The World is Our Oyster (cuz that's literally all it is)

In most of my posts, I’ve been harping on and on (and on and on and on and on) about how Liverpool’s position in the table was not necessarily a true indication of where they could be because, for the better part of this season, they had played one fewer game than their closest competitors. Yesterday evening the Reds got their opportunity to overtake fourth place from local rivals Everton F.C. – which they did by bludgeoning West Ham United. A 4-nil defeat of the Hammers edged Liverpool F.C. just in front of the Toffees on goal differential alone (which grew thanks to the lopsided score-line). It appears as though Liverpool are beginning to find their chemistry and form when it matters most – the stretch run. They have found themselves in the midst of a clusterfuck for the last Champions League place and fighting against a very in form Everton, a consistent Aston Villa side, and a host of others closing in (Blackburn, Manchester City, and even Portsmouth). As the title race heats up, the relegation battle rages, and said rat screw for European berths consolidates, there is a great deal to enjoy during this last quarter of the season.

Now, some examination of Liverpool’s recent hot streak is necessary as it illustrates some of my previous points regarding the overtly lackluster middle portion of this campaign. First, and most importantly, is the sizzling form of Fernando Torres. He recorded a second consecutive hat-trick at Anfield, the first time that has happened for the Redmen since 1946. The post match remarks expounded on his delight and educed his true humility. Nando stated,

“I only learned of the record after the game and it is a big honour for me. This club has a wonderful history so to be a part of that is very special and it is something I am very proud of. But it is also a record for everyone at the club because it would be impossible for me to score goals if it was not for my team-mates, the manager, the coaching staff, everyone. I feel really lucky and also humble to be loved by the crowd but what I would say is that I love them also. They have supported me since I first came to the club and I want to keep on scoring goals for them. The Liverpool fans are special and it is an honour for me to play for them, so if I can make them happy then I will be happy.”

Such genuine reluctance to grab his nuts and say “I know you all want these. Approach softly and caress them lovingly with your tongues!” belies his on-field demeanor. He is a badass who puts himself about – he disrupts the defenders, aggressively pursues any ball which he feels he can win, and punishes defences who feel they may be able to bully him out of the match. Finding a centre forward who: works so hard for the team on defense, pulls men out wide to open up space, or carries himself with such dignity and humility appears nearly impossible in modern sport. Yet, Liverpool F.C. have two such players. Even during a season that could only be described as an absolute howler, by himself to boot, Dirk Kuyt never stopped his renowned engine. ‘Twas a thing of beauty to watch the way the forward four players discomposed the Hammers’ back line during the match Wednesday. Many attribute this kind of high tempo to the way the forwards set about in the early stages of a match, basically alluding to a contagious commitment and sense of purpose. This point may be tough to argue, especially considering the Reds recent consistency in attack has coincided with Dirk Kuyt’s reemergence from the doldrums.

Another important factor in examining the sensational offensive displays of late is Rafael Benitez’s shift from a traditional 4-4-2 formation. Normally, English sides prefer the fairly simple set-up as it covers all aspects of the field and allows for natural two-pronged counter and build-up attacks. However, Rafa has recently employed a slightly more complex 4-2-3-1 because of his wealth in the centre of midfield and seeming lack of depth in the wide areas. Don’t misinterpret me here, I love Yossi Benayoun and Jermaine Pennant, but both lack certain qualities which Dirk Kuyt more completely displays on the right side of midfield. Yossi can finish with the best of them (as evidenced by his multiple hat tricks and other goals) but lacks in defensive awareness and staying wide to cross the ball. Jermaine likewise sometimes displays slipshod defending, but excels in stretching the opposition defense by utilizing the wide spaces and in lobbing crosses into the box as if from a fully automatic foot powered weapon, but rarely scores. Because of this, Rafa is most confident with variations on this lineup:

Reina

Arbeloa/Finnan – Carra/Skrtel – Skrtel/Hyypia – Riise/Aurelio

Alonso/Lucas – Masch/ Lucas

Kuyt/Pennant -- Gerrard -- Babel/Yossi

Torres

In this style of play, Gerrard roams freely in support of Fernando and the wide players as an attacking midfielder. He can interchange with either side, allowing the adept finishers in Babel and Kuyt to push inside and get into scoring postitions. There is a great deal of freedom in this system, but it took some time for most of these players to gain confidence in their own field/play awareness to adopt such a style. Considering the vast majority of this squad is still new to Liverpool F.C., with most only having been at the club for 1-1/2 to 2 years (with some key members in only their first season), it should come as no surprise that implementing a more complex system would take some time. But, from what I can gather, Rafa utilized this system at his previous club, Valencia, to resounding success and had wanted to do the same at LFC. Once he felt the personnel was equal to the task, he set about implementing it, to rave reviews. During their four game win streak they have outscored their opposition 12-3. During this span, less has been made of Rafa’s job security, especially since even the most adamant detractors can plainly see the success of so many of his signings. Young Lucas Leiva has dazzled, Ryan Babel gains more confidence every time he shreds the opposition fullbacks, Martin Skrtel has proved intelligent/aggressive/tactically astute/comfortable in possession, and Fernando Torres has been a revelation in only his first season in English Football, netting 24 times in all competitions after his latest hat trick. Finally, the confidence level swells before the supporters’ eyes. And ‘tis a beautiful thing.

Side Notes: I choose not to touch on all the reports of ownership shifts as this whole mess has been an embarrassment to the club. Whoever ends up with control must understand that there will not be an easy feeling amongst supporters towards the directorship until all the promises of last season’s take-over are made reality, and our beloved club returns to the “Liverpool Way” of staying out of the limelight, off the back pages, and lets the football, records, and trophies speak for themselves.

At the conclusion of last night's match, Steve Gerrard, Gerrard toyed with head referee Steve Bennett by playing keep-away with the match ball before yoinking it and handing it over to Fernando Torres. The joy on both of their mugs was tangible and illustrates their mutual admiration and also their places as two of the world's best. Oh, to be a part of a man-sandwich with those two as the bread.

Also, Adriana Monsalve is adorable and I no longer want anyone but her giving ESPN Deportes Updates regarding footy.