Our final home game of the 07/08 season was played out while most of us were still hurting and disappointed with the lost at the UEFA Champion’s League semi-finals. Some felt worried not knowing if the boys were in the right frame of mind to play in this rather meaningless fixture as we have already secured the final spot for next season’s UCL. Thankfully, the Gaffer did not allow this to happen as the boys resumed their normal service.The Man City road show came to Anfield and with our very own soap opera still on primetime, most Reds will sympathize with the City’s travelling support. Their show of support for Sven Goran Eriksson - a boyhood Red and their discontent with Thaksin; who was linked with taking over LFC, is clear and plain to see.
Our new home kit for the coming season made its debut in this match and it looks rather “retro” and simple. That was probably the highlight of the 1st half as what played out in the first 45 minutes, was an uninspired and at times looked tired performance from the boys(unsurprising, after playing a tough and long match in a rain soak pitch 3 days earlier). The Anfield crowd was silent and it was the City fans that filled the air with their tribute to Eriksson – their very own version of “Another Brink in The Wall” by Pink Floyd. Captain Marvel – Gerrard did managed to force a spectacular save from Hart in the 32nd minute: his curled shot that was heading for the far post was saved by the keeper’s finger tips.
The match and the crowd sparked to life in the 56th minute after the break when our golden boy – Torres, took advantage of some sloppy play from Ball to slot home his 23rd goal in the EPL (tied with van Nistelrooy for the record of scoring the most goals in a debut season by a foreign player and equaled “Sir” Roger Hunt’s 46 years old record of scoring in 8 consecutive home games). Numerous chances went begging later for Kuyt - who hit the post with his header, Babel – who sent his shot to row Z from 6 yards out and Lucas - who sent his spectacular overhead kick straight to the arms of Hart.In a season overshadowed by the turmoil in the boardroom, the team has managed to gather their 3rd highest total points in the EPL – 73 points with a match to go and the 2nd highest total number of goals scored in Anfield – 79 goals. The dynamic duo of Torres and Gerrard scored a total of 53 goals with 4 other Reds on double digit totals. Who would bet against “El Nino” equaling Albert Stubin’s record of the highest number of goals in a debut season – 25 goals or breaking the record he is currently tied with van Nistelrooy in the match aginst Spurs?
Lastly, questions remain on the faith of Riise, Penant and Crouch. I for one wouldn’t be surprised with the outcome during the summer silly season. My only concern is for Alonso, whom I still hold in very high regards even though this has been a lackluster season of sorts from him. Things are definitely looking up from the reserve team – Plesis and Insua will definitely feature next season. I’m already exited by the taught of new exciting players heading our way…… and the season still has a game to go!
Goals: Torres (58) 1-0.Liverpool (4-5-1): Reina; Finnan, Hyypia, Carragher, Insua; Kuyt, Mascherano, Gerrard (Voronin, 77), Lucas (Alonso, 73), Babel (Benayoun, 67); Torres. Substitutes not used: Itandje (gk), Skrtel.
Manchester City (4-4-2): Hart; Sun Jihai, Dunne, Corluka, Ball; Vassell (Garrido, 81), Ireland, Johnson, Petrov (Castillo, 66); Elano (Hamann, 66); Benjani. Substitutes not used: Isakson (gk), Fernandes.
Referee: M Halsey (Lancashire).
Man of the match: Torres
Attendance: 43,074
Attendance: 43,074
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