FULHAM 0 - 1 LIVERPOOL
benayoun
first haf highlight
first haf highlight
second half highlight
Saturday, April 4, 2009
RAFA: WE MUST KEEP CALM
Jimmy Rice at Craven Cottage 04 April 2009
Rafa Benitez warned his players to remain calm after they returned to top spot with a dramatic 1-0 win at Fulham.
Yossi Benayoun sent the Reds two points clear of Manchester United with a goal deep into injury time.
The strike prompted rounds of 'We're gonna win the league' from the travelling Kop, who had watched in frustration as their side hit the woodwork four times.
Despite his own evident joy from the sidelines, Benitez knows United can regain the lead if they win the first of two games in hand at home to Aston Villa on Sunday.
He said: "Hopefully we can keep the fans happy until the end.
"As a manager you have to be calm and leave the fans to enjoy. There are still a lot of games left.
"I haven't seen (my reaction) back yet but I am calm. It was a very important goal at a crucial time."
It was the 11th time Liverpool have scored in the dying moments of games this season - a stat Benitez credits to his staff.
He said: "You never say, 'Oh we're going to score in the last minute.' But we always talk about having to keep going until the end.
"The belief, the confidence and quality of the players is good. Physically the team is good thanks to the staff.
"Everyone is pushing - Sammy Lee, Mauricio Pellegrino and Xavi Valero. They are giving the players belief.
"When we decided the 11 starters today it was really difficult. Mascherano was late back from internationals, some players were tired and we had some problems with Benayoun. But the 11 players played really well in the first half, and after the substitutions in the second half it was the same. This shows the quality of the squad."
On how important Benayoun's goal could prove, Benitez added: "You never know how important it will be - hopefully it will be the most important of the season if we win the title.
"We worked so hard, played well and deserved to win. It was important for the fans and the main thing was the belief in the team.
"I always had confidence because we were playing well. The message at half time was to keep doing the same and you'll score.
"I think it's really important not only because it keeps United under pressure, but also for us. It will still be difficult but we are winning games and we have a lot of confidence now.
"But the winning mentality is to do things not say things, and we want to do things."
Asked if he will be watching United's clash with Villa on Sunday, Benitez added: "Yes, maybe, but I will not have any influence on the game so I will be relaxed with the family."
Meanwhile, Benitez revealed Benayoun had been struggling with a calf injury sustained on international duty and so was available only as a sub.
The Israeli is expected to be fit for Wednesday's Champions League clash with Chelsea.
The strike prompted rounds of 'We're gonna win the league' from the travelling Kop, who had watched in frustration as their side hit the woodwork four times.
Despite his own evident joy from the sidelines, Benitez knows United can regain the lead if they win the first of two games in hand at home to Aston Villa on Sunday.
He said: "Hopefully we can keep the fans happy until the end.
"As a manager you have to be calm and leave the fans to enjoy. There are still a lot of games left.
"I haven't seen (my reaction) back yet but I am calm. It was a very important goal at a crucial time."
It was the 11th time Liverpool have scored in the dying moments of games this season - a stat Benitez credits to his staff.
He said: "You never say, 'Oh we're going to score in the last minute.' But we always talk about having to keep going until the end.
"The belief, the confidence and quality of the players is good. Physically the team is good thanks to the staff.
"Everyone is pushing - Sammy Lee, Mauricio Pellegrino and Xavi Valero. They are giving the players belief.
"When we decided the 11 starters today it was really difficult. Mascherano was late back from internationals, some players were tired and we had some problems with Benayoun. But the 11 players played really well in the first half, and after the substitutions in the second half it was the same. This shows the quality of the squad."
On how important Benayoun's goal could prove, Benitez added: "You never know how important it will be - hopefully it will be the most important of the season if we win the title.
"We worked so hard, played well and deserved to win. It was important for the fans and the main thing was the belief in the team.
"I always had confidence because we were playing well. The message at half time was to keep doing the same and you'll score.
"I think it's really important not only because it keeps United under pressure, but also for us. It will still be difficult but we are winning games and we have a lot of confidence now.
"But the winning mentality is to do things not say things, and we want to do things."
Asked if he will be watching United's clash with Villa on Sunday, Benitez added: "Yes, maybe, but I will not have any influence on the game so I will be relaxed with the family."
Meanwhile, Benitez revealed Benayoun had been struggling with a calf injury sustained on international duty and so was available only as a sub.
The Israeli is expected to be fit for Wednesday's Champions League clash with Chelsea.
GERRARD HAILS HERO YOSSI
Paul Eaton 04 April 2009
Steven Gerrard has lavished praise on Yossi Benayoun after the Israeli midfielder grabbed a last gasp winner at Fulham to send the Reds two points clear at the top of the table.
Benayoun crashed home an unstoppable shot deep into stoppage time to give Liverpool a thoroughly deserved three points after another dominant away performance from Rafael Benitez's men.
Liverpool now lead the title race by two points ahead of Manchester United's clash with Aston Villa tomorrow - and Gerrard believes Benayoun's dramatic strike could have massive consequences come the end of the season.
He said: "We knew before the game a draw or a defeat was no good to us. It was important to win to keep the pressure on Man United, and on Chelsea who also won today.
"It was a massive performance from the lads and on the day the result was the least we deserved. If I'm being honest, there were times when I thought it wasn't going to be for us today, but we kept going and Yossi popped up with a great goal.
"Yossi is a special player. He gets important goals for us and even though he doesn't play every game, I think he's close to double figures now so that shows how important he is to us and how important it is to have a good squad.
"If we keep playing with this level of confidence for the rest of the season then Yossi's goal could prove to be massive for us.
"We have to see how Man United get on against Villa tomorrow now. The important thing for us is to make sure United know they are in a title fight and we're doing that."
Liverpool now lead the title race by two points ahead of Manchester United's clash with Aston Villa tomorrow - and Gerrard believes Benayoun's dramatic strike could have massive consequences come the end of the season.
He said: "We knew before the game a draw or a defeat was no good to us. It was important to win to keep the pressure on Man United, and on Chelsea who also won today.
"It was a massive performance from the lads and on the day the result was the least we deserved. If I'm being honest, there were times when I thought it wasn't going to be for us today, but we kept going and Yossi popped up with a great goal.
"Yossi is a special player. He gets important goals for us and even though he doesn't play every game, I think he's close to double figures now so that shows how important he is to us and how important it is to have a good squad.
"If we keep playing with this level of confidence for the rest of the season then Yossi's goal could prove to be massive for us.
"We have to see how Man United get on against Villa tomorrow now. The important thing for us is to make sure United know they are in a title fight and we're doing that."
STEVIE ISSUES FULHAM WARNING
Jimmy Rice 03 April 2009
Skipper Steven Gerrard has warned Liverpool they will have to be on top form to beat a potentially fresher Fulham team this weekend.
Skipper Steven Gerrard has warned Liverpool they will have to be on top form to beat a potentially fresher Fulham team this weekend.
Eleven of Rafa Benitez's first-team squad were involved in internationals this week - substantially more than their opponents.
And with Craven Cottage playing host to a Manchester United defeat two weeks ago, Gerrard knows three points are far from a given.
"The good thing now is that we can put the internationals to the back of our minds and just concentrate on the run-in," he said.
"The last three weeks have been among the most enjoyable in my Liverpool career and we want to keep that momentum going.
"We know that it is going to be difficult at Craven Cottage. They are a team that deserves respect; just look at what they did against Manchester United.
"Maybe because they don't have as many internationals as us, they might be fresher. We know they will be up for it - they are chasing a European place, so there is something riding on this game for them."
Another player hoping to put the internationals out of his mind is Javier Mascherano, whose Argentina side lost 6-1 to Bolivia.
The midfielder said: "For some of us, playing in the altitude was something new, for others not so much, but we can't say that we lost because of the altitude.
"Our rivals played better and nothing turned out right for us.
"This should serve us as a lesson and it will surely consolidate the squad, who are very united and growing in every aspect."
And with Craven Cottage playing host to a Manchester United defeat two weeks ago, Gerrard knows three points are far from a given.
"The good thing now is that we can put the internationals to the back of our minds and just concentrate on the run-in," he said.
"The last three weeks have been among the most enjoyable in my Liverpool career and we want to keep that momentum going.
"We know that it is going to be difficult at Craven Cottage. They are a team that deserves respect; just look at what they did against Manchester United.
"Maybe because they don't have as many internationals as us, they might be fresher. We know they will be up for it - they are chasing a European place, so there is something riding on this game for them."
Another player hoping to put the internationals out of his mind is Javier Mascherano, whose Argentina side lost 6-1 to Bolivia.
The midfielder said: "For some of us, playing in the altitude was something new, for others not so much, but we can't say that we lost because of the altitude.
"Our rivals played better and nothing turned out right for us.
"This should serve us as a lesson and it will surely consolidate the squad, who are very united and growing in every aspect."
KUYT AGREES TWO-YEAR EXTENSION
Jimmy Rice 03 April 2009
Dirk Kuyt today followed club captain Steven Gerrard in agreeing a two-year contract extension with Liverpool. The 28-year-old has one year remaining on his current deal but is now set to stay at Anfield until at least 2012.
Benitez told Liverpoolfc.tv: "This is another great piece of news for the club.
"Dirk had one year left on his contract and we were keen for him to stay. He is a player with great quality who has a big part to play in our future. We are delighted to have reached an agreement.
"To have announced new deals for Steven and Dirk on the same day shows how hard everyone is working and that we are moving forward quickly as a club. These are very positive messages and I am very happy."
Kuyt signed from Feyenoord in the summer of 2006.
He arrived as a striker but has since established himself as a right winger with a knack of scoring crucial goals.
Kuyt has bagged 10 goals in 41 appearances so far in 2008-09. Only Jamie Carragher has played more games for Liverpool this term.
Liverpoolfc.tv earlier announced Gerrard had agreed a deal to keep him at Anfield until 2013.
STEVIE: I ONLY WANT TO PLAY FOR LIVERPOOL
Paul Eaton 03 April 2009
As revealed on Liverpoolfc.tv on Friday morning, the Reds skipper has agreed the terms of a new deal which will keep him at the club until at least 2013.
And now Gerrard has revealed his excitement at the prospect of seeing out the remainder of his playing days at Anfield.
"It's a fantastic feeling to have agreed the deal," he told Liverpoolfc.tv. "This is what I wanted. I want to see out the rest of my career with Liverpool.
"I have said all along that as long as the club wanted me then I would stay at Liverpool. I've been a fan all my life and it'll be fantastic at the end of my career to look back and say I have been with Liverpool all the way through.
"The main priority is to be successful and I want to achieve success at the club I love. If we can win more trophies together then I will be really happy.
"This news has given me a boost and hopefully it will help us in our remaining games. We've got big matches to play, all of them cup finals as we have to win them all to stay in the title race and go all the way to Rome."
As revealed on Liverpoolfc.tv on Friday morning, the Reds skipper has agreed the terms of a new deal which will keep him at the club until at least 2013.And now Gerrard has revealed his excitement at the prospect of seeing out the remainder of his playing days at Anfield.
"It's a fantastic feeling to have agreed the deal," he told Liverpoolfc.tv. "This is what I wanted. I want to see out the rest of my career with Liverpool.
"I have said all along that as long as the club wanted me then I would stay at Liverpool. I've been a fan all my life and it'll be fantastic at the end of my career to look back and say I have been with Liverpool all the way through.
"The main priority is to be successful and I want to achieve success at the club I love. If we can win more trophies together then I will be really happy.
"This news has given me a boost and hopefully it will help us in our remaining games. We've got big matches to play, all of them cup finals as we have to win them all to stay in the title race and go all the way to Rome."
++ OFFICIAL 08/09 SQUAD PHOTOGRAPH
First Team Squad
1. Diego Cavalieri 2. Andrea Dossena 3. - 4. Sami Hyypia 5. Daniel Agger 6. - 7. - 8. Steven Gerrard 9. Fernando Torres 10. - 11. Albert Riera 12. Fabio Aurelio 13. - 14. Xabi Alonso 15. Yossi Benayoun 16. - 17. Alvaro Arbeloa | 18. Dirk Kuyt |
1959 - Shankly appointed manager
December 1st 1959 is a date that will forever be etched in the annals of Anfield history. For it was on this day that Liverpool Football Club announced Huddersfield Town boss Bill Shankly would be their new manager in succession to Phil Taylor.
League Champions -----> 18
1900-01 ; 1905-06 ; 1921-22 ; 1922-23 ; 1946-47 ; 1963-64 ; 1965-66
1972-73 ; 1975-76 ; 1976-77 ; 1978-79 ; 1979-80 ; 1981-82 ; 1982-83
1983-84 ; 1985-86 ; 1987-88 ; 1989-90
Division Two Winners -----> 4
1893-94 ; 1895-96 ; 1904-05 ; 1961-62
Lancashire League Winners -----> 1
1892-93
Football Association Challenge Cup Winners -----> 7
1964-65 ; 1973-74 ; 1985-86 ; 1988-89 ; 1991-92
2000-01 ; 2005-06
League Cup Winners -----> 7
1980-81 ; 1981-82 ; 1982-83 ; 1983-84 ; 1994-95
2000-01 ; 2002-03
Football Association Charity Shield Winners -----> 15
1964* ; 1965* ; 1966 ; 1974 ; 1976 ; 1977* ; 1979 ; 1980 ; 1982
1986* ; 1988 ; 1989 ; 1990* ; 2001 ; 2006 ( * shared)
European Cup Winners -----> 5
1976-77 ; 1977-78 ; 1980-81 ; 1983-84 ; 2004-05
UEFA Cup Winners -----> 3
1972-73 ; 1975-76 ; 2000-01
European Super Cup Winners -----> 3
1977 ; 2001 ; 2005
Super Cup Winners -----> 1
1985-86
Carlsberg Trophy -----> 3
1997-98 ; 1998-99 ; 1999-2000
Reserves Division One Winners -----> 16
1956-57 ; 1968-69 ; 1969-70 ; 1970-71 ; 1972-73 ; 1973-74 ; 1974-75
1975-76 ; 1976-77 ; 1978-79 ; 1980-81 ; 1981-82 ; 1983-84 ; 1984-85
1989-90 ; 1999-2000
FA Youth Cup Winners -----> 3
1995-96 ; 2005-06 ; 2006-07
==> You'll Never Walk Alone <== When you walk through a storm hold your head up high
And don't be afraid of the dark.
At the end of a storm is a golden sky
And the sweet silver song of a lark.
Walk on through the wind,
Walk on through the rain,
Tho' your dreams be tossed and blown.
Walk on, walk on with hope in your heart
And you'll never walk alone,
You'll never, ever walk alone.
Walk on, walk on with hope in your heart
And you'll never walk alone,
You'll never, ever walk alone.
December 1st 1959 is a date that will forever be etched in the annals of Anfield history. For it was on this day that Liverpool Football Club announced Huddersfield Town boss Bill Shankly would be their new manager in succession to Phil Taylor.League Champions -----> 18
1900-01 ; 1905-06 ; 1921-22 ; 1922-23 ; 1946-47 ; 1963-64 ; 1965-66
1972-73 ; 1975-76 ; 1976-77 ; 1978-79 ; 1979-80 ; 1981-82 ; 1982-83
1983-84 ; 1985-86 ; 1987-88 ; 1989-90
Division Two Winners -----> 4
1893-94 ; 1895-96 ; 1904-05 ; 1961-62
Lancashire League Winners -----> 1
1892-93
Football Association Challenge Cup Winners -----> 7
1964-65 ; 1973-74 ; 1985-86 ; 1988-89 ; 1991-92
2000-01 ; 2005-06
League Cup Winners -----> 7
1980-81 ; 1981-82 ; 1982-83 ; 1983-84 ; 1994-95
2000-01 ; 2002-03
Football Association Charity Shield Winners -----> 15
1964* ; 1965* ; 1966 ; 1974 ; 1976 ; 1977* ; 1979 ; 1980 ; 1982
1986* ; 1988 ; 1989 ; 1990* ; 2001 ; 2006 ( * shared)
European Cup Winners -----> 5
1976-77 ; 1977-78 ; 1980-81 ; 1983-84 ; 2004-05
UEFA Cup Winners -----> 3
1972-73 ; 1975-76 ; 2000-01
European Super Cup Winners -----> 3
1977 ; 2001 ; 2005
Super Cup Winners -----> 1
1985-86
Carlsberg Trophy -----> 3
1997-98 ; 1998-99 ; 1999-2000
Reserves Division One Winners -----> 16
1956-57 ; 1968-69 ; 1969-70 ; 1970-71 ; 1972-73 ; 1973-74 ; 1974-75
1975-76 ; 1976-77 ; 1978-79 ; 1980-81 ; 1981-82 ; 1983-84 ; 1984-85
1989-90 ; 1999-2000
FA Youth Cup Winners -----> 3
1995-96 ; 2005-06 ; 2006-07
==> You'll Never Walk Alone <== When you walk through a storm hold your head up high
And don't be afraid of the dark.
At the end of a storm is a golden sky
And the sweet silver song of a lark.
Walk on through the wind,
Walk on through the rain,
Tho' your dreams be tossed and blown.
Walk on, walk on with hope in your heart
And you'll never walk alone,
You'll never, ever walk alone.
Walk on, walk on with hope in your heart
And you'll never walk alone,
You'll never, ever walk alone.
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