Should Liverpool And Everton Ground-Share?

Passion. Loyalty. Pride. The credit crunch. Ticket prices. Pragmatics. Which arguments are the most compelling in the ground-sharing debate? Kevin Garside and Jeremy Wilson go head to head with their respective arguments.

Kevin Garside - No to ground-sharing

Football, like all sports, is a form of escape, a fantasy, an adventure, a romance, an attachment. It conforms not to rational promptings but to emotional impulses. Yes, it is logical for Liverpool and Everton to ground-share. Yes, it makes fiscal sense. Why build two stadia to accommodate two teams housed either side of Stanley Park? It would be madness. Well yes, it would. For the fan, football is a form of madness. Necessarily so. It provides a subtext to our lives. It nourishes the parts work cannot reach. It allows us to drift legitimately for periods of time from the more prosaic conventions that govern us. From responsibility.

We do this in groups. It becomes a secondary identity. This is Dave. He's okay. He's a Liverpool fan. Hi Dave. Welcome to the club. You're in, one of us. Out of this simple commonality a relationship flows. Dave might eat insects, he might pierce his toes, he might do lots of things that would get him locked up, but we forgive him his eccentricities because he's a Liverpool fan; part of the family.

Dave and the boys convene once or twice a week at their ground. It's been their home for more than a hundred years. Their dads came before them, their granddads before them. They are bound by a set of shared beliefs that have evolved and made them what they are in football. This is Anfield.

Dave's cousin, John, is a blue. John's dad, Dave's uncle, went to Goodison Park as a kid to spite his old fella. John loves Everton like Dave loves the reds. John's bedroom wall is a shrine to Everton. He's even got a picture of Kendall, Ball and Harvey that his dad cut out of a Shoot magazine when he was 10.

Dave and John are not economists. They have no interest in balancing books. They are not clients of Anfield and Goodison Park. They are, in their imaginations, part owners of Liverpool and Everton. They turn up without fail in all weathers in their replica shirts bought at the club shops and stump up money they don't have to get their emotional fix.

Dave and John share blood but not teams. This part of their lives is experienced independently. They are mutually exclusive. This is the tradition in Merseyside, in England, in Britain; separate homes at the home of the game.


Jeremy Wilson - Yes to ground-sharing

Rick Parry, the Liverpool chief executive, struck a rather hopeful note earlier this week when he attempted to allay ever-growing fears about the viability of a new stadium. "It's a case of a delay while things settle down," he said.

A delay while things settle down? At a time when even the world's most eminent economists have little idea when confidence in the banking system will return, it was hardly a statement to reassure any Liverpool fan.

As for Everton, the club claims that it has funds for a new stadium, yet the council's objection to the retail element of their Kirkby project has ensured ongoing delays. Time, though, is hardly on the side of either football club.

On Saturday, Liverpool will host Fulham and can expect to earn around £1.4 million from the game, while a similar fixture for Everton would generate in the region of £800,000. Comparable matches at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium or Manchester United's Old Trafford would net the clubs around £3.5 million.

Over a season, it gives Arsenal and Manchester United an ongoing advantage in turnover in excess of £50 million over their Merseyside rivals.

And yet there is a simple solution. In Stanley Park, Liverpool have planning permission - but not the money - for a 60,000-seater ground that could potentially become a 75,000 capacity stadium. By contrast, Everton's difficulties surround the location for their ground. It is often said that a problem shared is a problem halved yet, in this case, an unlikely alliance would actually solve two problems.

A shared stadium would also provide a wider focal point for Liverpool that could represent the 'Wembley of the north' and attract other high profile events to Merseyside. A call to consider the idea from both council leader Warren Bradley and Steven Broomhead, the chief executive of the North West Regional Development Agency, also suggests that public bodies may look favourably on supporting a joint project that could serve to unite the community.

For all the understandable emotion about retaining each club's unique identity, it is a project that has been proven to work in other leading European football cities.

The San Siro is famously the base for both AC Milan and Inter, while the Olympic Stadium in Rome hosts Roma and Lazio. The Allianz Arena in Germany can even change colour from red to blue depending on whether Bayern Munich or TSV 1860 Munich are at home.
The lesson is clear. Football waits for nobody and, if Liverpool and Everton doggedly allow their hearts to rule their heads, they will continue to get left behind.

Fernando Torres Back To His Best - And Ready To Fire For Liverpool

Fernando Torres returned to goalscoring form last night in Spain’s 3-0 win over Chile.

It was the Liverpool forward’s first goal since his return from the hamstring injury that he sustained on international duty in early October.

And in a further boost to manager Rafael Benitez’s preparations for the visit of Fulham this Saturday, he saw all five of his Spanish internationals come through without picking up injuries.

Xabi Alonso and Albert Riera completed full 90 minutes while goalkeeper Pepe Reina played the second half after replacing Iker Casillas.

Right-back Alvaro Arbeloa also made an appearance just past the hour mark before Torres scored just nine minutes after replacing David Villa 12 minutes into the second half. But Benitez’s main concern was welcoming Torres back with his fitness intact after being injured on international duty three times during his Liverpool career.

Meanwhile, Martin Skrtel has revealed his determination to fight to regain his place in the Liverpool back line when he returns from injury.

The Slovakian defender has earmarked the Christmas period as a realistic target for his return following his spell on the sidelines with a knee injury.

He said: “Daniel and Sami are excellent players and they are playing well.

“It will be difficult to get back into the team but I am working hard and I will do my best to impress the coach and fight for my place back.

“I am sad that I am not currently part of the team but I am happy that we are winning and at the end of the day it is the goal of all of us to win matches.

“Being at the top of the Premier League gives us a lot of confidence. We are trying to win every game and hopefully our form can continue for as long as possible.

“Of course I would like to win some silverware but it’s still early and there is a long time to go until the end of the season.”

Skrtel, who joined Liverpool from Zenit St Petersburg in January, admits that he is happy with the schedule of his recovery – because the initial impact of the injury at Eastlands left him feeling he would be out for much longer.

“The injury is much better,” Skrtel said. “It has been six weeks since the injury and I have stopped using the crutches, but obviously I have work to do in order to get the ligament back to what it was before.

“The pain when it happened was huge and I thought it was much worse than it actually was. Once I was back in the changing room I realised it was not as serious as I first feared.

“The first week or two was the worst but then I started to look forward to doing exercises that helped me to heal and speed up the recovery process.”

As for a likely return date, the Slovakian international is still hopeful he will achieve his initial target of a run-out during the Christmas programme.

“I don’t know exactly the date but the predictions were for before Christmas and I am hoping it is as soon as possible.

“It has been a long time. I can’t wait to start kicking a ball again and resume full training,” he added.

Mascherano Talks Up Liverpool Solidarity

Liverpool’s midfield enforcer Javier Mascherano believes that the side’s team mentality can be cited as the primary reason for the club’s best start to a Premier League season.

Newly installed Argentina captain Javier Mascherano believes that the club’s togetherness has been of major importance to their impressive start to the current League campaign.

The Reds share top spot with London club Chelsea, and have only lost once in the Premier League – to lily white side Tottenham Hotspur.

Mascherano thinks that the squad is performing on the pitch because of their amicable relationships off of it.

"All the players are giving everything for us and that is very important," Mascherano told the club’s official website.

"This is why the team is playing so well at the moment, it is because of our teamwork which has been fantastic.

"We are all very happy after the Bolton game because we were able to win another game and go back to the top of the table.

"We know how difficult it is to win at the Reebok because they are a very strong and a very physical team,” he concluded.

Mascherano’s Argentina side play Scotland during the international break before Premier League business resumes on Saturday afternoon with a trip to west London to take on Fulham who, under the tutelage or Roy Hodgson, have turned Craven Cottage into a formidable arena.

Yossi Benayoun Moves Closer To Liverpool FC Exit

Yossi Benayoun has hinted he will consider leaving Anfield in the New Year if he remains a bit-part player for Liverpool.

The Israel international, a £6million signing from West Ham United 18 months ago, has always claimed he is content to stay and fight for his place in Rafael Benitez’s side.

But the 28-year-old, who was tracked by Ajax, Spartak Moscow, Manchester City and Roma during the summer, has admitted his patience is wearing thin at being left on the bench.

“If the situation remains the same over the next few months, and I’m not getting more time in the middle, I will not want to continue as a Liverpool player,” Benayoun told Israel’s Channel Five TV station.

“The fact that I have spent so much time on the bench, while there has been a winning formula on the pitch, tells you everything.

“I hope it changes for me, because I want to stay and prove myself, but it won’t be easy. I know I’m at one of the biggest clubs in the world, and that there are many good players like Ryan Babel and Jermaine Pennant who sometimes aren’t even in the squad, but it’s not much fun sitting on the bench all the time.

“I always wanted to prove myself good enough for Liverpool, and I thought I did well last season to contribute so many goals and assists. But there seems to be more competition for places this time, and if I continue to be on the sidelines, I would not want to stay, even though it is Liverpool.

“Maybe I will have to accept that and start learning another language, such as Italian or French or even Russian.”

Meanwhile, Liverpool are keen to open talks with Alvaro Arbeloa, whose current deal expires in 2010, over a new contract to stave off interest from Atletico Madrid.

Rafa Benitez Reveals Secret To Liverpool’s Success

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has praised a team effort among his backroom staff after being named Barclays Premier League manager of the month for October.

“I am really pleased to be named manager of the month but the award is not just for me, it is good for the club and also my staff,” said Benitez. “I think that all managers need to have good backroom staff.

“Everyone is doing a very good job and that is important. It allows me to concentrate on different things because I know that they will do the job properly.”

Benitez had particular praise for Mauricio Pellegrino, who was brought back to Anfield in the summer as first-team coach after spending a short stint on the playing staff in 2005.

“When I decided to sign Pellegrino as a player it was because he is very clever and tactically he could help the other defenders,” said Benitez.

“He wasn’t at his best because he was at the end of his career but he is showing now as a coach how brilliant he is tactically.

“I think everyone has been impressed by the things he has done since he arrived. He is a winner, he is very clever and he has a real passion for football.

“The only concern for me is maybe he will leave in the future because he can be a fantastic manager.”

Liverpool are enjoying their best-ever start to a Premier League campaign with only goal difference keeping them behind leaders Chelsea.

And Fernando Torres believes the Anfield outfit have laid the foundations of a genuine title challenge.

“This season has seen us get off to a good start, and that is very much appreciated here,” said the Spain international.

“If you are still up there by December, then you have serious options of staying there.

“The big name sides rarely slip up, especially during the first half of the season.

“If you fall too far behind, you leave yourself very few, if any options.

“The Premier League is the title which everyone wants, even more than the Champions League, especially considering that the club lifted the title three seasons ago.

“The players who have been at the club for longer have won every title possible apart from the Premier League, and the players and all also especially the fans want to win it.”

Styles Was Right, Rafa Was Wrong

KEEP CALM’ is the mantra coming out of Anfield these days; players and fans alike have been urged by Snr. Benitez to focus solely on winning the next game, and not to get too excited about beating Manchester United and Chelsea and opening up an eight-point gap over the former.

Yet listening to the ‘Rafatollah’ after last weekend’s win over Bolton, it would appear that the man himself might shortly be reaching for the Tamazepan.

How else to explain his extraordinary exposition of an imaginary Law of the game, the one apparently stating that goalkeepers cannot be challenged in the six-yard box, which ‘belongs’ to them? According to Rafa, this is clearly set out ‘in the rules’.

Presumably this is the same rule book which makes it compulsory for managers to wear goatee beards, and to play without wingers for four years.

Gary Megson also blotted his copybook by claiming a penalty for Reina’s push on Nolan, even though the ball was not yet in play.

Leaving aside for the moment the curious ignorance of the Laws of the game displayed by almost all who make a living from it, this incident did raise an interesting point (at least for those of us who care about this sort of thing) about the correctness of Rob Styles’ decision to disallow Cahill’s ‘goal’.

Nolan clearly did just stand his ground, and in theory there’s nothing wrong with that. On the other hand, it was a clear attempt to impede Reina, with no attempt to play the ball. So which way to blow?

The truth is that most of the Laws of the game are open to interpretation – hence the endless analysis of decisions we see on the TV all the time.

And though they might be technically permissible, some tactics cannot be allowed to stand for the good of the game as a spectator sport.

If what Nolan did was legal, then every time there’s a corner we’d be treated to the unedifying sight of players clustered and jostling round the goalkeeper. I’m not paying to watch that.

It’s a similar situation to the practice of nicking the ball off the goalkeeper’s toe just as he’s released it to clear upfield, as memorably demonstrated by George Best against Gordon Banks so many years ago. Let this go, and we’d never see the ball in play again.

So, dislike Styles as you may, on this occasion he got it right, and we’re all the better for it. And we don’t need to make up rules to justify it.

Those of us who are fortunate (that’s not the word my missus uses) to follow Liverpool up and down the country may have cause to doubt the alleged commercial culture which saturates our game, respecting our rights as ‘customers’ first and foremost.

In the last few weeks I’ve been frisked for concealed weapons despite being ‘of a certain age’ and, I like to think, of mature countenance; paid over the odds because I support Liverpool rather than, say, Stoke; and been presented with half-time highlights on a large video screen which seemed to be have been purged of any Liverpool activity at all (even the goal we had scored). Forgive me if I don’t feel valued for parting with my hard-earned cash.

And it really doesn’t help when the likes of Gordon Taylor, the PFA chief executive, pleads for the end of the recent spate of coin-throwing, saying we don’t want to ‘return to the 80s when fans were searched entering the ground’. Perish the thought.

Liverpool Boss Benitez On Robbie Keane Reaction

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez claimed that he did not mind the way that Robbie Keane reacted after being replaced in their 2-0 draw to Bolton in their Premier League fixture.

The Reds won the match after scoring once in each half, with Dirk Kuyt opening the account in the 28th minute of play and then skipper Steven Gerrard scored in the 73rd minute.

Keane had a disappointing day at the Reebok Stadium and was replaced by Fernando Torres in the second half, which angered the former Tottenham Hotspur star.

Benitez said: "A player has to be disappointed at coming off, which is what I want to see. The response always has to be that you work even harder for the next game.

"It has to be like that in a winning team, you have to compete for the positions and that is a positive thing. Robbie knows the team will always be the important thing so I don't need to speak to him about it (being substituted)."

Carragher Key To Title Bid

Former Liverpool midfielder John Wark believes keeping Jamie Carragher fit will be key to the Reds maintaining their Premier League title challenge.

Carragher, 30, along with keeper Pepe Reina, has played every minute of the Anfield club's league campaign so far.

Wark told BBC Radio Merseyside: "Jamie Carragher has been so consistent it's unreal, for me he deserves all the accolades he gets.

"He's our main defender and when he is not playing we will struggle."

"He's a great organiser, he gives his all and the fans love him," said Wark.

Due to fellow centre-half Martin Skrtel's knee injury and Alvaro Arbeloas' suspension last weekend Carragher filled in at right-back for the 2-0 win at Bolton on Saturday.

Carraghers' commitment to the cause pleases Wark.

"He throws his body into some tackles, I just love the way he plays football and the spirit he plays it with."

Manchester United Target Only Has Eyes For Liverpool

Mohammed 'Moa' Abdellaoue has revealed that he is an ardent Liverpool supporter after Manchester United were credited with an interest in him.

The Valerenga striker has been linked with a move to Old Trafford in some quarters after being compared to Red Devils great Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

The fact that Solskjaer was also a Liverpool fan is not lost on the Norwegian media but Moa has not heard of any prospect of a trial in Manchester with the European champions.

"It's nice to be noticed," the 23-year-old told Nettavisen. "It means I am doing a lot right with my football.

"Liverpool are my club. I am a Liverpool supporter, although not a member of the supporters' club.

"Of course it is great to be compared to Solskjaer but I am only Moa.

"I am the person I am. I play football and enjoy myself.

"I have not heard anything directly from United and got the news through the Norwegian media. I have not received any information from my adviser and do not know anything about the trial.

"But I cannot go around thinking about that sort of thing."

Rafa Tips Keane To Tackle Cottagers

Rafael Benitez expects Robbie Keane to be fit for the clash with Fulham, but says it is too early to know if Steven Gerrard will be available.

Keane was forced to withdraw from the Republic of Ireland squad to face Poland after sustaining a shoulder injury in last weekend's win over Bolton.

Benitez insists the injury is not serious and admits his withdrawal from international duty was more of a precaution.

"Robbie Keane's injury is not serious," Benitez told the club's official website. "He had a problem but [withdrawing from the international duty] was just a case of prevention. I think he will be okay."

Gerrard is expected to be sidelined for between seven to 10 days with a groin problem, which forced him to pull out of the England squad to tackle Germany.

Benitez is unsure when Gerrard will be available for action, but it is expected he will miss the Fulham clash and return for next week's Champions League tie with Marseille.

"Steven had a scan and he will be out for seven to ten days, depending on how he progresses," added Benitez.

"He could be back for the Marseille game but each player is different. We have to start working with him and see how he does."

Benitez also revealed that he had spoken with the medical staff of the Spanish national team in an attempt to prevent further injuries for Fernando Torres.

Torres has only recently returned to action after picking up a hamstring strain on international duty and Benitez is keen to avoid a recurrence this week.

"We have spoken to the Spanish medical staff and they know our idea and we know that they will take care of him. They know it could be a small risk so they will try to protect him," concluded Benitez.

Rafael Benitez Watches Liverpool Reserves Defeat Wigan Athletic At Warrington

Rafael Benitez joined Gary Ablett on the bench at The Halliwell Jones Stadium this evening as Liverpool Reserves ended their run of four successive defeats with a 1-0 win over Wigan Athletic.

Ablett revealed that the Reds’ first team boss offered some words of encouragement at half time and the Spaniard would have been delighted to see his compatriot Daniel Pacheco score the only goal of the game in the 66th minute, after converting an inviting cross from Vincent Weijl.

The Dutch winger was a constant thorn in Wigan’s side, linking up effectively with the impressive Argentine left back Emiliano Insua and supplying a steady stream of accurate crosses and shots on goal.

Yet it was Wigan who threatened to take all three points in the first half of the Barclays Premier Reserve League North clash, forcing Liverpool’s Australian goalkeeper Dean Bouzanis to make a string of vital interceptions including a point-blank save from Joe Hart.

Despite the Latics’ early dominance Liverpool had enjoyed plenty of possession and they carved out their best opportunity of the half in the 33rd minute.

Weijl tore down the left wing, planting a cross on Jordy Brouwer’s head only to see the former Ajax star head weakly into the arms of veteran custodian Mike Pollitt.

Ablett was forced to withdraw his captain Stephen Derby at the end of the first period after he picked up a knock – an injury which may cause some concern for Benitez as the Liverpudlian right back provides the only natural cover to Alvaro Arbeloa in his squad following the long term injury to Swiss fullback Philip Degen.

The managerial duo’s halftime pep talk certainly galvanised the young side, with Liverpool taking command after the break.

Weijl continued to shine, seeing a shot deflected just wide on 51 minutes, and Insua was unlucky not to open the scoring four minutes later with a 35-yard piledriver that sailed just inches high of Pollitt’s goal.

Brouwer missed another golden opportunity on the hour, failing to score from close range after brilliant work from Pacheco.

Fortunately for Liverpool the pint-sized playmaker was not so merciful moments later as he finished a move of his own instigation.

Driving into the box Liverpool’s number 10 found Weijl with a pass that bobbled into the winger’s path.

The 18-year-old managed to control the ball before delivering a dangerous cross that Wigan were unable to deal with and Pacheco slammed the ball home.

Liverpool squandered several further openings, Pacheco and substitute Andras Simon, on for the disappointing Brouwer, somehow contriving to waste a two-on-one situation.

But the Reds held on to secure their second league victory of the season, providing an early birthday present for Gary Ablett, who turns 43 tomorrow, in front of 785 fans.

Liverpool Reserves: Dean Bouzanis, Stephen Darby (Daniel Ayala 45), Emiliano Insua, Mikel San Jose Dominguez, Martin Kelly, Damien Plessis, Gerardo Bruna (Francisco Duran 65), Jay Spearing, Jordy Brouwer (Andras Simon, 73), Daniel Pacheco, Vincent Weijl. Unused subs: Peter Gulacsi, Steven Irwin

Wigan Athletic Reserves: Mike Pollitt, Lewis Field, Adam Buxton, Jon Routledge (Callum McManaman 80), Andrew Pearson, Luke Ashworth, Craig Mahon, Matty Hampson, Tomasz Cywka, Joe Holt, Tomasz Kupisz. Unused subs: Jonathan Breeze, Keenan Gracey, Daniel Barrie, Stephen Chiocchi.

Warrington Guardian man of the match: Vincent Weijl. A name to watch over the coming year - he bewitched Wigan’s defence for 90 minutes.

Rafa Eyes Swift Gerrard Return

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is hopeful Steven Gerrard's return from injury will be swift after the Football Association was 'satisfied' the problem was legitimate.

The Reds announced on Sunday that Gerrard would be unavailable for England's friendly with Germany after he sustained a groin injury at Bolton Wanderers the day before.

However, the midfielder was instructed by manager Fabio Capello to report and be assessed by England's own medical team in London.

Gerrard made the trip from Merseyside on Monday and it was later confirmed he was unfit to travel to Berlin for Wednesday's encounter.

The sequence of events has sparked rumours of a rift between Capello and Benitez, but the Spaniard has yet to publicly voice his side of the reported tension.

Benitez said in The Times: "We had to do a scan after the Bolton game because Steven said he had some pain in his groin.

"It is not a massive problem and we hope he will be ready to return in seven to 10 days."

FA director of communications Adrian Bevington added: "It's just very unfortunate that we've got a lot of players who are regulars in the squad who are not around.

"The fact is that players have been down and have been assessed and we are satisfied that these players have legitimate injuries.

"The medical scans show it up, so there shouldn't be any suggestion or innuendo otherwise. The players are absolutely gutted that they are not able to play for England in Berlin on Wednesday night."

We Dare Not Get Complacent In Bid For Title, Admits Liverpool Striker Kuyt

Striker Dirk Kuyt admits Liverpool dare not take their foot off the gas in their hunt for a first Barclays Premier League title in 19 years.

The Dutchman also insists Rafael Benitez' side must not look upon a favourable run of fixtures before the New Year as in any way easy.

Liverpool's next seven league matches include only one against a top-four side - Arsenal away on December 21 - and only one other against a team currently in the top nine, Hull at home on December 13.

The rest are against 10th-placed Fulham, on Saturday, West Ham, Blackburn, Bolton and Newcastle.

This run could be considered a golden opportunity to establish a genuine title-winning position with Liverpool's start to the campaign already their best for six years but Kuyt warned against complacency.

The Dutch frontman said: 'People say that we are facing a run of games that we should be capable of winning,' he said.

'But we know that we can beat the top sides and still lose to the clubs lower down.

'We do not want to look too far ahead, all the games are difficult.

'We have shown that by beating Manchester United and then drawing with Stoke in the next match. We beat Chelsea but then lost at Spurs soon after.

'We are aware it is really difficult every time in the Premier League, we must be right on top of our game for every match.'

Kuyt grabbed his seventh goal of the season in Saturday's 2-0 win at Bolton, where captain Steven Gerrard also took his tally to seven.

'We are still in touch at the top, but we just look to the next game and making sure we take the points,' added Kuyt.

'Every game is difficult and every team can make things hard for us.

'You only have to look at the teams who come to Anfield and then defend deep all game.

'That has happened several times, and I am sure that Fulham next weekend will do the same. That will be another difficult game.'

Kuyt had enjoyed a return to form having endured a testing time in last season after being shifted to an unfamiliar wide position on the right.

'I am still enjoying playing wide on the right, it means I am in the team. It is going well and we are winning games with this system,' he added.

'It does not matter to me whether I am playing on the right of midfield or up front. The most important thing is to win the games and score goals. it is going well.'

Midfielder Javier Mascherano, prior to joining up with the Argentina squad for their friendly with Scotland in Glasgow, underlined the determination at Anfield.

He said: 'All the players are giving everything for us and that is very important.

'This is why the team is playing so well at the moment, it is because of our teamwork which has been fantastic.'

But Benitez is still concerned by the amount of clear opportunities Liverpool are squandering, including four at the Reebok from Robbie Keane, Fernando Torres, Gerrard and Lucas Leiva that could have sealed the win earlier.

'At least we are creating chances; if you do not do that then you are worried,' said the Spaniard.

'But now we must improve our finishing. We are practising, but it depends on a lot of things you cannot control.

'Keeping ourselves up at the top is important for us, and for our fans who were not happy with the way we went out of the Carling Cup last week (to Tottenham).

'Now we have put that defeat behind us and kept ourselves in the race at the top.'

Liverpool Star Torres Beats Dunne, Lescott And Ronaldo To Be Named Northwest Premier League Player Of The Year

Liverpool's Fernando Torres has been named Barclays Premier League player of the year at the Northwest Football Awards.

Torres scored 33 goals in his first season at Anfield before helping Spain to European Championship glory.

The Spaniard beat off competition from Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo, Everton's Joleon Lescott and Richard Dunne of Manchester City.

Sir Alex Ferguson won an outstanding achievement award following Manchester United's league and Champions League double.

Everton boss David Moyes received the manager of the year award while Sir Tom Finney was presented with the lifetime achievement award.

Steven Gerrard Admits He Used To Be Scared Of Tackling

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has become a hero at Anfield for his all-action displays, which are as much built on robbing opponents of possession as his sensational goals.

But he admits that earlier in his career, he was fearful of picking up a reputation.

'I used to be a bit of a hothead, going into stupid challenges and getting sent off when I was younger,' Gerrard revealed.

'That worried me. I didn't want the reputation of being a dirty player. I started wondering if I'd be able to tackle again. I was scared to go near people.'

Gerrard has seen red five times in his career but none since March 2006, a sign of how he has matured through his career.

As he has grown up, he has blossomed into arguably the best midfielder in Europe.

And he has revealed a secret behind his consistency, the fear of having his brother and father on the phone telling him he was poor.

'I know when I've fallen below how I like to play,' he added to Champions magazine. 'And I know it by my brother and my dad's calls right after the game.

'I'm learning how to deal with it. If I've played well, it's easy to stay on a high and get carried away. It's best to get it out of your system by looking to the next game.

'That's the challenge whether you've played good or not, get it out of your system as soon as you can.'

Neal Hits Out At Capello Over His Handling Of Liverpool Star Gerrard’s Withdrawal From The England Squad

Fabio Capello has been accused of treating Steven Gerrard unfairly by former England defender Phil Neal.

Liverpool captain Gerrard will miss England’s friendly against Germany in Berlin tomorrow with a groin injury, but his club are understood to be furious that Capello insisted on the FA’s medical staff assessing the problem, even though Liverpool had already ruled the player out.

Manchester United pair Rio Ferdinand and Wayne Rooney are also absent due to respective back and calf injuries, but neither player was asked to travel to England’s team hotel near Watford – as Gerrard was on Sunday – for a second opinion.

Unlike Gerrard, neither Ferdinand nor Rooney played for their club on Saturday, but ex-Reds defender Neal, who won 50 caps for his country and was a member of former England boss Graham Taylor’s coaching staff, feels Gerrard and Liverpool were hard done-by.

Neal told Radio City: 'I don’t suppose [Liverpool manager] Rafa Benitez or Steven would have anticipated this situation. Steven is proud of wearing the Liverpool shirt and the England shirt.

Capello is exerting his authority, and he is allowed to do that.

'But did he question the other players from other clubs about their particular fitness problems?

You just wonder whether the rule is good for one and not good for them all.'

Gerrard, Ferdinand and Rooney are three of nine senior England players missing from the squad to take on Joachim Low’s team, with Wes Brown, Owen Hargreaves, Joe Cole, Ashley Cole, Frank Lampard and Emile Heskey also injured.

Goalkeeper David James, captain John Terry – who has himself recovered from a foot injury – midfielder Gareth Barry and winger Theo Walcott are the only members of Capello’s first-choice XI to have made the trip to Berlin.

Neal added: 'Liverpool have had to play without Gerrard and Fernando Torres at certain stages. As England manager, you don’t always have the right players available – as you don’t as a club manager. The idea of this game is that Capello can see which players are up and coming.'

Academy Football: Liverpool Hit Back With Derby Victory

First-half goals from Lauri Dalla Valle and David Amoo gave Liverpool under-18s a 2-0 victory in their derby clash with Everton at the Kirkby Academy on Saturday.

Hugh McAuley’s side bounced back from their crushing 4-1 defeat to Premier Academy League Group C leaders Manchester City the previous week in the ideal way.

The match started in a strangely low-key manner and Liverpool keeper Martin Hansen had to save well from Cory Sinnott.

But Liverpool made the breakthrough after 18 minutes when Finnish forward Dalla Valle broke through onto Adam Pepper’s pass to score with a clinical finish.

Amoo hit the post after the ball rebounded to him, but then the London-born right-sided player made it 2-0 just four minutes after the opener.

Former Millwall youngster Amoo had a couple of efforts blocked by Everton defenders before he fired in.

In the second half midfielder Pepper twice went close with free-kicks and also with a long-range effort that whistled past the post. In the end Liverpool ran out fairly comfortable 2-0 winners and coach McAuley said: “Obviously it was a lot better than week against Manchester City. I thought we played very well and controlled the game for large parts and passed the ball a lot better than last weekend.

“We created good chances in the first half and went 2-0 ahead. That put us in the driving seat and we controlled the match for much of it.

“Everton are a good side, they were competitive and gave us a good game and although we were ahead the game was still in the balance. In the second half we dominated again without scoring.”

Liverpool will aim to build on their derby win to keep in touch with leaders Manchester City, who remain seven points clear, when they visit Stoke City this Saturday (kick-off 11am).

LIVERPOOL UNDER-18s: Hansen; Scott, Kennedy, Wisom, O’Connor (Ince 45); Amoo, Pepper, Buchtmann, Kacakniklic, Ince (Pourie 45), Dalla Valle. Subs: Cooper, Duyan.

Liverpool FC Will Struggle To Trademark Liverbird

LIVERPOOL Football Club will face “difficulties” registering the Liverbird as its trade mark, an expert in intellectual property rights said last night.

One of the city’s design and marketing agencies warned that if the club got a trade mark it would spell bad news for hundreds of businesses in the city.

It comes after the Daily Post reported how LFC had applied for a trade mark of the famous bird which forms a key part of its club badge.

Liverpool City Council is taking legal advice on the matter with a view to lodging an objection with the UK Intellectual Property Office before the deadline for doing so expires on Saturday.

Liverpool FC claims it is only seeking to trade mark its own version of the Liverbird because the club is losing a “substantial amount of money” each year due to counterfeit merchandise. The club insists it would not try to prevent the council, business, charities or other bodies using the Liverbird logo.

David Worrall, senior solicitor with Liverpool’s Shipley Solicitors, last night warned the club that the version of the Liverbird it was seeking to trademark was quite generic.

“I would expect that if people do challenge it through the opposition process, the football club will face difficulties in registering this. It’s not cut and dry, they might get it if nobody opposes it. But I am sure there are plenty of people thinking about doing it.

“I think a lot of people feel that it belongs to the public and not a company, no matter who they are. The club are in a really difficult situation because I understand what they say with regards to wanting to protect their products and revenue.”

Peter Glover, managing director of CL3 design and marketing, said the Liverbird was an iconic image very closely associated with Liverpool.

He said: “It is the unique hallmark of so much in this city and serves as our standout marketing resource.

“For its trademark to be sold into private hands would cause untold problems for city businesses across a range of industry sectors.

“Plumbers, electricians, taxi firms, catering companies – all these kind of firms would be reluctant to use the Liverbird symbol on their marketing materials for fear of infringing trademark.

“This would lead to less exposure for the Liverbirds, which in turn would weaken Liverpool’s identity.

“In people’s minds, the symbol would go from being a cultural icon to a business asset, and this can only be a negative for the city.

“There is method to Liverpool FC’s argument and I appreciate they’re trying to protect their own position from counterfeiters.

“They’ve also said they have no intention of levying a charge, but a trademark is a long-term measure and things can quickly change.

“The Liverbirds belong to the city and we’d be left counting the cost if any single organisation – including LFC and the city council – were allowed to change that.”

LFC Chief Rick Parry Turns Down Chance To Lead England World Cup Bid

RICK PARRY has rebuffed overtures from the Football Association to head England’s 2018 World Cup bid because he believes there is a job to complete at Anfield.

The Liverpool chief executive was approached by the FA to front their campaign to host the tournament for the first time in more than 50 years.

Parry – a former Premier League executive also involved in Manchester’s unsuccessful bid for the 1996 Olympics – was at the top of a five-man shortlist drawn up by Soho Square.

But he has made it clear he has no intention of leaving Liverpool as he feels he has a loyalty and responsibility to fulfil at the Premier League club.

Parry has been caught in the rows between Liverpool’s owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett, and has also experienced an at times uneasy relationship with manager Rafael Benitez.

But with the future ownership of the club subject to continued speculation and work yet to being on Liverpool’s proposed new stadium on Stanley Park, Parry believes he has a duty to remain at Anfield.

Liverpool's Hopes Of Offloading Boozer Pennant Appear Dashed

Liverpool are believed to be concerned that they will be unable to offload Jermaine Pennant in the January transfer window.

The out-of-favour winger was pictured guzzling Jack Daniels straight from the bottle outside an Essex nightclub on Sunday night.

And, although the club had given him Sunday and Monday off with the rest of the Reds' squad, Pennant's behaviour will not have endeared him to his suitors - Blackburn Rovers, Stoke City and Everton.

Sportsmail online understands that Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez is running out of patience with Pennant's lifestyle and erratic timekeeping and the pictures of the partying star will do nothing to to change the Spanish manager's mind.

The 25-year-old alienated himself from Benitez in the summer by stalling over moves to Rovers, Stoke and Everton. Two clubs agreed to meet a £4m asking price but pulled out over the player's wage demands.

But after Pennant lived up to his bad-boy image in Essex for the visit of Hollywood actress Lindsay Lohan to Faces nightclub at the weekend, those clubs will be increasingly concerned over his professionalism. And unlikely to renew their interest in the former Leeds, Birmingham and Arsenal forward.

A Liverpool spokesman said that the club would not be commenting on the incident at this time.

Police Recover Lucas's Olympic Medal

The Olympic bronze medal stolen from Liverpool midfielder Lucas has been recovered by police.

Three people appeared in court today charged in connection with a burglary at his home.

The Brazil international's home in Woolton was targeted on Tuesday November 4, while he was playing at Anfield against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.

The 21-year-old returned home to find raiders had stolen the medal he won in August as well as a collection of Brazil and Liverpool shirts. Merseyside Police said a number of items had now been recovered.

Officers carried out raids on three addresses in Liverpool on Thursday last week and initially held five people.

Lucas is understood to be his club's ninth burglary victim.

Stephen Jones, 21, of Deansburn Road, West Derby, was charged with burglary. Brenda Jones, 42, of Lowerson Crescent, Norris Green, and Robyn Mutch, 19, of Redbrook Street, Norris Green, were charged with handling stolen property.

Liverpool magistrates adjourned the case until Monday November 24.

Steven Gerrard Forced To Prove He Is Injured To Fabio Capello

STEVEN GERRARD reported for England duty last night – even though he has withdrawn from the squad for Wednesday’s friendly with Germany.

Gerrard has been ruled out by Liverpool for “seven to 10 days” after suffering a muscle tear at Bolton on Saturday, which also makes him doubtful for Premier League home game with Fulham.

But England coach Fabio Capello still made him travel to the team’s base in Watford, where he will be assessed by Football Association medical staff before a final decision on his availability is reached.

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is unlikely to be impressed with that but under FIFA rules Capello is entitled to have a look at the Anfield captain, who would be an automatic choice to face the Germans if he was fit.

A Liverpool spokesman said: “A scan has confirmed a tear in the adductor magnus muscle in his right leg, and he is expected to be out between seven to 10 days.”

Meanwhile, Robbie Keane has been ruled out of the Republic of Ireland’s friendly with Poland with a shoulder injury.

Keane reported for training yesterday ahead of Ireland’s game at Croke Park on Wednesday but has now returned to Liverpool for treatment.

Also in the England camp, Chelsea captain John Terry was also summoned by Capello, although having stated on Saturday he was experiencing a lot of pain from the foot injury he sustained at West Brom, it was thought the Three Lions skipper would not be involved either.

However, the 28-year-old had a scan earlier yesterday and the results made him feel it was worthwhile travelling to meet Capello, so at the very least, he must be rated less doubtful than Gerrard.

Terry’s presence would be invaluable as without him, the captain’s armband would presumably be handed to Frank Lampard or Gareth Barry who, with the exception of David James and Theo Walcott, are the only other members of what constitutes England’s first-choice side to remain involved.

Even Capello’s plans for experimentation are being hit following the loss of Manchester City Joe Hart, who had been expected to win his second cap, possibly as a substitute.

Hart was replaced after sustaining an ankle injury trying to keep out Daniel Cousin’s opener in the 2-2 draw at Hull, a blow that could keep the 20-year-old out for a month.

“He will have to be seen by our medical people,” said City managerMark Hughes.

“Missing England is a blow to Joe but more importantly, the injury is a blow to us because we have some key games coming up.”

However, Hart’s loss is Paul Robinson’s gain. The former England number one, who lost his place to Scott Carson after a dire display in the crucial Euro 2008 qualifying defeat against Russia was called into Capello’s squad last night.

While both James and Carson would be viewed as more obvious candidates to play, England’s first visit to the city to play a unified German side since a controversial trip in 1938, Robinson’s inclusion above the competing claims of Ben Foster and Robert Green should at least provide the Blackburn man with a confidence boost.

Having stated he did not want to disrupt a settled formula by bringing in too many new faces, Capello now finds himself with little option.

Ireland Captain Keane Pulls Out Of Poland Friendly

Republic of Ireland skipper Robbie Keane is out of Wednesday's friendly clash with Poland after reporting with a shoulder injury.

The Liverpool striker reported in with a shoulder injury picked up in the win at Bolton but after failing to train on Sunday afternoon, was withdrawn on medical advice and flown back to Merseyside.

Keane, who has started each of manager Giovanni Trapattoni's six games to date and scored in three of them, would have collected his 86th senior cap against the Poles.

Keane was absent as Trapattoni put his players through their paces at Gannon Park in Malahide having already made one change to the squad he selected last week.

Reading striker Noel Hunt, the younger brother of midfielder Stephen, earned a first call up as a replacement for Celtic winger Aiden McGeady, who will miss out with the calf injury he has been fighting for some time.

The 25-year-old Hunt has scored eight goals this season after making a £600,000 summer move from Dundee United. Just over two years ago he was playing his football in his native country with Shamrock Rovers.

The news of Keane's premature departure came after an animated Trapattoni had spoken at length of his intention to cast an eye over some of his emerging players on Wednesday.

Arbeloa Plays Down Atletico Link

Liverpool full-back Alvaro Arbeloa insists he is in the dark over rumoured interest from Primera Division side Atletico Madrid.

Atletico are reportedly monitoring the former Real Madrid and Deportivo La Coruna defender with a view to bringing the Spain international back to his homeland.

However, when asked if he knew anything of the speculation, Arbeloa said: "No. I have a contract with Liverpool for one more year.

"We've not spoken about renewing it, not knowing if (Liverpool manager Rafa) Benitez will continue...It seems to me a little soon to talk about this."

Arbeloa, who signed at Anfield from Depor in January 2007, went on to spell out that he has no doubts about the future of captain Steven Gerrard.

"A while ago there was some talk of Madrid wanting Gerrard; they can forget that, he will never move from here in his life," Arbeloa added in Spanish newspaper AS.

"He and (Jamie) Carragher are the ones here who the fans love a huge amount, and they love the club a huge amount.

"Now the dream of everyone is to win the league, as it is 18 years since Liverpool last achieved it and it hurts, but it will not be easy."

Rafa Benitez Happy To Have Angry Substitutes

LIVERPOOL manager Rafael Benitez says he is pleased to see his players angry when they are substituted as it shows the winning mentality needed to end the club’s long title wait.

After enduring a frustrating afternoon on his own up front and missing a seemingly straightforward chance from point-blank range, Robbie Keane was withdrawn by Benitez less than an hour into the game at the Reebok Stadium on Saturday.

Although Keane’s replacement Fernando Torres made an instant impact, setting up Steven Gerrard for Liverpool’s second goal, the Irish international striker did not look pleased to be taken out of the action so early.

Since his £20million move to Anfield in the summer Keane has made 20 appearances for the club but incredibly has only completed a full 90-minute game on two occasions and Saturday was the 14th time in 16 starts that he has been hauled off by Benitez.

However, the Spaniard insists he is encouraged by the former Tottenham man’s frustrations as it shows the character needed to compete at the top of the Premier League.

He said: “If we’re at the top of the table, players need to accept that I will change it if that’s what is best for the team. It is difficult, and Robbie is working very hard, but clearly it was a different type of football in the second half, more suited for Fernando.

“We know Robbie is a very, very good professional and he wants to play 90 minutes all the time, but players have to respect the decisions because we are doing what we think is best for the team. But a player has to be disappointed at coming off – that’s what I want to see.

“The response always has to be that you work even harder for the next game. It has to be like that in a winning team – you have to compete for the positions and that is a positive thing. Robbie knows the team will always be the important thing so I don’t need to speak to him about it (being substituted).”

With Liverpool having gone toe-to-toe with Chelsea at the Premier League’s summit for most of the season so far, Benitez believes that many of their rivals now consider them serious title contenders.

He said: “This season we can win games now sometimes even when we are playing badly. But the atmosphere and mood is really good, the confidence is really high. People always say how crucial it is to get a good start, how crucial this part of the season is, how crucial Christmas is. Well we will see after that, but clearly it is much better this season. You can see the players doing better because they know others teams are thinking ‘We’ve got to be careful, we’re playing Liverpool and they are at the top of the table.’ Now it’s important to stay there, but obviously we have better players now.

“The squad is so much stronger – the ones on the pitch are good, but now also the ones who are on the bench.”

Despite Benitez maintaining that his record signing is not fully fit, Torres’s introduction for the final half an hour stretched Bolton’s defence and created the visitors’ second goal.

Given the tight nature of the game before then, the Liverpool manager admits that he needed to make the switch.

He said: “The game changed a lot. In the first half there was plenty of passing, but in the second they played more long balls and it was more physical, so we couldn’t control the passing the same.

“It needed a long, penetrating pass for the strikers and with Fernando’s pace we were more dangerous. After the first half of pass, pass, pass we couldn’t do that, and Fernando is always a threat because he’s so quick and can beat players on his own.

“I have said we’ve got plenty of room for improvement. Steven Gerrard wasn’t playing at his level, others weren’t at their best and Torres wasn’t fit.

“Now, if Torres stays fit and keeps his momentum, Mascherano is improving, so is Stevie, so we have many more options.”

Time To Stop Making Hard Work Of Fixtures

LIVERPOOL march on as another historically difficult fixture is dealt with, but boy they made hard work of it.

The amount of chances that we squander is starting to concern me, and these long periods with a slender lead can be excruciating. Coupled with the woodwork and posts conspiring against us and you get the feeling we are going to come unstuck soon as proved in the Spurs league fixture.

Robbie Keane and Steven Gerrard were the offenders on Saturday. I am happy with Robbie’s contribution but it was a horrible miss and I thought after his brace against West Brom that he would really start to take off. He just needs to keep battling and I’m sure the goals will become more consistent. He obviously disagrees with the decision to substitute him regularly but at the end of the day he is starting games which prove Rafa Benitez has faith in him.

Gerrard thankfully atoned for his miss as Fernando Torres provided how good a winger he is also! I think something we have lost in recent years is the headed goals from Gerrard. I recall the treble season when Gary McAllister was taking corners that Gerrard got on the end of quite a few times. With the latter now the corner taker we obviously then lose his threat in the box. Perhaps Xabi Alonso or Fabio Aurelio could take these? Just a thought, Rafa.

On to Aurelio and it looks like Dirk Kuyt has given him some of his magic potion because he looks like a player transformed; and the two linked up excellently for the first goal. The signs are promising as players who were struggling are now finding some real form. But my main gripe still is the missed chances that we are seeing week in, week out. Chelsea doesn’t seem to have this problem and they are ruthlessly dispatching teams with ease.

They are the benchmark and our players need to become more sharper when presented with opportunities and look for that crucial two-goal cushion.

Analysis shows that the majority of our league victories are by one goal margins. In the crazy world of the Premiership these can be so quickly wiped out, so come on give us some boring four or five nil wins please!

Liverpool FC Is Not Obsessed With Table, Says Xabi Alonso

LIVERPOOL midfielder Xabi Alonso believes it is more important for the team to be playing well at this stage of the season than worrying whether they are top of the table.

Playing in the Premier League’s early kick-off game at 12.45pm on Saturday, Liverpool briefly returned to the summit following their 2-0 win at Bolton Wanderers thanks to headed goals by Dirk Kuyt and Steven Gerrard.

However, by the time Chelsea had finished their evening game, the Londoners had reclaimed top spot on goal difference with a 3-0 victory at basement club West Brom.

It’s been a similar sequence for most of the season so far with the two clubs frequently exchanging places depending on whoever plays first over the weekend.

Alonso’s goal at Stamford Bridge on October 26, which ended Chelsea’s record 86-game unbeaten home record, briefly put Liverpool into the ascendancy, but a first defeat of the season back in London just six days later against Tottenham ensured Benitez’s side were again on the same points total as Luiz Felipe Scolari’s men.

However, with a third of the season complete, Alonso is more concerned with Liverpool’s form than whether they occupy first place as the club bid to land their first title in 19 years.

He said: “The pressure is always there, you’re professional. I’ve been at Liverpool for a while and it’s nice to have the pressure of being at the top of the table.

“We don’t have to obsess about being top of the table, we have to obsess about each individual game.

“Now the job is done against Bolton and some of us will go off and think about an international and as soon as we are back we have to be thinking about Fulham at home.”

Despite Liverpool’s start being their best ever to a Premier League season, manager Rafael Benitez says he feels there is still plenty of room for improvement from several of his players. Alonso believes his team-mates will have no problem upping their game as the campaign progresses.

He said: “There are still a few things, but that is normal because the other sides have good teams as well.

“We try to have control in all areas of the game – that is something we’re working on – but other things are working quite well.

“As we improve as a team, each individual player will benefit from that improvement.

“I’m happy with the team and myself as well. As long as the team continues in this way and in this position I’m very happy.”

Gary Megson’s side were expected to push Liverpool hard, but after some of the nail-biting matches so far this season, Alonso was pleased with a relatively comfortable victory.

He said: “Overall the team is looking quite good in attack and defence. Of course we still think we can improve, but we are keeping the ball well, and working well together.”

With Benitez admitting that Fernando Torres is still several weeks short of match fitness, Liverpool have already shown that they can win without their most prolific marksman.

Alonso said: “It’s important whoever is playing that the team keeps the same identity and have the same ideas.”

Meanwhile, Steven Gerrard has been ruled out of England’s friendly with Germany in Berlin on Wednesday after tearing a leg muscle against Bolton.

He could return, however, for the meeting with Fulham at Anfield this Saturday.

Rafael Benitez Enjoys Liverpool's Class Acts

Let us get the pub talk out of the way. Liverpool will not win the title this season because their defence is not as good as Manchester United’s or Chelsea’s and because their squad is not as strong as United’s, Chelsea’s or Arsenal’s. Well, on Saturday, a Liverpool defence missing Martin Skrtel and Álvaro Arbeloa handled everything that Bolton Wanderers could throw at them, while Fernando Torres sat on the substitutes’ bench.

Liverpool have beaten Chelsea and United this season and if they fail to win the Barclays Premier League in May, it will not be because Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic are better than Jamie Carragher and Daniel Agger or because United can leave players of Torres’s calibre on the bench. It will be down to bottle. Some teams have it, some do not and we are about to find out whether Rafael BenÍtez’s side have what it takes.

Against Bolton, a team who used to punch above their weight and finished in the top eight for four seasons from 2003 to 2007 under Sam Allardyce, BenÍtez’s side proved that they have more bottle than a Merseyside milkman. But Bolton under Gary Megson, an honest and hardworking manager, are a different proposition.

Kevin Davies may still be leading the line and putting himself about but his teammates were happy to stand back and watch Liverpool play for 45 minutes before Megson could get them back in the dressing-room and remind them that they had to fight, tackle and compete if they wanted to get anything from the game. “At half-time I told them not to show Liverpool any respect,” Megson said. “Liverpool have fantastic players but we had to get about them properly.”

Megson’s team increased their workrate at the start of the second half but they would have lost 7-2 if Liverpool – and Ricardo Gardner, the Bolton substitute – had taken their chances. Dirk Kuyt put his side in front with a clever header after 28 minutes and Steven Gerrard doubled the advantage after good work by Torres 17 minutes from time but this was a game of missed opportunities. Robbie Keane, from four yards, Gerrard, from two, and Lucas Leiva, from six, all missed open goals.

Kuyt and Torres hit the bar and post respectively and Gardner lost first his footing, then his nerve, when it would have been easier to score twice. “We’re practising finishing but maybe we need to practise some more,’ BenÍtez said.

The Liverpool manager may not have been pleased with his side’s finishing but he had no complaints about Rob Styles, the referee who disallowed a Bolton goal on the stroke of half-time. Gary Cahill’s header from a corner exposed Liverpool’s zonal marking system but the referee made the right call after Kevin Nolan tangled with José Manuel Reina and prevented the Liverpool goalkeeper from leaving his line. BenÍtez congratulated Styles but Megson was perplexed, unaware of the Fifa guidelines that advise referees that “it is an offence to restrict the movement of goalkeepers by unfairly impeding him, for example, at the taking of a corner kick”.

Before BenÍtez departed, he was asked if this was the kind of game his side would have lost two years ago. “No,” he said. They did. 2-0.

Philipp Degen Devastated By Liverpool Injury Setback

Jinxed Liverpool star Philipp Degen has opened his heart on his injury hell - admitting he has never felt worse.

Swiss right-back Degen, a summer signing from Borussia Dortmund, has previously been sidelined with ligament, groin and lung injuries. He made his first-team comeback in the 4-2 Carling Cup defeat at Spurs on Wednesday, only to break a bone in his foot.

"This is the worst thing that has ever happened to me," said Degen, 25. "I simply burst into tears in the dressing-room. Tottenham's Gareth Bale made a bad challenge on me, and I did not even get a penalty.

"But the bone in my foot is torn apart, and I will be out another four to six weeks. It is the saddest event of my life - I keep asking myself if I did something wrong in a past life."

Gillett And Hicks Keen To Seal Deal For Manager And End Real Interest

One of Liverpool's owners is believed to be more enthusiastic than the other about concluding contract talks key to Rafael Benitez's future but both want the issue resolved, with the real prospect of a counter offer for his services if Real Madrid's troubles continue.

Tom Hicks, the co-owner with whom Benitez has a relationship, initiated the conversation with the manager over the new deal he has been waiting 18 months for and though Benitez cited him – and not George Gillett – at the weekend as the individual he expects his representatives to deal with, there is no suggestion that Gillett is cooling on the talks.

Both men sanctioned Benitez going public on the fact they were talking about a new deal to generate a sense of stability at a time when a buyer for the club would be more than welcome. That explains the coordinated news release put out the Friday before last.

Hicks and Gillett were not happy with the talk, when Benitez announced the contract developments 10 days ago, of his desire for a long-term deal and that much was apparent on Friday when Benitez sought immediately to clarify that he was not publicly discussing money or tenure. Weekend reports that Liverpool's Carling Cup defeat at White Hart Lane had cooled Gillett's ardour do not reflect Benitez's expectation that his agent Manuel Garcia Quilon will begin discussions with the owners this week.

"My advisors are talking with the owners and they will have a meeting if necessary next week and will progress," Benitez said on Friday. "At this stage we are not talking about anything else so I was surprised to read about figures and years. In the future I will not talk any more [about this]."

Dirk Kuyt And Steven Gerrard Boost Liverpool's Title Credentials At Bolton

There is increasing confidence and consistency about Liverpool to suggest that after this 2-0 win, a first Premier League title is finally within their grasp.

A visit to the Reebok to face a Bolton team buoyed by successive victories over Manchester City and at Hull might previously have been viewed with some trepidation; on Saturday lunchtime, goals in each half from Dirk Kuyt and Steven Gerrard provided further evidence that Anfield's long wait to rule English footbal – they last won the former First Division championship in 1990 – could soon be over.

If there remains a failing requiring radical adjustment it is the need to kill off opponents far more readily than Bolton were dispatched in a game where a plethora of opportunities were all too carelessly abandoned. Robbie Keane, before he was replaced by Fernando Torres, and Gerrard himself proved particularly wasteful before the Liverpool captain delivered the all-important second goal that made the points secure.

Leading by Kuyt's sterling header from the cross on the left by Fabio Aurelio following a scintillating 20-pass move, Liverpool were always vulnerable to a Bolton side whose change of personnel and tactics for the second half enabled them to create their own gilt-edged openings, the best of which were squandered by Ricardo Gardner.

Gardner was the second-half substitute for Fabrice Muamba whose earlier shadowing of Gerrard had reduced his effectiveness for much of the opening 45 minutes. While Muamba's departure released Gerrard, Gardner offered a more meaningful attacking option.

Yet he lost his footing when provided with Bolton's clearest opening shortly after the break and blazed over when put clear six minutes from time although by then Liverpool had doubled their advantage.

However, Liverpool's goal front failings-Torres was equally guilty of wastefulness while Kuyt also struck the framework-could prove of greater significance in that this was a lost opportunity to bite into the huge goal difference that enables Chelsea to lead the table.

"It's a pity we didn't score more," said manager Rafa Benitez, who stressed: "I have said we have room for improvement. Steven Gerrard wasn't playing at his level, others were not at their best and Torres wasn't fully fit. Now, if Torres stays fit and keeps his momentum, Mascherano is improving and so is Stevie so we have many more options.

"This season we can sometimes win games when we are playing badly, but the atmosphere and mood is good and confidence is high. You can see players doing better because they know other teams are thinking 'we've got to be careful, we're playing Liverpool and they are top of the table.' Now it is important to stay there, but obviously we have better players now. The squad is so much stronger; the ones on the pitch are good, but now also the ones who are on the bench."

Stoke Boss Tony Pulis Eyes Jermaine Pennant

Tony Pulis has lined up a cut-price £4million move for Liverpool outcast Jermaine Pennant.

Stoke boss Pulis is ready to rival Blackburn in a scrap to sign Pennant in the New Year, with Rafa Benitez finally ready to cut his losses on the winger.

Pennant, 25, was all set to join Rovers in the summer but the move collapsed just before the transfer deadline over personal terms.

But Pennant has been a top target for the Potters ever since their promotion to the Premier League and they will try again in January.

Pennant, 25, has not made a league start for Liverpool this season and was axed from the squad for the Carling Cup clash with Spurs last week.

Stoke are also targeting Pennant's Liverpool team-mate Sami Hyypia, Aston Villa striker Marlon Harewood and Southampton winger Andrew Surman.

Match Report: Bolton Wanderers 0 - 2 LiverpooL

Liverpool survived a test of character at Bolton to maintain their challenge at the top of the Premier League.

The disappointment of the Carling Cup defeat at Tottenham in midweek was swept away by what eventually turned out to be a convincing victory.

Liverpool have never enjoyed Bolton's physical approach but this time they stuck to their gameplan and won with fine goals from Dirk Kuyt and Steven Gerrard.

Kuyt opened the scoring from Fabio Aurelio's cross, before Gary Cahill's header was controversially ruled out by referee Rob Styles.

And despite some more nervous moments, the Reds eventually sealed victory when Gerrard headed in substitute Fernando Torres' cross.

Bolton recalled captain Kevin Nolan following suspension, with Ricardo Gardner dropping to the bench.

Liverpool decided against including 20-year-old Stephen Darby for his league debut at right-back and switched Jamie Carragher from the centre of defence. Sami Hyypia retained his place alongside Daniel Agger.

Torres, who was taken off after 55 minutes at White Hart Lane and criticised by manager Rafael Benitez for his display, was left on the bench as Liverpool made nine changes.

The visitors found out quickly that they would have to match Bolton's industry and willpower. Tackles by Gavin McCann and Fabrice Muamba on Steven Gerrard and Javier Mascherano showed that.

But Liverpool soon had Bolton pinned back, with only Kevin Davies up front as they got defenders Hyypia, Agger and Carragher into dangerous wide positions.

Likewise Albert Riera, but he twice wasted excellent openings on the right with poor delivery early on.

Liverpool's patient build-up was starting to stretch Bolton. Mascherano and Gerrard both saw long shots go close before Dirk Kuyt saw an effort crash against the bar after 24 minutes from a Gerrard pass.

The Reds forged ahead when Aurelio crossed from the left after 29 minutes and Kuyt rose to send a looping header into the top corner for the lead.

Liverpool then started to power forward and somehow Robbie Keane managed to miss an open goal from two yards before Agger flashed a 25-yard effort just wide of the far post.

Bolton had an effort from Cahill disallowed seconds before the break when he headed in a corner, with referee Styles insisting that Reina had been fouled seconds earlier.

Styles was booed off by the home fans at the break and almost from the restart Bolton were awarded a string of free-kicks which allowed them to mount the sort of intense aerial pressure they excel at.

Gardner came on for Muamba at the break and when he broke clear on the left after 52 minutes he almost equalised, as Reina's rush from his line forced a shot into the side-netting. Agger, hurling himself towards the post, collided with the woodwork.

Liverpool then brought on Torres for Keane and from a right-wing cross from the Spanish striker, Gerrard almost got the second goal from a yard out.

Liverpool were hanging on to their lead as Bolton hammered away in search of an equaliser.

But the danger was always clear for the home side with Torres now on the pitch.

And after 73 minutes he created a superb second goal for Liverpool, clipping in a cross with the outside of his foot for Gerrard to send past Jaaskelainen with a diving header.

It could have been three for Liverpool in the closing stages, the Bolton goalkeeper saving superbly from Torres and then Xabi Alonso.

Torres could also have scored after 88 minutes but he struck the post from Lucas' lay-off.

Spine Tingling

When you look at Liverpool, you've got to look at the players down the spine of the team: Reina, Carragher, Gerrard and Torres.

Put those four players on the pitch and Liverpool are as good as anybody. If those guys are fit for the whole season I'd say Liverpool will be a major threat.

But if they are without two of them for a consistent amount of time during the season they will struggle. We saw that in midweek when only Torres started against Spurs.

They were properly turned over and that would worry me if I was the manager of Liverpool. It's not a problem if the squad players only have to come in for one or two games, but if they need to play for several weeks without those key players then they won't pick up nearly enough points.

It's good news for them that Torres is fit again. When Liverpool played Spurs in the league they dominated the game and should have been out of sight by half time.

If Torres had been playing they would have won the match and his return means they'll be able to close games out much better.

Away at Bolton is the sort of game Liverpool need to win if they want to challenge for the title. Gary Megson's side have turned it around a bit lately and are becoming hard to beat again, like they were under Big Sam.

They haven't had that fear factor of late, but recently they've upped their work-rate and that's what they need.

As long as they work hard they'll stay up because they have got players capable of good things. Matty Taylor is a good player with a great left foot and Kevin Nolan is getting back to his best.

Nolan got a few plaudits when Sam was there and he can count himself unlucky he didn't play for England a couple of years ago. He's not getting as many goals now but he's doing a good job which has been going unnoticed.

But I think this will be a game too far for Bolton. Liverpool are too strong all round the pitch and I can't see how Bolton can beat them. Who would get in the Liverpool team from the Bolton team? Nobody.

Benitez: We Were Good For The Win

Liverpool trotted away from the Reebok Stadium with the win as Bolton Wanderers failed to take their chances. Man of the match Xabi Alonso told Sky Sports of the importance of maintaining a lofty position at the top of the league, and was happy with taking away maximum points.

Liverpool followed up the disappointment of a midweek Carling Cup exit with a solid win over Bolton Wanderers in the Premier League this lunchtime.

A goal on either side of the half sealed the Trotters' fate. Dirk Kuyt scored a well-worked team goal in the opening 45 minutes and Steven Gerrard put the tie to rest in the second.

Midfielder Xabi Alonso believes the points are more important than the performance, and told Sky Sports:

"We probably should have scored more but the most important thing is the points.

"It's important to be top [of the league]... we know we have to carry on though and we will see at the end of the season where we are," he said.

"There is confidence [in the team], we are scoring goals and winning games."

Manager Rafa Benitez added: "I think the win was deserved.

"We had two or three chances in the first half, we took one, got another in the second, and overall we were good for the win... we could have had four or five."

Rafa Raves Over Revitalised Alonso

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has heaped praise upon midfield maestro Xabi Alonso, suggesting that his fellow Spaniard is approaching career-best form.

Xabi Alonso was man-of-the-match as the Reds romped to a 2-0 win against Bolton Wanderers yesterday afternoon. His silky passing opened up the game early on, but his defensive nous proved just as valuable when the Trotters pressed forward during the second half.

It is amazing to think that the Basque playmaker would not still be wowing Premier League crowds with his majestic 65-yarders if Juventus had been willing to meet Liverpool's asking price during the summer, or if Gareth Barry had made his long-expected switch from Aston Villa to Anfield.

Injuries and a drawn-out recovery process saw Alonso slip down Benitez's pecking order last season. Javier Mascherano's growing reputation as the best defensive midfielder in the world made him undroppable, while Brazilian youngster Lucas Leiva was staking a strong claim for the other deep-lying spot behind Steven Gerrard.

But after an excellent showing at EURO 2008, the former Real Sociedad player has well and truly re-established himself as a first-team regular. And his manager couldn't be happier.

When asked if Alonso was in the best form of his Liverpool career, Benitez told the club's official website: "Clearly he is playing well.

"He played really well in his first year too. Okay, now he has more confidence and the players around him are maybe better too, like Gerrard and Javier Mascherano."

Alonso's champions have often suggested that his supposed drop in form after his debut season, 2004-05, was down to a lack of quality in the Merseysiders' attack. That problem seems to have been addressed, at long last.

The efforts of Albert Riera, who signed from Espanyol during the summer, have earned particular praise. The Spain winger has been a hit on the left flank, and many believe his touchline-hugging play has contributed hugely to Alonso's resurgence.

But Benitez believes his £40 million strike-duo should also take some of the credit: "It makes it easier for a midfielder when they have good movements of people like Fernando Torres and Robbie Keane in front."

Degen Out For Four Weeks

Liverpool defender Philipp Degen will be out of action for up to four weeks after sustaining a foot injury against Tottenham in the Carling Cup.

The 24-year-old suffered a metatarsal injury during the 4-2 defeat to Spurs and was replaced by 20-year-old Stephen Darby.

This is the latest in a long line of injuries for the defender since he joined the club in July 2008, restricting him to just two first-team appearances.

The Swiss international's latest setback has given manager Rafa Benitez a dilemma. With Alvaro Arbeloa suspended for the weekend trip to Bolton the Liverpool boss may have to play Jamie Carragher or Darby at full-back.

The Liverpool boss has remained upbeat and is confident that Degen can return to action quickly.

He said: "It's a pity for Philipp because he hasn't had much luck with injuries so far, but hopefully he can come back from this problem quickly.

"It's always a problem when you have two players for a position and one of them gets injured, and even more of a problem when the other player is suspended for a game.

"But we have options within the squad and we'll have to decide what we want to do for the game at Bolton."

The only other absentee for the Reds trip to the Reebok is defender Martin Skrtel and Benitez feels the fact that he only has two injuries to deal with justifies the fact that he made 10 changes for the Carling Cup match.

He added: "A lot of players were rested for the game at Tottenham because they had been playing a lot of football, but they will be back this weekend.

"They have looked sharp in training and will benefit from having a week free of competitive football."

Babel Airs Anfield Frustrations

Liverpool forward Ryan Babel has admitted his frustrations at a lack of opportunities at Anfield.

The Dutchman has earned a 'super sub' reputation on Merseyside due to his consistent match-winning impact from the bench since an £11.5million move from Ajax in 2007.

Babel helped Liverpool edge out Arsenal in a thrilling UEFA Champions League quarter-final last season and scored the Premier League winner against Manchester United in September after entering both games from the sidelines.

But the 21-year-old, who is usually deployed on the wings by manager Rafa Benitez, confesses that he is unhappy with a deficiency in first-team starts.

"I'm satisfied with my level of performance but the situation is clear - that I'm not going to be one of the regular 11 starters," Babel said in The Guardian.

"It's difficult. I do get frustrated. I can tell myself that I'm still only 21 and at the start of my career.

"But it is making it hard for me because, as time goes on, they keep telling me that I'm young and that my time will come. Well, OK, but I'm not a player who wants to wait. I want to be involved now rather than in three or four years' time."

Babel has also stated that he would rather compete with strikers Robbie Keane and Fernando Torres than be deployed in a wide role.

"I have always said that I want to play as a striker," he added.

"Of course, it would not help me improve if I wasn't able to play, or train, in another position a couple of times. But all the time?

"I used to play as a striker in Holland. I grew up as a striker. That's the position I want to play.

"But I'm working on it. I look at myself before I blame others. I'm going to do something about it. It's not something I'm scared about."

New Yanks Snub For Rafa

Rafa Benitez has suffered yet another SNUB at the hands of Liverpool's owners.

The Kop manager expected contract talks to open this week but Americans Tom Hicks and George Gillett have not even decided who will negotiate on their behalf.

Despite Steven Gerrard helping Liverpool to a 2-0 win at Bolton to continue their best ever Premier League start, the American owners have no intention of reaching a speedy conclusion to negotiations — even though they run the risk of losing key players if they delay the manager’s contract.

The pair even seem happy to wait until the summer before concluding a deal.

And, although the pair released a joint statement backing their boss, the News of the World understands there remain deep divisions on what form any contract should take.

Benitez revealed this week preliminary talks had started - but this was nothing more than his advisors contacting the club.

Co-owner Gillett, in particular, wants to play a waiting game to see if Liverpool maintain their fantastic start and is especially concerned about Liverpool’s scouting set-up following the fringe players’ defeat to Spurs in midweek.

Rafa has launched a passionate defence of his talent spotters. He said: “We should remember that the scouting department has signed Skrtel, Reina, Torres, Kuyt, Agger and Mascherano, who was struggling at West Ham but has come here and been amazing.”

There are fears Hicks, who insisted on news of the planned talks being announced, is exploiting Liverpool’s brilliant start to the season as a public relations stunt to help push forward a sale.

Rafa Cuts Losses On Dossena

Andres Dossena may head for Juventus or Roma as Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez looks to cut his losses on the full-back flop.

Italian international Dossena has failed to deliver since his £7million summer move from Udinese, and several Serie A clubs have been alerted to his immediate availability.

Benitez would off-load the left-back in January for the right price, although the Merseysiders are sure to incur a loss due to his dreadful form.

Roma and Juve were battling with Liverpool for Dossena’s signature at the end of last season and are considering re-igniting their interest.

Dossena remains highly-rated in his home country.

And his poor displays in England have been attributed to his inability to adapt to the pace of the Premier League.

Match Preview: Bolton Wanderers vs. LiverpooL

Round 13 of the Premier League sees pacesetters Liverpool travel to Bolton in the hope of continuing their impressive start to the season. The Anfield giants may have wobbled in recent weeks, but they will no doubt fancy themselves against their Lancashire-based opponents.

The Trotters have put together an average opening to their campaign – no more, no less. 14 points from 12 games could be considered par for the course when one considers they spent most of last term near the foot of the ladder. Interestingly, it was Sammy Lee – now Rafa Benitez’s right-hand man – who was at the helm when Bolton managed just one win in their first 11 league games of 2007-08. The former Reds winger will be hoping his presence at the Reebok triggers an instant slump in the tenants’ form.

But Gary Megson’s men are actually in reasonable touch. A 2-0 home win over Manchester City a fortnight ago was followed up with a rewarding trip to Humberside, where they dealt Hull City their third straight defeat. It was a stand-out performance from Jussi Jaaskelainen that spurred the visitors to victory at the KC Stadium, and the club have been buoyed by the Finnish goalkeeper’s declaration that he plans to stay put at least until his current contract expires.

"I am very happy," the 33-year-old said recently. "I've been here 11 years and hopefully will be for at least four more."

Megson, meanwhile, has been talking up his team’s newfound adaptability after using an unfamiliar 4-4-2 shape against Phil Brown’s Tigers.

"We have got a team that is adaptable," the Bolton boss said. "Hull's manager was on the television commenting about how we would play and go with one up front and he was wrong. We had two forwards up front and we played in an entirely different manner to the one he was describing. We can change players in positions during and before games without a huge amount of turmoil."

Regardless, one would expect Wanderers to adopt a more typical approach when Liverpool pop over for a visit this Saturday. Indeed, why alter a system that has produced fairly good results against the five-time European champs in recent seasons?

The Reds’ record at the Reebok in the Rafa era isn’t flash. Last term’s 3-1 triumph was their first win at Bolton since the Spanish tactician took the Kop job in 2004.

But this season is no ordinary one for Liverpool, who sit level on points with league leaders Chelsea amid comfortably their best start Benitez. Surprisingly, Tottenham Hotspur are the only team to have marred their campaign to date, and after being knocked out of the Carling Cup by Harry Redknapp’s side in midweek the titans of the North West will be determined to make amends.

Unlike in previous seasons, the Merseysiders have had few problems producing the goods on the road. Yes, their only defeats thus far have come at White Hart Lane, but they’ve also picked up crucial results at Stamford Bridge, Eastlands and Goodison Park after opening their account with a gritty win at Sunderland.

Perhaps of more concern to Benitez and co. is the ‘meh’ factor which comes into effect whenever they play against relatively uninteresting or unfashionable opposition. They had Papa Bouba Diop’s late seizure of stupidity to thank for their 1-0 home win over Portsmouth a few weeks ago, while they were frustrated into a goalless draw by relegation favourites Stoke City only a week after downing Manchester United.

A string of amazing comebacks – Middlesbrough, Man City, Wigan Athletic – have spiced up what could have been disastrous and/or dull outings for Liverpool, but they are yet to behave like true title contenders. Last weekend’s 3-0 win over West Bromwich Albion was a step in the right direction, and another win this Saturday would only do good for their hopes of claiming number 19 at long last.


FORM GUIDE

Bolton

Nov 08 vs. Hull City (A) WIN 1-0
Nov 02 vs. Man City (H) WIN 2-0
Oct 29 vs. Everton (H) LOSS 0-1
Oct 26 vs. Tottenham (A) LOSS 0-2
Oct 18 vs. Blackburn (H) DRAW 0-0

Liverpool

Nov 08 vs. West Brom (H) WIN 3-0
Nov 01 vs. Tottenham (A) LOSS 1-2
Oct 29 vs. Portsmouth (H) WIN 1-0
Oct 26 vs. Chelsea (A) WIN 1-0
Oct 18 vs. Wigan (H) WIN 3-2


TEAM NEWS

Bolton

The big plus for the hosts is the return of Kevin Nolan. The skipper sat out his side’s trip to Hull last weekend, but he is expected to line up in midfield after serving a one-match suspension. However, there is an outside chance the 26-year-old could be overlooked if Megson decides to stick with the same XI that secured three points on Humberside.

Johan Elmander, the Swedish forward, should start after returning from injury last weekend. Riga Mustapha, who took a heavy knock against Man City a fortnight ago, is also a chance. Portugal’s Ricardo Vaz Te, however, is a long-term absentee after undergoing knee surgery recently.

Possible XI: Jaaskelainen – Steinsson, Cahill, O’Brien, Samuel – McCann, Muamba, Nolan – Elmander, Davies, Taylor.

Liverpool

Fernando Torres looked decidedly underdone in the Reds’ midweek defeat to Tottenham. The run out, though, will have done him a world of good after three weeks out with a hamstring injury. It is unclear whether or not he will start at the Reebok, but one imagines there will be outcry from the goal-hungry Kopites if he doesn't.

Otherwise, there aren’t too many fitness issues for Rafa Benitez. Centre-half Martin Skrtel is out until Christmas at least, but Denmark’s Daniel Agger is starting to recapture the excellent form he showed before his year-long battle with a broken metatarsal.

It is unlikely that Diego Cavalieri, Andrea Dossena, Philipp Degen, Sami Hyypia, Lucas Leiva, Damien Plessis, David N’Gog or Nabil El Zhar will retain their place after the Spurs defeat, with Steven Gerrard leading the host of big names likely to return to the starting XI.

Possible XI: Reina – Arbeloa, Carragher, Agger, Aurelio – Kuyt, Alonso/Mascherano, Gerrard, Riera – Torres, Keane.


PLAYERS TO WATCH

Bolton

As far as left feet go, there are few more lethal than the one on Matthew Taylor. The former Portsmouth wing-back is enjoying an extended run in the first team after an indifferent first season at the Reebok, and has impressed in a number of midfield and attacking roles this term. If Liverpool’s defence give Taylor any space at all, he could prove very dangerous.

Liverpool

Robbie Keane was rested against his former club during the week, so he will be especially eager to get back into the fold – and the goals. The Irishman finally opened his Liverpool league account with an excellent brace against West Brom last weekend, so expect the streaky scorer to threaten Jaaskelainen’s goal.