Have I changed my mind? Can Liverpool win the title? No, I don't believe they can.
Okay, I picked Arsenal at the start of the season thinking they would strengthen in the transfer window and that might not look the best prediction, but I still feel Liverpool will come up short.
Yes, I have enjoyed watching them more this season, certainly against Manchester City and on Saturday against Wigan, and what I have seen is a far more expansive team from Rafa Benitez.
Benitez: still lacks quality
That might be because they have found themselves down and had no choice and I have not seen a dramatic improvement overall, but I have to say I now enjoy watching them - and that is something I never thought I'd say with Rafa in charge!
But if you're talking about title potential, I'm not sure. We all know about Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres and one of the most consistent performers in the Premier League in Jamie Carragher. Recently Dirk Kuyt has been playing outstandingly well and Albert Riera doesn't look too bad but I still think they lack genuine quality to go all the way.
Rafa has kept that focus in his side and they are reaping the rewards. They can't keep coming back from the dead of course and they have had the rub of the green with the red cards at City and against Wigan and the own goal against United, but it does help when the same players are playing week in, week out.
Charlie Nicholas
Quotes of the week
I am not convinced by their full-backs though and people might think that is being picky, but in the Premier League today you tend to find they are the ones who get the most time and space on the ball and can make a big difference to a side.
Alvaro Arbeloa and Fabio Aurelio are just OK, the latter no better than Steve Finnan, Andrea Dossena came in and just looked OK but look at Chelsea, Manchester United and even Arsenal, and they have genuine quality there. I used to think Chelsea were weak at right-back when Paulo Ferreira was in there, but they have sorted that
In the modern game you need your full-backs to be good at going forward, perhaps even at the expense of being so strong defensively. Look at the Premier League and the sides that win it usually do so because they score goals, not just keep clean sheets.
Gamble
And they usually do so because they have a manager prepared to gamble. Which is one thing I have loved about Rafa this season.
In the past I didn't really think he was open to changing things in the game, wheras Arsene Wenger would take defenders and midfielders off for strikers if he needed to do so. Sir Alex Ferguson has always done it and often ends games with four or five strikers. Against Wigan, at long last, even Rafa did it by taking off both full-backs.
But that's when they're behind. I still think he is maybe too cautious when he starts games and this weekend against Chelsea will be a big, big indicator as to what Liverpool are going to do this season. Rafa normally goes ultra-cautious against them but if they are capable of going up to the next level, especially without Torres, then we need to see more from the start at Stamford Bridge.
Liverpool remember had a great start to last season as well. Then the manager decided Torres needed a rest, but still played him against Reading in the Carling Cup, and all of a sudden they lost momentum. Will that history repeat itself? A lot of that depends on the manager.
In his defence, it looks like he has finally come round to realising he cannot afford to make the Champions League such a priority. I have tremendous respect for Liverpool Football Club and their proud and prolonged association with the Eurpean Cup, but I do think now we're at the stage where if you asked any supporter, they would say the league title is what they want. Every time.
And Rafa has kept that focus in his side and they are reaping the rewards. They can't keep coming back from the dead of course and they have had the rub of the green with the red cards at City and against Wigan and the own goal against United, but it does help when the same players are playing week-in, week-out.
They have that strength of character in the side now and it seems to be that if you're fit, you will play for Liverpool in the league - even if the Champions League is coming up. That was never the case before.
Consistent
Rafa has adapted his selection and is now far more consistent. Now he just needs to add some genuine quality in certain areas and maybe then it will happen.
I know he can't win really, but things have improved slightly. If they beat Chelsea then you'd have to say they'll go close, if they lose then we'll know not much is going to change.
Whatever happens I am starting to enjoy watching Liverpool, which is a weird feeling for me. I like the team he is playing and I am starting to like the way they go about things a bit more.
The only problem I've now got is getting Thommo out of the way of my monitor, so I can actually see more of them! And believe me, with his nose, that ain't easy!
Do you agree with Charlie? Can Liverpool win the league or will they come up short again? And if so, where will their problems come from? Fill in the feedback form below...
Comments (34)
Vimal Mistry says...
this is a reply to agen moonsamy and my own opinion on whats happening this season. Firstly, i agree totally with charlie nichols. He's obviously a man with a footballing brain. Last year liverpool used a squad rotaion system which was a total sham. How can you take on form players out of the team, replace them with inconsistant preformers and expect to win. Wake up benitez! Feild your best 11. There's the argument of burning out players but im sure with a squad that is big as liverpool there should not be a problem. Now Mr. Moonsamy i want to talk about the full backs that liverpool have signed. I only agree with you on one piont that liverpool got them cheaper compared to the likes of boswinga. Other than that there is no comparison to the other full backs in the premiership. Manu have brown (not that great) and evra (worldclass) Arsenal have sagna, taore, eboue, and clishy. Then chelsea have cole, bridge, ferrria, boswinga (sorry about spelling). The other big three have full backs that sit on the bench for them who would all walk into the liverpools first team. Although liverpool have had a great start, thanks to kuyt (inconsistant preformer but been great lately) i still dont think they will win it under benitez. they still require proven or wonderkid full backs and wingers, especially right. and play your best 11. Then you might have some hope. Liverpool have not played any big teams this year. So it will be intresting to see what they will be like playing against harder oppositions. Spot on charlie with your opinion!
Posted 12:55 21st October 2008
Sarah Bennett says...
Why is it when Man Utd do comebacks they are thought of as awesome but when we (Liverpool) do it we are thought of as lacking something etc. Granted the performances have not been vintage Liverpool, but this only makes me more excited as there is more to come. Agree about the fullbacks they are very poor indeed and that area definately needs attention in January. But I am loving the start we have made and looking forward to the battle for top spot between us and Chelski......Come on Liverpool!!!!
Posted 12:38 21st October 2008
Mikkos Vrahimis says...
I find Charlie's comments quite harsh. I would agree that our full backs are our weakness but i would not rule us out of the title! There are better full backs around for sure, but we had so many areas where we needed to improve that we had to make them first! Our midfield is great, our strike force is great and our centre backs and keeper are great. That leaves average full backs! The difference with our team this year is that we are turning the draws into wins, and even the losses into wins!! We have to sort our back line becuase we cant keep coming back from behind! We have to make sure we take the lead and keep it! To say we dont have a chance is wrong! Arsenal has a good team but they are too young now! all the experience has gone! Hleb, Gilberto and even Flamini have had an effect on the team! Utd are only now staqring to play the football they know! They usually do this, start slow and we never used to capitalise on it! Chelsea are the biggest threat in the League and i would say are favourites to win it! However i think we can pip them to it this year! This Sundays game is HUGE and the outcome will say a lot about who will win the league. Im quietly confident we will our 19th Title after 19 years!!!!
Posted 12:28 21st October 2008
Darren Gould says...
I do agree with what some of Charlie Nicholas is saying in that Liverpool have become a lot more adventurous going forward but it only seems to be when we're behind. I've found so far this season (bar everton/man utd results) we have been really slow to start. I also think people should realise apart from those two games we're nowhere near top form yet. I do think pennant has done well for himself getting back into the side(albeit a sub) and he's crossing the ball at every opportunity and Kuyt is doing well too in the absence of Torres. We have already shown that we can beat Utd without Gerrard or Torres so why be scared of Chelsea. Sounds like a perfect time to end and 85 match unbeaten home record..Records have to be ended at one time or another and Man Utd came very close to ending it earlier on in the season so fingers crossed. If we don't win the prem this season but only finish a matter of 2 or 3 points behind top 2 then it will still have been a massive acheivement and shows that we are getting stronger all the time.. YNWA
Posted 12:16 21st October 2008
Mike Leach says...
I think its fair to say that LFC have improved. The addition of Riera on the left has prooved to be a good signing as the team are more balanced and we do have the luxury of players that can cover a number of positions i.e Gerrard, Babel, Kuyt, Yossi... I have to say the full backs are a worry. Arbeloa got off to a slow start but has been improving. Dosena needs time and Aurelio needs a run in the first time. I think we look, and did last season suspect at the back, even though the stats say otherwise. Thankfully though we look more potent going forward. I think we will be there or there abouts come the end of the season, which is a big improvement, but one slip up will let the others in and its difficult to claw your way back. Look at last season, after xmas we won more games than any one else but still couldn't catch up.
Posted 11:46 21st October 2008
Rob Hughes says...
Honest enough opinion and I agree we do look suspect at the full backs at times but honestly, this talk about luck is just boring now. To all the other fans out there, if your team was hammered by the opposition for 85 minutes, they missed a penalty and had a man sent off or whatever happened during the game and you win the match 1-0, would you really care about the match stats??? I didn't think so. It's not Liverpool's fault other teams get a player sent off, even then the game has to be won and Liverpool have to score the goals - was anyone moaning about luck all those years ago when it was the great dane in goal and Cantona winning Utd the titles? what about Chelsea getting away with handballs, getting dodgy penalties and wining loads of games 1-0 a few years back? luck??? who really cares, it's winning that matters and any team who wins the league needs to win games and at the end of the season that is all that matters! It's the fact Liverpool are up there without splashing as much money as Utd or Chelsea that is really annoying people - I hope it carries on!!! YNWA
Posted 10:32 21st October 2008
Agen Moonsamy says...
I do believe that Charlie Nicholas and a whole host of so called analyst of the game are indeed too critical when it comes to Liverpool. I am saying this because the points on the table speak for themselves. Being able to grind out results it the signs of a good team. The full backs are capable of attacking and defending when required, however there is a quality difference between other fullbacks in the other big teams. This is due to the money that was available to Rafa, he had to raise money for transfers from sales of other players. He did bring in Dossena (+/-8mil) which is half the price of Bosingwa and also Degen for free. Arbeloa was also half the price of Bosingwa, that is where the quality difference that exists. How do these so called analyst do comparisions between these players when clearly there is a gulf between them in terms of quality. In saying this I do beleive that they will benifit the style of play at Liverpool and will not compromise the results as the table points out. Also to point out that all teams do rely on some players more than others, same as with Torres and Gerrard. YNWA
Posted 07:49 21st October 2008
G Ca says...
Nothing is impossible.This season, i think liverpool have a great chance of winning the EPL.When liverpool making a comeback,non-liverpool fans will said it is just a luck but when chelsea,MU,Arsenal did it,people will said it is pure class. Making a comeback is not just a luck,it need quality too.10men team doesn't mean it will lose.This season liverpool squard is better and i think without fernando torres is not a problem as long as Steve G in the team.About the defence,give one or two more game to D.Agger,he will show you "The-before-injured-Agger". LONG LIVE LIEVERPOOL...You will never walk alone.
Posted 04:46 21st October 2008
Seif Athman says...
I am a Liverpoolian but what I see is still the same. Dossena is not industrious, some poor ball control as well and slow at times. With a tricky winger he will be torn apart, he has to adapt fast. Aurelio, very average player, I think no further improvement can be expected from him. Arbeloa must improve a lot going forward, taking up position in corner kicks whether defending or attacking. He must make use of his height to be effective enough and scare away opponents. See the likes of Eboue of Arsenal Brown of Man U, they are very good going forward and defend very well. Our midfielders are not scoring goals, we dont see the them arriving late in the box the way Whelan used to. He used to score as a second striker when Rush was tightly marked. But now we depend only on Torres which is not good to win games let alone titles. Mash & Alonso have to pop in the box.
Posted 04:34 21st October 2008
Paul Curtis says...
I think everyone has valid points regarding Liverpool, but the main point that is the underlining current from everyone is we have not won the league for 18 years. Just like in 2005 we have to prove we are good enough and until Steven Gerrard holds that Premier League title over his head everyone will be entitled to their opinions over the Kops title hopes each year. Until the summer that the title is back in the Anfield Trophy room everyone can and will question if we are good enough to topple the already tried and tested of the premier league. Is there a big 4? Until we win i would question whether there is only a big 2 with Liverpool and Arsenal feeding on the Champions league scraps.
Posted 04:19 21st October 2008
Bing Ho says...
it will mostly depend on the condition of Liverpool's top players. Like at the moment where Torres is out, Liverpool need to maintain the form and confidence. Like against Wigan, Liverpool need to go forward and throw in attackers when behind, which didnt happen last season. Benitez has always been slow or stubborn at changing his tactics and players during the game. which was evident against Stoke at home. subs needed more time cause when subs(babel, etc) came on Liverpool had great chances to win the game but failed. if Liverpool have that attitude where any game is a final and go for a win and change their tactic or players if needed at a faster time they could challenge this year. no Injuries, changing of tactics, change of players, maintain mentality - if these happen then LIverpool could be right there come May
Posted 03:25 21st October 2008
Shashi Menon says...
Agree with Charlie's comments. We, the liverpool fans in asia are highly excited of our prospects of our team this season but realise that the team still lacks quality and depth to go all the way. Our fullbacks and wingers are not up to mark.Obviously, if we had a bucketful of money like MU, we will go out and buy 4 world class players but in reality we could probably afford 2 'better than average' players and the immediate priority is to get the left back and right wing positions sorted out. Dossena(overweight) and Aurelio(can't defend) is simply not good enough, Very impressed with Riera and Arbeloar is at least as good as Finnan in defending and has a better attacking flair than his predecessor. Babel provides more than enough cover to Riera and we all know that he is quite lethal as a centre forward. Babel, however, does not look comfortable on the right and Pennant does not have the pace nor the skill to get past players. My advise to Rafa is to invest in Gareth Barry (left back) and Aaron Lennon(right wing) when the transfer window opens. We are in a good position and if we were to obtain a point at the bridge and stay in the top three come X'mas, the board must extend resources to Rafa to acquire these players. Failing which, our long wait for the league title will be continue indefinitely.
Posted 02:54 21st October 2008
Big Shizzy says...
Liverpool are sitting proudly at the top of the league and deservedly so, a game of football is played over 90mins and that is why we have won certain games, we should be 2 pts clear if it wasnt for a blind referee disallowing gerrards goal v stoke,As for the sendings off against man city and wigan they were genuine sending off's.How many decisions have Man Utd got in previous week's! Anyone talking about them!! Arsenal getting off the hook against Sunderland and Hull Beating them!! So give the Liverpool lads some credit.We have beaten Man Utd this season, beaten Wigan, thats us 5 pts better off than last season already and have showed we are a match for Arsenal and Chelsea over the past few seasons with good results home and away in champions league - when it matters we are match for anyone because we have RAFA the master tactician, we may not have the big names or as many big buys as chelsea or Man Utd but we can perform and only 11 players can play at a time so whats the point of having too much depth, that damages team morale more than anything if big players are not playing.Arbeloa and Dossena are both internationalists and no mugs!!!Reina, Carragher, Skertl, Agger, Gerrard, Alonso, Mascherano,Babel, Reira, Kuyt, Keane, Torres, All class players. A Right winger and another defender in January and we can have a great season.
Posted 00:17 21st October 2008
Glen Toland says...
Agger would be ideal playing left back with Carra and Sammi in the centre and Arbeloa (for now) on the right. Still think Kuyt misses to many chances so Babel should replace him
Posted 23:37 20th October 2008
David Chen says...
I tend to agree with Charlie, Liverpool have improved this year but are still short of quality in certain departments. But the strongest teams do not always win and Liverpool do have a chance if they can carry on the current form.
Posted 22:39 20th October 2008
Robbie Herd says...
Liverpool aren't in the position they in by fluke. Whilst I agree that we haven't got it right in all areas, we are definately worthy title challengers. Our undoing will probably be in the likes of Dossena who is not the quality needed to be a good red. Aurelio and Arbeloa are both adequate but all top sides have average players. Chelsea won the title with average players, Paulo Ferreira and Carvalho in the side playing regularly, being covered by John Terry. Utd have won trophies with average players Wes Brown and Darren Fletcher in the side being covered by Ferdinand and Scoles. We to have quality players to cover our shortfalls. My other concern is Rafa's pecking order of the strikers. Babbel is class and I don't see how Keane and particularly Kuyt are played ahead of him. You can't question Kuyt's work rate, but the majority of the time his work rate is completely ineffective. However, it does make me smile at some of the comments from people who are quick to dismiss the reds when they clearly have issues in their own teams.
Posted 22:12 20th October 2008
Jon Packham says...
Why are most people making such a big deal out of the fact that Liverpool had to come from behind and have a slice of luck to win their last two games, most so called experts would say that was a sign of a great team, Chelsea and Manchester United have had luck in the past and come from behind, when they do it it is the mark of a great team so what is the difference ? At the start of the season it was "lets see how Liverpool do against United to see if they are contenders this year", they beat them, now it is "lets see if they can beat Chelsea", when we beat them it will become "ok two out of three is not bad but lets see if they can beat Arsenal" It is getting boring, the last two games would have resulted in dropped points in the past, try looking at the fact Liverpool are a different team with a different mentality this season instead of nit picking and dismissing the results as a slice of luck that is usually reserved for Chelsea and United !
Posted 20:10 20th October 2008
Carl Kemp says...
Write off Liverpool FC at your own risk Mr Nicholas. The one thing that has alway stood LFC apart from the rest of the prem is our heart and character. Now that is backed up with enough quality to make a serious threat. Its true that Chelsea appear the best team this season but appearances can be decieving. Kuyt has shown he can do as good a job playing on the right as anyone. Name a more effective right winger this season with stats to back it up. There aren't many. Riera reeks of quality and as was said before, Arbeloa is still under-rated(however I believe that will change by the end of this season). We can improve, of course, but its not the best players that win a league, it the best team. And our league positioning would argue we're pretty close at the moment.
Posted 20:09 20th October 2008
Ernest Lee says...
I do agree with Charlie Nicholas we do need more quality within the current Liverpool squad in order to sustain our title challange. For me We either need a quality right winger or play babel on that side. I would prefer Roca Santa Cruz to Kuyt, Reira has brought us a naturel left sided player and balance to that side (although I am still surprised that Rise was never used as a left midfield consistantly) Dossenna looks ok but not solid. Arbeloa again is ok but not top draw. Also when Liverpool play attacking football (more direct than passing it all over the pitch and back to the keeper) we are more menacing and look like we can beat any team. If we can take second spot with points to spare we are def on our way to regaining the league.
Posted 18:38 20th October 2008
Michael Callaghan says...
I like the fact that nobody is talking about us as serious challengers this season and will stay happy if we keep quietly going about our business, winning these games while Chelsea and Manchester United grab all the headlines. It is still too early to tell who will win the league this season but we are joint top behind only on goal difference. The Chelsea game will tell us just how far we have come in the last few seasons, somebody has to eventually beat them in the league.
Posted 18:23 20th October 2008