Topic: Chasing the Title

[Caligula?]

For what its worth some of the Mancs seem worried that it is 2019 and title wins will be 20:19.  Their worry continues with 20:20, 20:21......

Now that would be so satisfying.

They've got a lot of worrying to do until 2099 then 

[Andar]

Dyche is going to do this.

'My first recollection of them was at seven years old, then at about eight or nine when you start zooming in on what it's really about. You start getting your favourite players, mine was King Kenny - as a kid why wouldn't he be your favourite player? Souness as well, and Ray Clemence who I've met many times, what a fantastic player, no airs and graces. That whole Liverpool thing was quite a powerful thing in the 70s.'

I got to play in front of the Kop before Phil Neal's testimonial, they took local Northampton team we went up there and got 15 minutes each way. I did meet the now Sir Kenny a couple of seasons ago and that was a big moment for me because as a child he was my favourite. You don't forget these people just because you work in the same profession, I was so pleased to meet him. He's a fantastic fella just chatting  away about football but deep down I'm thinking about that little ginger kid, thinking 'wow that's King Kenny' and watching him on TV stuff like that. That's more my memory of Liverpool ."

[andy07]

Get Kenny down The Turf pre match😀

[the_red_pill]

As much as we like to hold out hope, I think it's almost guaranteed that City will win all of their remaining games and therefore the title will be won...es this time and still no title win is just.. well, there are no words.

It's that almost that makes it not quite yet.

[unknownuser]

That Guardian article is absolute garbage.

[skooma]

You just know next season the title winners will do it on 78 points or some shit.

I hate how every time we have a total banner season... there's always another team that does just a tiny bit better or is a tiny bit luckier.   They're only a couple points off, it's not that big of a gap.

[Teacher]

Been devastated all day and trying to come to terms with not winning the league this season. The lads have performed tremendously well and I am very proud of them but we seem to be bloody cursed when it comes to winning this god damn premier league. 29 years waiting for this and we always seem to come up short , it’s mind boggling!!!

Unfortunately for us City will steam roll Burnley, Leicester and Brighton....sick as a dog I am !!!

Fuck off City !!

Understand the "bloody cursed" part.

However, am really not convinced that City will "steam roll" those 3 opponents. I still fancy an upset along the way and hope that we make sure of the 9 points from our remaining games.

[Dench57]

That Guardian article is absolute garbage.

I like how she gives no supporting evidence, or any thought whatsoever, to her belief that it's "now or never" for Liverpool. 

Unless something drastic changes I just see us going toe-to-toe with City again next year, Spurs pretending to be in it til around Feb/March and everyone else miles behind.

[andy07]

United offered nothing last night.  They were shit.  City walked out in front of 74000 fans willing them to win. The result was never in doubt.  Sunday will hopefully be different.

[Teacher]

United offered nothing last night.  They were shit.  City walked out in front of 74000 fans willing them to win. The result was never in doubt.  Sunday will hopefully be different.

Agreed. In some ways, that was City´s easiest remaining game.

[jillcwhomever]

Agreed. In some ways, that was City´s easiest remaining game.

Absolutely, was really surprised at the amount of people thinking United could get anything. They are one of the worst United sides in years.

[SteveZissou]

Some people think that since we're running out of games for City to drop points that the world is ending but to the contrary, the later City drop points, the easier and quicker we get to the finish line as champions, with less pressure on us.

[rojo para la vida]

For what it's worth if anyone said that this is where we would be at the start of the season, I would have shaken hands on it.

If, IF, City win the league, fuck it their players deserve it. It's not their fault about their clubs dubious finances, so we'll have to take it on the chin and swallow it. We are on the ascendancy and nothing can stop Klopp creating a dynasty that's going to win many trophies over the next three or four years. We'll have our parades I can assure you.

Also for what it's worth, I still think that we'll do it, based on Cities nervousness over the last three or so games. There's relatively little pressure on us tomorrow night but if they'd drawn or loss last night, the heat on us would have been turned up. Relax and enjoy the ride.

[God's Left Peg]

We're still in this. We need to focus on our own fixtures, after that what will be will be. Win every remaining game left and we finish with at least one big shiny pot

[Jookie]

While I agree we have stronger foundations than in those years, this sentiment is littered with hindsight. I remember a lot of fans and pundits alike tipping us to take the next step in 09/10. Ronaldo had departed United, and for us Glen Johnson was seen as a missing piece of the jigsaw to provide attacking thrust from full-back. And while you'd have had to be a bit of a loon to tip us to win the league without Suarez in 14/15, especially with the quality signings Chelsea made that summer, there were plenty predicting we'd qualify for the CL again.

I agree with this in some ways. People were not predicting we'd be seeing a season of significant down turn at the start of 09/10. However, I think there is some mitigating circumstances in that situation. I don't think a lot of people realised how bad the off the field problems were. We were in a mess but not everyone knew that at the time.

Not hindsight but at that point a good proportion of the supporter base wanted Rafa gone or had serious doubts about him. It just needed 1 average season - 7th position and a EL Semi final - for a lot of fans to just want rid of Benitez. It was a really shite time to be a match going Red. Club was in turmoil and loads of people just wanted to pin it on the manager. It was a toxic around the club.

I don't think we are in that situation now. The club seems stable and 99% of the fans seem happy with Klopp. That's a big difference to where we were at in 2009/10 (with the benefit of hindsight).

In 2014/15 we weren't a million miles away from CL qualification. Though we finished 8 points off 4th we were bang in contention until the United defeat at home at the end of March. From that point will capitulated. We took 8 points from 8 games after the United defeat. With hindsight what we were witnessing was the beginning of the end for Rodgers.

In saying that I don't think the 14/15 squad of players was as bad as some people think. There was significant weakness at centre forward when Sturridge was unavailable but we still had the nucleus of a decent squad. I think that bore out a bit the next season under Klopp when we got to the EL and Carling Cup finals.

Whilst I agree with you that there was optimism still at the end of 08/09 and 13/14 about the future, at this point we seem in a much better place than either of them. The strength of the team may be comparable (or better) with 08/09 but the stability and strength of the club isn't. The club is in such a better position now and are primed for the next step. Where we stand now with the end of 13/14 isn't comparable either on or off the pitch. There's 1 definite and maybe 3 players at most from that squad who would get in the current starting XI. Probably only 4 or 5 who would get in the current squad. The club is in a better state from then as well.

Whilst no-one knows what happens over the next 3 games, next season or even beyond that, it's hard not to think that the club is in a good position to succeed in the future.

[Marty 85]

That Guardian article is absolute garbage.

It is. Finishing second in the champions league last season didn't do much to affect our run in this years competition. If we don't win the league this year we'll have at least gained alot of confidence in the amazing charge we put together and we will win it sooner or later but there's still 3 games to play and we as fans should know better than most it's not over till its over. It's actually baffling that some fans would give up given how many last minute winners we've scored this season. Believe.

Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

[Sharado]

Absolutely, was really surprised at the amount of people thinking United could get anything. They are one of the worst United sides in years.

let's have it right - they're THE worst united side in probably 30 years.

[killer-heels]

Not many things much funnier then someone telling us to be fearful of Spurs.

[killer-heels]

Were they?

How many is many?

Remember reading stuff said by Torres and Reina. Clearly there were off the field issues as neither Rafa nor the players were happy about our lack of investment.

[Indomitable_Carp]

Way I see it, City's fixtures from now until the end are tougher then ours. Burnley away, Leicester (c'mon Rodgers!) and Brighton away (who are shite - but will hopefully be playing all out to avoid relegation). Both Leicester and Burnley I fancy to give City more of a game then that shower of shite they played yesterday. 

As opposed to Huddersfield (at home on a Friday night), Newcastle away (okay maybe a bit tougher - but hopefully on holiday) and Wolves (at home last day of the season).

If City are still top after that, then they deserve it. It's been a hell of a run, and I was starting to think I might never get to see Liverpool hit these heights. I'll be devoed, but we'll be back next season. And we still have the small matter of Barcelona in the Champions League in pursuit of number 6 (Unlucky City!)!

[-Willo-]

Way I see it, City's fixtures from now until the end are tougher then ours. Burnley away, Leicester (c'mon Rodgers!) and Brighton away (who are shite - but will hopefully be playing all out to avoid relegation). Both Leicester and Burnley I fancy to give City more of a game then that shower of shite they played yesterday. 

As opposed to Huddersfield (at home on a Friday night), Newcastle away (okay maybe a bit tougher - but hopefully on holiday) and Wolves (at home last day of the season).

If City are still top after that, then they deserve it. It's been a hell of a run, and I was starting to think I might never get to see Liverpool hit these heights. I'll be devoed, but we'll be back next season. And we still have the small matter of Barcelona in the Champions League in pursuit of number 6 (Unlucky City!)!

I'd says ours are harder to be honest.

Burnley away is easier than Newcastle away
Leicester home is equal with Wolves home
Brighton are slightly better than Huddersfield, though both are shite.

[DangerScouse]

Not many things much funnier then someone telling us to be fearful of Spurs.

They've been far more consistent than us in the league in recent years to be fair, with limited resources in comparison. Not worried about them hugely myself but if they somehow manage to get sizeable funds to strengthen their squad in the summer, who knows. We'll br doing very well to match this season's points haul, next season.

[Lynndenberries]

I like how she gives no supporting evidence, or any thought whatsoever, to her belief that it's "now or never" for Liverpool. 

Unless something drastic changes I just see us going toe-to-toe with City again next year, Spurs pretending to be in it til around Feb/March and everyone else miles behind.

If you looked at the age demographic of our squad, you would know that's crap. We could go on with the same squad we have today for another year or two and compete for both the league and the Champions League.

[Son of Spion]

Agreed. In some ways, that was City´s easiest remaining game.

There was an ex-City player on the news tonight (can't remember his name) and he said that he'd also thought the United game would be Abu Dhabi's easiest remaining game of the league season. It seems that there was actually no one who genuinely believed United could do something against them. That is absolutely damning and highlights just how far they have fallen.

[thejbs]

Absolutely, was really surprised at the amount of people thinking United could get anything. They are one of the worst United sides in years.

The problem with this is that they're a better side on both paper and position than any of City's other remaining fixtures. Plus it was a derby when mad results can happen. That's why some hoped or even suspected they might grind out a draw.

[nellpatel]

The problem with this is that they're a better side on both paper and position than any of City's other remaining fixtures. Plus it was a derby when mad results can happen. That's why some hoped or even suspected they might grind out a draw.

But United's confidence was clearly on the floor after being thumped by Everton and not scoring from open play for 8 hours or something. Burnley have won 3 games out of the last 4, with the 4th being a decent performance and draw at Chelsea. Brighton were unlucky to lose against Spurs, and Leicester are in great form too. United might be better on paper but their recent form is the worst out of the 4 remaining fixtures.

[Yevgeny]

They've been far more consistent than us in the league in recent years to be fair, with limited resources in comparison. Not worried about them hugely myself but if they somehow manage to get sizeable funds to strengthen their squad in the summer, who knows. We'll br doing very well to match this season's points haul, next season.

They've lost 11 times in the league this season and will do well to hang onto Eriksen and Alderweireld this summer. It will be a straight shoot-out between us and City again next season. We already have an elite team, but imagine what a top class creative attacking midfielder could do for us. If we get that signing right we'll be even better next season. We already have the best defence in the league, that's been the bedrock of our challenge. I don't see that mysteriously disappearing over the summer. Our form this year has simply carried over from the second half of last season. It's not just this season, this is our level. City and us are miles ahead of everyone else.

[harleydanger]

Personally I hope it’s a 93rd minute Brighton equaliser from a ridiculous dodgy penalty where Fernandinho gets 100% ball 0% man, and it’s slightly outside the box as well, and he gets a red card, and the penalty hits the bar and skies 50 feet in the air, giving pep enough time to do a lap of the stadium, and then the ball comes back down hitting a pigeon which diverts the ball on to the refs arse from which it nutmegs a celebration Stirling and rolls past Ederson, who has slipped and chipped a tooth on the upright.

All while we’re winning three nil as Nuno Santo and Klopp are sat in the same dugout watching Cocktail on a club labeled iPad arguing whether it’s a documentary or not.

[Fluke]

I thought United played quite well for 15-20 minutes, and decently for the rest of the first half.  Not sure what happened after that, maybe they ran out of steam from pushing too hard early on. Ultimately the difference in level showed.

I don't have high hopes at this point, but stranger things have certainly happened.

[Yevgeny]

As brilliant as this team already is, I see us improving further still next season. The Ox back plus (hopefully) a top class creative player. Rival fans would like to think we've hit our ceiling but the reality is, the hunger for big trophies will still be there next season and we have a tremendous team. I was fairly sanguine when we lost in the CL final and I feel the same about this title race. We'll win the big trophies under Jurgen, I have no doubt.

[Black Bull Nova]

It just demonstrates how much United have fallen, even in a Derby, with their last chance of CL football after a defeat that demanded a reaction, they raised their game.....


.....to average.

They truly have descended, I suppose that is the silver lining in all this.

The new elite 4 is now City, Spurs, us and, yes, Arsenal (albeit somewhat detached from the other 3).

[soxfan]

We already have an elite team, but imagine what a top class creative attacking midfielder could do for us. If we get that signing right we'll be even better next season. We already have the best defence in the league, that's been the bedrock of our challenge. I don't see that mysteriously disappearing over the summer.

I think our #1 priority is a top attacker that can rotate with our current front three. We have been extremely lucky that all three of them have avoided injury. As durable as they are, we can't keep playing 50+ matches a year and hardly rest them. If we want to keep competing on all fronts, we need someone that can replace one of them in key PL and CL matches without us missing a beat.

[woof]

To be realistic, Manchester City are not going to squander their narrow lead now. Kudos to them if they win the league. We still have a glimmer of hope although one thinks it'll come down to a massive slice of fortune for us or misfortune for them. Anywho, it's been a great battle & we should hold our heads up high no matter what although it'll still be painful to have to wait after so many years

[Number 7]

Been devastated all day and trying to come to terms with not winning the league this season. The lads have performed tremendously well and I am very proud of them but we seem to be bloody cursed when it comes to winning this god damn premier league. 29 years waiting for this and we always seem to come up short , it’s mind boggling!!!

Unfortunately for us City will steam roll Burnley, Leicester and Brighton....sick as a dog I am !!!

Fuck off City !!

Mate, I said on here last night that that we can’t connect not winning it to complete devastation. Yes, it will be hard to stomach but I’ll point you to Klopp’s press conference from today. It really is a privilege to have this man in charge of our team. It’s like he’s leading the players and fans and showing us the way.

If it doesn’t happen this season, we will win it next season IMO. Many won’t believe me because of the all or bust fear this season. Look at the rest of the top 6. Chelsea are a shambles and Hazard will be gone. Arsenal are a shambles. United are in free fall and in complete disarray. Only Spurs are decent and they’ve lost 11 times in the league this season. A lot of City’s players are getting older - Aguero, Silva, Kompany, Fernandinho. Look at our team, we’re coming into our prime.

What we’re doing and how we’re building and developing our team is exactly how you win championships. I’ve seen it in the NHL, NBA, and football itself. The model we have now is precisely what has led to championship winning teams in the past even if they don’t win it in the first few years. Every club in the land is probably envious of us right now and jealous of what we have going on. That includes City. They would love to win the CL but they can’t and haven’t. We can still win it this season.

[Son of Spion]

As brilliant as this team already is, I see us improving further still next season. The Ox back plus (hopefully) a top class creative player. Rival fans would like to think we've hit our ceiling but the reality is, the hunger for big trophies will still be there next season and we have a tremendous team. I was fairly sanguine when we lost in the CL final and I feel the same about this title race. We'll win the big trophies under Jurgen, I have no doubt.

I see it the same. We have a great team already, but I'm pretty sure Klopp doesn't see it as the finished article. Rather than this being our ceiling, I see the second half of last season and all of this season as just being the start of things for us. Despite us having a ridiculous points haul already, and having only lost one game all season to date, I don't even think we hit our devastating best this season. I think there is much more to come from us yet.

[him_15]

So Rogers is our former manager, while Sean Dyche is a Liverpool supporter, and Brighton might has to fight for regulation survival in the last match, so I beleive there's still a chance. In fact, I reckon these three teams have a higher chance to take point from City compare to fecking United.

[Filler.]

I like how she gives no supporting evidence, or any thought whatsoever, to her belief that it's "now or never" for Liverpool. 

Unless something drastic changes I just see us going toe-to-toe with City again next year, Spurs pretending to be in it til around Feb/March and everyone else miles behind.

The article now has a new headline and been re-edited. 

Probably would have been less embarrassing if they'd left it although... maybe not.

[Filler.]

So Rogers is our former manager, while Sean Dyche is a Liverpool supporter, and Brighton might has to fight for regulation survival in the last match, so I beleive there's still a chance. In fact, I reckon these three teams have a higher chance to take point from City compare to fecking United.

I would rather they had what they've got ahead of them than 3 away games v Unted that's for sure. Without a seconds thought for that one. Just beat Huddersfield.

[NarutoReds]

To add to what I was saying and what Dench is saying, our team is vastly different when compared to all 3 of our last finals.

You are right, mate... But UK's Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) seems don't agree with you.

As in the yesterday's newspaper, PFA has EXCLUDED Liverpool striker, Salah from the latest PFA team of the
year (2017-2018) despite that he broke a league record upon scoring 32 out of the 44 goals scored
throughout the season, as image below...

In another words (PFA)... Liverpool's strike forces are not as good as what we believe, except in Liverpool's fans eyes only.
Well, we are fans by the way... Sure we love our players.

[AmanShah21]

Pogba out Eriksen in
Ederson out Allison in

The rest looks okay to me. Could argue for Salah over Aguero. Salah has contributed similar numbers and better spread, but its not as bad as the Pogba or Ederson picks.