The Legend Downs The Beast

Sports - Football - FA Cup 3rd Round - AFC Wimbledon 1-2 Liverpool

Captain Steven Gerrard spared Liverpool the blushes and pain of an FA Cup Third Round replay with two goals against League Two side AFC Wimbledon at The Fans' Stadium Kingsmeadow, just days after announcing he was leaving the Reds at the end of the season, ending his 17-year professional career at the club.

The Reds took the lead in the 12th minute with a fine header by their 34-year-old skipper. But Wimbledon forward Adebayo Akinfenwa levelled nine minutes before the break being in the right place at the right time after the ball came off the crossbar.

Neal Ardley's side flourished after that, putting pressure on the visitors creating a load of chances, but it had to be Stevie G. again who gave Brendan Rodgers' men the lead, with a trademark free-kick from the edge of the box with just under half an hour to go.

It proved enough to send the Reds through, although it was a typically nervy, clumsy display, especially at the back. Gerrard played a more attacking role starting upfront in a 3-4-3 line-up, heading Javi Manquillo's cross into the bottom corner to open the scoring with their only clear-cut chance of the half.
Under-fire keeper Simon Mignolet looked shaky as ever and was unable to clear a George Francomb corner, for Barry Fuller to hit the bar and "The Beast" Akinfenwa to slide home the rebound. The 32-year-old 5ft 11in striker and Liverpool fan took most of the attention off the pitch and was THE star in the social media.

But it had to be the one and only Steven Gerrard to save the Reds, first clearing a Adam Barrett chance off the line early on in the second half, before curling a free kick beyond keeper James Shea to make it 1-2.

The Scouse skipper was denied a hat-trick by an injury-time goalline clearance from Callum Kennedy, but his double was enough to send his side through to the next round where they will face Bolton Wanderers at Anfield.
This entertaining encounter did evoke memories of Wimbledon's Crazy Gang's 1-0 FA Cup final win over Liverpool in 1988, but a lot has happened and changed since those times, both teams being a shadow of themselves compared to those glorious days.
The Reds are gasping for form and are looking for changes in all areas to improve their chances of getting anywhere near the top four this season, whilst Wimbledon, irrespective of this result, have reached new highs since their rebirth in the Combined Counties League in 2002 after five promotions saw them back into the Football League in 2011.

Line-ups:

AFC Wimbledon: 20 Shea; 27 Barrett, 33 Goodman (booked 70'), 17 Kennedy, 2 Fuller (c) (booked 61'); 7 Francomb (31 Sutherland 86'), 4 Bulman, 8 Moore (12 Pell 86'), 11 Rigg (14 Azeez 79'); 9 Tubbs, 10 Akinwenfa (goal 36') (booked 39'). 4-4-2
Subs not used: 6 Bennett, 23 Oakley, 26 McDonnell, 29 Harrison.

Liverpool: 22 Mignolet; 17 Sakho, 37 Skrtel, 23 Can; 19 Manquillo (3 Jose Enrique 71'), 50 Markovic (4 Toure 86'), 21 Lucas, 14 Henderson; 8 Gerrard (goals 12' & 62'), 9 Lambert (45 Balotelli 79'), 10 Coutinho (booked 76'). 3-4-3
Subs not used: 18 Moreno, 29 Borini, 49 Williams, 52 Ward.

Match Stats: AFC Wimbledon-Liverpool
Taken from the Sky Sports Football Score Centre App
Possession: 30.5%-69.5%
Shots: 13-22
On target: 4-9
Off target: 6-5
Blocked: 3-8
Passes: 171/266 (64.3%)-550/643 (85.5%)
Att. 3rd: 59/108 (54.6%)-155/204 (76%)
Key Passes: 10-20
Clear-cut Chances: 2-3
Crosses: 4/24 (16.7%)-4/15 (26.7%)
Dribbles: 3/11 (27.3%)-10/16 (62.5%)
Corners: 6-5
Offsides: 0-2
Recoveries: 66-51
Tackles: 20/23 (87%)-12/14 (85.7%)
Interceptions: 14-7
Blocks: 7-4
Clearances: 23-40
Headed Clearances: 8-28
Aerial Duels: 22/43 (51.2%)-21/43 (48.8%)
Blocked Crosses: 3-3
Saves: 6-2
Catches: 1/1 (100%)-1/1 (100%)
Fouls committed: 18-10
Fouls won: 10-16
Yellow Cards: 3-1
Red Cards: 0-0

Referee: Jonathan Moss
Ground: The Fans' Stadium Kingsmeadow
Attendance: 4,784

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

The Reds fall against the Blues at Anfield

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

Liverpool blew the Premier League title race wide open again, after frustratingly falling to their first defeat of the calendar year, 0-2 against Chelsea at Anfield.

Jose Mourinho's men took advantage of two errors at the end of each half, giveaways which saw them leave Merseyside with two goals and three points.

Despite missing keeper Petr Cech and defender John Terry due to injury and midfielder Ramires banned, the Blues kept a strong back line, slowing Brendan Rodgers' men down, keeping them frustrated by holding them back, no matter how much possession or pressure the Reds held against their visitors.

So, when non-other than veteran skipper Steven Gerrard slipped and gave away the ball to Demba Ba, the striker made no mistake and beat Red keeper Simon Mignolet one-on-one, cool as you want, seconds before the break, it was just what Mourinho ordered, taking the lead against the run of play.

The hosts kept pressing after the break, Joe Allen seeing his smacker of a shot saved by stand-in keeper Mark Schwarzer just before the hour-mark.

But no matter how much and how hard the Reds pushed, the London side kept solid.

In one of the few blue attacks, Andre Schurrle was denied by a nice Mignolet stop.

LFC huffed and puffed, but never crossed the line, metaphorically and literally speaking.

With seconds to go, Chelsea took advantage of another giveaway, this time by Daniel Sturridge, non-other than former Red Fernando Torres and Willian breaking forward, the latter slotting in the prior's return-ball comfortably from close range, to double the score and hammer the nail into the Ref coffin.

The Reds, without suspended Jordan Henderson and ineligible Victor Moses, despite dominating in all areas and stat tables, fell to their first league defeat of the calendar year, and the first since the Blues beat them at Stamford Bridge after Christmas.

Chelsea meanwhile, completed the double over Liverpool, ending their 11-game winning streak, and closing the gap to the top of the table to two points, with two games to go.

Both sides will hope City will slip up, too... The race is heating up hotter than hot...

Liverpool 0-2 Chelsea

Chelsea Goals: 1.: 47:32min Demba Ba (19), 2.: 93:00 Willian (22).

Liverpool Team: 22 Mignolet; 38 Flanagan (9 Aspas 81'), 17 Sakho, 37 Skrtel, 2 Johnson; 24 Allen, 8 Gerrard, 21 Lucas (15 Sturridge 58'); 10 Coutinho, 7 Suarez, 31 Sterling. 4-3-3

Subs not used: 1 Jones, 4 Toure, 5 Agger, 6 Luis Alberto.

Chelsea Team: 23 Schwarzer; 3 Cole (booked 93'), 33 Kalas, 2 Ivanovic, 28 Azpilicueta; 21 Matic, 12 Mikel; 14 Schurrle (23 Cahill 77'), 8 Lampard (booked 42'), 15 Salah (booked 21') (22 Willian 60'); 19 Ba (9 Torres 84') (booked 93'). 4-2-3-1

Subs not used: 16 van Ginkel, 27 Ake, 40 Hilario, 47 Baker.

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

Attempts: 8-6 & 18-5

On target: 0-2 & 8-2

Offsides: 1-0 & 0-0

Corners: 6-3 & 8-0

Free kicks: 4-6 & 3-3

Possession: 69%-31% & 73%-27%

Opta Match Stats: Liverpool-Chelsea

(Attack)

Attempts: 26-11

On target: 8-4
Blocked: 7-4

From outside the box: 21-6

From inside the box: 5-5

Shot accuracy: 42.1%-57.1%

(General Play)

Possession: 73%-27%
Duals won: 47.9%-52.1%

Aerials won: 37.8%-62.2%

Interceptions: 5-14

Offsides: 1-0

Corners: 14-3

(Distribution)

Total passes: 624-226

Long passes: 9.6%-20.8%

Passing accuracy: 85.9%-67.7%

Pass.Acc.Opp.Half: 76.8%-62.3%

Total Crosses: 39-6

Successful: 17.9%-16.7%

(Defence & Discipline)

Tackles: 23-19

Won: 69.6%-68.4%

Clearances: 22-54

Fowls conceded: 9-7

Yellow cards: 0-4

Red cards: 0-0

Referee: Martin Atinkson

Attendance: 44,726

Man of the match: Demba Ba

Reds continue title charge beating Black Cats

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

Liverpool continued their Premier League title charge going second after narrowly beating Sunderland 2-1 at Anfield.

Skipper Steven Gerrard netted a free-kick vintage style, with unstoppable speed and quality curl to open the scoring after 38 minutes.

Striker Daniel Sturridge doubled the score shortly after the break, with a deflection off Wes Brown into the top left corner of the net to make Liverpool only the third club in Premier League history to record two players with 20+ goals.

The former Chelsea striker and Luis Suarez have now scored the same amount of goals as the whole Manchester United team = 48 goals, the best partnership in Europe!

Sunderland did produce a threat, midfielder Lee Cattermole shattering the bar shortly before sub Ki Sung-Yueng headed one on off a corner, showing Brendan Rodgers' men's weakness and frailty at the back and making it a nervous final quarter of an hour for the Reds.

An unmarked John O'Shea came close to spoil the show late on, but the home side held on to a crucial win, keeping the title race wide open, just one point behind league leaders Chelsea with seven games to go.

Liverpool 2-1 Sunderland

Liverpool Goals: 1.: 38:12min Steven Gerrard (8), 2.: 47:44min Daniel Sturridge (15).

Sunderland Goals: 1.: 75:30min Ki Sung-Yueng (4).

Liverpool Team: 22 Mignolet; 38 Flanagan, 5 Agger, 37 Skrtel, 2 Johnson; 8 Gerrard; 14 Henderson, 24 Allen; 10 Coutinho; 7 Suarez, 15 Sturridge (31 Sterling- 77th min). 4-1-2-1-2

Subs not used: 1 Jones, 9 Aspas, 12 Moses, 17 Sakho, 20 Cissokho, 21 Lucas.

Sunderland Team: 25 Mannone; 27 Vergini (booked 37th min), 16 O'Shea, 5 Brown; 3 Dossena (14 Colback- 83rd min), 26 Bridcutt, 33 Cattermole, 2 Bardsley (booked 40th min); 23 Giaccherini (11 Johnson- 61st min); 10 Wickham (4 Ki Sung-Yueng- 61st min), 17 Altidore. 3-4-2-1

Subs not used: 7 Larsson, 29 Roberge, 30 Scocco, 32 Usteri.

Opta Match Stats: Liverpool-Sunderland

(Attack)

Shots: 21-12

On Target: 7-4

Blocked Shots: 3-2

From outside the box: 12-7

From inside the box: 9-5

Accuracy: 38.9%-40%

(General Play)

Possession: 61.1%-38.9%

Duels Won: 56.3%-43.7%

Aerial Duels Won: 59.3%-40.7%

Interceptions: 15-7

Offsides: 2-2

Corners: 3-4

(Distribution)

Total Passes: 588-348

Long: 8%-16.1%

Accuracy: 87.6%-75%

Opp. Half: 81.1%-64%

Total Crosses: 15-24

Successful: 13.3%-16.7%

(Defence & Discipline)

Tackles: 17-27

Tackles Won: 76.5%-85.2%

Clearances: 32-17

Fouls Conceded: 5-15

Yellow Cards: 0-2

Red Cards: 0-0

Referee: Kevin Friend

Attendance: 44,524

Man of the Match: Philippe Coutinho

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 Everton 4-0 in derby thriller

Sports - Football - Premier League - Liverpool 4:0 Everton

Liverpool enjoyed their biggest Merseyside derby win since 1982, thrashing their local rivals Everton 4-0 in an enthralling encounter at Anfield.

The hosts came out all guns blazing from kick-off, countering any chances or flow of play by the Toffees with breath-taking speed and lethal combinations.

Skipper Steven Gerrard opened the scoring in the 21st minute, heading in a Luis Suarez corner in to the left corner of the net, a fine goal after a fine start in his 28th derby.

Any resistance by the Toffees was killed off when Romelu Lukaku was forced off injured, to be replaced by Steven Naismith, after just 25 minutes, before a Daniel Sturridge double, two goals in two minutes, sealed the three-point deal for the Reds.

The England striker first clipped one in past Tim Howard after a perfect slide-through ball by Philippe Coutinho, followed by a high loft over the forward running American keeper to make it 3-0 after 35 minutes.

Roberto Martinez's men created some chances but struggled to cope with the Reds' front line, their speed and power especially on the counter, and saw three bookings for their frustration.

Suarez added to the visitors' misery five minutes after the break, netting Liverpool's fourth of the day and the Uruguayan's 23rd of the season for the club, after a fine counter.

And it could have been worse for the Toffees, when Howard brought down Raheem Sterling in the box to give Sturridge the chance for a hat-trick from the spot, which the 24-year-old blew cringingly over the bar.

The win keeps Brendan Rodgers' men on track for the top four, on 46 points, three ahead of Tottenham in fifth and four behind Chelsea in third.

Liverpool goals: 1.: 21st min Steven Gerrard (8), 2. & 3.: 33rd & 35th min Daniel Sturridge (15), 4.: 50th min Luis Suarez (7).

Liverpool team: 22 Mignolet; 20 Cissokho, 37 Skrtel, 4 Toure, 38 Flanagan (34 Kelly- 73rd min); 10 Coutinho (6 Luis Alberto- 79th min), 14 Henderson, 8 Gerrard, 31 Sterling; 15 Sturridge (12 Moses- 71st min), 7 Suarez. 4-4-2 Subs not used: 1 Jones, 9 Aspas, 33 Ibe, 44 Smith.

Everton team: 24 Howard; 3 Baines, 6 Jagielka, 32 Alcaraz, 26 Stones; 18 Barry (booked 48th min), 16 McCarthy; 22 Pienaar (booked 38th min) (21 Osman- HT), 20 Barkley (7 McGeady- 76th min), 11 Mirallas (booked 51st min); 17 Lukaku (14 Naismith- 25th min). 4-2-3-1 Subs not used: 1 Joel, 2 Hibbert, 19 Gueye, 29 Garbutt.

Match stats 1st & 2nd half: Liverpool-Everton Attempts: 11-5 & 6-5
On target: 8-1 & 1-3
Offsides: 1-0 & 0-0
Corners: 2-4 & 3-4
Free kicks: 7-4 & 5-6
Possession: 41.6%-58.4% & 39.4%-60.6%
Passing success rate: 80%-84.8% & 78%-84.85%

Referee: Martin Atkinson
Attendance: 44,450
Man of the match: Daniel Sturridge

10-man Newcastle hold Liverpool to a 2-2 draw

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

Ten-man Newcastle fought out a point against Liverpool after the Reds came back twice form a goal down at St James' Park.

Yohan Cabaye opened the scoring for the hosts with a fine dipping shot from 30 yards past Simon Mignolet.

It was end-to-end stuff with both sides coming close before last man Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa saw red for bringing down Luis Suarez.

Red skipper Steven Gerrard netted the resulting penalty confidently, recording his 100th league goal.

Brendan Rodgers' men looked to take advantage of their extra man, right-back Glen Johnson pulling a scrambling save out of Tim Krul.

However, sub defender Paul Dummett - who was brought of after the sending off - restored the Magpies' lead with a far-post shot off Cabaye's free kick.

The visitors were shocked and shaken and piled on the pressure, Suarez seeing a shot parried by Krul before being cleared.

But the Reds finally broke Alan Pardew's men's stubborn defence when Suarez broke through and crossed for Daniel Sturridge to head in the leveller from close range.

Liverpool continued to press and dominate, Suarez clipping the bar before seeing his injury-time free-kick saved - but they failed to force a winner as Newcastle were relieved by the final whistle.

Newcastle 2-2 Liverpool

Newcastle Goals: 1.: 23.min Yohan Cabaye (4), 2.: 56.min Paul Dummett (36.).

Liverpool: 1.: 42.min Steven Gerrard (8) penalty, 2.: 72.min Daniel Sturridge (15).

Newcastle Team: 1 Krul; 26 Debuchy (booked 86.), 13 Yanga-Mbiwa (sent off 40.), 6 Williamson, 3 Santon; 4 Cabaye (8 Anita - 78.), 24 Tiote; 11 Gouffran (booked 68.), 7 Sissoko (36 Dummett - 45.), 14 Remy; 10 Ben Arfa (28 Ameobi - 78.). 4-2-3-1
Subs not used: 9 Cisse, 21 Elliot, 23 Ameobi, 25 Obertan.

Liverpool Team: 22 Mignolet; 4 Toure (booked 71.), 37 Skrtel, 17 Sakho (6 Luis Alberto - 63.); 2 Johnson (31 Sterling - 83.), 14 Henderson, 8 Gerrard (booked 47.), 20 Cissokho; 12 Moses; 15 Sturridge (booked 84.), 7 Suarez. 3-4-1-2
Subs not used: 1 Jones, 5 agger, 24 Allen, 34 Kelly, 38 Flanagan.

Opta Match Stats: Newcastle-Liverpool

(Attack)
Shots: 14-23 
On target: 4-7
Blocked: 3-2
From outside the box: 12-10
From inside the box: 2-13
Shot accuracy: 36.4%-33.3%

(General Play)
Possession: 37.7%-62.3%
Duels won: 45%-55%
Aerial duels won: 44.1%-55.9%
Interceptions: 16-11
Offsides: 0-2
Corners: 3-13

(Distribution)
Total passes: 328-556
Long passes: 12.8%-7.4%
Passing accuracy: 76.2%-87.4%
Passing accuracy opp. half: 61.5%-79.4%
Total crosses: 14-31
Successful crosses: 14.3%-32.3% 

(Defence & Discipline)
Tackles: 21-15
Tackles won: 85.7-80%
Clearances: 38-31
Fouls conceded: 8-10
Yellow cards: 2-3 
Red cards: 1-0

Referee: Andre Marriner
Man of the match: Steven Gerrard
Attendance: 51,703

2nd Half Notes: LFC 1-0 SCFC

Sports - Football - Premier League - 2nd Half Notes: LFC 1-0 SCFC

SCFC kick off 2nd half!

47. Coutinho runs & sends the ball wide, fine bright start by the Reds again!

50. Clearance made by Toure!

54. Begovic clears another golden chance, denying Henderson.

59. Stoke enjoying more possession the start of the second half, less pressure from the home side, more even game.

61. Coutinho turn & pace, puts ball through to Sturridge who runs too far on the left again & is denied by Begovic again.

62. Gerrard corner headed wide by Aspas.

63. Stoke changes: 7 Pennant & 16 Adam on for 26 Etherington & 6 Whelan, Hughes has had enough of the new boys.

64. Aspas shot comes off the post, think Begovic got a touch, what a save, LFC denied AGAIN! Corner defended well...

65. Enrique puts chance high.

68. Pennant takes Stoke free kick from right, ball eventually falls to Huth who puts a scruffy kick through to Mignolet who holds on to it! Gerrard is down injured! Physio comes on... The skipper's ok!

71. Walters hot straight to Mignolet. 72. 1st LFC change: 9 Aspas is replaced by 31 Sterling, applause all round!

74. Sturridge fires one through, angled across, wide.

76. Toure booked for a late tackle, Mignolet collects ball.

78. Free kick to the Reds bang front of goal outside the box, what a smacker by Gerrard, the rocket was stopped by Begovic, whipped around for a corner. Ball goes ping-pong & out, awkward one, put out by Begovic for another corner, cleared. Action areas: 19-44-37.

81. Last Stoke change, 25 Crouch off for 9 Jones, applause all round again, nice one for the former Red.

82. Adam high chip punches out for a corner by Mignolet, LFC defending nervously, ball eventually goes out for a goal kick.

84. Toure & Agger come up from the back for a Gerrard corner, the latter thinks he got pushed there. Another corner, with pace into Begovic's gloves.

86. LFC press on but come to nothing, frustrating finish for the home side, nervous to keep hold of this lead!!!

88. Free kick to Stoke, will this be the sucker punch... 

PENALTY for handball against Agger & Mignolet SAVES it!!! To his right! What a finish!!! Corner, free kick, Mignolet... This is killing me! Another corner to visitors... Or they think so... Goal kick taken...

And the players are at each others' throats! Ref's doing a good job talking to both captains, calming them down... What a game!!! Free kick to LFC near the halfway line...

3 minutes added on... Coutinho sends a chance wide... Corner to LFC, they're wasting time... Another corner... YNWA echoing around the KOP!

Last time LFC won opening game of the season at home was 12 years ago against West Ham...

Goal kick, Walters has it... OMG... Stoke still attacking... Cleared...

And that's FT after 4 minutes added on, Mignolet has saved LFC's 1-0 win against a stubborn Stoke with a heroic penalty save! Sturridge's goal won the game, Begovic's man-of-the-match performance with save after save was all for nothing in the end. Rodgers & co can & will be very relieved! And I can breath again...

1st & 2nd half stats: LFC v SCFC:
Attempts: 10-3 & 11-4
On target: 6-2 & 3-3
Offsides: 1-0 & 0-0
Corners: 3-4 & 6-3
Free kicks: 5-3 & 5-6
Possession: 78%-22% (10min), 61%-39% (30min), 58%-42% (HT), 55%-45% (FT)
Other stats: 45-44-11 action areas (30min), 19-44-37 (78min)

LFC team: 22 Mignolet; 3 Enrique, 5 Agger, 4 Toure (booked 76th), Johnson; 14 Henderson, 21 Lucas, 8 Gerrard; 10 Coutinho, 15 Sturridge, 9 Aspas (31 Sterling - 72nd). 4-3-3
Subs not used: 1 Jones, 6 Alberto, 24 Allen, 29 Borini, 47 Wisdom, 33 Ibe.

SCFC team: 1 Begovic; 3 Pieters, 4 Huth, 17 Shawcross, 20 Cameron; 8 Palacios, 15 N'Zonzi (booked 45), 6 Whelan (16 Adam - 63rd); 26 Etherington (7 Pennant - 63rd), 25 Crouch (9 Jones - 81st), 19 Walters. 4-3-3
Subs not used: 29 Sorensen, 5 Muniesa, 12 Wilson, 33 Jerome.

Referee: Martin Atkinson
Man of the match: Asmir Begovic
At Anfield

HT Notes: LFC 1-0 SCFC

Sports - Football - Premier League - HT Notes: LFC 1-0 SCFC

LFC kick off the game!

7. First corner to LFC, cleared, dominating possession & chances early on, Stoke on the counter, Cameron run from the left side, wins a corner.

8. Huth strike off the post! Not a happy moment for Mignolet, scare for LFC!

11. Sturridge heads in perfect Gerrard free kick! Goal disallowed offside, JUST right! Close one!

13. Corner by Gerrard, Toure header off the bar! Rebound put high & out by Sturridge, close again for LFC! Pressure's on Stoke!

14. Sturridge is in again, goes wide, shoots in from left, well saved & pushed away by Begovic! What a game!!!

16. LFC pressing on to Stoke's box, visitors keep blocking out stubborn Reds.

17. Former Red Crouch concedes free kick.

18. Crouch goes down in the box against Johnson, nothing given, good decision by the ref, was a bit drama queen by the giant!

19. Mignolet continuing his nervy start giving the ball away...

20. Coutinho to Aspas in the box, not a good pass, ball goes too far & out for a goal kick.

23. Coutinho sends another chance high, fine cross from Lucas on the right.

27. The game has calmed down a lot! Kick-about in the midfield, no real threat by either side...

29. Terrific save by Begovic off Enrique, lovely buildup, Gerrard hammers rebound high. 45-44-11 action areas! 61%-39% possession! All LFC!

35. Henderson denied by Begovic, fantastic run, cut in to the keeper, still no breakthrough for LFC!

37. Sturridge smacks one in from the right after a fine run into the box, another block by Begovic!

GOAL! 36:50min And Sturridge gets the breakthrough from outside the box, through the defender's legs & past Begovic. FINALLY! 1-0

42. What a save by Mignolet! Superb blast-shot from outside the box by Walters! Corner comes to nothing. First real test for the new keeper, definitely passed that one!

45. Lucas booked for reckless challenge against N'Zonzi, free kick from edge of the box, out for a corner. Looked like the ball came off Huth actually... Correction: Booking went to N'Zonzi for unsporting behaviour.

46. Lucas denies Stoke off the line! Shawcross with the flick-on off the corner! 1 minute added on this action-packed half! Another corner for Stoke, taken quickly, half time whistle goes!

Wow! I can breath! Daniel Sturridge with the goal giving the home side the lead after LFC dominated play with some lovely interplay & buildups & both sides hit the bar & put on the pressure.

1st half stats: LFC-SCFC
Attempts: 10-3
On target: 6-2
Offsides: 1-0
Corners: 3-4
Free kicks: 5-3
Possession: 78%-22% (10min), 61%-39% (30min), 58%-42% (HT)
Other stats: 45-44-11 action areas (30min)

LFC team: 22 Mignolet; 3 Enrique, 5 Agger, 4 Toure, Johnson; 14 Henderson, 21 Lucas, 8 Gerrard; 10 Coutinho, 15 Sturridge, 9 Aspas. 4-3-3
Subs: 1 Jones, 6 Alberto, 24 Allen, 29 Borini, 31 Sterling, 47 Wisdom, 33 Ibe.

SCFC team: 1 Begovic; 3 Pieters, 4 Huth, 17 Shawcross, 20 Cameron; 8 Palacios, 15 N'Zonzi (booked 45), 6 Whelan; 26 Etherington, 25 Crouch, 19 Walters. 4-3-3
Subs: 29 Sorensen, 5 Muniesa, 7 Pennant, 9 Jones, 12 Wilson, 16 Adam, 33 Jerome.

Referee: Martin Atkinson

Match Report: Liverpool Victorious Down Under

Sports - Football - Pre-Season Friendly - Match Report:

Liverpool finished their pre-season encounter against Melbourne Victory on top, ending 2-0 winners thanks to skipper Steven Gerrard and Iago Aspas.

The result was tough on the young Melbourne side though, especially for the skipper Adrian Leijer after all his hard work at the back, but it was a comfortable win for the Reds in the end thanks to a little bit of magic by none-other than Gerrard and Luis Suarez's help!

The first chance on target fell to the Australian side after Jose Enrique's mistake gave the ball away to Andrew Nabbout who pulled a fine save out of Brad Jones.

However, just past the half-hour mark, the Red skipper got the breakthrough in the centre of the box, with a nice run, nice placement and comfortable finish off Fabio Borini.

Jordon Ibe and Raheem Sterling were producing a fine display, creating some good build-ups and unpredictable play for the young Melbourne side. The Reds seemed to have everything under control approaching half time.

Both teams made no changes during the break and Liverpool enjoyed a flurry of corners at the start of the second half where Borini sprung to life with a couple of glorious chances, including an over-head kick which went wide, just.

Brendan Rodgers then rang the changes with just under 20 minutes to go, putting on a fresh Red side to keep the Aussies on their toes.

Melbourne Victory were keeping up the pressure too though with just one goal separating the two sides and can be very proud of their performance. Liverpool saw plenty of chances, all blocked by some stubborn defending from skipper Leijer with under 10 minutes to go.

Just a couple of minutes injury time were added on with Liverpool dominating in possession, comfortably. A free kick from left outside the box was cleared easily. With all eyes on Suarez, the controversial Uruguayan eventually created a golden chance.

Aussie keeper Nathan Coe's save led to another Red corner, which was taken short by Stewart Downing, to Suarez who dunk the ball onwards and saw it turned in by Aspas to double the visitors' lead seconds before the final whistle was blown.

The question is, will the trouble maker still be wearing the Red number seven by the end of August? For now, all we know is that he has added his bit to a Red victory once again. 

MVFC Team: 1 Coe; 4 Ansell, 23 Leijer (c), 24 Galloway, 30 Geria; 6 Broxham, 14 Celeski, 17 Jeggo; 13 Nabbout (17 Stella - 83rd), 19 Pain, 22 Makarounas (27 Cristaldo - 86th).
Coaches: Ange Postecoglou & Kevin Muscat

LFC Team: 1 Jones (22 Mignolet - 72nd); 2 Johnson (34 Kelly - 72nd), 37 Skrtel (16 Coates - 72nd), 47 Wisdom (5 Agger - 72nd), 3 Enrique (38 Flanagan - 72nd); 8 Gerrard (c) (21 Lucas - 63rd), 24 Allen (19 Downing - 72nd), 14 Henderson (6 Alberto - 72nd), 44 Ibe (9 Aspas - 72nd), 31 Sterling (7 Suarez - 72nd); 29 Borini (Spearing - 72nd).
Subs not used: 49 Robinson, 11 Assaidi.
Kolo Toure is out with tight calf & Philippe Coutinho with a training ground knock, neither are thought to be serious.

1st & 2nd half stats:
MVFC v LFC:
Attempts: 1-11 & 1-6
On target: 1-5 & 1-2
Offsides: 1-1 & 0-1
Corners: 0-3 & 3-6
Free kicks: 0-0 & 2-4

Referee: Jumpi Iida
Man of the Match: Steven Gerrard
At the MCG

MVFC v LFC: Match Summary

Sports - Football - Pre-Season Friendly - Match Notes:

1st half notes:
 
MVFC kick off the game at the MCG.

20th minute: 1st chance on target falls to MVFC, Enrique's mistake, gives ball away to Nabbout who pulls a fine save out of Jones.

21st: Gerrard shot deflected & saved by Coe. The tempo has certainly gone up after a slow, comfortable start.

31:01min and the star skipper gets the breakthrough in the centre of the box, nice run, nice placement, comfy finish off Borini, 0-1.

Ibe & Sterling are producing a fine display, creating some good build-ups, unpredictable for the young MVFC side. LFC seem to have more control now, approaching half time.

LFC finish the half on top, enjoying more chances & a one-goal lead thanks to skipper Steven Gerrard. The young Melbourne side are holding on & making a fine match of it though. More to come of the second half, I'm sure.

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2nd half notes:

LFC kick off the second half at the MCG, no changes have been made by either side.

A flurry of corners for LFC at the start of this half. Suarez is warming up...

50th: A Johnson block leads to MVFC's first corner, blocked out by Jones, leads to another corner for the young Australian side, which is headed over by Geria.

56th: Pain pulls a corner out of Skrtel, headed away by Gerrard at the near-post. Changes are imminent...

60th: Borini hits a fine chance straight at keeper Coe, swift counter by MVFC, saved by Jones. They are certainly making a match of this!

62nd: Spectacular over-head-kick by Borini goes wide.

63rd: 1st LFC substitution: 21 Lucas on for 8 Gerrard.

64th: 1st free kick for LFC, ends in a high shot, nowhere near by Sterling. A line of players are warming up for LFC.

72nd: 2nd LFC substitution(s): 1 Jones  is replaced by 22 Mignolet, 2 Johnson by 34 Kelly, 37 Skrtel by 16 Coates, 47 Wisdom by 5 Agger, 3 Enrique by 38 Flanagan, 24 Allen by 19 Downing, 14 Henderson by 6 Alberto, 44 Ibe by 9 Aspas, 31 Sterling by the much anticipated 7 Suarez and 29 Borini by Spearing.

75th: Downing takes a corner, straight to the keeper.

MVFC are keeping up the pressure, just one goal separating the two sides. They can be very proud of their performance here. LFC see plenty of chances blocked, great defending by skipper Leijer with under 10 minutes to go.

83rd: 1st change for MVFC: 17 Stella on for 13 Nabbott.

86th: 2nd change for MVFC: 27 Cristaldo on for 22 Makarounas.

2 minutes added on: LFC enjoying & dominating in possession, comfortably. A free kick from left outside the box is cleared easily, all eyes on Suarez, not much to reports. Coe's save leads to another LFC corner, which is taken short by Downing, to Suarez who dinks the ball onwards and sees it turned in by Aspas, 2-0. Tough on MVFC, especially for the skipper Leijer after all his hard work, but it is a comfortable win for LFC in the end thanks to a little bit of magic by none-other than Gerrard & Suarez!

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MVFC: 1 Coe; 4 Ansell, 23 Leijer (c), 24 Galloway, 30 Geria; 6 Broxham, 14 Celeski, 17 Jeggo; 13 Nabbout (17 Stella - 83rd), 19 Pain, 22 Makarounas (27 Cristaldo - 86th).
Coaches: Ange Postecoglou & Kevin Muscat

LFC Team: 1 Jones (22 Mignolet - 72nd); 2 Johnson (34 Kelly - 72nd), 37 Skrtel (16 Coates - 72nd), 47 Wisdom (5 Agger - 72nd), 3 Enrique (38 Flanagan - 72nd); 8 Gerrard (c) (21 Lucas - 63rd), 24 Allen (19 Downing - 72nd), 14 Henderson (6 Alberto - 72nd), 44 Ibe (9 Aspas - 72nd), 31 Sterling (7 Suarez - 72nd); 29 Borini (Spearing - 72nd).
Subs not used: 49 Robinson, 11 Assaidi.
Kolo Toure is out with tight calf & Philippe Coutinho with a training ground knock, neither are thought to be serious.

1st & 2nd half stats:
MVFC v LFC:
Attempts: 1-11 & 1-6
On target: 1-5 & 1-2
Offsides: 1-1 & 0-1
Corners: 0-3 & 3-6
Free kicks: 0-0 & 2-4

Referee: Jumpi Iida
At the MCG