Pool Fans Prepare for a Rollercoaster

Liverpool must learn to close out matches earlier if they are to stand any chance this season. The Reds really looked like title contenders before Saturday, and probably still are, but the very late 2-1 defeat to Tottenham showed they are still missing something.

Although Spurs only scored the winner in the 90th minute, 'Pool should've wrapped up the match in the first half, especially after scoring the opening goal in the second minute. Perhaps that's the problem - Liverpool are not used to scoring so early!

Only once this season has Rafa's men been able to defend an early goal and hold on for the win. That was against log leaders Chelsea recently, when they scored in the 9th minute and battled to a 1-0 victory. That result certainly lit the fire of belief for Liverpool and the millions of 'Pool fans around the world, but as much as that win lifted spirits, the past weekend's defeat will deflate early title aspirations.

T! he Reds are still second, so it may sound as though I'm losing the plot, but I think the result is an indication that they are punching above their weight division. Much like a middleweight boxer, with all the moves, the red machine will look good, but I fear they will always lack a killer punch strong enough to swipe away the lightweights and dent the title challenges of the super heavyweights.

The defeat to Tottenham was Liverpool's first in the league. They have eight wins and two goalless draws against Aston Villa and Stoke. It's a great record, but if you look closer, the Reds have had to come from behind four times to win. Of course I may be reading way too much into this, but Liverpool are struggling to score in the first half and this will be their downfall.

Before Saturday, the Reds were clearly playing their better soccer in the second half. It may be that they've decided to up the pressure earlier in the match. Now the trick is to sustain th! e dominance and convert the chances before the pressure's on. ! Liverpoo l do look very good at times, but it's going to be a roller-coaster ride for fans.