Liverpool booked their place in the Carling Cup final against Cardiff City with a 2 – 2 draw at Anfield against Manchester City in the second leg of the semi-final after winning 0 – 1 in Manchester two weeks ago. As seems to be par for the course for Liverpool, they made hard work for themselves having to come from behind to clinch their place in the final on the 26th February.
Manchester City drew first blood taking the lead in the 31st minute, Nigel De Jong unleashed a rocket from 20 yards from out of nowhere completely against the run of play. Liverpool’s Craig Bellamy put the ball in the back of the net in the 24th minute but it was disallowed for offside!
Liverpool drew level in the 41st minute from the penalty spot, Micah Richards was judged to have handled the ball in the area and Steven Gerrard made no mistake in converting the spot kick, placing the ball in the bottom left as Joe Hart stood rooted in the centre of his goal. Although I’d say that Liverpool were fortunate to be awarded a penalty as replays clearly show that it was ball to hand; coming off the defender’s foot, a very bad decision from match referee, Phil Dowd!
City retook the lead in the 67th minute with another goal against the run of play, Edin Dzeko netting from close range. But Liverpool were not going to be denied their day at Wembley, Craig Bellamy levelling the scores in the 74th minute from 15 yards after heroics from City keeper Joe Hart. The Manchester City goalkeeper put in a fantastic performance, stopping multiple shots before the goal eventually came. I believe Joe Hart to be the best keeper in English football!
Liverpool have to be favourites to take the Carling Cup this season, but nothing can be taken for granted given Liverpool’s patchy season, we just have to look at the performance against Bolton Wanderers last weekend, the Liverpool squad showed a lack of respect and paid the price!
Finally, a quick word about Craig Bellamy, what an amazing player, easily the best signing of the season, never stops working, constantly running and chasing balls and finds the back of the net often beating defenders with his pace, best of all, he was a free transfer, a great piece of business by Kenny Dalglish to recognise the talent and what he could bring to Liverpool FC!
Tomorrow, there’s another cup tie, this time against the red side of Manchester, United will be a tougher prospect, City had a number of their best players either suspended or injured. Of course being a Liverpool fan, I hope that we give the Mancs a good stuffing tomorrow afternoon!