LIVERPOOL: Jay Rodriguez scored twice as West Brom knocked Premier League rivals Liverpool out of the FA Cup with a 3-2 win at Anfield on Saturday in a tie overshadowed by the use of the Video Assistant Referee. A remarkable first half on Merseyside saw West Brom go 2-1 up inside 11 minutes against seven-times FA Cup winners Liverpool only to have a goal chalked off by VAR before, in a subsequent incident on the stroke of half-time, the system confirmed they had gone 3-1 ahead via Joel Matip's own-goal.In between, Liverpool were awarded a penalty after a prolonged VAR review only for Roberto Firmino's spot-kick to come back off the crossbar.The build up to the penalty decision saw Craig Pawson become the first English referee to consult a pitchside replay, with players and fans angry over the four-minute delay from the time Mohamed Salah fell in the box to the award of a spot-kick.Salah's first FA Cup goal, his 25th goal in just 32 appearances for the Reds, gave Liverpool hope of a … [Read more...] about Liverpool knocked out of FA Cup by West Brom
Liverpool
Billy Elliot star Jamie Bell back on the dance floor with Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool
Jamie Bell just can’t escape the boogie.His breakout role in the 2000 British smash Billy Elliot saw the 14-year-old newcomer doing some spirited footwork to T. Rex’s “I Love to Boogie” alongside Julie Walters as the dance teacher who encourages his dream to be a ballet dancer.In 1970s-set Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool — opening Friday — Bell and Annette Bening spin their characters’ first meeting into a sexy exploration of each other via some sinewy dance moves to disco hit “Boogie Oogie Oogie.”Bell, now 31, was in town last September for the film’s screening at the Toronto International Film Festival, said he knew as soon as he read the script he wanted to play the real-life role of Peter Turner.The struggling English actor fell in love with glamorous Hollywood star Gloria Grahame when she arrived in England, trying to revive her career with theatre work. … [Read more...] about Billy Elliot star Jamie Bell back on the dance floor with Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool
Liverpool hands Manchester City first EPL defeat
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND—Manchester City’s quest to be the latest “Invincibles” of English soccer ended thanks to nine minutes of mayhem on Sunday.Hounded and harassed by Liverpool’s high press inside a raucous Anfield, City fell apart through a series of defensive mistakes and went from being level at 1-1 after 59 minutes to trailing 4-1 in the 68th minute.City defender Kyle Walker rubbed his face in disbelief. Pep Guardiola, City’s manager, looked at the ground in shock.City recovered admirably to lose 4-3 but its five-month, 22-match unbeaten start to the league is over. Arsenal’s undefeated Premier League season in 2003-04 won’t be emulated for at least another year. Preston was the other team to go through a top-flight season unbeaten, in 1888-89.“We lost a little bit of our control,” Guardiola said of the atmosphere. “We were involved in the environment of Anfield for many, many reasons.” … [Read more...] about Liverpool hands Manchester City first EPL defeat
EPL roundup: Liverpool end Man City’s unbeaten run
Liverpool handed Manchester City their first Premier League defeat this season as the rampant Reds won 4-3 against the shell-shocked leaders to show they can thrive without Philippe Coutinho. It was a rare chastening experience this season for City, but shouldn't prove damaging to their title bid as they remain 15 points clear of second-placed Manchester United, who host Stoke on Monday.Liverpool go above Chelsea into third place after extending their unbeaten run to 18 matches in all competitions. PREMIER LEAGUE Sunday's results Saturday's resultsCity swaggered into Anfield unbeaten in the top flight in 30 matches and widely heralded as champions-elect amid talk that they could go throughout the entire league campaign without losing.But 90 minutes later, Pep Guardiola's side were licking their wounds after their first domestic defeat since the FA Cup semi-final against Arsenal last season.They were beaten at their own game as Jurgen Klopp's team delivered a scintillating display … [Read more...] about EPL roundup: Liverpool end Man City’s unbeaten run
Barcelona agree to sign Coutinho from Liverpool
BARCELONA: Barcelona will sign Brazil midfielder Philippe Coutinho from Liverpool on a five-and-a-half year contract, the two clubs said on Saturday. British media reported that the Spanish club will pay around £142 million for Coutinho, making it the third most expensive transfer in soccer history."Barcelona and Liverpool have reached an agreement for the transfer of Philippe Coutinho," the La Liga leaders said in a statement."The player will sign a contract for the rest of the season and five more and will have a release clause of €400 million."In the next few hours we will give details of the player's arrival and his presentation."Liverpool confirmed the deal."Liverpool FC can confirm Philippe Coutinho will be leaving the club after a transfer agreement was reached with FC Barcelona, subject to medical and agreement of personal terms," the Premier League club said."The player now has permission to complete the usual formalities to conclude the transfer immediately."Paris … [Read more...] about Barcelona agree to sign Coutinho from Liverpool