
Yesterday marked a minor anniversary.
It was two months since Liverpool dropped a point, two months of impeccable league results that may ultimately only bring them the bittersweet distinction of a record tally for a runner-up.
Since then, as they have reeled off seven straight victories, they have prospered under pressure, winning while knowing any slip-up could be fatal to their chances.
The silly accusation that they are "bottlers" is thrown less at a side with near flawless form.
Liverpool's last title challenge ended in 2014 when they gave up a 3-0 lead in nine, ridiculous minutes against Crystal Palace, a week after Steven Gerrard's infamous slip against Chelsea.
This time, like when Rafael Benitez's Reds took 31 points from the last 33 in 2008-09, they have coped with nerves altogether better.
They have needed to. Liverpool were ahead after 15 seconds in their 5-0 thrashing of Huddersfield last week, but their matches have tended to be tighter and tenser than Manchester City's.
They have been level at half-time in three of their last four league games.
They have been drawing with 11 minutes remaining of three of the last six. They have gone behind in two of the last seven.
In short, they have not panicked. Perhaps because their tactics are less fast and furious, they have got better at being patient.
Certainly Jurgen Klopp has made a series of telling substitutions, bringing on his captains Jordan Henderson and James Milner to great effect at Southampton and Fabinho and Divock Origi to make a difference against Tottenham.
Milner, a Premier League winner with City, has often appeared the specialist substitute in the run-in.
That marks a difference with Benitez's team of 2009. The Spaniard had a formidable starting XI, but very little in reserve.
A comparison between title challengers - and Brendan Rodgers' side of 2013-14 looks the real anomaly because, unlike Benitez and Klopp's groups, they were defensively awful - could produce similar hard-luck stories; the side of 2009 were the first to lose only twice and not become champions. The team of 2019 have been beaten only once.
Benitez had the more potent centre-forward in Fernando Torres, and three midfielders better than any of Klopp's, although Gerrard operated ahead of Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano.
The German has a superior goalkeeper in Alisson, finer and more attacking full-backs and, outstanding a servant as Jamie Carragher was, a still better centre-back in Virgil van Dijk.
Benitez's side were rather prosaic on the flanks. Klopp has dynamic, devastating wingers, even if Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah operate infield.
Benitez built around two banks of four. Klopp has an idiosyncratic 4-3-3 with a false nine. Each has been a formula that would have worked in most other years.
Each has had a spring surge. And, in both cases, it might not be enough.
NEWCASTLE V LIVERPOOL
Singtel TV Ch102 & StarHub Ch227, tomorrow, 2.45am
LONDON (REUTERS) - Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku rediscovered his finishing touch in fine fashion, scoring a superb goal in each half to help them to a 3-1 Premier League win at Crystal
Lukaku Double Inspires Man United To 3-1 Win At Palace
Van Gaal's claims seem at odds with the more entertaining football played by United since Solskjaer started a reign that looks set to bring him the manager's job on a permanent basis.
Solskjaer boosted by Mourinho's work, claims Van Gaal
Fabio Quagliarella became Italy's oldest goalscorer as his double helped Roberto Mancini's rejuvenated side thrash 10-man Liechtenstein 6-0 in their second Euro 2020 qualifier on Tuesday. Quagliarella, 36, netted two first-half penalties, while 19-year-old Moise Kean scored his second goal in his third appearance. Stefano Sensi, Marco
Veteran Quagliarella helps rejuvenated Italy thrash Liechtenstein
Brighton drew the short straw in the draw for the FA Cup semi-finals as they were paired with Pep Guardiola's quadruple-chasing Manchester City. Chris Hughton's men hit back from two goals down at Millwall to win on penalties and book their place in the last four for the first time since 1983
Premier League: Pep Guardiola predicts roller-coaster title run-in after Liverpool blip - Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola believes critics have been too quick to write off his side's chances of defending the Premier League crown.
Osako double saves the day for Japan. Japan's Ritsu Doan shaping to shoot before scoring his team's third goal in their 3-2 Asian Cup Group F win over Turkmenistan yesterday. The Samurai Blue
Football: Osako double saves the day for Japan in 3-2 Asian
allmysportsnews.com/soccer/football-osako-double-saves-the-day-for-japan-in-3-2-asian-cup-win-over-turkmenistan/
Football: Osako double saves the day for Japan in 3-2 Asian Cup win over Turkmenistan Posted on 01/09/2019 ABU DHABI (AFP) - Yuya Osako netted a quickfire double as former champions Japan survived a scare to beat Turkmenistan 3-2 in their Asian Cup opener on Wednesday (Jan 9).
Football: Osako double saves the day for Japan in 3-2 Asian
LONDON • Unai Emery is faced with a defensive dilemma that could make or break Arsenal's hopes of a top-four finish in their Premier League campaign. The Gunners travel to Wolves today having
Backline conundrum for Arsenal's Emery in Wolves' lair
Football: Klopp plays down Liverpool fatigue concerns ahead
Solid and smart Bayern hold Liverpool at Anfield. 2:20 am. Soccer Football - Champions League - Round of 16 First Leg - Liverpool v Bayern Munich - Anfield, Liverpool, Britain - February 19
Solid and smart Bayern hold Liverpool at Anfield - bdnews24.com
Mar 05, 2019 · A joint bid by North and South Korea to host the 2023 Women's World Cup has been talked up by Gianni Infantino, with the Fifa president saying such a move "would be great".
Infantino says joint Korean Women's World Cup bid possible
Football: AC Milan miss out on top-four finish in Serie A
Football: Guardiola stays cool despite shock Man City defeat