Daniel Agger's fifteenth-minute free kick had given Liverpool the lead before Michael O'Connor equalised ten minutes later. Leiva's goal ultimately won the game, but Crewe could have sent it into extra time had Tom Pope converted a clear chance in the final minute.

Steve Holland, the Crewe first-team coach, said: "It would have been nice to see that one go in, but it was just pleasing from our point of view that we were still in a position to get something from the game with a minute to go."

-The Times

He may claim to have a better squad than ever at Anfield but Rafael Benitez was forced to rely on his tried and trusted to sidestep a Carling Cup scare last night.

The sight of Fernando Torres and Jamie Carragher stripping off their tracksuits midway through the second half spoke volumes for the difficulty with which Liverpool managed to kill off the threat of plucky Crewe Alexandra.

It was that kind of evening for Benitez's side.

Given an early lead by a tremendous Daniel Agger strike, they soon surrendered the initiative by conceding an equaliser to Crewe's Northern Ireland international midfield Michael O'Connor shortly afterwards.

Although Lucas ultimately ensured Liverpool's name will be in the hat for the fourth round, it was another unconvincing display from the Anfield outfit.

-Liverpool Echo

Rafa Benitez took a leaf out of Arsene Wenger's book - and it nearly left him with a face redder than a Liverpool shirt.

The Anfield chief changed his entire line-up from the one, which drew against Stoke City on Saturday for this Carling Cup clash. But he indebted to Brazilian midfielder Lucas for ensuring a nervy passage into the last sixteen.

Bentitez's plan came so close to backfiring as the League one strugglers pushed the Premier League giants all the way - and made a mockery of his claims he now has the strongest squad of his reign.

-The Sun

Crewe had a tour of Anfield last Thursday - last night they almost left with the best souvenir of all. Make no mistake about it - Liverpool were left hanging on to a narrow Carling Cup victory after struggling to kill their League One opponents.

In fact, Crewe came within a whisker of taking the game into extra-time when, with just two minutes to go, Tom Pope steered a Bryon Moore just inches wide.

It was a real let off for Liverpool in a game that saw Crewe give the Premier League outfit plenty of worrying moments.

- The Daily Star