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Liverpool sink PSV at Anfield
23/11/2006 09:57 - (SA)
Liverpool - Steven Gerrard scored in the 65th minute on Wednesday to lift Liverpool to a 2-0 victory over PSV Eindhoven, guaranteeing the five-time European champions will finish first in Group C.
Peter Crouch added the second goal in the 89th with a header.
Liverpool and PSV had already clinched spots in the second round, but finishing first - in theory - gives Liverpool an easier draw in the next round. Liverpool have 13 points to PSV's 10.
It was Gerrard's second goal of the season in all games - he had 23 last season. The England international received a pass from Dirk Kuyt and scored off a shot from 18m.
"I was really pleased to see Steve scoring again. It could be a boost for his confidence," Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez said.
Liverpool dominated the match at Anfield, but picked up several key injuries.
Midfielder Xabi Alonso came off in the 21st minute with a hip injury following a hard tackle. He was replaced by Boudewijn Zenden, a former PSV player.
Winger Mark Gonzalez also injured a hamstring muscle and left the field in the 34th minute. Jermaine Pennant picked up a head injury late in the match.
"The first injury to Xabi (Alonso) was a big problem for us," Benitez said. "Then Mark Gonzalez and (Jermaine) Pennant went, too."
"The players worked really hard after that."
Benitez has already lost starting midfielder Mohamed Sissoko for three months following shoulder surgery earlier this month.
Liverpool almost broke through late in the first half with a series of chances. Gerrard took a pass from Crouch on the break in the 31st minute, but his shot was well wide. A minute later, Gonzalez angled a dangerous ball across the front of the goal mouth.
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