Jon Flanagan insists Liverpool FC will answer captain Steven Gerrard’s call not to get carried away with their dramatic 3-2 victory over title rivals Manchester City.
The Reds took a huge step towards landing the Premier League crown as they
Brendan Rodgers’ side remain two points clear of Chelsea, who were 1-0 winners at Swansea City, but they are now seven points ahead of City, who have two games in hand.
Brendan Rodgers’ side remain two points clear of Chelsea, who were 1-0 winners at Swansea City, but they are now seven points ahead of City, who have two games in hand.
Gerrard called the Reds into a huddle seconds after the final whistle and told them to “go again” when they travel to lowly Norwich City next Sunday.
Flanagan, who admits belief in the camp is sky-high, says the players are desperate to clinch the title for the long-serving skipper.
“It was a great win,” Flanagan told the ECHO.
“All the lads and all the fans are believing we can do it now.
“Stevie said in the huddle that we need to go again next weekend at Norwich and he’s right.
“We haven’t achieved anything yet and we all know that. Man City is gone and it’s about the next game.“Steven has been phenomenal. He has carried this club for years and he deserves this more than anyone.
“All the lads are doing it for themselves but especially for Stevie as well.
“We have to stay focused and prepare for Norwich.
“There are still another four games to be won and we can’t allow things to slip.
“We need to keep going like this right to the end.”
Goals from Raheem Sterling and Martin Skrtel helped the Reds race into a 2-0 lead. However, City staged a second-half fightback and drew level thanks to David Silva and an own goal from Glen Johnson.
Liverpool responded and won it 12 minutes from time as Philippe Coutinho swept a shot past Joe Hart.
“We’ve sent out a statement with a great performance and a massive three points,” Flanagan added.
“City are a great side and we knew they would come on strong in the second half.
“There was a bit of sloppy defending from us for their two goals but we showed our spirit, kept playing and Philippe stuck away a brilliant winner.”
The atmosphere was electric on the day when Anfield marked the 25th anniversary of Hillsborough.
Thousands of fans lined the route to welcome the Liverpool coach to the ground before kick-off and Flanagan says their backing throughout the 90 minutes helped Rodgers’ side claim the prized scalp of Manuel Pellegrini’s side.
“From when the coach arrived, to the warm-up, and then the game itself, the fans were brilliant,” Flanagan said.
“The atmosphere was immense. We have to say a big thank-you to the fans for all the support they gave us from start to finish.
“There are always nerves going into such a big game but as soon as the game began, I was just focused on that. Support like that really inspires you as a player.”
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