Record signing Andy Carroll delivered a blow to Manchester City’s Champions League ambitions as Liverpool cruised to a 3-0 victory over Roberto Mancini’s side at Anfield.
Carroll helped himself to his first two goals in a Liverpool shirt since joining from Newcastle for £35 million in the January transfer window. Dirk Kuyt also netted on a torrid night for City, who lost captain Carlos Tevez to a hamstring injury ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final with neighbours Manchester United at Wembley.
“It will be very difficult to play him in the semi-final,” confirmed Mancini. “I don’t think he will play. We will try to recover him but we also think of the other six league games.”
Meanwhile, Kuyt said the signing of Carroll and Uruguay striker Luis Suarez has made a huge difference to Liverpool.
“It makes it a lot easier if you get more quality in the team,” said the Netherlands forward. “We were very happy with the signings of Carroll and Suarez and I think you can already see the quality.”
Mancini takes blame for loss
An apologetic Mancini said his team would put the defeat out of their minds ahead of the FA Cup derby, City’s last realistic chance of silverware this season.
“It’s important to forget this and we prepare for the semi-final,” said the Italian. “I made a mistake, it’s my fault. I’m very sorry for the fans.
“We conceded a lot of chances in the first 20 minutes, after that we played.”
Mancini’s expensively-assembled side has now failed to win any of their last six Premier League away games and remain fourth in the table. The Italian is under pressure to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
However, City are only three points ahead of fifth-placed Tottenham, who they entertain on May 10, while their London rivals also
have a game in hand as the season reaches a thrilling climax.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 13th, 2011.
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