Full video highlights coming up soon!

Pepe Reina is in goal with Javier Mascherano at right-back along side Jamie Carragher, Sotirios Kyrgiakos and Emiliano Insua.

Lucas Leiva and Steven Gerrard start in midfield with Dirk Kuyt behind Fernando Torres, who has support from Maxi Rodriguez and Yossi Benayoun who are on the wings.

Glen Johnson is on the bench after recovering from an injury while Ryan Babel, David Ngog and Albert Riera are also named as substitutes.

Diego Cavalieri, Daniel Agger and Alberto Aquilani complete the bench.

Kick off is at 8:00PM at the DW Stadium in Wigan. Stream links on LFC Globe homepage!

Starting XI: Reina, Mascherano, Carragher, Kyrgiakos, Insua, Lucas, Gerrard, Rodriguez, Kuyt, Benayoun, Torres.
Subs: Cavalieri, Johnson, Agger, Babel, Ngog, Aquilani, Riera.

Final-whistle match report

Fernando Torres marked his return to the starting line-up with the winning goal as Liverpool maintained their top four push courtesy of a 2-1 victory over Blackburn Rovers on Sunday afternoon.

The Spanish striker netted his 13th goal of the season on 44 minutes after Steven Gerrard’s opener was cancelled out by Keith Andrews’ penalty.

It means Rafael Benitez’s men remain sixth in the table, one point behind Manchester City and fourth-placed Tottenham, who both won over the course of the weekend.

The midweek success in Romania saw the Reds head into the encounter with Rovers in buoyant mood and there was further room for optimism as news filtered through of Torres’ first start since the FA Cup defeat to Reading back in January.

The number 9 was one of four changes to the side that booked a place in the last 16 of the Europa League, with the ineligible Maxi Rodriguez returning alongside Dirk Kuyt and Fabio Aurelio.

The knowledge that two of their top four rivals had already secured three valuable points meant the home side were keen to make their mark on proceedings from the off, but it was Rovers who made the more assured start.

As is the hallmark of a Sam Allardyce side, the visitors’ threat was most evident from set piece deliveries and Chris Samba will have felt he should have done better when he headed straight into the grateful hands of Pepe Reina on five minutes.

Martin Olsson then fizzed over from 30 yards before Morten Gamst Pedersen smashed a long range volley that, fortunately for the hosts, flew straight at Reina.

It was certainly a little subdued from Liverpool in the opening exchanges and they should have fallen behind on 16 minutes.

Lucas Leiva was dispossessed by Pedersen deep inside his own half, allowing the Norwegian to drive purposefully towards goal and slip a pass into the feet of Nikola Kalinic. The striker cut inside on the left side of the area and curved a right foot shot that arced just wide of the far post.

If Liverpool needed a wake-up call, then that was it, and they responded in the best way possible by taking the lead with their first attack of note on 20 minutes.

Gerrard exchanged passes with Dirk Kuyt just inside the Blackburn half before laying the ball out wide to Yossi Benayoun on the left. The Israeli jinked inside before picking out the run of his skipper, who raced into the area and clipped the ball over the advancing Paul Robinson from the left edge of the six yard box.

It was the midfielder’s eighth of the season and instantly inspired a change in the home side’s mentality.

This was perhaps epitomised by Maxi’s robust surge to the byline, but just when a goal looked odds-on, the Argentine pulled his cut back behind everyone in the centre. Aurelio latched onto it and sent a goalbound effort crashing back off the body of a Rovers defender.

The away side were struggling to come to terms with falling behind and it should have been two on the half hour mark, but Torres headed Gerrard’s ferocious left-wing corner wide of the near post.

It seemed like normal service was being resumed at Anfield until a double blow five minutes before the interval suddenly put a spanner in the works.

First Aurelio had to be replaced by Emiliano Insua after pulling up with an injury, before Rovers stunned the home faithful with an equaliser.

A scramble in the Reds’ area saw the ball break to Jamie Carragher on the floor. The defender appeared to handle it as he looked to clear, leaving Alan Wiley with no choice but to point to the spot. Andrews stepped up and confidently drilled the kick beyond Reina’s dive.

Maybe it was no more than Rovers deserved, but there was little time for the hosts to lament any defensive aberrations, as they broke forward and restored their lead on the stroke of half-time.

Torres was sent charging in on goal, and although Samba managed to divert the ball away from immediate danger, Maxi picked it up and sent in a low cross that El Nino despatched from close range.

A more composed performance was the order of the day as the second 45 got underway and the Reds began to take control.

First Daniel Agger nodded Gerrard’s free-kick over the top on the stretch before Robinson’s fingertips denied Maxi a first goal for Liverpool after the winger’s miss-hit cross threatened to cap a flowing move involving Benayoun, Kuyt and Gerrard.

The hosts had the bit between their teeth and almost snared a two-goal cushion when another whipped free-kick into the area glanced off Kuyt’s head and into the arms of Robinson.

The Dutchman has enjoyed a prolific run in front of goal over the past few months and almost added to his tally on 58 minutes with a spectacular bicycle kick that arrowed just wide of the near post.

Rovers had barely had a kick as the hour mark came and went, but Reina was finally called into action again when he gathered Junior Hoilett’s tame shot.

A third would have made the final 20 minutes a formality, but it didn’t arrive and the Reds were forced to see out a nervy finale to secure three precious points.

Pepe Reina is in goal with Mascherano at right back and Fabio Aurelio at left-back. Jamie Carragher partners Daniel Agger in the middle.

Steven Gerrard is pushed back into midfield and will start alongside Lucas.

Yossi Benayoun, Dirk Kuyt and Maxi Rodriguez play behind Torres, who starts as the lone striker in a 4-2-3-1 formation.

Alberto Aquilani, Ryan Babel and Emiliano Insua are all on the bench.

Meanwhile, youngsters Martin Kelly and Daniel Ayala are also involved.

The match kicks-off at 3:00PM (uk time) and streams can be found on the homepage.

Starting: Reina, Mascherano, Aurelio, Agger, Carragher, Lucas, Gerrard, Benayoun, Kuyt, Rodriguez, Torres.
Subs: Cavalieri, Aquilani, Babel, Insua, Ngog, Kelly, Ayala.

Spirit of Shankly, last month, forced Tom Hicks Junior from the Board of Liverpool FC after the American foul mouthed a Liverpool fan via email.

The fans’ group has had success in getting through to the club recently, having a meeting with managing director Christian Purslow at the start of February.

Billboards were put up today at Vauxhall Road and Prescot Road in Merseyside and more billboards around the city have been planned.

The billboards, which read “Tom and George: Debt, Lies, Cowboys – Not welcome here”, also redirect fans to the Spirit of Shankly website which has more information on the group’s campaign against the owners, that started in early 2008.

The owners have broken their promises on not loading debt on the club, giving manger Rafael Benitez funds for the transfer market and building a new stadium.

The club’s debt currently stands at £237 million, according to Purslow and the building of the new stadium has been postponed on several occasions.

Who are Spirit of Shankly?

In January 2008 over 350 Liverpool supporters crammed into The Sandon pub, Anfield, and discussed not only the custodianship of our current owners but the wider issues that affect us as supporters. Issues that have been discussed by fans for decades, issues where almost unanimous desire for change is consistently met by indifference from the club – all these were aired and on a historic and emotional night, ‘Spirit Of Shankly’, the Liverpool Supporters’ Union was born.

Since that date, and following two mass meetings at the Olympia in Liverpool, a volunteer acting committee has been established, the Union has been set up as an Industrial and Provident Society and a set of aims for the short, medium and long term have been established.

The inaugural AGM took place in February 2009 and Liverpool supporters the world over were invited to take part. A Management Committee was elected after the wonderful work done by the volunteer Committee during the first year.

Why should Liverpool supporters join the union? In a nutshell, if we stand together and speak with one voice, regardless of language or accent, we can make a genuine difference to our football club, the city of Liverpool and indeed the wider footballing world.

Union Aims

Constant Aims
To represent the best interests of supporters of Liverpool Football Club.
To hold whoever owns the football club to account.

Short Term Aims
To create long lasting relationships with all aspects of Liverpool FCs supporting community.
To improve the quality of service for Liverpool FCs supporters.
To improve the standard and value of travel arrangements for Liverpool FCs supporters.

Medium Term Aims
To work with any relevant agencies to improve the area of Anfield.
To build links with grassroots supporter groups.

Long Term Aim
To bring about supporter representation at board room level.

Ultimate Aim
Supporter ownership of Liverpool Football Club.

Match Report courtesy of LFCTV

Liverpool are through to the last 16 of the Europa League after a 3-1 victory over Unirea Urziceni in Bucharest ensured the Reds progressed into the next round 4-1 on aggregate.

Bruno Fernandes gave the Romanian side hope of an upset when the defender headed them into a 19th minute lead.

However, Javier Mascherano’s thunderbolt on the half hour mark drew Liverpool level on the night before Ryan Babel’s close-range finish extended the Reds’ aggregate lead to 3-1 four minutes before the break.

Steven Gerrard added a third for the visitors shortly after half-time with typical accuracy following a weaving run by Yossi Benayoun.

It was a landmark strike from the captain, who has now scored the most goals by any British player for an English club in Europe.

Liverpool will meet either Lille or Fenerbahce in the last 16 of the Europa League, with the second leg set to be played at Anfield.

Rafael Benitez was afforded the rare luxury of having an almost fully fit squad to choose from for the clash with Roni Levy’s side – and, after impressing during a short cameo against Manchester City upon his return from injury at the weekend, the fit-again Benayoun was handed a starting berth in Romania.

It was particularly poignant the Israeli should begin the game for the Reds as it was on this date exactly 12 months ago he scored a late header to secure a 1-0 win over Real Madrid in the Bernabeu.

Meanwhile, Daniel Agger continued at the heart of the Reds’ defence to make his 100th appearance for the club in all competitions, with Fernando Torres once again on the bench.

Despite securing a 1-0 first leg lead courtesy of David Ngog’s 80th minute header, Liverpool had insisted in the build-up to this game that they would travel to the Steaua Stadium with no intentions of attempting to sit back on their advantage.

But the first opportunity fell to Unirea, with Sorin Frunza’s dipping effort just clearing Pepe Reina’s crossbar inside the opening two minutes.

The visitors responded almost instantly and Steven Gerrard’s raking drive from 20 yards brought a flying stop out of Giedrius Arlauskis.

The opening exchanges were a scrappy affair, with the home side enjoying marginally more possession than the Reds – and it took a fine sliding challenge to deny Marius Onofras a clear shooting chance on 18 minutes.

However, from the resulting corner, centre-back Fernandes rose highest to power a header beyond Pepe Reina to put Unirea into the lead on the night and level the aggregate scoreline at 1-1.

A succession of free-kicks around Roni Levy side’s box could not yield an immediate riposte for Liverpool, though they didn’t have to wait too long to draw level.

After Arlauskis had smothered Babel’s close-range effort, Unirea cleared to just outside their area straight into the path of Mascherano.

Without breaking stride, the Argentina captain powered an unstoppable first-time drive into the back of the net from 25 yards to leave the hosts needing to score two more goals if they were to progress.

The ‘Wolves of Baragan’ were not prepared to lay down, however, and after Emiliano Insua almost turned into his own net from a corner, Razvan Paduretu forced Reina to turn his stinging low volley around the base of the post.

Play soon swung back to the other end and Babel fired Liverpool into the lead with four minutes of the half remaining when the Dutchman smashed home from close-range after controlling Gerrard’s free-kick inside a crowded box.

With the aggregate score firmly in the Reds’ favour at 3-1, Unirea went into half-time knowing only an epic second-half comeback would keep their Europa League hopes alive.

A pair of Gerrard drives greeted the start of the second half while Liverpool also saw an early penalty appeal waved away by referee Stefan Johannesson.

Though the the skipper didn’t have to wait long to get on the scoresheet. Benayoun’s mazy run into the area saw the ball break kindly for Gerrard, who made no mistake from 12 yards.

It was Gerrard’s 33rd goal in Europe – the most by any British player for one English club – and took him beyond Alan Shearer, whose 32 goals came with two clubs (30 for Newcastle and two for Blackburn).

It was also the first time since September the Reds had scored three times away from home.

With Unirea now needing to net four times in the remaining half an hour, Rafa Benitez opted to bring on Martin Kelly in place of Jamie Carragher for the youngster’s first senior appearance since an impressive display in the Champions League against Lyon.

Though the Reds were subjected to an injury scare soon after when Martin Skrtel was carried from the field following a heavy challenge, with Sotirios Kyrgiakos the Slovakian’s replacement.

The final stages were fairly low-key, but Reina was required to produce a diving block from Marius Bilasco’s strike.

Lille or Fenerbahce now await Benitez’s charges, whose dreams of ending the campaign with silverware remain firmly intact.

The Dutch international was dropped from the Liverpool squad after disappointing performances and comments he made on social networking website Twitter.

Babel however, has worked his way back into the team and has featured in the last two matches, starting against Manchester City.

“I have had a good talk with the manager and I know what I have to do,” he said.

“That is what I am going to concentrate on. I just have to try to be patient, keep working hard and doing my best.”

The 23-year-old is keen on starting against Unirea Urziceni on Thursday in the Europa League.

“At Liverpool we try to win every trophy that it is possible to go for,” Babel continued.

“At the moment that’s only the Europa League so we are definitely going to try to win the trophy.

“Unirea may not be a well-known team but the fact they are playing in Europe at this stage shows they are a good team.

“I think it’s all about how you prepare yourself and as long as we do that then we should be fine.”

Match report courtesy of LFC.TV

Fernando Torres and Yossi Benayoun made their comebacks as Liverpool played out a tense goalless draw with Manchester City at Eastlands on Sunday afternoon.

With chances came at a premium for both sides, Emmanuel Adebayor had the best opportunity when his powerful drive brought a flying save out of Pepe Reina in the early stages of the second half.

The result nudges City back into fourth place in the Barclays Premier League, while Liverpool go level on both points and goal difference with Aston Villa.

But the return of Torres and Benayoun will give Kopites great cause for optimism that the Reds’ pursuit of a top four finish can be a successful one.

The stakes were high as City went into this game one point ahead of Liverpool in the table and occupying the much-coveted fourth position in the table, having played a game less.

However, the Reds were boosted pre-match by the inclusion of Torres and Benayoun amongst the substitutes.

The pair were named in the matchday squad for the first time since the FA Cup third round replay defeat to Reading at Anfield on January 13.

Meanwhile, Rafael Benitez recalled Emiliano Insua, Lucas Leiva and Maxi Rodriguez to the starting XI following Thursday’s Europa League clash with Unirea Urziceni.

Ryan Babel was also rewarded for his electric cameo against the Romanian champions with his first league start since the last time these two sides met at Anfield back in November.

A crackling atmosphere inside Eastlands greeted kick-off, with both sets of fans making themselves heard, though the opening exchanges were fairly tentative as the teams took the opportunity to patiently size each other up.

A half opening for Maxi was the nearest anyone came to threatening goal, but the Argentine was foiled by some good defending by Vincent Kompany. Even an early flurry of Liverpool corner kicks failed to yield a chance, though the visitors were enjoying more possession than their hosts.

The first shot of the game did not arrive until the 25th minute when Steven Gerrard cut inside from the right wing but scooped a left-footed effort high over Shay Given’s crossbar.

City’s first chance of note saw Adebayor deflect a tame volley from Pablo Zabaleta behind, with Reina never concerned.

A scuffed clearance from Daniel Agger did present Stephen Ireland with a good opportunity soon after, but the City playmaker appeared to be unaware of the space he had on the edge of the box and the chance was lost.

With just over two minutes of the half remaining, the best opening of the contest so far saw Martin Skrtel flash a powerful header wide of the post from Gerrard’s corner to ensure the scoreline remained level at the interval.

The start of the second period saw Reina pluck a dangerous corner from the air with Adebayor pressuring before Ireland shot wide from a glorious position, although the Irishman was flagged offside.

City appeared to be buoyed by the half-time words of boss Roberto Mancini and Reina was again required to avert a dangerous corner under the close scrutiny of Joleon Lescott.

Adebayor then drew a great save from the Liverpool custodian on the hour mark as Reina turned the Togo forward’s stinging low volley around the base of the post.

It prompted Benitez to summon Benayoun from the bench, with the fit-again Israeli replacing Maxi.

And much to the joy of the travelling Kop, the arrival of Torres soon followed as El Nino took the place of Babel.

But Skrtel was forced to produce a fine challenge on Adebayor to thwart the striker from getting a shot on goal after going through on goal. The resulting corner saw Nigel de Jong play a ball back into the danger zone and City’s No.25 tower a header over the bar.

It proved to be the final opportunity of a scrappy contest, with both sides forced to settle for a share of the points – and the race for a top four finish remains as intriguing as ever.

Pepe Reina starts in goal with Jamie Carragher, Martin Skrtel, Daniel Agger and Emiliano Insua forming the back four.

Maxi Rodriguez replaces Albert Riera on the left with Dirk Kuyt starting on the right.

Lucas returns to the starting line up and will partner Javier Mascherano in midfield.

Steven Gerrard plays behind Ryan Babel, who starts up front fro the Reds in place of David Ngog, who isn’t on the bench.

Aquilani and Riera are also named on the bench.

Liverpool: Reina, Carragher, Skrtel, Agger, Insua, Kuyt, Lucas, Mascherano, Maxi, Gerrard, Babel.
Subs: Cavalieri, Torres, Benayoun, Aquilani, Riera, Aurelio, Kelly.

View stream links here!

Match Report courtesy of Click Liverpool

For the first time in six years, Europe’s second-tier competition returned to the red half of Merseyside. The last time the famous old ground hosted the Europa League, it was still called the UEFA Cup as Marseille ground out a one-all draw in March 2004.

A banner depicting manager Rafael Benitez alongside Shankly, Paisley, Fagan and Dalglish ,in the style of communist Russia propaganda, looked on from the Kop as the Anfield faithful found themselves feeling a little unfamiliar with a competition which had served as scant recognition of continental importance a decade previous.

The novelty of competing on the continent had worn off following five consecutive appearances in the Champions League and a relatively sterile first half testified how poor a relation the new-format competition was to Europe’s premier competition.

UEFA’s decision to trial additional referees in this year’s tournament further highlighted the differences between the continental elite and its second-rate alternative with the home supporters bewildered by tracksuited officials standing on either end of the field of play.

Steven Gerrard had warned Liverpool’s critics to write off Benitez’s side at their peril and almost opened the scoring with a close range shot which Giedrius Arlauskis palmed away after some good build-up play by Dirk Kuyt.

The Dutchman, who had also grown accustomed to sporting Champions League emblem on his shirt, went agonisingly close some 10 minutes later but saw his effort deflected wide for a corner whilst Fabio Aurelio angled a free-kick wide of Arlauskis’ left-hand post on 14 minutes.

Unirea failed to make a lasting impression on the game in the early stages aside from Sorin Frunza’s low-struck free kick but, like Marius Onofas’ audacious 40-yard effort, the ball once again found itself in the arms of Reina who remained untroubled throughout the first half.

At the other end Albert Riera had better luck and threatened Unirea’s goal numerous times in the first half-hour with a series of efforts that caused panic amongst the Romanians’ defence.

David Ngog also went close 10 minutes before the interval when the Frenchman, who has divided opinion within the Kop jury, fired an effort wide on the turn during one of his less impressive appearances in a red shirt this season as both sides failed to demonstrate any real intent.

Liverpool began the second half in the same manner they had started the first as Gerrard glanced a header wide of the Kop goal before Aurelio fired an effort wide.

Benitez, meanwhile, introduced Ryan Babel on 62 minutes in a bid to instill further pace and firepower into his ailing troops. However the much maligned winger failed to inspire the Kop as he repeatedly allowed himself to be herded off the ball by the Romanians.

A gaffe by Daniel Agger almost gifted the lead when he intercepted a ball destined for Reina to collect that broke to Frunza who could only steer his effort out of play. Martin Skrtel, the Dane’s defensive partner, should have done better when he headed Aurelio’s corner over the crossbar on 70 minutes.

Alberto Aquilani, who had once again failed to justify his £20 million price tag, was replaced by Dani Pacheco minutes later and the Kop’s faith in the untried Spanish starlet during a drab team performance was evident as they chanted his name.

The former Barcelona prodigy provided an able assist for David Ngog 10 minutes from time when he nodded an Aurelio ball across the face of the goal for the former Paris Saint Germain hitman to power a diving header home.

Gerrard attempted to double the advantage but hit a curling 20-yard effort just wide of Arlauskis’ goal as Liverpool continued to enjoy the lion’s share of chances but failed to build on their lead.

The home side appealed for a penalty after Pablo Brandan tackled compatriot Javier Mascherano on the edge of the area in the opening seconds of stoppage time.

Despite the victory, Anfield’s first taste of the Europa League left the 40,450 crowd feeling slightly despondent ahead of next week’s return leg in Bucharest.

FINAL SCORE: LIVERPOOL 1 UNIREA URZICENI 0

Referee: Eric Braamhaar (Netherlands)

Pepe Reina starts in goal with Jamie Carragher at right-back and Martin Skrtel and Daniel Agger in the centre, Aurelio replaces Emiliano Insua at left-back.

Lucas Leiva, who’s on the bench, makes way for Alberto Aquilani, who partners Javier Mascherano in midfield.

Dirk Kuyt, Steven Gerrard and Albert Riera play behind David Ngog – who starts alone upfront.

Ryan Babel and Dani Pacheco have been named on the bench.

Kick-off is at 8:05 PM (GMT+5) with users in the UK able to watch it live on Channel FIVE.

Starting: Reina, Carragher, Skrtel, Agger, Aurelio, Kuyt, Aquilani, Mascherano, Riera, Gerrard, Ngog.
Subs: Cavalieri, Kyrgiakos, Babel, Lucas, Insua, Degen, Pacheco.

Carragher suffered a groin injury against Arsenal last week however, the defender has recovered in time for the clash at Anfield.

Yossi Benayoun has returned to training following a fracture in his ribs however, Benitez is unsure whether the Israeli will play a part against the Romanian team.

“Carra is training again and he will be available, which is very good news for us as he is an important player for us,” said Benitez.

“Yossi is training with the team. He still has a problem with his rib but at least he is training. We will decide about him on Thursday.

“Torres and Johnson are progressing and working with the fitness coach,” added Benitez.

“They are very close but not available yet.”

Torres has been out of action after suffering a knee injury in the shock FA Cup defeat to Reading last month.

Benitez admits Torres has been making good progress however, a return against Manchester City is too early for the Spanish striker, who has been hit with injuries this season.

Benitez said: “I think it will be too early. He is training with the physios and the fitness coach.

“But he’s still not involved with the team. We will see next week how he progresses.”

Meanwhile, Jamie Carragher suffered a knock against Arsenal on Wednesday and Benitez is still unsure whether the defender will be fit against Unirea Urziceni next Thursday.

He said: “I am not sure if he will be available for Thursday against Unirea, but maybe he will have a chance against City.”

Liverpool’s hopes of a top four finish suffered a blow as they slumped to a 1-0 defeat at Arsenal on Wednesday night.

The Reds produced a solid display against the Gunners but were ultimately undone by Abou Diaby’s 71st minute header as they saw a seven match unbeaten run in the league come to an end.

But Liverpool were left aggrieved after Steven Gerrard’s free-kick deep into stoppage-time clearly struck the raised hand of Cesc Fabregas in the wall, but referee Howard Webb waved away the appeals.

It means Rafael Benitez’s men remain fourth in the Barclays Premier League standings, level on points with their next opponents Manchester City, who have two games in hand.

The ‘grand slam’ clash in the Capital is one of the most anticipated fixtures on the English football calendar and the Reds went into it in buoyant mood following a battling 10-man victory over neighbours Everton at the weekend.

It was one of the team’s best displays of the season to-date and so it was no surprise to see Benitez make just the one enforced change to his derby line-up, bringing in Martin Skrtel for the suspended Sotirios Kyrgiakos.

The Slovak is no stranger to the threat posed by Andrey Arshavin et al, but with the Gunners without a win in their last four, perhaps it was as good a time as any for the Reds to continue their rediscovered mean streak.

Indeed, there seemed to be a real feeling amongst the players that a first away win over Arsenal since 2000 could be achieved; a belief that gathered strength when the visitors had the first chance of the match on five minutes.

Gerrard whipped a right-wing free-kick deep into the Gunners area, where the returning Skrtel headed back across goal, only to see Manuel Almunia claim on the stretch via a deflection off Alex Song.

Arsenal responded and went close with an almost identical opportunity two minutes later. The Gunners won a free-kick on the right-hand touchline, allowing Fabregas to send in a delicious cross that the unmarked William Gallas somehow contrived to head over the top from eight yards out.

It was a sign of things to come as spells of cagey midfield possession were interrupted by some inventive approach play by both sides.

On 15 minutes David Ngog held off the challenge of Thomas Vermaelen on the edge of the box, but his shot was too tame and Almunia gathered with ease. Maxi Rodriguez then fired wide when well placed as Liverpool began to ask most of the questions.

At the other end Pepe Reina had yet to be called into action, but was grateful to the awareness of Skrtel on 22 minutes when the defender did well to block Samir Nasri’s probing low centre on the stretch.

The Gunners’ mantra of pass and move football was neat but they continued to fail in the final third, none more so than on 25 minutes, when Nicklas Bendtner crashed over the near post upright after an incisive ball from Arshavin.

Back came the visitors and after a searching free-kick from halfway caused havoc in the home side’s area, Maxi flashed a shot goalwards that was blocked by the arm of Vermaelen. Gerrard led Liverpool’s appeals but referee Webb was having none of it.

It would prove to be the hot topic of discussion at the interval as the travelling Kop reflected on a first 45 that the Reds could argue to have shaded.

There had certainly been much to be encouraged by as the second period got underway and Benitez’s men looked like building on a solid performance when they raced out of the traps.

Lucas Leiva was the unlikely source of the danger, surging onto Dirk Kuyt’s clever pass and crashing a 20 yard attempt just over the bar.

Five minutes later and it should have been 1-0 to Liverpool. A quick-fire break saw Gerrard send Ngog clear. The Frenchman held off one challenge and looked odds on to score until a last-ditch block by Gallas denied him the opener.

The home crowd roared their disapproval, but were a decisive touch away from celebrating just 60 seconds later when substitute Tomas Rosicky failed to take advantage when clear on goal.

The temperature inside the Emirates was on the rise and Bendtner almost benefitted from an outrageous piece of fortune when his attempted pass ricocheted back into his path. The Dane bore down on Reina, but saw his shot well blocked by the Spaniard, with Agger on hand to hack the loose ball to safety.

With Arsenal’s attack moving up the gears, the Reds suffered a blow just shy of the hour mark when Jamie Carragher limped off to be replaced by Philipp Degen.

Sensing a weakness in the Liverpool rearguard, the hosts pressed and Reina showed why he is regarded as one of the best ‘keepers in the world when he dived full length to keep out Rosicky’s 25 yard rocket.

However, there was nothing the Reds stopper could do to deny the Gunners on 71 minutes, when Diaby rose unmarked to guide Rosicky’s pinpoint centre into the net from six yards out.

Liverpool pressed late on and substitute Ryan Babel was a lick of paint away from snatching the equaliser on 85 minutes, when his fizzing strike was flicked onto the bar by Almunia.

Maxi then saw a shot on the turn easily stopped by the Spaniard before Fabregas got away with a blatant handball in stoppage time, as Arsenal held on to claim the narrowest of triumphs.

Martin Skrtel, who replaces suspended Sotirios Kyrgiakos, starts alongside Daniel Agger with Jamie Carragher and Emiliano Insua completing the back four.

Javier Mascherano and Lucas Leiva start in midfield, with Alberto Aquilani not in the squad due to illness.

Dirk Kuyt, Steven Gerrard and Maxi Rodriguez play just behind lone-striker David Ngog.

Albert Riera, Jay Spearing, Fabio Aurelio and Ryan Babel are all on the bench – still to be confirmed.

Starting: Reina; Carragher, Skrtel, Agger, Insua; Lucas, Mascherano; Kuyt, Gerrard, Rodriguez; Ngog.
Subs: Cavalieri, Riera, Aurelio, Babel, Spearing, Degen, Kelly.

Dirk Kuyt’s 50th goal in a red shirt secured the derby bragging rights as 10-man Liverpool produced a magnificent display to beat Everton 1-0 on Saturday afternoon.

The Dutch star nodded home his fourth goal in four matches on 54 minutes to earn three vital points for Rafael Benitez’s men after Sotirios Kyrgiakos had been shown a straight red card for a first-half challenge on Marouane Fellaini.

The Toffees had rarely looked like snatching a draw and their misery was compounded in injury-time when Steven Pienaar received a second yellow card.

The win clinched the Reds’ fourth Barclays Premier League double over their neighbours and means they are now up to fourth in the table- albeit having played more games than their rivals.

With Aston Villa and Tottenham going head-to-head in the evening kick-off, Benitez and co went into the 213th Merseyside derby knowing that victory would not only cement their place as the number one club in Liverpool for another season, but also enhance their bid for the fourth Champions League spot.

The added spice meant that there was more than a hint of passion around the ground as the teams made their way into gladiatorial combat, and it was no surprise that Jamie Carragher won the game’s first 50-50, crunching Steven Pienaar with a well-timed tackle that the Kop greeted with a roar of approval.

It set the tone for a full-blooded clash that was rife with the sort of challenges that make these encounters an occasion to savour.

Everton came into the contest on the back of an impressive run and looked the more threatening early on, with a number of set piece deliveries causing problems for Pepe Reina, who was forced to contend with the dazzling glint of the mid-afternoon sun.

However, it was Tim Howard who was the first goalkeeper called into action, fisting away Steven Gerrard’s driven free-kick from the far left of the penalty area.

It seemed to lift the hosts and another thunderous challenge from Carragher led to a corner that eventually saw the returning Daniel Agger crash a 12 yard volley over the top.

Things were warming up nicely and the Reds were beginning to enjoy the better of it. A lightning break almost saw Kuyt play David Ngog through before Emiliano Insua, who was making his 50th appearance for the club, rifled a shot just clear of the crossbar.

Everton responded and Leighton Baines tested Pepe Reina with a 25 yard free-kick before a two-footed tackle by Sotirios Kyrgiakos saw the game swing the way of the Blues on 33 minutes.

The Greece international was playing in his first Merseyside derby, but it would not be one to remember, as referee Martin Atkinson chose to show him a straight red card and bring his participation to a premature end.

Any thoughts that Liverpool would be forced onto the back foot were appeased, however, as the home side ended the half strongly.

A good spell of possession saw Gerrard hauled to the ground and from the resulting free-kick the skipper curled a magnificent 20 yard free-kick against the bar, with Howard seemingly well beaten.

Tim Cahill then headed a glorious chance over the top deep into first-half injury-time to ensure the first 45 would end goalless.

Back in March 2006, Benitez’s men had faced a similar dilemma to the one they were now in, after overcoming the early sending off of Steven Gerrard to emerge 3-1 victors.

A repeat showing was the order of the day, and as Everton restarted the game attacking the Kop end, it was clear that much would rest on the young shoulders of Ngog.

The Frenchman was ploughing a lone furrow up top, but almost snatched the opener with a solo effort on 53 minutes when he raced onto Maxi Rodriguez’s lobbed pass, held off Sylvain Distin and smashed a deflected shot just wide.

The resulting corner did not lead to the opening Liverpool craved, but two minutes later Gerrard won another one and sent in a delicious centre that Kuyt was on hand to flick home from just inside the six yard box.

It was the Dutchman’s 10th of the campaign and saw him become only the third Liverpool player to score in both Merseyside derbies in the same Barclays Premier League season.

A goal behind, but a man to the good, the anticipated Everton onslaught was not evident at first and Ngog went close to making it two when he came within inches of converting Gerrard’s centre at the far post. It was the striker’s last contribution of the match before being replaced by Ryan Babel.

The Blues had an array of attacking flair in their line-up, but looked devoid of ideas as they searched for a way back into the game.

Indeed, it was Benitez’s side that looked the more likely and Reina was only called into action in the dying seconds, when he was forced to deny a 30 yard drive from substitute Yakubu.

David Moyes’ men threw caution to the wind in stoppage time but Liverpool withstood five minutes to stretch the Toffees’ Anfield record to just two wins in their last 24 visits.

A first-half strike from Dirk Kuyt and an own goal from Kevin Davies saw Liverpool maintain their top four push with a 2-0 victory over Bolton on Saturday afternoon.

The Dutchman’s close range finish eight minutes before the interval put the Reds in the driving seat before Emiliano Insua’s deflected shot sealed the points to stretch our unbeaten run in the Barclays Premier League to six matches.

For Wanderers boss Owen Coyle, the traditional 3pm clash saw him take his place in the visiting dugout for the second time this season, having previously led Burnley in their 4-0 defeat in L4 back in September.

The home faithful would have arrived at the ground hoping for a similar result against the Scot, as the Reds went up against a side that had kept just one clean sheet in their previous 21 matches on the road. The inclusion of Alberto Aquilani and David Ngog in the Liverpool starting Xi suggested the hosts were geared up to attack too and there was a confidence in the air that the statistic would be stretched to 22.

As the game got underway there was a noticeable difference in the Reds’ formation with skipper Steven Gerrard alternating the right wing position with its usual occupant, Kuyt.

However, it was at the other end where the first threat occurred with Tamir Cohen seizing on a mistake by Martin Skrtel, only to see Pepe Reina deny him a goalscoring opportunity by gathering well at his feet.

As expected, Benitez’s side began to take charge of the possession but despite some nice touches from Gerrard and Aquilani in particular, Jussi Jaaskelainen had remained largely untested as we approached the midway point in the first-half.

Murmurs of frustration began to echo around the stadium and although Gerrard and Ngog threatened to get in behind the visitors’ rearguard, attempts on goal continued to be elusive.

A delightful run down the left from Emiliano Insua threatened to change that, but Kuyt could not stretch enough to apply the finish to his exquisite cross.

Reina had been a virtual bystander up until this point but he could so easily have been picking the ball out of an empty net, just seconds later.

Chung-Yong Lee broke through the middle of the Liverpool defence and rounded the Reds’ stopper, only to see his low shot from a tight angle brilliantly blocked by the legs of Sotirios Kyrgiakos.

It was a warning for Benitez’s men and they responded in the perfect way, by taking the lead with their first clear-cut opportunity of the match on 37 minutes.

A raking ball from Albert Riera found the unmarked Insua on the far left of Bolton’s penalty area. The Argentine had the time to deliver a chipped cross to the far post where Aquilani rose to knock it down to Kuyt, who made no mistake from six yards out.

It was the Dutchman’s ninth goal of the season and Liverpool’s 50th of the campaign in all competitions; proving to be the perfect lift for the home side as they went in a goal to the good at the interval.

However, as if stung by the blow of conceding after looking comfortable for long periods, it was the away side that made the livelier start to the second 45.

A series of long throws and set pieces were hurled into the heart of the Liverpool penalty area, with Kyrgiakos imperious against the threat of Kevin Davies in the air.

On the counter, the hosts were putting some nice moves together and after a couple of nearly moments, only Ngog will know how he didn’t double the advantage on 53 minutes.

Riera was given the freedom of Anfield to race clear down the left flank. With teammates arriving at pace, he cut the ball into the path of Gerrard whose low shot was beaten into the Frenchman’s path by Jaaskelainen. It seemed inevitable the net would bulge, but the no. 24 got it all wrong inside the six yard box and skewed wide will the goal gaping.

The pattern of player continued as the half progressed, but it was now the home side who were creating the opportunities. Ngog saw a shot from inside the area well blocked while Jamie Carragher could have chipped in with a rare goal when he side-footed into a huddle of Bolton bodies after a corner was cleared to the edge of the box.

By now a second goal seemed inevitable for the Reds and it duly arrived 20 minutes from time.

The visitors cleared a short corner only as far as Ngog, whose lay-off set-up Insua to crash a 20 yarder into the left-hand corner courtesy of a massive deflection off Kevin Davies.

The home side could have extended their winning margin in the dying embers of the game through substitutes Lucas Leiva and Maxi Rodriguez, but it wasn’t to be on a day that saw us clock up a landmark 50th league win over Bolton.

Match report courtesy of Click Liverpool

Liverpool have been dumped out of the FA Cup after losing to Reading in their third round replay at Anfield.

A Ryan Bertrand own goal appeared to have secured the Reds’ progress to the next round but an injury-time penalty from Gylfi Sigurdsson took the game into extra time when Shane Long headed the Royals to a fourth-round clash with Burnley.

Going into the clash, Rafael Benitez made five changes from the side that drew at the Madejski Stadium 10 days ago as Diego Cavalieri replaced Pepe Reina in goal whilst Philipp Degen replaced Stephen Darby at right-back. Martin Skrtel had to settle for a place on the substitutes’ bench as Daniel Agger partnered Jamie Carragher in central defence, whilst Fabio Aurelio was also relegated to the dugout with Yossi Benayoun retaining his place on the right-hand side of midfield.

Alberto Aquilani was restored to central midfield alongside Lucas Leiva as captain Steven Gerrard returned to his familiar role behind lone striker Fernando Torres.

Before kick-off, the 31,063 supporters inside Anfield gave new signing Maxi Rodriguez a hearty welcome after it was announced that the winger had joined the Reds on a free transfer from Atletico Madrid. The 29-year-old was given a pitch side introduction by Brian Hall.

Within three minutes of the start Liverpool signalled their intent with Steven Gerrard providing an inch-perfect cross which eluded Fernando Torres and Yossi Benayoun. The visitors struggled with the Reds skipper’s early advances and Jem Karacan was booked for a rash challenge made in a bid to curtail the midfielder.

Sigurdsson tested reserve stopper early with a well taken free kick that the Brazilian could only palm round the post as the Royals attempted to reward their vocal if depleted travelling support. Simon Church, who gave his side the lead in the original clach, attempted to angle a shot on goal from inside the area minutes later but Cavalieri was equal to it. Torres fired a shot wide of Adam Federici’s right-hand post from a tight angle not long after as Liverpool failed to follow Gerrard’s initial lead.

Reading continued to threaten and almost broke the deadlock after Church turned Agger inside out before teeing up Grzegorz Rasiak who almost capitalised on Carragher’s failed clearance but saw his effort fly just over Cavalieri’s crossbar. Jobi McAnuff had proved to be a handful for Liverpool’s defence during the game in Berkshire and he continued to demonstrate similar abilities as he beat Emiliano Insua with ease before firing in a low cross but Church failed to connect. Torres lasted just half an hour before being taken off due to injury and was replaced by David Ngog as the Reds failed to stamp their authority on a half that, up to that point, had been dominated by the visitors.

Five minutes before the break Benayoun fired a curling effort just wide of goal after some good work by Gerrard. A minute later Ngog darted down the left-hand side of the field, cutting past two Royals defenders but Federici saved his close-range effort with ease as Benitez’s side aimed to end the half on a positive note after a relatively dour performance. The deadlock was broken deep into first half stoppage time after Gerrard had fired a shot across goal which found its way into the net thanks to a deflection off Ryan Bertrand’s knee. However Gerrard played no further part in the match after the interval as Ryan Babel was introduced at the beginning of the second half in his place.

The advantage gave Liverpool a new lease of life in the second half with Dirk Kuyt firing a volley over the bar with his back to goal. Five minutes later Ngog and Babel linked up well but the Frenchman failed to find the target due to Reading’s kamikaze defending.

Degen, reportedly the subject of interest from VfB Stuttgart, strode through the middle of the park with real purpose as Benayoun found himself in possession out wide after a good passing exercise by the home side but once again the visiting defenders thwarted his effort.

Brian McDermott sent on Brian Howard, the scoure of Anfield when he helped Barnsley to a 2-1 win in the fifth round of the competition back in 2008, in a bid to rejuvenate his Royals side after a strong showing in the first half. Ngog was at the heart of several moves as Liverpool attempted to capitalise on their lead with Babel winning a free kick on the edge of the area after Ivar Ingimarsson obstructed him. Aquilani blasted the kick into the wall before it fell to Agger who fired just wide.

Ngog continued to terrorise the Reading defence, showing great legs against Matthew Mills which had the former England under-19 feeling the heat on more than one occasion as the home side strived for an all-important second goal. McAnuff should have pulled the Royals equal 10 minutes from time after dancing through the Liverpool defence before side-footing past Cavalieri but Jamaica international saw his effort trickle wide of the left-hand post. Church also went close with a glancing header over the bar as the game entered the final stages.

Deep in stoppage time Reading were thrown the lifeline of all lifelines as referee Phil Dowd pointed to the penalty spot after Benayoun fouled Long to hand Sigurdsson the simplest of tasks to slot home past Cavalieri from 12 yards out to take the game into extra time. Benitez switched Carragher to right-back and used his final substitute as Degen was replaced by Skrtel at the start of the half-hour.

A frantic start to the first half of extra time saw both teams threwaten, notably McAnuff for the visitors. Babel managed to angle a shot on goal after Insua had been dispossessed in Reading’s penalty area with McAnuff struggling to test Cavalieri at the other end. Moments later, poor defending by Liverpool allowed Long to head home a Bryn Gunnarsson cross with ease to give Reading the lead.

“We’re just too good for you” the Reading fans crowed.as their team aimed to build on their lead and provide the biggest giant killing escapade of the round following Leeds United’s win away to Manchester United nine days ago with Benitez’s side appeared unable to offer a reply. Benayoun spurned a golden opportunity to level the score when he beat the offside trap but failed to lift the ball beyond Federici at the end of the half. The Kop were left infuriated as Dowd overlooked Sigurdsson’s bear hug on Aquilani in the area as Liverpool nervously pressed for an equaliser to take the game to penalties.

Ngog wasted a good opportunity from close range when he scuffed a shot wide of the post. Minutes later Kuyt also went close but failed to beat Federici with a low effort as Reading cruised into the fourth round. Lucas blazed a header wide from close range but was ruled offside by the linesman.

A chorus of boos rang out of Anfield as McDermott’s players celebrated a fantastic scalp whilst Benitez’s troops were forced to face up to the reality of the Europa League and a fourth-placed finish in the league.

Final score: Liverpool 1-2 Reading (AET)

Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Cavalieri, Degen (Skrtel), Agger, Carragher, Insua, Benayoun, Lucas, Aquilani, Kuyt, Gerrard (Babel), Torres (Ngog). Subs not used: Gulacsi, Aurelio, Spearing.

Reading (4-4-2): Federici, Cisse (Howard), Mills, Gunnarsson, McAnuff, Ingimarsson, Karacan, Bertrand, Sigurdsson (Long), Rasiak (Kebe) Church. Subs not used: Hamer, Tabb, Matejovsky, Pearce.

Referee: Phil Dowd (Staffordshire)

Attendance: 31,063

The Argentina international agreed a three and a half year deal with Liverpool and will wear the number 17 shirt.

The deal is now subject to international transfer clearance however, he is expected to feature against Stoke City on Saturday.

“We were looking for players with character and a good mentality,” Benitez said.

“He has played for Argentina and Atletico Madrid and is a player with personality. He can play in three positions – on the right, left or as a second striker – and is someone with a very positive mentality, which is what we are looking for.

“He is comfortable on the ball, can pass and keep possession. He is good at getting into the box and scoring goals and a good finisher. Every year he gets five to 15 goals from the right side of midfield.

“I know he was not doing as well as he did in the past at Atletico Madrid, but he is doing really well with Argentina and wants to impress for the World Cup.

“He knows Mascherano and Torres and he can provide a lift for some players. I think he will adapt to English football because he is a clever player and takes up good positions on the pitch.

“It is a question of adjusting to the pace of the game and he will need some time, but with these players around it will be easier for him.

“Rodriguez will be a different kind of player for us and also competition for Kuyt on the right side, along with Nabil El Zhar and Yossi Benayoun.

“He will give us the opportunity to manage some of the other players and rest them if necessary to keep the level of the team.

“I have been talking with him and he is really pleased and ready to come here. I have told him what we are expecting from him and he is ready for the challenge.”