After Liverpool had demolished Cardiff by six goals to three, Reds’ right back Glen Johnson claimed that all neutral fans would want to see his side go on to claim their first Premier League title at the end of this campaign. The England defender suggested that supporters love to see goals and exciting football and Brendan Rodgers’ side are certainly providing that in abundance.
That’s Entertainment
The nine goal thriller at the Cardiff City Stadium was just one of many high scoring affairs involving the Merseyside club this season. Back in January, Liverpool won 5-3 at Stoke City – a club renowned for their mean defence – while Cardiff’s local rivals Swansea were despatched by four goals to three, a month later.
The big clubs haven’t enjoyed their fixtures with the Reds either: In December, Spurs were beaten 5-0 at White Hart Lane while title chasing Arsenal fared little better, going down by a 5-1 scoreline on the 8th of February.
Supporters do enjoy goals, unless they are going in against their own side, so Johnson’s claim appears to be a valid one. After 30 games Liverpool had scored 82 goals in the Premier League this season, more than any other team, and they have every chance of beating Chelsea’s 2009/10 record of 103.
Meanwhile, a less than secure defence has added to the excitement at times, with Liverpool letting in 38 goals at the wrong end of the pitch. That’s more than any other side in the top four and only one less than Crystal Palace who sit just one place off the relegation zone.
Clearly if you’re a neutral fan, Liverpool are the team to watch but there may be other reasons why those with no particular allegiance may be swayed.
Home grown talent
Unlike certain clubs around them, you certainly can’t accuse Liverpool of trying to ‘buy the title’ and although the owners have made some mistakes in the transfer market – £35m for Andy Carroll was a notable lapse – recent purchases have been shrewd and very successful.
At £22.6m, Luis Suarez was the club’s record signing until Carroll came along but by comparison the striker is an absolute bargain. The Uruguayan could probably command at least three times that figure in today’s transfer market but he is currently Liverpool’s most prolific player and in 2013-14, he has averaged more than a goal every game.
That’s a stunning ratio but Suarez is assisted by England’s Daniel Sturridge, another modest purchase for a fee believed to be in the region of £12m. The 24-year old is one of a number of home grown players and that could also see neutral English supporters cheering on this Liverpool side during a World Cup year.
Captain Steven Gerrard leads an English contingent that also includes Jordan Henderson, Raheem Sterling, Glen Johnson and Sturridge. Naturally, manager Brendan Rodgers relies on a complement of overseas players but the number of British players in the side is another factor behind a wave of support from neutral fans.
Dig the new breed
Rodgers isn’t shy when it comes to giving young players a chance and 2013-14 has seen defender Jon Flanagan become an important part of the team. The 21-year old was born in Liverpool and has made 17 league appearances this season as part of the back four.
Other young professionals such as Brad Smith and Martin Kelly are being nurtured by the manager as he gives them trusted roles in such a vital campaign.
Contrast Liverpool’s transfer policy with that of other sides such as Chelsea and Manchester City who pay astronomical fees for established players while displaying a reluctance to give young talent its head and you’ll find another reason why many supporters are coming round to the idea of Liverpool winning the title.
Glen Johnson has a very valid point when he claims that neutral fans are favouring the Reds because they like goals and entertainment. That may well be true but there are additional reasons why fans across the UK and beyond will be cheering if Liverpool can achieve their first Premiership success this May. Brendan Rodgers’ men are available at 11/4 with Betfair to win the title and with a relatively easy run in, they have a great chance of success.
