Leeds v Liverpool - 22 September

22 September 2009 21:05
Reds edge past impressive Leeds[LNB]David Ngog struck the only goal as a much-changed Liverpool side sneaked past a fired-up Leeds 1-0 in the Carling Cup tonight.[LNB]The Premier League giants were outplayed by the League One leaders for much of the third-round tie but Ngog netted against the run of play after 65 minutes.[LNB]Leeds spurned a number of chances as Elland Road enjoyed a big-game atmosphere once again, but a lack of composure in front of goal cost them.[LNB]Leeds striker Jermaine Beckford endured a particularly frustrating night as he missed several good chances and had a goal in the first half disallowed.[LNB]It was Liverpool's first visit to Leeds since their hosts were relegated from the top flight in 2004 but the atmosphere generated by the 38,168 crowd rekindled memories of a once intense rivalry.[LNB]Leeds, looking upwards again after an unbeaten start to the season, played like they had a point to prove against a Liverpool side showing nine changes.[LNB]Jamie Carragher, who took over the captaincy, and Javier Mascherano were the only survivors from the Reds side which won at West Ham last weekend.[LNB]Manager Rafael Benitez, however, had big guns Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres and Glen Johnson on the bench in case not all went according to plan.[LNB]It seemed a sensible insurance policy as for large parts Leeds, with Robert Snodgrass a constant danger on the right, exploited the unfamiliarity in the Liverpool ranks.[LNB]There was a huge roar inside the opening minutes when Beckford went down in the area but referee Alan Wiley gave nothing.[LNB]Leeds were keen to attack and gave warning when Snodgrass broke free, although his cross was easily claimed by Liverpool keeper Diego Cavalieri.[LNB]Ngog, starting up front alone, then got into the game with a couple of breaks but saw a long-range shot after a neat turn blocked.[LNB]Leeds then missed a glorious chance to take the lead when Snodgrass delivered a perfect cross but Michael Doyle headed wide from about eight yards.[LNB]The Yorkshire side had the ball in the net after 11 minutes when Beckford turned in Michalik's goalbound header from close range but Wiley ruled the striker offside.[LNB]Luciano Becchio also tried his luck for Leeds but curled wide from 20 yards.[LNB]Ryan Babel, hoping to stake a claim for a regular place, created Liverpool's first serious chance after a run from deep but Shane Higgs dealt comfortably with his tame shot.[LNB]Snodgrass caused further alarm in the Liverpool defence with another deep cross from a clever Beckford flick but Cavalieri just did enough to frustrate Becchio.[LNB]Albert Riera should have given Liverpool the lead, against the run of play, on the stroke of half-time after meeting a Fabio Aurelio free-kick but Higgs saved his firm header.[LNB]The outstanding Snodgrass weaved his way into the Liverpool box soon after the restart but the visitors eventually managed to crowd him out.[LNB]Leeds continued to look the most likely side but Liverpool youngster Jay Spearing got a shooting chance from a Riera lay-off, only to fire well over.[LNB]Beckford then raced on to a long bouncing ball but scuffed his shot when any firm contact might have beaten Cavalieri.[LNB]The Leeds striker had another gilt-edged opportunity when Bradley Johnson crossed from the byline after 63 minutes but, after turning brilliantly, he sent his shot over.[LNB]Leeds paid the price as Liverpool went ahead two minutes later.[LNB]Mascherano mis-hit a shot from the edge of the area but Ngog reacted quickly and seized on the ball to tuck past Higgs.[LNB]Leeds tried to respond as Johnson controlled a Michalik long ball outside the area but shot straight at Cavalieri.[LNB]Liverpool brought on Johnson and Gerrard in an attempt to see out the game but Leeds continued to push.[LNB]Johnson needed to intervene to head back to Cavalieri as Liverpool struggled to clear another Leeds attack.[LNB]Liverpool did break out again with Babel winning a free-kick on the edge of the area but Aurelio's shot was deflected wide.[LNB]Gerrard almost made doubly sure of victory as time ran down but fired into the side-netting and then straight at Cavalieri after powerful runs.

Source: Eurosport