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| Liverpool 2 - 0 Arsenal | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Liverpool keep Europe spellbound A global audience of 250 million, the biggest ever gathering for a domestic League fixture, tuned into Anfield on Saturday. Most television viewers will have enjoyed the show as much as the capacity crowd but there are some Europeans who might have been shifting uneasily in their armchairs. Continental clubs have no need yet to fear Liverpool. Whatever may be the outcome of the Football Association's plea to UEFA's executive committee in Monaco on Wednesday, they will remain as far away from entering European competitions as they are from the rest of the first division. Isloated though they may be at home and abroad, Liverpool will still be heavily represented at the international event of the year. More than half of the team that is now reaching unprecendented heights will be performing for either England or the Republic of Ireland during this summer's European championship finals. Anyone watching in the Netherlands or the Soviet Union will have shuddered at the sight of Barnes and especially Beardsley, two English forwards who could tamper with their national defensive security systems in June. Capable of opening safes with their feet, they were responsible for breaking into Arsenal. The Dutch and the Soviets would have been no less comforted by the touch of Aldridge, the control of Houghton, the strength of Whelan and the power of Lawrenson. Together the quartet will form the backbone of the Republic, the other country to be drawn in Group 2. Michel Platini, who led France to the European title four years ago, became another of Liverpool's myriad of admirers during the afternoon. "They have some superb individuals," he said after finishing his work as a television commentator, "and I particularly enjoy the way they play to feet." He found it difficult to judge how they would fare against continental opposition but he conceded that Europe is the poorer for the absence of English clubs. "Everyone would like to see them back," he added, "although the clubs who are winning the competitions do not think that they are devalued." He counts himself among those who are saddened that Liverpool, through no fault of the players themselves, must pay a further penalty. The most exciting side that has ever been assembled at Anfield may never be able to claim the honour of carrying the flag of England. Arsenal, one of the candidates who could benefit from UEFA's leniency, were "absolutely dominated for the first 15 minutes" as their manager, George Graham, admitted. "They have got world class players who can turn a game in five minutes." Barnes was the first to alter the balance seconds before the interval. He cut into Arsenal's right flank and, after McMahon had kept the momentum going, Beardsley bore in to their left. Aldridge, the predator waiting in the middle, completed the move from close range. Arsenal, subjected to attacks from all directions, were equally powerless to prevent the second incision on the hour. Beardsley's strike was described by Graham as "a brilliant individual goal. There is nothing we could have done to stop it." Beardsley and Rocastle, who had earlier missed one of Arsenal's rare chances, spolied a potentially rousing finale during which Quinn struck the foot of a post with a header. Instead the Kop, recognising that victory was once again a certainty, indulged in comical chants. They hailed their goalkeeper, who displayed his agility as "Hooperman" and asked the visiting supporters "Where has your Charlie gone?" The good humour was matched on the pitch in spite of the booking of Thomas. Kenny Dalglish, whose side increased their lead to a seemingly unbridgeable gap of 15 points, was not concerned with the comparative failure of Nottingham Forest, their nearest rivals. "If others want to contribute to our cause, then any help will be gratefully received," he commented. "But we will just go on keeping our own house in order." He was asked whether Platini might be accomodated in his house. "No chance, he's not good enough," he said with his usual laconic grin. "If I can't get into the side, nor will he." By Stuart Jones of "The Times" Copyright - The Times |
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