Everyone remembers that slip at Anfield, barely two weeks after Steven Gerrard proclaimed to his teammates “we do not let this slip.” That mistake cost Liverpool’s legendary former captain his final shot at winning his first and only Premier League. But eight years later, he has a chance at redemption, albeit not in the capacity he would expect. This time, it’s as manager of Aston Villa. That’s because his side travel to the Etihad on the final game of the season knowing that if they can manage to scrape a result, that will more than likely lead to the title resting at Anfield. Online bookmakers such as Betway, who are offering free bets on Premier League football, still have Manchester City as the favourites to defend the crown they won last season, their fourth in five years. But Gerrard will be hoping he will be able to do the club that adores him so much one last favour.
The Quadruple
If Liverpool are to wrestle the prize away from Pep Guardiola’s men, it will take an almighty effort. City’s recent 2-2 draw away at West Ham – in which they came from 2-0 down at halftime to draw level – has opened the door for the side chasing a famous quadruple. And who better to try and assist them in their quest than Gerrard, who appeared for the Anfield club over 700 times, scoring 185 goals and lifting every trophy available to him, except the big one – the Premier League. Now, he finally gets his chance, and a chance to right the wrong of that painful 2-0 defeat at home to Chelsea in 2014, which derailed his final title push and handed the trophy to City on a platter.
Running Interference
It is a more than interesting subplot to an already fascinating title race. Hardly anything splits the pair as we reach our apex, however, it is the reigning champions who currently hold a slender advantage. That could all change though if Gerrard’s Aston Villa – who on paper have nothing to play for – can turn up and spoil the party at the Etihad. Klopp’s Reds, who have already secured the League Cup and FA cup, as well as having a Champions League final against Real Madrid on the horizon, could become the first team in English football history to complete the quadruple. And once again, just as he has been so many times in the past, Steven Gerrard could be the protagonist.
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