Liverpool Spark Renewed Title Hopes
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Manchester slip up gives Liverpool chance to snatch the Premiership title.
Two weeks ago the Premiership looked a foregone conclusion as Manchester United held a seven point lead with a game in hand over lack-lustre Chelsea and stumbling Liverpool.
What a difference a fortnight can make in the most exciting football league in the world. Chelsea have been rejuvenated under new manager Guus Hiddink and Liverpool have remembered how to play the flowing attacking football which made them so prominent at the start of this season.
Liverpool’s manager Rafael Benitez must be just about the happiest person in the Premiership at the moment. It was just 12 days ago that questions were being asked about Benitez’s ability to lead Liverpool, as the club had slumped in form and dropped far too many points to be considered major contenders for the title.
Then along came Real Madrid. Liverpool had coasted in the first leg against the Spanish giants but had managed to secure a 1-0 victory. The expectation was that the Reds would sit back and defend their margin to progress to the next stage of the Champions League.
Benitez must have sprinkled pixie dust or something over the Liverpool side, which had been mediocre since Christmas and suddenly were transformed into electrifying world beaters. Madrid were crushed 4-0 by the Merseysiders, who followed that stunning victory with a historic 4-1 win at Manchester United’s usually impenetrable fortress, Old Trafford.
After Manchester then slipped on Saturday against Fulham, Liverpool pounced yesterday on Aston Villa and smashed the Villains 5-0. Liverpool now find themselves comfortably into the quarter finals of the Champions League, and just one point behind United in the Premiership.
Of course, the key to Liverpool’s revival lies in their two talismanic powerhouses. Torres and Gerrard have both had injuries this season which have kept them sidelined at crucial junctures in the campaign. When both players are on the field however, Liverpool can (and do) beat anybody.
Thirteen goals in a twelve day period is an impressive tally which has seen Liverpool top the goal difference chart. Manchester United still have a game in hand but the title race has now been opened up again when a fortnight ago it was a one horse race.
Chelsea failed to capitalise at the weekend on United’s shock result at Craven Cottage as they lost 1-0 to London rivals Tottenham. However, with a strong bid in the Champions League, and a semi final place in the FA Cup, Chelsea still have plenty to keep them busy and are by no means out of the title race completely.
In the end, the title still lies with United; it is theirs to lose rather than Liverpool’s to win. With a vital game in hand, the reigning champions look dangerous against any side, and should retain their league dominance in the final run in.
Speaking of United, Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer said: “You could see even with ten men they are a world class side. But from the title side of things, it’s still in their own hands.”
Will Liverpool be able to snatch the title from United? Can Chelsea put in a last ditch effort to come through triumphant? Let us know your thoughts on the title race!
