We review the weekend statistics, including details of Liverpool and Manchester United's lack of shots and Stewart Downing's glut of assists.
We look back at the Opta stats following a weekend which saw Manchester City close the gap on Chelsea to three points at the top of the Premier League, with West Ham claiming a Champions League spot with a come-from-behind win over Swansea before Manchester United won at Southampton with an alarmingly low number of touches in the Saints' box.
At the other end, Leicester remain rooted to the foot of the table after losing 2-1 at resurgent Aston Villa, with QPR moving out of the relegation zone with a 2-0 win over Burnley.
Newcastle United 2 Chelsea 1
Papiss Cisse's first strike ended a run of 498 minutes in all competitions since Chelsea last conceded a goal.
Cisse has now scored four Premier League goals against Chelsea - against no side has he scored more often.
Steven Taylor was given his fourth Premier League red card - a joint-high for Newcastle alongside David Batty and Nikos Dabizas.
Since the start of last season, Newcastle have been shown more red cards than any other Premier League side (9).
Didier Drogba has scored in consecutive Premier League appearances for Chelsea for the first time since February 2012.
Cesc Fabregas collected his 11th assist of the season in the Premier League - only two players beat that tally last season (Gerrard 13, Suarez 12).
This was the fourth time that Chelsea have been behind in a Premier League game this season and the first that they have not managed to win (W3 L1).
The Magpies are the only team yet to score in the opening 30 minutes of their league matches this season. Their earliest goal this season has come in the 37th minute.
Jose Mourinho's Chelsea have never won at St James' Park in five Premier League visits (D2 L3).
Chelsea's joint-best-ever unbeaten run of 23 competitive matches has come to an end (W17 D6 before Saturday).
Hull City 0 West Bromwich Albion 0
Graham Dorrans' miss was the first penalty West Brom have missed in the last eight they have taken in the Premier League.
Allan McGregor has saved all three of the penalties he has faced in the Premier League.
Hull have not recorded more than two shots on target in any of their last six Premier League games - they did so in five of the preceding six fixtures.
Saido Berahino has now gone 453 minutes without a goal in the Premier League.
Hull have won only six Premier League games in 2014, fewer than any ever-present team (D9 L19).
This was West Brom's second draw in their last 16 Premier League away games.
The Baggies have scored three league goals in their last nine away matches.
Hull have scored only two goals in their last seven Premier League games.
Liverpool 0 Sunderland 0
This was the second successive Premier League at Anfield where neither side directed a shot on target in the first half.
It took until the 63rd minute for the first shot on target in this game (via Lucas Leiva for Liverpool).
Sunderland have been involved in five 0-0 draws this season in the Premier League, more than any other side.
Liverpool versus Aston Villa in September (two) is the only Premier League game this season to produce fewer shots on target than Liverpool's game with Sunderland (three).
Sunderland have failed to find the back of net in seven of their last 11 Premier League games and three of their last four.
Liverpool have won five and lost just one of the last 10 Premier League meetings with Sunderland (D4).
Queens Park Rangers 2 Burnley 0
Leroy Fer has netted two in his last three games for the Hoops, with both goals coming at Loftus Road.
Charlie Austin now has netted five goals in QPR's last four league games at Loftus Road.
Austin is also now the top English goalscorer in the top division with eight goals.
Austin is the first player to score, provide an assist and be sent off in a Premier League game since Marc Antoine Fortune in April 2013.
Indeed, Austin is only the fifth player to complete this dubious hat-trick in Premier League. history, after Mark Viduka, Shaun Bartlett, Bobby Zamora and Fortune.
This is QPR's fourth win of the season, the same total they managed in their last Premier League season (2012/13).
Burnley have never won a Premier League match in December (D4 L4).
In losing, the Clarets saw their longest ever unbeaten run in the Premier League (four games) finally come to an end.
QPR have lost just one of their last seven home league games (W4 D2).
Stoke City 3 Arsenal 2
Peter Crouch's opener was the fastest goal of the 2014-15 Premier League season (19 seconds).
Crouch's goal was the earliest Arsenal have ever shipped in the Premier League.
It was also only the fifth first minute goal the Gunners have conceded in Premier League history.
The last time Premier League goal came quicker was in Dec 2013, courtesy of Jay Rodriguez for Southampton against Chelsea (13 seconds).
Jonathan Walters has either scored or assisted six goals in his last seven Premier League games for the Potters (four goals, two assists).
Arsenal found themselves three or more goals down at half-time for the first time since March 2014 away to Chelsea, when they went on to lose 6-0.
This is only third time Stoke have scored three first-half goals in a Premier League game (along with v Fulham in Jan 2010 and v Aston Villa in March 2014).
Santi Cazorla finally scored his first Premier League goal of the season (courtesy of a second-half penalty) with his 39th shots (including blocked) of the season.
Aaron Ramsey's goal was his first in 16 games for Arsenal in all competitions, since he scored against Everton on August 23.
Alexis Sanchez has either scored or assisted nine of Arsenal's last 13 Premier League goals (scoring seven, assisting two).
Since Arsene Wenger took over at Arsenal, the Gunners have picked up 68 red cards in the Premier League, four more than any other side.
Mark Hughes is unbeaten in his last seven Premier League home games as a manager versus Arsenal (W5 D2).
This loss was Arsenal's 200th under the management of Arsene Wenger in all competitions.
Tottenham Hotspur 0 Crystal Palace 0
Crystal Palace won 12 corners in this match, the most they have been awarded in a Premier League game this season.
Tottenham were awarded two corners in this match, the fewest they have won in a Premier League game this season.
Spurs ended a run of seven Premier League games without a clean sheet.
This was Tottenham's first home draw in 18 Premier League matches at White Hart Lane.
This was Tottenham's second goalless draw in their last 70 home Premier League games at White Hart Lane.
Palace recorded a goalless draw away from home in the Premier League for the second time in 28 matches.
Federico Fazio made 15 clearances in this match - the most by a Spurs player in a Premier League game this term.
Palace's 16 shots (including blocks) is the most that they have attempted in a PL away game since December 2004 (also versus Spurs).
Christian Eriksen has created more goalscoring chances without actually providing an assist than any other Premier League player this term (31 - including three on Saturday).
Manchester City 1 Everton 0
Yaya Toure has scored all seven of his penalties in the Premier League.
Toure has now scored in three of his last four Premier League appearances for Man City.
Everton's starting XI had an average age of 30y 115d in this game - the oldest seen in the Premier League so far in 2014-15.
Gareth Barry was given his 99th yellow card in the Premier League in this game - only Kevin Davies and Lee Bowyer have been given as many in the competition.
Roberto Martinez has faced Manchester City 11 times in the Premier League as a manager, and never been on the winning side (D1 L10).
The Citizens are the side Martinez has faced the most in the PL history without winning (11).
Manchester City have beaten Everton in three consecutive Premier League games for the first time.
The Toffees took 54 minutes to register a shot on target, their longest wait in a Premier League games this season.
This was Manchester City's second clean sheet in their last 17 Premier League encounters with Everton.
It is the first time Everton have failed to score in an away Premier League game since April (v Sunderland).
West Ham United 3 Swansea City 1
West Ham have won 10 and lost none of their last 12 home games against Swansea in all competitions.
Sixteen of Swansea's twenty league goals this season have been either scored or assisted by one of Wilfried Bony or Gylfi Sigurdsson.
Wilfried Bony has 19 goals in the Premier League in 2014, more than any other player.
Swansea have now thrown away 16 points from winning positions in the Premier League this season.
Andy Carroll has scored three goals and assisted three more in three appearances for West Ham United against Swansea.
Diafra Sakho has now scored seven times in his last eight Premier League appearances for West Ham.
Stewart Downing has more Premier League assists this season (6) than he managed in 65 games during his Liverpool career (5).
Eight of Andy Carroll's last 12 Premier League goals have come via his head.
Andy Carroll's opening goal was his first in 878 minutes of Premier League action.
West Ham have 12 headed goals this season, twice as many as any other Premier League side.
Only in one previous Premier League season have West Ham scored more headed goals (13 in 2009-10).
Aston Villa 2 Leicester City 1
Aston Villa have not kept a clean sheet in any of their last six Premier League home games.
Leonardo Ulloa's goal was his first in 684 minutes of Premier League action.
Ciaran Clark's equaliser was only Villa's second set piece goal of the season; only Newcastle (1) have fewer in the top-flight.
Alan Hutton scored his first Premier League goal since November 2010 (for Tottenham Hotspur against Bolton).
Hutton's goal was the Villans' latest in the league since Fabian Delph scored in the 82nd minute of a win over Chelsea in March.
Paul Konchesky was sent off for the fourth different team in the Premier League. Only Carlton Palmer (5), Andrew Cole and Scott Parker (both 4) have been dismissed for four (or more) different Premier League sides.
Aston Villa became the 20th and final Premier League team to claim points from losing positions this season; they had lost all six they had fallen behind in before today.
Aston Villa have suffered a defeat in just one of their last eight league games against the Foxes (W4 D3 L1).
The Villans have won consecutive league games for the second time this season; they have not won three in a row since April 2010.
Leicester have now taken only two points from the last 30 available in the Premier League (D2 L8).
Southampton 1 Manchester United 2
Robin van Persie has scored seven goals in seven Premier League games against Southampton.
Southampton have conceded more goals (7) in their last four PL games than they did in their opening 11 this season (5)
Graziano Pelle's run without a Premier League goal ended at 592 minutes.
Southampton had 22 touches in the opposition penalty area in the first half, Manchester United had only three.
Manchester United had six touches in the opposition box over the 90 minutes, 26 fewer than Saints.
Wayne Rooney assisted his 38th goal away from home in the Premier League, moving him one clear of David Beckham.
Rooney has five goals and two assists in eight Premier League games against Southampton.
Robin van Persie has become only the 10th player in Premier League history to reach 140 goals.
A total of three shots is the lowest recorded by Manchester United in any Premier League game (Aug 2003-present).
United have won five Premier League games in a row for the first time since winning seven on the spin in March 2013.
We review the weekend statistics, including details of Liverpool and Manchester United's lack of shots and Stewart Downing's glut of assists.
We look back at the Opta stats following a weekend which saw Manchester City close the gap on Chelsea to three points at the top of the Premier League, with West Ham claiming a Champions League spot with a come-from-behind win over Swansea before Manchester United won at Southampton with an alarmingly low number of touches in the Saints' box.
At the other end, Leicester remain rooted to the foot of the table after losing 2-1 at resurgent Aston Villa, with QPR moving out of the relegation zone with a 2-0 win over Burnley.
Newcastle United 2 Chelsea 1
Papiss Cisse's first strike ended a run of 498 minutes in all competitions since Chelsea last conceded a goal.
Cisse has now scored four Premier League goals against Chelsea - against no side has he scored more often.
Steven Taylor was given his fourth Premier League red card - a joint-high for Newcastle alongside David Batty and Nikos Dabizas.
Since the start of last season, Newcastle have been shown more red cards than any other Premier League side (9).
Didier Drogba has scored in consecutive Premier League appearances for Chelsea for the first time since February 2012.
Cesc Fabregas collected his 11th assist of the season in the Premier League - only two players beat that tally last season (Gerrard 13, Suarez 12).
This was the fourth time that Chelsea have been behind in a Premier League game this season and the first that they have not managed to win (W3 L1).
The Magpies are the only team yet to score in the opening 30 minutes of their league matches this season. Their earliest goal this season has come in the 37th minute.
Jose Mourinho's Chelsea have never won at St James' Park in five Premier League visits (D2 L3).
Chelsea's joint-best-ever unbeaten run of 23 competitive matches has come to an end (W17 D6 before Saturday).
Hull City 0 West Bromwich Albion 0
Graham Dorrans' miss was the first penalty West Brom have missed in the last eight they have taken in the Premier League.
Allan McGregor has saved all three of the penalties he has faced in the Premier League.
Hull have not recorded more than two shots on target in any of their last six Premier League games - they did so in five of the preceding six fixtures.
Saido Berahino has now gone 453 minutes without a goal in the Premier League.
Hull have won only six Premier League games in 2014, fewer than any ever-present team (D9 L19).
This was West Brom's second draw in their last 16 Premier League away games.
The Baggies have scored three league goals in their last nine away matches.
Hull have scored only two goals in their last seven Premier League games.
Liverpool 0 Sunderland 0
This was the second successive Premier League at Anfield where neither side directed a shot on target in the first half.
It took until the 63rd minute for the first shot on target in this game (via Lucas Leiva for Liverpool).
Sunderland have been involved in five 0-0 draws this season in the Premier League, more than any other side.
Liverpool versus Aston Villa in September (two) is the only Premier League game this season to produce fewer shots on target than Liverpool's game with Sunderland (three).
Sunderland have failed to find the back of net in seven of their last 11 Premier League games and three of their last four.
Liverpool have won five and lost just one of the last 10 Premier League meetings with Sunderland (D4).
Queens Park Rangers 2 Burnley 0
Leroy Fer has netted two in his last three games for the Hoops, with both goals coming at Loftus Road.
Charlie Austin now has netted five goals in QPR's last four league games at Loftus Road.
Austin is also now the top English goalscorer in the top division with eight goals.
Austin is the first player to score, provide an assist and be sent off in a Premier League game since Marc Antoine Fortune in April 2013.
Indeed, Austin is only the fifth player to complete this dubious hat-trick in Premier League. history, after Mark Viduka, Shaun Bartlett, Bobby Zamora and Fortune.
This is QPR's fourth win of the season, the same total they managed in their last Premier League season (2012/13).
Burnley have never won a Premier League match in December (D4 L4).
In losing, the Clarets saw their longest ever unbeaten run in the Premier League (four games) finally come to an end.
QPR have lost just one of their last seven home league games (W4 D2).
Stoke City 3 Arsenal 2
Peter Crouch's opener was the fastest goal of the 2014-15 Premier League season (19 seconds).
Crouch's goal was the earliest Arsenal have ever shipped in the Premier League.
It was also only the fifth first minute goal the Gunners have conceded in Premier League history.
The last time Premier League goal came quicker was in Dec 2013, courtesy of Jay Rodriguez for Southampton against Chelsea (13 seconds).
Jonathan Walters has either scored or assisted six goals in his last seven Premier League games for the Potters (four goals, two assists).
Arsenal found themselves three or more goals down at half-time for the first time since March 2014 away to Chelsea, when they went on to lose 6-0.
This is only third time Stoke have scored three first-half goals in a Premier League game (along with v Fulham in Jan 2010 and v Aston Villa in March 2014).
Santi Cazorla finally scored his first Premier League goal of the season (courtesy of a second-half penalty) with his 39th shots (including blocked) of the season.
Aaron Ramsey's goal was his first in 16 games for Arsenal in all competitions, since he scored against Everton on August 23.
Alexis Sanchez has either scored or assisted nine of Arsenal's last 13 Premier League goals (scoring seven, assisting two).
Since Arsene Wenger took over at Arsenal, the Gunners have picked up 68 red cards in the Premier League, four more than any other side.
Mark Hughes is unbeaten in his last seven Premier League home games as a manager versus Arsenal (W5 D2).
This loss was Arsenal's 200th under the management of Arsene Wenger in all competitions.
Tottenham Hotspur 0 Crystal Palace 0
Crystal Palace won 12 corners in this match, the most they have been awarded in a Premier League game this season.
Tottenham were awarded two corners in this match, the fewest they have won in a Premier League game this season.
Spurs ended a run of seven Premier League games without a clean sheet.
This was Tottenham's first home draw in 18 Premier League matches at White Hart Lane.
This was Tottenham's second goalless draw in their last 70 home Premier League games at White Hart Lane.
Palace recorded a goalless draw away from home in the Premier League for the second time in 28 matches.
Federico Fazio made 15 clearances in this match - the most by a Spurs player in a Premier League game this term.
Palace's 16 shots (including blocks) is the most that they have attempted in a PL away game since December 2004 (also versus Spurs).
Christian Eriksen has created more goalscoring chances without actually providing an assist than any other Premier League player this term (31 - including three on Saturday).
Manchester City 1 Everton 0
Yaya Toure has scored all seven of his penalties in the Premier League.
Toure has now scored in three of his last four Premier League appearances for Man City.
Everton's starting XI had an average age of 30y 115d in this game - the oldest seen in the Premier League so far in 2014-15.
Gareth Barry was given his 99th yellow card in the Premier League in this game - only Kevin Davies and Lee Bowyer have been given as many in the competition.
Roberto Martinez has faced Manchester City 11 times in the Premier League as a manager, and never been on the winning side (D1 L10).
The Citizens are the side Martinez has faced the most in the PL history without winning (11).
Manchester City have beaten Everton in three consecutive Premier League games for the first time.
The Toffees took 54 minutes to register a shot on target, their longest wait in a Premier League games this season.
This was Manchester City's second clean sheet in their last 17 Premier League encounters with Everton.
It is the first time Everton have failed to score in an away Premier League game since April (v Sunderland).
West Ham United 3 Swansea City 1
West Ham have won 10 and lost none of their last 12 home games against Swansea in all competitions.
Sixteen of Swansea's twenty league goals this season have been either scored or assisted by one of Wilfried Bony or Gylfi Sigurdsson.
Wilfried Bony has 19 goals in the Premier League in 2014, more than any other player.
Swansea have now thrown away 16 points from winning positions in the Premier League this season.
Andy Carroll has scored three goals and assisted three more in three appearances for West Ham United against Swansea.
Diafra Sakho has now scored seven times in his last eight Premier League appearances for West Ham.
Stewart Downing has more Premier League assists this season (6) than he managed in 65 games during his Liverpool career (5).
Eight of Andy Carroll's last 12 Premier League goals have come via his head.
Andy Carroll's opening goal was his first in 878 minutes of Premier League action.
West Ham have 12 headed goals this season, twice as many as any other Premier League side.
Only in one previous Premier League season have West Ham scored more headed goals (13 in 2009-10).
Aston Villa 2 Leicester City 1
Aston Villa have not kept a clean sheet in any of their last six Premier League home games.
Leonardo Ulloa's goal was his first in 684 minutes of Premier League action.
Ciaran Clark's equaliser was only Villa's second set piece goal of the season; only Newcastle (1) have fewer in the top-flight.
Alan Hutton scored his first Premier League goal since November 2010 (for Tottenham Hotspur against Bolton).
Hutton's goal was the Villans' latest in the league since Fabian Delph scored in the 82nd minute of a win over Chelsea in March.
Paul Konchesky was sent off for the fourth different team in the Premier League. Only Carlton Palmer (5), Andrew Cole and Scott Parker (both 4) have been dismissed for four (or more) different Premier League sides.
Aston Villa became the 20th and final Premier League team to claim points from losing positions this season; they had lost all six they had fallen behind in before today.
Aston Villa have suffered a defeat in just one of their last eight league games against the Foxes (W4 D3 L1).
The Villans have won consecutive league games for the second time this season; they have not won three in a row since April 2010.
Leicester have now taken only two points from the last 30 available in the Premier League (D2 L8).
Southampton 1 Manchester United 2
Robin van Persie has scored seven goals in seven Premier League games against Southampton.
Southampton have conceded more goals (7) in their last four PL games than they did in their opening 11 this season (5)
Graziano Pelle's run without a Premier League goal ended at 592 minutes.
Southampton had 22 touches in the opposition penalty area in the first half, Manchester United had only three.
Manchester United had six touches in the opposition box over the 90 minutes, 26 fewer than Saints.
Wayne Rooney assisted his 38th goal away from home in the Premier League, moving him one clear of David Beckham.
Rooney has five goals and two assists in eight Premier League games against Southampton.
Robin van Persie has become only the 10th player in Premier League history to reach 140 goals.
A total of three shots is the lowest recorded by Manchester United in any Premier League game (Aug 2003-present).
United have won five Premier League games in a row for the first time since winning seven on the spin in March 2013.
Liverpool FanZoner Rich Garnett says a change of philosophy has helped the Reds as they prepare for their Champions League showdown with Basel.
If the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results then thank God Brendan Rodgers has changed the record.
Whilst the needle of consistency jumped wildly all over his A-side, the B-side has brought a groove of steel and determination, seldom seen during this campaign.
Kolo Toure and Lucas Leiva starred in Madrid but found themselves back on the bench four days later. Rather than take the hump, they have waited for a second opportunity - which they probably knew was coming - and have taken it.
It might go against Rodgers' swashbuckling philosophy but to put it simply the rot needed to stop and it has been stopped.
Substance has temporarily replaced style and in doing so four straight defeats has been succeeded by four games unbeaten.
And what of Steven Gerrard? The club legend ruthlessly dropped by his manager who has lost all faith in him?
Pull the other one.
Steven Gerrard on the bench is headline news because he is Steven Gerrard. It is also common sense that at 34, he and the team might benefit from him sitting out the occasional match. The benefit could not have been more obvious against Leicester.
Perhaps more alarming is the current lack of quality without him. Rickie Lambert cut an isolated figure against Sunderland until Gerrard entered the fray and started to find the big man with regularity.
It is difficult to understand why Rodgers' other midfielders cannot replicate the range of passing that his captain does but it is something that they will have to learn to deal with.
Right now, Rodgers has gone back to basics to try and rediscover the winning habit and something like the form his magicians treated us to last season.
Whereas this conservative approach is welcomed - given what has gone before it - there must be boldness to Liverpool's play as they approach their biggest game of the season so far against Basel.
A confident Liverpool should dispatch their Swiss opponents without getting out of second gear, but confidence is the most fragile commodity in football and it certainly has been nowhere to be seen at Anfield this campaign.
The manager has called for a collective performance. Presumably that means one in which Lambert and Coutinho exchange more than three passes.
Gerrard is certain to start but he must be sufficiently supported by the likes of Henderson and Lucas if he is to charge Liverpool into the knock out stage of the Champions League.
Ten years ago this week, Olympiakos were famously beaten 3-1 on route to possibly the club's most famous European triumph. That was with a team that contained the likes of Florent Sinama-Pongolle, Neil Mellor and Antonio Nunez.
Liverpool have much more talented players at their disposal today but they must show that they have the character to match their predecessors, of which Gerrard is the only survivor.
A simple victory here could set the Reds' season off on an upward trajectory that so far has not looked forthcoming.
If the future of Liverpool Football Club is without their inspirational captain, then the current crop must show they have the ability and desire to stand shoulder to shoulder with him when it matters most.
By Liverpool FanZoner Richard Garnett. Follow him on Twitter here, and don't forget you can follow @FanZone too!
Liverpool FanZoner Rich Garnett says a change of philosophy has helped the Reds as they prepare for their Champions League showdown with Basel.
If the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results then thank God Brendan Rodgers has changed the record.
Whilst the needle of consistency jumped wildly all over his A-side, the B-side has brought a groove of steel and determination, seldom seen during this campaign.
Kolo Toure and Lucas Leiva starred in Madrid but found themselves back on the bench four days later. Rather than take the hump, they have waited for a second opportunity - which they probably knew was coming - and have taken it.
It might go against Rodgers' swashbuckling philosophy but to put it simply the rot needed to stop and it has been stopped.
Substance has temporarily replaced style and in doing so four straight defeats has been succeeded by four games unbeaten.
And what of Steven Gerrard? The club legend ruthlessly dropped by his manager who has lost all faith in him?
Pull the other one.
Steven Gerrard on the bench is headline news because he is Steven Gerrard. It is also common sense that at 34, he and the team might benefit from him sitting out the occasional match. The benefit could not have been more obvious against Leicester.
Perhaps more alarming is the current lack of quality without him. Rickie Lambert cut an isolated figure against Sunderland until Gerrard entered the fray and started to find the big man with regularity.
It is difficult to understand why Rodgers' other midfielders cannot replicate the range of passing that his captain does but it is something that they will have to learn to deal with.
Right now, Rodgers has gone back to basics to try and rediscover the winning habit and something like the form his magicians treated us to last season.
Whereas this conservative approach is welcomed - given what has gone before it - there must be boldness to Liverpool's play as they approach their biggest game of the season so far against Basel.
A confident Liverpool should dispatch their Swiss opponents without getting out of second gear, but confidence is the most fragile commodity in football and it certainly has been nowhere to be seen at Anfield this campaign.
The manager has called for a collective performance. Presumably that means one in which Lambert and Coutinho exchange more than three passes.
Gerrard is certain to start but he must be sufficiently supported by the likes of Henderson and Lucas if he is to charge Liverpool into the knock out stage of the Champions League.
Ten years ago this week, Olympiakos were famously beaten 3-1 on route to possibly the club's most famous European triumph. That was with a team that contained the likes of Florent Sinama-Pongolle, Neil Mellor and Antonio Nunez.
Liverpool have much more talented players at their disposal today but they must show that they have the character to match their predecessors, of which Gerrard is the only survivor.
A simple victory here could set the Reds' season off on an upward trajectory that so far has not looked forthcoming.
If the future of Liverpool Football Club is without their inspirational captain, then the current crop must show they have the ability and desire to stand shoulder to shoulder with him when it matters most.
By Liverpool FanZoner Richard Garnett. Follow him on Twitter here, and don't forget you can follow @FanZone too!
Brendan Rodgers‘ pre-match press conference ahead of his side’s must-win Champions League match with FC Basel saw him field questions relating to Steven Gerrard‘s importance and the similarity to Olympiakos 10 years ago.
Later, Rodgers – who has not named a recognised striker on the bench in The Reds’ last three games – was asked whether he would consider putting a young attacker in the squad, something he admitted he has considered.
Meanwhile, Basel boss Paulo Sousa said his side are not looking to be content with a draw:
“We want to put them under pressure because in the last game (their 1-0 win in Switzerland) we were controlling possession and created good opportunities,” said Sousa.
“That is something we want to have tomorrow. Lots of personality, ambition, intensity in our game with and without the ball, and create difficulties which will allow us to have opportunities to score in the game.
“We will put them more under pressure and hopefully we can have another magical night where the performance will be outstanding and the result of the game will be in our favour.
“I am always looking for a win. In my leadership and feedback to the players it is always about playing to win.”
.
Brendan Rodgers‘ pre-match press conference ahead of his side’s must-win Champions League match with FC Basel saw him field questions relating to Steven Gerrard‘s importance and the similarity to Olympiakos 10 years ago.
Later, Rodgers – who has not named a recognised striker on the bench in The Reds’ last three games – was asked whether he would consider putting a young attacker in the squad, something he admitted he has considered.
Meanwhile, Basel boss Paulo Sousa said his side are not looking to be content with a draw:
“We want to put them under pressure because in the last game (their 1-0 win in Switzerland) we were controlling possession and created good opportunities,” said Sousa.
“That is something we want to have tomorrow. Lots of personality, ambition, intensity in our game with and without the ball, and create difficulties which will allow us to have opportunities to score in the game.
“We will put them more under pressure and hopefully we can have another magical night where the performance will be outstanding and the result of the game will be in our favour.
“I am always looking for a win. In my leadership and feedback to the players it is always about playing to win.”
.
Liverpool face Basel on Tuesday night in a make-or-break Champions League tie – a game that could be added into Anfield folklore. Ben Twelves discusses the all-important team selection options available to Brendan Rodgers ahead of the encounter.
Liverpool take on Swiss champions Basel in the highly anticipated win-or-bust tie in their final Group B game, in what Reds everywhere hope will turn out to be another special European night under the lights at Anfield.
Only a victory will do for Rodgers’ men in order for the club to progress to the knockout stages and the players will have to take inspiration on the 10th year anniversary of what was one of a number of momentous European occasions against Olympiacos on the 8th December 2004.
The Reds of course pulled through that incredible night thanks to goals from Florent Sinama-Pongolle, Neil Mellor and Steven Gerrard, and Rodgers’ men will be looking to drag themselves through to the knockout stages – just like Rafael Benitez’s side did – after a disappointing group stage to date and in keeping with the ambitions held by players and supporters alike.
The Team
Little has again changed with injuries in the squad meaning Mario Balotelli is likely to miss out, and Rodgers is set to have the same squad at his disposal for the clash as he has had for recent fixtures, though he could finally welcome Mamadou Sakho back to the set-up now the Frenchman has recovered from injury.
With the match being Liverpool’s second this challenging week ahead of a trip to Old Trafford, as well the third game of eight in a busy month, Rodgers faces a number of big calls over his team throughout the period starting with Tuesday nights encounter.
Steven Gerrard started Saturday’s draw with Sunderland on the bench but the Liverpool manager has confirmed already that the captain will return to lead his side into battle once more – meaning either Philippe Coutinho or Adam Lallana will make way for his return.
Joe Allen and Emre Can will also be pushing for starts in the Reds midfield for the huge encounter though the Welshman seems the likelier option to come in of the two.
Defensively, there is little reason to change the Liverpool back line after they recorded a second clean sheet in three games, but Jose Enrique could challenge Alberto Moreno for the left-back spot.
Keeping Moreno in the side makes sense to give some defensive consistency and the Spaniard has valuable European experience with Sevilla last season.
Rickie Lambert looks set to lead the Liverpool attack once again with Fabio Borini seemingly of no interest to Rodgers despite the 32-year-old struggling with the continued weekend-midweek demands, and a mobile attacking midfield support will be needed to assist the increasingly immobile summer arrival.
The Line Up
Simon Mignolet will of course continue in goal, and the only real talking point of the back four comes at right-back, with the experienced Glen Johnson Rodgers’ preferred option but with Manquillo offering more solidity defensively, the Spaniards inclusion could be wise but would likely result in the England full-back switching to the opposite side.
In the midfield, Lucas Leiva is likely to keep his place following his recent assured displays and Joe Allen is likely to return alongside him to ensure some ball retention in a vital area of midfield.
Gerrard will reclaim his place in the Liverpool attacking midfield behind Lambert, and Raheem Sterling on one side and Henderson will lineup on the right as he has done recently – his runs into the box will be crucial, as they were away to Ludogorets and Leicester.
In keeping with Rodgers’ preference for the 4-2-3-1 formation, this is how I expect the Liverpool boss to line his team up for the clash:
Alternatively, Rodgers could deploy a 4-3-3 formation to allow Lucas to hold in front of the back four, the team to press easier and for more pace around Lambert. In this, Liverpool could look like so:
Perhaps the biggest question is whether Rodgers names Borini on the bench – could he be Liverpool’s super sub ala Pongolle and Mellor?
It promises to be a huge occasion on Tuesday and one that we all hope ends up added into the proud history books alongside the other special European nights Anfield has witnessed.
The Reds face a tough task against the Swiss side as proved in the first meeting, but with the electric Kop roaring the team on, it’s time for the players to raise their game, stand up and produce the result needed.
Come on you Reds!
.
Liverpool face Basel on Tuesday night in a make-or-break Champions League tie – a game that could be added into Anfield folklore. Ben Twelves discusses the all-important team selection options available to Brendan Rodgers ahead of the encounter.
Liverpool take on Swiss champions Basel in the highly anticipated win-or-bust tie in their final Group B game, in what Reds everywhere hope will turn out to be another special European night under the lights at Anfield.
Only a victory will do for Rodgers’ men in order for the club to progress to the knockout stages and the players will have to take inspiration on the 10th year anniversary of what was one of a number of momentous European occasions against Olympiacos on the 8th December 2004.
The Reds of course pulled through that incredible night thanks to goals from Florent Sinama-Pongolle, Neil Mellor and Steven Gerrard, and Rodgers’ men will be looking to drag themselves through to the knockout stages – just like Rafael Benitez’s side did – after a disappointing group stage to date and in keeping with the ambitions held by players and supporters alike.
The Team
Little has again changed with injuries in the squad meaning Mario Balotelli is likely to miss out, and Rodgers is set to have the same squad at his disposal for the clash as he has had for recent fixtures, though he could finally welcome Mamadou Sakho back to the set-up now the Frenchman has recovered from injury.
With the match being Liverpool’s second this challenging week ahead of a trip to Old Trafford, as well the third game of eight in a busy month, Rodgers faces a number of big calls over his team throughout the period starting with Tuesday nights encounter.
Steven Gerrard started Saturday’s draw with Sunderland on the bench but the Liverpool manager has confirmed already that the captain will return to lead his side into battle once more – meaning either Philippe Coutinho or Adam Lallana will make way for his return.
Joe Allen and Emre Can will also be pushing for starts in the Reds midfield for the huge encounter though the Welshman seems the likelier option to come in of the two.
Defensively, there is little reason to change the Liverpool back line after they recorded a second clean sheet in three games, but Jose Enrique could challenge Alberto Moreno for the left-back spot.
Keeping Moreno in the side makes sense to give some defensive consistency and the Spaniard has valuable European experience with Sevilla last season.
Rickie Lambert looks set to lead the Liverpool attack once again with Fabio Borini seemingly of no interest to Rodgers despite the 32-year-old struggling with the continued weekend-midweek demands, and a mobile attacking midfield support will be needed to assist the increasingly immobile summer arrival.
The Line Up
Simon Mignolet will of course continue in goal, and the only real talking point of the back four comes at right-back, with the experienced Glen Johnson Rodgers’ preferred option but with Manquillo offering more solidity defensively, the Spaniards inclusion could be wise but would likely result in the England full-back switching to the opposite side.
In the midfield, Lucas Leiva is likely to keep his place following his recent assured displays and Joe Allen is likely to return alongside him to ensure some ball retention in a vital area of midfield.
Gerrard will reclaim his place in the Liverpool attacking midfield behind Lambert, and Raheem Sterling on one side and Henderson will lineup on the right as he has done recently – his runs into the box will be crucial, as they were away to Ludogorets and Leicester.
In keeping with Rodgers’ preference for the 4-2-3-1 formation, this is how I expect the Liverpool boss to line his team up for the clash:
Alternatively, Rodgers could deploy a 4-3-3 formation to allow Lucas to hold in front of the back four, the team to press easier and for more pace around Lambert. In this, Liverpool could look like so:
Perhaps the biggest question is whether Rodgers names Borini on the bench – could he be Liverpool’s super sub ala Pongolle and Mellor?
It promises to be a huge occasion on Tuesday and one that we all hope ends up added into the proud history books alongside the other special European nights Anfield has witnessed.
The Reds face a tough task against the Swiss side as proved in the first meeting, but with the electric Kop roaring the team on, it’s time for the players to raise their game, stand up and produce the result needed.
Come on you Reds!
.
Last season's FA Cup finalists Arsenal and Hull will square off again in the third round of this year's tournament.
Arsenal came from behind to beat Hull 3-2 in the Wembley showpiece in May and the sides will lock horns again at the Emirates after they were the first two teams out in the third round.
There are plenty of other ties of interest and League Two AFC Wimbledon will play host to Liverpool in a match which will evoke memories of the 1988 final, which Wimbledon famously won 1-0.
And there is plenty at stake when League Two Accrington and League One Yeovil meet in a second round replay because the winners will play host to Manchester United in the third round.
Conference Premier side Dover Athletic caused an upset when they beat Cheltenham on Sunday and they have been rewarded with a home tie against Premier League side Crystal Palace.
And Gateshead, who are also in the Conference Premier, will also test their skills against Premier League opposition, having been drawn away at West Brom.
Blyth Spartans of the Northern Premier League dramatically defeated Hartlepool on Friday night and they will play host to Championship side Birmingham while Southport, another Conference Premier side, will be away at Championship leaders Derby.
Premier League top two Chelsea and Manchester City will be at home to Championship sides in the form of Watford and Sheffield Wednesday respectively.
There will be three all-Premier League ties in the form of Burnley v Tottenham, Leicester v Newcastle, and Everton v West Ham.
FA Cup third round draw:
Arsenal v Hull
Southampton v Ipswich
Stoke v Wrexham
Charlton v Blackburn
Dover Athletic v Crystal Palace
AFC Wimbledon v Liverpool
Manchester City v Sheffield Wednesday
Aldershot/Rochdale v Nottingham Forest
West Bromwich Albion v Gateshead
Blythe Spartans v Birmingham
Aston Villa v Blackpool
Rotherham v Bournemouth
Huddersfield v Reading
Oxford/Tranmere v Swansea
Cardiff v Colchester
Bolton v Wigan
Sunderland v Leeds
Burnley v Tottenham
Millwall v Bradford
Derby v Southport
Brentford v Brighton
Fulham v Wolves
Leicester v Newcastle
Scunthorpe/Worcester v Chesterfield
Everton v West Ham
Cambridge/Mansfield v Bury/Luton
Chelsea v Watford
Barnsley/Chester v Middlesbrough
QPR v Sheffield United
Accrington/Yeovil v Manchester United
Preston v Norwich
Doncaster v Bristol Rovers
Ties to be played weekend beginning 3rd January 2015
Last season's FA Cup finalists Arsenal and Hull will square off again in the third round of this year's tournament.
Arsenal came from behind to beat Hull 3-2 in the Wembley showpiece in May and the sides will lock horns again at the Emirates after they were the first two teams out in the third round.
There are plenty of other ties of interest and League Two AFC Wimbledon will play host to Liverpool in a match which will evoke memories of the 1988 final, which Wimbledon famously won 1-0.
And there is plenty at stake when League Two Accrington and League One Yeovil meet in a second round replay because the winners will play host to Manchester United in the third round.
Conference Premier side Dover Athletic caused an upset when they beat Cheltenham on Sunday and they have been rewarded with a home tie against Premier League side Crystal Palace.
And Gateshead, who are also in the Conference Premier, will also test their skills against Premier League opposition, having been drawn away at West Brom.
Blyth Spartans of the Northern Premier League dramatically defeated Hartlepool on Friday night and they will play host to Championship side Birmingham while Southport, another Conference Premier side, will be away at Championship leaders Derby.
Premier League top two Chelsea and Manchester City will be at home to Championship sides in the form of Watford and Sheffield Wednesday respectively.
There will be three all-Premier League ties in the form of Burnley v Tottenham, Leicester v Newcastle, and Everton v West Ham.
FA Cup third round draw:
Arsenal v Hull
Southampton v Ipswich
Stoke v Wrexham
Charlton v Blackburn
Dover Athletic v Crystal Palace
AFC Wimbledon v Liverpool
Manchester City v Sheffield Wednesday
Aldershot/Rochdale v Nottingham Forest
West Bromwich Albion v Gateshead
Blythe Spartans v Birmingham
Aston Villa v Blackpool
Rotherham v Bournemouth
Huddersfield v Reading
Oxford/Tranmere v Swansea
Cardiff v Colchester
Bolton v Wigan
Sunderland v Leeds
Burnley v Tottenham
Millwall v Bradford
Derby v Southport
Brentford v Brighton
Fulham v Wolves
Leicester v Newcastle
Scunthorpe/Worcester v Chesterfield
Everton v West Ham
Cambridge/Mansfield v Bury/Luton
Chelsea v Watford
Barnsley/Chester v Middlesbrough
QPR v Sheffield United
Accrington/Yeovil v Manchester United
Preston v Norwich
Doncaster v Bristol Rovers
Ties to be played weekend beginning 3rd January 2015
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Liverpool will play AFC Wimbledon away in the third round of the FA Cup.
The draw took place at The Deep aquarium in Hull with former Newcastle Utd and England striker Alan Shearer and local coach Paul Adamson on hand to draw the balls.
Liverpool, ball number 23, were drawn out early in the proceedings and will visit AFC Wimbledon at their ground, Kingsmeadow.
The two sides have never met before, however Liverpool met Wimbledon in the 1988 FA Cup Final, where they were beaten by Lawrie Sanchez’s side.
The Reds will be hoping to go further than last season when they were eliminated in the fifth round at Arsenal after beating Oldham and Bournemouth.
The last time Liverpool won the FA Cup was 2006 when they beat West Ham on penalties. A run to the final in 2012 ended in defeat to Chelsea for Kenny Dalglish‘s men.
Ties will be played on the weekend of the 3-6 January 2015. This season’s FA Cup final takes place at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, 30 May 2015.
Full draw for the FA Cup third Round
.
Liverpool will play AFC Wimbledon away in the third round of the FA Cup.
The draw took place at The Deep aquarium in Hull with former Newcastle Utd and England striker Alan Shearer and local coach Paul Adamson on hand to draw the balls.
Liverpool, ball number 23, were drawn out early in the proceedings and will visit AFC Wimbledon at their ground, Kingsmeadow.
The two sides have never met before, however Liverpool met Wimbledon in the 1988 FA Cup Final, where they were beaten by Lawrie Sanchez’s side.
The Reds will be hoping to go further than last season when they were eliminated in the fifth round at Arsenal after beating Oldham and Bournemouth.
The last time Liverpool won the FA Cup was 2006 when they beat West Ham on penalties. A run to the final in 2012 ended in defeat to Chelsea for Kenny Dalglish‘s men.
Ties will be played on the weekend of the 3-6 January 2015. This season’s FA Cup final takes place at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, 30 May 2015.
Full draw for the FA Cup third Round
.
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard returns to the starting line-up for the must-win Champions League match at home to Basel.
With striker Mario Balotelli (groin) still not fit Fabio Borini could earn a recall to the bench - having been omitted on Saturday against Sunderland - as back-up for Rickie Lambert.
Centre-back Mamadou Sakho trained with the squad in their open session on Monday night but is unlikely to make match after a long lay-off with a thigh injury.
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard returns to the starting line-up for the must-win Champions League match at home to Basel.
With striker Mario Balotelli (groin) still not fit Fabio Borini could earn a recall to the bench - having been omitted on Saturday against Sunderland - as back-up for Rickie Lambert.
Centre-back Mamadou Sakho trained with the squad in their open session on Monday night but is unlikely to make match after a long lay-off with a thigh injury.
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has seen it – and done it – all before but manager Brendan Rodgers has urged the rest of his squad to do their bit to join the midfielder as part of the club's folklore.
The Reds have to beat Basle at Anfield tomorrow if they are to keep their Champions League dream alive and the match has echoes of the game against Olympiacos in 2004.
It is exactly 10 years to the day when, with his side needing to win by two clear goals to make the knockout stages, Gerrard smashed home with four minutes to go to clinch a 3-1 victory.
It was the beginning of the club's march towards a famous fifth European Cup win in Istanbul against AC Milan – a match which Gerrard heavily influenced again – but Rodgers insists the next generation now need to rise to the occasion.
"In terms of Steven, we can't be just reliant solely on him, this has to be about a team performance," said Rodgers.
"We need other players to step up to the mark, taking on responsibility and being a catalyst and not place it on his shoulders.
"There are few world class players around so when you are in a team that responsibility falls even more so on you but it has never been about that for us.
"This is a competition which has a great history here for Liverpool and the Olympiacos game was a part of that.
"It is an opportunity for the players now to qualify and make sure they write themselves into folklore by winning the game and ensuring they get into the next round – because that is the objective."
Rodgers insists there have been numerous occasions during his two and a half years at Anfield when his side have faced "win or bust" scenarios but in truth this is the only one of real significance.
Having fought so hard to get back among Europe's elite after a five-year absence to crash out in the group stage would be a devastating blow.
The closest Rodgers has come to anything like this situation was when he guided former club Swansea to victory in the Championship play-off final in 2011.
"It is a different competition and different level but the importance is still everything," he added.
"It is a game we just want to stay focused on what we have to do.
"The importance of the game is there: to get through and qualify. In my time here we have had games that were deemed as "must win" games and more times than not we have won them.
"We arrive into tomorrow night with great confidence that we can get the job done.
"We are only focusing on the positive result. We see it as an opportunity rather than a threat to anything we are doing this season."
Having been frustrated by Sunderland in their goalless draw at the weekend Rodgers is preaching patience to both his players and fans.
Not being able to break down a resolute Black Cats side brought some dissatisfaction from some sections of Anfield on Saturday but the Reds boss insists that cannot be allowed to creep in against the Swiss.
"We don't need to win the game in the first minute, that is the key for us," said the Northern Irishman.
"European football is technical and tactical, we just need to win the game and for us we have 90 minutes-plus to do that.
"We have to retain our patience and play a good technical game and we have to be concentrated and focused and if we do that I believe we will have a great chance, aligned with the supporters and the passion they have.
"We need that patience in the game. They (Basle) don't need to win the game, they can sit back, so we need to be able to move the ball side to side with freedom to benefit and if we get patience from the team and the supporters that should help us to go and get the result we want.
"It is a cup competition – the final game – and if we get through we can put it to bed for a few months, and hopefully it will give us that confidence in our league form.
"It will be a great night and it is up to us to get the job done."
PA
.
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has seen it – and done it – all before but manager Brendan Rodgers has urged the rest of his squad to do their bit to join the midfielder as part of the club's folklore.
The Reds have to beat Basle at Anfield tomorrow if they are to keep their Champions League dream alive and the match has echoes of the game against Olympiacos in 2004.
It is exactly 10 years to the day when, with his side needing to win by two clear goals to make the knockout stages, Gerrard smashed home with four minutes to go to clinch a 3-1 victory.
It was the beginning of the club's march towards a famous fifth European Cup win in Istanbul against AC Milan – a match which Gerrard heavily influenced again – but Rodgers insists the next generation now need to rise to the occasion.
"In terms of Steven, we can't be just reliant solely on him, this has to be about a team performance," said Rodgers.
"We need other players to step up to the mark, taking on responsibility and being a catalyst and not place it on his shoulders.
"There are few world class players around so when you are in a team that responsibility falls even more so on you but it has never been about that for us.
"This is a competition which has a great history here for Liverpool and the Olympiacos game was a part of that.
"It is an opportunity for the players now to qualify and make sure they write themselves into folklore by winning the game and ensuring they get into the next round – because that is the objective."
Rodgers insists there have been numerous occasions during his two and a half years at Anfield when his side have faced "win or bust" scenarios but in truth this is the only one of real significance.
Having fought so hard to get back among Europe's elite after a five-year absence to crash out in the group stage would be a devastating blow.
The closest Rodgers has come to anything like this situation was when he guided former club Swansea to victory in the Championship play-off final in 2011.
"It is a different competition and different level but the importance is still everything," he added.
"It is a game we just want to stay focused on what we have to do.
"The importance of the game is there: to get through and qualify. In my time here we have had games that were deemed as "must win" games and more times than not we have won them.
"We arrive into tomorrow night with great confidence that we can get the job done.
"We are only focusing on the positive result. We see it as an opportunity rather than a threat to anything we are doing this season."
Having been frustrated by Sunderland in their goalless draw at the weekend Rodgers is preaching patience to both his players and fans.
Not being able to break down a resolute Black Cats side brought some dissatisfaction from some sections of Anfield on Saturday but the Reds boss insists that cannot be allowed to creep in against the Swiss.
"We don't need to win the game in the first minute, that is the key for us," said the Northern Irishman.
"European football is technical and tactical, we just need to win the game and for us we have 90 minutes-plus to do that.
"We have to retain our patience and play a good technical game and we have to be concentrated and focused and if we do that I believe we will have a great chance, aligned with the supporters and the passion they have.
"We need that patience in the game. They (Basle) don't need to win the game, they can sit back, so we need to be able to move the ball side to side with freedom to benefit and if we get patience from the team and the supporters that should help us to go and get the result we want.
"It is a cup competition – the final game – and if we get through we can put it to bed for a few months, and hopefully it will give us that confidence in our league form.
"It will be a great night and it is up to us to get the job done."
PA
.
Brendan Rodgers says Liverpool have “great confidence” that they can beat Basel on Tuesday night and advance to the Champions League knockout stages.
But Rodgers also stressed that his side should not rely on inspirational captain Steven Gerrard and that the rest of the team must also rise to the occasion.
The situation is reminiscent of the famous Anfield night of 2004 when, with Liverpool needing to beat Olympiacos by two goals to progress, Gerrard scored with four minutes left to seal their passage in dramatic fashion.
Rodgers said on Monday: “This is a competition which has a great history here for Liverpool, and the Olympiacos game was a part of that.
“But, in terms of Steven, we can't be just reliant solely on him, this has to be about a team performance.
"We need other players to step up to the mark, to take on responsibility and be a catalyst, and not place it on his shoulders.
"It has never been about that for us. For us to get a result tomorrow night we need for the team to be performing well.
"It is an opportunity for the players to write themselves into folklore by winning the game and ensuring they get into the next round, because that is the objective."
It would be a blow to Liverpool if their first Champions League campaign for five years came to an abrupt halt at the group stage but Rodgers says there is no nervousness in the camp.
"We are only focusing on the positive result,” he said. “We see it as an opportunity rather than a threat to anything we are doing this season.
"It is a game in which we just want to stay focused on what we have to do.
"The importance of the game is there: to get through and qualify. In my time here we have had games that were deemed as "must win" games and, more times than not, we have won them.
"We arrive into tomorrow night with great confidence that we can get the job done.”
A draw would see Basel advance while Liverpool would go out but Rodgers stressed that his side will not be overly gung-ho.
"We don't need to win the game in the first minute, that is the key for us," he said.
"European football is technical and tactical. We just need to win the game and we have 90 minutes-plus to do that.
"We have to retain our patience and play a good technical game and we have to be concentrated and focused. If we do that, I believe we will have a great chance, aligned with the supporters and the passion they have.
"We need that patience in the game. They (Basel) don't need to win the game, they can sit back, so we need to be able to move the ball side to side with freedom and if we get patience from the team and the supporters that should help us to go and get the result we want.
"It is a cup competition and if we get through we can put it to bed for a few months, and hopefully it will give us that confidence in our league form.
"It will be a great night and it is up to us to get the job done."
Brendan Rodgers says Liverpool have “great confidence” that they can beat Basel on Tuesday night and advance to the Champions League knockout stages.
But Rodgers also stressed that his side should not rely on inspirational captain Steven Gerrard and that the rest of the team must also rise to the occasion.
The situation is reminiscent of the famous Anfield night of 2004 when, with Liverpool needing to beat Olympiacos by two goals to progress, Gerrard scored with four minutes left to seal their passage in dramatic fashion.
Rodgers said on Monday: “This is a competition which has a great history here for Liverpool, and the Olympiacos game was a part of that.
“But, in terms of Steven, we can't be just reliant solely on him, this has to be about a team performance.
"We need other players to step up to the mark, to take on responsibility and be a catalyst, and not place it on his shoulders.
"It has never been about that for us. For us to get a result tomorrow night we need for the team to be performing well.
"It is an opportunity for the players to write themselves into folklore by winning the game and ensuring they get into the next round, because that is the objective."
It would be a blow to Liverpool if their first Champions League campaign for five years came to an abrupt halt at the group stage but Rodgers says there is no nervousness in the camp.
"We are only focusing on the positive result,” he said. “We see it as an opportunity rather than a threat to anything we are doing this season.
"It is a game in which we just want to stay focused on what we have to do.
"The importance of the game is there: to get through and qualify. In my time here we have had games that were deemed as "must win" games and, more times than not, we have won them.
"We arrive into tomorrow night with great confidence that we can get the job done.”
A draw would see Basel advance while Liverpool would go out but Rodgers stressed that his side will not be overly gung-ho.
"We don't need to win the game in the first minute, that is the key for us," he said.
"European football is technical and tactical. We just need to win the game and we have 90 minutes-plus to do that.
"We have to retain our patience and play a good technical game and we have to be concentrated and focused. If we do that, I believe we will have a great chance, aligned with the supporters and the passion they have.
"We need that patience in the game. They (Basel) don't need to win the game, they can sit back, so we need to be able to move the ball side to side with freedom and if we get patience from the team and the supporters that should help us to go and get the result we want.
"It is a cup competition and if we get through we can put it to bed for a few months, and hopefully it will give us that confidence in our league form.
"It will be a great night and it is up to us to get the job done."
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