Liverpool fans at Old Trafford dreaming of Premier League title glory. Pic © David Rawcliffe / Propaganda
Liverpool fans are dreaming that the 24-year wait to win the title may soon be over… but do they really think that the Reds are going to do it this season?
The 3-0 victory against fierce rivals Manchester United on Sunday sent Liverpool back to second place in the Barclays Premier League, four points behind leaders Chelsea with a game in hand and nine left to play.
Manchester City still look to be the favourites two points further adrift in fourth spot behind Arsenal, as they have played fewer matches than the rest of the top four sides, though Liverpool are certainly now in with a realistic chance of ending their championship-chasing wilderness years.
March 22: Cardiff (away)
March 26: Sunderland (home)
March 30: Tottenham (home)
April 6: West Ham (away)
April 13: Man City (home)
April 20: Norwich (away)
April 27: Chelsea (home)
May 3: Crystal Palace (away)
May 11: Newcastle (home)
Steven Gerrard scored twice from the spot but missed out on a hat-trick at Old Trafford when he struck the post with his third penalty of a remarkable match, before Luis Suarez grabbed a third goal to see off reigning champions United, who also had Nemanja Vidic sent off.
After the confidence-boosting result, Gerrard told Sky Sports: “We’ve showed today that we are genuine contenders and we are going to fight until the end for this. We believe it and the rest of the people that are fighting for it with us have got to believe that we are going for it.”
Reds fans around the world will be sharing the captain’s optimism, yet how much faith do they have that winning the title is destined to happen?
JMU Journalism went out on the streets of Liverpool on Monday to ask 50 LFC supporters the question on everyone’s minds – not whether they hope or pray it’s possible – but are Brendan Rodgers’ side actually going to win the Premier League this year?
Steven Gerrard scored two penalties and missed one in the 3-0 win at Manchester United. Pic © David Rawcliffe / Propaganda
It was clear that while not everyone is convinced that LFC will be crowned champions, the majority do back their team to succeed as 68% of those polled said yes, this campaign is going to finish with Liverpool top of the table.
Scroll through the list of comments below to read their answers.
Additional reporting by Joshua Weale, Jess MacDonald, Claire Bynoe, Bill Evans, Nick Seddon, Chantal Dickinson, Jack Horrocks & Aimee Jones.
Tommy Davin, 57, Norris Green
“No, Man City have two games in hand and I just can’t see us overturning that. Chelsea are there as well and they’re always going to be strong, I just think it’s going to be a step too far.”
Luke Fletcher, 20, Shropshire
“Yes definitely, we have the belief to do it and the momentum is all with us. This is our best chance yet and we can do it, I’m starting to believe.”
Craig Meredith, 26, Garston
“No, just think that Man City will have the upper hand they’re just better, even with the momentum and the form we’ve got we won’t win it but it will be close and I think we’ll finish second.”
Ian Price, 38, Wavertree
“No. With the games left we just haven’t quite got it in us to get there, not this year. It’s an easier run-in for the teams around us and it will be close but no, not yet.”
Steve Russell, 20, Bootle
“Yes of course we can. It’s the best we’ve been at this point in years and I really think this is the year we’re going to do it.”
Declan Farr, 22, Liverpool
“Yes, we’re playing the best football in the league and we can beat anyone on our day. I really think we can do it… the momentum we’ve got is just going to be too much for the other teams.”
Lloyd Young, 20, Liverpool
“Yes, they’re playing really well now – I’m dead pleased, I think it could happen!”
Joe Campbell, 20, Liverpool
“Yes, because were playing better than we have for the last couple of years.”
Jonathon Cheliotis, 17, Liverpool
“Yes, I think we have a good chance, with a combination of front strikers and determination.”
Shaun Strange, 19, Wavertree
“Definitely! We’re the best out there at the moment, no one can beat us now.”
Ali Idowu, 17, Liverpool-
“Yep, they will, they just definitely will. They’re going to win – I know they are.”
Callum Keegan, 19, Netherley
Yes, we’re playing well and I think as a team we have the quality and the desire to win the title.”
Pauline Harris, 55, Anfield
“Yes we’ve got a chance, especially after yesterday. I think we’re playing the best we have in years so I think we can do it.”
Paul Hart, 56, Liverpool:
“No. I think Man City will win. Liverpool seem to be doing good because the other teams are doing rubbish.”
Laura Challinor, 26, Liverpool
“No. I just don’t think they have done very well so far.”
Chris Walker, 32, Liverpool
“Yes. I hope they will. They are playing like they did years ago.”
John Halpin, 45, Liverpool
“Yes. They are only four points behind at the minute and I’ve been watching the games. I think they have been playing brilliantly this season.”
Jessica Brown, 18, Liverpool
“Yes. I think the team is really good at the moment. Luis Suarez is playing so well.”
Paul Smith, 45, Liverpool
“I don’t know. I went to the game yesterday, which was good. They might win; they seem to have been scoring more goals than anyone else.”
David Plunkett, 22, Liverpool
“No. I don’t want to tempt fate. We might come second place, but I’ll definitely be dreaming of a win.”
Stan Bolton, 63, Liverpool
“Yes. We still have Chelsea to play and I think we will beat Manchester City. We’ve been playing a lot better than previous years.”
Ann Cleuws, 75, Liverpool
“Yes. They are doing alright. There is no reason why they should not win.”
Harry Barrer, 59, Liverpool
“Yes. We seem to be playing better and also more together as a team, especially with the new younger players.”
Alan Caryl, 82, Liverpool
“Yes. I’m a Liverpudlian through and through. I’m very confident that the Reds are going to win.”
Sam Peat, 20, Shropshire
“Yes. I think the way they are playing this year they will definitely win. They’ll outscore anyone I reckon.”
Robert Morgan, 21, Chorley
“If we can stay injury free then definitely. Our strike force is lethal and we are showing rapid improvement defensively.”
James Kavanagh, 25, Liverpool
“Yes, absolutely. It’s been so long, I think it’s about time. We’ve beaten all of the top teams so far, we’ve absolutely destroyed them.”
Thomas Gerrard Allen, 27, Liverpool
“Definitely yeah, still nine games to go though. Sunday was a statement. If we beat Tottenham we’ll definitely win it.”
Eddie Chadwick, 83, Liverpool
“What a fantastic question! I do think they’ll win. They’re that tuned in at the moment and the whole spirit of the club, they can do it.”
Curtis Ali, 21, Toxteth
“Yes, I’ve just got a feeling. We’ve beaten all of the top teams and if we beat Man City and Chelsea at home we definitely will.”
Nathan Smith, 24, Wrexham
“No, as much as it pains me to say it. Past experiences make me think not.”
Jason Ashcroft, 19, Liverpool
“Yes, but I’m scared to say it in case I jinx it. They’ve got a good squad and a good manager. Sunday was an omen.”
Paul Turner, 52, Wirral
“I think they can win, but whether they will win is another thing. If I was a betting man, I’d say Chelsea, but I hope not. This is the best chance we’ve had in the last 20 years, but I would suggest this season maybe not, but next season, maybe.”
Phil Cowin, 48, Isle of Man
“Yes, they’ve got a brilliant chance. We’ve just got to beat Chelsea and Man City then we’ve got the league.”
Paul Argent, 52, Liverpool
“My opinion is yes, but obviously it’s going to be tough. We’ve got Chelsea and Man City to play and they’re two six-pointers.”
Trevor Samuels, 61, Liverpool
“No, I just think Manchester City and Chelsea have bigger squads than us and whilst we’re playing the best open attractive football, I think one of them will win in the end because of their squads.”
John Jones, 50, Chester
“I don’t think so, no. It’ll be close and if we beat Man City and Chelsea at home, I think I’ll start to believe more but at the moment I don’t think we will win it.”
Phil Corns, 20, Blackburn
“My brain says no, City have got it, but my heart says yes. We’d have to win all of our remaining matches and hope for a bit of luck.”
Jack McGraine, 28, Maghull
“No. Manchester City and Chelsea are flying at the minute and it will be tight, but never say never.”
Josh Daley, 19, Liverpool
“Yes. We started off slow but the team have picked up.”
Chris Cunningham, 67, Anfield
“Yes. We have a good defence at the minute and we have some good youngsters coming through.”
Gareth Whiteside, 26, Liverpool:
“No. I’ve never seen them win the league before so I am going on past experience. The other teams have stronger squads.”
Carol Peverail, 29, Childwall
“Yes. They’re playing really well and Manchester United aren’t playing very well.”
Jean Maitland, 63, Liverpool:
“No. We’re not good enough. Manchester City will win it this year.”
Phil Knowles, 18, Kirkby
“Yes. We are better than everyone else.”
Anthony Lonergan, 17, Kirkby
“Yes. They’re good and playing well at the minute.”
Keiran Lancock, 20, Anfield:
“Yes. I think it will be tight and will go down to the last game. I’m away so I’ll be gutted if we win it!”
Christine Kelly, 47, Liverpool
“Yes. I’m a season ticket holder and I’ve got a feeling we will.”
Paul Ashes, 59, Dingle
“Yes. They beat Manchester United. We’re strong enough but it’s all in our hands now.”
Danny Taylor, 22, Old Swan
“I don’t know. I think we’re good enough but I think Chelsea will win it.”