Leicester v Liverpool 15/09/96 3.00Leicester (0) 0 Liverpool (0) 3 FT Berger 58,77 Thomas 61 Patrik Berger came off the substitute's bench to score a dramatic double as Liverpool survived a testing first-half battle to cruise to an easy victory. Berger, signed from Borussia Dortmund for £3.25 million in the summer, replaced the ineffective Stan Collymore at half-time. The Czech international, one of the stars of Euro '96, needed just 14 minutes to become an instant hero with the The Reds travelling army of supporters. He dispossessed Julian Watts and played a one-two with Steve McManaman before planting a left-footed drive past Kasey Keller. Berger, whose only previous action was as a substitute against Southampton, could hardly contain his delight as he raced across to the fans. But there was more to come 13 minutes from time when he unleashed another blockbusting shot past the helpless Keller after being released by Robbie Fowler. Berger drifted effectively in and out of attack and midfield and has left Roy Evans with the kind of selection poser every manager dreams about. He transformed Liverpool performance as Evans's side totally dominated the second 45 minutes with a mistake by Keller gifting Michael Thomas a goal either side of Berger's one-two blast. But it had been a different story in the first-half with Leicester edging proceedings and again creating a favourable impression. Emile Heskey had a golden chance to put Leicester ahead after only 35 seconds after Neil Lennon's cross had picked him out at the far post. The England Under-21 player looked certain to score but sent his header back towards David James who was able to tip it over the bar. The home side were forced to reshuffle after central defender Spencer Prior was substituted with a leg injury after a clash with Collymore. That allowed Liverpool to enjoy a spell of control and Collymore fired high and wide when well placed in the area after Phil Babb had headed down a Stig Bjornebye centre. John Barnes and Collymore then combined to create an opening for McManaman but his low shot was blocked by Keller. But Leicester enjoyed their own period of dominance in the final third of the half with Scott Taylor and Mustafa Izzet impressing in midfield. A cross from Taylor eluded James but Steve Claridge, at full stretch at the far post, could only send his header over the bar. Simon Grayson then burst clear in the penalty area after a neat one-two with Izzet but he lost control as danger loomed for Liverpool and the ball ran harmlessly out of play. But straight from the start of the second period Liverpool assumed control and the writing was on the wall before Berger took centre stage. Keller will have nightmares about Thomas's goal as he allowed a 25-yard shot to slip from his grasp and trickle over the line. 
Leicester: Keller, Grayson, Whitlow, Watts (Marshall, 71), Walsh, Prior (Parker, 10), Izzet, Lennon, Taylor, Claridge, Heskey. Subs not used: Poole, Robins, Lawrence. Liverpool: James, McAteer, Wright, Matteo, Babb, Bjornebye, McManaman, Thomas, Barnes, Collymore (Berger, 45), Fowler. Subs not used: Ruddock, Warner, Redknapp, Jones. Attendance: 20,987. Referee: P A Durkin (Portland, Dorset). |
