As Manchester United edged ever closer to that illusive 18th league title on the back of a late victory at the JJB stadium, this morning Rafa Benitez reflected on what could have been for his battling reds. Benitez suggested that had it not been for injuries to Gerrard, the top of the table would have told a different story, while Liverpool have to be applauded in their valiant battle in trying to stop Uniteds dash for a three in a row, one must reflect on the fact that Rafa still needs a few lessons on how to be gracious in defeat.
The Premier League is a thirty eight game marathon and the six point gap at the top doesn’t lie, Rafa refers to Liverpool’s goal difference and their record against the top four, we must remember however that Liverpool’s three goal a game average only began after their victory at Old Trafford in March by which the League was already six months underway.
During this time United were battling on three fronts while Rafa’s sole focus was on the Premier League crown after their Champions League exit at the hand of Chelsea. On the issue of Gerrard’s absence, Sir Alex could also point to the fact that they too had to go through long spells without star men such as Rooney, Ronaldo and Ferdinand.
Last night also signalled the end of that game in hand that had been hanging over Sir Alex all season, the two North East giants have occupied top spot over the last number of months, but one must not forget that each time Liverpool went to the summit, United always had one or two games in hand, this is something which Rafa chose to ignore in this mornings interview on the club website.
While Liverpool have learned alot this year, humility and being gracious in defeat is something which they should maybe brush up a bit on as they prepare to battle it out for the race to nineteen…
By
Neil Farragher
