London, Sunday December 15 2013, somewhere around 17:30 GMT. A young man is wheeling away, pumping his fists and yelling, towards a group of people dancing in jubilation. Around them another group of people are shaking their heads in disbelief; a different type of disbelief than what can be seen on the young man, who is soon to be joined by other young men sharing his joy. Sharing the moment with the dancing people.
The moment when 20 year-old Jon Flanagan expertly slotted home a difficult half volley, smashing against the crossbar before mercilessly crossing the line behind Hugo Lloris, was a moment that changed the 2013/14 season. For me, for many other fans, and for Liverpool FC. Up until then LFC’s away performances had largely been a source for uncertainty and slight concern. While Brendan Rodgers’ Reds were keeping a clean house at home at Anfield – with the exception of the one blip against an impressive Southampton team – they struggled to bring their confidence and control with them around the country.
In science they talk about paradigm shifts: a change in the basic assumptions within the ruling theory of science. Ok, so it’s somewhat besides the point I’m trying to make here… Still though, if we extend the definition, flip it around and adjust it to make sense in relation to Liverpool Football Club, we can at least say that something changed that day.
There was something about the way the players carried themselves, approached the game and executed the game plan that was unlike anything we had seen Liverpool do away from home for a very long time. Summers and winters; years and seasons. We had waited for a marker to be put down.
In many ways it was the coming together of everything Brendan Rodgers has been talking about since the day he arrived. Aggressive pressing, courage on the ball, purpose and tempo in the final third, and most of all a collective tactical smartness we hadn’t seen before. To me those ninety minutes were defining; and there was no moment more defining than when that young man, the Liverpool born Jon Flanagan – the Academy product – finished off the game.
Looking back at the results leading up to the game at White Hart Lane we can probably assume the change happened earlier. In the aftermath of the 3-1 loss away against Hull, Liverpool hit back with convincing wins against West Ham and Norwich. However, we were still not convinced. The doubt was still there about the ability to do something similar away from home. And it looked like the players had that as well – up until the day they sealed the fate of Andre Villas-Boas.
Perhaps I’m imagining all this, but I don’t think I am. Something did happen, and the team have carried this with them ever since. They brought the mentality with them to the Etihad and Stamford Bridge, without getting what they deserved. We saw it when they went 2-0 down at Anfield against Aston Villa and when they were a goal down at Craven Cottage with twenty minutes to go. There were no signs of panic – the players focused on the job. Which is the state of mind we want them to be in. And it all started with a bang – off the bar, over the line, into the streets. Do a little dance.
Next stop: Old Trafford
Mental barriers have been broken this season, with wins at Tottenham, Stoke and Southampton – none of them favoured away trips in recent years. This coming Sunday it’s time for another one. It’s Manchester United and it’s Old Trafford. It seems like every game we play this season is the biggest of the season – which, technically speaking, is true. The next game is always the most important, as the ancient saying goes.
‘This is the real test’. Only it isn’t, actually. Because the players have shown they can, and the manager has shown he can. Now we know. Now it isn’t our biggest test yet anymore – it’s just a matter of three points. Potentially the best three points of the season, yes, but still no more than three points; and as long as the players manage to focus on the job – and leave David Moyes and his boys in peace to psyche themselves out – there’s a good chance of moving happily on to next. To the next biggest game of the season.
Well you called it there mate.
The day I started to believe was not Flanno’s goal against Tottenham. It was when Flanno almost KO’d Luke Shaw at St. Mary’s. I was not a believer in Flanno. Loved the kid, just didn’t think he had the “IT” in him to fill the fullback slot. He is a pit bull on the pitch and is becoming better and better on the ball. He might not be the fastest or the most deft passer on the pitch, but he will KNOCK YOUR FN TEETH OUT IN THE AIR! He doesn’t have to worry about his good looks when he goes up in the air. That is the day I started to believe. We will knock your head off on the road and at home and we are going to score lots of goals.