LIVERPOOL 3 MAN.CITY 2 : 10 THINGS WE LEARNT FROM THE GAME. Very few would have predicted it but with just four games to go, Liverpool are in pole position to become Premier League champions. The Reds took a giant step towards the title, beating Manchester City 3-2 at an emotionally-charged Anfield on Sunday. As the football world comes together to honour the 25th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster, Brendan Rodgers men are on the verge of a fitting tribute. We know where the result leaves the Premier League title picture, but what else have we learnt from the dramatic clash? 1. The Reds have the bottle When Liverpool came away from Upton Park last Sunday - bearing the scars of a physical encounter - they knew they had overcome a huge obstacle in the run-in. On Sunday, they faced an entirely different challenge. Make no mistake about it, the Reds were on the ropes at 2-2 and City had opportunities to complete a dramatic turnaround. But Liverpool stuck in there and after holding their nerve, delivered a knockout blow courtesy of Philippe Coutinho. It was the sort of mettle you only associate with champions. 2. The spirit of the 96 lives on Football has paid a special tribute on thev25th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster this weekend but the emotion at Anfield took things up another notch. Whether it be the poignant messages outside the ground, or the moving rendition of Youll Never Walk Alone - the home support were ready for a special day. And their players duly delivered, ensuring the occasion was met with the best possiblevresult. The 96 supporters - who tragically lost theirvlives all those years ago - seem to have had a big part to play in the destination of the threevpoints. Banners billowing: Fans pay their tributes before kick-off 3. Its not always Demichelis fault Since his summer arrival, the pony-tailed Argentinian has been used as a scapegoat for Citys failings this season. However at Anfield, it was Demichelis defensive partner Vincent Kompany who was at fault - and made to look silly - in all ofvLiverpools goals. First, Raheem Sterling had the Belgian in knots, then he lost Martin Skrtel for the second and the winner doesnt need much explanation. You dread to think how the world would have reacted had Demichelis been the culprit. 4. Raheem Sterling MUST go to Brazil He may have started the last friendly against Denmark but some feel Raheem Sterling is still too naive - and raw - to make Englands flight to Brazil. However, his display against City surely makes him a shoe-in for a spot in the squadvand possibly the starting line-up. Direct, pacy and strong, Sterling caused problems all afternoon and showed composure at the vital moment to givevLiverpool the lead. The speedster has surely over-taken - andvpossibly lapped - Andros Townsend in the race for the number seven shirt this summer. 5. Lady luck smiles on the Reds Most will remember the dodgy decision by referee Lee Mason in the reverse fixture back in December. Brendan Rodgers certainly hasnt forgotten. Since then, Liverpool have been on the right side - and occasionally wrong side (Andy Carroll on Mignolet) - of controversial calls. But lady luck was definitely smiling on the Reds this weekend. First Kompany picked up a knock in training, then Yaya Toure limped off before half-time. Add that to Sergio Agueros lack of fitness and City just arent the same threat. Oh and dont forget Martin Skrtels late punch... 6. There is some Silva lining for City The Spanish playmaker has been influential for City in the absence of Sergio Aguero and his second-half performance at Anfield was nothing short of superb. He continued to find himself in the famed ‘pockets’ between midfield and defence and was unsurprisingly on hand to grab his side aclifeline – turning in James Milner’s cross. Silva then turned provider for the leveller – as Glen Johnson diverted into his own net – and looked a shoe-in for the man of the match award. It is of course unfashionable to give the prize to someone on the losing side but the 28- year-old was a class above most on the pitch. 7. Suarez hasnt quite cut out the theatrics Throughout his time in England, we have been graced with the outstanding, the ugly and the downright bizarre sides of LuisvSuarez.vBut this season he looks to have changed his ways, scoring 28 goals and all-butvremoving his ‘diver’ tag.cWe say all-but because the Uruguayan was fortunate to stay on the pitch at Anfield after he went to ground under no contact from Demichelis, having already been booked. He then theatrically hit the deck again under a challenge from Vincent Kompany, as City gained a foothold in the game. Suarez has gained many plaudits since returning from his lengthy ban – and rightly so – but let’s hope he doesn’t return to his previous habits, when things start going against him. 8. Brendan Rodgers owes Rafael Benitez a pint After departing Anfield in June 2010, Rafael Benitez headed for Inter Milan to replace a certain Portuguese. He lasted just six months in the job but in that time seemed to have unearthed a real gem - Philippe Coutinho. Benitez successors didnt fancy the Brazilian and if you believe reports around Anfield, the former Reds boss advised Rodgers to snap him up last January. While Sundays winning goal will be remembered for Kompanys catastrophic error, Coutinho still had a lot to do and boy did he do it well. 9. Citys owners should feel short- changed Back in March, City were challenging on four fronts - domestically and in Europe - and when Kompany lifted the Capital One Cup trophy aloft at Wembley , more silverware was expected. Fast-forward six weeks and Manuel Pellegrinis men have been knocked out of the Champions League, embarrassed by Wigan (AGAIN) in the FA Cup and their title chances are now hanging by a thread. Having spent over £100m in the summer, the board will be bitterly disappointed to only have the League Cup to show for their investments. Sheikh Mansour and Cos planned domination of the English game isnt quite going to plan. 10. Steven Gerrard doesnt like Geoff Shreeves The Liverpool skipper was reduced to tears at the final whistle, after leading his side to another famous Anfield victory - dedicating the win to his cousin who died at Hillsborough in 1989. He managed to regain his composure to deliver a powerful team-talk to his colleagues, before completing a post-match interview with Sky Sports. Asked about the details of the huddle by Geoff Shreeves, Gerrard defiantly replied: “None of your business.” Miaow. * Will Liverpool go on to win the league? Or you think City or Chelsea can still overtake liverpool? Share your views and comments. Daily Mirror
Posted on: Mon, 14 Apr 2014 15:45:46 +0000