Liverpool beating arch rivals Manchester United 7-0 at Anfield was a treat to behold. The very young should retain it in their memory banks because the chances of seeing it again in their lifetime are just about zilch. Unpredictable and unbelievable still, Liverpool fans are unlikely to forget what they were doing the day that Seventh Heaven fell out of the skies and the bottom fell out of Manchester United.
In town this morning on the way back from the doctors, the cashier in Tesco commented to me 'you did so well yesterday.' Slightly puzzled at first, as I had done a few things well yesterday including enraging Heinrich Kelly, the penny eventually dropped. I had been wearing a distinctive Liverpool hoodie and baseball cap.
Had this have happened in the jail, there would have been no end of gloating and bragging rights. The Utd supporters, always a majority in the blocks, would have been put to the sword gleefully and then again. One of the joys of jail - and you would not need to take your socks off to help count them - was going through every day of it without Utd ever becoming champions. My final year there saw a close call, when Leeds pipped them at the post. Fortunately, I got over the line before the enemy at the gate breached the walls.
These days, beating United doesn't have the same pull, losing to them the same irritation. Something else I never thought possible back in the jail was that I would ever come to like Manchester United. But since watching them play Sampdoria a few years ago with my son, then a Utd fan, my animosity towards them has abated. It is difficult not to be impressed by the job ten Haag has done with the side. They are exciting to watch under a maestro who knows how to get the best out of them.
Had United scored first yesterday, which they came close to, it all could have been very different. The confidence collapse would have been a Scouse experience rather than a Mancunian one. As it happened, one set of reds imploded minutes into the second half while the other exploded into greatness, creating a notch on a soccer boot that will never be erased.
Had this have happened in the jail, there would have been no end of gloating and bragging rights. The Utd supporters, always a majority in the blocks, would have been put to the sword gleefully and then again. One of the joys of jail - and you would not need to take your socks off to help count them - was going through every day of it without Utd ever becoming champions. My final year there saw a close call, when Leeds pipped them at the post. Fortunately, I got over the line before the enemy at the gate breached the walls.
These days, beating United doesn't have the same pull, losing to them the same irritation. Something else I never thought possible back in the jail was that I would ever come to like Manchester United. But since watching them play Sampdoria a few years ago with my son, then a Utd fan, my animosity towards them has abated. It is difficult not to be impressed by the job ten Haag has done with the side. They are exciting to watch under a maestro who knows how to get the best out of them.
Had United scored first yesterday, which they came close to, it all could have been very different. The confidence collapse would have been a Scouse experience rather than a Mancunian one. As it happened, one set of reds imploded minutes into the second half while the other exploded into greatness, creating a notch on a soccer boot that will never be erased.
In the end Liverpool made United look much less than ordinary. But things are unlikely to stay that way. Manchester will lick its wounded pride and come good again. Two weeks ago Liverpool were given a lesson by Real Madrid, only to come back from the dead yesterday and punish the old enemy. At Anfield it was Utd's turn to be taught a footballing lesson. They too will arise. Perish the side the pent up anger will be unleashed against.
On a note of caution, what happened yesterday does not mean Liverpool have turned the corner on their annus horribilis. That is the third time this season they have put seven past opposition, only to wilt and fall off their perch.
On a note of caution, what happened yesterday does not mean Liverpool have turned the corner on their annus horribilis. That is the third time this season they have put seven past opposition, only to wilt and fall off their perch.
Still, savour the moment that is in it.
⏩ Follow on Twitter @AnthonyMcIntyre.
That game was a perfect example of everything they tried came off. How often have we seen games were those types of chances end up in the crowd. Even that deflection for Salah's half volley couldn't have been a better ball, nor Firminio's jammy last one.
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