I suppose I should be very excited. We’re 8 points clear. I’m just a touch scared though; for a few reasons.
Firstly, we’re not playing too well. I’ve seen a few decidedly dodgy first halves this season. I’ve spent a fair few hours either in front of the TV or in the KD stand (it’ll always be the Kemlyn Rd to me) feeling a touch anxious to say the least. I’ve seen Robbo looking a little slower, Szoboszlai making poor decisions and Darwin… and I’ve had the odd grumble or internal sigh at least.
Sorry to be so honest.
I’ve also got memories of being in the Anfield Rd end with my lads when City were 2-0 down to Villa with 20 minutes to go. Surely Stevie G as Villa manager could have brought on a defensive midfielder and shored the game up? Or even gone on himself for heaven’s sake!
To give you some background, I’ve seen us win the league loads. Pretty much every year in the 80’s. I paid my £1.50 or so to go on the Kop, and sung ‘We are the Champions’ etc etc.
My two lads got brought into this #YNWA lark when the eldest was 5 in 2003. I now live in Derbyshire, and they took stick in school for supporting a team which was, frankly, poor. So my bucket list will always consist of the three of us watching us win the league together at Anfield.
It wasn’t to be on that fateful Sunday in May 2022. But I’d dared to believe, and regretted doing so.
So, should I believe now? I’m not even thinking of it if truth be known. I’ll enjoy each win; I’ll enjoy City losing (Everton being awful has stopped being overly interesting – Man Utd failing is far more entertaining..) and I’ll look at the league table every day.
At the moment I’m more worried about Mo not getting the contract he deserves, and Trent possibly leaving. I think Virgil will stay.
There is such room for optimism. We CAN get better. Defence was shaky on Sunday but has been strong. Midfield control has varied, but I think Gravenberch, Mac and Curtis Jones can be the three to provide balance, with Szoboszlai bringing legs when needed.
Up front, Mo, Gakpo and Diaz have done so well. I think Gakpo gets underrated as he’s not as flashy as some. And hadn’t Arne Slot done well? Obviously a great eye for detail. I’d like to hear one of his half time team talks!
So yes, ‘all good’ as they say. I’m at Anfield on Wednesday for Madrid, and really hope we stuff them. The ground should be rocking. Then City coming to us on Sunday should be fun- sadly I’ll be watching that on the box (is it still called that now it’s flat??)
One final problem. If it looks like we’re going to, dare I say it, win it, then I’ll need three tickets for the last game of the season. It’s still number one on my bucket list, and I was 60 last week. a potentially very expensive bucket.
Til next time…
