FOOTBALL Live

Wednesday August 19, 2009 Finished Anfield

4 - 0

Liverpool

  • Torres 4’
  • Johnson 44’
  • Kuyt 77’
  • N'Gog 90’

Stoke City

430 comments | Write your comment

  1. Liverpool cruise to win over Stoke

    Liverpool cruise to win over Stoke

    Liverpool earned the first points of their Premier League campaign with a comprehensive 4-0 victory over Stoke at Anfield. More

  • Live Commentary

    Time:90'
    • Liverpool
    • Stoke City
    • 90+2' The full-time whistle goes at Anfield, and Liverpool have won 4-0 with goals from Fernando Torres, Glen Johnson, Dirk Kuyt and David Ngog! Thanks for joining us.
    • 90+2' GOAL!!! More superb work from Johnson as the right-back loops over a cross which Sorensen can only parry into the path of David Ngog, who finishes with a close-range header to make it four!
    • 90+1' Sorensen launches a long ball up to Fuller but the striker cannot control it as Carragher challenges with him for the ball.
    • 90' Two minutes will be added at the end of this second half, and Liverpool are in cruise mode.
    • 89' The fans have on the most part stayed to see if Liverpool can add to their tally and the chants continue to ring around the ground from both sets of supporters.
    • 88' Ngog is penalised for a challenge with simply smacked of over-exuberance rather than anything more malicious on Shawcross.
    • 87' Voronin has a crack from range, and frankly, nobody cares that it drifts hopelessly towards Sorensen who gathers comfortably.
    • 86' Lucas sprays the ball around effortlessly as Liverpool end the match with relentless pressure on the Stoke goal.
    • 85' Ngog surges forward down the right for the hosts and wins a corner in the process.
    • 84' David Ngog replaces Fernando Torres in Liverpool's final change and the hosts are coasting towards full-time now.
    • 83' Benayoun passes the ball out to Lucas, who loses it to Pugh, but Liverpool are content to lose the ball in Stoke's half.
    • 82' Steven Gerrard has also been replaced for Liverpool by Voronin and he receives a raptuous reception.
    • 81' Kuyt is replaced by Riera for Liverpool as Benitez consolidates his side's 3-0 lead.
    • 80' Astonishing news from Turf Moor, and that match has finished! Click here to find out which way it has gone
    • 79' Liverpool go back on the attack through Gerrard looking for more as Benayoun takes the ball and presses forward.
    • 78' GOAL!!! A phenomenal piece of skill from Gerrard down the right byline creates a chance from nothing and Dirk Kuyt converts from close range! Liverpool lead 3-0!
    • 76' Stoke are chasing shadows as Liverpool move forward with the ball at the feet of Benayoun.
    • 75' Liverpool continue to press forward as the wind has been taken out of Stoke's sails with a spell of patient pressure.
    • 74' The visiting supporters remain in full voice, screaming out their anthem Delilah with real passion as the hosts pass the ball around in their half.
    • 73' A slight lull in play follows as Liverpool attempt to kill the game by passing the ball around at the back. The home fans are calling for more!
    • 72' Sorensen bides his time over a clearance which frustrates the home fans but Pulis is keen for his side to gather themselves.
    • 71' Lawrence looks very composed on the ball since his introduction and Stoke are keeping possession much better.
    • 70' Johnson and Mascherano combine to dispossess Pugh in a dangerous area of the field for the hosts, and Reina clears.
    • 69' Indeed, it is Whitehead's last action in the match and the midfielder is replaced by Danny Pugh in Tony Pulis's final change.
    • 68' Torres turns and runs at Whitehead, but the Stoke midfielder does well to track the run and deny the forward.
    • 67' To view a photo of Glen Johnson celebrating his goal on the stroke of half-time, click here
    • 66' Johnson forces his way down the right once more but his run is ended abruptly by Higginbotham with a stern challenge.
    • 65' A wonderful tip over the bar from Sorensen denies Kuyt whose shot loops over Shawcross's head.
    • 64' Benayoun trots over to take a corner for Liverpool after Higginbotham does well to concede the set-piece with a good piece of defending.
    • 63' Lucas feeds the ball to Johnson on the right touchline, and for once this evening the right back makes an error, mis-controlling the ball off his thigh.
    • 62' Richard Cresswell also departs and is replaced by Liam Lawrence to sure things up in midfield a bit.
    • 61' James Beattie is replaced by Ricardo Fuller in Tony Pulis's first change of the evening.
    • 60' Danny Higginbotham is unfortunate to be penalised for an innocuous challenge on Mascherano.
    • 59' More brilliant play from Johnson, who surges down the right brilliantly and tests Sorensen at his near post.
    • 58' James Beattie attempts an audacious shot from 35 yards which does not trouble Reina in the slightest, but it was at least a sign of ambition.
    • 57' Again Benayoun does superbly to force his way forward for Liverpool down the centre of the field, and almost wins his side another corner.
    • 56' Benayoun whips in a fine delivery from the right which almost finds its target in Torres but Shawcross is quick to clear.
    • 55' Kuyt is coming into the game much more for Liverpool and finding himself in good areas for the hosts, who are keeping possession relentlessly now.
    • 54' Sorensen makes a meal of a back-pass, attempting to take the ball past Torres who was bearing down on goal - that was close to being suicidal from the Stoke keeper but he gets away with it.
    • 53' Johnson powers his way down the right once more for Liverpool and wins his side a corner - the right back has played superbly this evening.
    • 52' Gerrard brings a fine stop out of Sorensen with a dipping shot from the edge of the Stoke penalty area, but Kuyt cannot quite reach the rebound with the ball bouncing awkwardly.
    • 51' Stoke go close once more, as Johnson clears from under the nose of his keeper Reina after a precise delivery is floated in from Whelan out on the right.
    • 50' Cresswell mis-times a heavy tackle on Torres, but that was purely accidental and the referee recognises that.
    • 49' Ayala and Carragher attempt to settle the hosts down with some tidy passing at the back, but Stoke are pushing with a high line of attack.
    • 48' Rory Delap forces a stunning reflex save from Pepe Reina in the Liverpool goal and Stoke have started very brightly indeed.
    • 47' The visitors do exactly that, with Cresswell earning his side a corner and the Stoke fans are urging their side on loudly.
    • 46' The second half is underway at Anfield and Stoke will be desperate to make an early impact as they trail 2-0.
    • 45+1' The half-time whistle is blown by referee Peter Walton, and Liverpool lead 2-0 at Anfield courtesy of Fernando Torres's fourth-minute strike and Glen Johnson's first goal for the club in the 45th minute. Last season Stoke did not manage a shot on target in two games against Liverpool, can they do so here?
    • 45' Just one minute will be added on at the end of this first half and Liverpool are straight back on the attack.
    • 45' GOAL!!! Glen Johnson scores his first Liverpool goal on the stroke of half-time, responding sharply to Dirk Kuyt's header which is parried away by Thomas Sorensen into his path! Liverpool lead 2-0 before half-time!
    • 44' Lucas drills a low shot to the near post which Sorensen dives down low to palm away to safety with Faye in close attendance.
    • 43' Liverpool keep the ball tidily at the back to frustrate Stoke and the visitors are pressing hard to little avail at the moment.
    • 42' Kuyt wins another free kick with a delightful flick past Higginbotham who lunges in rashly, but is not penalised further.
    • 41' Beattie performs his laborious defensive duties for his side by tracking back superbly and denying Gerrard a run on goal.
    • 40' Lucas picks up the ball on the edge of the Liverpool area and feeds Kuyt out on the right wing with a pinpoint delivery and the Dutchman wins a corner.
    • 39' Torres trudges off the field temporarily as a cut on his head is tended to by the Liverpool physio.
    • 38' Shawcross holds his head in disgust as Walton gives a dubious free kick Liverpool's way, and the Stoke fans show their disapproval too.
    • 37' Johnson is pushing further and further forward for Liverpool down the right, and Kuyt, who has been quiet thus far, wins a free kick outwide.
    • 36' Mascherano is penalised for a clip on Whelan. To view a photo of Liverpool fans protesting against the Liverpool owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks click here
    • 35' Al l the big men go up for a free kick which is delivered poorly by Etherington and hits Insua, who was the first man - Pulis is not impressed!
    • 34' Reina dives low to his right to parry away after Beattie wins a header - the striker did well to beat Carragher to that.
    • 33' To view a photo of Fernando Torres wheeling away in celebration after scoring the opening goal, click here
    • 32' Glen Johnson flies forward in attack and stabs a shot narrowly wide of Sorensen's near post - good effort from the defender.
    • 31' Ryan Shawcross wins his header from the edge of the area but no one is in behind him to follow it up.
    • 30' Ayala does well to clear with Beattie in close attendance, and the defender stayed strong there.
    • 29' Lucas is dropping deep with Mascherano and looking to spray long passes up to Torres and Gerrard, with Benayoun also outwide.
    • 28' Delap prepares to launch in another long throw which Reina collects pretty unconvincingly through a crowd of bodies.
    • 27' Superb play once more from Insua, who is getting down the left wing very expansively, and after cutting in from the byline he hammers a shot straight at Sorensen - good confidence.
    • 26' Johnson collides heavily with Cresswell as the pair jostle for position, and Walton sees it the defender's way.
    • 25' Gerrard continues to dominate in the middle for Liverpool, drifting outwide to receive the ball from Lucas and Mascherano.
    • 24' Insua is put under real pressure from Cresswell but still manages to clear, albeit off for a throw in.
    • 23' Torres and Faye challenge for a high ball and the Stoke defender gets the better of his man on this occasion, barging him off the ball.
    • 22' Ayala does well to track the run of Beattie who is attempting, so far in vain, to get behind the inexperienced centre back.
    • 21' Walton gives Stoke a throw in which prompts cries of derision from the home fans, and Delap will launch this into the box.
    • 20' Matt Etherington and Glenn Whelan attempt a finacy free kick which goes terribly awry, leaving Liverpool to break and Torres's cross from the right wing is met by Insua, who prods his shot wide - what a chance for a second!
    • 19' Tony Pulis is on the touchline in a very agitated fashion, barking orders at his defenders with real animation.
    • 18' Ayala and Lucas clatter Whelan from either side as the midfielder jumps for a header, and Walton gives a free kick to the visitors without hesitation.
    • 17' Glen Johnson enjoys a marauding run down the right wing and delivers a sharp ball from the byline but Torres cannot get in front of Shawcross to meet it.
    • 16' Ayala looks composed so far alongside Carragher, and Insua on the left has also settled well.
    • 15' Benayoun almost picks up a threaded pass from Lucas which split Faye and Shawcross superbly, and Liverpool are pushing hard for a second.
    • 14' Gerrard again marches down the right leaving Danny Higginbotham for dead once more, but this time his cross is poor.
    • 13' Wilkinson delivers a long throw down the line which is flicked on well by Whelan but Whitehead cannot gather.
    • 12' Carragher rises imperiously to win a header with Beattie challenging with him, while Mascherano clears from the knock down.
    • 11' Ouch! Dean Whitehead scythes down Javier Mascherano with a horrendous tackle and is rightly booked by referee Peter Walton - that was a dreadful challenge.
    • 10' Benitez looks pretty smug in his dugout as his side spray the ball around with real purpose and confidence.
    • 9' Whelan wastes the corner with a deep ball to the back post which Beattie cannot reach, and Liverpool are able to clear away to safety through Ayala.
    • 8' Glenn Whelan has a shot for Stoke from the edge of the Liverpool penalty area after a neat knock down from Dean Whitehead and it is deflected away for a corner.
    • 7' There has been an early goal at Turf Moor too, and you will be very surprised at which team has got it! Click here to find out!
    • 6' Liverpool build from the back once more, and Stoke have barely touched the ball as we move past seven minutes in this first half.
    • 5' Thomas Sorensen is absolutely furious with his defence for letting Gerrard's pass drift all the way across the box without being cleared - he is fully justified in his fury.
    • 4' GOAL!!! Fernando Torres strikes for Liverpool! Gerrard's foraging run down the right took him into the area, and his bobbling pass across the face of the box is met by Torres, who sweeps the ball home! Liverpool lead!
    • 4' Liverpool continue to build in the Stoke half, and the hosts are dominating the early possession here at Anfield.
    • 3' A thunderous shot comes in from Lucas but Thomas Sorensen gathers the ball cleanly after it was struck straight into his arms.
    • 2' Daniel Ayala gets a few early touches on the ball which will help to settle the stand-in central defender down a touch.
    • 1' Liverpool get the match underway, and immediately chants for 'Rafael Benitez' ring around Anfield.
    • - As the players emerge from the tunnel, Jamie Carragher is sporting a big, black bandage over his forehead. Abdoulaye Faye leads out the visitors.
    • - Stoke are the only Premier League side that Liverpool failed to score against last season – drawing 0-0 both home and away. Let's hope it is not goalless this evening.
    • - Now for the very gritty stats: Liverpool and Stoke City have met 108 times in the league. Liverpool have won 53, Stoke 26 and there have been 29 draws. Turgid? Liverpool are unbeaten in all 46 top-flight matches against Stoke at Anfield – the longest ever unbeaten home run against another side in the history of English top-flight football. Much more interesting!
    • - Talking of Torres, Benitez has told the striker to do his talking by putting the ball in the back of the net instead of reacting to overly physical defenders (his words). Benitez said: "I have told him that he has to stop this. He knows he has to improve this aspect of his game and that the way forward is to respond to any intimidation by scoring." Read the full story by clicking here
    • - C is urging the Potters to come flying out of the traps this evening, and is predicting a 3-0 scoreline with goals from Shawcross, Fuller and Beattie. On the other side of the proverbial coin, Tyler_cheetham is adamant that Torres will bag a hat-trick with Gerrard adding a fourth. Thoughts?
    • - Stoke manager Tony Pulis is determined to retain the services of highly-rated defender Ryan Shawcross. The 21-year-old centre-back, who scored the opening goal in the victory against Burnley on Saturday, has been linked with a number of top clubs, among them Liverpool. Do you think Shawcross should make a move to Anfield? Click here to read this story in full
    • - It may be slightly premature to show you the standings after just one game but, while Liverpool made an inauspicious start, they may be consoled by casting their eye down to the very bottom of the embryonic Premier League table
    • - Rafael Benitez says he will not approve any further sales of Liverpool players as his team struggles to cope with a growing injury list. The Anfield chief has dismissed speculation winger Albert Riera and striker Andriy Voronin could be leaving, with Barcelona and Hertha Berlin, respectively, showing interest. Click here to read what Benitez had to say
    • - Ricardo Fuller opened the scoring for Stoke in three of their last four away league matches of last season. Fuller is confined to the bench this evening along with Liam Lawrence, with the industrious Richard Cresswell playing in support of former Everton striker James Beattie.
    • - Stoke kept just one clean sheet in their last 13 away league matches of the previous campaign. Potters boss Tony Pulis will be hoping for a more solid display from his back four this evening.
    • - Renan reckons it will be goalless at Anfield, while Robert F believes that if Benitez's side can lift their level considerably from the weekend's display against Spurs; they will win 2-0. What is your prediction? Post your views below
    • - Liverpool: Reina, Johnson, Carragher, Ayala, Insua, Mascherano, Lucas, Kuyt, Gerrard, Benayoun, Torres. Subs: Cavalieri, Voronin, Riera, Babel, Ngog, Kelly, Dossena
    • - Stoke: Sorensen, Wilkinson, Shawcross, Abdoulaye Faye, Higginbotham, Delap, Whelan, Whitehead, Etherington, Beattie, Cresswell. Subs: Simonsen, Griffin, Cort, Lawrence, Fuller, Kitson, Pugh. Referee: Peter Walton
    • - Liverpool were the only Premier League team not to lose a home game last season and, having lost on the opening day of this campaign to Tottenham, the onus will be on Rafael Benitez and his side to respond in style at home to Stoke.

  • Summary

    • 90+2' GOAL!!! More superb work from Johnson as the right-back loops over a cross which Sorensen can only parry into the path of David Ngog, who finishes with a close-range header to make it four!
    • 78' GOAL!!! A phenomenal piece of skill from Gerrard down the right byline creates a chance from nothing and Dirk Kuyt converts from close range! Liverpool lead 3-0!
    • 65' A wonderful tip over the bar from Sorensen denies Kuyt whose shot loops over Shawcross's head.
    • 52' Gerrard brings a fine stop out of Sorensen with a dipping shot from the edge of the Stoke penalty area, but Kuyt cannot quite reach the rebound with the ball bouncing awkwardly.
    • 51' Stoke go close once more, as Johnson clears from under the nose of his keeper Reina after a precise delivery is floated in from Whelan out on the right.
    • 48' Rory Delap forces a stunning reflex save from Pepe Reina in the Liverpool goal and Stoke have started very brightly indeed.
    • 45' GOAL!!! Glen Johnson scores his first Liverpool goal on the stroke of half-time, responding sharply to Dirk Kuyt's header which is parried away by Thomas Sorensen into his path! Liverpool lead 2-0 before half-time!
    • 27' Superb play once more from Insua, who is getting down the left wing very expansively, and after cutting in from the byline he hammers a shot straight at Sorensen - good confidence.
    • 20' Matt Etherington and Glenn Whelan attempt a finacy free kick which goes terribly awry, leaving Liverpool to break and Torres's cross from the right wing is met by Insua, who prods his shot wide - what a chance for a second!
    • 17' Glen Johnson enjoys a marauding run down the right wing and delivers a sharp ball from the byline but Torres cannot get in front of Shawcross to meet it.
    • 4' GOAL!!! Fernando Torres strikes for Liverpool! Gerrard's foraging run down the right took him into the area, and his bobbling pass across the face of the box is met by Torres, who sweeps the ball home! Liverpool lead!
    • 3' A thunderous shot comes in from Lucas but Thomas Sorensen gathers the ball cleanly after it was struck straight into his arms.

Live Team Line-Up

  • Liverpool

    Manager: Rafael Benítez

    Captain: Steven Gerrard

    Starting line-up

    • J. Reina
    • G. Johnson Goal
    • J. Carragher
    • D. Ayala
    • E. Insúa
    • J. Mascherano
    • Lucas
    • D. Kuyt Goal Substitution Out (81′)
    • S. Gerrard Substitution Out (81′)
    • Y. Benayoun
    • F. Torres Goal Substitution Out (84′)

    Subs

    • A. Riera Substitution In81′
    • A. Dossena
    • R. Babel
    • D. N'Gog Substitution In84′ Goal
    • M. Kelly
    • D. Cavalieri
    • A. Voronin Substitution In81′

    Injured

    None

    Suspended

    None

  • Stoke City

    Manager: Tony Pulis

    Captain: Danny Higginbotham

    Starting line-up

    • T. Sørensen
    • A. Wilkinson
    • R. Shawcross
    • A. Diagne-Faye
    • D. Higginbotham
    • G. Whelan
    • D. Whitehead Yellow Card Substitution Out (68′)
    • R. Delap
    • M. Etherington
    • J. Beattie Substitution Out (61′)
    • R. Cresswell Substitution Out (61′)

    Subs

    • S. Simonsen
    • A. Griffin
    • D. Pugh Substitution In68′
    • R. Fuller Substitution In61′
    • D. Kitson
    • L. Lawrence Substitution In61′
    • L. Cort

    Injured

    None

    Suspended

    None

Comment 371 - 390 of 430

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  1. Mary, I just loved your comments but then after all his­ name is.....half a brain!!!!, thats what all manure­ fans are...no I lie they dont have a brain at all...lol

    From fierydaffydilly, on Wed 19 Aug 9:59PM

  2. clare, you`re funny! but saying that "sometimes­ football is better than sex" is a very bold­ statement as we all know football is always better than­ sex

    From SHARP AS A NEEDLE, on Wed 19 Aug 9:58PM

  3. liverpool 4 life

    From Bolaji, on Wed 19 Aug 9:58PM

  4. wish I had more on my bet 4-0 with torres to score­ first 28-1..only had 3 quid on....damn

    From resentdtox, on Wed 19 Aug 9:58PM

  5. 397... yes when you lot just F off, and think about­ getting home sober instead of legless on the state.

    From Roughie Toughie Northerner, on Wed 19 Aug 9:58PM

  6. oh well, its only liverpool, stoke didnt turn up n­ liverpool only get 4 , shocking result , but man u lost­ to BURNLEY O.M.G NICE ONE BURNLEY........... come on­ chelsea ure on the­ up....chelsea,liverpool,arsenal,tottenham. man u will­ do well to finish the season in 17th place. ha

    From stuart, on Wed 19 Aug 9:58PM

  7. Hi guys, If any of you expert reading. I miss the­ analysis section possession, tackles etc.

    From Kerri, on Wed 19 Aug 9:57PM

  8. 383 One win one loss and you think you can clean up,­ get real you will be lucky to finish in the top 4.

    From Roughie Toughie Northerner, on Wed 19 Aug 9:57PM

  9. Johnson is the man and surely paying off his 20 million­ fee.

    From kvpkvp57, on Wed 19 Aug 9:56PM

  10. Haha, look at all the plastic Liverpool fans from­ London cheering. Don't sing too long, your party­ will be ruined soon enough.

    From Luke, on Wed 19 Aug 9:56PM

  11. Glen Johnson was extraordinary as the rest of the team!­ WELL DONE LADS YNWA

    From YNWA, on Wed 19 Aug 9:56PM

  12. good game keep it up reds

    From nickclack63, on Wed 19 Aug 9:56PM

  13. Couldn't happen to a more deserving, dirty bunch of­ players. Giles Barnes says hello, dirty Stoke!

    From David, on Wed 19 Aug 9:56PM

  14. great result tonight and also c man u lost tonight­ happy days

    From gillianhehir, on Wed 19 Aug 9:55PM

  15. ynwa

    From radhe, on Wed 19 Aug 9:55PM

  16. Love you Torres..keep em coming...Myka

    From Myka, on Wed 19 Aug 9:55PM

  17. Half A Brain - "It's only Stoke though.. Next­ week will be another­ disappointment story to Liverpool­ :-)".

    Oh dear - I checked on the Liverpool board­ on Sunday and you were all over it like a rash,­ spouting your childish nonsense about how poor­ Liverpool were, and making rude comments about their­ manager. Clearly, you are one of those Gloryhunters - a­ Manchester United "fan" who has NEVER been to­ a game, doesn't know where Old Trafford is, but­ buys the United shirt each year and claims to have­ supported them "since I was a kid". Yeah -­ right....

    Gone a bit quiet tonight, haven't you­ sweetie? I had to look twice to check that there was no­ mistake, but no - your wonderful United have just been­ beaten by BURNLEY!! Or should I say "It's ONLY­ Burnley".

    I hate to laugh at losers like you­ darling, but you really HAVE made a real donkey of­ yourself tonight. If I were you, I would crawl quietly­ away from these boards and hope that nobody notices you­ have gone - before everyone starts sniggering at you­ every time you make one of your embarrassing­ comments.....

    From Mary, on Wed 19 Aug 9:55PM

  18. 4-0!!!!!!!!!!!

    From liam, on Wed 19 Aug 9:54PM

  19. no.371 let me check oh ya beat man u wait for it twice­ last season

    From Liam, on Wed 19 Aug 9:54PM

  20. Never write Burnley off, they turned us over in the­ cup!!!!

    From railsafety01, on Wed 19 Aug 9:54PM
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