Number 32 Fixture: Liverpool 4-0 Fulham Date: 09 Dec 2006 Venue: Anfield Liverpool: Reina, Riise, Agger, Carragher, Finnan, Luis Garcia (Fowler 80), Alonso, Gerrard, Pennant, Bellamy (Crouch 77), Kuyt (Gonzalez 73). Subs: Dudek, Hyypia. We continue our countdown of ’Rafa’s 100 Greatest Premier League Games’ with number 32 and a rare Jamie Carragher goal versus Fulham. Mark Gonzalez scored a memorable free-kick at the Kop end as Liverpool produced some superb attacking football to beat Fulham 4-0. All four goals arrived in the second half and the breakthrough came from the penalty spot. Steven Gerrard's initial effort was saved but he made no mistake with the rebound. The lead was doubled on the hour mark. Daniel Agger flicked on a corner from the left and Carragher slid in at the far post to register only his third ever league goal. Luis Garcia then sent a looping header into the top corner of the Kop net before Gonzalez curled home a delightful free-kick. [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJRPsKCvCV0"]Highlights[/ame]
Number 31 Fixture: Newcastle United 0-3 Liverpool Date: 24 Nov 2007 Venue: St James' Park Liverpool: Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher, Hyypia, Finnan, Kewell (Babel 58), Lucas, Sissoko, Gerrard (Crouch 80), Kuyt (Riise 76), Torres. Subs: Mascherano, Itandje. We continue our countdown of ’Rafa’s 100 Greatest Premier League Games’ with number 31 and a fantastic goal from Steven Gerrard to silence the Geordie boo boys. Our number eight was at his brilliant best as he scored and made two others during Liverpool's 3-0 win at Newcastle. Coming into this game on the back of England's failure to qualify for Euro 2008, Gerrard was inspired and soon had the boo boys wishing they hadn’t given him stick. He opened the scoring after 28 minutes with a wonderful strike from 30-yards out. A minute into the second half Gerrard's corner was flicked on by Sami Hyypia and Dirk Kuyt added the second goal. Ryan Babel came off the bench to add the third after a superb link of passes with Gerrard. [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBIinsyAnF4"]Gerrard's Great Goal[/ame]
Number 30 Fixture: Liverpool 1-0 Everton Date: 30 Mar 2008 Venue: Anfield Liverpool: Reina, Riise, Hyypia, Skrtel, Carragher, Babel (Benayoun 82), Alonso, Lucas, Kuyt, Gerrard (Crouch 90), Torres (Pennant 90). Subs: Finnan, Itandje. We continue our countdown of ’Rafa’s 100 Greatest Premier League Games’ with number 30 and the day Fernando Torres left Everton feeling blue. El Nino celebrated his Merseyside derby debut with the winner in front of the Kop. He missed the 2-1 success at Goodison Park earlier in the season through injury, but he certainly left his mark on this game. The only goal came in the seventh minute. Xabi Alonso robbed Yakubu on the edge of the visitors' box before a Dirk Kuyt touch sent his strike partner through. Tim Howard made himself big but Torres gave him no chance with a cool finish into the bottom corner for his 28th goal of the season. It also meant the number nine had scored in six consecutive home games, a club record he shares with Fred Pagnam (1919), Roger Hunt (1964), Ian Rush (1983) and Michael Owen (1999). [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihzx7hcuQ1g"]Torres Goal[/ame]
Number 29 Fixture: Watford 0-3 Liverpool Date: 13 Jan 2007 Venue: Vicarage Road Liverpool: Reina, Aurelio, Agger, Carragher, Hyypia, Finnan, Alonso, Gerrard, Kuyt (Riise 77), Bellamy (Fowler 84), Crouch (Pennant 69). Subs: Dudek, Guthrie. We continue our countdown of ’Rafa’s 100 Greatest Premier League Games’ with number 29 and the day we stung the Hornets at Vicarage Road. Peter Crouch scored twice as Liverpool eased their way to three points. The Reds number 15 and strike partner Craig Bellamy were a real threat to the Hornets rearguard all afternoon and it was no surprise to see both find the net. The game was effectively over after 48 minutes when Crouch scored twice after Bellamy had opened the scoring. The Welsh international also had a hand in the other two goals.
Number 28 Fixture: Liverpool 4-0 Bolton Date: 02 Dec 2007 Venue: Anfield Liverpool: Reina, Riise, Carragher (Hobbs 51), Hyypia, Arbeloa, Kewell (Babel 67), Gerrard, Lucas, Benayoun, Crouch, Torres (Kuyt 77). Subs: Mascherano, Itandje. We continue our countdown of ’Rafa’s 100 Greatest Premier League Games’ with number 28 and a great start to 2007 from Liverpool. Rafa's Reds produced a superb display of attacking football to sink Gary Megson’s Bolton at Anfield. Fernando Torres, Sami Hyypia, Ryan Babel and Steven Gerrard were all on target and in truth it could have been a lot more. Hyypia headed home goal number one and Torres soon made it 2-0 when he dinked a delicate shot past the despairing Jaaskelainen after a fabulous throughball from, you've guessed it, Gerrard. The skipper added another one from the penalty spot and Babel rounded off the scoring. Highlights
Number 27 Fixture: Liverpool 2-1 Aston Villa Date: 15 May 2005 Venue: Anfield Liverpool: Carson, Warnock, Carragher, Pellegrino, Josemi, Riise, Alonso, Biscan (Hamann 70), Nunez (Finnan 79), Cisse, Kewell (Baros 60). Subs: Dudek, Hyypia. We continue our countdown of ’Rafa’s 100 Greatest Premier League Games’ with number 27 and a Djibril Cisse inspired win over Aston Villa from 2005. Liverpool warmed up for Istanbul with a 2-1 victory over Villa. Djibril Cisse scored two first half goals and it was a sweet moment for him after his recovery from a broken leg. With the showpiece Champions League final looming Rafa took the opportunity to rest the likes of Steven Gerrard, Luis Garcia, Sami Hyypia and Jerzy Dudek, while Harry Kewell also proved his fitness. Cisse's opening goal came from the penalty spot and he added a second after good work from Josemi. Although Gareth Barry pulled a goal back for Villa the Reds ended the season with a win, and the Kop sent the team off to Istanbul with a great ovation during the traditional end of season lap of honour.
Number 26 Fixture: Liverpool 3-0 West Brom Date: 08 Nov 2008 Venue: Anfield Liverpool: Reina, Aurelio, Agger, Carragher, Arbeloa, Riera (Babel 66), Gerrard (Alonso 80), Mascherano, Benayoun, Keane (Torres 72), Kuyt. Subs: Cavalieri, El Zhar, Hyypia, Insua. We continue our countdown of ’Rafa’s 100 Greatest Premier League Games’ with number 26 and a great afternoon for Robbie Keane. Republic of Ireland striker Keane opened up his Premier League account for the Reds with a double strike against the Baggies. Keane opened the scoring in the 34th minute after a superb pass from Steven Gerrard sent him clear. The Irish marksman then dinked the ball over the advancing Scott Carson and into the net to open up his Premier League scoring account at his new club. The relief on his face was there for all to see as the Kop sung his name loud and proud. Keane was now a striker on fire he added a second nine minutes later. Fabio Aurelio’s raking pass saw the number seven race clear, and after rounding Carson fired home from a sharp angle on the left. Alvaro Arbeloa added the third with a magnificent finish in front of the Kop but the day belonged to Keane. [ame="http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-5513592033607987843&ei=W_xtSsrSGo6irAKli437BQ&q=Liverpool+3-0+West+Brom&hl=en&client=safari"]Highlights[/ame]
Number 25 Fixture: Liverpool 4-0 West Ham Date: 05 Mar 2008 Venue: Anfield Liverpool: Reina, Riise, Carragher, Skrtel, Arbeloa, Babel (Pennant 76), Alonso, Mascherano, Gerrard, Kuyt (Benayoun 63), Torres (Crouch 82). Subs: Hyypia, Itandje. We continue our countdown of ’Rafa’s 100 Greatest Premier League Games’ with number 25 and the night Fernando Torres burst the Hammers bubbles. El Nino became the first Anfield striker in more than 60 years to net successive hat-tricks on home soil following his treble against Middlesbrough 10 days earlier. The Spanish striker was in red hot form and Steven Gerrard also scored an absolute screamer at the Kop end. Torres' first two goals came from Dirk Kuyt assists and he sealed a brilliant treble with a superb individual goal. He turned Lucas Neill inside out before finishing at the Kop end. Only a player of Gerrard's class could have the final say and he made it 4-0 with the goal of the night - a 25-yard curler into the top corner. [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HshCef7Nug"]Highlights[/ame]
Number 24 Fixture: Wigan Athletic 0-4 Liverpool Date: 02 Dec 2006 Venue: JJB Stadium Liverpool: Reina, Riise, Agger, Hyypia (Paletta 61), Finnan, Luis Garcia (Pennant 51), Alonso, Carragher, Gerrard (Guthrie 79), Bellamy, Kuyt. Subs: Dudek, Fowler. We continue our countdown of ’Rafa’s 100 Greatest Premier League Games’ with number 24 and a fantastic first half performance at the JJB Stadium. Liverpool scored four goals in the opening 45 minutes as they tore Wigan Athletic apart. It was our first away win of the season in the top-flight and the Latics defence just couldn't cope with the pace of Craig Bellamy. The Welsh international scored twice and Dirk Kuyt and an own goal from Lee McCulloch completed the tally. Liverpool didn't have the same attacking intensity in the second period and Danny Guthrie was given a taste of Premier League action for the final 11 minutes when he came on for Steven Gerrard. [ame="http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=9128197067537400048&ei=Wv5tSpyBG4earwK4-OgV&q=Wigan+0-4+Liverpool&hl=en&client=safari"]Highlights[/ame]
Number 23 Fixture: Liverpool 3-1 Tottenham Hotspur Date: 24 May 2009 Venue: Anfield Liverpool: Reina, Aurelio, Carragher, Agger, Skrtel, Benayoun, Alonso, Mascherano, Kuyt (Riera 66), Gerrard (Hyypia 84), Torres (Ngog 79). Subs: Insua, Lucas, Degen, Cavalieri. We continue our countdown of ’Rafa’s 100 Greatest Premier League Games’ with number 23 and an emotional farewell for Sami Hyypia. Fernando Torres scored his 50th Liverpool goal to end the season in style, but the day was all about a Finnish legend who the Kop took to their hearts. It wasn't until the 84th minute that Rafa finally gave in to public pressure and put the big Finn on. Steven Gerrard handed him the captain's armband and the roar that greeted Hyypia's arrival was truly breathtaking. Before kick-off the Kop honoured the departing legend with a 'Sami' mosaic bookmarked by two Finnish flags. Torres scored the first goal when he headed home a Dirk Kuyt cross for his milestone 50, and the Dutchman then had a hand in the second when his effort was deflected into the Kop net by Alan Hutton. Former Red Robbie Keane pulled a goal back for Spurs on his return to Anfield but as a mark of respect did not celebrate. The Kop gave him a brilliant reception in response. Yossi Benayoun made it 3-1 after racing onto Gerrard's perfect through ball. The game ended with a tearful Hyypia saying a fond farewell to Anfield. He will never be forgotten. Highlights
Number 22 Fixture: Everton 0-2 Liverpool Date: 27 Sep 2008 Venue: Goodison Park Liverpool: Reina, Dossena, Carragher, Skrtel, Arbeloa, Riera (Aurelio 66), Alonso (Lucas 85), Gerrard, Kuyt, Keane (Pennant 85), Torres. Subs: Agger, Babel, Cavalieri, Hyypia. We continue our countdown of ’Rafa’s 100 Greatest Premier League Games’ with number 22 and a derby display to remember from Fernando Torres. El Nino was on fire as Liverpool comfortably won the Merseyside derby at Goodison Park. The Everton defence just couldn't handle Liverpool's number nine and he blew the Toffees away with two goals in four second-half minutes to clinch a 2-0 win. It also meant the Reds equalled their best start to a Premier League campaign since the 96-97 campaign when they took 14 points from their opening six matches. Robbie Keane had a hand in both goals and Torres was simply deadly. [ame="http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-8303096641874449900&ei=VABuSq2SKorIqgLAh_1-&q=Everton+0-2+Liverpool&hl=en&client=safari"]Highlights[/ame]
Number 21 Fixture: Liverpool 3-2 Wigan Athletic Date: 18 Oct 2008 Venue: Anfield Liverpool: Reina, Dossena (El Zhar 78), Agger, Carragher, Arbeloa (Benayoun 79), Riera, Alonso, Gerrard, Pennant, Keane (Hyypia 90), Kuyt. Subs: Cavalieri, Insua, Lucas, Ngog. We continue our countdown of 'Rafa's 100 Greatest Premier League Games' with number 21 and a five goal thriller v the Latics. Two goals in the last five minutes saw the Reds take all three points from a game that had so many twists and turns. Twice Steve Bruce's team took the lead through Amr Zaki but each time Liverpool came storming back. A mistake from Daniel Agger gifted Zaki with the opening goal after 29 minutes but the Dane soon made amends with a storming run that ended with Dirk Kuyt netting the equaliser. However, on the stroke of half-time Zaki produced a wonderful scissor kick at the Kop end to put the Latics 2-1 in front. A turning point came on 74 minutes when Wigan were reduced to 10-men after Antonio Valencia was sent-off for a second bookable offence. With 85 minutes left on the clock the comeback kings did it again. Albert Riera fired home a superb equaliser before Kuyt hooked a spectacular volley into the net to make it 3-2. [ame="http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=5427176054118995393&ei=7AFuSr_dF6GgqwKg-axP&q=Liverpool+3-2+Wigan&hl=en&client=safari"]Highlights[/ame]
Number 20 Fixture: Everton 1-3 Liverpool Date: 28 Dec 2005 Venue: Goodison Park Liverpool: Reina, Warnock, Carragher, Hyypia, Finnan, Kewell (Riise 80), Alonso, Sissoko, Gerrard (Luis Garcia 84), Cisse, Crouch (Morientes 77). Subs: Dudek, Josemi. We continue our countdown of 'Rafa's 100 Greatest Premier League Games' with number 20 and derby joy at Goodison Park. Goals from Peter Crouch, Steven Gerrard and Djibril Cisse gave the Reds a magnificent 3-1 win over the Blues at Goodison Park. Rafa's men also made it nine straight wins and they were dominant. Everton ended the game with 10 men when Phil Neville was sent-off for a second bookable offence. It took just 11 minutes to break the deadlock when Gerrard's pass saw Crouch round Nigel Martyn and slot home on his derby debut. The inspirational skipper made it 2-0 on 18 when he drifted inside to devastating effect to drill a shot that clipped Joseph Yobo on its way into the net from 25 yards out. Three minutes before the break James Beattie gave the Blues hope when he made it 2-1 but the game was effectively over after 47 minutes when derby debutant Cisse scored a superb individual goal. It was a brilliant way to end a truly memorable year for the red half of Merseyside.
Number 19 Fixture: Aston Villa 1-2 Liverpool Date: 11 Aug 2007 Venue: Villa Park Liverpool: Reina, Arbeloa, Agger, Carragher, Finnan, Riise, Alonso, Gerrard, Pennant (Babel 73), Kuyt (Sissoko 89), Torres (Voronin 78). Subs: Hyypia, Itandje. We continue our countdown of 'Rafa's 100 Greatest Premier League Games' with number 19 and Steven Gerrard's wonderful winner at Villa Park. Liverpool started their Barclays Premier League campaign in fine style thanks to Stevie G's late heroics. After conceding a late Gareth Barry penalty it looked as if two points would be dropped, but cometh the hour cometh the man. Gerrard stepped up and curled home a sublime free-kick from over 25-yards out. Fernando Torres made his first start in the top-flight for the Reds and things started well when Martin Laursen turned Dirk Kuyt's cross into his own net for the opening goal. Rafa's men were in control but Villa thought they had a lifeline in the 86th minute when Jamie Carragher was penalised for hand ball and Barry scored from 12-yards out. However, you never write off Liverpool especially with the talismatic Gerrard on the field. [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNdBrklbdo8"]Gerrard Goal[/ame]
Number 18 Fixture: Liverpool 5-1 Fulham Date: 15 Mar 2006 Venue: Anfield Liverpool: Reina, Traore, Agger, Carragher, Finnan, Kewell (Warnock 88), Gerrard, Hamann, Luis Garcia, Fowler (Cisse 68), Morientes (Crouch 81). Subs: Dudek, Hyypia. We continue our countdown of 'Rafa's 100 Greatest Premier League Games' with number 18 and a memorable moment for Robbie Fowler against Fulham. Toxteth's finest struck his first goal for the club since his January return as Liverpool rediscovered the goalscoring touch. Fulham were put to the sword at Anfield and Fowler's moment arrived just after the quarter hour mark when he drew level with Kop King Kenny Dalglish in the all-time list of Liverpool's top goalscorers. The goal came at the Anfield Road end when he headed home from close-range after Luis Garcia had flicked on a Harry Kewell corner. A mixture of delight and relief greeted the goal. Fulham equalised after 25 minutes through Stern John but parity was soon restored courtesy of Cottagers midfielder Michael Brown, who put through his own net from inside the six-yard box after Kewell had centered low from the right. Fernando Morientes added a third before two goals in the final two minutes from substitutes' Peter Crouch and Stephen Warnock sealed the victory. [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pvOhMU2TgYk"]Warnock's Goal[/ame]
Number 17 Fixture: Liverpool 2-0 Chelsea Date: 01 Feb 2009 Venue: Anfield Liverpool: Reina, Aurelio, Carragher, Skrtel, Arbeloa, Riera (Benayoun 74), Alonso, Mascherano (Babel 83), Kuyt, Gerrard, Torres (Ngog 90). Subs: Agger, Cavalieri, Dossena, Lucas. El Nino scored two goals in the last minute as Liverpool beat 10-man Chelsea 2-0 at Anfield. The Reds produced a dominant second-half display against the Blues and deservedly claimed the three points when the number nine grabbed his first Anfield goals of the season on 89 and 94 minutes. The result put Rafa's men just two points behind Barclays Premier League leaders Manchester United. Frank Lampard was also sent-off on what was a bad afternoon for Luz Felipe Scolari's men. El Nino's opening goal was a sublime near post header from Fabio Aurelio's pinpoint cross, and it got better four minutes into injury-time when the Spaniard lashed home the loose ball after Benayoun was challenged in the penalty area. [ame="http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=3518321455536540668"]Highlights[/ame]
Number 16 Fixture: Liverpool 4-1 Portsmouth Date: 22 Dec 2007 Venue: Anfield Liverpool: Reina, Riise, Carragher, Hyypia, Arbeloa, Kewell (Aurelio 75), Gerrard, Mascherano, Benayoun (Babel 64), Kuyt, Torres (Lucas 86). Subs: Itandje, Voronin. We continue our countdown of 'Rafa's 100 Greatest Premier League Games' with number 16 and the day Fernando Torres silenced the Pompey chimes. Liverpool produced a superb attacking display against Portsmouth at Anfield. Yossi Benayoun opened the scoring on 13 with a sweet volley and three minutes later the game was effectively over when Sylvain Distin put through his own net. The second half belonged to El Nino. Javier Mascherano's defence splitting pass caused confusion in the Pompey defence, and when the ball broke free to Torres he made no mistake with a composed finish into the corner of the Kop net. The Spanish star then put the gloss on Liverpool's performance with the best goal of the game four minutes from time. Jamie Carragher's cross to the far post was headed back into the danger zone by Steven Gerrard to Torres who made no mistake with a brilliant left footed volley which nestled in the right hand corner of the goal. Highlights
Number 15 Fixture: Liverpool 5-0 Aston Villa Date: 22 Mar 2009 Venue: Anfield Liverpool: Reina, Aurelio, Carragher, Skrtel, Arbeloa (Agger 76), Riera, Alonso (Lucas 66), Mascherano, Kuyt, Gerrard (Ngog 80), Torres. Subs: Cavalieri, Dossena, El Zhar, Hyypia. We continue our countdown of 'Rafa's 100 Greatest Premier League Games' with number 15 and a five-star showing v Villa featuring Steven Gerrard's first top-flight hat-trick. Rafa's Reds were in rampant form as they took Aston Villa to the sword at Anfield as they won 5-0. Going into this game on the back of those fantastic victories over Real Madrid and Manchester United and the news of Rafa signing his new contract, meant there was a real buzz in the air at Anfield. Fernando Torres had a rare barren afternoon but it didn't matter as Gerrard scored his first top-flight hat-trick for the club. The skipper was at his inspirational best and it was a proud day for him and Albert Riera scored a goal to remember. It was 3-0 after the opening 45 minutes. Dirk Kuyt netted the first, and then Riera made it 2-0 with an unstoppable volley from Pepe Reina's searching long pass. Gerrard made it 3-0 from the penalty spot and added a fourth direct from a free-kick. His hat-trick was another penalty after former Red Brad Friedel was sent-off for bringing down Torres. It was also a day of celebration for Reina as he became the first Anfield stopper to record 100 shut-outs faster than any custodian in Liverpool's history. [ame="http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-1064150638867787205&ei=H3lwSpTkC5WerQK10P2XCg&q=Liverpool+5-0+Aston+Villa&hl=en&client=safari"]Highlights[/ame]
Number 14 Fixture: Liverpool 3-1 Everton Date: 25 Mar 2006 Venue: Anfield Liverpool: Reina, Riise, Carragher, Hyypia, Finnan, Kewell (Warnock 87), Alonso, Sissoko, Gerrard, Crouch (Morientes 90), Luis Garcia. Subs: Dudek, Fowler, Kromkamp. We continue our countdown of 'Rafa's 100 Greatest Premier League Games' with number 14 and derby joy for the Reds at Anfield. Steven Gerrard was sent-off and Xabi Alonso was truly inspirational as Liverpool beat their Merseyside rivals in a fiery encounter. The Reds skipper and Everton's James Beattie both wore special 08 commemorative jersey's in honour of the city of Liverpool being given the Capital of Culture for 2008. Gerrard was booked for a rash challenge after 17 minutes and seconds later after another tackle he was promptly dismissed. The travelling Evertonians sensed real hope but Spanish maestro Alonso took charge of midfield and inspired the Reds to victory. Phil Neville obliged with our first goal when he spectacularly headed a corner into his own net. Two minutes after the restart Luis Garcia made it 2-0 with a superb finish at the Kop end before Tim Cahill reduced the arrears on 61 minutes. Everton substitute Andy Van der Meyde was then shown his marching orders for a foul on Alonso and Harry Kewell made sure of the three points with a fantastic strike. [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=duoFwYSYNR4"]Kewell Goal[/ame]
Number 13 Fixture: Liverpool 4-0 Blackburn Rovers Date: 11 Apr 2009 Venue: Anfield Liverpool: Reina, Insua, Agger, Carragher, Arbeloa, Riera, Alonso (Lucas 87), Mascherano, Kuyt (Ngog 85), Benayoun, Torres (El Zhar 74). Subs: Cavalieri, Dossena, Gerrard, Skrtel. We continue our countdown of 'Rafa's 100 Greatest Premier League Games' with number 13 and a stunning strike from Fernando Torres against Blackburn. Liverpool warmed up for the Champions League clash with Chelsea by outclassing Sam Allardyce's Blackburn Rovers at Anfield. El Nino scored a goal that was likened to Marco Van Basten's famous strike for Holland and Daniel Agger scored a fantastic goal in front of the Kop. It was a day when Anfield remembered 96 Kopites who died at Hillsborough 20 years ago. There was a touch of class from the visitors as former Reds defender Stephen Warnock laid a floral tribute beside the Kop goal. When the match got underway Torres scored a stunning goal after just five minutes to send Anfield into raptures. The volley was of the highest quality and he then made it 2-0 with a superb header. Agger made it 3-0 with a 30-yard thunderbolt before David Ngog came off the bench to score at the Kop end. [ame="http://www.metacafe.com/watch/2687714/liverpool_4_0_blackburn_all_goals_no_links_2009_04_11/"]Highlights[/ame]
Number 12 Fixture: Everton 1-2 Liverpool Date: 20 Oct 2007 Venue: Goodison Park Liverpool: Reina, Riise, Carragher, Hyypia, Finnan, Benayoun (Babel 68), Mascherano, Sissoko (Pennant 88), Gerrard (Lucas 72), Kuyt, Voronin. Subs: Crouch, Itandje. We continue our countdown of 'Rafa's 100 Greatest Premier League Games' with number 12 and a Dirk Kuyt inspired derby win. The Red half of Merseyside was celebrating after a dramatic derby at Goodison Park. Kuyt's last gasp spot-kick, his second penalty of the game ensured the three points went to Rafa's men. It was a pulsating game that saw Everton leave the field with nine men and Liverpool missed some guilt edged chances to wrap the game up long before Kuyt's heroics. A bizarre own goal from Sami Hyypia gave the Blues a half-time lead, but two second-half spot kicks - including one in stoppage time - ensured Liverpool were pride of Merseyside. Steven Gerrard won the first penalty when Tony Hibbert was sent-off for hauling back the Reds skipper. Our number eight was then substituted and replacement Lucas won a stoppage time penalty when his goalbound effort was cleared off the line by the hand of Phil Neville who was promptly given his marching orders. Kuyt kept his nerve, but with more injury time being played Everton claimed they should have had a spot-kick following Jamie Carragher's challenge on Joleon Lescott. [ame="http://www.metacafe.com/watch/879072/everton_1_2_liverpool/"]Highlights[/ame]
Number 11 Fixture: Fulham 2-4 Liverpool Date: 16 Oct 2004 Venue: Craven Cottage Liverpool: Kirkland, Traore, Carragher, Hyypia, Josemi, Riise, Diao (Alonso 45), Hamann, Luis Garcia (Warnock 88), Baros (Biscan 90), Cisse. Subs: Dudek, Sinama Pongolle. We continue our countdown of 'Rafa's 100 Greatest Premier League Games' with number 11 and a memorable Xabi Alonso inspired second half display at Fulham from 2004. Rafa Benitez was celebrating his first away win in the top-flight with the Reds after a brilliant comeback at Craven Cottage. Trailing 2-0 to two goals from Luis Boa Morte, Rafa replaced Salif Diao with Alonso and the Spaniard took charge of the game. Within four minutes of the restart Zat Knight deflected a Milan Baros effort into his own net, and the Czech striker then equalised after 72 minutes. Alonso then curled home a magnificent free-kick to make it 3-2 before Igor Biscan came off the bench to score a fantastic stoppage time goal. Liverpool also ended the game with 10-men when Josemi was sent-off.
NUMBER 10 Fixture: Man City 2-3 Liverpool Date: 5 Oct 2008 Venue: City of Manchester Stadium Liverpool team: Reina, Aurelio (Dossena 70), Carragher, Skrtel, Arbeloa, Riera (Benayoun 81), Alonso, Mascherano (Keane 70), Kuyt, Gerrard, Torres. Subs: Agger, Babel, Cavalieri, Lucas. We continue our countdown of 'Rafa's 100 Greatest Premier League Games' with number 10 and a dramatic comeback at Manchester City from last season. Dirk Kuyt scored a last-gasp goal as Liverpool came back from 2-0 down to beat City. Stephen Ireland fired the home side into the lead before Javier Garrido doubled their advantage just before the break. The Reds stormed back thanks largely to a close-range brace from Fernando Torres, the first of which was our 1,000th Premier League goal, and that was quickly followed by the dismissal of City's Pablo Zabaleta for a two-footed tackle on Xabi Alonso. Just when the game seemed to be set for a draw up popped Kuyt to fire home the winner to send the travelling Kop wild with delight. The only blemish was the sight of Martin Skrtel being stretchered off after an awkward fall. Highlights
Number 9 Fixture: Liverpool 4-4 Arsenal Date: 21 Apr 2009 Venue: Anfield Liverpool: Reina, Aurelio, Agger, Carragher, Arbeloa, Riera (Babel 73), Alonso, Mascherano, Kuyt (El Zhar 86), Benayoun, Torres. Subs: Cavalieri, Dossena, Lucas, Ngog, Skrtel. We continue our countdown of 'Rafa's 100 Greatest Premier League Games' with number nine and a pulsating 4-4 draw with Arsenal at Anfield last season. This was a prime candidate for game of the decade and it was enthralling entertainment. Andrey Arshavin scored four goals for Arsenal while Yossi Benayoun and Dirk Kuyt produced incredible performances for Rafa's men. Before kick-off both sets of supporters paid tribute to a true hero in Ray Kennedy and mosaics showing his shirt numbers (he wore No.5 at Anfield, No.10 at Highbury) brought attention to the Ray of Hope fundraising appeal. Missing the injured Steven Gerrard, Benayoun played just off Fernando Torres and for long periods under fire Arsenal stopper Lukasz Fabianski made some great saves. Arshavin put the Gunners into the lead at the Kop end but Torres equalised, then a brilliant cross from Kuyt was headed home by Benayoun for 2-1. Arshavin then scored twice to complete his hat-trick but back came Liverpool and Torres scored a fantastic goal to make it 3-3. Arsenal thought they had won the game when Arshavin scored in the final minute, but deep into stoppage time Benayoun made it 4-4. A truly breaktaking night full of drama, this was a game that had literally everything. [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zINZxzrQ5Ig"]Highlights[/ame]
Number 8 Fixture: Liverpool 6-0 Derby County Date: 01 Sep 2007 Venue: Anfield We continue our countdown of 'Rafa's 100 Greatest Premier League Games' with number eight and the day Ryan Babel and co hit Derby County for six. Liverpool: Reina, Arbeloa, Agger, Hyypia, Finnan, Babel (Voronin 73), Alonso, Mascherano (Sissoko 77), Pennant (Benayoun 61), Kuyt, Torres. Subs: Itandje, Riise. Liverpool went top of the table in style with a brilliant attacking display at Anfield. The Rams had no answer as Xabi Alonso and Fernando Torres scored twice, Babel netted a sublime first goal for the club and Andriy Voronin was also on target. Alonso opened the scoring when his free-kick deceived everybody and ended up in the back of the net. Babel's goal was sheer class as he dummied two Derby defenders before finishing emphatically high into the net. Torres then netted a superb third goal at the Kop end before Alonso and substitute Voronin made it 5-0. El Nino had the final word when he added his second to complete a truly memorable afternoon. [ame="http://www.metacafe.com/watch/798420/liverpool_6_0_derby_county/"]All Goals[/ame]