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Jordan Henderson and Sebastian Coates (L) of Liverpool walk off at the end of the Capital One Cup Fourth Round match between Liverpool and Swansea City at Anfield on October 31, 2012 in Liverpool, England.
Being a Liverpool fan is as arduous as waiting for the economy to prosper these days. After promises of a transitional season since the end of Benitez’s reign, till date there has been little progress. But being Liverpool fans, we have started taking things in our stride. While other supporters wonder what it is that keeps us going, it is the inherent belief that the club will turn around and go on to achieve the same levels of success which made it one of the most feared names in Europe.
The Swansea defeat in mid-week was more than just a setback for Brendan Rodgers. The defeat and the attacks on the counter and some of the other plays in the game must have reminded him of the work he had done there. A wry smile on Brendan Rodgers wouldn’t have been out of place as Michael Laudrup has continued in the same vein as Rodgers with the same set of players. Looking at defeat from a positive perspective is that Liverpool have started playing in the same fashion, but are still not the finished article.
Avoiding the word “transition”, Rodgers has lamented the thinness of the squad and over reliance on Suarez and Gerrard. Instead, he has highlighted the commitments of Skrtel, Agger and the developments of Sterling, Suso and Wisdom. While Liverpool are looking to rise towards the top four, they would also be in the process be keen to avoid the “feeder club” tag, which is more detrimental and demoralizing for Liverpool fans.
The game against Newcastle will be a match of skills once again with Alan Pardew, probably one of the most shrewdest and likable managers in the Premier League. His commitment to a certain style and the positive results and the quick rise to the top has earned him a bumper contract as well, and all within reasonable budgets. Liverpool – Newcastle encounters have always thrown up exciting games in the Premier League history with Liverpool enjoying the better results.
On current form and personnel, Newcastle have the edge, but Liverpool will be keen to exploit the home advantage. A win here will be much bigger for Liverpool, as it will give them the belief to face Chelsea. While all games are pivotal in the Premier Leagume a win here will help Liverpool’s rise up the table. And ultimately, it’s the three points that matter.
