It might be the last time Steven Gerrard was jeered at Stamford Bridge as the Blues faithful mocked him for the devastating slip against them at Anfield last season that lost Liverpool the title. But this time, Chelsea’s fans applauded him too when he was replaced in the second half. Jose Mourinho, who admitted trying to lure Gerrard to Chelsea, Inter Milan and Real Madrid during his managerial stints at each, applauded him off the pitch as well. The Premier League will miss the MLS-bound player, but it’s unlikely the Champions League will miss Liverpool.
The Reds’ dream of staying in Europe’s top club competition next season is now well and truly over. Manchester United beat Crystal Palace 2-1 at the weekend and Liverpool’s 1-1 draw against the Blues means United are now six points clear with 14 goals advantage. So it is the Europa League for Liverpool next season – hardly much compensation given their amazing 2013/14 season came when they had no European duties whatsoever. No wonder Gary Monk, the 36-year-old Swansea manager, grimaced when a journalist reminded him his side could still make it into the Europa League after they shocked Arsenal 1-0 on Monday.
Memphis Depay
Liverpool’s summer recruitment plans should already be in full swing. With Memphis Depay having already snubbed them for Manchester United, the Reds must hasten their recruitment. Danny Ings, the Burnley striker, is on the wish list while Christian Benteke is another choice. It might take a few years for us to see the Reds playing in Champions League again, though as Brendan Rodgers continues to struggle to find anyone to replace Luis Suarez.
