Last Match: Liverpool 1-0 West BromNext Match: West Brom (h); 29 Aug; 3pm

KOPBLOGFORUMSVIDEOSSHOPRSSTWITTER






Football boots from sportsshoes.com

Dont Buy The S*n


TIA Home » LFC Comment & Opinion » Title race over but the signs are promising

Title race over but the signs are promising

Title hopes over but the signs for the future are clear for all to see.

Written by Matt on May 16th, 2009 Add a Comment

Email This Article Email This Article Print This Article Print This Article


Arsenal‘s failure to take three points at Old Trafford on Saturday lunchtime means the Premier League title remains Man United‘s for a third successive season, and gives them their record equalling 18th League Championship.

No Liverpool supporter in their right mind would have imagined 19 years ago when the Reds won their 18th title, that it would be possible for United to equal our record before we won it again.

But im not going to dwell on the last 19 years, we need to look at the present and the future.

Earlier this season I was slaughtered by some when I publicly criticised Rafa Benitez following the Wigan draw, despite me saying I wouldn’t want anything more than him to turn things around and go on to win us the title. Since then things have turned around; some mighty impressive victories over Real, United and Chelsea, and we finally started playing some good football.

People might point to the Arsenal draw as the night we lost the title, but that’s complete rubbish. 4-4 at home to Arsenal wasn’t a title-losing match. Nor was the Mancs’ continual late victories coming from behind against Villa, Spurs, Sunderland and Wigan. The title was lost when we drew to Stoke (twice), Wigan, Hull, West Ham, Fulham, Man City and lost at Middlesbrough.

A telling statistic in where the title was won and lost is pretty simple; Liverpool have drawn 7 at home, while United have drawn 2. Apart from that head-to-head we’re pretty even. If only 2 of them draws had been turned into wins, and therefore given us four more points, the title race would be going to the final day at least.

The positives are, we’re on course for our highest ever points total in the Premier League (previous best 82 points, currently on 80). Potentially we can end the season on 86 points, which would have been enough to win the title in 2000-01 and 2002-03.

The further positive is that we are achieving this having not had two of the top five players in World football today at our disposal for over half our games this season.

Last summer we made some excellent additions off the pitch, with the arrival of Sammy Lee and Mauricio Pellegrino seemingly improving the coaching staff. Our signings on the pitch haven’t been so successful; only Riera can be described as somewhat of a success.

The right additions to the playing staff this summer, with hopefully no distractions off the pitch, and we’ll be even closer again next season.

Admittedly, last summer I thought somewhat similarly and was surprised by the signing of Robbie Keane after the way Torres and Gerrard had finished the previous season in tandem. That’s why I hope we don’t sign another forward looking to pair him up with Torres; we have the best front two in World football, why break it up? Especially when we have such a blend in midfield with Mascherano and Alonso behind them.

I’d love to see a quality arrival to supplement Gerrard and Kuyt behind Torres, yes David Silva would fit the bill perfectly in my opinion.

I’d also like to see a decent forward as back-up for Torres, someone who can provide an option, isn’t necessarily happy to sit on the bench but still would get plenty of games. I’d also like to see a right back arrive, Glenn Johnson would be ideal there. No disrespect to Arbeloa but the two weakest positions in our team at present are left wing and right back. I’m a massive fan of Insua and he and Aurelio are good enough for the left back spot, with Arbeloa also capable of covering there.

Hopefully we’ll see the season end on a high still, two wins would be one hell of an end to the season, hopefully the goalscorer on the final day against Spurs will be Big Sami at the Kop end.

Recent Articles
Praise for Reds fans after Spurs win January 21st, 2010
Gerrard dismisses "fantasy" rumours January 20th, 2010
Gerrard and Torres in action today! January 9th, 2010
Dossena completes Napoli move January 8th, 2010
Next Up: Tottenham (h) January 6th, 2010
Rate this article:
1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (10 votes, average: 4.40 out of 5)
Loading ... Loading ...

Matt is the co-editor, co-founder of This Is Anfield.

Contact and read more articles by Matt

Tags:
Categories: LFC Comment & OpinionzTop Story


 
TIA Blogs » Matt

Read more articles by Matt

Related Articles

Liverpudlian: Go fourth and multiply?
LFC: A shambles from top to toe
Signs of Life at Last!
Gillett & Hicks - Benitez's saving grace?

Reds failed in Carlton Cole bid
1 Sep God help us if Torres gets injured.

Ex-Red returns to Premier League
1 Sep Pennant returns to England with Stoke.

Liverpool’s squad list 2010/11
1 Sep Or not. Reds don't have enough players to even fill their 25 man list.

Konchesky deal completed
31 Aug Left back arrives as one leaves on loan. Takes the number 3 shirt at Anfield. 4

Rumour: Llorente – Insua swap deal?
30 Aug Reports in Spain suggest Liverpool are on the verge of signing Fernando Llorente from Atletico Bilboa.

Torres proves matchwinner against Baggies
29 Aug Torres' volley in the second half proved the only goal in a match that was lacking in quality.

>> More News

Random Poll

Which position needs strengthening most this summer?

View Results

Loading ... Loading ...



Independent online Liverpool FC fanzine. The official site is here.
Contact Us About TIA Our Photos Privacy Policy Site Search Advertise Site Map

Find us on: Twitter Facebook NewsNow

This Is Anfield supports the Hillsborough Justice Campaign, Marina Dalglish Appeal, Zoë's Place, 23 Foundation, Don't Buy The Sun and AFC Liverpool.

News
Comment & Opinion
Match Reports
Match Preview
Paper Reviews
Player of the Month
Transfer Speculation
Quotes
Champions League
Loan Watch
Media Articles
Rumour Mill

LFC Books
Kop Treasures
Kop Star
Exclusive Interviews
Forgotton Heroes
Ex-Reds Remembered
View From Road End
My Red Heaven
Reds In Europe
Istanbul 2005
Classic Matches

Club Directory
Players
Managers
Anfield
New Stadium
Brief History
Hillsborough
Classic Quotes
Honours List
Ticket Information
LFC Links