Salah Seals Reds Comeback at Selhurst Park

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

Liverpool bagged all three points against Crystal Palace thanks to top scorer Mohamed Salah's late winner after a less convincing performance by the Reds in the Saturday lunchtime kick-off at Selhurst Park.

Click here for my ByTheMinute match coverage.

It was Jürgen Klopp's 100th Premier League match in charge, his record being W54 D28 L18 and seeing 324 goals with this result.

Only Manuel Pellegrini saw more goals in his first 100 PL games with Manchester City (329).

With this win, the Reds completed the double over the London side for the first time since 1997-98.

Palace skipper Luka Milivojevic put the home side ahead from the spot after 12:26 minutes, following Loris Karius barging into Wilfried Zaha.

It wasn't the start the visitors wanted and the hosts kept frustrating the hell out of the Reds.

Sadio Mané was booked for his overdramatised diving antiques just over halfway through the first half.

Referee Neil Swarbrick took his time, replays showing James McArthur had made no contact, instead of making something of the chance, with the ball in the box, the Senegalese decided to go down.

The Eagles fans booed him on after that, he headed the ball in minutes later, to be flagged offside.

Just before the break, Mané's downward header was kept out well by Wayne Hennessey.

The interval saw no changes, former Reds boss Roy Hodgson surely the happier with his side's stubborn display against the shaky visitors.

But it didn't last long, four minutes after the restart Mané levelled from close range fed by James Milner from the left.

Former Liverpool forward Christian Benteke missed a couple of sitters wide, making life too easy for Karius after the keeper's shaky start.

Mané was lucky to escape a second caution and sending off with just under half an hour to go when he was involved in a bit of a tangle and rumble and picked up the ball after falling down once again.

A free kick was given against the number 19, but nothing further, Palace were not happy, Klopp took him off seconds later.

Karius made a cracking save denying Patrick van Aanholt, keeping out a nice left footed free kick into the top left corner, it stayed 1-1.

Sub Adam Lallana didn't last long, being replaced by Dejan Lovren just a few minutes after coming on for Georginio Wijnaldum.

Palace kept pushing but were unable to release a shot nor get anything on target.

Momo made it 1-2 with his 29th league goal of the season in the 84th minute.

The PL top scorer collected and took the shot patiently inside the box, netting from close range into the bottom left corner, assisted nicely by man of the match Andy Robertson from the left.

The Egyptian is now just three goals short of breaking Cristiano Ronaldo's 2007-08 Premier League scoring record.

With this defeat, Palace have lost each of their last four home games against Liverpool in all competitions and drop down to 17th just two points above the drop zone.

Three points keeps LFC comfy in third, five points ahead of Tottenham in fourth and only two points behind United in second, but both have games in hand.

And this match was definitely not a confidence gainer for the Reds ahead of their Champions League quarter final first leg clash against Manchester City on Wednesday.

No matter what Klopp tries to blame it on, criticising the ref or whatever, the Reds were just not good enough most of the match and have to do much better to have a hint of a chance to progress against the league leaders.

Palace Goal: Milivojevic pen 13'.

Liverpool Goals: Mané 49' & Salah 84'.

HT Stats: PAL 1-0 LIV
Possession: 24%-76%
Shots: 2-12
On target: 2-4
Corners: 1-4
Fouls: 4-5
Yellow cards: 2-2

FT Stats: PAL 1-2 LIV
Possession: 30%-70%
Shots: 6-16
On target: 3-6
Corners: 4-6
Fouls: 6-8
Yellow cards: 2-2

CPFC Team: 13 Hennessey; 3 van Aanholt, 12 Sakho, 34 Kelly, 29 Wan-Bissaka (24 Fosu-Mensah 88'); 7 Cabaye (8 Loftus-Cheek 73'), 4 Milivoyevic (c), 18 McArthur (booked 45'); 11 Zaha, 17 Benteke (booked 38'), 10 Townsend. 4-3-3
Subs not used: 14 Lee Chung-yong, 16 Cavilieri, 23 Souaré, 24 Delaney, 44 Riedewald.

LFC Team: 1 Karius (booked 12'); 26 Robertson, 4 van Dijk, 32 Matip, 66 Alexander-Arnold; 5 Wijnaldum (20 Lallana 65' (6 Lovren 70')), 14 Henderson (c), 7 Milner; 19 Mané (booked 24') (21 Oxlade-Chamberlain 64'), 9 Firmino, 11 Salah. 4-3-3
Subs not used: 2 Clyne, 18 Moreno, 22 Mignolet, 28 Ings.

Referee: Neil Swarbrick
Man of the match: Andy Robertson
Ground: Selhurst Park
Attendance: 25,807

Click here for my previous LFC match report.

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

Week 32-36: Premier League Tops and Flops

Sports - Football - Premier League - Picks of the Month

Ok, it has been a long time since my last blog again, so here is a summary of all the action, stats and facts of the month of April/last five match weeks in the Premier League: Manchester United started the month at the helm, five points ahead of their City rivals. Wolves were at the bottom, six points behind Wigan, Blackburn and QPR. Bolton had come through a difficult phase strong and on top, outside the relegation zone in 16th but only one point seperating them from the doomed bunch. The month of April panned out to be one of the most twisted, unpredictable, action-packed and decisive months in my Premier League memory, building up to May, the big grand finale in the battle for the title and survival:

Top facts of the month of April:

- 137 goals scored = average of 2.74 goals per game.

- 17 different score lines on the board, top 6 of which were 1-1 (6 times), 0:0 (5 times), 1-0 (5 times), 4-0 (5 times), 2-0 (4 times) and 3-0 (4 times).

- There have only been three games without any bookings, Manchester City 4-0 West Brom, Tottenham 2-0 Blackburn and Liverpool 0-1 Fulham.

Top games:

- Wigan 1-0 Manchester United: United deservedly lost at Wigan after the home side were unjustly disallowed a goal, a header by Victor Moses for an apparent push on goalkeeper David De Gea by Gary Caldwell. The Latics were given a controversial corner which their winning goal came from. A wonderful goal, Maloney collecting the set-piece before curling the ball into the back of the net. Jonny Evans should have been given a second yellow for a dangerous tackle on Maloney. On the other hand, United should have had a penalty for an obvious handball by Maynor Figueroa but as Sir Alex Ferguson said himself, these things even themselves out, they certainly did for Wigan on this occasion! Two points dropped meant the gap at the top was reduced from eight to five points with five games to go.

- Arsenal 1-2 Wigan: After beating the league leaders and defending champions the previous week, Wigan were on a high. Arsenal had comfortably beaten Wolves 3-0 in their own back yard, so must have felt comfortable coming back home. The Wolves stunned the Gunners within the first eight minutes with two early goals by Franco Di Santo and Jordi Gomez and pulled off a famous win at the Emirates. Thomas Vermaelen pulled one back with a powerful header but Wigan held through to pull five points clear of the relegation zone.

- Manchester United 4-4 Everton: Old Trafford was stunned to silence after seeing eight goals and plenty more chances pass their eyes. Is this the one where United let the title slip away? Everton started strong and took the lead thanks to Nikica Jelavic's looping header over De Gea. Non-other than Wayne Rooney equalised for United to spare his side from half-time blushes with Ferguson. At 3-1 and even 4-2 it looked all over and three points in the pocket for the home side, but two late goals in the last seven minutes thanks to Jelavic and Steven Pienaar snatched the points and their share of the spoils for the Toffees. City moved within three points of the league leaders, breathing up their necks before the big derby clash the following week.

- Chelsea 6-1 QPR: The result was of no doubt for the Blues after going 4-0 ahead within 25 minutes. QPR were well and truely blown away at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea needed a boost after the last couple of disappointing results with draws at Arsenal and Fulham and a home defeat against Newcastle. What was of most significance, was the name dominating the score board: Fernando Torres. Finally out of his shell, he claimed the match ball with an impressive hat-trick. Will this finally kick-off his Chelsea career or is it too little, too late? With the Champions League finals coming up, the Spaniard still has time and enough chances to impress the big boss and convince him he was worth the wait (and money).

- Manchester City 1-0 Manchester United: With only three points between the two, this derby was explosive even before the buildup with all hopes on the blue side and all nerves and tension on the red side of Manchester. Everyone was waiting for the big bang, the decider. It didn't quite come that way. United were kept under City's spell for most of the match, Vincent Kompany grabbing the crucial winner on the stroke of half-time. Another goal never looked like coming, the last couple of minutes were the most tense as United tried to break late, but failed. City held through and are now level on points but eight goals ahead of United at the top of the table with two games to go. Who would dare and predict the next turn on the way to the Premier League title?

Top teams: After the summaries above, I will let the stats speak for themselves in this category:

- Top form: Manchester City (LWWWW = 12/15 points), Newcastle (WWWLW = 12/15), West Brom (WLWWD = 10/15),  Fulham (WDWLW = 10/15) and Wigan (LWWLW = 9/15); Everton (DWDWD = 9/15) are the only side who are unbeaten in the last 5 games.

- Top scorers: Everton (15 goals scored), Manchester City (13), Manchester United (10), Chelsea/Wigan/Newcastle (9).

- Top defence: Manchester City (2 goals conceded), Arsenal (3), Newcastle/Tottenham/West Brom (4), Chelsea/Wigan/Liverpool (5).

Top players: Stats speak for themselves here again:

- Top scorers: Everton's Jelavic (6 goals), Newcastle's Papiss Cisse (6), his double sank the Swans, the French striker scoring even when he's falling! Man City's Sergio Aguero (5), United's Rooney (4) and Liverpool's Luis Suarez (4).

- Hat-tricks: Suarez for Liverpool at Newcastle, fine comeback away after their defeat at West Brom, and Torres for Chelsea against QPR as mentioned above.

Top goals: I could reel down the list of Cisse, Aguero, Suarez and Torres again, but here are a couple of picks outside the usual: A brilliant distant winner strike by Mikel Arteta for Arsenal against City, an elegant right-footer from outside the box! Was this the final nail hit into Man City's coffin ending their title challenge? The previous four weeks, there had been a ten point swing, City from two points ahead at the top, found themselves in second, eight points behind United with six games remaining! Stats and red card(s) spoke for themselves! But as mentioned above, more swings were and are still up and coming. Smashing opening strike by Chris Herd, his first goal for Villa, a delicious hit that beat Alexander Doni, who replaced suspended Pepe Reina, who missed his first game since 2007!

Top news: Chelsea have made it into the Champions League final beating Barcelona 3-2 on aggregate and against all odds. And Bayern Munich welcome then Blues to their home ground for the final, after they were surprising winners on penalties against Jose Mourinho's La Liga leaders Real Madrid. The Germans will be the odds-on favourites, but Chelsea have broken big odds before and I don't think anyone would dare to wave them off in this one before the final whistle!

Flop facts:

- 140 bookings made = average of 2.8 yellow cards per game.

- 7 red cards shown = average of 0.14 sendings off per game or one player sent off every 7.13 games or 1.2 players sent off every week.

- Game with most bookings, Blackburn 2-3 Liverpool with 9 bookings and one red card, the visitors recording five of the yellows and their replacement goalkeeper Doni sent off, the most cautions by any team in one game.

Flop games:

- Sunderland 0:0 Tottenham: This was dire to watch. The visitors could have moved up to third place and automatic Champions League qualification, but Redknapp's men failed to press and impress anything or anyone at the Stadium of Light and let Sunderland get away with an easy point. Tottenham dominated possession but failed to break down the stubborn Black Cats who were happy to stand back and play deep, counter-attacking football, not nice to the eye but good for their scoreboard adding one more point to their home record.

- Liverpool 1:1 Aston Villa: It was a breathtaking strike by Herd, as mentioned above, and it deservedly grabbed a point for Villa at Anfield. But it was one of those games, miss after miss after miss again, all too familiar to the Reds. this season. They had a penalty shout denied, but it was Suarez, say no more. Dirk Kuyt cleared the cross bar from two yards out! HOW?!?!?! We will never know... Corner cleared, only as far as Steven Gerrard from the edge of the box, Daniel Agger hit the bar, but then Suarez finally got in with nine minutes left on the clock, it was agonising to watch! I have never seen a goal taking such an ordeal to create and SCORE. Then Andy Carroll headed one straight into Shay Given's gloves. Another late chance was somehow scrambled clear. All in all, the home side had three penalty shouts + 21 chances + 11 corners + ball over the line? = still only one goal, one point at home, two points dropped for Liverpool, AGAIN! ARGH!

- Tottenham 1:2 Norwich: Struggling Spurs faced a fighting Norwich at home and the Canaries didn't give Tottenham a moment's peace and got on with the game. Redknapp's side looked clumsy, confused, lazy: Jermain Defoe broke clear and scored his 16th of the season in 20 appearances, a tidy goal after untidy Ledley King had given Grant Holt a pull on the shirt from behind in the opposite box, but the penalty appeal was conveniently ignored by the referee, which left Norwich furious. Norwich were on the ref's case again after Emmanuel Adebayor brought down Aaron Wilbraham in the box and nothing was given again. But Elliott Bennett scored his first for Norwich and put his side ahead again with a beautiful, precise right-foot hit from 20 yards out on the edge of the box, leaving Spurs nowhere and Norwich rewarded for their fight with two goals and three points.

- QPR 1:0 Tottenham: Adel Taarabt was hero and villain in a match which saw Tottenham struggle to create any form of pressure, dominance or chances yet again. The Moroccan midfielder curled a finely controlled free-kick over the Spurs wall and into the bottom corner to take the lead for Mark Hughes's men against his former side and complete a strong comeback from their defeat at West Brom the previous weekend. With just over ten minutes to go, Taarabt received a second yellow for kicking the ball away, setting up a tense finale with the home side battling to grab at least a goal for one point. But they failed to create and achieve anything once again, an all-too familiar theme and tune lately for Redknapp.

- Liverpool 0-1 West Brom: With over 60% possession, over 20 chances and home advantage, you can guess who won this game: yes, the visitors, giving manager Hodgson a win to enjoy against his former side. With 15 minutes to go, Peter Odemwingie was able to run clear and put the ball past Reina after Glen Johnson lost the ball to Youssouf Mulumbu. It was quite unbelievable, against the run of play, chances and dominance, but then again, looking back at Liverpool's season, it has been nothing unusual, more all-too familiar, at the ground that used to be a fortress. The previous nine draws and two defeats at Anfield made this match seem like a refrain, a chorus to an all-too familiar song which has been set on replay this season.


Flop teams:

- Flop form: Wolves (LLDLD = 2/15 points), Blackburn (LLLWL = 3/15), Sunderland (DLDDD = 4/15), Norwich (DWLLL = 4/15) and Swansea (LLWDD = 5/15). Bolton would be bottom in the form league (LLDLL = 1/15) but won their game in hand against Aston Villa!

- Flop scorers: Aston Villa (2 goals scored excluding their game in hand against Bolton), Sunderland (2), Bolton (4 excluding their game in hand against Aston Villa), Blackburn (4), Norwich/West Brom/Stoke/Wolves/QPR (5).

- Flop defence: Norwich (14 goals conceded), Bolton (12 excluding game in hand), Blackburn (11), Wolves (11), Swansea (10).

Flop players: Sent off: Anthony Modeste (Blackburn), Mario Balotelli (City), Shaun Derry (QPR), Doni (Liverpool heartbreak ahead of FA Cup final), Sebastien Bassong (Wolves), Taarabt (QPR as mentioned above, from hero to zero within minutes), Craig Gardner (Sunderland); City's Yaya Toure has been booked the most (3). Balotelli got away with a dangerous leg-break tackle at the Emirates (after handball, diving, whining, etc.). Brilliant Ben Foster double save for WB who ended up winning 3-0 against 10-men Blackburn after Modeste's stupid, pointless late s.o.!

Flop goals: We have seen four own goals this month, but it is the mis-decisions that hurt most! United beat QPR comfortably thanks to referee's double present (offside + penalty), QPR were robbed! Top saves by Wigan's Ali Al Habsi frustrated Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. He was unlucky then though when Branislav Ivanovic's offside goal was given! Refs have been usless again this month! These decisions cost team points and for some it could end up in relegation! Wigan's equaliser through super-sub Mohamed Diame got their hopes up for points against Chelsea, but then they lost the game on a last-minute counter-attack, Torres seeing his volley come off the post for Juan Mata to net it. It looked offside again?! Unlucky drama for Wigan! Wigan were robbed! It hurts to see these decisions cost teams dearly whilst any technological help and advances are kept being postponed season by season!

Flop news: Roy Hodgson has been confirmed as new England manager, ending all speculation around Harry Redknapp, I am sure the latter will be a relieved man as much as the prior is proud! I still expect the worst come Euro 2012, it's England we're on about! All my life it has been an impossible job for any man and after seeing how he fared at Liverpool, I don't think Hodgson has what it takes. No one has! Good luck Hodgson!

My predictions - Useless as always! - Actual results:

Week 32:

Swansea 1:2 Newcastle - 0:2

Sunderland 1:2 Tottenham - 0:0

Bolton 0:0 Fulham - 0:3

Chelsea 3:1 Wigan - 2:1

Liverpool 2:2 Aston Villa - 1:1

Norwich 1:1 Everton - 2:2

West Brom 1:0 Blackburn - 3:0

Stoke 2:1 Wolves - 2:1

Man United 3:1 QPR - 2:0

Arsenal 1:0 Man City - 1:0

Week 33:

Everton 1:0 Sunderland - 4:0

Newcastle 2:0 Bolton - 2:0

Tottenham 4:0 Norwich - 1:2

Aston Villa 1:1 Stoke - 1:1

Fulham 2:1 Chelsea - 1:1

Blackburn 0:0 Liverpool - 2:3

Man City 3:0 West Brom - 4:0

Wigan 0:4 Man United - 1:0

Wolves 0:3 Arsenal - 0:3

QPR 2:2 Swansea - 3:0

Week 34:

Norwich 0:1 Man City - 1:6

Sunderland 3:0 Wolves - 0:0

Swansea 0:0 Blackburn - 3:0

West Brom 3:0 QPR - 1:0

Man United 2:0 Aston Villa - 4:0

Arsenal 3:0 Wigan - 1:2

Liverpool 2:0 Fulham - 0:1*

Stoke 0:1 Everton - 1:1*

Chelsea 2:1 Newcastle - 0:2"

Bolton 2:1 Tottenham - 1:4"

*postponed to 1st May

"postponed to 2nd May

Week 35:

Arsenal 2:1 Chelsea - 0:0

Aston Villa 2:1 Sunderland - 0:0

Blackburn 2:1 Norwich - 2:0

Bolton 2:1 Swansea - 1:1

Fulham 2:1 Wigan - 2:1

Newcastle 2:1 Stoke - 3:0

QPR 2:1 Tottenham - 1:0

Man United 2:1 Everton - 4:4

Liverpool 2:1 West Brom - 0:1

Wolves 2:1 Man City - 0:2

Wolves are relegated

Week 36:

Everton 2:0 Fulham - 4:0

Stoke 1:2 Arsenal - 1:1

Sunderland 2:0 Bolton - 2:2

Swansea 3:0 Wolves - 4:4

West Brom 2:1 Aston Villa - 0:0

Wigan 1:2 Newcastle - 4:0

Norwich 2:2 Liverpool - 0:3

Chelsea 2:0 QPR - 6:1

Tottenham 3:1 Blackburn - 2:0

Man City 0:0 Man United - 1:0

Carroll nicks late winner for Liverpool

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

Liverpool kept Blackburn in the relegation zone thanks to Andy Carroll's injury-time winner after a dramatic encounter which saw the visitors letting a two-goal lead slip away after seeing their replacement goalkeeper Alexander Doni sent off, one penalty saved by sub-keeper Brad Jones and another spot-kick conceded and put past the Australian keeper.

This fixture was Roy Hodgson's last match last season after the Reds lost 3-1 to the Rovers. Steve Kean's men could not have come into the match more confident having secured more points, scored more goals and won more league matches than the Reds in 2012.

Blackburn's home record looked encouraging with ten points accumulated from their last six matches played, while Liverpool arrived at Ewood Park off the back of four away defeats in a row, having lost six in the last eight Premier League games, and without main keeper Pepe Reina after he saw red against Newcastle for headbutting James Perch.

Last but definitely not least, Kenny Dalglish's men have the Merseyside FA Cup semi-final showdown next on the card. The only encouragement Liverpool could take before the match was that they have won more games away from home this season than they have at Anfield.

So the visitors took command of the game early on when 12 minutes into the game when Craig Bellamy picked up Martin Skrtel's extraordinarily placed clearance. The Welshamn then produced a fine cross himself from the right which was netted by Maxi Rodriguez in the box, just outside the goal line. It was a great counter attack after Blackburn's free kick was eventually cleared from the Liverpool box.

Hardly 90 seconds laters and another great counter attack saw Jonjo Shelvey's shot saved by Paul Robinson, the rebound shot by Carroll blocked by Scott Dann, before Maxi was on the right spot at the right time again to net that rebound which made it two goals in three minutes for the Argentine.

The Reds could not have wished for a better start, but the twist soon followed.

Doni was distraught when halfway through the first half, he saw a straight red card after brining down David Hoilett which will see the Brasilian goalkeeper miss the FA Cup semi-final against local rivals Everton. He went for the ball but caught the Blackburn forward a fraction late, so the referee had no other choice. Cruel but that is the rule.

Ayegbeni Yakubu took a soft penalty kick, a poor take and easy stop for the third-choice-sub-keeper Jones. But the Nigerian striker soon made up for that miss. Ten minutes later, no one picked him up in the box when he headed in David Dunn's free-kick to get one back to make it 2-1, Jones helpess.

The game continued at high pace, end-to-end stuff, the fans and players only able to gasp a couple of breaths at half time.

On the hour mark, Jones looked all over the place and took too much time with the ball when Yakubu approached him and was pushed down, winning a second penalty for the home sides.

The Reds could utter a sigh of relief when the goalkeeper was only cautioned with a yellow, the referee believing the ball was out of Yakubu's reach, so it was not a goalscoring opportunity.

The striker netted this spot-kick though to make it all level at 2-2 and heat up the last 30 minutes - as if the game was not feisty enough already!
Both sides fought on, missed opportunities to grab a winner and it looked like the game was going to end in a stalemate - before injury time.

Liverpool saw their corner cleared, Sebastian Coates followed with a long hoof forward which found Daniel Agger, whose header found Carroll in the box, who made no mistake this time and headed the ball into the back of the net to give the visitors an injury-time lead and winner.

The celebrations showed how much this meant to the under-fire striker, his team mates and fans, especially before their FA Cup clash against the blue side of Liverpool at Wembley on Saturday!

Blackburn: Robinson; Orr (booked 29), Grant Hanley (booked 90), Dann, Martin Olsson; Formica (booked 65) (Rochina 73), Nzonzi, Dunn (Lowe 75), Marcus Olsson; Hoilett (booked 62), Yakubu (scored 35:53 & 60:53).
Subs not used: Kean, Givet, Goodwillie, Petrovic, Pedersen.

Liverpool: Doni (sent off 25); Flanagan (booked 12) (Jones 26) (booked 61), Coates, Skrtel, Johnson (Agger 53); Maxi (scored 12:38 & 15:10) (booked 46) (Jose Enrique 78), Henderson (booked 86), Spearing, Bellamy (booked 71); Shelvey, Carroll (scored 90:41).
Subs not used: Aurelio, Suarez, Kuyt, Carragher.

1st & 2nd half stats:
Blackburn-Liverpool:
Attempts: 5-4 & 7-5
On target: 3-3 & 4-2
Offsides: 0-2 & 2-1
Corners: 0-0 & 4-4
Free kicks: 7-5 & 6-8
Possession: 53%-47% (35), 52%-48% (BBC HT), 53%-47% (Sky HT), 51.2%-48.8% (Sky 2nd half), 52%-48% (BBC FT), 52.1%-47.9% (Sky FT), 50%-50% (Sky FT)

Sky Stats:
Blackburn-Liverpool:
Passing Success: 76.5%-77.1%
Tackles/Success: 14/78.6%-15/60%
Territorial Advantage: 56.3%-43.7%
Action Areas: Blackburn 27%-45%-28% Liverpool

Referee: Anthony Taylor (Cheshire)
Man of the match: Ayegbeni Yakubu

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Referee: Fautrel
Man of the match: Steven Gerrard

Everton take Merseyside derby spoils & points

Sports - Football - Premier League - Everton 2:0 Liverpool

American businessmen and new Liverpool owners John W. Henry and Tom Werner had to watch their new team struggle against their local rivals and start their reign with the Reds on the losing side and in the relegation zone, 19th position behind Wolves on goal difference.


Everton started with clear intentions and dominated the first half in possession and chances. Tim Cahill gave his side the deserved lead in the 34th minute with a fine right-footed turn-curl shot off a Seamus Coleman cross into the box, a solid strike over and past Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina, giving Liverpool a lot to do and a lot to think and work on at half time.

It didn't take long though for things to get even worse for the Reds. Mikel Arteta's strike off a Laighton Baines corner, curled right past Reina from just outside the box after Sotirios Kyrgiakos headed the Everton corner back leaving Arteta with too much space and no cover.

Replays showed the Everton forward Ayegbeni Yakubu in an offside position, not involved in play but possibly and seemingly blocking Reina's view of the ball. It would have been harsh not to give the goal though.

This controversial setback seemed to finally get Liverpool going, pushing Everton back more, enjoying more possession and giving Tim Howard more to chew on than before. But it wasn't meant to be, Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard drawing frustrated pictures of themselves, falling over and losing the ball or putting it out wide and high more than too often.

Roy Hodgson's late changes saw a little if some effect. Ryan Babel and Milan Jovanovic both caught Howard and his defenders out late on, but were not able to turn their advantages into the net and into goals.

The last mintues were tense but the home side held through - Jermaine Beckford walking on thin ice the last few minutes with some ill indiscipline, could have nicked another goal in to make it three but lost out to Reina in the end.

David Moyes and his side definitely ended up the happier though with two goals and three points in the bag, showing Liverpool that change takes time, a long time.

Hodgson, Henry and Werner must have gathered and should know by now that it is going to be a long road to walk on this season, that's for sure. Don't do anything hasty and stupid now, work and walk on.

Everton: Howard; Baines, Heitinga (Hibbert 72), Jagielka, Distin; Neville, Coleman, Arteta (goal 50; Beckford 74, booked 76), Cahill (booked 29, goal 34); Osman (Bilyaletdinov 46), Yakubu.
Subs not used: Mucha, Shokdran Mustafi, Magaye Gueye, Baxter.

Liverpool: Reina; Konchesky, Kyrgiakos, Carragher, Skrtel; Raul Meireles (booked 31), Gerrard, Cole (Babel 80), Maxi (booked 19, Jovanovic 85), Lucas (Ngog 71); Torres (booked 88).
Subs not used: Jones, Aurelio, Kelly, Spearing.

Everton-Liverpool 1st half stats:
Attempts: 5-2
On target: 3-1
Offsides: 0-0
Corners: 5-2
Free kicks: 6-7
Possession: 54%-46%

Everton-Liverpool 2nd half stats:
Attempts: 3-8
On target: 1-6
Offsides: 0-0
Corners: 3-5
Free kicks: 3-3
Possesion: 44%-56%

Sky Sports stats:
Everton-Liverpool Passing Success: 67.9%-84.3
Tackles/Success: 29/72.4%-24/62.5%
Action Areas: Everton 10%-41%-49% Liverpool (first 10 minutes)
Territorial Advantage: 48.9%-51.1%

Referee: Howard Webb
Man of the match: Tim Cahill

Berbatov hat-trick spoils Liverpool comeback

Sports - Football - Premier League - Man Utd 3:2 Liverpool

What a show - a show of two very different halves! Liverpool started frail and clumsy as always against a strong and pacey United side and just when it looked like they were going to make a comeback and take the sting out of United's surge, their Bulgarian striker upset the Scousers' plans with a hat-trick, the first United player in 64 years to do so against Liverpool.

The Red Devils took the lead in the 42nd minute after a comfortable half against a below-par Liverpool side, Dimitar Berbatov heading a corner in, Fernando Torres covering the striker on the wrong side and looking like a very bad and sad marker behind him. Paul Konchesky seemed to have handled the ball before it crossed the line, in an apparent attempt to save it, but nobody noticed or cared as the ball passed and the goal stood anyway.

Torres showed a weak display again, falling and moaning, not knowing what to do with the ball the few times it came his way, again looking like he wanted to be everywhere else but on the football pitch, a too familiar sight this season.

The second half United continued to dominate, Nani's explosive shot from the right edge of the box hitting the right post. Berbatov doubled the lead on 59 with a brilliant overhead shot off a Darren Fletcher cross from the right which looked impossible but went in off the crossbar past a motionless Pepe Reina, definite candidate for goal of the season.

Roy Hodgson made his first change, bringing on David Ngog for an inconspicuous Maxi Rodriguez and changing the formation to two up front. Only seconds later, Jonny Evans conceded a penalty with a needless tackle on Torres, Fletcher pointlessly ranting on about the decision to referee Howard Webb and had to be ushered away.

Skipper Steven Gerrard netted the spot kick comfortably sending Edwin van der Sar the wrong way. This finally got Liverpool's hopes and determination up and going, leading to some feisty action and attacks and a bulk of crunches, tackles and bookings. The game picked up in pace and atmosphere.

John O'Shea was lucky not be sent off when he was the last man to bring down Torres just outside the box. Booked and a free kick conceded, it was between him and Fletcher whom Gerrard squeezed the ball, curling it past them and into the back of the net and making the impossible possible - could Liverpool grab a win?

At 2-2 the chances for a perfect comeback looked much better than only ten minutes before the free kick at 2-0. It was United who looked all over the place, as if they were impersonating the Liverpool side of the first half.

Changes were made to save at least the one point for the Scousers, but Berbatov thought and made sure otherwise heading O'Shea's cross over Jamie Carragher, past Reina into the back of the net six minutes from time.

It is still zero points in the end for Liverpool, their worst start to a season in 18 years, down to 16th in the league, the situation looks everything else but rosey, but at least they showed some determination and will to fight back and win it, which has been missing of them most of the season so far.

Meanwhile Sir Alex Ferguson will be relieved that his side didn't throw away the points again like against Everton last week, his side up and comfortable in third, three points ahead of Tottenham and one behind Chelsea at the top (before their game in hand against Blackpool).

Man Utd: Van der Sar; O'Shea (booked 69), Vidic, Evans (booked 63), Evra; Nani (Gibson 88), Fletcher, Scholes (booked 68), Giggs (Macheda 82); Berbatov (goals 41:23, 58:36 & 83:36) (Anderson 88), Rooney (booked 57). 4-4-2
Subs not used: Kuszczak, Brown, Owen, Smalling.

Liverpool team: Reina; Johnson, Carragher, Skrtel, Konchesky (Agger 82); Maxi (Ngog 62, booked 66), Poulsen, Meireles (Jovanovic 79), Cole; Gerrard (goals 63:38 pen & 69:50), Torres. 4-5-1 (to 4-4-2 with Ngog)
Subs not used: Jones, Babel, Kyrgiakos, Lucas.

1st half stats
Man Utd-Liverpool
Attempts: 7-2
On target: 1-0
Offsides: 2-1
Corners: 5-1
Free kicks: 3-9

2nd half stats
Man Utd-Liverpool
Attempts: 5-5
On target: 4-2
Offsides: 0-1
Corners: 0-0
Free kicks: 6-7

Sky Stats
Man Utd-Liverpool
Possession: 47%-53% (38); 49.5%-50.5%
Passing Success: 84.4%-83.2%
Tackles/Success: 14/71.4%-19/73.7%
Action Areas: Man Utd 8%-54%-38% Liverpool (10)
Territorial Advantage: 59.8%-40.2%

Referee: Howard Webb
Man of the match: Dimitar Berbatov

Dire draw for the Reds at St Andrew

Sports - Football - Premier League - Birmingham 0:0 Liverpool

Apart from the last 20 minutes of the first half, this was a pain to watch once again. Liverpool were all over the place and nowhere at the same time.


Scott Dann, Roger Johnson and Liam Ridgewell did well to frustrate the hell out of Fernando Torres who was made unscheinbar and abwesend by their coordinated work and cover.

The Spanish striker just looked out of place, like he didn't want to be there. In contrast, the only player who seemed to be present and making an effort of the game, looking omni-present nearly was Pepe Reina.

He produced three top-notch saves that looked impossible to stop, like the shots had already passed him and he beemed them back out, denying Cameron Jerome and Craig Gardner.

The second half continued in the same trend. Liverpool could have been three or four goals down if it were not for their Spanish keeper - who had a nightmare international friendly outing midweek, 4-1 against Argentina - from zero back to hero.

Roy Hodgson tried to defend Torres and to look onto the positive side after yet another subdued performance.

Alex McLeish was left a happy but a bit frustrated/ruing man and rightly so - Birmingham showed a good, strong performance which deserved more out of the match but lacked the cutting edge to take advantage, score and bank all three points.

Birmingham are now 17 Premier League games unbeaten at home (12 months) whilst things will get evrything else but easier and better for Liverpool with a trip to Old Trafford up next in the Premier League after their Europa League encounter against Steaua Bucharest midweek - Liverpool looking everything else but strong competitors with only two goals in their opening four league games this season.

We will see if Hodgson's hopes and optimism will pay off or whether he'll have to dream on and eat his words...

Liverpool: Reina; Johnson, Carragher, Skrtel, Konchesky (Agger 78); Maxi, Lucas (Meireles 76), Poulsen, Jovanovic; Gerrard; Torres. 4-4-1-1 Subs not used: Jones, Kyrgiakos, Pacheco, Babel, Ngog.

Birmingham: Foster; Carr, Johnson, Dann, Ridgwell; Bowyer, Gardner (booked 29), Ferguson, Larsson; Jerome; McFadden (Zigic 90). 4-4-1-1 Subs not used: Taylor, Murphy, Jiranek, Marcos Madera, Fahey, Derbyshire.

BBC stats:
Birmingham-Liverpool
Attempts: 15-14
On target: 3-8
Corners: 4-3
Free kicks: 9-8
Possession: 53%-47%

Sky Stats:
Birmingham-Liverpool
Attempts: 15-10
On target: 2-3 Offsides: 2-1
Corners: 4-3
Free kicks: 9-8
Possession: 44.3%-55.7%
Passing Success: 70.9%-78.2%
Tackles/Success: 22/63.6%-12/83.3%
Territorial Advantage: 50.3%-49.7%

Referee: Mark Halsey
Man of the match: Pepe Reina

Shocking Reds hand City three goals & points

Sports - Football - Premier League - Man City 3:0 Liverpool

Liverpool disappointed and were a disgrace to watch - even school boys can play better and create more pressure than what they showed at Eastlands!

From the offset, Liverpool were on their back foot, Martin Skrtel conceding a clumsy free kick against Adam Johnson on the right side outside the box and getting booked early on in the fourth minute.

Things went from bad to worse when James Milner broke on the right side and cutting it back to Gareth Barry in the the centre with all the space in the world to slash it into the left corner.
The first half ended with Liverpool finally pressing on a bit more, but not creating a real threat.
Not long into the second half and it was apparent that the trend hadn't changed. Liverpool were cut open again, this time Carlos Tevez claimed his 50th PL goal, but as the replays showed, Micah Richards' header from near the penalty spot didn't look like it touched the Argentinian before it went through Pepe Reina's legs and over the line.
Then, when it just looked like Liverpool were going to make a comeback after Steven Gerrard hit the bar and Joe Hart had to make a slick double save, stopping rebound shots of David Ngog and sub Fernando Torres, clumsy Skrtel again, gave away a penalty with an unnecessary tackle on Johnson again, making it too obvious that he wasn't able to deal with the City winger.
Tevez comfortably converted the spot kick putting it into the bottom left corner whilst sending Reina the wrong way to make it 3 - an impossible hill to climb for the scrambling, clumsy looking Reds, who showed no determination, coordination or awareness. City had an easy ride to three goals and points, shocking to watch!
Roy Hodgson refused to panic despite the embarrassing defeat at Eastlands insisting it was too early to be concerned.
Hodgson said: "We are only two matches into the season. We had Arsenal in the first game which we had to playe with 10 and then a strong Man City side.
"It's a bit premature to start discussing just how big the match is. Hopefully the next 36 games we can take some points. We were a bit unlucky to get beaten so heavily.
"We stuck at it and were unlucky not to get back when Hart made an incredible double save. We lacked the cutting edge and the organisation I would like" - just a bit!!!

Unlucky?! More like undeserved! Underachieving!

Quotes taken from Sky Text page 251 on Monday, 23rd August 2010, 11.00pm

1st half Stats
Man City-Liverpool
Attempts: 5-4
On target: 1-2
Offsides: 1-1
Corners: 2-0
Free kicks: 5-5
Possession: 60%-40% (24.)
2nd half Stats:
Man City-Liverpool
Attempts: 2-8
On target: 2-3
Offsides: 0-1
Corners: 3-4
Free kicks: 6-7
Possession: 46%-54% (64.)

Sky Stats:
Man City-Liverpool
Passing Success: 82.5%-80.8%
Tackles/Success: 29/89.7%-18/77.8%
Territorial Advantage: 51.6%-48.4%

Man City: Hart; Richards (booked 58.), Toure, Kompany, Lescott; De Jong, Toure (Zabaletta 85.) Yaya, Barry, Milner, Adam Johnson; Tevez (Jo 85.). 4-5-1
Subs not used: Given, W-P, Adebayor, Silva, Viera.

Lpool: Reina; Glen Johnson, Skrtel (booked 4.), Carragher, Agger; Jovanovic (Pacheco 86.), Gerrard, Lucas, Kuyt; Torres (Babel 78.), Ngog. 4-4-2
Subs not used: Jones, Aurelio, Kyrgiakos, Maxi, Poulsen.

Referee: Phil Dowd
Man of the match: Garreth Barry