THERE’S been much debate and division over whether Liverpool’s goalless draw with Fulham on Saturday represents a freakish one-off or a severe blow to title hopes.
For what it’s worth, I reckon it’s the former. Okay, so it was two points dropped, but rather than despair over the fact that Chelsea also failed to win at home, it should be taken as a sign of encouragement that their main rivals, including Manchester United, are also capable of letting some slip through their grasp as well.
But the reason I feel that Liverpool can easily shake off the disappointment of Fulham is because I think it was down to an error of judgement from Rafael Benitez. And I honestly believe it’s one he won’t make again.
The manager has been excellent so far this season. In fact, he hasn’t put a foot wrong and has found a beautiful balance in his team selection that hasn’t been there in previous seasons.
He’s made Albert Riera his regular left-winger, he has stuck with Dirk Kuyt and got the best out of him, he has instilled a never-say-die attitude and all his players – even during the absence of Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard for large chunks of the campaign – have managed to overcome that with such an encouraging will to win.
And it’s paid off handsomely for Benitez as his team has made a start to the season that has set up them for a genuine challenge. And in terms of progress, that is all many supporters really wanted this time round.
