Liverpool Fc Fans!! (14 Viewers)
- Thread starter KOPITE
- Start date
Liverpool 2 - Portsmouth 1
Liverpool booked their place in the last 16 of the FA Cup after a 2-1 win over Portsmouth at Fratton Park.
The Reds were cruising at half-time after Steven Gerrard converted a 37th-minute penalty - awarded following a handball by Dejan Stefanovic - before John Arne Riise doubled the advantage four minutes later.
But Sean Davis headed in Gary O'Neil's free-kick nine minutes into the second half to rejuvenate Harry Redknapp's side, although the south coast side were unable to find an equaliser.
Lone-striker Vincent Pericard, working tirelessly against both Jamie Carragher and Sami Hyypia, ensured Portsmouth were just as dangerous in front of goal as their visitors.
Stephen Warnock worked hard to turn a dangerous Gary O'Neil cross over his own bar and in the 27th minute Pedro Mendes tested Jose Reina with a well-struck half-volley.
Pompey's five-man midfield had plenty of possession and when Liverpool tried to get through on the flanks the home team's full-backs looked sound.
Linvoy Primus, playing his first game since Boxing Day after a groin injury, floored Gerrard with with a thumping shoulder-charge, which the Liverpool man calmly accepted.
And Pericard, Richard Hughes - who scored a fifth-round Pompey winner against Liverpool two years ago - and Sean Davis were all booked while former Red Gregory Vignal was lucky to escape punishment for an elbow on Gerrard.
But Liverpool were handed a goal out of the blue in the 36th minute when Gerrard's corner took a bad bounce and hit Stefanovic on the arm as he and Primus both tried to clear the same ball.
Despite the jeers of the home crowd, Dowd appeared to have no alternative but to award a spot-kick and Gerrard stepped up confidently to score his 16th of the season.
Four minutes later it was 2-0, thanks to a fine finish by Riise. When Fernando Morientes' flick sent him racing down the left he held off Primus' challenge and powered a low drive past debut-making Dean Kiely.
And it would have been three but for Kiely's brave advance and save at Morientes' feet after a dreadful error by Vignal.
In the face of a potential hammering again, manager Harry Redknapp risked a second striker in the second half despite last week's 5-0 thumping at Birmingham. And it was only justice that he received some sort of reward for his optimistic ambition.
There were still 35 minutes left on the clock when Sean Davis' first goal since signing from Spurs earlier this month threatened to turn the tie.
When Gary O'Neil was fouled he curled in a free-kick and Davis' back-header slipped away from the diving Jose Reina.
Liverpool lost to Burnley in the third round last year and Pompey the year before. They had to come back from 3-1 behind to beat Luton last time out.
But here they just settled for a narrow victory and somehow escaped some shaky defending.
By the end they had all three substitutes, Peter Crouch, Harry Kewell and Steve Finnan on the pitch, defying a gung-ho series of Portsmouth corners.
Stefanovic just cleared the bar with a 30-yard free-kick, Reina twice fell on the ball in nightmare goalmouth collisions and somehow they survived.
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard hopes for a 'kinder' draw for the fifth round of the FA Cup after his side beat Portsmouth 2-1 at Fratton Park.
'It was a difficult game, the first 20 minutes are always difficult,' Gerrard told BBC1.
'They played a lot of long balls and we knew until we scored it wasn't going to be comfortable.'
Gerrard's penalty broke the deadlock and the captain admitted they were more than happy to accept referee Phil Dowd's decision.
'I didn't see it as I was too far away. I'll have to see it again but I can't argue with the ref's decision.
'Portsmouth away is a very difficult game, we have done well getting through here - hopefully the draw will be a bit more kind in the next round.'
Liverpool booked their place in the last 16 of the FA Cup after a 2-1 win over Portsmouth at Fratton Park.
The Reds were cruising at half-time after Steven Gerrard converted a 37th-minute penalty - awarded following a handball by Dejan Stefanovic - before John Arne Riise doubled the advantage four minutes later.
But Sean Davis headed in Gary O'Neil's free-kick nine minutes into the second half to rejuvenate Harry Redknapp's side, although the south coast side were unable to find an equaliser.
Lone-striker Vincent Pericard, working tirelessly against both Jamie Carragher and Sami Hyypia, ensured Portsmouth were just as dangerous in front of goal as their visitors.
Stephen Warnock worked hard to turn a dangerous Gary O'Neil cross over his own bar and in the 27th minute Pedro Mendes tested Jose Reina with a well-struck half-volley.
Pompey's five-man midfield had plenty of possession and when Liverpool tried to get through on the flanks the home team's full-backs looked sound.
Linvoy Primus, playing his first game since Boxing Day after a groin injury, floored Gerrard with with a thumping shoulder-charge, which the Liverpool man calmly accepted.
And Pericard, Richard Hughes - who scored a fifth-round Pompey winner against Liverpool two years ago - and Sean Davis were all booked while former Red Gregory Vignal was lucky to escape punishment for an elbow on Gerrard.
But Liverpool were handed a goal out of the blue in the 36th minute when Gerrard's corner took a bad bounce and hit Stefanovic on the arm as he and Primus both tried to clear the same ball.
Despite the jeers of the home crowd, Dowd appeared to have no alternative but to award a spot-kick and Gerrard stepped up confidently to score his 16th of the season.
Four minutes later it was 2-0, thanks to a fine finish by Riise. When Fernando Morientes' flick sent him racing down the left he held off Primus' challenge and powered a low drive past debut-making Dean Kiely.
And it would have been three but for Kiely's brave advance and save at Morientes' feet after a dreadful error by Vignal.
In the face of a potential hammering again, manager Harry Redknapp risked a second striker in the second half despite last week's 5-0 thumping at Birmingham. And it was only justice that he received some sort of reward for his optimistic ambition.
There were still 35 minutes left on the clock when Sean Davis' first goal since signing from Spurs earlier this month threatened to turn the tie.
When Gary O'Neil was fouled he curled in a free-kick and Davis' back-header slipped away from the diving Jose Reina.
Liverpool lost to Burnley in the third round last year and Pompey the year before. They had to come back from 3-1 behind to beat Luton last time out.
But here they just settled for a narrow victory and somehow escaped some shaky defending.
By the end they had all three substitutes, Peter Crouch, Harry Kewell and Steve Finnan on the pitch, defying a gung-ho series of Portsmouth corners.
Stefanovic just cleared the bar with a 30-yard free-kick, Reina twice fell on the ball in nightmare goalmouth collisions and somehow they survived.
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard hopes for a 'kinder' draw for the fifth round of the FA Cup after his side beat Portsmouth 2-1 at Fratton Park.
'It was a difficult game, the first 20 minutes are always difficult,' Gerrard told BBC1.
'They played a lot of long balls and we knew until we scored it wasn't going to be comfortable.'
Gerrard's penalty broke the deadlock and the captain admitted they were more than happy to accept referee Phil Dowd's decision.
'I didn't see it as I was too far away. I'll have to see it again but I can't argue with the ref's decision.
'Portsmouth away is a very difficult game, we have done well getting through here - hopefully the draw will be a bit more kind in the next round.'
REINA: ROBBEN DESERVES AN OSCAR
Paul Eaton 07 February 2006
Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina has accused Arjen Robben of acting to get him sent off during Sunday's clash at Stamford Bridge.
Reina is angry with the red card decision which will see him miss the Reds' next three matches and feels the Chelsea winger "deserves an Oscar" for the way he fell to the ground holding his neck after the incident.
"I am furious with him for what happened. Robben's a big actor and he did well enough to win an Oscar," said Reina.
"He is an excellent player but he was deceitful with the way he behaved. I would never hit out at another player.
"He exaggerated what happened and therefore forced the referee to send me off.
"If we had been at Anfield, I would never have got a red card. There was also a lot of pressure from the crowd. My team-mates feel the same and are very angry."
Paul Eaton 07 February 2006
Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina has accused Arjen Robben of acting to get him sent off during Sunday's clash at Stamford Bridge.
Reina is angry with the red card decision which will see him miss the Reds' next three matches and feels the Chelsea winger "deserves an Oscar" for the way he fell to the ground holding his neck after the incident.
"I am furious with him for what happened. Robben's a big actor and he did well enough to win an Oscar," said Reina.
"He is an excellent player but he was deceitful with the way he behaved. I would never hit out at another player.
"He exaggerated what happened and therefore forced the referee to send me off.
"If we had been at Anfield, I would never have got a red card. There was also a lot of pressure from the crowd. My team-mates feel the same and are very angry."
RAFA: GERRARD INJURY NOT SERIOUS
Paul Eaton 07 February 2006
Rafael Benitez will be without Steven Gerrard for tomorrow's clash at Charlton after the Reds' midfielder sustained a minor knee injury.
Gerrard won't travel with the squad to London for the game but Benitez is hopeful his skipper will be back in action by the weekend.
"It's not a serious injury and we're just going to rest him for three or four days," said Benitez. "We have a lot of big games coming up in a row and so we need to be careful."
Benitez also refused to reveal who will take Pepe Reina's place in the Liverpool goal after the Spaniard was hit with a three match ban for his red card at Chelsea.
He said: "Jerzy Dudek and Scott Carson are both working really well and I need to decide.
"The chance is there for one of them now. If they come into the team and play well for the three games then maybe they will keep their place.
"During the transfer window there was talk of Jerzy leaving but I always said he was a good professional and that we needed all our players. Now we have three games to play and only two goalkeepers available. It shows how important a strong squad is."
Paul Eaton 07 February 2006
Rafael Benitez will be without Steven Gerrard for tomorrow's clash at Charlton after the Reds' midfielder sustained a minor knee injury.
Gerrard won't travel with the squad to London for the game but Benitez is hopeful his skipper will be back in action by the weekend.
"It's not a serious injury and we're just going to rest him for three or four days," said Benitez. "We have a lot of big games coming up in a row and so we need to be careful."
Benitez also refused to reveal who will take Pepe Reina's place in the Liverpool goal after the Spaniard was hit with a three match ban for his red card at Chelsea.
He said: "Jerzy Dudek and Scott Carson are both working really well and I need to decide.
"The chance is there for one of them now. If they come into the team and play well for the three games then maybe they will keep their place.
"During the transfer window there was talk of Jerzy leaving but I always said he was a good professional and that we needed all our players. Now we have three games to play and only two goalkeepers available. It shows how important a strong squad is."
BOSS: FORGET CHELSEA AND THINK OF CHARLTON
Paul Eaton 07 February 2006
Rafael Benitez has told his players to forget about their disappointment at Chelsea and concentrate on returning to winning ways against Charlton tomorrow.
The Reds haven't won any of their last three league games and the boss is keen to ensure confidence hasn't been affected following their 2-0 defeat on Sunday.
"My philosophy is very clear," said the Liverpool boss. "I only think of the future. I have spoken to my team about the importance of only thinking about the next game and not dwelling on the past.
"Our future is about playing as well as possible and winning games. We know what happened at Chelsea, we know Pepe made a mistake but that's the end of it. We have to look forward now.
"We have a big game at Charlton and my only thoughts at the moment are preparing the players in the best way and thinking about our tactical formation for the game.
"Charlton are a good team with a good manager who I respect a lot. It will be a difficult game for us but we are going there looking for the three points."
Benitez will be forced into at least one change for the game as Pepe Reina serves the first of a three game ban, but he could also alter his personnel up front with Robbie Fowler pressing for a recall.
"Robbie's physical condition is improving all the time," he added. "He is training well and working very hard. The other strikers are probably in better condition than he is at the moment, but we need to decide who we're going to use and when."
Paul Eaton 07 February 2006
Rafael Benitez has told his players to forget about their disappointment at Chelsea and concentrate on returning to winning ways against Charlton tomorrow.
The Reds haven't won any of their last three league games and the boss is keen to ensure confidence hasn't been affected following their 2-0 defeat on Sunday.
"My philosophy is very clear," said the Liverpool boss. "I only think of the future. I have spoken to my team about the importance of only thinking about the next game and not dwelling on the past.
"Our future is about playing as well as possible and winning games. We know what happened at Chelsea, we know Pepe made a mistake but that's the end of it. We have to look forward now.
"We have a big game at Charlton and my only thoughts at the moment are preparing the players in the best way and thinking about our tactical formation for the game.
"Charlton are a good team with a good manager who I respect a lot. It will be a difficult game for us but we are going there looking for the three points."
Benitez will be forced into at least one change for the game as Pepe Reina serves the first of a three game ban, but he could also alter his personnel up front with Robbie Fowler pressing for a recall.
"Robbie's physical condition is improving all the time," he added. "He is training well and working very hard. The other strikers are probably in better condition than he is at the moment, but we need to decide who we're going to use and when."
BOSS: WE NEED TO KEEP BELIEVING
Paul Eaton 08 February 2006
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez will send his players out at Charlton tonight full of confidence that they will soon be back to winning ways.
After a glorious run at the end of last year when they strung ten straight Premiership wins together, the Reds have stuttered somewhat of late and have won only one of their last five league games.
With the race for second place in the table hotting up, Benitez knows the importance of recovering the winning habit sooner rather than later.
"We need to believe," he said. "We know that we can do it. This is the most important thing. We have enough quality in the squad to do the things we must do to improve. We need to continue working well.
"Last season we were in a worse position, but we progressed and won the Champions League and after that the Super Cup. Now we are in a better position. We have better players and a better squad, so I think we can manage.
"People are talking about us losing against good teams, but we cannot be afraid because of that. We need to find out the reasons why. We cannot go 12 games unbeaten and then start being afraid just because we lost one or two games. We need to know why, and find a solution.
"As I always say, the small details can be the difference. If you play against a team that is maybe not as good as you, then maybe the small details aren't as important.
"But against the top teams you need to do all the things almost perfect, and if you make a mistake before the other team does then it can become very difficult. We made a mistake first against Chelsea, it allowed them to play counter-attacking football against us, and they like that."
With games coming thick and fast in three competitions over the next few weeks, the Reds' boss will be forced into team changes on a regular basis to banish the prospect of tiredness creeping into his side's play at such a crucial stage of the campaign.
"When you sign young players or foreign players, they need to learn about the Premiership and your ideas and it is not easy for them.
"And you have to remember that because we were winning, it wasn't easy to change the team that much. But you can only wait so long, and players like this need to play to learn. It is a vicious circle.
"If you ask me about Robbie Fowler, we need to know when he will be fit and when we will need him. It is the same with Kromkamp, Agger, Morientes and Cisse. We need to manage the squad, we need to know when each player can give something to us.
"Sometimes they might not be fully fit, but if they can give us something then we need to use them. This is the test for the staff."
He added: "Can we compete against teams like Chelsea? I think so. When you talk about nine months, the better, bigger and most expensive squads will have more advantage. But when you talk about different competitions, I think we can manage. But it will be difficult.
"This year we needed to change two or three players in January. Maybe next season we will have three or four new players and the players here will be settled and it will be easier."
Paul Eaton 08 February 2006
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez will send his players out at Charlton tonight full of confidence that they will soon be back to winning ways.
After a glorious run at the end of last year when they strung ten straight Premiership wins together, the Reds have stuttered somewhat of late and have won only one of their last five league games.
With the race for second place in the table hotting up, Benitez knows the importance of recovering the winning habit sooner rather than later.
"We need to believe," he said. "We know that we can do it. This is the most important thing. We have enough quality in the squad to do the things we must do to improve. We need to continue working well.
"Last season we were in a worse position, but we progressed and won the Champions League and after that the Super Cup. Now we are in a better position. We have better players and a better squad, so I think we can manage.
"People are talking about us losing against good teams, but we cannot be afraid because of that. We need to find out the reasons why. We cannot go 12 games unbeaten and then start being afraid just because we lost one or two games. We need to know why, and find a solution.
"As I always say, the small details can be the difference. If you play against a team that is maybe not as good as you, then maybe the small details aren't as important.
"But against the top teams you need to do all the things almost perfect, and if you make a mistake before the other team does then it can become very difficult. We made a mistake first against Chelsea, it allowed them to play counter-attacking football against us, and they like that."
With games coming thick and fast in three competitions over the next few weeks, the Reds' boss will be forced into team changes on a regular basis to banish the prospect of tiredness creeping into his side's play at such a crucial stage of the campaign.
"When you sign young players or foreign players, they need to learn about the Premiership and your ideas and it is not easy for them.
"And you have to remember that because we were winning, it wasn't easy to change the team that much. But you can only wait so long, and players like this need to play to learn. It is a vicious circle.
"If you ask me about Robbie Fowler, we need to know when he will be fit and when we will need him. It is the same with Kromkamp, Agger, Morientes and Cisse. We need to manage the squad, we need to know when each player can give something to us.
"Sometimes they might not be fully fit, but if they can give us something then we need to use them. This is the test for the staff."
He added: "Can we compete against teams like Chelsea? I think so. When you talk about nine months, the better, bigger and most expensive squads will have more advantage. But when you talk about different competitions, I think we can manage. But it will be difficult.
"This year we needed to change two or three players in January. Maybe next season we will have three or four new players and the players here will be settled and it will be easier."
CHARLTON ATHLETIC V LIVERPOOL
Wednesday 8 February 2006 20:00
Liverpool travel to south east London to play one of their 'games in hand' against Charlton at The Valley.
After three league games without a win, the Reds will be desperate to collect three points to keep up their pursuit of Manchester United in second place.
The Reds have endured mixed fortunes in this fixture over recent seasons, but last year's encounter was one to remember for Rafa's men as Fernando Morientes netted his first goal for the club in an excellent 2-1 victory.
Charlton began this season in great form and figured towards the top of the table in the early stages of the campaign, but a miserable run at the end of last year soon saw them slip alarmingly down the league.
They earned a creditable 1-1 draw at Chelsea two weeks ago before going down to a heavy defeat at Spurs last time out.
There'll be no Liverpool reunion for Danny Murphy who brought his short spell at The Valley to an end during the transfer window when he joined Tottenham.
Pepe Reina will be missing for the Reds as he serves the first of a three match ban while Robbie Fowler will be hoping to win a recall to the team after missing out at Chelsea.
Wednesday 8 February 2006 20:00
Liverpool travel to south east London to play one of their 'games in hand' against Charlton at The Valley.
After three league games without a win, the Reds will be desperate to collect three points to keep up their pursuit of Manchester United in second place.
The Reds have endured mixed fortunes in this fixture over recent seasons, but last year's encounter was one to remember for Rafa's men as Fernando Morientes netted his first goal for the club in an excellent 2-1 victory.
Charlton began this season in great form and figured towards the top of the table in the early stages of the campaign, but a miserable run at the end of last year soon saw them slip alarmingly down the league.
They earned a creditable 1-1 draw at Chelsea two weeks ago before going down to a heavy defeat at Spurs last time out.
There'll be no Liverpool reunion for Danny Murphy who brought his short spell at The Valley to an end during the transfer window when he joined Tottenham.
Pepe Reina will be missing for the Reds as he serves the first of a three match ban while Robbie Fowler will be hoping to win a recall to the team after missing out at Chelsea.