If you told a scouser in August that Liverpool would top the league table at Christmas, he’d have bitten your hand off (provided he was from the red half of Merseyside).
So far this season has been brilliant for the Reds – they could have put daylight between themselves and the chasing pack if not for some woeful finishing and questionable team selections.
For all the criticism of Rafael Benitez, he is a man who has got Liverpool to challenge for the title with a fraction of the resources made available to their big rivals- United and Chelsea, this season.
The last 5 games have sen Liverpool drop 8 points – they could have been 9 points ahead, heaven for the Anfield faithful. Still, a rough patch of form hasn’t brought the worst results for liverpool, as Chelsea haven’t been able to capitalize. United can come within a point of Liverpool if they win their games in hand, but this season liverpool are top and the title is in theirs to lose from here.
Liverpool don’t play pretty football, but they play effective football, a philosophy envisoned by the great Arrigo Sacchi and now implemented by Rafael Benitez, coupled with his own insight. Pressing off the ball, working hard and being well drilled are characteristics of this side. The team Benitez has employs 2 formations.
The 4-2-2-1-1 and the 4-4-2. Key to both of these is arguably the best striker in the world – Fernando Torres. He can play as a lone striker or with another striker. His recurrent injuries have meant Robbie Keane stuck up as the lone man. For all his quality and endeavor, Keane isn’t strong enough to lead the line alone, so to speak.
The Reds defence has been a machine at times, and let us not forget about the injury to Martin Skrtel – who has been a giant for the Reds at the back. The squad has a good balance, and all that is needed right now is a good right winger, to use against the lesser teams – when craft and guile are needed rather than the resolute work of Kuyt. A bid for Dormund’s Kuba or Aaron Lennon could very well be on the cards and with Torres coming back, the Reds could go all the way this year.
There are those who doubt Benitez, say that he doesn’t take risks as seen in the game against Arsenal when the Gunners were down to 10 men and though 1 win in 2 is better than 2 draws, Benitez focuses on team mentality and confidence – and a draw is better than a defeat in that case.
A new winger and some cover for Torres up front could see the Merseysiders do it this season. How badly do they want this title? The clock is ticking, its time for the Gerrard’s and Carragher’s to world blood sweat and tears for the title they want so badly. This season, more than any in 18 years it is possible. Lets wait and see if it turns into a reality.
What do you think about Liverpool’s season? Do they have what it takes to win the title this season, and if no, what signings can propel them to the title?
Abhik Setia
Written By Abhik
Setia
(3 Posts) |
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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
i think 4 42 is better i think at the begging of epl they were playing 4 42 and that was good
I think you have it spot on but we could do with a right full unless Steven Darby is as good as Insua in the first team.Torres needs to stay fit now so to be sure we are in with a shout come May.
Excellent article.
I initially thought it would be another tedious article by some bored jurno belittling liverpool’s chances this season, but you have put forward a very well thought piece.
And I agree, we have a brilliant chance this season provided we stop losing points at home(and get a new right winger).
Well done.
Thank you for the comments, the 4-5-1 is a formation that can’t be beaten, and is quite good on the counter-attack actually, the 4-4-2 is probably better at Anfield because teams park the proverbial bus! Hope you guys enjoy my writing!