Match Report: Liverpool 1 - 0 Southampton

Defender Daniel Agger's first goal of the season ensured Liverpool returned to winning ways at home to Southampton but they made hard work of the victory.

The Denmark international powered home a header just before half-time, only his fifth in 133 Premier League appearances, after a host of chances had gone begging.

In doing so he helped the Reds to only their third home win of the season and back-to-back league wins at Anfield for the first time since September 2011.

But in truth it should have been far more comfortable than it actually was, which is a familiar story where Liverpool has been concerned recently.

They had 14 shots in a totally one-sided first half although Southampton could easily have had a goal of their own with Rickie Lambert's long-range shooting threatening to catch out Jose Reina.

The Southampton striker sent an early swerving effort just wide before, in added time, his 35-yard drive had Reina scrambling back to turn ball around the post.

But those two chances book-ended what was a procession of missed opportunities for the dominant hosts.

The restoration of Lucas Leiva to the side as defensive midfield linchpin after a three-month absence with a thigh injury transformed the dynamic almost immediately.

With both Steven Gerrard and Joe Allen freed to play higher up the pitch in a 4-1-4-1 formation most of the action was concentrated in their final third.

Jonjo Shelvey, also back in the side, bobbled straight at goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga, Glen Johnson flicked Luis Suarez's pass across the face of goal, Steven Gerrard had a shot charged down and then fired wide after a quickly-taken free-kick to Suarez.

Gazzaniga denied both Shelvey and Suarez, who made justifiable claims he had been pulled back by Jack Cork, before the Uruguay international latched onto Reina's long kick and beat the goalkeeper only for Maya Yoshida to clear the ball for a corner.

When Shelvey smashed an angled shot past the goalkeeper but back off the inside of the far post it appeared luck was not on their side.

However, it took a double-dose of Uruguayan intervention to eventually help break the deadlock two minutes before the break.

Saints' South American summer signing Gaston Ramirez flattened international team-mate Suarez on the edge of the penalty area and although the Reds striker crashed his free-kick onto the crossbar it rebounded to Johnson.

His cross into the penalty area was met by Agger who planted a header into the top corner from 10 yards.

Southampton, having undertaken damage limitation in the first half, came out positively after the break and Liverpool struggled to reassert their dominance.

After the first-half deluge it took until midway through the second period to carve out a good opportunity.

Jose Enrique, marauding from left-back having been restored to his preferred position, exchanged passes with Suarez on the edge of the area but his toe-poke at goal was deflected wide by Luke Shaw.

The Spaniard also saw his drilled half-volley from the left of the area batted away by Gazzaniga.

Such was Liverpool's desperation to score the second and give themselves some breathing space Suarez tried to punch in Gerrard's cross.

It proved costly as his subsequent booking ruled the side's leading scorer out of next Sunday's trip to West Ham, who beat third-placed Chelsea earlier in the day.

Suarez flashed a left-footed shot just wide in added time but in the end Agger's goal proved just enough to ensure they crept closer to the top four, which manager Brendan Rodgers insists remains a possibility.

It will only do so, however, if they first find more support for Suarez in the January transfer window and start converting more of their chances.

Rodgers Calm Over Suarez Ban

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is not panicking over Luis Suarez's looming suspension.

The Premier League's top scorer picked up his fifth booking of the season in Saturday's 1-0 win over Southampton after being cautioned for deliberate handball in the second half.

Ten-goal Suarez, upon whom Liverpool has become dependent this season, will now be banned for Liverpool's trip to West Ham United next Sunday.

But Rodgers was calm when he told Sky Sports: "It is something that was always going to happen at some stage.

"It is very difficult to go that length of time without picking up a yellow card. But it is okay.

"It is unfortunate for him but it will give an opportunity for someone else."

Daniel Agger's first-half header proved enough to beat Southampton but it should have been more comfortable for Liverpool in a familiar story of wasted chances.

The Reds had the worst shooting accuracy in the league before the game against Nigel Adkins' team and Rodgers said: "As the season goes on, hopefully they (chances) will go in for us."

Rodgers also dedicated the win over Southampton to former Liverpool manager Phil Taylor and Academy player Steven Packer, who both died this week.

"Both were very much a part of the Liverpool family and today's win is devoted to the families of those two," said Rodgers.

Rodgers Looking To Make As Many Liverpool Signings As Possible

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is looking to make as many signings as he can for his 12th place side but believes they still have a chance to finish fourth in the Premier League.

Asked if he was looking to make one or two signings or as many as he could Rodgers told the Independent, “As much as I can do, really. [But] we have got a real good group here. I have always thought that if you have three-and-a-half goal-scorers in your team, you have got a chance."

"We have got Luis Suarez. Steven Gerrard will get goals. He has been terrific this season and taken on an even greater responsibility with the juniors. But he will get goals."

"There is no question of that. If we can add a couple more that you know are goal-scorers, who instinctively get into the box and get goals, with the domination that we are having in games, then we have got a chance in the second half of the season.”

The Liverpool boss still believes that his side can still climb to a top four finish despite currently sitting in 12th place.

Asked if he thought that fourth was still a realistic aim, he said “absolutely, absolutely” and pointed to the fact that no team has pulled away in that position.

“Let’s be honest – it is a big ask; a massive ask,” Rodgers told the Independent prior to his side’s meeting with Southampton at Anfield. “But [fourth] has to be our target. We are going to look to try and get as close to that as we possibly can.”

Rodgers Targets Long For Liverpool

Liverpool is set to launch a £12million January bid for striker Shane Long.

Even though West Bromwich Albion are riding high in the Premier League – and even though Long, 25, still has two-and-a-half years left on his contract – the striker would jump at the chance to move to Anfield.

Brendan Rodgers remains a fan of Long’s from his time managing Reading and the fact the Reds made a bid to sign him when Kenny Dalglish was in charge shows they have serious intentions.

Anfield chiefs have let Long’s advisors know they are interested, especially as his £25K-a-week wages fit well within their tight budget.

And the Irishman’s advisor, Pat Dolan, is fully aware of Liverpool’s desire to get him on board, having listened to their sales pitch in 2011.

But he also knows West Brom will not want to sell, especially as Long’s fitness fits perfectly into Steve Clarke’s lone-striker system.

The Republic of Ireland hitman has scored seven goals for the Baggies this term, pushing them into a European spot.

But while Long is happy at the Hawthorns he is ambitious.

Interest Mounting In Sakor

A number of English clubs are believed to be among those keeping a close eye on Asker's teenage midfielder Vajebah Sakor.

The 16-year-old is considered to be one of the brightest prospects to have emerged from Norwegian football for some time.

It has not taken long for his obvious potential to be noted, with clubs from across Europe closely monitoring his progress.

Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal are reported to be keen on adding Sakor to their ranks, with scouting missions having been sent out.

Asker, of the Norwegian second division, appreciate that they have some talent on their hands and have conceded that a deal is likely to be struck soon.

"We know that there is a lot of interest in Vajebah but we are yet to receive a concrete offer from abroad," Asker's sporting director Espen Falck told TV2.

"We know he is wanted by a lot of clubs in Europe.

"Any interested clubs will have to move fast as he is set to leave us soon."

Sakor made his debut for Asker at the age of 15, making him the youngest player to ever turn out in the Norwegian second tier.

Rodgers: Flops Should Follow Lucas

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers believes some of his out-of-favour players could learn a lot from the example set by midfielder Lucas Leiva.

The Brazil midfielder seamlessly slotted back into the team for the 1-0 victory over Southampton in his first appearance for three months after a thigh strain.

His performance underlined just how important he is to the side and further highlighted how much he has grown into a key figure after a difficult start to life at Anfield.

Lucas was signed by former boss Rafael Benitez from Gremio for £5million in 2007 but despite enjoying the support of the manager fans quickly turned on the then 20-year-old, criticism which left him distraught at times.

Rodgers believes the likes of Stewart Downing and Jordan Henderson, big-money signings who have failed to impress in their first 16 months, could learn much from the Brazilian.

"I think he is a wonderful example," said the Northern Irishman after Daniel Agger headed in Glen Johnson's cross for his first goal of the season at the end of a dominant first half against the Saints.

"I know it was difficult for him as I have spoken to him at length about when he was sat in tears sometimes in the changing room - it was so difficult for him.

"But what you have to have is that inner belief and the support around you.

"I am sure in those early stages he would have had that and it allowed him to continue to fight and his own personality has seen him win through and now he is very important.

"It will be the same for the other guys. Everyone gets the opportunity and I would like to give the players the hope they can succeed.

"So it might not have been so easy for some players but everyone is important to me and they all have a part to play."

Lucas' reappearance, after what he described as the worst year of his life after only 74 minutes of Barclays Premier League action following knee surgery 12 months ago, gave Liverpool a whole new dynamic.

His anchor role in front of the back four allowed midfield partners Steven Gerrard and Joe Allen, as well as full-backs Glen Johnson and Jose Enrique, to push forward more and it led to one-way traffic in the first half.

In the 14 attempts in the opening 45 minutes Jonjo Shelvey smashed a shot back off the inside of a post while Luis Suarez crashed a free-kick against the crossbar which eventually led to the goal.

Lucas is hoping for a fresh start after dismissing his two Premier League appearances, and two in Europa League qualifiers.

"I didn't count the other comeback because it was so short," said the 25-year-old.

"I was really looking forward to the game and the feeling against Southampton was the same as my first match for Gremio.

"I played more minutes (88) than people were expecting and now it is just a question of games and training sessions, which is the only way I will get to the level I was.

"I think it was really positive, especially as it is a year since my first injury.

"I was really pleased with the performance. I need to improve a lot but that is a good step I have made.

"Everyone knows it has been a long journey for me to turn around the opinion of people but they really appreciate the work I do for the team and the passion I have for the club.

"It was a great day for me and I hope I have many more."

Sterling Hits Back At Liverpool Over New Contract

Raheem Sterling has NOT been made a new contract offer by Liverpool.

Sterling’s advisors are angry after Brendan Rodgers publicly claimed the 17-year-old would be “very foolish” not to sign a deal with Liverpool.

And they insist that no formal contract was put on the table in either of the two meetings that they had with Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre.

The second meeting with Ayre came this week, but no offer was made.

The Sterling camp were amazed when Liverpool manager Rodgers then went public in what could be seen as attempting to bully the teenager into signing.

Rodgers said on Thursday: “If you are 17 and playing regularly, you would be very foolish not to commit yourself very quickly. If I was Raheem Sterling and his agents, I would look to tie it up very quickly.

“Raheem’s (contract) has been ongoing, really.

"The club and his representatives are in good dialogue and communication and hopefully we will get that resolved very soon, but there is no timescale.”

Sterling’s advisors also insist the England international is not being greedy and has not asked for anywhere near £50,000-a-week.

Rodgers' statement is in danger of backfiring as it has only highlighted the fact that Liverpool have yet to make a formal offer to Sterling, who turns 18 next week.

Young Reds Lose At Middlesbrough

An experimental Liverpool U18 side lost 3-1 away at Middlesbrough in freezing conditions on Saturday.

With an eye on Tuesday's FA Youth Cup third round tie at Swindon Town, Steve Cooper chose to rest key players and fielded an experimental line-up mainly comprising youngsters from the U16 team.

Louis Roubles scored the consolation goal for Cooper's charges.

Reflecting on the game, Cooper told Liverpoolfc.com: "It was a good opportunity to give some of the youngsters in the squad a chance.

"I thought we only had ourselves to blame really because we had a lot of possession but gave away some sloppy goals, and if you do that you are not going to take anything from the game."

Liverpool U18 team: Mersin, Burke, Cleary, Brewitt, O'Hanlon, Rossiter (Marsh 60), Randall, Trickett-Smith (Kent 45), Roubles, Brannagan, Ojo.

Match Preview: Liverpool vs Southampton

Liverpool will look for just a fourth win of a stuttering Premier League campaign when Southampton makes their return to Anfield for the first time in eight years on Saturday.

The visit of a team in the relegation zone should be an early Christmas gift for Brendan Rodgers and his men, but Southampton have won just as many games this season as Liverpool - who despite playing some decent football at times have found wins hard to come by.

Again Rodgers was happy with the performance of his team at Tottenham in midweek, but again the result did not match that level of performance and it is an open secret that scoring goals continues to stunt any growth in his developing team.

The fact Southampton sit just four points behind Liverpool tells its own story, but with a decent run of fixtures coming up in December though now is the time to start turning things around at Anfield.

Returning midfielder Lucas Leiva could help by freeing up Steven Gerrard and Joe Allen to do more of their work further up the pitch, and offering some help to Luis Suarez and Raheem Sterling - who is still seemingly stalling over a new contract.

Former Liverpool youth player Nigel Adkins hopes to enjoy his return to Merseyside and his Saints have started to breathe life into their season with an unbeaten four-match streak including back-to-back wins lifting them to within a point of leaving the drop-zone.

But for a goalkeeping error from Paulo Gazzaniga against Norwich, Southampton would be travelling north as high as 15th in the table but they have improved since the start of the season and will aim to keep the home crowd frustrated early on.

Midfielder Lucas Leiva returns to Liverpool's match-day squad to face Southampton at Anfield after a three-month injury absence.

The Brazil international has finally recovered from a thigh injury, while Joe Cole has overcome a hamstring problem which forced him out of the midweek defeat at Tottenham.

Defender Andre Wisdom, on the bench at White Hart Lane after a knee injury, could come back into contention for a starting place.

Under-fire goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga looks set to start for Southampton again when they travel to Liverpool.

The 20-year-old Argentinian has come under increasing scrutiny following a number of recent high-profile mistakes, including the one that saw Norwich grab an equalizer in midweek.

Danny Fox could return from a knee complaint, while Frazer Richardson and Richard Chaplow are closing in on a return.

Displays Keep Rodgers Happy

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers admits he is satisfied with the progress of his charges since his appointment in the summer.

The Reds are currently fourth in the Premier League, 10 points behind leaders Manchester United, but Rodgers believes his team should be better placed.

Liverpool's eight-match unbeaten run was ended at Tottenham in midweek, but Rodgers was able to take comfort from the performance at White Hart Lane.

And the Reds manager is looming to get back to winning ways when Southampton visits Anfield on Saturday.

Rodgers said: "We are not in a position we deserve to be in, but ultimately we have to turn the performances into results and that is what we aim to do.

"It has been terrific to watch; you've seen the growth of the group, the mixture of young and senior players really playing with freedom and all you can do is keep your head down and work hard.

"The level of our game is a good one but we have to align that with results and that is important. Once we find the solutions to scoring more goals I believe we can push on."

Lucas Leiva In Contention To Face Southampton

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has revealed that midfielder Lucas will be in the squad for the visit of Southampton on Saturday after being out through injury since 26th August.

The Brazilian had missed the majority of last season through injury and his availability will be a huge boost to the Reds.

In his press conference at Liverpool's training ground Rodgers also confirmed that midfielder Joe Cole will also return for an injury that kept him out of the game at Spurs on Wednesday night.

“The squad is fine,” said Rodgers. "Joe Cole will come back into contention. He had a scan on an injury but that showed up fine, so he should be available again at the weekend.

"Lucas Leiva will return to the squad, which is great news because he's been working very, very hard and played the reserve game last week.

"He's been training for a few weeks and looked very good, so we'll look forward to bringing him back in.

"Other than that, the mood is very good and we're really looking forward to the game."

The Northern Irishman continued to talk up the impact that Lucas' return will have on the team.

"He's very much looking forward to it. He's worked tirelessly in his recovery. We're just trying to nudge him along and make sure it's the right time.

"He had a few weeks of training before he played his reserve game. He looked very capable in that game and he's had another week of training and I don't think he can go any further with regards to training.

"His next step is games, so hopefully in the next couple of weeks he'll get opportunities to play and improve his football fitness.

"Mentally he's a tough boy. His mental fitness is very strong and he's looking forward to helping the team.

"It's a big boost because he's well in tune with what we're trying to do here. He's been kicking his heels on the side wanting to help his mates and the group, so I am delighted to have him back.

"He's a good guy and has a lot to offer the team, both on and off the field, and it'll be great to have him back in the squad."

Liverpool and Chelsea Linked With Transfer Move For Dutch Defender

Liverpool has joined Chelsea in the race to sign Dutch defender Stefan de Vrij.

The 20-year-old centre back is out of contract at Feyenoord in 2014 and is unwilling to commit beyond that point despite holding the captain’s armband at De Kuip, according to The Daily Mail.

The paper goes on to claim that Liverpool are now on the trail of the player, with manager Brendan Rodgers in the market to add a centre back at Anfield.

Sebastian Coates is attracting interest from Italy, the report claims, and the former Nacional starlet could be replaced by De Vrij on Merseyside. Any new addition at the back would provide competition for Daniel Agger, Martin Skrtel and Jamie Carragher.

Liverpool isn’t the only Premier League club interested in the two-cap Holland international however, with the Blues also linked.

The Metro claimed earlier in the week that Chelsea were leading other English clubs in their pursuit of the player, and were ‘believed to be ready’ to table a £5 million offer for a player who has turned down two new contract offers with the Eredivisie outfit.

Rafael Benitez has taken the reigns at Stamford Bridge on an interim basis following the sacking of Roberto Di Matteo, and it’s unclear how much control of the purse string the Spaniard will have in the January transfer window.

That hasn’t stopped De Vrij being linked with a move to west London however, and he’d compete with David Luiz, John Terry, Gary Cahill and Branislav Ivanovic for a place in the Chelsea side.

Liverpool Target Out-Of-Form Spanish Striker

Liverpool is being linked with a move for Spanish striker Nolito.

The 26-year-old forward is struggling to make an impact at Benfica this season, losing his place in the first-team after an impressive debut season with the Portuguese side.

After moving from Barcelona to the Estadio da Luz on a free transfer in the summer of 2011, Nolito netted 11 goals in 37 appearances for last season’s Primeira Liga runners-up.

However, his fall down the pecking order has led to speculation over a move to the Premier League, with The Daily Express claiming that Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers is interested in bringing the player to Anfield.

The paper goes on to claim that Rodgers is eager to revive the former Ecija starlet’s career on Merseyside, as the Reds look to bolster their attacking line in the transfer window.

Luis Suarez currently leads the line alone at Anfield, with Fabio Borini and Andy Carroll – the other senior options at Liverpool – unavailable.

It’s unclear how much Rodgers would have to pay to bring the player to the club, but the paper also suggests that Benfica may be willing to part with the player in 2013.

Liverpool Lining Up Deal For Former Leeds Winger

Liverpool could make a surprise January swoop for former Leeds United star Max Gradel.

Gradel, who now plays for Ligue 1 side Saint-Etienne, came through the ranks at Leicester City but established himself at Leeds, whom he signed for following a successful loan spell.

The Ivory Coast international's displays at Elland Road lead to him being named the Fans' and Players' Player of the Year for 2011, and he earned himself a move to his current club in August of that year.

Gradel hit the ground running in France and has been scouted extensively by Liverpool, but Ukrainian heavyweights Shakhtar Donetsk are also keeping tabs on the winger.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is desperate to strengthen his attacking options and the 24-year-old, who can play as a winger and as a striker, fits the bill perfectly.

Harry Redknapp Flirting With Joe Cole Enquiry

QPR manager Harry Redknapp has called Liverpool midfielder Joe Cole a top player but insists that he has not made an enquiry for him yet.

Redknapp bought Cole through the youth system into the first team at West Ham and now as he looks to save West London club Queens Park Ranger from relegation he has praised the former Chelsea man but says that he has not made enquiries about any potential transfers.

"I like Joe, I had him as an 11-year-old," Redknapp told reporters.

"The talent is there and I think there's still a top player in there. I haven't made any enquiries yet - I haven't made any enquiries for anyone."

The QPR boss has also been linked with Marseille striker Loic Remy, who was close to joining Tottenham during Redknapp's reign at White Hart Lane.

But despite the speculation, the 65-year-old has reiterated that the side's current objectives are to turn performances around.

He added, "I was interested in Remy but that was then. It's a different situation now. He would be expensive. It depends on where we are in January.

"I've never discussed players with anyone. Here we are, we need to win matches now. January is way off."

Match Report: Tottenham 2 - 1 Liverpool

Gareth Bale scored a stunning free-kick and set up Aaron Lennon with a wonderful solo run to bring Liverpool's eight-match unbeaten run to an end at White Hart Lane.

The Welshman scored what has to be one of the most unlucky own goals in Premier League history to tarnish his evening slightly, but Tottenham still managed to come away with their second successive win despite an edgy second half in north London.

Bale tore West Ham apart at White Hart Lane on Sunday and he began Wednesday evening's game in similarly devastating fashion, embarking on a 50-yard run before playing in Lennon for the opener after seven minutes.

The Welshman then smashed home a brilliant swirling free-kick to make it 2-0 after 16 minutes, the ball looping and dipping over the wall leaving Pepe Reina completely non-plussed.

The win, which moves Spurs above Arsenal and Everton into fifth, did not come easily - but it did remind the club's critics that in Bale they have a man capable of winning a match almost single-handedly.

Playing at the same high tempo that helped them to destroy West Ham on Sunday, Tottenham flew out of the blocks and stamped their authority on the game from the off on a bitterly cold night in north London.

Reina got a taste of things to come when he saw a swirling Bale free-kick fly at him from 30 yards in the fourth minute, punching nervously away.

Bale was key to Tottenham's quick start. The Welshman latched on to Jermain Defoe's pass after the England striker had pinched the ball off Steven Gerrard, but he could only shoot at Reina.

Tottenham's early pressure paid off as Spurs took the lead in style. Bale collected the ball on the half way line and breezed past four players before squaring to Lennon, who tapped home from close range.

Luis Suarez spearheaded the Liverpool fightback, testing Hugo Lloris with a low drive after Michael Dawson's tackle had knocked the ball in to the Uruguayan's path.

A mix-up between Lloris and Kyle Walker then almost gifted the visitors an equalizer. The Frenchman rushed out of his goal to clear Suarez's through-ball - but the defender took the ball away from his goalkeeper into the path of Jordan Henderson, who blazed wide of an open goal.

The Spurs fans mocked Henderson for his miss and the midfielder's evening took another turn for the worse moments later when he was harshly adjudged to have fouled Dempsey 30 yards out.

Bale took a five-yard run up and despatched a powerful drive which dipped and swerved over the wall, completely bamboozling Reina, who could only stand and watch the ball sail in to his right.

Liverpool thought they should have had a penalty in the 36th minute when Steven Gerrard went down under pressure from Mousa Dembele, but Phil Dowd waved play on. The danger was not over for Spurs though, as Dawson dribbled in to the path of Suarez, whose shot was cleared off the line by Walker.

Liverpool continued to push for an equalizer after the break, but they almost conceded a third when Martin Skrtel's poor clearance set Defoe free but Dempsey selfishly muscled his team-mate off the ball and shot wide.

Spurs were struggling to get on the ball and their best threat came from set plays. Bale fizzed another long-range bender just wide in the 68th minute.

Two minutes later the former Southampton man unwittingly put Liverpool back in the game.

Lennon was well-placed on the line to clear Gerrard's header, but unfortunately for Spurs, the winger's clearance cracked Bale square in the face and flew in to the home net.

Bale was then jeered by the away fans after being booked for diving, although replays showed Daniel Agger did make contact with the winger's trailing leg as he charged at the Reds defence.

With 10 minutes to go Agger hooked the ball back for Suarez, but the striker snatched at the ball and his volley flew over.

Jonjo Shelvey chipped just wide and Suarez thought he should have had a penalty in a nervous final few minutes, but Tottenham held on until the final whistle, which Villas-Boas greeted with a huge double fist-pump.

Rodgers Rages At Referee

Brendan Rodgers launched in to a tirade against referee Phil Dowd for his performance as Liverpool's eight-match unbeaten run came to an unfortunate end at Tottenham.

Spurs ran out 2-1 winners at White Hart Lane thanks to a stunning free-kick from Gareth Bale and Aaron Lennon's first half tap-in.

Rodgers, whose team pulled a goal back courtesy of a Bale own goal, was infuriated at Dowd for not awarding them two spot-kicks - one for a foul on Steven Gerrard by Mousa Dembele, and the other when William Gallas took out Luis Suarez in the dying minutes.

Earlier this season, Rodgers complained that his team were not getting enough decisions from officials, and he was deeply unhappy tonight that Dowd awarded the free-kick that led to Bale's goal when Clint Dempsey went down under the slightest of touches from Jordan Henderson.

"Nothing is going for us away from home, that's how its been all season in terms of decisions," Liverpool boss Rodgers said in his post-match press conference.

"Clint Dempsey has been clever (with the free-kick). He gets a hand in his back and goes down.

"We should have had two penalties. It's incredible to have gone through the season without getting a penalty.

"The Steven Gerrard one was nearly assault. How is that not a penalty?

"Watch the second one. Luis Suarez spins, William Gallas swings his left foot, catches him and he goes down.

"The statistics will tell you that we've been in the box as much as anyone, but to arrive at this stage of season and not get a penalty..."

Tottenham were left desperately hanging on pretty much from the moment that Bale's free-kick doubled the hosts' advantage, with Suarez and Henderson both guilty of missing good chances.

"We will struggle to play as well as that and not get anything," Rodgers added.

"We were absolutely outstanding. We would have been disappointed had we come away from that game with a point."

In the end it was Bale's masterclass performance that proved to be the difference between the two sides.

The Welshman eased past four Liverpool players on a 50-yard run before squaring to Lennon for Tottenham's opener and his 30-yard swirling free-kick was a strike Cristiano Ronaldo would have been proud of.

The only negative for the former Southampton winger came with his comedy own-goal in the second half when he found himself in the way of Lennon's goal-line clearance and saw the ball rebound in off his head.

Bale has now scored 10 goals for club and country this season - and Andre Villas-Boas admits the biggest teams on the planet will have been alerted by the winger's form.

"Tottenham as a club want to keep him here as long as we can but we understand players like this have propositions, have market which is the nature of the game," the Spurs boss said.

"At the moment he's doing extremely well for Spurs and we are absolutely amazed with what he can do for us. Hopefully, we have no doubt he can become a top player in the future. He is on to a great career."

Reina was powerless to stop the ball as it dipped and swerved in to the net for Tottenham's first and Bale nearly beat the Liverpool stopper twice more from similar range.

"Ronaldo showed you can almost hit the ball from the bottom to the top and it has an effect it changes direction," Villas-Boas said.

"Gareth has the power to hit the ball at that pace and that's why the ball gets so many effects."

Liverpool Hoping Big Things From New Barry

Liverpool academy director Frank McParland hopes Reds teenager Marc Pelosi can develop into one of the finest midfielders in the Premier League, and has compared the American to Manchester City star Gareth Barry.

Pelosi joined Liverpool a year ago, despite keen interest from Major League clubs in his native USA, and the 17-year-old continues to impress in the Anfield club's youth system.

The teenager has been tipped by USA under-20 manager Tab Ramos to play his country's senior side for the 'next decade', and Liverpool are also hoping for big things from Pelosi.

According to Liverpool academy chief McParland, Pelosi is similar in style to Barry - a former target for the Anfield club - and the Californian has what it takes to reach the top.

"He reminds me of Gareth Barry of Man City," McParland told Goal.com. "We think he has really high potential."

Liverpool's pursuit of Barry in the summer transfer window of 2008 was well-documented, with Rafael Benitez striving desperately to bring the England international to Anfield from Aston Villa.

Barry outlined his desire to leave Villa for Liverpool, but the Reds were unable to meet the club's demands, and the midfielder joined Manchester City for £12 million a year later.

Liverpool FC’s U19s Keep NextGen Qualification Hopes Alive

Liverpool’s Under-19s earned an excellent victory in their latest NextGen Series match on Wednesday night.

In his first game in charge of the side since being appointed earlier in the week, Alex Inglethorpe’s team defeated their counterparts from Borussia Dortmund 3-0 in the match played at St Helens’ home ground, Langtree Park.

The victory, which keeps the Reds’ hopes of remaining in the competition, was built on a first-half double from skipper Conor Coady.

Liverpool completed the scoring in the second period when Adam Morgan found the net 13 minutes from time.

The result gave Liverpool some revenge after they fell to a 2-1 defeat to the same opposition in the competition at the end of last month in Germany.

Liverpool is now third in Group 5 behind leaders Rosenborg and Inter Milan. The Reds have one group game left, home to the Italians on January 8.

Inglethorpe’s team was dominant throughout the clash and took the lead midway through the opening period when Krisztian Adorjan combined with defender Brad Smith. His cross to the back post was perfectly struck and Coady headed home from close range.

The advantage was doubled five minutes later when Morgan was upended by Dortmund keeper Cedric Wilmes inside the penalty area.

Coady took the responsibility from 12 yards and duly dispatched the spot-kick.

Both Marc Pelosi and Jordon Ibe both went close to making it three before Morgan saw an effort cleared off the line.

Adorjan was unfortunate to see a neat flicked effort come back off an upright in the second half but the Reds eventually wrapped up the points when Morgan coolly netted via a pass from his Hungarian team-mate.

There was still time for Adorjan to strike another effort against the woodwork but the win was already secured.

Match Preview: Tottenham Hotspur vs Liverpool

Tottenham Hotspur will be looking to secure back-to-back home wins and end Liverpool's eight-match unbeaten run on Wednesday.

A 3-1 derby success over West Ham United on Sunday saw Spurs returning to winning ways following three straight defeats, and they will want to build on that result and close back in on the top four.

History would appear to be in Spurs' favour, with the north London outfit having emerged victorious in their last five meetings with Liverpool at White Hart Lane in all competitions.

Bringing an end to that sequence of results will be Brendan Rodgers' top priority, with Liverpool heading to the capital still searching for a spark to ignite their season.

The Reds have become hard to beat, which is a step in the right direction, but seven draws in 13 games this season have held them back.

It is, however, worth noting that only reigning champions Manchester City have gone longer without tasting a Premier League defeat than the men from Merseyside and Rodgers will feel that his side can kick on once momentum is established.

Emmanuel Adebayor will serve the second game of his three-match ban in midweek, meaning Jermain Defoe will get the opportunity to lead the Tottenham lead once more.

Mousa Dembele, who returned from injury to make a 10-minute cameo appearance against West Ham, may be returned to Andre Villas-Boas' starting XI, but the Portuguese tactician is not expected to make too many changes to a winning team.

Scott Parker is back in light training following an Achilles injury, but is some way short of full match fitness, while Benoit Assou-Ekotto (knee) and Younes Kaboul (knee) remain on the sidelines.

Midfielder Sandro has been passed fit after being carried off on a stretcher with a stomach injury against West Ham.

Andre Wisdom has recovered from the knee injury which kept him out of a goalless draw with Swansea at the weekend and returns to the Liverpool squad.

If the teenager regains his place in the back four, winger Stewart Downing - who played at left-back at the Liberty Stadium on Sunday - would be the player most likely to make way.

Midfielder Lucas Leiva, who played an hour for the reserves on Friday, will not be included but could come into contention at the weekend.