Brendan Rodgers got rid of the dead rubber in the team by selling the likes of Andy Carroll, Charlie Adam, Alberto Aquilani and Joe Cole. His philosophy was becoming apparent; he was making Liverpool into his own. Before every season began I, like many, use to say ‘This is our season’ but we have been let down one too many times. So to avoid any heavy disappointments the majority have targeted a Champions League place rather than the title. From last season’s 7th place to title is quite ambitious but there are some deluded fans out there who believed that Liverpool could win the title. With Manchester United looking to regain their title, Arsenal hunting for a trophy, Spurs spending more than £100m, Mourinho’s return at the Bridge and of course Manchester City who are looking to take back what was theirs. Liverpool I believed had no chance. But with the win at Stoke thanks to Mignolet save and constant wins beyond that, there was something special in this season. Liverpool just kept on winning and in style. The S-A-S (Suarez and Sturridge) were in full flight scoring from left right and centre, players were improving such as Henderson and Sterling, and new players are emerging like Joao Carlos Teixeira, Jordan Ibe and Jon Flanagan. Liverpool were averaging at least 2+ goals a game and they have been magnificent goals too (You’ve just got to see Suarez’s quadruple vs. Norwich to see why). Manchester United and Spurs are surprisingly having an average season allowing Liverpool to rampage up the table. If this wasn’t any clear to see what changes Liverpool have made under Brendan Rodger’s then all one has to see is the league table at Christmas where the Reds were the star sitting on top of the tree in comparison to the previous season where there were 11th under Fulham, Swansea and West Ham at the same stage. The last time a team has failed to win the Premier League after being on top at Christmas was in the 08/09 season where Liverpool were so close to reaching the Premier League title but consistent draws didn’t allow them to do so.
After losing to Chelsea (due to poor refereeing decisions) and Manchester City (where City got outplayed at the Etihad) Liverpool have been unbeaten in the F.A Cup and the league playing marvellous football. Liverpool have had some slip ups whether it’s going 2-0 down to Villa, eventually earning a point in a 2-2, or grabbing a late win at Craven Cottage. Liverpool have shown character and determination that they want to finish in the Champions League something that has been missing ever since that 08/09 season. But fans believe they can go one step further and chase the title. Surely not? It’s certainly possible, Liverpool have thrashed teams this season not only the small teams but the Champions League contenders like Everton 4-0 and Spurs 5-0. What’s more even Arsenal who were the leaders at the time conceded four goals to Liverpool in under the first 20 minutes eventually they got battered by five goals to one! Liverpool only have the League and F.A. Cup to play for whereas the challengers beside them Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United and Spurs have European football also to worry about, this without a doubt will prove to be important as we head into the business end of the season. Liverpool’s previous seasons have finished by this time with nothing to play for, but with away fixtures to Fulham labelled as a must win and the team within a shout of the top four, this is an exciting season for the Scousers. If Liverpool do get knocked out this Sunday to Arsenal in the F.A. Cup then there’ll be only 12 games in the league to play, but it would be great to still see them compete in the best cup competition in the world. Whatever happens from now till the end will all rely on the remaining 18 games (if Liverpool make it to the F.A. Cup final). The Liverpool fans want Champions League football, but Brendan Rodgers doesn’t have a marker he just wants his Liverpool team to finish at the “highest place possible”. Does that mean the title? The season end is quickly upon us, those who targeted the title in the beginning of the season are actually starting to believe, do the Kopites dare to dream?
Image Credits: http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Football/Pix/pictures/2011/7/16/1310830867710/Charlie-Adam-007.jpg
@MostarLFC
