Anfield
Liverpool kept their Europa League hopes alive with a comprehensive 3-0 win over a lacklustre Manchester City side at Anfield last night.
Man City’s hopes of qualifying for the Champions league next season now hang in the balance after this defeat. But right form the very first whistle Liverpool were hungry for the win and were playing like the team chasing a top four finish. Manchester City had no desire or hunger to win the match and were thoroughly outplayed by the Reds.
Liverpool came out of the blocks very quickly and almost took an early lead when Andy Carroll released strike partner Luis Suarez through on goal, only to see the Uruguayan’s effort brilliantly tipped onto the post by Joe Hart.
Liverpool didn’t need to wait long for their goal however, and it was quite special. A Raul Meireles shot was blocked by Vincent Kompany and it fell beautifully at the feet of Andy Carroll who lashed in his first goal for the club with his left foot, giving Hart no chance in the just the 13th minute of the game.
City then lost Carlos Tevez to what appeared to be a hamstring injury and is now a real doubt for their FA Cup semi-final against Manchester United on Saturday.
Liverpool were boosted by this and had the bit between their teeth and were dominating the match, especially in midfield with Lucas and Jay Spearing bossing things. The second goal arrived inevitably and after a wave of Liverpool attacks and several blocks by the City backline the ball fell kindly for Dirk Kuyt who beautifully guided the ball into the far corner beyond the outstretched hand of Hart.
Liverpool were determined not to rest on their laurels and didn’t want to allow City to relax and the third goal arrived just a minute later. Raul Meireles sent in a teasing cross form the left and it was met with a powerful header by Andy Carroll, his second goal of the game.
The second half was just about domination for Liverpool and they could’ve made it four on a few occasions, the best chances falling to Suarez and Carroll, who nearly completed a hat-trick but narrowly headed over.
City never threatened Pepe Reina’s goal and never looked like scoring and their travelling fans must have some serious words for their team after this terrible showing. City have not won away from home since a boxing day win at Newcastle and with an FA Cup semi-final against bitter rivals Man United at the weekend City know they must improve and quick.
But for Liverpool the future looks a bit brighter and if Carroll and Suarez continue to play like this, they will prove to be a real handful for Premier League defenders.
By Tariq Saleh