Can's Acrobatic Winner Stuns Watford

Sports - Football - Premier League - WFC 0:1 LFC

Emre Can's extraordinary acrobatic volley, his fifth goal of the season, decided an otherwise ordinary game at Watford, handing Liverpool a crucial 0-1 away win in their race to stay in the Premier League top four.

The German midfielder stunned everyone at Vicarage Road, meeting Lucas Leiva's cross with a beautiful right-footed overhead bicycle-kick into the top-left corner, giving goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes no chance, two minutes into stoppage time before the break.

That has taken the Reds' goal tally in the last 15 minutes before the interval to 16 this season, more than any other side, one more than Manchester United and Tottenham.

Before that, not much else happened, both sides recording just a shot on target each, Can with another strong attempt from 25 yards out in the 20th minute, but not much else to worry either keeper much.

Adam Lallana, who had to be brought on for an injured Philippe Coutinho in the 13th minute returning from injury himself after five matches out, had come closest just a few minutes before Can's stunner, seeing his attempt from outside the box come off the crossbar.

The second half was dominated by both keepers' strong displays, strength and presence.

Gomes denied James Milner, Divock Origi and then substitute Daniel Sturridge late on in a tense ending to the game.

Simon Mignolet kept solid as well, frustrating the Hornets, Etienne Capoue and Sebastian Prödl especially, who both were booked for their anger at the decisions that went against them, the latter also seeing his effort come off the crossbar in the final seconds.

Vicarage Road was loud, the away end even louder, louder than Anfield last week after the miserable defeat against Crystal Palace, YNWA echoing around the ground at the end.

Both managers Walter Mazzarri and Jürgen Klopp made themselves heard and seen throughout the game as well, with shouts and gestures, to keep everyone entertained when not much else was happening on the pitch.

The result sees Watford drop to 13th on 40 points with a game in hand on the other teams around them, whilst Liverpool remain third three and four points ahead of Manchester City and United in fourth and fifth respectively, both with a game in hand.

So, after all the other results went their way, as long as the Reds keep winning their final three league games and don't repeat an embarrassing slip up like against Crystal Palace, the Champions League qualification is in their hands!

The last three games are: Southampton at home (Sunday 7th May), West Ham away (Sunday 14th May) and Middlesbrough at home (Sunday 21st May). Easy. You would think.

It never is easy with Liverpool though!

Liverpool Goal: Can 45'+2'.

Watford Team: 1 Gomes, 6 Mariappa, 5 Prödl (booked), 3 Britos (27 Kabasele 19'), 7 Amrabat (33 Okaka 85'), 29 Capoue (booked) (10 Success 73' (booked)), 16 Doucouré, 8 Cleverley, 22 Janmaat, 9 Deeney, 21 Niang.
Subs not used: 11 Behrami, 18 Zuñiga, 30 Pantilimon, 42 Eleftheriou.

Liverpool Team: 22 Mignolet, 2 Clyne, 32 Matip, 6 Lovren, 7 Milner, 21 Lucas (booked), 5 Wijnaldum, 23 Can, 11 Firmino, 27 Origi (15 Sturridge 84'), 10 Coutinho (20 Lallana 13' (17 Klavan 87')).
Subs not used: 1 Karius, 16 Grujic, 18 Moreno, 66 Alexander-Arnold.

HT & FT Match Stats: WFC-LFC
Score: 0-1 & 0-1
Possession: 36%-64% & 40%-60%
Shots: 3-5 & 9-12
On target: 1-2 & 2-8
Corners: 1-1 & 3-5
Fouls: 4-4 & 11-9
Bookings: 0-1 & 3-1

Referee: Craig Pawson
Man of the match: Emre Can
Ground: Vicarage Road
Attendance: 20,959

Click here for my last LFC match report.

All pictures and stats are taken from the BBC match report.

Saints Outclass Reds To Reach Cup Final

Sports - Football - EFL Cup - LFC 0:1 SFC

Southampton reached their first final in 38 years beating Liverpool 1-0 in the EFL Cup semi final second leg at Anfield, 2-0 on aggregate, confidently, convincingly and deservedly so over the two legs.

Jürgen Klopp's side did not come out all guns blazing as expected being 1-0 down from the first leg.

The Saints, without key defender Virgil van Dijk due to injury, looked solid at the back and threatening on counters, the scorer of the first-leg goal Nathan Redmond breaking and bossing from the left.

Dusan Tadic came closest in the first half, spurning a chance at point blank, Loris Karius blocking and holding on gratefully.

The under-fire German keeper also denied skipper Steven Davis, who fired another good chance high and over.

The Reds missed Sadio Mané, youngster Trent Alexander-Arnold the only one pressuring, covering and creating anything on the right flank for the home side.

Not much changed after the interval, the home side enjoying more possession, pushing and pressing, but not creating much threat.

The closest Liverpool came was when Fraser Forster punched away Emre Can's attempt, to watch it bounce over him, sending him scrambling back to stop it from crossing the line.

It was a good recovery from what could have ended up very embarrassing for the English stopper.

Apart from that, the evening grew more and more frustrating for the hosts, Daniel Sturridge and Adam Lallana wasting chances and giving away the ball again and again.

Klopp left the changes late, bringing on Divock Origi the Kop were chanting for, replacing Can with just over ten minutes to go.

And why Georginio Wijnaldum came on for Philippe Coutinho with only a couple of minutes remaining and not earlier, only the German manager knows.

Anfield was just as furious as their boss, watching Southampton wasting time and a handball appeal against substitute Shane Long denied by referee Ben Atkinson.

Replays showed it was a close call, the ball coming off the top of the arm/shoulder, a 50/50 call, the officials staying consistent as in not giving much.

It was too little, too late for the Reds, and when Origi went down in the box challenged by Jack Stephens in injury time, it just looked desperate.

The corner that followed taken by James Milner was dire and led up to another Southampton counter, started by substitute Josh Sims with a great run and pass, finished off nicely by Long.

This win means Saints manager Claude Puel is unbeaten in six against Liverpool (W3, D3), whilst it's Klopp's first semi-final defeat in seven as a manager.

The result drags down Liverpool's form so far this year, the only win coming against League Two side Plymouth Argyle in their FA Cup third round replay, losing three and drawing three of the seven games played so far this year.

Southampton will be going to the final at Wembley on the 26th February to meet either Manchester United or Hull City, having not conceded a single goal in the competition.

They are looking to win their second major trophy since beating the Red Devils in the 1976 FA Cup final. History in the making?

Southampton Goal: Long 90:44min.

Liverpool Team: 1 Karius; 7 Milner, 6 Lovren, 32 Matip, 66 Alexander-Arnold; 20 Lallana, 14 Henderson (c), 23 Can (27 Origi 78'); 10 Coutinho (5 Wijnaldum 87'), 15 Sturridge, 11 Firmino. 4-3-3
Subs not used: 17 Klavan, 18 Moreno, 21 Lucas, 22 Mignolet, 58 Woodburn.

Southampton Team: 1 Forster; 21 Bertrand, 3 Yoshida, 24 Stephens, 2 Soares; 8 Davis, 14 Romeu, 16 Ward-Prowse (23 Hojbjerg 59'); 11 Tadic, 9 Rodriguez (7 Long 45'), 22 Redmond (39 Sims 81'). 4-3-3
Subs not used: 4 Clasie, 15 Martina, 38 McQueen, 41 Lewis.

Match Stats: HT & FT Liverpool-Southampton
Possession: 72%-28% & 73%-27%
Attempts: 4-5 & 13-7
On target: 2-1 & 3-2
Corners: 1-2 & 8-4
Fouls: 5-2 & 8-2
Bookings: 0-0 & 0-0

Referee: Ben Atkinson
Man of the match: Oriel Romeu
Ground: Anfield
Attendance: 52,238

Pictures and stats taken from BBC match report and Sky Sports live coverage.

Click here for my previous LFC match report.

Wijnaldum Header Beats City

Sports - Football - Premier League - LFC 1:0 MCFC

Liverpool recorded their fourth consecutive league win, beating Manchester City 1-0 at Anfield, a rare clean sheet which keeps them in second place, six points behind league leaders Chelsea.

It was a rare defensive and more conservative display by the Reds, creating just five shots and holding less possession (43%), very unlike Jürgen Klopp and his usual attacking football mentality.

The only shot on target for the hosts came just eight minutes into the game, man of the match Georginio Wijnaldum heading in off Adam Lallana's cross, and it ended up being the winner.

It took Liverpool's annual total of league goals to 87, their most in a calendar year since 1985.

It was an intense affair, but lacked true quality making it less competitive, more edgy and frustrating.

The Sky Blues looked laboured throughout, but didn't give keeper Simon Mignolet much to do, the Reds happy to stay back and even wasting time at the end.

Big man Sergio Agüero had returned after serving his four-match ban, but was left starving for service and deserted.

Usually dangerous and productive Kevin de Bruyne was also made redundant, pushed aside by the hosts' intense pressing.

David Silva and Yaya Touré tried but failed to call the shots and create any real threats from the middle as well.

This defeat doubled Pep Guardiola's total of losses he suffered in the entire 2015-16 Bundesliga campaign with Bayern Munich (2) and opened up a ten-point gap to the top spot.

Klopp meanwhile made it 5-4 taking the lead in the head-to-head between the two top managers, dismissing any criticism of his side's defence.

It was the fourth consecutive league win for Liverpool against Manchester City for the first time since 1981.

Both sides have less than 48 hours rest, the Reds having to travel to Sunderland, whilst City head back home to host Burnley, both afternoon 3pm kick-offs.

Liverpool Goals: Wijnaldum 8'.

Liverpool Team: 22 Mignolet; 2 Clyne, 6 Lovren, 17 Klavan (booked 7'), 7 Milner; 14 Henderson (c) (27 Origi 64'), 5 Wijnaldum, 23 Can (booked 75'); 11 Firmino, 19 Mané (21 Lucas 89'), 20 Lallana. 4-3-3
Subs not used: 1 Karius, 15 Sturridge, 18 Moreno, 53 Ejaria, 66 Alex-Arnold.

Manchester City Team: 1 Bravo; 24 Stones, 5 Zabaleta (c) (15 Navas 86'), 30 Otamendi (booked 93'), 11 Kolarov; 17 De Bruyne, 21 Silva; 25 Fernandinho, 7 Sterling, 32 Yaya Touré (72 Iheanacho 89'); 10 Agüero. 4-2-3-1
Subs not used: 3 Sagna, 6 Fernando, 13 Caballero, 22 Clichy, 75 Garcia Serrano.

Match Stats: Liverpool-Man City
Possession: 43%-57%
Attempts: 5-9
On target: 1-2
Corners: 4-6
Fouls: 12-12
Bookings: 2-1

Referee: Craig Pawson
Ground: Anfield
Attendance: 53,120

Pictures and stats taken from BBC match report.

Click here for my previous LFC match report.

Liverpool come back to thrash Stoke 4-1

Sports - Football - Premier League - LFC 4:1 SCFC

Liverpool broke down a stubborn Stoke side coming back from a goal down to beat Potters, comfortably in the end, 4-1 at Anfield.

Jon Walters had headed the visitors ahead from close range, beating keeper Simon Mignolet all too easily, exposing the hosts' vulnerability at the back once again.

Former Reds Peter Crouch and Joe Allen caused the home side's back line all sorts of problems, adding to the defensive headache.

But after a too familiar iffy and shaky start, Jürgen Klopp's side got into gear, with Adam Lallana and Roberto Firmino scoring, turning the game around and giving the hosts the lead before the break.

That turned both side's half-time team talk on its head. And things went from bad to worse for Mark Hughes' men after the break.

First Giannelli Imbula turned the ball into his own net off Divock Origi's cross, before Ryan Shawcross inexplicably put the ball back, intended for keeper Lee Grant, but straight to Daniel Sturridge instead, who netted the gift gratefully to make it 4-1.

It was the striker's first Premier League goal of the season, Liverpool's 100th under Klopp, just seconds after he had replaced Origi.

That makes it 86 league goals for the Reds in 2016, their most in a calendar year since 1985. And the year isn't over yet, Manchester City being the next visitors to come to Anfield on New Year's Eve.

Liverpool Goals: Lallana 34', Firmino 44', Imbula OG 59' & Sturridge 70'.

Stoke City Goal: Walters 12.

Liverpool Team: 22 Mignolet; 2 Clyne, 6 Lovren, 17 Klavan, 7 Milner; 14 Henderson (c), 20 Lallana (23 Can 69'), 5 Wijnaldum; 27 Origi (15 Sturridge 70'), 19 Mané, 11 Firmino (18 Moreno 79'). 4-3-3
Subs not used: 1 Karius, 21 Lucas, 53 Ejaria & 58 Woodburn.

Stoke City Team: 33 Grant; 8 Johnson, 17 Shawcross, 15 Martins Indi; 18 Diouf (14 Afellay 75'), 21 Imbula, 6 Whelan (32 Sobhi 66'), 4 Allen (booked 36'), 3 Pieters; 25 Crouch (12 Bony 84'), Walters. 3-5-2
Subs not used: 16 Adam, 22 Shaqiri, 24 Given, 27 Krkic.

Match Stats: Liverpool-Stoke City
Possession: 64%-36%
Attempts: 20-6
On target; 6-2
Corners: 8-2
Fouls: 9-6
Bookings: 0-1

Referee: Michael Oliver
Ground: Anfield
Attendance: 53,094

Pictures and stats taken from the BBC match report.

Click here for my previous LFC match report.

Errors Cost In Draw At Anfield

Sports - Football - Premier League - LFC 2:2 WHU

Both goalkeepers will not like to remember this game as West Ham left Anfield with a hard-fought 2-2 draw and point in the bag which takes them out of the relegation zone, definitely two points dropped as far as Liverpool are concerned in the title race.

Liverpool had taken an early lead thanks to Adam Lallana's smart low finish within five minutes, but the Hammers equalised before the half-hour mark when Red number 1 Loris Karius let Dimitri Payet's 25-yard free-kick in.

The former Mainz stopper has had a horrid couple of weeks after leaking in four goals including Bournemouth's winner last week.

But he could not help Michail Antonio scoring to make it 1-2, a scruffy goal, the 20th Jürgen Klopp's side have conceded in the last 15 league matches, the worst record in the top six.

At the other end, Iron keeper Darren Randolph had a mixed afternoon, dropping a cross to hand Divock Origi Liverpool's equaliser shortly after the interval, to deny Jordan Henderson late on, saving the skipper's stunning strike.

Slaven Bilic was happy calling it a "great point", whilst Klopp was left the more frustrated with the lack of "offensive options".

Looking at the stats and general dominance of Liverpool in possession and chances, it is evident that the Reds are more leaking at the back than lacking in attack.

And as costly as that was the last couple of weeks, the more it will be in general, in the race to the top.

Liverpool Goals: Lallana 5' & Origi 48'.

West Ham Goals: Payet 27' & Antonio 39'.

Liverpool Team: 1 Karius; 2 Clyne, 32 Matip, 6 Lovren (17 Klavan 45'), 7 Milner; 14 Henderson (c), 20 Lallana, 5 Wijnaldum; 27 Origi, 19 Mané (booked 76'), 11 Firmino (booked 53'). 4-3-3
Subs not used: 18 Moreno, 21 Lucas, 22 Mignolet, 53 Ejaria, 58 Woodburn, 66 Alexander-Arnold.

West Ham Team: 1 Randolph; 4 Nordtveit, 2 Reid, 21 Ogbonna; 20 Ayew (9 Carroll 63'), 16 Noble, 14 Obiang, 3 Cresswell; 10 Lanzini (31 Fernandes 78'), 30 Antonio; 27 Payet. 3-4-2-1
Subs not used: 13 Adrián, 24 Fletcher, 36 Quina, 43 Browne, 66 Pike.

Match Stats: Liverpool-West Ham
Possession: 68%-32%
Attempts: 18-7
On target: 3-3
Corners: 11-4
Fouls: 7-8
Bookings: 2-0

Referee: Mark Clattenburg
Ground: Anfield
Attendance: 53,068

Pictures and stats are taken from the BBC match report.

Click here for my previous LFC match report.

Liverpool put five past sorry Hull

Sports - Football - Premier League - LCF 5:1 HCFC

Liverpool thrashed Hull City 5-1 in a dominant display at Anfield that confirmed their strong run and great home form, scoring nine goals in two home league games so far.

Man of the match Adam Lallana opened the scoring on 17 minutes with a fine low shot that snook its way past the Tigers defence and keeper David Marshall.

With just under half an hour gone, James Milner doubled the score from the spot after Ahmed Elmohamady saw red for handling the ball in the box.

Sadio Mané added a third six minutes later to Anfield's delight, with a nice individual goal, fooling everyone he passed.

Substitute David Meyler did pull one back for the visitors after the break, but Philippe Coutinho's breathtaking right-footed cut and long-range smash into the top corner and another Milner penalty sealed the deal and the three points for the home side.

Since Jürgen Klopp took over on 8 October 2015, Liverpool have scored 71 goals, more than any other team over this period. They are now fourth in the Premier League table, second top scorers behind Manchester City with 16 goals in 6 games, 11 in the past 3.

Hull meanwhile drop two places to 14th, level on seven points with Watford, Leicester and Burnley above them and Bournemouth below them on goal difference while Mike Phelan is still waiting to find out about his permanent destiny.

Liverpool Goals: Lallana 17', Milner pen 30' & pen 71', Mané 36' and Coutinho 52'.

Hull City Goal: Meyler 51'

Liverpool Team: 1 Karius; 7 Milner (booked 19'), 17 Klavan, 32 Matip, 2 Clyne; 5 Wijnaldum, 14 Henderson (c) (23 Can 74'), 20 Lallana (15 Sturridge 69'); 19 Mané, 11 Firmino, 10 Coutinho (16 Grujic 74'). 4-3-3
Subs not used: 18 Moreno, 21 Lucas, 22 Mignolet, 27 Origi.

Hull City Team: 2 Marshall; 3 Robertson, 6 Davies (c), 14 Livermore, 27 Elmohamady (sent off 29'); 20 Diomade (7 Meyler 33'), 25 Mason (booked 37') (22 Henriksen 73'), 11 Llucas, 8 Huddlestone (booked 7') (5 Maguire 45'), 10 Snodgrass; 9 Hernandez. 4-5-1
Subs not used: 15 Maloney, 17 Jakupovic, 18 Mbokani, 19 Keane.

Match Stats: Liverpool-Hull City
Attempts: 32-2
On target: 12-1
Corners: 13-2
Fouls: 8-8
Bookings: 1-2
Red cards: 0-1
Possession: 74%-26%

Referee: Andre Marriner
Man of the match: Adam Lallana
Attendance: 53,109

Images taken from the BBC match report 

Click here for my previous LFC match report

Liverpool brush champions aside 4-1

Sports - Football - Premier League - LFC 4:1 LCFC

The new expanded Anfield enjoyed their team outplay and easily beat Premier League champions Leicester 4-1 in the first home game of the season for the Reds.

It was nearly perfect for Jürgen Klopp's men, a strong, dominant and in control performance, except for Lucas Leiva's giveaway to Jamie Vardy just seven minutes before the break. It was a shocker.

Before that muck up, Roberto Firmino had opened the scoring off James Milner's pass, stepping inside Robert Huth before netting the ball into the bottom corner.

Skipper Jordan Henderson and Daniel Sturridge combined well, the latter's heel cheekily finding Sadio Mané to score on his home debut and make it 2-0 with just over half an hour gone.

The team and crowd were on fire, to be quenched by Lucas' inexplicable blooper of a pass, intended for keeper Simon Mignolet, but ending up perfectly across goal, fit for Vardy, an easy tap in for the profound striker.

This gave Claudio Ranieri's men hope and a breath of fresh air, however, Liverpool got their act together again in the second half, Adam Lallana making it 3-1, firing a shot into the top corner.

And to wrap up the win, Firmino doubled his score and made it 4-1 thanks to an unselfish Mané, who rounded an oncoming Kasper Schmeichel, to pass the ball to the Brazilian, who made no mistake of beating the Leicester defence to steer it in.

The score is harsh in the Danish stopper who made seven saves in an otherwise strong performance, but shows how crushing the Reds were, wearing and tearing down their opposition. So much so, Klopp lost his glasses in all the excitement, once again. Someone contact his optician/insurance/provider...

Liverpool Goals: Firmino 13' & 89', Mané 31' and Lallana 56'.

Leicester Goal: Vardy 38'.

Liverpool Team: 22 Mignolet; 20 Clyne, 32 Matip, 21 Lucas, 7 Milner; 20 Lallana, 14 Henderson (c) (booked 44'), 5 Wijnaldum (35 Stewart 76'), 19 Mané (18 Moreno 90'+3'); 15 Sturridge (10 Coutinho 76', 11 Firmino. 4-4-2
Subs not used: 1 Karius, 16 Grujic, 17 Klavan, 27 Origi.

Leicester Team: 1 Schmeichel; 17 Simpson (2 Hernandez 34'), 5 Morgan, 6 Huth (booked 82'), 28 Fuchs; 26 Mahrez, 13 Amartey (booked 28'), 4 Drinkwater, 11 Albrighton (23 Ulloa 65'); 20 Okazaki (7 Musa 45'), 9 Vardy. 4-4-2
Subs not used: 3 Chilwell, 10 King, 21 Zieler, 22 Gray.

Match Stats: Liverpool-Leicester
Attempts: 17-12
On target: 11-3
Corners: 1-7
Fouls: 4-8
Bookings: 1-2
Possession: 62%-38%

Referee: Craig Pawson
Man of the match: Roberto Firmino
Attendance: 51,232

Pictures taken from BBC match report

Click here for my previous LFC match report

Reds stun Gunners in 7-goal thriller

Sports - Football - PL - AFC 3-4 LFC

What an introduction to the new season that was! The first Super Sunday clash of the season at the Emirates saw seven goals, a penalty save, plenty of close calls and blunders, with a certain crazy German going mental and losing his glasses on the side-line, whilst the older Frenchman in the opposite dugout seemed less involved and left facing the boos and blushes.

One distraught Frenchman

And it all started so well for the home side in Arsène Wenger's 50th clash against the red Merseyside club. The Gunners were in control for most of the first half against a shaky Liverpool who just did not seem to get into gear.

Left-back Alberto Moreno was the villain of the half, leaving plenty of gaps, looking flustered and all over the place. It seemed only a matter of time until the Spaniard would cost the Reds dearly.

29 minutes gone, he brought down Theo Walcott in the box conceding a clumsily cheep penalty, to luckily and amazingly see it saved by much-doubted and under-fire keeper Simon Mignolet.

The Belgian stopper levelled Chelsea's Dmitri Kharine's record as the Premier League's best penalty saving goalkeeper, having saved 5 of 11 spot kicks = 45%.

The let off did not last long though, when 68 seconds later, Walcott was given plenty of space to send an easy tidy finish into the bottom corner, Moreno again at fault for not being in position, giving the home side a deserved lead.

However, all frustration was wiped away for the visitors just before the break, when Philippe Coutinho sent a deliciously sweet free kick curling into the top left corner, giving keeper Petr Cech no chance, levelling the score and leaving Arsenal with frustrated faces during the interval.

Whatever Jürgen Klopp said during the break, it worked. The Reds, like a puzzle, seemed to have finally found and got the parts together, Coutinho to new signing Georginio Wijnaldum to Adam Lallana who netted a lovely goal to make it 1-2 in the 49th minute.

And seven minutes later Coutinho made it three, with a smacker guided into the far corner off a great drive in by Nathaniel Clyne, to give the visitors a two-goal cushion.

With just over an hour gone, Arsenal were ripped and shredded to bits and pieces by individual brilliance, new star £34m-signing Sadio Mané making it 1-4 with great pace and skill, a top quality goal.

It was the first time a team scored four league goals at the Emirates against Arsenal since Chelsea in May 2009.

But that was far from game over. Only 73 seconds later, sub Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain hit a goal back to make it 2-4 with a great individual skip and run, unsighted goalkeeper and deflection. Game on after a goal rush of 5 in 20 minutes.

And tension and action were raised again, when with 15 minutes to go, Calum Chambers headed in Oxlade-Chamberlain's free kick to reduce the deficit to one goal, 3-4, increasing Mignolet's nightmare of a headache.

The tense finish to the game saw pressure rising on both sides, for Arsenal to hit back, for Liverpool to hold on, the latter succeeding. The full time whistle blew, 3-4, the boos rang around the Emirates, the fans not happy with the old man, whilst Klopp and the men from the Kop could not have been more relieved, together and thriving on the outcome.

Man of the match: Philippe Coutinho

Arsenal Goals: Walcott 31', Oxlade-Chamberlain 64' & Chambers 75'.

Liverpool Goals: Coutinho 45'+1' & 56', Lallana 49' & Mane 63'.

Arsenal Team: 33 Cech (c); 18 Monreal, 21 Chambers, 16 Holding, 24 Bellerin; 34 Coquelin (booked 37'), 35 Elneny (29 Xhaka 67' booked 86'); 7 Sanchez, 17 Iwobi (booked 57') (15 Oxlade-Chamberlain 59'), 8 Ramsey (19 Cazorla 61'); 14 Walcott. 4-2-3-1
Subs not used: 3 Gibbs, 10 Wilshere, 13 Ospina & 32 Akpom.

Liverpool Team: 22 Mignolet; 18 Moreno (booked 29'), 6 Lovren (booked 41'), 17 Klavan, 2 Clyne; 5 Wijnaldum (35 Stewart 88'), 14 Henderson (c), 20 Lallana (booked 26') (27 Origi 76'); 10 Coutinho (23 Can 70'), 11 Firmino, 19 Mané. 4-3-3
Subs not used: 13 Manninger, 16 Grujic, 32 Matip & 66 Alex-Arnold.

Match Stats: Arsenal-Liverpool
Possession: 50.7%-49.3%
Shots: 9-16
On target: 5-7
Blocked: 1-6
Corners: 5-4
Offsides: 4-3
Free kicks: 17-13
Bookings: 3-3

Referee: Michael Oliver
Ground: Emirates Stadium
Attendance: 60,033

Benteke pen completes 10-man Reds comeback

Sports – Football – Premier League – Crystal Palace 1:2 Liverpool

Substitute Christian Benteke was the unlikely hero, scoring a last-minute penalty, handing ten-man Liverpool a dramatic 2-1 win at Selhurst Park.

Crystal Palace had lead through Joe Ledley’s finish a couple of minutes after the interval, netting the ball following a bit of ping pong in the box off a corner.

Jürgen Klopp’s men saw the frustrating afternoon go from bad to worse when James Milner was sent off for a second yellow card just after the hour-mark.

However, this setback seemed to spurn on the Reds more than before, making them more possessive and productive with the ball.

But it took a slipup by Palace keeper Alex McCarthy to get the visitor back into the match, handing the ball to Roberto Firmino, who couldn’t miss, to make it 1-1 in the 72^nd minute.

Liverpool took over from then on, covering and creating more, Benteke brought on with ten minutes to go and a point to prove.

In the last seconds of stoppage time, Damien Delaney made contact with Benteke’s ankle, bringing down the striker in the box, referee Andre Marriner awarding the penalty guided by his assistant.

Benteke stepped up to put an end to his 715 goalless minutes in all competitions and made no mistake of converting the winner.

It was a very different victory compared to the Reds’ impressive 3-0 win over Manchester City midweek, showing more evidence of Liverpool’s inconsistency and/or a good case of Klopp’s renowned resistance/comeback philosophy/mentality (aka “Gegenpressing”).

Liverpool ran further as a team than Palace over 90 minutes (113km-111km respectively), man of the match Adam Lalllana covering most of that and passing 92% accurate, good to watch.

Palace have now gone 12 Premier League matches without a win (D4, L8), the current longest winless run in the top flight, frustrating and disappointing for Alan Pardew and his men, especially after a better first half and taking the lead against Liverpool.

Klopp and his men will take more hope and inspiration from the second half display and comeback, and will need it, facing fears rivals Manchester United next in the Europa League.

Crystal Palace Goals: Ledley 48’.

Liverpool Goals: Firmino 72’ & Benteke pen 96’.

Crystal Palace Team: 12 McCarthy; 12 Souare, 27 Delaney, 6 Dann (booked 11’), 2 Ward; 28 Ledley (26 Sako 82’), 15 Jedineik, 7 Cabaye (22 Mutch 70’), 11 Zaha; 10 Bolasie, 25 Adebayor (Gayle 82’). 4-4-2

Subs not used: 1 Speroni, 14 Lee Chung-Wong, 29 Chamakh & 34 Kelly.

Liverpool Team: 22 Mignolet; 18 Moreno (booked 86’), 17 Sakho, 6 Lovren, 38 Flanagan (10 Coutinho 61’); 20 Lallana, 23 Can, 14 Henderson (booked 10’), 7 Milner (booked 40’, 2^nd yellow 62’); 11 Firmino (4 Toure 88’); 27 Origi (9 Benteke 80’). 4-4-1-1

Subs not used: 2 Clyne, 15 Sturridge, 24 Allen & 52 Ward.

Referee: Andre Marriner

Man of the match: Adam Lallana

Attendance: 24,709

Match Stats: Crystal Palace-Liverpool

Possession: 62%-38%

Shots: 19-14

On target: 5-4

Corners: 6-6

Fouls: 16-12

Match Report: Bordeaux 1-1 Liverpool

Sports - Football - Europa League - Bordeaux 1-1 Liverpool

A relatively young Liverpool side started their Europa League campaign with a 1-1 draw, being denied their first win in four games by Bordeaux substitute Jussie in the last 10 minutes, earning his side a point in Group B.

Brendan Rodgers made eight changes after his side's 3-1 defeat at Old Trafford on Saturday, calling up Joe Gomez, Jordan Rossiter, Jordan Ibe and Divock Origi, as well as young substitutes Pedro Chirivelle and Cameron Brannagan, all gaining valuable European experience.

As always, Philippe Coutinho carried and produced most of the responsibility, play and chances, but could not compete on his own against a much better French side in the first half, Diego Rolan and Henri Saivet both coming close but not challenging Red keeper Simon Mignolet enough.

The Reds took over more control after the break, Rossiter and Chirivella, long-time youth team mates, gelling much better together, and Coutinho and fit-again Adam Lallana setting a much better and stronger tone for the visitors.

And on 65 minutes, the deadlock was finally broken by the former Saints man, with a stylish nutmeg through Pablo and first-time finish inside the far post.

And substitute Danny Ings looked like he doubled the lead with a similar cheeky effort, but was denied by the outstretched goalkeeper Cedric Carrasso.

But it was not to be. The youthful Reds tired soon and leaked in the closing stages. With nine minutes to go, Jussie had plenty of time and space and fired high into the net to level the score, Liverpool failing to clear their area, not for the first time this season.

It was a faire result in the end, a goal and point each, and good for the youngsters to gain experience and Lallana to find form in his first match back from injury. The main question and pressure is, if and when the Reds can find winning ways and form...

Bordeaux Goals: 1.: 81' Jussie (20).

Liverpool Goals: 1.: 65' Lallana (20).

Bordeaux Team: 16 Carrasso; 29 Poundje, 5 Pallois, 4 Nascimento de Castro, 2 Gajic (26 Guilbert 86'); 11 Chantome (booked 38'); 19 Maurice-Belay, 10 Saivet (17 Poko 76'); 24 Khazri (20 Jussie 69'); 27 Crivelli, 9 Rolan. 4-1-2-1-2

Subs not used: 7 Traore, 12 Thelin, 21 Yambere, 30 Prior.

Liverpool Team: 22 Mignolet; 17 Sakho, 4 Toure (booked 12') (8 Chirivella 28'), 12 Gomez; 18 Moreno, 23 Can, 46 Rossiter (32 Brannagan 80'), 33 Ibe; 10 Coutinho, 20 Lallana; 27 Origi (28 Ings 73'). 3-4-2-1

Subs not used: 11 Firmino, 34 Bogdan, 56 Randall, 58 Cleary.

Bordeaux-Liverpool Match Stats:

Possession: 46%-54%

Attempts: 9-10

On target: 5-6

Corners: 4-8

Fouls: 10-10

Referee: Alberto Undiano Mallenco

Attendance: 35,328

Man of the match: Philippe Coutinho

Pictures and stats taken from the BBC website

Match Report: Malaysia XI 1-1 Liverpool

Sports - Football - Pre-Season Friendly - Malaysia XI 1-1 Liverpool

Liverpool's final outing on their summer tour, across four cities in three countries, ended up being a very physical but disappointing 1-1 draw against Malaysia XI, at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium in Kuala Lumpur.

The travellers missed plenty of chances and showed the same old weaknesses at the back, that cost them dearly often enough last season.

Brendan Rodgers' men had enjoyed a successful tour so far, recording three out of three victories, scoring eight goals in the process.

However, MSL All Stars took the lead after just 13 minutes, thanks to Patrick Ronaldinho Wleh.

The striker took great control, before converting a beauty from about 20 yards away, with the outside of his right foot, Liverpool just watching.

15 minutes later, Jordan Ibe levelled the score for the Reds with a great individual goal.

The youngster seemed to be the only Red player to have turned up in the first half.

Attacking from the right, he sent a nice left-foot shot from the edge of the box into the back of the net, to make it 1-1.

The Reds did enjoy most of the possession and created more chances, most ending nowhere, frustrating to watch.

Dejan Lovren missed and messed up plenty of chances, at the front, middle and back of the field.

Adam Lallana and Divock Origi didn't form much of an attacking duo, not getting into gear until later on in the second half, where not much went on target either.

Keeper Adam Bogdan can be much happier with his display, keeping solid till the end to avoid defeat, as did Khairul Azhan Khalid for the opposition.

Apart from the two fine strikes, the two keepers had most to shout and be chuffed about of both teams.

Malaysia XI Goals: 12:22min 4 Patrick Ronaldinho.

Liverpool Goals: 27:33min 33 Ibe.

Malaysia XI Team: 1 Khairul; 16 Zubir (21 Nazirul Naim Che Hashim 78'), 5 Bikana, 3 Thiago, 13 Razman (6 Yong Kuong Yong 83'), 18 Joseph (11 Syamim Yahya 81'), 20 Nasir (booked 58', 7 Baddrol Bakhtier 73'),19 Azamuddin (9 Norshahrul Idlan 44'); 8 Zah Rahan (2 Afif Amiruddin 79'); 10 Chad (12 S. Kumaahran 85'), 4 Patrick Ronaldinho (14 Christie Yaya Seelan 70'). 4-3-1-2
Subs not used: 28 Zamir Selamat.

Liverpool Team: 34 Bogdan; 2 Clyne (50 Markovic 80'), 37 Skrtel, 6 Lovren, 18 Moreno (57 Maguire 80'); 14 Henderson, 21 Lucas (46 Rossiter 73'), 7 Milner (68 Chirivelle 90'), 33 Ibe; 20 Lallana, 27 Origi (54 Ojo 73'). 4-4-2
Subs not used: 22 Mignolet, Fulton, 4 Toure, 17 Sakho, 9 Lambert, 12 Gomez, 24 Allen, 28 Ings, 40 Kent, 47 Wisdom, 53 Teixeira, 56 Wilson, 58 Cleary.

Malaysia XI-Liverpool
Match Stats: 1st half & 2nd half
Attempts: 2-5 & 4-7
On target: 2-3 & 1-3
Offsides: 0-0 & 0-0
Goalkicks: 3-0 & 7-2
Corners: 0-5 & 2-2
Throws-in: 3-9 & 6-5
Free kicks: 2-4 & 5-3
Bookings: 1-0
Possession: 29%-71% (36')

Referee: Nagor Amir Noror Mohamed