I REMEMBER way back at the beginning of the season – when Liverpool played Stoke City in September – Steven Gerrard found the net from a beautifully angled free kick only for the goal to be farcical disallowed by linesman Andre Marriner’s “offside” decision.
Every time that decision flashes in my mind I cringe.
Had it stood, that goal would’ve been Steven Gerrard’s 100th for Liverpool (he would go on to score his century a week later); would’ve allowed the Reds to take all 3 points – if the game were to be played out in identical fashion – and would’ve seen a much closer, and much tighter title race than the one that’s going on now.
“Nobody knows why Steven’s goal was disallowed. The referee told (Carragher) that he – and not the linesman – disallowed the goal but I don’t think he knows why. With the position the referee was in, how could he disallow it? It was unbelievable and we have to talk about it because it was a key decision”, Reds manager Rafael Benitez told reporters after the match.
Had Marriner’s flag stayed down, Liverpool would be 2 points clear of Manchester United at the top of the Barclays Premier League table, and seemingly on their way to their first premiership title in 19 years.
But football is a game of ifs and buts.
Liverpool had 27 shots-on-goal that day, compared to a trio of shots from Stoke, and really should’ve scored another. Liverpool should’ve beaten Fulham at home in November, and likewise West Ham in December. They were costly draws that will most likely see Manchester United, if they don’t let it slip like they did on Saturday against Fulham, win a third consecutive title.
There are still 8 games left for Rafa’s Reds to catch and overtake Manchester United to the top of the table, with the toughest test set for Arsenal at Anfield on April 21.
Jamie Carragher, speaking to LiverpoolFC.TV, believes Sunday’s comprehensive 5-0 victory over Aston Villa has sent out a warning to Liverpool’s title rivals.
“This will have sent a message out to United and Chelsea,” said Carragher. “Let’s not kid ourselves; they would have been watching the game.
“When you play Real Madrid and Manchester United and score so many goals, you know in the back of your mind that can’t happen every week so to set five against Villa was a magnificent achievement.
“If we had dropped points against Villa, United’s defeat against Fulham wouldn’t have made that much of a difference but we’ve capitalised on it.
“Now United will realise they are in a fight for the league.”