Liverpool's two best PL title challenges have come in the 2009 and 2014 seasons.
Whilst they haven't won either of them (and I believe City will win it this year), on both occasions they have done the double over United.
In 2009, even though the results against us were merely an anomaly, and the scoreline flattered Liverpool on both occasions, the fact is that they came within four points of snatching our title. Had we won those games (which we ought to have done, given that we usually spank Liverpool home and away, especially when Rafa was in charge), we would have won the title by a whopping SIXTEEN points, which would probably have been a fairer reflection on the gulf in class between the two clubs at the time.
However, this time around we have not been good enough to challenge for the title, and few would argue that United have a better squad than Liverpool. So whilst it could be argued Liverpool are over-performing (while Chelsea and City continue to toss points away), and United have grossly under-performed this year, the fact cannot be avoided that had we beaten Liverpool (or even drawn), they would not be favourites for the title this year.
Clearly United are trailing Liverpool at the moment, but the form book should go out the window for derby games, and we should have given a better account of ourselves, even against the 12 men of Liverpool, rather than touting them as favourites before a ball was kicked.
So United were not good enough to win it this year, but we still could have kept Liverpool well away from the perch.
As it is, we will have to see how they handle the pressure in the last three games.
United are to blame for Liverpool's ascent
posted on 22/4/14
I thought that said 'Liverpool's accent' at first.
posted on 22/4/14
comment by conormcgrace (U4307)
posted 9 minutes ago
"Form goes out the window in derby games"
One of my most hated cliches in football. In fact, the form book will show that results in derby games are very much in keeping with form.
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I never liked it either, would be interested to see those stats for form and derby results.
posted on 22/4/14
What a load of nonsense from the OP. Liverpool have easily been the most consistent team in the league this season, and beating Man U confirmed that. They have beaten a stronger Man U side home and away before so your analysis is terribly flawed. Give credit where it is due.
posted on 22/4/14
You weren't the only team to outplay us at OT this season Paisley. This year has been the blip from us. We'll be very strong next year. This club will react in a big way. The board, now that Moyes has gone, will be furious, and want an instant return to the top. And they'll get it I'm sure. Will be a good season next year.
posted on 22/4/14
With your ageing squad and the hapless Moyes you stood no chance.
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You are good.
posted on 22/4/14
How is this article working out for you OP????
posted on 22/4/14
I think us losing to Chelsea and city winning 4 is a very possible outcome. City would win on GD in all likelihood.
posted on 22/4/14
I think us losing to Chelsea and city winning 4 is a very possible outcome. City would win on GD in all likelihood.
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Yes, unfortunately.
posted on 22/4/14
comment by The Kaisers Trainers (U5676)
posted 16 minutes ago
I think us losing to Chelsea and city winning 4 is a very possible outcome.
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I can't see you losing to Chelsea. They are very poor at the moment.
posted on 22/4/14
If a jose side turns up and parks the bus, a 0-1 wouldn't be a shock