The Week That Is #3 – Cracking That Old Glass Ceiling

Article by e-Liverpool Correspondent by Tony Thorne

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It is sometimes difficult, after an enthralling game in which no rewards are reaped, to find the positives in a result such as being knocked out of the FA Cup, but this was a game where Liverpool easily matched their supposedly superior opponents for the second time in eight days. And gripes with the referee’s decisions were genuine and widespread, as Howard Webb had another difficult day in front of the Reds.

The most important aspect of this game has to be defending. Shoddy though a couple of Webb’s major decisions were, the two goals were both preventable. The first especially, with set pieces having been a problem for Liverpool for the best part of three years, was a failure to clear lines when Arsenal had bodies forward and Alex Oxlaide-Chamberlain was there to strike, while the second one saw the Reds switch off after another attack.

But the big issue for most fans leaving the game was the blatant second penalty that Webb failed to give for Oxlaide-Chamberlain’s tackle on Luis Suarez in the box, only minutes after he had given a penalty for Liverpool. There are many theories as to why the decision was not given; it was too soon after the first; it was Suarez who is always accused of diving; The Ox doesn’t commit fouls: the list goes on. But it set the tone for the last twenty five minutes that this was not to be Liverpool’s day. Shattering the “Success Glass Ceiling” that has escaped us in earnest since 2006 will not occur in the FA Cup this year.

It started so differently. With a slight change of fortune and accuracy, Liverpool might have mirrored their excellent play against the same team last weekend. Sturridge was lively, if wasteful, throughout, and it was refreshing to see his distraught reaction at the end of the game. Refreshing as it showed his passion, not only for wanting the most from himself, but also for the team. He continued his tradition of presenting his shirt to a fan at the end of the game, despite his obvious distress, which was commendable. He has been outstanding this season in nearly every game he has played, and Reds’ fans know this. We cannot solely blame the referee for our exit from this competition. Errors were made at both ends of the pitch.

What matters now is pressing forwards. Swansea have just finished a gruelling late Europa League game against Napoli, which finished 0-0 and saw two of their finest players on the night, Pablo Hernandez and Nathan Dyer, injured and possibly doubtful for Sunday’s game. For Liverpool, the game takes on added importance, as it becomes all or nothing in the Premier League.

The interesting debate currently seems to be what “all or nothing” refers to for Liverpool this season. Some Reds (notably Neil Atkinson from The Anfield Wrap podcast) suggest we are in the hunt for the top spot, which is only four points away at present. But the Premier League title has eluded Liverpool since 1990, and a more realistic jump is to go from seventh last season to top four this season. Most from the red half of Merseyside would likely accept exit from the FA Cup if Champion’s League football is guaranteed next season.

But with Tottenham sniffing around in fifth, there is as much to lose as to gain. Liverpool need to quickly regain momentum against the Swans in front of the Kop. Any slip ups now could result in a fifth-placed finish. While still an improvement, it would probably spell the end of Suarez’s Kop adventure and continue the struggle to attract top level talent, the likes of which we have missed out on in recent times (see Costa, Diego; Konoplyanka, Yevhen; Mkihitaryan, Henrikh and others).

A strong finish in the last twelve games of the season can start now. With Chelsea facing a difficult visit from Everton and Arsenal and Manchester City having potential problems at home from lower opposition fighting for survival, Liverpool need to use their extra days of rest and attack Swansea early with energy. Hopefully the glass ceiling will start to crack on Sunday.

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