After Leicester were the latest team to fall to Manchester City after Liverpool fans had built up a crazy level of hope in them, Liverpool headed into the last day of the season needing a miracle. Anfield, was a vibrant with the visit of Wolverhampton Wanderers, despite Liverpool not having lost at home in two years, it was always going to be a tricky fixture. Liverpool would have loved Wolves to be playing their title rivals Manchester City, who were away at goal shy Brighton.
Anfield was rocking and Liverpool took the lead through Sadio Mane in the 17th minute, after another cut back from Trent Alexander Arnold who registered his 11th, yes 11th assist of the season in the league, amazing numbers from him. Andy Robertson, also has 11 assists showing how important Liverpool's full backs are when they attack. Liverpool, were on the way to doing what they needed, which was win, they needed a favour however from Brighton, and noise started to reverberate around Anfield. Liverpool fans thought that Brighton had scored and this seemed to affect the players, as Wolves started to come into the game more. It was later found out though however, that the rumour of Brighton scoring was started by Wolves fans, thinking obviously that it would be humorous. Brighton, then did actually take an unexpected lead against Manchester City through a Glenn Murray header. Was it happening? Were Liverpool going to win their first league title since 1990? I myself started to get palpitations, we were nearly there. In literal terms the goal had actually come too early, if Brighton were really going to win or draw this game, they needed to score later, they were probably unlikely to hold on to the lead. This was to be the case, as the lead did not even last 80 seconds and City levelled through the usual suspect Sergio Aguero. A draw was not the end of the world, as this would still give Liverpool the league, if they hung on in their game. The Liverpool hope took a huge knock in the 38th minute as Aymeric Laporte headed in from a corner. At the end of the first half, Lewis Dunk almost scored from a free kick for Brighton, and this gave a glimmer of hope that they could do something.
The second period ended up being a formality, to the disappointment of the Liverpool faithful as City's win proved to be elementary with two further second half goals from Riyad Mahrez and Ilkay Gundogan. Liverpool, added a second in their game, as Alexander-Arnold assisted again and Mane grabbed a brace. It was not be enough, Wolves were unlucky not to score themselves, as they were the better side for the last 50 minutes of the game. Liverpool, can be proud of what they have done this season, but it is heartbreaking to think that they have only lost one league match this season and they have come up a point short. Just goes to show you how phenomenal this Man City team is that Pep has guided, to finish the season with 13 straight wins.
If we were to knit pick Liverpool, can look back at the draw at home to Leicester in January after Newcastle had done them a huge favour and beat Man City the day before. Harry Maguire could have seen red for Leicester in this match and Sadio Mane missed a good chance after opening the scoring, Leicester did merit a point with their performance however. They then drew the next game also, which was away at West Ham, the Hammers could have taken all three points in this one, so Liverpool were grateful here, and the goal Liverpool scored through Mane should have been ruled out for offside anyway.
The two draws that really stand out were the ones away at Manchester United and Everton, in late February and early March. United, were a wounded animal, they had to make three early substitutions and Liverpool could only manage a goalless draw. The Reds seemed content with taking the point at Old Trafford, rather than try and take the game to their great rivals. In the Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park, Mo Salah, had two good opportunities that he did not take, Sadio Mane had a decent chance too, and Liverpool again only managed a goalless draw. A small part of me personally gave up after the Leicester draw, but it is the continued hope that kills you. It is crazy that a team that only lost one match, can have any form of criticism. At the end of the day, City were just the better team overall, despite losing three more games, as infuriating as that is for the Liverpool faithful. To amass 97 points and not win the league is unreal, there's not many other words that you can use really. It is going to take something extraordinary to beat Pep Guardiola's team, it will be hard to gain this many points next term, and it will be interesting to see what Liverpool do this summer to try and surpass City.
Liverpool not winning the Champions League Final has become unthinkable now...if they do not succeed in Madrid then goodness knows how us fans will cope.
@DubulDee
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