Match Reports
LIVERPOOL 1-2 LEEDS UNITED Liverpool lost a second home game of the season, both of which have been to their rivals for 3rd place. The first half saw Leeds take an early lead through Rio Ferdinand after 4 minutes, who headed in at the far post from an Ian Harte free kick. Leeds dominated the first half, playing some superb football as Liverpool were outclassed on their own pitch and after 33 minutes they doubled their lead. Kewell received the ball and almost walked it past Henchoz before playing in Bowyer, who took the ball round Westerweld before an easy finish into an empty net. The home side had chances through Danny Murphy from a free kick, and Owen who volleyed a shot straight at Martyn from close range. McAllister and Smicer were introduced in the second half at the expense of Murphy and Berger. Steve Gerrard pulled one back for Liverpool after 55 minutes with an excellent volley, but saw himself pick up a second yellow card for a late challenge on David Batty. It was to be a rare correct decision for referee Alan Wiley who had a bad game, failing at times to keep a grip on the game, and making a series of wrong decisions throughout. Mark Viduka almost scored a 3rd for Leeds on a couple of occasions, one which was denied by the post, and a second chance was well kept out by Westerweld who was Liverpool's best performer on the day. The offside flag denied Leeds a third in injury time, but they kept hold of their lead for a deserved win. Liverpool slip 6 points behind the Yorkshire club in 5th place, but with 2 games in hand. Ipswich will also move 6 points clear of the Reds if they can beat Newcastle tomorrow, while wins for Chelsea and Sunderland would push Liverpool down into 7th place.
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