The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Liverpool can see this job through, says Johnson
HISTORY MAY now be starting to weigh a little heavier on Liverpool but defender Glen Johnson insists they are professional enough to see the job through and end a 24-year wait for the league title.
A comprehensive 4-0 victory over Tottenham, which saw them break Manchester United’s Premier League record by scoring four or more in a game for the 11th time in a season, took the Reds back to the top of the table for the first time since Christmas.
This time, however, there are only six matches to go and victory in all would secure their 19th title.
Many expected Liverpool’s challenge to have faded by now but, since being beaten in successive matches by Manchester City and Chelsea in late December, they have gone from strength to strength, winning 11 and drawing two in an unbeaten run which has seen them win their last eight games.
“Any team who is top of the league at this stage deserves to be there,” Johnson said.
“This is a difficult league with a lot of tough games but I think we can stay there.
“This is a fantastic club. Everyone involved here loves it and wants to win the league badly.
“We want to get the club back where it should be but being top now is only significant if we stay there. Forget the league table, just win at Upton Park (against West Ham on Sunday).
“I’m sure everyone is looking forward to those big home games against Manchester City and Chelsea but we have to take care of West Ham first, otherwise those games might not be as relevant.”
Liverpool received an unexpected boost before they had even kicked off against Spurs after leaders Chelsea lost at Crystal Palace and City were held to a draw by Arsenal.
That only heightened the sense of anticipation at Anfield on Sunday but they did not have to wait long to have their nerves eased.
“We always try to start well and get out of the blocks quickly and we did that well,” added the England international, whose point was backed up by his side scoring in the first half for the 21st consecutive match.
“Scoring after 100 seconds was just the perfect start to the game for us.
“There wasn’t really any extra incentive with Chelsea and City dropping points. We know we need to try to win every game.
“Of course, when others drop points it’s helpful but we just need to be worrying about ourselves at the moment.”
Johnson is just a couple of months away from entering the final year of his contract and the defender, who is 30 in the summer, is keen to extend his Anfield career.
“I’ve always said to Brendan (Rodgers) that I am loving it here.
“Hopefully, we can get something sorted this summer.”