Rafa’s Season on Verge of Collapse

By Staff Writer | 24th February 2009

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Mark Hughes rubbed salt into an already gaping wound on Sunday when he insisted that his old club Manchester United will win their third successive Premier League title this year. Hughes made his declaration after his Manchester City side delivered a telling blow to Liverpool’s aspirations by dethroning their bitter rivals with a 1-1 draw at Anfield.

Hughes won two Premier League medals under the stewardship of Sir Alex Ferguson, so we can only assume he is well qualified to predict that United’s seven-point lead over their arch enemy is unassailable. Sunday’s stalemate was Liverpool’s sixth at Anfield this season, and even seasoned Kopites have now started to accept what appears inevitable in the latest football betting - namely that United stand on the brink of equalling Liverpool’s record of 18 league titles.

Draws against Stoke, Fulham, West Ham, Hull, Everton and City have also given weight to the widespread theory that Liverpool are too reliant on skipper Steven Gerrard and main striker Fernando Torres.

A despondent Rafael Benitez issued a predictable rallying call by insisting his players have not conceded defeat, but did accept Liverpool will now have to do what no other team has done this season in the Premier League and upset the football betting world by beating United at Old Trafford on March 14.

He added: “We clearly have to win our games and see where that takes us. And clearly Manchester United are playing well and winning games.”

Benitez would also not be drawn into speculation that suggests his uncertain future on Merseyside has had a destabilising affect on his players. The Spaniard is reportedly refusing to commit to a new deal offered to him by American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett that would tie him to Anfield until 2013.

Benitez may yet sign on the dotted line but by the time the ink has dried, Ferguson could well be celebrating his 11th domestic crown.

Nick Walsh writes features and betting previews for Betfair.

Is Liverpool out of the title race? Have your say in the comments section below or head on over to the Premiership Talk Forum!

Taylor Fisher says:

February 24, 2009 at 8:57 am

Great article nick! charlie, i really don’t think he is the man for the job, and i don’t know why liverpool don’t see that. this season has been more of a circus for liverpool w/ him at the helm because he is always saying something stupid at his press conferences. ‘pool definitely rely too much on stevie g and torres, and that is why they aren’t sitting pretty at the top alongside united.

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Charlie (View from the Terraces) says:

February 24, 2009 at 8:13 am

If Rafa can’t lead Liverpool to any silverware this season, is he the right man to be leading the club. And if not Rafa, then who? Nick, and anyone else for that matter – I’d love to know what you reckon at View from the Terraces?

Cheers,

Charlie

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