeky left-back-heeler.

The Reds pressed and pushed on with a lot of possession and chances. Dirk Kuyt was the most frustrating, missing a low open header off a free kick by Steven Gerrard (11) and an easy tap in off a cross by Fabio Aurelio (16).

The second half continued in the same red trend, but now knowing Fiorentina were ahead against Lyon thanks to a first half penalty, minute by minute, the weight grew on the team and fans, knowing they would this win would not be enough anyway.

Debrecen came close to equalise late on reminding Liverpool as they know all too well, one goal is not enough to sit back and wait for the final whistle to declare the win. Pepe Reina blocked Adamo Coulibaly's shot off the line shortly after Gergely Rudolf's solo-attack from the right ended wide.

Rafael Benitez's changes late on were questionable once again, taking off the three best players of the night. But, I guess it was just to waste time and save players and the result at least.

In the end, all the edge and nerves were all for nothing and too late. The game looked more like a lower league match after a promising start. Even with all their chances, I cannot say Liverpool would have deserved to progress ahead of Fiorentina or Lyon.

So, Liverpool are out of the Champions League and can see what they can scrape out of what is left for them in the deep holes they are in: In the Europa League, Premier League and FA Cup. It is all fair in the end, same goes for their league display, run and position.

Debrecen Poleksic; Bodner, Meszaros, Mijadinoski, Foder (Dombi 62); Szelesi, Kiss, Szalaky (Coulibaly 77), Czitkovics; Leczko, Rudolf. Subs not used Pantic, Ramos, Komlosi, Bernath, Varga. Bookings Szelesi 23.


Liverpool Reina; Johnson, Carragher, Agger, Insua; Mascherano, Lucas; Gerrard (Aquilani 92), Aurelio (Dossena 89), Kuyt; Ngog (Benayoun 77). Subs not used Cavalieri, Kyrgiakos, Spearing, Skrtel.


1st half stats:
Debrecen-Liverpool
Attempts: 1-5
On target: 0-3
Offsides: 0-0
Corners: 0-6
Free kicks: 9-12


2nd half stats:
Debrecen-Liverpool
Attempts: 4-11
On target: 2-4
Offsides: 3-1
Corners: 3-4
Free kicks: 7-9

Sky Stats:
Debrecen-Liverpool
Possession: 29%-71%
Passing Success: 72%-87%
Tackles/Success: 16/88%-20/80%
Territorial Advantage: 42%-58%


Referee: B. Kuipers
Man of the match: David Ngog

Premier League Tops and Flops

Sports - Football - Premier League - Picks of the Weekend

Top game: Hull made a great comeback against West Ham. It was a scruffy encounter but highly entertaining to watch. But the match of the day, week, month, season, etc. has to be Tottenham's thrashing of Wigan. I was on my break at work when I listened into the second half on the radio. I caught four goals and joked to my colleague I would miss another ten after I went back to work - I could not know I was not too far off...

Top team: Chelsea and Tottenham were certainly the dictators and dominators this weekend, but have also shown most constistency and quality this season so far, in the long(er) run and look most promising in the title race and chance to break into the top four (respectively, although I am not making any definite predictions).

Top player: Jermain Defoe rode the show this weekend, rubbing it under Carlo Ancelotti's nose who should be on the priority list for England. All of his goals were lovely to watch. Aaron Lennon was a top provider and scorer himself, too. This weekend was not only great for Spurs but for England also.

Top goal: Darren Fletcher's goal for Manchester United was like a stroke of lightning. Patrice Evra's fine run and cross was met and headed back by Antonio Valencia, to be crashed into the left corner of the net by Fletcher, a right-footer, both feet off the ground. Beauty.

Flop game: Stoke's win against Portsmouth was the least laudable effort, display and match, from both sides. Portsmouth missed the best chance they had, Kevin-Prince Boateng with a soft penalty kick, easy to hold onto for Steve Simonsen. Stoke's goal was the only highlight in an otherwise dim match, a great build-up finished off by a fine finish by Ricardo Fuller against his former side, great turn into the corner of the net.

Flop team: Believe it or not, Chris Kirkland was the best player for Wigan, as he was the only one who seemed present and alert. Wigan were absent, especially the defence, not closing in on Tottenham players, giving them too much time and space, a too big comfort zone. In the end they just gave up. I think they are all too right promising their fans refunds as they did not turn up and were a waste to watch, full stop.

Flop player: Dirk Kuyt has been the most annoying player of late, falling, slipping, tripping and diving at every take of the ball and if he stays up ot gets an obvious chance on goal, he just cues it high or wide or just nowhere to be caught. He is really looking off the reel, but I guess that just reflects his side's display and run.

Flop goal: Bolton's own goal which made it 0-2 to Blackburn will be found amongst thos famous bloopers list in a long time to come. It was due to lack of communication, but Jussi Jaaskelainen was the guilty party charging in the way he did as Samuel Ricketts was not at fault doing the obvious passing it back when there was not too much pressure around. A howler.

My Predictions - Actual Results

Birmingham 1:1 Fulham - 1:0

Burnley 1:3 Aston Villa - 1:1

Chelsea 3:0 Wolves - 4:0

Hull City 0:0 West Ham - 3:3

Liverpool 1:1 Man City - 2:2

Man Utd 2:1 Everton - 3:0

Sunderland 1:3 Arsenal - 1:0

Bolton 0:0 Blackburn - 0:2

Stoke 2:1 Portsmouth - 1:0

Tottenham 3:0 Wigan - 9:1

Fulham 2-1 Blackburn - 3:0

Hull City 1-2 Everton - 3:2

Shame on Henry

Sports - Football - Internationals - World Cup Qualifier

The more I watch it, the clearer it gets to me: If Fifa want to set a stance against cheats, they should take action to warn all the other offenders-to-be, in this case disqualify France and fine and suspend Thierry Henry.



But, I know that will never happen. Football is the only sport where cheats get away and on a regular basis, too, especially of the big teams. So, it is no surprise we have seen and will see it again and again. But at some point it has to stop and something has to change!

It is rhetorical question whether a video referee would have made a difference. The clear answer is, YES! France would not have been awarded the goal, Henry would have been booked, a free kick would have been awarded to the Republic of Ireland and play would have continued with Ireland still in the qualifier, with more than a shout as they were the better side throughout the match.

We obviously do not know how the match would have developed from there, if it would have gone to penalties, or one of the sides would have caught a late (but fair) winner - but we surely know how it would not have ended: An unfair shame and scandalous cheat!

One can only speculate how Fifa would have reacted if it would have happened the other way round, Robbie Keane the offender and France the losers. I suspect we would have read a clear statement the next morning about what actions will be taken.

When I reflect back at how many times they threatened and had a dig against England and their fans, with fines and suspensions, up to disqualification, it would be more than hypocritical if, as I suspect and expect, nothing will follow on this offence.

But presidents Sepp Blatter (FIFA) and Michel Platini (UEFA) were never the ones to jump in for the underdogs or ring in big changes. Instead, they just waffle on and ignore the problem-maker(s) when it matters most (and it is especially amusing regarding that the latter is a Frenchman).

My question to them and all football associations' presidents, executives and directors (managers and players, too) is: When will they learn from the other sports to make football a true sport again???

Premier League Tops and Flops

Sports - Football - Premier League - Picks of the Weekend

Top game: The top two's clash was the biggest focus of the day, especially as the result went against the run of play and once again a referee was put under scrutiny and questioned by an unhappy Alex Ferguson. He had a point, but his team ended up with niente, that is the way life goes sometimes.

Top team: Arsenal are the one to watch at the moment. Both Chelsea and Manchester United have shown their lacks and weaknesses but the Gunners have been thrashing left, right and centre. I am just curious how they will play against one of the top two - having lost against Manchester United and City early-on in the season but grown from strength to strength since then. I cannot wait for their clash against their London rivals Chelsea end of this month.

Top player: Shay Given once again saved his side from defeat. He let three through but kept so many out, City could have ended up thrashed. They can call themselves lucky they have drawn their last five Premier League matches, because without their keeper most of those draws would have ended up in defeats.

Top goal: A super substitution by under-fire Hull City manager Phil Brown turned the game around for the home side and eased the pressure on him, for the international break at least. Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink scored the crucial winner with just a couple of minutes to go, the fans were understandably relieved. Cameron Jerome's screamer against Liverpool wins my vote, breathtaking. Birmingham were unlucky not to have left Anfield with all three points after that diamond of a goal.

Top manager: Sam Allardyce rang two changes with his side trailing 1-0 at half time against Portsmouth and what a difference they made: Jason Roberts and Benni McCarthy replaced Morten Gamst Pedersen and El-Hadji Diouf, the prior scored two, the latter being the provider for the last. It could hardly have gone better for the Blackburn manager.

Flop game: Wigan recorded the lowest home attendance anywhere in the league this season, not good. The top-two clash was definitely not under the top-two matches this weekend, looking at the lack of chances, action, etc., it was definitely not the most entertaining for the neutral eye.

Flop team: Chelsea disappointed. Most predicted a thrash, but Nicolas Anelka and Didier Drogba wasted the few chances they had. They got lucky to get away with a win. Liverpool tried and tried their best, chance after chance, but were lucky to get a penalty and away with a point. Birmingham held them well. Liverpool will have to dig deep if they want to get out of the hole they have fallen into - with just four points out of the last five games.

Flop player: Dirk Kuyt disappointed for Liverpool. He wasted a lot of chances by not being aware of what and whom is around him. Liverpool had a lot of chances, which they saw going to waste. A lot of fans are ringing for change - but I just question where it will come from and who it could be, because I cannot think of anyone who could work wonders on this side under the turmoil-cirumstances on and off the pitch.

Flop goal: Should Chelsea's goal have stood? Darren Fletcher got the ball but did aggressively push into Ashley Cole, free kicks have been given before for similar tackles. Same goes for the offside appeal against Drogba - he got no touch and had thereby no direct influence in the run of play, it would have gone in one way or the other. It was harsh against Manchester United who were the better and dominant side, but how many times have United seen such decisions fall their way - it is tough luck sometimes.

Flop manager: Rafael Benitez left the changes very late once again against Birmingham. He was forced to bring on not top-fit Steven Gerrard earlier than planned due to injury to Albert Riera. But the run of the matches and results of late just show he has to change something about his tactics, if it is not too late already.

My Predictions - Actual Results

Aston Villa 2:0 Bolton - 5:1

Blackburn 3:1 Portsmouth - 3:1

Man City 4:0 Burnley - 3:3

Tottenham 2:0 Sunderland - 2:0

Wolves 0:3 Arsenal - 1:4

Chelsea 1:2 Man Utd - 1:0

Hull City 0:1 Stoke - 2:1

West Ham 2:2 Everton - 1:2

Wigan 0:0 Fulham - 1:1

Liverpool 2:1 Birmingham - 2:2

Premier League Tops and Flops

Sports - Football - Premier League - Picks of the Weekend

Top game: The obvious picks would be Liverpool's sorry defeat against Fulham, Arsenal's thrashing of Tottenham and Chelsea's show time win at the Reebok Stadium - but Portsmouth's crucial and convincing 4-0 win against an eratic Wigan will have a massive and the biggest impact on a side that has been cursed and given up on by most.

Top team: Birmingham were brilliant allround, in attack and defence, so too Fulham. And have Portsmouth risen from the dead with their win, or was it just a one-off? I hope not, it was great to watch.

Top player: Aruna Dindane's hat-trick and Shay Given's saves made both of them the most crucial players for their sides - the prior giving Portsmouth the win and three much-needed points; the latter making save after save, sparing Manchester City from defeat and saving a point for them.

Top goal: Nicolas Anelka, Deco and Didier Drogba co-starred in Chelsea's fourth goal. They made it look like a show time choreography, well rehearsed and put on stage, showing up Bolton how deluded they were of their hopes and chances against the show makers.

Flop game: Everton against Aston Villa was the dullest of all games, but still had two goals and two red cards in it. That indicates a lot to how highly-pitched the Premier League is.

Flop team: It was a day, week and month to forget for Liverpool - the confident win against Manchester United has been the only exception, but seemed far far away, on a different planet with this display. Tottenham were just as disappointing when you expected the upmost against their local rivals.

Flop player: Drogba was once again the drama queen of the game. A top quality, world-class player like him should not be in need of such poor and childish actions to take advantage of the opposition. It is just sad to watch divers and whiners and it is even sadder he is not the only one and that they all represent their team, the league, the sport. They should be more aware of the responsibility.

Flop goal: Why was Nikola Kalinic's goal not given for Blackburn?! It was nowhere near offside as replays showed! It would have been his first goal for the side, not that it would have made much of a difference to the result as Manchester United rode the show and deserved the win.

Flop referees: The weekend saw a record of nine red cards! There were a lot of iffy decisions amongst them, the referees did everything else but hold back, giving the impression they had it in for the whole Premier League lot!

My Predictions - Actual Results

Arsenal 4:3 Tottenham - 3:0

Bolton 2:2 Chelsea - 0:4

Burnley 2:1 Hull City - 2:0

Everton 2:1 Aston Villa - 1:1

Fulham 0:2 Liverpool - 3:1

Man Utd 4:1 Blackburn - 2:0

Portsmouth 2:1 Wigan - 4:0

Stoke 2:1 Wolves - 2:2

Sunderland 4:2 West Ham - 2:2

Birmingham 1:1 Man City - 0:0

West Ham 2:1 Aston Villa - 2:1

Premier League Tops and Flops

Sports - Football - Premier League - Picks of the Weekend

Top game: Liverpool's win over Manchester United was the most decisive match after the bad run of four defeats by the home side. Many have already written them out of the title race. However this season has shown, all sides have exploitable weaknesses, making the race more unpredictable. Liverpool certainly exploited United's weaknesses with their strongest performance of the season so far, most notable without their skipper Steven Gerrard and with a not fully fit Fernando Torres.

Top team: Liverpool showed their stamina, making United look like a mediocre side, staying tight at the back whilst exploiting gaps and breaks at the front, tormenting Rio Ferdinand and Nimanja Vidic. Stoke also did brilliantly against Tottenham, keeping a clean sheet and taking all three points from their frustrated opponents. Spurs will have wondered where all their chances went, 17 in total, all for nothing.

Top player: Fernando Torres was only 80% fit according to his manager Rafael Benitez but made a hell of a difference, ask Ferdinand and Vidic. Steve Simonsen got drafted in at short notice for Stoke due to illness of their first-choice goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen, but what a job he made of it, keeping Peter Crouch, Robbie Keane and Aaron Lennon out. James Beattie put his body on the line, too, to help out. Brilliant stuff.

Top goal: Torres outrun, -played and -mastered United, Vidic's and Ferdinand's frustration made obvious and defensive tactics flawed. Edwin van de Sar could only collect the ball from the back of the net once the Spaniard pounced on his team mates lack' of pace and coordination, after a brilliant break and cross by Yossi Benayoun.

Top manager: For once Sir Alex Ferguson conceded his team had been outplayed, Liverpool were the better side and deserved the win. But then he had to go on and put part of the blame onto the inexperienced referee Andre Marriner for overlooking a clear penalty and sending off. Liverpool had shouts against United, too, it all evened out in the end. But it would have been too good to be true for Ferguson to have nothing to complain about...

Flop game: In Portsmouth's goalless draw against Hully, Pompey were the better side but were not able to convert their chances in an overall poor encounter. It just showed why both teams have been stuggling and are in the relegation zone.

Flop team: Sam Allardyce called his side pathetic conceding five against Chelsea. They are facing Manchester United next, who will be coming firing in all guns blazing wanting to recover strongly from their defeat. Blackburn are fifth from bottom with just ten points out of nine games so far this season. They need to restructure and regain confidence somehow if they want to pull further away from the relegation zone.

Flop player: There were a lot of drama queens on the pitch again today, going down at every little hint of a touch instead of staying up, fighting for the ball and creating pressure, chances and goals. Dirk Kuyt and Carlton Cole annoyed me especially, very frustrating to watch talents falling to bits like that, the latter being awarded a penalty for it! Something has to be done to stop it, even if it means post-match suspensions.

Flop goal: Wigan's equaliser was a gift and came at a price on top of that, with Burnley goalkeeper Brian Jensen slipping when coming for Mario Melchiot's hopeful cross, leaving Hugo Rodallega with an empty net. It was painful and shameful to watch, but Wigan made a great recovery after that.

My Predictions - Actual Results
Birmingham 2:2 Sunderland - 2:1
Burnley 2:1 Wigan - 1:3
Chelsea 4:1 Blackburn - 5:0
Hull City 2:0 Portsmouth - 0:0
Tottenham 2:1 Stoke - 0:1
Wolves 0:2 Aston Villa - 1:1
Bolton 1:1 Everton - 3:2
Liverpool 0:4 Man Utd - 2:0
Man City 3:1 Fulham - 2:2
West Ham 2:2 Arsenal - 2:2

Liverpool back on track against United

Sports - Football - Premier League - Liverpool 2:0 Man Utd

The pressure could not have been higher at Anfield. Every news channel, programme and article previewing and reporting on the match repeated Liverpool's bad run of four consecutive defeats, their worst since 1987.

If they would have lost again today it would have been their worst record since 1953.

They would have most certainly been out of the title race. But another much discussed question has been what would come next. Would Rafael Benitez keep his job, who could and would replace him and which players would follow them in and out?

Questions, questions, questions - all ringing the Liverpool crises bell, not even mentioning the unrest behind the scenes. The American owners have been fueling speculation with their search for new outside investment and moving seats away from each other during the half time break did not exactly calm the tension.

In contrast to their rivals, Manchester United have been enjoying a run of eleven games unbeaten in all competitions, sitting top of the table in the Premier League and their Champions League group. Wayne Rooney returned up front for them joining Dimitar Berbatov, whilst Steven Gerrard had to sit out the match for Liverpool due to injury, Fernando Torres returning and starting alone up front.

Liverpool started tight defensively and pushed forward with clear intentions, they were not going to sit back and be pounced on. They produced most chances in the first half with Lucas Leiva, Javier Mascherano, Yossi Benayoun, Dirk Kuyt and Fabio Aurelio all trying their best to press through and provide Torres.

Pepe Reina had hardly anything to do on the other side of the pitch, whilst Edwin Van der Sar was kept busy and made some brilliant saves. Aurelio came closest with a free kick from outside the box, Kuyt seeing his shot off the rebound blocked by his fellow-Dutchman.

Kuyt looked clumsy at times, wasting chances and possession on more than one occasion. The backline showed no such leaks with a much more solid display, putting their bodies on the line to make sure United could not and would not break through. Jamie Carragher was lucky not to have conceded a penalty after he brought down Michael Carrick with just the faintest hint of contact on the ball.

The second half started similar, Liverpool pushing on, Nemanja Vidic looking very insecure and clumsy against Torres. Just past the hour mark, Liverpool took the lead, deservedly so, with a tremendous break and cross by Benayoun, finding Torres who beat Rio Ferdinand and Van der Sar, from the right with his right, to smack it into the top of the top.

More lethal and physical tackles and bookings followed, Alex Ferguson bringing on Michael Owen to change United's fortune, for him to receive a hostile welcome from the Kop. Torres was replaced by David Ngog and applauded and cheered off the pitch, with ten nervous and tense minutes to go.

Antonio Valencia hit the crossbar for United moments after Carragher had blocked his former team mate Owen, the closest United got to score in the whole match. Liverpool's stand-in skipper was cautioned moments later after it looked like he was the last man when he brought down Owen and lucky not to be sent off for it.

More controversy followed when Vidic saw his second yellow card of the afternoon for bringing down Kuyt. He had a poor match, looking insecure and unable to cope with Torres, in contrast to Carragher on the other end, who kept possession and control. Both shared their moments of crime and controversy, the one getting caught out one time too many.

Mascherano was caught out daftly when he busted into Van der Sar and followed Vidic into the stands on his second yellow with just minutes remaining.

But Liverpool added salt onto United's wounds in the last seconds of the match, when a free Ngog calmly converted a Kuyt cross from another counter-attack break to make it 2-0, three points and three Premier League wins in a row for Liverpool against their arch-rivals.

United were poor, even with Rooney and Berbatov up front. Liverpool were brilliantly tight, physical and challenging from the back to the front. The Scousers created more and made Ferdinand and Vidic look like mediocre defenders who had too much on their plates to deal with.

It was a change of fortune to see Liverpool back on their feet and fighting, showing up their critics, skeptics and opponents and proving that no team is unbeatable.

Liverpool Reina; Johnson, Carragher, Agger, Insua; Lucas, Mascherano, Benayoun (Skrtel 92), Kuyt, Aurelio; Torres (Ngog 81). Bookings Mascherano 73, Carragher 87. Red Mascherano 95. Subs not used Cavalieri, Voronin, Babel, Spearing, Degen.

Man Utd Van der Sar; O'Shea, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra; Valencia, Carrick, Scholes (Nani 74), Giggs; Berbatov (Owen 74) Rooney. Bookings Evra 15, Berbatov 37, Vidic 75. Red Vidic 90. Subs not used Foster, Neville, Anderson, Da Silva, Evans.

1st half stats

Liverpool-Man Utd

Attempts: 7-1

On target: 3-1

Offsides: 0-3

Corners: 3-0

Free kicks: 6-6

2nd half stats

Liverpool-Man Utd

Attempts: 5-5

On target: 2-2

Offsides: 1-0

Corners: 1-1

Free kicks: 4-12

Referee: Andre Marriner

Man of the match: Fernando Torres

Liverpool's title hopes hanging on a thread

Sports - Football - Premier League

Liverpool-Manchester United: Pre-Match Thoughts

For those who need reminding ahead of the big Sunday clash at Anfield: Liverpool are on their worst run since 1987 with four consecutive defeats.

After their 2-1 defeat by Lyon in the Champions League on Tuesday manager Rafael Benítez was quick to blame the injuries to their main players for the bad run . Fernando Torres and Glen Johnson were ruled out before the match and Steven Gerrard had to be taken off after 25 minutes due to a recurrence of his groin injury. All three players are doubts for the match against Manchester United, with Johnson reportedly making the most promising progress in his recovery.

At the beginning of the season Liverpool’s weak bench and lack of depth was immediately apparent, especially compared to the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea, without replacements for their top players like Xabi Alonso. Benítez’s has made his frustration quite public and blamed the turmoil behind the scenes, as their owners George Gillett’s and Tom Hicks’ financial shortcomings and lookout for reinvestment has left Anfield everything else but settled and begins to take its toll.

However, that is a too easy excuse for Liverpool’s faults and failures on the field. Four out of their six defeats so far this season have come WITH their star players and most of the main squad available, which makes the situation the more worrying. One week they thrash their opposition by four or more only to falter the next.

Many have been calling the current run the last straw for Benítez and he may be lucky to survive until Christmas. Liverpool's title hopes and chances and with them Benítez's job, are hanging on a very thin thread. It has been 56 years since Liverpool last lost five games in a row and with Manchester United due at Anfield, the weight of pressure is stretching that thin thread to breaking point.

However, the question is who is good enough to replace the Spaniard? José Mourinho and Martin O’Neill have been mentioned as possible replacements - however, they have jobs and neither is a magician. Who is to say that either would be able to steer the Reds' season around without time and money, neither of which Liverpool have. They would encounter the same problems and frustrations as Benítez.

The only encouragement Liverpool can take into the next match is that Manchester United and Chelsea have had their moments and have shown their weaknesses too this season, with both everything else but at their best. Accurate predictions are hard to come by this season, as Phil Thompson should have noticed after Tuesday, but there can be little hope for Liverpool.

My prediction: Liverpool 0-4 Manchester United

Liverpool hit new low after late shocker

Sports - Football - Champions League - Liverpool 1:2 Lyon

Liverpool's nightmare run continues with their fourth consecutive defeat, their worst run in over 22 years. They fell to a late 2-1 shocker against Lyon in the Champions League Group E match at Anfield.

The Reds started without their main striker Fernando Torres and right-back Glen Johnson. Things went from bad to worse when skipper Steven Gerrard had to be taken off halfway through the first half due to a recurrence of his groin injury that kept him out of the 1-0 Premier League defeat against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.

Liverpool enjoyed possession and control in the early stages of the match, creating pressure, but Lyon were the first to get a chance on target, Lisandro López heading the ball straight to Pepe Reina.

Both sides kept each other from taking advantage, leaving the match evenly poised, the Anfield crowd growing more anxious and nervous though after Gerrard's departure.

But Liverpool were rewarded eventually and their nerves eased when they finally broke the deadlock thanks to Yossi Benayoun who fired in Fabio Aurélio's cross/mis-cue. They kept the pressure up and running against Lyon in the second half, Dirk Kuyt pulling a great save out of Hugo Lloris (60).

However, on 72, they were made to pay for not consolidating the score and securing a win and three points when substitute Maxime Gonalons headed in the equaliser off a rebound after a brilliant double-save by Reina.

To complete the perfect nightmare for the Reds, an impressive Martin Kelly had to go off injured, Jamie Carragher filling his position at right-back. Cesar Delgado then stunned Anfield in the dying seconds by firing in Sidney Govou's cross, condemning Liverpool to yet another defeat with their Champions League hopes deminishing, down to third in Group E.

Manager Rafael Benítez blamed the injuries for the bad run, but that is a too easy excuse. Four out of their six defeats so far this season have come WITH their star players and most of the main squad available, which makes the situation the more worrying.

Liverpool's title hopes and chances, plus Benítez's job with it, hang on a very thin thread. It has been 56 years since Liverpool last lost five games in a row. And with Manchester United travelling to Anfield next weekend, the pressure of weight pulls that thin thread down even further.

Liverpool (4-2-3-1) Reina; Kelly (Skrtel 74), Agger, Carragher, Insúa; Mascherano, Lucas; Kuyt, Gerrard (Aurélio 25), Benayoun (Voronin 85); Ngog. Bookings Ngog 49. Subs not used Cavalieri, Plessis, Spearing, Babel.

Lyon (4-5-1) Lloris; Réveillère, Cris (Gonalons 43), Toulalan, Cissokho; Makoun, Pjanic, Källström, Govou, Ederson (Gomis 61); López (Delgado 86). Bookings Cris 34, Govou 55, Réveillère 13. Subs not used Vercoutre, Clerc, Bastos, Belfodil.

BBC stats

Liverpool- Lyon

Attempts: 12-12

On target: 6-6

Corners: 6-5

Free kicks: 7-11

Possession: 50%-50%

Sky Sports/Text stats:

Liverpool-Lyon

Attempts: 12-15

On target: 5-7

Offsides: 1-3

Corners: 6-5

Free kicks: 8-12

Possession: 53%-47%

Passing Success: 70.9%-75.2%

Tackles/Success: 21/90.5%-19/89.5%

Territorial Advantage: 53.9%-46.1%

Referee: Undiano Mallenco

Man of the match: Sidney Govou