Liverpool enter 2021 just like the rest of us – weary and uncertain

Regardless of the Premier League’s weirdly proud proclamation that they refuse to even entertain the chance that taking part in a full uninterrupted season on Covid Island won’t be sensible, the rona nonetheless nearly stays the likeliest factor to derail Liverpool’s pursuit of a second straight title.

However solely simply. On the one hand, Jurgen Klopp’s aspect are actually unbeaten in 12 Premier League video games. On the opposite, they’ve drawn 4 of the final seven, towards Brighton, Fulham, West Brom and now Newcastle. It’s occurring a bit too usually now, and a three-point lead over Manchester United – who’ve a recreation in hand and journey to Anfield in a few weeks – appears to be like instantly fragile even when the remainder of the ‘chasing’ ‘pack’ are busy tripping over themselves or are Aston Villa. That late Marcus Rashford winner towards Wolves appears to be like even larger now.

The concern for Liverpool actually is that truly, for essentially the most half, they performed fairly properly tonight. Not at their greatest, no, however actually higher than towards Brighton and Fulham. But when an early aim didn’t materialise there was a slight but perceptible dropping of heads. A way of “right here we go once more”. One other a type of nights. It’s superb how rapidly the self-fulfilling expectation that you simply’ll win a recreation can disappear. And, conversely, how rapidly opponents who would possibly beforehand have felt overwhelmed earlier than the sport even kicked off develop the boldness they will get one thing out of the sport.

On one other evening, any considered one of Mo Salah, Roberto Firmino or Sadio Mane might have been the matchwinner. However so too might Callum Wilson.

Liverpool, inevitably, would be the focus of consideration however Newcastle actually had been wonderful. There was luck at occasions, after all, nevertheless it was properly deserved. Winty already has half a watch on turning this right into a Karl Darlow fansite, and that dream is slightly nearer tonight. He was astonishingly good once more – importantly so with Martin Dubravka again on the bench – with a string of high-quality saves. A fingertip effort to maintain Salah out within the first half was the choose of a prolonged spotlight reel.

However nor was this one-way visitors. Wilson has made an enormous distinction to Newcastle and put in an absolute beast of a shift up entrance. A number-nine efficiency worthy of this stadium and this shirt stuffed with intelligent hold-up play and tireless operating. Joelinton performed his half too, profitable free-kicks and offering respite for his defenders. Newcastle had solely 27% of the ball, however had been solely out-shot by 11 makes an attempt to eight. There would have been no injustice had they snaffled a late winner.

No PL staff this season can attain 100 factors. Nature is therapeutic.

— Duncan Alexander (@oilysailor) December 30, 2020

There’s, clearly, no want for any panic on Merseyside. They’re nonetheless three factors clear. They do nonetheless look like the very best staff within the nation. They nonetheless look to be constructed on extra stable foundations than any of their rivals. They will quickly signal the defensive cowl they desperately require.

However the assault just isn’t fairly firing, not less than not constantly. They nonetheless have the times when all of it falls into place – Wolves, Leicester and Palace can all vouch for that – however the days when it doesn’t occur have gotten much more widespread.

Liverpool, clearly, don’t go into 2021 with the identical dominance, confidence or aura as they entered 2020 with a 13-point lead and the title all however gained. Like the remainder of us, they’re wearier and simply altogether much less chipper.

You go searching the remainder of this division and nonetheless can’t shake the concept Liverpool actually must win this title with a good bit to spare. However stranger issues have occurred, and after the 12 months we’ve all simply endured that ought to imply greater than ever as we enter the unknowable unpredictability – regardless of the Premier League could insist – of 2021.

Dave Tickner