Liverpool’s demolition of Manchester City on Monday night shows there’s still life in the old Liver bird.
The Reds dominated in all areas of the game last night with impressive performances from Andy Carroll and youngster John Flanagan.
A big injury list at Liverpool threatened to derail Kenny Dalglish’s rebuilding project. However Flanagan with Carragher at his side showed skill and quality beyond his years, but most importantly the full back kept a cool head throughout his Liverpool debut. He looked like he had always been a part of the back four.
Liverpool are far from being the finished product but last night they showed signs that they are moving in the right direction. They hustled and pressured City all over the park. The performance resembled Liverpool in the Champions League. Their desire for victory was clear they showed no fear and played some fantastic football at times.
Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll’s link up play was good and Carroll finally started to stand up to his expensive price tag. Both showed a great work rate as they got back and helped out in midfield when they needed too.
Another positive for Liverpool was Jay Spearing. Last night was defiantly his best performance for Liverpool. He will never be at the level of a Xabi Alonso or a Mascherano but his passion and will to do well in a red shirt is clearer than ever. A recent run in the first team has doubled his confidence. Spearing looks twice the player he first was when he came into the Liverpool first team. It’s clear his positioning, awareness, touch and passing are all better.
Liverpool’s performance last night continued to show the work of Dalglish and the rest of the backroom staff as Liverpool’s movement, passing and pressing caused City many difficulties. The shackles have been taken off Liverpool and they are running free because of it. After years and years of pundits and journalists saying Liverpool relay too much on Steven Gerrard it was refreshing to see the side flourish in his absence.
There is still work to be done. Liverpool will need a couple of signings in the summer not only to bolster the team but to keep the likes of Pepe Reina happy. Reina is crucial to Liverpool’s progress. Look at the issues Arsenal have had between the sticks. It could be argued that if Reina was in goal for Arsenal this season they would win the league this season.
Liverpool are crying out for a winger. With Suarez doing all the leg work and Carroll and unstoppable force in the air the Reds need a player that can put a top quality ball into the box. Liverpool’s wings haven’t had a quality player since Steve McManaman left for Madrid in 1999.
All in all Liverpool displayed the confidence and performance they need to. They have progressed a great deal under Dalglish and showing all the signs that the Liver bird will be fighting it out next season for a top four finish.
