Hyypia - Reds Didn't Panic

Sami Hyypia felt it was important Liverpool did not panic after falling behind to Arsenal at Emirates Stadium.

Emmanuel Adebayor headed the Gunners into a 23rd-minute lead in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final on Wednesday evening.

But Liverpool were level just minutes later when Dirk Kuyt turned home a low cross from Reds captain Steven Gerrard.

The away goal makes last season's runners-up favourites to progress to the semi-finals ahead of next week's return meeting at Anfield.

Hyypia was happy with Liverpool's response to conceding a goal and admits the priority was grabbing an away goal, even if it arrived on the final whistle.

"We always knew that we shouldn't panic, even if they scored," Hyypia told Sky Sports News.

"If we scored the goal in the 90th minute or something, that's still the away goal.

"It was important not to panic."

Rafa Benitez Refuses To Label Liverpool Champions League Favourites

Rafael Benitez refused to label his side as favourites for the Champions League semi-finals following last night’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal.

Liverpool manager saw his team take the ascendancy in their quarter-final meeting by coming away from the Emirates Stadium with a 1-1 draw.

Dirk Kuyt scored the away goal that could prove crucial for Tuesday’s second leg at Anfield, shortly after Emmanuel Adebayor gave the Gunners the lead.

In their run to last season’s final, Liverpool closed out second legs at home against Barcelona and PSV Eindhoven, plus in the semi-final with Chelsea when they didn’t have an away goal to fall back on.

But even with the odds now heavily stacked in favour of Benitez leading Liverpool to a third last-four spot in his four seasons in charge, the Spaniard is remaining wary of Arsenal’s threat.

He said: “I don’t think it’s in our favour. When you play against Arsenal you know they can score in any stadium.

“Yes, we are playing at Anfield and our own supporters make a massive difference but we are playing against a very good team.

“You could see their quality tonight, they had plenty of possession so we needed to play on the counter-attack and work really hard in defence.”

But after puzzlingly leaving Adebayor free to head home Robin van Persie’s 23rd-minute corner, Benitez was delighted that it took only three minutes for Kuyt to come up with his response when he poked home Steven Gerrard’s cross.

“When you play Arsenal and concede a goal it’s really difficult if you don’t equalise soon after because they keep attacking,” he said.

“And if you make a mistake it’s 2-0. So it was really important for us to score fast.

“An away goal is always important and Anfield will be an advantage for us. We know if we can score it will be more difficult for them so it’s a good situation for us.

“A difficult situation, but better than before we scored.”

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was adamant his side should have had a penalty in the second half.

Dirk Kuyt appeared to hold back Aleksandr Hleb by tugging on his arm but Dutch referee Pieter Vink only awarded a corner after the challenge.

Benitez agreed with the decision, saying: “It’s not very clear so in England that’s no penalty. There wasn’t a lot in it.”

But Wenger said: “It was blatant and it was under the referee’s nose.

“It’s a few times this has happened and it’s difficult to accept.

“It’s not as if the referee was in a bad position, he was only five yards away from Kuyt but didn’t give a penalty.”

Overall, Arsenal had 13 shots to Liverpool’s four, leaving Wenger perplexed by his side’s inability to convert their possession into a first-leg lead.

But he did salute the contribution of Steven Gerrard, whose brilliant run led to Kuyt’s sixth goal in this season’s Champions League.

“To have the amount of possession we did and only to come away drawing 1-1 is frightening,” added Wenger.

“I can’t fault the players because we tried very, very hard and Liverpool created very little.

“But credit to Steven Gerrard for the goal.

“It was a touch of class and he pulled back a ball we found very difficult to defend.”

Liverpool go to the Emirates Stadium again to take on Arsenal in the Premier League on Saturday before Tuesday’s quarter-final second leg at Anfield.

What The Papers Say........

The Fourth Estate believe that Liverpool have a critical advantage...

'While Liverpool, with their away goal, have the edge, Arsenal would surely have won had the substitute Nicklas Bendtner, in an offside position, not been in the way of a net-bound effort from Cesc Fábregas.

'Arsenal are exasperated, too, that, with the score at 1-1, the Dutch referee, Pieter Vink, failed to see the tug at the left arm of Alexander Hleb by Dirk Kuyt that should have brought a penalty in the 66th minute. On broader reflection, Arsène Wenger should be happy about spells, after the interval, when his side had an expansiveness unseen since they held that five-point lead in the Premier League not so long ago.

'Nonetheless, Arsenal probably need to reach the sort of peak at Anfield that they attained to beat Milan 2-0 at San Siro in the previous round. The overall situation will gladden Rafael Benítez at a time when this competition offers the sole hope, as it probably does for Arsenal, of plucking triumph from a muddled season' - Kevin McCarra, The Guardian.

'That goal has given Liverpool plenty upon which to cling in the second leg, although it was an oversight by the referee, another Dutchman, at the other end which ensured this contest remains tantalisingly on edge. Kuyt clearly hooked Alexander Hleb's left arm back as the Arsenal player glided into the area 66 minutes in, the Belarusian tumbling to the turf and wondering why he was not awarded the penalty the foul merited. Kuyt played the innocent but there was a puff of the cheeks which betrayed his relief as he retreated to defend the resultant corner.

'The anguished mood that had gripped the home dugout simmered on in the aftermath. Arsène Wenger spoke of a "blatant penalty right under the eyes of the referee". It is perhaps just as well that the Frenchman was unaware that Pieter Vink, a policeman from Noordwijkerhout, comes from a place some 5km from Kuyt's own home town of Katwijk' - Dominic Fifield, The Guardian.

'Advantage Liverpool. Showing all their European experience, Rafa Benitez's side absorbed everything that Arsenal threw at them here last night, and will believe they can reach the semi-finals at an impassioned Anfield next Tuesday.

'Billed as a very English affair, this first leg was shaped by goals from a Togo international, Emmanuel Adebayor, and a Dutchman, Dirk Kuyt, who equalised. Arguably the most impressive performer was the Argentinian, Javier Mascherano, who delivered a determined 90-minute shift of ball-winning and simple distribution' - Henry Winter, The Daily Telegraph.

'There are close calls - the Democratic nomination, London's mayoral election, Brown versus Cameron at the polls next time, perhaps - and then there is this match. Pick a winner if you dare. Try to put a cigarette paper between them. Advantage Liverpool? Not against the team who defeated AC Milan at the San Siro, surely. The clever money on Arsenal? Not if you have studied Liverpool's form in Europe since Rafael Benítez took over.

'Those who were expecting a first-leg stalemate were only half wrong. Both goals came in a three-minute spell and, for the remaining 87, two English teams playing Champions League football cancelled each other out. Sound familiar? The pleasant surprise was that this was no Liverpool-Chelsea snooze-fest, no exercise in tactical tedium and the crashing together of immovable objects. This match was open, enjoy- able and bodes well for the spectacle at Anfield next Tuesday. Liverpool had the best of the first half, Arsenal the best of the second. Honours even, then, and credit all round' - Martin Samuel, The Times.

'For Wenger, it must have been so painful to watch. First there was the ease with which Steven Gerrard left Mathieu Flamini in his wake before surging past Emmanuel Eboue and Kolo Toure.

'Then came Gael Clichy's failure to stop Kuyt from meeting the Liverpool captain's cross with a close-range finish.

'Clichy had allowed the Dutchman to cut inside him. Advantage Liverpool.

It is the kind of advantage that Rafa Benitez and his players have proved the masters of protecting in the Champions League, that they have protected at the expense of teams like AC Milan and Barcelona, Inter Milan and Chelsea.

Even if Arsenal can reflect on a fine record at Anfield and a season that has seen them score with impressive consistency on their travels, staying off that list of illustrious Liverpool scalps is not going to be easy' - Matt Lawton, The Daily Mail.

'Advantage Rafael Benitez - another classic from the old master of the Champions League smash and grab. Last night his team made the dark art of European football look bliss-fully simple as they took Arsène Wenger's season to the brink of extinction.

'Arsenal will remember the penalty that was never given to Alexander Hleb and they will regret the moment that they allowed Dirk Kuyt in to poach the equaliser, three minutes after Emmanuel Adebayor gave them the lead. But most of all they will consider the trip to Anfield on Tuesday with bleak foreboding: nowhere in Europe, not even San Siro, has quite the same reputation as the fortress in Stanley Park' - Sam Wallace, The Independent

Home Sweet Home Beckons For Rafael Benitez

Long before the Champions League was even a concept and long, long before companies such as Vodafone were around to sponsor it, Liverpool learnt a supreme lesson from this kind of fixture - you do not stake everything on the first leg.

Thirty years ago, the first round of the European Cup saw the champions of England drawn against the champions of Europe in a straight knockout. It was the kind of fixture that Silvio Berlusconi, sometime prime minister of Italy, full-time president of AC Milan, would cite when forcing through the Champions League. It was painful seeing the big beasts of the game culled so early.

The champions of England versus the champions of Europe. It sounds impossibly glamorous now but in September 1978 it meant Nottingham Forest lining up against Liverpool at the City Ground.

In 1978, Liverpool conceded early, as they did at Arsenal last night and against Chelsea in last year's semi-final. Unlike in the two more recent matches, however, Liverpool panicked; they threw more and more bodies forward to retrieve a game that, with a second leg to come at Anfield, did not really need rescuing. Then Garry Birtles scored again and a manageable 1-0 defeat had become the most invariably fatal of first-leg results, a 2-0 defeat.

Kenny Dalglish will tell you that Liverpool lost because they approached the match as if it were a normal domestic fixture. This is a mistake that Rafael Benitez has never made. Even when Liverpool are playing Derby, you feel there is one corner of his mind forever straying towards Europe.

When the two semi-finals with Chelsea are recalled, it is always for Anfield's wall of sound, louder even than the noises that greeted the triumphs of Paisley or Shankly, which appeared fatally to unnerve Chelsea. However, had Jose Mourinho arrived on Merseyside on the back of a significant victory - and last year his instinctive caution ensured Chelsea squandered an opportunity to knock Liverpool out cold at Stamford Bridge - it would not have mattered what noises the crowd made.

It says everything about Benitez that despite losing on all his three previous visits to Arsenal, Liverpool reserved their best performance here for when the European Cup was at stake, rather than mere league points.

His midfield, sturdily anchored by Javier Mascherano and Xabi Alonso, drove Cesc Fabregas, the hero of Milan, deeper and deeper into his own half, where he appeared to be enveloped by frustration.

So, too, did Benitez. When Steven Gerrard misplaced a simple free-kick, Benitez turned his back and unleashed a stream of wholly untypical invective. Liverpool co-owner George Gillett may have been trapped on the far side of the Atlantic by heavy snow but Benitez seemed to know how much of his reputation was staked on this fixture. When Dirk Kuyt slid in the precious away goal, Benitez sat impassively before leaping up to issue more instructions; his essential coldness revealed.

His counterpart, Arsene Wenger, ended the evening watching on his haunches, also deep in thought. Just as victory in the San Siro was not beyond him, it will not be on Merseyside either.

All around the Emirates Stadium are written the years commemorating seasons in which Arsenal have won silverware. Wenger might have glanced at 1989, when the Arsenal of Smith and Thomas, Adams and Dixon came to Anfield and won the title with a 2-0 victory. Maybe it is time to invoke the spirit of George Graham.

Arsenal 1 - 1 LiverpooL

Arsenal were left frustrated as Liverpool held on for what could to be a crucial 1-1 draw from the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final clash at Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners, who have seen their Barclays Premier League title hopes fade following a run of just one win in six, had taken an early lead through Emmanuel Adebayor.

However, the Reds, last season's beaten finalists, hit back quickly through Dirk Kuyt's close-range effort after a fine run from captain Steven Gerrard.

Arsenal dominated the second half and Should have had a penalty when Alexander Hleb was clearly tugged back by Kuyt.

However, Arsene Wenger's men could not find a way past Liverpool who will now fancy their chances of securing another European Cup semi-final appearance when the two sides meet again at Anfield next Tuesday night.

Despite the electric atmosphere, it was a cagey opening for what was the 200th meeting of the sides, who will face off once more in the Premier League on Saturday lunchtime.

After seven minutes, Adebayor raced onto a long through-ball as Jose Reina dashed out of his goal.

The Liverpool goalkeeper missed his attempted clearance, but was alert enough to recover ground and then block the follow-up cross from the Togo frontman.

At the other end, Cesc Fabregas had to do some defending in his own six-yard box to deny Sami Hyypia after he had stayed up front following a corner.

On 21 minutes, the Liverpool defence was split by a fine chipped pass from Mathieu Flamini.

Robin van Persie got ahead of the two centre-backs and into the penalty area, but as the ball dropped, the Dutchman could only fire a left-footed volley over the crossbar.

Reina then had to get down quickly to deny the Arsenal striker, who sent in a low shot from the edge of the box.

From the resulting corner, after 22 minutes, the Gunners took the lead.

Van Persie knocked the ball short to Fabregas before he whipped it into the area, where Adebayor leapt highest to nod his first goal since scoring in the defeat of AC Milan at the San Siro.

However, Arsenal's lead was short-lived as the visitors grabbed what could yet prove to be a crucial away goal in the 26th minute.

Gerrard powered into the left side of the penalty box, charging past three defenders.

The Liverpool skipper kept his feet to send over a low cross, which Kuyt bundled in ahead of full-back Gael Clichy.

The visitors were clearly lifted by their goal and enjoyed a decent spell of possession as the half-hour mark passed.

However, despite plenty of action around both penalty areas, neither side was able to find a penetrating pass.

Liverpool had a chance just after the restart, and Manuel Almunia needed to get down quickly to smother Kuyt's snapshot.

Arsenal introduced England squad man Theo Walcott, to replace van Persie, for the second half and the teenager looked lively down the left as Hleb was given more freedom in an advanced role.

Walcott picked up the ball and let fly from 25 yards, but his shot was always going wide of Reina's right-hand post.

Again both teams were not scared of going forwards, however once more they lacked a decisive pass in the final third.

On 65 minutes, there was a double let-off for Liverpool when Martin Skrtel blocked Emmanuel Eboue's effort before Arsenal had what looked a certain penalty turned down by the Dutch referee.

Hleb weaved into the box, before he clearly had his shirt tugged back by Kuyt. However, referee Pieter Vink was unconvinced and signalled instead only for a corner.

Wenger sent on Nicklas Bendtner for the final 24 minutes, replacing Eboue as Walcott moved out to the right and Hleb to the left.

The Danish striker was soon in the thick of the action, somehow managing to keep out Fabregas' goalbound effort while on the line - although he was flagged offside.

Arsenal continued to press in the closing stages, and in stoppage time Fabregas dived in to meet Adebayor's cross, but his header lacked power and Reina comfortably collected.

Liverpool - with 10 men behind the ball for long spells - held firm and take the upper hand into next week's second leg at Anfield.

Champions League Preview: Arsenal vs. LiverpooL

It's Act One of a Three-Act Play with Arsenal hosting Liverpool at the Emirates in the first leg of a Champions League quarter-final that sandwiches a Premier League clash between the teams on Saturday lunchtime. Before the quarter-final draw was made it seemed mathematically inevitable that at least two of England's four representatives would be paired together in the last eight, and so it proved, with the teams who between them have contested the last three Champions League finals coming out of the pots together to set up the first quarter-final.

Arsenal, having lost this year to Manchester United in the FA Cup (on 16th February) and Chelsea in the Premier League 10 days ago, may feel happier facing Liverpool than either of their other domestic rivals, except that the Reds have by far the best pedigree of any English club in Europe's top competition, and in Rafael Benitez have a manager whose tactical acumen seems particularly well suited to two-legged European cat-and-mouse affairs.

The fact that Liverpool have struggled against Chelsea in the Premier League under Benitez, but twice defeated the Blues in the semi-finals of the Champions League in the last three years, underlines the point. So Arsenal's relatively good record against Benitez's Liverpool in domestic competition (played three, won three at home; played six, won two, drawn one, lost three at Anfield) may not be all that significant.

And although the Gunners thrashed Liverpool twice in four days at Anfield last season (3-1 in the FA Cup, 6-3 in the Carling Cup), that again is unlikely to have much bearing on Wednesday's fixture - or indeed the trilogy of matches over the coming week. For one thing, it is unlikely that any of Arsenal's scorers of those nine goals in January 2007 will be involved in these matches: Tomas Rosicky (2) is injured, Alexandre Song (1) has featured only rarely in the first team this season, and Julio Baptista (4), Jeremie Aliadiere (1) and Thierry Henry (1) have all left the club.

Morale-Boosting Wins

More relevant could be this season's meeting between the sides at Anfield - and each team's recent form. On 28th October, the Gunners travelled to Merseyside having just thrashed Slavia Prague 7-0 in the Champions League. Liverpool had gone down 2-1 to Besiktas in Istanbul, but they took the lead against the Gunners after seven minutes through a superbly struck free-kick from Steven Gerrard. However, Arsenal took that set-back in their stride and continued to play their fluent passing game, threatening the Liverpool goal several times before finally being rewarded when Cesc Fabregas latched onto an Alex Hleb through-ball to equalise ten minutes from time. It was seen as a point gained by Liverpool and two dropped by Arsenal at the time. Both teams were unbeaten in the Premier League but Liverpool were struggling a little at Anfield while Arsenal went into the game on the back of 12 straight wins.

Fast-forward to mid-February, with the resumption of Champions League fare on the horizon. FA Cup fifth round weekend was a disaster for both sides, Arsenal being summarily dismissed by Manchester United, who administered a 4-0 thrashing that could have been even more emphatic, and Liverpool succumbing 2-1 at home to Championship side Barnsley despite having taken the lead. Since then, Arsenal have played eight in all competitions, winning just two, drawing five and losing one, scoring just 10 and conceding eight. Liverpool, in contrast, have played nine, won eight and lost one, racking up 19 goals while shipping seven.

Little doubt, then, about who is in the better shape going into these three clashes. But both sides bounced back from defeats on 'Grand Slam Sunday' by securing morale-boosting wins at the weekend.

Liverpool defeated neighbours Everton 1-0 in the Merseyside derby on Sunday, after Arsenal had staged a remarkable comeback at Bolton 24 hours earlier. The Gunners were two goals and one man down at half-time at The Reebok, but dug deeper than they had all season to conjure three second-half goals and keep alive their flickering hopes of reclaiming the Premier League title they last won in 2003-04.

A Question Of Targets

The fact that Arsenal thus remain involved in the Premiership title race is seen as another key factor in assessing the likely outcome of this Champions League quarter-final. To the frustration of their fans, Liverpool's prospects of breaking their 18-year domestic league drought were effectively snuffed out some time ago, on the back of too many dropped points at Anfield. Elimination from the domestic cups also meant that winning the Champions League for a sixth time became their priority. The victory over Everton at the weekend tightened their grip on fourth place in the Premiership - the Reds' insurance policy for next season's European adventure - so they go into Wednesday's clash and next Tuesday's second leg focused solely on reaching the semi-finals of the Champions League for the third time in four years.

Arsenal still have twin targets, and must beat Liverpool on Saturday as well as in this quarter-final if they are to retain any chance of thwarting Manchester United and Chelsea in the title race. That could influence both managers' team selections over these three matches, and would appear to favour Benitez on the face of it - something he has already acknowledged himself. The Liverpool boss also believes that taking the Gunners back to Merseyside for the second leg will be to the Reds' advantage. He confirmed: "Playing the second game at home could be very positive for us, because whenever we play at Anfield, it is an inspiration to us."

European Records & The Current Campaign

When it comes to Europe, Liverpool are the undisputed masters among English clubs. The Reds have won the Champions Cup/Champions League five times (1977, 1978, 1981, 1984 and 2005), and also won the Uefa Cup in 1973, 1976 and 2001. They have been Champions Cup/Champions League runners-up twice, in 1985 and again last year when they were beaten 2-1 by AC Milan.

Arsenal's European record is modest by comparison. Their best performance in the Champions League was when finishing as runners-up to Barcelona in 2006. They won the Fairs Cup in 1970 and the Cup Winners' Cup in 1994, and were runners-up in the Uefa Cup in 2000, and the Cup Winners' Cup in 1980 and 1995.

However, the Gunners are currently unbeaten in 20 European home matches, 18 of them in the Champions League, which is the fourth longest unbeaten streak in Champions League history. It is just two short of the English record held by Manchester United, but 11 short of the all-time record set by Bayern Munich.

As for Liverpool, they have won their last five Champions League matches, two of which were away from Anfield. Their winning streak is the joint seventh longest in the competition's history; ironically Arsenal hold the English record with six successive victories, though Barcelona hold the competition record with nine.

Last season, Liverpool finished third in the Premier League and Arsenal fourth, so both had to get through the third qualifying round in August in order to take their places in the Group Stage.

Both progressed smoothly over that preliminary hurdle, Liverpool disposing of Toulouse 5-0 on aggregate and Arsenal beating Sparta Prague by the same aggregate score.

Once in the Group Stage, though, the two clubs took contrasting paths. The Gunners cruised through their first three matches without conceding a goal, defeating much-fancied Sevilla 3-0, Steaua Bucharest 1-0 away and Slavia Prague 7-0 at home. That equalled the record victory in the competition, though Liverpool would soon eclipse it. However, the Reds had got off to a less than auspicious start in their Group matches. A 1-1 draw at Porto was followed by a 1-0 home defeat by Marseille and a 2-1 reverse in Istanbul at the hands of Besiktas, leaving their survival hopes precariously poised.

So the reverse fixtures began with Arsenal looking comfortable and Liverpool anything but. The Reds though got down to business, hammering Besiktas 8-0, Porto 4-1 and Marseille 4-0 in an impressive display of strength and purpose.

As for the Gunners, they were held to a goalless draw in Prague, then lost 3-1 to Sevilla on November 27th - their first defeat of the season in any competition. But they rallied to beat Steaua 2-1, though like Liverpool, their earlier stumbles left them as runners-up in their respective Groups (Arsenal behind Sevilla, Liverpool behind Porto).

San Siro Successes

That meant both would face Group winners in the first knockout round, and the draw looked tough when Arsenal came out of the pot with holders AC Milan (Liverpool's conquerors in last season's final) and the Reds were paired with the Rossoneri's city rivals Internazionale, reigning Italian champions and current Serie A leaders.

However, the Premiership clubs did themselves and their League proud, Arsenal defeating Milan 2-0 on aggregate and Liverpool humbling Inter 3-0 over two legs. Both won their away legs at the San Siro in impressive style. And so to this quarter-final meeting against each other. Both squads (and their fans) would probably have preferred continental opposition, if only because that is what European football is all about. But they may need to get used to Premier League opponents if they are to win the tournament.

That is because whoever prevails in this quarter-final may well meet Chelsea in the semis, assuming the Blues can get past Fenerbahce. And whoever wins that semi could find themselves facing Manchester United in the Moscow final - although Roma and Barcelona/Schalke will have something to say about that.

Head-To-Head

This is the 200th meeting between Arsenal and Liverpool in a major competition. So far, Arsenal have won 70, Liverpool have won 80, and 49 have been drawn. They played each other four times last season, the League fixtures producing emphatic home wins (3-0 at he Emirates, 4-1 at Anfield), while Arsenal knocked Liverpool out of the FA Cup (1-3) and Carling Cup (3-6), both at Anfield.

Arsene Wenger leads Rafa Benitez in the head-to-heads with five wins to Rafa's three; the only draw was the 1-1 earlier this season at Anfield.

The two clubs have never met before in European competition. Arsenal have played one other English club at home in a European match, and that was four years ago, when they lost 2-1 at home to Chelsea at this same stage of the Champions League, going out on aggregate after having drawn at Stamford Bridge. Liverpool have played another English club on six previous occasions away from home in European competition - and are yet to win.

Discipline

Gael Clichy, Denilson, Emmanuel Adebayor, Alexander Hleb and Emmanuel Eboue (Arsenal) and Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher and Fabio Aurelio (Liverpool) will miss the second leg of this tie if they are shown a yellow card at the Emirates.

Expert View

Former Liverpool legend Alan Hansen, now a BBC pundit, expects his old club to go through after two very tight games, citing momentum and confidence as huge factors in football, and saying Liverpool have more of it in this competition than Arsenal.

Hansen said on the BBC Sport website: "Arsenal have been struggling and have been in freefall, despite a great result against AC Milan in the San Siro in the last 16, but they came back from real adversity at the weekend and it would be foolish to discount them."

He described their comeback at Bolton as "a performance that showed real reserves of character, given their recent form."

But he said Liverpool are a team "built for the Champions League," saying they "proved it again against Inter Milan in the last round. They were very solid, good on the counter-attack and will fancy their chances against Arsenal.

"Arsenal have huge ability and they will hope their big players demonstrate it against Liverpool, but Emmanuel Adebayor has gone off the boil recently and even Cesc Fabregas has not been playing as well as he was.

"They have struggled defensively and opponents will note how they cracked under pressure against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge after holding the lead going into the last 20 minutes.

"Arsenal will take great heart from what happened at The Reebok on Saturday - but Liverpool will be a different proposition to Bolton. Liverpool are my favourites to go through because the Champions League really seems to suit them. It is a more cautious, tactical approach and they have a cautious manager in Rafael Benitez.

"This is not in any way a negative comment about Benitez. He simply has a way of playing that suits the Champions League, as Liverpool's recent record in the competition proves, and that is good management.

"Liverpool will get men behind the ball at Arsenal and they will be delighted the second leg is at Anfield, where the crowd will be such a factor. I expect this to be a very tight affair, more of a slog than pretty football. The away goal is more important now than when I played, in fact, it is hugely important, but make no mistake, if you offered Benitez 0-0 now he would bite your hand off."

Meanwhile, in the build-up to the match, players on both sides have been asked to comment and predictably their responses to the journalists have been blown up into banner headlines that suggest arrogant over-confidence when in fact a circumspect, honest opinion was offered.

Thus "Toure Says Liverpool Are Scared Of Arsenal" and "Gerrard Says Arsenal Should Fear Us" have made good copy but generated more heat than light. The fact is that both these teams, the managers and even the supporters, have huge respect for one another. There is little of the hostility or bitterness that flavours matches between either of them and Manchester United or Chelsea, but that does not mean this trilogy of matches will not be very keenly contested, with no quarter asked or given.


FORM GUIDE

Last Six Matches - All Competitions

Arsenal

29 Mar (Premier League) v Bolton (A) WON 3-2
23 Mar (Premier League) v Chelsea (A) LOST 1-2
16 Mar (Premier League) v Middlesbrough (H) DREW 1-1
09 Mar (Premier League) v Wigan (A) DREW 0-0
04 Mar (Champions League) v AC Milan (A) WON 2-0
01 Mar (Premier League) v Aston Villa (H) DREW 1-1


Liverpool

30 Mar (Premier League) v Everton (H) WON 1-0
23 Mar (Premier League) v Man Utd (A) LOST 0-3
15 Mar (Premier League) v Reading (H) WON 2-1
11 Mar (Champions League) v Inter Milan (A) WON 1-0
08 Mar (Premier League) v Newcastle (H) WON 3-0
05 Mar (Premier League) v West Ham (H) WON 4-0


Champions League 2007-08

Arsenal

Third Qualifying Round : 1 v Sparta Prague (A) WON 2-0
Third Qualifying Round : 2 v Sparta Prague (H) WON 3-0
Group H Matchday 1 v Sevilla (H) WON 3-0
Group H Matchday 2 v Steaua (A) WON 1-0
Group H Matchday 3 v Slavia Prague (H) WON 7-0
Group H Matchday 4 v Slavia Prague (A) DREW 0-0
Group H Matchday 5 v Sevilla (A) LOST 1-3
Group H Matchday 6 v Steaua (H) WON 2-1
First Knockout Round : 1 v AC Milan (H) DREW 0-0
First Knockout Round : 2 v AC Milan (A) WON 2-0


Liverpool

Third Qualifying Round : 1 v Toulouse (A) WON 1-0
Third Qualifying Round : 2 v Toulouse (H) WON 4-0
Group A Matchday 1 v Porto (A) DREW 1-1
Group A Matchday 2 v Marseille (H) LOST 0-1
Group A Matchday 3 v Besiktas (A) LOST 1-2
Group A Matchday 4 v Besiktas (H) WON 8-0
Group A Matchday 5 v Porto (H) WON 4-1
Group A Matchday 6 v Marseille (A) WON 4-0
First Knockout Round : 1 v Inter Milan (H) WON 2-0
First Knockout Round : 2 v Inter Milan (A) WON 1-0


TEAM NEWS

Arsenal

Striker Emmanuel Adebayor is set to start after being rested for Saturday's game at Bolton. Midfielder Abou Diaby is available because his suspension after being sent off in that match does not apply to European football.

Last Starting XI (v Bolton): Arsenal: Almunia, Toure, Senderos (Walcott 59), Gallas, Clichy, Hleb, Flamini, Fabregas, Diaby, Bendtner (Adebayor 60), Van Persie (Justin Hoyte 90). Subs Not Used: Lehmann, Eboue.

Squad: Arsenal (from): Almunia, Eboue, Toure, Gallas, Clichy, Hleb, Flamini, Fabregas, Walcott, van Persie, Adebayor, Lehmann, Diaby, Bendtner, Hoyte, Senderos, Gilberto, Denilson.


Liverpool

Midfielder Javier Mascherano is likely to return to the side after serving a one-game suspension. Defenders Alvaro Arbeloa and Fabio Aurelio are also back in the squad after recovering from injuries.

Last Starting XI (v Everton): Liverpool: Reina, Carragher, Hyypia, Skrtel, Riise, Lucas, Gerrard (Crouch 90), Alonso, Babel (Benayoun 82), Torres (Pennant 89), Kuyt. Subs Not Used: Itandje, Finnan.

Squad: Reina, Arbeloa, Finnan, Carragher, Hyypia, Skrtel, Riise, Aurelio, Babel, Benayoun, Gerrard, Alonso, Mascherano, Kuyt, Voronin, Crouch, Torres, Pennant, Lucas, Itandje.


PLAYERS TO WATCH

Arsenal

While Cesc Fabregas will provide the Gunners' main creative impetus, and his midfield battle with Javier Mascherano will probably be pivotal, it will be goals that decide the tie, and Arsenal will be looking to Dutchman Robin van Persie, a player with the big game temperament, to deliver after returning to full fitness from the knee injury sustained while on international duty with Holland last October. Van Persie has scored eight goals despite restricted appearances, and now has 42 in his Arsenal career. Emmanuel Adebayor, likely to partner him in attack against Liverpool, has 39 to his credit - 23 of them scored this season.


Liverpool

It has to be Fernando Torres at the moment, the striker who is in electric form and whose partnership with midfielder Steven Gerrard has proved dazzlingly productive in recent weeks. Torres now has 28 goals to his account this season, and Gerrard 19, with the pair of them scoring nine times in Europe. Torres has been praised from all quarters this week, deservedly so, and is flourishing as the main striker in Benitez's more settled side. His pace could trouble the Arsenal defence, and the Spaniard will undoubtedly provide the main goal threat to the Gunners.

Torres Enjoying Easy Life At Anfield

Fernando Torres insists it is "easy" to play well alongside Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard.

The Spanish striker, with 28 goals already this season, is aiming his shooting boots at Arsenal on Wednesday night in the Champions League quarter-final, first leg at the Emirates.

Ahead of the clash with the Gunners, Torres said: "I am pleased with the way I have settled in English football, it is important that I have good team-mates and a manager who can help me. Stevie has been a great help, he is one of the best players in the world and my understanding with him is easy."

He added: "It has been a new season, new team-mates, and it is important that everyone has been able to help me.

"Everyone wants to play alongside the best players and I am doing that with Stevie and scoring a lot of goals.

"My target is to continue doing that, I do not have a number to aim at but I want to do my best for the team to win trophies.

"It is the job of strikers to score goals, and I am doing my job. It is my first season, though, and I am surprised with how well it has gone.

"I need to be playing in the best competition so it is important that I can continue to play in the Champions League. That is my aim after this Arsenal tie.

"I have enjoyed winning in the San Siro, and I will look forward to playing at the Emirates. I am improving, but the most important thing for me is that I win trophies and get to the final.

"I have scored a lot of goals this season but I am more motivated by winning trophies for the team. My aim is for the team to have success, personal goals are secondary to team success."

Reina - Rafa Is A Genius

Liverpool goalkeeper Jose Reina is confident manager Rafa Benitez will again demonstrate his European touch of genius to help the Reds past Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League.

The Reds travel to Emirates Stadium to take on Arsenal in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Wednesday in a match which can be seen live on Sky Sports 2.

Liverpool have not defeated Arsenal away since 2000, but Reina believes Benitez - who has guided the Reds to two Champions League finals in the last three years - will again work his magic to earn a first leg advantage.

"Rafa's record in Europe gives the team extra belief we will go through," Reina told The Sun.

"He's a genius when it comes to tactics and a true specialist in preparing teams for two-legged cup ties.

"His attention to detail and past record of success gives us so much confidence.

"I don't know why we play better in the Champions League.

"In the league we have struggled with the endurance of competing with the big teams over nine months but the knock-out format suits us better.

"If this team continues growing by getting to the final in Moscow the Liverpool legend in Europe will be even more special."

Rafa Benitez Outlines His Vision For Liverpool

As Rafael Benitez glances beyond the dug-out at the Emirates Stadium this evening, he could be forgiven an envious look towards his opposite number.

Arsene Wenger has enjoyed immense success at Arsenal and his achievements in the Premier League will always command the respect and admiration of the Liverpool manager.

Yet Benitez believes that Wenger has had what he so far has not had at Anfield - the patient backing and indulgence of his paymasters as they buy completely into his vision for the club.

The Arsenal manager's vision is well documented. He spends less than the other big three in English football, but invests still significant amounts of money wisely in young talent that is the lifeblood - and the future - of the club.

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Benitez believes such a model must be the way forward for Liverpool. But privately he will argue that he has never enjoyed complete faith in his own similar vision, and has come under pressure to deliver when the odds are stacked against him.

The Liverpool manager has spent big money in his four years on Merseyside, but still nowhere near as much as either Chelsea or Manchester United, and only a little more than Arsenal.

Yet he has delivered two regal processions into the Champions League Final, winning the trophy in 2005, and he has also won the FA Cup. Add to that qualification every year so far for the Champions League and the Spanish coach has cause to believe he is doing his job.

Yet the pressure is there to do better, particularly in the league. Indeed, this season he seemed odds on to be sacked by the end of the campaign.

Another impressive European run has diverted that threat for the moment but yesterday Benitez expressed his vision for Liverpool and quietly warned his bosses that if there is ever going to be success at the club, then it is time to back his blueprint implicitly... just as Arsenal's do Wenger.

"You need a long-term vision if you want style and a winning team, and you have to be patient and back that vision if you are ever going to achieve success," he explained. "If you look at Arsenal, then they are clear in what they want to achieve and the vision has been set out for a very long time.

"Arsene Wenger has done a fabulous job, he is fantastic and I have great respect for him and his style.

"But he has been allowed to develop that style over a long period of time, and that is the key. If you want to progress you have to identify a vision and then back it. You have to be patient and believe in the long-term success of that vision."

The four years that Benitez has spent at Anfield has been a curious period for the Spaniard, with pressure almost a constant factor. Yet he believes that with the financial dominance of Chelsea and Manchester United in English football, the key to success for a less wealthy club like his own must lie in long-term planning, and faith in the right man at the helm to eventually deliver.

"In the Premier League there are three ways of winning things, which depend on the amount of money you have available," explained Benitez.

"You can go the Chelsea route and spend a massive amount of money in a short space of time, which gives you an edge. Or do what Manchester United do, which is spend a lot of money over time, and if that doesn't work, go again and spend more.

"Then there is the Arsenal way, which is to spend money, yes, but invest in the future. To have a vision and to clearly support that vision, even if it doesn't deliver success immediately.

"At this time, Arsenal's model is the best idea for us. We can not compete with the other two, so we have to progress slowly, and we have to put in place with the youth teams and reserves the right things for the future.

"I respect what Wenger has done, and his style is clearer than ours because he has had more time. But there were times - are times - when he cannot win, and then you need faith. That is what we need too.

"When I came we had won nothing for two years and were struggling to qualify for the Champions League. We had to change things and we had to start from a low position.

"We have spent money but the others have spent more. And yet we have closed the gap. We have also got to the Champions League Final and won it after 21 years without winning it.

"People don't say anything about that though, they just say it is 18 years since we won the league. But our idea is to ignore that pressure, that criticism, stay calm and keep going forward."

You need a long-term vision if you want style and a winning team, and be patient to achieve success.

Manchester United have spent a lot of money over time, and if that doesn't work they spend more.

Our idea is to ignore pressure and criticism, stay calm and keep going forward.

Wenger has been allowed to develop his style over a long period and that is the key.

David Bentley Plots Move To Champions League Club

David Bentley’s ambitions to be England’s first-choice right-winger at the 2010 World Cup will probably lead to his exit from Blackburn. Bentley has begun discussing a new contract with Blackburn but says his top priority is playing regularly in Europe, something that is not guaranteed with Blackburn next season.

In the one England game I’ve seen him play (the one against Switzerland), Bentley improved as the game went on and finished on a high note, with his runs and passing adding a new creative dimension to the England setup.

His downfall might be that he’s engineered to be the all-rounder - not as fast as Shaun Wright-Phillips or Aaron Lennon and not as good a crosser or passer as David Beckham, but good enough in both areas to start for England.

I also doubt that moving to a big club will give him a better chance at an England call-up, although the added European exposure would certainly help. With Arsenal having rejected him and Manchester United and Chelsea not reported to be interested (although if he moves to Manchester United he’ll be a good backup for Ronaldo), Liverpool and Everton (or even Tottenham) may be his best options when it comes to regular European adventures.

And even then, a man of Bentley’s ambitions would not be content with just playing in the Uefa Cup - if he wants to be considered good enough to start for England, he will probably need to prove himself in the Champions League first.

And speaking of hard decisions - he might just make the leap abroad to a Champions League club in Spain or Italy where the pace may suit him better.

So where do you think David Bentley would move to - one of Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United or abroad?

Cesc Praises Torres Ahead Of Triple Header

Ahead of his side's hattrick of meetings with Liverpool - with each leg of their Champions League quarterfinal contested either side of a league encounter - Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas has aired his views on compatriot Fernando Torres.

While Arsenal have no doubt outdone Liverpool in terms of silverware and consistency over the last decade, European glory has gone quite the other way.

The Gunners went close when making the final in 2006, but Liverpool can say the same of the more recent final in 2007, and added to that have the glorious if not somewhat miraculous success of 2005 to boast about, as well as the UEFA Cup won in 2001.

The two sides lock horns this week with Arsenal having only ever won a single Champions League quarterfinal - that of course in 2006 - of the four they have participated in. Liverpool meanwhile have an absolutely marvellous conversion rate, having made the quarters 11 times and progressed to the semi-finals on all but three occasions.

When considering general form this season, Arsenal started like a house on fire - something even the most devout optimists would not have foreseen in the club's first season in almost a decade without club icon and all-time leading scorer Thierry Henry.

Liverpool flattered to deceive as they have in recent years; falling away in the league, putting up little resistence in the Carling Cup and being embarrased by Barnsley in the FA Cup. However, since then, the Champions League has once more galvanised Benitez's side who, behind league leaders Manchester United, are without doubt the form team in England.

Wenger's Arsenal, meanwhile, conspired to lose a five point lead at the top of the table as they now trail by six, behind Chelsea in second but, thankfully for them, a comfortable eight ahead of Liverpool in fourth.

The two clubs now face each other three times in a week, with these games no doubt playing a monumental part in determining their respective fates this season.

“In these three games we will know the outcome of our season,” declared Arsenal star Cesc Fabregas. “The Champions League is of great importance. Liverpool have made it to the final twice in the last three years and know very well how to play these type of matches.”

Fabregas shared words with countryman Fernando Torres when the two met up for a friendly against Italy last week, a game neither impressed in. That said, both have been the respective stars for their club this season. Cesc revealed that Torres told him he would score, while the Arsenal man prefers to do his talking on the pitch.

From there on, though, he had only words of praise for the star striker and his magnificent first season in England.

“He said that he will score a goal, but I preferred to remain quiet, wait and speak later on the pitch,” remarked Fàbregas. “When a player comes to England, one can doubt whether he will settle, but Torres is doing fantastically well.

"English football suits him just fine: He is a strong player, hard to defend, he is clinical when facing goal and overall, he creates space, something which is paramount in England.”

Fàbregas opined that the 23-year-old's success hinges on him no longer dealing with all the pressure that was on his shoulders as Atletico Madrid's apparent saviour during a somewhat dark period in los Rojiblancos' history.

“He had all the plaudits, but when things went wrong, all the criticism as well,” explained Fàbregas. “It was as if Atlético was just made up of Torres. That is not very beneficial, especially Atlético was not going through the best of times and he got the worst of the criticism.

“These are things that when you are young can make you overanalyse things and go through a negative spell. Here, he feels he is more free, surrounded by quality players and he is going through a great spell.”

Reds Ready To Rock Arsenal - Torres

In-form striker Fernando Torres says Liverpool are full of confidence heading into their Champions League quarter-final against Arsenal.

The Spain international has scored 11 goals in his last 10 matches - including the winner in Sunday's Merseyside derby - and has found the net four times in his previous four European outings.

Torres has 28 goals for the season and would dearly like to score at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday to give Liverpool an important advantage heading into the second leg of the quarter-final tie.

"The first game at the Emirates will be very difficult. The most important thing is to score - if we score it is very good for the Anfield game but Arsenal play very well and it is very difficult to win," he said.

"They won a very difficult game on Saturday (beating Bolton 3-2 with 10 men) but we have confidence again now and we have the confidence to go and win against Arsenal."

The team produced the perfect response to the defeat to Manchester United a week last Sunday by claiming derby day bragging rights thanks to Torres' solitary strike.

And that goal, which saw him become only the fifth player in the club's history to score in six successive home games, has boosted the Spaniard ahead of Tuesday's crucial encounter.

"Whenever you have a bad result, you need a big game with a good result," added the 24-year-old.

"Every player is over the Manchester United result and the important thing is to win.

"Now we have an important game coming against Arsenal and six games in the league."

If there is anything Torres needs to add to what has been a stunning debut season in England it is the ability to score regularly away from home.

So far 19 of his 21 league goals have come at Anfield, with 15 of those coming in front of the Kop.

Torres admits he is more comfortable playing at home but cannot explain why.

"I always feel confident that I can score at Anfield. I've got 19 Premier League goals here now which is fantastic for me, and I seem to score most of those in front of the Kop," he said.

"I don't know why that is, but I'm always scoring at that end. It must be something about the stand, it is just different. I always feel confident when I'm facing that end of the pitch."

Despite the majority of Torres' goals coming at home, Liverpool's legendary record goalscorer Ian Rush believes the Spaniard has the necessary credentials to become feared across Europe.

"Torres has something that can make him really special," said Rush.

"When you've got pace and can kick with both feet, like he can, you are always going to cause the opposition problems.

"Defenders don't actually know which foot he is going to kick with. That's what makes him special. He has been a revelation."

Rush believes Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez will play his usual tactical game against Arsenal and will probably look to win the tie back at Anfield.

"I think the game will be really tight and Liverpool will have the advantage simply because of the second leg," he told UEFA's website.

"I think they will go to Arsenal in the first game and just try to contain them. If you let Arsenal play, they're a joy to watch and I feel Liverpool's job will be to try and stop them playing.

"If they can get a draw, I think they can win back at Anfield. The atmosphere and the support Liverpool will have there will give them a head start."

Hicks And Gillett Head For Champions League Game - But Ask Not To Be Seat Together

Tom Hicks and George Gillett will both be at Liverpool's Champions League game with Arsenal on Wednesday - but both have asked not be sat together.

The pair are planning on attending Liverpool's Champions League tie against Arsenal at The Emirates on Wednesday night.

But sources in the club say both have requested not to be seated next to one another.

Hicks is travelling to London with a party of 12 while Gillett is flying in from Colorado with his son, Foster.

As the in-fighting and internal strife continues, chief executive Rick Parry has appealed for a solution to be found at the earliest possible opportunity for the good of the club.

The Reds chief executive has spoken out after George Gillett finally ended his silence and admitted his relationship with co-owner Tom Hicks is in tatters.

"My plea is that something happens this week," he said.

"There is a need for a degree of urgency but it is urgent to get it right, not urgent to come up with the wrong solution."

With Dubai International Capital reportedly keen to launch a full takeover of the Anfield club, Hicks has so far refused to do business unless he can retain a controlling share, while Gillett appears more amenable - claiming DIC would have been "responsible" owners.

Parry is keen to sort the issue out as soon as possible but insists the club have to take correct decisions - and not the most expedient.

"To move onwards and upwards we need a resolution but I don't think this is going to have a direct bearing on the players, that is pretty unlikely," he said.

"It is certainly not conducive to long-term planning and managing of the club.

"Over time, if we fail to deliver and fail to perform, that is when star players become dissatisfied but that is not an immediate fear from where I sit."

Pako Betrayed Me And It Still Hurts - Benitez Lifts The Lid On His Assistant's Anfield Exit

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has spoken for the first time about the departure of former assistant Pako Ayestaran from Anfield.

The departure of his fellow Spaniard has been cited as a major reason why the Reds have failed to mount a serious challenge in the Premier League this season, but Benitez insists he had no option but to tell his friend to leave the club.

He told The Times: "Pako was much more than a physical trainer, he was my friend and someone I trusted for many years. I worked with him for 11 years. It's a recent wound that still hurts.

"Liverpool gave him autonomy and power and I think that changed him a lot – he wanted more and more. One day I found out that he had serious contacts with other teams and that seemed to me a betrayal towards me and the club that I couldn't accept.

"He told me he wanted to leave the same day that we played against Toulouse, so I lost someone I trusted greatly, a key member of my staff at a crucial moment in the preseason."

And Benitez admits the club has taken time to recover from Ayestaran's exit, adding: "Logically, this has an effect on a team. The people that arrived had to adapt and familiarise themselves with a new environment.

"This meant that a transitional period started at the club, but we still managed to win games and play well. Then, when we started to draw games, people questioned our work.

"I believe that no one is irreplaceable and we have to keep moving forward. Paco de Miguel took over the role as physical trainer. Also, as a result, I have more of a presence around the team and try to have more involvement with the players."

League Title Is A Distraction For Arsenal, Says Gerrard

Steven Gerrard sought comfort in Arsenal's stirring fightback against Bolton Wanderers yesterday by claiming it could distract Arsène Wenger's team from a single-minded pursuit of the Champions League.

Both Liverpool and Arsenal approach tomorrow's Champions League quarter-final having scored psychologically important results at the weekend: the visitors reducing the pressure on qualification for next season's competition with victory over Everton and the hosts ending a run of five league games without success in dramatic fashion at the Reebok.

Arsenal remain six points adrift of the leaders, Manchester United, despite recovering from a two-goal deficit against Gary Megson's team but, argues Gerrard, their lingering interest in the Premier League title may affect the Gunners' motivation at the Emirates Stadium tomorrow night.
"If Arsenal hadn't beaten Bolton, maybe they'd only have had one thing to play for this season and that could have made it more difficult for us," the Liverpool captain said. "But with them still having half a chance in the league, maybe that could distract them a bit."

Gerrard was outstanding in the Merseyside derby at Anfield and his understanding with the 28-goal Fernando Torres, coupled with the availability of Javier Mascherano for the quarter-final, has fuelled Liverpool confidence for the first leg. The captain believes his club's consistency in Europe and the pedigree born of two Champions League finals in the past three seasons will favour Rafael Benítez's side in London tomorrow.

"Before the draw was made, we'd have been looking to get a team from Europe rather than another from the Premier League," said the England midfielder. "But you get what you are given and to win the European Cup you have to beat the best. When we won it in 2005, we had to beat all the best teams to win it and I'm sure we're going to have to do that again if we want to win it this season. We're a good side in Europe and we're always confident no matter who we come up against that we are going to qualify. I think the other teams are more worried about us because we've proved in the last two or three years that we're one of the best teams in the competition. We've got nothing to fear."

Liverpool were beaten 3-0 on their only previous visit to the Emirates, for a league game in November 2006, and Gerrard insists the eight-point gap between the teams in the league will have no bearing on their first European encounter. "The Champions League games against Arsenal are going to be different to the league game we have there," he added. "We found the Champions League games we had against Chelsea were different to the Premier League games, with it being a cup competition and not for three points. But we know we are in for two really tough games."

Gerrard's man of the match performance in the derby was tainted by the vile abuse he received from Everton supporters at Anfield, invective that prompted Benítez to criticise their "lack of respect" after a game in which players on both sides were subjected to personal attack. Everton responded to the Liverpool manager's comments yesterday by claiming their captain, Phil Neville, was punched as he prepared to take a throw in front of the Centenary Stand and have asked Merseyside police to investigate the incident.

"Whilst we would never condone the singling out of individual players for vitriolic insults, it is a shame that Mr. Benítez chose to ignore the actions of his own club's supporters," said an Everton spokesman. "Not only was Joleon Lescott subjected all afternoon to a long barrage of quite disgusting and quite audible abuse, Phil Neville was seemingly spat at several times and was also punched in the back by a supporter as he took a throw-in."

LiverpooL 1 - 0 Everton

Fernando Torres' early strike gave Liverpool a precious five-point lead over their Merseyside rivals in the race for Champions League qualification.

Torres cost Liverpool around £20million last summer, and this goal - of all the 28 he has grabbed so far - could be the one that earns the riches that come from participating in Europe's premier competition each season.

Liverpool dominated the first half, and should have been in total command. Steven Gerrard hit a post and a hatful of chances were wasted.

But Everton, to their immense credit, tested Liverpool to the absolute limits in the second-half, and the Kop stood in anguish as they watched their heroes defend the goal in front of them.

But Liverpool hung on to complete only their 12th league double over the Goodison Park side in what was virtually a final eliminator for fourth spot.

Liverpool were missing the suspended Javier Mascherano, while Everton were without the injured Tim Cahill and Andrew Johnson - arguably damaging the Toffees' system more than the Argentina midfielder's absence for the Reds.

And after a spirited opening spell, in which Mikel Arteta tested Jose Reina with a spin and shot from 25-yards, Liverpool set about establishing a superiority on this 207th Mersey derby.

With so much at stake, financially as well as local pride, the game was tense and needed a firm control from referee Howard Webb, mindful of the 36 yellow and seven red cards in the seven derbies since Benitez took charge at Anfield.

In a fixture that has more dismissals than any other Premier League fixture Webb did a pretty decent job of keeping the passions in check.

He booked both Lee Carsley and Phil Neville - on his 100th league appearance for Everton - inside the first 18 minutes for fouls on Torres and Lucas, by which time Liverpool were deservedly in front.

And it had to be that man Torres.

The Spaniard may not have fared too well with goals for Atletico in the Madrid derby, just one, but he scored inside seven minutes of his Merseyside derby debut.

It was Liverpool's 100th in all competitions this season and he equalled the club record of scoring in six successive home league games, his 28th of a stunning first campaign in the Premier League.

It came when Xabi Alonso caught Ayegbeni Yakubu in possession 20 yards out, a situation the Nigerian should have had under control.

But he dithered and the ball was poked back into the box for Dirk Kuyt to flick forward. And Torres was on it in a flash, drilling the ball inside Tim Howard's far post with the normally solid Everton rearguard all over the place.

And for the next half-hour Liverpool pinned Everton back, searching for further success.

Kuyt had shots blocked by Tony Hibbert and Howard in quick succession, Ryan Babel missed a gift close-in from a John Arne Riise cross before a brave saving header from Carsley stopped Lucas reaching a Steven Gerrard free-kick.

Gerrard, himself, on his 20th derby appearance, then almost uprooted Howard's right-hand post with a fierce, dipping drive from 25-yards.

But the feeling remained that Everton were still in it despite Reina barely being tested.

Everton, with Arteta in a more central midfield role, and Steven Pienaar a wandering, sporadic influence, had unquenchable belief.

That was reinforced by the way they were over-powering Lucas in midfield, possession constantly being conceded.

And they started the second period with growing intent. Pienaar was booked for a foul on Babel as the Blues' tempo increased.

Neville's move to a more advanced role on the left of midfield forced Kuyt to defend and stopped Jamie Carragher getting forward. And Everton started to win free-kicks, their dangerous trademark.

Leon Osman sent a header just wide from one of Arteta's accurate deliveries, with Liverpool now having to defend. Manuel Fernandes came on for Pienaar on the hour, and Everton continued to press.

Phil Jagielka was booked for a late challenge on Gerrard before Neville was withdrawn - presumably injured because he headed straight down the tunnel after grabbing a track-suit top angrily, before exchanging a handshake with Moyes.

Liverpool gambled on sitting back and trying to catch Everton on the break the more they came forward, increasingly desperate to salvage something.

Babel was withdrawn to allow Yossi Benayoun into the argument, while Everton sent Jagielka up front late on. Everton were a constant and growing menace which needed all of Sami Hyypia's experience and Martin Skrtel's brawn to contain.

The unease in Liverpool ranks increased with Torres booked for time wasting, before being withdrawn, Jermaine Pennant coming on with two minutes left.

Kuyt curled a 20-yarder just wide and Howard saved superbly from Gerrard, but it was all Everton as the seconds ticked away.

Liverpool sent on Peter Crouch for Gerrard in injury-time as they successfully used up the last moments.

Fernando Torres Overwhelmed By First Derby Experience

Liverpool match-winner Fernando Torres left Anfield with a feeling of amazement after his first Merseyside derby ended in victory.

The Spain striker scored the only goal in the seventh minute and after the game he expressed his delight at the performance, which put five points between the Reds and their fifth-placed local rivals Everton.

“The derby was amazing. It is always different for the fans. It is an important week and you feel this is a special game,” he said.

“The victory was most important and Everton are further behind than before.”

Torres, who has now scored 21 goals in the Barclays Premier League, said today made up for last week’s disappointing 3-0 defeat at Manchester United.

“When you have a bad result you need a big game with a good result and now we have confidence again,” he added.

Gerrard Bemoans Liverpool’s Inability To Kill Off The Game By Scoring More Goals

Confident Steven Gerrard believes Liverpool should have won by an even greater margin after claiming victory over Everton.

A seventh-minute goal from Fernando Torres ultimately settled the 207th Merseyside derby at Anfield yesterday.

It ensured Rafael Benitez’s side opened up a five-point lead on their neighbours in the race for fourth place and the final Champions League qualification berth.

Liverpool dominated the first half before withstanding a belated Everton recovery after half-time as the hosts spurned a variety of good chances to add to their advantage.

And Gerrard, who was denied a spectacular goal of his own by the width of the post, reckons the visitors at times struggled to cope with their city rivals.

“It was a good win but we’re slightly disappointed we didn’t make it more comfortable in the first half, because we had plenty of chances to kill the game off,” said the Liverpool skipper.

“But I never once thought we’d lose the game or give a goal away.

“You’re always after a quick start in the derby and a quick goal and we got that, and in the first half we completely dominated the game. We maybe deserved a bigger margin of victory.

“We dominated for large parts of the game and we couldn’t quite convert another goal in the first half, and I was disappointed when my effort came back off the post.”

With only six league games remaining, Liverpool are now firm favourites to hold off their neighbours and retain their top-four place for Champions League qualification.

However, Gerrard insists there will be no complacency with the Anfield outfit preparing for a triple-header against Arsenal in the Champions League and Premier League over the next nine days.

“It was a big win and we knew how important this game would be for us,” said Gerrard.

“Hopefully now we can continue to pick up wins until the end of the season and grab that fourth spot.

“Credit to Everton they came back strongly in the second half – we couldn’t quite get that second goal which made it harder.

“But we are winning games and you’re happy as long as you are winning. These games are also about bragging rights and I’m sure the supporters will be pleased.

“We still have difficult games to go so it was important to get the result.”

Gerrard added: “For the time being the pressure is off us having to win the Champions League to qualify for the competition, because we know we have a gap now.

“But although we have to massive Champions League games coming up against Arsenal, we have to make sure we put a big performance in for the Premier League game in between and maintain that five-point gap or even increase it.”

Torres’s goal was his 28th of the season – 21 of them coming in the Premier League – and an admiring skipper Gerrard said: “It’s no shock to me the way Fernando finished for his goal.

“Give the guy the chances and he will put them away.”

Everton were shorn of a number of key personnel in attack and Gerrard concedes that perhaps blunted the threat going forward of David Moyes’s side.

“I think looking at Everton’s teamsheet and the way they lined up, they were playing for a draw,” he said.

“Maybe if Andrew Johnson had been fit, they may have been a bit more positive.

“But you have to give us credit for our performance, Everton couldn’t live with us in the first 45 minutes.”

Torres’s Star Show Hailed By Benitez

Rafael Benitez hailed ace striker Fernando Torres after his recordequalling goal earned Liverpool victory in the Merseyside derby and took them to the brink of Champions League qualification.

Torres struck in a sixth successive home game to equal a club record as the Reds opened up a five-point gap over fifth-placed Everton with six games to play. The Spaniard stole the points by coolly slotting past Toffees keeper Tim Howard after only seven minutes in a strangely subdued derby affair.

It was his 28th goal of what has been a memorable debut season in England and had delighted boss Benitez singing his praises. “We must admit that we are surprised by how well Fernando has settled here,” Benitez said. “We knew he was a great player, one of the best strikers in Europe, but for him to score 28 goals in his first season for the club is very impressive.”

Liverpool got off to the best possible start when Steven Gerrard’s corner was only half-cleared, Xavi Alonso stole the ball off Yakubu and Dirk Kuyt played in Torres to score.

Gerrard then came within a whisker of doubling the advantage five minutes before the break with a first-time volley which hit the post. Despite the result Benitez refused to accept the race for fourth was over. “We are at Arsenal next Saturday and that will be tough, while Everton are at home to Derby,” he added. “Things can change around very quickly.”

Rafa Benitez Blasts Everton Fans Over Steven Gerrard Abuse

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez slammed Everton's fans for taunting skipper Steven Gerrard - and revealed he was happy that his star man shut them up.

Gerrard came in for a torrent of personal abuse about his private life from the away end and Benitez rapped:

"I am sure some players will be really pleased about that win and I am really pleased for them. I don't like to hear some of those things and it is a lack of respect."

The Kop chief singled out Gerrard for praise as they basked in the glory of a derby win that takes the Anfield side five points clear of their rivals and red-hot favourites for fourth place.

Gerrard was the target for the hate mob but he preferred to focus on the vital victory and said:

"It's a big win for us and hopefully we can continue like that to the end of the season and grab fourth spot."

Fernando Torres was the match-winner with his 21st Premier League goal of the season and Benitez added: "We are surprised.

"We knew he was a fantastic player but to score that many in his first season isn't easy, especially for a foreign player.

"He is one of the best in Europe."

Even Everton boss David Moyes was impressed. He said: "It was like playing against two men at times in the first half because of the way he occupied our centre-halves."