by Gosh, this Andrew Molyneux is cute...even for a Reds supporter. :)
http://www.walkonlfc.com/news/sep01/andrew_molyneuxthree.htm
NEWS
22.9.01
LFC 1 Tottenham 0 :'(
by Andrew Molyneux
The recurrence of Michael Owen's troublesome hamstring problem will dominate
the headlines of all the back pages tomorrow, by virtue of his late
withdrawal from a game the player himself started as a substitute.
Following Liverpool's incredibly lacklustre performance in Dortmund and with
a consequently vital fixture in four days time at home to Dynamo Kiev,
manager Grard Houllier chose to 'rest' both Owen and Emile Heskey, naming
the pair as substitutes for the visit of the unpredictable and injury-hit
Spurs.
Steven Gerrard could only watch from his vantage point in the Main Stand due
to suspension. He was replaced by Igor Biscan as Nick Barmby deputised for
Danny Murphy. Such alterations, allied to Houllier's attacking duo shuffle,
meant several changes to the line-up from the Reds' last outing and once
again they took time to settle. Unlike at Goodison Park a week earlier, they
managed not to concede an early goal.
It was from the unlikely source of Grgory Vignal that the home side
displayed their first attempt, with the young French full-back striking a
dipping effort onto the cross bar from 25-yards. Both sides exchanged
efforts on target as Jari Litmanen and John Arne Riise both came close on
several occasions for Liverpool, as did Nick Barmby, who had a point to
prove against one of his former employers.
Robbie Fowler, still appearing a troubled soul, tested Sullivan from the
edge of the area as his side continued to knock at the Spurs door. On the
back of their first clean sheet of the season in Dortmund, Liverpool's
defence again showed signs of improvement. Despite this, the visitors
continually asked questions with each attack emanating from the cunning of
Teddy Sheringham. With a brain arguably unsurpassed in the current game, he
was at the heart of all Tottenham's attacks, setting up great chances for
Les Ferdinand and Gustavo Poyet. On each occasion a Liverpool defender was
in place to intervene at the vital moment.
The break-through came twelve-minutes into the second half and was suitably
a flash of genius necessary to break the deadlock. Moving in-field from the
left, Litmanen's options were once again limited. From over 25 yards, the
Finnish international unleashed a venomous right foot shot that curled away
from Sullivan and into the net via the foot of the right hand post.
Jubilation mixed with relief, a goal that Liverpool deserved for their
endeavour. It was to prove their only goal though as, yet again, creativity
was once again in limited supply. Such accusation could not be directed at
Litmanen who registered his first goal in front of the adoring Kopites.
Almost immediately, Heskey replaced an immensely displeased Fowler who made
his feelings abundantly clear for all in sight of the Liverpool seating area
before taking up his position as a disgruntled spectator for the remaining
duration of the contest.
To the surprise of many, eight-minutes later Owen replaced the goalscorer,
who took his withdrawal a little more maturely. What was to follow for Owen
was the news that will hinder both club and country.
Before that though he had produced two tantalising runs down the right-hand
side, by-passing former team-mate Ziege and Perry respectively before seeing
the ball scuttle across the six yard box as Heskey failed to connect with
the first, and watch the ball brush past Sullivan's far post with his
second.
The introduction of Liverpool's primary strike pairing stemmed any threat
that Spurs posed through attempts from Ferdinand and Ziege. Heskey battled
well with the hugely impressive young defender Ledley King. The Spurs fans
chanted that they don't need the services of Sol Campbell as they have King;
on this showing, the young defender certainly has the potential to reach the
heights of his former colleague.
On 83 minutes came the moment that every Liverpool fan and member of the
backroom staff feared at the back of their mind, but hoped they would not
have to witness again. Chasing a ball from Hamann with Chris Perry, Owen won
the race, but in stretching to send a left-footed shot goalwards he pulled
his infamous left hamstring muscle and sunk to the ground. The severity of
his injury was immediately evident as Physio Dave Galley attended to the
stricken striker in front of an equally distraught Kop Stand.
Gary McAllister replaced Owen for the remaining uneventful six-minutes. The
majority of the home spectators were confident that their side would hold on
to secure another much needed three-points, but were more concerned for the
fitness of Michael Owen. Currently enjoying his most productive spell of
form for the best part of two years, how fate can play a cruel part in
players' career.
The national media will concentrate on Owen's loss for England. Certainly
this is a factor for consideration, yet his absence will be a far more
considerable one for Liverpool.
STATS CORNER:
Liverpool Tottenham
4-4-2 4-4-2
12. Jerzy Dudek (7) 1. Neil Sullivan
23. Jamie Carragher (6) 3. Mauriccio Tarrico
2. Stephane Henchoz (7) 6. Chris Perry
4. Sami Hyypi? (*8*) 26. Ledley King
27. Gregory Vignal (7) 14. Gustavo Poyet
20. Nick Barmby (7) 7. Darren Anderton
25. Igor Biscan (6) 4 Stefan Freund
16. Dietmar Hamann (8) 29 Simon Davies
18. John Arne Riise (7) 23 Christian Ziege
9. Robbie Fowler (6) 9 Les Ferdinand
37. Jari Litmanen (7) 10 Teddy Sheringham
Subs:
8. Emile Heskey (Fowler) (7) 11 Sergei Rebrov (Davies)
10. Michael Owen (Litmanen) (-) 17 Oyvind Leonhardsen
21. Gary McAllister (Owen) (-) 28 Matthew Etherington
29. Stephen Wright 31 Alton Thelwell
22. Chris Kirkland 13 Kasey Keller
Cautions:
Y Vignal Y Freund
Referee: Dermot Gallagher (Banbury)
Att: 44,116