Liverpool FC: Why the Reds Can Finish Higher Than the Champions League Spots

Following a hugely entertaining weekend of football that included two hat-tricks and two games with more than six goals, I've decided it's best to concentrate on oncoming iGCSE exams. However before I do so, I've finished a piece for all optimistic Liverpool fans.

Following a bright start that has seen Liverpool take seven points from a possible nine and progress in the Carling Cup, Liverpool's players must be pretty content with their first month of the campaign.

Goals for Andy Carroll, Luis Suarez, Jordan Henderson and Charlie Adam have come sooner rather than later, which only increases confidence going into September.

With Arsenal and Tottenham subject to embarrassing defeats this weekend, Liverpool have managed to create a cushion between their Champions League spot rivals. Chelsea too have looked less than convincing recently, with three points coming luckily.

So with their rivals slipping up, the question remains, can Liverpool finish higher than fourth this season?

In a nutshell, yes.

The signings Dalglish has made may have been questioned when made, but now they are proven. Henderson and Adam both had great games on the weekend, scoring and assisting. Stewart Downing too has looked more than impressive so far, with his crosses nearly always dangerous. The only thing missing from his performances have been the goals, denied by the crossbar or great saves.

Recent addition Jose Enrique has performed at a level that has greatly exceeded expectations, so Kenny can finally rest assured that his biggest defensive issue is sorted.

Signings aside, there have been  stand-out performances from players previously established. Most notably Lucas Leiva, once ridiculed but now held in much higher esteem. His ability to snuff out opposition attacks goes unnoticed sometimes but it is crucial to Liverpool's success.

Behind Lucas sits Daniel Agger, who always had talent but lacked the fitness to shine. With that obstacle seemingly out of the picture, Agger is proving to be our best defender. Better than Carragher at times due to his fitness, Agger is commanding the Liverpool defence as Vidic does for Manchester United.

Saving the best until last, Luis Suarez has continued his hot-streak. Taking the bad finishes out of his game, Suarez does more to help the team score than score himself. His passing is immaculate, but his movement makes him the player he is.

Suarez drifts in between players and this either drags defenders his way of confuses them, giving Liverpool the key to open up the defence. If Suarez can continue doing what he does, Liverpool will do brilliantly.

Steven Gerrard has been missing for so long but with his return from the sidelines imminent, one can only wonder what Gerrard will bring to the team. He will find whoever is playing upfront much more consistently, leading to more goals, and hopefully, more wins.

What an exciting prospect.

So if all the Liverpool players continue at this level, there is no reason they can't achieve a finish between third and—forgive me—first place.

A good run-in is always said to be key in the Premier League. However I don't think there is such a thing as a good run in. Either you're playing teams who are fighting for survival or you're playing teams who want to grab your spot! There are no easy games in the Premier League, and there never will be.

So, Liverpool will have to ride their luck in order to do well. Not the type of luck that saw Arsenal put the ball into their own net, but luck in terms of refereeing decisions. Giving penalties, not showing red to Liverpool players etc.

If Liverpool can maintain performance levels, keep Suarez fit, ride luck and ultimately beat teams then they can finish third at the very least.

The problem is, if Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United can do the same, they can also finish well.

Exciting, isn't it?

Thanks for the read, and I'm going to study now. Great fun. Ionic Bonding is so boring it reminds me how interesting the Premier League is, so there's a bonus.

See you, folks.