Yesterday the Gods smiled on us at Stamford Bridge, where Chelsea edged out Spurs in what turned out to be a tense and unentertaining encounter. The Blues recovered from a goal down, but both goals were marred by controversy. In the first instance the ball had not gone completely over the line, and in the second Kalou was quite clearly in an offside position. This means Spurs are now just three points ahead and the goal average is quite comfortably in favour of the Reds. The tide has turned in our favour and it’s up to us to make the most of it.
The Reds now have to face four tests which will determine their final table position, and more importantly, whether they will feature in Europe next season. With both Clubs having four games left, the Reds’ trickiest fixture, in my view, is the away game to Fulham which really seem to have hit their stride in recent weeks. Spurs on the other hand, face relegations strugglers Blackpool and relegation zone newcomers Birmingham at home, and Liverpool and Man City away. The prospects look positive; it’s basically all in our hands now! It’s very likely that his predicament will be settled at the 15th May showdown at Anfield where we will host Spurs in what may become a 5th place decider.
Today’s game against Newcastle has its perils. The Toons have lost only one game more than us, and have scored two goals less, but they have a much higher number of draws compared to us. Liverpudlians Kevin Nolan (this season club top scorer) and Joey Barton will strive to shine at Anfield, while Jose Enrique (the most utlilized Newcastle player this season and a renowned Liverpool transfer target) will try to persuade Dalglish that he is the man for that much maligned left-back position. Flanagan will have a tough afternoon containing Jonas Guitierrez. Hopefully, Andy Carroll will play some part in the proceedings and contribute towards a very important and much needed victory.
More than seeking revenge for the 3-1 defeat sustained in December at St.James’s Park, the Reds need to produce another tactically intelligent and passionately intense display to climb to fifth, and Kenny will be eager to extend our unbeaten home run under his reign to ten games. Another important milestone will be Jamie Carragher’s 665th game for the Reds which will soon see him become the second player to have played most games for the Reds in the Clubs history. Congratulations Jamie and thank you for being such a loyal and passionate servant to the Club we love.
Good luck Reds, make us proud!