Last updated: 10th October 2008
Leiva: Feeling positive
Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva believes the Reds are stronger this term as they bid to get over the disappointment of a trophyless season.
The Reds failed to win anything last term but have started this season in impressive form, with no defeats so far.
While Brazilian midfielder Leiva admits he has found the competition for places at Anfield difficult to deal with, he believes the strength of the squad is a massive plus for the club as they battle for success on four fronts.
The 21-year-old has found his chances limited this term, having made only two appearances in the Premier League, and a single start in both the UEFA Champions League and Carling Cup.
But he is prepared to work hard and earn his place in the side.
Leiva, who is in the Brazilian squad to face Venezuela and Colombia on Sunday and next Wednesday, told Liverpool's official website: "We did not win any trophies last season and we were all disappointed about that.
"That is something we want to change this season and the squad is now stronger than it was so hopefully that will help us.
"If you look at last season we drew some games that we would have expected to win but we have started this season well and are picking up wins so that is positive.
"The squad is now much better which is good for the club because it means we all have to work really hard if we want to be in the team.
"For me, it is tough because we have so many good players in my position but hopefully I will get my chance and when I do I have to be ready."
Prem 2008/09 Win Outright: Liverpool 10/3| Time | Fixture |
|---|---|
| Saturday 6th December | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| 12:45 | Fulham vs Man City |
| 15:00 | Arsenal vs Wigan |
| 15:00 | Blackburn vs Liverpool |
| 15:00 | Bolton vs Chelsea |
| 15:00 | Hull vs Middlesbrough |
| 15:00 | Newcastle vs Stoke |
| 17:30 | Man Utd vs Sunderland |
| Sunday 7th December | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| 15:00 | West Brom vs Portsmouth |
| 16:00 | Everton vs Aston Villa |
| Monday 8th December | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| 20:00 | West Ham vs Tottenham |
| Saturday 13th December | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| 12:45 | Middlesbrough vs Arsenal |
| 15:00 | Aston Villa vs Bolton |
| 15:00 | Liverpool vs Hull |
| 15:00 | Man City vs Everton |
| 15:00 | Stoke vs Fulham |
| 15:00 | Sunderland vs West Brom |
| 15:00 | Wigan vs Blackburn |
| 17:30 | Tottenham vs Man Utd |
| Sunday 14th December | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| 13:30 | Portsmouth vs Newcastle |
| 16:00 | Chelsea vs West Ham |
| Time | Result |
|---|---|
| Monday 1st December | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| Liverpool 0 - 0 West Ham | |
| Sunday 30th November | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| Man City 0 - 1 Man Utd | |
| Portsmouth 3 - 2 Blackburn | |
| Tottenham 0 - 1 Everton | |
| Chelsea 1 - 2 Arsenal | |
| Saturday 29th November | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| Sunderland 1 - 4 Bolton | |
| Aston Villa 0 - 0 Fulham | |
| Wigan 2 - 1 West Brom | |
| Middlesbrough 0 - 0 Newcastle | |
| Stoke 1 - 1 Hull | |
| Monday 24th November | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| Wigan 1 - 0 Everton | |
| Sunday 23rd November | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| Tottenham 1 - 0 Blackburn | |
| Sunderland 0 - 1 West Ham | |
| Saturday 22nd November | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| Man City 3 - 0 Arsenal | |
| Portsmouth 2 - 2 Hull | |
| Stoke 1 - 0 West Brom | |
| Chelsea 0 - 0 Newcastle | |
| Aston Villa 0 - 0 Man Utd | |
| Liverpool 0 - 0 Fulham | |
| Middlesbrough 1 - 3 Bolton | |
| Pos | Team | P | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Liverpool | 15 | 34 |
| 2 | Chelsea | 15 | 33 |
| 3 | Manchester United | 14 | 28 |
| 4 | Arsenal | 15 | 26 |
| 5 | Aston Villa | 15 | 25 |
| 6 | Hull City | 15 | 23 |
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