Clrnc They have been 3rd the entire season, nothing to do with Spuds or Pool flopping.
Liverpool have scored 23–26 fewer points this season than last season, a huge collapse.
If they'd dropped back only 16–19 points instead, then they'd be in fourth and Newcastle wouldn't unless they performed better.
If ever an argument could be made that a team slipping back in performances has helped another to progress, you've got it there. Liverpool's recent form would have had them over Newcastle's horizon and up with us all season.
I think the mood is a little too awestruck about what Newcastle have achieved. Their season overall, despite the strength of their style, is comparable to our last season, with less outlay but with older, more established players. They've built very well but it gets harder—they go into the Champions League and like us, they've been challenged by rotation and whenever they've missed key players.
Clrnc Rest on your laurels, or have an off form run of games and top 4 is gone. Margins I reckon will be tighter and tighter now we have a new big club in it.
Fully agree with this. We just shouldn't lose sight of the fact that we're the ones shooting way up the table and pushing incumbents Liverpool, United, Chelsea, and Spurs, and challengers Newcastle and even Brighton a rung down. "Top 4" used to seem generous, now it seems miserly.
The average tactical level and intensity in the league has spiked this season, even during the season. It's not a coincidence Southampton, formerly regarded as a well run club, haven't been close to saving themselves. You look down the table and there's Villa (Emery not Gerrard), Fulham and Palace, Brentford, Wolves, West Ham, all clubs that are now either formidable on their day or at least switched on and dangerous, not to mention competing with the top continental clubs for signings.
