Liverpool have not won the top English football prize, the English Premier League title, for almost two decades. That is a long time waiting for a club with such a rich history of success. But their recent position in the upper echelons of the league have revived hopes of a serious charge at the title this season.
Yet, despite having stayed within the top two places in the league, Liverpool still find themselves under constant criticism. Their form at home has been poor for a top football club. This has prompted their doubters to question Liverpool's ability to overcome their title jinx and win their 19th league title in history.
That argument has been backed by Liverpool's results against weak teams like Stoke City and Fulham. As an example from recent seasons, Manchester United have always built their title successes on being able to beat the weaker teams with little fuss. Yet Liverpool continue to stumble when expected to run out easy winners.
What has not been mentioned enough though, is the fact that Liverpool have managed to hang in the title race without playing particularly well. That has been a common trademark of many champions down the years. Could this be another sign that Liverpudlians might be able to celebrate a long awaited success come May 2009?
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez would certainly hope so. The Spaniard has revolutionized the club since his arrival from Valencia from the Spanish La Liga. Benitez has brought more structure to the management staff, while imbuing tactical discipline into a group of players that thrived more on passion for a turbulent period under previous manager Graeme Souness. It has been a long work in progress, but it could soon become a labor of love if the English Premier League trophy takes its rightful place in the Liverpool trophy cabinet.
Liverpool is also seeing its fair share of top players signing on with the club. The past few seasons have seen major transfer coups such as Ryan Babel, Fernando Torres, Dirk Kuyt and Robbie Keane. These players have all improved the quality of the squad in different areas.
On top of all this, the club has continued to retain the services of captain and prized asset, Steven Gerrard. The classy midfield has proven his worth to his club on countless occasions. But it is his indomitable spirit and never-say-die attitude that has started to rub off on his teammates, and results this season have proven this beyond a reasonable doubt.
While they appear rocky at times, the most important ingredient for title success is present in the team. The players have a growing self belief that they can finally help the club break its jinx, with performances on the pitch to support their claims. Liverpool continue to improve every season, and if injuries and loss of form can be kept to a minimum, there is no reason why they cannot finally end years of pain with a sweet triumph in 2009.
Yet, despite having stayed within the top two places in the league, Liverpool still find themselves under constant criticism. Their form at home has been poor for a top football club. This has prompted their doubters to question Liverpool's ability to overcome their title jinx and win their 19th league title in history.
That argument has been backed by Liverpool's results against weak teams like Stoke City and Fulham. As an example from recent seasons, Manchester United have always built their title successes on being able to beat the weaker teams with little fuss. Yet Liverpool continue to stumble when expected to run out easy winners.
What has not been mentioned enough though, is the fact that Liverpool have managed to hang in the title race without playing particularly well. That has been a common trademark of many champions down the years. Could this be another sign that Liverpudlians might be able to celebrate a long awaited success come May 2009?
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez would certainly hope so. The Spaniard has revolutionized the club since his arrival from Valencia from the Spanish La Liga. Benitez has brought more structure to the management staff, while imbuing tactical discipline into a group of players that thrived more on passion for a turbulent period under previous manager Graeme Souness. It has been a long work in progress, but it could soon become a labor of love if the English Premier League trophy takes its rightful place in the Liverpool trophy cabinet.
Liverpool is also seeing its fair share of top players signing on with the club. The past few seasons have seen major transfer coups such as Ryan Babel, Fernando Torres, Dirk Kuyt and Robbie Keane. These players have all improved the quality of the squad in different areas.
On top of all this, the club has continued to retain the services of captain and prized asset, Steven Gerrard. The classy midfield has proven his worth to his club on countless occasions. But it is his indomitable spirit and never-say-die attitude that has started to rub off on his teammates, and results this season have proven this beyond a reasonable doubt.
While they appear rocky at times, the most important ingredient for title success is present in the team. The players have a growing self belief that they can finally help the club break its jinx, with performances on the pitch to support their claims. Liverpool continue to improve every season, and if injuries and loss of form can be kept to a minimum, there is no reason why they cannot finally end years of pain with a sweet triumph in 2009.
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Peter Kinnear offers tips on how to watch live football online. He has provided numerous ways to enjoy a Manchester United vs Man City live stream.
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