Liverpool 2-0 Fulham

Fernando Torres' superb individual goal and a Steven Gerrard penalty pushed Liverpool up to fourth as Fulham again imploded in the last 10 minutes.

Torres twisted and turned to get the better of Aaron Hughes, before beating goalkeeper Antti Niemi with a low shot.
Peter Crouch, who hit the bar with a first-half header, won the penalty when he was fouled by Carlos Bocanegra and Gerrard's spot-kick was unstoppable.
Niemi was superb for Fulham in goal, making a series of top-class saves.

During midweek Liverpool had thrashed Besiktas 8-0 in the Champions League, but Fulham proved less accommodating as Rafa Benitez named an unchanged side for the first time in over a year. Prior to Saturday's game, Liverpool had drawn four home games and for 80 minutes Fulham looked they might be another side to come away from Anfield with a point.

But not for the first time this season Fulham, who now have conceded goals in the last 10 minutes seven times this season, failed to last the course. Deploying David Healy and Shefki Kuqi in attack, Fulham tried to get their midfield players to support them as quickly as possible in the early stages of the game.

Kuqi's aerial presence caused Liverpool problems, while former Reds midfielder Danny Murphy tried his luck with a couple of long-range efforts. Kuqi worked tirelessly for Fulham, tracking back to help out his defenders. And Fulham's defensive organisation ensured Liverpool struggled to create clear chances in an even first half, ensuring Niemi had only one real save to make in the opening period from Sami Hyypia's shot.

Andriy Voronin briefly unsettled the Fuham defence when he emerged unmarked at the far post, but after controlling the ball on his chest he misplaced his pass.

Even so Liverpool were unlucky not to go in at the interval ahead when Crouch's looping header bounced off the bar. Just after the restart Crouch headed the ball down to Voronin, but the Ukrainian forward's shot was comfortably gathered by Niemi.
On 55 minutes the Fulham keeper had an altogehter less comfortable moment when he was momentarily deceived by Fabio Aurelio's free-kick, before recovering to make the save. Soon afterwards Niemi had to push the ball over the bar from Voronin's rising shot, though Voronin was to completely miss his kick when Liverpool's next chance arrived.

Niemi's best save of the game came from Yossi's Benayoun's chip which looked goalbound before the Finn got one hand to the ball and pushed it past the post.
Benayoun had an influential game for Liverpool and a clever pass released Voronin, but the Ukrainian's shot flashed past the post.

On came Ryan Babel and Torres and the Spanish striker's arrival proved decisive. Liverpool goalkeeper Jose Reina played a part in Torres' goal, his huge kick finding his Spanish compatriot deep in the Fulham half. Torres' tricky bamboozled Hughes and having created space the former Atletico Madrid beat Niemi with a low shot inside the near post.

Crouch was then tripped by Bocanegra and Gerrard's powerful penalty gave Niemi no chance.
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez:"Their keeper was really good but we were creating chances and at the end we could score a second goal because they were a little bit open.

"We knew Fulham would work hard till the end but we needed to keep going, passing the ball and trying to do our job. "It's always important to win, but especially when you know that for 10-15 days you won't have another game, so our people will be happy for at least 10-15 days!"
Fulham boss Lawrie Sanchez:"I thought we pretty much contained them in the second half but the problem was we thought we had coped so well we could go on and nick it.

"We're not a bad side but we're not quite at the level where can live with a team like Liverpool for 90 minutes.
"But overall I'm pleased with the performance. When you come to a place like this you know they can go away from teams but we stayed with them until the end."

Liverpool: Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher, Hyypia, Aurelio, Benayoun, Mascherano (Lucas 81), Gerrard, Riise (Babel 62), Voronin (Torres 70), Crouch.Subs Not Used: Martin, Finnan.
Goals: Torres 81, Gerrard 85 pen.
Fulham: Niemi, Baird, Hughes, Stefanovic, Bocanegra, Davies, Davis, Murphy, Dempsey (Kamara 69), Kuqi, Healy (Bouazza 60).Subs Not Used: Warner, Smertin, Leijer.
Booked: Murphy, Dempsey.
Att: 43,073
Ref: Steve Tanner (Somerset).

Champion's Game without Torres

Champions League, Group A match


Date: Wednesday, 24 October.


Venue: Inonu

Liverpool will again be without striker Fernando Torres for the trip to Turkey because of the thigh injury that kept him out of the derby win over Everton.
Torres, 23, who has been in terrific form since arriving in the summer, pulled up while training with Spain.
Alvaro Arbeloa (thigh) is also out but midfielder Xabi Alonso could play after recovering from a metatarsal problem.
Besiktas goalkeeper Hakan Arikan has not recovered from a stomach injury and will be replaced by Rustu Recber.

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez:"It's clear we need to win and see what happens in the other game. We have to keep working and trying to win every game if it's possible.
"You never know what can happen, it depends on the other game, but it's clear we need three points.
"I don't have to say anything to the players. They know how important it is to win this game and it's just about keeping focused and doing the right things in the game.
"We have enough experience of playing in Europe and in difficult stadiums. I think it will be a difficult game but only on the pitch."

Everton 1-2 Liverpool

Dirk Kuyt's injury-time penalty gave Liverpool a crucial Merseyside derby win against nine-man Everton. Sami Hyypia sliced into his own goal after 37 minutes to give Everton the lead at the interval.

But Kuyt scored from the spot after 54 minutes when Tony Hibbert was sent off for hauling down Steven Gerrard as he raced clear on goal. And Kuyt struck again in time added on, with Phil Neville also sent off for handling Lucas' goal-bound shot.

Everton were then furious with referee Mark Clattenburg, who ignored strong claims for a spot-kick in the dying seconds when Jamie Carragher clearly dragged down Joleon Lescott.
Liverpool were without groin-injury victim Fernando Torres, while Everton resisted the temptation to recall long-term absentees Tim Cahill, Thomas Gravesen and James Vaughan.

Benitez's side started better and should have taken the lead in the fourth minute when Andriy Voronin shot straight at Everton keeper Tim Howard after Hibbert's hesitation let in Yossi Benayoun.
Everton, however, quickly came to terms with Liverpool's system and Lescott was a constant threat down the left flank.

John Arne Riise had a long-range free-kick deflected just wide, but Liverpool were in danger of losing their early momentum.
Victor Anichebe had two headers off target before Everton took the lead with a freak goal eight minutes before the interval.
Alan Stubbs retrieved a corner and crossed into the area, where Hyypia inexplicably lashed the ball past his own keeper Pepe Reina with his left foot.
Liverpool needed a break to get back into the game and they got it via a penalty and a red card for Everton's Hibbert.

Gerrard led a Liverpool break with a surge into the area where he was hauled down by Hibbert.
Referee Clattenburg pointed the spot and sent Hibbert off before Kuyt sent Howard the wrong way from the spot for his first league goal of the season.
Liverpool then attempted to make their most of their numerical advantage, with Riise shooting wildly over when unmarked and then Voronin having a shot blocked by Howard from close range.
Yakubu, who had been having a quiet afternoon, almost restored Everton's lead with a stunning 30-yard drive that whistled inched wide with Reina beaten.
Benitez then sprung a surprise with 20 minutes left, sending on Brazilian youngster Lucas for Gerrard - who looked stunned to be called off.

As the game went into injury-time, Liverpool grabbed a lifeline when Neville dived to palm away Lucas' shot. Kuyt scored, but Everton were enraged when Carragher fouled Lescott in front of referee Clattenburg, who waved away their appeals.

Injured Torres eyes derby return

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres says he is desperate to return to fitness in time to play in Saturday's Merseyside derby against Everton at Goodison Park.
Torres, 23, pulled up while training with Spain and a scan on Monday "confirmed an adductor injury", said a statement on Liverpool's website.

But Torres, who has scored seven goals for the Reds, said: "I intend to be fit for Saturday. I don't want to miss out.
"I've been told how special the game is and I need to be ready in time."

Torres has been in fine form for Liverpool since moving from Spanish side Atletico Madrid in a £26.5m deal in the summer.
He added: "I am very happy at Liverpool and I've learnt a lot - I love being at a big club like this.

"I have played in big derby matches before. I played for Atletico against Real Madrid and I'm looking forward to enjoying something similar in the Premier League."
Torres missed Spain's 3-1 win away in Denmark on Saturday as his side boosted their hopes of qualifying for Euro 2008 from Group F.

Portsmouth v Liverpool

Portsmouth centre-back Sol Campbell, who had groin and hamstring problems, and striker Benjani Mwaruwari (neck) are back.
Recent midfield signing Papa Bouba Diop is also in line to make his debut.
Liverpool expect to have centre-back Jamie Carragher available after a broken rib, while defender Steve Finnan is battling to overcome a knee injury.
Steven Gerrard's broken toe will be assessed after his two outings for England but he should be available.

Portsmouth (from): James, Johnson, Campbell, Distin, Hreidarsson, Utaka, Muntari, Davis, Taylor, Kanu, Benjani, Lauren, Kranjcar, Mendes, Diop, Nugent, Pamarot, Traore, Hughes, Ashdown.
Liverpool (from): Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher, Agger, Hyypia, Riise, Pennant, Benayoun, Gerrard, Alonso, Mascherano, Sissoko, Babel, Kuyt, Crouch, Torres, Voronin, Finnan, Itandje.

Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp:"Liverpool have quality players in every position. They could field two teams that would comfortably survive in the Premier League.

"He (Benitez) has done well in the summer. They can rotate between Peter Crouch, Dirk Kuyt, Ryan Babel, Andrei Voronin and Fernando Torres - all terrific talents - up front.
"I haven't got that type of quality, that strength in depth. I have to pick my best team."
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez on Fernando Torres:"Fernando should be pleased but we also have to tell him to keep working hard.
"It is not always going to be as easy as he thinks it is at the moment and we need to wait and see what happens in a month or two.
"He will find out there are some very difficult central defenders to play against but the fact he has scored already is important because goals give all strikers confidence."

Predictable Fact
Liverpool go into a weekend round of Premier League matches at the top of the table for the first time in five years. It's also a new experience for manager Rafael Benitez.
This is Portsmouth's sixth fixture of the season and their fourth against one of the so called "Big Four".

While Liverpool are looking to complete three Premier League victories in a row for the first time in 17 outings, Portsmouth are aiming to avoid three league defeats on the trot for the first time in 53, since March last year.
The Merseysiders are the only club to have scored first in all their Premier League games this season; Pompey are the only club to have conceded the opening goal in all of their games in this league this term.
Pompey beat a weakened Liverpool side 2-1 in April. It was only their second maximum in eight Premier League fixtures with the Reds.

Statistic
PORTSMOUTH
1. Won one of their five Premier League matches this season, and one of the last seven; 3-1, home to Bolton on 18 August.
2. Averaging a point a game (five from five).
3. Yet to keep a clean sheet in this Premier League season.
4. The only club to have allowed the opposition to score first in all their Premier League games this term.
5. Gained just one point from the nine available against the "Big Four"; drew 1-1, home to Manchester United, and lost away to Chelsea and Arsenal so far.
6. Defeat would make it their worst run in the Premier League since suffering four defeats in a row between 4 February and 4 March 2006.
7. Undefeated in six home Premier League matches; won four and drawn two since losing 0-2 to Chelsea on 3 March.
8. Lost one of the last nine league outings at Fratton Park.

LIVERPOOL
1. Won the last three in all competitions with an aggregate of 12-0; 0-2, away to Sunderland (PL), 4-0, home to Toulouse (CL) and 6-0, home to Derby (PL).
2. Undefeated in six this season; won five and one draw in all competitions.
3. One of four clubs still holding an unbeaten Premier League record. The others are Arsenal, Blackburn and Newcastle.
4. The only club with double figures in the Premier League "Goals For" column (11). That's one every 33 minutes on average.
5. A win would make it their best run since notching five league victories on the trot between 30 December 2006 and 30 January 2007.
6. Made their best start to a Premier League season since 1998-99. Victory would give them 13 points after the first five matches, and make it their best ever start in this league.
7. Dropped only two points. Only Arsenal have dropped so few. Also, they are holding the highest Premier League points per game average, equal with Arsenal of 2.5.
8. Newcastle are the only other club yet to concede the opening goal in a Premier League match.
9. Yet to concede a league goal in open play so far this season. The goals they let in away to Aston Villa and home to Chelsea were both scored from the penalty spot. Not conceded in 208 minutes (three hours 28 minutes) of Premier League football, since Frank Lampard's spot-kick equaliser on 19 August.
10. This match precedes the Champions League Group A opener, away to FC Porto of Portugal on Tuesday

PORTSMOUTH
Nwankwo KANU, Benjamin MWARUWARI, Noe PAMAROT and John UTAKA are Portsmouth's joint top scorers, with two goals each. All of those goals were scored in the Premier League, with the exception of PAMAROT'S pair.
KANU is one shy of 50 career League goals in England.
If he plays:-
Dave NUGENT will be making his 100th career league appearance (Bury, Preston and Portsmouth).
Goalkeeper David JAMES will be making his 137th consecutive Premier League appearance (Manchester City and Portsmouth).
JAMES will be facing a former club. The 37 year old England keeper made 277 appearances for Liverpool (214 in the Premier League) between July 1992 and June 1999, when transferred to Aston Villa for £1.8m.
Djimi TRAORE will also be facing former club mates. The Mali international defender made 141 appearances (88 in the Premier League) and scored one goal for the Merseysiders between February 1999 and his £2m move to Charlton in August 2006.
Linvoy PRIMUS will be participating the day after turning 34.
LIVERPOOL
Fernando TORRES and Andriy VORONIN are Liverpool's joint top scorers with three each. All three from TORRES were in the Premier League.
If he plays:-
Peter CROUCH is a former Portsmouth player. He made 39 appearances (37 in the League) and scored 19 goals (18 League) for Pompey between July 2001 and his £5m move to Aston Villa in March 2002.

HEAD TO HEAD
Liverpool have won half of the Premier League meetings with Portsmouth (four of eight), but only lead the south coast club by two victories in the all-time league head-to-head standings.
Home and awayLeague (inc PL): Portsmouth 19 wins, Liverpool 21, Draws 14Prem: Portsmouth 2 wins, Liverpool 4, Draws 2
at Portsmouth onlyLeague (inc PL): Portsmouth 15 wins, Liverpool 8, Draws 4Prem: Portsmouth 2 wins, Liverpool 2, Draws 0

LAST SEASON'S CORRESPONDING GAME
Portsmouth 2-1 Liverpool28 April 2007 - Ref: Peter WaltonPortsmouth scorers: Mwaruwari 27, Kranjcar 32Liverpool scorer: Hyypia 59

REFEREE
Mike Riley (Leeds, Yorkshire)

Liverpool v Derby

BIG-MATCH FACTS
These clubs could be top and bottom of the Premier League table at the full time whistle.

Unbeaten Liverpool are yet to concede a goal from open play this season, and are the only club to have scored first in all their Premier League matches.

Derby, humiliated by Blackpool in the Carling Cup midweek, are the only club without a Premier League win, and are yet to score on their league travels.

The Merseysiders, who qualified for the Champions League group stages with a 4-0 home win over Toulouse on Tuesday night, have made their best start to a league season in five years; failure to win for the Rams would make it their worst ever start to a Premier League campaign.

Derby's only Premier League victory at Anfield was 1-2 on 7 November 1998, when Kevin Harper and Paulo Wanchope were on target.


CLUB FORM
LIVERPOOL


Club stats
Fixtures
1. One of five clubs still holding an unbeaten Premier League record. The others clubs are Arsenal, Blackburn, Chelsea and Newcastle.

2. Won two of their three league fixtures, and three points off the pace.

3. Last picked up seven points out of the first available nine in the 2002-03 season when they went on to finish fifth. They've only bagged 10 points from the first four outings twice; in 1994-95 when finishing fourth, and 1998-99 when ending seventh.

4. Already fourth in the table. It took until 9 December to reach that last year, and 3 December the previous year.

5. Unbeaten in four Premier League games. Won two and drawn two since losing 1-0, away to Fulham on 5 May.

6. One of three clubs to have dropped as few as two Premier League points so far. The others are Arsenal and Chelsea.

7. Drawn the last two home league games, and unbeaten in five at Anfield; won three and drawn two since losing 0-1 to Manchester United on 3 March.

8. The defeat against the Red Devils was their only home league loss last season and their only defeat in 36 Premier League matches at Anfield.

9. Lost two of 46 home league games.

10. Conceded more penalties in Premier League matches this season than any other club, with the exception of Sunderland. Both have had two spot kicks awarded against them.

DERBY COUNTY


Fixtures
1. Lost three of their four Premier League matches, and two points adrift at the foot.

2. Battling to avoid a fourth successive league defeat.

3. Never had less than four points from the first five games of a Premier League season.

4. Completed 171 league games since last losing four on the bounce, on 1 November 2003 (second tier).

5. On their longest losing run in the Premier League since suffering seven in a row near the end of the relegation campaign six seasons ago. That run ended with a 2-0 defeat at Liverpool and 0-1 home loss to Leeds on 27 April 2002.

6. Dropped more points (11) and conceded more league goals (nine, at one every 40 minutes on average) than any other club in the Premier League.

7. Already lost twice on the road (1-0 at Manchester City, and 4-0 at Tottenham). They are one of four clubs yet to pick up a point on their Premier League travels; the other clubs are Bolton, Fulham and Tottenham.

8. They are also one of four clubs yet to score away from home in the Premier League. The others are Aston Villa, Reading and Tottenham.

9. Still hunting a first win in the Premier League since the 1-3 victory over Bolton at the Reebok on 16 March 2002. Drawn two and lost 10 of the 12 subsequent outings at this level.

10. Billy Davies is still one short of 100 victories as a manager in English and Scottish league football.


KEY PLAYER NOTES
LIVERPOOL


No Liverpool player has scored more than one Premier League goal so far this season.

Dirk KUYT and Andriy VORONIN are the clubs' joint top scorers with two each.

If he plays:-

Jose REINA will be keeping goal the day after turning 25.


DERBY COUNTY


Matthew OAKLEY is Derby's top scorer with two Premier League goals.

If he plays:-

Mitchell HANSON will be participating on the eve of his 19th birthday.


HEAD TO HEAD
Liverpool have won exactly twice as many league matches against Derby than they have lost (won 64, lost 32).

The Merseysiders did the double over the Rams when they last locked horns in 2001-02, and are on an unbeaten run of six Premier League matches against them (won five, drawn one).

Derby's victory nine years ago, is their only maximum in 20 league trips to Anfield, spanning 36 years.

Home and away
League (inc PL): Liverpool 64 wins, Derby 32, Draws 28
Prem: Liverpool 8 wins, Derby 3, Draws 1

at Liverpool only
League (inc PL): Liverpool 41 wins, Derby 6, Draws 15
Prem: Liverpool 4 wins, Derby 1, Draws 1


REFEREE
Alan Wiley (Burntwood, Staffordshire)

Liverpool 4-0 Toulouse (5-0)

Liverpool made short work of Toulouse to book their place in the group stage of the Champions League.

Peter Crouch put the Reds ahead when he stretched to meet Dirk Kuyt's cross and Liverpool, who were inspired by Yossi Benayoun, went on to dominate.

Crouch missed with two more headers but Sami Hyypia did make it 2-0 when he met Benayoun's corner at the near post.

Kuyt, who also hit the bar, netted with a low shot to make it 3-0 then ran clear to slot home a fourth goal.

It was an emotional night at Anfield, with the Reds paying their own tribute to murdered 11-year-old Everton fan Rhys Jones before kick-off.

The Toffees' theme of Z-Cars was played and the crowd applauded as Rhys's parents stood on the touchline in their Everton shirts.

Given the circumstances it could have been difficult for the Liverpool players to focus on the task in hand but they soon settled once the game began.

Benayoun has had limited first-team chances since joining from West Ham in the summer but he showed Benitez why he feels he deserves more opportunities.

The Israeli had already set up Kuyt to force a diving save from Toulouse keeper Nicolas Douchez when he won back possession to start the move that led to Crouch opening the scoring.

Kuyt ran on down the left before supplying a peach of a cross which the tall striker turned in at the far post.

The tie should really have been wrapped up by half-time but Crouch somehow headed another Benayoun ball over the bar before wasting an inviting ball from Alvaro Arbeloa.

Toulouse, who had come to Anfield trailing by a single goal, still had hope at this point but in truth they never looked like finding a way back into the tie.

Their only chances came from two sloppy clearances by Jose Reina and their best effort was a scuffed shot by Andre Gignac which summed up their night.

Liverpool were home and dry when Hyypia rose unmarked at the near post after the break to head home Benayoun's corner and from then on they coasted home.

Substitute Ryan Babel went close before Kuyt, who had already had one shot deflected on to the bar, exchanged passes with his compatriot and drilled his shot past Douchez.

The home side were not finished yet and Benayoun was again the creator, sliding a ball through for Kuyt to slot home a fourth goal.

It was the first time since 1997 that neither Steven Gerrard or Jamie Carragher had featured in a European tie for the Reds but, even without their two talismans, this was a thoroughly convincing display.

Man Utd fury at Reds over Heinze

Sir Alex Ferguson says Manchester United are investigating Liverpool over their attempts to sign Gabriel Heinze. Heinze left Old Trafford for Real Madrid, but only after a protracted attempt to join Liverpool which went to a Premier League arbitration panel.

Reds boss Rafael Benitez was unhappy with the three-man panel's verdict. But United boss Ferguson said: "We are looking at Liverpool's whole role in this. We are not letting them off with it. That is what we are investigating."

Heinze argued that a letter signed by Red Devils chief executive David Gill - citing a fee at which a deal could be done - constituted an agreement to sell. But the Premier League ruled in United's favour, ending any hope of them selling to rivals Liverpool. Heinze was instead sold to Spanish side Real.

Benitez said he was 100% confident that Heinze would be allowed to move to Anfield and hit out at the Premier League and United after the ruling. Ferguson labelled Benitez's remarks "churlish", then confirmed Gill is leading an inquiry into the way Liverpool have acted. Asked whether he was alleging Liverpool had 'tapped up' Heinze, Ferguson replied: "We will see how it comes out. David Gill is working on that at the moment. We will get to the bottom of it." Ferguson was also quick to hit back at Benitez's jibe that United enjoy favouritism in the drafting of the fixture list.

Benitez earlier said: "He has a document which is clear but the league prefers to believe the word of someone who made a mistake. "I know there were accusations made against Liverpool in the hearing which were unbelievable. How can this be allowed?"

He also expressed his anger at the Premier League's fixture scheduling ahead of the club's away game at Sunderland at 1245 BST this Saturday. The Spaniard said: "I would like to ask the Premier League why is it that Liverpool always plays the most fixtures away from home in an early kick-off, following an international break?

"We had more than the top clubs last season and we have four already to prepare for this season." Benitez was also angry about what he claimed was the drawn-out nature of Liverpool's signing of Javier Mascherano, compared to United's signing of Carlos Tevez - a deal he felt was pushed through quicker.

Mascherano and Tevez were signed last summer by West Ham but their moves were complicated over issues relating to third-party ownership in their contracts.
"I want to ask the Premier League why it was so difficult for Liverpool to sign Javier Mascherano, when we had to wait a long time for the paperwork, but it was so easy for Carlos Tevez to join Manchester United." "It is disappointing stuff," said Ferguson. "He talks about the fixtures. He should have seen our fixtures over the last two or three seasons. "There was never any chance of Liverpool winning that case, so Rafa clearly did not read the Premier League rules. It is just churlish."

Referee Styles dropped over error

Referee Rob Styles will not officiate in the Premier League next weekend following his performance in the Liverpool-Chelsea game on Sunday. Styles was criticised for awarding a controversial penalty to Chelsea.

Referees' chief Keith Hackett told BBC Radio 5live: "It is just like with players, if they miss an open goal they are likely to be dropped." Styles also appeared to show Chelsea's Michael Essien a second yellow card but then failed to send him off.

"Having looked at a video and seen a better angle and a better view, clearly he (Styles) now recognises that he got it wrong and he's deeply apologetic for that. I think, in fact, he too will be making contact with Liverpool in order to offer his apologies."

Asked about the confusion when Essien appeared to be booked for a second time, Hackett said: "I'm informed by both the fourth official and Rob he retained the card shown to John Terry then held the card to indicate a direct free-kick, and failed to put the card away.

"So it was a basic, if you like, admin error as against an error in application of law.
"We'll look at the video to ensure we don't get a repeat of that."

Benitez was left incensed and skipper Steven Gerrard said Styles had "cracked" after he penalised Steve Finnan for a foul on Florent Malouda, although replays showed there was minimal contact.

The Essien incident happened shortly after Styles had awarded Chelsea their penalty, which Frank Lampard converted to level the scores after Fernando Torres put Liverpool in front with a goal on his home debut.

Meanwhile, Mourinho did not criticise Styles over the penalty decision but suggested his job had not been made easier by the behaviour of certain players from "a different culture".
"I haven't seen the replay of the incident and it was difficult to make out what was happening at the time," he insisted.

"Rafa has his opinion and I have mine. I judged the game to be a good and a fair one.
"Perhaps there were too many cards but overall I thought Mr Styles had a positive game.
"Not every player on the pitch was helping the referee."
Styles handed out eight yellow cards - while Mourinho was believed to be referring to Liverpool's Spanish duo of Torres and Alvaro Arbeloa.

Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea

Torres opened the scoring in the first half when he was fed by Steven Gerrard before slotting past Petr Cech. Lampard equalised for Chelsea with a penalty won by Florent Malouda, who was fouled by Steve Finnan.

That decision was contested by the Reds in a pulsating, yet niggly, match that saw nine yellow cards handed out.

The talking point in Monday's press will be the performance of referee Rob Styles, although there will undoubtedly be column inches reserved for a fine performance by Torres.
Both the Spaniard and his partner in attack, Dirk Kuyt, were a credit to the Reds, their tremendous industry giving a Chelsea defence, led by John Terry, little respite.


Both of them deserved reward for their hardwork, but it was Torres who opened the scoring on 16 minutes. Gerrard, playing despite having pain-killing injections in his fractured toe, threaded a peach of a ball through to the 23-year-old, who cruised round the outside of Ben Haim on the left before slotting the ball into the bottom left-hand corner of the net.

As well as from Torres and Kuyt, John Arne Riise and Alvaro Arbeloa were also particularly effective for Liverpool down the left flank, preventing Michael Essien from getting forward from his right-back position. Riise got away from the Ghanaian early in the game to test Cech with a 20-yard low shot.

Chelsea were largely kept quiet by the Liverpool defence, who limited Didier Drogba to half chances. The Ivory Coast striker saw one tame free-kick deflected wide while a header flew high over the bar.

Blues boss Jose Mourinho had started with Shaun Wright-Phillips in a central position but moved the England midfielder out to the right in the second half. The tactical swap almost paid off immediately when Wright-Phillips swung in a wicked cross for substitute Claudio Pizarro.

The Peruvian met the ball with his head but sent his effort wide of the far post. Despite that attempt, Liverpool looked in firm control and, as cliched as it sounds, it seemed only a moment of magic or defensive error would get Chelsea back into the game. As it happened, it was contentious refereeing decision that allowed the Blues to draw level.

Rob Styles, who booked eight players in the match, decided to award the visitors a penalty when he ruled that defender Finnan fouled Malouda. Replays showed there was no contact between the players, but Lampard stepped up to beat Pepe Reina from the spot.

Styles was at the centre of another talking point when he appeared to show a yellow card to both Terry and Essien, who had been booked earlier in the match. However, the Hampshire official later clarified that he had only booked Terry.

Liverpool almost grabbed a winner late on, substitute Ryan Babel fizzing a shot inches wide of Cech's right-hand post. But Chelsea hung on for a share of the spoils.

Liverpool: Reina, Finnan, Carragher, Agger, Arbeloa, Pennant (Babel 68), Gerrard, Alonso, Riise (Crouch 83), Torres, Kuyt.Subs Not Used: Itandje, Hyypia, Mascherano.
Booked: Kuyt, Pennant, Gerrard, Carragher.
Goals: Torres 16.

Chelsea: Cech, Essien, Ben-Haim, Terry, Ashley Cole, Kalou (Pizarro 46), Wright-Phillips (Joe Cole 77), Obi, Lampard, Malouda (Alex 85), Drogba.Subs Not Used: Cudicini, Makelele.
Booked: Essien, Ashley Cole, Ben-Haim, Lampard, Terry.
Goals: Lampard 62 pen.

Att: 43,924
Ref: Robert Styles (Hampshire).

Liverpool v Chelsea

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard is expected to have a pain-killing injection in order to play, after fracturing his toe. Rafael Benitez is set to rotate his squad with Jermaine Pennant, Dirk Kuyt Xabi Alonso and Daniel Agger returning.

Chelsea team news to follow later.

Liverpool (from): Reina, Finnan, Carragher, Agger, Riise, Arbeloa, Pennant, Gerrard, Sissoko, Alonso, Mascherano, Babel, Benayoun, Hyypia, Crouch, Kuyt, Torres, Voronin, Itandje.

BIG-MATCH FACTS
Two of the so-called "big four" clash for the first time this season, and something must give. Both clubs have 100% records in the Premier League. Liverpool opened with a 1-2 win at Aston Villa, and then were involved in a Champions League qualifier midweek; beating Toulouse 0-1 in the first leg in France.

Chelsea have six points out of six, with a 3-2 home victory over Birmingham, and 1-2 win at Reading. The former double Premier League champions are on the longest current unbeaten run in this league of 16 matches, and have not lost on their league travels since last season's trip to Anfield.

Liverpool have only won their first two league matches of a season once since the Premier League was reduced to 20 clubs; Aston Villa (a) and Southampton (h) were defeated in August 2002.

The Merseysiders have won their opening HOME fixture in the last three Premier League seasons, and have not lost their initial league game at Anfield since 17 August 2003, when Chelsea won 1-2.
These clubs have met 15 times in three seasons.

CLUB FORM
LIVERPOOL

1. The Champions League runners-up secured third place in the Premier League for the second successive season with a 2-2 draw, home to relegated Charlton on the last day.
2. Been crowned champions of England an unmatched 18 times, although Manchester United are catching up fast (16 titles).
3. Yet to win the Premier League trophy. Their most recent title was 1989-90, under Kenny Dalglish.
4. One of 10 founder members of the Premier League competing this season.
5. Experiencing the third longest unbroken stint of top flight football of 46 seasons from 1962-63; beaten only by Arsenal (82 seasons) and Everton (54).
6. The only club whose players were not shown one red card in Premier League competition last season.
7. Won their opening HOME fixture in each of the last three Premier League seasons; against Manchester City, Sunderland and West Ham.
8. Manchester United were the only club to leave Anfield with maximum points last season.
9. Not lost in any competition at home since Barcelona defeated them 0-1 on 6 March in the Champions League. Since then they've won five and drawn one at Anfield, of which three wins and one draw were in the Premier League.
CHELSEA


1. Won eight and lost just one of their first 10 league games last season.
2. Won just one league game from a losing position last season, but already doubled that this term, having conceded the opening goal in both their fixtures.
3. Won 11 and drawn five Premier League games since losing 0-2 to Liverpool in last season's corresponding fixture on 20 January.
4. Not beaten in eight away league games. Won six and drawn two on the road, since the reverse at Anfield. One of only three away league defeats last term; the others were at Middlesbrough and Tottenham.

KEY PLAYER NOTES
LIVERPOOL

Steven GERRARD has scored Liverpool's only Premier League goal so far. The only other Reds' player to net is Andriy VORONIN in Champions League qualifying.
Peter CROUCH was Liverpool's leading scorer last season with 18.
Jermaine PENNANT made most appearances for the Reds (51).
If he plays:-
Dirk KUYT will be making his 50th appearance in a Liverpool shirt.

CHELSEA
Chelsea's five goals in the Premier League have been scored by five different players.
If he plays:-
Michael ESSIEN will be making his 100th appearance in a Chelsea shirt.

HEAD TO HEAD
Chelsea lost last season's Premier League visit to Liverpool 2-0, but won their three previous trips to Anfield.
Home and awayLeague (inc PL): Liverpool 58 wins, Chelsea 44, Draws 26Prem: Liverpool 11 wins, Chelsea 14, Draws 5
at Liverpool onlyLeague (inc PL): Liverpool 43 wins, Chelsea 8, Draws 13Prem: Liverpool 10 wins, Chelsea 3, Draws 2

LAST SEASON'S CORRESPONDING GAME
Liverpool 2-0 Chelsea 20 January 2007 - Ref: Rob StylesLiverpool scorers: Kuyt 4, Pennant 18

REFEREE
Rob Styles (Waterlooville, Hampshire)

Gerrard passed fit for Liverpool

Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard has a hairline fracture of his toe but will be fit to face Chelsea on Sunday. However, manager Rafael Benitez said the midfielder is unlikely to be available for England's friendly against Germany on Wednesday.

"I think he'll be available for Sunday, but if we push him for that he will have to rest afterwards," said Benitez.

Gerrard, 27, took a painful crack on his right foot during the Champions League tie with Toulouse.

He was substituted after 61 minutes.
Benitez said: "It's not serious but we have to be careful. It's not a big risk but we can push him and then he needs rest. "He will need an injection but then he can play without pain against Chelsea. "I now have to talk to [England coach] Steve McClaren, but he has to understand playing Steven for England will be a big risk for his future."

Gerrard needs some rest and Benitez should keep risk away from Gerrard. It does not necessary to pick him too fast in the squad. What if he get more serious injury and have to rest for a few months. It will be not worth.

What do you think?

Toulouse 0-1 Liverpool

Liverpool beat Toulouse in the first leg of their Champions League third-round qualifier with a patient and professional performance. Andriy Voronin chested down a ball, turned and rifled in a rising 25-yard shot to put the Reds ahead at the end of a low-key first half.

The closest Toulouse came to a goal was a glancing Johan Elmander near-post shot which was saved by Pepe Reina. But the Reds kept their rivals at arm's length with ease to secure the win. Prior to the game, much was made of Peter Crouch allegedly being unhappy at being left out of the squad for the Premiership opener at Aston Villa last Saturday.

The lanky striker started at the Stade Municipal as one of six Reds changes but found time and space at a premium against the home side. Toulouse defended in numbers as they stayed deep and disciplined with Liverpool probing for an opening.

Both defences were on top in the sweltering heat and a mazy Ryan Babel run - leading to Steven Gerrard wildly slicing a shot high and wide - was the closest to a noteworthy effort early on. The game needed something special to spark some life into it and Voronin provided it with his first competitive goal for the club. He latched on to a Crouch flick-on after 43 minutes and scored with a powerful shot into the top corner.

Toulouse tried to quickly respond only for Achille Emana's acrobatic overhead kick to go narrowly wide. The goal forced Toulouse to become more attack-minded after the break and they started pressing the Reds higher up the pitch as they chased an equaliser. And the home side were finally given some encouragement when Elmander got in ahead of Sami Hyypia at the near post and angled in a shot which was saved by Reina.

But that was as good as it got for the home side as they were comfortably contained by last season's Champions League runners-up. Liverpool even had the luxury of taking off midfielder Gerrard as they took command of the tie ahead of the second leg on Tuesday, 28 August.

Aston Villa 1-2 Liverpool

Steven Gerrard's dipping free-kick ensured Liverpool secured a narrow win. Liverpool took a first-half lead with a helping hand from Villa through Martin Laursen's own goal after Stuart Taylor pushed away Fernando Torres' shot.

The visitors missed a catalogue of chances and with five minutes left Gareth Barry's penalty pulled Villa level after Jamie Carragher's handball.

But Gerrard had the last word - as he has so often - arcing the ball over the Villa wall into the roof of the net. Carragher's indiscretion had looked like it was going to cost Liverpool two points as the visitors failed to build on their first-half lead. Before scoring, Gerrard had gone close with a couple of shots, while substitute Ryan Babel went also close with two efforts.

If manager Rafael Benitez will be hoping his side become more adept at killing games off, he will have been encouraged by Torres' debut. Of the host of players Benitez splashed out £45m on during the summer only Torres was deemed worthy of a place in Liverpool's starting line-up.

The former Atletico Madrid striker showed some intelligent forward play and struck up a good understanding with Dirk Kuyt.

It was the Dutchman's dummy that allowed Gerrard's pass to run through to Torres in the build-up to the first goal. Taylor managed to get a hand to Torres' shot, but Kuyt was quick to reach the ball before it went out for a corner and his cross was stubbed into the net by the luckless Laursen, who was sustituted at the interval.

While Benitez has spent lavishly, Martin O'Neill has adopted an altogether more frugal approach - so far - to the transfer market and on the evidence of this 90 minutes Villa could do with some fresh blood.

Craig Gardner forced a save from Jose Reina with a rising shot early on, while Carragher also needed to be alert to block an effort from John Carew. Villa rallied at the conclusion of the first-half, Stilian Petrov shooting straight at Reina, while Young should have done better when the Liverpool goalkeeper failed to hold a cross from the left.

After Gardner threw himself at the ball to block a Gerrard shot, the Liverpool captain, who was playing in the centre of midfield, drew a fine save from Taylor following another Liverpool counterattack. With 15 minutes left Ryan Babel made his Liverpool debut, immediately going close when he lashed a shot wide.

Babel's cameo appearance was also impressive, the Dutchman firing in another shot that required Taylor to push the ball away. With five minutes remaining Villa found themselves level when Barry calmly stroked the penalty home after Carragher's handball.

It was unfortunate for Carragher, who had marshalled the Liverpool defence very effectively for the previous 84 minutes. But Villa were to be level only momentarily as Gerrard's brilliance secured Liverpool all three points.

Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill:"We got ourselves back in the game after they took the lead.
"We tried to play strongly against a very fine side, but didn't quite have real self belief. I think I have more belief in the team than they have.
"We're a young side. We're in the throes of building a team, but we don't want to take too long about it."

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez:"The team deserved to win.
"We were really good. For me there were two or three positive things but due to their keeper we couldn't score."
"Steven Gerrard's winning goal was fantastic. It was the right final score for us."

Aston Villa: Taylor, Gardner, Mellberg, Laursen (Cahill 46), Bouma (Moore 71), Petrov, Reo-Coker, Barry, Agbonlahor, Carew, Young.Subs Not Used: Harewood, Osbourne, Maloney.
Booked: Mellberg, Bouma, Barry, Petrov.
Goals: Barry 85 pen.

Liverpool: Reina, Finnan, Carragher, Agger, Arbeloa, Pennant (Babel 74), Gerrard, Alonso, Riise, Torres (Voronin 79), Kuyt (Sissoko 90).Subs Not Used: Itandje, Hyypia.
Booked: Pennant, Reina.
Goals: Laursen 31 og, Gerrard 87.

Att: 42,640.
Ref: Mike Riley (England).

Dudek completes transfer to Real

Jerzy Dudek has signed a two-year deal with Spanish champions Real Madrid.
The 34-year-old Pole was released by Liverpool at the end of last season after failing to dislodge Pepe Reina from the first-choice spot at Anfield.
He will be the reserve keeper at Real, behind Spain international number one stopper Iker Casillas.
After giving Dudek a medical, Dr. Del Corral told Real Madrid's website: "He is 34 but he is as fit as a young player. He is a true athlete."

Dudek joined Liverpool from Dutch club Feyenoord for £4.85m in August 2001, but last season his relationship with coach Rafael Benitez became been strained.

Liverpool complete Babel transfer

Liverpool have completed the signing of Ajax's Ryan Babel in an £11.5m deal. The 20-year-old Dutch striker has agreed a five-year contract as Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez continues a major overhaul of his squad.

"I listened to them and I got a great feeling about the club," said Babel. "I have made my choice with my heart and the coach has big plans for me."

Yossi Benayoun, a reported £5m signing from West Ham, was also unveiled by Liverpool on Friday.

Babel admitted it was a tough decision to leave Ajax, where he made his debut aged 17 in 2004 and scored five goals in 27 Eredivisie matches last season.

He said: "I have met Rafael Benitez and my conversation with him was the moment I knew the deal would get done. "He is like the ideal father-in-law. He has a lot of football know-how and he told me that I would be challenging with six other players for four positions. I have a good feeling about things.

"I met Dirk Kuyt at training, who I knew from the national team. At that moment he did not feel like a rival but I suppose that is what will happen. "It was very important how the coach spoke to me, how I would fit in his team. After that conversation I knew it was the right decision."
Babel was a member of the Dutch team that won the European Under-21 Championship in June and he has been capped 14 times by the full Dutch team.

Liverpool manager Benitez has also signed forwards Fernando Torres and Andriy Voronin this summer.

Liverpool complete Torres signing

Liverpool have signed Fernando Torres from Atletico Madrid on a six-year deal for a fee believed to be £20m.

Reds boss Rafael Benitez said the 23-year-old Spanish striker, who passed a medical on Tuesday, took a pay cut as part of the move.
"The Liverpool offer arrived and I told the club to listen to that offer as that is the team I wanted to play for," said the Spanish international.
"It's one of the best, if not the best, club in Europe."

Torres returned to Madrid to say farewell to the Atletico supporters before travelling back to Merseyside to be unveiled by his new club.
He had been at Atletico since 11 and became their youngest ever captain at the age of 19.
He has been the Spanish club's leading scorer in each of the last five campaigns, scoring 14 league goals in 36 starts last season as the side finished seventh in La Liga.

"It has been a difficult decision to leave my all-time club," said Torres.
"But it would have been hard for me to reject Liverpool's offer. It is a big leap for me and I think it was the right thing for everyone.
"The time comes in the life of a player that he needs more challenges."
Torres will wear the number nine shirt worn by ex-Anfield forward's Ian Rush and Robbie Fowler.
His capture also shatters the £14m the Reds paid Auxerre for striker Djibril Cisse as the club's previous record signing three seasons ago.

"The fact that Liverpool are giving me the number nine jersey just goes to show the confidence they have placed in me, when considering those who have worn that shirt before me," said Torres.
"A new beautiful adventure begins for me and I hope that with work and effort I can be among the best players.
"This is a unique opportunity for me. Liverpool aspire to everything and that has been an important factor in my decision to go there.
"I want to adapt as quickly as possible. I think Premiership is a football that adapts well to my style.
Villarreal's Diego Forlan has been lined up to replace Torres at Atletico in a £14.2m deal, while the Anfield club have recouped some of their outlay by selling Luis Garcia to Atletico for about £4m.

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez wanted to land Torres to provide a spearhead for an assault on the title and believes the fee for Torres will not adversely trouble the player.
"He has experience," said fellow Spaniard Benitez. "He was playing in the first division at 17 years old and I think he can manage the pressure.
"He knows he will be an important player and I'm sure the staff and other players will help him.
"He has power, pace, is good in the air, scores goals, can dribble and do a lot of things. The kind of striker he is different to the other strikers we have at the moment."
Benitez also expects Torres to have more of an impact at the club than ex-striker Fernando Morientes.
"He is different to Morientes," added Benitez. "He is quicker and stronger.
"Morientes had other skills and was a very good finisher but Torres can run behind defenders, can play in the wide areas or play between the lines to receive the ball."

Liverpool's Preparation : Next Season

Do you agree that Robbie Fowler, Liverpool Striker will be moved to the ranger? Could the newest striker from Bayer Leverkusen , Andriy Voronin perfectlyu replaced another liverpool striker's position.

Does it enough player for Liverpool now? Which player sholud Rafael Benitez added to his team?

Liverpool admit Benayoun approach

Liverpool have revealed they are interested in bringing West Ham midfielder Yossi Benayoun to Anfield.

The Israel international, 27, has verbally agreed to a new five-year deal at Upton Park, but has delayed committing his future in print. Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry said: "I can confirm we've made an approach for Benayoun, but the figures quoted are completely wrong.

"Other than that we don't want to say any more." Some reports suggested Liverpool had already offered £1m for the Israel captain, while others understood the figure to be £3m.
West Ham are believed to have rejected the bid as they aim to tie their midfielder, who joined from Racing Santander in 2005 for £2.5m, to a £50,000-a-week deal.

Last month, it was widely reported that Benayoun had signed the new contract although his agent Ronen Katzav later revealed his player had only agreed in principle.

Alonso extends Liverpool contract

Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso has signed a new deal with the club. The 25-year-old Spaniard, who had been linked with a move away from Anfield, has put pen to paper on a contract that runs for five more years until 2012.

"I knew there was interest from other clubs but it was always my idea to stay here. It's a special club and I just didn't want to leave," said Alonso.

He is the fourth Red to sign a new deal after Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher and compatriot Pepe Reina. "It's also good news to see that other players have signed new contracts this week," added Alonso.

"Stevie, Carra and Pepe are all big players for us and it's great they have all shown their commitment. "I'm sure the manager will be bringing in new players as well and that the new owners will be making a big effort to improve the squad.

"We can achieve big things and hopefully we won't make the same mistakes next season as we did last season. We want to be challenging the top teams." Alonso, who signed for Liverpool in a £10.5m deal from Real Sociedad in August 2004, had been linked with a return to Spain and Barcelona.

Speculation also suggested a move to Juventus could be on the cards, particularly with his place in the team under threat following the January arrival of Javier Mascherano. But Alonso is up for the challenge of battling the Argentine for a midfield role on Merseyside.

"It's great to have competition and I'm ready to fight for my place," he added. "The more top-quality players we have then the better the level of the team will be and I'm confident I can play a lot of minutes on the pitch and keep the confidence of the manager."

After securing Alonso's services, the Champions League finalists will now turn their attentions to Steve Finnan and Mohamed Sissoko. The pair are expected to sign five-year extensions over the weekend. But boss Rafael Benitez has seen enough of goalkeeper Daniele Padelli, who has returned to Sampdoria after a loan spell at Anfield.

The 21-year-old played one game for the Reds, the last domestic outing of the season against Charlton. The Reds have also released former youth team keeper David Roberts, while Jerzy Dudek has not been retained, so Benitez will need to bolster his options behind Reina and Scott Carson.

Reina pens new Liverpool contract

Liverpool goalkeeper Jose Reina has signed a new contract that keeps him at the club until 2012. The 25-year-old follows Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher, who signed new deals earlier in the week.

"It was always my wish to sign a new deal because this is a good club which is looking forward to a very ambitious and attractive project," said Reina.

Boss Rafa Benitez said: "Pepe's record at Liverpool is very good. He is one of the best goalkeepers in the world." Spain international Reina joined Liverpool from Primera Liga side Villarreal for £6m in July 2005.

And Benitez added: "We knew we needed to talk with a number of our players and Pepe was one of them.

"He has had two good years with us and, because of his age, we knew we had to sort out a long contract. "Pepe's record at Liverpool is very good. He's had a lot of clean sheets and you can see the confidence the defenders have in him.
"When he plays, the defenders look very comfortable and that is so important."

Reina, who is the established first choice at Anfield, has an excellent record of saving penalties.
He made several crucial penalty saves as Liverpool beat West Ham to win the 2006 FA Cup and as the Reds beat Chelsea in a shoot out in their Champions League semi-final. And the keeper is now looking for the club to mount a serious Premiership title challenge next season.

"I spoke with Rafa and his thoughts for the future really excited me," added Reina.
"He has ambitions for the team which I want to be part of and I'm sure the other players feel the same. "The idea now for all of us is to keep winning matches and to challenge for titles. That's what we'll be looking for from the start of next season.

"Our fans deserve the league title and that's what we'll be looking for. Seventeen years without winning it is far too long for this club and that's why our biggest target next year has to be the Premiership."

Gerrard & Carragher extend deals

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard and defender Jamie Carragher have agreed new deals which will run until 2011. Midfielder Gerrard, 27, said: "The negotiations have gone really smoothly. I'm pleased to get it out of the way and we can look forward to next season. "Hopefully over the next four years we can deliver a lot more trophies."

Carragher, 29, added: "I am very pleased. Obviously we are both local lads and I've always said I wanted to stay here for the rest of my career." The pair have spent their entire professional careers at Anfield and as well as manager Rafael Benitez, American owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks also stated their desire to tie the homegrown pair to long-term deals.

Gerrard is now hoping the Reds can go on to the next level and transfer their recent excellent record in Europe onto the domestic scene. Having won the Champions League against AC Milan two seasons ago, they lost a re-match in last month's final in Athens. But the Reds have repeatedly failed to mount a serious challenge on the home front.

They finished 21 points adrift of Manchester United in the Premiership last season, and have not claimed the domestic title since 1990. "I think these are exciting times at the football club with the takeover and the new stadium," added Gerrard. "We have both signed for four years and I am sure they are going to be four exciting years.

"I don't see why we can't go from strength to strength and win a load more trophies, not just the Premiership but more cups as well. "Having said that, we can't get away from the fact that the Premiership is the one we want."

Carragher is equally buoyant about the future and hopes to see out his career on Merseyside.
"Hopefully I've got one more (contract) left in me that will take me until the end of my career," he added. "I have signed for four years and hopefully I can still be a regular in the team. That's the aim anyway."

AC Milan 2-1 Liverpool

Pippo Inzaghi struck twice as AC Milan gained revenge for their 2005 Champions League final defeat against Liverpool with victory in Athens. Inzaghi scored a freak opener in first-half injury time, unwittingly deflecting Andrea Pirlo's free-kick past a wrong-footed Pepe Reina.

Steven Gerrard missed a glorious chance to equalise before Inzaghi slid home a second eight minutes from time.

Dirk Kuyt pulled one back with a header with a minute left, but time ran out. Liverpool, as expected, used Kuyt as a lone front man with captain Gerrard pushed into an advanced role.

And it was a ploy that worked well until Liverpool conceded unfortunately in the dying seconds of the first half.

Jermaine Pennant was also prominent as Liverpool posed the greater threat, forcing a fine save from Dida after Marek Jankulovski had conceded possession. The much-touted Brazil star Kaka was a peripheral figure early on, but he brought a comfortable save from Liverpool keeper Reina with a 20-yard drive.

Alonso then came within inches of putting Liverpool ahead after 26 minutes, sending an angled drive just wide after more poor Milan defending. But after controlling the game, Liverpool conceded needlessly in first-half injury time.

Alonso had committed several careless fouls, and he paid the price for another infringement on Kaka 20 yards out.

Pirlo's free-kick took a crucial deflection off Inzaghi that completely wrong-footed Reina. Liverpool struggled to exert their superiority in the early stages of the second half and Benitez made a change after 58 minutes, sending on Harry Kewell for Bolo Zenden.

Gerrard had Liverpool's best chance on 62 minutes when he was sent clear by a dreadful pass by Rino Gattuso, but his finish was weak and Dida saved. Time was running out for Liverpool and Benitez made a second change with 13 minutes left, sending on Peter Crouch for Javier Mascherano.

As Liverpool pushed forward, they were punished by a piece of brilliance by Kaka and a trademark ruthless finish from Inzaghi. Kaka unlocked Liverpool with a glorious pass and Inzaghi rounded Reina before scoring from an angle.

Crouch then tested Dida with a 25-yard drive as Liverpool tried to mount an unlikely recovery.
Liverpool pulled one back in the dying seconds when Daniel Agger flicked on Pennant's corner and Kuyt headed home.

But this time there was no dramatic comeback and Milan celebrated wildly.

AC Milan: Dida, Oddo, Nesta, Maldini, Jankulovski (Kaladze 79), Gattuso, Pirlo, Ambrosini, Seedorf (Favalli 90), Kaka, Inzaghi (Gilardino 88).Subs Not Used: Kalac, Cafu, Serginho, Brocchi.
Booked: Gattuso, Jankulovski.
Goals: Inzaghi 45, 82.

Liverpool: Reina, Finnan (Arbeloa 88), Carragher, Agger, Riise, Pennant, Alonso, Mascherano (Crouch 78), Zenden (Kewell 59), Gerrard, Kuyt.Subs Not Used: Dudek, Hyypia, Gonzalez, Bellamy.
Booked: Mascherano, Carragher.
Goals: Kuyt 89.

Att: 74,000
Ref: Herbert Fandel (Germany).

Fulham 1-0 Liverpool

Clint Dempsey's first goal for Fulham secured a narrow win over Liverpool to ease their relegation worries. Liverpool should have been ahead by the time substitute Dempsey sidefooted the ball past Jose Reina on 68 minutes.

Three times Antti Niemi was tested by Craig Bellamy and three times the Fulham keeper denied the Welshman.

Robbie Fowler missed an open goal for Liverpool, while Vincenzo Montella hit the post for Fulham, who had Papa Bouba Diop red-carded after a second booking.

This was Fulham's first victory in 11 league games as well as the first time they had won under caretaker manager Lawrie Sanchez. With the Champions League final looming, Liverpool's side, with nine changes, was unrecognisable from the one that got the better of Chelsea in midweek.

Along with Jermaine Pennant, goalkeeper Jose Reina was the other player not be rested and the Spaniard, who saved two penalties in Tuesday's shootout, kept Fulham at bay until Dempsey's goal. He athletically punched clear Brian McBride's cross in the first half and after the break frustrated the American for a second time when he got to the ball before the Fulham striker.
But there was nothing Reina could do to stop Dempsey's shot.

The American started and finished the move, dissecting Liverpool's defence with a one-two with Liam Rosenior, before sweeping the ball past Reina. This was Liverpool's ninth league loss on their travels this season and their inability to take advantage of a number of chances was key to their defeat. The majority of those chances fell to Bellamy, who early on twice forced saves from Antti Niemi. It was not long before Bellamy was in the box again, though this time he was unable to shoot, after he was tackled by Bouba Diop.

Having survived those scares, Fulham began to show some attacking intent, with Montella's acrobatic bicycle kick striking the post after it deflected off Xabi Alonso. Moments later Liverpool's Spanish midfielder had to go off for a treatment for a bloody nose after he appeared to be headbutted by Michael Brown, an infringement that went unpunished as referee Steve Bennett was looking the other way.

Towards the end of the first-half Bellamy troubled the Fulham defence twice more, flashing a shot past the post and sending over a dangerous cross that was diligently cleared by Zat Knight.
Bellamy's striking partner Fowler should have then given Liverpool the lead, but he somehow failed to steer the ball home with the goal at his mercy. If Liverpool probably had the better of the first-half, that was never the case after the break, particularly following Dempsey's introduction, his strong running unsettling the visitors' defence.

Even so Liverpool continued to create chances, Niemi once more denying Bellamy with a reaction save, while substitute Harry Kewell - making his first appearance for Liverpool since the 2006 FA Cup final - flashed a shot past the post. Bouba Diop was dismissed after he collected a second booking, but Fulham held on to secure three priceless points.
Fulham caretaker boss Lawrie Sanchez:"People tell me it's mathematically possible to be relegated so until it's proven we're safe I'll save the relief.
"But we took a big, big step today. It was a big ask of the players.
"Michael Brown said he and Alonso ran into each other, there was no headbutt. I believe my captain if he says that. He did say they clashed heads but added there was no intent."
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez on Brown's challenge on Alonso:"You can use 20 referees, 2,000 cameras and a lot of electronic systems but if you don't want to see it you won't. Unbelievable.
"If the officials had seen it then it could have changed the game.
"Big money has been spent in the electronics system for the officials yet nobody could see anything."

Fulham: Niemi, Rosenior, Christanval, Knight, Bocanegra, Radzinski (Volz 90), Brown, Diop, Davies, Montella (Dempsey 53), McBride (Helguson 86).Subs Not Used: Lastuvka, Routledge.
Sent Off: Diop (90).
Booked: Diop, Brown.
Goals: Dempsey 69.

Liverpool: Reina, Arbeloa, Paletta, Hyypia, Insua (Finnan 75), Pennant (El Zhar 65), Alonso, Sissoko, Gonzalez (Kewell 77), Fowler, Bellamy.Subs Not Used: Padelli, Hobbs.
Booked: Fowler, Arbeloa.

Att: 24,554
Ref: S Bennett (Kent).

Fulham v LiverpoolFULHAM resume the battle for top flight survival against a jubilant Liverpool side, bound for the Champions League final in Athens in just over two weeks time. The west Londoners were a top half team in early December, but have been in free fall of late and go into this match two places and one point above the trap door. Match day will be the 25th since Lawrie Sanchez took over from Chris Coleman in a caretaker capacity. The Cottagers have drawn one and lost two under Sanchez, and have picked up four points from a winless 10 matches since victory over Newcastle on 3 February. They're never finished a Premier League campaign lower than 14th place, nor accumulated fewer than 44 points. The best they can get this time around is 42.
The Cottagers won last season's corresponding fixture 2-0. It was their first win in six matches against Liverpool and a fitting way to bid farewell to Fulham legend Johnny Haynes, who sadly passed away earlier in that week.

LIVERPOOL have managed five top three finishes in their 14 Premiership seasons prior to this. They go into this penultimate League match, and last on the road, one point ahead of Arsenal in fourth. They are already guaranteed a place in the qualifying rounds for the next seasons Champions League, but Rafael Benitez will want his side to go directly into the group stages by beating AC Milan and winning the competition for the second time in three seasons on 23 May.

The Merseysiders missed the opportunity to become the fourth club to top 1,000 Premier League points, when beaten away to Portsmouth last Saturday. Currently on 998 points, a maximum at Craven Cottage will see them joining Manchester United (1,228 points), Arsenal (1,079) and Chelsea (1,010) on four figures.

The Reds have won four of the last five Premiership matches against Fulham, scoring a total of 16 goals in the quartet. The Merseysiders dominated the first half of this season's reverse fixture, but needed a three goal blitz in 12 second-half minutes to seal the points. They eventually won 4-0 and are now looking to 'double' the Cottagers for the second time in three seasons.

REFEREE

Steve Bennett (Orpington, Kent)

SEQUENCES/RECENT FORM
FULHAM
Fixtures 16th 36 pointsHighest achievable after Saturday's matches: 15thLowest could fall: 18th
1. Drawn four and lost six of the last 10 Premiership matches, since beating Newcastle 2-1 at home on 3 February.
2. Won only one of the last 18 top flight encounters.
3. Won seven Premiership matches this season. Only Watford (four) have won fewer.
4. Kept six top flight clean sheets - only Spurs have fared less well (five block outs).
5. On the longest current run of 10 matches since scoring more than a single goal in a Premiership game (2-1, home to Newcastle on 3 February). Also on the longest such sequence since winning by more than a single goal. It's now 48 League matches since the 6-1 success, home to West Brom on 11 February 2006.
6. Drawn 15 times in the highest League. Only Aston Villa have finished level more often (16 times).
7. Second bottom in the Premiership's "Last Six Current Form" table with two points from the possible 18. (Liverpool are third top, 13 points).
8. Striving for a first home win in six League fixtures, having drawn three and lost two since the victory over the Magpies. Scored 17 times in Premiership matches by the banks of the Thames. Only Manchester City have netted fewer home Premiership goals (10). Gained 25 of their 36 points at the Cottage.
9. Already been 'doubled' by Manchester United, Manchester City and Reading.
10. End the season away to Middlesbrough on Sunday, 13 May.

LIVERPOOL
Fixtures 3rd 67 pointsHighest achievable after Saturday's matches: 3rdLowest could fall: 3rd
1. Lost one of the last seven Premiership matches.
2. Won 13 more top League games than Fulham (20 to seven).
3. Only Manchester United (27) and Chelsea (24) have won more top tier encounters, and conceded just 24 Premiership goals. Only Chelsea have shipped fewer (22).
4. Kept 20 clean sheets in the highest echelon. Only Chelsea have managed more (21).
5. Lost nine times in the top tier this term. Only Chelsea (three), Manchester United (four) and Arsenal (eight) are also still in single figures in the "lost" column.
6. Conceded two first half goals against Portsmouth last time out - only the second match in 24 Premiership outings that their goal line has been penerated in the first 45 minutes.
7. Hold the best disiplinary record in the highest League with just 41 yellow cards picked up during the 36 fixtures.
8. Won six matches and scored just 18 goals on their top flight travels with this one fixture remaining. Last season they managed 10 away wins and scored 25 goals.
9. 'Doubled' Tottenham, Watford, West Ham, Reading and Wigan so far.
10. Finish the League campaign home to Charlton on Sunday, 13 May.

LAST SEASON'S CORRESPONDING GAME
Fulham 2-0 Liverpool22 October 2005 - Ref: Martin AtkinsonFulham scorers: John 30, Boa Morte 90

THIS SEASON'S REVERSE FIXTURE
Liverpool 4-0 Fulham9 December 2006 - Ref: Uriah RennieLiverpool scorers: Gerrard 54, Carragher 61, Luis Garcia 66, Gonzalez 90

HEAD TO HEAD TOTALS
Home and awayLeague: Fulham 6 wins, Liverpool 22, Draws 11Prem: Fulham 2 wins, Liverpool 7, Draws 2
at Fulham onlyLeague: Fulham 6 wins, Liverpool 7, Draws 6Prem: Fulham 2 wins, Liverpool 3, Draws 0
The "League" figures in these Head to Head totals include all Premiership matches

Gerrard opens talks on new deal

Gerrard is keen to sign a new contract at LiverpoolLiverpool captain Steven Gerrard has revealed he is in talks over a new contract that could tie him to Anfield for the rest of his career.

Gerrard, as well as Jamie Carragher, Xabi Alonso, Luis Garcia, Jose Reina, Steve Finnan and Daniel Agger are all on the verge of agreeing new deals.

The skipper said: "I'm in talks to extend my contract and I've never been happier with my football."

Rafael Benitez said: "I expect deals to be agreed after the Champions League."

Gerrard is expected to sign at least a four-year deal worth about £120,000 a week after leading Liverpool to the Champions League final.

Benitez added: "We have been talking to several players, not just Steven. "Those talks were suspended ahead of the Chelsea game in the Champions League, but we will start talking again.
"Nobody has yet agreed a deal, but if we can get them sorted out, as well as some for younger players too, before the Champions League final at the end of the month, we will do.

New Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks has said he could not see Gerrard playing for any other club - and the Liverpool captain is equally keen to extend his Anfield career.

Gerrard said: "We need to keep all of our big players here so it's very important we get the contracts sorted out so they can be here for a long time." And the Anfield captain admitted he was surprised that AC Milan will be Liverpool's final opponents in Greece.

He said: "I'm confident we can go to Athens and bring the cup back home. "But Milan are a fantastic team and we know it's going to be really difficult, so we need to be right at the top of our game.

"I was really surprised actually that they won their semi-final because I had confidence that Manchester United would get the result they required.

"I thought it was going to be a Liverpool-Manchester United final, but credit to Milan because they were excellent on the night and deserved to win the game."

Countdown to Liverpool v Chelsea

Liverpool and Chelsea meet in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final at Anfield on Tuesday. Jose Mourinho's Chelsea side hold a 1-0 lead, courtesy of Joe Cole's goal in the first leg at Stamford Bridge. The game has been given extra spice by some interesting exchanges between Mourinho and his opposite number

Rafael Benitez ahead of the game. The winners will face either Manchester United or AC Milan in the final in Athens on 23 May.

"I remember before the game in 2005, the Chelsea players spoke a lot about being ready for the Anfield atmosphere but when the game was played they could not handle it.Reds boss Rafael Benitez
"We did not create many chances at Stamford Bridge but I am sure we will create more at Anfield."Jamie Carragher
"Peter Crouch is the tallest man I have ever played against but I am ready. I have never seen a footballer like him - he can beat me in the air but I can beat him to the ball on the ground."Michael Essien
"Liverpool will win it 2-1 and go out of the competition."Artistika on 606

TEAM NEWS AHEAD OF 1945 BST KICK-OFF
Liverpool full-back Steve Finnan is set to return after a neck injury.
Reds striker Peter Crouch could also be in line for a starting place.
Javier Mascherano, Jose Reina, Daniel Agger, Jamie Carragher, Steven Gerrard, Dirk Kuyt and John Arne Riise all missed Liverpool's defeat against Portsmouth at the weekend but are expected to start against Chelsea.

Liverpool (from): Reina, Finnan, Arbeloa, Carragher, Hyypia, Agger, Riise, Gerrard, Alonso, Sissoko, Pennant, Zenden, Bellamy, Kuyt, Mascherano, Crouch, Dudek, Gonzalez.
Blues forward Andriy Shevchenko will not play as he has a groin problem which he picked up in taining on Sunday.

Newspaper reports have suggested he refused to travel after being told he would be a substitute for the game but Chelsea have denied the accusation. Ricardo Carvalho and Michael Ballack are also on the injured list but Arjen Robben is fit. Midfielder Michael Essien returns for the Blues but he could be drafted into central defence in place of Carvalho.

Chelsea pair Didier Drogba and Joe Cole and Liverpool duo Mascherano and Jermaine Pennant would be suspended for the Champions League final if they were to earn a booking at Anfield.

Chelsea (from): Cech, A Cole, Makelele, Terry, Essien, Ferreira, Boulahrouz, Robben, Lampard, J Cole, Drogba, Mikel, Geremi, Bridge, Wright-Phillips, Diarra, Kalou, Cudicini.

Take Over ... The Big Change ....

2007 Takeover

The last pearl in the English FA sea of clubs left to be taken over looks set to finally meet and discuss the possibility of selling up, again. Liverpool Football Club, which has been trying to find the right buyer for the past three years, will meet on Thursday to discuss the shortlist of which surprisingly contains the name of an eminent Dubai super player.It is believed that Dubai International Capital (DIC), the private equity arm of the Arab state is one of three – along with George Gillett, the owner of the Montreal Canadians ice hockey club and John Miskelly, the Belfast-based property millionaire - looking to buy out David Moores, who currently owns 51% of the club.The English are very protective of their clubs and whoever own them, especially the traditional giants of the game. They still view Roman Ambramovich as a leech, who is up to no good and is in it for himself somehow, even though he's wasted £300 million of his own money in doing so! Even the American Glazers that took over Manchester United are considered parasites that have corrupted the beautiful game and sold out the ordinary fan even though it fails to escape most of them that the Glazers acquired the club through legitimate means.Not so long ago Thaksin Shinawatra claimed he had actually taken over Liverpool FC and within hours the internet was full of irate fans questioning the ethics of someone like Shinawatra owning their beloved club. (By the way Shinawatra never really recovered from failing to buy the Reds, ultimately being kicked out of Thailand)DIC and Gillett can no doubt expect the same courtesy; to have their financial and private lives thoroughly probed just because they have the audacity to take over an English football club.

Liverpool Football Club announced they are in talks concerning a possible takeover of the club.
The Liverpool board have said they are in "continuing discussions with a number of parties regarding a potential investment of new funds" that "may include an offer for the entire share capital of the club".

Present chairman David Moores may sell part of his 51.5 per cent majority stake investment in the club for the right price.
The Liverpool board are looking for new investment in the club and are rumoured to be in negotiation with several possible investors and expect a share valuation in the region of £200 million.

Leading the way in the takeover bid is Spanish tycoon Juan Villalonga, who has been constantly linked to the club in the past few days. The Spaniard’s interest could certainly have been spiked by Liverpool’s success last year in the UEFA Champions League and also from the Spanish influence at the football club, which includes manager Rafa Benitez and star midfielders Xabi Alonso and Luis Garcia.

With a background in telecoms, Mr Villalonga is reported to have accepted a £14 million payoff when he left Spanish company Telefonica last year.

Liverpool FC have been searching for extra investment into the club for the past three years. Several well-documented takeover attempts have been rejected by the Liverpool board, including bids by Liverpool builder Steve Morgan and also a rumoured shares buyout by Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Central to any takeover bid would be a good new stadium plan, as Liverpool FC have been looking to move from Anfield for several years.

In December 2006 Liverpool FC announced that the investment group, DIC, were considering buying out the club. They completed their due-diligence of the club and the offer of £450 million was convincing to the public that this was nearly a done-deal. Subsequently George Gillett and Tom Hicks, both US tycoons, made an improved offer which saw Dubai Investment Capital pull out completely almost immediately afterwards. The Chief Executive of Liverpool FC Rick Parry, said the club "felt bullied" by DIC and did not want to make a decision to sell the club too quickly.

On February 6th 2007 at 14:00hrs GMT, George Gillett, owner of the Montreal Canadiens and Tom Hicks, owner of the Dallas Stars and the Texas Rangers respectively, took control of Liverpool FC in a deal worth £470 million. The Liverpool board of directors were unanimous and advised shareholders and Chairman David Moores (with his 51% stronghold) to accept the offer of £175 million. The deal also included £45 million of club debt and £215 million for the new stadium proposed for Stanley Park, with building expected to begin within 60 days. In the same press conference the new owners commented that the new stadium could sell naming-rights should it allow them added funds to bring in "one great player" a season.

Liverpool Today

The Rafael Benítez Era (Since 2004)
(Honours won: UEFA Champions League (2005), UEFA Super Cup (2005), FA Cup (2006))

Spaniard Rafael Benítez took over from Houllier, arriving from Valencia CF with whom he had just won La Liga title for the second time and the UEFA Cup. Liverpool finished a disappointing fifth in the Premier League. The season had a surprising ending, however, as Liverpool won their fifth European Cup final in Istanbul. After eliminating favourites Juventus in the quarter-finals, they beat English rivals Chelsea in the semi-finals, on the strength of a controversial second-leg goal from Luis Javier Garcia Sanz. Many TV replays have been inconclusive as to whether the ball crossed the line.
The Reds met the heavily favoured Italian club A.C. Milan in the final. Liverpool, having trailed 3-0 at half time, made a dramatic comeback and scored three goals in the second half forcing extra time. Liverpool went on to win the penalty shoot out with the heroics of goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek.

This Champions League final win ensured that Steven Gerrard stayed with Liverpool, after rumours linked him with a move to Chelsea FC and Real Madrid at the end of the season.

Although they were the current champions Liverpool were in danger of not being able to defend their title. The England’s Leagues high UEFA ranking allows the maximum number of teams, four, to be entered into the Champions League competition. In the 2004-05 season, five English teams had qualified under then existing UEFA guidelines for the Champions League competition: Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United, and Everton, who had finished in places first to fourth place respectively in the Premier League, and Liverpool, who had won the competition. UEFA regulations stipulated that the choice of which team to be excluded fell to The Football Association. The FA chose to exclude Liverpool in favour of fourth-place finishers, Everton. This highly-unusual situation was eventually resolved by UEFA, which added Liverpool to the first qualifying round of the 2005-06 event. UEFA created an automatic berth for every subsequent Champions League and UEFA Cup title-holder.

For more details of Liverpool’s entry into the 2005-06 competition, see Liverpool FC’s 2005-06 Champions League Qualification.

After a solid run through qualifying and the group stage, Liverpool's defence of the Champions League title ended in the last sixteen in March 2006, being knocked out 3-0 on aggregate by the unfancied Portuguese side, Benfica.

As the UEFA Champions League 2005 winners, Liverpool competed in the 2005 European Super Cup, beating CSKA Moscow 3-1 AET. Liverpool also earned the right as European Champions to represent UEFA in the FIFA Club World Championship 2005 held in Japan. Liverpool met São Paulo in the final where the game was decided by a single goal scored by São Paulo midfielder Mineiro. During the match, three Liverpool goals were ruled offside.

After starting their FA Cup run against Luton with a 5-3 victory, Benitez's side broke an 85-year jinx by beating Manchester United 1-0 in at Anfield on 18 February 2006, their first victory over their arch-rivals in the competition since 1921. The quarter final tie, away to Birmingham City F.C., saw Benitez's highest scoring result with the Reds winning 7-0, this result was also Liverpool's biggest away win in the FA Cup. On 22 April 2006, Liverpool defeated Chelsea 2-1 in the semi-finals, with John Arne Riise and Luis Garcia scoring to reach the FA Cup final to face West Ham United. This was the 13th time Liverpool had reached an FA Cup final.

In the final they claimed victory against West Ham, drawing 3-3 at full time with captain Steven Gerrard scoring an incredible equaliser in the 91st minute to take them to extra time and then penalties. They went on to win 3-1 on penalties with Pepe Reina saving three out of four penalties. Being the last FA Cup game at the Millennium Stadium, it was fitting that it has been noted as one of the best modern FA Cup finals.

In 2005-06 Liverpool also gathered 82 points in the Premiership - their highest points total since 1988 and the largest number of points achieved by a team in third position.

Liverpool's History [Continued]

The Graeme Souness Era (1991-1994)
(Honours won: FA Cup (1992))

Graeme Souness had a reasonable start to his career as Liverpool manager. His first season saw the club win the FA Cup with a 2-0 win over Sunderland at Wembley, a success which ensured they would be competing in the European Cup Winners Cup for the 1992-93 season. He sold many good players and spent recklessly on expensive new players who did not all prove to be successful, especially compared to younger players like Robbie Fowler, Steve McManaman and Jamie Redknapp. The veteran striker Ian Rush meanwhile, was still scoring goals as freely as ever despite being in his thirties. Long-serving goalkeeper Bruce Grobbelaar was often being kept out of the team by promising young shot-stopper David James.

Liverpool finished sixth in the first-ever FA Premier League and never looked like title challengers at any stage during the season. The 1993-94 season was no different and Souness resigned in January 1994 after Liverpool suffered a shock defeat against Bristol City in the FA Cup.

During his tenure as Liverpool manager, Graeme Souness suffered from heart problems. This indirectly led to him falling out of favour with Liverpool fans as he sold the story of his recovery to The Sun. The Sun has long been boycotted by people from Merseyside (regardless of footballing allegiance) due to its reporting of the Hillsborough disaster.

The Roy Evans Era (1994-1998)
(Honours won: Football League Cup (1995))

"Boot room" veteran Roy Evans took over from Souness. Evans had been on the club's pay roll since the late 1950s. He guided Liverpool to an eighth place finish in the 1993-94 Premier League campaign, young striker Robbie Fowler scoring 29 goals in all competitions which led to him being voted PFA Young Player of the Year. In his first full season (1994-95) Liverpool finished fourth in the Premiership and won the League Cup, beating Bolton Wanderers 2-1 in the final.

In the summer of 1995, Liverpool paid Nottingham Forest a British record fee of £8.5 million for striker Stan Collymore. Fowler and Collymore formed an impressive partnership for the 1995-96 season which saw veteran striker Ian Rush relegated to the substitute bench for much of the season before his departure on a free transfer to Leeds United. Liverpool continued to progress that season, being within a shout of the domestic double right up to the final few weeks of the season. But they finished third in the Premiership, eleven points behind champions Manchester United, seven behind runners-up Newcastle, and lost 1-0 to Man United in the FA Cup final. Still, Liverpool were recognised as a top team once again, and were starting to attract top players once more, to aid a talented group of young stars like Steve McManaman, Robbie Fowler and Jamie Redknapp, who were peaking.

Liverpool led the Premiership at several stages during the 1996-97 season, but in the end they finished fourth and had to settle for a UEFA Cup place. They had been hoping to win the Cup Winners Cup for the first time, but lost to Paris St Germain in the semi finals. The squad's off the field lad culture excesses and underachievement tag on it had also resulted in the team getting derogatorily labelled as the 'Spice Boys'.

1997-98 saw Liverpool finish third in the Premiership for the second time in four years where they finished fourth on both other occasions. Though the critics had accused them as being 'nearly men' again, the highlight of the club's season was the emergence of young striker Michael Owen. Owen became the Premiership's equal top scorer in 1998 with eighteen goals and became the youngest full England international at the time. He was also awarded the PFA Young Player of the Year Award.

The Gérard Houllier Era (1998-2004)
(Honours won: UEFA Cup (2001), FA Cup (2001), Football League Cup (2001, 2003), UEFA Super Cup (2001))

Gérard Houllier, the former French national coach, was drafted into the Liverpool management team for the 1998-99 season to work alongside Roy Evans. But Evans found that the partnership did not suit him and he quit during the season, at the end of which Liverpool finished a disappointing seventh - not even enough for a UEFA Cup place.

2000-01 was Liverpool's best season for many years. The likes of Owen, Fowler, Steven Gerrard and Sami Hyypiä contributed to the club's third place in the Premiership (thus qualifying for the Champions League) as well as completing a unique treble of the FA Cup, League Cup and UEFA Cup, followed by the FA Community Shield and European Super Cup later in 2001. The League Cup was won by beating Birmingham City on penalties after a 1-1 draw, the FA Cup by beating Arsenal 2-1 with two goals from Michael Owen in the last ten minutes and the UEFA Cup by beating Alavés, in an extraordinary game, 5-4 in extra time. This feat made Liverpool the first club in English football to achieve two 'trebles' of any kind.

By now, Liverpool's side contained a new set of players including goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek, defender and captain Sami Hyypiä, young midfielder Steven Gerrard and Michael Owen's strike partner Emile Heskey.

Liverpool finished Premiership runners-up in 2001-02, their best league finish since 1991, but suffered a humiliating defeat in the League Cup Third Round at the hands of Grimsby Town. 2001 was also dramatic for Houllier personally as he suffered a major heart problem which kept him away from the club for part of the season.

Liverpool won another League Cup in 2003 but Houllier had again failed to deliver the league title, in fact finishing thirty points behind the champions Arsenal. Although Liverpool qualified for the Champions League by finishing fourth (making three qualifications during his tenure), fans saw Houllier's conservative and defensive tactics as sacrificing too much attacking impetus to challenge Arsenal and Manchester United for the title. During this period Liverpool had their longest streak of not winning any games in the top flight. Against a background of growing disquiet amongst the Liverpool supporters Houllier and Liverpool parted by mutual consent at the end of the 2003-04 season, his replacement being the Spaniard Rafael Benítez who had just guided Valencia to the Spanish league title and UEFA Cup.