It wasn't long ago that we were mocked with that chant, and it was difficult to dispute the claim at times. We based our game on a solid defence, being difficult to break down and pinching the odd goal here and there. We were a horrible team to play against, but it was affective when it needed to be; the European success over the past few seasons shows that. But what it didn't bring was a challenge for the league title, and looked in danger of costing us again this year as the number of draws at home will testify.
In the past few months, we've blown that tag out of the water. Our title challenge had all but disappeared before we went to Old Trafford; but since then, our approach to games has been breath taking, and the reason we find ourselves in the position we're in.
Liverpool 4-0 Real Madrid
Man United 1-4 Liverpool
Liverpool 5-0 Aston Villa
Liverpool 4-0 Blackburn
Chelsea 4-4 Liverpool
Liverpool 4-4 Arsenal
That's 4 goals scored against sides of the calibre of Real Madrid, Man United, Chelsea and Arsenal in the space of a few weeks. The 8 goals conceded in the past week have been the result of having to sacrifice solidity at the back in order to chase a game, as well as very uncharacteristic individual mistakes. Arsenal had 4 shots on target last night and scored 4 goals. While there's a player with Arshavin's quality on the field you're always likely to be punished when giving him that space and opportunities.
We've got ourselves back into the title race through attacking football and going at teams from the off. While last night was a sickening blow, it is just a minor blip in the progression of this team. A team that's growing in stature with every passing week. What does not kill you will only make you stronger; which rings true of this season. No matter what happens in these remaining few games, we'll come back a stronger and wiser side next season. The progression is there for all to see.
That's not me conceding the title, merely being realistic about the size of the task we now face, as well as recognising the achievement in getting into the position we're now in, when it looked all over at the end of January.
The fight in the players in unbelievable. Time and time again we look dead and buried and yet they still find reserves from somewhere. Late goal after late goal; and for that reason alone I'm not giving up on the title just yet. It looks an impossible task on paper, but with United not setting the world alight and looking an accident waiting to happen, nothing would surprise me anymore.
Come the end of the season we may well look back with regret on those home draws with the likes of Stoke, Hull, Fulham, Man City and the like, but we'll also be able to look back on being unbeaten against our main title rivals; beating Man United and Chelsea at home and away, the ability to beat those sides and attacking intent we've shown in these past few months that would blow away the lesser sides if we approached those games with less caution.
This side is developing into something special, but is still on that long learning curve before being able to reach it's full potential. I've been getting sick of saying "next year", and it's become a standing joke amongst many, but hardly any side comes from 4th or below to win the title. There is nearly always a year of challenging before following that up with delivery of the goods the year after. If we don't go on to win it this season, it could very well be the year of experience we needed. We've never had that platform to build on before.
There's one thing that the remainder of this year won't be, and that's boring.
http://timesonline.typepad.com/fanzine_fanzone/2009/04/boring-boring-scousers.htmlA well written article. Much as it looks more like we're not in the driving seat in our push for the title, we really stepped up our game. I know it will be a better season in september.
I am still bracing myself for a miracle this season though.
