Premier League Picks Of The Week 3

Sports - Football - Premier League - Week 3

The third week of the Premier League saw:

270 Shots - most by Man United = 29 

22 Goals - most by Arsenal & Chelsea = 3 each

227 Fouls - most by Watford = 18

46 Bookings - most by Watford = 6

0 Reds Cards

6 Penalties - 3 scored, 3 missed

ByTheMinute coverage at its best, even when the match has not got much to write about...

And the ByTheMinute team are also keeping track of all the transfer gossip and news, deadline day tomorrow!

First international break with Big Sam, here is who the new England boss picked and what he had to say.

What a game! The goalless game between West Brom and Middlesbrough did not have much to watch, report or cheer about. I feel with the fans, who should receive a refund for the ordeal. The fans reacted accordingly, calling for Tony Pulis' head. The pressure is already on, just three games into the season, after the side have only recorded one win in the last 13 games and averaging less than a goal a game since Pulis took over in January 2015. Dire.

What a team! Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United form a quite familiar top three, the only sides left with a 100% winning record in the Premier League after three games. Is this how the season will finish, I hear and read many ask. Wait out! Three new managers, 35 games to go... I think it is very premature to crown the champions already!

What a man(ager)! As mentioned above, the top three unbeaten teams, their three new managers, none other than Pep Guardiola, José Mourinho and Antonio Conte, are untouchable and you cannot get away from them. It seems like none of them can do anything wrong at the moment and could not have asked for a better start to the season. Or could they? Guardiola has been the most honest and realistic, seeing and pointing out where his side is lacking and needs improving... Early days!

What a goal! Star striker Jamie Vardy finally kicked off his season for defending champions Leicester (in case you needed reminding who the actual champions are at the moment after all the hu ha and bla bla about the current top three). And it was a fine finish off Danny Drinkwater's pass, a delicious goal we were used to be fed on a regular basis last season. And surprise surprise, long lost Raheem Sterling also shone with two goals for City. Reborn? Or just an exception? We will see.

What the hell?! Again, the referees are under fire. This time they missed Sergio Agüero's blatant elbow into West Ham defender Winston Reid's throat. I hope and think a ban will take him out of the Manc derby on the 10th September. On the other hand, Arthur Masuaku got away with a late tackle on John Stones when he was already cautioned, so could and should have been sent off, too. So, both sides got away with it, hence you could say justice was evened out. But I wish the referees could use replays, as it is ridiculous to see what players get cautioned for in contrast to what they then get away with! I've ranted enough about that plenty of times, so, to quote a Hammer friend of mine...

"Do referees have a Premier League directive in not sending off the top team's best players? Two weeks ago it was Costa and a blatant hack on Adrian, today its Aguero and a clear elbow in the throat of Reid...if the officials are not seeing these incidents then they are not doing their job, and if the officials are seeing these and taking no action, then they are not just incompetent, but corrupt...no complaints about the result, got beaten by the superior team (just), but something's rotten in the state of Denmark, and its called the FA..."

My predictions - Actual results

Tottenham 2:1 Liverpool - 1:1 - click here for my match report and here for my bythemin coverage
Chelsea 2:1 Burnley - 3:0
Crystal Palace 0:0 Bournemouth - 1:1
Everton 1:0 Stoke - 1:0
Leicester 2:1 Swansea - 2:1
Southampton 4:1 Sunderland - 1:1
Watford 1:2 Arsenal - 1:3
Hull City 2:3 Man United - 0:1
West Brom 1:1 Middlesbrough - 0:0
Man City 2:2 West Ham - 3:1

Click here for last week's Premier League Picks

Pictures taken from Bing search, BBC match reports & another Bing search

Liverpool end season victorius at Anfield

Sports - Football - Premier League - Liverpool 2:1 Newcastle

Liverpool came back from behind to end the season on a winning note, beating 9-man Newcastle 2-1 at Anfield, but with Manchester City's comfortable 2-0 win against West Ham at the Etihad, it meant the title went to the blue side of Manchester for the second time in three seasons.

The Reds started the game a shadow of their usual fiery selves, shaky, wasteful and unable to keep the ball long enough to create a threat.

Star man Luis Suarez did have the ball in the back of the net on 18 minutes, the Uruguayan catching Tim Krul off his line with a quickly taken free kick, but too quickly for referee Phil Dowd's liking, who disallowed the goal as the ball was still rolling.

Seconds later, Anfield was stunned to silence when the Magpies took the lead after Martin Skrtel shinned Youan Gouffran's cross from the left into the back of his own net.

The Slovakian defender now holds the unwanted record of his fourth own goal of the season, taking Liverpool's total conceded to 50 goals in a 38-game top-flight season for the first time since 1914-15.

Gouffran and Shola Ameobi kept working well together for the visitors, pulling a couple of nice stops out of Simon Mignolet, whilst at the other end Suarez and co looked more and more frustrated, not challenging Krul much.

Brendan Rodgers replaced Jon Flanagan with Aly Cissokho after the break, but the frustrating trend of slips and giveaways continued, Glen Johnson being one of the main culprits, and Ameobi not happy with Skrtel's hugs and shirt-rips either.

After the Reds' second change, just before the hour mark, Philippe Coutinho replacing Joe Allen, the game picked up for the home side, and just four minutes later, they were level thanks to Daniel Agger putting in skipper Steven Gerrard's free kick.

That certainly changed the mood at Anfield, and within three minutes, they were ahead after Daniel Sturridge netted another Gerrard free kick.

And things went from bad to worse for Alan Pardew's men when Ameobi was booked and then sent off within quick succession for his protests before the restart. The Nigerian striker went straight down the tunnel after being punished for all his stick and discussions with Dowd.

Newcastle rang in the changes after the dismissal, whilst Liverpool accepted the inevitable, winning here, but with City leading 2-0, the Reds had to concede the title to the Sky Blues.

Raheem Sterling saw his goal disallowed for an obvious offside, before the visitors were reduced to nine men, substitute Paul Dummett seeing red for a stupid lunge on Suarez, the Magpies' fifth dismissal in their last four meetings with Liverpool.

The Reds just ran down the clock after that, ending the game on top 2-1, and the season second on 84 points, five places and 23 points better than last season, their highest finish in five years, and qualified automatically back into the Champions League next season after four seasons away.

Anfield applauded their side and manager, but neither could hide their disappointment after having all their hopes of a first league title in 24 years dashed as Manchester City beat West Ham to be crowned champions. 

Rodgers will have to build around Stevie G. and the SAS/SSS*, especially the back line has to be strengthened after seeing Liverpool be the first team since Tottenham in 1962-63 to score more than 100 league goals and concede 50 goals in the same season.

Mignolet has had a great first season in goal, but the defence has been too shaky and leaked too much and many through. The likes of Skrtel, Johnson, Flanagan, Kolo Toure, and Mamadou Sakho have just not been good enough.

No discrediting the Reds' improvement through, and hopes and chances to challenge at the top again next season, domestically and in Europe. Thanks to BR, SAS/SSS* and Stevie G.! YNWA XxXxX

*SAS/SSS:
*9 - The joint-highest Goal/Assist combinations in the 2013--14 season were Suarez/Sturridge and Suarez/Sterling. (OptaJoe)
*31 - Luis Suarez's goal haul equalled a Premier League record for 38-game season, shared with Alan Shearer and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Liverpool 2-1 Newcastle

Liverpool Goals: 1.: 63' Daniel Agger (5), 2.: 65' Daniel Sturridge (15).

Newcastle Goals: 1.: 20' Martin Skrtel (37) OG.

Liverpool Team: 22 Mignolet; 38 Flanagan (20 Cissokho 46'), 5 Agger, 37 Skrtel, 2 Johnson; 14 Henderson, 8 Gerrard, 24 Allen (10 Coutinho 59'); 15 Sturridge (21 Lucas 80', booked 89'), 7 Suarez, 31 Sterling. 4-3-3 Subs not used: 1 Jones, 4 Toure, 9 Aspas, 17 Sakho.

Newcastle Team: 1 Krul; 19 Haidera, 27 Taylor (18 de Jong 73'), 2 Coloccini, 6 Williamson, 26 Debuchy (booked 35'); 11 Gouffran (booked 65') (28 Ameobi 78'), 24 Tiote (36 Dummett 82', sent off 87'), 8 Anita (booked 63'), 7 Sissoko; 23 Ameobi (booked 66', sent off 66'). 5-4-1 Subs not used: 3 Santon, 13 Yonga-Mbiwa, 21 Elliot, 37 Satka.

Opta Match Stats: Liverpool-Newcastle

(Attack)
Attempts: 13-8
On target: 5-2
Blocked: 5-3
From outside the box: 7-3
From inside the box: 6-5
Shot Accuracy: 62.5%-40%

(General Play)
Possession: 66.2%-33.8%
Duels won: 52.6%-47.4%
Aerials won: 56.6%-43.5%
Interceptions: 11-16
Offsides: 3-2
Corners: 6-2

(Distribution)
Total Passes: 673-333
Long Passes: 79%-15.6%
Passing Accuracy: 89.9%-78.4%
Pass. Acc. Opp. half: 83.9%-63.6%
Total Crosses: 22-12
Successful: 22.7%-25%

(Defence & Discipline)
Tackles: 15-19
Won: 80%-94.7%
Clearances: 25-26
Fouls conceded: 8-16
Yellow Cards: 1-3
Red Cards: 0-2

Referee: Phil Dowd
Attendance: 44,724
Man of the match: Raheem Sterling

Reds stay top after hard-fought win at Norwich

Sports - Football - Premier League - Norwich 2:3 Liverpool

Liverpool recorded their eleventh consecutive Premier League win for the first time, keeping them five points clear at the top and favourites in the title race, after beating Norwich 2-3 in a tense encounter at Carrow Road.

Raheem Sterling gave the Reds the lead after just four minutes, with an unstoppable strike from outside the box.

Moving on from scorer to provider, the young English striker played part in a lovely buildup, to set up Luis Suarez for his 30th Premier League goal of the season, an easy tap-in finish to make it 2-0 in the 11th minute.

After a comfortable first half for the Reds, who were missing injured Daniel Sturridge and suspended Jordan Henderson, the game became more frantic after the break.

Brendan Rodgers men gave the home side too much time and space to play, which led to an error when a high cross by Robert Snodgrass was punched away by Simon Mignolet, only to come of Martin Skrtel and find Gary Hooper, who made no mistake of slotting it home to make it 1-2, his first goal since Boxing Day.

But Sterling regained the two-goal cushion, seeing a lucky deflection in and past John Ruddy, after a great individual run, with just under half an hour to go.

Neil Adams' men hit back again though, thanks to a Snodgrass header in the 77th minute, to keep the Red nerves boiling for the last ten+ minutes.

Mignolet reacted nice and quick to deny substitute Ricky van Wolfswinkel late on, condemning the Canaries to their fourth consecutive league defeat, which leaves them hovering just two points above the relegation zone in 17th.

The Reds meanwhile, stay top, five points clear of Chelsea in second after their first home defeat against Sunderland.

Jose Mourinho's men will be coming to Anfield next Sunday, which, depending on Manchester City's results, could be a title decider.

Three games to go!!!
XxXxX

Norwich 2-3 Liverpool 

Norwich Goals: 1.: 53:35min Gary Hooper (11), 2.: 76:49min Robert Snodgrass (7).

Liverpool Goals: 1.: 3:39min Raheem Sterling (31), 2.: 10:14min Luis Suarez (7), 3.: 61:25min Raheem Sterling (31).

Norwich Team: 1 Ruddy; 23 Olsson, 6 Turner (booked 45'), 2 Martin, 3 Whittaker; 8 Howson (booked 72'), 10 Fer (31 Murphy 78'), 4 Johnson; 7 Snodgrass (booked 29'); 11 Hooper (9 van Wolfswinkel 78'), 22 Redmond. 4-3-1-2
Subs not used: 13 Bunn, 15 Gutierrez, 18 Garrido, 24 Bennett, 27 Tettey.

Liverpool Team: 22 Mignolet; 38 Flanagan (booked 79'), 17 Sakho, 37 Skrtel (booked 65'), 2 Johnson; 10 Coutinho (12 Moses 76'), 21 Lucas, 8 Gerrard, 24 Allen (5 Agger 81'); 7 Suarez, 31 Sterling. 4-4-2
Subs not used: 1 Jones, 4 Toure, 6 Luis Alberto, 9 Aspas, 20 Cissokho.

Opta Match Stats: Norwich-Liverpool
(Attack)
Attempts: 13-14
On target: 5-6
Blocked: 6-2
From outside the box: 4-3
From inside the box: 9-11
Shot accuracy: 71.4%-50%
(General Play)
Possession: 42.4%-57.6%
Duels won: 45.5%-64.5%
Aerials won: 45.5%-54.5%
Interceptions: 18-17
Offsides: 0-1
Corners: 8-3
(Distribution)
Total Passes: 362-538
Long Passes: 13%-7.4%
Passing Accuracy: 76.5%-86.4%
Passing Accuracy opp. half: 64.8%-76.2%
Total Crosses: 38-4
Successful: 21.1%-25%
(Defence & Discipline)
Tackles: 22-36
Won: 72.7%-75%
Clearances: 9-53
Fouls Conceded: 16-10
Yellow Cards: 3-2
Red Cards: 0-0

Referee: Andre Marriner
Attendance: 26,857
Mon of the match: Raheem Sterling

Liverpool crush United at Old Trafford

Sports - Football - Premier League - Man United 0-3 Liverpool 

Liverpool closed the gap on league leaders Chelsea to four points with a game in hand after comprehensively beating Manchester United 0-3 at Old Trafford. 

Captain Steven Gerrard scored twice from the spot before seeing rival skipper Nemanja Vidic sent off and missing the resulting penalty and chance for a hat-trick. 

None other than Luis Suarez made it three, scoring his 25th Premier League goal of the season and condemning the Red Devils to their 9th defeat of the season. 

Brendan Rodgers' men took charge from the start, if not in possession, but creating and putting on more pressure, pressing and pushing, not letting United settle. 

The home side got more and more frustrated and saw defender Rafael's name first in the book for felling down Gerrard. 

The Brazilian conceded the first penalty moments later with a clumsy handball, which Gerrard made no mistake of, sending David De Gea the wrong way, to net it on the right and make it 0-1 after 34 minutes. 

It was the first time United have conceded a penalty at Old Trafford since December 2011. 

The goal woke up the home side and the game jumped up a gear, Gerrard seeing yellow for leading with his elbow on Marouane Fellaini, who had to be treated as United finally came out more on attack. 

Wayne Rooney saw his double-strike stopped just before the break, thanks to one great save by Simon Mignolet and one strong, quick block by Jon Flanagan, but the Reds kept and took the lead into the break. 

Whatever David Moyes said to his side during the interval, it didn't work, or backfired even, as 24 seconds into the second half, Phil Jones pushed and brought down Joe Allen in the box to concede the second penalty. 

The Scouse skipper netted to the right again, with fine accuracy and pace, to make it 0-2. Liverpool's tails were up after that and the visitors pushed and pressed for more. 

That didn't put off United though, Rooney and Vidic were both on referee Mark Clattenburg's case after they felt they were both fouled whilst creating chances, pushed by Martin Skrtel in the prior, and punched and clattered by Mignolet and Daniel Agger respectively in the latter case, but play continued despite all. 

One way or the other, it wasn't happening for United and Moyes made a double-change with 15 minutes remaining. Seconds later, it went from bad to worse for the hosts, Vidic saw red, receiving a second yellow for what was harshly deemed a foul on Daniel Sturridge in the box, a soft penalty to concede. 

But it was not going to be a penalty-hat-trick for man-of-the-match Gerrard, as he sent De Gea the wrong way, again, but was denied by the left post. 

The home fans felt justice was done with the miss, but on the other hand, Rafael was lucky not to be given a second yellow, as he got away with some rash challenges on more than one occasion, after already being booked and warned.

A certain Uruguayan then got into the mix, and after pulling a great save out off De Gea, Suarez broke clear in the box off a deflected Sturridge shot/cross/pass and netted his 25th Premier League goal of the season, to make it 0-3 and seal Liverpool's first win at Old Trafford since the unforgettable 1-4 thrash in 2009. 

It could have been worse for United- although they won't see it that way, recording their 5th home defeat and 21 points dropped at home this season. The Red Devils have not lost more than nine games in Premier League history. This ninth defeat leaves Moyes' men on 48 points in seventh, 12 points behind rivals City in the 4th and last Champions League spot and 18 points off the top. 

Manchester United 0-3 Liverpool 

Liverpool Goals: 1. & 2.: 34th & 47th min Steven Gerrard (8) penalties, 3.: 83:28 min Luis Suarez (7).

Liverpool Team: 22 Mignolet; 38 Flanagan (booked- 31st min), 5 Agger, 37 Skrtel (booked- 54th min), 2 Johnson; 24 Allen, 8 Gerrard (booked- 37th min) (21 Lucas- 87th min), 14 Henderson; 7 Suarez, 15 Sturridge (booked- 84th min) (9 Aspas- 91st min), 31 Sterling (10 Coutinho- 72nd min). 4-3-3
Subs not used: 1 Jones, 12 Moses, 17 Sakho, 20 Cissokho.

Man United Team: 1 De Gea; 3 Evra, 15 Vidic (booked- 71st min, sent off- 77th min), 4 Jones, 2 Rafael (booked- 32nd min); 16 Carrick, 31 Fellaini (23 Cleverly- 75th min); 44 Januzaj (19 Welbeck- 75th min), 10 Rooney, 8 Mata (5 Ferdinand- 87th min); 20 van Persie. 4-2-3-1
Subs not used: 13 Lindegaard, 18 Young, 25 Valencia, 26 Kagawa.

Match Stats: 1st & 2nd half: Man United-Liverpool
Attempts: 6-6 & 7-11
On target: 1-3 & 0-4
Offsides: 1-1 & 2-1
Corners: 1-2 & 2-2
Free kicks: 6-6 & 6-7
Possession: HT: 51%-49%, FT 48%-52%

For full Opta Match Stats just click here!

Referee: Mark Clattenburg
Attendance: 75,225
Man of the match: Steven Gerrard

Liverpool thrash sorry Arsenal 5-1 at Anfield

Sports - Football - Premier League - Liverpool 5:1 Arsenal

Liverpool thrashed Arsenal 5-1 in an unforgettable lunch-time clash at Anfield. Brendan Rodgers' men came into the match all guns blazing, stunning the Gunners with four goals in the opening 20 minutes.

Martin Skrtel opened the scoring after just 51 seconds, whipping in Steven Gerrard's free kick, totally unmarked inside the six-yard box, sending the ball past a helpless Wojciech Szczesny with his knee.

And the Slovakian defender double the score under nine minutes later, heading the skipper's corner into the top corner over the jumping Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain on the line.

The Reds looked dangerous every time they went forward, especially on the wings, and should have been 3-0 up on 12 minutes when Daniel Sturridge chipped a golden chance wide after Luis Suarez sent him clear on goal.

The Uruguayan forward saw his shot smack off the post seconds later for Kolo Toure to stab the rebound wide.

But moments later, Liverpool's top scorer picked out Raheem Sterling with a perfect pass to give the young winger a simple finish at the far post to make it 3-0.

And three minutes later, Philippe Coutinho found Sturridge with a perfect cross behind Laurent Koscielny for the striker to slot it home nice and easy to make it 4-0.

Arsene Wenger's men were beaten after 20 minutes, enjoyed more possession in the second half, but fired nothing but blanks.

Liverpool made it five on 52 minutes when Sterling broke clear on goal and netted the rebound after Szczesny saved his initial effort.

Arsenal did get a consolation goal, much to the amusement of the traveling fans, after winning a penalty when Gerrard brought down Oxlade-Chamberlain in the box. Mikel Arteta converted the kick and pulled a late - and only - save out of Simon Mignolet.

But it was too little, too late, and did not mask the embarrassment and one clear thing: this was Liverpool's day and the result smashed the Premier League title race all open again!

Liverpool Goals: 1.& 2.: 0:51 & 9:28min Martin Skrtel (37), 3.: 16:00min Raheem Sterling (31), 4.: 19:17min Daniel Sturridge (15), 5.: 51:07min Raheem Sterling (31).

Arsenal Goals: 1.: 68:25min Mikel Arteta (8) penalty.

Liverpool Team: 22 Mignolet; 20 Cissokho, 4 Toure, 37 Skrtel, 38 Flanagan; 10 Coutinho, 8 Gerrard, 14 Henderson (booked 47.min); 31 Sterling, 15 Sturridge (24 Allen- 66.min), 7 Suarez (9 Aspas- 86.min). 4-3-3

Subs not used: 1 Jones, 6 Luis Alberto, 12 Moses, 34 Kelly.

Arsenal Team: 1 Szczesny; 17 Monreal (28 Gibbs- 61.min), 6 Koscielny, 4 Mertesacker, 3 Sagna; 10 Wilshere (booked 59.min), 8 Arteta; 19 Cazorla, 11 Özil (7 Rosicky- 61.min), 15 Oxlade-Chamberlain; 12 Giroud (booked 47.min) (9 Podolski- 60.min). 4-2-3-1

Subs not used: 21 Fabianski, 23 Bendtner, 25 Jenkinson, 44 Gnabry.

Opta Match Stats: Liverpool-Arsenal

(Attack)

Attempts: 22-11

On target: 12-6

Blocked: 1-4

From outside the box: 7-7

From inside the box: 15-4

Shot accuracy: 57.1%-85.7%

(General Play)

Possession: 42.7%-57.3%

Duels won: 53.8%-46.2%

Aerials won: 41.7%-58.3%

Interceptions: 10-11

Offsides: 4-0

Corners: 6-6

(Distribution)

Total passes: 373-497

Long passes: 15.5%-7%

Passing accuracy: 78.8%-87.1%

Passing accuracy oppositional half: 63.8%-79.8%

Total crosses: 16-20

Successful crosses: 31.3%-20%

(Defence & Discipline)

Tackles: 35-16

Tackles won: 85.7%-75%

Clearances: 37-38

Fouls conceded: 14-14

Yellow cards: 1-2

Red cards: 0-0

Referee: Michael Oliver

Attendance: 44,701

Man of the match: Raheem Sterlinghttp

Toure howler costs Liverpool at West Brom

Sports - Football - Premier League - West Brom 1:1 Liverpool

A Kolo Toure howler cost Liverpool two points as his giveaway handed Victor Anichebe the leveller for West Brom to earn them a point at the Hawthorns.

It was the first Premier League draw between the two, the last one a 0-0 in 1984, 18 league meetings since having always produced winners.

And Brendan Rodgers' men looked on course for a win after a flat half in subdued atmosphere, which saw Daniel Sturridge tap one in to put the visitors ahead.

The Reds were nowhere near their best but in command when the SAS produced a fine buildup, Philippe Coutinho putting Raheem Sterling in nicely, before the youngster ran and passed in to Luis Suarez, whose quality slot into the box left Sturridge with an easy finish for his 14th of the season.
The Baggies weren't helped when their defender Jonas Olsson had to come off injured with a hamstring and be replaced by Diego Lugano just before the break.

But Pepe Mel must have said something right during the break, because his side came out a different team, much more open, attacking and in command.

Gareth McAuley produced a brilliant save from Simon Mignolet with a strong header off a Chris Brunt corner before the skipper pulled a superb stop out of the Belgian keeper himself.

A frustrating half for the visitors was crowned by Toure's blunder, the Ivory Coast defender passing the ball back to substitute Anichebe, who made no mistake from 25 yards out, levelling the score with a right-footer across and in.

The game ended tense with end-to-end-stuff and scruffy tackles and clumsy play, unable to produce a breakthrough for either side.

The draw keeps Liverpool in fourth, but opens the gap to the top three further.

West Brom Goals: 1.: 66:25min Victor Anichebe (16).

Liverpool Goals: 1.: 23:56min Daniel Sturridge (15).

West Brom team: 1 Foster; 6 Ridgewell (booked 62nd min), 3 Olsson (14 Lugano- 41st min, booked 86th min), 23 McAuley, 28 Jones; 11 Brunt, 5 Yacob (booked 15th min), 21 Mulumbu (booked 82nd min), 22 Gera; 38 Berahino (16 Anichebe- 63rd min), 20 Vydra (17 Dorrans- 76th min). 4-4-2 Subs not used: 2 Reid, 10 Sinclair, 13 Myhill, 18 Amalfitano.

Liverpool team: 22 Mignolet; 20 Cissokho, 4 Toure, 37 Skrtel, 38 Flanagan (34 Kelly- 74th min); 14 Henderson, 8 Gerrard (booked 81st min), 10 Coutinho (24 Allen- 74th min); 15 Sturridge, 7 Suarez (booked 74th min), 31 Sterling. 4-3-3 Subs not used: 1 Jones, 6 Luis Alberto, 9 Aspas, 12 Moses, 33 Obe.

Match Stats: 1st & 2nd half: West Brom-Liverpool
Attempts: 4-5 & 8-5
On target: 0-1 & 4-2
Offsides: 0-1 & 0-1
Corners: 1-2 & 2-2
Free kicks: 5-7 & 8-5
Possession: 60%-40% (17th min), 48.3%-51.7% (HT) & 50%-50% (FT)
Pass Success Rate: 74%-80.82% (HT) & 75%-76% (FT)

Referee: Kevin Friend
Man of the match: Raheem Sterling & Zoltan Gera

Reds Through After Six-Goal ET-Thriller

Sports - Football - Capital One Cup - Liverpool 4-2 Notts County

Record winners Liverpool were pushed into extra time before finally beating League One side Notts County 4-2 in the Capital One 2nd Round tie at Anfield.



The game started too comfortable for the home side, the Reds dominating possession and play on the first half. Raheem Sterling opened the scoring early on in the fourth minute beating two defenders to clip a shot in after a fine run from 40 yards out.

Daniel Sturridge doubled the score slamming in Steven Gerrard's cross from a tight angle.

The only downer for the home side was the early change they had to make after just nine minutes, defender Aly Cissokho hobbling off and being replaced by Daniel Agger following a challenge from Magpie's Jamal Campbell Ryce.

Gerrard, Agger and Kolo Toure all hit the woodwork as Brendan Rodgers' men looked nearly certain to progress through to the third round without too much of a sweat.

But the visitors pulled off an unexpected turnaround in the second half, Yoann Arquin smashing in a powerful header with just under half an hour to go before Adam Coombles netted the Martinique international's fine run and pull-back-pass to complete he visitor's comeback. 

Meanwhile, Joe Allen had limped off the pitch injured for the Reds.

Extra time brought extra pains and strains on to Liverpool after Toure was forced off injured, reducing the home side to ten men as they had used up all three of their substitutions in normal play time.

But the Reds restored their lead in the 109th minute when Sturridge squeezed in his second goal of the night under County keeper Bartosz Bialkowski.

Substitute Jordan Henderson sealed the win with a cheeky nutmeg through defender Enda Stevens
before curling a low shot into the bottom corner to make it 4-2 to the Reds.

Liverpool 4-2 Notts County (AET; FT 2-2; HT 2-0)

Liverpool Goals: 1.: 3:53min Raheem Sterling (31), 2. & 3.: 28:53 & 108:34min Daniel Sturridge (15), 4.: 109:40min Jordan Henderson (14).
Notts County Goals: 1.: 61:56min Yoann Arquin (15), 2.: 83:24min Adam Coombes (14).

Liverpool Team: 22 Mignolet; 20 Cissokho (5 Agger- 10.min), 47 Wisdom (booked 98.min), 4 Toure, 2 Johnson; 24 Allen (14 Henderson- 65.min), 8 Gerrard; 31 Sterling (booked 106.min), 6 Luis Alberto (10 Coutinho- 72.min), 33 Ibe; 15 Sturridge. 4-2-3-1
Subs not used: 1 Jones, 9 Aspas, 21 Lucas, 29 Borini.

Notts County Team: 1 Bialkowski; 24 Stevens, 4 Liddle, 5 Smith, 2 Dumbuya; 11 Bell (14 Coombes- 82.min), 22 Fotheringham (28 Boucaud- 77.min), 16 Labadie, 20 Campbell-Ryce (booked 52.min) (21 Thompson- 71.min); 8 McGregor; 15 Arquin (booked 77.min). 4-4-1-1
Subs not used: 19 Murray, 23 Speiss, 25 Tempest, 31 Nangle.

Opta Match Stats: Liverpool-Notts County

-Attack-
Shots: 28-10
On target: 9-5
Blocked: 5-2
From outside the box: 13-4
Inside: 15-6
Shot accuracy: 39.1%-62.5%

-General Play-
Possession: 62.9%-37.1%
Duels won: 56.7%-43.3%
Aerial duels won: 64.3%-35.7%
Interceptions: 8-20
Offsides: 5-4
Corners: 8-3

-Distribution-
Total passes: 829-473
Long: 8.9%-14.4%
Accuracy: 90%-80.5%
Accuracy opposition half: 82.3%-68.1%
Total crosses: 20-16
Successful crosses: 30%-18.8%

-Defence & Discipline-
Tackles: 33-40
Won: 78.8%-92.5%
Clearances: 45-32
Fouls conceded: 10-18
Yellow cards: 2-2
Red cards: 0-0

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

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)

Liverpool end pre-season on a 3-1 high

Sports - Football - Pre-Season Friendly

Liverpool 3:1 Bayer Leverkusen

Liverpool completed their season preparations in style, beating German opposition Bayer Leverkusen 3-1 at Anfield, keeping new manager Brendan Rodgers' home record 100% successful with two wins out of two games.

Raheem Sterling curled in a beauty of a shot just a couple of minutes into the match, a magnificent right-footed curl-shot into the corner of the net after cutting in nicely. A gold-medal start for the young winger and the Reds.

The home side continued dominating the field and possession and doubled their lead just before the half-hour mark thanks to Lucas Leiva's tap in connecting to a give-away by Luis Suarez after Leverkusen's defence just fell asleep.

So, the Reds took a comfortable 2-0 lead into the break and the visitors did not form much of a thret at the start of the second half either, the game noticeably slowing down as a consequence.

On 65, Andy Carroll saw his left-footed drive skiddle past the goalkeeper Bernd Leno's leghs, the German keeper not happy with letting that one in but it was clever play by Charlie Adam leading up to the goal plus one happy Carroll to be on the scoresheet and underline his will to stay in the side that lead Liverpool ahead 3-0.

Leverkusen's number 18 Sidney Sam hit a rocket left-footer, diagonal from outside the box, past Pepe Reina, to make it 3-1, no chance for the Spanish keeper. But Super Sam's strike was just a consolation goal for Sami Hyypiä's men, the last quarter of an hour passing ny with the home side in comfortable control and neither goalkeeper being challenged.

This was a nice win for Rodgers' Reds, a good note to end the pre-season and see more names on the scoreboard. All eyes are now on the remaining weeks of the transfer window and kick-off to the new Premier League season next weekend.
I hope and think the Reds are just warming up on both notes!

Liverpool 3-1 Bayer Leverkusen (HT 2-0) at Anfield

Liverpool Goals: 1: 2:08 min Raheem Sterling (31), 2: 28:54 min Lucas Leiva (21), 3: 64:51 min Andy Carroll (9).

Leverkusen Goals: 1: 74:54 min Sidney Sam (18).

Liverpool 1st half: 25 Reina; 3 Enrique, 10 Coates, 23 Carragher, 34 Kelly; 33 Shelvey, 21 Lucas, 8 Gerrard (c), 19 Downing, 31 Sterling; 7 Suarez. 4-5-1
2nd half Subs: All HT: ON: 9 Carroll, 14 Henderson, 20 Spearing, 26 Adam, 49 Robinson. OFF:  7, 19, 21, 8, 3.
Subs not used: 1 Jones.

Leverkusen 1st half: 1 Leno; 24 Kadlec, 3 Reinartz, 4 Wollscheid, 2 Schwaab; 8 Bender, 6 Rolfes (c), 21 Toprak; 38 Bellarabi, 9 Schurrle, 11 Kießling. 4-3-3
2nd half Subs: HT: ON: 5 Friedrich, 14 Hosogai, 18 Sam, 27 Castro. OFF: 21, 9, 38, 24. 68.: ON: 13 Hegeler, 20 Carvajal. OFF:  8, 2. 70.: ON: 7 Fernandes. OFF: 11.
Subs not used: 23 Carlinhos, 22 Yelldell.

1st & 2nd half stats: Liverpool-Leverkusen
Attempts: 4-5 & 5-3
On target: 2-1 & 1-1
Offsides: 0-0 & 1-0
Corners: 1-1 & 1-3
Free kicks: 1-1 & 5-1
Possession: 66%-34% (23.)
Passing Stats: Reina 55 (Accuracy 80%) => his best since 40 v Aston Villa (A) last season, Sterling 19 (94.74%), Coates 64 (96.9%), Kelly 61 (90.2%), Shelvey 59 (84.8%), Carragher 77 (94.8%); 1st half: Downing 34 (85.29%), Suarez 12 (75%), Enrique 21 (80.95%), Gerrard 32 (87.5%), Lucas 46 (91.3%); 2nd half: Carroll 6 (66.7%), Adam 23 (87%), Robinson 30 (94.59%), Henderson 37 (97.3%). 1st half: Coates 29 (100%), Lucas 46 (91.3%).
Referee: Martin Atkinson