| 2009–10 season | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chairmen | Tom Hicks andGeorge Gillett (until 16 April 2010) Martin Broughton (from 16 April 2010) | |||
| Manager | Rafael Benítez | |||
| Stadium | Anfield | |||
| Premier League | 7th | |||
| FA Cup | Third round replay (lost toReading) | |||
| League Cup | Fourth round (lost toArsenal) | |||
| UEFA Champions League | Group stage, 3rd | |||
| UEFA Europa League | Semi-finals (lost toAtlético Madrid) | |||
| Top goalscorer | League:Fernando Torres (18) All: Fernando Torres (22) | |||
| Highest home attendance | 44,375 (v.Chelsea,Premier League, 1 May 2010) | |||
| Lowest home attendance | 31,063 (v.Reading,FA Cup, 13 January 2010) | |||
| Average home league attendance | 41,962 | |||
The2009–10 season wasLiverpool's 118th season since their foundation, and their 48th consecutive year in the top flight. They were sponsored for an eighteenth season byCarlsberg, but this association would end at the end of the year.Rafael Benítez was the club's manager, this being his sixth season in charge. His association with the club would also end at the end of the year, however.
Having finished second in theprevious league campaign, Liverpool qualified automatically for the2009–10 UEFA Champions League group stage for the first time since the2002–03 season. This season Liverpool made major moves in the transfer market, selling players such asXabi Alonso and the ageingSami Hyypiä, while signingAlberto Aquilani fromRoma andGlen Johnson fromPortsmouth.
After a season of poor results and inconsistent play, as well as injuries to main strikerFernando Torres, Liverpool finished 7th in the Premier League, their lowest finish in 11 years, and failed to progress beyond round 4 of either domestic cup. They were eliminated from theLeague Cup at the hands ofArsenal in theFourth round in a 2–1 defeat at theEmirates Stadium on 26 October. They were then knocked out of theFA Cup on 13 January. After a 1–1 draw withChampionship teamReading at theMadejski Stadium in theThird round, Liverpool lost the replay at Anfield 2–1 after extra time.
In addition to a poor domestic campaign, Liverpool failed to qualify for the knockout stage of the UEFA Champions League, finishing third in their group and entering theUEFA Europa League Round of 32; Liverpool were knocked out in the semi-finals by eventual winnersAtlético Madrid. They lost the first leg at theVicente Calderón Stadium 1–0, and despite forcing extra time in the second leg, and then going on to win 2–1, they were eliminated on the away goals rule.
A week after the end of the Premier League season, Liverpool announced they had terminatedRafael Benítez's contract by mutual consent.
Liverpool confirmed that long-serving centre-backSami Hyypiä would be leaving the club after 10 years to join German clubBayer Leverkusen.[1] Liverpool also confirmed thatJosé 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 againstEspanyol, as part of a clause of the deal that broughtAlbert Riera to the club. Liverpool started their pre-season campaign againstSt. Gallen in Switzerland on 15 July, which ended 0–0, a game in whichRafael Benítez gave playing time to most of his players.Glen Johnson made his debut for Liverpool and earned himself the Fans Man of the Match award fromLiverpool F.C. TV. They played their second encounter withRapid Wien at theErnst Happel Stadium on 19 July, which Liverpool lost 1–0 from a goal from midfielderSteffen Hofmann. The Asian tour began with a match againstThailand on 22 July, which ended 1–1, with Liverpool's early goal coming fromRyan Babel and the Thai's from substituteSutee Suksomkit. This was followed by a trip toKallang to playSingapore, a game which Liverpool won 5–0 with goals fromAndriy Voronin, Albert Riera, two byKrisztián Németh andFernando Torres. They then played Espanyol on 2 August, where they suffered a heavy 3–0 defeat thanks to two goals fromBen Sahar and one fromLuis García. They then enjoyed their first win of the campaign, againstLyn Oslo on 5 August, winning won 2–0 with goals from Voronin andDavid Ngog. They ended the pre-season with a 1–2 loss againstAtlético Madrid on 8 August at Anfield. Goals fromSergio Agüero andDiego Forlán put the Spaniards 0–2 up untilLucas pulled one back late on for the Reds.
The team kit for the 2009–10 season was produced byAdidas. The home kit remained the same as the previous season. The away kit was black with gold trim. The third kit changed in August 2009 to a new white kit. It was announced that longtime sponsorCarlsberg would be leaving the club after 18 years to be replaced by British bankStandard Chartered, who commenced a four-year£80 million deal with the club in May 2010.[3][4]
|
|
| No. | Name | Nationality | Position | Date of Birth (Age) | Signed From |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goalkeepers | |||||
| 1 | Diego Cavalieri |  | GK | (1982-12-01)1 December 1982 (aged 26) | Palmeiras |
| 25 | Pepe Reina |  | GK | (1982-08-31)31 August 1982 (aged 26) | Villarreal |
| Defenders | |||||
| 2 | Glen Johnson |  | RB | (1984-08-23)23 August 1984 (aged 24) | Portsmouth |
| 5 | Daniel Agger |  | CB | (1984-12-12)12 December 1984 (aged 24) | Brøndby |
| 12 | Fábio Aurélio | | LB | (1979-09-24)24 September 1979 (aged 29) | Valencia |
| 16 | Sotirios Kyrgiakos |  | CB | (1979-07-23)23 July 1979 (aged 29) | AEK Athens |
| 22 | Emiliano Insúa |  | LB | (1989-01-07)7 January 1989 (aged 20) | Boca Juniors |
| 23 | Jamie Carragher | | CB | (1978-01-28)28 January 1978 (aged 31) | The Academy |
| 27 | Philipp Degen |  | RB | (1983-02-15)15 February 1983 (aged 26) | Borussia Dortmund |
| 34 | Martin Kelly | | RB/CB | (1990-04-27)27 April 1990 (aged 19) | The Academy |
| 37 | Martin Škrtel |  | CB | (1984-12-15)15 December 1984 (aged 24) | Zenit Saint Petersburg |
| 40 | Daniel Ayala | | CB | (1990-11-07)7 November 1990 (aged 18) | Sevilla |
| Midfielders | |||||
| 4 | Alberto Aquilani |  | CM | (1984-07-07)7 July 1984 (aged 24) | Roma |
| 8 | Steven Gerrard | | CM/AM | (1980-05-30)30 May 1980 (aged 29) | The Academy |
| 11 | Albert Riera | | LW | (1982-04-15)15 April 1982 (aged 27) | Espanyol |
| 15 | Yossi Benayoun |  | RW | (1980-05-05)5 May 1980 (aged 29) | West Ham United |
| 17 | Maxi Rodríguez | | RW/LW | (1981-01-02)2 January 1981 (aged 28) | Atlético Madrid |
| 19 | Ryan Babel |  | LW | (1986-12-19)19 December 1986 (aged 22) | Ajax |
| 20 | Javier Mascherano | | DM | (1984-06-08)8 June 1984 (aged 25) | West Ham United |
| 21 | Lucas | | DM/CM | (1987-01-09)9 January 1987 (aged 22) | Grêmio |
| 28 | Damien Plessis |  | DM | (1988-03-05)5 March 1988 (aged 21) | Lyon |
| 31 | Nabil El Zhar |  | RW | (1986-08-27)27 August 1986 (aged 22) | Saint-Étienne |
| Strikers | |||||
| 9 | Fernando Torres | | ST | (1984-03-20)20 March 1984 (aged 25) | Atlético Madrid |
| 18 | Dirk Kuyt | | FW | (1980-07-22)22 July 1980 (aged 28) | Feyenoord |
| 24 | David Ngog | | ST | (1989-04-01)1 April 1989 (aged 20) | Paris Saint-Germain |
| 39 | Nathan Eccleston | | ST | (1990-12-30)30 December 1990 (aged 18) | The Academy |
| 47 | Dani Pacheco | | ST | (1991-01-05)5 January 1991 (aged 18) | The Academy |
Updated 23 March 2010[8]Squad Numbers refer to players' first team squad number (for season 2009–10), where applicable. Reserve and youth games are 1–11. SeeLiverpool F.C. Reserves and Academy
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined underFIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
| No. | Pos. | Nat. | Name | Age | EU | Moving from | Type | Transfer window | Ends | Transfer fee | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | MF | | Alberto Aquilani | 25 | EU | Roma | Transfer | Summer | 2014 | €22,100,000 | BBC |
| 2 | RB | | Glen Johnson | 24 | EU | Portsmouth | Transfer | Summer | 2013 | £17.5M | BBC |
| 16 | DF | | Sotirios Kyrgiakos | 30 | EU | AEK Athens | Transfer | Summer | 2011 | £2M +Németh loan | liverpoolfc.com |
| 17 | MF | | Maxi Rodríguez | 29 | EU | Atlético Madrid | Transfer | Winter | 2013 | Free | liverpoolfc.com |
Last updated: 13 January
| No. | Pos. | Nat. | Name | Age | EU | Moving from | Type | Transfer window | Ends | Transfer fee | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GK | | Tyrell Belford | 15 | EU | Coventry City | Transfer | Summer | Undisclosed | Compensation | Coventry Telegraph | |
| MF |  | Kristján Emilsson | 16 | EU | FH | Transfer | Summer | Undisclosed | Undisclosed | Liverpool F.C. Official site | |
| MF | | Aaron King | 16 | EU | Rushden & Diamonds | Transfer | Summer | Undisclosed | Undisclosed | Rushden & Diamonds Official website | |
| MF | | Nicolas Kohlert | 16 | EU | Esbjerg fB | Transfer | Summer | 2012 | Undisclosed | Goal.com | |
| DF |  | Maloney | 16 | EU | St Josephs Boys AFC | Transfer | Summer | Undisclosed | Undisclosed | ||
| LB | | Chris Mavinga | 18 | EU | Paris Saint-Germain | Transfer | Summer | Undisclosed | Undisclosed | Liverpool F.C. Official site | |
| David Moli | EU | Luton Town | Transfer | Summer | Undisclosed | Compensation | Luton Town F.C. | |||
| FW | | Michael Ngoo | 16 | EU | Southend United | Transfer | Summer | Undisclosed | £250,000 | Liverpool F.C. Official site | |
| DF |  | Stephen Sama | 16 | EU | Borussia Dortmund | Transfer | Summer | 2012 | Compensation | Liverpool F.C. Official site | |
| MF |  | Toni Silva | 16 | EU | Benfica | Transfer | Summer | Undisclosed | Compensation | Liverpool F.C. | |
| DF |  | Jakub Sokolík | 16 | EU | Baník Ostrava | Transfer | Summer | Undisclosed | Undisclosed | Sky Sports | |
| GK | | Jamie Stephens | 16 | EU | Swindon Town | Transfer | Summer | Undisclosed | Undisclosed | Liverpool F.C. |
Last updated: 10 December
| No. | Pos. | Nat. | Name | Age | EU | Moving to | Type | Transfer window | Transfer fee | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14 | CM | | Xabi Alonso | 27 | EU | Real Madrid | Transfer | Summer | £30,000,000 | liverpoolfc.com |
| 17 | DF | | Álvaro Arbeloa | 26 | EU | Real Madrid | Transfer | Summer | £3,500,000 | liverpoolfc.com |
| 35 | MF |  | Ryan Flynn | 21 | EU | Falkirk | Transfer | Summer | Undisclosed | liverpoolfc.com |
| 4 | CB |  | Sami Hyypiä | 35 | EU | Bayer Leverkusen | Contract ended | Summer | Free | liverpoolfc.com |
| 33 | LM | | Sebastián Leto | 22 | Non-EU | Panathinaikos | Transfer | Summer | £3,000,000 | liverpoolfc.com |
| 38 | FW | | Craig Lindfield | 20 | EU | Macclesfield Town | Released | Summer | Free | liverpoolfc.com |
| 16 | RM | | Jermaine Pennant | 26 | EU | Zaragoza | Contract ended | Summer | Free | Guardian |
| 38 | DF | | Andrea Dossena | 28 | EU | Napoli | Transfer | Winter | €4,250,000 | liverpoolfc.com |
| 10 | FW |  | Andriy Voronin | 30 | Non-EU | Dynamo Moscow | Transfer | Winter | €2,000,000 | liverpoolfc.com |
Last updated: 10 January
| No. | Pos. | Nat. | Name | Age | EU | Moving to | Type | Transfer window | Transfer fee | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RW | | Paul Anderson | 20 | EU | Nottingham Forest | Transfer | Summer | £250,000 | Liverpool Official Site | |
| DF |  | Godwin Antwi | 21 | EU | Vejle BK | Contract ended | Summer | Free | Liverpool Official Site | |
| MF |  | Astrit Ajdarević | 18 | EU | Leicester City | Contract ended | Summer | Free | BBC | |
| DF | | Christopher Buchtmann | 17 | EU | Fulham | Transfer | Winter | £100,000 | Liverpool Official Site | |
| MF | | Ryan Crowther | 20 | EU | Contract ended | Summer | Free | Liverpool Official Site | ||
| MF | | Adam Dawson | 16 | EU | Bury | Released | Summer | Free | Bury Times | |
| GK | | Hakan Duyan | 18 | EU | Shrewsbury Town | Released | Summer | Free | BBC | |
| MF | | Vitor Flora | 20 | EU | Goiás | Transfer | Winter | Undisclosed | Liverpool Official Site | |
| MF | | Adam Hammill | 21 | EU | Barnsley | Transfer | Summer | Undisclosed | Liverpool Official Site | |
| CB | | Jack Hobbs | 20 | EU | Leicester City | Transfer | Summer | £400,000 | Liverpool Official Site | |
| DF |  | Ronald Huth | 19 | EU | Vicenza | Contract ended | Summer | Free | Liverpool Official Site | |
| DF | | Joe Kennedy | 18 | EU | Youth contract ended | Summer | Free | Liverpool Official Site | ||
| MF | | Gary Mackay-Steven | 20 | EU | Contract ended | Summer | Free | Liverpool Official Site | ||
| DF | | Shane O'Connor | 19 | EU | Ipswich Town | Contract ended | Summer | Free | Liverpool Official Site | |
| MF | | Ray Putterill | 20 | EU | Halewood Town | Released | Summer | Free | ||
| DF | | Miki Roqué | 20 | EU | Real Betis | Contract ended | Summer | Free | Liverpool Official Site |
Last updated: 5 February
| # | Pos | Player | From | Start | End |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MF |  Zsolt Pölöskei | MTK Hungária | 01-07-2009 | 30-06-2010[9] | |
| FW | Krisztián Adorján | MTK Hungária | 01-08-2009 | 30-06-2010[10] | |
| FW | Patrik Poór | MTK Hungária | 01-08-2009 | 30-06-2010 |
| # | Pos | Player | To | Start | End |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26 | MF | Jay Spearing | Leicester City | 23-03-2010 | 30-05-2010[11] |
| 29 | FW | Krisztián Németh | AEK Athens | 21-08-2009 | 30-06-2010[12] |
| 30 | GK | Charles Itandje | Kavala | 31-08-2009 | 30-06-2010[13] |
| 32 | DF | Stephen Darby | Swindon Town | 12-03-2010 | 31-05-2010[14] |
| 35 | MF | Ryan Flynn | Falkirk | 10-07-2009 | 14-09-2009[15] |
| 38 | DF | Robbie Threlfall | Northampton Town | 21-08-2009 | 19-09-2009[16] |
| 38 | DF | Robbie Threlfall | Bradford City | 22-02-2010 | 22-03-2010[17] |
| 38 | DF | Robbie Threlfall | Bradford City | 22-03-2010 | 30-05-2010[18] |
| 39 | MF | Nathan Eccleston | Huddersfield Town | 28-01-2010 | 08-05-2010[19] |
| 42 | GK | Péter Gulácsi | Tranmere Rovers | 16-04-2010 | 23-04-2010[20] |
| 42 | GK | Péter Gulácsi | Tranmere Rovers | 23-04-2010 | 30-04-2010[21] |
| 42 | GK | Péter Gulácsi | Tranmere Rovers | 01-05-2010 | 08-05-2010[22] |
| 43 | GK |  Dean Bouzanis | Accrington Stanley | 26-11-2009 | 02-01-2010[23] |
| 43 | GK | Dean Bouzanis | Accrington Stanley | 03-01-2010 | 30-01-2010[24] |
| 43 | GK | Dean Bouzanis | Accrington Stanley | 01-02-2010 | 30-05-2010[25] |
| 44 | GK | David Martin | Tranmere Rovers | 16-10-2009 | 16-11-2009[26] |
| 44 | GK | David Martin | Leeds United | 26-11-2009 | 28-12-2009[27] |
| 44 | GK | David Martin | Leeds United | 29-12-2009 | 30-01-2010[28] |
| 44 | GK | David Martin | Leeds United | 01-02-2010 | 10-02-2010[25] |
| 44 | GK | David Martin | Derby County | 12-03-2010 | 10-04-2010[14] |
| 45 | MF | Mikel San José | Athletic Bilbao | 15-08-2009 | 30-06-2010[29] |
| GK |  Nikolay Mihaylov | Twente | 01-07-2008 | 30-06-2010[30] | |
| FW | András Simon | Córdoba | 21-08-2009 | 30-06-2010[31] | |
| MF | Vincent Weijl | Helmond Sport | 30-01-2010 | 30-06-2010[32] |
| Friendlies | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kick Off | Opponents | H / A | Result | Scorers | Referee | Attendance | Report |
| 2009-07-15 20:00 | St. Gallen | A | 0–0 | – | Cyril Zimmermann | 20,000 | MR |
| 2009-07-19 19:15 |  Rapid Wien | A | 0–1 | – | Gerhard Grubelnik | 50,000 | MR |
| 2009-07-22 20:00 |  Thailand | A | 1–1 | Babel 6' | 55,000 | MR | |
| 2009-07-26 20:00 |  Singapore | A | 5–0 | Voronin 45',Riera 54',Németh 73', 83',Torres 80' | Abdul Malik Bashir | 55,000 | MR |
| 2009-08-02 21:00 | Espanyol | A | 0–3 | - | 40,000 | MR | |
| 2009-08-05 19:00 |  Lyn Oslo | A | 2–0 | Voronin 44',Ngog 59' | MR | ||
| 2009-08-08 15:00 | Atlético Madrid | H | 1–2 | Lucas 82' | Phil Dowd | 44,102 | MR |
The fixtures for the2009–10 Premier League season were announced on 17 June, with Liverpool being handed an away fixture toTottenham Hotspur.[33] Spurs took the lead a minute before half time when left backBenoît Assou-Ekotto scored from 30 yards, afterTom Huddlestone's free kick had been blocked. Liverpool showed more urgency after half time, and were awarded a penalty on 55 minutes whenGlen Johnson's run was ended by keeperHeurelho Gomes' challenge. Steven Gerrard converted the penalty to equalise for Liverpool. However, Tottenham regained the lead on 64 minutes whenCameroonian centre-halfSébastien Bassong headed home aLuka Modrić free kick. Liverpool seemed unable to respond, and fashioned few chances. They had a penalty appeal turned down on 84 minutes whenAndriy Voronin seemed to be tripped by Assou-Ekotto in the box, but Spurs hung on for a 2–1 win.[34][35] Liverpool managerRafael Benítez later criticised refereePhil Dowd for his failure to award Liverpool a penalty, and was later charged with improper conduct by theFA.[36][37]
Liverpool's first home match was againstStoke City four days later. Liverpool took the lead after five minutes whenFernando Torres swept homeSteven Gerrard's cross. The lead was doubled moments before half time when Glen Johnson acrobatically finished afterDirk 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 FrenchmanDavid Ngog headed a fourth in stoppage time.[38][39]
Liverpool suffered their first home league defeat since a 0–1 loss toManchester United on 16 December 2007 againstAston Villa the following Monday. The away side took the lead whenLucas inadvertently headed into his own net from anAshley Young cross on 33 minutes. Villa doubled their lead in first half injury time whenCurtis Davies headed home from a corner. Liverpool did manage to pull one back through Fernando Torres, but Gerrard's poorly timed tackle onNigel Reo-Coker led to a penalty, which Ashley Young converted to consign Liverpool to a 3–1 defeat.[40][41] Manager Rafael Benítez criticised his senior players for the defeat and demanded a better performance for the next match, away atBolton Wanderers.[42]
At theReebok Stadium, Liverpool had to twice come back from behind against Bolton. They took the lead on 33 minutes when poor marking from a corner sawKevin 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 downJussi Jääskeläinen's long punt forTamir Cohen to smash home. The turning point of the game wasSean 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 on 83 minutes, when Torres' knockdown from a Glen Johnson was met by a shot from Gerrard, who had earlier hit the bar.[43] Gerrard later felt he "owed" the performance after poor performances in the defeats to 'Spurs and Villa.[44][45]
Liverpool's next match came after the international break, where they faced newly promotedBurnley at home. Despite comments made prior to the match by goalkeeperPepe Reina that the league title was 'not a realistic ambition this season',[46] Liverpool comfortably dispatched the East Lancashire club 4–0 to go up to fourth in the table, thanks to an inspired performance fromYossi Benayoun, who scored a hat-trick.[47] Liverpool manager Rafael Benítez later praised Benayoun's work ethic, and stated that he was an 'example to the rest of the squad'[48][49]Michael Shields, attended this match as a special guest, his first sinceIstanbul, just three days after being released from prison.[50]
Liverpool travelled to theBoleyn Ground the following week, a ground that they won 3–0 at the previous season. They looked to be heading for a similar result whenFernando Torres' goal put the visitors 1–0 up after thirteen minutes. However,Jamie Carragher brought young strikerZavon Hines down on the half-hour, andAlessandro 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 throughCarlton Cole after poor defending from a corner kick. The second half was approached slightly more cautiously by the home side, and substituteRyan 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.[51] Benítez praised Torres for his role in the win; Torres had stated earlier that week that he felt he was not playing to standard.[52][53][54]
The club's last Premier League match of the month came at home on 26 September, againstHull City. Liverpool took the lead after Fernando Torres slotted pastBoaz Myhill. Hull then equalised four minutes later, when defensive frailties were pounced upon byGeovanni. Liverpool retook the lead when Torres rounded Myhill, and the Spaniard completed his hat-trick with a 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 and he inadvertently deflectedAlbert Riera's shot in injury time to make it 6–1.[55]
Liverpool lost their first big four game 2–0 toChelsea atStamford Bridge. The match was level untilNicolas 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 outmuscledEmiliano Insúa and squared back forFlorent Malouda to double Chelsea's lead in added time.[56]
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, abeach ball, thrown onto the field by a spectator deflected the ball into the net.[57] Liverpool were not able to react to the shock goal, and Sunderland held on for the win.[58]
On 25 October, Liverpool prepared to face off withManchester United. Manager Rafa Benítez was under pressure following four straight defeats, but he was calm as he spoke to the press.[59]Fábio Aurélio had a chance when his header was saved byEdwin van der Sar. Liverpool sustained their pressure throughout the second half. They finally took the lead on 65 minutes when Fernando Torres outmuscledRio Ferdinand and fired his shot into the top corner of the net.[60] United finally reacted after the goal, but were not able to fashion any clear cut chances.Antonio Valencia hit the crossbar, but that was the closest the visitors came to an equaliser.[61] Their plight was not helped byNemanja Vidić's sending off for a second bookable offence on 90 minutes.[62]Javier Mascherano was also sent off for two bookings on 95 minutes, when he tackled van der Sar.David Ngog finally secured the three points for Liverpool when he broke away and slotted past van der Sar to secure victory, Liverpool's third consecutive victory over their rivals.[63]
Liverpool's final match of the month came away toFulham. Liverpool fell behind after 24 minutes whenBobby Zamora tapped home. Liverpool equalised three minutes before half time, whenFernando Torres finished 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 retook the lead on 73 minutes, when another breakaway resulted inErik Nevland finishing off aPaul Konchesky cross.[64] Liverpool were left chasing the game at this point, and they lost two men in three minutes;Philipp Degen was sent off for a tackle on Zamora, andJamie Carragher was later sent off for a professional foul. This was Liverpool's fifth defeat in 11 matches, and it left them 9 points behindChelsea at the top.[65]
Liverpool's first match of the month was home toBirmingham City. Liverpool took the lead on 13 minutes, whenDavid Ngog finished off after several saves fromJoe Hart. Birmingham fought back, however, and equalised on 26 minutes, when a harmless free kick resulted inChristian Benítez heading home. Birmingham took the lead in the third minute of first half stoppage time, whenCameron Jerome netted from 35 yards. Liverpool brought onSteven Gerrard at the break, and he converted Liverpool's equaliser on 71 minutes, from the penalty spot, after Ngog had adjudged to be fouled byLee Carsley. TV replays showed that Ngog had dived.[66]Liverpool could not find the winner, but this would have been harsh on Birmingham, who had defended well throughout.[67]
Liverpool's next match after the international break was another home game, this time toManchester City. Liverpool took the lead five minutes into the second half whenMartin Škrtel got the vital touch from a Gerrard free kick. City got back into the game on 69 minutes; poor marking fromCraig Bellamy's corner leftEmmanuel Adebayor with a free header from six yards. City then silenced Anfield when they took the lead on 76 minutes;Shaun Wright-Phillips turnedSotirios Kyrgiakos and crossed for Stephen Ireland to finish from close range. However, City could not hold on to their lead, andYossi Benayoun was left to tap home just 72 seconds after Ireland's goal.[68]
Liverpool headed into theMerseyside derby having exited theChampions League, and with just one win in 10.Everton were also in poor form, though they started the brighter of the two teams.[69] Liverpool were content to soak up the pressure, and took the lead on 12 minutes, whenJavier Mascherano's 30-yard shot was deflected in byJoseph Yobo. Everton's Jo had two goals 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 upAlbert Riera, whose powerful shotTim Howard could not hold, allowingDirk 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.[70]
On a high after the derby win, The Reds travelled toEwood Park as they facedBlackburn Rovers in what was Steven Gerrard's 500th game for Liverpool. Rovers managerSam Allardyce has a good record against Liverpool, and he managed to contain the Reds in a goalless draw. Chances were few and far between, with the best chance falling to the youngFrenchmanDavid Ngog late on; his scuffed shot hit the bar.
Liverpool's next game was at home toArsenal. The home side started well, dominating Arsenal in the early stages. Their pressure paid off four minutes before the break whenDirk Kuyt tapped home from close range.Cesc Fàbregas later revealed that managerArsène Wenger had given his players the hairdryer treatment at half time, making it clear in no uncertain terms that they had played awfully in the first period.[71] Arsenal returned invigoured after the second half, and put Liverpool under a period of intense pressure in the opening exchanges of the second half. Arsenal equalised whenSamir Nasri's cross was inadvertently deflected into his own net byGlen Johnson. Buoyed by the goal, Arsenal pushed on and took the lead five minutes later through a goal fromAndrey Arshavin which gave Reina no chance at his near post. Arsenal held on for their first win atAnfield since October 2003.
Liverpool managed to regain the winning touch with a 2–1 win overWigan Athletic at Anfield three days later. The away side gave a good account of themselves, and aside fromDavid Ngog's early goal, matched Liverpool for spells. Liverpool wrapped up the win 11 minutes from time withFernando Torres' 11th goal of the season. Wigan got a late consolation throughCharles N'Zogbia, which was more than deserved.
Liverpool travelled toFratton Park to face bottom of the tablePortsmouth in what was seen as an easy game. Liverpool managerRafa Benítez had made an eyebrow-raising team selection upon his team's visit the previous season,[72] and he also raised questions about his selection as he picked out-of-favourAndrea Dossena on the left.[73]Daniel Agger's close-range header was the visitors' best chance of the half, but it was Portsmouth who took the lead six minutes from the end,AlgerianNadir Belhadj rifling in a shot from what seemed an impossible angle.Javier Mascherano was sent off in first-half injury time after a two-footed lunge onTal Ben Haim. The away side pressured for an equaliser in the second half, withAsmir Begović pulling off a stupendous save fromSteven Gerrard's heavily deflected shot. The home side sealed the win with seven minutes to go whenFrédéric Piquionne volleyed home from 10 yards by sealing Portsmouth's first victory over Liverpool since April 2007. Many fans called for Benítez's exit after the game, despite his 'guarantee' of a fourth-place finish.[74]
The boxing day fixture saw Liverpool hostWolves. An even first half sawKevin Doyle miss the away side's best chance as he headed over from six yards, butStephen Ward's controversial red card early in the second half proved a turning point. Steven Gerrard powered in a header just after the hour, andYossi Benayoun added a second deflected shot eight minutes later.
Liverpool's last match of the decade was a crunch match for 4th place withAston Villa atVilla Park. The game turned out to be rather poor, with both teams cancelling each other out. Villa missed good chances throughGabriel Agbonlahor andJohn Carew, but with the game heading for a draw,Fernando Torres slotted pastBrad Friedel in the third minute of stoppage time to give Liverpool a vital three points.
Liverpool's first Premier League match of the calendar year pitted them againstStoke City at theBritannia Stadium, just days after they had been knocked out of theFA Cup byChampionship sideReading at Anfield. The away side were weakened by injuries, but still put in a creditable performance.Lucas appeared to be tripped byDanny Higginbotham in the penalty area on 26 minutes, but refereeLee Mason booked the Brazilian for diving. Stoke were content to sit back and let Liverpool have possession, and the away side lacked a cutting edge that would have killed the game. They did take the lead on 57 minutes, withGreek defenderSotirios Kyrgiakos knocking in afterThomas Sørensen had droppedFábio Aurélio's free kick. Stoke put Liverpool under heavy pressure in the last quarter of an hour, and made the breakthrough whenRobert Huth scrambled home.Dirk Kuyt missed a golden opportunity to win the game in the sixth minute of injury time, but his header hit the post.
Liverpool faced another important showdown withTottenham at Anfield. Spurs managerHarry Redknapp felt that his side could get a result at Anfield, with Liverpool missing key players and in poor form. Liverpool, however, started strongly, taking the lead in the sixth minute throughDirk Kuyt's 6th-minute strike. Tottenham were off-par, and despite the ruling out ofJermain Defoe's goal, failed to test Reina. The home side earned a penalty in injury-time when substitutesMaxi Rodríguez andDavid Ngog combined, with the latter being tripped in the box. Kuyt was made to re-take his penalty, but still sentHeurelho Gomes the wrong way to secure Liverpool's third win in four.
Despite their impressive form, Liverpool were disappointing once more, as they failed to break down Wolves atMolineux.Albert Riera's early effort was comfortably saved byMarcus Hahnemann, but the away side failed to create any clear-cut chances, and the best opportunities in a drab game fell to Wolves'Kevin Doyle, whose goalbound shot was cleared byEmiliano Insúa.
Liverpool's next game was at home toBolton. They failed to impress, but still managed to grind out a 2–0 win, withDirk Kuyt grabbing his third goal in as many games as he toe-poked in from close range. Emiliano Insúa's long-range strike was deflected into his own net byKevin Davies for the second.David Ngog should have added a late third, but missed a sitter, hitting the crossbar from five yards out with the goal gaping. Rafael Benítez praised The Reds' defence, as they kept a third consecutive clean sheet, and a fifth in the last six games.
Liverpool prepared to renew rivalries withEverton on 6 February at Anfield. The Toffees were in scintillating form, earning impressive draws atThe Emirates and atStamford Bridge in their nine-game unbeaten run. The game turned out to be more of a physical battle than a football match, withJamie Carragher's tackle onSteven Pienaar within the first 10 seconds setting the precedent.Sotirios Kyrgiakos was sent off on 34 minutes for a lunge onMarouane Fellaini, but the away side failed to capitalise on his absence, particularly in the air. The best chance of the half fell to Everton'sTim Cahill, but his close range header went just over. Liverpool took the lead 10 minutes into the second half,Dirk Kuyt heading in from close range fromSteven Gerrard's corner. The home side then had to defend as Everton pinned them back for periods. Liverpool threatened on the break, but could not find a second. Everton disappointed, and despite the introduction ofYakubu andVictor Anichebe, could not create a clear opening. Liverpool held on to complete a second double over Everton in three seasons.
Liverpool's second game of February was away to title contendersArsenal at theEmirates Stadium. Liverpool lost the game 1–0 thanks toAbou Diaby's header. Liverpool's penultimate game of February was away to also top 4 challengers Manchester City atEastlands. The game finished 0–0. Liverpool players Fernando Torres & Yossi Benayoun both made cameo appearances on their return from injuries, but neither could swing the game in Liverpool's fortunes.
Liverpool's third and final game of February was against to Blackburn Rovers at Anfield. Liverpool had captain Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres on the same scoresheet for only the third time in the Barclays Premier League this season. Steven Gerrard scored after 20 minutes and Fernando Torres netted 2 minutes before half time after Rovers had equalised from the penalty spot after Jamie Carragher's foul in the box.
Liverpool opened March with a 1–0 loss toWigan Athletic at theDW Stadium. Dirk Kuyt gifted the goal to Wigan, attempting to pass it back to Pepe Reina, butHugo Rodallega skipped pastJavier Mascherano and chipped the ball over the oncoming Reina to ultimately win the game for the Latics ten minutes before half-time. Glen Johnson came on as a substitute for Liverpool on his return from injury. Liverpool's second game of March was at home to near relegated Portsmouth. Portsmouth were in the hunt to do the 'double' over Liverpool after their morale-boosting 2–0 victory back in December. Fernando Torres opened the scoring for Liverpool with his 14th goal of the season after 28 minutes. Ryan Babel doubled Liverpool's advantage on the half-hour mark. Italian Alberto Aquilani scored his first goal in English football to make it 3–0 on 32 minutes. Fernando Torres scored his second of the night and Liverpool's fourth on 77 minutes. Portsmouth grabbed a sole consolation in the last minute thanks toNadir Belhadj, but Liverpool ran out comfortable winners.
Liverpool's third game of March saw them renew rivalries with old foesManchester United atOld Trafford. Liverpool took the lead after just five minutes after Dirk Kuyt released captain Steven Gerrard, who fed in Fernando Torres. Torres shot with excellent power which left United goalkeeperEdwin van der Sar with no chance.[75] Controversy flared when Liverpool's Argentinian midfielder Javier Mascherano appeared to have fouledAntonio Valencia in the penalty box. TV replays clearly showed that the foul was outside of the box.[76]Wayne Rooney took the penalty and scored the rebound after Pepe Reina's save. United continued to pour forward in numbers, and finally got the goal their play deserved,[75][77] when veteran wingerRyan Giggs crossed. The ball missed everyone apart from Ji Sung Park, who scored despite the close attention from the Liverpoolright backGlen Johnson. The 2–1 win for United was SirAlex Ferguson's 100th home Barclays Premier League win.
Liverpool wrapped up March with an impressive 3–0 win over Sunderland at Anfield. Liverpool took the lead with only 6 minutes on the clock. Great work[78][79][80] from in-form Spaniard Fernando Torres on the left resulted in him cutting inside two defenders before a high, curling shot flew into the top right-hand corner. Liverpool cruised into a 2–0 lead when a corner broke loose to right back Glen Johnson, who skipped past a Sunderland defender before unleashing a left-foot strike that took a deflection. Sunderland rarely exerted any pressure to force Liverpool into defensive play in the second half, which meant Liverpool could counter-attack without worrying about numbers at the back. During one of these counterattacks, Liverpool scored their third and final goal, with Johnson fooling everyone by releasing the ball through to Fernando Torres. Torres scored into an empty net to give Liverpool three goals and three points.
Liverpool started off their top 4 battle run in with a 1–1 draw againstBirmingham City atSt Andrew's. Liverpool took the lead just two minutes into the second half, when a corner on the left side on the edge of the 18-yard box fell short to Steven Gerrard, who curled an effort past City goalkeeperJoe Hart. Birmingham equalised near the end of the game to deal Liverpool's top four ambitions another blow. Liverpool's second game of April was a drab home game againstEuropa League-contendingFulham at Anfield. Liverpool were without striker Fernando Torres for this game because he was in Spain seeing a specialist about his recent knee injury.Mark Schwarzer was Fulham's hero, shutting out Liverpool all day long with a string of superb saves to keep Fulham's Europa League dream alive. Liverpool were now three points off the top four, having played a game more than Tottenham and Manchester City. Liverpool's third game of April was a Monday night fixture to relegation threatened West Ham United at Anfield. Liverpool took three points from this game, but needed to beatChelsea to keep their hope of a Champions League place alive. Steven Gerrard's back-pass allowed Chelsea to score, and after that, Chelsea pressed home their advantage. The loss for Liverpool meant they failed to qualify for the Champions League. Liverpool ended their campaign with a 0–0 draw at theKC Stadium againstHull City, in which youngster Jack Robinson made his debut for the reds.
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification or relegation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | Manchester City | 38 | 18 | 13 | 7 | 73 | 45 | +28 | 67 | Qualification for theEuropa League play-off round[b] |
| 6 | Aston Villa | 38 | 17 | 13 | 8 | 52 | 39 | +13 | 64 | |
| 7 | Liverpool | 38 | 18 | 9 | 11 | 61 | 35 | +26 | 63 | Qualification for theEuropa League third qualifying round[c] |
| 8 | Everton | 38 | 16 | 13 | 9 | 60 | 49 | +11 | 61 | |
| 9 | Birmingham City | 38 | 13 | 11 | 14 | 38 | 47 | −9 | 50 |
| Overall | Home | Away | |||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD |
| 38 | 18 | 9 | 11 | 61 | 35 | +26 | 63 | 13 | 3 | 3 | 43 | 15 | +28 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 18 | 20 | −2 |
| Overall | Home | Away | |||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD |
| 12 | 3 | 2 | 7 | 11 | 16 | −5 | 11 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 8 | 9 | −1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 3 | 7 | −4 |
| Round | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 37 | 38 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ground | A | H | H | A | H | A | H | A | A | H | A | H | H | A | A | H | H | A | H | A | A | H | A | H | H | A | A | H | A | H | A | H | A | H | H | A | H | A |
| Result | L | W | L | W | W | W | W | L | L | W | L | D | D | W | D | L | W | L | W | W | D | W | D | W | W | L | D | W | L | W | L | W | D | D | W | W | L | D |
| Position | 12 | 4 | 10 | 7 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 8 | 5 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| 16 August 20091 | Tottenham Hotspur | 2–1 | Liverpool | London |
| 16:00 | Assou-Ekotto 44'Bassong 59' | MR | Gerrard 56' (pen.) | Stadium:White Hart Lane Attendance: 35,935 Referee:Phil Dowd |
| 19 August 20092 | Liverpool | 4–0 | Stoke City | Liverpool |
| 20:00 | Torres 5' Johnson 45'Kuyt 78'Ngog 90+4' | MR | Stadium:Anfield Attendance: 44,318 Referee:Peter Walton |
| 24 August 20093 | Liverpool | 1–3 | Aston Villa | Liverpool |
| 20:00 | Torres 72' | MR | Lucas 34' (o.g.) C. Davies 45+2'A. Young 75' | Stadium:Anfield Attendance: 43,667 Referee:Martin Atkinson |
| 29 August 20094 | Bolton Wanderers | 2–3 | Liverpool | Bolton |
| 15:00 | K. Davies 33' Cohen 47' | MR | Johnson 41' Torres 56'Gerrard 83' | Stadium:Reebok Stadium Attendance: 23,284 Referee:Alan Wiley |
| 12 September 20095 | Liverpool | 4–0 | Burnley | Liverpool |
| 15:00 | Benayoun 27',61',82' Kuyt 41' | MR | Stadium:Anfield Attendance: 43,817 Referee:Lee Mason |
| 19 September 20096 | West Ham United | 2–3 | Liverpool | London |
| 17:15 | Diamanti 29' C. Cole 45' | MR | Torres 20',75' Kuyt 41' | Stadium:Boleyn Ground Attendance: 34,658 Referee:Andre Marriner |
| 26 September 20097 | Liverpool | 6–1 | Hull City | Liverpool |
| 15:00 | Torres 11',28',47' Gerrard 61'Babel 88',90' | MR | Geovanni 15' | Stadium:Anfield Attendance: 44,392 Referee:Peter Walton |
| 4 October 20098 | Chelsea | 2–0 | Liverpool | London |
| 16:00 | Anelka 60' Malouda 90' | MR | Stadium:Stamford Bridge Attendance: 41,732 Referee:Martin Atkinson |
| 17 October 20099 | Sunderland | 1–0 | Liverpool | Sunderland |
| 15:00 | Bent 5' | MR | Stadium:Stadium of Light Attendance: 47,327 Referee:Mike Jones |
| 25 October 200910 | Liverpool | 2–0 | Manchester United | Liverpool |
| 14:00 | Torres 65' Mascherano  72'  90+5'Carragher 87'Ngog 90+6' | MR | Evra 15' Berbatov 37'Vidić 75' 90' | Stadium:Anfield Attendance: 44,188 Referee:Andre Marriner |
| 31 October 200911 | Fulham | 3–1 | Liverpool | London |
| 15:00 | Zamora 24' Nevland 73'Dempsey 87' | MR | Torres 42' | Stadium:Craven Cottage Attendance: 25,700 Referee:Lee Mason |
| 9 November 200912 | Liverpool | 2–2 | Birmingham City | Liverpool |
| 20:00 | Ngog 13' Gerrard 71' (pen.) | MR | Benítez 26' Jerome 47' | Stadium:Anfield Attendance: 42,560 Referee:Peter Walton |
| 21 November 200913 | Liverpool | 2–2 | Manchester City | Liverpool |
| 12:45 | Carragher 17' Škrtel 50'Leiva 63'Benayoun 77' | MR | Adebayor 69' Ireland 76' | Stadium:Anfield Attendance: 44,164 Referee:Phil Dowd |
| 29 November 200914 | Everton | 0–2 | Liverpool | Liverpool |
| 13:30 | Heitinga 84' | MR | Yobo 12' (o.g.) Kuyt 80' | Stadium:Goodison Park Attendance: 39,652 Referee:Alan Wiley |
| 5 December 200915 | Blackburn Rovers | 0–0 | Liverpool | Blackburn |
| 16:00 | MR | Stadium:Ewood Park Attendance: 29,660 Referee:Martin Atkinson |
| 13 December 200916 | Liverpool | 1–2 | Arsenal | Liverpool |
| 16:00 | Kuyt 41' | MR | Johnson 50' (o.g.) Arshavin 58' | Stadium:Anfield Attendance: 43,853 Referee:Howard Webb |
| 16 December 200917 | Liverpool | 2–1 | Wigan Athletic | Liverpool |
| 16:00 | Ngog 9' Torres 79' | MR | N'Zogbia 90' | Stadium:Anfield Attendance: 41,116 Referee:Phil Dowd |
| 19 December 200918 | Portsmouth | 2–0 | Liverpool | Portsmouth |
| 12:45 | Belhadj 33' Piquionne 82' | MR | Stadium:Fratton Park Attendance: 20,534 Referee:Lee Mason |
| 26 December 200919 | Liverpool | 2–0 | Wolverhampton Wanderers | Liverpool |
| 17:30 | Gerrard 62' Benayoun 70' | MR | Stadium:Anfield Attendance: 41,936 Referee:Andre Marriner |
| 29 December 200920 | Aston Villa | 0–1 | Liverpool | Birmingham |
| 19:45 | MR | Torres 90+3' | Stadium:Villa Park Attendance: 42,788 Referee:Lee Probert |
| 16 January 201021 | Stoke City | 1–1 | Liverpool | Stoke-on-Trent |
| 12:45 | Huth 90' | MR | Kyrgiakos 57' | Stadium:Britannia Stadium Attendance: 27,247 Referee:Lee Mason |
| 20 January 201022 | Liverpool | 2–0 | Tottenham Hotspur | Liverpool |
| 20:00 | Kuyt 6',90+2' (pen.) | MR | Stadium:Anfield Attendance: 42,016 Referee:Howard Webb |
| 26 January 201023 | Wolverhampton Wanderers | 0–0 | Liverpool | Wolverhampton |
| 19:45 | MR | Stadium:Molineux Attendance: 28,763 Referee:Peter Walton |
| 30 January 201024 | Liverpool | 2–0 | Bolton Wanderers | Liverpool |
| 15:00 | Kuyt 37' K. Davies 70' (o.g.) | MR | Stadium:Anfield Attendance: 43,413 Referee:Steve Bennett |
| 6 February 201025 | Liverpool | 1–0 | Everton | Liverpool |
| 12:45 | Kuyt 21', 55' Carragher 30'Kyrgiakos  34'Gerrard 85' | MR | Pienaar 29' 90+6' Heitinga 56'Anichebe 85' | Stadium:Anfield Attendance: 44,216 Referee:Martin Atkinson |
| 10 February 201026 | Arsenal | 1–0 | Liverpool | London |
| 19:45 | Clichy 40' Bendtner 64'Diaby 72'Fàbregas 90+5' | MR | Rodríguez 41' Degen 62' | Stadium:Emirates Stadium Attendance: 60,045 Referee:Howard Webb |
| 21 February 201027 | Manchester City | 0–0 | Liverpool | Manchester |
| 15:00 | Barry 54' | MR | Mascherano 31' Gerrard 45+1'Babel 63'Benayoun 67'Kuyt 76'Torres 90+3' | Stadium:City of Manchester Stadium Attendance: 47,203 Referee:Peter Walton |
| 28 February 201028 | Liverpool | 2–1 | Blackburn Rovers | Liverpool |
| 15:00 | Gerrard 20' Torres 44' | MR | Andrews 40' (pen.) | Stadium:Anfield Attendance: 42,795 Referee:Alan Wiley |
| 8 March 201029 | Wigan Athletic | 1–0 | Liverpool | Wigan |
| 20:00 | Rodallega 35' | MR | Stadium:DW Stadium Attendance: 17,427 Referee:Andre Marriner |
| 15 March 201030 | Liverpool | 4–1 | Portsmouth | Liverpool |
| 20:00 | Torres 26',77' Babel 28'Aquilani 32' | MR | Belhadj 88' | Stadium:Anfield Attendance: 40,316 Referee:Stuart Attwell |
| 21 March 201031 | Manchester United | 2–1 | Liverpool | Manchester |
| 13:30 | Rooney 11', 12'Park 60'Valencia 61'Vidić 73' | MR | Torres 5', 25' Mascherano 11'Carragher 45+2' | Stadium:Old Trafford Attendance: 75,216 Referee:Howard Webb |
| 28 March 201032 | Liverpool | 3–0 | Sunderland | Liverpool |
| 16:00 | Torres 3',60' Johnson 32' | MR | Stadium:Anfield Attendance: 43,121 Referee:Phil Dowd |
| 3 April 201033 | Birmingham City | 1–1 | Liverpool | Birmingham |
| 15:00 | Ridgewell 56' | MR | Gerrard 47' | Stadium:St Andrew's Attendance: 27,909 Referee:Martin Atkinson |
| 11 April 201034 | Liverpool | 0–0 | Fulham | Liverpool |
| 15:00 | MR | Stadium:Anfield Attendance: 42,331 Referee:Andre Marriner |
| 19 April 201035 | Liverpool | 3–0 | West Ham United | Liverpool |
| 20:00 | Benayoun 19' Ngog 29'Green 59' (o.g.) | MR | Stadium:Anfield Attendance: 37,697 Referee:Peter Walton |
| 24 April 201036 | Burnley | 0–4 | Liverpool | Burnley |
| 15:00 | MR | Gerrard 54',59' Rodríguez 74'Babel 90' | Stadium:Turf Moor Attendance: 21,553 Referee:Phil Dowd |
| 1 May 201037 | Liverpool | 0–2 | Chelsea | Liverpool |
| 15:00 | MR | Drogba 33' Lampard 54' | Stadium:Anfield Attendance: 44,375 Referee:Alan Wiley |
| 9 May 201038 | Hull City | 0–0 | Liverpool | Kingston-upon-Hull |
| 15:00 | MR | Stadium:KC Stadium Attendance: 25,030 Referee:Andre Marriner |
The draw for the group stage of theUEFA Champions League was made on 27 August 2009 inMonaco. As Liverpool were seeded in Pot 1, this meant that they could not be drawn with teams from the same pot, such asBarcelona,Milan orBayern Munich. However, they faced the possibility of being drawn in the same group asReal Madrid,Internazionale orJuventus.[81] Liverpool were drawn intoGroup E with 7-timesLigue 1 championsLyon,Hungarian champions andChampions League debutantsDebrecen andItalian sideFiorentina. Their first match was at home to Debrecen, on 16 September.[82][83]
Liverpool'smanaging directorChristian Purslow said that the club was "pretty happy" with the draw.[83]
Liverpool's first game was at Anfield, where they faced Debreceni. 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 byVukašin Poleksić; however, Dirk Kuyt was on hand to score the opener. In the second half, Liverpool only briefly threatened to score, while the visitors never really had 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.[84][85]
Liverpool's next group game was away toFiorentina. Liverpool were two goals down in the first half after Montenegrin playerStevan 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.[86] Rafa Benítez was irate after the match, vowing that Liverpool will "'never again' be as bad as they were during the first half."[87]Fábio Aurélio, who had played under Benítez for the last nine years, atValencia and Liverpool, said that he had never seen Benítez so angry as he was at half-time atStadio Artemio Franchi.[88]
Liverpool suffered a second consecutive defeat, at home toLyon. Although the home side took the lead after 41 minutes through Yossi Benayoun, they struggled to maintain the lead, and the visitors scored an equaliser on 72 minutes throughMaxime Gonalons.[89]César Delgado scored the winner for Lyon from close range in the first minute of injury time.[90]
Liverpool's next group game was away at group leaders Lyon. Although Liverpool were missing several first team players through injury, they managed to create several chances, the best of which was spurned byAndriy Voronin. Liverpool dominated the game without ever really posing a potent threat to the host's goal. SubstituteRyan Babel finally opened the scoring for Liverpool with seven minutes to go, with a "stunning" strike from long range.[91] 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, andLisandro López guided the ball past Pepe Reina to inflict Liverpool's worst run in 22 years.[92] This left Liverpool relying on Lyon to defeat Fiorentina at the Stadio Artemio Franchi in their next group game to stay in the competition.[93]
With Rafa Benitez's men needing nothing less than three points to keep their Champions League hopes alive, they got off to the perfect start inside three minutes.Fábio Aurélio swung over a ball from the right,Jamie Carragher headed it back across goal andDavid Ngog reacted quickest to poke it in from a few yards out.[94] Liverpool did all they could to keep their Champions League hopes alive, but in the end it just wasn't enough. A solitary goal gave the Reds all three points on the night against Debrecen but thanks to Fiorentina's win in Lyon, the 2005 champions were eliminated from the competition at the group stages for the very first time under boss Rafael Benítez.[95]Alberto Aquilani made a cameo appearance with seconds to spare but the game finished 1–0.[96] After the win in Hungary, Liverpool managerRafael Benítez said, "We did our part and we did our part well. Obviously we cannot control the other game, but this win will give us confidence."
Liverpool ended their failed Champions League campaign in defeat as they were beaten 2–1 by Fiorentina which inflicted Liverpool's second successive home defeat in this European competition and also they had the worst points tally in their European history.
| Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiorentina | 6 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 14 | 7 | +7 | 15 |
| Lyon | 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 12 | 3 | +9 | 13 |
| Liverpool | 6 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 5 | 7 | −2 | 7 |
| Debrecen | 6 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 5 | 19 | −14 | 0 |
vDebrecen| 16 September 20091 | Liverpool | 1–0 | Debrecen | Liverpool, England |
| 19:45 | Kuyt 45+1' | Report | Stadium:Anfield Attendance: 41,591 Referee:Pedro Proença (Portugal) |
v Liverpool| 29 September 20092 | Fiorentina | 2–0 | Liverpool | Florence, Italy |
| 19:45 | Jovetić 28',37' | Report | Stadium:Stadio Artemio Franchi Attendance: 33,426 Referee:Felix Brych (Germany) |
vLyon| 20 October 20093 | Liverpool | 1–2 | Lyon | Liverpool, England |
| 19:45 | Benayoun 41' | Report | Gonalons 72' Delgado 90+1' | Stadium:Anfield Attendance: 41,562 Referee:Alberto Undiano Mallenco (Spain) |
v Liverpool| 4 November 20094 | Lyon | 1–1 | Liverpool | Lyon, France |
| 20:45 | López 90' | Report | Babel 83' | Stadium:Stade de Gerland Attendance: 39,180 Referee:Frank De Bleeckere (Belgium) |
v Liverpool| 24 November 20095 | Debrecen | 0–1 | Liverpool | Budapest, Hungary |
| 20:45 | Report | Ngog 4' | Stadium:Ferenc Puskás Stadium Attendance: 41,500 Referee:Björn Kuipers (Netherlands) |
vFiorentina| 9 December 20096 | Liverpool | 1–2 | Fiorentina | Liverpool, England |
| 19:45 | Benayoun 43' | Report | Jorgensen 63' Gilardino 90+2' | Stadium:Anfield Referee:Damir Skomina (Slovenia) |
Being unable to finish higher than third in the 2009–10 Champions League group stage, Liverpool appeared in theEuropa League for the first time since the2003–04 season. Liverpool were drawn to play Romanian sideUnirea Urziceni, playing the first leg at Anfield.
The dates for the two legs were 18 February 2010 for the first leg and 25 February 2010 for the second leg. Liverpool made 3 changes for the first leg, with Fábio Aurélio coming in for Emiliano Insúa, Jamie Carragher being drafted back into the squad to replace Sotirios Kyrgiakos, and Dirk Kuyt being placed on the right-wing, with David Ngog the lone striker.
Liverpool started brightly, with Steven Gerrard having a shot kept out by the Unirea keeper after 60 seconds and Fábio Aurélio placing a free-kick wide after three minutes. Liverpool continued to press throughout the rest of the first half and for all but ten minutes of the second-half.
Unirea were proving to be strong in defence, but in the 81st minute, Liverpool finally scored, substitute Ryan Babel crossing into the path of fellow substituteDaniel Pacheco, who produced a downward header into David Ngog, and he headed into an empty net. This meant Liverpool would take a slender 1–0 lead to Romania. In the second leg, Liverpool cruised through to the last 16, winning the tie 3–1 and winning on aggregate 4–1. The game did not start brightly for Liverpool, conceding on 18 minutes after failing to clear their lines. Liverpool equalised on the half-hour mark, Javier Mascherano with a powerful low shot into the bottom left hand corner. From there on in, Liverpool scored two more goals courtesy of Ryan Babel and Steven Gerrard goals to send Liverpool into the last 16.
Liverpool faced tough opposition for the last 16, being handed two legged ties withLille. Liverpool did not play well on the night, and it was no surprise that they conceded in the 85th minute after anEden Hazard free kick was swung deep into the penalty area and went over Jamie Carragher's and Pepe Reina's heads and into the back of the net. In the second leg, Liverpool cruised past Lille, with the home side completely dominating the first-half. Liverpool opened the scoring in only the eighth minute of the game, with Brazilian Lucas being hauled down in the penalty area after an impressive run from just inside the visitors' half. Captain Steven Gerrard calmy slotted home the penalty in the bottom left hand corner. Back in form striker Fernando Torres doubled Liverpool's lead on the night in the 49th minute with a delicate chip over Lille 'keeper Landreau. Liverpool secured their place in the last eight when Fernando Torres scored his second of the night and his fourth in two games.
The draw for the quarter-finals pitted Liverpool against 31-time Portuguese championsBenfica. The first leg was played on 1 April at theEstádio da Luz. The return leg was held on 8 April at Anfield.
Liverpool started off the first leg well enough to score after eight minutes. Steven Gerrard earned a free kick right on the edge of the penalty area and rolled it into the path of Danish international Daniel Agger. Agger produced a cheeky back heel from 9 yards out that slightly deflected of a Benfica defender and into the bottom left hand corner to leave the 'keeperJúlio César stranded. Benfica were now pressing for periods which forced Liverpool into defensive play. On 31 minutes, Fernando Torres was fouled byLuisão on the far byline. Ryan Babel appeared to have put his hand over Luisão's mouth after calling Torres a "diving f****** disgrace." Luisão was originally sent off for his part in the matter, but then it was Babel who was sent off for putting his hand over Luisão's mouth. Both players missed the return leg at Anfield on 8 April. From there on in, Benfica started to really play, with the visitors rarely threatening on the break. Benfica were awarded a penalty whenJamie Carragher accidentally handballed on the far byline and the strikerÓscar Cardozo tucked the penalty away in the bottom right hand corner. Benfica were then awarded a second penalty when a Liverpool defender hauled down Cardozo just inside the penalty area. Cardozo was again the penalty taker and scored straight down the middle. Liverpool have a vital away goal going into the second leg back at Anfield next week.
Any doubts that Liverpool were heading out of Europe's top two European competitions in the same season were soon washed away with an outstanding performance at Anfield. Liverpool took the lead after 27 minutes after a corner by Steven Gerrard was headed into the bottom right hand corner byDirk Kuyt for his 11th goal of the season. Celebrations soon turned to anguish when the linesman ruled out Kuyt's header as he appeared to be in an offside position. The referee rightly gave the goal as you cannot be offside from a corner. Liverpool doubled their lead just 7 minutes later when Steven Gerrard fed in BrazilianLucas, who smartly rounded Júlio César and finished from seven yards out for his fifth goal in a Liverpool shirt. Liverpool continued to dominate matters in the second half too, with lethal Spaniard Fernando Torres netting 14 minutes into the second half. First leg hero Cardozo netted a comeback goal for Benfica to set up a nail bitting finale. However, Fernando Torres netted his second of the night and his 22nd in all competitions for the reds this season eight minutes from time. The goal came in similar fashion to the one he scored against Sunderland on 28 March. Liverpool were drawn withAtlético Madrid over two legs in the semi-finals. The first leg was at theVicente Calderón Stadium inMadrid on 22 April and the second leg was at Anfield on 29 April. Coincidentally, Atlético Madrid is both Fernando Torres' andMaxi Rodríguez's old club, thus both cannot play the rest of the competition, with Torres sidelined for the rest of the season with a knee injury and Rodríguez already played for Atlético earlier on in the season in the UEFA Champions League. In the first leg, Atlético finished with a narrow 1–0 lead, and at Anfield in the second leg, Liverpool beat Atletico 2–1 after extra-time. But due to Atlético's away goal at Anfield, they progressed to the final.
v
Unirea Urziceni| 18 February 2010Leg 1 | Liverpool | 1–0 | Unirea Urziceni | Liverpool |
| 20:05 (GMT) | Ngog 81' | MR | Stadium:Anfield Attendance: 40,450 Referee:Eric Braamhaar (Netherlands) |
vLiverpool| 25 February 2010Leg 2 | Unirea Urziceni | 1–3 (1–4agg.) | Liverpool | Bucharest |
| 18:00 (GMT) | Fernandes 18' | MR | Mascherano 30' Babel 41'Gerrard 57' | Stadium:Stadionul Steaua Attendance: 25,000 Referee:Stefan Johannesson |
vLiverpool| 11 March 2010Leg 1 | Lille | 1–0 | Liverpool | Lille |
| 18:00 (GMT) | Hazard 85' | MR | Stadium:Stadium Nord Lille Métropole Attendance: 18.000 Referee:Alan Larsen |
vLille| 18 March 2010Leg 2 | Liverpool | 3–0 (3–1agg.) | Lille | Liverpool |
| 20:05 (GMT) | Gerrard 9' (pen.) Torres 49',90' | MR | Stadium:Anfield Attendance: 38,139 Referee:Nicola Rizzoli |
vLiverpool| 1 April 2010Leg 1 | Benfica | 2–1 | Liverpool | Lisbon |
| 20:05GMT | Luisão 30' David Luiz 37'Cardozo 59' (pen.),79' (pen.) | MR | Agger 9' Babel 31'Insúa 45'Reina 74'Carragher 79' | Stadium:Estádio da Luz Attendance: 62,629 Referee:Jonas Eriksson |
vBenfica| 8 April 2010Leg 2 | Liverpool | 4–1 (5–3agg.) | Benfica | Liverpool |
| 20:05GMT | Kuyt 27' Lucas 34'Torres 59',82'Benayoun 75' | MR | Cardozo 70' Aimar 84' | Stadium:Anfield Attendance: 42,377 Referee:Björn Kuipers |
vLiverpool| 22 April 2010Leg 1 | Atlético Madrid | 1–0 | Liverpool | Madrid |
| 20:05GMT | Forlán 9' | MR | Stadium:Vicente Calderón Stadium Attendance: 50,000 Referee:Laurent Duhamel |
vAtlético Madrid| 29 April 2010Leg 2 | Liverpool | 2–1 (a.e.t.) (2–2aagg.) | Atlético Madrid | Liverpool |
| 20:05GMT | Aquilani 44',Benayoun 95' | MR | Forlán 102' | Stadium:Anfield Attendance: 42,040 Referee:Terje Hauge |
The draw for the 3rd round was made on 29 August 2009. Liverpool were drawn away toLeeds United.[97][98] 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 aLuciano Becchio effort ruled out for offside; however, Liverpool showed their defensive mettle. They scored the game's only goal on 66 minutes, whenJavier Mascherano's cross-cum-shot was trapped excellently byDavid Ngog, who turned and finished expertly past goalkeeperShane Higgs.[99]
Liverpool received a tricky away fixture toArsenal for the fourth round.[100] 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 pastDiego Cavalieri. Liverpool'sEmiliano Insúa levelled the scores with an even better strike on 26 minutes. The ball ricocheted offDavid Ngog, and the ball sat up for the young Argentinean to smash a dipping shot overŁukasz 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 ofAlberto Aquilani with 15 minutes to go, the visitors could not find the equaliser, and thus were eliminated from the competition.[101] This was the fifth consecutive year that Liverpool had been knocked out at this stage in thecapital, and completed a North London double over the Merseyside clubs, followingTottenham Hotspur's 2–0 victory overEverton the previous night.
| 22 September 2009Third round | Leeds United | 0–1 | Liverpool | Leeds |
| 19:45 BST | Report | Ngog 66' | Stadium:Elland Road Attendance: 38,168 Referee:Alan Wiley |
| 28 October 2009Fourth round | Arsenal | 2–1 | Liverpool | London |
| Mérida 19' Bendtner 50' | Report | Insúa 26' | Stadium:Emirates Stadium Attendance: 60,004 Referee:Alan Wiley |
Liverpool were given a bye to the third round of the FA Cup, where they were drawn away to Championship strugglersReading. Liverpool drew the tie at the Madejski Stadium 1–1, with Steven Gerrard saving Liverpool's blushes with an equalising goal. The subsequent replay at Anfield did not go to plan; Liverpool lost 2–1 inextra time.
| 2 January 2010Third round | Reading | 1–1 | Liverpool | Reading |
| 17:15 | Church 24' | Report | Gerrard 36' | Stadium:Madejski Stadium Attendance: 23,656 Referee:Martin Atkinson |
| 13 January 2010Third Round RP | Liverpool | 1 – 2 (a.e.t.) | Reading | Liverpool |
| 20:00 | Bertrand 45+1' (o.g.) | Report | Sigurðsson 90+4' (pen.) Long 100' | Stadium:Anfield Attendance: 31,063 Referee:Phil Dowd |
