Rafa's 100 Greatest Premier League Games

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Number 66

Fixture: Charlton 1-2 Liverpool
Date: 01 Feb 2005
Venue: The Valley

Liverpool: Dudek, Traore, Carragher, Hyypia, Finnan, Riise (Warnock 90), Biscan, Gerrard, Luis Garcia (Potter 90), Baros, Morientes (Smicer 88).

Subs: Carson, Pellegrino.

We continue our countdown of ’Rafa’s 100 Greatest Premier League Games’ with number 66 and two superb goals from Fernando Morientes and John Arne Riise at Charlton.

Liverpool produced a great comeback to get back to winning ways in the top-flight with a 2-1 win over Charlton Athletic at The Valley.

Rafa's Reds went into this game on the back of two defeats against Manchester United and Southampton and nerves were tested when Shaun Bartlett gave the Addicks a 21st minute lead.

Just past the hour mark Liverpool were level when Morientes curled home a fantastic effort. It was the Spaniard's first goal in a red shirt and one he clearly enjoyed.

The former Real Madrid man then turned provider for Riise to fire home an 80th minute winner.

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Goal In The First 30 Seconds

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Number 65

Fixture: Liverpool 2-0 Middlesbrough
Date: 18 Apr 2007
Venue: Anfield

Liverpool: Reina, Riise, Agger, Carragher, Arbeloa, Zenden, Mascherano, Sissoko (Kuyt 52), Pennant, Crouch, Gerrard (Gonzalez 87).

Subs: Dudek, Fowler, Hyypia.

We continue our countdown of ’Rafa’s 100 Greatest Premier League Games’ with number 65 and a Steven Gerrard inspired win over Middlesbrough from 2007.

A fantastic strike from the inspirational Gerrard saw Liverpool on their way to three points against a Middlesbrough outfit who came to Anfield looking for a draw.

The first 57 minutes were frustrating for the Reds who just couldn't break through, but a minute later the skipper sent a thundering effort from 30-yards out sailing into the Kop net.

Gerrard then put a penalty away after Peter Crouch was fouled and there was to be no way back for 'Boro.

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Number 64

Fixture: Liverpool 2-0 West Ham
Date: 29 Oct 2005
Venue: Anfield

Liverpool: Reina, Riise, Carragher, Hyypia, Finnan, Luis Garcia, Alonso, Gerrard, Sissoko, Cisse (Zenden 73), Morientes (Crouch 90).

Subs: Carson, Hamann, Warnock.

We continue our countdown of 'Rafa's 100 Greatest Premier League Games' with number 64 and a 2-0 win over the Hammers from 2005.

Rafa's Reds returned to winning ways with a comfortable victory over West Ham United at Anfield.

Coming into the game on the back of defeats by Fulham and Crystal Palace, Liverpool took the game to the Hammers and were worthy winners.

Xabi Alonso opened the scoring with a brilliant curling drive and substitute Bolo Zenden made it 2-0.

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Alonso Goal

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Number 63

Fixture: Liverpool 2-2 Hull City
Date: 13 Dec 2008
Venue: Anfield

Liverpool: Reina, Dossena, Carragher, Hyypia, Arbeloa, Riera (Babel 82), Alonso, Mascherano (Lucas 87), Benayoun (El Zhar 75), Gerrard, Kuyt.

Subs: Agger, Cavalieri, Keane, Ngog.

We continue our countdown of 'Rafa's 100 Greatest Premier League Games' with number 63 and a Steven Gerrard inspired comeback v Hull City from 2008.

Liverpool went two points clear at the top of the Barclays Premier League but they had their inspirational skipper to thank for rescuing a point against newly promoted Hull City.

Inspired by a tremendous away support at Anfield the Tigers took the game to Liverpool and with right winger Bernard Mendy giving Andrea Dossena a tough time they took a 2-0 lead.

The first goal came when Paul McShane out-jumped Dossena to steer a header into the top corner of Pepe Reina's net and stun the home crowd.

Mendy then raced past Dossena and from his cross Jamie Carragher could only divert the ball into the back of his own net.

Liverpool needed inspiration and that man Gerrard once again provided it with two great finishes.

The Reds then had some great chances towards the end of the first half to take the lead but Hull held on and in the end probably deserved a share of the spoils.

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Number 62

Fixture: Aston Villa 0-2 Liverpool
Date: 05 Nov 2005
Venue: Villa Park

Liverpool: Reina, Riise, Carragher, Hyypia, Finnan, Luis Garcia (Zenden 57), Alonso, Sissoko, Gerrard, Cisse, Morientes (Crouch 69).

Subs: Dudek, Kewell, Warnock.

We continue our countdown of 'Rafa's 100 Greatest Premier League Games' with number 62 and a late victory at Villa Park from 2005.

Two goals in the final six minutes of the game saw Liverpool claim their first away victory of the season.

Things looked to be heading for a goalless draw until substitute Peter Crouch, who made a big impression, was fouled and Steven Gerrard converted an 84th minute penalty.

It was an appropriate goal for the skipper who was making his 300th appearance for the club.

Xabi Alonso made it 2-0 in the final minute with a superb low shot.

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Number 61

Fixture: Liverpool 2-0 Wigan Athletic
Date: 21 Apr 2007
Venue: Anfield

Liverpool: Reina, Riise, Carragher (Agger 74), Hyypia, Arbeloa, Gonzalez, Alonso, Zenden (Gerrard 71), Pennant, Crouch (Bellamy 63), Kuyt.

Subs: Dudek, Mascherano.

We continue our countdown of 'Rafa's 100 Greatest Premier League Games' with number 61 and a Dirk Kuyt inspired victory over Wigan Athletic from 2007.

Liverpool secured Champions League football for next season thanks to Kuyt's double against the Latics.

With Steven Gerrard rested on the bench ahead of the Champions League semi-final with Chelsea the Dutchman took centre stage and was in terrific form.

He headed home Jermaine Pennant's cross for the opening goal after 29 minutes and then drove home his second in the 68th minute.

Kuyt was then denied a hat-trick by a fine stop from John Filan and Gerrard fired an effort just wide.

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Kuyt's Second

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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)

70. Blackburn 2-2 Liverpool. (30 Oct 2004)

69. Liverpool 2-0 Newcastle. (20 Sep 2006)

68. West Ham 1-2 Liverpool. (30 Jan 2007)

67. Reading 1-2 Liverpool. (7 Apr 2007)

66. Charlton 1-2 Liverpool. (1 Feb 2005)

65. Liverpool 2-0 Middlesbrough. (18 Apr 2007)

64. Liverpool 2-0 West Ham. (29 Oct 2005)

63. Liverpool 2-2 Hull City. (13 Dec 2008)

62. Aston Villa 0-2 Liverpool. (5 Nov 2005)

61. Liverpool 2-0 Wigan. (21 Apr 2007)

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Number 60

Fixture: Liverpool 2-1 Manchester City
Date: 21 Aug 2004
Venue: Anfield

Liverpool: Dudek, Riise, Carragher, Hyypia, Josemi (Diao 62), Kewell (Biscan 90), Gerrard, Hamann, Finnan (Warnock 78), Baros, Cisse.

Subs: Harrison, Sinama Pongolle.

We continue our countdown of 'Rafa's 100 Greatest Premier League Games' with number 60 and a win over Manchester City from 2004.

Rafa got the three points he wanted in his first home game in charge as Liverpool produced a great comeback to take all three points.

The manager received a fantastic ovation from the Kop but things at first didn't go according to script as City led 1-0 with a goal on the stroke of half-time from former Anfield No.9 Nicolas Anelka.

However, the Reds,inspired by Steven Gerrard, turned the game around.

Milan Baros equalised three minutes into the second half with a great finish and after keeping up the pressure the second goal arrived in the 75th minute when Gerrard slotted home.

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Number 59

Fixture: Liverpool 2-0 Sunderland
Date: 03 Mar 2009
Venue: Anfield

Liverpool: Reina, Insua, Carragher, Skrtel, Mascherano, Riera, Alonso, Gerrard (Babel 82), Benayoun (El Zhar 90), Kuyt, Ngog (Lucas 70).

Subs: Aurelio, Cavalieri, Dossena, Hyypia.

We continue our countdown of 'Rafa's 100 Greatest Premier League Games' with number 59 and a win over Sunderland from 2009.

David Ngog celebrated his first home start in the top-flight with a goal as Liverpool beat the Black Cats at Anfield.

With Alvaro Arbeloa and Stephen Darby out injured, Javier Mascherano filled in as an emergency right back.

Things could have been different when Kenwyne Jones found himself clean through on goal in the first half but Pepe Reina denied him at the Kop end.

That was to be a big turning point because from that point onwards the Reds dominated proceedings.

The breakthrough arrived on 52 minutes when Steven Gerrard set up Ngog for the opener, and Yossi Benayoun then headed home from a weak Marton Fulop save to secure the win 14 minutes later.

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Ngog And Benayoun's Goals

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Number 58

Fixture: Liverpool 2-1 Middlesbrough
Date: 23 Aug 2008
Venue: Anfield

Liverpool: Reina, Dossena (Aurelio 75), Carragher, Skrtel, Arbeloa (El Zhar 83), Benayoun (Babel 65), Alonso, Gerrard, Kuyt, Keane, Torres.

Subs: Agger, Cavalieri, Ngog, Plessis.

We continue our countdown of 'Rafa's 100 Greatest Premier League Games' with number 58 and a dramatic win over Middlesbrough from 2008.

A fantastic last minute winner from Steven Gerrard gave Liverpool three priceless points against Middlesbrough at Anfield.

Leading by a 70th minute strike from Mido, 'Boro thought they were heading for a famous victory, but those two local heroes Jamie Carragher and Gerrard had other ideas.

With five minutes remaining Carragher equalised with a deflected shot.

Then, in injury-time, Gerrard seized on a loose ball on the edge of the area to curl home a magnificent winner and send the home support into ecstasy.

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Full Liverpool-Middlesbrough Highlights

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Number 57

Fixture: Sunderland 0-2 Liverpool
Date: 30 Nov 2005
Venue: Stadium of Light

Liverpool: Reina, Riise (Warnock 90), Carragher, Hyypia, Finnan, Luis Garcia, Alonso, Sissoko, Gerrard, Crouch (Traore 79), Morientes (Kewell 61).

Subs: Carson, Sinama-Pongolle.

We continue our countdown of 'Rafa's 100 Greatest Premier League Games' with number 57 and a win at Sunderland from 2005.

Rafa's Reds extended their unbeaten run to seven games after first half goals from Luis Garcia and Steven Gerrard saw off the challenge of Sunderland.

Xabi Alonso was the architect of the victory with two fine through passes that led to cool finishes from Garcia and Gerrard.

The Reds also ended the game with 10 men when Momo Sissoko was sent-off but a dramatic collapse was never in doubt.

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Alonso Assists On Both Gerrard And Garcia Goals

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Number 56

Fixture: Liverpool 2-0 Fulham
Date: 10 Nov 2007
Venue: Anfield

Liverpool: Reina, Aurelio, Carragher, Hyypia, Arbeloa, Riise (Babel 63), Gerrard, Mascherano (Lucas 81), Benayoun, Crouch, Voronin (Torres 71).

Subs: Finnan, Martin.

We continue our countdown of 'Rafa's 100 Greatest Premier League Games' with number 56 and a Fernando Torres inspired win over Fulham from 2007.

El Nino came off the bench to sink Fulham as Liverpool produced the late, late show at Anfield.

Lawrie Sanchez's outfit came to frustrate and the Reds found it hard to break them down before the arrival of a certain number nine.

Entering the field as a 71st minute substitute for Andriy Voronin, Torres scored a brilliant goal in the 81st minute at the Kop end to break the deadlock.

Steven Gerrard added a penalty four minutes later after Peter Crouch was fouled.

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Torres Goal

Gerrard Penalty

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Number 55

Fixture: West Ham 1-2 Liverpool
Date: 26 Apr 2006
Venue: Upton Park

Liverpool: Dudek, Warnock, Carragher, Traore, Finnan (Hyypia 63), Hamann, Sissoko, Kromkamp, Cisse, Fowler (Luis Garcia 82), Morientes (Riise 85).

Subs: Alonso, Reina.

We continue our countdown of 'Rafa's 100 Greatest Premier League Games' with number 55 and a win over the Hammers from 2006.

Two goals from Djibril Cisse earned Liverpool three points in the dress rehearsal for the FA Cup final but there was heartbreak for Luis Garcia.

The Spanish ace only came on as an 82nd minute substitute but was promptly sent-off after an altercation with Hayden Mullins and both players were ruled out of the showpiece event because of suspension.

Xabi Alonso and Pepe Reina were substitutes while Steven Gerrard also missed the game as Rafa kept his big-game stars fresh for Cardiff.

Cisse gave the Reds the lead after 19 minutes with a superb strike from 25-yards out but Nigel Reo-Coker equalised two minutes after the restart.

Robbie Fowler was the provider for the winner when he sent Cisse racing clear and the French star found the net.

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Number 54

Fixture: Hull City 1-3 Liverpool
Date: 25 Apr 2009
Venue: KC Stadium

Liverpool: Reina, Insua, Carragher, Skrtel, Arbeloa, Benayoun (Agger 88), Alonso, Mascherano (El Zhar 83), Kuyt (Dossena 89), Luca, Torres.

Subs: Aurelio, Cavalieri, Ngog, Riera.

We continue our countdown of 'Rafa's 100 Greatest Premier League Games' with number 54 and a win over Hull City from 2009.

Dirk Kuyt scored twice as Liverpool kept up their title challenge with a 3-1 win at Hull City.

The Reds were not at their best but they dug deep and worked hard for the three points.

Xabi Alonso opened the scoring with a fantastic strike after his initial free-kick was blocked, then two opportunist goals from Kuyt in the second half made sure of the three points.

Geovanni had earlier pulled a goal back for the Tigers who also had Republic of Ireland international striker Caleb Folan sent-off for a challenge on Martin Skrtel.

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Goals

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Number 53

Fixture: Blackburn Rovers 1-3 Liverpool
Date: 06 Dec 2008
Venue: Ewood Park

Liverpool: Reina, Insua, Carragher, Hyypia, Arbeloa, Babel (El Zhar 64), Alonso, Mascherano (Lucas 83), Benayoun (Riera 87), Gerrard, Kuyt.

Subs: Agger, Cavalieri, Dossena, Keane.

We continue our countdown of 'Rafa's 100 Greatest Premier League Games' with number 53 and a win at Blackburn Rovers from 2008.

Xabi Alonso and Yossi Benayoun scored brilliant goals as Liverpool got their title race back on track with a 3-1 win over Blackburn Rovers on a freezing December afternoon at Ewood Park.

After two successive 0-0 stalemates against Fulham and West Ham United the Reds got the three points they badly needed.

Alonso netted the opener after 68 minutes with a low drilled shot and Benayoun made it 2-0 with a great finish from a tight angle.

Although Roque Santa Cruz pulled a goal back Albert Riera set up Steven Gerrard to make it 3-1 in the last minute.

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Number 52

Fixture: Liverpool 3-1 Aston Villa
Date: 28 Oct 2006
Venue: Anfield

Liverpool: Reina, Riise, Carragher, Hyypia, Finnan, Luis Garcia (Zenden 77), Alonso, Sissoko, Gerrard (Fowler 82), Crouch (Pennant 76), Kuyt.

Subs: Agger, Martin.

We continue our countdown of 'Rafa's 100 Greatest Premier League Games' with number 52 and a superb display against Aston Villa from 2006.

Three goals in 12 first-half minutes was the highlight of an impressive 3-1 win over Aston Villa.

With Luis Garcia running the show Rafa's Reds produced some great attacking football.

Dirk Kuyt netted the opening goal when he controlled the ball on his chest before unleashing an unstoppable right-foot drive into the far bottom corner.

Peter Crouch soon made it 2-0 when he got on the end of a Steve Finnan cross and sent a sublime curling volley sweetly into the bottom left corner of Thomas Sorensen's net.

The third goal came from a superb team move. Steven Gerrard, Momo Sissoko and Crouch were all involved with quick, sharp passes that ended with Luis Garcia coolly sliding the ball under the advancing Villa keeper.

Gabriel Agbonlahor pulled a goal back in the second half and Pepe Reina made a fine save from Chris Sutton, but it was to be Liverpool's day.

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Number 51

Fixture: Liverpool 3-0 Newcastle United
Date: 03 May 2009
Venue: Anfield

Liverpool: Reina, Aurelio, Agger, Carragher, Arbeloa, Riera (Babel 63), Alonso (Lucas 79), Mascherano (Ngog 88), Benayoun, Gerrard, Kuyt.

Subs: Cavalieri, Dossena, El Zhar, Skrtel

We continue our countdown of 'Rafa's 100 Greatest Premier League Games' with number 51 and an impressive win over Newcastle United from 2009.

Goals from Yossi Benayoun, Dirk Kuyt and Lucas ensured Liverpool kept up the pressure at the top on Manchester United.

Rafa welcomed back Steven Gerrard after four games out through injury, while Alan Shearer's Newcastle had Michael Owen on the bench.

Liverpool dominated and after 28 minutes the game was effectively over thanks to goals from Benayoun and Kuyt.

Joey Barton was then sent-off for a disgraceful challenge on Xabi Alonso and substitute Lucas headed in goal number three.

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Goals And Highlights

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Number 50

Fixture: Liverpool 3-0 West Brom
Date: 11 Sep 2004
Venue: Anfield

Liverpool: Dudek, Finnan, Riise, Carragher, Hyypia, Josemi, Kewell (Baros 67), Gerrard (Alonso 65), Hamann, Cisse, Luis Garcia (Traore 74).

Subs: Diao, Luzi.

We continue our countdown of 'Rafa's 100 Greatest Premier League Games' with number 50 and the Anfield debuts of Xabi Alonso and Luis Garcia.

Steve Finnan scored a memorable goal at the Kop end as Rafa's Reds cruised past the Baggies at Anfield.

Steven Gerrard opened the scoring after great work from Luis Garcia.

The Spanish maestro delighted the crowd as he linked the play from midfield to attack, creating a series of openings with his sharp passing game.

Finnan then got in on the act with a superb finish to make it 2-0 before Luis Garcia got a deserved goal.

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Gerrard Goal

Finnan Goal

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Number 49

Fixture: Liverpool 3-1 Aston Villa
Date: 29 Apr 2006
Venue: Anfield

Liverpool: Reina, Traore, Carragher, Hyypia, Kromkamp, Riise (Warnock 74), Alonso, Gerrard, Cisse (Sissoko 65), Crouch (Fowler 62), Morientes.

Subs: Agger, Dudek.

We continue our countdown of 'Rafa's 100 Greatest Premier League Games' with number 49 and an amazing goal from Steven Gerrard against Aston Villa.

FA Cup finalists Liverpool warmed up in fine style with a superb display against Villa.

Fernando Morientes netted the opening goal inside the first five minutes with a cool finish, but Villa came back and equalised through Gareth Barry just before the hour mark.

Within minutes Gerrard fired the Reds back into the lead and then added a third with an absolute belter.

From 30-yards out the inspirational number eight fired home an unstoppable drive into the top corner of the Kop net.

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Gerrard Goal

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Number 48

Fixture: Charlton 0-3 Liverpool
Date: 16 Dec 2006
Venue: The Valley

Liverpool: Reina, Riise, Carragher, Hyypia, Finnan, Gonzalez (Luis Garcia 67), Alonso, Gerrard, Pennant (Crouch 83), Bellamy, Kuyt (Aurelio 77).

Subs: Agger, Dudek.

We continue our countdown of 'Rafa's 100 Greatest Premier League Games' with number 48 and a 3-0 win at Charlton Athletic from 2006.

Steven Gerrard scored a superb goal as Liverpool turned on the style at the Valley.

Rafa's Reds took the lead after just three minutes when our former defender Djimi Traore fouled Jermaine Pennant and Xabi Alonso coolly put away the spot kick.

Craig Bellamy made it 2-0 after 83 minutes with a great strike and Gerrard sealed the three points with a fantastic curler.

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Liverpool-Charlton Highlights