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2009-10 Influenza Season Advisory buffalomedicalgroup.com | 2009-10 Distinguished Lecture Series Archive - Schepens Eye Research... schepens.harvard.edu | Richard House | Entertainment | West ham United FC End of Season Gala... richardhouse.org.uk | Open Recertification Course - Huyck Preserve 10/10/2009- Wilderness... wildmed.com |
The 2009–10 season will be the 118th season in Liverpool Football Club's existence, and their 47th consecutive year in the top flight, and will cover the period from 1 July 2009 to 30 June 2010. Having finished second in the previous season, Liverpool qualified automatically for the UEFA Champions League group stage for the first time since the 2002-03 season.
[edit] Pre-seasonLiverpool confirmed that long-serving centre-back Sami Hyypiä would be leaving the club after 10 years to join German club Bayer Leverkusen.[1] Liverpool also confirmed that José Segura, the ex-Olympiacos manager, would be joining the club as Academy technical manager, starting on 1 June.[2] Liverpool announced their pre-season programme on 6 May 2009, including a tour of Asia, and a friendly against Espanyol, as a clause of the deal that brought Albert Riera to the club. Liverpool started their pre-season campaign against St. Gallen in Switzerland on 15 July, which ended as 0-0 draw. Rafael Benítez gave playing time for most of his players. Young Jay Spearing, Nabil El Zhar, and Krisztián Németh were looking good in the first half. 17-year-old Spaniard Daniel Pacheco's also impressed the team. Glen Johnson made his debut for Liverpool and earned himself the Fans Man of the Match award from Liverpool FC TV. They played their second encounter with Rapid Wien at the Ernst Happel Stadium on 19 July, which Liverpool lost 1–0. The Asian tour began with a match against Thailand on 22 July which ended 1–1, followed by a trip to Kallang to play Singapore, a game which Liverpool won 5–0 with goals by Andriy Voronin, Albert Riera, two by Krisztián Németh, and Fernando Torres. Their remaining pre-season fixtures include matches against Espanyol on 2 August, where they suffered a heavy 3–0 defeat; a win over Lyn Oslo on 5 August; and a 2–1 loss against Atlético Madrid on 8 August. [edit] Team kitThe team kit for the 2009–10 season will be produced by Adidas. The home kit will remain the same as last season. The new away kit is black with gold trim. The third kit is changing in August 2009 to a new white kit. It was announced that long time sponsor Carlsberg would be leaving the club after 18 years. They will be replaced by British bank Standard Chartered, who will commence a four-year £80m deal with the club in May 2010.[3][4] [edit] Technical staff
[edit] First-team squadAs of 1 July 2009. [6] [edit] Starting 11These charts below depict the most used starters in the most used start formation. The most recent starters/formations are listed when total starts are equal between two players/formations.
Last updated: 11 Dec 2009 [edit] Top scorersIncludes all competitive matches. The list is sorted by shirt number when total goals are equal.
[edit] Reserve squadAs of 21 August 2009[7] Squad Numbers refer to players' first team squad number (for season 2009–10), where applicable. Reserve and youth games are 1-11. See Liverpool F.C. Reserves and Academy
[edit] Transfers[edit] InLast updated: 10 December [edit] OutLast updated: 3 November [edit] Loaned in
[edit] Loaned out
[edit] Match results[edit] Pre-season
[edit] Premier League[edit] AugustThe fixtures for the 2009–10 Premier League season were announced on 17 June, with Liverpool being handed a tricky away fixture to Tottenham Hotspur.[20] 'Spurs took the lead a minute before half time when left back Benoît Assou-Ekotto thumped in from 30 yards, after Tom Huddlestone's free kick had been blocked. Liverpool showed more urgency after half time, and were awarded a penalty on 55 minutes when Glen Johnson's rampaging run was ended by keeper Heurelho Gomes' rash challenge. Steven Gerrard converted the penalty to equalise for Liverpool. However, Tottenham, by far the better team throughout the match, regained the lead on 64 minutes when Cameroonian centre-half Sebastien Bassong headed home a Luka Modrić free kick. Liverpool seemed unable to respond, and fashioned few chances. They had a penalty appeal turned down on 84 minutes when Andriy Voronin seemed to be tripped by Assou-Ekotto in the box, but Spurs hung on for a 2–1 win.[21][22] Liverpool manager Rafael Benítez later criticised referee Phil Dowd for his failure to award Liverpool a penalty, and was later charged with improper conduct by the FA.[23][24] Liverpool's first home match was against Stoke City four days later. Liverpool took the lead after five minutes when Fernando Torres swept home Steven Gerrard's cross. The lead was doubled moments before half time when Glen Johnson acrobatically finished after Dirk Kuyt's header had been blocked off the line. Good work from Gerrard on the right saw Kuyt make it 3–0 five minutes from time, before Frenchman David N'Gog headed a fourth in stoppage time.[25][26] Liverpool suffered their first home league defeat since a 0–1 loss to Manchester United on 16 December 2007 against Aston Villa the following Monday. The away side took the lead when Lucas Leiva inadvertently headed into his own net from an Ashley Young cross on 33 minutes. Villa doubled their lead in first half injury time when Curtis Davies headed home from a corner. Liverpool did manage to pull one back through Fernando Torres, but their misery was compounded when Gerrard's poorly timed tackle on Nigel Reo-Coker led to a penalty, which Ashley Young converted to consign Liverpool to a 3–1 defeat.[27][28] Manager Rafael Benítez criticised his senior players for the defeat, and demanded a better performance for the next match, away to Bolton Wanderers.[29] At the Reebok Stadium, Liverpool had to twice come back from behind against a dogged Bolton side. They took the lead on 33 minutes when poor marking from a corner saw Kevin Davies bundle the ball home from close range. Glen Johnson equalised four minutes before the break when a Liverpool corner was not properly cleared, and he stroked home left-footed from twenty yards. Bolton regained the lead two minutes after the break when Davies headed down Jussi Jääskeläinen's long punt for Tamir Cohen to smash home. The turning point of the game was Sean Davis' sending off on 53 minutes for a second bookable offence. Liverpool equalised just a few minutes later when Fernando Torres finished tidily following good work from Dirk Kuyt. Liverpool continued to press and finally got the winner they deserved on 83 minutes, when Torres' knockdown from a Glen Johnson was met by a sweet shot from Gerrard, who had earlier hit the bar.[30] Gerrard later felt he "owed" the performance after poor performances in the defeats to 'Spurs and Villa.[31][32] [edit] SeptemberLiverpool's next match came after the international break, where they faced newly-promoted Burnley at home. Despite comments made prior to the match by 'keeper Pepe Reina that the league title was 'not a realistic ambition this season'[33], Liverpool comfortably dispatched the East Lancashire club 4–0 to go up to fourth in the table, thanks to an inspired performance from Yossi Benayoun. He opened the scoring for Liverpool in the 27th minute, after he jinked past two Burnley players and placed his shot beyond the reach of Brian Jensen. The lead was doubled four minutes before the break, when the Israeli's shot was parried, and Dirk Kuyt was on hand to tap in the rebound. Jensen was kept busy by the Liverpool frontline, as the Reds strived to make the game safe. They did when Benayoun got his second just after hour. Brilliant work by Steven Gerrard in the Burnley penalty area allowed him to pull the ball back to Benayoun, who could hardly miss from four yards. The fourth goal came with nine minutes to go when intricate play around the 18-yard box culminated in substitute Andriy Voronin's through pass to Benayoun, who just stayed onside to convert his third and Liverpool's fourth of the match. Liverpool manager Rafael Benítez later praised Benayoun's work ethic, and stated that he was an 'example to the rest of the squad'[34][35] Michael Shields, attended this match as a special guest, his first since Istanbul, just three days after being released from prison.[36] Liverpool travelled to the Boleyn Ground the following week, a ground that they won 3–0 at the previous season. They looked to be heading for a similar result when Fernando Torres' brillian run and finish put the visitors 1–0 up after thirteen minutes. However, Jamie Carragher brought young striker Zavon Hines down on the half hour, and Alessandro Diamanti converted the spot kick, which he appeared to touch twice. However, Dirk Kuyt put Liverpool back in front four minutes before the break, when he got a slight touch on a Steven Gerrard header. West Ham then equalised on half time through Carlton Cole after poor defending from a corner kick. The second half was approached slightly more cautiously by the home side, and substitute Ryan Babel made the desired impact when his ball was headed home by Torres. Liverpool held on for the remaining 15 minutes for their second consecutive 3–2 away win.[37] Benítez praised Torres for his role in the win; Torres had stated earlier in the week that he felt he was not playing to standard this season.[38][39] The club's last Premier League match of this month came at home on 26 September, against Hull City. Liverpool took the lead after Fernando Torres, who put in a virtuoso display, showed nimble footwork, and slotted past Boaz Myhill. Hull then equalised four minutes later, when defensive frailties were pounced upon by Geovanni. Liverpool retook the lead when Torres rounded Myhill, and the Spaniard completed his hat-trick with a sublime solo effort on 47 minutes. Steven Gerrard made the game safe when his cross accidentally sailed in on the hour. Substitute Ryan Babel then came off the bench to tap in a fifth, after good work from Dirk Kuyt, and he inadvertently defleced Albert Riera's shot in injury time to make it 6–1.[40] [edit] OctoberLiverpool lost their first big four game 2–0 to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. The match was pretty even, with neither side having any clear-cut chances, until Nicolas Anelka guided the ball over Pepe Reina on the hour mark. With Liverpool pouring forward in search of an equaliser, Liverpool were left stretched at the back. With Chelsea attempting to kill time in the corner, Didier Drogba outmuscled Emiliano Insúa and squared back for Florent Malouda to double Chelsea's lead in added time.[41] Then, Liverpool lost their next match to Sunderland, falling out 1–0. The solitary, controversial goal was scored by Darren Bent. Andy Reid picked out Bent in the box and he directed it straight to Reina. However, a beach ball, thrown onto the field by a spectator deflected the ball into the net.[42] Liverpool were not able to react to the shock goal, and Sunderland held on for the win.[43] On 25 October, Liverpool prepared to face down with Manchester United. Manager Rafa Benítez was under pressure following four straight defeats, but he was calm as he spoke to the press.[44] Liverpool started brightly and were on top in the first half. Fábio Aurélio had a chance when his header was saved by Edwin van der Sar. United had very little to offer up front, and Liverpool sustained their pressure throughout the second half. They finally took the lead on 65 minutes when Fernando Torres outmuscled Rio Ferdinand and fired his shot into the top corner of the net.[45] United finally reacted after the goal, but were not able to fashion any clear cut chances. Antonio Valencia hit the crossbar in the 83rd minute, but that was the closest the visitors came to an equaliser.[46] Their plight was not helped by Nemanja Vidić's sending off for a second bookable offence on 90 minutes.[47] Javier Mascherano was also sent off for two bookings on 95 minutes, when he tackled van der Sar. David N'Gog finally secured the three points for Liverpool when he broke away and slotted coolly past van der Sar to secure victory, Liverpool's third consecutive victory over their rivals.[48] Liverpool's final match of the month came away to Fulham. Liverpool had made several changes from the side that had defeated United the previous week, and fell behind after 24 minutes when Bobby Zamora tapped home. Liverpool started to create chances, and equalised three minutes before half time, when Fernando Torres finished expertly from 20 yards. After the break, Fulham started to put Liverpool under pressure, and when Torres was taken off on the hour, they lost their main attacking threat. Fulham re-took the lead on 73 minutes, when another breakaway resulted in Erik Nevland cheekily finishing off a Paul Konchesky cross.[49] Liverpool were left chasing the game at this point, and they lost two men in three minutes; Philipp Degen was, somewhat harshly, sent off for a tackle on Zamora, and Jamie Carragher was later sent off for a professional foul. This was Liverpool's fifth defeat in 11 matches, and it left them 9 points behind Chelsea at the top.[50] [edit] NovemberLiverpool's first match of the month was home to Birmingham City. Liverpool started brightly and took the lead on 13 minutes, when David N'Gog finished off after several saves from Joe Hart. Birmingham fought back, however, and equalised on 26 minutes, when a harmless free kick resulted in Christian Benítez heading home. Birmingham took the lead in the third minute of first half stoppage time, when Cameron Jerome netted from 35 yards. Liverpool brought on Steven Gerrard at the break, and though the captain looked tired, he converted Liverpool's equaliser on 71 minutes, from the penalty spot, after N'Gog had adjudged to be fouled by Lee Carsley. TV replays showed that N'Gog had dived.[51] Liverpool could not find the winner, but this would have been harsh on Birmingham, who had defended well throughout.[52] Liverpool's next match after the international break was another home game, this time to Manchester City. The first half was a turgid affair, with both sides content to exchange passes. Liverpool took the lead five minutes into the second half when Martin Skrtel got the vital touch from a Gerrard free kick. City got back into the game on 69 minutes; poor marking from Craig Bellamy's corner left Emmanuel Adebayor with a free header from six yards. City then silenced Anfield when they took the lead on 76 minutes; Shaun Wright-Phillips turned Sotirios Kyrgiakos and crossed for Stephen Ireland to finish from close range. However, City could not hold on to their lead, and Yossi Benayoun was left to tap home just 72 seconds after Ireland's goal.[53] Liverpool headed into the Merseyside derby having exited the Champions League, and with just one win in 10. Everton were also in poor form, though they started the brighter of the two teams.[54] Liverpool were content to soak up the pressure, and took the lead on 12 minutes, when Javier Mascherano's 30 yard shot was deflected in by Joseph Yobo. Everton's Jo had two goals correctly ruled out for offside, and though Everton had the possession, they could not convert this into goals. Everton were left chasing the game late into the second half, and Yobo's defensive error allowed Gerrard to tee up Albert Riera, whose powerful shot Tim Howard could not hold, allowing Dirk Kuyt to tap in with ten minutes remaining. Liverpool had further chances to add to their goal tally, but 2–0 flattered Liverpool, who had taken their chances, and defended well.[55] [edit] Results list
[edit] Results by round
Last updated: 19 Dec. [edit] UEFA Champions LeagueThe draw for the group stage of the UEFA Champions League was made on 27 August 2009 in Monaco. As Liverpool were seeded in Pot 1, this meant that they could not be drawn with teams from the same pot, such as Barcelona, Milan, or Bayern Munich. However, they faced the possibility of being drawn in the same group as Real Madrid, Internazionale, or Juventus.[56] Liverpool were drawn into Group E with 7-times French champions Lyon, Hungarian champions and Champions League debutants Debrecen, and Italian side Fiorentina. Their first match was at home to Debrecen, on 16 September.[57][58] Liverpool's managing director Christian Purslow said that the club was "pretty happy" with the draw.[58] Liverpool's first game was at Anfield, where they faced Debreceni. Liverpool were well below par, and the Hungarian champions had chances to score in the first half. However, in the last minute of the first half, Fernando Torres' shot was parried by Vukašin Poleksić; however, Dirk Kuyt was on hand to stab home the opener. The second half was a pretty turgid affair, with Liverpool briefly threatening, and the visitors never really having a sustained period of pressure. Rafa Benítez was frustrated by his team's failure to take the many chances they created throughout the match, and was relieved just to get the three points.[59][60] Liverpool's next group game was a challenging one, away to Fiorentina. Liverpool had an awful first half, and were deservedly two goals down after Montenegrin wonderkid Stevan Jovetić scored a brace. The Reds raised their game after half time, but ultimately were not able to finish off the chances that they created.[61] Rafa Benítez was irate after the match, vowing that Liverpool will "'never again' be as bad as they were during the first half."[62] Fábio Aurélio, who has played under Benítez for the last nine years, at Valencia and Liverpool, said that he had never seen Benítez so angry as he was at half time at Stadio Artemio Franchi.[63] Liverpool suffered a second consecutive defeat, at home to Lyon. Although the home side took the lead after 41 minutes through Yossi Benayoun, they struggled to maintain the lead, and the visitors deservedly grabbed an equaliser on 72 minutes, when Maxime Gonalons took advantage of awful defending in the Liverpool box.[64] Liverpool's night of misery was compounded when César Delgado swept home from close range in the first minute of injury time.[65] Liverpool's next group game was away at group leaders Lyon. Although Liverpool were missing several first team players through injury, they managed to carve out several chances, the best of which was spurned by Andriy Voronin. Liverpool dominated the game without ever really posing a potent threat to the host's goal. Substitute Ryan Babel finally opened the scoring for Liverpool with seven minutes to go, with a stunning strike from long range.[66] It looked as if Liverpool were going to hang on to the three points, and keep their hopes alive, but in the 90th minute, Liverpool failed to clear a high ball, and Lisandro López guided the ball past Pepe Reina to break Liverpool's hearts.[67] This left Liverpool relying on Lyon to defeat Fiorentina at the Stadio Artemio Franchi in their next group game to stay in the competition.[68]
[edit] Matches
[edit] UEFA Europa League[edit] Round of 32Being unable to get higher than third in the Champions League group stage Liverpool are to appear in the Europa League for the first time since they were in the UEFA Cup in the 2003-04 season. [edit] Leg 1
[edit] Leg 2
[edit] League CupThe draw for the 3rd round was made on 29 August 2009. Liverpool were drawn away to Leeds United.[72][73] The League One side raised their game for the occasion, and Elland Road saw a bumper 38,168 crowd. Leeds more than matched Liverpool throughout the first half, and had a Luciano Becchio effort ruled out for offside; however, Liverpool showed their defensive mettle. They scored the game's only goal on 66 minutes, when Javier Mascherano's cross-cum-shot was trapped excellently by David N'Gog, who turned and finished expertly past goalkeeper Shane Higgs.[74] Liverpool received a tricky away fixture to Arsenal for the fourth round.[75] The Reds fielded a weakened side, but still managed to match Arsenal's youngsters. Philipp Degen had an early chance on 14 minutes, which he failed to put away. Arsenal punished this five minutes later. Andriy Voronin failed to clear, and was dispossessed by Mérida, who turned and smacked the ball from 25 yards, which flew past Diego Cavalieri. Liverpool's Emiliano Insúa levelled the scores with an even better strike on 26 minutes. The ball ricocheted off David N'Gog, and the ball sat up for the young Argentinean to smash a dipping shot over Łukasz Fabiański. Both teams were evenly matched for the rest of the first half. Five minutes into the second half, Nicklas Bendtner put Arsenal back into the lead, when he guided the ball into the roof of the net from close range. Liverpool failed to rouse themselves to react, and despite the introduction of Alberto Aquilani with 15 minutes to go, the visitors could not find the equaliser, and thus were eliminated from the competition.[76] This was the fifth consecutive year that Liverpool had been knocked out at this stage in the capital, and completed a North London double over the Merseyside clubs, following Tottenham Hotspur's 2-0 victory over Everton the previous night.
[edit] FA CupLiverpool were given a bye to the third round of the FA Cup, where they were drawn away to Championship strugglers Reading.[77]
[edit] References
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