In many games this season, Liverpool have beat teams that they have struggled against in past, and at grounds Liverpool have struggled to conjure points in. Just look at Stoke and Southampton, (and of course the thrashings of Arsenal and Everton!). Not only do these victories tell their own tale, but the manner of which Liverpool outclassed their opponents tell another story of just how much the Reds have improved this year. The question for this weekend is: are Manchester United next on that list?
Lets start with Stoke. Liverpool had not beaten them in the past two seasons in the Prem, and the Liverpool faithful might not have wanted Stoke to be the first game of the league. Liverpool, however, not only won, but won without Suarez, created chances, and although a late penalty save from Mignolet sealed the win, the Reds were the better team throughout the match. The two sides met again at the Britannia Stadium, where Liverpool had lost in the last two seasons. As shaky as Liverpool's defence was, they put five past Stoke.
But that was only against Stoke. What about Everton, Tottenham, Arsenal and Southampton? Liverpool went into the Everton match, having played a lacklustre game against Aston Villa at Anfield. Their defence flaws were odvious, and for the first time in a while, Everton had every right to feel that they could go into this game seeking three points that would boost their chances of qualifying for the Champions League. Instead, Liverpool displayed their class and were ruthless against their bitter rival, who had held them to a draw in their past three meetings. Liverpool went 3-0 up at halftime, added a fourth soon after half-time, and would have had a fifth had Sturridge not missed the penalty.
Tottenham? Liverpool had lost at White Hart Lane for consecutive seasons prior to this season, and with Sturridge and Gerrard injured, it looked like things could have gone Tottenham's way. On the contrary, the Reds were all over their rivals, putting two past them before half time and adding three more after half-time. Southampton? They were the only team to beat Liverpool at Anfield, and deserved their win too. The Saints have several goal scores on their side, and given Liverpool's shaky defence, the match could have gone Southampton's way. However, Liverool silenced their defensive cridicts by keeping a clean sheet there and putting three past Southampton. A 5-1 win over Arsenal, another team Liverpool had struggled against sums up the fact that Liverpool are overcoming rivals and beating big teams. Whose to say Manchester United isn't next?
Of course, it would be wise to beware of Manchester United. Although United have certainly struggled this season, they are still are Manchester United, whose ground Liverpool have not won at since 2009, in a 4-1 win. Not to mention their defencive difficulties. Liverpool should go into the game knowing that they have struggled at Old Trafford before, and knowing that they will have to put on a performance if they are to pull off a win.
The last time Liverpool won against Manchester United, they did put on a show. Although they have struggled in the past few years, the last time they won, it was 4-1. And given the attacking talent which Liverpool possess, who is to say that they won't be able to put 4 past United again? Liverpool are coming into this game having won four games straight in the Prem, United having won their last game, but it is clear that Liverpool have the momentum coming into this match.The belief is most certainly there for Liverpool who know that they are capable of overcoming tough rivals, and who also know that they have their best chance in years to claim victory at Old Trafford, possibly even to the heights of their 4-1 win back in 2009.
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