Liverpool’s must-win clash

Friday, 03/02/2012

by Lewis Cox, Shoot's Liverpool blogger

After that traumatic, gut-wrenchingly poor defeat against Bolton at the Reebok, Kenny Dalglish called for a big week, told his players they weren’t good enough – that they needed to step it up.

Boy did he get a response.

In knocking out the Premier League Leaders to reach their first Wembley final for 16 years, netting a last-gasp winner at The Kop end to stuff Manchester United out of The FA Cup and rounding it off with three precious League points – it is fair to say the Anfield feel-good factor has swiftly returned.

The Manchester City League Cup second leg gave Kopites that reminiscent feeling of Champions League knockout nights a few years back, Juventus and Chelsea spring to mind.

At times like that, there’s no other Stadium or supporters quite like it in the world. For me, the opportunity handed to the likes of Pepe Reina, Daniel Agger, Martin Skrtel and Dirk Kuyt who have provided Liverpool with so much loyalty and service to pick up their first winners' medals as Liverpool footballers is something quite special. Craig Bellamy was magnificent, he really has shown he had unfinished business for us – quite a superb free transfer.

The United game was different, it had that cutting edge, with the media presenting it as something of a grudge match. How would the sets of fans behave? Would Patrice Evra start? United dominated possession, we took our chances. With refreshingly promising effort and commitment from big Andy Carroll up top and the weight of the world lifted off Dirk Kuyt’s shoulder as he smashed home the last minute winner at The Kop end.

The fact that ITV kept flashing Luis Suarez and his daughter with her Liverpool scarf in the crowd was also a nice little addition.

The drawback was the moronic fan who decided to get out his seat and direct a monkey impression of Patrice Evra. That needs to be forgotten – each club has its little collection of idiotic supporters – let’s just hope this one gets booted out of Anfield once and for all.

I’m sure I was not alone in thinking after the dream-like cup week we may well be bought back to earth with a sickening bump on Tuesday night down at Molineux.

Chelsea were held on the same night away to Swansea whilst Arsenal could only managed a point at Bolton the following night - our three points really were massive. It was fantastic to see Carroll get a goal, and with Kuyt notching up his 50th Premier League strike for the club. It was an all-round appeasing night.

Don’t mention it too loudly, but now only a mere four points off that fourth spot and a certain forward due to return next game, things appear well on the up.

One thing’s for sure, Monday’s Tottenham game is fundamental and only a win will suffice.

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