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

Spirited Reds lose Europa League fight

Sports - Football - Europa League Last 32 - Liverpool 3:1 Zenit

Liverpool are knocked out of the Europa League on away goals after a spirited second-leg fight back against Zenit St Petersburg.

The breathtaking last-32 tie looked all over after 19 minutes when Jamie Carragher's giveaway handed Givaldinho Hulk the ball and the Russian side a vital away goal to make it 3-0 on aggregate.

But the Reds and the roaring Kop had a different idea. On 27, Luis Suarez thumped in a free kick through the Zenit wall which spurred on an already hyped Anfield.

A couple of minutes before the break, Joe Allen's header was saved before the Welshman netted the rebound after a nice one-two with Jose Enrique to make it 2-1 at the break, 2-3 on aggregate and game on for the second half.

The atmosphere and tempo remained loud, lively and high throughout and after Suarez scored another smacker of a free kick to make it 3-1 (3-3 on aggregate) with just over half an hour to go, the game and ground went from full to overload with chance after chance, attack after attack by the Reds and the visitors snapping back with some strong counters.

Skipper Steven Gerrard pulled a brilliant double-save from keeper Vyacheslov Malafeev at one end, before Pepe Reina produced a top save of his against Hulk on the other end.

Sub Jonjo Shelvey put one golden chance into the side-netting seconds later.

The fans tried to back and push their side on at the death, but all to no avail as Liverpool crashed out and Zenit progressed to the last 16 thanks to the away goal.

The Russians will meet Swiss side FC Basel whilst Liverpool have the league left as their last and only focus, where they sit in seventh, five points from the Europa League qualification spot and nine points outside the Champions League qualification places.

Liverpool Goals: 1.: 27:01 min Luis Suarez (7), 2.: 42:41 min Joe Allen (24), 3.: 58.06 min Luis Suarez (7.).

Zenit Goals: 1.: 18:14 min Givaldinho Hulk (29).

Liverpool: 25 Reina; 3 Jose Enrique, 5 Agger, 23 Carragher, 2 Johnson; 24 Allen (33 Shelvey - 55., booked 66.), 21 Lucas; 14 Henderson (11 Assaidi - 59.), 8 Gerrard, 19 Downing (31 Sterling - 84.); 7 Suarez. 4-2-3-1
Subs not used: 42 Gulacsi, 16 Coates, 30 Suso, 47 Wisdom.

Zenit: 16 Malafeev; 14 Hubocan, 6 Lombaerts (4 Criscito - HT), 13 Neto, 2 Anyukov; 15 Shirokov, 27 Denisov (booked 27.), 28 Witsel; 25 Semak (21 Rodic - 84.), 29 Hulk, 10 Danny (20 Fayzulin - HT). 4-3-3
Subs not used: 30 Zhemov, 3 Alves, 9 Bukharov, 11 Kerzhakov.

BBC Stats: Liverpool-Zenit
Attempts: 18-10
On target: 12-5
Corners: 11-2
Free kicks: 13-11
Possession: 51%-49% (1st half), 56%-44% (FT)

Referee: Björn Kuipers
Man of the match: Luis Suarez

Liverpool held to a 2-2 draw by Young Boys

Sports - Football - Europa League - Liverpool 2:2 Young Boys

Liverpool have to wait until the final round of games to qualify for the last 32 in the Europa League after drawing 2-2 against the Young Boys at Anfield. A win would have seen them through one game to spare, but the draw means they will have to beat Udinese in the last group fixture to guarantee qualification. 

Brendan Rodgers lined up a much changed side from the Reds' win against Wigan, Oussama Assaidi, Jonjo Shelvey and Joe Cole starting up front of a 4-3-3 formation with star man Luis Suarez and captain Steven Gerrard both left on the bench. 

The visitors started the brighter and almost scored from kick-off as Gonzalo Zarate put a bicycle kick over the bar. But after seeing their defender Dusan Veskovac carried off with a hamstring injury and replaced by Juhani Ojala, it seemed to disrupt the Swiss side's flow, allowing the hosts to gain control of the match. 

Jordan Henderson was denied by Marco Wolfli, a fine save by the Swiss skipper after the England midfielder was put clean through by his team mate Shelvey's cheeky back-heel pass. Suso also had a shot saved before Rodgers was forced to bring on the skipper Gerrard for the apparently injured Andre Wisdom, just half an hour into the game. 

Just seconds/two minutes later, Liverpool took the lead thanks to a fine buildup exchange of passes by Cole and Suso. The former Chelsea midfielder took the perfect return from his team mate which allowed him to cross for Shelvey to head in from three yards. 

Cole and the Reds were buzzing and in total control after that and it was not until after the break the Young Boys made a comeback. Cole had another chance from Suso's through-ball but Wolfli smothered his shot and the visitors raced down the other end to equalise thanks to a superb left-footed strike across Pepe Reina by Raul Bobadilla. 

With the game now delicately poised, Suarez replaced Suso on the hour-mark breathing some new life into the Reds. The hosts took control and pinned the opposition back and a breakthrough seemed inevitable when Suarez and Gerrard exchanged some passes, a nice one-two, the latter picking out Cole's run. The number ten took the ball with his back to the goal, spun around before stabbing it beyond Wolfli into the back of the net and celebrating in total ecstasy. 

The Reds thought they had the points in the bag after that but with time running out Elsad Zverotic levelled the score for the visitors by blasting home the ball from the edge of the box, meaning Liverpool's Europa League fate now rests on the outcome of their trip to Udinese in a fortnight's time. 

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers: 

"It is a little frustrating. It is disappointing that with three or four minutes to go we didn't control the game better. 

"It would have been a good win for us against a good team. But we still control our destiny. It just makes it a wee bit harder than we would have liked. 

"It's a competition we want to qualify in. We had a good chance tonight but we didn't close it out." 

Reina into the history book: 

Pepe Reina made his 81st European appearance for Liverpool on Thursday. That saw the Spanish international pass Ray Clemence's club record for a goalkeeper. 

*The images taken from the BBC and Sky Sports website's match reports respectively

Liverpool 2-2 Young Boys 

Liverpool Goals: 1: 32:35 min Jonjo Shelvey (33), 2: 71:38 min Joe Cole (10). 

Young Boys Goals: 1: 51:21 min Raul Marcello Bobabilla (9), 2: 87:48 min Elsad Zverotic (13). 

Liverpool Lineup: 25 Reina; 19 Downing, 23 Carragher, 37 Skrtel, 47 Wisdom (8 Gerrard - 31.min); 14 Henderson, 4 Sahin (booked 78.min), 30 Suso (7 Suarez - 60.min); 11 Assaidi, 33 Shelvey, 10 Cole (31 Sterling - 75.min). 4-3-3 
Subs not used: 1 Jones, 3 Jose Enrique, 16 Coates, 24 Allen. 

Young Boys Lineup: 1 Wolfli; 33 Lecjaks, 22 Veskovac (3 Ojala - 23. min), 4 Nef, 23 Sutter; 8 Farnerud, 13 Zverotic (booked 89.min); 29 Nuzzolo (20 Frey - 77.min), 14 Schneuwly (7 Vitkieviez - 82.min), 19 Zarate; 9 Bobadilla. 4-2-3-1. 
Subs not used: 18 Mvogo, 2 Gonzalez, 10 Constanzo, 30 Doubai. 

BBC Match Stats: Liverpool-Young Boys 
Attempts: 17-14 
On target: 12-8 
Corners: 14-5 
Free kicks: 13-9 
Possession: 57%-43% 

Referee: Alon Yefet (Israel) 
Man of the Match: Joe Cole

Liverpool slump to third successive home defeat

Sports - Football - Europa League - Liverpool 2:3 Udinese 

Liverpool failed to capitalise on their dominance once again as Udinese came from behind to stun the home side leaving Anfield with a 3-2 Europa League win. 

 

Brendan Rodgers' side dominated the first half with some neat interplay and nice one-twos. The Reds took the lead on 22 thanks to Jonjo Shelvey's thumping header off Stewart Downing's cross. 

But the half-time-lead and confidence did not last long, 32 seconds after the restart to be exact, when Italian skipper Antonio Di Natale struck the equaliser into the top corner. 

Liverpool crumbled into bits after that, Sebastian Coates putting one through his own net on 70 minutes thanks to a glancing header as he challenged Maurizio Domizzi, and Di Natale starring again providing Giovanni Pasquale who made no mistake of drilling a 25-yard rocket past a helpless Pepe Reina to make it 3-1. 

Substitute Luis Suarez got the Reds' hopes of a comeback up and going again after he fired home an unstoppable free kick 15 minutes from time. 

But the Uruguayan's strike ended up being nothing but a consolation goal as Liverpool fell to their third successive home defeat, ruing missed chances and fruitless dominance and team play once again. 

Rodgers' men completed over three times the passes of their Italian opposition which shows their control and dominance. But as long as this does not lead to more and affect the scoreboard, it all comes to nothing. 

Udinese were everything the Reds were not - streetwise, hard-nosed and ruthless when presented with a chance. The Italians are the first side to beat Liverpool at Anfield in Europe since Fiorentina in December 2009, ending an unbeaten run of 13 matches. 

As far as Rodgers is concerned, his men are breaking all the wrong records and that has to change. Quickly.  

Liverpool 2-3 Udinese (1-0) 

Liverpool Goals: 22:06min Jonjo Shelvey (33), 74:08min Luis Suarez (7). 

Udinese Goals: 45:31min Antonio Di Natale (10), 69:57min Sebastian Coates (16) OG, 71:54min Giovanni Pasquale (26). 

Liverpool: 25 Reina; 49 Robinson, 23 Carragher, 16 Coates, 2 Johnson; 33 Shelvey, 24 Allen, 14 Henderson (8 Gerrard - 65.); 11 Assaidi (7 Suarez - 65.), 29 Borini (31 Sterling - 79.), 19 Downing. 4-3-3 
Subs not used: 1 Jones, 4 Sahin, 37 Skrtel, 47 Wisdom. 

Udinese: 1 Brkic; 11 Domizzi, 5 Danilo, 17 Benatia (bkd 66.); 26 Pasquale, 66 Pinzi (bkd 68.) (88 Willians - 70.), 7 Agyemang-Badu, 6 Faraoni (bkd 91.); 27 Armero (22 Lazzari - HT), 10 Di Natale (14 Ranegie - 85.), 37 Pereyra. 3-4-3 
Subs not used: 25 Padelli, 16 Coda, 31 Fabbrini, 75 Heurtaux. 

Sky Stats: Liverpool-Udinese 
Attempts: 11-5 
On target: 7-3 
Corners: 7-6 
Free kicks: 9-7 
Passes: 757-241 
Passing Success: 91.3%-71.8% 
Tackles: 18-21 
Tackling Success: 77.8%-66.7% 
Territorial Advantage: 52.8%-47.2% 
1st half Possession: 79.7%-20.3% 
2nd half Possession: 71.9%-28.1% 
Possession: 74.5%-25.5% 

Referee: S. Johannesson 
Man of the Match: Antonio Di Natale

Reds win eight-goal thriller in Switzerland

Sports - Football - Europa League - Young Boys 5:3 Liverpool

Jonjo Shelvey scored twice as a young Liverpool side beat Young Boys 5-3 in their opening Europa League group match in Switzerland. In a topsy-turvy, roller-coster-ride encounter, Brendan Rodgers saw his side twice ahead in the first half, before coming from behind to start Group A on a winning note.

 

Rodgers left most of the big names back on Merseyside, and saw his side take the lead in comical fashion when Stewart Downing's cross from the right found Christoph Spycher's head to deflect in off his own team mate Juhani Ojala.

But Liverpool's lead did not last long thanks to their own defensive frailties. Jose Enrique took the ball past an oncoming Brad Jones handing it to Raphael Nuzzolo instead of clearing it, the Young Boy curling it home gratefully to make it 1-1. 

Spycher and Ojala got in each other's way again when Andre Wisdom headed a Red corner into the bottom right-hand corner of the goal, a textbook conversion to make it 1-2 at half time. Ojala got his second goal of the night when he headed in Raul Bobadilla's cross like in slower motion to make it 2-2 on 52.

 

The home side then took the lead when Bobadilla beat Jamie Carragher to pass the ball to Gonzalo Zarate who tipped the ball over Jones and in, a sweet finish to a nice counter attack after a Liverpool corner. The defensive nightmare continued when Sebastian Coates headed in a corner to equalise for the visitors and super-sub Shelvey netted twice in the last 15 minutes, both similar and neat finishes set up by Fabio Borini and Jordan Henderson.

This game was a load of fun to watch, had plenty of action to talk about, very entertaining!  From defensive fiascos, farces and chaos to crucial, important and decisive substitutions and neat finishes, this match had anything and everything in it. 

Rodgers will come away from this with a smile but plenty of headache with it too! The Irishman can be glad with the win and his gamble to play the youngsters and leave out the main men did not backfire on him!

Young Boys Goals: 37:38min Raphael Nuzzolo (29), 52:03min Juhani Ojala, 62:28min Gonzalo Zarate (19).

Liverpool Goals: 3:17min Juhani Ojala (3) OG, 39:52min Andre Wisdom (47), 66:23min Sebastian Coates (16), 75:36 & 87:03min Jonjo Shelvey (33).

Young Boys: 1 Wolfil; 23 Sutter, 22 Veskovac (bkd 80.), 3 Ojala, 16 Raimondi (bkd 17.); 13 Zverotic (20 Frey - 81.), 17 Spycher, 19 Zarate (2 Gonzalez - 65.), 8 Farnerud, 29 Nuzzolo (14 Schneuwly - 69.); 9 Bobadilla (bkd 85.). 4-5-1

Subs not used: 27 Benito, 7 Vitkieviez, 10 Constanzo, 33 Lecjaks.

Liverpool: 1 Jones; 47 Wisdom, 23 Carragher, 16 Coates, 3 Jose Enrique; 14 Henderson, 4 Sahin, 30 Suso, 11 Assaidi (33 Shelvey - 67.), 19 Downing (31 Sterling -77.); 12 Pacheco (29 Borini - 62., bkd 82.). 4-5-1

Subs not used: 42 Gulacsi, 22 Wilson, 36 Yesil, 49 Robinson.

1st & 2nd half stats: Young Boys-Liverpool

Attempts: 4-3 & 7-8
On target: 1-1 & 4-4
Offsides: 1-2 & 0-1
Corners: 1-4 & 3-2
Free kicks: 7-5 & 3-8
1st half Possession: 38.9%-61.1%
FT Possession: 44%-56%
1st half Passing Success: 83%-91%
FT Passing Success: 83%-88.9%

Referee: Michail Koukoulakis (Greece)
Man of the Match: Jonjo Shelvey

Suarez spares Reina's blushes

Sports - Football - Europa League Qualifying Play-Off

Luis Suarez spared Pepe Reina's blushes with a last-gasp equaliser as Liverpool drew 1-1 with Hearts at Anfield which made it 2-1 on aggregate and took the Reds through to the Europa League group stage.

Brendan Rodgers' side dominated the second leg of their qualifying round play-off against the Scottish side. But the home side wasted their chances and were punished for not adding to their 1-0 aggregate lead, an all-too familiar tune for the Reds, Suarez especially.

With just under six minutes left on the clock, Hearts forward David Templeton saw his strike squirm through Reina's grasp, a classic blooper moment for the usually solid and consistent Spanish keeper.

But with extra time looming, Liverpool stepped up a gear and Suarez broke free off a Steven Gerrard free kick, down the left and fired across goal from a tight angle, keeper Jamie MacDonald left wondering how the hell that found its way in.

In the end, Liverpool thoroughly deserved the lead and result, a certain Uruguayan forward making amends for a handful of misses earlier in the game.

The youngsters impressed once again. 18-year-old striker Adam Morgan was handed his first start and looked like he rewarded his manager on 34 when he side-footed one home, only to see the goal disallowed as the ball had gone out before Suarez crossed.

17-year-old substitute Raheem Sterling added some speed and enthusiasm to the game agains when he came on with just under half an hour to go.

All in all, Liverpool looked the brighter and better side, with some fine one-twos and breaks and dominance in possession. But just like against Manchester City on Sunday, they were made to pay for their missed chances and stupid mistakes.

With only hour(s) left in the transfer window and Andy Carroll confirmed out on loan to West Ham, Liverpool neeed to add to their squad force to help and assist Suarez on his quest for Red goals and points,

Meanwhile, John McGlynn's men can go back home with their heads held high. They fought till the end, not letting off and not making anything easy for their opposition. Respect.

FT Liverpool 1:1 Hearts (2:1 on aggregate)

Liverpool Goals: 1: 87:23min Luis Suarez (7).

Hearts Goals: 1: 84:03min David Templeton (7).

Liverpool: 25 Reina; 19 Downing, 37 Skrtel, 23 Carragher, 34 Kelly; 33 Shelvey, 24 Allen, 14 Henderson (29 Borini - 76.); 7 Suarez, 50 Morgan (31 Sterling - 62.), 8 Gerrard. 4-3-3
Subs not used: 1 Jones, 2 Johnson, 3 Enrique, 5 Agger, 16 Coates.

Hearts: 1 MacDonald; 3 Grainger (bkd 86.), 26 Zaliukas, 6 Webster, 4 McGowan; 33 Paterson, 10 Taozuil, 5 Barr (bkd 81.), 18 Novikovas (37 Carrick - 75.); 7 Templeton; 9 Sutton (11 Driver - 66.). 4-4-1-1
Subs not used: 31 Hamilton, 8 Robinson, 15 Holt, 19 McGowan, 29 McHattie.

BBC Stats: Liverpool-Hearts
Attempts: 17-9
On target: 12-4
Corners: 11-1
Free kicks: 9-11
Possession: 57%-43%

Referee: Vladislav Bezboradov

FT Summary: Liverpool 0-0 Utrecht

Sports - Football - Europa League - Liverpool 0:0 Utrecht

A young Liverpool side neither got nor created much of a challenge, bringing a rather uneventful and slow game to an end as the 0-0 scoreline suggests and confirms. Milan Jovanovic came closest for the Reds hitting the crossbar early on in the first half, whilst Utrecht lost their main striker Ricky van Wolfswinkel to a broken collarbone late on. Joe Cole came closest in the second half, but saw all his shots blocked, defended and stopped. The Dutch fans have been the stars of the night, chanting and singing non-stop. Meanwhile still, as already known at the start of the night, Liverpool are home and dry at the top of the group, Utrecht down and out at the bottom.

1st & 2nd half summary:

- Martin Skrtel is the only man who survived as 10 changes are made to the Liverpool side that was beaten against Newcastle in the Premier League on Sunday, and he takes the captain's armband for the first time for Liverpool. It is the youngsters' chance to impress as Liverpool are already through, top of the group; star striker Fernando Torres and former Utrecht man Dirk Kuyt are both on the bench whilst David Ngog is out with a cut on his eye during the Tyneside defeat.

- Martin Kelly gives the ball away with a terrible backpass, but Skrtel recovers the ball from Ricky van Wolfswinkel, lucky escape for Liverpool.

- Clumsy tackle by Nathan Eccleston on Dries Mertens, who goes down hurt, Icelandic referee Kristinn Jakobsson plays advantage, but later comes back to book the Liverpool youngster. He is feeling the pressure by Utrecht and his stand-in skipper Skrtel.

- Milan Jovanovic hits the bar! Fine left-foot strike, after some fine touches to break him through and clear of the Utrecht lot, ball comes off the crossbar. Looked like the goalkeeper Michel Vorm got the faintest of touches on it, goal kick given though.

- Free kick to Liverpool just outside the box after Ryan Babel is brought down by Mihai Nesu, Fabio Aurelio takes it, left-foot curler, doesn't even beat the wall, disappointing, chance wasted for Liverpool, no worries for Utrecht.

- Brad Jones has to make his first save off van Wolfswinkel swing-in shot.

- Jan Wuytens clears Aurelio's swing-in shot, first corner of the night goes to Liverpool, Jonjo Shelvey takes it Danny Wilson heads it high and over.

- Liverpool keep pressure on, second corner soon follows, this time from the other side, Aurelio takes it, the ball is cleared by Wuytens, deflected, out for a throw-in.

- A wasted chance to break for Utrecht, Barrry Maguire's cross going too far and out.

- 10 minutes to go and neither side looking to take control and break through really, Liverpool enjoying just that bit more possession.

- Needless giveaway by Poulsen, first corner of the day for the Dutch guests, Jones jumps over everything and everyone to eventually clear the ball, makes it look very dramatic.

- Babel looked like he was up and away after Utrecht give away the ball and the Reds break, but a fine tackle by Michael Silberbauer makes a quick stop to that.

- van Wolfswinkel looks down and out after falling awkwardly on his arm/shoulder, spiraling and falling down heavily. Looks in terrible pain, strechter comes out and takes him out, Leon de Kogel comes on for the striker.

- The whistle is blown and half time declared after 3 minutes of time added on. 0-0 it is, and 0 action, 0 chances it was really, Johnson coming closest with the shot off the crossbar.

- Sotirios Kyrgiakos comes on and takes the captain's armband from Skrtel for the second half.

- Jones picks up a soft shot by Dries Mertens.

- de Kogel wins the ball against Wilson, the defender recovers well hanging onto the striker a little bit, lucky not to concede a free kick just outside the box.

- Balls wasted, crosses mis-hit, not much to uh and ah or cheer about at the moment.

- Babel, the booman at the moment, takes a shot from the right corner of the box, knocks it wide.

- Eccleston has impressed tonight, keeping the pressure on the Dutch guest, is taken off for Daniel Pacheco.

- Kelly breaks forward on the right hand side, drives it across, nobody can connect to it, Babel was covered well.

- de Kogel puts a fine shot through, blocked and held by Jones.

- Chance at the other end, Pacheco's soft shot easily held by Vorm.

- Joe Cole had a golden chance from a couple of yards out v the goalkeeper and his shot is blocked and deflected by a defender.

- Cole takes a free kick from outside the box, his shot is blocked and deflected, he takes another shot when the ball comes back to him in the box, easy catch for the goalkeeper. All frustration for the former Chelsea player.

- 3 minutes added on... Corner for Utrecht, pressure late on for Liverpool... Defended, blocked, nothing really close... Utrecht press,, shot straight to Jones...

- And that was the last move, 0-0 it ends, not much more to report on this half. Liverpool disppointing tonight, the youngsters not creating and impressing much. The Dutch fans have been the stars of the night, chanting and singing non-stop.

Liverpool: Jones; Kelly, Skrtel (Kyrgiakos HT), Wilson, Aurelio; Jovanovic (Kuyt 73), Poulsen, Shelvey, Cole; Eccleston (booked 6, Pacheco 56), Babel.
Subs not used: Hansen, Johnson, Meireles, Torres.

Utrecht: Vorm; Cornelisse, Keller, Wuytens, Nesu; Duplan (Oar 71), Silberbauer, Nijholt, Mertens; Maguire (Sarota 84), van Wolfswinkel (de Kogel 46).
Subs not used: Cummings, Van der Maarel, Vorstermans.

1st half stats:
Liverpool-Utrecht
Attempts: 4-1
On target: 2-1
Offsides: 1-0
Corners: 2-1
Free kicks: 4-4
Possession:
51%-49% after 30 minutes
49%-51% at half time

2nd half stats:
Liverpool-Utrecht
Attempts: 4-4
On target: 3-2
Offsides: 1-0
Corners: 1-4
Free kicks: 3-7
Possession:
44%-56% at full time

Referee: Kristinn Jakobsson (Iceland)
Man of the match: Dries Mertens

HT Summary: Liverpool 0-0 Utrecht

Sports - Football - Europa League - Liverpool 0:0 Utrecht

A young Liverpool side neither got nor created much of a challenge, bringing a rather uneventful, slow half to an end as the 0-0 half-time scoreline suggests and confirms. Milan Jovanovic came closest for the Reds hitting the crossbar earlier in the half, whilst Utrecht lost their main striker Ricky van Wolfswinkel to a broken collarbone late on.

1st half summary:

- Martin Skrtel is the only man who survived as 10 changes are made to the Liverpool side that was beaten against Newcastle in the Premier League on Sunday, and he takes the captain's armband for the first time for Liverpool. It is the youngsters' chance to impress as Liverpool are already through, top of the group; star striker Fernando Torres and former Utrecht man Dirk Kuyt are both on the bench whilst David Ngog is out with a cut on his eye during the Tyneside defeat.

- Martin Kelly gives the ball away with a terrible backpass, but Skrtel recovers the ball from Ricky van Wolfswinkel, lucky escape for Liverpool.

- Clumsy tackle by Nathan Eccleston on Dries Mertens, who goes down hurt, Icelandic referee Kristinn Jakobsson plays advantage, but later comes back to book the Liverpool youngster. He is feeling the pressure by Utrecht and his stand-in skipper Skrtel.

- Milan Jovanovic hits the bar! Fine left-foot strike, after some fine touches to break him through and clear of the Utrecht lot, ball comes off the crossbar. Looked like the goalkeeper Michel Vorm got the faintest of touches on it, goal kick given though.

- Free kick to Liverpool just outside the box after Ryan Babel is brought down by Mihai Nesu, Fabio Aurelio takes it, left-foot curler, doesn't even beat the wall, disappointing, chance wasted for Liverpool, no worries for Utrecht.

- Brad Jones has to make his first save off van Wolfswinkel swing-in shot.

- Jan Wuytens clears Aurelio's swing-in shot, first corner of the night goes to Liverpool, Jonjo Shelvey takes it Danny Wilson heads it high and over.

- Liverpool keep pressure on, second corner soon follows, this time from the other side, Aurelio takes it, the ball is cleared by Wuytens, deflected, out for a throw-in.

- A wasted chance to break for Utrecht, Barrry Maguire's cross going too far and out.

- 10 minutes to go and neither side looking to take control and break through really, Liverpool enjoying just that bit more possession.

- Needless giveaway by Poulsen, first corner of the day for the Dutch guests, Jones jumps over everything and everyone to eventually clear the ball, makes it look very dramatic.

- Babel looked like he was up and away after Utrecht give away the ball and the Reds break, but a fine tackle by Michael Silberbauer makes a quick stop to that.

- van Wolfswinkel looks down and out after falling awkwardly on his arm/shoulder, spiraling and falling down heavily. Looks in terrible pain, strechter comes out and takes him out, Leon de Kogel comes on for the striker.

- The whistle is blown and half time declared after 3 minutes of time added on. 0-0 it is, and 0 action, 0 chances it was really, Johnson coming closest with the shot off the crossbar.

Liverpool: Jones; Kelly, Skrtel, Wilson, Aurelio; Jovanovic, Poulsen, Shelvey, Cole; Eccleston (booked 6), Babel.
Subs: Hansen, Johnson, Meireles, Torres, Pacheco, Kyrgiakos, Kuyt.

Utrecht: Vorm; Cornelisse, Keller, Wuytens, Nesu; Duplan, Silberbauer, Nijholt, Mertens; Maguire, van Wolfswinkel (de Kogel 46).
Subs not used: Cummings, Oar, Van der Maarel, Vorstermans, Sarota.

1st half stats:
Liverpool-Utrecht
Attempts: 4-1
On target: 2-1
Offsides: 1-0
Corners: 2-1
Free kicks: 4-4
Possession:
51%-49% after 30 minutes
49%-51% at half time

Referee: Kristinn Jakobsson (Iceland)

Draw takes Reds through to the next round

Sports - Football - Europa League - St. Bucharest 1-1 Liverpool

Job done as far as Liverpool are concerned.

Apart from Pepe Reina's blunder which gave the home side the equalizer - the ball embarrasingly squirming under the goalkeeper and over the line off Eder Bonfirm's speculative header (61) - the Reds did not have much to worry about.

It was not as confident and comfortable as their 4-1 home win against Steaua, the Romanian side pushing more, dominating in possession and chances this time round, but not getting much out of it, not creating much of a threat against Liverpool.

Milan Jovanovic put the visitors ahead in Bucharest on 19, heading the ball into the bottom corner from Ryan Babel's cross.

It was all just procedure from there, Reds boss Roy Hodgson can be happy with his B-team making it through, having eight regular first-teamers either missing through injury or being rested.

He will be glad his gamble payed off as Liverpool qualify for the knock-out stage of the Europa League.

St. Bucharest: Tatarusanu; Gardos, Latovlevici (Szekely 80), Geraldo, Eder (scored 61, booked 81); Tanase, Nicolita (booked 63), Gomes, Bicfalvi (Angelov 46); Surdu (booked 20), Stancu.
Subs not used: Lungu, Emeghara, Abrudan, Martinovic, Matei.

Liverpool: Reina; Aurelio, Kyrgiakos, Wilson, Kelly; Cole (Ngog 75), Poulsen, Shelvey, Pacheco (Lucas 89); Jovanovic (Eccleston 78), Babel.
Subs not used: Jones, Skrtel, Flanagan, Ronbinson.

BBC stats:
St. Bucharest-Liverpool
Attempts: 10-3
On target: 3-1
Corners: 10-4
Free kicks: 7-7
Possession: 60%-40%

Sky Sports stats:
St. Bucharest-Liverpool
Attempts: 16-5
On target: 4-1
Offsides: 2-5
Corners: 10-4
Free kicks: 9-8
Possession: 64.6%-35.4%
Passing Success: 85.2%-75.2%
Tackles/Success: 16/87.5%-15/80%
Territorial Advantage: 52.9%-47.1%

Referee: Bulant Yildrim
Man of the match: Sotirios Kyrgiakos

Super-Sub Gerrard saves the day with a hat-trick

Sports - Football - Europa League - Liverpool 3:1 Napoli

Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard spared his side's blushes with a second half hat-trick after coming off the bench.


The Reds looked off form in the first half, a too familiar sight this season. It was not much of a surprise when the Italian guests took the lead just before the half-hour mark, Ezequiel Lavezzi racing clear and slotting in. It looked all too easy for the Azzuri (aka Blues).

David Ngog wasted a couple of good opportunities and looked absent for most of the game. His team seemed to paint the same picture, looking disorientated, uncoordinated and clumsy at times, giving the Italian goalkeeper Morgan De Sanctis little to do if anything.

With Chelsea being the next guests at Anfield, it is understandable why Roy Hodgson was looking to rest most of his first choice players, but even so, with the Europa League only one of two cup competitions left for the Reds, it was no surprise to see the skipper come on with the start of the second half.

And how it changed the match; not only the atmosphere in the ground, but the whole spirit of the team seemed lifted, the skipper's introduction breathing new life into the Reds. It all happened in the last 15 minutes:

Gerrard needed a little luck to get the scoreboard ticking and find an equaliser for the Reds, when he beat De Sanctis to a bad backpass from former Red Andrea Dossena on 75.

The home side kept the pressure up and with only a couple of minutes remaining saw Glen Johnson brought down in the box by Salvatore Aronica and their captain net the spot kick to take the lead for the Reds.

And to end the game on a sweet note, Lucas Leiva's fine tackle and pass from the left found his captain and left him with an easy dunk in to make it three.

The result may mask the struggle at Anfield for now and be cruel on the guests who looked the stronger and more in-control side in the first half. But in the end, it showed how strong, determined and decisive one man can be for his side.

Hopefully his teammates will take Stevie G. as an example and lead the way with the same style and stance against Chelsea. Because if they don't and continue in the shakey and sorry fashion they started this game in, they will need more than three goals to save even just one point against their London rivals and league leaders.

Liverpool: Reina; Johnson (booked 25), Konchesky, Kyrgiakos (booked 67), Carragher; Meireles, Spearing, Poulsen (Eccleston 65), Shelvey, Jovanovic (Gerrard 46); Ngog (Lucas 82). Subs not used: Hansen, Wilson, Kelly, Skrtel.

Napoli: De Sanctis (booked 76); Aronica, Dossena (booked 47), Campagnaro (booked 67), Cannavaro; Pazienza, Maggio, Hamsik (Yebda 84), Gargano, Cavani (booked 93), Lavezzi.
Subs not used: Gianello, Grava, Santacroce, Zuniga, Sosa, Dumitru.

BBC stats:
Liverpool-Napoli
Attempts: 15-7
On target: 7-3
Corners: 2-5
Free kicks: 11-9
Possession: 52%-48%

Sky Stats:
Liverpool-Napoli
Attempts: 15-7
On target: 7-3
Offsides: 5-0
Corners: 2-5
Free kicks: 12-10
Possession: 57.8%%-42.2%
Passing Success: 78.8%-73.5%
Tackles/Success: 25/76%-13/84.6%
Territorial Advantage: 48%-52%

Referee: Fautrel
Man of the match: Steven Gerrard

All fo(u)r joy at Anfield ahead of big clash

Sports - Football - Europa League - Liverpool 4:1 Steaua Bucharest

After one weak display after another, Liverpool knew they they had to boost their form and determination in preparation for their big Premier League Super Sunday clash ahead against their Northern rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford.

They couldn't have wished for a better start when Joe Cole swooped in on an ugly clumsy backpass by Octavian Abrudan to make it 1-0 after just 26 seconds of play.

But the red storm didn't last long, with the all too familiar clumsiness and carelessness sneaking into their game again, giving their Romanian opposition less to worry about, less pressure to work against.

With eight changes made to the side that drew against Birmingham on Sunday with a lacklustre display and lack of passion, Jay Spearing was one of the youngsters given the chance to impress and so he did.

But in one of thos moments-to-forget, he slipped and to let Bogdan Stancu through to slid a pass to Cristian Tanase who was too quick and broke through between Sotirios Kyrgiakos and Martin Kelly and put the ball up, over, and past a helpless Pepe Reina.

Steaua kept solid and Liverpool more and more frustrated to take them through to half time all square at 1-1.

It took a controversial twist in the second half to turn the game around for Liverpool. Kyrgiakos staged a dramatic tumble onto the ground although replays showed Pantelis Kapetanos hardly touched him - the latter seeing yellow and the prior winning a penalty for his dramatic improvisation for David Ngog to net it comfortably and give the Reds a lucky lead.

But this lucky turn of events seemed to have put Liverpool into gear - finally! Steaua fought hard, not breaking down easily even after the game turned against them. But even their stubbornness and bullishness couldn't stop sub Lucas Leiva's superb right-footed strike from outside the box into the bottm right-hand corner to make it 3-1.

And to put salt onto the Romanians' wound, in injury time, Ngog squeezed between four yellow shirts in the box, looking like he was going to cock it up and waste it, but put a quick solid right-foot shot into the left corner of the net instead, his second goal of the match and sixth of the season - a promising trend in comparison to his eight in total last season.

Let's hope this 4-1 win will also be a promising indication of what is to come and what Liverpool side will turn up at Old Trafford on Sunday...

Liverpool: Reina; Kelly, Kyrgiakos, Agger, Konchesky; Spearing, Meireles, Maxi (booked 63, Pacheco 85), Cole (goal 1, Eccleston 88); Babel (Lucas 78 goal 82), Ngog (goal 55 & 91). 4-5-1
Subs not used: Jones, Johnson, Carragher, Shelvey.

Steaua Bucharest: Tatarusanu; Emeghara (Nicolita 20), Abrudan (booked 44), Geraldo, Latovlevici; Radut (Surdu 73), Angelov (Eder 52 booked 90), Bicfalvi, Tanase (goal 13), Stancu, Kapetanos (booked 55). 4-5-1
Subs not used: Lungu, Gardos, Gomes, Apostol.

1st half stats
Liverpool-Steaua Bucharest
Attempts: 5-3
On target: 3-2
Offsides: 2-1
Corners: 2-1
Free kicks: 5-7

2nd half stats
Liverpool-Steaua Bucharest
Attempts: 9-2
On target: 6-1
Offsides: 1-0
Corners: 7-0
Free kicks: 4-9

Sky Stats
Liverpool-Steaua Bucharest
Possession: 54.8%-45.2%
Passing Success: 84.3%-77.6%
Tackles/Success: 22/81.8%-21/66.7%
Territorial Advantage: 59.9%-40.1%

Referee: Cesar Muniz Fernandez (Spain)
Man of the match: Joe Cole

Reds scrape through against Trabzonspor

Sports - Football - Europa League - Trabzonspor 1:2 Liverpool

It was clear beforehand that it was never going to be easy travelling to Turkey with only one goal advantage - and it only took a couple of minutes into the game for it to substantiate. With only three minutes on the clock, Liverpool were cut open, to see Gustavo Colman's shot slotted in by Teofilo Gutierrez and their first leg lead quashed.

The first half continued as frustrating, Liverpool not able to coordinate an attack - showing a clumsy and lacklustre display similar to their absent performance against Manchester City in the Premier League match last Monday.



In the second half Liverpool came back looking much better, the Reds picking up on steel and determination. David Ngog missed a couple of sitters in the mean time though, putting one wide from only six yards out, seemingly taking the "You're alone here!" banner of the typically hostile Turkish crowd to heart.

The Reds left it late, for Giray Kacar to put a Glen Johnson cross from the right into his own net on 84 and Dirk Kuyt to slot in the rebound of Daniel Pacheco's shot on 88 and take the game to 3-1 on aggregate and beyond the Turks.

Liverpool seemed asleep for the most of the match - first half especially, losing the ball and all sence of the game. They got a grip in the second half and got it all together in the last 5-10 minutes, cruel on Trabzonspor who did their best and well to disable and frustrate their opponents which the results of both legs don't reflect.

I know they always say results count most, but if Liverpool continue in this fashion against stronger opposition, they won't last long, that's for sure!

1st half Stats
Trabzonspor-Liverpool
Attempts: 4-3
On target: 2-2
Offsides: 1-1
Corners 2-3
Free kicks: 3-2

2nd halfs stats
Trabzonspor-Liverpool
Attempts: 1-5
On target: 0-2
Offsides: 1-0
Corners: 0-1
Free kicks: 4-4

Trabzonspor: Kivrak; Cale (Jaja 86.), Gulselam (booked 39., Atas 65.), Korkmaz (booked 72.), Kacar, Inan, Yilmaz (booked 41.), Balci, Teofilo Gutierrez, Colman, Ibrahima Yattara (Alaozinho 46.)Subs not used: Zengin, Baytar, Badur, Oztorun.

Liverpool: Reina; Johnson, Aurelio (Pacheco 77.), Kyrgiakos, Carragher, Kelly, Cole, Lucas, Poulsen (Skrtel 91.), Kuyt, Ngog (Babel 86.).Subs not used: Gulacsi, Spearing, Shelvey, Eccleston.

Referee: Ivan Bebek (CRO)
Man of the match: Daniel Pacheco

Cole fails whilst Babel spares Reds' blushes

Sports - Football - Europa League - Liverpool 1:0 Trabzonspor

Liverpool should have left Anfield with a comfortable 3-goal cushion as least to take away to the second leg against the Turkish "Bordo-Mavillier" (Maroon Blues) at the Huseyin Ami Aker Stadium next week. But the Reds were denied one goal but the referee and Joe Cole missed a penalty to make things from bad to worse for the former Blue.

The first half didn't see much action worth mentioning apart from Pepe Reina's save of a Bulut Umut free kick in the opening minutes. With only seconds remaining of the first half, Cole on the break, put a fine cross through to David Ngog in the box who made it look easy to net it into the right hand-corner of the goal, a fine and skillful goal.

The second half had much more to show for it, Liverpool much more on the attack with Fernando Torres on for Ngog and making a direct impact, pulling a save out of Turkish keeper Onur Kivrak with his first touch of the match from far out on the left sideline.

Lucas Leiva then missed a sitter for Liverpool, heading the ball wide from a couple of yards out with all the space in the world. When Serkan Balci's clumsily felled Lucas down in the box, it gave Cole a chance to open his account for the Reds. He was keen to get off the mark but gave it a soft shit and Kivrak an easy save.

Then Dane Christian Poulsen thought he had opened his Liverpool account when he had bundled the ball over the line, just to be denied by the referee Thomas Einwaller who awarded the Turkish keeper a controversial free kick.

Roy Hodgson, who rested both Dirk Kuyt and Steven Gerrard from midweek action, has admitted that Joe Cole has made a nightmare start to his Liverpool career, but remains confident he will pull through it and prove his worth. After being sent off in the Premier League season opener against Arsenal and missing a penalty in this match, Cole will be everything else but a happy red bunny.

Hodgson accepts the midfielder has made headlines for all the wrong reasons (including a speeding fine, points and a threat on losing his license), but believes Cole needs time to discover his best form for the club.

"He was so desperate to start his career here well and he hasn't done so," Hodgson said on Sky Sports News. "In the first game he managed to get sent off - albeit harshly. In the second he missed an penalty. It couldn't be a worse start for Joe Cole in his Liverpool career but starts are starts and finishes are finishes.

"We will judge Joe Cole on what he has done for Liverpool some time in the middle of May when the final ball this season has been kicked." - well, Roy, let's see if he will last that long...

Quotes taken from Sky Text page 251 on Saturday, 21st August 2010, 3.30pm.

Liverpool: Reina; Aurelio, Kyrgiakos, Carragher, Kelly; Cole, Maxi (Ngog ,73.), Lucas, Poulsen; Jovanovic, Babale (Torres, HT).

Subs not used: Cavalieri, Wilson, Skrtel, Spearing, Pacheco.

Trabzonspor: Kivrak; Cale (booked 86.), Glowacki, Gulselam (booked 54.), Korkmaz (booked 79.); Inan, Yilmaz (Alanzinho, 56.), Balci (booked 51.), Teofilo Gutierrez; Bulut (Ibrahima Yattara, 86.), Colman (Kacar, 77.).

Subs not used: Zengin, Atas, Badur, Jaja.

BBC Stats

Liverpool-Trabzonspor

Attempts: 14-9

On target: 8-4

Corners: 6-5

Free kicks: 24-15

Possession: 53%-47%

Sky Stats

Liverpool-Trabzonspor

Attempts: 12-6

On target: 7-2

Offsides: 2-1

Corners: 6-5

Free kicks: 24-16

Possession: 51%-49%

Passing Success: 77.78%-79.37%

Tackles/Success: 21/76.19%-20/65%

Territorial Advantage: 50.67%-49.33%

Referee: Thomas Einwaller

Man of the match: Ryan Babel