After so many false dawns, it’s still too early to talk about Liverpool as title contenders. While Manchester United and Chelsea have regularly demonstrated an ability to last the pace in the past few seasons, the Merseyside club have suffered too many dips in form to be seriously considered at this stage for honours. Even if they have already beaten one of ther main rivals this campaign.
The Reds’ 2-1 win over United was a huge psychological boost for Rafael Benitez and his team, especially as they have failed to beat the Red Devils so often in the past. That it was managed without Fernando Torres made it an even greater achievement, although Setanta reports that the Spaniard is chomping at the bit to score against the champions and become even more of a hero for Liverpool fans.
“Every player wants to score against their biggest rivals,” he said. “It matters so much to the fans and I think it would mean even more to them if I scored against United.
“Hopefully I’ll have an opportunity to do so when we play at Old Trafford after Christmas, or maybe in the cup … or even the Champions League final.”
Torres sat out the win over United earlier in the season with a hamstring complaint, but he was thrilled to see Liverpool’s supposed lesser lights see off their rivals.
“It was a little unusual for me watching the game against United, but the most important thing from that game was the fact we could win without me or Stevie (Gerrard),” he added.
“That proves how strong the squad is now. It’s not just about two, three or four players. It’s a real team and we proved that by beating United.”
Torres is set to become an Anfield legend, despite this only being his second season at the club. He managed 23 goals in the league last term and is threatening to surpass that total this season, especially with four scored in the last two matches. Liverpool fans would be in dreamland if he could repeat his heroics at Old Trafford, although the jury’s still out over whether this team can match Chelsea and Manchester United stride-for-stride this season.
Discuss the latest transfer gossip at the Brand New COS forum!