Rafa's 100 Greatest Premier League Games

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Number 85

Fixture: Liverpool 2-2 Tottenham
Date: 07 Oct 2007
Venue: Anfield

Liverpool team: Reina, Arbeloa (Babel 63), Carragher, Hyypia, Finnan, Riise, Gerrard, Mascherano, Pennant (Kuyt 69), Torres, Voronin (Benayoun 77).

Subs: Itandje, Lucas.

We continue our countdown of 'Rafa's 100 Greatest Premier League Games' with number 85 and a four goal thriller against Spurs from 2007.

Fernando Torres' injury time header at the Kop end ensured Liverpool a share of the spoils after a 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur.

Things started well when Andriy Voronin gave the Reds a 12th minute lead but Spurs responded and two Robbie Keane efforts, both coming from Dimitar Berbatov assists, gave them a 2-1 lead.

However, with time running out Steve Finnan's pinpoint cross from the right found the head of El Nino who in customary style found the net.

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Voronin

Torres

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Number 84

Fixture: Tottenham 0-1 Liverpool
Date: 30 Dec 2006
Venue: White Hart Lane

Liverpool: Reina, Aurelio (Gonzalez 79), Agger, Carragher, Finnan, Riise, Alonso, Gerrard, Luis Garcia, Bellamy (Pennant 48), Kuyt (Crouch 66).

Subs: Martin, Paletta.

We continue our countdown of 'Rafa's 100 Greatest Premier League Games' with number 84 and Luis Garcia's winner against Tottenham Hotspur from 2006.

A timely goal to say the least on the stroke of half-time ensured Liverpool ended 2006 on winning ways.

Spurs provided a stern test for the Reds in stormy conditions at White Hart Lane.

The only goal of the game came when Steven Gerrard directed the ball goalwards with his head, and Garcia was in the right place at far post to prod home left footed under Paul Robinson's body.

Spurs came close in the second half when Steve Finnan deflected an effort onto his own bar but Rafa's Reds held on for victory.

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Garcia

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Number 83

Fixture: Liverpool 2-0 Newcastle
Date: 26 Dec 2006
Venue: Anfield

Liverpool: Reina, Finnan (Josemi 79), Riise, Carragher, Hyypia, Kewell (Sinama-Pongolle 67), Alonso, Gerrard, Luis Garcia, Crouch (Cisse 72), Morientes.

Subs: Carson, Warnock.

We continue our countdown of 'Rafa's 100 Greatest Premier League Games' with number 83 and a Boxing Day win over Newcastle United from 2006.

Liverpool bounced back from their Japan disappointment as they beat Newcastle United 2-0.

After defeat in controversial circumstances to Brazilian outfit Sao Paulo in the World Club Championship, a Steven Gerrard inspired Reds produced an impressive display on Michael Owen's return to Anfield.

It was the former Kop number 10's first match since he left for Real Madrid and it was his old mate Gerrard who ran the show.

The inspirational midfielder opened the scoring with a fantastic shot that gave Shay Given no chance and Peter Crouch then made it 2-0.

Only the heroics of Given prevented Liverpool from further goals and the Kop taunted Owen with chants of 'Where were you in Istanbul?'

Newcastle ended the game with 10 men after Lee Bowyer was sent-off for a crude challenge on Xabi Alonso.

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Number 82

Fixture: Fulham 0-2 Liverpool
Date: 19 Apr 2008
Venue: Craven Cottage

Liverpool: Reina, Finnan, Riise, Hyypia (Carragher 45), Skrtel, Benayoun, Lucas, Mascherano (Alonso 72), Pennant, Crouch, Voronin (Aurelio 82).

Subs: Torres, Itandje.

We continue our countdown of 'Rafa's 100 Greatest Premier League Games' with number 82 and a 2-0 win at Fulham from 2008.

Goals from Jermaine Pennant and Peter Crouch gave Liverpool a comfortable victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage.

Ahead of the Champions League semi-final with Chelsea, Rafa took the opportunity to rest Fernando Torres.

Pennant in particular had a point to prove and he was pivotal in the victory. He opened the scoring with a superb finish before setting up Crouch for the second goal.

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Number 81

Fixture: Liverpool 2-0 Middlesbrough
Date: 10 Dec 2005
Venue: Anfield

Liverpool: Reina, Finnan, Riise, Carragher, Hyypia, Kewell (Cisse 83), Alonso, Sissoko, Gerrard, Crouch (Luis Garcia 67), Morientes (Josemi 87).

Subs: Dudek, Warnock.

We continue our countdown of 'Rafa's 100 Greatest Premier League Games' with number 81 and a Fernando Morientes inspired win over Middlesbrough from 2005.

Rafa's Reds warmed up for the World Club Championship in Japan with a hard fought victory over Middlesbrough.

Spanish star Morientes was brilliant as he showed the type of form that prompted Rafa to sign him from Real Madrid.

He netted the opening goal in the 71st minute from close range with a cool finish then produced an exquisite chip from the edge of the box for the second.

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Morientes Compilation

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Number 80

Fixture: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool
Date: 11 May 2008
Venue: White Hart Lane

Liverpool: Reina, Insua, Carragher, Skrtel, Arbeloa, Babel (Benayoun 58), Gerrard, Mascherano, Kuyt (Lucas 80), Torres, Voronin (Finnan 71).

Subs: Hyypia, Itandje.

We continue our countdown of 'Rafa's 100 Greatest Premier League Games' with number 80 and a final day win over Spurs from 2008.

Fernando Torres signed off a truly memorable debut campaign at Anfield by netting his 24th league goal of the campaign to see him overtake Ruud van Nistelrooy and become the most prolific foreigner ever in a debut season.

It was El Nino's 33rd goal overall for the Reds and on a red hot day in North London it was a perfect way to end the season.

Pepe Reina also claimed another Golden Glove for the most clean sheets and celebrated the accolade with a stunning save to deny Dimitar Berbatov in what was to be his last game for Spurs.

Andriy Voronin opened the scoring in the 68th minute before Torres made it 2-0 with a wonderful effort. The number nine also hit the bar.

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Torres Goal

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Number 79

Fixture: Liverpool 1-0 Man City
Date: 25 Nov 2006
Venue: Anfield

Liverpool: Reina, Finnan, Agger, Carragher, Hyypia, Riise, Gerrard, Zenden, Luis Garcia (Pennant 59), Crouch (Fowler 65), Kuyt (Bellamy 89).

Subs: Dudek, Paletta.

We continue our countdown of 'Rafa's 100 Greatest Premier League Games' with number 79 and a 1-0 win over Manchester City from 2006.

Steven Gerrard settled a tight game with a brilliant strike as Liverpool edged out City 1-0.

For long periods Rafa's Reds found it hard to break down City's well organised defensive rearguard, but in the 67th minute Gerrard fired a superb low drive into the Kop net.

With City pushing forward for a late equaliser Pepe Reina twice saved the day with vital saves.

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Number 78

Fixture: West Brom 0-2 Liverpool
Date: 17 May 2009
Venue: The Hawthorns

Liverpool: Reina, Insua, Agger, Carragher, Arbeloa, Benayoun (Ngog 72), Lucas, Mascherano (Alonso 51), Kuyt, Gerrard, Torres (Babel 68).

Subs: Cavalieri, Dossena, Riera, Skrtel.

We continue our countdown of 'Rafa's 100 Greatest Premier League Games' with number 78 and a victory that saw opponents West Bromwich Albion relegated.

Goals from Steven Gerrard and Dirk Kuyt ensured Liverpool ended 2008-09 with their highest ever Premier League points tally.

The skipper scored a personal best of 24 in a season when he accepted a gift from Baggies defender Shelton Martis to run through and score.

Kuyt added a brilliant second goal which was also a personal best for the Reds with a tally of 15 goals.

Ryan Babel then missed a sitter and Lucas also had a great chance to increase the scoreline, but it was a sad day for Tony Mowbray's team as they were about to prepare for life once again in the Championship.

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Kuyt And Gerrard Goals (http://seekavid.com/video/c4e060b7407971f/Liverpool-vs-West-Bromwich-Albion)

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Number 77

Fixture: Liverpool 1-0 Man City
Date: 04 May 2008
Venue: Anfield

Liverpool: Reina, Finnan, Insua, Carragher, Hyypia, Babel (Benayoun 68), Lucas (Alonso 74), Mascherano, Kuyt, Gerrard (Voronin 78), Torres.

Subs: Skrtel, Itandje.

We continue our countdown of 'Rafa's 100 Greatest Premier League Games' with number 77 and a win over Manchester City from 2008.

Fernando Torres' 32nd goal of the season ensured Liverpool ended their Anfield season on a winning note.

It was a brilliant finish from El Nino and it was a fitting strike having scored Liverpool's opening Barclays Premier League goal against Chelsea.

In the 67th minute Dietmar Hamann - on his first return to Anfield - received a standing ovation from the Kop when he came on for City.

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Number 76

Fixture: Derby County 1-2 Liverpool
Date: 26 Dec 2007
Venue: Pride Park

Liverpool: Reina, Finnan, Aurelio, Carragher, Hyypia (Benayoun 53), Riise, Alonso, Gerrard, Babel (Kuyt 71), Torres, Voronin (Lucas 90).

Subs: Mascherano, Itandje.

We continue our countdown of 'Rafa's 100 Greatest Premier League Games' with number 76 and a Boxing Day win over Derby County from 2007.

Steven Gerrard scored a dramatic last minute winner as Liverpool took all three points at Pride Park.

Fernando Torres had given the Reds the lead with a fantastic individual effort but failure to build on that let the Rams back into the game.

Jay McEveley equalised after slack marking from a free-kick in the 67th minute.

Xabi Alonso and Torres both went close before the skipper's dramatic moment of inspiration.

After a 50-yard charge down the left flank Gerrard laid the ball to Voronin but continued his run. When Torres' shot was saved he was there to bang it home and send the travelling Kop wild with delight.

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Number 75

Fixture: Norwich City 1-2 Liverpool
Date: 03 Jan 2005
Venue: Carrow Road

Liverpool: Dudek, Finnan, Warnock, Carragher, Hyypia, Riise (Traore 83), Diao, Gerrard, Nunez (Hamann 77), Luis Garcia, Mellor (Sinama-Pongolle 62).

Subs: Harrison, Raven.

We continue our countdown of 'Rafa's 100 Greatest Premier League Games' with number 75 and a win at Norwich City from 2005.

A brilliant goal from Luis Garcia was the highlight of Liverpool's winning start to 2005.

The Spanish genius produced a superb lob over Canaries goalkeeper Robert Green and into the net for the opening goal two minutes before the hour mark.

John Arne Riise netted the second from close range after Green had denied Florent Sinama-Pongolle.

Ryan Jervis pulled a spectacular goal back for Norwich but it was to be Liverpool's day and a good way to start the year ahead of a long trip back to Merseyside.

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Number 74

Fixture: West Brom 0-2 Liverpool
Date: 01 Apr 2006
Venue: The Hawthorns

Liverpool: Reina, Finnan, Riise, Carragher, Hyypia, Kewell, Alonso, Sissoko, Cisse (Kromkamp 78), Crouch (Morientes 71), Fowler (Luis Garcia 65).

Subs: Dudek, Warnock.

We continue our countdown of ’Rafa’s 100 Greatest Premier League Games’ with number 74 and a win over West Bromwich Albion from 2006.

Robbie Fowler and Djibril Cisse were on the mark as the Reds took all three points at the Hawthorns.

It only took Rafa's side six minutes to make their mark when Fowler netted and it was special goal too, as it took him ahead of King Kenny Dalglish in the club's all time goalscoring charts.

After creating the first Cisse helped himself to number two when Xabi Alonso's fantastic pass sent him clean through.

Bryan Robson's side rallied after the break but Pepe Reina stood firm as Liverpool recorded their fourth straight Barclays Premier League victory.

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Numbeer 73

Fixture: Liverpool 2-1 Reading
Date: 15 Mar 2008
Venue: Anfield

Liverpool: Reina, Aurelio, Carragher, Skrtel, Arbeloa, Babel (Riise 83), Alonso, Mascherano, Kuyt (Benayoun 81), Gerrard (Hyypia 90), Torres.

Subs: Crouch, Itandje.

We continue our countdown of ’Rafa’s 100 Greatest Premier League Games’ with number 73 and a memorable moment from Javier Mascherano against Reading.

Argentine ace Mascherano scored a stunning goal and Fernando Torres became the first Anfield player since Robbie Fowler in 1995-96 to net 20 league goals in a season.

Reading gave the Reds a tough test and silenced the home crowd within five minutes with Marek Matejovsky's stunning drive into the top corner.

The Reds were level on 19 minutes and what a strike it was when Mascherano smashed a 20-yard thunderbolt into the net.

Then, three minutes after the break Steven Gerrard's free-kick found the head of Torres who did what he does best to make it 2-1.

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Mascherano's Goal

Torres' Goal

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Number 72

Fixture: Sunderland 0-2 Liverpool
Date: 25 Aug 2007
Venue: Stadium of Light

Liverpool: Reina, Finnan, Arbeloa, Carragher (Riise 66), Hyypia (Agger 16), Babel (Kuyt 88), Alonso, Sissoko, Pennant, Torres, Voronin.

Subs: Mascherano, Itandje.

We continue our countdown of ’Rafa’s 100 Greatest Premier League Games’ with number 72 and a win over Sunderland from 2007.

Momo Sissoko scored a memorable goal as Liverpool produced an impressive performance at the Stadium of Light.

Black Cats goalkeeper Craig Gordon was in inspired form and kept out the Reds until Sissoko drilled home a low shot in the 37th minute.

Andriy Voronin added a late second goal after excellent play involving Babel, Pennant and Torres.

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Sissoko's Goal

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Number 71

Fixture: Wigan 0-1 Liverpool
Date: 11 Feb 2006
Venue: JJB Stadium

Liverpool: Dudek, Finnan, Riise, Carragher, Hyypia, Kewell, Alonso, Hamann, Gerrard (c), Fowler (Kromkamp 66), Morientes (Cisse 71).

Subs: Carson, Sissoko, Traore.

We continue our countdown of ’Rafa’s 100 Greatest Premier League Games’ with number 71 and a Sami Hyypia inspired win over Wigan Athletic from 2006.

A first half strike from Finnish ace Hyypia gave the Reds a 1-0 victory over the Latics at the JJB.

After two successive 2-0 defeats at Chelsea and Charlton Athletic Rafa's Reds returned to winning ways as they battled to three points.

Wigan's pitch wasn't the best and quickly cut up from the kick-off but Liverpool always looked the side capable of scoring.

However when they did find the breakthrough it wasn't a striker on the mark. Jamie Carragher turned provider for Hyypia to slot home the only goal of the game.

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RAFA'S 100 GREATEST PREMIER LEAGUE GAMES

SO FAR...

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100. Liverpool 3-0 Norwich. (25 Sep 2004)

99. Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea. (19 Aug 2007)

98. Bolton 0-2 Liverpool. (15 Nov 2008)

97. Liverpool 2-0 Watford. (23 Dec 2006)

96. Liverpool 3-0 Bolton. (1 Jan 2007)

95. Bolton 1-3 Liverpool. (2 Mar 2008)

94. Liverpool 1-0 Portsmouth. (29 Oct 2008)

93. Liverpool 2-0 Reading. (4 Nov 2006)

92. Wigan 0-1 Liverpool. (29 Sep 2007)

91. Liverpool 2-1 West Ham. (26 Aug 2006)

90. Liverpool 1-0 Man City. (26 Feb 2006)

89. Liverpool 2-0 Charlton. (23 Oct 2004)

88. Liverpool 1-0 Southampton. (28 Dec 2004)

87. Sunderland 0-1 Liverpool. (16 Aug 2008)

86. Man City 0-1 Liverpool. (26 Nov 2005)

85. Liverpool 2-2 Tottenham. (7 Oct 2007)

84. Tottenham 0-1 Liverpool. (30 Dec 2006)

83. Liverpool 2-0 Newcastle. (26 Dec 2005)

82. Fulham 0-2 Liverpool. (19 Apr 2008)

81. Liverpool 2-0 Middlesbrough. (10 Dec 2005)

80. Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool. (11 May 2008)

79. Liverpool 1-0 Man City. (25 Nov 2006)

78. West Brom 0-2 Liverpool. (17 May 2009)

77. Liverpool 1-0 Man City. (4 May 2008)

76. Derby 1-2 Liverpool. (26 Dec 2007)

75. Norwich 1-2 Liverpool. (3 Jan 2005)

74. West Brom 0-2 Liverpool. (1 Apr 2006)

73. Liverpool 2-1 Reading. (15 Mar 2008)

72. Sunderland 0-2 Liverpool. (26 Aug 2007)

71. Wigan 0-1 Liverpool. (11 Feb 2006)

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Number 70

Fixture: Blackburn 2-2 Liverpool
Date: 30 Oct 2004
Venue: Ewood Park

Liverpool: Kirkland, Traore, Carragher, Hyypia, Josemi, Riise, Alonso, Hamann (Diao 80), Finnan (Kewell 55), Baros, Cisse (Luis Garcia 39).

Subs: Dudek, Warnock.

We continue our countdown of ’Rafa’s 100 Greatest Premier League Games’ with number 70 and a thrilling draw with Blackburn Rovers from 2004.

Djibril Cisse sustained a broken leg as Liverpool were held to a 2-2 draw at Blackburn Rovers.

The club's record signing was taken to hospital after falling awkwardly in the first half.

Things had started so well for the Reds when John Arne Riise fired the opening goal in the seventh minute after Xabi Alonso's sensational pass split the Blackburn rearguard.

Jay Bothroyd then equalised from close range before Brett Emerton made it 2-1 on the stroke of half-time.

It was left for Milan Baros to rescue a point for Liverpool when he raced through onto Luis Garcia's inviting pass.

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Riise's Goal

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Number 69

Fixture: Liverpool 2-0 Newcastle
Date: 20 Sep 2006
Venue: Anfield

Liverpool: Reina, Finnan, Aurelio, Agger, Carragher, Luis Garcia, Alonso, Sissoko, Gerrard (Gonzalez 86), Bellamy, Kuyt (Crouch 82).

Subs: Dudek, Hyypia, Warnock.

We continue our countdown of ’Rafa’s 100 Greatest Premier League Games’ with number 69 and Xabi Alonso’s amazing goal v Newcastle United.

Spanish midfield maestro Alonso scored a truly unforgettable goal during a comfortable victory over the Toon Army.

Dispossessing Charles N'Zogbia about 60-yards out, our number 14 spotted Steve Harper off his line and floated a delightful dipping effort high into the Kop net.

It was a wonderful moment and even Pepe Reina joined in the jubilant celebrations.

Dirk Kuyt also netted his first ever goal for the Reds with a great finish from close range.

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Alonso's Goal

Kuyt's Goal

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Number 68

Fixture: West Ham 1-2 Liverpool
Date: 30 Jan 2007
Venue: Upton Park

Liverpool: Reina, Riise, Agger, Carragher, Hyypia, Finnan, Alonso, Kuyt (Fowler 90), Gerrard, Bellamy (Gonzalez 85), Crouch (Pennant 70).

Subs: Dudek, Zenden.

We continue our countdown of ’Rafa’s 100 Greatest Premier League Games’ with number 68 and the night we burst West Ham’s bubbles.

Spectacular goals from Dirk Kuyt and Peter Crouch earned Rafa's Reds a 2-1 victory over West Ham at Upton Park.

After a goalless first half, Liverpool made the perfect start to the second. Kuyt spectacularly broke the deadlock 14 seconds after the restart with a dipping shot from 25 yards out that sailed over the head of Roy Carroll and into the roof of the net.

Crouch doubled the advantage seven minutes later, emphatically finishing a flowing move with a powerful side-footed strike from the edge of the box that nestled sweetly into the top corner.

Substitute Kepa Blanco pulled a goal back for the Hammers but it was a deserved win for Liverpool.

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Kuyt's Goal

Crouch Goal

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Number 67

Fixture: Reading 1-2 Liverpool
Date: 04 Apr 2007
Venue: Madejski Stadium

Liverpool: Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher, Hyypia, Finnan, Gonzalez (Riise 79), Mascherano, Sissoko, Gerrard, Bellamy (Kuyt 50), Crouch (Pennant 65)

Subs: Agger, Dudek.

We continue our countdown of ’Rafa’s 100 Greatest Premier League Games’ with number 67 and a brilliant goal from Alvaro Arbeloa.

Dirk Kuyt came off the bench to head home the winner and Arbeloa scored a memorable goal in a hard-fought 2-1 win over Reading.

Collecting Peter Crouch's defence splitting pass, the right back produced the type of finish any top striker would be proud of.

Two minutes after the break Reading were level when Brynjar Gunnarsson slotted home from close range.

Benitez then made a tactical change replacing Craig Bellamy with Kuyt and the move worked a treat.

With five minutes left on the clock fellow sub Jermaine Pennant’s pinpoint right wing cross found the head of Kuyt who glanced the ball into the net for the winner.


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