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Despite the Premier League strangely proud proclamation Refusing to even consider the possibility that playing a full uninterrupted season on Covid Island might not be practical, the rona remains the most likely to derail Liverpool’s quest for a second straight title.
But only fair. For one thing, Jurgen Klopp’s side is already undefeated in 12 Premier League games. On the other, they tied four of the last seven, against Brighton, Fulham, West Brom and now Newcastle. It’s happening far too often now, and a three-point lead over Manchester United, who have a game in hand and will travel to Anfield in a couple of weeks, seems suddenly fragile even if the rest of the ‘chasing’ ‘group’ does They are busy tripping over themselves or Aston Villa. That latest Marcus Rashford winner against the Wolves looks even bigger now.
Liverpool’s concern is that they actually, for the most part, played quite well tonight. Not at their best, no, but certainly better than against Brighton and Fulham. However, when an early goal did not materialize, there was a slight but noticeable head drop. A “here we go again” feeling. Another one of those nights. It’s amazing how quickly the self-fulfilling expectation that you will win a game can disappear. And, conversely, how quickly opponents who might have felt defeated even before the game started develop the confidence that they can get something out of the game.
On another night, anyone from Mo Salah, Roberto Firmino or Sadio Mane could have been the winner. But so could Callum Wilson.
Liverpool will inevitably be the center of attention, but Newcastle were really excellent. Sometimes there was luck, of course, but it was well deserved. Winty already has half an eye on turning this into a Karl Darlow fan site, and that dream is a little closer tonight. He was again astonishingly good, most importantly with Martin Dubravka back on the bench, with a series of good saves. A fingertip effort to keep Salah out in the first half was the choice of a long standout reel.
But neither is this one-way traffic. Wilson has made a huge difference for Newcastle and has made a complete change up front. A number nine performance worthy of this stadium and this jersey full of clever play and tireless running. Joelinton played his role as well, winning free throws and providing a breather for his defenders. Newcastle had just 27% of the ball, but were only outscored by 11 attempts to eight. There would have been no injustice if a late winner had been cheated.
No PL team this season can reach 100 points. Nature is healing.
– Duncan Alexander (@oilysailor) December 30, 2020
Obviously, there is no need to panic on Merseyside. There are still three clear points. They still seem to be the best team in the country. They still seem to be built on stronger foundations than any of their rivals. Soon they will be able to sign the defensive coverage they desperately need.
But the attack isn’t firing off at all, at least not consistently. They still have the days when it all fits together – the wolves, Leicester and Palace can attest to that, but the days when it doesn’t happen are becoming much more common.
Liverpool, clearly, do not enter 2021 with the same dominance, confidence or aura with which they entered 2020 with a 13-point lead and the title almost won. Like the rest of us, they are more tired and, on the whole, less cheerful.
You look around the rest of this division and still can’t help but think that Liverpool really should win this title with a little to spare. But stranger things have happened, and after the year we’ve just endured, that should mean more than ever as we enter unknowable unpredictability, regardless of what the Premier League insists, of 2021.
Dave tickner
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