Liverpool fans across the world won't likely forget the nightmare that occured at Selhurst Park yesterday. After leading 3-0, the Reds suffered an epic collapse, giving up 3 goals in the final 11 minutes to Crystal Palace, likely ending their Premier League title hopes.
Brendan Rodgers side played a pristine 75 minutes before the onslaught, and after the affair conceded the title after his side’s 3-3 draw, saying, "There is no doubt Manchester City will go on and win [the Premier League]."
Liverpool haven't won a Premier League title in over 24 years and, though they aren’t mathematically eliminated, will need loads of help to end that drought.
Liverpool came out of the break up 1-0 and got two quick goals, two minutes apart, from substitute Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez. Up 3-0, Liverpool were killing two birds with one stone, by narrowing the goal differential with Man City and by earning the all important three points.
But in the 79th minute a wishful Damien Delaney saw his shot deflect off of Glen Johnson past Simon Mignolet to spur the comeback.
Liverpool then totally fell apart. Misplaced passes, lazy clearances, and possibly the moment alone got to the Reds. Their nerves grew when substitute Dwight Gayle made it 3-2 in the 81st minute. Liverpool was still up a goal, but seemed to already be asking themselves, “Is this really happening?” Then, 7 minutes later, their fears were confirmed.
Fellow substitute Glenn Murray brilliantly chested the ball past a lunging Martin Skrtel to Dwight Gayle, who completed the cardiac comeback. Liverpool pushed forward in the final five minutes of extra time, but couldn't find the go-ahead goal, mostly likely ending their title hopes.
The entire Liverpool side was dejected after the final whistle - but, then again, how could they not be? It was the worst collapse in the last 14 years for the Reds. In the end, their greediness may have been what burned them. Trying to wash away the goal differential advantage that Man City had proved to be costly.
Drenched in tears, covering his face, Premier League goal leader Luis Suarez displayed his heartbreak to the world after the match.
“Yes, it’s hugely disappointing,” Brendan Rodgers said. “For 78 minutes we were outstanding, done everything we’d wanted to do, looked solid defensively and didn’t have many scares, had control of the ball and had three goals. But we got carried away, thought we could have more, and lost our defensive structure."
But, then Rodgers went on to say, "I’m incredibly proud - we’ve scored 99 goals. We’d had 47 the season before I came in. To keep improving like we have been gives me immense pride. When we reflect on it at the end of the season, we’ll see it as an outstanding season for Liverpool FC. But that doesn’t take away the pain now because this was a game we should have won. But we’ll learn and get better.”
Manchester City now control their own destiny with two matches against Aston Villa on Wednesday and West Ham on Sunday.
