Anfield Rocks Once More
Yesterday too many people was just another day in the football calendar when local rivals Liverpool and Everton would play each other. To a Liverpool Supporter though, it was not only the day that marked the 215th Merseyside Derby but it was the day that marked the return of the King to his rightful place in the Liverpool dugout.
I had planned the day meticulously around the television, having gone through my wardrobe the night before to retrieve the shirt I had brought during Kenny's last reign at the club. As these things tend to do though the day arrived and unplanned things began to happen but with kick-off half an hour away I switched on the television and the sight I saw was amazing.
The camera was showing shots of the Kop and the sight of all the flags, many bearing an image of Kenny, sent a shiver down my spine. This was the Anfield of old and with the anticipation now building up I sat and waited for kick-off. Would I be disappointed - absolutely not? The teams came out and having lined up and shaken hands - the person we had all been waiting for appeared - Kenny who had touched the This is Anfield sign on his way out, stepped into the arena and the noise was absolutely amazing. He looked around and the smile on his face said one thing "I am home".
Several minutes later, the dulcet tones of Gerry Marsden began to ring out and signalled to the stadium that it was the beginning of a new era. I think for the first time in months, if not years 45,000 people sang You'll Never Walk Alone in perfect unison. It was such a special moment that by the end of the song I had tears streaming down my face.
The match started and it became apparent within minutes that the magic of Kenny was working. There was a definite improvement in the team's style and method of play. Liverpool Football Club was actually playing the game called football. This had appeared to be missing over the last six months. Kenny had also named several of the youngsters in his squad which meant that young Martin Kelly kept his place with Jay Spearing also coming in after recovering from an ankle injury.
They did not let the team down and both played extremely well and will hopefully command a regular first team place in the future. Martin Kelly in particular showed that he has what it takes to become a major force within the team. The Anfield crowd noticed this and the noise and encouragement from them was amazing and then it happened, Meireles took a wonderful kick and the ball was in the back of the net. Liverpool was at this point in time, by far the better team on the pitch and the magic three points seemed as though it was on its way. We then all witnessed a sight that had been missing from Anfield for quite a while. Kenny jumped up, threw his clenched fist into the air and the look on his face was amazing. We finally had a manager who was not afraid to show his emotions. This of course is another confidence booster for the players.
It was shame that half time had to occur, because something happened in the Everton dressing room and they came out with all guns firing. For the next twenty or so minutes it was as though Liverpool had fallen back into their old ways. What confidence they had seemed to disappear as mistake after mistake was made by the midfield and within 10 minutes of the second half starting they were 2 up.
At this point it looked as though our dream was going to be shattered. We had all hoped that the fairytale return of the King would result in a win and with a heavy heart sat down to watch how the rest of the game would pan out. We were not disappointed; the sight of Kenny screaming from the technical area seemed to wake the team up. The football became delightful again and with the clock ticking down a penalty was awarded. Dirk Kuyt stepped up and the ball found its way to the back of the net. We were now level and this seemed to fire the team on. There were several more chances but after four minutes extra time it finished with the scores level.
It has given us the supporters renewed hope though. Torrres had a much better game and with a shot that hit the bar, showed that he is on the way back. A few more weeks under the stewardship of the King and Anfield will continue to rock once more.
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