What a match it was. Liverpool ran onto the field knowing that the ultimate prize was well within reach. They left City for dead with two quick goals and attacking play that kept the guests wondering for most of the first half. Sterling showed immense composure and scored the opening goal of the match, selling the hugest dummy to centre field turning and, having caught the City defenders and goal keeper off guard, fired it in with ease. 20 minutes later a Gerrard corner kick found Skrtel's head and in went number 2. Liverpool dominated the first half with purposed and swift attacking play, while smothering City's every move. Half-time score, 2-0 to Liverpool.
The second half saw a complete reversal of roles as Manchester City started attacking with ferocity, seeking retribution for the first half and trying to keep their title hopes afloat. 2 goals just 6 minutes apart from a fired-up David Silva saw the scores tied with half an hour to go. Man City looked the better team at that moment as Liverpool seemed to have come out to defend their lead rather than build on it. City dominated a large part of the second half, making one wonder if Liverpool would be able to regroup after the onslaught. Great leadership from Gerrard saw the hosts find their rhythm again and on the attack they went once more. Coutinho, who looked brilliant the entire game, scored after City's failed attempt at clearing their goal. 3-2 Liverpool. This is how it stayed until the end time whistle.
It was an emotional day at Ansfield, remembering the Hillsborough tragedy of 25 years ago when 96 Liverpool fans lost their lives. The atmosphere was electric and the air filled with the songs and chants of the fans. Even the commentators were in awe. The fans played their part. The players added theirs. Sturridge was fantastic, Sakho was immovable in defense. Sterling and Coutinho were brilliant, as was Flanagan. Skrtel was fired up and looked like a hungry vampire, Mignolet showed the surety of an Oliver Kahn and Steven Gerrard seemed to have transcended his own greatness. One writer asked if Gerrard had super powers, such was the intensity out on the pitch.
I was absolutely thrilled at how this match turned out. My first game of soccer in many years, and I was not disappointed. Liverpool all the way!
