Liverpool started their defence of the FA Cup by mostly pegging down their opponents Arsenal into their own half, however the waves of attacks were constructed more in hopefulness rather than assertiveness which led to the surrender of the oldest cup in the world in a sombre 3-1 reversal at home.
What Liverpool surrendered on the pitch though was resurrected in the Kop. The fans group Reclaim the Kop finally made their mark in the Kop and across the globe as they made themselves heard and seen. The first six minutes were dedicated to the ninety-six souls that never got back and whilst a mosaic of 'The Truth' was placed, the whole Kop and most of the other three stands at Anfield incessantly cried 'Justice for the 96!'
It brought the attention of most media hacks reporting at Anfield, and humiliated McKenzie's name. I am not sure how McKenzie was affected, as I am not even sure whether this human being has even got feelings but what is sure that both Wenger and Henry were moved by the show of passion and was confirmed in their post-match interviews.
The first big surprise of the evening was not the resurrection of the Kop. We all know that when Kopites gather and decide that a particular night has to be etched in the memories of the witnesses the passion will just arise to the fore. Rather than that, it was the inclusion of Dudek over Reina. It would be cruel to blame the aimable Pole for the reversal but the deep-down feeling I am carrying this morning is that he should have done better in one of the first two goals. Having said that, the once Houllier target Rosicky was afforded too much time and space to compose himself and test his shooting boots.
Kuyt's goal was the least the lad deserved for his marauding all over the pitch. Rather than scant consolation, the goal gave hope, though only to be undone in twelve minutes by their captain and let's face it one of the classiest players around. Carragher won his sprint with Henry and his will to economise on time as much as possible prevented him from booting the ball into the stands and gift Henry a rather untroubled trip to Dudek's goal.
The contest will be replayed as soon as next Tuesday, albeit under different circumstances, different cup and probably with different personnel. Benitez's Emirates ghosts have not been absolved, only prolonged. Tuesday can only soften the blows.
What Liverpool surrendered on the pitch though was resurrected in the Kop. The fans group Reclaim the Kop finally made their mark in the Kop and across the globe as they made themselves heard and seen. The first six minutes were dedicated to the ninety-six souls that never got back and whilst a mosaic of 'The Truth' was placed, the whole Kop and most of the other three stands at Anfield incessantly cried 'Justice for the 96!'
It brought the attention of most media hacks reporting at Anfield, and humiliated McKenzie's name. I am not sure how McKenzie was affected, as I am not even sure whether this human being has even got feelings but what is sure that both Wenger and Henry were moved by the show of passion and was confirmed in their post-match interviews.
The first big surprise of the evening was not the resurrection of the Kop. We all know that when Kopites gather and decide that a particular night has to be etched in the memories of the witnesses the passion will just arise to the fore. Rather than that, it was the inclusion of Dudek over Reina. It would be cruel to blame the aimable Pole for the reversal but the deep-down feeling I am carrying this morning is that he should have done better in one of the first two goals. Having said that, the once Houllier target Rosicky was afforded too much time and space to compose himself and test his shooting boots.
Kuyt's goal was the least the lad deserved for his marauding all over the pitch. Rather than scant consolation, the goal gave hope, though only to be undone in twelve minutes by their captain and let's face it one of the classiest players around. Carragher won his sprint with Henry and his will to economise on time as much as possible prevented him from booting the ball into the stands and gift Henry a rather untroubled trip to Dudek's goal.
The contest will be replayed as soon as next Tuesday, albeit under different circumstances, different cup and probably with different personnel. Benitez's Emirates ghosts have not been absolved, only prolonged. Tuesday can only soften the blows.
posted by jean paul at 7:41 am
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