It seems churlish after such a thrilling Cup tie to moan about a referee's decision but what if Liverpool keeper Scott Carson had been sent off just after half time?
 | | Simon Oxley reports. |
It would have been 3-1, but would the European Champions have come back with just ten men? Possibly, but maybe not. Never mind - it was a real classic, justifying the prime time Saturday evening television slot. Steven Gerrard's quality opener was overtaken by goals from Steve Howard and Steve Robinson before the break. Marlon Beresford then save Cisse's penalty just after half time with Kevin Nicholl's then netting from the spot after Carson fouled Rowan Vine but was only yellow carded. At 3-1, substitute Pongolle sparked the fightback for Liverpool, and his brace, and one from the excellent Alonso put the vistors 4-3 up with Alonso then netting again in stoppage time from well inside his own half after Beresford had gone up for a corner.ÌýÌýÌý
 | | Both teams won silverware last season! |
It was fantastic entertainment - but what if? Afterwards, Mike Newell couldn't hide his frustration at seeing a chance of knocking out Premiership opposition slip away. "The over-riding emotion is disappointment really, having been 3-1 up against a side like that" he said. And his thought on the possibility that they should have been playing ten men? "Well that's what the rules said. I'm not one of those who advocates sending people off, keepers who have to go down at players feet if they are making a genuine attempt at the ball. I think it's a rubbish rule, but it is a rule and some referees employ it and others don't."
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