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SATURDAY 6 |
Rafa sad as Reds bow out
Rafa Benitez was left to rue the fact that Liverpool did not
take advantage of their dominance following the 3-1 loss to
Arsenal.
"I think it was a good game for the supporters," Benitez
told Sky Sports.
"We were controlling the game in the first half. I think
they had two attempts and they scored two goals.
"We won the FA Cup last season and we wanted to do the same
this season," he said.
"But if you cannot change a result you must think of
solutions to stop defeats in
the future."
(Sky Sports)
Wenger thrilled with win
Arsene Wenger was delighted to see his Arsenal side overcome
Liverpool in the third round of the FA Cup.
"We needed character, discipline and determination and we
had all of that," he told Sky Sports.
"And patience as well, and good concentration, because every
time we came out in the first half we scored."
(Sky Sports)
Henry: Silencing Anfield was crucial
Arsenal striker Thierry Henry praised the commitment of his
team-mates after they knocked out FA Cup holders Liverpool
in the third round.
Henry also believed it was important to silence the Anfield
crowd, who spent the opening part of the match making a
protest linked to the Hillsborough disaster.
Henry said: "The commitment was spot on. The last 20 minutes
they were bombarding us with crosses.
"I have so much respect for this ground and for these fans.
It's always pretty important to make sure you can silence
the crowd at any ground."
(TEAMtalk)
Reds sent crashing by Gunners
Arsenal dumped FA Cup holders Liverpool out of the
competition with a 3-1 victory
at Anfield.
Liverpool came back strongly in the second half after Tomas
Rosicky had struck twice for Arsenal, and were pressing for
an equaliser after Dirk Kuyt netted.
However, Thierry Henry scored a superb breakaway goal late
on to crush their hopes.
(Sky Sports)
Dudek starts for Reds v Arsenal
Jerzy Dudek will keep goal for Liverpool as they start their
defence of the FA Cup against Arsenal in today's Third Round
clash at Anfield.
Pepe Reina drops to the bench to make way for Dudek; and
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has rotated his goalkeepers as
well, with Almunia replacing Lehmann.
Peter Crouch and Dirk Kuyt will continue in attack for the
Reds, with Luis Garcia and Daniel Agger replacing Mark
Gonzalez and Sami Hyypia.
Liverpool: Dudek, Finnan, Riise, Carragher, Agger, Gerrard,
Alonso, Garcia, Pennant, Kuyt, Crouch. Subs: Reina, Hyypia,
Gonzalez, Aurelio, Bellamy.
(LFC Official Website)
Barnett screamer not enough for u18s
Charlie Barnett's brilliant first half strike wasn't enough
to prevent Liverpool's u18 side slipping to a 2-1 home
defeat against Manchester City this morning.
City took the lead midway through the first half through
Ched Evans, but Barnett drilled in an equaliser from 25
yards shortly after.
The midfielder almost repeated the feat immediately after
the break, but was denied by
the crossbar.
City's winner came on 57 minutes when the lack of height in
the reds' defence proved costly, and left winger Karl Moore
drilled the ball past Josh Mimms from close range.
The reds dominated possession for long spells and had City
penned back in their own half for most of the second period,
but in truth John Owens' side never really looked like
getting a second equaliser.
(The Liverpool Way)
Juve back in for Mascherano
Juventus are believed to have rekindled their interest in
Javier Mascherano as they hope to beat Liverpool to his
signature.
West Ham boss Alan Curbishley insisted on Friday that
Mascherano could not leave because of Fifa regulations.
While Liverpool are hopeful of landing Mascherano, Juve have
always been considered as the player's own preferred
destination.
(Sky Sports)
Chelsea after Neill
Chelsea want to hijack Liverpool's bid to sign Lucas Neill.
Liverpool are reportedly close to agreeing a deal to sign
Blackburn's Lucas Neill for a minimal fee.
(LFC Online)
Benitez happy with Kuyt effort
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is glad striker
Dirk Kuyt is finally finding the net but is more pleased
with his work-rate.
The Holland hitman ended a lean run with a superb strike in
the New Year's Day rout of Bolton to take his season's tally
to seven.
Benitez was happy to see his summer recruit amongst the
goals but was more pleased with his contribution to the
team.
Benitez said: "When we were playing with Peter Crouch and
Kuyt and winning five in a row, people were talking about
the understanding. Then we played [Craig] Bellamy and people
said he was fantastic.
"Maybe Kuyt keeps the other player's ability to play well.
Because he is working so hard, the others can just play
offensive football and think about scoring goals.
(Clubcall Sports)
Hyypia still hungry for success
Sami Hyypia is still desperate for more success with
Liverpool.
Sami Hyypia's place seemed under threat earlier in the
season when Daniel Agger came into the team and gave some
excellent performances. However, the Finn has been in top
form over the Christmas period and is likely to start
against Arsenal today.
Despite playing over 400 games for the Reds, Hyypia wants to
play many more and desperately hopes to add a Premiership
title to his impressive list of honours.
"Maybe afterwards when I look back and see the amount of
games I played for Liverpool and what we did I will
recognise it is a achievement," he said.
"But I'd really like to go win a championship - I have never
won one.
"In Finland, I was second three times, in Holland I finished
second once and we have been second here."
(LFC Online) |
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FRIDAY 5 |
Hughes holding on to Neill for now
Mark Hughes admits Blackburn "have been offered significant
amounts of money" for Lucas Neill, but is still wary of
letting his captain leave.
Neill is a wanted man as he is out of contract in the summer
- and there is little prospect of him signing a new deal and
remaining at Ewood Park.
Liverpool have long been linked with the Australia
international full-back, yet they are not the only club
chasing the services of the 28-year-old.
However, there is every possibility Neill will stay at
Blackburn until the end of the season and move on for free
in the summer as Hughes knows his chances of finding a
suitable replacement are remote.
Hughes explained: "There's been interest, as I felt there
would be when a player of his calibre becomes available.
"We've been offered significant amounts of money, but I
can't spend it. That's the situation we find ourselves in.
"At this stage of the season it's very difficult to buy the
quality needed to replace Lucas.
"As I've said before it's important we do not become weaker.
If that were to happen by Lucas going then I wouldn't allow
it."
(TEAMtalk)
Wenger relishing Liverpool cup double
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says his in-form team are
relishing two cup ties in four days at Premier League rivals
Liverpool.
Wenger, whose team travel to Liverpool in the FA Cup on
Saturday and then return to meet them at Anfield in the
English League Cup on Tuesday, thinks the tough draws may
even help his players.
"It's a big draw, to play Liverpool, but I am sure we are
going to be ready, strong and focused," he told reporters on
Friday.
(Reuters)
Bellamy back to face Gunners
Craig Bellamy has been declared fit to return to the
Liverpool side to face Arsenal at Anfield tomorrow.
The Welsh striker missed Monday's victory over Bolton with a
minor hamstring problem, but he's back in full training now
and is available for selection against the Gunners.
"It's good to have Craig back because he has been playing
well and he gives us a different option in attack," said
manager Rafael Benitez.
"We don't have any new injury problems ahead of the game.
The good news is that Bolo Zenden and Momo Sissoko are both
doing well in their rehab work and have joined in training.
Bolo is probably one or two weeks away and Momo a bit
longer. It'll be nice
to have them back again."
(LFC Official Website)
Rules won't put Rafa off Mascherano
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has left the way clear for
Javier Mascherano to arrive at Anfield after revealing he is
not put off by FIFA rules seemingly restricting the West Ham
midfielder's move.
Benitez refused to comment directly on reports he is on the
verge of ending Mascherano's miserable stay at Upton Park by
making him his first signing of the new year transfer
window.
But he did indicate he is unconcerned by the rules which
dictate a player cannot play for more than two clubs in the
year starting July 1 - affecting Mascherano, who has already
turned out for Corinthians and West Ham.
Benitez said: "There are a lot of similar situations with
players who have played for three clubs in the same season,
and in some cases four, so I think it is not a problem.
"We are watching good players and we want to find someone
who can add more balance but at this moment we are focusing
on the next game, and we are not talking
about players."
(PA Sport)
Mellor closing in on return
Paul Simpson insists Neil Mellor will not be rushed back to
first-team action for Preston North End but the former
Liverpool hitman is closing in on a return.
Mellor has yet to make his debut for North End as a result
of knee injuries but no risks will be taken as Simpson wants
him available for the second half of the season.
Mellor is desperate to play but after making his return to
training a run-out for the reserves is not too far away.
"He is absolutely desperate to play but we are not going to
rush him, he has had enough setbacks in his time here so we
want to make sure he is right to bring him through steadily
so he gets himself right," Simpson told the club's website.
(Clubcall Sports)
Club backing for justice protest
Liverpool Football Club has given its backing to a planned
'Protest for Justice' prior to Saturday's FA Cup tie with
Arsenal, but warned supporters that there are guidelines
which must be adhered to.
On what has been declared another official Anfield Flagday,
the club has agreed for a mosaic displaying the word 'TRUTH'
to be held up on the Kop prior to kick-off.
There's bound to be a special atmosphere for the eagerly
anticipated tie of the round and fans are being invited to
make it an even more colourful occasion by bringing along
their flags and banners.
Stadium Manager Ged Poynton hopes everyone attending the
game will have an enjoyable time but is keen to stress that
for everything to run smoothly certain regulations have to
be respected.
(LFC Official Website)
Cech check-up will determine return at
Anfield
Jose Mourinho's hopes of having Petr Cech back to face
Liverpool on January 20 depend on the outcome of tests the
goalkeeper has to undergo at the hospital where he underwent
surgery on a depressed fracture of the skull in October.
Cech will return to the Radcliffe Infirmary in Oxford within
the next week to seek approval to resume full training
without protective head gear.
If everything goes to plan, Mourinho has said he expects the
24-year-old to return at Anfield.
That would mean the Czech international coming back just
over three months after his skull was fractured at the
Madejski Stadium in a collision with Reading's Stephen Hunt.
(The Guardian)
Rafa sure of a cup treat
Rafa Benitez has predicted an FA Cup classic at Anfield
tomorrow night as Liverpool and Arsenal battle to avoid a
fixture backlog in the weeks ahead.
Benitez believes both clubs' determination to secure a
result in the third round tie will ensure an all-out
attacking contest.
"I think a draw might be a bad result for both teams,
although perhaps more for us because we want to take
advantage of being at home," said Benitez.
"It would be very difficult for us to find dates in the
diary if we have to meet again.
"I'm sure you will find this will make both clubs even more
determined to settle
the game tomorrow."
(Liverpool Echo)
Home comforts boost Bellamy belief
Liverpool striker Craig Bellamy believes home advantage will
be a crucial factor in Saturday's FA Cup third-round tie
against Arsenal.
Over the last year Rafael Benitez's side have restored
Anfield's fortress reputation and that will be invaluable as
they face their toughest test of the season so far at home.
None of the Reds' major rivals - Manchester United, Chelsea
or the Gunners - have visited Merseyside in the league this
campaign but the team's performances so far have brought
renewed confidence.
"In a way it's very much like the Champions League draw in
that it could have been much kinder to us," said Bellamy,
referring to the forthcoming two-legged European clash
against reigning champions Barcelona.
"You want to make things as easy for yourself as possible
and Arsenal's not
an easy game.
"But we're at home, and having that advantage will be a key
factor for us I think."
(PA Sport)
Gunners missing van Persie, Fabregas
Arsenal will be without suspended pair Robin van Persie and
Cesc Fabregas for tomorrow’s FA Cup third-round tie at
Liverpool.
Full-back Emmanuel Eboue (knee) should return, while Julio
Baptista (ankle) as well as fit-again veteran Lauren and
centre-half Johan Djourou are also in contention.
Theo Walcott (back), Togo striker Adebayor (thigh), Freddie
Ljungberg (hamstring) and William Gallas (thigh) remain
unlikely to feature while Abou Diaby is now back in training
following his recovery from a broken ankle.
Provisional Squad: Lehmann, Eboue, Toure, Senderos, Clichy,
Hleb, Gilberto, Flamini, Rosicky, Aliadiere, Henry, Almunia,
Djourou, Hoyte, Denilson, Lauren, Baptista, Song.
(Ireland On-Line)
Fifa ready to block Masch move
Fifa look ready to scupper Liverpool's attempt to sign
Javier Mascherano on a loan deal, despite reports indicating
that the Argentinian midfielder is close to a move to
Merseyside.
Mascherano looks set to become one of the first departures
under new West Ham boss Alan Curbishley after failing to
adjust to life in the Premiership since his shock transfer
deadline day signing from Corinthians.
Widespread reports in the English media indicate that talks
regarding a loan switch to Anfield are at an advanced stage,
but Fifa rules prohibit a player from appearing for three
separate sides in the same season.
Now a spokesman for the governing body has confirmed that
the rules will not be broken to facilitate Mascherano's
potential move to Merseyside.
"The rules are very clear. Article 5.3 states that, although
a player can be registered for a maximum of three clubs
during the period from 1st July to 30th June, he is only
eligible to play in official matches for two clubs in this
period," a Fifa spokesman told The Times.
"In the case of Mascherano or [Carlos] Tevez, they have
already played for Corinthians and West Ham United."
(Sky Sports) |
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THURSDAY 4 |
Juve target Reds ace Crouch
Juventus are reportedly interested in signing
Liverpool's Peter Crouch as a replacement for David
Trezeguet next term.
The disgraced Turin side, relegated to Serie B after Italy's
match-fixing scandal erupted last summer, are already
looking at a return to the big time.
And according to Corriere dello Sport they believe lanky
England hitman Crouch will be the perfect man to step in if
French star Trezeguet quits in the summer.
(Sporting Life)
Benitez eyes up double swoop
Liverpool are closing in on January targets Lucas Neill and
Javier Mascherano - with an Anfield board meeting today
expected to open the door to their arrival.
As the DIC takeover saga nears a successful conclusion at
Liverpool, Rafa Benitez is seeking a swift completion of
deals which have been a priority for several months.
The Reds boss wants the players in place early during the
transfer window, and hopes there will be no delays which may
prove costly to his plans.
Both Neill and Argentinian Mascherano are ready to move to
Anfield, but the finishing touches are still to be put in
place.
Clearly there is a balancing act for the board as they
juggle immediate concerns with the long-term strategy of the
prospective owners, but the manager is in need of new
recruits this month.
Benitez is also hoping to complete a deal for 16-year-old
James McCarthy for £100,000 from Hamilton Academicals.
(Liverpool Echo)
Pennant: I'm winning fans over
Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant believes he is finally
winning over the fans at Anfield.
The 23-year-old has struggled to hold down a regular place
in Rafa Benitez's side so far this season, but he produced
his best performance for the club in the New Year's Day win
over Bolton Wanderers.
Pennant was happy with his showing and he feels he is now
settling into life at Liverpool.
"It was good to have the confidence-booster of a performance
like the one against Bolton and maybe it was one of my best
since joining Liverpool," said Pennant.
"I feel I'm winning more of the fans over now.
"When I arrived, everyone hoped I'd kick straight into
action, but sometimes it takes time to get used to playing
in front of the crowd and the different players.
"But now, I feel things are coming along better. It's a new
year and I hope I'm now going to continue with those kinds
of performance."
(Sky Sports)
Crewe extend deal for Liverpool's
O'Donnell
Crewe Alexandra have extended the loan of Liverpool defender
Danny O'Donnell to the end of the season.
O'Donnell is a player who was spotted playing in the local
amateur leagues by Liverpool scouts in 2002, and made the
move to train full-time at Melwood in the summer of 2005.
He played for the first team in the pre-season friendlies at
Wrexham and Crewe at the start of this season before Dario
Gradi brought him to Gresty Road on loan.
(TribalFootball)
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Thor Zakariassen
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