LFC is on top with a 3 points cushion and won against 2 of the top 4 teams. Things are certainly looking rosy right? Well, not exactly. I'd personally say it's still way too early to be thinking about being crowed as the champion. The EPL is notoriously famous for its punishing schedules in the X'mas holiday period when all other leagues in Europe are on their winter break. Imagine at mid season, you have 2 games to play in 3 days and in the cold / snow. This will definitely seperate the men from the boys.
I'd say we're in the perfect position (not certain) to push for no.19 this season as there are ample of signs that we have the full package to finally nail it down - ugly wins, lucky wins, come backs and a seemingly good team spirit & belief. There's also a difference to the way the gaffer is approaching the games this season - he is taking more risk by putting in more offensive subs. Results of this shift in mindset - to win rather than sit back for a draw, are there to see as we're are actually winning matches that we will definitely draw in the past few seasons under him. There is also a lot less rotation this season and it only happens to protect injured or jaded players.
After nearly 5 seasons, has he finally got the team right? Has the constant tinkering stopped? Well, i've got no answer to these questions as only the gaffer himself can answer them. What is clear is, we've finally got the kind of squad depth that he's been talking of since a couple of seasons ago. We definitely have a more settled side with players that look a lot more cohesive and have better understanding of their roles in the team. I'm happy to see we're not the bunch of headless chickens running around anymore like last season when we were constantly shooting ourselves in the foot with the crap footie we were playing.
How far can we go this time round? I wouldn't want to know and predict at this time. The road to no. 19 does look a lot less bumpy but knowing how fast things can go awry with trouble just round the corners, i'll be happy as long as we keep winning matches and see where it will take us. I am not looking to much into the league table and will only look at thing one game at a time. Seen my fair share of disappointments over the years to know its suicidal to over hype our good form and be over confident.
It's still too early with just 9 games played out of 38. Till then, i'll just sit back, enjoy the football and hope i don't pull out all my hair with the dramatic last minute wins by end of the season. Hopefully by then, no.19 is safely back in Anfield and locked up in the trophy room.
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2 comments:
good write-up, Jonny. If only the team concerned was Arsenal.
after 10 games into the season, it is clear only 2 teams have been consistent, and they are LIverpool and chelscum, with the former having an extra edge based on their overall performance, plus the hunger and resilience shown thus far. its early days still but with the consistency no 19 is within reach.
as for Arsenal, its going to be like previous seasons, chasing for the champs league spot...we simply lack the mental toughness as proven this morning. damnnnnnnn...
Mate, that was a hell of a match. Yup have to agree, you boys lack that extra bit of mental toughness. I guess that's the downside to playing eager but still inexperienced youngsters. Irregardless, the future is certainly bright if you boys manage to keep the core youngsters at the club.
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