Liverpool Set To Stage Title Fight

The possibility of Liverpool joining in this season's title race has never really been discussed to great length, but with Brendan Rodgers and his side upto 2nd (4 points behind Chelsea) we can't afford to wait any longer. Sutton and Shearer guided Blackburn to their first Premier League title against the odds, and 19 years later could the new anointed S&S do likewise?

In 1994/95, Sutton and Shearer managed to score 49 between them. Sturridge and Suarez have so far racked up 40 as a pair this campaign leaving them on target to beat the original S&S strike partnership. Anfield much moved double act average 9 shots per game and have 15 assists. However, they also turnover possession on more occasions than any other players in the Liverpool squad. Further stats support the view of many that Sturridge is purely a finisher and fails to have a real impact on creativity himself.

 

 

Emerging talents such as Sterling and Henderson have proven their worth and have been subsequently rewarded with England call-ups. The way Sterling has contributed to this Liverpool team this calendar year has been similar to the evolution of Theo Walcott at Arsenal. Another positive from the Reds 3-0 victory this weekend was Joe Allen's contribution both in attack and in defence. 

 

 

The Merseyside club suffered a number of setbacks through injuries to first team defenders early on - and as with any team - it's how you react to those setbacks. Rodgers has adapted to his sides inability to keep clean sheets by having his 4-3-3 formation set out to counter attack. As we saw at St Mary's on Saturday evening, it's effective.

 

 

Credit must be given to Arsenal for their efforts since August, yet sadly I think their defeat at Stoke yesterday could prove costly. Away trips to Chelsea and Tottenham await them next which is likely to see Wenger's title hopes diminish greatly. After those London derbies, Manchester City are scheduled to visit The Emirates. Finishing the season off against several relegation threatened team's won't be easy either for the North London side.

 

 

It's been a long time since we've had a 4-way race for the Premier League title; even longer since Manchester City and Liverpool have been involved simultaneously - so we better make the most of it.