The key stats and moments from the game against Liverpool
FRIEDEL: Didn't have too much to do but when he was called into action he excelled as usual.... 7
NEILL: Coped well under pressure considering he was asked to play in two different positions during the course of the 90 minutes. ...7
JOHANSSON: Survived some nervy moments in the opening half hour but stuck to his task diligently until he was sacrificed.... 6
SHORT: Another commanding performance from the veteran defender who needed all his experience to keep Owen and Co at bay.... 8
TAYLOR: His mistake led to the opening goal but the impressive thing was he didn't let that affect the rest of his game.... 7
FLITCROFT: Won his personal battle with Steven Gerrard and grew stronger and stronger as the game wore on.... 8
TUGAY: Rovers' top performer on the day after delivering a midfield masterclass in the second half.... 8
THOMPSON: Relished the chance to impress on his return to Anfield with the kind of gutsy performance we've come to expect.... 7
COLE: Always a threat up front and his moment of magic in the second half was worth the admission fee alone.... 8
YORKE: Held the ball up well up front especially in the second half when Rovers were on top. ...7
DUFF: Always a threat down the left and Liverpool had to double up to snuff him out. ...7
SUBS:
OSTENSTAD (for Johansson, 52)... 7
NOT USED: OSTENSTAD, TODD, CURTIS, DANNS, KELLY
LIVERPOOL:
KIRKLAND: Went walkabout for the goal.... 6
HENCHOZ: Solid defender. ...7
HYYPIA: Poor defensive header.... 6
TRAORE: Looked stretched at times.... 6
CARRAGHER: Good battle with Duff.... 7
SMICER: Faded as the game wore on. ...6
MURPHY: Never stamped his authority.... 6
GERRARD: Typically robust.... 7
RIISE: Enjoyed the luck. ...7
OWEN: Missed a sitter.... 6
HESKEY: Flattered to deceive.... 6
SUBS:
BAROS (for Heskey, 58)... 6
BISCAN (for Smicer, 65)... 6
DIOUF (for Traore, 83)
NOT USED: DIAO, ARPHEXAD
STATS:
Goal attempts: Rovers 10 Liverpool 15
Shots on target: Rovers 4 Liverpool 5
Woodwork: Rovers 0 Liverpool 0
Offsides: Rovers 3 Liverpool 3
Corners: Rovers 3 Liverpool 6
Free kicks: Rovers 6 Liverpool 9
Bookings: Rovers; Neill (foul) Liverpool; Traore
Sendings off: None
Referee: Mr N Barry... 7
Attendance: 43,075
TIME FOR ACTION:
04: Brad Friedel makes an early save to deny John Arne Riise
17: It's 1-0 to Liverpool as Riise's shot loops over Brad Friedel after taking a deflection
24: Sami Hyypia makes a last-ditch block to deny Andy Cole
31: David Thompson fires wide of the near post following a great ball from Tugay
44: Chris Kirkland tips aside a Thompson free kick at full stretch
51: Michael Owen gets his first real sight of goal but drags his effort wide of the far post
53: Cole fires over off balance after great work from Egil Ostenstad
54: Martin Taylor whips over a cross from the right but Cole heads over
65: Kirkland saves from Ostenstad after Cole makes the chance
77: Get in! Cole grabs the equaliser with a stunning 30 yard volley
85: Milan Baros looks odds-on to grab the winner but Friedel saves at his feet
90: Owen can't believe it as he scuffs his shot straight to Friedel from four yards out
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article