The English Premier League 20-21, in the backdrop of a raging Pandemic, was a topsy Turvy battle this year, until, a struggling Manchester City, discovered its mojo post December , and restored order.
With the Championship virtually decided, and even the relegation places almost certain, the focus turned on to a resurgent Liverpool, a strengthened Chelsea, an out of steam West Ham, a solid Leicester and an almost out of the race Tottenham.
With a top 4 finish virtually out of sights, Liverpool had their backs to the wall. A humdinger of a campaign had left the defending Champions listless and in spite of Mo Salah fighting it out with Harry Kane for the highest goal scorer of the League this year, the Champions looked out of sorts with a misfiring Sadio Mane, a fragile defence and Alisson Becker, unfortunately making some glaring mistakes in the journey.
But what can you say of the Champion Goalkeeper. He redeemed himself with some style and ensured that Liverpool break into the top 4, which looked virtually impossible with just a few weeks ago.
Sunday, 16th May, Liverpool played their 36th match, a must win game to keep their top 4 hopes alive, against an already relegated West Bromwich side. Surprisingly, West Brom went ahead in the 15th minute. However 18 minutes later Mo Salah equalised with a lovely goal with his ever consistent left foot.
The teams remained locked at 1-1, until Liverpool won a corner kick in the dying minutes (95th) of the game. Just before the kick was to be taken, Alisson Becker ran up to join the team in West Brom’s box. Alexander Arnold delivered the kick. Almost unnoticed and unmarked, Alisson Becker with a perfectly timed leap, headed the ball to the right hand corner away from S.Johnstone’s outstretched left arm. It was a massive moment. It gave me goosebumps. Liverpool had their hopes alive. History had been made. Alisson Becker was the first goalkeeper to score for Liverpool in their 129 years of existence.
Oh, Becker!!