Underperforming Liverpool were lucky to escape the second city with a point on Sunday. Gerrard is out recovering from surgery, likely back in a week or more. Torres pulled up with a hamstring injury in the first third of the match. Rafa crowded the midfield, neutralized the service to Carew and Agbonlahor, allowing the Reds to escape with a point. It is looking like a promising season, despite a boring game.
Fans will have noted that the three wins thusfar have been far from emphatic. The opener to Sunderland wasn't settled until the 83rd minute Torres goal (a worthy winner). It took 93 minutes for Gerrard to take three points at home hosting 'Boro (full highlights here) after a Carragher wicked deflection. Dirk Kuyt kept the cash flowing by shinning in a goal against Standard Liege with 2 minutes left in extra time.
Sure, they've all been narrow results. But they're results. Yes, we're weaker without Gerrard and Torres for a few weeks. No, we can't field two teams that would challenge for the league like Chelsea and United. Liverpool is showing heart and the desire to win, something that you wouldn't have said last year.
Dossena isn't looking world-class, but he probably represents an improvement at left back. Alonso is getting a run of games and looks to be staying and finding his range. Mascherano is in top form, and Reina has been player of the season so far. Skrtel keeps the formerly first-choice DAgger on the bench. Keane looks to have a run of games coming to gain confidence, starting in on his twenty goal season. Babel, Kuyt, and Benayoun look up for it. We've even got a winger on the way, who might use the 11 extra meters of Anfield width that Paul Doyle thinks should be converted to seating (typical Guardian cheek and not a half-bad idea).
Liverpool isn't playing the most beautiful football this season. They don't have 22 league-smashing players. Howevery, they aren't content with underachievement. Supporters expect great things this season. On track for 88.6 points, along with Chelsea, and we'll go ahead on goal difference.
47 minutes ago
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1 deflections:
It sounds like Liverpool will be relying on a fair dose of luck to get anywhere near the title.
Some of that luck has to come in the form of teams taking points off of Man United and Chelsea. Last season, when they both reached 85 points, was ridiculous.
It's pretty miserable to have you best players out injured, when your squad is already comparatively small.
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