In what can be described as a wild encounter Tuesday night at Anfield. Liverpool took another big step in their fight for a top four finish with a victory over in form Tottenham Hotspur 3-2. A thrilling end to end match was capped off in incredible fashion and none other than Super Mario Balotelli was front and center, this time for the right reasons.
Coming into the match both teams were on fire of late. Tottenham were on a high after their big win in the north London derby versus Arsenal five days prior. Liverpool were coming off a disappointing 0-0 draw in the Merseyside derby which they controlled for large portions but couldn’t find that elusive goal. However the Reds could still feel like their form was taking a turn for the better as they hadn’t lost since December 14th in the league. During that time the Merseysiders have won four straight and haven’t conceded a goal, something Rodgers men have needed all season long.
The match had everything a fight for top four needed; skill, goals, and of course crunching tackles. Both teams definitely showed up to play on this night as a win for Tottenham would leap-frog them into the top three; if only for a day. With a win Liverpool would close within a point of Spurs for fifth, and remain within touching distance of Man United and Southampton for the top four.
Liverpool winger Lazar Markovic, at Melwood, during a training session. Mandatory credit: www.liverpoolfc.com
The Reds tried to capitalize on some lack luster passing from the Spurs back line which almost put Daniel Sturridge clean in on goal twice. The talisman who got his first start in over five months had both his efforts turned away, one saved by Hugo Lloris and the other blocked by Spurs defender Erik Dier. The quick passing and high pressure Liverpool were displaying finally paid off in the 15th minute when Lazar Markovic ran onto a Daniel Sturridge knock down before firing what looked to be a weak shot, but somehow found its way into the Spurs net via a Hugo Lloris error.
Spurs then turned up the heat as Liverpool’s back line had to be steady but 11 minutes after the Reds opener some quick Tottenham passing between Christian Eriksen and Moussa Dembele opened up the space for the hottest striker in England at the moment Harry Kane, who equalized with ease for Tottenham. That goal was his twenty-third in all competitions which leads the league, game on at Anfield. A fast paced half ended with an inventive back heal effort by Daniel Sturridge only for it to ring off the goal post. A first half of excitement as the teams headed to the dressing rooms, with both sets of supporters on the edge of their seats and fully entertained.
The second half was much of the same as both teams tried to take advantage of their quick speed in attack. Liverpool used that pace for their go ahead goal as Daniel Sturridge continued to cause the Spurs back line problems. On 52 minutes he weaved into the box and forced a miss timed challenge from Danny Rose who tripped him. It took the linesman to convince referee Phil Dowd to point to the spot but he granted the Reds the spot kick and who else but Captain Fantastic, Steven Gerrard slotted home with ease. That goal could be one of the biggest to end his time at Liverpool and you could see by his celebration it meant everything. Just like Spurs did all game, they came to play and continued to threat when Erik Lamela unleashed a bullet of a shot that Simon Minoglet superbly tipped over. That pressure immediately took effect as an Eriksen free kick was saved only for Kane to center the rebound to Moussa Dembele who bundled home from close range. Spurs had clawed back again leaving a frantic last twenty minutes in Liverpool.
(Courtesy Flickr Images)
It was a one for the Premier League classics vault and just like a highlight reel match there had to be talking points, in steps Mario Balotelli. Daniel Sturridge was substituted for Super Mario to a mix of jeers and cheers. Balotelli has struggled all season, with no goals in thirteen BPL appearances for the Reds. However like all fairy tale football matches of this magnitude it was Super Mario who stepped up to the plate in the 83rd minute. A captivating run from substitute Afam Lallana started the play and his low cross was turned in at close range by Super Mario, who did well to stay onside. His first BPL goal for the club couldn’t come at a more crucial time for Liverpool as that goal turned out to be the winner in an epic contest.
After his goal, Mario Balotelli stood still as his teammates wrapped their arms around him in celebration. He almost looked shocked himself that he scored in a season that for him personally, has had more frustration than happiness. The Kop end roared his name after the match but like the enigmatic man he is, Balotelli disappeared without a whisper down the tunnel. The no celebration after his goal could be taken many different ways, but with all due respect booing your own players isn’t something you should be doing, and his reaction seemed to be a response to the “nun believers.” Mario later took to his Instagram account with a big smile celebrating the win, but his caption could definitely be heard and I quote.
"“Great game guys!!! This smile is ONLY for those that always Belive and support me. Thank you . ❤️ and Forza Liverpool. But now head down and keep working hard. Tonight is past.”"
It’s clear that the Italian wasn’t too pleased with the fans that did boo him but just like Super Mario said “always believe” which is something Liverpool fans need to do, because they can play a huge factor as the twelfth man for the remainder of the season. As for Mario Balotelli its a step in the right direction and it’s now up to him to put any negativity surrounding him to bed.