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Liverpool's Dirk Kuyt - Source: Reuters -
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Liverpool's Dirk Kuyt has said the Merseyside club now need a 'miracle' to win their first league title in 20-years after handing the advantage to Manchester United in what has been one of the closest and most thrilling title races in years.
Liverpool all but handed the title to their fiercest rivals on Wednesday after a heart-stopping 4-4 draw with Arsenal at Anfield left them level on points with the current League champions, before their 2-0 win over Portsmouth on Thursday (NZT) saw them climb three points clear with a game to spare.
"We have to hope for a miracle now as it has become more difficult than it already was." The Dutchman told reporters after the Arsenal thriller.
"But you have seen a team that has not given up and we will never give up so let's hope that a miracle can happen."
Liverpool, of course, are not adverse to miracles.
In fact they almost pulled one off against an on-form Chelsea in the Champions League quarter-final last week where they came back from a humiliating 3-1 defeat at home to produce a nail-biter of epic proportions at Stamford Bridge.
With just five games left of the season, Liverpool now have somewhat of an 'easy' run-in, with games against struggling sides Hull, Newcastle and West Brom - while the only tests for the Merseyside club may come from West Ham and Tottenham - one of only two sides to have beaten them in the League this season.
But to have any hope of finishing even second, Liverpool must stamp-out the dull draws to mid-table clubs that lost them too many points early in the title race and the defensive mistakes that have cost them dearly in their previous two games.
Liverpool may have scored an incredible 12 goals in their previous three clashes (all without the heroics of skipper Steven Gerrard, the man often referred to as Liverpool's 'heartbeat') but they have also let eight slip into their own net.
All of Arsenal's goals on Wednesday came from woeful defensive errors - while pint-sized firecracker Arshavin was afforded so much space by the Liverpool back four that he couldn't have had more if he'd asked for it.
And so there was a sense around Anfield on Wednesday that Liverpool knew they had handed the chess piece to Ferguson - while the look on Benitez's face as Arshavin's goals flew in was there for all to see.
So with just five games left what Liverpool will be hoping for more than anything is a late United slip up, that could be a miracle in itself.
"It will be difficult but as long as we keep winning our own games then maybe (they) United will struggle." Kuyt told reporters.
And it may only be the most optimistic of Liverpool supporters who will tell you that the title race is still alive and kicking, but it is true that United, although they have a game in hand, have their own battles to conquer.
Because while Liverpool have been banging in goals since they spooked United with a 4-1 win at Old Trafford in March, a stumbling United have been somewhat scrapping late wins without their usual gusto.
And with six games left of their season, United have a similar run in to Liverpool (albeit with the added pressure of facing Arsenal twice in the Champions League semi-finals).
Tottenham, who they drew 0-0 with earlier in the season, and again in the Carling Cup final, are first up this weekend, and could just salvage a draw that would bring the sides within a point of each other again - providing Liverpool beat Hull.
Southgate's struggling Middlesbrough are next, then the Manchester derby, Wigan, Hull and Arsenal - who could become the unlikely saviour in this tantalising race to the finish.
Whatever happens in the next few weeks, Liverpool supporters can be proud of their team, who have been without their star striker and inspirational captain for much of the season, for pilling the pressure on the glory boys of the Premier League and providing fans with twist, turns and heart stopping moments aplenty in a season to remember.
I for one, have a feeling, this isn't quite over yet!
Do you think the title race is really over for Liverpool? Have your say below..........
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Post new commentRonaldo for MVP! said on 2009-04-23 @ 16:48 NZDT: Report abusive post
Four letters: OVER!