With twenty points from twenty-seven in the opening nine Premier League games, LFC is currently averaging 2.2 points-per-game, a ratio that has propelled the club into joint 2nd place in the league table. Extrapolated across a whole season, the Reds could end the season with 83 points (if the current point average is maintained), which (historically) is always more than enough to qualify for the Champions League. Anfield legend Alan Hansen remains unconvinced, however, of his old club's CL prospects, and insists that Liverpool will have to settle for a top six place.
In his column for the Telegraph today, Hansen also writes off Arsenal's title chances, and suggests that the Gunners will ultimately knock the Reds out of the top four. He notes:
"I still believe that Arsenal will end the campaign in fourth place. Last season’s top three – Manchester United, City and Chelsea – will be there again, but not necessarily in that order, leaving Arsenal to claim fourth".
Clearly, Hansen doesn't believe Liverpool have a chance of the top four, which is surprising considering the club's exponentially improved form/results over the last ten months. Indeed, if you look at the Premier League table since January 1st 2013, Liverpool have consistently delivered top-four form:
As such, I disagree with Hansen here. I am utterly confident that the Reds will finish in the top four this season, with Man United and Spurs ultimately missing the cut. Yes, it's early days, but there's a resilience about the club over the last year that wasn't there before, and with with the likes of Sturridge, Suarez, Coutinho et al in the team, there's always a chance.
So far, the league is wide open this season, with only Arsenal truly excelling. Man United have fallen away; Man City are not the force many predicted, and both Chelsea and Spurs have suffered inconsistency.
As I argued yesterday, however, other players in the team need to start contributing goals for LFC on a consistent basis or top four will ultimately remain a pipe dream.
What do you think? Can Liverpool finish in the top four this season?
Author: Jaimie K
In his column for the Telegraph today, Hansen also writes off Arsenal's title chances, and suggests that the Gunners will ultimately knock the Reds out of the top four. He notes:
"I still believe that Arsenal will end the campaign in fourth place. Last season’s top three – Manchester United, City and Chelsea – will be there again, but not necessarily in that order, leaving Arsenal to claim fourth".
Clearly, Hansen doesn't believe Liverpool have a chance of the top four, which is surprising considering the club's exponentially improved form/results over the last ten months. Indeed, if you look at the Premier League table since January 1st 2013, Liverpool have consistently delivered top-four form:
As such, I disagree with Hansen here. I am utterly confident that the Reds will finish in the top four this season, with Man United and Spurs ultimately missing the cut. Yes, it's early days, but there's a resilience about the club over the last year that wasn't there before, and with with the likes of Sturridge, Suarez, Coutinho et al in the team, there's always a chance.
So far, the league is wide open this season, with only Arsenal truly excelling. Man United have fallen away; Man City are not the force many predicted, and both Chelsea and Spurs have suffered inconsistency.
As I argued yesterday, however, other players in the team need to start contributing goals for LFC on a consistent basis or top four will ultimately remain a pipe dream.
What do you think? Can Liverpool finish in the top four this season?
survey solutions
Author: Jaimie K
