You'll Never Walk Alone -- The End...

[m_vaughan]

I dont know about the game, but in real life Serdar is one of the best defenders in Europe at the moment.

 

[shantanu_rooney]

I dont know about the game, but in real life Serdar is one of the best defenders in Europe at the moment.

He is very consistent in the game and has an average rating of 7.23 in 18 matches he has played. Looks good compared to my Agger or Skrtel who averages just under seven.

 

[shantanu_rooney]

Last updated: 17th January, 2010

Everton welcome Liverpool to Goodison Park on Sunday for the 213th Merseyside derby, live on Sky Sports 1 and HD 1.

Form Guide
The hosts Everton are in the best form so far this season, have won eight of the last ten league games and ten of the last thirteen games in all competition. They are in 7th position, 2 points behind the 5th place Chelsea.

On the other hand Liverpool are on the top of the table, six points ahead of huge spending Manchester City. Liverpool have been in great form this season under Jose Mourinho, winning 15 games in the league out of the 21 they played and losing just one.

Team News
New signings Hernanes and Darijo Srna are set to make their first ever league appearance for the Toffees, but there are some injuries worries also. Recent signing Liedson from Sporting Lisbon is out with a twisted anke, while James Vaughan, Fernandinho are struggling with groin strain. Defender Joleon Lescott(Hamstring) will have to past a late fitness test.

Liverpool too have their own worries as midfield duo Javier Mascherano and Alberto Aquilani are ruled out with an pulled hamstring and damaged elbow respectively. While the rest of the players are avaliable for selection.

Star Man
The Nigerian captain Joseph Yobo would be the one to watch for in the Evrton side as the Toffees have conceded just 25 goals in the 29 games he has played in. While Pepe Reina will be the one to watch for the Reds as he has just conceded 18 goals in all competitions this season.

Rivals Watch
Arsenal and Manchester City both won 2-0 against Hull City and West Ham United respectively, while Champions Manchester United were handed a shock 1-0 defeat by Wolves on Saturday. Finally Chelsea will face Birmingham City at St Andrews at the same time when Liverpool face Everton.

Referee
Howard Webb will officiate the game. He has taken charge of 19 games this season, handing out 33 yellow cards and one red car.

Odds
Everton 13/8, Draw 2/1, Liverpool 6/4.​

 

[m_vaughan]

Everton are also in good form but I am going for a narrow win for Liverpool.

 

[shantanu_rooney]

Last updated: 17th January, 2010

Tim Cahill's deflected header gave Everton a point after they had fallen behind to a disputed penalty in the Merseyside Derby.

Steven Gerrard opened the scoring from the spot after Darijo Srna was judged to have fouled Alexis Sanchez when he seemed to have taken the ball. Fernando Torres also headed wide and straight at Tim Howard from five yards, while Jamie Carragher had a header saved. After the break Cahill's header from a corner went in off Stephen Appiah to earn the gritty Toffees a draw.

The draw meant that Liverpool picked only two points from the last nine, but still remained at the top of the table just six points ahead of Manchester City. Liverpool looked like they would easily collect three points from the match after they came flying out of the blocks.

In-form Fernando Torres had a chance to put the Reds ahead inside two minutes but got too little contact on Fabio Aurelio's cross from the left. Moments later Carragher wasted a free header as he nodded the ball directly at Howard.

Then Brede Hangeland let the ball run to Gerrard, who looked set to close in on goal but the Everton defender redeemed himself by racing back and making a superb tackle. It was all Liverpool at this stage and Alexis Sanchez, whose passing and creativity was exceptional, was at the heart of everything.

However, Liverpool almost found themselves a goal down as Yakubu raced clear and struck an excellent low drive from the edge of the box, forcing a brilliant save from Pepe Reina. The visitors quickly responded and Fernando Torres should have scored but he headed straight at Howard from point-blank range.

Three minutes later Torres won a penalty after he was brought down by Srna, who appeared to win the ball. After referee Howard Webb waved away Everton's protests, Gerrard stepped up to the spot and stroked the ball into the bottom left corner.

For the remainder of the half, Liverpool continued to play with verve and flair - although Dirk Kuyt was not on the same wavelength as his team-mates - but they could not add to their advantage. And two minutes after half-time, Liverpool were made to pay when Cahill rose highest to meet Mikel Arteta's corner and his header deflected in off Appiah.

Liverpool immediately hit back and Gerrard unleashed a fierce drive that looked to be on target before Joseph Yobo diverted it. Then from a Fabio Aurelio free-kick, Agger saw a thumping header well gathered by Howard at the foot of his post.

As Liverpool pressed, Torres almost found substitute Ryan Babel in the box and later the Dutch shot wide after being played in by Gerrard. Howard got down well to smother a Ignacio Camacho shot from the edge of the box as Everton continued to thwart their fellow city rivals.

And in the dying moments, with Everton hanging on, Carragher was inches away from converting Alexis Sanchez's fizzing, low cross while Gerrard's shot at the death rose just too high.

__________________________________________________​

Everton boss David Moyes: "We were playing against a special team and the determination of the players got us through. Liverpool can go through you like a hot knife through butter - but we had to concentrate for 90 minutes. We broke them up a few times and defended very well. They sniffed the danger and snuffed out the dangers most of the time."

Liverpool boss Jose Mourinho: "It was very frustrating. We were punished for losing concentration on the set-piece. We thought it was going to be too easy, but we didn't create enough. We were not sharp enough and they defended well. It is as simple as that. We lost another two points we should not have lost. The focus was not good enough. The players are very disappointed."

_________________________________________________​

Everton: Howard, Srna, Hangeland, Yobo, Neville?, Baines, Fellaini(Pienaar 75), Hernanes, Arteta(Alex 73), Cahill(Osman 72), Yakubu.
Subs Not Used: Turner, Jagielka, Anichebe, Hibbert.

Booked: Srna, Neville, Baines.

Goals: Cahill 49.

Liverpool: Reina, Johnson, Carragher, Agger, Fabio Aurelio, Appiah(Lucas 82), Gerrard?, Camacho, Alexis Sanchez, Kuyt(Babel 63), Torres.
Subs Not Used: Diego, Skrtel, Dossena, Riera, Destro.

Booked: Carragher, Gerrard, Appiah.

Goals: Gerrard 24 pen.

Att: 40,536.

Ref: H Webb.

Man of the Match: Alexis Sanchez.​

 

[shantanu_rooney]

Last updated: 21st January, 2010

Liverpool's Aguero bid confirm

Sergio Aguero-Liverpool bound?​

English radio station BBC Radio is reporting Sergio Aguero will join Liverpool next season in a a british record deal of ?40million, although his spokesman has countered that while an approach has been made no agreement has yet been struck.

Sergio Aguero's father-in-law and advisor, Diego Maradona, reportedly revealed that a deal was agreed following talks between Liverpool manager Jose Mourinho and Atletico Madrid chairman Enrique Cerezo.

However, Aguero's agent Jose Segui said: "Sergio will listen to Liverpool and decide whether or not to make the transfer. What I can say for certain is that the Spaniards and Liverpool have not reached any agreement."

Earlier on Wednesday the Sergio Aguero reiterated his desire to stay at the Vincent Calderon for another season, amid reports Chelsea had discussed with Atletico officials his possible transfer.

It is Liverpool though who have stolen ahead of their English rivals in their efforts to land a player widely regarded to be one of the world's brightest prospect for the future.

Sergio Aguero told Marca on Wednesday: "I say it for the last time. I don't want to leave Atletico." However, his declaration to the Los colchoneros cause has failed to quell talk of a departure to ease the club's considerable debt.

Atletico Madrid chairman Enrique Cerezo intimated prior to the reports breaking in England that his club could lose their talisman. "I do not know if we can keep Sergio Aguero at Atletico because they (Liverpool) have offered him a lot of money," he told Spanish news paper. "You can't keep someone against his will. I have not spoken with anyone else yet."​

 

[shantanu_rooney]

Last updated: 24th January, 2010

Goals from Ryan Babel and Mattia Destro ensured a second string Liverpool progressed to the FA Cup fifth round at the expense of Championship side West Brom.

The visitors impressed, with James Morrison hitting the post and Robert Koren also shooting wide in the first half. Reds took the lead through Babel's 20-yard effort, which deflected off skipper Jonathan Greening. Destro sealed the win when he netted from the second rebound after Scott Carson had saved his initial penalty.

West Brom - lying 6th in the Coca Cola Championship - were the better side and could have taken the lead in the second minute only for James Morrison's curling free-kick to hit the foot of the post. Five minutes later and Morrison was allowed to run unopposed through a statuesque Liverpool midfield but keeper Diego Cavalieri was alert to the danger.

Reds, under the guidance of the former Chelsea and Inter Milan manager Jose Mourinho, brought on Ignacio Camacho for midfielder Stephen Appiah at the break. And the change seemed to pay dividends as Babel forced a first meaningful save from Carson in the 47th minute.

Babel finally broke the deadlock when the Dutch winger collected the ball 20 yards out, and his low shot deflected off Greening and past the wrong-footed Carson.

Victory was then secured when Greening fouled substitute Albert Riera in the area and even though Destro's initial effort was saved, as was his second, he guided the ball past Carson at his third attempt.

__________________________________________________​

Liverpool: Diego, Kelly, San Jose, Skrtel?, Dossena, Appiah(Camacho 46), Lucas, Plessis, Alexis Sanchez(Riera 66), Babel, Destro.
Subs Not Used: Reina, Carragher, Johnson, Aquilani, Torres.

Goals: Babel 73, Destro 81.

West Brom: Carson, Zuilverloon, Meitie, Olsson, Sylvinho, Mulumbu, Greening?, Koren(Bernett 87), Valero(Brunt 80), Morrison, Fortune(Bednar 61).
Subs Not Used: Kiely, Donk, Jera, Cech.

Booked: Olsson, Greening.

Att: 35,179.

Ref: A Wiley.

Man of the Match: Ryan Babel​

 

[m_vaughan]

Good to see your second string side win comfortably. Teenage mutant ninja skrtel captain as well!

 

[shantanu_rooney]

Last updated: 30th January, 2010

Liverpool got back to winning ways in the Premier League courtesy of Alberto Aquilani's second-half goal and a late brace from Fernando Torres.

Liverpool edged a tight first half, with Steven Gerrard and Torres testing Tigers keeper Boaz Myhill in the early stages. Javier Mascherano had a goal ruled out for offside before Aquilani converted Torres' cross to make it 1-0 after 74 minutes. A suicidal Jonathan Grounds throw-in set up Torres to double the lead before he grabbed his second in injury time.

The Reds are unbeaten at home in the league since Dec 2007 but although they started like a side full of belief they were quickly dragged into a frantic battle in the middle of the park.

The hosts produced their first effort on target inside a minute after Hull City conceded a free-kick. Gerrard's low 25-yarder was just sneaking in but Myhill got down comfortably to save at the base of his near post.

The best chance of the half came less than five minutes later. When Aquilani's cross was half cleared Torres swivelled sharply but Myhill beat his shot away and the visitors scrambled the ball clear. Dirk Kuyt volleyed over from long range shortly after and Mascherano shot into the side-netting after 24 minutes, but as the half wore on Hull City managed to shut the hosts down as an attacking force.

Liverpool midfielder and skipper Gerrard was the only player on show who might have been able to slow things down but one shocking pass with the outside of his right foot, which went 20 yards behind its intended recipient and into touch, summed things up perfectly.

Hull failed to muster a shot throughout the entire 45 minutes, with a Jimmy Bullard counter attack, which ended with his cross being put behind for a corner, as good as it got for the visitors.

Liverpool upped the tempo as the break approached and appealed for a penalty after Daniel Agger's flick appeared to hit Michael Turner on the upper arm, but well-placed referee Mike Riley waved away their appeals.

Liverpool had the better of the opening half but within two minutes of the restart they came desperately close to falling behind. A whipped free-kick saw Gerrard only able to head the ball towards his own goal and it took a fine reaction save from keeper Pepe Reina to spare his blushes. Bullard then lifted a free-kick well over as Hull briefly flickered as an attacking threat but the hosts were the better side and as the game entered the final quarter they took control.

They thought they had broken the deadlock after 67 minutes when Mascherano bundled home Aquilani's free-kick, but the officials incorrectly ruled it out for offside because they thought it had come off Alexis Sanchez. Mascherano was furious but his side were ahead within five minutes. Sean Dillon was unable to deal with Torres' deflected cross and Aquilani side-stepped the defender before placing his shot carefully past Myhill and inside the post.

With their total lack of threat in attack Hull looked unlikely to get back on terms but they handed the hosts the points when Grounds' hapless throw-in was intercepted by Torres. The Spain striker needed no second invitation and he danced round Myhill before taking his time to knock the ball home.

Torres ensured the home fans went home happy as he raced clear in the final minute before sliding the ball past Myhill to ease Liverpool at the top of the table.

__________________________________________________​

Liverpool boss Jose Mourinho: "It is a great result for us - whether it was actually a true 3-0 or not I'm not sure. The game seemed a lot closer than that, especially in the first half, but you can't complain about winning 3-0. We started well but seemed to run out of ideas a bit. In the end we needed a few bits of quality to get us through."

Hull City boss Phil Brown: "It was never a 3-0 game. Pepe Reina made a crucial save for Liverpool and at the time it looked like we could go on and win. I can't fault any of my players on work rate but to capitulate like that with those late mistakes is very hard to take."

__________________________________________________​

Liverpool: Reina, Johnson, Carragher, Agger, Fabio Aurelio, Mascherano(Lucas 90), Aquilani, Gerrard(C), Babel(Alexis Sanchez 61), Kuyt(Reira 88), Torres.
Subs Not Used: Diego, Skrtel, Destro, Appiah.

Goals: Aquilani 74, Torres 80, 90.

Hull: Myhill(C), Dillion, Turner, Zayatte, Grounds, Bullard, Boateng, Marney(Mendy 69), Kilbane, Altidore(Cousin 58), Fagan(Ashbee 90).
Subs Not Used: Warner, Dawson, Mouyokolo, Hainlog.

Booked: Dillon, Fagan.

Att: 43,276.

Ref: M Riley.

Man of the Match: Fernando Torres.

 

[shantanu_rooney]

Last updated: 31th January, 2010

Premier League leaders Liverpool will play fifth placed English Champions Manchester United at Anfield in the stand-out tie of the fifth round of the FA Cup.

Championship side Reading will travel to Stamford Bridge to face FA Cup holders Chelsea. Bolton who knocked Arsenal out in the fourth round will play Gianfranco Zola's West Ham at the Reebok.

Championship strugglers Crystal Palace face Fulham at home, while fellow Championship side Derby County travel to White Hart Lane to face Tottenham Hotspur.

David Moyes' in-form Everton side will host Martin O'Neill's Aston Villa at Goodison Park, while ever rich Manchester City travel to the DW Stadium to face elevnth placed Wigan Athletic. Finally Championship leaders Middlesbrough will play host to Wolves at the Riverside.

Premier League champions Manchester United have won the FA Cup a record 11 times, while Liverpool have collected the famous trophy on 7 occasions. The two teams last met in Feb 2006 in the fifth round at Anfield, a match which saw Peter Crouch scoring the only goal for the Reds.

The fifth round ties will be played on 13th February 2010.

Liverpool v Man Utd
Chelsea v Reading
Wigan v Man City
Crystal Palace v Fulham
Tottenham v Derby
Everton v aston Villa
Middlesbrough v Wolves.
Bolton v West Ham​

 

[shantanu_rooney]

Last updated: 3rd February, 2010

Steven Gerrard smashed home a stunning injury-time volley to break Burnley hearts and maintain Liverpool's unbeaten home record at Anfield since December 2007.

Reds dominated the opening half and Fernando Torres fired them ahead after a goalmouth melee saw Alberto Aquilani hit the post. But Burnley equalised before the break with their first shot on target, Chris Eagles curling in after a neat move. Alexis Sanchez wasted a glorious late chance for the home side before Gerrard's spectacular winner.

The result was harsh on bottom side Burnley who gave a much-improved second-half display. Liverpool looked like they would win at a canter after a bright and inventive start which saw them take the lead after 13 minutes.

The home side cleverly worked space for Gerrard on the right flank and after an almighty scramble which saw Aquilani hit the post, Torres smashed the ball home from six yards.

That should have been the cue for Jose Mourinho's men to go on and wrap up the points before the break as they continued to dominate possession. Burnley seemed content to back off and Gerrard was given time and space to probe away at the Clarets rearguard. But for all their territorial advantage and patient football, Liverpool struggled to create chances and they began to lose their sense of urgency as the game wore on.

Burnley had barely ventured into Liverpool's half during an almost anonymous opening 40 minutes with Chris McCann's miscued volley from 20 yards their only shot at goal. But with two minutes of the first period remaining Eagles levelled with a precise finish, neatly guiding the ball home with his instep following McCann's pass.

The pace of the game increased after the break with Burnley pressing much further up the pitch. But still the chances failed to materialise. The lively Stephen Hunt was lucky to stay on the pitch for a nasty, studs-up lunge on Liverpool substitute Lucas.

Liverpool slowly began to get on top again and Alexis Sanchez blazed over from 25 yards and Dirk Kuyt, a half-time replacement for the ineffective Albert Riera, had a great chance to secure the points but could not divert the ball past Brian Jensen.

Alexis Sanchez then seemed to blow Liverpool's hopes of winning the game when he shot over late on. But deep into injury-time, Gerrard raced into the box and showed wonderful technique to meet Alexis Sanchez's header on the run and crash a superb volley past Jensen.

__________________________________________________​

Liverpool boss Jose Mourinho: "It was a great goal from Steven. He is playing his best football, which is fantastic. Kuyt played his part as did Alexis Sanchez. I did not expect it, especially as Alexis Sanchez had missed a great chance just a minute earlier. He was like a second striker near the end. Maybe that is his best position. Steven is not old yet and still has a lot of football left in him."

Burnley boss Owen Coyle: "We contributed fully to the game and it was hard to concede a goal so late on in the match. We went a goal down but knew that we would get a chance to get back into the match and when we equalised felt we'd get at least a point. The ironic thing was that all the delightful football they play they got the winner with a long ball."

__________________________________________________​

Liverpool: Reina, Johnson, Agger, Carragher, Fabio Aurelio, Mascherano(Lucas 61), Aquilani, Gerrard(C), Riera(Kuyt 46), Alexis Sanchez, Torres.
Subs Not Used: Diego, Skrtel, Camacho, Babel, Destro.

Booked: Mascherano.

Goals: Torres 14, Gerrard 90.

Burnley: Jensen, Anderson, Caldwell(C), Easton(Young 80), Eagles, Lallana, Gudjonsson(Paterson 73), McCann, Hunt, Thompson, Byrne(Kalvenes 73).
Subs Not Used: MacDonald, Jordan, Duff, Mears.

Booked: Caldwell, Eagles, Hunt, McCann, Thompson, Byrne.

Goals: Eagles 44.

Att: 44,246.

Ref: S Tanner.

Man of the Match: Steven Gerrard.​

 

[m_vaughan]

Thats a good lead Liverpool has over the rest.

 

[shantanu_rooney]

Last updated: 6th February, 2010

Two Fernando Torres headers and a Alberto Aquilani volley ensured Liverpool stayed six points ahead of second placed Arsenal at the top of the table.

Torres nodded Fabio Aurelio's left-wing cross into the right corner on 21 minutes to put Liverpool ahead. The Spain striker used his height advantage just before the break to steer home Alexis Sanchez's cross. Aquilani hit the post from six yards just after half-time but volleyed in Mattia Destro's cross on 84 minutes.

Initially it seemed 13th place Wolves were up for the fight as they scrapped and harried and held their own, keeping their shape well to contain Liverpool. But Wolves were powerless to prevent Torres opening the scoring as he rose above the defence to head Aurelio's cross precisely into the right corner.

Liverpool's fluid one and two-touch passing bewildered their opponents and damage limitation already appeared to be the order of the day for the new promoted Wolves, as they defended deep and in numbers.

That gave Liverpool total freedom to stroke the ball around but surprisingly they unwisely tried to play through the massed ranks in the middle. Two tame Steven Gerrard shots and a too-high Torres volley were all Liverpool had to show for their dominance.

Until, that is, Liverpool went wide as Alexis Sanchez floated over a pin-point cross from the left for Torres to power home a header past a helpless Wayne Hennessey.

Wolves might have reduced the deficit before the break as a decent Adam Johnson run ended in a chance for Nenad Milijas, but he steered his shot over from the edge of the box.

Four minutes after the restart Kuyt beat three men before pulling the ball back for Aquilani to thump a shot against the post. Liverpool then eased into a steady rhythm, content to maintain their lead rather than increase it.

Against better quality opposition that may have been a dangerous tactic but Wolves failed to threaten and looked bereft of ideas and belief. Liverpool nearly added a third when Gerrard poked a shot wide after excellent play by Alexis Sanchez.

But the Reds finally got that third goal when Aquilani volleyed smartly into the bottom right corner from Destro's centre.

__________________________________________________​

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy: "We had a bright start but still came in two goals down at half-time and were suddenly facing a mammoth task. It was a bit unfortunate that the first good cross that came in put us a goal down. Confidence is not high when you're not winning matches and it's difficult when you're facing a team as skilful and good at keeping the ball as Liverpool. We kept at our task and didn't throw in the towel but we didn't threaten them nearly enough and it was a comfortable victory for them."

Liverpool boss Jose Mourinho: "We did not give many chances away and scored three goals away from home. The way we played was an excellent response from the players to keep the winning run going. It shows how much the team is up for it and in the second half we controlled the game and there was more in the locker if needed."

__________________________________________________​

Wolves: Hennessey, Stearman(C), Shackell, Berra, Warnock, Zubar, Smith(Elokobi 50), Edwards, Milijas(Henry 62), Johnson(Surman 62), Doyle.
Subs Not Used: Murray, Miller, Ward, FOley.

Booked: Warnock, Shackell.

Liverpool: Reina, Johnson, Agger, Carragher, Fabio Aurelio, Mascherano(Lucas 62), Aquilani, Gerrard(C), Alexis Sanchez(Babel 80), Kuyt, Torres(Destro 72).
Subs Not Used: Diego, Skrtel, Camacho, Dossena.

Goals: Torres 21, 38, Aquilani 84.

Att: 28,495.

Ref: H Webb.

Man of the Match: Fernando Torres.​

 

[shantanu_rooney]

Last updated: 13th February, 2010

The two most successful clubs in England history lock horns as Liverpool welcome fierce-rivals Manchester United to Anfield for a fifth round encounter.

Form Guide
Liverpool have been in the best ever form this season under the 'Special One' Jose Mourinho and are currently at the top of the table having won 18 of their 25 games and lost just once.

On the other hand defending champions Manchester United are placed in the fifth position and 12 points behind Liverpool. United have struggle on their travels of late and this tie would be one of the most difficult ones.

Team News
Liverpool have a fully fit squad with no injury worries and Jose Mourinho have some great options in midfield to pick from as all of them are in some good form.

Manchester United will be without the services of their club captain Gary Neville who is with a fractured foot, but they are also boosted by the return of Wes Brown from a groin injury.

Star Man
Fernando Torres will be the man to watch, as the Spanish striker is inform this season scoring 20 goals in 31 games so far in all competitions. For the Red Devils it would be the Serbian defender Nemanja Vidic to watch as United have conceded only 15 goals in the 30 games the strong centre-back has played in.

Referee
Mike Jones will officiate the game. He has taken charge of 23 games this season handling out 58 yellow cards and 3 red cards.

Odds
Liverpool 1/1, Draw 9/4, Man Utd 9/4.​

 

[shantanu_rooney]

Last updated: 13th February, 2010

Ignacio Camacho broke Manchester United's defiance with a late winner in the FA Cup fifth-round tie at Anfield.

Camacho stole in to steer home Steven Gerrard's cross to crush United, who played 45 minutes with 10 men after Paul Scholes's harsh red card. United were twice denied by the woodwork, with Antonio Valencia hitting the bar in the first half. Wayne Rooney also netted after Nani rattled the underside of the bar, but was denied by an offside flag.

In keeping with a scrappy, bitty opening the first chance fell to Liverpool from Fabio Aurelio's long throw. The ball was flicked on by Martin Skrtel but Gerrard's second touch only took it off the toes of Fernando TOrres who missed his kick allowing Edwin van der Sar to gather.

United were coping comfortably with Liverpool's direct style, and played what little football was on view on a firm, bobbly pitch in a stiff breeze. The Premier League champions almost took the lead on 15 minutes when Valencia's swirling shot from 25 yards fooled Pepe Reina who was relieved to see the ball cannon back off the bar.

United grew in confidence and Nani surged down the left flank before slipping a pass to Rooney who stepped inside a couple of challenges to drill a shot into the side netting with Reina groping.

In among the swirling maelstrom of misdirected energy, veteran Liverpool defender Carragher was the acme of cool. The 31-year-old used his experience to shackle Michael Carrick, and doing things at his pace allowed him to use the ball astutely.

But on the stroke of half-time, referee Mike Jones provided the big talking point by ending Scholes' game with a red card. Scholes and Aquilani landed in a tangle of limbs after competing for a high ball, but referee Jones felt the United player's flailing leg which caught Aquilani on the back was deliberate.

The reduction in their numbers did not inhibit United, and Rooney showed skill to flip up a ball played into him and thump in a volley which drew a smart save from Reina.

Liverpool had created nothing from open play in the first half but almost scored twice from set plays. From a Ryan Babel free-kick Alberto Aquilani skewed an unmarked header across goal, and from the resulting corner Glen Johnson powered in a header which Patrice Evra headed off the line.

As the game sparked into life United were twice denied the opening goal, first when Nani's shot struck the underside of the bar, and then by an offside flag to deny Rooney as he headed the loose ball in.

Just as United were heading for a deserved replay, Liverpool struck to break their hearts. Kuyt's flick released Gerrard who made ground before squaring back a cross which Johnson dummied to leave Camacho clear to side-foot home from eight yards.

__________________________________________________​

Liverpool: Reina, Johnson, Carragher, Skrtel, Aurelio, Camacho, Aquilani(Lucas 89), Gerrard(C), Babel(Riera 72), Kuyt, Torres.
Subs Not Used: Diego, Agger, Dossena, Alexis Sanchez, Mascherano.

Booked: Carragher.

Goals: Camacho 87.

Man Utd: van der Sar, Brown(Tosic 89), Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Valencia, Scholes, Carrick(Hargreaves 81), Nani, Rooney, Berbatov(Obertan 82).
Subs Not Used: Foster, Owen, Evans, Giggs.

Sent Off: Scholes (45).

Booked: Rooney, Berbatov, Ferdinand.

Att: 45,435.

Ref: M Jones.

Man of the Match: Steven Gerrard.​