Liverpool Edge Out Trabzonspor at Anfield
Liverpool Edge Out Trabzonspor at Anfield
By Oliver Sparrow, writing from London
With this hard-fought 1-0 victory, Roy Hodgson became the first Liverpool manager since Bill Shankly in 1964/5 to win his first three European games in charge of the Merseyside club.
Hodgson, having previously stated that his focus this year was on the Premier League, sent out a weakened squad at Anfield. Glen Johnson, Steven Gerrard and Dirk Kuyt were not even included in the squad and the Turkish team would have fancied their chances after seeing the teamsheet.
Indeed, it was the Turkish side Trabzonspor who came fastest out of the blocks. They were doing a good job of containing Liverpool in the early stages and were also looking the more comfortable of the two teams when on the ball. Liverpool almost conceded in the first few minutes when Yilmaz crept into a good position at the near post, but his header lacked direction and the ball went harmlessly across the area.
