December 26, 1981
Key note: “Manchester City beat a 28-year-old hoodoo when they clinched their first league victory at Anfield since 1953. But what about Liverpool? City boss John Bond said he saw a lot of ‘the old Liverpool’ after his side’s 3-1 success, but Bob Paisley said ‘You can’t concede goals as easily as that.’ Liverpool were full of energy and commitment in this pacey and absorbing game, and had plenty of chances and pressure but failed to capitalise on them, and at times the old sharpness and incision was missing. Liverpool dropped Terry McDermott, a spectator in the press box for the first time this season. Craig Johnston wore his No. 10 shirt and battled tenaciously and with spirit against an uncompromising City defence, but his first full appearance ended when he went limping off with a leg injury for Alan Kennedy 16 minutes from time.” (Liverpool Echo: December 28, 1981)
Match: Football League, First Division, at Anfield, kick-off: 15:00.
Liverpool – Manchester City 1-3 (0-1).
Attendance: 37,929.
Referee: Mr. M. Richardson.
Liverpool (4-4-2): Bruce Grobbelaar, Phil Neal, Phil Thompson, Alan Hansen, Mark Lawrenson, Sammy Lee, Kenny Dalglish, Graeme Souness, Ronnie Whelan, Craig Johnston, Ian Rush.
Substitute: Alan Kennedy for Johnston after 74 min.
Booking: Thompson.
Manchester City (4-4-2): Joe Corrigan, Ray Ranson, Kevin Bond, Tommy Caton, Bobby McDonald, Steve Kinsey, Nicky Reid, Asa Hartford, Tommy Hutchison, Kevin Reeves, Trevor Francis.
Substitute: Gerry Gow (not used).
Bookings: Ranson, Caton.
The goals: 0-1 Hartford (9 min.), 0-2 Bond (penalty, 75 min.), 1-2 Whelan (81 min.), 1-3 Reeves (89 min.).
XX
"Play Up, Liverpool" 