Liverpool Comeback Shows They Might Just Be The Real Deal

A win is a win is a win but, as Morrissey almost said, some wins are bigger than others.

To see Liverpool's delirious celebration of Dirk Kuyt's winning goal at Eastlands today, after they had been 2-0 down at the end of a thoroughly miserable first half, was to see a side with an increasingly powerful belief that destiny is with them, and that it has decided their run without a league title will end at 19 years.

Liverpool did not play particularly well until Pablo Zabaleta was given a straight red for an appalling challenge on Xabi Alonso, after which they picked City apart at will, but that only adds to the worthiness of their victory. There is an inclination to talk of such victories as displaying the "mark of champions", when a team have played badly but willed or lucked their way to a win.

Yet what is just as important as the perception that a lucky victory is the preserve of the bona fide title contenders is the extent to which the confidence and sense of fate that can be drawn from such victories permeates through future contests. Liverpool will glean an immeasurable psychological boost from the manner of their win.

There are still issues with the team, not least at full-back, but this will only reinforce the growing belief on the Kop that this could be Liverpool's year. Late wins, comeback wins, lucky wins: Liverpool are ticking a lot of the boxes of the potential champion. The force is strong in these ones.

Every title-winner recalls one symbolic victory: recent examples include Manchester United's heist at Anfield in March 2007, Chelsea's show of bare-chested cheek after withstanding a physical battering at Blackburn in February 2005, and Thierry Henry's 4-2 victory over Liverpool in April 2004. Usually, by their very nature, they come in the second half of the season. But if Liverpool win the league this year, this might be the one.

Comeback wins (Liverpool have already come from behind three times to win this season) and in particular late goals offer a window into a very healthy soul – remember how many Manchester United's treble winners scored – and this is the third time in seven league games that Liverpool have won with a goal in the final 10 minutes, two of them in injury time. Ryan Babel's winner against United also came late, with 13 minutes to go.

Liverpool are gathering force through each game and, as a consequence, gathering an even stronger force for the long-game of the title race.

Frustrated Liverpool defender Agger Set For A Move To Real Madrid In New Year

Unsettled Liverpool defender Daniel Agger could be set for a move to Spanish giants Real Madrid in the January transfer window.

The Danish centre-back has fallen behind Martin Skrtel as Jamie Carragher's first choice partner, and the Sun have reported he has become unhappy with the lack of games.

Real vice-president Jose Angel Sanchez has admitted they would already have moved for Agger had they not spent the summer trying to resolve Robinho's future.

Sanchez said: 'We already had plans about buying Agger this summer, along with some other players.

'But the Robinho situation took so much attention and demanded so many resources from the club that we had to drop the plans for putting in a bid for him and the others we had in mind.

'Agger’s a player we have been looking at for a long time and it’s likely we will bid for him in January.

'He’s a world-class player and would fit into our system without a doubt. We need a defender and a striker - and Agger tops our list.'

Kuyt: Liverpool Can Aim For Title After Victory Over Manchester City

Liverpool's Dutch forward Dirk Kuyt, who scored the winner in his team's Saturday 3-2 victory over Manchester City, believes that that win proves that Rafael Benitez's team have the credentials to go on and win the Premier League this season. The stoppage time goal was Kuyt's first in the Premier League in 28 games.

Liverpool had been trailing 2-0 at the break, but two Fernando Torres goals brought them back in to the game. Going in to the international break, Benitez's team are top of the Premier League, four points ahead of Arsenal and six clear of champions Manchester United.

The 28-year-old said: "We try to make a statement every week. Every three games we have a big game. We had Everton and PSV last week, and our target is just to win every game and try to be there by the end of the season. But it was vital to keep pace with Chelsea before the internationals. We can leave with a good feeling.

"We've already had one international break and we came back in our first game after it and beat Man Utd, so I wouldn't say it comes at a bad time.

"Anyway, we don't need any excuses. We'll just keep on going and see how we do against Wigan in our next game."

Kuyt added: "We had a feeling at half-time that we could get back in the game if we scored a goal. We got that and were back in the game, and I think we deserved to win.

"All of the players worked really hard - even the substitutes. It shows what a good squad of players we have here.

"Fernando had a difficult time in the first half but that was the same for all of us. He just needed a little chance to score and it's great for a team if you have someone like that up front. He always seems to score when he gets his chances."

Skrtel - Worst Pain Ever

Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel has revealed his injury against Manchester City left him in the worst pain he has ever experienced.

The Slovakia international was stretched off late on at the City of Manchester Stadium on Sunday after falling awkwardly while shielding the ball from Ched Evans.

Skrtel's agony was obvious as he was given oxygen on the pitch and he has now informed Slovakia's team doctor that he went through a new level of pain after twisting his knee.

The Reds ace is set to go for an MRI scan on the injury on Monday where Liverpool will be hoping to ascertain how long he might be facing on the sidelines.

"I have already spoken with Martin and he told me he had never experienced such pain before," Peter Malinovsky told SITA.

"Martin will have an MRI scan on Monday and I don't really want to think about how long he might be on the sidelines.

"It might only be a week, but it could be a lot longer and I don't want to believe what the consequences of this injury could really be."

Match Review: Manchester City 2 - 3 LiverpooL

Dirk Kuyt scored his first Premier League goal since November to secure a dramatic victory for Liverpool.

The Holland striker rattled the ball home in stoppage time to stun 10-man City.

The home side had raced into a two-goal lead in the first half through Stephen Ireland and Javier Garrido.

Fernando Torres pulled a goal back before City's Pablo Zabaleta was sent off.

The momentum was then with Liverpool with Torres adding a second before Kuyt, who was guilty of a shocking earlier miss, having the final word.

Liverpool almost went ahead as early as the fourth minute when Albert Riera got a good touch and goalkeeper Joe Hart had to look alert to turn his effort around the post.

The visitors kept up the pressure and launched a swift counter-attack in the 15th minute. Javier Mascherano, who was preferred to Robbie Keane tried to send Steven Gerrard clear.

However Shaun Wright-Phillips showed his defensive qualities to get in a crucial challenge.

Three minutes later Kuyt should have put Liverpool ahead only to sky his shot over the top in front of the post after Riera had set up the opening.

City made the breakthrough a minute later thanks to Ireland's third goal of the season.

Wright-Phillips did well to cut the ball back from the by-line but it seemed to get stuck under Robinho's feet.

However it eventually fell to Ireland and the ever-improving midfielder rifled an unstoppable shot into the corner.

Whenever Liverpool did break forward City were defending in numbers from front to back. Xabi Alonso tried his luck from distance in the 38th minute but Hart was equal to his effort.

City extended their lead three minutes later after Wright-Phillips was bundled over Riera, who had a spell on loan at Eastlands.

Garrido stepped up and sent a superb free-kick over a stunned Reina for his first goal for the club.

However it was game on the 56th minute with Liverpool pulling a goal back through Torres.

England midfielder Steven Gerrard, a subdued figure in the first half, began the move by releasing Alvaro Arbeloa.

He skipped to the byline before delivering a cross into the path of Torres, who scored from close range.

It was the Spain striker's fourth goal of the league campaign and came on the back of his brace in the victory over Everton.

This was now a test of character for City, whose own form in the domestic campaign has been a little bit inconsistent.

However they hit back and Wright-Phillips skipped down the wing in the 65th minute, leaving Liverpool players trailing in his wake.

He picked out Robinho but he was unable to test Reina, his effort going over the bar.

The game took a dramatic twist in the 68th minute when City were reduced to 10 men.

Zabaleta was sent off by referee Peter Walton for what the official deemed as a two-footed lunge on Alonso, who needed brief treatment.

Keane was introduced at the expense of Mascherano in the 72nd minute and a minute later Liverpool were level.

Torres peeled away from his marker as Gerrard swung in the corner and thumped home a header.

He had a chance of completing his hat-trick in the 82nd minute only to send his effort at the back post wide of the target.

Kuyt then secured the points in stoppage time, smashing the ball high into the net after Torres' shot had bobbled off Dunne and into his path.

Reds Fear For Skrtel

Rafa Benitez fears Liverpool's Martin Skrtel could be set for an extended spell on the sidelines after injuring his knee against Manchester City.

The Reds stopper fell awkwardly late on when attempting to keep the ball away from substitute Ched Evans at The City of Manchester Stadium.

Skrtel was caught in the air by Evans and upon landing his right leg caught in the ground and he needed to be stretched off with his leg heavily strapped.

Benitez has confirmed Skrtel will have a scan on Monday, although should he require any length of time on the sidelines Daniel Agger is on stand-by to fill in.

"It seems serious. He's twisted his knee and now we have to wait for the scan," the Spanish tactician told Sky Sports.

Work On Liverpool Stadium Halts

Building work on Liverpool's new stadium has been halted because of the credit squeeze, but chief executive Rick Parry said the project isn't in danger.

While Liverpool's ownership and financial future remains in doubt because of the continued discord between American co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett Jr., the worldwide crisis in the money markets have added to the problems facing the club.

"With the financial markets in the turmoil as they are, any major construction project at this time is difficult, it is risky,'' Parry told BBC Radio.”It is a case of a delay while things settle down. It is still a very, very good long term project. The economics of it still make underlying sense.''

Liverpool has planning permission to build a 60,000-seat stadium close to its current 45,000-capacity home at Anfield and hopes to increase it to 73,000. Building work has barely started on the Stanley Park site, however, and delays to the project have led to speculation that Hicks and Gillett, who remain in a dispute over the ownership of the club, have run into cashflow problems.

Parry said there were no intentions of making any major alterations to the project or groundshare with neighbor Everton, its most traditional and most bitter rival.

"I do not see any change in direction or any change in plans, and groundshare is not back on the agenda,'' said Parry, who added that there were no significant moves expected in the ownership dispute which has been dragging on for almost a year.

Hicks is blocking Gillett's moves to sell his 50 percent share to outside organizations.

"It has gone quiet and everyone is delighted,'' Parry said.”The focus at Liverpool should only ever be on football. All is relatively stable, I am not aware of anything that is happening regarding the sale of the club at this moment. My focus is on day-to-day things and making sure we deliver.''

Torres Is Priceless - Benitez

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez insists Fernando Torres is not for sale at any price and that he would not swap the Spaniard for anyone.

Benitez is a huge admirer of Torres and believes the striker is currently among the best players in the world.

Torres enjoyed a sensational debut season at Anfield last term netting 33 goals in all competitions and he carried that form into Euro 2008 helping Spain win the trophy in the summer.

Cash-rich Manchester City have been credited with an interest in signing Torres, but Benitez insists the former Atletico Madrid ace is 'unbuyable.'

"I do not want to put a price on him because people will want to think I want to sell him and that is not the case, so I will not say any price," Benitez is quoted as saying in the News of the World.

"I'm sure all the players have a value but not Torres. He is priceless to us. He is unbuyable.

"I would not want to swap Fernando with anyone else in the world because he is my player and I'm very pleased with him.

"There are good players in Europe and all the way around the world, but better than Torres? No."

Benitez is confident there is more to come from Torres and has tipped him to become even better in the future.

"Torres is very clever, but he is still young - he will get better," added Benitez.

"When he was at Atletico Madrid he was on his own up front. He was going to the wide areas too much.

"I felt he had to be closer to the box and he has worked on that. It makes him more dangerous."

Match Preview: Manchester City vs. LiverpooL

Liverpool face a tough trip to Eastlands on Sunday as the Reds resume Premiership duties with a clash against Manchester City.

The Reds make the short journey to Manchester boasting an unbeaten record in the league but manager Rafael Benitez is aware that the club now thought to be the richest in the world following their takeover by the Abu Dhabi United Group will provide a stern test.

However, Benitez believes that getting back-to-back victories and building momentum is more important than winning a solitary game at the likes of City in order to have a genuine crack at the Premiership title.

"If you want to be a contender in the league, you have to be consistent - you have to win games in a row," he said.

"I'm not sure whether this is the type of game we need to win if we want to win the league.

"People were saying that about the Stoke game, saying 'you need to win this game, you need to win this game'.

"But we beat United and Everton either side of it. Of course, you need to win every game you can because the competition at the top of the Premier League this season is going to be really difficult.

"You can't guarantee that winning a game like City away will make a massive difference at the end of the season."

The Reds could consider themselves unfortunate to have come away from the City of Manchester Stadium with only a point last December and it's a result that still irritates Benitez.

He says: "It was clear last season that we were in a good moment but it finished 0-0 even though we had a lot of chances. It is important to do the right things this year.

"I remember the game really well. It was a good game and we played really well but could not score.

"We had chances in the first half and at the start of the second half Torres had two chances and there was one at the end, so I was really disappointed that we could not score because we deserved to win.

"At the time we were in a good moment. We had a lot of confidence and the team was playing well so the timing was bad for us.

"It is important to recognise that it is different this time though.

"It is another season with different players so hopefully the outcome will be better for us this time.

"The only similarity is that we are playing well now as we were then so we have to try and make sure that we are ready and that we take our chances if they come."

City are expected to spend heavily in the January transfer window and Benitez believes that Mark Hughes' side can pose a threat to the so called 'big four'.

He said: "They have a good team, with good players and a good manager - so why not? They could be near the top of the table, but Aston Villa have also spent a lot of money and other teams could also be there.

"I think that they will be thinking about improving every weekend. And after they bring new players, it is all about how they are settling and if they can understand each other. Foreign players will always need time, so I think it is not easy to sign top class players and get them to play well from the very first game.

"I think our main thing at the moment is to think about how we can improve our own team this year and for the future too. Every year you hear about Tottenham or Arsenal, Aston Villa, Newcastle or West Ham and Manchester City now, but we have to do our job.

"City's money can obviously help when you're trying to sign the best players. But you need a squad in place too, the balance of which is the key if you want to win trophies.

"Everyone is talking about them, but any questions about whether the money makes it more difficult for them is one for Mark Hughes to answer.

"They were a good team beforehand, they are a good team now and they will be better in the future."

Liverpool's excellent form both domestically and in Europe will give Benitez serious selection headaches over the coming weeks with several high-profile players left warming the substitutes bench recently, but the manager believes that this is a sign of the Reds' progress.

"You know that if you want to win games and try to win trophies that you have a good squad," he said.

"I have said this is the best squad we have had since I came to the club.

"It is not easy for me to pick a team when so many of the players are confident and playing well but it is better to be this way than for your team to pick itself because only some of your players are playing well."

Benitez must decide whether to recall Javier Mascherano into Liverpool's midfield tomorrow or stick with Steven Gerrard and Xabi Alonso in the centre.

Fernando Torres and Ryan Babel picked up minor knocks in the Champions League victory over PSV Eindhoven in midweek but both are available to play.

Daniel Agger continues to push for a starting berth while Albert Riera could start against the club he spent six months on-loan at in 2006.

City are sweating on the fitness of centre-back Richard Dunne after he missed Thursday's Uefa Cup victory over Omonia Nicosia with a hamstring problem. Tal Ben Haim will deputise if needed.

Martin Petrov is pushing for a recall to the starting line-up while the most expensive player in British football history, Robinho, will start.


PROBABLE TEAM LINE-UPS:

Manchester City from: Hart, Zabaleta, Richards, Dunne, Ben Haim, Garrido, Ball, Elano, Kompany, Ireland, Hamann, Fernandes, Petrov, Wright-Phillips, Robinho, Jo, Schmeichel, Evans, Sturridge, Glauber, Etuhu.

Liverpool from: Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher, Agger, Hyypia, Skrtel, Aurelio, Dossena, Babel, Gerrard, Mascherano, Alonso, Benayoun, Riera, Torres, Kuyt, Keane, Lucas, Cavalieri.

City The Acid Test Of Ability To Sustain Title Quest

How apt that Steven Gerrard’s 100th goal for the club would be a screamer at the Kop end?

After bringing hope in the late 90s, then being key in delivering a glut of trophies in the noughties, Gerrard has been undoubtedly the shining light at Anfield over the last decade, and now possibly of all time.

But as things stand in 2008, the fact is that he is finally with a bunch of players who can also conjure up moments of magic.

In Fernando Torres, Robbie Keane, Ryan Babel and Albert Riera, Liverpool possess an attacking pool that finally looks like they could smash the London-Manchester league dominance.

The season so far has been impressive, and the strength in depth really is coming to the fore. Inevitably the media are picking up on this as testified by the daily rumours on Daniel Agger.

This is obviously a problem with big squads but I hope that Agger bides his time and when he does get his chance, he takes it, his ability to link defence with midfield can be a pleasure to watch.

The Champions League is as ever a big lure for fans but the league remains our first love and going top last Saturday, albeit for a few hours, felt so good.

The Stoke result still niggles but the professional way that Everton were dispatched took everyone’s minds of it.

Torres showed that he is a class act once again, and you wouldn’t swap this guy for anyone in the world.

For Torres also read, Gerrard, Carragher and Mascherano and you can start to see that this team is becoming a force.

The clash at Eastlands will however be a real acid test. Man City and their attacking abilities will represent one the biggest challenges thus far for our rearguard. But at the other end of the pitch I hope that Robbie Keane can now bag his first Premier League goal.

With the ever-improving Riera facing his former side, it’s time for Liverpool to get ruthless if they really are serious about bringing number 19 back home.

Rafa: Riera Just Revving Up

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez says that he is pleased with what summer signing Albert Riera has managed to produce thus far, but insists that there is much more still to come from the former Espanyol ace.

Riera arrived at Anfield just prior to the close of the transfer window, and he has wasted little time settling into the Premier League.

The Spanish winger was highly impressive on debut against Manchester United, his touchline play during the 2-1 victory instantly demonstrating what the Reds have lacked on the left flank in recent years.

"It's too early to judge Albert properly," said Benitez on the club's official website. "He's been playing well and the team has been playing well also, but I think that he will improve.

"Players need time to settle down, but because he knows the Premier League it has made it easier for him. But we'll be expecting more from him."

Many were skeptical of the 26-year-old's quality given his failed stint at Manchester City, but tomorrow's match against his former side could be a perfect opportunity for him to prove that he has blossomed into a top player.

Alonso Admits Summer Sorrow

Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso has admitted that the treatment he received from the club over the summer still leaves a sour taste.

The Spain international looked set to leave Anfield with Rafa Benitez apparently happy to part with his services to raise funds for the proposed signing of Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry.

Alonso came close to joining Juventus, while Arsenal were also credited with an interest in his services, but he remained on Merseyside as Villa rejected all advances from the Reds for England international Barry.

The gifted midfielder never wanted to move away from Merseyside and is happy to have remained part of Benitez's first-team plans.

Alonso told the Daily Express: "I prefer not to think too much about how I was treated. It was a new situation for me, something I had never experienced before.

"It is a fact that any player can be really happy where he is but, if the club don't want him, he has to accept it. There is not much you can do.

"It is not always easy to detach yourself from things like that, but I accept it is part of football and the main thing is it was all resolved and I am now playing regularly.

"I was really pleased that I was able to continue my Liverpool career."

Liverpool have made an impressive unbeaten start to the season and Alonso believes they have the potential to challenge for honours at home and abroad.

He added: "With the team we have got and the spirit of the fans, it could be the right time to win things.

"But I prefer not to say it very loudly. We have to be cautious about making any predictions at this stage of the season. We know there is pressure because we haven't won anything for two years - but we impose that pressure on ourselves.

"We are responsible for the successes and failures of this club and we are more than happy to take that responsibility."

Kuyt Happy To Play Team Game

For Liverpool's Dirk Kuyt, goal scoring has become a hit-and-miss situation - hit in the Champions League, miss in the Premier League.

The Dutchman finds himself in the remarkable position of failing to score in the top flight in 26 appearances dating back to Liverpool's 3-0 win at Newcastle last November.

But in Europe, it is a totally different story. His opener in the 3-1 group-stage victory over PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday was his 10th in his last 16 Champions League ties.

Kuyt has scored 15 in 72 league games for Liverpool, and 12 in 31 cup ties.

The 28-year-old finds those figures hard to explain, but insists he does not care who scores for Liverpool as long as they win and he has been able to contribute to the team effort.

Boss Rafael Benitez consistently says the same, highlighting Kuyt's amazing work rate, which suggests the likeable Holland international will be in the thick of the action on Sunday at Eastlands against Manchester City.

It has not helped Kuyt's strike rate that he has been converted virtually to a right-sided midfielder by Benitez.

But the former Feyenoord forward said: "I scored again in Europe in midweek, and it does not matter what competition it is as far as I am concerned. That was my 10th in 16 European matches, but they are just goals to me.

"We have started well this season, we are in the top two in the Premier League and have six points in the Champions League. That is the most important thing.

"Winning games is the only thing that matters, not who scores them. But I have confidence that I will score more goals in the Premier League.

"For me, if I get an assist rather than a goal, it does not matter too much. It is still a goal."

Kuyt has slotted into his wide role with an uncomplaining attitude, saying: "I like it there. It allows me to make goals and to score them too.

"It is more important for me to play as part of the team. It does not matter what position that is, as a striker or on the right.

"If Rafa asked me to play full-back that would not be a problem, it is his decision. But I'm not sure how well I would do there, though!

"But I would do whatever he asks because you are a professional and all you can do is get on with it."

His hard-working style means Benitez uses that attribute in a role that sometimes sees Kuyt playing outside the box. He continued: "My goals target has changed a little because you do not get as many chances playing in the role I have now.

"You have other jobs to do when you are out on the right, goals are not the main target for me this season, it is honours that I want."

And he has no intention of leaving, despite transfer window speculation of interest from Hamburg. Benitez said of that: "Maybe in 10 years."

Kuyt added: "When you play for Liverpool it is impossible to find a better club anywhere in the world."

Which brings Kuyt onto Manchester City, and some wild, initial, suggestions from their new Arab owners that the likes of Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard were on their wish-list.

Kuyt commented on that: "I don't think any players from Liverpool would want to join Manchester City because Liverpool is a much bigger club. It won't be easy for City if they try to sign really big players.

"It's possible, but if you want the ones who are already playing for the big clubs, that's the difficult thing."

Alonso Keeping Quiet On Title Talk

Xabi Alonso is refusing to get carried away by Liverpool's impressive start to the season and says he is keeping his feet firmly on the ground.

Rafa Benitez's men have yet to taste defeat this season and could go top of the league with victory at Manchester City on Sunday should other results go their way.

Liverpool cruised to a 3-1 midweek victory over PSV in the Champions League at Anfield, while they have also beaten Manchester United and Everton in recent weeks.

And although Alonso reckons the Reds can launch a title challenge, he is remaining cautious ahead of the clash against Mark Hughes' City side.

"With the team we have got and the spirit of the fans, it could be the right time to win things," he told the Daily Express.

"But I prefer not to say it very loudly. We have to be cautious about making any predictions at this stage of the season. We know there is pressure because we haven't won anything for two years - but we impose that pressure on ourselves.

"We are responsible for the successes and failures of this club and we are more than happy to take that responsibility."

U18s Rally To Claim Fifth Straight Win

Liverpool under-18s fought back from two goals down to snatch a deserved 4-2 victory in a pulsating clash with Wolves at the Academy.

The Reds had gone into the match hoping to extend their winning streak to five matches but that looked like being an almost impossible target when the visitors raced into a 2-0 lead after just 16 minutes.

However, Hughie McAuley's men rallied and they were level by the half hour mark courtesy of goals from Lauri Dalla Valle and Astrit Ajdarevic.

The Reds then looked the more likely side to win it throughout a tense second period and they eventually got the goal they deserved seven minutes from time courtesy of substitute James Ellison's wonderful 25 yard drive.

Marvin Pourie then rubbed salt in the away side's wounds with a stoppage time fourth.

It was a devastating blow for Wolves who made a bright start to the proceedings and could have taken the lead as early as the first minute when James Davis fired a warning shot from 20 yards just over Martin Hansen's crossbar.

It served as a taster for what was to follow for much of the first-half as the Reds struggled to come to terms with the away side's counter-attacking style.

The home side were lacking their usual rhythm and they had barely had time to settle into the contest when they found themselves behind after just four minutes.

Wolves were awarded a corner on the right hand side and when the Liverpool defence failed to pick up Jamie Reckford on the edge of the penalty area, the defender duly punished them by nodding the ball into the six yard box for Michael Wardle to drill the ball through Hansen's legs.

It was a shock to the system for the hosts who had gone into the clash in buoyant mood on the back of series of impressive performances. But in the early stages they were always second best and it came as no surprise when the away side doubled their advantage on 16 minutes when Sam Winnall smashed a superb 25 yarder beyond the despairing dive of Hansen.

At this point it looked like the visitors would run away with it and had Kyle Bennett steered his effort two inches lower he would have been celebrating their third on 22 minutes.

However, the winger was instead left to curse a miss of the season contender after Hansen's inability to deal with a corner from the right saw him crash the ball off the crossbar from all of two yards.

It was the let off that seemed to spark Liverpool into life and two minutes later they were back in it courtesy of another Lauri Dalla Valle strike.

The 17-year-old signed pro forms with the club last week and marked the occasion in style with another fine finish from just inside the area.

It was a goal that changed the entire complexion of the game and the hosts inevitably poured forward before drawing level on the half hour mark.

A Wolves corner was flicked into the path of Tom Ince, who quickly found Dalla Valle on the left as Liverpool looked to play the visitors at their own game with a swift counter-attack.

The Finnish striker moved purposefully towards goal before cutting inside and teeing up Astrit Ajdarevic who thundered home a trademark effort to cap a remarkable six minute turnaround and send Liverpool in level at the break.

Both sides made an attempt to tighten up at the back following the interval and it wasn't until the 55th minute that the first real chance of any note fell Liverpool's way, but David Amoo's powerful cross-shot flew inches wide of the far post.

Substitute James Ellison then had a deflected header tipped over the bar by Richard Woolley, before finally getting the better of the Wolves stopper with a sensational strike that flew into the top corner on 83 minutes.

Wolves tried to respond but in doing so left space at the back and Pourie pounced in injury-time to make sure of the three points.

Liverpool under 18s: Hansen, Scott, Buchtmann, Metcalf, Kennedy, Ajdarevic, Amoo, Roberts (O'Connor 79), Dalla Valle, Pourie, Ince (Ellison 65). Unused subs: Duyan.

Gerrard Will Never Leave Liverpool, Says Benitez

Rafael Benitez has told Steven Gerrard he can score 20 goals a season for the next five years to double his current century of goals for Liverpool.

The Anfield boss, who has ruled out any thought from Manchester City that Gerrard would ever consider moving there despite their new-found wealth, has big plans himself for his skipper's future.

Gerrard scored his 100th for the club in Wednesday's Champions League win over PSV Eindhoven.

And he will lead unbeaten Liverpool tomorrow against the club now dubbed the richest in the world since their takeover by the Abu Dhabi United Group, whose new owners claim they want to sign the 28 year-old.

And Benitez says: 'Steven is young still, he has to score maybe 20 goals a season for five years, but he can do it.

'If he has no injuries he can do it. He is more mature now, he knows what to do on the pitch, he can score at that level.

'He is enjoying his football now at his age. The quality that he had is really improving.

'I rate Gerrard amongst the very best offensive midfielder in the world, maybe there are only four or five players in his role in the world who are as good.

'The key is that he wants to stay here, that is the most important thing. It is not a question of money.

'He has a commitment with the club and the fans, and as a local lad he would prefer to stay here.

'This is his club. He is a key player for us and he is happy here. We are improving every year and he knows that we can win trophies. That is the most important thing.

'You never know about other players, they are professionals and this is football. But Gerrard is playing well and if we are improving he will be very, very happy here.'

Liverpool have Javier Mascherano back in contention to start, having been rested against PSV.

Keane Says Leaving Spurs Was Right Decision

Liverpool striker Robbie Keane says he was correct in leaving the lily whites to join the Reds this summer.

Robbie Keane who so often found the net for Tottenham Hotspur joined Liverpool in a £20million over the summer but only opened his Red account in 'Pool's midweek Champions League clash over PSV.

The Republic of Ireland international claims he was right in leaving Spurs to further his career and challenge for top honours. While Tottenham are languishing at the foot of the table with only two points, Liverpool are flourishing near the head; are undefeated; and have already enjoyed derby day and Manchester United victories.

Keane told the club's official website: "I knew I was making the right move, I always knew it was right for me. This is why I came to Liverpool... to challenge for the big honours."

"Since I've come here everyone at the whole club has been great to me. The fans have been fantastic and hopefully I've paid them back a little bit now," he said reflecting on his first goal.

"It's nice to get the first one out of the way because it stops people talking about it. That's been the annoying thing because as a player I don't worry about it."

"I know I'll score goals and I don't get myself down about it when it doesn't happen. But now I'm getting more confident every game and I know more goals will come."

Rafa To Kill Off Rotation Policy

Rafa Benitez has conceded that his rotation policy may have been detrimental to Liverpool's past title chances and admits that he will now keep a spine of a team together.

In seasons gone by Rafa Benitez has been criticised for his rotation policy as his constant tinkering has long been believed to be responsible for Liverpool's erratic form.

Decisions to drop key personnel such as Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres proved costly as the Reds dropped points in games they should have won.

Liverpool are enjoying an unbeaten start this season and Benitez has conceded that if he wants that to continue then he will need to ax his policy of rotation in favour of keeping a team spine together.

"We have the experience of last season... I won’t make many changes. If some players are on fire, maybe it is a good moment to keep them playing," he is quoted by KopTV as saying.

"Normally we try to check how the players are physically, mentally and also how the team is tactically – and then we decide whether we will change more or less players," he continued.

"But now we are in a good position so I do not think that I will change too many. When some players are playing well, but are tired, you say ‘okay maybe we will have to keep them in.’ But then you play them, they are tired and you have to change them in a game!"

"You never know. If you win, you can say ‘okay fantastic decision,’ but I don’t think I will change too many players."

"When we were analysing things this week we knew we had four days between the Everton match and this one and four days between this match and the Manchester City game. Three days is not enough, four days is better."

Kuyt Unworried About Barren Prem Run

Dirk Kuyt says as long as Liverpool are winning then his own goal-scoring record is erroneous.

Dutchman Dirk Kuyt has developed a habit of scoring goals in Europe, but struggles to find the net in the Premier League, while kitting out in the famous Liverpool red.

The forward added to his Champions League haul on Wednesday night with one of Liverpool's three goals against PSV Eindhoven.

Kuyt though insists that as long as Liverpool are winning his own ability to score goals is irrelevant, and told the club's official website:

"A lot of people talk about scoring goals in the Champions League or Premier League, but for me it's just about winning the games. We have made a really good start to the season here at Liverpool. We're joint top of the league and have six points in the Champions League. This is the most important thing.

"We can talk every week about goals but the most important thing is winning games. I know I'll score goals in the Premier League but to me, whether or not I get an assist or a goal, it doesn't matter that much. I just want to win games."

"It's always special to play and score against a side from your own country. I think PSV are the best side in Holland and have been for a few years," he added.

"I had a bit of luck after the corner but sometimes you need that to score a goal... I don't think we played our best game but we were in control for 90 minutes. PSV aren't the same side they were a few years ago but they are still a decent team."

"Tonight we passed the ball very well and deserved to win the game and it's quite different from last year. That is what we wanted, that is what we talked about," he continued.

Regarding team-mate Robbie Keane opening his Liverpool account, Kuyt said: "It was great to see Robbie get his first goal and see how happy he was. He deserved it. He has played really well in these last few games for Liverpool and I am sure he will score a lot more for us."

Mascherano Ready For Robinho War

Liverpool's gritty Argentinian midfielder Javier Mascherano is relishing the prospect of another battle with Manchester City's Brazilian trickster Robinho.

Javier Mascherano claims that he knows all about Manchester City forward Robinho as the pair faced each other numerous times while excelling through the youth ranks for their respective nations: Argentina; and Brazil.

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has said that Mascherano was rested in the midweek Champions League clash with PSV Eindhoven so that he would be fresh for the side's City of Manchester Stadium visit, and Mascherano said he is relishing the opportunity to come up against his old foe.

"I have played against him many times," Mascherano explained to Liverpoolfc.tv. "I know him and he's a fantastic player with a lot of quality. Obviously the Premier League is the most difficult league, so maybe he'll find it tough."

"Having said this, he's already played some good games there," he continued. "We know they have a good team and they're stronger than last year, obviously. They have a good manager and are improving a little bit more than before.

"I remember all our games at Man City have been very difficult. We need to be very careful but of course we need to win if we want to stay at the top of the table."

"If you want to fight for the Premier League you can't lose many points. We know it'll be difficult to win there but I am confident we have the players to win," he concluded.