LIVERPOOL CAN CHALLENGE

In this Era where teams are judged by score boards and nothing else but that I was left quite impressed and not entirely disappointed come the end of the Liverpool game on Saturday. Yes many of you will be quick to point out that yet again Liverpool conceded a late equalizer and dropped vital two points. This is true and could come back to haunt them later in the season, however the positives that I saw in this particular match were much more important than the final result.

1. PLAYER ROTATION

As I sat down and waited for the game to begin the Liverpool lineup was thrashed out on the screen, and boom the first surprise was Daniel Sturidge starting in one of the big matches this season. For many of you this was shocking but to me this was pleasing. I am a firm believer that Sturidge still has a lot to offer Liverpool, if given the right opportunities and a system that can suit him he can fire us further up that table. As I watched the game it was evident to me that he looked leaner, and fitter, his movement was sharp despite limited opportunities and he tried his best to always avail himself.  I think his surprise inclusion gave him a much needed confidence boost and he will be a vital player for Liverpool from now on.

2. LALLANA RETURNS

The return of Adam Lallana is no doubt a big positive for Jurgen Klopp and his men. He not only brings energy and pace to Liverpool, his high pressing abilities allow him to be an asset defensively in terms of easing pressure on the defense. Thus expect Liverpool to concede less goals now that Adams back in the team. His return also will push the likes of Coutinho and Emre Can to their best levels due to competition for places which will be an added plus for Liverpool Fc.

3 TEAM MENTALITY

I don't know if its just me but I saw a better team mentality last Saturday. Even as Liverpool conceded the equalizer they still remained positive and kept on pushing Chelsea until the end of the game which was a good sight to see. The team also remained largely positive even before scoring and kept of probing and  probing until they eventually scored. This is an improvement from the Liverpool I saw three weeks ago and I expect this continue against Stoke Midweek.

4. FAVOURABLE FIXTURES

Liverpool have now played Spurs,Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester city and Manchester united. They now have very favorable fixtures between now and December while the other top 5 candidates still have to play each other. A good run in these fixtures can and should put Liverpool in the hunt come February. This is of course provided city drop points starting with the Manchester Derby.

5 JURGEN KLOPP

Jürgen Klopp switched his players or as many of you call it rotated which was a welcome plus. This is a stark change to a manager who seems to favor certain players. The rotation allowed his more important or game changers to rest and will be ready to face Stoke come midweek. I also have a sneaky feeling Jurgen Klopp has an eye on the favorable fixture list Liverpool have between now and December.


Well these are my thoughts after last weekends fixtures. Sincerely hoping to see a three way horse race for the premier league. It would be much more exciting don't you think?