Owen fires Liverpool into fourth round of UEFA Cup

Liverpool 1

The England forward moved within one of Ian Rush’s club record of 20 European goals with a 21st-minute strike to sink Vitesse Arnhem.

The goal earned the Reds a 2-0 aggregate victory with Owen having scored the only goal of the first meeting in Holland a fortnight ago. After a miserable few weeks on the domestic front, manager Gerard Houllier at least has European football to look forward to in the New Year.

The home side took their time to warm up in front of a stadium roughly three quarters full but after an early scare, Owen put them ahead.The England striker tucked the ball away in the 21st minute after Dragoslav Jevric had blocked his initial shot.

Liverpool were now calling the shots with Sami Hyypia heading wide and Owen having a shot that could have equalled Rush’s tally blocked by Cornelisse.

Kirkland ended the half with a fine save from a powerfully-struck shot by Matthew Amoah.

Liverpool dominated possession in the early stages of the second half and carved out an opportunity through Gerrard after 48 minutes. The England midfielder found space on the left but his strong shot from the corner of the area was well caught by Jevric.

Stephane Henchoz became the first man to have his name taken by the referee when he was booked for a foul on Amoah two minutes later.

Amoah then stepped up to take the free-kick but his curling effort from the left went just over. Liverpool should have had another chance in the 53rd minute when Murphy broke into the area but his cross could only find a Vitesse player.

Murphy then squandered another opportunity after Gerrard had found Diouf in space with a precision pass.

Diouf cleverly held the ball up and squared for the onrushing Murphy but his first touch was too strong and Jevric was not troubled.

Owen threatened again soon after but was caught offside as he slightly mis-timed his run from another fine Gerrard pass.

Vitesse were forced into a change after 68 minutes when Amoah went off injured to be replaced by Michael Dingsdag. Liverpool also took the opportunity to send on Hamann for Diao.

Vitesse attacks were few and far between but Peeters should have done better when given a clear sight of goal on the edge of the area. His tame effort was parried by Kirkland.

Emile Mbamba tried to get his side back into the game when he robbed Murphy of possession just inside the Liverpool half.

He charged away and unleashed a shot from 30 yards, but again Kirkland was equal to the task.

Cornilesse also tried his luck with a speculative effort from long range, but the goal was never threatened. After that, Liverpool seemed content to play out time, but Baros missed a glorious chance to put the seal on victory after coming off the bench for Smicer.

The Czech was put through by Gerrard, but had his progress checked by Jevric and his second effort was saved by the keeper.