Robin Van Persie’s very late winner at the Anfield Road end during the Saturday Lunchtime encounter between Liverpool and Arsenal has perhaps delivered the knockout blow to the former’s hopes of claiming a much needed return to the Champions League. The winner was a predictable ending to the game which had reflected Liverpool’s season – numerous chances, clear cut ones at that, but the Reds were simply not clinical enough.
The game featured desperately good chances for Liverpool consistently throughout the match. Kuyt hit the post, as did Suarez with the goal gaping before him and Martin Kelly then remarkably missed his kick with the Kop preparing to erupt. All this coming after a sixth penalty miss of the season when the usually reliable Kuyt had his spot kick and resulting rebound saved from the impressive Szczesny.
Arsenal on the other hand failed to replicate their vibrant second half performance against Tottenham a week ago. Yossi Benayoun and Tomas Rosicky who were suprisingly impressive in the 5-2 victory appeared to the return to their norm of disappointing performances as both men appeared anonymous. Arsenal’s sluggish performance made the result a public example of daylight robbery as the Liverpool side was left to rue their profligacy in front of goal.
The game was decided by two moments of flawless finishing we have grown accustomed to by an unstoppable Dutchman named Robin. Van Persie was left isolated up front but was still able to finish the two chances that came his way unlike Suarez and Liverpool who despite the constant creation of chances can’t seem to finish off any sides at Anfield.
The game in truth reflected Liverpool’s season especially when playing at home. They have missed too many opportunities to close the gap on Chelsea and Arsenal and simply don’t deserve a European date with the elite. A win, the victory they deserved, would have taken them to within 4 points of Arsene Wenger’s men with a game extra to play and therefore presenting Liverpool with a golden opportunity, but unsurprisingly they didn’t take it. The energetic duo of Jordan Henderson and Dirk Kuyt buzzed around Luis Suarez but still no end product was produced meaning the Anfield faithful were left to trudge home feeling frankly suicidal. A feeling they have felt far too many times this season, a season featuring home draws with Swansea, Norwich and Blackburn.
The Carling Cup victory brought much optimism to Anfield with thoughts that the silverware could act as a stepping stone to propel them into the fourth and final qualification spot. However that optimism seems to be fully extinguished now as Liverpool must react quickly to resuscitate their season, a season that perhaps will hinge on the FA cup. Anything less than another trophy in the cabinet this season and the reds campaign will perhaps be deemed as a disappointing one.
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As I have said for a long time, LFC are light years from winning the league and it looks as though this season I am correct again in saying LFC will not get 4th place. Kenny has wasted like Rafa a great deal on rubbish and it is glaringly obvious as usual. People need to wake up that kenny is out of touch and LFC are lacking alot more players than people think.
I think tron is wrong here in saying this, Dalglish has done well this season, I just think the expectations were too high for him, in order for people to see that he has done well. Arsene for example has done this for numerous years yet people still have faith in him. Maybe Liverpool just are not the club they used to be.
I agree 100 % , KD is out of his depth, we will not make 4 th spot , unless KD can prove us all wrong, i cannot see us playing Champions league next season as long we have Carra & Hendo playing
I can respect your opinion Johnc but I am sorry to say but alot of fans live in dream land. LFC are barely a cup team, yes we won the carling or what ever its called, but only just barely. The fact is when a manager spends money the club/fans etc do expect alot. We are after all supposedly talking about a big club in LFC. Look at the chelsea manager, high expectations, didnt deliver and got the sack. Some might argue it was too quick but the same thing happen to Roy. LFC have for many years wasted far to much money and it has been costly. For years LFC have not bought the right players, still no natural high quality wingers, over reliant on a couple players etc. The problem with LFC is there isnt many high quality players or managers LFC could attract or afford. The only good thing out of this is the endless winning bets I make from going against the majority.
With Arsenal things are a little different in the fact that they have just built a new stadium so the investment in players is not going to be there like people think. If LFC had a new stadium to build do you honestly think there would be money to blow each year? LFC would need to find 400+ million which know one would lend, not to mention they cant compete in the champions league etc so how could they pay the loan and buy players? The management know this which is why nothing has been spoken about on the stadium front.
Arsenal might be suffering a little now but as long as they continue to stay in the Champs league and bring in that extra revenue to pay their stadium costs down they will have a much better financial model and able to compete further down the line. LFC will still be stuck where they are or worse.