Liverpool found themselves in an unfamiliar position this season following their visit to Newcastle on Wednesday: dropping points any competition. The Reds played a helter skelter match that some them complete the comeback against the Magpies, only to give up the equalizer late on.
Given the run that Liverpool were on - and especially following a week that saw Liverpool beat both Real Madrid and Manchester City - it would be understandable for fans to expect a walk in the park. It’s hard, though, to feel too disappointed precisely because of what the club had already achieved; even if the creeping fear of a Manchester City potentially figuring it all out and putting on an historic run lingered in the back of people’s minds.
The results on Saturday, though, should really remind folks of the great position Liverpool have earned through their incandescent run. While the Reds’ match against Everton was postponed due to Storm Darragh, rivals like both Manchester sides had their matches move forward. Manchester United were dealt their first home defeat under Ruben Amorim by a feisty Nottingham Forest side. Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola had to continue his uncanny, everything-is-Zen routine as the Citizens were held to a 2-2 draw at Selhurst Park by Crystal Palace.
United’s pain has no real effect other than to allow us the opportunity to take more joy from their continued malaise, but City’s dropped points means that the Reds have the opportunity to widen their points gap back to double digits with a win in their next match. Which is the big reminder: Liverpool’s massive gap at the top means that unlike other teams, our destiny is well and truly in our hands.
Arsenal, Chelsea, and yes, City, all need to play as close to perfect while hoping to take points off of the Reds. And a great thing to remember is that Liverpool secured max points away to Chelsea and picked up a draw at Arsenal. Liverpool’s most likely matches to drop points to their immediate challengers based on their position on the Premier League table have already taken place. Which is to say: Liverpool are well and truly in the driver’s seat.
The truth is that there will be more dropped points this season for every single Premier League team. What’s great is that Liverpool have lowered the cost of each of those potentially lost points by taking as close to max points as any club in the Premier League has since, well, Manchester City. If this were a City side, many would be flocking to anoint them Champions-Elect.
I’m not suggesting that we tempt fate in that way; I’m old enough to have experienced Liverpool top of the table around Boxing Day. But what I will say is that it is not at all a ridiculous supposition that Liverpool be considered among the title contenders ready to pounce on what looks to be a rare off year for Manchester City.
Here’s hoping that the Reds continue to focus on the match ahead of them and do what they’ve done all year so far: beat whoever’s in front of them.