It has been a while but Liverpool can begin to visualize a cup final at Wembley once again. Many have understandably urged caution against assuming the job is done but a 1-0 away win and a second leg at Anfield to come mean the odds are now firmly stacked in Liverpool’s favor to reach their first cup final for almost five years.
When these two-played last week at the same ground, Liverpool went behind to a soft goal before being made to look ineffective against a resolute City defense. Last night the reverse was true.
Once Gerrard calmly converted a penalty courtesy of an inexplicable Savic tackle, Liverpool were disciplined and aside from a few hairy moments comfortably kept a lackluster City at bay. The absence of Silva, Kompany and Toure made things a whole lot easier but Liverpool would still have anticipated a tougher test. In the second half Liverpool were content to implement Catenaccio tactics to see the job through. The most improved aspect of team under Dalglish is the defense that is beginning to look every bit as miserly as it was under Benitez.
From the outset Dalglish has treated the Carling cup with the utmost respect by regularly fielding strong sides and his plan has almost reached fruition. As long as they avoid defeat in two weeks time they will be through to Wembley and are guaranteed to face a championship team. The path to end a trophy drought stretching back 2006 is almost clear and Red fans can almost smell the hallowed turf.
You expect City to pose more searching questions in a fortnight but the fact remains they will still be shorn of their two towering leaders in the form of Toure and Kompany. The extent of Silva’s injury is as yet unclear although judging by Mancini`s comments he should be available for the return leg. His presence alone should galvanize the team but Liverpool will confident either way of completing the mission.
In any case City will have to overcome a febrile Anfield crowd and there is no place in English football like Anfield on a cup night. The fans will come expecting the right result and you can bet Dalglish will send his team out charged and ready to withstand any City assault.
The belligerent words of the returning Gerrard when he essentially accused Mancini of hypocrisy (in truth a little unfairly) hinted at the strengthened resolve the squad now have. The captain has always had it and his return could not be timelier.
As an attacking force Liverpool were not particularly impressive with Carroll disappointing again and Bellamy subdued but all that matters is the result. Gerrard said we might see more fireworks from his team in a fortnight but bigger celebrations could be around the corner.
N.B- Johnson tackle on Lescott was a straight card by an interpretation of the rules. Why he felt the need to go in two footed near the end of the game only he knows but he can consider himself fortunate he had a lenient referee. The tackle itself was worse than the one Kompany committed as both feet played a key part in the challenge. He may have got the ball cleanly but that type of tackle could have caused serious damage if it were mistimed. Mancini has a right to question the decision although his ill-timed comments were borne out frustration due to his side’s unfavorable result.
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