Monday, December 08, 2008

Unconvincing... But Still Top Of The League

Finally, I have the time to pen down some thoughts since it's a public holiday here in Singapore and looking at the Barclays Premiership table, I see something which is rather rare. Liverpool, top of the table, in December?

In my years of supporting the Reds, it's one of the rare sight and considering how the recent results haven't been the most optimal, I'm still a little puzzled.

But take nothing away because we haven't REALLY cracked under pressure, yet. Speaking by faith, of course, I do hope we never will in the months to come. 2 subsequent nil-nil draws have caused some fans to murmur and complain. But as Christmas is coming, let's just be thankful to Rafa and his boys for making it thus far.

At least our title aspirations didn't falter in October, just like any other seasons. Though only a point above second-placed Chelsea and failing to capitalise on their defeat last week, somehow, Liverpool still managed to steer clear.

Last Saturday;s 3-1 win over Blackburn was a peculiar game. A game which we won but not really deserved, much like many of our games this season. Lucky some say, but I'm siding towards the thinking of fortune favouring the brave.

We never did saw the Liverpool of last season where goals flew in thick and fast (6-0 Derby and 8-0 Besiktas) but we saw how Liverpool slipped up soon after and wandered out of contention of the title by November.

This season, though, from start to end, it's as if Liverpool bundled their way up to this point and never really beaten anyone with much conviction except for maybe Chelsea and West Brom.



The Blackburn game somehow epitomised how the Reds have been playing since day one of this season. Nothing spectacular but when the opportunity arose, they took it and the results was seemingly flattering to the away side.

The first half performance was something difficult for any Liverpool fans to sit through because other than Yossi Benayoun's chance, the Reds looked toothless and uninspiring. Without the injured Fernando Torres and Robbie Keane dropped to the bench, it was an uphill task.

But somehow Liverpool kicked into gear from the 50th minute on with Alonso and Benayoun scoring past Paul Robinson. Even though a lapse of concentration gifted Blackburn a goal through Roque Santa Cruz, Steven Gerrard still ensured an enjoyable short ride back to Merseyside.

Many are still unconvinced by Liverpool and their title credentials this season but I'm in the mode of seeing it one game at a time. I'm refused to be drawn into the 'this is our year' mode yet nor am I so depressed to see the Reds right at the top of the pack.

I just want to count the blessing and say bring on the next team, Hull City!