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.

Another Frustrating Draw For The Reds

Sports - Football - Champions League - FCSM 1:1 LFC

Liverpool were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw in Moscow on Tuesday night, despite their dominance and chances galore, it was just the point once again. The Reds are still looking for a European win, Sevilla topping the Champions League group E after beating MK Maribor 3-0.

Click here for my full ByTheMinute match coverage.

Neither side was able to take and make much of their possession, no control, just give and take, backwards and forwards, messy stuff. Just when Liverpool got more threatening and created more, they conceded, same old.

Spartak Moscow's first threat came halfway through the first half, Aleksandr Samedov went down against Philippe Coutinho after Liverpool tried to block and stop the threat, winning a free kick.

The set piece was not far outside the box, about six yards, Fernando sending Loris Karius full-stretch to his left, trying to reach a nice curl around the wall, but not much jump or cover in the effort.

It was their only shot in the whole half that gave the home side the lead against the run of play.

Sadio Mané had a goal correctly disallowed offside, shortly before a fine team build-up with Emre Can, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mané led to the visitors' equaliser.

The ball found Coutinho in the box, with too much space, his right-foot volley giving keeper Artem Rebrov no chance. Too close. Too quick. The Brazilian ace made it 1-1 with just over half an hour gone.

There was not much interruptions, end to end stuff, more and more Liverpool possession and pushing, Roberto Firmino wasting and missing a couple of close chances.

After the break, Liverpool's dominance and frustrations continued.

Rebrov did a good job with some strong saves denying Coutinho before having to come off injured, replaced by Aleksandr Selikhov, the replacement keeper filling the position well for the rest of the match.

With twenty minutes left, Jürgen Klopp brought Daniel Sturridge on for Mané, who also drew a very frustrated figure, missing and wasting chance after chance, losing the ball again and again.

Play was stopped quite a few times, Spartak forced to make all three changes due to injury, eight minutes had to be added on in the end.

Sub keeper Selikhov starred with a fantastic save denying Mohamed Salah in the 96th minute, impressive reflex, his glove meeting the header full-on and strong, keeping the scoreline level at the dead.

With this draw, Liverpool have failed to win any of their last seven Champions League games (D4 L3), their longest ever run without a victory in the competition. They have also failed to keep a clean sheet in their last nine Champions League games.

Spartak Moscow have won only five of their last 37 Champions League games (D7 L25). They have also failed to keep a clean sheet in their last 12 outings in the competition.

Liverpool have only won one of their last eight away games in the Champions League (D4 L3) – this coming against Debrecen in November 2009 (1-0). They are two points behind group leaders Sevilla. Not nice reading.

Klopp's reaction:

"We have to be more clinical - 100%!

"To create all those chances and only score one goal feels average. It was a crazy game.

"What can I say? We created, created and created. Where is the real point for criticism? We tried with all we had. The effort was great."

But it was and is obviously not enough. Again, the stats speak for themselves. But we want and need more! Results!!! This was the only draw of the night! Argh! When will it finally click for the Reds?!?!?!

Spartak Moscow goal: Fernando 23'.

Liverpool goal: Coutinho 31'.

Spartak Moscow team: 32 Rebrov (57 Selikhov 68'), 38 Eshchenko, 29 Kutepov, 5 Tasci, 16 Bocchetti (booked), 14 Jikia, 19 Samedov (99 Rocha Neves 90'+3'), 11 Fernando, 50 Pasalic, 71 Popov (25 Melgarejo 85'), 12 Luiz Adriano.
Subs not used: 3 Petkovic, 18 Bakaev, 21 Samsonov, 69 Davydov.

Liverpool team: 1 Karius, 66 Alexander-Arnold, 6 Lovren, 32 Matip, 18 Moreno, 14 Henderson, 23 Can (booked) (5 Wijnaldum 73'), 10 Coutinho, 11 Salah, 19 Mané (15 Sturridge 70'), 9 Firmino (booked).
Subs not used: 7 Milner, 17 Klavan, 21 Oxlade-Chamberlain, 22 Mignolet, 38 Flanagan.

HT 1-1
Possession: 40%-60%
Shots: 1-9
On target: 1-4
Corners: 1-3
Fouls: 6-7
Yellow cards: 0-1

FT 1-1
Possession: 36%-64%
Shots: 3-16
On target: 2-6
Corners: 2-5
Fouls: 11-11
Yellow cards: 1-2

Referee: Clément Turpin
Man of the match: Philippe Coutinho
Stadium: Otkrytiye Arena
Attendance: 43,376

Click here for my previous LFC match report.

Pictures, quotes, stats and facts taken from the BBC match report, Twitter and beIN Sport match coverage.

Can's Acrobatic Winner Stuns Watford

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It never is easy with Liverpool though!

Liverpool Goal: Can 45'+2'.

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

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

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

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

Click here for my last LFC match report.

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

Benteke Double Downs Dire Reds

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

Crystal Palace made it six wins out of eight league games after seeing Christian Benteke's double haunt and down his former side Liverpool 1-2 on a sunny Super Sunday on Merseyside.

The win at Anfield sees Big Sam's side onto 38 points, seven clear of danger, whilst Jürgen Klopp is left scratching his head, watching his side failing and falling miserably against a lower side once again.

Apart from Philippe Coutinho's fine free-kick halfway through the first half, there was not much to cheer for the Reds, looking worn and torn, labouring 72% possession but not creating much.

The players just could not connect. Coutinho was the only one who looked able to do anything with the ball. The rest just looked clueless.

Passing, looking, passing, looking, passing, looking, passing, looking, passing, looking,...

Losing out to a much more stubborn, strong and set side that know what they want: WIN! Or not lose, that's for sure!

Man of the match Benteke made his presence felt in the final third and levelled the score a couple of minutes before the break with a nice strike into the top of the net.

That took a lot of steam out of the Anfield train. It derailed totally in the second half. Liverpool did not look dangerous, in control or in with a real chance at any point.

Just over 15 minutes to go, the former Red Belgian striker headed the winner in with too much space off a corner, Liverpool's defence all over the place, the Kop stunned to silence. Not happy.

Klopp did make all three changes after that smack in the face, all attacking, but it was all too little too late.

Palace have now won on their last three league trips to Anfield - the first team to do so since Chelsea in October 2005.

Liverpool stay in third, three points behind Tottenham in second, two and three points ahead of City and United in fourth and fifth respectively.

However, Spurs and both Manchester sides have two games in hand! TWO! Not good. Nicht gut.

It was one of the worst games I've been to at Anfield - and I've seen us get hammered by the Great Gunners (back in those Thierry Henry days).

We just didn't look or sound like we wanted to be there or get anything out of the game.

No YNWA at the end of the game. Just an empty stadium as soon as the full time whistle blew. I did not like that. At all.

I always loved Anfield and the Kop cause we stick with our side no matter what. Walk on. Not walk off.

This time it looked and sounded more like the latter. Klopp needs to change something, find someone, to change that! To get the spark back!

Is it because of our main players like Sadio Mané or Jordan Henderson are missing?

But there should still be some will or determination, aspiration or hunger to play and prove yourself and win!

I didn't see or hear any of that on Sunday! And with only four games left to play for the Reds, it looks very bleak and I really doubt our chances of finishing in the top four!

Liverpool Goal: Coutinho 24'.

Crystal Palace Goals: Benteke 42' & 74'.

Liverpool Team: 22 Mignolet, 2 Clyne (16 Grujic 84', booked), 32 Matip, 6 Lovren (66 Alexander-Arnold 79'), 7 Milner (18 Moreno 82'), 23 Can, 21 Lucas, 5 Wijnaldum, 11 Firmino, 27 Origi, 10 Coutinho.
Subs not used: 1 Karius, 12 Gomes, 57 Brewster, 58 Woodburn.

Crystal Palace Team: 13 Hennessey, 2 Ward, 34 Kelly, 5 Tomkins, 31 Schlupp, 28 Milivojevic (booked), 11 Zaha (3 van Aanholt 78'), 7 Cabaye (27 Delaney 83'), 42 Puncheon, 10 Townsend, 17 Benteke (booked, 9 Campbell 88').
Subs not used: 1 Speroni, 4 Flamini,  18 McArthur, 26 Sako.

Referee: Andre Marriner
Man Of The Match: Christian Benteke
Ground: Anfield
Attendance: 53,086

Click here for my previous LFC match report.

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

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.

Liverpool TOP after thrashing Watford

Sports - Football - Premier League - LFC 1:6 WFC

The Reds went top of the Premier League for the first time under manager Jürgen Klopp after destroying Watford 6-1 at Anfield. And it could have been more.

Hornets keeper Heurelho Gomes had already made some fine stops against Lucas Leiva, Roberto Firmino hit the bar and missed a sitter and Philippe Coutinho had sent another chance wide.

With 25 minutes gone, it looked like it wasn't going to be Liverpool's day, Walter Mazzarri's men sticking to their job and frustrating the home side.

Sadio Mané broke the dead lock, finally, in the 27th minute, with an acrobatic header off a corner.

Three minutes later, his Brazilian team mate Coutinho doubled the lead, drilling in his fifth league goal of the season from 20 yards out, beating/ignoring/defying four defenders in front of him.

To make things worse for the visitors, at 2-0 down, just over half an hour gone, Gomes had to be replaced due to injury, Costel Pantilimon forced to take over the challenge.

Emre Can made it 3-0 before the break, heading in Adam Lallana's cross after a great run and ball in from the right, with all the space in the world, no chance for the sub-keeper.

The 6'8'' stopper did glove James Milner's free kick high and out to keep it "just" 3-0 at half time, although Lucas and Firmino could and should have combined for more, but to Watford's relief they messed it up and missed out.

Liverpool kept pushing and pressing after the break despite the comfortable lead.

And it was Coutinho and Lallana, given way too much space in and around the box off a free kick, the latter's cut-back finding and providing Firmino with an easy and comfortable chance to put away and make it 4-0.

And the Brazilian provided the next goal with a fine run and turn in the box, to Mané, who made no mistake of slotting it in and making it two for him and five for Liverpool.

Red keeper Loris Karius did not have much to do, but did deny Etienne Capoue after a one-on-one, with Milner's help, before Watford did pull one back, a consolation goal, destroying the much-wanted clean sheet.

Daryl Janmaat kept his cool, collected and netted the ball into the bottom left after Milner went down too easily in the build-up. Just a consolation goal, meaning Klopp's men have only kept one clean sheet in the league this season though.

But the Reds didn't (and don't) have to care about that atm - Daniel Sturridge had come on replacing Lallana and was causing even more havoc, striking the bar TWICE!

Georgino Wijnaldum netted the sixth for Liverpool after Sturridge was denied TWICE by Pantilimon, for the Dutchman to score his first goal for the club off the rebound in stoppage time.

6-1 was the final score, 17-8 shots on target, 17 being the most shots on target recorded in the Premier League since 2003.

It's Watford's joint heaviest defeat in the Premier League with a 5-0 defeat against Wimbledon in December 1999.

The Hornets conceded more goals in this game against the Reds than they had in their past six Premier League matches combined (5)!

So, this all proves, the Reds are on fire and high flying, top of the Premier League for the international break. Einfach nur geil! BOOM! XxXxX

Liverpool Goals: Mané 27' & 60', Coutinho 30', Can 43', Firmino 57' & Wijnaldum 90'+1'.

Watford Goal: Janmaat 75'.

Liverpool Team: 1 Karius; 7 Milner, 32 Matip, 21 Lucas, 2 Clyne; 20 Lallana (15 Sturridge 70'), 14 Henderson (c), 23 Can; 19 Mané (5 Wijnaldum 62' (booked 85')), 11 Firmino, 10 Coutinho (53 Ejara 87'). 4-3-3
Subs not used: 22 Mignolet, 17 Klavan, 18 Moreno, 27 Origi.

Watford Team: 1 Gomes (30 Pantilimon 33'); 25 Holebas (booked 56'), 3 Britos (booked 80'), 4 Kaboul, 22 Janmaat; 37 Pereyra (18 Zuniga 86'), 29 Capoue, 11 Behrami (23 Watson 62'), 7 Amrabat; 9 Deeney (c), 24 Ighalo. 4-4-2
Subs not used: 6 Mariappa, 17 Guedioura, 19 Sinclair, 27 Kabasele.

Match Stats: Liverpool-Watford 1st & 2nd half
Attempts: 15-4 & 28-11
On target: 9-2 & 17-8
Corners: 4-0 & 6-3
Free kicks: 5-8 & 10-14
Bookings: 0-0 & 1-2
Possession: 59%-41% & 60%-40%

Referee: Michael Oliver
Man of the match: Philippe Coutinho
Attendance: 53,163

Pictures taken from BBC match report

Click here for my previous LFC match report 

Liverpool put five past sorry Hull

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hull City Goal: Meyler 51'

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

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

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

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

Images taken from the BBC match report 

Click here for my previous LFC match report

Liverpool take a point at White Hart Lane

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

It ended all level 1-1 at White Hart Lane, but with plenty of talking points. On the one hand Liverpool will feel more like two points dropped because of Sadio Mané's disallowed goal. But Spurs were pushing and dangerous, especially with Harry Kane, so, better than nothing. Fair result in the end, intense game, both going for it, both getting something from it.

The game started mixed, the home side on top, keeping the Red back line and keeper Simon Mignolet the busier, producing a couple of top notch saves against Kane. Both sides did not give each other much space, so possession changed quickly and regularly, both pushing again and again on the counter, Michel Vorm with some good stops of his own against Philippe Coutinho early on.

It did not take long for the tide to swing and Jürgen Klopp's men to take over, the front three Coutinho, Roberto Firmino and Mané challenging the Spurs' back line. Just before the break, the pressure bared fruit. Firmino was brought down in the box by Erik Lamela chasing back. James Milner sent keeper Vorm the wrong way and netted the spot kick into the left corner, sending Liverpool into the interval 0-1 ahead.

The second half started just as intense, both teams not leaving each other much room to play with, possession not lasting long, giving away a lot of throws and free kicks. Mané and Danny Rose kept clashing after both had already been booked in the first half for their rants and tangles, keeping each other on their toes and tensions high.

The Reds should have had their lead doubled on 57' after a lovely move that involved Georginio Wijnaldum, Adam Lallana and Mané, the latter netting and celebrating, only to be flagged for offside. It was a very close call.

And it did come back to bite them indeed, Mauricio Pocchetino's men given too much time and space, even though there were six Liverpool players in the box. Rose was able to easily squeeze the ball in the near post to level the score with just under 20 minutes to go.

Kane was surprised to be taken off late on, youngster Joshua Onamah replacing him, Tottenham pushing for a win. Disgruntled Daniel Sturridge came on eventually, Mané coming off in the final minutes. But both changes were in the vane, the game continued and ended how it was all along, mix and match, give and take, great build-up and chances to clumsiness and giveaways.

This display sums up both sides' mixed season so far quite well. They both showed quality, but also plenty of points in need of improvement. 1-1 reflects this. After their embarrassing defeat at Burnley last week, Liverpool can be relieved and look forward to their first home match at the revamped Anfield against champions Leicester after the international break in a fortnight.

Here is my full coverage of the match, relive all the action on ByTheMinute LFC.

Interesting OptaJoe stats from the match:

Before the match:

0 - Harry Kane has never scored a Premier League goal in August.

9 - There have been more own goals scored in PL games between Spurs & Liverpool than any other fixture (9).

3 - Liverpool are the first team to play away in their opening 3 top-flight league games of a season since Chelsea & Bolton in 1997-98.

5 - Simon Mignolet has conceded the last five shots that he has faced on target in the Premier League.

HT & 2nd half:

41 - James Milner has never been on the losing team after scoring in a PL game (W34 D7 L0 before today).

6 - Six of Danny Rose's eight Premier League goals have come at White Hart Lane, including each of the last five.

10 - Harry Kane has not scored in any of his 10 Premier League appearances in the month of August.

FT:

42 - James Milner is now unbeaten in 42 PL games that he's scored in (W34 D8 L0); only Darius Vassell (46 games) has a better record.

Tottenham Goal: Rose 72'.

Liverpool Goal: Milner pen 43'.

Tottenham Team: 13 Vorm; 3 Rose (Y29', G72'), 5 Vertonghen (Y52'), 4 Alderweireld, 2 Walker (9 Janssen 28'); 12 Wanyama, 15 Dier; 23 Eriksen (29 Winks 93'), 20 Alli (Y77'), 11 Lamela; 10 Kane (c) (25 Onomah 83'). 4-2-3-1
Subs not used: 31 McGee, 38 Carter-Vickers, 33 Davies & 7 Son.

Liverpool Team: 22 Mignolet; 7 Milner (pen 43'), 6 Lovren (Y63'), 32 Matip (Y94'), 2 Clyne; 5 Wijnaldum, 14 Henderson (c) (Y85'), 20 Lallana (35 Stewart 94'); 10 Coutinho (Y46', 27 Origi), 11 Firmino, 19 Mané (Y33, 15 Sturridge 88'). 4-3-3
Subs not used: 13 Manninger, 16 Grujic, 18 Moreno & 21 Lucas.

Y = yellow card, G = goal, pen = penalty

Sky Sports Match Stats: Tottenham-Liverpool HT & FT
Possession: 48.6%-51.4% & 49.4%-50.6%
Attempts: 4-6 & 11-13
On target: 1-3 & 4-3
Corners: 2-1 & 5-5
Offside: 0-3 & 2-6
Free kicks: 11-6 & 17-11
Bookings: 1-2 & 3-5

Referee: Robert Madley
Ground: White Hart Lane
Attendance: 31,211
Man of the match: Dejan Lovren

Pictures taken from BBC match report

Click here for my previous LFC match report

Reds stun Gunners in 7-goal thriller

Sports - Football - PL - AFC 3-4 LFC

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

One distraught Frenchman

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Man of the match: Philippe Coutinho

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

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

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

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

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

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

City lift the Capital One Cup

Sports - Football - Capital One Cup - Liverpool 1:1 Man City AET (1:3 on penalties)

Manchester City lifted the League Cup for the fourth time (1970, 1976, 2014 and 2016) thanks to second-choice goalkeeper Willy Caballero's heroic performance with three penalty saves which saw his side record a 3-1 shoot-out victory over Liverpool after the sides drew 1-1 in extra time at Wembley.

The 34-year old denied Lucas Leiva, Philippe Coutinho and Adam Lallana from the spot, rewarding his boss Manuel Pellegrini for choosing him ahead of first choice Joe Hart. The Argentinian stopper also kept out Divock Origi's header spectacularly earlier on in the match.

At the other end, Reds keeper Simon Mignolet had a very mixed afternoon. The Belgian let Fernandinho's shot slip through under his body to concede the opener shortly after the break. His side had dominated possession in the first half, but were unable to take advantage.

Daniel Sturridge gave away the ball on numerous occasions, unable to produce anything of note, caught offside most of the time, undoing his team mates' hard work, especially Lucas and James Milner.

After Mignolet's leak, City took over and looked to build on their lead through Sergio Aguero on a few occasions. But the red number 22 redeemed himself with a couple of breathtaking saves.

It was a game to forget for Raheem Sterling against his former side. Similar to Sturridge, he kept giving away the ball, missing chances, wasting sitters, looking just not there. 

Coutinho got the Red spirit back up and going late on, in the 83rd minute, seeing in the ball to level the score after Lallana had hit the post at the far end.

It finally got the competition back running and steaming through to extra time with both keeper's kept busy and teams sweating.

But penalties it was in the end. And after Fernandinho had hit the post with City's first kick, it looked like Jürgen Klopp's men were going to steel the show.

However, it was not to be. With Caballero's star performance and Jesus Navas and Aguero's conversions, it was Yaya Toure who sealed the deal, converting the winning penalty, giving Pellegrini his third major trophy in as many seasons and condemning Liverpool to their fourth League Cup final defeat (1978, 1987, 2005 and 2016).

It was the Red's fourth penalty shootout defeat in the competition, making it four defeats in 18 shootouts. Klopp has reached a cup final in each of his last five seasons as a manager, but has lost four. Tough luck?

The Merseysiders can seek revenge as the two sides will meet again midweek, in the Premier League, at Anfield, where the Kop will want to see Blue blood.

Liverpool Goal: 10 Coutinho 83'.

Man City Goal: 25 Fernandinho 49'.

Liverpool Team: 22 Mignolet; 18 Moreno (booked 65', 20 Lallana 72' (booked 118')), 17 Sakho (4 K Toure 25'), 21 Lucas, 2 Clyne (booked 53'); 10 Coutinho (booked 84'), 23 Can (booked 85'), 14 Henderson (c), 7 Milner; 11 Firmino (27 Origi 80'); 15 Sturridge. 4-4-1-1
Subs not used: 9 Benteke, 24 Allen, 34 Bogdan and 38 Flanagan.

Man City Team: 13 Caballero; 22 Clichy, 30 Otamendi (booked 109'), 4 Kompany (c) (booked 87'), 3 Sagna (5 Zabaleta 90'); 6 Fernando (booked 76', 15 Navas 90'), 42 Y Toure (booked 118'); 7 Sterling, 21 Silva (14 Bony 110'), 25 Fernandinho (booked 118'); 10 Aguero. 4-2-3-1
Subs not used: 1 Hart, 11 Kolarov, 26 Demichelis and 72 Iheanacho.

More stats and facts, reactions and views:

Sky Sport Opta Match Stats: Liverpool-Man City
Possession: 61.4%-38.6%
Shots: 16-20
On target: 4-7
Off target: 9-11
Blocked: 3-2
Passes: 553/703 (78.7%) - 302/431(70.1%)
Attacking third: 161/233 (69.1%) - 115/178 (64.6%)
Key passes: 10-14
Clear-cut chances: 1-1
Crosses: 8/21 (38.1%) - 9/26 (34.6%)
Dribbles: 20/29 (69%) - 18/27 (66.7%)
Offsides: 8-0
Recoveries: 75-69
Tackles: 23/29 (79.3%) - 18/27 (66.7%)
Interceptions: 24-29
Blocks: 1-3
Clearances: 14-27
Headed clearances: 8-17
Aerial duels: 14/46 (30.4%) - 32/46 (69.6%)
Blocked crosses: 2-4
Saves: 6-3
Keeper's catches: 2/2 (100%) - 2/2 (100%)
Fouls committed:  18-15
Fouls won: 15-18
Yellow cards: 5-5
Red cards: 0-0

Referee: Michael Oliver
Man of the match: Vincent Kompany

Manager reaction:

Jürgen Klopp: "We feel down but now we have to stand up. Only silly idiots stay on the floor and wait for the next defeat.
"We will strike back. We have felt how it is to lose. It is not the best moment but on Monday morning maybe we can change everything.
"We will go on and we will get better. We have to work really hard, carry on and there is light at the end of the tunnel. This is important."

Manuel Pellegrini: "I was concerned about the amount of chances we missed. After that we played better in extra time.
"It's a very important moment, and it's always very special to win a title at Wembley."

My views and questions:

Klopp sounded very much like Gerry and the Pacemakers... At the end of the storm... Is a golden sky...

The stats say it all! The Reds tried hard, with more of the ball (more possession), but did less with it (less chances on and off target).

Sturridge frustrated me most, so many offsides and wastes (8-0)!!! Will Christian Benteke get a chance in the next clash against City?! I doubt it and don't like it!
Both cases of Sturridge and Sterling show, stars cannot and do not shine the same on their own.

After this frustration, we need more variation, change. The summer cannot come quick enough for Klopp. Let's hope there will be more changes then, than there were in January, disappointingly and surprisingly.

I keep thinking of the following German song that fits my (and probably Klopp's) football mood and thoughts: Was soll das?! Womit hab ich das verdient?! (Translation: What's the point?! What have I done to deserve this?!) Here is the full version: https://youtu.be/6tFoIu9nhYQ 

Match Report: Bordeaux 1-1 Liverpool

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bordeaux-Liverpool Match Stats:

Possession: 46%-54%

Attempts: 9-10

On target: 5-6

Corners: 4-8

Fouls: 10-10

Referee: Alberto Undiano Mallenco

Attendance: 35,328

Man of the match: Philippe Coutinho

Pictures and stats taken from the BBC website

Match Report: Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool

Sports - Football - Premier League - Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool

Liverpool maintained their unbeaten run keeping Arsenal waiting for their first home win of the season as both sides played out a thrilling goalless draw at the Emirates with plenty of action, chances and controversies.

It was the first time James Milner wore the captain's armband for Brendan Rodgers' men as Jordan Henderson missed out due to injury.

Arsene Wenger's men meanwhile were weakened at the back through illness and injury to centre-backs Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny respectively.

And it certainly was a game of two halves with the Reds dominating the first half, Christian Benteke and Philippe Coutinho working dangerously well together, hitting the bar, the post and pulling some breath-taking saves out of under-fire Gunner keeper Petr Cech.

The home side were all over the place, however, they should have been ahead early on when Aaron Ramsey had the ball in the back of the net in the eighth minute, only to be flagged and disallowed offside, cruelly borderline.

Arsenal have only seen two wins in the last eleven games officiated by Martin Oliver and can make it two out of twelve with this match which is not a nice read.

But the Community Shield winners came back strong and took over play in the second half, Ramsey and Olivier Giroud keeping Red stopper Simon Mignolet busy and Alexis Sanchez just finding the post on the hour-mark.

Both goalkeepers worked hard, showed top quality, earning and deserving the clean sheets. Their teams showed great potential up front but major leaks, not being able to keep or clear the ball in the middle or at the back of the field, which should be worrying for both.

Liverpool will welcome West Ham at Anfield next Saturday afternoon, whilst Arsenal will travel to Newcastle for the lunch time kick-off.

Both sides will surely challenge for the top four this season, all depending on whether they can fix the leaks and find more security and solidity at the back, not just relying on their keepers alone.

Pictures taken from the BBC and Sky Sports websites.

Arsenal Team: 33 Cech; 5 Gabriel (booked 65'), 21 Chambers, 24 Bellerin; 19 Cazorla (c), 34 Coquelin (15 Oxlade-Chamberlain); 17 Sanchez, 11 Özil, 16 Ramsey; 12 Giroud (14 Walcott 73'). 4-1-3-1

Subs not used: 2 Debuchy, 3 Gibbs, 8 Arteta, 13 Ospina, 20 Flamini.

Liverpool Team: 22 Mignolet (booked 85'); 12 Gomez (booked 79'), 6 Lovren, 37 Skrtel (booked 61'), 2 Clyne; 7 Milner (c), 21 Lucas (46 Rossiter 76'), 23 Can (booked 67'); 10 Coutinho (18 Moreno 87'), 9 Benteke, 11 Firmino (33 Ibe 63'). 4-3-3

Subs not used: 17 Sakho, 27 Origi, 28 Ings, 34 Bogdan.

Match Stats: Arsenal-Liverpool: 1st & 2nd half

Attempts: 3-11 & 16-4

On target: 1-5 & 4-3

Offside: 5-4 & 0-0

Goal kicks: 2-5 & 1-4

Corners: 2-6 & 5-2

Free kicks: 5-1 & 8-1

Throws: 5-6 & 7-10

Possession: 61%-39% (HT) & 66%-34% (FT)

Referee: Martin Oliver

Attendance: 60,080