Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers believes that his team are capable of challenging for the Premier League title this season, after watching his side dig deep and come from behind twice to beat Fulham 3-2 at Craven Cottage on Wednesday night. Captain Steven Gerrard kept his cool as his late penalty was the difference and gave Liverpool all 3 points, but they were twice forced to come from behind in a game that had it all.
“We knew this was important,” Rodgers told Sky Sports, “I told the players that this is the sort of game where you arrive in the Champions League- games like this here. You’re playing a team who are fighting and battling to stay in the division.”
The victory moves Liverpool to within a point of 3rd placed Manchester City, whose game was postponed yesterday due to bad weather, and in touch with Chelsea. Liverpool still have to play City and Chelsea at Anfield, which has become a fortress for them this season, dropping just 4 points throughout the whole campaign.
“We know we have to play Chelsea and City at home which we’ll look forward to because we’ve been outstanding at home but we’ve just got to take it game by game. I’m enjoying watching the team develop and improve as a coach.”
With Liverpool not having European football this season, they could have a major advantage over their other title rivals, giving them chance to focus on the league and their FA Cup hunt. They also have the Luis Suarez situation to think about, with the striker sure to leave if Liverpool don’t make it into the Champions League next season.
However, Liverpool have to play all of their ‘big’ games at home (except for Manchester United) and now find themselves 3 points clear ahead of 5th placed Tottenham, and Brendan Rodgers will certainly fancy a shot at this year’s big prize.
By Ben Kelly
For more updates and links to more articles, follow me on Twitter: @benkelly_10 https://twitter.com/benkelly_10
