Liverpool Win "Ugly" Against Burnley

Sports - Football - Premier League - LFC 2:1 BFC

Liverpool came back from behind to record their third consecutive home win in the league beating Burnley 2-1 at Anfield.

Click here for my full ByTheMin coverage of the game.

The home side didn't create a single chance in the opening half an hour and it looked like yet another shocking defeat when Sean Dyche's men took the lead early on at Anfield thanks to Ashley Barnes, who had a smashing game, in more than one way.

The 27-year-old forward was always on the opponents' case, playing the good old physical game, pushing, pressing, creating, producing and could have scored more.

He gave the Clarets the lead just seven minutes in, connecting to the brilliant pass in from Matthew Lowton and netting it with his right foot sliding in.

It looked like the visitors were bossing it and could have taken a nice dominant and deserved lead into the break.

But Georginio Wijnaldum levelled the score in added time just before the interval, putting Divock Origi's cross from the left past Ben Mee who was on his knees from close range.

The second half grew more and more frustrating for the Reds, Anfield growing more and more tense.

But Emre Can denied the Clarets the league double over the Reds, making it 2-1 just past the hour-mark with a low right-footed shot off the post into the corner of the net, the Merseysiders recording their first "ugly" win as manager Jürgen Klopp put it.

The goal came out of nowhere, shortly after the German boss had made his first substitution, bringing on Academy youngster Ben Woodburn for Philippe Coutinho. Klopp was obviously not happy.

The more relieved the Kop could be about recording three points, especially after all the media focus on their lack of form against the lower sides.

It's Liverpool's 16th Premier League win of the season, equalling their tally of wins for the whole 2015-16 season.

The pressure stays on the Reds to remain in the top four with the teams around them having games in hand and their next match is the Super Sunday clash against Manchester City at the Etihad.

Liverpool Goals: Wijnaldum 45'+1, Can 61'.

Burnley Goal: Barnes 7'.

Liverpool Team: 22 Mignolet; 7 Milner (c), 17 Klavan, 32 Matip, 2 Clyne; 20 Lallana (booked 87'), 23 Can (booked 63'), 5 Wijnaldum; 10 Coutinho (58 Woodburn 60'), 27 Origi (21 Lucas 79'), 19 Mané. 4-3-3
Subs not used: 1 Karius, 12 Gomez, 18 Moreno, 59 Wilson, 66 Alex-Arnold.

Burnley Team: 1 Heaton (c); 23 Ward, 6 Mee (booked 37'), 5 Keane, 2 Lowton; 37 Arfield (32 Agya 90'), 13 Hendrick, 19 Barton, 21 Boyd (12 Brady 73'); 7 Gray (9 Vokes 80'), 10 Barnes. 4-4-2
Subs not used: 17 Robinson, 18 Westwood, 26 Tarkowski, 27 Darikwa.

HT & FT Stats: Liverpool-Burnley
Score: 1-1 & 2-1
Possession: 70%-30% & 65%-35%
Shots: 5-4 & 10-11
On target: 1-1 & 3-1
Corners: 7-1 & 11-1
Fouls: 4-9 & 12-16
Bookings: 0-1 & 2-2

Referee: Craig Pawson
Man of the match: Ashley Barnes
Ground: Anfield
Attendance: 53,145

Click here for my last LFC match.

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

Wolves Stun Reds At Anfield

Sports - Football - FA Cup - LFC 1:2 WWFC

Wolves completed the perfect stunner by beating Liverpool 1-2 at Anfield, thereby eliminating them from the FA Cup in the fourth round.

It took the visitors just over 52 seconds to take the lead thanks to Richard Stearman heading in Hélder Wander Costa's free kick with poor marking by seven red shirts just watching on.

Paul Lambert's men dominated from then on, man of the match Costa menacing the Reds, and in the ninth minute ran right through them for the ball to end up just wide after a bit of a stumble.

Throughout the match, it seemed like Jürgen Klopp's men were just watching, not attacking the ball, not marking nor moving, making it too easy for Wolves.

And when Divock Origi lost the ball in his own half five minutes before the break, it was Costa again who pounced on it, broke out and away on the counter.

Challenged by Alberto Moreno, the 23-year old winger crossed the ball to Andreas Weimann who made no mistake of beating Loris Karius with a nice side-footer.

That took Liverpool to the break, 0-2 down, having not recorded any shots on target themselves, Anfield sounding anxious and angry.

Philippe Coutinho replaced Connor Randall after the break to bring more stability and threat to the home side and they did create more.

But it was nowhere near their usual pushing and pressing, making Wolves' marking job much easier, too many players staying static, standing, watching.

Both keepers did not have much to do, Liverpool over-touching, over-playing rather than moving and threatening, substitute Daniel Sturridge missing a couple of sitters.

The only notable save in the second half was made by Karius late on after another counter.

A couple of minutes after that, Origi headed a goal in off Sturridge, giving the Reds a glimmer of hope of a comeback with just under five minutes of normal time to go.

But it was too little, too late, and the huffy and puffy Merseysiders were well beaten for the third time in a row after going unbeaten at Anfield for 370 days before Saturday's loss to the Swans.

Here is my match report of their last match, defeat against Southampton in the EFL Cup semi final second leg.

The 8,300 travelling fans could not have asked for more from their side and the trip was well worth it watching Wolves, the deserved winners.

The three previous occasions they had beaten Liverpool in the FA Cup, they went on to win the trophy. Good luck to them!

Klopp's men are welcoming Chelsea to Anfield next, for their Premier League clash Tuesday evening, the last day of a very dry and dire January for the Reds.

Out of the EFL Cup... Out of the FA Cup... Just a two-point gap keeping them in the top four in the league... It couldn't get any worse... Could it?!

Liverpool Goal: Origi 85:22min.

Wolves Goals: Stearman 0:52min & Weimann 40:50min.

Liverpool Team: 1 Karius; 18 Moreno, 17 Klavan, 12 Gomez, 56 Randall (10 Coutinho 45); 5 Wijnaldum (booked 51'), Lucas (c), 53 Ejaria (23 Can 74'); 11 Firmino (15 Sturridge 65'), 27 Origi, 58 Woodburn. 4-3-3
Subs not used: 7 Milner, 22 Mignolet, 35 Stewart, 59 Wilson.

Wolves Team: 31 Burgoyne; 2 Doherty, 30 Hause (booked 48'), 5 Stearman (booked 29'), 16 Coady; 8 Saville, 14 Evans (booked 89'); 63 Weimann (10 Mason 77'), 4 Edwards (c), 17 Helder Costa (43 Ronan 67'); 9 Dicko (22 Bodvarsson 71'). 4-2-3-1
Subs not used: 6 Batth, 21 Lonergan, 26 Enobakhare, 55 Gibbs-White.

Match Stats: 1st & 2nd half LFC-WWFC
Attempts: 4-5 & 20-7
On target: 0-2 & 5-3
Offside: 0-1 & 1-2
Corners: 3-2 & 7-4
Fouls: 4-7 & 7-13
Bookings: 0-1 & 1-3
Possession: 79%-21% & 79%-21%

Referee: Craig Pawson
Man of the match:  Hélder Wander Costa
Ground: Anfield
Attendance: 52,469

Pictures and stats taken from the BBC match report and live coverage.

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.

Cherries Shock Reds In 7-Goal Thriller

Sports - Football - Premier League - AFCB 4:3 LFC

Bournemouth beat Liverpool for the first time, coming back from two goals down, scoring three goals in the final 14 minutes, to win 4-3 and end the Reds' 15-match unbeaten run.

It was a game of two halves with a dramatic grand finale at the Vitality Stadium.

The visitors started comfortably and dominant, taking the lead in the 20th minute thanks to Sadio Mané's easy tap in, his seventh league goal of the season.

Not even two minutes later, Divock Origi broke free, keeper Artur Boruc storming past him, the Belgian forward striking from a tight angle, the stadium gasping, utter silence, waiting, expecting, goal, 0-2, all the dominance paid off.

Junior Stanislas was the only ray of hope for the home side, creating chances, only to see the ball given away and wasted on numerous occasions.

And the Cherries were in uproar when they were denied a penalty by referee Robert Madley after Nathan Aké was clipped in the box surrounded by Liverpool defenders.

The half-time whistle could not have come soon enough for Eddie Howe's men, and it would have been more than interesting to be a fly on the wall of that dressing room during the interval.

Former Liverpool man Jordon Ibe was brought on in place of Joshua King for the home side after the break, ringing change.

More change was enforced soon after, Stanislas injured thanks to Jordan Henderson's clumsy tackle that put him in the ref's book, to be replaced by Ryan Fraser. Little did they know how much that sub would change for them.

Moments later James Milner conceded a penalty, netted by striker Callum Wilson to make it 1-2. Game on. Liverpool not so dominant anymore, Jürgen Klopp furious on the sideline, warned off by the officials.

Emre Can restored the two-goal cushion a few minutes later, hitting a nice curling shot, scoring his third league goal of the season, stopping the Bournemouth comeback in its track. Or so they thought.

The Reds thought they had the ball over the line off a Milner corner, keeper Boruc taking it, nearly over the line, replays showing it was really close. But all sound and vibration alerts stayed silent, by a millimetre or two.

Then the last sub for the home side Benik Afobe missed a chance to see man of the match Fraser net it after a nice counter by Bournemouth to make it 2-3. Then all hell broke loose for the Reds.

Seconds later defender Steve Cook levelled the score collecting super-sub Fraser's fine cross, turning and converting nicely, 3-3.

Liverpool's defence looked all over the place at this point, keeper Loris Karius forced into a save by Afobe again, Bournemouth bossing it, Klopp looking lost for words.

Origi and sub Adam Lallana had late chances to nick a win, but it was not to be.

The shocking turnaround was completed by the hosts in the third minute of stoppage time, Karius spilling the ball, Aké pouncing on it to make it count, 4-3!

Bournemouth looked the hungrier in the second half, Liverpool all over the place, the complete opposite of the first half. What a turnaround!

The Red bubble was well and truly burst by the Cherries. The Scousers had not conceded for over 5.5 hours and now netted four, costing them three points, seeing them slip down to third, four points behind league leaders Chelsea, one behind Arsenal in second, ahead of City in fourth just on goal difference.

The Christmas fixture list will now look very different to Klopp and his men.

Click here to read my full ByTheMinute match coverage

Bournemouth Goals: Wilson pen 56', Fraser 76', Cook 78' & Aké 90'+3'.

Liverpool Goals: Mané 20', Origi 22' & Can 64'.

Bournemouth Team: 1 Boruc; 15 Smith, 2 Francis (c) (booked 50'), 3 Cook, 5 Aké; 8 Arter, 4 Gosling (9 Afobe 75'); 17 King (33 Ibe 45'), 32 Wilshere (booked 48'), 19 Stanislas (24 Fraser 55'); 13 Wilson. 4-2-3-1
Subs not used: 7 Pugh, 14 Smith, 23 Federici, 26 Mings.

Liverpool Team: 1 Karius; 2 Clyne, 21 Lucas, 6 Lovren, 7 Milner; 23 Can (booked 87'), 14 Henderson (booked 53'), 5 Wijnaldum; 19 Mané (20 Lallana 69'), 27 Origi, 11 Firmino. 4-3-3
Subs not used: 17 Klavan, 18 Moreno, 22 Mignolet, 53 Ejaria, 58 Woodburn, 66 Alexander-Arnold.

HT Stats:
Bournemouth 0-2 Liverpool
Attempts: 1-5
On target: 0-2
Offside: 0-1
Corners: 1-6
Fouls: 5-4
No bookings
Possession: 41%-59%

FT Stats:
Bournemouth 4-3 Liverpool
Attempts: 12-10
On target: 8-3
Offsides: 1-1
Corners: 4-9
Fouls: 9-17
Bookings: 2-2
Possession: 39.9%-60.1%

Referee: Robert Madley
Man of the match: Ryan Fraser
Ground: Vitality Stadium
Attendance: 11,183

Pictures taken from the BBC match report & stats from Sky Sports live coverage

Click here for my previous LFC match report

Woodburn Shoots Reds Into Semis

Sports - Football - EFL Cup - LFC 2:0 LUFC 

Liverpool progressed to their 17th League Cup semi-final - more than any other side - after beating Leeds 2-0 at Anfield.

Divock Origi put the home side ahead on 76 minutes off youngster Trent Alexander-Arnold's fine cross moments after Georgino Wijnaldum had hit the woodwork.

The Dutch midfielder then set up the second goal five minutes later, Ben Woodburn smashing home from close range, his first goal for the club, breaking Liverpool's club record becoming the youngest scorer in the Reds' history with 17 years and 45 days, beating none other than Michael Owen by 98 days.

Garry Monk's men had not made it easy for the home side, coming close a couple of times earlier on in the match.

Hadi Sacko was denied by a fine Simon Mignolet save, and man of the match Kemar Roofe hit the post, but it was not to be for the Sky Bet Championship side.

Jürgen Klopp made eight changes, being without Adam Lallana, Roberto Firmino and Daniel Sturridge, and confirming Philippe Coutinho will be out for five weeks with ankle ligament damage.

The German counted on his youngsters, who didn't get into gear till after the break.

But after the Whites lost Eunan O'Kane to injury in the first half, it looked more difficult for the visitors.

Despite all that, they still challenged the Reds, Kyle Bartley heading wide and Roofe coming close a couple of times.

But it all was to no avail, the Red youngsters ended up on top, and even late on when Leeds thought they had pulled one back, substitute Chris Wood was flagged offside to see his goal denied. It was not their day.

Liverpool will face Southampton in the semis, travelling there for the first leg on the 11th January, the return leg at home scheduled two weeks after that.

Liverpool Goals: Origi 76' & Woodburn 81'.

Liverpool Team: 22 Mignolet; 18 Moreno, 17 Klavan, 21 Lucas (c), 66 Alex-Arnold; 23 Can, 35 Stewart (58 Woodburn 67'), 51 Ejaria (7 Milner 82'); 19 Mané, 27 Origi (booked 90'+1') (16 Grujic 90'+1'), 5 Wijnaldum. 4-3-3
Subs not used: 1 Karius, 2 Clyne, 6 Lovren, 14 Henderson.

Leeds United Team: 12 Silvestri; 21 Taylor, 6 Cooper (c) (2 Ayling 45'), 5 Bartley, 28 Berardi; 14 O'Kane (23 Philips 28'), 25 Vieira; 15 Dallas (9 Wood 62'), 7 Roofe, 24 Sacko; 11 Doukara (booked 56'). 4-2-3-1
Subs not used: 1 Green, 10 Antonsson, 16 Grimes, 27 Mowatt.

Match Stats: Liverpool-Leeds United
Attempts: 13-13
On target: 4-4
Offsides: 1-5
Corners: 3-5
Fouls: 4-12
Possession: 71.5%-28.5%

Referee: Andre Marriner
Man of the match: Kemar Roofe
Ground: Anfield
Attendance: 52,012

Pictures taken from the BBC match report

Click here for my previous LFC match report

Sturridge double downs Spurs

Sports - Football - EFL Cup - LFC 2:1 THFC

Daniel Sturridge's double ended up being enough to eliminate Tottenham from the EFL Cup in the fourth round with Liverpool beating Spurs 2-1 at Anfield.

The much criticised striker was on fire, could and should have had a hat-trick with chances galore for the Reds, but had to settle for "just" the two goals and the man-of-the-match award.

Both managers made plenty of changes from the weekend, the whole 11 by Jürgen Klopp, 10 by Mauricio Pochettino, showing faith in their youngsters.

21-year-old Divock Origi impressed, producing, creating and providing plenty of chances. Liverpool proved themselves the more dominant and took the lead early on thanks to Sturridge's instinctive strike from six yards after just nine minutes.

And the home side took control in the second half, Origi and Sturridge combining well, the prior sending the latter clear to slide his second goal under Michel Vorm.

The England striker had wasted a couple of sitters beforehand, curled another chance against the bar late on, so, had plenty of opportunities to make it three and the Matchball his.

But the Spurs youngsters were not to be downed that easily and made it a more nervous finish for the Reds after they conceded a penalty when substitute Erik Lamela was fouled and saw Vincent Janssen send keeper Simon Mignolet the wrong way to make it 2-1 with just under 15 minutes to go.

Both sides missed chances late on, leaving Pochettino on his knees in frustration and defeat, Klopp the happier, obviously, seeing his side extend their unbeaten run in all competitions to 10 matches, 8 of them wins, taking them to the EFL Cup quarter final.

Liverpool Goals: Sturridge 9' & 64'.

Tottenham Goal: Janssen pen 76'.

Liverpool Team: 22 Mignolet, 66 Alexander-Arnold (booked) (2 Clyne 68'), 21 Lucas, 17 Klavan, 18 Moreno, 5 Wijnaldum, 35 Stewart, 53 Ejaria, 16 Grujic (booked) (23 Can 89'), 15 Sturridge, 27 Origi (28 Ings 68' (booked)).
Subs not used: 1 Karius, 6 Lovren, 19 Mané, 20 Lallana.

Tottenham Team: 13 Vorm, 16 Trippier, 38 Carter-Vickers, 27 Wimmer (booked), 33 Davies, 15 Dier (12 Wanyama 67'), 29 Winks (booked), 25 Onomah, 28 Carroll (11 Lamela 61'), 14 Nkoudou (39 Harrison 83'), 9 Janssen.
Subs not used: 5 Vertonghen, 30 López Sabata, 45 Walkes, 46 Amos.

Match Stats: Liverpool-Tottenham
Attempts: 18-9
On target: 9-5
Corners: 6-6
Fouls: 12-19
Possession: 46%-54%

Referee: Jonathan Mass
Man of the match: Daniel Sturridge
Attendance: 53,501

Pictures taken from the BBC match report

Click here for my previous LFC match report

Sturridge double seals EFL Cup progress

Sports - Football - EFL Cup - BAFC 0-5 LFC

Liverpool started their EFL Cup campaign successfully and comfortably with a 0-5 win at Burton Albion.

Coming back off a Premier League defeat at Burnley on Saturday, and still hurting from their League Cup final defeat against Manchester City last season, Jürgen Klopp's men came back all guns blazing.

Well, not quite. The score line over-compliments the Reds, a match that was less thrilling, entertaining and impressive, more like a kick in the park.

Divock Origi opened the scoring at the Pirelli Stadium, 15 minutes in, netting Sadio Mané's cross from close range with a cheeky back-heel flick.

Roberto Firmino doubled the score seven minutes later, keeper Stephen Bywater throwing the ball into Nathaniel Clyne's path whose surge down the right wing provided the Brazilian with a perfect cross to head in.

Just when it looked like Nigel Clough's men may be able to grind back something out of the match, taking more possession in the second half, a Tom Naylor own goal just past the hour made it 0-3.

Substitute Daniel Sturridge added two more to the Brewers' misery, 78' and 83', being in the right place at the right time, in the box, central, seemingly proving a point to those watching.

The only worry for Klopp's men on an easy night out came with Emre Can's injury who went down without any tackle or contact and had to be replaced just over halfway through the second half.

The next big test comes Saturday, lunch time, at White Hart Lane, where they can really prove what they are made of! (I'll be covering the Premier League match live on ByTheMinute.co)

Liverpool Goals: Origi 15', Firmino 22', Naylor OG 61', Sturridge 78' & 83'.

Burton Albion Team: 13 Bywater; 14 McCrory, 5 McFadzean (c), 15 Naylor; 11 Dyer (21 Fox 65'), 36 Irvine (16 Palmer 45'), 19 Choudhury (booked 57'), 7 Williamson (booked 61'), 10 Akins (22 Harness 65'); 9 Butcher, 12 Beavon. 3-5-2
Subs not used: 6 Turner, 23 Delaney, 1 McLaughlin, 8 O'Grady.

Liverpool Team: 22 Mignolet; 7 Milner, 6 Lovren, 32 Matip, 2 Clyne; 14 Henderson (c), 23 Can (35 Stewart 71'), 20 Lallana (5 Wijnaldum 64'); 11 Firmino (15 Sturridge 64'), 27 Origi, 19 Mané. 4-3-3
Subs not used: 13 Manninger, 17 Klavan, 18 Moreno, 28 Ings.

Match Stats: Burton Albion-Liverpool
Possession: 41%-59%
Attempts: 4-15
On target: 0-8
Corners: 6-3
Offsides: 0-5
Fouls: 4-7
Bookings: 2-0

Referee: Simon Hooper
Ground: Pirelli Stadium
Attendance: 6,450

Pictures taken from the BBC match report, stats taken from Sky Sports app

Click here for my previous LFC match report

Match Summary: HJK Helsinki 0-2 Liverpool

Sports - Football - Pre-Season Friendly - HJK Helsinki 0-2 Liverpool

Liverpool Goals: 27 Origi 73' & 10 Coutinho 78'.

HJK Helsinki Team: 1 Örlund (35 Sahlgren HT); 15 Peiponen (2 Lehtinen 85'), 6 Heikkila, 3 Boah (4 Ojala 58'), 11 Lampi (16 Moren HT); 13 Kolehmainen (91 Maissi 71'), 28 Schüler (26 Malola HT); 99 Kandji (8 Savage 80'), 10 Atom (20 Klinga HT), 22 Mandy (7 Lingman 71'); 18 Jallow (14 Havenger 71'). 4-2-3-1

Subs not used: Sauramea, 27 Sorsa, Alho, 80 Zemeli.

Liverpool Team: 22 Mignolet; 2 Clyne, 37 Skrtel, 6 Lovren, 12 Gomez (57 Maguire 81'); 14 Henderson, 10 Coutinho (68 Chirivella 81'), 7 Milner; 33 Ibe, 20 Lallana, 28 Ings (27 Origi 63'). 4-3-3

Subs not used: GK Fulton, 40 Kent, 60 Allan.

HJK Helsinki-Liverpool Match Stats: 1st & 2nd half

Attempts: 1-6 & 1-5

On target: 0-2 & 1-4

Offside: 0-2 & 0-0

Goal kicks: 5-1 & 4-0

Corners: 2-5 & 0-4

Throws: 9-9 & 1-3

Free kicks: 4-8 & 6-2

Bookings: 0-0

My ByTheMinLFC Tweets:

- Phil Coutinho starts & new man Allan Rodriguez De Souza is sub (line-ups)

- Hey everyone! Sonjahaha here to cover all the HJK Helsinki v Liverpool action, a couple of min left till kick-off... XxXxX

- And the home side have kicked off... Helsinki playing to the right, Liverpool to the left... Win a throw straight away...

2' Liverpool won the ball back straight away but don't do much with it, they give away another throw-in... 0-0

5' 1st free kick to Liverpool after Atom & Kolehmainen both take on Milner... Henderson ends that attack with a shot right into gk Örlund.

6' a couple of corners to the home side, no real threat though yet... Both sides still finding their way... 0-0

8' Coutinho takes 1st LFC corner short, deflected to another corner; Skrtel attempt ends in another corner; Ibe puts it out for a goal kick.

11' Helsinki with a promising build-up from the right, nr 15 Paiponen dpes well, but sees ball blocked away in the box, disappointing, 0-0

14' Ibe from right, gets denied well by the hosts' left-back, Liverpool keep the ball, press back from the left... Lallana shot into gk, 0-0

16' Ibe with a shot from the right this time, into the side-netting. More promising build-ups from the Reds... But still 0-0.

18' Lallana rolls the ball into keeper Örlund's gloves again, keeping him busy but not much challenged, 0-0

19' free kick to the Reds in their own half, near the mid-circle, not much else produced from it worth describing... 0-0

- Halfway through the half Helsinki can be happy with a lot of possession, Liverpool with more chances but not much close, 0-0.

24' Helsinki win a free kick just outside the mid-circle in Liverpool's half, again not much from it, more a comfy kick about here, 0-0

26' Ings a bit over-enthusiastic there, gives away a fk, but the Reds counter quickly, Ibe on the right again, brought down by Schüller, 0-0

28' Ings heads the free kick high, shame, 0-0

29' Very quiet ground, a bit of applause here & there, Helsinki give the ball away again after a longer comfy spell, 0-0

30' Milner sees promising ball deflected out for a throw-in, keeper Örlund ends with the ball, all too comfortable. Again. 0-0

31' Kandji all over Gomez, concedes a free kick, Coutinho takes the ball well to Milner whose shot is easy to collect for Örlund again. 0-0

33' Kandji brings down Lallana this time, closer to the box, Milner short to Henderson on the left, pass blocked, HJK did well there, 0-0

34' Gomez pressing from the left again, a bit of ping pong, LFC keep it, try to press, but end up giving it away, 0-0

35' ball doesn't stay long with Helsinki & their nr 11 Lampi gives away a free kick on the right again; Henderson back to Milner, shot...

-... deflected/blocked out for a goal-kick, still 0-0

37' Helsinki with a rare counter, don't last long, blocked back to LFC who come from preferred right again, Ings runs but sees it out, 0-0

39' Liverpool look the hungrier but not really dangerous, Helsinki comfortable & confident so far, 0-0

5min to go till the break, LFC with a throw-in on the right, Coutinho whit a shot from outside the box, deflected, corner, nice one, 0-0

- another LFC corner taken by Coutinho, blocked, Lallana pass from left, blocked, ball away, 0-0

- Last seconds, Coutinho wins a free kick against Heikkila but it's quickly lost in the boy & that's the HT whistle 0-0, fine, that's it.

- HJK v LFC HT 0-0 my stats: attempts: 1-6, on target 0-2, offside 0-2, throws 9-9, free kicks 4-8, corners 2-5, goalkicks 5-1; both too comfy

- Well then, here we go, Liverpool kick off the second half, unchanged, 3 changes for Helsinki I think I heard; 11 Lampi replaced by 16 'Moren...

- Helsinki 35 Sahlgren comes on for nr 1 keeper Örlund & I think I overheard 26 Malolo on for 28 Schüller... Lallana shot soft to gk, 0-0.

- Yep, just confirmed these three HT changes for Helsinki plus one more, 20 Klinga on for 10 Atom... See next retweet... Still 0-0 meanwhile...

52' Clyne wins free kick for LFC near the centre circle, ends nowhere, goal kick, still quiet 0-0, Helsinki keep the ball, back kickabout

54' LFC & Ibe stubborn from the right, not letting Helsinki go, that's for sure, but not getting close atm, 0-0 & home side get ball back

56' and that was the first ball Mignolet had to collect!!! And he didn't muck it up! #relief 0-0

57' LFC corner to Lallana who whacks the ball towards goal but just high, corner from it, not much... Another corner eventually... 0-0

58' another change for Helsinki nr 15 (no name shown in French TV) replaces nr 3 Boah & a couple of minutes later another chance goes...

... begging for Liverpool, Coutinho I think the man looking most frustrated at the moment... Next to Ibe... And Lallana... And LFC, 0-0

63' first sub for Liverpool nr 27 Origi replacing 28 Ings, see if that'll break the deadlock! He gives away a free kick straight away, 0-0

- Hahaha, French telly just replaying all the frustrated faces & reactions by the players, definitely fits the general feeling! 0-0

66' and first time the French commentators get loud Lallanaaaa strong shot just about gloved out for a corner by Sahlgren, close one, 0-0

67' Liverpool corner comes to nothing, Helsinki win a free kick, comes to nothing, mirroring the whole match = nothing 0-0

70' Ibe pressing and pressing again, wins a corner, he's the only light I have seen today in this dark, trist display; corner, away, 0-0

- Looks like Ojala was the last sub on nr 4 not 15 whilst Helsinki make more changes... Check next retweet... Just under 20min to go... GOAL!

- Liverpool take the lead, nice advance by Ibe from the right again, ball ends at sub Origi's feet, who makes no mistake, 0-1 to the Reds!

- There ye go! My retweets confirm the last Helsinki substitutions & Liverpool's goal, all in Finnish! AAAAAND GOAOAOALLLL! 0-2!!!!!

- Coutinho's right foot doubles the lead for the Reds after a nice one-two build-up off a Lallana corner. Finally they've woken (us) up! 0-2

80' And another Helsinki change (I've lost count): 8 Savage on for 99 Kandji; and a couple of Liverpool changes coming up...

81' 57 Maguire & 68 Chirivella come on for 12 Gomez & 10 Coutinho & replacing two happier players with that! 0-2

- Helsinki change, 2 Lehtinen replaces 15 Peiponen; the right nr 15 this time... I know, exactly what you thought! 0-2 with 5ish min to go

- Liverpool kicking the ball around comfortably now, now they can, couple min to go, 2-0 up thank to sub Origi & Coutinho, feel better now!

90' another promising free kick for Liverpool, skipper Henderson takes it, low smacker just wide, keeper went for it, still 0-2, 3min added.

- can see the Liverpool fans singing loud, not much sound on the French channel though... And that's FT 0-2

- Liverpool win a frustrating match, 0-2 in Helsinki, tanks to Origi 73rd & Coutinho 78th min, waking up an otherwise quite dull game.

- HJK v LFC FT 0-2 stats: attempts: 2-11, on target 1-6, offside 0-2, throws 10-12, free kicks 10-10, corners 2-9, goal kicks 9-1.

- So, LFC's stubbornness more than quality paid off & they leave Helsinki 0-2 victors. That's all from me Sonjahaha, till next time #YNWA XxXxX

To read more of my tweets follow me on twitter => @Sonjahaha

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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