Title Challenge Back on Track!!

We needed to win the game and we DID!!!

It wasn't just the result that I am pleased about but it was the way the players approached the game that was impressive. Rafa started with his best XI, dropping Lucas (thank god!), Benayoun and Babel. We had 29 shots with 9 on target, 70% possession at one point. Reina was hardly tested throughout. Gerard was everywhere. Alonso was spaying passes like a man possessed and he had his shooting boots on too. Mascherano was running from end to end, Carragher and Skrtel were at their best.

Chelsea was pathetic considering the quality they had on the pitch. Only 3 shots at goal and 2 on target.

I must admit the red card against Lampard was questionable but Mike Riley was also wrong for failing to send off Bosingwa for that kick on Benayoun late in the game. Ashely Cole could also be yellow or red carded for fouling Benayoun in the box too. The bottom line is this: This is football and it happens to all teams. You win some, you lose some. No team has ever won the title without being lucky at some point in the season.

This win is significant for 2 reasons. Firstly, it's our first win in 2009. Hopefully that will restore our confidence and belief that we can beat Man-Ure (I mean Man U) and win the league this season. Secondly, it was Torres' first goals in Anfield after almost 9 months. His last goal in Anfield was against Man City in May 08. We all know what a fit Torres can do for us. Combine that with the drive, energy and passion of Gerard, we have with us a potent combination that will score many goals.

I am personally disappointed with all the behind-the-scenes controversy that is rocking our club. This is the first time in 18 years that we are mounting a serious title challeng and we certainly do not need that sort of distraction. Why is Rafa not signing his contract if he claims he loves this club so much? And why do we need this kind of distraction for the manager in the middle of the season when we are mounting a title challenge? Why are the Yanks so damn
f%#king greedy and not sell the club for goodness sake? Why is Robbie Keane the centre of a dispute between Rafa and Rick Parry? That poor fella is just a boyhood Liverpool fan wanting to play for his beloved club. If we are serious about winning the league for our own good, surely we must be mature and sensible enough to not let these issues distract the team from doing it's job?

We are now back in the title race. It's going to be tight and the fight is just beginning. Man-Ure will not drop many points and I forsee the game against them on 14 Mar at Old Trafford will be a title decider. Let's just hope this win will finally end our bad spell and signal the beginning of better form from henceforth.