Liverpool easily defeats PSV 3-1

By: j | October 1st, 2008

Liverpool fans rejoiced at Anfield as they easily defeated PSV 3-1 in a Champions League match. The home squad controlled the match start to finish and PSV looked as if they were already playing for third place in the group at times. With Danny Koevermans relegated to the bench and Nordin Amrabat set as the lone striker, Hubb Stevens attempted to employ a more defensive lineup. However it went for naught as Liverpool outplayed PSV in every aspect on the pitch, including out-working their visitors.

Continuing his Champions League scoring prowess, Dirk Kuyt pounced upon a loose ball and drilled it behind Andreas Isaksson only four minutes into the match. That description of the goal doesn’t do it justice for the juvenile defending that created the opportunity. With Steven Gerrard taking a corner to the left of the goal, a completely unmarked Fernando Torres strode-in uninterrupted and side-footed it towards the net. Somehow Andreas Isaksson was able to block the approach but the rebound found its way to Dirk Kuyt who didn’t hesitate to give the Reds the early lead.

With their heads hanging, PSV showed little after, poor touches on the ball, the inability to control passes and constantly gave up possession of the ball. Liverpool continued to pressure with barely a worthy counter effort by PSV and eleven minutes before the break Robbie Keane doubled the score, when he too was left unmarked in-close.

After the break, PSV performed marginally better with slightly more commitment in the attack. However Steven Gerrard ended any hope with fourteen minutes left in the match as he nailed a laser into the net to give Liverpool a hearty 3-0 lead. PSV scored a consolation goal as Balázs Dzsudzsák, who had just entered for Edison Méndez, crossed to Danny Koevermans who confidently finished.

PSV
Andreas Isaksson,Jeremie Bréchet (Erik Pieters 45′),Dirk Marcellis,Jan Kromkamp,Carlos Salcido,Jason Culina,Stijn Wuytens (Danny Koevermans 60′),Edison Méndez (Balázs Dzsudzsák 76′),Timmy Simons,Otman Bakkal,Nordin Amrabat

Liverpool
Pepe Reina,Martin Skrtel,Fabio Aurelio,Álvaro Arbeloa,Jamie Carragher,Steven Gerrard (Ryan Babel 82′),Xabi Alonso,Alberto Riera (Yossi Benayoun 68′),Fernando Torres,Robbie Keane (Lucas 76′),Dirk Kuyt