Déjà Vu Draw For LFC At St James' Park

Sports - Football - Premier League - NUFC 1:1 LFC

Liverpool were held to yet another frustrating draw, 1-1 against Newcastle at St James' Park, dropping two points against former Red boss Rafael Benitez in the Super Sunday clash.

Philippe Coutinho gave the visitors the lead with just under half an hour gone, a smacker from 25 yards out, giving keeper Rob Elliot no chance.

It was the Brazilian's 17th goal from outside the box in the Premier League - three more than any other player since his debut in February 2013, giving LFC a deserved lead as Jürgen Klopp's men were dominating possession, play and chances, as always.

But that didn't last long, just seven minutes later, former Red Jonjo Shelvey's fine cross found Joselu, who was able to break too easily between Dejan Lovren and Joel Matip, the latter desperately running back, kicking the ball against the Magpie and in, rolling over the line oh so slowly to make it 1-1.

The Merseysiders have conceded nine goals in the last four Premier League games, as many as in their previous 12 matches!

It was so so so agonising for the Reds, chance after chance going to waste for themselves and then the lead given away so easily, ringing very familiar bells after the frustrating draw in Moscow.

Daniel Sturridge got a rare start, wasting chance after chance. The striker has only scored 10 Premier League goals in the two years under Klopp.

Mohamed Salah created plenty, wasted chances too though, Georginio Wijnaldum coming close as well and Sadio Mané back after suspension with not much to shout about.

After the break, Liverpool continued dominating, but Newcastle kept them at bay.

Substitute Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain had the best chance late on, heading over, whilst Mohamed Diamé came close for the homeside off a corner in the dying seconds.

The Reds have had 126 shots on goal in six games in September, with only 34 on target and just one win in all competitions.

October started just as frustrating, dropping another two points, although Liverpool haven't lost a Premier League game in October for the last seven years.

I'm going sober for October - please click here to help and sponsor me and Macmillan Cancer Support!

The international break will give everyone a breather - remember how rosy everything was before the last internationals after thrashing Arsenal?

Fingers crossed, there will be no injuries and the Reds can reshuffle, reform and rekindle their fire and form.

They better do so, because the next opponents are: Manchester United!

Newcastle goal: Joselu 36'.

Liverpool goal: Coutinho 29'.

Newcastle team: 1 Elliot, 22 Yedlin, 6 Lascelles, 2 Clark, 19 Manquillo, 23 Merino (14 Hayden 74'), 8 Shelvey, 11 Ritchie, 30 Atsu, 17 Pérez (booked 55') (10 Diamé 90'+1'), 21 Joselu (9 Gayle 79').
Subs not used: 26 Darlow, 27 Gámez, 20 Lejeune, 7 Murphy.

LFC team: 22 Mignolet, 12 Gomez (booked 58'), 32 Matip, 6 Lovren, 18 Moreno, 14 Henderson, 5 Wijnaldum, 10 Coutinho, 11 Salah (21 Oxlade-Chamberlain 84'), 19 Mané (29 Solanke 74'), 15 Sturridge (9 Firmino 74').
Subs not used: 1 Karius, 7 Milner, 17 Klavan, 23 Can.

Match Stats: NUFC 1-1 LFC
Possession: 32%-68%
Shots: 8-17
On target: 5-2
Corners: 1-5
Fouls: 11-6
Yellow cards: 1-1

Referee: Craig Pawson
Man of the match: Philippe Coutinho
Ground: St James' Park
Attendance: 52,303

Click here for my previous LFC match report.

All pictures, facts and stats taken from the BBC match report, Twitter and Sky Sports match coverage.

Reds deny Swans in seven-goal thriller

Sports - Football - Premier League - Liverpool 4:3 Swansea

A double each by Daniel Sturridge and Jordan Henderson saw Liverpool deny Swansea a spirited comeback and record their sixth win in eight games in 2014 after a frantic thriller at Anfield.

The home side could not have asked for a better start after Sturridge latched onto Raheem Sterling's pass before rounding Swans keeper Michel Vorm to clip in and open the scoring after not even three minutes.

And Henderson doubled the score after just 20 minutes with a nice curl into the top corner off a Sturridge lay-off.

If Brendan Rodgers men thought they were cruising to a third consecutive Premier League win against his former side, they were more than fooled and left stunned as the Welsh visitors produced a perfect comeback with two goals in four minutes.

Former Red Jonjo Shelvey pulled one back with a cracker of a strike which Anfield's breath taken and applause echoing in all corners of the ground.

And the Kop was left stunned again when Wilfried Bony's header deflected in off Martin Skrtel to make it two all and a perfect response by Garry Monk's men.

But Sturridge nodded the hosts back in front soon after off Luis Suarez cross, to give Liverpool the lead at the break.

However, it did not last long, as seconds after the interval, Bony calmly levelled the score again from the spot after Skrtel had bundled him over inside the box, making it an afternoon to forget for the Slovakian defender.

It was a breathless encounter, both sides producing numerous chances to take the lead, but it was man of the match Henderson who had the last say, netting the rebound after Vorm had denied Suarez, to make it 4-3 and three points to Liverpool.

This win takes Liverpool four points ahead of Tottenham in fifth, the same margin that separates them from the top.

Liverpool Goals: 1.: 2:52min Daniel Sturridge (15), 2.: 19:57min Jordan Henderson (14), 3.: 35:09min Daniel Sturridge (15), 4.: 73:39min Jordan Henderson (14).

Swansea Goals: 1.: 22:16min Jonjo Shelvey (8), 2.: 26:01min Wilfried Bony (10), 3.: 46:59min Wilfried Bony (10) penalty.

Liverpool Team: 22 Mignolet; 2 Johnson, 5 Agger (4 Toure- 63.min), 37 Skrtel (booked 26.min), 38 Flanagan; 10 Coutinho, 8 Gerrard, 14 Henderson; 31 Sterling (24 Allen- 58.min), 7 Suarez, 15 Sturridge (12 Moses- 79.min). 4-3-3
Subs not used: 1 Jones, 9 Aspas, 20 Cissokho, 53 Teixeira.

Swansea Team: 1 Vorm; 3 Taylor, 6 Williams, 4 Chico, 22 Rangel; 7 Britton, 20 de Guzman (11 Hernandez- 73.min); 15 Routledge, 8 Shelvey (21 Canas- HT), 12 Dyer (54 Ngog- 78.min); 10 Bony. 4-2-3-1
Subs not used: 2 Amat, 19 Tiendalli, 25 Tremmel, 57 Emnes.

Opta Match stats: Liverpool-Swansea
(Attack)
Attempts: 21-14
On target: 10-5
Blocked: 5-2
From outside the box: 8-7
From inside the box: 13-7
Shot Accuracy: 62.5%-41.7%
(General Play)
Possession: 53.4%-46.6%
Duels won: 53.2%-46.8%
Aerials won: 34.8%-65.2%
Interceptions: 16-23
Offsides: 2-0
Corner: 3-5
(Distribution)
Total passes: 524-445
Long passes: 10.3%-10.6%
Passing accuracy: 83.6%-80.7%
Passing accuracy opposition's half: 71.6%-67.7%
Total crosses: 11-13
Successful crosses: 36.4%-23.1%
(Defence & Discipline)
Tackles: 25-21
Tackles Won: 76%-71.4%
Clearances: 19-20
Fouls conceded: 9-11
Yellow cards: 1-0
Red cards: 0-0

Referee: Michael Jens
Attendance: 44,731
Man of the match: Jordan Henderson

Liverpool stay top despite draw at Swansea

Sports - Football - Premier League - Swansea 2-2 Liverpool 

Liverpool moved back to the top of the Premier League table after an entertaining 2-2 draw against Swansea which saw former Red midfielder Jonjo Shelvey contribute to all four goals at the Liberty Stadium.

The summer signing put the hosts in the lead after just 87 seconds with a nice curl into the bottom corner. 

But his clumsy backpass allowed Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge to fire home his fourth goal in four for the visitors four minutes later. 

Shelvey then made another spill to hand Victor Moses his debut goal before heading the ball on to Michu who levelled the score again. 

The draw put an end to Brendan Rodgers' men's 100% record as they dropped their first points against his former side but the result was still enough for them to leapfrog Arsenal and Tottenham back to the top of the Premier League. 

Swansea meanwhile, are 13th after recording four points from their opening four matches. 

Swansea Goals: 1.: 1:27min Jonjo Shelvey (8), 2.: 63:20min Michu (9). 

Liverpool Goals: 1.: 3:06min Daniel Sturridge (15), 2.: 35:55min Victor Moses (12) 

Swansea Team: 1 Vorm; 33 Davies, 6 Williams (booked 50.), 4 Chico, 22 Rangel; 15 Routledge, 8 Shelvey (booked 56.), 7 Britton; 10 Bony (24 Pozuelo - 66.), 9 Michu, 12 Dyer (20 De Guzman - 45.). 4-3-3 
Subs not used: 2 Amat, 19 Tiendalli, 25 Tremmel, 26 Alvaro, 21 Canas. 

Liverpool Team: 22 Mignolet; 3 Jose Enrique, 17 Sakho, 37 Skrtel, 47 Wisdom (booked 66.) (4 Toure - 69.); 12 Moses (31 Sterling - 81.), 21 Lucas (booked 56.), 8 Gerrard, 14 Henderson (booked 61.); 10 Coutinho (9 Iago Aspas 55.), 15 Sturridge. 4-4-2 
Subs not used: 6 Luis Alberto, 1 Jones, 34 Kelly, 33 Ibe. 

Opta Match Stats: Swansea-Liverpool 

(Attack) 
Shots: 18-12 
On target: 9-5 
Blocked: 2-2 
From outside the box: 10-5 
From inside the box: 8-7 
Shot accuracy: 50%-50% 

(General Play) 
Possession: 58.9%-41.1% 
Duels won: 56.6%-43.4% 
Aerial duels won: 60.6%-39.4% 
Interceptions: 21-3 
Offsides: 1-2 
Corners: 3-7 

(Distribution) 
Total Passes: 628-432 
Long Passes: 9.6%-11.8% 
Passing accuracy: 87.6%-83.1% 
Passing accuracy in opp. half: 76.8%-70.7% 
Total crosses: 26-18 
Successful crosses: 77%-22.2% 

(Defence & Distribution) 
Tackles: 18-16 
Tackles won: 66.7%-68.8% 
Clearances: 35-43 
Fouls conceded: 8-10 
Yellow cards: 2-3 
Red cards: 0-0 

Referee: Michael Oliver 
Attendance: 20,752 
Man of the match: Jonjo Shelvey

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

Week 5: Premier League Tops & Flops

Sports - Football - Premier League - Picks of the Weekend

OMG!

Jonjo Shelvey's sending off should have been yellow for both players, Jonny Evans went in with both feet too! Steven Gerrard's and Rafael Da Silva's smackers in the second half made it all level at 1-1 after 51 minutes. Liverpool's penalty appeals were all in vain, the more aggrevated they were when United won their penalty appeal and made it 1-2 thanks to Robin Van Persie's successful conversion. What a joke! Antonio Valencia went down all too easily, Glen Johnson had hardly touched him! Pepe Reina was soooo close to save the spot kick too! Double argh! To make things worse for the home side, defenders Daniel Agger and Martin Kelly ended up injured, and they had to play 9 v 11 at the end! And what about RVP's tackle on Suso?! Call me bias, but the referee's inconsistency was shocking! Liverpool were on top, dominated and outplayed United for most of the match, the visitors were poor, even against ten/nine men!

WOW!

The two Red rival sides showed unity in remembering the Hillsborough victims and families, the fans holding up "The Truth", "Justice" and "96" mosaics on the three sides of Anfield for the first minute of the match whilst all players shook hands beforehand including Luis Suarez and Patrice Evra. So, both players and fans spared themselvbes from any kind of abuse or distasteful acts or chants. Great to see the legends of Sir Bobby Charlton and Ian Rush presenting a floral tribute before the match. YNWA!

TOP!

It was a good turnaround by Southampton against Aston Villa, the Saints came back in style, finally getting the result and win they deserved after good displays but disappointing results previously. Some wonderful stuff from and for the Saints, especially their number 7 Rickie Lambert.

Joleon Lescott put City ahead in a competitive encounter with an easy header off a corner, end-to-end stuff. Laurent Koscielny's unstoppable hammer shot levelled things for Arsenal, deservedly so. Goalkeeper Joe Hart made some superb stops! Centre backs took centre stage in this one, leaving City the more let down after losing the lead and not closing the game down! Arsenal kept the pressure up and game competitive, it was great to watch!

FLOP!

One chance, one goal, clinical by Demba Ba for Newcastle beating Norwich 1-0. Papiss Cisse's penalty miss was horrendous, high, off target, nowhere near! He was smiling, I couldn't see anything funny about that though !

In the first top-flight meeting between West Brom and Reading, Jobi McAnuff kept going down, which was very annoying to watch! The referee ignored him too thank god, including his tantrums!

HERO!

Spurs keeper Brad Friedel was definitely the busier! He made some brill saves! Spurs defence was weak on set pieces, Bobby Zamora making it 0-1 to QPR, after the home defence was asleep and left two players free! Sluggish performance by the home side! And own goal off a corner made it 1-1, Spurs fortunate to get back into the game. After Gareth Bale's shot came off the QPR keeper, off the post, Jermain Defoe turned the game around for Spurs with his 199th career goal! The two-minute turnaround was harsh on QPR!  Andre Villas-Boas' first home win was very lucky indeed! But QPR can and will be encouraged by their performance, but disappointed with the result.

ZERO!

Stoke threatened the Chelsea goal on more than one occasion even though they saw little possession. The home side's penalty appeals were ignored by ref and rightly so! It's a game not a drama show! I'm sick and tired of it and I know I'm not the only one! Ashley Cole came and scored out of nowhere to make it 1-0 and put a sickening end to a strong game for Stoke. The late two-footed scissor-challenge by David Luiz on Jonathan Walters added fuel onto the wound! It should have been a red card!

My Predictions => Actual Results
Swansea 2-0 Everton => 0-3
Chelsea 3-1 Stoke => 1-0
Southampton 1-2 Aston Villa => 4-1
West Brom 3-0 Reading => 1-0
West Ham 2-0 Sunderland => 1-1
Wigan 2-1 Fulham => 1-2
Liverpool 1-1 Man United => 1-2
Newcastle 2-0 Norwich => 1-0
Man City 3-0 Arsenal => 1-1
Tottenham 3-1 QPR => 2-1

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

Tevez steals the show & point for City at Anfield

Sports - Football - Premier League - Liverpool 2:2 Manchester City

Carlos Tevez spoilt the show at Anfield with his 100th goal in the English game. The Argentine took advantage of Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel's mistake, a poor backpass, when he netted Manchester City's second of the day to make it all sqare, 2-2.

Liverpool were defiant and intent to perform and come back strong after their dire 3-0 defeat at West Brom last weekend and the Reds did so from the start.

Having lost Lucas Leiva early on in the match due to injury (5.), substitute Jonjo Shelvey and youngster Raheem Sterling impressed with their resilience and stubbornness throughout the match.

New signing Joe Allen showed some great creativity and productive passing play and the two Martins at the back, Skrtel and Kelly, kept City's front force of Mario Balotelli and Tevez stumm for most of the game, too.

So, the home side looked dominant and in firm control when Skrtel banged in a header off skipper Steven Gerrard's corner just past the half-hour mark and Liverpool took the 1-0 lead into the break.

However, with just under half an hour to go, Pepe Reina gave away the ball to Yaya Toure who just had to tap it in to level the score 1-1 for City.

Exactly three minutes later, Luis Suarez saw his brilliant free kick from just out side the boxc curl around and over the wall into the top right corner of the net, Joe Hart left stranded and City 2-1 behind.

But with City being the new and proven late comeback kings, Tevez made sure the champions would not go back home empty handed turning Skrtel from hero to zero and making Liverpool pay with his equaliser.

Brendan Rodgers brought on Andy Carroll late on to see if the out-of-favour striker could make another comeback out of the comeback, but to no avail. Shelvey came closest to a late winner when he saw his strong drive from 25-yards just clearing the bar.

But the Reds can draw strength and confidence from this impressive performance. After making the champions shake and trail as they did, I am sure the (young) Reds can set up a good and strong run and side from here.

FT Liverpool 2-2 Manchester City (HT 1-0)

Liverpool Goals: 1: 33:37min Martin Skrtel (37), 2: 65:54min Luis Suarez (7).

Man City Goals: 1: 62:54min Yaya Toure (42), 2: 79:19min Carlos Tevez (32).

Liverpool: 25 Reina; 2 Johnson, 16 Coates, 37 Skrtel, 34 Kelly (3 Jose Enrique - 66.); 24 Allen, 21 Lucas (33 Shelvey - 5.); 31 Sterling, 8 Gerrard, 29 Borini (9 Carroll - 83.); 7 Suarez (bkd 94.). 4-2-3-1
Subs not used: 1 Jones, 14 Henderson, 19 Downing, 23 Carragher.

Man City: 1 Hart; 13 Kolarov, 28 Toure, 4 Kompany, 5 Zabaleta; 34 de Jong, 42 Toure; 8 Nasri (17 Rodwell - 59.), 32 Tevez, 7 Milner (21 Silva - 76.); 45 Balotelli (10 Dzeko - 62.). 4-2-3-1.
Subs not used: 30 Pantilimon, 6 Lescott, 15 Savic, 62 Razak.

Match Stats: Liverpool-Man City
Attempts: 17-11
On target: 3-3
Offsides: 0-1
Corners: 4-4
Free kicks: 8-10
Possession: 48.7%-51.3%
Tackles: 18-26
Tackles Success: 77.8%-76.9%
Passes: 462-484
Passes Success: 80.5%-84.1%
Crosses: 18-22
Crosses Success: 33.3%-9.1%
Territorial Advantage: 50.5%-49.5%

Referee: Andre Marriner
Man of the match: Raheem Sterling (31)

Four-star Liverpool thrash Chelsea

Sports - Football - Premier League - Liverpool 4:1 Chelsea

Liverpool gained a hint of revenge for their FA Cup final defeat by thrashing a much-changes Chelsea side 4-1 and giving John Terry a night to forget at Anfield.

Liverpool's cup final loss was King Kenny's first defeat as Liverpool manager against Chelsea in 14 matches (W10, D3, L1) and he made four changes from that disappointing performance with Andy Carroll starting and Steven Gerrard and Jose Enrique not even on the bench. Only John Terry, Branislav Ivanovic and Ramires survived from Wembley for Chelsea - all three of them ineligible for the Champions League final.

The home side started an action-packed first half strong, ripping into the visitor's back line from the start. Terry's nightmare started with Luis Suarez. The Uruguayan forward danced, tapped and tipped his way through and forward from the right, nutmegging Terry on the way, his cut back eventually coming off Michael Essien into the back of the blue midfielder's own net in the 19th minute.

Six minutes later, England international Terry slipped, allowing Jordan Henderson to break clear and score comfortably with a calm finish into the bottom corner beyond Ross Turnbull. And soon/only seconds after that, Terry failed yet again, this time to clear Jonjo Shelvey's corner, to see the ball headed back into the six-yard box by Carroll and eventually headed into the back of the net by Daniel Agger to make it 3-0.

Fernando Torres' first return to Anfield since his £50m-move to Chelsea saw the Spaniard's every touch jeered and scorned. But the striker created a stunning touch and strike from an acute angle on the right, to see the powerful shot come off the underside of the crossbar. Earlier in the game, before Liverpool's onslaught, Ivanovic had seen his free header come off the post with the score at 0-0.

Stewart Downing equaled the woodwork scoreline for Liverpool seeing his dip shot, nice volley come off the bar bar on 42 and his spot-kick drill against the base of the post on the stroke of half time after Ivanovic had elbowed Carroll in the chest. This was the fifth time the Reds have missed from the spot in the Premier League this season with only 1/6 ending in the back of the net.

Chelsea soon pulled one back after the restart, Ramires getting his body in the way to divert Florent Malouda's free-kick and curl it past Pepe Reina at the near post five minutes into the second half. But with half an hour to go, Shelvey took advantage of Turnbull's hashed clearance giveaway and drilled a fine shot from long range into the back of the net to make it 4-1 and erase any hope Chelsea had of a comeback.

With this the defeat, the Blues have only taken 7/27 points out of the last nine away games (W1/D4/L4) and with Bayern Munich next on the card for the Champions League final in the Allianz Arena in Munich, Roberto Di Matteo can only hope the suspensions will end up for the better, against all odds, as Chelsea will certainly not miss Terry after this awful display!

In the last meeting before this clash at Anfield, Torres scored two to make it 2-0 to Liverpool under Roy Hodgson. A lot has changed since, but Di Matteo can only hope Torres can do a little bit of the same to Bayern in Munich after failing to impress against his former side.

Meanwhile, Liverpool ended their home run on a high after only five wins previously at Anfield saw them in their poorest form since 1949. The question for Kenny Dalglish is, does this display and result provide signs of a promising future for the Reds, with signings like Carroll finally clicking and showing form, and youngsters like Shelvey shining high-class? Or does this win just tint the glasses rosey and paper over the cracks? Only time will tell...

Liverpool: Reina; Johnson, Carragher, Skrtel, Agger (goal 28, bkd 71); Downing (Sterling 84), Henderson (goal 25, bkd 65), Shelvey (goal 61), Maxi (Kuyt 84); Suarez, Carroll. (4-4-2)
Subs not used: Doni, Coates, Spearing, Kelly, Bellamy.

Chelsea: Turnbull; Ferreira (bkd 45), Ivanovic (bkd 47), Terry (bkd 22), Bertrand; Essien (OG 19, bkd 44), Romeu, Malouda; Ramires (goal 50), Torres, Sturridge (Lukaku 68). 
Subs not used: Hilario, Cole, Lampard, Mata, Kalou, Hutchinson.

Referee: Kevin Friend (Leicestershire)
Man of the match: Andy Carroll