Yesterday marked a minor anniversary.
It was two months since Liverpool dropped a point, two months of impeccable league results that may ultimately only bring them the bittersweet distinction of a record tally for a runner-up.
Since then, as they have reeled off seven straight victories, they have prospered under pressure, winning while knowing any slip-up could be fatal to their chances.
The silly accusation that they are "bottlers" is thrown less at a side with near flawless form.
Liverpool's last title challenge ended in 2014 when they gave up a 3-0 lead in nine, ridiculous minutes against Crystal Palace, a week after Steven Gerrard's infamous slip against Chelsea.
This time, like when Rafael Benitez's Reds took 31 points from the last 33 in 2008-09, they have coped with nerves altogether better.
They have needed to. Liverpool were ahead after 15 seconds in their 5-0 thrashing of Huddersfield last week, but their matches have tended to be tighter and tenser than Manchester City's.
They have been level at half-time in three of their last four league games.
They have been drawing with 11 minutes remaining of three of the last six. They have gone behind in two of the last seven.
In short, they have not panicked. Perhaps because their tactics are less fast and furious, they have got better at being patient.
Certainly Jurgen Klopp has made a series of telling substitutions, bringing on his captains Jordan Henderson and James Milner to great effect at Southampton and Fabinho and Divock Origi to make a difference against Tottenham.
Milner, a Premier League winner with City, has often appeared the specialist substitute in the run-in.
That marks a difference with Benitez's team of 2009. The Spaniard had a formidable starting XI, but very little in reserve.
A comparison between title challengers - and Brendan Rodgers' side of 2013-14 looks the real anomaly because, unlike Benitez and Klopp's groups, they were defensively awful - could produce similar hard-luck stories; the side of 2009 were the first to lose only twice and not become champions. The team of 2019 have been beaten only once.
Benitez had the more potent centre-forward in Fernando Torres, and three midfielders better than any of Klopp's, although Gerrard operated ahead of Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano.
The German has a superior goalkeeper in Alisson, finer and more attacking full-backs and, outstanding a servant as Jamie Carragher was, a still better centre-back in Virgil van Dijk.
Benitez's side were rather prosaic on the flanks. Klopp has dynamic, devastating wingers, even if Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah operate infield.
Benitez built around two banks of four. Klopp has an idiosyncratic 4-3-3 with a false nine. Each has been a formula that would have worked in most other years.
Each has had a spring surge. And, in both cases, it might not be enough.
NEWCASTLE V LIVERPOOL
Singtel TV Ch102 & StarHub Ch227, tomorrow, 2.45am
Valencia clinch Champions League spot, Getafe in Europa League. Valencia were languishing in 12th position in the standings in December and there were repeated calls from supporters for Marcelino
Valencia clinch Champions League qualification on final day
All eyes on Milan clash for Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri Made In Chelsea fans delight as original stars Millie Mackintosh and Caggie Dunlop reunite for a 30th but fume over 'wellness
Injury wrap: Big calls loom for Tigers ahead of huge clash
Despite recognising the fallen state of man and nature, Hopkins continued to believe in the salvation of Christ and the ultimate joy of being reunited with God. He succeeds in the end in recovering for himself a world like that of Eden before the Fall, an accomplishment which, despite all his protestations and efforts, Arnold never wholly achieves.
Gre in Literature Flashcards | Quizlet
Manchester City retain Premier League title in come from behind win over Brighton half City looked like throwing away a fourth title in eight seasons. but English football. City has won
Manchester City win back-to-back Premier League titles after
Solskjaer aims for 3rd LONDON • Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has challenged his Manchester United players to get 15 points from the final six games to secure a top-three finish that will guarantee Champions League football.
Solskjaer aims to revive Ferguson's fearless style
Top-tier journalist Kristof Terreur: Unai Emery has been in touch with Thomas Meunier a few times 71 · 97 comments LazioNews24 [Exclusive]: Lazio in a good position to sign Alberto Moreno but are facing competition from #AFC and Betis who have started gauging the player's interest recently and are ready to make concrete steps to sign him.
The three key positions Arsenal must spend - football.london
Soccer Football - Women's World Cup - Group A - Norway v Nigeria - Stade Auguste-Delaune, Reims, France - June 8, 2019 Norway's Guro Reiten REIMS, France (Reuters) - Ada Hegerberg was not needed as Norway kicked off their women's World Cup Group A campaign with a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Nigeria on Saturday.
Ajax Amsterdam took a massive stride towards a first Champions League final for 23 years as Donny van de Beek's early goal earned a 1-0 win at Tottenham Hotspur in the first leg of their semifinal
Van de Beek gives Ajax edge over Tottenham in Champions
Albirex Niigata FC (S) are looking to sew up the Singapore Premier League (SPL) in record time and will aim for a win over Young Lions at Jurong East Stadium on Wednesday.
Football: Fandi Ahmad's Under-22s aim to shine in Merlion Cup
usasportsradar.com/soccer/football-fandi-ahmads-under-22s-aim-to-shine-in-merlion-cup-despite-hari-raya-festivities/
Football: Lions can 'play to strengths' Footballer Ben Davis fails to report for NS ; Football: Four Albirex Niigata players to watch in the 2019 Singapore Premier League ; Football: Albirex Niigata still aim to win trophies despite squad overhaul
Geylang International aim to spoil Albirex Niigata (S
AC Milan face long European ban after UEFA opens second financial fair play case or receive a one-year ban from European club football, lost almost €12.77m in broadcasting revenue and prize
AC Milan could miss Europa League over alleged Financial Fair
Football: Guardiola expects Man City to suffer in tricky FA
0 comments:
Post a Comment