Football story by Boris Webb, Tue, 27 Dec 2005 16:44:00 GMT


The much-anticipated return of Michael Owen to Anfield was a non-starter as the home fans booed him on the pitch and asked him, "Where were you in Istanbul?" in a reference to their UEFA Champions' League triumph earlier this season.

Newcastle United had a tough game that went Liverpool's way from the beginning Reds' skipper Steven Gerrard put them ahead in the 14th minute as he drove a rising shot beyond Shay Given's goal. Lee Bowyer was sent off for the Magpies in what both teams agreed was a harsh decision.

Peter Crouch headed in the second goal and it got a lucky deflection off Shay Given who watched the ball roll into his net. Michael Owen was reduced to watching the game and he did not have a role to play as the tight Liverpool defense hemmed him in. Harry Kewell could have added another goal for the Reds, but great keeping by Given saved the day for the Magpies. For Newcastle Steven Taylor went off with a shoulder injury and is in doubt for forthcoming games.

Rafael Benitez was happy that his team showed no ill-effects of jet lag after returning from the World Club Championship in Japan, "We are also creating opportunities in attack and we have at this moment the balance that we were looking for. It would be really important for us if we can keep this going," he said.

Newcastle boss Souness was angry with the red card shown to Bowyer, "I am being told by others who have seen it that there should have been more than one red card in that incident. My only thought is that when you raise both your feet off the ground these days in a tackle, then you are facing trouble," he observed.

Match Details
Referee: M Halsey (Lancashire).

Liverpool: Reina, Finnan (Josemi 78), Hyypia, Carragher, Riise, Luis Garcia, Gerrard, Alonso, Kewell (Sinama Pongolle 67), Crouch (Cisse 72), Morientes.

Newcastle: Given, Ramage, Boumsong, Taylor (Bramble 28), Babayaro, Bowyer, Faye, N'Zogbia (Solano 45), Luque (Ameobi 86), Shearer, Owen.

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