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Liverpool The Land Guards
A recent phenomenon in Ghana is the emergence of a group of able bodied young men who call themselves land guards. These paid youngsters act as security men for owners of uncompleted buildings especially those built on plots in dispute with several people claiming ownership.
Even though the violent nature of the land guards is most abhorred by society, the term is now freely used in the country to describe care- takers in general. In sporting circles where there is an open licence for bragging rights the term is cynically used for pretenders to a title or championship prize.
It is therefore not surprising that with the see saw taking place in the leadership of the English Premiership, those who don’t support Liverpool are taunting them with the tag of land guards for the brief periods they have been occupying the top spot only for Manchester United to topple them a few hours later after honouring their match.
A typical case was last Saturday when Liverpool fought gallantly to beat Hull City 3-1 and climbed to the top with superior goal difference awaiting the outcome of the Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspurs encounter a few hours hence.
Liverpool were obviously relived when Hotspurs took a commanding 2-0 lead at half time. Infact, Liverpool were still on top of the table fifty minutes into the United V Hotspurs match when the chaps from White Hart Lane were leading 2-1 but four astonishing goals in rapid fashion changed the table and the “land guards” were put in their proper place.
I am not too conversant with how league fixtures are arranged in England. To my mind it is a bit complicated. To be fair to Liverpool fans, I would like to plead that the remaining matches for the two serious title aspirants must be played at the same time or better still United should play first to prevent Liverpool supporters from any false hopes of United slipping.
Given the unpredictable nature of the English league, I know the future is most uncertain but the chances are that United will make it a hat-trick and equal the title record of Liverpool. It is doubtful though that they can add the Champions’ League crown to their silver collection. Arsene Wenger and the others have laboured long enough and Alex Ferguson should show some compassion and let this cup pass by.
I can hear you say this is tongue in cheek. I am not kidding. The too much title grabbing has created sworn enemies for Manchester United and for fair distribution of prizes, the Premiership title should be enough for Old Trafford this season.
Cheers all you supporters of Liverpool. Continue not to walk alone and keep loving sports
PS! I learn some commentators are disputing the penalty award to United that resulted in the first goal. Please deduct that goal from the tally and make it 4-2. The value is the same