Post #24 - Barclays Premier League Preview - Liverpool v Chelsea

Shortly before I started writing this, former FC Barcelona manager Tito Vilanova sadly passed away at the age of just 45. My condolences to his friends, family and staff at FC Barcelona that worked with him just last season. 

I often wonder why Liverpool make it so hard for themselves sometimes. Remember the cup finals? The golden goal in a 5-4 win against Deportivo Alaves in the UEFA Cup Final in 2001, the penalty shootout against Milan in the 2005 Champions League Final, or maybe penalties against West Ham and Cardiff City in both the FA Cup and Carling Cup Finals in 2006 and 2012 respectively. It sure wasn't an easy watch as the Reds conceded two poor goals in their narrow 3-2 win against Norwich. Eyes of footballing fans and expertise from across the Globe have locked eyes on the attractive football that the Men from Merseyside have been playing throughout the season, while the team themselves have been focusing on getting the three points. Especially at this stage of the season, with just three games to go, the most important thing is the win. But seriously, why always narrow wins? It's going to be a special afternoon on Sunday, with some saying the atmosphere could beat that in the Champions League Semi-Finals in 2005 and 2007, as the Reds bid for their 12th consecutive victory in the League and their first League title in 24 years. 

I will start this one by talking about our opponents in Sunday's Anfield encounter, Jose Mourinho's Chelsea. It has been a season of mixed emotions for Blues, still in the title race and a second leg of the Semi-Final in this seasons UEFA Champions League against Atletico Madrid. The question everyone is asking is - which one? We all know what the man from Portugal is like ever since he stepped foot into the Stamford Bridge Press Conference room in the Summer of 2004 - a winner. "I want to play a weaker side on Sunday" were the cries of the former Inter and Real Madrid boss after the score draw in the Spanish capital on Tuesday. Here's another question, do Chelsea have a 'weaker side'?

The London Club's Billionaire owner Roman Abramovic has invested largely in the squad over the past 11 years and this season has invested in a side which you could argue is the side with the most strength in depth in Europe. Who would you class as their 'B' team? It is hugely disrespectful to the players of which Mourinho hinted at, but whoever they put out there will give us a game. I am now reminded of what happened a couple of seasons ago when Chelsea defeated the Reds in the FA Cup Final back in May 2012, and were just days away from a Champions League Final in Munich. Roberto Di Matteo's side fielded a 'weakened' team in a 4-1 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield in order to keep their best players fit for their European duel with FC Bayern Munchen. Deja vu? They need to somehow bounce back after a shock defeat to rock bottom club Sunderland at the Bridge. A win for the Reds would mean that the West London side could not mathematically make up enough points to win the Barclays Premier League title. Chelsea are without Ramires, Terry and Cech for this one, which has to make the 2010 winners' task of points in L4 much harder.

Seven points from nine are all Liverpool require to win the League. Just think about the next game. Don't think about Palace. Don't think about Newcastle. It all seems a bit unreal but we really are at the final stretch. Heading towards the Melling Road. On last legs. But the Redmen don't play like they are on their last legs. Full of energy more than anything. You could say a new motivation in Champions League football next season, but the players themselves don't need any motivating, just go out and play. Brendan Rodgers' words were rather interesting in the Pre Match Press Conference at Melwood -

"I've got a great group of players. People are talking about the pressure; you see our players, they are really enjoying their football. I'm enjoying being at the top of the league - it's absolutely wonderful. There's no pressure with it. People talk about not enjoying it and not sleeping at night...I haven't slept better! It's absolutely great, it's why we work. I see the joy in the players in training and there's no anxiety. You saw last week how we played. It's good to be involved in. The only way you get the experience is by going through it, win or lose. Whatever happens with us this season, we'll have had a brilliant season. And we'll look to sustain that and build on it again next year - wherever we finish."

The fire power up front may return in the form of Daniel Sturridge, with the England international looking to appear in Sunday's game. But it may seem as if Liverpool are gaining more and more attacking power as Raheem Sterling continues to rise. The 19 year old has opened the scoring for his side in the last two - against Man City and Norwich - and another goal to get the Reds off the mark once again would continue to delight Rodgers and the supporters.

It's been a brilliant season whatever happens, but for now we continue to try and turn dreams into reality. Liverpool v Chelsea live at Anfield on Sunday, Kick Off is 2.05pm. It is live on Sky Sports 1, 1HD and Sky 3D. 

Post #23 - Barclays Premier League Review - Norwich City 2-3 Liverpool

When Reds captain Steven Gerrard said he wanted exactly the same as Man City in today's encounter against Premier League strugglers Norwich City, the players around him may have taken it far too seriously. The scoreline doesn't really tell the story as Liverpool made it 11 consecutive wins while also confirming football in the Champions League proper next season. It was a brilliant 4 days for the men from Merseyside and they didn't even have to kick a ball. Manchester City slipped up and could only manage a draw in midweek against Sunderland in their game in hand, while the Black Cats also managed to inflict more damage to LFC's title rivals with a win over Chelsea on Saturday evening. Fabio Borini and Oussama Assaidi, two of the table-topper's loaned-out players, have probably done more for Liverpool in the title race than the two players brought in on loan in Victor Moses and Aly Cissokho. Borini scored from the spot at Stamford Bridge to confirm victory against Chelsea, whilst Assaidi also helped his parent club's cause by scoring the winning goal at the Britannia for Stoke against the West London side in a 2-1 win earlier in the season. A win for Liverpool against Norwich means that they are now five points clear at the top of the Barclays Premier League.

The suspension of Jordan Henderson was the real cause for concern and also cause for a change in formation and personnel, while Daniel Sturridge didn't end up making the trip down to Norfolk due to a hamstring injury. Joe Allen and Lucas Leiva came in and were looking to prove themselves as the Reds lined up with five in midfield to dominate their potentially dangerous opponents. There was no doubt, as a fan, that I was nervous about this one. But I wasn't as nervous as last Sunday against City, but nevertheless this one was a huge game also.

The first opportunity of the game came inside just 4 minutes and was once again absolutely brilliant for Liverpool and the travelling Kopites after yet another speedy start. Raheem Sterling was described by Rodgers after the game as "the best young talent in European football at the moment" and the 19 year old proved his class and current form in the early moments of this one. He took the ball from about 25 yards out, and after taking a couple of touches to set up, fired a thunderous strike at goal straight past Ruddy and into the top corner of the net to make it 1-0 to the visitors at Carrow Road. The spotlight was on Luis Suarez, who has scored two hat-tricks in the past two visits to the South East against Norwich, and the men in the yellow strip certainly tried to the minimise movement of the Uruguayan. But in the process, they were still forgetting that Sterling is too becoming a threat and now has nine league goals to his name this season. He was very bright and very quick, going past his opponents as if they weren't there, as was Philippe Coutinho who scored the winner against Man City. Sterling caused trouble and almost won Liverpool a penalty just three minutes after the goal, all before a Hooper header went wide of the target, while a Joe Allen shot was also saved brilliantly by John Ruddy at the other end. 

The Reds continued to be rampant and the home side could only manage to contain Suarez for 11 minutes until the Uruguayan slotted home his 30th league goal this season for 2-0 after Sterling timed a beautiful cross into his path. The away fans in Red were once again loud and proud, rubbing salt in the wounds with the Luis Suarez song along with the bellowing yells of 'We're gonna win the league', and not for the first time. It was quite clear that Norwich weren't prepared to give up in this one, which really called for a safe and secure third Liverpool goal. The home side had a corner that was defended well, before a rather poor performer in this one in Glen Johnson conceded a cheap free kick after a foul on a lively Nathan Redmond. Apart from a Gerrard free kick delivered into the box that only lead to a corner that was wasted, the away side looked a little flat for the rest of the half, with only tidy passing and good control keeping them going. Snodgrass was denied a ball into the box by Skrtel before Mignolet and Sakho combined to clear the ball away. A Coutinho corner was met by a poor header from the French defender, while the Brazilian created problems for the Norwich defence with a curling effort just wide of the mark that saw Liverpool through to half time with a 2-0 lead.

So with the redmen now, because of this result, automatically into the UEFA Champions League group stage line up next season, it begs the question of who to sign in the summer and in what areas. Surely we would like to see almost all of the same strong starting eleven that played against Man City and continue the same brilliant mentality and quality in the opening game of the 2014/15 Premier League season. But its going to be very difficult to concentrate on two of the biggest trophies in world football instead of just one. Before I continue here, I am not in any way really thinking about anything other than Chelsea next week, but this match and the end of the season in general and its effect on players does raise the issue of trying to cope with future pressure. I heard a caller on the radio after the game call Glen Johnson a "liability" before the host of the show said that the comment was "harsh".

Do I think that the comment is "harsh"? No, not really. In general, the England international has been rather poor throughout the season, and since he has come back from injury despite a few 'top end of the ratings' performances, hasn't lived up to the hard work and consistency shown in previous seasons at the Reds. I don't think he should be at Liverpool next season, especially with Champions League football returning. He was poor against Norwich because of his sloppy and lackluster performance in his passing and movement and didn't show what Liverpool are currently about. It is only because of the likes of Gerrard and Flanagan that his side are in the position they are in now, because he could have cost lots of goals and lots more points. Reinforcements alongside a long hard look at the defence I would say is enough as the Reds look to return to the glory days of the past.

But to the second half then and whatever new Norwich boss Neil Adams said to his players at half time, it obviously worked. His side almost capitalised on a poor second half performance from the Reds with what could have been a vital three points at the bottom of the table. The home side won an early corner after the break before Mignolet cleared the ball from his box and having to come off of his line to retrieve it and prevent Norwich from responding. Despite a Sterling shot five minutes after the restart, the Norfolk outfit really put the pressure on, with Skrtel heading the ball clear before the corner that lead to the third goal of the afternoon. The more time went on, the larger threat that Gary Hooper was becoming. The former Celtic striker tapped the ball into an empty net to make it 2-1 in the 54th minute after Mignolet failed to clearly punch away the ball and Sakho also failing to reach the goalscorer. 

It didn't take long for Liverpool to restore their two goal advantage as Raheem Sterling intercepted a sloppy Norwich pass and showed blistering pace to set himself up for a shot on the edge of the box, of which he took and the ball deflected off Bradley Johnson, over Ruddy and into the net to make it 3-1 after 62 minutes. 




Seven minutes later and the Canaries were knocking on the door for another reply, a Redmond shot was diverted away from goal by Skrtel shortly after a Hooper shot had to be turned away by a busy Mignolet once again. Liverpool couldn't hold on to the two goal lead over their opponents after a 77th minute goal from Snodgrass. The Norwich man headed brilliantly into the far corner to make it 3-2 and now once again a narrow margin over another Premier League opponent. Ricky Van Wolfswinkel came on as a substitute and headed the ball at Mignolet before the Reds should have got their fourth goal when Suarez was through in on goal and passed to a nearby Lucas who twice failed to find the net. Full time - 3-2 to Liverpool, once again!


I can't wait for Champions League nights back at Anfield and that will surely get the city buzzing once again, but now we have to focus on the title.

Three games left. Nine points left to play for. Five points clear of Chelsea, with the Blues playing visitors at Anfield next Sunday in what will be another huge game between title rivals. So close now to our first League title in 24 years! I will see you next time for the preview of that Chelsea game later on in the week!

Post #22 - Barclays Premier League Preview - Norwich City v Liverpool

Four games left in arguably the most intense title race in the Premier League era, or rather four 'cup finals' left. I will never forget Sunday's victory against Manchester City without a doubt, but I will be placing it at the back of my mind until the end of the season as both I as a die-hard fan and the players look to normalise the situation and mind set once more and not get too carried away. The skipper Steven Gerrard of all people said that "It is difficult not to get carried away" after the Reds edged City in an extremely emotional and thrilling encounter at Anfield, and I think we can all echo that! Nevertheless, the skipper also said, rather to the players than to the media, "This is gone. We go to Norwich. Exactly the same". I cried from my living room as he cried just moments after Mark Clattenburg blew the final whistle, but these are all now memories. The spirit, fight and character, as Ex-Red and Sky pundit Jamie Redknapp said, "poured" out of Gerrard in the huddle post match as Kopites bellowed out to the rest of the country "We're gonna win the league". That was just three points, yes probably the toughest and potentially the most important three points come the end of the season, but every game in the Barclays Premier League poses a different and difficult challenge, as we saw in Man City's draw in their game in hand against Sunderland. It irritates me a lot that people keep presuming teams, including and especially Liverpool, will automatically overcome hurdles in the final stretch for the title. If your asking me whether I think LFC will beat Norwich on Sunday, I think we will. If your asking me whether I would love and think that my team will go on and win the Barclays Premier League, the answer is also "yes". The words "loving" and "thinking" are very powerful words in the English language and two of the most important words in this Premier League season for fans and the media alike, but these words do not mean or lead to a definite answer or a certainty, rather just a feeling. 

The most consecutive number of wins a team achieved in the Premier League era is 14 games, a phenomenal total reached by Arsenal between the 10th of February 2002 and the 24th of August in the same year. Liverpool are currently on 10 consecutive wins that began with a thumping 5-1 victory over the Gunners around the same time as they started their run, 8th February to be precise. But winning the remaining four games would see the Reds equal that record and become the first team in the Premier League era to win 14 consecutive games in a single season, rather than stretching out into a second campaign as Arsenal did. Now we do know that we do not have to win all four games to win the League after the result at the Etihad, in fact three victories and a draw against Master tactician Jose Mourinho's side in L4 in just over a weeks time will see Liverpool win their first League title in 24 years. But why not go for the 14 wins? Of course we have to look at Norwich first and foremost.

 I do think that if we win this next game against the Canaries then we will win the league. Call me crazy? Surely Chelsea are a much bigger hurdle than Norwich? Yes to an extent, but all games are hurdles in the Premier League. I think we will win the League with a win at Carrow Road because we can then show that we can adjust the way we play with a different squad and still play good enough football to get over the line first. What am I getting at? Both the 65th and 93rd minute in the Man City game could have potentially damaged the Reds title surge for at least three of the remaining four matches left. Daniel Sturridge, despite reports, is doubtful for Easter Sunday's trip to Norfolk due to a hamstring injury and his potential absence is a blow, but the imminent absence of one of the unsung heroes this season in Jordan Henderson is the biggest of the two.

The Reds midfield maestro, that may well be one of those on Roy Hodgson's plane to Brazil next month, has the legs that Gerrard doesn't really posses any more. He never stops running. Never stops causing problems for the opposition. Never shows any tiredness or fatigue. But these qualities may not be visible for the next three League encounters after a challenge on Samir Nasri that saw him receive a straight red card. It is debatable whether or not Joe Allen and Lucas can fill a rather large hole left in the Liverpool midfield with similar qualities, and Henderson has appeared in every single League match so far, unfortunately will now not make the full distance of the full 38 games, but still that surely means that he is a better player than the other two options. Gerrard has now settled into the holding midfield position in front of the back 4 and changing that, for me anyway, would be rather risque. As for Sturridge well I suppose you could use Aspas, who hasn't had too much of a chance to prove himself with only a few appearances at the start of the season replacing a banned Luis Suarez. I can't say I'm worried about the team without Sturridge though because of Suarez, especially considering his form against the Canaries.

The Uruguayan has netted 11 goals from the four games he has played in against Sunday's opponents, with the latest coming in the form of four goals from the five that the Reds scored in a 5-1 hammering of the South East side back in December just after an embarrassing defeat away at Hull City. The quality as well as the quantity of the goals that he has scored against Norwich will excite many Liverpool fans looking ahead to this fixture. 

Unfortunately it isn't as easy as that. With Norwich fighting for survival and dominating for most of their defeat against Fulham at Craven Cottage last time out, you wouldn't be wrong for thinking that going to Carrow Road is a tough test. Their change of manager is slowly leading to a different style of play for the team, which means the players are far from fully adapted, just like Liverpool were perhaps in the first half of last season, which has to make them vulnerable to a firing force in Liverpool's attack. Still, Brendan Rodgers feels that the home side in this one can put up a good fight.

"It''s the nature of this league and Norwich will be the same for us this weekend - They know they need to win their game. They're just above the relegation [zone] and they''ll see their home games as being vital for them.They're looking to change their way they're playing. They're looking to open up the field a bit more and have a bit more space to play in. They'll want to show they can win in front of their supporters."  

It is highly unlikely that Liverpool's opponents will replicate the same quality of football that Man City produced at Anfield in the first 20 minutes of the second half on Sunday, but in their bid to secure survival, changing the style of play into trying to open the play by producing spaces may also give the team a new belief and freshness.



Again we're live on Sky again on Sunday, Sky Sports 1 and Sky Sports 1 HD in fact, but imagine the atmosphere in the ground as the passionate fans in yellow and loud and proud travelling Kopites try and get their team over the line. A little earlier kick off of 12pm may well get appetites roaring come Easter lunchtime, and the Reds who are the second title-chasing team to play at the weekend, will hope that Chelsea slip up against Sunderland on Saturday evening. Enjoy the game. Lets hope the visitors fire up another three points! YNWA/JFT96.

(Images - Liverpoolfc.com, Gettyimages, Propaganda)

Post #21 - Barclays Premier League Review - Liverpool 3-2 Man City

I wasn't born when Liverpool last won the League Title. I wasn't alive to see the Reds lift their 18th League Title, and unfortunately nor were poor 96 Liverpool fans that attended that FA Cup Semi Final in April 1989 and never returned. Today without a doubt was the most emotional I have ever felt as a football fan for as long as I have been on this earth. I think I was about 7 or 8 when Liverpool beat AC Milan in Istanbul to win their 5th European Cup, and it is because of that day that I can't remember too many events in my life before the 25th May 2005.

But that game stood out in my memory, sitting on the sofa watching ITV's coverage of the best night in the club's history. This game today, regardless of whether Liverpool win the title, will stand out as a very bold memory. It means so much because this is the almighty Manchester City. Four or five years ago, this was just another game in the Barclays Premier League, but now they are arguably the biggest force in the country. This was the biggest hurdle. And the supporters, staff, players and families of the 96 all overcame this hurdle today. But wait, lets not get carried away. Is Chelsea not the biggest hurdle? 

Brendan Rodgers named an unchanged side and was one that just got over the line in an extremely scrappy game at Upton Park against West Ham last Sunday, with Sakho staying put and a recovered Daniel Agger only found a place on the bench. I was right about Aguero. He didn't do Liverpool too much damage today, and only came on as a substitute too. But wow did Man City play well today! Kompany did start the game despite twisting his knee a little in training before the game, but was he fully fit?

Pre-Match, as expected, was extremely emotional. The singing of 'You'll Never Walk Alone' was the loudest I'd heard it since perhaps the Champions League Semi-Final against Chelsea in 2005. Every single person inside Anfield were part of the most impeccably-behaved minute of silence I have ever witnessed as football continued to come together to remember the 96 Liverpool fans that died at Hillsborough 25 Years Ago. The words '25 Years' filled the Kop visuals as players gathered together around the centre circle to remember one of the world's worst sporting disasters. Man City and their supporters gave their tribute to the event in many ways. A banner in commemoration filled the Away end of the ground, while outside at the memorial lay a tribute in flowers. The start of the game set the pace and tempo for the afternoon, as it seems to every game at Anfield this season. The aggression from both the players and the crowd reminded me a lot of the environment Napoli create for their opponents at the San Paolo over in Italy. Anfield, like the San Paolo, seems to be a scary and intimidating place to play football. Every time Liverpool were on the ball and making tackles, fans cheered and cheered. Whenever Man City had the ball, all you heard were 'boos' coming from the loud and proud voices of 40,000 scousers.

This may well have been a catalyst for the first goal of the game inside 6 minutes, and that goal went to Liverpool. Despite Kompany managing to cut out a pass from Henderson to Sturridge just minutes before, a yellow-carded Luis Suarez, who had made a late challenge on Demichelis before hand, played a wonderful through ball towards young Raheem Sterling. In the 19 year old's line of sight were two giants of modern English football in Vincent Kompany and Joe Hart, but he waited and waited before slotting the ball into the back of the goal, facing the Kop End. 1-0 to Liverpool. As the world watched, Anfield bounced. The noise was incredible today, and reverberated around the wonderful sporting arena and blasted through my TV Speakers! 

City were, just about, managing to deal with a whole lot more Liverpool pressure with a collection of a Glen Johnson cross from Joe Hart and a Kompany clearance of an attempted pass from Sturridge to Suarez. Yaya Toure has been a star for Man City this season but his afternoon was cut short after he injured himself when a shot that he took misfired over the bar and into the Anfield Road End. Javi Garcia came on to replace the Ivorian and instantly picked up a yellow card as the pressure continued to fall on the Sky Blues.

Liverpool doubled their lead in the 26th minute shortly after Gerrard had a free header from a Coutinho corner. Gerrard took another corner that was caused by a Hart save that stopped the Liverpool and England skipper getting his side's second goal moments earlier. His beautifully driven in corner was met at the near post by Martin Skrtel who headed well as the ball found the back of the net to make it 2-0 to Liverpool. The Slovakian international became the highest scoring defender in the Premier League this season with what everyone thought was a vital goal in the title race. The visitors were deflated. 2-0 down after less than half an hour and had it all to do. More defending came for City as Coutinho delivered yet another corner into the box, only met by a poor header from Sturridge. City had a good spell of chances but Mignolet kept Liverpool in the game claiming the ball from a Clichy cross and a Fernandinho volley. The Reds held on and went into the dressing room at half time 2-0 up against their title rivals.

Throughout the season Suarez and Sturridge, dubbed as the 'SAS', have stolen the headlines and helped Liverpool greatly in getting them where they are in the League. Game after game their bundles of goals have risen them up the goalscoring charts and have become a threat. But over the past couple of games, against West Ham and today against Man City, they haven't been that threat that they have been in previous games. Suarez netted last against Spurs and can probably be forgiven through his speculative efforts at Upton Park and a magical assist today for Sterling, but Sturridge hasn't scored since the Sunderland game and you could argue he has taken a bit of a back seat. I should say however that he limped off in the second half with what looked like a hamstring injury, and perhaps a sense of deja vu because Sturridge scored against Man City at the Etihad last season and injured his hamstring and thigh area. He came off and was replaced by Joe Allen later on in the game. Hopefully he will be back quickly and back in top form and firing us to the title. 

To the second half then and I think a bit of role reversal as Man City looked to jump out of the starting blocks. Manuel Pellegrini decided to bring on James Milner to replace Jesus Navas who just didn't look up for it in the first half. Milner gave the visitors a lot of energy and a lot of life in the second half. City broke on the counter attack and with Liverpool playing the diamond formation, Henderson had to tire himself out chasing after the ball and acting as cover for Flanagan at the back. David Silva was the handful that we all expected him to be after the break, only Skrtel denying an intended cross to Dzeko. Silva had the ball in the net twice in a minute. Only one of them counted as the Spaniard made the score 2-1 in the 57th minute shortly after his goal was ruled out because Milner had seen the ball go out of play before he crossed. The England international made no mistake this time as he played the ball across the box to Silva who guided the ball in to the back of the net. Anfield went silent. No more cheers when their team had the ball. No more 'boos' when the opposition had the ball, mainly because they had all of the ball for about 10-15 minutes. During that time, the home side were now the ones under pressure. Under immense pressure.

Gerrard carried the team through at points during the game, clearing the ball when the Liverpool defenders went AWOL. 2-1 though soon became 2-2 and utter heartbreak for the Redmen and their fans. I was watching it with my head in my hands, when just minutes before I was watching it with a big grin on my face. The best afternoon we could have hoped for was turning into the worst. Although it was 2-2, the way Liverpool were playing made it look like an invitation for City to go on and win the game. Their second goal came from a Glen Johnson own goal. Silva got in behind the Liverpool defence and went for goal with a shot that came off of the back of the Reds full back and beyond a distraught Simon Mignolet. 

The substitution I mentioned earlier when Joe Allen came on changed the game and again shows that the manager can win the game for Liverpool as much as the players. Allen's entry to the field allowed Coutinho, who was already having a good afternoon, more freedom and more attacking flair. Suarez found himself in an offside position several times as Johnson tried to make up for the own goal by trying to play the ball through to the Uruguayan, who looked rather lazy and sluggish on the ball today.

But, eventually, it came. The goal. The moment when Liverpool Football Club delivered the biggest statement of the Barclays Premier League season right across the country. It was the moment that Liverpool fans all around the world had not really seen coming but always knew was there. Kompany had been under immense pressure throughout the afternoon, with many feeling as if the Belgium international was not fully fit and ready for a fight. He went to clear the ball on the edge of his box and mishit the ball and it fell to Philippe Coutinho. The Brazilian is a magician, and has recently found a goalscoring ability. He curled the ball at a difficult angle and placed it beautifully beyond Hart, leaving the visitors once again feeling blue. The roof of my house almost came off. The roofs of the houses of all Liverpool fans and the Anfield roof came off in the 78th minute of an incredible game. 3-2 to Liverpool. They were in the driving seat. That was the moment I really broke down into tears. I have seen the players race down towards the area of the touchline near the away fans at Anfield and near the Paddock area to celebrate and the faces of the players that have celebrated goals there really sum up Liverpool's season. I had cried when I was singing 'You'll Never Walk Alone' before the game and I found myself crying again. The face of everyone connected with Liverpool FC lit up instantly with one bit of Brazilian brilliance and one mistake that could have cost Man City a huge part in the title race. I couldn't believe it. The almighty winners of the League in 2012, beaten and deflated once more, all at the hands of Liverpool. 

I now found myself saying "Come on now Reds, don't throw it away again!". Corner after corner for Man City. Hearts in mouths time and time again. Gerrard dragged his men through minutes of intense pressure in the late stages of a magnificent encounter. Skrtel and Mignolet had found energy and desire again, a complete contrast to what they were minutes before. The goalscorer Coutinho came off. I was gutted, but he had run and run all day long. Liverpool were dealt a bit of a blow when Jordan Henderson was sent off by Mark Clattenburg after a reckless two-footed challenge on Samir Nasri and will miss the next 3 of his side's 4 remaining games. Clattenburg could have dealt Liverpool a really big blow had he seen Skrtel quite literally punch away the ball from the resulting free kick, but he didn't. Liverpool won!

Although Chelsea beat Swansea later in the day to close the gap at the top to just two points, it still remains in Liverpool's hands because of a now seven point gap between the Reds and City and will only get six of the seven by winning their two games in hand. Liverpool have won 10 games in a row. Want me to repeat it again? With pleasure! Liverpool have won 10 games in a row!

I cried for the third and final time when I saw the face of Steven Gerrard at the end of the game. He cried too, and although everyone is acting like the title is won, it means so much because if Liverpool win all of their games, they win the League. Pure and simple. He gathered his warriors into a huddle and bellowed out in front of the Sky Steadicam -

"Listen, this is gone. We go to Norwich. Exactly the same. We go together. Come on!" 

This is also what he had to say to Sky Sports reporter Geoff Shreeves after the game -

"It was emotional. We need to keep calm. There's four big games to come.That means so much. They got back into the game and I feared the worst.'That's the biggest statement we've made so far. We've showed we're going to take it to the wire. That was the longest 90 minutes I've played in. I kept flashing back to how long the clock was taking. It felt like clock was going backwards at one point! But that is such a big result for us. We've got four cup finals left. People said that was the biggest one (match) but I disagree - I think the biggest one now is Norwich. We'll let other people comment on whose it is to lose - your experts will have their say. Nothing is ours yet."

 When asked about what he had said during the huddle by Shreeves, the legendary skipper said - "It's none of your business"

Brendan Rodgers also had a lot to say about his side's awesome result - 

"In the second half, you expect City to come back in. They are a wonderful team, the manager is an outstanding manager. Their first goal gave them momentum and then we were unfortunate to concede the second goal, which was an own goal. When it got to 2-2, they started to have a bit of energy and a bit of joy down the sides. So we changed - we went from a diamond to 4-3-3 to open up the game a little bit, but also to protect the sides whenever we were defending. That allowed us to get some sort of control back into the game and we end up getting the winning goal with a great finish. So it showed out resilience to see it through. That's 10 wins now in the Barclays Premier League. It's an incredible achievement and, against all the odds, we're where we are and we're still fighting." 

I can't say much more really! If you haven't seen the game, make sure you somehow watch it! I am speechless after what was easily the best game of the Premier League season so far. Four cup finals left, 12 points to play for. See you next time for a preview of Easter Sunday's trip to Norwich.

(Credit to PA, Jon Super, Getty Images and the Liverpool Echo for some photography used in this post. Used for analysis purposes only and no promotional gain)

Post #20 - Barclays Premier League Preview - Liverpool v Man City

How fitting is it that the 20th post on my blog is probably one of the most important. Many are billing it as the most important game of the season, and potentially Liverpool's recent history. For me it is a huge game and one that we will look to win, but it is not the biggest game this season.

It may turn out to be a pivotal moment in the season for both of these sides if either of them go on and lift the Premier League trophy, but there are still "12 more points to play for" were the words of Brendan Rodgers earlier today. We have to make sure that there isn't a repeat performance of the game against West Ham except it would be great to see the same control and calmness that was shown in the second half. For me it depends on the team line-up, but even if we don't play well, it is important that we get the three points.

I have to say it does feel a little strange with a lot of the media piling into the city of Liverpool and the Anfield area in particular lately. It feels strange because Liverpool haven't really been competing for a trophy and haven't come this close as perhaps the 2008/2009 league campaign, or maybe the Champions League campaigns in the same season and seasons before. Questions upon questions for Reds fans outside their team's fortress of a stadium all regard winning the title. "Can Liverpool win the title?, "Can Liverpool do it after 24 years without a league title", "Is this the best Liverpool team ever?" to name a few. On the TV and in the city itself you can feel the spotlight that is being placed on the Merseysiders and their game against Man City on Sunday.

I often compare Liverpool to teams like Borussia Dortmund and more recently Atletico Madrid and definitely see similarities. In terms of really star, high-priced and quality players, only a select few play for these clubs. You compare these squads to the likes of Manchester City, Barcelona, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich and you will see a big difference. That's not to say that our players aren't good because at times Liverpool have looked better than some sides in the Champions League this season, but the players throughout the squad aren't always Luis Suarez, Bayern-bound Robert Lewandowski or Diego Costa asking price. The so called 'bigger teams' have a lot more money to spend on world class talent, whereas the others, not so much. Sure there is money available for all without a doubt, but look at the development of the players in the squads that I have likened Liverpool to. Liverpool are now, primarily, based on youth and developing players, most of which are far from being the biggest names in the footballing world, that are bought in transfer windows, most notably for the Reds - Daniel Sturridge. Are you telling me the likes of Atletico's Koke aren't good enough to play top level European football? He came from Atletico's youth (B team) setup and at the age of just 22 now finds himself playing the the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League. All these teams mentioned are examples of money buying trophies and money not buying trophies. Aside from the quality of the teams, the managers certainly deserve a lot of praise, with the likes of young talent in Brendan Rodgers and Diego Simone shining brightly this season. Both systems work, and I have probably not hit the nail on the head with the term 'buying trophies', but certainly more money is the rather easier way of gaining world class talent. 

One thing that is certain in football and key to being successful and winning trophies is support. Liverpool fans are undoubtedly the one of the most recognisable, stand-out and loudest group of football fans in the world. The supporters are all as one and generally known as 'Kopites', and are commonly found throughout the world in most if not all countries. They are Red. They are bold. And this season, they are extremely proud.

Flags, banners and scarves are just a few of the things that all symbol different elements of the football club and its illustrious history. For example the club's anthem, the strength of the community through Hillsborough Tragedy, and the 2005 Champions League final to name some. Now they are ready to be the 12th man and potentially see Liverpool win the Barclays Premier League. The players and fans give everything in every game, and now we can all record a tenth consecutive league win with a victory against the Sky Blues in the next encounter. An interesting article (a) in 'The Independent' newspaper shows how the Reds won three League Titles in three seasons in which they went on a winning run of 10+ matches. The 1981/82, 82/83 and 85/86 seasons all ended up with Liverpool as champions, so could a win on Sunday give this side a title after 24 years of disappointment? The most recent season in which Liverpool achieved an incredible winning run such as the likes of these early seasons was the 2005/06 season, but didn't end up top of the tree on that occasion. 

The visitors go to Anfield with that extra bit of ammunition in Sergio Aguero. Actually, I say 'a bit' but I should really say 'a lot' of ammunition. We all thought he was fit when he was in the starting eleven that failed to progress further than the Round of 16 in the Champions League in the Nou Camp against Barcelona. But in fact you could argue that the Argentine was a hindrance to the Manchester side's bid to get into the last eight of the biggest club competition on the planet after coming off injured. So the question is - is he fully fit and can cause Liverpool problems rather than create his own side problems on the Anfield turf come 1.37pm onwards on Sunday? Away from Aguero, you have to go a long way back to the last time Man City lost a Premier League game, and even longer for Liverpool. Arguably the best two teams in the league face up once again in a bid to become this seasons Champions.

It was a very interesting encounter at the Etihad on Boxing Day when the Reds lost 2-1 to City, but it was a game that most if not all people watching the game would say that Liverpool deserved to win. Vincent Kompany said that they were the toughest team to play against at home this season (so far) and he can expect another challenge in trying to deal with Suarez and Sturridge. It's good that the other captain Steven Gerrard has a couple of positives heading into this one, with the first one being that he will, presumably, play the Mancunians for the first time this season after missing the Etihad encounter due to injury. Secondly, it is the second Sunday in April when the two sides meet, which means that players' yellow card history is wiped, or you could say 'wipe the slate clean'. El Capitano can no longer miss any games to due him 'racking up the cards' and only an offence deemed as 'red card worthy' would keep a vital player away from the most important part of the season. 

Could this game define the season for either of these sides? Will it be key in deciding where the Crown of English football ends up? The kick off for this game and all other games in England and Wales over the weekend will be delayed by 7 minutes to mark the 25th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster. A mosaic showing the number '96' will be shown at the Kop End at Anfield against City in what will be the beginning of an extremely emotional game on Sunday afternoon. Kick off is 1.37pm. The place is Anfield. The time is now. It is on TV and on Sky Sports 1, Sky Sports 1 HD and Sky 3D if you cannot make this incredible sell-out fixture. YNWA.

(a)  http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/liverpool-what-happened-the-previous-times-liverpool-won-10-league-games-in-a-row-9252254.html is a site that is used in this article only to analyse and comment upon with regards the topic of my own site and the post. Article was written by Matt Lawson of The Independent Newspaper on Thursday 10 April 2014 (as of 11th April 2014) 

Post #19 - Barclays Premier League Review - West Ham 1-2 Liverpool

In all honesty, I don't know how I'm able to type out my thoughts on today's events at Upton Park, seen as I don't seem to have many fingernails left. Arguably the worst of the performances as a whole throughout the now 9 consecutive wins we have. After such a stunning performance blazing Spurs last weekend, today was an extremely tough test. It was announced that Agger had picked up a knock in training just hours before the game, and was replaced by Mamadou Sakho, someone that I highly rate and had played well in this one. Apart from that, there were no other changes to the Starting XI.

It was a rather flat start to the game, which is completely contradictory to how the game panned out later on. Liverpool old boys Stewart Downing and Andy Carroll were the ones causing their former side trouble, Raheem Sterling and Martin Skrtel were there to reduce that however. A Luis Suarez free kick clipped the top of the net after Sturridge was fouled in the third minute. It was quite clear West Ham's Mohamed Diame was causing Flanagan problems throughout the first half, but again Skrtel had to keep Carroll quiet as the ball went into the box. The best chance of the first 20 minutes came when Suarez tried to chip goalkeeper Adrian but only managed to hit the crossbar. For me, Daniel Sturridge had quite a poor game. He looked a little sluggish at times and consistently failed to find the net. I could say the same for Suarez towards the end of the game too, he looked like he's just come back from the World Cup. However we should put it down to time-wasting as the clocked ticked down to the final whistle.

The goal finally came for the Reds, at which point was the first decisive port of call for referee Anthony Taylor, who gave a penalty after James Tomkins handled the ball after Suarez received a wonderful pass from Gerrard. The captain stepped up to the plate and gave Liverpool the lead in the 44th minute, he converted his side's 11th penalty of the season in superb style. What happened moments later though made the match in the capital very controversial. Guy Demel poked the ball into the back of the net a minute later to make it 1-1 after Mignolet let the ball slip out of his grasp. However, match replays showed that Mignolet's dropping of the ball was most likely caused by the swinging arm of Andy Carroll as he went to jump for the ball, almost 'smacking' the Belgian keeper in the face. The goal stood though despite a lengthy conversation between the referee and the linesman.

The linesman seemed to flag for a foul, but it seemed that another assistant was overruled by the referee, certainly bringing back memories for me of Cheick Tiote's wonderful goal that the assistant gave in Newcastle's against Man City, only for the referee to overrule that time too and disallow it. Thrilling end a rather dull half in East London however.

Brendan Rodgers is such a great manager. So wise. So clever. Tactically gifted to say the least. He knew that the ball wasn't finding its way into the wide areas for Liverpool in the first half, so he made a change at half time and brought Lucas, who was recently returned from injury, on to replace fellow Brazilian Philippe Coutinho. He's one of the only managers that I tend to see making notes when on the touchline in the modern game, thoroughly analysing the game and his side's strengths and weaknesses. He knows all of his opponents so well and isn't given enough praise because he isn't a stand-out, spotlight and 'loud-mouthed' figure like his former employer Jose Mourinho. Trying to be as non-biased as possible, I would be quite irritated if Rodgers didn't get Manager of the Season come the end of May. The change that he made today, perhaps alongside the departure of the lively Scouser in Kevin Nolan in replacement of Antonio Nocerino during the second half, swung the game Liverpool's way. 

We had so much more freedom to express ourselves after the break and made a lot more chances and to be fair could have scored three or four in this game. Despite an early Hammers corner, the Reds went on to create their opponents some real problems. Luis Suarez linked up with Lucas and Sterling in two separate chances, only to be denied by Adrian on both occasions. Carroll also hit the crossbar moments later after making superb contact on Diame's cross. The West Ham substitution mentioned above took place just two minutes before the decision that changed the outcome of the match. Now that I have named the event as a 'decision', if it is Liverpool involved, it has to be a penalty. I and all other Reds fans wouldn't have classed this decision as 'controversial' but everyone else did. Flanagan had been getting in behind the Iron's full backs throughout the second half, and in this case went down under the challenge of Adrian. The argument comes in the form of whether West Ham's Spanish keeper got the ball before Flanagan, but replays show that he didn't. Adrian did get a minor touch of the ball but the Liverpool full back got there first and was brought down under the challenge.

The penalty was given however and Steven Gerrard overtook an on-looking Kenny Dalglish in the all time Liverpool goal scorers list and made it 2-1 to the Reds in the 71st minute. If Liverpool win all their remaining games, they win the Barclays Premier League and it will be the first time since 1990 when Dalglish lead them to a title. Shortly after, Suarez was claiming handball but this time his appeal was turned away by Anthony Taylor. Lucas found Sturridge and Sterling found Suarez later on, but failed to convert. We should all give a lot of applause to Kolo Toure who defended well in the closing stages as he came on to replace Sturridge. The Ivorian organised his back line into a high line while he also put off Carroll as the ball went into the box on one occasion. The Reds held on though and returned to the top of the tree, two points clear of Chelsea.

Five games to go. Man City go to Anfield next Sunday in what will probably be the most pivotal game of the season. Can we do it? Lets hope so! See you for the preview of that encounter next time! WE ARE LIVERPOOL! 

Post #18 - Barclays Premier League Preview - West Ham v Liverpool

Eight wins on the bounce. Just six games remaining. Can Liverpool win their first League Title in the Premier League era? The onus is certainly back on them to get a result at Upton Park tomorrow against West Ham United after Saturdays turn of results. No longer are the Reds the leaders after Chelsea beat Stoke City 3-0 at Stamford Bridge who took their spot at the top, while Man City started this weekend's round of Barclays Premier League fixtures with a flourish, defeating Southampton 4-1 at lunchtime. 

But with Liverpool going to Upton Park tomorrow to face former Red Andy Carroll and his side, they could find themselves top of the tree once more. Eight wins in a row has to count for something, doesn't it? Yes, Man City have games in hand and if they win all of them, they win the title. But people also say that if Liverpool win all of their remaining games, they can win the title.

I think it is quite easy to get carried away when we see such a great team playing consistently great football, so we are always of course looking to our title contenders to slip up, such as Chelsea last weekend. It might come as a shock to everyone when we play Man City next Sunday as they are such a great side, but then again it might not come as a shock as, well so are we! Sure, eight wins in a row is great especially when you consider the teams we have faced, but I do feel that if we get the business done against both Chelsea and Man City then the title should be ours. Nobody expects us to do it, whereas the fans of Man City and Chelsea expect Pelligrini and Mourinho, respectively, to win the league having invested so much money. Liverpool haven't really invested at all in comparison to their rivals, but this will definitely have to change if we are going to be the best again. 

The big tests may come in the face of the Champions League next season, where if the Reds managed to secure a spot for sure among Europe's elite, they may have to face the prospect of facing the big boys such as Barcelona and PSG because of their coefficient ranking . But hey, to be the best you have to beat the best. We have the best fans behind one of the most impressive teams in Europe, so we can dream. West Ham serves a rather different opposition to Spurs, and that's in a good way for the Hammers. The away day has given Liverpool a fair few scares this season, most recently against Cardiff when we conceded them the lead twice before ending up winning. I think that if we do what we did that day, there will be no way back, even though we have too many goals in the team.

Route One to the big man Carroll, although not the most attractive, seems to be the best way to get the ball forward and get in on goal for West Ham. Could it be the answer for England at the World Cup? Possibly. But the main thing is that it doesn't work tomorrow. The home side in tomorrow's encounter should now be safe with 10 points clear of 18th place, and are in good form. But lets hope the Reds stop them in their tracks.

The match kicks off at 4pm, and is live on Sky Sports 1 and Sky Sports 1 HD. Come on Reds!