In the 1987-1988 season, Liverpool won their 18th English football championship. At the time, Manchester United had just 7 English football championships. With Manchester United's 1-1 tie today against Blackburn, they have now secured their record 19th English Premier League title surpassing Liverpool, who hasn't won a league title since their victory during the 1987-1988 season. Liverpool is no longer the most successful club in history of English domestic football, as that distinction now belongs to Manchester United. However, Liverpool will definitely have a great chance of winning their 19th league title next season.
On January 31st, Liverpool striker Fernando Torres was sold to Chelsea for a British record transfer fee at 50 million pounds. On that same day, Liverpool confirmed a signing of Ajax striker Luis Suarez on a contract until the summer of 2016 and a signing of Newcastle striker Andy Carroll worth 35 million pounds.
Since Liverpool acquired Suarez and Carroll and got rid of Torres, they have found new life. Liverpool was 9-5-10 before the transfers and had just 32 points in 23 games. They were only four points out of the relegation zone after a 2-1 loss to Blackpool on January 12th. In the 13 games after the transfers, Liverpool has picked up 26 points with a 8-2-2 record and has wins over Chelsea and Manchester United. Liverpool currently has a five match unbeaten streak and in those games they have scored 17 goals, while only conceding 3 goals. Liverpool has climbed all the way up to 5th in the Premier League and is two points ahead of Tottenham for the Europa League spot.
Liverpool's success is even more impressive because of the injuries they have had to deal with recently. Andy Carroll has started just 5 games for Liverpool and has been hampered with a thigh injury since his transfer to Liverpool. Carroll is still trying to get healthy and fit enough to play at top form. Steven Gerrard has missed the last two months with a groin injury that he needed to have surgery on. He hasn't appeared in a game since March 6th. If Carroll and Gerrard can return to form, Liverpool look even more dangerous next season.
Although Liverpool have been without two of their biggest stars, a big reason for their new found success has been because of Luis Suarez. Suarez has been outstanding for Liverpool. In 12 appearances, he has 4 goals and 3 assists. His speed has caused havoc for Premier League teams' back lines. Suarez has also made his teammates so much better, as he so good at picking out a pass. Suarez's arrival came at the same time that Maxi Rodriguez began to score so many goals for Liverpool and this isn't just a coincidence.
Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish said about his Uruguayan striker, "I don't think in our wildest dreams he could've settled in as quickly as he has done and taken to English football the way that he has done. He's graced the pitch every time he's played on it.'' Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard said about Suarez, "He is a midfielder's dream. As soon as you look up he makes great movements and he gives you options all the time. But what is impressing me even more is when he hasn't got the ball, his tenacity and desire to win it back. Suarez's movement, his touch, his vision, the way he took his goal is sensational. He is a joy to play with. It is natural you will compare him to Tevez because of his build, his shape, the way he plays but for me and what I've seen so far, I'm slightly biased because he is in my team, I think he can go on to be better." Fulham manager Mark Hughes added, "They [Liverpool] can certainly improve and they've got a talented guy [Suarez] at the top of their team that's going to work and harry and make positive movements in that final third and is going to create goals and chances for himself and his team."
Shows the creativity of Suarez.
Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina is optimistic that Liverpool is heading in the right direction. He said, "I am looking forward to next season. I have always said [that] of course there was a bit of doubt back in December and January because we were not even close to where we are now. We are heading in the right direction and we are optimistic. I think by making the right steps and taking them, we can all see the difference between now and then. That's why we are now optimistic about the future and are looking forward. We are all looking forward to next season." Even Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere is very impressed with Liverpool. He wrote on his twitter after Liverpool smashed their rivals Fulham 5-2, "Liverpool look good. Going to be serious contenders for the title next year!"
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