Background
On the 22nd June 2020, Liverpool played Everton at Goodison Park, two wins away from their first Premier league title ever and their first domestic league title in 30 years. The game was played post Covid 19 lockdown – 100 days since the last game – without any supporters. The game ended up being a dour 0-0 draw…
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First there was expectancy, then there was relief. Liverpool dominated the possession in the match until the latter stages when Everton really should have taken the points. Since joining Everton, Carlo Ancelotti has shown that he is still one of the best managers in the world. Once again, his tactics nullified this great Liverpool team as he had done in his previous role as manager of Napoli. It can be argued that this was a greater achievement as this was a less mature team with a mixture of young players, journeymen footballers and misfits. To be disciplined within the lines of Italian mythology was a great tribute to both the team and the manager. If Everton can keep Carlo happy there, he will eventually turn them into a top four club.
Moving to the other side of Merseyside, Liverpool had one of their key attacking players, a left back, in Andy Robertson missing and of course the brilliant Mo Salah. Liverpool generally take time getting into their stride after mid-season breaks as has been shown in recent seasons. However, despite all this, they still had better rhythm out of all the teams this weekend except of course Manchester City. The reality is that Liverpool will more than likely have to get something at the Etihad to complete their title mission – if they want to celebrate in the outgoing champions home ground. It is also true that Liverpool are drama queens. Last year’s champions league final was an anomaly – normally, they like great comebacks, last minute winners or penalty shootouts. That is why the neutral has a soft spot for them. The drama they have created over the years – no script writer – even from Hollywood – could have imagined.
So, what will happen now? Well, hopefully, Manchester City will win against Burnley and Chelsea, Liverpool beat Palace and then we go to the Etihad. Liverpool will need a point to win the title as this will mean Man City have dropped two at the same time. But how do they get that point? Maybe a last-minute equaliser from the Virj? A disallowed offside goal in the last minute or an Allison header in injury time. We can be as creative as we want here, however, we all know in our hearts something special will happen – let’s take a deep breath and enjoy that moment when it comes.
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