by red37 » Thu Nov 16, 2006 4:44 pm
the usual pre match summaries of recent encounters between the clubs:
MIDDLESBROUGH V LIVERPOOL: THE LAST FIVE
Jimmy Rice 16 November 2006
The Reds go in search of their first away win of the league campaign at the Riverside, a venue which has hardly been kind to them in recent years. Liverpoolfc.tv looks back at our last five visits…
Middlesbrough 0-0 Liverpool
Premiership – August 2005
Steven Gerrard already had seven goals to his name by the opening day of the new Premiership season, and he would have made it 10 had luck not deserted him at the Riverside. The skipper was clean through in a non-event of a first-half, only to be taken out by Ugo Ehiogu (the 'Boro defender seeing red for his troubles). Gerrard was denied thrice more in a punchier second-half - but he wasn't the only midfielder to catch the eye. Momo Sissoko looked more than a match for seasoned workhorses Ray Parlour and George Boateng on his league debut.
Middlesbrough 2-0 Liverpool
Premiership – November 2004
Liverpool arrived at the Riverside looking a little toothless, with Luis Garcia and Harry Kewell leading the line in the absence of injured duo Milan Baros and Djibril Cisse. Not easy, then, for manager Rafael Benitez to bite his tongue when a Garcia strike was ruled out by the linesman despite the ball coming off Chris Riggott en route to the Spaniard. Still, there could be no excuses for the schoolboy marking which gifted Riggott the opener, nor the sloppy ballwork from Xabi Alonso which led to Bolo Zenden putting the game beyond doubt 25 minutes from time. The one saving grace was the return of Steven Gerrard after a seven-week lay off with a foot injury.
Middlesbrough 0-0 Liverpool
Premiership – November 2003
The much-billed return from injury of Michael Owen was enough to prompt the rarest of sights at the Riverside – a full house. The hoards would have been better staying at home to savour England's early morning triumph in the Rugby Union World Cup. A tired Owen was withdrawn midway through the second-half having been starved of service. His replacement Florent Sinama-Pongolle could have made a sensational entrance had he not volleyed over from six-yards when it looked easier to score. Diouf also came close with a header which hit the bar.
Middlesbrough 1-0 Liverpool
Premiership – November 2002
Liverpool's unbeaten domestic run came to an end thanks to a controversial goal eight minutes from time. Jerzy Dudek spilt the ball in a crowded penalty area and Southgate slotted home into an unguarded net. The visitors claimed their man was fouled but referee Mark Halsey pointed to the centre circle after consulting his assistant. The result set in motion a wretched run of two months without a league win which ultimately cost Gerard Houllier's side a place in the top four.
Middlesbrough 1-2 Liverpool
Premiership – March 2002
Goals from Emile Heskey and John Arne Riise fired Liverpool back to the top of the Premiership with two months remaining. Bruno opened the scoring after good work from Anelka and Hamann, then turned provider for Riise on 82 minutes. A late consolation from Gareth Southgate set off the jitters as the final whistle loomed, but the Reds managed to hold out.
**********************************************
not the most inspiring accounts of what usually end up as anything but entertaining affairs. so be prepared to put your money on a classic!) in all conceivable truth, this really has to be nothing less than a win, for both an important 3 points and a much anticipated vital boost for not only the teams morale but the whole club in general could do with some long overdue positive news away from home for a once. heres hoping that both the points and a decent performance arrive down by the Riverside on Saturday.
(Steve Finnan is on course for his 100th club appearance on saturday)
Last edited by
red37 on Thu Nov 16, 2006 6:46 pm, edited 1 time in total.
TITANS of HOPE
its just another contribution to the overall debate.
by 