Who would have thought it? A Champions League place back within touching distance despite a run of just two wins in six games, a run which has included defeats to two of our nearest rivals – Manchester United and Arsenal.
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However, with three games remaining the gap is back down to just four points. And after yesterday’s dramatic victory over Queens Park Rangers, a sense of renews optimism is ringing around Anfield.
Here are five reasons why the Reds can pull off the impossible:
5) Manchester United’s tough run-in
It’s all gone wrong for United – something which I’m sure we’re all dreadfully disappointed to be seeing… Louis van Gaal’s side have lost their last three league games without even scoring a goal, bringing them back to within touching distance. They were thrashed 3-0 by Everton and have also lost narrowly to both Chelsea and West Bromwich Albion. They now face challenging trips to Crystal Palace and Hull City, who are fighting for their lives at the bottom of the table, while their one remaining home game come against high-flying Arsenal.
4) Chelsea’s Premier League title celebrations
Chelsea’s victory over Crystal Palace on Sunday means that they can no longer be caught at the top of the table. They are Premier League champions. They have nothing left to play for and will no doubt have one eye on the celebrations when the Reds go to Stamford Bridge next weekend. We’ve had three very close games with the Blues already this season and are surely due a bit of luck and a much-needed three points. If there is a good time to be playing Jose Mourinho’s side, who have only lost twice in the league so far this season, then this surely has to be it.
3) Steven Gerrard’s final act of redemption
There’s been a lot of pressure on Steven Gerrard’s shoulders this season. Ever since the slip against Chelsea last year the neutrals have been queuing up to have a go at him. The red card against Manchester United didn’t help and we all know that at 34, we can’t rely on him to turn games the way he once did. Nonetheless, he was there again for us on Saturday, pulling us out of the mire against Queen Park Rangers with his late header. If one thing’s for sure, he’ll put his heart and soul into these final three games. Let’s hope that he can go out with a bang.
2) Brendan Rodgers comes with a point to prove
It was a horrible thing to see. A sign that at least a small percentage of Liverpool supporters are just like those of any club, losing patience after just a handful of bad results. Brendan Rodgers has taken us from mid-table obscurity to a team regularly competing for a place in the Champions League – finishing second last season and in with a chance of fourth this season – in just three short years. He’s got things wrong during his time with us and progress this season has been slower than we would have liked. He has three games to prove those fans wrong.
1) Mario Balotelli is long, long overdue
‘Why Always Me’ – that’s what the Italian once said. He used to be renowned as the man for the big occasion and it’s just not happened for him at Liverpool so far. With just one Premier League goal to his name and a foot injury having ruled him out of the game with QPR, things are looking pretty bleak for Mario. But maybe, just maybe, he has one big Liverpool moment in him. Can you imagine him scoring the winner at the Britannia on the final day of the season? The irony would make your mouth water!
