Houllier stands by Anelka snub

The French striker scored both goals as Manchester City earnt a shock victory at Anfield. Inevitably, his showing led to questions being asked of Houllier's decision to not sign the player permanently after his loan period at Anfield came to an end. The Reds boss, though, strongly insisted that the decision was correct.

Houllier said: "The question is totally out of order. We made a decision not to sign him for various reasons and I don't want to go back on that. He's a quality player and that's why we signed him last season on loan. I don't want to come back to discuss our decision. City have good strikers but we also have good strikers."