Liverpool 2 - 0 Man Utd

YES, we did it again and this time without our inspirational captain, STEVEN GERRARD.

Anfield was awash with ecstasy as goalkeeper Pepe Reina rushed the length of the field to join the celebrations with Ngog - a sign of what was riding on this result for Liverpool and manager Benitez.
Reds boss Benitez entered this crucial game with spirits lifted after managing director Christian Purslow added his weight to co-owner George Gillett's message that his future is not under threat.
But it was the commitment and energy shown by Liverpool in the face of four successive defeats that was always going to be the most realistic measure of the current circumstances surrounding Benitez.
And Liverpool delivered in emphatic fashion, backed by fervent Anfield supporters who recognised Benitez had reached a pivotal point in his five-year reign.
Liverpool held sway for most of a match that only occasionally touched the heights, but the workload of the respective keepers confirmed this was a victory well-earned by Benitez's side - and which now leaves them only four points behind the Premier League champions.
United mounted a late rally of sorts but Ngog's late goal gave the scoreline a more realistic appearance.
And watching it all after a late cameo as substitute was Michael Owen, returning to Anfield for the first time since joining United and being subjected to a venomous reaction from Liverpool's fans.
Owen was involved in the late drama as he was fouled by Jamie Carragher with United trailing 1-0 and boss Sir Alex Ferguson felt the Reds defender should have been shown a red card rather than yellow.
It was perhaps the stroke of luck Liverpool have been missing recently.
Events on the pitch, as ever, will ultimately dictate Benitez's fate and United fans arrived at Anfield in the mood to revel in Liverpool's current misfortune.
Phelan disappointed with result
Eric Cantona masks and a succession of banners served as a reminder that they now equal Liverpool's total of 18 league titles - with beach balls thrown on to the Anfield turf to mock the manner of Liverpool's defeat at Sunderland.
The Kop rallied behind Liverpool, who as expected were without injured captain Steven Gerrard, and they responded with an energetic first-half performance in which United keeper Van der Sar was fully extended.
Van der Sar leapt brilliantly to claw out Aurelio's free-kick in the 14th minute after Patrice Evra had been booked for his third foul in quick succession - even recovering to keep out Kuyt's effort from the rebound.
Kuyt was guilty of missing Liverpool's best chance of a frantic opening three minutes later when he failed to hit the target from the angle after he was released by Lucas.
Valencia's pace was posing real problems for Liverpool left-back Emiliano Insua, and he was the provider with a cross that saw Wayne Rooney's header clutched by Reina in front of an anxious Kop.
Liverpool were rising to the challenge of ending their recently dismal sequence, and Aurelio should have given them the lead 10 minutes before half-time, heading straight at Van der Sar from Yossi Benayoun's cross.
Benitez's side started well again after the break and Kuyt, his confidence perhaps sapped by earlier failures in front of goal, tried to set up Benayoun when the Netherlands striker would have been better served trying to test Van der Sar.
The goal Liverpool craved eventually came - and from a predictable source as Torres showed searing pace and clinical finishing to shrug off the attentions of Ferdinand before lashing a finish high past Van der Sar at The Kop end.
It was the signal for former Liverpool striker Owen to warm up, and he was subjected to a torrid reception and cries of "Judas" from the supporters who once idolised him.
Owen almost delivered the perfect answer to the taunts when he set up Valencia, but his shot smashed against the bar from a tight angle and United's last serious chance had gone.
There was still time for a frantic finish, with Vidic achieving the unenviable feat of a third red card in three games against Liverpool when he picked up a second yellow card for a foul on Kuyt. Mascherano joined him on the sidelines for a similar offence, this time a late challenge on Van der Sar - but the final word was left to Liverpool and youngster Ngog.
As United pressed forward in numbers, Liverpool broke and Ngog finished with composure from Lucas's pass to set the seal on a day that went almost perfectly to the script for besieged Benitez.

Liverpool 1 - 2 Lyon

A sad day for Liverpool and my idol, Steven Gerrard. Lyon deepened the sense of crisis surrounding Liverpool and manager Rafael Benitez as Cesar Delgado's injury-time winner left their Champions League ambitions hanging in the balance.
As the Reds slumped to a fourth successive defeat, their worst sequence since April 1987, boss Benitez was given a rare taste of the anger and frustration inside Anfield as their damaging slump continued.
And to add to the air of despair, Reds captain Steven Gerrard limped off midway through the first half with a recurrence of a groin injury.
The injury will make him a doubt for Sunday's meeting with champions Manchester United at Anfield, a game that now assumes huge significance for Benitez and his players.
Liverpool initially rallied after the departure of Gerrard and looked on course to arrest their recent slide when Yossi Benayoun put them in front as half-time approached.
But once Lyon substitute Maxime Gonalons scrambled home the equaliser after 72 minutes, Liverpool's resolve wilted and Delgado's close-range finish gave the French side a victory their late supremacy just about merited.
And it was Benitez who felt the full force of Anfield's displeasure when he contentiously replaced goalscorer Benayoun with Andriy Voronin in an attempt to snatch victory with five minutes remaining.
Loud jeering greeted the decision, and the move looked even more ill-judged when Lyon swept forward to snatch victory.
The one bright spot on a bitterly disappointing night for Liverpool was the excellent performance of young defender Martin Kelly, in for Glen Johnson, who was ruled out by a groin injury.
Liverpool gave Anfield little else to cheer, although they did show commendable spirit in their attempt to recover from the loss of Gerrard and the absence of Fernando Torres.
For all the effort the home side put in, they just did not have the weapons to hurt Lyon when they required that crucial second goal, and a central midfield partnership of Lucas and Javier Mascherano may be many things, but creative it is not.
Benitez now faces a huge task to resurrect his side's shattered morale before the champions come to Anfield.
They also know that defeat in Lyon in a fortnight would leave them battling against the odds to reach the last 16 of the Champions League - an outcome that would have devastating financial as well as footballing consequences.
Liverpool co-owner George Gillett was present at Anfield, and he will not relish the prospect of the club he is touting for sale falling at the group stage of Europe's elite competition.
Benitez was forced into a late reshuffle when Johnson was ruled out. It gave youngster Kelly the opportunity to shine and it was one he took with relish in the opening half.
Lyon, watched from the Anfield directors' box by their former coach and one-time Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier, made a lively opening and should have taken the lead after only nine minutes.
The menacing figure of Aly Cissokho provided an inviting cross for Lisandro Lopez, and while Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina did well to block his header, the striker should have done much better.
Liverpool's attempt to recover from a mini-slump suffered a major blow after 24 minutes when Gerrard, who had been a subdued figure, was forced off and walked disconsolately down the tunnel to be replaced by Fabio Aurelio.
The departure of Gerrard galvanised The Kop, who recognised Liverpool were up against it, and also a home side who had previously struggled to exert their authority on Lyon.
They almost made the vital breakthrough after 35 minutes when Lucas retrieved an overhit cross from Kelly. The Brazilian's ball caused confusion in the Lyon box and keeper Hugo Lloris was forced to make a crucial save from David Ngog.
Liverpool had to survive a further scare before breaking the deadlock, however, when a stretching Sidney Govou could not connect properly with Kim Kallstrom's raking pass.
Benayoun brought Anfield to its feet as the under-strength Reds took the lead four minutes before the interval.
Aurelio's cross evaded everyone in the area, and the Israel international took his time before sliding a composed finish beyond Lloris.
And Aurelio should have doubled the home side's lead on the stroke of half-time when he flew in on the end of a wonderful delivery from Kelly, only to see his header spectacularly turned over the bar by Lloris in front of an expectant Kop.
Benayoun was posing a real threat and he almost grabbed his second after 55 minutes with a header from Dirk Kuyt's cross that dropped just the wrong side of an upright.
Kelly was delighting a Liverpool support only too keen to encourage homegrown talent, and he was the provider again with another cross that did not get the finish it deserved from Ngog.
Liverpool were walking a fine line as they failed to extend their lead, and they were punished when substitute Gonalons, on for the injured Cris, equalised with 18 minutes left.
As mass confusion reigned in the Liverpool penalty area following a corner, Reina saved from Jeremy Toulalan and then Jean Makoun before Gonalons headed in at the third time of asking.
Benitez then made a change that was, to put it charitably, mystifying when he replaced the lively Benayoun with Voronin.
Liverpool looked likely to secure an unsatisfactory point as the game entered stoppage time - but they were even deprived of even that.
Miralem Pjanic played in Govou and he set up Delgado to arrive at the far post and turn in a goal that delivered a devastating blow to their Champions League ambitions.

Chelsea 2 - 0 Liverpool

Nicolas Anelka and Florent Malouda sent Chelsea back to the top of the Premier League as their second-half goals gave Carlo Ancelotti's side a deserved victory over Liverpool at Stamford Bridge.
The enigmatic Didier Drogba - who mixed theatrics with threat in an encounter that was competitive rather than compelling - won the battle of the strikers with Liverpool's Fernando Torres to make decisive contributions and set up Chelsea's win.
Drogba, who infuriated Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez with his antics when coming into contact with opposing defenders, set up former Liverpool striker Anelka for a simple close-range finish on the hour to break the deadlock.
And in injury time he made light of the presence of Jamie Carragher and Fabio Aurelio to slide in another cross for substitute Malouda to seal the win.
Chelsea boss Ancelotti's usually impassive mask slipped in a wild touchline celebration, acknowledging the significance of beating a Liverpool side expected to be a serious threat to their Premier League ambitions, plus the importance of reacting swiftly to the shock defeat at Wigan.
And it was all done without suspended keeper Petr Cech, with his replacement Hilario distinguishing himself when called upon.
For Liverpool and manager Benitez, defeat capped a disappointing week after they slumped against Fiorentina in the Champions League on Tuesday.
The Reds threatened only occasionally, with Torres subdued by a magnificent performance from Chelsea and England captain John Terry, who repelled any danger that came his side's way.
Substitute Yossi Benayoun missed the visitors' best chance, but that came after Malouda had doubled Chelsea's advantage, with Hilario also clawing away Steven Gerrard's 20-yard drive in the closing stages.
It was Liverpool's third league defeat of the season, eclipsing the number of losses they had in their entire campaign last term, and Benitez has much to ponder in the international break as they failed to rise to a vital occasion.
Emotions could not be more contrasting for counterpart Ancelotti, who will see his reputation at Stamford Bridge enhanced after the Blues ultimately out-manoeuvred their opponents.
Liverpool's midfield was strengthened by the return of Javier Mascherano after injury - and he played a crucial role in protecting his defence in a scrappy, niggly opening period.
Torres set the tone early on with a nasty challenge that floored Terry, then Michael Essien was fortunate not to connect with a reckless lunge at Mascherano, although the Argentine did himself little credit with a dramatic collapse.
The home side's best hope of a breakthrough looked to be via the aerial route, with Drogba and Anelka both having headers comfortably collected by Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina.
And Michael Ballack should have done better than head Deco's free-kick off target at the near post after he escaped the attentions of the Liverpool defence.
Chelsea had exerted a small measure of supremacy as the half wore on, but Liverpool's threat was still in evidence. Torres wasted a clear opportunity when he headed Dirk Kuyt's cross straight at Hilario.
And the stand-in keeper came to Chelsea's rescue on the stroke of half-time when he reacted late to Albert Riera's 30-yard free-kick but managed to dive low to his right to turn it around the post.
Frank Lampard had been a peripheral presence, but he made a crucial contribution as Chelsea took a lead they just about deserved on the hour.
He turned the tables on Mascherano by robbing the combative midfield man in possession and fed Deco. Deco in turn found Drogba, whose cross provided an open invitation for Anelka to turn a finish high past Reina from point-blank range.
It was Drogba at his menacing best, but the striker spent too much time reverting to his bad old ways, throwing himself to the ground - and staying there - even though contact had been minimal at best.
When he did stay on his feet he was, as always, a huge threat and Reina was grateful to see his angled low free-kick swerve narrowly wide from 25 yards.
The goal at least impressed on Liverpool the urgency of attempting to trouble the Chelsea goal, and Torres scuffed a presentable opportunity wide with 10 minutes left after Gerrard drove into the penalty area.
Drogba again demonstrated his power and threat as Chelsea wrapped up the points in injury time, dismissing the presence of Carragher and Aurelio to set up Malouda for the simplest of finishes.

Fiorentina 2 - 0 Liverpool

Stevan Jovetic was Liverpool's tormentor as he scored twice in Fiorentina's surprise win over the Reds in their Champions League Group E tie.
The teenager pierced the visitors' offside trap and slotted past Pepe Reina to put his side deservedly ahead.
He added a second when he diverted in a powerful Juan Vargas strike.
Liverpool had chances to get back into the game but Lucas Leiva put a free header wide and Fernando Torres skied a close-range volley.
The Reds did not lose away from home in the Champions League last season but were undone by a poor first-half showing and an inspired Viola at the Stadio Artemio Franchi.
Liverpool had also found the net in their previous 21 Champions League matches and their failure to do so against the Serie A side saw them miss out on Bayern Munich's record scoring run of 22 games.
Fiorentina fielded 19-year-old Jovetic in attack because of striker Alberto Gilardino's absence through suspension and the teenager relished the stage on his first Champions League start.
A bustling and energetic presence in the hole behind fellow forward Adrian Mutu, Montenegro international Jovetic was a major influence as the Italian side took the game to Liverpool after weighing up their rivals.
His reward came when he timed his run to perfection to beat the Liverpool offside trap and latched on to a Cristiano Zanetti pass before calmly slotting past Reina.
The assured home defence were giving little away as their organisation and discipline created a barrier the Reds struggled to make any impression on.
It gave the Italian side the foundation to push forward with confidence, and their work-rate and movement saw Liverpool struggle to keep them at bay.
The Reds have looked vulnerable in defence so far this season and they conceded a 12th goal in 10 games when Jovetic diverted in a powerful, angled Vargas drive at the near post.
Liverpool had found space and time at a premium as Fiorentina constantly and quickly closed them down and robbed them of possession.
The presence of combative midfielder Javier Mascherano, who is sidelined with a groin strain, was missing but the game changed after half-time.
The visitors increased the tempo and urgency in their play, while Fiorentina sat back and relied on counter-attacks to preserve their lead.
Rafael Benitez's side almost capitalised when Yossi Benayoun cut in from the left byline and had a well-struck shot blocked by keeper Sebastien Frey.
Lucas put a free six-yard header over from the resulting corner when he should have done better and Dirk Kuyt had a shot deflected wide as Liverpool searched for a way back into the game.
Fiorentina were weathering the pressure and Gerrard chested the ball down before having a shot blocked as the home side showed the resolute and stubborn defending Italian teams are famed for.
Torres felt he should have had a penalty after a forceful Alessandro Gamberini tackle late on before he blazed a near-post volley over from a Martin Skrtel cross.
But there was to be no breakthrough for the visitors as Fiorentina held on leaving their fans to raucously celebrate a memorable victory

Liverpool 6 - 1 Hull

Fernando Torres struck a brilliant hat-trick as Liverpool demolished Hull.
The Spanish striker showed stunning footwork to slot in a first, before Geovanni's volley levelled matters.
Torres dribbled around Boaz Myhill to restore the Reds' lead and rolled in to complete his treble after latching on to a clever Yossi Benayoun pass.
Steven Gerrard's cross flew it to make it 4-1 before Ryan Babel tapped in Dirk Kuyt's cross and then unknowingly deflected in Albert Riera's late shot.
Benitez happy with six against Hull
The final score was harsh on Hull, but their commitment and endeavour could not make up for a glaring lack of quality throughout the side.
After a shaky start to the season, Rafael Benitez has now seen his Liverpool side win their last six matches, scoring 18 goals in the process.
The Spaniard even had the luxury of resting midfielder Javier Mascherano ahead of a testing week which includes a Champions League trip to Fiorentina on Tuesday and a league meeting with Chelsea next Sunday.
Riera came in for the Argentine and the winger had an immediate impact as his low ball in from the left was shifted out of his feet by the quick-thinking Torres before he rolled into the far corner.
It was far from an ideal start for Hull, who had lost their previous three matches, but if the majority of the Anfield crowd were expecting the floodgates to open they were soon to be disappointed as the Tigers gave their travelling fans something to celebrate.
Paul McShane's cross from the right was headed back across goal by Jan Venegoor of Hesselink and, after Martin Skrtel could only flick the ball up in the air, Geovanni waited for it to drop on to his left foot and directed it into the corner from 10 yards.
The goal gave Hull renewed belief and every time they pumped a ball into the Liverpool area the hosts' fragile defence gave them cause for optimism, clearly not heeding boss Benitez's midweek plea for them to tighten up at the back.
Fortunately for them Hull were even shakier and before the half-hour mark Torres doubled the lead, slipping on to a Benayoun slide-rule pass, nonchalantly rounding Ibrahima Sonko and Myhill before clipping into the net.
Hull simply could not live with the blond marksman and he sealed his fourth Liverpool hat-trick two minutes after the break, again found by Benayoun and again coming inside Sonko before firing home.
At that stage the score was harsh on Hull, who saw a Sonko header deflected wide and a Geovanni shot fly off target, but from then on it was nothing more than an exercise in damage limitation.
And as the Hull defence - including 18-year-old Liam Cooper, making his Premier League debut - proceeded to fall apart, Liverpool began to run riot.
Torres delighted with a wonderful game
Gerrard's goal had more than a touch of fortune about it as he swung over a cross from the left that swirled over Myhill's head and flew in-off the crossbar, but as the game wore on Hull simply could not get the ball off their opponents.
Torres and Gerrard were given deserved rests but the torment did not end there as Kuyt ploughed down the right and crossed for Babel to convert at the near post.
It got even worse in injury time as Riera's shot struck Babel and looped over Myhill to make it six.

Kuyt's praise for Liverpool ace Johnson

Striker Dirk Kuyt believes summer signing Glen Johnson has provided Liverpool with a different emphasis this season.
The England defender, who moved from Portsmouth in the summer, has probably been the Merseysiders' best player so far, scoring twice and providing a much-needed cutting edge from right-back.
Johnson, 25, may yet have to win over critics who are sceptical about his defensive strengths but there are no doubts over his ability as an attacking force.
“I think Glen has done really well,” said Kuyt.
“He was a big signing for us but he has shown straight from the start that he is very important - both defensively and in attack.
“He has scored some very good goals and provided some assists. He is probably one of the best players in the team so far this season.
“He is still young and I think he will only get better and better.”
Kuyt's fellow striker David Ngog is prepared to play a waiting game as he tries to force his way into the starting line-up.
Tuesday's Carling Cup match-winner at Leeds accepts he is behind Fernando Torres, Kuyt and probably even Andriy Voronin in the pecking order.
However, he hopes scoring the only goal at Elland Road will have given manager Rafael Benitez another glimpse of his talents.
“I think I played okay. The intensity of the game made it difficult and I was very happy to score,” said the 20-year-old, who joined Liverpool from Paris St Germain in the summer of 2008.
“When you are a striker, scoring is always the best thing. That is our job and what we work for.
“Of course I know that I'm not going to play every game so when the coach gives me a chance, I want to do my best for the team and try to score.
“I know I have to be patient and all I can do is when I get a chance, try to take it and show the manager what I can do.” Read more:

Leeds United 0 - 1 Liverpool

Liverpool striker David Ngog produced a clinical finish to help the Reds come through a testing Carling Cup third-round tie at Leeds.
Ngog controlled an attempted shot by Javier Mascherano before spinning and sidefooting past keeper Shane Higgs.
It was the kind of finish Leeds striker Jermaine Beckford lacked as he mishit an earlier shot when through on goal.
Beckford was also harshly deemed offside when Leeds had an early Lubomir Michalik headed effort disallowed.
It was a contentious call by the assistant referee as Beckford looked onside, while also not appearing to get a touch as Michalik's low header found its way past flailing keeper Diego Cavalieri.
The decision may leave Leeds with a rueful feeling of an opportunity lost, especially against a lacklustre Liverpool side, but they can take encouragement from a determined performance.
A tough challenge was expected from Leeds after 15 league home wins on the trot, their good form pitted against the desire of Liverpool's fringe players trying to impress manager Rafael Benitez.
A roaring full house was also in the home side's corner and provided a flashback to recent halcyon days at Elland Road, which included a Champions League semi-final against Valencia in 2001.
And Leeds should have given their contingent of the sell-out crowd a goal to cheer early on but an unmarked Michael Doyle headed an inviting Robert Snodgrass cross disappointingly wide.
Michalik's header was then disallowed as Leeds pushed forward, sensing an upset against an unfamiliar looking Liverpool struggling for any rhythm or control.
Benitez had made nine changes to his starting line-up and it told in their play with Ryan Babel ending a marauding run with a tame shot to give them a rare threat on goal.
Liverpool's second string were doing little to enhance their cases for more of a first-team say as Leeds were the more accomplished, with Snodgrass, in particular, causing Reds left-back Andrea Dossena all sorts of problems.
Leeds were given a major scare when Albert Riera flicked a header goalwards from close range but keeper Higgs pulled off an instinctive save before Luciano Becchio blocked the Spaniard's follow-up.
Beckford has earned a reputation as a prolific striker in League One and was aiming to enhance his reputation against more exalted opposition.
He had an ideal chance when he was through on goal after running on to a long ball but he mistimed his shot and Cavalieri gratefully saved.
Beckford did show his instinctive nature in front of goal when a Bradley Johnson cross was just behind him and he hooked an effort on goal agonisingly high.
Liverpool were hardly convincing and Mascherano could have been given more than a telling off for striking out at Beckford as the visitors' frustration came to the fore.
But the tireless Ngog capitalised on the home side's failure to score with his goal before the Reds closed out the game to progress into the last 16.