Table after 17 matches last season
Arsenal 40
man Utd 39
Chelsea 34
Liverpool 30
This season after 17 matches
Liverpool 38
Chelsea 36 game in hand
Man Utd 32 game in hand
Arsenal 30
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson:
"It is not a bad result. We dominated the game for the most part and their goalkeeper has made two fantastic saves near the end.
"We just needed that bit of luck or a break close to goal but we didn't get it. But you have to admire the intensity of our game. Tottenham have been on a high since Harry Redknapp came.
"There is a bit of life about the club now. You expect to see them higher up the league and I am sure they will be. Overall, I am satisfied with the performance."
Those were SAF's comments after the match, and its interesting to see the different perspectives of the different clubs. Man Utd are 7 points off the pace from last season, albeit with a game in hand. Liverpool are 8 points ahead of where they were at the same time last season. The mood here is sombre and this is despite the terrific position the club is in, and despite being without Torres for many matches this season, who's return will give the club great impetus.
The point is people around here need to cheer up and realise that Liverpool are playing some brilliant football this season but are having exactly the same problems as other big clubs. They are totally dominating matches without being able to finish off the chances, and secure the 3 points every week.
Liverpool on balance should have beaten Hull 4-2 or 5-2, perhaps 5-3 if the penalty had been awarded to Hull.
Rafa complained in his after match comments that the game was too open and that exposed Liverpool to the counter attack. He inferred that Liverpool should have played tighter, and attacked less thus shutting the back door on Hull's attacking threat. However, all the speculation leading up to this match was that Liverpool in previous encounters were not attacking enough from the outset, so clearly they went out there trying to put that right. You cant have your cake and eat it too.
I thought the match was brilliant, and on balance Liverpool were good for 5 goals, on opportunities and balance. If 3 points are to be gained on a regular basis the attacking style of this match must be replicated week in and week out. It would be foolish to go back into the shell, and show less ambition. The goals will start to come if you keep playing that way, and it is "goals" you need, if you want to win the title. The biggest mistake in my books was Rafa taking Rierra off, when clearly he looked to be more likely to score than most. His substitutions were not attacking enough, I would have had Babel and Keane on in the last 30 minutes and withdrawn defensive players. Thats my only criticism.
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