Liverpool 3 Norwich 0 - report from PA

PA Sport, 25 Sept 2004
Liverpool 3 Norwich 0

Liverpool warmed up for their Champions League date in Athens on Tuesday
with Spanish star Xabi Alonso in red hot form.

The 22-year-old has already won over the Anfield public and he was just
unstoppable against outplayed Norwich.

Alonso certainly made the home fans forget the loss of injured hero Steven
Gerrard.

The Premiership newcomers never got close to controlling the cultured
midfielder - who more than made up for the absence of Gerrard with a
display of wonderful passing as he controlled the game.

Milan Baros, Luis Garcia and Djibril Cisse grabbed the goals, but the
architect of everything good that Liverpool achieved in maintaining their
100 per cent home league record spun from the glittering boots of Alonso.

Rafael Benitez coped with the loss of Gerrard from midfield with a broken
foot by opting to play a second striker in Baros to support Cisse, while
youngster Stephen Warnock took over on the left of midfield from thigh
strain victim Harry Kewell.

The Spanish coach also rested full back Josemi, no doubt with the Champions
League game away to Olympiacos in mind, and returned Steve Finnan to his
more usual right back role.

For Norwich it was another tough game in a severe opening examination in
the Premiership. They left Anfield having played five of the top six from
last season's Premier League and can be forgiven for wanting a slightly
easier spell now.

Norwich were under intense pressure from the start, as Alonso took command
of midfield, spraying a succession of perfectly weighted passes to all
corners of the pitch.

His first involvement came when he spun a 40 yarder to Warnock, who chested
it into John Arne Riise's path and watched as the Norwegian surged into the
box but slashed his effort wide.

Luis Garcia then cut in fom the right and cracked a rising drive just wide
of the far post, while Cisse, off balance, headed over after a Warnock
cross spun to him a couple of yards out.

Alonso then found space with embarrassing ease and had Baros' first touch
been better the Czech would have taken quicker advantage of the supply he
was getting.

The chances kept coming, Cisse had a close range effort blocked and Warnock
a bouncing effort held by Robert Green.

But Liverpool finally broke the deadlock on 22 minutes when Dietmar Hamann
fed Baros, and the Czech moved to his right before blasting a fierce 20
yarder into the bottom corner.

Three minutes later Liverpool were two ahead. This time it was Garcia
jinking and twisting on the edge of the box before finding a yard for a
left foot shot that clipped Craig Fleming and flew past Green.

How Norwich got to the break without conceding again is anyone's guess.
Garcia flashed a shot wide, Cisse had another deflected over as the
Premiership newboys were run ragged and unable to stop the flow of
destruction that was being threaded through and round their defence by Alonso.

Norwich needed to do something and boss Nigel Worthington went for more
attacking options by sending on Leon McKenzie and David Bentley at the
break for Doherty and Youssef Safri, and the pair had enough pace about
them to make Liverpool's defence think.

The Canaries were far more competitive in the second period, working hard
to close the space Alonso was operating in. Francis was warned for one late
challenge on the Liverpool man, and he was certainly under more pressure now.

Cisse had missed out on much of the fun in the first half, still struggling
for his touch but at least he was getting involved more and working to shut
down defenders.

He finally got himself on the scoresheet on 63 minutes, benefiting from
what looked like a messed-up set piece. Riise touched the ball to Alonso,
25 yards out for what should have been a shot, but the ball was not quite
in the right spot and Alonso flicked it on to Cisse who drilled a low drive
past Green's right hand.

Before the re-start Alonso was withdrawn to a standing ovation and Salif
Diao took over.

Benitez replaced Cisse with Djimi Traore and then withdrew Warnock to give
Igor Biscan a run-out.

Riise and Baros both had efforts that went close to adding to the scoreline.

Norwich, still without a win in the league since their promotion, kept
going but still could not test Dudek.

Liverpool: Dudek, Finnan, Hyypia, Carragher, Riise, Alonso (Diao 65),
Hamann, Warnock (Biscan 77), Luis Garcia, Baros, Cisse (Traore 71)
Subs not used: Kirkland, Josemi
Booked: Hamann
Goals: Baros 23, Luis Garcia 26, Cisse 64

Norwich: Green, Drury, Fleming, Charlton, Edworthy, McVeigh (Jonson 75),
Safri (Bentley 45), Francis, Holt, Huckerby, Doherty (McKenzie 45)
Subs not used: Ward, Helveg
Booked: none

Att: 43,152
Referee: A Wiley (Staffordshire)

ALONSO IMPRESSES BENITEZ

Rafael Benitez admitted he was delighted with Liverpool's performance in
beating Norwich 3-0, but insisted his players "still need to raise their
level".

Manager Benitez witnessed an outstanding display from £11m midfielder Xabi
Alonso which had the Anfield crowd on their feet, and he said: "Xabi is a
very clever player, I am pleased for him and the way he has settled in.

"We do not have Steven Gerrard through injury but we have four other
players who can perform in midfield.

"What is important is that we need to play well and if we do that it does
not matter who we are playing.

"I learn all the time about my team, we still need to progress and still
raise our level.

"We played well here but I still need to see my team play against stronger
sides."

He continued: "I am still learning about my team, every game and every day
in training - we are about 60 per cent of what I want."

Benitez confirmed that Alonso had been withdrawn in the second half with
tightness in his leg muscles as a precaution before Liverpool fly out on
Monday to Athens for their Champions League game with Olympiacos the
following night.

Norwich boss Nigel Worthington accepted that his brave side walked into a
Liverpool team finding their form.

He said: "Rafael Benitez has taken over and brought in some excellent
players and the future looks very rosy for them.

"For us it a challenge to try to survive in the top flight.

"We are still without a win in seven games now so we must get off the mark
soon.

"People are saying that we have played a lot of the big teams, Chelsea,
Arsenal, Newcastle and Manchester United, and now things will get a little
easier.

"But that is not the case, this is a ruthless division and it is full of
quality which makes every team dangerous to us.

"Liverpool were very, very good in that first half. You have to hand it to
them, they were sheer quality on the day.

"But it is a learning curve for us and will do us no harm.

"But Alonso was in a different class, you would pay good money anywhere in
the world to see top class performances like that.

"We were not on top of our game, but I have to say Liverpool were superb."

Why is The Sun boycotted in Liverpool?

This is a question that quite often appears on Liverpool forums as fans new to the club hear how "The Sun" newspaper is disliked, but are a little cautious to ask why.

The reasons are related to the issues of "The Sun" that came out after the Hillsborough disaster in 1989. Fifteen years have passed and so it is understandable if some new fans did not know about "The Sun" and what it did to Liverpool FC. Some current fans would not have even been born back then.

I've just come across a website, not affiliated to Liverpool FC or the families of the victims, which tries to explain matters in a fairly concise manner. This is a free Encyclopedia site called "Wikipedia". I urge any new fans (or for that matter older fans) to have a read of this article: The Hillsborough Disaster.

Reds refute takeover talks / Attempts made to discredit Rick Parry - Echo

Further to the story we reported from the BBC this morning regarding a Liverpool takeover bid coming from the states, we've now got a denial from the Echo. The Echo is well-known to be LFC's outlet for news that it wants to get out, and their contacts are at the highest level within the club. Additionally they mention the Liverpool side of a story that seems to be set out to cause upset to Brian Clough's family at the expense of Rick Parry's reputation. The story seems to be ungrounded. Read on...

Liverpool Echo, 24 Sept 2004
Reds refute takeover talks

LIVERPOOL are not discussing a £100m takeover of the club with an American
consortium, the ECHO can confirm.

And the Reds have no meetings planned with the Hollywood-based group.

Liverpool-born filmmaker Mike Jeffries, and Stuart Ford, the Senior Vice
President of Acquisitions at Miramax Studios, claimed today they were in
talks with Chairman David Moores.

The duo did approach the club to offer help in attracting investment to the
club.

However, the club has already appointed its own financial advisors,
Hawkpoint, who are currently analysing different options.

Reds officials were bemused by reports suggesting a £100m takeover bid from
the US group is imminent. There has been no contact between Liverpool and
the consortium beyond an initial approach from Jeffries.

No arrangements have been made at this stage for a second meeting.

Earlier Jeffries, chairman of LA firm Milkshake Films, said: "We have one
of the best managers in the world and he needs some quivers on his arrows
to get this club back where it belongs.

"It's essential that the club get investment before January, so that the
manager can strengthen the squad."

Meanwhile, Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry has been criticised by
former Nottingham Forest striker Garry Birtles for saying Brian Clough
should have been charged by the FA for taking bungs.

However, the quotes attributed to Parry were made over six years ago.

Parry responded to a Premier League Commission which took place in the late
1990s into bungtaking by making the observations about Clough.

He was asked by a reporter earlier this week if he stood by the comments,
which he does, but did not repeat them in the immediate aftermath of
Clough's death.

Birtles has accused Parry of insensitivity, but Liverpool insiders pointed
out today the chief executive was approached by others attempting to
reignite the story, and not the other way around.

Benitez interview - Official Site

Official LFC Website, 24 Sept 2004
RAFA TALKS TO LIVERPOOLFC.TV
By Paul Eaton

The manager talks to us about Monday night's defeat, the merits of zonal
defending, Steven Gerrard's injury, this weekend's game against Norwich and
much, much more...

~ Liverpoolfc.tv: What positives can you take from our defeat at Manchester
United on Monday?

Rafael Benitez: There were periods in the game when we didn't play too
badly. We lost possession too easily at times but we had lots of
opportunities for counter attacks. In the second half we played well, the
team fought and showed great spirit and we were trying to score right until
the end of the game.

~ Your team were great against West Brom and Monaco but less convincing
against Man United. Is inconsistency in performances to be expected when
you're working with a new team and trying to get across new ideas?

It's difficult to play to a high level all the time, especially if you're
up against a good team away from home. The important thing at Manchester
United was that we played well at times during the game. That tells me we
can play at a good level even against the top teams.

~ You said after the United game that you need to defend better as a team.
Have you been working on that this week in training?

Normally the players train very well and we do a lot of work on the
defensive side of our game. But this week we are preparing for a home match
and so our idea has been to work more on how we attack.

~ You also mentioned the fact that you use a zonal marking policy from
corners. Can you tell us how that works and what advantages it has over man
to man marking?

When I was at Valencia we started off marking man to man from corners and
then changed to zonal marking. My experience was that we conceded less
goals by marking zones. I think if you study the statistics overall then
you will see that teams concede the same number of goals from corners of
free kicks out wide marking man to man as they do by marking zones.

~ After what happened at Old Trafford, have you been tempted to change your
mind about the policy of marking zones in defence?

No, it's too early to make that decision. Don't forget that before the
Manchester United game we hadn't conceded a goal from a corner kick in any
of our previous ten matches. It's important now that we see more games and
see if the players understand and learn from the mistakes they made on Monday.

~ How disappointed are you with the news that Steven Gerrard is out for two
months?

We all know that Steven is a very important player for us but at least we
have Hamann, Biscan, Diao and Alonso who can play in the same position and
do well for us. There are other possibilities for us and I have a lot of
confidence in these players. It's never good to lose a big player, but when
you have four other players who can play in the same position then you have
to be confident you can cope.

~ Xabi Alonso performed well at Manchester United - will there be more
responsibility on his shoulders now to dictate games following the injury
to Gerrard?

In Alonso and Hamann we have two midfielders with a lot of experience, but
I wouldn't say there is more pressure on them now. Alonso played very well
at Manchester United and Hamann had a good second half. When you lose a
good player like Gerrard but have other good players in the same position
then maybe it isn't so bad for us.

~ How important is it to bounce back straightaway and beat Norwich this
weekend?

It is important to start winning quickly again. In football when you lose
there is always another chance to put things right. We need to win this
weekend. If we keep improving and keep working hard then we will start
winning more games more often.

We've had Norwich watched on a couple of occasions this season. I've seen
two videos and I know they are a good team. They are well organised and can
play short passes as well as long passes. They're not in the best position
at the moment but they're not playing badly. I saw their game recently at
Tottenham and they played very well.

~ After Norwich you go to Greece to face Olympiacos - what kind of match
are you expecting over there?

They have good technical players and they will try to control the game and
keep the ball. We will need to put together good counter attacks, hopefully
with more effectiveness than the other night.

~ What can you tell us about Olympiacos as a team?

In Rivaldo and Giovanni they have two Brazilian players and so a lot of
their football is played on the floor. They usually play short passes. They
are a good side and we will need to play well over there on Tuesday night.
But for now I'm only thinking about Norwich.

~ Finally, the Carling Cup draw has paired you with Millwall. What do you
make of that draw?

I've talked with people about Millwall and they have told me they are a
good side. I believe there will be a good atmosphere down there because
their supporters stay right behind the team. They play good, aggressive
football so we know it'll be a tough tie.

Liverpool v Norwich team news - PA

PA Sport, 24 Sept 2004
HAMANN REPLACES INJURED GERRARD

Liverpool are reeling from the loss of skipper Steven Gerrard with a broken
foot as they launch a demanding week against Norwich at Anfield.

The Reds then face a Champions League trip to Olympiakos on Tuesday and a
Premiership visit to Chelsea on Sunday week.

Dietmar Hamann will come into midfield as Gerrard's replacement alongside
Xabi Alonso.

Manager Rafael Benitez's options in midfield have been further handicapped
by the loss of Antonio Nunez for a further six weeks after a knee operation
this week.

Harry Kewell is also out, having picked up a thigh strain in training.
Benitez is now likely to put his faith in youngster Steve Warnock to fill
the gap on the left side of midfield.

Craig Fleming is a major doubt for Norwich's trip to Anfield.

The centre-back has been an ever-present this season, but is struggling
with a calf injury picked up in the midweek Carling Cup win over Bristol
Rovers.

Utility man Gary Doherty is ready to switch back from his striking role if
needed, so Matthias Svensson could come into the attack.

David Bentley and Marc Edworthy were both rested in midweek for the cup tie
and could return to the starting XI at Anfield, while striker Leon McKenzie
is also in contention after recovering from a virus.

Teams
Liverpool (from): Dudek, Josemi, Hyypia, Carragher, Riise, Kewell, Warnock,
Hamann, Alonso, Finnan, Garcia, Baros, Cisse, Sinama-Pongolle, Diao,
Biscan, Traore, Kirkland.

Norwich (from): Green, Edworthy, Doherty, Fleming, Charlton, Drury, Holt,
Francis, Safri, Bentley, Huckerby, Svensson, McKenzie, Jonson, Helveg,
McVeigh, Jarvis, Henderson, Ward.

Breaking News - New takeover bid for Liverpool. Click the image for the story from the BBC.

Liverpool Reserves lose 2-1 away to Birmingham

From the Official Site:

WELSH SCORES A BELTER BUT RESERVES LOSE Steve Hunter at St Andrews 23 September 2004
	A magnificent free-kick from John Welsh was the highlight of Liverpool Reserves 2-1 defeat by Birmingham City at St Andrews, writes Steve Hunter.
It was a stunning curled free-kick from 25-yards out by John Welsh that gave Liverpool the lead just past the hour mark. Since being left out of the summer tour to America and Canada Welsh hasn't been in the best of form for the reserves this season, and hopefully that goal should do his confidence the world of good. Liverpool's lead only lasted two minutes though as Birmingham found an equaliser through Asa Hall, but substitute Mark Smyth went close to winning it for Liverpool in the closing stages when he headed just wide following a great run and cross from Jon Otsemobor. Then a minute after Smyth went close Birmingham went straight up the other end to score through Dean Curtis. The Reds certainly worked hard in the match but what is more disappointing is not for the first time this season the quality of service that the forwards Neil Mellor and Florent Sinama-Pongolle needed, didn't arrive. Chris Kirkland played his second game of the season and did well. Florent Sinama-Pongolle had recovered from the calf strain that forced him to be carried off the pitch during last week's 1-0 win over Sunderland, and he lead the attack with Neil Mellor. To read an in-depth match report click here>>

Nunez facing knee surgery - Echo

Liverpool Echo, 23 Sept 2004
Nunez facing knee surgery
By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

ANTONIO Nunez today underwent further knee surgery, wrecking his chances of
an imminent Liverpool debut.

The Spanish midfielder is enduring an Anfield nightmare. His comeback now
depends on the outcome of an exploratory operation on the same injury which
has kept him out since the start of the season.

Nunez was originally pencilled in for his Reds bow in a reserve game
against Birmingham tonight.

But instead of stepping up his rehabilitation on his return to training a
week ago, the midfielder continued to feel pain in his knee.

It was hoped the problem would settle down, but it got worse.

Medical staff have now decided he needs keyhole surgery to establish the
seriousness of the problem. That operation was scheduled for this afternoon.

It's unclear for how long the 25-year-old must now sit on the sidelines.

A fuller diagnosis will be made tomorrow, but the player will be fearing
the worst having originally ruled out serious ligament damage.

Nunez has been out six weeks after suffering the knock an hour into his
first training session after signing from Real Madrid. He joined Liverpool
as part of the deal which took Michael Owen to the Bernabau.

Manager Rafa Benitez will be frustrated by the blow, especially as his
options have been limited by the loss of Steven Gerrard. Nunez would have
been in line for instant call-up had he proved his fitness.

A Liverpool spokesman said today: "It's desperately disappointing for
Antonio and the club. He will undergo keyhole surgery today and we will
know more later."

Chris Kirkland and Florent Sinama-Pongolle will play in tonight's reserve game.

Midfielder can't wait to get stuck into Rafa's men - Echo

Liverpool Echo, 23 Sept 2004
Midfielder can't wait to get stuck into Rafa's men

PAUL IFILL admitted he "cannot wait" to take on Liverpool in the Carling
Cup after his Millwall side were drawn against the Barclays Premiership
giants in the third round of the competition.

The pacy forward marked his first start since the opening day of the season
with the final goal in last night's 3-1 win over Derby in the Coca-Cola
Championship, but he is already looking forward to the match against Rafael
Benitez's team.

Liverpool visit The Den in the week beginning on October 25 and Ifill said:
"I just can't wait for the match.

"It is the biggest game I will have played in except for last season's FA
Cup final against Manchester United, and it will be great to get some world
class players down here and get the crowd behind us.

"Hopefully we will get a sell-out and give them a game."

Millwall fans will be hoping that Ifill is still at the club when Liverpool
arrive in south London in a little more than a month's time.

The 24-year-old was the subject of a bid from fellow Championship club
Stoke this week, but Millwall are understood to have resisted the initial
approach.

Assistant boss Ray Wilkins believes the club needs to keep players like
Ifill if they are to mount a serious challenge for promotion, and Ifill
insists he has no desire to leave Millwall.

"I only found out about the bid after the game, and I don't know the amount
offered," Ifill continued.

"I am happy here, I am not looking to leave, but if they sell me there is
not much I can do about it."

Draw in full:
Portsmouth v Leeds
Chelsea v West Ham
Middlesbrough v Coventry
Doncaster v Nottingham Forest
Newcastle v Norwich
Millwall v Liverpool
Burnley v Aston Villa
Southampton v Colchester
Sheff Utd v Watford
Everton v Leicester/Preston
Charlton v Crystal Palace
Bolton v Tottenham
Bournemouth v Cardiff
Man City v Arsenal
Birmingham v Fulham
Crewe v Man Utd

Matches to be played week beginning October 25.

Stevie G speaks about his broken foot.

As we suspected during the game on Monday, Steven Gerrard had broken a metatarsal bone (the fifth metatarsal to be precise) in his foot. Various reports are putting his recovery time at anything from 8 to 16 weeks. Nobody knows of course how long it will take for him to come back, it's impossible to predict, but Stevie himself is pretty sure it will be sooner rather than later, saying "I want to be back in less than two months.

"As far as I'm concerned, this injury will keep me out for two
months and no longer," said Gerrard.

"I spoke to the surgeon yesterday and he told me it should be eight
weeks. I know people are comparing my injury to others who've had a
similar knock, like Wayne Rooney.

"But although there are similarities, there are also differences. I
don't think mine's as bad. I'm hoping that proves to be the case. In
fact, I'm hoping I could even get back earlier than people think,
but I don't want to set targets too early.

"I've got to just lie low and rest for a while. I've got a special
machine in my house I'll be using twice a day to help my recovery.
It's a devastating blow for me to miss any games, but I'll still be
going to the matches and supporting the lads. I'm still the captain
and have a big role to play, even if I can't be out there with the
lads."

Boss Rafa says no-go to zones - Echo

Liverpool Echo, 21 Sept 2004
Boss Rafa says no-go to zones
By David Prentice, Liverpool Echo

RAFAEL BENITEZ has no plans to abandon the zonal marking system Liverpool
use at corner kicks - despite being caught cold twice at Old Trafford last
night.

Mikael Silvestre crept in unnoticed at the far post to stun Liverpool
before and after half-time.

But boss Benitez said afterwards: "Yes, we use a zonal system, but we have
used that system in 10 games this season and we have not conceded a goal
from a set-piece until last night."

He added: "We played well for 15 minutes in the first half, but our final
ball was poor too many times.

"In the second half we regained a lot of balls and played better, but we
conceded two goals from set pieces and that was the problem."

Benitez also dismissed suggestions his side had been physically brushed
aside by Manchester United.

"We knew that they would do the things they did," he said. "We knew we
needed to control the situation and counter-attack better, which we didn't
do at first.

"We regained lots of balls in the second half but it wasn't enough."

Benitez also refused to criticise the officials for the award of the
set-pieces which led to both goals.

A harsh free-kick and a corner which should quite clearly have been a
goal-kick gave United the opportunity to flight in the decisive set-pieces.

But Benitez simply said: "I have not seen the video of either incident. I
don't know. It was a disappointing night."

Opposite number Sir Alex Ferguson admitted his United side had been made to
work hard for their win, saying: "We played so well in the first half but
we didn't turn that into goals.

"We couldn't get going really and then they scored and that got us going again.

"I think in the end we deserved to win."

Academy: Liverpool fail to build on first win - Post

Liverpool Daily Post, 21 Sept 2004
Liverpool fail to build on first win
Academy Football with Chris Wright, Daily Post

LIVERPOOL under-18s failed to build on their first win of the season last
week as they lost 4-2 to Newcastle United at Kirkby on Saturday.

John Owens's side have won just once in their opening five FA Premier
Academy League matches this season. And having looked like they had turned
the corner with their first clean sheet of the season, Owens' side again
paid for their defensive frailties.

Liverpool have yet to win a home match at Kirkby so far and they were 1-0
down in eight minutes when they failed to clear a cross from the right
properly.

Karl Noon scored his second goal in a week to bring the scores level on 20
minutes after midfielder Paul Barratt had gone on a surging run to give the
forward the opportunity to slot home.

Liverpool keeper Paul Willis had to make a couple of saves to keep out the
visitors. But two Newcastle goals in a minute at the start of the second
half meant Liverpool faced an uphill battle. The first was a disputed
penalty after Danny O'Donnell was adjudged to have brought down the
Newcastle forward.

Then straight from the resumption Liverpool lost possession and were caught
napping as Newcastle scored again.

Captain O'Donnell did manage to pull a goal back with a header after the
Newcastle keeper and defender collided trying to clear Ryan Wilkie's
corner. But despite further attempts to grab an equaliser Newcastle added a
fourth in the final minute.

Coach Owens said: "It was disappointing but they are top of the North East
League and haven't lost a game - so it was a tough match. We did okay in
the first half, then the two goals in the second half finished us off.

"We were unhappy with the penalty decision because we felt he went to
ground easily. It was an innocuous challenge and he appeared to be looking
for the penalty.

"But we were annoyed with ourselves because 13 seconds from our kickoff
they had scored again. Most of our players had spread to receive the ball
and that left our two centre-backs on their own."

He added: "Some of the stuff we played was good. Adam Hammill showed a lot
of skill and Paul Barratt did well running at them. But generally we are
looking to better than that defensively.

"We need to work on that side because it is very rare you let four goals in
and win."

LIVERPOOL UNDER-18s: Willis, Peltier, D Smith, J Smith, O'Donnell, Barratt,
Townley, Guthrie, Noon, Hammill, Wilkie. Subs: M Roberts, Lancaster,
Frayne, Pringle.

Stevie injury rocks Reds - Echo

Liverpool Echo, 21 Sept 2004
Stevie injury rocks Reds
By David Prentice, Liverpool Echo

LIVERPOOL'S worst fears were confirmed today with the news that Steven
Gerrard has broken his foot and will be sidelined for eight weeks.

An x-ray today confirmed the overnight diagnosis that Gerrard has fractured
the fifth metatarsal of his left foot.

He will miss at least seven Premiership matches - including the trip to
Chelsea, plus Champions League fixtures against Olympiakos and both clashes
against Deportivo La Coruna.

He also definitely misses England's World Cup double-header against Wales
and Azerbaijan.

Gerrard limped out of last night's Old Trafford defeat six minutes before
half-time and said afterwards: "No-one was by me when it happened. Xabi
Alonso passed me the ball and I have gone to turn and my foot stayed in the
turf. Then I felt a crack in my foot.

"I will be devastated if it is a break." Manager Rafael Benitez confirmed:
"He will be a big loss, but we have a big squad with other players."

The injury is identical to the one England team-mate Wayne Rooney sustained
to his right foot during Euro 2004.

He has been sidelined for 13 weeks so far, and has not been pencilled in
for a return to competitive action for a further fortnight. The Reds are
hopeful, however, that Gerrard's recovery will be much quicker.

The Reds have been given a boost meanwhile, by news that Antonio Nunez will
make his comeback in Thursday's reserve match at Birmingham City.

The former Real Madrid winger was injured in his first training session,
but is finally set to pull on a Red shirt for the first time.

Watch Liverpool in action - when you want to!

Bored waiting for the next match? It's worse when there's no weekend game for the Reds. And after the Man Utd game on Monday, there'll be no midweek game. Why not buy a DVD? Then whenever you feel like a bit of footy, without having to listen to "other" teams being over-glorified?

Click here if you want to go and look at some Liverpool DVD's you can buy!

You can even see if it's possible to replace your favourite VHS LFC moments with crystal-clear DVD's.

LFC News

Some of the news stories that appear on here are from an email list called "LFC News". This is a Yahoo group and allows you to received stories about Liverpool FC to your email inbox.

For more details go to http://www.lfc-list.org.uk/

Five Hundred and One Goals

They only managed to score one goal tonight, one less than their opponents, but put that behind you now and order this video! Liverpool FC - 501 Goals [2003] is a chance to look at some of our goals from days gone by.

The DVD is narrated by John Aldridge and includes the following special features:

• Player By Player Access
• Ian Rush Master Class
• Hat Trick Heroes
• Top Ten Goals
• Weblink
• Records Section

Click the image for a report from the BBC on the match tonight. If you can face it.

Final Score - defeat for Liverpool - 2-1.

All over. Never mind!

Reports to follow after calming down time!

Latest - Man U v LFC...

93 minutes. All over, Hamman wasted the free kick.

92:30 - free kick to Liverpool just outside box awarded.

92 minutes, Liverpool trying in vain to create one last chance.

91 minutes - Liverpool free kick just outside their own area.

90 minutes are up - three to be added. A free kick from Alonso almost got into the path of Carragher.

88 minutes gone and despite a goal-mouth scramble just narrowly being turned into a goal, it remains 2-1.

80 and a half minutes gone - penalty appeal turned down after United handle in box.

80 minutes gone.

No real incidents of note. Liverpool struggling to make any impression on the game. Lots of niggly tackles from United are preventing the game from getting any flow, and although free kicks are being awarded it's about time some cards were shown.

70 minutes gone.
Still 2-1 to the Mancs. Alonso has just had a shot at goal from the half-way line saved by Roy Carrol.

Roy Keane has just been booked for a typical dirty foul, on Steve Finnan.

Milan Baros has just been adjudged offside. In his own half.

Latest - 2-1 to the Mancs

Sylvestre again - from a corner that should have been a goal kick. Slyvestre's first was from a free kick that shouldn't have been.

Cisse has just been replaced by Baros.

Liverpool equalise - it's 1-1

Own goal from O'Shea - 53 minutes 25 seconds.

Finnan headed the ball down from a free kick, it hit the Manc goaly Carrol on the thigh before ricocheting off O'Shea into the net. Graham Poll conferred with his linesman but as replays clearly showed, the goal was perfectly OK.

1-1 - and the two injuries mentioned earlier seem to have been run off.

50 minutes gone - latest...

Still 1-0 to the Mancs, but Riise and Garcia have both suffered injuries - neither has left the field yet, but both are suffering mobility problems.

Half Time - Man Utd 1 Liverpool 0

Half time, after one minute of added time.

Josemi booked for a deliberate handball.

Gerrard injured, replaced by Hamman.

Sylvestre scored the goal for the Mancs.

Gerrard injured.

As if there's not enough bad news already with Liverpool a goal down, Gerrard has had to leave the pitch after 39 minutes with a foot injury. It would seem that he's been kicked on the outside of his foot, and with the modern-day boot that is quite likely to indicate a broken foot.

More news as we get it - score still 1-0.

Latest - bad news I'm afraid!

19 minutes 25 seconds. Man United go 1-0 up.

Man Utd v Liverpool - confirmed teams

After all the hype, Rooney doesn't play, Ferdinand does.

Man Utd
Carroll, Brown, Ferdinand, Silvestre, Heinze, Ronaldo, O'Shea, Keane, Giggs, Scholes, Nistelrooy
Subs: P Neville , Smith , Kleberson , Fletcher , Ricardo

Liverpool
Dudek , Josemi , Carragher , Hyypia , Riise , Finnan , Gerrard , Alonso , Kewell , Garcia , Cisse
Subs: Baros , Diao , Hamann , Traore , Kirkland

Man United v Liverpool team news - PA

PA Sport, 19 Sept 2004
FERDINAND BACK FOR UNITED

Rio Ferdinand stands by to return to the Manchester United line-up for the
first time in eight months in Monday night's Premiership encounter with
Liverpool.

Ferdinand has not pulled on a United shirt since he limped out of the 1-0
defeat to Wolves at Molineux on January 17.

But, despite his obvious lack of match practice, he seems certain to be
included by Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson as he looks to strengthen a
defence that looked so uneasy in Lyon on Wednesday.

Roy Carroll, Phil Neville and Alan Smith all have recall claims but Louis
Saha is not likely to be considered after his knee injury kept him out of
training this week.

Chris Kirkland is putting pressure on Liverpool number one Jerzy Dudek
after at last playing his first full game of the season following a back
injury.

The youngster, widely regarded as England's number one goalkeeper in
waiting, has seen his progress hindered by constant injury problems over
the past two seasons

But he played a full 90 minutes on Thursday in the Reds reserves' 1-0 win
over Sunderland and can now give manager Rafael Benitez a serious option.

It is unlikely Benitez will change his goalkeeper for the trip to United -
even if Dudek has had his misfortunes against the Old Trafford club.

But having looked unsure in the air during the midweek win over Monaco,
Dudek must know his place is now under threat.

Otherwise, Benitez has no serious injury problems and his most pressing
decision will again be who plays in central midfield, with Dietmar Hamann
left out against the French side to allow Xabi Alonso a starring role in
the 2-0 win.

Florent Sinama-Pongolle is likely to be out with an ankle injury sustained
in the reserve fixture.

Teams:
Manchester United (from): Howard, Carroll, P Neville, Heinze, Ferdinand,
Silvestre, Keane, Spector, Bardsley, Eagles, Ronaldo, Van Nistelrooy,
Djemba-Djemba, Miller, Kleberson, Bellion, Richardson, Fletcher, Giggs,
Scholes, Smith,

Liverpool (from): Dudek, Josemi, Carragher, Hyypia, Riise, Finnan, Gerrard,
Hamann, Alonso, Kewell, Cisse, Baros, Garcia, Kirkland, Warnock, Biscan,
Diao, Traore, Henchoz.

Official Site: "Manchester United... could be the subject of a police investigation"

In addition to the massive coincidence that sees Sky rearrange a Saturday-scheduled LFC-ManUtd fixture to the Monday (as opposed to a Sunday lunchtime kick-off) comes the following. Manchester Untouchables?! (NB: By rearranging the game to the Monday, Rio Ferdinand becomes available for one extra game in the season, as his ban for drug-related offences ends officially at midnight on the night before the game. This happened some years ago too when Eric Cantona's ban for violently assaulting a supporter ended on a Saturday. Sky rearranged the LFC v Man U game that year too, once again allowing Cantona to play an extra game that season. To think that Sky once part-owned Manchester United!)

From the official LFC site
FANS SHOCKED BY OFFICIAL MAN UTD WEBSITE
Paul Rogers
19 September 2004

Manchester United's official website, ManUtd.com, could be the subject of a police investigation after publishing a guide to abusing Liverpool's players and supporters in Spanish.
Considering relations between the two sets of supporters is volatile at the best of times with some fans from both teams being subjected to brutal assaults throughout the years when Liverpool and Manchester United have met, police are thought to believe the decision to publish the article on an official website is particularly irresponsible. The article appears on the club's official website under the section Fanzone and is billed as "Fanzone presents 'Spanish Scouse-Baiting' as Benitez's Hispanic Liverpool visit Old Trafford". The article then goes on to explain the Spanish translations for some of the sickest chants directed at Liverpool supporters over the years - including "Build a bonfire, build a bonfire, put the Scousers on the top", "You find a dead rat and you think it's a treat, in your Liverpool slums" and "Feed the Scousers. Let them know it's Christmas time." Alongside each English chant and Spanish translation is a picture of Rafael Benitez, Xabi Alonso, Luis Garcia and Josemi - implying that it is these four who should be targeted with abuse on Monday night. While the police may want to talk to someone from Manchester United about the article, it is believed the website editors are under clear instructions from those at the very top to make the content of Fanzone particularly "edgy and controversial" in an attempt to appeal to Manchester United supporters who would rather get their daily fix of United news and comment from one of the many independent websites who have nothing to with the commercial side of the club itself. While many Manchester United supporters have still not forgiven the club for removing the words 'Football Club' from their badge in 1998 (A decision made during Peter Kenyon's time at Old Trafford because they didn't want their 'brand' to be associated with football when it had become a leisure enterprise which could be linked tonon-footballing matters, such as clothing, media and even other sports such as baseball), articles such as the one that appears on the website today explaining how to abuse Liverpool's players in Spanish, are seen as an attempt to gain some credibility amongst die-hard fans who cringe when they see the likes of mascot Fred the Red.

BBC SPORT - Camacho quits Bernabeu

BBC SPORT - Camacho quits Bernabeu

See link above for details from the BBC.

Looks like Michael Owen's dream move to Real Madrid may start to improve. He's not started in as many matches as he would have liked and Real were hammered in Europe in midweek before a domestic defeat on Saturday. A change of manager could mean a change of fortunes for Michael.

Ryder Cup - You'll Never Walk Alone

Just heard the Liverpool anthem "You'll Never Walk Alone" being sung by the spectators and players at the Ryder Cup. The European team were triumphant against the USA in this golf event.

I actually know very little about golf - but the TV was on and it caught my ears that it was being sung!

Well done to Europe though.

Carragher talks up 'Rafalution' - Independent

The Independent on Sunday, 19 Sept 2004
Carragher talks up 'Rafalution'
Scouse survivor acknowledges the importance of a Spanish accent. By Steve
Tongue

As Spanish accents increasingly replace French ones around the corridors of
Anfield, it is reassuring to hear one of the Premiership's enduring
rivalries, between Manchester United and Liver-pool, being discussed in
authentic Scouse tones.

Apart from a clutch of hopeful youngsters, Steven Gerrard and Jamie
Carragher are the only local lads left in the dressing room, and it is up
to them to make sure the new Spanish Armada takes on board the implications
of a fixture like tomorrow's.

Asked last week if players such as Josemi, Xabi Alonso and Luis Garcia
understand the nature of the occasion, Carragher responded in his rat-a-tat
Mersey brogue: "If they don't, they'd better hurry up! They watch a lot of
Premiership games on television and will be aware that Man-chester United,
along with Everton, are our two main rivals. They're massive games, the
first you look for on the fixture list to sort your tickets out. And we've
got a decent record at Old Trafford over the years. We'll have to ask Danny
Murphy if he'll come back for the game.''

Murphy, with his astonishing record of winning goals against United, has
flown south to Charlton, further diluting local influence. Consolation for
the Kop is that the new Liverpool manager, Rafael Benitez, appears to have
secured some gifted Spanish replacements for the many underachievers he has
loaned out or sold.

As befits a full-back, Josemi is safe, if less spectacular than the
exciting pair in front of him. Alonso in central midfield wants to go
forward, whereas Dietmar Hamann's natural instinct is to move the ball
sideways; he specialises in killer passes inside a defender to exploit the
pace of Djibril Cissé or Milan Baros, though the latter has lost his place
to Garcia, the slender little link-man signed from Barcelona with a touch
of Kenny Dalglish about him.

Carragher, installed at the back alongside Sami Hyypia, says of the
newcomers: "They've only played three or four games and will take time to
adapt, but they're good players. Alonso's passing is very good and Luis
Garcia was probably man of the match against West Bromwich Albion last weekend.

"As for the manager, every-one has a different way of doing things. He's
brought in a lot of new players and got rid of a lot, so that's the biggest
change, in personnel. Gérard Houllier was successful to a certain extent
and Benitez has proved in Spain that he's successful, so hopefully he can
bring that here.''

As a contemporary of Rio Ferdinand, who has graduated with him from
England's youth teams to the senior squad, Carragher will offer a genuinely
warm handshake to United's prodigal son before kick-off tomorrow. "I wish
him all the best because of what's happened, which is unfortunate. He'll
cope very well, no problem about that. He's a happy-go-lucky type of lad
and I'm sure he'll be fine.

"I was out for half that time last year with a broken leg and that was bad
enough. Obviously, I had little targets to aim at, but he's just been
training when it seems like there's no light at the end of the tunnel. At
the end people say the time has flown by, but probably it hasn't flown for
him, it has probably seemed twice as long.

"He's a top player, he proved that at the World Cup and probably came out
of it as the best centre-half in the world, which was proved in his price
tag when moving to Man United. I think he'll be a big bonus for them coming
back. Last season they missed him in the second half of the season and you
saw that in their results.''

Taking on a United team marooned in mid-table will be a new experience for
Carragher, even after more than 300 games for Liverpool. He is not
expecting the current malaise at Old Trafford to become permanent: "By
their standards it's been a disappointing start, but they always come on
strong in the second half of the season. To be fair, they've got an injury
list and the players they're missing are big players. There's a long way to
go, it's just that the start Arsenal and Chelsea have had makes it look so
much worse.''

It will be a timely test. In Premiership visits to Tottenham and Bolton,
Liverpool have not shown the vim of recent home victories over West
Bromwich and Monaco, both of which had supporters using long-forgotten
words like "entertaining'' and "attacking''. Tomorrow, however, three
points by any means will do, as what Merseyside is calling the "Rafalution"
goes on.