Goals by M.Rodriguez,D.Kuyt,L.Suarez.
Showing posts with label Liverpool. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Liverpool. Show all posts
Newcaslte United 3 -1 Liverpool Goals Video Highlights | 11 December 2010
NEWCASTLE UNITED vs LIVERPOOL HIGHLIGHTS:
Date: 11 December 2010, Time: 5:30 GMT
Vanue: St James Park, Newcastle United
Liverpool have found some sort of form going into the busy schedule ahead of them and they would like to continue the trend of winning all three points against Newcaslte United when they travel to face them in the Premier league Match on saturday evening. Roy Hodgson side will be hoping to get some of their big name players back when they take on Newcaslte United who can surprise any big team with the kind of squad they have at the moment. Their Tall striker Roy carrol keep scoring goals for fun which give them confidence going into this match as Liverpool’s shaky defence can be breached by his areal powers on the day.
Match Result and Goals Video
Newcastle United 3-1 Liverpool
15′ [1 - 0] K. Nolan
50′ [1 - 1] D. Kuyt
80′ [2 - 1] J. Barton
90′ [3 - 1] A. Carroll
Liverpool 3-0 Aston Villa Goals Video Highlights | 6 December 2010
Liverpool vs Aston Villa Premier Video Highlights
Date: 6 November 2010, Time: Anfield, Liverpool
Liverpool have played 15 matches this season in the league and currently lying at the 11th place wwith 19 points and although they have regained some sort of confidence and start playing well in the lague but their recent setback against Tottenham was severe which left them with trailing the European places once again. Roy Hodgson will be looking to get all three points in thsi home game, and although their home record is not as bad as their overall position in the league, as they have won 4 matches from the matches played at Anfield while drawing 2 and losing 1 at home. Aston Villa will be looking to get somthing of this match as they have been struggling away from home as they only won just 1 game playing away from home which is trrible considering the fact that they were Champions League spot hopefulls before the start of the sesaon.
Match Result and Goals Video:
Liverpool 3-0 Aston Villa
14′ [1 - 0] D. N`Gog
16′ [2 - 0] R. Babel
56′ [3 - 0] M. Rodriguez
Tottenham Hotspurs 2 - 1 Liverpool Goals Video & Highlights | 28 November 2010
Roy Hodgson side is getting back to winning ways and are climbing up the table pretty fast as they are only three points behind Spurs at the moment who are 6th with 22 points on the table. IT will be a six pointer for Liverpool as if they win the game they will be level on points and will be in UEFA places in the league which would be enough to see them in the Europa League while Spurs will be hoping to push City to full stretch as they try to secure berth in the Champions League again next season.
TOTTENHAM vs LIVERPOOL LIVE STREAM ONLINE:
Date: 28 November 2010, Time: 4:00 PM BST
Vanue:White Hart Lane: London
It will be interesting to see how Harry Redknapp form his team when they host Liverpool at White Hart Lane on Sunday evening. As they will be full of confidence as they already have secured a position in the knockout phase of the Competiton and will be looking to make a real challenge to finish in the top four in the Premier League which would again enable them to be part of the UEFA Champions League next season.
While Liverpool have turned things around lately whith winning matches now against some of the difficult teams and have climbed up the table pretty fast and fighting it out to be in the top six. Their Star players Torres etc are starting to play well and they look confident going forward. Roy Hodgson will be hoping ot get a good result at lane and continue their recent good run of form.
Match Result and Highlights Video
Tottenham 2 -1 Liverpool
42′ [0 - 1] M. Skrtel
62' [1 - 1] M. Skrtel (OG)
92' [2 - 1] A. Lennon
Liverpool 3 - 0 West Ham United Goals Video & Highlights | 20 November 2010
Liverpool vs West Ham United
Date: 20 November 2010, Time: 5:30 PM GMT
Vanue: Anfield, Liverpool
Liverpool captain Steven gerrard wont be available for the upcoming match in the Premier League and what more, he will be out for 3-4 weeks which means he will be missing some more games for them as he got injued in the match against France in the midweek action of the International Friendlies where England lost to the French side by 2-1 at Wembley stadium.
Now Liverpool’s hopes will be with thier forward player Fernando Torres for getting goals for them. Roy Hodgson side will be looking to get back to winning ways after that defeat they suffer on the last weekend, to make a late challenge to the european Places available.
Match Highlights and Goals Video
Liverpool 3-0 West Ham United
18′ [1 - 0] G. Johnson
27′ [2 - 0] D. Kuyt (pen.)
38′ [3 - 0] M. Rodriguez
ลิเวอร์พูล ๑-๐ เวสต์แฮม (matchhighlight.com)
Nong | Myspace Video
Reading 1 Liverpool 1
STEVEN GERRARD rescued Liverpool once again after Reading threatened FA Cup misery for under-fire Kop boss Rafa Benitez.
Skipper Gerrard's cross-shot earned the Reds a third-round replay after Simon Church punished their nervy first-half hour.
And, judging by the way manager-less Reading belied their Championship struggles, Benitez faces an anxious 90 minutes in the Anfield re-match.
Rafa: We’ll bounce back!
RAFA BENITEZ sends his side into Euro battle tonight roaring: "We'll bounce back and save our season."
Liverpool face Lyon in a rut of three straight defeats - and no goals scored - for the first time in two years.
Another flop following the beachball farce against Sunderland would leave them deep in crisis ahead of Sunday's Manchester United clash.
But Benitez insisted: "This week can change everything for the positive.
"I'm sure we will soon be winning again . . . and as soon as we play well in one or two, everyone will be thinking 'maybe he's right'."
Steven Gerrard returns tonight but Fernando Torres misses out again with a groin strain and the striker is also a doubt for the United clash.
Benitez refused to use the beachball incident as an excuse and spoke to his players on Sunday about their disappointing display on Wearside.
But the Kop chief added: "I have seen the mood in the dressing room and it is very positive.
"We are at home in the Champions League, with the fans behind us. We know we have to win but also know we have three more games after this.
"Two years ago we only had one point and needed to win every game. I understand we have to win against Lyon, but it's not the same as then."
Sunderland 1 Liverpool 0
LIVERPOOL'S title charge burst as a BALLOON stunned them at Sunderland.
Darren Bent's third-minute shot took a huge deflection as it flew past helplesss keeper Pepe Reina.
The balloon was thrown onto the pitch by a LIVERPOOL fan just seconds before the goal.
The Reds were fuming and protested about the incident but the strike stood.
t leaves Rafa Benitez's side in eighth in the Premier League and SEVEN points behind leaders Chelsea.
Sunderland started brightly and midfielder Andy Reid sliced his left-foot effort high and wide inside the opening minutes.
But Bent was on target for Sunderland's bizarre opener.
The striker picked up the ball just inside the box and hit his shot directly at Kop keeper Pepe Reina.
However, it struck the balloon in front of Reina, confusing the Spaniard, who dived the wrong way as the ball flew into the net.
Liverpool were furious and protested to referee Mike Jones and his assistant but any claims fell on deaf ears.
The Reds were furious, and it could have got worse as Lorik Cana met Reid's corner with a firm header but he missed the target.
Craig Gordon saved well from Ryan Babel before Bent tested Reina soon after.
Yossi Benayoun had a shot deflected wide and Fabio Aurelio also went close with a free-kick.
Liverpool tried to press for the leveller but the hosts responded by attacking.
Reid almost caught out Reina with a wind-assisted set piece before Bent fired wide.
Sunderland might have doubled their lead when Kenwyne Jones slid in Bent, who rounded Reina before shooting, but the keeper recovered in time to save.
Bent was in again when he latched on to a weak header to beat Reina to the ball and shoot against the foot of the post.
Bruce and Benitez became involved in a furious row on the sidelines as the injured Jones was treated on the pitch.
But the fourth official eventually separated the pair as tensions grew.
Benitez made a number of switches as the match went on but his side could not muster the equaliser they desperately wanted.
Sunderland: Gordon, Bardsley, Turner, Ferdinand, McCartney (Henderson 46), Malbranque, Cana, Cattermole (Zenden 58), Reid, Bent, Jones (Campbell 66). Subs Not Used: Fulop, Nosworthy, Da Silva, Healy. Booked: Cana, Reid. Goals: Bent 5.
Liverpool: Reina, Johnson, Agger, Skrtel (Voronin 72), Carragher, Babel (Ngog 81), Lucas, Aurelio, Spearing (Mascherano 72), Benayoun, Kuyt. Subs Not Used: Cavalieri, Riera, Insua, Kelly. Booked: Kuyt.
Att: 47,327
Ref: Mike Jones (Cheshire).
Chelsea 2 Liverpool 0
CARLO ANCELOTTI could enjoy a celebratory cigarette after this impressive victory took Chelsea top of the table.
But the manager was not the only one smoking at Stamford Bridge - Didier Drogba was on fire.
Chelsea's top-scorer may not have hit the net for a fourth straight Premier League game, but he was instrumental in this success and eclipsed his strike rival Fernando Torres, who failed to spark at all.
Drogba created goals for both Nicolas Anelka and sub Florent Malouda as he tormented Liverpool warhorse Jamie Carragher, who had no answer to the Ivory Coast hitman's pace and power.
He had his infuriating moments - rolling around complaining when he should have got on with the game - but his brilliance when he stayed on his feet overshadowed the theatrics.
There were other stars for Chelsea, too. John Terry was immense at the back, getting above Torres time and again to head decisively away from the danger area.
And behind the captain, Henrique Hilario, making his first league start for eight months because of Petr Cech's suspension, was outstanding in goal when Liverpool hoped he would be the weak link.
Not a bit of it. Hilario did everything asked of him, including two outstanding saves - one from an Albert Riera free-kick and a blinder at the death from Steven Gerrard.
You could see the relief on Ancelotti's face at the end of a difficult week.
Chelsea were soundly beaten 3-1 at Wigan before struggling to overcome APOEL Nicosia in the Champions League.
The Italian admitted he was not happy with either of those performances but this was much more to his liking and should keep owner Roman Abramovich off his back for a fortnight.
Abramovich flew into training last Friday to 'take a look at things' and immediately the rumours started that Ancelotti's position was under threat.
After all, the last time Abramovich ran the rule over training he sacked Big Phil Scolari within days.
Abramovich is expecting big things this season and he cannot ask for much more than to see Chelsea sitting top of the table.
Liverpool's last visit to Stamford Bridge produced a sensational 4-4 Champions League draw - but this was more physical, while chances were few and far between.
In the first half, particularly, it seemed both sides were scared to open it up for fear of losing - and this result certainly raises an awful lot of questions about Liverpool's title chances.
This was their third Premier League defeat in eight matches and came on the back of a disappointing display in losing to Fiorentina in midweek.
The out-of-sorts Torres had a golden opportunity on 40 minutes when Dirk Kuyt picked him out but the Spaniard's attempted header seemed to come off his nose and it bounced down apologetically into Hilario's arms.
A minute before the break, Michael Essien - who was strong in the holding role - got a little excitable and took out Lucas.
From the free-kick, Riera's 35-yard effort somehow found a way through a raft of bodies and Hilario did well to react and turn it round the post.
The resulting corner saw Drogba grab Martin Skrtel's shoulder and push the centre-back to ground but referee Martin Atkinson waved away penalty claims - much to the annoyance of Rafa Benitez.
The Reds boss was even more upset when Chelsea took the lead on the hour after Essien robbed the dithering Javier Mascherano.
The ball broke to Deco, who fed Drogba down the left. The Ivorian's cross was a belter - curling across the six-yard box away from Pepe Reina and on to the outstretched right boot of Anelka, who gleefully converted.
Liverpool battled for an equaliser and Gerrard worked an opening but the moment he pulled back his left foot, Terry flung himself forward and blocked the shot.
Chelsea made it two in injury time as Drogba beat Fabio Aurelio and Carragher to muscle his way into the box. Carragher pulled Drogba back by his shirt but the Blues striker was in full flow and his low cross was buried by Malouda.
Liverpool could still have mounted an unlikely comeback as sub Yossi Benayoun missed a sitter, rolling a shot wide of the post with the goal gaping. Then Hilario pounced to his right to beat away Gerrard's volley.
So, a job well done by Chelsea but it will be an uncomfortable international break for Benitez as the inquest into Liverpool's performances gathers momentum.
Fiorentina 2 Liverpool 0
RAFA BENITEZ may have mastered the real Lionel Messi - but he could not hold a candle to the Montenegrin version.
Fiorentina golden boy Stevan Jovetic has still to leave his teens behind, yet already has attracted envious glances from Real Madrid and Manchester United.
And boy didn't he show exactly why as he ripped Liverpool to shreds and made a mockery of their standing as one of this competition's giants.
Jovetic is known as the Montenegrin Messi, such is his standing in his homeland. Well no one inside Anfield will be arguing with that nickname after his double destroyed the five-time winners.
Ironically Benitez's men had snuffed out the Argentine real deal when they went to Barcelona and gave them a bloody nose in the Nou Camp two years ago.
But Jovetic - or Jo-Jo as he is affectionately known by Viola fans - was a far different proposition. And one the visitors never came close to mastering.
It must be said, he was helped in no small part by a first-half display even Benitez dubbed the worst in his five years on Merseyside.
Yet take nothing away from the man whose team were as good as Liverpool were appalling. In fact, Fiorentina were so dominant in those opening 45 minutes there was almost a sense of disappointment among some home supporters that they were only two goals to the good.
As for Benitez's battered and shell-shocked troops, well in the quest for small mercies, at least they finally found their fighting legs after the break - for all it mattered.
For by then that was nothing more than academic, as the team which has the rest of Europe's big guns running scared when it comes to this competition were nothing but a shadow of their usual selves.
As well as Jovetic striking twice, Juan Vargas could have had another, Adrian Mutu at times looked the man who arrived at Chelsea with such a reputation. Everywhere you looked, there was a threat.
The visitors, in contrast, could not string two passes together in that first period, and if Benitez had enough hair to get a decent clump, he would have been pulling it out.
The Spaniard had brought his side here without having leaked a goal against Serie A opponents on their last four trips to Italy. How things change.
They had been given fair notice of the threat they faced by the time they fell behind on 28 minutes, Jovetic shooting across goal and Marco Marchionni sending an overhead kick close.
Yet any warnings clearly went unheeded, when Cristiano slipped the deftest of passes behind an advanced backline.
Suspicions of offside were shot down when TV replays showed Emiliano Insua a fraction behind the other defenders.
Not that Jovetic was hanging around to debate the point, as he made the most of finding himself in front of the exposed Pepe Reina and clinically despatched his shot.
If that was bad enough, much worse was just around the corner - and once again it was the Montenegro international who emerged as destroyer-in-chief.
Marchionni started the initial panic with a cross from the right which Martin Skrtel managed to head out to the lurking Vargas on the opposite flank.
The Peruvian immediately drilled it back into the danger area and there was Jovetic to deflect it past the stranded Reina.
In the land of Chianti, Liverpool looked as if they had downed a couple of bottles each before kick-off, such was their dazed state.
Yes, they did finally muster up that famous old fighting spirit after half-time, thanks to a roasting off their stunned and steaming manager.
But this time there was to be no Istanbul repeat. That night, lest anyone should have just landed, saw them overturn that 3-0 deficit against Milan to win the unlikeliest of European crowns.
Last night, for all they threw men forward in a vain attempt to claw something back, it never remotely looked on for one minute.
They may well have not lost a group game since crashing to Besiktas in Turkey two years ago next month, but even then they went down with a bit of a punch.
Last night was more of a whimper. And in the eyes of their perfectionist manager, that was the most annoying fact.
Lucas summed up their dismay when he powered their best chance - a free header from little more than 10 yards - way over the top.
And Fernando Torres summed up the frustrations when he went berserk with German referee Felix Brych for failing to award a penalty when Alessandro Gamberini clattered into him in the box.
Now if only the Spaniard and the rest had shown anything like a similar fighting spirit beforehand, they may well have had something to cheer.
Torres is bang up Fiorentina it
RAFA BENITEZ has warned Europe that lethal Fernando Torres is hitting peak fitness - bang at the right time.
The Kop's star Spanish striker blasted a hat-trick in 47 minutes against Hull on Saturday.
Perfect timing, with Liverpool facing a week which could shape their season.
Tomorrow they are in Italy to face Fiorentina, seeking to make it two Champions League wins on the bounce.
Then five days later they travel to Stamford Bridge for a battle of the title hopefuls, aiming to repeat last season's victory over Chelsea.
Hitman Torres will fly to Florence for the Group E clash in red-hot form, with his weekend hat-trick making it five goals in two games.
And manager Benitez has told Cesare Brandelli's men the Spaniard is only now beginning to find his feet again after another summer with barely a break.
Torres was the most important of Anfield's Spanish contingent to play through much of the close season on Confederations Cup duty.
It led to a sluggish start, with Liverpool losing two of their first three Premier League games as he showed the effects of a brief pre-season.
Yet after his destruction of the Tigers, Benitez believes Torres is once more showing why he is rated Europe's deadliest striker.
The Kop boss said: "We knew it would take time for the Spanish players to get fitter and it would take maybe a month or two to see the best of Fernando.
"But he has been working really hard and, in the last few games, you could see that hard work paying off.
"One thing he wants to do is score more goals away from home. Everyone is the same, they want to score goals.
"With him, he is always willing to learn and how much he does depends on him."
Torres is more concerned with what lies ahead, rather than the scalps already taken - and desperate to keep his purple patch going.
He admitted: "It has been an amazing week for me, with five goals in two games, and now we have two more important games coming up.
"If we can get six points from our first two Champions League matches it will be very positive and then we have that big game at Chelsea."
Even though he is topping the striking charts, the Anfield sureshot believes the spread of goals throughout the team should not be overlooked.
Seven different players have already found the target and Torres insisted: "We're not just relying on one player to score our goals.
"The positive thing for me is we have a lot of people scoring.
"That's important for the team, because it means the opponents are worried about Liverpool as a whole."
Liverpool 6 Hull 1
FERNANDO TORRES hit a sparkling hat-trick as Liverpool made mincemeat of Hull.
The Spain goal king opened the scoring before Geovanni snatched a leveller.
That kick-started the Reds, as Torres ran riot with two more. Steven Gerrard smashed home a breathtaking fourth before a Ryan Babel double completed the Kop rout.
It had taken Liverpool just 11 minutes to get ahead. Albert Riera slid the ball through to Torres, who twisted Ibrahima Sonko inside out before slotting home.
It was the worst possible start for the Tigers — who have NEVER beaten Liverpool in any competitions.
Despite their woeful Reds record, Hull pulled themselves up by their bootstraps. And Phil Brown's men were level within four minutes.
After a break down the left flank, Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink's header was weakly cleared by Martin Skrtel.
The loose ball fell for Geovanni — and the Brazilian thumped home to equalise.
Lucas was kicking himself in the 23rd minute when he scuffed Emilinao Insua's cross straight at Boaz Myhill.
It was the sort of chance masterful Torres puts away all day. And the ace restored Liverpool's lead just five minutes later.
The 25-year-old cut inside, flummoxed Sonko, Myhill and Liam Cooper before poking home. And minutes after the restart, Torres banged home the goal that made the match-ball his. Torres bamboozled Sonko again before tucking home past Myhill. Incredibly, it was the star's FOURTH Liverpool treble. Liverpool didn't take their foot off the gas, and Gerrard leathered home from long range.
The skipper had his corner fired back out to him on the wing. And Gerrard curled a stunning shot past helpless Myhill. With Gerrard off, Babel had a point to prove and snuck in a fifth by turning in Dirk Kuyt's right-wing cross late on. The Dutchman got lucky with a second in injury time when he deflected Riera's shot over Myhill.
Liverpool: Reina, Johnson, Carragher, Skrtel, Insua, Lucas, Gerrard (Mascherano 74), Benayoun (Voronin 77), Kuyt, Riera, Torres (Babel 67). Subs Not Used: Cavalieri, Aurelio, Kyrgiakos, Ngog. Booked: Skrtel.
Goals: Torres 12, 28, 47, Gerrard 61, Babel 88, 90.
Hull: Myhill, McShane, Sonko, Cooper, Dawson, Geovanni (Altidore 83), Boateng, Kilbane (Marney 64), Hunt, Vennegoor of Hesselink (Cousin 63), Ghilas. Subs Not Used: Warner, Barmby, Zayatte, Olofinjana. Booked: Kilbane, Hunt, McShane, Marney. Goals: Geovanni 15.
Att: 44,392
Ref: Peter Walton (Northamptonshire).
The Spain goal king opened the scoring before Geovanni snatched a leveller.
That kick-started the Reds, as Torres ran riot with two more. Steven Gerrard smashed home a breathtaking fourth before a Ryan Babel double completed the Kop rout.
It had taken Liverpool just 11 minutes to get ahead. Albert Riera slid the ball through to Torres, who twisted Ibrahima Sonko inside out before slotting home.
It was the worst possible start for the Tigers — who have NEVER beaten Liverpool in any competitions.
Despite their woeful Reds record, Hull pulled themselves up by their bootstraps. And Phil Brown's men were level within four minutes.
After a break down the left flank, Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink's header was weakly cleared by Martin Skrtel.
The loose ball fell for Geovanni — and the Brazilian thumped home to equalise.
Lucas was kicking himself in the 23rd minute when he scuffed Emilinao Insua's cross straight at Boaz Myhill.
It was the sort of chance masterful Torres puts away all day. And the ace restored Liverpool's lead just five minutes later.
The 25-year-old cut inside, flummoxed Sonko, Myhill and Liam Cooper before poking home. And minutes after the restart, Torres banged home the goal that made the match-ball his. Torres bamboozled Sonko again before tucking home past Myhill. Incredibly, it was the star's FOURTH Liverpool treble. Liverpool didn't take their foot off the gas, and Gerrard leathered home from long range.
The skipper had his corner fired back out to him on the wing. And Gerrard curled a stunning shot past helpless Myhill. With Gerrard off, Babel had a point to prove and snuck in a fifth by turning in Dirk Kuyt's right-wing cross late on. The Dutchman got lucky with a second in injury time when he deflected Riera's shot over Myhill.
Liverpool: Reina, Johnson, Carragher, Skrtel, Insua, Lucas, Gerrard (Mascherano 74), Benayoun (Voronin 77), Kuyt, Riera, Torres (Babel 67). Subs Not Used: Cavalieri, Aurelio, Kyrgiakos, Ngog. Booked: Skrtel.
Goals: Torres 12, 28, 47, Gerrard 61, Babel 88, 90.
Hull: Myhill, McShane, Sonko, Cooper, Dawson, Geovanni (Altidore 83), Boateng, Kilbane (Marney 64), Hunt, Vennegoor of Hesselink (Cousin 63), Ghilas. Subs Not Used: Warner, Barmby, Zayatte, Olofinjana. Booked: Kilbane, Hunt, McShane, Marney. Goals: Geovanni 15.
Att: 44,392
Ref: Peter Walton (Northamptonshire).
Liverpool 4 Burnley 0
Reds keeper Pepe Reina questioned whether the Anfield side had what it takes to land the Premier League crown ahead of kick off.
But they responded in superb fashion with Benayoun proving the difference.
He netted three and set-up Dirk Kuyt's effort to see off battling Burnley.
And Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez said: "Yossi had been away on international duty in midweek and done a lot of travelling, but he wanted to play.
"It is important to him to show his quality in every training session and every match.
"Over the seasons he has shown his value coming off the bench but now he is showing how important he can be with movement and passing ability from the start."
Burnley boss Owen Coyle admitted his side must learn not to give away soft goals to quality opposition.
He said: "If you switch off against players like these, you will be punished.
"I can't argue with the result, we were playing against world-class players."
The Clarets started brightly with Martin Paterson firing wide from the edge of the box.
However, Liverpool began to dominate and Kuyt produced a low shot that was saved by Burnley keeper Brian Jensen.
Fernando Torres saw a curling 20-yard shot go over before Benayoun flashed a header just wide.
He soon made up for the miss when he broke the deadlock on 27 minutes.
The Israeli raced down the right, cut inside and beat Jensen with a well-taken finish.
Benayoun was on fire and almost doubled the lead when he headed straight at Jensen.
The big Dane did well to deny Dirk Kuyt with the rebound before making a strong save from Lucas.
Benayoun nearly diverted Albert Riera's shot goalwards but it fizzed just wide.
Kuyt gave Liverpool a two-goal lead at half time after a brilliant Livepool counter-attack.
From a Clarets corner, Kop keeper Pepe Reina cleared to Torres, who laid off the ball to Emiliano Insua.
He crossed to Benayoun who shot at Jenson, only for the keeper to spill to Kuyt to tap in.
Liverpool kept up their assault after the break with Riera seeing two efforts blocked while Jensen saved from a Kuyt flick.
Torres was starting to stretch a tiring Burnley defence but Tyron Mears' fine saving tackle denied the Spaniard.
On 61 minutes it was three as Torres found Steve Gerrard, who battered his way into the box to find Benayoun for a tap-in.
The winger was is sensational form and had the ball in the net, only for his effort to be scrubbed out for offside.
He did finally seal his hat-trick after a smart one-two with sub Andriy Voronin and cool finish.
Liverpool: Reina, Johnson (Degen 64), Skrtel, Carragher, Insua, Gerrard, Lucas, Kuyt (Voronin 69), Benayoun, Riera, Torres (Ngog 75). Subs Not Used: Cavalieri, Kyrgiakos, Spearing, Dossena. Goals: Benayoun 27, Kuyt 41, Benayoun 61, 82.
Burnley: Jensen, Mears, Carlisle, Bikey, Jordan, Alexander (Gudjonsson 75), Blake (Eagles 58), McCann, Elliott, Steven Fletcher, Paterson (Nugent 70). Subs Not Used: Penny, McDonald, Thompson, Guerrero. Booked: Jordan, Eagles.
Att: 43,817
Ref: Lee Mason (Lancashire)
Att: 43,817
Ref: Lee Mason (Lancashire)
Bolton 2 Liverpool 3
STEVEN GERRARD'S late winner spared Liverpool's blushes after Bolton threatened to heap more misery on Rafa Benitez.
The Reds have already lost twice this season — to Tottenham and Aston Villa — and the Trotters nearly made it three defeats in four.
The home side stunned Liverpool by taking the lead, but a Glen Johnson drive saw the troubled Anfield men level at the break.
Benitez had laid into his top stars in the wake of their early-season beatings.
But the Liverpool boss was full of praise for how the Reds reacted when they were staring down the barrel at Bolton.
He said: "All our players wanted to impress and do well. Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres, among others, knew they needed to improve.
"We showed we have quality players and they all fought hard to show their improvement.
"We had a lot of possession and were in control for much of the game. To concede two goals like we did is disappointing, but the team hit back and proved their quality."
The Trotters were in with a shout of a shock until Sean Davis was ordered off with two yellow cards.
And boss Gary Megson sympathised with the midfielder over both his bookings. He said: "You should not kick the ball away, but it was only done in frustration.
"As for the second yellow card, the Liverpool player [Lucas] was slowing up when being chased and just waiting for the contact before going over.
"Maybe we are not as cute as some of the big teams who are clever at doing things like that. They control the ball, slow down and wait for the hit."
Benitez, though, was adamant it was red, adding: "When you foul someone like that from behind, it is a yellow card, there is no doubt about it."
Liverpool had dominated possession for much of the first half, but Bolton skipper Kevin Davies scored his side's first league goal of the season 10 minutes from the interval.
But Liverpool hit back when £17million full-back Johnson punished a poor clearance from a corner with a low drive from the edge of the box.
Bolton defended deep and in strength, inviting Liverpool onto them. The visitors had plenty of possession, but without making clear-cut chances. Matt Taylor and Tamir Cohen worked tirelessly in midfield, breaking up Liverpool's flow.
One through ball from Lucas after 31 minutes saw Torres shake off Cahill and attempt to chip Jussi Jaaskelainen from just inside the box, but the keeper pulled down the effort.
At the other end, a Taylor free-kick was headed away for a corner by Torres, and that gave Bolton their breakthrough.
Taylor's 35th minute corner curled to the far post where Johan Elmander headed it down into the six-yard box for Davies to turn past Jose Reina from a couple of yards.
Fabrice Muamba was booked for a foul on Albert Riera two minutes later as Liverpool surged back looking for an equaliser, and it almost came when Torres chested down Johnson's cross, but fired across goal and wide of the far post.
But the equaliser came after 42 minutes when a corner was cleared only as far as Johnson just outside the box, and he fired a low show inside Jaaskelainen's near post.
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Jose Reina had to make a fine diving save to keep out a Taylor free-kick, before Davis was booked for kicking the ball away from a Liverpool free-kick.
Two minutes after the break, Liverpool's failure to clear a right-wing cross saw them go behind again.
Davies was able to flick the ball across the box, where two defenders failed to stop Cohen lashing the ball home from eight yards.
Bolton were reduced to ten men after 54 minutes. Lucas was racing towards the opposition box when Davis clipped his heels from behind. Referee Alan Wiley produced a second yellow and then the red card.
Davis was furious. He had confronted the Brazilian before receiving his marching orders and ran towards Lucas again, before being halted by a colleague and ushered away.
It was the incentive Liverpool needed. Gerrard hit the bar before Torres took a pass from Dirk Kuyt and scored the equaliser past Jaaskelainen after 56 minutes.
Next into the book was Gerrard for a foul on Muamba, before Benayoun replaced Riera after 63 minutes.
And twenty minutes later, Gerrard — who had been largely ineffective for much of the game — thumped the ball past Jaaskelainen from 20 yards to hand Liverpool a much-needed victory.
Bolton: Jaaskelainen, Ricketts, Cahill, Knight, Samuel, Elmander (Basham 59), Muamba (Riga 90), Davis, Cohen (Steinsson 78), Taylor, Kevin Davies. Subs Not Used: Al Habsi, Robinson, Lee, Andrew O'Brien. Sent Off: Davis (54). Booked: Cahill, Muamba, Davis.
Goals: Kevin Davies 33, Cohen 47.
Liverpool: Reina, Johnson, Kyrgiakos, Carragher, Insua, Mascherano (Voronin 74), Lucas, Kuyt (Dossena 89), Riera (Benayoun 63), Gerrard, Torres. Subs Not Used: Gulacsi, Plessis, Kelly, Skrtel. Booked: Gerrard. Goals: Johnson 41, Torres 56, Gerrard 83.
Att: 23,284
Ref: Alan Wiley (Staffordshire).
Hull 1 Liverpool 3
[Xabi Alonso scores for Liverpoo]
DIRK KUYT struck twice as championship-chasing Liverpool kept their title dreams alive with a crucial victory over Hull.
The Reds were given a tough test by the relegation-threatened Tigers – who had a man sent off – but held on to keep the pressure on Manchester United at the top of the table.
Kuyt put the visitors 2-0 up after a controversial Xabi Alonso strike in the first half but Hull battled hard and pulled one back through Geovanni after Caleb Folan was sent off.Liverpool – perhaps feeling the pace after Tuesday’s pulsating 4-4 draw with Arsenal – were second best for large periods.
Hull sensed they had nothing to lose but their performance should at least offer encouragement for their remaining four games.
Yossi Benayoun created the first opening with a weaving run into the box but his shot was blocked and Fernando Torres lifted the rebound over the bar.
Benayoun, who has emerged as a strong creative force in the continued absence of the inspirational Steven Gerrard, then curled another shot over soon after.
Yet Hull, anxious for points after just one win in 17, showed an energy that belied their position and Folan spurned a chance when he failed to control in the area.
Jose Reina also needed to deal with a dipping cross from Craig Fagan and Dean Marney scuffed a 20-yard shot after being put clear by Geovanni on halfway.
Geovanni went closer himself with a ferocious shot after a clearance fell to him 30 yards out, his half-volley flashing just wide of target.
Hull also tested the Liverpool defence with a corner and a couple of long Sam Ricketts throws during a prolonged spell on the front foot but a final touch was lacking.
Geovanni then seized on a poor Reina throw only to slip as he looked to deliver a cross and Lucas almost caught the hosts on the counter-attack when he screwed a shot wide.
Kuyt then tried his luck with a fizzing a shot from the edge of the box but Boaz Myhill was not tested.
Liverpool finally made the breakthrough in the last minute of the first half, although Hull were far from happy when Javier Mascherano was ruled to have been fouled on the edge of the area.
Alonso fired the resulting free-kick into the wall but the rebound fell kindly and the Spaniard lashed home from 25 yards.But the atmosphere changed markedly just before the hour as Folan was sent off for kicking out at the recalled Martin Skrtel and Atkinson threatened to lose control.
There could be no debate about the red card after Folan tussled with the defender trying to intercept a Jamie Carragher pass and then lashed out as the Slovakian went to ground.
Hull were furious at a perceived injustice and Fagan was booked moments later for clashing with Skrtel.
The hosts then switched off after Kamil Zayatte conceded a corner and a weak clearance allowed Skrtel to shoot and Kuyt to turn in the misdirected effort.
Hull still felt aggrieved and Atkinson was under intense pressure as the tackles flew in and the crowd scrutinised his every decision.
Tigers boss Phil Brown had attempted to shake things up just before Kuyt’s goal by introducing Daniel Cousin and Bernard Mendy and the pair combined for Geovanni to score after 73 minutes.
Mendy found Cousin with a long ball and the Gabon striker raced into the area before pulling back for an unmarked Geovanni to turn in.
It was the least Hull deserved but Torres almost finished them off on 80 minutes when he headed against the bar from a Kuyt cross.
Kuyt wrapped up the points two minutes from time from in front of goal after Alvaro Arbeloa’s deflected shot was pushed out by Myhill.
Hull: Myhill, Ricketts, Zayatte, Turner, Kilbane, Fagan (Mendy 62), Boateng (Manucho 79), Marney, Geovanni, Barmby (Cousin 62), Folan. Subs Not Used: Duke, Hughes, Garcia, Halmosi.
Sent Off: Folan (59).
Booked: Marney, Barmby, Fagan.
Goals: Geovanni 72.
Liverpool: Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher, Skrtel, Insua, Kuyt (Dossena 90), Alonso, Mascherano (El Zhar 84), Benayoun (Agger 87), Lucas, Torres. Subs Not Used: Cavalieri, Riera, Aurelio, Ngog.
Booked: Arbeloa.
Goals: Alonso 45, Kuyt 63, 89.
Att: 24,942
Ref: Martin Atkinson (W Yorkshire).
Sent Off: Folan (59).
Booked: Marney, Barmby, Fagan.
Goals: Geovanni 72.
Liverpool: Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher, Skrtel, Insua, Kuyt (Dossena 90), Alonso, Mascherano (El Zhar 84), Benayoun (Agger 87), Lucas, Torres. Subs Not Used: Cavalieri, Riera, Aurelio, Ngog.
Booked: Arbeloa.
Goals: Alonso 45, Kuyt 63, 89.
Att: 24,942
Ref: Martin Atkinson (W Yorkshire).
Liverpool 4 Arsenal 4
YOU have to feel sorry for Liverpool — unless, of course, you are a Manchester United fan.
The Reds have taken part in two of the greatest games ever in successive outings.
They didn’t lose either, scored eight goals and yet managed to blow their chances in two competitions in the process.
Sometimes football just is not fair.
Last week’s incredible 4-4 draw in the Champions League quarter-final second leg against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge was hailed as one of the epic encounters but Liverpool went out on aggregate.
This one was up there with it. However, Rafa Benitez’s men had to win to keep the pressure on United at the top of the table — a point just wasn’t good enough.
United boss Alex Ferguson must have had as big a smile on his face as Andrey Arshavin, who scored all four Gunners goals.
The £12million Russian only had four shots on goal and every one went in.
It has to be said, some of Liverpool’s defending was quite dreadful. But their powers of recovery were unbelievable as they came back from 1-0, 3-2 and 4-3 down.
There was a theory that Arsenal were not bothered about this one with their Champions League semi-final at Old Trafford looming on the horizon.
Star strikers Emmanuel Adebayor and Robin Van Persie were left out because of minor injuries and Theo Walcott was only on the bench.
And it took the brilliance of under-fire Lukasz Fabianski to keep them in it as they were pummelled in the first half.
Fabianski endured a nightmare in the FA Cup semi-final defeat by Chelsea on Saturday but manager Arsene Wenger insisted he would prove to be one of the best goalkeepers in the world.
He went a long way to confirming that view last night.
First he slid out to deny Yossi Benayoun and Alvaro Arbeloa, flew to his left to tip over a screamer of a half-volley from Fernando Torres which was destined for the top corner, saved another from the Spanish ace and then stretched to keep out Benayoun’s effort.
Arsenal had only one attempt on target in 45 minutes but it was the one that mattered and came about after the first of Liverpool’s defensive errors.
The normally-reliable Javier Mascherano dithered on the edge of his own area, was robbed by Cesc Fabregas, and then lost out to Samir Nasri as he tried to retrieve the situation.
Nasri picked out Fabregas making a run and the skipper was just onside before cutting it back to Arshavin, who shot in off the underside of the bar.
It was ridiculous that Liverpool were behind and Benitez could have done no more than tell his team to keep going at half-time and that their rewards would come.
They did and, by the 56th minute, they were in front.
Bacary Sagna caught the defensive jitters by volleying across his own area and though the irrepressible Dirk Kuyt’s initial cross was blocked, the second was on the money and Torres headed into the corner.
Then the Gunners got in a right old tangle as Liverpool pressed. Kieran Gibbs’ hasty clearance was collected by Kuyt and Benayoun bravely headed over the line before Fabianski could claw it out.
Benayoun was doing a fine job filling in for Steven Gerrard and kept driving Liverpool on. But Arsenal had an uncanny knack of sticking their few chances away and profiting from the home side’s defensive frailties.
On 67 minutes Jamie Carragher headed forwards and Arbeloa, caught with his back to goal, was dispossessed by Arshavin, who took a couple of strides forward and smacked a 25-yard shot beyond the despairing Pepe Reina.
Arshavin again reaped the benefits of a defensive howler as Fabio Aurelio presented the ball to him on a plate and he made no mistake.
Arsenal were 3-2 up but the way the game was going there was no way the score was going to stay like that.
Torres turned Mikael Silvestre, made a yard of space, and bang in it went off the outstretched hand of Fabianski.
There were 18 minutes left and Liverpool piled forward looking for the winner. Xabi Alonso’s corner was met by the head of Torres and Gibbs was perfectly positioned to clear off the line.
There was nobody in defence for the home side any more except Reina and, as the clock ticked round to 90 minutes, Fabianski punched clear and substitute Theo Walcott broke away down the right.
Arshavin was steaming through the middle, Walcott’s pass was perfectly into his stride and the Russian’s left boot sent the ball flying into the net.
Astonishingly, Arsenal were back in front but it still was not over and five minutes added time signalled by the fourth official encouraged Liverpool to keep on going.
Mascherano’s header across goal cause confusion on the edge of the six-yard box, Ryan Babel climbed highest and the ball dropped to Benayoun for the Israeli to finish it off.
Sadly the final whistle had to come sometime and Howard Webb brought the curtain down on a quite extraordinary night.
Wenger doing his old rival Fergie a favour. Who would have thought it?
Liverpool 5 Aston Villa 0
[Gerrard On soul scorer ]
SQUEAKY bum time? That’ll be an extra box of Andrex for Mr Alex Ferguson, care of Old Trafford, Manchester, then.
The way things have been turned on their head over the past eight days, there is only one title-chasing manager you could suggest is cracking up.
In fact if Rafa Benitez enjoys a better fortnight than the past one, Liverpool fans may well be looking back on this season as the greatest in their glorious history.
Real Madrid sent to their record Champions League defeat, Manchester United whacked 4-1 in their own back yard, a new £20million contract in the bag — and the biggest prize of all looming into view.
Eight days ago that Premier League crown was all but packaged and ready to deliver to Old Trafford once again.
Now, though, suddenly and unbelievably, a gap that everyone outside Merseyside expected to be seven points is now down to just one. Liverpool are flying after a Steven Gerrard hat-trick and Albert Riera and Dirk Kuyt strikes.
The goal difference which was so heavily in United’s favour has been transformed to such extent that Liverpool’s is now actually better.
But perhaps the most crucial factor of all, is that by the time Fergie’s choking champions are next in action — against Aston Villa — they will almost certainly be the ones playing catch-up.
Benitez had insisted his rampant Reds may well have to win every one of their nine games to bring that Holy Grail back to Anfield for the first time since 1990.
And, of course, that is one thing they have already proved is not beyond them, having done likewise in run-in three years ago.
Yesterday they crossed the first win off the list.
And if they sustain this form throughout the finale, you will not find too many willing to bet against them rattling up the other eight either.
What a contrast, then, with how things have come apart at the seams 60 miles down the M62.
While Manchester United have ranted, raged and rocked, Liverpool have simply rolled over everyone and everything put in their path.
Thirteen goals in three games, Gerrard in the form of his life, Fernando Torres looking exactly what he is — the best striker in Europe — and the team playing with more confidence by the week.
The same team that has so often been accused of being far too cautious for their own good has rediscovered the way to tear opponents apart.
More importantly, they are doing it from the word go and refusing to take their foot off the throat until the final whistle. Hence manager Benitez’s disappointment that his side “only” managed to rattle up five against Villa.
Although, given the way everything else has fallen into place for him recently, he cannot exactly complain too much.
Certainly all those old stats about being so slow out of the blocks have been well and truly brushed under the carpet over the past two weeks.
Yesterday it took just seven minutes for Kuyt to drill the Reds ahead, driving home the rebound after Xabi Alonso headed Gerrard’s free-kick against the bar.
It ultimately ended as a thrashing but had it not been for two truly world class saves from Pepe Reina to deny John Carew, Liverpool could quite feasibly have been behind. Instead they were home and hosed before the half-time cuppa, as they produced a masterclass in finishing, while Villa were doing the same — on how not to defend.
First up Reina, reaching 100 clean sheets in 197 games, a club record, took aim with a pinpoint punt downfield, and Riera almost took the net from the posts with his 18-yard thunderbolt.
Nigel Reo-Coker then capped a nightmare personal 45 minutes by clipping winger Riera in the box, handing Gerrard the first of his treble.
And while there was a time when Benitez would have effectively pulled up the stumps and settled for that, things are vastly different now.
So it was no real surprise that five minutes after the break they were four in front, once more thanks to the trusty right boot of their captain.
This time Alonso rolled a free-kick half a yard to the right, and Gerrard found the corner of Brad Friedel’s net with the most clinical of side footers.
Friedel was celebrating his 182nd successive Premier League appearance — a record the Villa keeper will be unable to extend.
Referee Martin Atkinson sent him packing for bringing Torres crashing down as he roared in on goal.
A penalty it clearly was. A red card was perhaps harsh.
That was of no concern to England midfielder Gerrard as he despatched the penalty past substitute stopper Brad Guzan.
In fact that was just about the only good news for Ferguson all weekend, as Friedel will now be banned for the trip to Old Trafford when Premier League business resumes after the international break.
Mind you, the men in the red of United will not exactly be at full strength either.
Football — bloody hell, eh Sir Al
Liverpool 4 Real Madrid 0
FANTASTIC, outstanding, a credit to the game, a message to the whole of football masterminded by a manager who proved what a genius he is.Boss Rafa Benitez had complained Liverpool have not been given sufficient credit for their exploits in Europe during his 4½-year reign.
But they earned full marks for a comprehensive destruction of the nine-times European champions which earned a place in the last eight of the Champions LeagueReal could point to the fact that Belgian referee Frank De Bleeckere might as well have had a red shirt on because of a couple of dodgy decisions which led to Liverpool’s first two goals.
But, such was the home side’s superiority, they would surely have won anyway.
Spanish ace Fernando Torres, back from an ankle injury, was unstoppable in the first half and netted a controversial 16th-minute opener after he appeared to pull back Real defender Pepe.
Steven Gerrard added a 27th-minute penalty when former Manchester United defender Gabriel Heinze was wrongly adjudged to have handled.
Gerrard slammed in the third on 48 minutes before sub Andrea Dossena completed the rout a couple of minutes from time.
Real’s former Spurs boss Juande Ramos accused Liverpool of negative tactics in the first leg, claiming they were lucky to nick a one-goal lead from Yossi BenayounThat got right up Rafa’s nose and there was nothing dull or negative about the Reds as they absolutely blitzed Real.
When Liverpool play like this you wonder why on earth they do not put in a stronger challenge for the Premier League title.
Europe turns them on like no other competition and, from the first whistle, the Reds were at it as they chased a fourth quarter-final appearance in five years.
Torres suffered for years at the hands of Real when he was with Atletico Madrid and was never on the winning side. But he got all his frustrations out here.
With the game four minutes old Torres brilliantly turned Fabio Cannavaro, leaving him one-on-one with Spain team-mate Iker Casillas.
He aimed for the corner but Casillas stretched out a boot and deflected it away. The keeper then tipped a Javier Mascherano volley on to the bar.
Liverpool were playing so well even the notoriously hard-to-please Benitez must have been satisfied. Not that you would have known. He looked as grumpy as ever.
The determination was illustrated by Torres when he ran back fully 40 yards to whip the ball off Sergio Ramos.
The crowd responded as they always do on these great European nights and Liverpool took the lead, albeit it in debatable fashion.
Torres chested down a through ball and, as he tussled with Pepe, pulled the defender back by the shoulder. Dirk Kuyt collected and passed into the six-yard box and Torres finished.
It was no more than Liverpool deserved but you could understand why Real felt aggrieved.
That said they were hardly performing to the standard expected from one of the game’s most illustrious names. Real were second to every ball and they could not handle Torres.
After Martin Skrtel had a header saved by Casillas, Torres was off again.
This time it did not even matter he fell over because he recovered to skip away and cross deep, where Gerrard stretched to connect with a volley which Casillas blocked.
If Real were aggrieved about the first goal they were positively apoplectic about the second. Alvaro Arbeloa popped up on the right to chest a ball into the area and it hit Heinze on the shoulder.
De Bleeckere pointed for a penalty, to the fury of Real, and Heinze was booked for dissent. Gerrard buried the spot-kick.
A frustrated Heinze got the hump with Torres and, after the striker caught the Argy on the ankle, Heinze flicked out a right arm which got his opponent in the face. However, the referee did not spot it.
A perfect first half by Liverpool was spoiled when Mascherano was stupidly booked for dissent which means he is out of the first leg of the quarter-final.
Liverpool put the tie beyond doubt three minutes after the break. Fabio Aurelio fed Ryan Babel on the left and his cross fell to Gerrard, who smashed home a volley.
Torres was denied before Dossena got the fourth when he converted a Mascherano cross.
M'boro 2 Liverpool 0
RAFA BENITEZ admitted the title was out of Liverpool's hands after Middlesbrough ended their 14-game winless run.
Xabi Alonso's own goal and Tuncay's fine clincher wrecked Liverpool's 15-match unbeaten stretch in the Premier League - and took Boro out of the bottom three.
Kop boss Benitez said: "Before the game, it was very difficult - after the game, it is more difficult.
"It depends on United. It will be more difficult, clearly."
Boro, without a league goal for 526 minutes of football, saw Alonso stick out a leg to put in-form Stewart Downing's 32nd minute cross past his keeper Pepe Reina.
Then on 63 minutes, as Liverpool struggled to exploit their large share of possession, Tuncay angled home the first Premier League goal by a Boro player since January 10 following Jeremie Aliadiere's precision cross.
Frustrated Benitez, whose side fell seven points behind leaders Manchester United, said: "In the first 30 minutes, we had five chances and you have to take your chances.
"After the own goal, we still had chances."
Benitez's new contract remains unsigned and chief executive Rick Parry is quitting Anfield in the summer.
But the Spaniard denies Liverpool are being unsettled by these off-field issues.
And he said: "My advisers are in contact with the advisers of the owners, so maybe they will have a conversation and we will see if we can progress."
In contrast, Boro chief Gareth Southgate claimed his side deserved their shock triumph.
Southgate said: "I am pleased for the players because they have had to endure a long period of frustration.
"But their work ethic and their togetherness over the last seven or eight weeks in particular, as we have been building towards this, has been excellent and we have got to continue that now.
"Today is a huge lift because there will be teams sitting at home watching the scores coming in and they won't have expected us to get anything today.
"It will have dragged a lot of teams back into the fight at the bottom.
"We are still in the cup, we are fighting in the league and we have shown that as a group this week, the fight is very much in them, and the quality is there as well, which is pleasing to see."
Certainly , though, for the opening half-hour, Liverpool looked the far more likely winners
Boro keeper Brad Jones had already kept out close-range efforts from Nabil El Zhar and Dirk Kuyt by the time Gary O'Neil forced Reina into a fine reaction save in the 11th minute.
But, even even the craft of Alonso and returning skipper Steven Gerrard, on his 300th start for the club, failed to break down the Teessiders consistently.
Instead, Boro stole a surprise and fortuitous opener, unlucky Alonso diverting the ball in.
That goal clearly settled Boro, who almost doubled their lead four minutes before the break when Downing robbed full-back Martin Skrtel and forced Reina to block well.
Liverpool, though, really ought to have levelled within three minutes of the restart.
Gerrard ghosted into the box and pulled the ball back invitingly for El Zhar, who hammered his shot high.
O'Neil was just as wasteful three minutes later following Jeremie Aliadiere's pass.
Mostly Liverpool continued to push forward, albeit struggling to create clear openings against a stubborn defence.
And Benitez's side finally paid a heavy price.
O'Neil slid the ball into the path of Aliadiere down the right for a square pass angled into the corner of the net by Tuncay.
Jones foiled Gerrard and Kuyt failed to connect with his skipper's cross with the goal at his mercy as the game slipped further from Liverpool's grasp.
And Boro might even have notched a third 18 minutes from time.
Downing and Tuncay combined to open up the Reds once again, leaving Marlon King with a glorious opportunity that Reina defied with a two-handed save.
But ultimately it was Liverpool who had most to rue.
Middlesbrough: Jones, Hoyte, Wheater, Huth, Pogatetz, O'Neil, Bates, Arca (Walker 88), Downing, Sanli (Adam Johnson 79), Aliadiere (King 68). Subs Not Used: Turnbull, Taylor, Emnes, Alves.
Booked: Sanli, Bates.
Goals: Alonso 32 og, Sanli 63.
Liverpool: Reina, Carragher (Benayoun 71), Hyypia, Skrtel, Aurelio, Alonso, Mascherano, Kuyt, Gerrard (Lucas 76), Babel, El Zhar (Ngog 68). Subs Not Used: Cavalieri, Dossena, Riera, Darby.
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