Liverpool prove their critics wrong again in what was dubbed a crucial tie in their final six cup finals, beating the Citizens 3-2 in a nail biting game. The build up for the game had begun two days ago through the form of a very smart psychological tactic crafted by Manuel Pellegrini who silently knew the pressure and anxiety the Reds faced this time around. Citys captain Vincent Kompany was reported to have been unfit to play. As a fan, this gave the team an added advantage aside from playing at the home ground. Ofcourse, Kompany played, bringing a slight sense of fear and pressure to the home team. Two years ago they were in Liverpools shoes when they snatched the title rather cheekily away from last years defending champions, Manchester United. A valuable experience to bring into the game. However, Liverpools 12th men proved Pellegrinis tactics futile as they spurred the team on right from the start of the game itself. My favorite moment was the pristine one minute silence in the stadium when everyone remembered the fallen 96. And when the whistle blew, everyone roared back to life. It has been a long time to experience this as a fan. Im still shaking as Im writing this down. What a match! It started of as an amazing first half that gave many fans belief and hope through an early sixth minute goal by Raheem Sterling and another by Martin Skrtel 20 minutes later. However, in the second half it appeared as though the team had slowly jogged back to its usual complacent old self when they squandered two easy goals through silly defending in a matter of five minutes bringing every Liverpool fan at the edge of their seat. As Liverpool fans bit their lips and fingers, the team on the pitch appeared to be lacking in confidence and Ill admit, as a Multi-Dimensional entity, I was pretty surprised to find myself facing the possibilities of two time lengths. One, Liverpool losing and having their hopes of winning the league extremely dismal. Or two, beating City and focusing on the next game. I was reminded that we are on the right time length when Coutinho fired in the winner at the 78th minute, bringing all the fans on their feet. And from there, it was the longest 17 minutes ever. City, not to go down easily, kept terrorizing the Kop End. Each Citys kick, each pass and possession was an agonising wait as every eye fell upon the referee, Mark Clattenburg to blow the whistle. Phew! It is amazing to see such belief in each other and spirit in the team currently. From the 12th man right to the players and to the manager; sheer brilliance! It gives a whole new humbling meaning to the phrase, Youll Never Walk Alone. Well done Liverpool! Four more cup finals left and already seven points ahead of Chelsea who are currently playing Swansea. Can Liverpool make a historical come back thus making this season one of their most memorable one in current times for their fans? Make us believe, Liverpool! YNWA! :)
Posted on: Sun, 13 Apr 2014 15:39:36 +0000