Dec 16: Gerard Houllier admitted that the last month has been the worst of his Liverpool tenure after his side slipped to a fourth successive Premiership defeat at Sunderland.
Michael Proctor's 85th-minute strike means the Reds have not won in six attempts in the league, a run which included a 0-0 draw against Howard Wilkinson's side at Anfield.

"This is the worst month I've ever experienced," he said. "We're concerned now. It's a time where we have to stick together and work hard, and it's probably an opportunity to refocus on a few things.

"You have to think and maybe take the opportunity to sharpen some of your qualities, and that will bring you back to winning ways."
Houllier said the contribution of Black Cats goalkeeper Jurgen Macho had been crucial to the outcome.

"The goalkeeper made three or four good saves," said Houllier.

"How can we leave this stadium without at least a point? I can't believe it, but they rode their luck."
Bureau Report