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. [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNCCQ1W4LfI"]Alonso Assists On Both Gerrard And Garcia Goals[/ame]
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. [ame="http://www.metacafe.com/watch/913840/liverpool_vs_fulham_fernando_torres_goal_81st_min/"]Torres Goal[/ame] [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KT9s2uefVUk"]Gerrard Penalty[/ame]
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.
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. [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWZfE2kk3Lw"]Goals[/ame]
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.
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.
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. [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGqKWTAJmjA"]Goals And Highlights[/ame]
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. [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sgwKEBwhjjM"]Gerrard Goal[/ame] [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ZJ6BBa8_9g"]Finnan Goal[/ame]
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. [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgYuN4qec_k"]Gerrard Goal[/ame]
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. [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PueFC1bGj2s"]Liverpool-Charlton Highlights[/ame]
Number 47 Fixture: Liverpool 3-1 Fulham Date: 05 Feb 2005 Venue: Anfield Liverpool: Dudek, Traore, Carragher, Hyypia, Finnan, Riise (Warnock 89), Biscan (Hamann 65), Gerrard, Luis Garcia, Baros (Smicer 82), Morientes. Subs: Carson, Pellegrino. We continue our countdown of 'Rafa's 100 Greatest Premier League Games' with number 47 and a 3-1 win over Fulham from 2005. Fernando Morientes scored a fantastic header as Liverpool beat Fulham at Anfield. The former Real Madrid man gave the Reds the lead when he met Luis Garcia's inviting cross and powered a header beyond the reach of Edwin Van Der Sar. Andy Cole equalised for Fulham but the Rafa Benitez's side sealed the points with a determined second half display. Sami Hyypia made it 2-1 with a great header from Steven Gerrard's cross and Milan Baros made certain of the points when he put a finish to John Arne Riise's cross. [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arGb2-B3RE8"]Hyypia Goal[/ame]
Number 46 Fixture: Liverpool 3-0 Tottenham Date: 23 Sep 2006 Venue: Anfield Liverpool: Reina, Riise, Agger, Hyypia, Finnan, Gonzalez (Aurelio 77), Alonso (Carragher 84), Sissoko, Gerrard, Bellamy (Luis Garcia 69), Kuyt. Subs: Crouch, Dudek. We continue our countdown of 'Rafa's 100 Greatest Premier League Games' with number 46 and a 3-1 win over Tottenham from 2006 featuring a brilliant goal from John Arne Riise. Liverpool produced a superb second half performance to sink Spurs at Anfield. After a goalless first half the Reds roared into action and laid siege to Paul Robinson's goal as they attacked the Kop. Mark Gonzalez opened the scoring after Craig Bellamy had hit the post. Dirk Kuyt made it 2-0 with a crisp finish after a through ball from Luis Garcia. Then in the final minute Riise made it 3-0 with a 30-yard blockbuster. [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gTiU1ZshqFQ"]Gonzalez Goal[/ame] [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4bAHUTQS7EQ"]Kuyt Goal[/ame] [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujzUDshyXuc"]Riise Goal[/ame]
Number 45 Fixture: Liverpool 3-0 Portsmouth Date: 19 Nov 2005 Venue: Anfield Liverpool: Reina, Warnock, Carragher, Hyypia, Finnan, Zenden, Gerrard (Josemi 83), Hamann, Garcia (Morientes 22), Cisse (Alonso 69), Crouch. Subs: Dudek, Traore. We continue our countdown of 'Rafa's 100 Greatest Premier League Games' with number 45 and a win over Portsmouth from 2005. Peter Crouch missed a penalty as he continued his much-publicised goal drought, but strikes from Bolo Zenden, Djibril Cisse and Fernando Morientes gave the Reds all three points. The opening goal came after Crouch saw his penalty saved and Zenden followed up to score. Cisse doubled the lead after 38 minutes when his cross turned shot from the right deceived Jamie Ashdown and flew into the top corner of the Kop net. Substitute Morientes added a third goal and only the heroics of Ashdown denied the Reds from increasing their lead.
Number 44 Fixture: Liverpool 3-1 Newcastle United Date: 19 Dec 2004 Venue: Anfield Liverpool: Dudek, Riise, Carragher, Hyypia, Finnan, Kewell (Traore 85), Alonso, Gerrard, Luis Garcia (Nunez 73), Baros, Mellor (Sinama-Pongolle 75). Subs: Hamann, Harrison. We continue our countdown of 'Rafa's 100 Greatest Premier League Games' with number 44 and a win over Newcastle United just before Christmas 2004. A freezing Anfield crowd were suitably warmed up by an impressive Liverpool display against the Geordies. Despite going behind to a controversial goal when a clearly offside Patrick Kluivert slotted home, the Reds responded well with the front pairing of Milan Baros and Neil Mellor causing all sorts of problems. Titus Bramble equalised for Liverpool when he headed into his own net at the Kop end from a corner and Mellor made it 2-1 with a cool finish. Baros made it 3-1 when he raced onto a Harry Kewell throughball, rounded Shay Given and hit home at the Anfield Road end. It was an unhappy return for Graeme Souness who saw his side reduced to 10 men following a nasty challenge from Lee Bowyer. [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajepN0WUVWo"]Mellor's Goal[/ame]
Number 43 Fixture: Liverpool 3-0 Wigan Athletic Date: 03 Dec 2005 Venue: Anfield Liverpool: Reina, Warnock, Carragher, Hyypia, Finnan, Kewell (Riise 62), Alonso (Hamann 67), Gerrard, Luis Garcia, Crouch (Cisse 74), Morientes. Subs: Carson, Josemi. We continue our countdown of 'Rafa's 100 Greatest Premier League Games' with number 43 and a memorable day for Peter Crouch against Wigan in 2005. Crouch ended his much-publicised goal drought in style by bagging a brace as Liverpool turned on the style against Wigan at Anfield. The dubious goals committee even tried to take the opening goal off him when he found the net with a deflected strike from 20-yards out. A terrific roar greeted the goal and Crouch ran half the length of the pitch in celebration before being mobbed by his teammates and saluting an ecstatic Kop. There was no doubting his second goal though three minutes before the break, when he kept his composure to delightfully lob the advancing keeper. Luis Garcia added a third goal in the second half but the day belonged to Crouch. [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ByHt7zgLUvU"]Crouch's Two Goals At Beginning Of Vid[/ame]
Number 42 We continue our countdown of 'Rafa's 100 Greatest Premier League Games' with number 42 and a memorable day for Milan Baros against Crystal Palace in 2004. Liverpool saw off the challenge of Palace thanks to hat-trick hero Baros. The Czech striker was on fire against the Eagles and it was a thrilling encounter. Baros opened the scoring from the penalty spot before Joonas Kolkka equalised after 44 minutes. However, a minute later Baros made it 2-1 to give the Reds a half-time lead. Slack defending saw Palace go back in front thanks to a free header from Michael Hughes, but in the last minute Baros was brought down and he converted the resulting penalty at the Kop end to seal a 3-2 win.
Number 41 Fixture: Liverpool 3-0 Bolton Wanderers Date: 26 Dec 2008 Venue: Anfield Liverpool: Reina, Insua, Agger, Hyypia, Carragher, Riera (El Zhar 69), Alonso, Gerrard (Lucas 73), Benayoun, Keane, Kuyt (Ngog 77). Subs: Babel, Cavalieri, Darby, Mascherano. We continue our countdown of 'Rafa's 100 Greatest Premier League Games' with number 41 and a memorable Boxing Day for Robbie Keane. Republic of Ireland star Keane fired a second half double as Liverpool produced a superb display to sink Bolton Wanderers. Fresh from his superb goal in the 1-1 draw with Arsenal, the number seven showed the form that prompted Rafa to bring him to Anfield. Albert Riera opened the scoring with a terrific finish from a Steven Gerrard corner and in the second half Keane and Liverpool showed their class. Keane fired two goals in six minutes to put an end to a run of three straight league draws on home soil, and it was a happy day all round as Rafa returned to Anfield following his illness. [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1Qq1QLTr_s"]Riera Goal[/ame]
Number 40 Fixture: Portsmouth 2-3 Liverpool Date: 07 Feb 2009 Venue: Fratton Park Liverpool: Reina, Agger, Carragher, Skrtel, Arbeloa, Dossena (Alonso 66), Aurelio, Mascherano, Benayoun, Babel (Torres 76), Ngog (Kuyt 55). Subs: Cavalieri, El Zhar, Hyypia, Riera. We continue our countdown of 'Rafa's 100 Greatest Premier League Games' with number 40 and a thrilling victory on the South Coast. Fernando Torres came off the bench to score a dramatic injury time winner as Liverpool gained a vital three points at Fratton Park. The Reds twice came from behind through Fabio Aurelio and Dirk Kuyt before El Nino's ninth goal of the season saw them temporarily leapfrog Manchester United at the top of the Barclays Premier League. Eyebrows were raised at the start of the game when Rafa left Torres, Xabi Alonso, Kuyt and Albert Riera on the bench. Without injured skipper Steven Gerrard, Aurelio played in an experimental central midfield role. David Nugent gave Pompey the lead but Aurelio equalised direct from a fantastic free-kick. Hermann Hreidarsson restored Pompey’s lead with an unmarked header on 77 minutes before the late drama unfolded. Kuyt equalised with a fantastic strike on 84 minutes before Yossi Benayoun created the winner. His superb left wing cross was met by the head of Torres who powered the ball beyond the reach of David James for 3-2. [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5jv6kIlij0"]All LFC & Pompey Goals[/ame]
Number 39 Fixture: Liverpool 1-0 Arsenal Date: 14 Feb 2009 Venue: Anfield Liverpool: Dudek, Riise, Carragher, Hyypia, Finnan, Kewell, Alonso (Hamann 74), Sissoko (Luis Garcia 84), Gerrard, Fowler (Cisse 80), Morientes. Subs: Carson, Traore. We continue our countdown of 'Rafa's 100 Greatest Premier League Games' with number 39 and a Valentine's day to remember from Luis Garcia. Luis Garcia came off the bench to score the winner three minutes from time. The number 10 had only been on the field a matter of minutes when he converted from close-range to seal a well-deserved 1-0 victory for the Reds. Steven Gerrard had earlier saw his 32nd minute penalty-kick saved by Jens Lehman and despite enjoying near total domination it looked like being another frustrating night in front of goal as a succession of chances went begging until the diminutive Spaniard intervened. It was a fitting performance on the night a new generation of Liverpool fans remembered the amazing achievements of former manager Bob Paisley. On the 10th anniversary of his death, Paisley's memory was honoured with a rapturous round of applause prior to kick-off. [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-zUVB5fZcM"]Garcia Goal[/ame]
Number 38 Fixture: Liverpool 3-1 Blackburn Date: 13 Apr 2008 Venue: Anfield Liverpool: Reina, Aurelio, Carragher, Skrtel, Arbeloa, Babel (Benayoun 59), Alonso (Riise 88), Lucas, Kuyt, Gerrard, Torres (Voronin 85). Subs: Hyypia, Itandje. We continue our countdown of ’Rafa’s 100 Greatest Premier League Games’ with number 38 and a special day for Fernando Torres against Blackburn in 2008. El Nino become the first player in Liverpool history to net in seven successive top-flight games at Anfield as the Reds saw off the challenge of Blackburn Rovers. Torres' 30th goal of the season arrived in the 82nd minute when he headed home at the Kop end after a cross from Steven Gerrard. It was the introduction of Yossi Benayoun that turned the game in Liverpool's favour just ahead of the hour mark. Within a minute of his arrival Liverpool made the breakthrough when a move instigated by the Israeli led to Gerrard finishing superbly. Substitute Andriy Voronin netted the other goal while Roque Santa Cruz hit a brilliant consolation for Blackburn. [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfZgekeNY9E"]Liverpool-Bolton Analysis[/ame]
Number 37 Fixture: Liverpool 4-0 Sheffield United Date: 24 Feb 2007 Venue: Anfield Liverpool: Dudek, Riise, Carragher (Agger 78), Hyypia, Finnan, Gonzalez, Gerrard (Alonso 74), Mascherano, Pennant, Crouch (Kuyt 23), Fowler. Subs: Padelli, Sissoko. We continue our countdown of ’Rafa’s 100 Greatest Premier League Games’ with number 37 and Robbie Fowler’s last ever goals in a red shirt. Liverpool produced a superb display to blunt the Blades at Anfield. In what turned out to be his last ever goals in a red shirt, Fowler notched two first half penalties in front of his admiring Kop. Sami Hyypia and Steven Gerrard added further goals in the second half. It was the perfect end to a great week for the Reds who went into this game on the back of a famous win over Barcelona at the Nou Camp. [ame="http://www.metacafe.com/watch/451180/liverpool_4_0_sheffield_utd/"]Highlights[/ame]
Number 36 Fixture: Liverpool 3-0 Newcastle United Date: 08 Mar 2008 Venue: Anfield Liverpool: Reina, Riise, Carragher, Skrtel, Arbeloa, Pennant (Hyypia 79), Alonso, Lucas, Benayoun, Gerrard (Kuyt 66), Torres (Crouch 72). Subs: Babel, Itandje. We continue our countdown of ’Rafa’s 100 Greatest Premier League Games’ with number 36 and a Pele-style goal from Fernando Torres against Newcastle United. Liverpool recorded their 300th Premier League win with an impressive 3-0 victory over Kevin Keegan's Newcastle United. The Toon defence just couldn't handle Torres and Steven Gerrard as the pair tormented their defence. The breakthrough arrived two minutes before the break when Jose Enrique's attempted clearance hit Jermaine Pennant and ended up in the net. Before Anfield had time to catch its breath that man Torres made it two after latching on to a defence-splitting pass from Gerrard. What came next was poetry in motion as the striker sold Harper a beautiful dummy before tucking into an empty net. El Nino then turned provider as he set up Gerrard to make it 3-0. With a midweek trip to the San Siro looming in the Champions League, Rafa took the opportunity to substitute Gerrard and Torres, much to the relief of Keegan's defence. [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IoiMyWdiXn0"]Goals[/ame]
Number 35 Fixture: Portsmouth 1-3 Liverpool Date: 07 May 2006 Venue: Fratton Park Liverpool: Dudek, Riise, Carragher, Hyypia, Finnan, Kewell, Alonso (Kromkamp 41), Sissoko, Gerrard, Fowler (Cisse 82), Morientes (Crouch 67). Subs: Reina, Traore. We continue our countdown of ’Rafa’s 100 Greatest Premier League Games’ with number 35 and a win at Portsmouth from 2006. Robbie Fowler celebrated his new one-year contract extension with a customary goal as the FA Cup finalists ended their league season on a winning note. The only blemish ahead of the Cardiff showpiece was Xabi Alonso being forced off on a stretcher in the 41st minute. Kop favourite Fowler broke the deadlock in the 51st minute with a superb curling shot and further goals were added by Peter Crouch and substitute Djibril Cisse. It was a good way to end the campaign but Rafa was left hoping that the injury to Alonso wouldn't be serious ahead of the clash with West Ham. [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLvd6Wu4HII"]Fowler Goal[/ame]
Number 34 Fixture: Liverpool 3-2 Middlesbrough Date: 23 Feb 2008 Venue: Anfield Liverpool: Reina, Aurelio, Arbeloa, Hyypia, Finnan, Babel (Benayoun 62), Lucas, Mascherano, Gerrard, Kuyt (Riise 73), Torres (Crouch 90). Subs: Martin, Skrtel. We continue our countdown of ’Rafa’s 100 Greatest Premier League Games’ with number 34 and a stunning Fernando Torres hat-trick against Middlesbrough. El Nino was at his brilliant best as he earned Liverpool three points almost on his own. Tuncay actually gave 'Boro the lead with a free header at the Kop end before two goals in two minutes turned the game in Liverpool's favour. A mistake by Julio Arca saw Torres go around Mark Schwarzer to level things up and then almost instantly he fired an unstoppable 25-yard drive into the net to make it 2-1. The hat-trick came just after the hour when he lobbed the ball over Schwarzer into the Kop net. Stewart Downing scored a brilliant consolation goal but the Reds held on for victory. [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUw8XEEELSc"]Highlights[/ame]
Number 33 Fixture: Newcastle United 1-3 Liverpool Date: 19 Mar 2006 Venue: St James' Park Liverpool: Reina, Warnock, Agger, Hyypia (Fowler 90), Carragher, Kewell, Gerrard (Alonso 74), Hamann, Kromkamp, Cisse, Crouch (Luis Garcia 63). Subs: Dudek, Traore. We continue our countdown of ’Rafa’s 100 Greatest Premier League Games’ with number 33 and a win at Newcastle United from 2006. Goals from Peter Crouch, Steven Gerrard and Djibril Cisse gave the Reds a richly deserved 3-1 win at St James' Park. Crouch headed home the opening goal after good work from Jan Kromkamp and Gerrard added a sublime second when he smashed a brilliant right footed shot past Given and into the bottom corner. Despite Shola Ameobi pulling a goal back for Newcastle Jean-Alain Boumsong was then sent-off for a professional foul on Crouch and Cisse made it 3-1 from the penalty spot.