Forget Alonso, Rafa and the rest... why I know the answer to the real problems at Liverpool

By David Anderson

Published 08:00 16/12/09

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After months spent analysing Liverpool's car crash of a campaign, I believe I have identified the real reason.

It's not Xabi Alonso's departure, Rafa's tactics, zonal marking or the tea lady at Melwood - it's me being a Jonah.

I believe I have been jinxing Liverpool for the past 26 years.

The first time I saw Liverpool play, Joe Fagan's all-conquering side lost 4-3 to Manchester United at Windsor Park in August 1983 - despite being 3-1 up with less than a quarter of the match to go.

Two years later when I attended my first match at Anfield for Phil Neal's testimonial, they lost to Everton 3-2 after being 2-0 up. Sorry Phil.

Then, during Liverpool's magnificent 1987-88 league campaign, which was the only game I managed to get across the Irish Sea to see that season? Yes, you've guessed it. Their 1-0 defeat at Everton which ended their record-equalling
29-match unbeaten start. I'm convinced Wayne Clarke would have missed if I had not been there.

I put these disappointments down to bad luck and I was confident I would see Liverpool win when I moved to Merseyside in 1988 and bought a season ticket for the Kop.

How wrong I was.

In my first game as a Kopite, we lost 2-1 to Newcastle in what was our first league defeat at Anfield in 18 months. I'm still haunted by the sight of Mirandhina (remember him?) celebrating in front of the Kop.

Worse was to follow that season and I have to confess I was on the Kop that fateful May evening in 1989 when Michael Thomas ran through to score that historic goal as Brian Moore shouted "It's all up for grabs now."

Many fans blame John Barnes for losing possession to allow Arsenal to launch that final, desperate attack.

But I know the real reason.

And so to this season and, of the seven games I have covered at Anfield, the Reds have lost four, drawn two and won one.

I saw them suffer their first league defeat in 31 games to Aston Villa in August. I saw them take the lead against Lyon and Fiorentina only to lose to last-gasp goals.

The real low came on Sunday when, because of me, Liverpool reached yet again for the self-destruct button to throw away three points against Arsenal.

I can only apologise to Rafa and the lads for the huge damage I've done.

From now I promise I will only watch Everton.