STEVEN GERRARD ARRESTED

Steven Gerrard was arrested on Monday after a brawl at a restaurant. The Liverpool captain was among six men arrested when officers were called to the Lounge Inn in Southport, Merseyside. A local man was taken to hospital with facial injuries, which are not thought to be serious. Police said the 28-year-old footballer and five other men were arrested on suspicion of assault.

 

Gerrard went out with friends just hours after his side's 5-1 victory over Newcastle at St James' Park. He was arrested after a disturbance at the Lounge Inn, a modern restaurant close to the junction of Bold Street and Stanley Street. The venue converts to a late-night club venue with live music and DJs. No one was available to comment on Monday. The seaside town is a popular destination for wealthy footballers looking for a night out. 

BOLA BOYZ LIVERPOOL

NEWCASTLE 1 - LIVERPOOL 5

Liverpool tightened their grip at the top of the Premier League with a superb 5-1 win at Newcastle. England midfielder, Steven Gerrard claimed a fine double as he got the ball rolling with a 31st-minute opener and then after Sami Hyypia and Ryan Babel had struck either side of David Edgar's header, he completed the job with a 66th-minute second.

 

Xabi Alonso also converted a 76th-minute penalty after fellow newcomer David Ngog had been tripped by Edgar to complete a miserable afternoon for Joe Kinnear's injury-ravaged side, for whom goalkeeper Shay Given made seven remarkable saves.

 

BOLA BOYZ  LIVERPOOL 

LIVERPOOL 3 - BOLTON 0

Liverpool reclaimed the top spot of the Premier League with a 3-0 victory over Bolton at Anfield. Chelsea's victory earlier in the day put the London side in pole position until Robbie Keane's double and a goal from Albert Riera ensured the Reds went back to the head of the pack.

 

The win meant Liverpool have completed all of 2008 unbeaten at home in the league. Missing Alvaro Arbeloa with a hamstring injury, manager Rafael Benitez re-jigged his back line, moving Jamie Carragher to right-back with Sami Hyypia slotting into the centre of defence. Liverpool also restored Yossi Benayoun to midfield at the expense of Lucas, who was joined on the bench by fit-again Javier Mascherano.
 

BOLA BOYZ  LIVERPOOL

REAL MADRID WANTS PENNANT

Sky Sports News sources understand Liverpool are considering a bid from Real Madrid for Jermaine Pennant. As revealed by skysports.com, Pennant was attracting interest from La Liga and now Real have made a bid for Liverpool man as they look to bring in a new winger in the January transfer window.

 

New Real coach Juande Ramos has made a new right-sided winger one of his top priorites and they have been linked with a host of players including Ashley Young, Aaron Lennon and CSKA Moscow's Milos Krasic. Real have been priced out of the move for the trio and now they have turned their attentions to forgotten Liverpool man Pennant. Pennant has made just four appearances for Liverpool this season and it appears he does not figure in Rafa Benitez's long-term plans.

 

BOLA BOYZ  LIVERPOOL

ARSENAL 1 - LIVERPOOL 1

Striker Robbie Keane dealt a fresh blow to Arsenal's fading title hopes as he secured a point for Barclays Premier League leaders Liverpool in a 1-1 draw at the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal had striker Emmanuel Adebayor sent off in the second half, which hampered their hopes of finding a winner after Keane's goal had cancelled out Robin van Persie's strike.

 

Arsene Wenger's men went into the match eight points off the pace, and perhaps more significantly they were - and remain - out of the top four following Aston Villa's win at West Ham. Despite taking the lead through a fine strike from Van Persie after 24 minutes, it proved a false dawn as the Reds levelled before the break when Keane latched onto a long ball up-field and lashed in a thunderous shot.

 

Arsenal were forced to play the final 30 minutes with only 10 men after referee Howard Webb showed Adebayor his second yellow card for a clumsy challenge on Alvaro Arbeloa.

 

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TIME IS RIGHT FOR ARSENAL VS LIVERPOOL

Jose Reina is confident that his team will be able to steal 3 points from Arsenal as they travel to the Emirates Stadium. The Liverpool goalkeeper reckons the time is right for the Premier League leaders to clinch their first win at the Emirates Stadium as they look to extend their advantage at the summit to four points.

 

The Reds head into Sunday's game a point clear of Chelsea, who do not travel to Everton until Monday, and knowing a first win at Arsenal's new ground would open up a healthy cushion.

 

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LIVERPOOL DENY KEANE SALE ISSUE

Liverpool have issued a denial that Robbie Keane will be sold in the January transfer window, after former Anfield player Mark Lawrenson claimed the striker's future was in doubt. Lawrenson, who currently works as a TV pundit, told Irish radio station Today FM's The Last Word that Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard believes Keane could be set for a move in January.

 

The Guardian Liverpool later explained that Lawrenson's remarks are his interpretation of a private chat between the two of them. They do not accurately reflect Steven's opinion of Robbie Keane and they certainly do not tally with Steven's recollection of the conversation itself.

 

Last week 28-year-old Keane, who has scored just twice in the Premier League since his £20.3m move from Tottenham Hotspurs, dismissed claims that he would be leaving the club and insisted the goals would come.

 

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HYYPIA BELIEVES TITLE WILL COME

Sami Hyypia insists Liverpool's recent wobble is not a direct result of added pressure placed on the side. The Reds continue to set the pace in the Premier League title race, but three draws in their last four games has allowed the chasing pack to remain hot on their heels.

 

Rafa Benitez will also be concerned by the fact that his troops are struggling to grind out results at Anfield. Goalless stalemates against West Ham and Stoke were followed by a 2-2 draw with Hull on Saturday, ensuring their lead over closest challengers Chelsea remains at only a solitary point.

 

Veteran centre-half Hyypia claims Liverpool remain on course to end their 19-year wait for a top-flight crown, but admits there are issues which need to be addressed ahead of Sunday's clash with Arsenal.

 

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LIVERPOOL 2 - HULL CITY 2

 

Premier League new boys, Hull City denied Liverpool from collecting a full 3 points with another accomplished away performance in a 2-2 draw at Anfield. The Tigers would have ended Liverpool's season-long unbeaten home record, if not because of Steven Gerrard.

 

Hull were two ahead through Paul McShane and a Jamie Carragher own goal before  Gerrard scored twice in eight minutes, taking his tally for the season to 11. Gerrard was among the players returning after being rested from the Champions League win over Eindhoven in midweek, along with Jose Reina, Dirk Kuyt and Xabi Alonso.

 

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GERRARD HOPES TO TIGHTEN GRIPS

 

Steven Gerrard feels that the Christmas period could prove pivotal to the club's title hopes. Liverpool currently lead the Premier League by just one point but will be hoping that a fairly favourable fixture list, a trip to Emirates Stadium aside will allow them to cement their position at the top.

 

Anything less than nine points from games against Hull, Bolton and Newcastle will be unacceptable to the Anfield faithful, and Gerrard knows that entering the New Year as league leaders will send out a message of intent to their rivals.

 

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AC MILAN WANTS AGGER

Adriano Galliani has revealed that AC Milan are keeping tabs on Liverpool defender Daniel Agger. The Danish centre-back, who moved to Anfield in 2006, has been in fine form this season.

 

Rafa Benitez recently rubbished reports suggesting Agger wants to leave Liverpool, although the 23-year-old has yet to put pen-to-paper on a new deal. Milan have been monitoring the situation with interest and have now confirmed that Agger is one of their targets for the January transfer window.

BOLA BOYZ    LIVERPOOL 

BABEL REQUESTED FOR LOAN MOVE

Ryan Babel revealed that he did ask Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez about a loan move to Ajax. However, despite having that turned down, the Reds boss gave him no assurances about a regular starting place. The young Dutchman scored in Liverpool's 3-1 Champions League victory over PSV Eindhoven amid his agent's claims he had tried to get a loan move back to Ajax.

 

But Liverpool have made it very clear Babel is going nowhere and must knuckle down to his role in the squad, having been unable to convince Benitez he should be a regular in the starting line-up. Ajax had been keen on the idea, but have been told there is no chance of such a move while Liverpool are fighting for the Premier League title.

BOLA BOYZ    LIVERPOOL 

PSV EINDHOVEN 1 - LIVERPOOL 3

Liverpool had to come from behind against PSV Eindhoven to clinch top place in Group D. Boss Rafael Benitez rested Steven Gerrard and sent out a much-changed side against the Dutch champions and found themselves behind when Danko Lazovic struck after 36 minutes.

 

Dutchman Ryan Babel found an equaliser just before the break and from then on there was only ever going to be one winner. Albert Riera belted home a 30-yarder for the second before French youngster David Ngog added a third to ensure the night ended comfortably for the Reds.

 

Stephen Darby, Jay Spearing and Martin Kelly all getting their first taste of Champions league football. Liverpool left out Gerrard, Xabi Alonso and Jose Reina with Robbie Keane recalled to play up front alongside Ngog. Babel was included on the wing while Lucas started in midfield.

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BLACKBURN 1- LIVERPOOL 3

Liverpool recorded an unconvincing 3-1 victory over Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park to increase the pressure on manager Paul Ince. Xabi Alonso opened the scoring for the away side in the 68th minute and Yossi Benayoun looked to have secured the points just ten minutes later.

 

Roque Santa Cruz got a consolation goal in the 86th minute only for Steven Gerrard to have the last word in stoppage time. The first half had promised very little, except a fantastic 30-yard drive from Morten Gamst Pedersen that struck the bar.

 

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GERRARD EYES TITLE GLORY

Steven Gerrard believes Liverpool's unwavering support is deserving of
a Premier League title. The Reds have gone 18 long years since they
last claimed the top-flight crown, with countless false dawns failing
to bring the desired result.

However, with the club leading the way 15 games into the current
campaign, there is a growing sense of optimism on Merseyside that this
may be the year that barren spell comes to an end. Influential club
captain Gerrard is certainly hoping that proves to be the case, with
the England international desperate to give the Anfield faithful
something to shout about.

LIVERPOOL 0 - WEST HAM 0

Liverpool failed to take full advantage on the stumbles by Chelsea
after being held to a 0-0 draw with West Ham at Anfield. Striker
Fernando Torres was sidelined again with injury, the Reds seem
struggling to get the goal that they needed.

The homeside started well with more posessions but striker Robbie
Keane and Dirk Kuyt just couldn't find the net. Former Liverpool
player, Craig Bellamy also showed that he is still dangerous in West
Ham colours. Ryan Babel was brought in after 78th minutes, but failed
to produce the goal for the league leader. West Ham Robert Green was
outstanding to deny a series of Liverpool's goal attemps. Despite the
draw, Reds are now leading the Premier League with 1 point over
Chelsea.

MASCHERANO HAS NO FEELING FOR HAMMERS

Javier Mascherano has revealed he has ''no feeling'' for former club West Ham as he prepares to face the east Londoners at Anfield. The Argentinian midfielder spent an unhappy few months at Upton Park at the beginning of the 2006/07 season, after joining along with Carlos Tevez.

 

Mascherano figured in only seven matches for West Ham before a January transfer window move to Anfield - where Liverpool are due to host his old club in the Premier League on Monday.

 

LIVERPOOL 1 - MARSEILLE 1

Steven Gerrard's 30th goal in Europe sent his side into the last 16 of
the Champions League. The Anfield skipper returned after a torn groin
muscle to continue his personal vendetta against the French side in
this Group D clash.

Last season Marseille won at Anfield in this competition and started a
crisis that almost cost boss Rafael Benitez his job. Since then
Liverpool have beaten Marseille three times, with Gerrard scoring four
goals.

GERRARD IS BACK IN TRAINING

Steven Gerrard took part in training and is back in the Liverpool
squad for Wednesday's Champions League group D qualifier at home to
Marseille. Gerrard missed Saturday's draw with Fulham after sustaining
a groin muscle tear the previous weekend against Bolton. But manager
Rafael Benitez has yet to decide whether his captain can play the full
90 minutes against the French side.

LIVERPOOL 0 - FULHAM 0

Fernando Torres endured a frustrating return to the Liverpool first XI
as Fulham earned a deserved 0-0 Premier League draw at Anfield. Torres
made his first appearance in Rafa Benitez's starting line-up since
overcoming a hamstring injury but the Spanish star could not find a
way past a well-organised Fulham team.

Benitez controversially opted to name midfielder Xabi Alonso among his
substitutes as Lucas Leiva was offered an opportunity alongside Javier
Mascherano, and Fulham comfortably dealt with the tactic.

SPAIN 3 - CHILE 0

David Villa, Fernando Torres and Santi Cazorla struck the goals as
Spain capped an unforgettable year on a winning note with a friendly
victory over Chile at Villarreal's El Madrigal stadium.

Villa gave Spain the lead from the penalty spot before second-half
efforts from Torres, who netted soon after replacing the Valencia
hitman before Cazorla sealed the win as the Euro 2008 winners extended
their unbeaten run to 28 matches.

HOLLAND 3 - SWEDEN 1

Robin van Persie scored twice as Holland cruised to a friendly victory
over Sweden in Amsterdam. The Arsenal striker put the London club's
troubles behind him to strike either side of half-time as Holland
picked up where they left off in World Cup qualifying.

Dirk Kuyt gave the scoreline a more accurate look with the third goal
in stoppage time. Holland have won three out of three in Group Nine
and even Kim Kallstrom's goal seconds after coming on as a second-half
substitute to halve the deficit could not hide their dominance.

GERMANY 1 - ENGLAND 2

England travelled to the German capital ravaged by injuries and
surrounded by debate regarding the importance of Wednesday's friendly,
but Capello's side produced a thoroughly convincing display to secure
a fifth successive win.

A late John Terry header ensured England continued their resurgence
under Fabio Capello with a 2-1 victory over Germany in Berlin to end
2008 on a high. The Three Lions, who recorded a famous 5-1 success on
their last visit to Germany, took a scrappy lead in the 23rd minute as
centre-back Matthew Upson poked home after Rene Adler had flapped at a
Stewart Downing corner.

After the break, England continued to enjoy the better of proceedings
but substitute goalkeeper Scott Carson endure a horrible mix-up with
Terry to allow Germany striker Patrick Helmes to equalise on 63
minutes. Terry headed a late winner at the Olympic Stadium after
Matthew Upson's first-half opener was cancelled out by Patrick Helmes,
and the Chelsea defender was pleased to secure the win.

Injuries forced Fabio Capello to name an experimental line-up in
Wednesday's friendly in Berlin, with Aston Villa striker Gabriel
Agbonlahor making his debut. But an England side which also included
fringe players such as Shaun Wright-Phillips, Michael Carrick and
Stewart Downing put on a highly impressive performance.

BENITEZ IS THE BEST IN OCTOBER

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has scooped the Barclays Manager of the Month award for October. The Reds won all four of their Premier League games in October to send them top of the table for a spell.

Benitez's side proved their title credentials with a superb 1-0 win over Chelsea to end the Blues' long unbeaten record at Stamford Bridge. The Reds also showed their battling qualities when coming from behind to beat Manchester City and Wigan 3-2 last month. Benitez paid tribute to his coaching staff after winning the prize.

 

BOLA BOYZ   LIVERPOOL 

INJURY HIT ENGLAND

Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard have both been forced to withdraw
from the England squad ahead of Wednesday's friendly with Germany.
Liverpool stated on Sunday that Gerrard would be unavailable after
picking up a groin injury at Bolton the day before.

England asked Gerrard to report for duty but he has now had to
officially pull out following a check by the Football Association's
medical staff. Fellow midfielder Frank Lampard will also miss out
after scans on a rib injury he picked up in Chelsea's game at West
Brom on Saturday revealed he would not be fit enough to be involved at
the Olympic Stadium.

Scott Parker of West Ham and Fulham's Jimmy Bullard have been called
up to replace Gerrard and Lampard. The likes of Wayne Rooney, Rio
Ferdinand, Ashley Cole and Joe Cole are also absent through injury,
but captain John Terry has been declared fit following a foot problem.

BOLTON 0 - LIVERPOOL 2

It was an entertaining affair at the Reebok was a far from comfortable
victory for Rafa Benitez's side, who survived a couple of big scares.
Liverpool survived a test of character at Bolton to maintain their
challenge at the top of the Premier League with a 2-0 win.

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

Liverpool had deservedly taken the lead just before the half-hour when
Dirk Kuyt brilliantly headed home a Fabio Aurelio cross. Despite some
more nervous moments, the Reds eventually sealed victory when Gerrard
dived into the six-yard box to head in a Fernando Torres cross.

AGGER WANTS REDS TO PUSH FORWARD

Daniel Agger has demanded improvement from Liverpool as they look to sustain their Premier League title challenge with victory at Bolton on Saturday. The centre-back was the only player retained in the starting 11 for the midweek Carling Cup defeat against Tottenham.

Agger feels standard must be higher if Benitez needs to call on his squad players again. The Denmark international also thinks that the Reds have to play better against the strong and physical Bolton. The players should learn the lessons from the defeat to Spurs.

BOLA BOYZ  LIVERPOOL

TORRES HAPPY AT ANFIELD

Fernando Torres has reiterated his desire to stay at Liverpool. The
Spanish striker has been linked with the likes of Chelsea and
Manchester City in recent months, but Torres has always insisted he is
happy to stay at at Anfield.

Amid reports that Liverpool are struggling to fulfill their debt
repayment schedule, there has been speculation that they could sell
Torres. However, but the 24-year-old says he has no intention of
leaving the club. Liverpool are enjoying an impressive start to the a
season and Torres admits he can sense the fans want the title.

TOTTENHAM 4 - LIVERPOOL 2

Holders Tottenham cruised into the quarter-finals of the Carling Cup
with a convincing 4-2 win over Liverpool. Harry Redknapp's men
dominated throughout against a below-par second string Liverpool as
they booked their place in the last eight.

Spurs raced into a 3-0 lead with a devastating spell of three goals in
six minutes at the end of the first half thanks to efforts from Roman
Pavlyuchenko (38) and Fraizer Campbell 42, 45). Liverpool pulled a
goal back four minutes after the break with Damien Plessis' header
from Ryan Babel's corner the visitors' first attempt on target.

Tottenham quickly snuffed out any threat of a Liverpool comeback with
Pavlyuchenko netting his second goal of the night on 52 minutes.
Liverpool gave themselves hope with a second goal on 63 minutes in
what was almost a carbon copy of their first as Sami Hyypia headed
home Babel's corner.

NO MORE MONKEY ON KEANE'S BACK

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez believes Irish international striker Robbie Keane has finally removed "the monkey" from his back and can go on to make an impact on his team's title bid.

Keane scored twice, his first Premiership goals since the £20.5 million summer move from Tottenham, as Liverpool beat West Brom 3-0 at Anfield yesterday. The Liverpool boss also hope that Keane will be okay from now on, as he has been playing well and worked hard for the team.

LIVERPOOL 3 - WEST BROM 0

Rafael Benitez recorded his 150th victory as Liverpool boss as the Anfield club moved back to the top of the Premier League. Keane, who had only scored twice (both in Champions League) since his arrival to Anfield, finally broke his Premier League duck when he drove home from a Steven Gerrard pass in the 34th minute.

Keane's second came when he rounded Scott Carson a couple of minutes before the break and Alvaro Arbeloa added the gloss in injury time. Liverpool have now beaten West Brom in their last 10 meetings and wiped away the memory of losing their unbeaten record at Spurs last weekend. Fernando Torres made his return after a six-game absence with a hamstring injury, but initially only as far as the bench.

TORRES WILL BE FIT FOR WEST BROM

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres now seems almost certain to make his comeback from a hamstring strain in Liverpool's domestic clash with West Brom at Anfield on Saturday. He said he was not confident with his hamstring against Athletico and Benitez couldn't take any risks.

The striker has not played since the last international break on October 15 but both the Liverpool boss and captain Steven Gerrard are confident the 24-year-old will return against the midlands side.

LIVERPOOL 1 - ATHLETICO MADRID 1

Steven Gerrard was the saviour at Anfield once again, winning and converting a questionable penalty in the fifth minute of injury time in front of the Kop to secure a 1-1 draw against Atletico. Atletico had led from the 37th minute following a cleverly constructed Maxi Rodriguez goal and frustrated Liverpool at every turn.

 

But Gerrard never gave up and his penalty eventually spared Liverpool's blushes and both sides should advance to the last 16. Referee Martin Hansson's awarded the penalty to Reds from a debatable foul on Gerrard by Mariano Pernia.

 

BOLA BOYZ   LIVERPOOL

TOTTENHAM 2 - LIVERPOOL 1

It was the match between the top and the bottom team of the Premier League. Tottenham recorded another great comeback with a 2-1 win over league leader Liverpool at White Hart Lane. Thanks to Harry Redknapp who transformed the bottom of the table team into a dangerous threat for any opponent. The visitors opened the scores with a goal from Dirk Kuyt in the 3rd minute. But they were outplayed in the second half by Redknapp's miracle works. Jamie Carragher could only head into his own net in the 69th minute and then, with the game in injury-time, sub Roman Pavlyuchenko stole on to a Zokora pass to make it a wondrous week since Redknapp took the White Hart Lane reins.

BOLA BOYZ LIVERPOOL SOCCERTALK

MARADONA TO VISIT ENGLAND

Rafael Benitez is preparing to welcome Diego Maradona to Anfield. The new Argentina boss has announced he is to visit England to discuss plans with Liverpool's Javier Mascherano and Manchester United's Carlos Tevez.

 

Argentina federation has told Benitez that Maradona will be in England between November 2 and 8. At the same time, Javier Mascherano was very excited pleased with the legend's appointment as the Argentina national team manager.

LIVERPOOL 1 - PORTSMOUTH 0

Liverpool needed a late Steven Gerrard penalty to get all three points against Tony Adams' stubborn Portsmouth side at Anfield.

 

Papa Bouba Diop's crazy handball 14 minutes from time enabled Reds skipper Gerrard to finally beat David James from the spot to give the unbeaten hosts an eighth win out of ten this season and maintain their three-point lead at the top of the Premier League.

BOLA BOYZ   ARSENAL   MAN UTD   CHELSEA   LIVERPOOL   SOCCERTALK

REDS MUST FACE THE PRESSURE

Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard has warned him team-mates they should not get carried away with the win over Chelsea. He believes that Chelsea are a fantastic side, who will come back, and Manchester United will be there or thereabouts.

 

He also pointed out that they have proved nothing yet as they sit on top of the Premier League with just a quarter of the season gone. Gerrard is wary of showing over confidence after the Merseysiders fell away badly following a good start last season. He further added, to win this league and become champions, they have to handle the pressure of being at the top.

BOLA BOYZ     SOCCERTALK

CHELSEA 0 - LIVERPOOL 1

Liverpool ended Chelsea's remarkable unbeaten run at Stamford Bridge with a 1-0 win on Sunday. Spanish schemer Xabi Alonso grabbed the only goal of the game as the Reds opened a 3 points lead in pursuit of the Premier League title.

 

After the start, the hosts dominate much of the early possession as Liverpool adopted a more cautious approach. However, Rafa Benitez's side quickly established a foothold and took the lead on 10 minutes when Alonso's drive was deflected past a helpless Petr Cech by Portuguese full-back Jose Bosingwa.

INTECH2U   MAT KEPOH   TIME FOR LAUGH

RONALDO & TORRES FOR BALLON d'OR

Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard are among 11 Premier League players shortlisted for this year's Ballon d'Or. The trio are the only England players nominated for the award alongside the likes of Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo, the clear favourite and Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas.

 

The France Football magazine today revealed the condensed list of 30 contenders for their European golden ball award. Spain are represented by seven players after winning Euro 2008 in the summer - Torres and Fabregas being joined by Marcos Senna, Sergio Ramos, Iker Casillas, David Villa and Xavi.

 

Nominees
Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, Nemanja Vidic, Edwin van der Sar (all Manchester United), Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba, Michael Ballack (all Chelsea), Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres (both Liverpool), Cesc Fabregas, Emmanuel Adebayor (both Arsenal), Iker Casillas, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Rafael van der Vaart, Sergio Ramos, Pepe (all Real Madrid), Lionel Messi, Xavi, Samuel Eto'o (all Barcelona), Sergio Aguero (Atletico Madrid), David Villa (Valencia), Marcos Senna (Villarreal), Kaka (AC Milan), Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Inter Milan), Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus), Franck Ribery, Luca Toni (both Bayern Munich), Andrei Arshavin (Zenit St Petersburg), Yuri Zhirkov (CSKA Moscow). Karim Benzema (Lyon)

ATHLETICO MADRID 1 - LIVERPOOL 1

Liverpool surrendered their 100 per cent start to this season's Champions League but remain on course for a place in the last 16 following a 1-1 draw at Atletico Madrid. Simao Sabrosa netted a late equaliser to earn Atletico Madrid a 1-1 draw.

 

Earlier, Liverpool took the lead on 14 minutes as striker Robbie Keane breached the Atletico defence to collect a Steven Gerrard pass and stylishly slot past Leo Franco. At the end, Simao's goal maintained his side's place at the top of Group D.

ABAKIM   ARTIS GLAMER   EKAHWIN   NO HAL   GOOD FOOD   3ABDUL

LIVERPOOL 3 - WIGAN 2

Rafael Benitez will take his unbeaten side to Stamford Bridge next Sunday, admits he would prefer not to have to watch them mount the kind of late recovery that produced a 3-2 win over ten-man Wigan at Anfield. However, the Spaniard has paid tribute to the character of his Liverpool players after another second-half fightback kept them hot on the heels of Chelsea at the top of the Premier League.

Liverpool were twice behind to first-half goals from Egyptian striker Amr Zaki, his second an acrobatic volley into the Kop end. In the absence of the injured Fernando Torres, Dirk Kuyt joined Robbie Keane in attack and the Dutchman scored twice, including a late winner, to triple his league tally for the season. Another goal was scored by Alberto Riera. At the end, Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez saw his side maintain their unbeaten record this season, and stay in second place on goal difference from Chelsea.

BOLA BOYZ   ARSENAL   MAN UTD   CHELSEA   LIVERPOOL   SOCCERTALK