Liverpool's 'X' Factor

Liverpool 'X' Factor

The majority of Liverpool supporters hoped to beat Barcelona on the night to restore some pride following their 3-0 defeat the week before at the Nou Camp whilst those attending Anfield looking forward to seeing Messi & Co live.
Liverpool have two cathedrals linked by a street named Hope and when we have hope we also have some belief. However going into the game without Salah, Firminho and Keita going through to the Final looked an impossibilty and that it what made the game and the result so memorable. To be honest Salah and Firminho had not been up to their best in recent games and it looked likely that Keita's absence would have the most effect on the team.
It was his replacement that would prove to be the 'X' factor on the night, James Milner. Without looking at his stats, he is always a driving force in the team with his no nonsense combatative approach and work ethic, whilst his accuracy from the penalty spot has kept Liverpool in the title race this season. When Robertson had to leave the action at half time Liverpool, with two defenders on the bench, replaced him with Wijnaldum moving the versatile Milner to full back. Within ten minutes parity had been restored to 3-3 as Wijnaldum scored twice adding to Origi's early goal and now their was only going to be one winner.
In 1985 Everton faced Bayern Munich at Goodison Park 1-0 down in the tie at half time but won the game 3-1 to go through to the European Cup Winners Cup Final in a night that stands out above all others and is still talked about over 30 years later. So it was at Anfield as Liverpool did the impossible and beat Barcelona 4-3 over the two legs. Robertson's early shove on the head of a prone Messi and Fabinho's early tackle on Suarez asked the question ' Who are you?' What is it about Merseyside crowds that create such an intimidating atmosphere that put teams off their game? Some will say Barcelona were poor on the night but that would be unfair on the Liverpool players who gave their all. The same has been said of Everton's recent home form as they have drawn with Liverpool and beaten Chelsea, arsenal and Man Utd that their opponents didn't perform on the day.
Credit where credit's due. Liverpool now have two games left in a season that could still see them win the double or they could end up winning nothing!
Time will tell.