my liverpool fc

Pennant voices support for Kick It Out

As a young black footballer, Jermaine Pennant is acutely aware of the problem of racism in the game and in society, and has been an active supporter of the Kick It Out campaign.

The 2007 week of action for the organisation ends on Monday after a number of awareness events.

"I haven't experienced it at a major level," Pennant says of racism.

"But there have been chants when I've played for the England Under-21s against countries such as Slovenia. Monkey chants and those kinds of noises."

He admits it is difficult to know what to do ­ and, indeed, was sent off for retaliating after claiming he had suffered racial abuse during an Under-21 international four years ago. "It's like, 'Is that what I think it is?'" Pennant says. "And then I just think, 'I'll deal with it'. You try to, but it does sometimes affect you.

"Your blood is boiling and it can interfere. But coming from another player makes it even worse.

"I know how shocked players can be. You don't know what to do. Sometimes you try to take it into your own hands, maybe when you go for a little bit of revenge. But the best thing is just to go out there and beat them on the pitch and that makes them look even more stupid.

"Unfortunately, it's not just in football, it's in society. There are different colours of skin but we are all still the same. We're all here for the same reason and just because you are a different race or background doesn't make any difference."

08001699414 is the number to call if you have encountered racism at matches.

To visit the Kick It Out website click here.

Cardiff striker Fowler will look to turn the tables on ex-club Liverpool

Cardiff City manager Dave Jones says Robbie Fowler is only thinking about trying to beat Liverpool on Wednesday when he returns to his former club.

The striker is sure to get a rousing reception when he returns to Anfield for the fourth-round Carling Cup tie.

"He'll be totally focussed on playing and you can grasp that by him not wanting to do interviews," Jones said.

"To go back is special, but all he wants to do is get his head down and put on a performance for Cardiff."

Reds fans still fondly call Fowler by his nickname 'God', even though the 32-year-old first departed almost six years ago, sold to Leeds in November 2001.

"He's had an unbelievable career at that football club [Liverpool], brought up locally and had fantastic achievements," Jones added.

"It's good for him going back with all his family and friends, but he's been back many times with Leeds and Manchester City.

606: DEBATE How will Cardiff fare at Liverpool?

"But basically he's a professional footballer and he just wants to do well.

"All the hype that goes on is for the supporters and the press."

Rafa Benitez was the Liverpool manager who brought Fowler back from Manchester City in January 2006, only to release the player six months later.

While the Spaniard says Fowler could no longer perform at the top of the Premier League, Benitez still regards the Toxteth-born player as a real threat.

"Robbie is a player with fantastic movement," Benitez said. "He didn't have the legs you need in a top side, but he had everything else - the passion, the commitment, the mentality and the character.

"I don't want to see him scoring goals in this game. I want to see him before the game very happy and after it a little bit disappointed - and then scoring 20 goals and being the top scorer in the [Championship] league."

Cardiff City's biggest injury concern for Wednesday is defender Kevin McNaughton.

The Scotland international has a stomach strain and was being monitored on Monday.

The Bluebirds also have concerns over Roger Johnson, Trevor Sinclair and Paul Parry.

Loan goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel is not being allowed to play by his club Manchester City who do not want him cup-tied, so Michael Oakes will return to the starting line-up.

Goalkeeper David Ford was cup-tied when on loan at Luton Town, so the Bluebirds will have youngster Josh Magennis on the bench.

New managers, goals galore and honours even at Anfield

By Rob Parrish Last updated: 29th October 2007

Ramos: New Spurs boss

Juande Ramos was given an early indication of the task he has taken on as he watched Tottenham suffer yet another Premier League defeat.

The Spaniard, who left Sevilla to replace Martin Jol at White Hart Lane, looked on from alongside chairman Daniel Levy as Christopher Samba's late strike secured a 2-1 victory for Blackburn Rovers.

Despite taking the lead through Robbie Keane's penalty, the home side were pegged back by Benni McCarthy before Samba's curled winner left Spurs rooted in the bottom three after their sixth reverse in 11 games.

Although many Spurs fans have been angered by the nature of Jol's departure and the actions of the club's board in his downfall, Ramos will command the respect of supporters given his record at Sevilla.

Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of the Premier League's other new manager, Bolton boss Gary Megson.

Trotters fans voted with their feet for Megson's first game in charge, with the 18,413 attendance for Sunday's 1-1 draw with Aston Villa the lowest ever Premier League crowd at the Reebok Stadium.

The point gained against Villa moved Megson's side off the foot of the table, but Bolton fans appear to need convincing that the former West Brom, Nottingham Forest and Leicester boss is the man to build on Sam Allardyce's success after Sammy Lee's brief and ill-fated reign.

Grant delight

Megson would be well advised to seek out Avram Grant for advice, with the Chelsea coach similarly derided after he was ushered into the Chelsea hot-seat in the wake of Jose Mourinho's shock departure.

And while it may not yet be a case of 'Jose who?' at Stamford Bridge, a few more results and performances in the mould of Saturday's 6-0 thrashing of Manchester City will help consign the pragmatic Portuguese to the history books.

Sven Goran Eriksson insisted before the trip to Chelsea that the game would be a true indicator of where his currently third-placed side will end the season, and he will have been less than impressed by the way City's defence capitulated to inflict the heaviest ever defeat of the Swede's career.

Steve Bruce is another manager to find himself under the spotlight, but prospective new Birmingham owner Carson Yeung finally spoke out after flying in to witness Saturday's 3-2 win over Wigan.

Yeung insists Bruce has his 'full support', which will be a relief for the Blues boss, provided it is not the kind of 'support' which Tottenham chairman Levy was keen to offer Jol earlier in the season, despite the club having already met with Ramos.

United romp

Away from the Premier League's constantly turning managerial merry-go-round, Manchester United moved level on points with Arsenal at the top of the table with yet another four-goal burst against Middlesbrough.

Having made a habit of grinding out 1-0 victories earlier in the campaign, the champions have hit form with the Wayne Rooney-Carlos Tevez strike partnership blossoming beautifully, with the third goal against Boro poetry in motion.

Stewart Downing should also shoulder some of the blame as, with the scores locked at 1-1 and the visitors holding their own, his attempt to book a slot on Soccer AM's Showboat on the edge of his own box gifted a goal to Rooney. Taxi for Downing.

Liverpool and Arsenal remain unbeaten, and the Gunners are still top of the pile with a game in hand after their 1-1 draw at Anfield, a result which ends their 12-game winning streak.

Steven Gerrard silenced his critics with a driven free-kick to put the home side in front, before Cesc Fabregas proved he is human after firing over the bar with the goal at his mercy.

But the Spaniard did grab an equaliser which Arsene Wenger's men fully deserved, while Liverpool were left to rue injury concerns over Fernando Torres, Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano.

Pompey held

Harry Redknapp saw Portsmouth's four-game Premier League winning streak halted by his former club West Ham, who left Fratton Park with a point from a 0-0 draw thanks to Robert Green's last-gasp penalty save.

But the Hammers were also left to rue missed chances after Nolberto Solano, who earned his starting spot with a key contribution after coming on as a substitute in the win over Sunderland, heading two glorious opportunities wide. A return to the bench beckons.

Shane Long was Reading's super-sub, scoring with only his second touch of the ball just moments after coming on in the 2-1 win over Newcastle at the Madejski Stadium.

The Magpies continue to struggle on the road and went behind to Dave Kitson's superb opener before Michael Duberry's comical own goal gave them a route back into the match, only for Long to quash any hopes of a comeback.

Fulham woe

Fulham again proved they are incapable of holding onto a lead as they allowed 10-man Sunderland to snatch a 1-1 draw at the Stadium of Light.

David Healy had already missed an open goal before Simon Davies' free-kick caught out Craig Gordon. The dismissal of the hapless Greg Halford in the 67th minute added to the Black Cats' problems, but Kenwyne Jones headed home a late leveller.

Had Lawrie Sanchez's men claimed victories from the six Premier League games in which they have taken the lead they would be third in the table.

Instead, three defeats and three draws has seen them drop 15 points from winning positions and left them with just one victory this season, when, ironically, they came from behind to beat Bolton.

Over at Pride Park, Derby continue to look out of their depth in the top flight and have slipped back to the bottom of the table after a 2-0 home defeat by Everton.

Mikel Arteta and Yakubu Aiyegbeni were the men to heap further pressure on Rams boss Billy Davies, who is another to have spent too much time this season discussing his own future.

Duo heap praise on Wenger's young Gunners

By Stephen Bramley Last updated: 29th October 2007

Carragher: Impressed

Are Arsenal as good as people say they are? You'd better believe it, I thought they had 12 men out there

Jamie Carragher Quotes of the week

Jamie Carragher believes Arsenal underlined their title credentials with their superb performance in the 1-1 draw at Anfield.

Cesc Fabregas' 80th minute goal secured the Gunners a well deserved point to take them back to the top of the Premier League.

And former England defender Carragher feels that anyone who questioned Arsenal's ability to challenge for honours this year are well wide of the mark.

Carragher said: "Are Arsenal as good as people say they are? You'd better believe it, I thought they had 12 men out there!"

"Arsenal are a great side, but we were very close to them, we

are just six points behind and it was nearly a couple less with that display.

Commitment

"We battled hard, and we are proud of the way we played with commitment and effort, but Arsenal did play well, they are going to be a tough side to catch.

"But we have been under a the cosh a bit from the critics, who seem to have

forgotten that we are still unbeaten in the league ourselves this season."

The Liverpool defender added: "We know we have had too many draws. We have just held Arsenal, which we feel is a good result, but we now must improve our home form."

Liverpool goalkeeper Jose Reina also hailed the performance of Arsene Wenger's title hopefuls.

Brilliant

The Spaniard said: "There's not much doubt they were one of the best sides I have ever played against.

"They were brilliant but I think we had some chances as well. We probably did

not deserve to win but we didn't deserve to lose either."

He added: "I think it is a point gained because they were the better side.

"We tried to fight and to keep our level as high as we could but they were one

of the best sides I have ever seen."

Torres sidelined for three weeks October 29 2007

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres has been ruled out for three weeks with an adductor injury, the club confirmed on Monday.

The striker made his return to Liverpool's first XI in the game against Arsenal, but he was replaced at half-time and it was feared he had suffered a recurrence of the leg problem he sustained on international duty with Spain.

However, a scan has revealed that the Reds' record signing has torn a different muscle.

"A scan has shown a tear to a different adductor muscle to his original injury and we expect Fernando to be out for about three weeks," a spokesman said on the club's official website.

An X-ray on Xabi Alonso's foot confirmed that the Spanish international has suffered a new injury and it is not yet known how long he will be sidelined.

"An X-ray showed a fracture to the fourth metatarsal in Xabi's left foot" the spokesman added.

"Xabi will be seen by a consultant after which we will have a much better idea of the timescales involved"

Liverpool, though, have been boosted by the news that Javier Mascherano has not broken a bone in his foot after also sustaining an injury against the Gunners.

"With regards to Javier Mascherano, he had an X-ray which has showed no bone injury, but he will receive intensive treatment on extensive bruising in his foot," the spokesman concluded.

Liverpool injury list lengthens

Liverpool stars Fernando Torres and Xabi Alonso both suffered re-occurrences of their injuries during Arsenal's visit to Anfield.

Steven Gerrard fired the Reds ahead from an early free-kick before Arsenal deservedly levelled through Cesc Fabregas with 10 minutes left.

However, after the game manager Rafael Benitez revealed the Spanish duo of Torres and Alonso had both aggravated their recent problems - while Javier Mascherano also joined them on the injury list.

The former Sociedad midfielder was in his first match back after breaking a metatarsal while Torres, who was replaced by Peter Crouch at half-time, has been nursing a thigh complaint.

The Reds boss said: "Alonso has suffered the same injury again, the metatarsal, he felt something go in his foot. Torres also has a similar injury, a problem with an abductor muscle.

"Maybe he is not as bad as before. But he could not work as hard as we wanted, we wanted his pace and it was not available.

"He just was not fit. We talked beforehand and he said he was fine. Now we must wait again, he had been out for some time and we have been pushing to get him back, but he has not been right and he still is not right.

"We will need to check them all before we have any idea how long they will be out."

Benitez, after so much criticism since the midweek defeat to Besiktas in Istanbul, was happy with his side's efforts.

He said: "If you analyse our chances, we can say we lost points. But if you look at the game you know they deserved to score.

"A draw is good for both teams, but we felt at 1-0 ahead we had enough chances to have grabbed a second and that would have been crucial.

"We had problems when we lost Torres and then Alonso. We could not control the midfield then, we also had Mascherano with a foot injury and had lost Sissoko beforehand with sickness.

"In the end there were too many problems against a really good team."

LIVERPOOL

Pepe Reina - 6.5: Despite Arsenal's domination of territory and possession, Reina did not have too many outright saves to make, though he showed speed of thought and anticipation to deny Adebayor in the first-half. Beaten at the near-post for Arsenal's goal, which is usually regarded as a cardinal sin among keepers, but he shouldn't beat himself up over that because it was speed of thought from Fabregas that undid him.

Steve Finnan - 6: With Clichy and Rosicky to contend with on his station it was never going to be an easy afternoon but the Republic of Ireland international stuck manfully to his task throughout.

Sami Hyypia - 6.5: The Finn was expected to be exposed for pace and it was not his most comfortable game, but he was not embarrassed, and his best moment came when Reina was beaten by Rosicky's lob and Hyypia was in the right place to clear the ball off the line.

Jamie Carragher - 7.5: He was voted man-of-the-match on Sky Sports, so clearly he put in a strong performance, though there were others on the pitch whose contribution was more influential. But with Carragher you know exactly what you are going to get: non-stop effort and commitment and the willingness to die for the Reds' cause. Today he did not disappoint on any of those criteria.

John Arne Riise - 6: A lot of Arsenal's most threatening moves were launched along their right flank and defensively the Norwegian - surprisingly linked with a possible Anfield exit according to some sources - was frequently stretched. He is always a potential threat going forward though, and his volley from the edge of the penalty area that landed on the roof of the net was further evidence of that.

Javier Mascherano - 8: The Argentine was a nagging presence in midfield as far as Arsenal were concerned, harrying them whenever he could, snapping into tackles and working hard to protect the back four.

Xabi Alonso - 7.5: It was a blow to Liverpool that the Spaniard with his perceptive passing injured his foot and had to be replaced on 68 minutes by Arbeloa. His contribution to that point had been important because he didn't waste possession too often. Having just returned from a broken metatarsal injury, the fear is he aggravated the same problem.

Steven Gerrard - 8.5: There has been criticism that Gerrard has been off his game in recent weeks, and the Liverpool skipper clearly had a point to prove against Arsenal. He was the heart-beat and the driving force behind the Reds' performance, winning crucial tackles, covering ground relentlessly, posing the most potent goal threat to the Gunners and giving his side the invaluable cushion of an early goal with a magnificent drive from a free-kick. Led by example in typical fashion.

Andriy Voronin - 5.5: Rafa Benitez opted for a three-pronged strike-force but it proved ineffective, partly because Torres was not fit bur mainly because Arsenal's domination of possession left he strikers isolated. Voronin probed and toiled, but made little impact on the match.

Fernando Torres - 5: Ironically, the famous Benitez rotation policy saw Torres not omitted but brought back - but the Spaniard was clearly not fully fit following his thigh muscle injury, which forced him off again at half-time. He struggled to make any impression before being withdrawn - apart from playing the ball back to Alonso who was fouled by Fabregas for the free-kick from which Gerard scored.

Dirk Kuyt - 6.5: The Dutchman was his usual energetic and willing self, but rarely produced much of a goal threat though he never let Arsenal's defenders relax when Liverpool got forward.

Substitutes:

Peter Crouch (46') - 7: He made a difference to Liverpool when he came on, giving them a different attacking option, testing Almunia and setting up Gerrard for what was nearly a late winner.

Yossi Benayoun (65') - 5.5: Replaced Voronin but had little impact.

Alvaro Arbeloa (68'): - 6: Replaced the injured Alonso and did little wrong - or right.

ARSENAL

Manuel Almunia - 7: Jens Lehmann will be kicking his heels and grumbling for some time yet because Almunia, who stood no chance with Gerrard's explosive free-kick, produced two or three crucial saves. Alert and athletic when called upon.

Bacary Sagna - 6.5: The Frenchman has slotted seamlessly into the Arsenal set up and was again competent and composed at Anfield.

William Gallas - 8: Arsenal did well without him when he was injured, but there is no doubt he adds leadership and experience when he is in the team. Gallas was influential at both ends of the pitch, getting forward to join the attack as Arsenal searched for an equaliser and then a winner, but having defended well throughout he produced a superb blocking tackle to thwart Gerrard at the death.

Kolo Toure - 7.5: Athletic, tireless and committed, Toure is a rock at the back and his presence is central to Arsenal's game. His reading of the game was again important as the defence ensured they did not fall further behind.

Gael Clichy - 7: Quietly effective with timely tackles and tidy distribution. Ashley Cole has never been missed since his acrimonious departure, testament to Clichy's maturity and technical prowess.

Emmanuel Eboue - 6.5: Effective in forward runs down the right wing, and was unlucky when he cut and shot only to see the effort cannon off the foot of the post. But Eboue needs to curb the temperamental side of his game.

Mathieu Flamini - 7: Provided the midfield bite and ball-winning that enabled the others to play. Probably the most improved player in the Arsenal squad, Flamini has made the defensive midfield role his own.

Cesc Fabregas - 9: The young Catalan was hugely influential for the Gunners, and on another day he could have had a hat-trick. Squandered a glorious chance when Eboue's effort flew out to him off the post, then was unlucky to see a deft side-footed shot for distance smack the post. But in-between his astute run from midfield put him in position to poke home Arsenal's equaliser for his tenth goal of the season. He was the creative brains as the visitors bossed possession.

Tomas Rosicky - 7.5: The Czech was part of Arsenal's holy trinity in midfield - a triangle working the ball between them to push the Gunners forward.

Alexander Hleb - 8: The third member of the trinity, along with Rosicky and Fabregas, Hleb's dancing feet helped Arsenal keep possession, and his licence to roam kept Liverpool on their toes. Had the skill to wait and wait, shrugging off tackles, before releasing the ball into the path of Fabregas for the equaliser.

Emmanuel Adebayor - 5.5: Typically tireless, but had a relatively quiet game as Arsenal's lone striker, with few clear-cut opportunities coming his way.

Substitutes:

Theo Walcott (66') - 6: Came on for Rosicky but was unable to make the sort of impact he had against Slavia Prague.

Gilberto Silva (74') - 6: Replaced Clichy. One misplaced pass bit otherwise solid.

Nicklas Bendtner (74') - 5.5: His inexperience betrayed him when he lofted the ball over as it came back to him off the post. That could have been the winner for Arsenal.

Pennant ruled out with fracture

The Merseyside club take on Arsenal this weekend but they will be without the midfielder who has previously played for the Gunners.

The winger limped out of the Reds' Champions League defeat at Besiktas on Wednesday night and the club have now confirmed he has been carrying a problem for almost the whole of this season.

He will go under the knife this weekend.

Club spokesman Ian Cotton said on the Reds' official website: "For the last eight weeks Jermaine has undergone intensive treatment at Melwood between matches for the injury.

"But following an acute exacerbation of the problem during the game against Besiktas, it has now been decided he requires surgery.

"We anticipate Jermaine will be out for approximately 10 weeks."

Mascherano eyes permanent deal October 27 2007

Javier Mascherano is holding thumbs over making his loan deal at Liverpool a permanent one at the end of the current season.

The Argentina international prepares for Sunday's home clash with Premier League leaders Arsenal intent on pushing the Reds towards their first title in 17 years.

But his own future is already becoming a source of debate. The midfielder arrived from West Ham during last season on an 18-month loan with the prospect of a permanent deal to be discussed at a later stage.

Mascherano's move to the Hammers - along with countryman Carlos Tevez - caused the east London club and the Premier League major problems last term due to third party involvement in the deals.

The Anfield club will have to negotiate with those same third party investors to sort out Mascherano's future, and already sources have started linking him with a move to Spain or Italy.

But Mascherano said: "Of course I would love to stay and I will do everything I can to see that this happens. It depends on what everyone decides at the end of the season.

"I have just got to make sure everyone is happy with my performances and they want me to stay. From a personal point of view, I want to be here to play in the new stadium.

"We are already one of the greatest clubs in the world, but with the plans for the future we could become the world's greatest team."

Mascherano knows, though, that the immediate objective is to recover from the UEFA Champions League nightmare of Besiktas in midweek that has cast a giant shadow over the club.

They may still be unbeaten in the domestic league this season, but a visit of the impressive Gunners will put much of Liverpool's ambitions, long and short term, under the microscope.

And Mascherano understands the desire of the Anfield fans to lift the title again.

He added: "I know how much it means to the fans to win the title after so long, and we want to win the league as much as they do, believe me.

"Everyone wants the league but we do not want to just put the Champions League to one side, certainly we need to make amends for what happened in midweek.

"We have this strong belief and mentality here that we can do it in the league. But of all the leagues I have played in, and I always tell people this, the Premier League is by far the toughest.

"Every team can give you a run for your money. A lot of teams are quite even, but the good thing for us is that we have got great players and we have still to go to play all the teams above us."

He continued: "This is a massive game, and the best thing is it will give us the chance to close the gap on the top. It's the sort our game in which we can prove we are ready for a season-long challenge for the title."

Fernando Torres and Xabi Alonso suffered further setbacks today in their returns from injury.

Torres is believed to have aggravated an injury to a groin muscle and could be out for up to 4 weeks. Xabi who has already missed around 6 weeks with foot injuries looks set to be absent until possibly the Christmas period after suffering a suspected recurrence of his broken metatarsal.

Torres was withdrawn at half time while Xabi managed 68 minutes. Liverpool still have a degree of depth in central midfield, but with injuries to Jermaine Pennant it will be a time for the squad system to be tested to it’s fullest extent.

Up front the reds also have plenty of options, although Torres has been the reds most lethal striker so far.

“Alonso has suffered the same injury again, the metatarsal, he felt something go in his foot,” Benitez said. “Torres also has a similar injury, a problem with an abductor muscle.

“Maybe he is not as bad as before. But he could not work as hard as we wanted, we wanted his pace and it was not available.

Benitez admitted that on reflection it was an error to start with Fernando.

“He just was not fit. We talked beforehand and he said he was fine. Now we must wait again, he had been out for some time and we have been pushing to get him back, but he has not been right and he still is not right.

“We will need to check them all before we have any idea how long they will be out.”

Liverpool bounced back from their mid-week disappointment as we almost took the full three points against Arsenal in the Premiership.

Stevie G’s strike in the 7th minute from a free kick stormed past the Arsenal keeper to give the reds the perfect start to this mouth-watering clash. (Click here to watch the goal)

Benitez, surprisingly, opted for a three man strike force with Torres, Kuyt and Voronin all lining up. However, early on it became apparent that Torres was not up to the level of match fitness required for an important game and it was Crouch who came on to replace the Spaniard at half time.

After taking a little bit of stick over his form, Stevie G was superb with his goal, another couple of strikes and constantly harrassing the Arsenal midfield.

The Arsenal midfield and front-men were combining brilliantly but Liverpool managed to negate their chances through sheer hard work and determination.

A Tomas Rosicky lob over Reina appeared to be heading for the goal until another much-maligned reds player cleared off the line. Well done Sami Hyypia.

Gerrard could have doubled our lead with a thunderous shot which Almunia parried on to the crossbar.

The second half was a battle of wills. Crouch had a chance stopped by a diving save, Riise had one of his long range efforts dip a little too late to hit the top netting of the goal - and Eboue found the post.

With ten minutes left Hleb and Fabregas combined - with the latter putting the ball beyond Reina.

Although the reds didn’t get the three points they put in a convincing display and could have taken all three points. Arsenal have been fantastic in their opening 10 games and Liverpool continued an unbeaten Premiership record which now stretches to 11 games home and away - from the end of last season.

Arsenal came in to the game on a superb run of form, and put some superb pieces of play together but for all this prettiness away from the penalty box only managed 2 shots on target compared with the reds 5.

Injury concerns about both Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano, and worries over the fitness of Torres are the only things to take the gloss off today’s performance.

Match Reaction:

Rafael Benitez

“It was going well but we had problems with Torres. We wanted to use his pace and he then had the injury, then Xabi Alonso and we had to change.

“We now have a good record away and need to improve at home.

“But a draw at the end, because Arsenal also had chances, was probably not the worst result.”

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger

“It was a big test today but we have shown tremendous quality.

“Overall it was a great football game, a bit of an edgy start and we were a bit nervous and punished quickly.

“But from then on it was all us and it was a question of not conceding a second and coming back. We had enough chances to win the game.”

Teams

Liverpool: Reina, Finnan, Hyypia, Carragher, Riise, Mascherano, Alonso (Arbeloa 68), Gerrard, Voronin (Benayoun 65), Kuyt, Torres (Crouch 46). Subs Not Used: Itandje, Babel.

Booked: Voronin, Mascherano, Carragher.

Goals: Gerrard 7.

Arsenal: Almunia, Sagna, Toure, Gallas, Clichy (Silva 74), Eboue (Bendtner 74), Fabregas, Flamini, Hleb, Rosicky (Walcott 66), Adebayor. Subs Not Used: Lehmann, Diarra.

Booked: Rosicky, Toure, Fabregas.

Goals: Fabregas 80.

Att: 44,122

Ref: Howard Webb (S Yorkshire).

Last updated: 23rd October 2007

Clattenburg was criticised by Everton boss David Moyes

Referee Mark Clattenburg will miss this weekend's Premier League action because of a planned holiday and not as a result of criticism after last weekend.

Everton complained over his handling of Saturday's Merseyside derby, when he sent off Tony Hibbert and then only booked Liverpool striker Dirk Kuyt.

Kuyt stayed on after a two-footed lunge at Phil Neville and his second penalty give Liverpool a 2-1 win.

Refereeing officials said Clattenburg had already planned to take a break.

He will be refereeing Thursday night's UEFA Cup game between Lokomotiov Moscow and Atletico Madrid.

After the Kuyt incident, Everton were further enraged when Clattenburg ignored their claims for a penalty moments later.

Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher appeared to haul Joleon Lescott to the ground as Everton's nine men fought for an equaliser.

Neville has called on referees to be more consistent when making key decisions.

"Dirk Kuyt is not a malicious player but the bottom line is that he should have been sent off," the Everton captain told his club website evertonfc.com.

"We've had instances this season where players have been booked for the most trivial of incidents.

"But when you see a leg-breaking tackle like that one receive the same punishment that's when you get upset.

"We just want referees to be consistent. We have had officials come into our changing rooms this season and explain the rules.

"Two feet off the ground is a red card. That's why the players, the manager and our supporters feel so let down.

Liverpool have often talked about calling on the Spirit of Istanbul, that elixir that drove them to break AC Milan's stranglehold and hearts in the 2005 Champions League final here. Now Liverpool need to show the Spirit of Istanbul in another stadium by the Bosphorus. Their season will be shaped by how they fare against Besiktas tonight.

With the home fires hardly burning brightly in the Premier League, once again Europe offers Liverpool a passport to paradise. Having drawn with Porto and lost to Marseille in Group A of the Champions League, Rafa Benitez's side really need to win in the Inonu Stadium. "We have to be in the knockout stages," stressed Benitez on arrival here yesterday. "I am really pleased to be in Istanbul. I have very good memories."

	Rallying cry: Rafael Benitez spells out the need for Liverpool to return from Istanbul with a victory

On that amazing night two years ago, Liverpool made countless precious deposits in the memory bank. Benitez leaving the dressing-room door open at half-time so his drained players could hear the fans singing You'll Never Walk Alone. Steven Gerrard leading the fight-back from three goals down. Jamie Carragher battling cramp. Jerzy Dudek's shoot-out homage to old spaghetti legs, Bruce Grobbelaar.

Images and events that will never be forgotten. Benitez, ever the perfectionist, quizzing his jubilant players at the post-match banquet about their marking in the first half. Vladimir Smicer and Milan Baros heading off to Taksim Square to party with the fans. Gerrard waking up with the European Cup at the foot of his bed. The tears of a proud chairman, David Moores.

Liverpool will always have Istanbul (and a few official banners from the Ataturk Stadium did make their very unofficial way back to Merseyside). They must display such grit again in Europe because the Premier League's Old Firm, Manchester United and Arsenal, are back in duelling business at the top of the table; the pair even offer the most attractive football in the land (with a respectful nod to Harry Redknapp's Portsmouth).

Benitez mentioned Anfield's heightened expectations under him. "When I arrived here, they said it was difficult to finish in the top four and qualify for the group stages every year, but in the last three years we have always been there. Now people think we must do it always.

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"As soon as the draw was made, people said we were in an easy group and I said we weren't. I knew Porto and Marseille would be difficult, and Besiktas could be. This is a difficult game."

As Benitez and his players strolled into the ground for training last night, the Inonu was full of peace and quiet. In the secretary's office, a ginger cat curled up in a chair, fast asleep. Although lacking the intensity of the Ali Sami Yen, where Galatasaray officials parade a lion on the pitch before kick-off, the Inonu will reverberate tonight.

Besiktas fans had already been in during the day, hanging banners proclaiming "The God of Another Mood" and "132 Decibels" close to where Liverpool fans will stand. Such words will hardly intimidate the travelling support; of more concern was the sight of extensive netting covering the away section. Beware missiles.

Benitez knows the Inonu well, having guided Valencia to victory here en route to Uefa Cup glory in 2004, although the Spaniards endured a torrid night with Turkish fans at their belligerent worst. "I am sure the crowd will be good," smiled Benitez.

Riot police will be out in force, as usual with football matches in these parts, but a heightened tension grips Turkey that cannot be escaped by even the most unworldly-wise visitor. Benitez was even asked his views on Turkey's escalating dispute with Kurdish rebels on the border with Iraq.

"The situation is really difficult," responded Benitez. "We just try to be focused on sport." Some events in Istanbul are being cancelled, notably Beyonce's planned concert tonight to celebrate Fenerbahce's 100th anniversary.

The master of detail, Benitez was applying the little grey cells to the best means of dealing with Besiktas. They have yet to score or take a point in Group A but deserve respect at home.

Fireworks are expected. Besiktas players have received a "code of ethics" from the Turkish federation, urging them "to show respect for opponents, referees, team-mates, officials and fans" and "to oppose cheating, intimidation, feigning fouls or injury".

Despatched to all clubs in Turkey, the missive encourages teams "to play by the fair play guidelines, accept defeat with dignity, be aware of the consequences of emotive language and negative behaviour, and promote football which is passionate, skilful, safe and honest". Liverpool's defence will certainly be careful of Besiktas attack, the all-Brazilian combination of Bobo and Marcio Nobre. Jamie Carragher and particularly Sami Hyypia will need the protection of Javier Mascherano in front of them. Mascherano may be partnered by Xabi Alonso, now fit following metatarsal trouble, with Gerrard breaking forward in support of Dirk Kuyt. Ryan Babel and Jermaine Pennant are expected to provide the width while restraining Besiktas' attacking full-backs.

Liverpool head into their crucial Champions League contest with Besiktas without top scorer Fernando Torres who has been forced to withdraw from the squad.

Torres was expected to recover from the thigh injury which ruled him out of Saturday's Merseyside derby, but tomorrow night's match has come too soon for the Spaniard.

	Staying home: Torres has not flown out to Turkey

Liverpool know that defeat in Istanbul will make qualifying for the knockout stages an uphill task after only picking up one point from their opening two encounters in Group A.

Their opponents are bottom of the group after losing their two matches, but Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano has stressed the importance of getting their European venture back on track.

"From now on every game is a final at least in the group stages," Mascherano said.

"We have to get three points, we have no other option. With the defeat to Marseille we've made things difficult for ourselves, but a win on Wednesday would go a long way to putting our destiny back in our own hands.

"We'll certainly be going into the game with a lot of desire and a lot of will to win."

Xabi Alonso could return in midfield for Rafa Benitez's side after recovering from a metatarsal problem which has kept him sidelined since mid-September.

The Spanish midfielder has echoed Mascherano's sentiments in their need to collect three points in Turkey and ranked it as more important than their win over Everton at the weekend.

"It's absolutely a must-win game. It is massive because if we are to recover and get in the top two of the group, we have to win this match," Alonso said.

"It's very important, probably even more important than the three points on Saturday."

Provisional squad: Reina, Finnan, Carragher, Hyypia, Riise, Benayoun, Gerrard, Mascherano, Sissoko, Alonso, Pennant, Crouch, Voronin, Kuyt, Babel, Lucas, Hobbs, Itandje.

Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano admits "every game is a final" in the Champions League after the Reds failed to win their opening two group games.

Rafael Benitez's side are languishing in third place in Group A having drawn in Porto and lost at home to Marseille.

Their position is far from irretrievable but Argentina midfielder Mascherano is well aware there is little margin for error from now on.

Liverpool travel to Turkey to face Besiktas on Wednesday night in what will be a hostile environment but the 23-year-old insists the Reds will be aiming to take all three points.

"From now on every game is a final - at least in the group stages," he told the club's website.

"We have to get three points, we have no other option.

"With the defeat to Marseille we've made things difficult for ourselves, but a win on Wednesday would go a long way to putting our destiny back in our own hands. We'll certainly be going into the game with a lot of desire and a lot of will to win."

The Reds have struggled to impress on both fronts during Benitez's reign but Mascherano insists there should be no reason why they cannot mount a serious challenge in both the UEFA Champions League and Premier League.

He said: "I think that we've got a big enough squad.

"We have pretty much two players battling for every position, so we're able to battle on all fronts. Things didn't turn out well against Marseille but we can start to turn that around with three points in Istanbul.

"I want to win both. I think the answer is easy - we try to win everything we enter. I know that's difficult, but we really do try to pull out all the stops.

"Our fate is in the hands of Him upstairs, He'll decide what we win. All we can do is give our all."

The former Corinthians midfielder admits nothing but a win will suffice in Istanbul and has no concerns about the atmosphere.

"Absolutely not. We are already playing catch-up in the Champions League because we haven't got our first win, so that's what we need to do.

"I think the manager will have a plan and we might not be going all out attack, but what we certainly will be doing is going there to bring those three points back home.

"It's always great to have the fans behind you but at the end it's just 11 players against 11. What's going on around the pitch shouldn't have too much of an influence. You just have to get on with it."

The Reds face a must-win clash with the Turkish side after a poor start to their Group A campaign in this season’s Champions League. Rafa Benitez’ side have picked up just a single point and lost at home last time out to Marseille.

“It's absolutely a must-win game. It is massive because if we are to recover and get in the top two of the group, we have to win this match” Alonso told to the club’s website.

“It's very important, probably even more important than the three points on Saturday.”

When pressed on the effects that a long four hour flight will have on the players Alonso admitted, “It does have an effect but we are used to it. Luckily the game against Arsenal is on Sunday.

“That's good news, it gives us more time to recover from the game and travel.”

Toffees skipper slams officials October 22 2007

Everton captain Phil Neville claims that 'awestruck' match officials will continue to ruin big games in the English Premier League.

The 30-year-old received a red card following a deliberate handball in the Toffees' 18-yard area which resulted in Dirk Kuyt's penalty spot winner for Liverpool in Saturday's Merseyside derby at Goodison Park.

However, the Toffees felt they cheated when two of their penalty appeals were turned down by referee Mark Clattenburg and that Kuyt was not sent off for a lunging tackle on Neville. Meanwhile, under-fire Clattenburg has not been allocated a Premier League game for next weekend.

The former Manchester United defender believes referees are continuing to be influenced by the reputation of big clubs and players following his spell at Old Trafford.

"I have been on the other side of things and you can see that some referees are awestruck when they deal with certain players and certain clubs," Neville told The Liverpool Echo.

"But it's never going to change. It's been happening for 20 or 30 years and, unfortunately, we just have to get on with it.

"To be fair to Dirk Kuyt, he's said it was a bad tackle and he is not a malicious player but the bottom line is that he should have been sent-off.

"We've had instances this season where players have been booked for the most trivial of incidents.

"But when you see a leg-breaking tackle like that one receive the same punishment that's when, as players, you get upset. We just want referees to be consistent.

"Two feet off the ground is a red card. That's why the players, the manager and our supporters feel so let down. This isn't asking for favouritism.

"Games of that magnitude are defined by the smallest percentages and they never went for us on Saturday.

"It's a bitter pill to swallow. I actually thought we played well and we can take pride from our performance."

Labels: everton vs liverpool

THE DERBY WIN IN PICTURES David Rawcliffe of Propaganda 22 October 2007
	Liverpool regained Mersey pride with a dramatic 2-1 win over Everton on Saturday. Here's the match in pictures.
Click on a thumbnail to open a larger image:

Labels: everton vs liverpool