Liverpool twice came from behind on Wednesday night to beat Manchester City on penalties following a 2-2 draw at the Yankee Stadium.
Equalising goals from Jordan Henderson and Raheem Sterling put warmth into the hearts of Liverpool fans worldwide still writhing at the loss of star man Luis Suarez. Liverpool now have set up the potential clash of Manchester United in the final of the Guinness International Champions Cup should they beat AC Milan on Saturday night in Charlotte.
The game began with Liverpool on the front with with Rickie Lambert partnering Daniel Sturridge in a 442 diamond formation which worked so well for the Reds last spring during their momentous run for the title. Nevertheless, City’s dominance soon became extremely apparent; with midfield general Fernando, who recently signed from FC Porto, proving to be the dominant force in the game.
Nevertheless it was Liverpool who were closest to breaking the deadlock midway through the first half when Willy Caballero, recently signed as backup to Joe Hart from Malaga, saved well from Lambert – though he really should have scored. The chance came from a swift move down Liverpool’s right wing in which Coutinho crossed well for Lambert who couldn’t score from about 8 yards from goal.
As the rest of the half played out City looked more dominant with right winger Jesus Navas continually getting behind Liverpool’s lethargic left back Jose Enrique, though ultimately no goal was found for either team in the first half.
The opening goal didn’t take long in the second half though, where Stevan Jovetic was able to bundle the ball over the line, one more from a tight by-line cross which had been the bane of Liverpool throughout the first half. The lead didn’t last long though, as Liverpool quickly equalised when Jordan Henderson neatly finished into the City net once again from a swift Liverpool break.
The Sky Blues went back in from though in the 67th minute, once again from Stevan Jovetic, and also once again in a scrappy manner sure to leave Brendan Rodgers more than perturbed. Following City’s second goal of the night changes were afoot, with Yaya Toure coming on which was sure to give City hope of creating more chances and put the game to bed. Perhaps what City didn’t plan for though, was the reaction from Liverpool following the introduction of Emre Can and in particular the man of the match Raheem Sterling.
Sterling, who was one of Liverpool’s stand out players last season, once again proved why he’s arguably the most talented teenager in Europe. One moment when he came out really caught the eye down the left wing. With the ball at his feet Sterling stood Gael Clichy up and showed genuinely frightening pace to leave the Frenchman behind, who lest not forget is a player known for super speed himself.
The goal would come soon after too, following some serious Liverpool pressure. Pressure around the City box saw the ball fall to Lucas who neatly flicked the ball to Sterling who broke clear in the box and placed the ball superbly passed Joe Hart to level the score at 2-2.
Although ‘only’ a friendly it didn’t mattered to the crowd who overwhelmingly were in support of the Reds on the night, including two high profile supporters in Daniel Craig and Mike Myers. As the atmosphere continued to build it looked like Liverpool had gone in front when Emre Can played Sterling through on goal who put the ball passed Joe Hart and into the top corner. Although the goal was called for offside it was truly the standout moment of the match.
A late header from Kolo Toure was superbly saved by Joe Hart, and despite the Liverpool pressure the game ended 2-2 and went to penalties.
In the end Mignolet saved twice and Liverpool won 3-1 on penalties. The Reds now play AC Milan on Saturday night with the chance of reach the final of the Guinness International Champions Cup, most likely to be against Manchester United.