Match Report: LiverpooL 0 - 0 West Ham United

Liverpool again wasted a chance to take a commanding lead at the top of the Premier League as brave West Ham produced a minor miracle of their own at Anfield.

It is 45 years since they have won at this stadium, so this first point in nine years at Liverpool was a fine achievement.

West Ham have never been known for their defensive reliability at Liverpool, but they were magnificent as they stretched an unbeaten run to three games.

At the back goalkeeper Robert Green, England defender Matthew Upson and Welshman James Collins stood defiant.

And another Welshman, former Liverpool man Craig Bellamy, came close to breaking the deadlock with a 30-yard shot which crashed against a post.

Liverpool are back on top of the table, but by only one point, and this disappointing display follows hot on the heels of an identical result achieved by Fulham here in the previous home league game.

The Reds dominated, but West Ham repelled the waves of attacks as they grabbed a crucial point in their own battle for survival.

Liverpool called in veteran defender Sami Hyypia and former West Ham winger Yossi Benayoun, keen to take advantage of Chelsea's defeat by Arsenal 24 hours earlier.

Robbie Keane and Andrea Dossena replaced the injured pair of Fernando Torres and Fabio Aurelio, with Daniel Agger and Javier Mascherano rested to the bench.

West Ham, without a win at Anfield since 1963, brought in Hayden Mullins in midfield for ankle injury victim Lee Bowyer, in the only change from the side that won at Sunderland last time out.

Mark Noble returned to the Hammers bench after a knee injury, while Diego Tristan made his first appearance in the squad since he joined on trial two months ago.

Liverpool had two early penalty appeals turned down by referee Peter Walton when both Benayoun and then Dirk Kuyt drove the ball at Herita Ilunga from close range.

West Ham had looked nervy, and after 14 minutes Green raced from his line to punch weakly away. The ball fell to Albert Riera whose shot was blocked in the six-yard box by James Collins.

Then from a right-wing corner, Hyypia rose to head narrowly over the bar. The Liverpool pressure increased and Mullins was booked after 19 minutes when he tripped Benayoun in full flow.

Two minutes later another header from Hyypia was kicked off the line by Ilunga.

West Ham's only shot until this point had been a weak long-range effort from Julien Faubert, scooped up by Jose Reina.

But Liverpool kept plugging away, showing the sort of patience in such situations that Benitez called for after the stalemate against Fulham nine days earlier.

Steven Gerrard worked his way in from the right and fired into the sidenetting, before Bellamy - on his return to Anfield after moving to West Ham 17 months ago - almost broke the deadlock.

Bellamy picked up possession and unleashed a fine, swerving drive which crashed against Reina's right-hand post and bounced across goal to safety.

Then Green made a fine point-blank save from Kuyt's header following Xabi Alonso's corner, two minutes from the break.

Kuyt and Keane both saw shots go wide as Liverpool opened the second half on the attack. But Bellamy was still a danger for West Ham, and after running past Hyypia he was body-checked by Alonso, the Spaniard being booked.

Then Green produced a stunning save to turn over a Benayoun drive, before Alonso volleyed fiercely over from a squared Gerrard free-kick.

Four minutes later the ineffective Keane was replaced by French striker David Ngog.

West Ham fancied their chances, breaking out of defence after 67 minutes and winning a corner. And when Bellamy curled it towards the near post, Carlton Cole headed inches wide.

Liverpool then sent on Ryan Babel for Riera after 78 minutes, with West Ham by that stage hanging on as the pressure mounted.

Hyypia headed just wide from a Gerrard corner, the Kop behind Green's goal demanding that Liverpool attack more.

West Ham sent on Luis Boa Morte for Faubert with six minutes left.

Green then produced another fine save from a close-range Kuyt effort following Gerrard's deep cross.

Bellamy and Parker created a chance for Boa Morte on the break, but he sliced his effort wide. Babel then broke to see a shot deflected over.

Xabi Alonso Finally Commits Future To Liverpool

The Spanish playmaker has reached a moment of clarity and has revealed he has no plans to leave Anfield.

As Liverpool battled Aston Villa to try and prise away skipper Gareth Barry by any means necessary, Xabi Alonso was left to feel very much like Robinho was by Real Madrid as they chased Cristiano Ronaldo all summer long.

Los Blancos' neglect of their own has cost them dearly. The Brazilian left the Spanish champions and is now realising his full potential in a more prominent role in a Manchester City side that will have unlimited resources with which to strengthen the squad to launch an assault on the Champions League qualification spots and announce themselves on the world stage.

Liverpool got a little luckier. Xabi Alonso was certainly eager to leave and on several occasions, albeit subtly, talked up the interest from Italian giants Juventus. However, as the Reds failed in their bid to buy Barry, Xabi showed a little more faith than Robinho did at Madrid and, instead of forcing his way out to make a point, stuck with the club and has since had a promising return to form this season.

With Xabi on form, Liverpool have a chance to go three points clear at the top of the league this evening with a win over West Ham United. A much more at-ease Alonso spoke exclusively to Setanta Sports and revealed he had yet more good news for Reds fans. "At some stage my future was not clear, I was wondering what was going to happen because there were propositions, but I prefer to move on," he said.

"Of course the fans’ backing was a massive boost because they let me know they wanted me to stay.

"Of course I can see myself here for more years to come.

"I have a lot of very good examples to follow – I am very close friends with Sami Hyypia, he is a foreigner having a great career at Liverpool, and Didi Haman became important as a Liverpool player as well."

The Euro 2008 winner underlined his belief in this current squad and their ability to win Liverpool's first league title in almost two decades. "The team is in a good shape, is being consistent, which is what we wanted, but we have a lot of things to do still," he continued.

Is this Liverpool's best chance at league glory since Alonso has been at the club? "Yes absolutely," was his defiant answer.

"We have never been closer to the top at this stage of the season, this is probably the best Premier League start I’ve ever had at Liverpool, but you have to be conscious and think about West Ham."

Alonso signed for Liverpool from Real Sociedad in 2004, as one of Rafa Benitez's first new recruits upon his appointment as Reds manager.

Andrea Dossena: I'll Keep Working To Prove Myself At Liverpool FC

BY his own admission – and pretty much everyone else’s for that matter – Andrea Dossena has not enjoyed a dream start to his Liverpool career.

When he was signed for a club record fee for a defender in the summer, hopes were high that the £7m man would make the left back position his own and give the Reds a whole new dimension in that position.

It hasn’t quite worked out like that though. Not so far anyway.

Up to now, the positives have been outweighed by the negatives as Dossena has struggled to adapt to a new style of football and repeat the kind of form which makes him a fixture in the Italian national squad and which encouraged Rafa Benitez to bring him to Anfield.

There are those who have written him off already as an expensive mistake that Liverpool could ill afford to make in a season in which they were expected to challenge for the title, but the man himself is refusing to give up and firmly believes that his form will improve as soon as he gets used to English football.

“The thing that I have discovered is that the game is much, much quicker here than it is in Italy,” said the 27-year-old.

“In Serie A, you get more time on the ball, there is more time to play and the game is more tactical, but in the Premier League as soon as you get the ball there is a player trying to take it from you.

“The pace of the game does take some getting used to and that is what I am trying to do by working hard in training and in games whenever I get the chance.”

Dossena certainly cannot be faulted for his attitude, nor can he be accused of lacking the heart for a battle. Things may not be going as well as he would have wanted, but that does not mean he has given up hope of turning his Anfield career around.

But with Liverpool looking to cement their place at the top of the table, Benitez has not been able to give Dossena the playing time he needs if he is to be able to find his feet.

Fabio Aurelio has made the left back spot his own and Dossena has increasingly had to settle for a place on the subs’ bench.

That was until last Wednesday, when the Brazilian’s fragile calf muscle again failed him and Dossena was given the entire second half to stake his claim for a place in the side.

Though disappointed for his injured team mate, the former Udinese man was delighted to get some time on the pitch and is hoping Aurelio’s injury will lead to him being given another chance to make a positive impression in tonight’s clash with West Ham at Anfield.

“I was happy to play against Marseille and I was happy with the result that the team got and also with our qualification to the next round of the Champions League because that was the most important thing for us,” he said.

“But it also gave me a chance to improve my feeling within the team and that is important for me.

“I work hard every day and I have been waiting for the manager to call on me, so when he did I was very happy.

“Now I hope I will get another chance but for that to happen I know I will have to work hard in every training session and try to improve my understanding with my team mates so I can improve and feel more confident on the pitch.”

There can be no doubting Dossena’s commitment to the cause and the Italian international insists he is content with life on Merseyside.

“I am very happy at Liverpool,” he said. “I like football in England and I believe that I can adapt to the Premier League.

“At the start of the season I found it very difficult because never before had I played so many games in such a short space of time. But now I talk regularly with the boss and with the physios and I am doing some things differently to try and improve my level.

“There are different demands on me here than I have ever had anywhere else. At Udinese, my place in the team was secure but at Liverpool there is so much quality in the squad that this cannot be the case. But I remain happy here and I will fight for my place.”

If selected for the visit of the Hammers, Dossena will come across a couple of familiar faces that he knows well from his time in Italy.

Recently appointed West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola needs no introduction but Valon Behrami, a former team mate of Dossena’s at Verona, is less known in this country despite the positive impact he has made at Upton Park in his debut season in English football.

Last week, Behrami scored the winner as West Ham recorded their second away win of the season and Dossena is hoping to follow his friend’s example by finding his feet in the Premier League.

He said: “Behrami is doing a good job for his new team and that is what I am trying to do at Liverpool.

“We know that West Ham will not be an easy game because there is no such thing in the Premier League.

“We saw this against Fulham and against Wigan. They were low down in the table but gave us very difficult games and with West Ham being in mid-table it will probably be even more difficult

“But we are Liverpool and we must win every single game.”

He may not have got to grips with English football yet, but Andrea Dossena clearly understands what is expected of a Liverpool player.

Rafa Benitez: Ryan Babel Must Work Harder For Liverpool

The injury to Fernando Torres has handed two other Liverpool strikers very different opportunities at Anfield last night.

Robbie Keane will be expected to return to the forward line against West Ham, hoping to add to his two Premier League goals this season, while Ryan Babel will be praying for the chance to show he deserves a regular run in the side, with just one Premier League start this season.

The Dutchman has figured as a substitute a number of times, but boss Rafa Benitez underlined today what he must do to secure a starting berth.

“In terms of his physical condition he can play 90 minutes,” said the Reds boss “that is not a problem.

“He is a very, very quick player so to keep the consistency, to keep the high tempo, to keep the intensity is not easy. These kind of players are normally less consistent.

“He can improve. He has to train really hard to be ready, and if he plays and plays well he will keep his place, if he plays as a substitute he has to show something and then if he has an impact he can be considered for the next game.

“He just has to work harder and try to be ready.”

Keane will almost certainly start tonight, but Benitez explained that there was no extra pressure to score goals in Torres’ absence.

“We were talking before about who will score without Torres and we have Gerrard scoring goals and Kuyt scoring goals, so we have enough quality up front,” he said.

“Clearly Robbie wants to score, and everybody is talking about it, so that creates a little bit more pressure, but he has experience and he can manage.

“He is working very hard for us. If I said I was happy with his record in front of goal clearly that is not true, but if he could score two or three goals that would be a massive difference for him and for us. He knows this and in terms of his work rate he is doing well. Hopefully he can score and we can talk about goals and work rate together.”

Another player who needs to improve his performance level is Andrea Dossena, and Benitez admitted the Italian was trying too hard to impress.

“You could see from his performance the other day that he is a little bit anxious,” he said. “He wants to impress and he was going forward with a lot of energy and determination, but he was making some mistakes in defence.

“But he made two good blocks, so he was really good in some situations defending. Going forward he did well, but his defending has to improve.

“But he is training very hard and for me that is the best thing. Remember Dossena has just arrived. When Daniel Agger arrived, people were not sure, but six months later he was one of the best centre-backs in the country. Dossena will need time and it will be easier for him in the team.

“When you want to impress, when you want to show you are good enough you can be a little anxious.

“How can you control this? With the help of your team-mates. He has played the last two seasons more as a wing-back than a full-back. He was a full-back originally, but now he has to learn again the movement of the position, different team-mates and a different manager. It’s not easy.”

George Gillett In Surprise Visit To Anfield

George Gillett yesterday visited Anfield for the first time since September.

The reasons for his surprise visit are unclear but Liverpool's co-owner spent several hours at the stadium before leaving this afternoon.

Gillett was last in Liverpool three months ago for the Reds clash with Manchester United.

On that occasion, the American watched the game from the director’s box and he was again in the box for the match between Liverpool and West Ham.

Meanwhile, reports today emerged in the USA suggesting Gillett is struggling to refinance $75m of personal debt.

The Sports Business Journal claims Gillett borrowed the money from Mill Financial in January this year and is due to be repaid next month.

The report also claims that Springfield Financial Company, which Mill Financial is a branch of, is trying to sell the debt and there has been interest in it from at least one suitor who is interested in acquiring Gillett's stake in Liverpool Football Club.

The Journal believes Gillett himself is trying to buy the debt with the help of investors.

Rafa Benitez Urges Liverpool Fans To Cut The Boos After West Ham Draw

Misfiring Liverpool blew their chance to turn up the title heat last night. But Rafa Benitez told fans to cut the jeers and instead enjoy being top of the league.

His men edged ahead of Chelsea by a point after this drab stalemate with a determined West Ham.

But a second goalless draw in a row brought boos from the Kop at the end. Hammers supporters joined in by chanting, "Top of the league, you're having a laugh".

Despite dropping two points on a night when Steven Gerrard marked his 10th anniversary in lacklustre fashion - one of his attempts on goal saw him miss the ball completely - Benitez said: "The crowd can be disappointed after a draw at home, but we're top of the league.

"We've a point more than Chelsea and if we win at Blackburn we stay top. If we win all of the time, the other teams have to win too."

Liverpool made little impression against a Hammers side who defended doggedly and who came nearest to scoring when Craig Bellamy hit a post.

Yossi Benayoun had a shot superbly saved by Robert Green as Gianfranco Zola's side kept a third successive clean sheet.

Hammers defender Matthew Upson said: "It's a massive result, another clean sheet and we could have nicked something.

"He (Zola) stuck to his beliefs. He was under a bit of pressure to change things.

"He has us more organised and drilled."

Liverpool Will Not Move For Michael Owen In January, Says Rafael Benitez

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has ruled out making a move for Newcastle's Michael Owen in the January transfer window.

Owen is out of a contract in June and speculation of a move back to Anfield has been rife over recent weeks. But Benitez made no hesitations after his side's goalless draw against West Ham to set the record straight.

"We will have Fernando Torres back soon," he said. "And I can assure everyone that clearly we are not going for Michael Owen. Clearly."

The Owen issue put to rest; Benitez did admit that despite being top of the league, his side were suffering a crisis of confidence. Having only scored six goals in their last six home matches, the Spaniard said: "There is a lack of confidence in front of goal from some players.

"We need to keep creating chances. It's a question of confidence.

"I'm sure if we score the first goal in this kind of game we'll score a lot of them, but you have to keep on creating the chances."

With club co-owner George Gillett at Anfield for the match against West Ham, Benitez was inevitably asked how talks regarding his contract are going.

"There is no news yet on the contract," he said. "George Gillett is here, we are waiting for further communication, we do not have that yet.

"We will finish our conversations soon and start thinking about football."

Rafael Benitez Awaits Liverpool Contract Talks

Rafa Benitez is getting itchy as he anticipates the long-awaited talks over his contract extension.

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has been trying to force contract discussions for some time now, as he wants his Anfield future secured before Christmas.

Now, he seems to have been granted his wish, as co-owner George Gillett was at Anfield on Monday evening, joining Tom Hicks in the director’s box.

Although the dire 0-0 draw with West Ham United could end up being costly in the title race - 'Pool could have gone three points clear of Chelsea at the Premier League summit - Rafa now fully expects to sit down for talks.

The boss affirmed after the match: "George Gillett is here, but there is no news yet on the contract.

"We are waiting for further communication; we do not have that yet. We will finish our conversations soon and start thinking about football."

It's true that an air of uncertainty hangs over Anfield at the moment. The contract talks with Liverpool's controversial owners and the club's activity in the January transfer window could calm a few nerves, though.

Match Preview: LiverpooL vs. West Ham United

Liverpool will be looking to return to their dominant best when they play host to West Ham United on Matchday 15 of the Barclays Premier League. A repeat of the result in last season’s corresponding fixture would suit the Anfield club just fine, but they will be missing a crucial contributor.

Fernando Torres was the name being bellowed by the Kop when these two teams last met on Merseyside, and with good reason. The Spanish striker, in the midst of an astonishing debut term in England, put on what remains one of his most impressive displays in a red shirt – be it for Liverpool or La Furia Roja. He combined stunningly with Steven Gerrard all evening and scored a beautifully taken hat-trick as the Reds romped to a 4-0 victory.

But while the skipper is back in action after an injury lay-off, Torres will sit out having suffered a reoccurrence of the hamstring problem which has plagued him all year. The 24-year-old had just made his way back from a three-week spell on the sidelines, and this latest setback is both frustrating and worrying for manager Rafael Benitez. The last thing Liverpool need is for their new idol to turn into another Harry Kewell, after all.

However, El Niño’s absence could be a blessing in disguise, as it has proven to be at times during the early part of the campaign. Whereas the team relied heavily on Torres and Gerrard to haul them out of trouble last season, the rest of the squad has stepped up during their stints on the treatment table. Xabi Alonso has firmly re-established himself at the heart of midfield, while Dirk Kuyt has vindicated Benitez’s persistence with him by scoring crucial goals and making a right nuisance of himself whether on the flank or up front.

Javier Mascherano is another hard-working player at Rafa’s disposal, and one who has become a central figure since his controversial move from West Ham in 2007. But the Argentine battler stressed during the week that he will have not the slightest pang of guilt as he sets about dispatching his former club.

"I don't feel anything for West Ham," he said. "It's nothing in my life because I couldn't play when I was there. They are just another team in the Premier League. "

Mascherano’s team-mates should strive for a similarly ruthless mindset, as they now have the chance to claim the outright lead in the league after Chelsea’s defeat to Arsenal. The Hammers aren’t pushovers, but their form on the road is less than encouraging.

West Ham’s 1-0 win at Sunderland last Sunday raised their away tally to seven points from as many games – a decidedly disappointing stat which has played a big part in their tumultuous start to the season.

Apart from coughing up points whenever they set foot outside Upton Park, the Irons have also lost a manager, a shirt sponsor and a hell of a lot of money during the first few months of the 2008-09 campaign. That situation could become catastrophic if they lose their legal battle with Sheffield United over the Carlos Tevez saga, as the Blades are demanding over €30 million in damages.

Things began to look up when Gianfranco Zola was appointed to take over the reins after Alan Curbishley’s controversial departure in August. A 4-1 drubbing of Blackburn Rovers was as good start as the Italian could have hoped for, but six defeats in the 11 games since have left the Londoners lying just two points above the drop zone in 15th place.

West Ham hard for their win at the Stadium of Light, and they will no doubt bring a similar level of endeavour to Liverpool. But the men from Green Street will have their work cut out as they seek to overturn a simply abominable record at Anfield. They have tasted defeat on their last seven visits to the Kop, their last point coming in 1999 when Frank Lampard and Marc Keller helped them to a 2-2 draw. Their last win was in 1963.

Zola and his charges would no doubt be happy to hop on the coach home on Monday evening with a point in their pockets. A draw would not only help the Hammers inch further from the bottom three, but it would also put pressure on Rafa Benitez after their goalless draw with the Cottagers last weekend.


FORM GUIDE

Liverpool

Nov 26 Liverpool 1-0 Marseille (CL)

Nov 22 Liverpool 0-0 Fulham (PL)

Nov 15 Bolton 0-2 Liverpool (PL)

Nov 12 Tottenham 4-2 Liverpool (CC)

Nov 08 Liverpool 3-0 West Brom (PL)

West Ham

Nov 23 Sunderland 0-1 West Ham (PL)

Nov 15 West Ham 0-0 Portsmouth (PL)

Nov 08 West Ham 1-3 Everton (PL)

Nov 01 Middlesbrough 1-1 West Ham (PL)

Oct 29 Manchester United 2-0 West Ham (PL)


TEAM NEWS

Liverpool

Fernando Torres misses out, while Steven Gerrard returned against Marseille after missing the Fulham game with a groin problem. Dirk Kuyt could move up front, while Robbie Keane, Ryan Babel and youngster David N’Gog are also options.

It will surprise no-one that Fabio Aurelio is injured, meaning under-fire Italian defender Andrea Dossena should come in at left-back.

Possible XI: Reina – Dossena, Agger, Carragher, Arbeloa – Mascherano, Alonso – Reira, Gerrard, Kuyt – Keane

West Ham

While Dean Ashton and Danny Gabbidon remain long-term absentees, the Hammers have been buoyed by several players returning to training. Mark Noble and Jonathan Spector are on the comeback trail, but neither is likely to feature on Monday. Kieron Dyer is also nearing a return to action after breaking his leg early last season.

Scott Parker was laid up with a virus during the week, but he is expected to line up in midfield as per usual.

David Di Michele and Luis Boa Morte starred in a reserves win over Portsmouth on Tuesday and could be called up for the trip to the North West.

Possible XI: Green – Neill, Collins, Upson, Ilunga – Faubert, Parker, Mullins, Bowyer, Behrami – Cole


PLAYERS TO WATCH

Liverpool

The captain, the match winner, Steven Gerrard. Liverpool’s favourite son stepped up to the plate on his return to action to steer his side to victory against Marseille, his first-half header proving the difference. The 28-year-old ran riot in the corresponding clash last term, and he is well capable of dishing out an encore performance.

West Ham

If Liverpool click, it could be a busy night for Hammers ‘keeper Robert Green. The former Norwich City player hasn’t kept too many clean sheets this season, but his marvellous shot-stopping has saved his side on more than a few occasions. Unlucky to be overlooked for England selection recently.

Benitez Wants To Bring Owen Back To Liverpool

Liverpool are lining up a £2 million swoop for former Kop idol Michael Owen in January, a move that the England international is likely to favour ahead of offers from Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City, according to the News of the World.

With the future of Newcastle United as yet undecided due to Mike Ashley's failure to find a buyer for the club, Owen is one of just a number of players tipped to leave St James' Park.

While current incumbent Joe Kinnear has repeatedly stated his desire to keep hold of the striker's services, Rafa Benitez is keeping tabs on Owen as he looks to bolster Liverpool's Premier League title bid, and he is aware that a cut-price deal could suffice with the 28-year old entering the final six months of his contract.

Benitez would be required to sell first, with Jermaine Pennant cited as one player who could leave Anfield, but rumours suggest the Spaniard has now placed Owen ahead of original target Emile Heskey.

“I don’t know how much I can spend because we have not really talked about it," Benitez said.
“It could be OK if I bring nobody in but I might be able to sell some players. It depends on the interest.”

Several first-teams at Liverpool are also approaching the end of their current deal, including Dirk Kuyt, Daniel Agger and Fabio Aurelio, and Benitez added that his main priority is to secure the future of such players first.

“The first thing we want to talk about is my contract.

“Once we finalise this we can talk about the future. We have more than a couple of players that we have to decide about for the future.”

Liverpool Still Have Belief, Says Rafael Benitez

Rafael Benitez has urged Liverpool's title rivals to continue to dismiss the club's hopes of ending their 19-year wait for the league championship after insisting that recent comments from within both the Manchester United and Chelsea camps will have no destabilising effect at Anfield.

Liverpool are in second place ahead of Monday night's clash with West Ham on Merseyside, but their goalless draw at home to Fulham and another lay-off for Fernando Torres, who will be on the sidelines for three weeks, have raised doubts over Liverpool's ability to sustain a challenge for the Premier League title.

Senior players at both Stamford Bridge and Old Trafford have questioned Liverpool's credentials recently, but Benitez believes that the old Anfield tradition of allowing actions to speak louder than words will ensure his players remain in the title hunt.
Benitez said: "My message to the players is the same. We have to concentrate on our own team and on our own games.

"I cannot change what people think, I can only give my players the right message.

"After two games without playing well, people say that we are looking nervous, but we are still close to the top of the table.

"We have qualified for the next round of the Champions League, I think we are still in a fantastic position."

Liverpool Miss Out On Gareth Barry Again

Will Liverpool ever give up in their pursuit of Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry? It looks as though they may have to - at least for now.

Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry was unsuccessfully pursued three times by fellow Premier League side Liverpool during the summer transfer window. The Reds now look to have lost out a fourth time after the 27-year-old stated his intentions to remain with the Birmingham based club for the rest of the season.

Previously the Liverpool board failed to agree to Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez's £18 million valuation of Barry, but the midfielder was eager to accept any offer that was forthcoming. Now the tables appear to have turned.

Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill believes the news that Barry is staying will give the whole club a boost, and more determination to break into the top four.

Speaking to the Aston Villa official website O'Neill said, "This news will lift me, the players and hopefully, the player himself. It increases our determination to keep going and shows we are pushing in the right direction.
"This is what Gareth wants to do. It is very, very pleasing and I am delighted. We will sit down again in the summer, have a chat and see what progress we are making.

"He has given the football club fantastic service and wants to put the trauma of the summer behind him. His game is top-notch at the moment and he is playing very well.

"He wants to leave all the speculation behind him and get on with his game."

Arbeloa Happy To Shun The Limelight

FOR someone who marked no less a talent than Lionel Messi out of the game on his full Liverpool debut, recognition has been a long time coming for Alvaro Arbeloa.

While the likes of Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard claim the headlines with their important goals and similarly newsworthy injuries, the unassuming Arbeloa has gone about his business with the minimum of fuss.

It was only with his well-taken strike in injury time against West Bromwich Albion last month that the 25-year-old attracted any significant attention outside Merseyside.

Those closer to home, though, are aware of the consistently impressive performances that have enabled Arbeloa to become the regular right-back in Rafael Benitez’s side this season.

Witness the concern among Liverpool fans when Arbeloa was ruled of the trip to Bolton Wanderers a fortnight ago, given Philipp Degen is rarely outside the treatment room and young Stephen Darby remains untried in the Premier League.

Arbeloa is pragmatic enough to realise that, despite that fan fretting, he has far from star billing among the Anfield cast. But the modest Spaniard wouldn’t want it any other way.

“I’m not bothered that the Kop don’t sing my name,” he says. “We all know who the best players are, such as Fernando and Stevie, and I’m happy that the fans sing their name.

“I’m not a star in the same way as some of the other players. Stevie, Xabi and Fernando are all massive players, whereas I’m a normal player.”

Life at Anfield hasn’t always been as content for Arbeloa.

The defender admits he initially struggled to adapt to the demands of the Premier League after arriving from Deportivo La Coruna for £2.6million in January 2007.

It was perhaps a sign that his impressive first start against Messi was while operating at left-back, as Arbeloa found himself shunted back and forth across the back four throughout the first year of his Anfield career.

Only towards the end of last season did the Spaniard wrest his preferred right-back slot away from previous incumbent Steven Finnan, a position he has since kept a firm grip of to help Liverpool keep pace with Chelsea at the top of the table and eased in the knockout stages of the Champions League.

And Arbeloa believes his game has benefited from performing in a settled role.

“I did have some doubts when I first came here, but now it is much better,” he says. “I feel much more comfortable here. I am playing in my preferred position and in the same position every week.

“That is much better for my performances level because maybe when I first came here I would be playing two games on the right, five games on the left and then some games at centre-back.

“That’s good because it helps the team but it’s better for me if I can stick to one position.

“You are always happy when you can play and help the team, but you cannot do your very best when you are changing positions frequently.

“But if for example on Monday I am asked to play left-back, then it would not be a problem to me.”

There was one particular aspect of playing in defence for Liverpool that proved startlingly unique for Arbeloa.

Anyone close to the Anfield pitch will know Jamie Carragher is not shy at barking instructions at a considerable volume towards his team-mates.

And with Arbeloa often in close vicinity to the vice-caption, the Spaniard’s eardrums have taken something of a battering over the last two years.

“I know what Jamie is like!” laughs Arbeloa. “He wants to help his team-mates, and as far as I’m concerned that’s okay.

“At the beginning it was a little bit difficult to make out what he was saying, though. I’d just pretend I could understand him!

“I don’t think I’ve ever played alongside anyone quite like Jamie before. But it’s great that he is always helping me and the rest of the team.”

Arbeloa is set to make his 76th appearance for Liverpool when West Ham United visit in tonight’s Premier League encounter, with Benitez’s side looking to move clear at the top of the table after Chelsea’s 2-1 home defeat to Arsenal yesterday.

His strike against West Brom was only his second for the club – “I have to score at least one every two years!” reckons Arbeloa – but it’s in keeping goals from entering Liverpool’s goal that the defender is taking just as much satisfaction.

“I’m playing better than last season, but as always the most important thing is for me to help the team,” he says.

“I want to stay here for a lot more years if possible, if the club and Rafa want to do that. I’ve got the rest of this season under contract and then the next one, so maybe in the summer we can talk about a new deal.

“But right now, for me it isn’t that important. I just want to concentrate on doing well for this season.

“I am really happy to be here and I do not want for anything more… except some medals.”

Time For Babel & Keane To Deliver

MARVELLOUS – we make it through to the last 16 of the Champions League on Wednesday and then get the news Torres is out again for a few more weeks.

The Gerrard/Torres axis is vital to this teams’ success and we are struggling to get them both on the pitch at the same time.

It’s been said before but it’s time for some of the other players to step up.

Babel has been doing a bit of moaning about being on the bench lately and views himself as a centre forward.

Over to you then Ryan? Likewise Mr. Robbie Keane.

I was really pleased when we signed Keane, I still think he is a cracking player but he needs to be clinical in front of goal.

No flicks, no back-heels, the odd side-foot will do nicely Robbie. This weekend is both a test and an opportunity for Liverpool – and to some extent Rafa.

By the time we play this evening, Manchester United have already won their derby but at least Chelsea slipped up at home to Arsenal.

The pressure and spotlight will nevertheless be on us to deliver three points. There is now an opportunity to open up a lead at the top. Rafa’s been accused of too much caution again lately and with no Torres to call on, the team selection and the performance we produce tonight may really tell us if we have a shot at the Premier League or not. Three points are a must.

Rafael Benitez Urges Liverpool Players To Show Title Credentials

Rafael Benítez, the Liverpool manager, has urged his team to rise above the dismissive comments of Michael Ballack and others who have questioned their title-winning credentials. The Chelsea midfield player wrote off Liverpool’s chances when he said that his team were the only challengers to Manchester United’s crown, but Benítez has told his team to make their point on the pitch, where they face West Ham United at Anfield this evening.

Asked about Ballack’s comments, with the Chelsea player describing Liverpool as “a club for the Champions League”, Benítez said: “It doesn’t matter what people say. At the end of the day, it depends on the players and the team. We are at the top end of the table and we know that if we beat West Ham we will be at the top of the table for another week. I am not worried by what they say.

“My message to the players is the same. We have to concentrate on our own team and on our own games. I cannot change what people think. I can only give my players the right message. The thing for me is that the team is doing well, but it can also improve.”

Liverpool will have to make do without Fernando Torres, who has been ruled out for three weeks with a hamstring injury, but Benítez maintains that he has the players to cope without the Spain forward. “We have enough people up front with [Dirk] Kuyt, [David] Ngog, [Robbie] Keane and [Ryan] Babel,” he said. “Torres is an important player for us, so it will be different, but we have to think about solutions.”

West Ham have not won at Anfield since September 1963, but Gianfranco Zola, their manager, has urged his players to draw inspiration from their surroundings. “It’s a tough place to play, but it’s also a fantastic place to play and the crowd is magnificent,” he said. “As a player, it’s one of those matches you want to play all the time, so I hope my players feel the same.”

Carragher Snub Shocked Zola

WEST HAM boss Gianfranco Zola admits he is still shocked that Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has turned his back on England.

Kop star Carra, 30, gave up on international football in 2007 after winning 34 caps.

He quit the Three Lions set-up because he was unhappy at being included in the squad but rarely starting a game under Sven Goran Eriksson.

By contrast, Zola was often kept on the sidelines during international matches, yet never, ever thought of rejecting a call from his beloved Italy.

The Upton Park coach said: “There were times when I was disappointed – but being called into any squad was an honour.

“Carragher’s decision really surprises me. I would never say I would not play for Italy. You just don’t.”

Zola is eyeing the clash with Liverpool as a game he insists West Ham can win.

He has fond memories of playing in front of the Kop while with Chelsea and said: “Anfield is a ground full of joy.

“I was never subjected to any abuse. I loved the crowd and if any player is frightened of Anfield then he should not be here. It’s a football stadium. You want to play in places like that. The crowd is magnificent.”

Zola realises it won’t be an easy task against high-flying Liverpool. He added: “Liverpool are going through one of their best spells but we can achieve something.”

Meanwhile, Zola is still trying to come to terms with the money problems facing West Ham.

The club is fighting a court case brought by Sheffield United in which the Blades claim the Hammers breached Premier League rules in hiring striker Carlos Tevez.

The player, now at Manchester United, was instrumental in keeping the club in the top flight in the 2006-07 season, when United went down.

Zola said: “It has not been easy. Who knows what will happen over the Tevez case? But I have spoken to my players and like me they are confident things can be resolved.”

Rafa Benitez Will Ask For More Transfer Cash Once His Own Future Is Resolved

Rafa Benitez wants to put an end to his contract saga this week - so he can hit Liverpool's owners with a demand for more transfer cash.

The Kop boss has admitted he is yet to put his plans for the January transfer window to American pair Tom Hicks and George Gillett while his own future has still to be resolved.

But Benitez expects to sign a new deal that will keep him at the club until the summer of 2012 in the next few days.

And although he is likely to be told he must offload players like Jermaine Pennant and Andrea Dossena to generate transfer funds, the Spaniard believes he must be given the scope to improve his squad if he is to maintain Liverpool's challenge in the Premier League and Champions League.

Benitez said: "My advisers have been in contact with the owners and we are now wait ing for the new contract to be agreed. I haven't spoken to them about what will happen in January because I wanted the contract extension signed first.

"I hope that in the next few days we will get to talk about January."

Dirk Kuyt has revealed how he has finally come through the trauma of his father's death to become the player he always wanted to be at Anfield.

The £10million Dutchman spent last season under a cloud after losing dad Gerritt 17 months ago. But his club's march into title contention has coincided with his new positive attitude. Kuyt, 28, said: "I was having problems on the pitch and off it. My father's illness, and his death, was very tough for me to take, as it would be for any son.

"Now things are different because I have been able to move on as we all must do."

Benitez Wary Of Craig Bellamy Return

Rafa Benitez is hoping Craig Bellamy will not come back to haunt Liverpool tomorrow night at Anfield.

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has warned his side to keep an eye out for Craig Bellamy as the former Reds striker returns to Anfield on Monday night with West Ham United.

Bellamy joined Liverpool from Blackburn Rovers in 2006, but failed to make enough of an impact on Merseyside and only lasted one season before moving to Upton Park last summer.

The Welshman has struggled with injury during his time in East London so far, although he has started the last seven Premier League games for the Hammers and should again be fit to face his former side on Monday night.

Whilst Bellamy has only one league goal this season, scored on the opening day against Blackburn Rovers, he will surely be hoping to double his tally at Anfield and make a point to Benitez.

Speaking to the club's official website, Benitez revealed he is expecting a tough game on Monday and acknowledged the threat posted by Bellamy.

“We have experience of teams coming here very well prepared and defending, and I think it will be the same situation with West Ham - they will be organised and have some good players with Bellamy up front, so they will be a threat,” he said.

“Bellamy is a good player and was a very good professional when he was with us - he worked very hard,” explained the Reds’ boss.

“We had a lot of confidence in him, he was a good player for us and he is a winner, but some players prefer to play every week and it's something you need to understand.”

Liverpool will be hoping to bounce back from the disappointment of being held to a goalless draw at Anfield by Fulham last time out and keep pace at the top of the table.

West Ham, meanwhile, are only two points away from relegation and will want to follow up last weekend’s victory against Sunderland with another away win.

Whilst the Hammers have a poor record at Anfield they did beat Liverpool at home in January and Benitez is clearly expecting another difficult challenge.

He concluded, “It will be difficult for them to take something away from Anfield, but it will be hard for us too because it is the Premier League and it's always tough.”

Benitez Welcomes UEFA Action

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has welcomed UEFA's decisive action after they charged Marseille following an incident at Anfield when an object was thrown at Steven Gerrard.

The Reds skipper appeared to be hit by a missile thrown from the Marseille fans' section as he went to take a corner in the first half of Liverpool's 1-0 Champions League victory.

European football's governing body today confirmed to PA Sport that Marseille will answer the charge at a meeting of UEFA's control and disciplinary panel on December 11.

UEFA also confirmed the French club have been fined 15,000 euros (£12,378) following a near identical incident at the Stade Velodrome in September when Liverpool were also the opponents.

While welcoming UEFA's decisiveness, Benitez has some sympathy with the French club.

He said: "It is good that UEFA have acted. But the problem is that it is just one person out of thousands who decides to do something like that, so how can you control it? It is not easy to stop these things.

"It is difficult to control everyone, if someone wants to do something like this then it is hard to stop.

"You can fine the club and look for solutions afterwards, but you cannot control everything. But the response of Gerrard was very good."

Gerrard's only reaction was to fix a withering look on the Marseille section and then turn away to take a corner.

Benitez Set To Sign New Liverpool Deal

The Reds' gaffer is poised to end speculation over his future by putting pen to paper on a long-awaited contract extension.

Liverpool are flying higher this season than they have for the best part of a decade. Only goal difference separates them from the Premier League leaders, Chelsea, and they secured their spot in the Champions League knockout rounds with Wednesday's win over Olympique Marseille.

And still, there has been considerable doubt as to whether Rafael Benitez will remain the club's manager beyond the end of the current campaign.

The Spanish tactician was promised a contract extension at the start of the year but, after a series of false starts, negotiations only kicked earlier this month.

Liverpool co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett have seemed curiously reluctant to reward Benitez with a new deal, perhaps due to lingering uneasiness between the two parties after the boardroom antics that plagued the club last season.

However, Real Madrid's increasing interest in Rafa appears to have spurred the American investors into action, as a two-year extension is expected to be wrapped up by Christmas.

Benitez said in the News of the World: “My advisers were in contact with them and we are waiting for a new contract right now. Sooner rather than later we will have another communication.”

NOTW's Liverpudlian journalist, Chris Bascombe, also reports that Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres will receive new deals in 2009.