Liverpool Land League Cup

Captain Steven Gerrard lifts Liverpool's third League Cup

A calm and composed Liverpool side claimed their first piece of silverware this season, cruising past league champs, Bayern, 0-2. It was a match where neither side looked their usual free-scoring selves, and both clubs prioritised composure and possession over gung-ho attack. Bayern was let down in the most uncharacteristic of ways, with Luis Gustavo and Philip Lahm conspiring to sabotage Manuel Neuer's normally impenetrable facade on two separate occasions.

The breakthrough came through Steven Gerrard being played in one on one with the Bayern 'keeper by Luis Suarez. His low shot was saved well but spilled to the feet of Gustavo, who made a mess of his clearance, allowing the Liverpool captain to pounce. He made no mistake the second attempt, besting the scrambling Neuer at his near post.   

Both clubs laboured on after the goal, with neither side looking comfortable. Luis Suarez would again be instrumental in forcing the second Bavarian error.

Bearing down on the box, Suarez was dispossessed by Jerome Boateng. The fierce tackle spilled the ball to the covering Philip Lahm, who could not immediately clear after failing to control properly. Suarez followed the loose ball, rather petulantly put in a fierce tackle of his own on Lahm, and the resulting deflection carried the ball beyond the helpless Neuer.

"We were fortunate," Liverpool manager L. Pruitt said after the match. "We had the necessary blessing in front of goal we needed in big games like that. I can't recall any clear cut opportunities for either side really."

Their third League Cup ensures that at least one piece of silver ware will be staying on Merseyside this season- and Liverpool still have the DFA and Champions Cups to play for as well.