Liverpool
Football Club, how you continue to destroy my health….
The
home side were far from their best on the night, and in actual fact were quite
poor for the most part. However, Stoke weren’t too bright themselves, and Mark
Hughes may just be rueing the fact that he left Xherdan Shaqiri on the bench
from the outset.
This
narrative being spun by journalists and pundits that Stoke deserved their win
in regulation time with the solitary goal, which was incorrectly ruled onside
and by margins where a Sunday league linesman would have flagged, is rather
interesting. For as long as I can remember, a “good effort” shouldn’t mask poor
officiating to the point where commentators become more relaxed in their
critique. Unless I’m reading a rulebook which fell from Noah’s Ark, I didn’t
think such things were written in the bylaws? The whole attitude of “it was
marginally offside, but Stoke played well and deserved their win on the night”
doesn’t hold water with me and, if anything, questions any impartiality the said
commentator(s) might have.
If
brutal honesty has a seat at the table then Liverpool should have put the tie
to bed at the Britannia Stadium three weeks earlier. In any case, any narrative
involving the officials was thankfully quashed by the better side prevailing over
two legs of football.
Special
praise needs to be guided Simon Mignolet and Joe Allen’s way. The unsung heroes
got Liverpool over the line tonight. It’s well documented that the big Belgian
has had his problems this season, however it was nice to see him prosper in
this moment. As for the man known as the “Welsh Xavi”. Good things seem to
happen when Joe Allen takes his place on the pitch. His cool finish from the penalty spot ensured the
Redmen continue their path to potential cup glory. Yes, Jurgen Klopp’s men are
off to Wembley!
By Simon K.
No comments:
Post a Comment