The countdown to Wembley has started on Merseyside but the fever you would expect for a first domestic cup final in six years is missing ahead of Sunday’s clash with Chelsea.
In normal circumstances, the game would be regarded as the biggest of the season. As it stands, it’s not even the most important of the week.
No trophies will be handed out if Leeds are beaten on Wednesday but don’t underestimate what is riding on the outcome. Jurgen Klopp called it ‘the biggest of our lives’ and while there was clear poetic licence, it is certainly Anfield’s biggest night for three years.
Chasing Manchester City in a title race is the equivalent of running across a high wire — the speed you must travel at is relentless but one false step and the consequences are fatal.
Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City are magnificent and do not tend to give their pursuers second chances.
But events on Saturday evening have unexpectedly given Liverpool the chance to take control of their own destiny — a prospect that seemed unlikely on Saturday afternoon, when they were huffing and puffing.
Trailing a Norwich team whose commitment and endeavour could not be faulted, Klopp turned to his bench and introduced Thiago Alcantara and Divock Origi, switched to 4-4-2. In a flash, a one goal deficit became a 3-1 win.
There is huge pressure on Liverpool but the last 10 days have shown how much they are enjoying it. There were difficult points to negotiate, against Leicester, Burnley, Inter Milan and then Norwich, but each time they pulled through.
It is easy to highlight the extraordinary feats of Mo Salah, who has reached 150 club goals a fraction slower (233 games) than Roger Hunt (226) achieved the feat. He will soon be ahead of Michael Owen (158) in the
Read more on msn.com
msn.com
