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Five seasons, 75 players, 229 million pounds. That is what Rafa Benitez spent during his tenure at Anfield, managing Liverpool. He did win the Champions League and one FA Cup but has failed to bring the coveted premiership title back to Anfield, missing since 1990. Benitez did sign a few greats – Reina, Alonso and Torres but has had his share of flops and his attempt to bolster the team with foreign youth talent has yet to prove itself. Now that he’s off at Milan with European champions Inter, it’s a good opportunity to take a look at how well or bad he’s done in the transfer market over the years at Anfield, going over all his purchases.

Now, thanks to Dave Wood, Peter got up from his lazy ass and did the numbers regarding Benitez’ sales, and after a long time on the web, wikipedia and various sites, he came up with rough number of 139 million pounds. Hope you feel informed.

2004, First Summer – Spanish Invasion

Josemi, or Jose Miguel Gonzalez Rey – He spent just about a season and a half at Anfield, after being purchased from Malaga for 2 million pounds. He had a nice start to his Anfield career but quickly lost his place to Steve Finnan. He was swapped to Villareal for Jan Kromkamp, and he plays for Mallorca these days.

Antonio Nunez – One of Rafa’s worst signings. He arrived from Real Madrid as part of the Michael Owen deal, playing 18 times for Liverpool in the league before making his way back to Spain. He plays today for Cypriot side Apollon Limassol. He has one goal for Liverpool, coming in the Carling Cup Final loss to Chelsea. He is the only player in Liverpool history to score his only goal at a cup final.

Antonio Barragan – The youngest foreign player to ever make an appearance for Liverpool at the age of 18 also made it his only appearance, spending most of his time at Anfield playing for the reserves after arriving free of cost from Sevilla. He left for Deportivo for 1 million pounds.

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Luis Garcia - A much better signing, becoming a sort of a Kop hero after the 2004-2005 season. Like Liverpool, his league form wasn’t amazing, but he shined in the Champions League, scoring five goals in Liverpool’s 2004-2005 campaign. He had another good season in 2005-2006 scoring seven league goals but played only 17 times in 2006-2007, making a move to Atletico Madrid. He was bought for 6 million pounds from Barcelona and his departure was involved in the Fernando Torres deal.

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Xabi Alonso – A wonderful deep lying playmaker who was an integral part of Spain’s 2010 World Cup triumph and was also an immediate hit at Anfield, after arriving from Real Sociedad for 10 million pounds. He scored in the final against AC Milan and was one of Liverpool’s best players in the last five years, scoring a few remarkable long range goals (Newcastle, Luton), before moving on to richer pastures in Spain, purchased by Real Madrid for 30 million pounds last summer. His absence is sorely missed at Anfield, and was one of the main reasons Liverpool had a miserable 2009-2010 campaign.

2005 January Window

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Fernando Morientes – A marquee member of the Real Madrid side that won the Champions League three times in a span of five years, Morientes arrived at Liverpool for 6.3 million pounds in the middle of the 2004-2005, far from his peak. He stayed another year at Anfield but left in 2006 with a disappointing tally of 12 goals in 60 matches. He’s currently without a team after spending 2009-2010 with Marseille.

Scott Carson – Was purchased from sinking Leeds for 1 million pounds, seemingly a bargain for the future no.1 keeper of England, but played only 4 league matches for Liverpool in his 3.5 years at Anfield, spending most of the time out on loan. He’s back with West Brom in the Premiership this season.

Mauricio Pellegrino – The first Argentinian player in the history of Liverpool spent only a few months at Anfield, playing only 12 matches before returning back to Spain. At least he didn’t cost a dime. He won two league titles with Benitez back in Valencia.

2005 Summer

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Peter Crouch – The England international was signed for 7 million pounds from Southampton and didn’t score in his first 24 hours of playing for Liverpool. He had his ups and downs at Anfield, with 2006-2007 his most successful season. He was Liverpool’s best scorer in all competitions with 18 goals, including a perfect hat-trick against Arsenal. He was sold to Portsmouth for 11 million pounds and now plays his soccer for Tottenham.

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Jose Manuel Reina – “Pepe" Reina might be Benitez’ best signing, coming for 6 million pounds from Villareal, constantly among league leaders in clean sheets, making 94 in 182 appearances since arriving at the Premiership. He hasn’t missed a match for Liverpool in the last three seasons and in my eyes one of the best goalkeepers in the world today.

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Mohamed Sissoko – Was touted as the next Patrick Viera, but slowly turning out to be another hard hitting but not to clever DM for Juventus. Sissoko was bought for 5.6 million from Valencia. His 2.5 year career at Anfield was filled with injuries and Sissoko never developed and improved as expected. He was sold to Juventus for 11 million Euro.

Antonio Barragan - The youngest foreign player to ever make an appearance for Liverpool at the age of 18 also made it his only appearance, spending most of his time at Anfield playing for the reserves after arriving free of cost from Sevilla. He left for Deportivo for 1 million pounds.

Boudewijn Zenden - Zenden arrived for free from Middlesbrough, but was constantly injured after a good start to both of his Anfield seasons, completing only 23 league matches for Liverpool. He left for Marseille in 2007.

Godwin Antwi - Came for free, and never made an appearance for the senior team, spending most of his time with the reserves or on loan. He now plays his soccer for Danish outfit Vejle.

Besian Idrizaj - The Austrian striker of Albanian parents never got it going for Liverpool, never breaking out of the reserves after arriving from LASK Linz. Idrizaj tragically died two months ago after suffering from a heart attack during his sleep.

Jack Hobbs – Arrived from Lincoln City for 750,000 pounds but played only three matches for Liverpool in his three season at Anfield. Is playing for Leicester now.

Miki Roque – Arrived for free from Leida after turning 17 but never got to play for Liverpool in his four seasons there. He now plays for Real Betis.

Paul Anderson – Another highly touted youngster who never fulfilled the expectations and promise. He came from Hull City in a trade with John Welsh making his way out of Anfield, but Anderson never made an appearance for the senior team, and he was sold to Nottingham Forest in the summer of 2009.

2006 January Transfer Window

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Robbie Fowler – Return of the king. Fowler had an amazing start to his Liverpool career, scoring 83 goals in his first four seasons, but injuries hampered one of England’s greatest striking talents in recent memory. After being sold to Leeds and then moving to Man City, Fowler returned for free, but was far from his old self, despite the love of the crowd. He lasted another season but ended his Anfield chapter with 8 goals in 30 league matches. He now plays in Australia for Perth.

Jan Kromkamp – The Dutchman arrived from Villareal in the Josemi deal, but he also couldn’t keep Steve Finnan out of the starting lineup, making 14 appearances before getting sold to PSV in August 2006.

Ryan Crowther – Another youngster who didn’t get to play at Anfield, coming from Stockport at the age of 18. Has no team currently.

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Daniel Agger – Benitez snatched the Danish centre back at the age of 20 from Brondby for 5.8 million pounds, but despite his immense talent and potential, Agger seems to keep getting injured when he’s on the brink of becoming a real world class defender. Few backs have a powerful shot like Agger, but he has made only 108 league appearances for Liverpool 4.5 years, either fighting with injuries or lately with Skretl for a place alongside Carragher.

David Martin – Bought with the future in mind at the age of 20 for 250,000 pounds from MK Dons, but spent most of his Anfield career out on loan. Returned to the Dons two weeks ago.

Summer of 2006

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Craig Bellamy – Came for 6 million pounds from Blackburn, and stayed for only one season after apparently not seeing eye to eye with Benitez about the way he’d be used on the pitch. Scored seven goals in 27 league matches, but his most famous one came in the Champions League against Barcelona after the Golf incident.

Mark Gonzalez – “Speedy Gonzalez" came for 1.5 million pounds from Albacete but never really got a foot hold at Anfield spending only one season at Liverpool before getting sold to Betis for 5 million. He now plays for CSKA Moscow and had a decent showing with Chile in the World Cup.

Gabriel Plaetta – Came from Banfield for 2 million pounds but played only 3 matches for Liverpool and was sold to Boca Juniors as part of the Insua deal. He signed with Parma less than two weeks ago.

Fabio Aurelio – Another player who was part of Benitez’ two-title side at Valencia, Aurelio has struggled with injuries and position battles during his time at Anfield. He has become a fan favorite for his free kicks and powerful left foot, but never managed to sustain his place in the starting lineup for a long time.

Martin Hansen – Another Dane to arrive from Brondby but never (still at Anfield) making it out of the Liverpool reserves.

Nabil El Zhar – The French born Morrocan arrived at Anfield from Saint-Etienne for free and seemed to make a bit of a breakthrough in 2008-2009, coming on 15 times, but played only twice last season, failing to leave an impression.

Astrit Ajdarevic – The Swede arrived at Anfield in December 2006 from Falkenberges in Sweden but never managed to play for the senior team and has recently signed with Orebro of the Swedish league.

January 2007

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Alvaro Arbeloa – Finally, Benitez found a right back he can trust. Arbeloa was solid for Liverpool on the flank, never showing too much flair but consistent and a very good defender. He was purchased for 3 million pounds from Deportivo and returned to Spain, re-joining Real Madrid last summer for a bargain price (in my mind) of 4 million pounds.

Alex Cooper – Joined Liverpool from Ross County from 100,000 pounds, still hasn’t made an appearance with the senior team.

Jordy Brouwer – Came from Ajax and besides some loan time at RKC has been a reserve man.

Francisco Duran – Recently released from the club, Duran arrived to Anfield from Malaga but never got to play for the first team.

Ronald Huth – Paraguayan youngster (20) who also never made any appearances for Liverpool, currently with Vicenaza.

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Javier Mascherano – Signed from West Ham for 18 million pounds and despite early struggles, has become one of Liverpool’s best players and one of the best defensive midfielders in the world, although his temper and knack for needless fouls get the best of him at times. Benitez seems keen on moving him to Inter, an Argentinian paradise.

Summer of 2007

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Jermaine Pennant – Purchased from Arsenal for 6.7 million pounds, the talented but troublesome winger was very good in his first year but fell out of Benitez’ favor the next two with Babel and Benayoun joining the side. He’s currently with Real Zaragoza.

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Yossi Benayoun – Benayoun’s media attack on Rafa last week revealed another dark side to Liverpool’s anguishing 2009-2010 season. Yossi Benayoun came from West Ham for 5 million pounds but never won a constant place in the Liverpool starting lineup despite playing well almost every time he got the chance during his three years there, including a Champions League hat-trick and the winning goal against Real Madrid in Madrid. Benayoun joined Chelsea two weeks ago for 5.5 million pounds.

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Lucas Leiva – One of the more less successful acquisition. The Brazilian midfielder was purchased from Gremio for 6 million pounds after he was chased by many premier clubs. Hard to understand why. Lucas became a regular last season but failed to fill Xabi Alonso’s shoes and is rumored to be on his way out of Liverpool, if they could finalize a deal with someone.

Andras Simon – The Hungarian striker, now 20 years old, arrived from MTK and has yet to make an appearance for Liverpool.

Dean Bouzanis – The Australian keeper, turning 20 this year, has yet to make an appearance for the first team.

Krisztian Nemeth – Another Hungarian import from MTK, Nemeth has been touted to break into the Liverpool squad for two years now. He still doesn’t have an appearance with the first team, although they’re saying again that his might be his year.

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Ryan Babel – When Babel came from Ajax for 11.5 million pounds he was one of the more promising young forwards in Europe. Three years later, maybe a coaching change will breathe new life into his feet and bring out the promise everyone sees in him. So far it’s been only 11 goals in three seasons from the player no one really knows where to put on the field and how to use.

Daniel Pacheco – The 19 year old striker, brought up in the Barcelona youth empire, one of the brighter hopes of Spanish soccer and Liverpool, made 7 appearances last season with the team and will hopefully find more playing time in 2009-2010.

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Fernando Torres – 20 Million pounds from Atletico Madrid, Torres, when healthy, is probably one of the top 3 strikers in the world. Forget the World Cup, this guy, when healthy, just doesn’t stop scoring. He makes Gerrard better. He makes Liverpool better. He has scored 72 goals in 116 games for Liverpool in all competitions, proving again and again he’s their only reliable scoring threat. And now he might be going away, if the price is right, so it seems.

Andriy Voronin – The Ukrainian striker has been pretty successful in his Bundesliga career, but never got it going at Anfield, scoring 5 goals in 27 league matches. He was sold to Russian Dynamo Moscow in January 2010.

Sebastian Leto – Was purchased from Lanus for 1.8 million pounds but never got to play for Liverpool. The left winger has won two titles in Greece since his one year at Anfield, one with Olympiakos and last year with PAO.

Gary Stevens – Another Ross County import, who has yet to break out of the youth team.

Mikel San Jose – The 21 year old Basque defender came from Athletic Bilbao and has since returned there, becoming a first team regular in 2009-2010.

Daniel Sanchez Ayala – Another Spanish centre back who seemed to be breaking out last year, making a few appearances in the starting lineup, but soon returned to the reserves. Still with the team, he’ll probably be loaned out ot Valladolid this season.

Gerardo Bruna – The Argentinian midfielder joined Liverpool from Real Madrid and has been impressive at the reserve level so far. Only the reserve as of now.

David Amoo – Bought from Millwall, Amoo is still with the youth team.

Damien Plessis – Signed from Lyon, The 22 year old still hasn’t broken through to the first team and has appeared 8 times for the side in three years, mostly in cup fixtures.

Emiliano Insua – Became a first team regular last year after showing promising signs in 2008-2009, but despite his early success and hard working game, lacks speed and the ability to produce good crosses. In the last few days it has been rumored he’s making his way to Fiorentina.

Charles Itandje – Although still with the club (joined from Lens) the French keeper hasn’t been able to beat Reina for the no.1 spot and is currently on loan. Is mostly known for laughing and behaving inappropriately during the Hillsborough memorial in 2009.

Lauri Dalla Valle – The 20 year old Finn has been very successful at youth level with the team and this might be the year he gets a chance with the first team.

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Martin Skrtel – The only player to join Liverpool in the January 2008 window, the Slovakia international has motions from very confident and solid in the middle to shaky and injured at other times. He came from 6 million pounds from Zenit and when healthy is usually in the starting lineup.

Summer of 2008

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Andrea Dossena – For a minute, he was a great garbage time scorer off the bench, scoring for Liverpool in their 4-0 and 4-1 wins over Real Madrid and Manchester United, but for 7 million pounds paid to Udinese, Benitzed expected to get a very good left back. Even decent would have been nice, but Dossena never setteled at Anfield and returned to Italy (Napoli) last January for about half the price.

Vincent Weijl – Came from AZ and has been on reserve or out on loan back in the Netherlands since arriving at Anfield.

Vitor Flora – The young Brazilian striker is part of the reserve team.

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Robbie Keane – One of the biggest flops in recent years, Keane arrived from Tottenham for 19 million pounds, but failed to win a place and impress alongside Fernando Torres or as a lone striker. It seemed that right after finding his form Benitez benched him again, and Keane ended his Anfield affair after only six months, sold back to Spurs for 12 million pounds. Keane played 28 matches and scored 7 goals in all competitions for the club.

Diego Cavalieri – The Brazilian was purchased from Palmeiras for 3 million pounds but has yet to play a league match for Liverpool, suffering from the reign of Reina.

Nikola Saric – The Danish-Bosnian striker has yet to break out of the Liverpool reserves. He is 19, and he arrived from Danish club Herfloge.

Emmanuel Mendy – Another young Spanish defender, left back, who has yet to find a place outside the Liverpool reserves.

David N’Gog – Bought from PSG for 1.5 million pounds, N’Gog really enjoyed Torres’ injury riddled season last year, scoring five times in 24 appearances. The potential is there, but N’Gog seems to be missing many fundumentals in his game to become a legitamte scoring threat for Liverpool. However, he is only 21, so there’s a chance he’s got a lot more show.

Philipp Degen – The Swiss defender has been either injured or awful every time he’s on the pitch for Liverpool after arriving from Dortmund.

Peter Gulacsi – Another MTK product, this time a keeper. Aged 20, Gulacsi spends most of his time out on loans.

Zsolt Poloskei – MTK. Reserve team.

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Albert Riera – Purchased from Espanyol for 8 million pounds, Riera seemed to be one of Rafa’s favorites during the successful 2008-2009 campaign but had a falling out with Benitez last year. Rafa leaving to Italy has seemed to pave Riera’s place back to the first team after rumors of him getting sold.

Christopher Buchtmann – The 18 year old German is another one of those who’s had a successful time with the youth team but has failed to win a place beyond the reserves and has since left the club.

2009

Victor Plasson – Icelandic midfielder who arrived in January 2009 for 250,000 pounds from Aarhus. Still in the reserves.

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Glen Johnson – The defender who doesn’t seem to really know how to defend. Johnson does have some exciting qualities to his game, but 18 million pounds? Benitez gambled big on Johnson and it didn’t pay off, with Johnson starting well but fading and getting injured as the season progressed. After a poor World Cup campaign, Johnson has a lot to prove at Anfield this year.

Chris Mavinga – Another young PSG’er who is fighting for his place in the reserves.

Sotirios Kyrgiakos – The veteran Greece international came from AEK for 2 million pounds and played 14 matches for Liverpool, impressing especially during January and has been highly appreciated by the fans and Liverpool blogs. Still, his slowness and injuries have held him back.

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Alberto Aquilani – He still deserves a few more chances, but another huge flop in the making, so it seems. Arrived for 17 million pounds from Roma, Aquilani was believed to be a replacement for Xabi Alonso. First he got injured, missing the first half of the season. Than, as he slowly fought his way to regain playing form, Aquilani turned out to be a much more attacking player than Xabi Alonso, not keen on playing the deep playmaker role. A lot is riding on this season if Aquilani wants to continue being a Liverpool player. Liverpool have a lot riding on him as well.

Maxi Rodriguez – I was never a fan of Maxi, but to get him for free is a bargain. Didn’t do much last year – if he’ll be a good sub this year, Liverpool will be happy.

Liverpool

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- No Gerrard, No Torres… no chance. Benitez maybe is still spreading his “belief” that this season is somehow going to turn out OK for the Reds, calling for his remaining healthy players to fight and to start over, but the way Liverpool have looked this season during games their big two haven’t played, a 0-0 draw would be a great result. Talks about a new manager? I think the moment the ownership subject resolves, things will look much clearer and probably better.

Premiership in general

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- Both United & Chelsea are playing at home tomorrow, as Burnley visit Old Trafford and Burnley come to Stamford Bridge. Comfortable on paper, but Chelsea are suffering from the Africa cup of nations syndrome, with their star striker Drogba(alongside Salomon Kalou) scoring today in the Ivory Coast 3-1 victory over Ghana and another Chelsea player, Michael Essien. Sunderland are doing horribly lately, so a Chelsea win seems to be what the crystal ball is suggesting. United host Burnley who handed them their first defeat in the season way way back in August, with Van der Sar back at goal. Arsenal play on Sunday at Bolton in what seems to be a pretty easy weekend for the three title challengers, or is it?

Arenas & Kevin Martin Coming Back

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- Biggest story lately has been Gilbert Arenas, who pleaded guilty on the gun charges, and from what I’ve read and seen on TV, only just realized it’s probably going to be jail for him. He’s quite a fun player to watch, but I guess if he’s dumb enough not to learn from his first time of getting convicted, he deserves to serve some time. The Wizards probably won’t be seeing their money anytime soon, and a total rebuilding of the team looms over the franchise.Other stuff? I’m watching the Kings and the 76ers, and I wonder how Martin coming back into the lineup will change Tyreke Evans’ game if at all, with him being the best rookie in the league ever since Martin was sidelined by injury. And it’s sad watching Iverson. Just sad.

NFL Playoffs, Cardinals vs Saints

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- Cardinals and the Saints coming up tomorrow, and I can’t help but wonder if we’re going to see another shootout like the one the Cardinals and Packers put up last week, the highest scoring game in NFL playoff history. While both teams have the arsenal for that kind of game, with the Saints pretty much built on a QB (Drew Brees) who’s dying to just throw the ball 50 times a game, it’s going to be the secondary the comes up with more big plays that gets the win. Edge? Cardinals, thanks to Adrian Wilson.

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Maybe 2010 won’t be so bad for the reds, who finally get themselves a winning streak, managing an injury time 1-0 win against Aston Villa at Birmingham, with Fernando Torres scoring the winner after some poor passing in Villa’s back 3 minutes into injury time.

Liverpool came to defend, but Joseph Yobo was there for the reds. First, Mascherano’s shot bounced off the Nigerian and found itself in Howard’s net. Reina made a couple of brilliant saves at goal and eventually, after Riera came in for Aurelio, it was again Yobo, mishandling an errant ball, which Riera shot, Howard saved but Kuyt was their to score from the rebound and seal the unimpressive but crucial victory for the reds.

P.S. – Did you notice I didn’t write about Steven Gerrard? Well, lets say, there wasn’t anything good to write about. Liverpool miss Torres and need a playmaker, and it seems Gerrard might be sufferring from the same things.

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Javier Mascherano / Joseph Yobo (own goal), 12th minute

Dirk Kuyt, 80th minute

When you look at the numbers – 35 shots (8 on goal), 78% time of possession, you’d miss the big picture, and the fact that Liverpool needed David N’Gog to dive and get an unjust penalty and for an ailing off the bench Steven Gerrard to save the drowning reds one point. Birmingham got out of their half, but still managed two goals in the first half, with the second of them a brilliant strike from Cameron Jerome.

Liverpool had the lead from N’Gog but a usual blunder in the back got Birmingham the equalizer (Benitez with his first league goal) and later on that wonderful strike from Jerome. Liverpool pressed, pushed and shoved, but only a bad call from Peter Walton denied Liverpool’s second loss at Anfield this season. So where does this game leave us? Liverpool are 7th, 11 points behind Chelsea and (seemingly) light years away from a title challenge. It’s Manchester City in 2 weeks. Birmingham? They got a bonus point, staying at 15th, with a long season and relegation battle ahead of them.

David N’Gog, 13th minute

Christian Benitez, 26th minute

Cameron Jerome, 45th minute

Steven Gerrard (penalty kick), 71st minute

Liverpool crashed. Despite their fans singing “you’ll never walk alone” during the closing minutes, it was Liverpool who got crushed in West London this afternoon, while another West London side, league leaders Chelsea, won 4-0 at Bolton, keeping their hold on the top spot of the premiership.

Fulham stayed back and stung first in the first half through Bobby Zamora (4th goal of the season), and despite Liverpool’s control and advantage in ball possession, only an awkward clearance left Torres in a good spot to even things up (10th goal) before half time. Second half saw both teams create very little chances and Liverpool again having most of the possession, but then Benitez took out Torres, and the wheels came off. Erik Nevland scored, Degen and Carragher got sent off, Dempsey added another one, and Liverpool are now with five league defeats after 11 games, and Benitez’ red face at the end said everything.

Bobby Zamora, 24th minute

Fernando Torres, 42nd minute

Erik Nevland, 72nd minute

Clint Dempsey, 87th minute

The game that showed what’s so wonderful about British soccer and especially it’s derbies, when the biggest one there is (historically), produced a passionate display from the home side and in general a game that had everything, but the bottom line is, Liverpool won 2-0. Rafa Benitez answered his critics, Liverpool’s defense answered their critics, while Yossi Benayoun and Fernando Torres produced the brilliant moment and spark the reds needed to maybe kick start their season again in the right direction. Liverpool defended frantically at the end, sending balls flying everywhere, and eventually, as United went gung ho in an attempt to find that equalizer, David N’Gog who came off the bench for Torres, sealed the score at 2-0, giving Liverpool it’s third straight win over Manchester United. Mascherano and Vidic were sent off for two yellow card (both) a few minutes apart, Michael Owen got a very warm (if being called Judas is warm for you) from the Liverpool crowd, both teams wanted penalties – everything you wanted.

United are now second and Liverpool climb to fifth, and Chelsea are enjoying their stay at the top. Liverpool’s next match will be against Fulham in London, while United host Blackburn, hoping to be the next team to deliver a few goals into Paul Robinson’s goal.

Fernando Torres, 65th minute

David N’Gog, injury time

It’s still early in the season, but these are the games that show which teams are made for a championship, and which are not. Liverpool, according to today’s match, are obviously not. Chelsea totally dominated and controlled the London afternoon outing, deservedly winning the match 2-0, climbing back to the top spot of the Premiership and separating themselves from Liverpool with six points.

Chelsea’s defense and midfield stopped Liverpool with tenacious and tireless work, and upfront it was again Didier Drogba providing the needed spark for Chelsea’s goalscoring, only this time as the chef, assisting Malouda and Anelka. Benitez maybe finally realized that Lucas isn’t a player in the level needed when he faces teams like Chelsea, United and others, and the team did look much better when he left the field. It’s true that he won’t have Gerrard close to Torres as he likes, but Lucas just wanders the pitch uselessly throughout the match, making it 10 against 11 most of the time. He doesn’t have Alonso and Aquilani is still injured, he has no choice. If he still believes and wants to win the title, he has no choice.

After the 4-0 win Saturday against Burnley, Rafa Benitez expected better performance from his team against the Hungarian Champions, Debrecen. Liverpool didn’t play badly – they were the dominant side for most of the 90 minutes and created much more chances, but the game didn’t flow as expected against a much inferior side that did play to score and not just sit behind and kick balls away.

Despite the lackluster performance, a nice combination of passes left Torres in a good situation, and despite Poleksic’s save, Dirk Kuyt scored off the rebound, leaving Liverpool with the three points.

Dirk Kuyt, 45th minute

In the other game in Group E, Lyon beat a 10-man Fiorentina team, with Pjanic scoring the winner 12 minutes from time.

After Chelsea beating Sunderland 3-1 and Wolves surprising Wigan 1-0 yesterday, we take a look at all the goals and action from today in the English Premiership – Burnley hosting Manchester United, Liverpool looking to rebound from their loss to Tottenham at home against Stoke, Tottenham going to Hull City and Birmingham hosting Portsmouth.

We’ll start with Burnley’s shocking win over Manchester United with this brilliant Robbie Blake goal – A fantastic volley into United’s net, Burnley win 1-0

Liverpool got their first win of the season, crushing Stoke City 4-0 at Anfield, with Fernando Torres, Dirk Kuyt, David N’gog and one brilliant Glen Johnson goal doing the damage.

Tottenham crushed Hull City at Hull 5-1, and currently lead the table in the Premiership. Jermaine Defoe scored a hat trick, with Robbie Keane and Wilson Palacios also adding a couple. Stephen Hunt netted his second goal of the season for Hull.

Finally, Birmingham got their first win in their return to the premiership, a 1-0 home win over Portsmouth, with James McFadden scoring a 90th minute Penalty.