LIVERPOOL FC avoided a potential Europa League banana skin in Romania as they came from behind to book their place in the last 16.
Poor defending from a corner in the first half saw them fall behind to Bruno Fernandes’ header in the 19th minute and for a while they looked rattled.
However, Javier Mascherano from long-range, and Ryan Babel from close, turned things around before the interval before Steven Gerrard’s 33rd European goal wrapped things up after the break.
Knowing they had to score, Unirea had to abandon their defensive policy which had served them so well a week ago and, backed by a vociferous crowd, created their first chance in only the second minute.
Jamie Carragher’s header from Iulian Apostol’s free-kick only reached the edge of the penalty area and Sorin Frunza lashed a dipping volley on to the top of Jose Reina’s net.
Less than 60 seconds later Lucas Leiva picked out Steven Gerrard with a through-ball but the Liverpool captain’s fierce low drive was parried into the air by goalkeeper Giedrius Arlauskis.
Liverpool were retaining possession for long periods without really hurting their opponents but it was to cost them as, in the 19th minute, Unirea levelled the tie on aggregate.
Agger’s last-ditch tackle on Marius Onofras gave the hosts a corner from the left and Razvan Paduretu’s inviting delivery was perfect for centre-back Bruno Fernandes to power home a header virtually unchallenged.
George Galamaz’s foul on Martin Skrtel resulted in the Unirea captain coming off worst and despite trying to run off his injury he was replaced by Ersin Mehmedovic in the 28th minute.
Two minutes later Liverpool seized control of the tie from the most unlikely of sources.
Benayoun and Ngog combined to allow Carragher to cross and although Ryan Babel mis-controlled Gerrard’s far post header with only the goalkeeper to beat, the ball broke to Javier Mascherano just outside the penalty area and he smashed a shot past Arlauskis.
Liverpool gave themselves the cushion they so desperately need five minutes before half-time.
Gerrard swung in a free-kick from the right and Babel took one touch before swivelling to fire home from close range.
Early in the second half Gerrard fired wide of Arlauskis' right-hand post and also forced him into a low save on the same side as Liverpool started to play with slightly more freedom.
If there was any chance about Unirea staging an unlikely comeback it was snuffed out by Gerrard in the 57th minute.
Babel broke down the left, moving the ball to Lucas and he picked out Benayoun, whose mazy dribble into the area was half-stopped to allow the Liverpool captain to run onto the loose ball and blast a low shot under Arlauskis.
That strike was his 33rd in Europe, taking him past Alan Shearer who scored 30 for Newcastle and two for Blackburn.
That prompted the introduction of youngster Martin Kelly for Carragher at right-back and, almost immediately, Sotirios Kyrgiakos after Unirea substitute Antonio Semedo appeared to go in over the top on Martin Skrtel.
With thoughts turning to Blackburn on Sunday in the Barclays Premier League, manager Rafael Benitez replaced Benayoun with Fabio Aurelio for the final 15 minutes.
Emiliano Insua’s late intervention poked the ball off the toe of Paduretu just as he was about to pull the trigger in the six-yard area but otherwise there were no other scares.
But their first-half defensive lapses will not have gone unnoticed by Rovers boss Sam Allardyce ahead of his side’s visit to Anfield.
Much greater challenges lie ahead for Benitez and his Liverpool team.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Man city 0-0 Liverpool
The eagerly-awaited top-four showdown turned into a bore draw between Manchester City and Liverpool at Eastlands.
Gripped by the fear of losing, the North West rivals did not manage a shot on target during the first-half and only threw off their shackles in a half-hearted search for victory in the final 15 minutes.
But even the introductions of Craig Bellamy and Fernando Torres failed to lift the game from its overall torpor.
Pepe Reina’s smart save to deny Emmanuel Adebayor represented the biggest thrill of a pitiful afternoon that convinced no-one of either club’s worthiness to sit at Europe’s top table, and proved how shrewd Sky and ESPN were not to bother screening it live.
When the teams were announced, it confirmed a tale of two substitutes. The sad thing was, when an opening period containing exactly zero shots on target ended, the respective benches were still the biggest talking points.
Torres was relatively straightforward.
A knee operation that was supposed to rule him out until March had eased sufficiently for Rafael Benitez to put him on the bench, if only for use in emergency.
Predictably, the issues surrounding Bellamy are less clear-cut.
It has now been established beyond question the Welshman’s own dodgy knees can no longer stand up to the exhaustive nature of a Premier League season.
Also taken for granted is Bellamy’s combustible nature.
According to Roberto Mancini, a midweek argument about the best way to treat the injury was nothing serious. Other reports tell a different story.
Bellamy’s presence in Mancini’s squad at least offered hope any souring of relations is repairable, although as a capacity crowd digested a truly awful opening period, the game itself was in desperate need of his involvement.
Given the scrap now taking place for that coveted fourth Champions League spot, a sense of trepidation could have been forgiven.
What was less easy to ignore was the woeful passing, the negativity and the limited vision. The sight of Steven Gerrard and Maxi Rodriguez running into each other on one Liverpool attack just about summed the whole thing up.
Gerrard was responsible for the visitors’ best chance, sending over the corner that Martin Skrtel glanced wide at the far post after Shay Given had failed to come and collect.
At the other end, the only moment to enthuse about was a Pablo Zabaleta shot that would have gone wide had it not hit Emmanuel Adebayor. In such instances, anything can happen. This time, the trajectory of the ball barely altered.
Although it really could not have been worse, the first 15 minutes of the second-half was no better than what had gone before.
Benitez was already preparing to introduce Yossi Benayoun for his first appearance since breaking a rib in the same FA Cup defeat to Reading that marked the start of Torres’ absence when Adebayor let rip from 20 yards.
Without question it posed the biggest threat to either goal, but Reina proved equal to it, plunging to his right to make an excellent one-handed save.
Benayoun’s arrival followed shortly afterwards then, to a standing ovation, Bellamy was introduced.
One Gerrard shot and six minutes later, Torres returned to the fray.
Now, other than a bit of rustiness, there were no excuses for either side being so restricted in their approach.
Almost immediately there was a greater sense of purpose, as both sides began to recognise a victory rather than concentrate purely on the damage of defeat.
Skrtel managed to recover his ground just in time to rob Adebayor as the Togo man was about to shoot. From the corner, Adebayor headed Vincent Kompany’s cross over.
Had referee Peter Walton seen an already booked Javier Mascherano drive his studs into Gareth Barry’s ankle, Liverpool would have ended up playing the final few minutes with 10 men.
As it was, Mascherano remained on the field until the bitter end.
But the only lucky ones today were those who missed it altogether.
Gripped by the fear of losing, the North West rivals did not manage a shot on target during the first-half and only threw off their shackles in a half-hearted search for victory in the final 15 minutes.
But even the introductions of Craig Bellamy and Fernando Torres failed to lift the game from its overall torpor.
Pepe Reina’s smart save to deny Emmanuel Adebayor represented the biggest thrill of a pitiful afternoon that convinced no-one of either club’s worthiness to sit at Europe’s top table, and proved how shrewd Sky and ESPN were not to bother screening it live.
When the teams were announced, it confirmed a tale of two substitutes. The sad thing was, when an opening period containing exactly zero shots on target ended, the respective benches were still the biggest talking points.
Torres was relatively straightforward.
A knee operation that was supposed to rule him out until March had eased sufficiently for Rafael Benitez to put him on the bench, if only for use in emergency.
Predictably, the issues surrounding Bellamy are less clear-cut.
It has now been established beyond question the Welshman’s own dodgy knees can no longer stand up to the exhaustive nature of a Premier League season.
Also taken for granted is Bellamy’s combustible nature.
According to Roberto Mancini, a midweek argument about the best way to treat the injury was nothing serious. Other reports tell a different story.
Bellamy’s presence in Mancini’s squad at least offered hope any souring of relations is repairable, although as a capacity crowd digested a truly awful opening period, the game itself was in desperate need of his involvement.
Given the scrap now taking place for that coveted fourth Champions League spot, a sense of trepidation could have been forgiven.
What was less easy to ignore was the woeful passing, the negativity and the limited vision. The sight of Steven Gerrard and Maxi Rodriguez running into each other on one Liverpool attack just about summed the whole thing up.
Gerrard was responsible for the visitors’ best chance, sending over the corner that Martin Skrtel glanced wide at the far post after Shay Given had failed to come and collect.
At the other end, the only moment to enthuse about was a Pablo Zabaleta shot that would have gone wide had it not hit Emmanuel Adebayor. In such instances, anything can happen. This time, the trajectory of the ball barely altered.
Although it really could not have been worse, the first 15 minutes of the second-half was no better than what had gone before.
Benitez was already preparing to introduce Yossi Benayoun for his first appearance since breaking a rib in the same FA Cup defeat to Reading that marked the start of Torres’ absence when Adebayor let rip from 20 yards.
Without question it posed the biggest threat to either goal, but Reina proved equal to it, plunging to his right to make an excellent one-handed save.
Benayoun’s arrival followed shortly afterwards then, to a standing ovation, Bellamy was introduced.
One Gerrard shot and six minutes later, Torres returned to the fray.
Now, other than a bit of rustiness, there were no excuses for either side being so restricted in their approach.
Almost immediately there was a greater sense of purpose, as both sides began to recognise a victory rather than concentrate purely on the damage of defeat.
Skrtel managed to recover his ground just in time to rob Adebayor as the Togo man was about to shoot. From the corner, Adebayor headed Vincent Kompany’s cross over.
Had referee Peter Walton seen an already booked Javier Mascherano drive his studs into Gareth Barry’s ankle, Liverpool would have ended up playing the final few minutes with 10 men.
As it was, Mascherano remained on the field until the bitter end.
But the only lucky ones today were those who missed it altogether.
Liverpool 1-0 Unirea Urziceni
ANFIELD is renowned for its famous European nights.
This wasn’t one of them.
The floodlights were on but there was a different feel to it all.
Even the theme tune seemed out of place.
For any Liverpool supporters still living in denial, the harsh reality of Europa league football finally bit in a tepid affair.
It’s been six years since Liverpool last took part in the competition. Although there are more esteemed opponents further down the line – assuming the Reds progress – few will be wishing to get too familiar with the Champions League’s poor relation.
A late David Ngog goal was the difference on paper. In terms of possession though, there was only one team in it.
It was Liverpool’s failure to break the stubborn visitors down however that added to what was always likely to be frustrating night here.
With Lucas on the bench, Alberto Aquilani was handed a first start for a month while Fabio Aurelio came in for Emiliano Insua.
It was a strong Liverpool line up as Rafa Benitez backed up his pre-match claims that all at Anfield will be taking the competition seriously.
In keeping with that, it took just 25 seconds for Liverpool to spell out their intent. A slick passing move eventually saw Steven Gerrard played in by Dirk Kuyt, the captain forcing a save from Giedrius Arlauskis.
Kuyt then flashed a shot across the face of goal before an Aurelio freekick saw Arlauskis scurrying to his left, the shot ending up the wrong side of the upright.
For Urziceni, Marius Bilasco cut an isolated figure playing as lone striker. Anything aimed in his direction was easily cut out by Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel who will have few easier nights than this.
That was as much to do with the Romanian’s defensive tendency’s. they rarely troubled Pepe Reina’s goal.
As Liverpool continued to spray the ball around the pitch, Javier Mascherano found Riera wide on the left whose cross picked out Gerrard, only for the ball to skid off the skipper’s forehead and wide.
It took 25 minutes for Unirea to muster a shot on goal. Even then Sorin Frunza’s speculative freekick was gathered easily by Reina.
Their next effort came from all of 50 yards, Marius Onofuras trying to catch Reina out from distance. Again, the Reds keeper was untroubled.
Shortly after it was Liverpool asking the questions again. Riera’s shot looked destined for the bottom corner until Unirea captain George Galamaz threw himself in the way to deflect it out for a corner.
The volume cranked up a notch when Riera forced another corner in the 35th minute as Liverpool camped in Urziceni’s half.
Ngog was then inches wide after turning well inside the area to get his shot away. It seemed a matter of when, not if, Liverpool would score.
Good work by Aquilani saw him link up with Riera to get a cross in from the left, Bruno Fernandes getting there before Ngog.
The Brazilian centre half was booked moments later for scything Gerrard down as the number eight burst through the middle. Aurelio smashed the resultant kick into the wall granting Urziceni further reprieve.
Visiting manager Roni Levy hinted beforehand he would take a cautious approach, and the second half started as the first ended, with Urziceni defending on their 18-yard line.
Carragher delivered a dangerous ball from the right which Gerrard headed wide as the Reds looked to make their possession pay.
On the hour mark, Aurelio powered a shot past the post just before Riera was replaced by Ryan Babel.
The Dutchman’s injection of pace was welcomed and it was his searching cross that nearly picked out Gerrard arriving at the back post. With 10 men behind the ball at any given time however, Urziceni continued to frustrate Liverpool.
Good skill by Carragher midway through the half saw the defender turn away from Frunza and feed Kuyt down the right. The cross, though, was again headed clear as Ngog failed to escape his marker.
The Frenchman’s scuffed shot deflected for a corner that was met by Martin Skrtel but arrowed over the crossbar.
Ngog was next to see a header flash wide as Liverpool kept pressing but to no avail.
Gerrard was next, stinging Arlauskis’ palms from a tight angle, with 15 minutes remaining.
Dani Pacheco was then introduced for Aquilani. The youngster tucked in behind Ngog with Gerrard dropping into a central midfield role.
A rare attack at the other end saw Frunza skew a shot wide following a slip from Mascherano. Better quality would have punished Liverpool.
If that was a reminder of the fatal late goals conceded against Lyon and Fiorentina this season, Liverpool took heed.
Within a minute they were in front. Babel’s cross from the left was headed down superbly by Pacheco for Ngog to bundle over the line.
The celebrations were accompanied by a sigh of relief that, at least, Liverpool have a slender lead to take to Bucharest next week.
This wasn’t one of them.
The floodlights were on but there was a different feel to it all.
Even the theme tune seemed out of place.
For any Liverpool supporters still living in denial, the harsh reality of Europa league football finally bit in a tepid affair.
It’s been six years since Liverpool last took part in the competition. Although there are more esteemed opponents further down the line – assuming the Reds progress – few will be wishing to get too familiar with the Champions League’s poor relation.
A late David Ngog goal was the difference on paper. In terms of possession though, there was only one team in it.
It was Liverpool’s failure to break the stubborn visitors down however that added to what was always likely to be frustrating night here.
With Lucas on the bench, Alberto Aquilani was handed a first start for a month while Fabio Aurelio came in for Emiliano Insua.
It was a strong Liverpool line up as Rafa Benitez backed up his pre-match claims that all at Anfield will be taking the competition seriously.
In keeping with that, it took just 25 seconds for Liverpool to spell out their intent. A slick passing move eventually saw Steven Gerrard played in by Dirk Kuyt, the captain forcing a save from Giedrius Arlauskis.
Kuyt then flashed a shot across the face of goal before an Aurelio freekick saw Arlauskis scurrying to his left, the shot ending up the wrong side of the upright.
For Urziceni, Marius Bilasco cut an isolated figure playing as lone striker. Anything aimed in his direction was easily cut out by Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel who will have few easier nights than this.
That was as much to do with the Romanian’s defensive tendency’s. they rarely troubled Pepe Reina’s goal.
As Liverpool continued to spray the ball around the pitch, Javier Mascherano found Riera wide on the left whose cross picked out Gerrard, only for the ball to skid off the skipper’s forehead and wide.
It took 25 minutes for Unirea to muster a shot on goal. Even then Sorin Frunza’s speculative freekick was gathered easily by Reina.
Their next effort came from all of 50 yards, Marius Onofuras trying to catch Reina out from distance. Again, the Reds keeper was untroubled.
Shortly after it was Liverpool asking the questions again. Riera’s shot looked destined for the bottom corner until Unirea captain George Galamaz threw himself in the way to deflect it out for a corner.
The volume cranked up a notch when Riera forced another corner in the 35th minute as Liverpool camped in Urziceni’s half.
Ngog was then inches wide after turning well inside the area to get his shot away. It seemed a matter of when, not if, Liverpool would score.
Good work by Aquilani saw him link up with Riera to get a cross in from the left, Bruno Fernandes getting there before Ngog.
The Brazilian centre half was booked moments later for scything Gerrard down as the number eight burst through the middle. Aurelio smashed the resultant kick into the wall granting Urziceni further reprieve.
Visiting manager Roni Levy hinted beforehand he would take a cautious approach, and the second half started as the first ended, with Urziceni defending on their 18-yard line.
Carragher delivered a dangerous ball from the right which Gerrard headed wide as the Reds looked to make their possession pay.
On the hour mark, Aurelio powered a shot past the post just before Riera was replaced by Ryan Babel.
The Dutchman’s injection of pace was welcomed and it was his searching cross that nearly picked out Gerrard arriving at the back post. With 10 men behind the ball at any given time however, Urziceni continued to frustrate Liverpool.
Good skill by Carragher midway through the half saw the defender turn away from Frunza and feed Kuyt down the right. The cross, though, was again headed clear as Ngog failed to escape his marker.
The Frenchman’s scuffed shot deflected for a corner that was met by Martin Skrtel but arrowed over the crossbar.
Ngog was next to see a header flash wide as Liverpool kept pressing but to no avail.
Gerrard was next, stinging Arlauskis’ palms from a tight angle, with 15 minutes remaining.
Dani Pacheco was then introduced for Aquilani. The youngster tucked in behind Ngog with Gerrard dropping into a central midfield role.
A rare attack at the other end saw Frunza skew a shot wide following a slip from Mascherano. Better quality would have punished Liverpool.
If that was a reminder of the fatal late goals conceded against Lyon and Fiorentina this season, Liverpool took heed.
Within a minute they were in front. Babel’s cross from the left was headed down superbly by Pacheco for Ngog to bundle over the line.
The celebrations were accompanied by a sigh of relief that, at least, Liverpool have a slender lead to take to Bucharest next week.
Arsenal 1-0 Liverpool
FROM derby joy to Diaby despair. Just when it appeared Liverpool had turned the corner, they found themselves up a familiar cul-de-sac last night...
Another visit to the Emirates ended in another disappointing evening for Rafael Benitez's side as their winter revival came shuddering to a halt.
So much for talk of closing the gap on third-placed Arsenal.. This, if any were necessary, was a reminder the Anfield outfit are still facing an almighty scrap to claim that fourth and final Champion League qualification berth.
The defensive resolve that guided them to victory over neighbours Everton at the weekend had looked set to gain at least a point from their meeting with Arsene Wenger's side.
But once Jamie Carragher was forced to limp off shortly after the interval with a suspected hamstring problem, matters began to unravel with Abou Diaby capping concerted home pressure by heading in a Tomas Rosicky cross for the only goal of the game with 18 minutes remaining.
Arsenal were never quite the “wounded animal” that Steven Gerrard had warned of following the recent collapse, and it is hard to shift the nagging suspicion Liverpool spurned an opportunity to extend their seven-game unbeaten Premier League run.
Instead, they have now not won in six visits to the Emirates and not since February 2000 have they returned to Merseyside with three points from Arsenal.
Liverpool only seriously threatened once going behind, but it took a fine save from Manuel Almunia and the width of the crossbar to prevent substitute Ryan Babel netting a sensational equaliser.
The injury to Carragher further deepened the gloom for Benitez, the absence of another first-team regular the last thing the manager needs with Fernando Torres, Glen Johnson and Yossi Benayoun all still sidelined for at least the next three weeks.
Going into last night's game, Liverpool's encouraging form was in stark contrast to Arsenal, who had seen their domestic campaign crumble in the three weeks, an FA Cup exit at Stoke City followed by a goalless draw at Aston Villa and back-to-back defeats to championship rivals Manchester United and Chelsea.
It increased the pressure on Gunners manager Arsene Wenger with his team's five-year wait for silverware in great danger of being extended by another year.
With Sotirios Kyrgiakos beginning a three-match suspension following his derby dismissal, Martin Skrtel replacing the Greek centre-back in the only change from Saturday's victory.
After the medieval battle with Everton at the weekend, the first half was a much more sedate affair last night.
Arsenal, confidence shaken by recent results, were slow out of the blocks and it allowed Liverpool to gain an early grip on proceedings that, by and large, they maintained until the interval.
The fine destructive efforts of Javier Mascherano and Lucas Leiva protected the defence with the home side rarely threatening Pepe Reina's goal.
Liverpool were handed an early warning in the seventh minute when slack marking at a Cesc Fabregas free-kick from the right allowed William Gallas the space to send a free header over from eight yards.
The nearest the home side came was in the 26th minute when Liverpool nemesis Andrey Arshavin slipped a pass in for Nicklas Bendtner, only for the recalled striker to shoot wildly from the angle.
It was a familiar story for Bendtner, the Dane having missed a succession of chances in the Carling Cup tie here in October before eventually netting the winner.
But the Gunners were restricted to shots from range, Arshavin blasting over while Fabregas fired straight at Reina, as Liverpool continued their impressive defence form.
There was a brief panic when a loose punch by Reina fell to Samir Nasri, whose shot was charged down by Emiliano Insua.
Liverpool's best moments came when David Ngog, again foraging away as the lone striker, shot tamely at Arsenal goalkeeper Almunia from 20 yards and there were weak claims for a penalty when Thomas Vermaelen, arms flailing, charged down a Maxi Rodriguez shot.
Liverpool, though, were happy to frustrate Wenger's side and their supporters, and could have gone ahead within three minutes of the restart.
Good pressure on the Arsenal defence gave Dirk Kuyt the chance to feed the incoming Lucas Leiva, who raced past Vermaelen into the area but his rising shot was just inches too high of Almunia's crossbar.
And they came closer still shortly afterwards from a lightning counter-attack when Gerrard sent Ngog racing clear. But the Frenchman took too long deciding over how to finish, giving Gallas the time to execute an excellent saving challenge.
Rosicky was guilty of even worse dilly-dallying less than a minute leader when fed in behind the Liverpool defence, the Czech ultimately over-running the ball straight into the arms of the grateful Reina.
That appeared to prompt Arsenal into life and Liverpool, their defence disrupted by the departure of the stricken Carragher, struggled to regroup.
Bendtner benefited from a lucky ricochet but saw Reina take enough of the pace off his goalbound effort to allow Daniel Agger to clear, before Rosicky had a shot deflected over the bar.
Arsenal's increasing desperation was apparent when Bendtner was booked for diving after going to ground too easily under the weight of a tackle from international team-mate Agger.
But the visitors couldn't hold out and Arsenal found a way through on 72 minutes. After a home attack broke down, Bendtner retrieved possession and quickly fed Rosicky down the right, whose first time cross into the six-yard box was headed in by the unmarked Diaby...
Benitez threw on Babel as Liverpool pressed forward in search of an equaliser, and the Dutchman almost managed the feat with a blistering 20-yard shot that Almunia brilliantly turned on to the crossbar.
Maxi Rodriguez hit a shot on the turn at Almunia but there was to be no late show from Benitez's side.
ARSENAL (4-2-3-1): Almunia; Eboue, Gallas, Vermaelen, Clichy; Diaby, Song; Nasri (Rosicky 34), Fabregas, Arshavin (Walcott 68); Bendtner (Sagna 82). Subs: Fabianski, Denilson, Traore, Campbell. BOOKINGS: Clichy (foul) and Bendtner (simulation).
LIVERPOOL (4-2-3-1): Reina; Carragher (Degen 55), Skrtel, Agger, Insua; Lucas (Babel 78), Mascherano; Kuyt, Gerrard, Rodriguez; Ngog. Subs: Cavalieri, Riera, Aurelio, Spearing, Kelly. BOOKINGS: Mascherano (foul) and Degen (both fouls).
REFEREE: Howard Webb.
ATT: 60,046.
Another visit to the Emirates ended in another disappointing evening for Rafael Benitez's side as their winter revival came shuddering to a halt.
So much for talk of closing the gap on third-placed Arsenal.. This, if any were necessary, was a reminder the Anfield outfit are still facing an almighty scrap to claim that fourth and final Champion League qualification berth.
The defensive resolve that guided them to victory over neighbours Everton at the weekend had looked set to gain at least a point from their meeting with Arsene Wenger's side.
But once Jamie Carragher was forced to limp off shortly after the interval with a suspected hamstring problem, matters began to unravel with Abou Diaby capping concerted home pressure by heading in a Tomas Rosicky cross for the only goal of the game with 18 minutes remaining.
Arsenal were never quite the “wounded animal” that Steven Gerrard had warned of following the recent collapse, and it is hard to shift the nagging suspicion Liverpool spurned an opportunity to extend their seven-game unbeaten Premier League run.
Instead, they have now not won in six visits to the Emirates and not since February 2000 have they returned to Merseyside with three points from Arsenal.
Liverpool only seriously threatened once going behind, but it took a fine save from Manuel Almunia and the width of the crossbar to prevent substitute Ryan Babel netting a sensational equaliser.
The injury to Carragher further deepened the gloom for Benitez, the absence of another first-team regular the last thing the manager needs with Fernando Torres, Glen Johnson and Yossi Benayoun all still sidelined for at least the next three weeks.
Going into last night's game, Liverpool's encouraging form was in stark contrast to Arsenal, who had seen their domestic campaign crumble in the three weeks, an FA Cup exit at Stoke City followed by a goalless draw at Aston Villa and back-to-back defeats to championship rivals Manchester United and Chelsea.
It increased the pressure on Gunners manager Arsene Wenger with his team's five-year wait for silverware in great danger of being extended by another year.
With Sotirios Kyrgiakos beginning a three-match suspension following his derby dismissal, Martin Skrtel replacing the Greek centre-back in the only change from Saturday's victory.
After the medieval battle with Everton at the weekend, the first half was a much more sedate affair last night.
Arsenal, confidence shaken by recent results, were slow out of the blocks and it allowed Liverpool to gain an early grip on proceedings that, by and large, they maintained until the interval.
The fine destructive efforts of Javier Mascherano and Lucas Leiva protected the defence with the home side rarely threatening Pepe Reina's goal.
Liverpool were handed an early warning in the seventh minute when slack marking at a Cesc Fabregas free-kick from the right allowed William Gallas the space to send a free header over from eight yards.
The nearest the home side came was in the 26th minute when Liverpool nemesis Andrey Arshavin slipped a pass in for Nicklas Bendtner, only for the recalled striker to shoot wildly from the angle.
It was a familiar story for Bendtner, the Dane having missed a succession of chances in the Carling Cup tie here in October before eventually netting the winner.
But the Gunners were restricted to shots from range, Arshavin blasting over while Fabregas fired straight at Reina, as Liverpool continued their impressive defence form.
There was a brief panic when a loose punch by Reina fell to Samir Nasri, whose shot was charged down by Emiliano Insua.
Liverpool's best moments came when David Ngog, again foraging away as the lone striker, shot tamely at Arsenal goalkeeper Almunia from 20 yards and there were weak claims for a penalty when Thomas Vermaelen, arms flailing, charged down a Maxi Rodriguez shot.
Liverpool, though, were happy to frustrate Wenger's side and their supporters, and could have gone ahead within three minutes of the restart.
Good pressure on the Arsenal defence gave Dirk Kuyt the chance to feed the incoming Lucas Leiva, who raced past Vermaelen into the area but his rising shot was just inches too high of Almunia's crossbar.
And they came closer still shortly afterwards from a lightning counter-attack when Gerrard sent Ngog racing clear. But the Frenchman took too long deciding over how to finish, giving Gallas the time to execute an excellent saving challenge.
Rosicky was guilty of even worse dilly-dallying less than a minute leader when fed in behind the Liverpool defence, the Czech ultimately over-running the ball straight into the arms of the grateful Reina.
That appeared to prompt Arsenal into life and Liverpool, their defence disrupted by the departure of the stricken Carragher, struggled to regroup.
Bendtner benefited from a lucky ricochet but saw Reina take enough of the pace off his goalbound effort to allow Daniel Agger to clear, before Rosicky had a shot deflected over the bar.
Arsenal's increasing desperation was apparent when Bendtner was booked for diving after going to ground too easily under the weight of a tackle from international team-mate Agger.
But the visitors couldn't hold out and Arsenal found a way through on 72 minutes. After a home attack broke down, Bendtner retrieved possession and quickly fed Rosicky down the right, whose first time cross into the six-yard box was headed in by the unmarked Diaby...
Benitez threw on Babel as Liverpool pressed forward in search of an equaliser, and the Dutchman almost managed the feat with a blistering 20-yard shot that Almunia brilliantly turned on to the crossbar.
Maxi Rodriguez hit a shot on the turn at Almunia but there was to be no late show from Benitez's side.
ARSENAL (4-2-3-1): Almunia; Eboue, Gallas, Vermaelen, Clichy; Diaby, Song; Nasri (Rosicky 34), Fabregas, Arshavin (Walcott 68); Bendtner (Sagna 82). Subs: Fabianski, Denilson, Traore, Campbell. BOOKINGS: Clichy (foul) and Bendtner (simulation).
LIVERPOOL (4-2-3-1): Reina; Carragher (Degen 55), Skrtel, Agger, Insua; Lucas (Babel 78), Mascherano; Kuyt, Gerrard, Rodriguez; Ngog. Subs: Cavalieri, Riera, Aurelio, Spearing, Kelly. BOOKINGS: Mascherano (foul) and Degen (both fouls).
REFEREE: Howard Webb.
ATT: 60,046.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Gerrard delight with derby win
Steven Gerrard today savoured Liverpool's derby day victory and insisted the Reds are relishing the challenge of winning the race for a top four place.
Dirk Kuyt's 50th goal for the Reds ensured Rafael Benitez's men moved into the top four for the first time since October - and the skipper believes the Reds are now in the mood to continue their excellent recent run when they travel to Arsenal and Manchester City over the next two games.
"It was a tough derby with passion, committment and plenty of fight from both sides," said Gerrard. "We have beaten a good Everton side today with ten men and the boys should take a lot of credit.
"They have been on a fantastic run but we have beaten them with ten men and played some good football, so we're really pleased.
"Our attitude was great and we stuck together. We always knew we'd be up against it today but we knew we could get chances from set-pieces, especially when you have players like Dirk Kuyt on the field."
Both sides ended the game with ten men after Sotirios Kyrgiakos saw red in the first half and Steven Pienaar was dismissed in stoppage time, but Gerrard insists referee Martin Atkinson gave the game every chance to flow.
"I thought the referee was superb today," he added. "Fans come to games wanting to see passion and fight from players. There were some mis-timed tackles out there, but we won't be complaining about the referee.
"We're happy with the result but we have two tough away games on the road now. But if we keep going as we are at the moment then I am confident we can take points from those matches."
Author: Paul Eaton
Dirk Kuyt's 50th goal for the Reds ensured Rafael Benitez's men moved into the top four for the first time since October - and the skipper believes the Reds are now in the mood to continue their excellent recent run when they travel to Arsenal and Manchester City over the next two games.
"It was a tough derby with passion, committment and plenty of fight from both sides," said Gerrard. "We have beaten a good Everton side today with ten men and the boys should take a lot of credit.
"They have been on a fantastic run but we have beaten them with ten men and played some good football, so we're really pleased.
"Our attitude was great and we stuck together. We always knew we'd be up against it today but we knew we could get chances from set-pieces, especially when you have players like Dirk Kuyt on the field."
Both sides ended the game with ten men after Sotirios Kyrgiakos saw red in the first half and Steven Pienaar was dismissed in stoppage time, but Gerrard insists referee Martin Atkinson gave the game every chance to flow.
"I thought the referee was superb today," he added. "Fans come to games wanting to see passion and fight from players. There were some mis-timed tackles out there, but we won't be complaining about the referee.
"We're happy with the result but we have two tough away games on the road now. But if we keep going as we are at the moment then I am confident we can take points from those matches."
Author: Paul Eaton
Pool 1-0 Everton
Dirk Kuyt's 50th goal in a red shirt secured the derby bragging rights as 10-man Liverpool produced a magnificent display to beat Everton 1-0 on Saturday afternoon.
The Dutch star nodded home his fourth goal in four matches on 54 minutes to earn three vital points for Rafael Benitez's men after Sotirios Kyrgiakos had been shown a straight red card for a first-half challenge on Marouane Fellaini.
The Toffees had rarely looked like snatching a draw and their misery was compounded in injury-time when Steven Pienaar received a second yellow card.
The win clinched the Reds' fourth Barclays Premier League double over their neighbours and means they are now up to fourth in the table- albeit having played more games than their rivals.
With Aston Villa and Tottenham going head-to-head in the evening kick-off, Benitez and co went into the 213th Merseyside derby knowing that victory would not only cement their place as the number one club in Liverpool for another season, but also enhance their bid for the fourth Champions League spot.
The added spice meant that there was more than a hint of passion around the ground as the teams made their way into gladiatorial combat, and it was no surprise that Jamie Carragher won the game's first 50-50, crunching Steven Pienaar with a well-timed tackle that the Kop greeted with a roar of approval.
It set the tone for a full-blooded clash that was rife with the sort of challenges that make these encounters an occasion to savour.
Everton came into the contest on the back of an impressive run and looked the more threatening early on, with a number of set piece deliveries causing problems for Pepe Reina, who was forced to contend with the dazzling glint of the mid-afternoon sun.
However, it was Tim Howard who was the first goalkeeper called into action, fisting away Steven Gerrard's driven free-kick from the far left of the penalty area.
It seemed to lift the hosts and another thunderous challenge from Carragher led to a corner that eventually saw the returning Daniel Agger crash a 12 yard volley over the top.
Things were warming up nicely and the Reds were beginning to enjoy the better of it. A lightning break almost saw Kuyt play David Ngog through before Emiliano Insua, who was making his 50th appearance for the club, rifled a shot just clear of the crossbar.
Everton responded and Leighton Baines tested Pepe Reina with a 25 yard free-kick before a two-footed tackle by Sotirios Kyrgiakos saw the game swing the way of the Blues on 33 minutes.
The Greece international was playing in his first Merseyside derby, but it would not be one to remember, as referee Martin Atkinson chose to show him a straight red card and bring his participation to a premature end.
Any thoughts that Liverpool would be forced onto the back foot were appeased, however, as the home side ended the half strongly.
A good spell of possession saw Gerrard hauled to the ground and from the resulting free-kick the skipper curled a magnificent 20 yard free-kick against the bar, with Howard seemingly well beaten.
Tim Cahill then headed a glorious chance over the top deep into first-half injury-time to ensure the first 45 would end goalless.
Back in March 2006, Benitez's men had faced a similar dilemma to the one they were now in, after overcoming the early sending off of Steven Gerrard to emerge 3-1 victors.
A repeat showing was the order of the day, and as Everton restarted the game attacking the Kop end, it was clear that much would rest on the young shoulders of Ngog.
The Frenchman was ploughing a lone furrow up top, but almost snatched the opener with a solo effort on 53 minutes when he raced onto Maxi Rodriguez's lobbed pass, held off Sylvain Distin and smashed a deflected shot just wide.
The resulting corner did not lead to the opening Liverpool craved, but two minutes later Gerrard won another one and sent in a delicious centre that Kuyt was on hand to flick home from just inside the six yard box.
It was the Dutchman's 10th of the campaign and saw him become only the third Liverpool player to score in both Merseyside derbies in the same Barclays Premier League season.
A goal behind, but a man to the good, the anticipated Everton onslaught was not evident at first and Ngog went close to making it two when he came within inches of converting Gerrard's centre at the far post. It was the striker's last contribution of the match before being replaced by Ryan Babel.
The Blues had an array of attacking flair in their line-up, but looked devoid of ideas as they searched for a way back into the game.
Indeed, it was Benitez's side that looked the more likely and Reina was only called into action in the dying seconds, when he was forced to deny a 30 yard drive from substitute Yakubu.
David Moyes' men threw caution to the wind in stoppage time but Liverpool withstood five minutes to stretch the Toffees' Anfield record to just two wins in their last 24 visits.
The Dutch star nodded home his fourth goal in four matches on 54 minutes to earn three vital points for Rafael Benitez's men after Sotirios Kyrgiakos had been shown a straight red card for a first-half challenge on Marouane Fellaini.
The Toffees had rarely looked like snatching a draw and their misery was compounded in injury-time when Steven Pienaar received a second yellow card.
The win clinched the Reds' fourth Barclays Premier League double over their neighbours and means they are now up to fourth in the table- albeit having played more games than their rivals.
With Aston Villa and Tottenham going head-to-head in the evening kick-off, Benitez and co went into the 213th Merseyside derby knowing that victory would not only cement their place as the number one club in Liverpool for another season, but also enhance their bid for the fourth Champions League spot.
The added spice meant that there was more than a hint of passion around the ground as the teams made their way into gladiatorial combat, and it was no surprise that Jamie Carragher won the game's first 50-50, crunching Steven Pienaar with a well-timed tackle that the Kop greeted with a roar of approval.
It set the tone for a full-blooded clash that was rife with the sort of challenges that make these encounters an occasion to savour.
Everton came into the contest on the back of an impressive run and looked the more threatening early on, with a number of set piece deliveries causing problems for Pepe Reina, who was forced to contend with the dazzling glint of the mid-afternoon sun.
However, it was Tim Howard who was the first goalkeeper called into action, fisting away Steven Gerrard's driven free-kick from the far left of the penalty area.
It seemed to lift the hosts and another thunderous challenge from Carragher led to a corner that eventually saw the returning Daniel Agger crash a 12 yard volley over the top.
Things were warming up nicely and the Reds were beginning to enjoy the better of it. A lightning break almost saw Kuyt play David Ngog through before Emiliano Insua, who was making his 50th appearance for the club, rifled a shot just clear of the crossbar.
Everton responded and Leighton Baines tested Pepe Reina with a 25 yard free-kick before a two-footed tackle by Sotirios Kyrgiakos saw the game swing the way of the Blues on 33 minutes.
The Greece international was playing in his first Merseyside derby, but it would not be one to remember, as referee Martin Atkinson chose to show him a straight red card and bring his participation to a premature end.
Any thoughts that Liverpool would be forced onto the back foot were appeased, however, as the home side ended the half strongly.
A good spell of possession saw Gerrard hauled to the ground and from the resulting free-kick the skipper curled a magnificent 20 yard free-kick against the bar, with Howard seemingly well beaten.
Tim Cahill then headed a glorious chance over the top deep into first-half injury-time to ensure the first 45 would end goalless.
Back in March 2006, Benitez's men had faced a similar dilemma to the one they were now in, after overcoming the early sending off of Steven Gerrard to emerge 3-1 victors.
A repeat showing was the order of the day, and as Everton restarted the game attacking the Kop end, it was clear that much would rest on the young shoulders of Ngog.
The Frenchman was ploughing a lone furrow up top, but almost snatched the opener with a solo effort on 53 minutes when he raced onto Maxi Rodriguez's lobbed pass, held off Sylvain Distin and smashed a deflected shot just wide.
The resulting corner did not lead to the opening Liverpool craved, but two minutes later Gerrard won another one and sent in a delicious centre that Kuyt was on hand to flick home from just inside the six yard box.
It was the Dutchman's 10th of the campaign and saw him become only the third Liverpool player to score in both Merseyside derbies in the same Barclays Premier League season.
A goal behind, but a man to the good, the anticipated Everton onslaught was not evident at first and Ngog went close to making it two when he came within inches of converting Gerrard's centre at the far post. It was the striker's last contribution of the match before being replaced by Ryan Babel.
The Blues had an array of attacking flair in their line-up, but looked devoid of ideas as they searched for a way back into the game.
Indeed, it was Benitez's side that looked the more likely and Reina was only called into action in the dying seconds, when he was forced to deny a 30 yard drive from substitute Yakubu.
David Moyes' men threw caution to the wind in stoppage time but Liverpool withstood five minutes to stretch the Toffees' Anfield record to just two wins in their last 24 visits.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Benitez closing in on 'Mini Ronaldinho'
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is closing in on Danish starlet Alexander Jacobsen according to reports in Spanish publication AS and British tabloid The Daily Mail.
The highly-rated youngster has been courted by Barcelona and Real Madrid, but it looks as though Benitez has won the race to sign the player for Liverpool's youth academy.
Jacobsen, who is also eligible to play for Egypt through his father, has been compared to AC Milan and Brazilian forward Ronaldinho because of his unique ball skills and trickery.
This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.
The highly-rated youngster has been courted by Barcelona and Real Madrid, but it looks as though Benitez has won the race to sign the player for Liverpool's youth academy.
Jacobsen, who is also eligible to play for Egypt through his father, has been compared to AC Milan and Brazilian forward Ronaldinho because of his unique ball skills and trickery.
This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)