With a 3-2 victory over Norwich, Liverpool require only seven points to seal their first league title since 1990. It’s been an agonising wait for Reds fans as our club, steeped in history, has struggled since the inception of the Premier League.
The last two games (against City and Norwich) have seen Liverpool battle second-half fight-backs from teams who have been unlucky not to come away with a point.
In each game, Liverpool has stormed out of the blocks full of verve and conviction in what they are trying to achieve.
In both games, as the reality of possibly winning a title has its impact on the players, the team has dropped off in intensity and made silly mistakes which have cost them.
While this will destroy the nerves and fingernails of Liverpool fans worldwide, this is not only expected, it is necessary for Liverpool to return to the heights of the 80s.
If Liverpool weren’t tested as thoroughly as they have been during this campaign, players would never have the knowledge that they could do it when it really counted.
As a long-suffering fan, I’m happy that we are in a dog-fight. As much as I want us to steam away from the pack and win the title easily, such an achievement would not set us up for a long period of EPL success.
In contrast, the current season, even if we are ultimately unsuccessful, it will ensure we are strongly entrenched in the title challenge for years to come.
The experience gained out of beating City when it looked for all money that we would lose and, just a week later hitting Norwich on the break when they looked for all money the dominant side of the second half, will be invaluable for years to come.
Think of all the times Manchester United won in “Fergie Time” and how those results affected the title. For most fans, they will struggle to remember many specific instances, they will just know how successful Utd were during Fergie’s reign.
In real terms, if Liverpool do win the title, two, three or four years from now, no one (or very few at least) will remember the periods in games where the Reds were on the ropes.
They will simply remember the winning streak that was required to win and the fact that Liverpool did it. Moreover, opposing teams will carry the knowledge (and fear) that Liverpool can win a game even when they clearly shouldn’t.
Over the next three weeks I fully expect to see Liverpool tested repeatedly. I’ll suffer through it gladly knowing it will galvanise the team for years to come.
Will Sinclair
Roar Guru
With any luck the title will be secured by Everton beating Man City before the final round! That would be icing on the cake.
Tony H
Roar Pro
I'd love to agree with you Will but I'm betting this will come down to the final day against Newcastle. The only evidence you need for that is how Sunderland recently became my second favourite team.
Tony H
Roar Pro
Dan I remember that game so well. It was another example of exactly how Gerrard has pulled the entire team with him through many, many seasons of football. When we had Torres and Alonso et al under Benitez we looked the good but never quite had the punch to finish the season off. It would be brilliant to see a team that hasn't bought the title, prove that it can still be done. Even better would be to see Stevie G lift the trophy.
Will Sinclair
Roar Guru
That is absolutely right - so near, and yet so far away. It's punishing!
clipper
Guest
So near and yet still so far away - nervous about the Chelsea game - good to have a title race with a diiferent mix.
Will Sinclair
Roar Guru
Agree with everything you've written, Tony. Liverpool have ridden their luck in the last two weeks, and the fact they have prevailed anyway is hopefully a sign that the planets have aligned this year for the Reds. I am already a nervous wreck in anticipation of the Chelsea game this weekend. My feeling is that if we can win this weekend, the title will be ours (it will eliminate Chelsea and Man City have tough trips to Palace and Everton to come). Dare to dream.
Dan
Guest
As a long suffering West Ham fan, one of my most painful moments watching Liverpool was the '06 FA cup. I despised Pool for a while since watching that heartbreaking defeat. It was a breathless game and Gerrard's goal that drew them level was spectacular but what followed in the shoot out was shattering. However, aside from wishing us to escape relegation in the coming weeks, I would also love to see Liverpool win the title. Chelsea and Man C epitomise everything that is wrong with modern day football for me and It'd be great to see a underdog (of sorts) break the big clubs grasp on the Premier League trophy, without buying it. Rodgers and Liverpool's emergence has been great and unless you're a ManUre or Everton fan you can't help but admire it all.
Bobby
Guest
Read my comment properly before replying next time
Adam3000
Guest
9pm kick off against Norwich is hardly horrible for anyone daring to dream
Evan Askew
Guest
Its not really a drought to be sympathetic with when they have won a champions league title, a UEFA Cup, 4 league cups and 3 FA cups since that time.
Cadfael
Roar Guru
Next game will be it. A win or a draw to Chelsea should see the flag at Anfield. After that Palace and Newcastle. With a bit of luck the Black Cats may even make the cut with a better goal difference than the other cellar dwellers.
Bobby
Guest
Dare to dream! In the 24 years in waiting for a Liverpool side to put some heart into trying to compete at the top I have waned in my support of the EPL. What hasn't helped is the horrible hours one has to be up to watch a live game. I am now being tempted to watch the first half of Liverpool games and next weeks Chelsea game I will be up for the whole game. Come on Liverpool! And every other team that plays against Chelsea and City.
Steve
Guest
As a Liverpool fan I am stoked we won the game. In saying that, it was exactly the game I expected it to be. Norwich are fighting against relegation, they played really well and pushed Liverpool all the way. It was never going to be a walkover for Liverpool. Dare to dream - 3 games to go.