Craig Bellamy, in his second spell with the club he supported as a boy, scores the winning aggregate goal at the Kop End 16 minutes from time, against his former club and manager, Roberto Mancini, he so bitterly fell out with, prolonging Manchester City's 9 year wait for their next victory at Anfield, and setting up a sentimental final against Cardiff, city of birth and another of his former clubs, as Liverpool return to Wembley for the first time in 16 years and attempt to end a trophy drought dating back to 2006.
Phew (catch your breath), the Football Gods could not have scripted it any better.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Carling Cup Semi Finals 2nd Leg: Liverpool v Manchester City
Liverpool hold a 1-0 lead heading into the second leg of their Carling Cup Semi finals match up at home with BPL leaders Manchester City, courtesy of a Steven Gerrard penalty.
This is Anfield and it hasn't been the same this season. The Reds' home form has been anything but spectacular. Sunderland, Swansea, Norwich, Stoke and Blackburn have all taken a point home from Anfield. Though, a draw is all they need tomorrow to book their tickets to Wembley for the first time since the "Spice boys" era in 1996.
However unspectacular their form may have been at Anfield this season, it's interesting to note that since Kenny Dalglish's return, the Reds have only lost once in 23 games at home.
On the other hand, Manchester City haven't won at Anfield for 9 years and they will need to win tomorrow in order to advance.
Liverpool will be missing Luis Suarez while Manchester City will be missing Yaya Toure, Mario Balotelli and Vincent Kompany.
Both teams approach the tie under very different circumstances. Liverpool were pathetic in their 1-3 away defeat at struggling Bolton. Manchester City are still on cloud 9 after their dramatic stoppage time 3-2 win over title rivals Spurs at White Hart Lane.
The Reds were blamed for being distracted by the upcoming cup ties against the Manchester sides. Honestly, we understand why. With the title already out of sight and a top 4 finish increasingly becoming a distant reality, cup success naturally becomes their best chance of winning silverware. Not to mention that Carling Cup success will automatically earn them an express ticket to Europa football next season. We know it's not Champion's League football but at the rate which the Reds are marching on this season, Europa football is better than no European football next season.
This is Anfield and indeed it hasn't been the same but a draw is all they need. For all that has been said, the Prancing Phoenix sticks out our neck for Liverpool to avoid defeat and set up a Liverpool v Cardiff final.
Prediction: Liverpool to avoid defeat and progress
Outcome : 2-2 draw. Reds progress. :)
This is Anfield and it hasn't been the same this season. The Reds' home form has been anything but spectacular. Sunderland, Swansea, Norwich, Stoke and Blackburn have all taken a point home from Anfield. Though, a draw is all they need tomorrow to book their tickets to Wembley for the first time since the "Spice boys" era in 1996.
However unspectacular their form may have been at Anfield this season, it's interesting to note that since Kenny Dalglish's return, the Reds have only lost once in 23 games at home.
On the other hand, Manchester City haven't won at Anfield for 9 years and they will need to win tomorrow in order to advance.
Liverpool will be missing Luis Suarez while Manchester City will be missing Yaya Toure, Mario Balotelli and Vincent Kompany.
Both teams approach the tie under very different circumstances. Liverpool were pathetic in their 1-3 away defeat at struggling Bolton. Manchester City are still on cloud 9 after their dramatic stoppage time 3-2 win over title rivals Spurs at White Hart Lane.
The Reds were blamed for being distracted by the upcoming cup ties against the Manchester sides. Honestly, we understand why. With the title already out of sight and a top 4 finish increasingly becoming a distant reality, cup success naturally becomes their best chance of winning silverware. Not to mention that Carling Cup success will automatically earn them an express ticket to Europa football next season. We know it's not Champion's League football but at the rate which the Reds are marching on this season, Europa football is better than no European football next season.
This is Anfield and indeed it hasn't been the same but a draw is all they need. For all that has been said, the Prancing Phoenix sticks out our neck for Liverpool to avoid defeat and set up a Liverpool v Cardiff final.
Prediction: Liverpool to avoid defeat and progress
Outcome : 2-2 draw. Reds progress. :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)