Delight for Liverpool, Misery for Manchester City

Carroll brace helps Liverpool rout Manchester City

I sat down to write a post about Chelsea's game against Manchester United the next day and I realize, there's a game tonight. Liverpool vs Manchester City. And could I miss this one, definitely not.

As a neutral enjoying this one was so much fun. No pressure when a goal was scored and when a chance was missed. It was the Red's who broke their shackles eventually wrapping up the game by a 3 goals scored in the first half courtesy Andy Carroll and Dirk Kuyt and treating me to some fine display of football.

Considered to be the one of the fiercest strike partnerships in England following their move to Anfield this January, a lot is still being expected from Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez and neither one of them are ready to disappoint. Both of them are in their infancy at Liverpool playing their 4th and 6th game respectively and Suarez has already been among goals. And it was Carroll's turn to prove that he worth each penny paid by Liverpool, the most expensive British's footballer of all time. And it took just about 13 minutes for him to open his Liverpool account after Meireles strike was blocked by Kompany, a ripping low half volley went past Joe Hart who had no chance to stop it. What a sweet strike!! On the other hand Manchester City's problems compounded when Tevez left the field with what seems to be a hamstring which might keep him out of the FA cup semifinal clash against Manchester United.

Liverpool kept up the pace and were again rewarded when their persistence to keep the ball even in the crowded opposition box paid off when Kuyt slid in a low finish, despite several blocks by the City defenders off Liverpool players, making it 2-0. This would have delighted Dalglish and compounded Mancini's problems. And even before City could realize the poor state they were in, a left wing cross by Meireles was headed in by classic Carroll beyond Joe Hart. It took only 94 seconds for Liverpool to score their 3rd after they had scored their 2nd and by now Mancini must have been scratching his head, realizing that come May, he might be sacked.

2nd half was more of attack and defend for Man City while Liverpool kept moving forward in search of the 4th goal. It was only some alert goal keeping by Joe Hart which prevented Liverpool from scoring more goals. David Silva came in for James Milner on 58' and it was difficult to understand what purpose Mancini was serving by having Silva on the bench and substituting Milner who by far was a better player on the night. 90 minutes didn't come at a better time for Man City as they were defeated by only 3 goals.

Carroll was outstanding and so was the whole Liverpool team. They showed great character to comeback from last week's defeat against West Bromich Albion. The fans were seen backing the players each time they touched the ball especially young John Flanagan who made his first team debut playing at right back helping his team keep a clean sheet and was impressive throughout the game. On the other hand for Manchester City when the whole team tries to do their best there is one guy who can undo all the good work. Mario Balotelli, the 20 year old bad boy who is in a team which wants to win, and play at the highest level. His work ethics, his discipline are non-existent and he playing along with a player of Tevez's class who gives his 100% all the time is a shame. When at Inter Mourinho said that he didn't want this bloke around the sidelines too. The Special One also said: "The guy has incredible qualities, but sometimes does not know how to use his brain." Such comments can only make one realize that this guy is not gonna help any team unless he learns to use his talent in the right way.

Liverpool were rampant while the result could be damaging to Manchester City's European dreams. With Tottenham in sniffing distance the game against Spurs at the fag end of the season could be yet another 4th place decider just like last season where Spur's nicked City to play in the Europe where they have gone a long way. For under-pressure Mancini these seem to be the last two months in England and his exit seems inevitable following City's failure to meet the ambitious expectations of the club's Arab owners. Even a win over bitter rivals Manchester United in the FA cup semis doesn't seem to guarantee a safe haven in England. Time to pack your bags, Mr Mancini and time for Liverpool to reward Dalglish with a permanent deal. Shouldn't be far away!!!