Stoke v Liverpool

A tough trip to the Britannia today to emulate the fact that no Liverpool side had won there since 1984 and Rodgers kept the same eleven that defeated Fulham.

Liverpool started well and took the lead within the first two minutes after a darting run by Suarez into the box saw him hauled down by Ryan Shawcross and Liverpool were awarded their first penalty of the season which Gerrard powered into the bottom corner.

However the lead was to be short lived as in the fifth minute as Walters cut through the defence and side-footed past Reina to level the scores. 

Stoke were buoyed by the equaliser and used the momentum to take the lead in the 12th minute as Kenwyne Jones popped up at the near post to head past Reina and silence the travelling kopites.

Liverpool should have drawn level just on the half-hour mark after Downing put in Gerrard who exchanged passes with Suarez before firing a shot over the bar.

 Stoke should have gone two goals clear just before the break, when Etherington raced through on goal but Reina denied him to save Liverpool's blushes.

The Liverpool comeback suffered a massive blow after only four minutes of the second half as Jones flicked in a great cross which Walters skilfully chested before volleying into the corner to put Stoke 3-1 up.

Liverpool had a late chance to close the deficit but Gerrard's shot forced a good save from Begovic and meant Liverpool's barren run at Stoke continued for another year.

Next up is QPR and surely a return to winning ways for Liverpool against a side with only one win this season but with the luck Liverpool are having this season, no one would rule out QPR causing a surprise.

Liverpool v Fulham

The defeat to Villa now a week old, Liverpool played host to Fulham hoping to get back to winning ways and with a hectic festive schedule ahead in came Suso and Downing while Sterling and Allen dropped to the bench.

Liverpool started well as Agger headed over after a nice flick from Jonjo Shelvey which caused chaos in the box and within minutes they were in front after a well controlled Gerrard corner found Skrtel who volleyed into the top corner to break the deadlock in the eighth minute.

The lead should have increased with both Agger and Downing trying their luck but in the 36th minute the advantage stretched to two goals as Downing put a nice pass into the box and in ran Gerrard to turn and drive the ball past Schwarzer into the bottom corner and Liverpool had a comfortable lead into the interval.

Fulham had no real threat and in trying to force their way back into the game they left themselves open to a Liverpool counter-attack which saw Downing carve in from the right and surge into the box before smashing the ball in past Schwarzer to surely kill off any Fulham hopes after only 51 minutes.

Schwarzer denied Liverpool from hitting a fourth with some skillful saves but in injury time his heroics were over as Suarez tapped home to secure a well deserved win for the home side in their last home game of 2012.


Next up is the first of a quick treble as Liverpool travel to face Stoke on Boxing day before QPR and Sunderland either side of the new year.

Liverpool v Aston Villa

The amazing comeback at West Ham a week old, Liverpool hosted Aston Villa in a game I personally expect a Liverpool win in each year.

Liverpool were on a three game winning streak and started well with Shelvey and Sterling both being denied in the early stages by fine defending and Liverpool were on top.

However in the 29th minute against the run of play, Villa opened the scoring as Benteke swooped the ball in past Reina to the surprise of the home fans and sent the away fans into a roar.

Suarez could have equalised instantly but hit his shot against the side netting and Weimann came close to adding to Villa's score but his lob went over.

The second goal did come and it came for Villa after a scorching breakaway allowed Weimann to fire past Reina and send the Kop into stunned silence with five minutes until the break.

Liverpool came out in the second half needing a minor miracle to keep up the winning streak but hopes were dashed within seven minutes as Benteke broke on the defence and side footed past Reina to put Villa 3-0 up and all but seal a win.

Liverpool had a great chance as after Suarez's shot was blocked, Cole and Henderson both were denied in a goalmouth scramble.

The game seemed die off a touch and it wasn't until the 87th minute, that Liverpool found the net as an exquisite drive from Johnson took a touch off the head of Gerrard and flew in to give the Anfield faithful something to finally cheer about even though it only served as a consolation.

The winning streak ended for Liverpool and in emphatic fashion with a shock loss but hopes will be up for the visit of Fulham to L4 on Saturday evening.

West Ham United v Liverpool

After securing qualification for the knock-out stages of the Europa League, Liverpool resumed their domestic campaign away to West Ham at Upton Park.

Luis Suarez's booking last weekend meant he was suspended and Rodgers' line-up had Jonjo Shelvey playing in a 'false 9' role or in the formation of a 4-6-0 which was used in the 2-2 draw with Young Boys recently.

 The home side started the better and could have been ahead in the sixth minute after Jarvis' cross was cleared by Agger into the path of Diame who hit a shot that deflected of Carlton Cole and crept past the post.

In the 10th minute, Gerrard spotted Johnson in space down the right who then took the ball past Jarvis,headed for the box and on the edge unleashed a screamer which flew into the top corner to put Liverpool 1-0 up.

The lead should have been doubled within minutes as Sterling had two good chances to score, the first came as he cut through the defence and fired a low shot in which failed to test Jaaskelainen and the second came after some skillful movement by Johnson but again no test for the keeper.

West Ham's force down the left wing continued to cause trouble for Liverpool and on the half-hour, Jarvis swept in a cross for Cole but Agger thwarted the chance with an amazing block.

However in the 35th minute, disaster in the Liverpool box as a shot from Demel struck the arm of Joe Allen and a penalty was awarded. Noble struck the penalty well past a diving Reina and the Hammers were level.

West Ham pushed to take the lead and luck seemed to be on their side as a dangerous cross from Jarvis hit the head of Gerrard who headed it into his own net to give the Hammers the lead and left the Liverpool captain devastated with his side two minutes from the break.

West Ham began the second half full of confidence with Diame and Nolan the standout stars for the Hammers.

Sterling should have equalised after being picked out by Downing and being free in the box he forced a superb save from Jaaskelainen and Downing was again the creator as he set a chance for Shelvey who nodded wide.

Then a breakthrough for Liverpool with 15 minutes to go as Sterling and Henderson exchanged passes and found Joe Cole in space, Cole hit the ball across goal and past Jaaskelainen to bring Liverpool level at 2-2.

The teams were level for all of three minutes as Henderson broke down the right wing and spotted Shelvey in the box, in came the cross and Shelvey went for the ball with defender Collins and Collins got the first touch but in doing so flicked the ball over the keeper and into his own net to hand the lead to Liverpool at 3-2.

Neither side were able to add to the score in the final minutes and at the sound of the whistle, Liverpool had secured a memorable win after an inspired comeback the kind not seen since the time of Benitez and also meant that the win propelled them into the top half of the table.

Next up is Aston Villa at home on Saturday and with Villa struggling this season, Liverpool will be confident of adding to the three game unbeaten streak they have while also hoping to improve on the 1-1 draw from last season.

Udinese v Liverpool

With a good win over Southampton at the weekend, Liverpool focused their attention on the Europa League and in securing a safe passage to the knockout stages. 

Rodgers took a strong side over to face already-eliminated Udinese who themselves had a familiar face to Liverpool with former red Daniele Padelli in goal. 

Both sides started well but the first opening came from Liverpool with Suso swishing past two defenders to put in a dangerous cross which was cleared safely and set Udinese on the attack down the right with the resulting cross finding the head of Ranegie who powered a header just wide of post.

Pereyra caused trouble moments later by unleashing a shot which evaded his teammates and dipped towards Reina who tipped it over the bar.

Udinese were made to pay for not converting their early chances as Liverpool opened the scoring in the 23rd minute as Suarez directed a corner to the back post which after being flicked on by Suso found the path of Henderson who hammered past Padelli to put Liverpool in front.


Just before the break, Suarez could have added to the score with an overhead kick which looked to be on target until Padelli managed to put it behind the goal.

After the interval, Liverpool continued their attack as Suarez fooled two defenders which allowed Suso some space to test Padelli but as the ball came to him he failed to hit the target.

News of Young Boys leading against Anzhi meant for Liverpool to go through it was win or bust and it was nearly bust as Armero headed for goal after spinning past Suso but luckily for Liverpool, Skrtel directed the cross away to safety and from the resulting corner, Ranegie powered a header at goal only to see it creep over the crossbar.

Henderson should have hit a brace on the hour after Shelvey gained possession put in Enrique who swept in a brilliant cross which found Henderson who hit towards the top corner only to be thwarted by Padelli.

Downing continued the pressure in finding Suarez who scythed past two to poke towards goal but yet again Padelli kept the ball out of his net with an amazing save.


Udinese's fight was dealt a crucial blow after Pasquale was shown a second booking for a dangerous challenge in Sterling and Liverpool looked from there to see the game out but with the last kick of the game, their hopes came so near to disaster after Di Natale ran on to a pass and was in on goal with the chance to condemn Liverpool and send Young Boys through but as his shot flew over the bar, Liverpool's blushes were spared.


The final whistle went and Liverpool progressed safely meaning European football will definitely be on schedule in 2013 and even better thanks to Anzhi's defeat, Liverpool topped the group and go into the draw as a seeded team.

Next up is the trip down to London to face West Ham which in the past has been a tough game but after last week's humiliation of Chelsea, the Hammers will be confident of a double over the European participants.

Liverpool v Southampton

Southampton were the visitors to Anfield after the defeat in midweek to Tottenham as Liverpool looked to bounce back and push up the table.

The naming of Lucas Leiva in the starting lineup was a welcome sight for the home fans and also the inclusion of Jonjo Shelvey in the eleven was well deserved after a string of good performances as a substitute.

Liverpool started well and could have taken the lead in the 10th minute when Glen Johnson latched on to a Suarez cross at the front post but the shot spun wide.


Shelvey seemed to have settled well in the advanced role alongside Suarez and Sterling and had two good chances to break the deadlock, the first forcing a save from Gazzaniga and the second smashed against the inside of the post.

Liverpool had a penalty shout when Suarez was pulled back in the box but he hung on and got a shot on goal but failed to hit the back of the net. The net did bulge in the 43rd minute after a superb free-kick from Suarez pinged off the crossbar to reach Johnson who swept in a wondrous cross which was met by the head of Daniel Agger who headed home to give the home side the lead into the break.

Southampton came out and pushed for the equaliser which saw Lucas show why he was missed so much while injured as he held the midfield line well to deny the Southampton attacks.

Enrique could have sealed the game after bursting into the box and receiving a nice pass from Suarez but missed the target with the shot and forced a save from Gazzaniga with 15 minutes to go after a well taken half-volley.

Lucas left the field in the 88th minute to rapturous applause to be replaced by Jamie Carragher and after being out for three months, he did well to last so long while putting in a good performance.

A nice exchange of passes between Johnson, Gerrard and Sterling allowed Suarez to try his luck from close range but his chance went begging after struggling to adjust his position on the ball and he had the final chance of the game but hit the ball wide from 10 yards out.

So Agger's header gives Liverpool a well deserved win and moves them up to 11th  just behind struggling Arsenal who fell to a 2-0 defeat at home to Swansea after a late brace from Michu who joined Suarez at the top of the scoring charts

Next up for Liverpool is the daunting trip to Italy to face Udinese in a game which will hopefully secure the passage into the Europa League last 32 before then travelling to face West Ham at the weekend who shocked Chelsea 3-1 this afternoon after trailing 1-0 at half-time before a scintillating trio of strikes to seal the win.

Tottenham v Liverpool

After continuing the unbeaten run in a hard fought draw at Swansea, Liverpool travelled to Tottenham, looking to keep up the run going and hoping for a win.

Rodgers fielded an unchanged eleven from Sunday but found his side behind as early as the 7th minute after Gareth Bale thundered down the left side leaving Gerrard, Glen Johnson and Joe Allen all trailing behind him before sliding a perfect cross to the unmarked Aaron Lennon who tapped in at the back post.

Liverpool pushed for the equaliser and Suarez tested Lloris in the Spurs goal from the edge of the area but saw his shot saved and within minutes, Liverpool should have been level as Henderson found himself with an open goal to shoot at but from 20 yards out he missed the target after pressure from Walker.

Henderson's miss proved costly as Spurs increased their lead in the 16th minute with another moment of sheer skill by Bale as he glided in a superb free kick which looked to deflect off the wall and leave Reina with no chance of keeping it out.

Liverpool now had a massive task to keep their unbeaten run intact and were denied what looked to be a stonewall penalty as Sandro shoved Gerrard to the ground with the ball rolling to Suarez who had his shot cleared off the line to leave Liverpool still two goals down when they had two great chances in a single attack and the scoreline stayed that way into the break.

In the second half, Liverpool pushed to get back into the game but a series of chances failed to bear fruit and Rodgers brought on Shelvey for Henderson and the substitute had an influence in Liverpool pulling a goal back in the 72nd minute.

 He took the corner which was kept in play by Agger and then Gerrard who hit for goal but the resulting clearance from Lennon ricocheted of Bale's face to fly into the net and leave Bale flat out on the ground after the impact.

Suarez came close to an equaliser with a well taken volley which crept just over the bar after an overhead kick cross by Agger but left Liverpool leaving North London with a loss and with the eight game unbeaten run in tatters.

Next up is a home tie against Southampton, the last meeting between the two was in the year of Istanbul (04/05) which saw a 1-0 win for Liverpool thanks to a Florent Sinama-Pongolle strike.

Swansea v Liverpool

Back to league action and a tough trip to Swansea with Joe Allen and manager Brendan Rodgers going back to their former club.

The team saw seven changes from the draw against Young Boys with the surprise of Downing and Henderson retaining their place as opposed to Suso and Shelvey claiming a place after their man of the match performances in midweek.


Both teams started well but it was Liverpool who created the best chance with Sterling smashing a shot on the half-volley from the edge of the area only to see hit crash back off the crossbar. The ball hit the back of the net soon after as Enrique latched onto a Suarez cross only to have his effort chalked off for being in an offisde position.

He should have hit the net again but spurned a great chance from six yards after meeting a great cross from Johnson who himself could have got on to the scoresheet after exchanging passes with Enrique but was denied by the oncoming Tremmel in the Swansea goal who pushed the ball over the bar.

Swansea tested the Liverpool defence as Routeledge powered a shot at Reina who denied him with a reflex save and Pablo Hernandez came close to breaking the deadlock with two good chances from distance but the score remained level going into the break.

Swansea continued their pressure early in the second half as Hernandez hit a free-kick with force but saw it fly into the stands and within minutes, Swansea should have been ahead but luckily for the men in red, former swan Joe Allen cleared Ashley Williams' goalbound header off the line.

Liverpool pushed forward and Suarez forced a save from Tremmel with a fine hit after combining with Gerrard but Swansea seemed to have the momentum as Dyer fooled Downing before being denied by Reina who came to the rescue for his side.



Rodgers rang the changes with the much criticised pairing of Downing and Henderson departing the field to be replaced by the scorers from midweek in Cole and Shelvey.

Liverpool should have taken all three points near the end when Sterling and Suarez found themselves attacking with a solitary defender in their path but Sterling's pass was inaccurate which left Suarez with a tough job to continue the attack and the resulting shot was saved.

Both sides had a final chance to win with Hernandez looping in a free-kick which was saved by Reina and Shelvey forced a save from Tremmel who made sure the score remained goalless.

So another draw for Liverpool in a season where despite being unbeaten in eight league games they still sit in the bottom half of the table as many games have resulted in draws of 1-1 with the previous two with Liverpool coming from behind.

Liverpool v Young Boys

After a well deserved win against Wigan, Liverpool resumed their Europa League campaign at home to Young Boys.

Changes to the previous game included a new three-pronged front line of Shelvey, Cole and Assaidi and the night saw Pepe Reina set a new record for European appearances by making his 81st which broke Ray Clemence's long club record.

Liverpool kicked off knowing a win would seal qualification for the next round after Anzhi's earlier 2-0 win over Udinese but it was the visitors who started the brightest with Zarate hooking over the bar after just nine seconds.

Young Boys pressed further as Nuzzolo tested Reina from the edge of the area which inspired Liverpool to force their own pressure and in the 17th minute, Shelvey put Cole through towards the  goal on the right but his strike flew past the far post.

Wolfli in the away goal made a fine save in the 26th minute from Henderson after being setup by a nice flick by Shelvey.

On the half hour, Gerrard came on to replace Wisdom who departed with a slight injury and the reshuffle saw Henderson move to right-back. The change paid dividends as Liverpool took the lead after Suso and Cole exchanged passes on the edge of the area with the Spaniard lifting the ball above Wolfli to allow Shelvey to head in from a yard out.

Liverpool could have hit two in mere minutes as Skrtel latched on to a goalward punt by Cole only to be denied by a goal line clearance by Nuzzolo. Liverpool were dominating possession and came close to a second just before the interval but Suso shot wide with only the keeper to beat.

Young Boys came out in the second half with optimism that they could equalise quickly and had two good chances, first Farnerud drilled over from close range and Zverotic's shot from distance crept past the post.

Liverpool pushed back with Suso dissecting the defence to pick out Joe Cole but when one-on-one, Cole failed to hit the back of the net. The miss proved to be expensive for Liverpool as within seconds the equaliser came for Young Boys as Farnerud hit a hopeful pass, he picked out Bobadilla just inside the box who then blasted a shot into the far corner past the ailing Reina.


On came Luis Suarez in place of Suso who had given a majestic performance surely making him a candidate for man of the match. Liverpool pushed for a winner and with 18 minutes left, they hit the front, Suarez and Gerrard exchanged passes with Gerrard picking out Cole's run with a pinpoint pass and Cole with his back to goal spun expertly to then release an excellent shot past Wolfli and set of in celebration.


Time went on and again Young Boys pushed for an equaliser and to stop Liverpool from qualifying with a game to spare, their luck came in the 88th minute as Zverotic blasted home from the edge of the area and meant the game ended level at 2-2.

With Udinese away in a fortnight's time, Liverpool know a win is essential to qualify for the last 32 but can got through via a draw if Young Boys fail to get a result against already qualified Anzhi Makhachkala.

Liverpool v Wigan Athletic

After a midweek break due to the international matches,Liverpool resumed their Premier League season by hosting Wigan Athletic with the Latics coming to Anfield looking to win for the second year in a row after a 2-1 victory last March began their run to survival from relegation.

Liverpool welcomed back stalwart Jose Reina between the sticks but other than his return it was business as usual with the trio of Suarez, Suso and Sterling up top.

The home side came out of the traps first with Enrique trying his luck after earning possession deep in the Wigan half but his shot in anger flew wide of the target but showed Liverpool's intent for the game.

Suso showed his silky skills by making the most of playing just behind Suarez as he took the ball past his marker to then swish past a further two defenders but when taking the chance at goal was blocked just on the edge of the area.

As is the trend with Liverpool this season, there was massive intent early on but no breakthrough and Wigan saw this as a chance to create an opening in the 15th minute as a well worked attack allowed Arouna Kone to put in Ben Watson but Watson's shot cannoned over the bar.


Wigan pushed again as Kone shimmied past Allen and tried for goal but his shot caused no trouble for the returning Reina. Liverpool pushed back with chances for Agger and Suso, the Dane's connecton from a corner went off target and the Spaniard forced a save from Al Habsi with a strong drive as the ante was increased.


In the 25th minute, a 50-50 aerial challenge between Sterling and Watson saw Watson come off worse and leave the field in pain to be replaced by David Jones. Suso continued to impress with some good pressure down the left side by Johnson giving the 18 year old a chance to head for goal but his header went over in what was his last contribution to the game as in the 35th minute he left the field to be replaced by Jordan Henderson.

 Liverpool ended the half with a chance to go in ahead as Gerrard's control put Suarez through but he then attempted to setup Enrique only for Al Habsi to collect the ball and ensure that the half ended with both teams level.


From the restart, Liverpool continued their pressure and within two minutes it paid off as an exceptional interception allowed Sterling to break down the right side and cut back into the path of Suarez who swept the ball home to send the home fans into a roar and Liverpool into the lead.

Suarez added to his tally in the 58th minutes after Enrique collected the ball on the left and advanced on the Wigan defence before sliding an intricate pass to Suarez who ran on and slipped the ball past the oncoming Al Habsi with a truly calming finish.

Liverpool were in the mood to silence the doubters of their lack of goals and Suarez came close to an hat-trick as he burst past the defence but a defection took his shot into the side netting.

Wigan were now pushing to stay in the game and in doing so led to another struggle against the new trio of Enrique, Suarez and Sterling who exploited the visitors' for a third time in the 65th minute as Sterling created a one-two with Suarez who collected the final pass to deliver to the far post and in ran Enrique to tap home into an empty net and all but seal a win for Liverpool.

Wigan were carved open again through Johnson but luckily for them his effort found the wrong side of the post and Suarez was denied his hat-trick after being put in by Enrique but failed to find the net.

The final whistle sounded and Liverpool claimed a win which kept up an unbeaten run which spans seven games while Suarez took his seasonal tally to 13 and became the first player to hit double figures in the League with his 9th and 10th today.

Next up for Liverpool sees Swiss side Young Boys visit Anfield on Thursday hoping to avenge their 5-3 defeat to a young Liverpool side in Bern earlier in the season.

Chelsea v Liverpool

After defeat to Anzhi on Thursday in the Europa League, Liverpool looked to bounce back away to Chelsea.

A stronger team than usual took to the field as Liverpool craved a win despite being unbeaten for five matches.

Chelsea nearly opened the scoring in the sixth minute as Joe Allen gave up possession in the centre w Hazard claimed the ball and put Juan Mata on a clean path to goal with Mata denied by excellent defending by Wisdom.

Liverpool played with three in the centre-back line and dominated the possession but as is the story with the Reds, possession always seems to lack a goal threat which Chelsea had in their locker.

Ivanovic tested the Liverpool barrier with a hit from 30 yards which flew over,  this was a warning which proved decisive in the 20th minute as Juan Mata swung in a corner which allowed Terry to connect at the near post and put the home side ahead.

The game could have been sealed in the 27th minute as Hazard ran clear of Allen before setting up Torres, but the former Liverpool hero tried to place a shot and was denied by Jones who allowed Hazard to rebound but his shot failed to add to the score.

In the 35th minute the game came to a startling halt for 10 minutes as Suarez and Terry collided after Suarez evaded a challenge only to crash into Terry who came off worse as his leg bent backwards and meant he left the field via a stretcher to be replaced by Cahill.


Terry's absence failed to affect Chelsea's attacking flow as just before the break, Mata spurned a glorious chance while one-on-one with Jones but he directed the ball over the bar.

Liverpool needed to perk up and get back into the game but just like in the first half, Chelsea continued their attacking pressure but Mata's long-range effort narrowly missed the target.

 Rodgers changed the Liverpool setup with Suso replacing Sahin and just like last week, the Spaniard was involved in the equaliser as he swung in a corner in the 72nd minute which glanced the head of Carragher and flicked towards goal only to be put in by Suarez who reacted quicker then Ramires to nod in from a yard out and celebrate rapturously in front of the travelling supporters.

Both teams chased a winner with Liverpool looking the most likely after resorting to a back four and Suso had a great chance from a Sterling cross but his shot lacked the required composure to trouble Cech.

Suarez unleashed an effort from just inside the Chelsea half which caught Cech off guard but stayed out and Ivanovic came close with a header from a corner.

The end neared and both had enough time for a final chance each with Hazard angling a shot just wide of the top corner before a golden chance or Liverpool as Suarez slipped a pass to Enrique on the left edge of the box but Enrique's shot at the bottom corner was well saved by Cech as the final whistle went.


Another draw for Liverpool but a positive one against a very tough opposition and signs that the win they crave is on the horizon, next up is the hosting of Wigan with Liverpool hoping to exact revenge for the defeat at the back of last season which fell during a blessed spell for the Latics as they beat Arsenal and Man Utd as part of an amazing run.

Anzhi Makhachkala v Liverpool

A tough trip to Anzhi saw the tie played at a neutral ground in Moscow due to Anzhi's home stadium being based in 'dangerous' Dagestan.

Surprisingly Brendan Rodgers fielded a very weak side while Suarez and Gerrard were not even included in the travelling squad.

Anzhi created the first opening as Tagirbekov's left foot shot across goal attempted to test Jones in the Liverpool goal but the shot was wayward.

Liverpool should have opened the scoring in the 23rd minute as Morgan put Henderson through on goal but rather than take the chance to score, Henderson attempted a pull back and was intercepted by Carlos in the Anzhi defence.

Eto'o tested Jones from 12 yards after Zhirkov stole possession from Andre Wisdom and from there both sides failed to create chances until just before the break when Traore's ingenious flick and spin combo fooled Coates and set himself in on goal but as Jones came out to meet him, Traore lofted the ball over the ailing keeper and put the Russian's ahead at the break.

Liverpool came out pushing for an equaliser and Morgan struck the side netting after being released by Cole and Jones narrowly stopped Traore from bagging a second goal after a hit from 20 yards out.


On the hour mark, the Spanish duo of Pacheco and Suso entered the fray in place of Morgan and Coady and Suso's entry provided a different way of attacking for Liverpool and he was in place for the best chance of the night for the visitors in the 77th minute. He shimmied just outside the box to create some space for a shot but the shot was spilled by Gabulov in the Anzhi goal and as Cole went to tap in he was thwarted by Gabulov.



Traore again came close to his and Anzhi's second and a sure winner as Liverpool pushed for an equaliser, spaces began to appear and a fast counter-attack saw Traore in on goal but saw his resulting shot drift wide.

Liverpool tried to level up but their efforts proved to be in vain as Anzhi held on for the win. Next up is the current European champions in Chelsea, a tie that in recent years has seen Liverpool be the victors on many occasions in the League only to suffer defeat when it really mattered in the FA Cup Final in May.

A win is sorely needed in what is fast becoming a below average season and one which currently will be remembered for Liverpool's failure to put the ball in the net.

Liverpool v Newcastle

After a disappointing exit from the Capital One Cup to Swansea, Liverpool regrouped and looked to register only a fourth home win in 2012 at home to Newcastle.

The starting 11 was a carbon copy from the Merseyside Derby but hopefully a best result than a draw.

Liverpool came out of the blocks quickly with Anita fouling Sterling which led to Gerrard testing Krul's reflexes with the Dutchman passing the test.

Sterling combined with Sahin to cross into the box but the Newcastle defence cleared the threat which drew Alan Pardew to change his original plan for the game.

Both sides had further chances with Suarez curling wide from a free-kick before Newcastle tested Brad Jones from long range.


Suarez was in action again as he beat Steven Taylor to a header similar to his previous two goals but this time round the chance went wide.

Suso danced his way past the Newcastle defenders but his shot was cleared via a deflection which soon proved to be costly as two minutes before the break as Yohan Cabaye volleyed into the top corner right in front of a stunned Kop end.

Half time arrived and Liverpool wondered how after dominating they had gone into the break behind to a goal against the run of play.

Liverpool had to banish a record from 11 months ago against Newcastle in which they came from behind to win and a few openings early in the half showed that the record could be in the way out.



Sahin went close which led to a Newcastle breakaway which thankfully was quashed by Skrtel with a well timed challenge.

Liverpool's breakthrough came in the 67th minute as Enrique propelled a ball over his former team mates to pick out Suarez who went on a solo run past his marker and fooling Krul to finish into an empty net.


It was nearly a complete turnaround as Suarez carved open the defence to setup Shelvey who slipped while attempting a shot and Sterling soon had a glorious chance but hesitated and allowed Taylor to block his eventual shot.

Newcastle had a blow in the 84th minute as Coloccini received his marching orders with a straight red after grazing his studs down Suarez's leg but the extra man didn't allow Liverpool to change the scoreline and Shelvey's chances near the end saw an easy save for Krul and a tense tap onto the bar from the keeper.

So another draw and with two massive games this coming week a win would have boosted confidence ahead of the trips to Anzhi and Chelsea.

Liverpool v Swansea (League Cup)

After Sunday's draw in the Merseyside Derby with Everton, Liverpool moved on to continuing the defence of the League Cup or Capital One Cup as it is now known with a home tie against Rodgers' former team Swansea City.

Surprisingly, Rodgers put out an eleven that no one would have predicted with Joe Cole and Samed Yesil surprise starters and Sterling, Suso, Gerrard and Suarez all on the bench.

Liverpool started well and created the first opening on nine minutes as Yesil advanced towards the goal only to be denied by a well-timed slide by Ashley Williams who was soon involved at the other end with his cross setting up Nathan Dyer before Dyer could strike Jones gathered the ball.

Swansea piled the pressure on through Ki-Sung Yeung with a 20-yard chance which saw Jones scrambling to keep it out. In the 25th minute, Hernandez and Michu carved open the home defence and a trademark last-ditch tackle from stalwart Jamie Carragher prevented the shot which would have been right at the goal.

The Swansea threat meant Liverpool had to improve and improve they did as Downing's grass trimmer of a shot from range saw Tremmel in the Swansea goal turn it past the post. Liverpool were nearly undone as Jonathan De Guzman blew a beauty of a chance after attempting a lob over the onrushing Brad Jones but only found the roof of the net after a well structured counter attack.

The deadlock was broken in the 34th minute but unfortunately for the Anfield faithful it was the away side that opened the scoring as Jones pushed Yeung's shot out for a corner, the resulting corner found the head of Chico Flores, who had bested the home defence and powered a header into the corner and silence the home fans.


Liverpool came close to an instant levelling but Cole failed to connect with a header from Assiadi's setup and Tremmel gathered easily and Swansea lead 1-0 into the half time interval.

Just like on Sunday, Rodgers made a double substitution at the break with talisman's Suarez and Gerrard entering the fray for the departing Yesil and Cole.

Liverpool powered for an equaliser as Shelvey evaded two challenges before hitting his shot over the bar and he then put in Suarez with a scintillaitng cross but Suarez's header was off target.

In the 64th minute, Liverpool went even closer as Gerrard's screamer from range pinged off the base of the post to fall for Downing but the winger could not convert and Liverpool were still behind leading to the entry of Sterling for Assaidi.

Fortune shone on Liverpool though as Swansea pushed for a second as a goalmouth scramble ensued and Carragher and Jones combined skills to kept the Swans out. Liverpool pushed again and in a cramped area Shelvey, Suarez, Carragher and Coates all fell short of scoring the leveller.

This proved to be a costly as Swansea broke forward on the counter and Hernandez flew in a cross which was tapped in by the inbound Dyer to put Swansea 2-0 up and leave Liverpool needing an Arsenal-esque comeback to keep their cup hopes realistic.

The comeback began with a sumptuous header from Luis Suarez from a stylish Gerrard free-kick with 13 minutes left of the tie. However the comeback hopes were dashed in the final minutes as Swansea sealed victory and a 5th round passage with the carving of the defence which left Jonathan De Guzman with an easy tap in.

Gutting for the home fans that the defence of the trophy only lasted two rounds but some encouragement from the youth getting some more experience on the big stage and as I write this evening, Liverpool's exit is not the only major upset as Man Utd and Tottenham have also bowed out with away losses to Chelsea (5-4 AET) and Norwich (2-1).

Liverpool now must try to forget the defeat and move on to what some believe is a massive game on Sunday at home to Newcastle. The famous 4-3's of old will always linger in the memory but more recently we have seen a 5-0 Liverpool win and Pardew's first game in charge of the Magpies saw him swoop past Liverpool 3-1. The last encounter saw a Reds win by 3-1 last season. Personally, I see the main focuses being on Ba and Suarez as both have hit top form in the scoring charts this season.

Ah well, on to Sunday and hopefully a win to propel us into the top half of the table.

Everton v Liverpool

The 219th Merseyside Derby and for a change, Everton were listed as favourites with being six points and ten places about their city rivals Liverpool.

Liverpool kept with the youth and experience trait in the domestic games and Brad Jones kept his place in goal with Reina on the bench.

Everton started well and only a block by Agger stopped the home side from leading in the 9th minute and the resulting corner was flapped away by Jones.

In the 14th minute, Liverpool pushed forward and after Enrique's cross, Suarez's hit was deflected in by Baines for an own goal and Suarez's celebration was a theatrical dive right in front of Moyes in the Everton dugout in response to Moyes' comments the previous day.

Leon Osman fouled Sterling and from the free kick in the 20th minute Suarez headed in after a great delivery from Gerrard and Liverpool were 2-0 up.

The response came instantly as Fellaini's shot deflected wide for a corner and as the ball came in, Jones cleared it but only to Osman on the edge of the area who swooped home on the half volley to put Everton back in the game.

Sterling received a booking for a late challenge on Distin in the 28th minute and nearly recieved a second booking within minutes but only received a talking to from referee Andre Marriner.

Everton's comeback was completed in the 34th minute with Steven Naismith's first goal for the club after being setup by Fellaini to beat the Liverpool defence from a few yards out, 2-2 and still over 60 minutes left.

Jjust on half time, Everton captain Phil Neville received a booking for diving which was ironic given the Suarez criticisms.


Just after the break, Sterling had a golden chance but missed rather than setting up an unmarked Suarez,

In the 70th minute, Suarez received a booking for fouling Distin to cheers from the home crowd and Henderson tried to put Gerrard in but his shot was blocked by Jagielka.


In the final minute of added time, Liverpool were awarded a free kick on he edge of the area ans the cross saw Suarez tap in only to have it wiped off for an offside decision despite replays showing it was the wrong decision as Suarez was clearly onside and the last attack saw Suarez cut through only to be denied by Howard.

A draw that should have been a Liverpool win as even David Moyes agreed the goal should have been awarded. Liverpool now move on to the Capital One Cup tie against Brendan Rodgers former side Swansea City on Wednesday.  Liverpool FC Eau de Sport Aftershave 100ml Splash (Google Affiliate Ad)
 

Liverpool v Anzhi Makhachkala

A busy few days for Liverpool began with the hosting of Russian league leaders Anzhi Makhachkala before Sunday's Merseyside derby against Everton.

Rodgers went for experience over youth which would hopefully see success rather than the failure against Udinese.

Anzhi are well known because of the might of their team with Samuel Eto'o, Christopher Samba and Yuri Zhirkov all famous faces over here.

Liverpool looked hungrier from the start as in the opening 10 minutes, Suarez had nutmegged two Anzhi defenders before sliding through to cross but sadly over hit it before latching on to Assaidi's cross only to hit his shot directly at Vladimir Gabulov in the Anzhi goal.

Glen Johnson tested Gabulov on 21 minutes with a well taken shot from inside the area and Suarez setup Shelvey with an easy chance but Shelvey shot first time and saw the shot fly into the stand.

The build up to the game saw a big focus on  Eto'o but in the first half he was kept quiet and surprisingly by 19-year-old Andre Wisdom who worked like he was a veteran of the game like his attacker.


Anzhi ended the half with a chance from Feodor Smolov with an ambitious 35-yard shot which flew wide and that was that for the half.

Half-time brought a change for Liverpool, as Raheem Sterling replaced Johnson, and Downing dropped to full-back. Skrtel had a chance to open the scoring but Gabulov despite spilling the ball kept the scores level.

The deadlock was broken in the 53rd minute as Stewart Downing danced in from the left to unleash a stunning shot from 25 yards which flew into the corner of the net and caused Anfield to erupt.

His goal was his second in the competition after another stunner against FC Gomel and also has three assists, a far stretch from the man who last season was the critics' whipping boy.
 

Anzhi would have levelled in the 70th minute but were denied by Brad Jones as Eto'o tested him but from too close a range to trouble him.

Joe Allen came on for Shelvey for the final 10 minutes as Anzhi continued to push for an equaliser but Agger thought he had sealed the game after heading the ball out of Gabulov's hands to then volley home only to be booked for his effort as the header was an illegal offence (as of 1990).

The whistle went and Liverpool had secured a deserved victory, a win made even sweeter by the news that Udinese had lost 3-1 in Bern to Young Boys which meant Liverpool went from 3rd to top of the group and brimming with confidence ahead of the visit to neighbours Everton at the weekend.

Liverpool v Reading

After what seems like a long International break, Liverpool played host to Reading looking for their first home win at Anfield this season.

As is the trend this season, youth and experience filled the lineup with Suso and Sterling in the 11 with Suarez and Gerrard and a change in goal with Brad Jones coming in for the injured Reina.

Liverpool went on the attack early with Nuri Sahin breaking through in the 15th minute to unleash a dipping shot and Sterling curled a shot from 20 yards out but neither troubled McCarthy in the away goal.

Suarez and Gerrard combined to send Sterling down the left wing but he lacked a decision and the ball went for a goal kick but minutes later, Suarez created an opening but looped a shot over the crossbar.

Reading had to restructure midway through the first half with Jem Karacan having to come off after a 50/50 with Gerrard which ended badly for him and Gareth McCleary came on in his place.

As the half hour mark approached, Suarez directed the ball through the Reading defence and in ran Raheem Sterling to guide the ball past McCarthy into the bottom corner and start a roar from the home fans and become the youngest scorer for Liverpool in the league since the famous Michael Owen.

It was nearly 2-0 when Suarez swayed past his marker and last a fiery shot through the box but sadly it hit the hoardings rather than the back of the net. In recent weeks, Suarez has been criticised for his so-called theatrics but in the 38th minute he was awarded a free-kick which saw the 40,000+ home crowd give a sarcastic round of applause.


The resulting set-piece came to nothing but just before the break, was a supposed foul by Kaspars Gorkss on Suarez which wasn't awarded but left the Uruguayan limping down the tunnel as the half time whistle went.

The second half began with Liverpool testing McCarthy via Sterling and Johnson but the lead stayed at one.


Reading had their first chance of the game as McCleary swooped in behind Wisdom but was denied by Jones in the Liverpool goal and Jones denied McAnuff within minutes after a long range strike.

 

The Reading surge died down as Sterling crossed for Suarez but his instant shot flew into the stand and Skrtel tried a header just over after connecting to Gerrard's cross.

Johnson was denied on the line as Liverpool pushed for a second but had to settle for a narrow win as the game came to an end and signalled a first home win of the season despite not being convincing.

 

A tough set of games coming up begins with the hosting of Russian moneybags Anzhi Makhachkala who sit top of the Russian League and on a long unbeaten run. 

 

Liverpool v Stoke

After defeat in the Europa League on Thursday to Udinese, Liverpool looked to bounce back at home to Stoke, a team that in recent years has had a good run when Liverpool came to them but this time its them looking to turn a record around with not winning at Anfield since 1959.

Youth again featured in the lineup with Suso and Andre Wisdom starting and Crouch and Adam returned to face their former club.

After 4 minutes, Suarez tumbled and complained of a kick from Huth but to no avail. Minutes later, Sahin's mistake nearly let Stoke in for an opening goal but the pressure was contained.

Both sides pushed for an opener and another Liverpool mistake in the 20th minute nearly let Stoke in this time Reina was at fault but kept out Kightly's chance.

Gerrard forced a great stop form Begovic on 27 minutes and Liverpool had another chance via Agger who stretched for a tap in which creeped wide of the post.

Sterling put Suarez in to set up Gerrard seven minutes later but Gerrard missed the target.

Halftime came and both were still level at 0-0, Johnson struck for goal and forced a save from Begovic and soon after came close with a chip which went over.

On the hour mark, Suarez broke and tried find the top corner but it slipped wide of the goal and a run from Agger setup Sterling but he took a first time shot and hit the post.

74 minutes gone and still 0-0 and Suarez tumbled in the box and many saw it as a dive as his fall and the tackle were seconds apart. He had a chance to shush the critics near the end but couldn't beat Begovic.

In the last minute, Gerrard's free kick was sprayed across goal by Skrtel but Suarez couldn't tap it in and that was it. Liverpool still await a first league win of the season at Anfield and now have a break due to the international schedule and face Reading in their next game on Oct 20th.

Other results from the weekend

Liverpool v Udinese

Back to the Europa League and Liverpool looked to make it two wins from two and keep up an unbeaten home European record which stretched back to 2009 vs Fiorentina.

Rodgers continued his trend of mixing youth and experience and Liverpool came close to a great start after only eight minutes as Assaidi threatened with a quick dart into the box, Shelvey shot from range and Coates failed to direct a header past Brkic.

Both sides pushed for an opening goal and Udinese had a chance in the 14th minute as Benatia troubled Reina with a header which the home keeper duly saved.

Shelvey's start to the season has been mixed with good scoring performances and the sending off against Manchester United but on 23 minutes, it was the positive side that appeared as he opened the scoring from a nice move which featured his fellow U21 teammates. Henderson fed Shelvey who then fed Downing and Downing surged into the box and supplied the cross for Shelvey to head home.

Liverpool from there dominated possession for the rest of the half and at half time went in happy with the lead. However as they began the second half, Udinese struck level within 30 seconds as sub Lazzari crossed for Di Natale who timed his run to perfection to slot the ball past Reina from 12 yards.

 Both sides pushed to create a lead and Liverpool looked to be pushing further with 25 minutes to go as the cavalry in Suarez and Gerrard entered the fray in place of Assaidi and Henderson.

A controversial incident came when Downing outpaced his marker with a darting run down the left only to be hauled down by Pinzi who received a booking though on replaying the foul, a red card would not have been a harsh decision. From the resulting set-piece, Suarez shot goal wards only to be denied by his own player in Shelvey who strangely cleared it off the line.

Liverpool's luck began to slip as their plan fell to pieces in two shocking minutes as an Udinese free kick looked to be going straight to Reina but was headed in by the unfortunate Coates on 70 minutes and was swiftly followed by an easy goal for Pasquale from range and left Anfield in stunned silence.

A lifeline did come in the 75th minute as Suarez looped in an exquisite free kick to put Liverpool one goal away from levelling from 25 yards out. He also had chances to level, first with a close range header and then with a near post save by Brkic.

Liverpool increased the pressure but Sterling saw his shot from 12 yards ricochet over and mean that the 100% start to the group stage was now over and Udinese had secured a vital win over Liverpool.

The group progress had been made a bit harder with Anzhi also winning with Liverpool still to travel to Russia and Italy which are tough to got to and win in most cases but will be harder with the added pressure of sitting third in the group.

Next up is Stoke, in which Liverpool will be hoping to secure a first home win of the season in the league and secure a back to back win coupled with the Norwich triumph.

Other Results on matchday two

 

Norwich v Liverpool

After reaching the next round of the League Cup, Liverpool travelled to Norwich looking for their first league win of the season and the lineup was a mix of youth and experience with league debuts for Andre Wisdom and Suso and senior member Suarez and Gerrard back in the 11.

Liverpool began electrically with a goal from Suarez after 65 seconds after he danced into the box and after two touches powered the ball past Ruddy and Liverpool were up and running

Within minutes it could have been two for Liverpool as Agger headed over from Sahin's free kick, Norwich had a golden chance to equalise on 10 minutes as Jackson hit the post from a Snodgrass cross which Reina pushed onto the post.

23 minutes gone and Liverpool were denied a penalty as Suarez hit the deck after a challenge from Leon Barnett but the referee waved away the appeals. Liverpool went close to a second on 36 minutes as Agger produced some sublime play to open up the home defence but Suarez knocked the ball wide.

Suarez redeemed himself from that miss with a superb second goal after robbing the ball off Turner he produced a sublime finish into the corner and Liverpool were flying high with seven minutes left of the half. 

Halftime arrived and Liverpool went in happy and 45 minutes away from their first league win of the season and as the second half began it was almost a dream start for Norwich as   Morison sprays a cross to the back post and Surman powers a shot at goal and Snodgrass produces a howler as he misses from two yards and the ball went over the bar

Their hopes were dashed a minute later by Nuri Sahin with his first league goal and his third this week after two in the League Cup, as he tapped in from Suarez's pass to put Liverpool three up.

Suarez secured his second consecutive hat trick at Carrow Road on 58 minutes as he sent the ball spinning into the net from 22 yards out with Ruddy having no chance of stopping it and Liverpool surely had their first win and led 4-0.

However, Norwich began the comeback four minutes later as Morison slammed the ball past Reina after the Liverpool keeper failed to keep hold of Martin's shot and Norwich had pulled one back.

The comeback lasted barely six minutes as Liverpool hit their fifth courtesy of Steven Gerrard after collecting the ball from a Barnett deflection, he powered it past the ailing Ruddy.

Both sides pushed for more goals and the last of the match came three minutes from the end as a lapse in the Liverpool defence by Martin Skrtel allowed Grant Holt to score Norwich's second with a tidy finish.

Holt's goal made no difference to the result and as the final whistle went, Liverpool had secured their first league win of the season in style with Suarez hitting top form and fully deserving the matchable and the Man of the Match award.

                                                                                          Other results from this afternoon..

West Brom v Liverpool (Capital One Cup)

After the defeat on Sunday, Liverpool began tonight looking to bounce back and the lineup showed yet again the 'kids' would be the ones trying for the first domestic win of the season.

Liverpool's plan suffered an early blow after only four minutes as a mistake by Brad Jones saw Gabriel Tamas open the scoring for West Brom and Liverpool were on the back foot. 

Romelu Lukaku nearly made it 2-0 but saw his shot denied by a well timed interception by Jamie Carragher and a couple of minutes later he set up Rosenberg who saw his shot well saved by Jones.

Liverpool had a great chance to equalise as Assaidi flew down the left and curled towards the near post but as Yesil arrived he was unable to guide the ball in.

The equaliser did come on 17 minutes as Downing spotted Wisdom out on the right and the full back put in Sahin who let fly from 30 yards out, the  shot troubled Foster in the home goal and smashed in.

With halftime approaching, Liverpool started a break as Assaidi fed Yesil who looked to have been clipped as he went to break through the West Brom defence but stayed on his feet and was sadly dispossessed by Jonas Olsson.

After the interval, Liverpool continued where they had left off with Pacheco and Yesil exchanging passes just outside the area but as the Spaniard went to shoot, the ball was intercepted.

Both sides pressed for a winner but it was Liverpool who again had a great chance as Yesil's close range shot crept over the crossbar and it seemed like the away side would be the next to score as Sahin dominated the possession in the middle and the attacks became more expansive.

Pacheco came close twice with the first coming after beating his marker to loop a shot over Foster which pinged onto the cross bar and his second chance saw him fire low at Foster with the keeper pushing away the goal-bound shot.

In the 80th minute, Liverpool wrote a new piece of history as 16-year-old Jerome Sinclair came on to become the youngest-ever Liverpool player to play for the 'senior' team when he replaced Yesil while Pacheco departed for Suso.

Suso made an instant impact as he ran at the West Brom defence with confidence before sliding a pass to Assaidi who then squared the ball to the back post for Sahin to tap in and secure a brace and surely the passage into the fourth round for Liverpool.


The final whistle went and Liverpool secured their first domestic win of the season and a place in the fourth round in which they were drawn at home to Swansea, a reunion for manager Brendan Rodgers in October on the cards.

Other results in round three

Liverpool v Manchester United

After a hard fought win on Thursday against Young Boys, Liverpool hosted Manchester United at Anfield in what would be an emotional occasion.

Both sides of fans took part in the pre match tribute to the 96 lost at Hillsborough which was observed with utmost respect and the pre-match handshake caused no problems unlike previous matches.

Liverpool started the better and created numerous chances but as is the Liverpool way this season they couldn't hit the target. Borini and Suarez each had great chances to break the deadlock and the pace and skill of Sterling and Kelly created openings for the home side.

However the balance of the game changed dramatically on 39 minutes as Jonjo Shelvey received his marching orders with a straight red card for a challenge on Evans which on replay looked to be the right decision but Evans may have received a booking as it looked like both went in hard on each other.

Half time came and both sides went in equal at 0-0 with Liverpoool hoping their numerical disadvantage wouldn't cost them the game.

A surprise substitution saw Suso make his Premier League debut in place of Fabio Borini and Liverpool started the half in the best possible way as Steven Gerrard slammed home in the 46th minute, Glen Johnson's attempted burst into the box saw the ball fall into Gerrard's path and he beat Lindegaard with a low finish.

The lead lasted barely five minutes before a spectacular effort by Rafael drew United level with an equaliser of pure class, he collected the ball on the right-hand side of the Liverpool area and bent in a superb shot that left Reina powerless as the ball curled in off the far post.

Luis Suarez had a great chance to regain the lead on the hour mark with a powerful shot from just outside the box which forced a good save from Lindegaard and five minutes later, Suso had a great chance but again Lindegaard kept the scores level.

Raheem Sterling departed the field and Jordan Henderson entered the fray on 66 minutes and Sterling received a great ovation for his good performance.

Suarez broke through  and sprayed the ball across the box but no team mates were in attendance to tap the ball in and regain the lead in the 69th minute.

Penalty to Manchester United on 76 minutes and Johnson conceded it as Valencia advanced into the box and the two collided as Reina came out. Daniel Agger left the field on a stretcher at the other end of the pitch and on came Jamie Carragher. 

No surprise as Robin Van Persie puts the penalty to Reina's left side after a four minute delay and despite getting a touch to the ball he couldn't keep it out and United led 2-1 and Liverpool needed a miracle to claim their maiden win of the season.

Things got worse in injury time as Martin Kelly limped off leaving Liverpool with only nine on the pitch and after six minutes of added time the whistle went and United took the points leaving Liverpool winless after five games.

Other results this weekend

Dare I say it, this is relegation form and I can't see it getting better this season, luck is just not with us and Norwich next Saturday is a must-win no matter what as winless after five is embarrassing enough.

Young Boys V Liverpool

Liverpool began their Europa League group campaign away in Switzerland to Young Boys and with a massive clash against Manchester United on Sunday, Brendan Rodgers made 11 changes.

Debuts were handed to Suso, Wisdom and Assaidi and Dani Pacheco gained his first start since April 2011. Liverpool were given a very early lead on 4 minutes as Stewart Downing's cross flew into the area with Spycher's headed clearance then ricocheting off Ojala and past 'keeper Wolfli in a comical and unlucky scene. Young Boys nearly drew level straight away but Bobadilla's shot was well saved by Brad Jones.

Assaidi had the chance to put Liverpool 2-0 up on 24 minutes but his shot drifted wide to keep the margin to a single goal and Suso's cut back on 36 minutes failed to reach an unmarked Pacheco. Two minutes later that proved to be costly due to an error by Enrique who took the ball past his own keeper and as he cleared it broke to Nuzzolo and he levellled the score with an easy finish.

Liverpool went 2-1 up on 40 minutes after an amazing leap by Andre Wisdom, Wisdom's powerful header flew in at the far post for his first senior goal on his debut and put Liverpool in front just before half time. Young Boys came so close to levelling two minutes before the break as Farnerud's shot came back off the upright ensured a half time lead for Liverpool.

Young Boys equalised on 52 minutes courtesy of Ojala who made up for his comical own goal from earlier on with a well postitioned header past Brad Jones to score his first goal for the club and put his team back in the game.

Bobadilla's quick break on 63 minutes released Zarate who chipped over Jones and put Young Boys ahead 3-2 just after Borini entered the fray. Zarate departed the field barely two minutes after giving his side the lead and Borini nearly equalised soon after but failed to beat the keeper leading to Assaidi's departure and the entry of Shelvey.

Shelvey had been on barely five seconds and Liverpool were level thanks to Seb Coates with a superb header which flew in past Wolfli as Borini put the 'keeper off on 66 minutes.

 Liverpool went 4-3 up after a nice run by Fabio Borini down the left spry the ball to Henderson who with one touch sets up Jonjo Shelvey to side foot into the goal on 76 minutes and Raheem Sterling came on for Stewart Downing.

Farnerud came close to equaising on 81 minutes but saw hiw shot saved by Jones but on 88 minutes, Jonjo Shelvey scored his second with a run down the middle and then took it past two defenders before powering a shot from the edge of the area which blew past Wolfli in the Young Boys net to seal the win in an eight goal thriller.

A great way to prepare for Sunday and to send a message to the other teams in the group that despite fielding a youthful side, Liverpool can still perform and win well.



Other results tonight were as follows...