It has been a quarter of a decade since Liverpool had last won the English crown. The fact that it has taken so long for them to become title contenders speaks volumes about their heroics this season.
So what exactly has worked for the Merseysiders this season? I analyze their season in depth, and find out what has worked in their favour this season, and moreover, answer the question that has been discussed so much- do Liverpool deserve to be on top of the table right now?
Let's take into account what has worked for them this season.
1) Intent- There hasn't been any lack of intent this season for Liverpool- 25 years since they last laid hands on the esteemed trophy has frustrated players, fans and owners alike.
2) Fall of the other teams- The dramatic fall of Manchester United and Arsenal has helped them a long way- not only has it subdued rivals fans, but also established the fact that Liverpool have reestablished themselves.
3) Kinder run of fixtures- Unlike other teams vying for the title, Liverpool's fixtures have been kinder. The more crucial fixtures have been laid out, with relatively easier fixtures in between. Also, since they haven't been playing football in any other competitions this year, ensures that week-to-week football doesn't cause them fatigue.
4) Rise of their youth squad- Liverpool's youth squad is arguably the one that has thrived quite brilliantly in the EPL this season. The rise of talents like Jordan Henderson, Jon Flanagan, Raheem Sterling and Andre Wisdom has made sure their performances remain consistent.
5) The players- In my honest opinion, four players this season have performed astoundingly well for the Reds.
i) Jordan Henderson: The lad's got immense talent, and has helped Liverpool play smoothly this season. He has been quite instrumental in their exploits in the midfield. Being injury-free the whole season has helped him play every minute of the season, till his red card against City last week.
ii) Martin Skrtel: Liverpool haven't been great at the back, having kept only ten clean sheets. His areal threats have been sublime- the Slovakian has already knocked in seven goals this season.
iii) Steven Gerrard: The English legend has led the team by example, performing consistently at the highest levels. Watching him cry after the City game brought tears to my eyes as well. He is the only reason I wouldn't mind them winning the title this season. For the man whose childhood dream was winning a PL medal, it is surely a dream come true.
iv) Luis Suarez: 10-game ban. Twenty nine goals. Three hat-tricks. On course to win the PFA's player of the year award. Need I say more?
Thus, to conclude this article, and answer the question, yes, they do deserve to win the title this year. They have performed well against both the big and the small teams, and they should comfortably win the league from here on, barring any catastrophic errors.
-Mister GoogleHead (Follow on Twitter @Mr_GoogleHead)
So what exactly has worked for the Merseysiders this season? I analyze their season in depth, and find out what has worked in their favour this season, and moreover, answer the question that has been discussed so much- do Liverpool deserve to be on top of the table right now?
Let's take into account what has worked for them this season.
1) Intent- There hasn't been any lack of intent this season for Liverpool- 25 years since they last laid hands on the esteemed trophy has frustrated players, fans and owners alike.
2) Fall of the other teams- The dramatic fall of Manchester United and Arsenal has helped them a long way- not only has it subdued rivals fans, but also established the fact that Liverpool have reestablished themselves.
3) Kinder run of fixtures- Unlike other teams vying for the title, Liverpool's fixtures have been kinder. The more crucial fixtures have been laid out, with relatively easier fixtures in between. Also, since they haven't been playing football in any other competitions this year, ensures that week-to-week football doesn't cause them fatigue.
4) Rise of their youth squad- Liverpool's youth squad is arguably the one that has thrived quite brilliantly in the EPL this season. The rise of talents like Jordan Henderson, Jon Flanagan, Raheem Sterling and Andre Wisdom has made sure their performances remain consistent.
5) The players- In my honest opinion, four players this season have performed astoundingly well for the Reds.
i) Jordan Henderson: The lad's got immense talent, and has helped Liverpool play smoothly this season. He has been quite instrumental in their exploits in the midfield. Being injury-free the whole season has helped him play every minute of the season, till his red card against City last week.
ii) Martin Skrtel: Liverpool haven't been great at the back, having kept only ten clean sheets. His areal threats have been sublime- the Slovakian has already knocked in seven goals this season.
iii) Steven Gerrard: The English legend has led the team by example, performing consistently at the highest levels. Watching him cry after the City game brought tears to my eyes as well. He is the only reason I wouldn't mind them winning the title this season. For the man whose childhood dream was winning a PL medal, it is surely a dream come true.
iv) Luis Suarez: 10-game ban. Twenty nine goals. Three hat-tricks. On course to win the PFA's player of the year award. Need I say more?
Thus, to conclude this article, and answer the question, yes, they do deserve to win the title this year. They have performed well against both the big and the small teams, and they should comfortably win the league from here on, barring any catastrophic errors.
-Mister GoogleHead (Follow on Twitter @Mr_GoogleHead)