13 Comments

The luck has been monumental for liverpool as you say. The worst city and Madrid teams for years. Sporting Lisbon would have beaten them both, I think a smaller team will unhinge liverpool, one of Brighton, forest, Tottenham or Brentford maybe. What can’t continue is the luck they’ve been having. We are definitely a better team when fit. A game of patience, they will lose some players soon………

Expand full comment

Pedro suggesting we throw the league cup is the same reason I suggested that we should count the league as done already and focus on other cups.

The English football season has 4 trophies on the line every season. You don't throw a very winnable cup away in other to pursue what is factually an "impossibility" (it's on record that no tea has ever made up a 9 points deficit after 11 games ever in the PL).

The fastest way to build 'winnertivity' is by actually winning things. Not by chasing improbable situations.We need to focus heavily on making sure we don't lose any cup games considered lesser objectives because we are chasing what's not in our hands by a long shot.

Arteta record of 8,5,2,2 since the project becomes very bad reading when you factor in his cup exploits within that same time frame.

Expand full comment

The one thing I have to say about Liverpool is the fact that they have the momentum, the experienced players and the gap of points. These three things are what ultimately matters.

If we want to win, we have to be near perfect. You can't go on a run of accumulating 2 points out of a possible 12, and then expect not to be far behind. Now we have lost the margin of error till we get closer. We can't drop any points till Liverpool drop points in 2 games. We need to win 21 games at the very least. That is where we are.

Expand full comment

Last season, Liverpool lost to Spurs A, Jones had a red card and Matip own goal.

Lost to Arsenal A, Salah was out, Konate red card, midfield of Jones and Elliot.

Lost to CP H, Gravenb unavailable.

Lost Everton A, title race already over Gravenb on the bench.

Fine margins.

Expand full comment

The Liverpool case looks very tough to defend.

1. If they don’t lose points this week, I don’t see them losing points another month until Brentford. Which would mean they have at least 9 point lead (maybe more) after 22 games.

2. Last year they had an 8 point lead over us shortly before we won at home and shortened it to 5 (that feels much closer). Same did City to us 2 years ago. This time it looks like they can maintain their gap for a long period of time and we need to be perfect and believe in their fall.

3. Last year they knew Klopp was leaving. This year Liverpool players (Gravenberch, Jones, Díaz) know they play for their future in the team. Except Salah and VVD who play for a fat contract.

4. By November they accumulated a lot of confidence beating Real, City, Chelsea, so they could have enough of it when dealt with injury or red card.

Expand full comment

Great post. However, totally disagree about rotating for the League Cup QF (at home against Palace). That is a must win game.

This club, the manager, and players - esp Odegaard, Saliba, Gabriel, White, Trossard, Martinelli - need a trophy. We are 2 games from a final at Wembley. The league cup is the basis of Pep's trophy haul in England (won it 4 times in a row 2018-2021). Its crucial we take it as seriously as possible.

Expand full comment

Don’t see us catching Liverpool

They are looking very accomplished

They’ve beaten Real Madrid and city this week

You have to hand it to them

Expand full comment

I love the optimism even though I dont quite share it at the moment. But it certainly makes this seasons campaign a nail biter. Bring it on.

Expand full comment

It's going to be really tough catching Liverpool, 9points is no joke. Absolute perfection is needed between now and March.....😢

Expand full comment

now and May…

Expand full comment

*** “just another excuse,” or “deal with it,” but we have to be adults here. ***

I guess we were Not yet adults when mocking Untold.

Expand full comment

Right on groobeydaddy's heels

Expand full comment

1st

Expand full comment