| Goals will come for Torres, says Kuyt • Kuyt says Torres 'can miss chances like everyone else'• Dutchman happy with draw at UtrechtDirk Kuyt is confident he can forge a partnership with Fernando Torres despite the Liverpool pair drawing a blank in the goalless Europa League draw in Utrecht.And he has backed the Spaniard to return to his usual goalscoring form in the immediate future. "It's just a matter of time for Fernando," he said. "I said that after the Sunderland game when people were talking about him not scoring, but he still provided two assists. Last night he missed a chance but he is human and can miss chances like everyone else. I'm sure his goals will come."Torres had one genuine chance midway through the second half when Kuyt crossed to the near post but the Spaniard's first-time shot was well saved by Michel Form – although the referee, Duarte Gomes, did not spot the touch and awarded a goal-kick.Torres has spent most of his Liverpool career playing up front on his own with Steven Gerrard in the attacking role behind him but in the last two matches he has had Kuyt as a partner.The two combined for Kuyt's controversial opening goal against Sunderland at the weekend but the Dutchman is yet to return the favour: "We created a good chance together and against Sunderland and West Brom it worked well so I think we can play well together, but last night wasn't the best game for us or the team."Kuyt's return to his first professional club was not the spectacular homecoming he was hoping for as Liverpool were on the back foot for long periods. However, the Holland international believes a draw at the Stadion Galgenwaard, where the hosts had won their previous six matches, was a worthy one."It was a really tough game. It was difficult from the start. We didn't play our best game but we will keep fighting," said Kuyt. "We created some good chances but so did they, so I think we have to be happy with a 0-0. We can take confidence from this and we will keep fighting."I think the good thing is that we got a clean sheet. An away draw in Europe isn't too bad and we have four points from two games, so we just have to keep going and win on Sunday [against Blackpool]."LiverpoolFernando TorresEuropa Leagueguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds guardian.co.uk |
Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa: Ledley King calls for Spurs to maintain momentum Spurs captain acknowledges that club finds it difficult to follow up midweek European success with performances in the Premier League. telegraph.co.uk |
Rooney sits out as Man U draws with WBA: Premiership Manchester United dropped Wayne Rooney to the bench before blowing a two-goal lead and drawing 2-2 with West Bromwich Albion, while Arsenal came from behind to beat Birmingham 2-1 to go second in the Premier League on Saturday. cbc.ca |
Everton 2-0 Liverpool John W Henry had come to Goodison Park to find out more about his new acquisition and must have learned primarily that the £300m spent on Liverpool can only be the beginning. The side were overcome by opponents who benefit from continuity of management, with David Moyes having already spent eight years in the post.No matter what Henry has in mind, the Everton manager will be heartened by a first league victory in the Merseyside derby since September 2006. Liverpool continue to malfunction and if Henry grants Roy Hodgson's plea to be given more time he will be an unusual proprietor indeed.Liverpool are second bottom of the table and Everton, despite being above them solely on goal difference before kick-off, had far more authority. The visitors' lack of resilience was glaring when the midfielder Seamus Coleman tore past Paul Konchesky on the right and saw his cut-back converted by Tim Cahill at the near post in the 35th minute.Everton could also prey on the muddled nature of Liverpool's play, as they did when extending the lead. A Leighton Baines corner was headed out by Sotirios Kyrgiakos, but the centre-half did not angle the ball towards the wing and it dropped for Mikel Arteta. The Spaniard reacted to the windfall by volleying beautifully beyond José Reina.Liverpool did not lack spirit and that, in its own way, was disturbing since it underlines the fact that the departure of the previous owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks was an essential yet still modest start in the re-establishment of the club. At 2-0 down, there was still a sense of urgency to Liverpool and Everton had to look to men such as Phil Jagielka to marshall the defence.Fernando Torres, still far from his true self, even had a shot blocked. Liverpool should now have the means to improve several areas of the line-up, but that labour cannot start until the January transfer window. It remains to be seem whether Henry will let Hodgson stay to spend his money.Premier LeagueEvertonLiverpoolKevin McCarraguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds guardian.co.uk |
Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney will not be sold in January transfer window Man United respond to suggestions Wayne Rooney's alleged rift with Sir Alex Ferguson is so great he will be ushered out of club. telegraph.co.uk |