Take your Chance. It’s all so simple for Flanno & Co

Yesterday, was a very proud day to be a Liverpool supporter for many reasons. Firstly, the character and determination which the Reds showed in adversity was very admirable and it is testament not only to the players’ attitude but also to the new found belief instilled in them by Kenny Dalglish. Considering the respective motivations of both sides going into the game, it would have been very easy for the Reds to lay down and take a defeat. The Reds have a slim chance of European football next season, while Arsenal had the chance of taking the title away from Manchester United who are poised to take their 19th league championshop. From the very start against Arsenal yesterday, it was clear that Kenny had told the Reds to defend stoutly and make every effort against a Gunners side who would command the majority of possession.

In addition to these efforts, the Reds team had to cope with a number of other problems. The succession of injuries to Fabio Aurelio, Jamie Carragher and Andy Carroll necessitated changes that Kenny would never have made in normal circumstances. The introduction of Jack Robinson to the team was a big gamble considering the occasion he was being asked to go into; they were very different circumstances to the ones he made his debut for the Reds on the last day of last season against Hull when there wasn’t really much at stake. Still Jack came out of the display against Gunners with his reputation clearly enhanced after having to see off no less than three opponents in Theo Walcott, Niclas Bendtner and Andrey Arshavin.

With John Flanagan, Jack Robinson, Jay Spearing and Jonjo Shelvey all on the pitch at the end yesterday, I think most fans would have forgiven the Reds for losing, but the fact that they didn’t, shows both the class of the manager but also the quality of the young players.