The Title Run-In

One point behind with nine games left to play! I'm quite the eternal optimist when it comes to the reds and never conceded the title this season, but even I would have thought you were mental if you told me we'd be in this position back in January

Just thought it would be good if we had a thread to discuss all things relating to the title run in, as opposed to sporadic exchanges in the post / pre matches and the Premier League / Man City threads. Sure the players will be taking it one game at a time but we can dream in here!

I had written us off when we were 12 points off (I think it was 12 points) and to see us back there just shows once again you should never doubt Jürgen and the boys.

We’ve got all the momentum right now and really turning the screw. My one worry is when I look at the fixture lists I think City’s run in is a lot easier but if the boys are taking it one game at a time then that shouldn’t come into it too much.

Think I still need to learn to trust this team instead of wondering about what could go wrong, last night was another massive game and we just treated it like it was routine, which is what you need to deal with the pressure.

So desperate for us to win this league and have a proper celebration because our title win didn’t really feel fulfilling to me without that climax after 30 years. Can’t wait!

We can dream. The title is entirely in our hands. Win all remaining games and we win the title.

Very clever.

https://twitter.com/LFCHistoryShow/status/1504380008818692100?t=CyfIyAmRpPhL3yUTuz1nPA&s=19

We can dream. The title is entirely in our hands. Win all remaining games and we win the title.

That is exactly how we should all be thinking this morning and beyond, it’s a simple equation isn’t it but obviously much harder to accomplish, we have to assume now that Pep G will focus his players to do exactly the same thing, they still remain one point ahead, we have Watford to play 2nd of April,(early KO), City have Burnley (a) and will be two points behind, before they KO,

Then it’s the big one, probably the title decider but with a huge Q mark, a game where before last night was a must win, now it’s a must not lose,(we won’t) and that’s a hell of a difference, because now it’s City who absolutely have to win, so the pressure is still on them massively, probably even more than it was trying to remain ahead, and having failed,


It has been proven yet again that City do not handle pressure very well, now I don’t know whether that’s down to complacency on their part but to have thrown away a 14 point lead in the hardest of leagues is pretty damn poor from a team considered the best in the world(their not), I’ve said this before I’ll say it again, City are without doubt a brilliant team, no question, no, I’ll rephrase that, their a brilliant side, not team, we are a team, because we play as a team, City do not,

It is the only explanation I can think of as to why City, with all their billions habitually bottle it when it comes down to getting over the line, they fall at the last hurdle unless they are in a unassailable position, but as soon as pressure is applied, they more often than not F**k it up,

and at this moment in time look like their doing it yet again, they may have a side full of big stars and fancy Dans, ego’s swelling their dressing room, but they don’t have that team spirit, that togetherness you need to win at all costs something we have in abundance and that is the difference between us becoming Champions and them as bridesmaids.

There will be six games after we meet, it is entirely possible they could regain their one point advantage, it’s also entirely possible we could be 5 ahead or three, and if you factor in that we are the Monsters of mentality it’s probable that Red ribbons rather than sky blue will be on the EPL trophy in May !!




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Coutinho to bang one in for the Villa last game of the season Stevies team do us a favour , and let’s have a party eh sounds like a winner to me 💥

Our 9 games are tougher, no doubt.

But city are as or more likely to drop points than we.

For me it comes down to beating them in the face off

I’m still in the camp of city to win it, I’ve had my hopes up and dashed so many times before.

However this team just feels incredible at the moment, the energy and confidence is absolutely astonishing.

I think it's a commonly held opinion now but our squad is probably the best it's ever been under Klopp, including the year we walked the league. We have more depth all over the park, especially in the key areas up front. If the front three who start don't do the job, we've got Jota, Diaz or whoever (Bobby & Salah last night) to bring on and change the game. If you look at that 98/97 point season everyone said there will be more twists and turns and all that, expecting both teams to drop more points, but both were unbelievably consistent and just kept reeling off wins. It's perfectly possible that happens again, and our increased depth should help us achieve that.

Going to be quite some ride to the end! Reckon it'll come down to the last day, maybe a point or two in it and two 90+ point totals yet again.

I’m still in the camp of city to win it, I’ve had my hopes up and dashed so many times before.

However this team just feels incredible at the moment, the energy and confidence is absolutely astonishing.

Yet, you don’t believe we we can overcome City ? Your in the wrong camp mate, we’ve all had our hopes dashed in the past LR but re the doubters into believers quote, surely you can’t still be in the doubters camp, not after what Jürgen has made us believe and achieved?



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Yet, you don’t believe we we can overcome City ? Your in the wrong camp mate, we’ve all had our hopes dashed in the past LR but re the doubters into believers quote, surely you can’t still be in the doubters camp, not after what Jürgen has made us believe and achieved?



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It's LondonRed, the eternal pessimist. He's the "see it to believe it" type.

I’m still in the camp of city to win it, I’ve had my hopes up and dashed so many times before.

However this team just feels incredible at the moment, the energy and confidence is absolutely astonishing.

Don’t let your self defence mechanism ruin our fantastic journey en route to the title. Even if we fail to win, it’s still a damn bloody good run. How many of such exciting seasons do we have. Enjoy the moment while we still can. It’s not as if the more negative we get, the more power we have to determine the outcome. Sit back, support the lads and enjoy. Your nerves and worry have no bearing on the final outcome. Unless you’re physically supporting at Anfield.

You still rather be in City's seat than ours, since we have to win every match to win and they don't.

Regardless of what happens, super excited to see this to the end. Going to be an exhilarating ride.

City games


Home games: Liverpool (10 Apr), Brighton (20 Apr), Watford (23 Apr), Newcastle (7 May), Aston Villa (22 May)

Away games: Burnley (2 Apr), Wolves (17 Apr), Leeds (30 Apr), West Ham (15 may)

My prediction 11 points at home  10 points away, 21 total

Us..

Home games: Watford (2 Apr), Manchester United (19 Apr), Everton (24 Apr), Tottenham (7 May), Wolves (22 May)

Away games: Manchester City (Apr 10), Aston Villa (Apr 16), Newcastle (Apr 30), Southampton (May 15)

My prediction 13 points home, 10 points away. 23 total

We win by 1

Cant understand why anyone doesn’t believe this team is capable of winning the title this season...

We are in the driving seat, this team has shown over past 4 seasons what it’s capable of & how we perform under intense pressure, our next 9 games as difficult as they may be will prove once again how formidable Klopp has made us.

The quarter final draw could have an impact

For example one side having Benfica and the other Bayern could make that 1% difference that will swing this

another factor would be fa cup. Semi finals would see another game rescheduled..We would need city to reach the last 4 as well, they should but you never know, that way we both have games rescheduled

Finally, international break, need everyone back fully fit

Cant understand why anyone doesn’t believe this team is capable of winning the title this season...

We are in the driving seat, this team has shown over past 4 seasons what it’s capable of & how we perform under intense pressure, our next 9 games as difficult as they may be will prove once again how formidable Klopp has made us.

Did you believe in December when you were crying about lack of squad depth and losing Salah and Mane to AFCON in January?

Imagine going into the City game by beating Watford and them only drawing or losing to Burnley and then losing to us at home they would just implode.  After listening to Merton last night I am even more desperate to win this to shut up all those Pep worshippers than man who has spent more money than any other manager in the game

Did you believe in December when you were crying about lack of squad depth and losing Salah and Mane to AFCON in January?

So, is it your plan today to comb the forum and do your usual ‘told you so’ nonsense? Calling specific people out?

So, is it your plan today to comb the forum and do your usual ‘told you so’ nonsense? Calling specific people out?

It is hugely hypocritical of him to come out and say he "can't understand why anyone doesn't believe this team can win" as if he believed all along when he himself was one of the biggest critics of this team and one of the key people spamming the board with his criticism.

Did you believe in December when you were crying about lack of squad depth and losing Salah and Mane to AFCON in January?

Huh...? Can you please post the post in which I’m allegedly in tears of the lack of squad depth...?

I’ve called out FSG for not supporting the manager in a crucial month, if that’s crying then I can’t help you...

& yes I believed...🖕🏼

It is hugely hypocritical of him to come out and say he "can't understand why anyone doesn't believe this team can win" as if he believed all along when he himself was one of the biggest critics of this team and one of the key people spamming the board with his criticism.

Post it ....

It's a minor miracle we are this close to City after being so far behind so I am just delighted we are even in with half a chance. The turnaround has been incredible.

As it was so unexpected, I am just enjoying the fact that we are perched over their shoulder with all the pressure now on City. They have the advantage still and the easier fixtures. They will also have the explaining to do if it doesn't go to plan. We just give it everything and see where we stand.

Did you believe in December when you were crying about lack of squad depth and losing Salah and Mane to AFCON in January?

Human being in change of mood/way of thinking shocker.

Even if we fail to win, it’s still a damn bloody good run. How many of such exciting seasons do we have. Enjoy the moment while we still can. It’s not as if the more negative we get, the more power we have to determine the outcome. Sit back, support the lads and enjoy.

Couldn't have put it better. The 13/14 season ended in disappointment for us but that period from around January to late April were some of the best and most exciting times I've had supporting the reds.

We all watch football & spend time talking about it on this forum because it gives us enjoyment. Let's enjoy the ride the best we can

It has been proven yet again that City do not handle pressure very well

but as soon as pressure is applied, they more often than not f**k it up,

I don't think this is true Billy. 

They chased Utd down from behind a number of years ago to pip them on the final day.
They won 14 on the spin to deny us (winning 9 on the spin!)on the final day in 18-19 & came from behind to pip us in 2013-14. 

So, they've prevailed in every tight race to the title they've been involved in over the last 10 or so years.

We need to buck that trend to beat them to it this season!

ESPN FC posted on FB that from the start of the 2018-19 season we have 334 points and City 335.

Amazing.

I don't think this is true Billy. 

They chased Utd down from behind a number of years ago to pip them on the final day.
They won 14 on the spin to deny us (winning 9 on the spin!)on the final day in 18-19 & came from behind to pip us in 2013-14. 

So, they've prevailed in every tight race to the title they've been involved in over the last 10 or so years.

We need to buck that trend to beat them to it this season!

Well... there's always a first for everything!

We have the harder run in I reckon going to be interesting,  could GD be the deciding factor ?

Watch Burnley nick a point from them.

We have the harder run in I reckon going to be interesting,  could GD be the deciding factor ?

Definitely have the harder run in after looking at it just now.

Goal difference rarely becomes a factor if I'm right.

Don’t let your self defence mechanism ruin our fantastic journey en route to the title. Even if we fail to win, it’s still a damn bloody good run. How many of such exciting seasons do we have. Enjoy the moment while we still can. It’s not as if the more negative we get, the more power we have to determine the outcome. Sit back, support the lads and enjoy. Your nerves and worry have no bearing on the final outcome. Unless you’re physically supporting at Anfield.

This is so true and I'm glad you reminded me of that!

I've been very much like LondonRed where I don't get my hopes up and I go into every game with an almost fatalist mindset or rather easing myself into acceptance of things not going as you wish for the fear of experiencing crushing disappointment. It is admittedly, a slightly draining way to live life!

Thing is, back in 2013-2014, I didn't do that. The shackles were off and I just totally went with it 'We're going to win the league'... 'Poetry in motion tra la la la la'. It was probably the most hedonistic I've been in supporting Liverpool. And then Gerrard's slip happened and I was crushed. But that's what football and life's all about - you take the euphoric highs with the crushing lows. It just makes it so much more fun taking that guard down. And I'm going to try and remember that over the next few weeks. Just go with it!

Yep, this is the best time to be a Liverpool fan in thirty years. As stressful as it is to compete with Pep's City we should also take the time to simply enjoy how good we are. Our football and our chances of winning major trophies is almost sure to take a dip when Klopp leaves, whether that's in 24 or later, so lets live in the moment. This might be a weird analogy (I've had a few ) but it's like a gorgeous supermodel worrying that she looks fat if she's an ounce over her usual weight, or her left earlobe is slightly less than symmetrical. We're gorgeous now, but it doesn't last forever.

This is so true and I'm glad you reminded me of that!

I've been very much like LondonRed where I don't get my hopes up and I go into every game with an almost fatalist mindset or rather easing myself into acceptance of things not going as you wish for the fear of experiencing crushing disappointment. It is admittedly, a slightly draining way to live life!

Thing is, back in 2013-2014, I didn't do that. The shackles were off and I just totally went with it 'We're going to win the league'... 'Poetry in motion tra la la la la'. It was probably the most hedonistic I've been in supporting Liverpool. And then Gerrard's slip happened and I was crushed. But that's what football and life's all about - you take the euphoric highs with the crushing lows. It just makes it so much more fun taking that guard down. And I'm going to try and remember that over the next few weeks. Just go with it!

Good summary mate

Like one, that on a lonesome road
Doth walk in fear and dread
And having once turned round
walks on,
And turns no more his head,
Because he knew, a frightful
fiend
Doth close behind him tread.

We have the momentum and we are piling on the pressure. Who will blink first? Pep will cause it won't be us

Yep, this is the best time to be a Liverpool fan in thirty years. As stressful as it is to compete with Pep's City we should also take the time to simply enjoy how good we are.

It actually wouldn't be as enjoyable if we didn't have strong competition. And that competition definitely brings out the best of both teams.

Yep, this is the best time to be a Liverpool fan in thirty years. As stressful as it is to compete with Pep's City we should also take the time to simply enjoy how good we are. Our football and our chances of winning major trophies is almost sure to take a dip when Klopp leaves, whether that's in 24 or later, so lets live in the moment. This might be a weird analogy (I've had a few ) but it's like a gorgeous supermodel worrying that she looks fat if she's an ounce over her usual weight, or her left earlobe is slightly less than symmetrical. We're gorgeous now, but it doesn't last forever.

2004 -2008 was pretty exciting and Torres and Gerrard where off the scale but I dont see any weakness in this team/squad its a proper winning machine nobody want to jinx it but just enjoy these next few months its going to be epic

Losing Trent is a massive blow. Hoping he can be back for the city game.
For once the international break could come in handy.

As for fixtures, it looks like we have the harder remaining games...but Man City have a lot of potential banana skins as well.

So, is it your plan today to comb the forum and do your usual ‘told you so’ nonsense? Calling specific people out?

Not just his plan today, believe that’s his plan everyday. At least he didn’t call you a “netspender”. That one really cuts a man deep.

We do have a tougher run in than city, but I’ve always felt that we will do it, even when we were 12 behind.
Can’t see any reason to change my mind now 🤷‍♂️

Bring it home Red Men 😊

This is so true and I'm glad you reminded me of that!

I've been very much like LondonRed where I don't get my hopes up and I go into every game with an almost fatalist mindset or rather easing myself into acceptance of things not going as you wish for the fear of experiencing crushing disappointment. It is admittedly, a slightly draining way to live life!

Thing is, back in 2013-2014, I didn't do that. The shackles were off and I just totally went with it 'We're going to win the league'... 'Poetry in motion tra la la la la'. It was probably the most hedonistic I've been in supporting Liverpool. And then Gerrard's slip happened and I was crushed. But that's what football and life's all about - you take the euphoric highs with the crushing lows. It just makes it so much more fun taking that guard down. And I'm going to try and remember that over the next few weeks. Just go with it!

The thing is this. We're in a very different position today from 2013-2014. Back then we were desperate for the league. Expectations were sky high and we were utterly devastated.

Today, that monkey's off our backs and we have already bagged a couple of major trophies, plus we could bag over 95 points over more than one season. A much better position. We can therefore afford not to be so hard on ourselves. Let's learn to enjoy the journey. If it isn't now, it's never.

Remember the heimy spirit that was possessing us sometime back? When we lose, we're poor - sure. Even when we win we're imperfect. We constantly need better players. There's no room to lose possession. Even letting the opponent have the ball is unacceptable, let alone they have a shot at our goal. What's the point of being a fan then if you're never entertained and happy about the football? Me thinks the spirit was happy seeing all of us upset - that's no longer football but emotional torture.

So just enjoy the journey. We can afford it. Otherwise we end up being a grumpy fan.

We have the harder run in I reckon going to be interesting,  could GD be the deciding factor ?

It certainly could. If we were to beat them at their place and then draw one of our other games whilst they win all of their games (except with us) we would be equal on points with GD or goals scored deciding the title. Imagine that!!!

It certainly could. If we were to beat them at their place and then draw one of our other games whilst they win all of their games (except with us) we would be equal on points with GD or goals scored deciding the title. Imagine that!!!

Great! Time to crank up posts like - 1-0 wins are not good enough. They have to be 4-0 or better. 2-0 would feel inadequate.

It certainly could. If we were to beat them at their place and then draw one of our other games whilst they win all of their games (except with us) we would be equal on points with GD or goals scored deciding the title. Imagine that!!!

Agree . Wouldn't rule out that scenario not sure if the old ticker would survive

Agree . Wouldn't rule out that scenario not sure if the old ticker would survive

Then let's hope we win all our game so that we wouldn't go there.

I’m actually glad we have the tougher run in, it will keep us focussed, even if it is hell for all you jelly bellies, I’d rather have it tough than succumb to possible complacency if it were too easy, when have we ever done things easy in the recent past, being dragged through the mill has become the norm for us, I guess that’s bad news for all you lightweights out there, have fun !! 🤩 😁






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The average league position for our remaining games are 11th for home and 8th for away.

For city it’s 12th at home and 11th away.

But we do have an extra home game compared to them (they have one more away than us) although one of our away fixtures is at their ground...

Villa away and Southampton away are the tricky ones for us I feel.

City have the much easier run in, and are capable of winning or at least not losing 9 in a row.

I think we have a much better chance winning the FA CUP and Champs league.

Always hoping for the best though

It looks increasing likely that it will all come down to that game at their gaff, I don’t see either side dropping too many points from here on in, if any, but I’m not ruling it out, we do have the tougher run in but that suits us, we’d rather have it that way, both managers will have their players totally focused on winning the next game, so I guess April the 10th is judgement day,

From our point of view we should hold a two point lead assuming we beat Watford, that could prove a deciding factor, to go there knowing we don’t have to win is psychologically a better position to be in,
 from  their point of view they will need to beat us to regain a 1 point lead, their motivation being that if they do it gives them advantage for the title,

BUT…if we were to win then for me it’s done & dusted…holding a five point lead…or drawing…a three point lead it’s good night Vienna, and we can look forward to the Mother of all parades & Street parties.




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Too many times over the years have I seen teams drop points on the run in, games considered handy, to take any notice of citys run in being easier, clearly it is, on paper, but it just doesnt work that way

We just need to win our next game, go abovd them and pressure them to get a result in a " handy " fixture. Then we go head to head

It looks increasing likely that it will all come down to that game at their gaff, I don’t see either side dropping too many points from here on in, if any, but I’m not ruling it out, we do have the tougher run in but that suits us, we’d rather have it that way, both managers will have their players totally focused on winning the next game, so I guess April the 10th is judgement day,

From our point of view we should hold a two point lead assuming we beat Watford, that could prove a deciding factor, to go there knowing we don’t have to win is psychologically a better position to be in,
 from  their point of view they will need to beat us to regain a 1 point lead, their motivation being that if they do it gives them advantage for the title,

BUT…if we were to win then for me it’s done & dusted…holding a five point lead…or drawing…a three point lead it’s good night Vienna, and we can look forward to the Mother of all parades & Street parties.




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if we beat Watford we'd be up 1 point but also played 1 more game, so drawing at the Etihad puts us back 1 point behind if they win their game in hand.

Winning at the Etihad would be massive, because it puts us 2 points up (if they were to win their game in hand) and gives us a 1-slip cushion where we can draw 1 game and still be on top from the better GD.

What are the potential dates for the villa game?

The thing is this. We're in a very different position today from 2013-2014. Back then we were desperate for the league. Expectations were sky high and we were utterly devastated.

Today, that monkey's off our backs and we have already bagged a couple of major trophies, plus we could bag over 95 points over more than one season. A much better position. We can therefore afford not to be so hard on ourselves. Let's learn to enjoy the journey. If it isn't now, it's never.

Remember the heimy spirit that was possessing us sometime back? When we lose, we're poor - sure. Even when we win we're imperfect. We constantly need better players. There's no room to lose possession. Even letting the opponent have the ball is unacceptable, let alone they have a shot at our goal. What's the point of being a fan then if you're never entertained and happy about the football? Me thinks the spirit was happy seeing all of us upset - that's no longer football but emotional torture.

So just enjoy the journey. We can afford it. Otherwise we end up being a grumpy fan.

I'm with you, but that spirit hasn't been exorcised from this community yet. We're never good enough.

Relaxing weekend this however the squeaky bum time from next weekend for 7 long weeks. Come on you reds, make Citeh snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. I would just love it ....