Sunday Mirror (Northern Ireland)
PAISLEY’S DAY IS A NAILBITER FOR ANFIELD
ON they trooped at half-time, giants from the past to pay homage to Bob Paisley, Liverpool’s most successful manager – a reminder of the task still ahead for Jurgen Klopp.
Sir Kenny Dalglish, Graeme Souness, Ian Callaghan, Terry McDermott and Phil Neal were among those undertaking the walk of fame, all dripping with silverware – the real currency of football.
Paisley, who would have celebrated his 100th birthday this week, amassed six league titles and three European Cups in his coveted collection of 19 trophies after reluctantly stepping into Bill Shankly’s shoes.
What Klopp and his current crop of stars would give for their own place in Anfield folklore.
It’s tantalising but a first title in 29 years beckons if today’s Liverpool can keep their nerve – easier said than done as this rollercoaster game highlighted.
When Mo Salah (above) and Roberto Firmino struck at the start of the second half to overhaul Palace’s shock lead given by Andros Townsend it seemed some of the stardust of the half-time celebrations had been sprinkled over Klopp’s side.
But this was to be no anniversary waltz as Roy Hodgson, almost airbrushed from Anfield history after a short, unsuccessful spell in charge, masterminded a tenacious display from a side forced to press 39-year-old keeper Julian Speroni into action after an injury crisis.
Palace, the last team to win in the League here, 32 games and an incredible 637 days ago, were able to recover temporarily from Liverpool’s quick one-two with a well directed header from James Tomkins.
But as the illustrious watching throng from the past know, it’s not always cavalier football which brings home the bacon.
You also need a touch of fortune and that came when Speroni spilled James Milner’s cross over his line and Salah followed it into the back of the net.
The groans which met the announcement of five added minutes with Milner having been sent off for a second yellow card illustrated Liverpool fans are taking nothing for granted after so much heartbreak.
There was relief as Sadio Mane fired in but anxious looks when Max Meyer set up a frantic finish.
Little wonder, then, that at the final whistle Klopp raced on to the pitch to hug his players and extend a few ferocious fist pumps in the direction of the Kop.
That wasn’t part of the understated Paisley’s psyche – he would have been more interested in who had won the 4.15 at Kempton.
“The result was massive. To have 60 points already is crazy,” Klopp said.
So now it’s off to Dubai for a sunshine break, with the next game at home to Leicester 10 days away.
When it comes to trips away Paisley’s boys could tell a few tales – but that’s for another day!