Stoke City 0 - 0 Liverpool : MATCHDAY 21 10th Jan 2009 Team Stoke: Sorensen, Wilkinson, Abdoulaye Faye, Shawcross, Higginbotham, Delap, Amdy Faye, Diao, Etherington, Cresswell, Kitson Subs: Simonsen, Griffin, Olofinjana, Whelan, Lawrence, Tonge, Sonko Liverpool: Reina, Carragher, Hyypia, Skrtel, Aurelio, Benayoun, Leiva Lucas, Mascherano, Riera, Gerrard, Kuyt Subs: Cavalieri, Dossena, Keane, Torres, Babel, Plessis, El Zhar live commentary from skysports.com 93 That's it, Liverpool have failed to achieve the victory that would have kept the pressure on the chasing pack. The initiative now lies with Manchester United, who'll move ahead of Liverpool should they win their three games in hand. The Liverpool fans who e-mailed during the match seem unanimous in where the blame lies: Rafa Benitez's decision to play a 5-man midfield with Kuyt as a lone striker has backfired. 92 Mascherano tries to theread the ball through the Stoke defence to no avail. The Potters are content to thump the ball upfield whenever they can. 90 Liverpool pour forward as they go in search of the winner. Torres flicks the ball on for Gerrard who hits the woodwork for the second time after stretching to his limit in order to get a touch on the ball. 89 Babel shoots/crosses from distance and wins a corner as the ball takes a deflection. Gerrard delivers but sends it too high. 87 Torres and Faye are engaged in a rigorous battle in the final third. Thus far the Stoke man has come out on top. 86 Peter Jackson is our first Stoke fan to write in: "I am a Stoke fan and i think Torrres will score but in the last minutes of the game Etherington will create and opportunity for Faye or Kitson to score and get Stoke a worthy 1 point. Liverpools tactics have gone horribly wrong and cost them 2 points but Stokes tactics are going perfectly. I think this draw will regain Pulis' trust from that awful 2-0 loss to Hartlepool." 85 Torres blocks Faye's clearance on the right, earning Stoke a throw-in that they take their sweet time in arranging. 83 Gerrard takes a free-kick from the left and hits the crossbar. Sorensen was expecting a cross there and was caught off his line. 82 Lawrence's first real involvement in the game is to send a cross from the right directly out of play. 81 Lucas tries for the chip over the top from inside his own half but misjudges the pass completely and sends it straight into the hands of Sorensen. 80 Hyypia puts plenty of pressure on Reina with a weak backpass but the Spanish keeper shows good footwork to avoid Kitson before clearing the danger. 79 Delap rounds Carragher on the left and fires a cross into the area but Reina gets there first and makes a clean catch. 78 Whelan sends a curling free-kick inches wide of goal. I don't think Reina would have gotten to that one. 75 Mark Philpott dangles the following bait: "I'm a United fan and would just like to say that if Liverpool drop points today, I think it has shown that Fergie has really gotten under Rafa's skin. He annoyed him so much that Rafa did some research instead of thinking of tactics and training his team. I know that Fergie complains a lot, but as the most successful British manager of his generation,I don't really care!" 74 Kitson drags Skrtel to the ground in a choke-hold in the corner but gets away with it as the referee's view of the incident was blocked. 72 Delap troubles the Liverpool defence with yet another deep throw. This time Kitson heads the ball narrowly over the crossbar from five yards out. 72 George from Chester also doubts Benitez: "Rafa's judgement seems to be clouded when it comes to Kuyt and Benayoun. Riera is always a threat and yes we need torres on the pitch but benayoun and kuyt, benayoun especially, are not going to influence a game as much as riera. It often seems that benitez brings on the right player but takes the wrong one off." 71 There's a lull in play as Shawcross first receives some treatment, then limps off the pitch. 70 Sorensen sends a goal-kick up the field but Skrtel sends it straight back. 69 Sam Parker feels the same as Aliya: "Why has Rafa gone for the 5 man midfield and kuyt up front on his own when he is no good even where he is up there with torres or keane. Where is xabi alonso he is twice the player Lucas and Mascherano are i just don't what goes though rafa's head sometimes." 68 Aliya Maskeen is also doubting Rafa's tactics: "Am a Liverpool fan but i think Liverpool are gonna b held to a draw once again, Benitez should have started with the likes of Keane, Torres & Babel not leave them on the bench. Am praying Liverpool do score but the way things are going it doesnt look too good!!" 64 Carragher wins a battle against Cresswell inside the Liverpool penalty area and ends up sending a great clearance as far as Gerrard in the centre circle. 63 Gerrard tries to thread the ball into the penalty area and receives a yellow card for his efforts as the ball hits the referee. Quite a strange decision that. 61 Colin Priest has taken umbrage with Ian the Everton fan: "To Ian the jealous everton fan. All teams have decisions go for and against them even Everton, I think benitez's point was that fergie is allways moaning about how things (pfa and ref's) are plotting against poor old man u and Mr.Fergie. Fergie has moaned about the treatment they get for years. Mind games it is, not with just the liverpool and chelsea but with ref's and the PFA all round really. He knows what he's doing!!! But this seaon I think he has bitten off me than he can chew. " Fighting words there Colin. 60 delap's long throw is headed behind for a corner by Hyypia. The ball bobs about inside the penalty area before Gerrard steps in and clears it upfield. 59 Reina misses a corner delivery completely then dramatically goes to ground before Stoke can capitalise. 58 Tanveer Riaz believes it's time for some subs: "Rafa needs to change the system and bring on the likes of Keane / Torres who are match winners. Dont know what Lucas is doing as he is not the player which suits liverpool team. Come on Rafa and bring on those subs QUICKLY before we get humbled by stoke TWICE in the same season." 57 Riera runs the breadth of the field without making much headway and eventually loses control of the ball, allowing it to be chipped back to Sorensen. 56 Oli Jones isn't happy with Benitez: "Completely bewildered with Benitez's starting XL once again...So far this season there has been little to complain about, and it seems that if there is, it tends to get over-looked due to the amazing run of form the team has enjoyed. But maybe this game will represent a loss in recent luck? Expect much more attacking football in the second half." 55 gerrard takes a suspicious tumble on the edge of the Stoke penalty area but the referee isn't interested and replays vindicate his decision. 54 Gerrard plays the ball out wide to Aurelio who completely wastes a good crossing chance by hitting the ball straight at a defender. 53 Adam Esposito writes in to say: "I can't believe we drew to Stoke at home in the first place. I believe Rafa will make the correct changes and we'll win comfortably 2-0. We always seem to make it harder for ourselves in the first place." 52 Stoke keep the pressure up on Liverpool and only a fine interception by Carragher denies Kitson a shooting chance. 49 Reina makes an incredible hash of a clearance as he passes it straight to Kitson on the edge of the penalty area. Hyypia is alert enough to pressure Kitson out wide and force him to shoot into the side netting. 48 Faye is penalised as he hauls Gerrard to the ground by his arm. Liverpool win a free-kick in a promising area and follow it up with a corner. 47 Good news for Liverpool fans who doubt Kuyt's ability as a lone frontman as Fernando Torres starts warming up on the touchline. 46 The players are back on the pitch for the second half. Everton fan Ian has no belief in either Rafa Benitez or the use of full stops: "i hope stoke can beat the crying benitez, what a joke he is, who is he to spout about favorable treatment, who gets penaltys at anfield, how many of his players get sent off, how many dodgey penaltys does he get, how many dives has gerrard got away with, i remember a tackle by kuyt on phill neville last season, didnt even get a talking too, and he had the cheek to send 2 everton players off, and what about the 2 penaltys everton never got in the same game, liverpool have always had preferential treatment, benitez should open his blinkered eyes." At least Tom Minter still has faith: "hi, i thouroughly believe Torres will come on and make a huge difference, due to his presence, the final score will be 2-0 with Gerrard and Torres bagging the goals." More disbelief from the Pool faithful, this time from Mustafa Ozalcin: "Having seen the line up I knew we wouldn't get a win from this game.. Still 45 mins to go but Rafa has tinkered and that is going to be our downfall (as usual!!!!)..." The pre-match optimism from the Liverpool fans has turned somewhat sour. "Gerrard looks bored and fed up and who can blame him with two clowns Lucas and Mascerano in midfield. Mascerano doesnt go forwrad. Lucas cant pass and does nothing and has to be brought off. Benayoun is slow and weak. Liverpool seem to be negative and need to push more forward get on Keane and Babel for lucas and benayoun. PLAY HOW YOU WANT BUT BE MORE ATTACKING. Fergie must be laughing to himself. Benitez needs a result. Please post some of this. Many thanks, Ben Hunter from Swindon" Christopher Bartlett has the following, very valid, question: "Is Gerrard playing? You haven't mentioned him once!" That's because he's been absolutely anonymous Christopher. I don't recall him doing anything of note so far. 45 Lucas dallies on the ball a moment too long and is absolutely smashed by Cresswell, who shoulders him off his feet at full speed. The Liverpool midfielder stays down as the ref waves play on. 44 Some sloppy play from both sides sees the ball go out for Liverpool throw in line with their penalty area. 42 Benayoun and Kuyt link up down the left flank and exchange a couple of close range passes but eventuall run out of space, allowing Amdy Faye to steal the ball. 41 Lucas fouls Cresswell inside the Liverpool half and Stoke get another chance to get the ball into the Liverpool penalty area. They're rewarded with a corner. 39 Delap's long throw-in is headed out for a corner by Skrtel. In the wake of the delivery an opportunity almost opens up for Etherington but Carragher manages to clear the danger. 38 Tony Pulis is not a happy man as his side give away possession cheaply by looking for the long pass from the back only to gift Liverpool a goal-kick. 36 Riera slides a low cross across the face of goal but there's no Liverpool player there to meet it. 35 Riera goes on a great run from his own half, slaloming his way past three Stoke players before completely misdirecting his pass to Benayoun. 34 Rafael Benitez is feverishly conveying instructions to Sammy Lee at the side of the pitch as he sees his side's iron grip on this game start flagging. 32 Stoke win another throw-in in a promising position. This time the referee adjudges that Hyypia was fouled as the players jostle for position. 31 Another long throw from Delap forces a sharp catch from Reina as Liverpool find themselves defending seriously for the first time in this match. 29 Stoke have the ball in the back of the net as Liverpool fail to deal with a direct ball but the linesman has his flag raised for offside against Shawcross. 28 Delap seems to be carrying a shoulder injury as his throw-ins have lacked their usual distance. Yet another attempt goes straight to the first defender who is Carragher in this instance. 27 Reina sends a goal-kick upfield but ends up giving Stoke possession. The Potters have clawed their way back into this and look dangerous at times. 26 Skrtel makes a hash of a routine clearance but Stoke fail to take advantage. 25 Etherington delivers a free-kick from the left and Reina is forced to punch it clear under immense pressure. 24 Javier Mascherano makes a great sliding tackle on Etherington to bring a rare Stoke attack to an end. 23 Yossi Benayoun turns two defenders on the edge of the area before having his shot blocked by Whelan. 22 Kuyt forces a good save from Sorensen despite shooting from a very tight angle. 21 Danny Higginbotham manages a good clearance under pressure from Kuyt. 20 Stoke go on the counter but Sami Hyypia manages to push Delap wide with two Potters players witing in the middle and the cross goes straight to Reina. 18 The Potters players are incensed as they claim Carragher passed the ball back to Reina but the ref sees nothing wrong. 17 Liverpool build patiently from the back as Stoke take up a very deep position. 16 Cresswell flicks the ball forward for Dave Kitson to chase but Reina reads the play well and comes off his line to avert danger. 14 Kuyt lays the ball out wide for Riera who tries to trick his way past Andy Wilkinson but ends up flat on his backside as the Stoke defender lopes upfield with the ball. 13 Matthew Etherington takes on Carragher down the left and manages to get a cross in but Reina gets there first and catches the ball cleanly. 12 Delap takes another long throw. This one is unceremoniously thumped upfield by Martin Skrtel. 11 The statistics indicate that Liverpool have had an incredible 78% of the ball as Rory Delap sends a trademark throw into the area. The result is utter chaos and Delap manages to hit the crossbar from five yards out as he follows up. 10 Liverpool are playing with only Kuyt up front and he seems to drift ever deeper in an attempt to get the ball, leaving them very thin up front. 8 Riera sends in a perfect cross from the left and Kuyt glances a free header across the face of goal and out for a goal kick. 7 Albert Riera crosses into the box from the left but Steven Gerrard overruns the ball and Stoke manage a nervy clearance. 6 Stoke have hardly seen the ball so far, with Liverpool comfortably dominating possession. 5 Liverpool are camped in the Stoke half with Jamie Carragher out wide on the right. He attempts a cross into the middle but fails to clear the first defender. 4 Stoke win a free-kick in a promising position. Whelan steps up and hoists the ball over the wall and high over the goal, failing to trouble Pepe Reina in the Liverpool goal. 3 Glenn Whelan knocks the ball back to Thomas Sorenson as Liverpool continue to push forward. 2 Liverpool enjoy early possession and Lucas Leiva looks to send the ball over the top to Dirk Kuyt but fails to pick him out. 1 And we're underway at a freezing Britannia Stadium. Stoke will certainly fancy their chances today, having come away from Anfield with a draw earlier in the season. Liverpool fans will be nervous that the rarefied air at the top of the Premier League will cause their side to stumble.
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88 Danny Pugh comes on in place of Kitson as Ben Serpa from the USA writes: "It is aggravating as a fan in the States to see Benitez muddle around with the formation and the squad. Babel is one of Liverpool's best and should start every game. Torres comes back from injury and is left out of the starting rotation. Keane, who needs as many games as possible to get into form, is riding the pine. We have quality players, why are they playing, Mr. Benitez? Stop worrying about Fergie. Play your game. Stop with this lone striker bull and keep to the 4-4-2. Attack, attack, attack! Stop being such a defensive tactician and attack allout like Chelsea and Man Utd do!"77 Liam Lawrence comes on in place of Matthew Etherington.
76 Lucas smashes into Kitson from behind and is booked for his efforts.67 Lucas is unmarked on the far post but fails to direct his header anywhere near the goal. It finds Torres on the left post but he thumps the ball straight into the air from a tight angle.66 Etherington is penalised for a late tackle on Gerrard.59 Albert Riera makes way for fernando Torres as Benitez belatedly accepts that he may need a striker on the pitch.
Betting on the game to end in a draw seems a very enticing prospect and Sky Bet have excellent odds on a 1-1 stalemate at 15/2. You can also get 11/1 odds on a 2-1 win for Liverpool so why not visit www.skybet.com now?
46 The half comes to an end. It's been a bit of a lacklustre affair to be honest and I'm certainly hoping for more excitement during the second half. Send e-mails to justin.zehmke@teamtalkmedia.co.za
PRESTON NORTH END 0 - 2 LIVERPOOL : Matchday Third Round 3rd Jan 2009 Preston: Lonergan, Jones, Mawene, St, Ledger, Davidson, Sedgwick, Chaplow, McKenna, Wallace, Parkin, Mellor Subs: Chris Neal, Brown, Nicholson, Carter, Whaley, Nolan, Elliott Liverpool: Cavalieri, Carragher, Hyypia, Agger, Insua, Alonso, Mascherano, Babel, Gerrard, Riera, Keane Subs: Reina, Torres, Aurelio, Leiva Lucas, Ngog, El Zhar, Skrtel live commentary from skysports.com 94 The referee blows for full time. Preston will hold their heads high, having given the Premier League leaders a solid run for their money. Liverpool are into the next round but it wasn't quite as comfortable as the score suggests. 92 Hyypia heads a ball meant for Parkin upfield as Preston start lobbing the ball up to the man known as The Beast in desperation. 91 Torres tries an ambitious ball over the top for Gerrard but overhits it and gives away a goal kick. 90 Riera weaves his way past two defenders and goes down on the edge of the box but the referee is having none of it. 89 Jones threads the ball through to Parkin who gets tangled in his own feet as he looks to create a shooting opportunity. 88 Nicholson delivers another free-kick into the Liverpool area but the ball fails to clear the first defender. 87 Preston have a free-kick inside the Liverpool half, in the middle of the pitch. Cavalieri continues his impressive form by claiming the delivery with ease. 85 Torres goes on a pacy run through the middle but can't find a way through. The ball spills to Gerrard who once again makes Lonergan work hard to keep it out. 84 Gerrard sprays it out wide to Riera on the right before receiving it back shortly thereafter. Liverpool look content to hold onto the ball in their own half as they play the clock down. 82 Mascherano gives the ball away to Elliot who tries to weave his way past Lucas to no avail. 81 Babel skips down the left, does some stepovers to beat the defender and then passes the ball very poorly into the middle. 80 wallace skips past Riera and cuts the ball inside for Parkin but Hyypia gets there first and manages to clear the danger. 79 Gerrard tries to thread the ball through the defence for Riera but Chaplow cuts it out and thumps the ball upfield. 78 Mascherano shoots from distance for the second time in the match but ends up clutching his hamstring instead of celebrating. 77 Babel's cross from the left is deflected and Nolan manages to pounce on the ball and boot it upfield. 76 Torres has his first shot at goal since coming on but sends it wide to the right from 30-yards out. 75 The free-kick falls at the feet of St Ledger who wasn't expecting it and fluffs his shot badly from point-blank range. 74 Wallace beats Carragher on the left but is then shoulder-charged by the Liverpool man. This time he gets a free-kick. 72 Wallace wastes a great chance when he sends a free-kick from the right straight into touch. 71 Preston win a throw inside the Liverpool half after some great work by Parker. 70 Alonso is pacing along the side of the pitch with a huge plastic cast on his leg. 69 The penalty shout was for Carragher wrestling Sedgwick to the ground inside the area. 68 Preston have another penalty shout turned down as they continue to surge forward. Nolan crosses from the right but Cavalieri deals with it easily. 67 Babel chases a long ball out of the defence but mawene gets there first and heads it back to Lonergan. 66 Carragher gets away with a bit of a rugby tackle himself, leading the crowd to chant: "Cheat, cheat, cheat." 65 Jones shoots from distance but can't keep the ball down and fails to trouble Cavalieri. 64 Preston are looking dangerous now and have a penalty shout waved away after Parkin goes down inside the penalty area under the attentions of Agger. 62 St Ledger puts the ball in the back of the net but Preston are denied as Parkin is penalised for holding Carragher down. That was very, very stupid as Carragher was nowhere near the action and Parkin basically rugby tackled him. 62 Parkin is fouled by Lucas in a promising area on the right. 60 Riera turns Sedgwick inside out on the left before shooting from a tight angle. The ball skips across the face of goal, almost going in on the far right. 59 Babel plays a delightful ball to set up Gerrard just outsie the Preston area. The Liverpool skipper fires a curling shot on target that forces an acrobatic save from Lonergan. 58 The longer Liverpool fail to score the more Preston will fancy their chances of getting back into this, a fact substantiated by Liverpool's increasingly nervous attempts to find a way through. 56 Mascherano shoots from distance and gets plenty of power on the shot. It curls away from goal though and sails about a foot above the top-right corner of goal. 55 Riera bombs down the left and cuts the ball back inside but mawene manages to clear the danger. 53 Liverpool are still dominating possesion although they're struggling to create many clear chances. 52 Liverpool counter at pace and Gerrard comes within a hair of playing keane through on goal. 51 Sedgwick beats Lucas in the right corner but fails to do the same to Agger. 51 Jones takes on Babel down the right before laying the ball back to Mellor who crosses into the middle, only to see Cavalieri catch it comfortably. 50 Liverpool waste a corner by sending the delivery straight into the hands of Lonergan. 49 Billy Jones is sent on his way down the right by Parkin but Insua hounds him all the way back across the halfway line. 48 Babel goes on a run down the left and outpaces his marker before sending his ball into the middle straight to the feet of Chaplow. 47 Gerrard delivers a free-kick from the right and sends it straight to the feet of Keane at the near post. He misses the ball completely, continuing in the frankly terrible form he's shown all game long. 46 The second half gets underway. Will Liverpool be able to turn their dominance into more goals or could Preston sneak an equaliser and set the cat amongst the pigeons? Only time will tell. 45 Agger picks out Gerrard's run into the penalty area. The Liverpool skipper plays it across goal to Keane who should really shoot. Instead he waits for two seconds before passing the ball to Riera who is surrounded by three Preston defenders. A wasted opportunity. 44 Gerrard picks out Keane with a perfect pass. The Irish striker has just the keeper to beat from five-yards out but somehow contrives to bobble the ball past the left post from the right of goal. 43 Keane is almost played through on goal by a stray pass in the Preston defence but lacks the pace to get to the ball. 42 Carragher remonstrates with the referee after Preston are mistakenly awarded a goal-kick. Quite predictably the official refuses to change his mind. 41 That was the best spell Preston have enjoyed since the opening minutes and shows that this game is far from over. 39 Insua clears under pressure but the ball goes only as far as Parkin. He looks to shoot only for Alonso to nip in and steal the ball off his toes. 38 Wallace beats two Liverpool players down the left and sends in a cross towards Mellor waiting in the middle. Cavalieri reads the play well and comes off his line to pluck the ball out of the air. 37 Preston make a rare foray outside their own half but it leads to nothing. 36 Liverpool attack down the right before Alonso plays Keane through on goal. It looks a nailed on goal but he somehow contrives to hit it straight at the keeper. It comes back to Keane who twists and turns before passing straight to a Preston defender. 35 Liverpool take a corner short, Gerrard collects and lays it off to Agger who sets up Alonso five-yards outside the penalty area. The Spaniard shoots woefully wide of goal. 33 Some of the fire has gone out of the game since Liverpool scored. They seem content to pass the ball around in their own half with Hyypia and Agger trading about ten passes in the space of a minute. 31 The visitors are content to stroke the ball about and keep Preston chasing shadows. 29 Parkin sends the ball forward from a tight spot on the touchline but there's no teammate there to collect it. 28 Gerrard's first touch to collect the ball just outside the penalty area is sublime, sending two defenders the wrong way. His eventual shot with his left-foot on the other hand is wildly off-target. 27 Liverpool are completely dominant now, with Preston rarely making it out of their own half. 25 Babel receives the ball on the right, takes a couple of touches and shoots wildly over the goal from the edge of the penalty area. 23 Gerrard delivers Liverpool's first corner of the game and finds Insua on the far side of the pitch. He wins another corner that leads to open play. 22 Preston counter-attack with pace as Parkin sends Mellor on his way. The former Liverpool man shoots from a tight angle an the left and fails to trouble Cavalieri unduly. 20 Parkin lays the ball off to Chaplow just outside the Liverpool penalty area. He shoots powerfully enough but straight at Cavalieri who has no problem dealing with it. 19 Jamie Carragher wins a throw-in off Sedgwick deep inside the Liverpool half. 18 Chris Sedgwick steals the ball off Agger on the right and sends in a cross that finds Mellor under pressure from Sami Hyppia and unable to direct his header goalwards. 17 Agger's clearance hits former Liverpool man Neil Mellor smack in the face before skidding out for a Liverpool throw. 15 Gerrard is fouled in the middle of tghe pitch, 35-yards from goal. Alonso delivers the free-kick but Preston manager to clear. 14 Liverpool try to assert some authority by keeping possession in midfield. 13 Alonso spots Babel's run and sends a superb ball over the top for the Dutchman. Lonergan has read the situation well however, and comes off his line to collect on the edge of the area. 12 Gerrard receives the ball with his back to goal on the edge of the penalty area, turns and shoots and forces a save from Andrew Lonergan in the Preston goal. 11 Robbie Keane gets his first touch as he collects a long ball on the left. He plays it to Riera and makes his way goalwards where the return ball finds him perfectly positioned. Unfortunately he completely misshits the strike and sends the ball tamely wide of goal. 10 Xabi Alonso and Ryan Babel exchange passes on the right, looking for a crossing opportunity but the Preston defence are allowing no way through. 9 Wallace delivers a corner from the right but Gerrard get to the ball first and heads it clear of danger. 8 Preston have done well to contain :Liverpool thus far, allowing them no time on the ball and closing down well. 7 Mawene loses the ball in the middle of the park, allowing Steven Gerrard to play Riera free down the left. He tries to cut inside two defenders but leaves the ball behind. 6 Ross Wallace steps up to take the free-kick and forces Diego Cavalieri to palm the ball away from goal. 5 Paul McKenna goes down rather easily and the referee awards a free-kick against Agger. 4 Liverpool launch their first real attack of the game as Albert Riera sends in a cross from the right but his touch is too heavy and the ball goes out for a Preston throw. 3 Youl Mawene sends a good lob over the top which Parkin collects but he's unable to use it under close attention from Emiliano Insua and Daniel Agger. 2 Preston attack from a throw-in but Jon Parkin is flagged offside as he latches onto the ball inside the Liverpool penalty area. 1 The match gets underway at Deepdale. Rafa Benitez is fielding a near full-strength side, a clear sign that he's not willing to sacrifice the FA Cup in his pursuit of Liverpool's first Premier League title
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Highlights Video : FA Cup PRESTON NORTH END 0 - 2 LIVERPOOL
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Goals Video Clip : FA Cup PRESTON NORTH END 0 - 2 LIVERPOOL
0 - 1 : Albert Riera (25')
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0 - 2 : Fernando Torres (90')
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Full Match Video : FA Cup PRESTON NORTH END 0 - 2 LIVERPOOL
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1st Half : Fr333dom | Mininova
2nd Half : Fr333dom | Mininova
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93 GOAL TORRES: Gerrard is played clear through on goal as Preston push all ten men forward in desperation. The Liverpool skipper waits for Torres to catch up to him before laying it wide for the Spaniard to complete the easiest of tap-ins.83 Mascherano makes way for Fabio Aurelio in what might be a precautionary measure, the Argentinian apparantly nursing an injured hamstring.81 Chaplow makes way for Barry Nicholson as Alan Irvine goes for broke.73 Robbie Keane, who has had another torrid day, makes way for Fernando Torres.54 Callum Davidson is forced to leave the pitch due to injury and Eddie Nolan comes on in his place.46 Lucas comes on in place of Alonso as Rafa Benitez shuffles his pack. Preston's odds have dropped to 20/1 while the draw is an attractive11/2. Liverpool are 1/8 to keep their lead and go on to win. Why not bet on the game to produce 5 goals at 9/1, after all, Fernando Torres is yet to make an appearance.45+1 The half ends. Liverpool should be 4-0 up with Robbie Keane missing three absolute sitters during a strangely pedestrian first half. Preston will hope to make the visitors pay for the profligacy during the second period.32 Chaplow hits Alonso very late and becomes the first player to be booked in this game.24 GOAL RIERA: Gerrard's pass to Riera hits Chaplow but the Spaniard still receives the ball on the right. He cuts inside, makes some space for himself and fires an absolutely unstoppable shot into the top-left corner of the Preston goal.
EPL 28/12/08 : NEWCASTLE VS LIVERPOOL It's all over here at St James' Park and Liverpool have cruised to an emphatic 5-1 victory over a hapless Newcastle side to ensure they head into 2009 on top of the Premier League table. It was a performance which further underlines the Reds are ready to go all the way and clinch the title but for the Magpies they must now make a dramatic improvement if they're to avoid a slide into the Championship 89 The resulting cross is played out to Lucas but his shot from 20 yards sails high into the stands behind the goal. 88 Liverpool should have another goal but Given saves superbly from Lucas' close-range header before Babel puts the rebound wide. It didn't appear to take a deflection but Liverpool have been awarded a corner. 87 Credit to the Magpies for their attempts to reduce the deficit. They win a free kick down the right but Guthrie's cross is cleared away by the Reds. 86 Newcastle get the corner clear and avoid further damage to the scoreline. 85 Liverpool raid down the left looking for their sixth goal but a cross into the box is hacked behind by Coloccini. 84 Although the initial corner is cleared, Newcastle continue to press forward and Reina has to be alert to save from Taylor's header. 83 Newcastle come close to a consolation when a Guthrie free kick is tipped over the bar by Reina. 82 Liverpool fans are making all the noise inside St James' Park although the home supporters are doing their best to drown them out with boos. 81 Newcastle are embroiled in a relegation fight and on this evidence there is plenty to suggest they can go down. They've been sadly well out of their depth today and a result like this can be extremely demoralising for the club. 78 This has been a cracking display from Liverpool and the scoreline is an ideal reflection of the game. 74 Reina is a little hurt after taking a knock and the game comes to a halt briefly. 73 Geremi almost catches Reina unaware with a free kick from virtually the half-way line and the Liverpool goalkeeper hurries back to keep it out. 72 Fortunately for Reina his terrible clearance finds a Liverpool defender saving him much embarrassment. 71 It's a job well done as far as Liverpool are concerned and they're content to go through the motions in the final 20 minutes of this clash. 68 Danny Guthrie has a crack from distance but his low shot is comfortably saved by Reina. 67 This is the performance of potential Premier League champions at St James' Park and they will head into the new year on top of the standings. 66 GOAL GERRARD - Lucas cuts open Newcastle's defence with a piercing through pass which Gerrard latches onto before charging into the box and delicately chipping his shot over Given for goal number four. 64 Liverpool are coasting right now and don't need to be in top gear to fend off the Magpies. 63 The hosts desperately need a goal soon if they're to give themselves a chance of getting a point out of this clash but that's looking increasingly unlikely. 62 Strong defending from Gutierrez prevents Liverpool progress on the left wing and Newcastle can clear to safety. 61 Lucas gets in behind N'Zogbia and threads a lovely pass through for Kuyt who is marginally caught offside. 59 Geremi bends his curling effort over the wall but the stranded Reina is relieved to see the ball crash against the bar and behind for a goal kick. 57 The delivery into the box causes problems for Reina, who completely misses his attempts to punch, and then picks up what looked to be a back-pass from Jamie Carragher. However the referee Mark Halsey says play on. 55 Newcastle have a free kick on the right wing after Ameobi is fouled by Agger, who escapes a booking. 54 N'Zogbia's cross from the left drifts out of play for a goal kick and that just about sums up Newcastle's quality this lunchtime. 53 Newcastle try to get forward through the middle but it's all rather frantic and the Reds clear their lines. 52 Liverpool are growing in confidence again and once more it appears as if we could be set for a cricket score at St James' Park. 51 Replays of that goal further highlight just how much of a gift that was for Liverpool. Having worked their way into a position to fight for a point, Newcastle have surely thrown their chance away. 49 Gerrard tries to get down the right wing and wins a corner after a challenge from N'Zogbia. 48 It's been a much brighter start from the hosts, who are undoubtedly on a high having clawed a goal back just before the break. 47 Ameobi looks to make an immediate impact as he bursts down the right wing but his cross evades everybody inside the box. 46 Liverpool get the second half under way at St James' Park looking to continue their dominance over Newcastle and secure all three points. Michael Morton has sent in a rather angry email to me about Newcastle, saying: "On the day Ashley says he's not selling, I see we're being well out played today. The whole of the Toon team should not get their wages for this performance. Can only see Liverpool going on to win this game 5-1 are maybe even by more!" 45 GOAL EDGAR - Slack defending from Liverpool allows David Edgar the time and space to direct a powerful header past Reina and into the net. 45 There will be just a minute of stoppage-time to play before the break and Newcastle have one last change with a corner. 44 The Magpies win a corner of their own and when the ball is swung into the box, Taylor's glancing header drifts just wide of the post. That could have changed the game. 43 Newcastle get the ball clear at last as they edge closer to the interval. 42 Indeed it is Hyypia who wins the header but this time Given is able to make a one-handed stop before his defenders shovel the ball behind for another corner. 41 Liverpool win another corner and Hyypia is up from the back to try to repeat his goal scoring exploits. 40 Joe Kinnear must now decide whether he'll instruct his side to go for broke after the break and risk conceding more or simply try to limit the damage. 39 It's very quiet at St James' Park with the crowd subdued by how much their team have been outplayed in this first half. 38 I think this game is all over as a contest and could now be a matter of how many goals Liverpool will score. Liverpool are not letting Newcastle see any of the ball and this must be frustrating to watch for the home fans. 37 Ryan Babel now bursts down the left wing but Newcastle prevent the cross and further problems. 35 Liverpool win a corner down the right after good work from Benayoun. 34 Gerrard is finding so much space in midfield and completely running the show right now. He deserved the goal and if they get another before the break then it's effectively job done. 33 Gutierrez slips a ball into the box for Damien Duff who slots his shot past a stationary Reina into the net. But it won't count because the offside flag is raised. 32 It's no more than Liverpool deserve and it's hard to see anyway back for the Magpies. If anything it could get ugly. 29 Liverpool are the only team looking to keep the ball and work their way forward as Newcastle continue to sit back. 28 The Magpies slow the game down after winning a free kick deep in their own half but they've got to find a way of hurting Liverpool in forward positions. They can't go on like this and expect not to concede. 27 Liverpool will win this clash at a canter if they continue to penn Newcastle back like this - but of course Given will have other ideas. 26 Gerrard goes for glory with an audacious volley from 30 yards but Given can watch this one bobble well wide. 25 Newcastle attempt to break Liverpool's stranglehold with an attack of their own but it comes to nothing and they certainly lack the creative quality today. 24 Taylor is still limping around and I wonder just how much longer he will continue, especially with Liverpool in such rampaging mood. 23 Newcastle simply can't keep up but the home fans are singing the name of Given, who is producing a one-man show to thwart Liverpool at St James' Park. 22 The visitors could have scored about three or four goals already and this time Hyypia's flick beats Given but is cleared off the line by N'Zogbia. 21 Liverpool have another corner and Given once again pulls off a cracking save to prevent a Lucas header finding the net. 20 Liverpool are all over Newcastle and quite how it's still 0-0 is simply down to Given. This time he saves from Leiva Lucas, who was standing just a couple of yards out with the goal at his mercy. Incredible. 19 Steven Taylor concedes a corner and more worryingly appears to be struggling after taking a knock in a challenge with Kuyt. 18 N'Zogbia gets forward for Newcastle on the left but his looping cross is easily claimed by Jose Reina. 17 Daniel Agger swings the ball into the box and Sami Hyypia rises highest to plant a firm header inches wide of the post. 16 Emiliano Insua is chopped to the ground by a late tackle from Jonas Gutierrez on the left but the Magpies man escapes a caution. 15 Newcastle are increasingly finding themselves stretched at the back as Liverpool crank up the pressure. 14 Liverpool are in full stride right now and Gerrard comes close with a powerful shot inside the box but once again he's denied by the agile Given. 13 The ball is delivered into the box but Liverpool clear their lines and will look to move forward. 12 Newcastle promptly break down the other end on the left wing and win a free kick in a promising position. 11 Gerrard exchanges passes with Kuyt before waltzing into the area and looks certain to score but when one-on-one with Given, the goalkeeper comes out on top. Best move of the match. 10 Liverpool are dominating possession at the moment but so far are struggling to find a way through. 9 Dirk Kuyt is set up by Gerrard inside the box but from a tight angle his fierce shot is blocked by the face of Shay Given. 8 Charles N'Zogbia hoists a cross into the box from the left wing and when the ball is headed clear, Fabricio Coloccini blasts a long-range volley just over the bar. 7 Steven Gerrard has the first shot of the game from distance but the ball sails high into the stands behind the goal. 6 When Liverpool have the ball Newcastle sit back and play an effective ploy of containment which is working a treat so far. 5 It's been a quiet opening few minutes here at St James' Park with both sides merely easing themselves into the game. 4 Newcastle are still very much involved in matters at the wrong end of the table and will be looking to keep it tight for the time being at least. Would they take a 0-0 if it was offered to them now? 3 Liverpool attack down the left wing but stout defending from the hosts prevents a cross being delivered into the box. 2 Rafa Benitez is in the stands watching the game from above but he's still evidently in communication with Sammy Lee on the bench. It will be interesting to see how his side approach today's game knowing that a win will ensure they head into 2009 on top of the table. 1 Newcastle get this clash under way at St James' Park aiming to derail Liverpool's title bid while also boosting their own hopes of climbing up the table. Ross Bicknell from Southport says: "I think that Liverpool will dominate from the start taking the lead with a fantastic double from Gerrard in the first half, with Gerrard completing his hat-trick early in the second." That certainly is an audacious prediction! Philip Barber has also got in touch, saying: "I see a tight game with two great goalkeepers on display! A Gerrard goal separating the two after 90 minutes, maybe, if Owen doesn't score first, early on." And finally just before the game kicks off we've got time to show you the thoughts of Shaunvir Samrai, who says: "I was hoping to see Torres back today but looks like he's not on the bench. It's a Liverpool victory for me and Keane will score. I would love to see alot more of Ryan Babel."
English Premier League 28/12/2008
NEWCASTLE UNITED 1 - 5 LIVERPOOL
Highlights Video :
Highlights Video : EPL NEWCASTLE UNITED 1 - 5 LIVERPOOL
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Full Match Video : EPL NEWCASTLE UNITED 1 - 5 LIVERPOOL
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Goals Video Clip : EPL NEWCASTLE UNITED 1 - 5 LIVERPOOL
0 - 1 : Steven Gerrard (31')
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0 - 2 : Sami Hyypia (36')
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1 - 2 : David Edgar (45')
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1 - 3 : Ryan Babel (50')
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1 - 4 : Steven Gerrard (66')
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1 - 5 : Xabi Alonso [pen.] (76')
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credit by Iker91, Mr. Mercury, ReMad2, ScreaManUnited, fulhamfever
live commentary from skysports.com90 With the game drawing to a close Given is shown a yellow card for unsporting conduct.80 Liverpool make their final substitution with Martin Skrtel replacing Kuyt.79 Newcastle make another change with Michael Owen coming off to be replaced by Kazenga LuaLua.
77 GOAL ALONSO - Alonso steps up and places his shot firmly out of Given's reach in the right corner of the goal.76 Liverpool have a penalty after Edgar brings down Ngog inside the box and Newcastle have few complaints.75 Taylor is now shown the yellow card after a needless barge on Reina while chasing a long ball.70 Gerrard receives a standing ovation from the Liverpool fans and some sporting applause from the home supporters as he's taken off to be replaced by David Ngog.60 Liverpool make a change with Xabi Alonso replacing Benayoun, the creator of the opening goal.58 Javier Mascherano is booked after chopping down Owen just a few yards outside the area. More importantly for Newcastle they have a dangerous free kick opportunity.56 Before the set-piece can be taken Nicky Butt is replaced by Geremi.50 GOAL BABEL - The ball is curled into the box by Gerrard and after some quite appallingly lazy defending, Babel is able to stab home from two yards despite being surrounded by Newcastle players. Woeful from the Magpies.46 The Magpies made one substitution at the break with Sanchez Jose Enrique making way for Shola Ameobi while Liverpool remain unchanged Liverpool are now 1/8 with Sky Bet to go on and win this clash with Newcastle a distant 22/1 with the draw available at 11/2. My initial tip of 3-1 in Liverpool's favour is looking distinctly possible now and can now be backed at just 12/5 so I hope you all listened to me! Michael Owen hasn't had a sniff of a chance so far and he's 14/1 to be the game's next goalscorer while he's 6/1 to net anytime. Gerrard has been the main man for Liverpool and I'm sure there's plenty more chances to come his way, making the 7/1 about him to score the next goal very tempting. Head now to skybet.com to place your in-running bets.45 The referee blows his whistle to end a one-sided first half in which Liverpool have forged their way into a thoroughly deserved 2-1 lead over Newcastle at St James' Park but in all honesty the margin should be more. Edgar's header has given Newcastle a glimmer of hope for the second half36 GOAL HYYPIA - The ball is floated into the box by Gerrard and Hyypia towers over Coloccini to direct a header into the top corner.31 GOAL GERRARD - Here come Liverpool once more and after a sustained spell of possession the ball is delivered low into the box by Yossi Benayoun's cut back pass and Gerrard blasts his fierce shot into the top corner of the net.
Match Stats : EPL NEWCASTLE UNITED 1 - 5 LIVERPOOL
TEAM
LIVERPOOL
Reina, Insua, Hyypia, Agger, Carragher, Babel, Mascherano, Leiva, Benayoun, Gerrard (captain), Kuyt.
Subs - Alonso, Keane, Ngog, Riera, Cavalieri, Skrtel, El Zhar
NEWCASTLE UNITED
Given, Enrique, Taylor, Coloccini, Edgar, N'Zogbia, Butt, Guthrie, Gutierrez, Owen (captain), Duff.
Subs - Ameobi, Carroll, Kadar, , Lua Lua, , Harper
Referee : Mark Halsey
Match Highlights Photos
Steven Gerrard of Liverpool scores the opening goal against Newcastle during their Premier League match at St James Park on December 28, 2008 in Newcastle, England.
Laurence Griffiths - Getty Images
Sami Hyypia of Liverpool (center) scores his team's second goal against Newcastle.
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Daniel Agger of Liverpool battles with Michael Owen of Newcastle.
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Robbie Keane of Liverpool sits on the bench during the game against Newcastle. Despite being in decent form, Keane was not called off the bench by Reds boss Rafa Benitez.
Laurence Griffiths - Getty Images
(Left to right) Steven Taylor, Fabricio Coloccini, Nicky Butt, Michael Owen and Damien Duff of Newcastle show their disspointment after conceding another goal. Liverpool won the game 5-1.
Laurence Griffiths - Getty Images
Steven Gerrard celebrates after putting Liverpool in front at Newcastle United
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Steven Gerrard fires Liverpool in front at Newcastle United
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Sami Hyypia celebrates after heading Liverpool's second goal at Newcastle United
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David Edgar pulls a goal back for Newcastle United against Liverpool
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Steven Gerrard sprints clear of Fabricio Coloccini to score his second and Liverpool's fourth at Newcastle United
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