Liverpool Stay Humble as They Lead the Premier League, But the Feeling Is Different

 Liverpool Stay Humble as They Lead the Premier League, But the Feeling Is Different

Liverpool’s stunning 3-1 win over Leicester saw them extend their lead at the top of the Premier League to seven points, with one game in hand over their nearest rivals. The win, which came after a tense 2-1 comeback, was sealed by Mohamed Salah's 82nd-minute strike—his 19th goal of the season. The Anfield crowd was in fine voice, singing "Liverpool, Liverpool, top of the league," as the Reds moved further ahead in the title race.

However, while the fans may have been celebrating, Mohamed Salah was quick to remind everyone that it's still early in the season. "It feels different," Salah said after the match, reflecting on the team's position. "But the most important thing is we need to stay humble." The Egyptian star, who is entering the final months of his contract, expressed his hope that Liverpool could maintain this form and secure a Premier League title, something that he admits has long been a dream of his.

The Bitter Memory of 2018-19 Lingers

Liverpool have been in this position before—leading the league and on course for a title—only to see it slip away in 2019. That year, they held a 10-point lead over Manchester City, only for Pep Guardiola's side to turn on the afterburners and snatch the title from under their noses. This experience has made the current squad cautious. While the table looks promising, manager Arne Slot, who has enjoyed a brilliant start to his Liverpool tenure, is fully aware that the journey is far from over.

"It’s far too early to be celebrating," Slot said after the Leicester game. "We’re just focused on the next match. There are still 21 games left in the season, and so many teams have quality. The league table is something we’re aware of, but we understand how much can change, especially when injuries or suspensions happen."

Indeed, Slot has been nothing short of impressive in his first season at Anfield. Under his guidance, Liverpool are not only top of the Premier League but also topping their Champions League group and into the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup. In his first 26 matches in charge, Liverpool have won 22. Still, the manager insists on maintaining focus and not getting ahead of himself.

A Strong Home Record and Historic Moments

Liverpool's victory over Leicester also marked their last home game of 2024, and it capped a remarkable calendar year at Anfield. In 2024, the Reds won 15 of their 19 league games at home, dropping just 10 points in the process. It is a record that is now the best in the Premier League, which could prove crucial in the coming months. Yet, Slot remains cautious: "So many challenges are still ahead," he reminded the press.

The contrast with last year is stark. At the turn of 2024, Liverpool were in a strong position, leading the league by three points. However, they faded towards the end of the season and finished third—nine points behind champions Manchester City. The memories of that slip-up are still fresh, and it keeps the players and staff grounded. As Slot put it, "Two months ago, we were one point behind Manchester City, and look what happened with injuries, bad luck, and suspensions... it can happen to any team."

Curtis Jones Shines on His 100th Premier League Appearance

Another moment of note in Liverpool’s victory was Curtis Jones' brilliant performance, marking his 100th Premier League appearance with a goal that put Liverpool ahead. At just 23 years and 331 days, he became the youngest player in Liverpool history to score on his 100th appearance, surpassing the previous record held by Michael Owen. After the match, Jones shared a heartwarming story about a text message from former manager Jurgen Klopp, congratulating him on reaching the milestone.

Jones, who made his Liverpool debut under Klopp five years ago, reflected on how Klopp laid the foundations for the current team, saying, “It was him who set up the team we have now. The foundation was there, and Arne Slot has carried it on.”

Liverpool's Mindset: Focus on the Next Game

The focus at Anfield remains unwavering, despite the strong position in the league. With the halfway point of the season still to come, and a potential 10-point lead over Chelsea just around the corner, Liverpool know that the road ahead is long and fraught with challenges. But with the squad's mentality rooted in humility, consistency, and a focus on the next game, Liverpool will be a force to be reckoned with as they chase their first Premier League title in five years.

For now, the message from Anfield is clear: Stay humble, stay focused, and take it one game at a time. The race is far from over, but if Liverpool can maintain their form, they’ll be well-positioned to lift the trophy come May.