Liverpool 0-1 Chelsea

From the BBC.

Substitute Joe Cole strengthened Chelsea's grip on the Premiership lead with a late winner at Anfield.
Cole earned Chelsea a vital victory when his shot was deflected past Liverpool goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek by Jamie Carragher after 80 minutes.

Liverpool were left cursing referee Mike Riley, who turned down first-half penalty appeals when Tiago handled.

Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech saved well from Djimi Traore, while Liverpool lost Xabi Alonso with a broken ankle.


Liverpool were still without leading goalscorer Milan Baros, who was ruled out with a hamstring injury.

The opening chance of a first-half dominated by Liverpool fell to the unlikely figure of Traore, who could only shoot straight at Cech after being set up by Florent Sinama Pongolle.

Chelsea stuttered their way through the opening period, but created the best chance when Robben raced clear, but Dudek guessed right and saved low down.

Liverpool lost influential midfield man Alonso after 27 minutes, when he limped off with what was later diagnosed as a broken ankle following a tackle from Frank Lampard that earned the England midfield man a booking.

Chelsea's defence had stood firm in front of Cech, but he needed to produce a fine reaction save to deny Antonio Nunez after Tiago struck a clearance straight at the Liverpool substitute.

Anfield erupted in anger just before the break when Tiago clearly handled under pressure from Nunez.

Referee Riley appeared to raise his whistle to his lips before waving play on.

Chelsea had the first chance of the second half, Damien Duff's inviting cross just eluding Eidur Gudjohnsen as he stretched in front of an open goal.

It was Gudjohnsen's final contribution, as he was taken off on the hour and replaced by Didier Drogba.

Chelsea made another familiar change with 15 minutes left, sending on Cole for Duff.

And Cole broke the deadlock five minutes later, when his shot from edge of the area clipped off Carragher and deceived Dudek.




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Liverpool: Dudek, Finnan, Hyypia, Carragher, Traore, Luis Garcia, Gerrard, Hamann, Alonso, Riise, Sinama Pongolle. Subs: Diao, Nunez, Warnock, Mellor, Harrison.

Chelsea: Cech, Paulo Ferreira, Terry, Gallas, Johnson, Tiago, Lampard, Makelele, Duff, Robben, Gudjohnsen. Subs: Cudicini, Kezman, Cole, Geremi, Drogba.

Referee: M Riley (W Yorkshire)

LFC v Chelsea - Teams

Liverpool
J Dudek, S Finnan, S Hyypia, J Carragher, D Traore, S Luis Garcia, S Gerrard, D Hamann, X Alonso, J Riise, F Sinama Pongolle
Subs: S Diao, A Nunez, S Warnock, N Mellor, P Harrison

Chelsea
P Cech, R Paulo Ferreira, J Terry, W Gallas, G Johnson, C Tiago, F Lampard, C Makelele, D Duff, A Robben, E Gudjohnsen
Subs: C Cudicini, M Kezman, J Cole, N Geremi, D Drogba

Ref: M Riley (our friend from previous matches, especially Man Utd games)

[lfc-news] Reds to up bid for Real ace - Echo

Liverpool Echo, 30 Dec 2004
Reds to up bid for Real ace
By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

LIVERPOOL hope to finally secure the signing of Fernando Morientes by
increasing their bid to £5m.

But reports in Spain today suggest Real Madrid are continuing to block
the striker's transfer by insisting on a £7m fee for the player.

Madrid are also determined to be given first option to sign Steven
Gerrard if he becomes available for transfer.

The Reds won't agree to this demand and continue to be frustrated in
their attempts to complete the Morientes deal.

Even if the clubs reached agreement, the 28-year-old wouldn't be
eligible until January 7 at the earliest, when Liverpool play against
Burnley in the FA Cup.

The Premier League announced yesterday players signing on January 1
can't play on New Year's Day or January 3.

Liverpool first bid £3.5m for Morientes before Christmas, but Madrid
rejected the proposal insisting other clubs had offered more. The Reds
have now lined up an increased offer.

Newcastle, who are still owed money for Jonathan Woodgate, said they
would value Morientes at £10m.

But the player swiftly made it known he had no wish to even talk to the
Geordie club, let alone play for them.

Morientes has pleaded with Madrid to only do business with Liverpool.
"Yes, I am going to England. I have decided," said Morientes.

Meanwhile, Southampton want to sign Liverpool duo Igor Biscan and
Stephane Henchoz when the transfer window opens.

Harry Redknapp expressed his interest following his side's 1-0 defeat on
Tuesday and the pair could be available at a combined cost of £500,000.

Both Biscan and Henchoz are out of contract in the summer, and Liverpool
will listen to offers now rather than lose the players for free at the
end of the season.

Biscan's performance this season have endeared him to The Kop, but he's
not part of Rafa Benitez's long-term plans.

Henchoz has only started Carling Cup games this season and has also been
tracked by Manchester City.

If he leaves in January, Benitez could bring in Valencia's Mauricio
Pellegrino as cover.

"I will go to Liverpool and for many reasons. The main reason is the
coach Rafa Benitez. He is Spanish and knows me perfectly, which is worth
a lot for a professional.

"We have asked Real Madrid to make a fast solution and I don't want to
expand any further, except to say I am already looking through the
English dictionary."

Having secured Michael Owen on the cheap last summer, Madrid seem
determined to try and squeeze as much as they can out of Benitez for
Morientes, even though he has just 18 months left on his contract.

The Reds won't match the £7m valuation, and won't agree to selling
Gerrard to the Spanish giants in the future.

* Leeds have rejected Liverpool's £250,000 bid for goalkeeper Scott Carson. Liverpool could sign him for a small compensation fee when the 19-year-old is out of contract in the summer.

HENCHOZ: BENITEZ TREATED ME LIKE A***HOLE

From The Mirror

ONE DAY TO TRANSFER WINDOW.. AND KOP STAR CAN'T WAIT TO GO

John Cross

LIVERPOOL defender Stephane Henchoz last night delivered a parting shot at Rafael Benitez as he accused the boss of treating him like the 'lowest a***hole on Earth'. Swiss international Henchoz is poised to become Harry Redknapp's first major signing for Southampton after being frozen out at Anfield by Benitez and will now be allowed to leave during the January transfer window. Liverpool chief Benitez is also ready to let Croatian utility man Igor Biscan join Southampton in a cut-price deal as Redknapp begins to wheel and deal - and he is also interested in signing John Hartson from Celtic. But centre-half Henchoz, a key figure in Liverpool's cup treble success in 2001, is angry at the way he has been discarded since Benitez took over last summer. Henchoz, 30, said: 'I am the king of the outlaws at Liverpool, and my time is up at the club. In my mind I have already left. 'Besides, as far as they are concerned, I no longer exist. However, there is a minimum level of respect that they should show me. 'But ever since Rafael Benitez arrived at the club, he has treated me like the lowest a***hole on Earth. And I will never forgive him for that. At present I am not even in the squad for matches. Instead I habitually train with the other excluded players. 'If I now leave, it will be as a free agent and Liverpool won't make a single penny from me. After what the manager has done to me, I'm not going to give him any presents. 'That said, I don't want to leave just for the sake of leaving. I need to find a challenge that excites me, and a club that really clicks with me. 'I could still stay in England. There are already two or three possibilities, and things are beginning to get moving.' Henchoz, who has played 69 times for Switzerland, is expecting to become a father in mid-January. His wife Catherine has already moved back to the family home in Neuchatel so she can give birth there. 'Right now my one priority is the baby's birth,' he said. 'It is due in mid-January, but will probably arrive sooner. For us it is out of the question for Catherine to have the baby anywhere else but in Switzerland. 'I am ready to jump on the first plane to be with her. I want to be there for the birth.' Redknapp held talks with Benitez about Henchoz and 26-year-old Biscan and both players will be allowed to leave for nominal fees, representing major losses on players signed by former Anfield manager Gerard Houllier for £9million. Croatian star Biscan, who joined from Dinamo Zagreb for £5.5m four years ago, is out of favour and is the man Redknapp wants most out of the Liverpool pair, but he is also keen on Henchoz if nothing better comes along. Henchoz, who joined from Blackburn Rovers for £3.5m in 1999, wants to stay in the Premiership and is out of contract at the end of the season so Liverpool are keen to cash in and cut their losses. But Redknapp is also closely monitoring Welsh striker Hartson and his contract negotiations with Celtic as his current deal expires at the end of the season. Redknapp is keen on teaming up with Hartson again, having worked with him at West Ham before selling him after he was caught on television cameras kicking Eyal Berkovic in the head. Hartson would like to stay at Celtic but if they do not make him a lengthy contract offer then he could quit in January - with Blackburn boss Mark Hughes having already made his interest clear. Redknapp has made discreet enquiries about Hartson and regards him as a perfect replacement for the soon-to-be-departing forward James Beattie.

Henchoz condemns boss Benitez

Redknapp linked with Henchoz

Source: BBC Sport
Out-of-favour Liverpool defender Stephane Henchoz has launched a scathing attack on the way Anfield boss Rafael Benitez has treated him.

"I am the king of the outlaws at Liverpool and my time is up at the club," said Henchoz, 30, whose contract runs out in the summer.

"As far as they are concerned, I no longer exist.

"If I now leave it will be as a free agent and Liverpool won't make a single penny from me."

The Swiss added: "After what the manager has done to me, I'm not going to give him any presents."

Henchoz has made just four appearances for Liverpool this season with his slide out of the first team beginning under former manager Gerard Houllier.

The Swiss centre-back says he has been made to train with the other "excluded players" and could be on his way to Southampton.

"I need to find a challenge that excites me and a club that really clicks with me," he said.

"I could still stay in England. There are already two or three possibilities and things are beginning to get moving."

[lfc-news] Rafa aiming to celebrate New Year with a win - Official Site

Official LFC Website, 31 Dec 2004
RAFA AIMING TO CELEBRATE NEW YEAR WITH A WIN
Mark Platt 31 December 2004

Rafael Benitez insists he and his players are determined to give
Liverpool fans the perfect start to the New Year by beating Chelsea at
Anfield.
The Reds go into the game trailing the FA Barclaycard Premiership
leaders by 15 points but Benitez is confident his team can upset the
odds at Anfield, just like they did against reigning champions Arsenal
in November.

"This is a massive game and of equal importance for both Liverpool and
Chelsea," says the Liverpool manager. "Chelsea have a good manager and
good players but that is not to say they are unbeatable.

"They do have weaknesses. Afterwards I may speak about them but for now
we know what they are and we?ll look to capitalise on this.

"We have already beaten Arsenal at home this season when everybody was
expecting us to lose and I think we can win against Chelsea, especially
at home with our supporters behind us.

"We have given them a happy Christmas and our aim now is to make sure
they have a happy New Year as well."

Benitez also dismissed claims by Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho that Frank
Lampard is a better player than Steven Gerrard.

He added: "In my opinion, Gerrard is the best. He is a fantastic player
who epitomises the spirit we want at this club."

He is also refusing to let the reopening of the transfer window affect
his preparation for the New Year fixtures.

With Anfield expected to be a hive of transfer activity during January
all eyes are currently on the club.

But Benitez has revealed he will not be distracted from the immediate
task in hand.

"At the moment I am thinking only about the game against Chelsea,"
insists the Reds boss.

"I know we have been linked with a lot of names and a lot of good
players. We are a big club and we need to look for the best players but
at this moment the most important thing I can do for the club is to
think about the next game.

"Perhaps we can do something but I am not thinking about these things.
We have a lot of people within the club who are working for these
situations but my responsibility is to prepare for the games and I will
not be thinking about it until after the Norwich game."

[lfc-news] Pongo hoping to hold on to lead role - Echo

Liverpool Echo, 31 Dec 2004
Pongo hoping to hold on to lead role
By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

WITH Milan Baros in a running battle with his hamstring and Fernando
Morientes' pleas to be immediately released by Madrid falling on deaf
ears, Florent Sinama-Pongolle has responded to his recent call-up in style.

Sinama has been limited to cameo roles for most of the last 18 months.

But with two goals in two consecutive league games, there are signs the
man once tentatively compared to Jermain Defoe by his former manager is
bringing his prolific form as a teenager into the first team.

A nerve tingling couple of penalties against Spurs in the League Cup
promised more, and this was duly delivered with goals against
Olympiakos, West Brom and Southampton.

Should Rafa Benitez opt not to play Sinama against Chelsea tomorrow,
it's sure to be one of his more difficult decisions of the season thus far.

Sinama is eager for the chance to prove he can reap havoc against the
meanest defence in the league.

"I'm ready for Chelsea if the boss needs me. Obviously I'm desperate to
play," said Sinama today.

"He's put faith in me in the last two games and it's gone well. But I
need to work harder. Since the Tottenham match in the Carling Cup things
have started to get a lot better for me. I scored an important penalty,
and when you score that first goal it makes all the difference as a striker.

"Like every goalscorer, I think when you score your first you find more
start to follow quickly.

"That's because you go into the next game more confident. You start to
believe you will score every time you play. I'm sure the supporters can
see that by the way I'm playing now. I had one good opportunity before I
scored on Tuesday, but when the second came my way I was sure I would
score. "

Sinama is realistic enough to admit he may not have started either of
the Christmas games had tonsilitis not taken Neil Mellor out of the
squad on Boxing Day or a hamstring problem not accounted for Baros'
absence against Southampton.

His performances in both games mean even if both are declared fit
tomorrow, Sinama's claims for a start are strong.

"With Milan injured, it's very important for the team to have someone
who can come in and score goals," he said.

"I feel I can do that and it's good for the manager to have a choice.
I'm very happy to have scored twice in two games. It's been the perfect
Christmas present for me.

"Now I want to keep going so the boss has confidence in me. I want to
prove to him that I can do it."

Following Liverpool's scrappy win on Tuesday, there were observations
about the manner of victory not being as pleasing on the eye as other
Anfield encounters this season.

Such trifling concerns are music to the ears of the players who've come
to recognise a 1-0 scrape is as valuable as a 5-0 hammering.

And Sinama thinks the fans will accept more of the same tomorrow if it
means Chelsea go home with a rare defeat.

"It's true we didn't have many opportunities against Southampton and it
was a lot different to the match against West Brom," said Sinama.

"But when the goal arrived I was thankful to Xabi Alonso who gave me a
great pass. When the goal came, it was good move by us.

"It doesn't matter what the score is as long as you win. It was a lot
better for us against West Brom, but at the end of the match the points
are the same. You can't get more than three points for scoring more goals.

"So we didn't mind how we won on Tuesday. We've played well in a lot of
games this season, but sometimes it's just as important to win without
being at your best.

"I think that's a good sign for the team. When you have four games in
such a short time, it's not possible to play at your best in every
match, so if you still take all the points it's good. I think it's
points and more points which is the priority at this stage of the season."

Having mastered the 1-0 win themselves this season, not least against
Liverpool at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea will agree.

CLUBS DONATE TO DISASTER FUND

The 20 Premier League clubs have pledged £50,000 each, a total of £1million, to the Indian Ocean earthquake disaster relief fund.

Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore said: “I think everyone has been taken aback by the sheer enormity of events following the Indian Ocean earthquake.

“The Premier League and our clubs have strong connections throughout the region and there was a real feeling amongst the clubs that we should do something as a collective to try and alleviate some of the pain and suffering that is so evident across those areas affected by the tsunami.

“Our thoughts go out to those who are suffering as a result of this catastrophe and hopefully this donation will help make a real difference as the disaster relief operation gets underway.”

The donation has been paid to the Disasters Emergency Committee who will distribute the money to best effect amongst those charities and agencies undertaking the disaster relief work across the region.

Brendan Gormley, the DEC's Chief Executive, added: “This is a fantastic donation.

“It's wonderful that the Premiership clubs are joining in the public outpouring of sympathy for men, women and children in desperate need. Every penny will be well spent helping to rebuild shattered lives.”

A minute’s silence will also be held over the weekend fixtures by those clubs who have not already had chance to pay their respects.

If you want to donate to help those who've suffered as a result of this disaster, please visit the following link: www.justgiving.co.uk/theretailpark.

[lfc-news] Kewell injury blow - Official Site

Official LFC Website, 30 Dec 2004
KEWELL INJURY BLOW
By Steve Hunter

Liverpool have been dealt a blow with the news that Harry Kewell will be out for at least a month after having an injection in a groin injury.
It is a blow for Liverpool and the player who was coming back to his best form before he picked up the groin injury in the 3-1 win over Newcastle United at Anfield.

Liverpool FC Head of Press Ian Cotton said: "Harry saw a specialist on Wednesday and has received an injection in his groin. He is likely to be out of action between four and five weeks."

[lfc-news] Leeds want improved offer for keeper - Post

Liverpool Daily Post, 30 Dec 2004
Leeds want improved offer for keeper
By David Prior, Daily Post

LIVERPOOL will have to offer more money up front to keep alive hopes of signing highly-rated Leeds goalkeeper Scott Carson.

The Elland Road club yesterday turned down the Merseysiders' initial £250,000 bid, which promised further cash based on appearances. However Leeds, who are still mired in debt, will only entertain deals involving immediate payment.

Liverpool look to be leading the chase for the England under-21 international, although Wigan, Aston Villa and Chelsea are also reportedly interested.

Carson, whose contract runs out at the end of the season, has his heart set on a move to Anfield and is unlikely to sign a new deal at Leeds.

The 19-year-old has not played this season with Neil Sullivan now first choice. But Carson impressed when he deputised for Paul Robinson last season.

One hell of a ride

Bruce Grobbelaar was the clown prince of English football, but after the glory years with Liverpool came match-fixing allegations, an eight-year tussle with the Sun newspaper and bankruptcy. Now, broke but unrepentant, he is coaching a struggling South African team. Rory Carroll meets him

Wednesday December 29, 2004
The Guardian

Only weeks into a new life in a new job in a new city, and already everybody seems to know Bruce Grobbelaar. At the airport he bumps into a friend. On the way into town a pedestrian gives a cheerful wave, as does a motorist in the next lane. The club office is all smiles and handshakes. At the stadium it is a rugby day but the players on the field recognise the visitor on the touchline. "Howzit, Bruce!"

Two decades after the rubber-legs act in Rome, a decade after the allegations of match-fixing and two years after his financial ruin, the so-called clown prince of English football has wound up coaching a team on the southern tip of Africa, broke, unrepentant and defiant. "The Britons bankrupted me. I came to their country with £10 in my pocket and they gave me £1 back. But in between I had one hell of a ride."

Critics might amend that to say the Zimbabwean took his adopted country for one hell of a ride. But nobody says that here in his new home, South Africa, where Grobbelaar is more famous as a footballer than a crook.

The interview was supposed to have taken place several weeks earlier in Durban where Grobbelaar, 47, was coaching Manning Rangers, a mid-ranking premiership club, but they fired him after a string of poor results, so it takes place further down the coast in East London, where he has taken over the Umtata Bush Bucks. Almost midway through the season, they are fighting to avoid relegation.

Besides flecks of grey around the temples there is little physical change from the showman - the elastic eccentric, some called him - who made more than 600 appearances in 13 years at Anfield, winning six league titles, a European Cup, three FA Cups and three League Cups. "The most decorated goalkeeper in the league," he says.

Glory has not blossomed in South Africa. In five years he has coached six teams, including big hitters like SuperSport United, Seven Stars and Hellenic before moving on - and down - to poorer clubs. Apart from Manning Rangers he denies being fired from any of these jobs, but there was a cloud over each departure. Typically he would start well and push his new team up the league before faltering and dropping down. "He is sliding down the ranks," says Julia Beffon, sports editor of the Johannesburg Mail and Guardian. "I don't think he is a very good coach. Not very technically aware."

In a blaze of statistics and anecdotes, Grobbelaar begs to differ, casting himself as a savvy saviour of underperforming teams who is nevertheless cast aside by managers too dumb or stingy to keep him. The body language is expansive and, appropriately for a goalie, includes numerous references to landing on his feet. But the sense of victimhood is unmistakable. He is the victim of Ian Smith's Rhodesia which made him an army corporal in a doomed bush war against Robert Mugabe's guerrillas in the 1970s: "It was a struggle to survive." The victim of a supposed friend, Chris Vincent, who secretly videotaped their conversations about match-fixing: "I went into business with an arsehole." The victim of a vindictive newspaper, the Sun, which splashed on the allegations and defended them in an epic, eight-year legal battle: "I wouldn't even wipe my fucking arse with it." The victim of a legal lottery whereby juries refused to convict him and he won a libel award only for judges to overturn everything and ruin him: "You win in the court of law and yet they decide that you have to pay the opposition."

It happened in 1994. Unaware that his business partner, Vincent, had tipped off the Sun about his alleged involvement in accepting bribes, and that the hotel room they met in was rigged with recording equipment, Grobbelaar talked about throwing at least three games and trying to throw others. For a Liverpool game with Newcastle United in 1993 he said he received £40,000 from a betting syndicate. He was also filmed accepting £2,000 as part of a payment for throwing matches with his new club, Southampton.

Charged with conspiracy to corrupt and match-fixing, he was tried in 1997 alongside the former Wimbledon goalkeeper, Hans Segers, the former Aston Villa striker, John Fashanu, and a Malaysian businessman, Heng Suan Lim. Pleading innocence, he claimed he was attempting to obtain evidence of wrongdoing from Vincent before going to the police. His performance was as audacious as in any game, said commentators. The jury failed to reach a verdict and a retrial was ordered but again the jury could not decide. All four were acquitted and in 1999 the Zimbabwean went on to win an £85,000 libel award from a jury which plainly did not like the Sun.

Two years later the court of appeal ruled that the tabloid had suffered a miscarriage of justice and overturned the award. Grobbelaar went to the House of Lords, which reinstated the jury verdict but slashed his damages to £1 and ordered him to pay the Sun's huge legal costs. The law lords were not convinced he kept his part of the bargain and let in goals but said he undermined the integrity of the game by acting "in a way in which no decent or honest footballer would act".

By this time the goalkeeper had played his way down the English league, keeping goal for minnows, and moved into coaching. "I felt the world had been taken from underneath me." Pursued by the Sun's trustees, earlier this year he was officially declared bankrupt over his failure to pay the tabloid £500,000 in legal costs. "I haven't any money. Anything I'd earn in England they'd take. Here in South Africa I'm scrimping." With his houses in his estranged wife's name, could he not try to negotiate an out-of-court settlement with the Sun? A growl. "I don't talk to scum." Millionaire or pauper, he is the same person, he says, adding solemnly: "Greed is the worst thing."

So here he sits in his favourite restaurant in East London, watching ships sail up the Buffalo River, sipping a soft drink, munching pickled fish, flirting with the waitress. These days he nips across the border to his native Zimbabwe to visit friends and play golf. Two decades ago he infuriated Mugabe by branding his liberation movement "terrorist", but was forgiven and called on to coach the national team. He was recently offered the job again but declined in a wrangle over payment. Not wanting to extinguish that option, Grobbelaar turns cagey when asked about Zimbabwe's troubles. "I find it sad. People are not free to speak their minds. But I'm not one to judge what's happening there."

He has won his first two matches with the Bush Bucks, talks of taking them to the top of the premiership next season and of staying in East London for at least five years. But clearly he pines for more. More money, more attention, more of the old days.

He reminisces about that famous night at Rome's Olympic stadium in 1984 when Liverpool and Roma went to penalties to decide the European cup final. As Francesco Graziani prepared to take his kick, the figure between the sticks wobbled his knees in a parody of terror. Unnerved, the Italian missed, and another cup was on its way to Anfield. "The idea came when I bit the net before his kick. It felt like spaghetti so I did spaghetti legs."

Grobbelaar splutters at suggestions it was not very sportsmanlike. "When you go out on to that field it's going to be war. Sportsmanship is playing to the best of your abilities and then, afterwards, shaking your opponent's hand."

From the Rhodesian African Rifles to Merseyside, from the hero in a green shirt to the villain on video, from rags to riches to (relative) rags. You can only agree with him: it has been one hell of a ride.

[lfc-news] Reds may swoop for Pellegrino - Echo

Liverpol Echo, 29 Dec 2004
Reds may swoop for Pellegrino
By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

RAFA BENITEZ is considering a January swoop for Valencia defender
Mauricio Pellegrino.

The Argentinian has been granted a free transfer from the Mestalla club
having lost his place under Claudio Ranieri.

Pellegrino was a mainstay in Benitez's title winning side last year. Now
33, any move to Liverpool is likely to be as cover for Sami Hyypia and
Jamie Carragher.

With Swiss veteran Stephane Henchoz likely to leave, probably to
Manchester City, in January, Benitez will be short of options at
centre-half.

Benitez is still hopeful of signing Real Madrid striker Fernando
Morientes, but reports of an imminent bid for Pablo Aimar are wide of
the mark.

Aimar issued a come and get me plea to his former boss, but Benitez's
priority is elsewhere.

Meanwhile, Steve Finnan was today undergoing a scan at Melwood after a
gash on his leg sustained in the first half of yesterday's game with
Southampton.

The Ireland international required eight stitches after the challenge
with Saints midfielder Neil McCann.

[lfc-news] Rafa satisfied with points but not performance - Official Site

Official LFC Website, 28 Dec 2004
RAFA SATISFIED WITH POINTS BUT NOT PERFORMANCE
By Steve Hunter

Rafael Benitez agreed that Liverpool were not at their best against
Southampton but said it was an important three points for the team's
confidence to take into Saturday's clash with Chelsea.

Benitez felt Southampton made it difficult for Liverpool by closing down
space and battling hard but said it was a most welcome three points.

Benitez said: "The best thing to take from this game is the three
points. It's difficult to play two games in two days but if you win you
know you can play better the next game.

"We have now won three Premiership games in a row and we want to make
that four and our confidence will be better. I thought in the second
half we were nervous and were thinking about what happened in the
Portsmouth game.

"We scored a good goal from Sinama-Pongolle after a good pass from Xabi
Alonso and could have scored more than one. Riise had a great shot that
hit the bar and Gerrard had a chance at the end.

"We didn't play at the level we know we can but it's an important three
points for us. Losing Steve Finnan was a blow because right back is not
the position for Salif Diao and it is difficult for him."

Steven Gerrard reflected on the win and insisted the result was more
important than the performance.

"Before the game three points was the all-important thing and that is
what we achieved," said Gerrard.

"Sometimes in this league it's not about playing well, it's about
getting the points. The boys battled well today and we deserved it.

"Southampton were making it hard for us. They had a lot of men behind
the ball but we knew the breaks would come if we kept passing the ball
and matching them."

"We've won three on the spin now but we need more," he added. "That is
what Liverpool Football Club is all about - winning games. Three is not
enough and we want to win more.

"Our performances at home this season have been really good and I'd like
to think Anfield is becoming a fortress once again. If we can take this
form into our away games then things will be looking really good.

"It's important to build on results like the West Brom one. Today we've
done that and we need to take this into the Chelsea game."


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[lfc-news] Southampton report - PA

PA Sport, 28 Dec 2004
Liverpool 1 Southampton 0

Liverpool made it three wins on the trot in the end thanks to Florent
Sinama-Pongolle's first-half cracker.

But this was nothing like the sort of Liverpool performance that will
have Chelsea worried when they arrive at Anfield on Saturday.

Southampton were without soon-to-be sold James Beattie and left still
without an away win this season or a victory under new boss Harry Redknapp.

But they made life more than difficult for Liverpool and could easily
have snatched something in a second half that was painful to watch for
the Kop faithful.

In the midst of all this anxiety and error, Steven Gerrard stood out as
the class act he has become at Liverpool.

He chased, tackled, harrassed and battled for the cause in an
inspirational man-of the match performance.

Reds boss Rafael Benitez will be relieved to have bagged three points
from a horrible performance. Michael Owen was back home watching from
the stands and how his level of finishing was missing from this display.

Liverpool brought in Luis Garcia, Xabi Alonso, Neil Mellor and Stephen
Warnock as Benitez rang the changes after the 5-0 hammering of West Brom.

The game was also without each club's top striker with Milan Baros
rested ahead of Chelsea's visit and Saints opting to leave out Beattie
altogether.

The former England striker, confirmed boss Harry Redknapp before the
game, had been the subject of two bids with the transfer window about to
open and he has clearly played his last match for the Hampshire side.

Saints set out to smother the life out of the game with deep defence.
John Arne Riise lashed in a low drive that Antti Niemi saved while
Sinama-Pongolle, Alonso and Luis Garcia all wasted half chances.

Southampton, who also made four changes from the side that drew goalless
at home to Charlton on Sunday, has just Dexter Blackstock up front and
gifted Liverpool acres of space, but the link play between Alonso and
the front men was off key. Luis Garcia, too, was more intent on
ambitious shooting than feeding better placed colleagues.

David Prutton, booked for a foul on Luis Garcia, and Rory Delap were
doing a sound job against Gerrard and Alonso and an air of frustration
swept around Anfield as their heroes were unable to carve out decent
opportunities.

Liverpool lost Steve Finnan with a leg injury after a foul by Neil
McCann, to be replaced by Salif Diao while Andreas Jakobsson also found
himself booked for a foul on Sinama-Pongolle.

Liverpool spluttered along while the Saints were more than happy to
hound them into mistakes. And there were alarm bells when Prutton
battled his way to the edge of the box before unleashing a low drive
that flashed past Jerzy Dudek's left hand post.

Everything about Liverpool needed to be quicker and with greater
imagination as they continued to get caught in possession.

And a minute from the break Liverpool did increase their tempo and
accuracy to go one up. Alonso snapped up possession from Blackstock in
central midfield and instantly played an outstanding pass in behind
Martin Cranie. Sinama-Pongolle latched on to it before rifling a low
drive into the far bottom corner.

The second period saw anxiety take over in the Liverpool ranks. Dudek
did not help by flapping badly at a Delap long throw, and then
Sinama-Pongolle wasted two chances that would have calmed his side's
collective nerves.

But Southampton brought on attacking experience in Anders Svensson and
Kevin Phillips and Liverpool looked even more uncertain.

Gerrard's tireless energy and industry keeps Liverpool going in
situations like this.

A cracking pass from the England midfielder set up Riise for a fierce
drive that crashed against the bar.

Niemi made a flying save from a Luis Garcia header following a Nunez
cross, but Southampton became increasingly confident that they could get
something from the game, largely from Delap's dangerous long throws.

Liverpool demanded a penalty in injury time when Niemi sent Riise
spinning into the air but referee Mark Halsey turned them down before
sounding the final whistle which brought welcome relief for Anfield.

Liverpool: Dudek, Finnan (Diao 29), Hyypia, Carragher, Riise, Luis
Garcia (Hamann 87), Alonso, Gerrard, Warnock, Mellor (Nunez 68), Sinama
Pongolle
Subs not used: Harrison, Traore
Booked: none
Goals: Sinama Pongolle 44

Southampton: Niemi, Telfer, Jakobsson, Higginbotham, Cranie, McCann,
Prutton, Oakley (Svensson 58), Delap, Ormerod, Blackstock (Phillips 65)
Subs not used: Smith, Yahia, Folly
Booked: Jakobsson, McCann, Prutton

Att:42,382
Referee: M Halsey (Lancashire)

[lfc-news] Aimar would love Anfield move - Official Site

Official LFC Website, 28 Dec 2004
AIMAR WOULD LOVE ANFIELD MOVE
By Paul Rogers

Pablo Aimar has revealed he would jump at the opportunity of a January
transfer switch to Liverpool.
Valencia's Argentina international admits he's a huge fan of Rafael
Benitez, his former boss at the Mestalla, and that he'd relish the
chance to work with him again at Anfield.

"This season I'm not happy at Valencia," says the midfielder. "Rafa
Benitez is an excellent coach who knows me very well and Liverpool would
be an ideal place to go if I cannot sort out my future here."

Despite being a regular in Benitez's Valencia side that won a La Liga
and UEFA Cup double last season, Aimar has not figured much this
campaign and added: "I do not understand why I have not been playing.
Ranieri has not told me the reasons but I am obviously not part of his
plans.

"From what I can see, English football is the best in Europe next to
Spain and I do not think I would have a problem adapting to the
Premiership."

Liverpool 1 Southampton 0

From Sporting Life

Higginbotham holds off Warnock (Getty Images) Liverpool 1 Southampton 0 Liverpool made it three wins on the trot in the end thanks to Florent Sinama-Pongolle's first-half cracker. But this was nothing like the sort of Liverpool performance that will have Chelsea worried when they arrive at Anfield on Saturday. Southampton were without soon-to-be sold James Beattie and left still without an away win this season or a victory under new boss Harry Redknapp. But they made life more than difficult for Liverpool and could easily have snatched something in a second half that was painful to watch for the Kop faithful. In the midst of all this anxiety and error, Steven Gerrard stood out as the class act he has become at Liverpool. He chased, tackled, harrassed and battled for the cause in an inspirational man-of the match performance. Reds boss Rafael Benitez will be relieved to have bagged three points from a horrible performance. Michael Owen was back home watching from the stands and how his level of finishing was missing from this display. Liverpool brought in Luis Garcia, Xabi Alonso, Neil Mellor and Stephen Warnock as Benitez rang the changes after the 5-0 hammering of West Brom. The game was also without each club's top striker with Milan Baros rested ahead of Chelsea's visit and Saints opting to leave out Beattie altogether. The former England striker, confirmed boss Harry Redknapp before the game, had been the subject of two bids with the transfer window about to open and he has clearly played his last match for the Hampshire side. Saints set out to smother the life out of the game with deep defence. John Arne Riise lashed in a low drive that Antti Niemi saved while Sinama-Pongolle, Alonso and Luis Garcia all wasted half chances. Southampton, who also made four changes from the side that drew goalless at home to Charlton on Sunday, has just Dexter Blackstock up front and gifted Liverpool acres of space, but the link play between Alonso and the front men was off key. Luis Garcia, too, was more intent on ambitious shooting than feeding better placed colleagues. David Prutton, booked for a foul on Luis Garcia, and Rory Delap were doing a sound job against Gerrard and Alonso and an air of frustration swept around Anfield as their heroes were unable to carve out decent opportunities. Liverpool lost Steve Finnan with a leg injury after a foul by Neil McCann, to be replaced by Salif Diao while Andreas Jakobsson also found himself booked for a foul on Sinama-Pongolle. Liverpool spluttered along while the Saints were more than happy to hound them into mistakes. And there were alarm bells when Prutton battled his way to the edge of the box before unleashing a low drive that flashed past Jerzy Dudek's left hand post. Everything about Liverpool needed to be quicker and with greater imagination as they continued to get caught in possession. And a minute from the break Liverpool did increase their tempo and accuracy to go one up. Alonso snapped up possession from Blackstock in central midfield and instantly played an outstanding pass in behind Martin Cranie. Sinama-Pongolle latched on to it before rifling a low drive into the far bottom corner. The second period saw anxiety take over in the Liverpool ranks. Dudek did not help by flapping badly at a Delap long throw, and then Sinama-Pongolle wasted two chances that would have calmed his side's collective nerves. But Southampton brought on attacking experience in Anders Svensson and Kevin Phillips and Liverpool looked even more uncertain. Gerrard's tireless energy and industry keeps Liverpool going in situations like this. A cracking pass from the England midfielder set up Riise for a fierce drive that crashed against the bar. Niemi made a flying save from a Luis Garcia header following a Nunez cross, but Southampton became increasingly confident that they could get something from the game, largely from Delap's dangerous long throws. Liverpool demanded a penalty in injury time when Niemi sent Riise spinning into the air but referee Mark Halsey turned them down before sounding the final whistle which brought welcome relief for Anfield. Teams Liverpool Dudek, Finnan (Diao 29), Hyypia, Carragher, Riise, Luis Garcia (Hamann 87), Alonso, Gerrard, Warnock, Mellor (Nunez 68), Sinama Pongolle. Subs Not Used: Traore, Harrison. Goals: Sinama Pongolle 44. Southampton Niemi, Telfer, Jakobsson, Higginbotham, Cranie, McCann, Prutton, Oakley (Anders Svensson 58), Delap, Ormerod, Blackstock (Phillips 65). Subs Not Used: Smith, Yahia, Folly. Booked: Prutton, McCann, Jakobsson. Att: 42,382 Ref: M Halsey (Lancashire).

Liverpool Team to play Southampton

1 Dudek

3 Finnan
4 Hyypia
23 Carragher
6 Riise

10 Luis Garcia
8 Gerrard
14 Alonso
28 Warnock

24 Sinama-Pongolle
33 Mellor

Subs:

Diao Hamman Nunez Traore Harrison

Quotes of the year (The Times)

Quotes of the year
Compiled by Mel Webb

Some of the things they said in 2004 — plus a few that they wish they hadn’t

"If a bus runs over me tomorrow and that is all we ever achieve then it will be worth it for that."
- Mark Palios, FA chief executive at the time, on the positive effects of Rio Ferdinand's eight-month ban for missing a drugs test.

"If you go out for a beer, all of a sudden it's multiplied by 12. If you're seen walking down the road with a girl you're having an affair."
- the former Manchester United forward Norman Whiteside on the troubles awaiting Wayne Rooney, who had just switched to Old Trafford.

"We came off life support on Friday and are now in recuperation."
- Gerald Krasner, the new chairman of Leeds United, after his consortium completed its takeover of the debt-ridden club in March.

"We would get more for Robinson if we sold him in the Leeds Weekly News."
- John Boocock, chairman of the Leeds United Supporters' Trust, after Paul Robinson, the England goalkeeper, moved to Tottenham Hotspur for £1.5million.

"Anyone can be clever, the trick is not to think the other guy is stupid."
- José Mourinho, then the FC Porto coach, in March.

"You give a player everything he needs to have a good professional life and good behaviour. It is his fault."
- Mourinho, now the Chelsea manager, blames Adrian Mutu for his dismissal after failing a drugs test for cocaine.

"Just because the bloke got caught having a couple of lines with some Page 3 bird does not mean he has got major problems."
- Ed Giddins, the former England cricketer who was once banned for testing positive for cocaine, on Mutu.

"I would sell my wife into slavery before I would sell my United shares."
- Pete Hargreaves, a Manchester United supporter, on Malcolm Glazer's takeover attempt.

"One of my players would have to be hit by an axe to get a penalty at the moment."
- Sir Alex Ferguson after Manchester United did not win a spot-kick in the derby against City at Old Trafford.

"I've felt like the fire brigade on Guy Fawkes Night for the past few weeks."
- David Dein, the Arsenal vice-chairman, on the long-running saga of whether Patrick Vieira would go to Real Madrid.

"It's important for the lads not to see a member of the squad walking around with a face like a smacked bum."
- Joe Cole on keeping his chin up despite not playing a minute for England at Euro 2004.

"I am sure some people think that I have not got the brains to be that clever."
- David Beckham on his deliberate booking for fouling Ben Thatcher, of Wales, in a World Cup qualifying match.

"Anybody who is thinking of applying for the Scotland job in the next eight or nine years should go and get themselves checked out by about 15 psychiatrists."
- Martin O'Neill, the Celtic manager.

"The lowest moment was when we were 5-0 down at West Ham last week and the realisation sank in that half my team were playing for the opposition."
- Stuart Murdoch, the Wimbledon manager, after the club's creditors accepted a takeover by Pete Winkelman's consortium.

"It's years since I've seen snow."
- Socrates, the former Brazil captain, reflects on his 13-minute debut for Garforth Town in the Northern Counties East League.

"They would hang me from the rafters at Molineux if someone who used to manage West Brom were given the job."
- Rick Hayward, the chairman of Wolverhampton Wanderers, on the news that Gary Megson, the former Albion manager, had applied for the job at Wolves.

"I just took it on the chin."
- Bill Leslie waxes philosophical after the miss from a yard by Kanu, the West Bromwich Albion forward, cost his side a draw against Middlesbrough and Leslie a £38,000 accumulator bet.

"His future is definitely in front of him."
- Andy Gray, the Sky Sports expert, on the England prospects of Chris Kirkland, the Liverpool goalkeeper.

"He dropped out at 1pm when we discovered he had tweaked a hamstring walking upstairs at home. We're now asking him to move to a bungalow."
- Steve Coppell, the Reading manager, on Glen Little's late withdrawal from the match against Brighton and Hove Albion. Reading still won 2-1.

Asian Tsunami Disaster

If you've been moved by the destruction caused over Christmas in Asia by the Tsunami, please visit www.justgiving.com/theretailpark and you can donate...

Please remember that Liverpool FC have many many fans in that part of the world, not to mention the links to potential investors, including the Thai Prime-Minister strongly linked earlier this year.

Our thoughts are with all of those people who have lost loved ones, or property, or are still waiting to hear from loved ones.

AIMAR WOULD LOVE ANFIELD MOVE

From the Official Site.
Paul Rogers 28 December 2004

Pablo Aimar has revealed he would jump at the opportunity of a January transfer switch to Liverpool.

Valencia's Argentina international admits he's a huge fan of Rafael Benitez, his former boss at the Mestalla, and that he'd relish the chance to work with him again at Anfield.

"This season I'm not happy at Valencia," says the midfielder. "Rafa Benitez is an excellent coach who knows me very well and Liverpool would be an ideal place to go if I cannot sort out my future here."

Despite being a regular in Benitez's Valencia side that won a La Liga and UEFA Cup double last season, Aimar has not figured much this campaign and added: "I do not understand why I have not been playing. Ranieri has not told me the reasons but I am obviously not part of his plans.

"From what I can see, English football is the best in Europe next to Spain and I do not think I would have a problem adapting to the Premiership."

[lfc-news] Liverpool v Southampton team news - PA

PA Sport, 27 Dec 2004
REDKNAPP FACING BEATTIE POSER

Southampton boss Harry Redknapp must decide whether striker James
Beattie has played his last game for the club or faces Liverpool at
Anfield on Tuesday.

Redknapp looks resigned to sacrificing his ace marksman to raise cash
for new signings to boost relegation-threatened Saints, and Newcastle,
Aston Villa and Everton are said to be leading the chase.

Meanwhile, another striker, Peter Crouch, could be axed to give
Southampton more strength in midfield with Anders Svensson taking his place.

Matt Oakley is set to start again in his second match since a knee
operation 16 months ago.

Jason Dodd and Mikael Nilsson are struggling for fitness and youngster
Martin Cranie may figure again at right back.

Liverpool expect to have Harry Kewell and Neil Mellor back in their squad.

The pair missed the 5-0 win at West Brom with a groin strain and
tonsilitis respectively, while both Xabi Alonso and Luis Garcia were
initially on the bench. The Spanish pair are also likely to start the
match as boss Rafael Benitez maintains his rotation of midfield players.

Goalkeeper Chris Kirkland could also return to the squad now he is in
full training again following a back problem.

Teams

Liverpool (from): Dudek, Finnan, Carragher, Hyypia, Riise, Traore, Luis
Garcia, Xabi Alonso, Gerrard, Hamann, Kewell, Nunez, Mellor, Baros,
Sinama-Pongolle, Kirkland, Harrison, Diao, Warnock.

Southampton (from): Niemi; Dodd, Nilsson, Cranie, Lundekvam, Jakobsson,
Higginbotham, Fernandes, Delap, Oakley, Prutton, A Svensson, Phillips,
Beattie, Telfer, Ormerod, Griffit, Blackstock, Tessem, Smith (gk).

Fwd: We have a lot to look forward to in 2005

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: rafael.benitez@liverpoolfc.tv
Date: Mon, 27 Dec 2004 10:12:38 GMT
Subject: We have a lot to look forward to in 2005
To: Liverpool FC Fan List


Dear Liverpool supporters,

I think we have improved as the first half of the season has gone on
and I know the supporters are pleased with the football we are
playing. I am sure, as I have said before, that the level of the team
will get higher over the second half of the season and I remain
confident we will finish in the top four.

We are still in all four competitions and so we have a lot to look
forward to as we go into the New Year. I'm not going to make any
predictions but I've said many times that I didn't come to this
country to learn English.

I came here to be successful with this club and that's what we're all
working towards. We'll need some time, but these players have
confidence in themselves and I have confidence in them.

The players have a great mentality, they all want to win trophies and
I am confident we are going into a new year with many reasons to be
positive about the future.

We have two games at home coming up and if we have the same mentality
in those games we can talk about more points. It is important for our
confidence because we want to reduce the gap with the top four and we
have a lot of games in a row now. But we only think about the next
game. It is not important to see the end, it is important to see next
week. It is a happy Christmas for our supporters and ourselves.
Sometimes it is difficult to play against 10 men but we played a good,
wide game and we are very happy.

Regards,

Rafael Benitez
Liverpool Manager

[lfc-news] West Brom report - PA

PA Sport, 26 Dec 2004
West Brom 0 Liverpool 5

Steven Gerrard enjoyed the luxury of putting his feet up early after
inspiring Liverpool's romp over 10-man West Brom at The Hawthorns.

The inspirational captain will play an essential role in his side's busy
festive programme which could go a long way towards securing a place
back in next season's Champions League.

So happy boss Rafael Benitez relished the chance to take Gerrard off
with half an hour remaining with his job well and truly done.

Gerrard set up John Arne Riise's 17th minute opener with an inch-perfect
lob and rattled home Liverpool's third in the 55th minute.

In between Florent Sinama Pongolle volleyed his first Premiership goal
of the season against the rock-bottom Baggies who stood next to no
chance after Cosmin Contra's 39th minute dismissal.

Shot-happy Riise grabbed his second with six minutes to go when he
blasted home a rising effort from Xabi Alonso's cross to take his
season's tally to four.

And there was still time for substitute Luis Garcia to finish off
Riise's cross with two minutes left to round off a commanding display.

Only Russell Hoult's first-half penalty save was a bright spot for the
beleaguered Baggies after Contra handled Antonio Nunez's goal-bound
header earning him a red card and the Reds a spot-kick.

Hoult saved well from Milan Baros but his boss Bryan Robson was still
left searching for his first win after seven matches in charge.

He had reacted positively to the thrashing by Birmingham by recalling
strike pair Geoff Horsfield and Robert Earnshaw - but the home fans were
soon getting restless as his tactics failed to inspire.

Benitez's men were clearly a class apart from the moment inside the
first half-minute when Gerrard blazed a long-range effort over the bar
from the edge of the box.

Gerrard tried another long-range effort in the 13th minute which curled
not far past Hoult's left-hand post.

Horsfield might have made a difference when sent clear by Jamie
Carragher's misplaced header in the 17th minute but he took too much
time over his shot and was dispossessed by Sami Hyypia.

Immediately at the other end Baros ran unchallenged into the Baggies box
before Thomas Gaardsoe's interception ended the danger.

Gerrard inspired the opener with a brilliant lob which found Riise on
the left side of the Baggies box and the Norwegian volleyed under Hoult.

Albion had half-chances from set-pieces but already the pressure was
beginning to tell amongst the home supporters.

Contra's moment of madness in the 39th minute when he clearly put his
hand up to stop Nunez's effort all but ended Albion's chances of
claiming some much-needed points.

Hoult kept the slim possibility alive by superbly blocking Baros' poor
penalty before Purse booted the Czech Republic international's rebound
off the line.

Confident Riise continued to rain shots on the Albion goal in the second
half as the visitors camped in the home side's half.

Horsfield was caught marginally offside during a rare counter-attack -
but the game was over when Pongolle grabbed the second in the 51st minute.

The Frenchman found Riise wide on the left before racing into the box to
meet his cross with a bouncing volley past Hoult.

Just four minutes later Purse's foul on Baros on the edge of the box
gave Gerrard the chance to earn his richly-deserved place on the scoresheet.

Baros soon joined Gerrard - who had received a warm ovation from both
sets of fans - back on the bench as Benitez brought on his Spaniards and
watched his side play out the match in cruise control.

Riise found the top of the net while substitute Luis Garcia might have
done better with a shot straight into Hoult's arms.

With six minutes to go the brilliant Riise blasted home his second after
the Baggies defence missed Xabi Alonso's cross.

The ball fell to Riise on the left edge of the box and he slammed a
rising shot across Hoult and into the net to wrap up Liverpool's
comprehensive win. Luis Garcia tapped in for the fifth two minutes
before full-time.

Meanwhile Albion - floundering five points off safety and with the
weight of history against them - head north to Manchester City in two
days' time apparently needing a miracle to extend their stay in the
Premiership.

West Brom: Hoult, Scimeca, Gaardsoe, Purse, Clement, Koumas, Johnson
(Gera 45), Greening, Contra, Horsfield, Earnshaw (Hulse 72).
Subs Not Used: Robinson, Dyer, Kuszczak.
Sent Off: Contra (39).

Liverpool: Dudek, Finnan (Warnock 70), Carragher, Hyypia, Traore, Nunez,
Gerrard (Alonso 62), Hamann, Riise, Sinama Pongolle, Baros (Luis Garcia 66).
Subs Not Used: Diao, Harrison.
Goals: Riise 17, Sinama Pongolle 51, Gerrard 55, Riise 82, Luis Garcia 89.

Att: 27,533
Ref: R Styles (Hampshire).




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[lfc-news] Rafa full of festive cheer - Official Site

Official LFC Website, 26 Dec 2004
RAFA FULL OF FESTIVE CHEER
By Lee Brown

Reds boss Rafa Benitez said Happy Christmas to the supporters and then called for more festive cheer after the Reds began their busy yule time campaign with a 5-0 routing of West Bromwich Albion.

Goals from John Arne Riise (2), Florent Sinama Pongolle, Steven Gerrard and Luis Garcia gave Liverpool the points and Benitez hopes it is only the beginning as he looks to reduce the gap on
the teams above them.

He said, 'It's a Happy Christmas for us and for the supporters, but we want to reduce the gap on the sides above us and I hope this will give us a lot of confidence.

'We have a lot of games now and if we can show the same mentality at home in the next two games, we will get more points.'

Benitez even had the luxury of resting some his key players before Tuesday's visit of Southampton, something he was glad to do, 'It is important to change your players, but it is impossible for some of them because we only have 48 hours until our next game.'

He continued, 'We are looking to reduce the gap, but we are always only thinking of that next game and we expect to have Neil Mellor and Harry Kewell available for that.'

It was hard to pick a man of the match amongst so many good performers for the Reds and Benitez was quick to point out that not only the goalscorers were the key to this win.

Saying, 'It is an advantage to play against ten men, but sometimes it can be difficult. But all the team concentrated all of the time and that enabled us to win.'

Liverpool's five-star performance

Press Association
Sunday December 26, 2004

Steven Gerrard enjoyed the luxury of putting his feet up early after inspiring Liverpool's romp over 10-man West Brom at The Hawthorns.

The inspirational captain will play an essential role in his side's busy festive programme which could go a long way towards securing a place back in next season's Champions League.

So happy boss Rafael Benitez relished the chance to take Gerrard off with half an hour remaining with his job well and truly done.

Gerrard set up John Arne Riise's 17th minute opener with an inch-perfect lob and rattled home Liverpool's third in the 55th minute.

In between Florent Sinama Pongolle volleyed his first Premiership goal of the season against the rock-bottom Baggies who stood next to no chance after Cosmin Contra's 39th minute dismissal.

Shot-happy Riise grabbed his second with six minutes to go when he blasted home a rising effort from Xabi Alonso's cross to take his season's tally to four.

And there was still time for substitute Luis Garcia to finish off Riise's cross with two minutes left to round off a commanding display.

Only Russell Hoult's first-half penalty save was a bright spot for the beleaguered Baggies after Contra handled Antonio Nunez's goal-bound header earning him a red card and the Reds a spot-kick.

Hoult saved well from Milan Baros but his boss Bryan Robson was still left searching for his first win after seven matches in charge.

He had reacted positively to the thrashing by Birmingham by recalling strike pair Geoff Horsfield and Robert Earnshaw - but the home fans were soon getting restless as his tactics failed to inspire.

Benitez's men were clearly a class apart from the moment inside the first half-minute when Gerrard blazed a long-range effort over the bar from the edge of the box.

Gerrard tried another long-range effort in the 13th minute which curled not far past Hoult's left-hand post.

Horsfield might have made a difference when sent clear by Jamie Carragher's misplaced header in the 17th minute but he took too much time over his shot and was dispossessed by Sami Hyypia.

Immediately at the other end Baros ran unchallenged into the Baggies box before Thomas Gaardsoe's interception ended the danger.

Gerrard inspired the opener with a brilliant lob which found Riise on the left side of the Baggies box and the Norwegian volleyed under Hoult.

Albion had half-chances from set-pieces but already the pressure was beginning to tell amongst the home supporters.

Contra's moment of madness in the 39th minute when he clearly put his hand up to stop Nunez's effort all but ended Albion's chances of claiming some much-needed points.

Hoult kept the slim possibility alive by superbly blocking Baros' poor penalty before Purse booted the Czech Republic international's rebound off the line.

Confident Riise continued to rain shots on the Albion goal in the second half as the visitors camped in the home side's half.

Horsfield was caught marginally offside during a rare counter-attack - but the game was over when Pongolle grabbed the second in the 51st minute.

The Frenchman found Riise wide on the left before racing into the box to meet his cross with a bouncing volley past Hoult.

Just four minutes later Purse's foul on Baros on the edge of the box gave Gerrard the chance to earn his richly-deserved place on the scoresheet.

Baros soon joined Gerrard - who had received a warm ovation from both sets of fans - back on the bench as Benitez brought on his Spaniards and watched his side play out the match in cruise control.

Riise found the top of the net while substitute Luis Garcia might have done better with a shot straight into Hoult's arms.

With six minutes to go the brilliant Riise blasted home his second after the Baggies defence missed Xabi Alonso's cross.

The ball fell to Riise on the left edge of the box and he slammed a rising shot across Hoult and into the net to wrap up Liverpool's comprehensive win. Luis Garcia tapped in for the fifth two minutes before full-time.

Meanwhile Albion - floundering five points off safety and with the weight of history against them - head north to Manchester City in two days' time apparently needing a miracle to extend their stay in the Premiership.

West Brom 0-5 Liverpool

From the BBC: West Brom 0-5 Liverpool

More Premiership photos

Liverpool eased to victory over a despondent 10-man West Brom.

John Arne Riise struck the opener when he drove in an angled shot after Steven Gerrard's lofted ball.

The Baggies were down to 10 men after Cosmin Contra handled a goalbound Antonio Nunez header but Milan Baros saw the resultant penalty saved.

Florent Sinama Pongolle volleyed home, Gerrard powered in a free-kick, Riise rocketed in a fourth and Luis Garcia tapped in to complete Liverpool's win.

Gerrard was typically at the heart of Liverpool's play from the opening whistle and he quickly threatened with two well-struck long range shots.

West Brom were gifted an chance when central defender Jamie Carragher's stooping header fell to striker Geoff Horsfield and he had a clear run on goal.

But Horsfield's lack of pace allowed Sami Hyypia to get back and tackle before the visitors immediately went up the other end with Milan Baros going close.

The Baggies clearly lacked confidence and were playing with an inhibited air at a subdued Hawthorns.

Baros (right) missed a penalty for Liverpool

And the atmosphere exaggerated when Liverpool took the lead after Riise met Gerrard's lofted ball with a first-time shot across goal and into the far post of keeper Hoult's goal.

Liverpool should have doubled their lead shortly before the interval when Contra was sent-off for handling a goalbound Antonio Nunez header and referee Rob Styles pointed to the spot.

But Hoult saved a tame penalty from Baros and in the ensuing scramble Pongolle slipped as he attempted to score from the rebound while Baros had a shot cleared off the line by Darren Purse.

Riise then helped set up Liverpool's second after the break when he gathered Pongolle's long ball before crossing for the striker to volley home from eight yards.

The signs were looking ominous for the Baggies and their predicament only worsened when Gerrard powered in a 25-yard free-kick low into Hoult's net.

The game was won for Liverpool barring a remarkable comeback and boss Rafael Benitez took the opportunity of taking Gerrard and Baros off to preserve them for a busy festive programme.

Riise thundered in a fourth for the Merseysiders and Garcia tapped in late on with the home fans streaming out of the ground as Liverpool totally dominanted on the way to recording only a second away win this season.

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West Brom: Hoult, Scimeca, Gaardsoe, Purse, Clement, Koumas, Johnson (Gera 45), Greening, Contra, Horsfield, Earnshaw (Hulse 72). Subs Not Used: Robinson, Dyer, Kuszczak.

Sent Off: Contra (39).

Liverpool: Dudek, Finnan (Warnock 70), Carragher, Hyypia, Traore, Nunez, Gerrard (Alonso 62), Hamann, Riise, Sinama Pongolle, Baros (Luis Garcia 66). Subs Not Used: Diao, Harrison.

Goals: Riise 17, Sinama Pongolle 51, Gerrard 55, Riise 82, Luis Garcia 89.

Att: 27,533

Ref: R Styles (Hampshire).