26 Dec 2005 Liverpool 2-0 Newcastle - EPL

Rafael Benitez has made two changes to the squad that started the Club World Championship Final against Sao Paulo in Japan. Sissoko, who was suspended, and Warnock made the way for Crouch and Riise.

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



Match reactions:

Rafa: "I am happy with the performance of the team but we should have scored more goals and their goalkeeper played very well."
"We did a sound job at the back. Sami Hyypia and Jamie Carragher were excellent and they did not allow Shearer or Owen any chances."
"We know he (Owen) is a dangerous player but we were able to control him."

Souness: "In the first half Liverpool were magnificent and we were poor. They had some outstanding performers especially the two in central midfield of Alonso and Gerrard.
"We were totally overrun in the first half and I have no complaints about the result. In the second half we started to chip away without creating and we didn't get any service to Michael Owen which was disappointing."

Gerrard unhappy at Owen reception
Gerrard: "I am disappointed. He should be a legend here for all the goals he has scored for us in the past."
"He got a mixed reception. I do not think they were booing him much but he deserves a standing ovation."

Bowyer's sent off
Gerrard: "It was a bit of a dangerous tackle and maybe a yellow would have been more sensible."

Souness: "I'm not fudging the issue but I didn't see it. But I'm told by those sitting alongside me there should have been more than one red card dished out."

hey Kewell had a terrific game. It was a great game for Liverpool but the red card was a bit harsh. And Liverpool were denied a penalty. Again!! i won't mind if we were winning, but things like this count when we are losing! like against sao paulo!