Liverpool top group with win
Kuyt was instrumental in both Liverpool goals
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Wednesday, 22, Nov 2006 10:09
Liverpool returned to winning ways as they ensured themselves top place in group C of the Champions League with a 2-0 win over PSV Eindhoven.
Steven Gerrard's second goal of the season and a late Peter Crouch effort were the difference between the two sides as Liverpool guaranteed themselves a place as a top seed when the next round is drawn.
They began the scoring midway through the second half with a sweeping move down the left that cut open the Dutch defence as Gerrard finished with aplomb.
Goalkeeper Jose Reina found Steve Finann who quickly freed Dirk Kuyt. He was able to turn his marker and played a devastating ball through to Gerrard, who did the rest.
Crouch sealed the deal with a minute remaining in the match. Luis Garcia crossed and found Kuyt and the Dutchman deftly cushioned the ball back towards Crouch who nodded in from close range.
The first-half action was a dour affair and both sides struggled to create many chances before Liverpool eventually were able to brake down the stubborn defence in the second 45 minutes.
PSV offered little by way of an attacking threat and Reina was only called into action to stop Diego Tardelli's weak shot and Arouna Kone's deflected effort.
The night was marred by injuries to three midfielders. Xabi Alonso injured his hip and Mark Gonzalez went down with a hamstring injury, both in the first-half, while Jermaine Pennant was also forced off the field ten minutes before the end.