When the full-time whistle went at Selhurst Park yesterday afternoon, Liverpool knew they had overcome another tricky obstacle in their quest for an elusive first Premier League title.
It came from another late goal, this time in the 85th minute courtesy of Roberto Firmino and meant the Reds have taken 37 points from a possible 39 this season.
With an eight-point gap already in place it’s looking likely that Liverpool will be champions come May. So how are they doing it?
The spine of the side
First of all, the spine of the side is what glues Liverpool together. Alisson in goal, Van Dijk at centre back and Fabinho in midfield make sure the Reds are incredibly tough to beat.
Liverpool have not played as well as we know they can this season and Saturday was another example of this, but the ability to trust in the spine to keep them in games breeds an underlining confidence in the team.
The best example of this was the Champions League Final win last summer. Alisson and Van Dijk were exceptional all game and even though the team itself were not playing well, they kept Spurs at bay. When Liverpool’s chances did finally come, they took them, all the signs of a title winning team.
Exceptional front three
The Reds’ front three is arguably the best in the world in terms of the chemistry between them. Firmino dictates the attack by dropping back, creating the space for Sadio Mane and Mo Salah to get into attacking positions.
You always feel that going forward, Liverpool will create chances and score goals through at least one of these three players. Mane is the top scorer so far this season with 10 goals to his name and is regarded by many as being the most important attacker that Liverpool have.
With an attack like this that is only going to get better as the season goes on Liverpool’s incredible Premier League form only looks set to continue.
Mentality
In the last few league games alone, Liverpool have managed to dig out a result when it looked when they might not. Scoring twice in the last 8 minutes away to Aston Villa to earn a win made everybody realise that this team never know when they are beaten.
Jürgen Klopp has installed this into his squad that there are no excuses and that they must fight to the end. Many may question whether they can keep digging out late results like this, but there is no sign that they are going to stop anytime soon.
The best two full backs in the world?
It is a bold claim to make saying that the Reds have the best right-back and left-back in the world but when you look at what they are doing it is hard to argue against it.
Last season Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold manages 23 Premier League assists between them. Defenders regularly setting up goals like this is something no other side in the league and maybe even Europe possesses.
They are also both excellent defenders which is something that is being lost in modern football and have been apart of this excellent Liverpool defence that has played so well the last 18 months.
Alexander-Arnold in particular is still only 21 and has the world at his feet. His potential is something that excites the Anfield faithful and it would not be a surprise if he was to become Liverpool captain one day.
It may only be late November but it is looking likely that Liverpool will be champions, but injuries will be the biggest concern for the fans and the manager. However, if they avoid any, it would be no surprise if they ended their 30 year wait for a league title.
(Lead picture by Дмитрий Голубович under creative commons)
