Why Liverpool Never Doubted Robbie Keane

Liverpool assistant manager Sammy Lee insists the club have never had any doubts over the qualities of £20milliion striker Robbie Keane.

The Republic of Ireland international scored twice in the 3-0 destruction of Bolton today, adding to the stunning equaliser he netted at Arsenal last weekend.

Those goals have wiped away the doubts and criticism of the 28-year-old, who now has seven goals for the season.

After Albert Riera had put Liverpool on the way to victory, it was Keane’s clinical finishing which meant there was no doubt they would stay top of the Barclays Premier League.

Lee, still standing in for boss Rafael Benitez, who was in the directors’ box after recovering from a kidney stones operation, was full of praise for Keane.

He said: “Robbie Keane scored twice, that’s terrific, but I just like seeing any Liverpool player scoring goals.

“Keane, Kuyt, Hyypia, I don’t mind, just as long as they are Liverpool goals.

“We don’t feel that Robbie has been out of form, despite what people keep saying.

“He has been working hard, tirelessly for the team, and that is the measure of the lad that he has kept on going.

“People have said things about him, but we know why we brought him to the club and we have had no problems at all with him, whatsoever.

“I do not feel he has ever lacked confidence here, he has kept going and done well.

“We have had no doubts in Robbie’s ability or his work-rate, and what he adds to this club is immense.

“We know the quality of the boy, we know what he is capable of and what he is doing for us and what he adds to the club. There is no problem with him here.”

Bolton boss Gary Megson saw, in his words, his team “cut apart like a knife through butter”.

Bolton had won three of their previous five league games, but were never in with a shout at Anfield.

Megson said: “That was a very disappointing result. We had set out to keep things tight early on, and hoped to catch them on the break.

“But we only troubled them in the opening few minutes. I was concerned by the manner of the goals we conceded.

“One came straight from one of our own corners, it went from their ’keeper to the back of our net in about six seconds. To concede a goal like that is not acceptable at this level.

“We set up to flood midfield with players, but changed that system when it clearly wasn’t working.

“But we did not want to play 4-4-2 at Anfield, because Liverpool go through you like a knife through butter when you do that.

“And that is what happened a few times in the second half when we did try to push more men forward.”

Rafa Given Large Grin And Tonic

Forget a spoonful of sugar – it was a bucketful of chances that helped the medicine go down for Rafa Benitez yesterday.

And it was just what the doctor ordered for the Liverpool manager when he returned to Anfield following a kidney stones operation.

Medics had told him to keep calm and he obeyed their instructions to the letter, resisting the urge to patrol his customary technical area.

Instead, after missing last week’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal, he sat back to watch the action in the relative comfort zone of the front row in the directors’ box.

And the sight he witnessed must have gladdened his heart with his side dominating their near-neighbours throughout in a match where the home team could – and should – have won by an even more convincing margin.

But win they did, leaving Benitez smiling as his team enters the second half of the campaign on top of the Premier League pile.

And the hopes of Kopites everywhere that Liverpool could be on course for their first title triumph since way back in 1990 are at last looking to have some foundation.

Bolton, on the other hand, never looked to be at the races in a game that Liverpool dominated throughout.

True, they did try harder in the second half – no doubt following an interval rollicking from manager Gary Megson – but it was all too little, too late.

And the scoreline could have been bigger if Liverpool had converted more of their chances and had Bolton keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen not pulled off late stops from Yossi Benayoun and substitute David Ngog.

It was striker Robbie Keane who made Rafa’s Anfield return much less of a worry with two goals that gave the clear impression that he is rediscovering his ability to beat keepers.

Keane followed up his goal against Arsenal last week by rifling in another in the 53rd minute.

He was the recipient of an inch-perfect through pass from his skipper Steven Gerrard – and the rest was simplicity itself.

The Irishman took a few paces forward before clipping a left-foot shot between Jaaskelainen and the post.

Five minutes later it was Keane again who put Liverpool further ahead after gratefully accepting a pass from Benayoun inside the penalty box.

This time he used his right foot to steer the ball home and put the game beyond any doubt with his fifth league goal of the season. Albert Riera had earlier set the Reds on their way when he pounced brilliantly in the 26th minute to turn Liverpool’s ninth corner of the game into a goal.

And the Spaniard did it, too, after moving over to the right wing from his customary position on the left flank!

He caught Johan Elmander ball-watching and breezed across him to prod the ball past Jaaskelainen from two yards out for his third goal of the season.

It was just reward for the Merseysiders who had spent the previous 25 minutes huffing and puffing but failing to blow the visiting defence down.

Riera had earlier given a warning of things to come, firing one particularly fierce low shot at goal from just inside the penalty area after 11 minutes in their first real breakthrough after non-stop attacking from the kick-off.

Then, after Benayoun had rolled the ball into the path of Dirk Kuyt 20 yards out from goal, the Dutchman failed to connect cleanly and what looked like being a great goalscoring chance evaporated.

Benayoun, restored to the first team at the expense of Leiva Lucas, really did look sharp and certainly keen to prove a point.

His right wing runs invariably ended up with a cross that so frequently posed problems to a Bolton defence that was regularly on the ropes. Emiliano Insua even moved upfield from his left-back slot to fire in a powerful shot which caused all kinds of problems.

And that was generally the theme of the game with Liverpool attacking at will and Bolton dropping back in numbers to defend.

Even the second-half introduction of striker Kevin Davies failed to give Bolton the kind of lift they so desperately wanted up front.

But for Liverpool in general, and Benitez in particular, it was just the kind of pre-New Year pick-me-up they needed.

Liverpool FC's Nabil El Zhar Is A Lucky Charm

He may be regarded as something of a lucky charm by supporters, but Nabil El Zhar is determined to make a more substantial contribution to Liverpool’s championship challenge.

The 22-year-old Morocco international gained his reputation after a succession of substitute appearances earlier in the season coincided with some notable late revivals from Rafael Benitez’s side.

Sunderland, Middlesbrough, Standard Liege and Wigan Athletic were all only beaten once El Zhar was thrown on from the bench to add devilment and the element of surprise to the Liverpool attack.

His cameo performances were enough to impress Benitez and he has since become a regular feature in the matchday squad.

Another substitute appearance earlier this month at Blackburn Rovers helped turn what was a frustrating goalless stalemate into a comprehensive 3-1 success.

El Zhar was handed his biggest assignment yet at Arsenal last Sunday, and almost snatched all three points with a header that flashed narrowly off target in the final minute.

“It’s not easy to come to Arsenal and win but I think we played a decent game,” he says. “I had a good chance at the end, but it was a good performance. It’s good to be at the top at the moment.

“I feel as though I am more at home at the club now. I’ve been gaining more confidence by coming on more, and now I just have to keep on going, work hard and try and get more games under my belt.”

El Zhar was signed from French side St Etienne in October 2006, and announced his arrival on the Anfield stage a year later when scoring a blistering 25-yard thunderbolt into the Kop end on his full debut in the Carling Cup win over Cardiff City.

The winger was a key member of the title-winning reserve team last season and has broken into the full Morocco team, again scoring on his debut against Belgium.

Despite the vote of confidence from Benitez this season, El Zhar has yet to start a Premier League game for Liverpool.

And the youngster acknowledges that represents the next step in his development.

“The manager has said to me that he wanted to give me more chances in the first-team this season,” says El Zhar. “He told me that I had to work hard and listen to advice and take my opportunities when they come.

“He hasn’t said anything in particular to me. I just know what I have to do, stay focused and take my chance.

“I feel that I’m doing okay, but I know I can do better. I am getting more confident and I am improving with every game, then we will see if I can start games.”

El Zhar arrived at the club having impressed as a support striker but, having been employed on both flanks with Gary Ablett’s reserve side, has fashioned a role as a wing man for Benitez.

“I used to play as a second striker but I’ve played on the left and right hand side at Liverpool,” he says. “I think I’m better down the right because I am right footed, but I will play anywhere in the forward line.

“I hope to play more games this season and prove myself. When you are playing with world class players like Steven Gerrard you can only improve.”

The 1-1 draw at Arsenal and Chelsea’s failure to win at Everton the following day meant that Liverpool were top at Christmas for the first time since 1996.

And while El Zhar reckons Benitez’s side have shown they have the quality and determination to remain ahead of the pack, he accepts the Anfield outfit must stop dropping points at home.

“I’ve no doubt that we can keep going on at the top of the league,” he says. “Liverpool are a top team, and we all know that we have to work hard. The whole squad knows that they have to be playing well and working hard to get into the team and stay there.

“By beating United and Chelsea, and the draw at Arsenal, we’ve shown that we can do well against the other top teams. But we’re going to have to start winning more games at home if we want to remain contenders for the title.

“There’s a long way to go, so we have to stay focused and try to stay at the top. As a professional you have to keep your focus for every game, and now we’re just thinking about the Newcastle game.”

And Lee says: “There are never any easy games in the Premier League. People talk about our home form, but there are opposing teams who are organised and prepared.

“We just have to make sure we are better prepared and better organised and we can impose our game plan on them.

“We are all working extremely hard to maintain where we are at the moment.”

Lee adds: “Everyone else is talking about winning the league. For me, we just have to talk about winning the next game.

“Whenever I have been involved here the mentality has been a winning one and it is all about togetherness.

“We feel being top at Christmas is an achievement, but we won’t blow our own trumpet. We are always optimistic and our aim is to win things and be at the top.

“I don’t want to sound conceited about that, but we are in a position where we expect to be in.”

Liverpool Target Emile Heskey In £4m Deal

Liverpool are to make a £4 million bid to bring Wigan striker Emile Heskey back to the club.

Heskey has been linked with a host of Premier League clubs in the January transfer window, with Tottenham also known to be keen admirers of the 30-year-old England international.

However, should Heskey press for a move from the JJB, Liverpool is thought to be his prefered destination.

Manager Rafa Benitez is desperate for forward reinforcements to cover Fernando Torres, who is developing a history of hamstring problems.

Heskey's contract at Wigan expires at the end of the season, allowing him to move on a free transfer, and as such Wigan manager Steve Bruce is likely to cash in rather than see the striker leave for nothing.

Bruce will not permit Heskey, who spent four years at Liverpool before exiting in 2004, go on the cheap, but a £4m offer would be tempting, and help make Amr Zaki's loan move from El Zamalek permanent.

Liverpool currently sit top of the Premier League table by one point from Chelsea.

They are unbeaten at Anfield this campaign. However, they have recorded only five home wins, with four draws, and midfielder Javier Mascherano has called on his team-mates to ensure they consistently pick up three points at Anfield.

He told the Sun: "We have to win at home because we need to get the confidence of the team back.

"We have had many good performances away from home and we need to try and reproduce that at Anfield.

"We can't use how teams play at Anfield as an excuse. We know a lot of sides come to defend but we need to find spaces and a way we can beat them."

Lucas Leiva: Liverpool Are Slipping Into Top Gear

The last time Liverpool faced Bolton Wanderers, Lucas Leiva was given just a six minute run out towards the end of a convincing 2-0 win for the Reds.

That victory came just over a month ago at the Reebok and though Lucas would settle for the same when the two sides meet again at Anfield today, he is hoping that his recent upsurge in form will be rewarded with a little more time on the pitch.

“I can remember that game well because Dirk Kuyt and Stevie Gerrard both scored good headers,” he recalled.

“Then, when I came on I had a chance to make it 3-0 but I was not able to take it but I was still happy with the result and with the three points that we won - even though I was a bit disappointed that I had not been able to score.

“The result was the most important thing and if we got the same result today I think we would all be happy.”

A lot has happened to Lucas since the last meeting between Liverpool and Bolton, some of it best forgotten and some of it providing much happier memories for the Brazilian.

In the league game that followed Liverpool’s most recent victory over Gary Megson’s side, the Reds faced Fulham at Anfield and in a disappointing draw sections of the home crowd made it quite clear that they were not happy that Rafa Benitez had selected the 21-year-old central midfielder ahead of Xabi Alonso.

If that was a low point for Lucas, his recent performances have provided much more promise with a man of the match display at PSV and a more than decent game in Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal on Sunday being the highlights.

He does not wish to dwell on the bad times though, preferring to look ahead to what he hopes will be even better days in a red shirt.

“I have had some bad times, especially after the game against Fulham,” he admitted.

“But I am trying to improve with every game and even though I thought I made some mistakes against Arsenal I thought that I did okay.

“Hopefully I will be able to show my quality because I want to have a role at this club, especially at a time when we are all fighting so hard to stay at the top of the league.”

On paper, Liverpool’s draw at the Emirates is far from being a bad result, especially as Arsenal had already tasted victory against Man United and Chelsea.

But the way the game panned out, with the Gunners being reduced to ten men and Liverpool being territorially dominant for long passages of play, there is a sense of disappointment they were unable to take all three points.

Lucas readily admits this is the case but knows full well the Anfield outfit cannot afford to take any negative vibes into their latest League game.

“We are disappointed that we did not manage to get all three points against Arsenal because we went there to win,” he said.

“But now we must only think of the next game and focus on Bolton because we cannot change anything.

“Bolton are playing well at the moment andhave had some good results so we know they will be difficult opponents but we are playing at Anfield in front of our fans so will be looking to win.

“This is the first of two games over a few days and if we can take all three points in this one it will give us more confidence when we go to Newcastle on Sunday.

“Like every game, there were positives and negatives about our performance against Arsenal.

“We have to learn from the things that we got wrong and improve on the things that we could have done better but we can also take confidence from what we got right.

“We scored a really good goal and created some other chances while Pepe Reina was not given that much to do so the job we did must have been a good one even if we feel it could still have been better.”

Anyone who was at the Reebok on November 15th would have been stunned had they been told following Liverpool’s comfortable win that the Reds would take just seven points from their next five matches, particularly with fixtures that included home games against Fulham, West Ham and Hull.

But that is exactly what has happened as Rafa Benitez’s men have stumbled, at home especially, with vital points being dropped.

Looking at the season so far as a whole, though, gives Lucas belief that Liverpool have fully earned their right to be there or thereabouts at the top of the league and that they are there on merit.

“We have shown quality,” he said. “You cannot be towards the top of the league having played so many games unless you have done this.

“After 18 games we have lost only once and this proves that we are difficult to beat.

“We would have liked to have won more games and got even more points but we cannot be too disappointed because we are competing at the top of the table and that is where we want to be.

“Obviously, Chelsea, Man United, Arsenal and now Aston Villa are all up there with us but we have to be confident in our chances and believe in ourselves.”

If they are to continue to fight it out at the top, Liverpool’s recent home form must improve dramatically and Lucas is hoping that the testing Christmas period will get off to the best possible start with a win over Bolton.

He said: “Having just one day to recover between games is not ideal but it is a tradition in this country and I know that it is something that the fans enjoy.

“All we can do now is focus on Bolton then think about Newcastle once that is out of the way.

“We have drawn our last three games at home against Fulham, West Ham and Hull so we know that we need to get back to winning ways at home.

“But Bolton will come to Anfield and try to make things difficult for us so we must be ready for them and do everything we can to get the three points.

“We are waiting for a win at home because Anfield is such a special place for everyone at Liverpool – the fans, the coaching staff and the players.

“We know it will help our chances of staying at the top if we make Anfield an even more difficult place for teams. That is what we will be trying to do.”

Liverpool Winger Pennant Eager To Revive His Real Madrid Deal

The surprise transfer of Jermaine Pennant to Real Madrid could be resurrected today when Juande Ramos meets the Spanish champions’ money men to insist he still wants the deal to go ahead.

Pennant, 26, has expressed a desire to join the Spanish club rather than become a free agent at the end of the season, and believes he can force himself into the starting line-up, alongside some of the biggest names in European football.

Sportsmail revealed how Real had agreed to pay Liverpool £3.5million for the former Arsenal winger.

A Madrid source confirmed: ‘Pennant interests our coach because he is quick and can provide crosses. He’s the type we’re looking for — and at the right price. If terms can be agreed, there’s a chance a transfer may happen in January.’

The deal appeared to have collapsed because Madrid insist on a non-negotiable salary of around £30,000 a week. But sources close to Pennant last night stressed he has not priced himself out of any transfer.

‘Jermaine has not made outrageous demands,’ said a friend. ‘It is wrong to say this — he is a player with much to offer and is keen to see what’s available.’

Pennant’s agent Sky Andrew is due for initial talks with Real, if Ramos can convince the club to pay the fee and salary package.

Figures of £60,000 a week given to the club relating to Pennant’s wage demands did not come from Andrew, who remains confident his negotiating skills mean a deal is still possible.

Pennant has only started two Barclays Premier League matches for Liverpool this season and a loan transfer to Stoke or Wigan is also an option.

Wigan winger Antonio Valencia remains a target for Madrid, but the asking price of at least £15m is beyond the budget of the Spanish giants, who recently captured Lassana Diarra from Portsmouth.

Liverpool FC Get Flight To Madrid

Airline Ryanair has announced a one-off return flight to Madrid for Liverpool FC fans travelling to the Spanish capital.

Usually, the route is available only in the summer, but the airline has bowed to popular demand.

Large numbers have called the Ryanair telephone lines inquiring about flights to Madrid for the Reds Champions League away match on February 25.

The special flight will depart Liverpool at 9am on February 25 and return from Madrid on February 26 at 1pm.

Seats are strictly limited, and fans are advised to visit the airline’s website as soon as possible with fares starting at £120.

Ryanair’s Stephen McNamara said: “We will operate a special Champions League flight to ensure that Liverpool are well supported and help fans get to the match and back safely.”

Wigan's Bruce Won't Rule Out A Bid For Liverpool's Pennant

Wigan Atletic manager Steve Bruce remains coy about the prospect of a bid for Liverpool's out of favour winger, Jermaine Pennant.

The Latics have been credited with interest in the 26-year-old, who has been deemed surplus to requirements at Anfield.

Pennant has emerged as an in-demand commodity ahead of the winter transfer window, with Celtic also rumoured to be interested.

More outlandish speculation saw Pennant linked with Real Madrid in today's batch of rumours, a side that have also run the rule over Wigan's own highly rated winger, Antonio Valencia.

Steve Bruce was reluctant to discuss the fate of a player at a rival club, but admitted that he admires Pennant from their time together at Birmingham City.

He told a press conference: “He’s going to Wigan yesterday and Real Madrid today.

“With speculation you’re never going to get me to comment on other people’s players, that’s for sure.

“I had Jermaine before so I know what he’s all about, he’s a very good player but that’s the way it is at the moment.”

Bruce also addressed the issue of his own players being seen as rich pickings for some of the league's bigger clubs, with Valencia and the likes of Emile Heskey and Wilson Palacios seemingly ready to leave the JJB.

He explained: “The biggest challenge I’ve got is keeping hold of the squad I’ve got.

“For a calendar year we’ve taken something like 54, 55 points which is an incredible achievement for a club like ours. That proves to me over a year that we’ve got some good players here.

“The last thing we want to be doing is trying to sell them but also I am a realist. I know that the big clubs are circulating because we have got some really good players.

“I want to try and keep them all together and if I can add one or two then of course I will.”

Carlsberg: Liverpool Are For Sale

Carlsberg bigwig says "it is a badly kept secret" that Liverpool Football Club is up for sale.

The international marketing director of Liverpool's main sponsor, Keld Strudahl, has welcomed any takeover by DIC and bemoaned the decision to postpone plans for a new stadium.

"That Liverpool is for sale is a badly kept secret but nobody has the money to invest right now," he told The Guardian. "The only people who can invest are those not interested in making a profit.

"If DIC become the new owners, I cannot foresee any problems working with them.

"We had a good dialogue with them before Hicks and ­Gillett. As the main sponsor, we saw their business plan and it looked good.

"As far as I understand, DIC is as big a player in a potential Liverpool takeover as previously believed. You shouldn't underestimate the impact the credit crunch has had on clubs. At the moment there are not a whole lot of investors interested in buying Premier League clubs."

Strudahl clearly suggests that Liverpool are standing still with Tom Hicks and George Gillett as owners, saying: "While we have a good relationship with Tom Hicks, we are naturally unhappy that the planned new stadium has been postponed. That cannot be good for Liverpool as a long-term business."

Insua Determined To Succeed At Liverpool

Liverpool's young Argentine left-back has spoken of his desire to succeed in England, after recently signing a new contract that will keep him at Anfield for another three years.

Emiliano Insua is determined that he will be a success in the English Premier League with Liverpool. The 19-year-old defender staked a claim to be the Reds' permanent left-back during the weekend's 1-1 draw with Arsenal, and today told The Liverpool Echo of his will to suceed where other young South Americans have failed.

"I got my chance at Arsenal after playing well in training and I really enjoyed the game," he said.

"It was a difficult match to play in because Arsenal are a very good side. It was amazing when I walked out there and saw 60,000 people. I had never played in a game as big as that before and I think I played well.

"I tried to do the simple things well and to get forward as much as I could to help the attack. Now I hope to keep going in this way and stay in the first team. I want to play every game.

"Always in training I am working hard and I will continue to try to do my best. The boss gave me an opportunity to show what I can do and hopefully I’ll get another chance against Bolton on Boxing Day. Anfield is always a very special place to play."

Insua made his debut for the Reds in the 2006/07 season, making two first-team appearances. He followed that up with three more last season, as well as playing a key role in the reserves' capturing of the Premier Reserve League crown.

He was recently rewarded with a new contract which will keep him on Merseyside until the summer of 2011, and the young Argentinian appears delighted with his situation.

"Signing for Liverpool was a fantastic moment and one I didn’t expect at such a young age," he added.

"Every Argentinian footballer sets out to play in Europe and I just want to make the most of the opportunity. I know how fortunate I am to be at one of the biggest clubs in the world.

"This year, I have played in the Carling Cup and got my chance against Blackburn and Arsenal in the Premier League. The manager has given me a lot of confidence. There is a lot of competition for places at Liverpool but that is a good thing.

"There are a lot of great players here but my job is to show that I can play with them. We have a chance to win the title this season and this squad of players will fight until the end."

Arsenal Go Back In For Liverpool's Xabi Alonso

Arsene Wenger will revive his interest in Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso after losing captain Cesc Fabregas for four months with knee ligament damage.

London's Evening Standard - the Daily Mail's sister paper - understands that Arsenal made a £14million deadline day bid for the Spaniard in August but Wenger refused to meet the Anfield club's valuation of £17m.

The Gunners manager is notoriously reluctant to spend big money but the fact an offer was made at all reveals that, privately at least, there is an admission that the midfield needs to be strengthened.

That feeling will only be exacerbated by Fabregas's absence, the result of a tackle with Alonso during Sunday's 1-1 draw with Premier League leaders Liverpool.

New chief executive Ivan Gazidis will formally join Arsenal on January 1 and brings with him great experience in player contract negotiations from America.

A source close to the board blamed the club's failure to land Alonso in August on the delay in naming a successor to David Dein, who departed as chief executive last year.

The source said: 'Hopefully Gazidis can come in and recognise that Wenger needs someone like Dein in his ear to reassure him that the money is there to spend.'

Alonso is close friends with Spain team-mate Fabregas, who said in the summer that Alonso's possible arrival in London 'would be perfect - I'd love it'.

Inaki Ibanez, Alonso's agent, had previously insisted his client would leave Liverpool in the summer after becoming frustrated with a lack of first-team football, having only a year earlier signed a deal to stay until 2012.

Subsequently, Alonso has become a key part of Rafa Benitez's side but Ibanez left the door open to a move by stating ambiguously: 'We will see what happens in January.'

Should Liverpool wish to do business, the asking price may be lowered as Alonso would be cup-tied in Europe.

Other Arsenal targets include Yaya Toure, the Barcelona midfielder, Juventus youngster Sebastian Giovinco and Stephane Mbia of Rennes, who claims to have been the subject of a failed 11th-hour bid from Arsenal in August.

Liverpool Determined To Stay Top

The Premier League reaches the halfway mark on Boxing Day with Liverpool holding a narrow lead at the top.

Liverpool, who face Bolton at Anfield, have not won the title since 1990 but are one point ahead of Chelsea.

Rafael Benitez's team might have had a more substantial lead but have drawn their last three home games.

"It has been so long since Liverpool won the title, I was a 12-year-old Everton fan the last time it happened," said Reds defender Jamie Carragher.

"We have had a few draws and we have to start turning those into wins but we are still top."

Liverpool assistant manager Sammy Lee is adamant that the Reds can maintain their title charge.

"I know that at the start of the season no-one else thought we could be top of the table, but we did," Lee told the club's website.

"We don't prepare for failure, we believed we could be top, and we believe we can stay there. We're not surprised at the position we're in."

Chelsea would have moved to the top of the table had they defeated Everton on Monday - a game that finished goalless and saw John Terry dismissed.

Terry will now miss the Blues fixture at home to bottom side West Brom, as well as Sunday's game against Fulham and the FA Cup tie against Southend.

The draw against the Toffees also ended Chelsea's sequence of 11 successive away victories.

But manager Luiz Felipe Scolari is boosted by the news that central defender Ricardo Carvalho is close to a return from a knee injury.

"It's the first time Ricardo has trained with us normally and I think after seven days - 10 days maximum - he'll start to play," said Scolari.

Surprise package Aston Villa are five points behind Liverpool in third - and Martin O'Neill's team take on fifth-placed Arsenal in what could be Boxing Day's most significant fixture.

The Gunners can move level on points with Villa if they win, but Arsene Wenger's team go into the fixture without injured skipper Cesc Fabregas, who is out for several months after damaging his medial knee ligaments.

Wenger's team are also without striker Emmanuel Adebayor, who is suspended, while Theo Walcott (shoulder), Eduardo and Tomas Rosicky (hamstring tendon) remain sidelined.

Despite the injury problems at Arsenal, O'Neill expects the current generation of players at the club to grow into a great team.

"Arsenal have been able to produce some very fine sides," said the Villa boss.

"I just think that this side they have at the moment has the potential to be a great team."

O'Neill has injury worries over Martin Laursen and Carlos Cuellar.

Manchester United have played 16 fixtures - two less than their title rivals - and return to Premier League action after their trip to Japan, where Sir Alex Ferguson's team won the Club World Cup.

Title rivals Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal all failed to win while United were in Japan.

And boss Sir Alex Ferguson said: "A similar thing happened when we went to Brazil for the world championship in 2000.

"While we were away, our title rivals Arsenal and Leeds both failed to get a win.

"I would obviously rather be top on Christmas Day, but I always wanted to be close to the leaders going into the New Year and we have managed that."

United, who are seven points behind Liverpool, travel to a Stoke side looking for their first win since 22 November.

The last time United travelled to Stoke for a league fixture was on Boxing Day 1984 - a match that the Potters won 2-1.

"Manchester United was always a massive game for the Stoke fans 20-odd years back, and I'm just delighted it is the fixture we can all look forward to on Boxing Day," said Stoke boss Tony Pulis.

"No disrespect to Barnsley and Plymouth, but we were playing those clubs away last Christmas and this year we've got United at home and then go to West Ham."

Hull are in sixth place in the table - and just eight points separate the Tigers and the 11 teams below them.

Phil Brown's side play at troubled Manchester City on Boxing Day, with Mark Hughes side spending Christmas in the relegation zone.

City have won one of their last nine Premier League games.

"It is difficult for everybody at the moment. We need to get back to winning ways as quickly as possible because this run has gone on for too long," said Hughes.

But Hull boss Brown is looking to pile on the misery when they meet.

"There is a lot of pressure on Mark Hughes and hopefully we can compound that situation with a good performance," said Brown.

"It is going to be a difficult game, a toughie - Man City were expected to be in the top six at the start of the season."

Blackburn are second from bottom in the table but go into their match with Sunderland buoyed by their victory over Stoke last weekend - their first match under new manager Sam Allardyce.

The future of Rovers striker Roque Santa Cruz is the subject of recent speculation and the Paraguayan misses the match with a calf injury.

Ricky Sbragia is currently in charge of the Black Cats following the departure of Roy Keane - and Allardyce is backing the man who was a member of his coaching staff at Bolton to land the job permanently.

"He keeps saying he doesn't want the job but I think with the experience he has gained over many years at many clubs he is more capable than he thinks of having a dabble," said Allardyce.

"He has always been a very good coach but if that job comes along I would seriously consider it if I were him, I wouldn't dismiss it."

West Ham are one place above the relegation zone and ahead of their match with Portsmouth manager Gianfranco Zola has denied that he could be forced to sell players during the transfer window.

Players such as Craig Bellamy have been linked with other clubs, but Zola said: "As far as I'm concerned, no, they won't be going. The club have told me I won't be selling those players.

"I would be very annoyed if we did."

The other Boxing Day fixtures in the Premier League see Newcastle travel to Wigan, Everton visit Middlesbrough and Tottenham entertain Fulham at White Hart Lane on a rare day when all 20 sides are in action.

Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate has warned his players to forget all about Christmas.

"Christmas in terms of enjoyment of food and drink is out of the window, as far as I am concerned," said the Boro boss.

Sammy Lee Warns: Liverpool Are Getting Stronger Every Week

Leaders Liverpool have a powerful warning for the chasing pack as the Barclays Premier League title race hots up - “we are getting stronger”.

The claim comes from assistant manager Sammy Lee, who knows a thing or two about winning titles with four to his credit as a Liverpool player.

Now he is bringing his experience to the club’s best chance of lifting the crown in 19 years.

Currently Lee is standing in for boss Rafael Benitez, who is still recovering from a kidney stones operation.

The Spaniard, who has had a second minor operation this week, is still expected to be back on the bench for the Boxing Day home game with Bolton, when Liverpool will be bidding to complete a calendar year without losing a home league game.

Lee and the rest of the Anfield staff have witnessed Chelsea twice in successive games, failing to take advantage of Liverpool draws to steal top spot from them.

So Liverpool go into Christmas top at this stage for the first time since 1996.

And Lee believes the Anfield squad have improved vastly on last season, and says: “There have been an awful lot of improvements from last season, the way we are playing. The points tally show there is an improvement.

“People ask and expect more, and they are entitled to want that. That is the esteem that Liverpool are held in that people do want more from us all the time. We are stronger, getting stronger.”

Liverpool, who were 10 points behind the leaders last term at this stage, have a strong backroom staff with title-winning experience.

Benitez has won two titles with Valencia, Lee four with Liverpool, while coach Mauricio Pellegrino also won the Spanish crown under Benitez.

Liverpool Transfer Tips

Liverpool have made their best start to a Premier League season under Rafa Benitez and Peter O'Rourke assesses what Benitez needs to do in the transfer window if the Reds are to finally win the Premier League title.

Rafa Benitez was again busy in the transfer market in the summer as he tries to transform his troops from pretenders to contenders and he could be tempted to make more forays in January to enhance their title challenge.

The Spaniard brought in six new faces in the last transfer window with varying degrees of success.

Robbie Keane was his biggest outlay from Tottenham and the Irishman has failed to hit the heights expected of him.

The striker arrived amidst a fanfare that he could be the missing piece in the jigsaw, but Keane has struggled to establish himself as a regular in Benitez's side.

Keane has scored only five goals in all competitions, but his case has not been helped by the fact that Benitez has shown a tendency to substitute the player early on in the second half of games.

The signing of Albert Riera from Espanyol raised many eyebrows following a far from convincing loan spell at Manchester City in 2006, but he has been a success for Benitez who moved for his fellow Spaniard after failing to land Gareth Barry.

Riera has given Liverpool much-needed width and he has provided an extra attacking dimension to Benitez's side.

Italian defender Andrea Dossena arrived with a big reputation from Udinese, but he has struggled to impress.

The full-back has shown signs that he is finding it hard to cope with the pace of English football and the jury is definitely still out on the Italian international.

Diego Cavalieri arrived from Brazilian club Palmeiras, but it has been hard to judge the goalkeeper as he been brought in very much as an understudy to Pepe Reina.

Philipp Degen has endured a nightmare time since his move on a free transfer with the Swiss full-back spending most of his time in the treatment room and we have yet to see the player get a run in the side.

David Ngog was something of a surprise signing and he is seen as someone very much for the future with the 19-year-old seeing his chances few and far between.

The whole right side of the Liverpool team is where Benitez will look to strengthen in the New Year as it has been a problem area for the Spaniard.

Alvaro Arbeloa has almost been an ever-present at right-back and Benitez would like to bring in cover and competition for the Spanish international.

A right-sided winger will be Benitez's top priority as it is a position where Liverpool look short.

Jermaine Pennant looks to be on his way out of Anfield and Yossi Benayoun has struggled to establish himself as a regular.

Dirk Kuyt has done a commendable job out on the right, but it is very much a case of square peg in round hole as the Dutchman is not a traditional winger and has been moved out to the right from his preferred striking role.

A new central defender could be an option for Benitez if Daniel Agger, who is continually linked with a move away from Liverpool, leaves for pastures new in January.

Benitez has a wealth of talent in central midfield so the only area he could look to bolster could be in attack.

Fernando Torres has been sorely missed through injury for a large proportion of this season and Benitez could decide to look for someone with pace to add to his forward options.

Well, that all depends on what money is made available to Benitez by American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett. If rumours are believed Benitez may have to wheel and deal in the transfer market as substantial funds are unlikely to be made available to him despite currently sitting at the summit of the Premier League table.

Benitez could decide to sell some fringe players to raise funds with reports suggesting he is keen on doing a swap deal with Tottenham by offering Pennant in part-exchange for Aaron Lennon.

Another alternative for the right winger spot could be Croatian Darijo Srna who is attracting envious glances from a number of Premier League clubs.

Portsmouth defender Glen Johnson is thought to be a target after impressing at Fratton Park this season, but the price-tag on the England international could put Liverpool off.

A couple of old boys have also been linked with returns to Anfield with Emile Heskey and Michael Owen believed to be on the transfer radar.

The signing of Owen from Newcastle would be popular among Liverpool fans, but Benitez has always played down talk linking them with a move for the striker.

Heskey, who is coming to the end of his contract at Wigan, has admitted he is flattered to be linked with a move back to Anfield and Benitez could see the big striker as someone who could help take the burden off Torres when the Spaniard returns to fitness.

There is more likely to be more outgoings than new faces at Anfield in the New Year as Benitez looks to trim his squad.

The likes of Pennant, Benayoun, and Andrei Voronin, who is currently on loan at Hertha Berlin, could leave permanently.

It has also been mooted that Benitez could dispense with the services of Keane and Dossena after less than six months at the club, but it is expected the Reds boss will give them more time to prove themselves.

Dutchman Ryan Babel has cut a frustrated figure this season after being tipped to have a major impact this term.

Babel has tried to engineer a move back to Ajax without success and it is unlikely Benitez will listen to offers for the attacker as he looks to keep their championship push on track.

Meanwhile, Liverpool fan David Aston thinks that Liverpool should really splash the cash this transfer window if they are serious about winning the Premier League. Rafa Benitez should bring back Michael Owen for £3million as he would be the bargain of the season.

A right winger would be a good signing someone like Aaron Lennon and a young defender, maybe Gareth Bale.

He should think of getting rid of Andrea Dossena, Phillip Degen, Jermaine Pennant and Yossi Benayoun.

Reds Consider Pennant Bid

Sky Sports News sources understand Liverpool are considering a bid from Real Madrid for Jermaine Pennant.

As revealed by skysports.com, Pennant was attracting interest from La Liga and now Real have made a bid for Liverpool man as they look to bring in a new winger in the January transfer window.

New Real coach Juande Ramos has made a new right-sided winger one of his top priorites and they have been linked with a host of players including Ashley Young, Aaron Lennon and CSKA Moscow's Milos Krasic.

Real have been priced out of the move for the trio and now they have turned their attentions to forgotten Liverpool man Pennant.

Pennant has made just four appearances for Liverpool this season and it appears he does not figure in Rafa Benitez's long-term plans.

The former Birmingham and Arsenal ace is out of contract in the summer and he could agree a pre-contract with any interested continental sides next month.

Real are now hoping to do a deal with Liverpool to bring Pennant to El Santiago Bernabeu when the transfer window reopens.

Liverpool could be willing to cash-in on Pennant next month rather than risk losing the 25-year-old for nothing at the end of the season.

Liverpool Plan To Unwrap Fernando Torres And Wrap Up The Title

Liverpool have warned their rivals the return of Fernando Torres can bring them a first title since 1990.

Rafa Benitez's men lead the table going into the Christmas program despite Torres being sidelined for a month and are ready for an even stronger second half to their campaign.

The Spain striker could be on the bench for the visit of Bolton on Boxing Day, and assistant boss Sammy Lee was confident that would fire up his team-mates.

With centre-back Martin Skrtel also ready to return Lee said: "When you have a world-class performer ready to come in, then of course it makes you better, and gives everyone a lift.

"The class of Torres would obviously be missed by any team, and when he's available for us he'll be a massive addition.

"I know that at the start of the season no one else thought we could be top of the table...but we did. We don't prepare for failure, we believed we could be top, and we believe we can stay there.

"We're not surprised at the position we are in. I don't want to sound conceited, but we're in a position we expected to be in."

Boss Benitez is still not back at his desk after having further treatment for kidney stones, but is likely to return for training on Christmas Day and be in the dugout for the clash with Wanderers.

Liverpool will have an almost full-strength squad to choose from with Javier Mascherano recovered from illness, and Benitez will leave it late to see if Torres is fit enough after his torn hamstring to be named as a substitute.

Rafa Benitez May Make Boxing Day Touchline Return For Liverpool

Rafa 'the gaffer' Benitez is in line to make a return to the dugout in time for Liverpool's Boxing Day date with Bolton Wanderers.

Liverpool visited Arsenal's Emirates Stadium on Sunday without key forward Fernando Torres.

The silky, skilful striker's absence though was not the main talking point, because assistant coach Sammy Lee had to oversee affairs as key tactician Rafa Benitez never made the north London journey.

The Spanish manager is still recovering from an operation to cure him of his troublesome kidney stones, and even though he was not at Ashburton Grove, he was still in communication with the Liverpool bench so that they could alter the line-up as he watched on from television.

The Reds now face Bolton Wanderers on Boxing Day and Liverpool are confident that Benitez will return in time for the Anfield clash in three day's time.

A statement on the club's official website said: "Rafa has undergone a second minor operation which went well.

"He's feeling a little better and is hoping to be back for the game against Bolton Wanderers on Boxing Day."

The procedure was Benitez's second kidney stone operation.

Jermaine Pennant To Replace Aiden McGeady At Celtic - Report

According to a report in the British tabloid the Daily Mirror, Scottish giants Celtic have made an offer for Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant.

It is thought that Celtic manager Gordan Strachan has bid £3 million for the 25-year-old, who has been told he can leave Anfield in the January transfer window.

The former England under-21 international looked likely to leave the Reds last summer, but opted to stay and fight for a place in the side after rejecting moves to Stoke City and Blackburn Rovers.

However, the former Arsenal winger, whom Liverpool paid around £6.5m to sign from Birmingham City in 2006, finally looks set to be on his way out of the club.

Talk of Pennant arriving at Celtic has sparked rumours that Irish winger Aiden McGeady is set to leave the Bhoys after falling out of favour with Strachan recently.

While the likes of Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen of Germany are thought to be interested, it is thought that the 22-year-old could be on his way to the Premier League, with local rivals Sunderland and Newcastle United heading the queue for his signature.

Agent Denies Andrea Dossena's Milan Link

The agent of Liverpool defender Andrea Dossena insists that his client will not be making a January transfer from England to AC Milan.

The Italian international has experienced a tough start to his Anfield career, with inconsistency and errors littering his opening few months in the Premier League.

The 27-year-old has failed to dislodge Fabio Aurelio as the club's first choice left-back, and has had to be content with a role on the bench.

As such, the former Udinese man was strongly linked with a transfer back to Serie A, with Uefa Cup contenders AC Milan thought to be leading the chase for his signature.

However, the player's representative: Roberto La Florio, has confirmed that no contact has been made with a view to a January switch, and also revealed that Dossena is happy with life on Merseyside despite his indifferent displays on the field since his £7 million switch from the Friuli.

La Florio told tuttomercatoweb: "I do not know of an approach at this time from the Rossonero club.

"Andrea is good at Liverpool and Mr. Benitez keeps him under consideration.

"There was talk of Milan in the summer, along with Juventus, but in the end it was Liverpool that won his services and gave the required figure to Udinese."

Liverpool Can Win The Title - Venables

Liverpool sit top of the table heading into the hectic holiday period, and the club's fans are buzzing after what has been perhaps their most impressive start to a Premier League campaign.

There are questions as to whether the Merseysiders can sustain their title tilt, however, as some pundits believe their inexperience as pace-setters will show come May.

But others have noticed a change in mentality in Rafael Benitez's men, as they have demonstrated an uncanny ability for picking up points when under the pump.

Terry Venables is of the latter persuasion, although he added that Liverpool might struggle to keep up if their Spanish superstar remains on the sidelines much longer.

"Of course they CAN win it. Whether they WILL win it is another matter," the former England manager told The Sun.

"There has been a definite improvement at Anfield this season and they are much more difficult to beat than in recent years.

"But they haven’t looked the same team since Fernando Torres got injured."

Torres is expected to return to action sometime next month, after embarking on an in-depth diagnosis and treatment of his problem hamstring.