Tomorrow, whilst kids all over the world will be jumping on
their parents heads at ungodly hours of the morning before rushing to their
tree/stocking to enthusiastically unwrap gifts which will delight or disappoint
them depending on how accurately the contents reflect their pre-Christmas wish,
Liverpool supporters can take their time. Maybe spend an extra few minutes in
bed, take a shower before putting on their freshest clothes and sauntering in
to join the festivities all the while basking in the glow that Santa has
already been and gone having delivered their team to the summit of the table,
where they shall remain until the big day has passed at least.
Of course over the Christmas period we have some major tests
to face, and it is for this reason alone I have decided to stop tempering my expectations
and begin to hope that maybe, just maybe this is no short term success. Brendan
Rodgers said, in what would be praised as intelligent “mind games” if uttered
from the mouth of Ferguson or Mourinho, "I still
believe the title is Manchester City's to lose. They have the strongest squad.
The resources they have are incredible. We can't ever think we have cracked it.
We can't become complacent. You have to be focused and move on to the next
game." This not only helped to put some pressure on City before the
meeting it also gives an honest assessment of our chances at this time. There is
still a lot of football to be played before the champions are crowned, but
there is no denying that we are sitting pretty. That is why I have decided to
simply enjoy our current situation. As Rafa might have said “We are in a good
moment” as we embark on a difficult couple of fixtures in quick succession
which will reveal more about our ambitions. I have confidence in this team. I have
confidence in this manager. I have doubted them before and they have proved me
wrong. I honestly believe it is possible for us to get something from each of
these games away to City and Chelsea. Unfortunately you have to acknowledge the
challenge this entails and recognise that we could sit outside the top 4 by new
year. If that were to happen we can re-align our targets and again become
embroiled in the day to day mundanity of scrapping it out amongst the other troglodytes
for one of the runner-up spots that awards
a seat at Europes top table next year.
Right now though, its Christmas and Liverpool are TOP of the
League. We have a manager whose game plan seems to be coming together at the
right time. We have a team who look equal parts stylish and dogged, ready to
run through brick walls before deftly finishing an exquisite passing move. We
have the best player in the world leading our line and scoring world class
goals every week. Its not a bad place to be.
If, somehow, you are still struggling to enjoy it, just think
back to the end of last season, how far away did the top of the league seem
then?
I also want to take this opportunity to say Happy Christmas
from The Red Article and a heartfelt thank you for all of your support
throughout 2013. Eat, Drink, be Merry, enjoy every minute of it for who knows
whats up ahead.
Liverpool FC – Champions elect..... for now at least!
Barry
Twitter:@barrymeehan7
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