Day 9
Weather : Sunny
Mood : Wonderful!
League Cup Win!!!
Liverpool finally played a game worthy of mention here. It won the English League Cup on Sunday. Known as the Worthington Cup, it has been ridiculed by many as the Worthless Cup. But seeing Man U fielding its strongest side has shown that such a prize is no longer considered once by many as a waste of time. Given Man U's lack of success in the Premier League, the League Cup is one of its few chances to win any silverware this season. Arsenal is likely to life the Premier League trophy this year while Man U still in contention for the Champions League title is likely to face stiffer foes and falter in the final stages. So much for Man U's doomed season, let me get back to Liverpool's game on Sunday.
Coming from a string of poor (horrific I would say) results, Liverpool looked like it will be coming in for a slaughter by a Man U side just triumphant from a 3 - 0 trashing of one of Europre's finest - Juventus. As a through and trhough Liverpool fan, I shuddered at the prospect of the meeting when Liverpool is at an all time low. At the beginning of the game, Lieverpool's edginess is obvious. But given these 2 clubs history, respect was the word to describe the first 40 minutes of the game. A goal was sorely needed to ignite the game. This was provided by Stevie G when he took a typical long range shot at Man U's goal. The shot looked well covered by Fabien 'The Clown' Barthez till Captain Marvel David Beckam decided to block it with his knee. This proved to be United's undoing as the ball loops over the outstrecthed hands of Barthez. ONE - NIL to LIVERPOOL!!!!
I was whooping with joy after that goal. Once the goal went in, Liverpool started playing real football. While I still think the counter-attacking style employed by Houllier is not that great, at least they are a goal up! After the half-time rest, Man U came out with all cylinders firing! For the first 5 mins of 2nd half, Man U attacked wave after wave. But for heroics by Jerzy 'Quick Hands' Dedek and the solid wall of Henchoz and Hyypia, the day would have been lost. After this initial barrage, Liverpool found the resolve and strength to start going on the offensive itself. As United became desparate in its search for an equaliser, Liverpool became increasing dangerous in its breaks.
Man U's threw caution into the air by attacking Liverpool in all departments leaving huge gaps behind. This proved to be their undoing in the 86th min when Hamann stole the ball from a casual if all too familiar complacent pass from Rio 'Clumsy' Ferdinand. With a simple flick, Owen was released by Hamann to charge through the midfield. Running like the very devils are chasing him, Owen outranned all Man U's defences and struck as clean clinical shot past Barthez for the second goal. LIVERPOOL TWO - MAN U NIL!!!!
This was the final nail in the coffin. Once the goal went in Man U's resolve all but dissolved. It was a great day for the club. If Liverpool could just find this strength and determination in all their games, I would stake my reputation that they would have been in the top 3 positions this year. My only wish is that they do this for the coming matches. Till the next match, I will savour this once uppance against our most hated footballing foes.
You will never walk alone...
