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Tag: Liverpool FC

  • Manchester United F.C. To Face Liverpool Rivals

    Pre-season friendlies are supposed to be less serious affairs for Premier League teams.

    It’s thought of as more or less a chance to get recently transferred players acquainted with the style of play at their new clubs.

    It also gives club veterans a chance to get back into the swing of things, especially those returning from a month of grueling World Cup game play.

    For Manchester United FC and Liverpool FC, that will inevitably be set aside when the two teams meet on Monday in Miami, Fla.

    It’s a rivalry that goes back decades, and there is no way that a meeting of these two teams will be “a simple friendly”.

    Manchester United will no doubt be out for revenge after being humiliated by their Liverpool rivals not once, but TWICE last season.

    It is also not lost on the Red Devils and their fans that not only did Liverpool nearly win the league, but walked away with a prized position in the Champions League.

    Meanwhile, Manchester suffered through a largely lackluster season under former manager David Moyes. The “Chosen One” saw the team drop several places before he was sent packing.

    When the dust settled, Man Utd. found themselves in 7th place and out of European contention altogether.

    While this meeting of the two Premier League sides will do nothing to change the outcome of the 2013-14 season, Manchester United is hoping a decisive victory will restore some sense of lost pride.

    Liverpool FC will not go quietly, as it would likely give the Reds no greater pleasure than to add insult to injury.

    Who will come out on top? Both sides have impressed during pre-season, but Manchester United can boast a staggering 7-0 victory over the LA Galaxy team.

    They are no doubt flying high, and wish to continue.

    Liverpool FC meanwhile will likely begin their campaign to demonstrate they are not suffering from the loss of star player (and walking controversy) Luis Suarez, who was recently sold to FC Barcelona.

    The only certainty is that for football fans, this is one game you do not want to miss!

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  • Luis Suárez: Will Liverpool FC Dump Their Star Player?

    Liverpool FC is a club that is no stranger to controversy.

    The Liverpool club has fought for decades to have the truth of the painful Hillsborough disaster brought to light.

    Meanwhile the Heysel Stadium disaster, which saw 39 people killed thanks in large part to Liverpool hooligans, is a shameful mark on the club’s history that is rarely discussed.

    In recent years the controversy found at Liverpool FC is thanks in large part to one player: Luis Suárez.

    Suárez was by all accounts a troublemaker before he actually arrived at Liverpool.

    When the club bought him from Ajax, he was serving a ban…for biting.

    If football fans weren’t aware of that scandal, they likely were aware of the Uruguayan’s blatant handball during the Uruguay vs. Ghana match at the 2010 World Cup.

    Suárez lucked out in that situation.

    Ghana failed to score the penalty. The Ghanaians then lost to the Uruguayans during the subsequent penalty shoot out.

    Still, Ghanaians and those supporting that team continue to blame Suárez to this day for their failure to advance.

    Suárez’s first full season at Liverpool was marred by a racial abuse incident, which saw him once more fined and banned from playing.

    Towards the end of the 2012-13 season Suárez was once again banned, and once more it was for biting an opponent. During the summer break that followed, the controversial athlete began to make his dissatisfaction known in the press as well as his openness towards moving away from the club that had supported him in the past.

    Words were exchanged behind closed doors and Suárez was humbled. What followed was a remarkable season for Liverpool FC and by all accounts Suárez seemed to have turned himself around at long last.

    Then came the 2014 World Cup and yet another Suárez-related controversy that will impact Liverpool’s upcoming season. The four month football ban ruling by FIFA means that Suarez will not be available to LFC until November.

    Moreover, the global controversy and the negative attention it brings to Liverpool FC is no doubt wearing on the club’s patience. It could finally be the last straw that gets the star player booted from England.

    Rumor has it that the Liverpool club are considering a sale to Spain’s FC Barcelona. It may quite possibly involve a direct exchange for Chilean forward Alexis Sanchez.

    It can’t be said that Liverpool FC hasn’t stood by Suarez, even at the erosion of the club’s reputation. So if he is sold despite his outstanding performances in seasons past, it will be entirely his own doing.

    Liverpool FC isn’t afraid of controversies.

    It has survived them and will continue to do so. However, sometimes one man’s demons can be too much, even for a club as old and storied as Liverpool FC.

    Suárez’s luck might have finally run out.

    Image via YouTube

  • Luis Suarez Just Bit Yet Another Player

    Luis, Luis, Luis.

    Seriously, what the HELL is wrong with you?

    It’s bad form for a world class footballer to bite someone one time. ONE TIME and it’s a terrible look for his brand, not to mention the source of a likely (and lengthy) ban.

    Luis Suarez, following a violent nibble on the shoulder of Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini, has bitten an opponent for the third time.

    He knew what he did was wrong, which is why immediately after biting Chiellini, he fell to the pitch as if he’d been fouled.

    It’s incredible, really.

    It’s as if Luis Suarez doesn’t know we live in the 21st century with things like instant replay, HD television, and the ability to pause and blow up images in order to see exactly what happened.

    The image Chiellini’s clearly bitten shoulder is now a top trend all over Twitter, as is Suarez himself.

    What can he say after this incident?

    “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it, it won’t happen again?”

    It’s getting a bit redundant, not to mention ringing more than a tad hollow.

    Luis Suarez, despite his controversies, is a fascinating and talented player.

    He tied Cristiano Ronaldo as the top goalscorer over the course of the 2013-14 season and was the top goal scorer by far in the Premier League. Suarez has scored some prolific goals throughout his career, both for current club Liverpool and the Uruguay national men’s football team.

    He is a master of his craft and his talent is awe-inspiring.

    However, he may be living proof that there’s a thin line between genius and insanity.

    He has far too many controversies for a player at his level. He’s been accused of a racist remark against an opponent. There was the infamous handball during the 2010 World Cup (which some say helped seal Ghana’s fate).

    And of course…he’s a biter. It was a bite on Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic that saw him miss the tail end of the 2012-13 Liverpool FC season and the opening five games of the 2013-14 season. Despite missing so much game time, he incredibly left all other goalscorers in the dust, racking up an impressive number of goals.

    Still, it’s impossible to praise him as an amazing player without considering his lack of sportsmanship where it counts.

    Luis Suarez is association football’s “brilliant bad boy”, but he’ll never held up to the legendary standards of past greats if he cannot move beyond his childish and pathological behaviors.

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Premier League Ends With Manchester City On Top

    Manchester City won the Premier League on the final day of the season. For some it was sealed when Chelsea FC upset Liverpool FC at home 2-0.

    However, the fact that it was never a sure thing until the very last day is a testament to how open and competitive this season truly was.

    Their local rivals Manchester United tumbled from 1st to 7th within the same window of time.

    The Red Devils would love to blame the entire debacle on the departed David Moyes.

    One thing that should be appreciated is that the absence of Sir Alex Ferguson has created one heck of a vacuum in English football.

    Not even Jose Mourinho and his notorious press commentary could fill it; his return to Chelsea brought no silverware to the London team.

    Though many have said much about Liverpool FC “blowing it” in the last few games of the season, it’s bizarre that nothing has been said of 4th placed Arsenal.

    This is a team that lead the league for 128 days, more than any team this season and that includes Liverpool.

    The fact that no one is asking what happened is amazing. Perhaps it is a sad representation of how no one, not even Arsenal fans, take the Gunners’ title hopes seriously.

    Arsenal may not end the season empty-handed despite league disappointments.

    The Gunners face off against Hull City on May 17th. Should they win, they will earn their first trophy in a very long time.

    They will head to the Champions League playoffs, so the Europa League spot they turn down will go to London rivals Tottenham Hotspurs.

    If Hull were to win, it could shut the Spurs out of Europe. This would be an amazing turn of events after spending so much money thanks to their sale of former club talisman Gareth Bale.

    Overall, it’s been a great season of football for English Premier League fans. Hopefully the 2014-15 will be just as good.

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Liverpool Title Hopes Take A Beating

    Liverpool Title Hopes Take A Beating

    As a Liverpool fan, I can admit….the Crystal Palace match was painful to watch. Not because it may or may not have cost the Reds the league. It was actually frustrating for a different reason.

    The Reds put on a strong offensive display. At the 70th minute, the team was winning 3-0.

    It seemed certain the Liverpool football club team would be rolling towards a final game with confidence.

    Then the Liverpool defense collapsed in spectacular fashion. Somehow, in a period of about ten minutes, it was a 3-3 game.

    The last time I witnessed that kind of lapse was in the away game to QPR which ended in much the same way.

    That day ended in a shocking 3-2 loss following the failure to hold a 2-0 lead. It also suggests that a certain defensive problem remains.

    Tony Pulis, who to his credit has lifted Crystal Palace’s game and spirit since signing on as manager, made a poignant observation in his post game interview.

    Liverpool is a team that has been winning in the last portion of the season largely through the strength of its offense. It is not a team that out-defends, but rather out-scores.

    What happens when a team cannot score and cannot defend? Odds are it is not a team that wins.

    Can Liverpool still win the title? It’s not impossible, but it’s highly improbable. Manchester City has two games left to play, an extra 3 points on the table that Liverpool do not have. The only chance that Liverpool has is if Man City were to somehow lose. That’s it.

    And given both games are home games to teams with nothing to play for and who are no visible threat….the momentum is with City.

    However, stranger things have happened. Crystal Palace has nothing to play for either. This didn’t stop them from playing for the point and for pride.

    I won’t make any predictions. I will say that it’s been a strange season, but a good season overall for Liverpool. They will have Champions League football again and should they fix that defense, they will be a terrifying team next season.

    Image via YouTube

  • Liverpool FC: Tomorrow Set To Be Game Of Season

    Liverpool FC: Tomorrow Set To Be Game Of Season

    Liverpool FC is on the threshold of the most significant ninety minute period of their entire season. It will eclipse their meeting with Manchester City, who was sent home with a 3-2 defeat.

    This game now stands as the final true test and may decide once and for all if the Merseyside club will be Barclays Premier League champions.

    Almost all eyes will be on their Anfield meeting with Chelsea FC. To the surprise of many, it is now the London team that is the “dark horse” in the title race. Meanwhile Arsenal FC is fighting to ensure a fourth place finish despite leading the league for a large portion of the season.

    No one could have predicted it would be Liverpool and Man City locked in a battle for the title. And even now many have named the Reds a heavy favorite.

    However, there are still nine points between this Liverpool team and what could be their greatest season in Premier League history. Seven of those points are essential for ensuring Liverpool finish with enough points to win the title.

    Manager Brendan Rodgers has already achieved his goal for the 2013-14 season: Bring Champions League football back to LFC.

    With what once seemed like a tall order already taken care of (Liverpool will finish no lower than third place), any additional honors will be seen as a wonderful bonus.

    Despite being heavy favorites, it’s dangerous to speak of the title as already won. Many fans are confident of winning it all, but anything can happen in football.

    Chelsea FC still has a semifinal leg of Champions League football to complete and after a scoreless draw with Atlético Madrid, many expect manager Jose Mourinho to field a weakened starting eleven.

    As Rodgers pointed out, even a “weakened” Chelsea squad will be filled with expensive and experienced champions. They will be a team of formidable opponents and it should be expected that Liverpool will treat them as such.

    The Manchester title rivals came to Liverpool and left empty-handed a couple of weeks ago, as have virtually every other team this year. It could be that Chelsea proves the exception. Liverpool do not have nearly as much pressure. They can win or draw against the London squad and win the league.

    Only a loss will put them back at the mercy of the Sky Blues, who could finish in first on goal difference.

    Win, lose, or draw: Tomorrow will be the most important outcome of the season for Liverpool FC, and perhaps the most important game ever played in the club’s Premier League history.

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  • Chelsea Headed To Liverpool For Challenging Match

    Chelsea FC just finished a scoreless 0-0 away fixture against Champions League semifinals opponent Atlético Madrid. Now the team is set to return to England and face off against current Barclays Premier League leader Liverpool FC.

    It is destined to be a tough match for the London team with a self-professed striker problem.

    Their Merseyside opponents have not lost a game in 2014 and are currently enjoying an eleven game winning streak.

    Chelsea has done well enough themselves, having managed to stay in the running for the Barclays Premier League title while also competing in a major European football tournament.

    Though Chelsea’s chance at the PL title seems far weaker than either Liverpool or Manchester City, the Blues should not be underestimated.

    Jose Mourinho, no matter how controversial a figure in football, remains a master tactician. Even if he finds himself missing his team’s captain John Terry and first choice goalkeeper Petr Cech through injury, the Portuguese manager is more than capable of putting together a game-winning team.

    Many assume that Mourinho will rest key players at Anfield, as his side still has a good chance to advance to the Champions League final. However, the Chelsea manager may elect to play the strongest available team and cripple Liverpool’s chances at the title.

    Liverpool’s home form has been particularly strong and Chelsea would be the first team to get points at Anfield in quite some time.

    It’s hard to predict which team will emerge on top as Chelsea has proven to be full of surprises.

    The only sure prediction for this weekend match is that it is destined to be the thriller the recent trip to Atletico Madrid wasn’t.

    The Blues cannot afford to play their typical brand of cynically defensive football against the Reds. They must win this game if they are to have any hope of winning the league.

    A win or draw will make Liverpool the likely league champions.

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  • Liverpool FC Secure Champions League Football Spot

    “Do not let this fucking slip, lads,” an emotional Captain Steven Gerrard warned his Liverpool team just minutes after the final whistle blew.

    He told them that the game with Manchester City FC was now over and done. It was to be forgotten and they were to all focus all their energy into preparing for the next game.

    Referencing the upcoming Norwich City FC fixture Gerrard shouted, “We go again! Exactly the same!”

    It seems Gerrard’s teammates took their skipper quite literally.

    As with the game against the Sky Blues, the Reds hit the ground running against the Canaries. This game saw yet another early Raheem Sterling goal. A second goal followed minutes later courtesy of Luis Suarez.

    And as with the City game, Liverpool started brilliantly only to fade in the second half. Norwich, a team staring relegation in the face, was not about to go quietly.

    In the 52nd minute, Norwich’s Gary Cooper secured his first goal of the season and it was suddenly a 1-2 game.

    Luckily for the Reds, Raheem Sterling was able to move things back into their favor in the 59th minute with a brace. The 1-3 scoreline flattered the Liverpool side, who to all observers were already running on fumes.

    Then at the 76th minute, Robert Snodgrass made it a 2-3 game and once again Liverpool was feeling the pressure.

    It was at about this time during the Man City game that the Reds pulled ahead with a crucial goal, making that game 3-2.

    It was as if Gerrard’s words were ringing in the ears of his fellow Liverpool players.

    “This doesn’t slip…we go again…”

    Against all odds, Liverpool held on for dear life for the remaining twenty minutes of the game. They went, almost exactly the same, and left with an identical scoreline to last week’s nail-biter of an effort.

    The squad kept its promise to Gerrard for another week.

    The win over Norwich City also meant this Liverpool team will once again feature in Champions League football. They are mathematically guaranteed to finish no lower than third place, which means they will avoid the already hectic Champions League playoffs that assures advancement.

    What’s bizarre is that even though this was the ultimate dream at the beginning of the season, many fans are virtually numb to the massive improvement.

    Many now have their eyes on title rival Chelsea FC who is set to arrive at Anfield in a week.

    Norwich City is over and this result cannot slip. Next week, Liverpool go again.

    Image via YouTube

  • Liverpool FC Stuns Manchester City FC At Anfield

    This past Sunday’s game was set to be an emotional rollercoaster for Liverpool FC.

    The match took place on the weekend anniversary of the Hillsborough Disaster, an event that broke the heart of the club almost 25 years ago.

    After a minute of silence to somberly honor the fallen, the stadium came to life. Fans loudly sang the club anthem, “You’ll Never Walk Alone” in a show of massive support. It was also meant to be an intimidating spectacle for visitors Manchester City FC.

    During the first half of the game, it seemed to work.

    Raheem Sterling kicked things off brilliantly with a goal inside the 6th minute. Approximately twenty minutes later, Martin Skrtel would make it 2-0 for the Reds with a header into the back of the Sky Blues’ net.

    At halftime it appeared as though the visiting club would be comfortably defeated in the same manner as Arsenal FC, Tottenham Hotspur FC, and Everton FC.

    As the home fans soon learned, one does not simply write off Manchester City.

    The Liverpool team, either due to overconfidence or an urge to simply defend their lead, let up on the gas. Instead of continuing to attack the City players head on, the home team sat back.

    They offered Man City a brilliant opportunity to stage a massive comeback.

    In the 57th into the game, David Silva would make it 2-1.

    Now only a goal down, the Sky Blues were determined to pull themselves back into the match. Nerves soon got the better of the Reds. A Glen Johnson own goal in the 62nd minute would make it a 2-2 game.

    It was starting to look as though the Liverpool team had gifted their title rivals a point, or even worse, a chance to steal the win.

    Then in the 78th minute, Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany made a fatal error.

    During a Liverpool wave of attack, City defenders were working hard to get the ball away from their goal. The ball bounced towards Kompany, who clearly intended to kick it far down field.

    He missed.

    The ball then fell to Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho, who with one kick sent it flying past the stunned defender.

    Just like that, it was 3-2 and Liverpool were once again out in front.

    The lead would be held until the final whistle blew and cheers erupted around the stadium.

    The Reds won their match, leaving the Sky Blues in an uncomfortable position.

    Man City must now not only win both games in hand, they must win all remaining fixtures PERIOD. Even then, their chance at the title relies on Liverpool dropping points in one of their remaining four games.

    Liverpool are now on a 10 game winning streak. Should they win all four remaining games, they will be crowned Premier League champions for the first time in the league’s history.

    In the way stands Chelsea FC, who they meet in two weeks time.

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  • Liverpool FC Remembers Hillsborough 25 Years Later

    For Liverpool FC fans, today is significant for reasons that have nothing to do with Manchester City FC and a potential league-deciding bout.

    The Liverpool club paid tribute to the lives lost 25 years ago this weekend in the tragic Hillsborough disaster.

    On April 15th, 1989, fans had been eagerly waiting to get into the Hillsborough stadium to watch the FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest. When the gates opened, hundreds of fans flooded into the arena. There was simply not enough room for all of those enthusiastic bodies and hundreds were crushed in the ensuing frenzy.

    As fans poured onto the field to avoid being trampled, it was clear something had gone terribly wrong. At 3:06 pm, the referee announced that the game would be abandoned.

    When it was all settled, authorities learned that 96 Liverpool fans had been killed and 766 persons had been injured. The number “96” has since held a somber and significant meaning for the Reds.

    Tribute was paid to the loss in the form of 7 minute match delays across the Premier League this weekend. At the FA Cup semi-finals, 96 empty seats were draped with Liverpool scarves. At Anfield 96 empty seats were decorated with a single red rose.

    A minute’s silence ahead of the LFC v City clash honored those who never returned home from an away trip to support their team.

    This weekend brings with it a mixture of emotions. While it’s possible that this game could signal the possibility of a league title for the Reds, it’s also a time to remember that there are more important things than football games and trophies.

    The Hillsborough disaster forever changed the face of modern football, ensuring that English stadiums would be redesigned to seat fans in a manner that is as safe as possible. There are no standing spaces allowed in the upper levels of English football at present.

    Some feel that the adjustments that eliminated all standing were the result of a gross overreaction. In recent years, there has been a push for “safe standing” in Premier League football.

    Regardless of how Barclay’s Premier League fans feel about the issue of standing during games, it must be said that the world of British football is safer to enjoy largely because of the horrific events that occurred all those years ago.

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Liverpool FC: Can They Stay Top Of The League?

    Liverpool FC are now on a nine game winning streak. They have not outright lost a game since the end of 2013. At present, they are the only team undefeated in 2014.

    After a 1-2 victory over West Ham FC put them back at the top of the Barclay’s Premier League table, everyone’s left to wonder: Will Liverpool finish the season on top?

    There are two other teams expected to have a major say in where Liverpool finishes the season. The first in Manchester City FC, who are due to travel to Anfield this coming weekend.

    Man City have two games in hand, and if they were to win them both, that would give them a two point lead over Liverpool. However, if the Reds were to beat the Sky Blues anyway, it would put the fate of the Premier League back in the hands of the current league leaders.

    Not to be counted out is Chelsea FC. Anfield will host the London club just two weeks after this important match up. It could be that the home match against the Blues will decide the league once and for all.

    Much is riding on Liverpool FC’s final five games, two of which have been dubbed “league deciders”.

    Surprisingly, manager Brendan Rodgers has claimed time and again that there is no pressure on the Red men.

    “[City] will be looking to get a result next Sunday,” said the Liverpool boss. “For us, we are just going to enjoy it.”

    Liverpool FC are certainly enjoying their football.

    They have scored an amazing 90 goals in all Premier League competitions, the most of any Liverpool team in the English PL era. They are on course to shatter the all time record of 103 held by Chelsea FC since the 2009-10 season. They need 14 goals in 5 games. It’s not too big an ask given LFC’s current goal scoring pattern.

    As for the league title, it’s a bigger ask to expect the Liverpool club to take it home. To win it, Liverpool will likely have to go to the end of the season undefeated.

    Image via YouTube

  • Liverpool FC: Reds Go Top Of The Premier League

    And now you’re gonna believe us, we’re gonna win the league!

    The song rang out around Anfield during the game and long after. It was sung in pubs and living rooms. It was tweeted merrily and shared on various fan forums.

    Despite what the words suggest, it’s not so much about the opinion of non-Liverpool FC fans. Finally, for the first time in years, it is the Liverpool fanbase that believes the Reds have a chance. With six games left to play, this Liverpool team is no longer the dark horse who might have a chance.

    Going into the 2013-2014 season, it would have been enough for the Anfield faithful if the Reds somehow managed 4th place.

    No one was anticipating that Liverpool could very well have the title in their own hands at this point of the season.

    For the Spurs, it was an unwanted trip down memory lane.

    The London side hosted the Reds back in December and found themselves on the receiving end of a 0-5 thrashing. The embarrassing loss was considered the final straw that cost André Villas-Boas his managerial position. A 4-0 away loss to the same team is enough to suggests some things can’t be pinned on one man’s shoulders.

    Prior to the game current caretaker manager Tim Sherwood attempted to heap pressure on Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers, insisting that the home team racing for the title would cause nerves.

    The suggestion was coolly deflected by Rodgers who replied that the team is hardly nervous. For Liverpool, this season has been about marching towards qualification for Champion’s League football. The league? An unintended bonus.

    This confident behavior was reflected by Rodger’s side from the opening minutes. Meanwhile, a spooked Younes Kaboul set the tone for a disappointing Spurs showing. Almost every effort by the visitors went high over the crossbar. Except for a couple of on-target strikes, Liverpool goal keeper Simon Mignolet didn’t have much to worry about.

    Following the sound defeat of this latest opponent, fans and non-fans alike are starting to speak of Liverpool as likely champions.

    However, it’s important not to get too far ahead of one’s self; this title race isn’t over until it’s over.

    Man City has two games in hand, six crucial points that could see them on top in a few weeks. And no matter how hard José Mourinho sulks in the press, Chelsea is anything but out down and out.

    These two tough opponents still have to make trips to Anfield, and either (or both) games could decide just who is going to win the league.

    For now, Liverpool fans aren’t too bothered. They believe in their team, and as their song says, others are going to believe now as well: Liverpool FC just might win the league.

    Image via YouTube

  • Why Liverpool F.C. Might Win The EPL League

    Liverpool FC closed out the 2012-2013 English Premier League season in seventh place. They earned 61 points. Rival Manchester United finished with 89 points and as league champions. The gulf between them was 28 points and a superior goal difference.

    Flash forward to March of 2014 and Liverpool sit on 62 points with nine games left to play. They have scored more goals than any other team in the EPL and only Manchester City has a better goal difference. Just three goals separate the two sides.

    Manchester City is the heir apparent to Manchester United’s newly abandoned throne and with three games in hand, they are still heavy favorites to take the league.

    No one is surprised by Man City’a present position, but LFC finds itself in a decidedly unexpected position: Genuine title challengers.

    Before the fan base gets too carried away, this simply means that they have a chance at this stage.

    A title is far from certain.

    Many are still banking on City to take it all, or perhaps Chelsea FC. Despite leading the league for much of the season and being level on points with the Reds, Arsenal FC seems to have somehow fallen out of the title race in the minds of many.

    One thing is for certain—it’s a close race and anything can happen between now and the final whistle on the last day of the season.

    What must Liverpool FC do to find themselves league winners on that last day?

    First, they must get as many points from their remaining games as possible. Considering Liverpool remains the only undefeated team since 2014 began, the odds are in their favor to extend this run late into the remainder of the season.

    Should Liverpool manage to win all of their remaining games, they would finish with 89 points. This was a number that was good enough for Manchester United to win the title last year, but this year it might not be the case.

    The rest of what the Reds need is frustratingly out of their hands: Other top 4 teams must drop points. Both Chelsea and Manchester City specifically.

    The good news is that both teams must come to Anfield in addition to other tough away fixtures. If results go Liverpool’s way, it could make the difference between winning the league and coming up just short.

    Given where Liverpool was just one year ago, to be in such a position is nothing short of miraculous.

    Image via Liverpool FC, Twitter

  • Liverpool F.C. Stake Title Claim At Old Trafford

    It has been two long decades since former Manchester United F.C. manager Sir Alex Ferguson was able to boast of having knocked Liverpool F.C. off the club’s perch. Now Manchester United F.C. is a side struggling to get back on top of the same perch and failing miserably.

    Many have given the former champions the benefit of the doubt all season, even if Ferguson’s hand-picked replacement David Moyes has yet to inspire confidence. At the same time, some thought that at the very least, the Mancs would prove themselves a stumbling block for the Red’s title hopes.

    When the dust settled, Liverpool maintained their outstanding league form and Manchester United found themselves laid low on their own turf.

    Manager Brendan Rodgers only made one change to this line-up from the last game, benching Philippe Coutinho and starting Raheem Sterling. The long injured Lucas Leiva and Mamadou Sakho were welcomed back into the side, though neither started.

    It was clear from the outset of the game that LFC was determined to give nothing to their rivals. United was much more giving, handing out penalty kick after penalty kick to the visitors.

    Rafael da Silva earned a yellow for a handball that resulted in an goal by Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard. Gerrard would score a second time from a penalty, and nearly a get a hattrick.

    At one point it seemed that referee Mark Clattenburg was just tired of handing out penalties for stupid fouls, as many were complaining that certain challenges deserved spot kicks.

    In the end the complaints meant nothing as Luis Suarez would seal a victory for the Reds with a brilliant finish at the 82nd minute.

    By the time the game ended, it was apparent to all that Liverpool was not the team that had come to play at Manchester United.’s home ground in seasons past. Many called on the ghosts of those previous meetings to indicate exactly how things would go.

    It was a foolish thing to do.

    Brendan Rodgers has breathed new life and confidence into this increasingly formidable Liverpool side, which is the only English Premier League team to remain undefeated in the new year.

    On the other side of the gulf stands David Moyes, seen by some as busily tearing down the house that Sir Alex Ferguson built. He signed a contract for several seasons, but it’s anyone guess if he’ll make it to the end of this one.

    The gap between Liverpool F.C. and their league rivals has expanded to 14 points. Last season, the Reds finished behind the Mancs a whopping 29 points. That’s one hell of a turn around.

    If that weren’t enough, the points earned have signaled a strong title push. They have to get past Manchester City F.C. and Chelsea F.C. to make it happen, but with the way things are going, it really seems like anything is possible for Liverpool right now.

    Image via YouTube

  • Liverpool F.C. Goes Top: Potential Title Contenders?

    If you go to the English Premier League website to view to current standings ahead of the Arsenal v Chelsea clash, you will see Liverpool at the top. If Arsenal fails to win at home, the club will stay there. Even now, it is an unreal sight for many who had counted out the football club due to its years of competitive decline. The Reds have managed to stay near the very top of the league table for practically all of the season so far. Liverpool stayed on the heels of the dominant Arsenal as other clubs fell behind. To everyone’s surprise, this includes previous champions, Manchester United.

    Both Manchester United FC and Liverpool FC have had new coaches come aboard, though Brendan Rodgers has had more time to settle at Anfield than David Moyes at Old Trafford. However, much of LFC’s ongoing success has been credited to the club’s current “talisman”: Luis Suárez.

    After leading the team to a decisive home victory over Cardiff City, Suárez has netted a total of 19 goals for the Reds so far this league season. He is the first player in Barclays Premier League history to score 10 goals in a single month. Stats like that draw major attention. Rather than risk losing Suárez to a winter window bid, the club has signed a lengthy new contract with the talented striker.

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    If Liverpool can keep up their current form, there is speculation that goes beyond whether or not they have what it takes to stay in the top four. Some are already whispering “league title”, words that no one thought they’d hear back in August.

    It’s not a ridiculous possibility given the previous run of games. This includes a major upset away over Tottenham Hotspurs that saw Andre Villas-Boas lose his job. Thrashing a top four contender away from home sends a signal that Liverpool is serious about maintaining a strong position in the league. Will it be enough to grab the elusive league title? Nothing is certain, and there is still more than half a season to go.

    Anything can and probably will happen.

    Many have already pegged Manchester City as the team most likely to grasp the league this year as their local rivals United flounder in mid-table purgatory. Even Liverpool’s Brendan Rodgers said as much when discussing the Reds’ upcoming visit to City on Thursday.

    “I still believe the title is Manchester City’s to lose. They have the strongest squad. The resources they have are incredible.”

    Liverpool may very well be competing with City for the title at some point. But for now, fans can enjoy seeing their club in a table position that is virtually foreign considering the terrible luck of seasons past.

    Image via Liverpool FC Twitter, Barclays Football Facebook

  • Luis Suárez Signs New Contract With Liverpool FC

    Controversial he may be, but no one could argue against Luis Suárez’s sheer brilliance on the field. Despite a ban which saw him miss the first five games of the season, Suárez has emerged the English Premier League’s top goal scorer. That alone isn’t enough to convey the impact that the Uruguayan has made since joining the Reds in 2011. He does more than score goals; he has also been instrumental in breaking up defenses and creating numerous chances for teammates. Some lament his knack for controversy and childish behavior, but Liverpool coach Brendan Rodgers is convinced that Suárez is on the right track.

    When a player has Suárez’s level of skill, it is inevitable that there will be talk of transfers to foreign clubs with big names and big bank accounts. Managing director Ian Ayre thought it best put an end to such gossip by securing Suárez’s services in a new long term agreement. The deal runs until 2018 and includes a pay increase to £200,000 per week in the last four years.

    Many fans are thrilled with the news since it is clear how instrumental Suárez will be to the club’s success. His 17 goals have helped guide the Reds to second in the league and a mere two points off rivals Arsenal FC. Arsenal had attempted to acquire Suárez’s talents with a cheeky summer bid of £40,000,001, meant to trigger a release clause in the contract at the time. This lead club owner, John W. Henry, to respond via twitter:

    Whatever it was, LFC’s owners were having none of it. They dug in their heels and have been vindicated many times over.

    Perhaps Tottenham Hotspurs are beginning to feel that they should have done the same. The club recently sacked manager Andre Villas-Boas following a humiliating 0-5 defeat at home to a Suárez-led Liverpool side. The team had a record transfer season which began with the sale of the club’s talisman, Gareth Bale. Bale is working hard to make waves at Real Madrid, meanwhile the Spurs have struggled in his absence. Observation rather than experience can be one of the best teachers and this is clearly an issue being actively avoided at Anfield.

    With the winter window almost upon us, this deal was likely a way of closing the door firmly in the faces of domestic and foreign rivals for the interest of the star player. Some also speculate that the owners have cemented Suárez’s enthusiasm to stay by promising to add talent to the team. It is too early to say what the Reds can accomplish, but this new contract is definitely a statement of intent. Liverpool will be holding on to a very good thing and it may lead to a many great things in the near future.