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
Explore Glassdoor. Glassdoor has millions of jobs, salary information, company reviews, and interview questions - all posted anonymously by employees and job seekers. See what others are looking for on Glassdoor today.
Career Tops Sold Direct on eBay | Fantastic Prices on Career Tops
AD
Solskjaer needs to be held accountable for Man United's slide (2:09) Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was praised for his early success at Man United, but the FC crew say he also deserves criticism for
As Solskjær soars, how many extra points does a manager
Football News - Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola believes his side have raised the standard of the English Premier League, after edging ahead of Liverpool in the title race with a 2-0 win at
Guardiola believes City have raised the standard of the
But, for Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino, the rumours validate his hard work and mean Read more at straitstimes.com. Pochettino 'happy' there's less focus on Spurs, Football News & Top
Pochettino very "happy" at Spurs and denies any Real Madrid
Jose Mourinho rules himself out of Benfica job Former Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has ruled himself out of the vacant job at Benfica, saying he has no intention of coaching in his native Portugal for the time being.
José Mourinho breaks cover to rule himself out of Benfica
United were awarded a penalty in the 17th minute after Robert Snodgrass brought Juan Mata down with a clumsy challenge just inside the box. Paul Pogba struck the spot-kick down the middle and in
Paul Pogba urged to quit 'pathetic' penalty run-up after
FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - Premier League - Manchester City v Arsenal - Etihad Stadium, Manchester, Britain - February 3, 2019 Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola reacts Action Images via Reut
Football: Guardiola predicts roller-coaster title run-in
Players acknowledge fans and celebrate after Juventus secured its 8th consecutive Italian Serie A title in Turin on Saturday. Football Juventus win eighth Serie A title in a row.
Juventus win eighth successive Serie A title | Sports News
Ikhsan Fandi becomes the first Lion to play in Europe in 30 years, after signing deal with Norway's second tier side, Raufoss IL Ikhsan Fandi will be the first Singaporean footballer to ply his
Ikhsan Fandi scores 1st goal for Norwegian club Raufoss with
Barcelona can end Real's title hopes MADRID • After eliminating Real Madrid from the King's Cup in midweek, Barcelona now have the opportunity to send their arch-rivals packing in the title race, too.
Barcelona can end the hopes of title of real madrid in el
Barcelona Looking for a Solid Display at Anfield The 3-0 victory home gives Barcelona a comfortable platform to progress to the Final of Champions league, their ultimate goal of the season. A t the start of the Season, Lionel Messi made it clear about what remains his and the club's first priority.
Champions League final: Solid defence secures Liverpool win
Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey is set to seal a money-spinning move to Italian champions Juventus when his contract expires with the Gunners in the summer, according to reports on Thursday. The
Ramsey set to cash in with Juventus move — reports
Ronaldo avoids jail but hit by hefty fine for tax fraud in Spain (UPDATED) The court sentences Cristiano Ronaldo to a two-year jail sentence that it immediately reduces to a fine of 365,000 euros
Ronaldo fined €18.8m over tax evasion - BBC News
English Premier League: Willian gem sinks Newcastle as Chelsea cement fourth place Description: Salomon Rondon flicked a header towards Ayoze Perez and he accelerated away from Antonio Rudiger, only to shoot woefully wide with just Kepa Arrizabalaga to beat.
Willian gem sinks Newcastle as Chelsea cement fourth place
Hugo Lloris admits losing Harry Kane will be a blow to Tottenham but is confident the squad is strong enough to cope without the striker. Kane twisted his ankle after scoring in the 1-0 win over
0 Kommentare:
Kommentar veröffentlichen