Benitez' Reds on landmark course
Apr 5 2006
By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo
RAFA BENITEZ can underline the vast improvement he's inspired at Anfield by leading Liverpool to the 70 point mark for only the second time in 10 seasons this weekend.
Victory over Bolton would be a significant landmark for the Reds' boss as he edges closer to securing Champions League qualification.
Such is Liverpool's vastly superior goal difference to most of the chasing pack, the Reds effectively need to win only twice more to be certain of a top four position.
If results go their way, they could even be sure of their Champions League place by defeating Bolton on Sunday.
Although comparisons with Benitez's debut league campaign make most favourable reading, the Spanish manager's efforts are as impressive when contrasted with the club's Premiership performance since their last title in 1990.
Benitez's predecessor Gerard Houllier only went beyond 70 points once during his six seasons at Anfield.
He secured second spot in 2002 with a tally of 80. You have to go back to 1996 for the next time Liverpool accumulated a comparable total. Roy Evans pbutted the 70-point barrier twice, although in 1995 his side's figure of 74 was accumulated over 42 games.
In the 16 seasons since Kenny Dalglish won the championship, Liverpool have managed to hit the 70 mark on just four occasions.
With five fixtures still remaining, that's likely to change over the next few weeks, although Benitez will take more satisfaction in the impact his signings have had when judged against last season's domestic performance.
Liverpool managed a disappointing 58 points a season ago, which left them languishing in fifth spot, 37 points behind Chelsea, 25 adrift of Arsenal and 19 behind Manchester United.
Heading into this weekend's games the gap to Chelsea has narrowed to 12, though Liverpool have played one more game.
The Reds trail United by only five points having played a game more and boast a 14-point advantage over the Gunners, who've played two less.
Should Liverpool win all their remaining league games, they'll secure their highest points total since 1990.
Chances at a premiumI don't think we really clicked into gear until the 2nd half, They could have had 2 goals in...
In fact, Benitez could even eclipse the tally of Dalglish's title winning side, who won the league with 79 points.
LIVERPOOL POINTS COLLECTED SINCE 1990
2004-05 58 points, 5th place 2003-04 60 points, 4th place 2002-03 64 points, 5th place 2001-02 80 points, 2nd place 2000-01 69 points, 3rd place 1999-00 67 points, 4th place 1998-99 54 points, 7th place 1997-98 65 points, 3rd place 1996-97 68 points, 4th place 1995-96 71 points, 3rd place 1994-95 74 points, 4th place 1993-94 60 points, 8th place 1992-93 59 points, 6th place 1991-92 64 points, 6th place 1990-91 76 points, 2nd place 1989-90 79 points, Champions
