An Offside Flag...

1 Feb 2006 Liverpool 1-1 Birmingham - EPL

Liverpoolfc.tv - Steven Gerrard had earlier put the Reds in front with a 65th minute strike but despite their obvious superiority they failed to build on the lead and were punished when Alonso deflected the ball past Pepe Reina three minutes from time.
In a further twist to a night of high drama, returning hero Robbie Fowler, on as a second half substitute, had an injury time winner ruled out for offside as a game that should have been easily wrapped up ended in bitter disappointment.

Rafa: "I am very disappointed because when you score one goal you need to score the second to finish the game, especially against 10 men, and we didn't do that. We had a lot of chances but the Birmingham goalkeeper was fantastic. If Luis Garcia had scored from his good chance then we win the game and it is a totally different situation."

Robbie's return
Rafa: "We know Robbie needs to improve his physical condition but his movement was really good. What we need to do better is give him better service. Robbie makes good runs and we need to give him the ball in the right areas or exploit the space he creates for others."

Agger's debut
Rafa: "Daniel Agger's start was nervous but after that he started to control the situation and played well with the ball and kept a good position."