Sports / Soccer |
Liverpool top group after 2-0 win over PSV(Reuters)Updated: 2006-11-23 08:33 LIVERPOOL, England, Nov 22 - Steven Gerrard and Peter Crouch scored as Liverpool cemented top spot in Group C with a 2-0 victory over PSV Eindhoven, who had also already qualified for the knockout stages of the Champions League. The Dutch side's 17-match unbeaten run came to an end with Gerrard capping an all-action display in central midfield with a goal after 65 minutes. Liverpool added to Gerrard's goal with a minute left when Dirk Kuyt headed Luis Garcia's cross back across goal and Crouch nodded home. With one to play, Liverpool top the group on 13 points with PSV assured of second on 10. Liverpool will qualify as group winners whatever happens in the final round of matches in a fortnight because of their better head-to-head record over PSV. A recent injury to midfielder Mohamed Sissoko has forced Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez to move Gerrard inside from the right wing -- a position he has not been happy playing in for his club. The England international made the most of his switch when he ran onto the ball and tucked away a low shot after Kuyt had turned away from Alex on the edge of the box and laid on a perfect pass. Gerrard might expect an extended run in his favoured role following an injury to Spain midfielder Xabi Alonso, who limped off in the 21st minute. Liverpool also had wingers Mark Gonzalez and Jermaine Pennant stretchered off before the game was out. With both teams already qualified, the game lacked the bite of a truly competitive fixture. PSV, who came into the game having won their last 10 matches, rested the experienced Phillip Cocu and lacked a cutting edge going forward. "Gerrard...had a big role in our problems if you see how he raised the pressure on the midfield. He is really world class," PSV coach Ronald Koeman told NOS-TV. "This defeat has no consequences though we came here for a good result."
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