Little chance of Everton halting our momentum
Mar 24 2006
By Sam Johnstone Liverpool supporter, Daily Post
AS our scoring problems recede, one niggling thought remains: it's a shame we couldn't have spread the 15 goals over six or seven games.
That's a bit churlish, though, and I cannot fault the three displays over the past week. Against Fulham we looked solid, and though perhaps fortunate to score five, we fully deserved the win.
Newcastle was harder and we were helped by a Geordie defence that looked as frightened as new-born lambs. I was most impressed with Rafa's tactical switches, and the decision to play three at the back and move the wing backs forward paid huge dividends.
The same formation against Birmingham worked wonders. The performance was a joy to watch, with every attack looking likely to yield a goal. The fact that the strikers have been nabbing a few was an added bonus.
Everton have been putting a few good results together, and look a lot stronger, but if we continue our great form there's no way the Blues can live with us.
A restored confidence is apparent at Anfield, probably down to Rafa's renewed commitment, with everyone keen to be part of the team and perform to the highest levels. We have a real opportunity to put pressure on United for second, and to continue through to the FA Cup final, and that shows a real progression.
No-one can ever take May the 25th away from us, but if we are honest we know that was an unexpected high point in a transitional season, and Rafa had to deliver advancement in our domestic form during 2006.
At the fag end of the season it's clear that this forward momentum has been achieved, and that the two teams above us aren't that far ahead. Chelsea aren't as invincible as they would like us to believe, and United have looked like a real Jekyll and Hyde team this campaign.
With Arsenal in transition, it was up to us to put pressure on the top two, and I think we have achieved that. We may not have beaten them, but we've more or less beaten everyone else, and that will lead to a more confident approach to the bigger games.
In a way next season's campaign starts on Saturday. A good win against the Blues will keep the impetus to succeed going, and if we can sneak above United in the league then we will be in a great position to finally win number 19 next year. It doesn't seem like 16 years since we were last Champions, and I can still remember the celebrations. I just want to feel the same way again soon.
